Dear Misty Fans,
(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.)
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Dear Misty Fans,
The four chapters of Bardic Voices: The LArk & the Wren that many of you received in the mail is called a teaser book. It's a form of advertising and, in this case, a thank you from Baen to all QO members who can be reached by surface mail. I hoped it would be viewed as a pleasant surprise. If anyone objects to my making your address available to Baen, please let m eknow, and I will remove your name form future mailings. Baen does not have the QO membership list; I am printing labels for them as needed. As I said, it's Baen's way of showing their appreciation to Misty's fans. There will be more goodies in your mailboxes from time to time.
Jinx High is finally on shelves in NJ, as is Winds of Fate. Wow! Two new books by Misty to read! Yes, the George Louvis mentioned in Jinx High is a relative--my older son to be exact. He's a nusician but he's never had an experience like that prom gig.
If you feel you can't afford a hardcover book, nag your local library to buy Winds of Fate, take up a collection among your friends and buy a to-be-shared copy, bet it from a friend, put it on your Christmas list (and ask for it now)--you've got to read this one! Heart-stopping moments, twists and turns in the plot, characters so well drawn they feel like old friends . . . Winds of Fate is probably Misty's best work to date.
The Elvenbane, Misty's collaboration with Andre Norton, is the featured selection of the Science Fiction Book Club for November. It's being offered at a "limited time only" price [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. If you don't belong to the SFBC, now is a good time to join. You get six books for [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.], and the member friend who enlists you gets [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Your obligation is to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. I've already sent in my order, and I'll be glad to send the enrollment form to the first person who asks for it.
Papers have been signed on the Aerie, Misty and Larry's new home. As Laary described it via GEnie on September 11th: "The closing went smoothly. To insure it would be fun for all, Misty went in a black suede skirt and blue satin and lave top, with her Aussie Digger hat, and I arrived in a white tux-and-tails. The paperwork took about half an hour, and the jokes lasted another half hour. The moving has begun! And yes, for those wondering, I *did* wear my black sequined shoes." (Thanks to Michelle Lutz for acting as our GEnie reporter.)
Misty and Larry ahge yet to spend a night in their new home. They signed the papers, moved their belongings, and left in their RV for Contradiction and a bit of visiting, expecting to be back home about now. They travel with laptops and conseintiously write, write, write, even when on the road.
STARLOG magazine will feature an interview with Misty in its November issue (probably available now). It will have photos, too. The interview is by Brad Sinor, one of the Guests at last year's SoonerCon. STARLOG is sometimes hard to track down; be persistent.
There's a full page ad for Bardic Voices in the September issue fo LOCUS that is headlined "A start of a new series from one of the hottest writers in fantasy today." Also in that issue is a publicity photo of Misty and Larry. It's lovely, but I like our informal shot better. If you're curious about Misty and LArry's appearnace and can't find a copy of LOCUS, send me [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. My expenses have been met, so all money collected now will go to S.O.A.R., one of Misty and LArry's favorite projects.
Available from Firebird, the companion tapes to By the Sword and Oathbreakers. These are excellent! The lastest Firebird catalog is full of even more treasures. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld. Firebird's website is at http://www.firebirdarts.com.]
Jody Lee will be Arists Guest of Honor at Boskone 29 in Springfield, Massachusetts February 14-16 '92. She says "I'll be showing about 7 ears worht of art so it should be a sight!" [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] Prints are still available for the "Vows and honor" series (an edition of 250) and "The LAst HErald Mage" (an edition of 350). [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
SECRET MESSAGE!! We have commissioned a replica of Need to be presented to Misty at DreamCon 6. Please send a dollar if you approve of that idea. The cost is $450; we have raised only $100 so far. THe Pacific Northwest Collegium is providing a plaque and belt and scabbard. Contributors' names will go on a scroll to be presented later. The sword, scabbard and plaque are to be ready by Con time. Contact the Collegium for more information about the presentation ceremony. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]
I think a good time was had by all who attended CONTRADICTION 11 at the Radisson Hotel Niagara Falls. Misty and Larry seemed to be enjoying themselves, all the fans I talked to were content, and my only regret ist hat I can't seem to stay awake for the filking. It was an excellently run con with very appealing guests and interesting panel discussions. Next year's Guests are Harry Turtledove and C.H. Cherryh--the dates are October 2-4.
Niagara Falls Science Fiction Association is asking for your support for their WorldCon bid in 1998. They offer lower attending membership rates and substantially reduced air fares AND a chance to see Niagara Falls. All facilities are within a five minute walk of the Falls; the combined meeting space of the Convention Center and hotels exceeds a quarter of a million square feet. Pre-supporting memberships are [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Both are convertible to Attending memberships. The committee is made up of fans who believe that WorldCons should be Fun, Affordable, and HAssle-free. Their address is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Let's give them our support!
Dreamcon 6 is November 1-3 at the Quality Inn Hotel & Conference Center, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. The Pacific Northwest Collegium has planned a QO get-together. For a registration form, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Remember to pack your Whites.
Misty is listed as Special Guest of Honor at Chattacon 17, January 17-19 in Chattanooga. Memberships purchased before 11/15/91 are [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. Memberships are [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 [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.].
KeyCon 9 is May 15-17 at the Best Western International in Winnipeg. Terry Pratchett and Misty are Guests of Honor. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Add your ideas to the 1992 Sunhawk Calendar, a calendar of art and verse inspired by Misty's many worlds. Cris Martins is looking for artwork, poetry, filk, and suggestions for important dates. Send your submissions to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] before October 31. Calendar cost is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Remember The Valdemar Merchant for advertising your wares and for discovering unique holiday gifts. Send a legal size SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] for a copy or guidelines.
Another gift suggestion: In the Palace Kitchen is our first Valdemar cookbook. It has tasty recipes and lever illustrations. Order from [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Interested in art? Do you wonder what the art show at a con is like? Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. The September issue is still available.
"Attention Writers, Artists, Poets, and Bards, you are needed. The Waystation, a fanzine dedicated to the people fo Valdemar, needs you. Now accepting Herald based and 'original' fantasy submissions. For guidelines, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
From Shade: "Do you write poetry? Do you have doubts as to your ability? Well, we don't. Join Dreamscapes, the Queen's Own poetry club. Herels your chance to display your talent. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]."
Our oldest zine is Arrow's Message. Both its artwork and prose have been consistently above average. For guidelines or ordering information, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
From Anna Smith, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]: "Heyla! Michele Marfori and I are starting a fan/newsletter and would like your contributions. Art (cartoons), poems, stories, anything. We would really like Herald-persona info. For more inofrmation send a SASE."
From Vicki McElfresh [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]: Issue two of Companion's Rest is done. I am opening Issues 3 & 4 up to movie &qmp; book reviews, and topics people would like to discuss.
"Attention all subjects of the PAcific Northwest Collegium Realm: If you live in Washington, ORegon, or Idaho and would like to join the Collegium, please write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. One year dues [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Come join our members in greeting Misty at Dreamcon!"
Are you interested in the SCA? Terra Caldwell has offered to be SCA Mentor. Send your questions to her at [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].
TO ALL CHAPTERS, ZINE EDITORS, AND ANYONE ELSE WITH SOMETHING TO SAY: Because of the large volume of mail I have been receiving, there will be a November issue. Please send news and announcements to me by October 28.
Welcome, Herald Kalyr Morn, Chosen by Shyla, and gifted with Foresight, Mindspeech, and Empathy. Den Elms sent character sketches of his persona, another Herald, and their Companions, as well as poems and an excerpt from his 80-page story.
From Jessica Trotter comes Herald Allyna Sable, Chosen by Brianna, and gifted with strong Mindspeech and Fetching. Jessica sent biographical information on her persona, her husband, two friends and poems, a sketch and a family tree.
Liz presents Herald Karai Zwya shena Vuysher'edras, Chosen by the mare Keziah. Liz tells us Karai's gifts are Mindspeech and Farsight. She sent character sketches of her persona and family and yearmates, a poem and two stories.
Welcome, Herald Jahnna Dylair, Chosen by Ronan and gifted with Mindspeech and Farsight. Laurel Slongwhite sent background information on her persona, her twin and three friends. She wrote two poems, two stories and a series of letters telling of Collegium life, and she also earned points for taking riding lessons and being associate editor of the zine Enchantress.
Nicole Peeler brings us Herald Raven Skiesho, Chosen by Firedrake and gifted with strong Mindspeech and Fetching. Nicole rides hunter-jumpers, and sent character sketches of her persona and friends, a poem, 2 drawings and submitted a short story to a zine.
From Jackie Guisinger comes Herald Cressia, Chosen by Tarus and gifted with Mindspeech, Fetching and Empathy. Jackie sent her persona, a map, a drawing of a Companion and a story.
Welcome, Herald Keris, Chosen by Tarveer and gifted with Animal Mindspeech. Tona Morrow sent character sketches of her persona and a friend, an essay on the care and feeding of horses, three drawings and a photo of herself on a horse that she share-boards.
Welcome, Herald Taeryn, Chosen by Chiefta, and gifted with strong Mindspeech and Fetching. Besides creating her persona and supporting characters, Tia Schmidt earns points for her work with the Pacific Nrothwest Collegium chapter and newsletter.
Welcome, Herald Kestrel Liann T'Rael, Chosen by Kierlai and gifted with Mindspeech and strong Fetching. Kathy D. Wilson sent descriptions of her persona and friend, a partial genealogy, a letter, song lyrics, three poems and two recipes.
Kathy also sent me a book, Volunteer USA, by Andrew Carroll. She says "I figure that to truly be Heralds, we ought to take an interest in the world, people and animals around us. The organizations in this book need not only money, but time and bodies as well." She went on to suggest that joining a volunteer agency would be a worthy addition to the list of things that earn points toward our Whites. W.H. Auden wrote "We are here on earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I don't know." Volunteer USA is indexed by organization and region. Look for it in your library. Offer your assistance to the social, environmental, or educational organization of your choice, not because it will earn you points, but because there is a need.
[Ed. Note 2003: Fan messages are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained.]
Why hasn't your fan message or Herald acknowledgement appeared? Maybe the post office lost it, or the cats ate it, or there are fifty others that arrived before it did, or maybe--I can't read it or I decided it was inappropriate. If you write to me, especially in pencil or in tiny handwriting, and I have to puzzle out the words, the letter goes to the bottom of the pile. Easy-to-read fan messages and Herald material always go in first. I'm not being mean; I have vision problems. Puzzling over illegible handwriting gives me a headache. Too many headaches and nothing gets done. Don't threaten me because something you sent hasn't appeared in the newsletter. Sending me $8 for ten issues of hte newsletter does not buy me! If you are unhappy with QO, I will quickly refund your money and delete your address.
I decide what is appropriate for the newsletter. This is not a lonely hearts club, nor a forum for the weird and outre. Queen's Own exists to bring you news of Misty's books and convention appearances, to open doors into other aspects of fandom, and to permit you to correspond with other readers. Local chapters allow you to make even closer contact with fellow fans, and zines and other projects allow you to show off new skills. If what you consider "fun" I consider to be in bad taste, you will be ignored.
One last bit of nagging--Stop freaking out the Mundanes! When you attend a convention you are a representative of fandom. It may amuse you to frighten a maid or waitress, but it certainly causes the rest of us problems. (See Misty's Chilfren of the Night, pages 10-11.) I worked very hard to convince a maid at Contradiction that we were harmless folk who just liked to dress funny and play pretend. Remember, if the staff of a hotel decideds SF/F fans cause problems, conventions will find themselves without homes. If you consider simple courtesy a compronise of your individuality, stay home!
[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)--The Outlander, Leah Adezio, Suzanne Brenner, Ana Casacuberta, Patti Hemeleski, Joanne Mattern.
What problem does Misty have when she goes scuba diving? Mercedes Benz! Sent to you courtesy of Robert Pierce.
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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
