Showing posts with label Joliet Junior College. Show all posts

Friday, July 3, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 27 through July 3

Good morning!

I have six stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend. 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.

So 14 people (by my account) attended "Book Publishing 101 Saturday at the Joliet Public Library, and the library was very pleased. Thank you to all who attended. The feedback was very positive.

The library is planning to reschedule this presentation at a later date. So if you missed it, you will likely get another opporunity.

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.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

July 3: Joliet Eve of Independence: America 250 Fireworks and Celebration: 6 to 10 p.m., Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Live music, food vendors, and children’s activities by B.L.O.CK.S., the BryonySeries umbrella brand. B.L.O.C.K.S. will also have limited giveaways of BryonySeries books for all ages and WriteOn Joliet's upcoming "Shoe" anthology. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Aug. 1: Kid Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. For the third year in a row, WriteOn Joliet will have a tent at the annual Kidz Fest celebration. Write your own story with our unique, one-of-a-kind, made-just-for-us story manipulable story blocks. And be sure to pick up one (or more) WriteOn Joliet-authored books (titles for all ages), which we will distribute for free.

Sept. 19: Fountaindale Public Library Author Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fontaindale Public Library District, 300 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

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.

And if you missed it, please check out the "Shades of Noir" photos.

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 nearly drafted with some partial editing already begun. We plan to release this book in 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 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 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 cal;led "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events.

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
Joliet Junior College trustees Broderick and Lee respond to board chair’s resignation
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/26/joliet-junior-college-trustees-broderick-and-lee-respond-to-board-chairs-resignation/
Monee man who died in boating accident on Kankakee River mourned by area musicians
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/26/monee-man-who-died-in-boating-accident-on-kankakee-river-mourned-by-area-musicians/
Will County Pets of the Week: June 29, 2026
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/29/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-29-2026/
Three-part story on AI in healthcare
Patients turning to AI chatbots for medical advice, risking dangerous missteps
Doctors warn that ChatGPT and similar tools lack clinical context and can fuel health anxiety
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/23/patients-turning-to-ai-chatbots-for-medical-advice-risking-dangerous-missteps/
Illinois hospitals deploy AI tools to free doctors from paperwork
From stroke detection to seizure monitoring, artificial intelligence is reducing administrative burdens and giving physicians more time with patients
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/24/illinois-hospitals-deploy-ai-tools-to-free-doctors-from-paperwork/
Doctors embrace AI as regulators work to ensure safe use
Survey shows 81% of physicians now use artificial intelligence tools, prompting new certification standards and calls for measured regulation
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/25/doctors-embrace-ai-as-regulators-work-to-ensure-safe-use/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, June 26, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 20 through June 26

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend. 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.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26: B.L.O.C.K.S. will be hosting children's games at Food Truck Fridays, which runs 4 to 8 p.m. at Carter Realty Group, 1214 Essington Road, Joliet. We're hoping to be set 5:30-ish on all days except June 12, when we will run games from 4 to 5:30-ish p.m. In addition to children's games, we will offer BryonySeries books for sale during the games. Not in the mood to read? Buy one (or more) books and place it in our collection box for our book giveaways at the July 3 and Aug. 1 events.

June 27: "Presentation 101: An Overview for Authors Entering the Industry" 1 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. Joliet. Register here.

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.

And if you missed it, please check out the "Shades of Noir" photos.

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.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is nearly drafted with some partial editing already begun. We plan to release this book in 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."

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
Joliet Junior College board chair Budzinski resigns
Says decision due to one trustee ‘who continues to go
against everything the board does’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/25/joliet-junior-college-board-chair-budzinski-resigns/
New Lenox welcomes new car sales company among other new
businesses
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/22/new-lenox-welcomes-new-car-sales-company-among-other-new-businesses/
Newsweek recognizes Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox
for the 2nd time in 2026
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/21/newsweek-recognizes-silver-cross-hospital-in-new-lenox-for-the-2nd-time-in-2026
Will County Pets of the Week: June 22, 2026
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/22/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-22-2026/
Three-part story on AI in healthcare
Patients turning to AI chatbots for medical advice,
risking dangerous missteps
Doctors warn that ChatGPT and similar tools lack clinical
context and can fuel health anxiety
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/23/patients-turning-to-ai-chatbots-for-medical-advice-risking-dangerous-missteps/
Illinois hospitals deploy AI tools to free doctors from
paperwork
From stroke detection to seizure monitoring, artificial
intelligence is reducing administrative burdens and giving physicians more time
with patients
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/24/illinois-hospitals-deploy-ai-tools-to-free-doctors-from-paperwork/
Doctors embrace AI as regulators work to ensure safe use
Survey shows 81% of physicians now use artificial
intelligence tools, prompting new certification standards and calls for
measured regulation

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/25/doctors-embrace-ai-as-regulators-work-to-ensure-safe-use/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, June 5, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 30 through June 5

Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

In addition, I have seven "Everyday Hero" stories below those.

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.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

June 27: "Presentation 101: An Overview for Authors Entering the Industry" 1 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. Joliet.

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.

And if you missed it, please check out the "Shades of Noir" photos.

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.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is nearly drafted with some partial editing already begun. We plan to release this book in 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."

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
‘There is nothing easy about food’ - What it’s really
like owning and operating a food truck
‘Everyone thinks it’s going to be fun, easy and profitable’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/03/there-is-nothing-easy-about-food-what-its-really-like-owning-and-operating-a-food-truck/
Joliet Junior College, Head Start help fill need for
early childhood educators with apprenticeship program
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/01/joliet-junior-college-head-start-help-fill-need-for-early-childhood-educators-with-apprenticeship-program/
Retired Plainfield EMS coordinator dies after brief
illness
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/30/retired-plainfield-ems-coordinator-dies-after-brief-illness/
Minooka baker creates passport to promote regional farm
stand road trips
‘I think people will find something different at all nine
stops’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/29/minooka-sourdough-baker-creates-passport-to-promote-regional-farm-stand-road-trips/
Crest Hill meal prep company expands product line
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/29/crest-hill-meal-prep-company-expands-product-line/
Ottawa Street in Joliet reopened after truck strikes
viaduct
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/breaking/2026/05/30/damaged-semitruck-closes-ottawa-street-in-joliet/
Plainfield home ‘uninhabitable’ after Sunday-morning fire
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/31/plainfield-home-uninhabitable-after-sunday-morning-fire/
Joliet Chamber hosting ribbon-cuttings for LongHorn
Steakhouse, Love’s Travel Stop
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/30/joliet-chamber-hosting-ribbon-cuttings-for-longhorn-steakhouse-loves-travel-stop/
New Joliet cannabis dispensary hosted grand opening event
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/29/new-joliet-cannabis-dispensary-hosting-grand-opening-event-on-saturday/
Will County Pets of the Week: June 1, 2026
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/01/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-1-2026/
EVERYDAY HEROES
Everyday Hero: Joliet foster care superheroes battle their own health challenges
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-foster-care-superheroes-battle-their-own-health-challenges
Everyday Hero: Joliet foster grandparent has volunteered almost 20,000 hours and ‘goes above and beyond with the children’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-foster-grandparent-has-volunteered-almost-20000-hours-and-goes-above-and-beyond-with-the-children/
Everyday Hero: Longtime Joliet District 86 clerical aide said she tried to ‘always be helpful
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/everyday-hero-longtime-joliet-district-86-clerical-aide-said-she-tried-to-always-be-helpful/
Everyday Hero: Joliet grassroots community activist makes low-income seniors feel like superstars
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-grassroots-community-activist-makes-low-income-seniors-feel-like-superstars/
Everyday Hero: Paraprofessional at Plainfield District 202 brightens lives of veterans and military members
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/paraprofessional-at-plainfield-district-202-brightens-lives-of-veterans-and-military-members/
Everyday Hero: Coal City woman with disability puts others with disabilities ahead of herself
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/coal-city-woman-with-disability-puts-others-with-disabilities-ahead-of-herself/
Everyday Hero: Fairmont cafeteria manager ‘goes above and beyond to enrich the school environment’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/fairmont-cafeteria-manager-goes-above-and-beyond-to-enrich-the-school-environment/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, September 26, 2025

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 19 through Sept. 26

Good morning!

For my second full-time back-to-work week, I have eighteen (yes, eighteen; I even did some of the photography) stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working the weekend.

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:

Sept. 27: BryonySeries "Jump Into Fall" Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27, The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Oct. 4: FAME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This Fandom Arts and Music Expo will features local musicans, artists, authors, and events on all three levels of the library. I will be leading a panel of comic book artists, reading a couple excerpts from my books, and speaking briefly about B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet. I will also have BryonySeries books, WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer two years ago.

Oct. 11: Men Who Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 West Laraway Road, Joliet. Sample small portions of appetizers, side dishes, entrée and desserts at this all-you-can-eat event that benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. While this is not a BryonySeries event per se, Timothy and Daniel are participating for the first time (and this is Daniel's birthday) since the event benefits a nonprofit close to our hearts and raises awareness of the second. That's because the boys will be preparing and serving something yummy from "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 boys will also be distributing information about B.L.O.C.K.S. For tickets and more information, visit willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

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

56 years after near fatal stabbing, Will County man meets person who helped save his life

‘He’s a saint’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/16/56-years-after-near-fatal-stabbing-will-county-man-meets-person-who-helped-save-his-life/

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy teaches life skills to Joliet’s Lincoln School students

‘I think everybody has a leadership potential’ says owner of both Joliet locations

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/24/chick-fil-a-leader-academy-teaches-life-skills-to-joliet-lincoln-school-students/

‘The bond is unbelievable’- Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox celebrates NICU families, medical team

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/20/silver-cross-new-lenox-hosts-2nd-nicu-anniversary/

Joliet celebrates PrideFest 2025

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/21/joliet-celebrates-pridefest-2025/

DoorDash’s Project DASH partners with Northern Illinois Food Bank