(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,
By now I hope you're happily reading Chrome Circle and Storm Warning. If your bookstore doesn't have copies, remember that both can be ordered from Firebird Arts and Music. Also available this summer are the paperback editions of Winds of Fury and If I Pay Thee Not in Gold.
My most recent conversation with Misty was interrupted by her cries of "Ouch! Ouch! Stop that!" as the mini-macaw Jayde determinedly nibbled on her hair. Being called "for the birds" is not an insult at the Aerie. Besides Jayde, Misty and Larry own (or are owned by) a blue and gold macaw named HarlieQuinn; Ikaika, an umbrella cockatoo; Elsie, a female African grey parrot; a Goffin's cockatoo named Kechara; male and female blue-streak lorikeets named Visyr and Syri; three nameless society finches (won as a door prize when Larry went shopping for bird toys); and a budgie named Snack. (In Aboriginal language "budgerigar" means "good food.")
If that's not enough to keep them busy, Misty and Larry are continuing with their rehabilitation work. Currently they have two red tail hawks that were orphaned, and a young kestrel. The latter is being trained for the Tulsa Zoo rather than to be released. He's been moved into the kitchen and is being thoroughly spoiled.
The two red tail hawks, however, will be released into the wild. Misty exercises them on a creance (a very long string) and plays hawk-tossing. Since she's not training them for falconry, they don't need glove-manners. She says, " . . . sometimes it's just easier to walk out to where they landed, pick 'em up off the ground, and toss them into the air like a volleyball. My neighbors must think I'm insane . . . "
****Larry's birthday is July 28th. Mail your cards to him at Highflight [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].****
Here's a message from Terri Lee of Firebird: "Dear folks, the response to Shadow Stalker has been overwhelmingly positive, thanks again for all your patience with the many delays in getting "Shadow Stalker" out the door and into your hands. Here's a quick update on what Firebird has in the works--things we couldn't announce until Shadow Stalker was ready to ship. There are three Mercedes Lackey recording projects currently being worked on, for release later this year; a sequel to Heralds, Harpers & Havoc, a Winds of Change album, and another musical anthology of Misty's original--unpublished--works. Work on all four concordances continues,--all four have been compiled, and the first two (Arrows and Last Herald Mage) are in Misty's hands for final proofing, with the final two concordances to follow shortly. There's also a new catalog in the works, and a new Tempest release Surfing to Mecca, that has just been released. Tempest is in the final stages of putting together another national tour, Judith has agreed to post the dates as soon as the schedule has been finalized, so keep watching if you want to go see the group in person. Wind to thy wings--The Folks at Firebird."
Remember, the Concordances are available ONLY from Firebird, not your local bookstore.
For ordering information or a catalog call Firebird at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Please identify yourself as a member of Queen's Own.
Here as promised are some of the dates of TEMPEST's "Surfing to Mecca Tour '94:"
Watch for Mark Shepherd's Elvendude in October/November; The Eagle and the Nightingales and the paperback version of The Robin and the Kestrel in January, and HOORAY!, The White Gryphon, March/April 1995.
In August/September comes The Rose Sea by S.M. Stirling and Holly Lisle. Holly and Misty co-authored When the Bough Breaks, a SERRAted Edge Story. The blurb in the ad for The Rose Sea reads: "Long ago the Great Ones made a world, but as the eons passed, the Great Ones departed and the lesser gods decayed, some into madness and cruelty, some locked away from the world.
"Bren Morkaarin was an obscure officer in the armies of the New Empire of Tykiss. Karah Grenlaarin was a rancher's daughter, in town to sell her horses. War brought them together; the touch of the Gods gave them a destiny . . . "
Elizabeth Barrette's "Pros & Cons: An Introduction to Fandom" can be yours for just [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. (I'm not asking for a SASE because I have envelopes just the right size.) This little booklet has definitions of most of the "fan jargon" used in the newsletter and at cons. So, before you decide to gafiate, send for your copy and become one of the fen.
WEEKEND IN SHERWOOD is a Robin Hood Convention held August 5-7 in Novi, Michigan. Invited Guests are Mark Ryan. Jeremy Bulloch, and Richard "Kip" Carpenter. Send your SASE to Spirit of Sherwood [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
B'HAMACON 3 August 26-28 at the Radisson in Birmingham, Alabama. GcH is Lois McMaster Bujold, Toastmaster is Mike Resnick. B'hamacon 3 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
BUB0NICON 26 August 26-28, Albuquerque NM. GoH, Michael Stackpole. Bubonicon 26 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
CONADIAN, 52nd WORLD SF CONVENTION September 1-5 in Winnipeg, CANADA. GaH is Anne McCaffrey. Write for membership cost -Visa or MasterCard accepted. Write to Conadian [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The 1994 Montreal Science-Fiction Festival II September 24 & 25, in downtown Montreal. Special Guests are Majel Barrett and Mark Goddard. Send a SASE (or addressed envelope and an IRC) to Chris Chartier [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
FARPOINT 94 October 14-16, Hunt Valley, MD. Guests of Honor: George Takei, Jonathan Brandis, and Nana Visitor. Farpoint, Inc., [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
MileHiCon 26 October 21-23, in Denver, CO. GoH, Ellen Datlow. Send SASE to MileHiCon 28 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
BIG E CON October 28-30, Norfolk, VA. Guests of Honor: Ann C. Crispin, Majel Barrett, Bill Campbell, Michael O'Hare. Trek Rec Deck Inc. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. This Star Trek con features optional tours of the USS Enterprise (CVN65) aircraft carrier.
CONTRADICTION 14 November 4-6 Niagara Falls, NY. GoH Mike Resnick. Contradiction 14 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
**Remember to include a SASE or a self-addressed envelope and an IRC when requesting information.**
Thanks to all who sent Ren Faire information, especially Allison Frame and Elizabeth Barrette who sent listings for nearly the entire country!
For those of you who live in England, or plan to visit in the near future, here is the contact address and phone, number for English Heritage, a conservation group that sponsors various outings including renaissance faires, living history displays, sieges, and more. Write to English Heritage, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
A Ren Faire info side note from Sarah Meng: "The Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, TX may be over, but some of you may still be able to catch what I considered the best act of the Faire - the Minstrels of Mayhem. I know they plan to be in Chicago and Ohio and possibly the Texas Renaissance Faire. They play a great mixture of their own and traditional tunes in marvelous harmony." [typist agrees! Saw them at FL Ren Faire!]
Bristol Renaissance Faire, Kenosha, WI: weekends to August 21st. Call (708) 395-7773 or write to Bristol Renaissance Faire [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Sterling Renaissance Festival, Sterling NY: to August 14th. Write to the Festival at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
New York Renaissance Festival, Tuxedo, NY: July 30th to Sept. 18th. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
Gold Coast Pirate Festival, Ventura, CA: August 6th & 7th. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Cornwall, PA: August 6th to October 9th. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
Lake Tahoe Renaissance Festival, Lake Tahoe, CA: August 12th & 13th. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
Michigan Renaissance Festival, Holly, MI: weekends from August 13th to Sept 25th. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN: August 13th to Sept 25th. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
Ohio Renaissance Festival, Waynesviile, OH: August 27th to October 16th. Call (513) 897-7000 or write to Ohio Renaissance Festival [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The Maryland Renaissance Festival begins August 27th and runs through Columbus Day weekend. For ticket information write to Maryland Renaissance Festival [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS: Sept 9 to Oct 16. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
King Richard's Faire, Carver, MA: Weekends from Labor Day to Columbus Day. Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
Carissa Hileski has offered to be a mentor for a variety of things. She writes "I do poems, literature, comics (Marvel & Image), RPG (Vampire, Werewolf, Lace & Steel, a thrown together Herald's game) and history. I also keep a lot of caged pets (a rabbit, guinea pig, & mouse) that get to run around the house. Carissa Hileski [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Ray Brehm has offered to be a mentor for anyone seeking assistance with "about anything that has to do with personal computing." He can be reached at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Crystal Sarakas has offered to be a mentor for anyone seeking information about music, especially classical or Celtic. She also knows something about folk, new age, and filk music. She can be reached at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
(There will be a complete listing of Mentors in the September newsletter - this issue has filled up fast!)
A great big round of applause please, for Shirlene (Slave Scribe) Ananayo, who traveled from warm and muggy Florida to warm and muggy New Jersey to help me organize the boxes of QO clutter that were taking over my house. AND, she typed most of this newsletter! Thank you, thank you, thank you! (and come again, it was fun!)
Many of you take time to write a few words of appreciation when you renew. I'm always glad to patted on the back, but credit for QO has to shared with all its members. Think how empty the newsletter would be without your participation! You'd be subjected to page after page of my nagging!
A lesson I've learned the hard way: don't leave your favorite CD in the player when you leave the house. If you're robbed, the thieves get the CD as well as the player. I've already ordered a second copy of Tempest's Surfing to Mecca. AND additional locks on doors and windows. The robbers took a VCR and my copier but were frightened off before they could disconnect the computer and printer or this would be another month without a newsletter. If you haven't recorded the serial numbers of your possessions, and etched your own ID number on them, DO IT!
We haven't used a pun in the newsletter since I changed the format, but this one just has to be shared. From Bryant Alexander comes this groaner: "Herald Kenobi to Trainee Skywaker - Use the horse, Luke."
Anyone interested in joining the Mercenaries Guild and working on a mercenary persona can send a SASE for persona guidelines to Mercenaries Guild, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
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: Guardian of the Web [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] and specify which handout you are requesting. No SASE, no answer! Herald-Mage material goes to the Guardian, Mercenary Guild applications go to John Hurst, and all other material should be mailed to the Shiloh address.
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. Thanks to the work of David Brown and his friends, we'll have guidelines soon. Until the handout is completed, be creative but be reasonable--it is illogical for a Shin'a'in or a Tayledras persona to be Chosen! They have their own loyalties and responsibilities.
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. All Misty wants to do is protect her characters and her worlds. Send the release form (you do NOT need to include the story) to Misty at Highflight [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Do NOT include the release form with your persona material, send it to Misty.
The Chronicles of Valdemar is a two-year old chapter searching for new members. We write stories with each other and have a great time doing it. For more information, send a SASE to Cathy Timura [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Southern Arrow, the newsletter of Southern Hall has experienced some technical difficulties, resulting in the absence of several issues ...but they're still around! Magpi and Owl ask for patience and forgiveness from their HaPlsibs. Appropriate measures will be taken to insure that an issue will be out in late July. Other interested and adventurous folks may send SASE for latest issue to: Southern Arrow,[Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Under Kal'enel's Care is the bi-monthly newsletter based on the Shin'a'in. Dues are 13 stamps, Send SASE for more info to Stenhanie Anderson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Collegium Chronicles is the newsletter for the Pacific Northwest Collegium; serving Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Dues are a book of 20 stamps/$5.80 a year, 10 stamps/ $2,90 a half-year, or can be made in a minimum and multiple of 4-stamp installments. For more information, please write to: Pacific Northwest Collegium c/o Tia Schmidt [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Brightest greetings from The Children of the Forgotten Sea. Dues are $3.25 for 6 issues of our five-page newsletter. The newsletter includes future conventions and festivals for our area (midwest); book, movie, and music reviews; news from fellow members; Personal ads; poetry and artwork; collectors opportunities; and much, much more! For more information write to: Kaellon Moonfire, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Northern Arrows is the newsletter for our Northeast chapter, The Forgotten Waystation. The latest issue of NA contains book and movie reviews, member news, poetry, and--I have no idea why-- the words to the Animaniacs theme song.
Fans of Anne McCaffrey's Pern! If you're interested in getting involved in some good, fun Pern adventure, Windsong Weyr invites you to become a member. We're a relatively new fan club looking for holders, crafters, weyrfolk, riders and all varieties of Pernese. For more information and a copy of our newsletter, send .75 cents or three first-class stamps to: Windsong_Weyr, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The quest is about to start! Only you, with your special talents, can determine its path. Create your character and use your unique skills to further the quest. Join now! Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Children of the Firstborn is the Jennifer Roberson Fan Club. Dues are $6 which includes a bi-monthly newsletter including a letter from Jennifer in each issue. Send SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
StarRise Weyr is a fan club for lovers of Anne McCaffrey's world, Pern. If you dream of being a Holder, Harper or flying on the back of your very own dragon,send a SASE (business size) to: StarRise Weyr, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Welcome Clan-Sibs. The Pretera'sedrin Clan is still seeking Clan members. If you're interested or have questions write. Send a SASE to Kristine Toro [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The time is approaching for the singers to return and tell us tales to while away the warm summer hours. The Summer issue of Night Songs - twice the size of the other issues -is available for $8 ($9 foreign). It has stories, poetry, art, and even a cartoon! (Thanks, Patti!) Send SASE for guidelines and orders to Jen Wilson, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Make out all checks/money orders to one of us, not Night Songs. Come with us, and get caught up in the melody!
Herald Tarn is holding a Fall Gather at her home = Dreamswept Farm. It will be the weekend of Sept 16-18. Horses are welcome. We'll vault (gymnastics on horses) and have riding lessons. Bring your Whites and Gather clothing. Filking into the night, BBQ, no alcohol. RSVP to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Costs will be $25 per person and $10 a night for horses.
Modems of the Queen is the GEnie chapter of Queen's Own. Join us for discussion, group-written interactive fanfic, general silliness, and live Friday night conferences. There are lots of other SF & Fantasy Categories on GEnie as well -- give 'em a try! E-mail [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for information.
We know you've all gotten used to the themed Queen of the Mists, but hey! We don't care, cause here in Pgh, we're crazy! The next issue, called "Can you handle miscellaneous?" is $4 again 'cause all the extras go to the AIDS Research Project. Okay? Send all moolah, and whatever, to Queen of the Mists [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Make all checks out to Amanda Parsons.
NINE ABOVE!, the official Tanya Huff newsletter, is in full swing and growing quickly! Past issues have included interviews with Tanya, book reviews, Tom Cruise roasts, and casting nominations for the BLOOD books! Want to put in your two cents? We'd love to have it. Send a SASE to A.J. Potter NINE ABOVE! [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] (For Ellen Kushner fans--I have info for you too. Subscribe for the July issue!).
"Consort Anon." has finally released their recording, "We Prefer to Remain Anonymous," for $10.00 plus $2.00 S&H, Cassettes can be ordered from Eric C Schwartz [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. "Consort Anon." will be at the MD RenFest August 27-28, September 3-5 & 17-18, and October 1-2.
An alternative to stationery with flowers and pink bunnies!!! Ellen Million sells fantastical stationery at affordable prices. (Feel poor? Willing to bargain) Send a SASE to Ellen Million Graphics, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Story Starters has released it's third packet. Story Starters is a zine which compiles unfinished stories and distributes them to be finished by others. Send a stamp to Story Starters; [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Please specify if you want packet #1, #2, #3, or general info. when writing.
A SASE to Lynn Tucker [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] will get you information on her Valdemar zines and the guidelines for DS9 zines. Send along an extra stamp if you want flyers for all available zines.
The Herald's Companion is planning a trip to the Ohio Renaissance Festival (late Aug-early Oct) in Waynesville, OH, but the date isn't set yet. If you want information on the Renaissance Festival, write to The Herald's Companion, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more details in mid-August. For Chapter information, send a SASE now. P.S. we hope the Typo-Dragon can attend this year.
Fallen Angels: Moments Musicaux is looking for submissions. This issue's theme is music, so any pieces in that genre or in the lighter fantasy side would be appreciated! For more info send a SASE to Safiyah [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
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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: SEPTEMBER 10 - NO NEWSLETTER IN AUGUST!! Call 609 455-3879 for directions. Always call before coming, family 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.)
Typist for this issue - Shirlene Ananayo aka the Slave Scribe
Archivist and Organizer extraordinaire - Patricia Riggs, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] Write to Patricia with your questions about the club and also to register your persona's names. (Finished persona material should be sent to the QO address.)
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.)
Newsletter Border Designs--Jenny Griffee
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Helen Edwards and Rusty (thank you for your faithfulness!), Barbara Leflar Jackson, and Steve Louvis.
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
