BryonySeries: Search results for book marketing

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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

I've Made Friends with a Book Marketing Muse

Most writers who actually write (instead of talking about writing) often speak of their writing muse, that flow of inspiration that either runs like a babbling brook or sludge, oftentimes at its whim.

I now have a new muse in my life, one I thought would never befriend me.

It's my book marketing muse.

Like many writers, the thought of self-promotion turns me as pale as a vampire in sunlight. I'm most comfortable behind a screen, not in front of it, refining a craft I secretly pray will disperse into the universe like magic dust and settle into the minds of readers, making them clamor for more.

Fortunately for me, I've had one good brand ambassador fan of the series who, for several years now, has constantly exhorted me to promote the BryonySeries.

Because she loves the series and is certain others will, too.

Because no one will know if I don't put the information out there.

Because she does plenty of her own promotion of my works, and if she can, I probably ought to do the same.

So last Thanksgiving weekend, I spent a couple days writing a marketing plan. It's about four pages long. I've barely touched most of the ideas, not for reasons of shyness or sloth, but because each idea requires its own developing, and development takes time. And I have faithfully put in that time over this last year.

Also, like any muscle, my book marketing biceps are shriveled from lack of use. But like any muscle, flex it a bit, and it springs into action.

Or so my book marketing muse tells me. And I'm finding it's true.

Yes, a book marketing muse is a real thing.

Now that this muse and I have befriended each other, I'm learning three's not a crowd, that my writing muse and my marketing muse can sit in the same room and exchange ideas.

Hence, the reason for this post.

The ideas these two muses are creating are plausible and realistic. And as I work my way through the plan, executing and refining, I'm finding myself getting as excited about marketing as I do about writing.

Of course, I need to be a good friends to these muses in return. Each requires one-on-one time, as well as group outings. But these meeting of the minds are fruitful, and the seeds of new projects are starting to bloom even as I'm tending existing ones.

Not quite as prolific as bryony vines. But at a pace I can prune and harvest.

Exciting stuff, vampire fans.

Monday, February 6, 2023

This Marketing Professional Saw the "Collaborativeness" of the BryonySeries

So 2022 was a challenging year for my family and me on lots of fronts. We battled one emergency after another for the bulk of the year, with emergencies sometimes happening while addressing an emergency.

Because I was recovering from mild COVID on January 1, 2023, I was leery 2023 might be more of the same.

But then I was interviewed by a book marketing specialist in New York (whose blog I've followed for a couple of years). He posted the interview on his blog and gave me a thirty-minute free consultation.

During the interview, I asked for a list of services and prices (BryonySeries has a limited marketing budget), which he sent.

After an initial review of those services and prices, we are considering the possibility of hiring him for one particular service and see how we work together.

My reasoning for this has less to do with the interview, the services, the fees, and even the initial consultation - and more for what he did with my interview post on the blog.

You see, when we talked on the phone, he pointed out a glaring error on the BryonySeries website, which Timothy maintains. This isn't assigning blame to Timothy.

BUT, because Timothy and I are in and out of that site so often, we both missed it. And we are thrilled this book marketing specialist spent some time on the BryonySeries website, getting a feel for the series, before we talked.

This is where it gets fun.

So when the book marketing specialist sent me the link to my interview on his blog, I saw he didn't run the author photo I attached with the interview questions, a photo he requested.

He actually swapped the photo for one from the BryonySeries website and we're thrilled.

The one he swapped was actually a photo featuring me and Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.

This means the book marketing specialist spent enough time on my website to pick up AND understand what we're doing, in terms of the project being extremely collaborative among authors, artists, the productions team, the marketing team, the venues in which we appear, and, yes, even the characters turned authors.

Granted this are small teams, consisting of a few people, who often cross over into other teams. We're not a huge corporation. We're just us.

And yet, I honestly couldn't have been more pleased.

Here is the blog post.

https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2023/01/interview-with-journalist-turned-author.html

The reason I chose the photo below for this past.

You see, I purchased those gift cards you see below from the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet last year to give as a "thank you" gift to people who bought BryonySeries books at Joliet Public Library event.

The Book and Bean Cafe is very gracious to local artists, including the BryonySeries, including members of WriteOn Joliet.

So I want to return it, too.

Stay tuned for a super broadcast from 2018 from inside the Book and Bean Cafe that was played on a local TV station.

I'll share that tomorrow.

Monday, October 7, 2019

For Anyone Who Is Trying to Build a Brand

If you're an artist or entrepreneur or a nonprofit or anyone who is trying to build a foundation and following, this post is for you.

If you're reading this post, you may be long past believing in "if you build it, he will come."

More than likely, you have already put time and effort and heart into a project you know will impact the world, even in a small way, and then, when it's time to harvest some of that hard work, no one comes.

Unfortunately, I don't have any surefire tips or techniques to guarantee success or speed up the growth.

But I do have words to encourage you.

First of all, you are not alone. I'm sure you knew that.

And before I get to the real encouragement, here are some hard truths.

1) It takes more marketing than you can probably imagine right now to build a reliable, trustworthy brand.

You may know people who can SELL better than you. But to build a following for your product into one where customers seek you out is really, really hard to do, and even major brands (think Walt Disney and soda) had lean years where they lost money and still struggled to complete.

In 2012, when I did a book signing in Darien, the manager told me it was getting harder and harder to get people through the door for events.

Once upon a time, he said, he only needed to buy a small print ad in the local newspaper and hang up a flyer. That was seven years ago, and it's only become more challenging.

But the Darien store is still there. And thriving.

The methods must change with time. But being amazing should not.

Here's one small business that stuck it out during the building years (the first ten) and is now enjoying what the owner feels is success.

One book publisher even showed the pre-marketing efforts to create buzz for a book in this Goodreads case study.

2) It takes more time than you think.

In 2015, Time magazine reported on research that said the average business, no matter what the business, had a life expectancy of ten years.

In the same year, the Washington Post said more businesses die than are born.

Speaking of time, people today have more access to more information and more targeted information, along with less time to consume it.

You have a lot of competition for people's time. What are you doing to rise to the top?

3) Overnight success is a myth.

A few years ago, I read a lengthy post by Amanda Hocking (which I can't find now), which detailed all the marketing she put into her Kindle books at a time when Kindle was new, and books were easier to find.

In the post Hocking mentioned how a relative had provided the money for her to give away A LOT of free books (hundreds of dollars, perhaps $1,000, if memory serves me right), to people who might potentially review them.

Just so know.

Now for some encouragement:

1) Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may appear.

But don't stop there. Analyze it to see what worked and build from there.

Here's a recent and personal example.

Last week WriteOn Joliet held a pre-National Novel Writing Month at the request of a local library.

In addition to social media marketing, we sent out a news release (which the local Patch ran) and bought two print ads in The Herald-News.

We had ten authors prepare handouts to share tips for writing in particular genres to attendees.

We had four attendees who left very happy and satisfied. We had a few book sales.

Some people might call it a flop.

But one of the library's managers personally greeted every author present and shared some of the struggles of marketing events, even for the library, which has more resources than we do.

Sometimes, even the library has little to no attendance at an extremely well-publicized event. And to be fair, we were up against a major event at the Rialto Square Theatre, which gobbled up the limited parking in the downtown area, where we held the event.

One author that night shared how she, even though sales are often small at the events she attends, is finally seeing brand recognition. Potential customers now know her name and what she is selling. That is a huge accomplishment.

BTW, her name is Holly Coop. You can find her books here.

2) Play the long game.

This past year, WriteOn Joliet has held an Author of the Month program at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

We put some marketing behind the effort. Each author received a customer flyer, a local media blast complete with a customized news release, and some ideas for additional targeted marketing.

Every author sold (and some sold extremely well) and one author had The Bugle come out to write a story about him.

Since that link appears to be broken, here is Dale Hansen's Amazon author page.

The owner at The Book Market is very happy with us (partly because we are providing free monthly marketing on a small, but consistent, scale).

For example, the owner, Janet Staley (a very nice woman who believes in books and and reading), recently had an author call her saying, "I hear you do book signings. Can I do one, too?"

If our writers desire it, we may offer the program again in 2020.

A few related "by the ways:"

Our release party for our third anthology is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Book Market. Stop out, grab a bite of chef-created refreshments, meet the authors, and flip through some books.

WriteOn Joliet also has a new partnership to help with marketing its authors. More on this later.

WriteOn Joliet is hosting James Finn Garner at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Black Road Branch of the Joliet Public Library.

The event is free and open to the public

The overall message to this point is that most people give up way too soon. Don't be one of them.

3) Be confident in your goal.

It really isn't you. It's them. Most people have not heard of you or your brand.

Seriously. As much time and effort as you have put into marketing that brand, most people really have not heard of you. Or if they have, they don't remember you.

This isn't a call to be spammy.

It's a call to be persistent.

Grow in knowledge and truth.

Leave people feeling happy they met you. Let them feel the time they spent with you added value to their day. That feeling will stick with them more than hounding them to buy products.

In fact...

Be like Edison.

Saturday, December 31, 2022

A Brief Analysis of BryonySeries Sales and Marketing 2022

Artists of all genres, overall, struggle to find people who will buy and appreciate their art, which are not always the same thing.

Ever since I published my first book, Bryony, in 2011, I have struggled to learn the mysterious ways of marketing and sales.

And I am a slow, clumsy learner.

But the more I talked to other artists, the more I learned they struggled, too.

We all know what low sales look like. We all know what wildly successful sales look like.

But many of us don't know how many pounds of marketing it takes to equal an ounce of sales.

And many of us don't know what an encouraging amount of sales are.

OK, "an encouraging amount of sales" is probably very individualized.

But the beginning of 2020 was the very first year we felt encouraged. And we all know what happened in 2020.

So we used most of 2020 to study, learn, strategize, and revamp in a more focused, objective, and persistent manner than we had in the past.

The result is that we were encouraged at the end of 2021.

And we did much better in 2022, enough that we are celebrating in the spirit.

Don't laugh at the numbers when I share them. They are low by most standards, except ours.

If sales numbers are higher, you may leave this blog feeling good about your efforts (as you should).

If your sales numbers are lower, please know solid, happy readerships aren't built in a day (we've been slogging at this whole book thing for more than a decade now). We want you to know that after the first rush of selling to people you know, you can still sell the same books years later.

Still this is our best and most consistent year yet - and 2022 was a train wreck of a year for our family (and it ain't over yet, not for a few more hours).

But before I share numbers, I'd like to share some "What have you learned, Dorothy?" thoughts.

1) I have learned marketing and sales are two different species. Marketing lets the world know you have something to share. Sales is when the world decides that something is worth parting with some money to have it.

2) Sales only feels "icky" when the tactics are icky. Think of all the items out there people can't wait to buy. Think of all the items out there you wish you could buy. Think about that.

3) I will give Timothy total credit for coining the BryonySeries tagline: "A better reading experience." The full circle experience begins with the first hearing of the books to closing the cover after the final word. It led us to really ponder how do we, as a team of six, make that experience wonderful from beginning to the end.

4) Granted we cannot control whether or not customers will actually read the books they bought. We cannot control if customers will like what they've read. But we can control their experience of buying the book. After you write and publish the best book you can, put your efforts into the experience of buying for your customers. Make them feel glad they are taking your books home with them.

5) Except for the online sales, which are hidden behind a veil, every customer appeared happy when they left our table, bag in hand. This, above all, is what really encouraged us.

RESULTS

Books sold: 112 to the general public (not friends or family)

Additional books moved into circulation through donations by my family: Approximately 700

RANDOM NOTES

Our top selling book this year took three years to perform well.

Print versions of all titles substantially outperforms eBook on all sales platforms. So print is where we'll put our focus for 2023.

Reviews don't make a sales difference for us, which is actually a relief, so we don't have to put much effort into obtaining them. Organic reviews, sincerely given, ring more sincere, I think.

I've learned no venue is too unlikely for selling books. For instance, I sold books in bars twice this year. Hopefully this knowledge will expand my vision for new opportunities in 2023.

SALES

Top selling book: Nine Months of Kindness

Top selling BryonySeries book: Lycanthropic Summer

Top selling subseries: Bertrand the Mouse

Least performing book overall: Bertrand Gives Back

Least performing subseries overall: Before the Blood

Books most likely to encourage repeat sales from the same buyer: the original "drop of blood" trilogy (Bryony, Visage, and Staked!) Before The Blood (including all five installments: John Simons, Kellen Wechsler, Bryony Marseilles, Henry Matthews, Bryony Simons), The Phoenix, Call of the Siren

Venue least likely to result in sales - but it did: New Orleans North

Book least likely to sell - but it did: Before The Blood (one large volume of all five installments: small print on white paper)

Surprise sales opportunity: Christmas Market at Elder Brewing Co. in Joliet one week before Christmas Eve (many thanks to Cean Magosky for arranging it).

Surprise marketing opportunity: media blast from Timbers of Shorewood for WriteOn Joliet, of which I'm co-leader.

Surprise sales opportunity: Willow Fest, where Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, sold seven books authored by me and four authored by him. I wasn't even present.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Some Upcoming Events

Yesterday I did a quick pass over some upcoming events (http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/07/blog-soup.html), so I thought I'd include some elaboration today.

Questions? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

For details (and more events as they're added), visit https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

WriteOn Joliet

This is a friendly, low-key adult critique group I co-founded and co-lead. We meet from 6 to 8:30 the first and third Thurdays of the month at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

We are a dues-paying group: $50 a year or $5 a meeting until the $50 is reached. The first meeting is always free, all genres are welcome, guests are always welcome. We are an extremely active group and are slowly adding a marketing arm.

If you love to write or know someone who does, this is the group for you. The next two meetings are July 7 and July 19.

WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club

This is the first of many book clubs I hope WriteOn will host. (And I don't mind organizing them once Before the Blood is done).

Several of us in the group write in this genre (or close enough). One recently got burned by a book club. My dream is a book club tour. Another member of the group was present when we lamented these things.

And, POOF! A book club to read and discuss our books was born.

Unlike the critique group, we don't charge dues. Like the critique group, anyone is welcome. And you don't have to belong to the critique group, but we are focusing on reading and discussing the books WriteOn Joliet authors have written.

The next meeting is 12:30 p.m. July 7 at a member's home. Interested? Email me.

How to Self-Publish a Book for (Nearly) Free

Always wanted to self-publish a book but the expense scares you? Come to this laid-back roundtable talk that outlines the steps you need to accomplish it.

We'll meet from 9 to 11 a.m. July 21 at the Book and Bean Cafe, inside the Joliet Public Library at 3395 Black Road in Joliet. The cost is $10, which goes into the WriteOn Joliet kitty. The event is free for WriteOn Joliet members (although free-will offerings from members are always appreciated).

Only have a few minutes? Can't stay? The same $10 gets you a copy of the handout, which you can take and then leave. Either way, feel free to flip through some of my books (no pressure to buy) so you can see the quality.

Writers 15 Minutes of Fame

This event, hosted from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 26 at the Plainfield Public Library, 5025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield, features local authors either talking about their writings and books or reading from them or both.

I will be there with an excerpt from the BryonySeries. You don't have to be a writer to attend. In fact, we'd love some attendees who are readers!

I've done one of these, and it's a fun, free, entertaining time for anyone who is a book geek (raises hand).

WriteOn Joliet Marketing Roundtable

Are you a local author trying to get the word out about your book(s)? Or do you know an author who is struggling with marketing?

Come to out to this event, the second of the two we promised to host this year. It will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

Not only we will swap tips and techniques, we'll roll out a fledgling marketing arm WriteOn Joliet is in the process of developing.

This event is free and is for all authors, whether or not they belong to WriteOn Joliet.

Art of the BryonySeries

This event, which runs September and October, is an exhibit of four very different types of art created by four different artist who created art (book covers, illustrators, etc.) for any of the BryonySeries books.

Artists may swap out pieces during the month so check in to see new ones. Select pieces will be for sale (cash only at the register or contact the artist for other arrangements). All four artist are available for commissions.

An artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27.

2018 White Oak Author Fest

This event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct 13 at the White Oak Library, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive in Crest Hill.

A variety of local authors will be present with their books, including me and the BryonySeries. I always have some surprises and giveaways, so even if you own all my books (unlikely, but maybe), stop by to say hi and grab a freebie.

WriteOn Joliet Anthology Open Mic

The chance to hear (and read, if you write), five-minute excerpts from local authors. It's also a great opportunity for authors to practice reading their works into a microphone in a room filled with people.

Our last event in the spring was standing room only, spilling out into the hall, so we'll have extra space this time.

We MAY have a theme for this event, but if so, we'll keep you posted so you can prepare.

The event is free and open to any author. It will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Book adn Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release Party

Date/time/place TBA. November for sure. Stay tuned!

2019 Calkins Day Party and Limerick Contest

This will be from 6 to 8 Feb. 13 (Calkins Day, what else) and will give anyone the chance to exercise their creativity in this very unusual contest.

Details to follow.

Friday, September 26, 2025

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 19 through Sept. 26

Good morning!

For my second full-time back-to-work week, I have eighteen (yes, eighteen; I even did some of the photography) stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this fall) - so far:

Sept. 27: BryonySeries "Jump Into Fall" Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27, The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Oct. 4: FAME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This Fandom Arts and Music Expo will features local musicans, artists, authors, and events on all three levels of the library. I will be leading a panel of comic book artists, reading a couple excerpts from my books, and speaking briefly about B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet. I will also have BryonySeries books, WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer two years ago.

Oct. 11: Men Who Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 West Laraway Road, Joliet. Sample small portions of appetizers, side dishes, entrée and desserts at this all-you-can-eat event that benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. While this is not a BryonySeries event per se, Timothy and Daniel are participating for the first time (and this is Daniel's birthday) since the event benefits a nonprofit close to our hearts and raises awareness of the second. That's because the boys will be preparing and serving something yummy from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. The boys will also be distributing information about B.L.O.C.K.S. For tickets and more information, visit willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

56 years after near fatal stabbing, Will County man meets person who helped save his life

‘He’s a saint’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/16/56-years-after-near-fatal-stabbing-will-county-man-meets-person-who-helped-save-his-life/

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy teaches life skills to Joliet’s Lincoln School students

‘I think everybody has a leadership potential’ says owner of both Joliet locations

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/24/chick-fil-a-leader-academy-teaches-life-skills-to-joliet-lincoln-school-students/

‘The bond is unbelievable’- Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox celebrates NICU families, medical team

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/20/silver-cross-new-lenox-hosts-2nd-nicu-anniversary/

Joliet celebrates PrideFest 2025

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/21/joliet-celebrates-pridefest-2025/

DoorDash’s Project DASH partners with Northern Illinois Food Bank

‘It’s not just people out there looking for freebies and handouts’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/22/doordashs-project-dash-partners-with-northern-illinois-food-bank/

Joliet Junior College’s 2 student-run restaurants offer special fall menus

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-junior-colleges-2-student-run-restaurants-offer-special-fall-menus/

Joliet window company hosting celebratory 15-year-event

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/18/joliet-window-company-hosting-celebratory-15-year-event/

Joliet’s Jitters coffee shop wants your books for cafe library

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/14/joliets-jitters-coffee-shop-wants-your-books/

Joliet coffee shop Sought Out Grounds undergoes name change

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/15/new-joliet-coffee-shop-changes-name-branding/

The Dock on Front Street opens Mokena location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/20/the-dock-on-front-street-opens-mokena-location/

Jitters coffee house in Joliet offering specials for anniversary

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/22/jitters-coffee-house-in-joliet-offering-specials-for-anniversary/

New Lenox fall feast benefits preservation of historic one-room school

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/23/new-lenox-fall-feast-benefits-preservation-of-historic-one-room-school/

Register now free estate-planning luncheon in New Lenox

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/20/register-now-free-estate-planning-luncheon-in-new-lenox/

‘Wadee Day’ Sunday in Plainfield tied to World Peace Day

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/19/wadee-day-sunday-in-plainfield-tied-to-world-peace-day/

Traffic stop in Will County leads to seizure of 15 kilos of cocaine

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/21/routine-traffic-stop-in-will-county-leads-to-seizure-of-15-kilos-of-cocaine/

Fire breaks out in Joliet commercial building Saturday morning

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/20/fire-breaks-out-in-joliet-commercial-building-saturday-morning/

Photos: Plainfield held 2025 homecoming parade

(I didn’t shoot the photos – but I created the gallery)

https://www.shawlocal.com/gallery/2025/09/20/photos-plainfield-held-2025-homecoming-parade/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 22, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/22/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-22-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, October 17, 2025

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 11 through Oct. 17

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this fall) - so far:

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

‘The government came down with a hammer’ - Immigration crackdown fears affecting Illinois restaurant industry

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/10/15/the-government-came-down-with-a-hammer-immigration-crackdown-fears-affecting-illinois-restaurant-industry/

‘Just fewer and fewer of us’: Joliet Franciscan sisters built lasting legacy, but not accepting new members

President says it’s been 16 years since order has added new member

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/just-fewer-and-fewer-of-us-joliet-franciscan-sisters-built-lasting-legacy-but-not-accepting-new-members/

Disability advocates in Joliet celebrate ADA anniversary while citing concerns over federal cuts, protections

Event recognized 35th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/disability-advocates-in-joliet-celebrate-community-of-fighters-while-calling-for-protections-to-ada/

‘A fun place to hang out’: Goodfellas Cigar Lounge opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/a-fun-place-to-hang-out-goodfellas-cigar-lounge-opens-in-joliet/

Bays Tower in Joliet celebrating grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/15/bays-tower-in-joliet-celebrating-grand-opening/

Joliet rabbi responds to news of ceasefire

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/joliet-rabbi-responds-to-news-of-ceasefire/

Senior Services of Will County appoints new executive director

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/senior-services-of-will-county-appoints-new-executive-director/

New bar and grill opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/new-bar-and-grill-opens-in-joliet/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 13, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-13-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, October 24, 2025

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 18 through Oct. 24

Good morning!

I have fifteen stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this fall) - so far:

Oct. 25: Spirits with the Spirits: 5 to 9 p.m. at Black Cat Curiosities, 118 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet and other locations in downtown Joliet. For BryonySeries details, please read Join Us at "Spirits with the Spirits" on Friday.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Pop in anytine before October 25 to decorate one of our crocheted pumpkins (while supplies last, all free, no purchase necessary) and stay to listen to spooky stories, grab a Halloween treat bag (while supplies last), and hear our random winner.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Channahon couple creates app for neurodivergent families to connect

‘We wanted to create a safe place for these families, and I really think we did that,’ father and app developer said

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/23/channahon-couple-creates-app-for-neurodivergent-families-to-connect/

Juvenile killed after being struck by semi truck along I-80 near Morris

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2025/10/20/i-80-near-morris-closed-for-illinois-state-police-investigation/

‘What is Joliet to you?’: Artist engaging with residents for involvement on downtown sculpture design

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/19/shaping-the-final-design-dome-of-unity-artist-shares-artistic-process-at-saturday-workshop/

Joliet Chamber seeking Great Teacher Award nominees

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/19/joliet-chamber-seeking-great-teacher-award-nominees/

Permanent make-up company opens in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/18/permanent-make-up-company-opens-in-shorewood/