(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,
Greetings from Misty and Larry! They say they intended to send Christmas cards but got sidetracked . . . Funny how a wedding and honeymoon make one forget everything else. If there isn't a more personal greeting from them tucked in with this issue, it will be included in the February newsletter.
The Mage Winds trilogy, the books that take us back to Valdemar to the time of the events of Arrow's Fall, will have illustrations by Larry Dixon. The first book, Winds of Fate, has a release date of November first. Because it will be in hard cover, the price will be $21.95.
By the Sword, the book that brings Kethry's granddaughter Kerowyn to Valdemar, will reach your bookstore any time after the fifteenth of this month.
The Firebird Winter flyer is a special Mercedes Lackey edition. Here you will find all of Misty's novels and tapes, Julie Bowman's beautiful white fabric Companions and many-coloured fire lizards, Black Gryphon and Companion T-shirts designed by Misty and Larry, and even Skandranon, the Black Gryphon himself, as a pewter sculpture. Also in pewter are pendants and pins. The large pendant design is the crest of Valdemar. I own nearly everything in the flyer, and I wholeheartedly recommend it all. Terri Leee sent me extra flyers; [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]. If you prefer to write to Firebird Arts & Music directly, their address is [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld; the Firebird website is at http://www.firebirdarts.com.]
The crest of Valdemar design is a winged horse with broken chains. Its origin is with King Valdemar's son. He was also a Herald-Mage and was called Windrider because his manifestation was a winged horse. (A manifestation is the form one creates to fight a mage-duel.) Windrider was captured and bound and drained magically. Sunsinger and Shadowdancer freed him but after that his manifestation always appeared with broken chains. When Windrider became king he decreed that this would be the arms of Valdemar, signifying that no one would be able to conquer the kingdom, though they might temporarily defeat her.
If you've forgotten the story of King Valdemar, you can look it up in Arrows of the Queen.
From Shirlene Ananayo: "The first issue of Southern Arrow, the newsletter for the Southern Hall of Heralds, is out! Membership is not limited by geographic area, but be aware that SA will focus on items of interest in the Southeastern area. [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.] Wind & Blessings!"
From [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]: Illinois Arrow to Illinois Misty fans. We've finally gotten started and invite any Illinois Misty fans to joins us. We'd love to have you.
Crista Miller invites West Coast member to join The Herald's Hall of California. The California Arrow newsletter includes local events and convention information as well as member bios and a featured Author or Artist. Write to: [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Colorado Misty fans can contact Lisa Rathbun, [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.], for information on chapter meetings.
If you live in the Ohio area, contact Celeste Frazier, [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
The purpost of this Queen's Own newsletter is to keep you informed of Misty's and Larry's books, tapes, convention appearances, and other projects. The fan messages allow you to contact each other. Why should you join or start a local chapter of Queen's Own? There's so much more to be done!
For instance, you can have a question and answer column with questions ranging from "If Talamir hadn't been killed, thus freeing Rolan to choose another Herald, what would Talia's life have been like?" to "Who of Misty's characters is your favorite adn why?" and "If The Last Herald-Mage were going to be a movie, whom would you cast as Vanyel? Stefen? Savil? Medren? Treesa?"
You can have LOC's (Letters of Comment) about other authors, movies, TV shows worth watching, local cons, gaming news . . . whatever is of interest; you can start a Round Robin and print te finished story; you can be even more creative. How about an interview with Diana Tregarde? A job resume by Eric Banyon? An article on what the well-dressed Herald wears off duty?
Not ready to write for one of our zines? Send a poem or short story (very short) to the chapter newsletter.
A newsletter is limited only by the editor's imagination and the amount of available space. I'm not willing to attempt more than our current five and a half pages, not for the dues I charge and not with the time I have. The local chapters fill a definite need. Join one and give it your support!
One note of warning: running even a small club and writing a newsletter will take more time and money than you allow--no matter how much you allow!
Misty is Guest of Honor (GoH) at PsurrealCon in Oklahoma, February 8-10. Send your SASE to [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Misty and Larry won't be attending Circle Ouroboros February 15-17, but it's a lovely "relax-a-con" for those of you who live int he area. Send your SASE for registration information to [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
ROC-KON 15 is May 3-5 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Misty is GoH. For info, send your SASE to [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Attention all East Coast Heralds! MArk your calendars! Misty will be in Upper Montclair during MEmorial Day weekend. I'll give you the exact date in future newsletters.
Stephanie Wong has completed a very successful first year. Stephanie says "Good News! Because of the astounding amount of submissions I've been receiving lately, I've decided to expand the 'zine to 36 pages this year. This means that subscriptions rates will be increased to $2.50 an issue or $15 a year to help offset the additional printing and mailing costs. If you haven't read an issue of AM yet, then I strongly suggest you do. The work that comes out from our submitters is absolutely phenomenal. If you're interested in guidelines, drop me a note. Please remember to include a SASE. Lady Bless!"
Contratulations to her and all her contributors. [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Vicki McElfresh writes that the recent tornado did no damage to her home and the her zine Companion's Rest should be out sometime in February. Vicki has enough material for two issues--and wants more! Send poems, art, and stories. [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Bret Rummelhart, [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.], is working on a zine called Honors. He too is aiming for a February release. Send a SASE for his guidelines and ordering information.
Patience Sibeal says ELF No. 1, Lloann'mhrael's prmiere fantasy zine, is finally out and is [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]. Patience is looking for Herald stories for her next issue. Send a SASE for writers guidelines or to order a catalog to her at [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
R. Nathaniel Waldbauer finally wrote to say that he has been very busy but hopes to finish the proofreading and make the final corrections to TOVAB by the end of the month. He thanks you all for your patience.
To all members:
No, you may not become a Guardian, anymore than you can become a Herald-Mage. Let's confine our ambitions to working for Herald/Bard/Healer status. White Winds Sorceresses and Shin'a'in Scouts are also welcome.
Welcome Herald Shaylah Allandra Kishara, Chosen by the stallion Airion. Pamel Burleson says Shaylah's gifts are Mindspeecha nd Empathy. She sent descriptions of Shaylah and her family, additional background material on Shaylah's friend Herald Misha, a Herald/Companion list, three poems, and sketches of Airion and Shaylah.
Wlcome Herald Maelara Gwynen, Chosen by the stallion Dernan. Genny Gage submitted her persona, background material on Maelara's friend Che, a story and three poems. She says Maelara's gifts are Mindspeech, Farsight and Fetching.
Welcome Herald Marithe, Chosen by Valrina. Kristin Ruhle tells us Marithe's gifts are exceptionally strong Mindspeech and a touch of Foresight. She sent her persona, a character sketch of her mother, a story and a drawing of Valrina.
There is now a fee for fan messages. If you place a message asking for penpals, you must answer at least one of the messages that appear in the same issue as yours. And I'd like everyone who has a message in this issue to write to Jason and Terrance.
Fan messages are for Queen's Own members, but please allow me this exception. I've adopted two young men who are participants in Operation Desert Shield. This newsletter is being mailed around January 15th; I have no idea what's going on in the lives of Jason and Terrance at this moment. Please send them a note or card whenever you have time. Mail is especially important to those who are far from home.
[Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Jason is originally from Minnesota. He enjoys all sports and his favorite hockey team is the Montreal Canadiens. Terrance is from New Jersey and would especially enjoy hearing from local folk but all mail will be appreciated.
[Ed. Note 2002: Fan messages are not being posted online because of the personal information they contained.]
[Ed. Note 2002: 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.]
Remember our advertising flyer, The Valdemar Merchant, if you have something to sell or are looking for a unique gift. For information on how to place an ad or to receive the flyer, send a SASE to [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Apologies to "Zak" Thatcher for being careless with her zip code in the fan messages last issue. Her correct address is [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.].
Apologies, too, to Jim Van Housen, aka Herald Warlyn T-Rel, whose name I misspelled in the last issue. Don't be bashful about pointing out my mistakes; I can always blame them on my computer gremlin.
In answer to the question of what "GRUPS" stands for, I've been told it's "Gamers Universal Role Playing Supplement."
Queen's Own buttons are no longer being mentioned in the newsletter because there are no more. How about a new design? The Companions are very, very special, but Misty's universe has expanded to hold much more. Do you have an idea? There is already a "Witch Brigade" design available at cons to honor Diana Tregarde.
Chris Johnson's "The Helpful Herald Handout of How to Become a Herald" has proven to be very helpful--and very popular. [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld. You can find the current handouts listed online at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qohandouts.htm.].
[Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Editor, President, Dogsbody, Housemother--Judith Louvis [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]
Chancellor of the Exchequer--Steve Louvis
Archivist, Registrar, Organizer extraordinaire--Patricia Riggs [Ed. note 2002: Out-of-date information withheld.]Register your Herald and Companion names with Pat (but send finished Herald material to me.) Pat serves as the answer lady. When asking for info from either Pat or me, remember your SASE! [Ed. note 2002: The current Registry of Heralds is now called the Approved Persona List and is available online at http://www.dragonlordsnet.com/qolist.htm.]
Mailing Day Helpers (last issue)--Suzanne Brenner, Ana Casacuberta, Robin Gladeau, Linda Gumkowski, Joanne Gise Mattern, Cristine Martins, and Sean Miller.
From Betsy Howland:
(Q.) What do you call a Herlad who has fallen asleep next to his Companion?
(A.) A dozin' Chosen.
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
