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Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 19 through June 24

Another blur of a week with extra assignments, but very satisfying on so many levels - very thankful. Many, many inspiring stories below. Take your time; find one that grabs you; savor it.

Slowly, but very surely, I am making progress in Henry's portion of Before the Blood. I'm the weekend editor this weekend, but it's the first time in a month now that we have four editors again. Actually, I'm looking forward to it. :)

And since I'm running a mite behind this morning (although I did spend about twenty minutes with the novel, definitely keeping my commitment), let's get to it.

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)


Joliet priest, stepfather and 'barking dog' for justice to celebrate final Mass on Father's Day (VIDEO EXTRA)

For 17 years, Lescher has been the spiritual father to 180 people at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Joliet. But he’s also the stepfather of 10 children, and now has 23 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Through it all, Lescher’s aim was to represent the Catholic Church in its truest universal sense.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/07/joliet-priest-stepfather-and-barking-dog-for-justice-to-celebrate-final-mass-on-fathers-day/a6bw13o/


Little Free Library now open in Minooka

By Jeanne Millsap

The library is the result of a community service project by the kids in the Minooka 4-H Plus One Homeschool Club.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/10/little-free-library-now-open-in-minooka/acx600n/

Ryan Bernickus took his best swing at cancer

 A fighter and a gentleman.

That’s how Brian DeCook of Indiana described Ryan Bernickus of Morris, who was 23 when he died April 13.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/16/morris-man-showed-character-on-and-off-the-field/a2bzcy0/


Garden walk raises money for Joliet hospice pediatric program

“It’s truly a philanthropic thing,” Laurie Mungovan, pediatric nurse coordinator, said of the pediatric program. “There’s just a few pediatric programs in the state of Illinois, so families really need these services.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/13/garden-walk-raises-money-for-joliet-hospice-pediatric-program/an7cdyo/


Joliet minister and heart patient shares an experience she calls a miracle (VIDEO EXTRA)

Her cardiologist called Brown’s experience a miracle, from God to her.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/20/joliet-minister-and-heart-patient-shares-an-experience-she-calls-a-miracle/ap52nqa/

Former Elwood woman plays dual roles in Jane Austen musical adaptation

Tyler plays two roles. One is Mrs. Allen, the woman who brings Catherine to Bath. The other is General Tilney’s wife, as Catherine imagines her, for Mrs. Tilney was already deceased when Catherine arrived at Northanger Abbey.

“One is shallow and all about her clothes and how they look and how much money they have and bringing Catherine to Bath and presenting her in public,” Jenifer Tyler said. “She’s very much about the externals and not really a warm character. She’s funny and a little out there. And then there’s Mrs. Tilney, this tragic character, incredibly heartfelt and sad.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/19/former-elwood-woman-plays-dual-roles-in-jane-austen-musical-adaptation/ai4ouzf/


Lockport teen has role in Brett Eldredge music video shot at Wrigley Field

Josh Bender shot his portion April 22, a 13-hour, 43-degree day that quickly passed because he had so much fun, he said. The acting wasn’t difficult, either.

“It’s a boy in love,” Bender said. “I can relate to that.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/23/lockport-teen-has-role-in-brett-eldredge-music-video-shot-at-wrigley-field/agqfsrl/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: "Monsters, Witch Cats, Ghosts,............Vampires?" By Sarah Stegall

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Monsters, Witch Cats, Ghosts,............Vampires?

My 3 year old considers himself to be very knowledgeable on all things spooky. He thinks it would be so very cool to have a monster living under his bed, a nooth grush on his tooth brush, Lord Licorice as a buddy, and he stares at spiders after he's killed them to see if they really have eight legs. He has a vivid imagination and keeps me very busy.

With living in a neighborhood now instead of off a dark country road, he's taken in the flood of Halloween decorations that have been popping up at every house. Halloween happens to be my favorite holiday and I think it's wearing off on my son. He happily announces the latest neighbor to hang spiders and purple lights over snacks.

Yesterday I took him to Walmart to oodle all the decorations and costumes. I had promised him he could pick out one decoration (we have a strict budget and I have lots of Halloween related items) to join the festivities. After playing with an enormous rat, a styroform skull, and somedangly spiders and skeletons, I was sure he was going to select the window stickers. He loves stickers and they had witch cats (an absolute favorite). Instead, he picked out an outdoor ghost. It moves up and down by motion sensors and wails like a sick banshee. I hate it. He LOVES it!

The shelf below had basically the same thing in Count Dracula theme. "What's him?," he asks. "The count, he's a vampire," I replied. "Ohhhhhh, like in Damma's (grandma's) book!" So we talk vampire. He tells me it's a monster that tries to drink blood. Not any blood, neck blood! Swell, another monster he knows about.

Today the ghost hangs from the window. Today also marks the most times I've heard, "I want to drink your blood," followed by neck grabbing and sloppy fake bites. Let the scary fun commence!

APA Dr. Cue Lesson 40 - Mental Aspect of Game Approach and Overall Enjoy...

Writing Tip: Separate the Forest from the Trees

Nothing clogs a stream of words as fast as stopping to work out a description of a character, scene, object, etc.

One trick that works for me is leaping over that part and returning to it later.

For instance, supposing your character has just entered a room or met a new person. Rather than stopping the action in your mind to develop that room or person, simply write DESCRIBE and keep going.

Later, when you have a spare ten or fifteen minutes, you can return to the blipped over portion with your entire attention.

It often works for me. Maybe it will for you, too.

My Fiction Playground

This morning, I posted the following link on WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page:

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2016/06/journal-as-playground.html

Which got me thinking about why I enjoy writing my fiction. It's play, the type of free, childhood play of lying in the grass, watching clouds in the sky, and letting the imagination wander where it will.

It's has elements in common with daydreaming, except I don't exist in that world.

Unlike daydreams that stay in the mind, I reconstruct where my thoughts go, word by word by word: a series of adding, substracting, deleting, rewriting.

It's absorbing, exhilarting, frustrating, fun.

Come Holy Ghost Creator Blest - Adoremus 443

Happy Fathers Day Dad Gerald McCarney IRISH

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 12 through June 17

Week recap: very compressed, as staff gets tighter, but the work (writing stories about inspiring people) is very rewarding. Several extra stories this week. Looking back, I'm shaking my head and wondering, "What was I thinking???"

Making slow, but steady, progress on Henry's section in Before the Blood, pleased with the results and thankful for the slow start as it provided the opportunity to reflect on my portrayal. And loving the 2014 Book of Circus Black Butler episodes: plots and characters are layered and well developed.

Tonight I teach at the monthly writer's workshop (attendance is small and by invitation only from its coordinator), and this weekend is a meld of work, a family party, Divine Liturgy, and (hopefully) a good chunk of novel writing, as I am the weekend editor in seven days.

And now...

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Joliet area kids lend a helping hand with home-based businesses

For these kids, entrepreneurship is more than filling the piggy bank. It’s about giving back.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/10/joliet-area-kids-lend-a-helping-hand-with-home-based-businesses/a6yn78l/

Homer Glen woman recognized for many volunteer efforts

Want to make a difference in the world, but time and resources are slim? Kristy Boulos said “even little things are helpful” and offered some suggestions:

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/19/homer-glen-woman-recognized-for-many-volunteer-efforts/aig9bjv/

Joliet man worked hard, never gave up

He never let challenges or difficulties stop him – ever.

“He was always saying, ‘It’s just another bump in the road,’ ” Ferro said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/03/joliet-man-worked-hard-never-gave-up/angvl9g/

Pets of the Week: June 13

lick on the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/09/pets-of-the-week-june-13/atpavlh/

Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan to talk Alzheimer’s advocacy in Romeoville

“I hope Alzheimer’s disease becomes to my kids what polio was to me,” Jordan said. “A disease of the past.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/07/miss-usa-2015-olivia-jordan-to-talk-alzheimers-advocacy-in-romeoville/awj4ne2/

Alden Courts in Shorewood to open new memory care unit

Alden Courts in Shorewood will be a 50-bed memory care building that will include Medicare-covered skilled rehabilitation services.

“It’s a unique memory care model,” said Victoria Wolpoff, vice president of public relations for Alden.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/10/alden-courts-in-shorewood-to-open-new-memory-care-unit/atk5gm1/

Mazon teen helps raise money for Relay for Life

“It makes me feel like I’m helping to find a cure,” Gabby Clubb said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/10/mazon-teen-helps-raise-money-for-relay-for-life/aeic81z/

Attendees at Minooka church hope new building will bring more people to Christ

And yet, the overall message from staff and attendees alike is this: The excitement is not about the 20,000-square-foot building on 10 acres. It’s about the increased amount of community outreach the building will facilitate.

“We’re about changing lives,” said Tim Juskiewicz, The Village attendee and the civil engineer who led the building committee.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/14/attendees-at-minooka-church-hope-new-building-will-bring-more-people-to-christ/atitbnp/

Joliet area singles find companionship in camping

After a divorce or death of a spouse, people often “hang up camping,” JanSteele said, and she can see why. But the people Steele has met – most of them seniors – are anything but lonely.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/19/joliet-area-singles-find-companionship-in-camping/akkppep/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Teen Vampire Readings

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Teen Vampire Readings

No, I'm not recommending any books, but rambling about the vampire material I read as a teen. As far as I know, unlike today, there was not a mass market of vampire stories directed at young readers. However, since I, mostly, preferred reading to movies, I sought out what was available.

Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” held a permanent position on my lap during ho-hum eighth grade history and science classes. I read that book backwards and forwards, inside and out. The following year, I devoured nineteenth and early twentieth century vampire stories. At fifteen, my interested turned to the historical Count Dracula, Vlad Tepes, his reign of impaling terror, and how Stoker integrated the "real" count into his novel.

While my friends sighed over teen magazines, I spent sunny, summer afternoons laying on a blanket in the backyard and reading books such as Raymond T. McNally's and Radu Florescu's absorbing, now-classic, “The Search for Dracula." A showing of the orginal "Nosferatu" (in my mind, still the best vampire movie out there) on television was worth cancelling other plans for the night.

Less important to me than Top 40 radio was the knowledge that the castle people referred to as Castle Dracula was really Bran Castle, which Dracula did, in fact, use during his raid. I already knew I wanted to write a vampire story one day, but the idea, at this point, had not taken shape. I did, however, continue to read and research. When the time came, I wanted it to be right.

Abba - Mamma Mia

The Other Writer

Writing is a solitary activity, no doubt about it.

That's what awes me about leading and participating in WriteOn Joliet: solitary people performing solitary actions come together to share those endeavors, many of them sharing for the first time in decades of writing.

I find it amazing that an alphabet, with its 26 letters and its finate ability to be contructed into only so many words, can be manipulated into new ideas and new story arcs that inspire, conjure, relate, etc.

The magic writers weave is, I think, similiar to John's impression of music, the first time he, as a boy, played for a roomful of his father's colleagues.

A touch of the keys here, a hard pressing of the keys there - the oh-so wonderful up and down manipulation of the magnificent whites and blacks - also manipulated these men and women far more than any of his father's sumptuous feasts ever could. With a few finger movements, the people smiled; they cried; they loudly sighed their pleasure; and John now knew, with absolute certainty, that he had harnessed something more commanding than money.

I love hearing my writely comrades do the same. :)

Melissa's Vampire Research

The information below is from the fictiona Creatures of the Night: Witches, Werewolves, and Vampires, which Melissa checked out from the Munsonville Public Library to learn more about her nocturnal visitor.

FYI: These "facts" are carried through the entire BryonySeries.

A vampire is a former human that relentlessly seeks fresh human blood. Sources include the victim’s neck, cheek, thigh, fingers, toes, or below the heart.

By day, vampires repose in their burial places; at night, they rise to feed, either to kill or control. Once under the vampire’s power, the victim joyfully welcomes the attack. The vampire may now come and go, as he pleases.

Vampires by murder or suicide retain human traits, most notably a certain passion for life…sharp teeth appear only when feeding…bright red blood may trickle around the mouth…vampires may consume solid food, but must expel it later… experienced vampires tolerate small amounts of sunlight, although it decreases their abilities…vampires travel silently…vampires are expert shape-shifters. Common manifestations include wolves, bats, rats, other humans, and mist.

Sometimes, vampires penetrate dreams.

As predators, vampires possess keen senses, formidable strength, and fantastic speed, enabling them to teleport to other eras and locations.

Vampires are wise…they exude sexual charm, control animals, and read minds… for a reliable slaying, drive an oak stake through a vampire’s heart and sever its head with a silver dagger.

Bucottora

Once, after a sleighing party, Melissa had poked a suspicious-looking morsel, tasted it, and then hailed a servant on her way to the kitchen.

“Why Mrs. Simons, that’s terrapin,” the girl said. She smiled at Melissa’s blank look. “It’s turtle,” she added. Horrified, Melissa, retreated to a corner to spit the offending meat into her napkin.

Bucottora

By Suzy Staley Baker

1 medium-sized fresh water turtle

1 tablespoon black pepper

Vinegar or lime

1 large onion

! ball recardo (Belizean version of achiote paste) and anato (achiote)

Thyme, oregano, garlic, cilantro

Coconut oil

Thick coconut cream

Chop off head and cut around hard shell. After shell breaks, take knife and cut very close to the edge of the back, guiding the meat with your hand as you go along. Take out meat and clean with vinegar or lime. Place in hot water to scald off skin. Cut into pieces and season with spices to taste. Cook in hot coconut oil. Add little thick coconut cream to keep it from drying out, Turn occasionally and add more spices. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes. Yield: Depends on the size of the turtle

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

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

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.html

Steward Setback Saturday: "Misunderstandings and Cross-Mythologies"

 Saturday, August 31, 2013

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara: "Misunderstandings and Cross-Mythologies"

So I sent the following link to Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara:

 http://www.zazzle.com/fatal_mistake_cartoon_magnet-147191978103653440

Many days passed before he replied. I was not concerned, as the universe's only official Irish vampire (Psst: Don't tell the IVA) is busy with many ruthless responsibilities. When the Steward finally broke his silence, he emailed the following:


Dear MOMI! (Mistress of my Immortality)

The misunderstandings and cross-mythologies has blurred my vision, stunned my equalliberium (like I was going to spell that correctly), and rendered me speechless.

Can it be that a joke about a Celtic cross is more effective then the cross itself? Perhaps I will comment further when my head clears.

Until then....


Yours ruthlessly.

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 6 through June 10

Where did the week go???

And with two appointments on Saturday, half a day in Homewood on Sunday, and work in the afternoon, I have a feeling I'll be saying the same thing about the weekend come Monday.

BUT...

Still planning on fiction (Before the Blood) for half of Saturday. So there, o ye rapid falling sands of time!

But I digress...

Some of this week's features personally resonated with me. Vic Reato from the health department has been a longtime source and support for my stories. Cathy Davis was my oldest son's first grade teacher ("She reminds me of you," was what Christopher told me after meeting her); the teacher initiating the Little Free Library in her honor was a former high school classmate, someone with whom I had not spoken since 1979. And of course, spiritual warfare is a topic of which Fr. Boris and Slavka at my church have expounded for many years.

And now the other stuff, such as the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Retiring Will County Health Department public information officer plans to continue writing

Vic Reato shares the events that shaped his life and his career

He’s also proud of losing weight before his wedding – dropping from 326 pounds to 181. He also quit smoking before that big day.

“That was part of the newsroom. If you didn’t smoke, you hardly worked there,” Reato said. “I started smoking in 1970, and I smoked two packs of menthols a day until 1981.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/02/retiring-will-county-health-department-public-information-officer-plans-to-continue-writing/aa091vg/


Little Free Library at Chaney-Monge School pays tribute to Crest Hill educator

Cathy Davis was an avid reader who promoted literacy

“Education was always her thing,” said Cathy’s son, Ryan Davis of Plainfield. “She always wanted to see people improve and be the best they could be. We always wanted to learn. That was normal for us. It was something she instilled in us.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/31/little-free-library-at-chaney-monge-school-pays-tribute-to-crest-hill-educator/am4k010/

Pets of the Week: June 6

Click on the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/02/pets-of-the-week-june-6/ap2ujdb/

Will County Community Health Center's dental van now provides health care services, too

Mobile medical unit provides a variety of dental and medical services for children and adults

Paul Lauridsen, clinical director at Stepping Stones Treatment Center in Joliet, said many of the center’s clients have neglected their medical and dental needs. But it takes time for staff to schedule appointments, and then clients often don’t keep them.

"The nice thing about it is that if it’s here and they’re here, they can go directly to the van and get the service,” Lauridsen said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/31/will-county-community-health-centers-dental-van-now-provides-health-care-services-too/asnw4ns/


Mokena resident publishes book about spiritual warfare

Randy Voorn shares 3 ways to beat temptation

“All of us, whether we are aware of it or not, are fighting a battle in our minds every single day,” Voorn said. “This book goes into detail how that happens.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/03/mokena-resident-publishes-book-about-spiritual-warfare/axl9h3v/

Joliet resident has lead role in Chicago play about black migration

‘Migration’ melds black migration, jazz and love for Joliet actor

“I really think this is a story of passion, not only just for the migration – the movement up to the northern states – but a passionate story about music and the love for another human being,” Ealy said. “It’s just a really good love story.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/03/joliet-resident-has-lead-role-in-chicago-play-about-black-migration/ae1v04o/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: "The Almost Vampire Expert" by Sarah Stegall

Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Almost Vampire Expert

In my role of playing host, I've noticed that Denise has a rhythm to her blog. She incorporates the things in her life important to her and the events directly related to Bryony. Usually that entitles a weekly guest blogger. Keeping in mind I have no experience, I went out and found a guest blogger. Amber Gayhardt is a 20 year old student, fan of creative writing, and lover of vampire lore. She knows all things vampire and I consider her the expert. Amber is a reader of the Bryony Facebook page, following the edits, and waiting patiently for her copy.

So Amber, how excited are you for "Bryony," being another novel indulging vampires?

"Truthfully, actually really, really, excited! I just love anything with vampire mythology!"

Do you think the vampire craze inhabiting this younger generation is a fad?

"I'd definitely say so. I felt Vampires were rather unpopular until the Twilight books showed up. When the movies are all released, I feel the craze will end. The original individuals who read and loved the books will keep going back forever to read them. So in theory, I think the vampire hype will die off."

Do you feel that Bryony, with its Victorian history and time travel aspects will give it a competitive edge over other vampire stories?

"Oh, absolutely! The Victorian Age is very famous and very celebrated, especially in other countries. I believe vampire mythology sprung out of that era too. Denise, having included the two time periods, has just worked it in for all the Science Fiction fans out there. A little something for everyone, 'It'll be a damn good read!'"

What are your opinions towards re-introducing some classical piano to today's youth throughBryony?

"I myself, appreciate classical music and find it very mellowing. Between the technology advancements and society, I feel like we're much more violent. I think it's quite brilliant incorporating classical piano in a book relevant to teens. Maybe if they learned to enjoy some other sounds, they could mellow themselves out too."

Finally, Amber, how do you feel about Bryony being filled with original art and not just a book with any picture as a cover?

"The art is an excellent idea! I see to many things photo shopped or thefts from an original. There is a generous lack of new and interesting ideas."

Thank You, Amber, for obliging me and my stumbling interview. I thoroughly enjoyed writing up your contribution for the blog.

The Funny Company - "Man In Space" (1963)

And and And and And and And: Distance, Time, Perspective

A few months ago at the Plainfield Public Library's request, I hosted a low-key revision workshop. Those present read samples of their work, so I shared Henry's opening chapter, which I had printed off for WriteOn Joliet later that week.

Well, we've lately had so many people at writer's group, that I've held back reading my own work so the rest of the writers have their chance. Last night was the finally the night. To my delight, the two women I'd met at the revision workshop came out to the group

This is why distance, time and perspective are so helpful to us as writers. Here is an excerpt of that chapter, and I'll explain why it's so insightful.

Every morning, she woke up happy. Every night, she went to sleep exhausted... and happy.

            She prepared and served each meal with a smile and taught their five daughters to do likewise.

            She bore each hardship with grace.

            She never raised her voice but spoke with the sweetness befitting a gentlewoman.

            She served him and waited on him.

            She soothed his thirst with drink.

            She was ready with a basin and towel to wash the soot from his face and hands.

            She brought him soup, and she brought him bread, food that her fingers, gnarled and no longer delicate, lovingly prepared.

            While she scrubbed, and sewed, and cooked, and cleaned, and pushed forth another child, he plucked the guitar.

At the first reading, one of the women thought I should lose the multiple "ands" in the last line. I wasn't sure I agreed with her, but I noted it, as I always mull of these type of reactions and consider them during revising. I was also curious as to the reaction of WriteOn.

I did not mention the suggestion before I read it. And not one person thought I should drop the "ands," including the writer who originally made the suggestion.

This does not mean the suggestion was wrong or off base. It does mean writers, whether writing or critiquing, benefit from distance, time, and perspective.

While we're in the composing process, we are too close to our work. That's one reason I dislike writing features on tight deadlines. I feel my stories are better when I can edit them at least twenty-four hours later. Fortunately, those stories pass through the eyes of wonderful editors.

Being too close to our work doesn't mean we're too attached to our lofty prose. It just means in the process of arranging letters and words means we can't see the forest for the trees, if you will, until we step back and take in the whole.

And it's hard to adequately distance ourselves without letting some time pass between draft and revision.

That's what gives us a different perspective of that work.

Don't get me wrong. We NEED the perspective of being immersed in the forest. That's where we find the tiny flowers growing underfoot and crawling things under logs. We can't add the details that give characters depth, build tension, create mood, and push that story forward unless we do so.

But we also can't see if we've done those things effectively until we walk away and return, but at a distance.

It's also why the perspective of others - readers and writers - is extremely helpful.

Those people have not been inside your head. They don't have the tangle of impressions you've sought to separate and remold into a compelling story.

Those people have not been at your keyboard as you constructed each section into a seamless piece.

That's why their feedback is valuable.

But, conversely, that's also why you needn't blindly accept their opinion. 

Only you know if their suggestions will improve your premise or distract you from it. And how do you judge that?

Distance, time, and perspective.

A Little at a Time

That was the name of a book my oldest son loved from the Crest Hill Library when he was six.

http://www.amazon.com/Little-at-Time-David-Adler/dp/0823417395

It's also great advice for anyone writing a novel.

This weekend turned out to be busier than I had anticipated. I was home very little on Saturday, and Sunday is church, housework, work-work, and walking. The  End

So any work on Henry's chapter six was done in stages and pieces on Saturday, and I really didn't set up much homework on it for the week.

However, when I reread that prose, it actually turned out well. And I have enough detail in my original notes this week's "homework."

So you see, a little at a time. Eventually, it comes together.

What's Cookin' at our House

Daniel's homemade potato chips

Rebekah's cinnamon rolls 

                                                         Rebekah's doughnuts

                                                       Rebekah's doughnuts

Steward Setback Saturday: Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, Explains the IVA

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, Explains the IVA

There are two ways to join. The first way is the simplest.

1) You can think you're Ed Calkins, and thus the spokeman for the Irish Vamprise Association.

2) You don't have to think you're a vampire, but you do have to think you're Irish and have a fondness and dedication to the Irish Vampire cause. You must think that you should be a member, mention this to no one, pay what dues you think you should, and hold what office you think you should hold. What ever dues you pay are the budget for your office, so spend it wisely. Also you must dislike any people you think an Irish Vampire would dislike, and think badly of them as a result.

Image the power of such a secretive structure! Few are foolish enough to cross the IVA. For example, there was a flint dealer named Ug some 10,000 year ago that insulted the IVA. In retailation, its members decided his daughter was unattractive. Poor Ug! Not only did his daughter Lee remain unmarried (and thus childless; it was a simpler time), but too this day when any sight is deemed visually unappealling, the memory of Ug's Lee is mentioned.

P.S. If you are an IVA member and your department is under budget, you could send the excess to Ed Calkins.

By Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara

Posted by Denise M. Baran-Unland at 5:01 AM

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 29 through June 3

Once again, a bit of a blur-zoom week of scrambling to meet deadlines with being one day short. I'm so glad I had the discipline and foresight to work six hours on Sunday and a couple hours early Monday evening. It made Monda that more relaxing and this week less impossible.

Tired today, looking forward to a couple of enjoyable days! And yes, that includes working on Before the Blood.

In the meantime, here's the other writing and editing I do.

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Joliet area veterans share their stories in film, print and discussion (VIDEO EXTRA)

One is Raymond “DeVere” Johnson of Joliet. A documentary, “The Last Signal,” is being produced about his reunion with a former World War II shipmate.

The second is Joliet native Philip J. Harris, vice commander of the California state command of the National Association of Black Veterans Inc. Harris recently took part in a panel discussion about post-traumatic stress disorder in conjunction with Soledad O’Brien’s documentary “The War Comes Home: The New Battlefront.”

The third is Christos Dragatsis of Joliet, who tells his military history in a new book, “Heart of a Veteran.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/19/joliet-area-veterans-share-their-stories-in-film-print-and-discussion/ae8q3l7/


AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: Minooka Purple Heart recipient committed to service and American values (VIDEO EXTRA)

 “He was proud of his Purple Heart,” Daniel said. “He actually put it on a necklace and gave it to his wife, who he actually based his life around: his wife of 63 years and his family.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/23/minooka-purple-heart-recipient-committed-to-service-and-american-values/argo9im/

Pets of the Week: May 30

Click on the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/26/pets-of-the-week-may-30/acnn0zf/

Joliet Central High School supports special needs teen in his campaign for prom king

“He has a spirit that instills inspiration in everyone he encounters,” Patty Edwards, adapted physical education teacher said. “He’ll say, ‘Hello’ to you and be friendly, and if someone is missing from my class, he always welcomes them back by saying, ‘We missed you. You’re part of the JT family.’ He makes everyone feel special.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/24/joliet-central-high-school-supports-special-needs-teen-in-his-campaign-for-prom-king/a5p3tk/


Leap of Faith Arts Ministries in Plainfield is more than dance and music

“We include prayer time and Bible study time and service projects,” Becca Heye, executive director, said. “We want to be sure we’re giving back to the community. We want the kids to learn, starting from the time they are very young, that serving others is a way of worship. It should be part of their culture as Christ followers.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/31/leap-of-faith-arts-ministries-in-plainfield-is-more-than-dance-and-music/a1zq9am/

Former Joliet resident to sign copies of seventh novel at Joliet Junior College

“The Reason for Time” is Burns’ first historical novel. It revolves around the Chicago race riots of July 1919. For this book, Burns said she concentrated on perfecting two areas: structure and voice. Burns felt the protagonists in past novels picked up her voice, so she worked hard to make the voice of the protagonist sound like the Irish-American she is.

“That’s what attracted my current publisher,” Burns said. “The unique and wonderful voice of the character.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/23/former-joliet-resident-to-sign-copies-of-seventh-novel-at-joliet-junior-college/akkwx7f/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Early Deletions

Monday, November 8, 2010

Early Deletions

Early Deletions:

Nearly every story goes through some changes during the editing process, a good thing, too. I shudder to think what elements might have remained had I written Bryony twenty years ago.

* Snowbell would have been Melissa’s cat.
* Melissa would have wandered the grounds at Simons Mansion searching for the cat while her mother and Brian had left her home alone in favor of the movies (There are no movie theaters in Munsonville. Besides, what parent would leave her fourteen year old home alone at night in the middle of the woods)?
* Henry Matthews would have resembled Sebastian Cabot’s Mr. French fromthe 1960’s television show, A Family Affair. He would have been sagely, not charming (GACK!).
* John Simons would have been dark and slender, sort of the way Melissa dreams him in the Grover’s Park house (You’ll have to wait for the book to read that part).
* Fr. Alexis would have vampire slaying powers.
* Melissa would have first met John near Lake Munson, not realizing he was a vampire.
* Simons Mansion would have existed only in Melissa’s dreams.
* Melissa would have become a critically ill, unwed mother.

Denise M. Baran-Unland

Weird TV ads from the 60's and 70's