The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.
Amy Odell, activities director, created light bulb ornaments for each participant.
For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."
Please enjoy the final part of the video.
On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.
Amy Odell, activities director, created light bulb ornaments for each participant.
For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."
Please enjoy the second part of the video.
On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.
Amy Odell, activities director, created their light bulb ornaments for each participant.
For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."
And then watch part one of the event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pabKhtEB5d0&t=562s
On September 25, WriteOn Joliet held its first (and only) open mic at event for 2025 at Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood.
It was also our first mic event since 2023 - and we held two that fall, shortly before the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet closed - and we're thrilled to have found a new cafe home.
Critical Grind hosts a writer meetup on alternating Saturdays called Inkwells and Espresso, which WriteOn members have attended from the event's inception in early 2024.
WriteOn Joliet Charter Member Duanne Walton served as emcee at this first open mic at Critical Find and read some of his stream of consciousness works.
Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, gave a dramatic recitation of his original poem.
Steve Cordin read an original crime thriller short story.
Holly Coop read her inspirational poetry.
Danny read some of his micro fiction.
Guest Nancy Calkins shared intriguing stories from her career as an art teacher.
Diana Estell gave a dramatic performance of original poetry.
Mauverneen Blevins read original poetry.
Our guest Chloe shared original poetry.
Barbara Eberhard, organizer of "Stories R Us" read original poetry.
"Stories R Us" takes place at 6:30 p.m. every third Wednesday at Nik & Ivy Brewing in Lockport.
And Duanne and I reprised his piece (from the same radio play): "The Beast of Venice Pier."
And somewhere in the mix, I read part of "A Little Wine for Your Stomach, Part Two" from the BryonySeries novel "The Phoenix."
But alas, no photo exists of that reading since I was the one (overall) taking the photos (Timothy caught this one of Duanne and me).
So here's a glass of wine instead, one of my "teaser" photos for "The Phoenix."
Happy Thursday!
On Saturday, November 8, the Downers Grove Public Library will host an event for authors and aspiring authors.
The event is called: "Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published."
These panels will run from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 1050 Curtiss Street in Downers Grove and will include a number of topics.
I was invited to participate in the "Promoting Your Book" panel, which runs from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
If you are an author, a writer, or an aspiring author or writer, come out and glean some tips about the writing, illustrating, publishing, and marketing process.
A full list of topics and times are here: downersgrove.libnet.info/event/14801662.
The panels are free to attend, and no author will be selling books at this event.
However, many of the authors will be available to chat and answer questions after the panels have ended.
I will also have information on B.L.O.C.K.S., BryonySeries, and WriteOn Joliet.
Maybe I will see you there.
Happy Monday!
The Joliet Public Library's Digital Media Studio is hosting its first FAME event on Saturday.
This artist market and showcase will feature a wide array of art and artists, along with live performances and demonstrations throughout the day on all three levels of the library.
I'll be there representing both BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet (WriteOn Joliet has been a library partner since 2013) and will be selling both BryonySeries books and WriteOn Joliet anthologies, as well as books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer in 2024.
I'll also be hosting a comic book panel from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
And then I'll be chatting and reading some readings from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Finally, my booth will also have information about the BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet, and B.L.O.C.K.S., which is the new umbrella group of BryonySeries.
Stop out, pop in, and be entertained!
FAME will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Joliet Publcio Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.
Chicago author and poet Alan Hines (left) and I are both appearing at The Book Market on July 12.
This dual "Meet The Author" event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m., 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.
I first met when Alan at Calkins Day 2023, the BryonySeries official holiday in honor of Ed Calkins' birthday.
Ed's favorite books are books by local authors. So in honor of his birthday, we invited authors to give Ed one of their books in exchange for one of his. Alan heard about the event and gave both os us one of his poetry books.
Since that time, Alan has popped into several of my events, and I've popped into several of his.
So Janet Staley, owner of The Book Market, suggested we appear together - and now we are!
Like me, Alan Hines is a prolific author and has released nearly as many titles in various genres, including a book for children, horror, urban fiction, and erotica.
And for me, this event will be my last until after I'm recovered from sugery on July 17.
If you're not in the market for any new books, stop out anyway and purchase any BryonySeries book or any book by a WriteOn Joliet author for the WriteOners to give away from our booth on Aug. 2 at Kidz Fest.
We currently have three hundred books to give away - but we can always use more.
We'll even have some handmade BryonySeries swag as gifts with purchase.
Hope to see you there!
If you're out and about tomorrow, be sure to "march fourth" right into The Book Market in Crest Hill.
I'll be hanging out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and drinking coffee, chatting to customers, answering questions about writing and the seven books featured in the BryonySeries Irish vampire display (and other books in the BryonySeries), and maybe even selling a book (or two).
Read BryonySeries Irish Books and Ribbits at The Book Market for details on the curated books.
Plus, we also have special prices on Cindy's Irish-themed Ribbit-Ribbits when paired with BryonySeries book purchases (while supplies last) - and a very special "pot of gold."
Plus, plus, The Book Market is a treasure trove of hundreds and hundreds new, used, and rare books just waiting for you to discover them.
You could say is the Eircheard's Emporium of books.
Happy Monday!
The BryonySeries has an official holiday and it is called Calkins Day!.
Calkins Day is the birthday of Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, and Ed invented Calkins Day before I'd even met him back in September 2007, before I turned him into an Irish vampire on Calkins Day 2008.
Ed used to credit/blame the origins of Calkins Day on his ruthlessness.
But WE say Calkins Day is a day to celebrate laughter, imagination, and generosity (Ed has all three traits) and perhaps triumph over our struggles, for Ed has overcome dyslexia to write four books, and we are celebrating the release of the final book in his BryonySeries Ruthless trilogy tonight: "Recovering Ruthless."
So for a Calkins Day primer, this post has plenty of information and backlinks for your to travel.
But of if you want the transformational story, please read Ed's post "How I Became Famous."
And if you are in the area and somewhat available, please join us tonight for Calkins Day 2025, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
If you must celebrate virtually, please check out our "Guide to Becoming Un-Serious."
Happy Calkins Day!
Calkins Day (Feb. 13) is the BryonySeries' official holiday. It's a day to celebrate laughter, imagination, generosity, and the birthday of Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara: man, myth, and author.
And we are inviting you to that celebration from 6 to 8:30
p.m. at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
The drop-in celebration will include free food (including pizza), a
chance to win an original acrylic waterscape painted by Ed’s wife Nancy Calkins
(an accomplished artist and retired art teacher), and the opportunity to
purchase books authored by Ed and books in which Ed appears as a character.
One of those books will include “Recovering Ruthless,” the third book in the outrageous, literary nonsense BryonySeries Ruthless series, all authored by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.
The first book is simply called “Ruthless.” The second book
is titled “The Fifth.”
Ed also wrote my Irish genealogy. (I’m not Irish).
Ed also appears as himself (as in himself, a ruthless dictator,
and an Irish vampire) in “Bryony,” “Visage,” and “Staked!”
Who is Ed Calkins? Here is a twenty-question interview withthe real Ed Calkins, here is my Calkins Day address from 2020, and here is Ed’s Calkins Day message from 2018.
Here is why we celebrate Calkins Day.
Here is how to celebrate Calkins Day in our "Guide to Becoming Un-Serious."
I must also add that Ed is very dyslexic, which makes
writing more challenging for him than many other writers. But he not only works
through the challenge, he’s made dyslexia a key part of the plot in his
Ruthless trilogy in ways that has nothing to do with reading or writing.
You also might want to listen to this podcast.
And if you follow those links, you might find yourself almost
prepared to celebrate Calkins Day at The Book Market on Feb. 13.
But if you really want to impress the Steward of Tara (also known as Your Ruthlessness), come prepared to recite a limerick about him as WriteOn Joliet member Mauverneen Blevins did in 2023.
Or memorize “Birches” by Robert Frost and recite it to him.
And then watch the magic unfold.
Happy Saturday!
Remember when Facebook parties were popular, about ten years ago?
That was the original plan for Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Book Bash when Bertrand the Mouse came into our lives in August 2013.
Of course, not all ideas become tangible right away. Every year, we talked about hold the event. And every year the developing just didn't happen.
And in our case, we eventually let the Facebook party idea fade away in favor of an in-person event as Bertrand's mission of bringing the joys of reading to children (and adults, too) evolved.
Of course, the best place to host a birthday party for a crocheted mouse whose mission is books is The Book Market in Crest Hill, which is FILLED with new books, old books, and rare books.
We held our first birthday party for Bertrand the Mouse in 2023, and I missed it due to a trip to the ER.
But I didn't miss it this year - and what a great day it was!
Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Book Bash included free games-to-go, free miniature chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles, free BryonySeries water bottles and miniature backpacks, free crocheted mice with purchase, and discounted Ribbit-Ribbits (other crocheted items) with purchase.
We sold four BryonySeries books across various ages and interests ("Squeak," "Staked!" "Bertrand's Day on the Lake," and "The Fifth") and adopted out three mice.
Good morning!
I usually try to hang out at The Book Market in Crest Hill at least a few times a year - and last year I held and event approximately once a month.
Not only is the owner Janet Staley, super friendly to local authors and readers alike, the atmosphere in this 40-plus year old bookstore in Will County is a "must" to experience.
The store is filled (and I do mean "filled") with a wide variety of new, used, and rare books. It's hard to imagine a title The Book Market does NOT stock.
But the first part of 2024 was filled with various maladies for my family and me and a procedure that was pushed out three times (maybe four?) because of it. So Tuesday marks the first time BryonySeries officially returns to The Book Market.
I plan to be there, as does Rebekah, Bertrand the Mouse, and his Uncle Barty. I'm just know sure which hat I'll wear yet (decisions, decisions).
We have a special "summer display" for you to check out (more on this tomorrow). Key words to remember here are "summer reads" and "Ribbit-Ribbit."
And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we'll also have something festive to celebrate the monumental occasion. Pop in and see for yourself.
And have a very happy Monday!
Welcome to Day Two of Recap Week.
Over the last six weeks, I was blessed to participate three different wonderful events: “Fragments of Time," an original WriteOn Joliet radio theater production, held April 19 and April 20 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet, the Local Author Fair on April 27 at the Joliet Public Library, and Ye Olde May Fest, May 18 and 19, also at Bicentennial Park.
Several authors from WriteOn Joliet participated in the Local Author Fair, and I included a few photos at the end.
Rebekah is pictured with BryonySeries books and WriteOn anthologies.
Nancy Calkins is in the next photo, along with books by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara; Colleen Robbins, and Tom Hernandez.
Holly Coop and Cean Magosky are in the last photo.
Now, for my thoughts.
I've attended enough author fairs to say quite confidently that authors and readers misunderstand the purpose of local author fairs.
Local author fairs are not primarily selling events. They are marketing events. Local author fairs (as well as author appearances and other vendor events) are free or low-cost ways for local authors to introduce to the community the fact they and their books exist.
Yes, authors might sell some books at these events (we sold six on this particular day). But selling zero does not equate failure or rejection, although authors may feel that way, especially during their first few fairs.
Unfortunately, there's a perception out there (not shared by all; I'm speaking generalities) that "local" and "indie" and "small press" and "self-published" equal "vanity" and "amateur" and "low quality."
That's not at all true, although it may be true in some cases. But it also may be true among books published more traditionally.
Many independent authors I know work doubly and triply hard on overall quality (from draft to final production), perhaps because they unconsciously realize their odds of success are a little stacked against them. And also, perhaps, because they take tremendous healthy pride in producing the very best reading experience they can since they have undertook all aspects of the process of turning an idea into a published book.
Secondly, many people gravitate toward the familiar and known. Books and authors that become popular tend to become more popular. That's just how it is. Popular is safe. Popular brings a certain reassurance that parting with money will bring value. That's why authors seek out endorsements. Because if so and so says the book is good, it MUST be good.
So the author's job is is to become familiar. Authors talk to people. Authors let people look at your books. Authors provide business cards or bookmarks so attendees take something of their product away with them.
At these events, I try to find out what the other authors write. I talk to attendees to find out what they like to read. That way, if a reader reads a genre that isn't mine (such as crime fiction) I can suggest they visit the crime fiction author three tables down.
There's no point in authors talking someone into their books when they really want some other books. And pointing them in the right direction builds good authorly community. Many indie authors realize other authors are not their competition; they are allies. I firmly believe that, by working together, individual authors can achieve more individually.
For instance, Alan Hines (whom I met at Calkins Day 2023), often comes out to my events simply to buy one or more of my books to distribute in Chicago.
Anyway, by attending plenty of community events, people will start to recognize the dedicated authors, the authors who believe they are selling something worth owning. When authors repeatedly provide a pleasant experience at their tables, people may be curious enough, and eventually comfortable enough, to buy one day.
Does all this sound like work? Well, it IS work. No one finds a product if the product can't be found. Instead of paying a public relations firm and paying for print and online advertising, authors step away from their keyboards, get out into the world, and talk to people.
So at this particular local author fair, I saw disappointment on some of the authors' faces, and I understand. They come with high hopes as they set up their tables, hoping the world will fall in love with their books and joyously rush home to read them.
But if authors remember the fair is just an opportunity to make that first introduction, they won't feel letdown if attendees simply browse the tables and keep walking. They won't feel disappointed if attendees pick up books, flip through the pages, and then set them back down. It might mean they are not interested. And it also might mean they are not buying today.
A successful author fair is one where authors showed up, set up their wares as attractively as possible, and gave a good experience to whomever attended, be it one or one hundred. And this is true, I believe, for all artists and entrepreneurs, not just authors.
For anyone who's made it this far, for anyone who's engaged in any type of activity at any time (so all of you, right?), remember success is never guaranteed but failure always is.
If you show up, you may not succeed. That's the risk in showing up. But if quit, failure is certain.
If you leave puzzle pieces on the table, you won't finish the puzzle.
If you abandon that cake batter, you won't eat cake.
If you abandon the dirty laundry, you will eventually run out of clean clothes.
If you stop eating healthy foods and exercising, you won't reach your weight loss goals.
If you stop sharing your art, you will prevent the right consumers from ever, ever discovering it.
So whatever you're supposed to tackle today, please show up, do your best, and enjoy the journey, wherever it may lead.
Why should you save the date for WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release Party on Dec. 7?
Well, I don't have just one reason. I have five of them!
1. Free, fantastic, chef-prepared appetizers and desserts.
2. Free photos with Santa.
3. An opportunity to chat with a really great group of local authors.
4. One-stop Christmas shop for all the bookworms on your list, children through adult, with one-stop checkout.
5. A treasure trove of books with various genres and storylines you haven't (yet) imagined.
The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.
We look forward to meeting you!
For those who aren't fond of nighttime events, here is another opportunity to connect in person: a Free Local Authors Expo on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prayer Towers Ministries Church of God in Christ, 500 Stryker Ave. in Joliet.
Rebekah and I will be there with BryonySeries books and special giveaways with select purchases.
If you're a writer as well as a reader, I was asked to provide a few suggestions for improving your writing.
The event also includes an optional prayer breakfast for $25. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For tickets, call Lisa Moulton at 815-546-2941.
If you have a few minutes to pop in, please do.
Have a great Tuesday!
As part of my commitment to "keeping it real" in terms of sales expectations, I like to share how many books I sell at any particular event.
I think authors, as well as other artists, sometimes have unrealistic (or uncertain) expectations regarding sales volume at bookstores, vendor fairs, craft shows, etc.
So on January 27, Rebekah and I hung out at The Book Market in Crest Hill for a few hours.
It was a snowy day and store traffic was light.
We sold seven books, which was more than we anticipated, actually, considering the weather.
So we were pleased.
And we had a great time meeting and talking with customers.
Yesterday morning Timothy and I were supposed to fly out to North Carolina to see family.
My father, whom I haven't seen since 2019 (and was still working) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's during COVID and went into a nursing home in December 2021. He is eighty-seven. And he may not remember me.
I also haven't seen mother since 2019, and she will be eighty-seven in a couple of weeks.
We have tried since COVID restrictions lifted to go out there, really. But one issue after another derails our plans. And 2022 has been one slew of emergenies after another for us all year.
This latest was a retina "thing" for me last week, followed by a postponement of my ear flushing (they are impacted) so I can fly without rupturing my eardrums, followed by the approval, then an appointment for flushing finally scheduled (hurray!) and then having to cancel that appointment to euthanize Frances who took a bad turn followed by the cancellation of the euthanization in favor of a care plan this weekend and a wait and see.
If you can follow that (and we can barely), nearly every day of this past year has looked like that - except on steroids.
And yet, all of this confusion has silver and gold linings for this weekend.
Yesterday I napped, read, and walked a little. Today is more of the same (after the ear flushing).
But I'm also hoping to stop out at Willow Fest, which I didn't want to miss and now (hopefully) I won't.
Ed and Nancy Calkins will have a table or two at the event from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at One Village Circle in Willow Springs, the corner of Archer Avenue and Willow Springs Road. This is a first for them, and they are very excited
The Steward of Tara and his "angel" wife are selling Nancy's original artwork and BryonySeries books.
So if you're in the area, or can make plans to be in the area, stop out if you can.
Even if you're not in the market for a painting or a book, they are two of the friendliest, nicest people you will ever meet - and your day will be richer for passing their way.
Love to read books?
And/or always wanted to write a book?
Then don't miss this event.
WriteOn Joliet co-leaders Tom Hernandez and Denise M. Baran-Unland (me) will discuss the writing process, read from their works, and sign and sell copies of their books from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24 - which is tomorrow.
The event will be held at the Joliet Public Library at 3395 Black Road in Joliet.
The library is one of WriteOn Joliet's community partners. The other is The Book Market in Crest Hill.
WriteOn Joliet anthologies will also be available for purchase.Tom and I will share a few excerpts from some of our writings.
And Tom and I will sell and sign books the individual books we have written.
We will also have anthologies written and published by WriteOn Joliet members for sale, too.
Finally, Tom will also provide details about the last stop on his "Tip Jar Tour."
Hope to see you there!
