Dear Misty Fans,
(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,
The release date of Born to Run, the first of the SERRAted Edge series, is March, but as many of you discovered last month with Bardic Voices, Baen books are frequently released early. Start looking for it now!
The SERRAted Edge books all deal with an aspect of child abuse. The subject became a concern of Misty's after she read "When Rabbit Howls," the story of a child who developed over 90 separate personalities in an attempt to cope. There will be 800 hotline numbers in each SERRA book so that children threatened int he real world can do something to help themselves. Along that line, do not write to Misty or me if you need help. We're too far away, and neither of us is a trained counsellor. Ask for professional help; you have the right to be treated fairly.
There is still time to enter our Queen's Own raffle. Proceeds go to The George Alec Effinger Medical Fund. There are no formal raffle tickets; write or print your name, address, and phone number on a 3x5 piece of paper and send it, with one dollar per ticket, to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] or simply send a donation. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] George is one of Misty's closest friends. He has suffered from a seriously debilitating illness most of his life and because his condition is chronic, no medical insurance is available to him. His current medical bills stand at $40,000, and he needs our help. This raffle is of special interest to QO members because Misty has donated the three prizes. The first place prize winner will receive a Mercedes Lackey autographed original manuscript (sold, but not yet released); second prize is the necklace Misty is wearing in the picture on the book jacket of Winds of Fate and inside back cover of Children of the Night, and third prize is a Misty-related surprise.
There is no limit to how many times you may enter, and every dollar you send is tax deductable. The drawing will be held on the Ides of March. Please be as generous as you can. We in Fandom are family; let's take care of our own.
Here's more from Brad Sinor's interview with Misty int he December (#173) issue of STARLOG. (A subscription to STARLOG is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. The magazine is sold in B. Dalton's and similar bookstores.)
Brad points out that Misty, in addition to her reputation as a writer of fiction, has established herslef among SF fans as a writer and singer of filk songs--SF and fantasy songs.
"Over the years, I've probably written the lyrics to at least 100 different songs," Misty says. "I normally only do the lyrics for a song and let other people do the music. I've done the music for only one song, 'Musings;' I don't write music well."
Brad says that more than half the songs Misty has written have dealt with the backgrounds for her novels. The songs, in fact, have proved quite a useful for her.
"Frequently, when I need to fill some blank in the storyline or get a better handle on an emotional situation and how it should go, I'll write a song about it."
On the tape, Mercedes Lackey . . . Live!, she not only wrote the songs, but also sings them.
"That was an interesting experience, one that I had fun doing," she says, "but I don't think I would like to repeat it. There are two more tapes in mixing right now, Oathbreakers and Freedom, Flight and Fantasy." (Ed. note: Oathbreakers has since been released.)
In the April '91 newsletter we gave Misty's explanation of Filk:
"A filksong is a folk song about a fantasy/sf topic. Some are very good. Some are very awful. I started out as a filksong writer. The reason they are called filk is because of a typo. Back in the days of the first LA worldcon, one of the local SF fanzines wrote a general article for neos (people new to fandom--ed.) so that they would know what they would find. This was in the days of mimeographs, and typos frequently were left uncorrected. The writer mentioned people getting togehter and singing sf FOLK songs, but 'I' is very close to 'O' (as I know to my sorrow) and there was a typo. It stayed. The problem was that it was the silly season, and the LA Times picked up the entire article for the Sunday supplement. Typo and all. FILK stuck."
Firebird Arts and Music can take you on a journey through the wonderful world of filk via their catalog. They sell books, tapes, Larry Dixon T-shirts and pewter jewelry and many more treasures. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld. Firebird's current website is at http://www.firebirdarts.com. The Dragonlords' Bookstore at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/bkstore.htm also carries books, and a portion of all sales through the Dragonlords' Bookstore goes to support QO. This is how we keep memberships in QO free, so we really appreciate your support.]
The presentation of a replica of Need to Misty was reported in the November newsletter. At that time I mentioned that anyone interested in obtaining a Need sibling or other handcrafted sword should contact SteelWolf Armouria and gave an address. Did I put the wrong zip code? No! I outdid myself and put the wrong state! The correct address is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Among the information sent me by Michelle Lutz from GEnie was some good news from LArry Dixon: "Finished the tweaks and edits on Winds of Change, Chapter Two earlier. I like the feel of this book; those of you who are Tayledras fans will be in heaven (or a good thermal, depending on your bent), since the first part of the book takes place in K'sheyna Vale. I've got a hell of a challenge ahead of me, showing the regalia . . . but then again, I like to have challenges."
Later Larry adds, "Valdemar isn't exactly what you'd call a 'medieval' society; think early Renaissance, crossing pseudo-Dane and Northern Italy. And think of the Tayledras as Pierre Cardin designing L.L. Bean gear, with textures and patterns."
More on the Tayledras from Larry, this time about the possibility of Tayledras personas: "Trust me, the Hawkbrothers are *very* complex. There may be provision for Tayledras personas sometime int he future, but for now suffice it to say that there are things about them that must be kept secret for a long, long time, and those secrets affect how a persona would be assmebled. How's that for an explanation?"
And from Misty herself, we have a request: "If any of you are having trouble getting Elvenbane, please, PLEASE ask your bookseller to write DIRECTLY to Tom Doherty, editor in chief at TOR books, and complain. That goes for any of my TOR books. The pringing was small, and evidently word is not getting to the man in charge that this was a bad thing. The message seems to be stopping at the distributor level. The only way this is going to change is if the booksellers themselves bombard Mr. Doherty directly. BOOKSELLERS, not individual readers.
"Thought I'd update you. Close to the end of Summoned to Tourney and Winds of Change; just got the paperback covers for Winds of Fate, and it looks just as good in smaller size! I started the outline for the second Bard's Tale (as opposed to Bardic Voices) book, not sure what we're going to call it yet, but it will be the collab between myself and Ru Emerson, and we'll be taking it right off the Bard's Tale electronic map, way up north, and I'm giving them a couple of critters, a Snow Dragon and a couple of others. Should be fun.
Well, I have horrible deadlines so I'd better get to them. Ciao!"--Misty.
Jacksonville is hosting CrackerCon March 13-15, 1992. The Guest of Honor is Misty with Larry as Artist GoH and Doris Mager of Save Our American Raptors as special Guest on Saturday morning. Come join the Southern Hall members and yours truly for a good time. Amanda Carter-Sheahan, the ConChair, tells me they've planned ghost stories Friday the 13th, a costume contest, major, major filk singing, and cat stories int he ConSuite. Who could ask for more? For registration information, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Misty and Larry will not be attending Technicon 9 in Virginia, but QO members will be there, and they'd like to invite fellow Misty fans to join them April 10-12. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
The Saint Louis Airport Hilton is the home of Name that Con 5, to be held May 1-3. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
KeyCon 9 is May 15-17 at the Best Western International in Winnipeg. Terry Pratchett and Misty are Guests of Honor. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Misty and Larry will be attending WorldCon in Orlando--more details later.
If your Chapter or Zine is mentioned here, perhaps you forgot to send me an update on your activities. I won't assume you're still active if I don't hear from you. There is no March issue; please send me news for the April newsletter.
New policy: I must have a copy of your zine guidelines before I run an announcement of your zine.
What is a "zine?" A fanzine (zine for short) is an amateur-produced magazine devoted to a fannish subject, usually SF/F related. Some zines concentrate on one universe, others cover anything of interest to fans. Contributors are not paid for their efforts, but usually receive a fee copy of the issue where their work appears. So when I say "Suppor our zines!" I mean, "Send your artwork, poetry, stories, essays, etc. to one or all of our hardworking zine editors!"
From Lyne Masamitsu comes the bad news that her art show zine has folded. She'd like to thank everyone who has supported the zine with art and interest. Because of personal family tragedies and continuing demands on her time and energy, she has had to close the zine. She says, "I returned all art in early January. I hope you received it safe and sound . . . Thank you again for your support and understanding."
Greetings from the Middle Sates! We are forming a chapter for those of us in the Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas and Oklahoma area. For more information, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
To all Southern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona QOers from Julie Jederberg: Greetings from the Border! Interested in starting our own newsletter? If so, send a SASE to Merging of the Ways, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
LEGEND #4, an international Robin of Sherwood fanzine, 180 pages, will be available February/March. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
From Patience Sibeal, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]: I am still seeking Herald/Healer/Bard submissions for my zine Sun and Shadow. My zine is not monthly--I am hoping to make it 50-80 pages total for publication. Please send a SASE for guidelines or if you'd like to order it eventually. I'd also love to trade ads/issues with other editors!
Running across the plains is a unicorn leaving romance where its hooves touch the earth. Submit to Tales of the Unicorn, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
To all For Whom the Bell Tolls members from Herald-Queen Anastasia: There are many of you we haven't heard from in a long time, and we aren't sure whether you still wish to continue on as a member, so we are holding a census. If you wish to stay on as a member, I must hear from you by the end of March, or your persona will go missing. For those of you we haven't heard from, the money for mailing you newsletters is coming out of other's pockets and we can't do it anymore! Please, contact me at [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
To all those interested, For Whom the Bell Tolls' scond zine is ready to go to print. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
The Poet's Guild of Queen's Own seeks more members. Enter DREAMSCAPES, and allow yourself an opportunity for growth! We've put out two issues so far, and we're here to stay. Come and taste the finr pastry we've created for you! [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
From Cheryl Robles comes the question "Ever wonder what if Pern and Valdemar were one? Find out by joining Sapphire Dragons. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]"
To musicians, poets, anyone suspecting (or wishing for) a touch of the Bardic gift, an organization for would-be Bards has been established by Jennifer Mulvihill, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. For guidelines for the Collegium nuewsletter, The Minstrel, and'or information on Bardic Collegium, write to Jennifer.
Issue 1 of Storyteller's Tavern is now ready. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
To QO members in the NY/NJ metropolitan area: We are forming a social meeting group for people interested in speaking to others with similar interests. We'll meet somewhere central to all who want to join. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Those QO members whose names are listed here have fulfilled the requirements for becoming a Herald. If you are interested in joining their ranks, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld. Visit http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qohandouts.htm for the current instructions.].
Welcome, Herald Shirel, Chosen by Laravis and gifted with FarSight, Fetching, and Mindspeech. Nicole Pinder sent background information on her persona and borther, a story, a poem, sketches of her characters and floor plans of their old home, and a picture of herself on horseback.
Welcome, Herald Lark Morningsong, Chosen by Lerasia and gifted with Firestarting and Mindspeech. Over the years Stephanie Shaver has sent me countless stories, decorated nearly every envelope with sketches and cartoons, created poems and songs, and had a story published by MZB. Acknowledging her as Herald is long overdue; by now, she should be running the Collegium!
Welcome, Herald Xenasharia Alphaan D'Alstheo, Chosen by Edcerian and gifted with Firestarting, Mindspeech and Fetching. Nami Sasaki sent background information on Xena, her brother and a friend; floor plans; and illustrations of her characters. Her work can often be seen in the zine, Arrow's Message.
From Jodi Siverling comes Herald Jocelynne Vammerio, Chosen by Cyra and gifted with Mindspeech, Firestarting and FarSight. Jodi sent descriptions and sketches of her persona and a friend, a coat of arms, a poem and pictures of herself and her horse to demonstrate her knowledge of horses.
Welcome, Herald Treeyn, Chosen by Whaet and gifted with very srtong Fetching. Sarah Marshall sent descriptions of her persona and family, two poems, a family tree, storie, a painting, and copies of her first-aid, SPR and lifesaving certificates.
From Cheryl Robles comes Herald Sable, Chosen by the stallion Serren and gifted with Mindspeech and Foresight. Cheryl sent persona information, drawings, three poems, a story, a picture of herself in costume, and copies of her blood donor card and CPR certificate.
The "teaser" included in this mailing comes to you courtesy of Stephanie Wong, editor of Arrow's Message. We hope it inspires you to write for guidelines or to order a copy of the zine or both!
The December issue of QO had a lovely design on the front page that was sent to me by Caroline Richards; my apologies to Caroline for taking so long to acknowledge her fine work.
If you need information on QO-related topics, write to Patricia Riggs or to me. (Pat's address is on the back page.) If you want information on some other area of fandom, write to one of our mentors. If you know a lot about fandom and like to answer questions, VOLUNTEER! Always include a SASE when writing for information to anyone in fandom. Fannish activities are very "not-for-profit".
Karen Van Brunt, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.], has written "Tips to Make Beginning Rider Look Experienced." It will also help a beginning writer appear knowledgeable about horses. For your copy, send a SASE to Karen.
For information on Robin of Sherwood (the series and the cast), the Robin Hood legend in general, plus writing fantasy fiction and poetry, write to Janet P. Reedman, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Also offering help to fledgling writers and editors, and willing to supply addresses of non-Misty related zines, is Patience Sibeal, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
For help in writing your persona: Courtney Crawford, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld. People who currently need help developing a persona can join the Pending List by following the instructions at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qochat.htm.]
For news of Pern fandom: Hannah Blair, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Hannah adds, "If anyone has contact addresses for any Weyr, please send them! I've got a lot, but I don't want to miss any."
To share RPG ideas (and to find out what an RPG is): Douglas Lent, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
For news of the SCA: Terra Caldwell, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]--To all who have written; I'm sorry for the delay in writing to you. Familial and academic problems have swamped me. To all who sent SASEs, thank you much.
Please limit fan messages to no more than four lines. Remember, the "pay" of a fan message is that you write to someone who has placed a message in the same issue as yours. You may write to as many pen pals as you want without ever putting in a message yourself.
[Ed. Note 2003: Fan messages are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained.]
[Ed. Note 2003: Personals are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained. Remainder of the newsletter was out-of-date contact info, and has been withheld.]
[Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date subscription information withheld.]
Queen's Own is the official Mercedes Lackey Appreciation Society. We are a not-for-profit organization. Address of publication: [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. This newsletter is published solely to inform and entertain the club's membership; no infringement of anyone's copyrights is intended.
Editor, President, Dogsbody, Housemother--Judith Louvis [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Archivist and Organizer extraordinaire--Patricia Riggs [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Leah Adezio, Frank Burkhead, Joanne Mattern and Sharon R. Leinkram.
From April Parra: If your Companion isn't talking to you, is that considered a Companionable silence?
Wind to thy Wings--Gas to thy Car--Fuel to thy Fire--Chocolate for thy Tummy,
Judith
[Ed. note 2003: Two pages of excerpts from Burning Blood by Kiri Namtvedt, from Arrow's Message Vol. 3 Issue 1 accompanied this mailing of the newsletter. Because the material is fanfiction, we have not reprinted it online.]
[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
