BryonySeries

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Open Mic Night 2018: Tom Hernandez

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Community News: May 21 and May 22, 2018

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

Gotta Do It: May 20 through May 27

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/17/gotta-do-it-may-20-through-may-27/a1wcc3t/

Local pet events: May 21 through May 28

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/16/local-pet-events-may-21-through-may-28/a4q5m9s/

Local health events: May 22 through May 29

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/local-health-events-may-22-through-may-29/av2kjjy/

Firefighters and paramedics teacher Plainfield students about emergencies

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/firefighters-and-paramedics-teacher-plainfield-students-about-emergencies/ati3x9z/

Bolingbrook students raise money for cancer

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/01/21/bolingbrook-students-raise-money-for-cancer/aaxwl0y/

Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug More Readily Available

IDPH Issues Illinois Naloxone Standing Order

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/05/opioid-overdose-reversal-drug-more-readily-available/a1r44qr/

AMITA Health takes steps to limit use of opioid painkillers In emergency rooms

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/amita-health-takes-steps-to-limit-use-of-opioid-painkillers-in-emergency-rooms/a631gk1/

Team from Joliet hospital volunteer for Will County Habitat for Humanity

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/team-from-joliet-hospital-volunteer-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanity/a1q3xtr/

Cunningham students donate books to Joliet hospital

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/cunningham-students-donate-books-to-joliet-hospital/ajng6w6/

Joliet West High School NHS partners with Easterseals Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/joliet-west-high-school-nhs-partners-with-easterseals-joliet/acedw9b/

Craughwell Elementary in Joliet celebrates Pink Day

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/21/craughwell-elementary-in-joliet-celebrates-pink-day/a1aqh58/

Mokena woman chosen as Forest Preserve District’s Volunteer of the Year

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/18/mokena-woman-chosen-as-forest-preserve-districts-volunteer-of-the-year/a81h2au/

Kermes Committee at #Joliet school receives award

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/18/kermes-committee-at-joliet-school-receives-award/algf99o/

Joliet Zonta Club names 2018 Woman of the Year

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/18/joliet-zonta-club-names-2018-woman-of-the-year/aohyw8l/

And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

"Boomhood and BryonySeries" Tour Host: Robert Hafey

Monday, May 21, 2018

"Ten Reasons Why Gothic Fiction Still Rocks" Tour Host: Vanessa Stephens

We're are halfway through the BryonySeries inaugural blog tour, which picks back up today with a fellow fan of the Gothic genre.

I hope you're enjoying getting to know the tour hosts and, again, I encourage you to pick up souvenirs (i.e. check out their writings, etc.) along the way.

Today's tour host is Vanessa Stephens, who, according to her website, is an aspiring writer who spends much of her time writing flash fiction, short stories, working on her debut novel, or spending time with her family. She lives in the Joliet area with her husband and daughter.

And here is a good place to add that Vanessa's daughter is a fan of Bertrand the Mouse. And Bertrand is a fan of hers.

But most of all, Vanessa loves Gothic fiction as much (or more) as I do, so she asked me to write a post for her blog on why Gothic fiction is so great.

You can read that post here:

https://www.vanessajcstephens.com/blog/ten-reasons-why-gothic-fiction-still-rocks

Vanessa also wrote a lovely introduction to me, which I didn't see right away as I spent much of the weekend working and feeling like I was getting nowhere. So I felt very encouraged to read it, to say the least!

You can read that here:

https://www.vanessajcstephens.com/blog/a-prelude-to-a-tour

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sue's Diner: Darlene's Hot Chocolate

This recipe is actually good hot or cold. When my kids were young, I'd keep a pitcher of this chocolate milk in the refrigerator for my milk-haters.

The ice cream variation is tops, winter and summer.

It’s hard to concentrate on homework when mourning the loss of one’s father, grandmother, friend, and even her dog. Melissa didn’t think a steaming mug of hot chocolate in her favorite purple mug could make a difference, but it did. Cuddling and talking with her mother, helped, too.

Try the recipe 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.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Community News: May 18 and May 19, 2018

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

Local arts and entertainment May 18 through May 25

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/17/local-arts-and-entertainment-may-18-through-may-25/aqlrvp0/

It’s opening week for 'Postmortem' at Morris Theatre Guild

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/15/69df7488d00442eeb97dbfb472fd8344/index.xml

Students from Lewis University present at math competition

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/students-from-lewis-university-present-at-math-competition/ax3msfr/

Joliet Central High School announces 2018 Mr. and Ms. J

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/29/joliet-central-high-school-announces-2018-mr-and-ms-j/ap3dbto/

Joliet Central grad receives USF scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/joliet-central-grad-receives-usf-scholarship/aqfqjmj/

Lockport sailor serves on the USS John C. Stennis

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/lockport-sailor-serves-on-the-uss-john-c-stennis/ap5wyr2/

Lincoln-Way East students excel in state reading program

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/lincoln-way-east-students-excel-in-state-reading-program/asjsfq3/

Lockport Township High School honor societies induct new members

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/lockport-township-high-school-honor-societies-induct-new-members/aklf01o/

Plainfield students create earthquake-proof buildings

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/plainfield-students-create-earthquake-proof-buildings/ab213oo/

Soldier surprises sister at Plainfield school

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/soldier-surprises-sister-at-plainfield-school/ahkqng3/

Plainfield senior to make conducting debut with Chicago orchestra

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/plainfield-senior-to-make-conducting-debut-with-chicago-orchestra/a1tn1fo/

Joliet Central band competes in Tennessee

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/joliet-central-band-competes-in-tennessee/a8gcd3f/

Stay cool this summer and save with early bird passes to Plainfield pool

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/stay-cool-this-summer-and-save-with-early-bird-passes-to-plainfield-pool/ajmu4t2/

Frankfort students study music in various forms

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/19/a27c12da05df47d5ada2a389c3980993/index.xml

Joliet Montessori School summer camp programs now enrolling

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/19/joliet-montessori-school-summer-camp-programs-now-enrolling/ampz14u/

And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Ed Calkins: Voter Fraud and the "Lost" Telegram

Note: When sifting through old email for the Bryony-themed play Ed Calkins wrote and sent to me in 2011, which I thought I posted and hadn't, I found this gem, also from 2011 and unopened. Very ironic, as you will see when you read it.

Dear MOMI:

Hard as it may be to believe, I have been accused of unethically influencing the Queen of Christmas nominations. Naturally, I promised a full and speedy investigation from an independent, fair, and reputable investigator.

Only after making that promised did I wonder if I knew anyone like that! But, of course, I do. You, Denise, have the journalistic chops that should impress even the most skeptical of my critics.

Your mandate is simple! Look for evidence of corruption or misdealings in the nomination process of 2011 on my behave. Remember, I promised a full and speedy investigation, so you must respond with your findings within my deadline.

Also you must grant as full of review as can be made on a 2008 budget, which, if you've opened this email, you're already over. (Sorry, you will not be reimbursed.)

Be fair and impartial, but remember you're not getting paid for this and its not worth your time, When the deal (five minutes after you receive this) has expired, you need not respond if not a shred of evidence is found, your silence will be understood that way.

However, if you do find wrong doing, you must report it to the proper authorities. Should you consider me as too prejudiced to receive your finding, consider your ex publicist or Amazon.com. I'm sure that can right this in a timely manner.

P.S Should you actually look in to this, do not be concerned about the ballots found in the garbage, as poor handwriting clearly disqualified them.

Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins,

Steward of Tara

Friday, May 18, 2018

Community News: May 17, 2018

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

Local Faith Events: May 17 through May 24

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/16/local-faith-events-may-17-through-may-24/ap293cy/

Lockport church features student orchestra

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/16/lockport-church-features-student-orchestra/adkd5vw/

Joliet Catholic Academy student wins academic scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/10/joliet-catholic-academy-student-wins-academic-scholarship/a2moimu/

The Herald-News is seeking Vacation Bible School submissions

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/25/the-herald-news-is-seeking-vacation-bible-school-submissions/agi2br9/

Joliet church host annual neighborhood prayer event during Lent

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/02/joliet-church-host-annual-neighborhood-prayer-event-during-lent/ao35w6v/

Joliet Franciscans recently held 6th annual tea

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/16/c5ef72a321834a8fa1a9ade5325f2680/index.xml

And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 13 through May 18

So it's a busy Friday! (Don't I always say that?)

But seriously, folks.

Today is full of work, and the same is true about tomorrow, except it's only half full.

And then, (except for church), it should be fiction all the way!

Quick side note: If you've missed some of the blog tour posts, you can catch up HERE.

And now for the stories and where to find me and everything else:

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): 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.

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.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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. And for those who came out to WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last night. Your support is greatly appreciated.

'Something they can make their own'

Joliet foster mom distributing 'angel bears' to foster children

"I thought, 'Maybe if they had a Teddy bear,'" Janet Palkon said. "A Teddy bear is never going to talk back. You can tell anything to a Teddy bear and it's never going to share it with anyone. Just holding it can make them feel loved, that someone is in their corner."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/09/1f9a51609e584646823c7302145a8dc7/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet native's musical legacy lives on

“I didn’t know he was a musical arranger. I didn’t know he was nominated for a Grammy,” Alfreda Marentic, Fred's wife, said. “I didn’t know he was Teacher of the Year. I didn’t know he’d taken his students to Florida for band conventions. I didn’t know any of these things about him. I only knew he was kind and sweet and nice. And I knew he was a family man, which was important to me.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/09/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-natives-musical-legacy-lives-on/a2vyci/

'When the big C comes knocking at your door'
Shorewood prostate cancer survivor supports other men

Because Hileman pursues a healthy lifestyle, he wasn't surprised that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and digital rectal exam – both screening tools for detecting prostate cancer – were normal at his 2013 physical.

So Hileman was shocked when he experienced rectal bleedingin February 2014.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/07/c66aca086ae64f5a8043aeab178504ca/index.xml

Mystery Diner: HopScotch and Vine offers bright, gourmet summertime destination

I ordered the Firecracker Shrimp Po' Boy for my entree. It came with two sides, and I chose a salad with Greek vinaigrette and French fries with sea salt. My coworker ordered the peanut butter and jelly burger because he was feeling more adventurous than I.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/10/8f4bd065320149949df553ae69c79b85/index.xml

Joliet man hopes his book brings people back to God

Although Tom Donnan, who said God speaks to him through dreams and revelations, is diligent about sharing God’s communications, response from others is lacking, “which is devastating to me,” he said.

But Donnan realizes why people are not embracing the message.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/16/joliet-man-hopes-his-book-brings-people-back-to-god/ab6qbx4/

Making art from pieces of the Joliet prison

The idea is multifaceted: local artists will repurpose select items from the prison into a limited number of art pieces and then donate them to the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The museum will sell the pieces in the gift shop and put the funds back into the prison, Adamowski said.

http://www.theheraldnews.com/lists/2018/05/08/72115f7f84f644d3b54f25fbe2612767/index.xml?page=1

Morris man refurbishes and sells bikes and lawn mowers

You won't be believe how early this man opens his garage door for business.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/17/97cc3dbbcab9405bb3f957847534b39a/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Former Plainfield resident Anne Anderson of Sandwich

My desire to write a book surfaced after the death of my husband on April 24, 2015. I felt the need to put down on paper my first year of grief with the hope that people will find that they can survive the loss of a loved one.

I have include 13 tips and suggestions on what to say, and, more importantly, what not to say, to someone in deep grief.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/16/2ea6ffe468ee422889a1ebe672f3f4f7/index.xml

Thursday, May 17, 2018

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: The Dating Game Mothers Day episode 1972

unday, May 8, 2016

The Dating Game Mothers Day episode 1972

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Community News: May 16, 2018

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

Roundup of food pantries in Will and Grundy counties

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/10/roundup-of-food-pantries-in-will-and-grundy-counties/aheog2k/

Will County Health Department gets micro food pantry

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/15/4a0ca3507a704de186c4005cd27d1ffd/index.xml

Troy Middle School donates eyeglasses to Shorewood Lions Club

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/troy-middle-school-donates-eyeglasses-to-shorewood-lions-club/afx58kp/

Lincoln-Way Central in New Lenox hosts 'Active April' week

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/07/b6b563aba50c44709a254adcdc20f0b1/index.xml

Trinity Services’ horticulture program in full bloom for annual spring sale

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/15/trinity-services-horticulture-program-in-full-bloom-for-annual-spring-sale/afjpmme/

Joliet West library hosts Arts and Communication Academy Week

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/joliet-west-library-hosts-arts-communication-academy-week/aolvig3/

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Open Mic Night 2018: Robert Hafey

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Community News: May 15, 2018

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

Local health events: May 15 through May 22

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/12/local-health-events-may-15-through-may-22/aiy4bhh/

Plainfield Lion’s Club Donates $5,000 to C.W. Avery Family YMCA

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/22/plainfield-lions-club-donates-5-000-to-c-w-avery-family-ymca/awys47y/

Coal City eye care center recognized

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/coal-city-eye-care-center-recognized/ary3nhf/

Morris Lions Club donates $5,000 to Morris Hospital

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/morris-lions-club-donates-5-000-to-morris-hospital/a7d3g1x/

Founders of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox support dialysis

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/founders-of-silver-cross-hospital-in-new-lenox-support-dialysis/afyedpr/

Fall Walk of Hope raises over $75,000 for The Cancer Support Center

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/fall-walk-of-hope-raises-over-75-000-for-the-cancer-support-center/aelhjfj/

Joliet Catholic Academy baseball program 'Steps Up to the Plate' for ALS awareness

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/14/joliet-catholic-academy-baseball-program-steps-up-to-the-plate-for-als-awareness/a8h0azm/

Joliet hospital honors Dr. Theodore Kanellakes

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/14/f6dac9e159774e0eb22ef8ee32e8b8b0/index.xml

And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

"Social Justice…and Vampires!" Tour Host: Tom Hernandez

So as much as my next tour host Tom Hernandez bemoans his arrogance in one of the posts below, his Twitter profile is simple and straightforward: husband, father, grandfather, son, writer.

I couldn't find a biography on his blog, and he doesn't (yet) have a website.

His biography in WriteOn Joliet's first anthology provides slightly more information: writer, communications professional, public speaker and performer. He enjoys exploring the complex facets of “normal life” and the thousand shades of gray that color them. He and his wife, Kellie are new “empty nesters.”

Neither really do justice to the great friend and writing partner Tom has become.

When my WriteOn Joliet co-leader and co-founder (and really most of the energy and driving force behind the group) stepped down to raise her family, Tom stepped up.

He runs the meetings, handles the group's finances, sends out reminder and informational emails, emcees our open mics, books our meeting rooms, is an open-minded brainstormer, is the yang source of feedback to the other writers in our group (while I tend to play yin), and (perhaps most importantly) puts up with my out-of-the-box ideas and has read my trilogy aimed at teen girls.

Oh, and he liked the trilogy. Or so he said. In print. Where it counts.

Tom has a strong social justice bent (reflected in his essays and poetry), and a great liking for stories that capture the human spirit, the reason, perhaps, he liked my series, especially the third book, for which he wrote an introduction.

I kept those likes in mind when writing a guest post for his blog.

And then he did one better: he gave me real estate in two posts. And here they are: a full-blown introductory post written by Tom and the social justice one written by me.

Circling back to the beginning of this post, if you want to really know Tom, skip the biography. Instead, read his books.

Enjoy!

Friends, Vampires, and Friendly Vampires

https://tomhernandezblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/friends-vampires-and-friendly-vampires/

Social Justice…and Vampires!

https://tomhernandezblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/15/social-justice-and-vampires/

UPDATE: Tom Hernandez actually does have a website now. Visit him at Tomhernandezbooks.com.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Community News: May 14, 2018

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

Gotta Do It: May 13 through May 20

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/10/gotta-do-it-may-13-through-may-20/a36z11j/

Local pet events: May 14 through May 21

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/local-pet-events-may-14-through-may-21/ario4l6/

Pets of the Week: May 14

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/11/0dbe7376848c456b941d0c75314ed106/index.xml

Six Plainfield juniors get Foundation Horizon Grants for summer learning

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/six-plainfield-juniors-get-foundation-horizon-grants-for-summer-learning/awbx17e/

Lincoln-Way West student wins scholarship for language immersion camp

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/lincoln-way-west-student-wins-scholarship-for-language-immersion-camp/a43hzkm/

Lockport Woman’s Club donates $750,000 over the years to LTHS students

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/lockport-womans-club-donates-750-000-over-the-years-to-lths-students/aidw11p/

Joliet-area Chamber awards 43 scholarships

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/11/d540596d7104495b89d1e1255cf8331a/index.xml

Caught up on videos Friday night, too. Check these out!

Storytelling at Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/036eba81-6eb2-4a29-9149-737570dcde8d.html

Brain Injury Support Group

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/cae5a037-d581-4373-9df9-ccdd3e29d573.html

A prayer when the heart is heavy

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4a3dc3a3-90a8-4d2b-b2e9-51f9b7af8801.html

An ode to a the love of one's life

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/f9cf681d-4768-4c4a-a20d-72b1ac991792.html

Dick Goss looks back, part 1

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/149081c9-537c-496d-8a92-bd8174063182.html

Dick Goss looks back, part 2

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/6a201bb5-9ae7-4e06-989d-1bdec6110e0f.html

Dick Goss looks back, part 3

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/3a61dd3f-5bc5-4c44-8c31-1597cefd669c.html

And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

"BryonySeries Vampires" Tour Host: Sue Mydliak

No blog post yesterday? Nope!

After a Saturday of part work, part errands, and part family, I gave myself a little Mother's Day present and worked on "Before the Blood." I had every intention of eventually posting a blog, but, well, times flies when, you know.

So if you haven't tried last week's recipe on Sue's Diner, you have another week to do so.

Third stop of the BryonySeries Blog Tour is the blog of fellow vampire writer Sue Mydliak.

According to her blog, Sue Mydliak was born in Flint, Michigan. Came to Illinois when she was a little girl and graduated from Downers Grove South.

It wasn't until the book Twilight came out did she develop her interest in writing. It was then in 2011, that her first book, Birthright, was published and made bestseller the first week it was out. This lead her to make Birthright into a trilogy.

She has written two other books, Night Games and an anniversary book, Forever, which is Birthright's story, but whose story line is different and geared more for adults. She is currently writing two other books, Eternal and Secrets and has finished illustrating a new children's book, JellyBean Turns Three (see her children's book website, http://susiebbooks.strikingly.com/)

Not mentioned on Mydliak's blog are anthologies and her hilarious southern shorts, a compilation of which Mydliak will release soon.

To read about the BryonySeries take on vampires, check out my answers to Mydliak's 10 thoughtful questions at https://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2018/05/byony-series-first-blog-tour-denise.html.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Stranger Than Fiction

Today I got to play dolls with my two granddaughters today: Jessica, 4 and Riley, almost 2.

Are you following me?

So Jessica put her new doll in the high chair and said the doll was hungry.

I, the gallant and generous grandmother, offered to make the doll something to eat.

And so I went to the refrigerator.

Um...not what I expected to see. Cue the horror music...

Or, at least, The Addams Family theme song.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Community News: May 11, 2018

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

Local arts and entertainment May 11 through May 18

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/10/local-arts-and-entertainment-may-11-through-may-18/ap7z2nh/

Roundup of area food pantries and upcoming events

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/28/roundup-of-area-food-pantries-and-upcoming-events/a6bg0xc/

Lincoln-Way Central High School music department receives award

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/lincoln-way-central-high-school-music-department-receives-award/apkzbh8/

Three Rivers Public Library District renovates website

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/three-rivers-public-library-district-renovates-website/a1hxcyr/

Troy students raise money to host author

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/troy-students-raise-money-to-host-author/aq1cgil/

Lincoln-Way West High School hosts literature festival

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/11/644ac3025d204ff79606e40f95ea7652/index.xml

Creativity blooms at Lockport Township High School

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/11/a4f25d8321bf4fcabe3ab3cad22e97f1/index.xml

And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 6 through May 11

First and foremost: if you know any single moms who could use a bit of pampering on Mother's Day, be sure to read the first story. RSVP for the event is today.

Writerly forecast for the next three days: Long work day today as Saturday is full: discussing details of The Herald-News' new LocalLit short story news letter at a St. Charles writer's group in the morning, attending a birthday for two grandchildren in the afternoon. I'm hoping to write/edit fiction on Sunday afternoon following church (and maybe sneak in a bit Saturday night, too).

And that's the weekend, over before it starts, LOL!

But the BryonySeries blog tour resumes Monday. For a list of tour hosts, go HERE.

And now for...

Non-bylined features:

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.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com.

A heart and 'soul' for single moms

Joliet woman hosting soiree for single moms, RSVP by May 11

"I just want them to feel a sense of joy in knowing someone cares," Israeio Holloway said. "They should not feel alone in their struggles in being a parent."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/23d8d56b09a9481091bda1e6c8e68877/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman traded music for love

“She was a fantastic musician,” said Phyllis’ daughter, Linda Trager, of Joliet. “She could play by heart.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/06/531b55d4d70448bcb3864bdf81d99351/index.xml

'I had a mass the size of a football'

Joliet Junior College culinary arts graduate battling testicular cancer

Up until that point, Vonhoff had some great culinary adventures. In a 2014 Herald-News story, Vonhoff talked about how he'd cooked for celebrities.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/07/2b126ebeb97d4fcfbda1eb429858ed4f/index.xml

Mystery Diner: Channahon's Country Glaze Donut Shoppe offers many varieties

Check out our mystery doughnut expert as she samples nearly two dozen doughnuts!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/05/12ee89aee91a4198a51838ba2b475bcd/index.xml

Blessed by God with the gift to write

Joliet author releases first book for children

"It's important for children to know Jesus," LaToya Hosey said. "And it's important to for adults to allow children to speak about Jesus."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/09/e36a03f9c4f340a6a368eb4512a58d3d/index.xml?page=1

Of emotions and memories

No posed images for this New Lenox family photographer

Owned by Erin Gunther of New Lenox, Waffles & Honey focuses on family portraits in natural settings, especially maternity and newborn photography (and babies in their first year) and "Mommy and Me" sessions.

The result, Gunther said, are producing that are "real and authentic."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/09/5b9bc6100aaf4a2ebed733a84ebf49b7/index.xml

Joliet man performs roots rock, blues

Next show set Saturday

Charles Pelkie said he began playing guitar in his teens and writing songs about eight years ago.

“I always had little snippets of songs in my head since I was a teenager,” Pelkie said. “And I always had bits of song rifts and parts of melodies and interesting bits of lyrics in my head. But I never sat down to put them into something cohesive that made sense and had a story to tell, and had characters as part of those songs.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/09/0855cbf173e2428ca084df7acf7ae38f/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Vanessa Stephens of Joliet

"I enjoy trying different genres of story-telling. My favorites being Gothic, horror, suspense, supernatural and enjoy melding them together in unique ways," Stephens said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/16/locallit-author-spotlight-vanessa-stephens-of-joliet/at20m03/