Book Lovers and Other Creatives: Why You Should Come Out to Porch and Park Festival

For the very first time, five members of WriteOn Joliet will be part of Tim Placher's Porch & Park Music Fest in Joliet - with a sixth member returning for the second year.

They are Mauverneen Blevins, Holly Coop, Barbara Eberhard, Cean Magosky (who appeared at last year's event, too), Sue Midlock, and me, displaying and selling BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet books and other products, such as BryonySeries baseball caps and water bottles.

You'll find original poetry and photography (Mauverneen and Holly), handpainted greeting cards that benefit Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet (Barbara), local history (books and postcards, Cean), paranormal romance and Southern humor (Sue), and phantasmic books for all ages (BryonySeries).

And that's in addition to some outstanding music in a really fun and lowkey atmosphere. 

Now, you might not see me as I'm still recovering from surgery, which is disapointing, since I worked the weekend of the first Porch & Park Music Fest - and covered the event for The Herald-News in Joliet, which was awesome to behold.

So although I'm hoping to pop out for a small bit, other members of the BryonySeries team will be handling BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet products and keeping an eye on Uncle Barty and Bertrand the Mouse, as well as WriteOn Joliet's very special mascot, who will be ready to party once again (two events in a row only tire the humans, not the non-human stuffies).

Timothy and Daniel will also be unveiling information on B.L.O.C.K.S. Don't know what that is? Stop by the BryonySeries booth at 616 Western Avenue and see!

And if you come out to New Orleans North on Friday night, you'll enjoy two consectutive days of very unique, very Joliet events for free or very low cost.

The Porch & Park Music Fest will take place 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 on and around porches Joliet's historical Cathedral Area. 

For a festival guide, a map, and overall information about the event, porchandparkmusicfest.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 20 through June 27

 Good morning!

I have just eight news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, as well as six Thank You, Teachers stories from our special edition on May 8.

More stories will go live this weekend, especially since I am working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries)

Good news, everyone! BryonySeries is officially part of the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater's Independence Day celebration on July 3.

For the past two years, we provided free children's games and book giveaways as a vendor. This year, we are part of the fabric of the actual event. And we could not be more thrilled.

Details to come on Monday (along with why this event is so important to us).

Also, I hope to get back into The Book Market for a signing before surgery on July 17.

However, please read how WriteOn Joliet authors are supporting reading in Will County.

And if you prefer to help in person, please read Another Option for Helping Us Out.

And consider helping us in our efforts.

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. That's all I'm saying for now.

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 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

Single mom’s Crest Hill meal-prep service celebrates 10 years

Angie Aegerter simplifies healthy eating

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/23/single-moms-crest-hill-meal-prep-celebrates-10-years/

‘Nashville on the Hill’ returns to Joliet winery

A ‘fast-rising trio of Music City songwriters’ to perform Sunday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/24/nashville-on-the-hill-returns-to-joliet-winery/

Childerguild Gift Shop at Silver Cross Hospital celebrates 75 years

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/22/childerguild-gift-shop-at-silver-cross-hospital-celebrates-75-years/

Plainfield center recognized as a certified Parkinson care community

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/21/plainfield-center-recognized-as-a-certified-parkinson-care-community/

EZ Wok in Shorewood under new ownership

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/26/ez-wok-in-shorewood-under-new-ownership/

Joliet home damaged in fire

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/19/joliet-home-damaged-in-fire/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 23, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/23/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-23-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Plainfield Fest

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/06/25/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-plainfield-fest/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 10 to Aug. 16

Good morning!

I have ten stories to share with you today with stories posting over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Tonight until late, five WriteOn Joliet authors (which includes the BryonySeries) will be showcasing out work at New Orleans North in Joliet (so please stop by our tents).

And then first thing tomorrow morning, BryonySeries will be making bargain-based deals with our booth attendees at Stuff on Bluff." Come out and make a shopping deal with us!

BryonySeries books-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, with all but eight chapters that are ready for final edits. I should be able to finish the eight at the next at-home writing retreat in early September. We are still estimating a late 2024 release date for this book, with copies available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 6.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). However, I outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Timothy said his concept for the next book in the actual series 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. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

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 in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. I've neglected this book for a few months and hope to revisit it soon. We'd like to release it in late 2024, but 2024 has been a challenging year. We shall see.

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.

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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty-one chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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’s Cathedral neighborhood to host 3rd Porch & Park Music Fest

Genres include rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, duos, brass and jazz, Irish and Americana

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/joliet-neighborhood-to-host-3rd-porch-park-music-fest/

Will County business experts: 4 things you need to do when starting a business

Opening a business is ‘much more than just setting up a storefront’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/will-county-business-experts-4-things-you-need-to-do-when-starting-a-business/

Merichka’s in Crest Hill now selling its house dressing at Berkot’s grocery stores

Joe Zdralevich III, Merichka’s co-manager: ‘This was a long time coming’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/06/merichkas-in-crest-hill-now-selling-its-house-dressing-at-berkots-grocery-stores/

New Plainfield pancake restaurant opens

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/03/new-pancake-restaurant-in-plainfield/

Silver Cross Medical Group in New Lenox opens new location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/silver-cross-medical-group-in-new-lenox-opens-new-location/

Joliet Unity Movement works to empower, engage local youth

Families can register now for home ownership seminar on Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/09/joliet-unity-movement-works-to-empower-engage

Will County schools standing pat as national trends show schools tighten cellphone rules

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/15/will-county-schools-reminding-students-parents-of-cell-phone-policies/

Joliet Bishop Hill winery hosting Sunday concert series

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/17/joliet-bishop-hill-winery-hosting-sunday-concert-series/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 12, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-12-2024/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Joliet Blues Brothers Con

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/08/15/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-joliet-blues-brothers-con/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 9 to Dec. 15

Good morning!

Today I am sharing twelve news and feature stories. But more will be posted over weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Next week FOR SURE, I plan to (finally) share a recap of the second The Timbers of Shorewood held a second "Meet The Author" night and also WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on December 7.

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 continued 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.

We have collected and donated approximately 150 books to Santa this year. The display will come down on Dec. 19 after my final appearance at The Book Market for 2023. So time is running out if you'd like to contribute.

For bulk rates (or if you live out of the area), message us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

We have recently published three new BryonySeries books: "Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville," "Karla Joins In," and "Welcome to Munsonville: The People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries." We will have copies of those titles (and other BryonySeries books) for sale at The Book Market on Tuesday.

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 if the emergencies would just settle down, please and thank you, I will get back to the downtown branch very soon and finish the project.

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

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

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

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

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and two chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. Writing on this book is paused until I finish editing "The Fifth.". We are estimating a 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We had scheduled a "Cornell breakfast" for Halloween morning, but...well, you know. We do plan to schedule one over the Christmas holidays.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

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

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

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. We are estimating a late 2024 release date.

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

 Lori Bergman of Joliet remembered for philanthropy, compassion: Jay Bergman, husband: ‘We just wanted to give something back to the community’

Joliet’s Polka King ‘loved making people happy’: Bob Doszak’s career spanned more than 70 years

Gordie Gillespie’s daughter to open new Joliet eatery in Thayer Bros. space: Remnants of Thayer Bros. will remain in Magpie’s Joy of Eating

Joliet’s University of St. Francis hosting family holiday concerts: Tim Placher, organizer: ‘Every song is a new surprise’

Lockport brewery lets you tap into artwork through vending machines: Product changes every 2 to 3 months

Joliet Central to host ‘breakfast with Santa’ on Saturday: Tickets available online or at the door

Joliet Central student to portray St. Lucia on Sunday: The community is invited to celebrate Lucia Fest

Joliet fire chief promotes city’s free mental health services for all ages: The program is open to all Joliet residents, including children and adults

Bolingbrook CosMc’s opens to long lines, hours of waiting: Francisco Comas, customer: ‘At least I can say I’ve been tothe first CosMc’s that was open’

By Gary Middendorf and Denise M. Baran-Unland

Joliet USF art professors venture to China for teaching trip: Classes were part of USF’s partnership with Sichuan University of Science & Engineering’s College of Fine Art

Pets of the Week: Dec. 11: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: New Lenox ‘Christmas in the Commons’: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 8 to April 14

Good morning!

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

In addition to dealing with a new health issue (two doctors visits, one ER trip and one quick care visit over the last couple weeks), I've also been working on stories for a new edition The Herald-News will begin in March and a new "Thank You, Teachers" edition in May.

In additioin, WriteOn Joliet will host its first radio-style reading on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. 

And now we are officially on Bicentennial Park's calendar, which you can see here. 

And we have a promotional video, which you can see here.

So, as you can imagine, fiction projects are limping along. But they are progressing.

So far, I've completed rough drafts for the prologue and first sixteen chapters of the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another chapter drafted this weekend.

I am in the process of fleshing out the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have five solid chapters. 

Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior art and a rough draft of the cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the series.

I have also completed three chapters for the fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series.

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. 

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. I have written and edited a fourth of it and have about another third of it loosely written. But that's all I'm sharing about it for now.

Rebekah is also slowly 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 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

Last year, a 100-year-old Will County church nearly shut its doors. Now, it’s sprung to new life: Barb Palmer: ‘Whoever comes to our church will know that we love the Lord and that he’s done so much for us’

Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Joliet’s Rialto Square Theatre on April 27: Humperdinck said his show is highly entertaining, with plenty of high quality songs 

Plainfield ‘celebrity chef’ Arron Sain whipped up a business with culinary, bodybuilding skills: Arron Sain: ‘I chose to take the journey into the unknown’ 

Brother of Joliet teen with rare kidney syndrome now has same disease: Stacey Reyes: ‘I don’t know how fast his kidney function will decline’

Tim Placher bringing songwriters showcase to USF in #Joliet: Tim Placher: ‘These are people creating original music and trying to make it in the music business’ 

Joliet’s Visitation and Aid to hold spring brunch on May 7: Tickets are available now

Travis Tritt to perform at the Rialto in Joliet in August" Tickets are available now 

Marine veteran opens PuroClean franchise in Romeoville: PuroClean has nearly 425 locations in the U.S. and Canada @PuroClean

Will County Health Department names new assistant executive director: Denise Bergin: ‘I’m proud to be a part of this agency and of the work we do’ 

Pets of the Week: April 10, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption 

5 Things to do in Will County: ‘Meet’ Louis Jolliet this weekend: Also this weekend: Beatles music, Charlie Brown musical, S.T.E.M. Fest and free pancake breakfast

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 25 to March 3

Good morning!

Today I have just ten features and news stories to share with you today with more to be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I've also been working on stories for a new edition The Herald-News will begin in March and a new "Thank You, Teachers" edition in May.

Also, here is a "save the date" event for people in the general Will County area:  WriteOn Joliet will host its first radio-style reading on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. 

We held our annual Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13 at The Book Market in Crest Hill. If you don't know what Calkins Day is, read this post and then read this post.

This year, we built our celebration around the local authors and independent authors in order to help build up Ed's library of such authors and provide a little exposure for these authors.

Authors were invited to gift Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara with one of their books. In turn, they could take home any one of five books Ed either wrote or appeared in. Readers could talk Ed out of a book.

Over the next few weeks, I'll dedicate separate posts to these authors and give them additional exposure on social media. Here is one such post from last week and one post from this week.

So please watch for these posts. They may just lead you to your next favorite book.

Fiction projects are coming along very slowly, but they are coming along. I'm also working simultaneously working on five books (and we just released a new Bertrand the Mouse book), a first for me.

So here's the latest update:

I now have completed rough drafts for the first eleven chapters of the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another done this weekend.

I am in the process of fleshing out the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have three solid chapters. Sue Midlock sent all the interior art and it is stunning! Sue is currently working on the cover.

I have also completed three chapters for the fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series.

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. 

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. I have written and edited a fourth of it. But that's all I'm sharing about it for now.

Rebekah is also slowly 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 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

Teens and mental health: the struggle is very real, a new CDC report shows: But today’s young people are more willing to talk about mental health

Mental health initiative to benefit thousands of Will County students: Resilient Youth is a prevention-based, research-backed program

Popcorn business in Joliet celebrates 5 years: Walter Dean: ‘The support we get from the community – that’s how I define success,’

Fire breaks out in apartment building on Joliet’s east side Sunday morning: No injuries were reported at the scene.

CEO of Joliet nonprofit celebrating family member’s elevation to archbishop: Ines Kutlesa: ‘We have such a depth of service to the church and the community.’

Tim Placher to host 2nd Irish-themed show at the Rialto in Joliet: Event proceeds benefit the Rialto Square Theatre Foundation. 

Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet unveiled new mural on Monday night: Kelly Urquidi: ‘Everybody just enjoyed a night of celebrating the Rialto.’ 

School District 202 in Plainfield hosting free wellness resource program on Thursday: Certified educators attending this program may earn professional development credits 

Will County schools closings for Friday due to predicted winter storm

5 Things to do in Will County: Antiques and Collectibles grand opening at the Encore Shop of Silver Cross Hospital: Plus, enjoy visual art, inspirational music, paint and plant class, and spaghetti

Pets of the Week: Feb. 27, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"