"The Beast of Venice Pier"

"The Beast of Venice Pier" is a piece written by WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton for WriteOn Joliet's first radio theater-style performance at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet in 2023.

The piece is an alternate piece based off "The Foghorn" by Ray Bradbury, which Duanne explains on his YouTube channel.

Duanne and I read "The Beast of Venice Pier" at WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last week at Critical Grind Board GAme Cafe in Shorewood.

We read this quite spontaneously and had not read it since our last performance in 2023.

What made it so much fun is that we quite naturally slipped into our roles as if we'd just performed it an hour ago. Each syllable, each inflection, was exactly the same.

Duanne, .Holly Coop, and Diana Estell, also read my piece from that same performance ("A Little Wine For Your Stomach"), which is an excerpt from the BryonySeries novel "The Phoenix," which they also executed flawlessly

Diana had previously said she'd love to perform that piece again. So they did, quite spontaneously, at the open mic - which led Duanne to want to read "The Beast of Venice Pier."

The point of all this (other than the fact I'm super proud of all of us) is the value of doing your homework (so to speak) before showing up.

I'm not just talking theatrics here. I'm talking about any project you tackle. All the hours and unseen work in the background will pay off during that short time in the foreground.

So be encouraged today that your hard work is not in vain.

You can watch the original performances starting at the 1:50 mark here: An Evening With WriteOn Joliet: Readings to Entertain and Inspire You. Act 2 and also at 38:10.

Happy Thursday! :)

Doctor Tikyll Introduces Duanne Walton (Me!) at Open Mike Night 2015

"The Playwright"

WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton has a delightful habit of gifting with delightful items.

Like this "werewolf" candle from Mythology Candles that I only burn a little at a time because when it's gone, it's gone. 

And this rocking "coffee bar man" that sits on my home coffee bar.

This Christmas, Duanne gifted me with this a different scent from Mythology Candles.

The scent surprised me, because I didn't know this was a scent that could be bottled. (yes, you have to scroll for it).

The scent is called "The Playwright" and a product description is provided on the Mythology Candles website.

I must say the scent lives up to its hype.

Duanne gave this candle to me on December 12, at WriteOn Joliet's member-only holiday party at The Curator's Cafe in Joliet. And I just lit it for the first time.

So why did I wait until now to light it?

Because WriteOn Joliet has just entered its third radio play season and just had our very first table reading last Thursday at The Book Market in Crest Hill. 

Because ten members of WriteOn Joliet will explore various aspects of heroism in original radio-style stories and poems at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 26  at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre.

Authors and performers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton.

Director is Anne Magosky.

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Admission will be just $5.

So with the success of our 2023 radio play and the 2024 radio play behind us, we ten will spend the next few months editing, casting, rehearsing, and taking these seemingly unrelated pieces - written individually, at different times in our lives, and at the behest of our particular inspirations - and transforming them into a cohesive performance you will not want to miss.

And I wanted this candle flame to not only inspire me with my BryonySeries contribution to the play and not just with the mechanics of this play, or of how far we ten have come as individual writers, but to...

...also remind me of how far we have come in learning to support each other and collaborate with each other to bring our unique and separate works together to weave together a dynamic show we hope you don't miss.

'But I Didn't Die'

A few weeks ago, WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton shared a piece he'd written that most people around the table felt was very relatable.

In that piece, Duanne shared a series of hard times that had befallen him over the years and ended each anecdote with the refrain, "But I didn't die."

Since mid-2021, our families have experienced an seemingly unending, unbroken line of challenges that have included numerous health emergencies and deaths.

The latest for me, was a back injury along with the almost simultaneous death of our black cat Midnight.

After ten blurry days of some really horrible pain on top of a very full work and life schedule, I remembered Duanne's piece one night and shouted at the mirror, "But I didn't die!"

Some Tylenol is finally mitigating some of the back pain (from PAIN to pain), and I'm figuring out how to squeeze another doctor's appointment into this week without using a sick day (I have two others already and this week is very, very full).

And I'm repeating, "But I didn't die," quite a bit.

Maybe Duanne's refrain will help you, too, if you're experiencing some tough times. And if not, tuck the thought away somewhere for when those tough times show up.

Thank you, Duanne, for sharing such a great piece - and great insight.

Happy Monday!

Santa, Beeman, and More!

"Costumed characters" are often part of community celebrations - and no Christmas party is complete without Santa Claus.

And as we wrapped up WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party on Dec. 5 at the Joliet Public Library, Santa and Beeman took a photo for posterity, with Daniel (who "manned" the anthologies near the party entrance) gave his solid approval.

Now who is Santa and Beeman? (Yes, keep scrolling).

Beeman, of course, is WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton, who played the "bumbling" newbie superhero in a skit  called "Bomb Threats and Bee Stings," written by WriteOn Joliet member Steve Cordin (left of Duanne), who played Ultra Bomber.

"Bomb Threats and Bee Stings" was one of the original pieces in "Fragments of Time," a WriteOn Joliet radio theater-style performance held twice in April at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater in Joliet.

And now Santa...

Santa is really Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara: man, myth, newspaper carrier, BryonySeries character, and author of three books, as well as "Meta Ed" in the radio play, where Ed played himself in all these roles, along with other roles.

Here is Ed giving a stunning delivery of WriteOn Joliet member Mauverneen Blevins' "Time Piece."

And finally...

I make sure to take my annual-ish photo with Santa before we all headed out the door for the night.

Have a super Saturday!

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Duanne Walton

Nine members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Fragments of Time," an original radio theater production, at 7 p.m. April 19 and April 20 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Duanne Walton. 

Duanne, who is working on a mystery thriller, is known as an intrepid videographer and writes nicely structured stream of consciousness pieces.

He said, "Writing is my gift from God and it's been with me forever. It's seen me through rough times and brought me to WriteOn Joliet where I've found support, encouragement and friends. 

"I've also discovered other talents as an intrepid videographer, interpretive dancer or mime, and comic strip writer artist. I am blessed and thankful."

Unlike many of us, Duanne is extremely relaxed and confident in front of a microphone. Give him any piece and he can execute brilliantly on the first read. Come out and see for yourself!

The other authors and performers on April 19 and April 20 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, and Jenny Russ.

Director is Rachel Veres.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks will be available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

For more information, visit youtube.com/@4thtroika and writeonjoliet.com.

 

WriteOn Joliet Mic Night is Thursday

If you missed WriteOn Joliet's radio play on Saturday, WriteOn Joliet has another entertaining option for you.

Members of WriteOn Joliet will present a mic night on September 14 at the Book and Bean Cafe, right inside the Black Road branch of  the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

We will share short excerpts of their original fiction, essays and poems. The event is free to attend.

The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m...although you may arrive as early as you like.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Book and Bean Cafe.

For more information about WriteOn Joliet, visit writeonjoliet.com.

We hope to see you there!

The Lizzo Mustard/Watermelon Challenge At Starbucks

Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream (And Other Things)!

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Duanne Walton

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “An Evening With WriteOn Joliet: Readings to Entertain and Inspire You” on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Duanne Walton. 

Duanne is working on a mystery thriller, is known as an intrepid videographer, and writes nicely structured stream of consciousness pieces.

He said, "Writing is my gift from God and it's been with me forever. It's seen me through rough times and brought me to WriteOn Joliet where I've found support, encouragement and friends. 

"I've also discovered other talents as an intrepid videographer, interpretive dancer or mime, and comic strip writer artist. I am blessed and thankful."

Unlike many of us, Duanne is extremely relaxed and confident in front of a microphone.

The other authors and performers on April 22 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Maureen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, and Cean Magosky.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks will be available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

For more information, visit youtube.com/@4thtroika and writeonjoliet.com.

 

Ed Calkins Day 2023 at The Book Market

Thoughts. I Haz Them: 2022 (Part 3)

"Live" Readings Thursday Night at the Joliet Public Library

So today's big reveal must wait one more day because I don't have a complete "product" to reveal.

I had promised in yesterday's post to give a "sneak peek" of a special "thank you" gift BryonySeries is offering for select purchase of books in the BryonySeries on Thursday night at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party.

I'm not trying to be mysterious; really I'm not.

The gifts were prepared yesterday. But they won't actually be assembled until today, so I don't have a final product to show.

Last year, we offered this gift. This year, we have something equally terrific.

But I can give you this teaser photo and teaser collage:

I know what you're thinking. And you're only a tiny percentage correct.

In the meantime, let me explain the "live readings" feature for Thursday night's anthology release party.

WriteOn Joliet founding member Duanne Walton calls himself the "intrepid videographer" because he and his video recorder are not far away.

Duanne has recorded every WriteOn Joliet open mic every since the writers group starting holding them in 2013 at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet.

But he also pops in to various events individual members are hosting. 

Here is Duanne (right) recording an interview with member Robert Hafey on the official release of his book Bumping and Snacking, which was held at the Will County Brewing in Shorewood.

The event featured a special Bumping and Snacking-inspired beer. Robert will be at the anthology release party selling his books, including this one. He will not have any beer.

Duanne plans to set up a table at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 8 and play all those open mic videos. So be sure to stop by his table and listen for a bit.

The anthology release party will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, Black Road branch, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

Admission to the anthology release party is free.

The celebration includes complimentary appetizers and desserts, an informal meet and greet with local authors who are members of the group, and the opportunity to purchase copies of the anthology as well as as individual works by individual authors.

The Book and Bean Cafe, which is located inside the library, will have a variety of heartier food as well as coffee, tea, and other beverages, available for purchase.

Janet Staley, owner of The Book Market in Crest Hill, will handle checkout. Everyone who buys a book, either the anthology or a book from the other tables, will receive a Book Market bookmark that features a ten percent discount on books at Staley's store through January 31, 2023.

The party is for all ages. So if your children and grandchildren have yet to visit Santa this year, bring them out. 

Photos with Santa are free. Santa, known as Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara the rest of the year, will also be signing and selling his own books.

He will also most likely sign any book in which he appears as a character.

Santa will also give away free candy canes as long as he has some left to give.

Bertrand the Mouse and his Uncle Barty will also be hanging out all night, greeting guests.

Here are they are from 2021, waiting to be loaded into the car for the party.

We're all looking forward to seeing you on Thursday night! 

Meet Duanne Walton, WriteOn Joliet's "Intrepid Videographer"

From time to time, I share links to websites, blogs, and books from my other writerly friends, especially those associated with WriteOn Joliet, which I co-lead with Tom Hernandez.

But one member, who joined WriteOn on its very first meeting in February 2012 and has attended nearly every one, doesn't have a website, blog, or a published book - yet.

However, he has a prolific YouTube channel.

I'm referring to Duanne Walton, who calls himself an intrepid videographer, and is likely WriteOn Joliet's most loyal writer.

Duanne also is known for his stream of consciousness writing and a mystery thriller he is currently writing.

A visit to Duanne's YouTube channel is a bit of an adventure.

You'll find videos with famous artists he's interviewed pre-COVID at conventions.

You'll find videos of people who are on their way to becoming famous.

You'll find individual videos of individual writers reading their works at every open mic WriteOn Joliet has hosted to date.

And you'll also find interviews with some of these writers at their events, for Duanne is known for just showing up with his camera and starting and impromptu interview.

You'll find his product reviews.

You'll find some commetary and ramblings.

And you'll find videos that don't fit into any of the above.

Explore his YouTube site at youtube.com/user/4thtroika/videos.

WriteOn Joliet member Duanne Walton (left) chats with Tom Hernandez at The Book Market in Crest Hill during WriteOn Joliet's 2018 anthology release party.

What child would enjoy playing with this?

Reports From the Isolation 6/6

Reports From the Isolation 5/6

Reports From the Isolation 4/6

Reports From The Isolation 3/6

Reports From the Isolation 2/6