(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,
She likes it! ("It" being the replica of Need, of course, and "she" obviously being Misty.) To all of you who enviously said, "Have a great time at DreamCon," I wasn't there either! But the Pacific Northwest Collegium did us all proud. Here's Tia Schmidt's report of the weekend . . .
"Pacific Northwest Collegium was proud to represent all of Queen's Own at DreamCon6 held in Everett, QA, with Misty and Larry as Guests of Honor.
"Of course PNWC attended all filk concerts/filk circles and Larry & Misty panels and by the middle of the weekend we were affectionately referred to as 'The White Out'! Spontaneous invitations by Misty brough the Collegium to her suite Satruday noon for a private book signing, which Larry later joined and also provided his autograph and humo! A mid-afternoon birthday party for Herald Kym's Companion Marcus (her car in his mundane role) resulted in another invitation to Misty's suite. Everyone clamored for a story which Misty graciously responded to with a reading of the Herald short story in Horsefantastic. At the end of the reading, we promptly cleared the room to go prepare for the evening filk convert (and the still secret presentation!). Saturday evening, filk was presented by Misty, Tom Paine, and PNWC member Cecelia Eng. After 45 minutes of fun, including a song dedicated by Misty to our beloved Herald Housemother sung by Misty in the appropriate 'New Joisey' accent, we were led by Cecelia Eng into a rousing rendition of 'Sunhawks.' After the applause died down, it was time for THE PRESENTATION!
"A group of Collegium members approached Misty, and Herald Kym announced we had a gift we thought she might be Needing. After first confusing the carton for an odd shaped pizza, Misty was completely stunned to recognize Need. (Response was reminiscent of Elspeth in Winds of Fate.) Larry, holding the scabbard as Need was sheathed, quickly reminded Misty he could not handle Need itself. When the laughter died down, Herald Stefanna presented Need's plaque, which Misty read aloud to the assemblage . . . Herald Tarn and Healer-Trainee Lisa also presented Collegium T-shirts and buttons to Misty and Larry.
"Cecelia Eng provided a unique bottle of wine with 'contents of Valdemar.' Misty commented on the 'white' label graced by a horse.
"Misty was totally astounded by the Need replica--and especially that all of Queen's Own had kept such a big secret! Especially after all the personal time we had all shared. Queen's Own can congratulate ourselves on a well conducted maneuver. Good job on keeping the shields up!"--Tia Schmidt, PNWC.
Need is paid for--My thanks to all who contributed. We did good!
Steelwolf Armourie was commissioned to build the replica of Need. Misty's Need is a Norman style sword 28" long, straight double edged with a wide fuller. The guard and pommel are of steel and the handle is leather wrapped maple. The scabbard is bass wood covered with leather and a 2 ring hanger. The belt was to be fitted to Misty at the Con. Need can hang on the wall in the Great Hall of The Aerie and look pretty, but if Misty chooses to wear it, it's ready for action. To discuss obtaining your own sword from Steelwolf Armourie, write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
The ad for Born to Run in the November issue of LOCUS announces: "Hot Cars, Fast Elves, & Rock-N-Roll . . . A New Urban Fantasy Series by the Hottest New Writer in Fantasy.
"There are elves out there. And more elves are coming. But even elves need money to survive in the 'real' world. Good elves, intrigued by the thrills of stock car racing, are manufacturing new light-weight engines (with, incidentally, very little 'cold' iron); the bad elves run a kiddie-porn and cnuff-film ring, with occasional forays into drugs.
"The people trapped in between: three runaways. Good kids already in serous trouble and about to get into more. Unwitting pawns in a deadly game, they will either be saved--or led into a fate worse than death . . . "
Release date: March 1992.
Available now is Sword and Sorceress VIII, with a new Tarma & Kethry story. Coming soon is the anthology, Horsefantastic, edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Rosalind M. Greenberg. It contains Misty's story of how Alberich was Chosen.
Misty is listed as Special Guest of Honor at Chattacon 17, January 17-19 in Chattanooga. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Jacksonville is hosting 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. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Misty and Larry will be Guests of Honor at BFAC, the Boise Fantasy Arts Con April 24-26 at the Holiday Inn in Boise. For more information write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
The Saint Louis Airport Hilton is the home of Name that Con 5, to be held May 1-3. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Jody Lee will be Artist Guest of Honor at Boskone 29 in Springfield, Massachusetts February 14-16 '92. She says "I'll be showing about 7 years worth of art so it should be a sight!" [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
I've gotten Herald packets by FedEx, by priority mail, by UPS--and I've gotten 10 pages squished into a standard size envelope with postage due! Please, all would-be Heralds, Bards, Healers, whatever . . . please send me all your material at one time. And please invest a few cents in a large envelope so your material can be mailed flat. The cats think crumpled pages of notebook paper should be theirs. To all Heralds, Healers, Bards and others who have created personas and breathed life into them: Send your stories and poems and art to one of our zines!
Welcome, Herald Janna Raskeya, Chosen by Kshaver and gifted with Mindspeech and Fetching. Jenny Lorinsky sent the story of her persona and her family, a drawing, a snapshot that proves she knows how to ride and a poem.
From Reyna Burke comes Herald Tasha, Chosen by Silverwind and gifted with Fetching, Healing, and Mindhealing. Reyna sent descriptions of her persona and friends, a story, two poems, and sketches of Tasha and Silverwind, a costume, and two friends.
Sara Keating introduces us to Zhelhala Kharhal, a Bard with the Creativity and Talent. Sara sent descriptions of Zhel and her friends, a short story, and two poems.
Stephania shena Pretera'sedrin, of the mercenary company Windstalkers, has recently been promoted to Captain. Stephanie Anderson sent a story, timeline, two drinking songs and a letter home.
Welcome Herald Anya Abaidh, Chosen by Bemba and gifted with Mindspeech. Hayley Juhl sent background information on her persona, family and friend, a story, a recipe and a poem.
From Yvette Fleming comes Herald Raven Firestar, Chosen by Stellar and gifted with Mindspeech, Fetching and Foresight. Yvette sent a map, a recipe, a poem, a drawing of Stellar, and information on her persona and a friend.
Melinda Carriker brings us Herald Shona shena Tale'sedrin, Chosen by Moondancer and gifted with Empathy, Healing, and Animal Mindspeech. Melinda sent detailed background information on Shona and her family and friends, a poem, a story, and something new--a statistical study on the chances of rolling each gift.
Welcome, Herald Nieve Wulfe, gifted with Fetching and Animal Mindspeech. Donna Goad sent information on Nieve and her family, a drawing, a short story and a poem, htree original recipes, and designed and created a costume (with both a skethc and a photo of herslef in the costume).
From Jeff Gerla comes Herald Taven shena Tale'sedrin, Chosen by Shall'a and gifted with Mindspeech, Mindhealing and Empathy. Jeff sent his persona's story, descriptions and drawings of Taven and his friends, a poem and a recipe.
Cheryl Robles introduces us to Herald Lorraine Ryder, Chosen by Vision and gifted with Mindspeech and Fetching. Cheryl sent background material on Lorraine and her family, a poem, a sketch of Vision, and photos of Cheryl on horseback. Also included was an outline for a zine called Sapphire Dragons, set in an alternate Valdemar/Pern universe.
Welcome, Herald Kirith Jariel Eldesharr, Chosen by Alaran and gifted with Mindspeech, Foresight and Empathy. Kiri Guyaz sent two drawings, a costume design, a coat of arms, background information on her persona and a friend, ten poems, a story and a photo of herself on horseback. Kiri also sent the border used ont he front page of this month's newsletter.
From [Name withheld] comes the Shin'a'in warrior Raven shena Rotale'sedrin. [Name withheld] sent information on her persona and a friend, a map, a letter home, a poem, and a song.
From Joan Barker comes Herald Micheline Temberen, Chosen by Vayla and gifted with Fetching and Animal Mindspeech. Joan sent a story of her persona's background and her Choosing, a timeline and a recipe.
Welcome, Herald Gwanwyn Smithsdaughter, Chosen by Wnydler and gifted with strong Mindspeech and some Empathy. Stacey R. Petlev sent information on her persona, friends and her Companion, wrote a poem, created a recipe, drew a mpa of Gwan's hometown, and sent photos of the model she made of it as well as a photo of herself in the costume she designed.
Welcome, Herald Jolee Alsierra, Chosen by the mare Roppi and gifted with strong Mindspeech and Fetching. Mari Toshimitsu told us of Jolee in the form of an introductory letter, and also sent a poem, a map and "guided tour" of the family home, sketches of winter whites, and a recipe.
Welcome, Herald Debra Valcoeur, Chosen by Kandar and gifted with Mindspeech, Empathy, and Mindhealing. Debbie Davis sent background information on her persona and a friend, diagrams of her home, poems and a story.
Herald material received later than October 23rd will be recognized in the next newsletter.
"Stop the Presses! Heralds Tamino and Sarra proudly announce the availability of the First Ever Herald's Own--UK Chapter zine, The Green Issue. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]"
"Yes, Southern Arrow is alive and well and reaching its first anniversary! Anyone geographically located or interested in the Southeastern section of the US is welcome to send inquiries to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. We promise to delight and confuse you within the mental confins of our hall."
From Peter Sachs, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]: An Ontarion and Quebec Chapter of Queen's Own, tentatively called The Valdemar Web, is being formed in Ontario. If interest indicates, all Candadian Misty fans will be included. We'll have book and movie reviews, "fan messages," and space for reader poetry and other messages. The newsletter will have a definite emphasis on Canadian writing talent. Formal dues and number of issues are still undecided; the faster we receive input and interest, the sooner we can project a first issue release date. My partner in crime is Jennifer Kolpannen. Please send a SASE if interested.
The Ohio Chapter of Queen's Own, The Herald's Companion, has a new fearless leader and address. Write to Karen Bertke, 5694 Scarborough Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45238 for more information. Also, if you did not get the August issue, please let Karen know.
From Lavina Cheung [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]: "Greetings from/to VA, MD, DC! For an update, yes, we will be putting out a newsletter. It should be out by December . . . If area QOers haven't written us yet, please do. Or call me (Vacina) at [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
From Kevin Donesin [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]: I am willing to start a QO chapter/newsletter for the western North Carolina area. If there are interested QO members in the area, please contact me at Warren Wilson College.
For the CT, ME, MA, NH, RI and VT areas: A New England chapter called The Collegia's Tapestry. Heather Lantz is willing to put out a bi-monthly newsletter and a penpal directory. Tenative dues are [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Hey!! We know you're out there! Everyone can be a poet. You don't htink so? Well, we do! Join DREAMSCAPES, the Queen's Own Poetry Club. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Our first newsletter is coming along nicely. Now, we just need you! ,P> "My name is Anna Smith, and I'm trying to start a new fanzine. Poems, word puzzles, songs, stories, quotes, art-work . . . I would really like to use persona stories, if anyone is interested. Please send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Lynn Tucker [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] announces Shards of Autumn, a novella by QO member Den Elms. The price for the 55-60 page zine is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Shards of Autumn is a look at the darker side of Valdemar. Den says, " . . . my story is about despair, sorrow and pain, with hope the only escape. It is . . . a very darkly Gothic, darkly romantic vision of Valdemar."
"Children of the Firstborn" is the newsletter of the Jennifer Roberson fan club, run by QO member Stephanie Anderson. For more information , send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
QO member Kate Raymond is having lots of fun with the Michael Praed Network Newsletter. For the latest news about Michael's career, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Who is Michael PRaed? Many of us feel this actor was the inspiration for Vanyel onthe Jody LEe covers.
Our oldest zine is Arrow's Message. Both its artwork and prose have been consistently above average. For guidelines or ordering information, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Issue one of Enchantress is available and submissions are being accepted for Enchantress 2. To order the zine or obtain a guideline sheet, write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Are you ready to think about holiday shopping? There's the Sunhawk Calendar for 1992, available from Cris Martins [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
For [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] you can also get a copy of In the Palace Kitchen, a collection of recipes for Heralds, Healers and other hungry folk. Order from [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Remember The Valdemar Merchant too for unique holiday gifts. Send a legal size SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Don't forget Firebird Arts & Music. They have the companion tapes to By the Sword and Oathbreakers (both excellent) and even more treasures. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld. Firebird's website is at http://www.firebirdarts.com.].
If you need help with weaponry for your persona or in a story, contact Cris Martins [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Cris was moderator for the panel "Martial ARts in Fantasy" at Contradiction and did a fine job. You can also ask her questions about filk and costuming.
TO ALL CHAPTERS, ZINE EDITORS, AND ANYONE ELSE WITH SOMETHING TO SAY: Please send news and announcements to me by November 30 for the December issue.
I have "lost" Deidre O'Shaughnessy, Jenny Mandel, Jennifer Mulverhill, W.F. Foltys, Christine Gregory, Danielle Collier, and Kent Alexander. All these QO members have months left in their subscriptions, but their newsletters were returned after the October mailing. If any of you are writing to any of them, please remind them that I need their current address.
If I am not printing your address correctly on the newsletter label, LET ME KNOW! If I get a newsletter back, I delete you from the membership list.
Please "pay" for your fan message by answering at least one of the messages that appear in the same issue as yours. You may write to as many pen pals as you want without ever putting in a message yourself.
Fan messages received after October 23rd will be in the nest newsletter.
[Ed. Note 2003: Fan messages are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained.]
[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 [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] (Write to her with questions about anything--she's our Answer Lady!)
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Leah Adezio, Suzanne Brenner, Patti Hemeleski, Cris Martins, and Jim & Joanne Mattern.
Let us give thanks for this season of the harvest; let us give thanks for the gift of friendship. Brightest blessings to you all.
Wind to they 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
