(Note: These are excerpts from the original newsletter that was published on this date. The Queen's Own address has been updated. The current President of Queen's Own is Herald-Mage Adept Danya Winterborn. For more information, see http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qo.htm.)
[Begin Excerpt]
Dear Misty Fans,
Coming from DAW by October (check your bookstores next month) is Owlflight, another tale of Valdemar. The book has a Jody Lee cover and interior illustrations by Larry Dixon.
"Once the tiny village of Errold's Grove, located on the border of Valdemar at the edge of the vast Pelagirs Forest, had been a prosperous community, trading the unique plants and fungi which grew in the dense forest for use in dying textiles. But that was before the mage-storms came.
"The mage-storms had devastated the forest, transforming many of its creatures into hideous beasts, warping the very land, and shattering the laws of magic which had governed the world since time immemorial. Only the bravest souls ventured into the Pelagirs now, but young Darian and his parents were among those courageous few.
"Darian's parents were hunters who worked in the strange new forest with intelligence and caution, trapping the bizarre change-creatures which had been created by the mage-storms and selling their fantastic hides. But Darian had not accompanied them on their last expedition into the Pelagirs, a hunt from which they never returned.
"Now, a year after his parents' disappearance, Darian is a ward of Errold's Grove, apprenticed to Wizard Justyn, a bumbling old man who lost most of his powers when the world's magic altered. Justyn insists that Darian has `talent,' and that he will be a danger to himself and everyone around him if he isn't properly trained. But to Darian, still sorrowing over his parents' loss, magic is just nonsense, a waste of time and energy. The only place he finds solace is in the `dreaded' forest, where he can hide among the huge trees and mourn in privacy.
"And it is from this secret retreat on the edge of the Pelagirs that Darian sees an army of northern barbarians sack and burn Errold's Grove, and watches his mentor die in a last desperate attempt to save the village.
"Pursued by barbarians, alone and helpless, Darian flees into the deep forest. But the vast and dangerous Pelagirs Forest houses more than the monstrous creatures created by the mage-storms. The Hawkbrothers, an old and magical race, dwell in the ancient woods, and Darian's flight will lead him on a path of discovery which neither Justyn or his parents could ever have predicted."
Owlflight is a stand-alone hardback and has a cover price of [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Available from TOR is the hardcover novel Firebird, Misty's retelling of the Russian Firebird legend. Its list price is [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Baen has just released The Free Bards, Misty's Bardic Voices trilogy in one volume. If you missed The Lark and the Wren, The Robin and the Kestrel, or The Eagle and the Nightingales, here's your chance to read the adventures of Rune, Robin, and Nightingale. This trade paperback is priced at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Future books from Misty include a Bardic Voices book, Four and Twenty Blackbirds; Brightly Burning , the story of Herald Lavan Firestorm, The Serpent's Shadow, set in London in 1910; Gates of Sleep, set in New York around 1915; and Phoenix and Ashes, set in .England_jn_1920. _Watch the newsletter for release dates and plot iinformation.
Blackpoint Forest Renaissance Faire is held in Novato California weekends and Labor Day from August 23 to October 5, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Gate prices are $17.50/adult and $7.50/children. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] or write to Renaissance Pleasure Faire [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
If you want information about Renaissance Faires in your area or are merely curious about what goes on in the Ren Faire world, consider subscribing to Renaissance Herald, a quarterly newsletter. It contains articles, reviews, and advertisements like none other. Do you want custom-made boots? Would you like to learn how to brew your own mead? Are you looking for perfumeries, weaving supplies, herbs, wax and wicks, rubber stamps . . . ? The Herald has a source for you. Send a SASE for subscription information to Renaissance Publications [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. (I believe the price is $7 but write or call to be sure.)
You can order all of Misty's books from Firebird as well as an Arrows of the Queen Concordance or songbook, Silver Gryphon patches and pins, related jewelry and stationery, doll-size patterns, and much, much more. In the Firebird catalog you'll find T-shirts for every taste, the music of TEMPEST, Michael Longcor's latest album "Norman & Saxon," various Celtic artists, native American music by R. Carlos Nakai and others, and the theme music from the films Ladyhawke and Braveheart.
Send $3 for a complete Firebird catalog or check out the on-line catalog at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for up to date product information. E-mail [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Firebird's address is Firebird Arts & Music of Oregon Inc. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
For definitions of our fannish jargon, read "Pros & Cons: An Introduction to Fandom" written by Elizabeth Barrette, Send [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] to the QO address for this 12 page booklet.
Arrows Online meets in the Fantasy Fiction Chat Room on AOL. For details, AOL folk can e-mail the Dean of Westhaven Collegia at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Or, if you want to take a look from afar, come to the Lackey Fan forum, located in the listbox of the Fantasy forum of Fictional Realm [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] on AOL. Look for the Message board named "Arrows OnLine." Non AOL folk can learn a bit about us by visiting our web page at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Austral'a'in--Austral'a'in editor Cassandra Vuksa is looking for submissions for a zinc as well as for the newsletter. For more information, write to Cassandra Vuksa [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. The latest issue of Austral'a'in has book reviews, a short story, persona information and pen pal ads.
Companion's Choice--Shanara Ravensong [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Dream Bound--c/o Sharon Tan [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The Farflying Arrow: Achtung, an alle deutschsprechenden Misty-Fans!! Write to Gwendolen c/o Daniela Scheele Wiesenstr. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Golden Grove--Stephanie Anderson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The Herald's Companion--Herald's Companion c/o Karen Bertke [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. So that's where feezils come from! Also recipes, book reviews, and poetry.
Outkingdom--Y'larna Finnareth c/o Joanne Thwaites [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Pacific Northwest Collegium--c/o Laura Cameron [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. The latest issue of The Collegium Chronicles contains news of local conventions and other noteworthy events.
R.C.M.H.--Contact Pam Dziedzic [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Under Kai'enel's Care--[Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. These bi-monthly newsletters are aimed specifically at the Shin'a'in.
Michael Praed--Michael Praed Network NewsLetter c/o Kate Raymond [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Jennifer Roberson--Children of the Firstborn [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Doctor Who and other Media--The Prydonians of Prynceton [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Dues are $12 ($22 for first class postage) for their monthly newsletter, The Padonian Renegade.
Tanya Huff--Nine Above! [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. If you are a Tanya Huff fan, subscribe to Nine Above! The January newsletter will have a brief excerpt from Blood Debt, due out in April.
Anne McCaffrey/Pern--Starfire Weyr [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Anne McCaffrey/Pern--Sunfall Weyr [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Adrian Paul (Highlander)--Peace [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Lois Bujold can be reached at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. "The Bujold Nexus" is at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Pandemonium--the official Melanie Rawn club invites you to join their ranks. Sase for more information: Irena Pereira [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Official Babylon 5 Fan Club--The Official Babylon [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Dues are $12.95, make check payable to Babylonian Productions/Fan Club. Do NOT send cash.
ON THE WING is the zinc for anyone interested in the Tayledras. We have stories, poetry, contests, articles, drawings, and more. Write to Julie Persinger [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. For guidelines, you need only to include an SASE. For a sample issue, please include $1.50.
A new 'zinc is starting! Come join us as we ride CIRCUIT. Each issue of CIRCUIT will focus on 2 separate areas of Velgarth. CIRCUIT will feature recipes, poetry, songs, short stories, and a limited amount of pictures, all based on the area featured in each issue. The first issue will focus on the non-collegium ports of the city of Haven, and the Dhorisha Plains. The next will feature Hawk's Nest, Sorrows, and Bolthaven. Please limit your submissions to these 5 areas. For questions, guidelines, and submissions please send a SASE to CIRCUIT c/o Jaila Stormseek [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
When you look into my mirror what you will see at first is just a reflection, like any other mirror. But beyond the mirror there's something else. There's a whole other world nothing like this one. Beyond the mirror is a world of magic, miracle and freedom beyond what you could ever imagine. It's the land where your dreams come true, but you have to believe it's there. If you don't believe, then the mirror is just a mirror. If you do, then the mirror is a portal from this world into that one. Look into the mirror and see what lies beyond. Look. See me there? See my hand outstretched to you? All you have to do is believe and then reach out and take it. Go on. Do it. I'll be waiting for you... Bi-monthly NL, $5 for 6 issues (cash or stamps only), no strict guidelines on submissions, lots of fun-for a free sample issue send a SASE to Star's Mirror [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Rea sighs as she regards the pieces of the 'zinc. "So much for a July deadline," she sighs. "Come on people, we only need a few more stories to make 50 pages, and Ariya and I would really rather not write them ourselves." We're accepting poetry, art, & stories ...or anything else you can think of regarding Velgarth. Would anyone like to place an ad? All you have to do is ask, & we'll gladly add it in! Issue prices are going to be somewhere between $4 - $5, and contributors get discounts! All you need to do is send a SASE, or if you're an Outkingdomer, 2 IRCs and a legible address, to DON'T ARGUE WITH THE VOICE c/o Rea Wildfire [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Shadowrose Art! Now you can delight your pen pals with brightly colored stationery and art to reflect your personal interests. Grace your letters with pictures of Heralds, Tayledras, Shin'a'in, dragons, unicorns, dragon riders, vampires, sorcerers, warriors and even dare to go where no one has gone before with your favorite Trek characters. Send a SASE for a free brochure of our designs for stationery, greeting cards, and prints. Your choice of designs. Make checks payable to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The August issue of SPELL AND STEEL will pull you away from your tiresome mundanian life into a world of enchantment and fantasy. And it's ready! What are you waiting for? SPELL AND STEEL boasts a full color cover, art by Patricia Roe and "Chelle" Cornett and stories by Brian Easton! What do you mean you've never heard of them? You've been missing out! This is your chance to read the best of the up and coming! Send three dollars to Michelle Woods [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Miss it and your friends will mock you!
THE UNICORN'S VALE is delighted to announce that its 3rd issue is now on sale with an exciting collection of stories that will astound you. What horror can steal a small girl from her home and family and will the faith and courage of her young siblings be enough to save her? A young girl heeds the beckoning lure from the forest. What awaits her in such a lyrical guise? One planet pits its wrath against the citizens of another. Will a woman risk her own fate to take a stand to end the carnage? What do you do when your every thought brings forth uncontrollable power? See what one young girl does as she emerges into the terrifying world of Magic. All these and more can be found within the pages of THE UNICORN'S VALE. Come dance to the magical lyrics of Andrea Thomas, Marise Norland, and Sharon Emrich. Issues #1 and #2 are still obtainable and we are accepting submissions for #4 as well as a special Unicorn/Pegasus/Equine issue. Each regular issue is $3 each plus postage for each of $1/US, $2/Canada, and $3/overseas. Make checks payable to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Experience the wonder of fantasy come to life on quality stationery, bookmarks, cards and prints! Ellen Million Graphics offers beautiful products by outstanding new artists, and custom work is available. Something for everyone, including Mistyrelated designs. Write for your free catalog to Ellen Million Graphics [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. "Order . . . and be enchanted!"
Children of the Ancient Way is an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Earth and all her creatures. For more information, send a long double-stamped self-addressed envelope to Children of the Ancient Way [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Stamps For Life: Be part of the ultimate recycling project. Your old/used postage stamps can be used to save children's lives. A nurse in the Manchester Children's Hospital in England says that any old or used postage stamps (no matter where they are from) can be redeemed to buy equipment and medication for the children in the Cancer Ward. The clinic was recently able to purchase a machine that dispenses medicine in special dosages just with monies from the stamp program. If you wish to help, remove the stamps from all the mail you get and send them to White Deer [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. White Deer will send them on to the Manchester Children's Hospital. Send a few, send a lot, all will help.
PEACEMAIL is a good-news letter from the Grafton Center for Peace. For a sample issue, send a SASE to Tasha Halpert [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
VALES #1 is a collection of persona stories and is only $6.40 in cash or stamps. Submissions for the second issue of the VALES will be accepted until December first. Send your character information (poetry, too) and tell when your persona was recognized in the QO newsletter to Kendra Renaud [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Would you like to be a Herald, Healer, Bard, White Winds Sorceress, Tayledras, Shin'a'in, or Mercenary? The first step is to create a persona complete with background, family, and friends. Send a SASE to the QO address for the handout you're interested in to learn about the extra point requirements in each category.
We who attended Dragon*Con had a pretty good time, thanks to Morgan and her competent assistants. Morgan did her usual excellent job with the Queen's Own Collegia track of programming, and it was enjoyed by all, including Misty and Larry. There were panels on all sorts of topics, autograph sessions, and readings. Equally important was the chance to spend time with other people who understand our enthusiasm for Valdemar. Three cheers for Morgan! As for the rest of the con, I felt it was too many activities spread out over too wide an area. I ignored it in favor of the QOC panels.
I've been asked why QO accepts inmates as members. It seems to me that we become a reflection of our friends. Someone in jail especially needs contact with decent people. I can't guarantee that the men placing fan messages today are "nice," but neither can I give you that guarantee about anyone you meet anywhere else. Be cautious when responding to a fan message, no matter what the address.
[Ed. note 2005: Content withheld.]
[Ed. note 2005: Content withheld.]
Queen's Own [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.], for 9 issues of the newsletter. Sending out only nine issues per year will let me keep the dues at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] and still nearly break even. Please make checks payable to Queen's Own in US funds only--my bank charges me $10 to cash a foreign currency cheque. You may pay [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] if you wish. The $8 fee covers the cost of printing and mailing; I have no objection to your sharing a newsletter. Check the date on your address label to see when your membership ends.
Queen's Own is the official Mercedes Lackey Appreciation Society. Our purpose is to share our enjoyment of Misty's worlds. We are a fan-run not-for-profit organization not a business. Our address of publication: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.]. This newsletter is published solely to inform and-entertain the club's membership; no infringement of anyone's copyrights is intended.
Expected Mailing dates for the rest of 1997 are 9/13, 10/25, and 12/06.
Deadline for next newsletter contributions: September 3--earlier is better. The newsletter goes to the printer no later than the Tuesday morning before the mailing date. I prefer to have it there by Monday afternoon. Items that reach me after 9/6 will have to wait for the October issue.
Next Mailing Day: September 13, 1997--Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] for directions. Call before coming, emergencies can cancel mailings.
Editor, President, Dogsbody, Housemother - Judith Louvis [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] (Call only before 10 pm and let it ring.)
Border Art: Erin Goforth
Mailing Day Helper (last issue)--Steve Louvis.
[End Excerpt]
Queen's Own is the official Mercedes Lackey Appreciation Society. Our purpose is to share our enjoyment of Misty's worlds. We are a fan-run not-for-profit organization, not a business. Our address of publication: P.O. Box 749, Laguna Beach, CA 92652 USA. This newsletter is published solely to inform and entertain the club's membership; no infringement of anyone's copyrights is intended.
Newsletters are published on (or near) the first of each month.
Editor/President Herald-Mage Adept Danya Winterborn (L.A. Malcor; AOL-IM SN Shashtah; Legend@malcor.com)
Mercedes Lackey does not receive mail at the Queen's Own address. Fanmail to Mercedes Lackey and releases for fan fiction should be sent to:
Mercedes Lackey
c/o High Flight Arts and Letters
P.O. Box 2970
Claremore, OK 74017
Zhai'helleva,
Herald-Mage Adept Danya Winterborn
