Friday, February 1, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

 Social media:

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:


Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com.

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


'It's All About The Dress. Pay It Forward" is growing
Facebook group that donates dresses to women in need is ready for the next step

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

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



An Extraordinary Life: Minooka woman put her family first

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

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



Giving beyond tithes and offerings
New Covenant Worship Center in Joliet shows God's love in word and deed

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

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



Easy, ultimate polar vortex survival diet

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



Joliet native to perform with Gladys Knight
Aarron Loggins will sign the national anthem at Super Bowl LIII

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



Sharing her childhood nostalgia
Mokena woman donates Disney figures to children's museum

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



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

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




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

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