Darkover Newsletter/Issues 01-10

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==Issue 1 (March 1976)==
Friends of Darkover Newsletter 1 was published in March 1976, reprinted in August 1978 and contains 6 pages.
This issue was edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
* "One dollar will put you on the mailing list of the Friends for six Newsletters."
* there is a progress report on The Darkover Concordance
* there are announcements for upcoming books; MZB comments on the covers of some Darkover books, and the progress of her writing
* Bradley gives some original titles to her books: "The Shattered Chain" is the book that was written and sold under the original title "Free Amazons of Darkover" (Don Wollhiem changed it because he "doesn't like titles of the '___ of the ___ ___ type.'") "Darkover Landfall" was "The Summer of the Ghost Wind," original title for "The Planet Savers" was "Project: Jason."
* a trivia game "suggested by Tracy Blackstone and Paul Zimmer; questions -- I think -- by Caradoc, David Bradley, Walter Breen, and MZB."
* Some Tentative Notes on the Structure of the Darkovan Language by Cardoc
* an ad for some Darkover cookbooks
* a chronology of the DAW books
In the very first paragraph, MZB asks for someone to take over editing duties as she would rather be writing fiction: 
Bradley talks about one of her books, and of feminism (but interestingly enough, does not mention the book We Who Are About To... by Joanna Russ that was written as a response to Vonda McIntyre and others' comments regarding Bradley's book "Darkover Landfall"): 
Bradley talks about awards: 
Bradley writes about The Darkover Concordance, The Darkover Dilemma: Problems of the Darkover Series, The Gemini Problem: a study in darkover. While MZB is fairly neutral about Sandra Wise's fanwork, she and Breen get grumpy about it in the next issue: 
Regarding some future plans for MZB: 
There are some things for fans to buy: 
The official chronology of Darkover books by MZB is listed, along with an explanation: 
==Issue 2 (August 1976)==
Friends of Darkover Newsletter 2 was published in August 1976 and contains 10 pages. This issue is edited by Walter Breen.
He says they have had four offers to take over the newsletter, but MZB says in her letter: "The offers we had to take over the Newsletter didn't materialize, for one reason or another, so the local or Thendara Council is still handling these, though we still hope to have someone take-it over full time."
While the newsletter was begun in August, it wasn't sent out until mid-November.
"This is the August, 1976 issue of the Friends of Darkover Newsletter, for the time being still edited and published from the Friends' local Tower at Box 472, Berkeley, California, 94701. This issue is being put together by Walter Breen. As always, one Terran dollar will put you on the mailing list of the Friends for six (6) Newsletters."
* it contains a Darkover trivia game by Sandra Wise
* there are seven LoCs by fans
The newsletter was declared a "burden" 
MZB and company are hatching plans for the first Darkover fanworks zine, which would end up being Starstone. This comment is from Walter Breen: 
MZB also commented on the planned fanworks zine: 
MZB and company are grumpy about a fan's zine, one which is critical of Darkover. The fan in question is Sandra Wise, who had been a contributor to this newsletter as the creator of a trivia game, hence MZB's shaming jab in this quote: 
Breen and MZB state that The Darkover Concordance is finished (though, in reality, it wouldn't be published for another three years): 
MZB writes a lengthy letter after returning from Westercon: 
There is a report of Midsummer Festival/the Reunion at Westercon on Sunday, July 4, 1976: 
The editor notes that MZB has been to many cons: 
MZB and company have seen the proofs of the cover of two reissued books ("The Planet Savers" and "Sword of Aldones") and are not pleased: 
From a fan's letter: 
From a fan's letter: 
==Issue 3 (January 1977)==
Friends of Darkover Newsletter 3 was published in January 1977 and contains 8 pages. It was edited by Ted Bryan.
While not physically created by Breen or Bradley, it was anointed: "This issue put out by Theodore Laurens Bryan on Marion Bradley's typewriter."
In the newsletter: "OVERHEARD AT AFTERNOON TEA AT THE THENDARA COUNCIL: "If we call ourselves the Dry Town Council, can we chain up the women?""
There is no Letter from MZB in this issue; Bradley is too busy: 
There are eight LoCs.
There is more about the planned zine series that became Starstone: 
The newsletter address has changed: 
The dratted Postal Service raises its rates again, making this newsletter more expensive; the good news is they will be more timely: 
The cookbooks hit another snag, but at least there was cake: 
A Darkover gathering is planned, but you have to call MZB or Breen on the phone for an invite -- and don't stay too late or a Berserker will be turned loose on you: 
Lichtenberg reports on the first four councils: Thendara Council (MZB's Bay Area), Keeper's Tower (Lichenberg's New York City area), Valeron Council (Lynne Holdom, New Jersey area), Armida Council (Judy Kopman, also New York City area): 
A fan writes about feminism and Darkover: 
Another fan writes about feminism and Darkover: 
Jacqueline Lichtenberg suggests Starstone as the name for the proposed fiction zine: 
Lichtenberg does some relentless cross-marketing: 
Lichtenberg addresses another fan about writing, and about her desire to see certain kinds of Darkover stories: 
A fan addresses a fan's letter in the previous issue -- the subject sex, Jung, Freud, more: 
It sounds as though Elisabeth Waters was quite the daredevil: 
Walter Breen comments: 
==Issue 4 (April 1977)==
Darkover Newsletter 4 was published in April 1977 and contains 8 pages.
There are about twelve LoCs, including two long ones by Devra Langsam, Jacqueline Lichtenberg.
It was edited by Ted Bryan, who wrote: "one reason this newsletter is late that MZB has kept this typer so busy there was never a free evening for me to come over to type up the camera-ready copy!—TB"
Ted also wrote: 
Info on a book cover: 
There is a report of the February 13 Reunion at Greyhaven, hostesses Diana Paxson, Tracy Blackstone, in honor of Jacqueline Lichtenberg: 
A fan writes: 
 
Devra Langsam writes in a letter that she wants to start a council: 
 
A fan wants to know when the Darkover zine (which ended up being Starstone) was going to be published: 
 
A fan says they were happy to meet MZB at LepreCon and asks about getting permission for an APA—MZB apparently misunderstands the question, thinking they were asking her to be a tribber: 
 
A fan, a sociologist, remarks about an article she'd proposed in an earlier issue of the newsletter—from the wording of her letter, it appears that MZB may have asked her to pause the project: 
 
Walter Breen writes: 
==Issue 5 (June 1977)==
Darkover Newsletter 5 was published in June 1977 and contains 16 pages. It was edited by Ted Bryan.
The editorial comments are by Ted Bryan, Walter Breen, and Marion Zimmer Bradley.
* there is an announcement about the apazine The Old Phoenix Inn, see that page
* there is a long bit about Jacqueline Lichtenberg: "a longtime Friend of Darkover and frequent contributor to our Newsletter, writes to say that since many Friends of Darkover have been writing to ask if she is that Jacqueline Lichtenberg, we ought to include the following information." This is followed a lengthy blurb/ad about how to buy more of her, and Jean Lorrah's, works
* a fan writes a letter questioning continuity and Walter Breen responds that the discrepancies are due to a character's damaged memory and to Bradley's "having written SA long before anyone thought of a series."
* there are nine LoCs, two are a long, long letter about Dyan Ardais by Christopher Gilson about Darkovan language and linguistics which the editors choose to print as an article, and a long, long response to this letter by MZB
The editor writes that the newsletter is now officially entwined with a for-profit pro book via DAW Books, gives mixed messages about sending cash in the mail, would prefer a check made out for $1, and disses quarters stuck to paper: 
There is a short description of Bradley's Silver Jubilee gathering, along with a copy of the invitation, including a portrait of Bradley, that had been sent to select fans, see image. 
Bradley gives some fans a sneak peak: 
There is a letter from MZB says she will not attend the Florida World Science Fiction Convention, that as: 
There is a pointed letter of complaint by a science fiction bookstore owner who asks why its so difficult to order enough Darkover books by DAW Books to keep in stock (some titles are only available for him to order for three months); it is followed by a reprint of a letter by Don Wollheim (complete with letterhead). Wollheim's letter is not very sympathetic and shaming, and makes Bradley look a bit like passive-agressive tattletale: 
Regarding the Darkover Concordance: 
Walter Breen responds to a letter by Wilmar Shiras about many things, including the the disappointment there were bad chieiri, as well as the theft of the television at Greyhaven: 
==Issue 6 (August 1977)==
Darkover Newsletter 6 was published in August 1977 and contains 14 pages. It was edited and published by Ted Bryan.
* there is an detailed announcement of the Gregg Press hardcover reprints of "Heritage of Hastur" and "Sword of Aldones" plus MUCH detail about acid-free paper, page counts, reprints, Bradley's "rejoicing over her first hardcover books ever in the English language," and a hint to fans: "The next step should be next Christmas—the long-hoped-for boxed sets; but it may take quite a few hundred reader letters to Ace to induce them to make these up."
* there is a reprint of a letter from the publisher of The Darkover Concordance, see image
* there are nine LoCs
* in a perhaps a somewhat questionable move regarding royalties and her own publisher, Bradley says she will sell copies of her book to fans, "donated copies" she gets at cost, mailed out at list price and twenty-five cents postage
There is a lengthy essay called "Critique: Symposium on the Free Amazons" by Judy Kopman and Nina Boal. In it, they make three complaints about the Free Amazons, all having to to do with duties as women, the morality of leaving children to be raised by men who do not want them, the availability of birth control, the lack of power, and the lack of different social classes among the Free Amazons. The editor, Bryon, says he is leaving these questions "to the Friends," but does have short explanation beginning with: "... it appears that some of [your questions] are based on analogy between women's consciousness, in 1970's USA and its counterpart in Darkover, which is perhaps not a safe basis for argument," and ends with "In an agricultural society such as Darkover, kids are helping hands, useful and worth well the cost of their food and garments, quite unlike 1970's USA where kids are a server financial burden."
In Letter from MZB, MZB gives some information on Darkover names, mentions some cons she is going to go to, and lists the order of her books, saying: "I personally feel that they should probably be read in the order in which I wrote them, so that the reader can follow my thought processes, and the evolution of my concept of Darkover."
The editor, Bryan, writes that the entire Thendara Council are big Star Wars fans, and suggests that George Lucas "lifted" the name "Alderaan" from Darkover: 
Jacqueline Lichtenberg begins with a disingenuous statement, moves on to some housekeeping and ends with the threat of Star Trek flyers:She herself says: "(That's a threat or a promise, depending on your point of view.)" in the next issue of the newsletter. 
Now that the newsletter has been advertised at the back of at least three DAW Books, demand for this newsletter has jumped. The editor addresses the problems with this popularity in terms of cost to Bradley and Breen, sidestepping the good news that more interest in the Darkover books means more money in Bradley and Breen's pocket. The editor's comments also highlight the tricky and thin lines that exist in fandom regarding fandom and profit and fandom as a gift culture, as per this editor's fan volunteer's comment: " I (Ted) am donating my evenings tor typing copy, making corrections, makeup, layout, and a variety of clerical tasks. These include posting subscriptions, addressing mailing labels, and editing letters for publication—and sometimes collation.": 
The popularity of the newsletter and announcements about it in for-profit DAW Books means demand is up for other things as well: 
And with visibility comes more opportunities for sales: 
The editor explains the origins of Society for Creative Anachronism: 
Bradley interjects, sticking up for Star Trek fans (at least, the "right" kinds), her former 13-year old self, and invokes a sort of geek hierarchy: 
Ruth Berman writes a letter commenting on the scarcity of historical female authors using male pseudonyms. Bradley (who had used male pseudonyms herself in the past, though she does not reveal this here) replies: 
==Issue 7 (September 1977)==
Darkover Newsletter 7 was published in September 1977 and contains 16 pages. It was edited by Ted Bryan.
* includes DARKOVER SPINOFF. Or maybe that should read CONTRARY MOTION—VERY., an essay by Ted Bryan; the main topic is Joanna Russ' book "We Who Are About To...", which was written as a rebuttal fic to "Darkover Landfall"
* there is much chat from Jacqueline Lichtenberg regarding Darkover Councils: their formation and locations
* there were 600 issues of this month's newsletter printed
The Letter from MZB this issue addresses the then-recent critic's assertion that only "fan 13-year olds in capes" were Darkover fans. The letter includes nine letters by fans that state that they personally don't fit the stereotype of fans. Bradley also adds some commentary regarding a recent reporter's comment that the only women who go to cons are overweight, unattractive, and only go to such gatherings to meet men: 
==Issue 8 (November 1977)==
Darkover Newsletter 8 was published in November 1977 and 16 pages. It was edited by Ted Bryan.
* there is an announcement that "Stormqueen" will be published by DAW, along with MUCH detailed info on how to get bookstores to order and stock this book, as well as other Bradley books, and DAW Books; the directions to fans are a sort of fan campaign
* the editor of Ambrov Zeor (Sime~Gen) would be sponsoring a blood drive at the Schuster Star Trek Convention in February 1978
* there is a lengthy report on Councils by Jacqueline Lichtenberg.
* there are seven LoCs, most addressed at the end by Ted Bryan and Bradley. Some of these letters are excerpted below.
* Still rankling over a critic's description of Darkover fans as "fat 13-year olds in capes," the editors have done a little detective work and had determined some things about the newsletter's subscribers; WHO ARE WE?, or, NOT A CAPE IN A CARLOAD, is the result, an essay including many statistics about Darkover fans.
* A fan writes about about spending time at Jacqueline Lichtenberg's house, see A TRUE STORY OF KEEPER'S TOWER; A Weekend at the Lichtenbergs' or, An Experience in THREE Universes. The essay is an account of a fannish weekend at Jacqueline Lichtenberg's home. Much tea was drunk, many books were discussed, and "it's quite an experience to watch ST with a Big Name Fan of ST fandom."
The next issue of the newsletter will be Free Amazon issue edited by MZB. Ted Bryan wrote that letters will have to be "in good taste"".: 
The editor of this newsletter writes a long essay about hanging out with the Thendara Council, described as wholesome fun (well, except for those "special brownies, perhaps) full of games and in-jokes; it also discusses the "Publisher's Weekly" review of "Forbidden Tower" which coined the word psychogynecology to cover the science pertaining to the basic plot problem of that story. ("Psychogynecology" was the study of the interelationship between the psychic faculties and the female reproductive system.): 
Sticky quarters, stapled bills, broken fingernails, "ungodly" thieves, and pistachio ice cream cones: 
The newsletter has received four submissions for Starstone that have become separated from their envelopes and it is unclear who the authors are. The editor lists the pieces by title and description: 
This issue contains contents on the first issue of Jumeaux: 
This issue has a letter from a male fan who was offended when he saw a romance novel by Bradley at the supermarket and scolds her (and Andre Norton) for wasting her time on trash, and his time by using her time and energies on things that weren't science fiction. Bradley replied: 
A fan, who is not a fan of Joanna Russ' novel (We Who Are About To...)-- written in response to Bradley's book "Darkover Landfall") writes a letter to Bradley and addresses feminism, survival, boredom, that fact that most women "sooner or later" fall in love with a man : 
==Issue 9/10 (January 1978)==
Darkover Newsletter 9/10 was published in January 1978 and contains 42 pages. This issue was edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
This issue focused on the "Free Amazons."
It is one of the few issues with a "cover," and it is by Terry Windling. The interior art is by Rita Freidin, Diana Paxson and Susan Fisher: "MANY THANKS to these, and OUR APOLOGIES to the other artists whose contributions didn't eurrive in time, or were crowded out of the layout; these will be held for STARSTONE and later issues."
* This issue was collated at the same time as Starstone #1 at a Work Party Midwinter Reunion held for the Thendara Council and local Friends
* This one was more expensive than others: "Subscriptions to DARKOVER NEWSLETTER may be had for 50¢ an issue, except this one. This issue only, though coming as a part of regular subscriptions, is a DOUBLE ISSUE, ##9 AND 10; extra copies are $2. (This counts as two issues in your subscription.)"
* It included is text of "The Oath of the Comhi-Letzii or "Order of the Reunciates", Commonly Called "The Free Amazons," With Explanatory Commentary," see images below
* There are twelve letters from fans that comment on the article by Judy Kopman and Nina Boal in the last issue; most comments address women's rights, children, sex, and gender relations. Bradley comments on all of these letters, one being: "Women in feminism still have these agonizing and unfair choices to make, not only because of the society of men they leave but because of pressure within the 'women's movement itself." To one letter, Bradley responds: "You'd better [turn your idea] into a story for Starstone #2. If you don't, it's a cinch somebody will. Or maybe I will." Bradley says this in response to another letter: " I Wish I knew. You tell me and we'll both know. Seriously, some day I suppose I will write that novel too...but not this year or next. Meanwhile, your guess is just as good as mine."
* This issue contains: "four (FOUR!) uncensored opinions on Joanna Russ's book proffered by the readers after last issue." Bradley wrote: "... it is obviously in contrary motion to 'Darkover Landfall'" and "invited anyone interested to review [it]... Well, never let it said that Friends of Darkover are afraid of controversial. We have received, to date no less than four sharply contrasting reviews, which speak for themselves without any need of apology or editorial content." See We Who Are About To... for these letters.
Bradley emphasizes the amateur status of her newsletter endeavor: 
A fan makes an observation regarding Bradley and feminism: 
Bradley sticks up for men, and for patience, tolerance, and non-censorship: 
Bradley does not stick up for at least one fan, and gets very prim and disingenuous regarding off-color jokes: 
Bradley sticks up for T-K Graphics as she has been hearing that the outfit is too slow in filling orders, addresses rumors of death and deception, scolds fans for relaying their experiences, threatens fans who dare complain, and generally tells people to behave and not ask questions regarding what they pay for. Bradley also blurs the line between a truly amateur fan endeavor and a for-profit, legal business, as she utilizes the "rules" of both... and does a bit of self-projecting. Bradley adds a jab of her own at T-K Graphics in the last sentence. (Ironically, eight months later, Bradley reports that T-K Graphics had "bitten off more than he could chew," was in financial ruin, and had returned the manuscript to Walter Breen. ):from Darkover Newsletter #13/14 
The newsletter's opening editorial addressed swearing, censorship, mission, and inclusion: 
Bradley has an announcement: 
Bradley writes of her and Walter's involvement with SCA: 
Bradley makes sure she follows Ted Bryan's directions, and can't help but add a jab at the end of her thank-you: 
Included in the newsletter is "Amazon Fragment," a 10-page excerpt from from "an unfinished novelette on the subject of the Free Amazons, has the tentative, working title of 'Freemates.'" This is later printed in the pro book "Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover" (1993). MZB writes: 
Jacqueline Lichtenberg has a long essay on fandom, and at one point, writes about flyers: 
There is an essay by Pat Gribben called "Jaelle in Love"; the opening paragraph: 
A male fan is worried about there being too much sex in Bradley's books: 
There is a long, long list of Councils; Jacqueline Lichtenberg complains about how expensive it is to administer them and remarks: 
Jacquline Lichtenberg advises fans on how to get organized and how to be good, active fans. At several points, Bradley chimes in: {{Quotation|[Lichtenberg]: Here's a third piece of advice. The best way to pick a fan job is to find out what you are already doing that you enjoy doing and can't seem to stop doing, and call that your job. [Bradley]: (Look at me. This is MZB again. I should be writing books, not playing around publishing fanzines. I started doing it when I was thirteen years old, and —Avarra be merciful.—34 years later I am still doing it, spending my valuable time, energy and money on it. I've quit fighting. Cest mon metier.)
File:freeamazonpledge1.jpg|from issue #9/10, "The Oath of the Comhi-Letzii or "Order of the Reunciates", Commonly Called "The Free Amazons," With Explanatory Commentary"
File:freeamazonpledge2.jpg|from issue #9/10, "The Oath of the Comhi-Letzii or "Order of the Reunciates", Commonly Called "The Free Amazons," With Explanatory Commentary"
File:freeamazonpledge3.jpg|from issue #9/10, "The Oath of the Comhi-Letzii or "Order of the Reunciates", Commonly Called "The Free Amazons," With Explanatory Commentary"
==References==
Category:Darkover Zines
Category:1976 Zines
Category:1977 Zines
Category:1978 Zines