Good morning!
I have twenty-four feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, since I was unable to post a story-round-up last week (I was in the ER).
And if that's not enough to read, more stories going live this weekend, especially since I am 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!
Event Updates
Calkins Day 2025 took place at The Book Market in Crest Hill and it was a wonderful celebration of laughter, imagination, generosity, and the release of "Recovering Ruthless," the third book in the BryonySeries Ruthless series by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.
The book display will remain up at The Book Market through St. Patrick's Day. And we now have some Irish-themed ribbit specials, that you can purchase at a discounted price with every book purchase.
BryonySeries books-in-progress
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 (three more this week - our life is like a novel!).
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. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.
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."
Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.
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
Coal City family’s home ‘looks like an ICU;’ help needed to
get accessible van
Pens family has two with heredity spastic paraplegia
Joliet City Center Partnership ready for annual Shamrock
Stroll on Friday
Walt’s Ice Cream Joliet opens to flurries, lines of
customers
Winter weather didn’t deter loyal fans
Owner Sandra Moore also teaches sewing, caters and serves
the homeless
Trinity Services opens Joliet community health center
Long-range goal is to become a certified community health
center
Fish fries in Will County during Lent
Plainfield District 202, teachers union agree on new
contract
Union President Steve Jepsen: ‘The contract was a win for
both sides’
Will County-based K9s for Veterans to hold gala Sunday in
Joliet
Tickets available now
Will County offers ‘Mutt Madness’ pet adoption special
throughout March
New BookBar in Mokena offers food, drink and special events
New Lenox Culver’s celebrates grand reopening
Senior Services of Will County to sell Joliet building
Services will continue in Joliet
Easterseals Joliet to hold 30th annual fundraiser Saturday
Local author and special education teacher to host
Joliet museum exhibit showcases manufacturers of the past
The museum also will sell exhibit-related merchandise
Where to catch a fish fry in Will County during Lent
Some also offer chicken meals
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/05/will-county-fish-fries-to-try-this-lent/
Plainfield District 202 high school students to get 8th
class period
Rustic Knead opens Frankfort location
Joliet Zonta to host women’s health panel
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/03/joliet-zonta-to-host-womens-health-panel/
Joliet resident dies in crash Sunday morning
Brother remembers man ‘that made everyone laugh’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/02/joliet-man-dies-in-crash-sunday-morning/
Joliet home hit by gunfire early Saturday
No injuries reported
Will County Pets of the Week: March 10, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/10/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-10-2025/
Will County Pets of the Week: March 3, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-3-2025/
5 Things to Do in Will County: ‘The Secret Garden’ spring
musical
5 Things to Do in Will County: ‘Calendar Girls’ embodies
friendship, empowerment
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
