How Xena Changed Our Lives: True Stories by Fans for Fans

by Nikki Stafford (Editor)

Personal stories of how television's toughest warrior and her sidekick affected viewers. She first roared onto the scene in 1995, the warrior princess with the dark past, as a guest character on Hercules. In her own series, she joined with Gabrielle, and together they fought for love, peace, and forgiveness. Xena has become an icon of the 21st century, the toughest woman on television, and a role model for several generations. And the fans love her for it. How Xena Changed Our Lives is a collection of stories written by fans for fans. Read about people who met through the show and developed relationships with other viewers, or how the actors reached out to certain people when they needed them. There are stories of why Xena has meant so much to people, and how the values and lessons on the show have given people the strength to do things in their lives they didn't think they could. Read how some looked to Xena's physical strength, and others looked to Gabrielle's intellect, which inspired them to mine their own creative sensibilities. Xena is a show that isn't like any other show, and these stories will prove that. The show came to an end in June 2001, but the legacy will live on in conventions, its online presence, and possibly movies. The Sword and Staff, a charity organization run by and donated to by Xena fans, will receive a portion of all proceeds of this book, which they will give to the Starship Foundation, a favorite charity of Lucy Lawless, the actress who plays Xena. Even after the show's finale, fans are still making a difference.

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was featured in the book as Ashley Berry, "the girl who found the courage to stand up to school yard bullies."

I was 12 when I submitted this. When I got my copy, I simply showed everyone the part with me in it, and didn't pay much attention to the rest. As an adult (nearly 30!) I've come back around to read some of the stories of the adults that submitted at that time. This book brought me to tears. There are so many wonderful stories to be told, and well worth a read.