The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
Rebekah, Tiny, and I ended a very full, very challenging, time-crunched, project-filled, three-day weekend with a nice long walk.
Here are some of the highlights for you to enjoy this morning.
Have a most blessed day - and remember to seek to out the blessings. They are there.
Good morning!
I have sixteen stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post (it's been a very busy week) with more stories going live over the weekend and next week, when I'm off work for my fourth at-home writing retreat of 2024.
So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
But before the stories, I 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!
The BryonySeries Halloween display is up at The Book Market. Along with seven curated BryonySeries books for you to browse and buy, the display features all-new Halloween Ribbit-Ribbits from Cindy - and some free gifts with purchase while supplies last. So please do check it out.
We are also participating in two more events (so far) this month
Today: The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 30: Black Cat Curiosities in Joliet with WriteOn member Cean Magosky as part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Spirits with the Spirits" event.
House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. The proof copy arrived on Wednesday, and I'm already working on copyedits. We are still estimating a late 2024 release date for this book, with copies available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 5.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). However, I outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.
Timothy said his concept for the next book in the actual series 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. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.
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 in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. I've neglected this book for a few months and hope to revisit it soon. We wanted to release it in late 2024, but 2024 has been a challenging year. I'm shooting for early 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.
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.
And finally...
The manuscript for Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara's third book in his Ruthless trilogy is submitted and will be my next editing project once "House on Top of the Hill" is complete. Ed
s first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."
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
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.FEATURES
Lightways Hospice in Joliet dedicates street to former CEO
Duane Krieger
The late Shorewood resident and former Will Co. coroner led
way for the first in-patient hospice in Illinois
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/24/lightways-hospice-in-joliet-honors-former-ceo/
Plainfield couple turns events into festival fun with Mr.
Salty Eats
Jeremy Olson: ‘Nobody brings the festival to you like we do’
The Clifton restaurant in Plainfield blends sophistication
with ‘a little bit of everything’
Restaurant owner Dan Tacone: ‘We wanted to build with our
community’
Baran-Unland: Check out winning downtown Joliet Halloween
windows
Vicki Sanchez, Joliet City Center Partnership: ‘You can tell
who really loves Halloween’
Joliet Central teacher records Halloween tunes for music
video
Rich Goberville wanted to write lyrics that were ‘fun and
catchy’
Haunted Plainfield yard pays tribute to pop culture horror
Dave and Aubrey Appel of Plainfield also received their 1st
major commission
Joliet’s St. Joseph Church will remain a stand-alone church
Joliet Diocese Bishop Ronald Hicks won’t appeal Rome’s
decision
Silver Cross New Lenox opens outpatient heart and vascular
center
Center provides ‘more comfortable atmosphere’
Personal training company moved Shorewood
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/19/personal-training-company-moved-shorewood/
Joliet Brats, Bourbon and Brews benefits veterans
Tickets available for Tuesday evening
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/20/joliet-brats-bourbon-brews-benefits-veterans/
Elite Tea shop opens in Plainfield
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/17/elite-tea-opens-in-plainfield/
Joliet chamber seeking ‘Great Teachers’ nominations
Nomination deadline is Nov. 11
Plainfield police host site for drug take-back event
Saturday
Controlled, noncontrolled and over-the-counter medications
may be dropped off
Plainfield’s Werk Force Brewing wins 2 medals at beer
festival
Pets of the Week: Oct. 21, 2024
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/21/pets-of-the-week-oct-21-2024/
5 Things to Do in Will County: Time for Trunk and Treats
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
Good morning!
I have just 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.
Last weekend was filled with family time (Saturday), friends (Sunday), and an obituary I was asked to write. This weekend is filled with work and then I leap into a very busy work week, followed by a colonoscopy next week.
Oh, and I have three business proposals to write before said colonoscopy - and I'm editing a manuscript for a client.
It's also been a busy week with rehearsals for WriteOn Joliet's radio play in April at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater in Joliet on April 19 and April 20. More on that next week.
Still, even with all these fun projects to keep me occupied, I'm hoping to carve out some time for my own BryonySeries writing projects. Maybe? 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. 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 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
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.FEATURES
Joliet Bunny Bash to benefit foster kids: Buy tickets to the family friendly event by March 19
Free ‘Take Time for You’ event in New Lenox on Saturday: Event is open to any adult in the community
Pets of the Week: March 11, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
The Local Scene: A Shamrockin’ Good Time at Joliet Rialto: Here are 5 things to do this weekend
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
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
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.FEATURES
Plainfield students hosting game night fundraiser: Families also can bring canned food items
Troy Township to host Mobile DMV and ICash event
Baran-Unland: I had unclaimed money in ICash twice: It’s certainly worth a few minutes to look
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"
Good morning!
I'm sharing eleven features and news stories today in this first story roundup in two weeks. I took my first vacation week last week and, after the challenging year I've had, it felt good to relax without any emergencies cropping up.
But after the rest, it also felt good to return to work. I actually like working on Labor Day. It's my gift to my work mates, and it's also my way of honoring my love and respect for the work I perform most days of the year.
So more stories will be posted today and over the weekend into Monday as I'm working all three days of the holiday weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
Now before my vacation began, I did spend two days in the hospital again with more tests and the hint that they might lead to surgery. While I did not have surgery, I did miss Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash. If you missed it, too, please check out the recap on this blog.
And tomorrow, WriteOn Joliet will give another performance of its radio play at 10 a.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. The event is free, but the library is asking for registration. You may register here: A Morning with WriteOn Joliet: - Joliet Public Library (libnet.info).
WriteOn Joliet also returned to the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August to finish editing the radio play we presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.
But when we did the final editing, we realized one reading didn't save and another part was missing. So we still have a bit more to go.
Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:
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 two chapters that are ready for final edits.
Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: Production is complete for the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries, and the proof is ordered and marked up. I hoping to correct the manuscript one evening over the weekend. The book is called Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville (yes, a Sherlock Holmes parody). We can't wait to release it into the hands of readers.
Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We hope to schedule a "Cornell breakfast" soon.
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. Eleven of the twelve chapters are completed. and ready for their final edits. Jennifer Wainright is working the cover. I never thought I'd revisit Karla and John-Peter's friendship again (albeit from an earlier time in their lives), so I'm very excited to read the final draft.
Jennifer designed the covers for Julie and the Too-Hard Homework, Katie and the Big Fear, and Summer Sisters, as well as frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.
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 and hope to peck a little faster next week when I have two days off.
A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover, and made some progress last night.
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 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
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.FEATURES
Joliet Jewish Congregation held open house, library program
Silver Cross community health organization marks 15 years
Plainfield schools name new assistant principals across district
Pets of the Week: Aug. 28, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
Pets of the Week: Aug. 21, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
Good morning!
Today I have twenty-seven features and news stories to share with you today since I didn't post a story round-up last week. I needed the time in the morning to head over to hospice, where Ron actually passed away later that night. So please send up good thoughts/prayers, etc. for our family. It's been an intense couple of weeks, and (except for this past Tuesday), tomorrow will be my first day off. I am looking forward to it, that's for sure.
And if you missed my stories for The Herald-News' "Thank You, Teachers" edition on May 4, links are available at the very bottom of this post.
Also more stories will be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
Here is a recap of my BryonySeries projects so far.
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 hope to spend some deep time on just one chapter this weekend.
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 six solid chapters ready to go and hoping for a seventh by the end of this weekend. 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. Six chapters are completed and a hope to make progress on a seventh.
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, and pieces are in "homework" shape. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. This is typically a Friday night project - so hoping to play with it tonight.
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
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.FEATURES
Will County: Where to find Memorial Day events: Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day
5 Will County coffee venues you should try now: Don’t like coffee? All have tea and other beverages
Joliet celebrates Shakespeare and Art in the Park
Troy Township to present free ombudsman program on June 8: Register by June 6.
District 86 Joliet seeks community input with survey: Survey is available online until June 15.
Pets of the Week: May 22, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
Pets of the Week: May 14: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
THANK YOU, TEACHERS
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
