Meet Bobbi Phelps Towery, "Bryony" Fan Extraordinaire

Recently, Hastings Entertainment in Utah (www.gohastings.com)

purchased several copies of Bryony, and it’s all due to Bobbi Phelps Towery, a Bryony fan extraordinaire, who brought her copy to the store manager and persuaded him to order copies.

Not only has Bobbi been talking up the book, she’s passed out flyers around town, letting readers know where they can enjoy the book, too.

Today, Bobbi shares why she’s so fond of the story.


1) What kinds of books do you generally read?

   “Mysteries, romance novels if set in other time periods, sleuth/spy novels.”


2) How did you hear about Bryony?

    “I learned about Bryony through the music videos on YouTube by pianist/composer James Onohan.”

3) What led you to purchase a copy?

   “Once I heard James' Bryony music, I read about the book then I watched the trailer, and I was hooked. I had to purchase the book and read the whole story!”


4) What did you like about the story?

   “I mostly liked the fact that Melissa (the main character) never really lost her innocence through the whole story even though she wanted more than anything to be loved by John just as Bryony was. But I also liked the suspense and the unpredictability of the story. The storyline was easy to follow.”


5) What did you dislike?

   “It was too short!”


6) Who was your favorite character, and why?

   “Melissa. Even though she's not sure most of the time whether she's living in a dream or in reality, she never loses her composure.”


7) Who was your least favorite character, and why?

   “Kellen. He was the ruthless devil that caused John to sell his soul and murdered so many innocent women.”


8) Team John, Henry, or Kellen, and why?

   “Team John; Even though music was the first love of his life, I believe he truly loved Bryony and although his soul was tormented by her death, when Melissa was "Bryony,” I believed he had real feelings for her as well. I connect with John in the sense that music is a source or channel for the release of torment.”


9) Any final comments?

   “Music, especially piano, has been my lifelong love as well, and in my opinion, the story of Bryony has all the components that touches my heart: music, mystery, romance, innocence. Awesome storytelling!”


Until December 2012, thirty percent of any direct mail-order sales of Bryony will be donated to Heather King, the "voice" of Bryony the audio book.

To learn why and to order, follow this link:
www.bryonyseries.com/Help_the_King_Twins.html

Two Articles You Should Read and the People Who Inspired Them

Today, I'm skipping the editorializing and allowing the stories to tell themselves.

On Friday, I posted a poem and a few facts about Kemp Pond, a young man who was a walking, breathing manual for living life well. Here is the full, promised story. Below is the link to Friday's blog that featured his poem.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/14032964-423/he-was-always-willing-to-help.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2012/07/truly-extraordinary-life.html

Also, this week, I hope to post my recent interview with one of Bryony's most enthusiastic fans, someone who not only provided positive feedback on the story, but who's embarked on her own mission to spread the word.

It turns out, this woman's methods are part of a growing trend in author publicity, as this article indicates:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/jul/20/help-promote-authors-yourself

My Two Sons: Acapella Meets dc Talk

Kilt making in Dundee

Truly, An Extraordinary Life

When I began the BryonySeries blog on August 1, 2010, I started showcasing, on Fridays, a short story or poem, many of them once popular, but now obscure, that I particular enjoy.

Occasionally, I offer an original piece from someone I know, such as in the case of Ilinois author Kristina Skaggs: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2012/03/toying-with-death-by-kristina-skaggs.html and http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2012/03/dead-serious-by-kristina-skaggs.html.

Today is one of those days.

Since 2001, the Herald News, has published on Mondays, my column, An Extraordinary Life. These are memorial pieces about average, everyday, recently deceased individuals who had lived uncommonly interesting or inspiring lives.

Yesterday morning, I interviewed the parents of Kemp Pond, 30, of Plainfield, who died in a motorcycle accident. I was immediately impressed with Kemp's obituary. The man was highly skilled in many, many areas and possessed a giving heart to match.

At the end of our conversation, Kemp's parents emailed me the poem Kemp had written, less than a year ago, about the joys of motorcycle riding. The last line was so foreboding, my jaw dropped, so I asked his parents if I could reprint his poem on my blog, and they consented.

After I submitted the story to my editor, I researched the details of his tragic accident. They are truly heartbreaking: www.suntimes.com/news/metro/12740495-418/police-ike-biker-thrown-onto-kennedy-in-fatal-crash.html.

My story will run Monday, and I will post a link so you can read about this incredible young man. Here's his poem:

Ode to My Motorcycle

By Kemp Pond

When I'm with you, I feel liberated.

I can fly; I can dance.

I am at peace when I am with you.

I am calm; I am relaxed.

When we are together,

It's only you, me, and the world,

A world we should explore.

The mountains, the coasts, the deserts,

Through the ups and downs,

Adventure is always around the next bend.

Then I stop for a moment and take it all in.

Arms spread open, inviting the world.

Let's see what you've got.

You purr and growl beneath me,

So soothing and inviting.

You've taken me this far.

Where to next?

I could do this every night till I die.

Kemp Pond died sometime after 7:30 p.m. May 22. Eternal memory, young man.

Timothy Made Deviled Eggs Today

Song # 4 Close Your Eyes and relax Romantic Piano - "Daydreaming" by Ja...

The Haunted Castle 1896 George Melies Silent Film

Vampire Love - Sand Art by Charlene Lanzel

Sparrow - Sad Piano Music Beautiful Calm (Original)

The Limerick Song

A Thought for Today

Some friends are studying Buddism so, in honor of their study, and because I believe the following lines echoes the Christians truths I espouse, I'm republishing the following advice from the Buddhist teacher Atisha Dipankara (980-1052 or 1054). Have a blessed day, everyone!

"The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the world's ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances."

Why We've Temporarily Suspended Recording of "Bryony," the Audio Book (And How You Can Help)

On May 1, at the start of a recording sessions, Heather King, the audio book "voice" of Bryony, approached me with a request.

She asked me to pray for a successful outcome for the next day's ultrasound, but to not mention to anyone the reason why, since she had told very few people she was expecting another baby.

Heather was understandably nervous; an ultrasound at Christmastime showed her baby had no heartbeat, and it wasn't her first miscarriage, either. Still Heather was very positive and trusting in God. She simply felt pregnant this time around, a little nauseous, way more tired, etc., certainly no match for her daughter, two year old Hayden.

No one expected the news that followed. The ultrasound revealed two strong heartbeats (Praise God!), but the twins also had conjoined spines and no lungs. Should they survive the pregnancy, and right now they are healthy, they would be unable to breathe at birth.

Heather and her husband Caleb are independent contractors (Heather is a piano teacher; Caleb is an art teacher. Both are members of the Christian rock band Daniel’s window www.danielswindow.com) and have no health insurance or maternity coverage.

Also, since the babies will eventually be born via Cesarean section, Heather will have no income during the recovery period. Here is where you can help.

For the rest of 2012, 30 percent of all profits from direct sales of Bryony will be donated to the Kings. You may order books via Paypal directly from our website at www.bryonyseries.com.

If you’d like to help the Kings directly, visit their tumblr page.

Follow the Kings' journey on Facebook.

To help cope with her grief, Heather also recently wrote a song about the experience. One may download it for free from the music page of the Daniel's Window website: www.danielswindow.com.

If you'd like additional information, I recently wrote about the Kings for the Herald News:

www.southtownstar.suntimes.com/lifestyles/13061568-423/joliet-couple-expecting-twins-conjoined-at-the-spine.html.

Of course, prayers on their behalf are welcome, too. For those who are able to assist, thank you in advance, and God bless you! :-)

Song # 3 Fall In Love Piano Music - "Only You" by James Onohan

Song # 3 Fall In Love Piano Music - "Only You" by James Onohan

This is Why I Work From Home

Another steamy, hundred-plus degree in the midwest, so I'm out for my power walk before six a.m. I've got several deadlines and interviews scattered throughout the day, plus filing, writing, editing, homework; yes, it's a full day.

Twenty minutes into my walk, my daughter-in-law texted me. She had been in the emergency department all night with my three-month grandson. Could I keep him today so she could get some rest. I thought fast.

I could let homework slide, but who was home today to watch Ezekiel while I had to be otherwise occupied? Who had an available vehicle so someone could transport him back to my house? Of course, as I'm considering the possibilities, I told Amber, "Yes."

Through the years, well-meaning individuals have suggested I could make more money if I abandoned the freelancing and assumed a proper job. Maybe, but my job is as portable as my lifetstyle is hectic.

I have completed assignments while caring for sick kids, wrapped up in blankets at the computer when I've been sick (or bitten by a cat or whatever), atop workstations in warehouses in the middle of the night waiting for truckloads of papers, inside doctor's offices, and at my mother's counter during family holidays. I've combined my job with homeschooling, the laundry, meals, etc. Today, I'm caring for a grandson. Talk about having it all. I'm a stay at home mom and a career gal.

I've interviewed people who have lost their jobs during family crises. Heck, my last two years has been one long crisis, but I'm still working. Yes, I write seven days a week (most days and weeks), but the work is engaging, rewarding, and extremely portable.

Excuse me while I tend to a crying baby....

An Assortment of "Bryony" News and What's Upcoming in the Blog

   *  had a blast at the Three Rivers Arts Council's (www.threeriversart.org) arts and jams fundraiser over the weekend. I sold a few books; I sold a few candles; and I passed out a ton of cards, mine and some belonging to other members of the Bryony team. President Amy Hayes even surprised three of us with fudge cake since we all had birthdays within a couple days of each others (Mine was Sunday), and it was good,cake, too, very chocolatey and not too sweet.

   *  interviewed an on fire, super busy, west coast Bryony fan last week. She visited a local bookstore with her copy of Bryony and persuaded its manager to order in five copies. Then she began distributing flyers all over town to let people know. Her interview will run Monday and Tuesday next week.

   *  Recording for Bryony, the audio book has been temporarily suspended, but there's a good reason why and an opportunity to help. Details on Thursday.

   *  Proof copies for the official Bryony cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen, Bites and Nibbles from Bryony", are IN! Hopefully, they will be available for purchase very soon.

Voltaire - Happy Birthday (My Olde Friend) Music Video

Three Rivers Arts and Jams Fest: A Day Ed Calkins Would Have Enjoyed

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has two goals in life: to be known and to have his birthday (February 13) celebrated with a national parade.

He would have enjoyed today.

Two years of pre-marketing and eight months post the release of Bryony, and our efforts are paying off. Here's why:

At the Three Rivers Arts and Jams Fest today, I talked to people who had purchased Bryony at a previous event, others who had heard about it, and one of my consignments (whom I had never met) who happily shared how my books had sold long ago. Even better, the venue wants me back for an event. A Barnes and Noble employee took some cards to give to that stores community relations coordinator.

That's in addition to some book and candle sales.

All in all, a highly satisfying day. So if you're in the area of the Three Rivers Arts Council tomorrow, 413 Mondamin Road (the old firehouse), Minooka, Illinois, stop in and see us. We have a bandstand, booths with local artists, and concessions.

No, Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara won't be there, but that's because he'll be busy planning the parade.

"I'm Nobody! Who Are You?" by Emily Dickinson

My very favorite poem by Emily Dickinson.

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us -don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know.

How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

"Momentous" by Jennifer Russ

At the beginning of the year, I joined and wrote about an online writing group called 50 Items or Less (http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/10557008-423/less-is-more-at-online-writing-outlet.html), where members submit complete propsitions using no more than fifty words. The goal is tighter, more precise and concise writing.

One of the posts, by Jennifer Russ, author of Whitewallsville (http://www.jenniferruss.info/black-fedora-books/), posted a piece that really resonated with me, and my mind often replays it. It's a stark reminder that tomorrow is not promised, and that life and people offer no solid guarantees, which is not necessarily bad.

Our life, and the individuals we permit to enter it, really can comprise one extraodinary moment after another, if we relax our grasping fists and be open to the gifts of today. With Jennifer's permission, I've reprinted her piece below.


‎Momentous

He turns his head to the side and glimpses her through incandescent windows. Two strides behind with toes planted firmly on stability, she considers her dangling inquisition.

Could this be forever?
...
He shrugs and smiles his fondness for her existence.

Forever is monotonous. You and me, we’re an extraordinary moment.

Song # 2 Romantic Piano Music - One Last Time by James Onohan

Three New "Bryony" Bookings

JULY

What: Three Rivers Arts and Jam Festival

When: 1 – 8:30 p.m. July 14 and 1 to 5:30 p.m. July 15

Where: Three Rivers Arts Council, Old Minooka Firehouse, 413 Mondamin Street, Minooka, IL, 60447 (1 mile south east of I-80, Minooka exit).

What: Two day music festival, along with visual artists. Copies of Bryony will also be for sale.

Cost: $7 each day or $10 both days

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

AUGUST

What: Bryony book signing

When: 10:30 a.m. - noon

Where: Book Mouse, 820 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350

What: Copies of Bryony, surprise discounts

Contact: 815-433-7323, www.bookmouse.org, bryonyseries@gmail.com

OCTOBER

What: Eighth Annual Joliet Regional Author Fair

When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 13

Where: Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch, 3395 Black road, Joliet, IL, 60435

What: 40 local authors and their books, including Bryony

Contact: 815-740-2660, www.joliet.lib.il.us, bryonyseries@gmail.com

Vampire's Crown - A Dental Aniboom Animation by Henry Mountain, Hiren So...

Tuomas Holopainen Plays 19th-Century Church Organ In Helsinki

The Rose of Allendale - Irish folk song

"Varney the Vampire," by James Malcolm Rymer

First appearing in serialized form (penny dreadful) between 1845 and 1857, Varney the Vampire by James Malcolm Rymer is the first gothic vampire story to present a romanticized vampire lead and perhaps, the first to introduce the “sorrowful” vampire, one whose unquenchable thirst for blood is stronger than his desire to spare his victims. Note: Varney does not sparkle.

It is longer than the short stories and poems I’ve previously recommended (reputedly over 600,000 words), but if you’re “enjoying” the one hundred degree plus weather we in the Midwest have been experiencing, curling up with a good read this weekend sounds heavenly.

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/PreVarn.html

Prefer a modern adaptation? Check this out:

http://sweetgothvampires.blogspot.com/2012/06/risen-from-grave-heads-up.html

Kidnapped!

It was a balmy, one hundred degrees in my attic yesterday, where I working on several feature stories and looking forward to fireworks later that night.

Despite the heat, the day was far from unpleasant. Too hot even at five-thirty in the morning for power walking, Timothy and I hit the trails with our bikes a little later that morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures of the shade and the "canal effect," one of the advantages of living nearly across the street from the I & M Canal.

Then, in the early afternoon, I interviewed legendary record producter Phil Ramone, who is mentoring a local girl, Molly McKenna Batozech (listen to her original song she recorded here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlym590hdl0) for a newspaper feature story.

But the day got even better. My oldest son Christopher and his best friend swooped into my attic and informed me I was shutting down my computer and going to Michigan for the night, compliments of them. I argued about morning deadlines, but my mind was already planning which stories needed to go into my backpack for late night writing. I hadn't been to Warren Dunes since I was sixteen.

We were ready to go in about ninety minutes. The drive up was entertaining enough, between chatting with Christopher and texting a friend. Once we arrived, Christopher created fictional Facebook check-ins for our motel (Munsonville Inn) and Redamaks (http://www.redamaks.com/), where they serve the best hamburgers in the world (Sue's Diner), and I even passed along the BryonySeries website to our waitress.

After dinner, we hung at New Buffalo City Beach, which was evacuted at nearly closing time due to a quickly spreading grass fire near the sand, presumably from fireworks gone bad. We didn't wait that long. We were in Christopher's truck by the time the emergency vehicles were arriving.

Tomorrow: writing, editing, and off to Warren Dunes before it's home again, home again.

Good night, and good morning!

1776 - The Signing (1972)

The Elements of Style

High school journalists on freedom of the press

"Dark Future" - Original Piano Music