Darkover Newsletter/Issues 51-60

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==Issue 51 (December 1990)==
Darkover Newsletter 51 was published in December 1990 and contains 18 pages.
* The editor writes about avoiding clichés in fiction writing.
* Elisabeth Waters announces that Jan Burke has resigned as the editor of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine..
* "Since MZB doesn't have many books due out next year, we are expanding this list to cover recent and forthcoming books by "MZB's writers"—the people who have sold stories to the Darkover anthologies, SWORD & SORCERESS, and/or Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine."
* John Shimwell, creator of the Darkovan Dictionary, writes: "I have just finished a three-month spare-time stint writing a Sime/Gen Concordance, and have sent copies to Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Jean Lorrah, Katie Filipowicz, and a few others . . . . Hopefully I will get enough feedback by mid-January to have a revised edition available for fans. After all.they have been waiting twelve years for one!"
Elisabeth Waters writes in her column about Bradley's divorce, Breen's legal troubles, Bradley's health, and Bradley's upcoming planned con attendance in , "Notes from Under the Desk": 
Bradley's Letter from MZB is an memorial to Donald A. Wollheim, the creator of Locus, and owner of DAW Books: 
A fan writes about mapping Darkover, a fan activity which Bradley has repeatedly says she does not like, nor supports: 
==Issue 52 (March 1991)==
Darkover Newsletter 52 was published in March 1991 and contains 18 pages.
* The editor writes of using foreshadowing in one's writing.
* There is a full-page form for fans who want a pen pal.
The editor tells a fan: 
Bradley's Letter from MZB talks about some of the mail she gets every day, mail that gets odder and odder each year. She also talks about fans and fandom: 
==Issue 53 (June 1991)==
Darkover Newsletter 53 was published in June 1991 and contains 20 pages.
* The editor writes that she was "exposed to the dreaded SDT syndrome. Twice." She goes on to explain that SDT is "Show Don't Tell" and how it manifests itself in writing.
* This issue contains a logic puzzle.
* Most fan letters are ones that ask what order the books should be read in, how to join Friends of Darkover, how to locate pen pals, and laud Bradley and her books.
* Jean Lamb writes that she hopes to meet Bradley in August 1991 at Vikingcon.
Bradley's Letter from MZB concerns itself with the effects that her strokes have had on her memory, about trying to finish 'The Forest House' and how she defends writing flawed characters, specifically Guinevere in The Mists of Avalon: 
A fan writes: 
Bradley gives an update on her writing, but does not mention Contraband: 
==Issue 54 (September 1991)==
Darkover Newsletter 54 was published in September 1991 and contains 22 pages.
* The editor gives some more writing tips.
* This issue contains a logic puzzle.
* There are two Darkovan recipes, one for oat cookies and one for some punch with includes Seven-Up, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
A fan asks if Bradley read the Darkover story she sent her called "Holidays on Darkover, Part 1" and if she should send Part 2 and Part 3. Elisabeth Waters has an interesting reply: "Yes, We did receive Part 1 of "Holidays on Darkover." I myself have not read it.... but I do know that, after Mrs. Bradley saw it, it was sent to the "Marion Zimmer Bradley Collection" at Boston University. By all means, send Parts 2 and 3; that way the library will have the whole thing." What makes this interesting is this is the first time Bradley's official depository in Boston is mentioned. This means that there has been some thought to preserving her official paper/manuscripts and such, a reflection perhaps of a winding down. It is also interesting in that this occurs just two months after the publication of Masks. This could mean that the conflict regarding "Masks" has already hit the fan, as it were, and that Bradley is now stepping back from supporting fan fiction.
Bradley's Letter from MZB says she doesn't like it when she hears of any of her books being required reading in colleges and high school classes as it takes all the fun out of it, writes at length about the value of childrens' ability and desire to read, affirmative action, and says that she homeschooled her children out of frustration with the public school system that had low standards and pushed "feminist theory": 
Jennifer Robeson writes a letter and thanks Bradley for her support: 
A fan writes about setting up a con programming and spaces: 
A fan is discouraged: 
==Issue 55 (December 1991)==
Darkover Newsletter 55 was published in December 1991 and contains 18 pages.
* This issue contains a logic puzzle.
* The editor offers some writing tips about research.
* Bradley writes that Joan Marie Verba is "another discovery I'm very proud of."
* Bradley writes: "I believe completely in laran, but not the way some sappy New Agers think of it. Some of the stories in my slush pile make Shirley MacLaine look conservative!"
* Jean Lamb writes: "It is wonderful how MZB has encouraged new writers (even me!). We can't pay it back, though, we can remember to pay it forward by encouraging those even newer than ourselves." Bradley responds: "No, Icouldn't pay back Henry Kuttner, Catherine Moore, Leigh Brackett, Randall Garrett, et a!., so I'm passing iton to Juanita Coulson, Diana Paxson, Mercedes Lackey, Susan Schwarz, and such. The list of writers I'v eencouraged will never be as long as Don Wollheim's. Go thou and do likewise."
* When a fan asks when Contraband and "Return to Darkover" will be released, Bradley responds: "'Contraband' hasn't been written yet. 'Return to Darkover' is half done. 'Re-Discovery' is being rewritten by Mercedes Lackey, whose approach to Darkover is a lot like mine. But she has other books to finish first. I am working on 'Return to Darkover' -- so far I think it's pretty good."
Bradley's Letter from MZB talks of her relief at getting through the year without a stroke or heart attack, that Greyhaven escaped the firestorms in the area, her ex-husband is in jail, and that she still loves reading the slush pile: 
Bradley mentions her daughter has given her a tape of the Rivendell Suite: 
A fan ("Cassandra Silverpen") writes a parody of a fan letter, one that incorporates all the worst attributes of a fan letter Bradley said in an earlier issue that she regularly receives: 
A fan says Bradley has feminist fans: 
A fan writes a long letter, one with many details of Bradley's Darkover inconsistencies, and with many detailed suggestions of his own. He writes: " . . You have so many good ideas, but it wouldn't hurt . . . lo redo some of the earlier stories to fit into the Darkover context and to grow some of the people introduced. It would be good also in the second edition of all the books, to bring people from the previous book into the next one, as background people. Certainly any person important at all would be known by anyone else important in such a small population." Bradley responds: 
==Issue 56 (March 1992)==
Darkover Newsletter 56 was published in March 1992 and contains 22 pages.
* The editor has some writing tips and reviews some computer creative writing programs; she reviews Plots Unlimited, First Aid for Writers, Collaborator, and StoryLine.
* This issue contains a logic puzzle.
* There is a lovely memorial written by Diann Partridge for John Shimwell who died December 21, 1991. Shimwell had written Darkovan Dictionary as well as The Sime/Gen Concordance.
* Bradley writes: "One of my pet peeves is historical is twelfth-century women behaving like twentieth-centry women's lib types. 'Nuf said."
* A fan writes a long letter defending Bradley against nitpickers. He says: "Unfortunately, I have found that one of the most consistent truths concerning people fascinated by picayune details is that they make dreadful authors; they get so wrapped up in making everything consistent, possible, and likely that their characters seem like cardboard, their worlds turn out tedious, and their stories are so predictable as to dissuade even the most determined readers from reaching THE END." Ann Sharp has a long thoughtful response. Bradley writes: "I have a standard rejection slip which says. 'This is a very good idea. But unfortunately stories are not about ideas. They're about people. So add some interesting characters'."
A fan writes that he was disappointed in a book Bradley co-authored with Andre Norton (and others): 
Bradley comments on all the books that she's sent asking for some comments or blurbs. She writes that if the book hasn't grabbed her by the first chapter or so, it's just not going to, and she doesn't have time to mess around with that stuff anymore: 
Bradley includes the submission guidelines for the next DAW Darkover Anthology, and the deadline for them is August 1, 1992. An excerpt from the guidelines: 
==Issue 57 (June 1992)==
Darkover Newsletter 57 was published in June 1992 and contains 18 pages.
* There are more writing tips from the editor about dialogue and structure.
* There are several letters by fans which discuss spirit guides and other similar matters. Two of Bradley's comments: "One should be aware of the New Aga types who encourage junk such as channelling." And "Some day I should write a book about my own ESP experiences and my son David's as a poltergeist -- but no one would believe it, any more than people believed Whitley Streiber about his experiences with extra-terrestrials. I tend to believe it -- Strieber has written enough science-fiction best-sellers that if he just wanted to tell tall tales, he could right better ones."
* Bradley writes: "I did almost no "research" for Mists of Avalon—I just used what I knew from a lifetime's reading about pre-medieval societies."
* A fan tells Bradley: " I have seen and read your other books, and I can well sympathize with an author's wish to move onto something new. Nevertheless, you have caught the imaginations of so many of us with the Darkover mystique,and I'm truly intrigued with the place. So I do hope you won't abandon Darkover completely. [snipped] So please don't give it up, Marion Zimmer Bradley, and do encourage your proteges to keep writing it too. I gobble it up." Bradley replied: "When I get tired of Darkover, I'll be tired of life."
* Jean Lamb has a letter. Some comments from it: "I was very sad to hear of John Shimwell's death. I found his casta dictionary extremely helpful while writing Masks." She also writes: "Ican understand MZB's impatience with people who say they have a great idea for a story. Don't we all! I regularly have to hit some of them over the head and tell them to SHUT UP while I'M busy working on some other story." She also writes: "Glad to see there'll be another Darkover anthology - already have one started. I just wish that there were more markets for short original-universe sword and sorcery! (You and Dragon are it in the prozine range, alas!)."
* There is a recipe for "Ordinary Nut-Cake" along with a discussion on sweetening agents for cake (Would they use honey? Sugar? Yams? Turnips?)"
* Bradley writes "I never know what books I'm going to write until I've written them. At present, I'm finishing up 'Return to Darkover' and beginning Contraband, about Rafael Hustur and Rafael Syrtis from 'The Hawkmaster's Son' in 'Keeper's Price.'"'
* Bradley again includes her submission guidelines for the next DAW Darkover Anthology, this time giving it the name "Snows of Darkover." She repeats all the same restrictions and requests, and includes this line as well: "Original stories only please -- if your story has been printed in a fanzine, I've already seen and considered it."
While not mentioned by name, Masks (the Darkover novel by Jean Lamb that makes up the entirety of Moon Phases #12) would be published in less than month. Bradley almost certainly had been involved in offstage communications and deal-making regarding its existence. In this issue of the newsletter, Bradley includes a one-page oddity that appears to be a bitter metaphoric commentary regarding publishing in general, and perhaps the the upcoming controversy regarding the fanfic "Masks". It is called "It's Getting Dark on Darkover." -- 
Bradley's Letter from MZB mentions The Mists of Avalon, but is mostly about how she enjoyed the movie and book "The Silence of the Lambs": 
==Issue 58 (September 1992)==
Darkover Newsletter 58 was published in September 1992 and contains 20 pages. This issue was a bombshell issue for most fans.
* This issue is unique in that Elisabeth Waters is not included on staff, nor is she included on #59. The staff is listed as "Marion Zimmer Bradley, founder of the universe and resident guru. Ann Sharp, newsletter editor, Paul Reyes, consultant." Paul Reye's contribution turns out to be some information about Darkover swords.
* This issue contains a release form for fiction, and it is in response to Holes in My Yard. The release form printed in this newsletter is not the first time fans have been aware of it, nor assumedly, Bradley's new stance on fan fiction, meaning she must have been sending it to fans in the mail before the issue of this newsletter was published. A fan writes: "Enclosed please find my release form for my short story... Thanks so much for sending it along to me, and for the accompanying note of explanation. I've long wondered if your generosity in letting other writers 'play' on Darkover had ever resulted in lawsuits or bad feelings."
* Some other proof that this release form, and the need for it, has been in circulation for a while is this fan's statement: "The release form signed and enclosed herewith. The life of simplicity is gone, I gather, alas. I'm sorry to see it so, but for everyone's protection this will have to be. What happens to a zine like Nina Boal's Moon Phases, which is devoted exclusively to Darkover material, and to which I for one have submitted a rejected Darkover story from last year? I, for one, do not want in any way to encroach upon Darkover, only to play in it now and then. Your encouragement of new writers is extraordinary and we benefit from your wisdom. If any writer has encroached or attempted to claim material to which they are not entitled as a result of your goodness to writers, a pox upon such a one." Bradley responds: "I'll await our lawyer's answer with equally baited breath. I'm naive -- I just wanted to share my fun. The "Letter from MZB" tells the story as I see it."
* A fan writes that "The newsletter continues to be a delight, and I congratulate all involved on producing a entertaining publication. As a writer, I am particularly grateful that you carry notifications and guidelines for upcoming Bradley anthologies. Continuing my subscription just for those would be worth it. As far as I'm concerned, I'm getting double value."
* Bradley mentions the depository library for her work in this issue, the Mugar Library in Boston. This is the second mention by her in this newsletter, the first being in September 1991. Patricia Mathews writes: "A while back, somebody mentioned a library MZB wanted her papers donated to... I have a fair collection of MZB memorabilia, mostly manuscripts and correspondence, and quite frankly, I don't think my heirs have enough sense to value it." Mathews also writes: "Also, I have read, understood, and accept the releases you sent for the two Darkover stories submitted to you for "Snows of Darkover." If you reject those stories, may I submit them to a Darkover fanzine?, If so, what releases or disclaimers do yo wish to accompany them?" Bradley gives her the library's address and adds: "As for the short-story releases, I await the answer from my lawyer, and will pass it along. At least you have developed independent selling ability -- I read your story in Andre Norton's anthology."
* Bradley writes a response to a fan's letter of whether or not Bradley is a feminist: "I may have been a feminist -- but where were all those feminists when I could have used some support? The girls in my school told me (as they'd no doubt been told themselves) that I shouldn't get good marks (it 'showed up' the boys and hurt their egos) and I should read less and dance more."
* There is a satirical letter by a fake Mary Sue, with the editor's response.
* This issue contains a logic puzzle.
A fan writes a happy, glowing letter to Bradley about Darkover and very, very much wants to join a guild house. She asks if there are any around, especially one in Berkeley. Bradley responds that there isn't, and that "I think they grew up." Ann Sharp's answer is long. Some excerpts: 
There is a letter by Deborah Wheeler (who went on to write the Darkover books after Bradley died) about Guild Houses that was originally printed in "Darkover Newsletter" #38. It is reprinted here. Ann Sharp calls it the best letter they ever received about it, and the only letter the newsletter ever reprinted. One excerpt: 
This issue contains the famous "Holes in My Yard," and it constitutes the entirety of the Letter from MZB:
Ann Sharp includes an afterward to Holes in My Yard: 
File:dnl581.jpg|"Holes in My Yard"
File:dnl582.jpg|"Holes in My Yard"
File:dnl583.jpg|release form
File:dnl584.jpg|release form
==Issue 59 (December 1992)==
Darkover Newsletter 59 was published in December 1992 and contains 16 pages. The staff is listed as "Marion Zimmer Bradley, prime mover of the universe and resident guru. Ann Sharp, newsletter editor, Paul Reyes, consultant."
* The editor writes of the history of Terran Christmas, with a few mentions of Darkover.
* A fan asks if the play "'Free Amazons of the Gor' was ever produced? If so, was there ever a script produced?" The editor, Ann Sharp, responds that this was a fan skit last produced at Fantasy Worlds Convention in 1985, and that the editor was one of the Amazons. "I remember it chiefly for the costumes, because all the Amazons, including me, actually wore bronze brassieres... It took two people to bale me into it and the leather thongs that kept in place were rather uncomfortable -- but it certainly looked 'authentic.'" She adds that the script has "probably been sent to the Marion Zimmer Bradley Collection, at Mugar Memorial Library, Boston University."
* There is a logic puzzle in this issue.
A fan writes about the Bradley's release form (published in the previous issue), of Darkover fan writing, and of Contraband: 
Bradley responds to a fan's letter regarding future Darkover books: 
Bradley's Letter from MZB talks of her educational degrees, her diploma "from Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts," fans and non-fans, senses of humor, gullibility, and deciding not to pull the leg of "a former associate of mine, whom I will not further characterize than by saying she is no longer in my orbit" : 
==Issue 60 (March 1993)==
Darkover Newsletter 60 published in March 1993 and contains 20 pages.
* There are the usual writing tips from the editor.
* There is a sheet of guidelines for Bradley's Fantasy Magazine.
* This issue contains a logic puzzle.
Despite her earlier stated dislike of filks in issues #31 and #32, Bradley writes in her letter that her foster son, Kristoph Klover and his wife are helping her recording a tape of Darkover filk fans. "And because I have often said that filk singing should be done in private by consenting adults, I've called this tape Consenting Adults of Darkover." Bradley adds much more, describing a night at a studio where she sang: 
A fan writes: 
A fan writes: 
A fan writes: 
Bradley writes: 
Nian Boal, the editor of Moon Phases (the zine that the controversial story "Masks" was published in) writes: 
==References==
Category:Darkover Zines
Category:1990 Zines
Category:1991 Zines
Category:1992 Zines
Category:1993 Zines