BryonySeries: January 2020

Friday, January 31, 2020

Community News: Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, 2020

Doing things a bit in reverse today!

I'll post the weekly story round-up later after all the stories have posed to web.

Have a great Friday! :)

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.

Lincoln-Way student awarded full-ride scholarship from The Posse Foundation

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/14/lincoln-way-student-awarded-full-ride-scholarship-from-the-posse-foundation/a5o4r9j/

Nationwide program honors local hero, Joliet native Daniel Acosta

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/15/nationwide-program-honors-local-hero-joliet-native-daniel-acosta/akp3kjq/

Channahon Scout leads in bridge for Eagle Scout project

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/15/channahon-scout-leads-in-bridge-for-eagle-scout-project/aaqxpo8/

Are you at risk for a house fire?
Use this checklist from the #Plainfield Fire Protection District

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/27/are-you-at-risk-for-a-house-fire/a1rnm3p/

Lincoln-Way East to host STEM Night for future Griffins

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/16/lincoln-way-east-to-host-stem-night-for-future-griffins/axc9jc7/

Local arts and entertainment: Jan. 31 through Feb. 7

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/30/local-art-and-entertainment-jan-31-through-feb-7/aungjri/

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 artworkbytopher.com.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: George the Cat Needs a Home: Can You Help?

George the Cat Needs a Home: Can You Help?

Once upon a time my son Christopher's cat Alex lived with us. He was the nicest kitty that ever lived.

This is Alex. Isn't he sweet?

My cats bullied him so Alex retaliated in true cat form.

He marked. Everywhere.

When we lost our Channahon home, we could not take a marking cat into a rental situation. The Will County Humane Society accepted him. He was adopted in a week.

This past summer, the same shelter submitted an owner return named George to The Herald News' Pets of the Week. George looked like Alex's double.

So I went to meet George. If this was my cat, I felt responsible to help rehome him. George was not Alex, but he was equally friendly and sweet. So now I feel responsible for finding George a home. And until he's adopted, it's likely he'll reappear on this blog.

Meet George. Can you help find him an owner that will cherish him? Thank you.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/07/20/pets-of-the-week-july-25/a8llyp3/

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Community News: Jan. 28 and Jan. 29, 2020

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."

Barbie Therapy by Diana Estell and Vanessa Cooley-Stephens

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Bryony Spool Journal

This past summer, local author and BryonySeries artist Sue Midlock had an idea for an art project related to our books.

Sue had seen examples of spool art, wanted to make one for her book Elspeth, and invited Rebekah and I to make one, too, focusing on Bryony.

She had all the supplies except for the basic wooden spool, which her husband, a woodworker, made for us.

Basically, we paint a strip of paper (in our case, we painted two and connected them with ribbon that "spoke" of our respective books, in order to make a longer scroll) and then we added prose and decor, the last supplied by Sue's large collection of art supplies.

It reminded me of a major project I did with my teen Sunday school class at St. Nicholas, where I brought out everything from the art cabinets and let their imagination free.

Sue wrote and illustrated vignettes that summarized Elspeth. I used quotes from both Bryony and the fifth installment of Before The Blood, which focuses on Bryony Simons.

In Bryony, Melissa trades her blood with a Victorian vampire (John Simons) to go back into time to "be" Bryony.

On the other hand, the fifth installment of Before The Blood, is the real adult Bryony and her marriage to John, before he was dead and undead.

So one side of the scroll are Melissa quotes. The others are Bryony's, bound together by a ribbon and with the whole decorated with the specially bred bryony vines in the series and other subtle elements contained therein.

The ends are also decorated with themes that appear in both Bryony...

...and Before The Blood: Bryony Simons

Even the "tags" at the end related to Before The Blood: If you've read the book, you'll recognize them.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Community News: Jan. 24, Jan. 25, and Jan. 27, 2020

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 artworkbytopher.com.

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

Good morning!

Although. for years, I've posted a roundup of my feature stories on Fridays, I may, for now, post them on Mondays, simply because we're experimenting with new posting schedules and all stories may not post by Friday morning.

So here'a a bit of catching up over the last few days, stories and otherwise.

On Saturday, Rebekah and I hung out at The Book Market in Crest Hill. We arrived a few minutes early to "dress" the store's "book signing" table only to find the owner had already done it for us!

Although business had been slow most of the day, it picked up during those last two hours of operation. Not everyone stopped at my table, of course, but some did, and it was wonderful to chat with those who did.

We sold a total of seven books and gave one Bertrand the Mouse book to a little girl. Not bad for two hours on a snowy Saturday.

The rest of the weekend, quite honestly, was filled with church, chores, errands, and a bit of work.

Before the event I did a smidgen of fiction: some character development for The Phoenix (the first book in the Limbo series) and some tweaking of previously written chapters for Lycanthropic Summer (my werewolf story).

Next weekend should (hopefully) be less busy and more productive.

Below is information on where to find the things I write or edit or post.

Scroll past that information to get to the feature stories. Browse and click at whatever interests you.

Mostly, have a marvelous Monday: 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. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

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

'I woke up with an 8-inch scar'
Joliet woman's routine physical changed her life

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/14/i-woke-up-with-an-8-inch-scar/d2dfhpa/

All this Minooka mom wants is time
'Nothing was going to keep her away from those babies'

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/14/all-this-minooka-mom-wants-is-time/dejixu2/

When snacking, reach for 'empty calorie' foods

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/01/23/9df68ce22a1e4cafa880510f3f89d12c/index.xml?page=1

Anyone familiar with mate tea? U of I study suggests new health benefit #coffee
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/23/u-of-i-study-suggests-new-health-benefit-for-caffeine/aeafr63/

See 'how great this community can be'
More than 100 local musicians to perform at the Rialto in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/see-how-great-this-community-can-be/aie39d/

'He just hands the creativity off to me'
For his second show at the Rialto, Tim Placher gives credit to #Joliet business owner

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/he-just-hands-the-creativity-off-to-me/duvvoa7/

LocalLit book review: 'Team-Building: From the Bench to the Boardroom' by #Joliet coach Pat Sullivan

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/localit-book-review-team-building-from-the-bench-to-the-boardroom-by-joliet-coach-pat-sullivan/a4xwcok/

LocalLit spotlight: Joliet author based ‘Aprons of Stone’ on a true story

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/23/locallit-spotlight-joliet-author-based-aprons-of-stone-on-a-true-story/apj5xyg/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Friday, January 24, 2020

Holding Off on Story Round-Up

For those of you who like catching up with my feature stories for the week, I'm holding off on that post for one more day.

That's because some of the stories won't be posting online until later today.

So, instead, here's a quick catch-up on the other parts of my writing world.

Memoir: The proof copy arrived in the mail yesterday! Rebekah immediately caught one typo and a couple formatting issues. Phyllis just got out of the hospital, so before I hand the book off to my copy editor, I do want her to see it.

Although this project was challenging to fit into the last eighteen months of a demanding work schedule, now that I've held the book, I'm really glad I accepted the offer.

Fiction: Even though I had a long weekend last weekend, I only read through the parts I'd previously written in both The Phoenix (the first book in the Limbo series) and Lycanthropic Summer (a standalone werewolf novel).

What's especially interesting about the first book is that it's required me to research the history of nineteenth century journalism, which, during these times of "the death of journalism" trope, is a good reminder that journalism is not dead but ever-evolving.

Finally, if you have a few minutes to brave what's supposed to be really crummy weather tomorrow, stop out at The Book Market in Crest hill between 3 and 5 p.m.

I'll be there with a cup of hot coffee, all of my books titles (discounted), and my daughter Rebekah, who will be happy to haggle prices with you.

And if nothing I've written interests you, browse the store: thousands of titles, something for everyone. If you can't find a book you're seeking, the owner Janet Staley will be happy to help you out.

Have a fantastic Friday: readers, writers and BryonySeries fans.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Community News: Jan. 23, 2020

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."

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: And the Cavalry Showed Up

Sunday, January 19, 2014

And the Cavalry Showed Up

For readers following my posts the last few months, you know the interesting challenges I've battled. Recently, the newspaper that accepts most of my freelance features articles was sold, and I prepared to say "good-bye" to a satisfying portion of my career.

I was hasty.

The new company hired me as the features editor for The Herald-News. I've been told about eighty percent of my job will focus on what I've already been doing, albeit no longer from an attic office with a cat sitting behind mind me (along with one sitting on my lap, another perched on my tower, and a fourth resting on top of my printer.

The other twenty percent involves learning new equipment and software (Remember, I need directions to operate a can opener) and negotiating what it means to be a salaried employee with an assistant (other than a minor child) that reports to me.

While the "congratulations" from family, friends, co-workers, and fans is much appreciated, I'm honestly feeling more stretched than exhilarated, at least right now, as I struggle to learn much unfamiliar material in a short period of time, so I can quickly regain efficiency.

However, I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm very excited about this new trail of the journey. I love my job, and I'm thrilled that I can continue the old ways while expanding on them by learning new methods to get the task done while acquiring new skills.

Becoming an employee happened at the ideal time. I graduated from my homeschool teacher status in November when my youngest turned eighteen and earned his G.E.D.

Each of my children simultaneously began new adventures in their lives, too. Truly gives new meaning to the phrase "no child left behind."

Apparently, that must mean moms, too.

'Night.

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

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Community News: Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2020

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."

My Top Five Posts of All Time

I started writing this blog Aug. 1, 2010 at a time when the current advice in the writing world was "all authors have blogs."

Since I blog nearly daily, I was curious as to what blogs have, over time, generated the most interest. So here they are!

Interestingly, the best-performer has received daily views since its first posting over a year ago.

To my new readers: I hope you enjoy these posts, too.

To my longtime readers: I'm humbled and honored you're still here. Thank you for your loyal support.

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/12/all-eight-bryonyseries-christmas.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2019/03/bryonyseries-throwback-thursday-i.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/07/how-i-ran-my-first-blog-tour.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2010/12/most-convenient-kitchen-utensils_30.html

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2015/08/twenty-questions-with-ed-calkins.html

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

How to Read More Books This Year

Maybe it's a by-product of a severely asthmatic childhood, but I read A LOT and so does my sister and my children.

In fact my sister, who also has a master's degree in library science, has an entire room in her home that is only bookshelves (Lucky!).

Some people like reading a lot less. And some people would like to read a lot more.

This article popped up in my news feed today. It has eight great tips for people who want to read more (maybe that's you).

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/8-ways-to-read-a-lot-more-books-this-year?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Here's a ninth suggestion: Browse your public library and local bookstore.

And since my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez says I'm terrible at self-promotion, here's a tenth: Come out to The Book Market this Saturday (Jan. 25) between 3 and 5 p.m.

I'll be there with a collection of the books in the BryonySeries, which has titles for all ages and even a cookbook (which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties).

If you've never been inside The Book Market, you should. The space is filled with reasonably priced used books for every age and on every topic imaginable.

The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. And if you don't know what to buy a reader, gift cards are available, too.

If you're looking for a rare or out-of-print book, stop here first before scouring online.

The Book Market is located at 23675 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.

Happy reading! :)

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Monday, January 20, 2020

Community News: Jan. 16, Jan. 17, and Jan. 18, 2019

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

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Come Out for a Night of Laughter

It seemed simple to me.

WriteOn Joliet, which usually hosts two open mics a year, missed its second one this past fall due to many other events that opened up for this adult critique group.

I was racking my brain for a special way to celebrate Calkins Day, the official holiday of the BryonySeries, a holiday that celebrates humor, imagination and creativity each Feb. 13.

So I pitched the idea of an open mic event with a theme of humor to my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez with the real Ed Calkins as our special guest.

He loved the idea and voila!

Whether you'd like to share a whimsical work, enjoy the works of others, or meet the ruthless Steward of Tara himself, please join us from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet, inside the Joliet Public Library.

More details will unfold in the coming days.

Have a great Saturday! :)

Friday, January 17, 2020

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 12 through Jan. 17

A few less stories than usual as I adjust to a new schedule and some new work assignments.

And one less story than I intended to post but resists appearing on the website. So frustrating.

But I'll reach out to IT later this morning and update this story, so please check back later.

The story is a preview of a non-fiction book from a person I respect and who makes a solid case for the points he makes.

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.

Books and Such

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

'I just wanted to spin the wheel'
Dream of appearing on game show comes true Jan. 15 for Monee woman

Longtime fan of popular game show gets her to chance to compete, too.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/10/i-just-wanted-to-spin-the-wheel/axt4jro/

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet bishop 'had a heart as big as Texas'

Here's what Bishop Robert R. Sanders did to live up to that quote.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/10/joliet-bishop-had-a-heart-as-big-as-texas/az5xxs/

How to give the humble potato a second chance

It's not all starch and empty calories.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/13/how-to-give-the-humble-potato-a-second-chance/dhpsecv/

'I had some tough competition'
Monee contestant on 'Wheel of Fortune' talks about 'once in a lifetime' experience

How did Amanda Harris fare? Well, she didn't come home empty-handed.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/16/i-had-some-tough-competition/dc5owow/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'In Team-Building: From the Bench to the Boardroom' by Joliet coach Pat Sullivan

Review coming this Tuesday in the LocalLit newsletter. Follow the link to subscribe. It's free.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/16/locallit-book-spotlight-in-team-building-from-the-bench-to-the-boardroom-by-joliet-coach-pat-sullivan/axeobe5/

Illustration by Matt Counfiff for "Visage."

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Community News: Jan. 15, 2020

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 artworkbytopher.com.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

McVicker's Theatre in Chicago

If you like history, you might enjoy these links about McVicker's Theatre, which only exists in historical documents and in Bryony and Before The Blood: Henry Matthews.

I tried to keep descriptions in both scenes true to the 1884 version of the theater.

Dion Boucicault's ‘Robert Emmet’ really did open at McVicker's in 1884, and the reviews to which Henry and Brumfeldt refer in both books came from real reviews.

For anyone curious, here are some links to the history. One piece of trivia not in my books is that John Wilkes Boothe once performed there.

My goal this year is to take a tour of all the places (and sites, for those places that no longer exist) in Chicago that I featured in Before The Blood.

https://interactive.wttw.com/timemachine/mcvicker%E2%80%99s-theater

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1798

https://archive.org/stream/mcvickersobserva00chic/mcvickersobserva00chic#page/n5/mode/1up

http://cinematreasures.org/photos?page=1&theater_id=1798

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7427054/mcvickers_theatre_closing/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.