Showing posts with label St. Joseph Academy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Joseph Academy. Show all posts

Friday, November 3, 2023

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 28 to Nov. 3

Good morning!

Today I'm sharing eleven features and news stories today with more stories being posted over weekend, So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

We have recently published two new BryonySeries books: "Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville" and "Karla Joins In." Our copies are on their way, but you can order them from Amazon.

I'm hoping they arrive in time for the Local Author Fair at the Downers Grove Library tomorrow. If not, stop out anyway! We will have plenty of other books for sale, along with a delicious gift that accoompanies select purchases.

The fun and good will of Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash, which happened in August at The Book Market in Crest Hill, is continuing this fall at The Book Market in Crest Hill with a special display to help Santa distribute books to children and special needs adults this holiday season.

No updates (yet) on the WriteOn Joliet radio play recording, which we recorded at digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August.

WriteOn Joliet almost finished editing the radio play that eight members (including me) presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.and at the Joliet Public Library on Sept. 9.

One section didn't save and needs to be re-edited. So I'm hoping, really hoping to sneak back in this month.

But speaking of radio plays, Bicentennial Park actually scheduled WriteOn Joliet's radio play for TWO days in 2024: April 19 and April 20 (mark your calendars).

We also have more exciting news in the works. Stay tuned!

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

The Fifth: This is the second novel by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, author of the BryonySeries novel Ruthless. He has sent me all chapters except one, which I hope to start editing the beginning of November. He is hoping we can release the book in time for Calkins Day on February 13, so I have my work cut out for me.

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, two chapters that are ready for final edits, and a prologue that is taking an interesting turn. Writing on this book is paused until I finish the guidebook. We are estimating a 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 have a "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for Halloween morning.

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

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait.

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 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 didn't finish it at this year's writers' retreat in mid-October. And I'm really hoping I can finish it, if not over the weekend, then by Tuesday.

The goal is to have copies at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library, If not, I'm hoping to have the proof copy to display.

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. Writing on this is also paused in favor of completing the BryonySeries guidebook. We are estimating a late 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 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 pageWe'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/X at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeriesyoutube.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

Jesse White Tumblers performing in Joliet Saturday at benefit: Helping Hands Family Outreach Inc, is raising money to buy children winter essentials

Joliet’s Slovenian Union celebrating 95 years with Mass, museum open house: The Slovenian Union of America is hosting 2 events

Here’s Halloween trick-or-treating times in Will County for Halloween 2023

No serious injuries in Joliet house fire: The fire currently is under investigation

Spooktacular attracted 1,000s to downtown Plainfield on Saturday: The family-friendly event offered kids activities and discounts

Joliet’s Witches Night Out conjured up funds to help Will County agencies

Rain doesn’t dampen crowds at Joliet church’s Trunk ‘N Treat event: The entire event is free to the community

Baran-Unland: Joliet ‘haunted school’ represents a hidden Halloween gem: St. Joseph Academy students, alumni and staff work together

Trinity Services in New Lenox receives lifesaving donation: The donation was made in memory of a Lincoln-Way Central athlete

Pets of the Week: Oct. 30, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Joliet museum to feature ‘Louis Jolliet’ play on Sunday: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend.


Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, August 11, 2023

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 29 to Aug. 11

Good morning!

Today I'm sharing two weeks worth of features and news stories with you today since I was in the hospital last Friday.

So you have sixteen to check out today. More stories will be posted today and over the weekend as I am working through the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Bertrand the Mouse is hosting a Back to School Birthday Bash on Aug. 19 at The Book Market in Crest Hill and YOU are invited (in person if you live the in general area).

The birthday bash will be from noon to 4 p.m. at 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. Santa will be serving FREE ice cream from 1 to 3 p.m.

The only gifts Bertrand wants is more books for Santa. Last year and early this year, the BryonySeries donated 234 Bertrand the Mouse books to Santa and his friend the Easter bunny.

Both characters (and the same person) distributed those books to children and special needs adults. We are planning to donate more books this holiday season. Bertrand was a huge hit, and we'd like to increase the amount of books we are able to give. This is where you come in.

We'll be selling Bertrand books for just $5 each at his birthday party if you'd like to donate a Bertrand book (or two) and give it to Santa personally.

And if you don't - well, you're still on his "nice" list, and you can still get free ice cream (while the ice cream lasts). Bertrand will want to see you either way (so will his Uncle Barty). And, of course, we will sing "Happy Birthday" to the little crocheted guy, too.

You don't live in the area (or can't attend) but still want to help out? More details to follow in Tuesday's blog.

WriteOn Joliet returned to the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library last week 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.

Also, if you missed that radio play the first time, you will have another opportunity at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library. More on this later.

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: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries is finally in production. 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. I cannot wait for our next "Cornell" breakfast.

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 iw 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 bookWelcome 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. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. 

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

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook pageWe'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/BryonySeriesyoutube.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

19 years later, murdered woman’s purse returned to Joliet family: Relatives went through the purse and felt the love

Joliet’s Cornerstone opens $1.8 million wellness center for clients, staff: Cornerstone provides comprehensive services to people with disabilities



Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"



Friday, October 25, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 20 through Oct. 25

First of all, a shout-out for tomorrow's Panic in the Plaza event, which will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. outside on Van Buren Street in Joliet (which will be closed for the event) and is hosted by Audiophil's Records.

BryonySeries will be there (i.e. Rebekah and me, for sure), along with our books, other vendors, music, and more. Come in costume (we will) and enjoy!

Second of all, it's been a crazy week with the move and more, but we're getting unpacked and turning our new townhouse into a real home.

I only have two chapters to finish of Cornell Dyer and the Flu. The rest are edited and ready to go. As soon as Sue Midlock has the art done, we'll upload.

The goal is to have a few copies for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Nov. 15 at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

At the very least, we should have the proof copy and will take orders for discounted copies, which will be shipped to buyers in time for Christmas.

The book has a great nod to A Christmas Carol (thanks to the great plotting by Timothy Baran) and is very readable for kids and adults - just ten chapters and around 10,000 words.

The memoir I'm ghost-writing is very nearly ready for formatting. I have just a few more pages of notes and then Phyllis can read and approve the text. I'm also working on an independent editing project and plan to dive a little more deeply into it next weekend.

What about the werewolf story?

I saved up about half of my vacation time for Thanksgiving and Christmas, where I'll be giving myself a couple of mini writing retreats as my own Christmas present to myself.

I also have some updates on audio book version of Bryony, which I'll discuss next week.

Have a wonderful day readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. I'll write soon - from the view of the new room.


Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): 

 Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars 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.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any 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.


'He's like a Santa Claus, really'
Ozzie Mitchell of the Peter Claver Center in Joliet is battling terminal cancer, supporters hosting fundraiser

Find out how you can help - and why you should.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/10/16/417b97f6313b4d9b97281b1b98940b05/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet teacher valued service above all

Anthony Gutierrez was born in box car but grew up to use his talents in the most extraordinary ways.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/10/09/a3a6342d1df649f188c20393699a6202/index.xml


5 decades of prayerful faithfulness in the Joliet-area

The St. Clare House of Prayer is only open to visitors on an individual basis. And yet, the small ministry has greatly impacted the Joliet-area community in the past five decades. Find out how.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/16/5-decades-of-prayerful-faithfulness-in-the-joliet-area/ak50o59/


All for the love of chocolate
A primer and recipes to help celebrate National Chocolate Day on Oct. 28

All you ever wanted to know about the different types of chocolate, plus three tried and true recipes to get you in the chocolate mood.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/14/all-for-the-love-of-chocolate/apc5c7/


Ghouls rule this Joliet Catholic School 

"We take the kids to Mass every morning," Jan Novotny said. "We’re certainly not doing anything against dogma.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/21/ghouls-rule-this-joliet-catholic-school/dqcqemv/


Artworks: Lockport program will commemorate 100th anniversary of suffrage through song 

Phil Passen said: "I do it for two reasons. The main one is I love it. It’s how I want to spend my time. The other reason is that it really does bring joy and happiness to people. Their eyes just light up.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/24/artworks-lockport-program-will-commemorate-100th-anniversary-of-suffrage-through-song/a73n0o/


LocalLit author spotlight: Celebrating diversity and families 

Check out this new children's book about open and biracial adoption

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/14/locallit-author-spotlightcelebrating-diversity-and-families/d5nosn2/


VIDEO: mermaids and more in Crest Hill

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/a3860485-a553-4607-a461-8f3043054114.html


VIDEO: Author shares dark secret at Crest Hill event

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/d67ac5d9-b5df-42c4-abc0-d0f14bc64ea9.html


VIDEO: Highlights of author fest in Crest Hill

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/0e54b204-ada6-428e-aa70-0b48108f80a3.html


VIDEO: Peggy Mitchell of the Peter Claver Center in Joliet speaks from the heart abut her husband Ozzie and their service to the community.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/59125e50-8bbb-4c3b-904a-b6a7547cf2b6.html


VIDEO: Joliet nonprofit offers karate classes

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/a171625d-c2d7-4849-9599-0bf84ea07d72.html



Illustration bu Matt Coundiff for "Visage."