Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 23 to Dec. 29

Good morning!

Today I am sharing ten news and feature stories. But more will be posted over weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I worked last weekend and through Christmas Day. So I've been off work, wrapping up some end-of-year projects, writing some recap blogs still hanging in draft mode, and getting ready for our family Christmas on January 7.

I'm also finishing the editing on "The Fifth," the second novel by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. Other than that, I have no further BryonySeries updates to report. For a list of projects in progress, check out last week's story roundup.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

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 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 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.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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

Silver Cross NICU baby finally home for the holidays: Krystal Acred, mother: ‘We got him right before Thanksgiving’

Lockport’s Springview Sweets owner giving back while in Greatest Baker contest: If she wins, owner Megan DiCaro plans to donate part ofprize to brain cancer research

Joliet dance team fundraising for nationals competition: Maddy Smietanski, USF head dance team coach: ‘Anything that we can get helps for sure’

Grundy County residents experiencing greater food insecurity: Inflation, reduced SNAP benefits are contributing factors

Cancer patients focus on family, hope at Christmas

Joliet West’s Jeremy Fears Jr. reported shot early Saturday: Michigan State University freshman ‘resting comfortably’after surgery

Joliet’s Hufford student orchestra takes holiday music intothe community: This was the 14th year for the holiday tour

RE/MAX throws pizza party for Joliet Boys and Girls Club: Ryan Behrens of RE/MAX also donated $10,000 to the club in2023

$1 million lottery ticket sold in Lockport

The Local Scene: Tour Joliet’s houses decorated for theholidays: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"