BryonySeries

Monday, August 6, 2018

Community News: Aug. 4 and Aug. 6, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: Aug. 5 through Aug. 12

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/gotta-do-it-aug-5-through-aug-12/adh95k0/

Local pet events: Aug. 6 through Aug. 13

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/02/local-pet-events-aug-6-through-aug-13/awppvqa/

Pets of the Week: Aug. 6

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

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/01/c8275025da37407a83c9e96c9ffff741/index.xml

‘Dog Days of Summer’ photo contest hosted by park district

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/02/dog-days-of-summer-photo-contest-hosted-by-park-district/aspwzhp/

Meet 'Principal for a Day' at Frankfort school

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/meet-principal-for-a-day-at-frankfort-school/aats8d8/

Local students named to dean’s lists, graduate in fall 2017

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/23/local-students-named-to-deans-lists-graduate-in-fall-2017/avxhs3a/

5 new principals named at Joliet District 86 schools

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/5-new-principals-named-at-joliet-district-86-schools/ays5yed/

Ridge Elementary School Patriot Pride Club honored

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/ridge-elementary-school-patriot-pride-club-honored/aq90vxd/

Western springs student wins Will-South Cook SWCD scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/western-springs-student-wins-will-south-cook-swcd-scholarship/a6hghhc/

Lockport student wins Will-South Cook SWCD scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/lockport-student-wins-will-south-cook-swcd-scholarship/axclidd/

D-202 in Plainfield announces 395 AP Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/d-202-in-plainfield-announces-395-ap-scholars/aq7kw3v/

DCEDC's Watson initiated into Phi Kappa Phi

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/15/dcedcs-watson-initiated-into-phi-kappa-phi/a7q8uxb/

Lincoln-Way East Air Force Junior ROTC takes third place in national academic bowl

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/lincoln-way-east-air-force-junior-rotc-takes-third-place-in-national-academic-bowl/afixqnl/

2 Joliet organizations host lunch for JTHS students

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/2-joliet-organizations-host-lunch-for-jths-students/atb6xmq/

Quick News: Electronic billing in Lockport, senior tax levy grant Joliet Township, Troy preschool busing, Pinmart scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/quick-news/artdjm9/

Local students named to dean's list for spring 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/local-students-named-to-deans-list-for-spring-2018/a83mk9c/

Check out the following 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." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Narcissism in Today's Reading Experience

How often have you heard/read these comments about why a reader didn't like a particular book?

I didn't care about the main character.

I couldn't relate to the characters.

I didn't like the character.

Why would that he/she react that way? That's not what I would say/do/feel.

I didn't feel a connection to the character.

When did immersing ourselves in a good book become all about our ability to relate?

When did we start expecting protagonists to think and act like we do?

One of the great joys of reading fiction (and writing fiction) is discovering characters who are not like us, to take journeys we might never take, to meet people we will never meet, to become of the relationships of other characters, and to perhaps behave in ways we might never behave...or even think of behaving.

Following a character through reading is the closest we'll ever get into other people's heads to follow their thinking patterns, their emotions, their decisions, who and what they love.

Sometimes I can relate to characters, sometimes I cannot.

Sometimes I can sympathize or empathize to characters, sometimes I cannot.

But I never leave a book, a good book or a bad book, without a wider perspective...or sometimes a narrower perspective.

People read for different reasons, of course. And this is not to suggest people should read MY way.

But...

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Sue's Diner: Chicken Salad and Crackers

John apologized to Melissa for his coldness by scheduling a large garden party where she could play gracious hostess. With delight, Melissa surveyed the picnic lunch, which included this chicken salad and crackers.

For the recipe, visit the Sue's Diner page: https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner

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.

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Community News: Aug. 3, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local arts and entertainment Aug. 3 through Aug. 10

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/local-arts-and-entertainment-aug-3-through-aug-10/a5vh9b7/

White Oak Author Fest in Crest Hill presents a casino-themed fundraiser

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/white-oak-author-fest-in-crest-hill-presents-a-casino-themed-fundraiser/a2j5xgg/

Tickets now on sale for CAPA Housewalk in Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/tickets-now-on-sale-for-capa-housewalk-in-joliet/aqzswt0/

IDNR Accepting Applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/idnr-accepting-applications-for-open-space-land-acquisition-and-development-oslad-grant-program-and-the-land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf-grant-program/api3maq/

The President’s Own Marine Band Jazz Combo performs at Lincoln-Way

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/the-presidents-own-marine-band-jazz-combo-performs-at-lincoln-way/ax0z3jj/

Call for crafters for holiday craft fair at The Timbers of Shorewood

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/call-for-crafters-for-holiday-craft-fair-at-the-timbers-of-shorewood/at23hip/

Plainfield students make and play homemade instruments

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/plainfield-students-make-and-play-homemade-instruments/att720c/

Lincoln-Way East flutist competition winner

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/lincoln-way-east-flutist-competition-winner/as88q5j/

New Life for Haiti to host gala

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/03/new-life-for-haiti-to-host-gala/a2d2glr/

Check out the following free newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Where is Ed Calkins?

The Steward of Tara has been silent too long, methinks. Contemplating sending a telegram if he doesn't reach out by the end of today.

In the meantime, I have three appointments to keep: all related to books and writing.

If you see Limerick Master, please ask him to step into his imagination and send a few amusing words.

Oh, and if you love the Gothic genre, stop by the Book and Bean today at 12:30 p.m. We're discussing Sue Mydliak's first vampire book, Birthright. Copies are available in the cafe.

Have a great Saturday! :)

Friday, August 3, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 29 through Aug. 3

Last night's WriteOn Joliet meeting: what an inspiration for a packed Friday!

The last few weeks have brought quite a few new faces and talent to our meetings. It's humbling and encouraging to see. I only hope they're muse is fed half as much as mine is.

WriteOn Joliet is also ahead of publication schedule for our second anthology. This is good because we noticed some errors last night while flipping through the proof copy. Still, it's looking good, and the process is smoother than last year, all good things.

On the calendar for the next couple days: work (today, tomorrow, and probably a bit on Sunday, too), three meetings tomorrow (The Book Market, a marketing meeting, and WriteOn Joliet's Gothic Book Club), a ghostwriting project, and some work on Before the Blood, because I am definitely adhering to a schedule.

And bringing this post back to WriteOn Joliet: some exciting developments in the works. Looking forward to sharing!

And circling once again to Before the Blood: I may go off radar again in a month or so and use more vacation time to really sink my teeth into that last novel. August is turning out to be busier than I anticipated, and with no money in the budget for a Raleigh trip, I might as well spin words into story.

Or so the old fairy tale sorta says.

And now onto other information.

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com.

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

NAACP - Joliet Branch #3018 serves the community in many ways

"It's important for people to have a say in what goes on in their community," Mike said. "Too often we sit back and let other people decided for us. We wait until something negative happens and then we want our voices heard. It's always better to be proactive. We can do much more to fix problems or improve things that are already going well before problems occur."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/naacp-joliet-branch-3018-serves-the-community-in-many-ways/a142ika/

Joliet cafe features artsy ‘zoo’

Check out these whimsical animals...and then stop by the cafe to see more!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/29/bc27f450bf344e43934518862fd37696/index.xml

Cystic fibrosis won't get her last word
Plainfield teen is off to college to study creative writing

“College is the big independent moment, for me, even more so,” Thakkar said. “For the first time, I’ll be taking care of my health in all its entirety. I’ll be living in a dorm and having a bunch of new experiences. I love what I’m going to major in and I get the chance to study it.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/30/18c8072eeae74822a14480990928ed07/index.xml?page=1

Mystery Diner: Lucano's in Crest Hill offers quality and quantity

Our first item was a 16-inch traditional sausage thin crust pizza. Our pizza came hot out of the oven. Lucano's was generous with the ingredients, and the pizza was covered with sausage!

The sausage was tasty and somewhat sweet. The pizza crust was golden brown and crispy, all covered with delicious mozzarella cheese. We had plenty of pizza to take home and enjoy later on, and it reheated well.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/31/101a1aba6f114eaeb919ce27c425293d/index.xml

A 100-year-old sax sparks a special event for youth-based church orchestra

Lockport church makes a joyful noise

Tuba player Antonio Gonzalez, 17, of Joliet, said, "I have always been met with appreciation and kindness which has made playing at church one of the highlights of my week."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/31/0476ecfea3144aa3965967910f3f3180/index.xml

It's all fun and games in New Lenox
Escapement Mobile LTD brings escape rooms to right your door

"We can bring the experience to you whatever you have going on," Carla Erdey, one of the four partners, said. "A corporate meeting or team-building meeting? We can add on and be part of it. Or if you're having a birthday party, it can be the hip new thing."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/31/93af8efccf514ddc8b00f07c819bf430/index.xml

Artworks: Making people happy with her music
Crest Hill teen sings, writes her own music, plans to teach and release first EP

"I love empowerment songs," Mikayla Ahern said. "I love to bring people's spirits up."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/02/91eb2cf6899a4c8fb2f0e4b8bb608de8/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Denise Issert of Wilmington

Denise Issert said: My interest was truly awakened in high school when my college prep English teacher, Mrs. Diane Stacy, allowed me to design an independent creative writing class that gave me the freedom to write my heart out.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/08/76b5f2e8ff0049989180ec18f08844d3/index.xml

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

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Community News: Aug. 2, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local faith events Aug. 2 through Aug. 9

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/local-faith-events-aug-2-through-aug-9/azdbguf/

Joliet church to host famous icon, hold service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/joliet-church-to-host-famous-icon-hold-service/ah41p6f/

Register by Aug. 2 for these events

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/register-by-aug-2-for-these-events/ah125bi/

New Lenox church seeking exhibitors

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/new-lenox-church-seeking-exhibitors/ahshzlx/

Check out the following free 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!"

Locally Grown: Land O'Frost, Lansing, IL

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Community News: Aug. 1, 2018

Plenty of food-related links for you to check out!

Roundup of food pantries in Will and Grundy counties

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/25/roundup-of-food-pantries-in-will-and-grundy-counties/ayyuixi/

Why buy popsicles when you can make healthier ones at home?

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/why-buy-popsicles-when-you-can-make-healthier-ones-at-home/ap3tai1/

Get a handle on chicken satay with a peanut dipping sauce

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/get-a-handle-on-chicken-satay-with-a-peanut-dipping-sauce/ajc1w38/

Wake up the flavor of fish with a bright and acidic sauce

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/wake-up-the-flavor-of-fish-with-a-bright-and-acidic-sauce/a22zflt/

The foolproof way to grill sausages and onions together

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/the-foolproof-way-to-grill-sausages-and-onions-together/ae4niyu/

Try this vintage recipe for fish salad: colorful and delicious

https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner

Joliet Junior College culinary alumna competed in Yorktown’s 'Taste for the Space'

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/joliet-junior-college-culinary-alumna-to-competed-in-yorktowns-taste-for-the-space/aik19ee/

Joliet Junior College culinary arts members assist with nutrition training

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/joliet-junior-college-culinary-arts-members-assist-with-nutrition-training/afxjzvh/

'Exploring the Illinois Wine Industry' Aug. 9 in Lockport

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/01/exploring-the-illinois-wine-industry-aug-9-in-lockport/af4cg52/

Check out the following 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." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Open Mic Night 2018: Diana Estell

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Community News: July 31, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: July 31 through Aug. 7

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/local-health-events-july-31-through-aug-7/ai5gy94/

District 210 science departments allow students to observe/interact with live autopsy

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/30/167d7ef320cc4ea7a59919a6eefc07a9/index.xml?page=1

New Lenox hospital honors volunteers for service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/new-lenox-hospital-honors-volunteers-for-service/as13m9x/

New Lenox receives donation for bleeding control station

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/new-lenox-receives-donation-for-bleeding-station/a2aooz/

D. 202 employees in Plainfield learn CPR

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/d-202-employees-in-plainfield-learn-cpr/a777pas/

Home Helpers of DuPage Suburbs marks milestone

Service area includes south Plainfield

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/home-helpers-of-dupage-suburbs-marks-milestone/adbkvom/

Heartis Village of Orland Park completed

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/heartis-village-of-orland-park-completed/adwlyk3/

State fire marshal presents ISO 1 plaque to the Plainfield Fire Protection District

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/30/6f47d656b3f14650bf894ab1e4f0f73e/index.xml

Lincoln-Way East students collect books for Silver Cross Hospital

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/05/lincoln-way-east-students-collect-books-for-silver-cross-hospital/avrwshy/

Check out the following 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." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Of Sandwiches and Baby Cheetahs

A couple months ago, a writer commented to me about the difficulty of finding story ideas.

I sent back a replay about finding story ideas anywhere, including random thoughts. I gave a long line of ideas as they as the flew out of my thoughts culminating with "a baby cheetah appears on your porch and asks for a sandwich."

In the early days of WriteOn Joliet, my former co-leader started offering an optional writing assignment a month to get people's creativity flowing, a tradition we've kept. So for our August meeting, I suggested this silly topic.

One member wrote hers early and misunderstood the topic. She substituted "monkey" for "cheetah."

Another member also wrote his early and posted it on the WriteOn Joliet Facebook page.

One of my sons, who doesn't belong to the group, loved the idea, may write a piece, and now wants a baby cheetah.

So even if you don't like to write, if you'd like a hilarious time listening to the pieces (while drinking some excellent coffee from the Book and Bean Cafe...and sandwiches!), pop into our Aug. 16 meeting.

We'll be there from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

I don't have a stock photo of a baby cheetah to post here. But I can promise you plenty of gifs are out there (I've been sending them to my son).

But here's an illustration of a sandwich.

Because you know, if you give a writer a sandwich, he/she's gonna want a baby cheetah to go with it.

Sorry. Had to. ;)

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Monday, July 30, 2018

Community News: July 30, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local pet events: July 29 through Aug. 6

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/27/local-pet-events-july-29-through-aug-6/ahivlz4/

Pets of the Week: July 30

Click on the caption of each photo for each pet's description.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/22/3bf1d458cbb140c09e4a3191c3397c04/index.xml

Beware of bats, exposure to rabies

IDPH offers tips for keeping people and pets safe

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/27/beware-of-bats-exposure-to-rabies/a3nfb0w/

Lockport library to host first LEGO robotics league

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/lockport-library-to-host-first-lego-robotics-league/aoj191v/

Lincoln-Way to host free JROTC Summer Drill Camp

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/lincoln-way-to-host-free-jrotc-summer-drill-camp/ah6icjk/

Photography contest and exhibit coming in August at Goose Lake

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/30/photography-contest-and-exhibit-coming-in-august-at-goose-lake/a69gob1/

Check out the following free newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Yes, You Probably Do Have a Book In You

Like many writers, I belong to several writers groups on social media.

This past weekend, someone posted this article written by Kate McKean of the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency: No, you probably don’t have a book in you: A literary agent on why your good story isn’t likely to be a bestseller.

McKean elaborated on the following points:

1) Every story is not a book.

2) Writing is hard.

3) Publishing is a retail industry, not a meritocracy.

4) Just because you are fluent doesn’t mean you can write.

Comments on the group ranged from respectful to upset, with some not-so-good opinions about traditional publishing to some lauding of self-publishing or seeing self-publishing as a last resort if an author can't land a traditional publisher.

Part of the confusion, I feel, lies in the difference between writing as art and writing as business, or the difference between creative and commercial art.

Writers: although overlap may occur, they are not the same.

Here's what I posted:

I'm the entire features section of a daily, a self-published author of several series, and the co-leader and co-founder of a writer's group. I stress the above points to those hoping to "get picked up" by a literary agent.

Being published traditionally does not equal validation of good writing. All it means is that the author has written a book a publisher thinks it can sell. The writing can be good, bad, or indifferent. But it can be edited into a salable product that can be targeted to a specific market. I do this all the time with news releases and story pitches in my section.

I've seen bad writers sign traditional contracts and some outstanding writers struggling to find readers for their outstanding novels. I tell writers all the time: "If you have an idea for a story burning inside you and will dedicate the long hours required to shape that story into a mesmerizing, believable read, you're a writer. Enjoy the process! You may only find five readers turning somersaults over your work, but that's OK. Write your story for them."

With so many self-publishing options available now, it's an exciting time to be a writer. If you want to be a commercial fiction writer, study the market and write to it. But here's the thing. By the time a commercial work is ready for publication, the market may have changed. And no one, including literary agents and the top five, can predict what book will sell a surprising amount of copies.

So write the book inside you, the book only you can write. And make it the best book it can be. A truly great book never goes unread.

And also this:

An agent only makes money with the sale of a manuscript. If I was a literary agent, I would not accept a project I could not sell. As far as publishing houses and blockbusters go, the blockbusters give new authors a foot in the door. Many, perhaps most, books do not earn out their advances. Many houses survive on blockbusters, making it possible to accept other books they know won't sell as well. Publishing is a business.

And finally this:

Once upon a time (get it, LOL), a midlist author could enjoy a quiet comfortable career. Publishers had larger staffs and worked with authors they felt had promise. But things change. Where I work, the features section had two editors, one staff writer, and a bottomless freelance budget. That was 1998 when I started writing for this newspaper.

Today, I am the entire section and have no freelance budget. When I freelance and wrote stories on local authors "published" by vanity presses, I swore never to become one of the them. But as I learned more about what constitutes true self-publishing, I found another adventure.

Every era in publishing brings its own opportunities and challenges. Let's seize the first and navigate the second. Who knows? Instead of bemoaning the changing of the game, we can become game - changers, and all these comments will sound quaint in ten years.

Writing a book takes knowledge, time, discipline, and persistence, and writers often (maybe usually) receive very low return for that effort. Writers, no matter how they publish their works, struggle to find readers for their writing.

True, a writer may sell more books through a traditional house, and true, some self-published authors do very well.

But most books, published or not, sell only 250 to 2,000 copies in their lifetimes (depending which report you read), very discouraging to fierce dreams of becoming the exception.

I've written and self-published several books, and I doubt any of them will hit even 250 in sales. I remarked at a recent WriteOn Joliet meeting that Before the Blood, this five-volume prequel to the BryonySeries trilogy that's consumed nearly ten years of my life, will likely only sell five copies in its lifetime.

And yet, I'm so very glad I wrote it.

If you haven't guessed, I agree with each of McKean's points.

However this does not mean writers should not write that book. Good God, YES, they should write it.

Write it to develop your talents.

Write it to entertain your imagination.

Write it for your own set of five people who will savor (or devour) it and clamor for more.

If every book was a bestseller, bestsellers would not exist.

If every book received a traditional publishing contract, publishers could not afford to publish books.

But that doesn't mean the process isn't valuable or that a writer's words don't have the power to change someone's life, even if it's the writer's.

So if you have a story or a topic burning inside you: write!

Here's the link to the complete article if you'd like to read it.

https://theoutline.com/post/5541/unconventional-wisdom-you-should-not-write-a-book?zd=6&zi=3kyacsvx&utm_source=Publishers%20Weekly&utm_campaign=044e39cbbc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_07_27_02_59&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0bb2959cbb-044e39cbbc-304484677

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Community News: July 28, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local students named to dean's list for fall 2017

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/29/local-students-named-to-deans-list-for-fall-2017/a1gio1u/

Morris Lions Club helps Morris police fund crisis training

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/morris-lions-club-helps-morris-police-fund-crisis-training/az25t29/

Morris-area students receive scholarships

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/morris-area-students-receive-scholarships/aqa6osw/

Trinity Services in New Lenox publishes leadership book

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/trinity-services-in-new-lenox-publishes-leadership-book/a6udj08/

Lincoln-Way East CyberPatriot team takes first place in Illinois

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/lincoln-way-east-cyberpatriot-team-takes-first-place-in-illinois/a6b2gzw/

D-202 director of community relations gets INSPRA honor

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/d-202-director-of-community-relations-gets-inspra-honor/agnunge/

Plainfield graduate wins National Merit college-sponsored award

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/plainfield-graduate-wins-national-merit-college-sponsored-award/akrmmgn/

Joliet Noon Lions hosts celebration, installs officers

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/joliet-noon-lions-hosts-celebration-installs-officers/a55vh20/

Plainfield school hosts career day

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/plainfield-school-hosts-career-day/anvwd94/

Lincoln-Way cadets excel at summer leadership school

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/lincoln-way-cadets-excel-at-summer-leadership-school/af5zvkl/

Hurder named VVSD executive director for grades six to 12

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/20/hurder-named-vvsd-executive-director-for-grades-six-to-12/anjuraa/

Check out the following 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!"

Sue's Diner: Fish Salad

Although Simons Mansion hosted most of Munsonville’s festivities, the villagers reciprocated one summer with a celebration in honor of John and Bryony Simons, with John providing the entertainment. A torn dress kept Melissa away from the refreshment table, but, except for the cake, we doubt she would have eaten anything from it, anyway.

One of the foods that appeared on that buffet was fish salad. Try it at https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

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.

Saturday, July 28, 2018

A Late Blog: Here's Why

Very productive day, right from the morning I awakened (although I did oversleep a bit).

Worked until eight last night, ran a couple errands (I needed a mouse for my laptop), I worked on Before the Blood until 1 a.m.

I worked on two chapters today and, except for two scenes, chapters eleven through twenty-one (the novel begins at chapter eleven and ends at thirty, plus an epilogue) are in good shape for self-editing.

Because I have parts of the remaining chapters completed, I'm hoping to work at the rate of two chapters per weekend up until Labor Day. At that point, the fifth book will be close to the self-editing stage. I will then hand off the first four manuscripts to my editor while I get the last into shape.

The goal, reiterated: publish all five novels in 2019, with the first being released sometime in January.

So far, it's looking good.

Now I need to get one more thing done for work...and try to finish those last two scenes...if I can stay awake long enough...

Oh, and we had a cooking party (of sorts) tonight in the kitchen, whipping up four more recipes from Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," for the Sue's Diner portion of the website. I'll post one tomorrow.

And now, back to it...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Friday, July 27, 2018

Community News: July 27, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 22 through July 27

It's funny about improvement.

You work and work and work at something and don't perceive any measurable progress. And then suddenly!

There it is.

When it comes to reading my works aloud, I've improved.

For small presentations , at least, I've lost the jitteriness that comes from standing in front of a room and reading words that originated in my imagination. And I'm thankful to events like the "Writers 15 Minutes of Fame" that the Plainfield Public Library offered last night.

I'm even getting a feel for selections that work well for reading aloud. With my drama tutor busy these last few months, I've not worked on any performance pieces, and that's still a goal I need to meet.

So last night I read one from Before the Blood I read almost three years ago at a WriteOn Joliet open mic, a piece that closed the event. My co-leader Tom Hernandez had complimented it at the time, saying he liked the "poetry" in it.

Ironically, the same piece closed last night's event, too. Plus, it shows how long I've worked on this prequel. It will be nice to finish it, read it as a reader and move onto other projects, knowing I've put the best I can into it.

And now onto other information.

Non-bylined features:

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.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com.

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

'Journalism gave me a purposeful outlet for my writing'

10 questions with Herald-News intern Sydney Czyzon

Czyzon said: "Once I realized I could make a career out of my passion, I ran with it, and I’ve been writing ever since. I love that my career choice gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference in the community by empowering the voices of others."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/16/1c951d73f49b4731925c30f9cb102c40/index.xml

'I want to get as much experience as I can'

10 questions with Herald-News intern John Nudera

Nudera said: "Once it was time to decide a major, I went with what I enjoy and that’s writing. I like having a voice that people can listen to regarding certain subjects, I just felt like journalism was the best for that."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/16/94c8e771b44b4e23a41cbe10cc14075e/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: 'We called him our king'

Joliet man modeled servant leadership

Martha and Edith recalled the time Isaac decided to tear down the dilapidated garage at their Iowa Street home and build a better one. But Isaac didn’t keep his skills at home.

“Every house on our street had some of my dad’s work,” Martha Rucker of Joliet said about her father Isaac McDaniel.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/22/6ba7361ddbad4d6b8d4a1b9428a80faf/index.xml?page=1

Joliet steak house has vintage atmosphere

Since Al’s is a steak house, I was curious to try something other than steak, just to see if the other food would be just as good. Not just steak.

So I ordered spaghetti and meatballs and was not disappointed.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/joliet-steak-house-has-vintage-atmosphere/aqpvw1v/

'I go as the Lord leads'

Living Water church in Morris transitioning to Crossbridge Community Church
By Jeanne Millsap

“We’re not closing,” Pastor Steve Cook said. “We’re transitioning.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/25/ca2159455891421e88e0f4507cae116e/index.xml

Lockport Poetry Project creates art from poetry, workshop on Saturday

"I'm not against graffiti," Sam Love said. "But what people are submitting on the cares and at the workshops is beautiful. People really understand this community and their love for it. Visitors will see the beauty of it, too."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/24/e30efc9060cd465ba7c722cf63aec0ff/index.xml?page=1

Plainfield teen performs at Carnegie Hall as part of an honors band

"There were thousands of applicants from all over the word. What are the chances I would make it?'" Amelia said. "But my family believed in me. They knew I could do it."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/24/plainfield-teen-performs-at-carnegie-hall-as-part-of-an-honors-band/afv3mas/

LocalLit author spotlight: Ken McGee of Plainfield is back

McGee sums up his featured short story this way: "Don't bother to negotiate with your wife because though you might think you win the battle, you always lose the war."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/17/locallit-author-spotlight-ken-mcgee-of-plainfield-is-back/aut2poq/

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

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Community News: July 26, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local faith events July 26 through Aug. 2

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/25/local-faith-events-july-26-through-aug-2/avtj9ow/

Joliet Catholic Academy announces May Students of the Month

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/25/1bded40046194cfcb5e79f6be3950004/index.xml

Videos:

"Boomhood" at Will County Brewing Company

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/128f752f-b5db-4766-89fc-ba718cf176e1.html

Herald-News intern Sydney Czyzon reads the latest Letter to the Editor from longtime letter writer Raymond Stoiber

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/35ba12ef-34e0-41c5-b826-fc1c44441f53.html

An Extraordinary Life: 'We called him our king' video

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/c17fc7bc-5013-4347-a473-af437b235559.html

"A prayer when the heart is heavy"

http://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4a3dc3a3-90a8-4d2b-b2e9-51f9b7af8801.html

Check out the following newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."