(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,
Watch for Misty's hardcover book, Four and Twenty Blackbirds. It has a December release date but may be shipped earlier. Four and Twenty Blackbirds is a Bardic Voices book from the same universe as The Lark and the Wren, The Robin and the Kestrel, The Eagle and the Nightingales, and the 3-in-1 volume, The Free Bards.
The current issue of Marian Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine has a cover story by Misty entitled "Gray." Single issue price is $5.95, postage per order is an additional $2.50. Still available is FANTASY issue #23, containing the last Diana Tregarde short story, "Killer Byte." The cost of Issue #23 is $4.95. Remember, postage cost is per order, not per issue. Order both issues and pay only $2.50 in shipping costs. You can subscribe to Marion Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine for just $20 a year (4 issues), $38 for two years, $54 for three years, $68 for four years, and $80 for five years. Canadian and overseas subscriptions are more, write for prices. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.] accepts freelance submissions "from people who have read our guidelines." Send a SASE for Writers' Guidelines to the above address.
Firebird's new catalog will be mailed in a few weeks and is filled with tempting treasures for yourself and for holiday gifts. New this catalog are T-shirts with designs by Larry Dixon--Skandranon from The Silver Gryphon and the Wyrsa pack leader from the same book--and a T-shirt with a map of Valdemar. The tees are brown ink on natural (the Wyrsa will have red eyes) and will be ready for the holidays. There are pages of feather and pewter jewelry, books by Misty and other of your favorite authors, stationery, needlepoint patterns, doll-size costume patterns, and more. Firebird carries music by Tempest, Michael Longcor, David Arkcnstone, R. Carlos Nakai, Steeleye Span, Clannad . . . You may preorder Four and Twenty Blackbirds and Firebird will ship the books as soon as they come in.
If you have never ordered from Firebird and would like a catalog, send a $3 check or money order to Firebird Arts & Music [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]. To browse through the catalog online, use [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]. Sorry, Firebird does not ship catalogs or merchandise to prison addresses.
From TEMPEST:
"Dear Friends, We had a lot of fun in the studio, and it shows on our new CD! We have been out on the road since July in support of "The Gravel Walk," and the high point of our touring was performing for twenty-odd thousand at the Cropredy Festival in England.
"We now have a new web page: [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.] and you can e-mail us at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.].
"Fan Club. The unofficial TEMPEST Fan Club is 'for the fans, by the fans' and not directly affiliated with Tempest or our record company. For membership information, send S.A.S.E. to The Tempest Fan Club, [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]."
Other TEMPEST titles include "Turn of the Wheel," "Surfing to Mecca," "Serrated Edge," "Bootleg," Sunken Treasures," and Lief Sorbye's "Across the Borders." Order CDs from Firebird or directly from TEMPEST--Tempest [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.].
*Caliban* is members of TEMPEST playing acoustic. Folks in the California area can hear them Saturday 11/1 at 7pm, The Open Door in Pacheco [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Wednesday 11/OS at 9pm, Plough & Stars in San Francisco [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Friday 11/07 at 9pm, The Owl Club in Roseville [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Saturday 11/08 at 8pm, Valley Brewing Co. in Stockton [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Sunday 11/09 at Spm, Santa Rosa Brewing Co. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Wednesday 11/12 at 9pm, Fibber MaGee's in Sunnyvale [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Friday 11/14 at 8pm, Borders Books in Emeryville [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Saturday 11/15 at 8pm, The Hopyard in Pleasanton [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; Friday 11/21 at 8 pm, Bocci's Cellar in Santa Cruz [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.]; and Saturday 11/22 at 8pm, The Rose in Santa Rosa [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withhold.].
Mark Shepherd has a new Bard's Tale book, Escape Front Roksamur. "Once again, instead of writing music, working spells or training his apprentice, Bard Alaire is asked to turn his hand to diplomacy. Because he's the only man the king, his brother, can trust to investigate the death of the previous Ambassador, Alaire has been made Ambassador to the troubled kingdom of Suinomen. Once before Alaire was in Suinomen--and barely made it out alive from its Prison of Souls. Now he will face high seas, low magic, and kidnapping by giant spiders--and that's before he even gets there . . . " Escape from Roksamur is a sequel to Prison of Souls, co-authored by Misty and Mark in 1993.
Lois McMaster Bujold's Memory is now available in paperback. "Dying is easy. Coming back to life is hard. Al least that's what Miles Vorkosigan thinks and he should know, having done both once already. Thanks to quick thinking on the part of his staff, his first death wasn't his last. But his next one might be, a realization he finds profoundly unsettling. Things look bad, but they are far worse than Miles imagines, as he discovers his worst nightmares about Simon Illyan don't compare to Illyan's worst nightmares--or are they Memories?" (Read Lois's Mirror Dance first for greatest impact.)
David Weber's latest Honor Harrington novel, In Enemy Hands, is as exciting as his first. "Honor Harrington has been shot at, shot down, and just plain shot, had starships blown out from under her, and she's survived it all. But this time circumstances forced her to surrender to the enemy. Now Honor finds herself aboard an enemy battlecruiser, bound for a prison planet aptly named 'Hell' . . . and her scheduled execution. Yet the one lesson Honor Harrington has never learned is how to give up, and she and her people are going home. Even if they have to conquer Hell to get there."
From Marion Zimmer Bradley and Holly Lisle comes Glenraven, a novel of two ordinary American women who are called on to become heroes great enough to save a world . . . and themselves in the bargain.
For definitions of our fannish jargon, read "Pros & Cons: An Introduction to Fandom" written by Elizabeth Barrette. Send [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] to the Q0 address for this 12 page booklet.
Arrows Online meets in the Fantasy Fiction Chat Room on AOL. For details, AOL folk can e-mail the Dean of Westhaven Collegia at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Or, if you want to take a look from afar, come to the Lackey Fan forum, located in the listbox of the Fantasy forum of Fictional Realm [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] on AOL. Look for the Message board named "Arrows OnLine." Non AOL folk can learn a bit about us by visiting our web page at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Austral'a'in--Austral'a'in editor Cassandra Vuksa is looking for submissions for a zinc as well as for the newsletter. For more information, write to Cassandra Vuksa [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. The latest issue of Austral'a'in has book reviews, a short story, persona information and pen pal ads.
Companion's Choice--Shanara Ravensong [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Dream Bound--c/o Sharon Tan [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The Farflying Arrow: Achtung, an alle deutschsprechenden Misty-Fans!! Write to Gwendolen c/o Daniela Scheele Wiesenstr. [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Golden Grove--Stephanie Anderson [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
The Herald's Companion--Herald's Companion c/o Karen Bertke [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. So that's where feezils come from! Also recipes, book reviews, and poetry.
Outkingdom--Y'larna Finnareth c/o Joanne Thwaites [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Pacific Northwest Collegium--c/o Laura Cameron [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. The latest issue of The Collegium Chronicles contains news of local conventions and other noteworthy events.
R.C.M.H.--Contact Pam Dziedzic [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Under Kai'enel's Care--[Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. These bi-monthly newsletters are aimed specifically at the Shin'a'in.
Michael Praed--Michael Praed Network NewsLetter c/o Kate Raymond [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Jennifer Roberson--Children of the Firstborn [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Doctor Who and other Media--The Prydonians of Prynceton [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Dues are $12 ($22 for first class postage) for their monthly newsletter, The Prydonian Renegade.
Tanya Huff--NINE ABOVE! [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Anne McCaffrey/Pern--Sunfall Weyr has a web site at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] or contact them c/o [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Adrian Paul of Highlander--Peace APFC [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] or Peace-APFC [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Lois Bujold can be reached at Imbujold([Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] "The Bujold Nexus" is at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Pandemonium--the official Melanie Rawn club invites you to join their ranks. Sase for more information: Irena Pereira [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Flights of Fantasy [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] specializes in new and used science fiction & fantasy, mystery & suspense and romance books, and roleplaying, tabletop gaming, and collectible card games. Owner Maria Perr_v says "If we don't have it in stock, we do special orders--any genre. Give us your want list--we'll do our best for you! We handle mail orders, both local and international." (She found Barry Hughart's 1988 The Story of the Stone for me.) For orders outside the 518 area code call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Flights of Fantasy accepts orders from inmates.
Experience the wonder of fantasy come to life on quality stationery, bookmarks, cards and prints. Ellen Million Graphics offers beautiful products by outstanding new artists; custom work is available. Something for everything, including Misty designs! Write for your free catalog to Ellen Million Graphics [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. "Order . . . and be enchanted."
Healer-Adept Winterfire stands up and claps her hands for attention. "Heyla, heartsibs! Are you looking for a newsletter that has poetry, artwork, stories, reviews, personas, pen pal ads, and heaps of other cool stuff? For a newsletter that has been around for almost two years and will be around for many more? Then maybe AUSTRAL'A'IN is for you! Contrary to the name, we're looking for members around the world--for $12 Australian or 20 IRCs you will receive eight issues of eight pages each, including a piece of A4 artwork/title page. Australian membership is cheaper--ask me. If you can't get IRCs or an Australian money order, write anyway--I negotiate. You can reach us at Austral'a'in c/o Cassandra Vuksa [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Zhai'helleva.
Herald Jaala stands as Winterfire sits and grins impudently at the crowd. "Oh, she forgot to mention that we have put together a 50-ish page zinc of contributions Austral'a'in has received over the past two years. All work in this zine is Misty related. We have poetry, stories, personas, and heaps of cool artwork! The cost is exactly the same as a year's membership in Austral'a'in: $12 Australian or 20 IRCs for those of you who are overseas, and $8 or 20 forty-five cent stamps for Australians. (Sorry if that seems discriminatory, but I have to cover postage.) I hope to hear from you soon; write to Austral'a'in: PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH c/o Cassandra Vuksa [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Stars bright your path."
Issue 3 of ON THE WING, the zinc for anyone interested in the Tayledras, is complete and we are accepting submissions for #4 and #5. A sample issue is $1.50 and subsequent issues are $2.00. Write to Julie Persinger [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Hey everyone! Sadly, due to lack of sufficient subscriptions, Dream Bound is stopping publication in Dec/Jan. We would like to make our last publication a bumper issue and would love to feature something by you. Been meaning to write for a zinc? Now is the time. We'll publish anything that is sent in. Everyone who sends in a submission and an SASE (or self-addressed envelope and 2 IRCs) will get a free issue. To everyone who sent in submissions in the past, thanks a whole bunch, you really kept us going till now. Please send all submissions to Dream Bound c/o Sharon Tan [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Ariya stands up on the table with a big grin on her face to announce the latest about the zine that she and Rea run. "Listen up, people! Issue #1 of DON'T ARGUE WITH THE VOICE is finally done, and features a story by Kendra Renaud! It costs $4 for an issue. Contributors get discounts. Issues 2 & 3 are open for submissions." "We are accepting artwork, poetry, articles, commentaries, Letters for the Editors. and, of course, stories," adds Rea. "Although we are a Velgarth zinc, not everything needs to be Velgarth related. This makes it even easier to send stuff in to us!" Also, we'll now accept Stuff on disk. Write to find out about this. For guidelines & more info you only need to send [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]! So what are, you waiting for? Find out what we're all about!" DON'T ARGUE WITH THE VOICE c/o Rea Wildfire &/or Ariya Nightsun [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Please, because of the age of the editors, no mail from inmates.
THE UNICORN'S VALE unveils its best issue yet. Issue 4 will be available the first of November. Issue Three is still being mailed so if you haven't got yours, check your mailbox. If your copy has not yet been reserved you will be missing out on some astounding stories. What kind of magic can snatch a small girl from the safety of her home, and will her sisters have the courage to face such a terrifying evil to save her? What is that beckoning musical lure that draws a young girl into the depths of the forest? One planet pits its wrath against another and one woman stands up to end the carnage. But, will she seal her own fate in doing so? What do you do when your every wish becomes reality? A young girl must face the horror of the power of her own mind as she emerges into the terrifying world of magic. In this issue we are honored with the poetic talents of Sharon Emrich, Marise Morland, and Andrea Thomas. Copies of Issues 1 & 2 are also available. We are accepting submissions for our all equine, unicorn, pegasus issue and for future issues of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. $4 plus ($l/US, $2/Canada, $3/overseas) for postage. All checks made payable to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Shadowrose Art invites you to brighten up those letters. Delight your pen pals with bright colored pages depicting your favorite characters. Shin'a'in, Heralds, Tayledras, dragons, unicorns, sorcerers, vampires and for those who dare go where no man has gone before, their favorite Trek characters. We offer stationery, cards and prints. Stationery is $5 plus ($1.50/US, $2.50 Canadian, $3.50/overseas) postage. You choose four designs for twelve printed pages and six plain, plus matching envelopes. For a free brochure send a SASE to Shadowrose Art c/o [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.].
Holiday stockings--Dragon or Companion-like designs. Colors may vary. Immediate shipment. Free gift to first 50 orders. Send $10 check or money order to Lisa Brawner [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. (Please don't send cash--it can be lost in mail.)
Stamps For Life: Be part of the ultimate recycling project. Your old/used postage stamps can be used to save children's lives. A nurse in the Manchester Children's Hospital in England says that any old or used postage stamps (no matter where they are from) can be redeemed to buy equipment and medication for the children in the Cancer Ward. The clinic was recently able to purchase a machine that dispenses medicine in special dosages just with monies from the stamp program. If you wish to help, remove the stamps from all the mail you get and send them to White Deer [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. White Deer will send them on to the Manchester Children's Hospital. Send a few, send a lot, all will help.
PEACEMAIL is a good-news letter from the Grafton Center for Peace. For a sample issue, send a SASE to Tasha Halpert [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Suggested subscriptions for six issues are $6/US and $10/Canadian or overseas.
Would you like to be a Herald, Healer, Bard, White Winds Sorceress, Tayledras, Shin'a'in, or Mercenary? The first step is to create a persona complete with background, family, and friends. Send a SASE to the QO address for the handout you're interested in to learn about the extra point requirements in each category.
Proposed mailing dates for 1998 are 1/12, 2/28, 4/4, 5/16, 6/27, 8/8, 9/19, 10/31, and 12/12. The December 12th issue will be the last time I am listed as president, editor, and dogsbody. I will not relinquish the "Housemother" title, but I'm willing to add "retired" after it.
Queen's Own has brought me many good friends and a great deal of pleasure. However, it is time for a change. QO needs a leader who can get information from online and web sites. (My computer is a 10 year old 286. It works, I see no reason to upgrade or replace it.) We need new ideas, new enthusiasms. Staring at a computer screen is high on the list of things I hate to do. My eyes blur, my back aches . . . it isn't fun anymore. If I could just answer mail I'd run QO forever, because hearing from all of you is fun.
Retirement is a year away. QO will not end, my replacement is waiting in the wings. In the meantime, let's all read, and daydream, and be kind to one another.
My thanks to all who include a little extra when paying their dues. Your generosity makes it possible for me to answer those who don't send SASEs. (Letters without SASEs go to the bottom of the pile.)
Queen's Own Collegia programming at Dragon*Con was organized and capably run by Morgan. Evidently she has recovered from post-convention stress because I've been asked to announce her latest convention, HIGHFLIGHT 0.5, The Relaxacon. From Morgan:
"The 1998 HIGHFLIGHT Point.5 convention will be January 16-18, with con rates for rooms good for three days before and after the convention. Such a deal I got!! <grin> What we'll mainly be doing in 1998 is planning the 1999 convention. We'll have a big meeting on Saturday evening, most likely, where we'll figure out committees, and find out who wants to do what and when. That way, we'll be able to start planning for 1999 and hopefully do something enjoyable for everyone.
"To reserve your room at the hotel, contact Holiday Inn Orlando North [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Tell them you are with HIGHFLIGHT for convention rates. $58--single/double; $68--triple/quad + tax, naturally.
"We need to fill 18-20 rooms by December 18th in order to get our function space FREE, so reserve now!! "A flyer should be forthcoming soon (I hope). It's going to be what's old-fashionably and commonly known as a Relaxacon, with no set schedule, no `guests' (except those who just want to show up!), and a lot of fun just sitting around enjoying Florida and whatever it happens to bring weather-wise. < G > There is a swimming pool, but it's not heated; since January can be anything from 80 to 10 degrees, you'll just have to take your chances. I do understand there's a Jacuzzi, though . . .
"Prices for the Relaxacon will be: Till November 15 --$15; Till January 1--$20; At the door--$25; One Day--$10. Send your reservation to [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.]. Please make checks payable to Marilyn I. Morey.
" . . . More info can be had by having them e-mail me at [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date info withheld.] or at the above address. Please include an SASE if you want a speedy answer to snail mail."
To receive the above mentioned flyer, send a SASE or e-mail to Morgan, not the QO address. Queen's Own is not connected in any way to this convention, although I hope to have an update for you in the December newsletter.
[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.
Deadline for next newsletter contributions: November 21--earlier is better. Remember, this is the last issue before the holidays.
Next Mailing Day: December 6, 1997--Call [Ed. note 2005: Out-of-date content withheld.] for directions. Call before coming, 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.)
Border Designs - Herald Alora
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Arielle Amethyst Willow'Wind, SpiritBlade, and Barbara Leflar Jackson.
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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
