BryonySeries

Friday, June 21, 2019

Community News: June 21, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing, as well as five recipes to try at home.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Silver Cross donates plus toys to Will County Children's Advocacy Center

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/19/silver-cross-donates-plus-toys-to-will-county-childrens-advocacy-center/aexa5bv/

Lockport group to present 'Beauty and the Beast'

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/19/57d5d96771f94351b9febf01a109c3d1/index.xml

Bag tournament in Minooka was a success

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/19/bag-tournament-in-minooka-was-a-success/a5fd701/

Plainfield 8th-grade student composes song for band

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/13/plainfield-8th-grade-student-composes-song-for-band/ahcnzyq/

Grassroots survey to measure on-farm stewardship practices and inform customers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/18/grassroots-survey-to-measure-on-farm-stewardship-practices-and-inform-customers/ax6oj7e/

RECIPES

Dive into a Greek gyro, with lamb and yogurt sauce in a pita

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/17/dive-into-a-greek-gyro-with-lamb-and-yogurt-sauce-in-a-pita/av057l9/

Try this light, summertime bean salad with corn and avocado

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/17/try-this-light-summertime-bean-salad-with-corn-and-avocado/afzg5ss/

Spice your turkey burgers up with some mango chutney

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/17/spice-your-turkey-burgers-up-with-some-mango-chutney/avzig0p/

Make nicely glazed, unimpeachable peachy grilled chicken

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/17/make-nicely-glazed-unimpeachable-peachy-grilled-chicken/a3j4l2f/

The key to a crisp chopped salad is salting ahead of time

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/17/the-key-to-a-crisp-chopped-salad-is-salting-ahead-of-time/a8b9x67/

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!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 16 through June 21

I hope everyone is having a great week, and has an even better weekend plan.

I have a smattering of things planned. Here's a quick glance:

Transfer my copy edits of the fifth and final installment of Before the Blood from hard copy to manuscript.

Read through the proof copy of Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake.

Start the actual writing for Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers.

Keep working on the outlines for Lycanthropic Summer and the "Limbo" trilogy.

Spend an hour or two with one of my grandsons to assess him for second grade (his parents are planning to homeschool him next year, and I'm helping them plan a curriculum). The trade-off: Joshua is cooking dinner (his famous poor boys, yum!).

Work on Phyllis' memoir.

Bring a friend who has lung cancer a couple surprises.

Visit Ron in the nursing home if he is up to it. For those of you who pray or think good thoughts, please keep him in prayer. This is a trying time for our family.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. :)

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):

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:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Giving healing a chance to bloom
Former Joliet man chronicles his grief at the loss of his father

"I know there are a lot of people, adults, who have gone through similar things," Jeff Joutras said. "It's OK to be vulnerable. That's when we experience love and freedom, is when we're vulnerable. To keep all that stuff inside is not very healthy."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/11/5681e028842841b98b06b34bbe81d734/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Everyone's faith-filled 'go-to lady'
Rev. Genevieve Brown of Joliet was a woman trailblazing accomplishments

Steve Evans said, "We did not have a lot of things, but she made sure we had love for each other as brothers and sisters, something she stressed through our adult lives. She was an amazing, amazing woman."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/11/0e377858222f40d885552fbf2fdfd634/index.xml

Local 'Prodigal Son' returns home to help
Joliet pastor says, 'No one is born saved. We've all done something.'

Steve Evans said, "During my teens years, I made some bad decisions. I got into scrapes with the law and I was a drug addict for over 30 years. I was an alcoholic, as well. But God delivered me from that – it's been about 27 years now that I've been what they call 'clean and sober.'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/11/local-prodigal-son-returns-home-to-help/aqs517i/

A 'refined and sophisticated' drink
Joliet Bourbon Club helping museum with its bourbon tasting event

"It's just an informal group of guys that have common love for bourbon," Michael Murray, secretary, said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/18/dd2c13010f3643a59ab23d78156484be/index.xml

Meet the author, hear his music
Chicago musician Dean Milano set to appear at Joliet theater on June 30

This event is just one of the many monthly events the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is planning to host, said Ron Romero, museum founder and president.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/16/cbeb98c812ce431998c75c65277fcfcb/index.xml

Artworks 'It's 40-year dream finally realized'
David Bellah of New Lenox receives high-profile praise for 1st CD

Bellah said, "I think it takes time for you to take all these musical influences and put them in the blender and go, 'OK, this is Dave being Dave. Not Dave being Steven Tyler or Paul Rogers or whoever.'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/16/219eb310c046486ab388744c8d530ba6/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: 'My Dad's Rose' by Jeffrey F. Joutras
Upcoming review of book by former Joliet resident on the grieving process

In "My Dad's Rose, Joutras shares how the grief affection him for decades, "through his career and through his own journey as a father of five, the loss ultimately manifesting in a depression that he hid for years," the description also said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/20/ec4e4a79bfd145c7b35513539da9da28/index.xml

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

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Community News: June 19 and June 20, 2019

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

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

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Launch Party

I've had a couple different people suggest we should throw a BryonySeries fundraiser and cook various dishes from the "Bryony" cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

While such an event is beyond the scope of my time right now, we did host one on Oct. 14, 2011 at the former Harwood Post in Joliet when we launched the brand.

The event was a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and we raised just under $1,400, not a whole lot, but very good for a grassroots fundraiser hosted by people with zero fundraising experience.

Here is the recap post from Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Highlights of the evening included the serving up of "bites and nibbles" from the upcoming Bryony cookbook:

* Fried “O’Brien-style” potatoes

* Mini corn dogs

* Black Avocado Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips

* Corn Dip With Homemade Tortilla Chips

* Cucumber and Tomato Salad

* Marinated Onions, Mushrooms, and Peppers

* Chicken Salad

* Shepherd’s Pie

* Stuffed Mini Peppers

* Pork Tenderloins with Cabbage and Kraut

* Vegetarian Chili

* Pear Mascarpone French Toast

* Toffee-Apple French Toast

* Sweet Potato Pudding

Many characters from the book--in period dress--served and interacted with the guests.

Teen classic rock band, Street Worthy, represented the 1970s.

Romantic pianist/composer James Onohan symbolized the Victorian era by playing, for the first time, original songs from the brand-new Bryony CD, The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons.

Alas, red tape meant we had no books to sell, but we raffled off one of two proof copies we received for $100, which we also donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. We hope to have copies of both the novel and the cookbook available SOON!

For those who missed the festivities (or are loath to see them end), Bryony will be at the HS Healing and Wellness Center's first Pumpkin Fest from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 22. The day features tarot readings, face painting, live music by James Onohan, pumpkin decorating, and storytelling. The center is located at 3117 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet. For more information call 815-741-4386.

The following week, I will be at the same Healing and Wellness Center from 4 to 5 p.m. reading Halloween stories.

Mostly, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed into the success of VampFest:

The Bryony Team: Dulcinea Hawksworth, director of marketing and event host/ coordinator; Tommy Connolly, media researcher and developer and emcee; Sarah Stegall, web administrator and silent auction co-coordinator; James Onohan, Bryony's pianist and composer; Virginia Schonbachler, silent auction and raffle co-coordinator; Stephen James Tuplin of Echo White Fox and Josh Siegers of JKS Productions for photography and videography; Heather Frelichowski of Crafty Moms Inc for costume design, Harwood Post and especially Mary Hischier, for supplying food, venue, and general guidance.

Vendors: Matt Coundiff of A Thin Line Tattoo, Vanna Fleetwood of Dimensions Barber and Salon, Sandy Costa of Foo Tribe Jewelry, HS Healing and Wellness Center, Bryonycookbook contest winner Kathryn Russ Dunlap and Rufio products, Andrea Rodriguez of Sugar Mama, Inc., and Valerie’s Heavenly Scents.

Volunteers: Christopher Baran, Daniel Baran, Rebekah Baran, Timothy Baran, Karen Bonarek, Rachel Bonarek, Rose Bonerk, Amber Cable,, Becky Colwell, Noah Curl, Donna Krofta, Justin Ongenae, Carolyn Sallade, Bryony cookbook contest winner Nola Sawyer, Rachel Schall

An especial thank you to Ed Calkins, Cal Graphics, Inc., Dawn Aulet, Fast Printing of Joliet, J and M Printing, John Heinz, and Street Worthy; the members of the Heavenly Sinners Writer’s Guild for their enthusiastic support and to Tommy Connolly and Virginia Schonbachler for supplying, out of pocket, all the last minute and much needed items; and also to Kosack’s Formalwear, Joliet Junior College theatre department, the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life for supplying costumes, all of our silent auction donors, and those the generous supporters of the event.

If you'd like to be added to Bryony's virtual mailing list for updates, please contact me at BryonySeries@gmail.com.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Open Mic Night 2019: Diana Estell

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Community News: June 15 and June 18, 2019

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

Field Trip!

Heading out for a bit of drive before the work begins.

Nothing like a little adventure and family bonding to change up the work day.

Fortunately, I'm not driving, so it's a great time to catch up on email and social media.

Have a great Tuesday! :)

Monday, June 17, 2019

June 14 and June 17, 2019

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

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

Basking, Procrastination, and Beginning Again

This weekend was straightforward and wonderful.

Timothy and I finished the outline for Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers, (the fourth book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer chapter book series), which I will begin writing next weekend.

A quick side note of how we write these stories: For the the first book, Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone, I asked for some basic story line thoughts from Timothy and Daniel, which Timothy mostly supplied. I wrote the book from there. He wrote the title, too.

For the second book, Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness, Timothy again gave a few thoughts, much less this time, and I wrote the book from there. He wrote the title, too,

For the third book, Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake (hoping proof copy will arrive by the weekend), Timothy made a breakfast date and verbally shared a really comprehensive outline for the story. It took about three hours for him to share it all of it, and I hung onto every word. We wrote the title together.

But for this fourth book, Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers, Timothy supplied the most detailed story line of them all. We began the day before Mother's Day with a three hour breakfast date, continued in the car, took a long walk for more story in the afternoon, and then spent another few hours on Mother's Day afternoon.

All of that for just half the story.

We did two chapters last Saturday, which took another couple of hours. And the last two, along with the epilogue on Saturday, another couple hours.

It's an amazing story. Timothy is an amazing storyteller and kept me enthralled all these hours. Now I have to take his concept and turn it into an amazing story to read.

Shortly after we finished, the proof copy for the fifth and finally installment of Before the Blood arrived, all 312 pages of it. Somehow, when a story is a manuscript in the computer, I can't grasp the immensity of it. It was a moment for pause.

And then I grabbed my headphones and a pen, and began reading and marking, plenty of marking, for I found plenty of typos that will need fixing next weekend.

This was the basking part.

A few side notes: I walked over 10 miles on Saturday and 14 yesterday. I also worked for a few hours yesterday since I have to be out of the office for a little bit on Tuesday (and will be covering a story offsite).

I talked to my parents for awhile on Sunday. So I didn't spend the entire weekend in a bubble (or Narnia, as Rebekah said).

On Saturday, I also worked on the werewolf story (Lycanthropic Summer). This is the procrastination and beginning again part.

For some, "a job well done" might spur inspiration and the next project. Maybe I'm lazy at heart because, for me, it doesn't.

In fact, it's just the opposite.

Sometimes, I think I enjoy reading more than writing. But in order to read the stories in my head, I have to write them. And that is harder than reading.

Grumble.

The basking part of holding that finished book and then opening said book to revel in its story takes LOTS of work to get there. A lot of outlines, drafts, poor attempts, song lists, character questionnaires, and plenty of rewriting until the story I want to tell starts to emerge.

I'd rather read.

I'm not out of ideas, I'm not out of stories.

It's just that I want them to be done now.

It's unrealistic, I know.

But then, look at the fiction I write.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Celtic Music - Fairy Forest

Friday, June 14, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 9 through June 14

First of all, THANK YOU to anyone and everyone who supported Matt Coundiff at last Friday's New Orleans North.

Matt said he sold quite a number of pieces and did a phenomenal amount of networking, so he was really pleased with the entire event.

So my plans for this weekend have changed. Initially, I was going to work on my werewolf novel. But now that Amazon is promising the proof copy of the fifth and final installment of Before the Blood on Saturday, well, reading that book from start to finish is the new plan (reading is easier than writing, so easy choice).

However, I'm hoping to work on the werewolf story later tonight. And Timothy wants to meet for breakfast tomorrow morning to complete the outline for the fourth book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series: Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers.

And then, while waiting for the proof, the plan is to work on Phyllis' memoir, which is shaping up quite nicely.

Also, Sue Midlock, the Cornell Dyer illustrator, send me all the art for Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake this past week, so we hope to get that book uploaded, too, and then send for the proof.

And Rebekah is hoping to finish the author page for the WriteOn Joliet website this weekend (unless she has to work overtime). Fortunately, I will be hanging around the house most of the weekend and will be available for consultation.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. :)

Non-bylined features:

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):

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.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

Books and Such

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.

A Haitian man's dream comes true
Plainfield family steps out in faith and across the miles

One day, Allison Glodoski asked Holly Pierre, "What's your dream?"

To Glodoski, that was the first sign God had His hand in their future. She's never asked this question of someone she doesn't know well, she said.

"He said, 'My dream is to go to America and study,'" Glodoski said. "My husband looked at me like, 'I think we're meant to do this.' "

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/28/43bd13e4979244779a67750d1a99974d/index.xml

'Because of Joe, we will achieve more'
Joliet man's faith guided his works

"If you believe in the good Lord then we have to be of service., "a smiling Joe Adler said in a Habitat for Humanity video. "And housing is not a luxury - it's justice - what it's all about. So in that way, we're just following the rules."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/08/8d219f3c245446b2814d56a919921274/index.xml

Haiti man keeps his eyes on the prize
Joliet Junior College alumna has promising future, thanks to Plainfield family

For years Holly Pierre, 30, dreamed of studying automotive technology in the United States and then working in the automotive field, and every move he made was part of that dream, including learning English in school.

"All that time I didn't know anyone. I did not know how I'd get to here [the United States} from here," Pierre said. "But I decided to get myself ready in case something happened and life turned in my favor. Of course, I was praying a lot."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/10/5cdc0e5623834e13a4d0e2f17699d6ee/index.xml

An 'art' twist on the beauty of nature
Forest Preserve's Arts and Nature on the River' is June 15 in Channahon

"We want people to have a user-friendly experience, getting up close and personal with art," Tina Riley, the facility supervisor at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, said. "I think it helps break down barriers people have built around what art is or what nature is. Sometimes it just takes an opportunity to be introduced to it in a non-threatening way."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/11/d4d463f3f3834f6cb21dce383a1a072e/index.xml

Artworks Forest foes, killer rabbit, foam armor
Joliet theater challenges itself by performing Monty Python's 'Spamalot'

Director Lori Carmine said, "We have made almost every piece of armor out of foam. We used a lot of foam. It was going to be a two-day armor-making thing and it went on for a week and a half."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/11/9fdb9e70b32f4fdba534f3ed44edda2b/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Kevin Trusty of Joliet

Trusty's summary of his story is, "'It's Only Iowa, Chappie' is derived from a rather well-known story. (It'll be obvious where the source material comes from for those who have read W.P. Kinsella's amazing book, or seen a certain popular Kevin Costner film.) I thought it'd be fun to take a look at that story from a unique insider's perspective. I'm breaking my own rule here - usually I think what you don't know can be more interesting, but in this case, let's change that."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/13/locallit-author-spotlight-kevin-trusty-of-joliet/ala0jbo/

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

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Community News: June 13, 2019

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

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: The Peaked Winter Cap

Because I have a small head, I have a hard time getting winter hats to fit properly; I wind up with a Pillsbury Doughboy look.

While leaving the gas station yesterday morning after grabbing some bold coffee, I caught myself in the window and commented on the hat's weird look.

I wish I could remember Daniel's exact wording (Why don't I write this stuff down???), but he laughed it off and said something to the effect that it's because my head is full of ideas.

I loved it; Rebekah felt he'd created a monster.

My head is so stuffed with ideas, even my hat can't contain them. :)

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Community News: June 11 and June 12, 2019

Check out upcoming events, some great advice, and the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Joliet Township High Schools Foundation to host golf outing

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/07/joliet-township-high-schools-foundation-to-host-golf-outing/auh3zgq/

Trinity Triumph 5K is set for June 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/10/trinity-triumph-5k-is-set-for-june-20/at0vtbr/

Around Town: Crystal Lawns Church of the Nazarene

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/10/around-town-crystal-lawns-church-of-the-nazarene/a8obf4w/

Obesity can sometimes signal endocrine issues
Morris Hospital endocrinologist explains why

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/10/obesity-can-sometimes-signal-endocrine-issues/a8xck8a/

The world is now more accessible than ever
Make traveling with special needs easier with these tips

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/10/the-world-is-now-more-accessible-than-ever/addehd5/

Local students earn degrees in spring 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/12/local-students-earn-degrees-in-spring-2019/aoy54t7/

Local students earn dean’s lists for spring 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/12/local-students-earn-deans-lists-for-spring-2019/a6mp2p6/

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."

Open Mic Night 2019: Colleen Robbins

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

"Writers Are Readers..."

...or so my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez likes to say.

Yesterday, I wrote about my lack of formula in my writings and felt my ability to write a good story came from an instinctive sense.

Today I'm going to retract that, just a bit.

I do believe all of us are born with certain talents and abilities and that we must exercise them to develop them to the highest degree.

Reading A LOT is one way to exercise them.

No revelation, right?

Not to me either, until this happened to me.

Over the past year, Rebekah has been rereading some of her favorite childhood novels: The "Little House" series, "Five Little Peppers," etc.

So for her birthday, thanks to internet shopping, I gifted her with some of my favorite novels from my own preteen years.

A few weeks later, when she had only one or two left, I sort of remembered one I had forgotten, the name eluding me, the plot more clear.

We searched by keywords and found it. A week later, it arrived, a surprise for me from Timothy. Happy at meeting this long-lost friend, I flipped through its pages. Then came the second surprise.

I could have written it.

I'm not saying I'm as skilled as that author (Yes, I've read all about her, thanks, once again, to the internet). But the structure of the sentences, the story flow, the rhythm, beat, and cadence, even word choice: all these together sounded as if I'd written the story.

Writers: I don't know how much outstanding reading is required to become an outstanding writer. I'm a slow learner, so perhaps far less than I require. But perhaps the most surest way to recreate a certain style of writing, while making it your own, is to read, reread, and reread, the books in your genre, the books that delight you, and make you want to share them with others, even decades after you've last read them.

Now I'm inspired to reread more my childhood favorites, if only to see how much good writing I've absorbed, to sift through layers of story lines and character development and track my writing heritage, one born, not of bone, blood, and DNA, but of the skill and imagination of authors who've gone before me, but left their good writing for me and others to enjoy, to imitate.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Monday, June 10, 2019

Community News: June 10, 2019

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

Not Terribly Clever

I like to share particularly helpful posts about writing I find online with my followers.

But here's an insight into my writing style. I usually don't read or consider writing advice when I writing a story. I may use them afterward to polish and rewrite drafts.

However, I don't build certain elements into my story for the sake of writing a "correctly structured" story. Heck, when I wrote my first book, I had only a dim awareness such things existed.

When I write my characters, I'm not making sure I have a predetermined character cast.

When I'm building my world, I'm not making sure I incorporate any canned elements that all good world-building "must" have.

I don't write my stories based on models or structures (snowflake, hitting certain mood or plot beats).

I simply write the story.

That's not to say any of these aren't helpful/useful/beneficial or necessary for writers (including me). Many times, I've had "aha!" moments by reading one of these insights.

It's just to point out there's more than one path to a compelling story. Some writers appreciate guidelines to turn their jumble of thoughts in well-crafted stories. Others write better with a "free range" style.

I think I fall somewhere in between. And I think it's because I've read such a huge volume of material in my life that I've absorbed all this great advice.

I think.

Now I do have my own quirks. I prefer to write in silence, with coffee, on a desk top and, (if I'm writing fiction) in an upstairs room.

But because I'm also a professional writer, I can write in a flash, on deadline, and in a roomful of people. But it's not as enjoyable. And not as efficient.

And BTW: ignore anyone who purports to have "the secret" creating great writing.

There isn't any.

Except maybe one, and it's not a secret.

You do have to write it.

And rewrite it.

And rewrite it.

And rewrite it.

Until the story in your head becomes the story on your screen.

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Community News: June 7 and June 8 2019

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