Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 3 through Jan. 9

 Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today. More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. 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!

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.

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

We typically don't host in-person events in January to give us time to recoup and prepare for tax time - but we are participating in one!

Jan. 31: Critical Grind Winter Local Author Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Drive No. L, Shorewood.

We also encourage you to 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. 

Please note: Bookshop does 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 over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 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

Stepping Stones in Joliet looks to open new center for mothers in recovery

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/22/stepping-stones-in-joliet-looks-to-open-new-center-for-mothers-in-recovery/

Joliet Chamber not bringing back New Orleans North festival

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/joliet-chamber-not-bringing-back-new-orleans-north-festival/

Joliet tax advisors to host grand opening ribbon cutting

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/07/joliet-tax-advisors-to-host-grand-opening-ribbon-cutting/

CITGO refinery in Romeoville, once owned by Venezuela, sold in December

Government there contesting the sale

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/citgo-refinery-in-romeoville-once-owned-by-venezuela-sold-in-december/

Hollywood Casino Joliet announces winner of Gala Giveaway

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/hollywood-casino-joliet-announces-winner-of-gala-giveaway/

Eyes on Enterprise: Three Rivers Association of Realtors announces Top 100 Realtors

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/04/eyes-on-enterprise-three-rivers-association-of-realtors-announces-top-100-realtors/

Plot Twist Books, new independent bookstore, opens in Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/27/plot-twist-books-new-independent-bookstore-opens-in-lockport/

Mr. Auto Care opens in Crest Hill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/29/mr-auto-care-opens-in-crest-hill/

Joliet library’s Black Road branch reopening Monday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/02/joliet-librarys-black-road-branch-to-reopen-monday/

Will County Pets of the Week: Jan. 5, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/05/will-county-pets-of-the-week-jan-5-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 1 through Nov. 7

Good morning!

I have just two stories online to share with you today (I was out of the office the previous week and have been working on some big projects this week) - and more stories will go live over the weekend.

That's because our "Thank You, Veterans" section will post tomorrow, snd I worked on quote a few stories in that package.

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

Hibbbett Sports store coming to Romeoville

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/11/04/hibbbett-sports-store-coming-to-romeoville/

Will County Pets of the Week: Nov. 3, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/11/03/will-county-pets-of-the-week-nov-3-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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!

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.

BryonySeries Calendar, Activities, Events

Most author websites have calendars of some sort.

However, the BryonySeries calendar is more than a list of upcoming events,

Rather, Timothy designed this calendar years ago in the style of the advent calendars he enjoyed as a child.

Behind every virtual window are games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more BryonySeries books (the link to the appropriate book is behind each window).

Every activity requires items you either have on hand or are readily available. And every activity is designed for just about anyone of any age to tackle it. No particular and highly advanced skill set is required. Activities are designed to be fun, reflective, kind, or spark creativity.

I was a little late updating September's calendar since the time to update came around the same time I was finishing "House on Top of the Hill" during my second at-home writing retreat of 2024.

However, the great thing about the BryonySeries calendar is that most of the windows are not date-specific.

Meaning, unless an actual event is happening on that day, most of the windows are relevant for the entire month.

So visit bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

And happy exploring!

BryonySeries and "Shakespeare and Art in the Park”

If you come out to "Shakespeare and Art in the Park” on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet, be sure to stop by the BryonySeries table and check out our books and a special offer.

Every person who buys one (or more) of these combinations will receive a $5 gift card to the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, which is inside the Joliet Public Library, Black Road branch. 

Gift cards are not limited to one per customer. But for each additional gift card, you must still purchase one of these four combinations.

1) One "regular" young adult or adult BryonySeries book (choices include any book in the "drop of blood" trilogy, Lycanthropic Summer, The Phoenix, Ruthless by Ed Calkins Steward of Tara or any of the Before the Blood books) or Nine Months of Kindness.

2) Any two books in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series.

3) Any three books in the Bertrand the Mouse series.

4) All three of our BryonySeries cookbooks.

To check out our books, visit https://www.bryonyseries.com/

Bits and Pieces

It's been a topsy turvy couple of weeks with all sorts of things going sideways (weekend shift, out-of-town family in town, illness, life and death-type emergencies: you know, the "life" stuff we all have).

So here's a quick recap of things happening in the BryonySeries world. The above statement explains why we're delayed.

1) Sue's Diner: Yes, I know we haven't posted a new recipe in two weeks. And we do have one to post. I have the photo. Rebekah has the recipe. The two just need to meet. Maybe tomorrow, even. But the old one is still up, if you haven't checked it out yet.

2) Updated calendar of activities: That's on my list for next weekend. In the meantime, all the old activities are still up (ignore the banner; that's Timothy being efficient).

3) New Cornell Dyer books: We have two ready to go. Rebekah doesn't the final production and she's been swamped. And Timothy has a third idea ready. He and I just need our schedules to sync up to work on it. In the meantime, you still have plenty of titles to read.

4) Call of the Siren: This is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. All of it, I'm happy to say, is written and fairly edited. However, it needs quite a bit of work on some of the minor characters and some nuanced editing that I've (sort of) invented, a first for me. Still, I'm happy with the progress as this book challenged me quite a bit.

5) In-Person Events: We've discussed doing more of these this year.

And that's it! I hope each and every one of you reading this is having a fantastic start to your day. :)

"Pardon Our Dust" Sign - Gone!

It's been three and a half years since Timothy decided to overhaul the BryonySeries website to reflect the tone of all the books in the series - and subsequently posted a "pardon our dust" sign on the landing page.

That sign is now officially down.

For the most part, the website is complete, functional, and in line with the design Timothy intended to communicate, which complemented my original vision: that the website be fun to navigate and reflect the BryonySeries world.

What's really amazing is that Timothy does not understand code and has never studied code or taken a coding class. He studied Wix, took one marketing class, read some of the BryonySeries books, and has spent time on thousands of websites.

I'm sure he'll forever be tweaking it.

Now we are still in the process of building the store for eBooks and audio books, a process that may take a while.

And we are still the process of building the newsletter.

But neither of those projects take away from the reality that the website is finished with almost all elements in place, fully useable and fuctional, and, most of all, built for your enjoyment.

What will you find there?

An overview of our books.

Food!

Our very own store of print titles

A calendar of daily fun activities that tie into one or more books

Links to social media accounts (all accounts feature different information)

A marvelous abundance of original art created by local artists

An introduction to our creative team

A homage to the original site in a special pictorial "tour."

A few Easter eggs

A traveling rooster

So do explore! 

And don't forget to register for Calkins Day 2022 (click on BryonySeries site assistance and information at the bottom of each page to find the registration page).

Welcome to Munsonville! :)

https://www.bryonyseries.com/

The BryonySeries Year-Round Advent-Type Calendar...

 ...and a last minute pitch for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party TONIGHT!

Do you like books?

Do you like chocolate bombs?

Well, BryonySeries will have BOTH at the party tonight - along with some great giveaways. 

Read the details HERE.

And the be sure to check out the BryonySeries year-round advent-type calendar.

Each day has an activity of some kind that is tied into one of the books.

Most activities are family friendly, even if the book is for teens through adults.

Some activities can be paired with a child.

Any activity can be done on any day. Any book offer is valid on any day.

Here's a summary of what we've offered so far. 

Dec. 1: Find out how to receive a free Bertrand the Mouse book.

Dec. 2: An invitation to a WriteOn Joliet meeting

Dec. 3: Make shiny Christmas tree ornaments from aluminum foil.

Dec. 4: Make fluffy, candy cane slime.

Dec. 5: Make gilded walnut Christmas tree ornaments.

Dec. 6: Combine magnet fun with holiday decor.

Dec. 7: Make a frozen Santa hand filled with little gifts.

Dec. 8: Try your skill at a holiday word play.

Marry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Free Shipping Continues For Now

So now is a good time to check out our BryonySeries store and buy any combination and any amount of print books. All shipping charges are still waived, for now.

We are only offering it on print because that is the only part of the store that is currently in place. For eBooks, you still have to order from Amazon.

And if you haven't checked out our "recipe of the week" on the Sue's Diner page yet, check it out here.

Also, you might want to check out our BryonySeries calendar, which has been up and running for close to a year.

This has gone through many revisions by Timothy, so that the the visitor (YOU) could have a great experience and so that the creator (ME) could stop screwing it up behind the scenes.

But what you'll find there (again, ALL Timothy's idea) are events (when we have them again) and great activity suggestions based on the various books in the series. 

Timothy set the calendar up like a vintage Advent calendar, with all the fun of, "What's behind door number..."

Some activities are aimed at youg kids, some at adults, but MOST are aimed at any age, so old and young can enjoy together.

But behind every date lies an event. And all the events on the current calendar will change next month.

For instance, check out today's event. 

And have a great Thursday.

Reminder...

 ...in honor of the new and finally fully fuctioning BryonySeries print store, we are offering FREE shipping until at least the end of June (and potentially longer) on all print books currently listed in the store.

We are only offering it on print because that is the only part of the store that is currently in place. For eBooks, you still have to order from Amazon.

Also, since we posted our "recipe of the week" on the Sue's Diner page rather late last week, we are leaving it up one more day. Check it out here.

And finally (if only to prove I can write short posts), you might want to check out our BryonySeries calendar, which has been up and running for close to a year.

This has gone through many revisions by Timothy, so that the the visitor (YOU) could have a great experience and so that the creator (ME) could stop screwing it up behind the scenes.

But what you'll find there (again, ALL Timothy's idea) are events (when we have them again) and great activity suggestions based on the various books in the series. 

Timothy set the calendar up like a vintage Advent calendar, with all the fun of, "What's behind door number..."

Some activities are aimed at youg kids, some at adults, but MOST are aimed at any age, so old and young can enjoy together.

But behind every date lies an event. And all the events on the current calendar will change next month.

For instance, check out today's event.

And have a great Monday.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Calendar: Solved!

What's the old saying? You learn something new everyday?

Well, we learned something new on Saturday about how the back door of our BryonySeries site works.

Like many authors, we use a website builder to create the website, because none of us are web designers with coding skills.

Now, except for updating the events calendar, I rarely make any changes to the site - Timothy has pretty much assumed the reigns there.

But apparently "except for updating the events calendar" is problematic if we are both in the site at the same time. 

I'll explain.

Tuesday was the last day I posted any events because I had received messages from people who clicked on the link and could not access the promised content. On this particular day, the content was coloring pages of Vikings.

So I waited until Saturday night when Timothy was not working to update the calendar. I figured if I had trouble, he could troubleshoot it, since he hand-built it.

Well, I had trouble with events either not saving or not publishing. So I called Timothy - who just happened to be working on the BryonySeries store.

We had some back and forth conversation and testing of saving and publishing and...voila! Mystery of the disappearing events solved.

New protocol: I cannot go into the back door of the BryonySeries website without first checking with Timothy.

Here are the events you may have missed. You can see them here. 

January 1: Listen to the other-worldly sounds of a frozen lake in winter.

January 2: Enjoy a really nice version of Auld Lang Syne by The Irish Rovers.

January 3: Learn about a famous faith healer of the nineteenth century.

January 4: Create a fun, mouse-themed tic tac toe game for you and the child in your life to play together.

January 5: Check out a variety of free, printable coloring pages of the Vikings.

January 6: Look at the type of tree you can make from cardboard!

January 7: Do you like to write your own stories? Are you over eighteen?

​Consider joining WriteOn Joliet 

January 8: Learn a few quick facts about the poisonous plant bryony, for whom the BryonySeries is named.

January 9: For bored kids and adults: make your own leprechaun sand from two ingredients you most likely have in your cabinet.

January 10: ​Read about which five Bordeaux wines are among the most expensive in the world.