Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 30 to April 5

Good morning!

I have just seven news and features stories to share with you this week...but I did finish a large special project this week.

But more stories will post over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Tonight I will participate in National Poetry Month Open Mic Night at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. Doors open at 6 p.m. Readings start at 7 p.m.

I'm not a poet. But I will read two poems on behalf of my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez, who is receiving hospice care for brain cancer. He picked out the poems and, while I can't read them like Tom can, I did practice them in front of mirror. Wish me luck!

At least two other WriteOn poets will read tonight, too: Sharon Houk and Holly Coop. So an entertaining and inspiring evening guaranteed for tonight.

Finally, if you live in the general Will County area in Illinois, consider adding this event to your calendar.

Here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and six chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. I scrapped most of chapter seven last weekend and am now working on the current draft. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. We had a tentative "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for last weekend, which didn't happen...and we have no opportunity for another for at least a couple more weeks. We've scheduled and broke several in 2023. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait. That one is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. Rebekah is still experimenting with cover art for this and made good progress this past weekend. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

Now back to The Herald-News stories stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

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'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.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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, Crest Hill Catholic churches mark final Easter Masses as they face closure

Joliet West Special Populations Dance creates ‘memories that will last a lifetime’: Students also learn ‘the importance of inclusivity’

Future homeowners invited to attend this 2-day home expo in Joliet: The first 100 attendees each day will have a chance to win $10,000

Fox 32 meteorologist Mike Caplan to discuss tornado safety in Joliet: Light lunch provided

Easter egg hunt at Timbers of Shorewood draws big crowd: The event also raised money for the Alzheimer’s Association

Pets of the Week: April 1, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Skip Griparis returns to Joliet Bicentennial Park: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 23 to March 29

Good morning!

I have just seven news and features stories to share with you this week...but not because I was fighting a virus all week.

I also worked on a story with two other reporters for Saturday, a special edition that we'll publish in May, and stories that will post over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I was too sick last weekend to work on any project - BryonySeries or the manuscript I'm editing for a client. I'm planning to tackle the client's work this weekend and finish a couple of proposals that got pushed back with all my various maladies these past few weeks. But I did catch up (some) on my reading.

On Sunday, we plan to celebrate Western Easter with family.

Finally, if you live in the general Will County area in Illinois, consider adding this event to your calendar.

Here are the BryonySeries book updates (which have not changed much since last week).

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and six chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. I scrapped most of chapter seven last weekend and am now working on the current draft. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. We had a tentative "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for last weekend, which didn't happen...and we have no opportunity for another for at least a couple more weeks. We've scheduled and broke several in 2023. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait. That one is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. Rebekah is still experimenting with cover art for this and made good progress this past weekend. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

Now back to The Herald-News stories stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

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'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.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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 West’s Dave Marco remembered as ‘genuine person to his soul’: ‘If you needed a self-esteem boost, he was the guy to talk to’

2 Will County teens shine in American Legion essay contest: Gary Stieg, American Legion Post 1080: ‘They were within 2points of each other’

Joliet Junior College partners with local rescues to help pets get homes: The partnership is a win-win for everyone

Baran-Unland: We have another cat, thanks to Joliet Junior College: And a tabby named Senna has a forever home

Joliet Bicentennial Park invites poets and musicians to share their work: The event is free for attendees and participants

Pets of the Week: March 25, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Doggie Easter egg hunt in Shorewood

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 2 to March 8

Good morning!

I have thirteen news and features stories to share with you this week. But more will be posted over this weekend, especially with me working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

It's been a topsy turvy year so far with a few health challenges...and one I have to address this morning.  

So far, the colonoscopy had to be pushed out to the end of next month due to a slew of (overall) relatively minor health (and other) challenges as far as impacting our day-to-day lives. But a steady stream of little challenges can add up to lots of stress. Please send up good thoughts that things settle down for us a bit, enough for us to catch out breath and relax.

This weekend is filled with family time (Saturday), friends (Sunday), and an obituary I was asked to write. But I'm still hoping for a little time for my own writing projects. We shall see.

Here are the BryonySeries book updates:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and six chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. We are estimating a late 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. We had a tentative "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for last weekend, which didn't happen...and we have no opportunity for another for at least a couple of weeks. We've scheduled and broke several in 2023. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait. That one is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

Now back to The Herald-News stories stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

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'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.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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 hospice cares for non-hospice patients with chronic illness: Medicare and most insurance companies cover serious illness care through Lightways

Joliet West journalism student free hands tiger mural: Justin Matlow, student: ‘I wanted to be known for making art’

New Lenox psychologist modernizes Aesop fable in new book: Author Mike Mecozzi: ‘We need to take the time to reassess our personal values’

Gallery Seven in Lockport to host Open Lens XIV: Open Lens XIV will be juried and judged by the artist partners of Gallery Seven

Registration open for Plainfield Citizens Police and Fire Academy: Classes will be held for 12 consecutive Tuesdays

Plainfield students hosting game night fundraiser: Families also can bring canned food items

Register now for Plainfield District 202 summer art camp: Proceeds benefit the PEHS National Art Honor Society Scholarship

Troy Township to host Mobile DMV and ICash event

$10,000 waiting for Shorewood couple through ICash: ICash connects unclaimed property with the rightful owners

Baran-Unland: I had unclaimed money in ICash twice: It’s certainly worth a few minutes to look

 Find a Lenten fish fry across the Joliet region

Pets of the Week: March 4, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Downtown Joliet Shamrock Stroll: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 3 to Feb. 9

Good morning!

I have nine news and features stories to share with you this week. But more will be posted over this weekend, especially with me working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I am thrilled to report that "The Fifth," the second novel by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is now live on Amazon and available for purchase.

We did order copies for the 2024 Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13. And I am happy to report they arrived late last night, hurray!

If you're new to the BryonySeries and this blog, here is a post that with links that explains Calkins Day.

Other BryonySeries book updates:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and four chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. We are estimating a late 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. We had a tentative "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for last weekend, which didn't happen. We are trying again for this weekend. We've scheduled and broke several in 2023. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait. That one is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Three-fourths of it is written and edited and another fourth is in the developmental stage. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

Now back to The Herald-News stories stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

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'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.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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

Herald Angels raises record-breaking amount for Will County United Way: United Way of Will County ‘couldn’t be more thrilled’

Joliet Fire Department academy inspires youth to fire service: Matt Baxter, Joliet Fire Department: ‘They were excited, they asked a ton of questions.’

Channahon mom creates care packages for NICU babies: Kristina Lowman: ‘It grew more than I ever imagined’

Joliet’s Rialto Theatre announces 2024 movie lineup: Tickets go on sale Jan. 29.

Get your team ready for Joliet District 204 foundation’s trivia event: Mark Turk, foundation president: ‘Everyone should come’

Photos: Shorewood HUGS 14th chocolate ball

Get your Will County fish fry event in our Herald-News listing

Pets of the Week: Feb. 5, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Celebrate Black History Month at Joliet theater this weekend: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 22 to April 28

Good morning!

Today I have just six features and news stories to share with you today, but I have not been slacking, oh, no! 

I have three large pieces to be posted over the weekend, with more to come since I'm working through the weekend. Plus I completed my three last large pieces (for a total of eight) stories for special "Thank You, Teachers" edition that The Herald-News will publish on May 4.

So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Last Saturday WriteOn Joliet presented its first presentation of original readings in a radio-style format at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater. In June, we will record an audio version of that show.

And if you missed it the first time around, you may get another opportunity. I will keep you posted.

Fiction-wise, I have nothing new to report, since last weekend was dedicated completely to the show and then to work and housework on Sunday. Even though I am working through the weekend, I'm hoping to fill downtime by tinkering with some of the books.

Here is a recap so far.

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I have the prologue and first eighteen chapters drafted as well as a couple of chapters near the end. 

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have five solid chapters. Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior and cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the series.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Three chapters are completed and a fourth chapter is in a very rough draft.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. A fourth of it is written and edited, another third on top of that is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover.

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

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'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 do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and 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.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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 West senior receives appointment to West Point: Emmanuel Zamoras: ‘I wanted to become part of the next generation of leaders’

Joliet Junior College hosts ISBE student-teacher nutrition event: Michael McGreal: ‘This is a great way to have students involved in making and eating healthier meal options’ 

Joliet West’s Lawson Sizemore finally gets his van: For years, the 20-year-old associate coach relied on his mother for transportation

Spring book sale this weekend at Joliet Public Library Black Road branch: Members of Friends of the Joliet Public Library may shop on Friday night

Pets of the Week, April 23, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: spring musical at Joliet Central: Plus 4 more ways to enjoy your weekend.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

How About Some Positive News?

It was a long, hot, dark week for many people in the Will County area after a derecho rippedf up trees and caused power outages for hundreds of thousands of people.

But now that life is getting back to normal, it's not only good to give thanks for all those who worked hard to restore that normalcy, it's also good to remember the great things that are happening in the local community.

For readers of this blog who don't live around here: look for the good in your community today. It's there.

For any readers of this blog: thank you for checking in all week while electricity and internet was iffy. I returned to this blog today to an extraordinary amount of views. I'm truly humbled.

Here's a quick excerpt from last Monday's blog. Could truer words been spoken?

Life isn't always served in neat packages to our liking.

But it's still a new day in a new week full of new opportunities.

For me, new opportunities for writing.

For being kind.

For addressing the health challenges of another.

For who knows what?

Because the day is still uncharted.

And none of that takes away from the above accomplishments. It feels good to start a project, it feels great to finish it.

Welcome, Monday!


Donate school supplies for students this Tuesday in Plainfield 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/12/donate-school-supplies-for-students-this-tuesday-in-plainfield/aqfwnns/


Plainfield Park District photo contest celebrates dog days of summer

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/28/plainfield-park-district-photo-contest-celebrates-dog-days-of-summer/afgtuvz/


Workforce Center of Will County held drive-thru job fair

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/31/workforce-center-of-will-county-holds-drive-thru-job-fair/aqiml2u/


Follow these tips to safely wear a face mask 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/03/follow-these-tips-to-safely-wear-a-facemask/aptrrk/


Will County forest preserve issues canine casting call for 2021 dog park calendar 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/03/will-county-forest-preserve-issues-canine-casting-call-for-2021-dog-park-calendar/auzd7va/


Abri Credit Union and Enterprise Car Sales donate to Joliet service agencies 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/30/abri-credit-union-and-enterprise-car-sales-donate-to-joliet-service-agencies/dsp87d6/


Joliet-area youth orchestra holding virtual audtions for 2020-2021, announces new music director 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/04/joliet-area-youth-orchestra-holding-virtual-audtions-for-2020-2021-announces-new-music-director/aq6cowp/


Frankfort appoints new utilities director

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/05/frankfort-appoints-new-utilities-director/aqcfevo/


Joliet West HOSA students Lucy Magat and Paola Castro Zuniga take top 10 at ILC

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/28/joliet-west-hosa-students-lucy-magat-and-paola-castro-zuniga-take-top-10-at-ilc/ad6nbpn/


D. 202 to extend free 'grab and go' meals through Aug. 26 at Plainfield locations 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/03/d-202-to-extend-free-grab-and-go-meals-through-aug-26-at-plainfield-locations/aphdkpl/


Plainfield Park District program bridges gap until start of school 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/08/10/plainfield-park-district-program-bridges-gap-until-start-of-school/agews15/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Community News: Feb. 28 and Feb. 29, 2020

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

At the bottom of these links is an outstanding piece by WriteOn Joliet member Holly Coop.


Escanaba in da Moonlight’ opens March 6 in Morris

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/escanaba-in-da-moonlight-opens-march-6-in-morris/a8g8w53/


Troy school hosts daddy-daughter dance

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/troy-school-hosts-daddy-daughter-dance/atb0gxm/


Grundy County SWCD to host fish and tree sales

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/grundy-county-swcd-to-host-fish-and-tree-sales/afek0pp/


Joliet West speech team wins 4th consecutive conference championship

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/joliet-west-speech-team-wins-4th-consecutive-conference-championship/a356sfd/


Apply now for the youth corps at Midewin in Wilmington 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/apply-now-for-the-youth-corps-at-midewin-in-wilmington/as0h8vz/


Multistate E. coli outbreak Linked to sprouts at Jimmy John’s

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/27/multistate-e-coli-outbreak-linked-to-sprouts-at-jimmy-johns/avibvbd/


Troy 30-C coach named 2020 Distinguished Middle School Coach of the Year

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/troy-30-c-coach-named-2020-distinguished-middle-school-coach-of-the-year/a5h7xfj/



And check out this brief post by Holly Coop for a bit of inspiration:

"I decided to turn over a new attitude instead of a new leaf."

https://writerbeeme.blogspot.com/2019/01/what-are-you-reading-these-days.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3jGjlRvdHD_q6wpzgAfJqNyJq1jHKolSUViCBDzNvi3wJvOyhN9FZbCvY



NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Community News: Feb. 19 and 21, 2020

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.



Joliet- area students create more than 2,200 Valentines for local veterans

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/13/joliet-area-students-create-more-than-2-200-valentines-for-local-veterans/ahth4wl/


Plainfield sophomore serves on D.A.R.E. International Youth Advocacy Board 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/10/plainfield-sophomore-serves-on-d-a-r-e-international-youth-advocacy-board/ajuuds1/


Frankfort students have their own dreams

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/10/frankfort-students-have-their-own-dreams/alsqfiy/


Troy students celebrate 100th day of school 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/10/troy-students-celebrate-100th-day-of-school/ae4tial/


Joliet West French horn ensemble invited to national festival 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/joliet-west-french-horn-ensemble-invited-to-national-festival/abn3c3b/


Deer hunting season’s preliminary harvest totals 153,048 deer

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/eer-hunting-seasons-preliminary-harvest-totals-153-048-deer/amuk8hj/


Joliet Central chess advanced to 2020 IHSA State Chess Tournament final

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/joliet-central-chess-advanced-to-2020-ihsa-state-chess-tournament-finals/ajmu1gd/


NEWSLETTERS


Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."