BryonySeries

Friday, July 20, 2018

Community News: July 20, 2018

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

Local arts and entertainment July 20 through July 27

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/local-arts-and-entertainment-july-20-through-july-27/ab2wphp/

The Center for Disability Services in #Joliet to host 'Cocktails for a Cause'

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/the-center-for-disability-services-in-joliet-to-host-cocktails-for-a-cause/af0itok/

Shorewood Crossroads Festival to host baby contest

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/shorewood-crossroads-festival-to-host-baby-contest/a20ndf8/

Around Town: Brewed Awakenings in Morris Around Town: Brewed Awakenings in Morris

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/around-town-brewed-awakenings-in-morris/afmttjg/

Plainfield playground tech games

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/plainfield-playground-tech-games/ayseb6w/

Lockport Township High School students compete

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/lockport-township-high-school-students-compete/a6hcvx2/

Lockport students, Best Buddies throw pies for charity

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/lockport-students-best-buddies-throw-pies-for-charity/aeze3b0/

Joliet Central hosts Showcase for Peace

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/joliet-central-hosts-showcase-for-peace/apf7ppn/

Troy Craughwell Elementary School hosts wax museum

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/troy-craughwell-elementary-school-hosts-wax-museum/aaw5aan/

Lincoln-Way Marching Band performs at White Sox game

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/lincoln-way-marching-band-performs-at-white-sox-game/atpk0uv/

Morris Theatre Guild receives grant from Community Foundation of Grundy County for upgrades to theater

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/morris-theatre-guild-receives-grant-from-community-foundation-of-grundy-county-for-upgrades-to-theatre/at29ctb/

Check out the following 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

Community News: July 19, 2018

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

Local faith events July 19 through July 26

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/local-faith-events-july-19-through-july-26/ammyikb/

Joliet Franciscan sisters celebrated their jubilees

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/18/cb27dd1ebf00454e80d6af1a7f46f557/index.xml

Morris businesses offering hope to those in need

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/18/d40f38727c5d4cf694b631f9d2fbab31/index.xml

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Dr. John M. Sayles

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/jths-alumni-spotlight-dr-john-m-sayles/a30e5pl/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Derrick Brown

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/jths-alumni-spotlight-derrick-brown/awwuuid/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Richard L. Chavez

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/jths-alumni-spotlight-richard-l-chavez/ahe88vu/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Eron Hodges

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/jths-alumni-spotlight-eron-hodges/av5dywn/

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

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 15 through July 20

Just a handful of "original" works ran in features this week - it's been a whole lot of catching up since I returned. I have't even cracked open the manuscript, not for a single peek.

And doing so this weekend will be challenging, too. But I will.

I have a self-publishing information talk/seminar/workshop tomorrow from 9 to 11 at Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet (would love to see you, just $10 if you're not a member of WriteOn Joliet), followed by a wedding at noon (not mine, of course, but still...)

And speaking of WriteOn Joliet, it's recent growth is amazing me. We have new people at nearly every meeting, and they are staying. Three new people attended last night, one the week before that, and three the week before that.

Several of us will be participating in "Writers 15 Minutes of Fame" at 7 p.m. July 26 at the Plainfield Library, 15025 S. Illinois St. in downtown Plainfield. If you're available that night and would like to hear a mix of works read aloud by their authors, come on out!

And now:

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.

Upcoming events:

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

For an expanded version: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/07/some-upcoming-events.html

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.

Mystery Diner: Volar in Plainfield — comida auténtica indeed

Next came the queso fundido a Volar, a twist on classic queso. The cheese dip was mainly chorizo, which was something we were all quite excited about. It was not too spicy and definitely filling.

But we managed to save room for the main course, of course.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/16/a9d5d2bee87a44ee93cf5210fc190be6/index.xml

Morris businesses offering hope to those in need

Event to benefit New Beginnings Thrift Store and Women's Help Center

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/18/d40f38727c5d4cf694b631f9d2fbab31/index.xml?page=1

LocalLit author spotlight: Diane Maciejewski of Elgin

"It’s not a matter of “like to write”, rather whatever demands to be written. An idea for a story will pop into my head and will refuse to go away until I write it."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/12/locallit-author-spotlight-diane-maciejewski-of-elgin/ap4qf2p/

And two columns:

Lots of coffee and a little miracle

The night I saw stars...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/08/lots-of-coffee-and-a-little-miracle/ah3udt2/

Baran-Unland: Newsletters provide more A&E via email

Events and short stories, just for you

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/19/baran-unland-newsletters-provide-more-ae-via-email/au6saj4/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Thursday, July 19, 2018

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: A Madman's Manuscript by Charles Dickens

Friday, February 18, 2011

A Madman's Manuscript by Charles Dickens

This is Chapter 11 of Dickens' The Pickwick Club, and, fictionally, it is exactly that.

A man who, unbeknowst to anyone, becomes convinced he is insane, relates how he goes about the business of life keeping his dark secret.

I found it more gripping than Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart and really liked when the narrator screams: "'Damn you,' said I, starting up, and rushing upon him; 'I killed her. I am a madman. Down with you. Blood, blood! I will have it!'

You can read A Madman's Manuscript by Charles Dickens online.

Here's one link: https://www.lang.nagoya-u.ac.jp/~matsuoka/CD-PP-Madman.html

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Community News: July 17 and July 18, 2018

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

Since we are catching up, I have four categories. Feel free to browse and click on topics that interest you.

PETS

Local pet events: July 16 to July 23

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/07/local-pet-events-july-16-to-july-23/adffme4/

Pets of the Week: July 1

For details on each pet, read the caption.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/15/407509ab1f9143549968a00780e49054/index.xml

HEALTH

Local health events: July 17 through July 24

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/16/local-health-events-july-17-through-july-24/a5q29hx/

Roundup of food pantries in Will and Grundy counties

http://www.theheraldnews.com/articles/2018/07/07/12a41380bbf04e59b8998cc0b58877e5/index.xml

Clams sing when chorizo, thyme and dry vermouth are added

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/clams-sing-when-chorizo-thyme-and-dry-vermouth-are-added/a14h7rc/

The secret to getting crispy chicken wings on the grill

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/the-secret-to-getting-crispy-chicken-wings-on-the-grill/anqbdfv/

The way to grill eggplant without it being a leathery mess

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/the-way-to-grill-eggplant-without-it-being-a-leathery-mess/aqknq4g/

Grill shrimp without drying them out or busting your budget

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/grill-shrimp-without-drying-them-out-or-busting-your-budget/az83l5v/

For a variation on pasta with pesto sauce, use kale instead

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/for-a-variation-on-pasta-with-pesto-sauce-use-kale-instead/ac0ptdg/

James Onohan's sweet and sour meatballs

https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner

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.

Open Mic Night 2018: Anne Anderson

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

These Two Authors Did It; You Can, too

I'm talking about self-publishing, and I'm not talking about me.

Terri Ellinger and Ken McGee are two local authors. Each had written quite a number of books and weren't sure how to get them published. They wanted to self-publish but heard it was expensive.

I showed both of them how to publish for free (or nearly free). When I say "nearly free," I mean that. For instance, WriteOn Joliet is publishing its second anthology this year. The cost for publication is $25, the same as last year's anthology.

I got Ken started right around the holidays last year and Terri came to my self-publishing chat inn February.

And my editor, Colleen Robbins, just received the proof to her first book, which she published using my information.

Here are links to Terri and Ken's books:

Terri Ellinger: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1?ie=UTF8&text=Terri+Ellinger&search-alias=books&field-author=Terri+Ellinger&sort=relevancerank

Ken McGee: https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Lee-McGee/e/B07D7DGPGG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1531825764&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Ken is still releasing titles and will his books for you to check out (as will I) from 9 to 11 a.m. July 21 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

The event is free for members of WriteOn Joliet or $10 for nonmembers (with the money going back to WriteOn Joliet to provide even more resources for its members).

Of course, you're free to buy a book, too. But this is not the purpose of the event.

The purpose is to show anyone interested in publishing a book (a physical print book, as well as an eBook) without spending thousands of dollars per book.

Maybe you have a story to share with friends and family.

Maybe you'd like to write your memoir.

Maybe you have a business and would like to have a book to sell at talks.

Maybe you have expertise in a niche topic.

Maybe you'd like to distribute your creative writing.

Maybe you'd like to archive family recipes (or favorite family photos) into a book.

Maybe you have ideas/reasons not listed here.

If one of these is the case, maybe self-publishing is for you.

"How to Self-Publish a Book for (Nearly) Free is Not a Formal Event." We're going to sit 'round a table, drink some great coffee (or tea, both available for purchase at the cafe) and go over my handout line by line, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, etc.

Can't stay? Stop by anyway.

If you're a member of WriteOn Joliet, I'll give you the handout.

If you're not a member of WriteOn Joliet, bring $10, and you can have the handout.

In all cases, I'm available for support (for free) if you get stuck in the process. And if I can't help you, someone else from WriteOn Joliet can.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Monday, July 16, 2018

Sue's Diner: Sweet and Sour Meatballs By James Onohan

Still sick, easing back into work and social media. Figured it was time to take down Independence Cake from the Sue's Diner page and feature a news recipe.

And here it as, as "served" at Grandma Marchellis' funeral luncheon.

Neither Melissa nor Brian felt at ease during the unfamiliar church services in memory of their grandmother. The array of delicious food at the potluck luncheon that followed was more appealing. This was especially true for Brian, who had heaped his plate high with the following dishes, including this one.

To hear tracks and purchase the official BryonySeries CD (as an entire album or single tracks), visit https://www.jamesonohan.com/bryony-album.

Try the recipe at https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

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.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

At-Home Writing Retreat: Day Six, Recap, Some Numbers

Yes, I'm officially sick, not horribly, but enough to be blech.

In light of my sluggish mind and body, I altered my last day of my at-home writing retreat.

I worked less on book five and finished editing books three and four.

I'm hoping, over the next six weekends (which should be interesting because I have some "life" things going on), I can finish the remaining arcs and flesh out the details so I can hand off books one through four to my editor around Labor Day and finish editing book five by the time she is ready to read it.

The goal is to release the first book in January 2019.

Also, as a little birthday present, Rebekah finished formatting Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness today. So I'll scroll through that today, too. Maybe swap out the recipe in Sue's Diner.

For anyone who is interested in word counts, I presented them here in total for all five books (so far), each book by chapter and total word count (one through four is fairly stable) and book five (so far).

Plus the prologue and the epilogue.

For anyone who's read the entire BryonySeries trilogy and want to know how that compares in length, the total of those books are at the bottom.

For anyone who wants to compare the length to other books they might have read), here's a couple links to check out:

https://www.wikiwrimo.org/wiki/List_of_50,000_Word_Novels

https://indefeasible.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/great-novels-and-word-count/

Basically, Before the Blood, the prequel to the BryonySeries is five full-length (but incomplete) novels, with the last two being about the length of Bryony. Together as a whole, these five books tell an incomplete story.

What does that mean?

It means each book, on purpose, when finished, will not be finished.

Each book's cliffhanger prepares the way for the next novel (if read in order; they do not need to be read in order), but each book's cliffhanger does not flow into the next novel.

Again, all five books together tell one incomplete story. The trilogy (Bryony, Visage, and Staked!) finishes the story.

And yet

Each incomplete novel is a developed novel in its own right, complete with plot, unique cast of characters (although a few characters do cross multiple books).

How long have I worked on this?

I began outlining the prequel in 2010 and pecked out the structure and research into January of 2014 when I began writing i earnest. Each novel has taken me approximately a year to write (some a little more, some a little less).

This is the most complicated story I have ever written. I no longer remember why I chose to write it this way.

But I am very thankful for the freedom to try an experimental way of telling a story, whether or not anyone agrees with the style or enjoys reading it.

Was it worth it?

Yes!

With the finish line in sight, I can honestly say I've learned a tremendous amount about about writing, structure, plot development and character development, dialogue, self-editing, revision, and, mostly, discipline: making myself write when I didn't feel like writing or when ideas did not come. I feel the things I've learned will help me in my job and future projects. This alone makes the entire effort worth it to me.

By Wednesday morning of this past week, with writing on average of 15 hours a day, I hated everything about writing, including this story. I was pretty sick of coffee, too.

Anyway, for the curious, here it is.

And for those who think this is a lot, it's not, really. The Harry Potter series is over a millions words in seven books, whereas my eight would need another 250,000 words to approach it.

So, you see, nothing so remarkable. And I'm certainly no JK.

BEFORE THE BLOOD

TOTAL: 368,441 (so far)

PROLOGUE: 481

JOHN SIMONS: 54, 739 (55,220)

CHAPTER 1: ONE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS: 2,680

CHAPTER 2: TASTING IMMORTALITY: 4.456

CHAPTER 3: KEYS TO HEAVEN: 8,468

CHAPTER 4: MAID TO ORDER: 4,284

CHAPTER 5: POST-GRADUATE STUDIES: 10, 551

CHAPTER 6: SHEDDING THE COCOON: 5, 663

CHAPTER 7: MUSIC HALLS AND GARBAGE CANS: 6, 644

CHAPTER 8: ONE FOR THE MEMORY BOOKS: 4, 648

CHAPTER 9: THE CONTRACT: 2,197

CHAPTER 10: CROSSING THE RUBICON: 5, 148

KELLEN WECHSLER: 55.473

CHAPTER 1: ASHES: 2,007

CHAPTER 2: FORBIDDEN FRUIT: 2,095

CHAPTER 3: THE VISION: 1,736

CHAPTER 4: BEATEN DOWN: 4, 127

CHAPTER 5: BLACK DEATH: 3, 797

CHAPTER 6: ANGEL OR DEMON? 11.985

CHAPTER 7: STARTING FRESH: 11, 106

CHAPTER 8: JUST SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE: 6, 517

CHAPTER 9: THE SUITE LIFE: 9,707

CHAPTER 10: THE VACATION: 2, 396

BRYONY MARSEILLES: 78.098

CHAPTER 1: WORM IN THE APPLE: 2, 786

CHAPTER 2: THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH: 9,482

CHAPTER 3: BREATH OF LIFE: 1,824

CHAPTER 4: BABY STEPS: 3,249

CHAPTER 5: A MOST PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE: 26, 598

CHAPTER 6: THE MIRACULOUS MEDICAL BAG: 2,776

CHAPTER 7: DOUBLE VISION: 5,748

CHAPTER 8: THE DARK SIDE OF PROGRESS: 21,353

CHAPTER 9: THE DREADED CURSE BEGINS: 3,206

CHAPTER 10: FREEZING TIME: 1,076

HENRY MATTHEWS: 89,770

CHAPTER 1: EATING CAKE: 744

CHAPTER 2: THE GYPSY: 3,700

CHAPTER 3: DEADLY NIGHTSHADE: 5,642

CHAPTER 4: REST FROM THEIR LABORS: 4,058

CHAPTER 5: MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD: 2,034

CHAPTER 6: HAUTE COUTURE: 26,759

CHAPTER 7: SHOT IN THE HEART: 28, 127

CHAPTER 8: ANTIQUE LACE, PURPLE ROSES, AND VALENTINE HEARTS: 10, 127

CHAPTER 9: SEWING OATS: 7,035

CHAPTER 10: MEETING AT THE CROSSROADS: 1,724

BRYONY SIMONS: 89,419

CHAPTER 11: THE STRANGER: 4,236

CHAPTER1 2: ICE CREAM SOCIAL: 7,572

CHAPTER 13: PSST! BRYONY HAS A BEAU: 3,323

CHAPTER 14: THE DAM BREAKS: 2,284

CHAPTER 15: THE HOUSE IN THE WOODS: 5,742

CHAPTER 16: UNTIL DEATH: 8,774

CHAPTER 17: WHERE HEARTFELT DREAMS COME TRUE: 18,523

CHAPTER 18: THE SERPENT: 5,691

CHAPTER 19: SHATTERED GLASS: 2,479

CHAPTER 20: SHADES AND SHADOWS: 4,385

CHAPTER 21. THE SENTINEL: 8,096

CHAPTER 22: ON THE OTHER SIDE OF SLEEP: 3,321

CHAPTER 23: BRAVING THE WILDERNESS: 2,187

CHAPTER 24: DOWN THE STEEP STAIRCASE OF DESPAIR (STORM CLOUDS): 4,385

CHAPTER 25: STORM CLOUDS (DOWN THE STEEP STAIRCASE OF DESPAIR_: 1,816

CHAPTER 26: ENCHANTED TWILIGHT: 1,386

CHAPTER 27: BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD: 1,680

CHAPTER 28: SHACKLED: 878

CHAPTER 29: DR. GOTHART LEADS THE WAY OUT: 1,366

CHAPTER 30: BLOOD BATH: 1,297

EPILOGUE: 461

By comparison:

Bryony: just under 100,000

Visage: 130,589

Staked: 149,167

Friday, July 13, 2018

At-Home Writing Retreat: Day Five

Brief update. The kids have been sick for the last week and half, and I think it might be my turn. (Blech).

Edited chapter eight of the third novel (all eighty-four pages of it) and worked on some of the remaining arcs of the rest of book five. While scrolling through, I was surprisingly pleased to find the bulk of chapters 27 through the epilogue are written.

My goal was to get through chapter 27. As I stand on the precipice of the final day of my BTB writing retreat, I really did better than that.

Here's what's left to do for book five:

1) Write half a dozen (or so) story arcs.

2) Fill in the blanks of dense details I bleeped over to save time.

3) Write most of the sexual scenes and one intense death scene.

4) Do the best I can do to fix the epilogue.

5) Edit the book.

Scrolling through book four, I found most of it in very good shape. Depending on time and energy tomorrow (if I really am sick), I will finish editing book three and four. Going forward, that will leave six weekends or so to address one through five in a major way.

At least three of those weekends have other stuff planned, so this can be challenging as I tend to stay away from most of the fiction during the week, preferring to put most of my time into my job.

Granted, book five doesn't have to be perfect to give books one through four to my editor.

But I do want to be certain it's structurally sound. And while she is reading the first four this fall, I will continue polishing five.

I think being able to release the first book in Before the Blood in January 2019 is very doable.

For those of you who find any value in my dribble, thank you. Your support is greatly appreciated.

BTW, I spent most of today on Fisher Farm, and I don't have an existing illustration for it. So here's a photo Sarah Stegall took a few years back and sent it to me because it reminded her of Simons Woods.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

At-Home Writing Retreat: Day Four

When I logged on this morning for a quick pass at social media, I had this surprise: a shout-out for Bryony from someone who has not read the book and someone I do not know.

Here is the link:

https://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/2018/07/apc-spotlight-bryony-bryonyseries-book.html?zx=b37d49aaad0d6930

Today I accomplished more than I anticipated.

Last night, I decided to modify my goal to only chapter 25. Trying to make up two days felt impossible and it was stressing me out.

But I peeked at chapters 26 and 27 anyways. And they felt do-able.

So I moved around chapters 21 through 27 all day.

I skipped over a few parts (brief details that eat up time and slow the composing pace. Those can be added in spare moments), one really intense death scene, and anything sexual and/or romantic (requires a different type of mood and time commitment).

Tomorrow: I'll fill in the rest of the blanks (layers, subplots, certain arcs) and patch up what I can on Saturday before my granddaughter's birthday party.

From that point on, I'll be gradually resurfacing, although not full swing until Monday (Sunday is my birthday, after all). I'll still be in at-home writing retreat mode, but it will be finishing up editing book number three from that point on.

Sunday afternoon, I' may even reward myself with a dip in the pool.

Now, the quality of all this writing is a little rough. I imagine it resembles a NaNoWriMo novel, although I'd hope not THAT rough, due to the fact chapters are well outlined and parts previously written.

Now if you'll please excuse me, I have chapter seven in the third novel to edit before I can call it quits for the night.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

At-Home Writing Retreat: Day Three

My brain hurts.

I didn't quite get two entire chapters done today but not for lack of trying. I'm averaging about fourteen hours of writing time a day, so the process can only move so fast.

Tomorrow, some of the grandchildren are coming to swim for a couple of hours, so I will lose that writing time (and gain even more precious time, I know).

Before closing out for the night, I labeled the different "arcs" in chapters 21, 22 and 23 to help keep me focused. I will concentrate on each arc and then take a short break before moving to the next. I'm hoping this will help.

I doubt I will get all the way through chapter 23 tomorrow. Chapter 24 is complicated, but chapters 25 and 26 are short and straightforward.

The goal was to complete chapter 27 by Sunday night.

I'm keeping in mind I lost last weekend. And I absolutely refuse (to quote Henry is chapter 27, heh, heh) to "rush it."

If I can finish through chapter 26 and edit most of novel number three, I will consider the retreat successful.

And with that, I have chapter six in novel number three to edit before I call it a night.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

At-Home Writing Retreat: Day Two

Ran out of time to post yesterday and veered a bit from the schedule.

Instead of writing chapter 21, I edited chapters three through five, nearly 100 pages of text I had written from June 2015 through early January 2016.

I veered for two reasons.

These two chapters form the basis of Bryony's earliest years and set her personality and environment. As I ventured deeper into the fifth novel, I felt I needed to reconnect with those early days so I didn't lose my way.

However, it does mean I will need to write two chapters today and two on Friday, the only two complete days I have left for writing. Joshua and the kids are (in theory) coming over Thursday afternoon to swim; I have Riley's second birthday on Saturday afternoon; and church on Sunday morning.

I'll post my progress of Day Three at the end of today.

Armed with coffee, imagination, and drive, here I go.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Monday, July 9, 2018

At-Home Writing Retreat: Day One

So my plan for a nine-day retreat shrank into a seven-day retreat when I spent the last two days catching up with other projects. (Ha! As if one is ever caught up!).

Undaunted, I launched into the retreat at 9:22 last night by opening the chapter I intended to write on Saturday.

Basically, my goal was to write one chapter a day of the fifth and final novel of Before the Blood.

This translates to chapters 19 through 27, leaving only 28 through 30 and the epilogue to complete the series.

I also hope to self-edit all ten chapters of novel number three. The first two are ready for my editor.

While the task seems insurmountable, I do have the structure and some writing for each chapter completed. Today, I worked hard at chapters 19 and 20 and, for the most part, have them ready for editing.

Tonight: edit the first chapter (maybe two) of third novel. Tomorrow: write chapters 21 and 22 and edit one more in the third. I do have a book signing to attend tomorrow night, so I'm hoping for either a late night tonight or an early start in the morning, however it works out.

If you've read Bryony, the illustration I post each day will reflect some theme in these current chapters.

I'm going to be a social media and email hermit this week. But I will blog to keep my accountable.

Wish me luck!

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Community News: July 7, 2018

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

Gotta Do It: July 8 through July 15

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/gotta-do-it-july-8-through-july-15/avsyo71/

Lockport students place in statewide competition

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/28/64832372526f41f58f178989a50b4005/index.xml

University of St. Francis is new host of youth legislative session

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/university-of-st-francis-is-new-host-of-youth-legislative-session/aiojt1a/

Morris complex raises over $122,000 for United Way campaign

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/morris-complex-raises-over-122-000-for-united-way-campaign/a8a3jyw/

2 Lincoln-Way bus drivers in New Lenox retire

They share nearly 50 years of driving experience between them

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/29/26cab424e2d840f4829c88074901e62a/index.xml

Joliet students earn medals in state drafting competition

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/22/78a4a580e6134015aaa6550afad2d50e/index.xml

Plainfield counselor wins 2018 Niehus Award

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/plainfield-counselor-wins-2018-niehus-award/aow9gkp/

University of St. Francis receives nearly $1 million for scholarship Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/university-of-st-francis-receives-nearly-1-million-for-scholarship-grant/akfnups/

Local students named to dean's list

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/local-students-named-to-deans-list/a1gjiba/

Longtime Frankfort 157-C staff member named dean

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/longtime-frankfort-157-c-staff-member-named-dean/aq9dbiv/

Plainfield teachers attend workshop

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/29/plainfield-teachers-attend-workshop/ak9t0hm/

Morris Lions help special athletes

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/29/morris-lions-help-special-athletes/aabunsd/

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