Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 21 to Sept. 27

Good morning!

I have fourteen stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post with more stories going live over the weekend.

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!

Event Updates

The BryonySeries Back-To-School display is now up at The Book Market. So do check it out if you're in the area.

We are also participating in two events this weekend

Sept. 27: End-Of-Summer Open Mic at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet

Sept. 28: Local Author Fair at the Downers Grove Public Library

BryonySeries books-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, with all but three chapters that are ready for final edits. I'm hoping that all three will be in good editing shape by Monday. 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...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty-one chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His 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

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

Joliet peace celebration and walk inspires individuals to take action

Alicia Morales: ‘It is ultimately up to each and every one of us to do something’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/22/joliet-peace-celebration-and-walk-inspires-individuals-to-action/

Baran-Unland: 33 kittens at Joliet vet’s office need good homes

Do you have room in your home for a cat or two?

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/25/baran-unland-33-kittens-at-joliet-vets-office-need-good-homes/

Summer in September: New climate trend or not so unusual?

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2024/09/21/summer-in-september-new-climate-trend-or-not-so-unusual/

Got skills? Volunteer for Joliet Junior College Repair Cafe

Volunteers can be professional artisans, hobbyists or general handy people

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/22/got-skills-volunteer-for-joliet-junior-college-repair-cafe/

New Lenox boutique receives $15,000 small business accelerator grant

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/21/new-lenox-boutique-receives-15000-small-business-accelerator-grant/

Pesciolino Oseteria in Channahon updates menu and remodels

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2024/09/18/pesciolino-oseteria-in-channahon-updates-menu-and-remodels/

School District 202 retiree is grand marshal of Plainfield homecoming parade

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/20/plainfield-district-202-retiree-is-grand-marshall-of-homecoming-parade/

Providence Catholic H.S. in New Lenox adding sports officiating course

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/21/new-lenox-providence-catholic-adding-sports-officiating-course/

Quilters guild hosting show Saturday and Sunday in New Lenox

The Lockport Heritage Quilters Guild also creates veterans quilts

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/20/quilters-guild-hosting-show-saturday-and-sunday-in-new-lenox/

Joliet Texas Roadhouse meat cutters compete in national competition

Winner will receive a grand prize of $25,000

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/20/joliet-texas-roadhouse-meat-cutters-to-compete-at-national-competition/

3 people shot in Joliet bar on Sunday morning

Police: Gunfire came from outside

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/22/3-people-shot-in-joliet-bar-on-sunday-morning/

Minooka police arrest 2 people after threat directed at students of Minooka Intermediate School

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/21/minooka-police-arrest-2-people-after-threat-directed-at-students-of-minooka-intermediate-school/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 23, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/23/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-23-2024/

 5 Things to Do in Will County: Joliet’s Slovenian Grape Festival

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/26/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-joliets-slovenian-grape-festival/

 

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 27 to May 3

Good morning!

The Herald-News published its "Thank You, First Responders" on Thursday, where most of the publication was dedicated to stories about first responders in our community. I was very honored to be part of this project and have seven stories to share.

In addition, I have just six news and features stories to share with you 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.

Next week, I hope to share some post-event thoughts about "Fragments of Time," WriteOn Joliet's second annual radio-style performance, which was held last weekend at the Billie Limacher Bicetennial Park Theatre.

I also hope to share my thoughts about the Joliet Public Library's first Local Author Fair in more than a decade, which was held April 27.

In the meantime, it's a busy next few days. This is our family's Holy Week and Easter, Timothy and Daniel are graduating withs their bachelor's degrees on Saturday (and I have family who came into town for the occasion), and a huge Easter/multiple birthday family picnic on Sunday.

Finally, 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 seven chapters (and three-fourths of an eighth) and a prologue that are ready for final edits. I hope to complete eight this weekend...but we shall see, since this weekend is sooooo full already. 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. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy and I need 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 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, who welcomed her first child into the world earlier this month, has already started working on the cover portrait. The fifth book 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.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on the new addition to your family!

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

High school students ‘form connections’ by volunteering at Joliet Spanish Community Center

Dramatization on explorer Louis Jolliet coming to Joliet Public Library: The play is intended for adults

Joliet Township H.S. Foundation to hold benefit golf outing: Event will be held at Inwood Golf Course in Joliet

Lori Bergman honored at CASA of River Valley benefit auction in Bolingbrook: The benefit auction raised more than $200,000 for CASA of River Valley

Pets of the Week: April 29, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Local Scene: Spring Book Sale at Joliet Public Library: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

THANK YOU, FIRST RESPONDERS

Joliet Dr. Adnan Hussain stresses ‘care’ for patients and providers

Morris Hospital’s Dr. Sean Atchison cares about people

Joliet EMS coordinator Leslie Livett keeps humanity inpatient care: Livett: ‘We do great things for the community’

ER team at Silver Cross New Lenox puts patients first in often chaotic environment: Jill Pateros, Silver Cross: ‘Their dedication to patientcare is just incredible’

Morris Hospital ER nurse cares about patient outcomes: Vanessa Read: ‘It’s the best feeling to know you’re part of saving someone’s life’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 7 to May 13

Good morning!

I have fourteen feature stories to share with you today and more yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

Over the last couple of months, I also wrote an additional nineteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will ran in print and online on May 5. You can check out all those stories at this link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/teachers/

On the fiction side of things, I'm working on the final development of the minor characters in Call of the Siren. My goal (from a Friday morning point of view) is to complete that process this weekend. 

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

Now that our slew of family emergencies (2022) is an adventure: here is one of our emergencies), Rebekah is planning to dedicate two days in May to catching up with BryonySeries projects she's had to let go for a while.

That includes formatting Call of the Siren and do the finishing production touches of Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being, along with some other behind-the-scenes projects, such as updating the BryonySeries Pinterest and YouTube pages.

Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays (both books were written last year. But I'd rather have delays and healthy collaborators. Please send up good thoughts for them both.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy is ready for a Cornell breakfast to share his ideas.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the fourteen 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 Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this 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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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

11 students at D. 202 in Plainfield honored for creative works: Mediums include ceramic and glass, sculpture, digital art and short stories.

Literacy efforts spark love for reading in Troy students: Book clubs, literacy programs and book donations encourage kids to keep turning the pages

Watch for these 10 signs of hepatitis in children: Parents should also vaccinate their children against hepatitis viruses A and B. 

Silver Cross celebrates nurses week with kindness as its theme: Nurses became ‘like a second family’ to patients during the pandemic

D-202 in Plainfield names 3 new principals: Their roles begin July 1. 

Silver Cross Hospital earns 15 As in a row for patient safety: Binder: ‘This community should be proud.’ 

3 international teachers share why they love teaching at District 86 in Joliet: Quiroz-Cardenas: ‘I think this is the best country for education and the best place to be a child to grow up’ 

2 Troy Shorewood teachers were once students in the same building: Vicki Petrovic and Kristine Kennedy both became teachers because of their great experiences at Troy.

Multilingual program at D-201 in Minooka recognized by the state of Illinois: Erika Martinez: ‘Our numbers are getting high, especially with the Spanish-speaking population’ 

A slip on ice was lifesaving for preschool teacher at Minooka Primary Center: Tonya Best: ‘I miss my students, more than I ever thought possible’

Joliet Central music teacher founded nonprofit to bring arts to low-income kids: Don Stinson also is the author of ‘Teaching Music to Students from Underserved Backgrounds.’ 

Lewis University professor teaches about the realities of the incarcerated: Christie Billups: ‘Crime harms people, including the person who does the crime’ 

New housing community for adults with disabilities opens in New Lenox: Dykstra: ‘From a program perspective, you’re facilitating independence.’

Spanish teacher at Providence Catholic H.S. in New Lenox teaches love for cultures through language.: Lara DeVries: ‘You never know where life will take you’ 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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

Good morning!

I have fifteen feature stories to share with you today and more yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

However, I wrote eighteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will run in print and online on May 5. So be sure to check it out. 

On the fiction side of things, I'm working on the final development of the minor characters in Call of the Siren, which I hope to complete this weekend and finish incorporating the following weekend. 

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

Now that our slew of family emergencies (2022) is an adventure: here is one of our emergencies), Rebekah is planning to dedicate two days in May to catching up with BryonySeries projects she's had to let go for a while.

That includes formatting Call of the Siren and do the finishing production touches of Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being, along with some other behind-the-scenes projects, such as updating the BryonySeries Pinterest and YouTube pages.

Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays (both books were written last year. But I'd rather have delays and healthy collaborators. Please send up good thoughts for them both.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy is ready for a Cornell breakfast to share his ideas.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the fifteen 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 Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this 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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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

Family nurse practitioner Amy Bohland now seeing patients in Braidwood and Dwight: Bohland is also certified in skin and wound management.

Baran-Unland: ‘New life’ is Easter’s hope and joy, no matter how or when you celebrate: Easter gives people hope that challenges are temporary.

Joliet West H.S. interp, journalism teams do well at IHSA competitions 

Help stop spread of bird flu – stop using bird feeders and birdbaths until May 31: IDNR offers tips for cleaning bird feeders and bird baths if they can’t be removed.

D. 202 in Plainfield announces new director for middle school curriculum and instruction: Michelle Imbordino is currently principal at Liberty Elementary School 

Sen. Michael Hastings tours future NICU at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox: Hastings: ‘This new NICU will give loved ones the option to stay close to home during this critical stage’ 

Providence Catholic High School NHS inducts new 121 new members: 5 new senior members also received NHS stoles 

Pets of the Week: May 25: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

D-202 in Plainfield to host 30th annual Awards of Excellence on April 27: Community invited to attend.

Plainfield Park District hires 2 new managers 

Providence Catholic H.S. in New Lenox inducts members, directors of its Augustinian Youth Ministry: 64 students and 6 student directors were inducted into the service organization on April 5. 

Break the Ramadan fast with Muslims at Plainfield mosque on Tuesday: Ahmed: ‘They will find out that Islam is about justice, peace, unity and love.’

5 Things to do in Will County: Get back to nature with a plant sale, spring hike: Plus, meet local authors, see an art exhibit and enjoy ‘Baby Shark Live’

Morris Hospital receives a 3-year accreditation from Commission on Cancer: Morris Hospital is one of 63 cancer programs in Illinois,

7 providers from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers recognized for excellent patient care

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 22 through May 28

Good morning!

I have twenty-two stories to share with you this morning - with sixteen that haven't posted to The Herald-News website yet, so watch for them over the weekend.

Here's a quick summary of where I'm at, fiction-wise.

I am waiting on the proof copy of the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer chaper book series: Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardrobe. I read the first chapter at WriteOn Joliet and received a good response, so I'm excited to send it into the world.

Timothy and I will (hopefully) start work soonon the next book in the series: Cornell Dyer and the Calcium-Deficient Bones - especially now that school is done for him and Daniel for the semester.

The first book in the new BryonySeries Limbo trilogy The Phoenix should be available this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, I'm hoping to get some work done on the second book of the Limbo trilogy - Call of the Siren - but because of the abundance of new characters and situations, I am pretty much starting from scratch, so progress is slow. Fortunately, I have a good chunk of free time over the next few days, so that should help quite a bit.

I'm also hoping to get started on a new series in the BryonySeries , one Sarah suggested to me over a decade ago. It's aimed at tween girls, so if you have a tween, are a tween, or will have a tween someday, this might interest you.

Now back to the twenty-two feature 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 Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this 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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.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-1.

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

All the park’s a stage this Thursday through Sunday in Joliet: Free ‘Shakespeare and Art in the Park’ event comes to Bicentennial Park

It’s hard receiving a cancer diagnosis - even when you’re an oncology nurse: Former Frankfort resident Nicole Houlihan spent last year walking in the footsteps of her patients

Silver Cross chaplain blessed nurse’s hands during Nurses’ Week 2021: Barbara Manning accommodated nurses on all 6 floors on all 3 shifts in 2 1/2 days at the New Lenox hospital 

LocalLit book preview: middle-aged in the 1970s, longing for the 1940s: Former NewLenox resident pays tribute to his father’s single-panel cartoons

And the book review:

Troy students participate in cardio drumming for fun and fitness: P.E. teacher used the activity with in-person and remote learning students

LocalLit book review: an examination of faith from all its angles: A review of New Lenox Writers Group anthology ‘Matters of Faith’ is not simply about the obvious meaning of the word

19 students at D. 86 in Joliet will receive $1,000 scholarships: Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce wants students to start planning for college 

119 Lockport High School students named Illinois State Scholars 

NROTC is giving #Plainfield student a ‘full-ride’ college scholarship: Brooke Anderson hopes to be a public affairs officer f:or the Marines one day 

An Extraordinary Life: It will be hard to ‘fill the shoes’ of this Timbers of #Shorewood volunteer: ‘Her energy totally changed the mood of a room’

Here are 2 places kids can receive free breakfast and lunch this summer: Joliet church, Troy school district, participating in summer meal programs

When it comes to summer camps, this Troy science teacher is full STEAM ahead 

Pets of the Week: May 24: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Attend a family friendly ‘short-form improv’ event and help vulnerable kids: Clean comedy show at historic Lockport theater will benefit Christian camp for foster children

Providence Catholic HS announces its valedictorian and salutatorian for 2021: Dylan Riemen is valedictorian and Mia Paolella is salutatorian  

The “Worst” barber shop in Plainfield to celebrate 140 years: Family-owned Lincoln Way Barber Shop to celebrate with $1.40 hair cuts, open house

This food program was a nutritional lifeline to kids during the pandemic: National School Public Relations Association presents a Distinguished Service Award to Bags of Hope backpack food program 

Troy honors retiring staff and principals at all 7 schools: The Troy CommunitySchool District 30-C school board recognized them at its May meeting

Check out 5 suggestions for enjoying this Memorial Weekend: Will County Inside/Outside Guide offers suggestions for enjoying your weekend

All 18 D. 202 elementary schools to offer full-day kindergarten starting in August: Half-day kindergarten may not be offered at all schools @d202schools

Plainfield Academy, BASES program, each receive $20,000 from anonymous donor: Donor encouraged recipients to ‘think big’ when it came to spending it 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 13 through Feb. 19

Good morning...

Does anyone out there suffer from the type of insomnia where you try to solve the world's problems when you've already gone to bed too late and need to get up extra early? Isn't that the worst?

I haven't done that in a long time, but I did it last night. And I'm paying for it...this morning...zzzzzzzzzzzz...

Oh, coffee, how I love thee this morning.

It's been a super-fast week with back to back writing group meetings (last night and early this morning). I have some deadlines to meet, a meeting, and then I hope to have a meeting of the minds waaaay later today (my mind and the minds of my characters in my new novel "Call of the Siren").

But first, I have eighteen stories to share with you - and two photo galleries the new photographer for The Herald-News: Geoff Stellfox. He's very talented, and I love collaborating with him, so definitely check out his work.

Finally, if you'd like more kindness in your life, here are some reflections where you might find it: Nine Months of Kindness. And maybe I should have included a reflection on, "Don't try to solve the world's problems when you're trying to sleep."

Right? Right!

Have a great Friday!

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this 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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.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-1.

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

Plainfield teacher sends ‘fan mail’ to her students

First Case of B.1.351 COVID-19 variant arrives in Illinois: IDPH says continued mask wearing and vaccination are essential

She’s just 8 but her acting career is promising: Ramona Williams of Joliet has appeared in ‘Chicago PD’ and ‘Saint Frances’ 

Supporting cancer patients in a pandemic: Cancer Support Center offers resources, virtual programs for cancer patients

An Extraordinary Life: Bev Welsch was ‘everything perfect in a human being’: Joliet woman made Providence’s sports ‘Hall of Fame’ without ever teaching or coaching a sport

LocalLit preview: ‘Jimmy Jonny Brownie Stays Up All Night’: But does reverse psychology really work for kids and bedtime?

All JJC campuses closed through 4 p.m. Tuesday due to weather: Joliet college will make decision by 2 p.m. for evening onsite labs 

L-W teacher takes home economics to an entirely new level: And the Illinois Education Association honored her efforts with an award 

Channahon Park District receives distinguished accreditation: End result ‘is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents’ 

Pets of the Week: Feb. 15: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

’Our income level does not define who we are’: Award-winning Joliet teacher’s fine arts non-profit will be located on Joliet’s east side 

‘The hard part is making them in such volume’: Paczki’s popularity for Fat Tuesday among the general public keeps rising

Photos: Paczki Day at the Donut Den in Joliet

Ash Wednesday 2021: ‘Everything is so new this year’: Pandemic can’t keep churches from finding ways to observe the day

Friday fish fries and Lent still go together, even in a pandemic: Here’s where to find some good ones in Will County

Photos: Joliet's Ash Wednesday drive-thru fish fry

Ernest Crim to speak to speak to Plainfield High School students on Thursday: Plainfield South High School Black Student Association is hosting the event 

D. 86 in Joliet now taking applications for 2 academy programs: Deadline to register is March 19

Chocolate, cards, balloons - and donations to Alzheimer’s Association: Timbers of #Shorewood program showed ‘some real love’ this Valentine's Day 

When will Shorewood’s La Quinta Inn & Suites finally open?: Owner gives update on project that’s several years in the making

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 10 through Oct. 16

Good morning and happy Friday!

Ten feature stories (and one video) for you this morning.

And don't forget, The Herald-News is running a special series of coronavirus fiction - or our pandemic world reimagined in 2021.

The stories are free and sent weekly to subscribers of The Herald-News' LocalLit newsletter. For details and to subscribe, go here.

We're about halfway through the stories, so to read the rest, sign up soon. The stories have been going out about midweek. 

In addition, the BryonySeries has also recently released three books: Lycanthropic Summer, Cornell Dyer and the Old Folks Home, and a cookbook of a dozen werewolf-themed recipes that are easy and fun to make.

And if that's not enough reading material, you can check out even more BryonySeries books on our website.

And if that's STILL not enough reading material for you (I get it; you should see the stack of books at my bedside), I'm spending the next week and a half on my second at-home writing retreat.

The plan is to finish up my final draft of The Phoneox (the first book in the new BryonySeries Limbo trilogy) and my very first NON-FICTION book (a project I pecked away at all year - no wasting a pandemic for me).

With that, I need to make another cup of coffee...

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

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


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.


FEATURE STORIES:

Why, their little party's just beginning: Witches Night Out goes virtual this year with a month's work of fundraising fun

This Joliet business is doing sew-sew — and that's a good thing

Cold, flu or covid? How to tell the difference — especially in kids

Pets of the Week: Oct. 12

LocalLit spotlight: NewLenox man writes memoir about his rare disease

And my book review

Frankfort woman puts "hope and meaning" into three scary letters: ALS 

An Extraordinary Life: Attuned to the will of his God: Bill Scheer of Braidwood served wherever he was called

Minooka girl's illustration featured in an upcoming J.K. Rowling book

VIDEO: Minooka girl learns she won Scholastic illustration contest for new J.K. Rowling book 

Her insurance wouldn't pay for reconstruction after mastectomy — so this Joliet mom of 6 found help elsewhere

A student 'time capsule' on 2,500 index cards is making its way home: Retired teacher at New Lenox school wants to return special cards to former students 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."