The Servant's Cottage

When I saw this artwork by Terri Ellinger on Facebook, I wanted it immediately.

To me, the scene leaps right out of the pages of Bryony, since it suggests so many elements: the old remodeled servant's cottage behind Simons Mansion near the woods and Melissa's bicycle, her main form of transportation.

So I reached out to Terri, and she sent me a digital copy I could use for marketing, since she wanted to sell the matted version. 

This was very kind of Terri. But I really wanted to buy the matted version to hang on my wall.

If you're not familiar with Terri's art, she created the pen and ink drawings that are part of several books in the BryonySeries Bertrand the Mouse subseries.

I have more pieces in this album of Terri Ellinger's work on the BryonySeries Facebook page, back when I hosted an art show at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet for four of the BryonySeries artists.

So Terri sold the "servant's cottage" piece to me and then shipped it to me. It arrived yesterday, and I'm very, very happy with it.

To see more of Terri's artwork, visit sites.google.com/view/terriellingerfineart. 

Artists For Hire

From the very beginning of the BryonySeries, the art has been a very important part of the story concept.

To execute it, I always use local and/or independent artists.

Like local and indie authors, visual and musical artists struggle to to share their talents with the wider world.

All of these artists (except one) are taking commissions. 

So feel free to check out their work and the style of their works. And reach out to them if you'd like to collaborate.

Rebekah Baran

My youngest daughter designs custom websites, formats books for print and Kindle, and can design covers.

She's currently working on a separate website for me, a cover for my first non-fiction book, and recently designed the cover for Lycanthropic Summer.

Message her at dmbaranunland@gmail.com.

Matt Coundiff

This former Will County Illinois resident did the cover art and interior illustrations for Visage.

He also created the interior art for Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Matt is also a tattoo artist.

Message him at mattcoundiff on Instagram.

Terri Ellinger

This Will County resident sketched illustrations of Bryony and Anna for several of the Bertrand the Mouse books.

To see more of her work and to message her, visit sites.google.com/view/terriellingerfineart.

Topher Gleason

This Will County, Illinois resident created the cover art for Snowbell, the cover art and interior illustrations for Staked! and the frontispieces for all five installments of Before The Blood: John Simons, Kellen Wechsler, Bryony Marseilles, Henry Matthews, and Bryony Simons.

To see more of his work, visit imagekind.com/artists/Artworkbytopher/all/fine-art-prints.

To message him, email Topher@ArtWorkbyTopher.com.

Sue Midlock 

This Will County, Illinois resident is a local author. She also does photography and works in several mediums.

Sue has created all of the cover and interior artwork for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series.

To see more of her work and to message her, visit suemydliak.wordpress.com.

James Onohan

An Indiana police officer, James writes romantic piano music and plays live music (covers and original) at events.

James also created all the music for the BryonySeries CD: "The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons," which includes the Bryony theme song referenced through many of the books.

To hear more of his music, to buy individual songs or entire CDs, and to message him, jamesonohan.com.

Jennifer Wainwright

A former Illinois resident, Jennifer created the frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer and the illustration of Main Street for the BryonySeries website.

Message her at jenniboom94@gmail.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 21 through July 26

Good morning!

Below are the feature stories that ran in this week's Herald-News. If you missed any of them, check them out now. Or re-read any you enjoyed.

Fiction update: Sue Midlock said she is done with the interior illustrations for Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers and she is working on the cover. Once we have the art, I can upload the story.

Timothy and I have a tentative "Cornell" breakfast tomorrow morning to review his outline for Cornell Dyer and the Flu. His goal is to have five Cornell books available by September's VampCon.

Then in the afternoon, Rebekah and I are getting together with Sue to work on the scrolls. This will probably be the most fiction I'll get done this weekend.

Because my other goal is to finish my draft of Phyllis' memoir and get that to her.

No new Bertrand The Mouse books are in the works (yet), but Rebekah and Daniel did find, just yesterday, the raggedy copies of the little phonics books I used to teach my six children how to read.

A couple parents had approached me about writing some Bertrand books for kids just learning to read. I have a list of sight words that's at least a year now and no inspiration. The phonics books may help me out in that regard.

Have a great Friday, 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. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. 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 wanted to be where the action was'
Iconic Woodstock photographer to appear at commemorative event at Joliet theater

"When we heard about Woodstock, we were halfway through our trip," Baron Wolman said. "I said, 'OK, we've got to go. It looks like all the bands playing are high-level bands. We cannot not go.'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/18/c9ff8dc2f1a14000a9bac619a877f7f3/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life The measure of a truly good man
Wilmington man understood the value of the past and service to others

“He was an amazing man," Diane Cantu of Wilmington said about her husband Gerald Cantu. "He kind of walked to his own drum. But it was an honest drum.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07


Safe on foot – when commuting means walking
Pedestrians and drivers share the responsibility for keeping walkers safe

It's a dangerous time to be a pedestrian.

But it's not just drivers who are hurried and distracted.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/21/safe-on-foot-when-commuting-means-walking/a3dtmyk/


Illinois study analyzes cases of wildlife in food

Many people today like their food fresh, natural and organic.

But they may draw the line at sharing that meal with other "organic creatures."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/16/illinois-study-analyzes-cases-of-wildlife-in-food/ad6hmud/


'A test of confidence'
60-year-old youth symphony orchestra holding auditions in Romeoville

" felt even if I was not learning something technical about my instrument, I was still learning the history about why a piece is written.” (Audra Sybert, former MYSO member and now the orchestra's executive director).

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/14/6520fb785dc2410b8c672738c86bbd74/index.xml?page=1


How does Blackmore's garden grow? 
Award-winning Lockport resident shares insights into successful gardening

One tip from Heather Blackmore: "Don’t go out and buy a bunch of plants. Chances are you’re going to kill a lot and become discouraged.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/24/efd63da7fb2e4801bfaa657947744cc3/index.xml


LocalLit book spotlight: 'Toby and Miko' by Terri Ellinger of Joliet
Upcoming review about a boy who befriends a unicorn

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/25/13543cbe9b4d4b9c857f7c0adfd482f3/index.xml

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

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 27 through Feb. 1

First of all, I hope everyone is surviving this crazy weather, because it ain't over yet.

Second of all, Ken McGee, a WriteOn Joliet member and one of my students at the monthly fiction workshop, will sell and sign books tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. o 2 p.m. at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. I'm planning to pop in, too, so if you haven't met Ken and checked out his books (and even if you have), this is a great opportunity!

The atmosphere will be low-key, and the bookstore has plenty of used books to to keep one browsing for a long time. If you like amusing short stories and family-friendly series that immerse in someone else's world, Ken's books may be right for you.

Speaking of WriteOn Joliet, we have some great events planned this year for readers and for writers. Learn more about us at www.writeonjoliet.com.

Thirdly, I'm hosting an all-age, family-friendly limerick match on Feb. 13 in honor of Calkins Day 2019. For more information visit goo.gl/JZcPn7.

Fourthly, Bertrand has once again gone missing. I'm assuming he's found a cozy place to keep warm, but it's been a couple days since I've posted his photo, so I'm on the hunt for him this morning.

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.

'It's All About The Dress. Pay It Forward" is growing

Facebook group that donates dresses to women in need is ready for the next step

Right now, the group has a more immediate challenge – where to store 250 new wedding dresses, still tagged, from a bridal shop in Oak Lawn that recently closed, Tammie Key Holley wrote.

"We are hoping to get out to members ASAP," Holley wrote. "The only problem is we need a donated storage front or store front so we can inventory them all and get them out to deserving members. We have our EIN number so whoever donates space can write the rent off on their taxes."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/25/26d8630af39f4c708b9c23470463144e/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Minooka woman put her family first

Although Clifford and Deb Cobden did some traveling, they had shelved many plans for their retirement years. Clifford said he now realizes, "You can't count on the future. You just have to live in the now."

"We just thought we'd have a little more time," Clifford said. "I believe she stayed alive as long as she did because she could not bear to leave her family."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/27/f504795b7aa04abc81c26a8559215fec/index.xml

Giving beyond tithes and offerings

New Covenant Worship Center in Joliet shows God's love in word and deed

In only seven years New Covenant Worship Center has given away more than $70,000 in outreach, said Jonas Jones Sr., pastor of New Covenant Church in Joliet.

"People think we've got sponsors and maybe organizations and different things, but all of our events have been sponsored from the people through free will giving," Jones said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/28/7997fb6b02304b0e93956e8134398461/index.xml

Easy, ultimate polar vortex survival diet

Other than stocking up on basic supplies, I found no dietary tips for keeping warm or the best foods to eat during a polar vortex.

So I decided to create my own.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/30/76de7a8c4d4848da8933aad1a375138f/index.xml

Joliet native to perform with Gladys Knight

Aarron Loggins will sign the national anthem at Super Bowl LIII

Loggins: I have too many inspirations in me since growing up and didn't personal have one. But I can tell you one, both people and families are my inspiration because they do believe in me and they got my back since the beginning.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/25/1323552c750e44ccb06fe0af04bc3e93/index.xml

Sharing her childhood nostalgia

Mokena woman donates Disney figures to children's museum

"Hearing parents and their children talking about them is amazing," Adam Woodworth, executive director, said in a Facebook message. "It's another way inside our museum that parents can connect with their children. The figurines build discussions and conversations through the timeless stories they represent.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/29/b9a4086a2bb64f25a5146cacf390fc11/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Sarah's Christmas Wish' by Terri Ellinger

Although Christmas 2018 is just a memory (although this Christmas-y weather is very much present), the story can be read and enjoyed any time of the year.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/31/1d9465993b25483ca9f8524132aaedf4/index.xml

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

Art of the BryonySeries: Terri Ellinger

An exhibit of BryonySeries-related art by four of the artists who created book covers and interior illustrations for books in the BryonySeries art is currently on display at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet through the month of October.

This week, I'm sharing photos from exhibit's installation on Sept. 3. All four artists are taking commissions.

Today's featured artist is Terri Ellinger. Terri created pen and ink illustrations for Bertrand and the Lucky Clover, Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise, and Bertrand's First Book of Numbers.

Terri Ellinger has a degree in creative arts from the University of St. Francis in Joliet. She specializes in watercolor, gouache, pencil, colored pencil, mixed media and ink. She enjoys doing custom portraits of people, places and pets. She recently self-published several books and created her own covers. Terri has also displayed her work at galleries and festival s in the Chicago area. 

Contact her at terrie123@comcast.net.

To view photos of Terri's exhibit, visit her albumn at  https://www.facebook.com/BryonySeries/.

To view more photos of Terri's work, visit www.terriellingerfineart.com.

Photo of Terri Ellinger by Timothy Baran

Art of the BryonySeries at Book and Bean Cafe

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.

And the Exhibit Went Up!

Approximately 100 pieces of original art of from four Joliet artists went up today on the walls of the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet.

The mediums and subject matter are all varied, but one common thread connects it all: these four artists have contributed their talents to the BryonySeries.

As a "thank you," Tammy Duckworth, the cafe's owner, agreed to an exhibit for the months of September and October.

My son Timothy Baran (who takes much better photos than I do, although I took some, too), hung out during the installation and took hundreds of photos.

I'll make albums in a day or two and post them on the BryonySeries Facebook page. In the meantime, here are a few highlights:

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 26 through Aug. 31

Little editorializing this morning. Today/this weekend/next week is busier than most.

Deadlines today and later a funeral in Indiana as a good friend unexpectedly died this week. to and fro, I plan to finish copy editing Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness, a real sacrifice as I can't read in the car without getting extremely queasy.

Tomorrow: Hanging about the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet for a lot of the day to take photos of the four artists as they install their art and to attend the WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club (come join us!) at 12:30 p.m.

Then for the rest of Saturday and the next two days (except for church) I'm working.

I'm the on call editor for Labor Day. And I have many pages to fill for next week before I can take a few days off.

And what will I do on those few days? Complete the composition of Before the Blood (or very nearly) and get the first four manuscripts to my editor to begin reading while I finish the fifth. Please pray/send out good thoughts/sacrifice a goat that the week goes smoothly (no illness, no tragedy, etc.) that get in the way of my completing it.

On that Friday, I do have a work engagement, some errands, so it will be less productive.

On that Saturday, I do have dentist appointment and the celebration of Timothy's birthday, so again.

On the very last day before I return to work, Rebekah and I are taking a "BryonySeries" day and catch up on all those bits and pieces of tasks that we keep putting off for lack of time.

So you see, I only have three really good days to keep at it.

Onward to the "real" writing. Where to find it?

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.

No easier way to help local charities

100+ Women Who Care serving Will County puts the 'fun' in fundraising

"We have no funds, no bank account," Maribeth Carlson of Homer Glen, founder of the local chapter, said. "Everything goes to the charity.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/25/6dc501210cfd4e6497df885a9a716eaf/index.xml?page=1

An Extraordinary Life: Crest Hill branch library honors Friends founder

Jerry Myrick's love of history, genealogy and books in general led him to establish the current Friends of the White Oak Library.

And then he continued serving the Friends in any way he could, his wife, Pauline Myrick, said.

"It was his way of contributing to the community," Pauline said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/26/an-extraordinary-life-crest-hill-branch-library-honors-friends-founder/a957bqo/

Kathy Malone needs a kidney transplant

A benefit on Sept. 8 will help this #Manhattan woman with expenses

In July 2017, Malone had just gone back to work in a medical office following a medical leave. When Malone noticed her legs and face were swollen, she went to the nurse and told her something wasn’t right.

“The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the ER,” Malone said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/27/kathy-malone-needs-a-kidney-transplant/aaugf31/

Lives change when the kidneys fail
3 families share their ups and downs

Dave Jepson of Channahon said the decision to donate a kidney to his wife’s aunt last year was “a no-brainer.”

“God put us here to help others,” Jepson said. “I had the opportunity so I took it.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/27/67219ccaf13e4eed960a0cde3a0bd9be/index.xml


Mystery Diner: Burger Theory in Joliet offers up to 4,320 possibilities

Because some of my friends do like burgers, with one of them judging a restaurant on the strength of its burger, four of us decided to check out Burger Theory, which is located inside the Joliet's new Holiday Inn.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/28/3c629e5e964e4004805072f5a0ef575c/index.xml


Baran-Unland: When church scandal tests faith 

The faith of some, I’m certain, is bound to be shaken. For others, their belief that organized religion is corrupt or of little value may even be strengthened.

At the very least, such stories can make us question, perhaps re-examine, our beliefs.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/28/baran-unland-when-church-scandal-tests-faith/aobtpb0/

Gone fishing

Joliet area residents share their favorite photos

Who doesn't like a great fish "tale?" And in this case, we've got the photos to prove them.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/28/ec98dcbfffb7469784589501edb6639f/index.xml

Artworks: 4 artists in group show at Joliet cafe

 All four of these artists are displaying their work at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet during September and October. A artist reception for them is Sept. 27.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/28/bc593eb99bc3459285b283962945731f/index.xml?page=3

LocalLit author spotlight: Robert Hafey of Joliet

Hafey said, "This short story was a challenge for me because it is historical fiction. I wrote it specifically to challenge myself and had fun doing it. It is loosely based on the story of a distant relative who left Ireland for Canada in 1817."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/12/d93de73ae7a94c2f96cefe1a4edff358/index.xml?page=1

LocalLit author spotlight: Larry Zoeller of Downers Grove

Zoeller said, "I like history and a lot of it is centered, as this story is, around the area where I grew up, Martins Ferry, Ohio on the Ohio River just across from Wheeling, West Virginia and 60 miles from Pittsburgh."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/29/locallit-author-spotlight-larry-zoeller-of-downers-grove/axx90p6/

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

Art Lovers: This Post is for You

A new and unique exhibit is coming to the Book and Bean Cafe for the months of September and October.

The exhibit will feature the work of four Joliet artists: Matt Coundiff, Terri Ellinger, Topher Gleason, and Sue Midlock. The artist reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. 

All four work in very different styles. 

Matt works mainly in colored pencil and market and is also a tattoo artist.

Terri specializes in watercolor, gouache, pencil, colored pencil, mixed media and ink, and creates custom portraits of people, places and pets.

Topher uses watercolor and ink.

Sue, a vampire author, works in a variety of mediums, but for this show, she will be displaying her photography.

The only connection between these four artists is that they have all created art for some of my different books. For this reason, the exhibit is called, "The Art of the BryonySeries," because of all the art displayed, although not featured in any of the books, will echo the styles.

Much of the art will be available for sale. Cash sales are accepted at the register. For other payment methods, contact the individual artists directly. Additional flyers will be available at the cafe with the artists' email addresses.

In addition, all four artists are taking commissions. So if you have an idea you'd like to bring to life, or if you are a local author and need a book cover or interior illustrations, these four artists have experience.

For more information, email my at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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."