(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,
Book release dates are still October '91, Mage Winds &035;1, Winds of Fate, DAW; also October '91, another Di Tregarde novel, Jinx High, published by TOR; in November, The Elvenbane, written with Andre Norton, TOR.
One of Misty's future projects is a collaboration with Anne McCaffrey, as yet untitled, with a brainship theme. Misty's protagonist is not a birth defect child but rather the thirteen year old daughter of archaeologists who has an accident. According to Misty: "Native viruses take advantage of the damaged tissue and set up housekeeping. By the time she gets to real medical facilities, every time they try to regenerate her spine they get tumors because of the viruses . . . They give up and pop her in the shell . . . She's well aware of boys and hormones."
Have we confused you? Read McCaffrey's The Ship Who Sang for background.
Misty' collaboration with husband Larry Dixon is Book one fo the SERRAted Edge series, Born to Run. SERRA stands for SouthEastern Road Racing Association. It is a mythical offshioot of the Sports Car Club of America nad IMDA (an international racing sponsor group which deals mainly in prototype racing.) The lead characters in Born to Run are Tannim, a young human mage and test-driver; Keighvan, a charming elven gentleman and head of Fairgrove Industries; Sam, a retired metallurgist; and Tania, a teenage runaway/prostitute. The story takes place in and around Savannah, Georgia, and involves actual people and lovations there (used with their encouragement and permission, of course!). To quote Larry: "Fast cars, rock and roll, Celtic harp, internal combustion, eclectic cuisine, and old-world magic!" Sorry all, release date is not until MArch 1992.
On a more mundane note, Misty and Larry are both Federally licensed bird handlers. Their falcon, Vincent, has been successfully released back into the wild at a asmall ceremony in Austin, Texas. Larry was doing some freelance work at Origin Systems on Wing Commander Two when the time came that all of Vincent's injuries were healed. Vincent was suffering from a cracked beak and broken right wing, following his impact with some rather unforgiving and unyielding industrial equipment in Tulsa. Misty and LArry were called and took him in. Seven months later, he was ready for go. The release was delightful; Larry cut the jesses while Misty held Vincent aloft, then, hand in hand, launched him off into the blue. He hovered for a minute, got his bearings, and flew a flew hundred feet to rest in a tree. Thenhe took off towards Wild Basin Preserve. Five days later Misty and Larry spotted him in a dynamic glide over the Origin Systems building. Huzzah!
Since then, The Might Rodan, (their permanent-rehab bluejay, a real charmer!) has grown in and summarily broken off all his tail feathers. Rodan not only accompanied them in their RV on the East Coast trip, he rode with them in the limo into Manhattan. The limo driver took it all in stride and carefully placed Rodan's cage on one of the back seats.
Birds in the wild are generally very good parents, and if you see baby birds wandering around on the ground, it probably doesn't mean they've been abandoned. In fact, attempting to help them may interrupt part of the parents' training! (To really help, remove your cat and dog--and yourself--from the vicinity.) A little known fact is that many birds see in the ultraviolet and are able to tell each other apart by the "fingerprint" of UV patterns in their feathers. That's why parent birds sometimes ignore their own chicks after humans have handled them; our skin oils have their own UV signature, and break up the patterns that the birds see. In other words, after a human touches a fledgling bare-handed, the parents won't even recognize the little guy is theirs--it looks like some other bird's baby, and that's Not Their Problem. This paragraphy brought to you by Mutual of Valdemar's Wild Kingdom, and Larry Dixon.
Jody Lee says: "There are still prints available, including 'Oathbound' and 'Oathbreakers.' DAW Books will be advertising the prints in Misty's hardcover, Winds of Fate . . . I will make prints of 'Winds of Fate' but I will also probably discontinue offering matted prints except at conventions, so anyone who wants matted prints should order htem this summer." Jody adds: "I really want to thank everyone who has written to me or bought prints & apologize for very often failing to reply in timely fashion."
Jody will be Artist Guest of Honor at Boskone 29 in Springfield, Massachusetts, February 14-16 '92. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
Our mini-con in New Jersey went well, I think, with Misty and Larry enjoying meeting over 20 QO members, all squished into my cluttered living room. No one seemed to mindt he crowding too much, especially when Misty and larry were reading excerpts from Winds of Fate and Born to Run. We also saw the illos for The Elvenbane; my, my, little Skif has filled out nicely.
Are you curious about the appearance of Misty & Larry? I have some lovely snapshots from the visit. Send me [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. I'll donate a portion of each dollar collected to S.O.A.R., one of Misty and Larry's favorite projects.
Don't forget RiverCon XVI, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]., August 2-4. Lois Bujold is Guest of Honor. Bring your Whites--lots of QO folk plan to attend.
Come join Misty and Larry at CONTRADICTION 11, September 27-29 at the Radisson Hotel Niagara Falls, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. This looks like an excellently run con, with fun for all ages and interests.
For the Northwest, there's dream 6, November 1-3 a thte Quality Inn Hotel & Conference Center, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
Like to plan ahead? Misty is listed as Special Guest of Honor at Chattacon 17, January 17-19 in Chattanooga. Memberships purchased [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
Jacksonville is hodting 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. Meberships are [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].<. ,P> Have you dreamed of becoming a Herald but aren't sure how to start? This topic was discussed in a number of previous newsletters, and most of the necessary information was compiled by Chris Johnson into one page, aptly titled "The Helpful Haldout of How to Become a Herald." [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld. Current handouts can be found at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qohandouts.htm.]
Misty took time during her NJ visit to clear up a couple of questions about the HErald process.
"In rolling for Gifts, if you roll the same Gift twice, it means you have the Gift in double-dose rather than a second (or third) gift. Create your persona first, then roll, because the 'real' person would have to cope with the gifts, not have his life built around the Gifts, and we're trying for 'reality.'
"Due to the nature of most Herald/Companion deaths (i.e. in the middle of a battle or similar violent circumstance) the shock of the death of one partner generally means the other is going to be stunned long enough for an enemy to take him out as well. Death of old age generally means that both die simultaneously. However, if death is due to illness or accidental trauma, one can survive the other, especially if there are other Heralds/Companions nearby. The bereft Herald will always be Chosen again. The bereft Companion Chooses again about half the time."
And finally, bad news to all you ultra-romantic souls out there--there is a big difference between love, lust, and lifebonding. Here's Misty's definition: "Lifebonding is very rare, occurring in 1 couple out of 1000. It seems to be related to Empathy in some way, as the lifebond acts very like the empathic bond. If one partner dies, the other partner can fall in love again, but probably will not form another lifebond, although this has happened on even rare occasions than the first lifebond (perhaps 1 out of every 10000 bereft partners). It could be construed that this is because, had all three met while the now deceased partner was alive, they would have formed a three-way lifebond. Since we are now talking about a 1 in a million chance, whether for a three-way or a second lifebond, it should be obvious that this is very rare indeed . . . Chances are that your character won't even know a lifebonded couple, much less be part of one."
One other thing: true Healers are very rare and therefore very valudable. It is highly unlikely that a Companion would Choose a Healer; Healers are already performing a very necessary service to the realm.
Welcome, Herald Keira, Chosen by the Companion Kalan. Lynn Bartlett tells us Keira's Gifts are Fetching and Mindspeech. Lynn sent stories and sketches of each of her characters, and a copy of a song written by her Bard, Lanan.
Welcome, Herald Odille Timonen, Chosen by the Companion Hamar. Odille's Gifts are Mindspeech, Fetching, and Firestarting. Rory Pascual sent three poems, short persona and character descriptions, drawings of her characters, a timeline and Herald/Companion list, and a 161 page story.
Ammie Goss presented to the Collegium Herald Rayeann Tomalson. Raye's Gifts are Mindspeech, Fetching, and Mindhealing. She was Chosen by the stallion Darian. Ammie sent detailed persona and character outline sheets, a map of the family's holding, two poems and a story.
From Meri Anthony came the biography of Healer Skye Achara, two poems, a story and character information sheets fo rSkye and his friends. Meri receives extra credit points too for creating the role playing club, "The Winds of Velgarth" and its newsletter, "Changewinds".
Welcome, Herald Corum Albreth, Chosen by the Companion Torasan. Sean Waters tells us Corum's Gifts are Fetching and Strong Mindspeech. Sean sent a poem, a drawing of two Companions, a map of Corum's neighborhood, and character sketches of Corum and his friend Brett.
Welcome, Herald Nastassia Avon Fontin, with the Gifts of Mindspeech and HEaling, and Chosen by the mare Eshha. Jim Caramsalidis sent character sketches of Nat and her friends and two stories.
Welcome, Herald Laurin Kleter, Chosen by the Companion Mildar. Lisa Chemleski tells us Laurin's Gifts are Mindspeech, Fetching and Healing. She sent a character sketch of Laurin, her best friend, and her Companion, as well as drawings and a poiem.
Aileen Cutrell brought us Herald Shanan, Chosen by the mare Cala, and with the Gifts of Mindspeech, Fetching, and a touch of Firestarting. Aileen sent character descriptions, sketches of Shanan's home and of Cala, and two poems.
From Anne Cutrell came Herald Rosemoon Ka'Shevra, Chosen by Liseth adn Gifted with strong Mindspeech and weak Empathy. Anne sent descriptions of Annaen and her family, two stories, a poem and a recipe.
Welcome, Herald Vanyella Maurita Gitana Tamour, Chosen by Algol. Michelle Mills says Vanyella's Gifts are the Mindspeech, Animal Mindspeech and Fetching. Michelle sent descriptions of her persona and her friend, an essay on the care and feeding of horses, a poem, a letter home and a story.
Welcome, Herald Meira, Chosen by Sharlond, and Gifted with Mindspeech and Empathy. Terry M. Dorman sent character descriptions, a costume sketch complete with swatches and accessory descriptions and a recipe.
Welcome, Herald Antirra, Chosen by Starlyn. Courtney Crawford tells us Antirra's gifts are Mindspeech, Fetching and Farsight. Courtney sent stories about her persona's background, her brother and her friend Nordent, and a poem.
From Becca Newman came Herald Maigryn Kythe. Maigryn's Gifts are strong Empathy and weak Farsight; she was Chosen by Weireth. Becca sent a character description sheet, biographical sketches of Maigryn and her family, a diagram of her home, her family tree and poems.
Welcome, Herald Katryn, Chosen by Triana and Gifted with Mindspeech and Fetching. Mary Wilson sent poems, a map of her home area, and biographical information for Katryn and her friend Kandar.
Welcome, Herald Latansane Faelac Vaekorah, Chosen by Quaisitora and Gifted with Mindspeech and Healing. Bobbi Cannon sent detailed character sketches of 'Tansane and her friend Katasalorn, poems, a recipe, a drawing of 'Tansane and a story.
Welcome, Herald Layla, Chosen by Del-Aray. Lila Sabourian tells us Layla's Gifts are Farsight, Mindspeech, and Fetching. Lila sent her persona information, a story, a poem, and tow costume sketches.
Welcome, Herald Treyell, Chosen by Kerem. Ellen Davina Haskell sent background information on Treyell and two friends, a story, drawing and a poem.
Welcome, Herald Auric, Chosen by Elvar and Gifted with Mindspeech, Fetching and Farsight. Eric Dooley sent persona information, a story, three recipes and poems.
From Katie Clower came Herald Lyria Trevaile, Chosen by Ylsauna and Gifted with Mindspeech and Fetching. Katie sent Lyria's story, two drawings a recipe and three poems.
Welcome, Herald Alia Nightraven, Gifted with Mindspeech, Animal Mindspeech and Fetching, and Chosen by Nerak. Besides background information on Alia and her friends, Katy Blasingame sent poems, costume ideas, drawings of Companions, a recipe, and maps.
Welcome, Herald Snohdyn Whitelaw, Gifted with Mindspeech, Empathy and Animal Mindspeech, and Chosen by the stallion Cross. Corilee Osborne sent background information on Snohdin, biographies of her friends at the Collegium, a costume sketch and three drawings.
Welcome, Herald Silvar Brightstar, Chosen by Firewind and Gifted with Mindspeech, Empathy and Healing. Mary St. Cyr sent Silvar's story, a poem and two drawings.
I wish I could share the Herald material I receive with all of you. It has been suggested that I bind it all as one glorious "Herald Yearbook." This is completely out of the question; I have neither the time nor the resources for such an ambitious project. BUT, we have zine editors crying for more submissions! Every would-be Herald can easily send a copy of his/her favorite prose, poetry and art to a zine or two. A note of caution to all who mail material to zines or to me: Keep the originals! The mail monster is a fickle beast, but when it decides it likes the taste of your work, it will decour every page. One final bit of nagging (at least in this paragraph): Put your numdane name and return address clearly on the envelope!
My thnaks to all who have sent me their renewals. Both your money and your encouraging words are greatly appreciated. I was asked if the eight dollar dues covers postage, printing, and my time. Well no, but two out of three isn't bad. And I like doing this. However, this 8 page issue is an exception. It's back to six pages in September, or I will have to cry for more money.
No newsletter in August! I hope to catch up on the mail, finish organizing the files, and read, read, read, not necessarily in that order. I'm taking time out for RiverCon, but the rest of August belongs to my family. (Wildwood Crest, here we come!) So--Have a glorious summer! The next newsletter will be mailed September 16th. (Mailing Day is the second Saturday.)
All zine editors, mentors, and chapter heads--bring me up to date on what you're doing by the end of August so you can be featured in the September newsletter!! If I don't hear from you regularly i assume you are defunct!
Greetings to old and new QO folk: Announcing the 2nd annual QO/Clan Festival July 26-28, held at Denise Loveless' 40 acre farm. THis is for those of you who need to "get away from it all" and "get back to nature." There will be a festival dinner/bonfire and swimming at the lake . . . along with a visit to Mammoth Cave. Please let Denise know if you plan to attend. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]
Write to Ellen Wells, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.], for information on the Valdemar collection of recipes, "In the Palace Kitchen."
To the West Coast QO members from Christa Miller: If someone is willing to take over the California Arrow, I have subscription monies and copies of previous issues waiting fo rhte new editor/writer(s), and it's up to you now. Write to me at [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. If you're already a member and would like a refund of subscription money, drop me a note at the same address.
"ATTENTION ARTISTS! and people intersted in Art!! There is a gap in Fan Publications you can fill! An ART ZINE OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY ART! I would like to have artists get together in a zine to share and show off their art--a sort of "art show by mail." It would also be a place to advertise your art, zine or any other SF/F related product you have. THe zine will be published quarterly to start. Zine cost will only be my cost ot produce, announce, package, and mail to artists and interested viewers. ([Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]
Adrienne Travis and Brenna Farmer are preparing a Shin'a'in dictionary/grammar guide/etc. to be issued quarterly at [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Karen Bertke has news of the Queen's Own Directory: "We will announce in hte QO newsletter when the Directory is complete and ready to print. At that time we will be able to tell you what the printing and shipping costs will be." If you want your Herald info/mundane name/club address/zine in the Directory, send the information right away to Karen Bertke, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. No entries accepted after September 15th; Karen would like to get the first edition out by the end of the year.
Cris Martins is planning a special calendar for QO members. Each month will list festivals, feast days, and other reasons to celebrate from all the worlds Misty has written about. Cris is looking for poetry, artwork, filks, and your suggestions for "dates of note." Send a SASE for instructions and helpful hints; the deadline for submissions is October 31, so the calendar can be ready by December. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
"Heyla, Hiya, Hoya! Thank you all for your interst in the Valdemar Merchant! A bit of news: the ad deadline for the next issue is July 26 & the next issue will be out by mid-August. For infor or a copy of the Merchant, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
Also from Cara Lee: "HELP! Someone out there asked for some info about my stationery. I just got the catalog back with a letter from the post office saying 'found loose in the mail'! If you are still interested, drop me a line."
"All Sapphire and White members, remember: No mailing in July. I'll be back in August though, so send those submissions! We are the 'Great Lakes' chapter of QO, anyone near or just interested in this area is welcome to join. Send a SASE for info to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
Coming soon! (october '91) Enchantress is a fanzine devoted to the world of Velgarth and to other original worlds of fantasy fiction, with an emphasis on stories of strong-willed independent women. For a guideline sheet and subscription information, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
Winds of Velgarth is a role playing club set in an alternate Valdemar. This is a strictly correspondence club, limited to those living in the United States. For guidelines and a copy of the club mewsletter Changewinds, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
From Rebecca Sims and April Parra: We are working on a Loise Cooper Fan club. Things are very tentative at the moment (We're working on getting her permission), but if you're interested, send us a SASE and tell us what you would like to see or are willing to contribute. Hopefully, we'll get back to you with our first newsletter! We especially need ideas for a name. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]
"Pacific Northwest Collegium is happy to have heard from so many Misty fans. By popular request we will extend our borders beyond Washington, Oregona dn Idaho to include British Columbia. Many members of the Collegium will be at Dreamcon 6 to meet Misty. Let us hear from you. For more info, write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]."
"[Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]: HELP! any Maryland, Virginia, or DC Qoers PLEASE contact us (Lavina Cheung, Rebecca Rose, Anita Jobson). We're trying to get a chapter going, and we'd like to know who's in the area and what ideas and/or help they can give, if any. Or, just tell us you're here! Please, please, please . . . " -- Lavina.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival begins its 15th season on August 24 in Crownsville, MD. It runs weekends (and Labor Day) until October 13th. If you attend, stop by "Faces of the Soul" and ask for QO member Mary Schwartz. For more Festival info, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].
The New York Renaissance festival starts July 27 and is open weekends (and Labor Day) until September 15th. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. Look for QO member Cris Marins near "The Enchanted Cottage." Cris says "Don't be afraid to come in costume! Wizards, warriors, wenches, and even werewolves already inhabit the shire--why not Heralds?"
Fan messages are for the convenience of those who wish to write to others. The QO membership list is not made available to anyone else, not even Firebird Arts and Music, but please remember that a sample issue of the newsletter is sent to anyone who requests informatino on the club. If you place a fan message I can't guarantee that it will be seen only by QO members. The "fee" is still the same: if you place a fan message, you must write to at least one other person who has a message in the issue where yours appears.
A note to you who use your persona names when writing: It's best to put "c/o mundane name" on the address. Some postal workers send mail back when they don't recognize the name.
[Ed. Note 2003: Fan messages are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained.]
Personals are the least important part of the newsletter, in my opinion, and will be discarded first when lack of space becomes a problem. I have too many for this issue, in spite of going to 8 pages--Judith.
[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
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Frank Burkhead, Robin & Louis Gladeau, Linda Gumkowski, Cris Martins, Joanne Mattern, Sean Miller.
Where do Heralds go to buy cheap uniforms? To a Whites Sale! (credit [or blame] to Jessalyn Lynch)
[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
