Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan.13 to Jan. 19

 Good morning!

I have just nine news and features stories to share with you this week since I spent a few days in the hospital. But more will be posted over this weekend, especially with me working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Most of my BryonySeries focus these past weeks has been on copyediting "The Fifth," the second novel by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, since we are hoping to have books for Calkins Day on February 13.

I am down to the last few chapters of "The Fifth," which I hope to complete on Tuesday (a day off for me, since I will be working the weekend).

I will also be off work next Friday, since Shaw Media generously gives its employees a day off in the month they were hired. So I'm hoping to take advantage of the three-day weekend by sinking into several of my own BryonySeries projects.

If you're new to the BryonySeries and this blog, here is a post that with links that explains Calkins Day.

For a list of BryonySeries projects in progress, check this story roundup from a few weeks ago.

Now back to The Herald-News stories 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 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.

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

Joliet woman’s pencil collection part of Guinness World Book of Records: Sarah Randolph of Joliet said her mother had more than 100 hobby collections

Crest Hill couple uses improv to foster healing in victims of trafficking: Dave Ebert, improv coach: ‘“Laughter is proven way to breakthrough a lot of those of those barriers’

Missed ‘Joseph Galilee’ at Joliet church? Watch it on YouTube: The story is a modern retelling of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth

Blood donors urgently needed: Where to donate in Will County: Number of people who donate is dropping

Joliet’s Great American Bagel is now The Curator’s Cafe: The café will display and sell the work of local artists

Latin fusion restaurant opening in Plainfield: Altiro Latin Fusion also has locations in Aurora, Geneva and Wheaton

Will County Center for Community Concerns offering scholarships

Pets of the Week: Jan. 15, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: 2024 Playwrights and Poets Festival in Joliet: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"