(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,
In an early edition of the newsletter (in 1988, I think) we printed the news from Misty that DAW had tried to interest Science Fiction Book Club in picking up her books but they just weren't interested. My, my - they are certainly interested now.
Featured selections from SFBC have been The Ship Who Searched, The Lark and the Wren, Bedlam's Bard (Knight of Ghost and Shadows and Summoned to Tourney), The Elvenbane, The Last Herald-Mage (Magic's Pawn, Magic's Promise, and Magic's Price), and now, "magic and adventure pervade this superb fantasy trilogy - complete in an exclusive SFBC omnibus," a three-in-one volume combining Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, and Arrow's Fall, appropriately called Queen's Own. For membership information in Science Fiction Book Club, call [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.], or send a SASE to me for a membership form. The current offer is six free books (plus shipping and handling) and the obligation to buy four more during the year.
Queen's Own is a reprint of the original Heralds of Valdemar series, complete with an address for the defunct Off-Centaur Publications. For information on the songs of Valdemar and other wondrous worlds, write to Firebird Arts & Music [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Firebird carries all of Misty's books and tapes, Larry's interior illustrations in Winds of Change, and many other treasures. Send a #10 SASE for a copy of their new catalog. You can place an order with Firebird by calling [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. If you get the answering machine, leave your complete name and address and/or phone number! For sale now is the Jody Lee cover print of Winds of Fate, as well as the cover prints of Oathbound, Oathbreakers, and all three Magic books.
Coming in April is Rediscovery, a novel of Darkover written by Misty and Marion Zimmer Bradley. Misty says: "I think Marion's `Darkover' is a classic. An absolute classic. Certainly it's an incredible honor that she trusts me with it. There are a million stories in there . . . "
The ad from DAW says: "Now, with nearly 20 Darkover novels in print, Marion Zimmer Bradley has combined forces with Mercedes Lackey to write the story of the rediscovery of Darkover by a ship from her mother planet, Earth - the book Darkover fans have been clamoring for decades!
"Leonie Hastur, headstrong daughter of the Hastur Clan, most powerful of the telepathic families who rule Darkover, is being escorted by her twin brother Lorill to Dalreuth Tower for training in the use of her psychic powers. Although this is the event she has long dreamed of--her laran is so strong that she has been able to use it without benefit of training or the need of a matrix crystal--and she yearns for the power which will come to her if she succeeds in becoming a Keeper, she is plagued by a terrifying premonition that haunts her day and night - the inescapable feeling that something is about to happen - something monumental and dangerous which will descend on her world and change it utterly. And all she knows for certain is that this something will be coming from one of Darkover's four moons." Rediscovery is a hardcover novel and will be priced at $18.
If you would like a catalog listing the hundreds of DAW titles in print, write to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Winds of Fury won't be in your bookstores until summer. In it we'll discover that Ancar has become far more powerful than feared, for he has captured Mornelith Falconsbane, the Dark Adept who nearly succeeded in destroying the Vale's heartstone and Darkwind's entire Clan. With Falconsbane's help, Ancar hopes to defeat Valdemar and wreak a terrible vengeance on Heralds and Companions alike. But Elspeth finds that she too has a mysterious ally--a powerful spirit from the long-forgotten past.
Misty is already working on the Storm trilogy, three more books to continue the adventures of Talia and the Heralds of Valdemar.
Do you subscribe to Marion Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine? Issue #18 is excellent, even if there is no Misty story included. (She'll be in future issues, and has stories in back issues #6, 9, and 10; Larry has artwork in #17.) A subscription is [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Send your order to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Make your check payable to Marion Zimmer Bradley, Ltd.
In the Queen's Own mail last month was a magazine with a review of The Last Herald Mage series. In his accompanying letter Mike Tarasiev told me he wanted to let us know that Misty is appreciated in "snow-ridden, bear-infested" Russia. The magazine is INTERKOME, and it's published in St. Petersburg. (and written almost entirely in Russian--I have no idea what the review says.)
A lot of information in the newsletter comes from Javanne Kramer, our GEnie reporter. "GEnie" is the General Electric Network and Information Exchange. For information on how to join GEnie (you need a computer and a modem), call [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Misty and Larry are making very few convention appearances this year (Australia in November!) but here is information on cons where you'll find other Misty fans:
BamaCon 7 is sponsored by the University of Alabama's Fantasy Game Club and will be held March 18-21 at the Sheraton Capstone Inn/Bryant Conference Center. The special guest is Jonathan Frakes of ST:TNG. For more info, write to QO member [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
CrackerCon 2 is also March 19-21, in Jacksonville, Florida. Guest of Honor is Ben Bova, Artist Guest of Honor is Jeff Adams. Misty and Larry and I had a great time at last year's CrackerCon; these are friendly, hospitable people. Send a SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] for registration info.
Phoenixcon 8 is April 16-18 at the Sheraton Century Center Hotel in Atlanta. Guest of Honor is Lois McMaster Bujold, special Guests are Allen Steele and Tom Deitz. For information call [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
MARCON 28, "Ohio's premier Science Fiction and Fantasy convention," is April 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus. Main Guests are Mike Resnick, Jane Yolen, and Lois McMaster Bujold. For further information write to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Magic Carpet Con I offers a rare chance to meet Andre Norton May 7-9 in Dalton, Georgia. Send a SASE to QO member [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] for registration information.
Alternate Realities VI, at the University of Georgia, has been postponed until May. The committee is still looking for help in expanding their programming. If you're interested, write to QO member [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
New Orleans Science Fiction and Fantasy Festival is June 18-20 at the Clarion Hotel New Orleans. Robert Silverberg is Guest of Honor. Send your SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] for registration information.
Dragon*Con/Atlanta Comics Expo is July 16-18 at the Atlanta Hilton & Towers. Authors who are attending are Terry Brooks, Margaret Weis, Ben Bova, And Tracy Hickman. Pern Fans can enjoy 40 hours of Pern-related panels, workshops, and demonstrations, including a Pern Theory Debate and advice on Live Dragon Hatching. Ren & Stimpy writer and artist Bob Camp and Bill Wray are also scheduled guests (Happy, happy, joy, joy) as are Stan Lee and Peter David. For registration information, write to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
(For general information on conventions in Atlanta, call the Info Line: 404 925-2813.)
At least three of our local chapters are alive and well and publishing newsletters. For those of you in the Ohio area, there's The Herald's Companion. The February issue contains news of local events, book reviews, poetry, a recipe (iced brownies--chocoholics, take note), and more. Send a SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] for information.
If you live in Florida or nearby, investigate Southern Hall. Shirlene Ananyo and Tamsyn Nesbit share editorial duties for Southern Arrow. This is a very strange universe, with Skippy, screaming MeMes, and a ghost or two (How did Worf get in there?) inhabiting their Collegium. I'm never sure what they're doing, but they seem to have a lot of fun doing it. Contact [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] for more information.
Colleg.ium Chronicles is the newsletter of the Pacific Northwest Collegium, co-edited by Tia Schmidt and Charlene Ryan. Here you'll find even more news of Misty and Larry from GEnie, local convention news, the latest on performances by Tempest and Heather Alexander, book reviews, and more. To join the fun, send a SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
While the emphasis in local clubs is on news from their area, anyone is welcome to join. INCLUDE A SASE if you request information or a sample issue.
To other local chapters: If you're still out there, let me know. I need updates from you if you want news of your club printed in the QO newsletter.
The Gathering is an appreciation society/newsletter for the fans of the Highlander films and the new syndicated television series. It is sanctioned by Steve Belgard who is publicist for Highlander: The Series. All ideas are welcome. For yearly membership rates and information please send a SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. We'll do a Highlander zine if there's enough interest.
Children of the Firstborn is the Jennifer Roberson Fan Club. The newsletter contains readers' opinions/discussions, creative works, messages, and even a personal letter from Jennifer. For more information, send a SASE to: [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
One of the best-run fan clubs I've encountered is The Michael Praed Network/Newsletter. Kate Raymond and Morn Geiger do a truly fantastic job. Each newsletter is filled with photographs and frequently has a full color photo on the cover. A subscription (4 issues) is [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Make your checks payable to Kate Raymond and mail to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. The Christmas card alone is worth the price.
Zine news from Lynn Tucker: "Companions' Grove Volume 1 is [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Den Elms' novella Shards of Autumn is [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. US funds only, please... Companions' Grove Volume 2 should be ready late February/early March. And there will be a Companions' Grove 3, but I need submissions! Guidelines can be had for a SASE, and I will provide contributors with one of Misty's release forms." Write to Lynn Tucker [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Companion's Rest, Volume 2, issue 1 is ready to mail. The price is [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Vicki McElfresh is currently accepting work until March 15th for the next issue. Send poems, stories, art, and articles to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
My apologies to Riyn Gray for confusing her address, her zine name, and I don't know what else in the last issue. Let's try again... The correct address for both Riyn and Club Vampyre is [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Says Riyn: "Club Vampyre is a club for vampire lovers everywhere, and our goals are to connect, inform, and entertain. Our club newsletter and zine is called Fresh Blood and accepts submissions of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, artwork, etc. on a continual basis. For club info. or guidelines for submissions, send a SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
From Allison Hewett: "Bards, poets, modern-day minstrels, and anyone who just loves music and song; I think it's about time we started a club of our own to keep in touch. I'd like to propose a club, tentatively named Bardic Notes, so we can share gossip, ideas, and good music. I'd like to have a bi-monthly newsletter, and hopefully an annual zine of songs and poems. Beyond that, I'd like some suggestions. Send a SASE to [Editor's Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
From Herald Housemother:
My apologies to all you long-suffering folks who have sent me SASEs for handouts, SFBC forms, releases, and I don't know what else and not heard from me yet. This house must be inhabited by the Borrowers - I lose things like I never have before. (Getting bills together for income tax purposes hasn't been fun either.) Try to be patient; I am trying to be efficient.
Our newsletter artists have been Karen Shanteler (September), Stephanie Shaver (October/November), Patricia Brashears (December), and Theresa Farmerie (January). The border this month is also by Karen Shanteler. Artists are not usually recognized at the time I use their work because the newsletter is sent off in disk form and I'm never sure if the border will fit.
Do you read Tanya Huff? Quincy Sugarman pointed out that in Tanya's new book, Blood Lines, the policeman hero is ordered to drop one investigation and help Lackey and Dixon on the Griffin case. I wonder where she got those names..... Blood Lines is an excellent book, and you vampire fans will enjoy Blood Price and Blood Trail as well.
Josepha Sherman was Misty's co-author on the Bard's Tale book, Castle of Deception. Now her own novel, A Strange and Ancient Time, has been released and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
We have handouts for aspiring Heralds, Healers, and Bards, and instructions on how to work for Herald-Mage status if you are already a Herald. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info. withheld. The handouts are now online at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qohandouts.htm.] and specify which handout you are requesting. Ask for a release form too if you expect to write a story. [Ed. note 2004: The release is available online at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qomlrel2.htm.] If you have completed Herald-Mage requirements, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info. withheld.].
Congratulations to our first Herald-Mage, Hedge-Wizard Herald Kayla Riordan! Elena Zupko has fulfilled the requirements to the satisfaction of the Guardian of the Web.
[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.
Next Mailing Day: March 13; call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] for directions.
Editor, President, Dogsbody, Housemother - Judith Louvis [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] (Call only before 10 pm and let it ring.)
Archivist and Organizer extraordinaire - Patricia Riggs, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.]
Herald-Mage Registrar - Guardian of the Web, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] (Send proof of completed I-Ierald-Mage criteria directly to the Web address, not to NJ.)
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue) - Cherie Lombardi, Steve Louvis. We need helpers! We have over 1000 newsletters to fold, staple, address and stamp.
Why is Nyara part cat and part human? It's a purr-fect combination! Jeanette Browning.
Wind to thy wings,
Judith
[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
