BryonySeries: May 2019

Friday, May 31, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 26 through May 31

WOW! What a great night last night!

Write Joliet held a meet and greet last night in the lobby of the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library, and it was phenomenal.

Writers, readers, patrons, and guessed stop to browse books, buy books, and to talk about books and writing.

Bertrand the Mouse did run off at one point, causing a slight bit of panic (in me), but Daniel had captured him before I'd even realized he'd gone missing and sulkily spent the rest of the event in Daniel's sweatshirt pocket.

Author Sue Midlock suggested a wrist leash for the adventurous bit of crocheted yarn. I think that's a great idea!

If you haven't seen WriteOn Joliet's display at the library, you still have time. Program director Dawn Ritter asked if we could leave it up through this Star Wars Day this weekend. It's in the double case in the lobby.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. :)

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):

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:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.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.

'No one wants to help anymore'
Wilmington couple open their doors to ex-addict who needed a home

Tom Arambasich and his wife April discussed it. They had a spare bedroom. Therese Raymond needed a home. Tom and April needed help with housework and April's care.

"She'd never had a break before," Tom said. "So why not?"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/21/ed22f7ff015a43559cdc3be91f3aeba9/index.xml?page=1

Memories of the former Joliet Beach Club

Our neighbor Dale O'Connell Sr. (deceased) managed the club. Periodically he would call out someone's name, with a stern instruction to come to the office. My father said those were the swimmers who were not obeying the rules.

One day, "Mr. O'Connell" boomed over the loudspeaker: "Denise and Karen Schonbachler: Come to the office." Quaking with fear and wondering what rule I broke, I splashed out of the water and huddled on our blanket.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/19/82d365a5cfc14785bd6e87c398e1e7cd/index.xml

'Quite astonishing and beautiful'
Joliet cathedral to host an afternoon of organ and saxophone music

"I think when people questions aesthetics, we need to also be really careful how we do that," James Grzadzinski said. "One person's taste is not another's. But only when you open your hearts to the experience of the music, can you begin to let the music live."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/28/e6cea8efc49a440299875a26a91aa336/index.xml

Artworks: Exactly where she's meant to be
Joliet Junior College's Nicki Blowers is branching into community theater

"When you're the director, you're the visionary," Blowers said. "And you want to make a great experience for the audience. You're the end all and be all. You make all the decision about creative choices."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/28/17def5529f3444e5824c40419e382bb9/index.xml?page=1

LocalLit local author spotlight: Maureen Blevins of New Lenox

Blevins said, "Writing about people is always interesting - some of their stories are fascinating. And I always have fictional scenarios going on in my head.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/09/locallit-author-spotlight-maureen-blevins-of-new-lenox/aity5sn/

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

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Community News: May 30, 2019

See the awesome things people are doing and check out five new recipes to try.

Disney selects eight JJC students to culinary, college programs

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/29/2d408e7201744119a0fa8d304455c57d/index.xml

Crest Hill students win awards at 'Night of Excellence'

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/28/a7f5f9793d54494eb232cf4962bda45c/index.xml

RECIPES

Shrimp, garlic, oil and wine equals a tasty and quick dinner

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/28/shrimp-garlic-oil-and-wine-equals-a-tasty-and-quick-dinner/a7wphlu/

To brighten scallops, why not try a sugar snap pea slaw?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/28/to-brighten-scallops-why-not-try-a-sugar-snap-pea-slaw/a9vb067/

Dress your kebabs with a rich za'atar yogurt sauce

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/28/dress-your-kebabs-with-a-rich-zaatar-yogurt-sauce/aebipbj/

Supersize your falafel into a uniquely delicious burger

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/28/supersize-your-falafel-into-a-uniquely-delicious-burger/amf9909/

Grilled avocados gave this chicken salad a smoky depth

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/28/grilled-avocados-gave-this-chicken-salad-a-smoky-depth/ackh218/

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

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: WriteOn Joliet's First Meeting

This was part of a post from February 6, 2012.

Several weeks ago, a local writer, Kristina Gardner Skaggs (see her short story, Dead Serious, www.bryonyseries.com/Harold_Masters.html and her interview at http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2011/09/meet-kristina-skaggs-author-of-dead.html) approached me about assisting her with a new writer’s group.

A few conversational emails later, we finalized time, date, and location: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., the first and third Thursdays of every month, at the Three Rivers Arts Council (TRAC), 413 Mondamin Road, Minooka.

To our delight, five local writers turned out for that first meeting last week We shared our interests, heard some readings, set some goals, directed each other to helpful sites, and brainstormed our official title.

Since that time, we've moved to the Joliet Public Library at 3395 Black Road in Joliet, published three anthologies (with another out later this year), expanded membership, held a few workshops, and branched into marketing.

This past month, we hosted our first display at the Joliet Public Library's downtown branch at 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. The display comes down after our meet and greet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, so if you haven't seen it, this is the last opportunity.

Some of our members (including me) will be present with books we've written, along with our three WriteOn Joliet anthologies (along with our latest, "Cheetah Stories"), so please stop out and say, "Hi."

In short, we're here to support local writers, AND we're helping local writers produce the very best reading material possible for readers, voracious and otherwise.

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Community News: May 29, 2019

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

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

Open Mic Night 2019: James Pressler

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Community News: May 24 and May 28, 2019

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Out of Hibernation

Contrasts make for good writing.

It also makes for good living.

When I was a college student, I hung a poster on my door that gave examples of this very thing. Examples: "Going out at night becomes dull without nights of staying home by the fire" and "Having a cold means you get to stay in bed and eat, and having the flu means you get to stay in bed and lose weight."

When I've spent a lot of time alone with projects, it's refreshing to spend time with people. When I've engaged quite a bit with people, I need the rejuvenation of alone time.

As a writer, I like writing about those things that touch the human spirit. As a features writer, I show the light by focusing on the positive. As a fiction writer, I point to the light by highlighting the dark.

Last weekend, I had a good portion of a weekend off. This past weekend, I took off almost two and a half days, and it was the most wonderful two days I've had in a very, very, very long time.

Here's what "wonderful" felt like to me:

I worked an intense 13-hour Friday without a break to make it home for a pizza dinner with Joshua, Amber, and three of my grandchildren. While everyone debated on who should cut up the watermelon (no one wanted to do it), Sue Midlock, the illustrator for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, showed up for coffee, bringing a tub of strawberries and a tub of whipped cream and leaving the watermelon conundrum for another day. (We, meaning "not me," eventually cut it up that weekend and ate it. Yes, it was delicious).

Sue and I sat for nearly three hours at Barnes and Noble drinking coffee and talking about reading and writing, our projects, things we liked, her idea and her treat. It was lovely!

I arrived home to find that my copy of Fifteen Years by Allison Rios that I had won had arrived so I read a third of it then and there.

On Saturday and straight into Sunday, stopping only for showering and sleep, I read through and copy edited the fifth and last book of Before the Blood, the prequel to the Bryony trilogy, so now it's ready for the final formatting and ordering a proof copy. As a reader, I found it to be an amazing read, one of those books that lingers in your head.

So before heading to the next project, I needed an brain intermezzo. I was going to get some work done, but Timothy was working on the Sue's Diner page of the BryonySeries website, so we consulted on that for awhile.

Then I settled down to work on Phyllis' memoir, which is now in a pretty good first draft status, good for me because she is coming to the house next Sunday with photos, and good for her because she is excited to see it.

Rebekah and I took off for a walk. When we came back, Jasmine and Timothy were roasting s'mores on the back porch. Timothy asked me if I wanted to roast my own. Nope! I pulled up a little chair to gaze at the fire (lovely), decided the scene needed a mouse, ran inside for Bertrand, AND THEN, settled down with my crocheted mouse to eat two s'mores (because the first one didn't melt the chocolate properly, and that should not be my last memory of a s'more).

On Sunday I walked and shook a veterans hand, finally watched the 2014 "What We Do in the Shadows" (LOVED IT!) and then settled down for about six hours of work. I didn't get it all done (which will make for a stressful week), but certainly I'm farther ahead than if, say, I'd been slothful and taken the entire day off.

Besides, I had another idea for another book (or series) brewing inside me. Not enough to not work. But enough that I could jot thoughts as I worked as ideas came to me.

I also veeeeery gradually worked my way back into social media.

And I remembered veterans.

I finished reading Fifteen Years and will review it in an upcoming LocalLit newsletter.

Between storms, I ran up to work to check voice messages at work (none, how about that?), took a walk with Rebekah, and, before bed, watched some"Doom Patrol (It's very good) with Daniel.

Yes, I know it's not an exciting weekend by some perspectives. And it wasn't "exciting" for me, either.

But it was marvelous. And just what I needed.

I hope the same is true for you, too.

Hello, Tuesday. :)

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Friday, May 24, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 19 through May 24

FYI, I'll be a little less present on social media this weekend.

I have extremely tight deadlines today due to the upcoming holiday, but once they're met, I have some very narrow plans for the next few days: one dinner with family, two coffee dates, and working on four books: readying the entire fifth and final installment of Before the Blood, so I can send for a proof copy, working on Phyllis' memoir, MAYBE (if Timothy has time), completing the outline we started on Mother's Day for the fourth book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, and finally, some pecking at Lycanthropic Summer.

I have not had an entire three days off since last September, so I am looking forward to a rejuvenation period. That, and a proper observation of Memorial Day, are my only plans.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. :)

Non-bylined features:

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):

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:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built.

Books and Such

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.

'My story is not a private one'
Refugee to speak on May 22 in Crest Hill

JC Afternoon Inspiration: Lori Lucchetti, the executive director of Building Peaceful Bridges, said this about Ahlam Mahmoud: ""After everything she has gone though, she sits here with a smile on her face and the energy to do more."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/c6008c97ba9d4b83b8170b2a53afa53a/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Willing to push through anything
Joliet Junior College alumna and former Channahon resident gave breast cancer the fight of her life

“She was willing to push through anything,” Ted Allen, Colleen Allen's husband, said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/f415c45abc3843d4b756c45a032bf9ee/index.xml

Healing Abigail: Joliet teen finds her smile and shares message

Ever since Abigail Pike was recognized on March 23 at the Face the Future Foundation annual gala, she's been eager to share her story and empower other people who feel different, too.

"Everybody has something that's different with our bodies," Abigail, pictured many years ago with her mother Lois Pike of Joliet, said. "People might have diabetes or be born with a disability. But people can inspire others with their stories.

"I think that's the whole reason and purpose why people are born different. What brings us together is to spread love and kindness and positivity."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/77a84535bbd94295b227c8ca7681080c/index.xml?page=1

Joliet Junior College chef professor shares his best grilling advice

Use Bucci's tips for perfect food this weekend

Plus, learn about the ONE STEP many people overlook that will make a difference in food taste and presentation,

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/22/6f6f8c1df73a4d6391112965509c3484

A full-scale retirement hobby
Shorewood man paints wooden and metal commemorative axe heads

One project extremely close to Ray Antolik's heart is a special " Pulaski " axe for the town of Yarnell, Arizona, and the memorial the town is creating to honor the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots that lost their lives fighting a blazing wildfire that burned over 8,000 acres of land in 2013.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/21/ef75b79bda114e6795ae37072a0397a0/index.xml?page=1

Artworks: Plainfield man's song encourages patriotism

"I never served in the military," Joe Ambroggio said. "But my dad and grandfather and uncle are all veterans. I was always taught to respect where we lived and to respect the people who fought to keep us safe."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/artworks-plainfield-mans-song-encourages-patriotism/auy6lua/

LocalLit book review spotlight: 'Carry On' by Dr. Daniele de Girolami

"Oddly enough, I'm not a poet. I practice cardiology. Moreover, when these poems popped into my head, I wrote them down feverishly, as if a scribe, to get all the words down to paper. Overwhelmingly, most of the poems were written within about five minutes!

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/24/locallit-book-review-spotlight-carry-on-by-dr-daniele-de-girolami/a8w9w8q/

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

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Community News: May 23, 2019

Five recipes for you to try today. Which ones looks good to you?

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.

This Chinese salt and pepper shrimp is a savory-spicy joy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/this-chinese-salt-and-pepper-shrimp-is-a-savory-spicy-joy/ao32shi/

Take your Caesar salad to the grill to get a smoky char

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/take-your-caesar-salad-to-the-grill-to-get-a-smoky-char/acc0kyp/

Harissa pairs perfectly with lamb in this spiced burger

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/harissa-pairs-perfectly-with-lamb-in-this-spiced-burger/ajew2fb/

Tonight make salmon that flakes apart in buttery chunks

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/tonight-make-salmon-that-flakes-apart-in-buttery-chunks/a3mjvk6/

California fish tacos are a light and fresh surfside treat

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/california-fish-tacos-are-a-light-and-fresh-surfside-treat/ajgviua/

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

"I Have a Thing For You"

This is what Timothy's girl friend Jasmine called out to me as I was on my hands and knees last night after work cleaning the downstairs bathroom.

Side note: My mother hates that I wash floors from a "hands and knees" position. She thinks it's demeaning. I think it's the best way not to miss anything. But whatever.

A "thing for me?"

"Does Timothy know?" I called back.

I should say here that Jasmine is pretty awesome. Two nights ago, she was in the ER after getting smacked in the nose with a softball (yes, it's slightly broken), but she was up early the next day, ready for work.

Yesterday, she spent the day babysitting my granddaughters because Joshua as at work, and Amber had to accompany Ezekiel on a field trip.

She sent me photos of the fun they were having. I should add here that Jasmine's specialty is cakes, and her dream goal is to open her own bakery one day.

The girls did some baking...

Some waiting...

And sharing...

Yes, this was the "thing" Jasmine had waiting for me at the other end of the door.

What's really sweet about this, more than Jasmine engaging the girls in the kitchen, is Jasmine teaching Jessica and Riley how to be thoughtful and kind.

Wouldn't you agree?

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Community News: May 22, 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.

Local students earn dean's list for fall 2018

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/local-students-earn-deans-list-for-fall-2018/a1o8pta/

Manhattan-Elwood Public Library summer reading program receives support from New Lenox business

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/22/manhattan-elwood-public-library-program-receives-support-from-new-lenox-business/a7z4mwg/

Plainfield #GirlScouts honored with awards

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/0ae67e44bd1f4c899719064fe657bff7/index.xml?page=1

VIDEO: Joliet teen Abigail Pike has something to say

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/83e53a7c-33ef-48f7-8414-df9367f1e42f.html

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

Open Mic Night 2019: Holly Coop

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Community News: May 21, 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.

Chicago radio personality coming to Joliet church on May 29

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/20/chicago-radio-personality-coming-to-joliet-on-may-29/alj28q4/

Joliet area churches to offer VBS programs this summer

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/20/joliet-area-churches-to-offer-vbs-programs-this-summer/aumnmgp/

Silver Cross in New Lenox 1st to offer patients new heart failure monitoring system

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/20/silver-cross-in-new-lenox-1st-to-offer-patients-new-heart-failure-monitoring-system/aevdqaw/

Future heart surgery program in New Lenox includes expertise of 2 surgeons

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/20/64a0fb3982b94d85a64af249a5047f9b/index.xml

Troy Hofer students taking 'mindfulness' breaks during class

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/09/troy-hofer-students-taking-mindfulness-breaks-during-class/a7bckg8/

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."

The Other Social Media

Whether you are a longtime visitor to the BryonySeries blog or have newly discovered my ramblings, thank you for your readership.

Although I do mention the series' other social media sites on Fridays (in case anyone is curious), here's a quick guide to the posts you'll find there.

BryonySeries Twitter: Curated content, all related to the BryonySeries: articles, recipes, stories/poems, products (mostly artisans selling on Etsy). Also updates on books and other BryonySeries products (including how/where to buy), upcoming events, and tips for writers.

BryonySeries Facebook: Curated photos, memes, and articles related to the series, as well as updates on books and other BryonySeries products (including how/where to buy) and upcoming events.

BryonySeries Instagram: All things Bertrand the Mouse

My personal Twitter: Mostly stories and briefs I put together for The Herald-News, with a smattering of BryonySeries information and tips for writers.

WriteOn Joliet Facebook: A group I co-lead, this page has information and support for writers, from me and from other members in the group,

Joliet Connect: A group I administer for The Herald-News, this page is all things Joliet: events, things for sale, conversation, blogs from residents, etc.

BryonySeries YouTube: A bit neglected at the moment, this site has BryonySeries videos (book trailers, music video, interviews) as well as curated videos related to the series.

The BryonySeries website: The main hub and virtual BryonySeries world (and one going through a massive overhaul to make it more interactive), this has pages devoted to the book, history of the series, a virtual tour of the fictional Munsonville, fan art, guest book, videos, pages dedicated to characters, a store, a calendar, and much, much more. One of the most important pages is a site map, which guides the visitor to its many layers.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Monday, May 20, 2019

Community News: May 18 and May 19, 2019

Check out events, adoptable pets, and the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: May 20 through May 27

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/gotta-do-it-may-20-through-may-27/aiid3zx/

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.

A Real Weekend

For the first time in a long, long, long time, I finished work late Friday afternoon.

And then I had a choice.

I could start catching up on some other work, or I could stop.

At that point, Timothy asked if I wanted to accompany him on an errand and get some coffee.

And so, I chose "stop."

Furthermore, I didn't pick work back up until Sunday afternoon.

These next thoughts are a little all over the place, but I'm going somewhere with it.

I spent the evening with my Gloria Jean coffee and finished reading (and marking errors) in the fourth installment of Before the Blood and uploading the manuscript for KDP approval.

The next morning, I met with Colleen Robbins, my editor for the fifth installment of Before the Blood. This went faster than I anticipated, for this last book was cleaner than I thought.

I then went home and spent twelve straight hours correcting typos, rewriting less than a handful of changes, and doing the basic formatting.

On Sunday, I worked on Phyllis' memoir for a couple hours before switching to work.

Later in the evening, I sat with Timothy while he fiddled with the basic setup of Dalton's Dry Good (the store page, which he's completely redesigning, along with the rest of the BryonySeries website).

I also watched the first episode of the web series Doom Patrol, which Daniel recommended because he said, "the writing is good." A couple trite and predictable moments, but overall promising. I'm looking forward to the second episode.

I feel rejuvenated and only slightly behind this morning, not a bad way to start a work week.

Next weekend's plans for the long weekend are just as slim: finish the memoir, read through the fifth installment of BTB (and hopefully upload it to KDP and send for a proof), and watch a movie: What We Do in the Shadows, which was recommended to me.

A couple noteworthy points:

I posted this article on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2YI7SsT. Although it's about reading, this particular passage also sums up why I enjoy writing fiction so much - and why not spending some time doing so makes me tense.

Reading has been shown to put our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.

Features writing, and working on Phyllis' memoir, does something similar, but since most of that writing is on deadline, the "trance-like state" is a little less since I'm watching the clock, and I'm relying less on my imagination and more on the facts.

The other point concerns Timothy and the website. I watched him for about an hour as he worked his way through his own creative process, which included a lot of ideas, starting in a certain direction, working his way through a series of steps, and then modifying or scrapping altogether.

As I watched him, I realized every technique he was trying was made with skills he's learned on his own ever since he "adopted" the BryonySeries website as his project.

He's gone from wanting to "clean up the site" a bit to overhauling it and hand-building many of its aspects to make each page engaging (my goal from the start) and less templated.

He's looked at many sites (and pulled up examples) of major companies, authors, and publishing houses, showed me how the pages were built, and then explained the components that make mine different, both on desktop and mobile.

"Where did you learn how to do all this?"

"I read," he said.

I'm amazed at the techniques he's learned by asking questions I didn't know how to ask. He explained edges, shadows, shapes, animation, codes for color creation, etc.

Timothy has taken the lifelong, independent learner goal I had for homeschooling, caught the fire I have for this BryonySeries project, and made it his own own innovative passion.

It was amazing to observe, sort of like watching a sunrise.

For instance, this page, the calendar of events, is gorgeous on a desktop. https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts. It's not done yet, and mobile views have to be adjusted.

But Timothy also showed me the mobile view by scrolling through it very fast and watching how each card moves like a pack of cards through the scroll.

Each component of each piece (even though each piece looks like one piece) is hand-built by Timothy from other tiny components.

What an amazing weekend from start to finish.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Steward Setback Saturday: Ed Calkins: "42"

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Ed Calkins: "42"

So I received this "telegram" for Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, earlier this week, which initiated a brief exchange. The entire correspondence is below, with commentary from me.

BTW, the actual name of the book is the The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Dear MOMI,

Dyslexia can change a whole novel. At first read I mistook Connla the Fair as a reincarnated wood sprite interposing that name with Glorna.

I tied to write the next limericks explaining how the two are one but this just mergers too many souls (Connla/Glorna/John Peter+ 42/Angela).

Could you do me a favor and replace Connla with Glorna in the limericks? I just can't make the mistake work thoughI did try. (Done! And it does make more sense this way. Denise)

While we're at it, I wonder if the irony of '42' (the answer to the meaning of life, the universe, and everything in "Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe") was intentional, or a happy accident?

Dyslexically yours,

Sniklac De

O Steward,

I'll change it... if you're sure.

Because John-Peter did adopt the Connla legend as his, hence his love for apples and wishing for a

magic one.

I've never read "Hitchhiker," although my sister loved it. Is there a" "42" reference?

MOMI

Dear MOMI

Yea, I did catch the Connla thing but am about to take the Seven Characters in Search of an Author reference and I need the wood sprite not the hero.

Yes. 42 is the answer to "life, the universe, and everything." the earth was built to understand the question (But demolished to build an interstellar highway minutes before the it a a archived its purpose.

I'll be writing more soon

Ed Calkins,

Steward of Tara

So what's this "42" business?

"42" is the name of a character is Staked!

It's truly a happy accident because, in another happy accident, I really didn't know the question when I created her.

But the character 42 (without giving away anything), by another happy accident, seems to fit the premise set forth in "Hitchhiker." (I say "seems" because, like I said, I have not read the book).

Furthermore, I'll bet you're wondering about the connection linking wood sprites, the Connla the Fair legend, and authors.

Well, the answers (sort of) are in Staked!, the third book in the BryonySeries trilogy. Although the books tell one story and make the best sense if consumed in order, they can be read out of order.

In a shameless bit of Staked! promotion, you can buy the book HERE.

And this is a vampire story? Yes.

Or to quote Ed Calkins (as he appears in (Staked!): “There’s all kinds of blood, if you know where to look."

I am now off to my make-believe place. Have a great gloomy Saturday!