Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 4 through Oct. 10

 Good morning!

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:

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.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

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

Businesses have ‘heightened degree of awareness’ with ICE, Guard presence, Will County CED leader says

Joliet Chamber says it has not heard from businesses about concerns

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/08/businesses-have-heightened-degree-of-awareness-with-ice-guard-presence-will-county-ced-leader-says/

Silver Cross breast cancer patient has ‘excellent prognosis’ despite multiple areas of cancer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/07/silver-cross-breast-cancer-patient-has-excellent-prognosis-despite-multiple-areas-of-cancer/

Joliet City Center director invites business owners to coffee meetings

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/05/joliet-city-center-director-invites-business-owners-to-coffee-meetings/

Chicago sportscaster Dave Kaplan to speak in Joliet on streaming, ‘platform proliferation’ impact on viewers

Program part of Joliet Chamber’s Visionary Series

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/04/chicago-sportscaster-dave-kaplan-to-speak-in-joliet-on-streaming-platform-proliferation-impact-on-viewers/

SERVPRO cleaning and restoration marks 20th year in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/04/servpro-cleaning-and-restoration-marks-20th-year-in-joliet/

New bar and grill opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/new-bar-and-grill-opens-in-joliet/

Hall of Famer Frank Thomas coming to Joliet cigar lounge

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/03/hall-of-famer-frank-thomas-coming-to-joliet-cigar-lounge/

Joliet celebrates 35 years of ADA at Disability Pride event Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/08/joliet-celebrates-disability-pride-event-saturday/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 6, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/06/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-6-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 5 to Oct. 11

Good morning!

I have fourteen stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post with more stories going live over the weekend.

So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

But before the stories, I 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

The BryonySeries Back-To-School display is up at The Book Market. And it's likely coming down sometime today and being replaced with our Halloween display with all-new Halloween Ribbit-Ribbits that Cindy left at my house yesterday. So please do check it out.

We are also participating in three events (so far) this month

Oct. 12: Panic at the Plaza in downtown Joliet.

Oct. 23, 24, or 25: The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I'll know the date for sure on Monday since I'm now working on Oct. 22.

Oct. 30: Spirits with the Spirits at Black Cat Curiosities in Joliet with WriteOn member Cean Magosky as part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Spirits with the Spirits" event.

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 nineteen chapters of its thirty chapters and the prologue and epilogue completely edited, and a heavy editing weekend ahead of me. The plan is to submit a proof to KDP by or slightly after next weekend. 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. 5.

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 wanted to release it in late 2024, but 2024 has been a challenging year. I'm shooting for early 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.

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...

The manuscript for Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara's third book in his Ruthless trilogy is submitted and will be my next editing project once "House on Top of the Hill" is complete. Ed

s first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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

Mammogram caught Silver Cross employee’s Stage 1 breast cancer

Shannon Connolly said she’s feeling ‘better and better every day’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/08/mammogram-caught-silver-cross-employees-stage-1-breast-cancer/

Lockport man the ultimate Jack, or in this case Adam, of many trades

From 911 operator to photographer to storm chaser and more, Adam Jomant lives busy life

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/06/lockport-man-the-ultimate-jack-or-in-this-case-adam-of-many-trades/

Joliet nonprofit volunteers honored at Philanthropy Recognition Awards Brunch

The brunch was held at the Renaissance Center in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/08/joliet-nonprofit-volunteers-honored-at-philanthropy-recognition-brunch/

Friends of Joliet Public Library to host fall book sale

Proceeds help fund literary programs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/06/friends-of-joliet-public-library-to-host-fall-sale/

Furniture store coming to Joliet’s Marycrest Shopping Center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/09/furniture-store-coming-to-joliets-marycrest-shopping-center/

New Mexican restaurant opens in New Lenox

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/10/03/new-lenox-gets-new-mexican-restaurant/

Joliet USF announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award winners

The awards were given as part of USF’s 2024 homecoming festivities

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/07/joliet-usf-announces-2024-distinguished-alumni-award-winners/

We Rock the Spectrum sensory-friendly gym opens in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/05/we-rock-the-spectrum-sensory-friendly-gym-opens-in-shorewood/

New Lenox fall feast benefits ‘working school’

Attendees are encouraged to also bid on a variety of silent auction items

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/05/new-lenox-fall-feast-benefits-working-school/

Joliet’s Bicentennial Park Theatre puts on murder mystery this weekend

Fans of murder mysteries can enjoy 2 in Will County this October.

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/10/joliets-bicentennial-park-theatre-puts-on-murder-mystery-this-weekend/

Register now for Joliet Park District Floating Pumpkin Patch

Snacks and open swim will be provided during the event.

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/05/register-now-for-joliet-park-district-floating-pumpkin-patch/

Cause of Lockport home fire investigated

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/05/cause-of-lockport-home-fire-investigated/

Pets of the Week: Oct. 7, 2024

Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/07/pets-of-the-week-oct-7-2024/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Harry Potter Movie Event at ROXY Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/10/10/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-harry-potter-movie-event-at-roxy-lockport/

 

 

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No updates (yet) on the WriteOn Joliet radio play recording, which we recorded at digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August.

WriteOn Joliet almost finished editing the radio play that eight members (including me) presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.and at the Joliet Public Library on Sept. 9.

One section didn't save and needs to be re-edited. So I'm hoping to sneak back in this month.

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

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

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

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

Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We hope to schedule a "Cornell breakfast" soon.

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

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

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

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'm slowly pecking at this and hope to finish it during this year's writers' retreat in mid-October. The goal is to release it in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. Writing on this is also paused ibn favor of completing the BryonySeries guidebook. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

This past spring, I also wrote an additional nineteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will ran in print and online on May 5. You can check out all those stories at this link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/teachers/

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

Also, please send up good thoughts/prayers etc. for Rebekah. She's had a challenging couple years, health-wise (especially the last twelve months). Her latest bloodwork was all over the place, more was ordered, and she now needs to see three specialists, had a stress test today (as if she weren't stressed enough already), was back in the ER Saturday for a generalized allergic reaction, and had another ER yesterday and is at the hospital this morning getting more tests down.

Rebekah is absolutely integral to the BryonySeries, not to mention our family. She oversees its all its financial aspects, handles all book production, manages two social media accounts, and is the go-to person at events. Plus, she's a wonderful person. We need her to feel much better soon.

We pulled back WriteOn Joliet's anthology from production to add a memorial page to one of our active members who died suddenly last month. We also lost two former members this year, one of whom was an original member. All three deaths were sudden. Please send up good thoughts/prayers for their families.

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

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

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is almost done with a first draft of his second novel. Ed's feeling a bit discouraged because he wanted to release his second book by Calkins Day 2023 (Feb. 13). But as any creative person knows, good art doesn't always happen on our timetable. 

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

You can find Ed's first novel here.

Also, we recently released Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being. It's not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

We also released Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes), which has a solid outline. Sue Midlock is already working on the cover and the interior art: Sherman Homes and the Howls of Basketville.

And we also  released Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins). It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

I'm currently outlining the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill. 

And I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

And I'm also working on a novella. But I'm not sharing any details yet.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed three portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a fourth. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah has completed cover art for three of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second should be ready for production this weekend (I had some formatting issues last weekend) and the rest are outlined. 

We hope to release the first three books in this series at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party in early December.

Rebekah is also working on updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those. 

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STRANGER THINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

What Writing a Novel Taught Me About Breast Cancer

Sometimes I feel too much attention is given to breast cancer over other deadly cancers.

Then while researching the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer for Call of the Siren, I came upon this paper from 2000: Breast Cancer in the 20th Century: Quest for the Ideal Therapy.

As I scanned the research looking for particular information, I read this. The statistic for 1990 was sobering to say the least:

"Medical history will record that breast cancer was one of the most significant health threats facing women in the 20th century. 

"In the 1990s alone, more American women died of the disease than all the U.S. lives lost in war from the Civil War to Vietnam. 

"It has been (conservatively) estimated that 1,000,000 women died of breast cancer in this country between 1950 and 1990 (21). 

"From 1930 to 1990 there was NO improvement in cure rates; however, in the mid-1990s a clear trend towards better survival was noted."

To read the entire study, visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117557/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 9 through Oct. 15

Good morning!

I have seventeen news and features stories to share with you today and more that will be posted over the weekend (I'm working tomorrow and Sunday) so do watch for them.

I finished Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones on Tuesday. I'm just waiting for Sue to complete the art for Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical Being," and then I can chat with her about art for this book.

Timothy has also scheduled (and canceled) a couple of "Cornell" breakfasts to start working on the next book, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes) as life has gotten in the way for us. But - soon!

Sarah also had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. But she wants time to draw some sketches, a map, and write the "rules." It's called Cornell Dyer and the House of Broken Portals.

On Sunday night, I start my second and final at-home writing retreat of 2021. On this retreat, I will be finishing the second half of my working draft for  Call of the Siren (the second book in the Limbo series), working at a rate of two chapters per day. 

If my brain gets tired, I'll revist the first half of the draft and work on parts that need a granular, up-close type of focus. I currently have no timetable for getting this book done because this is where the quality of the writing counts. For now, I'm targeting a mid-spring release. We shall see!

Bertrand the Mouse has returned, and you can read about it here, here, and here. 

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

I current have one book in the series completed, and I am working on the second, which I'll revisit this weekend when I'm off work. The goal is to have three of the eight done before I release any of them.

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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 support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.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-1.

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

Nearly 1,200 students at D.86 in Joliet don’t have state-required immunizations:Families must show proof by Friday that they’ve scheduled those appointments

IDOT recognizes Joliet Regional Airport: A total of 12 Illinois airports received Airport of the Year awards

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

Midewin, Will County forest preserve announce winners of photo contests: Both photo contests revolved around nature

LocalLit book preview: a book for educators on positively impacting students: Rufus Stephens and daughter Connie Johnson co-wrote ‘Leave a Mark!: 8 ways to help your students become their best selves’

And the review is here.

Amy Donnelly worked at a cancer center for 5 years. Then she became a patient.: Silver Cross employee had no signs, typical symptoms or family history of breast cancer 

Saying ‘thank you’ to first responders in Wilmington for their service: Country Financial representative sponsored an appreciation dinner

Veterans can get flu shot, hear about benefits Oct. 13: Edward Hines Jr. VAMC outreach team coming to Channahon village hall

5 Things to do in Will County: Scares, no scares, cars and Oktoberfest: Plus, Hairball will bring to life favorite rock bands at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet 

Joliet casino presents Witches Night Out committee with a check for nearly $4,300: Tickets still available for Thursday night’s event 

Mystery Diner in Shorewood: The Rosati’s pizza was great, the boneless wings outstanding: For pizza that tastes homemade, go to Rosati’s Pizza in Shorewood 

An Extraordinary Life: 'We called him a modern day Jesus’: Charlie Palmer of #Joliet was known for service to the community and his unconditional love of everyone

Will County resident is 1st human death from West Nile virus in Illinois: IDPH said 40 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Illinois

Are fish more active at night? Come out to Joliet preserve on Wednesday and see: Register for ‘Fishing in the Dark’ by Tuesday

Free community clothing closet coming to Joliet’s West side: Sims-Washington: ‘I’ve been down, and I’ve been up. So now I want to pay it forward’

This weekend: Head to the woods for a spooky scavenger hunt" Will County Inside/Outside Guide offers suggestions for enjoying your weekend 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."