Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 9 to Sept. 15

Good morning!

Today I'm sharing twelve features and news stories today with more stories being posted over weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Yesterday afternoon, the Joliet Public Library had a bomb threat, which I helped report on. But the police gave the all-clear, and WriteOn Joliet still held its first open mic in more than three years inside the Book and Bean Cafe, which is inside the library.

WriteOn Joliet also returned to the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August to (in theory) finish editing the radio play we presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.

But when we did the final editing, we realized one reading didn't save and another part was missing. So we still need to finish that up.

Seven of us also presented the WriteOn Joliet radio play at the Joliet Public Library on Sept. 9.

With August being a "hospital month" for me, I missed Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash. If you missed it, too, please check out the recap on this blog.

And stay tuned! For we are extending the birthday celebration a bit. More on this later.

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and two chapters that are ready for final edits. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: This Sherlock Holmes parody just needs some some formatting adjustments. The goal is to release it in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We hope to schedule a "Cornell breakfast" soon.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Eleven of the twelve chapters are completed and ready for final editing. Jennifer Wainright is working the cover. The goal is to release it in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

Jennifer designed the covers for Julie and the Too-Hard Homework, Katie and the Big Fear, and Summer Sisters, as well as frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'm slowly pecking at this. The goal is to release it in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs 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 on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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.

FEATURES

Police respond to bomb threats at Joliet, Bolingbrook libraries

 Channahon memorial for ‘forgotten warriors’ honoring those lost to PTSD: Michael Tellerino, founder: ‘We just want people to come out and honor these families’

UCP-Center for Disability Services in Joliet has new executive director: Brian Patel said his role is more calling than career

Joliet Junior College Foundation marks 50th year, names 4award winners: The recipients will be recognized at the foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration

Will County communities honor lives lost on 9/11

Get your Will County craft fair event in our Herald-News listing

Joliet university hosting Irish folk singer Aoife Scott in concert: Elizabeth McDermott, USF: ‘We’re all about music and we’re all about the arts’

Joliet church celebrating 150th year with songs, historic tour: Jake Bradley, pastor: ‘God has been faithful to us, We, in turn, want to be faithful to God’

2 Joliet parishes join together for procession, feast day celebrations: The event is open to the community

Historic Joliet Cathedral neighborhood to host wine walk Sunday: Tickets available up to event day.

Pets of the Week: Sept. 11, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Old Campground Flea Market inNew Lenox: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

A Good Time Was Had By All

On Saturday, seven members of WriteOn Joliet performed our original writings in a radio-style show at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library using nearly the same scripts as the first show at the Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

I say "nearly" because each performance is unique unto itself with parts of it specific to the venue, author availability, and up coming events.

And, of course, we learned a few things this time around.

1. We learned that we can adapt our readings to the cast. Two members had family medical emergencies, so we pulled one of my sons into the emcee role. That left an vacant spot for "rigor and mortis." So we pulled a family friend into that role. We dropped the sound effects. And then we divided up the other parts, moving from an eight-person show to a seven-person show.

2. We learned that practice really does make perfect, especially with my niece (who has a strong theater background) coaching the practices.. We easily adapted to a new space with less technology and only needed one rehearsal to do it (and a third member couldn't make even that). We were slightly less polished on show day, perhaps, but the delivery was still bordering on excellent. 

3. We also rewrote quite a bit of the emcee script for the venue and the commercials to update events and circumstances.

4. We learned that the show has an audience, even if (for now) that audience is small while we struggle to get the word out. Barbara Eberhard of "Stories R Us" came out twice (in April and on Saturday). And David Kump, who spontaneously took photos during Act 2, praised the quality of the show during intermission, even stressing that praise by adding, "You are better than you think you are."

"You are better than you think you are."

Those words will ring in our ears for a long, long, long time.

Sue's Diner: Tiger Brownies

This week's recipe is for Tiger Brownies, a family tradition instead of cake for Timothy's birthday on September 8.

Timothy's nickname as a baby was "Tiger Tim" and we even signed his name on greeting cards from the family by adding little paw print.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago in one of those little cookbooks one could buy on the rack near the checkout line in groceries stories. Rebekah has perfected the version by increasing the amount of cream cheese, and she makes them for Timothy every year instead of the more traditional birthday cake.

This recipe does not appear in any of the BryonySeries cookbooks.

But you may try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

WriteOn Joliet Mic Night is Thursday

If you missed WriteOn Joliet's radio play on Saturday, WriteOn Joliet has another entertaining option for you.

Members of WriteOn Joliet will present a mic night on September 14 at the Book and Bean Cafe, right inside the Black Road branch of  the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

We will share short excerpts of their original fiction, essays and poems. The event is free to attend.

The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m...although you may arrive as early as you like.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Book and Bean Cafe.

For more information about WriteOn Joliet, visit writeonjoliet.com.

We hope to see you there!

Consequences

Sooooo...

It's not just children who take advantage of their parents' weaknesses. Crocheted mice have their moments, too. 

You see, I had an especially busy week last week. And Bertrand the Mouse had stacks of books to sign.

I did my part, busy as I was, and got my signature on the pages of all those books. But Bertrand?

Bertrand kept scampering off to other adventures.

Now adventures are fun, sure. But Bertrand's mission in "life" to is to bring the joys of reading to children.

I warned him that he'd miss WriteOn Joliet's radio play at the Joliet Public Library on Saturday morning if he didn't get his books signed.

But Bertrand just didn't listen. Or maybe he didn't believe I'd enforce the consequences. 

So while the rest of us went to the radio play, Bertrand stayed home and signed all his books.

And to make sure he stayed on task...(keep scrolling)

...Uncle Barty stayed home, too, to make sure Bertrand got the job done. 

Hopefully Bertrand has learned his lesson and will do better in the future.

In My Life - The Beatles - Solo Piano Cover

A Conduit for Voice

On Tuesday, I received the following telegram from Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, updating me on the draft of his second novel, a sequel to Ruthless, which we published in time for Calkins Day 2021.

Dear Goddess:

Wow, I finished the book. 

I'm still revising, but even a lot of that is done as my wife has been drawing the internal illustrations. 

I know you don't have everything, so I'll be sending that to you. hopefully you'll have a clean copy by the end of September.

Ruthlessly yours, 

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

"Finding your voice" is a theme that's cropped up a lot this year. In fact, I was asked to talk about finding your voice in July at the Three Rivers Library District in Minooka.

A few weeks ago, while listening to Ed talk about his ideas to a writing prompt a WriteOn Joliet member suggested at a meeting, did I realize how valuable WriteOn Joliet really was in that process.

You see Ed is very dyslexic and never thought he could write one novel people would read (much less two) as well as a collection of silly essays that first appeared in installments in the early days of this blog.

Certainly I'm glad the BryonySeries gave Ed that opportunity.

But Ed really developed as a writer by joining WriteOn Joliet. That's where Ed was able to interact with other writers, read his drafts to a group, and provide feedback for the writings of others.

People may want to write but aren't sure where to begin.

They may have plenty of ideas but can't decide which ones to express.

They may struggle finding the right words for certain emotions or memories.

When they finally do get the words on paper, they may wrestle with doubt: Is it good enough? Does anyone care?

And often, writers simply have no audience for any of it.

I think that's where WriteOn Joliet really blesses writers. 

Our members guide other members through the process is a very non-judgmental way.

We give our full attention to the words when they are written.

And we help find others who want to hear those words, too.

It's really awe-inspiring to think that, in a world that often seems too clanging and noisy, a small, still voice can land upon the right ears that delight in hearing the words that voice wants to say.

This morning, six members of WriteOn Joliet (and one emcee substitute) will share original works in a radio-style performance at 10 a.m. at the Ottawa Street branch of the Joliet Public Library.

We did a similar performance in April at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. The Book Market in Crest Hill, which is very friendly to local authors, opened its space to us for months of rehearsals. 

We are grateful for these opportunities to entertain and inspire an audience, no matter how small, that wants to hear words that spilled from our minds onto paper, words that will now be projected from across a large room.

Having something to say is important.

But the real miracle workers are the people who pause to listen.

That's where the real magic is worked, along the conduit of syllables that travel from the mind of one person to another, all through the careful arranging of twenty-six letters into a cohesive message.

Amazing.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 2 to Sept. 8

Good morning!

I'm sharing ten features and news stories today with more stories being posted over weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Tomorrow: WriteOn Joliet will give another performance of its radio play at 10 a.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. The event is free, but the library is asking for registration. You may register here: A Morning with WriteOn Joliet: - Joliet Public Library (libnet.info).

WriteOn Joliet also returned to the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August to finish editing the radio play we presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.

But when we did the final editing, we realized one reading didn't save and another part was missing. So we still have a bit more to go.

With August being a "hospital month" for me, I missed Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash. If you missed it, too, please check out the recap on this blog.

And stay tuned! For we are extending the birthday celebration a bit. More on this later.

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and two chapters that are ready for final edits.

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: Production is complete for the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries, and the proof is ordered and marked up. I hoping to correct the manuscript one evening over the weekend. The book is called Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville (yes, a Sherlock Holmes parody). We can't wait to release it into the hands of readers. 

Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We hope to schedule a "Cornell breakfast" soon.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Eleven of the twelve chapters are completed. and ready for their final edits. Jennifer Wainright is working the cover. I never thought I'd revisit Karla and John-Peter's friendship again (albeit from an earlier time in their lives), so I'm very excited to read the final draft.

Jennifer designed the covers for Julie and the Too-Hard Homework, Katie and the Big Fear, and Summer Sisters, as well as frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it and hope to peck a little faster next week when I have two days off.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover, and made some progress last night.

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs 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 on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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.

FEATURES

Will County business leaders share their first job experiences: Labor Day is an opportunity to honor workers

Denise Winfrey is winner of Joliet Chamber’s ATHENA Award: Winfrey said she was raised by parents ‘who believed in giving back’

Joliet D-86 schools recognize employees with longevity awards

Plainfield schools hold walk for suicide prevention Saturday: The event is free and open to the public

Northern Illinois Food Bank in Joliet needs volunteers this month: Shifts are available at the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s other 3 centers, too

Historic Channahon school building turns 100 as residents share memories: Pat Clower, board member: ‘When you walk in there, the nostalgia hits you’

Joliet Slammers game to benefit man with spinal cord injury: Deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. Saturday

Manhattan therapy animals won’t go hungry, thanks to fundraiser: The Community Impact Committee of the Village of New Lenox raised $400 for Trinity Services program

Pets of the Week: Sept. 4, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Joliet Airport Festival: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Take An Extra Step Today

Because I'm allergic to the oral antibiotics typically used to treat diverticulitis, I wound up with a midline and fourteen days of outpatient trips last month at an infusion clinic at a local hospital.

When I completed the treatment, I wanted to express my gratitude with by hand-delivering a vase of flowers. So early one Sunday morning, Timothy and I went to several local grocery stories to find the right one. But most of what we saw that particular day was bland in term of selections.

So Timothy bought several different bouquets of colors and varieties that caught his eye and proceeded to arrange his own vase of flowers at the back of his vehicle in the parking lot.

And then we delivered the flowers.

No one knew that Timothy took that extra step. They just loved the beautiful flowers.

In fact, I'd surmise people never know the extra steps we take for them.

But do it anyway.

I think it makes a difference, for the giver, for the receiver. Wouldn't you agree?

What if we all, just for today, watched out for the subtle signs today that someone is taking extra steps for us?

And what if we also expressed our appreciation?

I think we could help make kindness travel a long way and make our journeys so worthwhile.

Sue's Diner: Ham Pieces

Today's recipe for ham pieces is authentically Victorian and is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

We adapted it from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

Here is its Bryony reference.

 As much as Melissa enjoyed playing Bryony, she found some of Munsonville’s Victorian foods difficult to stomach, especially when they appeared on her breakfast tray. Ham pieces is one dish that appeared on her breakfast tray during one of those first mornings inside Simons Mansion.

Try this recipe for ham pieces on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try it this week. It will be gone next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

12 Quotes from Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers

When we were getting ready to release Bryony back in 2011, my daughter Sarah (who did a lot of the marketing for me) suggested I pull thirty teaser quotes from the book that she could post on Facebook, one each day.

We did the same for the second book, Visage, which is also part of the BryonySeries.

But for some reason, I never did the same for another book.

So now I am catching up.

Here is the synopsis and chapter headings for Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers, followed by twelve quotes, one from each chapter.

Enjoy!

After a band of robbers steal the motor home of #supernatural super sleuth Cornell Dyer, time becomes strange and unpredictable. But will Cornell he solve the mystery before he fades from memory?

Prologue: 

The boy turned a page.

A boom sounded in the distance.       

The boy glanced up. An approaching storm? A cannon?

No wind.

No more bell.

No calling of his name or trickling of the stream.

His neck prickled.

The bulb shone with brilliant light.

Chapter 1: Dyer Straights

How dare anyone, much less a group of anyones, steal the motor home belonging to the great Professor Cornell Dyer, supernatural super sleuth of supernatural mysteries?

Just wait until he caught up with them. Just wait.

Chapter 2: The Bank That Wasn't

Cornell hurried to the police officer, who irritably blew on his whistle.

"Where is the bank?" Cornell demanded.

"What bank?" the officer snarled.

"THAT bank! And the four bank robbers!"

 "Bank robbers! We're too far north for bank robbers! We leave that for central Indiana!"

Chapter 3: The Never Robbers

"Eureka!" Cornell cried. "You're talking about time travel!"

Mike Olsen shook his head. "We're not talking about time travel. We're talking about something that isn't anymore, something different people remember differently. But we've hit a little snag."

"What snag?" Cornell asked, pen poised.

"We've all experienced something that is, but not anymore, with people remembering it in various ways. But we're stuck with the original memories, all of the original memories in all their different forms."

Chapter 4: A Curious  Case of Molly Burton

Cornell held his pen over the notebook. "When did the aging begin?"

Mike Olson scratched his gray head. "Around the time we met you. I think."

Cornell wrote that down. "And when did you meet Molly Burton?"

"Today," Mike Olson said.

Danny Tyler held up an arthritic hand. "But it's been a really long day."

Chapter 5: On The Other Side of Time

"I thought we were going to the cemetery, Professor," Bishop Cafferty sneered. "You've been digging through these boxes for hours."

"I didn't mean an actual cemetery," Cornell said.

Chapter 6: It's More Than a Tree

Cornell kicked the tire, and a blinding light shot out, and a great suction pulled him forward, an endless fall into a downward spiral.

Chapter 7: That Ole Dirt Road

"Your device won't work your way here," the man said. "We are nearing our destination, and the sun shall soon set. I have many rooms and you may stay in them."

            

Mike Olsen chuckled. "You own a motel?"

            

"It's something like a motel."

Chapter 8: A Trip to 1879

The man spread out his arms. "Welcome to 1879. Come walk with me."

Mike Olsen hesitated. "It's been a long time."

"Almost a hundred years," the man said. "Mike, in all your travels and in all your time, why did you not come back?"

Chapter 9: Before The Thunder

“We’re not interfering with time travel,” the man said. "We're repairing time. The version you saw has ceased to exist."

Chapter 10: She Was Always Like That

"What went wrong?" Cornell asked.

The man shrugged. "There are far less portals in the world today. And you don't always get to know the endings to other people's stories."

Epilogue

It was a busy morning, even for a Tuesday.

Decorated floats at the Labor Day parade in Princeton, Indiana HD Stock Footage

YELLOW (Piano Version)-Coldplay

"Tu, Ruthless," by Ed Calkins Steward of Tara

Good morning!

I received the following telegram from Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, a week or two ago with his progress on the sequel to his first BryonySeries novel Ruthless.

The list of chapters for the second book is below...along with a few that are not numbered. I don't know if that's on purpose or an error as Ed has not clarified yet.

Ed had originally called this second novel Tu, Ruthless, but he's considering changing it. For now, Tu, Ruthless is the working title.

If you're wondering about the strange greeting, Ed's telegrams typically address me as MOMI (Mistress of My Immortality) or Goddess. 

So here is the update. I'm sure Ed's goal is to release the book by Calkins Day, since he missed last year's deadline. 

I hope that's enough time for me to edit it!

Dear Goddess

 

The goal is Sept 7 of this year. There, I hope to give you my revisions to all the chapters as well as my wife's drawings for each chapter and a cover page, looking like a newspaper (see cover of Ruthless) with stories explaining the divisions.

 

The rewriting has been ongoing and my Nancy's questioning of this or that has been helpful which might save you some on the ed-did-it part of being my publisher.

 

I have started both the Autumn Sisters and Return of the Knights Templar which are then only two chapters unfinished

 

This late in production, I am almost certain the Table of Contents will not change.

 

 

Introductions

 

1)     Four words to go forward or four more to back out

 

2)     Copa of the Hunt

 

3)     Susan’s Swim

 

4)     Welcome to Munsonville

 

5)     Second Showdown of Wrath Park

 

6)     Trudy and the Bottle of Scotch

 

 7)     Karla’s Cry

 

In The Last Days of Daddy Don

 

8)     Council of Scantly Clothed Merrows

 

9)     The Vampire Report

 

10)  Reality’s Wooden Club

 

11)  The Devil’s Moonshine

 

12)  Creatures of the Night

 

13)  Friends, Lovers, Liars, and the Redacted Poem

 

14)  The Bishop Moves

 

 15)  Bad Coffee

 

 16)  Good Monster

 

 Daddy Don is Dead- Consul of the Damned Takes Over

 

 17)  Rules of the Damned

 

 18)  Plot Armor

 

 19)  Who’s Glorna This Time

 

 20)  Preparing for the Worst

 

 21)  How to Execute Your Husband

 

 22)  Buying Time

 

 23) Happy Hunting Grounds Hospital

 

 24) A Dangerous Proposition

 

 25) Love and the Lynch Mob

 

 26) Green Sharks and Yellow Submarines

 

 27) Crime of the Times

 

 A Satisfying Stalemate

 

 28) The Worst Christmas in Beulah County

 

 29) Third Showdown in Wraith Park

 

 30) The Autumn Sisters

 

 31) Return of the Knights Templar

 

 32) Beulah County Haunted Tours