Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 4 through Dec. 10

Good morning!

I have just eighteen features stories to share with you today, another eight that will be posted over the weekend, and another six in progress, so do watch for them.

Last night WriteOn Joliet held its fourth anthology release party to celebrate the release of its fifth anthology (we released an anthology last year but didn't hold an event, due to rising COVID cases). 

It was the first time most of us have gathered in one room in nearly two years and what a night it was!

We laughed, hugged with masks on, sold quite a few books, raised money for the group, gave away two copies of "Holiday Visage" and our first Bertrand the Mouse gift set, and as for the chocolate bombs - well, they were the bomb!

I left work a little bit early yesterday for this event. So today will be a longer (and more tired) day, but the mood is still up, so hoping that (and coffee) will carry me through it.

For those who couldn't make the party and who live in other parts of the world, you may order the anthology here. All proceeds stay in the group to support local writers.

And now, an update on my fiction projects.

I am currently re-reading my scribbled first draft for Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy) and starting to color in the lines. I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, but progress is slow, so we shall see. 

Barring the unforeseen, we do plan to publish the book in 2022. Rebekah has the cover ready to go.

Sue Midlock has completed the art for Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical Being" (cover looks great, by the way) and has begun the art for Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. 

Timothy has nearly completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). 

Sarah also had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. But she wants time to draw some sketches, a map, and write the "rules." It's called Cornell Dyer and the House of Broken Portals.

Bertrand the Mouse has "returned," and you can read about it here, here, and here. 

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the eighteen 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 Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this 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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 do post the briefs 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.

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-1.

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

An Extraordinary Life: Ron Wohlwend’s ‘actions speak louder than words’: Morris resident was a ‘visionary’ for Grundy Bank and servant leader for the community

JJC, Joliet museum partnered to digitize audio reels: Digitization expands JJC library’s recent transcription of the interviews

Paul Schrik named new superintendent of Troy 30-C: Rockdale Superintendent will begin at Troy in July

Reserve tickets by today for 25th Annual Madrigal Dinner at Minooka H.S." Dinner includes vegetarian, gluten free options

269 D. 202 students named 2022-2023 Illinois State Scholars: The llinois Student Assistance Commission awards the honor each year to students 

Pets of the Week: Dec. 6: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Will County’s ‘unprecedented need’ for services in 2020 isn’t much better in 2021: Donating to the Herald-Angels campaign will help decrease that need.

Joliet photographer hosting party for release of 1st CD on Thursday: Admission and food is free.

Morris Hospital updates visitor policy due to rising COVID cases: All visitors must be at least 18 years old

Buy some sweet treats, place gift orders at pop-up store Thursday and Friday: Gigi’s Sweet Junk ‘N The Truck holding pop-up store outside Chicago Street Pub in Joliet

Donate blood on Wednesday in Plainfield: Plainfield Fire Protection District will host a community blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois

Will County forest preserve offers 7 programs to get you outside this December: Programs include campires, caroling and hiking 

Support The Herald-News' annual Herald Angels campaign: Here's why - and how.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 12 through May 17

This weekend is shaping up to be a BryonySeries weekend.

I am meeting with Colleen Robbins (who just released this book and this book and has a fourth in review), the editor for Before the Blood, to review her edits for the fifth and final installment.

And I have to finish the reading through the proof copy of the fourth installment of BTB so that can be ready for an early June release.

AND, if all goes well, Timothy and I still have half of Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers to finish outlining (besides, I'm eager to find out what happens).

I'd also like to spend some time on Phyllis' memoir, too.

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.

When mom-to-be has an opioid addiction

Dr. Jyoti Randhawa, chief medical officer, said “everyone’s alarms tend to go off” when a woman with an addiction becomes pregnant. People want to “strip away” “anything or everything” that can cause harm to the mother or baby.

“But the rule of thumb is you treat the patient in the best interest of their life quality, even if a woman is pregnant and is having substance abuse issues,” Randhawa said. “You still want to follow the general protocol.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/10/when-mom-to-be-has-an-opioid-addiction/apmbknw/

Building family legacy and heritage
New Lenox woman looks back at 10 decades 

Part of Katherine Shanahan's  birthday celebration included seeing Tony Bennett at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet and then meeting him after the show. She has no plans for the future, nor is she anxious about it.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/07/e1abf07974d848e4aa5261ba4b119492/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: The art Clara Matay of Joliet left behind her

Not until after Clara Matay's death on Sept. 3, 1988, did Dee Philiph of New Lenox find her mother's find some of her mother's artwork while sorting through her Clara's belonging.

Those pieces now are displayed at The Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, where they will remain through June.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/11/ab32b6cedbd94c57baa70effd9a37c09/index.xml

More than a table centerpiece

Flowers can safely be used as food if you know the do's and don'ts

The use of edible flowers is not limited to chefs. Home cooks can use them, too, if they use common sense and take the right precautions.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/15/9033ce9035f94e7da5618e5e588bf904/index.xml?page=1


Windows into the Rialto world
Joliet theater partners with student artists at JJC and Lewis University

"They look fantastic," Micah McDade said, marketing manager for the Rialto said. "With the community as close-knit as Joliet, it seemed a natural fit to include local artists and, even better, artists-in-training, these students. It gave them an outlet to present their work for the hundreds and thousands of people who walk past every year."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/15/358df8a926be4038942fe864b69509ac/index.xml


Artworks: Photographer Bob Campbell gets his start at Joliet Jam

"I was just getting into photography," Campbell, a Joliet Junior College student at the time of the concert, recalled. "I had gotten a telephoto lens, in addition to some other lenses. I was allowed back state so I got to talk to them."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/15/artworks-photographer-bob-campbell-gets-his-start-at-joliet-jam/aguqh8v/


LocalLit author spotlight: Carolyn Hill of New Lenox
Hill returns with another story with a #patriotic theme

Hill said: “Mademoiselle Liberty and Me" is the subject of a larger message magnified by a colossus as great as the country she represents.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/16/locallit-author-spotlight-carolyn-hill-of-new-lenox/aqjtmvz/

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

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Weeks of March 15 and 22 2015

Okay, vampire fans, time to catch up!

It's been a busy couple of weeks. Here's a round-up of my work at The Herald-News - my stories and the stories I've been privileged to edit:

Former educator for Joliet Public Schools District 86 repairs and donates toys

By Mauverneen Blevins

An ordinary trip with his wife to Good Will to buy clothes turned into a whole new avocation.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/13/former-educator-for-joliet-public-schools-district-86-repairs-and-donates-toys/am182dw/

An Extraordinary Life: New Lenox man was so enamoured with the drums

While playing for fun and profit, as well as teaching children the skill, Tom Goodwin managed to put family first.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/13/an-extraordinary-life-new-lenox-man-was-so-enamoured-with-the-drums/an52ugu/

Lockport woman begins grassroots ministry

By Sean Leary

She has one goal: to give and praise to God and encourage others to do likewise.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/lockport-woman-begins-grassroots-ministry-plainfield-pastor-to-perform-at-event/at59ilr/

Joliet photographers' gallery works a very mixed bag

By Brittany Keeperman

For forty years, Bob Campbell has been shooting portraits in his unique style, and that career began with a Beach Boys concert.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/joliet-photographers-gallery-works-a-very-mixed-bag/a49wqxe/

Joliet neighbors are hobby bird breeders, toymakers

In a story reminiscent of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the venture started more like this: if you take a friend to a bird fair...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/03/joliet-neighbors-are-hobby-bird-breeders-toymakers/a8hfjlr/

Stroke response care and neuro care available in Will County

By Jeanne Millsap

Ten years ago, neurosurgeons that performed cranial surgery had vanished from the area, due to unafforable malpractice insurance premiums. Today, hospitals in Will County offer university-level care at the community level. Read one woman's amazing story...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/stroke-response-care-and-neuro-care-available-in-will-county/ablrdjc/?page=1

Two Joliet pastors form community initiative to stop gun violence

One reached out to New Town after the school shootings, another has been the victim of gun violence. But both pastors are saying, "Enough is enough!"

p://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/24/two-joliet-pastors-form-community-initiative-to-stop-gun-violence/adttw5s/

Retired Mokena pastor teaches adults to play at Joliet church

Nancy Pfaltzgraf believes the secret of youth is not in jars and creams, but in a child-like, playful spirit.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/02/25/retired-mokena-pastor-teaches-adults-to-play-at-joliet-church/al600eo/