Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 26 through Oct. 2

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today. More stories will likely go live over the weekend since I'm working through the weekend - including one large piece I worked on this week. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Also, WriteOn Joliet's "Lace Up" event went really well - and here is the recap.

And here is the recap for FAME.

In case you missed it a guest post I wrote for a national writing blog went live recently.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Oct. 10: Panic at the Plaza: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. A somewhat annual, pre-Halloween event in downtown Joliet featuring live music and local artists and vendors and live painting.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon. Family friendly event featuring local vendors (some distributing treats), Halloween decor, food trucks, and pet costume contest.

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

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 finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries has three remaining chapters in drafts; the rest of the book is edited. I hope to finish it over Labor Day weekend ( Ididn't) and have it available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release party on Nov. 12 (it won't be). But I'm holding out hope I can finish the draft this weekend.

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 we planned to release a BryonySeries Christmas anthology around the holidays. This will be Christmas excerpts from existing BryonySeries novels along with a few bonus chapters (I hope) only available in this anthology. That's too won't happen this year. But that book is definitely in progress.

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events.

Rebekah (with my help) 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'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/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.

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

As Saint Joseph Joliet closes its maternity unit, other local hospitals say they are committed to OB care

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/29/once-maternity-unit-closes-at-saint-joseph-joliet-will-county-hospitals-expect-surge-in-baby-deliveries/

Lockport says its downtown is thriving despite recent restaurant closures

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/27/lockport-says-its-downtown-is-thriving-despite-recent-restaurant-closures

Silver Cross Hospital operating rooms get an $8.5 million upgrade

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/23/silver-cross-hospitals-ors-receive-an-85-million-upgrade/

Plainfield dentist opens exercise studio

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/27/plainfield-dentist-opens-exercise-studio/

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with pink light bulbs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/27/uchicago-medicine-adventhealth-celebrating-breast-cancer-awareness-month-with-pink-light-bulbs/

Will County Sheriff’s Office investigating TP incident that left 1 teen hospitalized

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/26/will-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-tp-incident-that-left-1-teen-hospitalized/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 28, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/28/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-28-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Zebra Cakes

Well, I haven't written a "Throwback Thursday" in probably more than a decade.

And I started writing those at Sarah's suggestion, when the saying was popular, because she loved the idea of reposting buried posts - and it gave me a break from always writing new material, since life was ... interesting...at tht time.

But last night in Walmart, I saw "all protein" Zebra Cakes on the shelf, and it prompted the memory of the incident that inspired this blog.

I sent it to Daniel (who didn't remember it at all, which is really too bad), and likely Christopher doesn't either - just as Rebekah wouldn't remember what she made for dinner or Timothy won't remember the surprise. 

The fact that chaos and crisis reigned on March 12, 2013, reminds me that, although we've been caught up in a whirlwind of challenges (nothing new under the sun here, it seems), we're still in a much better place than 2013, with more resources (and experience) to address those challenges.

Anyway, here is that forgotten blog p[ost (typos and all) from March 12, 2013, along with a photo of Rebekah holding Zebra Cakes from our errand-running last night when most post are getting ready for bed.

Enjoy!

Picture this: shortly after midnight on a rainy, double-bagging Sunday morning, when we "spring forward" to lose an hour of sleep, when I pull an all-nighter helping my oldest son, Christopher, bag newspapers at a distribution center, the said Christopher stops at a gas station near the center so seventeen year old Daniel can brave the elements to buy him Zebra Cakes.

After complaining that Daniel is taking too long, Christopher launched into a verbal tirade and rained down fire and brimstone upon all the gas stations of the world when he learned that particular establishment no longer sold Zebra Cakes. Did I mention Christopher is nearly thirty-one? Or maybe, we've just had so much bad bluck lately that even the loss of Zebra Cakes is hard to swallow.

For the first time since I started the blog on August 1, 2010, a series of woe-is-me unfortunate incidents over the past week (day, month, year) has kept me from my daily blogging habit. Actually, I was going to wait one more day to return, but the best darn thing happened to me today that I decided, heck with bedtime, this can't wait.

But first, a digression, no big surprise to anyone that's followed this blog for a spell.

Despite writing vampire novels, I keep my own bleeding private. The last couple of years has brought more crises than you'd believe if I told you, so I'll skip the gory details. Suffice to say, it's been back-breaking grueling, and if we, as a family, didn't have a wickedly sarcastic sense of humor, we'd all be darkly muttering into some corner by now.

However, everyone has that proverbial straw that collapses the donkey's back, and mine came at the start of 2013. Yes, I'm standing, on shaky legs, but standing, and because addressing that straw has led to a really cool side project (details are for later), I can't even bemoan the incident. And even THAT one was rapidly followed by several more horrible incidents until you feel like huddling ito a ball, too weary to fight back.

Thursday morning, I signed onto the computer to find out my AVG had captured thirty viruses needing Christopher's attention. That meant working off the laptop (plenty of new nibble marks from curious cat teeth now adorn my power cord, a discovery made when plugging into the cafeteria at the junior college while my youngest two were in math class) until Christopher eradicated them, except the computer retaliated by succombing to the blue screen of death.

So whilst performing Frankenstein feats on my tower, my laptop "caught" the computer illness at a very inconvenient time, so Christopher hastily prepared a traveling loaner (I worked all weekend away from home).

Monday, computers officially restored, I set to work restoring order to my chaotic office, got carried away, and initiated a long overdue spring cleaning. I mean, Sarah's moved twice since I'd given it a thorough dusting, so you can see my point here. Of course, I also lost Monday as a work day, so any headway I'd received over the weekend is long gone.

Oh, and did I mention I'd dropped the coffee pot last week, so, too broke to replace it, I've been trekking to the local gas station with a giant mug to purchase a day's supply of coffee? No? Well, that's where this story picks up, because today slew of small blessings absolutely trumps all the beatings.

Calling it an early night at eight o'clock, while sipping the last of the coffee and falling asleep at the keyboard, I hailed Daniel, and we started off for the gas station. As we walked, I showed him the humorous texts I'd swapped with Timothy, while he was languishing away in his evening gen ed classes.

Timothy: "I have something cool to tell you later."

Me: "Can't wait to hear."

Timothy: "It will definitely make you smile."

Me: "Share, damn it!"

Timothy: "Later."

Me: "Argghh!!!"

(A while later).

Me: "A plate for you is in the fridge. Rebekah made dinner. It was good."

Timothy: "What is it?"

Me: "You're mysterious, I'm mysterious."

Timothy: (Adds smiley face)

Me: (Adds mouth with zipper).

I tell Daniel, "I've always wanted to use that one."

We chat all the way to the gas station. He refills my mug and starts to pay for it when he says, "Wait! I forgot something."

As Daniel turns away, he notices my puzzled look. "Christopher gave me some money for Zebra Cakes."

I laughed out loud, doubled over, still laughing. I told both cashiers, and they started laughing, too. Daniel paid for six Zebra Cakes, and we left, with me laughing into the clear night air.

Daniel smiled and said, "When they kill him (Christopher refuses to address his high blood sugar) I'll lay a Zebra Cake on his grave."

I found that pretty funny, too.

Yes, life sucks sometimes. We often get a grim satisfaction when bad things happen to people just screaming for it, but when good people suffer crushing blow after crushing blow...well, it's all too easy to forget the origins of real joy in this life.

Hint: it's not in the big things, at least, not for me. It's in the little things, like being able to power walk today for the first time in three weeks (more medical stuff, grumble), fantasy pictures a friend texts in the middle of the night because I like them, interviewing people about their passions and writing about them, a family that--while not quite the model for apple pie America--knows how to pull together for survival's sake at least.

And, yes, as I said earlier, our ability to find humor in the craziest stuff.

Of course, I had to tell Christopher about Daniel's "laying a zebra cake on the grave" as he opened his paper sack of treats. He just grinned and said, "And I'd be back to claim it."

I, for one, wouldn't doubt it. And on that note, I'm signing off. Timothy just texted that he's on his way home. That surprise had better live up to its hype! :)

Sue's Diner: Vampire Milkshakes

It's the time of year when we walk among several seasons: autumn in the morning, summer in the afternoon, and a bit Halloween deocrating in the evening.

That's why this recipe for Vampire Milkshakes is perfect for this week's weather, while getting us in the mood for Hallowen.

These milkshakes are also quick and easy to make: mix, blend, and drink! That leaves plenty of time to hang those decorations and walk among the autumn colors.

This recipe does not appear in any of the BryonySeries cookbooks. 

You can try our modified 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. 

Finally, 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.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

RECAP: The Six Steps You Missed if You Missed Lace Up

As part of the Joliet Public Library's 150th celebration, WriteOn Joliet (a library partner) held a special program on Sept. 24.

The evening consisted of panel-style encouragement from WriteOn writers, an opportunity to engage and ask questions, and gifts of WriteOn’s special “shoe” anthology and shoebox filled with inspiration to keep moving your story forward. 

We called it "Lace Up! Steps to Move Your Writing Journey Forward" and aimed it at writers, would-be-writers, writers with writers block, writers who need encouragment to take the first (or next step) in their writing...really just anyone who writes, wants to write, or was thinking about writing.

The event was filled with all kinds of steps for those who took steps to attend, like these six steps:

Missteps: Cindy, who recently joined WriteOn accidentally signed up to be a panelist she thought she signed up to be an attendee. I held her to it and she took cheerfully accepted it and took her first step toward public speaking.

One panelist went to the wrong branch and was a little late to the event. Two other panelists forgot they had an overlapping committment and were also a little late. Things happen.

First steps: The panel was the first panel for most of the panelists, and they, too, took their first steps towards discussing out loud and to people they may or may not know about what they write and why they write it.

Back steps: One panelist stepped back from the panel because he knows himself well enough to know when to step back. Panelists also discussed what holds them back from writing and how they overcome it.

Next steps: Panelists then also discussed the steps they really do need to take their writing forward.

Unseen steps: And those next steps are the unseen steps, the future steps, where success is uncertain but where "anything is possible" also lives.

Dance steps: These were the best steps. As the panelists shared, attendees began opening up and sharing, too, hesitantly at first for some and then with more spontaneity and enthusiasm. 

What began as panelists talking to the audience became a disucssion of mutual sharing and clarity for all on what they should do next.

We served bottled water, coffee, shoe-shaped cookies, and cake pops.

Everyone received a special "shoe" anthology, courtesy of Ed and Nancy Calkins, and a special "feather" pen, which has its own wonderful story (for a later blog).

And for those dark moments of self-doubt and writers block, 

...every writer left with a mini shoebox with a note of encouragement from each of the panelists.

It really was a wonderful evening.

RECAP: BryonySeries at FAME (With Two Cute Mouse Tales)

BryonySeries was part of the Joliet Public Library's FAME (Fandom, Arts, and Music Expo) on Sept. 12.

The free, family-friendly mini-convention featured nearly 50 Chicagoland artists, along with cosplay content, cosplay karaoke, artist panels, character meet-and-greets, games, contests and other pop culture fun.

We sold seven books, adopted a few mice, and came home with two cute "mouse tales" to tell. I still haven't told Cindy (the creator of the mice). But I will, soon.

See these adorable mice at the photo on the bottom? The photo is from "Plants, Paws, and Pages" on Sept. 6 because my only FAME photo is the one above.

We didn't know it at the time, but a few mishaps led to the adoption of two mice and two cute tales to tell.

The first mishap happened while moving product and supplies out of the parking deck.

One box completely gave way, scattering assorted items everywhere.

Rebekah asked me to carry on, unload what I had, and return with an intact box while she waited.

Outside the library, a woman and her little boy sat on a bench, presumably waiting for a ride. I asked his age, and she said, "Two." 

I'm sure you know where this is leading.

"Does he like books?"

"He loves books!"

So I dug out a copy of "Bertrand's Silly ABC Book" and handed it to the little boy. 

Mom was especially thrilled as she was currently working with him on his ABCs. And they dove into the book.

No, I did not give him a mouse. The mice were in the parking deck and "giving away"  and especially "sellling" mice wasn't my rule. 

You see, you can't adopt a mouse unless you buy $15-ish in books.That translates to one novel or two children's books. 

Eventually, both Rebekah and I made it upstairs. The space was small and tucked into a corner. So now we needed different shelving. Rebekah called Daniel and asked him to bring the shelves.

Then the vendor to our left (Broastful Illustrations) from whom I bought some stunning fish stickers, said the vendor on her left wasn't coming; did we want that spot? 

So we and the vendor to our right helped her move her very full, already set-up table.

That left us one tablecloth short. So Rebekah called Daniel, but he'd already left.

But the vendor on our right (Workman Art), who was still setting up his amazing artwork, lent us a tablecloth. That's why our tablecothes don't match.

His daughter (13) was very business-savvy and sold us no small number of stickers and buttons.

She also wanted a mouse. But she did not want a book. So no mouse for her!

However, a customer later into the event bought two books but declined a mouse.

So we explained the process to her, and she invited the girl to pick out a mouse. She was thrilled.

Now her litle brother, who was about 10, also wanted a mouse.

He begged his father to buy two books. His father said no.

He wheedled, same answer.

At the end of the event, the boy walked up to me and offered to help us pack up.

"Are you trying to earn a mouse?" I asked.

"No." He paused. "Yes."

"We don't need help," I told him.

Rebekah pulled me to the side. "Give him a mouse."

"No. Rules are rules." I kept packing.

Then Rebekah asked me, "Are you paying for that ABC book you gave to the boy?"

I thought a moment. "Sure, I can pay for it."

So she picked out a "Bertrand's Shakespeare ABC" book because of the wonderful artwork and paid for it. She gave it to the boy and told him to pick out a mouse.

His face lit up unlike anything I've seen in a very long time.

And he happily picked out a mouse. 

Then he looked up Rebekah and asked, "Can I hug you?"

They gave each other a big hug. I wish I had taken a photo to show the joy on their faces.

But the moment was fleeting, and my hands were full.

Not as full as our hearts, though.

The Unicorn Song - Piano Jam Cover

Anyone new to the BryonySeries blog might wonder why I post piano music on Sundays and how that fits into the BryonySeries world.

That's because one character - John Simons - was a nineteenth century world-renowned pianist and composer before he died and became a vampire.

Why this piece today?

Because of the themed activity on today's BryonySeries "Mini Activities" calendar (theme no longer applies if you're reading this any time after September 27, 2026).

And because it's super fun (especially for families or anyone who wants to see what real-life families look like)

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_bLdWwY_H8

She Moved Through The Fair | Irish Traditional | Piano Cover

 Since the beginning of this blog on August 1, 2010, Saturdays are days to celebrate BryonySeries author and Irish vampire character Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, and all things Irish (as he imagines them).

This piano cover of "She Moved Through the Fair" is slow, serene, and slightly yearning.

I hope it makes you smile.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfNZUGE8oGI&list=PLO4O7j8a1cOfSInOIDaYfb5gAOU-zCs0j&index=4

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 19 through Sept. 25

Good morning!

I have eleven stories online to share with you today. More stories will likely go live over the weekend since I'm working through the weekend - including one large piece I worked on this week. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Also, WriteOn Joliet's "Lace Up" event last night went really well. I'll post a recap next week.

And a guest post I wrote for a national writing blog I've followed for nearly two decades went live last weekend, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Oct. 10: Panic at the Plaza: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. A somewhat annual, pre-Halloween event in downtown Joliet featuring live music and local artists and vendors and live painting.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon. Family friendly event featuring local vendors (some distributing treats), Halloween decor, food trucks, and pet costume contest.

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

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 finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries has three remaining chapters in drafts; the rest of the book is edited. I hope to finish it over Labor Day weekend and have it available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release party on Nov. 12.

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 we plan to release a BryonySeries Christmas anthology around the holidays. This will be Christmas excerpts from existing BryonySeries novels along with a few bonus chapters (I hope) only available in this anthology.

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events, including WriteOn Joliet's "Page to Stage" event on Aug. 28.

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'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/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.

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

Will County Senior Services CEO insists key services will remain, despite bankruptcy and loss of buildings

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/25/will-county-senior-services-ceo-insists-key-services-will-remain-despite-bankruptcy-and-loss-of-buildings/

Nonprofit that fights food insecurity among cancer patients to host fundraiser at Joliet museum

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/24/nonprofit-that-fights-food-insecurity-among-cancer-patients-to-host-fundraiser-at-joliet-museum/

Disability Pride Fest returns to Joliet for 2nd year in a row

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/24/disability-pride-fest-returns-to-joliet-for-2nd-year-in-a-row/

Silver Cross surgeon celebrates 6,000 robotic surgeries, putting him in top 1% globally

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/20/silver-cross-surgeon-celebrates-6000-robotic-surgeries-putting-him-in-top-1-globally/

Foster grandparent recognized for starting a library at a Romeoville school

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/22/foster-grandparent-recognized-for-starting-a-library-at-a-romeoville-school/

Werk Force Brewing Co. and Plainfield Park District partner on getting state award

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/19/werk-force-brewing-co-and-plainfield-park-district-partner-on-getting-state-award/

Plainfield’s 1st industrial property at new 143rd Street corridor extension sold

Redwood Construction Group will manage improvements

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/21/plainfields-1st-industrial-property-at-new-143rd-street-corridor-extension-sold/

G&W Electric opens Romeoville location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/19/gw-electric-opens-romeoville-location/

Crest Hill sewing center hosted ‘national’ and ‘global’ sewing classes on Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/18/crest-hill-sewing-center-hosting-national-and-global-sewing-classes-on-saturday/

Lions Club offered free hearing and retinal screenings in Crest Hill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/23/lions-club-offers-free-hearing-and-retinal-screenings-in-crest-hill/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 20, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/09/21/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-20-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

What "Impossible" Looks Like

While looking up and sharing music videos with Timothy recently, I stumbled upon a video from 2023 I've since watched more than once.

The video was from a duet battle during the thirteenth season of "The Voice Germany."

"The Voice" is a singing reality competition. During the duet battle, two contestants (sometimes having the same coach) sing different parts of a song their coaches selected at the sametime.

Sometimes the the results yield some really powerful harmonies, as in this particular video.

What I really liked about this particular duet is that the peformance became so impossibly harmonious, both in vocal delivery and the way the singers synced their movements; a causual observer would find it hard to believe they had not rehearsed together.

A few "life" lessons here.

When WriteOn Joliet creates each radio play, the director makes final choice in casting and (with extremely view exceptions), the writers/performers do not speak their own pieces.

You see, the director may hear something in the table reads or conversations with the writer/performer that's perfect for such and such a role - or a hidden talent that can really be developed by reading a particular part.

Of course, one can apply that same analogy to life, where circumstances beyond our choosing and preferences shapes us into something really stunning.

You can see that in the reactions from coaches and audience.

Finally, how beautiful it is when competing interests transform into something more powerful than the individual components (like WriteOn Joliet's radio play).

Here is the link to "The Voice" video. I'm sharing the long version, which includes the judges comments. 

You'll need to adjust your caption settings to English to hear the judges reactions, since they're speaking in German (except for Ronan Keating, the Irish coach who speaks - mostly - English).

By the way, the coaches advanced both contestants.

Neither contestant won the competition.

And neither contestant chose to team up for future concerts (as far as I know), which is too bad.

Because I'd certainly pay to attend an entire show featuring their voices.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ddO7tRmUxg

Sue's Diner: Italian Herb Monkey Bread with Garlic Olive Oil

This week's recipe is called "Italian Herb Monkey Bread with Garlic Olive Oil" and my daughter Sarah Stegall created it and submitted it.

It's a wonderfully hearty and savory bread and terrific for shared snacks, appetizers, or to accompany an Italian-style meal.

This recipe 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.

The recipe is also referenced in the novel Bryony, where the protagonist, a 1970s teen named Melissa Marchellis, encounters it at a potluck memorial luncheon for her grandmother.

You can try our modified 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. 

Finally, 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.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

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.

Thank You, Holly and Vern!

So I was surprised with this lovely gift at the end of a WriteOn Joliet meeting a couple weeks ago from Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books presented this to me 

Holly Coop is a longtime member of WriteOn Joliet. Her husband Vern Coop owns and operates Coops Bowsmith.

The "Mauve on the Move" piece was a gift for Mauverneen Blevins, also a longtime member of the group.

It's great table BryonySeries table signage for events, and I've already used it a few times.

I was originally going to post this for Labor Day because I have a standard "Labor Day" reminder for myself.

But the reminder is good any time of the year. So here goes!

Remember, every item you own, every service you receive, and every conveniece you enjoy is the product of someone else's work.

Let that sink in.

And let's honor that.

GUEST BLOG: 10 Signs of a Healthy Writer’s Group

So I started following this writing blog in 2009 when I was working through the submission process for "Bryony."

I've followed this blog for so long, I remember when Writers Digest recognized it in 2013, which gave me plenty of reassurance I was receiving solid advice.

So when a call went out a few months ago for a few guest bloggers, I submitted a couple ideas.

One was "10 Signs of a Healthy Writer's Group."

That's because, through the years, this blog and others I've followed, posted signs of unhealthy groups. 

But I couldn't recall ever reading one that really highlighted what a healthy one looked like.

WriteOn Joliet has its flaws, certainly.

But it's overall very positive place for writers to receive feedback and support.

So when my pitch was suggested, I was told a requirement was being available the day it went live to respond to comments in a timely manner.

Well, I was actually in the ER Saturday night when it posted - and fortunately very available.

The points made in this blog, I think, apply to any group, writers or otherwise.

Please enjoy!

https://annerallen.com/2026/09/10-signs-of-a-healthy-writers-group/

LOVE TRAIN, the O'Jays, PIANO play along to the song

As I previously said, I'm now dedicating every fourth Sunday on my BryonySeries Facebook page to kindness.

Because even though the BryonySeries is a phantasmic series and many books in the series have supernatural elements, B.L.O.C.K.S. - the parent brand of the BryonySeries, delivers those books with an emphasis on these two characteristics:

A spirit of community.

And kindness.

Please enjoy this fun piano accompaniment to a favorite song of mine, when I was twelve years old.

And if you're interested at finding more kindness in your life, please check out "Nine Months of Kindness."

What If “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” Were an Irish Folk Song?

Since the beginning of this blog on August 1, 2010, Saturdays are days to celebrate BryonySeries author and Irish vampire character Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, and all things Irish (as he imagines them).

This Irish folk-style version of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" is gentle and lovely.

I hope your day feels the same way.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asQLA7jUnV8