Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 12 to Aug. 18

Good morning!

I'm sharing thirteen features and news stories today. More will be posted today and over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Today is also the last day for the midline and my last day at work for a week, the most time I've had off since Christmas. I'm hoping to spend the week immersed in some BryonySeries projects, catching up with life (way too many emergencies this year), and relaxing with some good books.

But first...

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? Message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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: Production is complete for the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries, and the proof is ordered. 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 this week.

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

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Free music Porch & Park Fest returns to Joliet: Placher: ‘It’s nice to create these occasional opportunities for more than 40 musicians’

An educator Joliet teachers, students can always count on: Estela Paramo, paraprofessional: ‘This is home to me’

Joliet Junior College freshman is national ‘Student Chef of theYear’: JJC Chef Paul Bringas: ‘She’s just a really remarkablestudent’

Will County Red Cross volunteer deployed to Maui: Mary McGavin was deployed to Maui on Monday

Joliet bank out front on its community service: Service activities are simply “part of our solid position asa community leader’

Plainfield church hosting renowned Catholic speaker: Event organizer Rich DuSatko said Keith Nester’s podcast is‘the highlight of my week now’

Maui wildfires lead to evacuation for Channahon family: Linda Lambdin: ‘We felt so lucky and thankful to make ithome safely’

Bob Dylan launched career of Joliet musician: Scarlet Rivera: ‘It is rewarding to be more fullyrecognized in my own home town’

Back-to-school supplies: what’s hot, what’s not: Janet Palkon, parent: ‘I think 24 sticks of glue isridiculous’ 

Man Joliet police shot during domestic call in April dies

Lockport man critically injured in motorcycle crash: Motorcyclist rear-ended driver in same lane

 

Pets of the Week: Aug. 14, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Butterfly Bonanza inLockport: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 17 to Sept. 23

Good morning!

I have fifteen features and news stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

This past spring, 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/

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

We recently and unexpectedly euthanize our oldest cat. She had an amazing and somewhat mysterious life. You can read details here.

Also, please send up good thoughts/prayers etc. for Rebekah. She's had a challenging couple years, health-wise (especially the last twelve months). Her latest bloodwork was all over the place, more was ordered, and she now needs to see three specialists and have a stress test (as if she weren't stressed enough already). Of course, the insurance is taking its time approving some of these tests.

Rebekah is absolutely integral to the BryonySeries, not to mention our family. She oversees its all its financial aspects, handles all book production, manages two social media accounts, and is the go-to person at events. Plus, she's a wonderful person. We need her to feel much better soon.

We pulled back WriteOn Joliet's anthology from production to add a memorial page to one of our active members who died suddenly last week. We also lost two former members this year, one of whom was an original member. All three deaths were sudden. Please send up good thoughts/prayers for their families.

One the fiction side of things, I read through the first eighteen chapters of the second book in the BryonySeries "ruthless" trilogy by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara while Ed is working on the remaining chapters. 

Ed's feeling a bit discouraged because he wanted to release his second book by Calkins Day 2023 (Feb. 13). But as any creative person knows, good art doesn't always happen on our timetable. 

You can find Ed's first novel here.

Also, we recently released Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being. It's not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

We also released Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes), which has a solid outline. Sue Midlock is already working on the cover and the interior art: Sherman Homes and the Howls of Basketville.

And we also  released Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins). It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

I'm currently outlining the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill. 

And I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

And I'm also working on a novella. But I'm not sharing any details yet.

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

Rebekah has completed cover art for three of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second should be ready for production this weekend, and the rest are outlined. 

We hope to release the first three books in this series at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party in early December.

Rebekah is also working on 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 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 Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Joliet senior hoping to beat brain cancer with an electrical field: Joan Quaresima: ‘If she stops wearing it, the cancer will most likely come back’

People of all ages celebrated pride at third Joliet PrideFest: The festival included nonprofits, live music, food and a variety of activities

Pets of the Week: Sept. 19, 2022; Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Will County may see storms, damaging winds Sunday night: Summer-like conditions are forecasted for the remainder of the week.

3 men stabbed in Bolingbrook home Saturday night: The incident is being investigated.

2 houses struck by gunfire in Joliet on Saturday: No injuries were reported.

Multi-vehicle crash with injuries in Plainfield shut down part of Ridge Road on Friday: Everyone involved in the traffic crash refused medical treatment

Hundreds celebrate Latino music and food in downtown Joliet on Saturday.: The Latino Music and Food Fest was held the day after Mexican Independence Day.

Will County students may be without school bus service later this week due to strike threat: A possible bus driver walkout at First Student leaves some school districts, parents, figuring out how to transport students

Will County school buses will continue to roll following possible strike threat: Teamsters: ‘It’s a good contract, it’s a solid contract.’

Joliet school wins prestigious national award for the 2nd time: Eisenhower Academy was named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.

The Doug and Dave Show brings ‘Mass Confusion’ to Plainfield church: Doug Brummell: ‘I think it’s the most fun people will ever have learning about their faith’

Will County forest preserve to host live pelican presentation and exhibit grand opening on Saturday: Guided hikes include the pelican feeding and resting areas around the preserve.

5 Things to do in Will County: quilts, car shows, marching bands: Plus, a special presentation in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the 1957 disappearance of newspaperwoman Molly Zelko

Mystery Diner in Shorewood: Mark’s on 59 serves big flavor from small venueL Carryout wait times are short, too

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 16 to April 22

Good morning!

I have just nine 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. 

It's been a busy week of of finishing up some large projects on the features side and turning the challenges of last week into blessings on the personal side. Our family is Eastern Orthodox and this is our Holy Week, so the timing for everything is perfect, wouldn't you agree?

On the fiction side of things, the drafts and initial edits of the remaining chapters of Call of the Siren are complete as are the first round of edits for a client. I'll be busy on Saturday with some of my kids preparing traditional Easter food and I have a dentist appointment (routine), but I plan to slip in some time on the novel in pockets of time, especially since I work next weekend and fiction time will be minimal.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon. Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays. 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. He and I just need our time off schedules to sync. But that won't be this week as he is leaving this morning for a week-long business trip out of state. 

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 twelve 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 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.

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

5 Things to do in Will County: Earth Day, ‘Forest Fitness’ and music: Plus, St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield will host an Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit Saturday and Sunday

Sen. Dick Durbin toured future NICU at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox Wednesday: During a press conference, Durbin shared his affinity for newborns who need care 

Roger ‘Zeke’ Gates’ 20-year Easter basket ministry is still hopping: Gates gave up his partying ways in 1985 when he found God. And the community supports Gates’ efforts to help others.

Will County residents turn expired surgical drapes into waterproof sleeping bags for Ukranian refugees: Greg Aimaro: ‘They’re waterproof and also good at containing heat’

Pets of the Week: April 18: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

New Lenox resident hopes he can safely return to the Ukraine next month: Greg Aimaro has plans for giving back to the people of Ukraine.

Visitation and Aid Society in Joliet hosting Spring Elegance Brunch on May 1: Deadline to purchase tickets is April 25

Karen Pastell receives Woman of the Year award from Zonta Club of Joliet Area: Pastell has belonged to the club 14 years

7 providers from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers recognized for excellent patient care: Awards based on patient experience surveys from 2021

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 26 to April 1

 Good morning!

I have seventeen feature stories to share with you today and about half a dozen or so not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I can't recall the last time I welcomed Friday with such glee. I worked straight through last weekend and took Monday off because Sarah was in town for the weekend and leaving Monday afternoon. So I was thankful to spend some time with family.

And then midweek took a dive with a major family emergency. 

So I am especially happy to spend some extended period of time with the last two chapters of Call of the Siren and then tackle some of the more nuanced aspects of its editing (most of has gone through hard edits).

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon. Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays. 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. He and I just need our time off schedules to sync. But that won't be this week as he is leaving this morning for a week-long business trip out of state. 

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 seventeen 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 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.

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

Troy 30-C school board recognizes January 2022 Students of the Month: Students selected for their consistent effort, productive citizenship, positive attitude and participation in class

Joliet West H.S. interp team went to IHSA state finals this past weekend: The team previously earned 2nd place for its performance of ‘Hercules’

Challenge team at Plainfield H.S.–Central Campus makes school history: The team is heading to state competition for the 1st time ever

Joliet theater to feature play about 4 women from the Radium Watch Factory in Ottawa: Performances are Thursday and Friday at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre

Baran-Unland: Do you know Peggy Georgevitch?: I’ve had her scrapbook for almost 20 years. It’s time the binder goes back to her.

USF in Joliet will host blood drive on April 8: Donors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test 

An Extraordinary Life: Manhattan man raising awareness for living donors in wife’s memory: Kathy Malone ‘just focused on life.’ 

Pets of the Week: March 28: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

St. Joe’s payroll woes continue more than 3 months after ransomware attack: Some nurses at this Joliet hospital are either underpaid or having checks garnished for overpayments

5 Things to Do in Will County: Learn about area coyotes and white-tailed deer: Also, enjoy a U2 tribute band, classical piano works, live theater and flashlight egg hunt

Attend Joliet Catholic Academy’s Jubilate in-person or vitually on Saturday: The Kentucky Derby-themed event will be begin at 6 p.m. Buy tickets now. 

Morris Hospital recognizes radiation oncologist for her compassion: Dr. Suzan Cheng: ‘It’s important that we make patients feel welcome, known, and heard’ 

Manhattan fitness club to host blood drive on Saturday: The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 540 W North St. in Manhattan.

Plainfield ‘citizen scientist’ monitors stream health at Midewin by collecting aquatic insects: Jim Pustz: “We’ve become little stewards of the waterway there.” 

Annual ‘Fishing for a Cure’ set for April 30 at Braidwood Lake in Braceville: Proceeds will benefit Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Sunshine Nutrition to host grand opening April 3: New Lenox venue will offer healthy shakes, smoothies and teas

Plainfield church to exhibit replica of Shroud of Turin Saturday and Sunday: St. Mary Immaculate Parish invites the community to study the evidence and reflect on Jesus’ passion 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 5 through Feb. 11

Good morning!

I have nineteen feature stories to share with you today, with a few more that may go live this weekend.

Good morning!

We had a small but heart and robust Calkins Day chat last night, with plenty of laughter and a Calkins Day address by a WriteOn Joliet member who had a small speech (with notes) prepared in advance.

In fact, I have passed the Calkins Day address officially to him for future Calkins Day events!

Those onscreen got to hear the marvelous story of how Ed, more than twenty years ago, helped a co-worker at another company (when he worked in the software division) helped a Russian family immigrate to the United States.

The couple was onscreen, happy to share their story, speak kind thoughts about Ed and his wife Nancy and how the two families are more like family than friends.

We also had three writers on screen who discussed their own creative works and provided links in the chat. The works of a fourth writer, who listened in only, was had works praised quite nicely after she signed off. I was sorry she had missed that.

Nancy shared some of her artwork and paintings, and we talked a bit about the creative process and writers block.

What is Calkins Day?

Calkins Day is our official BryonySeries holiday. It's a day to celebrate imagination, laughter, and generosity - and I think we hit all three of those notes last night.

 It is celebrated on February 13 of every year but, with Super Bowl Sunday falling on that date is 2022, the Steward of Tara thoughtfully suggested moving our celebration to February 10.

On the fiction front, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have all but six chapters edited, and I hope to have at least one more in good shape by the end of this weekend.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy). I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

Sue Midlock has completed the art for Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones, and Rebekah should have the book formatted soon. The proof copy of Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being is here, and Rebekah has already read through it and marked changes. So we plan to release both books soon.

Timothy has nearly completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). We were hoping to make some time for a "Cornell Breakfast" over the holidays, but that didn't happen. However, he did finish the bulk of his overhaul of the BryonySeries website. You can read more about that here.

Sarah also had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. But she wants time to draw some sketches, a map, and write the "rules." It's called Cornell Dyer and the House of Broken Portals.

Bertrand the Mouse has "returned," and you can read about it here, here, and here. 

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 nineteen 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 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.

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

Pray for vocations before historic monstrance on Feb. 8 in Plainfield: St. Mary Immaculate Parish to display gift from Pope Pius XI to Cardinal George Mundelein.  

Meet’ 2 COVID survivors who each spent several months at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox: George Fushi, Brad Moss, look at life a bit differently now 

Pets of the Week: Feb. 7Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption. 

Joliet Central art student wins $10,000 scholarship prize at USF competition: Other students win Best of Show and honorable mentions

JCA announces its September 2021 Students of the Month: Students recognized by 3 Joliet area service clubs for leadership in the classroom and in the community 

Students not wearing face masks at Lockport East HS were removed from classrooms: Universal masking is still part of District 205′s COVID mitigations

After 6 years of faithful service, Ryker the therapy dog is retiring: Senior Star at Weber Place in Romeoville expecting a new therapy dog this summer

Shorewood robotics team receives ‘Rising Star Award’ from First Lego League: First Lego League is an international robotics STEM program for ages 4 through 16.

Some Will County school districts still requiring face masks for its students on Monday: Reasons include not being named in the lawsuit and the temporary nature of the restraining order

Orchestra director at D. 204 in Joliet to direct 63-year-old youth symphony orchestra: Peter Lipari of Plainfield is the new music director at Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra 

Mystery Diner: From brunch to barbecue, Skooter’s RoadHouse offers impressive lineup of food: Shorewood venue also known for plenty of live music

2 additional Will County school districts adjust face mask policy: Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C, Frankfort School District 157-C call special meetings

Joliet man receives 2nd thank you for handmade crosses he brought to NYC after 9/11: Former volunteer at Ground Zero called Bob Figurowski an ‘everyday hero’

New Lockport escape room offers ax throwing, too: A grand opening will be held on Feb. 18

Joliet Central Chess Team competing at state level Friday and Saturday: The team qualified to compete in the IHSA State Chess Tournament

Will County residents, businesses respond to lifting of the statewide mask mandate: Staley: ‘The fear of the virus is what has affected business – the fear of going out, period’

Lockport Township Park District president named chairman-elect of statewide association: Jeff Rigoni joined the Illinois Association of Park Districts in 2017.

5 Things to do in Will County: candy, crafts, dinosaurs and the blues: Plus, check out The Way We Worked: A Traveling Exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution in Romeoville

7 students at D-202 in Plainfield heading to Will County spelling bee: These students won their individual schools’ spelling bees

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Community News: Jan. 23, 2020

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

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


Morris Hospital program focuses on healthy meal planning

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/15/morris-hospital-program-focuses-on-healthy-meal-planning/as3h8v7/


Lincoln-Way Foundation to host dinner gala and auctions 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/15/lincoln-way-foundation-to-host-dinner-gala-and-auctions/asrwrih/


Plainfield school to hold dinner and entertainment

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/15/plainfield-school-to-hold-dinner-and-entertainment/az22o79/


VVSD honors Kim Donato in nutrition services 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/vvsd-honors-kim-donato-in-nutrition-services/adpowj5/


Local food events: Jan. 23 through Jan. 30

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/23/local-food-events-jan-23-through-jan-30/ar89vsc/


Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/fruits-and-vegetables-are-part-of-a-healthy-diet/ai0rfll/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Community News: Dec. 17, 2019

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

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

City of Joliet holiday lights map returns

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/14/city-of-joliet-holiday-lights-map-returns/a4dwdjv/


Need a unique gift? How about storytelling classes in Lockport?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/14/need-a-unique-gift-how-about-storytelling-classes-in-lockport/aiwr1l8/


Forest Preserve District of Will County announces 2020 lineup 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/14/forest-preserve-district-of-will-county-announces-2020-lineup/ayutcho/


Plainfield church blessed new nativity set 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/14/plainfield-church-blessed-new-nativity-set/duc1xj7/


Experts offer tips for safe holiday celebrations

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/14/experts-offer-tips-for-safe-holiday-celebrations/a47fgx2/



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

Photo courtesy of Timothy Baran

Community News: Nov. 5, 2019

Check out upcoming events the awesome things people are doing.

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


Member of Plainfield Knights of Columbus named state deputy 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/07/member-of-plainfield-knights-of-columbus-named-state-deputy/aanw6gx/


St. Mary Immaculate Parish school in #Plainfield recently held Red Ribbon Week 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/st-mary-immaculate-parish-school-in-plainfield-recently-held-red-ribbon-week/arqvr0p/


Shorewood school announces Students of the Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/shorewood-school-announces-students-of-the-month/abkyte1/


Student leaders at St. Mary Nativity in #Joliet attend meeting 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/student-leaders-at-st-mary-nativity-in-joliet-attend-meeting/akh4c25/


Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation Awards $20,000 Grant to Will-Grundy Medical Clinic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/07/carl-r-hendrickson-family-foundation-awards-20-000-grant-to-will-grundy-medical-clinic/aw1whqe/


Illinois Department of Labor releases top 5 safety violations for Illinois fire departments

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/illinois-department-of-labor-releases-top-5-safety-violations-for-illinois-fire-departments/a4rv5ra/


Illinois Department of Public Health issues Well-Woman Care Grants

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/illinois-department-of-public-health-issues-well-woman-care-grants/a3ec4m9/


Illinois dentists to treat #veterans in need in their offices

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/illinois-dentists-to-treat-veterans-in-need-in-their-offices/a85klal/


Don’t be a scary driver
Consider these tips from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/03/dont-be-a-scary-driver/ab7kka4/


Why you should practice mindfulness at work

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/why-you-should-practice-mindfulness-at-work/afv0srk/


The price of noise on health

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/the-price-of-noise-on-health/atnwrjp/


Check those batteries!

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/check-those-batteries/ajmynve/


NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."