(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]
Just got word from Firebird that "Black Swan" is out in hardback. The cost is $24.95 + s/h. Firebird’s address and website are listed
on page 2 of this newsletter. Black Swan will be the feature for the next Newsletter.
This latest from Misty was found on the High Flight website, under the link
"Update" Thanks Matt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, here is what's been going on lately in the life of the High Flight Family: Just in time for the New Year, I finished a big stand-alone novel for DAW Books, called The Black Swan. It is the story also told in the ballet "Swan Lake," but from the viewpoint of the character Odile von Rothbart. Eric Von Rothbart is a sorcerer who has imprisoned a large number of young women, keeping them in the shape of swans and only allowing them to assume their true forms by moonlight. His daughter Odile (the "Black Swan" of the title), a would-be magician herself, serves her father as their keeper. His "reason" for so imprisoning them is that he is punishing them for their sins---each of them has, in some way, betrayed a man who depended on her. One night Odette, the highest ranking of the flock and hence their "Queen" challenges him for his right to continue to imprison them, and learns that if she can win the love and faith of a man who knows her entire story, she can win freedom not only for herself but for the entire flock.
Unfortunately, if that man in turn betrays her troth, they will be in Von Rothbart's keeping forever. The cover by Jody Lee is her best ever! I spent a lot of time developing the characters; ballet is pri-marily about the dancing, so the characters were rather flat. I hope all of you will enjoy it.
I am also working on the next "Elvenbane" book for Tor, Elvenborn, which I hope to have fin-ished by the end of February.
Another short story collection will be coming out in April of 1999 from Baen Books, called Werehunter, which will have all of the "Skitty" stories as well as two stories set in Victorian England. The first, "Grey", most of you will not have seen as it only appeared in two places, a magazine called "Sally Blanchard's Pet Bird Report" for parrot-keepers, and in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine. The second, "Grey's Ghost" has not been seen at all; it is a brand new novella about the same characters.
Believe it or not, I actually have time for some hobbies. I just entered a contest sponsored by "Barbie(TM) Bazaar" magazine for Barbie(TM) makeovers. I entered a set of two dolls as a single entry in the first Barbie(TM) Bazaar Makeover Artist Awards. I put together Teresa(TM) as Tarma, Barbie(TM) as Kethry, with their warsteeds Ironheart and Hellsbane, and Warrl. The horses come complete with baggage including camping gear and Tarma's Basket'o'Mayhem. I had a lot of fun doing these dolls, which will be put up for auction after I get them back; I entered them in the "Fantasy" category, and I hope that people like them.
I have also put together another batch of goodies for the Firebird Arts and Music ongoing online auction, to support Irene Pepperberg's research, the Alex Foundation. Lots of jewelry this time; I made a great deal of jewelry for Christmas gifts (and for myself) and I basically just kept putting things together until I ran out of components, then decided what pieces best suited what recipient. I had plenty left afterwards for the auction. My auction-destined cross-stitching has had to go on the back burner because I am embroidering a Southwestern style tablecloth and set of sixteen napkins for my mom for her birthday. Whew! It's a long project, like fencing in the entire state!
For those of you who enjoy cross-stitch, I would like to recommend a site I just found, called Uncharted Territory, which features the art of Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha!
For those of you who want to create "medieval-style" Valdemar costumes, both Simplicity and McCall patterns now have medieval costume patterns for men and women---you ought to be able to get plenty of Herald, Healer and Bard costumes out of those! And for those who are more ambitious, Harper House has a pattern called "The Artistic Reform Gown" which in all its variations gives you a wonderful Pre-Raphaelite look for super-romantic costumes. Buy these now, in all the sizes you might need in the future, for I know by experience that patterns don't stay in print for very long.
That's all for now; everyone keep well and safe in the new year! Yours, Mercedes Lackey
| Firebird Arts and Music carries all of Misty’s books and lots of other merchandise. From Babylon 5 soundtracks to Larry’s art prints. From the music of Frank Hayes to porcelain jewelry. From kits for plastic knights to Robin Hood characters to doll-size costume patterns for Heralds & Shin’a’in. From Oneida Indian Nation T-shirts to Celtic design gift wrap. Visit their website at http://firebirdarts.com. If you want a "real" catalog, send $3 to Firebird Arts & Music, PO Box 3068, Portland OR 97294-3268. To place an order, call 1-800-752-0494. For more information, please use 1-503-255-5751. Firebird does not answer inquiries from prison addresses. Also new from Firebird is an email list for Misty fans, to keep you up-to-date on the latest news. If you would like to be included, send your email address to Teri: firebird@firebirdarts.com. |
| For news about TEMPEST, visit their web page http://darkmoon.simplenet.com/tempest. You can send e-mail to Lief and the other band members at tempest_rock@hotmail.com. |
| For definitions of our fannish jargon, read "Pros & Cons: An Introduction to Fandom" written by Elizabeth Barrette. Send a dollar and a 32 cent stamp (or a dollar and 2 IRC’s) to the QO address for this 12 page booklet. |
| Flights of Fantasy 217 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 (phone 518-433-8803) specializes in new and used science fiction & fantasy, mystery & suspense, romance books, role-playing, tabletop gaming and collectible card games. Owner Maria Perry will do special orders in any genre. Looking for a special book? Give Maria your want list - she’ll do her best for you! For orders outside the 518 area code, call 1-800-300-READ (7323) . Webpage http://www.fof.net, Email: fof@albany.net. Flights of Fantasy accepts orders from inmates. |
| Sink or Swim is a helpful guide for aspiring editors, based on the experiences of past and present editors. It costs $1.50 for a copy. Checks should be made payable to Aurora Nelson. Email: temarrea@Yahoo.com, or write Sink or Swim C/O Aurora Nelson [Ed. Note 2002: Address withheld.]. |
| Looking for stationery supplies that mirror your love of sword and sorcery? Questing for the perfect gift for that fantasy enthusiast in your life? Then give Ellen Million Graphics and her band of artist a try! We are your complete source for quality FANTASY STATIONERY! Discover the power of the "Sorceress" and drown in the dark "Bloodfest"; bask in the moment of "Precious Serenity", warmed by the softest "Butterfly Kisses"; enjoy a ride on the "Dragon Sled" while the pegasus are "Soaring", and find "Peace on Earth" with "The Christmas Unicorn" and "Betrothed Warriors". Recoiled products in B&W, single or full color. No SASE needed, just write and ask for your first FREE catalog! Custom work availableif you can dream it, we can draw it. Send inquiries to: Ellen Million Graphics, [Ed Note 2002: Ellen Million Graphics can now be found at http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com.]. (Dealer inquiries welcome) |
| PERSONALS - for the time being, personals will be "free". I would like to see more of these please.
Herald and Misty Fans! Remember when Firebird used to sell those beautiful, handmade, soft sculpture Companions? Well, I have a stallion that I’m looking to sell. ::Hey:: He’s looking for a home which can give him more love than I can. He’s available for $40 or best offer. Please write to Jaila Stormseek; [Ed. note 2002: Address withheld.] ::Take me home!: [Ed. Note 2002: The remainder of the Personals have been withheld from the online version of the newsletter.] |
| PEN-PALS. A sample copy of the newsletter is sent to anyone who requests it. The newsletter is routinely sent to prisons. If you are concerned about your address falling into unfriendly hands don’t place a pen-pal message! You may answer messages without ever placing one yourself.
[Ed. Note 2002: The Pen-Pal messages have been withheld from the online version of the newsletter.] |
| NOTICE ~ I would like to see a new logo or letterhead for Queen’s Own. I know that there are lots of creative minds in this club and I would like to see what you can come up with. Full credit will go to the artist as usual. The logo/letterhead must contain "Queen’s Own - Merging of the Ways". Winner will receive a full year subscription FREE! Please send to the QO PO Box, and mark the envelope "Logo". Thanks in advance for your participation. Deadline for submissions is August 1, 1999. |
LOCAL CHAPTERS
|
| A word from the President: I’m sorry that my replies have not been very quick lately. I, like Judith, put family crises before QO-MTW. Lately, there have been a few. My husband needs surgery for possible cancer, our 7 month old kitten was put down, our 11 year old cat has possible kidney failure and my hamster is pregnant! Hopefully, life will calm down now and I can get caught up and remain that way. Thanks for your understanding. |
| With the above in mind, I hope to have the newsletter reformatted by the end of the year (that gives me only six more issues). The information content will remain the same, only the looks will change to protect from boredom! :-). At this time I would like to ask you all a favor. What would you like to see in this newsletter? Are there any additional items you would like in this newsletter? Would you like something removed from the newsletter? What would you like me to do to make this newsletter everything you ever imagined? Please write me or email with any suggestions, comments or concerns as soon as possible.
Also, as a new touch, I would like to have member artwork to include in a gift pack to new and renewing members of QO. I will pay for everything but the postage to get it to me. Please submit your artwork. All artists will get full credit for their work, all I ask in return is that the artwork be in black and white, or one color and white. If possible, it be camera ready (if you are not familiar with this term, don’t worry, I can make it camera ready!) and the artist clearly writes their name somewhere in the package so that credit may be given correctly. Please send all artwork to the Queen’s Own PO box and label the envelope "Artwork". I’m hoping to have some stationary, bookmarks, postcards and whatever else takes my fancy!! Your editor and president ~ Robin |
Charities, Auctions and others ~The auction for the Alex Foundation, as far as I know the only auction in town that can boast hand made items by Misty herself cloaes on 4/30/99. The auction can be found from Firebird Arts & Music website (http:// www.firebirdarts.com). All proceeds go to aid the Alex foundation. For more information visit Firebird! |
| I have about 5 personas to recognize, but with life being so hectic lately, I’ve not had time to read them yet. There should be a few in the next newsletter. If you wish to have a recognized persona and need the guidelines, please email or write me and I’ll be happy to send you what you need. |
Other Fandoms
|
[Ed. Note 2002: Old pricing and contact information withheld. See below.]
Next mailing date is June 5, 1999. Deadline for submissions is May 21, 1999. The earlier the better.
Queen’s Own - Merging of the Ways 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. [Ed. Note 2002: Old address withheld.] This newsletter is published to inform and entertain the club’s membership; no infringement of anyone’s copyrights is intended.
Last issue mailing day helper in March was Jason Hoff. (If you would like to help on mailing day, please call me at [Ed. Note 2002: Phone withheld.], all help is greatly appreciated!)
Border art - Herald Alora.
Editor and President - Robin Ready [Ed. Note 2002: Contact info withheld.
[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)
The featured artist for this edition of the newsletter is Herald Alora. If you would like your art to be featured in the online version of the QO newsletter, send .gifs or .jpgs to Legend@malcor.com or hardcopy to Queen's Own, P.O. Box 749, Laguna Beach, CA 92652.
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
