Good morning!
I have eight news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post (all written before surgery last week). More stories may 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 (or where to find the BryonySeries)
The BryonySeries will be appearing at three events in August: Kidz Fest (Aug. 2), New Orleans North (Aug. 15) and Porch and Park Festival (Aug. 16).
When I say "BryonySeries" that could mean me or any combination of our team members. That depends on my recovery from surgery. Stay tuned!
I'm also hoping to schedule Bertrand's Back-To-School bash in late August in honor of Bertrand's birthday and his mission to bring the joys of reading to children. But that, too, depends on my recovery.
What is the BryonySeries?
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. That's all I'm saying 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). 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'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.
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
‘Cars Behind Bars’ at Old Joliet Prison a fundraiser for
local museum
Organizers seeking show vehicles
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/18/cars-behind-bars-to-support-old-joliet-prison/
Joliet West alum’s basketball clinic focuses on mental
health as well as physical performance
Includes school supplies giveaway
New Joliet health and rec center for veterans opening this
week
Joliet restaurant hosting back-to-school event
Event will include the giveaway of 200 backpacks
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/20/joliet-restaurant-hosting-back-to-school-event/
Joliet’s First Secure Bank celebrates 7 years in community
Descendants of Goose Lake cabin founder gather at historic
replica
The Burgess family descended from Englishman John Cragg
Joliet senior living community offering tours
Will County Pets of the Week: July 21, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/21/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-21-2025/
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
