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

Good morning and Happy Calkins Day!

I have ten stories online to share with you today. 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:

Feb. 13: Calkins Day: 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. Celebrate laughter, creativity, and generosity with Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. BryonySeries book specials (some free), art raffle, free food, free gift certificates to The Book Market.

We also encourage you to 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. 

Please note: Bookshop does 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

Book business sees revival across Joliet area

Independent stores, cafes spur resurgence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/book-business-sees-revival-in-will-grundy-counties/

Something to cluck about: Joliet church to host 110th chicken dinner on Friday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/12/something-to-cluck-about-joliet-church-to-host-110th-chicken-dinner-on-friday/

‘Make it better’ - Rock Soul Love Luminary Foundation helps those in need feel seen, served

Resale shop now operates nonprofit for Will, Grundy populations

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/02/08/make-it-better-rock-soul-love-luminary-foundation-helps-those-in-need-feel-seen-served/

Shorewood cocktail lounge swaps speakeasy vibes for Victorian elegance and more martinis

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/shorewood-cocktail-lounge-swaps-speakeasy-vibes-for-mythological-victorian-baroque/

Businesses donate to Joliet nonprofit fighting food insecurity

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/08/businesses-donate-to-joliet-nonprofit-fighting-food-insecurity/

Photos: Shorewood HUGS 2026 Chocolate Ball's 'Lovely London' event

https://www.shawlocal.com/gallery/2026/02/09/photos-shorewood-hugs-2026-chocolate-balls-lovely-london-event/

Joliet programs get funds for construction and building trades programs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/07/joliet-programs-get-funds-for-construction-and-building-trades-programs/

Crest Hill plant, wellness store opens new location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/06/crest-hill-plant-store-hosting-grand-opening-of-new-location/

Get your Will County fish fry event in our Herald-News listing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/06/get-your-will-county-fish-fry-event-in-our-herald-news-listing/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 9, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/09/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-9-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

WriteOn Joliet Open Mic Night 2025. Round One, Part One

On September 25, 2025, WriteOn Joliet held its first open mic night at Critical Grind in Shorewood.

Charter member Duanne Walton emceed and videotaped the entire event.

Here is the link to the first half hour of short performances.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4gMeWMh6RA

Sue's Diner: Valentine's Day Cookies

Valentine's Day is Friday, and Rebekah developed a special chocolate cookie you can enjoy this week.

The cookie is not too sweet, but sweet enough to indulge your sweet tooth. It features both dark and white chocolate, cocoa powder, and a bit of red food coloring for fun.

Not only are they delicious, they won't scare anyone away. You can eat them with the lights turned on. And you don't have to be a fan of vampires to enjoy them.

This recipe 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, you can try this recipe for Valentine's Day Cookies on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

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

Not sure what (or where) Sue's Diner is? Read: "Sue's Diner Through the Years."

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-food. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

Check out all three BryonySeries cookbooks at bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

About The BryonySeries: Turkey Delight

Timothy, who devises the story concepts for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer (a BryonySeries subseries) is a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and his Narnia series.

That's why Timothy wanted to create a fun Narnia parody for the "Cornell Dyer" series, which we did .

The book is called "Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardrobe" and this is the synopsis:

While investigating a home with mysterious whispers, supernatural super sleuth Cornell Dyer stumbles upon its source: an antique wardrobe in a room all by itself. But when Cornell steps inside, he discovers the wardrobe is more than a wardrobe and a whisper is more than a whisper. Even if Cornell solves the mystery, will he ever go home?

"Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardobe" pays all kinds of homage to the original book, including Turkish Delight, a sweet treat made with a base of sugar and starch.

One of the Narnia children loves Turkish delight, so much that he betrays his siblings for the treat.

Modern children reading the Narnia series for the first time might not be familiar with Turkish Delight or crave it the way Edmond did in the Narnia series. 

And in "Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardrobe," Cornell (who loves to eat) was actually scornful of Turkish Delight.

Cornell scampered back to the wardrobe, as fast as his frozen feet could take him. He wasn’t running away from the whispers. Supernatural super sleuths never run from supernatural mysteries.

            No, Cornell was running back to the guest room and back to his motor home. Because he kept all his magical supplies in that motor home. He kept warm, dry clothes there, too. And he would bring those items back with him.

            “OW!”

             Cornell stubbed his toe on something hard and tripped. He fell flat on his face in the very cold, very wet snow.

            He quickly jumped up and wrang the snow out of his nightshirt. What did he trip on? He picked it up.

            It was a can studded with colorful sparkling jewels. The can had a label with just two words: Turkish Delight.

            Cornell had heard of this chewy, sweet, gel-like candy with pistachios inside it. But he didn’t care about Turkish Delight. Cornell liked giant chocolate bars. The bigger the bar, the better Cornell liked it.

            “Turkish Delight?” Cornell grumbled out loud. His toe throbbed from the stubbing. His cold, wet face burned from falling in the cold, wet snow. “Who eats Turkish Delight anymore? Why, the last time I saw anyone buy Turkish Delight, I was in…”

            Then Cornell stopped himself. “Who cares about Turkish Delight? I should care about getting out of the cold and into dry clothes!”

            Cornell tossed the can aside and dove into the fur coats.

But to keep with the Narnia spirit and Cornell's obsession with good food, we created "this" instead:

When Cornell finally woke up, Mrs. Beaver was bringing his dinner tray. On his plate was a heaping mound of sandwiches.

“These are yummy,” Cornell said, talking with his mouth open as he chewed, which is very rude. He was also eating his fifth sandwich. “These are the best sandwiches I have ever eaten.”

Mrs. Beaver blushed.

“Thank you,” she said. “It’s my own recipe. I call it ‘Turkey Delight.’

So to wrap this up (could be a turkey wrap), here's a question only you can answer.

What ingredient, ingredients, or manner of preparation might turn an ordinary turkey sandwich into Turkey Delight for you?

Perfect Attendance

Every now and again, I hear a story about "perfect attendance."

The person with the perfect attendance could be a student, a board member, an employee, even family members, etc.

With the last few years in my life being a bit messy and complicated, I'm a bit jealous of anyone who can attain perfect attendance anywhere in his or her life. I've never accomplished it, not in anything.

But I also wonder about those who DO attain it: Do these people have less challenging lives? Are other people better at navigating challenges? Or are other priorities set aside to achieve that perfect attendance?

I'm sure there's no one, all-consuming answer here.

And I'm sure we've all felt torn at times, when we really were needed in two (or more) places in the same instant.

Perfect attendance certainly shows one's committment to school, organizations, work, family events.

But when two important situations intersect, which one gets the perfect attendance? 

At the crossroads, which direction do you choose?

All My Loving- Beatles piano :Umberto Sangiovanni

A main character in the BryonySeries is world-renowned pianist and composer John Simons, both in his life and undead form.

As an homage to him, I've shared other composer and performers piano music since I began this blog in 2011.

As of today, sharing to Blogger is no longer an option on YouTube.

But then, so much has changed in the way people interact online since 2011.

However, I still want to share really good piano music with you.

So intead of sharing directly to the blog, I'll share the link instead with a picture of a piano.

Today's piece was posted on YouTube seventeen years ago. Yet its loveliness has not gone out of style.

One of the comments reads: "holy jesus there's talent in everey stroke of your right hand!! rock on, my man!!."

I hope you enjoy this piece, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STvkPkd5V0Q&list=RDSTvkPkd5V0Q&start_radio=1

Calkins Day is Less Than a Week Away!

Calkins Day is less than a week away!

What is Calkins Day, you may ask?

It's the BryonySeries official holiday, and a day to celebrate creativity, generosity, and laughter.

This post will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Calkins Day (and most likely more than you ever dreamed possible).

The flyer at the bottom of today's post sums up the event experience (although you really need to attend for the full experience).

Can't attend due to prior commitments? Live to far away?

Why, just attend in your imagination, which is an Ed Calkins-approved way to attend anything.

Concerned financial restrictions might impede your ability to celebrate? Then check out "Calkins Day on a Budget."

However, if you live reasonably close to The Book Market in Crest Hill, the only financial concern is gas money for your car, since the entire event is FREE (unless you buy a book, which is highly unlikely, as Ed is more likely to simply give you one).

Wearing a striped shirt like this one is optional and only if you have one. One year I didn't wear mine, and Ed called me out on it. However, that's only because he knows I DO own one. So you probably have more flexability on this point.

Your greater concern really should be your answer to this question: "Are you a member of the IVA?" And my advice to you is to carefully consider your answer and ONLY after you read this post.

And remember: CALKINS DAY IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 31 through Feb. 6

Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today. 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:

Feb. 13: Calkins Day: 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. Celebrate laughter, creativity, and generosity with Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. BryonySeries book specials (some free), art raffle, free food, free gift certificates to The Book Market.

We also encourage you to 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. 

Please note: Bookshop does 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 the first chapter is 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

Book business sees revival in Will, Grundy counties

Independent stores, cafes spur resurgence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/book-business-sees-revival-in-will-grundy-counties/

Blinking lights at Plainfield house is now a fundraiser for Will County Habitat for Humanity

Donate by Friday to enter raffle

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/blinking-lights-at-plainfield-house-is-now-a-fundraiser-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanity/

Shorewood cocktail lounge swaps speakeasy vibes for Victorian elegance and more martinis

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/shorewood-cocktail-lounge-swaps-speakeasy-vibes-for-mythological-victorian-baroque/

Plainfield resident speaks out on sustainability after winning international pageant

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/27/plainfield-resident-speaks-out-on-sustainability-after-winning-international-pageant/

Ryder taking on most employees at Minooka warehouse

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/03/ryder-taking-on-most-employees-at-minooka-warehouse/

New Joliet restaurant specializes in Venezuelan, Colombian dishes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/31/joliet-restaurant-serves-venezuelan-and-colombian-food/

New hibachi restaurant opens in Bolingbrook

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/02/new-hibachi-restaurant-opens-in-bolingbrook/

Silver Cross opens urgent care in Orland Park

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/30/silver-cross-opens-urgent-care-in-orland-park/

2 health care-related businesses coming to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/2-health-care-related-businesses-coming-to-shorewood/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 2, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-2-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

SAVE THE DATE: WriteOn Joliet to Present "Shades of Noir" April 18

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will explore “Shades of Noir” in original radio-style stories and poems at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet.

This is WriteOn Joliet’s fourth annual radio theater-style performance and the first production under the partnership of the Joliet Drama Guild.

 

Admission to “Shades of Noir” is $5.

 

Authors and performers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton.

 

Director is Jake Thomas.

 

Production Assistant is Rebekah Baran.

 

Lobby doors open one hour before performances. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet anthologies – along with books and other merchandise by individual author/performers – will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

 

The first 10 attendees at each performance will receive a free copy of WriteOn Joliet’s 2025 anthology “Write Where We Are,” courtesy of the B.L.O.C.K.S. creative group.

 

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

 

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

 

WriteOn Joliet is a welcoming, diverse group of writers of varied skills, interests and experience. The group includes professional journalists, fiction novelists, bloggers, screenwriters, musicians and poets. We promise a safe, comfortable and supportive atmosphere to share your work, and constructive feedback so that everyone can benefit from our shared knowledge.

 

WriteOn Joliet is a proud partner of the Joliet Public Library, The Book Market in Crest Hill, and B.L.O.C.K.S.

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com.

PS: Photo was taken during our initial table reading at The Book Market in Crest Hill. I should've asked Jan or Rebekah to take the photo, so I could have hopped into place, too. (face palm). Next time!

Sue's Diner: Vampire Meatballs

Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away.

So it's a perfect time to make and serve these sweet and sour "vampire" meatballs, either as an appetizer or a main dish.

Not only are they delicious, they won't scare anyone away. You can eat them with the lights turned on. And you don't have to be a fan of vampires to enjoy them.

This recipe 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, you can try this recipe for vampire meatballs on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

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

Not sure what (or where) Sue's Diner is? Read: "Sue's Diner Through the Years."

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-food. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

Check out all three BryonySeries cookbooks at bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

RECAP: BryonySeries at Critical Grind Author Fair

BryonySeries had the good fortune to participate in Critical Grind Board Game Cafe's first author fair on Saturday.

And then we also had the good fortune to share the table with longtime WriteOn Joliet member Dale Hansen.

I've participated in many author fairs over the past fifteen years. And this was one of the best in terms of steady and robust attendance abd marketing along with additional "fun" elements, such as genre-inspired beverages from the cafe, the fact Dale and I each sold seven books, and the surprise handmade bookmarks from Cindy, which we gave as gifts to anyone who bought one of our books.

Cindy chatted to attendees about B.L.O.C.K.S. and distributed information. Rebekah discussed tropes and helped select books to browse according to interests.

But don't take my word for it. Check out these videos Critical Grind uploaded to its Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1169522728588370

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1403052704534223

And then if you live in the area, come out to Critical Grind tonight at 7 p.m. and learn more about B.L.O.C.K.S. when Timothy presents information as part of Critical Grind's "Presentation Night."

Be blessed today!

B.L.O.C.K.S. Presentation at Critical Grind on Tuesday

Curious about the "B.L.O.C.K.S" initiatve some members of my BryonySeries team has created?

Timothy will give his first public presentation about B.L.O.CK.S. tomorrow night at "Presentation Night" at Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood.

During "Presentation Night," which runs from 7 to 9 p.m., various presenters will deliver a five minute-ish presentation on just about any topic imaginable, which can be (according to Critical Grind), "funny, serious, or completely absurd."

So if you live in the area, consider coming out and becoming entertained, informed, and enjoying something deliciouis from the cafe.

Peder B. Helland - Dark Night

Celtic tavern. Cozy Irish melodies by the fireplace

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 24 through Jan. 30

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today. 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:

We typically don't host in-person events in January to give us time to recoup and prepare for tax time - but we are participating in one!

Jan. 31: Critical Grind Winter Local Author Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Drive No. L, Shorewood.

Feb. 3: Presentation Night: 7 to 9 p.m., Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Drive No. L, Shorewood. Various presenters will share a five-minute slide show on any topic imaginable. Timothy will present on B.L.O.C.K.S. Come out if you'd like to learn more.

Feb. 13: Calkins Day: 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. Celebrate laughter, creativity, and generosity with Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. BryonySeries book specials (some free), art raffle, free food, free gift certificates to The Book Market.

We also encourage you to 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. 

Please note: Bookshop does 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 the first chapter is 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

Herald Angels campaign once again raises a record amount for United Way of Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/23/herald-angels-campaign-once-again-raises-a-record-amount-for-united-way-of-will-county/

Morris Herald Angels Campaign benefits United Way of Grundy County

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/01/21/morris-herald-angels-campaign-benefits-united-way-of-grundy-county/

HOTWORX fitness studio coming to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/22/hotworx-fitness-studio-coming-to-shorewood/

Romeoville Village Board hears plan for 7-unit retail building

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/24/romeoville-village-board-hears-plan-for-7-unit-retail-building/

Warehouse 109 in Plainfield to unveil ‘The Library’ event space

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/25/warehouse-109-in-plainfield-to-unveil-the-library-event-space/

Will County Health Department held walk-in immunization clinics

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/26/will-county-health-department-holding-walk-in-immunization-clinics/

Will County Pets of the Week: Jan. 26, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/26/will-county-pets-of-the-week-jan-26-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"