A Companion in Zeor

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Zine
Title: A Companion in Zeor
Publisher: Jacqueline Lichtenberg
Editor(s): Karen MacLeod, Katie Filipowicz (#1)
Date(s): 1978-2008
Series?:
Medium: print
Size:
Genre:
Fandom: Sime~Gen
Language: English
External Links: some of the zine contents online
covers of issues #1-#10
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

A Companion in Zeor is a Sime~Gen zine based on the fictional universe created by Jacqueline Lichtenberg.

The first issue of A Companion in Zeor was published in 1978. Subsequent issues, averaging 50 pages each, were published annually, with the 24th issue being published in 2008 in celebration of the fanzines 30th anniversary. A more specific publishing schedule and table of contents can be found on Jacqueline Lichtenberg's House of Zeor website.[1]

In 1979, the editor of Companion in Zeor was Karen Litman.[2]

In 1989, Katie Filipowicz mentions being an editor.

One story in issue #21 won a Fan Q Award in the slash genre.

The Difference Between This Zine and Its "Big Sister"

From the first issue:

Here, at the same time the second Sime/Gen novel sees publication, comes a second fanzine dedicated to the discussion of the Sime universe. Our format is quite different from that of Ambrov Zeor, our "big sister." CZ exists as a means for you, the fans, to get to know each other as people. We want to keep you in touch and involved with the latest developments in the Sime series and to provide a gateway into other sf universes and their fandoms for you to explore.

Companion's material will include both serious discussion and fun stuff, such as jokes, puzzles, fan anecdotes, recipes, funny poems and con reports. Of course, the editors don't intend to write all this! We will publish whenever we collect enough material, hopefully at least four times a year. We really DO want to hear from all our fellow Sime fans. Send reviews of books and short stories (1-3 manuscript payees), articles on recommended authors (2-10 manuscript pages), and letters of comment (any length) to Katie Filipowicz. Send fan fiction (Sime oriented), artwork, and everything else to Karen MacLeod. Every accepted contribution gets you a free copy of the issue it appears in. CZ is truly meant to bo a fans' zine. Help us keep it that way.

A word about our cover. We'll be mysterious about the design and ask if anyone can figure out what it means. It's very Tecton-ish. Distect supporters would NOT like it. But the slogan . . . that's Zeor idealism.

Some Production History

A Companion in Zeor was originally produced by mimeograph machine, typewriter and stencils, with the mimeo relegated to Karen's parents' garage in Southern New Jersey, USA. Production took place in the heat of summer, when the ink ran profusely, or in the dead of winter, when at times, the ink was totally frozen. Later, we were able to utilize thermal stencils for illustrations: the rare affordability of a copy shop, or college housed offset machines also became available, courtesy of friend Jay Schiff, who had connections with an office supply store. The occasional use of offset and copying facilities improved the quality of the zine. A tribute to Jay appears in issue 22 (2005-2006) as his participation was quite vital in the early years. Later, Karen moved the mimeograph to her apartment, replacing it with a photocopier. Correction fluid, carbon paper, white-out, glue stick, scissors and a heavy duty stapler were always at hand to create the print issues, often with the "help" of several cats.[3]

From the Publisher

The below is from an updated post at Lichtenberg's website. It refers to "digital submissions" and was not the policy during the time the zines were in print form only.

Thank you for your inquiry about my fanzine, A Companion in Zeor. This Writer's Guideline was originally created for the print fanzine, but only technical matters have changed with the transfer to the web. These instructions are for digital submissions. Material considered for publication in A Companion in Zeor must be based on writings and universes created by Jacqueline Lichtenberg and/or Jean Lorrah. Our readership is composed of individuals interested in the writings of these authors. The Website dedicated to A Companion in Zeor is at http://www.simegen.com/sgfandom/rimonslibrary/cz Other websites dedicated to the writings of Jacqueline and Jean may be found linked from http://www.simegen.com . You may also be interested in the Sime~Gen wiki, http://simegen.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Submissions of short stories or poetry and art are preferred. If a long piece is accepted, we can serialize it. Our zine contains diverse material, so I usually don't make up an issue consisting of just one piece. I will work with contributors who ask for help in developing stories. Be prepared to have your submission edited, and to go through a re-writing process. All work which I consider for publication WILL and MUST be read by Jacqueline and Jean for their final approval before publication. A Copyright Release form must be signed by the contributing author and a representative of Sime~Gen Inc. before a work is published. This release assigns the copyright to Sime~Gen Inc. The Corporation holds the copyright to all of the fanzines. Look for the fanzine fiction posting agreement at http://www.simegen.com/agreements/

Material should be typed in standard manuscript form. Send submissions as e-mail attachments to [email protected] . If you are not sure how to do that, please inquire before you send the file. I am able to handle Word Perfect, Open Office, or OLD Microsoft Word (.doc or .rtf) files at this time. Contributors are welcome to supply art with the piece, or I can attempt to find the right artist for your story or poem. Art submissions should be electronic files only. Please scan at a minimum of 180dpi and no smaller than 600 pixels on the shortest side so that they can be resized. Look for the fanzine artwork posting agreement at http://www.simegen.com/agreements/ Submissions accepted for A Companion in Zeor will be posted to the latest issue in development on the website. Stories with explicit violence or sexual content will be prefaced with a notice of adult content.

I will be happy to answer questions, and work out individual problems with each contributor, consulting with Jacqueline or Jean if necessary.

Cross-universe stories are welcome, but one of the crosses must be with one of the universes created by Jacqueline Lichtenberg or Jean Lorrah. For example, Jean Lorrah wrote four Star Trek novels, but did not create that universe; thus a story including her Trek characters would still have to be crossed with Sime~Gen, Savage Empire, or one of the other universes to be included in A Companion in Zeor. As a general rule of thumb, permissions for use need not be arranged for media universes with widespread fan fiction already in existence, but if you are working in an author's print-only universe we require that you obtain that author's permission to do so. For example, even if you used the characters from one of Jacqueline's or Jean's Darkover stories in a crossover, you would have to obtain permission from the Marion Zimmer Bradley estate to do so, as Darkover is a print-only universe created by an author other than Jacqueline or Jean. Such permissions are your responsibility. While Sime~Gen Inc. maintains a snail mail address at P. O. Box 1244, Murray, KY 42071, that is the slowest, least reliable way to reach us. PLEASE use e-mail, even to order older paper fanzine issues (while they last). If you must have a postal reply, include a self-addressed stamped envelope or you will not receive a response. Submissions for fanzines can no longer be accepted by snail mail.

Read the copyright agreement for fanzine work. Sime~Gen® is now wholly owned by Sime~Gen Inc.[4]

Online

Much of this zine's contents is online here.[5]

Issue 1

A Companion in Zeor 1 was published in June 1978 (second printing: 200 copies July 1980),, has 48 pages, and includes articles from Jean Lorrah and Jacqueline, convention reports, poetry, songs, commentary on “The Channel's Exemption,” and book reviews. Also includes: First Companion by Anne Pinzow and Streetwalking with Jacqueline Lichtenberg by Pat Gribben.

The senior editor was Karen MacLeod, the associate editor was Katie Filipowicz.

The Sillstran Skies article and artwork is by Stella Nemeth. "Occupants" artwork by Gaylen K. Reiss. "Ambassador Utayzik photo" is by Karen MacLeod.

cover of issue #1

See this zine online here; archive link; WebCite.

From the zine, a proposed Darkover project that never got off the ground:

AVAILABLE SOON:- THE DARKOVER JOURNAL OF PSYCHOGYNECOLOGY. (Project mentioned in Ambrov Zeor #6). The Guild House of the Free Amazons, all of whom work in the "helping professions" are currently involved in this project. They request manuscripts, poems, comments and ideas as well. For more information, SASE:- Joan Laucius. Arillin Guild House Council [address redacted]. PLANNED RELEASE DATE: Summer 1978.

  • a full-page ad for the Sime/Gen Concordance
  • First Companion, An Alternate Alternate Universe Sime Comedy by Anne Golar (1)
  • Introduction to the Sime Series by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (4)
  • Need, poem by Laurel L. Danino (6)
  • Unto Zeor, Forever!, poem by Laurel L. Danino and Karen MacLeod ("Both Unto and Need have original music, created by Laurel. We are trying to arrange details with Jacqueline on producing a cassette on which these and other songs related to the Sime/Gen Universe will appear.") (7)
  • Streetwalking with Jacqueline Lichtenberg, poem about walking a long ways in New York to find something to eat, by Pat Gribben (16)
  • The Case of the Missing Keys, a fan's account of losing her keys at the Star Trek con, and psychically finding them again by Sharron Marshall (17)
  • Unto Alert! (Or, Oops...), explanation of the term "orhuen" by Editors (19)
  • The Silver Yo-Yo Award, by Editors ("COMPANION IN ZEOR hereby awards its first SILVER YO-YO AWARD to the United States Congress and the Copyright office for the creation and adoption of the 1978 Copyright Laws. Their totally confusing form of legalese has been traveling all over the East Coast before the Copyright was filed.") (20)
  • "Channel's Exemption" Commentary edited by Katie Filipowicz Letters of Comment by readers regarding Lichtenberg's story, many of them cobbled together, presented in almost a "chat format." ("Jacqueline Lichtenberg's novelette "The Channel's Exemption" appeared in the pro magazine Galileo #4 during the summer of 1977. Set in the far future, the story describes the dilemma faced by Yone Farris, a channel, the only Sime in a group of Gens stranded on a Beacon Planet by the destruction of their spaceship. Confronted with an imprintation, or overwhelming fixed sexual desire, on Livya Jeter, daughter of a Sime-phobe, he is forced to decide among apparently conflicting codes of morality, with his own life, the lives of the entire party, and possibly the unity of humanity at stake.") (21)
  • Generally Speaking, submission requests for this zine (32)
  • Author's You'd Like: A Discussion Between Amber of Dragonhyrst and You, describes and recommends Lloyd Alexanders' "Prydain Series" (33)
  • Under Silistran Skies: A Study of the Silistran Trilogy by Janet E. Morris, by Stella Nemeth (35)
  • Reviews edited by Katie Filipowicz ("Cloned Lives" by Pamela Sargent, some new books by Tanith Lee, "The View from the Oak" by Judith and Herbert Kohl, "The Forbidden Tower" by Marion Zimmer Bradley, (37)
  • Hugo Awards and Nominations List (39)
  • A Weekend at the Lichtenbergs Katie Filipowicz (44)

Excerpts from "A Weekend at the Lichtenbergs":

We also discovered a principle of science fiction fandom: that in the SF world, writers and editors are fans and fans are writers and editors. We went to visit Jacqueline-the-pro, but how we enjoyed being fellow STAR TREK fans with her! She took us on a tour of her basement, which contains the largest collection of cabinets and drawers outside of a furnature (sic RBW furniture) store. These hold runs of old prozines, neat piles of old and new fanzines, Kraith stories, several ST scripts, and much more. Jan soon obtained permission to go back down, and throughout the weekend could be heard chuckling over some famous but now out-of-print fanzine.

Jan later asked JL to describe how the Kraith series will eventually end. Meanwhile, I read the manuscript of Judy Segal's new Kraith Dictionary, which she hopes will help ST fans to recognize Kraith concepts when they appear in non-Kraith fan fiction.

But the biggest moment of all came Saturday night, when we settled down to watch STAR TREK, the first time the Lichtenbergs had seen it in color on their absolutely magnificent TV set. The episode was from the end of the Third Season and not one of our favorites, but nobody seemed to care. There were the usual wails of, "They cut out the best part!" And someone always tried to comment while other people were trying to listen. We analyzed the commercials and discussed which age/sex/economic groups the sponsors thought watched ST. This was fascinating, but the number of commercials was appalling! Jacqueline also told us about the thrill she had once when she held a real, authentic communicator actually used on the show.

But we did a lot more than talk STAR TREK. Jan and I read the most recent additions to the manuscripts of First Channel and Mahogany Trinrose (one page of which JL actually had to take out of her typewriter). Then we were subjected to numerous questions on our reactions, generally across the table during and after meals. Jan was even asked to predict the next scene of Trinrose.

[snipped]

Jacqueline and Jan also spent hours discussing astrology, theories of the universe . . . and the Sime gypsies. I read some fascinating material about Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series. Jacqueline is deeply involved in MZB's writing. Like many ST fans, I find that I also like the Darkover books.

While we enjoy Jacqueline as pro writer and fan, she seems to relish turning us fans into editors and writers. Anyone who answered questions for her during her research for Star Trek Lives! knows first hand about her infamous writing assignments. Last summer, Jan volunteered to help and found herself editing Ambrov Zeor. Of course, she intends to be a writer herself, anyway. I accepted the job of writing, editing and publishing a Sime/Gen concordance which won't appear for years. Jacqueline also hands out reading assignments very freely. Oh well, SHE doesn't have leisure time. Why should we be more privileged?

  • inside page from issue #1

  • inside page from issue #1

  • inside page from issue #1

  • inside page from issue #1

  • inside page from issue #1

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

I picked up a copy of A COMPANION IN ZEOR at the August Party this year and found it to be a fascinating zine. My first introduction to Jacqueline's Sime series was "Channel's Exemption" which I thoroughly enjoyed so naturally I was interested in the various interpretations of the story. While I agree with Edward Willett's interpretation that the story deals with responsibility, I disagree with Judy Kopman that it is merely boy meets girl. The story goes beyond both of these interpretations. As with any good story "Channel's Exemption" has many levels and aspects, but I would like to comment on the one that seems strongest to me. "Channel's Exemption" deals with Livya foar of first sexual encounter (a common female fear). Of course Livya fears Yone because he is a Sime but also because he is a man who feels passion towards her. Interwoven with the theme of Livya's growing up and learning to examine things before making a judgement rather than relying on what she was taught, is the theme of her having to face her own sexuality. When Yone saves Livya from the falling tree and she regains consciousness to find him kissing her, her first reaction is fear and revulsion. But, later, as she reflects on what happened she becomes fascinated and intrigued by the fact that Yone had respected her rights and feelings enough to control his passions even at enormous cost to himself. This is the awakening of interest in her for Yone, and is what leads her to think through all of the other aspects and responsibilities of the situation. I feel the story shows very real female feelings and reactions--the specific type shown here is rarely found in published works. Therefore I was delighted when I found this story in Galileo. I do not find the story sexist at all, for it is plainly up to Livya to make up her own mind on the matter.[6]

Friday I got my copy of CZ. I definitely agree with the Silver Yo-Yo Award. I had picked up some of the Form TX for MZS last week, and know what you mean. I read all the directions and was glad that I didn't have to fill the thing out! Anne Golar's story of FIRST COMPANION was really good (and funny). I also liked the Channel's Exemption Commentary section. The letters between you and Jean and JL were very interesting. I would like to see the reviews of books which people think might be eligible for a Hugo Award next year kept separate from the Author's Column like I did. If possible, maybe they could be printed on both sides of one page so those who wanted to could save out those pages and keep them together for looking at later when they got ready to vote for Hugo ((Nice idea, but where are all those reviews, folks?)) I think that the "Authors" column could then be kept for lighter things and books which are already out and thus would not be eligible for the award. ((I prefer to put all the reviews of single items together, and have the Author pieces article-length.)) Speaking of said "Authors" column, I had better get busy and do some more of them!) I also liked the title of the letter column. And the design on the cover. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but after reading the part about being mysterious about it, I looked at it again and it was rather obvious what it was. ((Oh, really?)) [6]

I received CZ last week: nice work! I think you all have a future, especially if you can keep up with Hugo-quality reviws. I really liked that spoof-piece in the beginning, but who could ever mistake Sime tentacles for bracelets? Not that I've even seen any--Duluth has also been avoided by Simes for several generations and they're only a half-remembered story--but surely they just don't hang there like dangles and charms: they're alive!

Limiting JL to two pages has got to be editorial torture, but she succinctly did her job. And Jean Lorrah sharing ideas about First Channel was very welcoming, especially to those like me who aren't in the midst of the In-Territory interplay.

Are you really going to make a concordance? (That a useless, rhetorical question!) I wish you luck! If anything pops into my mind that seems out of the ordinary, I'll be sure to tell you.

I think I found out more about imprintation than I would ever have imagined possible. I've had to pull out "Channel's Exemption" and I'm still absorbing everything. May one ask how many months of thought that represented? ((The JL-JL-CAF letters were over a one-month period, but the others took longer to collect)) [6]

Did I tell how my role playing came along? It was quite interesting. First off, I had to get a friend to help, because I needed a narrator of sorts, because I am not too good at pantomime and I felt she helped a lot. She thought I was crazy, but after a few lessons in Sime/Gen history she became quite enthusiastic about it. I played all the major parts, which was quite fun switching back and forth from a Sime to a Gen. I did of course, try to produce tentacles at changeover, but I am afraid I just couldn't manage, but my friend gave a very bloody and graphic description. All in all it was a fun experience and quite a challenge for all of us to act out our stories. Of course, we all do this in our heads when we write, but to actually do it helps to concretize so you can write it, at least this is what I think.[6]

Is the emphasis in fiction going to be humorous for this zine? If I wrote a serious story about the new householding I'm toying with, should I send it to Karen or to big sister AZ? ((CZ will print both serious and humorous stories. But make sure to send JL a copy of your story.))

In Jacqueline's intro to the series she stated (as she has done on numerous occasions) that her audience is women. She believes that members of our sex prefer psychological depth over action-adventure narratives I can assure her that this is not always the case.

Exhibit One (Devil's Advocate) The evening before the Darkover Grand Council Meeting I spoke to a friend who is a Darkover fan of long standing. (She introduced me to Darkover) She had just finished Stormqueen! and informed me that she disliked it. [transcript of coversation snipped] My friend repeated the above remarks at the con the next day. All the fans she spoke to agreed with her. (e.g. "Yeah, Stormqueen is a weird book." and "Ever since that pornography in World Wreckers Darkover's been hard to take.") They weren't male adolescents, but women in the 18-25 range.

Who reads Andre Norton? It seems that all her readers aren't male adolescents. If Jacqueline wants to make a serious study of the female fan, she ought to look beyond those who are already interested in Sime/Kraith and therefore predisposed to her type of fiction. ((What do the rest of you think? Read the letter following this one, and the others in this and future issues, and let us know. And, of course there's nothing wrong with enjoying Andre Norton--note the dedication of HoZ!))

Penny Ziegler's article was interesting. Another observation that might be made is that Sime-Gen universe is more focused in comparison with the Darkover novels. One could place ST, Darkover, and Sime-Gen along a sort of continuum. ST is the most diffuse of the three. In fan fiction the result is speculation unlimited. There is very little that can't be done with ST. Darkover is more focused. While Terrans interfere on Darkover, fans are not permitted to interfere with the Empire or its events. We are confined to the world of Darkover and what may be done with its five cultures and two subcultures. Sime is centered on our divided human race and how to heal these divisions. If one went further afield to determine more about what Earth is like during the period of the householdings, for example, one would be getting away from the themes and problems that the Sectuib is exploring.On the continuum, we have gone from the outer frontiers to those that are focused increasingly inward. The note on orhuen spawns a very vexing problem. ( At least to me it is.) I would have been considerably more infuriated if Jacqueline hadn't warned me about it in her reply to my letter to her on homophobia in HoZ. (( See AZ #8)) The post-transfer static is a problem because I can see no valid reason for its existence. Jean Lorrah explained to me at Empiricon that the static vanishes if the Sime and Gen involved love one another. ((I think you and Jean may be using a different definition of love.)) I'm sure she wouldn't have said that if the point hadn't been settled with Jacqueline. ((You never know. Jean sometimes "knows" things about the Sime/Gen universe that Jacqueline doesn't agree with. This matter is still under discussion.)) The "compromise" doesn't settle matters as far as I'm concerned, however. One would assume that the static is present in orhuen to prevent a non-consenting relationship. If so, why isn't there statis in lortuen and torluen when one of the particles is disinclined? Surely nature wouldn't make a barrier specially for lonely homosexuals. ((JL doesn't yet know why the state exists or how it works --she just knows that it does.))Why is orhuen less powerful as a general rule? I can't accept that. Perhaps in most cases it would be weaker, but do not denigrate the few to whom love of their own gender is the only love they know or want. The matter is of such concern to me because I'm gay. (Yes, I am the author of the Dyan story in Starstone 2.) I really wish that Jacqueline's unconscious wouldn't play such nasty tricks on me. I await more positive indications. The exchange on CE was fascinating, especially since I hadn't read the story at the time I waded through it. The impression I got from the exchange determined my reaction to the story in advance, If I hadn't read those letters, I might have considered it a simple boy meets girl tale as Judy Kopman did. As it was, I came to it more aware of the issues involved and found CE that much more interesting. No I haven't read Unto yet. I requested that my local library put in an order in June. It hasn't come in yet. (Hardcover SF books just aren't in my budget.) Will it be there this time next month? I won't place any bets. If the library were run the way my Risa handles Keon's accounts... Ah, well! [6]

Basically the same things attracted me to House of Zeor as originally attracted me to Star Trek: the warm relationships between characters(although, admittedly, Hugh only gradually develops this relationship with Klyd) that allows men to unashamedly show their love for one another as when Hugh decided to serve Klyd, even though he knew that Klyd was in such an advanced state of need that it might easily end with his (Hugh's) death. This element also attracts "M.A.S.H." and the twice cancelled "Black Sheep Squadron" (if you can get past the fact that it is a show based on WWII, you come to realize that basically the program is based on characters, and the relationships between them.)

I see Hugh Valleroy as an idealized Everyman. He is the possible Gen that each of us might be, had things been different. [much about Hugh and Klyd snipped] However, as much as I might admire much about Klyd Farris, I feel more of a sense of identification with Hugh.

Hugh is impatient, and often lets his glands do the thinking for him. In the end, it is his emotional commitment to Klyd rather that his logical belief in that which Klyd stands for that allows Hugh to make his decision to serve Klyd, even if it kills him. As a person who constantly finds myself dictated to my emotions, I find this easier to identify with.

More and more I find that I prefer female SF writers because they do not back off when an honest emotion rears its head. Of course, this is not true of all female writers. Nor is it true that all male writers are afraid to write of emotion.

The type of science fiction I especially enjoy is the kind where the plot is based on an inner conflict within one of the characters. In HoZ the inner problem is resolved ( at least for this installment) by Hugh's commitment to Klyd. I still would like to know about what happened 1 month later and how Hugh set up his Household. In the book Logan's Run but not the movie, the inner conflict was between what Logan had been told, and what he learned of his society. It is solved by his commitment to the runners in the end.

The inner conflict of your writings is what interests me most in your literature.[6]

Issue 2

A Companion in Zeor 2 was published in November 1978 and contains 44 pages. This issue has a LoC from Marion Zimmer Bradley.

The zine has been scanned online here: A Companion in Zeor 2 ; "Fanzines | A Companion in Zeor, No. 2. 1978". Archived from the original on 2016-10-24.; Archive. Archive.Today.

cover of issue #2

From the editorial:

Fans have now created at least six or seven songs set in the Sime/Gen universe, including unpublished ones by Cindy McQuillan, Lexie Pakulak, and T'Pat. We've heard most of these songs, and they're all lovely and very moving. The first song, "Two Kinds Of Man", will be available on the Omicron Ceti Three's new album Only Stars Can Last. [name and address redacted] The other songs on the record deal with ST-related themes.)

Winston Howlett has expressed interest in producing a cassette of Sime/Gen material. Encourage him. Let him know you like the idea, make suggestions, and tell him how much you would pay for such a cassette. That's M'Pingo Press, [address redacted].

And keep writing Sime songs and poetry, and sending your creations to Jacqueline.

  • Generally Speaking, editorial (1)
  • A Letter from Jacqueline Lichtenberg (2)
  • Son of First Channel, letter by Jean Lorrah (4)
  • Dial-a-Sime, an Alternate Sime Universe Story by Mary M. Schmidt (5)
  • "Unto Zeor, Forever", six letters of comment by fans: Katie Filipowiez, editor (7)
  • A Comment on "Unto Zeor, Forever," essay by Mary Frances Zambreno (11)
  • Silver Yo-Yo Award, various travel woes and tales (13)
  • one weekend, with orchid, a long con report for Balticon by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (This is a reprint from Crystal Singer #2; in that zine, it was called "One Weekend With Ur Child.") (14)
  • The Novels of C.J. Cherryh by Stella Nemeth (17)
  • The "Dragon Books," very positive article about Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern books by Edward Willett (A short description of the fandom is included at the end: "The Dragon Lady's fans are forming up a national organization with local groups called weyrs, holds, and craft halls, modeled vaguely on the map of Pern. The organizers overlap to a great extent with Darkover and Sime/Gen fandom. Get Crystal Singer, a mimeo zine/newsletter, for news on this, possible movies to be made from McCaffrey's books, and ones from McCaffrey herself. Pern Portfolio is a gorgeous offset zine of fan stories, articles, and artwork based on the several Anne McCaffrey universes.") (20)
  • "Ware Draggin' in the White Dragon," a more critical article about Anne McCaffrey's books by John Hopfner (21)
  • reviews by Patricia Russo, Mary Jo DiBella, Linda Frankel ("Beasts" by John Crowley, "Intergalactic Touring Band" (Passport Records), "The Persistence of Vision" by John Varley (24)
  • "Cassandra Rising" a negative review by Jean Lorrah of a book with short stories all by women (The opening paragraph: "Most readers of this zine will buy CASSANDRA RISING because it contains a story by Jacqueline Lichteriberg. Unfortunately, that is truly the best reason for buying the took, the collection is a strange conglomeration of stories, held together only by the fact that they are all written by women. It will be a shame if any neos get their first impression of what women write from this volume, for their conclusion would be, sad Stuff. There are some bright spots in CASSANDRA RISING, but there is not a single story on a theme lhat has not been done before, and done well. That, however, is not a negative criticsim; even Lichtenberg can't invent something like the Sime/Gen universe for each new story.") (28)
  • Huckstering (30)
  • "How Did I Get Myself Into This?" BEING THE TRUE STORIES OF HOW SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLDING MET JL... Anne Golar, Penny Ziegler (testimonials by two fans saying how they had met Jacqueline Lichtenberg and what this had meant to them) (31)
  • On the Hugos and Worldcons Katie Filipowicz ("By now, everyone must know that Frederick Pohl’s Gateway won the Best Novel Hugo, with Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Forbidden Tower a heartbreakingly close second. I never knew how much I cared, until the tears started to come as we left the Hugo presentation ceremony. What was so stunning was not the cast that FT lost, but the realization that fandom is general still has not learned the importance of the work being done by JL, MZB, and others like them.") (34)
  • Better Householding and Gardens Katie Filipowiez, editor (35)

Issue 3

A Companion in Zeor 3 was published in February 1979 and contains 43 pages.

It has illos and cartoons by Sylvia Stevens, and Jill Stone.

front cover of issue #3, "Give them all a chance to grow up... Contact your local Sime Center." -- ("Tecton Recruiting Poster" by Janet Trautvetter)

The editor, Filipowicz, wrote: "For this issue only, CZ goes offset -- one bout with the hand crank momeo was enough! We have some good material already for #4, but are still looking for reviews of Hugo-quality material (or even recommendations alone), and for letters on two questions: (1) the relative merits of the Dissect and the Tecton and (2) Are you a Sime or a Gen, and how do you know?"

The editor, Filipowicz, also wrote that she is "tiring of my yo-yoing existence traveling between Boston and Monsey, so I'm thinking of moving closer to Jacqueline."

The editor, MacLeod Litman, is taking a leave of absence from editing this zine as she is getting married, and giving the zine creation over to Filipowicz: "Marrying a non-SF reading individual should be interesting. But [name redacted] was warned -- and he was drafted into assisting in the production and collating of CZ #1. He was also warned of my convention attendance to which he didn't object -- and then went with me to August Party '7! So, maybe there is hope after all."

  • Silver Yoyo Award by Karen MacLeod Litman (2)
  • The Man Who Came To... by Jean Lorrah (About the upcoming publication of "First Channel," Lorrah and Licthenberg's writing collaboration, and Lorrah's ownership of the character "Abel Veritt" the first renSime." -- "If FIRST CHANNEL is ever made into a film, there may be a fuss made about who will play Rimon and Kadi (John Travolta and Kristy McNichol!) but the Oscar will go to the character actor who plays Abel Veritt. It's a cinch Best Supporting Actor role.") (3)
  • Perched on a Mahogany Trinrose by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (about the book "Mahogany Trinrose," its meaning, where its title comes from, much more) (4)
  • The Sime Formula, fiction by Linda Frankel (8)
  • "How Did I Get Myself Into This?" BEING THE TRUE STORIES OF HOW SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLDING MET JL... more essays, these by Pat Gribben, Mary Jo DiBella, and Karen Litman (10)
  • The Checkbook, a short fictional description about getting a bank overdraft,by Anne Golar (12)
  • Round Robin 1 by Eileen Ledbetter, Penny Ziegler, Joyce Peterson, Roberta Brown, Jim Passmore, Jean Lorrah, and Jacqueline Lichtenberg (fan reactions to Unto, Zeor) (14)
  • A Taurean Voice: A Commentary on the Patternist Novels of Octavia E. Butler, by Linda Frankel, Commentary by Octavia E. Butler (23)
  • Vonda N. McIntyre by Lee Springfield and Carla Jordon (short essays about this writer) (25)
  • Reviews by Linda Frankel, Gaylen K. Reiss, and Hilary Fraser of "Cassandra Rising," "Survivor" (Butler), "The Exile Waiting," "The Ruins of Isis," "Getaway World," "Charles Fort Never Mentioned Wombats," and "Weirdstone of Brisingamen"(26)
  • Better Householding and Gardens, letters of comment, most addressing the topic of do you like "Unto, Zeor" or "House of Zeor" better, one letter takes Lichtenberg to task for interrupting too much and more (see below) (30)

Butler's response to "A Taurean Voice", and a comment by Jean Lorrah:

[Butler]: I read the two Zeor novels, I was fascinated myself by the similarities between the Gen-Sime universe and my Patternist universe. I was also interested in the differences--the different focus, as Linda Frankel says. Yes, some Patternists are much interested in acquiring power. This is their response to generations of power-lessness and oppression at the hands of Doro, their long-lived founder. Perhaps in a different universe or from the point of view of a different astrological age, they would have turned completely away from the abuses of their founder. To some degree, they did turn away. But as a united people, they are very young. In MIND OF MY MIND, particularly, they are just beginning. Their main interest is not acquiring power for its own sake. In fact, they specifically reject that course. They control the city they live in and little more. Their interest is in surviving and growing. Materialistic? What young organism is not materialistic in this way? And when the founder, Doro, seeks to stifle Patternist growth, even destroy Patternist unity, he becomes an intolerable threat. His people, his children, do not turn against him out of lust for power, but out of a desire to survive.

[snipped]

Now, to the problem Ms. Frankel calls "Mary's prejudice in favor of individuals who are part of her own Afro-American heritage." This charge caught me by surprise. Mary, who forms the first Pattern is an erratic, generally misanthropic young woman when we meet her. She is approaching transition--a psionic maturing perhaps equivalent in the Gen-Sime universe to changeover--and her condition makes her hard to live with. But even at her healthiest, she dislikes her mother and grandmother. Until near the book's end, she also gets along badly with Rachel, her distant cousin. At one point, she nearly kills Rachel. These people, Mary's mother, grandmother, and cousin are the only important blacks in the novel other than Mary herself. (Doro who inhabits the bodies of blacks and whites indiscriminately, but who was born black some 4000 years ago, claims not to be human at all. I agree with him.) I don't understand how Mary can be considered prejudiced in favor of blacks under these circumstances.

I'm wondering if Ms. Frankel is bothered simply because Mary, who tells much of the story in the first person, does occasionally think or talk about race. Mention of the Jean Lorrah story (I have not read it,but I would like to) makes me think this may be so. If it is so, consider: Mary's story takes place in the present in the United States—a country where 90% of the people don't look like her or know very much about her. She is a member of the country's most highly visible minority group and if she somehow managed to forget it, other people, black and white, would soon remind her. In some future time when social conditions have changed, race may not matter at all, but here, now, whether we like it or not, it matters very much. I could not write honestly of even a middle class black family, people without Mary's problems, and show them apparently unconscious of their blackness. However, for a completely different treatment of blackness, see the other Patternistnovel, PATTERNMASTER, and meet Amber. She is my own example of the kind of social reshaping one can do when working with the future. Her blackness means nothing. Only her psionic ability is important.

[Lorrah]: When I wrote "Commitment", I did not create Mara as a black qua black, but as a woman qua woman. Incidentally, she's black. I think many writers create minor characters the way I do by basing them on real people--or at least "basing some part of them on real people, as I did with Mara's physical description. The semester I wrote that story I happened to have as a student one of those tall, gorgeous black women--the type who can put on a man's shirt and torn jeans and look like a queen. I found her appearance so striking I used it in a story, but I never got to know the real woman well enough to know if she was anything like the character I endowed with her body.

Excerpts from the book review by Frankel of the Marion Zimmer Bradley book "Ruins of Isis":

Two representatives of a cosmopolitan interplanetary civilization visit a matriarchal world.

Sound familiar? It ought to. MZB's latest is an answer to all the previous novels of that ilk and to those who have characterized her as insufficiently feminist. Regardless of appearances, a feminist novel isn't about how many bodies of the opposite sex the heroine can rack up. That's merely a crude reversal of the old-fashioned pulp novel. Nor is a feminist novel an endless tirade against the patriarchy. That isn't a novel at all, but a propaganda pamphlet. It ought to concern itself with positive growth and self-discovery--reaching toward a feminist position. At least that's what a writer of quality who sets out to give us a feminist novel would do. I've been waiting for that book to come along. THE RUINS OF ISIS is it.

Perhaps a comparison with Jean Lorrah's NTM would be useful at this point. While the naturesof the two societies are somewhat different, neither Isis nor Penthesilia are presented as caricatures of female dominance. There are complex cultural motivations involved. The problems of these worlds don't lend themselves to simplistic solutions. This in itself should tell something to feminist extremists. Neither life nor people are as simple as ideology shows them to be. The feminist movement today contains an element who resemble the Isis matriarchs in philosophy. MZB isn't attacking them so much as giving them sisterly advice. She combines wisdom and compassion in showing how they have been misguided, but also what is valuable in radical feminism and must be preserved. The spirit of MZB is a generous one. From the beginning of her career as a writer she has always shown the importance of the bonds between women that have shaped feminism. Controversial issues shouldn't frighten any SF reader, but all the matriarchal societies before this novel never confronted lesbianism head on. It would seem reasonable that homosexuality would exist in such a society and would in all probability be sanctioned. There is no trace of it in Mack Reynolds' AMAZON PLANET. In fandom, NTM failed to mention it.

[snipped]

I admit to being curious about the outcome of the Isis experiment. We are left with a glimpse of how the future of that world is developing, but many questions remain unanswered. I do not demand, but humbly request a sequel.

Our expectations of MZB are high in the wake of recent triumphs. It is difficult for any writer to function in an atmosphere of adulation. The wonder is that MZB continues to exceed herself. Do not think that THE RUINS OF ISIS will be a.letdown after STORMQUEEN! Surely no novelist can publish two exceptional works in one year--none except MZB.

From the only anonymous letter of comment in "Better Householding and Gardens":

I've just finished CZ #2 and discovered that I can't write you a LoC. I am reacting with too much vitriol to everything JL does these days. For example, her constant interruption of Mary Jo DiBella's letter--in the middle of paragraphs and even sentences--really turned me off. I accept the fact that editors and their authors are allowed to comment on opinions hut Mary Jo wasn't allowed to make her point for the interruptions, and I would have liked to have heard that point. ((I think I did a better job with this issue. -- editor))

I found Jean Lorrah's review of "Vanillamint Tapestry" very interesting. I haven't read the story yet, but her comments hold true for a lot of JL's stories. There usually _is a sexual undercurrent in everything she writes. JL's own comment proves that everyone but JL can see this undercurrent. The funny thing about the comment is that it didn't address itself to the point of the article/review. Instead it insisted that what Jean Lorrah saw wasn't intended and therefore wasn't there. This sort of thing results in a pair of concurrent monologs, not a dialog. If Jean can't get through to JL, who can?

By the way, if you were responsible--as editor--for allowing JL'S postscript someone should chastise you, too. A postscript is always allowable but it should have something to do with the point of the article. The "fact" that JL "can't write short fiction" has nothing to do with her willingness to deal with the sexual undertones of her stories. The fact that the story is a part of a series about a species that might know whether God exists has nothing to do with whether this story deals with sex. Even a species that talks with God reproduces and loves. ((Yes, I chose that comment, because it does answer the article. With JL, assume that what she writes makes sense, then figure out how it follows logically. You can learn a lot that way. -- editor))

Issue 4

A Companion in Zeor 4 was published in May 1979 and contains 55 pages.

This issue was edited by Catherine A. Filipowicz and Karen MacLeod Litman. The art is by Janet Trautvetter, and Virginia Lee Smith.

cover of issue #4 -- "Zelerod" by Janet Trautvetter
inside page from issue #4, illo by Virginia Lee Smith
inside issue#4, a poem by Jean Airey

From the editorial, by Katie:

About three fourths of the way through the typing of this zine, Karen and I decided that Sime Fandom really needs a third zine. So, this will be the last issue of of CZ that I'll be editing. Karen will run CZ, and I'll start up the new mimeo zine, Zeor Forum: Transfer for Ancients, which will continue the same style and elements I've used for CZ #4. Karen has lots of creative things planned for CZ. We both need contributions, artwork, and letters of comment.

Also: "Would anyone volunteer to keep track of the many Sime songs people are writing so they can be published, performed, and recorded? Write to JL."

  • Home-Thoughts, fiction by Mary Frances Zambreno (a sequel to this story is in Zeor Forum #1) (2)
  • The Expanding Universe, professional book update by Jean Lorrah (10)
  • Molt Brother in a Nutshell by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (11)
  • What-- Another New Universe? by Jean Lorrah (See Savage Empire for some of her comments.) (12)
  • Notes on the Church of the Purity, essay by "Sime Territory citizen" by Mary Frances Zambreno (14)
  • Dissect vs Tecton, Part 1 , fan round robin discussion, six letters, with accompanying responses by Lichtenberg) (16)
  • Other Fandoms, ads (25)
  • Necessity, fiction by Barbara T (26)
  • Gofering—in the Grand Manner by Katie Filipowicz (con report for Shuttlecon Columbus, see that page) (29)
  • A Lesson on Being in the Right Place at the Right Time by Leslie Warstler (con report for Shuttlecon Columbus, see that page) (31)
  • Are You Sime or Gen? (six replies by fans: three gens, one sime, two undecided) (35)
  • Zenna Henderson by Katherine Kane (37)
  • Recalling the Age of Pisces (Katherine Kurtz) by Linda Frankel (38)
  • Reviews by Linda Frankel, Judy Segal, Jean Airey, and Gaylen Reiss (Deathbeast and Moonstar Odyssey by David Gerrold , Tomorrow's Son by Hoskins, Godsfire by Felice) (40)
  • On Trek to Madworld, poem by Jean Airey
  • Better Householding and Gardens (43)

Excerpts from some of the letters of comment:

Regarding several letters in the previous issue:

[Karen K addressed Jacqueline Lichtenberg]:

I am extremely hesitant to let "the world" read something as personal as my letter to you about UNTO. I wrote to you with no thought that such a gushy letter would ever see print. I try to gush only to people I trust. I wouldn't want anybody to think I was effusive with my praise just to see my name in a zine. I think you must all be nice people, so I'll say OK. If you really want to print it you must have a reason.

[Jacqueline Lichtenberg responded to Karen K]: Karen, reread Star Trek LIVES. My theory of life is that "gushing"—effusive unrestrained enthusiasm is not immature. In fact true maturity is the ability to be wholly HONEST in public while retaining that "child-like sense of wonder." I want your letter printed so that you will meet someone as mature and honest (and lovely) as you are. But if—now that the shock has worn off—you can offer some honest criticism or searching analysis, we will be overjoyed to print both your un-guarded first reaction and your deeper, second thoughts back to back for comparison. ((The zine editor adds: Unfortunately, Karen's follow-up letter of comment got lost during the process of being passed around.))

[Adrienne F addressed all fans]: "Anonymous" seems to be over-reacting to the same situation that [Penny Z] commented on in her letter about "gosh-wow" fannishness. I'm rather accustomed to seeing this in fanzines. Naivete seems to be a universal fan prerogative. It only becomes dangerous when the writer starts believing what the fans are saying. JL knows she's not a goddess and that's what counts. "Anonymous" is afraid of a personal cult for JL. There are signs of it, but so far it isn't terribly serious. JL must not allow things to get out of hand. I'm sure she realizes that no one suffers more from cults than the writer. Of course there are people in this fandom with a healthier perspective. That's what makes reading correspondence interesting.

[Lee S addressed Jacqueline Lichtenberg]:

I read in AZ that you write mainly for women. Strangely enough, most of my favorite authors are women. MZB, Andre Norton, Anne McCaffrey, C.L. Moore, Leigh Brackets, Vonda Mclntyre, C.J. Cherryh, Ursula LeGuin, and most recently yourself. I've noticed in the the science fiction that I read that the women are not so concerned with the science in their writing as they are with their characters and plot, I really hate a story that spends 20 pages on nothing but all 'the intricate details of some imaginary machine. Granted, that's what sf is all about, that's what makes it different from other forms of fiction, but a person can go too far. "All right, I accept your automatic atomic pencil sharpener, get on with the story.

[Jacqueline Lichtenberg responded to Lee S]: Most (young) men don't have whatever it takes to appreciate psychological action." In Psychology Today magazine. They did a survey which told me that the men who are able to appreciate my Tailored Effects are generally more mature in their overall masculinity. There is a vast difference between the adolescent male and the mature male, and in SFdom in particular we find surprisingly mature teen-aged males. Few, but more than in the general populace. This is something publishers refuse to believe—but they will learn.

[Octavia Butler addressed Jacqueline Lichtenberg]: It was nice meeting you at IguanaCon even -though we didn't have much of a chance to talk. Seeing you, though, did remind me of the letter I owed you—the criticism you asked for. Before the con, I didn't trust myself to answer. I was working out of a temporary placement agency (described in KINDRED, a non--Patternist novel I have coming out next year) at jobs like the one I mentioned to you, the hospital laundry. That kind of work depresses me, makes me less than trusting of anything I might say while under its influence. Well, I'm away from the agency now. With a lot of writing and a little luck, I'll stay away.

So finally, your criticism. One of the things I kept stumbling over as I was reading was your creative cursing (and I suspect it jarred me all the more because I was enjoying the book so). A little of it goes a long way. It's especially irritating when it sounds like an approximation of present-day cursing. I came to equate it with the #$%&+?! marks used by humor magazines intended for younger people—this in spite of your definitions of the new words. I think the topper, though, was not one of your new words, but "sonovabee". Jacqueline, that really is a #!$&f?i word, and it's used in the middle of such a serious situation — when Digen actually fears for Im'ran's life. It would be better to have Digen say nothing at all. (And that is a legitimate alternative. Please don't think I'm trying to talk you into using more present-day swearing. I'm not. It's just that I started to laugh when Digen said sonovabee. Talk about shattering the mood.)

And there was something that caught my attention even before I began the book: your cast list. Why is it there? It adds nothing to the story. In fact, it detracts in about the same way as the cursing. It condescends.

As for the Kirkus Reviews comments (("Lichtenterg is a pretty good plotter and a fair (if often clumsy) writer..." Kirkus, 4/15/7 )), yes, they may have been referring to choppiness caused by editing — they probably were, at least in part. But they may also have been referring to what I came to think of as occasional cuteness. The "impish" grin, the dimple in Digen's chin, the "mischievous little boy" behind Digen's facade (p. 56). Then there was the glass juggling incident that had Im'ran literally rolling with laughter and me frowning with annoyance. Is a man juggling a glass really that funny? And Digen "cracked up" too. Momentary relief of tension? Yes. But a little too sweet (p. 60). Digen's other-worldly meeting with the dead Wyner is a good strong scene except for Wyner's too-cute "silly brother;" There isn't a lot of this, but like the cursing, a little goes a long way. Unlike the cursing, I don't think there's room for even a little cuteness.

Now to the contention that you "generate complex backgrounds and then let them take over the foreground of the story, obliterating the characters and their problems." You don't. In UNTO ZEOR, you're bringing another universe alive for your readers. Some complexity, some detail is necessary. As I read, I never felt that you were neglecting your characters to give that detail. I never felt that the detail intruded or stopped the story. It was part of the story, well interwoven, I see that the NYT BOOK REVIEW compares your attention to detail to Frank Herbert's in DUNE. That's not bad comparing.

You're heading in a respectable and potentially lucrative direction. Granted, you'll probably go on hearing from people who think your characters would be just as interesting in a hazier, but more action-filled universe. I've heard people complain that way against DUNE (which is one of my all-time favorites, by the way). I don't think you should worry about such complaints. There are large numbers of readers both in sf and in the mainstream who enjoy trips to vividly detailed universes. As one of those readers myself, I'm looking forward to FIRST CHANNEL and MAHOGANY TRIMOSE.

[Jacqueline Lichtenberg responded to Octavia Butler]: Interesting reaction to UNTO—since you're the first to mention the degrees-of-shen as distracting. Sonovabee is a word I agonized over quite a bit before letting it stay in that draft. It's a linguistic anachronism there to trace how "English" and Simelan borrow terms from each other. It is far more realistic to me to assume that a semantic blank which stands for a semantically overloaded word will survive where the overloaded word does not survive— and then the blank takes on the connotations of the overloaded word, and in its turn is replaced. It isn't "cursing" in the technical sense. It is profanity—the nailing of that which is too powerful to name. ((I think I cut sonovabee from the paperback because of her objection. JL [7])) The cast list is there for several reasons, some having to do with a hoped-for paperback version of the book. Mostly it remained there because my editor wanted it there. If you don't read the whole book at once, that list helps re-orient you into the book. It's also a narrative hook. A man juggling a glass isn't funny—a grown Sime is. I agonized over that scene, too—it works well if you're in a certain mood when you read it. It doesn't work at all when you're in the wrong mood. But it speaks VOLUMES about the invisible cultural values behind the entire book— the line between childhood and adulthood which is integral to the theme. It also tells a lot about the nervous condition called need, both as it manifests in a Sime and in a Gen. It tells a lot about Im'ran, too, and what it takes to be a Donor and/or Companion—it foreshadows the climax of the sequence when he walks out on Digen as he knew he must (the hilarity is a response in part to that overshadowing knowledge, and the out-of-key tone of the laughter bespeaks that knowledge to an aware reader). It also tells a lot about the way Tecton life impairs the social development of those who work for it. The key to all this is that in order to get the MOST out of what I write, you must be an aware-reader—that is, a fully conversant Sime/Gen aficionado. You can get the impression you've read a good book without knowing all those things, or caring—but it is just an illusion. The real impact comes through only when you really know the stuff cold. This is deliberate—it is the way I justify the PRICE people have to pay for books these days. I write to be re-read—many times. My overall attitude toward writing is all too noncommercial, I know — but it is my attitude, and I'd be lying to you if I pretended it wasn't. I write for my fans. Others are welcome to eavesdrop if they like, but they'll understand only what an eavesdropper can expect to understand. The substance will go right by.

[Deborah L addressed Jacqueline Lichtenberg]: This is probably an irrational complaint, so if you shoot me down, I'll feel I deserved it. My main difficulty with both HoZ and UZF is that they have primarily male protagonists. What I really liked about UZF and SS was Ilyana. I never quite felt Aisha was real. She turned up in the last chapter or two and I never really got to know her. Also there was the "damsel in distress" aspect about her. It was certainly interesting to see that after all the business about rescuing her, she was the one who killed Andle.

I can't identify with a male protagonist. I have tried. There are of course exceptions to this, but I usually read it somewhat detached. The books I tend to get deeply involved with have either female protagonists or strong female characters. Heritage of Hastur and my all-time favorite, Left Hand of Darkness, are exceptions. And in LHoD,, I identify with Estraven.

I also object to books where men are on top. The culture on Darkover gives me cold shudders and dry heaves every time I seriously consider it. (Jacqueline Lichtenberg inserts: "Good heavens, it's not that different from here-and-now.) And I think that forms a part of my reaction to that statement in HoZ. I cannot conceive of a situation in which a man would have a "right" to sleep with a woman. Ever. (Lichtenberg inserts: "Then see "Channel's Exemption.") I state this so uncompromisingly because I do not feel particularly reasonable about it. Ihis attitude is very likely a prejudice, because I can't discuss it without getting emotional.

The fact that the major protagonists in your books are male does not detract from my enjoyment of them. I would very likely enjoy them more if they contained more strong female characters, like Ilyana. I am tired of the yound and innocent girl. And I am very tired of the damsel in distress. The first page of HoZ made me put the book back on the shelf three times, until I finally forced myself to read past it. Then I liked it. But what I am most tired of is reading books by women writers about men. I want to read books with female protagonists. And I'll hang myself before I go to reading Harlequin romances. (Lichtenberg inserts: "I grew up on SF with all-male characters end learned to identify with males for lack of any good female leads. I guess times are changing. But as yet, I find it unnecessary to write about females. Nevertheless, see Trinrose and Molt Brother."

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 4

Very much enjoyed C in Z #4. The stories were well-thought out and interest. I especially enjoyed the Zelerod piece, altho "Home-Thoughts" came in a close second. The information pieces by JL and JL are, as always, fascinating. I'm always interested in reading about what is being done on the Sime/Gen series, which seems to be expanding rapidly! Now if we could only get some more stories in the time frames of "Channel's Exemption'-' and "Hop, Skip, and Jump". I'd really be happy! Of course if the stories could be written faster and printed sooner we'd all be in paradise. [8]

I agree with the comments on WHITE DRAGON. I did like Lessa and Mirrim before reading the book. I also don't think Anne answered a lot of the questions brought up, especially about Ruth's mating habits. Is he a sterile mutant minidragon or what? [9]

I am another compulsive reader. I, too, read aspirin bottles and cereal boxes for lack of anything better. That's the one thing I really dislike about Darkover — the lack of appreciation for literacy. The role I'd love there, is not Tower worker or Comyn Lord or Lady, but a monk at Nevarsln, and I'm not the right sex for that. But I'd love to putter around with all those old records and books. [10]

In response to the letter from Octavia Butler in CZ 4; I disagreed with just about everything she said, but especially with her dislike for JL's creative cursing. The definition of shen in the Glossary was the first thing in UNTO (which I encountered prior to HoZ) that really caught my attention. I certainly did not find the occasional use of the varied expressions derived from this basic idea to be distracting. To me it sounded perfectly natural. Simes would curse like that.

After all, the most common nasty words in English are mostly in three general categories: sex, religion, and bodily substances which are considered to be disgusting and distasteful. If this is what our society finds it reasonable to use as swearwords, wouldn't it be eminently reasonable for a Sime to swear about things that can go wrong in transfer? Shen and its derivatives would combine many of the connotations of our ordinary cursewords, adding perhaps the further dimension of rejection by another person into the bargain. (And how much that rejection hurts would depend on how much you trusted and committed yourself to that other person in the first place.) Anyhow, that's what it means to me. I curse in Simelan rather than English (so what if nobody knows what I'm saying? Sometimes it's better that way.) All I could ask of JL is a more exact definition of some of the expressions she made up. (But if you left it up to me, I'd probably try to get someone to actually create Simelan as a functioning language just so I could speak it.)

I also didn't consider parts of UNTO to be annoyingly "cute". None of us are so grown-up that we don't sometimes act and react like the children we once were, especially at times of stress. More than once I've found myself laughing hysterically at something that wasn't all that funny, in situations where the only other alternative was to cry. [11]

"Home-Thoughts" - This is very good. I don't usually read stories told by letter, but there is much food for thought in this one. "Home-Thoughts" is just the tip of the iceberg. Questions: How did David survive changeover? Was their a Sime Center nearby? Whey didn't his family hate Simes? What is his village's attitude toward Simes? Most of all, ask her if she will write Part 2. I would like to be with Davide when he goes home. Please.

[...]

One last thing—about Octavia Butler's letter. (1) She said she "stumbled over JL's creative cursing. It didn't bother me. I enjoyed it and am glad some body invented some new cussword here are times when a man must either cuss or cry, and Digen couldn't be crying all the time.

(2) What does [Octavia Butler] mean by "cute"? (I get the picture of a simpering little girl with that word.) The glass-juggling scene was one of the high points for me, showing how close Digen and Im had grown. The Farris sense of ht^or is one or their main attractions. I did read the Patternist books. I don't think her Patternists have a sense of humor. Still I like both books. [12]

CZ #4 was spectacular! That's exactly what I wanted to see — more fan fiction. Well, I shouldn't complain until I write more myself. I've already attempted to instigate a sequel to "Home-Thoughts", but Mary Frances doesn't think it's in the cards. Does that mean that someone else will have to tell the Reverend Ross's story?

MOLT BROTHER — Psychics on digs? Archeologists could probably use them if they were willing to admit the value of such a skill. Question — is there no distinguishing between emotions in the Kren? Is there more or less venom secreted in rage as opposed to love? Has JL worked that out? Well, I suppose I shouldn't expect an entire structure at once.

[...]


"Necessity" has the quality of a story written for in-Territory children to show them the nature of Zelerod's Doom. I wonder if Barbara intended that. I should have asked her, of course. When I was writing her about the story I was too concerned with the question of dramatic impact. The dialogue form isn't very effective on the emotional level.

[...]

Moonstar Odyssey — it struck me as a contorted book. David Gerrold, the acrobatic writer, is attempting to prove that gender roles are arbitrary, so he does it by making the choice of sex central. Obviously, that only works if the reader s mind is also double-jointed. The dilemma of Sola is an interesting one however. I would have liked to see a novel from her point of view.

Jean Airey's review of Trek to Madworld is apt. It could have worked if Goldin had any conception of witty dialogue. A mad Organian ought to be far more amusing than that. [13]

Issue 5

A Companion in Zeor 5 was published in August 1980 and contains 74 pages.

200 copies were printed.

front cover of issue #5, Lori Tartaglio
a cartoon from issue #5, by Lori Tartaglio, Michael Tartaglio: Woman says: "Dirty, rotten, stinking, shoven @#!*?*, lousy, miserable #!*@! Rant! Rave!..." Man says: "Oh, well. It's "that" time of the month".... But do I get her a Midol or a Gen?!")

The editor was Karen MacLeod Litman, the associate editors were Michael and Lori Tartaglio. The illos were by Lori Tartaglio, Michael Tartaglio, and Janet Trautvetter.

While many (all?) issues contained this statement regarding fiction, "NOTE: All fiction in A COMPANION IN ZEOR takes place in alternate Sime universes," this one has a statement about the illos: From the zine:

SPECIAL NOTICE: All cartoons done by the Tartaglio team (individually and jointly) appearing in A COMPANION IN ZEOR are the products of "comedic license" (as opposed to "poetic license") and occur in an ALTERNATE ALTERNATE Sime/Gen universe, and the liberties taken therein with the concepts of Jacqueline Lichtenberg's creations are purely for humourous purposes only, and not to be confused with the genuine forms and technicalities of said Lichtenberg creations.

  • GENerally Speaking (2)
  • Silver Yo-Yo Award (4)
  • Jacqueline's GALAXY Award Letter (5)
  • An Exchange Between Jacqueline Lichtenberg and C.J. Cherryh (two letters by Lichtenberg, one by Cherryh, discuss: writing techniques, awards, Marion Zimmer Bradley, contains passive-agressive praise on Lichtenberg's part) (7)
  • UNTO Alert (12)
  • The Language of S.F., article about science fiction fan slang, by Lori Tartaglio (13)
  • Zeor Word Search Puzzle (15)
  • The Refurbished Character by Jacqueline Lichtenberg—article on writing characterization, originally written for the N3F Writer's Exchange circa 1970) (16)
  • Householding Hints, recipes, home-life anecdotes (20)
  • The Journey of Jonathan Gain, poem by Julia Hines (21)
  • more additions to "How Did I Get Myself Into This?" BEING THE TRUE STORIES OF HOW SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLDING MET JL... by Lori Tartaglio, Deborah Layman, and Bruce D. Litman (23)
  • Digen Inside, poem by lenda collins (26)
  • Part One of The Legend of Lady Mariose, fiction by Jean Airey (27)
  • Childhood's End, poem by Leslie Warstler (30)
  • The C.Z. Caption Contest (31)
  • In the News: Dr. Jean Lorrah ("NOVEL(TV): English Professor Will Publish Science Fiction Love Stories in '80" by David Jennings, an article printed from "The Murray State News," Murray State University) (32)
  • An Interview with Jacqueline Lichtenberg (1980) by Michael J. Tartaglio (33)
  • Distect vs Tecton, part three/final installment of a round robin discussion (part two was in Zeor Forum) (53)
  • Reviews of books by science fiction writers: Susan Cooper, Piers Anthony, David Gerrold, C.J. Cherryh, Gordon R. Dickinson, Janet E. Morris) (49)
  • Are You a Sime or a Gen?, part three/final installment (part two was in Zeor Forum) (four Gens, one Sime) (53)
  • Better Householdings and Gardens, letters of comment (55)
  • The Zeor Bulletin Board (67)

From a fan letter:

And God bless Linda Frankel! At last, someone who admits to not hating The Price of the Phoenix. I may go down under a deluge of bricks and old tomatoes, but, and I say this with my head held high, I LIKED THE PRICE OF THE PHOENIX! Okay, so it was vastly over-written, and bordered on purple prose. So, it was violent, even bloody, and the chase scenes were overlong. So what? The main part of the story (as I saw it) was to take the Kirk/Spock relationship, and run it through the meat grinder, to see what came out. The violence didn't faze me a bit; it seemed to be such a necessary part of the story, I just accepted it. (The sequel to Price, The Fate of the Phoenix, came out in May 1979. It's better written, a great deal less physically violent, and even lets us in on the Romulan Commander's name. But if you thought Omne was nasty to Kirk and Spock before, wait til you read Fate. Believe it or not, he's got something much worse up his sleeve, and all without touching a hair on their heads.)

From a fan letter:

Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting the publication of FIRST CHANNEL in January. But it is such a long time between books! Seriously, I do realize that it takes a lot of time to get a book published. Even fanzines sometimes take years. So I would really like to start subscribing to AZ and/or CZ (Just noticed that the flyer says "either address to receive information about both"). I am interested in information about any issues you may have available — past, present, future, reprints, etc. I'd love to be able to read at least one before FCh comes out. Have you given permission to other fans to write fiction based on the Sime/Gen universe in AZ and CZ? ((Of course, or they would be very small-page count zines - KL)) I hope so, because I would like to read more S/G fiction in between books. Most mainstream writers seem to hoard their ideas selfishly, but science fiction writers have always had a sort of tradition of sharing ideas, "universes," etc., ((usually, at least with permission - JL)) and of collaborating, too. I'm glad to see that this has been carried on by Trek fan writers (as in your own KRAITH). I thought your (and Sondra's too, I guess) concept of Demanding Fantasy was "fascinating" to coin a phrase. This way of writing fiction also sounds like a lot more fun!

  • from issue #5, by Jean Airey

  • from issue #5, by Jean Airey

Issue 6

A Companion in Zeor 6 was published in December 1980 and contains 78 pages.

front cover of issue #6, Nitsa Mavromatis (age 14)

300 copies were printed.

Editor: Karen MacLeod Litman, Associate Editors, Lori and Michael Tartaglio.

The art is by K. Litman, M. Tartaglio, M. Jirsa, M. Jensen, N. Deacon, J. Trautvetter, L. Gould, Pat Munson-Siter, M. Duncan, and J. Cesari.

From Karen, the editor:

The Mean Green Zine Machine (mimeograph) is in semi-retirement It has provided faithful service for CZ, and is now doing work for an organization locally that is trying to make an improved transportation network for disabled and seniors* This includes people in wheelchairs! This typewriter, we have found, makes wonderful stencils, as well as a good zine. Until further notice, all Companion issues will be photo-produced, and not mimeo'd. The work with this group will hopefully turn into a PAYING JOB! Even so, I feel it a worthwhile cause, and it gives me something to do during my unemployed period.

  • GENerally Speaking (2)
  • Silver Yo-You Award (4)
  • House and Mountain, poem by Julia M. Hines (5)
  • The Pledge of Householding Turan by Julia M. Hines (6)
  • Householding Hints: 'The Trin't'lat' by Melody Jensen (7)
  • Part Two of A Legend of the Distect Isles by Jean Airey (9)
  • Trivia Quiz: Galactic Gormet [sic] by Lynn M. Gibbs (17)
  • Puzzle Contest: Not so EZ—TZ for CZ by Nancy Deacon (18)
  • Sime Series as Talking Books, and Other Goodies (about talking books being available at libraries, appears to be a project of a fan named Victor Schmidt) (20)
  • A Communication from the Householding Board of Governors by Jaqueline Lichtenberg - focusing on how colors are chosen for Householding members' garments. (21)
  • Journey's End, poem by Lori Tartaglio (23)
  • Samples of Literary Criticism found by Linda Frankel (24)
  • Memento Mori by Deborah J. Laymon (25)
  • Better Householdings and Gardens (27)
  • An Interview with James Doohan conducted by Lori Tartaglio and Karen Litman (In it, he mentions several fanzines he has read, see Delta Triad and Alternate Universe 4) (34)
  • In the News: Jimmy Doohan (newspaper article reprint of "Actor Deplores Typecasting" by Michael Pollock, Sunday Press, February 17, 1980) ) (38)
  • Continuation of Mr. Doohan's College Appearance, a reprint of a program book, part of the Atlantic Community College 1979-80 Cultural Series: "Magic of Broadway" (musical), "The Big Store" (film), and "Star Trekking with Scotty" (lecture), all in February 1980) (unnumbered)
  • transcript of Doohan's speech at Atlantic Community College (41)
  • Reviews of some pro books ("The Keeper's Price," "Galactic Whirlpool," "The Bloody Sun," "Sword of Aldones," "The Planet Savers," "Cirque," seven books by Lloyd Biggle, Jr., (49)
  • Meeting the Quvota, fiction by Linda Frankel (53)
  • Dinner with Jacqueline Lichtenberg -- or -- Illegal (but Kosher) hot dogs in a hotel room by Janet Trautvetter, Karen Litman, Nancy Deacon, John Berkowicz with Bruce Litman - focusing on how cover art is chosen for novels. (57)
  • How Great Discussions are "Born" (example of how a letter of comment is diced apart and discussed) (64)
  • The Zeor Bulletin Board (ads for fanzines, includes a two-page brochure reprint for "The Dealer's Room," a professional literary company started by two people (one a fan) to help science fiction writers with publication and marketing, see below) (67)

  • from issue #6, first page of the fan-conducted interview with James Doohan

  • from issue #6, The Pledge of Householding Turan

  • from issue #6, fancraft, trintea container

  • from issue #6, "A Communication from the Householding Board of Governors"—page one

  • from issue #6, from "Memento Mori"

  • from issue #6, info about role-playing games

  • from issue #6, "How Great Discussions Are Born," page one

  • from issue #6, "The Dealer's Room" brochure

  • from issue #6, "The Dealer's Room" brochure

Issue 7

A Companion in Zeor 7 was published in August 1981 and contains 47 pages.

front cover of issue #7
back cover of issue #7, Julie Cesari

Editor: Karen MacLeod Litman. Associate Editors: Michael and Lori Tartaglio.

The art is by Lori Tartaglio, Michael Taraglio, Mary Jirsa, Janet Trautvetter, Nitsa Mavromantis, and Jute Cesari.

300 copies were printed "by the Litmans on the Sharpfax copier #741."

The zine is losing its free printing via someone's job, and has taken out a loan from the bank for a photocopier; it will take the editors three years to pay this loan off.

It contains a continuation of the Distect Isles legends, usual features, a humorous report on outlying Householdings' crime wave, and stories such as "Lord of the North (third in the Distect Isles series) by Jean Airey.

From the editors, a bit of a scold, no apologies for lost letters, and a threat:

Note: This Issue may look smaller than others, now that we typed most of it with wider margins and smaller typefaces. Also, you, our readers, haven't been submitting enough "goodies", and some of our LoC's got lost in the post awful during the round-robin travel between Karen, Lori and the ladies Lorrah and Lichtenberg.[14] Send us some more contrlbs for the next issue - or there will be no next issue, as we have very little in our files. — Editors

  • Generally Speaking (2)
  • CZ Caption Contest Winner and blurb about some fans starting a Lichtenberg-approved RPG (4)
  • Errata -- Sime Series as Talking Books: info and forms for National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (5)
  • Rimon, poem by Rayna T. Daughtry (8)
  • Crisscross Puzzle by Lori Tartaglio (9)
  • Book Reviews of Savage Empire and "Ambulance Ship" (11)
  • Burglulars and BVDs and Swearing in Korean by Lori Tartaglio (12)
  • Silver Yo-Yo Award (15)
  • Digen's Dilemma, poem by Rayna T. Daughtry (16)
  • Before the Dawn, fiction by Rhonda K. Marsh (17)
  • Legends of the Distect Isle: Lord of the North by Jean Airey (21)
  • Lunch at the Crocker Householding, fic by Andrea Alton (22)
  • Householding Hints, two recipes involving cucumbers and zucchinis (24)
  • Better Householdings and Gardens, letters of comment (25)
  • The Zeor Bulletin Board (35)

  • from issue #7

  • from issue #7

  • from issue #7

  • from issue #7, an Avengers/Sime~Gen crossover

  • from issue #7, sample letters from "Better Householdings and Gardens"

Issue 8

A Companion in Zeor 8 was published in November 1984 and contains 78 pages. The editor is Karen Litman, there are no associated or assisted editors listed.

cover of issue #8, "Mother Gen," (Lois M. Tartaglio), from an idea by Bruce D. Litman

The art is by Mel White, Mother Gen, and Leigh Motooka.

300 copies were printed.

The editor apologizes for the lateness of this issue:

I was horrified to realize that it has been three long years since the last issue was published. For that, I apologize, but I have been ill for about two years, and now, being about 90% cured, felt like working on it again. For all of you who have supported me in that time, and for those who pre-paid ages ago, I think you'll find in these pages that your patience has been well rewarded.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, Michael and Lori Tartaglio will no longer be affiliated with this publication. They have moved and I no longer have access to them.

This issue is not all that I promised in the flyers that were distributed. Much of the missing material was lost by the Post Office during the initial typing in 1982, between Kentucky, Illinois and New Jersey. If anyone has copies of submissions promised but not printed, please send them for future issues.

You will find in this issue, a new feature, SOMERSET PAPERS, editing by Andrea Alton. We would like contributions to this, and the specifications and mailing information can be found with SOMERSET. You will also find art from Mel White, a most talented person, the promised story from Andrea Alton, another (and presently final) installment in the Distect Isles series. Jean Airey would like imput on Distect before continuing with the series. Comments can be sent to me with an additional stamped envelope so I can forward them to Jean.

Also from the editor:

During the printing of the zine, we ran into a few problems. How I got this issue of A COMPANION IN ZEOR done with all these little difficulties, I'll never know...But I wanted to have it done, and was determined to have an issue for you. Here's what happened:

I took page 12 to the printers "because it had the TWILIGHT ZONE-puzzle answers from CZ 6 on it. I brought it home and then lost it in my apartment. This page has that puzzle on it. The missing page is still among the missing.

I lost the stencil for page 13 as well. Fortunately I had the original submission for it, so I re-typed it.

The photocopier broke down and it took two weeks for a repairman to come. Fortunately, the job cost less than originally quoted.

We have had problems with a tempermental mimeograph. They don't manufacture and sell mimeographing equipment anymore, and my resident genius in that department, Jay, repaired the machine, and got supplies for it as well. No mean feat when you consider that parts are not available and when you ask for service or supplies you get laughed at.

I found in making the zine that I left out a crucial page, and that messed up the numbering of the issue. You will find that "corrected" with pages 18 A and B, and 19 A and B.

My typewriter broke down. Fortunately I had another to make additional stencils and corrections on. It is still waiting to go into the repair shop.

If something goes wrong during the collating of this issue, you'll never know, since I won't dare put that in. Wish us luck!

  • GENerally Speaking (1)
  • RonSime: Excerpt by Jacqueline Lichtenberg (3)
  • Recorded Books for the Blind, a very detailed article about a lot of different outfits and services by Terry Terlau (13)
  • Somerset News, interactive fiction in newspaper form by Lynn Gibbs, and Andrea Alton (19)
  • A Gentle Thing, poem by Terry Terlau (21)
  • The Year’s Turning, fiction by Rhonda K. Marsh (22)
  • Partners, Archived version (a sequel to the novel "Icy Nager" published in A Companion In Zeor Special Edition #1) by Andrea Alton (27)
  • Lord of the North, fiction by Jean Airey (54)
  • Householding Hints, a blueberry dessert, spiced coffee recipes by Mother Gen (61)
  • Title Search, by Judith Z. Segal and Jacqueline Lichtenberg (62)
  • National Fantasy Fan Federation, about by Lola Andrew (63)
  • Postsyndrome ad by Kerry Schaefer (63)
  • The Question by Julia M. Hines, edited by Katie Filipowicz (64)

Some Sime~Gen zines are now available from a fan who is apparently acting on her own volition:

The Sime/Gen fanzines are available for the blind, in the Library of Congress 4-track tape cassette format. Note: THESE TAPES DO NOT play on conventional equipment. Contact Terry Terlau for ordering and further information.

COMPANION # 1,2,3,4,5, and 7 - each 1-90 minute tape COMPANION # 6-2-90 minute tapes

ZEOR FORUM #1,2,3,4 - each issue is 2-90 minute tapes

AMBROV ZEOR #7,8,9,10,11,12,13 - each issue is 2-90 minute tapes

AMBROV ZEOR #3-1-90 minute tape

Terry will make new issues available when possible, and will remove out of print issues when necessary. Send her a 30 minute cassette tape (which will be playable on standard equipment) to receive her flyer on issues available and how to order. Be sure to include a self-addressed postage pre-paid mailer for the cassette you send.

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

  • inside page from issue #8

Issue 9

A Companion in Zeor 9 has a publication date of April 1987, but the letter from the editor is dated November 1987. The zine contains 71 pages. It was edited by Karen Litman.

300 copies were printed.

front cover of issue #9, Chris Soto

The editor profusely apologizes for the lateness of this issue; there have been many problems with printing, regarding mimeo and offset.

The art is by Chris Soto, Cathy Brown, Ken Helfrich, Leatha Ann Betts, David J. Heath, Mel White, Donell Meadows, and Wahaba.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE ANONYMOUS PERSON WHO DONATED BOTH SPECIAL TAPE RECORDERS NEEDED FOR OUR BLIND SERVICES PROJECT.

Please continue to support the Taping Project. We are hoping to make all of Jacqueline and Jean's books available -- as well as the zines. The Library of Congress will not let us use the Talking Books they have made, so we mush make those as well as the novels the Library never recorded. We need your continued support for supplies, and volunteer readers to make these expanded efforts available.

  • The Donor's List
  • GENerally Speaking, editorial (1)
  • Raison D'Etre, fic by Rhonda K. Marsh (2)
  • Billsville University Courses, parody by Lynn Gibbs (4)
  • The Reluctant Heroine, fiction by Jane Toombs (originally published in a "Romance Writers of America" newsletter) (7)
  • A Choice Gen, fiction by Mary Lou Mendum (9)
  • For Didi, and Almost Home, two poems by Jill Stone (13)
  • Dunbren, fiction by Andrea Alton (14)
  • The Zeor Bulletin Board (23)
  • Nightwatch, poem by Rhonda K. Marsh (24)
  • The Silver Yo-Yo Award (25)
  • The Last Class of School, fiction by Pat Munson-Siter (26)
  • Jacqueline's Column on DUSHAU, see The Dushau Trilogy (28)
  • Better Householdings and Gardens, letters of comment (32)
  • Householding Hints, a recipe for nut bread by Donell Meadows (37)
  • Animal or Human, poem by Mark Kadey (38)
  • A Tale of Trinroses by Mary Lou Mendum (39)
  • Filed Under Friend by Leatha Ann Betts (this is a Doctor Who crossover story) (48)
  • Visitation, poem by Tami Swartz (Star Trek) (52)
  • Samantha's Choice, fiction by Ruth M. Sacksteader (55)

  • inside page from issue #9

  • inside page from issue #9

  • inside page from issue #9

Issue 10

A Companion in Zeor 10 was published in December 1990 and contains 68 pages.

100 copies were printed.

cover of issue #10 (photocopy), artist is Linda L. Written: On the front: "1978-1988: A Companion in Zeor 10th Anniversary Issue"

The art is by Cathy Brown, Donell "Daisy" Meadows, "Ma Gen" aka Lois M. Tartaglio, Laura Todd, Linda L. Whitten.

"Cover designed and executed by Linda L. Whitten, from an idea by Bruce D. Litman, with further ideas by Kerry Lindemann-Schaefer, Jacqueline Lichtenberg and others."

The editor apologizes for the lateness of the issue.

  • Sponsor's Page (29 names)
  • GENerally Speaking (2)
  • a brochure reprint: "The Atlantic Riding Center for the Handicapped," of which the editor is an active participant, gaining better physical health
  • Fire Also Purifies, poem by Lisa Calhoun (5)
  • Tentacles of Doom by Jean Airey (Sime~Gen/Doctor Who crossover) (6)
  • Book Review by Richard Weilgosh of "Cold in July" by Joe Lansdale (10)
  • The Price: Simps, Gens, and Sacrifice, essay by Tracey Pennington (11)
  • Be Not Afraid, fic by Marjorie Robbins (14)
  • Diversionary Tactic, fiction by Andrea L. Alton (32)
  • RenSime! Commentary by Mary Lou Mendum and Jacqueline Lichtenberg (a letter from Mary Lou to Jacqueline, and a letter to Mary Lou from Jacqueline) (40)
  • The "Somerset News" by Linda Whitten and Karen Litman (45)
  • Orhuen, the Evolution of First Channel by edited Marjorie Robbins (a Round Robin started by Jacqueline Lichtenberg in 1977 (originally printed in parts in Ambrov Zeor #17 and Householding Chanel Inquirer #2, reprinted in this issue with this introduction: "Some time ago, it was my priviledge to sort through some old correspondence of Jacqueline Lichtenberg's and Jean Lorrah's to compile an article on the evolution of First Channel. In the process of going through the letters I found some fascinating information on Klyd Farris and Hugh Valleroy that I thought you would enjoy reading. Jacqueline was gracious enough to give me permission for another article, so I present it forthwith for your enjoyment. Please remember though, that these exchanges took place over 10 years ago and cannot be considered "canon". Most of this stuff was discussed during the development of the Keon saga and Jean's early stories. However, they do provide some fascinating ins ights into what is probably the most interesting and talked about relationship in the entire Sime/Gen saga.") (48)
  • Twins, fiction about the first set of Gen/Sime twins, by Laura Todd (55)

  • from issue #10

  • from issue #10, from "Twins"

  • from issue #10

Issue 11

cover of issue #11

A Companion in Zeor 11 was published in 1994 and contains 62 pages.

  • Story by Andrea Alton
  • poetry by Rhonda Marsh, Gail Barton, Lynn Gibbs,
  • cartoons by Donell Meadows,

Issue 12

A Companion in Zeor 12 was published both online and in paper format. The publisher offers 1997-1998 as the publication dates.

Issue 13

A Companion in Zeor 13 was published both online and in print format. The publisher offers a publication date of 1998-2000.

Issue 14

A Companion in Zeor 14 has, according to the publisher, a publication date of 2000-2001

Issue 15

A Companion in Zeor 15 was published in 2001.

Issue 16

A Companion in Zeor 16 has a 2001-2002 publication date.

  • A New Beginning, Part VI: Journey to a Wild Place by D. DaBinett C
  • Update provided by Kerwin L. Schaefer, aka Kerry Lindemann-Schaefer, author of the Frevven stories, includes "Do You Really Want to Know What It's Like to Be a Transsexual?"
  • Blood Taint by Katherine X. Rylien
  • Sime~Gen Filk Songs and Rhymes by various authors, inspiration for them came from the Simegen Listserve in late July and August 2002

Issue 17

A Companion in Zeor 17 has a publication date of 2002-2003.

Issue 18

A Companion in Zeor 18 has a publication date of 2003.

Issue 19

A Companion in Zeor 19 has a publication date of 2003-2004.

Issue 20

A Companion in Zeor 20 has a publication date of 2003-2004.

Issue 21

A Companion in Zeor 21 has a publication date of 2004. It won several FanQ awards at MediaWest 2005.

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 21

See reactions and reviews for A Companion's Duty.

Issue 22

A Companion in Zeor 22 has a publication date of 2005-2006.

Issue 23

A Companion in Zeor 23 has a publication date of 2006-2007.

Issue 24

A Companion in Zeor 24 has a publication date of 2008. It was the zine's 30th Anniversary Year.

Special Edition 1: "Icy Nager"

Icy Nager by Andrea Alton and Jacqueline Lichtenberg was printed in 1992. It is A Companion in Zeor Special Edition 1.

Icynager.jpg

Special Edition 2: "The Only Good Sime"

The Only Good Sime was published in the early 1990s. It is by Kerry Lindemann-Schaefer and Jacqueline Lichtenberg and is A Companion in Zeor Special Edition 2.

Onlygoodsime.jpg

Special Edition 3: "House of Zeor"

A Companion in Zeor Special Edition 3 contains House of Zeor reprint by Jacqueline Lichtenberg.

Special Edition 4: "A Shift of Means"

front cover by Janice St. Clair

A Shift of Means was published in 1996. It is by Mary Lou Mendum and is A Companion in Zeor Special Edition 4.

Special Edition 5: "My Life Is My Own"

My Life Is My Own was published in 1996. It is by Cherri L. Muñoz. and is A Companion in Zeor Special Edition 5.

Mylife.jpg

References

  1. ^ "A Companion in Zeor". Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  2. ^ Acknowledgements. First Channel by Jean Lorrah and Jacqueline Lichtenberg (Berkley, 1986) p. 5-6.
  3. ^ "Fear and Courage: Fourteen Writers Explore Sime~Gen".
  4. ^ Sime~Gen - CZ Submission Guidelines, Archived version
  5. ^ "A Companion in Zeor". Archived from the original on 2013-02-01.
  6. ^ a b c d e f from an LoC in issue #2
  7. ^ This appears to be a sentence by Lichtenberg that was added to the letter later when it was printed in the zine. Lichtenberg appeared to take Butler's advice more seriously than the original letter suggested.
  8. ^ from a letter of comment in Zeor Forum #1
  9. ^ from a letter of comment in Zeor Forum #1
  10. ^ from a letter of comment in Zeor Forum #1
  11. ^ from a letter of comment in Zeor Forum #1
  12. ^ from a letter of comment in Zeor Forum #1
  13. ^ from a letter of comment in Zeor Forum #1
  14. ^ It is highly likely that the Postal Service was not the culprit, but careless fans who did not follow through. While the post office was sometimes at fault in lost mail, blaming it then was the both the email equivalent of blaming one's "spam filter," as well as being an easy scapegoat.
  15. ^ SGPIC, Archived version
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