BryonySeries at "Halloween Night Market" in Channahon on Saturday

We were invited to pitch our tent and set up our wares at the Channahon Farmer's Markets' first "Halloween Night Market."

The market runs from 3 to 8 p.m. at Chanahon Tractor Supply. And Ron, if he were alive, would be so tickled that BryonySeries was FINALLY part of an event in Channahon (we did one pre-release of "Bryony" "Art in the Park" event the summer of 2011).

The list of features is so long, I'm simply copying and pasting it from the Facebook event listing.

However, the spooky photo is mine, full of mystery since we've no experience with the evnt.

But at the BryonySeries tent, you will find books (for sale), decor (not for sale), various other items (to be discussed at purchase), BryonySeries Halloween surprise boxes (teens and adults, while supplies last), discounts to Jody's Hot Dogs in Joliet (while supplies last), along with free photos with Bertrand the Mouse (who will be present in costume) and other surprises for kids.

Maybe we'll see you there!

The Original Halloween Night Market of the Southwest Suburbs.

Get ready for an evening of spooky shopping, festive fun, and family-friendly Halloween excitement! Join us for the first-ever Halloween Night Market, where the market comes alive under the glow of string lights with Halloween décor, amazing local vendors, and plenty of treats for the whole family!
Shop your favorite local vendors offering:
Pumpkins & fall décor
Fresh sourdough & baked goods
Farm-fresh produce & local favorites
Honey & specialty foods
Handmade candles & artisan gifts
Crafted beverages, dirty sodas, energy drinks, coffee & more
Delicious eats from our food truck court
Bring the kids! Many of our vendors will be handing out candy, and we'll have a special character on-site for photos!
Dress to impress! We encourage everyone to come in costume including your furry friends! Enter our Best Pet Costume contests for a chance to win prizes. Some vendors may even have special treats or giveaways for guests who arrive in costume!
Our vendors will also be decorating their booths for Halloween, and guests can vote for the Spookiest Vendor Booth of the night!
This event is spooky enough to get you in the Halloween spirit while remaining fun and welcoming for kids of all ages. Whether you're shopping, grabbing dinner, sipping a handcrafted drink, or making memories with family and friends, there's something for everyone.
Be sure to join us for our Fall Fest Market on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, then come back the following week for an unforgettable Halloween Night Market!
Follow the Channahon Farmers Market Facebook page for vendor announcements, contest details, special giveaways, and all the latest market updates.
Come support local, celebrate the season, and help make our very first Halloween Night Market the talk of the town!

BryonySeries at "Panic at the Plaza" Oct. 10

So the first Panic at the Plaza in October 2019 was rained out.

Then the pandemic paused the event.

And then I had to work on "Panic" weekend last year in 2021 and 2022.

In 2023, we had a successful event.

And we repeated that success in 2024, even though we and The Raven's House were the only vendors.

As far as I know, "Panic at the Plaza" was paused again in 2025.

So we are REALLY looking forward to pitching our spooky BryonySeries tent and filling it with books (for sale), decor (not for sale), and various other items (to be discussed at purchase), along with free photos with Bertrand the Mouse (who will be present in costume).

Panic at the Plaza will be from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the City Center Square in Downtown Joliet.

So put on your spookiest costume (or not) and be sure to stop at the BryonySeries tent, where we will have your Halloween reads all lined up, along with a few fun etcs.

Like this display of green grapes and red grapes. Because the offer still stands.

RECAP: BryonySeries at Critical Grind Author Fair

BryonySeries had the good fortune to participate in Critical Grind Board Game Cafe's first author fair on Saturday.

And then we also had the good fortune to share the table with longtime WriteOn Joliet member Dale Hansen.

I've participated in many author fairs over the past fifteen years. And this was one of the best in terms of steady and robust attendance abd marketing along with additional "fun" elements, such as genre-inspired beverages from the cafe, the fact Dale and I each sold seven books, and the surprise handmade bookmarks from Cindy, which we gave as gifts to anyone who bought one of our books.

Cindy chatted to attendees about B.L.O.C.K.S. and distributed information. Rebekah discussed tropes and helped select books to browse according to interests.

But don't take my word for it. Check out these videos Critical Grind uploaded to its Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1169522728588370

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1403052704534223

And then if you live in the area, come out to Critical Grind tonight at 7 p.m. and learn more about B.L.O.C.K.S. when Timothy presents information as part of Critical Grind's "Presentation Night."

Be blessed today!

BryonySeries at Critical Grind on Saturday

Good morning!

I am super excited to participate in Critical Grind Board Game Cafe's Local Author Book Fair with TWO of my favorite authors.

One is WriteOn Joliet member Dale Hansen, who writes devotionals.

The other is children's author C.W. White, whom I met at Calkins Day 2023. I was so impressed with her books, I wound up ordering copies for my grandchildren.

In additon to BryonySeries books, I will have copies of WriteOn Joliet's anthologies (including copies of 2024 and 2025), and information on B.L.O.C.K.S.

Be sure to check out Critical Grind's menu and get yourself something good to eat and drink before you leave with your book purchases.

Because what could be better on these cold dark days than a hot drink and some new good books?

Happy Monday!

Tonight: Ask Us About Our...

Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!

Because TONIGHT is WriteOn Joliet's 9th Anthology Release Party.

Here are ten reasons why you should attend.

Here is tonight's menu.

Here is your chance to connect with six small businesses.

And (finally) when you stop at the BryonySeries tables at the party, be sure to ask about the following.

1. Our handmade Christmas mice...

...that come with their own handmade stockings:

2. Our hot chocolate bombs.

3. Our mystery boxes.

All of these items are courtesy of Cindy from Ribbit-Ribbits, her gift to you with select purchases (and she will decide what those purchases are).

None of these items are for sale.

But you might be able to take some of them home (while supplies last).

So...

When you stop at the BryonySeries tables at WriteOn Joliet's 9th Annual Anthology Release Party tonight, be sure to ask about them.

BryonySeries at the 2025 North Pole Christmas Market

We are thrilled to participate for the secpond year in a row at the North Pole Christmas Market at Joliet's annual "Light Up the Holidays" event, which is held every year in several downtown locations the day after Thanksgiving.

The Joliet City Center Partnership hosts a wonderful event with live entertainment, ice skating, horse-drawn carriages, visits with Santa, ice sculpture demos, children's Ferris wheel, slide, tree lighting, and a large parade towards evening.

Bertrand and Uncle Barty are super excited to attend the Christmas Market portion of the event, especially we are helping to spread the joys of reading to children of all ages while also finding home for some of their mouse friends.

Here is an overview of BryonySeries books we'll have for sale.

And for every two BryonySeries children's books you donate for Santa Services and the Will County Children's Advocacy Center, you may adopt one of Bertrand's friends (while mice area available for adoption).

Available mice may not resemble these former adoptable mice.

Many mice will also come with a homemade stocking, courtesy of Cindy and her Ribbit-Ribbits.

If all the mice are adopted, we will have other "thank you gifts" available for people who purchase and donate two or more BryonySeries children's books.

Of course, you may purchase any book for yourself or gift giving.

We will also have WriteOn Joliet anthologies for sale, too, plus information about WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on December 4.

The 2025 North Pole Christmas Market runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. November 28 at the Renaissance Center, 214 No. Ottawa Street in Joliet.

For a full list of "Light Up the Holidays" activities, visit jolietccp.com/holidays.

BryonySeries "Jump Into Fall" Book Party

Good morning!

It's been a busy, busy, busy week of work and physical therapy - and this blog will be the shortest and the simplest of nearly all the blogs since I began it on Aug. 1, 2010.

I am looking forward to a lowkey, fun-filled party on Saturday.

Details are on the flyer and on our "pumpkin patch" blog.

Pleaaw join us! 

Decorate a Pumpkin at the BryonySeries "Pumpkin Patch"

The BryonySeries first "Pumpkin Patch" is installed at The Book Market in Crest Hill, with a dozen pumpkins ready for decorating!

Here's how it works.

Select one of our Bertrand the Mouse-approved, Cindy-created Ribbit-Ribbit pumpkin.

And then decorate it in the store with sticky back felt shapes and designs, which are divided by shape and design and placed in the plastic Jack-o-lanterns next to the pumpkins.

Leave your pumpkin on the table, so customers can vote "by number." (The pumpkins are numbered).

Write the number of your favorite pumpkin on a sticky note, fold the note in half, and drop it in to the bucket.

Voting ends shortly before 1:30 p.m. September 27, upon which time the notes will be counted and a suprise bookish "prize" will be awarded.

Make sure your fingers "jump" into our leaf pile for a BryonySeries book discount.

Pull a leaf, take it to the counter, and Jan will look up your discount.

You can then take it or "leaf" it.

All pumpkins are free to choose, free to decorate, while supplies last.

You may take your pumpkin home anytime after September 27. 

Or you may "leaf" your pumpkin at The Book Market as a gift to become part of the store's autumn decor. Just let Jan Staley, the owner, know.

For more fun, plan to pop into the BryonySeries "Jump Into Fall" book party, where we will announce the winner, give out free chef-made packaged werewolf bark, and do spontaneous "turn the leaf" book readings.

Happy Monday!

BryonySeries: Meet B.L.O.C.K.S.

When the world shut down in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebekah suggested she and I use this time to really dig into the study of sales and marketing - and then apply our knowledge to the BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet.

We took some online classes and workshops AT THE SAME TIME as our morning walks (the only time available to watch the videos together), formed a business relationship with two mentors that has grown over time, and took baby steps in executing our newly-learned knowledge and skills.

And we've done this while continuing to create new products for the BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet, and selected clients, working our day jobs, and navigating several very challenging years.

I'm not sharing this because we're so amazing. I'm sharing it because doing all this well is simply not possible, not if we wish to keep growing.

So as Timothy and Daniel were finishing their Master of Business degrees this spring, Timothy suggested I back off SOME of the sales and marketing for BryonySeries and let him and Daniel help, especially since I tend to prioritze the sales and marketing for WriteOn Joliet over BryonySeries.

Now Timothy and Daniel had heard about our mentors but hadn't actually interacted with them...yet. 

The first step was inviting Timothy and Daniel to join a pitch and idea session they were hosting - and the second step was a one-on-one meeting.

And, in Timothy's words, he and Daniel "failed" the elevator pitch during Meeting Two.

After some reflection, Timothy realized the problem. The BryonySeries brand and the BryonySeries products were two different "things," which needed separate identities.

They easily could discuss the products. But they couldn't easily summarize their spirit, i.e. their brand.

To succintly explain these products, Timothy needed to identify and then clearly communicate the brand. 

Back in 2010 when Sarah created the first BryonySeries website, Sarah wanted to create an author page, which I refused. Rather, I wanted a page that showcased the creative talents of everyone who contributed to the products in some way.

As Timothy analyzed the branding in the BryonySeries, from collaboration to result, he saw these six key areas, which we've manipulated in all our projects as one manipulates building blocks.

This led him to create three cards, which are at the bottom of this post.

The first shows our building blocks.

The second card has both elevator pitch and mission for B.L.O.C.K.S.

And the third card, which I don't have in shareable format yet, pulls out three distinct areas: Sue's Diner, BryonySeries books, and Midnight Ink, the platform where Rebekah and I edit and format books for select clients at more-than-afforable prices.

The fourth card is the BryonySeries logo, which you've likely seen.

Timothy and Daniel then remet with our mentors at the beginning of this month to test out the B.L.O.C.K.S. 

And BAM! They nailed it!

So Timothy worked with the wonderful Kent at Fast Printing in Joliet to create these three cards.

And then Timothy and Daniel softly rolled out B.L.O.C.K.S. this weekend at New Orleans North and the Porch & Park Music Fest to nearly one hundred total attendees.

We had a slight uptick in visitors both days on our website, which is encouraging.

Now, we obviously have more work to do before the rollout is completed. And the real sales and marketing work will begin anew and in earnest. 

Also everyone is still very busy.

But we now have a brand that explains our mission.

And that can lead into a deeper conversation about our products.

Happy Monday!

Book Lovers and Other Creatives: Why You Should Come Out to Porch and Park Festival

For the very first time, five members of WriteOn Joliet will be part of Tim Placher's Porch & Park Music Fest in Joliet - with a sixth member returning for the second year.

They are Mauverneen Blevins, Holly Coop, Barbara Eberhard, Cean Magosky (who appeared at last year's event, too), Sue Midlock, and me, displaying and selling BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet books and other products, such as BryonySeries baseball caps and water bottles.

You'll find original poetry and photography (Mauverneen and Holly), handpainted greeting cards that benefit Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet (Barbara), local history (books and postcards, Cean), paranormal romance and Southern humor (Sue), and phantasmic books for all ages (BryonySeries).

And that's in addition to some outstanding music in a really fun and lowkey atmosphere. 

Now, you might not see me as I'm still recovering from surgery, which is disapointing, since I worked the weekend of the first Porch & Park Music Fest - and covered the event for The Herald-News in Joliet, which was awesome to behold.

So although I'm hoping to pop out for a small bit, other members of the BryonySeries team will be handling BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet products and keeping an eye on Uncle Barty and Bertrand the Mouse, as well as WriteOn Joliet's very special mascot, who will be ready to party once again (two events in a row only tire the humans, not the non-human stuffies).

Timothy and Daniel will also be unveiling information on B.L.O.C.K.S. Don't know what that is? Stop by the BryonySeries booth at 616 Western Avenue and see!

And if you come out to New Orleans North on Friday night, you'll enjoy two consectutive days of very unique, very Joliet events for free or very low cost.

The Porch & Park Music Fest will take place 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 on and around porches Joliet's historical Cathedral Area. 

For a festival guide, a map, and overall information about the event, porchandparkmusicfest.com.

Book Lovers and Other Creatives: Why You Should Come Out to New Orleans North

For the second year in a four WriteOn Joliet authors will be part of the Artists Row at New Orleans North. 

They are Mauverneen Blevins, Cean Magosky, Sue Midlock, and me, displaying and selling BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet books and other related products, such as BryonySeries baseball caps and water bottles.

Under our portion of the tent, you'll find original poetry and photography (Mauverneen), local history (books and postcards, Cean), paranormal romance and Southern humor (Sue), and phantasmic books for all ages (BryonySeries).

Organizers have offered once again to place the four of us together. So in keeping with the spirit of the event, I'm dubbing that section the "WriteOn Joliet Quarter."

BryonySeries also participated in the 2022 New Orleans North event and the 2023 New Orleans North Event. So we are thrilled to return again this year.

Now, you might not see me as I'm still recovering from surgery. Although I'm hoping to pop out for a small bit, other members of the BryonySeries team will be handling BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet products and keeping an eye on Uncle Barty and Bertrand the Mouse, as well as WriteOn Joliet's very special mascot.

Oh - wait! You haven't met WriteOn Joliet's special mascot? Well, you will Friday night!

Timothy and Daniel will also be unveiling information on B.L.O.C.K.S. Don't know what that is? Stop by the BryonySeries booth and see!

New Orleans North will take place 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 at the Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Art Schultz Drive in Joliet.

For a festival guide, a map, and overall information about the event, visit jolietchamber.com/new-orleans-north. 

BryonySeries Graduation Special at The Book Market

 Good Monday morning, readers! I have a bright idea for you.

Pop into The Book Market in Crest Hill and pick up a keepsake gift for your graduate with the purchase of any BryonySeries novel (or full-length book, including "Nine Months of Kindness," which is not in the BryonySeries) or any two BryonySeries children's books.

What is the keepsake gift? Read on!

The gift is a pocket-sized card that encourages each graduate to be a light in the world. The gift also features a key chain with a plastic lightbulb that changes colors when it glows. Both items are tucked into a sheer organza bag that is perfect for gift-giving.

There is no limit on purchase. The giveaway remains as long as the free gifts are available. Please see Jan Staley, owner of The Book Market, for additional keychain colors.

Happy Monday!

BryonySeries Mother's Day Special at The Book Market

Last week, Rebekah curated six books that she thought make a perfect gift for the mother (or mother figure) on your Mother's Day shopping list because of the mothers portrayed in the books.

In fact, "Visage," the second book in the "drop of blood" trilogy, even has a forward by a parent coach with suggestions for navigating a teen's poor choice in a romantic partner.

All six books are currently displayed  at The Book Market in Crest Hill, which you can pair with a handmade purple music rose (piano music and purple roses are motifs in the series) or with a one-of-a-kind bookmark, handmade for Cindy ($6 with a BryonySeries book purchase or $12 without the book).

Here's a peek at the books, along with their descriptions below the photo.

Nine Months of Kindness: They say “kindness” begins at home, and home starts with the person in the mirror. In “Nine Months of Kindness,” writer/editor Denise M. Baran-Unland spent part of 2020 exploring ways she could become kinder to herself and the people in her life. She shares her experiences, and her reflections, in this book.

Before the Blood is a five-novel prequel to the BryonySeries Gothic trilogy. Told in multiple points of view with Faustian elements, "Before the Blood" centers on the lives of four key characters and the choices that ultimately lead to tragic ending. In Book Three, read how little Bryony Marseilles, spoiled sheltered, and sickly, uses her introversion and imagination to make sense of her Utopia. 

"Summer Sisters" is the story of eleven-year-old Bryony Marseilles and her strict father, who live alone in a big house. Bryony doesn’t realize she’s lonely until she spends three months with a large family of girls at their farm. For the first time, Bryony can run free and enjoy the company of her peers. She learns people and situations aren’t always what they seem – and that people, even Bryony, can change.

Bryony: A 1970s teen trades her blood with a Victorian vampire for a trip back into time as his wife. The bargain doesn't go as she'd hoped.

Visage: While grieving the abrupt end of her blood bargain with 19th century pianist John Simons, 18-year-old Melissa flings herself into a relationship with a college music professor, a man with a shady reputation and an uncanny resemblance to John.

Staked!: A teen music prodigy who lives in a remote fishing village, works for a newspaper delivery uncle and a funeral director stepfather, has a princess in his mirror, and his father was staked by his best friend’s father. And that's the old normal.

Just so you know, the free purple roses and the special price on the bookmarks with purchase apply to any BryonySeries book, not just the ones displayed.

The other BryonySeries titles are located in the local author section, which is slightly behind and to the left of the display table. 

Or just ask Jan Staley, owner of The Book Market to help you find the other books.

Jan is super friendly and always ready to stop whatever she's doing to assist customers.

And for BryonySeries customers who live out of state...

...please visit our promotions page and reach out to bryonyseries@gmail.com with any questions.

At this time, we do not ship "swag." But we are happy to work out discounts on BryonySeries books to promote the love of reading to all ages.

Happy Thursday!

Back to The Book Market on Tuesday

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!

Special BryonySeries Gifts With Select Purchases TODAY at The Book Market

If you're out and about the Crest Hill area today (Dec. 17), be sure to pop into The Book Market between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You can check out our BryonySeries Christmas display of eleven curated BryonySeries books, Cindy's backpack bear Ribbit-Ribbits, free purple music roses with select purchases, three Christmas mice that still need adopting, and beautiful mystery gift boxes from Cindy (all free with select purchases while supplies last). 

Even the boxes themselves are gorgeous and sturdy enough for keeping other treasures inside them.

And who can turn their backs on these sweet little crocheted homeless mice?

Rebekah and I will be hanging out with the rest of the books in the series, too. We'll be able to answer your questions about the series and maybe read an excerpt (or two) of your choice.

The Book Market owner Janet Staley is super-friendly, too, and always ready and willing to help you find the perfect book in this family-owned bookstore of new, used, and rare books.

Maybe we will see you there.

Happy Tuesday!