Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 26 through May 31

WOW! What a great night last night!

Write Joliet held a meet and greet last night in the lobby of the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library, and it was phenomenal.

Writers, readers, patrons, and guessed stop to browse books, buy books, and to talk about books and writing.

Bertrand the Mouse did run off at one point, causing a slight bit of panic (in me), but Daniel had captured him before I'd even realized he'd gone missing and sulkily spent the rest of the event in Daniel's sweatshirt pocket.

Author Sue Midlock suggested a wrist leash for the adventurous bit of crocheted yarn. I think that's a great idea!

If you haven't seen WriteOn Joliet's display at the library, you still have time. Program director Dawn Ritter asked if we could leave it up through this Star Wars Day this weekend. It's in the double case in the lobby.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. :)

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): 

 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:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any 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.

'No one wants to help anymore'
Wilmington couple open their doors to ex-addict who needed a home

Tom Arambasich and his wife April discussed it. They had a spare bedroom. Therese Raymond needed a home. Tom and April needed help with housework and April's care.

"She'd never had a break before," Tom said. "So why not?"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/21/ed22f7ff015a43559cdc3be91f3aeba9/index.xml?page=1

Memories of the former Joliet Beach Club 

Our neighbor Dale O'Connell Sr. (deceased) managed the club. Periodically he would call out someone's name, with a stern instruction to come to the office. My father said those were the swimmers who were not obeying the rules.

One day, "Mr. O'Connell" boomed over the loudspeaker: "Denise and Karen Schonbachler: Come to the office." Quaking with fear and wondering what rule I broke,  I splashed out of the water and huddled on our blanket.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/19/82d365a5cfc14785bd6e87c398e1e7cd/index.xml


'Quite astonishing and beautiful'
Joliet cathedral to host an afternoon of organ and saxophone music

"I think when people questions aesthetics, we need to also be really careful how we do that," James Grzadzinski said. "One person's taste is not another's. But only when you open your hearts to the experience of the music, can you begin to let the music live."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/28/e6cea8efc49a440299875a26a91aa336/index.xml


Artworks: Exactly where she's meant to be
Joliet Junior College's Nicki Blowers is branching into community theater

"When you're the director, you're the visionary," Blowers said. "And you want to make a great experience for the audience. You're the end all and be all. You make all the decision about creative choices."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/28/17def5529f3444e5824c40419e382bb9/index.xml?page=1


LocalLit local author spotlight: Maureen Blevins of New Lenox 

Blevins said, "Writing about people is always interesting - some of their stories are fascinating. And I always have fictional scenarios going on in my head.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/09/locallit-author-spotlight-maureen-blevins-of-new-lenox/aity5sn/

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