BryonySeries: January 2019

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Community News: Jan. 29, Jan. 30, and Jan. 31, 2019

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Great Read opening event on Jan. 31 cancelled

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/28/great-read-opening-event-on-jan-31-cancelled/awovor6/

'a life with less PLASTIC' in Lockport cancelled due to weather

Event will be rescheduled

Shorewood attributes long life to healthy living

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/shorewood-attributes-long-life-to-healthy-living/a85edwj/

VVSD blesses many families during the holidays

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/vvsd-blesses-many-families-during-the-holidays/abu0v49/

Romeoville's VVSD staff celebrates literary food fun

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/romeovilles-vvsd-staff-celebrates-literary-food-fun/aoubn2z/

District 202 in Plainfield piloting 'breakfast in the classroom' program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/district-202-in-plainfield-piloting-breakfast-in-the-classroom-program/ajxbtmb/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

My First Amazon Review for "Before the Blood"

Last night after I stepped away from the computer to get some inside steps in and check social media, I found I'd been tagged in the first review for the first installment of Before the Blood.

First of all, as an indie author waaaaaaaay down on the author pecking scale, I'm blessed to have any readers at all.

But I've been blessed beyond imaginings to have this one fan who is as passionate about my series as she is. In fact, books two and three in the BryonySeries trilogy have only one review a piece on Amazon - and they both came from her.

How did she discover the series? We're Facebook acquaintances. She had seen references to it from my blog postings. And she bought the first book on a whim, not expecting much.

Of course, it's very fitting that a BryonySeries fan be named "Rose."

At any rate, I'd rather have one review like this one than hundreds that simply say, "Great read! Can't wait for the next one!"

Because reviews like this one show the reader relished the story and give other readers an idea if this is the book for them - without spoilers.

BTW, I only have two and a half more chapters to check in the proof copy of the second installment.

The book that begins a tale of subtle horror beyond imagining

January 30, 2019

Verified Purchase

What I relish most about Denise Baran-Unland’s writing is her lack of sentimental meandering when it comes to evil. You won’t find vampires that glimmer or glisten or glow. Even Bram Stoker’s enigmatic Count Dracula is too refined and delicate for the likes of Unland.

Despite his Byronic looks and Mozartian musical talent, John Simons, from Unland’s Bryony series is very clearly a predator. And in her tales, a predator and potential prey can never be true friend, much less lovers.

In my opinion, Unland’s Bryony series is a masterpiece. I read each book at least twice. The only other books I’ve read more than once are, “The Once and Future King” by Terrence White and Tolkein’s Hobbit and LOTR.

After finishing Bryony, I was bereft. I found myself mourning her multifaceted characters and complex plot. I needed to understand what made these individuals tick.

Before the Blood: John Simons (BTB) is a prequel to Bryony. While Bryony begins as the meanderings of a vulnerable, lovelorn girl, BTB is stark in its unvarnished reality. It’s as if the teenage protagonist from Bryony has grown old and wise and is determined to share her observations and wisdom before she passes from this world.

In Bryony, John Simons is an ill-fated vampire who desperately yearned to atone for his past. BTB is his life as a mortal = literally before the blood. Early on in BTB, patriarch Abbott Simons makes an observation following the birth of unwanted son, John Simons:

"Why is it always the blood..."

Thus, we’re made to understand that even before John Simons was initiated into the realm of the undead, there was a fatal flaw that ultimately led to his demise.

Though BTB may be loosely classified as Gothic Horror, it's doesn't readily conform to a specific genre. Indeed, BTB works on a variety of levels. Literally, it is a cautionary tale of a musically gifted, rebellious son who is compelled to create his own legend rather than live in his father's shadow. We follow John Simons from the pinnacle of his success to the basement of his despair. Anyone who has suffered failure will identify with the fey characters.

On another level, BTB is a study in family dysfunction. Superficially, the Simons family is the very picture of the rags to riches American Dream. The self-made millionaire, his salt-of-the-earth wife and their son, who is blessed with musical genius rivaling that of Mozart. But, beneath the Simons genteel surface lies an ugly reality rife with Oedipal undertones.

Indeed, Sigmund Freud would clap his hands in glee at the sheer number of lunatics that grace the pages of BTB.

Humor is used to coax the reader into opening the door to the closet where family skeletons dwell. The use of archetypes is ingenious. Grandma Spencer, a seemingly harmless, albeit eccentric, old woman morphs into the Hindu goddess Kali, best known for devouring her children and wearing a necklace of their skulls. And there's the devil in the guise of a tipsy, whimsical Bacchus who giggles his way into convincing hapless victims into selling their soul. It's easy to avoid those who appear evil. But, society's most successful killers appear harmless. Ted Bundy comes to mind.

The third level of BTB is the creeping sense of horror. This isn't the shock of zombies snacking on human entrails. It's more the quicksand of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," where seemingly normal people remove their mask. Like Hitchcock, Unland hides nasty little surprises between the lines. She encourages you to use your imagination, where your most primal fears dwell. The suspense builds slowly and paralyzingly. Unland's monsters are terrifying because they are real.

I enjoyed "Before the Blood: John Simons," the book that started it all. I can barely contain myself waiting for the next installment.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Holly Butler Coop

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Snips and Scraps

Accompanying my son to court this morning. Please think some warm thoughts as we walk a few blocks after parking (because the parking lot will probably be full) and that the lines to the door move quickly.

Last weekend, after racing against the clock to include as many events as possible into calendars for The Herald-News, I now find myself writing cancellation notices to post online.

About a third of the way proofing Before the Blood, installment no. two.

Just realized last night I'll need ten years (at least) to write all the books suggestions Timothy has for The Adventure of Cornell Dyer series. Maybe I should learn to write faster?

Speaking of Timothy, no recipe on Sue's Diner yet, but he has the information.

A plot for a read-aloud Bertrand the Mouse book using common sight words is VERY slow in coming.

Did I mention it's cold outside?

By Sarah Stegall in 2010 with cell phone from the day.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Community News: Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, 2019

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Gotta Do It: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/gotta-do-it-jan-28-through-feb-4/a4csioa/

Local pet events: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-pet-events-jan-28-through-feb-4/az679v9/

Local arts and entertainment: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-arts-and-entertainment-jan-28-through-feb-4/a4ng17/

Local health events: Jan. 29 through Feb. 5

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-health-events-jan-29-through-feb-5/a2q8p0u/

Local faith events: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-faith-events-jan-28-through-feb-4/aqsfo2v/

Local food events: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-food-events-jan-28-through-feb-4/avj2c06/

Megan Garfinkel to present at Feb. 14 meeting

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/25/megan-garfinkel-to-present-at-feb-14-meeting/aukk651/

Pets of the Week: Jan. 27

Click on the captions to read the descriptions

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/23/d5fd7019a9774cb48daf3d76a7d5a2ad/index.xml

Dick Van Dyke tops this list of Illinois actors

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/dick-van-dyke-tops-this-list-of-illinois-actors/aa1scp0/

Plainfield author to sign and sell books Jan. 26 in Crest Hill

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/25/plainfield-author-to-sign-and-sell-books-jan-26-in-crest-hill/axmb0uj/

Bolingbrook HS students among top 4 in Tollway Map Cover Contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/01/7d0d7d4b55154b5cb3a8d6e3e838d0d9/index.xml

Romeoville High School student Hannah Ramos exhibited her art

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/01/984e722c25574dceae1d6b190786da5b/index.xml

Romeoville High School student Warren Dekire exhibited his art

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/96ec24259fcc47f2ae5ebccceaa8138a/index.xml

NEWSLETTERS

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Slightly Behind and Slightly Ahead

So I spent a delightful afternoon yesterday with Rebekah and Cindy as we turned our kitchen into a test kitchen of sorts.

We created a lot of Valentine's Day recipes to run in The Herald-News over the next two weeks, and we (FINALLY!) created a new recipe (Bulldog Sloppy Joes, which we ate for lunch/dinner) for the Sue's Diner page of the BryonySeries website.

Unfortunately, with all the great modifications Timothy is making to the site, I could only upload a photo on the page, since that page is back under construction. So sharing the recipe in now delayed.

On the sunnier side of deadlines, the proof copy of the second installment arrived last night with Amazon sending me a photo to the BryonySeries email to prove it was delivered a day early.

So naturally, and especially after having worked most of the weekend, I had to review three chapters before I went to bed. Book number two is not due for release until March, but if all goes well, we might see it in print in February.

And that's the view from over this writer's coffee cup on a very snowy Monday morning!

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Limerick Lovers! This is an Event for You!

Come celebrate Calkins Day 2019 on Feb. 13 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet with a Limerick Off.

And what, might you say, is a Limerick Off?

It's basically an all-age competition (in teams, if we have enough people) to see who can deliver the most entertaining family-friendly limericks to attendees and cafe patrons.

You can bring original limericks, choose some of ours (printed out for you that night), look them up online during the competition and/or any combination thereof.

Extra points for originality and even more points if they praise Ed Calkins, the host for the night.

Not sure who Ed Calkins is and what Calkins Day is all about?

Then check out this link: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/02/happy-calkins-day-primer-and-tips-for.html

Oh, and Irish/St. Patrick/green/leprechaun-themed attire is encouraged but not mandatory.

Overall, it's a night to be creative and have some rhyming fun.

BTW, I have a really awesome flyer created by Maureen Blevins, but the PDF version won't post. I promise to share it when I have it in jpg form.

Until then, here is a photo from last year's Calkins Day event.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 20 through Jan. 25

First of all, I hope everyone is staying warm this morning and bundling up well if they are venturing outside.

Second of all, my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez will sell and sign books tomorrow from 2 to 3 p.m. at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. I'm planning to pop in, too, so if you haven't met Tom and checked out his books (and even if you have), this is a great opportunity!

The atmosphere will be low-key, and the bookstore has plenty of used books to to keep one browsing for a long time. If you like essays, short stories, and poems about issues relating to family and social justice, I encourage you to come out.

Speaking of WriteOn Joliet, we have some great events planned this year for readers and for writers. Learn more about us at www.writeonjoliet.com.

Finally, details about Calkins Day on Feb. 13 will be posted tomorrow. Watch for it!

Now, here's where to find information and after that, the 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.

Get into God's game this Super Bowl weekend at Joliet church

JC Afternoon Inspiration: Pastor Lonnie Posley Jr said: "We're talking about 'getting into the game' just to let people know it's time to get off the sidelines and be accountable,"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/22/eaca8f9450184ad7882f060b437f187e/index.xml

Getting the conversation started

C.A.R.E. to host presentation about plastic consumption on Jan. 29 environment

"We all feel we want something tangible to do," Diane Jennings, C.A.R.E. program director, said. "And right now, those actions seem to be kind of limited."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/23/337050c209654f6aa530c1b2dfba5932/index.xml

Yes, these treats are really dessert
Tips and recipes for baking with cauliflower and gluten-free flour

For the holidays this year, I created baked goods and desserts for two family members using two ingredients not typical (for me) for baking: gluten-free flour and cauliflower.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/yes-these-treats-are-really-dessert/ar98wi8/

Try this gluten-free, cinnamon-flavored banana bread made with cauliflower

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/5810d56846dd4897aeb99a14a2e7646a/index.xml

These gluten-free, dark chocolate brownies start with finely grated cauliflower

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/2bc82d67feaa45a6a4e6fa4fabebbf79/index.xml

This gluten-free, cauliflower and avocado cake bursts with lemon flavor

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/b66fdaacf93c45b5bc4c1b0e7338331e/index.xml

For a healthy, gluten-fry snack, mix up these raspberry-cauliflower muffins

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/33b92dfc8e0b4f2f8f5f79ac300e2a16/index.xml

Finally making a dream come true
Herald-News story helps connect Joliet man with 2 #dollhouse builders

After reading the Herald-News story in November, VanMeter wondered if Earl Walker and Dick Sievers would finish his daughter's dollhouse for him.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/066f154719944b61ae50cc1ce03004ba/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Kevin Trusty of Joliet returns

Trusty said: "Coming up with an angle to develop an idea can be tricky. I'd love to improve there, but that can't really be forced and seems to come from nowhere."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/15/d06b496f6e9e498691968723161eaa1e/index.xml

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

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Community News: Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, 2019

Apply for Forest Preserve District of Will County juried art competition

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/apply-for-forest-preserve-district-of-will-county-juried-art-competition/adhvl90/

Vegas Night is Feb. 2 at St. Joseph School in Manhattan

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/vegas-night-is-feb-2-at-st-joseph-school-in-manhattan/araq42y/

Plainfield school to host Galabration event

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/plainfield-school-to-host-galabration-event/a7v5l7w/

Morris Hospital Auxiliary to host gala

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/morris-hospital-auxiliary-to-host-gala/actysiu/

Around Town: Aurelios Pizza in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/around-town-aurelios-pizza-in-plainfield/amusjmg/

Teaming up to help the New Lenox community

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/teaming-up-to-help-the-new-lenox-community/awpwt69/

Local students earn dean's list for fall 2018

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/local-students-earn-deans-list-for-fall-2018/aiw1m35/

Joliet Rotary donates dictionaries to D. 86 students

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/joliet-rotary-donates-dictionaries-to-d-86-students/abhjjcu/

Joliet students complete 2 service projects

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/joliet-students-complete-2-service-projects/axgqpkm/

RECIPES

Chickpeas and escarole combine for a hearty flavor combo

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/chickpeas-and-escarole-combine-for-a-hearty-flavor-combo/a4imo1b/

Salt turns out to be the key for ultratender white bean soup

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/salt-turns-out-to-be-the-key-for-ultratender-white-bean-soup/ap9vnyt/

Cheesy nachos that are sure to get your party started

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/cheesy-nachos-that-are-sure-to-get-your-party-started/aw0ve7f/

A bean chili that's as rich and savory as any meat chili

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/a-bean-chili-thats-as-rich-and-savory-as-any-meat-chili/avaeagf/

Can you make a flaky and crisp deep-dish pizza at home? Sure

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/can-you-make-a-flaky-and-crisp-deep-dish-pizza-at-home-sure/aryabdo/

NEWSLETTERS

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: NaNoWriMo Day#6, Some Thoughts About the Prequel Thus Far, and Another "Bryony" Moment of the Day

Monday, November 7, 2011

NaNoWriMo Day#6, Some Thoughts About the Prequel Thus Far, and Another "Bryony" Moment of the Day

Prequel Chapters 4, 5, 6: Check!
Word Count: 1329
New Files Opened and Notes Made: General Research, New characters, New Places, Backstories

Alllll righty then! I'm back in the novel-writing saddle!

Despite the usual routine and two family emergencies, Bryony's prequel is on its way. I've done some terrific rough drafts on three chapters, delved into some of the history behind them (Praise God for the internet!), opened three new files of notes for further research that needs to be done, and added new info to the fourth.

Of, course, I did get behind in my "regular" work, so this morning requires some restructuring. Nevertheless, that is completely do-able (I hope).

Since the drafts of Bryony books two and three required far less historical background than the first, I'd forgotten how much fun I'd had recreating a past time. And, because this book ventures into all the back stories, there's a ton of new characters to name and enliven, all with THEIR back stories. It's an exhilarating process.

Another Bryony Moment of the Day. A book designer posted a video on my Facebook wall today. She said it reminded her of Bryony. Watch and see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bobskjQwWI

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Maureen Blevins

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Community News: Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2019

Pets of the Week: Jan. 20

Click on the caption of each pet for more information.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/16/200619249a084a4897a3f5f692d20ff6/index.xml

EVENT CALENDARS

Gotta Do it: Jan. 21 through Jan. 28

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/gotta-do-it-jan-21-through-jan-28/acdfmbr/

Local pet events: Jan. 21 through Jan. 28

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/local-pet-events-jan-21-through-jan-28/a9y862p/

Local arts and entertainment: Jan. 21 through Jan. 28

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/local-arts-and-entertainment-jan-21-through-jan-28/avoujvs/

Local faith events: Jan. 21 through Jan. 28

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/local-faith-events-jan-21-through-jan-28/aeuod3g/

Local food events: Jan. 21 through Jan. 28

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/local-food-events-jan-21-through-jan-28/aa6qa6o/

Local health events: Jan. 22 through Jan. 29

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/local-health-events-jan-22-through-jan-29/ahhv9hf/

MORE EVENTS

Apply now for 3 IDNR grants

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/apply-now-for-3-idnr-grants/arpo0pw/

Joliet, Minooka churches team up to host prom for people with special needs

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/21/joliet-minooka-churches-team-up-to-host-prom-for-people-with-special-needs/ate6qsa/

L-W East dance club will perform Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 in Frankfort

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/l-w-east-dance-club-will-perform-jan-25-and-jan-26-in-frankfort/akyeqge/

COMMUNITY

Morris Hospital honors Fire Starter of the Month for November

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/20/morris-hospital-honors-fire-starter-of-the-month-for-november/abv24ey/

Morris Hospital honors Fire Starter of the Month for September

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/20/morris-hospital-honors-fire-starter-of-the-month-for-september/a1s0kf1/

Morris Hospital honors Fire Starter of the Month for October

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/20/morris-hospital-honors-fire-starter-of-the-month-for-october/a23ozjo/

New Lenox doctor, students produce radiation guide

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/20/bba1f9d783824bd89c0b87f7940ad143/index.xml

VVSD bus stars in Romeoville PD school bus safety video

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/vvsd-bus-stars-in-romeoville-pd-school-bus-safety-video/aq1e1y3/

Religious education program at Crest Hill church completes 1st semester

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/20/e2ac283b830640e9b61b933b76e51d54/index.xml

NEWSLETTERS

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Home and Away

As my morning is rapidly getting away from me, here is a quick synopsis of ten writerly and other projects in my life right now:

1) Proof copy of the second installment of Before the Blood is ordered. As are copies of other titles since I've run out of quite a few.

2) Bertrand the Mouse paid a visit to a Plainfield school last Friday where he had a little fan who'd already brought one of his books to school. Everyone appeared to have a great time (and Bertrand is still squeaking about it).

3) I caught up-ish with some clerical duties on the homefront.

4) I was asked to redesign features for The Herald-News, which is exciting since I'm tackling a few more items on my "wish list."

5) I have a Cornell Dyer breakfast meeting with Timothy this Saturday to fine-tune the plot for the next book and a marketing meeting after that. At 2 p.m., I'm stopping into The Book Market to see my co-leader Tom Hernandez, who will sell and sign books until 3 p.m. Hope to see you there!

6) I've started a new novel (a werewolf story).

7) I'm struggling to write an interesting Bertrand the Mouse story using a list of first sight words.

8) I had some time off this weekend and took the time to visit a friend.

9) My son is updating my BryonySeries website. (And Rebekah and I need to finish the WriteOn Joliet one). You can check out his efforts so far at www.bryonyseries.com.

10) I'm currently drinking coffee. But you probably knew that.

This gorgeous tea cup (filled with dark roast coffee) was a gift from Sue Midlock, fellow vampire writer and illustrator for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series.

Monday, January 21, 2019

When Inspiration Strikes at Bedtime

A writer's muse is a curious thing.

It lays dormant when time to write abounds and springs up at the most inconvenient times.

Side note: KDP is rejecting the cover for the second installment of Before the Blood, so I have to call today to see if the spine needs to be a little larger as we can't figure out the issue, although cover size seems to be the issue.

Still, now that Before the Blood is, essentially done (except for copyediting, formatting, and KDP snags), I'm looking at the next three projects: a Bertrand the Mouse story for early readers, the third book in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer chapter book series, and my werewolf story.

Second side note: The werewolf story is part of the BryonySeries, but except for its setting (the tourist town of Shelby), which anchors the story to the series, there's no other connection (or crossover characters).

I have a list of sight words for Bertrand that's simmering in my brain. I'm supposedly having a planning breakfast with Timothy on Saturday for Cornell. And I've done some playing around with character development and story imaginings for the werewolf story.

Last night, just as I settled into bed later than I wished the back cover copy for the latter (call Lycanthropic Summer) sprang into my head.

I may still tweak it, but this is the essence:

Caryn Rochelle loves werewolf tales and promised herself she would write the world's greatest werewolf love story before her eighteenth birthday. But with the date just months away, Caryn has shredded more drafts than she's kept and is feeling desperate.

But then she learns the town's most prestigious couple has a dark secret: they're keeping a savage boy about her age locked in their basement. One glimpse, and Caryn's inspiration skyrockets. She knows she ought to report them, but...

Can it really hurt to wait until she finishes her story?

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Community News: January 17, January 18, January 19. 2019

Check out upcoming events, some good recipes, and the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Joliet Junior College culinary team wins gold at state

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/joliet-junior-college-culinary-team-wins-gold-at-state/a5p7sg0/

SNAP benefits will continue through February during federal shutdown
But benefits will be issued earlier than usual

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/snap-benefits-will-continue-through-february-during-federal-shutdown/aqpiffm/

St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield to host Trivia Night

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/st-mary-immaculate-in-plainfield-to-host-trivia-night/af771qx/

4th Annual Trivia Knight at St. Mary Nativity School in Joliet is Feb. 23

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/4th-annual-trivia-knight-at-st-mary-nativity-school-in-joliet-is-feb-23/aqqdfj3/

Members of Plainfield parish donate bottle caps for bench

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/14/members-of-plainfield-parish-donate-bottle-caps-for-bench/a3eyebv/

Shorewood police officers bring a gift to a girl with cancer

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/15/b95a05bc5c53437b9bf06445788bdd3c/index.xml

Joliet Junior College interior design program recognized

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/20/joliet-junior-college-interior-design-program-recognized/axaizj4/

Lincoln-Way West student creates stained art

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/lincoln-way-west-student-creates-stained-art/avn2zoc/

Central alumni Charles and Peach Pierce (‘60) give back

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/17/central-alumni-charles-and-peach-pierce-60-give-back/a8nmfnt/

FOOD

Where craft beer is popular, state by state

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/where-craft-beer-is-popular-state-by-state/aco0gm2/

Romeoville students play with food the right way

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/romeoville-students-play-with-food-the-right-way/aqcsnot/

SNAP benefits will continue through February during federal shutdown
But benefits will be issued earlier than usual

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/snap-benefits-will-continue-through-february-during-federal-shutdown/aqpiffm/

VVSD participates in chili cup in Romeoville

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/01/6f1fbba9a93a4789aa5f0ab38c8e63d8/index.xml

RECIPES

Morning buns combine richness of croissant with cinnamon bun

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/morning-buns-combine-richness-of-croissant-with-cinnamon-bun/az62v12/

To cook a center-cut tenderloin, we use a reverse-sear

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/to-cook-a-center-cut-tenderloin-we-use-a-reverse-sear/aamp41h/

This pork butt roast sings with orange juice, tomato paste

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/this-pork-butt-roast-sings-with-orange-juice-tomato-paste/a5edud5/

Never make dry or overcooked salmon by using a multicooker

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/never-make-dry-or-overcooked-salmon-by-using-a-multicooker/a1vrrdz/

A one-pan chili with maximum flavor starts with toasted rice

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/a-one-pan-chili-with-maximum-flavor-starts-with-toasted-rice/amekjx4/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Frost and Snow Irish fiddle tune

Friday, January 18, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 13 through Jan. 18

So I'm technically off until Tuesday because I work for a company that gives its employees vacation days for their work anniversary and for Martin Luther King Day.

However, I do have some work projects to finish up this morning, which is fine. Because Fridays are usually so long, the rest of the day will indeed feel like vacation.

And I must get done this morning because Bertrand the Mouse has a school visit early this afternoon. He is so excited!

And after that?

I have a list of household stuff for the rest of the day and then onward formatting the second book of Before the Blood, of course!

I have a very minor role in a play on Saturday night (details below in the second column). And I have a list of BryonySeries administrative tasks to complete.

All in all, a very full, but hopefully no pressure (after this morning) four days ahead.

Have a great weekend, readers, writers, and vampire fans!

Now, here's where to find information and after that, the stories.

Non-bylined features:

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.

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.

Plainfield loan officer likes making people smile

Helping her community is a passion for Janine Iuliano

"It made sense to me," Iuliano said. "Giving back felt good. And it became a way to help other people and to get people involved who had never done it."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/11/35e8a9c7289b488caafc30eef2a9d7ac/index.xml

Equine therapy film comes to Frankfort for 3 days

John David Ware, the film’s director, said the story is neither bleak nor graphic. Rather, it’s an emotionally driven tale where the viewer follows Sarah, played by Tea McKay, from nightmare to jubilation.

And it’s a film the family can view, and then discuss, together.

“You can watch and laugh and cry without any of the graphic elements and then celebrate at the end and cheer her onto victory,” Ware said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/14/cf8c0c75ed694d2389dd1e5085458acb/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life Joliet woman believed in education and wanted the best for everyone

All of these accomplishments reflected back to her belief in God, said her son James Courtland Irby of Carbondale.

"She was a strong woman of faith, particularly in the way she carried it out in the work she did," James said. "She wanted to make sure people had their GEDs. If they missed opportunities in high school, she wanted to be sure nothing kept them from reaching what they wanted in life."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/24/890a8dc32a5a4fd0911e466eaa90a132/index.xml

St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Joliet turns 90

With information provided from St. George, here is a look back on its most significant events during its nine decades in the Joliet community.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/14/st-george-serbian-orthodox-church-i-joliet-turns-90/arny62j/

Try these chef-created recipes for beef curry, chili

With more snow forecast for this weekend, why not stay home and cook?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/try-these-chef-created-recipes-for-beef-curry-chili/ayxmq7/

Column: It's a new year and it's a new look for features.

What does this mean for you, the reader? Read on and see! :)

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/16/its-a-new-year-and-its-a-new-look-for-features/ankxqvr/

Giving Joliet playwrights their 15 minutes of fame

"We want them to learn what it's like to put together a stage production," Kimberly Garrett said. "We want them to get the feel and experience for it. A lot of times people think they want to do certain things. They might think it looks glamorous, but once they get into it they realize it's work."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/17/c79d2e843e2d4dfcbd65697b82f15f04/index.xml

Column: Helping to bring to life the vision of other writers at Joliet festival

I've written stories through the years about various community productions. But this is theater at its most grassroots. There's plenty of talent in Joliet and even more emerging talent.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/17/25891010475740e0a854d082d928da8a/index.xml

Artworks: Joliet museum to host exhibit of prison art

Kayla Zigrossi: "This differs from the prison event in the summer in the fact that it will last six months. New Art pieces that were not in the event over the summer will also be in this exhibit, one specifically created by Sue Regis."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/16/44f52356473a4026aee2487ad50df1de/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: The Rosewood series by Sue Mydliak

As promised, the LocalLit short story newsletter is expanding to include reviews of books by local authors, as well as short stories submitted by local authors.

On Tuesday, I'll share my thoughts regarding the Rosewood vampire series by Sue Mydliak (pen name of Sue Midlock of Joliet). I read all three books ("Birthright," "The Legacy" and "Kane") last summer and fall.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/17/locallit-book-spotlight-the-rosewood-series-by-sue-mydliak/a9fv30h/

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