BryonySeries

Monday, November 11, 2019

Community News: Nov. 9 and Nov.11, 2019

Check out upcoming events 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.

Plainfield native exemplifies legacy of U.S. Navy Seabees

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/plainfield-native-exemplifies-legacy-of-u-s-navy-seabees/a9z7f6a/

When military veterans are applying for jobs
Make sure never to ask these questions

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/when-military-veterans-are-applying-for-jobs/ap0v1pj/

Joliet soldier promoted

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/joliet-soldier-promoted/ahgobz9/

Plainfield resident receives medal

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/plainfield-resident-receives-medal/a8gdsc5/

Reducing stress on military families, honoring veterans

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/09/reducing-stress-on-military-families-honoring-veterans/agkgrjj/

Orland Park native exemplifies legacy of U.S. Navy Seabees

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/orland-park-native-exemplifies-legacy-of-u-s-navy-seabees/aollwpy/

Organization that serves #veterans in Will, Grundy counties receives donation

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/06/organization-that-serves-veterans-in-will-grundy-counties-receives-donation/aczqabh/

Retired Channahon police chief takes Honor Flight

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/07/retired-channahon-police-chief-takes-honor-flight/au2110/

Pets of the Week: Nov. 10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/pets-of-the-week-nov-10/dmk702j/

Bolingbrook parent mentors increase skills

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/bolingbrook-parent-mentors-increase-skills/agfdlxh/

Ginny the comfort dog visits Romeoville school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/ginny-the-comfort-dog-visits-romeoville-school/afscxli/

Bolingbrook students study caterpillars

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/bolingbrook-students-study-caterpillars/a1vwez9/

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 artworkbytopher.com.

Antidote for Discouragement

Look for the blessings.

That's it.

If you're feeling discouraged, look for those blessings and appreciate them.

They are the signposts to keep moving your forward, the bread and drink for the journey.

Have a most blessed Monday readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

A "Ruthless" Update

This is the "telegram" I received earlier this week that promoted this blog post: The Great Compliment of Fan Fiction.

Along with this email, I also received the first seven chapters and the epilogue, which I read in fits and starts this week. (I still have chapter seven and the epilogue to go).

Writers: take note of the lowercase letters. The explanation is at the bottom, hilarious.

Dear Momi,

With so few word between us since I've started the rough draft of Ruthless, the back story of Ed Calkins, I feel the need to send some of what I'm working on.

I don't want to damage the Bryony franchise, but I've taken liberties with the some of the characters and their author. I am completely willing to retreat on any storyline I've introduced if you find it prudent.

This is a good point to send what I have, but new chapters are likely to emerge as the plots unfold. Just as sure, chapters will need to be cut as the subplots gain complications.

Table of content (outline)

Forward or Backward w

Chapter 1 Pigs don’t Plow w

Chapter 2 Mirror w

Chapter 3 Road trip bar w

Chapter 4 The Why chromosome w

Chapter 5 Suspect w

Chapter 6 Happy Hunting w

Chapter 7 A Government of, by, and for Ed Calkins w

Chapter 8 The divine refrigerator w

Chapter 9 Shoot out at the Not OK Coral c

Chapter 10 Somebody else’s dirty secret w

Chapter 11 So a girl, a guy, and a brownie walk into a bar… u

Chapter 12 The Council of scantily clothed merrows u

Chapter 13 The road trip continues. u

A The trial

B The execution

Chapter 14 Turning State’s evidence u

Chapter 15 Kiss, kill, or marry u

Chapter 16 Where’s your bathrobe u

Chapter 17 the folly of a gun at a limerick fight u

Chapter 18 Won the lottery, died the next day u

Chapter 19 A full confession u

Epilogue w

c- complete but needs revision

w- writing done be content needs adding and revision

u- created but not one word on paper

Friday, November 8, 2019

Community News: Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, 2019

Check out 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.

Bolingbrook students enjoy special breakfast

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/bolingbrook-students-enjoy-special-breakfast/axyzeg8/

Troy staff become celebrity lunch servers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/06/troy-staff-become-celebrity-lunch-servers/aonijrs/

Plainfield restaurant helps out football/cheer association

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/05/plainfield-restaurant-helps-out-footballcheer-association/as0ytzu/

Air Force Junior ROTC were walking tall and proud at the 2019 Bolingbrook Pathways Parade

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/23/74bc37c6320a43cb838e3525ec3ab44a/index.xml?page=1

Morris Lions Club announces costume contest winners

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/11/04/c067ed424fc14733a8b92914d28b4be7/index.xml?page=1

Bolingbrook parent mentors increase skills

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/bolingbrook-parent-mentors-increase-skills/agfdlxh/

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 artworkbytopher.com.

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

It's super-busy Friday, and I'm a super-tired editor, so here's a few quick highlights:

The proof copy for Cornell Dyer and the Flu arrived yesterday, which I hope to read over the weekend, in-between work and two side projects I'm tackling.

I doubt I'll have copies in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Nov. 15 (Hope to see you there!), but I will be taking orders and selling the book at "in-person" prices, so please stop and check it out.

I was invited to participate in a podcast, which we'll be recording this evening.

In the meantime, please check out the stories about some extraordinary people and worthwhile events coming up in the area.

Have a wonderful day, 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.

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet native was 'always the servant'

People will probably most remember Chuck Lennon for this Henry Ford quote: “You can do anything if you have enthusiasm,” which Chuck had printed on the back of his business cards.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-native-was-always-the-servant/a3tn8ak/

VIDEO: ER doctor at Lockport career fair planned hands-on activity

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b871da1c-a4f3-4ae0-b6c2-32a9bae433e0.html

A 'taste' of Chicago right in Joliet
CUT 158 Chophouse offers large cuts of premium meats, hosting 2 events

"It's all prime cuts," Bill Dimitroulas said. "The size we offer is way greater than any other restaurant in the area."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/06/a-taste-of-chicago-right-in-joliet/d2v7og0/

A simple way to feed the hungry
Joliet business owner to receive prestigious award for micro pantry movement

"So many were too embarrassed or prideful to ask for help, or did not want the hassle completing paperwork," Jeff Eberhard said in the health department news release. "The micro pantries allow them to just stop by and take what they need for their families and children.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/06/a-simple-way-to-feed-the-hungry/dc147b9/

Making military history come alive
Traveling exhibit to be part of Veterans Day event in downtown Joliet

Robert Dymek has histories of battles and the items on display on the poster boards. Sometimes, he even has information about the people whose uniforms and memorabilia he is displaying and is able to share their stories.

He’s heard grandparents pointing out uniforms to their grandchildren and saying, “This is what I wore.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/05/making-military-history-come-alive/djxbacw/

A 'legacy' for student musicians in Joliet
Alumnus will direct Joliet Central High School symphonic band in unique composition

“It’s such a rare thing for any school to be able to have a composer that’s an alumni to come and write a piece for their band," Jermaine Stegall said. "I hope people like the piece.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/05/a-legacy-for-student-musicians-in-joliet/dlg8p1/

LocalLit Preview about story of Lockport veteran this Sunday

You won't want to miss it.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/08/locallit-preivew-about-story-of-lockport-veteran-this-sunday/ay8jncw/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Thursday, November 7, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: What Every Artist Hates to Admit

Sunday, November 4, 2012

What Every Artist Hates to Admit

Yesterday, I spent seven hours at a craft fair and didn't sell anything. Not one book. Not one cookbook. Not one candle.

It's not that I didn't have plenty of traffic. People looked through the books, walked away with cards, filled out their contact information on recycled Vamp Fest tickets and folded them into my "music box." A few fans stopped by just to be friendly and supportive. A crowd gathered around the woman who won my Bryony basket, "ooohing and ahhing" over its contents.

But sales? None, the very first event I worked all year that did not result in a sale.

I did, however, sell two books today out of the blue. So go figure.

So why am I publicly admitting my failure? Because artists rarely admit it.

Actually, I've only met two artists ever that were humble enough to share the hard truth about how well they do at certain events. One was a discouragaed vendor I'd met at Witches Night Out. She was working her second show and had sold nothing at her initial one. Maybe the first venue was not right for her product, or maybe it was just the luck of the evening, but at Witches Night Out, she sold hand over foot. The second artist is a fantastic illlustrator. He had recently returned from a Wisconsin show without selling a single piece of artwork and didn't mind telling that to me.

I've sold copies of Bryony at some unusual venues, places where my only intention was to hand out cards to passersby and create awareness of the product. Yesterday, though, was not my day.

Do I care? Sort of. Enough to make me quit? Absolutely not.

I am publicly announcing it, however, because I want artists to know that, whatever successful sales figures they might read online about OTHER independent artists, (which we always seem to seek out when we hit our low), the hard truth is this.

Sometimes people want what you're selling and sometimes they won't. It's not personal because past sales, no matter how slim, prove you have a market for your art. Unfortunately, when you're just beginning to place your works (and admit it, your ego, for all true artists leave parts of themselves behind in their art), you need to experiment with many opportunities until you discover the best places to find your audience.

And that means taking some hits.

So what?

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Community News: Nov. 6, 2019

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

The Satisfaction of Getting It Right

Editor's note: Tone may sound depressing to some. If concerned, skip the read.

Anyone who writes, or is perfecting a craft, often hears (or reads) how he or she is getting it wrong.

Articles with headlines of Ten Ways to Fill In Those Plot Holes, Five Darlings You Need to Kill Now, How To Hit That Daily Word Count, Writers: Stop Doing These Three Things Now all imply we need improvement in in these areas and more.

I'm all for self-improvement. But we rarely stumble upon articles that tell us when we're doing it right.

Well, one found me this morning.

Before I share it, one piece of advice to anyone who is working on a skill: strive for betterment but also seek out those reassuring signposts of progress and perfection.

My lone BryonySeries super fan has told me that a psychology student could write a doctoral thesis based on my books because the character development is that rich.

While such a compliment is easy to wave away (as opposed to a general bad review that says I suck as a writer, which tends to hand around murkier than mist in Simons Woods), I read a gem of an article this morning that reinforced a nuanced part of Before The Blood in which I got something write.

And it feels good, especially since the book centers on how people live, how they die, and (especially) how they live in such a way to ruin their lives and wind up not quite in the afterlife.

In Before The Blood, one main character has a childhood nightmare that recurs in adulthood during times of great stress. The character always awakens from sleep calling for his mother.

In childhood, of course, she's there. In adolescence, she's there but not really. In adulthood, she's gone.

Here's my little win:

“A nurse from the hospice told me that the last words of dying men often resembled each other. Almost everyone is calling for ‘Mommy’ or ‘Mama’ with the last breath."

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

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Community News: Nov. 5, 2019

Check out upcoming events 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.

Member of Plainfield Knights of Columbus named state deputy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/07/member-of-plainfield-knights-of-columbus-named-state-deputy/aanw6gx/

St. Mary Immaculate Parish school in #Plainfield recently held Red Ribbon Week

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/st-mary-immaculate-parish-school-in-plainfield-recently-held-red-ribbon-week/arqvr0p/

Shorewood school announces Students of the Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/shorewood-school-announces-students-of-the-month/abkyte1/

Student leaders at St. Mary Nativity in #Joliet attend meeting

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/student-leaders-at-st-mary-nativity-in-joliet-attend-meeting/akh4c25/

Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation Awards $20,000 Grant to Will-Grundy Medical Clinic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/07/carl-r-hendrickson-family-foundation-awards-20-000-grant-to-will-grundy-medical-clinic/aw1whqe/

Illinois Department of Labor releases top 5 safety violations for Illinois fire departments

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/illinois-department-of-labor-releases-top-5-safety-violations-for-illinois-fire-departments/a4rv5ra/

Illinois Department of Public Health issues Well-Woman Care Grants

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/illinois-department-of-public-health-issues-well-woman-care-grants/a3ec4m9/

Illinois dentists to treat #veterans in need in their offices

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/illinois-dentists-to-treat-veterans-in-need-in-their-offices/a85klal/

Don’t be a scary driver
Consider these tips from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/dont-be-a-scary-driver/ab7kka4/

Why you should practice mindfulness at work

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/why-you-should-practice-mindfulness-at-work/afv0srk/

The price of noise on health

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/the-price-of-noise-on-health/atnwrjp/

Check those batteries!

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/check-those-batteries/ajmynve/

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."

The Great Compliment of Fan Fiction

Almost every aspect of writing involves struggle.

Writers struggle with ideas, writer's block, making time for writing, discipline.

When we finally have a jumble of fairly cohesive words, we only to tear it apart through the revision process.

Then writers struggle to find beta readers, agents, and publishers.

Oh and writers struggle against rejection, LOTS of it.

If writers finally see their words in print, they struggle to find readers and reviews.

And then writers struggle against their emotions when reading negative reviews.

So when a reader starts writing fan fiction based on your words, it's a surreal experience like no other. And it's an experience I'm experiencing right now.

A few months ago, at the request of my lone BryonySeries super fan, Ed Calkins began writing his backstory.

If you don't know Ed's connection to my books, you can find it here.

Now, Ed's novel is not the first time he's "played" with my characters, including the fictionalized version of himself.

But as I'm reading through the chapters he sent me on Sunday night, enjoying those chapters as a reader (doubled-over laughing in spots) and mentally marking areas for tightening as an editor, I began to realize someone else was creating new works out of my old ones and encouraging my mind to go beyond the stories I've written.

I can't adequately describe how that feels.

First, Ed has read (at least), the "drop of blood" trilogy, since he is featured in those books. So he's already spent time in the fruits of my imagination. Keep the term "fruits" in mind, for comparison's sake.

Second, the sheer length of these chapters shows he's spent even greater amount of time there than, say, an average reader of my stories.

Now, I don't want to minimize the joy a writer feels when a reader revels in one's works (and even re-reads them) and takes the time to write lengthy reviews championing those works. It's exhilaration on the humbling scale, and I hope every writer gets to experience it.

Let's call that grapes: red grapes and green grapes. If you've read Before The Blood, you'll get it.

I'm also enjoying collaborating with Timothy on creating The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, based on a character in Visage, which ranks high for me on the fun scale.

Let's call that an orange, even though no actual oranges were ever used in Cornell's favorite orange drink.

But Ed's fictionalized backstory is a new honor altogether. Let's call that an apple, since Ed's spending so much time with the character John-Peter.

When I was writing Bryony, Ed was the supervisor for one of my routes. I felt the story needed a new character.

Ed, who is very creative, had created a fictionalized version of himself. I approached him with teh request to take his idea few steps beyond that.

So he allowed me to create a pretend version of himself and gave me complete freedom to develop the character in any way I wished. And he did it legally. As through an attorney. The amount of trust there is huge.

But now he is taking my pretend version of his pretend self, along with some of my characters and storylines already established, to create an entire new work.

Now I have always said the creation of BryonySeries is a team effort. But Ed has take that to, pardon the cliche, a whole new level.

It's an emotional whirlwind to read his words.

And it's beyond humbling.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Community News: Nov. 2 and Nov. 4, 2019

Check out upcoming events 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.

Pets of the Week: Nov. 3

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/28/pets-of-the-week-nov-3/dd9493r/

Support team at Bolingbrook school honored

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/support-team-at-bolingbrook-school-honored/atnu9f6/

Bolingbrook Spanish students participate in mock job interviews

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/14/spanish-students-participate-in-mock-job-interviews/alkly0d/

Students at D. 86 in Joliet serve on leadership team

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/24/students-at-d-86-in-joliet-serve-on-leadership-team/ay79ayr/

TC Energy gifts Joliet Junior College technical program $250,000

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/07/tc-energy-gifts-joliet-junior-college-technical-program-250-000/dn129at/

D. 86 in Joliet celebrates National Principals Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/01/d-86-in-joliet-celebrates-national-principals-month/a4g9e4/

Plainfield church blessed pets on Oct. 5

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/31/plainfield-church-blessed-pets-on-oct-5/ar4wylv/

Genetic dispositions may influence behavior

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/01/genetic-dispositions-may-influence-behavior/a4jsk5n/

Report reveals country’s most pet-friendly cities

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/26/report-reveals-countrys-most-pet-friendly-cities/aglertm/

Gotta Do It: Nov. 4 through Nov. 11

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/gotta-do-it-nov-4-through-nov-11/amh5pd6/

Local faith events: Nov. 4 through Nov. 11

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/local-faith-events-nov-4-through-nov-11/ae6eks9/

Local food events: Nov. 4 through Nov. 11

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/local-food-events-nov-4-through-nov-11/a12fcj5/

Local health events: Nov. 4 through Nov. 12

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/local-health-events-nov-4-through-nov-12/aomrfma/

Local pet events: Nov. 4 to Nov. 11

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/local-pet-events-nov-4-to-nov-11/avj1sx7/

Local arts and entertainment: Nov. 4 through Nov. 11

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/local-arts-and-entertainment-nov-4-through-nov-11/a1udg02/

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."

Writing Work, Writing Surprises

I accomplished a little bit of all my writing goals this weekend, so it's an interesting Monday.

At the very end of the weekend, two writing surprises showed up in my email.

First the goals.

1) I spent a few hours working on the werewolf story, not as much as I liked, but more than I'd hoped.

2) I had two side projects this weekend. I did no actual work on either of them, but I did spend part of Sunday afternoon with Phyllis reading through the draft of the memoir I'm writing for her. We're only about halfway, so I have time to finish the last two chapters.

3) Nevertheless, the second project (a novel I'm editing for a client), should have its first round done by early December.

4) I met all work deadlines this weekend. But since this week is extremely busy (I'm participating in a career fair, a podcast, co-leading WriteOn, and have a benefits meeting this week), I was hoping to get ahead, too. I'll let God figure this one out!

5) I did catch up with some family members and watched the next episode of an Asian drama I'm enjoying with Rebekah.

6) We spent Sunday morning at the nursing home celebrating Ron's birthday. Since he's progressively declined over the last couple months, we were pleasantly surprised to find him almost "all there" most of the time. We did, however, bring some familiar items, so maybe that helped.

7) I'm glad I didn't stick to the goals. It's been nonstop since returning from Raleigh in August, and I really needed some down time.

Now the surprises.

1) Tom Hernandez, my WriteOn Joliet co-leader, sent me his next WIP, which I read in a tired haze before signing off, so I need to re-read itwith a clear, caffeinated mind. Still, so far, so good!~ One spoiler: one of the characters is a girl heading out to college, and her name is Melissa! So I'm already sold. ;)

2) Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, a real person I legally fictionalized for the BryonySeries, has, as you might know, been working on his pretend backstory at the request of a couple BryonySeries fans.

Ed's been quiet for awhile, but he sent an apology email along with a table of contents (with an explanation of progress) and about ten chapters or so. Needless to say, I was thrilled!

I read part of first chapter before I fell asleep, which is no slam against Ed's writing as I always fall asleep reading (is there any better way?)

I'll share Ed's table of contents and commentary on Saturday and my thoughts about what I've read so far tomorrow.

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

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Steward Setback Saturday: A Chat With Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara

Saturday, August 27, 2011

A Chat With Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara

It had been some time since I had updated our Irish vampire about "Bryony," so yesterday at the warehouse, while Daniel and Rebekah counted out my inserts, I gave him a quick call.

The Steward was having a less than upbeat day. The previous day, he'd quit one of his jobs, and that happened immediately after his truck had been towed. Of course, Ed had no money to release his vehicle or to get home, which left him in a bit of a predicament.

Yet, what was uppermost in his mind was the future of his immortality, so this I was eager to share. He immediately began talking about pre-orders; he will need at least twenty books, but promised to email the exact amount.

Ed can't wait until October 14th's Vamp Fest, since the best part of the book's release, for him, will be signing books and letting people know where to find him between the pages, the best and most important parts of the story, according to him.

However, while I'm feverishly searching for a kilt (Ed outgrew his and gave it away), he has more pressing issues on his mind.

Like composing a limerick for the scoundrils that towed away his truck.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Community News: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2019

Check out 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.

Cupcake judge wanted for Joliet event

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/cupcake-judge-wanted-for-joliet-event/amqmhil/

Communications professionals at D. 86 in Joliet recognized for excellence

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/24/communications-professionals-at-d-86-in-joliet-recognized-for-excellence/a8fi42x/

D. 202 HS and MS musicians in Plainfield to participate in ILMEA district festival

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/25/d-202-hs-and-ms-musicians-in-plainfield-to-participate-in-ilmea-district-festival/ar66a55/

Troy choir, band students chosen for ILMEA Junior Music Festival

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/25/troy-choir-band-students-chosen-for-ilmea-junior-music-festival/axxch1h/

Troy flautist to be featured soloist with Joliet Symphony Orchestra

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/25/troy-flautist-to-be-featured-soloist-with-joliet-symphony-orchestra/al6xxdu/

Lockport Township High School marching band wins at state

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/28/lockport-township-high-school-marching-band-wins-at-state/aajwu9/

Joliet students selected to perform with the ILMEA District I Ensembles

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/25/joliet-students-selected-to-perform-with-the-ilmea-district-i-ensembles/debduz/

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 artworkbytopher.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 27 through Nov. 1

It was a dark and stormy afternoon at Joliet's first "Panic at the Plaza" event.

Despite our canopy, the rains and and the winds were relentless.

And yet, the artists were stoic and brave.

Watch these two videos and see for yourself. And have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. Happy November!

VIDEO: Voodoo Creations braves the elements in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/69d04024-6dd5-497c-975d-d5c636f8509d.html

VIDEO: DISC Incense: hand-dipped scents in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4017272f-18da-45c8-915c-f9170ffbb7ed.html

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.

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.

These Joliet-area pets aren't shy about dressing up in costumes

See our collection of dressed-up dogs - and one cat.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/21/these-joliet-area-pets-arent-shy-about-dressing-up-in-costumes/d4jk5yp/

An Extraordinary Life: 'A straight-shooter all the way'
Joliet native stuck to his principles and never wavered

"Bob [Trizna] was an extremely principled person," Mike Hansen wrote in an email. "He believed extremely strongly in right and wrong and doing the right thing all of the time.He would never compromise his integrity or character."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/22/an-extraordianry-life-a-straight-shooter-all-the-way/d60nshu/

'They were dying that fast'
Unknown Joliet victims of 1918 influenza pandemic to be memorialized

Prayers and a plaque are part of tomorrow's dedication at Holy Cross Cemetery.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/27/they-were-dying-that-fast/dyak381/

VIDEO: Joliet victims of 1918 influenza pandemic to be memorialized

Jack Gorski explains why it's important you attend, even if you are not connected to anyone in Holy Cross cemetery or the pandemic.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/d2c20a1d-4eb0-4a1a-bd02-cd4ae2cbf1ca.html

Learn about lung cancer screening on Nov. 12 in Joliet

Are you or a loved one at risk?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/14/learn-about-lung-cancer-screening-on-nov-12-in-joliet/dygud6p/

Joliet-area chefs pair popular sweets with the right beer and wine Chefs pair popular sweets with the right beer and wine

For the 21 and over crowd

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/joliet-area-chefs-pair-popular-sweets-with-the-right-beer-and-wine/ap41r9a/

Joliet-area resident share their best scary recipes

Five frightful ways to bring variety to your dinner table.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/joliet-area-resident-share-their-best-scary-recipes/du4irep/

VIDEO: Timbers of Shorewood saves Halloween

The senior living facility opens its doors to the community for trick or treat.

And did you see that cat???

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/456ded0a-c0ab-4d6d-8242-6da055d54e84.html

A creative relationship with God
United Methodist Church of #NewLenox is offering 'The Artist's Way, a different kind of 12-step program

"It [the program] has a lot of different insights into our creativity and ways to go beyond that," Rick Johnston, a retired elementary school teacher and participant, said. "Seeing, pondering something and thinking are often seen as wasting time, but it's often very creative."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/31/a-creative-relationship-with-god/dvaz3dd/

Joliet lay contemplative shares art and reflection for All Saints Day

For a deeper story and two videos, click on the links in the story, too.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/28/joliet-lay-contemplative-shares-art-and-reflection-for-all-saints-day/d5cndxy/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Did I Ever Thank You, Sister?' by former Joliet resident Sal Di Leo

Former Joliet resident Sal Di Leo wrote a book to commemorate the Joliet Franciscans who helped raise him when Di Leo lived at the former orphanage at Guardian Angel Home in Joliet.

He also built a religious retreat as a way to honor them.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/locallit-book-spotlight-did-i-ever-thank-you-sister-by-former-joliet-resident-sal-di-leo/ae1ccvm/