Friday, November 2, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 28 through Nov. 2

Just a quick commentary this morning. Tried sleeping off the migraine that's kept me company most of the week. I wasn't very successful.

Not had one in a long tie, so the lingering effects must be its way of making up for lost time, LOL.

Last night's open mic hosted by WriteOn Joliet filed the Book and Bean Cafe. We had a record number of twenty authors share their pieces on the topic if "fear." We had some meeting-attending members, some online members, and even a few prospective members and guests read. We gave away some books and sold a few books. It was a great night.

The previous night I spent in Mazon trick or treating with grankids and enjoying a Halloween cookout. The day before that was spent at my yearly trip to Loyola. I worked the last weekend so I could go and leave a little early the last few days. Soooooo grateful for the flexibility to do so.

My editor Colleen Robbins is nearly finished reading the last book in the BryonySeries prequel Before the Blood, so I anticipate meeting with her very soon to go over her editorial notes. Although she has (so far) a notebook and a half, she said all five books are, overall, a very clean read, and will need little additional work from me. That is the benefit of taking the time on the back end, and I'm thankful I did. First book is scheduled for a January 19 release, and we are right on schedule.

We MAY also have two more new books at the WriteOn Joliet anthology release party fro 6 to 8:30 p.m. November 16 at The Book Market in Crest Hill: a new Bertrand the Mouse book and a new Cornell Dyer book (need to read through the last proof this weekend).

Also this weekend, is the WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet (please join us). We are currently reading The Legacy by Sue Mydliak. Books are available for sale at the cafe. Just ask at the counter if you don't see them.

I also plan to hang out a bit at The Book Market this weekend because WriteOn Joliet will also be rolling out a new initiative on November 16, which will be located at The Book Market. More on this later.

Finally, I have a breakfast meeting with Timothy Baran on Saturday morning to work out the details for the third book in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer book series. On Sunday afternoon, I'll be hanging out with a woman in her 90's, as I've been working on her memoir.

How's that for a "quick commentary?"

And now, here's where to find me on social media and links to this weeks's feature stories.

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

 One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events: 

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.



Walking the walk and talking the talk

New Lenox mother and pediatrician has unique insight into child growth and development

"We're raising future adults," Dr. Shelly Flais said. "Parents can lose sight of this."



An Extraordinary Life: Michael Sasso was 'just a good decent man'

Former Joliet man served and remained loyal to his hometown

 His daughter, Karen Sasso of California, called her father a man of "quiet strength" and Mary Sheila agreed.

"Mike Sasso was a man who earned respect and received respect," Mary Sheila said.



Joliet area pets ready for Halloween

Check out a photo gallery of pets in costume.

Joliet Junior College culinary arts professor Eric Bell will demonstrate

"Don’t forget to hang out with family and friends, have a great meal, great drinks and a great time."

Not the usual quote on a teacher's biography. But that's the way Eric Bell, Joliet Junior College culinary arts professor and creator of the school's hospitality program, finished his listing of accomplishments.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/27/5eedd7af323649f18b59e0baf5f85c90/index.xml


VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC: How to set a table

Joliet Junior College culinary arts associate professor Eric Bell shows tips and techniques for proper table setting.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/7660c4f6-2ea5-45f3-8108-08dc9c0e4211.html


Sharing her love and gift for music
Joliet Jewish Congregation's cantor also teaches and is working on a CD

Jessica Tobacman said: "Music has always been a part of my life, and I can’t imagine life without music."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/29/d5524949881b49268ff2a9d7c4c809bf/index.xml


'Warm and welcoming' holiday start
Agne G returns to the Rialto Square Theatre stage to headline concert


"When I sing, I feel whatever is written, all the emotions tied to the lyrics and the music," Agne said. "It's very freeing to be able to express myself through the music. I cannot put it into words. It's euphoric, kind of, because it is so beautiful."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/31/0d4931ad2aea406c996c0bb333194c75/index.xml


'The Darkness After Dawn,' a play with a touch of film
Former Joliet resident takes his love for cinema to the stage


Manny Tameyo said, "When trying to come up with new ideas, you’ll sometimes find more success going off the beaten path than going with trends.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/27/cd4e0afb2b3e472a8e5731341c307695/index.xml


LocalLit author spotlight: Carolyn Hill of New Lenox

Hill said, "I am a curious soul with a passion to challenge myself, and write something to hopefully penetrate the reader’s visual senses with creative emotional energy answering the question: “How will you satisfy my expectations this time?”


Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff 

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