Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept.25 through Sept.30

Last week I had a job shadower hang out with me for the day, a woman in her late 20s who wishes she had studied journalism in college like she wanted to do (instead of listening to naysayers) and who has ideas for her first novel.

I showed her my routine and worked on briefs while we chatted about different aspects of my writing life, from childhood fiction to freelance features writing to fiction again to my current role as a features editor. I gave her copies of both my business cards (my work one and my BryonySeries one) and then she blew me away by saying she was already reading my first book.

Well. Ahem.

Took in dinner and a play with a WriteOn Joliet comrade and will be doing the same tonight (same play, different friend). Saturday (I hope) will be spent wandering around an imaginary nineteenth century, while Sunday is Divine Liturgy, work, and hanging out with family.

I have two appearances coming up for anyone in the Joliet area who might be interested. Details are at: http://www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.

Here's the weekly recap:

First, the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Crest Hill business owner caters to Joliet area teachers

Jason Kuriger knows importance of giving back

To Kuriger, his Teacher Loyalty Program is really a teacher appreciation program. After his parents’ divorce, Kuriger said he attended 10 schools in Plainfield and Joliet during his school career and endured 13 moves. Kuriger credits teachers and school staff for his success today.

“The only people that made me feel part of something were teachers and faculty members,” Kuriger said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/21/crest-hill-business-owner-caters-to-joliet-area-teachers/auh3sa0/

An Extraordinary Life: Crest Hill beautician didn't let ALS stop her

Tana Anderson made everyone feel special

“God was a big part of her life,” Kara Anderson, Tana's daughter, said. “And she knew God wanted her to be nice and accepting of everyone.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/16/an-extraordinary-life-crest-hill-beautician-didnt-let-als-stop-her/a80rtcy/


Joliet church hopes to inspire grassroots activism through monthly social justice documentaries (VIDEO EXTRA)

Monthly social justice films inform, promote thoughtful discussion 

“People can’t become activists in all the areas we cover,” Paul Brumbaugh, coordinator, said. “But they need to pick their own topic and get out there and be active and do something good for the world.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/27/joliet-church-hopes-to-inspire-grassroots-activism-through-monthly-social-justice-documentaries/ajbdvo2/


Churches in Channahon and Minooka host 33rd CROP Hunger Walk (VIDEO EXTRA)

According to the CROP Hunger Walk website, CROP Hunger Walks support the grassroots efforts of Church World Service to combat hunger around the world. It provides water, seeds, tools, wells and water systems, technical training and micro-enterprise loans.

But groups that host a CROP Hunger Walk also have the option of keeping 25 percent of funds raised in their own communities. Harold Breen, one of the coordinator's of this year's walk, said last year’s walk raised a total of $5,425.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/26/churches-in-channahon-and-minooka-host-33rd-crop-hunger-walk/avsgldd/


Stamp collecting alive and well in Joliet, annual stamp show is Oct. 8 (VIDEO EXTRA)

Club members say stamp collecting still is a ‘vibrant hobby’

In some ways, the technology age has made it easier to collect.

“It used to be if you wanted to buy new stamps, you had to go to a dealer," Juell said. “Now you can get some very elusive stamps right on the internet.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/27/stamp-collecting-alive-and-well-in-joliet-annual-stamp-show-is-oct-8/au49yzb/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Where Were You When you Wrote...?

Monday, January 31, 2011

Where Were You When you Wrote...?

Last week, on the twenty-fifth annivesary of The Challenger, I read and responded to several Facebook posts of, "What were doing when the space shuttle exploded?"

Certain memories for us are so vivid we can recall their ancillary details. With The Challenger, I remember hustling three kids under four through the grocery store (Eagle, in Crest Hill), so I could watch the take-off. I remember gaping in horror at what I was really watching and holding Joshua, who was four months old at the time and still dressed in a tan snowsuit my mother had bought him.

I have writing memories like that, too.

When you've pecked at your first novel as long I have, you'd think the particulars would be long buried under more important life moments, but some of them, for whatever reason, are as clear as they day I experienced them. For instance:

* One evening, near dusk, my oldest kids and their friends were modifying the backyard playhouse, so I threw some toys on the floor for my crawler (Timothy, now 20), shut the bedroom door, and wrote a scene where Melissa is alone at home (everyone else had gone to the movies) and searching near Simons Mansion for Snowbell (that scene never made it to the first draft).

* I was taking my daily power walk in Marcrest subdivision in Joliet (where we used to live) when I created a piece of dialogue for Henry that would be my unspoken tag line for many years. I also mentally wrote one of the scenes still featured in Bryony, although I later changed the location in the house. BTW, for anyone familiar with Marycrest, I was walking on St. Joseph, past Marmion and Madonna and around the bend to St. Francis. The sun was shining, too, and it was about 11:00 in the morning.

* The afternoon John Simons' hair lightened and came down, I was driving north on Infantry Lane in Joliet, past a paper carrier acquaintance's house, on my way to pick up a kid nicknamed "Doc." I was listening to Adia by Sarah McLachlan when the image popped into my head. I couldn't wait for a red light to mentally describe my vision of John playing a grand piano inside Simons Mansion, except it wasn't in the music room, but near the grand staircase. At the time, I was a new single parent and my teens had talked me into managing a crew of kids selling newspaper subscriptions. By then, I was writing for the paper and delivering it, too. Hardly the most opportune time in my life to work on a novel, but I always kept paper and pen in my van and jotted notes for Bryony whever I had a chance.

* I was pacing the floor with colicky newborn (Timothy, again) when I created the very ill Frank Marchellis. Three years later, I was pacing the floor with a colickly newborn (Rebekah) when I created two characters for Staked!, the third novel in the BryonySeries, although at the time, it was only one, yet unamed, book.

* The inspiration for a confrontation between Melissa and Henry--actually the character of Henry himself--a favorite with those who have read a Bryony draft (including two of my editors) came from a dream I had regarding an argument with a Henry-like character.

Does anyone else have memories like that?

World's Weirdest - Vampire Bats

Fake It...In a Believable Way, Of Course

Isn't that the essence of writing fiction? To craft a world so believeable your reader, well, believe it.

To build characters so lifelike your readers will cheer them on, mourn their losses, and rejoice in their triumphs.

To arranges syllables in such a way your reader can "hear" the various voices as they speak.

To flavor your descriptions with the right word condiments that your reader can hear the roar of the tides, see the love in a parent's eyes, feel the softness of plush toy, smell the alcohol before the IV pinch, and taste Grandma's flaky apple strudel.

And when you're missing a "factual" detail, to know your world so well, you can invent the deficiency, and your reader won't question it.

I did that on Saturday when working on Before the Blood and posted it yesterday. And no one questioned it.

            "Henry Matthews," Professor Clarke repeated, savoring the syllables as if he was tasting them. "It speaks of literary greatness, don't you agree?"

            Brumfeldt set his briefcase on the desk. "So I brought the con..."

           

            "Henry, do you write?"

            "Professor?"

            "Do you write, poetry, sonnets, and the like?"

            "Henry writes short stories." Brumfeldt brought forth a stack of paperwork. "Now if you'll just sign..."

            "Ah short stories! The marvel of the literary world!  Tell me, Henry: Do you plan to publish one day?"

            "I'm not certain if..."

            "Then come see. It will help you decide."

            Professor Clarke led Henry to a table near the window. He selected a volume, blew off the dust, and offered it to Henry. The worn olive cover had these embossed letters: Word Gems, by Astor G. Clarke.

            "My very first poetry collection,  published when I was only sixteen. Go on. Open it."

            Brumfeldt sighed in loud exasperation. "Astor. The contr..."

            "Wait!"

            Professor Clarke snatched back the book,  wet his thumb and leafed through the entries. "Where is...where is...ah, right here. Henry, read this one. Aloud."

            In defeat, a scowling Brumfeldt dropped into a chair and rubbed his forehead.

            "Go on, Henry," Professor Clarke urged.

           And Henry did.

When Day's Last Light Has Darkened

When last beheld the sunny skies

With fading mind and hazy eyes

A trembling spirit inside cried

"Let me see another day!"

As a boy I lov'd the morn

Newly born, alive and warm

Yet I cultivated years of thorns

And piss'd away the length of days

But dimming light forewarns of dusk

And approaching night, harsh and brusque

Whilst my soul, this leather husk

Shouts, "Please, another day!"

Oh Maria, my heart's delight

Good angel! Return and stay the night!"

Comfort me in this ghastly plight

And give new hope of brighter days.

Now in the dark, a shadow nears

Hovering 'round my outer spheres

And chills me with its final sneers,

"You've seen the last of all your days!"

            "Good diction, Henry. Do  you recite?"

Yes. I made it up. In ten minutes exactly while the cats paced for dinner. It's my first poem ever, and I'm a little annoyed it came together so well. I have one that speaks from my heart that I've messed with forever. But this one? Ten minutes.

I'm sure there's a lesson here somewhere.

"When Day's Last Light Has Darkened" by Astor G. Clarke

From his first book of poetry Word Gems, published in 1824

"When Day's Last Light Has Darkened"

When last beheld the sunny skies

With fading mind and hazy eyes

A trembling spirit inside cried

"Let me see another day!"

As a boy I lov'd the morn

Newly born, alive and warm

Yet I cultivated years of thorns

And piss'd away the length of days

But dimming light forewarns of dusk

And approaching night, harsh and brusque

Whilst my soul, this leather husk

Shouts, "Please, another day!"

Oh Maria, my heart's delight

Good angel! Return and stay the night!

Comfort me in this ghastly plight

And give new hope of brighter days.

Now in the dark, a shadow nears

Hovering 'round my outer spheres

And chills me with its final sneers,

"You've seen the last of all your days!"

Mille-Feuille

"The mille-feuille is quite good." 

I'll bet! This decadent pastry and custard dessert, served at Henry's first birthday party celebration in Before the Blood, is on my wish list to try!

Don't know what it is? Vogue has a description and a recipe: http://www.vogue.com/4601129/mille-feuille-pastry-dessert-recipe/.

For more great recipes, check out the official BryonySeries cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From "Bryony."

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at www.bbbswillgrundy.org

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Steward Setback Saturday: Egypt, Book Signing, and Trifle

The following email exchange originally ran on July 6, 2013. BTW, MOMI is Ed Calkins-ese for "Mistress of My Immortality."

Will Ed Calkins Attend the July 17 Book Signing? Only if He's not in Egypt....

O Steward,

Please see the attached flyer for the BryonySeries fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

It's from 6 to 7:30 p.m., July 17 at 417 Taylor Street in Joliet, Illinois. Chef in training Timothy Baran will be serving "Darlene's Trifle" from the cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," with all proceeds from all cookbook sales being donated to BBBS (www.bbbswillgrundy.org).

Plus, 30 percent of sales from all other BryonySeries product will also be donated. I'm sure many readers believe you're only a fictional character. I'm convinced that if you appear and sign a few books (and destroy any unbelievers through verse), you'll dispel any previous and thoroughly false notions.

Respectfully,

MOMI

Dear MOMI

The situation in Egypt may keep me from being able to attend, but I'll be there in person or spirit.  Once again, the country is playing an elaborate prank to try and draw me into taking over the country. I would threaten to insult them, but there lies another problem with an Ed Calkins run Egypt.  

The Egyptians I know are always so nice, the only insult I could level at them is their dogs have bad breath. I can't count on the IVA (Irish Vampires Association).  As you know, the Irish have always be beholden to the country for inventing beer and then embracing a faith that forbids it's consumption (thus insuring a stable supply for the IVA). Resolving this problem is taxing my ability to sleep or spell words incorrectly.  

BTW, I haven't forgotten the ice cream plan or your daughter's ancestry (I DID IT), I'm just preoccupied.  

Ruthlessly yours, 

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept.18 through Sept.23

Felt a little more productive at work than I have in a long time (Hope uttering it doesn't jinx it). Maybe it's my new maxim of "Enjoy the roll!" oft-repeated throughout the day that's making a difference, thank you, Tom Rossman. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTX8jB6XBuA

Today is a catch-up day for briefs, while I entertain a job shadower. Tonight is dinner and a community play with a friend, and tomorrow is an early morning dentist appointment and fiction,name;y Before the Blood. Sunday is a picnic at our church in Homewood, calendar work, and then the work week rolls around again.

Here's the weekly recap:

First, the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

30-plus year radio broadcasting career comes to a halt for Plainfield man

Bob Zak hopes to return to the airwaves one day

A 30-plus career in radio is darn good for a former shy kid who didn’t do well in school, but did spend hours tuning into his idols, Larry Lujack on Chicago’s WCFL and WLS and Frank O’Leary on Joliet’s WJOL, and longing to emulate them.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/15/30-plus-year-radio-broadcasting-career-comes-to-a-halt-for-plainfield-man/aocb3nx/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman taught children how to live and love

Beltzhoover’s home day care was faith in action

“She was truly the most selfless person I have ever known,” said Christine Beltzhoover of Naperville, Rita’s daughter. “She had so much grace and class, just a beautiful spirit.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/14/joliet-woman-taught-children-how-to-live-and-love/a93fty2/

Family of Joliet woman battling cancer seek donations for her wedding (VIDEO EXTRA)

Joliet woman with cancer hopes to walk down the aisle

“I was good until October of last year,” Alaimo said. “I went in for my normal six-month followup and they called me back right away saying, ‘Your tumor markers are off the wall.’”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/20/family-of-joliet-woman-battling-cancer-seek-donations-for-her-wedding/atvnf7s/

Joliet pastor brews up beer and Bible study (VIDEO EXTRA)

‘Bible & Brew’ serves up the gospel with meaning and enjoyment

“There’s never a dull moment,” Barbara Pierce, of Plainfield, said. “The pastor has the ability to spontaneously answer a question. He’s got a background in theology, which I appreciate because some pastors don’t. So it’s invigorating and full of energy.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/20/joliet-pastor-brews-up-beer-and-bible-study/aadrel2/

Shared love for old cars makes this Joliet club run

Joliet Antique Auto Club open to new members

“Obviously we like to bring younger folks onto the scene,” Don Meyer said. “But if someone drives a new car out of the showroom – we’re not into that stuff.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/21/shared-love-for-old-cars-makes-this-joliet-club-run/aq9tdvn/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday Cancelled Due to Computer Updates

So I have to be at work early this morning for an early morning meeting. I wisely set the alarm back to compensate for the lost time.

Unfortunately, my computer chose that very moment to go through updates. slowly. As in after an hour, it's at 11 percent. So I'm now on a laptop with issues. Oh, yeah, and I'm standing hunched over the kitchen counter because the other members of the household (not me) have covered all the outlets with heavy furniture, and this battery doesn't hold a charge.

Today I feel thrown back to dinosaur technology era. Wonderful way to begin the busiest day of my week.

But, hey! At least the coffee's good. :)

CompanyCultureBaran 1: Timothy Baran's Interview

Guest Post: "Word Music" by Tom Hernandez

I write jazz.

Well, more accurately, I aspire to write jazz -- words that are lyrical and rhythmic. Sentences that sing and swing. Phrases full of meaning yet with plenty of room for the reader’s thoughts. Ideas that challenge and elevate the writing to levels of prose and, if very lucky, poetry.

Other writers concern themselves with plot and perspective and word choice. Those are all fine and important considerations.

However, I am most interested in the music of the written word. No matter what is being said, my first consideration is how it sounds. I will forgive many writerly sins if the words sound great.

Lyricism is key for me because it speaks to the writer’s command of craft, and understanding of the power of the written word to evoke feeling and ability to create meaning.

Among many techniques, writers create “music” in their writing by mixing short, punchy sentences with long, flowing lines to create and break up rhythm; using word counts and structure to create poetic cadence; thoughtfully selecting specific words to produce atmosphere and color; and – Miles Davis-like -- paring words and punctuation to leave just the most essential notes, forcing the reader to fill in the blanks.   

Now, this doesn’t mean every paragraph has to be a 9,000-word tone poem, or a flowery exposition on each hair one one’s lover’s head.

Some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever seen comes from Cormac McCarthy. His minimalistic, stark writing perfectly shapes his apocalyptic themes and sings to the reader like a literary Billie Holiday – and often in more than one language, to boot!

Rather, the trick is simply to listen to what one is writing. Hear how it sounds coming off the tongue. In the same way that one tastes food partly through the nose, one reads with both eye and ear.

To be sure, writing that is not musical will still pass. It’ll still sell. Just don’t call it writing.

As Truman Capote reputedly once said about a literary arch-rival, “That’s not writing, that’s just typing!” 

A Plug and a Preview

Two quick items of note.

One, the illustrator for Staked! and Snowbell is making is acting debut in a local production of Love, Sex and the IRS this weekend. The play runs Friday night and weekends for two weeks. If you live in the Joliet area and want to check it out, here are the details:

http://www.bicentennialpark.org/featured/love-sex-and-the-i-r-s-by-latitude-41-september-23-october-2-2016/

Two: On Saturday while working on Before the Blood, my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez called while he was out walking. Both of us are serious walkers and both of us do plenty of mental writing while walking. Tom wanted a second opinion on the addition or subtraction of one particular word in an essay he had written for the last week's group on the topic of "marriage."

Side notee: Both Tom and I are professional writers by trade. When working on deadline, writers have the luxury of obsessing over the use of words. And we do.

As we talked, we discussed the "poetry" in well-written prose, the cadence, the "music"and peppered the conversation with examples. His feedback was so expressive and on point that after we hung up, I texted him and asked if he would write a guest post for the BryonySeries blog on this topic.

He agreed. That post will run tomorrow.

Happy monday, vampire fans! :)

Steve Barnes’ Pan-Fried Chicken Slices with String Beans

A white cat with a neck tilt and blue eyes appears at their back door. Melissa learns the truth about her grandmother’s music box. Brian wonders about the investigation into Kimberly’s disappearance. Darlene is hard at work on a story. In the meantime, Steve whips up a delicious meal

Steve Barnes’ Pan-Fried Chicken Slices with String Beans

By Timothy M. Baran

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Flour

Butter

1 orange

Milk

Salt

Pepper

Squeeze orange from juice and set aside. Melt butter in pan. In a bowl, add flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Coat chicken breast well with dry mixture. Add chicken to pan when the butter is bubbling and slightly browned. When chicken is fully cooked and the outside crispy, remove from pan and add orange juice. Scrape the pan to loosen all the richness left from the chicken breast. Start whisking in some flour until a roux is created. Add milk to the roux and continue to whisk. As the mixture cooks, it should thicken and look like gravy; if not a bit more flour might be needed. Season the gravy with salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken breast. Enjoy. Yield: 6 servings

String Beans with Sour Cream Gravy

   A combination of two recipes from The Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky and printed by the Automatic Printing Company ((www.autoprintomaha.com). 

Fresh string or green beans

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon flour

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Wash the beans, cut off the ends and string them, cut each into 3 or 4 pieces and boil in salted water. When they are tender, thicken sour cream with flour and add to beans along with dill and simmer awhile.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.html.

Mary Bergin Tin Whistle

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept.11 through Sept.16

Lots of focus on the extracurricular writing projects this week: WriteOn Joliet last week, the monthly fiction workshop tonight (which is by invitation only), and collecting donations for a project I put together for Joliet Area Community Hospice. If you'd like to know more about any of these three, message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

It's a tight deadlined day today, so I'll get right to it.

First, the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)


Teachers in Lockport and Lemont spend four days with scientists on a research ship

Michelle Anderson and Sarah Steinke share firsthand oceanography experiences with their students

“I wasn’t sure what to expect. This was outside the realm of anything I’ve experienced in my life,” Steinke said. “I just went in very open-minded and took the experience as it was.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/07/teachers-in-lockport-and-lemont-spend-four-days-with-scientists-on-a-research-ship/ajjiw8r/

AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: New Lenox Vietnam veteran had a tender heart and a helping spirit (VIDEO EXTRA)

Frank Mulhall lived to serve and support

“He didn’t oppose the draft or dodge the draft,” Linda Delost, Frank's girl friend, said. “He joined.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/07/new-lenox-vietnam-veteran-had-a-tender-heart-and-a-helping-spirit/aopfrbh/

Joliet family raising awareness and funds for growth disorders

Jayme and Joe Hawker hosting Sept. 18 event at Joliet Park District

The Hawkers want to raise awareness of growth disorders, such as Russell-Silver syndrome, which a geneticist diagnosed in Avery two years ago, Jayme said. They also want to raise funds for The MAGIC Foundation, which supports families whose children are affected by certain endocrine conditions, including some growth disorders.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/05/joliet-family-raising-awareness-and-funds-for-growth-disorders/a4xvxi7/

All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet celebrates 100th anniversary (VIDEO EXTRA)

Joliet’s All Saints Greek Orthodox Church honors past, looks to the future

Nick Macris’ earliest memories include serving as an altar boy and acting in a church play. Nevertheless, Macris lays no claim to his heritage and is pleased to see non-Greeks embracing the church.

“We have a great number of people who have converted to Orthodoxy,” Macris said. “They are some of the best Orthodox Christians in our parish.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/all-saints-greek-orthodox-church-in-joliet-celebrates-100th-anniversary/a2b5tnp/

Plainfield girl carrying on family tradition of competitve roller skating (VIDEO EXTRA)

Skyler Schmid of Plainfield is placing at roller skating competitions

“People connect to the sport,” Cheri Packard of Shorewood, Skyler’s grandmother, said in an email. “Almost everyone fondly remembers roller skating at their favorite rink. [But] most people are unaware that it is a very competitive sport, much like they see on TV.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/plainfield-girl-carrying-on-family-tradition-of-competitve-roller-skating/agg9zvl/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Assorted News from Munsonville (2011)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Assorted News from Munsonville

The Bryony team is busy! Here's what we've been doing:

* The author is working hard on her editorial notes and even pulled at twenty-four plus day last week before calling it a night (morning?). She hopes to finish by the end of the month, so more long days are ahead.

* The filming of the official Bryony book trailer and music video is scheduled for next week. In the meantime, we are feverishly seeking two men's Victorian suits.

* There is a possibility of a second music video in an historic theatre.

* James Onohan (Bryony's pianist/composer) has written several songs for the 10-song CD, The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons (http://www.jamesonohan.com/).

* The author will be re-recording the audio documentary on vampires, hopefully this weekend.

* The Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake statistics are posted. The two Bryony teams--Just Steve and Stake and Blade--beat their $1000 goal by $105!

* We may have a sponsor for the Bryony cookbook.

* Almost 2000 Bryony business cards have been dispersed. They are FREE. To get yours, contact BryonySeries@gmail.com, and we will send some to you.

Lyrics David Guetta feat.sia - Titanium

Quick Tip for Character and Plot Development

On Friday, I visited a friend in hospice. One of the ministries she enjoyed was working with abused women. She showed me an exercise she used with them, and I realized it could be used to add depth to a character.

All you need is paper and pen.

Draw a tree.

Add apples. The number of apples must be less than the age of your character.

Count the apples. The number of apples is the age your character was when something traumatic happened to him/her.

Make up that traumatic incident.

Weave it into your plot.

Ta-da!

Free Story

In 2010 when the small press that was to publish Bryony pushed back publication by a year (after we had done nine months of premarketing), my publicist suggested I keep the momentum going by writing a short story based on the novel for public readings.

I had no ideas, but she had one: a story about Brian's stray cat, Snowbell.

So I wrote the story, printed copies for my family as a Christmas present and read it at a few events. This year, after vanishing from the event scene for a few years following my family's economic crisis, I'm happy to report I will be appearing at two in October. Details should be available this week on the BryonySeries website.

At these events, I will have copies of Snowbell to distribute to the first fifteen people interested in receiving one. The copies are completely free. We (or should I say Rebekah) is working on making a free electronic copy available on the website.

I feel it's a nice way to offer new readers a sample of the series as well as to say "thank you" to loyal readers over the years.

Pigeon Pasta Pie

While researching nineteenth century hotels and their restaurants in order to create the Wisten Hotel in Jensen for Before the Blood, I came across a mention of "pigeon compote," the most popular item at one New York venue. Most requested side to accompany it? Baked macaroni.

I asked Timothy if he had a recipe for it, and he'd never heard of it, but he did a little digging and decided it was a type of stew. I couldn't find a recipe for it online, but here is a pigeon and macaroni recipe that is sure to please.

http://fxcuisine.com/Default.asp?language=2&Display=106&resolution=high

If you prefer boiled and stuffed pigeons (one of the items served at John and Bryony Simons' wedding) check out the ofifcial BryonySeries' cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

And happy eating!

All cookbook proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.html.

The Rainy Day/Captain Kelly's (Irish button accordion and tin whistle)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 4 through Sept. 9

Talk about hitting the ground running!

Two Fridays ago, while still at Sarah's home in Raleigh, I started catching up on email and really haven't slowed down. Except for a surprise invitation to a birthday party on Friday night, Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and my daily power walks, I worked all of last week, the entire weekend, and this past week, too. So today is my holiday day.

My duties are The Herald-News are being shifted slightly, so I will be writing less feature covers, but more features, possibly, for the news side. I'll also start video training next week, but more on the reason for that later.

If you read only one story in the short list below, I suggest the piece on the living kidney donors. I've written several stories (links in the story) on a Joliet man who needs a kidney and shared the donation process by telling the stories of three people who did. One story is especially unique because one young man has gone through it all: he donated at age 21, went into kidney failure, received a transplant, and then had the kidney removed due to reject.

So now that I have some time off, what will I be doing? Today, it's fiction and a movie the kids want to see. If possible, I'll be visiting a friend in hospice either today or tomorrow and shooting video for an especially heartbreaking story I'm working on. I'm going out to dinner tomorrow night. Divine Liturgy on Sunday out to dinner in the afternoon, and then work.

And here's the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Okay! Now for the stories. :)


Joliet area donors encourage living kidney donations (VIDEO EXTRA)

Three living kidney donors share their experiences

"I have grown in faith in the Lord and have put these issues in his hands," Martin Peto said. "As a man, I'm used to being proactive and not reactive, which is silly because it's the Lord controlling everything. It's a huge, life-changing experience, especially when you're facing a type of treatment you need to stay alive."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/29/joliet-area-donors-encourage-living-kidney-donations/ab5w4rj/

AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: : Minooka man strove to give his children and grandchildren a better life 

Quietly and without fanfare, Minooka man attained the American dream

“My dad was the life of every party, without ever having to say a word,” Ken Dryier Jr. said in an email. “He made sure your plate was always full, and your glass was never empty.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/31/minooka-man-strove-to-give-his-children-and-grandchildren-a-better-life/agbyxfa/

Joliet Junior College gallery director hosts retirement art exhibition (VIDEO EXTRA)

Joe Milosevich's retirement art exhibition connects a lifetime of interests

"Most people would call this 'found object sculpture,' but I like the term 'collected' as opposed to 'found,'" Joe Milosevich said. "I do find things randomly, but it's a collection at the same time."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/05/joliet-junior-college-gallery-director-hosts-retirement-art-exhibition/arulkx1/

Plainfield man stars in rock musical about racing in Chicago

Rock musical combines love and racing in a 1965 setting

“It’s one of those shows that keeps going. It never slows down.” Selefski said. “It’s high energy and it has its raunchy moments. It’s not for children, that’s for sure.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/04/plainfield-man-stars-in-rock-musical-about-racing-in-chicago/ar2500n/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: A Good Time Was Had By All

Monday, December 28, 2015

A Good Time Was Had By All

The weather outside was frightful, but the time inside was delightful.

I spent my last vacation day of 2015 getting up early to work on Before the Blood, partake of a breakfast feast (homemade wildberry waffles and pancakes, sausage) prepared by Timothy and Daniel, followed by eight hours (more or less) of board games and UNO, in honor of Rebekah's twentieth birthday two years ago. (Don't ask).

We laughed; we argued; we laughed at each other: all hallmarks of good family fun. We even forgot to capture it in photos, even more of a hallmark of good family fun. Not even a selfie.

Last week, we had a scary health scare, which made for a partially horrible week (Christmas made up for it).

We've had a rough road the last few years, but we are thankful; we are blessed; and we are looking forward to the future and 2016 with joyful anticipation.

Just about sums it up, I think.

Clever crow tries to trick man out of a frying pan - Funny Amazing

White Space: Beyond Show and Tell

"Show, don't tell," authors often hear, while another camp counters with, "You must have a good balance between show and tell."

I've shared my thoughts in past blogs (links below).

Visual artists know the concept of "white space" (also referred to as negative space), the area around the illustration in a design or painting to highlight the depiction or give reset to the eyes. In music, silence is often called white space. In publishing, it's the unmarked parts of pages. In acting, it's the dramatic pauses, the non-movements that underscore the speaking and motions.

It's effective in writing, too, especially for underscoring, tension, foreshadowing, and strong emotion. It's the moment when all action, talking, and even thinking cease.

Here's a couple of somewhat similar examples from Before the Blood:

No sooner had the carriage door closed when John said, "I'm not playing for Jacob King."

Kellen seized John by the throat, shoved him against the cushions, and hissed, "You'll do as you're told!"

John pried his fingers between his neck and Kellen's steel grasp.

"Kill me." John's strangled voice was firm. "I'm not playing."

Exasperated at this latest defiance, Kellen let go and threw up his hands. John, gasping, loosed his collar and rubbed life back into his neck.

Did dog owners have this trouble?

"Humor me, John," Kellen said in a tone that clearly conveyed he didn't find this recent objection humorous. "Why not?"

"I won't play for my father's associates."

Abbott King again!

God damn it! Think, Kellen, think.

Ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder, ponder.

"John, I'm hurt you could even think it. Playing for your father's associates? The idea!"

Still rubbing, but breathing normally now, John looked at Kellen with curious surprise.

"You told Jacob King..."

"...that you would play for his daughter, Agnes. Jacob's solution was tomorrow night's dinner party. Can I help that Jacob King frolics in the same toy room as your father?"

John said nothing. Feeling triumphant, Kellen switched to wheedling.

"You wouldn't disappoint such a lovely young lady, the beloved fiancee of your good friend, would you?"

"Agnes is indeed lovely," John said quietly, "a rare soul, angelic and pure."

"Well, there you have it..."

"She doesn't deserve what she's getting."'

"She doesn't deserve a concert by the celebrated and internationally acclaimed John Simons?"

John leaned against the cushions and closed his eyes. "I'll play."

It was a quiet ride back to the Savoy. 

(Before the Blood, Kellen's Story, Chapter 9: The Suite Life)

Soon, they were settled near the fire in Lawrence's private parlor.

            "Albert and I usually stay in New York through the holidays. The distraction soaks up my inevitable pining for former days. But this year, I don't know, Nephew, this year, I wanted to spend that time with you."

            "Yes, Uncle."

            Lawrence remained erect, but his face over the tea cup looked troubled. "You don't understand, do you?"

            "Forgive my ignorance, Uncle. I do not."

            "Have you never celebrated Christmas or the turning of the year?"

            "Celebrate?"

            Lawrence turned pale. He sipped and then softly said, "Louise loved holidays."

            Holidays?

            Henry's hands shook so hard he had to set down the tea cup and willed the trembling to stop. His innards churned with bitter anger.

            He knew holidays: the changing of the decor in shop windows. Any day Henry's stomach didn't growl with hunger, and his lungs worked as they ought was a holiday.

            Celebrate?

             Sure they celebrated, any time Harold stole pickles and other delights from Mrs. Variola's store.

            He dug his nails into the chair's arms, so great was the urge to shout those words. He wanted to shatter the rich little girl image of his mother his uncle persisted in keeping, a beautiful little girl Henry never met.    

            But Lawrence look so distressed with his quivering lips and crumpled face that Henry, despite his own heartache, couldn't bring himself to do it.

            Silently, they finished their tea.

(Before the Blood, Henry's Story, Chapter 6: Haute Coutre)

For more on show and tell, check out these links:

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2015/06/some-show-dont-tell-misconceptions.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2015/02/show-some-emotion.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2014/12/is-your-show-working-one-quick-trick.html

Laboring on Labor Day

I've been the weekend/holiday editor for the past three days.

It allows me the opportunity to bless the other editors with a block of time off.

It allows me to express my thankfulness on a day set aside to honor workers. So many people loathe their jobs. Despite the challenges thrown my way, I've had the humbling blessing of spending my adult life engaged in work I adore.

No fiction (although opening up the manuscript for thirty minutes as soon as I post this), but only because I wanted to stay focus on some work projects I wanted to accomplish. So far, so good, although I've had to revise that to-do list more times than I can count.

I hope everyone reading this today has a joyous and safe holiday. 

Preparing Snipe

            "Tell me," the squire said as he fastened his luscious blue eyes on Kellen, eyes that showed only concern, not a burning fever to be owned, "of what topic did my niece converse."

            Kellen held the gaze, but said nothing. Think, damn it!

            Ponder, ponder, ponder.

            The squire's eyes narrowed in growing annoyance at the delay. "I said, 'Of what topic,,,'"

            "Oh, Squire, forgive my hesitation in responding. I only wish to avoid offending you."

            "Offend me? You're more like to offend me by your silence than your speech." The squire glanced around at his guards, armed and ready to act. "Now for the last time, 'Of what topic...'"

            "Dinner. She spoke of dinner."

            "Dinner?"

            "She was unhappy with the snipe."

            "Anything else?"

            "None, Squire. I was merely reluctant to cast aspersions on the food after I had so heartily supped."

            To underscore his point, Kellen patted his stomach, bursting, not with snipe, but with the squire's chewed up niece.

Before the Blood, Kellen's Story, Chapter 7: Starting Fresh

Check out a dozen or so snipe recipes here: http://www.thesnipehunter.com/page26.html

For more great recipes based on the first book in the BryonySeries, check out Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony". All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.html.

Marianne's Labor Day Party Irish Songs Part 1

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 20 through Sept. 2

A week of catch-up from vacation while trying to go forward into the new week, but it's also been a great week. As much as I love Raleigh and spending down time with family, I also love this job and am very happy to be back.

Yes, even when I'm working through the weekend and holiday. One new change since I've been gone: the covers for the Health section willl come from national news, the result of a compressed editorial staff and my supervisor's hope that I can take on some features for the news section. From time to time, I will write some shorter health-themed stories for the section and stories that are health-related (such as my People cover on Sunday) will appear in other sections.

So what's run, feature-wise, since I've been there and back?

Well, you can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Founder of New Lenox's ShareFest is a helper connecting other helpers (VIDEO EXTRA)

Gary Cheney said God and volunteers make ShareFest a success

The sheer volume of the projects Cheney organizes boggles the mind. 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/18/founder-of-new-lenoxs-sharefest-is-a-helper-connecting-other-helpers/acxz7d0/


Minooka man builds a full life while fighting a rare cancer

Bill Allen didn’t let ACC interfere with his goals

“Unless you knew Bill on a personal level, you would have never known he had cancer,” Bill’s wife, Ashliegh Allen, wrote in an email.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/12/minooka-man-builds-a-full-life-while-fighting-a-rare-cancer/abks3vj/


Former Joliet resident has arranged music for popular entertainers (VIDEO EXTRA)

Arranger Fred Wayne has also played and taught music

“I’ve written for Frank Sinatra Jr. – who just passed away – and Dizzy Gillespie,” Wayne said. “I wrote for Clark Terry – I did over 50 arrangements for him.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/10/former-joliet-resident-has-arranged-music-for-popular-entertainers/a6bkhr7/

An Extraordinary Life: Family came first for Joliet woman

Gwen Dickerson-Johnson faithfully served her home family and her church family

“Gwen was like the Road Runner. She went all the time,” her sister Darlene Bradley said. “You could always find her at the church doing something. 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/05/an-extraordinary-life-family-came-first-for-joliet-woman/afjtxdi/


Joliet attorney learns spiritual lessons from pool (VIDEO EXTRA)

Stephen Saporta found a loving God at the pool table

Joliet attorney Stephen Saporta isn’t proud of the first time Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, an ESPN and world master trick-shot champion, visited his house for dinner and a friendly game of pool.

“I was so competitive, I wanted to destroy him,” Saporta said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/29/joliet-attorney-learns-spiritual-lessons-from-pool/awglhn3/


Three Joliet area novelists share insights on crime fiction (VIDEO EXTRA)

Val Bruech, Mike Markley and Sue Merrell discuss their crime novels

Draws might be the ethics of right and wrong, the thrill of the cat-and-mouse chase, the mystery of whodunit or the spurious connection to an actual murder.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/08/30/three-joliet-area-novelists-share-insights-on-crime-fiction/adjm263/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: I'm Behind and It's Getting Done Anyway, Go Figure!

Monday, September 12, 2011

I'm Behind and It's Getting Done Anyway, Go Figure!

"Well, in our country," said Alice, still panting a little, "you'd generally get to somewhere else -- if you ran very fast for a long time, as we've been doing."

"A slow sort of country!" said the Queen. "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!"
(Lewis Carroll, "Through the Looking Glass.")


Ever have days like this?

I'm having a few WEEKS like this. My family has gone from crisis to crisis, and everytime we think we're catching up, well, life tosses another little ball of trouble to play with.

It's only Monday and my "to-do" list is way longer than my "ta-da" list for all of last week. Just a few days ago, someone from Bryony's marketing team expressed real concern I'd have no time to attend events, etc. I assured him I would accomplish what I must accomplish.

This weekend, new challenges arose while others that loomed ferocious last week simply melted away. This morning, the weight of still more are pressing upon me, screaming for attention.

My publicist calls out of the blue, and I answer with a cheery, convoluted greeting I've already forgotten. No matter. She laughed and asked, "Do you invent these just for me?"

"No," I told her honestly, "They're to keep me sane."

Today, for all its stressors, has been a day of pleasant surprises.

For instance, erlier this month, I stepped out in faith and accepted an acquaintance's offer to shoulder a big project for me. I didn't understand the task, the time committment to her, and what the job entailed, but to outsource it would be expensive, so I reluctantly agreed, then stalled, figuring she'd forget about it.

She didn't. She called--many times--and insisted she could get it done for me in a timely fashion, so please, please, please do not outsource it. I prayed, then sent the information her way.

While she worked, I fretted. What if she had made empty promises? What if she exaggerated her abilities? After all, I only had her word she could do it. What if she an emergency on her home front prohibited completion? I was, after all, on deadline.

I even shared my fears with her. She just good-naturedly laughed at me and said, "God is in control." In return, I asked for step-by-step timelines and multiple reassurances of her ability to meet the deadline.

Then, this morning, there it was, sitting in my inbox. The most difficult part of the job was done, ready for my approval. It's beautiful and professionally formatted. She is now ready to tackle another project for me, out of the kindness of her heart. Is God not good?

So, with my heaping schedule overflowing, I squeezed an extra interview into my morning to help out a local pastor turned artist about his upcoming event.

I knew about the event months in advance, but the information I needed was not sent until Friday. His event is this Friday, almost too late to get a story sent in time, but I picked up the phone and called him anyway. Boy, am I glad I did.

Conversing with him was real joy. He fought depression after the death of a fellow pastor and found healing in painting. His delight in the process of creating spilled into his words. I knew that feeling from writing Bryony. I was happy I'd called.

A late afternoon appointment just cancelled, opening a door to dig into that stack of work. But first, I met with two lovely women to learn about a very special christening dress with an interesting "Bryony" twist.

Mums the word until the Herald News runs the story first.