WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Ed Calkins

 Good morning! 

In these few weeks leading up to showtime, I'll be introducing you to each of the 2026 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details.

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

Ed Calkins is a real, 60-something, proud of his Irish-heritage computer programmer and amateur writer who has also spent his entire life working in newspaper circulation. Years ago, Calkins invented a "ruthless dictator" alter ego, also known as "The Steward of Tara."

With Calkins' permission, BryonySeries author Denise M. Baran-Unland furthered altered him to create a minor character in "Bryony," making Calkins the first Irish vampire of any significance. 

Of course, Calkins claims "Bryony" is really all about him, so he’s held his own book signings, which he is calls, "The Ed Calkins Tour." There must be some truth in his sentiments, because Calkins' plot importance does grow with each novel in the original BryonySeries trilogy

The post "Twenty Questions With Ed Calkins" will give more insight into the man, the myth, the character, and the author.

Calkins is the author of "The Fifth," (his backstory) “Ruthless” (also his backstory), "Recovering Ruthless" (also his back story with an emphasis on the BryonySeries novel "Staked!" and “Denise M. Baran-Unland's Irish Genealogy.” 

He also shares his writings on the BryonySeries blog. Email him at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Jake Thomas.

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.

Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 21 through March 27

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today, less this week than usual because I'm working on a couple of large projects for the Shaw Local News Network's regional health team.

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!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

April 18: "Shades of Noir" at 2 and 7 p.m., Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet (including me) will original radio-style stories and poems for the fourth year in a row. 

The first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S. 

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for "Miss Person"), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

Also, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

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 finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and four chapters are written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 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. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

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

FDA removes menopause hormone therapy warning after 20 years, opening new options for women

After 20 years of black box warnings, agency reverses course on menopausal treatment

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/03/25/fda-removes-menopause-hormone-therapy-warning-after-20-years-opening-new-options-for-women/

Women’s health needs in the spotlight at Plainfield expo

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/22/womens-health-needs-in-the-spotlight-at-expo-saturday-at-plainfield-ymca/

Graduate of Joliet District 86 school now helping to construct replacement building

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/20/graduate-of-joliet-district-86-school-now-helping-to-construct-replacement-building/

Crest Hill, Lockport Township mourn loss of ‘strong and steady leader’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/21/crest-hill-lockport-township-mourns-loss-of-strong-and-steady-leader/

Joliet bank president receives Marx Gibson Community Leadership Award

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/25/joliet-bank-president-receives-marx-gibson-community-leadership-award/

Part of Jackson Street in Joliet temporarily closing Monday at railroad crossing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/22/part-of-jackson-street-temporarily-closing-monday-at-railroad-crossing/

Shorewood’s Seil Road bridge closed for $9 million replacement project

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/22/shorewoods-seil-road-bridge-closes-monday-for-9-million-replacement-project/

Joliet bagel venue returns to west side location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/24/joliet-bagel-venue-returns-to-previous-location/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 23, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/23/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-23-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Steve Cordin

Good morning! 

In these few weeks leading up to showtime, I'll be introducing you to each of the 2026 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details.

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Steve Cordin.

Steve usually lurks in the outskirts of Joliet, Illinois, to pay the bills and bar tabs. He has worked in banking as a repo man, foreclosure guru, and fraud investigator.  

He writes about fraud and crime, and he also writes horror fiction. Cordin is currently working on a collection of crime fiction short stories. 

Steve was a contributor to Jacked: A Crime Fiction Anthology. The book is available on Amazon. 

Another of Steve's crime fiction, Tiger by the Tail, was recently published by Storiaverse, a new platform for read-watch stories.

Contact Steve Cordin at sjcordin@gmail.com.

The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Jake Thomas.

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.

Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Cean Magosky

Good morning! 

In these few weeks leading up to showtime, I'll be introducing you to each of the 2026 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details.

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Cean Magosky

A WriteOn Joliet member, Cean is a surgical nurse by day and writer and musician in the remaining time. Current writing projects include researching and writing on the life of Joliet architect F. S. Allen and 19th century school architecture, which has made him an accidental postcard collector.

As surgical nurse, Cean has presented on the regional and national level and was a member of Northwestern Medicine Nursing Ambassadors for the Fine Arts and contributed to their project Listening to Life.

His children’s story Oatmeal Raisin Bear was featured in LocalLit, a newsletter I conceived and wrote for The Herald-News for several years.

Cean also writes and publishes a blog on Joliet history and architecture.

The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Jake Thomas.

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.

Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Jenny Russ

Good morning! 

In these few weeks leading up to showtime, I'll be introducing you to each of the 2026 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details.

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Jennifer Russ.

Jenny Russ is a freelance writer focusing on animal welfare and human rights. They are the author of “The Heart’s Bone,” a fictional account of Tibet’s youngest self-immolators, and “Whitewallsville: One Man’s Journey Through Tigers, Frozen Birds, and Suicide,” a story of grief and redemption set within the walls of a mental institution. 

She also recently published a third and fourth book under a pen name.

When Jenny is not tackling the serious topics, they enjoy petting dogs, smelling old books, cosplay, and traveling the world.

Contact Jenny at jrussauthor@gmail.com.

The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Jake Thomas.

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.

Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.

"The Most Effective Way To Thrift For Garden Treasures" at Living Blessed

When WriteOn Joliet was hosting its first radio-style theater performance of original works, a very good acquaintance named JoAnn offered to create a promotional video for us, which turned out really nice (with her husband Stan adding the voice-over).

Since that time, JoAnn has started a YouTube channel called "Living Blessed," with plenty of fun thrifiting ideas, especially for people who garden.

And now that spring is here, and people are catching spring fever, JoAnn has a perfect video in her archives for you.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUBNcBcYfjA

The Lake and I - Ernesto Cortazar

Anyone new to the BryonySeries blog might wonder why I post piano music on Sundays and how that fits into the BryonySeries world.

That's because one character - John Simons - was a nineteenth century world-renowned pianist and composer before he died and became a vampire.

This is evocative piece fits the mood to "Call of the Siren," I think.

Enjoy!

She Waited in the Rain… | A Cinematic Irish Ballad of Quiet Grace

Ever since I began the BryonySeries blog on Aug. 1, 2010, most Saturdays have been dedicated to Ed Calkins and all things Irish.

May your day be as lovely as this piece.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 14 through March 20

Good morning!

I have just five stories online to share with you today, less this week than usual becauseI'm working on a couple of large projects for the Shaw Local News Network's regional health team.

More stories will go live over the weekend, especially since I'm working this 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!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

April 18: "Shades of Noir" at 2 and 7 p.m., Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet (including me) will original radio-style stories and poems for the fourth year in a row. 

The first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S. 

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for "Miss Person"), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

Also, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

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 finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and four chapters are written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 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. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

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

Pritzker administration opens down payment assistance program to spur homeownership

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/03/20/pritzker-administration-opens-down-payment-assistance-program-to-spur-homeownership/

Crest Hill’s Columbian Sumercé Roasters believes coffee and community go together

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/14/crest-hills-columbian-sumerce-roasters-believes-community-and-coffee-go-together/

Joliet Public Library hosting Marvel comic book artist

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/09/marvel-comic-book-artist-coming-to-joliet-public-library/

Temporary lane closures begin Monday for Seil Road Bridge project in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/15/temporary-lane-closures-begin-monday-for-seil-road-bridge-project-in-shorewood/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 16, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/16/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-16-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Duanne Walton

Good morning! 

In the couple of weeks leading up to showtime, I'll be introducing you to each of the 2026 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flooding this blog with show details.

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Duanne Walton.

Duanne, who is working on a mystery thriller, is known as an intrepid videographer and writes nicely structured stream of consciousness pieces.

He said, "Writing is my gift from God and it's been with me forever. It's seen me through rough times and brought me to WriteOn Joliet where I've found support, encouragement and friends. 

"I've also discovered other talents as an intrepid videographer, interpretive dancer or mime, and comic strip writer artist. I am blessed and thankful."

Unlike many of us, Duanne is extremely relaxed and confident in front of a microphone. Give him any piece and he can execute brilliantly on the first read. Come out and see for yourself - and check out his YouTube channel at 4thtroika (@4thtroika), where you'll his recordings of WriteOn Joliet live events along with a wide assortment of Duanne's videos on varied topics.

The other authors and performers on April 18 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, and Jenny Russ.

Director is Jake Thomas.

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.

Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Sue's Diner: Homemade Dye for Easter Eggs

Once again we are sharing our recipes for homemade food dye for Easer Eggs.

This recipe is not featured in any of the BryonySeries cookbooks, including Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

However, we are sharing these recipes with you on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

The recipes will remain on this page until after Orthodox Easter on April 12.

We do not have a good recipe for green dye. But Timothy came up with a work-around a few years ago, which we are also sharing at Sue's Diner.

For more photos, check out this story I wrote for The Herald-News in 2019 on the same topic (and a couple more at the bottom of this blog, which are showing up way better here than on the website). 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

And have fun! 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Video archives: St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, 1954

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Who's wearing green today?

Of course, the major Irish-themed holiday in the BryonySeries world, is not Saint Patrick's Day, but Calkins Day, which is celebrated every year on February 13.

And in Denise's world, we're not even corned beef until it goes on sale (we're having bacon burgers while we deep clean this evening).

Still, in keeping with the spirit of the day, I'm sharing a short vintage clip of a 1954 Saint Patrick's Day parage.

The year is one of the time settings in "House on Top of the Hill." And "Savannah" is a place in "Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness" and a person in first and fifth installements of "Before The Blood" and "A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, Of Gathering Blooms in the Woods."

Enjoy the 1:01 minute trip back into time. And enjoy your day!

My New Yoga Partner

So on a good day when I'm on top of my routine, the yoga mat comes out of my closet three times a day.

That's because I have physical therapy exercises twice day and yoga (which has been incorporated into part of my actual PT) once a day.

Rebekah's rescue tabby Senna started joining me for at least one of those sessions. She even wanders into my room at the usually scheduled times and waits for the exercises to begin.

I have some great - but far too blurry - photos of her trying to imitiate stretches and poses. So I didn't post those.

Still, you'll see the idea as you scroll through these seven photos. 

Enjoy!

Ghost of a Rose- Blackmore's Night Piano Cover

Anyone new to the BryonySeries blog might wonder why I post piano music on Sundays and how that fits into the BryonySeries world.

That's because one character - John Simons - was a nineteenth century world-renowned pianist and composer before he died and became a vampire.

This is a brisk, haunting piece that fits the mood to "The Phoenix," I think.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QaoS6Obfe4

All On St Patrick's Day, The Irish Rovers

Ever since I began the BryonySeries blog on Aug. 1, 2010, most Saturdays have been dedicated to Ed Calkins and all things Irish.

Keeping that in mind - and with St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday, I'm sharing this foot-tapping piece today.

Enjoy!

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 7 through March 13

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today, less this week than usual because I had a minor procedure on Tuesday and finished a huge project this week, too, for the Shaw Local News Network's regional health team.

More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. 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!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Due to a recent slew of family (human and pet) emergencies these past few weeks, we have not (yet) scheduled another appearance. But that doesn't mean we aren't planning any and will update you soon.

In the meantime, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

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 finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and four chapters are written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 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. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

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

These Joliet area industries unlikely to see tariff relief soon, despite Supreme Court’s ruling

Home prices have been directly impacted, builders group says

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/06/these-joliet-area-industries-unlikely-to-see-tariff-relief-soon-despite-supreme-courts-ruling/

Developer building 365,000-square-foot industrial facility in New Lenox

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/12/developer-building-365000-square-foot-industrial-facility-in-new-lenox/

Pickleball fundraiser raises $10,000 to help people with disabilities supported by Trinity Services

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/08/pickleball-fundraiser-raises-10000-to-help-people-with-disabilities-supported-by-trinity-services/

Country Club Hills’ Baby Cheesecake expands into downtown Joliet location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/05/country-club-hills-baby-cheesecake-expands-into-downtown-joliet-location/

Marvel comic book artist coming to Joliet Public Library

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/09/marvel-comic-book-artist-coming-to-joliet-public-library/

Joliet City Center Partnership businesses recognized at Chamber awards celebration

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/11/joliet-city-center-partnership-businesses-recognized-at-chamber-awards-celebration/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 9, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/09/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-9-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"