Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 6 through Dec. 12

Good morning!

I have thirteen stories online to share with you today (I've been working on a huge three-part project about the housing crisis in the background and the first two installments are posted for you to read today).

More stories will go live over the weekend, especially since I'm working this 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.

During this holiday season, please consider becoming a "Herald Angel" in Will County or Grundy County. The need for your help is high and - in some cases - truly unprecedented.

We are also still collecting BryonySeries children's books for Santa Services and the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. 

We have a collection box for books at The Book Market in Crest Hill. 

Or you can order BryonySeries children's books from Amazon (our BryonySeries store is being renovated) and ship to and to Denise M. Unland, P.O. Box 2789, Joliet, IL, 60436.

For bulk rates and more information, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

We will be collecting books throughout the holiday season.

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!

BryonySeries/WriteOn Joliet Christmas/Holiday Books

Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise

Cornell Dyer and the Flu

Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season

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 December, all activities center around giving.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Please note the time change.

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

Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way meet ‘unprecedented’ community need

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/11/26/be-a-herald-angel-help-will-county-united-way-meet-unprecedented-community-need/

Be a Herald Angel: Help Grundy County United Way meet high community need

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2025/11/25/be-a-herald-angel-help-grundy-county-united-way-meet-high-community-need/

Can’t afford a house in Will County? You’re not alone.

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/11/cant-afford-your-house-in-will-county-youre-not-alone/

 ‘Need a place of my own’: Will County needs diverse housing, business leaders, residents say

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/12/need-a-place-of-my-own-will-county-needs-diverse-housing-business-leaders-residents-say/

Babe’s restaurant in Joliet up for sale with owner retiring

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/10/babes-restaurant-in-joliet-up-for-sale-as-owner-retiring/

Joliet Chamber to celebrate Joliet nonprofit’s 70th anniversary

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/10/joliet-chamber-to-celebrate-joliet-nonprofits-70th-anniversary/

Chipotle Mexican Grill opening new Joliet location Wednesday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/09/chipotle-mexican-grill-opening-new-joliet-location-wednesday/

Yankee Candle to close 20 stores

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/12/09/yankee-candle-to-close-20-stores/

Joliet Noon Lions collecting items for Cornerstone, Daybreak Center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/08/joliet-noon-lions-collecting-items-for-cornerstone-daybreak-center/

Silver Cross Hospital New Lenox celebrates 130 Years

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/07/silver-cross-hospital-new-lenox-celebrates-130-years/

Lockport Chamber honors members, first responders

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/07/lockport-chamber-honors-members-first-responders/

Tax strategies among topics at Joliet Junior College year-end business forum

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/06/tax-strategies-among-topics-at-joliet-junior-college-year-end-business-forum/

Will County Pets of the Week: Dec. 8, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/08/will-county-pets-of-the-week-dec-8-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 4 to Feb. 10

Good morning!

Today I have just eleven features and news stories to share with you today with more to be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Also, here are two "save the date" events for people in the general Will County area.

One is our annual Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13 at The Book Market in Crest Hill. For details, read this post and then read this post.

The other is WriteOn Joliet's first radio-style reading that will be held on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. 

I'll share details as they jell. But for now, read this post. 

Fiction projects are coming along very slowly, since tomorrow will be my first real day off in nearly two weeks. My plan is to spend lots of time secluded in my room with coffee.

I now have rough drafts for the first six chapters of in the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another done this weekend.

I am in the process of writing the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Sue Midlock sent all the interior art and it is stunning! Sue is currently working on the cover.

I am also working on the fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Ozempic for weight loss hype causing shortages for diabetic patients that need drugShortage of another medication contributed to Ozempic’s shortage

Why Ozempic is potentially unsafe in the wrong hands: Local health experts recommend caution when using Ozempic strictly for weight loss  

High cost of eggs hurts people who need an affordable protein source: Eggs are known for their good source of dietary protein and low cost.

Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet to grace entrance with 40-foot mural: The Rialto received $85,000 from the FY 22 Route 66 Grant program. 

Plainfield wedding planner offers advice to couples in wake of fire at The Haley Mansion: The cause of the fire at the historic Joliet mansion is under investigation.

Galabration event on Feb. 11 to benefit Plainfield Catholic school: Allison Baumgartner said. ‘It won’t cost much to have fun and it all goes to our support our school. ' 

Joliet Noon Lions honored by Lions Club International for community impact

How are rising egg prices affecting the WIC program?: WIC is a food assistance program for low-income pregnant women, infants and children.

Pets of the Week: Feb. 6: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: enjoy a ‘Wander and Wonder’ hike in a Will County forest preserve.: Plus, enjoy comedy at the Rialto in Joliet and a play at Lewis University in Romeoville.

Mystery Diner: China Experience in Joliet serves up good food by friendly staff: Portions are large enough for 2 meals.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 21 to Jan. 27

Good morning!

Today I have just nine features and news stories to share with you today with several more to be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

If you live in the area, stop out at The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rebekah and I will be there with BryonySeries books. WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and a few miscellaneous titles. And if none of those interest you, you'll find thousands of new, used, and rare books at The Book Market, all waiting for you to find them.

Also, WriteOn Joliet has big news to share next week. In the meantime, white you're sitting at the edge of your seat with anticipation, here is a quick recap on BryonySeries projects in the works.

I now have rough drafts for the first five chapters of in the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another done this weekend.

I am in the process of writing the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Sue Midlock almost has the art done, too. But I will adjust and get that book written soon.

I am also working on the fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

More Will County residents are raising chickens for eggs. But is it worth it?: Will County Farm bureau said all municipalities may not allow it.

Longtime Rockdale steakhouse served up ‘lots of good memories.’: Patrons of the share their fondness for the newly closed Syl’s Restaurant.

Make a Plainfield woman’s cancer fight a little brighter on Jan. 29: Eva Mores: ‘We just really want to surround her home with light and love.’

Big Brothers Big Sisters partner with District 202 in Plainfield for in-school mentoring program: Stephanie Hook: ‘Our SOAR program was created just for this partnership.’

What you should know about new Omicron variant: Health experts in Will County offer tips for protecting yourself.

Baran-Unland: For a terrific pork tenderloin sandwich, head to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox: An employee in the cafeteria developed the sandwich. 

Our Lady of Angels in Joliet will host final Mass on Feb. 11. Reservations are required.

Pets of the Week: Jan. 23, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

5 Things to do in Will County: Joliet theater to host ‘Playwrights and Poets Festival’: Plus, enjoy a winter scavenger hunt, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and a singer/songer spotlight.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 7 to Jan. 20

Good morning!

Today I have just thirteen features and news stories to share with you today. Most of these stories are from the past week and will be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Last Tuesday, my sister and I flew out of state quiet abruptly when Sarah received word that my father was failing rapidly. Fortunately, we made it in time. But it's been an intense week.

We flew back very late Friday night, and I jumped right into the weekend shift. We did have Monday off for Martin Luther King Day, so I caught up on a few "life" things. Tuesday was a day of doctor appointments from beginning to end, with more tomorrow morning.

But after all that, I am looking forward to some unstructured time.

In the meantime, here is a quick recap on BryonySeries projects in the works.

I now have rough drafts for the first five chapters of in the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another done this weekend.

I am in the process of writing the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Sue Midlock almost has the art done, too. But I will adjust and get that book written soon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Soaring egg prices: bird flu is mostly, but not completely, to blame: Inflation, demand and labor costs also factor into the increase

Northern Illinois breakfast restaurants, grocers reeling from increase in egg prices: USDA: Shell eggs remain at historically-high levels.

District 86 school board in Joliet to place $99.5 million referendum question on the April ballot: The bulk of the funds would be used to replace 2 junior high schools. 

Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielson will light up giant guitar sculpture on top of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet: Ron Romero: ‘We wanted to produce something people could be proud of in Joliet.’

Joliet MLK event focused on ways to ‘cultivate a collective impact.’: Author and community activist Ernest Crim III moderated the panel.

See bald eagles up close Jan. 14 with Will County Forest Preserve District program: Jess McQuown: ‘It’s exciting to see a bald eagle in real life’ 

Eagle Watch program in Will County attracted 1,000s on Saturday: The event was free and open to people of all ages and abilities.

Minooka woman raising money for her young dog’s surgery: Kathy Vanoskey: ‘He does have something for pain. But he can’t stay on that forever.'

Driver flees after crash on Joliet’s west side: No injuries were reported, Joliet police said.

Dog walker finds skeletal remains of missing Frankfort Township man: Will County Sherriff’s Office deputies also found a bicycle that matched the description of Padilla’s bicycle.

5 Things to do in Will County: Cheap Trick’s lead guitarist Rick Nielson will light giant guitar in downtown Joliet: The public is invited to the 30-minute ceremony

Pets of the Week: Jan. 16, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

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

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug 6 to Aug. 12

Good morning!

I have just eight stories to share with you today - and two more not yet posted.  But most are fairly comprehensive and took time to write.

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

If you're in the area, stop out at Willow Fest on Saturday and Sunday. Ed and Nancy Calkins will have a table or two. Nancy is selling her artwork and Ed is selling BryonySeries books. 

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

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebekah has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is nearly written, and the rest are outlined. 

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Shorewood family giving away 2,000 tickets to Military Appreciation Night at Joliet field: Frank Pastorello: ‘Let’s honor those who have served and remember those we have lost’

Will County school districts respond to Illinois’ new sex education policy

Pets of the Week: Aug. 8, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Dog daycare/boarding franchise with an ‘all-day play’ model opened Monday in Plainfield: John Quinn: ‘Dogs are just social creatures.’ 

Why the discrepancy of gas prices in the Will County area?: The answer is multifaceted.

How helpful was Illinois’ sales tax holiday for school supplies for Will, Grundy County parents?: Only select items qualified for the reduced state sales tax rate.

5 Things to do in Will County: barns, bargains, magic and music: Enjoy secondhand deals, live entertainment this weekend

Team Lawson Sizemore wins Great American Big Wheel Race in Joliet: Sizemore: ‘I’m grateful we got a great team together’

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 22 to July 29

Good morning!

I have twelve feature stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted. AND I'm working through the weekend. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

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

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebekah has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

A look at why prices are up in Will County – and how you can cope

Pets of the Week: July 25, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Vendors, school supplies needed for ‘Back 2 School Picnic’ in August: The Joliet event is free. Bring your own lawn chairs'

Trinity Services in New Lenox opens Studio 22 to provide ‘a creative and inviting space’ for its clients: Kevin Krauss: Programs ‘pair positive emotions with a sense of achievement.’ 

Baran-Unland: How is inflation impacting millennials and genZ adults?: The Herald-News would love to hear some first-hand stories.

Silver Cross Hospital opens Will County’s 1st NICU: Dr. Corryn Greenwood: ‘This lets families and babies be together’ 

5 sculptures for Joliet’s Summer of Stone and Steel to be unveiled Thursday: Statues explore Joliet’s heritage of steel and stone ‘in diverse and beautiful ways.’

What you need to know about the new COVID-19 variant: Dr. Jonathan Pinsky: ‘It’s the most transmissible variant yet.’ 

3 ways to use up your garden’s bounties after you’ve shared with family and friends: Will County master gardener Nancy Kuhajda stresses safety with all 3.

5 Things to do in Will County: Pairings of food and music: Plus, head out into the night in search of moths.

Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet anounces lineup for the holidays 

5 sculptures for ‘Summer of Stone and Steel,’ unveiled at Juliet’s Tavern in Joliet: Quinn Adamowksi, chairman of the arts commission, said it’s time to ‘forge a new path for Joliet.’

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 9 to July 15

Good morning!

I have thirteen feature stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

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

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

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

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

Rebekah hopes to upload Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins) very soon. The book is ready to go except for a little trouble Rebekah is having with KDP. 

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

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

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

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

Rebekah has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

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

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

New to thrifting? Try these inflation-fighting resale stores in Will County: Clothes, furniture, toys and more can be found secondhand.

Cleared COVID-19 but not the symptoms? You are not alone. Local doctors seeing persistent symptoms in some of their patients.

Morris Hospital credits new MRI for improved scans in less time and with greater patient comfort: The new MRI replaces Morris Hospital’s 11-year-old model.

Therapy animals delight clients at UCP-Center for Disability Services in Joliet: Therapy animals have a wide range of benefits.

Joliet nonprofit teaming up with Joliet pizzeria to offer free hot meals. The first meal will be distributed July 14.

Rotary Club of Joliet donates 2,000 dictionaries to 3rd and 4th grade students at 15 D. 86 schools: Sheehan: ‘The kids get so excited about it.’

Pets of the Week: July 11, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Mystery Diner in Crest Hill: La Chicanita Bakery serves fresh Mexican breads, pastries and more: Aromas are amazing and staff very friendly

Inflation: Will County residents hunker down: ‘This country is going the wrong way; let’s face it.’

‘Smoke’ the competition at Frankfort’s 13th annual Amateur Rib Cook-Off: Deadline to enter is July 22.

Will County Coroner’s Office seeking community’s help with a cold case: Sullivan: ‘It’s about the families being able to have some closure.’

5 Things to do in Will County: Plainfield Fest kicks off Friday: Plus, enjoy some good music and local art.

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health.