Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 23 through Oct. 28

A full day ahead followed by my monthly fiction writing workshop tonight and then a full Saturday of fiction writing, the first in over a month. Even so, it will be a day of deadlines, as I'm wrapping up details for the launch of my two children's series (The Adventures of Cornell Dyer and Bertrand the Mouse) next month. And I'll be doing some preparation on WriteOn Joliet's mic night in December.

Still, the goal is to get lost in Before the Blood for part of that time. So we shall see. And now, on to the "real" writing.

First, the non-bylined work: 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 throughout 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.

I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/

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

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

Joliet teacher recognized for her mission of inspiring students to be their best

Patti Edwards guides her students into making the world a better place

“It’s a passion of mine to help people be the most they can be, that they have a purpose and make an impact on others by the words they say and their actions,” Edwards said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/20/joliet-teacher-recognized-for-her-mission-of-inspiring-students-to-be-their-best/awqecay/

An Extraordinary Life: Morris woman let God's grace shine through her cancer experience (VIDEO EXTRA)

Rene' Genau's prayers were answered

“Her primary concern was that she glorify God with her life,” Ed Genau, Rene’s husband, said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/an-extraordinary-life-morris-woman-let-gods-grace-shine-through-her-cancer-experience/aufp6ol/

Diocese of Joliet director of vocations is also the Catholic chaplain for the Chicago Cubs

The Rev. Burke Masters cares for the spiritual needs of the Cubs

“God doesn’t take away our passions. God doesn’t take away the things we’re good at,” Masters said. “Instead, he brings out the best possible use of our gifts and talents. In my wildest dreams I never imagined it, but in God’s plan, I think he planned this all along.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/25/diocese-of-joliet-director-of-vocations-is-also-the-catholic-chaplain-for-the-chicago-cubs/ajyej6k/

Plainfield church offers program to welcome fallen-away Catholics back to their faith (VIDEO EXTRA)

‘Catholics Returning Home’ welcomes non practicing Catholics

Kathy Marcucci enrolled in the program – and literally felt as if she’d come home. Marcucci credits the program’s leader, Deacon Tom O’Connell, for his safe, supportive, nonjudgmental compassion

“It was like sitting down and talking to your father about anything,” Marcucci said. “I left the cradle part of Catholic at the door that night and have been a practicing Catholic ever since.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/plainfield-church-offers-program-to-welcome-fallen-away-catholics-back-to-their-faith/a184m9f/

Lockport church showcases 50-year organ with a showing of 'The Bat' (VIDEO EXTRA)

See ‘The Bat’ to live organ accompaniment Saturday

Even if someone has seen “The Bat,” John Devona, the church's interim music director, feels the addition of Warren will make another viewing worthwhile.

“If you listen to any movie, like ‘Star Wars,’ it’s the music that gives cues to the viewer on what’s happening,” Devona said. “Because people don’t speak in silent movies, the music means so much more. It conveys emotions; it conveys suspense and special effects, like when a door opens or when something falls or when a doorbell rings.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/26/lockport-church-showcases-50-year-organ-with-a-showing-of-the-bat/ajpkhyu/