So LOTS to share this morning (twenty feature stories and more), so I'll keep editorializing from me brief.
If you're new to my Friday round-up, this post has a listing of my Herald-News stories that posted over the past seven days, a listing of resources for readers and writers as pertain to the BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet.
And if you want to find me or the series on social media, I have that information, too.
I also give a quick update about stories in the BryonySeries and where they are in their publication journeys.
I'm currently working on a new trilogy in the series called Limbo. The first book (The Phoenix) is currently with my editor.
I've got a an extremely basic outline done for the second book (Call of the Siren) and am hoping to play around with it a bit tonight and tomorrow.
I also have three meetings between tonight and tomorrow: one for taxes, one for marketing, and one for Calkins Day.
Speaking of Calkins Day, here is a reminder to register for a very unusual book release party.
“Ruthless,” by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is a work of absolute literary nonsense about the last seven seconds in the life of an Irishman and his afterlife as an Irish vampire, most of which never happened.
Calkins Day 2021 will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Calkins Day (Feb. 13, 2021) on Zoom.
Real food and drink available if you bring your own ingredients.
Calkins and his sidekick “The Goddess” will chat about author collaborations, how to legally fictionalize a real person, literary nonsense. Irish vampires, deep time psychosis, and Astro-Time Physics.
He will also answer questions but doesn’t promise you’ll understand the answers. Calkins will also randomly give away three copies of “Ruthless.”
Local author and WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez will emcee.
Chef Tim will give three demonstrations. Menu and ingredient list provided after registration.
Calkins Day is free. To register, visit bryonyseries.com/registerforcalkinsday.
Finally, if you'd like more kindness in your life, here are some reflections where you might find it: Nine Months of Kindness.
Have a great Friday!
WRITERS
If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join
WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at
writeonjoliet.com.
If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.
ARTISTS
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Daily updates: I do post the briefs 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.
BRYONYSERIES BOOKS
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
BRYONYSERIES EVENTS
A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events-1.
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.
FEATURES
’Schools have to take in account the religious beliefs of their students’: Minooka student receives religious exemption from required gender and sexuality program
Joliet non-profit offering ‘Romance-To-Go’ fundraiser: Place order for 3-course meal by Feb. 8
Gradually making their way back: Students returning to D. 202 in Plainfield over the next 3 weeks
An Extraordinary Life: 'She was never one to want the spotlight’: First Lady’ of #Shorewood helped shape the village
Is viscosupplementation treatment right for your arthritis?: Several places in Will and Grundy counties offer the treatment
Do you qualify for WIC?: Read on for guidelines and COVID modifications
An easy way to get a COVID-19 vaccine - not: Vaccine scams are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself
They don’t horse around with generosity: Will County Trail Riders donate to Salvation Army
Weather outside frightful? Will County offers activities so delightful
Illinois DCFS Scholarship Program to current and former youth in care: Applications accepted until March 31
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opens in Channahon: 15,000-square-foot location is open 24 hours a day
Will County over the weekend: snow, cold and calls for help: The weather was fun for kids, not for motorists
USF High School Art Competition: 6 students at D. 204 in Joliet won awards
Pets of the Week: Feb. 1: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
‘Come take what you need. We do not ask for ID’: Free ‘store’ in #Minooka caters to needs of kids
’We really just want to be there to help people’: Pandemic helped Upper Room Crisis Hotline expand its reach
Nancy Benard receives 2020 Miracle Maker Award: RE/MAX in #Shorewood is a ‘Miracle Office’ for 8th straight year
Mystery Diner: Chefy’s Kitchen and Catering in Joliet has great food, great value: ‘So full after all that wonderful food’
‘Each piece in the exhibit does have a story’: Gaylord Building showcasing artwork of #Lockport historian
More snow coming Thursday: tips for those who must drive: Because ISP responded to 40 crashes and 130 calls for motorist help last weekend
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."
