Good morning!
I have just eight news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, as well as six Thank You, Teachers stories from our special edition on May 8.
More stories will go live this weekend, especially since I'm working through the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
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)
I have no events booked this weekend since I am working and will be (hopefully) out-of-town next weekend.
However, please read how WriteOn Joliet authors are supporting reading in Will County.
And consider helping us in our efforts.
What is the BryonySeries?
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. That's all I'm saying for now.
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 having surgery July 17, so I'm hoping we can make that happen before then, just to get the process moving and give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books).
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 to finish the book this year, fingers crossed.
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 recipe here.
WRITERS
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.
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 Boys & Girls Club investing in teens with new
space, expanded programs
Building renovations made with teenagers in mind
Baran-Unland: Kankakee County reptile rescue needs
community’s help
Chet’s Hair Studio in Joliet celebrating 70th anniversary
Joliet Rotary raffle supports early childhood literacy
The club received 15 applications for the raffle proceeds
Joliet’s Bicentennial Bluffs neighborhood held annual
community cleanup
Raffle, lunch and bake sale part of the day
Joliet Chamber’s Boulevard Banners for businesses are up
Will County Pets of the Week: June 2, 2025
Rescue groups have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-2-2025/
5 Things to Do in Will County: Old Canal Days
https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/06/04/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-old-canal-days/
THANK YOU, TEACHERS
Five Joliet District 86 couples juggle work, home lives teaching at same schools
Couple dedicated to teaching bilingual education at Plainfield school
Shorewood teacher ‘has a heart that is bigger than the school’
Joey Ancel decided in preschool to become a teacher
Plainfield ELA teacher recognized by state as one of south suburbs top educators
Jennifer Gruca personalizes literature for her students
Troy District 30-C bilingual teacher ‘is very aware of what her kids need’
Sandra Almazan also wants ‘kids recognized for their accomplishments’
St. Mary in Plainfield teacher creates ‘community of caring’
Lisa Phad makes ‘every student feels valued and motivated’
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
