VICKIE'S WORLD

**NEW RELEASE* COGS & STARDUST

A self-published collection of assorted works.  First printing:  December, 2006.

Contents include:

"Sweet is Revenge": an excerpt from my novel "Vengeance Is Mine".  It's a monologue by the character of Lacroix.

"Before the Invasion":  An article about the historic contributions to the development of Rock 'n' Roll by England's first mega-rock start, Tommy Steel.  The article was first published in Blue Suede News Magazine in February of 2005.

"The Color of Time":  Poem.  First published in the online magazine "Horizons", and later brought to life by a dramatic reading that can be found on "Whispers in the Dark"; a CD of dramatic readings from DragonsLair Studios.

"Untitled" a very short, but effective 2-line poem.

"Possible Reasons Behind the School Shooting Epidemic of the Last Decade":  a speculative essay.

"Of Cabbages and Queens": a longer-than-short short story.  It is a typical fantasy story about sons of noblemen going to war with sorcerous queens and becoming heroes, but the twist is that the text of the story neatly uses 100 song titles by the legendary rock group, Queen.  This story was first published in Powerstar Magazine in 1997.

"Lost in the Daylight":  A poem written for an old musician friend about a rock star's isolation.

"Possible Explanation for the Nature and Purpose of Dreams":  A speculative, scientific essay that might add another choice to dream explanation.  No interpretation here.  Just a theory based on the properties of electricity and the known parameters of human physiology.

"Cranio Morto": an abstract poem.

"Star Struck": an intricate poem

"The Fire Is Dying": an essay on the loss of human spirit, first published in Collage Magazine in 1996.

"Theory on Gravity and Its Possible Effects on Dinosaurs and Avian Evolution": a speculative essay about how an increasing force of evolution over the course of the earth's history may have been responsible not only for the size dinosaurs managed to obtain, but why they may have developed feathers and wings.  Though never published, this essay did get a couple of nods in the scientific community.

"The Vision of Lydia Bates":  a short story about a phone psychic who has to deal with the fact that, one day, she did have a real psychic experience...one that could change the course of the future.

"Violence is Not the Answer...Wanna Bet?":  an essay about the good uses of violence, and how turning our backs on it can cause unbalance.  First published in Collage Magazine in 1996.

"House of Mirrors": a five-minute skit written and performed in 2005 at Roanoke's "No Shame Theater".  Also chosen for that season's "Best of No Shame" special event.

"The Fire Child":  A faerie-tale style story, first published in "New Dominions" in 1995.  A young girls longs to follow in the footsteps of a community's ancient heroine by allowing herself to be taken by the forces of nature.

"Ancient Mesopotamia's Contributions to Modern Judaism, Christianity and Islam - and the Possible Original Homeland of the Hebrew People": a speculative essay based on research, outlining the striking similarities between Mesopotamian Mythology and the oldest stories from the three largest modern religions.

WINDKIN

In 1993, my very first publication hit comic book stores all over the world.  It was my short Elf Quest story, "Windkin", adapted to comic format and published as issue #5 of the Elf Quest: New Blood comic series.  I was very lucky that Richard Pini of WaRP Graphics liked my work and wanted to use it, as I had no previous writing credentials at the time.   

I was married when I wrote for Elf Quest, so all my work was under the name Vickie Murphy.  It's been a little awkward to catalog my writing history under two names, but I'm happy to now be writing as Vickie Holt.  For the full story about how I came to write for WaRP Graphics, check out the profile by Ariel Wulff, of Sendings.   http://www.elfquest.com/fan/sendings/profile-vm.html

"Windkin" is a story that takes place after the events of issue 20 of the original Elf Quest series, and issue 1 of "Siege at Blue Mountain".  When we left the original Quest, Dewshine, daughter of Treestump and the long dead Rillfisher, had recognized Tyldak of the elves of Blue Mountain.   When the series continued in the "Siege at Blue Mountain" title, it was three years later, and baby Windkin had already been born.  My story revisited that day, and planted the seeds for at least one other plot thread that came to fruition with Nightfall and Redlance.

Though this comic is certainly no longer available on bookshelves, it can still be found for sale in the back issue bins at your local comic shop, or through many online dealers and auctions.  For full background history and more information on the Elf Quest universe itself, visit WaRP Graphics at http://elfquest.com/

ROCK SHAPER

Just a few months after "Windkin" appeared as issue 5 in the New Blood series, WaRP Graphics released the 1993 New Blood Summer Special issue.  This was a special edition comic that contained 8 short independent stories.  My story, "Rock Shaper" appeared as the 4th story in this edition.

Again, this story was meant to revisit a development that was skipped over.  It, too, took place during the period of time between the end of the original Quest, and the beginning of the next adventure in the Elf Quest series, "Siege at Blue Mountain".   This time, however, it's a story from Sorrow's End.  After Cutter and his band had discovered the Palace and united the four elf tribes, Ahdri, Savah's handmaiden, discovered she had a special talent.  Her rock shaping heritage finally manifested.  My short story visits the day that happened. 

ELF QUEST NEW BLOOD GRAPHIC NOVEL

Even later in 1993, WaRP Graphics continued their tradition of putting out a graphic novel for every 5 comic issues released.  Since "Windkin" was issue 5 of New Blood, this story was re-printed and re-released as part 5 of the Elf Quest: New Blood Graphic Novel.

Like all the Elf Quest items listed here, this book can be found in the back issue sections of your local comic shop, or through online comic dealers or auctions.

THE FIRE CHILD

In 1995, a friend and fellow writer decided to try his hand at publishing.  Mike Allen created the first issue in what would become a series of chapbooks featuring some of Virginia's leading science fiction/fantasy writers.  I was invited to participate, and was very happy to have my short story, "The Fire Child" appear in the same book with a story by the very honored and prestigious, Nelson Bond.   http://www.marshall.edu/library/speccoll/virtual_museum/bond/default.asp        As I was still married in 1995, I am also credited as "Vickie Murphy" in this publication.

"The Fire Child" is the fairy tale style story of Orina, a servant maid who fell asleep under a tree and didn't wake when a storm blew over the field.  She was struck by lightening, but survived to bear a son.  The son of the lightening.  He grew to be king.  He silenced all their enemies  and united all the lands, but eventually died in his old age.  After his death, it became tradition for the young women of the kingdom to lie beneath the trees when the sky turned stormy.  They all hoped to be the next mother of a king, but alas, all were killed.   Riorde was falling into ruin and enemies were threatening.  They needed another fire child to lead them. 

Until a hundred years later when a young woman named Dorsheth saw a strange figure dancing on the waves out at sea.  It was Orina's glowing figure, appearing as pure energy.  This sign compelled Dorsheth to try and meet the lightening.  To give Riorde a new king.

Mike Allen http://www.descentintolight.com/  has no more back issues of this book, but rare copies can be found by searching online.

This story was re-published in recently released chapbook, "Cogs and Stardust", available in VICKIE'S STORE.

OF CABBAGES AND QUEENS

In 1997, I told Kimberly-Murphy-Smith - Editor of small press magazine, Powerstar, about a little story I had written.  At the time, I was quite excited about Queen and all their music.  I had noticed, however, that a great many of their song titles could lend themselves very nicely to a fantasy story.  So, with this in mind, I set out to write one, using no fewer than 100 Queen song titles throughout the text of the story.  Well, because the song titles were the basis, they pretty much directed the flow of the story, and there wasn't much I could do about what kind of story they eventually told, I had very little room for tweaking, and still making the titles fit well.  So, the story itself...not one of my best pieces.  But for an effort that uses 100 song titles and makes them work together in a story?  VERY PROUD of this effort. 

Murphy-Smith invited me to submit it for publication in Powerstar, and this I did.  Unfortunately, there is nowhere a back issue of this magazine can be found.  However, with encouragement, I will eventually post the story in its entirety in the Base of Operations section.

This story was re-published in recently released chapbook "Cogs and Stardust", available in VICKIE'S STORE.

COLLAGE MAGAZINE

From November 1995 to December 1997, I wrote many editorials, interviews and other journalistic articles for regional Women's magazine, Collage. They included:

“To The Extreme” Editorial, November, 1995 (rampant, harmful extremism)

“An Opinion” Editorial, December, 1995 (how not to raise a child)

“Kick ‘Em While They’re Up” Editorial, January, 1996 (public figure-bashing-opposition)

“Just Let Go” Editorial, February, 1996 (leaving dead relationships)

“The Next Step” Editorial, March, 1996 (pro for space exploration)

“Back To Class” Editorial, April, 1996 (basics in virtue)

“Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die?” Editorial, May, 1996 (promises mean nothing these days)

“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” Editorial, June, 1996 (smoking sections vs. physics)

“The Fire Is Dying” Editorial, August, 1996 (sad reflections of humanity)

“Whispers From Hollywood” Editorial, September, 1996 (film’s effects on society)

“Violence Is Not The Answer! (Wanna Bet?)” Editorial, November, 1996 (a look at the good use of violence)

“Divided We Fall” Editorial, December, 1996 (social categorization-harmful)

“Lemming Morality” Editorial, January, 1997 (overboard morals in America)

“St. Valentine’s Day: The Story Behind the Day” Article, February, 1997 (origins/customs throughout time)

“Speakin’ With Sally” Interview, February, 1997 (local radio personality)

“Profile of a Dreamer: Lee Ann Necessary” Interview, March, 1997 (local news anchor)

“St. Patrick’s Day” Article/Editorial, March, 1997 (history/thoughts - pro)

“Meet Sherry-Wine Richardson of Avante Gardens” Interview, April, 1997 (local business woman)

“Ladies In Camo” Article, May, 1997 (local women in the military)

“Dream High. . . Fly High” Interview, June/July 1997 (Valissa Duerk: local lady pilot)

“One Night of Elegance” Article, August, 1997 (Roanoke’s annual wine event)

“Best Friend’s Beacon” Article, August, 1997 (Roanoke’s own “Pet Detective”)

“Enough!” Editorial, August, 1997 (anarchy among our youth)

“Fifty Thousand Dollars Going Once, Twice, Sold!” Editorial, September, 1997 (selling out in the courtroom)

“Halloween: The Ultimate Family Reunion” Article/Editorial, Oct., 1997 (origins/customs/thoughts)

“Murphy’s Law” Editorial, Oct., 1997 (violence re-cap/current event)

“What Christmas Once Was” Editorial, December, 1997 (reminiscence of childhood)

“A Whole New World to Discover” Article, December, 1997 (sensory awareness)

No back issues of Collage are available, but I may post a few of the editorials in the Base of Operations section.

THE EPITAPH OF NEVER-LAUGH AND OTHER WHIMSICALLY DARK MUSINGS

In 1998, I decided to create my first chapbook.  It's a collection of poetry, one of my Collage editorials and even an excerpt monologue from my developing novel "Vengeance Is Mine".  It's a small piece of work, and unfortunately, the original artwork and layouts are gone.  There is only two copies of this piece left. 

However, I do have thoughts of creating a new short works chap book, so keep your eyes open for it in Vickie's Store!

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

In 1998, I once again had the chance to work with WaRP Graphics.  Richard Pini - co-creator - had begun a series about a fifth group of elves that dwelled in the sea.  He called them "WaveDancers".  Rather than contracting an external writer, Pini was writing the story himself.  Yet, because he was not only co-creator of the Elf Quest universe, but its publisher and business machine as well, it wasn't surprising that he just didn't have enough time to produce stories in this series with any regularity.   When speaking to me one day about this situation, I reminded him that I was a writer, already proven with WaRP Graphics. 

Richard then handed me the cast of characters and the reigns, and from that moment until it was discontinued, I was the writer of the Elf Quest: WaveDancers series.  At this point, however, WaRP had consolidated its many titles, and was releasing only one comic publication per month.  It was a thicker-than-normal comic that featured 14-page segments of each of the Elf Quest title series.  Four segments per comic.  Because there were more than 4 titles, however, the segments appeared staggeringly.  The first segment of WaveDancers to have "Vickie Murphy" credited as the writer appeared in this issue, issue 21, of the main Elf Quest series of 1998.

Darshek has been captured by the human sea captain, Djarum...and they've done something to him.   Wavecatcher still wanders alone in the Forevergreen, and we learn how he came to be there and what happened to his fellow travelers.  Snakeskin and his father, Surge, struggle for power over the group, and the decisions to be made about Darshek. 

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

The second segment of WaveDancers I wrote appeared in issue 23 of the main Elf Quest title in 1998. 

Time is spent aboard Djarum's ship, and we learn not only his back story, but a little more about why he hates the elves so much.  Darshek's abuse worsens.  Back at Crest Point (home of the WaveDancers) Snakeskin sends out a handful of searchers to try and learn something of Darshek's fate.  In the Forevergreen, Wavecatcher experiences his first hardships after having decided to move inland.

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

The third edition of WaveDancers I wrote appeared in issue 24 of Elf Quest, 1998.

Back at Crest Point, the group - and Darshek's family - mourn his loss.  They do not yet know he is still alive.  They are all torn between staying and fighting for their home, or fleeing into uncertainty to escape the tragedy that would surely, eventually find them.  On board the ship, we learn even more about Djarum's back story while his cabinboy/scientist tends to Darshek.  In the Forevergreen, Wavecatcher learns to hunt land animals and feed himself...but someone is watching.  Back at Crest Point, Snakeskin sends Spine out alone, to try and actually approach Djarum's ship and report on the threat.

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

The fourth edition of Wavedancers I wrote appeared in issue 27 of Elf Quest, 1998.

In the Forevergreen, the sleeping Wavecatcher is finally approached by his stealthy watcher.  And who could it be, ironically, but the adult Windkin!  Back at sea, the lone Spine does find Djarum's ship, but is unlucky enough to swim up to it just as Djarum's men are testing an underwater explosive.  The concussion of the blast and the resulting rush of sealife escaping rattle him hard.  But he does manage to send out a mental cry for Darshek.  Onboard, Darshek hears the feeble cry, and sends back a weak message of his own.  "Stay away".  The injured and infested Darshek is ready to die, and doesn't want any of his fellows to fall victim to his murderer in an attempt to save him.

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

The fifth segment of WaveDancers I wrote appeared in issue 28 of Elf Quest, 1998.

Aboard Djarum's ship, we finally learn the nature of the experiment, and how Darshek has been seeded with a parasite.  We also learn that Bran Porak, Djarum's cabinboy/scientist, is reluctant to continue.  Djarum shows the first signs of maniacal obsession.  In the Forevergreen, Wavecatcher and Windkin get to know one another...and it isn't going very smoothly.  At Crest Point, the group works on building a boat of their own so they can escape and move on, should Spine return with bad news.  And Spine, still lingering in the waters around the ship, is accidentally infested with the parasites as a bowl full of the are dropped overboard, only seconds before another depth charge.  The combination shatters his brain.

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

The sixth segment of WaveDancers I wrote appeared in issue 30 of Elf Quest, 1998.

At Crest Point, a desparate and injured  Spine is racing death and blood-mad sharks as he tries to make it home before he's overtaken.  A daring rescue is executed as several WaveDancers plunge in to face the beasts so Spine can pass safely to shore.  Skimback heals the damage done by the explosive's concussion, but Longfin (Darshek's mother) and Krill sneak off to backtrack on Spine's trail to locate Djarum's ship...and Darshek, dead or alive.

Onboard ship, Bran Porak frets over Djarum's madness, then approaches Darshek in hopes of being able to communicate with him - to learn the whereabouts of the others - before Djarum gets them all killed on his mad mission to destroy the "demons". 

In the Forevergreen, Wavecatcher and Windkin find a human village...with a surprise.  A lovely young elf maiden living among them!

Back at Crest Point, Spine staggers against the wall.  Skimback may have healed the injuries, but the parasites run rampant inside his head.

EQ: WAVEDANCERS INSTALLMENT

The seventh - and final - segment of WaveDancers I wrote appeared in issue 31 of Elf Quest, 1998.

We learn the story of the Broken One.  A Wavedancer elf who is monstrously deformed, but who once was as lithe and beautiful as any of the others.  That was, before he had an unfortunate encounter with Winnowill herself!

At Crest Point, everyone is still preparing to leave.

In the Forevergreen, Wavecatcher and Windkin breach the village walls and introduce themselves to the elf maiden, Wavelet.  Her presence in the village is peaceful, and she serves the village as its resident "spirit".  She's never seen another elf, and so doesn't know any better than to really think herself a spirit.  She greets the two newcomers as fellow spirits, and it's learned that she was the missing infant from the slaughter on the beach that left Wavecatcher alone, so many years ago.

In Crest Point, final preparations are made.  Everyone begins to board the boat, and some exercise final rituals. 

On board ship, some of Djarum's men begin to desert.  Bran Porak continues his frantic efforts to try and comminicate with Darshek.  Darshek, in the peace that only comes when death is close, feels compassion for Bran Porak...his killer.

VEANGENCE IS MINE

In 1999, I completed my first novel.  Vengeance Is Mine was originally intended as a submission for Berkley/Boulevard's Forever Knight novel series. They had signed a contract with the Sony Corporation (the company that currently owns the show) for three novels, and upon the sale of those, they would renew the contract and continue the series. And in fact, I had received notice from Berkley that when the contract was renewed, they'd be asking me to send the manuscript.

However, after the third book sold out and went back for reprint, the contract was dropped. After a bit of inquiry, directly with Sony, I learned that it was actually Berkley that had dropped it. I spoke further with Sony about the rights being granted to other publishers, but eventually, they released a notice that they would no longer be signing out the rights to Forever Knight for any kind of merchandising, including books. They locked it down, and effectively cut off any chance of this story enjoying official publication. But I wasn't the only one. I understand that several other authors also had finished manuscripts waiting. Then one of those authors decided to self-publish. She spent the money to have actual, official-looking paperbacks made up. She sold a great many of them before Sony's lawyers stopped her.

But I have followed this author's example, except for one significant detail. I'm not trying to make it look official. So, here is my Forever Knight novel, "Vengeance Is Mine", comb bound on 8 1/2 x 11 paper - fanzine style - and I am making it available to you in Vickie's Store.

Here is a review of the story, written by Angela K. Williams, who at the time wrote movie reviews for The Roanoke Times & World News:

Holt has taken up the threads of a cancelled television series and woven a strong, powerful tapestry.  In this tightly plotted mystery, Nicholas Knight faces not only human devils, but nuances of his own vampire nature that threaten to cut him off from his mortal friends.  Knight and his homicide detective partner, Tracy Vetter, are on the trail of drugs and murder in Toronto, Canada. Complicating matters considerably are Tracy’s imperious father, Police Commissioner Vetter, and a strange murderous compulsion that threatens to destroy Knight.  The subtle undercurrents of the story deepen what could have been paper-thin characters. “Forever Knight” was first conceived as a comic book, and the unevenly executed stories often sacrificed character development to action.  Holt, however, brings insight and depth to the psychologically intriguing premise of FK, as it is known to its fans. In the end, all of the plotlines as well as the trademark flashback sequences are prismatic reflections of the same theme – the struggle to achieve equilibrium within relationships based on power and control. Tracy reaches understandings with the two men who are stifling her own personal growth – the vampire Vachon, and her overbearing father. Knight has to establish yet another level of compromise with the vampire within - –he source of his primal conflict. All of the peripheral characters, even those obviously meant as foils for the main story, exemplify the successes and failures of human attempts to manipulate and use one another.  There are a lot of nice touches in this impressive first novel. Minor characters are not simply tossed in for effect, but contribute substantially to the development of the story. Holt moves the action along in spare, clear prose with the occasional wistful pause for a bit of the poetry in the souls of her characters to be revealed. Fans of the television series will be completely happy with LaCroix’s oily musings, Vachon’s whimsy and Knight’s intensity. Natalie continues true and unwavering in her complicated role as Knight’s only mortal confidante, and Tracy finally grows up a little.  Holt’s take on Screed, however, is worth the price of the book.

And here is a small excerpt:

Vachon woke with a start, knowing immediately that Tracy was in danger. He jumped from the couch, raced for the room’s only window and leapt out into the morning. Instantly, he came crashing to the ground behind the old church, writhing and smoldering in the relentless rays of the sun.  

With every sinew of his body on fire, he searched madly through yellow eyes for safety. The doors were on the other side of the building. He’d never make it. He’d be ashes before he rounded the far corner.

Suddenly, he spied a thick line of bushes growing along the stone wall only yards away. Like a spider caught away from its nest, he scrambled for the cool darkness of the tunnel created by the overgrowth.

He pulled himself far up the row and the shade immediately began to cool the boiling blood in his veins. But the cover was imperfect, and pinpoints of filtering light stabbed at him like a thousand stinging ants. Working quickly, he began flipping dirt and dead leaves into the air, burying himself under a thin layer of loam.

Even as his blood cooled from the torture of the sun, it began to boil with anger. With a final, soul-wrenching scream of frustration, he flipped a fold of his jacket over his face and slipped into oblivion.

WAVEDANCERS READER'S COLLECTION

As per WaRP Graphic tradition, a WaveDancers graphic novel/readers collection was released once enough story had been written to fill one.  In 2000, Warp released a volume that contained Richard Pini's original 4 segments, and all seven segments I wrote that followed them.  Like all other Elf Quest products, you can find this volume as a back issue at your local comic shop, or from an online book dealer or auction. 

ALSO AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0936861711/002-9815951-4579202?v=glance&n=283155

COLOR OF TIME

Shortly before Dragons Lair Studios completed production on the "Vengeance Is Mine" audio drama, Victor Rocsetti completed recording "Whispers In the Dark".  This is a collection of poems and monologues that are read in Victor's excellent approximation of the voice of Lucien LaCroix, Nigel Bennett's character from the television show, Forever Knight.  Included on this first volume is my only published poem - "Color of Time".  Also included is an excerpt monologue from my novel, "Vengeance Is Mine".

Copies of this CD are available from Dragons Lair Studios  http://www.dragons-lair-studios.com/

VENGEANCE IS MINE ON AUDIO CD

Shortly after I began making the "Vengeance Is Mine" fanzine/novel available, I got an email from DragonsLair Studios http://www.dragons-lair-studios.com/index.htm  asking if I might allow them to adapt it to radio play and record it.  They had already created several Forever Knight audio products, but most of them were comedy spoofs.  They were currently finishing up an adaptation of the story the other author-in-waiting for the Berkley series had written, and were planning their next project.  And as it turns out...their biggest project.  It took many months of coordination to complete, but was finally released in 2003.  It's a 4-CD set, and the story lasts for almost 5 hours!  Proceeds go to Children's Hospital.

You can purchase copies from DragonsLair Studios' website, of course, but I also have a small inventory...the proceeds of which go to DragonsLair so that they can, in turn, go to Children's Hospital.  You can find them in Vickie's Store.

BEFORE THE INVASION

In 2004, I made a successful sale to Blue Suede News magazine.  It was my very first non-finction, music related publication.  I was very happy and very proud.  It appeared in issue 69 of the magazine, which was the winter 2004/05 publication.  It is available in back issue directly from Blue Suede News http://www.bluesuedenews.com/     Or, you can read the article in its entirety by clicking the Music Ground Zero link in the navigation list, and choosing the post referring to Tommy Steele.  The article is the second item in that thread, but the first item in the thread is also informative.   It was also my first official sale under my reclaimed maiden name, Vickie Holt!

VICKIE'S TRADITIONAL, CONTEMPORARY AND INNOVATIVE COOK BOOK

Over the course of time, I have managed to create several recipes on my own, and still others were passed down. I got so tired of having to remember everything and having to call my mother every time I made a family recipe, so I decided to put them all together in a little book, which I would then give to family and friends.

Available now in VICKIE'S STORE!