BryonySeries

Thursday, February 7, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Vampire Bat Facts

Vampire Bats Facts

The vampires Melissa Marchellis encounters in Bryony have much in common with vampire bats. Both flee when the victim awakens, and both contain saliva with particular properties: a numbing agent and an anticoagulant to allow the blood to freely flow. The similarities, however, end there.

Unlike the vampires in Bryony, vampire bats never attack and, when they do regurgitate a meal, it’s to share their food with a vampire bat that didn’t get one that night. Vampire bats, said Sharon Peterson, elementary school teacher, librarian, and bat expert trained by Bats Conservation International, roost in very tight colonies and display caring behavior toward each other. Adult bats, for instance, will groom other bats.

Other vampire facts Peterson shared include:

· There are three species of vampire bats: common vampire bat, hairy-legged vampire bat, and the white-winged vampire bat. All three live in Latin America ranging from Mexico to the southern areas of South America. They do not live in Europe.

· Two species of vampire bats drink mainly from the blood of birds. The other drinks the blood of mammals.

· Vampire bats can run short distances before leaping into flight.

· Vampire bats ignore the fatty areas of their victims. Instead, they settle on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface. That would be the feet in birds, on the hooves or near the tails for cows, and the fingertips for humans.

· Scientists are experimenting on ways to use the anticoagulating properties in vampire bat’s saliva as an alternative to traditional blood thinners. Unlike these medicines, the anticoagulant in bat saliva targets only clots.

· Vampire bats are very shy. They will not come near a victim that is awake.
· Vampire bats are not carnivorous. Other bats might scoop up a lizard or mouse and fly away with it, but not vampire bats.

For over ten years Sharon Peterson, along with her husband Dan Peterson and their two Egyptian fruit bats, has been giving presentations on bats. Sharon and Dan are both licensed through the USDA as Class C exhibitors. To schedule a presentation or for more information on bats in general visit http://www.incrediblebats.com/.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Community News: Feb. 6, 2019

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Sue Midlock

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Community News: Feb. 5, 2019

Test your home for radon with these $8 kits from the Will County Health Department

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/04/test-your-home-for-radon-with-these-8-kits-from-the-will-county-health-department/a8253ah/

Plainfield 7th-grader brings awareness of syndrome

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/plainfield-7th-grader-brings-awareness-of-syndrome/a3u0tm3/

Knights of Columbus donate to LCSRA sensory room fund

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/04/knights-of-columbus-donate-to-lcsra-sensory-room-fund/axx3yax/

Lemont school's academic bowl team excelled

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/01/lemont-schools-academic-bowl-team-excelled/a5qryif/

Applications open for 2019 Environmental Grant Program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/03/applications-open-for-2019-environmental-grant-program/amzmjm4/

Register now for Senior Valentine’s Bingo in Lockport

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/03/register-now-for-senior-valentines-bingo-in-lockport/a3mnl1h/

City of Joliet Historic Preservation Award accepting nominations

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/03/city-of-joliet-historic-preservation-award-accepting-nominations/amq1ran/

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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

Formatting Frustrations

So Sarah offered insight into the formatting issue in the Bertrand the Mouse books.

I didn't understand her advice, but Rebekah did, and she is going to try removing "hidden formatting" this morning.

Ultimately, Sarah said that although the files look correct on our end, they may still, in fact, be wrong, and instructed Rebekah how to remove and reinsert the images before reuploading the files.

I'm stymied because they were previously correct. But perhaps KDP picks up issues Createspace did not.

We did get a "hidden formatting" message with the first "Before the Blood" installment, which we removed. However, we did not get one with the second; perhaps because we used the same template and the issues were resolved.

On a more exuberant note, we uploaded the second installment late Sunday afternoon to KDP and the book was live about 16 hours later.

Watching it finally take shape after pecking at it for sooooooooo many years is truly satisfying.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Community News: Feb. 4, 2019

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

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

Pets of the Week: Feb. 3

Click on each caption to read the description.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/31/27dd090e4358486bad5f989787cc0cf4/index.xml

Joliet bank held pet event during the holidays

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/joliet-bank-held-pet-event-during-the-holidays/anq9kyp/

Feed backyard birds in February for the greater, global good

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/feed-backyard-birds-in-february-for-the-greater-global-good/axno53o/

Gotta Do It: Feb. 4 through Feb. 10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/gotta-do-it-feb-4-through-feb-10/aa7ujwh/

Local art and entertainment events: Feb. 4 through Feb. 10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/local-art-and-entertainment-events-feb-4-through-feb-10/ag9f0g7/

Local faith events: Feb. 4 through Feb. 10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/local-faith-events-feb-4-through-feb-10/antaks6/

Local food events: Feb. 4 through Feb.10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/local-food-events-feb-4-through-feb-10/atvz33/

Local health events: Feb. 5 through Feb. 10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/local-health-events-feb-5-through-feb-10/a2fhyqa/

Local pet events: Feb. 4 through Feb. 10

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/local-pet-events-feb-4-through-feb-10/aqmakq4/

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

A Fast-Paced, Non-Super Bowl Weekend

At least, the weekend was fast-paced for me.

And I'm not a sports fan, so my only knowledge of the Super Bowl came from The Herald-News headlines this morning.

Although I came into the weekend with the intention of making impressive progress on Cornell Dyer and Eerie Lake (and didn't), I at least had a very productive weekend and am a little amazed I accomplished so much.

Here's a quick recap of Saturday:

1) Re-reading bits of Daraga's Quest for the WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club.

2) A nap.

Yep. I was up for a couple hours on Saturday and decided to go back to bed for a couple hours. I used to nap all the time when nursing the kids to sleep back in their babyhood days, and I've only recently rediscovered the luxury of Saturday naps. They're awesome! (especially when drowsing over a good book.

3) Social media/marketing.

4) Stopped in at Ken McGee's book signing.

5) Two lovely hours at the WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book club at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet

6) A few hours of work for Monday

7) 15,995 steps (the goal is 23,000, but I've been a bit under-stepped lately)

8) Walked with Rebekah to Jody's for carryout.

9) A couple hours of Cornell Dyer (an outline, back cover copy, chapter heading picture ideas, a bit of the prologue, and some consultation with Timothy on the last book)

Sunday:

1) Social media/marketing

2) Work for Monday

3) Covered a church service in Channahon

4) Took a short drive and walk by the I&M canal for work and Bertrand photos

5) Stopped for gas and coffee at Casey's (coffee is important), where Rebekah called with an electrical issue at the house.

6) Talked with maintenance as he addressed the issue.

7) Finished Monday's work.

8) Uploaded half a dozen videos for work.

9) Spent a couple hours with a Joliet woman in her 90s (I'm ghost-writing her memoir).

10) Added the corrections from the proof copy of the second installment to Before the Blood and uploaded it for possible publication.

11) Rebekah found discrepancies in ALL Bertrand the Mouse files on KDP. Our files are correct. She successfully uploaded one; the rest are being stubborn, so a phone call is on the list for today.

12) 14,800 steps (which included a walk with Rebekah)

13) Mailed three birthday greetings to grandchildren and one bill.

14) Yoga

15) Consulted with Timothy on his menu for work, my website and various fonts, and the business card he's redesigning for the BryonySeries.

16) Lamented with Rebekah at bedtime at why I can't seem to get anything done! (yes, that's a thing).

So why am I listing this?

Years ago, a very wise Catholic writer and mother of seven children recalled another mother lamenting with having no time for projects, etc. The writer, Mary Reed Newland, responded by saying we need to examine where we waste it.

Another writer, who wrote a parenting book when she had six children, wrote in a 1983 book for stay-at-home moms how a time management expert had told her to "learn to use small modules of time," which is how she got her book written.

For some projects, that's fine. However, many creative projects need large bunches of time to properly unfold.

Looking over this list, to say "I didn't get anything done" is far from the truth.

And as a new week is beginning, maybe I should give myself a virtual shoulder pat and say, "Well done!" instead of dwelling on the list of items (as yet) undone.

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

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Community News: Feb. 2, 2019

Joliet West CTE Teacher Selected for IL Exemplary CTE Teacher Program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/31/joliet-west-cte-teacher-selected-for-il-exemplary-cte-teacher-program/akevs23/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: LaVada Humphrey Joliet West H.S. Class of 1990

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/31/jths-alumni-spotlight-lavada-humphrey-joliet-west-h-s-class-of-1990/aq57lua/

A new way to tackle college classes

Joliet Junior College students elevating education through integrated learning model

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/31/cb59b67f50ff49558c3387367242e50d/index.xml

Joliet Grade Schools Foundation donates benches

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/31/joliet-grade-schools-foundation-donates-benches/ac2rgei/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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

Saturday, February 2, 2019

A Silly Bit of Irish Fun

What can be more silly and more Irish than a limerick?

Well, maybe lots of things.

But not on Feb. 13.

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. (to be exact).

Because that's when we're celebrating our first Limerick Match in honor of Calkins Day 2019.

Yes, we know the Steward of Tara would prefer a parade.

But until he (or someone) organizes one for him, we'll host other things.

Like the Limerick Match.

It's basically an all-age competition (in teams, if we have enough people) to see who can deliver the most entertaining family-friendly limericks to attendees and patrons at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet, where we're holding the match.

You can bring original limericks, choose some of ours (printed out for you that night), look them up online during the competition and/or any combination thereof.

Extra points for originality and even more points if they praise Ed Calkins, the host for the night.

And prizes, compliments of the cafe.

Not sure who Ed Calkins is and what Calkins Day is all about?

Then check out this link: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/02/happy-calkins-day-primer-and-tips-for.html

Oh, and Irish/St. Patrick/green/leprechaun-themed attire is encouraged but not mandatory.

Overall, it's a night to be creative and have some rhyming fun.

Hope to see you there!

Friday, February 1, 2019

Community News: Feb. 1, 2019

LIHEAP funds still available
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/27/liheap-funds-still-available/at4cxav/

Joliet native serves aboard USS John C. Stennis

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/27/joliet-native-serves-aboard-uss-john-c-stennis/awsr1mh/

Troy Special Olympics basketball team places 3rd at regional competition

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/25/troy-special-olympics-basketball-team-places-3rd-at-regional-competition/annwm1w/

JJC professor presents piano recital on Feb. 3

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/31/jjc-professor-presents-piano-recital-on-feb-3/a5ouldg/

Troy Middle School dance team going to state

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/17/troy-middle-school-dance-team-going-to-state/ax0lxq0/

Children’s therapy clinic opens in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/20/childrens-therapy-clinic-opens-in-plainfield/aw7dfyd/

L-W students do well in art contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/17/f569c1c868ac4aae94d325bce863aa47/index.xml

Try a classic soup celebrating seasonal veggies

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/28/try-a-classic-soup-celebrating-seasonal-veggies/aliy07b/

Skeptical of a cookie in a skillet? Just try it

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/28/skeptical-of-a-cookie-in-a-skillet-just-try-it/aroa01a/

Make an intense molten chocolate cake at home

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/28/make-an-intense-molten-chocolate-cake-at-home/avu9haq/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 27 through Feb. 1

First of all, I hope everyone is surviving this crazy weather, because it ain't over yet.

Second of all, Ken McGee, a WriteOn Joliet member and one of my students at the monthly fiction workshop, will sell and sign books tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. o 2 p.m. at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. I'm planning to pop in, too, so if you haven't met Ken and checked out his books (and even if you have), this is a great opportunity!

The atmosphere will be low-key, and the bookstore has plenty of used books to to keep one browsing for a long time. If you like amusing short stories and family-friendly series that immerse in someone else's world, Ken's books may be right for you.

Speaking of WriteOn Joliet, we have some great events planned this year for readers and for writers. Learn more about us at www.writeonjoliet.com.

Thirdly, I'm hosting an all-age, family-friendly limerick match on Feb. 13 in honor of Calkins Day 2019. For more information visit goo.gl/JZcPn7.

Fourthly, Bertrand has once again gone missing. I'm assuming he's found a cozy place to keep warm, but it's been a couple days since I've posted his photo, so I'm on the hunt for him this morning.

Now, here's where to find information and after that, the stories.

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.

'It's All About The Dress. Pay It Forward" is growing

Facebook group that donates dresses to women in need is ready for the next step

Right now, the group has a more immediate challenge – where to store 250 new wedding dresses, still tagged, from a bridal shop in Oak Lawn that recently closed, Tammie Key Holley wrote.

"We are hoping to get out to members ASAP," Holley wrote. "The only problem is we need a donated storage front or store front so we can inventory them all and get them out to deserving members. We have our EIN number so whoever donates space can write the rent off on their taxes."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/25/26d8630af39f4c708b9c23470463144e/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Minooka woman put her family first

Although Clifford and Deb Cobden did some traveling, they had shelved many plans for their retirement years. Clifford said he now realizes, "You can't count on the future. You just have to live in the now."

"We just thought we'd have a little more time," Clifford said. "I believe she stayed alive as long as she did because she could not bear to leave her family."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/27/f504795b7aa04abc81c26a8559215fec/index.xml

Giving beyond tithes and offerings

New Covenant Worship Center in Joliet shows God's love in word and deed

In only seven years New Covenant Worship Center has given away more than $70,000 in outreach, said Jonas Jones Sr., pastor of New Covenant Church in Joliet.

"People think we've got sponsors and maybe organizations and different things, but all of our events have been sponsored from the people through free will giving," Jones said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/28/7997fb6b02304b0e93956e8134398461/index.xml

Easy, ultimate polar vortex survival diet

Other than stocking up on basic supplies, I found no dietary tips for keeping warm or the best foods to eat during a polar vortex.

So I decided to create my own.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/30/76de7a8c4d4848da8933aad1a375138f/index.xml

Joliet native to perform with Gladys Knight

Aarron Loggins will sign the national anthem at Super Bowl LIII

Loggins: I have too many inspirations in me since growing up and didn't personal have one. But I can tell you one, both people and families are my inspiration because they do believe in me and they got my back since the beginning.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/25/1323552c750e44ccb06fe0af04bc3e93/index.xml

Sharing her childhood nostalgia

Mokena woman donates Disney figures to children's museum

"Hearing parents and their children talking about them is amazing," Adam Woodworth, executive director, said in a Facebook message. "It's another way inside our museum that parents can connect with their children. The figurines build discussions and conversations through the timeless stories they represent.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/29/b9a4086a2bb64f25a5146cacf390fc11/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Sarah's Christmas Wish' by Terri Ellinger

Although Christmas 2018 is just a memory (although this Christmas-y weather is very much present), the story can be read and enjoyed any time of the year.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/31/1d9465993b25483ca9f8524132aaedf4/index.xml

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

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Community News: Jan. 29, Jan. 30, and Jan. 31, 2019

'a life with less PLASTIC' in Lockport cancelled due to weather

Event will be rescheduled

Shorewood attributes long life to healthy living

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/shorewood-attributes-long-life-to-healthy-living/a85edwj/

VVSD blesses many families during the holidays

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/15/vvsd-blesses-many-families-during-the-holidays/abu0v49/

Romeoville's VVSD staff celebrates literary food fun

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/romeovilles-vvsd-staff-celebrates-literary-food-fun/aoubn2z/

District 202 in Plainfield piloting 'breakfast in the classroom' program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/district-202-in-plainfield-piloting-breakfast-in-the-classroom-program/ajxbtmb/

NEWSLETTERS

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

My First Amazon Review for "Before the Blood"

Last night after I stepped away from the computer to get some inside steps in and check social media, I found I'd been tagged in the first review for the first installment of Before the Blood.

First of all, as an indie author waaaaaaaay down on the author pecking scale, I'm blessed to have any readers at all.

But I've been blessed beyond imaginings to have this one fan who is as passionate about my series as she is. In fact, books two and three in the BryonySeries trilogy have only one review a piece on Amazon - and they both came from her.

How did she discover the series? We're Facebook acquaintances. She had seen references to it from my blog postings. And she bought the first book on a whim, not expecting much.

Of course, it's very fitting that a BryonySeries fan be named "Rose."

At any rate, I'd rather have one review like this one than hundreds that simply say, "Great read! Can't wait for the next one!"

Because reviews like this one show the reader relished the story and give other readers an idea if this is the book for them - without spoilers.

BTW, I only have two and a half more chapters to check in the proof copy of the second installment.

The book that begins a tale of subtle horror beyond imagining

January 30, 2019

Verified Purchase

What I relish most about Denise Baran-Unland’s writing is her lack of sentimental meandering when it comes to evil. You won’t find vampires that glimmer or glisten or glow. Even Bram Stoker’s enigmatic Count Dracula is too refined and delicate for the likes of Unland.

Despite his Byronic looks and Mozartian musical talent, John Simons, from Unland’s Bryony series is very clearly a predator. And in her tales, a predator and potential prey can never be true friend, much less lovers.

In my opinion, Unland’s Bryony series is a masterpiece. I read each book at least twice. The only other books I’ve read more than once are, “The Once and Future King” by Terrence White and Tolkein’s Hobbit and LOTR.

After finishing Bryony, I was bereft. I found myself mourning her multifaceted characters and complex plot. I needed to understand what made these individuals tick.

Before the Blood: John Simons (BTB) is a prequel to Bryony. While Bryony begins as the meanderings of a vulnerable, lovelorn girl, BTB is stark in its unvarnished reality. It’s as if the teenage protagonist from Bryony has grown old and wise and is determined to share her observations and wisdom before she passes from this world.

In Bryony, John Simons is an ill-fated vampire who desperately yearned to atone for his past. BTB is his life as a mortal = literally before the blood. Early on in BTB, patriarch Abbott Simons makes an observation following the birth of unwanted son, John Simons:

"Why is it always the blood..."

Thus, we’re made to understand that even before John Simons was initiated into the realm of the undead, there was a fatal flaw that ultimately led to his demise.

Though BTB may be loosely classified as Gothic Horror, it's doesn't readily conform to a specific genre. Indeed, BTB works on a variety of levels. Literally, it is a cautionary tale of a musically gifted, rebellious son who is compelled to create his own legend rather than live in his father's shadow. We follow John Simons from the pinnacle of his success to the basement of his despair. Anyone who has suffered failure will identify with the fey characters.

On another level, BTB is a study in family dysfunction. Superficially, the Simons family is the very picture of the rags to riches American Dream. The self-made millionaire, his salt-of-the-earth wife and their son, who is blessed with musical genius rivaling that of Mozart. But, beneath the Simons genteel surface lies an ugly reality rife with Oedipal undertones.

Indeed, Sigmund Freud would clap his hands in glee at the sheer number of lunatics that grace the pages of BTB.

Humor is used to coax the reader into opening the door to the closet where family skeletons dwell. The use of archetypes is ingenious. Grandma Spencer, a seemingly harmless, albeit eccentric, old woman morphs into the Hindu goddess Kali, best known for devouring her children and wearing a necklace of their skulls. And there's the devil in the guise of a tipsy, whimsical Bacchus who giggles his way into convincing hapless victims into selling their soul. It's easy to avoid those who appear evil. But, society's most successful killers appear harmless. Ted Bundy comes to mind.

The third level of BTB is the creeping sense of horror. This isn't the shock of zombies snacking on human entrails. It's more the quicksand of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," where seemingly normal people remove their mask. Like Hitchcock, Unland hides nasty little surprises between the lines. She encourages you to use your imagination, where your most primal fears dwell. The suspense builds slowly and paralyzingly. Unland's monsters are terrifying because they are real.

I enjoyed "Before the Blood: John Simons," the book that started it all. I can barely contain myself waiting for the next installment.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Holly Butler Coop

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Snips and Scraps

Accompanying my son to court this morning. Please think some warm thoughts as we walk a few blocks after parking (because the parking lot will probably be full) and that the lines to the door move quickly.

Last weekend, after racing against the clock to include as many events as possible into calendars for The Herald-News, I now find myself writing cancellation notices to post online.

About a third of the way proofing Before the Blood, installment no. two.

Just realized last night I'll need ten years (at least) to write all the books suggestions Timothy has for The Adventure of Cornell Dyer series. Maybe I should learn to write faster?

Speaking of Timothy, no recipe on Sue's Diner yet, but he has the information.

A plot for a read-aloud Bertrand the Mouse book using common sight words is VERY slow in coming.

Did I mention it's cold outside?

By Sarah Stegall in 2010 with cell phone from the day.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Community News: Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, 2019

Local pet events: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-pet-events-jan-28-through-feb-4/az679v9/

Local arts and entertainment: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-arts-and-entertainment-jan-28-through-feb-4/a4ng17/

Local health events: Jan. 29 through Feb. 5

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-health-events-jan-29-through-feb-5/a2q8p0u/

Local faith events: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-faith-events-jan-28-through-feb-4/aqsfo2v/

Local food events: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/23/local-food-events-jan-28-through-feb-4/avj2c06/

Megan Garfinkel to present at Feb. 14 meeting

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/25/megan-garfinkel-to-present-at-feb-14-meeting/aukk651/

Pets of the Week: Jan. 27

Click on the captions to read the descriptions

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/23/d5fd7019a9774cb48daf3d76a7d5a2ad/index.xml

Dick Van Dyke tops this list of Illinois actors

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/dick-van-dyke-tops-this-list-of-illinois-actors/aa1scp0/

Plainfield author to sign and sell books Jan. 26 in Crest Hill

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/25/plainfield-author-to-sign-and-sell-books-jan-26-in-crest-hill/axmb0uj/

Bolingbrook HS students among top 4 in Tollway Map Cover Contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/01/7d0d7d4b55154b5cb3a8d6e3e838d0d9/index.xml

Romeoville High School student Hannah Ramos exhibited her art

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/01/984e722c25574dceae1d6b190786da5b/index.xml

Romeoville High School student Warren Dekire exhibited his art

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/24/96ec24259fcc47f2ae5ebccceaa8138a/index.xml

NEWSLETTERS

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Slightly Behind and Slightly Ahead

So I spent a delightful afternoon yesterday with Rebekah and Cindy as we turned our kitchen into a test kitchen of sorts.

We created a lot of Valentine's Day recipes to run in The Herald-News over the next two weeks, and we (FINALLY!) created a new recipe (Bulldog Sloppy Joes, which we ate for lunch/dinner) for the Sue's Diner page of the BryonySeries website.

Unfortunately, with all the great modifications Timothy is making to the site, I could only upload a photo on the page, since that page is back under construction. So sharing the recipe in now delayed.

On the sunnier side of deadlines, the proof copy of the second installment arrived last night with Amazon sending me a photo to the BryonySeries email to prove it was delivered a day early.

So naturally, and especially after having worked most of the weekend, I had to review three chapters before I went to bed. Book number two is not due for release until March, but if all goes well, we might see it in print in February.

And that's the view from over this writer's coffee cup on a very snowy Monday morning!

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Limerick Lovers! This is an Event for You!

Come celebrate Calkins Day 2019 on Feb. 13 at the Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet with a Limerick Off.

And what, might you say, is a Limerick Off?

It's basically an all-age competition (in teams, if we have enough people) to see who can deliver the most entertaining family-friendly limericks to attendees and cafe patrons.

You can bring original limericks, choose some of ours (printed out for you that night), look them up online during the competition and/or any combination thereof.

Extra points for originality and even more points if they praise Ed Calkins, the host for the night.

Not sure who Ed Calkins is and what Calkins Day is all about?

Then check out this link: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/02/happy-calkins-day-primer-and-tips-for.html

Oh, and Irish/St. Patrick/green/leprechaun-themed attire is encouraged but not mandatory.

Overall, it's a night to be creative and have some rhyming fun.

BTW, I have a really awesome flyer created by Maureen Blevins, but the PDF version won't post. I promise to share it when I have it in jpg form.

Until then, here is a photo from last year's Calkins Day event.