(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 are Herald-Mage Adept Danya Winterborn. For more information, see http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qo.htm.)
[Begin Excerpt]
Dear Misty Fans,
In the last newsletter I told you of the George Alec Effinger Medical Fund raffle. This is my last chance to remind you to send in your donation; the drawing is Valentine's Day. First prize is airfare from anywhere in the US and most of Canada to Fantasy Worlds Festival '94 in Berkeley, California in April. Membership in the con is included. Second prize is a blue moonstone choker, donated by Misty. Third prize is a Tempest T-shirt, autographed by the members of Tempest and Misty and Larry. Fourth prize is Sword and Sorceress X, autographed personally for the winner by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Misty, and every author at the con. These prizes are only for Queen's Own members and their friends.
To enter, write your name and address and phone number on as many 3 by 5 pieces of paper as you like. Include a dollar for each "ticket" you write, and mail to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Checks are to be made payable to The George Alec Eftinger Medical Fund. Mail as soon as possible so your tickets are there before Valentine's Day.
I know funds are scarce after the holidays and there are books to be bought. I promise to keep QO dues at $8 for the coming year AND, if your membership needs renewing, send me a postcard asking me to keep you on the list and pay me later. I'll wait for my money; send a donation to the Fund. A dollar by itself buys so little; a dollar from each of us in QO can do something worthwhile.
"NFSFA" stands for "Niagara Falls Science Fiction Association." Misty had a great time as GoH at their 1991 con. She is a friend of George's so it seems logical for QO to support the Medical Fund. REMEMBER, ALL MONEY SHOULD BE MAILED DIRECTLY TO THE MEDICAL FUND AT THE NIAGARA FALLS ADDRESS!
Reported in the November issue of Locus was the fact that Misty had books in both the paperback (Winds of Change) and hardcover (Winds of Fury) best seller lists. In December, The Robin and the _Kestrel: Bardic Voices II joined the hardcover best seller list. Let's put The Black Gryphon on the list, too.
From the world of Bardic Voices comes Bardic Choices: A Cast of Corbies by Misty and Josepha Sherman. Everywhere in Alanda representatives of the Church seek to ferret out n uthorized magic - and music, because it is magic at its roots has come under suspicion. Those who will not join the priest-condoned Guild are being driven away. Those who are Free must choose whether to flee--or to fight. A Cast of Corbies will be in the bookstores by mid-month. Misty has a short story, "A Tail of Two Skitties," in Catfantastic III, edited by Andre Norton and Martin H. Greenberg. Watch for it too this month.
By Any Other Fame, edited by Mike Resnick and Martin H. Greenberg, should be in bookstores now. It contains "What if?" stories about some of Hollywood's and history's more memorable personalities. Misty's story is called "Dance Track". Here are a few clues about her "What if?":
""Dora blew her hair out of her eyes with an impatient snort and wiped sweat off her forehead. And simultaneously adjusted the timing on the engine, yelled a correction on tire selection to her tire man, and took a quick look out of the corner of her eye for her driver ...... Dora had been well aware from the moment she joined Bugatti at the end of the war that her position in this man's world would always be difficult ..... [the mechanic] killed the engine, answering her grin, and popped out of the cockpit---just as Jimmy himself came swaggering up through the chaotic tangle of men and machines in the pits ...... He stopped, standing hip-shot as if he was posing for one of his famous publicity shots, his born-charmer grin countering her Look. The blue eyes that made millions of teenage girls suffer heartpalpitations peered cheerfully at Dora through his unruly blond hair. He'd grown a thatch over his eyes for his last movie, and hadn't cut it yet. He probably wouldn't, Dora reflected. His image as a rebel wasn't just an image, it was the real Jimmy.
"She pulled her eyes away from his, and The Look turned to a real frown as she took in the dark ankle-length trench coat and the flamboyant, long silk scarf he wore.
"`Out---' she ordered ..... You know the pit rules. Nothine that can get caught in the machinery! God help us, that scarf could get your neck broken!'....."
Christmas Ghosts, edited by Mike Resnick, had a Misty story too, and I forgot to tell you. I hope you can still find it on the shelves.
Thanks to Gina Gunderman and Dana Jeanne Norris for copies of the December/January Sense of Wonder, the B. Dalton newsletter. It contains an interview with Misty and Larry by Stephen Pagel. I'll print the interview in its entirety in the next newsletter. If you can't wait until then, visit your nearest B. Dalton bookstore or send a business size (4x9) SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Look for Holly Lisle's Minerva Wakes, available now. In the last newsletter I told you all about Holly Lisle's newsletter for her fans, Vha'attaYe Heard--and forgot to give you an address! To get on the mailing list, write to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. VH appears "irregularly" and is free but as a courtesy to Holly include a few stamps or business-size SASE's.
This year Misty and Larry will be Guests at Balticon 28 in Baltimore, Maryland April 1-3 at the Hyatt Regency. Frederick Pohl is making a special Guest appearance, Duane Elms is Filk Guest of Honor, and Holly Lisle plans to attend. Registration is $30 until February 28th, it will be $40 at the door. For more information send a SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. I've mailed in my membership fee, and I'm looking forward to meeting old and new friends.
Also in April, Fantasy Worlds Festival '94 April 22-24. Scheduled Guests besides Misty and Larry at Festival are Marion Zimmer Bradley, Diana L. Paxson, Deborah Wheeler, Paul Edwin Zimmer, and more. Membership fee is now $40. For more information, send a SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. (Make checks payable to Marion Zimmer Bradlev.)
TECHNICON 11 is featuring Ellen Guon and Holly Lisle as Author Guests in Blacksburg, Virginia April 15-17. This was to be a "mini" Queen's Own con but Misty and Larry cannot attend because they're already doing two conventions in April. However, this is a perfect first con for those of you who live in the area and many QO members plan to attend. For more info, write to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Some other conventions you might find interesting are:
February 10-13, Itasca, Illinois, GoH Connie Willis, AGoH Mary Lynn Skirvin: [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]; February 18-20, Framingham, Massachusetts, GoH Emma Bull: [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]; February 25-27, Springfield, Missouri: [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] (QO members attending, please identify yourself as such on your badge or by pinning a scrap of white on your left shoulder); March 18-20, Rye, New York - Jody Lee will be showing her art: [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]; May 13-15, Columbus, Ohio, GoH Barbara Hambly (other guests include Lois McMaster Bujold and Mike Resnick): [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]; May 27-30, Vienna, Virginia, GoH Lois McMaster Bujold: [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Remember to include a SASE when requesting information.
For information on Star Trek conventions, send a postcard with your name and address to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] and ask to be put on their mailing list. (No SASE needed here, Creation is a business, not a fan-run organization.)
Let's try a new approach to the Mentor idea: Are you willing to share your expertise and enthusiasm with others? I know little about the SCA, Ren Faires, gaming, anime, comics, fuzzies, other fandoms.... If you are willing to answer inquiries about these or other topics for one year, send me your name and address and your area of expertise. I will automatically list all Mentors whenever space allows.
**Whenever asked to include a SASE, it's best to use a large envelope. "Business-size," "legal-size," "number 10," are approximately 4 by 9 inches and are adequate for most purposes. Fold the large envelope in thirds and it fits easily in most regular envelopes.* *
Nyani Martin is trying to put together a directory of QO fanzines. She says, "Zinc Editors: How can you expect people to submit when you won't submit zinc info to the list I'm making? I'm working on the list now; last ditch submissions MUST be sent IMMEDIATELY to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. I'll try to work them in, but if you aren't listed, don't blame me."
Also from NY Martin: "I am compiling a Chapter Directory. This will include regional chapters and specialty ones like Scarlet Letters. Please send all information to me at [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] before May first."
From Ingrid Schwarz: "I want to create a source book for all the Herald, Bard, Healer, Tayledras, and other persona characters. Characters may be from QO or any other Misty fan club (please specify which club). Cost of this book will depend on the number of submissions received. (for price info, please send a SASE) Supporting characters (family, friends, etc.) may also be submitted. Please send character information to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
From David Dean: "Modems of the Oueen is the official universal online chapter of QO. If you have a computer and a modem, come join the fun! We have multi-author interactive stories, weekly real-time chats, and occasional visits from Misty, Larry, Mark, Josepha, Holly, and Ellen. For chapter info, e-mail [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. For GEnie rate and logon information, call GEnie Client Services at [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
From Debbie Hartsock: "There's a new collegium in town, located on American OnLine, called Arrows On Line. To find us you must travel to a private room called 'Valdemar' on Monday nights at 10:30 EST. Our Dean Chelly and Seneshal Trystane will gladly greet all comers with good company and information. There will be a variety of activities going on including persona development for all types of characters, in depth discussions, and gatherings to meet each other face to face. We have a committee with rotating members to decide on topics for Monday meetings with postings on the Mercedes Lackey Bulletin Board under Swords and Sorcery. Upcoming plans include: Harrisburg, PA gathering in February, working on our first newsletter, and persona party online in January. Logs of our meetings are available for those who desire to see what has been accomplished so far. Our doors stand open to all who wish to share and learn!"
**To join the fun on either GEnie or American On Line, you need a computer and a modem.**
From AJ Potter: "The first issue of NINE ABOVE! appeared on schedule! This is a newsletter for Tanya Huff enthusiasts, sanctioned by the lady herself. I got a great response from QO members, but I know there are more of you out there who read Tanya! Please join us. The second issue is due out in January, and I have copies of the first issue for anyone who wants to check it out! Please send a SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
Centaurs Gatherum is a zine edited by Victor Wren, containing art (lots of art) and stories, all dealing, of course, with centaurs. Send a SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] for guidelines and subscription information. "Greetings from the Pacific Northwest Collegium! We are a group of about 30, and are primarily from Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Six newsletters are put out each year during the even months. We try to have a few gatherings each year. This last year we met for pizza, a filk, at the Orycon 15 convention, and participated at a library Sci-Fi/Fantasy day. We'd like you to join us too. For more information, please send a legal size SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
Greetings from the Forgotten Way Station, located in the Northeast. Northern Arrows is their newsletter. For a sample issue, contributor's guidelines, and membership information, send a SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Quality Press Publishing presents: Comic Connections--A fanzine forum for amateur and underground writers, artists, creators, collectors, and lovers of comics. For more information, send a SASE to [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.].
From Nicole Blackwell: "Come . . . Join us in a world of phantasy and enchantment, mysticism and romance, where the night is eternal, and the splendor of your dreams awaits you amidst the brilliance of the Masquerade . . . The first issue of this double-sized zinc is ready at last! 50 pages of poetry, artwork, and tales in 11x17 format, with a magnificent cover design by Karen Shanteler, and two full color illustrations, for $6.50! Orders should either be in cash or check made payable to Nicole Blackwell, and sent to Moonlight Masquerade [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Submissions for the March issue are still welcome! No SASE necessary for guidelines."
We have individual handouts for aspiring Heralds, Healers, and Bards, and instructions on how to work for Herald-Mage status if you are already a Herald. Send a SASE to the Guardian's NEW ADDRESS: [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.] and specify which handout you are requesting. Remember the SASE! If you have completed Herald-Mage requirements, send your material to the Guardian of the Web. All other material comes to me at the Shiloh address. Please use the Guardian's new address and my Shiloh address, no matter what address is on your handout.
A change in the rules: You may create a Tayledras persona; there is enough information in the Mage Winds books that you should have a pretty good idea of what a Hawkbrother may or may not do. We have no guidelines, be creative. (And be reasonable - a Tayledras persona may not be Chosen! I just spoke to Misty about this and she is adamant.)
You need a release form (send the Guardian or me a SASE) if you write a story set in Misty's worlds or using any of her characters. You do not need a release for a character sketch, poem, or filk. Misty is protecting her characters and her worlds. It's all right to take your Herald story and remove all references to Valdemar and set it in your own universe. Your prose is yours. The release form is to protect Misty, not to "threaten"you. Send the release form to Misty at [Editors' Note 2005: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Do NOT include the release form with your persona material, send it directly to Misty.
Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for the wonderful holiday cards. They are all on display (I hang red ribbon around windows and doorways and pin the cards to them.) and I hate the thought of taking them down.
If you've read Black Gryphon you may have noticed that I've been promoted from Herald Housemother to General. Of course, the thought of me being described as "impeccable" does boggle the mind.
QO members on the whole are a most tolerant group. I've sent fan messages back because I couldn't read them and no one has ever pointed out that my handwriting resembles hen scratches. I've garbled addresses and instead of complaining you've apologized for confusing me. I appreciate your tolerance, but please, please, please, when I make a mistake, tell me. And if I don't fix it right away, nag me! That black hole is still swallowing mail from time to time, and I'm still birdwatching when I should be at the computer. All checks received by the end of December have been cashed; all dues payments received in 1993 have been recorded. If I've missed someone, TELL ME!
I've discovered a box of blue envelopes with the old address on them. Being a frugal type, I'm using them. I HAVEN'T MOVED! Please continue to use the Shiloh address for all correspondence. I'm here to stay.
**Please send fan messages, chapter up-dates, Herald material, anything for the newsletter ...AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! For the February newsletter, your information must reach me no later than February 4th, dues payment (or postcard) no later than the 10th.
[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: February 12; 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.)
Newsletter Border Design - Jenny Griffee
Archivist and Organizer extraordinaire - Patricia Riggs, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.]
Herald-Mage Registrar and Dispenser of handout sheets - Guardian of the Web, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] (Send proof of completed Herald-Mage criteria directly to the Web address, not to NJ.)
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue) - Meredith Baldino, Frank Burkhead, Helen Edwards and Rusty, Anne Henderson, Barbara Leflar Jackson, and Steve Louvis. New Mailing Day helpers always welcome. We have about a thousand newsletters to ready for mailing. (Unfortunately, you must travel here to New Jersey to help.)
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
