Friday, June 28, 2024

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 22 to June 28

Good morning!

I have nine stories to share with you today, but more stories will post over the weekend, especially since I'm working through Monday. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I also wrote two more stories just for print. The main one is called "Eye on Enterprise" and it runs on Wednesdays. The other is a print version of "5 Things to do," which is slightly different from the online version.

"Eye on Enterprise" is a roundup of local business development, as wells as businesses that are opening or closing. I am enjoying the project so far as it's giving me a deeper look at local enterprise.

As I started researching the topic, I found many new businesses (and many new small businesses) that I might have known had actually "opened shop" in Will County - and I'm enjoying the process of discovering them.

People outside our coverage area and those who don't subscribe to a physical newspaper should know The Herald-News also has an e-edition. This is an online version of the print publication with virtual pages that actually turn.

You can access The Herald-News e-edition here: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/enewspaper.

It's been a busy couple of BryonySeries weeks.

First, we have a special BryonySeries Summer Book Sale at The Book Market. So if you live in the area, do check it out.

Second, BryonySeries is one of the sponsors for Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration on July 3. Since Blogger is not letting me consistently linking to past blogs, here are the details. I'll share more next week on why this is so important to us.

Plus, we've released TWO new books!

Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for summer.

And we also released "A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods," which is, well, interesting. The story is part journey, part lyrical novelette. Here is its back cover summary:

You place the snowy candle in the center of your palm and hold it high.
You gaze across the bubbly foam over the azure lake.
And you take the first step to
Who you are
What you lost
And why all your magic can’t bring it back

"A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods" is currently available on Amazon.

Finally, here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, with nearly two-thirds that are ready for final edits. I've done some minor editing since the at-home writing retreat, but June has been a super packed month, which I anticipated. July will be much better. I will get a little time off and hope to make substantial progress with it. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). However, I outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Timothy said his concept for the next book in the actual series will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. I've neglected this book for a few months and hope to revisit it soon. We'd like to release it in late 2024.

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.

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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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 pageWe'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/BryonySeriesyoutube.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

Four Joliet churches that are closing plan final celebrations

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/21/four-closing-joliet-churches-holding-final-celebrations-this-weekend/

Lockport Catholic women’s group helps premature babies with care packages

St. Dennis CCW works with Channahon mom’s project

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/22/lockport-catholic-womens-group-helps-premature-babies-with-care-packages/

USF Joliet art professor receives grant to photograph China

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/17/usf-joliet-art-professor-receives-grant-to-photograph-china/

USF Joliet’s recovery support program gets state $1.14 million grant

Student applications for the fall 2024 cohort are due Aug. 2

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/22/usf-joliets-recovery-support-program-gets-state-114-million-grant/

Plainfield to host Bike with the Mayor this weekend

The biking event with John Argoudelis is part of Plainfield Fest

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/25/plainfield-to-host-bike-with-the-mayor-this-weekend/

Plainfield Fest opens Friday, runs through Sunday

Features include carnival, live music, kids activities, craft show, business vendors, food

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/27/plainfield-fest-opens-friday-runs-through-sunday/

Will-Grundy Medical Clinic lobby dedicated to Jay and Lori Bergman

‘Lori and Jay Bergman have supported the WGMC mission over the years’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/21/will-grundy-medical-clinic-lobby-dedicated-to-jay-and-lori-bergman/

Pets of the Week: June 24, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/24/pets-of-the-week-june-24-2024/

Things to do in Will County: Concerts on the Hill at Joliet Bicentennial Park

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/06/27/things-to-do-in-will-county-concerts-on-the-hill-at-joliet-bicentennial-park/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Thursday, June 27, 2024

The Blogs I Didn't Finish This Week

Good morning!

This morning is super busy, which is leading into a super busy Friday into a super busy working weekend and into a super busy Monday.

June was already packed full and then our family had two emergencies at the top of this week.

I had a blog nearly ready to go for this morning when something unusual in the moth world (I'm told) happened to me yesterday afternoon.

So after a later-ish day of working, I started to write this blog when Jasmine and Rebekah decided we were going to Walt's in Joliet for ice cream.

Jasmine and Rebekah had spent the evening dying BryonySeries shirts for the.July 3 Independence Day celebration at the Billie Limahcer Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet. 

Well, a really fun feature story sat behind us and the side trip for ice cream turned out to be a time for taking photos and talking to folks while my ice cream melted (that's currently sitting in the freezer).

I hope to finish next week's blog after work this weekend. The working titles are: July 3, 1998, Baby Shower Pictionary, and the The Luna Moth on my Window.

I hope everyone who took the time to to read these ramblings has a Thursday that's filled with many blessings.

And now - I'm off and running, already behind.




Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Sue's Diner: Calf’s Foot Jelly

This week we're sharing an authentically Victorian, that Melissa encounters at a dinner party novel Bryony and one we are highly unlikely to ever actually prepare (and eat).

But it's fun to read how people use up food products in creative ways. And someone reading this may actually like to prepare it at home.

This recipe for calf's foot jelly appears in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You may try the recipe for strawberry ice cream on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

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

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




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.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.









Monday, June 24, 2024

We Played Animal Shelter for a Day

Does anyone ever wonder how seemingly random stores pop up on the internet?

Last week, while research a topic for a completely different topic, this story popped up: an old column I wrote for Patch back in my freelance writing days.

I remember this incident in our lives. But I'd forgotten I'd written this column until Google decided to show it to me.

I'm sharing it here now (with a Bertrand the Mouse teaser photo) for your reading enjoyment and inspiration...and for a glimpse of what our lives looked like back in the day.

Happy Monday! :)

https://patch.com/illinois/channahon-minooka/we-played-animal-shelter-for-a-day




Friday, June 21, 2024

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 15 to June 21

 Good morning!

I have five stories to share with you today, but more stories will post over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I also wrote two more just for print. The main one is called "Eye on Enterprise" and it runs on Wednesdays.

"Eye on Enterprise" is a roundup of local business development, as wells as businesses that are opening or closing. I am enjoying the project so far as it's giving me a deeper look at local enterprise.

As I started researching the topic, I found many new businesses (and many new small businesses) that I might have known had actually "opened shop" in Will County.

Of course, my colleagues passed on any information about local businesses they received, too. so it's really a collaborative project. The result is that the first column ran on a full page, and I have the next two columns started.

People outside our coverage area and those who don't subscribe to a physical newspaper should know The Herald-News also has an e-edition. This is an online version of the print publication with virtual pages that actually turn.

You can access The Herald-News e-edition here: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/enewspaper.

It's been a busy couple of BryonySeries weeks.

First, we have a special BryonySeries Summer Book Sale at The Book Market. So if you live in the area, do check it out.

Second, BryonySeries is one of the sponsors for Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration on July 3. Since Blogger is not letting past blogs link this morning, here are the details here are the details.

I'll share more next week on why this is so important to us.

Plus, we've released TWO new books!

Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for summer.

And we also released "A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods," which is, well, interesting. The story is part journey, part lyrical novelette. Here is its back cover summary:

You place the snowy candle in the center of your palm and hold it high.
You gaze across the bubbly foam over the azure lake.
And you take the first step to
Who you are
What you lost
And why all your magic can’t bring it back

"A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods" is currently available on Amazon.

Finally, here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, with nearly two-thirds that are ready for final edits. I haven't really looked at it since the at-home writing retreat, but June is a super packed month. July will be much better, and I hope to get some susbstantial work done with it. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. The fifth book is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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 pageWe'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/BryonySeriesyoutube.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

Four Joliet churches that are closing plan final celebrations

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/21/four-closing-joliet-churches-holding-final-celebrations-this-weekend/

New Silver Cross Hospital president and CEO models work-life balance

Michael Mutterer, Silver Cross: ‘I’m a big proponent that you have to find work-life balance’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/14/new-silver-cross-president-and-ceo-models-work-life-balance/

Lockport VFW donates $8,000 to help Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery projects

The support committee is ‘a low-key organization that actually gets a lot done’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/16/lockport-vfw-donates-8000-to-help-abraham-lincoln-national-cemetery-projects/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 17, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/17/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-17-2024/

Things to do in Will County: Taste of Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/06/20/things-to-do-in-will-county-taste-of-joliet/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Thursday, June 20, 2024

BryonySeries at Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration on July 3

Come celebrate Independence Day with us!

BryonySeries returns to the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre on July 3 as part of the park's celebration.

The Independence Day celebration will be from 6 to 10 p.m. July 3 at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

Here are six ways you can have fun at our tent.


1. Spin for a free children's book (while supplies last).



2. Play two games with free prizes (while prizes last).


3. Take home a free hand-dyed and stenciled BryonySeries shirt with select book purchases OR buy a shirt at full price.



4. Get a summer-themed Ribbit-Ribbit at half price with the purchase of any book OR buy a Ribbit-Ribbit at full price, while supplies last. (Pictures below are only examples. The exact Ribbit Ribbits shown here may not be available on July 3).


5. Inspire a loved one (or yourself) with a BryonySeries Mystery Quotes for $1 (perfect for gift giving).


6. Plus, the first twenty people to stop at our booth will receive a FREE copy of WriteOn Joliet's "Cheetah Stories," courtesy of New Lenox Dental Group.




The Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration will also include ,live entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks over the water.

For more information, visit bryonyseries.com, writeonjoliet.com, bicentennialpark.org, newlenoxdental.com.








Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Sue's Diner: Strawberry Ice Cream

This week's recipe for strawberry ice cream is authentically Victorian, is vaguely mentioned in the BryonySeries novel Bryony, uses just three ingredients, and has an incredibly fresh strawberry flavor.

Best of all, it's very simple to make.

Here is how the BryonySeries cookbook references it:

Ice cream was John Simons’ one, particular culinary weakness. Each lunch at Simons Mansion ended with a dish of it.

This recipe for strawberry ice cream appears in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You may try the recipe for strawberry ice cream on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

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

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


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.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.










Tuesday, June 18, 2024

We Returned To Tower Hall

Working on a college degrees while working a full-time job is really challenging.

But two of my sons - Timothy and Daniel - supported each other in the process by taking classes together and adjusting schedules to work on homework together as much as possible.

They earned their bachelor's degrees together from the University of St. Francis on May 4 and are currently working on their master's degrees, which they started before graduation day.

I actually attended USF when it was CSF (College of St. Francis) in the school's former three-year program, which I didn't finish in favor of getting married and starting a family.

I lived on campus: Marion Hall the first year and Tower Hall the second. Most of my classes both years were at Tower Hall, so I spent many, many, many hours in that building.

By contract, Timothy and Daniel hardly stepped foot on campus since all their classes are remote.

They also didn't want any graduation photos and had their caps and gowns removed by the time they caught up to us outside after the graduation ceremony.

But on May 6, they changed their minds. They didn't care about the photos. But they thought maybe I cared about the photos, that I would want photos of them in their caps and gowns.

And they were right.

So after work on that May 8, we returned to USF for photos. The boys, who wore their gowns over their T-shirts and jeans, asked me to choose the location. That was easy: Tower Hall.

Now, it's not like I've never been to USF since 1981. Of course I have, mostly for Herald-News assignments. And "Bryony" was also recorded as an audio book at USF in 2012 before audio books became a thing. It's still not released, which is another story and post altogether.

So after the post-graduation photos, we walked around campus. I pointed out what was the same, what had changed, and shared amusing anecdotes from my time there. The boys enjoyed looking around and seeing parts of the campus.

It was a nice full circle moment.

I left USF to start my real mission in life, which included bringing them into the world.

They came to USF to launch their mission, which is still being written.

And I couldn't be more proud.


Monday, June 17, 2024

Dark Clouds

I started to write this post approximately six weeks ago when a fight broke out at what had been (up to that point) a really lovely family celebration.

But then other, more timely posts took its place.

Still, I wanted to share, not the details of the fight, but some post-incident reflections, especially in this age of social media perfection.

One: I've talked to people who often feel that they - and their family - fall short of everyone else's ideal family life when family interactions are less than ideal.

Two: No matter how well something - anything - goes, people tend to remember and cling to the parts that didn't. We remember the burnt cookies instead of the perfectly cooked steak. We remember the snide comment instead of the showering of compliments. We remember the bad hair day instead of the beautiful shirt that brought out the blue in your eyes.

And so forth.

But no person or family or situation or day is perfect.

Dark clouds do appear. 

Yet, they eventually clear. Somehow, they always clear.

So be encouraged this week whenever dark clouds appear in your skies. They are temporary.

Happy Monday!



Friday, June 14, 2024

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 8 to June 14

Good morning!

I have nine stories to share with you today...but only eight of them area available as clickable links. And more stories will post over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Now here's information about the ninth story.

Last week, Herald-News managing editor Judy Harvey asked me to take on a new column for print only. It's called "Eye on Enterprise" and it ran this morning.

"Eye on Enterprise" is a roundup of local business development, as wells as businesses that are opening or closing. I am enjoying the project so far as it's giving me a deeper look at local enterprise.

As I started researching the topic, I found many new businesses (and many new small businesses) that I might have known had actually "opened shop" in Will County.

Of course, my colleagues passed on any information about local businesses they received, too. so it's really a collaborative project. The result is that the first column ran on a full page, and I have the next two columns started.

People outside our coverage area and those who don't subscribe to a physical newspaper should know The Herald-News also has an e-edition. This is an online version of the print publication with virtual pages that actually turn.

You can access The Herald-News e-edition here: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/enewspaper.

It's been a busy couple of BryonySeries weeks.

First, have a special BryonySeries Summer Book Sale at The Book Market. So if you live in the area, do check it out.

Rebekah and I also hung out at The Book Market in Crest Hill on Tuesday and sold four books: The Phoenix, Call of the Siren, Before The Blood, and Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From Bryony.

Plus, we've released TWO new books!

Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for summer.

And we also released "A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods," which is, well, interesting. The story is part journey, part lyrical novelette. Here is its back cover summary:

You place the snowy candle in the center of your palm and hold it high.
You gaze across the bubbly foam over the azure lake.
And you take the first step to
Who you are
What you lost
And why all your magic can’t bring it back

"A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods" is currently available on Amazon.

Finally, here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, with nearly two-thirds that are ready for final edits. I'm hoping to jump back into the manuscript this weekend. I haven't really looked at it since the at-home writing retreat. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. The fifth book is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on the new addition to your family!

Rebekah is also 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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me more than a dozen chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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 pageWe'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/BryonySeriesyoutube.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

Metal cicadas emerge from Joliet garage as artist enters sculptures in show

Steve Kost, metal artist: ‘I had live models to work off of’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/11/metal-cicadas-emerge-from-joliet-garage-into-art-competition/

Joliet YMCA leader Katy Leclair named ‘Woman of the Year’ by Zonta Club

Lora McGuire, Zonta member: ‘She exemplifies what a Zonta Woman of the Year does’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/13/joliet-ymca-leader-katy-leclair-named-woman-of-the-year-by-zonta-club/

Employee becomes new owner of TCBY Shorewood

Jen Howard, former co-owner, said Jana Brodeur is ‘a very wise person and an old soul’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/10/employee-becomes-new-owner-of-tcby-shorewood/

Will County Humane Society receives surprise $7,500 donation

Jackie McTee, humane society: ‘We are over the moon about it’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/07/will-county-humane-society-receives-surprise-7500-donation/

Lockport’s Old Canal Days fun for visitors, vendors

People enjoyed a variety of activities and merchandise

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/09/lockports-old-canal-days-fun-for-visitors-vendors/

New Lenox man killed in Joliet hit-and-run crash

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/08/new-lenox-man-killed-in-traffic-crash/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 10, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/10/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-10-2024/

 Things to do in Will County: Seussical

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/06/13/things-to-do-in-will-county-seussical/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"