Where is Ed Calkins?

The Steward of Tara has been silent too long, methinks. Contemplating sending a telegram if he doesn't reach out by the end of today.

In the meantime, I have three appointments to keep: all related to books and writing. 

If you see Limerick Master, please ask him to step into his imagination and send a few amusing words.

Oh, and if you love the Gothic genre, stop by the Book and Bean today at 12:30 p.m. We're discussing Sue Mydliak's first vampire book, Birthright. Copies are available in the cafe.

Have a great Saturday! :)

Gothic Book Club: First Meeting

Several members of the critique group WriteOn Joliet write in a genre one might describe as "Gothic."

Not a popular genre in the 21st century. Nor do we care.

But we did want a forum where we could gather with the like-minded and discuss out works. No such entity exists in the area.

So we made our own: WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club. We had three attendees, enough for a thoughtful discussion, with questions moderated by the author.

And yes, the woman on the right is playing with Bertrand. He couldn't pass up cheese and crackers.

The club is open to anyone who enjoys Gothic fiction. One need not be a member of WriteOn Joliet. We aren't charging dues.

 However, keep in mind we will be reading books written by WriteOn Joliet members, and reading the book is a requirement. We are currently reading Birthright by Sue Mydliak. Today we discussed the first seven chapters. 

Our next meeting is from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 7. We will discuss chapters eight through fourteen. \

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/2094850277406343/.

Awesome meeting space, huh?

TurnAbout Tour: Sue Mydliak

The BryonySeries' first TurnAbout Tour continues today with Sue Mydliak.

What is a TurnAbout Tour?

Well, it's something I made up, as my "thank you" to the writers who graciously and generously hosted the BryonySeries on their blogs last month.

During the Mondays and Tuesdays in June, I'm sharing links to three pieces I especially liked by these writers, giving them additional exposure without them have to write additional pieces. We're on stop No. three today, so if you missed the first two, please scroll back and catch up.

Today's stop: fellow vampire writer Sue Mydliak.

According to her blog, Sue Mydliak was born in Flint, Michigan. She came to Illinois when she was a little girl and graduated from Downers Grove South.

It wasn't until the book Twilight came out did she develop her interest in writing. She published her first book, Birthright,  2011, which led to Sue developing the story into a trilogy.

She has written two other books, Night Games and an anniversary book, Forever, which is Birthright's story, but whose story line is different and geared more for adults. She is currently writing two other books, Eternal and Secrets and has finished illustrating a new children's book, JellyBean Turns Three (see her children's book website, http://susiebbooks.strikingly.com/)

Not mentioned on Mydliak's blog are anthologies and her hilarious southern shorts, which Sue recently released.

Sue is also a poet, and it's three of her poems I'm sharing with you today. What I like best about Sue's poetry are her great, slight of hand, O. Henry-type surprise endings.


Alone

A bleak poem that takes the reader to a place the words don't suggest.

http://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2013/10/alone.html


My Days Woe

The last line will stay with you. It has with me.

http://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-days-woes.html


Wickedness

One wouldn't think a poem with this title ends on a positive, triumphant note.

But it does.

http://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2017/04/wickedness.html