Tom Hernandez Reads at the Plainfield Public Library

Unfrozen Ice Cream and Community News: May 26, 2018

Today Rebekah made a Victorian vanilla ice cream recipe from the BryonySeries cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from Bryony.

I was going to post the results on Sue's Diner so others could try it, too.

But she started it later in the day than she anticipated, and it isn't completely frozen yet. One more day...

Quick reminder: the last two stops of the first BryonySeries blog tour are tomorrow and Tuesday. Thank you for taking this virtual trip with me.

In the meantime, check out the following local feature briefs. And stay cool!


Shorewood Lions Club announces Troy April Students of the Month

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/18/shorewood-lions-clubannounces-troy-april-students-of-the-month/a7v6ctn/

Joliet Public Library’s Star Wars Day set for June 2

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/joliet-public-librarys-star-wars-day-set-for-june-2/am8c9kk/ 

Forest Preserve’s 35th “Island Rendezvous” set for June 9 in Romeoville

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/forest-preserves-35th-island-rendezvous-set-for-june-9-in-romeoville/awmt2td/

White Oak Library District to host summer reading program

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/white-oak-library-district-to-host-summer-reading-program/a114yik/

Boys and Girls Club of Joliet offering summer session

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/boys-girls-club-of-joliet-offering-summer-session/aqqpiam/

Plainfield Public Library District receives grant

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/plainfield-public-library-district-receives-grant/adjicl8/

Air Pollution Action Day Alert for Will and Grundy counties

Conditions likely to continue through Memorial Day weekend

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/air-pollution-action-day-alert-for-will-and-grundy-counties/apjudxn/

Rockdale School District 84 awarded state funds for music and art programs

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/rockdale-school-district-84-awarded-state-funds-for-music-and-art-programs/ay4vhnu/

Plainfield Fire Protection District discusses barbecue and fire pit safety

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/plainfield-fire-protection-district-discusses-barbecue-and-fire-pit-safety/arj0yqa/


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 Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 25 through March 2

With having a free day last Friday (how far away that seems on this tired morning), I lost my "interview" days, so just a few stories this week.

I did, however, use my writing day to focus on some other work projects that clamored for attention.

That said, it's been an especially busy week on the fiction/personal side of life, so I'll keep this blog relatively short and get back to the deadlines.

One: for anyone who is curious, how did Wednesday's "15 Minutes of Fame" event go at the Plainfield Public Library?

Well, I think.

I could feel the difference in myself as I relaxed into the piece. And the delivery itself felt different. Hard to explain, but I believe I'm on the right track with this.

I received some positive feedback as we were gathering to leave from attendees I had never met, with three of them asking for BryonySeries cards to check out the series.

I have another acting lesson with Devon Ford this Saturday. While the lessons are taking away from the writing time, I feel they will benefit the marketing of the writing in the long run.

And so, I plot on.


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.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) 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.

More than books and literacy

Joliet library employee puts twist on Little Free Libraries

Twelve locations on Joliet's east side now have Little Free Libraries, thanks to a community effort led by a Joliet Public Library employee.

But these are't just any Little Free Libraries.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/20/6164998b257d4090a6bf8d64c91c0f01/index.xml?page=1

Homeless woman inspires Joliet writer

“There was no way you could meet Rose and not be impressed,” Sharon Houk said. “She was a force of nature."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/07/homeless-woman-inspires-joliet-writer/acprv4r/

Mystery Diner: Joliet's Johnny’s Beef & Gyros offers hefty menu, Greek food

While it might not be easy to find, it’s worth visiting if you’re looking for a place that offers almost every burger and sandwich you could want.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/26/993c0302e3594ddba1338693632e5f70/index.xml

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Book Signing, Anthology Release Party, Writing Vacation: It's Crunch Week

With leftover vacation time I'm required to use, I'm taking next week off.

During that time I will catch up on a couple marketing projects and spend a little time with loved ones. Mostly, I will be immersed in Before the Blood, a sort of week-long writing retreat, if you will. I'm truly looking forward to this as a busy couple of months meant little actual writing time.

Except for a bit of email, I won't be working my "real job."

Except to post a Bible verse and wave good morning in some groups I maintain, I will be off social media. Including this blog. But there's LOTS of old posts to check out. So you're welcome to visit this site in my absence.

But before that happens, I have to meet all work deadlines for this week and put together an extra week's worth of event calendars and several stories that will run in my absence! (Wish me luck - gonna need it)!

Also this week, in lieu of WriteOn Joliet's regular meeting, my group's co-leader Tom Hernandez will be hosting An Evening with Tom Hernandez, where Tom will read from and sign copies of his latest book, The Edge of Middle - thoughts from the top of the hill. 

I am attending and so are many of WriteOn Joliet's members. Registration is required. Visit the library's online calendar at www.plainfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 815-327-2515.

Last, but certainly not least, is WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party. Details below. Hope to see you there!

WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release Party

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17

Where: The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill

Etc.: Copies of "Write Where We Are" (WriteOn Joliet's first anthology) will be for sale. Information about WriteOn Joliet. A chance to meet and talk to some of WriteOn Joliet's members, as well as purchase books written by individual WriteOn Joliet authors as well as browse the store and purchase others books. Chef-created refreshments. BryonySeries raffles. Free admission.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com

Community News: Nov. 7, 2017

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


Joliet schools celebrate National Principals Month

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/01/joliet-schools-celebrate-national-principals-month/abbvsr3/

Mr. Magoo is doing well after his surgery

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/03/mr-magoo-is-doing-well-after-his-surgery/axtvfs8/

Pets of the Week: Nov. 6

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/03/bbcb2c093f7c4d6187af70685afe46b6/index.xml

Joliet Catholic Academy freshman competes in Equitation 'A' Circuit

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/03/2f0b03f5bb02441896abe3940e17ad9e/index.xml

Local health events: Nov. 7 through Nov. 14

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/04/local-health-events-nov-7-through-nov-14/aea94gh/

Veterans Day Mass Nov. 8 at St. Mary Nativity in Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/06/veterans-day-mass-nov-8-at-st-mary-nativity-in-joliet/a28tlnc/

Plainfield library to host local author on Nov. 16

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/07/fc32d292720241bf869501f9b65a4681/index.xml

Something Old, Something New

Something old: On Saturday, I attended Indie Author Day at the Plainfield Public Library, driving there in the middle of a monsoon. The day was a series of presentations with just one hour to display our books.

I was table mates with Holly Coop, another WriteOn Joliet author, and we sounded like each other's publicist in the way we promoted each other's books to those browsing the tables. This was probably the most fun part of the day.

The other part I enjoyed was the author roundtable, where a moderator introduced a topic and anyone could answer.

Having attended a number of these events, for which I'm always thankful, I think two changes next time might make this one more fun for all and more effective for overall networking.

One: Allow the author fair to be ongoing throughout the day instead of having only one hour to display and sell books. I'm assuming presentation brought different participants, which means new possible customers and greater chances to making connections.

Two: Allow time for networking after the roundtable so participating authors could meet and chat with each other afterwards.

Thoughts from other authors?

Something new: Each day, I edit, publish on The Herald-News website, and then tweet out on my site and the publication's site, a variety of community news, most (but not all), pertaining to the day's topic (features is divided into various topics for each day).

While I make mention of these calendars and briefs during Friday's story roundup, I'd like to collect them and present them on Facebook, too. There are too many to post one by one on Facebook, my caution is to never apear "spammy."

So I'm going to try publishing a second blog Monday through Saturday with only links to the community news: upcoming events and brief (non-bylined) submitted stories about community happenings.

I'm assuming these won't have broad appeal, but I enjoy assembling them and learning the awesome things people are doing and have done. Perhaps you will, enjoy reading them, too.

Have a great Monday, vampire fans! :)

Recap of White Oak Author Fest, Upcoming Three Author Fairs

First of all, I'm extremely thankful for being able to participate in the very first White Oak Author Fest.

Organizers were kind enough to plan the event and invite me, and many other authors, to take part. I feel the fest was successful, although judging from a few that left a bit early, not everyone, perhaps, shares my view.

Having attended a number of these since I released Bryony in 2011, my perspective on author events has changed, for the better, I believe.

For my first events, as a newbie author, I expected to sell lots of books, and I came prepared to do so. At the suggestion of my publicist, my father created some very nice marketing pieces for my table, and my mother purchased all kinds of themed items, so many over the years that we can now pick and choose what to take, and vary it all the time.

I've only had two occasions where I sold nothing, and two of these events were major events that attracted many, many people. At first, I was disappointed when my expectations didn't meet reality. This was true whether it was a solo signing or one that featured many local authors, who also had modest, if any sales.

And this was true of Saturday's event, too. So why do I feel it was a success?

Because, as I said, I changed my perspective of these events.

Unless one is a superstar author, or even a decent midlist author with a decent midlist following, the main challenge for authors is building brand awareness. This is easier to do with a niche non-fiction book, where sales might happen quickly and briskly. It's much harder, if nearly impossible, to do so with fiction.

Especially self-published fiction of supernatural/literary type. In fact, literary fiction is the most difficult to market and sell, whether it is self or traditionally published. But in terms, of taking the long view and the long road in marketing, the stories I've written are very smart.

Because their themes are classical, they will hold up to time. The 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, the Victorian age, and even the period during the Thirty Years War are always in the past, even when told from the present. Fads in fiction will come and go, but because the BryonySeries (even the Cornell Dyer and Bertrand series) are timeless in their telling, their marketing ability will not go out of style.

These days, I concentrate on building awareness that I have this series, that I love writing, that I have these books (and other fun, related products), that I'm here to entertain you through my writings and books, I write and sell, if that's the type of writing you like.

So, yes, Saturday was successful for me. The White Oak Library Author Fest brought a steady trickle of people through its doors and past our tables. I talked to many people. Many people signed up for my newsletter I'm beginning in 2018. They signed up for my raffles. They left with free copies of story excerpts. I talked to a number of White Oak staff from all three of its libraries, and one of them wants to meet for coffee and pick my elderly brain.

Hey, I'm always up for coffee!

These are all people I've introduced to the BryonySeries without being spammy or pushy, people I would never have met if I'd stayed home with the sulky attitude of "Why bother if no one is going to buy?"

You know what? A sale doesn't mean the buyer will ever read your book. It might be a gift to someone who will never read the book. It might sit on the shelf. A sale doesn't necessarily create a long-term fan.

It might, of course. All I'm saying is that a sale doesn't guarantee it. Neither does networking, of course. But a friendly, genuine connection that builds over time is, I feel, a better quality step in that direction.

And guess what? I did sell, too. Two books and two candles, good for me and good for Valerie's Heavenly Scents, who made two sales without ever having to attend the event.

I made a wonderful new author friend, a very sweet and sincere author who's written two books for children about unconditional love and living in the moment. Her name is Michele Foote, and her website is www.michelefoote.com.

The only downside is that Bertrand grumbled a bit about sitting next to this Dr. Gothart-type skull I picked up for a buck at the local dollar store. But since one of the books I sold was his, he really shouldn't complain.

If you've made it this far, you'll know I meant it when I say, "Hey, these events are coming up. Stop by and say, 'Hi.' I'd love to meet you."

Because I mean it. Even if you aren't buying that day.

Because here's the thing. You might find a book you'll love to take home, even if it's from another author's table. And we'll get a chance to chat.

And maybe, just maybe, you or someone you know, might want what I'm selling. But that's a bonus. But I also know it's possible. My most loyal, dedicated BryonySeries fans/brand ambassadors are passionate about the series, and they are people who finally became curious about the series and took a chance.

So this is why I keep trucking. Ultimately, it's for you, the reader. And that's not baloney. I have one dedication in each of my books, and it reads like this: This book is lovingly dedicated to the reader, whoever you might be.

UPCOMING AUTHOR FAIRS

A number of WriteOn Joliet authors (including moi) will be participating in the following events. I'll be raffling off a basket of BryonySeries stuff and copies of the out-of-print 2012 holiday editor of Visage, as well as giving away a chapter from Before the Blood as a thank you gift for signing up for my newsletter, which begins in 2018.

White Oak Author Fest:

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

Where: White Oak Library, Crest Hill Branch, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill

​

Etc: Local authors, talks (book preservation and Illinois Author Project), and bookish crafts. BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

​

Visit: whiteoakauthorfest.org.

Oswego Literary Festival

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 7

Where: Oswego Public Library, 32 Jefferson St., Oswego

Etc: Local authors, BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: www.oswegoil.org

Indie Author Day

What: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14

Where: Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield

Etc: Local authors, BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: plainfieldpubliclibrary.org

WriteOn Joliet Open Night Mic

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet (inside the Joliet Public Library)

Etc: WriteOn Joliet will read excerpts from their works and share information about the upcoming anthology and Nov. 17's anthology release party.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com 

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com

WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release Party

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17

Where: The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill

Etc.: Copies of "Write Where We Are" (WriteOn Joliet's first anthology) will be for sale. Information about WriteOn Joliet. A chance to meet and talk to some of WriteOn Joliet's members, as well as purchase books written by individual WriteOn Joliet authors as well as browse the store and purchase others books. Chef-created refreshments. BryonySeries raffles. Free admission.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com

Anthology, Author Fairs, and Giveaways, Oh My!

Looking for some great autumn reading? Read on!

ANTHOLOGY

WriteOn Joliet will release its first anthology Write Where We Are in approximately six weeks. The editing/formatting is nearly done; the cover art is being designed, and the goal is to upload the manuscript to Createspace this weekend.

The anthology will contain essays, poetry, short stories, one novella, and one excerpt from my BryonSeries prequel in progress, Before the Blood.

Copies should be available online Nov. 1 with autographed copies on Nov. 17 at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party, 6 p.m., at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.

But you don't have to wait that long to score some great reads.

AUTHOR FAIRS

A number of WriteOn Joliet authors (including moi) will be participating in the following events. I'll be raffling off a basket of BryonySeries stuff and giving away a chapter from Before the Blood as a thank you gift for signing up for my newsletter, which begins in 2018.

White Oak Author Fest:

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

Where: White Oak Library, Crest Hill Branch, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill

​

Etc: Local authors, talks (book preservation and Illinois Author Project), and bookish crafts. BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

​

Visit: whiteoakauthorfest.org.

Oswego Literary Festival

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 7

Where: Oswego Public Library, 32 Jefferson St., Oswego

Etc: Local authors, BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: www.oswegoil.org

Indie Author Day

What: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14

Where: Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield

Etc: Local authors, BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: plainfieldpubliclibrary.org

WriteOn Joliet Open Night Mic

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet (inside the Joliet Public Library)

Etc: WriteOn Joliet will read excerpts from their works and share information about the upcoming anthology and Nov. 17's anthology release party.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com 

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com

GIVEAWAYS

One item in the BryonySeries raffle basket are these Bryony-themed coffee holders, with two complimentary Keurig cups, one to drink and one to share. Here they are, ready to ship from their creator to me. Aren't they pretty?

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

Today is a long day, and tomorrow is my first day off in fourteen of them, and the only one I will have truly free for a couple of weeks.

Next weekend I'm covering an event, and the following weekend I'm back on as the weekend editor - although, if I'm smart, I'll build in some shorter days somewhere. (Be smart, Denise, be smart).

One interesting note: Feb. 13 is Ed Calkins Day. What is that, you may ask? Ah, more on that tomorrow!

But when a series has a built-in holiday, it's poor form for the author to miss it, as I have done every year since I wrote the first book. This year, I'm addressing my neglectful behavior.

And now onto the stories...

First, the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61. And of course, I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries.

Just an FYI: On free days, holidays, and Sundays I'm not on call, I only post the blog to my "real" Twitter account, as my company insists we do take time off. I'm less reasonable, so unless I'm on a real vacation, I still post to the BryonySeries accounts. I won't be posting to my personal Twitter account this weekend, only to BryonySeries.

FYI: videos have not been attaching to my Herald-News stories, although they do run for a time on the home page. You may also find them under the "videos" tab.

If you'd like to watch a video, and it's not showing up for you, message me, and I'll manually attach it. No worries for this week, though, although I will have videos for Sunday.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

Two Joliet area boat enthusiasts now licensed by U.S. Coast Guard (VIDEO EXTRA)

David Ferro and James V. Smith complete rigorous U.S. Coast Guard training

Ferro and Smith agreed these classes were among the most difficult they’ve tackled, ever. The instruction itself took three weekends and not consecutive weekends. This didn’t count homework assignments and studying, which they often did together.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/18/two-joliet-area-boat-enthusiasts-now-licensed-by-u-s-coast-guard/apkwkw9/

An Extraordinary Life: Lockport bar owner was made to entertain

At home and work, Paul Blough made everyone feel welcome

It didn’t matter to Paul who was in need. If someone asked, Paul gave. If it furthered commonality, Paul was in.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/10/an-extraordinary-life-lockport-bar-owner-was-made-to-entertain/az78gaw/

Pets of the Week: Jan. 23

Click on the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/15/pets-of-the-week-jan-23/apw2pn3/

Mystery Diner: Metro Grill &Bar has expansive menu

I actually started with the house-made monster meatball appetizer, which is a half-pound meatball with meat sauce, Parmesan and Parmesan bread triangles.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/12/16/metro-grill-bar-has-expansive-menu/aq9u7fs/

Two downtown Joliet Lutheran churches building a vibrant ministry

First and Santa Cruz maintain separate identities, work toward common goals

“There’s a lot of vibrancy,” Rev. Keith Forni, pastor, said. “That has to do with the young Latino families that are coming into their own realization that it’s time for them to step up in leadership and deeper involvement to sustain ministry in the heart of Joliet.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/24/two-downtown-joliet-lutheran-churches-building-a-vibrant-ministry/apu07tv/

Award-winning author to speak about revisions at the Plainfield Public Library

Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author Lori Rader-Day to lead a revision workshop

During her one-hour workshop – and in the handouts she will distribute – Lori Rader-Day will explain why the 50,000 words NaNoWriMo requires of participants does not , in fact, count as a complete story by industry standards.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/24/award-winning-author-to-speak-about-revisions-at-the-plainfield-public-library/anggbml/

Plainfield Indie Author Fair Recap

First of all, kudos to the Plainfield Public Library District for running a terrific event!

I've done a number of these since I first published Bryony in 2011, the approach worked well: one hour for an author panel, one hour for the fair, and done.

No standing around for hours with other authors waiting for people to come. I shared information writing and publishing information; sold five books; and gave gave away fifteen copies of Snowbell, Halloween stickers, promo cards Timothy made for me regarding the first books in the Adventure of Cornell Dyer and Bertrand the Mouse series; and fielded interest about WriteOn Joliet.

All in two amazing hours, giving me enough time to stop by the Book Market in Joliet (where four of us WriterOnes are having a signing on Oct. 22) to give the owner some copies of my books for her display.

Best of all, I still have time to write today. Have a fantastic weekend!

So Rebekah creates a beautiful display and then ducks out of the photo, sheesh. :(

Rebekah's display up close - which shows the art of Christopher Gleason (Snowbell) and Sue Midlock (Cornell Dyer), as well  the Bertrand and Cornell cards Timothy created for me.

And and And and And and And: Distance, Time, Perspective

A few months ago at the Plainfield Public Library's request, I hosted a low-key revision workshop. Those present read samples of their work, so I shared Henry's opening chapter, which I had printed off for WriteOn Joliet later that week.

Well, we've lately had so many people at writer's group, that I've held back reading my own work so the rest of the writers have their chance. Last night was the finally the night. To my delight, the two women I'd met at the revision workshop came out to the group

This is why distance, time and perspective are so helpful to us as writers. Here is an excerpt of that chapter, and I'll explain why it's so insightful.

Every morning, she woke up happy. Every night, she went to sleep exhausted... and happy.

            She prepared and served each meal with a smile and taught their five daughters to do likewise.

            She bore each hardship with grace.

            She never raised her voice but spoke with the sweetness befitting a gentlewoman.

            She served him and waited on him.

            She soothed his thirst with drink.

            She was ready with a basin and towel to wash the soot from his face and hands.

            She brought him soup, and she brought him bread, food that her fingers, gnarled and no longer delicate, lovingly prepared.

            While she scrubbed, and sewed, and cooked, and cleaned, and pushed forth another child, he plucked the guitar.

At the first reading, one of the women thought I should lose the multiple "ands" in the last line. I wasn't sure I agreed with her, but I noted it, as I always mull of these type of reactions and consider them during revising. I was also curious as to the reaction of WriteOn.

I did not mention the suggestion before I read it. And not one person thought I should drop the "ands," including the writer who originally made the suggestion.

This does not mean the suggestion was wrong or off base. It does mean writers, whether writing or critiquing, benefit from distance, time, and perspective.

While we're in the composing process, we are too close to our work. That's one reason I dislike writing features on tight deadlines. I feel my stories are better when I can edit them at least twenty-four hours later. Fortunately, those stories pass through the eyes of wonderful editors.

Being too close to our work doesn't mean we're too attached to our lofty prose. It just means in the process of arranging letters and words means we can't see the forest for the trees, if you will, until we step back and take in the whole.

And it's hard to adequately distance ourselves without letting some time pass between draft and revision.

That's what gives us a different perspective of that work.

Don't get me wrong. We NEED the perspective of being immersed in the forest. That's where we find the tiny flowers growing underfoot and crawling things under logs. We can't add the details that give characters depth, build tension, create mood, and push that story forward unless we do so.

But we also can't see if we've done those things effectively until we walk away and return, but at a distance.

It's also why the perspective of others - readers and writers - is extremely helpful.

Those people have not been inside your head. They don't have the tangle of impressions you've sought to separate and remold into a compelling story.

Those people have not been at your keyboard as you constructed each section into a seamless piece.

That's why their feedback is valuable.

But, conversely, that's also why you needn't blindly accept their opinion. 

Only you know if their suggestions will improve your premise or distract you from it. And how do you judge that?

Distance, time, and perspective.

Now That It's Out There...

 My publicist (back when I had a budget for one) would chastise me for my lack of self-promotion, but the very word leaves an icky taste in my mouth.

That said, one of my goals this year is to teach myself more about marketing, the type that doesn't come with the taste. I am learning that some people want to read what I've written and learn from knowledge I've acquired, which can't happen if I don't at least put the information out there.

That said. I was totally clueless when one of the reporters sent an email round the editorial staff yesterday with the subject line: Look who made the wall of the Plainfield Library !!!!

Who, I wondered, and then clicked on the attachment. Truly a face palm moment.

So if you're a writer, interested in the revision process, and will be anywhere in the vicinity of the Plainfield Library, swing by Monday night. It sounds like the group will be small, and I'm low-key and informal, really just a sitting 'round the table and sharing what I hope will be useful tips for shining up the prose.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 2 through Aug. 7

A long-short week of keeping pace and trying to get ahead for the week I'll be in Raleigh hanging out with BryonySeries web administrator emeritus Sarah Stegall. So cannot wait!!!!

Okay, back to business.

You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/

Also at the link are the community feature briefs I write/edit (no byline). The fourth calendar, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Below, the stories:


Joliet octogenarian cycles, skis and does overseas mission work with Morris-based group

This lady is amazing! And check out the cool photo!

http://www.morrisherald-news.com/2015/07/29/joliet-octogenarian-cycles-skis-and-does-overseas-mission-work-with-morris-based-group/aymtfu9/


An Extraordinary Life: Plainfield woman and Harrah's Joliet employee spread joy on and off the job

Showmanship as a way of making people happy was in her blood, a desire to help remained even in her last days.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/27/an-extraordinary-life-plainfield-woman-and-harrahs-joliet-employee-spread-joy-on-and-off-the-job/aqj2eu8/


Support group at Timbers of Shorewood provides encouragement, resources
By Jeanne Millsap
With video extra

The biggest challenge with caregiving is often for the caregiver to learn how to care for himself. This weekly group helps to facilitate that.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/08/03/support-group-at-timbers-of-shorewood-provides-encouragement-resources/aru238x/


Frankfort woman hosts two orphans from the Ukraine for the summer

She thought it would be a combo of foster care of foreign exchange, both familiar to her. She was wrong. Had a video extra, but the restaurant was too dark, and the boys became too shy. Too bad, too, because they were cute!

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/08/05/frankfort-woman-hosts-two-orphans-from-the-ukraine-for-the-summer/aymnakg/


Suspense novelist to visit Plainfield library

And not just any suspense novelist. Her latest novel was featured in the August edition of People Magazine, and she is a Plainfield resident.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/08/05/suspense-novelist-to-visit-plainfield-library/anj1i6w/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of April 12, 2015

And without further ado...


Shorewood residwent turns family memories into an engaging children's book
By Mauverneen Blevins

Ann Rubino tells the story of World War II, as seen through the eyes of a young boy growing up in an Italian village, and she isn't stopping there.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/24/shorewood-resident-turns-family-memories-into-an-engaging-childrens-book/amfluoq/?page=1


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet man could fix and build anything

His dollhouse has to be seen to be believed.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/31/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-man-could-fix-and-build-anything-he-wished/awyi327/?page=1


Breast cancer often a surprise diagnosis for men

It's easier to diagnose and harder to treat, for the same reason. Read on...

http://seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/01/28/breast-cancer-often-a-surprise-diagnosis-for-men/agzsx2w/


Minooka woman painted and distributed thousands of tiny glass angels

A TV show inspired her, and now that she has terminal colon cancer, another artist is carrying on the ministry.

http://ads.seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/04/14/minooka-woman-painted-and-distributed-thousands-of-tiny-glass-angels/aoxcmc0/


Plainfield writing programs give writers a chance to connect
By Brittany Keeperman

The Plainfield Public Library initiated a series of many writing programs this year, all leading up to one important event.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/20/plainfield-writing-programs-give-writers-a-chance-to-connect/at2cj15/