BryonySeries: Ken McGee

Showing posts with label Ken McGee. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

"Bryony" Moment of the Day

Back in the early days of this BryonySeries blog, I used to post an occasional "'Bryony' Moment of the Day" blog.

These blogs referenced chance encounters with experiences that had a "Bryony" feel to them.

Last week, I received this fun email from a fellow WriteOn Joliet member Ken McGee. Here is what he sent:

Denise, I was going through the new Emmy book and read this.

“Did you come up the back stairs?” Isabella asked. “It's almost midnight.”

“Yes. Are Mom and Dad already in bed?” Heather picked up the book Isabella had been reading. “I read this last month. It's good, but the Melissa character should have known better than to get mixed up with that crowd.”

“Don't tell me what happens,” Isabella said. “I think I know, but I don't want to spoil the ending.”

Just thought you might get a kick out of it.

Ken

Well, I did get a kick out of it, and I sent Ken this reply:

You have my permission to use any and all references in my books in any of your writings, including the titles.

I'm thrilled that the book made an enduring impression. ❤️

And Heather is a smart girl for "getting it."

And then Ken sent one more email:

Denise, I added the title Bryony to the scene. And it did make a lasting impression. You make me aspire (fancy word, huh?) to become a better writer.

Well, making anyone aspire to be better at anything makes me feel better than a hundred references to my books.

But two can play that game.

For more information on the "Emmy" books (and all of Ken's books), visit kennethleemcgee.com/books-2/.

Monday, March 1, 2021

Four Bloggers You Should Check Out Now

Four of my writerly comrades blog on a regular basis - so I check out their blogs on a regular basis.

The styles are very different, ranging from inspirational to slice of life.

The authors' names are Mauverneen (Maureen Blevins), Holly Coop, Ken McGee, and Sue Merrell.

Here are a few snippets from some blogs that I've read and enjoyed. Please check them out.

"I had the privilege of having grandparents who lived on The Farm. Not just a farm, but The Farm. I’ll tell you why."

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-farm-2/

"The shortest month of the year. That means just a little bit less winter."

https://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2021/02/positively-february.html

"Dang Those Miserable Masks" by Sue Merrell

https://www.suemerrellbooks.com/2020/09/16/dang-those-miserable-masks/

Since our normal has now become – well, what it has become, with this COVID, I want anything but normalcy in twenty twenty-one.

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/normalcy/

The principles of those terms may become a necessity, for surviving our current reality.

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/08/nowadays/

There is no dimension

Nowhere in time or space

That we can ever be hidden

From the light of Your saving grace

So thank you for the sunshine, even when our skies are gray

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/10/worship-and-praise/

A new year wakes as we embark on a new age

Embrace a new concept to live a new way

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/11/moon-wink/

"Practice Trolley Riding"

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/13/practice-trolley-riding/

By taking just a couple minutes more, you can care for yourself just a bit more

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/15/snack-break/

"It's white, and it's wondrous, and, except for the crunching of my boots on the snow, it's silent."

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2021/01/positively-frosted.html

"Notions, Yearnings and Choices"

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/18/notions-yearnings-and-choices/

"Labels"

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/20/labels/

If you think going fast down a mountain in a car is terrifying, try it on a racing bike with skinny tires at speeds approaching sixty miles an hour with the wind blasting your face and bugs splattering your sunglasses.

https://kennethleemcgee.com/adventures-in-cycling-part-1/

"Road Blocks"

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/24/road-blocks/

"Let Go Your Ego"

https://hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com/2021/01/29/let-go-your-ego/

"The Junior Class Carnival (and Other Important High School Activities)"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-junior-class-carnival-and-other-important-high-school-activities/

Pictured are Kenneth Lee McGee (left) Mauverneen (Maureen) Blevins (top), Sue Merrell, (bottom), and Holly Coop.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Some Non-Covid Community News

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Fun, Inspirational, and Not By Me

In addition to writing and editing for fun and for profit, I read A LOT (I blame my asthmatic childhood, but see? Good can come from bad) and follow the blogs of my fellow indie authors.

Here are some of the blog posts I've read over the past couple of weeks, as well as a link to all four WriteOn Joliet anthologies and a plug for my WriteOn Joliet co-leader's latest book.

Happy reading!

Discover new voices with a WriteOn Joliet anthology

This adult critique group I co-lead with Tom Hernandez currently has four available. Check them out! :)

https://www.writeonjoliet.com/anthologies

The Weekly Fruit and Vegetable Report

If you're a grandparent or a grandparent-to-be, you'll love this new book by Tom Hernandez

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086K3FJC9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

"Positively Quarantined"

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2020/03/positively-quarantined.html

"Positively Drawing"

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2020/04/positively-drawing.html

"The Silent Treatment" by Holly Coop

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8479028856898515303#editor/target=post;postID=5212989981083659267

"Promoting Before Publishing" by James Pressler

http://www.writingandtheprocess.com/2020/04/i-recently-started-dialogue-with-up-and.html?fbclid=IwAR1zIe4DgSCczYf-sQNNkt14NCu_VO3Eri9LAqDbyR0WSRf0YVZdJSZGnQ0

And a series of short stories and humorous blog posts by Ken McGee: BTW, the "FAQS" post is, hands down, the best author interview I have ever read.

"Don’t Worry, Dear, It Was Only a Small Fire" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/dont-worry-dear-it-was-only-a-small-fire/

"The Typewriter Virus" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-typewriter-virus/

"Lots of dust in that gym," by Ken McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/swish-nothing-but-net/

"The Lost Treasure of Perkins MacGhee" By Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-lost-treasure-of-perkins-macghee/

"The Capture of Perkins MacGhee" By Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-capture-of-perkins-macghee/

"Lifetime Achievement Awards" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/lifetime-achievement-awards/

"Grandpa and the Lost Lonely Lions Return"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/grandpa-and-the-lost-lonely-lions-return/

"A Tale Of Two Canals – The Erie & The Root" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/a-tale-of-two-canals-the-erie-the-root/

"FAQs – The Top Ten (or eleven, whatever)"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/faqs-the-top-ten-or-eleven-whatever/

"Don’t Worry, Dear, It Was Only a Small Fire" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/dont-worry-dear-it-was-only-a-small-fire/

"To ?, or Not To ? That Is the ?" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/to-or-not-to-that-is-the/

Friday, March 8, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 3 through March 9

I capped a week of people being sick at my house with ramming a toe into a door jam yesterday morning in my hurry to leave the room.

But despite working from home so I could keep it elevated and iced, the toe started too look like someone smarter than me should look at it. So once deadlines were met, it was off to quick care! No breaks, hurray, but elevations and ice continue.

I still haven't cracked open the box of books that came last weekend or held an official copy of the first two Before the Blood books in my hands. But I'm hopeful for this weekend.

Of course, I still have to get past today. A bout of insomnia last night plus a very long day today equals a slow and steady approach for Denise.

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.

Memories of living in Marycrest in Joliet
Minooka resident commemorates letting go of the family homestead

Jean Tyrell said: "When going through our house, we came across items that generated other recollections. We had a lot to say and talk about and I wanted to capture it."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/02/0b0bc89913224aea966d12cef7a6e4e5/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman served family and friends

Rev. Larry V. Tyler, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Joliet said this about Willie Mae Thompson-Stokes: “She sacrificed herself to help others; that’s what stood out to me about her. She had great sensitivity to the needs of others.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/01/joliet-woman-served-family-and-friends/aq2eqnk/

Jewish missionary to speak at Lockport church

"It intrigues me because he's become a Christian out of a Jewish background and a Jewish home," John Billow, associate pastor at High Road Bible Church, said. "And he has a real heart for Jewish students."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/jewish-missionary-to-speak-at-lockport-church/a2v5bmx/

Center for Disability Services in Joliet held annual Great Chefs tasting

In the theme of “Carnaval," more than 20 southwest Chicagoland chefs, restauranteurs and caterers provided food samples for attendees to enjoy. All proceeds benefit CDS's programs.

Check out this photo list!

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/05/445c83761f4142f48cab1a16857b7a74/index.xml

Waste not, want not? Maybe not.
Tips for cutting back on needless food waste and knowing when to toss

It's not worth a bout of food poisoning to eat food that is potentially unsafe or spoiled. And don't rely on the "sniff test."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/05/b10e69f6e2c7431183510066091cb81e/index.xml

No skiing due to snow? It's true

Snowstorm strands Joliet Ski Club to the lodge during week-long trip

Craig Lichtenwalter of New Lenox, a member since 1992, recalled a snowstorm during a ski trip to Montana, but nothing like the club experienced at Mammoth Mountain.

"It felt like Groundhog Day," Lichtenwalter said. "You'd wake up and it'd be the same thing: lots of snow and not being able to ski. We just stayed around the hotel rooms. There wasn't much to do.

https://www.theheraldnews.com/lists/2019/02/27/43b7560f18ad4393a8ebd520fb657061/index.xml?page=1

Elwood native living his dream as a full-time artist

"I don't know that I have a specific goal other than to take people away from reality for a few moments a day and let their minds wander and keep their imaginations alive because so much is fed to us these days.

https://www.theheraldnews.com/lists/2019/03/05/a5ec8068aa3c4a2c95263c4dfb827be1/index.xml?page=1

LocalLit author spotlight: Ken McGee of Plainfield

McGee said: "After listening to the works of more skillful authors, I realized I needed to learn the craft. I learned how to create worlds and spaces for my characters. I learned how to have my characters act and react to each other which gave them more dimension."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/28/e3c09585af824b94b8389e2279a48213/index.xml

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

Friday, October 19, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 14 through Oct. 19

What to do tomorrow now that Before the Blood is in editing?

Plenty!

I still need to make the revisions to Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone. I have about five Bertrand the Mouse books patiently waiting for assembly. A member of WriteOn Joliet shared her manuscript with me.

I have some cooking to do for The Herald-News' next Friday's arts and entertainment cover. And I'm seriously tempted to at least create the file for my werewolf story and write a few words. Because that idea, took has been waiting a few years for expression.

And I have dozens of photos from the installation of the Art of the BryonySeries exhibit still in progress at The Book and Bean Cafe. The exhibit will be up through the end of this month, so if you haven't checked it out, please do so.

For more on the artists, visit: https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/28/bc593eb99bc3459285b283962945731f/index.xml

To watch the video from last month's reception, visit: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/10/book-bean.html

And now, here's where to find me on social media and links to this weeks's feature 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.

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.

Joliet woman writes about her experience with blindness

"I contemplated suicide plenty of times," Foster said. "I just didn't think I had a reason to live. What could I do as a blind person? What career could i do?

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/09/8f7943a0796d4a9795a9adcbcb728d13/index.xml

At age 100, Joliet woman is enjoying life

Doris Alderson takes care of herself, continues to extend that care to others

“A few dents,” Alderson said. “But everyone has those. ... I take life as it comes.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/14/at-age-100-joliet-woman-is-enjoying-life/aagatie/

Beyond walking in their paws

Volunteers will sleep in kennels at Plainfield rescue to raise awareness of homeless dogs

Some very dedicated dog lovers will pay $500 to sleep in a kennel with one of those dogs.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/15/7c2eabb8faa2490eb7e247b6d614a095/index.xml

When a strep infection bites back
Crest Hill girl raising awareness of uncommon autoimmune disorder

Macoi Zupancic, 11, of Crest Hill. said, ""PANDAS is a terrible disease, but you can turn it around."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/09/74adb16fbccd4cec9c4cdfc18478ae81/index.xml

Whisking It Up: Chicken rice soup (step-by-step photo list)
Joliet Junior College chef instructor Ken Thompson will demonstrate

In last week's episode of "Whisking It Up," Ken Thompson, a chef instructor at Joliet Junior College, explained and demonstrated the proper techniques for dicing an onion, and also a carrot, into small uniform pieces.

This week, Thompson will show how to use those pieces in a chicken and rice soup, as well as provide some additional tips for making great soup.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/16/dae5025f64fd4faabf8abd113066332a/index.xml

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 4

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Ken Thompson shows how to make chicken rice soup in episode four of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/c1414a61-1f76-43fe-932e-950d1f7128e6.html

LocalLit author spotlight: Ken McGee of Plainfield returns

Ken McGee said, "I like to write humorous stories with a twist at the end. They fit with my sense of humor."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/16/95f74a159a9941d79e8f08f55d50b835/index.xml

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

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Community News: Oct. 11

Check out local community events and what some local writers are writing.

Local faith events Oct. 11 through Oct.18

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/10/local-faith-events-oct-11-through-oct-18/awex6ux/

Roundup of craft fairs for fall 2018

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/27/roundup-of-craft-fairs-for-fall-2018/a23gx8/

SOME WRITEON JOLIET AUTHORS

R. Michael Markley

For those who like crime stories (especially stories with a Christian twist).

"He had solid contacts in all the right places, loyalty from the underlings, and unity in the leadership. Or so he thought."

http://rmichaelmarkley.com/

Ken McGee

"Grandpa and the Lions" for kids. The Emmy series for young adults and beyond. And more. Check out this prolific Joliet area writer.

https://kennethleemcgee.com/

Robert Hafey

Are you from Joliet? Are you a baby boomer? This book is for you.

http://boomhood.com/

Duanne Walton

A variety of videos by a creative up and coming novels, including all the #WriteOnJoliet open mic readings since the group began them in 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHYqoo9Fgvf95CkGFpf7Sg

Mauverneen

"Positively" the best place to get a weekly dose of inspiration.

https://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/

Holly Coop

Poetry that draws the mind to the simplicity of everyday blessings or expresses the many colors of life's emotions or experiences.

https://hollycoopbooks.com/

Allison Rios

Fiction and non-fiction books about healing. Blogging about, well, life. And all that it contains. Check out this site.

http://amijustmom.blogspot.com/

Tom Hernandez

Essays about a suburban husband and father about marriage, parenting and middle age. Poetry exploring the human condition. Blogs about social justice. Check this out!

https://tomhernandezbooks.com/

Thursday, September 27, 2018

No Throwback, Just Some Shout Outs

Do you like art? Or books? Or both?

Then this is the post for you.

Tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, I'm hosting a reception for four Joliet area artists who have created artwork for my BryonySeries.

The artists are Matt Coundiff, Terri Ellinger, Topher Gleason, and Sue Midlock.

All four are exhibiting and selling their art. All four are taking commissions, so be sure to meet them, chat a bit, and take home their cards.

And if you'd rather read (or know someone looking for a good book), check out these titles from members of WriteOn Joliet.

Like crime novels with a Christian bent? Check out "Necessary Death" by R. Michael Markley

http://rmichaelmarkley.com/

Ken McGee writes books for the entire family. "Grandpa and the Lions" is great for kids. And they can grow with the coming of age "Emmy" series.

https://kennethleemcgee.com/

Are you a Baby Boomer? Do you have a connection to Joliet? Robert Hafey's book, "Boomhood" is a memoir about both.

http://boomhood.com/

Essays, poetry, and short stories to entertain, inspire and raise your social justice consciousness: Tom Hernandez writes them all. Check out his books here.

https://tomhernandezbooks.com/

For good, locally written books about love, life and everyday inspiration, check out these books by Holly Coop.

https://hollycoopbooks.com/

Here's versatility rolled into one local author: children's books, "southern shorts (humorous short stories), and vampire novels.

https://suemydliak.wordpress.com

Real life and fictional books with one topic in common: healing. Check out the writings of Allison Rios.

http://amijustmom.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html

These same writers also contributed to WriteOn Joliet's second anthology. Save the date for the release party on Nov. 16 at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

And if you're also a writer, well, we have something special for you that night.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 22 through July 27

It's funny about improvement.

You work and work and work at something and don't perceive any measurable progress. And then suddenly!

There it is.

When it comes to reading my works aloud, I've improved.

For small presentations , at least, I've lost the jitteriness that comes from standing in front of a room and reading words that originated in my imagination. And I'm thankful to events like the "Writers 15 Minutes of Fame" that the Plainfield Public Library offered last night.

I'm even getting a feel for selections that work well for reading aloud. With my drama tutor busy these last few months, I've not worked on any performance pieces, and that's still a goal I need to meet.

So last night I read one from Before the Blood I read almost three years ago at a WriteOn Joliet open mic, a piece that closed the event. My co-leader Tom Hernandez had complimented it at the time, saying he liked the "poetry" in it.

Ironically, the same piece closed last night's event, too. Plus, it shows how long I've worked on this prequel. It will be nice to finish it, read it as a reader and move onto other projects, knowing I've put the best I can into it.

And now onto other information.

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.

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.

'Journalism gave me a purposeful outlet for my writing'

10 questions with Herald-News intern Sydney Czyzon

Czyzon said: "Once I realized I could make a career out of my passion, I ran with it, and I’ve been writing ever since. I love that my career choice gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference in the community by empowering the voices of others."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/16/1c951d73f49b4731925c30f9cb102c40/index.xml

'I want to get as much experience as I can'

10 questions with Herald-News intern John Nudera

Nudera said: "Once it was time to decide a major, I went with what I enjoy and that’s writing. I like having a voice that people can listen to regarding certain subjects, I just felt like journalism was the best for that."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/16/94c8e771b44b4e23a41cbe10cc14075e/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: 'We called him our king'

Joliet man modeled servant leadership

Martha and Edith recalled the time Isaac decided to tear down the dilapidated garage at their Iowa Street home and build a better one. But Isaac didn’t keep his skills at home.

“Every house on our street had some of my dad’s work,” Martha Rucker of Joliet said about her father Isaac McDaniel.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/22/6ba7361ddbad4d6b8d4a1b9428a80faf/index.xml?page=1

Joliet steak house has vintage atmosphere

Since Al’s is a steak house, I was curious to try something other than steak, just to see if the other food would be just as good. Not just steak.

So I ordered spaghetti and meatballs and was not disappointed.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/joliet-steak-house-has-vintage-atmosphere/aqpvw1v/

'I go as the Lord leads'

Living Water church in Morris transitioning to Crossbridge Community Church
By Jeanne Millsap

“We’re not closing,” Pastor Steve Cook said. “We’re transitioning.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/25/ca2159455891421e88e0f4507cae116e/index.xml

Lockport Poetry Project creates art from poetry, workshop on Saturday

"I'm not against graffiti," Sam Love said. "But what people are submitting on the cares and at the workshops is beautiful. People really understand this community and their love for it. Visitors will see the beauty of it, too."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/24/e30efc9060cd465ba7c722cf63aec0ff/index.xml?page=1

Plainfield teen performs at Carnegie Hall as part of an honors band

"There were thousands of applicants from all over the word. What are the chances I would make it?'" Amelia said. "But my family believed in me. They knew I could do it."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/plainfield-teen-performs-at-carnegie-hall-as-part-of-an-honors-band/afv3mas/

LocalLit author spotlight: Ken McGee of Plainfield is back

McGee sums up his featured short story this way: "Don't bother to negotiate with your wife because though you might think you win the battle, you always lose the war."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/17/locallit-author-spotlight-ken-mcgee-of-plainfield-is-back/aut2poq/

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

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Thank you, Ken McGee

I received the following email on Memorial Day from my friend, writing student, fellow author, and WriteOn Jolieter Ken McGee: Denise, I found this while going through book 8.

Ken, thank you very much for the very nice shout-out in your eighth book. And who knows? Maybe it will inspire one of YOUR readers to go looking for it.

For those unfamiliar with Ken's writings, one of his series (twelve volumes long and counting) takes the reader on the life of Emmy, a poor girl who finds God, true love, and musical success. He originally wrote the story for his young granddaughter, to inspire her when she grew older. His goal is to self-publish all the books before Christmas and then surprise her with them

Here's Ken's excerpt from Forever... Isabella... Forever: Emmy's Story, Part 8 (Volume 8). And here's a link to his Amazon page with all the titles of all his books (so far). Below is

https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Lee-McGee/e/B07D7DGPGG

And here is the excerpt he shared:

“That settles it. I'm going to tell her you need her to watch the kids.” Emmy strode purposefully out of the room and found Mama sitting in her rocking chair reading a book. “Mama, could you help Sloane for an hour or so?”

“Of course, I'm not doing anything,” Mama said. “I've been trying to read this book, but I just don't understand it.”

“What's it about?” Emmy asked

Mama held up the book to let Emmy see the gruesome cover. “Some girl who is obsessed with a woman who married a vampire or something. I just don't get it, but it's so well written. The characters are so interesting.”

Emmy pointed to the cover. “That's some big teeth and a lot of blood. Sloane and I are going for a walk.”

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

These Two Authors Did It; You Can, too

I'm talking about self-publishing, and I'm not talking about me.

Terri Ellinger and Ken McGee are two local authors. Each had written quite a number of books and weren't sure how to get them published. They wanted to self-publish but heard it was expensive.

I showed both of them how to publish for free (or nearly free). When I say "nearly free," I mean that. For instance, WriteOn Joliet is publishing its second anthology this year. The cost for publication is $25, the same as last year's anthology.

I got Ken started right around the holidays last year and Terri came to my self-publishing chat inn February.

And my editor, Colleen Robbins, just received the proof to her first book, which she published using my information.

Here are links to Terri and Ken's books:

Terri Ellinger: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1?ie=UTF8&text=Terri+Ellinger&search-alias=books&field-author=Terri+Ellinger&sort=relevancerank

Ken McGee: https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Lee-McGee/e/B07D7DGPGG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1531825764&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Ken is still releasing titles and will his books for you to check out (as will I) from 9 to 11 a.m. July 21 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

The event is free for members of WriteOn Joliet or $10 for nonmembers (with the money going back to WriteOn Joliet to provide even more resources for its members).

Of course, you're free to buy a book, too. But this is not the purpose of the event.

The purpose is to show anyone interested in publishing a book (a physical print book, as well as an eBook) without spending thousands of dollars per book.

Maybe you have a story to share with friends and family.

Maybe you'd like to write your memoir.

Maybe you have a business and would like to have a book to sell at talks.

Maybe you have expertise in a niche topic.

Maybe you'd like to distribute your creative writing.

Maybe you'd like to archive family recipes (or favorite family photos) into a book.

Maybe you have ideas/reasons not listed here.

If one of these is the case, maybe self-publishing is for you.

"How to Self-Publish a Book for (Nearly) Free is Not a Formal Event." We're going to sit 'round a table, drink some great coffee (or tea, both available for purchase at the cafe) and go over my handout line by line, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, etc.

Can't stay? Stop by anyway.

If you're a member of WriteOn Joliet, I'll give you the handout.

If you're not a member of WriteOn Joliet, bring $10, and you can have the handout.

In all cases, I'm available for support (for free) if you get stuck in the process. And if I can't help you, someone else from WriteOn Joliet can.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Community News: April 20, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing

Local arts and entertainment April 20 through April 27

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/16/local-arts-and-entertainment-april-20-through-april-27/aw2oit7/

JCA announces National Art Honor Society inductees

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/17/jca-announces-national-art-honor-society-inductees/ah8f99a/

Troy choirs, bands receive top awards at district level

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/18/troy-choirs-bands-receive-top-awards-at-district-level/a264bj4/

Lincoln-Way Marching Band announces 2018-2019 drum majors

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/18/a355e342d3ca4ac78593225222614505/index.xml

4 alumni from USF in Joliet receive Emmy Awards

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/18/dd483410d71a4193a8d5ddf87b2aac92/index.xml

Lincoln-Way West student wins Frankfort Fall Festival Poster Contest

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/18/e0623f23112b4096a9fe9ce0fa76b3d1/index.xml

Joliet school district celebrates

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/18/f0c40590448c4aedbb342af410e6e217/index.xml

Joliet Township High School April 2018 Students of the Month

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/05/joliet-township-high-school-april-2018-students-of-the-month/aw1u4jo/

Romeoville paraprofessional honored for service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/11/romeoville-paraprofessional-honored-for-service/a9w8j4t/

STEM Team from A. Vito Martinez Middle School emerge victorious

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/11/stem-team-from-a-vito-martinez-middle-school-emerge-victorious/az8lfxw/

And the 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!"

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Chat With An Editor Recap

For a first event of its kind, it went well, I think.

Three writers, two book sales, one cup of coffee served (besides mine and Daniel's), and zero words written by me.

I brought my laptop, intending to work on the prequel if turnout was light, but instead spent a pleasant ninety minutes chatting with Ken McGee, a former WriteOn Joliet member and a current member of my small monthly fiction workshop.

What's really cool is that ninety-nine percent of the conversation revolved around writing, editing, book design, and self-publishing. I forgot to take Bertrand's picture or a picture of the table. Honestly, I could have asked Daniel to talk a picture of Ken (head thump to me).

It's an event I'll definitely be repeating again. If you're interested and missed it, watch for it.

And don't forget to pop into the Book Market at 2365 Plainfield Road in Joliet, which hosted the event.

One man stopped in just because he saw the sign. Ken stopped in for the first time "to chat with an editor" and spent some time wandering the store in search of titles by a particular author (he found one).

So the odds are good you'll find something good to read, too.

Like the little green book of 1,500 jokes Daniel found (and purchased).

And then check out Ken McGee's books at https://goo.gl/D7MTdt.