Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 25 through Oct. 31

Good morning!

I have five stories online to share with you today (I was out of the office this week) - and more stories may go live over 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:

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. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

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.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

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

Joliet Noon Lions collecting items for group homes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/24/joliet-noon-lions-collecting-items-for-group-homes/

Former Pops restaurant building in Joliet still for sale

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/26/former-pops-restaurant-building-in-joliet-still-for-sale/

Tickets on sale for Will County Habitat for Humanity holiday fundraiser

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/25/tickets-on-sale-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanities-holiday-fundraiser/

Three Rivers Association of REALTORS holding real estate investor program

Free event at Joliet Junior College

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/24/three-rivers-association-of-realtors-holding-real-estate-investor-program/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 27, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/27/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-27-2025/

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"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 1 to June 7

Good morning!

I am happy to report that I hit my goals with my first at-home writing retreat of 2024 - and I have seven stories to share with you today. More stories will post over the weekend since I am working straight to the end of Monday So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

It's been a busy couple of BryonySeries weeks:

And I will be hanging at The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

We have a special BryonySeries Summer Book Sale at The Book Market. I'll share more about this in Tuesday's post.

Plus, we've released TWO new books!

Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for summer.

And we also released "A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods," which is, well, interesting. The story is part journey, part lyrical novelette. Here is its back cover summary:

You place the snowy candle in the center of your palm and hold it high.

You gaze across the bubbly foam over the azure lake.

And you take the first step to

Who you are

What you lost

And why all your magic can’t bring it back

"A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods" is currently available on Amazon.

And if this doesn't give you plenty of reading choices, The Herald-News published its "Thank You, First Responders" at the beginning of May, where most of the publication was dedicated to stories about first responders in our community. I was very honored to be part of this project and have seven stories to share.

Finally, 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, with nearly two-thirds that are ready for final edits. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

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). 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. 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 ready for some serious writing in 2024. 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. The fifth book 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.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on the new addition to your family!

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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me more than a dozen 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

Beer & Bourbon Fest a fundraiser for Will County Habitat for Humanity iw Saturday, June 8, event outside Hollywood Casino

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/03/beer-bourbon-fest-a-fundraiser-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanity/

 Silver Cross New Lenox names new president and CEO: Michael Mutterer’s role is effective immediately

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/03/silver-cross-new-lenox-names-new-president-and-ceo/

Joliet library clerk creates 14-foot replica of Big Ben for summer reading program: Decor at Joliet Public Library ‘promotes literary conversation’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/01/joliet-library-clerk-creates-14-foot-replica-of-big-ben-for-summer-reading-program/

Pickleball craze in Will County shows no sign of fading: ‘It’s here to stay’: Players say interest in activity growing across generations

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/05/30/pickleball-craze-in-will-county-shows-no-sign-of-fading-its-here-to-stay/

Joliet’s 1st poet laureate looks to promote a vibrant local arts community: Uxmar Torres helps others ‘find the right words in a nonintrusive way’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/06/joliets-1st-poet-laureate-looks-to-promote-a-vibrant-local-arts-community/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 3: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/06/03/pets-of-the-week-june-3/

Things to do this weekend in Will County: Salsa Fest (a separate version with different events ran in print)

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/06/06/things-to-do-this-weekend-will-county-salsa-fest/

THANK YOU, FIRST RESPONDERS

Joliet Dr. Adnan Hussain stresses ‘care’ for patients and providers

Morris Hospital’s Dr. Sean Atchison cares about people

Joliet EMS coordinator Leslie Livett keeps humanity inpatient care: Livett: ‘We do great things for the community’

ER team at Silver Cross New Lenox puts patients first in often chaotic environment: Jill Pateros, Silver Cross: ‘Their dedication to patientcare is just incredible’

Morris Hospital ER nurse cares about patient outcomes: Vanessa Read: ‘It’s the best feeling to know you’re part of saving someone’s life’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 17 to Nov. 24

Good morning! It's Day Two of Thanksgiving in my family, and we are thankful, even if the celebration is looking like the rest of our year, with immediate frustration and disappointment, even though we are thankful for so much.

At least one family member won't be joining the celebration today due to illness - and this family worked so hard to make the day special. So please send up good healing thoughts and prayers for her.

I plan to (finally_ share a recap Local Author Fair at the Downers Grover Public Library next week and the second The Timbers of Shorewood held a second "Meet The Author" night. It was a busy family (but also under the weather) week for me. So please stay tuned!

Be sure to stop out at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on December 7. The event will include free chef-created appetizers, free photos with Santa, and an opportunity to meet some really outstanding local writers and (maybe) do a little holiday shopping for the readers in your life.

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

We have recently published two new BryonySeries books: "Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville" and "Karla Joins In."

The fun and good will of Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash, which happened in August at The Book Market in Crest Hill, is continuing this fall at The Book Market in Crest Hill with a special display to help Santa distribute books to children and special needs adults this holiday season.

So please consider a gift for Santa during your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping experiences.

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, two chapters that are ready for final edits, and a prologue that is taking an interesting turn. Writing on this book is paused until I finish the guidebook. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: 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. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: This book is finally finished (on my end). Rebekah is nearly done with the formatting. My I'm hoping to have copies at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library,

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. Writing on this is also paused in favor of completing the BryonySeries guidebook. 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 do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way help those in need: Sarah Oprzedek, United Way of Will County: ‘I don’t know anyone who is not experiencing need’

‘The Voice’ gave boost to Lockport singer’s promising career: More plans are in the works for Olivia Minogue

Will County Habitat of Humanity gets land donation from Joliet family: Funds from the nonprofit’s recent golf outing will benefit the James V. Smith Memorial

Joliet Public Library book club celebrates 25 years: Longtime member Margaret Holzrichter of Joliet said she ‘must have her books’

‘Good Morning America’ invites Joliet Junior College teacher to share Thanksgiving tips: Javier Reyes, JJC: ‘Just about every problem has a solution’

Joliet MLK Day of Service needs projects, volunteers: Last year 500 volunteers of all ages worked on 25 service projects

Joliet Catholic Academy, Providence H.S. compete for blood donations

Shaw Local News Network seeking holiday ornament stories

Pets of the Week: Nov. 20, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Tree lighting in Joliet, Lockport: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 15 to July 21

Good morning!

Today I have 10 features and news stories to share with you today with more stories are coming today and over the weekend, since all have not run yet and I am working the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

On Tuesday, I presented "How to Find - and Share - Your Voice" at the Minooka branch of the Three Rivers Public Library District. We had five attendees, a highly engaging discussion, and we sold fourteen books, which was the most surprising aspect of the evening.

Also, WriteOn Joliet will return to the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library next week to continue editing the radio play we presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22. We are now halfway through with the editing, hurray!

Also, if you missed that radio play the first time, you will have another opportunity at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library. More on this later.

Finally, Bertrand is hosting a birthday party in August with a special guest...Santa! We will share more about this next week.

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and two chapters that are ready for final edits.

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries is finally in production. We can't wait to release it into the hands of readers. Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark (because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. I cannot wait for our next "Cornell" breakfast.

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

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Nine of the twelve chapters are completed. and ready for their final edits; four more to go. Jennifer Wainright iw working the cover.

Jennifer designed the covers for Julie and the Too-Hard Homework, Katie and the Big Fear, and Summer Sisters, as well as frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it.

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. 

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Barbie mania comes to Joliet area: Jennifer Joho owner of J.Joho Boutique in #Plainfield: ‘Barbie is the newest exciting thing out’

Joliet mental health program removes barriers to care: Mayor Terry D’Arcy: ‘It’s really going to improve the lives of so many people’

Joliet teen boxing champion sets new goals: Joseph “Jo Jo” Awinongya Jr. is thankful for the support

Habitat ReStore celebrates 5 years at current location: Heidi Serena, ReStore director: ‘We’re one of Joliet’s best-kept secrets’ 

Will County expands therapy dog team to comfort crime victims: Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow: ‘Dogs are the medicine that cure all ills’ 

Get your tickets for Joliet Stone and Steel art auction: Tickets are going fast

Joliet library unveils youth gallery on Tuesday: Mallory Hewlett, library communications manager: ‘The kids are just so proud of their art’ 

Joliet bank sponsors Route 66 blood drive at Rialto Theater: Red Cross donation event is ‘the signature blood drive’ for Romeoville-based chapter 

Pets of the Week: July 17, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Joliet nonprofit’s Big Wheel race: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"