Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 25 through Oct. 31

Good morning!

I have five stories online to share with you today (I was out of the office this week) - and more stories may go live over the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this fall) - so far:

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

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 last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

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."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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.

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

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 weekly 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.

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 Noon Lions collecting items for group homes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/24/joliet-noon-lions-collecting-items-for-group-homes/

Former Pops restaurant building in Joliet still for sale

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/26/former-pops-restaurant-building-in-joliet-still-for-sale/

Tickets on sale for Will County Habitat for Humanity holiday fundraiser

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/25/tickets-on-sale-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanities-holiday-fundraiser/

Three Rivers Association of REALTORS holding real estate investor program

Free event at Joliet Junior College

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/24/three-rivers-association-of-realtors-holding-real-estate-investor-program/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 27, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/27/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-27-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Four Witches

 Last weekend was a busy weekend, since we participated in "Spirits with the Spirits" on Friday night and hosted a pre-Halloween party on Saturday afternoon at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

But Saturday also was the perfect time to capture a nice photo of the four witches who greeted patrons into the bookstore.

Only see three witches? Scroll down for a closeup of the fourth!

Stella is a black kitten that Cindy found a month ago, literally in a gutter, abandoned and emaciated, while Cindy was out walking.

Under Cindy's care, Stella is filling out, looking healthy, and happy to be a tiny witch cat for our events last weekend. 

Isn't she sweet?

Bertrand likes her, too.

Happy Thursday!

Sue's Diner: Werewolf Meatloaf

First of all, you should know that no werewolves were harmed in the making of this recipe. The ground meat you will use for this recipe is beef or turkey.

Secondly, Werewolf Meatloaf is a heartier (and healthier) way to enjoy Halloween than relying solely on candy for your culinary enjoyment of the holiday.

This recipe for Werewolf Meatloaf doesn't appear in our fundraising cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

However, the recipe for Werewolf Meatloaf does appear in GRRR: Twelve paw-tastic werewolf-themed recipes that Rebekah created during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And you may try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone 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.

RECAP: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Party at The Book Market

On Saturday, we held a BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Party at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

The highlight of the event was when owner Jan Staley picked the lucky winner of the BryonySeries crocheted pumpkin decorating contest.

We entertained people in the store with a three-part reading of the BryonySeries version of the Halloween legend "Stingy Jack."

We also distributed treat bags filled with chef-made werewolf kibbles (thank you, Rebekah), Halloween and autumn-themed ribbits (thank you, Cindy), and select BryonySeries books.

We still two or three crocheted pumpkins if anyone would like to decorate one for Halloween.

Pumpkins are free to make and take.

Scroll one more time for a "sneak peek" at what's coming for November.

And here you go! Next month's theme at The Book Market: gratitude.

We invite you to celebrate gratitude with us.

And we also invite you to help us help Santa.

Stay posted for details.

RECAP: "Spirits with the Spirits"

Friday night's "Spirits with the Spirits" event was a spirited event indeed!

What started as small, planned WriteOn Joliet presence turned into a BryonySeries/B.L.O.C.K.S. takeover when my WriteOn counterpart got caught at work and couldn't make it.

By then, even I debated about coming out, since I wasn't feeling the best, was really dragging, and we would be hanging out in the cold in front of Black Cat Curiosities for four hours (not including setting up and tearing down).

Well, our plans went awry. But the event did not.

The event went really, really well.

We did an edited three-part reading of the BryonySeries version of "Stingy Jack," with Cindy as Satan, Rebekah as Jack, and me as Owen/narrator every fifteen minutes or so for the entire event.

Three times Cindy and Rebekah walked away for food and came back empty-handed because the lines were so long (they finally came back at 8 p.m. with food - and we were fortified in the meantime with hot drinks Timothy and Daniel had brought from Jitters).

So during those times, I read all three parts myself.

We read very, very loudly (our best outside voices) to attract (successfully) people to our table. Sometimes we read to one person. Sometimes we read to a small group.

At one point, we had a dozen people listening to the story (that group had two in costume).

And thanks to Cindy and Rebekah (who wore a sweatshirt that said "black cat"), we also had a dozen candy-filled, Cindy-crocheted pumpkins with slips of paper inside.

Most slips had a fun quote from a BryonySeries book.

But four slips contained "Jack's soul."

Anyone who drew a "soul" could take home his or her BryonySeries book of their choice, thanks to Cindy's co-workers, who sponsored the giveaways.

When we ran out of pumpkins, I slipped some "souls" into our BryonySeries Mystery Gift Quotes. So anyone who listened to a reading could take a gift quote to keep. The one drawing a soul - well, you know.

We also gave books to two homeless people, who both really wanted the books.

Rebekah also gave away one of our diners and our lantern with a book to a homeless man who wanted both (and seriously looked like he needed both).

We passed out flyers to WriteOn Joliet'a anthology release party froim 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Joliet Public Libray, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. (See what I did there?).

And we sold three books online the next day.

We also made certain any passersby checked out the vintage store, and everyone we noticed left smiling (and some had made purchases, too).

I learned the owner loves Gothic/19th Century fiction. So as a "thank you," I gifted her all five volumes of the BryonySeries prequel "Before The Blood."

So approximately twenty books found new homes, thanks to "Spirits with the Spirits."

Finally, Cindy's own "black cat" Stella hung out with us for the night. If the books, the store, and the entertainment wasn't enough to grab people's attention, the kitten certainly did.

We cannot wait for next year!

Peder B. Helland - Calm Mind (Improvisation)

🎃The Legend of Stingy Jack - An Irish Halloween Tale

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 18 through Oct. 24

Good morning!

I have fifteen stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this fall) - so far:

Oct. 25: Spirits with the Spirits: 5 to 9 p.m. at Black Cat Curiosities, 118 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet and other locations in downtown Joliet. For BryonySeries details, please read Join Us at "Spirits with the Spirits" on Friday.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Pop in anytine before October 25 to decorate one of our crocheted pumpkins (while supplies last, all free, no purchase necessary) and stay to listen to spooky stories, grab a Halloween treat bag (while supplies last), and hear our random winner.

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

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 last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

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."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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.

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

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 weekly 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.

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

Channahon couple creates app for neurodivergent families to connect

‘We wanted to create a safe place for these families, and I really think we did that,’ father and app developer said

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/23/channahon-couple-creates-app-for-neurodivergent-families-to-connect/

Juvenile killed after being struck by semi truck along I-80 near Morris

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2025/10/20/i-80-near-morris-closed-for-illinois-state-police-investigation/

‘What is Joliet to you?’: Artist engaging with residents for involvement on downtown sculpture design

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/19/shaping-the-final-design-dome-of-unity-artist-shares-artistic-process-at-saturday-workshop/

Joliet Chamber seeking Great Teacher Award nominees

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/19/joliet-chamber-seeking-great-teacher-award-nominees/

Permanent make-up company opens in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/18/permanent-make-up-company-opens-in-shorewood/

Joliet entrepreneurs can enter the ‘Big Pitch’ competition

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/17/joliet-entrepreneurs-can-enter-the-big-pitch-competition/

Joliet restaurant group honors Will County nonprofits

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/18/joliet-restaurant-group-honors-will-county-nonprofits/

Joliet Catholic church hosting ‘handling grief’ program

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/24/joliet-catholic-church-hosting-handling-grief-program/

Joliet thrift store closes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/22/joliet-thrift-store-closes/

Joliet Chamber to host ‘Spirits with the Spirits’ on Friday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/22/joliet-chamber-to-host-spirits-with-the-spirits-on-friday/

Hall of Famer Frank Thomas greets fans at Joliet cigar lounge grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/17/hall-of-famer-frank-thomas-greets-fans-at-joliet-cigar-lounge-grand-opening/

Joliet event raises awareness for breast cancer, mental health through art

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/19/joliet-event-raises-awareness-for-breast-cancer-mental-health-through-art/

Joliet hospice guild to host 36th annual holiday fundraiser

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/20/joliet-hospice-guild-to-host-36th-annual-holiday-fundraiser/

Silver Cross Hospital breaks ground on Lemont health center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/16/silver-cross-hospital-breaks-ground-on-lemont-health-center/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 20, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/20/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-20-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Party is Saturday

Come out to the the BryonySeries "Pre-Halloween Party" at The Book Market in Crest Hill on Saturday.

Several of us will be there from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. telling spooky stories, distributing Halloween treat bags (while supplies last) with fun Halloween "stuff" inside, and drawing the winner of our pumpkin decorating contest (four pumpkins remain as of this writing - pop in and decorate yours!)

Here's how it works.

Simply select one of our Bertrand the Mouse-approved, Cindy-created Ribbit-Ribbit pumpkins.

And then decorate it in the store with sticky back felt shapes and designs, which are divided by shape and design and placed in the plastic Jack-o-lanterns next to the pumpkins.

Leave your pumpkin on the table, so customers can vote "by number." (The pumpkins are numbered).

Write the number of your favorite pumpkin on a sticky note, fold the note in half, and drop it in to the bucket.

Voting ends shortly before 1:30 p.m. October 25 (a the conclusion of the BryonySeries pre-Halloween Book Party), upon which time the notes will be counted and a suprise bookish "prize" will be awarded and all pumpkins may go home.

All pumpkins are free to choose, free to decorate, while supplies last. Decorated pumpkins have an approximate retail value of $25, so this is a free fun way to bring personalized autumn decor into your home.

Questions?

Email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. Or pop into The Book Market and ask owner Janet Staley before Saturday.

Happy decorating!

Sue's Diner: Tomato Soup With Monster Sandwiches

This week's recipe is for tomato soup with monster sandwiches, a nice, healthy way to finally welcome some cooler temperatures and get into the Halloween spirit.

The addition of fennel for the tomato soup and the apple jelly for the cheese sandwiches are delicious variations of the familiar recipes. 

One suggestion: We wish we'd used more cheese on the bread than the recipe suggests and the picture indicates. Try both ways and see which you prefer.

This recipe does not appear 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.

However, you will find this recipe 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. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Some "Wins" for B.L.O.C.K.S. at "Men Who Cook" (With Photos)

I believe 2025 was the first year I didn't write a "Men Who Cook" preview story for The Herald-News in the history of the fundraiser for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.

That's because The Herald-News promoted the event in other ways.

And also because we participated in Men Who Cook this year.

Rebekah came up with the idea just a couple of weeks before the event, which made event preparation tight and stressful for Timothy, especially since he did some of the marketing, too.

But she had solid reasons for her idea.

1. Men Who Cook fell on Daniel's 30th birthday this year. What better way to celebrate the day than with service?

2. We (unfortunately - but fortunately) have first and secondhand experiences with the center. So we always wanted to give back.

3. The event was a way to showcase B.L.O.C.K.S. to many people ate once.

4. And we could bring awareness to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties by serving a modified recipe from this cookbook, which is a permanent fundraiser for the youth mentoring nonprofit. 

We also gave away a copy of the cookbook.

The boys were hopping all night and were understandably tired at the end of the event.

Yet before you scroll through the photos, I want to share the most important takeaway.

The event is also a friendly contest. We didn't win anything. But we knew that going into the event.

We didn't participate in "Men Who Cook" to win. We came to serve.

And I think we accomplished that.

Join us at "Spirits with the Spirits" on Friday

For the second year in a row. WriteOn Joliet members Cean Magosky, Rebekah, and me will particpate in the Joliet City Center Partnership's Spirits with the Spirits event in downtown Joliet on Oct. 25 (this Friday).

And for the second year in a row, we will be outside Black Cat Curiosities, an antique store with some really unique discoveries and a fabulous Halloween decor again this year. So be sure you stop beyond us and explore the store, too.

Cean has several ghostly live readings prepared to entertain passersby and is planning on some live music, too.

Cindy will join Rebekah and I in a three-part reading of the BryonySeries version "Stingy Jack," which went over well at the Joliet Public Library's FAME event on Oct. 4. We will do that reading periodically over the evening.

And we MAY do some other readings, too.

But Cindy's also added some extra elements to the BryonySeries portion of things, so keep reading!

See these little crochceted pumpkins?

For each reading, we will draw one random listener to select (and keep) the pumpkin.

Inside the pumpkin will be just ONE of the following: a spooky quote, a spooky fortune, or "Jack's soul."

Anyone who select's poor Jack's soul may choose a BryonySeries book - FREE!

In addition, Cean will have his books and postcards available for purchase. And we will have BryonySeries books, Cindy's Halloween Ribbits, and WriteOn Joliet anthologies for sale.

AND we will have information about WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party of Dec. 4 at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library (just around the corner from Black Cat Curiosities).

Spirits will the Spirits will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Black Cat Curiosities, 118 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet and other locations in downtown Joliet.

For a complete list of locations and their entertainment offerings, visit jolietccp.com/spirits.

Peder B. Helland - My Love

Gabhaim Molta Bríghde - Haunting Gaelic song by Aoife Ní Fhearraigh

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 11 through Oct. 17

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this fall) - so far:

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Pop in anytine before October 25 to decorate one of our crocheted pumpkins (while supplies last, all free, no purchase necessary).

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

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 last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

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."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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.

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

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 weekly 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.

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

‘The government came down with a hammer’ - Immigration crackdown fears affecting Illinois restaurant industry

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/10/15/the-government-came-down-with-a-hammer-immigration-crackdown-fears-affecting-illinois-restaurant-industry/

‘Just fewer and fewer of us’: Joliet Franciscan sisters built lasting legacy, but not accepting new members

President says it’s been 16 years since order has added new member

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/just-fewer-and-fewer-of-us-joliet-franciscan-sisters-built-lasting-legacy-but-not-accepting-new-members/

Disability advocates in Joliet celebrate ADA anniversary while citing concerns over federal cuts, protections

Event recognized 35th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/disability-advocates-in-joliet-celebrate-community-of-fighters-while-calling-for-protections-to-ada/

‘A fun place to hang out’: Goodfellas Cigar Lounge opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/a-fun-place-to-hang-out-goodfellas-cigar-lounge-opens-in-joliet/

Bays Tower in Joliet celebrating grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/15/bays-tower-in-joliet-celebrating-grand-opening/

Joliet rabbi responds to news of ceasefire

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/joliet-rabbi-responds-to-news-of-ceasefire/

Senior Services of Will County appoints new executive director

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/senior-services-of-will-county-appoints-new-executive-director/

New bar and grill opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/new-bar-and-grill-opens-in-joliet/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 13, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-13-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"