(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,
No new books from Misty this month, but there are three short stories for you to add to your collection. The cover story in issue #23 of Marion Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine is "Killer Byte," a new Diana Tregarde/Andre adventure. Snows of Darkover, edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley, contains Misty's short story "Poetic License." "The Cup and the Cauldron" appears in Grails: Quests of the Dawn. This is a paperback version of a limited edition hardcover called Grails: Quests, Visitations and other Occurrences that was published in 1942. Both Snows and Grails should be in your local bookstore; FANTASY can be ordered from Marion Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for a year's subscription or $4.95 plus $2.50 shipping and handling for individual issues. Make checks payable to Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Storm Warning and Chrome Circle have an August release date, as do the paper back editions of Winds of Fury and If I Pay Thee Not in Gold. MZB's Sword & Sorceress XI (with a Tarma & Kethry story) will be available this summer, too.
Chrome Circle is a SERRAted Edge book, co-authored by Misty and Larry. It's about mages, and some of them are kind of cute, like Tannim, a young human mage with a taste for hot Celtic rock, fast cars, and dangerous women Now he thinks he's found Ms. Right but there are three problems: Her father is a dragon; she's not human, though she's definitely a fox; she wants to kill him. Tannim's magery may be sometimes erratic, but his batting average for getting himself into trouble is at an all-time high. The ad for Chrome Circle describes it as a "rock'n'roll romp with Lackey's trademark light touch and serious theme which has proven such a winner."
The Black Gryphon made all three of the hardcover best seller lists in the April and May issues of Locus. It will be available in paperback, but not until the end of the year. If you can't wait that long, Science Fiction Book Club has a special edition (with Larry's interior illustrations and jacket art by Jody Lee), for just $7.98. SFBC also offers the Vanyel stories as a 3-in-1 edition called The Last Herald-Mage, The Oathbound and Oathbreakers as a 2-in-1 called Vows and Honor, the Arrows books as a 3-in-1 called Queen's Own, and the Mage Winds books. If you join the book club, you can get six books for a dollar plus shipping and handling and must buy 4 more books within 2 years. Look for a membership form in paperbacks at your bookstore or send me a SASE.
BALTICQN was an interesting experience. My main impression was of too many people crammed into much too small rooms. I think all of those attending (about 3000, I believe) wanted Misty's and Larry's autographs and they signed books for nearly three hours.
FANTASY WORLDS FESTIVAL was much smaller, much friendlier, and a lot more fun. This was Misty's and Larry's last convention for an indefinite period and it provided many happy memories for all of us.
An important point Misty and Larry stressed at both cons is that they write fiction. They create because they enjoy it, and they hope we enjoy their efforts, but as Larry says, "This isn't brain surgery!" Don't be annoyed because they write of characters other than your favorites or because they collaborate with other authors. Let them have fun providing fun for us.
Here are answers to some questions you wanted me to ask Misty and Larry:
Along the lines of they want to have fun too was Misty's answer to where Heralds are between the time of their deaths and coming back as Companions. Said Misty, "Bermuda, Acapulco, The Bahamas....."
Larry's cryptic answer as to how The Silver Gryphon can be set in the current timeline was "person, place, and thing." (Skandranon the Black Gryphon is definitely a person.....)
Why do the shamans voice concern that weapons and the remains of Urthos's tower might be discovered, in spite of the destruction of the homelands? Larry said their fear is justified. Since the weapons vault was shielded, the explosions spread out, taking the path of least resistance. The vaults were buried, with the magical shields holding but the physical walls being damaged.
For you would-be Herald-Mages: Contact your librarian for help in finding a local history group, or ask a high school or college history teacher. And yes, you may submit your papers to the Seneschal of an active SCA group.
There will NOT be a book on Sun & Shadow or on the founding of Valdemar. You know all you need to know says Misty. She feels it's a more effective story as a myth.
For you Tayledras, no restrictions on bondbirds, but be reasonable.
The incident in Bedlam Bards where "Misty" enjoys Eric's playing was a joke on Misty by co-author Ellen Guon. There are no plans at this time to turn the Valdemar books into graphic novels.
Which comes first, Misty's visualization of the characters or Larry's drawings? Depends on the character and circumstances. They use whatever works best at the time.
When a person who is already a Herald is Chosen Monarch's Own, his Companion re-chooses. The bond between potential Monarch's Own and original Companion is not as strong as in other cases.
***Misty's birthday is June 24th. You may send cards to her at her business address: Highflight [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Use the same address for Larry's birthday--July 28th.***
The QO meeting at Festival was a lovely surprise for me. Not only do I now have faces to match with names and voices on the phone, Pacific Northwest Collegium president Charlene Ryan presented me with a lovely plaque and a scroll signed by QO members. Herald Alora designed both AND made signs announcing the presence of QO at the con. I thank you all; I hope all who attended Festival had as much fun as I did.
Conventions are fun, even without Misty and Larry as Guests of Honor.
DISCLAVE May 27-30, Vienna, Virginia. The GoH is Lois McMaster Bujold. Disclave '44 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
AD ASTRA June 17-19, Toronto, Ontario. Guests of Honor, L. Sprague and Catherine Crook de Camp, Diane Duane. Ad Astra 14 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
MIDWESTCON June 23-26 is a "relaxacon" with no special guests but lots of fun: Pat Sims Midwestcon 34 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
SHORE LEAVE 16 July 8-10, Hunt Valley, Maryland. GoH, Terry Farrell. Shore Leave 16 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Shore Leave is limited to 1500 registrants; the deadline for registration by mail is May 31.
B'HAMACON 3 August 26-28 at the Radisson in Birmingham, Alabama. GoH is Lois McMaster Bujold, Toastmaster is Mike Resnick. B'hamacon 3 [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
BUBONICON 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. GoH is Anne McCaffrey. Attending memberships are $125 until 7/15. (Visa or MasterCard accepted) Write to Conadian Box [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.].
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 (CVN-65) 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.**
Firebird Arts & Music has all of Misty's books; T-shirts adorned with Skandranon or a Companion; "Shadow Stalker, Songs of Vanyel's Time" on CD or cassette; 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 Firebird Arts and Music of Oregon, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. If you get the answering machine, please leave your complete name, address, and phone number.
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!
For information on convention survival and fandom terms, send a SASE (or an addressed envelope and 2 IRC's) to Jennifer Brown [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Lynn Tucker sent information on "The Neofan's Guide to Star Trek Fandom," published by the Star Trek Welcommittee. The booklet explains clubs, conventions, fanzines and more. Send a dollar ( or 4 IRC's) to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Although it's Trek oriented, I think you'll find it well worth the money, especially if you've just discovered fandom. (Please tell Joan you got her address from QO.)
COSTUMING & REN FAIRES: Eric Schwartz & Mary Narefski-Schwartz [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.], Wendy A. Zdrodowski aka Free Bard Magpie [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.], Julie Karasik [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
RPGs & COMICS: LyrL 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.].
To those who wrote complaining because they received no April newsletter: No one received an April issue. I won't mail out newsletters in August either.
Please mail information and fan messages for the June newsletter by May 25th.
This is a hard paragraph to write. I'll probably think of six ways to say it better as soon as this goes to the printer but here goes: I have removed Terry Caylor from the mailing list. He is an inmate in Pelican Bay, a maximum security prison. According to the official I spoke to, Pelican Bay is where California sends its worst criminals. Terry is NOT there by mistake. Under no circumstances are you to share a newsletter with Terry and for your own safety, I suggest that you cease corresponding with him.
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 Highflight [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Do NOT include the release form with your persona material, send it to Misty.
From Ellen Million: "You sit down to write replies to those letters piled on your desk, but all you have is stay-puff purple dinosaur paper. You ask yourself, `How can I write to my friends on this stuff?!' Then you remember, Ellen Million sells lovely, fantasy-themed stationery for only $4 plus .60 shipping, 8 1/2x5, wrapped and tied, available in many designs! Send a SASE to Ellen Million Graphics [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]."
"Come .... Join us in a world of fantasy and enchantment, mysticism and romance, where the night is eternal, and the splendour of your dreams awaits you amidst the brilliance of the Masquerade. Issue #2 of this double-sized zine is now available! 52 pages of original poetry, artwork, & tales in a 11x17 format, with 2 full color illustrations, for $5.70. Checks should be made payable to Nicole Blackwell, and orders sent to Moonlight Masquerade c/o Nicole Blackwell [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Future submissions are always welcome! Please send a SASE for guidelines.
"Story Starters has released its second packet. Story Starters is a zinc which compiles unfinished stories and distributes them to be finished by others. Send a stamp to Story Starters c/o David Carpenter [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Please specify pack #1, #2, or general info when writing." - David
The Pretera'sedrin Clan is seeking Clan members. Send a SASE to Kristine Toro [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Please include reasons why you want to be part of our clan.
"We are the travellers of the night. We journey over unspeakable distances to meet other creatures of the night and learn their stories. All these tales we now relate for you. Come, hear! These are Night Songs. The March issue is available for $4, and an SASE will get you guidelines. All correspondence to: J. Wilson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].&quto;
"Herald's Hearth" (a chapter for the Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana area) is off to a good start but is still looking for new members. For more information about joining, send a SASE to Meghan O'Toole [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Southern Hall's newsletter, Southern Arrow, makes no more sense to me than usual (minotaurs? thundercats? Klingons? Fuzzies? What universe are you guys in, anyway?) but everyone seems to be having a good time. To find out how to join the fun, send a SASE to Southern Arrow c/o Ananayo & Nesbit [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
A SASE to Lynn Tucker Triforce Productions [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] will get you info on her Valdemar zines and the guidelines for DS9 zines. Send along an extra stamp if you want flyers for all available zines.
Queen of the Mists is out, and but is it fairitastic! We found all these storytellers just wandering around the Mists, and they told us some great things, so we wrote them down, and they're all in this one issue! So send $3 to us for the Fairy Tales issue of one of the best zines ever ...well, at least that's what we're told! Send your money to Amanda Parsons [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Checks made out to Amanda Parsons, please.
"Does anyone know of a way to get a pen-friend exchange going with the people of Sarajevo and surrounding areas? If so (and if you are interested in participating) please contact Susan Storm [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Let's share the warmth and love we have here in Queen's Own." - Susan
"Heralds wanted! Bards, Healers, and Shin'a'in needed, too! There's still time to submit your characters to the first book of the characters of Misty's fandom. Friends and family of your persona are also welcome. Send a copy (preferably typed) to in" Schwarz [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
"Come Clansibs and join your family, the Shin'a'in. Our bi-monthly newsletter, Under Kafenel's Care, covers poems, songs, messages, a discussion forum, and updates on us and what we're doing. You could even have the chance of joining Captain Stephania's Mercenary Company, the Windstalkers. Send a SASE for more information, dues are 15 stamps. UKC c/o Stephenie Anderson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]."
"Children of the Firstborn" is the official Jennifer Roberson fan club supported by Jennifer herself. Dues of $6 covers the newsletter (and any extra goodies that I get help with!) For more information please send SASE to Children of the Firstborn [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Collegium Chronicles is the newsletter of the Pacific Northwest Collegium. It features a GEnie report, convention news, member-submitted artwork and poetry, filk, and lots more. For information on joining, send a SASE to Charlene Ryan [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
A recent copy of Northern Arrows, the newsletter of The Forgotten Waystation, featured a recipe for Gully Dwarf Stew, poetry, art, music reviews, and more. Send a SASE to Amanda Gifford. Editor Northern Arrows [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] for more information.
If you live in or near Ohio, subscribe to The Herald's Companion for news of Ren-Faires, book reviews, art & poetry and more. (Fairy Tales featuring QO folk? Letters to and from the Typo-Dragon?) For info, send a SASE to Karen Bertke [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: June 11; call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] for directions. Always call before coming, family emergencies can postpone mailings.
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.] 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 Design--Michelle Hermary
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Meredith Baldino, Frank Burkhead, Helen Edwards and Rusty, Barbara Leflar Jackson.
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
