An Impromptu Rehearsal for "Page to Stage"

During WriteOn Joliet's normal" "radio play season" (January through April), writers/performers know the fourth Thursday of every month is dedicated to in-person rehearsals (not counting tech week, when in-person ramps up).

But scheduling those in-person rehearsals became trickier when the WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players received an unexpected opportunity to present a compilation show to benefit Trinity Services.

We only had one day when everyone's schedules synced up - and that was Aug. 1 - and we were already committed to a booth at Kids Fest in downtown Joliet.

But two days before the event, Kids Fest was postponed (it's now September 19), leaving the day open, if everyone still had the time available (they did).

That left us with a second problem: where would we find a large, free, available space to rehearse in at the last minute...and on a Saturday, too?

No one had any ideas...and then I had a light bulb moment.

My place!

We've been in the process of condensing two townhomes into one all summer. And most of the furniture in the living room/dining room area of my townhome was empty. It was the perfect size!

So that's what we did.

Now for show details.

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet present “Page to Stage,” original radio theater-style performance at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at ROXY Lockport as a fundraiser for Trinity Services.

Admission is free.

The first 10 attendees at the performance will receive a free copy of WriteOn Joliet’s anthology "Write Where We Are: Tales Our Soles Tell,” courtesy of Edward and Nancy Calkins.

And the first ten attendees at the BryonySeries table will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House.

What is "Page to Stage?"

"Page to Stage" features curated stories and poems from four years of WriteOn Joliet live programs. All creations came from the minds of WriteOn members, who also became the actors, bringing their stories and poems to life in exciting, inspiring, and dramatic ways.

Who are the authors and performers?

Authors and performers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton.

How does this benefit Trinity Services?

A full bar and snacks are available for purchase and benefit Trinity Services, owner of ROXY Lockport.

Donations to Trinity Services welcome.

What else should I know?

WriteOn Joliet anthologies – along with books and other merchandise by individual author/performers – will be available for purchase before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com, roxylockport.com, and trinityservices.org.

Will You Be One of the Ten on Aug. 28?

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet present “Page to Stage,” original radio theater-style performance at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at ROXY Lockport as a fundraiser for Trinity Services.

Admission is free.

The first 10 attendees at the performance will receive a free copy of WriteOn Joliet’s anthology "Write Where We Are: Tales Our Soles Tell,” courtesy of Edward and Nancy Calkins.

And the first ten attendees at the BryonySeries table will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House.

What is "Page to Stage?"

"Page to Stage" features curated stories and poems from four years of WriteOn Joliet live programs. All creations came from the minds of WriteOn members, who also became the actors, bringing their stories and poems to life in exciting, inspiring, and dramatic ways.

Who are the authors and performers?

Authors and performers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton.

How does this benefit Trinity Services?

A full bar and snacks are available for purchase and benefit Trinity Services, owner of ROXY Lockport.

Donations to Trinity Services welcome.

What else should I know?

WriteOn Joliet anthologies – along with books and other merchandise by individual author/performers – will be available for purchase before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com, roxylockport.com, and trinityservices.org.

A Personal Invitation from Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet present “Page to Stage,” original radio theater-style performance at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at ROXY Lockport.

During an in-person rehearsal on August 1, Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, showed he was ready to perform by "hamming up" a piece by WriteOn Joliet member and poet Holly Coop.

SAVE THE DATE: WriteOn Joliet Live: From Page To Stage on Aug. 28

Eight members of WriteOn Joliet present “Page to Stage,” original radio theater-style performance at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at ROXY Lockport.

Admission is free.

"Page to Stage" features curated stories and poems from four years of WriteOn Joliet live programs. All creations came from the minds of WriteOn members, who also became the actors, bringing their stories and poems to life in exciting, inspiring, and dramatic ways.

Authors and performers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton.

A full bar and snacks are available for purchase and benefit Trinity Services, owner of ROXY Lockport.

Donations to Trinity Services welcome.

WriteOn Joliet anthologies – along with books and other merchandise by individual author/performers – will be available for purchase before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The first 10 attendees at each performance will receive a free copy of WriteOn Joliet’s anthology "Write Where We Are: Tales Our Soles Tell,” courtesy of Edward and Nancy Calkins.

And the first ten attendees at the BryonySeries table will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com, roxylockport.com, and trinityservices.org.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 7 through March 13

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today, less this week than usual because I had a minor procedure on Tuesday and finished a huge project this week, too, for the Shaw Local News Network's regional health team.

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) - so far:

Due to a recent slew of family (human and pet) emergencies these past few weeks, we have not (yet) scheduled another appearance. But that doesn't mean we aren't planning any and will update you soon.

In the meantime, 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.

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 four chapters are 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 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. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain 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 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

These Joliet area industries unlikely to see tariff relief soon, despite Supreme Court’s ruling

Home prices have been directly impacted, builders group says

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/06/these-joliet-area-industries-unlikely-to-see-tariff-relief-soon-despite-supreme-courts-ruling/

Developer building 365,000-square-foot industrial facility in New Lenox

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/12/developer-building-365000-square-foot-industrial-facility-in-new-lenox/

Pickleball fundraiser raises $10,000 to help people with disabilities supported by Trinity Services

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/08/pickleball-fundraiser-raises-10000-to-help-people-with-disabilities-supported-by-trinity-services/

Country Club Hills’ Baby Cheesecake expands into downtown Joliet location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/05/country-club-hills-baby-cheesecake-expands-into-downtown-joliet-location/

Marvel comic book artist coming to Joliet Public Library

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/09/marvel-comic-book-artist-coming-to-joliet-public-library/

Joliet City Center Partnership businesses recognized at Chamber awards celebration

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/11/joliet-city-center-partnership-businesses-recognized-at-chamber-awards-celebration/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 9, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/09/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-9-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 13 through Sept. 18

Good morning!

For my first full-time back-to-work week, I have nine stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working the weekend.

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!

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

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

Sept. 27: BryonySeries "Jump Into Fall" Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27, The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Oct. 4: FAME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This Fandom Arts and Music Expo will features local musicans, artists, authors, and events on all three levels of the library. I will be leading a panel of comic book artists, reading a couple excerpts from my books, and speaking briefly about B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet. I will also have BryonySeries books, WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer two years ago.

Oct. 11: Men Who Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 West Laraway Road, Joliet. Sample small portions of appetizers, side dishes, entrée and desserts at this all-you-can-eat event that benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. While this is not a BryonySeries event per se, Timothy and Daniel are participating for the first time (and this is Daniel's birthday) since the event benefits a nonprofit close to our hearts and raises awareness of the second. That's because the boys will be preparing and serving something yummy from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. The boys will also be distributing information about B.L.O.C.K.S. For tickets and more information, visit willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

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 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 had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

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 we release it 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

Trinity Services in New Lenox expands on 75-year mission of helping those with disabilities

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/12/trinity-services-in-new-lenox-expands-on-75-year-mission-of-helping-those-with-disabilities/

Buying a Joliet optometry business ‘was a leap’ for office manager

C&C Vision Gallery owner celebrates 11th anniversary

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/13/buying-a-joliet-optometry-business-was-a-leap-for-office-manager/

Joliet coffee shop Sought Out Grounds undergoes name change

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/15/new-joliet-coffee-shop-changes-name-branding/

Plainfield dispensary to host ‘Pamper Your Pet Day’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/12/plainfield-dispensary-to-host-pamper-your-pet-day/

New breakfast, lunch restaurant opens in Crest Hill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/13/new-breakfast-lunch-restaurant-opens-in-crest-hill/

New cigar lounge coming to Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/14/new-cigar-lounge-coming-to-joliet/

Joliet-area artists return to Park Forest Art Fair

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/16/joliet-area-artists-return-to-park-forest-art-fair/

CFX Conquer Boxing Crest Hill holding grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/17/cfx-conquer-boxing-crest-hill-holding-grand-opening/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 15, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/15/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-15-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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

Good morning!

I have just ten feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post - and more 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

National Poetry Month: I've been invited to read and display BryonySeries and WriteOn books at the second National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival: 6 to 10 p.m. April 12 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. Admission is free, so stop out if you can.

The Book Market in Crest Hill: I'll be hanging out at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 . Pop in, check out our "spring into reading" display complete with Cindy's Easter Ribbit-Ribbits - and let's chat!

We Can Be Heroes: WriteOn Joliet's third original radio-style theatre performance will take place at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. I'll be sharing more details about this event in the coming weeks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: Last weekend, Rebekah and I created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event. The proof arrived last night moments before I had to leave for WriteOn's radio play rehearsal, and it looks great! Yes, I'm STILL being mysterious about it...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 (three more this week - our life is like a novel!).

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 slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

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."

Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.

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

Will County, Joliet District 204 responding to tuberculosis case: Parents in ‘a little panic mode’

Contacts of the 1 affected student notified but health department hit with hundreds of testing requests

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/07/joliet-west-student-diagnosed-with-tuberculosis/

Will County nonprofits plant pinwheels to raise awareness of child abuse

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/04/will-county-nonprofits-plant-pinwheels-to-raise-awareness-of-child-abuse/

Need something repaired? Bring it to Joliet Junior College’s Repair Cafe on Saturday

Free event held at Romeoville campus

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/10/need-something-repaired-bring-it-to-joliet-junior-colleges-repair-cafe-on-saturday/

New Lenox Trinity Services staff recognized for their work

Trinity Services president and CEO praised their dedication

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/08/new-lenox-trinity-services-staff-recognized-for-their-work/

Joliet’s Jefferson Street to get another pancake house

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/10/joliets-jefferson-street-to-get-another-pancake-house/

Driver flees accident scene in Plainfield

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/04/driver-flees-accident-scene-in-plainfield/

Romeoville welcomes new Mexican bar and grill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/05/romeoville-welcomes-new-mexican-bar-and-grill/

Joliet museum to host Route 66 Centennial Summit

Guests may also attend optional pre-summit activities

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/03/joliet-museum-to-host-route-66-centennial-summit/

Will County Pets of the Week: April 7, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/07/will-county-pets-of-the-week-april-7-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/04/09/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-national-poetry-month-open-mic-festival/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 1 through March 14

Good morning!

I have twenty-four feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, since I was unable to post a story-round-up last week (I was in the ER).

And if that's not enough to read, more stories going live this weekend, especially since I am working through the 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!

Event Updates

Calkins Day 2025 took place at The Book Market in Crest Hill and it was a wonderful celebration of laughter, imagination, generosity, and the release of "Recovering Ruthless," the third book in the BryonySeries Ruthless series by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.

The book display will remain up at The Book Market through St. Patrick's Day. And we now have some Irish-themed ribbit specials, that you can purchase at a discounted price with every book purchase.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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 (three more this week - our life is like a novel!).

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. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

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."

Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.

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

Coal City family’s home ‘looks like an ICU;’ help needed to get accessible van

Pens family has two with heredity spastic paraplegia

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/14/coal-city-familys-home-looks-like-an-icu-in-our-living-room-as-they-desperately-need-accessible-van/

Joliet City Center Partnership ready for annual Shamrock Stroll on Friday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/03/13/joliet-city-center-partnership-to-host-annual-shamrock-stroll-on-friday/

Walt’s Ice Cream Joliet opens to flurries, lines of customers

Winter weather didn’t deter loyal fans

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/03/walts-ice-cream-joliet-opens-to-flurries-lines-of-customers/

 ‘She has purses, she has outfits’ at Candy Kouture boutique in Joliet

Owner Sandra Moore also teaches sewing, caters and serves the homeless

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/10/candy-kouture-in-joliet-offers-more-than-fashionable-clothing/

Trinity Services opens Joliet community health center

Long-range goal is to become a certified community health center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/09/trinity-services-opens-joliet-community-health-center/

Fish fries in Will County during Lent

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/will-county/2025/03/13/where-to-catch-a-fish-fry-in-will-county-during-lent

Plainfield District 202, teachers union agree on new contract

Union President Steve Jepsen: ‘The contract was a win for both sides’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/12/plainfield-district-202-teachers-union-agree-on-new-

Will County-based K9s for Veterans to hold gala Sunday in Joliet

Tickets available now

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/12/will-county-based-k9s-for-veterans-to-hold-gala-sunday-in-joliet/

Will County offers ‘Mutt Madness’ pet adoption special throughout March

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/11/will-county-offers-mutt-madness-adoption-special/

New BookBar in Mokena offers food, drink and special events

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/07/new-bookbar-in-mokena-offers-food-drink-and-special-events/

New Lenox Culver’s celebrates grand reopening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/will-county/2025/03/06/new-lenox-culvers-celebrates-grand-reopening/

Senior Services of Will County to sell Joliet building

Services will continue in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/04/senior-services-of-will-county-to-sell-joliet-building/

Easterseals Joliet to hold 30th annual fundraiser Saturday

Local author and special education teacher to host

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/07/easterseals-joliet-to-hold-30th-annual-fundraiser-saturday/

Joliet museum exhibit showcases manufacturers of the past

The museum also will sell exhibit-related merchandise

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/28/joliet-museum-exhibit-showcases-local-manufacturers-history/

Where to catch a fish fry in Will County during Lent

Some also offer chicken meals

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/05/will-county-fish-fries-to-try-this-lent/

Plainfield District 202 high school students to get 8th class period

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/27/plainfield-district-202-high-schoolers-to-get-8th-class-period/

Rustic Knead opens Frankfort location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/will-county/2025/03/02/rustic-knead-opens-frankfort-location/

Joliet Zonta to host women’s health panel

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/03/joliet-zonta-to-host-womens-health-panel/

Joliet resident dies in crash Sunday morning

Brother remembers man ‘that made everyone laugh’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/02/joliet-man-dies-in-crash-sunday-morning/

Joliet home hit by gunfire early Saturday

No injuries reported

 https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/02/joliet-home-hit-by-gunfire-early-saturday/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 10, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/10/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-10-2025/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 3, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-3-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: ‘The Secret Garden’ spring musical

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/03/12/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-the-secret-garden-spring-musical/

5 Things to Do in Will County: ‘Calendar Girls’ embodies friendship, empowerment

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/03/05/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-calendar-girls-embodies-friendship-empowerment/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"