Queen's Own
Mercedes Lackey Fan Club

P.O. Box 749
Laguna Beach, CA 92652 USA

Series 1, Vol. V, No. 1
September 1991

(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,

From Misty:

"I'm a storyteller; that's what I see as 'my job. My stories come out of my characters; how those characters would react to the given situation. Maybe that's why I get letters from readers as young as thirteen and as old as sixty-odd. One of the reasons I write song-lyrics is because I see songs as a kind of 'story pill'--they reduce a story to the barest essentials or encapsulate a particular moment in time. I frequently will write a lyric when I am attempting to get to the heart of a crucial scene; I find that when I have done so, the scene has become absolutely clear in my mind, and I can write exactly what I wanted to say. Another reason is because of hte kind of novels I am writing; that is, fantasy, set in an other-world semi-medieval atmosphere. Music is very important to medieval peoples; Bards are the chief news bringers. When I write the 'folk music' of these peoples, I am enriching my whole world, whether I actually use the song in the text or not."

After that, it seems appropriate to tell you that Misty's next fantasy for Baen is Bardic Voices: The Lark & the Wren, to be released in January. THe next two booksin teh series are called The Kestrel & the Robin and The Eagle and the Nightingale.

A contrcat has been signed with TOR for Sacred Ground, a "dark fantasy mainstream crossover novel." Misty's current schedule calls for her to produce a finished book approximately every three months. Please don't be annoyed if she doesn't answer your letters. She and LArry are working very hard and preparing to move. The new home of High Flight appropriately will be called The Aerie.

Jinx High has appeared in some bookstores already (not here, I'm sorry to say). The quote from Stephen King about Misty in an ad in Locus is "She'll keep you up long past your bdetime." The cover quote (also by King) is "As sharp and as scary as the suddenly revealed fang of a vampire." In Jinx High Di Tregarde has a brief meeting with a green-eyed young man. He's Tannim, one of the good guys from Born to Run, old friends from Knight of Ghosts and Shadows get involved in the story line. Tannim will appear again in Di's next adventure, Triangle Park. The gossip I've herad is that Andre and Tannim do not hit it off well. (Born to Run and Triangle Park are not published yet.)

Winds of Fate still has an October release date but it too may appear any time in your area. Firebird Arts & Music expected to have their shipment by now. The Firebird price is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld. Firebird's website is at http://www.firebird arts.com.] The Elvenbane, Misty's collaboration with Andre Norton, should be out by November.

Available now from Firebird, the companion tapes to By the Sword and Oathbreakers. These are excellent! My facorite is whichever one I'm listening to at the moment. The latest Firebird catalog is full of even more treasures. 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!" Send a SASE to [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). Send a SASE for pricing information to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].

Are you curious about the appearnace of Misty & Larry? I still have some lovely snapshots from their visit. 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.

The design on the front page of the last newsletter (and on this one if I made it fit) was drawn by Joe Sehl. The beautiful tree and gittern design on the back page is a button idea submitted by Anheannette Silvas.

If you act quickly, there's still enough time to join Misty and LArry and lots of QO members at CONTRADICTION 11, September 27-29 at the Radisson Hotel Niagara Falls, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. The Queen's Own panel, The Fun of Fandom, is on Saturday from 11 to noon. Join us for an informal discussion of cons, zines, filk, writer's clubs, and other forms of fun and craziness in fandom. Come share your talent and ehthusiasm.

This is a secret!!! This paragraph is not in the copy of the newsletter that Misty received. Queen's Own is presenting a replica of Need to Misty for Christmas. Yes, it is expensive, but if each club member who thinks this is a neat idea sends me a dollar, we can pay for it (and maybe a scabbard). Remember, we want this to be a surprise!!! Don't tell!!!

For the Northwest, there's dreamcon 6, November 1-3 at the Quality Inn Hotel & Conference Center, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. The local QO chapter has planned some surprises. For a registration form, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].

Like to plan ahead? 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 Amerincan 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 write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].

Name that Con in Saint Lois, Missouri May 1-3 will feature Misty as Guest of Honor. Write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.].

Stories of Misty's in Anthologies

"A Different Kind of Courage" Free Amazons of Darkover, ed. by Marion Zimmer Bradley
"Set a Thief" Renunciates of Darkover, ed. by MZB
"Object Lesson" Domains of Darkover, ed. by MZB
"Sword Sworn" Sword & Sorceress 3, ed. by MZB
"A Tale of Heroes" S&S 4
"Keys" S&S 5
"The Making of a Legend" S&S 6
"The Talisman" S&S 7
"Wings of Fire" S&S 8--1991
"Werehunter" Tales of the Witchworld, Vol. 1, ed. by Andre Norton
"DeathAngel" & "Merovingian Ecology" Merovingian Nights, ed. by C.J. Cherryh
"A Plague on Your Houses" MN2, Fever Season
"A Tangled Web We Weave" MN3, Troubled Waters
"More Than Meets the Eye" & "Merovingian Folklore" MN4, Smuggler's Gold
"Turning Point" MN5, Divine Right
"Don't Look Back" & "Friends Like These" MN6, Body Politic
"Fiddler Fair" Magic in Ithkar 3, ed. by Andre Norton
"Balance" & "Dragon's Teeth" Spellsingers, ed. by Alan Bard Newcomer
"A Friend in Need" & "Phantom of the Berry Patch" Winds of Change--Blood of Ten Chiefs, Vol. 3, ed. by Richard Pini
"Skitty" Catfantastic, ed. by Andre Norton
"Nightside" Marion Zimmer Bradley's FANTASY Magazine, issue 6, Fall '89
"Roadkill" MZB's FANTASY Magazine, #9, Summer '90
"Satanic, Versus" MZB's FANTASY Magazine, #10, Fall '90

NEWS from CLUM MEMBERS

September 30 is the deadline for the Queen's Own Directory. If you want Herald info/mundane name/club address/zine in the Directory, send the information immediately to Karen Bertke, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. Karen hopes to get the first edition out by the end of the year. Ordering information to be in a future NL.

Another deadline! The 1992 Sunkawk Calendar is 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 contact information withheld.].

From Stephanie Wong, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.], comes the news that Issue ŧ of Arrow's Message is ready for sale. (Please note hte new address.) This has been a consistently impressive zine. Costs are [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Stephaie asks that anyone interested in guidelies send a SASE and a friendly note.

Receive a Science Fiction and Gantasy Art Show int he mail! Send a long SASE to get on the mailing list and receive zine details. Premier issue Fall '91 so write now! [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]

QO member Shade writes: "There is a Poetry Club waiting to start a monthly newsletter. Anyone interested in joining or helping out, write to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. We focus on nature, love, the night, wolves and moons, dreams . . .But we are very open minded and will accept nearly anything in good taste. C'mon, join in!"

From Marie Wilson--"ATTENTION WRITERS: A new club called Dragonlore is strictly for writers. There will be a monthly newsletter which will have your pieces published in it. I do need someone to help. Please write if you are interested . . . [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]."

Also from Mary--"Tales of the Unicorn is a zine devoted to those who write fantasy with a romantic touch. Poems and stories welcome. [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.] Send a long SASE for guidelines."

"Issue one of the fanzine Enchantress will be ready next month and is devoted to the world of Velgarth and to other worlds of fantasy fiction, with a strong emphasis on strong willed independent women. For a guideline sheet and subscription information, send a business size SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]."

From April Parra and Rebecca SimsL "We now have permission for the 'Louise Cooper Fan Club.' (We still haven't decided on a name.) Loise Cooper actually called us to give us her blessing. (!!!!!) We're real excited. If you have any ideas or suggestions, or are interested in the club, write us!" (Send a SASE--Judith) "We'll try to get back to you with the first newsletter." [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]

"From Stephanie Anderson, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.] (note address change!): The Shin'a'in newsletter is slowly but surely coming along, the ideas are more concrete. I hope to get the first issue out soon! [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date information withheld.]

STAR TREK MENTOR'S LOG: Heather Lantz, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.], "My future goals are to compile a ST and ST:TNG history based on my many resources, a list of recommended ST organizations and merchandise dealers, and eventually, a comprehensive list of ST conts (Creation, Dreamwerks, and otherwise). All of these things will be periodically revised and made available to QO members as produved." If interested, send Heather a SASE. Do not forget the SASE!

"Future writers--want to get a taste of the 'real world' of publishing without diving in headfirst? Wolf Raven Press is currently assembling an anthology of short stories set on Velgarth or on original worlds. Stories will be accepted until January 31, 1992. Send a SASE to [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]."

GAME MENTOR NEWS: From Douglas Lent--"I'm still willing to be Game Mentor and have Brad Averch's generous offer of help should I need it. My (new) address is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]." Please send all inquiries about the world of gaming directly to Doug. And include a SASE!

From Mary K. Chelton, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]--"I am a librarian and a fan of Mercedes Lackey and I would like to create a booklist of books that her fans also like to read, called 'If you like Mercedes LAckey, try . . . ' If any QO members would like to send me three titles in priority order (on a postcard) that they would recommend to other fans, I will compile the list for local readers and share a copy with Queen's Own."

From Lynn Tucker, [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]--"Companion's Grove is a fanzine dedicated to MErcedes LAckey's world of Velgarth, focusing primarily on Valdemar. The format will be 50 to 60 pages--I need more submissions, especially illustrated stories, songs, and poems. The deadline is December 1, 1991 for a February 1992 publication. Send SASE for submission guidelines; ordering info will be in future QO newsletters."

CHAPTER NEWS

From Christa Miller: "To all West Coast members of Queen's Own and The HErald's HAll of California: (fanfare adn trumpets) we have a fantastic new editor, Julie Wright from Chic, CA! She is in the process of getting infor togehter to do the first issue of the new Arrow, and she would love to hear from everybody. If you have news, ideas, bios or ANYTHING, please write to her . . . " Julie's address is [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.].

"ATTENTION! ACHTUNG! Are you interested in a German or Continental Europe Chapter?? We want to open one and are looking for Misty fans. If you are interested, send a letter and SASE to: [Ed. note 2003: Out-of-date contact information withheld.]. Besides nice people who love Misty, we're also looking for good ideas and we need a name."--Daniela (Send an addressed envelope and an IRC to anyone living outside your country. Letters sent from a country must have the postage of that country on them. IRC's can be exchanged in any post office for stamps. Judith.)

Also from Judith: First the good newsl we have over 800 members (Hooray!) Then, the bad; my computer refused to retriev the file where this newsletter was (hard disk and floppy back-up, no good) when it was nearly finished. It's taken much too long to recontruct this much. I apologize for inconsistencies, incoherencies, and any sign of hysteria that may have crept onto the pages--The worst of it is, no one can tell me why it happened or promise that it won't happen again. (whimper)

Collegium News:

Pl;ease, all would-be Heralds, mail your material to me all at once and in a large envelope if possible. My cats think crumpled sheets of paper are theirs.

From Elaine Bough came two complete personas, Herald Jasen Snowfyre, Chosen by Tarvigor and Gifted with Mindspeech, Fetching and Animal Minspeech, and Bard Jarel Snowfyre. For both Jasen and Jarel, Elaine sent detailed biographical information and stories. Included too were a map of the Snowfyre home, a costume sketch and a poem.

From Carissa Boak comes the persona Herald Sonyjia Carina, Chosen by Chantawry and gifted with Mindspeech, Farsight, and MindHealing. Carissa sent a story, illustratoins, poems, a recipe, a song and a Collegium registration form.

Elizabeth Cheeseman presents Herald Kayathara Anreson. Kay was Chosen by LAna, and is gifted with Mindspeech, Farsight and Animal Mindspeech. Elizabeth earned points for learning the care and feeding of horses, developing her persona and twin, and writing two poems.

From Erin Meyers comes Herald Eanaree shen Pretora, Chosen by the mare Neiya and gifted with Mindspeech and Firestarting. Erin sent background material on her persona and family members, a story and photos of herself on horseback.

Welcome, Herald Samara Linnea Esaan, with the gifts of Mindspeech, Fetching and Animal Mindspeech, and Chosen by Selwyn. Hannah Blair sent statistical information on her persona and other characters, a song, a story and a costume sketch.

From Fay Lynn Schievelbein comes Herald Kaeril Alinstair, gifted with strong Mindspeech and slight Foresight, and Chosen by Rekis. Fay Lynn met her Herald requirements with drawings, a poem, a costume sketch, and biographical information on her persona and best friend.

Welcome, Herald Coire Eilenach, Chosen by Rhiainn and gifted with Empathy, Firestarting and extremely limited Mindspeech. Fawn Patton developed her persona, sent illustrated material on supporting characters, a sketch of Coire's home, two songs and a poem.

Welcome, Herald Daynn Alexzander, Chosen by the mare Skethen and gifted with Mindspeech and Farsight. Douglas Bates sent background information on his persona and his friend, a recipe and a drawing.

From Giselle Bergeron comes Healer Jezy. Giselle sent profiles of Jezy and her family, a story and lists of the plants and animals found in Valdemar.

From T. Diane Smith comes Herald Trea Gemina Atawashte ("Gemi"), Cosen by Reena, and gifted with very strong Fetching. Diane sent her persona's story, information on other important characters, and three illustrations.

Welcome, Herald Jada Lanterson, gifted with Mindspeech, Fetching and Firestarting, and Chosen by Mellona. Adair Stevenson sent background information on Jada and other characters, three drawings, and a recipe.

Welcome, Bard Ciaran Hawk-eyed, gifted with Talent, Creativity, and a touch of Bardic. Joe Sehl sent a character sketch, two poems, designs for the newsletter and a story.

Welcome, Herald Raven Aspenwind, Chosen by Kaysare and gifted with Mindspeech and Healing. Betsy Howland sent information on her persona and family, three drawings, and told the story of Raven's being Chosen in a poem.

Welcome, Herald Rannon Kyrie, Chosen by Tayna, and gifted with Firestarting and Mindspeech. April Parra sent background information on Ranna and her friend Milanni, a story and a picture.

From Stephanie Bergeron comes Herald Stefanna, Chosen by Molly, and gifted with Mindspeech and Fetching. Stephaie sent persona informaiton, a story, two recipes, a photo of the psaltry she made, and a page of costume sketches.

Welcome, [Herald] Kym, Chosen by Marcus and gifted with Mindspeech. Kim Davis sent me her persona and a story and earned extra credit points with songs, knowledge of the care and feeding of horses, and reviews of Misty's books that she wrote for the Portland Public School District.

Fan Messages

Fan messages are for the convenience of those who wish to write to others. The QO membership list is not made available to anyone else, not even Firebird Arts and Music, but please remember that a sample issue of the newsletter is sent to anyone who requests informatino on the club. If you place a fan message I can't guarantee that it will be seen only by QO members. The "fee" is still the same: if you place a fan message, you must write to at least one other person who has a message in the issue where yours appears.

[Ed. Note 2003: Fan messages are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained.]

Personals

[Ed. Note 2003: No Personals appeared in this issue of the newsletter.]

[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
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Leanne Brownlee, Ana Casacuberta, Noreen Johnson, Joanne Mattern.

What do you get when you cross The Cowardly Lion with Di Tregarde? A chicken Wiccan!! (I think Mari Toshimitsu just won the bad pu contest!)

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

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