BryonySeries

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Community News: Nov. 15, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local faith events: Nov. 15 to Nov. 22

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/local-faith-events-nov-15-to-nov-22/ajy10xz/

Noonan first-graders in Mokena germinate seeds in a bag

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/noonan-first-graders-germinate-seeds-in-a-bag/ajzj1zi/

Grandpeople visit Plainfield school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/grandpeople-visit-plainfield-school/a4atpys/

Joliet students take care of garden

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/joliet-students-take-care-of-garden/axy2jzs/

St. Mary Nativity students in #Joliet recognized for virtue of truth

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/st-mary-nativity-students-recognized-for-virtue-of-truth/agqjp5a/

Morris church gives away 215 pairs of shoes

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/morris-church-gives-away-215-pairs-of-shoes/atued08/

Bishop to visit Channahon church

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/bishop-to-visit-channahon-church/a3fwtly/

Lockport churches hosting interfaith #Thanksgiving celebration

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/lockport-churches-hosting-interfaith-thanksgiving-celebration-on-nov-18/a3hiqzs/ving

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."

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Centuries-Old Recipe for Snipe

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Centuries-Old Recipe for Snipe

In Bryony, Kellen tells Melissa that he became powerful by preying only on the rich and influential. Sounds like a good plan, right? I mean, somebody has to play victim to a vampire, so why not be choosy?

So in Before the Blood, one victim Kellen pursues in the 18th century is the Squire of Levonshire. While attending the squire's Michaelmas party, Kellen encounters one maiden - with red hair, what else? - who complains the snipe is dry.

Not sure what recipe the squire's cooks used, but it probably wasn't this one.

Recipe for a “surfuit” of snipes, from The Cookbook of Unknown Ladies

A Surfuit of Snipes

Take a fillit of veal. Cut it small with a pd of sewit, half a pd of good fat bacon, some thyme & pepper, a little shred lemon. Let these be minc’d extraordinary small, & made in forc’d meat wth an egg. Put a layer at ye bottom of yr dish & cut yr snipes in halves & lay a thin rashure of bacon on them, every one. After you have place’d ym handsomly in yr dish, strow a good deal of crumbs of bread & shred parsley & a very little pepper over all. Put some forc’d meat on ye edge of yr dish, & yr forc’d meat yt is left put as a lid over ym. Bake it an hour at least. When it coms out, cut a whole in ye top & pour in some very good greavy. So serve it up for first course.

And for more information on The Cookbook of Unknown Ladies:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2363961/Cookbook-Unknown-Ladies-dating-1690-reveals-gluttonous-recipes-co

w-heel-veal-kidney-florentine.html

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Community News: Nov. 14, 2018

Check out this listing of food pantries, recipes, and how-to video.

Roundup of food resources in Will and Grundy counties

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/features-roundup-of-food-resources-in-will-and-grundy-counties/as22rz7/

This apple crisp gets an unlikely boost from cranberries

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/this-apple-crisp-gets-an-unlikely-boost-from-cranberries/ay8en40/

Invite your kids to help make this chocolate sheet cake

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/invite-your-kids-to-help-make-this-chocolate-sheet-cake/ay9l7nw/

Roasting gets Brussels sprouts caramelized on the outside

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/roasting-gets-brussels-sprouts-caramelized-on-the-outside/abgvb2z/

Make this green bean casserole ahead of the party and relax

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/make-this-green-bean-casserole-ahead-of-the-party-and-relax/aneb1nj/

A tender and fluffy alternative to plain white dinner rolls

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/14/a-tender-and-fluffy-alternative-to-plain-white-dinner-rolls/at7syv0/

VIDEO: VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 8: Kolacky

Joliet Junior College pastry chef instructor Mark Muszynski shows how to make this traditional pastry in this eighth and final episode of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/8befe004-d18a-4904-9d2a-349c92b8b41b.html

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 "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff .

James' Performance at "Art in the Park"

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Community News: Nov. 13, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: Nov. 13 through Nov. 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/12/local-health-events-nov-13-through-nov-20/auma7hr/

Former New Lenox resident planning second ride for a different nonprofit

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/12/former-new-lenox-resident-planning-second-ride-for-a-different-nonprofit/akchvp5/

Those who served have higher rates of cancer, heart disease than civilian peers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/29/those-who-served-have-higher-rates-of-cancer-heart-disease-than-civilian-peers/ayas7y5/

Family chooses Silver Cross Endoscopy Center in New Lenox

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/12/family-chooses-silver-cross-endoscopy-center/aiiz87g/

New treatment for liver tumors at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/12/new-treatment-for-liver-tumors-at-silver-cross-hospital-in-new-lenox/aui78oa/

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!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Two Sides of the Same Coin

My feature stories for The Herald-News are typically show the positive or poignant side of humanity.

My fiction stories tend to focus on the fallen.

Both are used to highlight what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. (a loose paraphrase of Philippians 4:8)

Light is sometimes most appreciated after sitting in the dark.

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Community News: Nov. 10 and Nov. 12, 2018

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

Why Do Books Have to Be Page-Turners?

Some of my most favorite books are slow, almost plodding, reads.

Ruth M. Arthur's A Candle in Her Room comes to mind. So does the Laura Ingalls Wilder series. And Gone with the Wind. And The Three Musketeers. And Jane Eyre. And Dracula.

They're the type of stories that, instead of racing to the end of the book to see what happens, entice you to read even more slowly so as to prolong the experience. The ending, when it does happen, happens too quickly.

It appears those types of "I want to live in this world and never leave" type of stories are out of fashion.

When did we lose this? Or does no one like a slow immersion anymore?

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

Sunday, November 11, 2018

And Now the Catch-Up

So far, I'm crossing off the items on yesterday's to-do list.

However, Sunday is fast fading, and Monday is looming closer by the minute. And who knows? By next weekend, I might have my editorial notes for the first book of Before the Blood. So can't have old tasks hanging about.

Sue's Diner returns next week, FYI.

Gotta dash! :)

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Day Off

I had a list of tasks for today. And so far, I've not done one.

Not. A. Single. One.

I read. I wasted time. Handled one crisis and am addressing another.

Except for the crises, it's been a nice, long day.

Sitting here now with a book on my lap and a cup of coffee at my side.

Bliss.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Friday, November 9, 2018

Community News: Nov. 9, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local arts and entertainment Nov. 9 through Nov. 16

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/local-arts-and-entertainment-nov-9-through-nov-16/ar15243/

Secretary of state urges students to enter contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/secretary-of-state-urges-students-to-enter-contest/akschvg/

District 202 students in Plainfield set to participate in music festival

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/district-202-students-in-plainfield-set-to-participate-in-music-festival/apem113/

‘An Evening of Holiday Music’ benefits Trinity Services in New Lenox

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/an-evening-of-holiday-music-benefits-trinity-services-in-new-lenox/ao2i7ye/

Holiday tree and wreath sale benefits The Cancer Support Center

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/holiday-tree-and-wreath-sale-benefits-the-cancersupport-center/ahbxguh/

Joliet hospice hosts 'Star Wars' golf outing

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/17/4f22ed5bab0b4711a9265878842b6c62/index.xml

Lockport Township Park District to host Christmas luncheon

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/lockport-township-park-district-to-host-christmas-luncheon/a43t6tu/

Indian Trail first-graders in Frankfort celebrate fall colors

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/07/19adf835af6742fd8d577cb5892edae4/index.xml

Plainfield students enjoy 'pumpkin math'

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/09/plainfield-students-enjoy-pumpkin-math/auj50gl/

KLA Schools of Plainfield celebrate fall

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/07/bd59df833c064c759f8ebee8901923f1/index.xml

reciated.

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!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 4 through Nov. 9

It's a grouchy morning. Technology and I are not living compatibly, and technology is getting the upper hand on way to many levels to enumerate.

But, hey! The snow is pretty, right?

And now, here's where to find me on social media (unless technology has taken another swipe at me) and links to this weeks's feature 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 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.

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. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Celebrating 'lucky 13' in a special way
Joliet caterer honors its anniversary by helping others in the community

In honor of her “lucky 13” anniversary, owner Michelle Jankowski donated a portion of her profits during the month of October to Shorewood HUGS.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/27/celebrating-lucky-13-in-a-special-way/aoaj8fb/

An Extraordinary Life: Nora Gilbert of Joliet lived life on her terms

As her daughter Bettie Komar quipped, “I could see her going to heaven with that paper in her hand saying, ‘See? This is what killed me. Failure to drive!’ ”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/27/an-extraordinary-life-nora-gilbert-of-joliet-lived-life-on-her-terms/at0l3os/

A place for kids to grieve loved ones
Camp Erin in Frankfort provides fellowship and coping skills

Through bereavement activities, which helps campers share their grief, campers learn coping skills. Activities include sharing circles, discussions about feelings and a luminary ceremony, along with traditional camp activities.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/27/c106cb561c7c4fcba1dc180ca60cd210/index.xml

Whisking It Up: Making perfect blackened chicken

JJC chef Kyle Richardson demonstrates in episode 7 of 'Whisking It Up'

Many definitions for "blackening" meat, poultry or fish call for dipping the item in spices and butter and then cooking it in a very hot skillet, which creates plenty of smoke. Here's a better way.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/06/4a178ec8dcf44bba94bcf67a4041198c/index.xml?page=1

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 7: Blackened Chicken

Junior College culinary arts chef instructor Kyle Richardson shows the best way to blacken chicken in episode seven of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b09f9fe7-62a4-4852-8cb1-ce376aa35e8f.html

'I think I bring a fire and a passion'

National president for United Methodist Women to speak in Channahon

Shannon Priddy said, "We don't just go in and say, 'We think you need this.' We go in and say, 'How can we help and how can we make sure you can do this sustainably after we're gone?'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/06/i-think-i-bring-a-fire-and-a-passion/auptru1/

2 retired men find friendship in making dollhouses at Senior Star in Romeoville

Earl Walker's wife Shirley never had a dollhouse growing up. And the couple never purchased one for their children as they had two boys.

One day Shirley (now deceased) asked Earl to made one for her.

And then something wonderful happened.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/06/00e633e2eaa949cd985722dd970c2670/index.xml?page=1

Artworks: Joliet artist Jeff Benedick passes love of stained glass art to his daughter

"I wanted to do something simple and I thought fire and light was pretty much the simplest things to do and still look cool as stained glass," Sophia said. "I ended with heavenly clouds and things."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/06/1211b29a21e7492e84f35bebcfeafcd2/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Peggy Lindgren of Shorewood

Lindgren said this about her story in next week's LocalLit short story newsletter: "This story is about my sweet dog, who loves me just because I was lucky enough to be her “person.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/08/locallit-author-spotlight-peggy-lindgren-of-shorewood/aifjmn7/

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

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Community News: Nov, 8, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local faith events Nov. 8 through Nov. 15

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/local-faith-events-nov-8-through-nov-15/aza4fs9/

Joliet Catholic Academy Announces September Students of the Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/01/9ec4e295f9e14852887d9911608809ff/index.xml

Joliet Catholic Academy announces October Students of the Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/01/88169c9be56e4408861fcd916387210c/index.xml

Joliet Catholic Academy hosts annual Spirit Raffle

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/01/joliet-catholic-academy-hosts-annual-spirit-raffle/anw7oqx/

Joliet church to offer annual #Taize’ Service of Healing and Remembrance

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/joliet-church-to-offer-annual-taize-service-of-healing-and-remembrance/a56bqmw/

Celebrate Recovery Program begins Nov. 13 at Shorewood Church

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/celebrate-recovery-program-begins-nov-13-at-shorewood-church/a93iji8/

Pack shoeboxes for kids in need Nov. 10 in Morris

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/pack-shoeboxes-for-kids-in-need-nov-10-in-morris/aduymff/

Catholics Returning Home program begins Nov. 19 in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/catholics-returning-home-program-begins-nov-19-in-plainfield/abtxnwp/

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Back to my Roots

Monday, March 31, 2014

But Wait, a Commercial Break: Back to my Roots

I wanted to write today about Christopher's thirty-second birthday, not so much about the day, exactly, but, well...those ruminations will have to wait another twenty-four, or so, hours.

Because I'm caught up and ahead at work and because my editorial assistant was gone today, I received permission to work offsite today at Christopher's apartment, in Chanahon, the village where we lived for many years before foreclosure, homelessness, etc.

Christopher's apartment is down the street from our old house. It's the site of most of my freelance work this past fall and the temporary home of my four cats. Temporary is right, because Christopher and his finacee, the lovely Jennifer Blades, well, they have some exciting news to share. And I'll wait until I'm free to share it.

In the meantime, interspersed with already scheduled interviews and deadlines, I cuddled the cats--and Faith sat on the back of my chair for old times sake, even though it was a kitchen chair and not my old office chair, which is probably still sitting in the abandoned attic--and walked the old route, the streets where I mourned lost love, mentally wrote several books, rejoiced in heart desires come true, reflected on the past and present and made plans for the future...oh, so many things!

The weather was mild; the breeze blew through me, adding to the exhilaration, and the sun shone warm. God is good; life is good.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Community News: Nov. 7, 2018

Check out food resources, recipes, and food videos!

Roundup of food resources in Will and Grundy counties

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/roundup-of-food-resources-in-will-and-grundy-counties/azig8k7/

Pecan pie with a smooth-textured filling and a nice crust

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/pecan-pie-with-a-smooth-textured-filling-and-a-nice-crust/ag6mq7l/

Turn smoked turkey and melty cheddar into an inspired lunch

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/turn-smoked-turkey-and-melty-cheddar-into-an-inspired-lunch/am35y2c/

Cooking and glazing a moist and cured ham? It's in the bag

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/cooking-and-glazing-a-moist-and-cured-ham-its-in-the-bag/aet7qc/

A recipe for rolls as good as any from a European bakery

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/a-recipe-for-rolls-as-good-as-any-from-a-european-bakery/a8tx4um/

Baked brie with jam or fruit is popular for good reason

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/07/baked-brie-with-jam-or-fruit-is-popular-for-good-reason/ajrylqj/

EPISODES 1 THROUGH 7 OF "WHISKING IT UP"

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 7: Blackened Chicken

Junior College culinary arts chef instructor Kyle Richardson shows the best way to blacken chicken in episode seven of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b09f9fe7-62a4-4852-8cb1-ce376aa35e8f.html

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 6: How to set a table

Joliet Junior College culinary arts associate professor Eric Bell shows tips and techniques for proper table setting in episode six of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/7660c4f6-2ea5-45f3-8108-08dc9c0e4211.html

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 5: Dark Chocolate Truffles

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Andy Chlebana shows how to make chocolate truffles in episode five of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/198435ff-2890-44e9-a30e-890546dbaca2.html

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 4: Chicken Rice Soup

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Ken Thompson shows how to make chicken rice soup in episode four of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/c1414a61-1f76-43fe-932e-950d1f7128e6.html

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 3: Making small dice cuts

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Ken Thompson shows how to make uniform small dice cuts in episode three of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/ae7a664f-ec5e-41c8-bbaf-dc954345d27a.html

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 2: Herbed Chicken Medallions

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Timothy Bucci shows how to make sautéed chicken medallions with an herbed wine sauce in episode two of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/29d274c0-f5ea-41b3-930c-e078b1d05ea4.html

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC - Episode 1: How To cut up a chicken

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Paul Bringas shows how to cut up a whole chicken and make homemade chicken stock in episode one of "Whisking It Up."

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/fae4fb20-0e8d-4fa2-a52f-f5a881bc4db2.html

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

"Bryony" Theme Song by James Onohan

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Community News: Nov. 6, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: Nov. 6 through Nov. 13

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/local-health-events-nov-6-through-nov-13/af4om7u/

Have you changed these important batteries yet?

Plainfield Fire Protection District suggests changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/have-you-changed-these-important-batteries-yet/ajd34uv/

Romeoville mom happy with her weight loss surgery

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/romeoville-mom-happy-with-her-weight-loss-surgery/agswpyh/

This year’s influenza vaccine is expected to be a good match

Morris doctor stresses flu prevention

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/this-years-influenza-vaccine-is-expected-to-be-a-good-match/a5c3tdu/

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox achieves national accreditation

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/05/silver-cross-hospital-in-new-lenox-achieves-national-accreditation/ant8zii/

BMI surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox helps doctor lose weight

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/11/05/ccdcd6c806814efab50e55ae41324982/index.xml

Illinois officials monitored water conditions

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/01/illinois-officials-monitored-water-conditions/atj5esl/

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Community News: Nov. 3 and Nov. 5 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: Nov. 4 through Nov. 11

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/31/gotta-do-it-nov-4-through-nov-11/a8w4csx/

Local pet events: Nov. 5 through Nov. 12

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/31/local-pet-events-nov-5-through-nov-12/a4aav6d/

Romeoville resident’s heron photograph wins July portion of photo contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/12/romeoville-residents-heron-photograph-wins-july-portion-of-photo-contest/a8z2lx7/

Frankfort students research animals

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/18/f9f8157d13f3422bbeaa3e0a4f413118/index.xml

Pets of the Week: Nov. 5

Click on the caption of each pet to read its description.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/29/a1fced9063474058bc9d5f8ef4ba7ecd/index.xml

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Readers and Writers: Do You Use Goodreads?

My sister, a former bookseller turned librarian introduced me to Goodreads before 2007, I want to say, because I had not started writing Bryony yet.

Although it was my introduction to social media, I wasn't too interested and never explored it too much. I tend to be a solitary reader and writer and couldn't see the point of the site. But as time passes, I'm trying to become more social in my hobbies.

So "learn Goodreads" was part of the revised marketing plan I created a couple years ago, a thorough plan I'm gradually implementing.

Since my goal for 2019 (and I've already started) is to read the books of WriteOn Joliet authors this year, and since Amazon doesn't let me post reviews because I don't spend much money on the site, a fellow author suggested I post them on Goodreads.

Which is what I intend to do.

I used my extra hour on Saturday night to explore the site. Since my favorite genre isn't listed there so for me as an author, I'm already challenged to find readers. As a reader, it will also be challenging finding new reads.

I as surprised to find one of my favorite stories (Henry James' Turn of the Screw) only had a rating of 3.4. But good information for me.

My question to readers and writers: how much do you use the site and do you find it valuable? In what way?

Thank you in advance to anyone who chooses to share. :)

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

Sunday, November 4, 2018

"Memories in the Kitchen"

Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From "Bryony," is the official BryonySeries cookbook.

It's a collection of authentically Victorian recipes and recipes that were popular in the 1970s.

Some of the recipes came from 19th century, out-of-print cookbooks.

Some came from vintage cookbooks still in print and were used and modified with permission of the publisher.

Some came from the collection of The Henry Ford and features signature recipes of restaurants long since closed.

Some came from reader submissions.

All proceeds from cookbook sales benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, a nod to the cooking/mentoring relationship between Steve Barnes and Brian Marchellis in Bryony.

So when you purchase a cookbook for yourself or as a gift, you not only might make your own "memories in the kitchen," you'll help a child.

And that's a sweet combination.

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

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Setting Down the Pen

My first thought at realizing we have an extra hour tonight was, "Yes! I can stay up late and write!"

Such has been my thought since 2008 when I began writing Bryony in earnest.

Never did I dream that my dream of writing one novel would span a trilogy, a five-book prequel, a chapter book series, a children's series, and one cookbook.

Fifteen books so far with more chapter books and children's books outlined.

And a werewolf story that's scarcely more than a good idea. But I told Rebekah tonight I'd like to release it by Halloween.

Today I had this romantic notion of sitting at my computer, coffee by my side, desk light providing my only illumination, and starting the werewolf story. Because I love being lost in creativity and a good story.

Except I really am worded out. And putting out another novel in 2019 when I'll be editing and publishing five other ones, along with (hopefully) a couple more each of Cornell and Bertrand just sounds, well, hard.

Especially since the story is, at this point, only a premise, a few details, a title, and random ideas and phrases.

Granted, the werewolf story is a shorter standalone. And maybe Halloween is plausible.

And maybe it it not. At least, for 2019.

For most of my life, I've steeped myself in the words and thoughts of other writers. As a child. As a student. And especially as a homeschool parent, which provided the richest and most abundant years of reading.

For the last ten years, I've drawn on those wells to craft my own stories. I've read less, written more.

That well is tapped.

I literally wrung out the last word droplets with the fifth and final book of Before the Blood.

What's a writer to do?

Dig a new well, of course. And my tools are the same tools of the past. Everyone else's words.

So tonight, as soon as I post this blog, I'll be sitting on my bed, coffee by my side, desk light providing my only illumination, and reading one of the novels from the stacked up piles.

What's in those piles? Mostly books written by writer friends that I've never read or started to read, and, indeed, want to read. Others are books my kids have, for years, urged me to read.

So now is the time.

Because I have an extra hour tonight.