Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 6 through June 19

Good morning!

I have eleven stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

In addition, I have seven "Everyday Hero" stories below those.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries) - so far:

June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26: B.L.O.C.K.S. will be hosting children's games at Food Truck Fridays, which runs 4 to 8 p.m. at Carter Realty Group, 1214 Essington Road, Joliet. We're hoping to be set 5:30-ish on all days except June 12, when we will run games from 4 to 5:30-ish p.m. In addition to children's games, we will offer BryonySeries books for sale during the games. Not in the mood to read? Buy one (or more) books and place it in our collection box for our book giveaways at the July 3 and Aug. 1 events.

June 27: "Presentation 101: An Overview for Authors Entering the Industry" 1 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. Joliet. 

July 3: Joliet Eve of Independence: America 250 Fireworks and Celebration: 6 to 10 p.m., Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Live music, food vendors, and children’s activities by B.L.O.CK.S., the BryonySeries umbrella brand. B.L.O.C.K.S. will also have limited giveaways of BryonySeries books for all ages and WriteOn Joliet's upcoming "Shoe" anthology. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Aug. 1: Kid Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. For the third year in a row, WriteOn Joliet will have a tent at the annual Kidz Fest celebration. Write your own story with our unique, one-of-a-kind, made-just-for-us story manipulable story blocks. And be sure to pick up one (or more) WriteOn Joliet-authored books (titles for all ages), which we will distribute for free.

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

And if  you missed it, please check out the "Shades of Noir" photos.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is nearly drafted with some partial editing already begun. We plan to release this book in 2026.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But we plan to release a BryonySeries Christmas anthology around the holidays. This will be Christmas excerpts from existing BryonySeries novels along with a few bonus chapters only available in this anthology.

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler cal;led "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Minnesota-based gig worker platform laying off almost 1,400 Illinois workers

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/06/10/minnesota-based-gig-worker-platform-laying-off-nearly-1400-illinois-workers/

John Whiteside Memorial Golf Outing in Joliet in need of sponsorships

Event is a fundraiser for Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/09/john-whiteside-memorial-golf-outing-in-joliet-in-need-of-sponsorships/

Volunteers needed for Abraham Lincoln Cemetery memorial squad to serve at military burial services

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/16/volunteers-needed-for-abraham-lincoln-cemetery-memorial-squad-to-serve-at-military-burial-service/

Here’s a look at Juneteenth activities in Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/17/where-to-catch-juneteenth-activities-in-will-county/

Will County Animal Protection partners with Chicagoland Speedway for pet adoption campaign

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/13/will-county-animal-protection-partners-with-chicagoland-speedway-for-pet-adoption-campaign/

The Timbers of Shorewood announces its Volunteer of the Year

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/08/the-timbers-of-shorewood-announces-its-volunteer-of-the-year/

These new businesses coming to New Lenox this summer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/07/these-news-businesses-coming-to-new-lenox-this-summer/

Organization that founded Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox donates $4,000 for in-patient dialysis

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/03/silver-cross-hospital-founding-organization-donates-4000-for-in-patient-dialysis/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 8, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/08/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-8-2026/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 15, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/06/15/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-15-2026/

VIDEO: Tornado touched down near Dwight

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/06/12/video-tornado-touched-down-near-dwight/

EVERYDAY HEROES

Everyday Hero: Joliet foster care superheroes battle their own health challenges

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-foster-care-superheroes-battle-their-own-health-challenges

Everyday Hero: Joliet foster grandparent has volunteered almost 20,000 hours and ‘goes above and beyond with the children’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-foster-grandparent-has-volunteered-almost-20000-hours-and-goes-above-and-beyond-with-the-children/

Everyday Hero: Longtime Joliet District 86 clerical aide said she tried to ‘always be helpful

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/everyday-hero-longtime-joliet-district-86-clerical-aide-said-she-tried-to-always-be-helpful/

Everyday Hero: Joliet grassroots community activist makes low-income seniors feel like superstars

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/joliet-grassroots-community-activist-makes-low-income-seniors-feel-like-superstars/

Everyday Hero: Paraprofessional at Plainfield District 202 brightens lives of veterans and military members

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/paraprofessional-at-plainfield-district-202-brightens-lives-of-veterans-and-military-members/

Everyday Hero: Coal City woman with disability puts others with disabilities ahead of herself

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/coal-city-woman-with-disability-puts-others-with-disabilities-ahead-of-herself/

Everyday Hero: Fairmont cafeteria manager ‘goes above and beyond to enrich the school environment’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/05/14/fairmont-cafeteria-manager-goes-above-and-beyond-to-enrich-the-school-environment/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

WriteOn Joliet at The Timbers of Shorewood 2026 Part 3

On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.

Amy Odell, activities director, created light bulb ornaments for each participant.

For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."

Please enjoy the final part of the video.

WriteOn Joliet at The Timbers of Shorewood 2026 Part 2

 On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.

Amy Odell, activities director, created light bulb ornaments for each participant.

For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."

Please enjoy the second part of the video.

WriteOn Joliet at The Timbers of Shorewood 2026 Part 1

On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.

Amy Odell, activities director, created their light bulb ornaments for each participant.

For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."

And then watch part one of the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pabKhtEB5d0&t=562s

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 27 through Jan. 2

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today. More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this month) - so far:

We typically don't host in-person events in January to give us time to recoup and prepare for tax time.

In the meantime, encourage you to check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Please note: Bookshop does not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in early 2026.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

A look at Will County’s top business comings and goings in 2025

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/30/a-look-at-will-countys-top-business-comings-and-goings-in-2025/

After 140 years, Turk Furniture still ‘paying attention to details’ in furnishing homes

Stores in Joliet, Bradley, Ottawa and La Salle

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/27/after-140-years-turk-furniture-still-paying-attention-to-details-in-furnishing-homes/

Timbers of Shorewood donates $16,000 Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/28/timbers-of-shorewood-donates-16000-alzheimers-association-illinois-chapter/

New Crest Hill restaurant offers ‘global-inspired’ chicken and seafood classics

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/15/new-chicken-and-seafood-restaurant-opens-in-crest-hill/

Leader of Will County Black business association honored for excellence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/27/leader-of-will-county-black-business-association-honored-for-excellence/

Plot Twist Books, new independent bookstore, opens in Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/27/plot-twist-books-opens-in-lockport/

Will County Pets of the Week: Dec. 29, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/29/will-county-pets-of-the-week-dec-29-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 30 through Sept. 5

Good morning!

For my fourth part-time back-to-work week, I have nine stories to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I have one more part-time week, mostly because I have two days of doctor's appointments, and then I return to full-time (and I am nearing full-time hours anyway).

I've gradually tiered up every week, and I'm glad I did - and that the company encouraged me to do so, too. I feel this made for a smoother - and more lastingt - recovery, which ultimately benefits everyone.

I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries)

Sept. 6: Want to chat "writing craft" or work on your writing in the presence of other writers? Stop out out Critical Grind Board Game Cafe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of WriteOn Joliet (including me) will be there for all or part of time doing just that. 

Sept. 25: WriteOn Joliet mic night: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Critical Grind, Shorewood

Next event at The Book Market in Crest Hill is pending.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm having surgery July 17, so I'm hoping we can make that happen before then, just to get the process moving and give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book this year, fingers crossed.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Will County Senior Services searching for new CEO

Brianne Hetman moving to nonprofit in Kankakee and Iroquois counties

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/03/will-county-senior-services-searching-for-new-ceo/

Will County Habitat partners with bank for financial empowerment party

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/04/will-county-habitat-partners-with-bank-for-financial-empowerment-party/

Crest Hill man struck by vehicle along Plainfield Road

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/03/crest-hill-man-struck-by-vehicle-along-plainfield-road/

Lockport bakery closed, coffee cafe to remain open

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/03/lockport-bakery-closed-coffee-cafe-finds-new-location/

Spirit Halloween coming to Shorewood location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/30/spirit-halloween-coming-to-shorewood-location/

Joliet hospital recognized for high-quality stroke care

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/30/joliet-hospital-recognized-for-high-quality-stroke-care/

Lockport’s Sweets & Savory Crawl a culinary tour through city

Registration now open

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/29/lockports-sweets-savory-crawl-a-culinary-tour-through-city/

Timbers of Shorewood honors transportation coordinator

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/31/timbers-of-shorewood-honors-transportation-coordinator/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 1, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/01/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-1-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

WriteOn at The Timbers 2024: A Tom Hernandez Tribute

WriteOn at The Timbers 2024 Part 4

WriteOn at The Timbers 2024 Part 3

A Harvest of Words

A quick internet search of the topic "crafts from old books" will pull up hundreds of ideas, for crafty people eager to repurpose old books to create something new...like this pumpkin below.

The activities director at The Timbers of Shorewood made these for the WriteOn Joliet members who participated in the third "Meet the Author" event in November.

The "Meet the Author" event has become a yearly opportunity for The Timbers book club to enjoy the prose and poetry by WriteOn Joliet authors and for the authors to enjoy reading to a rapt audience from anthologies that are donated to the club that evening.

The Timbers also hosted WriteOn Joliet in 2022 and 2023.

To make these pumpkins, The Timbers' activities director took on of WriteOn's anthology that had become coffee-stained from many readings at The Timbers.

Its stem was fashioned from the anthology cover.

And (in my pumpkin), the flesh was formed from words I'd written, from excerpts from BryonySeries novels that I'd shared for this particular anthology.

I found it intriguing that words that began in our imaginations eventually found their way onto pages through many hours of work, which then found their way into the hands of readers for many hours of reading, where one reader also then spent hours reforming them into another form of artistic expression, which then returned to the authors to enjoy.

For me, this shows the malleableness of art and its ability to be explored, reshaped, and enjoyed in many forms.

Maybe it's something to consider as we make our unique way in the world today.

Happy Monday!

WriteOn at The Timbers 2024, Part 2

WriteOn at The Timbers 2024, Part One

The FIT Foundation Donated 30 WriteOn Joliet Holiday Anthologies. Here's How You Can Get One

In 2023, Angie Aegerter donated thirty 2022 WriteOn Joliet anthologies to The Timbers of Shorewood's book club.

Angie is the founder of the FIT Foundation in Crest Hill, a meal prep company. And she approached me this summer, asking if I had any additional upcoming donation opportunities.

Well, it just so happens that WriteOn Joliet created its first holiday anthology this fall. So Angie offered to sponsor thirty copies, as a Christmas gift for the community.

The anthology has ninety-three pages of locally written poems, short stories, and essays that are perfect for the holiday season.

WriteOn Joliet Holiday Anthology Contributors: Denise M. Baran-­Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Pat Camalliere, Holly Coop, Steven James Cordin, Tom Hernandez, Cean Magosky, Sue Midlock, Colleen H. Robbins, Jennifer Russ, Stephen Saporta, and Duanne Walton.

Here are two ways you can get a free copy (while supplies last) of "Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season."

Ten copies will be at the counter of The Book Market in Crest Hill sometime in early December to be given away however the owner Janet Staley decides. Could be just free, could be free with purchase. 

The other twenty copies will go inside the mini bookbags that Jasmine made for my birthday this year. We will distribute these bags from the BryonySeries table at Friday's North Pole Christmas Market in Joliet.

This is the same event where I will be reading Christmas stories and giving away ten free copies of "Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise."

But these swag bags will have a few "extras," too.

Nineteen of those bags will include a copy of the BryonySeries holiday edition of "Visage," which is out of print and not available for purchase.

This holiday edition has a unique cover, slightly different editing, an introduction by moi (the only time I've written one for any of my books), and some fun appendixes (for instance, it's the only place you'll see me dressed as a kangaroo).

The other six bags will include a copy of "Cornell Dyer and the Flu," a parody of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," which is geared towards children age eight (depending on reading level and parental guidance) through adult.

The swag bags will also contain one of more "mystery quotes," which are suitable for slipping into greeting cards, your purse or wallet, or any place someone might find a spark of imagination or inspiration.

But wait! That's not all!

The swag bags will also contain a "sweet treat" in BryonySeries colors, some special offers, and information about upcoming (and local) holiday events.

Now, depending on the book combinations, this BryonySeries swag bag (bag and contents) has a retail value of thirty to thirty-five dollars. And these are FREE to the first twenty-five North Pole Christmas Market attendees that stop at our table.

And don't forget, the BryonySeries table will also have FREE purple music roses with select book purchases, as well as crocheted mice for adoption with select book purchases, all while supplies last.

WriteOn Joliet will also have copies of both its holiday anthology and the 2024 edition of its "regular" anthology for sale at its 8th annual anthology release party on Dec. 5 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

Here are ten reasons why you should attend WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party.

Does hearing the word FREE put you into the holiday spirit? It should - and not just because of "free."

"Free" is possible because of big-hearted people in the community who just want to be a blessing.

The anthologies are free because Angie Aegerter has (TWICE) donated copies for people's reading pleasure. Angie runs a small business, not a large corporation. And if you follow her business on Facebook, you will see the other ways she blesses the community all year round.

The "swag" is free because Jasmine made it herself and then gifted it to me.

The purple music roses are free (with select purchases) because Jan Stack, the youth services clerk at the Joliet Public Library, made them and gifted them to me.

The adoptable crocheted mice (with select purchases) are free because Cindy made the mice. An every one is hoping for loving home this holiday season.

The chef-created heavy appetizers at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party are free because Timothy buys all the ingredients and makes all the food as his way of elevating the celebratory spirit as we connect local writers with local readers.

The photos with Santa at the release party are free because Santa is loving and giving.

And the rest if free because we at the BryonySeries want you to start the holiday season with a smile.

Many of us (including us) have struggled this past year (past few years for us) and might be coming in to the season feeling not quite so merry and bright.

And every now and again, it's nice to band together and bring a little of joy and generosity to our little portion of the world.

Happy Wednesday!

Editor's note: This post was updated to correct the amount of books going to each location.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 30 to April 5

Good morning!

I have just seven news and features stories to share with you this week...but I did finish a large special project this week.

But more stories will post over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Tonight I will participate in National Poetry Month Open Mic Night at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. Doors open at 6 p.m. Readings start at 7 p.m.

I'm not a poet. But I will read two poems on behalf of my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez, who is receiving hospice care for brain cancer. He picked out the poems and, while I can't read them like Tom can, I did practice them in front of mirror. Wish me luck!

At least two other WriteOn poets will read tonight, too: Sharon Houk and Holly Coop. So an entertaining and inspiring evening guaranteed for tonight.

Finally, if you live in the general Will County area in Illinois, consider adding this event to your calendar.

Here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and six chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. I scrapped most of chapter seven last weekend and am now working on the current draft. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. We had a tentative "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for last weekend, which didn't happen...and we have no opportunity for another for at least a couple more weeks. We've scheduled and broke several in 2023. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait. That one is called "Brainy Ann."

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. Rebekah is still experimenting with cover art for this and made good progress this past weekend. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

Now back to The Herald-News stories stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Joliet, Crest Hill Catholic churches mark final Easter Masses as they face closure

Joliet West Special Populations Dance creates ‘memories that will last a lifetime’: Students also learn ‘the importance of inclusivity’

Future homeowners invited to attend this 2-day home expo in Joliet: The first 100 attendees each day will have a chance to win $10,000

Fox 32 meteorologist Mike Caplan to discuss tornado safety in Joliet: Light lunch provided

Easter egg hunt at Timbers of Shorewood draws big crowd: The event also raised money for the Alzheimer’s Association

Pets of the Week: April 1, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Skip Griparis returns to Joliet Bicentennial Park: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"