Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 20 through March 6

 Good morning!

I have sixteen stories online to share with you today, more this week than usual because the stomach bug prevented me from posting the round-up last week.

More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

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

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

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

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

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

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

What is the BryonySeries?

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

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

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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

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

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and four chapters are written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 2026.

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

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Ice cream season back in Joliet as Walt’s, other favorites scoop up business on opening day

March 1 annual day for customers to line up and get first treats of the year

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/03/ice-cream-season-back-in-joliet-as-longtime-favorites-scoop-up-business-on-opening-day/

Development groups buy portion of Silver Cross Hospital’s New Lenox campus

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/04/development-groups-buy-silver-cross-hospitals-pavilion-a-in-new-lenox/

Gas prices in northern Illinois expected to jump as Iran war rattles global oil markets

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/03/02/gas-prices-in-northern-illinois-expected-to-jump-as-iran-war-rattles-global-oil-markets/

Downtown Joliet coffee cafe opens second location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/28/downtown-joliet-coffee-cafe-opens-second-location/

VNA Health Care expands Bolingbrook Health Center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/28/vna-health-care-expands-bolingbrook-health-center/

Lockport cigar lounge closing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/24/lockport-cigar-lounge-closing/

7 Brew Coffee coming to Romeoville

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/18/7-brew-coffee-coming-to-romeoville/

Cemeno’s opens coffee shop at Joliet’s Inwood Athletic Club

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/19/cemenos-opens-coffee-shop-at-joliets-inwood-athletic-club/

Any donation matters at Easterseals Joliet Region annual March telethon

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/01/any-donation-matters-at-easterseals-joliet-region-annual-march-telethon/

Where to catch a Will County fish fry this Lent

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/17/where-to-catch-a-will-county-fish-fry-this-lent/

Will County appoints director of budget and finance department

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/27/will-county-appoints-director-of-budget-and-finance-department/

Lewis University in Romeoville names new president

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/27/lewis-university-in-romeoville-names-new-president/

Silver Cross Hospital names VP of patient care and chief nursing officer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/22/silver-cross-hospital-names-vp-of-patient-care-and-chief-nursing-officer/

Joshua Arms senior residence in Joliet offers Black History Month series

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/25/joshua-arms-senior-residence-in-joliet-offers-black-history-month-series/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 2, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-2-2026/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 23, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/23/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-23-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

One Photo Tells So Much

I recently stumbled across this photo and thought to myself, "What a terrible photo!" Why did a take a picture of this???

Upon closer inspection, I realized this photo told so much about me, kind of like those hidden picture puzzles that amused some of us as children.

I swear what's coming next isn't social media clickbait. You know, the posts that say things like, "let's see how many people will like and share," etc.

This is really a little more fun. And maybe a bit of a cautionary tale about the things we don't mean to share when we post random photos.

Here's the ask: How many things does this photo tell you about me?

Game ends Monday, October 20.

Winner receives a BryonySeries book of choice.

IF THE WINNER SO DESIRES, I'll post the list of "items" and a photo of the winner with the book.

Otherwise, the winner just wins.

And who know? Maybe I'll learn a few more things about myself.

Happy Tuesday!

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 23 through Aug. 29

Good morning!

For my third part-time back-to-work week, I have seven 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 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)

BryonySeries appeared at two Joliet events this past weekend: New Orleans North (today, Aug. 15) and Porch and Park Festival (tomorrow, Aug. 16) and softly rolled out B.L.O.C.K.S.

So if you were not one of the lucky one hundred people who chatted to Timothy and Daniel and received the information, you will have another opportunity on Aug. 30 at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Timothy and Daniel will be greeting guests and patrons at Bertrand's Back-To-School bash in On Aug. 30 in honor of Bertrand's birthday and his mission to bring the joys of reading to children. 

They will also chat and give out information about B.L.O.C.K.S, in case you missed talking with them a couple of weeks ago.

Of course, readers of all ages are invited to attend, since the BryonySeries offers phantasmic books for all ages.

However, purchases are not required to celebrate with us.

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

‘The most terrifying bolts of lightning’: Readers relive destruction of 1990 Will County tornado

Much of Plainfield, parts of Crest Hill, Joliet suffered massive damage

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/28/readers-share-their-stories-from-1990-will-county-tornado-the-memories-lived-long-on-forever/

Coffee business remains hot across Joliet area as more shops keep opening

Here’s where you can grab a cup

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/23/coffee-business-remains-hot-across-joliet-area-as-shops-keep-opening/

Silver Cross surgeon gets high ranking by Newsweek

More than a dozen Silver Cross Hospital medical staff recognized

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/26/silver-cross-surgeon-gets-high-ranking-by-newsweek/

Joliet Junior College, Joliet Central alum wins Food Network Show

Another JJC alum named Top Young Chef in the United States

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/23/joliet-junior-college-alum-wins-food-network-show/

Red Robin closes Plainfield location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/26/red-robin-closes-plainfield-location/

Joliet police investigating Sunday-morning shooting

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/24/joliet-police-investigating-sunday-morning-shooting/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 25, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/08/25/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-25-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 19 through April 25

Good morning!

I have eleven feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post (amazing considering I took a few days off this week) - and more will go live this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events

We Can Be Heroes: WriteOn Joliet's third original radio-style theatre performance will take place at 7 p.m. April and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

This post has more details, including the possibility of a FREE WriteOn Joliet 2024 anthology.

And this post has details on fifteen free superhero bags that BryonySeries is giving away during Saturday's matinee performance.

If you live in the area, please come out, enjoy the show, and stop by the BryonySeries table and say, "Hi."

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: Rebekah and I recently created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event...and it looks great! Yes, I'm STILL being mysterious about it...for now.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (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).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Joliet’s Joshua Arms senior residence to host fashion, talent show

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/22/joliets-joshua-arms-senior-residence-to-host-fashion-talent-show/

Cup of coffee costing more: Joliet area cafes say tariffs just 1 factor in rising costs

Climate change, supply chain challenges also contributing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/15/cup-of-coffee-costing-more-will-county-cafes-say-tariffs-just-1-factor-in-rising-costs/

Plainfield host site for DEA drug turn-in event

No needles and illicit illegal substances accepted

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/21/plainfield-host-site-for-drug-take-back-event/

Register now for John Whiteside Memorial Golf Outing

Benefits Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/19/register-now-for-john-whiteside-memorial-golf-outing/

Will County program gives unadoptable cats a new life

Whiskers at Work helps feral felines

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/12/will-county-program-gives-unadoptable-cats-a-new-life/

Food pantry in Joliet Township opened Monday with a ribbon cutting

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/19/community-center-food-pantry-in-joliet-township-will-celebrate-ribbon-cutting/

Joliet’s new salon and spa opens on Chicago Street

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/17/joliets-new-salon-and-spa-opens-on-chicago-street/

Downtown Joliet businesses celebrating the ’80s with special night

Music, movies, big hair contests and more planned

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/04/19/downtown-joliet-businesses-celebrating-the-80s-with-special-night/

New Joliet doughnut shop to host ribbon cutting on Thursday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/23/new-joliet-doughnut-shop-to-host-ribbon-cutting-on-thursday/

Will County Pets of the Week: April 21, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/21/will-county-pets-of-the-week-april-21-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: ‘We Can Be Heroes’

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/04/23/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-we-can-be-heroes/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 12 through April 18

Good morning!

I have just ten feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post - and more will go live this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events

We Can Be Heroes: WriteOn Joliet's third original radio-style theatre performance will take place at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

This post has more details.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: Rebekah and I recently created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event...and it looks great! Yes, I'm STILL being mysterious about it...for now.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (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).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Fire destroys building at Joliet pipe manufacturer

Joliet firefighter injured

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/14/joliet-firefighter-injured-in-rovanco-pipe-manufacturer-fire/

Cup of coffee costing more: Will County cafes say tariffs just 1 factor in rising costs

Climate change, supply chain challenges also contributing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/15/cup-of-coffee-costing-more-will-county-cafes-say-tariffs-just-1-factor-in-rising-costs/

Will County program gives unadoptable cats a new life

Whiskers at Work helps feral felines

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/12/will-county-program-gives-unadoptable-cats-a-new-life/

Joliet church to host free pancake breakfast Saturday

Hope United Methodist Church loves serving the community

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/17/joliet-church-to-host-free-pancake-breakfast-saturday/

New Lenox gets new Jiffy Lube

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/12/jiffy-lube-opens-new-new-lenox-location/

Downtown Lockport gets new event space at Hamilton Loft

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/13/hamilton-loft-in-lockport-opens-new-event-space/

White Fence Farm adds new items to carryout menu

https://www.shawlocal.com/my-suburban-life/news/local/2025/04/11/white-fence-farm-adds-new-menu-items/

New cafe opens in Channahon

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/11/new-cafe-opens-in-channahon/

Will County Pets of the Week: April 14, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/14/will-county-pets-of-the-week-april-14-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/04/16/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-hippity-hop-easter-egg-hunt/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Coffee With Bertrand the Mouse

Good morning!

I found an old coffee photo of Bertrand the Mouse the other day, which made me think of all the coffee memories we've made together.

I'm sharing seven with you this morning, with the last photo also featuring Uncle Barty. I hope you enjoy them.

Happy Monday! 

Count the Wins or Count the Losses?

So is this cup half empty or half full?

As I've previously written and certainly more than once, our family has experienced an unrelenting slew of challenges and emergencies since the second half of 2021, enough that we often struggle to keep up with them and the rest of life.

I think that 2024, for many in my family, has just blurred past in discomfort and actual pain. It's hard to believe 2025 is on the horizon.

One day in October, while in the midst of several of these events, Rebekah and I waded through some very neglected BryonySeries paperwork. With the end of the year in sight - and having no idea what else might befall us, given the history - we had to address it.

As we backtracked through the entire year and recorded our successes, we finally paused and looked at each other, asking, "How?"

How did we have such a good "book" year when everything else (including us) was falling apart? 

On Saturday I received an award from the community for my features writing with my fiction works being acknowledged as well.  I was one of ten people being honored that evening, so the ceremony was several hours long.

I was also on Day Ten of some of the worst and absolutely unrelenting back pain that I've ever experienced. And it definitely showed in my eyes in the "selfie" Timothy took of us at the end of the event.

But when I'm passed this challenge as well (as I'm sure I shall be - because I'm not at the time of this writing), I'll remember the event more than the pain.

So our really horrible year wasn't completely horrible. We just can't feel those facts yet.

Obviously, no one is going to feel elation when going through health emergencies and grief.

And yet - blessings are often interwoven among the thorns. And when the storm passes, it's nice to see the rainbows.

So is this cup half empty of half full?

Should I be sad I only have half a cup left to drink?

Or should I be happy because I have drunk deeply of really good coffee - and I still have half left to enjoy?

Sue's Diner: John's Coffee

Anyone that knows me know I like a nice dark roast coffee to start the day.

However, I'd probably banish coffee from my diet forever if I had to prepare it the nineteenth century way, such as the recipe we're sharing this week.

We included the recipe in our BryonySeries cookbook "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony.'"  This cookbook is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

This recipe was slightly adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

Here is the reference from the cookbook that connects the recipe to "Bryony."

Melissa’s first casual glimpse of John happened during her first day at Simons Mansion, in the morning room, where John sipped his coffee. Back home, Melissa’s mother plugged an electric percolator into the wall, but making fresh coffee in nineteenth century Munsonville was a little more complicated.

We have not actually prepared this nineteenth century coffee recipe. When you read it, you'll see why.

But you may try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

However, try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.