...Shall Have No Dominion (Beauty and the Beast zine by Carolyn Kleinsorge)

For articles with a similar title, see Shall Have No Dominion.

Zine
Title:	...Shall Have No Dominion
Publisher:	Dominion Press
Editor:
Author(s):	Carolyn Kleinsorge
Cover Artist(s):
Illustrator(s):
Date(s):	1990-1992
Series?:	yes
Medium:	print
Genre:
Fandom:	Beauty and the Beast (TV)
Language:	English
External Links:	Qfer cover of issue #1, Sherri White
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

...Shall Have No Dominion is a het series of Beauty and the Beast (TV) novels by Carolyn Kleinsorge. According to an ad in Tunnel Talk, they are "written in a style of the more sensual category romances."

They have been posted as PDFs here.

Issue 1

...Shall Have No Dominion 1 contains 128 pages. It was published in July 1990 and has a cover by Sherri White. The fanzine was also offered in audio-cassette format for the visually impaired.

The story covers roughly a day in Vincent's life. Catherine comes to him as a ghost. The following afternoon, during a visit to the Chamber of the Falls, Catherine returns and informs Vincent she'll be with him forever, tangibly—and visible to others, as well, if he so chooses.

Author's Note:

Like all true obsessions, this novella arose out of the need to come to terms with a situation that affected me deeply - personally.

For me, both as an individual and as a writer, the Tunnels became real. They exist. As do the people who dwell in them.

Mary is caring for the children, Father is watching over us all, and as long as dreams survive, Vincent has his Catherine.

A small sample of the very extensive art by Sherri White:

• 

  from issue #1

• 

  from issue #1

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  from issue #1

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  from issue #1

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

Controversial story line has Catherine returning to Vincent as a spirit made real by Vincent's love. Explicit sex . Well written (pro writer) and romantic.

Covers roughly a day in Vincent's life. But what a day! Catherine comes to him as a ghost and there's some very graphic sex; zine might be better rated as (R), as is the sequel. The following afternoon, during a visit to the Chamber of the Falls, Catherine returns and informs Vincent she'll be with him forever, tangibly-and visible to others, as well, if he so chooses. Other than the magic of the bond, no explanation is given for Catherine's return. Reviewers were divided about this zine; one found the premise unpersuasive and disliked words for the money, given the extremely large type and margins, and wide spacing. The other commented on the literate prose style, despite a few (very few) grammatical hiccups. Pro romance writer. This zine will be more appealing to SND fans than to readers less committed to Catherine's being restored to Vincent on any terms and regardless of the means. Art by Sherri White.

I also received a letter recently from [Sue W], who was very disturbed about a zine called "... Shall Have No Dominion." In this zine, Vincent and Catherine are together, but Catherine is not alive, or even miraculously restored tolife, but a "ghost," as in Kristopher Gentian. Sue found this premise very upsetting, and would rather not have spent her money on this zine .

I would just like to prepare any of you who may want to buy the zine ... Shall Have No Dominion that the flyer is a little misleading. It is true Catherine is with Vincent, but she is a SPIRIT. Maybe some of you would think I am being a hypocrite; I liked "When the Bluebird Sings" and could accept Kristopher as a ghost, but I never knew him any other way. If you can accept Catherine and Vincent together like this, then this is just the zine for you. If this had been another format, I would have said it was well-written. I just feel the flyer should have given a little warning for those (me) who found it distasteful.

[A fan said I should ask] for flyers before purchasing a zine. I did! In no way did it mention Catherine was a "spirit" Since then I have gotten another flyer for a zine — Thin Walls. Again, there is nothing in it mentioning Catherine is a spirit in this story. However, Jess Davis enclosed a beautiful letter explaining that in this story Catherine has come back to Vincent as a spirit. I THANK HER for being HONEST, and for this information.

I agree that imagination is stronger than knowledge. THE DREAM IS MORE POWERFUL THAN REAUTY. For me it means — Catherine was shown to us as dying. I BELIEVE IN THE DREAM — SHE IS ALIVE — and that is my reality.

I feel that all of us fans are unique in our tastes and perceptions about B&TB. We express what we like and do not like, and often we express what we think is well-written and what is not.

As for myself, I am not knowledgeable about the art of writing and, therefore, am not in a position to make judgments on writing quality (but I do know what I like). I do know one thing: we are all in this together to keep our dream alive.

I feel none of us fans should discourage nor prejudice others against the works of our passionate writers to whom we owe so much. They are trying to cope with the legacy that the show's writers and producers have left us with.

Those who wish to ignore Season III, myself included, still have to recognize that Season III did air and many fans have felt forced to accept it. These fans probably try to "work around" the "death" of our beloved Catherine with the dream that somehow it didn't really happen, and she is or will be with us again. In the zine... Shall Hove No Dominion, I thought the author's imaginative treatment of Catherine's existence was mystical, moving and inspiring. lam looking forward to its sequel (I do hope the author intends to write one). I can imagine a possible future storyline centered on Vincent, Catherine and Jacob that will eventually bring us closer to an understanding of Catherine's unique presence in this mythical tale of eternal love.

... Shall Have No Dominion will warm your heart and it will make you cry. It may even make you a little angry. But it will also make you want more!

I have read "Shall Have No Dominion," and enjoyed it thoroughly. I found it fanciful, imaginative, intensely romantic, and filled with love—love that transcends the worldly. And if that isn't what B&TB is all about, I have missed the point. In loving and accepting this beautiful show, we have all suspended our disbelief to more or less degrees. So does this zine.

I'd like to comment on Carolyn Kleinsorge's Shall Have No Dominion ... While there is no doubt that I see Catherine as alive — completely alive — in any resolution or alternative to Season Three (the only form of Season Three I accept), I would make an exception in the case of Carolyn's zine because of the extraordinarily good writing and characterization. The lady really can WRITE, and she has V&C down to a "T," and is doing some great things with Jacob. I just got a copy of her sequel The Next Waltz and I expect to enjoy reading it. Her solution may not be my "ideal" one, but I am willing to go with her vision for these zines as I would not with any other.

As for the Shall Have No Dominion/Next Waltz debate, I agree to certain extents with both Vittoria and Barbara. I ordered the first zino not realizing how Catherine was returning to Vincent, BUT I did find it extremely well-done. On the basis of Vittoria's LOC, I went ahead and ordered The Waltz as well. I'm the first to admit that this isn't my ultimate choice in the way in which I'd like to see Catherine come back. As for false advertising, the author did state that she did not rewrite third season and thatthestory was in keeping with Classic B&TB. Technically, it's true, but I know I didn't make the connection to "When the Bluebird Sings." At any rate, I did enjoy the story, and when I thought about it for a while, the notion that V&C's love was stronger than ANYTHING, even death, itself, was appealing.

Reality is becoming a non-defined word these days. Pre-post- or alternative-to season three? Catherine alive, dead or. . . something else? In view of the controversy over the latter idea that these two zines have generated. I'm offering a review and comparison [of Thin Walls and "...Shall Have No Dominion."

These full-length one-story zines both take the B&TB story beyond the third season into a fantasy world in which Catherine did indeed die, but is returned to Vincent as an enigmatic spirit, able to appear and disappear — but flesh-and-blood solid and real. It sounds like an impossible concept but both authors deal with it mature and convincing manner, confident in their hearts that this possibility is just as real (there's that word again) as any other.

It's possible that both authors have been less than candid about the nature of their stories, but this may be due to their fear that many classic fans will reject the idea without even a fair trial, as well as their desire to keep the device a surprise. Unfortunately, this has had to some negative repercussions, as some purchasers have felt they were misled. It's my belief, as in all things, that bringing it all out in the open so that each person can make an informed decision is the best route to take.

In "Kristopher Gentian" style, both authors leave the mystery of Catherine s return intact with a minimum of explanation, but she is undeniably warm, passionate and real in Vincent's arms. The bond is regained, and when they are together, they are two people deeply in love, finally able to move forward through the obstacles between them.

Kleinsorge's writing is more focused on emotion, interaction and character development and is as she claims delightfully " sensual" in content.

Davis's story weaves Catherine's incredible return into an intricate plot development with a lot of interesting exposure given to Joe Maxwell and Jenny Aaronson. as well as Vincent, Father and the tunnel dwellers. This story was begun before the third season aired — quite a leap of imagination for someone who hadn't been dragged through hell and back yet. Both stories set up a new vista for the lovers, and leave themselves open for sequels.

My friend Joyce Fuller Kleikamp, whom I had expected to reject this new concept from the start actually embraced it more warmly than I did. While she prefers that Catherine be "really" alive, she found the idea of Catherine as a returned spirit to have some distinct advantages. There is no longer her work or her separate life Above to keep her apart from Vincent threats to her life would no longer force Vincent into "beast mode" and ravage his sanity. She would be forever safe in his arms, always available when he needed her or she needed him; her presence was with him whether she was visible or not.

Joyce says," I found the spirit Catherine to be a warm, lovely ethereal, but 'real' presence. Vincent is finally able to accept her love, and both lovers are free to explore the limitless shores of their eternal spiritual bond In fact the possibilities inherent in such a spirit-lover are extremely intriguing. The text makes it clear that their physical love is just as fulfilling, if not more so, than had they united as two' mortal' lovers."

"When the Bluebird Sings" is widely acclaimed to be one of the fans' favorite episodes. The actor who plays *ghost* Kristopher is of course very attractive, but I would assume that a lot of the show's appeal stems from the seductive mystery of his existence. He knows things he couldn't know; he's here and then he's gone— but he drinks cappuccino. If we can suspend our disbelief for Kristopher, perhaps we should consider giving Catherine the same opportunity.

In my personal rating system of 1 (worst) and 5 (best), I ranked Dominion a 4, mainly because I like an emotional story better, and Thin Walk a worthy 3. The writing in both is high quality. However, after reading both books with an open mind.

I decided this entire scenario is not my choice of alternatives. Joyce on the other hand, is looking forward eagerly to the sequels. We both encourage others to keep an open mind and make your own decisions.

Issue 2

...Shall Have No Dominion 2 is subtitled, "The Next Waltz."

It was published in January 1991 and contains 230 pages. There is much less art in issue #2 than in issue #1 and none of it is as explicit.

cover of issue #2, Sherri White

Summary: Continuation of the story line begun in ...Shall Have No Dominion. Catherine slowly is becoming "real."

From the author's notes on the last page of the "first" issue:

When I originally wrote the last page of ". . . Shall Have No Dominion", it was, in and of itself, a complete entity. It still is. However, in the days and weeks following the publication of the novella, I have received letters and telephone call s asking me to please continue the story.

".. . Shall Have No Dominion" was my way of coping with an untenable situation. Many of you have made it yours as well because of this, and because of my love for the characters and the world Below, I have begun work on the sequel.

Nothing I have ever written has given me as much pleasure as ". . . Shall Have No Dominion". That you, the readers, have accepted my vision of Vincent and Catherine's transcendental love, reaffirms my belief in the limitless boundaries of the human mind.

From the author's notes in issue #2

With The Next Waltz, I continue my idea of what 'really happened' after 'Invictus." As you know from having read ". . . Shall Have No Dominion", I could not leave Vincent to face the rest of his life alone, without the woman he had come to love so deeply. Such a thing was totally incomprehensible to me. Hence, the writing of ". . . Shall Have No Dominion" was a catharsis as well as an obsession. What continues to astound me is the overwhelming support I have received from fans all over the world. You gazed upon my vision with open minds as well as open eyes, and for this, I will be forever grateful. Writing The Next Waltz was much more difficult than I had anticipated. These people wanted to tell their story, their way, and no amount of coaxing, ranting or raving from yours truly would sway them. They stole and changed my plot, twice; ran away with all of the scenes, and invariably made the book theirs. They had a little help from me, but I will be the first to admit that this story belongs to Vincent, Catherine, Father, Pascal, William, Eric, and everyone else who demanded a voice. I thank them for allowing me to tell their story.

An example of the interior art by Sherri White:

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  from issue #2

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  from issue #2

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

Well done novel. Follow-up to “Shall Have No Dominion.” This reviewer found “Catherine as a ghost” premise interesting. More graphic sex, as in SHND-1. Large print and margins but still worth the price, considering the longer page count. This story is more fully formed than the previous volume, exploring a bit beyond the fundamental premise. Pro romance writer. We gather publisher considers the graphic sex here as appropriate to an R rating. Followed by O Sweetest Song (which see).

It tells the story of how Catherine becomes a permanent part of Vincent's life. As much as I loved the first book, 'The Next Waltz" is even better. These books are beautifully written, with characters so perfectly drawn, I can see and hear them in my mind. The love scenes are exquisitely detailed, yet never overstep the boundaries of good taste. She also does a lovely job of integrating poetic references with her own words. I would hate to have anyone miss either of these two wonderful books because of Randi's negative comment [in a previous issue of Tunneltalk] about Catherine being a spirit. I think it's worth noting that she was willing to admit that "if this had been another format, I would have said it was well-written." Randi objects to the way in which the author brought Catherine back, calling her a spirit. I find it hard to believe that anyone could read this book, and still think of Catherine as a spirit. Yes, in the beginning, she is clearly still tied to the "other" world. But as the book progresses, she becomes so much more. There are, after all, three love scenes in the first book, and five in the second book.

Most of us have seen Patrick Swayze in Ghost at least once. He can't be seen or touched, and only a medium can hear him. His ability to interact with the world is limited and requires great concentration. He is truly a spirit. In "When the Bluebird Sings," Kristopher Gentian is much more apart of the world. His strong commitment to his art has kept him here. He can be seen, he can be touched, he swipes art supplies from the next table. He even displays a milk mustache. Catherine in "Shall Have No Dominion" is so much more than Kristopher. Given the strength of her bond to Vincent, it seemed so right when Vincent saw and heard Catherine during the third season. How could Catherine have gone on to the next world without Vincent? There was so much left unfinished in their relationship.

In order to give you a sense of how Carolyn Kleinsorge sees Catherine and Vincent, I wrote to her and got her permission to quote the following passages:

[many excerpts from the zine, snipped]

As an unpublished writer, I know how difficult it is to maintain consistent "character" and true "voice" with characters that I created. It is nothing short of a miracle what she does with characters that are not her own. Everyone rings true, not just Catherine and Vincent.

It would have been so much easier for her if she had started out with "Catherine's back and it's a miracle," and then gone on to write an ordinary story in which life goes on just as before. Instead, she has given us "Shall Have No Dominion/ pure magic, and The Next Waltz," nearly twice as long, and so much more. Within the pages of these two books, Catherine comes back to Vincent and becomes a permanent part of his life.

The things that happen to us in our daily lives make us the people that we are. Vincent and Catherine have been through a very difficult time that has made them stronger. It is wonderful to see the growth in Vincent and Catherine as they explore their new relationship. I look forward to her next book with great eagerness. I can't close without commenting on the wonderful illustrations by Sherri White. Most fanzines are full of generic drawings scattered though the pages like interchangeable raisins in an oatmeal cookie. However good they are, and some of them are very good, they have no real connection to what surrounds them. Sherri White's drawings allow you to feel what the characters are feeling. They truly illustrate the pages they share.

I know that this letter is a little different from most of the letters you publish, but I hope you can find room for it. I feet very strongly about Carolyn Kleinsorge's vision of Catherine and Vincent. She has given us the life Catherine and Vincent were meant to have, the life they were cheated of. I want everyone to share the way that she made me feel. (Ed.'s note:—Thanks, for sharing your enthusiasm over Carolyn's vision of Vincent and Catherine. However—I'd like to ask that everyone, in future, refrain from quoting from any zine to this extent. It takes up a lot of room, people who don't want to read a particular zine find it intrusive, and I also don't feel you'll really convert anyone by quoting lines from a zine out of context. 1 know you find it hard to believe, but many people did interpret Carolyn's story as "Catherine is a spirit." I tend to feel that way myself. Which is fine—Carolyn has every right to tell whatever story she chooses. But—the problem for me was mainly that Carolyn's advertising was misleading. Many people bought the zine after reading the flier's claim "... dedicated to those who still believe that, as long as dreams survive ... Vincent has his Catherine," which they interpreted as meaning Catherine wasn't dead. They were not prepared for the concept of Catherine as "something that has never been" because Catherine had been, up to that point, a strong, normal, flesh-and-blood woman, and Carolyn's advertising did not indicate the change in her nature at all. To argue that Catherine (in this zine) is a spirit but so much more is, to my mind, begging the question and playing semantic games with people who are laying out money and not being made aware of what they are buying. And that just doesn't seem fair to me. What does everyone else think? —Barbara).

Issue 3

...Shall Have No Dominion 3 was published in November 1992.

It is the third volume in this Catherine-comes-back-as-a-tangible-ghost series.

cover of issue #3, Mary Ellen Nicosia