Good morning!
For my fourth part-time back-to-work week, I have nine stories to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend.
So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
I have one more part-time week, mostly because I have two days of doctor's appointments, and then I return to full-time (and I am nearing full-time hours anyway).
I've gradually tiered up every week, and I'm glad I did - and that the company encouraged me to do so, too. I feel this made for a smoother - and more lastingt - recovery, which ultimately benefits everyone.
I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.
And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.
And have a great Friday!
Events (or where to find the BryonySeries)
Sept. 6: Want to chat "writing craft" or work on your writing in the presence of other writers? Stop out out Critical Grind Board Game Cafe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of WriteOn Joliet (including me) will be there for all or part of time doing just that.
Sept. 25: WriteOn Joliet mic night: 6 to 8:30 p.m.,
Critical Grind, Shorewood
Next event at The Book Market in Crest Hill is pending.
What is the BryonySeries?
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm having surgery July 17, so I'm hoping we can make that happen before then, just to get the process moving and give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books).
Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book this year, fingers crossed.
Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."
Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.
Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.
Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.
Check out the weekly recipe here.
WRITERS
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.
Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
Will County Senior Services searching for new CEO
Brianne Hetman moving to nonprofit in Kankakee and Iroquois counties
Will County Habitat partners with bank for financial empowerment party
Crest Hill man struck by vehicle along Plainfield Road
Lockport bakery closed, coffee cafe to remain open
Spirit Halloween coming to Shorewood location
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/30/spirit-halloween-coming-to-shorewood-location/
Joliet hospital recognized for high-quality stroke care
Lockport’s Sweets & Savory Crawl a culinary tour through city
Registration now open
Timbers of Shorewood honors transportation coordinator
Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 1, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/01/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-1-2025/
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
