The vague and mysterious Dr. Victor Ravensmark is as vague and mysterious as his pseudonym. Dr. Ravensmark is a fan of the Victorian era, especially post-1870s American Victorian. Since part of Bryony takes place in upper Michigan in the early 1890s, Dr. Ravensmark kindly agreed to occasionally share some of his knowledge of the time period.
This is the last of a three-post interview where Dr. Ravensmark shared how and why his Victorian interest began and grew: with Victorian furniture.
1) What makes late nineteenth century American furniture significant?
“This was when the U.S. began to industrialize in a major way, and the styles of the time reflect this. Yes, clothes and furniture were being machine made, but they still cared about craftsmanship and quality. I also like their imitation of nature in the styles of the times.”
2) Is that better than modern craftsmanship?
“That’s part of its charm to us, in the modern era of streamlined sameness, cold stainless steel and boxy buildings. When you see an old Victorian house that is nicely preserved, you can’t help but smile and admire the fussiness in the detail and craftsmanship that went into it. That goes for furniture, too.”
3) How does that relate to Victorian furniture?
“The carpenters of the time use machines to carve lines and curves into wood, but they used sold, high quality wood and, importantly, they put style and detail into what they made. The results are beautiful and lasting. Some of the walnut Victorian furniture has lasted over 120 years and, with care, will last hundreds of years more.”
The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Social Media and Books Sales
This is not a "How to Market Your Book Using Social Media" post.
Hear ye! Hear ye! The Bryony Facebook page does not exist for the purpose of persuading people to buy my book.
GASP!
It’s a place to let people know when it will be out there and that, before and after the book’s release, we can have fun peeking at the illustrations, reading book quotes, submitting recipes for the Bryony cookbook, and engaging in light banter through the quirky posts.
Of course, there will be updates about Bryony's progress and information on how to get the book once it's published, but I will not bug you about buying it.
Heck, I didn't even create the page.
Yes, I do mention Bryony on my personal Facebook page, but only because the process of creating this book is part of me and what I do. My postings, however, don't obsess on the book because there is more happening in my life than Bryony (If only life could be that simple). My posts vary, depending on the day's events and what I find interesting (sad, funny, annoying, exhilarating) that day.
Now, I DO find Bryony interesting, and the Bryony site is one of the first pages I visit in the morning while eating breakfast. However, since I’m not the one posting on that page, I click onto it as a “fan,” too, wondering what I will find there today.
Hear ye! Hear ye! The Bryony Facebook page does not exist for the purpose of persuading people to buy my book.
GASP!
It’s a place to let people know when it will be out there and that, before and after the book’s release, we can have fun peeking at the illustrations, reading book quotes, submitting recipes for the Bryony cookbook, and engaging in light banter through the quirky posts.
Of course, there will be updates about Bryony's progress and information on how to get the book once it's published, but I will not bug you about buying it.
Heck, I didn't even create the page.
Yes, I do mention Bryony on my personal Facebook page, but only because the process of creating this book is part of me and what I do. My postings, however, don't obsess on the book because there is more happening in my life than Bryony (If only life could be that simple). My posts vary, depending on the day's events and what I find interesting (sad, funny, annoying, exhilarating) that day.
Now, I DO find Bryony interesting, and the Bryony site is one of the first pages I visit in the morning while eating breakfast. However, since I’m not the one posting on that page, I click onto it as a “fan,” too, wondering what I will find there today.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
In the Throes of the Writing Desert
Most days, except Sundays when I'm too busy rolling newspapers for delivery, the daily Bryony is written and posted by two a.m. Today, however, I am coming up dry.
I've talked to friends, read some material, perused the internet, and listened to music, but inspiration is far away.
Now, I'm not completely dry. While waiting for the trucks, I wrote a piece on bull mastiffs for the newspaper and a press release about doulas for a hospital. However, there's a world of difference between an assigned piece and one I dream up as I go.
While sitting here staring at the blank "new post" when I should be grocery shopping, my publicist unexpectedly calls, and she's very excited about some ideas she's been developing. "I have sticky notes everywhere," she said.
We talk for half an hour or so, but I'm still dry. Nevertheless, I'm cheered by her excitement over the Bryony project and the possiblities it is creating for me and other artists. Tomorrow, I probably won't be dry, but for today, I take heart that my past creativity is opening up opportunities and remain confident that my muse is simply taking a nap and will rejoin me later.
I've talked to friends, read some material, perused the internet, and listened to music, but inspiration is far away.
Now, I'm not completely dry. While waiting for the trucks, I wrote a piece on bull mastiffs for the newspaper and a press release about doulas for a hospital. However, there's a world of difference between an assigned piece and one I dream up as I go.
While sitting here staring at the blank "new post" when I should be grocery shopping, my publicist unexpectedly calls, and she's very excited about some ideas she's been developing. "I have sticky notes everywhere," she said.
We talk for half an hour or so, but I'm still dry. Nevertheless, I'm cheered by her excitement over the Bryony project and the possiblities it is creating for me and other artists. Tomorrow, I probably won't be dry, but for today, I take heart that my past creativity is opening up opportunities and remain confident that my muse is simply taking a nap and will rejoin me later.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Denise Unland's Alternative Geneology Part 10
In the ever-continuing saga of my make-believe ancestry, Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, reveals the history-changing outcome from overpaying a bill.
Number Six woke the next day to discover that the check for three days drinking, a large fortune by dark age standards, seven dollars and 47.3 cents by today’s money, had been paid twice. Fearing Divine retribution, Number Six knew she had to return the halves to the appropriate party. It is certain that the Orthodox Church got its refund but that was because it was down the block from the winery.
If we are to contend that Number Six, who is an ancestor of Denise, went to Ireland and settled there, what proof could we find? Firstly, we know that Ireland was not experiencing a shortage of beer at the time, so if she ever made it there, she would have no reason to leave, but how do we even know that she realized the monks were from Ireland?
However there is the fact that two years latter the Irish GDP had raised to an unprecedented seven dollars and 47 cents. (.3 cents might have been the tip) The percentage of the rise was uncalulateable seeing that for the last ten years the GDP was zero. (Years before it was negative.)
Clearly both Brother Clover and Number Six spent the rest of their days in Ireland.
Number Six woke the next day to discover that the check for three days drinking, a large fortune by dark age standards, seven dollars and 47.3 cents by today’s money, had been paid twice. Fearing Divine retribution, Number Six knew she had to return the halves to the appropriate party. It is certain that the Orthodox Church got its refund but that was because it was down the block from the winery.
If we are to contend that Number Six, who is an ancestor of Denise, went to Ireland and settled there, what proof could we find? Firstly, we know that Ireland was not experiencing a shortage of beer at the time, so if she ever made it there, she would have no reason to leave, but how do we even know that she realized the monks were from Ireland?
However there is the fact that two years latter the Irish GDP had raised to an unprecedented seven dollars and 47 cents. (.3 cents might have been the tip) The percentage of the rise was uncalulateable seeing that for the last ten years the GDP was zero. (Years before it was negative.)
Clearly both Brother Clover and Number Six spent the rest of their days in Ireland.
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Vampire by Jan Neruda
A very short story, first published in 1920, about an excusion steamship and its passengers. This little party included the narrator, a Polish family (father, mother, daugher, and her bridegroom) and one mysterious Greek artist with an evil nickname and macabre talent.
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0606811.txt
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0606811.txt
Thursday, November 25, 2010
An 1850 Recipe for Pumpkin Pie
First published in "Miss Beecher's domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy."
One quart of strained pumpkin, or squash
Two quarts of milk, and a pint of cream
One teaspoon of salt, and four of ginger
Two teaspoons of pounded cinnamon
Two teaspoons of nutmeg, and two of mace
Ten well-beaten eggs, and sugar to your taste
Bake with a bottom crust and rim, till it is solid in the centre.
One quart of strained pumpkin, or squash
Two quarts of milk, and a pint of cream
One teaspoon of salt, and four of ginger
Two teaspoons of pounded cinnamon
Two teaspoons of nutmeg, and two of mace
Ten well-beaten eggs, and sugar to your taste
Bake with a bottom crust and rim, till it is solid in the centre.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Jack the Cleaning Man
Years ago, when my father owned an architectural firm, he hired a man named Jack, who had a janitorial service, to clean the building my father owned. Occasionally, Jack brought his school-age sons to help him.
Now, I never met Jack, but my imagination worked overtime. I loved the concept of how Jack might have mentored those boys while they worked side by side with their father. The type of work performed was irrelevant. I believe those boys, even while emptying garbage cans and pushing a vacuum cleaner, assimilated their father’s work ethic and learned the value of a job done well.
Those impressions went into the character of Steve Barnes. As a plain maintenance man in the backwards fishing village of Munsonville, Steve lacked the sophistication that Melissa and Brian’s cosmopolitan father, Frank Marchellis, once had. Steve does not try to compete with Frank, but neither is that necessary.
His consistent presence, interest in the children’s lives, and sharing of interests, brings a certain stability to the children’s live which, perhaps, even Brian never fully realized.
Now, I never met Jack, but my imagination worked overtime. I loved the concept of how Jack might have mentored those boys while they worked side by side with their father. The type of work performed was irrelevant. I believe those boys, even while emptying garbage cans and pushing a vacuum cleaner, assimilated their father’s work ethic and learned the value of a job done well.
Those impressions went into the character of Steve Barnes. As a plain maintenance man in the backwards fishing village of Munsonville, Steve lacked the sophistication that Melissa and Brian’s cosmopolitan father, Frank Marchellis, once had. Steve does not try to compete with Frank, but neither is that necessary.
His consistent presence, interest in the children’s lives, and sharing of interests, brings a certain stability to the children’s live which, perhaps, even Brian never fully realized.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Getting to Know Dr. Victor Ravensmark Part 2
The vague and mysterious Dr. Victor Ravensmark is as vague and mysterious as his pseudonym. Dr. Ravensmark is a fan of the Victorian era, especially post-1870s American Victorian. Since part of Bryony takes place in upper Michigan in the early 1890s, Dr. Ravensmark kindly agreed to occasionally share some of his knowledge of the time period.
Today, continuing the interview begun last week, Dr. Ravensmark shares his beginning interest in Victorian furniture.
4) Did you buy or simply admire?
“I was a graduate student with a young family, so it was out of my price range, but it was still fun to look. But since I was studying economics and working on my PhD, the open-air flea markets fascinated me in another way, too, with the raw bargaining that was going on all around. Tragically, we would also see furniture that was damaged or worn and, worst of all, painted! The horror!”
5) So you never collected the pieces?
“Later, we would buy a simple piece here and there and more after we moved to Ohio, where it seemed like everything was on sale because prices were much lower than Chicago (law of supply and demand in action—again, an economist thing). Our interest waned as our children got older, and we didn’t have the time or money to buy things. But once in while, like on a business trip, I’ll duck into an antique store and just look. I risk falling in love with something, but I may be a thousand miles from home, so that imposes some discipline.”
6) Why do you lean toward American Victorian?
“Nothing against the Queen herself, but it was a fascinating time in American history, particularly the later years of her reign, after the 1870s.”
Today, continuing the interview begun last week, Dr. Ravensmark shares his beginning interest in Victorian furniture.
4) Did you buy or simply admire?
“I was a graduate student with a young family, so it was out of my price range, but it was still fun to look. But since I was studying economics and working on my PhD, the open-air flea markets fascinated me in another way, too, with the raw bargaining that was going on all around. Tragically, we would also see furniture that was damaged or worn and, worst of all, painted! The horror!”
5) So you never collected the pieces?
“Later, we would buy a simple piece here and there and more after we moved to Ohio, where it seemed like everything was on sale because prices were much lower than Chicago (law of supply and demand in action—again, an economist thing). Our interest waned as our children got older, and we didn’t have the time or money to buy things. But once in while, like on a business trip, I’ll duck into an antique store and just look. I risk falling in love with something, but I may be a thousand miles from home, so that imposes some discipline.”
6) Why do you lean toward American Victorian?
“Nothing against the Queen herself, but it was a fascinating time in American history, particularly the later years of her reign, after the 1870s.”
Monday, November 22, 2010
Serving Up Amusement: Hold the Lofty; Keep the Change
“What is your goal for this book?” my publicist asked me.
What would other authors have answered? Fame? Money? Best-selling status? Social change? In the right time, place, and attitude, there is nothing wrong with these things, but none of them were the goals for Bryony.
Because of the recession, many people are finding life hard (including me), which makes entertaining distraction attractive. What a perfect time to yank a two-decades old story from my head and copy it on paper (okay, a computer screen).
“I want to have fun,” I said, “and I’d like to sell enough copies to make publishing the next one worthwhile.”
I think my publicist is glad I'm not expecting her to create a blockbuster. Although her marketing background includes corporate and not-for-profit work, she does accept selective creative projects. She has an interesting “artsy” side to her and a natural ability to think outside the oh-so-proverbial box. It makes her a good match for Bryony.
So why do I eschew traditional goals? My "regular" freelance features writing provides the reader information and, at times, inspiration. And yes, I thoroughly enjoy the work. With Bryony, no one assigned it, so there's really no way of perfectly knowing how large or small a market exists for it until it's released.
Of course, I do hope some people buy it, read it, and like it, but I know individual tastes run rampant, and the storyline, characters, or my writing style will not appeal to everyone. Besides, when I first sat down at the keyboard, I wrote to please myself, a very different experience for me.
Still, as we move through the editing and publicity planning stages, more people are reading and enjoying Bryony than I had ever dreamed might. The feedback, good and bad, is delightful to hear. I didn't write for an audience of one, after all.
For me, as a writer, to capture another’s imagination with a story I composed is rather breathtaking. However does one top it?
What would other authors have answered? Fame? Money? Best-selling status? Social change? In the right time, place, and attitude, there is nothing wrong with these things, but none of them were the goals for Bryony.
Because of the recession, many people are finding life hard (including me), which makes entertaining distraction attractive. What a perfect time to yank a two-decades old story from my head and copy it on paper (okay, a computer screen).
“I want to have fun,” I said, “and I’d like to sell enough copies to make publishing the next one worthwhile.”
I think my publicist is glad I'm not expecting her to create a blockbuster. Although her marketing background includes corporate and not-for-profit work, she does accept selective creative projects. She has an interesting “artsy” side to her and a natural ability to think outside the oh-so-proverbial box. It makes her a good match for Bryony.
So why do I eschew traditional goals? My "regular" freelance features writing provides the reader information and, at times, inspiration. And yes, I thoroughly enjoy the work. With Bryony, no one assigned it, so there's really no way of perfectly knowing how large or small a market exists for it until it's released.
Of course, I do hope some people buy it, read it, and like it, but I know individual tastes run rampant, and the storyline, characters, or my writing style will not appeal to everyone. Besides, when I first sat down at the keyboard, I wrote to please myself, a very different experience for me.
Still, as we move through the editing and publicity planning stages, more people are reading and enjoying Bryony than I had ever dreamed might. The feedback, good and bad, is delightful to hear. I didn't write for an audience of one, after all.
For me, as a writer, to capture another’s imagination with a story I composed is rather breathtaking. However does one top it?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
James Onohan, Bryony's Composer
By Sarah Stegall, Bryony web administrator.
Since I've immersed myself in what I think of as The Bryony Book Project, I've done quite a bit of researching. The latest was listening to LOTS of classical piano. In Bryony, John Simons is a famous classical piano player, and Melissa stumbles across an old record of his (The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons) at the library. John's signature closing song, rightfully titled, Bryony, plays on Melissa's music box. We thought it would be so fun for readers to listen to the song, just like Melissa.
And so the hunt began. I sat for hours on YouTube and various websites listening to out of copyright classical piano that we could use for Bryony. Nothing fit. Then I stumbled on James Onohan's One Last Time. I had been listening to Debussy clicking randomly on the side links. I almost clicked out when I realized, "Oh wow, he's what we are looking for!" The enchanting sounds James was plinking out were so captivating, I could see why Melissa played her music box over and over. I immediately found his website and listened over and over. He became my John Simons that night.
However, I had quite a few problems. The biggest? He wasn't out of copyright. I sent him a brief email wondering if maybe, just maybe, he would let us market his songs under the book. It was a long shot, so imagine my surprise when he emailed back within minutes sounding interested. More than interested. He volunteered to compose the Bryony song and several others for The Best Loved Compositions of John Simons. Wow!
A few months later and everything smoothed out legally, I'm happy to announce James Onohan as our composer! Even if you don't believe you would like classical piano, his songs will leave you spellbound. He makes the magic of Bryony and I encourage you to check out his website at http://www.jamesonohan.com/. You can read his full biography there.
Since I've immersed myself in what I think of as The Bryony Book Project, I've done quite a bit of researching. The latest was listening to LOTS of classical piano. In Bryony, John Simons is a famous classical piano player, and Melissa stumbles across an old record of his (The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons) at the library. John's signature closing song, rightfully titled, Bryony, plays on Melissa's music box. We thought it would be so fun for readers to listen to the song, just like Melissa.
And so the hunt began. I sat for hours on YouTube and various websites listening to out of copyright classical piano that we could use for Bryony. Nothing fit. Then I stumbled on James Onohan's One Last Time. I had been listening to Debussy clicking randomly on the side links. I almost clicked out when I realized, "Oh wow, he's what we are looking for!" The enchanting sounds James was plinking out were so captivating, I could see why Melissa played her music box over and over. I immediately found his website and listened over and over. He became my John Simons that night.
However, I had quite a few problems. The biggest? He wasn't out of copyright. I sent him a brief email wondering if maybe, just maybe, he would let us market his songs under the book. It was a long shot, so imagine my surprise when he emailed back within minutes sounding interested. More than interested. He volunteered to compose the Bryony song and several others for The Best Loved Compositions of John Simons. Wow!
A few months later and everything smoothed out legally, I'm happy to announce James Onohan as our composer! Even if you don't believe you would like classical piano, his songs will leave you spellbound. He makes the magic of Bryony and I encourage you to check out his website at http://www.jamesonohan.com/. You can read his full biography there.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Denise Unland's Alternative Geneology Part 9
By Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara
Now, as luck would have it, the winery down the block was owned by a descendant of Uly of too many children. This is clear because her name was Number Six. Predictably, as in any drinking contest between Irishmen and Greeks, the contest lasted for three days.
Number Six and her staff struggled valiantly to refill the tankers of wine that the holy men consumed with bravo. After three days, however, priests and brothers alike began to collapse in drunken stupors. It’s unclear who won. The last man drinking was probably too drunk to know he was alone. Nor could Number Six and her staff be sure, for after the straight days without sleep, they collapsed too (not everyone has the stuff of a news carrier).
What is known is that in the hangover that followed, the monks assumed that they had endured enough misery to claim some derivative of martyrdom, paid the check, and left for Ireland. On the trip back, they began rethinking the retreat from the vows they had taken. Clearly silence and poverty were overrated and, while chastity was a great way to stay single, it wasn't getting anyone any grandchildren.
Unknown to history is whether or not Orthodox priests had the same post hangover during their rethinking, but it is known that they paid the check.
Now, as luck would have it, the winery down the block was owned by a descendant of Uly of too many children. This is clear because her name was Number Six. Predictably, as in any drinking contest between Irishmen and Greeks, the contest lasted for three days.
Number Six and her staff struggled valiantly to refill the tankers of wine that the holy men consumed with bravo. After three days, however, priests and brothers alike began to collapse in drunken stupors. It’s unclear who won. The last man drinking was probably too drunk to know he was alone. Nor could Number Six and her staff be sure, for after the straight days without sleep, they collapsed too (not everyone has the stuff of a news carrier).
What is known is that in the hangover that followed, the monks assumed that they had endured enough misery to claim some derivative of martyrdom, paid the check, and left for Ireland. On the trip back, they began rethinking the retreat from the vows they had taken. Clearly silence and poverty were overrated and, while chastity was a great way to stay single, it wasn't getting anyone any grandchildren.
Unknown to history is whether or not Orthodox priests had the same post hangover during their rethinking, but it is known that they paid the check.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Dracula's Guest by Bram Stoker
On Walpurgis Night, an unnamed Englishman, possibly Jonathon Harker, on his way to Transylvania, seeks shelter from a blizzard in the opening of a tomb. A crash of thunder, the tomb is destroyed, and a wolf appears on his chest. An interesting telegram arrives at the end.
Some scholars believe this was the original first chapter to Dracula, edited out of the manuscript for brevity. Dracula’s Guest was first published as a short story in 1914, two years after Stoker’s death. It is quick reading and available for free online.
Some scholars believe this was the original first chapter to Dracula, edited out of the manuscript for brevity. Dracula’s Guest was first published as a short story in 1914, two years after Stoker’s death. It is quick reading and available for free online.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Know Your Pot; Watch Your Flame
By Timothy M. Baran
When cooking, know your pot. That can make a big difference in your cooking. If the pot is too big or too small for your job, you could undercook, overcook, or even burn the food.
Once, while making béchamel sauce in my course finals, I burnt the onion and curdled the milk because the pot was too big and I had the flame too high. So I had to pull out the burned onions and scrape off the burnt bits. Then, I grabbed a very fine metal mesh device, and I poured the sauce through it to get rid of the curds. Then I had to pour the sauce into another pot. It came out just fine, but think of the time and aggravation I would have saved myself, if only I used the right tools in the first place.
If you’re making soup you do not need a huge cauldron size pot; a small sauce pan will often work nicely. If you are doubling or have never made a certain dish before, eyeball how much material you have. If you’re not sure, go a little larger on the pot size. If it’s a little too big you’ll still be able to manage it, but if it’s too small, then you will have to change pots in the middle of cooking and could possibly mess up the dish. (I still do my fair share of switching pots).
Finally, watch your flame on the stove; you will only occasionally need a bonfire size flame. Sometimes, depending on the dish, the flame will need to be adjusted from time to time, or maybe set at low to keep whatever is being cooked simmering.
When cooking, know your pot. That can make a big difference in your cooking. If the pot is too big or too small for your job, you could undercook, overcook, or even burn the food.
Once, while making béchamel sauce in my course finals, I burnt the onion and curdled the milk because the pot was too big and I had the flame too high. So I had to pull out the burned onions and scrape off the burnt bits. Then, I grabbed a very fine metal mesh device, and I poured the sauce through it to get rid of the curds. Then I had to pour the sauce into another pot. It came out just fine, but think of the time and aggravation I would have saved myself, if only I used the right tools in the first place.
If you’re making soup you do not need a huge cauldron size pot; a small sauce pan will often work nicely. If you are doubling or have never made a certain dish before, eyeball how much material you have. If you’re not sure, go a little larger on the pot size. If it’s a little too big you’ll still be able to manage it, but if it’s too small, then you will have to change pots in the middle of cooking and could possibly mess up the dish. (I still do my fair share of switching pots).
Finally, watch your flame on the stove; you will only occasionally need a bonfire size flame. Sometimes, depending on the dish, the flame will need to be adjusted from time to time, or maybe set at low to keep whatever is being cooked simmering.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
From Whimsical to Gothic
Why would a children's illustrator take on a vampire story? Read the last of a three-part interview with Bryony's illustrator Kathleen Rose Van Pelt (http://www.imaginarylinesstudio.com/) and find out.
7) So, why did you accept an assignment about vampires?
"The author! Denise is very convincing, and a wonderful writer! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Bryony story."
8) What did you particularly enjoy about the novel?
"I liked the way it jumps between time periods and intermingles the characters within them. The Bryony story stays true to vampire legend, yet it feels fresh and current, too. I actually thought I needed a vampire in my life when I was reading it! It's not to get swept up in Denise's enthusiasm about Bryony, and I believe justifiability so!"
9) Where did you find your inspiration for the illustrations?
"A lot of the images are symbolic of what is going on in the chapter. I mixed up different images to help people visualize where they are visiting. Being a visual person, I like having images in a book. I hope I'm not the only one that still likes picture books.
7) So, why did you accept an assignment about vampires?
"The author! Denise is very convincing, and a wonderful writer! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Bryony story."
8) What did you particularly enjoy about the novel?
"I liked the way it jumps between time periods and intermingles the characters within them. The Bryony story stays true to vampire legend, yet it feels fresh and current, too. I actually thought I needed a vampire in my life when I was reading it! It's not to get swept up in Denise's enthusiasm about Bryony, and I believe justifiability so!"
9) Where did you find your inspiration for the illustrations?
"A lot of the images are symbolic of what is going on in the chapter. I mixed up different images to help people visualize where they are visiting. Being a visual person, I like having images in a book. I hope I'm not the only one that still likes picture books.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Getting to Know Dr. Victor Ravensmark Part 1
The vague and mysterious Dr. Victor Ravensmark is as vague and mysterious as his pseudonym. Dr. Ravensmark is a fan of the Victorian era, especially post-1870s American Victorian. Since part of Bryony takes place in upper Michigan in the early 1890s, Dr. Ravensmark kindly agreed to occasionally share some of his knowledge of the time period.
For the next three Tuesdays, Dr. Ravensmark will share how and why his Victorian interest began and grew.
1) Were you always drawn to the Victorian age?
“Our interest (my wife and I) started back in the early 1980s in Chicago where some friends of ours were antique dealers. They were a brother and sister team that collected and sold glassware and pottery made in the early to mid 20th century, along with anything else that caught their attention. They were very resourceful on their hunts.”
2) How did that affect you?
“We would go with them on occasion to garage sales, flea markets, auctions, and antique malls—anywhere that might have what they collected for sale at bargain prices (something like ‘American Pickers’ TV program on the History channel—see http://www.history.com/shows/American-pickers—but in and around the city of Chicago). I was only mildly interested in the things they collected, but I began to develop an interest in the Victorian furniture we would often see.”
3) Why furniture?
“Some of it was beautiful—solid walnut dressers with machined lines and carvings and ornamentations on top panels that made the piece over eight feet high, marble table tops with curved molded aprons and applied rosettes, balloon backed chairs with carved floral crests—where did this stuff come from? Who made it? With a little research, I found a lot of what I was seeing was made in the 1870s through about 1910. The walnut furniture that I liked was mostly from the 1870s and 1880s.”
For the next three Tuesdays, Dr. Ravensmark will share how and why his Victorian interest began and grew.
1) Were you always drawn to the Victorian age?
“Our interest (my wife and I) started back in the early 1980s in Chicago where some friends of ours were antique dealers. They were a brother and sister team that collected and sold glassware and pottery made in the early to mid 20th century, along with anything else that caught their attention. They were very resourceful on their hunts.”
2) How did that affect you?
“We would go with them on occasion to garage sales, flea markets, auctions, and antique malls—anywhere that might have what they collected for sale at bargain prices (something like ‘American Pickers’ TV program on the History channel—see http://www.history.com/shows/American-pickers—but in and around the city of Chicago). I was only mildly interested in the things they collected, but I began to develop an interest in the Victorian furniture we would often see.”
3) Why furniture?
“Some of it was beautiful—solid walnut dressers with machined lines and carvings and ornamentations on top panels that made the piece over eight feet high, marble table tops with curved molded aprons and applied rosettes, balloon backed chairs with carved floral crests—where did this stuff come from? Who made it? With a little research, I found a lot of what I was seeing was made in the 1870s through about 1910. The walnut furniture that I liked was mostly from the 1870s and 1880s.”
Monday, November 15, 2010
Pathetic First Attempts at Writing Dialogue
As a features writer, I love incorporating quotes from sources into my stories. I rarely ask people for a “quote,” because I think the best quotes come from spontaneous conversation during the course of the interview. People say the most amazing things when they aren’t paying strict attention to their words.
So how does this relate to Bryony?
Believe it or not, the fact that I would have to supply all that terrific dialogue didn’t immediately occur to me. When I began writing Bryony as a novella, I started the story on page one and kept going (and not very far, either). Once I realized I had a novel, I changed tactics and started composing scenes, not necessarily in order. I soon ran into trouble.
Speaking for Melissa and her family and friends was easy; the vampires were much harder, even though their lines had tumbled about my head for years. How exactly did John Simons, cold and reserved, sound on paper? How would the shrewd Kellen Wechsler choose his words?
I decided to practice on a conversation between Melissa and the ever so charming and charismatic Henry Matthews. I figured it would be easy because Henry was so outgoing. I wrote and rewrote their encounter until it sounded right to me and then, heart pounding, read it aloud.
Oh the horror of really bad dialogue!
Good thing I didn’t read it loud enough for anyone to hear. If it was twenty years earlier and I was less motivated, that moment would have buried any further fiction writing attempts. However, at nearly age fifty, time is not on my side, so a couple antacids later, I set my jaw and was back at it.
Eventually, I wrote something that resembled what I heard inside me. In fact, this particular scene is a favorite of those who have read the book. Buoyed by this initial success, I wrote all of Henry’s dialogue before moving onto another character. Of course, Henry would have preferred I eliminate John altogether, but that is a different story.
I still love great dialogue, and now I’m awed that, with plenty of hard work, I can sometimes write it, too.
So how does this relate to Bryony?
Believe it or not, the fact that I would have to supply all that terrific dialogue didn’t immediately occur to me. When I began writing Bryony as a novella, I started the story on page one and kept going (and not very far, either). Once I realized I had a novel, I changed tactics and started composing scenes, not necessarily in order. I soon ran into trouble.
Speaking for Melissa and her family and friends was easy; the vampires were much harder, even though their lines had tumbled about my head for years. How exactly did John Simons, cold and reserved, sound on paper? How would the shrewd Kellen Wechsler choose his words?
I decided to practice on a conversation between Melissa and the ever so charming and charismatic Henry Matthews. I figured it would be easy because Henry was so outgoing. I wrote and rewrote their encounter until it sounded right to me and then, heart pounding, read it aloud.
Oh the horror of really bad dialogue!
Good thing I didn’t read it loud enough for anyone to hear. If it was twenty years earlier and I was less motivated, that moment would have buried any further fiction writing attempts. However, at nearly age fifty, time is not on my side, so a couple antacids later, I set my jaw and was back at it.
Eventually, I wrote something that resembled what I heard inside me. In fact, this particular scene is a favorite of those who have read the book. Buoyed by this initial success, I wrote all of Henry’s dialogue before moving onto another character. Of course, Henry would have preferred I eliminate John altogether, but that is a different story.
I still love great dialogue, and now I’m awed that, with plenty of hard work, I can sometimes write it, too.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Cat Mews (News)
The cats received their first piece of official mail yesterday. The vet's yearly reminder notices for annual exams. bloodwork, and rabies injections don't count. It happened like this.
Last week, I interviewed a woman whose rescue dog is now a certifed therapy dog. Afterwards, we chatted about struggling rescue groups in general, how the economy is forcing people to abandon their pets, and my family's own financial struggles, which includes how we care for the cats we previously rescued.
She was quite impressed that the children budget food, litter, collars, tags, toys etc. from their own pockets, while my husband and I pay for medical care. So, this very generous woman sent a $25 grocery store gift card, with the stipulation it be spent on the cats. The felines of the house were pretty nonchalant about their windfall, but the kids rejoiced.
In Bryony, Brian Marchellis keeps a stray cat over his mother's objections because someone nice fronts all the necessities, including the shots and the vet's bill, but especially the blue collar with the silver jingle bell Brian coveted.
Of course, we'll take our cats over Brian's Snowbell any day and not just because we're attached to them, but that's another story (in progress, too, mind you, but that's also another post).
At the same time, we're very grateful to all people, real and imaginary, who not only understand attachment between owners and their pets, but are kind enough to offer tangible relief. Thank you.
Last week, I interviewed a woman whose rescue dog is now a certifed therapy dog. Afterwards, we chatted about struggling rescue groups in general, how the economy is forcing people to abandon their pets, and my family's own financial struggles, which includes how we care for the cats we previously rescued.
She was quite impressed that the children budget food, litter, collars, tags, toys etc. from their own pockets, while my husband and I pay for medical care. So, this very generous woman sent a $25 grocery store gift card, with the stipulation it be spent on the cats. The felines of the house were pretty nonchalant about their windfall, but the kids rejoiced.
In Bryony, Brian Marchellis keeps a stray cat over his mother's objections because someone nice fronts all the necessities, including the shots and the vet's bill, but especially the blue collar with the silver jingle bell Brian coveted.
Of course, we'll take our cats over Brian's Snowbell any day and not just because we're attached to them, but that's another story (in progress, too, mind you, but that's also another post).
At the same time, we're very grateful to all people, real and imaginary, who not only understand attachment between owners and their pets, but are kind enough to offer tangible relief. Thank you.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Denise Unland's Alternative Geneology Part 8
By Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara
Luckily, help was to come from Rome. There, a certain visionary ability for predicting future trends was not matched with basic knowledge of geography or common sense. Cardinal Bush realized that a new religion was gaining converts in the spiritual vacuum in North Africa.
He knew if something wasn't done, this new religion would spread to rival that of the church. Missionaries had to be deployed! Existing orders had to be reinvented. To this end, he sent Brother Clover and his monks a new mandate. 'Go to Greece and convert any potential Turks.' Shrugging his shoulders, Brother Clover deployed his monks, leaving the island of Iceland to be discovered and settled latter in history.
Once in Greece, the flaw of sending a pack of monks, who knew not a word of Greek and taking a vow of silence anyway, became clear. The monks did their best they to pantomime the gossip but the populous, who were already Christian, thought the Catholic guys in ropes were suffering some kind of spastic disorder possible caused by a misplaced devotion to a pope. Doing what they did back then when anyone had spastic fits, they called the priests for help.
Perhaps this could have been the first Christian vs. Christian religious war as the priests and brothers eyed each other hostilely. Surely bad words would have slipped if the monks could talk. Fists might have flown if they weren't men of the cloth. Angry gestures were directed at the priests and were countered by words in Greek, but both sides quickly realized the futility of this confrontation. Quickly it was decided that a drinking contest was the only way to settle it.
Luckily, help was to come from Rome. There, a certain visionary ability for predicting future trends was not matched with basic knowledge of geography or common sense. Cardinal Bush realized that a new religion was gaining converts in the spiritual vacuum in North Africa.
He knew if something wasn't done, this new religion would spread to rival that of the church. Missionaries had to be deployed! Existing orders had to be reinvented. To this end, he sent Brother Clover and his monks a new mandate. 'Go to Greece and convert any potential Turks.' Shrugging his shoulders, Brother Clover deployed his monks, leaving the island of Iceland to be discovered and settled latter in history.
Once in Greece, the flaw of sending a pack of monks, who knew not a word of Greek and taking a vow of silence anyway, became clear. The monks did their best they to pantomime the gossip but the populous, who were already Christian, thought the Catholic guys in ropes were suffering some kind of spastic disorder possible caused by a misplaced devotion to a pope. Doing what they did back then when anyone had spastic fits, they called the priests for help.
Perhaps this could have been the first Christian vs. Christian religious war as the priests and brothers eyed each other hostilely. Surely bad words would have slipped if the monks could talk. Fists might have flown if they weren't men of the cloth. Angry gestures were directed at the priests and were countered by words in Greek, but both sides quickly realized the futility of this confrontation. Quickly it was decided that a drinking contest was the only way to settle it.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Good Lady Ducayne
This story by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, first published in 1896 (around Bryony's time) is about
a young, healthy girl, Bella, with a strong desire to help her poverty-stricken mother.
Bella is determined to eek a living as a companion to an elderly woman. She applies for a position with Lady Ducayne, who, withered and gaunt, is more interested in Bella’s overall physical stamina than in her skills.
You see, all of Lady Ducayne’s other employees always get sick and die, so she is constantly seeking a rosy, vigorous replacement. Of course, once in her service, a mysterious illness befalls Bella. But you knew that would happen, didn’t you?
Read it online.
a young, healthy girl, Bella, with a strong desire to help her poverty-stricken mother.
Bella is determined to eek a living as a companion to an elderly woman. She applies for a position with Lady Ducayne, who, withered and gaunt, is more interested in Bella’s overall physical stamina than in her skills.
You see, all of Lady Ducayne’s other employees always get sick and die, so she is constantly seeking a rosy, vigorous replacement. Of course, once in her service, a mysterious illness befalls Bella. But you knew that would happen, didn’t you?
Read it online.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Four Basic Knives
By Timothy M. Baran
Steve’s third cooking lesson with Brian might have sounded like this:
“By now, Brian, you know how to sharpen a knife, and you know about some of the materials that make a knife. Here is a little information about some knives.”
Not all knives, of course, but the ones that might have been important for Steve.
Chef knife: This knife is your “work horse.” It will be your best friend in the kitchen. Almost all of your chopping and cutting will be done with this knife. So find one that is easy and comfortable to your hand for you to use.
Boning knife: This knife along with the chef knife will help you fabricate meat. It is smaller and can get in areas that the chef knife cannot. This knife will help you get precise cuts (some skill is needed, but a good knife helps) and will help get all the meat off of the bone.
Filet knife: This knife is useful to fabricate a fish. You can use your boning knife, but it might not always be flexible enough. This knife will bend, not in half, but definitely enough to help you get up close to the bones of the fish to get all the meat off of them.
Paring knife: This knife will help with cuts that are in a small area that other knives would not be able to reach safely. Like paring an apple, to do that with a chef knife is not smart, or safe. If you are skilled enough, you can use it to peel away the skin of fruits and vegetables. A peeler works well, too.
Remember, keep your knives SHARP.
Steve’s third cooking lesson with Brian might have sounded like this:
“By now, Brian, you know how to sharpen a knife, and you know about some of the materials that make a knife. Here is a little information about some knives.”
Not all knives, of course, but the ones that might have been important for Steve.
Chef knife: This knife is your “work horse.” It will be your best friend in the kitchen. Almost all of your chopping and cutting will be done with this knife. So find one that is easy and comfortable to your hand for you to use.
Boning knife: This knife along with the chef knife will help you fabricate meat. It is smaller and can get in areas that the chef knife cannot. This knife will help you get precise cuts (some skill is needed, but a good knife helps) and will help get all the meat off of the bone.
Filet knife: This knife is useful to fabricate a fish. You can use your boning knife, but it might not always be flexible enough. This knife will bend, not in half, but definitely enough to help you get up close to the bones of the fish to get all the meat off of them.
Paring knife: This knife will help with cuts that are in a small area that other knives would not be able to reach safely. Like paring an apple, to do that with a chef knife is not smart, or safe. If you are skilled enough, you can use it to peel away the skin of fruits and vegetables. A peeler works well, too.
Remember, keep your knives SHARP.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Mr. C.J. Mouse
Mr. C.J. Mouse was the inspiration for many of Kathleen Rose Van Pelt's art pieces (http://www.imaginarylinesstudio.com/). In this second of a three-part interview with Bryony's illustrator, Van Pelt shares the story behind the creature she immortalized with her fantasy lines.
1) Many of your drawings feature an adorable little mouse. Who is he?
"Oh, Sweet little Mr. Mouse. Guess mouse and little is rather redundant. Mr. C. J. Mouse has gone on to mouse heaven now, but well remembered and loved.
"I found Mr. Mouse one fall afternoon when I was raking up the fall leaves in the back of the house. I found a mouse that was dead and stopped to bury the mouse. When I came back, I found another very tiny mouse, and thought I would be digging another little hole, but the tiny mouse stirred when I placed him in my hand. My hand must have warmed him up enough to move a bit. He had himself tightly wrapped around a small white oak acorn.
"Wasn't sure what to do with him; at first I placed him in the garage, so he would be out of the wind, put some birdseed and water next to him. Checked on him a few time, then realized he was not a tiny field mouse, but a baby that had not even opened his eyes yet.
"Having a house full of cats, bringing the mouse inside was not my first thought, but went looking for and old aquarium I know I had put away from when my husband had a pet garter snake. Well, to make a long story short. The baby mouse did very well being nursed back to good health. He lived a long and happy deer mouse life. Since he thought I was his mom, we enjoyed each other's company. C. J. Mouse was a very sweet cute brave little mouse."
1) Many of your drawings feature an adorable little mouse. Who is he?
"Oh, Sweet little Mr. Mouse. Guess mouse and little is rather redundant. Mr. C. J. Mouse has gone on to mouse heaven now, but well remembered and loved.
"I found Mr. Mouse one fall afternoon when I was raking up the fall leaves in the back of the house. I found a mouse that was dead and stopped to bury the mouse. When I came back, I found another very tiny mouse, and thought I would be digging another little hole, but the tiny mouse stirred when I placed him in my hand. My hand must have warmed him up enough to move a bit. He had himself tightly wrapped around a small white oak acorn.
"Wasn't sure what to do with him; at first I placed him in the garage, so he would be out of the wind, put some birdseed and water next to him. Checked on him a few time, then realized he was not a tiny field mouse, but a baby that had not even opened his eyes yet.
"Having a house full of cats, bringing the mouse inside was not my first thought, but went looking for and old aquarium I know I had put away from when my husband had a pet garter snake. Well, to make a long story short. The baby mouse did very well being nursed back to good health. He lived a long and happy deer mouse life. Since he thought I was his mom, we enjoyed each other's company. C. J. Mouse was a very sweet cute brave little mouse."
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Rowboat Scene in Bryony
Last year, after reading a draft of Bryony, my father telephoned me and said, in amazement, "I didn't know you had rowed a boat!"
Well, I never had.
My father was even more amazed, because he had. He was referring a part in the story where Melissa learns to row a boat. My father was impressed with the details of that scene. "I felt I was actually in that boat," he said.
I've only ridden in a rowboat once--back in 1995 when I visited my uncle in Round Park, New York--but I was seven months pregant with my youngest son, and my uncle did all the rowing. No, that rowboat scene was created from, other than my imagination, Internet research on how boat rowing, steering, and safety; my memory of that day at Round Pond; and talking to people who have rowed and ridden in rowboats.
Much research went into creating a believeable setting for Bryony. The challenge with relying on research is making the details in a pretend world ring true, especially when I have not personally experienced them. My father's comments were quite reaffirming that I did something right.
Well, I never had.
My father was even more amazed, because he had. He was referring a part in the story where Melissa learns to row a boat. My father was impressed with the details of that scene. "I felt I was actually in that boat," he said.
I've only ridden in a rowboat once--back in 1995 when I visited my uncle in Round Park, New York--but I was seven months pregant with my youngest son, and my uncle did all the rowing. No, that rowboat scene was created from, other than my imagination, Internet research on how boat rowing, steering, and safety; my memory of that day at Round Pond; and talking to people who have rowed and ridden in rowboats.
Much research went into creating a believeable setting for Bryony. The challenge with relying on research is making the details in a pretend world ring true, especially when I have not personally experienced them. My father's comments were quite reaffirming that I did something right.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Early Deletions
Early Deletions:
Nearly every story goes through some changes during the editing process, a good thing, too. I shudder to think what elements might have remained had I written Bryony twenty years ago.
* Snowbell would have been Melissa’s cat.
* Melissa would have wandered the grounds at Simons Mansion searching for the cat while her mother and Brian had left her home alone in favor of the movies (There are no movie theaters in Munsonville. Besides, what parent would leave her fourteen year old home alone at night in the middle of the woods)?
* Henry Matthews would have resembled Sebastian Cabot’s Mr. French fromthe 1960’s television show, A Family Affair. He would have been sagely, not charming (GACK!).
* John Simons would have been dark and slender, sort of the way Melissa dreams him in the Grover’s Park house (You’ll have to wait for the book to read that part).
* Fr. Alexis would have vampire slaying powers.
* Melissa would have first met John near Lake Munson, not realizing he was a vampire.
* Simons Mansion would have existed only in Melissa’s dreams.
* Melissa would have become a critically ill, unwed mother.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Nearly every story goes through some changes during the editing process, a good thing, too. I shudder to think what elements might have remained had I written Bryony twenty years ago.
* Snowbell would have been Melissa’s cat.
* Melissa would have wandered the grounds at Simons Mansion searching for the cat while her mother and Brian had left her home alone in favor of the movies (There are no movie theaters in Munsonville. Besides, what parent would leave her fourteen year old home alone at night in the middle of the woods)?
* Henry Matthews would have resembled Sebastian Cabot’s Mr. French fromthe 1960’s television show, A Family Affair. He would have been sagely, not charming (GACK!).
* John Simons would have been dark and slender, sort of the way Melissa dreams him in the Grover’s Park house (You’ll have to wait for the book to read that part).
* Fr. Alexis would have vampire slaying powers.
* Melissa would have first met John near Lake Munson, not realizing he was a vampire.
* Simons Mansion would have existed only in Melissa’s dreams.
* Melissa would have become a critically ill, unwed mother.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Still of the Night
Many people feel sorry for me when they learn I rise at midnight (or thereabouts). Although the routine is consistent with our family occupation as newspaper carriers, it's also a marvelously creative time for composition and not just vampire stories.
Feature stories and press releases quickly spring from my fingers without the interuption of phone calls, e-mails, requests for homework help, and the little emergencies of daily life in a full household.
As I'm writing this and sipping coffee, my home is quiet (not a creature is stirring, not even cat, wait, the swinging door creaks, okay one cat). Some of my family is at the distribution center rolling papers; others, are sleeping and won't stir for a few hours. The garage light is the only beacon from my attic office window. So, who's the lucky one?
Peace and quiet. Ahhhh!
Feature stories and press releases quickly spring from my fingers without the interuption of phone calls, e-mails, requests for homework help, and the little emergencies of daily life in a full household.
As I'm writing this and sipping coffee, my home is quiet (not a creature is stirring, not even cat, wait, the swinging door creaks, okay one cat). Some of my family is at the distribution center rolling papers; others, are sleeping and won't stir for a few hours. The garage light is the only beacon from my attic office window. So, who's the lucky one?
Peace and quiet. Ahhhh!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Denise Unland's Alternative Geneology Part 7
By Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara
To such an end, Brother Clover and his fellow monks discovered a unpopulated shore of ice somewhere in the northwestern Atlantic and pledged to eke out a living there. Lest that prove too easy, they also took vows of chastity, poverty, and silence.
Not long afterwards, boats appeared on the horizon. More brothers wanted in on this. Unwilling to horde their spiritual riches, they brothers accepted the new recruits but added more prayer and longer work days to the docket.
As years went by, more monks came to join, to the point where the island, harsh as it was, became quite populated, some would say crowded, so vegetarianism was added. (More evidence that Clover was related to Leo the comic.) This did stop the less committed from becoming monks, but it didn't stop them from wanting to serve God, through helping the monks.
It started innocently enough, an occasional cake baked from someone’s mother but it rapidly expanded. Soon, mothers fought over the right to cook for the monks, while gardeners competed to work in the gardens. Dishes got washed. Clothes were pressed. Furniture was dusted. Even people without time to help this way insisted on getting a piece of the Martyr racket by tossing coins on the shore. Monks became so fat and lazy they could hardly walk.
Brother Clover could take no more. In a combination of miming, finger gesturing, and mouthing words he laid down the law. No servants for the monks! They all had to leave and take their meals, clothes, furniture, perfumes, footbaths, fine art, pinball machines, jewels, fineries, and money with them! Well, the monks understood perfectly but their mothers refused to get the hint.
To such an end, Brother Clover and his fellow monks discovered a unpopulated shore of ice somewhere in the northwestern Atlantic and pledged to eke out a living there. Lest that prove too easy, they also took vows of chastity, poverty, and silence.
Not long afterwards, boats appeared on the horizon. More brothers wanted in on this. Unwilling to horde their spiritual riches, they brothers accepted the new recruits but added more prayer and longer work days to the docket.
As years went by, more monks came to join, to the point where the island, harsh as it was, became quite populated, some would say crowded, so vegetarianism was added. (More evidence that Clover was related to Leo the comic.) This did stop the less committed from becoming monks, but it didn't stop them from wanting to serve God, through helping the monks.
It started innocently enough, an occasional cake baked from someone’s mother but it rapidly expanded. Soon, mothers fought over the right to cook for the monks, while gardeners competed to work in the gardens. Dishes got washed. Clothes were pressed. Furniture was dusted. Even people without time to help this way insisted on getting a piece of the Martyr racket by tossing coins on the shore. Monks became so fat and lazy they could hardly walk.
Brother Clover could take no more. In a combination of miming, finger gesturing, and mouthing words he laid down the law. No servants for the monks! They all had to leave and take their meals, clothes, furniture, perfumes, footbaths, fine art, pinball machines, jewels, fineries, and money with them! Well, the monks understood perfectly but their mothers refused to get the hint.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Tomb of Sarah
When remodeling a church, the narrator is forced to move a tomb belonging to a murdered recluse rumored to have been either a witch or werewoman. Naturally, the tomb comes with a warning not to disturb it.
Upon examining its contents, the narrator is disturbed at the freshness of the corpse, considering it's centuries old. A later inspection reveals a ruddy appearance, and the battle of wits against a live vampire begins.
The Tomb of Sarah by F.G. Loring has all the satisfying elements of a good vampire story: wakeful watchfulness, midnight pursuit, and the ultimate staking. For good measure and salvation's sake, the narrator reads a few prayers over the remains, too.
Short, sweet, and online.
Upon examining its contents, the narrator is disturbed at the freshness of the corpse, considering it's centuries old. A later inspection reveals a ruddy appearance, and the battle of wits against a live vampire begins.
The Tomb of Sarah by F.G. Loring has all the satisfying elements of a good vampire story: wakeful watchfulness, midnight pursuit, and the ultimate staking. For good measure and salvation's sake, the narrator reads a few prayers over the remains, too.
Short, sweet, and online.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
What's In a Knife?
Because high carbon stainless steel was probably not around in the 1970s, when Bryony takes places, I'm guessing when Steve Barnes taught Brian Marchellis how to cook, he used either carbon steel or stainless steel knives.
Here are the type of materials used for kitchen knives and their benefits and disadvantages:
The best kind of knife is one that is forged and tempered from one piece of metal, although it can also be cut or stamped from the metal. There are different kinds of metal that a knife can be made from. They can be made from: Carbon steel, Stainless steel, High-carbon stainless steel, and Ceramic.
Carbon steel is very easy to sharpen and is the traditional metal used in making knifes, but watch out when used with acidic foods the metal will without a doubt discolor and corrode.
Stainless steel is a durable material. It is rust-proof and resists discoloring and corroding. The blade remains sharper than a carbon steel blade, but the stainless steel knife is harder to sharpen than the carbon steel knife.
High-carbon stainless steel is the most used metal for knives today. It takes the best of both worlds from the carbon steel and from the stainless steel. This metal is almost as easy to sharpen as the knife made from carbon steel. This metal will not discolor or corrode.
Ceramic is very expensive and is now made from a ceramic called zirconium oxide. This makes the knife very sharp and easy to clean, it also will not rust and it is also nonreactive. The ceramic knife will stay sharp for a long time, possibly years, if the knife is taken care of. This knife, though, after it becomes dull will need to be sharpened by a professional. This ceramic is durable, but is not flexible like metal.
Timothy M. Baran
Here are the type of materials used for kitchen knives and their benefits and disadvantages:
The best kind of knife is one that is forged and tempered from one piece of metal, although it can also be cut or stamped from the metal. There are different kinds of metal that a knife can be made from. They can be made from: Carbon steel, Stainless steel, High-carbon stainless steel, and Ceramic.
Carbon steel is very easy to sharpen and is the traditional metal used in making knifes, but watch out when used with acidic foods the metal will without a doubt discolor and corrode.
Stainless steel is a durable material. It is rust-proof and resists discoloring and corroding. The blade remains sharper than a carbon steel blade, but the stainless steel knife is harder to sharpen than the carbon steel knife.
High-carbon stainless steel is the most used metal for knives today. It takes the best of both worlds from the carbon steel and from the stainless steel. This metal is almost as easy to sharpen as the knife made from carbon steel. This metal will not discolor or corrode.
Ceramic is very expensive and is now made from a ceramic called zirconium oxide. This makes the knife very sharp and easy to clean, it also will not rust and it is also nonreactive. The ceramic knife will stay sharp for a long time, possibly years, if the knife is taken care of. This knife, though, after it becomes dull will need to be sharpened by a professional. This ceramic is durable, but is not flexible like metal.
Timothy M. Baran
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Drawing Board
Magical things happens with Kathleen Rose Van Pelt of Imaginary Lines Studio (http://www.imaginarylinesstudio.com/) picks up a pen. She created gorgeous cover and interior art for Bryony with the extraordinary talent she developed many years ago. Below is the first of a three-part interview with this gifted artist.
1) How did you start drawing?
"I don't remember ever not drawing! I was one of those kids that doodled all the time. One of the first things I remember drawing was in first grade, we were given a plain piece of white paper and told we could draw anything!!! That didn't happen very often, normally it was just a run off sheet from a coloring book with a religious image on it to color in......I was always corrected by the nun that I colored too lightly.. Sorry I wandered.....(but I do have nun stories). The first image I remember drawing was Snoopy on top of his dog house, laying on his back with one long ear hanging over the side, and drawing his round belly and filling in his black nose. I also added his food bowl next to his house. Classic Snoopy! I like to think I did Charles Schultz proud. I was very much a Snoopy fan back then. Still like Snoopy."
2) What inspired you to draw?
"I really don't remember ever not liking or not wanting to draw. If there was paper and pencil, I was drawing something. In the third grade it got me a nice space in the corner. I was drawing a big owl and a little owl on a branch at the time and the nun wasn't into the art I guess, so I was told to go to the corner and stand..... that was only time I was ever told to go stand in the corner....Maybe the nun wasn't into art, can please every critic."
3) Why pen and ink?
"I started with pen and ink for a few reasons. It's very direct to work with, and unlike painting medium, no real dry time is needed. Plus, if you don't have a lot of work space or can't paint in a space because size or other reasons, ink is very quick, convenient, and cost efficient. If you are on a tight budget, ink is very affordable and goes a long way. For me, working with the ink just kept me drawing, especially during times I may not have because of lack of space or money or time, when working what many call a "real job". It is just a very portable way to keep working. My first love (medium) is oil, but because of some of the above fore mentioned, I started to work mostly with ink then adding spot color with water colors. Working with oils and ink are so different and I really enjoy both for what they are."
1) How did you start drawing?
"I don't remember ever not drawing! I was one of those kids that doodled all the time. One of the first things I remember drawing was in first grade, we were given a plain piece of white paper and told we could draw anything!!! That didn't happen very often, normally it was just a run off sheet from a coloring book with a religious image on it to color in......I was always corrected by the nun that I colored too lightly.. Sorry I wandered.....(but I do have nun stories). The first image I remember drawing was Snoopy on top of his dog house, laying on his back with one long ear hanging over the side, and drawing his round belly and filling in his black nose. I also added his food bowl next to his house. Classic Snoopy! I like to think I did Charles Schultz proud. I was very much a Snoopy fan back then. Still like Snoopy."
2) What inspired you to draw?
"I really don't remember ever not liking or not wanting to draw. If there was paper and pencil, I was drawing something. In the third grade it got me a nice space in the corner. I was drawing a big owl and a little owl on a branch at the time and the nun wasn't into the art I guess, so I was told to go to the corner and stand..... that was only time I was ever told to go stand in the corner....Maybe the nun wasn't into art, can please every critic."
3) Why pen and ink?
"I started with pen and ink for a few reasons. It's very direct to work with, and unlike painting medium, no real dry time is needed. Plus, if you don't have a lot of work space or can't paint in a space because size or other reasons, ink is very quick, convenient, and cost efficient. If you are on a tight budget, ink is very affordable and goes a long way. For me, working with the ink just kept me drawing, especially during times I may not have because of lack of space or money or time, when working what many call a "real job". It is just a very portable way to keep working. My first love (medium) is oil, but because of some of the above fore mentioned, I started to work mostly with ink then adding spot color with water colors. Working with oils and ink are so different and I really enjoy both for what they are."
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Croquet's Outrageous History, Part One
At Simons Mansion’s garden party, Melissa is relieved to learn croquet is one of the planned amusements, since she had previously played it with her family at a picnic.
Of course, the annoying presence of Henry Matthews considerably diminishes her fun, especially after he sarcastically compares her playing style to Mrs. Joad, winner of the first women’s croquet championship, held in 1869 in England.
However, despite the Victorian fondness for croquet (which Boston banned in 1890 for moral reasons because young people might disappear into shrubbery together to look for balls), the game has a long, interesting, and somewhat amusing history. It has been utilized as medicinal exercise, deemed character-building and a substitute for warfare, banned for threatening civilization, and been the catalyst for full-dress balls.
Thank you Maui Croquet Club (http://www.mauicroquetclub.org/) for sharing the croquet facts on the game’s early years.
· BC: Romans play Paganica where they walked across fields and hit a small, leather ball with a curved stick and aimed to strike certain trees. The winner was the person who hit all the trees in the fewest possible strokes.
· 1300s: Peasants in Languedoc (southern France) played a game where they hit balls with shepherd crooks through bent willow branches.
· 1830: A French doctor developed a new version of the sport, named it croquet (French for “crooked stick”), and used it as a form of outdoor exercise for his patients.
· 1851: John Jacques II, famous toy and game manufacturer, introduces croquet at the Great Exhibition in England. The game quickly becomes the vogue throughout Europe and the entire British Empire.
· 1859: First record of a croquet court in the USA, at Nahant, MA.
· 1863: Captain Thomas Mayne Reid wrote, Croquet: A Treatise and a Commentary, in which he argued that croquet was a character building alternative to actual warfare.
· 1864: John Jacques brought the rights to the rules of croquet and printed 25,000 copies of Croquet: Its Laws and Regulations. Mysteriously, the first edition of this work is described as “thoroughly revised.” That same year, the Park Place Croquet Club of Brooklyn organizes with 25 members with the quote, “Croquet is probably the first game played by both men and women in America.”
· 1867: French dictionary, for the first time, defines croquet as a game.
· 1870: The city father of Boston banned croquet as a dangerous occupation conducive to moral corruption, if not a threat, to the very structure of civilization. A councilor commented, “The lady, placing her foot upon one of two closely juxtaposed balls and administering a sharp thwack with her mallet, gives a thinly disguised symbol of female aggression against male society. Where will it all end?”
· 1871: The National Croquet Club held an extravagant tournament, in which 17,000 troups paraded around the courts, spectators were packed five deep, and there was a full-dress ball.
· 1872: Lewis Carroll invented Arithmetical Croquet.
· 1878: President Rutherford B. Hayes spent $6 of American taxpayer money on a set of fancy, boxwood, croquet balls.
· 1891: McLoughlin Brothers copyrighted the rules for Tiddledy Wink Croquet, and E.I. Horsman came out with Lo Lo the New Parlor Game Croquet where colored discs represent the (croquet) balls, and the “mallet discs” are used to snap them in positions or through the arches.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Of course, the annoying presence of Henry Matthews considerably diminishes her fun, especially after he sarcastically compares her playing style to Mrs. Joad, winner of the first women’s croquet championship, held in 1869 in England.
However, despite the Victorian fondness for croquet (which Boston banned in 1890 for moral reasons because young people might disappear into shrubbery together to look for balls), the game has a long, interesting, and somewhat amusing history. It has been utilized as medicinal exercise, deemed character-building and a substitute for warfare, banned for threatening civilization, and been the catalyst for full-dress balls.
Thank you Maui Croquet Club (http://www.mauicroquetclub.org/) for sharing the croquet facts on the game’s early years.
· BC: Romans play Paganica where they walked across fields and hit a small, leather ball with a curved stick and aimed to strike certain trees. The winner was the person who hit all the trees in the fewest possible strokes.
· 1300s: Peasants in Languedoc (southern France) played a game where they hit balls with shepherd crooks through bent willow branches.
· 1830: A French doctor developed a new version of the sport, named it croquet (French for “crooked stick”), and used it as a form of outdoor exercise for his patients.
· 1851: John Jacques II, famous toy and game manufacturer, introduces croquet at the Great Exhibition in England. The game quickly becomes the vogue throughout Europe and the entire British Empire.
· 1859: First record of a croquet court in the USA, at Nahant, MA.
· 1863: Captain Thomas Mayne Reid wrote, Croquet: A Treatise and a Commentary, in which he argued that croquet was a character building alternative to actual warfare.
· 1864: John Jacques brought the rights to the rules of croquet and printed 25,000 copies of Croquet: Its Laws and Regulations. Mysteriously, the first edition of this work is described as “thoroughly revised.” That same year, the Park Place Croquet Club of Brooklyn organizes with 25 members with the quote, “Croquet is probably the first game played by both men and women in America.”
· 1867: French dictionary, for the first time, defines croquet as a game.
· 1870: The city father of Boston banned croquet as a dangerous occupation conducive to moral corruption, if not a threat, to the very structure of civilization. A councilor commented, “The lady, placing her foot upon one of two closely juxtaposed balls and administering a sharp thwack with her mallet, gives a thinly disguised symbol of female aggression against male society. Where will it all end?”
· 1871: The National Croquet Club held an extravagant tournament, in which 17,000 troups paraded around the courts, spectators were packed five deep, and there was a full-dress ball.
· 1872: Lewis Carroll invented Arithmetical Croquet.
· 1878: President Rutherford B. Hayes spent $6 of American taxpayer money on a set of fancy, boxwood, croquet balls.
· 1891: McLoughlin Brothers copyrighted the rules for Tiddledy Wink Croquet, and E.I. Horsman came out with Lo Lo the New Parlor Game Croquet where colored discs represent the (croquet) balls, and the “mallet discs” are used to snap them in positions or through the arches.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Monday, November 1, 2010
Meet Bryony's Illustrator, Kathleen Rose Van Pelt
Last summer, an acquaintance of mine called me one day and asked if I would write a story for the newspaper on her cousin and her amazing art.
“Is she local?” I asked. She was not.
“Has she ever lived in our readership area?” Again, no, so I politely explained the newspaper would not allow me to write a story about the artist if she had no local connection. My acquaintance insisted otherwise. “Just look at her art,” she said.
Reluctantly, since a story was impossible, I clicked onto http://www.imaginarylinesstudio.com/ and was instantly enchanted by her line style and carefully placed spots of color. It was perfect for Bryony. Might Kathleen be interested in creating the cover art for the book, if and when I had a publisher and if the publisher agreed?
My acquaintance assured me it was possible and then suggested I contact Kathleen. I did, and she was open to the idea. We began working together in earnest when WriteLife accepted Bryony for publication.
Our collaboration was simple and unstructured. Basically, Kathleen read Bryony, loved it (although she’s not a fan of vampire stories), and worked from her inspirations. It was her idea to add the interior black and white drawings.
Kathleen made everyday seem like Christmas. I’ve never had so much fun signing onto my computer! Every morning, I couldn’t wait to see if she had sent an image. I’ve adored watching my story come alive under her hand.
Samples of Bryony’s artwork are posted on the Facebook page underphotos: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bryony/115857775121196?ref=sgm.
Check out Kathleen’s interview Wednesday.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
“Is she local?” I asked. She was not.
“Has she ever lived in our readership area?” Again, no, so I politely explained the newspaper would not allow me to write a story about the artist if she had no local connection. My acquaintance insisted otherwise. “Just look at her art,” she said.
Reluctantly, since a story was impossible, I clicked onto http://www.imaginarylinesstudio.com/ and was instantly enchanted by her line style and carefully placed spots of color. It was perfect for Bryony. Might Kathleen be interested in creating the cover art for the book, if and when I had a publisher and if the publisher agreed?
My acquaintance assured me it was possible and then suggested I contact Kathleen. I did, and she was open to the idea. We began working together in earnest when WriteLife accepted Bryony for publication.
Our collaboration was simple and unstructured. Basically, Kathleen read Bryony, loved it (although she’s not a fan of vampire stories), and worked from her inspirations. It was her idea to add the interior black and white drawings.
Kathleen made everyday seem like Christmas. I’ve never had so much fun signing onto my computer! Every morning, I couldn’t wait to see if she had sent an image. I’ve adored watching my story come alive under her hand.
Samples of Bryony’s artwork are posted on the Facebook page underphotos: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bryony/115857775121196?ref=sgm.
Check out Kathleen’s interview Wednesday.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
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