(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,
Sacred Ground, Misty's contemporary novel of fantasy and suspense, arrived early in many bookstores. It's a hardcover, with beautiful jacket art by Larry Dixon. Sacred Ground is the story of Jennifer Talldeer, a private investigator who is also the grand-daughter and student of a powerful Osage Medicine Man. Jennifer must call upon all her skills from both worlds as she battles the great evil that threatens the land.
The winners of the recent George Alec Effinger Medical Fund raffle are: Melissa Wong--a trip to Fantasy Worlds 1 Festival in Berkeley; Michelle Betor--jewelry donated by Misty; Meghan O'Toole--an autographed Tempest T-shirt; and Rachel Rounsevilie--an autographed copy of Sword & Sorceress. The Fund thanks the members of QO for its support; the money raised by this raffle will go toward George's hospital bills. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Fund may do so at any time. The address is The George Alec Effinger Medical Fund [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Larry came to chat on GEnie on February 18th and David Dean is sharing some of that conversation with us:
LARRY: "Misty & I were flattered the other day when someone on Internet commented that High Flight fans are among the most considerate and courteous in all of fandom. It made us feel very proud that we have attracted such people.
"As for working back that far ...(re The Black Gryphon)..remember that Misty has a hard-science background, as well as personal interests in various cultures . . . plus I have a classical-art background with my potpourri of other skills. Neither of us feels like things just spontaneously `happen' in human history . . . we build in the `reasons,' at least in outline form, before the outward signs are ever put on paper. Or screen. ; )
"Of course, that doesn't mean that we don't DISCOVER things as we go! Both Vikteren and Kechara were like that for us . . . and to some extent, Lady Cinnibar and her sexy 'beau.'"
In answer to a question about whether the Stelvi Pass explosion was big enough to create Lake Evendim Larry said:
"Remember the amount of time that has passed. I'd just been doing some research on erosion of displaced earth.
"Has anyone here studied demolitions? There's a thing called `shape charging.' The explosion at Stelvi Pass was largely directed straight up, due to the compression effect of the mountains (after all, it WAS a pass).
"The thing is, folks at that time period (and even most of the people in the current timeline) didn't understand explosive effects, so it was not something we could talk about in character-viewpoint. All we really COULD do was describe it as a column.
"However, knowledge of shape-change and other directioning effects is being slowly uncovered in the current timeline by the engineers in Haven, while working on boilers."
And about later Gryphon books:
"White Gryphon won't be what you're expecting, I would say. And I can tell you that at least part of Silver Gryphon will be set in the current (Storm Waming) time base.
"< smile> Skandranon is going to recover from the effects of being Gate-trapped, though, despite some very serious aftereffects . . . acidosis, etc."
"It occurred to me that one of the most miserable creatures on Velgarth would be a ticklish gryphon. He'd NEVER get away from those feathers."--Larry Dixon, excerpted from GEnie by David Dean for Queen's Own
Do YOU have questions for Misty and Larry but aren't online? Send them to me via the good old post office and I'll attempt to get them answered at Balticon or Festival. Answers will appear in the newsletter unless you provide a SASE.
You've read Black Gryphon and Sacred Ground? And Holly Lisle's Minerva Wakes? Josepha Sherman's The Chaos Gate is a sequel to Castle of Deception and continues the adventures of Dark Elf Naitachal. His erstwhile clan sees him as a traitor and plans revenge. Only Kevin, his former apprentice, stands between him and certain doom. The Chaos Gate has an April release date, which means it may be in your bookstore now.
Also with an April release date is Elisabeth Waters' Changing Fate, the story of the shape changer Lady Acila and her struggles to protect herself and her brother on a dangerous journey to safety and to the understanding of her kind. Set in a completely different universe, and science fiction rather than fantasy, is Lois McMaster Bujold's Mirror Dance. It will involve you in the lives of the characters the way Misty's books do. I recommend it highly.
Misty and Larry will be Guests at Balticon 28 in Baltimore, Maryland April 1-3 in their only scheduled East Coast convention. Frederick Pohl is making a special Guest appearance, Duane Elms is Filk Guest of Honor, and Holly Lisle plans to attend. Registration is $40. A one day membership is $25, 1 believe. For more information send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. The hotel is the Hyatt Regency; call 410-528-1234 to reserve a room as soon as possible. The con is less than three weeks away! I've mailed in my membership fee and I'm looking forward to meeting old and new friends.
For West Coast fans, Fantasy Worlds Festival '94 April 22-24. Scheduled Guests besides Misty and Larry at Festival are Marion Zimmer Bradley, Cynthia McQuillan, Diana L. Paxson, Dr. Jane Robinson, Elisabeth Waters, Deborah Wheeler, and Paul Edwin Zimmer. Festival starts Friday night with a Meet the Guests/Publication Party at 6 pm, followed by dancing (medieval or Regency or both), followed by all night filking. No formal masquerade is planned, but hall costumes are encouraged. Membership fee is $35 until April 1, $40 at the door. For more information, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].) Call the Berkeley Marina Marriott at 510-548-7920 to reserve your room. Tell them you're attending Festival to receive a special rate of $80 per night.
TECHNICON 11 is featuring Ellen Guon and Holly Lisle as Author Guests in Blacksburg, Virginia April 15-17. This is a perfect first con for those of you who live in the area and many 00 members plan to attend. For more info, write to Technicon 11 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Some other conventions you may find interesting are:
MARCON May 13-15, Columbus, Ohio, GoH Barbara Hambly (other guests include Lois McMaster Bujold and Mike Resnick): [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
CONDUIT May 13-15, Salt Lake City, Utah, GoH C.J.Cherryh and Cat Faber: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
DISCLAVE May 27-30, Vienna, Virginia, GoH Lois McMaster Bujold: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
AD ASTRA June 17-19, Toronto, GoH L. Sprague and Catherine Crook de Camp, Diane Duane: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
MIDWESTCON June 23-26 is a "relaxacon" with no special guests but lots of fun: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
"Remember to include a SASE or a self-addressed envelope and an IRC when requesting information."
Firebird Arts & Music has all of Misty's books; T-shirts adorned with Skandranon or a Companion; Tempest, Enya, and Clannad on cassette and CD; music videos; the Heralds, Harpers & Havoc long-awaited songbook; and more. For a complete catalog, write to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] If you get the answering machine, please leave your complete name, address, and phone number.
Do you have a current address for Stephen Costanzo, Laura Klaine, Andrea Knutson, Mary Mohanraj, Monica Sweitzer, Annette Taylor, Chris Vail or Deborah M. Walsh? Please send it to Firebird. Merchandise ordered by these people has been returned because of insufficient addresses.
We have lots of Mentors to answer those questions to which I can only say, "I have no idea!" Thank you, thank you, for your help. When writing to a Mentor, remember to include a SASE!
Wanted: A Mentor on Fandorn in general. I'd like definitions of fandom jargon (zine, filk, fen, gafiate - any terms not easily understood by a Mundane) and explanations of conventions, Ren Faires, masquerades--whatever. I am frequently asked for "an introduction to fandom" handout and still haven't written one. Any volunteers?
Sarah Bartash suggest that anyone who wants to know more about the SCA read Mary Monica Pulver's books The Unforgiving Minutes and Murder at the War.
Julie Karasik says "I'd be glad to be Ren Faire mentor for a year. I've been going to them for years, and working them for three (Soon to be four.) I also aggravate everybody around me by talking about them ad nauseam sometimes. Maybe this way I can talk about Faires and not get threatened with blunt objects!" Julie Karasik [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]
Varyk [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] has volunteered to answer questions about the SCA and historical calligraphy.
Contact Bill Ernoehazy [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for information on the SCA, Ren Faires, martial arts, and healing & medical arts. Are you trying to write a fight scene (foil, sabe, epee, rapier dagger...)? Ask Bill if you've got it right.
COSTUMING & REN FAIRES: Eric Schwartz & Mary Narefski- chwartz [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]: Wendy A. Zdrodowski aka Free Bard Magpie [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.],
RPG's & COMICS: Lynn Wright [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
SCA: John Simpkins [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.], Paige Dorsey [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.], Katherine M. Wilson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]; Eleanor of Gryphonscrag c/o Heather Nicholson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
My apologies for the lateness of the February newsletter. The print shop had it ready on time - but I couldn't get to it! New Jersey was hit with an ice storm that closed schools and businesses and even cancelled mail delivery for three days. Our governor extended Valentine's Day to "Valentine's Week" because so few folks had been able to shop. The cats and I stayed warm and comfortable and I struggled outside only to fill the bird feeders.
No newsletter in April! I'll be busy attending conventions (and recovering therefrom!) Please, QO members, if you're at Balticon or Festival, be sure to say hello no matter how tired and cranky I look. I usually look tired and cranky but I'll still enjoy meeting you, honest.
It was reported online that "Misty doesn't require any other dues but can't afford the postage of sending newsletters out..." Get a life, guys! Do you think Misty has time to write AND run QO? What do you think I've been doing for five years, just signing my name? And this nonsense came from someone who claims her chapter is closer to the official QO than the other! Reports of "My Collegium is better than your Collegium" are annoying. It's a big sandbox that we're playing in; if you don't want to share your toys at least don't pick on the other kids. (And get your facts straight before posing as an authority. It's not wise to annoy Herald Housemother.)
Once upon a time there were rumors of a pattern book for Whites and other Valdemar costumes. Does anyone know what happened to it? Is it forthcoming or has the project been scrapped?
I'm getting renewals in the Upper Montclair post office box. Please, folks, I ain't moving back! I'll keep that box another year or two because it's the address in the older books but mail sent there takes an extra week or two to reach me. Use the Shiloh address for all mail!
I have a number of border designs for the newsletter on hand. If you sent three designs and I've used only one, please be patient. I attempt to feature the work of a different artist in each issue.
A new fanzine, THE AGNOSTIC SOLIPSIST, will debut at Balticon with the first of a series of articles about Misty. Editor Hal Peters is looking for reviews of Misty's short stories for later issues. If you would like write for the SOLIPSIST, send a SASE for guidelines and more information to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Modems of the Queen, the GEnie chapter of QO, is now providing a service to computer users who aren't on GEnie. It's an online equivalent to the Fan Messages section in this newsletter. Send a brief description of your interests; include the name you want to be called by, but NOT your snailmail address or phone number. In return you'll get a list of everyone who's sent in their info. (Modems of the Queen members will also get to see the list.) Send your info or questions to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Queen's Court, a brand new QO chapter in southeastern New Hampshire is seeking members interested in periodic get togethers to share their enthusiasm in Valdemarian tradition. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
From Lynn Tucker's Triforce Productions comes a look at the pros and cons of virtually every type of camouflage imaginable, and a few you'd rather not imagine. Written by Elizabeth Barrette and illustrated by Herald Alora, Do or Dye: A Guide to Companion Camouflage is the perfect size to fit in a saddlebag or hide in a boot top. Also available from Lynn are issues of Companions' Grove 1-4 (Volume 5 is full and will be ready by the end of the year), a number of novellas, and other zines. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for guidelines and ordering information.
"Wanted by established short erotica writer making the transition: A few serious writers to form a critique group through the post. Must be open-minded about long alternate realities/histories and warped view of Judeo-Christianity as well as momentary lapses into English. Vanyel aficianos preferred. Writing credentials and location (US preferred) not important, ability and perseverance are. Respond to: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]."
Order a Queen's Own button from [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. You may use the logo that appears on many of our newsletters or your own design. All artwork MUST fit within a 2" circle. (Do not draw the circle unless you want it to show on your button.) Order now to receive your buttons in time to wear to Balticon or Festival. Each button is $1 and a SASE. If ordering in quantity, ask Vicki for prices.
The Grapevine is a newsletter produced for the enjoyment of fans of Gary Conway and Sci-fi fans in general. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
From David Carpenter: "Story Starters has finally gotten its act together and is ready to release the first packet. For those who don't know about Starters, we compile packets of unfinished stories for others to complete. For more info send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. (Still looking for submissions.)"
To anyone who is fascinated by the Shin'a'in: join Under Kal'enel's Care. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more info.
Copies of Companion's Rest, issues 2 and 3, are available for $2 each from [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Trisha Rohal sends greetings to "A11 From Out There!" Yes, the Romulans are back and ready for some new recruits for the imperial Fleet. Find out how much more there is to us than being the other guys with the pointy ears! For information on the Romulan Star Empire contact [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
From Riyn Gray: "Issue #2 of FRESH BLOOD is finished and has 39 pages of professional typesetting and graphics by a friend whose home and computer were damaged in the last earthquake, which is why it has taken us so long to get it completed. Send $4 cash (or a check or MO made out to Mary J. Meyer) or a #10 envelope for membership info and guidelines to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Fellow QO readers--we tried doing this once and didn't get a good response--so again we will try! Are you interested in a NY/NJ based meeting group to discuss Misty or whatever or just social contact with others like yourself? Please contact [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The K'Guadia clan is seeking members. Create a persona, "own" a Shin'a'in battlesteed, become a warrior. Send a #10 SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
Sunrunners Circle is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation of Melanie Rawn and her works. For more information, send a business-sized SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Join NINE ABOVE!, the Tanya Huff fan club. For information, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Michael Praed Network/Newsletter is a treasure if you're a fan of the BBC's first Robin of Sherwood. Membership is only $15 a year ($17 a year Canadian) for four issues of a newsletter full of pictures and reviews and gossip about Michael's current projects. Make your check payable to Kate Raymond and send it to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The February issue of Vha'attaye Heard, Holly Lisle's newsletter, contains good advice for wanna-be writers, her experiences medicating cats (..."The cats are off drugs now, and we think their chances of survival have improved immensely. We're no longer nearly so tempted to kill them all..."), and an excerpt from an upcoming book. To get on Holly's mailing list send 10 stamps or #10 SASE's to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
This is your last chance to be in the first issue of "Songs and Singers."
Artists, writers, poets, musicians ...I need songs, poetry, and ART! Anything, in short, pertaining to Bards. Send all submissions to Free Bard Tanager [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. While you're at it, why not enclose a SASE for info on Bardic Notes?
There is a whole world of possibilities for aspiring writers and artists in zines on topics ranging from Alien Nation to World War II. For general guidelines send a SASE; for a 25 page list, send a self-addressed envelope with 75 cents worth of postage on it to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. ('Twould be a friendly gesture to include a few loose stamps to help meet printing costs.)
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, 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. We have no guidelines, be creative. And 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 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Do NOT include the release form with your persona material, send it to Misty.
[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: May 14; call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] for directions. Always call before coming, family emergencies (and bad weather) 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.)
Newsletter Border Design--Joanne Thwaites
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.)
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Anne Henderson, Barbara Leflar Jackson, Sharon R. Leinkram, 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
