Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 11 through July 17

Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

On July 3, the BryonySeries/B.L.O.C.K.S. team hosted the children's games for the fourth year in a row at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. Despite breaking down early due to lightning and approaching stores, we had a very successful night.

And 14 people (by my account) attended "Book Publishing 101 Saturday at the Joliet Public Library on June 27, and the library was very pleased. Thank you to all who attended. The feedback was very positive.

The library is planning to reschedule this presentation at a later date. So if you missed it, you will likely get another opporunity.

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

From ducks to dogs, Minooka couple builds sanctuary for abused, neglected animals

‘They all have stories, some worse than others’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/14/from-ducks-to-dogs-minooka-couple-builds-sanctuary-for-abused-neglected-animals/

2 businesses near City Square in downtown Joliet shut their doors

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/14/2-businesses-near-city-square-in-downtown-joliet-shut-their-doors/

Rooted Goods Grazing opens in Lockport with hand-crafted charcuterie boards, ready-to-eat meals

JJC culinary graduate creates healthy, edible artwork

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/16/rooted-goods-grazing-opens-in-lockport-with-hand-crafted-charcuterie-boards-ready-to-eat-meals/

Shorewood man donates $100,000 to Will County Humane Society in wife’s memory

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/07/shorewood-man-donates-100000-to-will-county-humane-society-in-wifes-memory/

Unique motels and hotels were part of the attraction for taking a Route 66 road trip

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/07/11/motels-and-hotels-were-part-of-the-attraction-for-taking-a-route-66-road-trip/

Cornerstone Services in Joliet held grand opening on new behavioral health center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/12/cornerstone-services-in-joliet-to-host-grand-opening-on-new-behavioral-health-center/

Joliet bank to hold free shred event on Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/16/joliet-bank-to-hold-free-shred-event-on-saturday/

Joliet caterer Bella Cucina launches dirty soda pop-up bar

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/15/joliet-caterer-bella-cucina-launches-dirty-soda-pop-up-bar/

New Mexican cuisine restaurant comes to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/11/new-mexican-cuisine-restaurant-comes-to-shorewood/

Will County Pets of the Week: July 13, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/13/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-13-2026/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

A Gift of Poppyseed

I have a longstanding love for poppyseed that extends deeply back into my youngest years.

Last week, someone gifted me with this poppyseed roll during Faith's last week.

Rebekah and I had bought a variety of tempting foods for Faith, and her interest in them increased as the week progressed.

Her favorite was a soup with minced chicken pieces. By Saturday morning, Faith only had one soup left. I save it, just in case she stayed with it and needed it later in the day.

Unfortunately, "staying" was not in Faith's best interests. Dr. Beechler came with tuna and chicken sticks and asked which Faith might prefer.

Faith, of course, preferred the soup. 

Fortunately, a bit of this roll still also remained on Saturday.

After Dr. Beechler left I had a slice of poppyseed roll in Faith's honor, completely a comforting culinary circle of life.

Photos: Here's the Food You Missed at WriteOn Joliet's 2025 Anthology Release Party

Good morning!

WriteOn Joliet will hosted its 9th Annual Anthology Release Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.

The event was free to attend and open to the public. 

The chef-created heavy appetizers, coffee, water and hot chocolate, along with  photos with Santa, were also free. 

In fact, we had ten great reasons why we wished you could have attended.

Here's what Chef Tim of the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team prepared for attendees last Thursday.

If you missed the party, you can at least feast your eyes on the photos.

And if you braved the bitter cold, parking challenges, respiratory illnesses, and scheduling challenges this time of year, you can visually relive the delectable experience.

Happy scrolling!

Beef Tenderloin Sliders

Marinated and roasted beef tenderloin, slow cooked onion, garlic aioli

Chicken Ceaser Salad

Applewood smoked chicken breast, lightly toasted croutons, creamy caesar dressing

Kale and Cranberry Salad

Peppered pulled pork, buttered crumbs, carrots, cabbage, and a creamy mustard dressing

Key Lime Bites

Lime Juice, lime zest, lime syrup, whipped cream

Cream & Berries

Fresh vanilla scented whipped cream, assorted berries, vanilla wafer, raspberry sauce

Cookies & Cream

Cocoa crisp, white chocolate, flake salt

(My year-old corgi is serving for a placeholder for this item, while Timothy looks for a photo).

Now, Timothy purchased all the food from his own pocket and prepared it fresh that day, too. He and Daniel (who worked all day in Chicago) set it everything up, did all the serving and replenishing, and took it all down, too, loading and unloading the entire setup from their vehicles multiples time that day.

So they do look understandably tired.

However...

It is my humble opinion that of all the competing events in Joliet last Thursday night, none had a spread quite so delicious or pleasing to the eye than we did.

Enjoy scrolling through the remaining photos!

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com and bryonyseries.com.

Menu for WriteOn Joliet's 9th Annual Anthology Release Party on Dec. 4

Good morning!

WriteOn Joliet will host its 9th Annual Anthology Release Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. 

The chef-created heavy appetizers, coffee and water (we might have hot chocolate, too) and photos with Santa are also free. 

In fact, we have ten great reasons why you should attend.

But today's blog is all about the food. Here's what Chef Tim has planned for you on Thursday.

Beef Tenderloin Sliders

Marinated and roasted beef tenderloin, slow cooked onion, garlic aioli

 

Chicken Ceaser Salad

Applewood smoked chicken breast, lightly toasted croutons, creamy caesar dressing

 

Kale and Cranberry Salad

Peppered pulled pork, buttered crumbs, carrots, cabbage, and a creamy mustard dressing

 

Key Lime Bites

Lime Juice, lime zest, lime syrup, whipped cream

 

Cream & Berries

Fresh vanilla scented whipped cream, assorted berries, vanilla wafer, raspberry sauce

 

Cookies & Cream

Cocoa crisp, white chocolate, flake salt

This pre-Calkins Day 2020 video Timothy created for the virtual event gives you an idea of his culinary skills.

Happy Tuesday!

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com. 

Irish People Try Thanksgiving Dinner For The First Time

‘Food, Glorious Food’ from Oliver! | Lionel Bart

We (Finally) Have a B.L.O.C.K.S. Sign!

Although we published our very first BryonySeries book "Bryony" in 2011...

And although we used various display art through the years (including some cool panels my father made)...

We never had an actual sign.

Well, we do now.

Earlier this year, some members of the BryonySeries team formed B.L.O.C.K.S. which is (for now) an umbrella group for the BryonySeries and related creative endeavors.

We will roll up the B.L.O.C.K.S. sign for the very first time this Saturday, for the Men Who Cook event.

Will you be there?

We promise terrific food, friendly service, and a chance to win the cookbook that features the recipe we're serving Saturday night.

But here's the best part: all proceeds benefit "hope, healing, and justice for abused children."

Happy Thursday!

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3

 Good morning!

I have ten 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. 4: FAME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This Fandom Arts and Music Expo will features local musicans, artists, authors, and events on all three levels of the library. I will be leading a panel of comic book artists, reading a couple excerpts from my books, and speaking briefly about B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet. I will also have BryonySeries books, WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer two years ago.

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

Joliet social worker helping fight food insecurity among cancer patients

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-social-worker-helping-fight-food-insecurity-among-cancer-patients/

Will County schools superintendent named impact leader by American Heart Association

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/01/will-county-schools-superintendent-named-impact-leader-by-american-heart-association/

Downtown Joliet getting Baby’s Cheesesteak restaurant

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/10/01/downtown-joliet-getting-cheesesteaks-restaurant/

Coffee shop one of new Shorewood business licenses issued

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/01/coffee-shop-one-of-new-shorewood-business-licenses-issued/

Joliet nurse practitioner ‘climbing mountains’ for prostate cancer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/28/joliet-urology-nurse-practitioner-climbing-mountains-for-prostate-cancer/

Learn how to grow garlic in these classes in Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/27/learn-how-to-grow-garlic-in-these-classes-in-will-grundy-and-kankakee-counties/

Troy Township hosting free Medicare seminar in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/29/troy-township-hosting-free-medicare-seminar-in-shorewood/

Silver Cross New Lenox wound care center earns 2 awards

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/27/silver-cross-new-lenox-wound-care-center-earns-2-awards/

Joliet hospital recognized for geriatric emergency care

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-hospital-recognized-for-geriatric-emergency-care/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 29, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/29/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-29-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 5 through July 18

Good afternoon!

I have ten news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post. More stories 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 (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?

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Will County Head Start responds to Trump administration’s exclusion of undocumented kids in program

Head Start doesn’t ask for children’s immigration status

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/15/will-county-head-start-responds-to-trump-administrations-exclusion-of-undocumented-kids-in-program/

Shorewood distribution center laying off 150 employees

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/15/shorewood-distribution-center-laying-off-150-employees/

Joliet nonprofit Including You to host family festival at Bicentennial Park

Includes entertainment, kids activities, vendors, speciality drinks

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/16/joliet-nonprofit-to-host-festival-at-bicentennial-park/

Register now for ‘Marching into Mondays’ at Workforce Center of Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/18/register-now-for-marching-into-mondays-at-workforce-center-of-will-county/

Kiddie Academy looks to expand to Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/13/kiddie-academy-looks-to-expand-to-lockport/

Shorewood issues 4 new business licenses

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/13/shorewood-issues-4-new-business-licenses/

Where to dine with dogs in Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/13/where-to-dine-with-dogs-in-will-county/

Joliet gallery opens new ‘satirical’ cartoon collage exhibit

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/11/new-exhibit-at-joliet-gallery-opens-saturday/

Home-based business in Shorewood baking up traditional bagels

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/12/home-based-business-in-shorewood-baking-up-traditional-bagels/

Will County Pets of the Week: July 14, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/14/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-14-2025/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"