The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Bulldog Sloppy Joe
On Halloween, Steve
thoughtfully prepared a large pot of his barbecue beef so Melissa and Brian
could eat early and have plenty of time to get into their costumes. Dressing as
Bryony could have been more fun, had Melissa realized at the time the irony of
Brian’s vampire garb.
Bulldog Sloppy Joe
By Jeremiah Boerema
3 pounds ground beef
½ to 1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup barbecue sauce, preferable Sweet Baby Rays
Brown ground beef and onions at the same time over medium to
high heat. Mix the remaining ingredients for the sauce well. Drain off the
extra fat from the meat and onion mixture. Add sauce, stir, and simmer for 5 to
10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If extra sauce is desired, add equal parts
of ketchup and barbecue sauce. To achieve the Bulldog effect, use green ketchup
instead of red. Yield: 6 to 8 servings
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.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 23 through Oct. 28
A full day ahead followed by my monthly fiction writing workshop tonight and then a full Saturday of fiction writing, the first in over a month. Even so, it will be a day of deadlines, as I'm wrapping up details for the launch of my two children's series (The Adventures of Cornell Dyer and Bertrand the Mouse) next month. And I'll be doing some preparation on WriteOn Joliet's mic night in December.
Still, the goal is to get lost in Before the Blood for part of that time. So we shall see. And now, on to the "real" writing.
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.
I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/
Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
Thank you for reading The Herald-News.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/20/joliet-teacher-recognized-for-her-mission-of-inspiring-students-to-be-their-best/awqecay/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/an-extraordinary-life-morris-woman-let-gods-grace-shine-through-her-cancer-experience/aufp6ol/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/25/diocese-of-joliet-director-of-vocations-is-also-the-catholic-chaplain-for-the-chicago-cubs/ajyej6k/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/plainfield-church-offers-program-to-welcome-fallen-away-catholics-back-to-their-faith/a184m9f/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/26/lockport-church-showcases-50-year-organ-with-a-showing-of-the-bat/ajpkhyu/
Still, the goal is to get lost in Before the Blood for part of that time. So we shall see. And now, on to the "real" writing.
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.
I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/
Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
Thank you for reading The Herald-News.
Joliet teacher recognized for her mission of inspiring
students to be their best
Patti Edwards guides her students into making the world a
better place
“It’s a passion of mine to help people be the most they can
be, that they have a purpose and make an impact on others by the words they say
and their actions,” Edwards said.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/20/joliet-teacher-recognized-for-her-mission-of-inspiring-students-to-be-their-best/awqecay/
An Extraordinary Life: Morris woman let God's grace shine
through her cancer experience
Rene' Genau's prayers were answered
“Her primary concern was that she glorify God with her
life,” Ed Genau, Rene’s husband, said.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/an-extraordinary-life-morris-woman-let-gods-grace-shine-through-her-cancer-experience/aufp6ol/
Diocese of Joliet director of vocations is also the Catholic
chaplain for the Chicago Cubs
The Rev. Burke Masters cares for the spiritual needs of the
Cubs
“God doesn’t take away our passions. God doesn’t take away
the things we’re good at,” Masters said. “Instead, he brings out the best
possible use of our gifts and talents. In my wildest dreams I never imagined
it, but in God’s plan, I think he planned this all along.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/25/diocese-of-joliet-director-of-vocations-is-also-the-catholic-chaplain-for-the-chicago-cubs/ajyej6k/
Plainfield church offers program to welcome fallen-away
Catholics back to their faith
‘Catholics Returning Home’ welcomes non practicing Catholics
Kathy Marcucci enrolled in the program – and literally felt
as if she’d come home. Marcucci credits the program’s leader, Deacon Tom
O’Connell, for his safe, supportive, nonjudgmental compassion
“It was like sitting down and talking to your father about
anything,” Marcucci said. “I left the cradle part of Catholic at the door that
night and have been a practicing Catholic ever since.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/plainfield-church-offers-program-to-welcome-fallen-away-catholics-back-to-their-faith/a184m9f/
Lockport church showcases 50-year organ with a showing of
'The Bat'
See ‘The Bat’ to live organ accompaniment Saturday
Even if someone has seen “The Bat,” John Devona, the church's interim music director, feels the
addition of Warren will make another viewing worthwhile.
“If you listen to any movie, like ‘Star Wars,’ it’s the
music that gives cues to the viewer on what’s happening,” Devona said. “Because
people don’t speak in silent movies, the music means so much more. It conveys
emotions; it conveys suspense and special effects, like when a door opens or
when something falls or when a doorbell rings.”
Thursday, October 27, 2016
BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Why Vampires
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Why Vampires?
I’m not sure why, but of all the supernatural creatures, witches and vampires have held their greatest appeal.
My fascination with witches stretches so far backward in time that it's almost subliminal. I have no idea where or how it began. I only remember wanting to dress up as a witch every Halloween, but my mother preferred less gory attire. I was a cowgirl in kindergarten and a drum majorette for the next couple years, followed by a cleaning lady.
My official introduction to vampires is easier to pinpoint. A neighbor boy was obsessed with monsters and knew all the old movies that had been made about them; he got us hooked. Each summer, one television stationed offered a morning movie series called, “Creature Features,” where, for a week or two, five days a week, it broadcasted those old favorites.
Somewhere, along the way, I decided vampires held an appeal mystique than werewolves (a close second), to Frankenstein, mummies, or Godzilla. I’ve not outgrown that attraction.
My fascination with witches stretches so far backward in time that it's almost subliminal. I have no idea where or how it began. I only remember wanting to dress up as a witch every Halloween, but my mother preferred less gory attire. I was a cowgirl in kindergarten and a drum majorette for the next couple years, followed by a cleaning lady.
My official introduction to vampires is easier to pinpoint. A neighbor boy was obsessed with monsters and knew all the old movies that had been made about them; he got us hooked. Each summer, one television stationed offered a morning movie series called, “Creature Features,” where, for a week or two, five days a week, it broadcasted those old favorites.
Somewhere, along the way, I decided vampires held an appeal mystique than werewolves (a close second), to Frankenstein, mummies, or Godzilla. I’ve not outgrown that attraction.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
The Marketing Challenge...
...especially for an author (me) who has chosen the hard way to publish (as if other ways are easy).
I have self-published (without backing of a traditional press) a literary-ish (difficult to market even for a traditional press) gothic-ish (a dead genre) trilogy.
So how do I connect readers to the reading? What has worked? What has not worked? What won't I do?
Won'ts/Not worked:
1) Blow up my social media feed with exhortations to buy my book or follow me because I'm an expert in "this" or because my writing is so "that." Social media is meant to be social, not MEdia. There's plenty of that online already. It turns me off. I'm sure it turns others oof, too.
2) Keep doing the same thing over and over and over if it's not working. Example: craft fairs (unless I ever auxiliary craft items to sell, in which case craft fairs would be a marketing opportunity for me). One member of WriteOn Joliet says she does well at craft fairs. I have not.
3) Author events that aren't part of a larger event. Example #1: Coming into the venue where I am the only draw. I'm sorry stunning enough for people to take a chance (I hear objections from loved ones, but it's true). Example #2: I did well at Indie Author Day at the Plainfield Public Library. Organizers planned conservatively (a small room with about fifty chairs set up for the author panel). The day consisted of a one-hour author panel and then one hour to browse the authors.
4) Paying an exorbitant price for table space. I almost never make the money back. Exception: My mother paid almost $300 a few years back to be part of a three-day craft fair at a local mall. We did well the first two days and almost made our money back.
5) Spend so much time marketing that I lose sight of writing.
What's worked:
Consistently? Nothing.
Moderately: Again, being part of a larger event.
Ironically: random online purchases (go figure), especially overseas. This last doesn't surprise me, as that had been my hunch when I began the series.
And yet: I have a small tribe of extremely devoted fans (i.e. not my family and friends) that LOVE this series and exhort me to push the marketing.
The challenge:
Finding ways, and then encouraging, other authors to find their ways, to connect their books to the right readers. I have a hunch some of it might be genre specific, but that's okay.
I'll keep you posted of my progress (or lack thereof...)
I have self-published (without backing of a traditional press) a literary-ish (difficult to market even for a traditional press) gothic-ish (a dead genre) trilogy.
So how do I connect readers to the reading? What has worked? What has not worked? What won't I do?
Won'ts/Not worked:
1) Blow up my social media feed with exhortations to buy my book or follow me because I'm an expert in "this" or because my writing is so "that." Social media is meant to be social, not MEdia. There's plenty of that online already. It turns me off. I'm sure it turns others oof, too.
2) Keep doing the same thing over and over and over if it's not working. Example: craft fairs (unless I ever auxiliary craft items to sell, in which case craft fairs would be a marketing opportunity for me). One member of WriteOn Joliet says she does well at craft fairs. I have not.
3) Author events that aren't part of a larger event. Example #1: Coming into the venue where I am the only draw. I'm sorry stunning enough for people to take a chance (I hear objections from loved ones, but it's true). Example #2: I did well at Indie Author Day at the Plainfield Public Library. Organizers planned conservatively (a small room with about fifty chairs set up for the author panel). The day consisted of a one-hour author panel and then one hour to browse the authors.
4) Paying an exorbitant price for table space. I almost never make the money back. Exception: My mother paid almost $300 a few years back to be part of a three-day craft fair at a local mall. We did well the first two days and almost made our money back.
5) Spend so much time marketing that I lose sight of writing.
What's worked:
Consistently? Nothing.
Moderately: Again, being part of a larger event.
Ironically: random online purchases (go figure), especially overseas. This last doesn't surprise me, as that had been my hunch when I began the series.
And yet: I have a small tribe of extremely devoted fans (i.e. not my family and friends) that LOVE this series and exhort me to push the marketing.
The challenge:
Finding ways, and then encouraging, other authors to find their ways, to connect their books to the right readers. I have a hunch some of it might be genre specific, but that's okay.
I'll keep you posted of my progress (or lack thereof...)
Monday, October 24, 2016
At the Heart of Author Events
On Saturday, four Write-On Joliet writers appeared at The Book Market in Plainfield.
All four of us produced books of different genres, and all four of us have sold our books since they their publication. Three of us are professional writers by trade and have worked as writers for decades.
All four of us marketed the event. The store owner created a display of our books and handed out mini flyers to customers in the weeks preceding the event.
Traffic was slow, some friends and one customer.
Now don't get me wrong. We appreciate the support of our family and friends. Indeed, that support is often what keeps us motivated to churn out text. Never, ever do we underestimate the belief our loved ones invest in us.
But the reason why we write is to reach readers who will be as passionate about our written words as we are, as our loved ones are. Reaching our readers is a frustrating, often fruitless, process for indie and traditionally published authors alike.
We hunger for readers to read and love our work. Readers want to find good books. We have good books. And we're often clueless how to connect the two.
YES, we had a good time. YES, we enjoyed meeting you and reconnecting with supporters.
But, as we unpacked and set up, I'm certain each of us secretly hoped we'd sell out our merchandise. I'm sure the owner of The Book Market secretly hoped the same. And, of course, most of it went back into the boxes at the end of those two hours.
As we were packing up, one of those authors turned to me and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
I don't.
But it's a concept I've been musing on and researching for the past few months. I'll share as I go.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Codfish (a breakfast recipe)
As much as Melissa enjoyed playing Bryony, she found some of
Munsonville’s Victorian foods difficult to stomach, especially when they
appeared on her breakfast tray. Here is one of the recipes for Melissa’s initial
breakfasts at Simons
Mansion (I can't imagine), adapted from
Codfish
Boiled potatoes, mashed
Codfish, cooked and mashed
Cream or milk
Lard
Pepper
Mix potatoes and fish together, adding some cream or milk,
and a little pepper, make them into round cakes an inch thick, and fry them in
fresh lard.
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.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Today at The Book Market
Today is an appreciation post. Monday's post will recap my impressions.
First of all, a huge THANK YOU to Sue Merrell for arrranging the event and inviting me to participate, The Book Market owner Jan Staley for hosting and promoting us; Allie Rios for handling the extras: promotional flyers, author one-sheets, frames, and a Facebook ad; Daniel Baran for transportation; and Rebekah Baran for her phenomenal "take charge" organizational and managerial skills.
I'm blessed to know and collaborate with some really outstanding people. God is truly good.
The venue:
The Book Market, an indie shop of new and used books, is located at 2366 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/newandusedbooks/ and http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/13/crest-hill-bookstore-expands-across-the-street/atrjgyw/
My fellow WriteOn Joliet authors:
Sue Merrell writes crime fiction. The setting and incidents are based on similar ones in the Joliet area. For more information, visit suemerrellbooks.com.
Allie Rios writes inspirational fiction on the theme of healing. She also has a collection of stories about brain cancer battles (including the story of her mother) that benefits the American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org. Find her on Facebook at Allison Rios, Author and at www.amijustmom.blogspot.com.
Ralph Carey, a recovering alcoholic, has an inspirational book about the recovery journey. Find him on Facebook at Life's Wisdom Overcoming Addiction.
From left: Ralph Carey, Jan Staley, Allie Rios, Denise M. Baran-Unland, Sue Merrell
First of all, a huge THANK YOU to Sue Merrell for arrranging the event and inviting me to participate, The Book Market owner Jan Staley for hosting and promoting us; Allie Rios for handling the extras: promotional flyers, author one-sheets, frames, and a Facebook ad; Daniel Baran for transportation; and Rebekah Baran for her phenomenal "take charge" organizational and managerial skills.
I'm blessed to know and collaborate with some really outstanding people. God is truly good.
The venue:
The Book Market, an indie shop of new and used books, is located at 2366 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/newandusedbooks/ and http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/13/crest-hill-bookstore-expands-across-the-street/atrjgyw/
My fellow WriteOn Joliet authors:
Sue Merrell writes crime fiction. The setting and incidents are based on similar ones in the Joliet area. For more information, visit suemerrellbooks.com.
Allie Rios writes inspirational fiction on the theme of healing. She also has a collection of stories about brain cancer battles (including the story of her mother) that benefits the American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org. Find her on Facebook at Allison Rios, Author and at www.amijustmom.blogspot.com.
Ralph Carey, a recovering alcoholic, has an inspirational book about the recovery journey. Find him on Facebook at Life's Wisdom Overcoming Addiction.
From left: Ralph Carey, Jan Staley, Allie Rios, Denise M. Baran-Unland, Sue Merrell
Friday, October 21, 2016
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 16 through Oct. 21
I'm already behind today, so no fiction-writing this morning, but I shall make up for it tonight.
The organizer for my monthly fiction workshop pushed it back to next Friday evening, giving me an unexpected night to spend transferring the images in my mind to the computer. ;)
It's been a transition week. The Herald-News now has a new managing editor ("Welcome, Jon Styf!") who we are all adjusting into the new routine. Also, as last week closed, I marched straight into a working weekend as the weekend editor, pausing only for Divine Liturgy on Sunday and a funeral that evening, and kept going into this week. The break tonight will be most welcome (once I do finally get home, that is).
Also, a quick reminder: Tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Book Market on Plainfield Road, four WriteOn Joliet authors will be signing and selling books and chatting with customers. If you have time and inclination, come on out. Details are on my website www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
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.
I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/
Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
"Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/11/active-and-involved-joliet-centenarian-discusses-her-past-present-and-future/alj92wk/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/27/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-natives-faith-kindness-to-be-remembered-with-upcoming-fundraiser/azb8eim/
Morris mom battling rare blood clotting disorder; struggling to keep her home
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/15/morris-mom-battling-rare-blood-clotting-disorder-struggling-to-keep-her-home/aejgsjc/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/18/christian-rapper-will-share-stories-of-homelessness-faith-oct-27-in-new-lenox/az2plwn/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/18/rockdale-man-hand-prints-the-products-in-his-fitness-apparel-business/aoa4xp0/
The organizer for my monthly fiction workshop pushed it back to next Friday evening, giving me an unexpected night to spend transferring the images in my mind to the computer. ;)
It's been a transition week. The Herald-News now has a new managing editor ("Welcome, Jon Styf!") who we are all adjusting into the new routine. Also, as last week closed, I marched straight into a working weekend as the weekend editor, pausing only for Divine Liturgy on Sunday and a funeral that evening, and kept going into this week. The break tonight will be most welcome (once I do finally get home, that is).
Also, a quick reminder: Tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Book Market on Plainfield Road, four WriteOn Joliet authors will be signing and selling books and chatting with customers. If you have time and inclination, come on out. Details are on my website www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
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.
I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/
Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
"Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)
Active and involved Joliet centenarian discusses her past,
present and future
Margaret Lucas never thought she’d live to be 100
She’s the current treasurer for the Joliet chapter of the
National Active and Retired Federal Employees – where Lucas is a lifetime
member – and assistant accountant for the church she joined in 1961, First
Presbyterian in Joliet.
Maybe it’s time to let others pick up those roles, Lucas
reasoned. Lucas does, however, have one solid plan for her future, which she
said she shared with her cardiologist.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/11/active-and-involved-joliet-centenarian-discusses-her-past-present-and-future/alj92wk/
An Extraordinary Life: Joliet native's faith, kindness to be
remembered with upcoming fundraiser
The youngest of five children in a Catholic family that
lived near St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet, Richie always had “a special
connection with Christ.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/27/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-natives-faith-kindness-to-be-remembered-with-upcoming-fundraiser/azb8eim/
Morris mom battling rare blood clotting disorder; struggling to keep her home
Three blood clots later, Morris woman hoping to return to
work
“I’ve always worked in my adult life,” Minara said. “I took pride in working and not having to rely on people.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/15/morris-mom-battling-rare-blood-clotting-disorder-struggling-to-keep-her-home/aejgsjc/
Christian rapper will share stories of homelessness, faith
Oct. 27 in New Lenox
Milton Calvin’s original music is praise and ministry
“My mother taught us how to pray,” Calvin said. “She taught
us that Jesus was there no matter what, she taught us to keep the faith. These
things stayed with me throughout the hardest time of my life.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/18/christian-rapper-will-share-stories-of-homelessness-faith-oct-27-in-new-lenox/az2plwn/
Rockdale man hand prints the products in his fitness apparel
business
Jesus Reyes infuses his business with art and plenty of
meaning
Each item must inspire the wearer in some way. The name of
Reyes’ company is Corazón De Rey, or “heart of a king,” and it is this spirit
Reyes wants to convey through each step of the production and marketing
process.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/18/rockdale-man-hand-prints-the-products-in-his-fitness-apparel-business/aoa4xp0/
Thursday, October 20, 2016
BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Another Famous Tolstoy
Friday, October 15, 2010
Another Famous Tolstoy
Many people have heard of Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace), but not everyone knows that his cousin, Alexis Tolstoy, wrote vampires stories. I can’t find any of them online and his book,Vampires: Stories of the Supernatural, is out of print, but it is for sale on various sites that sell used books.
That book contains three stories: The Vampire, Family of a Vourdalak (dramatized by Boris Karloff in the movie, Black Sabbath, 1963), The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, and Amena. No favorites for me here; all four are exceptionally well-written.
The novella Vampire (1841) opens with young man, Runevsky, attending a ball. One guest comments about the number oupyrs (vampires) present at the event and points them out to Runevsky. Of course, Runevsky falls in love with the granddaughter, Dasha, of one of the purported vampires and begins to court her. Strange things happen to him when he visits the family. When they tell fortunes by reading random passages from books, Dasha reads the chilling, “And the grandmother will suck her granddaughter’s blood.” Then Runevsky spends the night in a room that contains an old-fashioned portrait of a deceased relative, who naturally resembles Dasha. Known as the first modern Russian vampire story, The Vampire also weaves elements of Greek mythology and contains interesting dream states.
The short story Family of a Vourdalak is the story of a Russian patriarch that leaves home to fight a band of bandits. He tells his family if returns after sunset on a particular day not to let him inside, for he will be a vourdalak (vampire). Since he arrives immediately at sunset, the family is uncertain what to do and allow him entrance. Wrong decision.
In The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, a duchess, after a carriage accident, becomes the guest at a macabre reunion of guests. Amena is set during the Christian persecutions. A man, destined to be martyred for his faith with his companions, is sidetracked by a seductively mysterious woman.
I first read this book at my local library, so perhaps yours has it, too. Definitely worth the price if you buy.
That book contains three stories: The Vampire, Family of a Vourdalak (dramatized by Boris Karloff in the movie, Black Sabbath, 1963), The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, and Amena. No favorites for me here; all four are exceptionally well-written.
The novella Vampire (1841) opens with young man, Runevsky, attending a ball. One guest comments about the number oupyrs (vampires) present at the event and points them out to Runevsky. Of course, Runevsky falls in love with the granddaughter, Dasha, of one of the purported vampires and begins to court her. Strange things happen to him when he visits the family. When they tell fortunes by reading random passages from books, Dasha reads the chilling, “And the grandmother will suck her granddaughter’s blood.” Then Runevsky spends the night in a room that contains an old-fashioned portrait of a deceased relative, who naturally resembles Dasha. Known as the first modern Russian vampire story, The Vampire also weaves elements of Greek mythology and contains interesting dream states.
The short story Family of a Vourdalak is the story of a Russian patriarch that leaves home to fight a band of bandits. He tells his family if returns after sunset on a particular day not to let him inside, for he will be a vourdalak (vampire). Since he arrives immediately at sunset, the family is uncertain what to do and allow him entrance. Wrong decision.
In The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, a duchess, after a carriage accident, becomes the guest at a macabre reunion of guests. Amena is set during the Christian persecutions. A man, destined to be martyred for his faith with his companions, is sidetracked by a seductively mysterious woman.
I first read this book at my local library, so perhaps yours has it, too. Definitely worth the price if you buy.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Why You Should Never, Ever Be the Last Eyes on Your Writing
It was truly a "laugh out loud" moment. And I was in a meeting (oops).
While formatting my first "Bertrand" book for publication, a book I've edited and, yes, even run through spell check, Rebekah found this "oopsie" and texted it to me.
The story's premise, suggested to me by my grandson Lucas, is about Bertrand the Mouse finding a lucky clover. Because it worked with my plot in another story, I made it a six-leaf clover.
Repeat: Bertrand finds a SIX-LEAF clover.
Despite being dyslexic, Rebekah can catch an obvious typo, even when it looks correct to spell check. Mostly, she had what I had not: a fresh pair of eyes.
Oh, how a picture is worth a thousand right words.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Slacking and Four-Author Event Reminder
But only in fiction. But only because my features writing and editing consumed my time this weekend.
It felt satisfying to get so much accomplished, yet frustrating, too, because half the list remained. (My lists are rather ambitious).
However, before I left for a funeral last night, I did reread, aloud (because my WriteOn Joliet co-leader says I read too quickly) the selection I'm bringing to the meeting Thursday night. I also printed out copies and tucked them into my laptop bag. That probably counts as fiction, right/write?
A reminder for readers in the Joliet area: Four members of WriteOn Joliet will chat and sign books this Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Book Market at 2366 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.
Sue Merrell writes crime fiction. The setting and incidents are based on similar ones in the Joliet area. For more information, visit suemerrellbooks.com.
Allie Rios writes inspirational fiction on the theme of healing. She also has a collection of stories about brain cancer battles (including the story of her mother) that benefits the American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org. Find her on Facebook at Allison Rios, Author.
Ralph Carey, a recovering alcoholic, has an inspirational book about the recovery journey. Find him on Facebook at Life's Wisdom Overcoming Addiction.
For people on a budget, I'm giving away fifteen copies of Snowbell that day.
For more information, visit www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
Have a great Monday, vampire fans! :)
It felt satisfying to get so much accomplished, yet frustrating, too, because half the list remained. (My lists are rather ambitious).
However, before I left for a funeral last night, I did reread, aloud (because my WriteOn Joliet co-leader says I read too quickly) the selection I'm bringing to the meeting Thursday night. I also printed out copies and tucked them into my laptop bag. That probably counts as fiction, right/write?
A reminder for readers in the Joliet area: Four members of WriteOn Joliet will chat and sign books this Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Book Market at 2366 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.
Sue Merrell writes crime fiction. The setting and incidents are based on similar ones in the Joliet area. For more information, visit suemerrellbooks.com.
Allie Rios writes inspirational fiction on the theme of healing. She also has a collection of stories about brain cancer battles (including the story of her mother) that benefits the American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org. Find her on Facebook at Allison Rios, Author.
Ralph Carey, a recovering alcoholic, has an inspirational book about the recovery journey. Find him on Facebook at Life's Wisdom Overcoming Addiction.
For people on a budget, I'm giving away fifteen copies of Snowbell that day.
For more information, visit www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
Have a great Monday, vampire fans! :)
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Cottage Cheese Balls
As much as Melissa
enjoyed playing Bryony, she found some of Munsonville’s Victorian foods
difficult to stomach, especially when they appeared on her breakfast tray. Here is one that Melissa encountered during those initial breakfasts at Simons Mansion
This recipe is from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her
Treatise on domestic economy.
Obviously, serving up cottage cheese in the nineteenth century was a little more complicated than it is today.
Cottage Cheese Balls
Let the milk be turned by rennet (see below) or by setting
it in a warm place. It must not be heated, as the oily part will then pass off,
and the richness is lost. When fully turned, put it in a coarse linen bag, and
hang it to drain for several hours, till all the whey is out. Then mash it
fine, salt it to the taste, and thin it with good cream, or add a little cream
and roll it into balls. When thin, it is very fine with preserves or sugared
fruit.
It also makes a fine pudding, by thinning it with milk, and
adding eggs and sugar, and spice to the taste, and baking it. Many persons use
milk when turned for a dessert, putting on sugar and spice. Children are fond
of it.
To Prepare Rennet
1 stomach of a new-killed calf
Salt
Salt-petre
1 teaspoon vinegar
Take the stomach of a new-killed calf, and do not wash it,
as it weakens the gastric juice. Hang it in a cool and dry place 5 days or so,
the turn the inside out and slip off the curds with the hand. The fill it with
salt, with a little salt-petre mixed in, and lay it in a stone pot, pouring on vinegar,
and sprinkling on a handful of salt. Cover it closely and keep for use.
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.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Friday, October 14, 2016
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 9 through Oct. 14
Very quick recap today, as it's been an extraordinarily busy wee, and I am far behind (as I go into a working weekend as the weekend editor for two newspapers).
Our managing editor announced on Monday that she has accepted a new job and is leaving today. Our new editor starts in three days.
I took on three extra cover stories this week, two for news and for that's supposed to be an anonymous byline, the third project in this series I've done so far (we're mixing them up among the editors).
And so huffing and puffing away, here's my weekly roundup of my writing work that pays my bills.
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.
I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/
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 for the last time, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/04/catholic-university-in-romeoville-to-host-a-secular-exhibit-exploring-forgiveness/a2sb26i/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/05/an-extraordinary-life-channahon-music-teacher-encouraged-excellence-in-her-students/a8bgq64/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/04/belmont-little-leagues-ballpark-in-joliet-in-serious-need-of-repair/a3sys56/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/03/will-county-take-back-the-night-committee-members-recall-20-years-of-rallying-against-abuse/a1bn32s/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/03/plainfield-church-to-offer-simulated-tours-of-third-world-countries/awt95ry/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/11/new-york-times-bestselling-author-with-coal-city-plainfield-ties-coming-to-joliet-library/a7a3x7u/
Our managing editor announced on Monday that she has accepted a new job and is leaving today. Our new editor starts in three days.
I took on three extra cover stories this week, two for news and for that's supposed to be an anonymous byline, the third project in this series I've done so far (we're mixing them up among the editors).
And so huffing and puffing away, here's my weekly roundup of my writing work that pays my bills.
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.
I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/
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 for the last time, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)
Catholic university in Romeoville to host a secular exhibit
exploring forgiveness
New exhibit at Lewis University shares personal accounts of
forgiveness
The very word “forgiveness” calls up varied images for
different people. Weakness. Heroism.
But forgiveness, Louise Hext, North America curator for the exhibit, said, does not mean condoning a
horrific act.
“It’s a very brave thing to sit down in front of a person
who murdered your only son and forgive him, but that’s what Mary Johnson did.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/04/catholic-university-in-romeoville-to-host-a-secular-exhibit-exploring-forgiveness/a2sb26i/
An Extraordinary Life: Channahon music teacher encouraged
excellence in her students
Claudia Krause made music special in her students’ lives
Kassy Krause also remembers being 8 or 9 and standing next to
Claudia while her mother sang a descant version of “Silent Night.”
“That was the most beautiful thing I ever heard my mother
sing,” Kassy said. “I remember thinking, ‘That’s what I want to be.’ ”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/05/an-extraordinary-life-channahon-music-teacher-encouraged-excellence-in-her-students/a8bgq64/
Belmont Little League's ballpark in Joliet in serious need
of repair
The PA system doesn’t work on any of the three fields, Shannon Wolf
said. Neither do the scoreboards. The dugouts on the older fields are so bad
that if it rains, the players are “sitting ducks.”
And don’t get Wolf, second vice president of the league and
former coach as well as player, started on the bleachers.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/04/belmont-little-leagues-ballpark-in-joliet-in-serious-need-of-repair/a3sys56/
Will County Take Back the Night committee members recall 20
years of rallying against abuse
Annual grass-roots event affecting views on domestic
violence
When Lora McGuire learned the student’s husband inflicted the
injury, she told the student, “You have to go to the police.” The student’s
reply stunned McGuire: “He is the police.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/03/will-county-take-back-the-night-committee-members-recall-20-years-of-rallying-against-abuse/a1bn32s/
Plainfield church to offer simulated tours of third world
countries
Bleak lives of 3rd World children shown in ‘The Compassion
Experience’
“I would encourage anyone to see it, especially if they
don’t have the money to go to another country,” Steve Hinkle said. “People will walk
away with a better understanding. I can’t think of another word other than
‘impactful.’ ”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/03/plainfield-church-to-offer-simulated-tours-of-third-world-countries/awt95ry/
New York Times bestselling author with Coal City, Plainfield
ties coming to Joliet library
Essex resident Denise Swanson shares her publishing journey
In 2010, she made the New York Times bestselling list for
the first time and then she made it five more times after that.
Swanson’s now delving into self-publishing with her romance
stories. Having experienced both sides of the publishing fence, she sees pros
and cons to each.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/11/new-york-times-bestselling-author-with-coal-city-plainfield-ties-coming-to-joliet-library/a7a3x7u/
Thursday, October 13, 2016
BryonySeriesThrowback Thursday: Cat Mews (News)
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 certified 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 certified 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.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Famous Last Words? How About Famous First Lines
One of my mother's favorite comebacks to comments from either my sister or me was, "Famous last words."
I don't have any of those to offer today, but I do have a link to famous FIRST words.
Sometimes, the hardest part about beginning a story or novel are the initial words.
For me, I almost always can't write any type of story (fiction, nonfiction, or otherwise) unless I have the first lines and the last lines.
Here's how other authors have managed this:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/famous-first-lines-learn-how-to-start-a-novel
I don't have any of those to offer today, but I do have a link to famous FIRST words.
Sometimes, the hardest part about beginning a story or novel are the initial words.
For me, I almost always can't write any type of story (fiction, nonfiction, or otherwise) unless I have the first lines and the last lines.
Here's how other authors have managed this:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/famous-first-lines-learn-how-to-start-a-novel
Monday, October 10, 2016
There's Nothing Like...
...the sale of a few books to rekindle enthusiasm for the craft.
...mingling with other writers and readers to appreciate the common interest thread.
...crisp autumn mornings to reawaken fresh ideas.
...swapping ideas to open up possibilities
...a nice hot cup of dark roast to start the morning
...three extra cover stories to stretch the abilities
...a house full of family and pets to remind me of my blessings.
Happy Monday, vampire fans! :)
...mingling with other writers and readers to appreciate the common interest thread.
...crisp autumn mornings to reawaken fresh ideas.
...swapping ideas to open up possibilities
...a nice hot cup of dark roast to start the morning
...three extra cover stories to stretch the abilities
...a house full of family and pets to remind me of my blessings.
Happy Monday, vampire fans! :)
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Bulldog Sloppy Joe
Bulldog Sloppy Joe
By Jeremiah Boerema
3 pounds ground beef
½ to 1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup barbecue sauce, preferable Sweet Baby Rays
Brown ground beef and onions at the same time over medium to
high heat. Mix the remaining ingredients for the sauce well. Drain off the
extra fat from the meat and onion mixture. Add sauce, stir, and simmer for 5 to
10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If extra sauce is desired, add equal parts
of ketchup and barbecue sauce. To achieve the Bulldog effect, use green ketchup
instead of red. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
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.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Plainfield Indie Author Fair Recap
First of all, kudos to the Plainfield Public Library District for running a terrific event!
I've done a number of these since I first published Bryony in 2011, the approach worked well: one hour for an author panel, one hour for the fair, and done.
No standing around for hours with other authors waiting for people to come. I shared information writing and publishing information; sold five books; and gave gave away fifteen copies of Snowbell, Halloween stickers, promo cards Timothy made for me regarding the first books in the Adventure of Cornell Dyer and Bertrand the Mouse series; and fielded interest about WriteOn Joliet.
All in two amazing hours, giving me enough time to stop by the Book Market in Joliet (where four of us WriterOnes are having a signing on Oct. 22) to give the owner some copies of my books for her display.
Best of all, I still have time to write today. Have a fantastic weekend!
So Rebekah creates a beautiful display and then ducks out of the photo, sheesh. :(
Rebekah's display up close - which shows the art of Christopher Gleason (Snowbell) and Sue Midlock (Cornell Dyer), as well the Bertrand and Cornell cards Timothy created for me.
I've done a number of these since I first published Bryony in 2011, the approach worked well: one hour for an author panel, one hour for the fair, and done.
No standing around for hours with other authors waiting for people to come. I shared information writing and publishing information; sold five books; and gave gave away fifteen copies of Snowbell, Halloween stickers, promo cards Timothy made for me regarding the first books in the Adventure of Cornell Dyer and Bertrand the Mouse series; and fielded interest about WriteOn Joliet.
All in two amazing hours, giving me enough time to stop by the Book Market in Joliet (where four of us WriterOnes are having a signing on Oct. 22) to give the owner some copies of my books for her display.
Best of all, I still have time to write today. Have a fantastic weekend!
So Rebekah creates a beautiful display and then ducks out of the photo, sheesh. :(
Rebekah's display up close - which shows the art of Christopher Gleason (Snowbell) and Sue Midlock (Cornell Dyer), as well the Bertrand and Cornell cards Timothy created for me.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 2 through Oct. 7
All righty, vampire fans: a quick recap. I'm running behind, and it's a long work day and a packed weekend.
YES, I'm still working on Before the Blood. Also this month, we've been working on releasing two books, the first in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer series for middle schoolers and the first book in the Bertrand the Mouse series for young children. We're eyeing an early November release and launching a Bertrand the Mouse Instagram page, too.
Also, if you're a fan of the BryonySeries or any of its elements, please follow the series at @BryonySeries.
Why? Because I share posts related to writing and anything topical in the series, from history to literature to art to architecture to pop culture to recipes to cats.
What else?
I'm appearing on my very first author panel at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Plainfield Public Library. That panel will be followed by an author fair at 11 a.m. You must register to attend the author panel. Details on that and upcoming events are Here: http://www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
Also tomorrow, I've giving away free copies of Snowbell while they last. So if you haven't sampled my "other" writing (not my official newspaper features writing), here's your chance.
And now, 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." :)
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/29/mokena-man-found-success-in-tile-and-grout/ak1o3gg/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/01/crest-hill-breast-cancer-survivor-forms-nonprofit-hosting-oct-22-fundraiser/amilglk/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/19/joliet-man-lived-goodness-and-promoted-togetherness/afou3kr/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/29/the-tale-of-the-church-sheep-at-st-francis-xavier-in-joliet/afzh3xy/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/06/joliet-junior-colleges-film-festival-addresses-elections-gender-identity-and-the-plainfield-tornado/amjn7lk/
YES, I'm still working on Before the Blood. Also this month, we've been working on releasing two books, the first in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer series for middle schoolers and the first book in the Bertrand the Mouse series for young children. We're eyeing an early November release and launching a Bertrand the Mouse Instagram page, too.
Also, if you're a fan of the BryonySeries or any of its elements, please follow the series at @BryonySeries.
Why? Because I share posts related to writing and anything topical in the series, from history to literature to art to architecture to pop culture to recipes to cats.
What else?
I'm appearing on my very first author panel at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Plainfield Public Library. That panel will be followed by an author fair at 11 a.m. You must register to attend the author panel. Details on that and upcoming events are Here: http://www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
Also tomorrow, I've giving away free copies of Snowbell while they last. So if you haven't sampled my "other" writing (not my official newspaper features writing), here's your chance.
And now, 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." :)
Mokena man found success in tile and grout
Dan Lundstedt owns the top-performing location for a
national company
“The thing about Dan is he’s creative; he’s not afraid to
take chances; he’s very trainable and very coachable; and he has a true
entrepreneur spirit. It’s built into his DNA. I can see it,” Jeff Gill, co-owner of Sir Grout, said.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/29/mokena-man-found-success-in-tile-and-grout/ak1o3gg/
Crest Hill breast cancer survivor forms nonprofit, hosting
Oct. 22 fundraiser
Castela McElrath is raising funds and awareness for breast
cancer patients and their families
“The black community doesn’t speak to each other much about
cancer,” McElrath said. “They don’t like to think about it. They think it will
go away.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/01/crest-hill-breast-cancer-survivor-forms-nonprofit-hosting-oct-22-fundraiser/amilglk/
Joliet man lived goodness and promoted togetherness
Jerry P’Pool gave, gave and then gave some more
Jerry lent money to those in need, never expecting to
receive it back. In fact, people who couldn’t pay it back were those most
likely to receive help from Jerry. Angela thinks Jerry still is keeping that
tradition from heaven.
“I find pennies every week in the most random places,”
Angela said. “I like to think they’re from my dad.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/19/joliet-man-lived-goodness-and-promoted-togetherness/afou3kr/
The tale of the church sheep at St. Francis Xavier in Joliet
Imitation sheep at Joliet church are building real community
Positioning the sheep has strengthened the communal sense in
the 560-family parish. It’s also been good for the sheep, who certainly aren’t
lonely. Langsdorf surmises the church has 16 sheep, but he isn’t certain.
“During the summer, someone went out and bought more sheep,”
Langsdorf said.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/29/the-tale-of-the-church-sheep-at-st-francis-xavier-in-joliet/afzh3xy/
Joliet Junior College's film festival addresses elections,
gender identity and the Plainfield tornado
Joliet Junior College’s 4th film festival to feature 3
different movies
“This is a time when we need empathy. There is a shortage of
it in the world,” Gisele Atterberry, JJC fine arts professor, said. “Films help us understand people and their
situations. I think there is something about being in an audience with other
people, hearing when they laugh and sensing when they are silent.”
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/06/joliet-junior-colleges-film-festival-addresses-elections-gender-identity-and-the-plainfield-tornado/amjn7lk/
Thursday, October 6, 2016
BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Pathetic First Attempts at Writing Dialogue
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.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
A Bit About My Other (Non-Writing) Project
In early 2013, I had a loss, one that was devastating to me.
Through the years, I've dealt with many blows: two divorces, two bankruptcies, loss of a home where I thought I'd live out my days, loss of my vehicle, homelessness, ill health, etc. But this loss struck hard.
At the time, Joliet Area Community Hospice had called and asked if I'd be interested in writing a story about its art therapy program for The Herald-News, as the bereavement department was finding it difficult to convince clients that this wasn't about crayons and craft time. And the clients that had used it really didn't want to talk about the programs advantages to them.
Well, I became that client.
The loss occurred when I had no way to pay for the services, but I couldn't function and keep what was left of home and hearth together without it. For anyone that knows JACH, services are free to anyone who cannot afford them, but I am not a person who takes and walks away.
One trait about me is that when I begin a project, I thoroughly delve into it. I've learned through the years not everyone is like this. It's hard to do the hard work when it comes to healing, but, unfortunately, the only way to light is a horrible journey through the dark passages.
So I did. The result, is some phenomenal art, not art in the sense of "artwork," but art that has significant clinical value. This is not my pronouncement, but that of the counselors in the department.
So after spending nearly a year in the program, I began working with the bereavement staff to take some of that art and turn it into a form useful for the JACH bereavement department. As we began the process, The Sun Times sold The Herald-News, Shaw Media purchased it, and I became the newspaper's features editor.
My family was still at a low financial point during this time and work on the project was slow and uneven. But we finally completed it this summer.
The result is three little purse-sized books that take clients on a visual journey from grief to hope. The images within are extremely raw and show a side of me no one has ever met. My name is not on them, as they are meant to be personal without being personalized. They are not available commercially, but only to JACH, although JACH has mentioned it might, perhaps, make them available to other hospice organizations, too. The bereavement department would like every client that walks through JACH's doors to receive copies.
At a time when I literally could not pay for my own help except through my own grief, I'm humbled beyond words.
So I am now actively raising funds to offset the purchase of these books. I will make not profit on them because, again, they are not available for purchase. Yesterday, I received my first substantial donation for hospice, which makes the fruition of this long journey both surreal and satisfying on so many levels.
If you know anyone that would like to contribute to this, please message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com
Or people can send donations directly to Joliet Area Community Hospice and reference "art therapy books." Here's the link: http://www.joliethospice.org/index.html.
Through the years, I've dealt with many blows: two divorces, two bankruptcies, loss of a home where I thought I'd live out my days, loss of my vehicle, homelessness, ill health, etc. But this loss struck hard.
At the time, Joliet Area Community Hospice had called and asked if I'd be interested in writing a story about its art therapy program for The Herald-News, as the bereavement department was finding it difficult to convince clients that this wasn't about crayons and craft time. And the clients that had used it really didn't want to talk about the programs advantages to them.
Well, I became that client.
The loss occurred when I had no way to pay for the services, but I couldn't function and keep what was left of home and hearth together without it. For anyone that knows JACH, services are free to anyone who cannot afford them, but I am not a person who takes and walks away.
One trait about me is that when I begin a project, I thoroughly delve into it. I've learned through the years not everyone is like this. It's hard to do the hard work when it comes to healing, but, unfortunately, the only way to light is a horrible journey through the dark passages.
So I did. The result, is some phenomenal art, not art in the sense of "artwork," but art that has significant clinical value. This is not my pronouncement, but that of the counselors in the department.
So after spending nearly a year in the program, I began working with the bereavement staff to take some of that art and turn it into a form useful for the JACH bereavement department. As we began the process, The Sun Times sold The Herald-News, Shaw Media purchased it, and I became the newspaper's features editor.
My family was still at a low financial point during this time and work on the project was slow and uneven. But we finally completed it this summer.
The result is three little purse-sized books that take clients on a visual journey from grief to hope. The images within are extremely raw and show a side of me no one has ever met. My name is not on them, as they are meant to be personal without being personalized. They are not available commercially, but only to JACH, although JACH has mentioned it might, perhaps, make them available to other hospice organizations, too. The bereavement department would like every client that walks through JACH's doors to receive copies.
At a time when I literally could not pay for my own help except through my own grief, I'm humbled beyond words.
So I am now actively raising funds to offset the purchase of these books. I will make not profit on them because, again, they are not available for purchase. Yesterday, I received my first substantial donation for hospice, which makes the fruition of this long journey both surreal and satisfying on so many levels.
If you know anyone that would like to contribute to this, please message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com
Or people can send donations directly to Joliet Area Community Hospice and reference "art therapy books." Here's the link: http://www.joliethospice.org/index.html.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Munsonville Happenings
I've been busy, and here's a recap.
First, a couple of new books.
One: I've finally published "Snowbell." It's available at Amazon, but here's the thing. I'm mainly giving it away, to fans and anyone who wishes to reach a sample of my writing. I'll fifteen print copies to give away at each of these two events: Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. For event details, see http://www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
Two: The art is completed for my first book of the middle school series, The Adventures of Cornell Dyer. We're working on editing and formatting Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone, and aiming for an early November release.
Three: The art of the first book for young children about Bertrand the Mouse is also shot. We're also working at formatting Bertrand and the Lucky Clover, and also aiming for an early November release. We're also planning an Instagram "Where's Bertrand" type of account, so stay tuned.\
Four: We've started a BryonySeries Pinterest page, but right now it's dormant. We'll be getting to that soon (I hope).
Five: BryonySeries Twitter is alive and well. This account is different from the blog and Facebook. On it are links to any topic pertaining to the BryonySeries, as well as links to the blog, the BryonySeries Facebook page, and this blog. Follow the page at @BryonySeries.
Six: Making slow, but very sure, progress on Before the Blood. I spend about half an hour each morning, some Friday evenings, and as much of a Saturday as I can spare.
Seven: I also have a side project I've completed and am now soliciting funds. More on this later, as it's a post of its own.
Gotta get some BTB work done before I switch to social media for The Herald-News. Happy Monday, vampire fans!
First, a couple of new books.
One: I've finally published "Snowbell." It's available at Amazon, but here's the thing. I'm mainly giving it away, to fans and anyone who wishes to reach a sample of my writing. I'll fifteen print copies to give away at each of these two events: Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. For event details, see http://www.bryonyseries.com/Fetes_and_Feasts.html.
Two: The art is completed for my first book of the middle school series, The Adventures of Cornell Dyer. We're working on editing and formatting Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone, and aiming for an early November release.
Three: The art of the first book for young children about Bertrand the Mouse is also shot. We're also working at formatting Bertrand and the Lucky Clover, and also aiming for an early November release. We're also planning an Instagram "Where's Bertrand" type of account, so stay tuned.\
Four: We've started a BryonySeries Pinterest page, but right now it's dormant. We'll be getting to that soon (I hope).
Five: BryonySeries Twitter is alive and well. This account is different from the blog and Facebook. On it are links to any topic pertaining to the BryonySeries, as well as links to the blog, the BryonySeries Facebook page, and this blog. Follow the page at @BryonySeries.
Six: Making slow, but very sure, progress on Before the Blood. I spend about half an hour each morning, some Friday evenings, and as much of a Saturday as I can spare.
Seven: I also have a side project I've completed and am now soliciting funds. More on this later, as it's a post of its own.
Gotta get some BTB work done before I switch to social media for The Herald-News. Happy Monday, vampire fans!
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Tea with Eggs
This is not a breakfast dish. The eggs are actually inside the tea, as part of the drink.
Waking in Henry’s
study was annoying enough for Melissa, but trying to choke down Henry’s tea was
worse. Melissa could not understand why Victorians couldn’t make normal food.
This recipe is a
combination of two tea recipes from The
Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky, published by the Automatic
Printing Company ((www.autoprintomaha.com).
Note: Henry
preferred rum and lemon juice in his, but he prepared Melissa’s tea with sugar
and cream.
Tea with Eggs
1 teaspoon tea leaves
3 cups boiling water
Sugar and cream OR rum and lemon juice
Several egg yolks
A bit of cold water
Pour boiling water on the tea leaves, let it steep a few
moments, then strain. Add sugar and cream or rum and lemon juice. Beat several
egg yolks with a bit of cold water, pour them into the tea, beating constantly.
Beat over the fire until it foams (it must not boil) and serve.
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.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Steward Setback Saturday: How the Real Ed Calkins Became a Fictional Vampire
Saturday, October 16, 2010
How the Real Ed Calkins Became a Fictioinal Vampire
It was timing, actually.
Two years ago, Ed Calkins and I worked in the same distribution center. He was a supervisor, and I was a newspaper carrier. Ed was always planning something to make working a seven-day job in the middle of the night more lighthearted. One of those “things” was his annual Ed Calkins Day parade in honor of his birthday.
The parade was a simple one. Ed would ride a pallet jack and toss candy to the carriers. Each year Ed had the parade, I missed it by coming too late to see it (It’s a VERY short parade).
One year, Ed kept pestering me about starting a newsletter for his imaginary kingdom. He had assumed the persona of a “ruthless dictator” dubbed as the “Steward of Tara” and demanded some “media” coverage. So, after missing yet another parade, I presented him with a big red bow and a choice of birthday presents: a monthly one-page newsletter or a bit role as a vampire in Bryony. Ed laughed and said, “Immortality, of course.” Thus, I began rewriting parts of the novel to make room for his character.
Ed’s character grows in plot importance in the three books that currently comprise the Bryony Series, but the fictional Ed Calkins resembles the real Ed Calkins in many ways except one: as a vampire, he is free to fully live the stories he weaves.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Two years ago, Ed Calkins and I worked in the same distribution center. He was a supervisor, and I was a newspaper carrier. Ed was always planning something to make working a seven-day job in the middle of the night more lighthearted. One of those “things” was his annual Ed Calkins Day parade in honor of his birthday.
The parade was a simple one. Ed would ride a pallet jack and toss candy to the carriers. Each year Ed had the parade, I missed it by coming too late to see it (It’s a VERY short parade).
One year, Ed kept pestering me about starting a newsletter for his imaginary kingdom. He had assumed the persona of a “ruthless dictator” dubbed as the “Steward of Tara” and demanded some “media” coverage. So, after missing yet another parade, I presented him with a big red bow and a choice of birthday presents: a monthly one-page newsletter or a bit role as a vampire in Bryony. Ed laughed and said, “Immortality, of course.” Thus, I began rewriting parts of the novel to make room for his character.
Ed’s character grows in plot importance in the three books that currently comprise the Bryony Series, but the fictional Ed Calkins resembles the real Ed Calkins in many ways except one: as a vampire, he is free to fully live the stories he weaves.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)