Meet Alan Hines and Me at the Book Market on July 12

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!

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!

Friends of Bertrand The Mouse

Shortly before WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party last week. Cindy surprised me with this box and said she made something for the event.

To my surprise, Cindy had taught herself to crochet mice by watching YouTube videos. So she made a boxful of Bertrand's friends to offer as gifts with select purchases.

If people really wanted a mouse but not books, Rebekah sold them for $10 and donated two Bertrand the Mouse books to our Santa Services campaign.

Cindy said she had lots of fun accessorizing them. As you can see, each little mouse is unique; no two are alike. So we can't promise which ones we have left.

But you can come see for yourself Tuesday at The Book Market in Crest Hill, where Rebekah and I will appear with books (and mice) for the last time in 2023.

We also have a few more Cookie Christmas Trees. These are also a gift with select purchases.

OR, you may purchase one for $10 and we will donate two Bertrand the Mouse books to Santa Services.

Speaking of Santa Services, that campaign ends on Tuesday. We will take the display down when we pack up. But we will be running a second campaign after Christmas for Santa's "other" role.

But that's a surprise for now.

We will be at The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3-ish p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 (tomorrow).

The Book Market is located at 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.

Stop out and say, "Hi!" And then browse thousands of other book selections in this treasure trove of a store of new, used, and rare books.

Happy Monday!

Save The Date: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release Party 2023

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!

Consequences

Sooooo...

It's not just children who take advantage of their parents' weaknesses. Crocheted mice have their moments, too. 

You see, I had an especially busy week last week. And Bertrand the Mouse had stacks of books to sign.

I did my part, busy as I was, and got my signature on the pages of all those books. But Bertrand?

Bertrand kept scampering off to other adventures.

Now adventures are fun, sure. But Bertrand's mission in "life" to is to bring the joys of reading to children.

I warned him that he'd miss WriteOn Joliet's radio play at the Joliet Public Library on Saturday morning if he didn't get his books signed.

But Bertrand just didn't listen. Or maybe he didn't believe I'd enforce the consequences. 

So while the rest of us went to the radio play, Bertrand stayed home and signed all his books.

And to make sure he stayed on task...(keep scrolling)

...Uncle Barty stayed home, too, to make sure Bertrand got the job done. 

Hopefully Bertrand has learned his lesson and will do better in the future.

BryonySeries at The Book Market on June 6

If you missed us at New Orleans North on Friday, stop out at The Book Market in Crest Hill on Tuesday (tomorrow, June 6).

Rebekah and I will be hanging out the store from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will have a wide variety of BryonySeries books for sale.

(Scroll past the flyer and keep reading)

Plus, you'll have the fun of exploring this treasure of a bookstore, that's full of new, used, vintage, and rare books of nearly every genre imaginable.

If you can't find the book you want, just ask Janet Staley, owner of The Book Market, for help. The odds are in your favor she has its somewhere.

Besides, Janet (left) is super friendly and eager to help. I'm pretty sure Rebekah (right) buys books every time BryonySeries is in the store because she always finds something she didn't expect - and just had to own.

If you're working on your own book, stop out. We have information that can help with that process, too.

For more information, visit bryonyseries.com and bookmarketjoliet.com.

Save the Date: Calkins Day 2023

Readers, writers, and everyone else is invited to join us for Calkins Day 2023.

Calkins Day will be held this year from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 13 (Calkins Day, what else) at The Book Market in Crest Hill, 2365 Plainfield Road.

Precise details on the festivities are forthcoming. 

In the meantime, we have plenty of information to help you prepare, enough information to keep you busy and entertained until Calkins Day.

For anyone who is not familiar (yet) with Calkins Day, read our Guide to Becoming Un-Serious right here.

This post has all the details: why we celebrate, what we celebrate, how to celebrate, what to wear, foods associated with the holiday, and why Calkins Day is not an excuse to sell books.

For information on the holiday's namesake, read this interview.

For photos of Ed Calkins 2018 Calkins Day book signing, go here.

And for Ed Calkins' first interview, go here.

For photos and recap of our 2019 Calkins Day Limerick Slam, go here.

For the back story on how Calkins Day came to be, go to this video from our 2020 Calkins Day event.

And for Ed Calkins' performance at the microphone during Calkins Day 2020, go here.

For details on our virtual Calkins Day event in 2021, go here.

And for Timothy's video on the virtual food he planned for the virtual Calkins Day, go here.

Calkins Day 2021 was a hilarious Zoom chat (by Ed Calkins' request) and a "viralish" book giveaway.

Ed Calkins is the author of Ruthless and Denise M. Baran-Unland's Irish Genealogy. Ed Calkins is currently working on his second novel.

Ed Calkins has appeared as the alive and undead version of himself in all three books of the original "drop of blood" trilogy: Bryony, Visage and Staked!.

But Calkins' favorite BryonySeries book is this one.

Slay Vampires With Just One Bite

Don't believe that?

How about slay a holiday sweet tooth with just one cookie?

For anyone in the Will County, Illinois area that's "dying" for a complimentary edible vampire slaying kit, you have one last opportunity on Saturday to possibly receive one.

On Saturday, Rebekah, our books, the kits, and I will be hanging out at the Elder Brewing Co. holiday market in Joliet from 2 to 8 p.m. Elder Brewing Co. is located at 218 E. Cass St. in Joliet.

Bob Okon, senior reporter at The Herald-News, wrote a wonderful story about Elder Brewing Com. last year when this family-owned business celebrated its fourth anniversary. Read Bob's story here.

The edible vampire slaying kit is not for sale. It is a "thank you" gift for select purchases. Read on for details.

By the way, Timothy replaced all of the silver stickers (above) with red wax rose-shaped seals before we distributed the first one (below).

He felt they looked more vampire-slaying authentic.

See the difference?

Books and Edible Vampire Slaying Kit:

Soooo...

Every person who buys one (or more) of these book combinations will receive a free, locally chef-made edible vampire slaying kit per combination - while edible vampire slaying kits last.

Edible vampire slaying kits are not limited to one per customer. But for each additional kit, you must still purchase one of these four combinations.

1) One "regular" young adult or adult BryonySeries book (choices include any book in the "drop of blood" trilogy, Lycanthropic Summer, The Phoenix, Call of the Siren, Ruthless by Ed Calkins Steward of Tara or any of the Before the Blood books) or Nine Months of Kindness.

2) Any two books in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series.

3) Any two books in the Girls of the BryonySeries series.

4) Any three books in the Bertrand the Mouse series.

5) All three of our BryonySeries cookbooks.

To check out details of most of those books, visit bryonyseries.com/general-store.

To be clear, you cannot buy one of these edible vampire slaying kits at the anthology release party. They are strictly gifts for select purchases.

The cookies that make up these kits were made locally from scratch and packaged by three local chefs (pastry and otherwise). Jasmine provided much of the creativity and delicate decorating. Timothy and Rebekah provided a lot of labor.

Each cookies is individually wrapped and sealed and displayed inside a matte finished box. These cookies also freeze well.

If you can, pop in to say, "hi" and maybe purchase a book (or two or three) and take home some really interesting and delicious holiday treats.

A Wonderful Opportunity from "Stories R Us" and Barbara Eberhard

If you like stories and want to hear me babble, come out to "Stories R Us" at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Nik and Ivy Brewing Co.at 1026 S. State St. in Lockport.

Storyteller and photographer Barbara Eberhard is hosting the monthly event, and I am honored to be one of the artists at her opening night. Barbara asked me to read from one of my novels, and I have an excerpt ready to go!

I will also have my BryonySeries books for sale, along with other titles for sale, too.

Every person who buys one (or more) of these combinations will receive a $5 gift card to Nik and Ivy Brewing as a "thank you" gift while supplies last.

Gift cards are not limited to one per customer. But for each additional gift card, you must still purchase one of these four combinations.

1) One "regular" young adult or adult BryonySeries book (choices include any book in the "drop of blood" trilogy, Lycanthropic Summer, The Phoenix, Call of the Siren, Ruthless by Ed Calkins Steward of Tara or any of the Before the Blood books) or Nine Months of Kindness.

2) Any two books in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series.

3) Any three books in the Bertrand the Mouse series.

4) All three of our BryonySeries cookbooks.

To check out our books, visit bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Hope to see you there!

Ed and Nancy Calkins at Willow Fest

If you're in the general area and have some time next weekend, stop out at Willow Fest to see Ed and Nancy Calkins.

Nancy is an accomplished artist, a retired art teacher, and will be selling some of her gorgeous art (she created the cover for Call of the Siren) 

Ed, of course, has written two books for the BryonySeries, in addition to being fictionalized as the Steward of Tara in the "drop of blood" trilogy.

He will also have for sale (at his insistence, not mine), copies of all the other books in the BryonySeries.

I will (hopefully) be out of town trying to visit my father, whom I haven't seen except on video since 2019. He developed Alzheimer's during COVID and went into a nursing home in December, so I feel a sense of urgency is going.

But, disappointingly, I am missing the event. But I'm hoping you can make it on either Saturday on Sunday.

Even if you don't buy a book, you'll want a copy of Ed's new business card, a raelly fun collaborative project.

But that's another post for another day.

A Bit of a Throwback: Calkins Day 2018: A Few Photos

I'm posting this in anticipation of WriteOn Joliet's open mic event this week in honor of Calkins Day (an explanation is here), 

This means, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., members and guests are invited to share funny, whimsical, non-serious, or playful writings at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

Two years ago, we held a signing and reception for this book (limited copies still available, get yours on Thursday).

Scroll through and enjoy! Hope to see you Thursday. :)

Calkins Day 2018: A Few Photos

In case you missed it (and even if you didn't), here are a few photos from the Calkins Day Book Signing (Feb. 13) at Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet.

Nos. five (ruthless pose), six (ruthlessly glancing at MOMI's coffee), and seven (composing a ruthless limerick) are especially noteworthy.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 19 through Jan. 24

Good morning!

Although. for years, I've posted a roundup of my feature stories on Fridays, I may, for now, post them on Mondays, simply because we're experimenting with new posting schedules and all stories may not post by Friday morning.

So here'a a bit of catching up over the last few days, stories and otherwise.

On Saturday, Rebekah and I hung out at The Book Market in Crest Hill. We arrived a few minutes early to "dress" the store's "book signing" table only to find the owner had already done it for us!

Although business had been slow most of the day, it picked up during those last two hours of operation. Not everyone stopped at my table, of course, but some did, and it was wonderful to chat with those who did.

We sold a total of seven books and gave one Bertrand the Mouse book to a little girl. Not bad for two hours on a snowy Saturday.

The rest of the weekend, quite honestly, was filled with church, chores, errands, and a bit of work.

Before the event I did a smidgen of fiction: some character development for The Phoenix (the first book in the Limbo series) and some tweaking of previously written chapters for Lycanthropic Summer (my werewolf story).

Next weekend should (hopefully) be less busy and more productive.

Below is information on where to find the things I write or edit or post.

Scroll past that information to get to the feature stories. Browse and click at whatever interests you.

Mostly, have a marvelous Monday: 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. 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 woke up with an 8-inch scar'
Joliet woman's routine physical changed her life

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/14/i-woke-up-with-an-8-inch-scar/d2dfhpa/


All this Minooka mom wants is time
'Nothing was going to keep her away from those babies'

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/14/all-this-minooka-mom-wants-is-time/dejixu2/


When snacking, reach for 'empty calorie' foods

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/01/23/9df68ce22a1e4cafa880510f3f89d12c/index.xml?page=1


Anyone familiar with mate tea? U of I study suggests new health benefit #coffee
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/23/u-of-i-study-suggests-new-health-benefit-for-caffeine/aeafr63/


See 'how great this community can be'
More than 100 local musicians to perform at the Rialto in Joliet 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/see-how-great-this-community-can-be/aie39d/


'He just hands the creativity off to me'
For his second show at the Rialto, Tim Placher gives credit to #Joliet business owner

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/he-just-hands-the-creativity-off-to-me/duvvoa7/


LocalLit book review: 'Team-Building: From the Bench to the Boardroom' by #Joliet coach Pat Sullivan

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/localit-book-review-team-building-from-the-bench-to-the-boardroom-by-joliet-coach-pat-sullivan/a4xwcok/


LocalLit spotlight: Joliet author based ‘Aprons of Stone’ on a true story

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/23/locallit-spotlight-joliet-author-based-aprons-of-stone-on-a-true-story/apj5xyg/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Steward Setback Saturday: Who's Minding Tara?

 Saturday, December 11, 2010

Who's Minding Tara?

While chatting earlier this week with Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, he informed me his ruthless dictator personality goes on vacation this time of year and is replaced with the spirit of Santa Claus.

Now distributing candy canes, reindeer hats, and listening with an empathic ear to children's Christmas wants are good and laudable activities, but I have two real concerns.

One: When will he finish my genealogy? This is extremely important since Ed Calkins is the only source for this valuable information.

Two: Will additional development infiltrate the Hill of Tara now that the steward has neglected his post?

Editor's note: My entire genealogy was released in 2018, just in time for Calkins Day. You can buy it here.

Steward Setback Saturday: A Chat With Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara

Saturday, August 27, 2011

A Chat With Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara

It had been some time since I had updated our Irish vampire about "Bryony," so yesterday at the warehouse, while Daniel and Rebekah counted out my inserts, I gave him a quick call.

The Steward was having a less than upbeat day. The previous day, he'd quit one of his jobs, and that happened immediately after his truck had been towed. Of course, Ed had no money to release his vehicle or to get home, which left him in a bit of a predicament.

Yet, what was uppermost in his mind was the future of his immortality, so this I was eager to share. He immediately began talking about pre-orders; he will need at least twenty books, but promised to email the exact amount.

Ed can't wait until October 14th's Vamp Fest, since the best part of the book's release, for him, will be signing books and letting people know where to find him between the pages, the best and most important parts of the story, according to him.

However, while I'm feverishly searching for a kilt (Ed outgrew his and gave it away), he has more pressing issues on his mind.

Like composing a limerick for the scoundrils that towed away his truck.

Tom Hernandez Reads at the Plainfield Public Library

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: The Hat's on the Other Head

Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Hat's on the Other Head

At today's signing at A Thin Line Tattoo, a writerly friend stopped to show support and to buy a "purple rose" Bryony soy candle,courtesty of Valerie's Heavenly Scents. Since we're both hat people, we like getting our picture taken together in our hats. She didn't wear a hat that day, but mine perfectly matched her shirt, so we shared!

Daraga's Quest by Colleen H. Robbins

Calkins Day 2018: A Few Photos

In case you missed it (and even if you didn't), here are a few photos from the Calkins Day Book Signing (Feb. 13) at Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet.

Nos. five (ruthless pose), six (ruthlessly glancing at MOMI's coffee), and seven (composing a ruthless limerick) are especially noteworthy.

How to Make Two Writers Happy (And Four Good Quotes)

"I wind up changing the word to get past spell check, but when I keep writing that way, I kill the story. I keep trying, because I can’t stop writing, yet, on the other hand, I can’t finish anything. My life is full of half-begun novels." (Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara)

All that has changed with the self-publication of Ed's first book. Come to the Calkins Day book signing tomorrow and pick up some copies. If you can't afford one (or more), we'll give them to you.

The joy for him will be signing them. (Although he is hoping to make 17 cents in royalties).

The joy for me is watching the joy in him and attendees. And I'm hoping for a good belly laughs, too.

Details here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts


Notable quotes from Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara:


“This is not about Ed Calkins, the man, but Ed Calkins, the myth, and I can’t worry about all these details."


“It’s true that I’m a ham. But I also believe that good cheer is contagious."


"The wise know they will die, so they fear how others will remember them. All it takes is one good poem to turn your victories into treachery and your missteps and misfortunes into epic blunders."


"You only verbally agree to join my harem. This way, I make wives left and right."


“As an Irishman, it’s my right to create myth. That way, you don’t bother about the facts, only what you imagined happened."

New books!

I am happy to report that copies of my Irish genealogy arrived this past week and are patiently waiting inside their box for Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, to assign his autograph to each and every one of them on Calkins Day.

We'll be selling copies of this nonsense (FYI: I am not Irish) from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13 (Calkins Day) at the Book and Bean Cafe inside the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

Just $4.99 (with tax) will let you take home one of these great tomes, with all proceeds going to Ed himself as a birthday present from readers, writers, his loyal fans, and his loyal fans-to-be.

We'll also have some giveaways that have nothing to do with the book and some special subscription offers for The Herald-News, which has everything to do with the book.

Confused? Then come on out. You'll leave even more confused But make sure you first buy a cup of the second best coffee in Joliet. At least you won't leave thirsty.

Dressing like it's St. Patrick's Day is encouraged. Barring that, I recommend jeans and striped polo shirts ('ll be wearing my Ed Calkins red and white one).

I might even tie a green ribbon around Bertrand's pretend neck.

BTW, Bertrand, seen in yonder box, wants everyone to follow him on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

 A shameless plug, I know, but it's the only way he let me use his photo of this blog.