BryonySeries: Stranger Things

Showing posts with label Stranger Things. Show all posts

Friday, October 13, 2023

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

Good morning!

Today I'm sharing thirteen 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.

Saturday morning starts by at-home writing retreat of 2023. I will be working exclusively on the BryonySeries guidebook, which is as tedious as writing a dictionary. So please send up good thoughts that I will stay focused an on task.

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.

If you don't live near The Book Market and wish to donate one or more Bertrand the Mouse books to Santa, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

On Wednesday, I will be one of five storytellers telling a true story at Nik & Ivy's in Lockport. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and I will have BryonySeries books (with a special gift with select purchases) for sale before and after the event.

Barbara Eberhard organizes these monthly storytelling events, which are entertaining and inspiring. Please try to come out if you can.

And then on Saturday, I will be part of a free local author expo at the Prayer Towner Ministries Church of God in Christ in Joliet. This event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes a short talk by "moi" on improving your writing. Of course, I will also have BryonySeries books for sale, along with a special gift with select purchases. Stop out if you can!

I don't have the final sales numbers yet from Panic at the Plaza, but at last count, Rebekah said se sold fourteen (including a sale to a man who thought we were the beer tent). We had a terrific time, are grateful to the organizers at Audiophil's Records in Joliet for including us, and can't wait until next year!

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 to sneak back in this month.

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: Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville is now available for purchase on Amazon. Or buy a signed copy at BryonySeries events this fall. Stay tuned!

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: Proof copy for this fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is on its way! Jennifer Wainwright did a terrific job with her portrait, to - and the cover Rebekah really showcases Karla's personality.

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'm slowly pecking at this and hope to finish it during this year's writers' retreat in mid-October. The goal is to release it in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

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 ibn favor of completing the BryonySeries guidebook. We are estimating a 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 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/X 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

Haunted houses in Will, Grundy counties: where to find them

Plainfield’s ‘Stranger Things’ couple helps Bronkberry Farms displays: Jennifer Bronk, owner: ‘I was so grateful that they chose us to bring this to’

Joliet Catholic Charities offering virtual mental health group sessions: Sessions meeting weekly for 4 weeks

Silver Cross Hospital patient surviving rare breast cancer: Annamae Ginter, breast cancer patient: ‘I knew right away that something was wrong’

Program feeds Will County students to fight food insecurity: Lana Howe, president: ‘We’re not a food pantry. We’re a backpack program’

Joliet’s Rialto undergoing multi-million dollar renovation: Wade Welsh, ex. director: ‘We want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the Rialto’

Safely view Saturday’s solar eclipse at Joliet Junior College: Noella Dcruz, JJC professor of astronomy: ‘You should be very careful not to look directly at the sun’

Joliet’s Bicentennial theater seeks playwrights and poets for festival: Chosen playwrights and poets will receive stipends

Joliet School District 204 seeking veterans for annual ceremony: A reception with refreshments will take place after the ceremony

Joliet Noon Lions holding candy day Friday and Saturday: Members will be out in the community, distributing candy for donations

Tickets available for New Lenox Historical Society’s fall feast: Dine-in and carryout options available

Pets of the Week: Oct. 9, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: 3 Joliet Central alumni co-direct ‘life stories’ play: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, September 29, 2023

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

Good morning!

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

The fun and good will of Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash, which happened in August at The Book Market in Crest Hill, will continue 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.

If you don't live near The Book Market and wish to donate one or more Bertrand the Mouse books to Santa, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Those in Joliet can get their BryonySeries reads all lined up for Halloween and beyond. Just pop into the BryonySeries tent from 5 to 11 p.m. Oct,. 7 at Panic in the Plaza, Van Buren Plaza, downtown Joliet.

Stay tuned for additional BryonySeries appearances this fall.

I still don't have any updates 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.

But one reading needs re-editing, which I hope to schedule soon (if we can just stop have emergencies!).

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, 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 Karla and the BryonySeries guidebook. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville is now available for purchase on Amazon. Or buy a signed copy at BryonySeries events this fall. Stay tuned!

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 is now in production. Rebekah has created the cover and is handling the formatting. All that's left is Karla's "portrait," of which Jennifer Wainright is finishing up.

The goal is to release "Karla" in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

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 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.

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

Will County cafes serving up deals for National Coffee Day: Plus 3 suggestions for celebrating National Coffee Day

Plainfield ‘Stranger Things’ Halloween display back with even more fright: Audrey Appel: ‘We’re trying to build better things’

Lockport rescue has Siberian huskies that need good homes: Linda Gondek, founder, said adopters need to understand thebreed

Joliet mom donating kidney to teen son: Sandy King, mom: ‘He’s very respectful and just anall-around great kid’

Joliet Rotary raffle offers big prizes while giving back tocommunity

Joliet youth mariachi band seeks community support withfundraiser: Fundraiser raffle prize is a performance from Mariachi deJoliet

Craft Fairs in Will County: where to find them: Dates range from Saturday through December

Pets of the Week: Sept. 25, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Plainfield homecoming parade: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, November 4, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2022

Good morning!

I have a ten stories to share with you and a couple more not yet posted - and more to come after that, since I'm working through the weekend. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

It's been an extremely full week. I worked through the weekend. We took some of the grandchildren trick-or-treating on Monday, which made for a compressed workday. And Rebekah has had at least one doctor's appointment or test (sometimes several) every day this week, which has also made for some early and late workdays.

So please send up good thoughts/prayers etc. for Rebekah.

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.

WriteOn Joliet's sixth anthology is live and you can buy it here on Amazon. Or you can purchase it on Dec. 8 at WriteOn Joliet's annual anthology release party, which will be held at the Joliet Public Library, one of our community partners. Details are here.

One the fiction side of things, Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, gave me a ride home from WriteOnJoliet last night and we had a lovely hour talk in the driveway about all things BryonySeries and the story ideas he wants to develop.

Ed is trying to finish the first draft of his second novel. He was feeling a bit discouraged because he wanted to release his second book by Calkins Day 2023 (Feb. 13). but he's since accepted the delay and is full of ideas and plans for moving ahead.

You can find Ed's first novel here.

I'm currently working on a new Adventures of Cornell Dyer story: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville. 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.

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. Well, I did share a few details with Ed last night. But only because he brought up a certain character.

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!

We have three books nearly ready to go and hope to release them 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.

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 theater to host a ‘truly charming and heartwarming’ live performance of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’: Give your family the gift of live theater this holiday season.

‘Stranger Things’ home in Plainfield good for neighbor’s Pumpkin Riot Productions display: Brian Hunter is carrying on his mother’s tradition of hand-making Halloween props.

Will County education: Is your child’s school making the grade?: Illinois released its state report card on Thursday. School officials share their impressions.

Neighbors didn’t mind ‘Stranger Things’ display in Plainfield: Jim Bautista: ‘There’s more traffic than we’re used to. But it’s no big deal.’

Joliet’s CYC legacy continues as The Center finds a place at The Table every Thursday night: The Center’s Thursday night meetings are open to any teen or young adult.

A holiday fundraiser for ‘godmother of the arts’ in Joliet: Artists invited to make Christmas ornaments in special fundraiser.

Caparelli-Ruff challenges Walsh for Will County Regional Superintendent: Both candidates have similar priorities.

5 Things to do in Will County: Halloween makes a comeback on Plainfield, Lockport stages: Plus browse a holiday fair, gather milkweed, enjoy a spaghetti dinner

When is trick-or-treating? Use this guide.: City of Joliet also has online map for Halloween and seasonal décor of Joliet residents.

Pets of the Week: Oct. 31, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, October 28, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 15 to Oct. 28, 2022

Good morning!

I have a handful of stories to share with you on my first full-esh week back to work after taking last week off for an at-home writing retreat.

For a summary of that retreat, go here. For details on my retreat project, go here.

Meaning, if you've been following the national news on the Plainfield, Illinois, couple's "floating Max" mannequin, you'll also want to check out the six stories I've written on this topic so far. Because interest in these stories is off the charts compared to any other topic I've tackled in my decades of professionally writing features (since 1998).

Those six stories are part of the nine total features and news stories I'm sharing with you today - and a couple more not yet posted - and more to come after that, since I'm working through the weekend. 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/

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

WriteOn Joliet's sixth anthology is live and you can buy it here on Amazon.

Or you can purchase it on Dec. 8 at WriteOn Joliet's annual anthology release party, which will be held at the Joliet Public Library, one of our community partners. Details are here.

One the fiction side of things, Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is almost done with a first draft of his second novel. 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.

Ed recently said that, one hundred years from now, he'd feel less worse about delaying publishing than publishing a book less good than the first one.

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.

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.

We have three books nearly ready to go and hope to release them 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.

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.

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

RSV surge in Will, Grundy counties contributing to statewide PICU shortage: Experts say less exposure to respiratory syncytial virus the past 2 years may be driving the surge.

Joliet’s Project Acclaim to honor Ed and Gloria Dollinger, Mike Turk on Nov. 14.: Ticket deadline is Nov. 8

From orphanage to comprehensive services for children and families in need: Guardian Angel celebrates 125 years: The Joliet nonprofit strives to be ‘a beacon of hope.’

Baran-Unland: When Joliet Franciscans became parents to kids who needed them.: Guardian Angel Community Services 1st program was an orphanage.

Fall has returned to Will County: Is winter far behind? October is not too early for measurable snow.

Pets of the Week: Oct. 24, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Pets of the Week: Oct. 17, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

5 Things to do in Will County: Halloween events and mega music sale.: Plus a public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for new Veterans Memorial Trail.

See ‘Stranger Things’ display at Plainfield home through Halloween: Audrey Appel: ‘We have some cool things in store.’

STRANGER THINGS

Haunted house in New Lenox inspired ‘Stranger Things’ display in Plainfield: Jeff Eggener: ‘I made my house the main prop.”

Neighbor’s complaints prompt Plainfield couple to take down ‘Floating Max’ from ‘Stranger Things’: Dave and Audrey Appel won’t have a Halloween display this year.

Plainfield family isn’t taking down ‘Stranger Things’ display: Dave and Aubrey Appel plan to make final announcement on their TikTok account on Wednesday

Plainfield couple announces hours for their ‘Stranger Things’ yard display: Joliet police remind the public to be respectful during viewing times.

Hundreds flocking to Plainfield home? ‘Stranger Things’ has happened.: Fans of the TV show have come as far as Colorado to see ‘floating Max.’

How Plainfield couple made ‘floating Max:’ Local physics professors weigh in and Dave Appel, the prop’s co-creator, shares his secret.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, October 14, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 8 to Oct. 14, 2022

Good morning!

So "Stranger Things" has continued happening to me this week

Those six stories are part of the fourteen total features and news stories I'm sharing with you today - and a couple more not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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, had a stress test today (as if she weren't stressed enough already), was back in the ER Saturday for a generalized allergic reaction, and had another ER yesterday and is at the hospital this morning getting more tests down.

We pulled back WriteOn Joliet's anthology from production to add a memorial page to one of our active members who died suddenly last month. 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.

If you're in (or will be) the Joliet area on Dec. 8, please consider stopping at WriteOn Joliet's annual anthology release party, which will be held at the Joliet Public Library, one of our community partners. Details are here.

One the fiction side of things, I'm taking an at-home writing retreat, the first of 2022, starting tonight. Instead of focusing on just one book during this retreat, I have several BryonySeries projects on the schedule, along with some "rest time" built in because 2022 has been an intense year.

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is almost done with a first draft of his second novel. 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.

Last night Ed said that, one hundred years from now, he'd feel less worse about delaying publishing than publishing a book less good than the first one.

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.

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.

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 (I had some formatting issues last 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.

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.

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

Parade-goers enjoy sunny skies, mild weather for 70th annual parade: The Plainfield Homecoming Parade had a new route, increased security this year.

Joliet hospice to host annual fashion show Nov. 6: Deadline to buy tickets is Oct. 18.

Tinley Park woman talks about breast cancer battle: Ericka Moore will share her story at Silver Cross on Oct. 19; stresses importance of getting screened

Joliet man who died in motorcycle accident lived for his young son: Ashley Ruiz: ‘He turned everything around for that 6-year-old.’

Free breast health discussion to be held Oct. 13 at Romeville cancer care center: Men and women of all ages are invited to attend.

DNA testing identifies man from 1974 cold case, Will County coroner announces: Cause of death is still undetermined.

Lockport students help preserve endangered #monarch butterfly: St. Dennis Catholic School created the monarch way station in 2015.

Tickets available now for 12th Men Who Cook food sampling event: All proceeds benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Holly Club of Joliet invites community to ‘Party with a Purpose’ on Nov. 4.: A dressy casual fundraiser replaces annual ball for 2022.

5 Things to do in Will County: Fall fun includes Oktober Fest, pumpkin fun run, pre-Halloween party: Plus, pick up some bargains at Our Savior Lutheran Church’s rummage sale.

Pets of the Week: Oct. 10, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Shots fired in Plainfield on Monday: No one was injured as far as police know.

STRANGER THINGS

Haunted house in New Lenox inspired ‘Stranger Things’ display in Plainfield: Jeff Eggener: ‘I made my house the main prop.”

Neighbor’s complaints prompt Plainfield couple to take down ‘Floating Max’ from ‘Stranger Things’: Dave and Audrey Appel won’t have a Halloween display this year.

Plainfield family isn’t taking down ‘Stranger Things’ display: Dave and Aubrey Appel plan to make final announcement on their TikTok account on Wednesday

Plainfield couple announces hours for their ‘Stranger Things’ yard display: Joliet police remind the public to be respectful during viewing times.

Hundreds flocking to Plainfield home? ‘Stranger Things’ has happened.: Fans of the TV show have come as far as Colorado to see ‘floating Max.’

How Plainfield couple made ‘floating Max:’ Local physics professors weigh in and Dave Appel, the prop’s co-creator, shares his secret.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, October 7, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 1 to Oct. 7, 2022

Good morning!

So "Stranger Things" has happened to me this week.

Meaning, if you've been following the national news on the Plainfield, Illinois, couple's "floating Max" mannequin, you'll also want to check out the four stories I've written on this topic so far.

Those four stories are part of the eleven total features and news stories I'm sharing with you today - and more not yet posted - or written, because I'm working the weekend through Monday. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

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'm taking an at-home writing retreat, the first of 2022, at the end of next week. Instead of focusing on just one book during this retreat, I have several BryonySeries projects on the schedule, along with some "rest time" built in because 2022 has been an intense year.