Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 29 through Sept. 4

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today, since I worked on some longe-range projects this week for "Thank You, Veterans" edition in November - and I completed a large regional story on long waits in the emergency department (watch for it next week).

More stories will likely go live over the weekend. So please check back at 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 a recap of Bertrand's Back-to-School Birthday Bash!

And next week I'll share a recap (and update) of August 28th's "Page to Stage."

And if you'd like to help sponsor WriteOn Joliet's book giveaway on Sept. 19 at Kids Fest, please reach out to writeonjolietgroup@gmail.com. Deadline is Sept. 10 and YES, we still need sponsors.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

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

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Sept. 6: Plants, Paws, and Pages: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lockport Metra Station, 133 W. 13th St., Lockport. A diverse selection of curated handcrafted goods, artisan pets items, books and local authors with some fun "pet and plant" offerings from the BryonySeries

Sept. 12: FAME - Fandom Arts and Music Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. A cross-fandom artist-market minicon. Features 50 local artists, live music, panels, games, and contests.

Sept. 19: Kids Fall Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. For the third year in a row, WriteOn Joliet will have a tent at the annual Kidz Fest celebration. Write your own story with our unique, one-of-a-kind, made-just-for-us story manipulable story blocks. And be sure to pick up one (or more) WriteOn Joliet-authored books (titles for all ages), which we will distribute for free.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

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

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

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

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 very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries has three remaining chapters in drafts; the rest of the book is edited. I hope to finish it over Labor Day weekend and have it available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release party on Nov. 12.

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

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

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events, including WriteOn Joliet's "Page to Stage" event on Aug. 28.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Family-owned Submarine City in Lockport serving up local favorites for nearly 50 years

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/28/family-owned-submarine-city-in-lockport-serving-up-local-favorites-for-nearly-50-years/

Joliet treatment center appoints new clinical director

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/29/joliet-treatment-center-appoints-new-clinical-director/

Joliet Junior College offers networking series for local entrepreneurs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/29/joliet-junior-college-offers-networking-series-for-local-entrepreneurs/

Joliet Diocesan Council closes Morris St. Vincent de Paul thrift store

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/30/joliet-diocesan-council-closes-morris-st-vincent-de-paul-thrift-store/

Lemont-area native returns as family medicine physician at Silver Cross

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/30/lemont-area-native-returns-as-family-medicine-physician-at-silver-cross/

Authentic Harold’s Chicken opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/29/authentic-harolds-chicken-opens-in-joliet/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 31, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/31/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-31-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 22 through Aug. 28

Good morning!

I have eleven stories online to share with you today, since I worked on some longerange projects this week and one week of Eyes on Enteprise have not made it online yet.

More stories will likely go live over the weekend. So please check back at 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 a recap of Bertrand's Back-to-School Birthday Bash!

And tonight is "Page to Stage." (details below).

And if you'd like to help sponsor WriteOn Joliet's book giveaway on Sept. 19 at Kids Fest, please reach out to writeonjolietgroup@gmail.com. Deadline is Sept. 10.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

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

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Aug. 28: WriteOn Joliet Presents "Page to Stage:" 7 p.m., ROXY Lockport, 1017 S. State St., Lockport. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present a compilation show as a fundraiser for Trinity Services. For details, read this "save the date" post.

Sept. 6: Plants, Paws, and Pages: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lockport Metra Station, 133 W. 13th St., Lockport. A diverse selection of curated handcrafted goods, artisan pets items, books and local authors.

Sept. 12: FAME - Fandom Arts and Music Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. A cross-fandom artist-market minicon. Features 50 local artists, live music, panels, games, and contests.

Sept. 19: Kids Fall Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. For the third year in a row, WriteOn Joliet will have a tent at the annual Kidz Fest celebration. Write your own story with our unique, one-of-a-kind, made-just-for-us story manipulable story blocks. And be sure to pick up one (or more) WriteOn Joliet-authored books (titles for all ages), which we will distribute for free.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

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

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

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

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 very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries has three remaining chapters in drafts; the rest of the book is edited. I hope to finish it over Labor Day weekend and have it available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release party on Nov. 12.

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

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

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events, including WriteOn Joliet's "Page to Stage" event on Aug. 28.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Joliet girl fighting rare cancer gets free dream room makeover

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/22/joliet-girl-fighting-cancer-gets-free-dream-room-makeover/

Head Start could see sweeping changes under proposed federal rule. Local leaders are worried

‘I could just scream,’ says Aurora Head Start director

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/08/22/head-start-could-see-sweeping-changes-under-proposed-federal-rule-local-leaders-are-worried/

New ‘farmhouse’ restaurant coming to former Lock & Mule location in Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2026/08/27/new-farmhouse-restaurant-coming-to-former-lock-mule-location-in-lockport/

Popular Swig beverage venue opens in Crest Hill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/22/popular-swig-beverage-venue-opens-in-crest-hill/

Joliet Chamber hosting program for community leadership school graduates

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/24/joliet-chamber-hosting-program-for-community-leadership-school-graduates/

Chicago Street Mexican restaurant in Joliet closes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/23/chicago-street-mexican-restaurant-in-joliet-closes/

Sinister Apothecary in Minooka embraces the metaphysical

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/21/sinister-apothecary-in-minooka-hosting-grand-opening/

Romeoville approves new grant program to attract small businesses

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/27/romeoville-approves-new-grant-program-to-attract-small-businesses/

City Electric Supply opens new Joliet location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/27/city-electric-supply-opens-new-joliet-location/

Joliet Latino economic group to offer food service certification class in Spanish

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/24/joliet-latino-economic-group-to-offer-food-service-certification-class-in-spanish/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 24, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/24/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-24-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 1 through Aug. 7

Good morning!

I have eight stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend, especially since I am working through the weekend. So please check back at 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!

Calendar

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

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

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

Aug. 28: WriteOn Joliet Presents "Page to Stage:" 7 p.m., ROXY Lockport, 1017 S. State St., Lockport. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present a compilation show as a fundraiser for Trinity Services. For details, read this "save the date" post.

Sept. 19: Fountaindale Public Library Author Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fontaindale Public Library District, 300 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

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

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

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

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 very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries has three remaining chapters in drafts; the rest of the book is edited. I hope to finish it over Labor Day weekend and have it available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release party on Nov. 12.

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

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

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events, including WriteOn Joliet's "Page to Stage" event on Aug. 28.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Want to avoid Cyclospora? Cook your vegetables; maybe skip the berries

Case rates in Grundy, Kendall and Will counties low despite national outbreak

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/04/want-to-prevent-cyclospora-cook-your-vegetables-maybe-skip-the-fresh-berries/

New industrial facility coming to Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/05/new-industrial-facility-coming-to-joliet/

Trinity Services offers new driver readiness program for teens and adults with disabilities

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/02/trinity-services-offers-new-driver-readiness-program-for-teens-and-adults-with-disabilities/

Illinois Bankers Association honors Jeannine Huck with Women of Impact Award

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/31/illinois-bankers-association-honors-jeannine-huck-with-women-of-impact-award/

CITGO Lemont Refinery seeking items for online auction benefiting United Way

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/01/citgo-lemont-refinery-seeking-items-for-online-auction-benefiting-united-way/

Dutch Bros. Coffee among new businesses opening in New Lenox

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/02/clothing-printer-dutch-bros-coffee-among-new-businesses-opening-in-new-lenox/

Diana Missig appointed to Silver Cross Foundation board

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/02/diana-missig-appointed-to-silver-cross-foundation-board/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 3, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/03/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-3-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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

Good morning!

I have twelve stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend, especially since I am working through the weekend. So please check back at 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!

Calendar

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

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

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

Aug. 28: WriteOn Joliet Presents "Page to Stage:" 7 p.m., ROXY Lockport, 1017 S. State St., Lockport. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present a compilation show as a fundraiser for Trinity Services. For details, read this "save the date" post.

Sept. 19: Fountaindale Public Library Author Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fontaindale Public Library District, 300 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

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

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

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

What is the BryonySeries?

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

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

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Why one of the most common women’s health disorders now has a new name

Polycystic ovary syndrome renamed to reflect its true nature as metabolic disorder, not just an ovarian issue

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/07/31/why-one-of-the-most-common-womens-health-disorders-now-has-a-new-name/

Capture the nostalgia of Route 66 this summer by dining at these landmark eateries

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2026/07/19/capture-the-nostalgia-of-route-66-this-summer-by-dining-at-these-landmark-eateries/

Barber college opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/30/barber-college-opens-in-joliet/

Tangled Roots-owned Lock & Mule restaurant in downtown Lockport to close

Company coming under new ownership

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/27/tangled-roots-owned-lock-mule-restaurant-in-downtown-lockport-to-close/

Joliet Rotary honors longtime member with its Spirit of Rotary Award

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/28/joliet-rotary-honors-longtime-member-with-its-spirit-of-rotary-award/

Channahon restaurant specializing in Eastern European cuisine is closing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/24/channhon-eastern-european-restaurant-closing/

Baseball, softball academy franchise in Joliet to hold grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/25/baseball-softball-academy-franchise-in-joliet-to-hold-grand-opening/

First Secure Bank to hold free shred events in Johnsburg, Harvard

https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/07/27/first-secure-bank-to-hold-free-shred-events-in-johnsburg-harvard/

Person dead after car goes off road in Manhattan

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/26/person-in-critical-condition-after-car-crash-in-manhattan/

Coroner IDs Joliet husband, wife who died in apparent murder-suicide

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/26/joliet-man-woman-found-dead-after-confrontation-police/

Hit a golf ball into a Joliet police car Saturday and help Special Olympics

Event was held at Inwood Golf Club

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/24/hit-a-golf-ball-into-a-joliet-police-car-saturday-and-help-special-olympics/

Will County Pets of the Week: July 27, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/27/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-27-2026/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 18 through July 24

 Good morning!

I have eleven stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend, especially since I am working through the weekend. So please check back at 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!

Calendar

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

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

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

Sept. 19: Fountaindale Public Library Author Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fontaindale Public Library District, 300 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

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

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

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

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

What is the BryonySeries?

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

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

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Capture the nostalgia of Route 66 this summer by dining at these landmark eateries

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2026/07/19/capture-the-nostalgia-of-route-66-this-summer-by-dining-at-these-landmark-eateries/

Longtime Troy Township supervisor Baltz dies; served township for more than 50 years

Also served as volunteer firefighter for 33 years

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/20/longtime-troy-township-supervisor-baltz-dies-served-township-for-more-than-50-years/

Boxing fundraiser in Joliet benefitted local youth mentoring program

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/17/boxing-fundraiser-in-joliet-benefits-local-youth-mentoring-program/

Joliet Greek Fest returned for All Saints Church’s 110th anniversary

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/17/joliet-greek-fest-returns-this-weekend-for-all-saints-churchs-110th-anniversary/

Developer signs long-term lease for 1.2 million-square-foot industrial facility in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/21/developer-signs-long-term-lease-for-12-million-square-foot-industrial-facility-in-joliet/

New Lenox housing developer gets tax credits to build affordable housing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/23/new-lenox-housing-developer-awarded-funding-to-build-affordable-housing/

Dutch Bros Coffee joins other new businesses coming to Romeoville

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/22/dutch-bros-coffee-joins-other-new-businesses-coming-to-romeoville/

Village of Shorewood issues 2 new business licenses

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/18/village-of-shorewood-issues-2-new-business-licenses/

Joliet Latino Economic Development group hosting event for Fuentes Solutions

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/19/joliet-latino-economic-development-group-hosting-event-for-fuentes-solutions/

Vietnamese eatery comes to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/19/vietnamese-eatery-comes-to-shorewood/

Will County Pets of the Week: July 20, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/21/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-20-2026/

 

 

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"