Community News: Dec. 20, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Need help? Want to help? Here's a roundup of area food pantries 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/need-help-want-to-help-heres-a-roundup-of-area-food-pantries/atso37a/

Volunteers pack care packages for troops overseas

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/07/b0116c98d7d742c9a1fd7b0c5d619a88/index.xml


Joliet students have special guest speaker

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/joliet-students-have-special-guest-speaker/ad2snny/


Plainfield police will arrest drunk drivers this holiday season

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/plainfield-police-will-arrest-drunk-drivers-this-holiday-season/ap78mpg/


Plainfield students do well with geography bee

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/plainfield-students-do-well-with-geography-bee/aovbjrd/


Comedian Dennis Miller visits Joliet theater Jan. 12

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/comedia-dennis-miller-visits-joliet-theater-jan-12/aham93a/

'Books and Beer Book Discussion' will be Jan. 9 in Romeoville

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/27/books-and-beer-book-discussion-willbe-jan-9-in-romeoville/arhtlxw/


How to have a green holiday season

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/how-to-have-a-green-holiday-season/a6x06ed/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

Open Mic Night 2017: Duanne Walton (ME!)

Community News: Dec. 19, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Local health events: Dec. 19 through Dec. 26

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/17/local-health-events-dec-19-through-dec-26/awd7kb/

Valley View teachers participate in the Chicago Marathon

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/22/valley-view-teachers-participate-in-chicago-marathon/amif1h7/

Morris Hospital honors employees for service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/18/morris-hospital-honors-employees-for-service/atysfa0/

New Lenox hospital honors employees for milestone years of service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/09/03/new-lenox-hospital-honors-employees-for-milestone-years-of-service/ama6hu7/

Lockport Township High School announces Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/lockport-township-high-school-announces-illinois-state-scholars/ajr9ep4/

Wilmington High School 2018 Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/wilmington-high-school-2018-illinois-state-scholars/azhmgg/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage or Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Benefit No. 2 of Giving Away a Book You've Written

This past fall, I participated in three author fairs and WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party.

At each, I set out a vampire mug to hold raffle tickets. I gave away baskets of BryonySeries products and a number of copies of the 2012 holiday edition of Visage, the second book in the series.

I finished calling the last of the winners on Sunday afternoon, and all had one trait in common.

They were surprised and thrilled to have won.

Now, yes, I know authors give books away as a form of marketing, but the response from the giveaways this fall went beyond that. Let me also add I gave away my proof copies of Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone (while supplies lasted) to any child who wandered past my table, and the reactions from those children were the same.

Joy.

Joy at being chosen; joy at unexpectedly receiving something unbidden. And joy on my part for having prompted it.

It's out of my control whether anyone will read those words (words that took many happy, laborious hours stringing together), and it's out of my control whether anyone will enjoy, much less savor, those words

But the way the children's faces lit up when I said, "Would you like a book?" Or the excitement in people's voices when I said, "You've won a book (or raffle basket)."

Priceless, priceless.

Community News: Dec. 18, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: Dec. 17 through Dec. 24

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/gotta-do-it-dec-17-through-dec-24/aodgrlj/

Local pet events: Dec. 18 through Dec. 25

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/17/local-pet-events-dec-18-through-dec-25/aw4myee/

Morris Hospital to host Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group meeting Dec. 18 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/18/morris-hospital-to-host-oral-head-and-neck-cancer-support-group-meeting-dec-18/apyqcel/

Morris Hospital to host blood drive Dec. 19

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/18/morris-hospital-to-host-blood-drive-dec-19/ama8ejp/

Morris Hospital hosts Stroke and Aphasia Support Group Dec. 19

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/18/morris-hospital-hosts-stroke-and-aphasia-support-group-dec-19/asv8c3r/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage or Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Does It Count as Writing if You Don't Write a Word?

So this weekend I did "real" work, babysat one of my granddaughters, went to dinner a week late with Rebekah for our shared feast day, and caught up on some marketing.

I did not actively work on Before the Blood in terms of actual writing, not because I was busy (although I was), but because I was agonizing over a major plot element that didn't quite line up while I did the other stuff. And it took me most of the weekend to figure it out.

What do you think? Does that count as writing?

Community News: Dec. 14, Dec. 15, Dec. 16 2017

Worked very late the last couple nights, so I missed posting, catching up today.

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local arts and entertainment: Dec. 15 through Dec. 22

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/local-arts-and-entertainment-dec-15-through-dec-22/ajcbpna/

Santa Sightings

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/santa-sightings/arnzifn/

Local faith events: Dec. 14 through Dec. 21

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/local-faith-events-dec-14-through-dec-21/aw3dh5y/

Joliet school participates in Move Your Feet Walk

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/joliet-school-participates-in-move-your-feet-walk/aleudt6/

Joliet woman posthumously recognized for her service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/joliet-woman-posthumously-recognized-for-her-service/av14q2/

New Lenox church to hold Christmas singalong on Dec. 17

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/new-lenox-church-to-hold-christmas-singalong-on-dec-17/a21qogw/

Church leadership conference is Feb. 16 and Feb. 17, 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/church-leadership-conference-is-feb-16-and-feb-17-2018/az3nkr1/

Plainfield Fire Protection District urges holiday safety

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/plainfield-fire-protection-district-urges-holiday-safety/adb88tv/

USF in Joliet makes scholarships and financial aid more understandable

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/usf-in-joliet-makes-scholarships-and-financial-aid-more-understandable/adtd1m3/

Daughtry to play Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on April 16

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/daughtry-to-play-rialto-square-theatre-in-joliet-on-april-16/afco6m2/

2016 Minooka high school graduate and Joliet native creates charity

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/2016-minooka-high-school-graduate-creates-charity/asmjvs1/

Local residents perform in annual Christmas concert

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/local-residents-perform-in-annual-christmas-concert/awqmjw3/

The Manhattan Transfer Comes to Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on March 14 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/the-manhattan-transfer-comes-to-rialto-square-theatre-in-joliet-on-march-14/af28t2k/

Artists sought for Forest Preserve’s ‘Arts & Nature on the River’ in Channahon 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/15/artists-sought-for-forest-preserves-arts-nature-on-the-river-in-channahon/ag740xr/

REO Speedwagon coming to Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on Jan. 13

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/14/reo-sppedwago-coming-to-rialto-square-theatre-in-joliet-on-jan-13/a2n0s6z/

Edward’s “Lifestyle Under Construction” helps lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/edwards-lifestyle-under-construction-helps-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-stroke-diabetes/ae07hxo/

MONEY Ranks Lewis University in Romeoville as Second-Best Mid-Sized University in Illinois

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/money-ranks-lewis-university-in-romeoville-as-second-best-mid-sized-university-in-illinois/a5vwa44/

Jesse White announces teen driving deaths down 51 percent since GDL overhaul in 2008

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/jesse-white-announces-teen-driving-deaths-down-51-percent-since-gdl-overhaul-in-2008/aqakaku/

Lincoln-Way students raise over $10,000 in donations to Pennies for Patients

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/lincoln-way-students-raise-over-10-000-in-donations-to-pennies-for-patients/aegl80s/

IDNR Conservation Police issue more Than 1,800 citations and warnings to violators

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/idnr-conservation-police-issue-more-than-1-800-citations-and-warnings-to-violators/agp0izs/

Downtown New Year’s Eve elegance in Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/downtown-new-years-eve-elegance-in-joliet/a6873at/

Plainfield's D. 202 students save $311,625 through Joliet Junior College dual credit program

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/plainfields-d-202-students-save-311-625-through-joliet-junior-college-dual-credit-program/aincy0m/

St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield combined reading and Halloween

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/16/st-mary-immaculate-in-plainfield-combined-reading-and-halloween/afqf9s/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

Sue's Diner: Buttermilk Bread

In Bryony, Melissa is thrilled when John finally invites her to a picnic away from the mansion, just the two of them. Of course, John feels Bryga packed enough food to feed them for a week, but even that careless remark couldn’t completely dampen Melissa’s excitement of being alone with John.

Packed in this basket was, of course, a loaf of buttermilk bread.

Try it on the Sue's Diner page HERE.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

The Irish Rovers: Songs of Christmas

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 10 through Dec. 15

It's been an intense week!

I am looking forward to tomorrow: fiction, tying up a few loose ends, and an annual feast day dinner with Rebekah Baran.

So many of us have bucket lists, and while I personally do not, the BryonySeries does (yes a BryonySeries Book Marketing Bucket List). I do have one item on that list I'd like to make happen in March, and I will need your help. More on this come Monday.

Speaking of bucket lists and looking ahead, I do have several events scheduled into 2018. One of them is "How to Self-Publish a Book for (Nearly) Free" on Jan. 11. Details are HERE.

If you'd like a sneak peak at the others, visit the Fetes and Feasts page at www.bryonyseries.com and the events page at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the Before the Blood prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com. Want more information? Visit www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times.

Now some quick information before the stories:

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the BTB prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com

Now some quick information before 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 in 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.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Joliet woman helps others to 'Say It With A Sign'

That's the name LeAnn Ryan of Joliet gave to her business when she founded it nearly a decade ago. But it's also her suggestion for personalizing a present for a loved one.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/05/92f85a98a34749df83b72bd77a4b5997/index.xml?page=1

No place like home for Joliet mom

While many people associate their mothers with home – in her poem, Holly Coop references wonderful food her mother prepared for holidays and ordinary days – the mom/home connection runs especially deep for Janet Butler.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/29/88e7c1dbef8f4707bd04e256493fb1a2/index.xml?page=1

Neither water nor land could keep Tibby and Shorewood woman apart

Noelle Viola recently went to Germany to bring home Tiny Tibby, a 5-month old papillon weighing 3.1 pounds, bringing the count of Noelle's current fur babies to five.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/05/a97b43816aca4fc386eb131e0b503ce2/index.xml?page=1


Pets of the Week: Dec. 11 

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/08/7648b4aebd6c4518942c5644c261ff2c/index.xml

'Saying goodbye'

Channahon man with ALS decides to come off life support

On Monday Dec. 11, Chief Damon Schuldt and other members of the Kankakee Fire Department visited with Derek Hogg.

That was the same day Hogg, a former Kankakee firefighter, announced on his Facebook page his decision to remove himself from life support. He was intubated Oct. 29 after a cold turned into pneumonia and septic shock.

Hogg was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in May 2013 shortly after he turned 30.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/ebd8e05325e2446cbea7455a980903f6/index.xml?page=1

Sushi N Noodle by OISI in Plainfield offers variety of rolls, homemade ramen

The "one" had been pining to try the homemade ramen, but the venue worked for everyone. That's because one of us is infatuated with Asian culture and cuisine, while another two are adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. Two had a taste for mochi, and if you don't know what that is, well, you soon will.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/11/22c22994767740ce9777ca642a94f748/index.xml

Have you heard what Paul Baltz heard?

Former Joliet resident yearns to hear forgotten Christmas song one last time

Paul Baltz, 77, hasn’t heard or sung his favorite carol in more than 50 years. Worse, no one Baltz knows appears to remember the carol. The carol is called “Across the Hills,” and it was written in the 1940s by a former pastor at the Cathedral of St. Raymond for parish use only.

Read on. Because Baltz is in for a surprise.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/13/27a3e41642d04f0f8e0eb71cc858ba80/index.xml

Former pastor composed only for Joliet parish

St. Ray’s choir director and associate organist reviving the legacy

“Across the Hills” is a Christmas carol written in the 1940s by the cathedral pastor at the time, the Rev. Edwin V. Hoover, who collaborated with his associate pastor the Rev. James Riley.

“It was only ever done at St. Ray’s,” Siegel said. “It was never published, as were none of Hoover’s works.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/former-pastor-composed-only-for-joliet-parish/a92uqel/

Christian variation of ‘The Nutcracker’ to be performed in New Lenox

"Even if you don't think the first Christmas is factual, this story is so beautiful and so whimsical and so well done, it will bring you into the holiday spirit," Ballet 5:8 artistic director Julianna Slager said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/19ecbfb6b1f24e0abdc02088c24bc95e/index.xml?page=1

Joliet superintendent connects with kids through music

"I said, 'Yes,' because I love our music program, and the more I can support it, the better," Therese Rouse said. "Music is such an important part of the learning process, and I want to be able to show the students it's important to me to join them on this tour."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/a2a0176eecc7437f9af1f1951ea7c832/index.xml?page=1

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage or Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

Friday, December 24, 2010

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

Since this was first published in 1902, it's not exactly Victorian, but close enough to Bryony'stime to be worth checking out.

Baum offers a back story for the Santa Claus legend that has nothing to do with St. Nicholas. As a baby, Santa appears in the Forest of Burzee where a wood nymph raises him. There, Santa becomes well-acquainted with a variety of magical creatures including fairies, gnomes, nooks, ryls, sleep fays. light elves, sound imps, wind demons, and water spirits.

Eventually Santa encounters other humans and is dismayed at the evil they do, but discovers he has a knack for toymaking. Because the invisible Awgwas steal from children, Santa must perform his gift-giving at night and through the chimney, since he cannot pass through locked doors.

The story contains explanations for other Christmas traditions and a battle by the forces of good and evil. It's a full-length book, but if you're looking for unusual, Christmas-themed reading, this is it.

http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/L_Frank_Baum/The_Life_and_Adventures_of_Santa_Claus/

Community News: Dec. 13, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Need help? Want to help? Here's a roundup of area food pantries

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/need-help-want-to-help-heres-a-roundup-of-area-food-pantries/a96qpve/

112 Valley View students named Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/07/112-valley-view-students-named-illinois-state-scholars/awc0yf2/

Lockport high school announces National Honor Society inductees

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/01/lths-announces-national-honor-society-inductees/a5whtqt/

Lincoln-Way Central mathletes take 1st place at conference meet 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/01/lincoln-way-central-mathletes-take-1st-place-at-conference-meet/asl5ruv/

Joliet Montessori School hosts parents night

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/joliet-montessori-school-hosts-parents-night/az827yy/

Troy school district hosts Smart Grid Community Science Night Dec. 13

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/troy-school-district-hosts-smart-grid-community-science-night-dec-13/add93aj/

'Shop' for holiday toys with donation to Cornerstone in Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/shop-for-holiday-toys-with-donation-to-cornerstone-in-joliet/a1qg0y0/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage or Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter

Open Mic Night 2017: Tom Hernandez

Community News: Dec. 12, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: Dec. 12 through Dec. 19

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/local-health-events-dec-12-through-dec-19/aunu1dv/

Will County Health Department: 2017-2018 flu season

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/will-county-health-department-2017-2018-flu-season/avefdho/

Lincoln-Way Central hosted ‘Road to Reality

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/lincoln-way-central-hosted-road-to-reality/a8nenkp/

Mokena-area residents receive $11,000 in free dental care

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/11/mokena-area-residents-receive-11-000-in-free-dental-care/amrcy4i/

Associated Orthodontists expands to New Lenox 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/04/associated-orthodontists-expands-to-new-lenox/ap2h13o/

Honda of Joliet donates $3,000 to American Heart Association

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/09/03/honda-of-joliet-donates-3-000-to-american-heart-association/atljwgm/

Plainfield family awarded furnace

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/11/7d95ba0c702e4d728ae38e699c75282f/index.xml

293 Plainfield students named Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/07/293-plainfield-students-named-illinois-state-scholars/auwjtsq/

89 Joliet Township students named Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/07/89-joliet-township-students-named-illinois-state-scholars/ayy1gga/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage or Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Come to "How to Self-Publish a Book for (Nearly) Free" on Jan. 11

Self-publishing has changed a lot since I wrote my first book in 2008 and began to research publishing.

Back then, authors had two choices: submit to traditional publishers (with the need to find an agent first for many of those submissions) or a lot of money (thousands of dollars in many cases) to use a pay-to-print service.

One company had a free service, and that was Lulu. Today, authors have other free options with Amazon's Createspace being one of the most popular. Amazon also has fee-paying services.

Now I don't claim to be an expert on all facets of self-publishing, but I've learned a few things along the way. (I've since published nine books so far, eight of mine and one group project). And one thing I've learned is how to create a book with spending little money. In fact, it really irks me when I see writers paying huge setup fees for work when its unnecessary.

Cover design, ISBN assignment. online book distribution (including Amazon and Barnes and Noble), copyright registration, and formatting: these are not as daunting as they sound, and they are tasks authors can handle themselves. (If I can handle them, anyone can).

So if publishing a book is one of your goals for 2018, but you've held off because of the costs involved, come join me for coffee and conversation at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, in Joliet.

I'll define the differences between traditional, vanity, hybrid, pay-to-print, and self publishing. I'll explain mysterious terms like ISBN, Ingram, and extended distribution.

Then, with a handout you'll keep,  I'll walk you through a lean, step-by-step process on how to self-publish a print book through Createspace. I'll explain where you should put any money you choose to spend and where you should not put it.

This low-key workshop will not include sales, marketing, social media tips, etc. It also won't include writing and editing tips. Those are conversations for another day. This workshop is only to show you how to create the product for little to no money.

And no, I'm not selling any "services." I don't have the time to offer them anyway. I'm simply showing you how to create a book.

Of course, one may ask questions at any time during the presentation.

The cost is $10, which goes into the WriteOn Joliet kitty (yes, I co-lead the group) to help fund more resources for writers. WriteOn Joliet, a dues-paying critique group (we rent a room twice a month at the Joliet Public Library) published its first anthology this year (total cost to publish $25 and that was my cost), and we're exploring marketing this year.

We've hosted gust speakers, open mic nights, and annual holiday parties along with the critiquing and the fun. We also have a Facebook group, which, of course, is free. You don't need to join WriteOn Joliet to be a part of this group, and members are available to answer questions on the page about the writing, editing, and publishing process.

Information about WriteOn Joliet will be available at the workshop, along with copies of some of our self-published books so you can see the physical results (Heck, if you want to buy one or two, we won't object).

There's no advanced registration. Just show up that night, buy a cup of some really great coffee from the cafe (and maybe a snack or two), and we'll chat.

Questions? Message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Community News: Dec. 11, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: Dec. 10 through Dec. 17

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/gotta-do-it-dec-10-through-dec-17/am5hvc2/

Local pet events: Dec. 11 through Dec. 18

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/08/local-pet-events-dec-11-through-dec-18/a8lm02u/

Plainfield Fire Protection District conducts toy drive

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/08/plainfield-fire-protection-district-conducts-toy-drive/a1onbcc/

Joliet-based R.A.C.E. donated $58,647 in grants to 21 charities

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/07/joliet-based-r-a-c-e-donated-58-647-in-grants-to-21-charities/a7n30qw/

"Santa and the Timbers’ Elves" at the Timbers of Shorewood

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/08/santa-and-the-timbers-elves-at-the-timbers-of-shorewood/al2jbf7/

A Year of Studying Marketing: What Have You Learned, Dorothy?

I spent part of last Thanksgiving weekend (2016), writing a comprehensive marketing plan for the BryonySeries, to which I've added (and even subtracted) a few ideas.

I have also spent a good portion of this past year studying this elusive thing called marketing, especially marketing for authors and their books.

I wasn't completely clueless. I'd written some marketing plans for the series in the past and had some experiential ideas on what did and did not work and where I did and did not want to go as I fielded my options.

Let's face it. Marketing books today is hard. Reading is down, titles are up, people are spam-suspicious, fake news and slush abounds, and the hot-new marketing trend of today quickly becomes the tired glutted gimmick of yesterday.

How does a guppy author make a noise in a deep ocean of big fish?

I'm still working on that answer.

But I've learned a few things along the way: some basic SEO. Branding. Ways to expand the reach without acting pushy. How marketing is different from sales and different from advertising (while being part of the same pie). Why free is too cheap. What does, does not (and what might) work in collaboration. How to write a better and more effective marketing plan.

I'll expand on these thoughts in the coming weeks.

I already knew writing comes with no guarantees,and I already knew I picked the most difficult type of books to write and self-publish: literary fiction.

However...

Quitting ensures you don't reach the finish line.

Writing, whether the writer publishes in a traditional arena or a self-published one, is an extremely long-tailed business. Perfecting the craft and persistence helps to win the race.

Sue's Diner: Steve Barnes’ Spaghetti Sauce

In Bryony, as Melissa bicycles home from the library after researching her centennial report, her mind wanders over the food her little brother Brian has cooked with Steve Barnes, the village maintenance man. 

And that includes Steve's recipe for spaghetti sauce, which we're featuring this week.

Try it on the Sue's Diner page HERE.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Community News: Dec. 9, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Tips for keeping your car in the clear this season

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/29/tips-for-keeping-your-car-in-the-clear-this-season/a9emgi7/

Joliet museum to present 'Dark Side Of The Yule' on Dec. 15

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/joliet-museum-to-present-dark-side-of-the-yule-on-dec-15/ac61db2/

Lockport American Legion home to Santa's workshop Dec. 10

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/08/lockport-american-legion-home-to-santas-workshop-dec-10/a4t8sl/

Joliet university explains advent

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/joliet-university-explains-advent/avix1b/

Hindu temple proposed at former church building in Chicago suburb

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/hindu-temple-proposed-at-former-church-building-in-chicago-suburb/a69v26k/

Joliet post office extending delivery hours during the holidays

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/09/joliet-post-office-office-extending-delivery-hours-during-the-holidays/ayzbtiq/

Joliet university deemed military friendly

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/09/joliet-university-deemed-military-friendly/as3rugs/

Timbers of Shorewood to host ballroom dance Dec. 21

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/timbers-of-shorewood-to-host-ballroom-dance-dec-21/ak0gy9c/

2017 McBeth scholarship winner teaches special needs students in Plainfield

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/15/2017-mcbeth-scholarship-winner-teaches-special-needs-students-in-plainfield/aash2pt/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." 

Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter

Angels Sing: Christmas in Ireland

Community News: Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing. 

Local faith events: Dec. 7 through Dec. 14 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/local-faith-events-dec-7-through-dec-14/asghijo/

Local arts and entertainment: Dec. 8 through Dec. 15

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/local-arts-and-entertainment-dec-8-through-dec-15/ahzuhky/

Santa Sightings

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/santa-sightings/a5zdcqo/

First-grader gets third place in contest

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/29/first-grader-gets-third-place-in-contest/a7n6nx7/

Joliet Catholic Academy announces Class of 2018 Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/jca-announces-class-of-2018-illinois-state-scholars/au7vg1c/

Minooka church participates in golf outing for missions

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/06/40e7f519f3424d7bb4508c942b0d03b1/index.xml

Zander G. Parise of Joliet's Troop 258 earns Eagle Scout

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/zander-g-parise-of-joliets-troop-258-earns-eagle-scout/af3z0jh/

Joliet Township High School joins the Illinois State Board of Education in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/joliet-township-high-school-joins-the-illinois-state-board-of-education-in-the-illinois-5essentials-survey/a1mgl0z/

Forest Preserve police officers raise funds for Special Olympics

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/forest-preserve-police-officers-raise-funds-for-special-olympics/a9zmd7u/

HIRE Vets Medallion Program moving forward

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/28/hire-vets-medallion-program-moving-forward/an85f6u/

Performance of 'The Nutcracker' Dec. 10 in Plainfield

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/28/performace-of-the-nutcracker-dec-10-in-plainfield/als5i06/

Joliet Junior College chorale's 16th Annual Carols and Chocolate is Dec. 10

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/joliet-junior-college-chorales-16th-annual-carols-and-chocolate-is-dec-10/ahw7m1o/

Joliet Junior College will host its annual Guitar and Percussion Ensembles Concert on Dec. 12

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/joliet-junior-college-will-host-its-annual-guitar-and-percussion-ensembles-concert-on-dec-12/au0m57i/

Steve Askins presents musical variety at The Timbers of Shorewood on Dec. 14

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/steve-askins-presents-musical-variety-at-the-timbers-of-shorewood-on-dec-14/az6n7jp/

BMO workers transform old weight room at Joliet’s Boys and Girls Club

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/30/dedc5aacfba64fb9930b3fa67462db2e/index.xml

Plainfield-based band in the top 5 of the Next2Rock competition

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/plainfield-based-band-in-the-top-5-of-the-next2rock-competition/aaxrqed/

Artwork by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for chapter headings in Bryony.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 3 through Dec. 8

Happy Friday, readers, writers, vampire fans, and everyone else!

Except for a bit of editing, I haven't spent any time with Before the Blood since my writing retreat, but that's going to change starting tomorrow.

Because the company has restructured weekend coverage, I no longer have to serve as a news editor every third weekend, which leaves me free to tackle more features on weekends and get back into a regular writing schedule for my fiction and marketing.

Needless to say, the news came as an early Christmas present to me, which I celebrated by covering an open house of the Will County Model Railroad Association last weekend (story below, videos uploaded later).

Today reading at my grandson Ezekiel's school this afternoon (with Bertrand the Mouse in tow), for real this time. On my way to the school last week, I learned Ezekiel was sick. At the teacher's request, I rescheduled for today, because she really wanted me to read when my grandson was there. so it was a good change of plans.

Speaking of plans and looking ahead, I do have several events scheduled into 2018 and will share those here soon. If you'd like a sneak peak, visit the Fetes and Feasts page at www.bryonyseries.com and the events page at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the Before the Blood prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Now some quick information before the stories:

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the BTB prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com

Now some quick information before 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 in 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.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. Your support is greatly appreciated.

'The Grandfather Tree Goes Down' in Romeoville

June Kobzina recalls that fateful Sunday as sunny and rather non-eventful: she went to church, weeded her garden and had lunch. While working a crossword puzzle, Kobzina half-heard the TV mention something about storms, not really paying attention until it grew extremely windy and heavy rain and hail fell.

"One minute the backyard tree was there," Kobzina wrote. "And the next minute it was gone."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/30/afbbf3523909411984fba9fee6c069e9/index.xml?page=1

Dreams about childhood on Joliet’s East Side

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”

That’s the famous opening line in one of my favorite novels, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier. It’s a 

line that often replays in my head when I dream about my childhood home on Belmont Avenue.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/dreams-about-childhood-on-joliets-east-side/adv7dkn/

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman was a 'walking Jesus'

“If you had to pick her up, and you were six, eight minutes late, she’d already made adjustments and gone about her business,” Bob King of Joliet , Anna King's brother, said. “Being prompt is a very important key to understanding anyone’s time. And she made it a point by saying, ‘People who don’t wear watches don’t value their time.’ ”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-was-a-walking-jesus/aiqa7n4/

Be a Santa to a local pet

If you can, make a difference in one of their lives. Bring one home for Christmas.

Click for information on the local shelters and rescues that contribute weekly to “Pets of the Week.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/30/be-a-santa-to-a-local-pet/a5nbfrt/

Pets of the Week: Dec. 4

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/29/57b35c509b2049d0938de79ca52d88c5/index.xml

Mystery Diner: Williamson's in New Lenox has large portions, great specials and plenty of options

It was Tuesday, which meant burger and chicken specials.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/04/0e3c704919b8427cadc19cfc6816716c/index.xml

Joliet man pens devotional unlikely to be forgotten

“They’ll only make 52 changes a year,” Hansen said, “but more than they normally would."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/05/e2477f8594b9464bb6b53d27f6dd4f71/index.xml

Will County clubs helps keep these enthusiasts on track

Click on the link below for open house, meeting times, and plenty of photos.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/07/dda1adff33b249729eb385e5eefd4ef8/index.xml

Frankfort native to return for Christmas show

Katie Blomarz, bassist, said The Barefoot Movement knows 18 Christmas songs, such as those performed by Perro Como and Frank Sinatra, all acoustically arranged.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/frankfort-native-to-return-for-christmas-show/a2qw312/