Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 23 to Sept. 29

Good morning!

Today I'm sharing nine features and news stories today with more stories being posted over weekend, especially since I am working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

The fun and good will of Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash, which happened in August at The Book Market in Crest Hill, will continue this fall at The Book Market in Crest Hill with a special display to help Santa distribute books to children and special needs adults this holiday season.

If you don't live near The Book Market and wish to donate one or more Bertrand the Mouse books to Santa, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Those in Joliet can get their BryonySeries reads all lined up for Halloween and beyond. Just pop into the BryonySeries tent from 5 to 11 p.m. Oct,. 7 at Panic in the Plaza, Van Buren Plaza, downtown Joliet.

Stay tuned for additional BryonySeries appearances this fall.

I still don't have any updates on the WriteOn Joliet radio play recording, which we recorded at digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August.

WriteOn Joliet almost finished editing the radio play that eight members (including me) presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.and at the Joliet Public Library on Sept. 9.

But one reading needs re-editing, which I hope to schedule soon (if we can just stop have emergencies!).

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects in progress:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, two chapters that are ready for final edits, and a prologue that is taking an interesting turn. Writing on this book is paused until I finish Karla and the BryonySeries guidebook. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville is now available for purchase on Amazon. Or buy a signed copy at BryonySeries events this fall. Stay tuned!

Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We hope to schedule a "Cornell breakfast" 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. 

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series is now in production. Rebekah has created the cover and is handling the formatting. All that's left is Karla's "portrait," of which Jennifer Wainright is finishing up.

The goal is to release "Karla" in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

Jennifer designed the covers for Julie and the Too-Hard Homework, Katie and the Big Fear, and Summer Sisters, as well as frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'm slowly pecking at this and hope to finish it during this year's writers' retreat in mid-October. The goal is to release it in time for WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 7 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. Writing on this is also paused ibn favor of completing the BryonySeries guidebook. We are estimating a 2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

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/X 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

Will County cafes serving up deals for National Coffee Day: Plus 3 suggestions for celebrating National Coffee Day

Plainfield ‘Stranger Things’ Halloween display back with even more fright: Audrey Appel: ‘We’re trying to build better things’

Lockport rescue has Siberian huskies that need good homes: Linda Gondek, founder, said adopters need to understand thebreed

Joliet mom donating kidney to teen son: Sandy King, mom: ‘He’s very respectful and just anall-around great kid’

Joliet Rotary raffle offers big prizes while giving back tocommunity

Joliet youth mariachi band seeks community support withfundraiser: Fundraiser raffle prize is a performance from Mariachi deJoliet

Craft Fairs in Will County: where to find them: Dates range from Saturday through December

Pets of the Week: Sept. 25, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Plainfield homecoming parade: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 8 to April 14

Good morning!

Today I have 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.

In addition to dealing with a new health issue (two doctors visits, one ER trip and one quick care visit over the last couple weeks), I've also been working on stories for a new edition The Herald-News will begin in March and a new "Thank You, Teachers" edition in May.

In additioin, WriteOn Joliet will host its first radio-style reading on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. 

And now we are officially on Bicentennial Park's calendar, which you can see here. 

And we have a promotional video, which you can see here.

So, as you can imagine, fiction projects are limping along. But they are progressing.

So far, I've completed rough drafts for the prologue and first sixteen chapters of the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another chapter drafted this weekend.

I am in the process of fleshing out 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. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have five solid chapters. 

Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior art and a rough draft of the cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the series.

I have also completed three chapters for 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. I have written and edited a fourth of it and have about another third of it loosely written. But that's all I'm sharing about it for now.

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

Last year, a 100-year-old Will County church nearly shut its doors. Now, it’s sprung to new life: Barb Palmer: ‘Whoever comes to our church will know that we love the Lord and that he’s done so much for us’

Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Joliet’s Rialto Square Theatre on April 27: Humperdinck said his show is highly entertaining, with plenty of high quality songs 

Plainfield ‘celebrity chef’ Arron Sain whipped up a business with culinary, bodybuilding skills: Arron Sain: ‘I chose to take the journey into the unknown’ 

Brother of Joliet teen with rare kidney syndrome now has same disease: Stacey Reyes: ‘I don’t know how fast his kidney function will decline’

Tim Placher bringing songwriters showcase to USF in #Joliet: Tim Placher: ‘These are people creating original music and trying to make it in the music business’ 

Joliet’s Visitation and Aid to hold spring brunch on May 7: Tickets are available now

Travis Tritt to perform at the Rialto in Joliet in August" Tickets are available now 

Marine veteran opens PuroClean franchise in Romeoville: PuroClean has nearly 425 locations in the U.S. and Canada @PuroClean

Will County Health Department names new assistant executive director: Denise Bergin: ‘I’m proud to be a part of this agency and of the work we do’ 

Pets of the Week: April 10, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption 

5 Things to do in Will County: ‘Meet’ Louis Jolliet this weekend: Also this weekend: Beatles music, Charlie Brown musical, S.T.E.M. Fest and free pancake breakfast

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 24 to Sept. 30

Good morning!

WHEW! What a night last night.

About a year ago, I donated two of WriteOn Joliet's anthologies to The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community after getting a refund of an overpayment of a medical procedure.

I had already written off the money and, when it returned, I wanted to do some good with it. I have a longstanding working relationship with the company that handles its marketing, so I reached out and asked if The Timbers might be interested, stressing that I wasn't selling anything.

Well, The Timbers WAS interested, so I donated WriteOn's current anthology up to that point and it's bonus "cheetah" anthology. 

Last night The Timbers hosted a signing, reading, and overall reception that included skirted banquet tables, appetizers and wine, fellowship, some of the most engaging readings we, as a group, have ever produced - well, The Timbers all but rolled out the red carpet. Apparently they have that, too, and promised to roll is out next time.

For the book club is eager to read more anthologies and host another event. I'll share details next week, but here's the message that's apparent to me: if I thought I was being generous with the donation, entertaining the book club and giving a bit of marketing to its members - well, The Timbers outdid my small donation tenfold last night. Truly, truly humbling.

On the stories side of the things, I have fourteen features and news 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, 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.

We recently and unexpectedly euthanize our oldest cat. She had an amazing and somewhat mysterious life. You can read details here.

Also, please send up good thoughts/prayers etc. for Rebekah. She's had a challenging couple years, health-wise (especially the last twelve months). Her latest bloodwork was all over the place, more was ordered, and she now needs to see three specialists and have a stress test (as if she weren't stressed enough already). Of course, the insurance is taking its time approving some of these tests.

Rebekah is absolutely integral to the BryonySeries, not to mention our family. She oversees its all its financial aspects, handles all book production, manages two social media accounts, and is the go-to person at events. Plus, she's a wonderful person. We need her to feel much better soon.

We pulled back WriteOn Joliet's anthology from production to add a memorial page to one of our active members who died suddenly last week. We also lost two former members this year, one of whom was an original member. All three deaths were sudden. Please send up good thoughts/prayers for their families.

One the fiction side of things, I read through the first eighteen chapters of the second book in the BryonySeries "ruthless" trilogy by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara while Ed is working on the remaining chapters. 

Ed's feeling a bit discouraged because he wanted to release his second book by Calkins Day 2023 (Feb. 13). But as any creative person knows, good art doesn't always happen on our timetable. 

You can find Ed's first novel here.

Also, 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.

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.

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.

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

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

Rebekah has completed cover art for three of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second should be ready for production this weekend (I had some formatting issues last weekend) and the rest are outlined. 

We hope to release the first three books in this series at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party in early December.

Rebekah is also working on 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 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 mother’s love: Jamie O’Connor is thankful she can give life to her son a second time.

Joliet man finally receives kidney transplant, encourages donation: The need for diverse donors is high. 

Pumpkin season is here – check out our expansive list of pumpkin farms and festivities

Pets of the Week: Sept. 26, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Joliet senior biking 30 miles in October in memory of her granddaughter: Beverly Voyce is raising funds to send seriously ill children to camp

Alum creates creates 70-page book for 50th anniversary of 2 former Catholic schools in Joliet: Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas: ‘I think there was something magical about 1972′ 

Trinity Services board member honored for 50 years of service: Art Dykstra: ‘his heart went out to the people we serve.’ 

Manhattan woman selected for 2022 Latina Style Distinguished Military Service Award: Master Sgt. Thelma Barrios: ‘I just enjoy being able to help soldiers, to mentor them and guide them.’ 

Mokena church to unveil time capsules at the centennial celebration of its history-rich church: People who like local history should attend.

Joliet museum to revive Slovenian Grape Harvest Festival on Sunday: Greg Peerbolte: ‘Everyone is Slovenian on October 2 at the festival.’

Hurricane Ian cuts wedding festivities short for Shorewood coupleBut, a former Joliet Junior College chef is riding out the storm in his Florida home.

For a scary good time, check out 4 haunted attractions in Will County: One is very family friendly, too.

Early voting starts tomorrow: here’s where to vote in Will County: Some sites serve all of Will County and some serve local residents only.

5 Things to do in Will County: Kick off October with a supernatural scavenger hunt: Plus, enjoy music and a bit of kindness in Plainfield

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. 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 30 to Aug. 5

 Good morning!

I have seventeen features and breaking news 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, 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

Joliet neighborhood enjoys its first Porch and Park Music Fest: Vickie Haire: ‘Whoever organized this was a genius.’

Walmart’s InHome program now offers grocery delivery straight to your refrigerator: 5 Will County store locations offer the service 

8 RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals brokers receive America’s Best awards: Rankings of participating agents and teams in the U.S. are based on 2021 numbers

Joliet home health nurse donating a kidney on Wednesday to someone she’s never met: Julie Lakomiak hopes her story inspires others to donate, too.

Pets of the Week: Aug. 1, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Gardner woman pursued dental career because her father believed in her. Chelsea Schultz also received two awards at graduation.

Plainfield pancreatic cancer survivor to throw 1st pitch at Joliet Slammers game on Saturday: Frank Wiltse was opening day pitcher in the 1993 movie, ‘Rookie of the Year.’ 

Morris Hospital progressing with surgery department renovationsL Morris Hospital has recently completed a number of additional renovations.

Mystery Diner in Crest Hill: Mickey’s Gyros serves up more than gyros

New Lenox, Homer Glen saw brunt of Wednesday’s storms: Joliet had some overcast skies and rain

BREAKING NEWS

5 Things to do in Will County: festivals all weekend long: Also, the Forest Preserve District of Will County will host a ‘Sensory Sunday’

Joliet man dies after being shot multiple times

Motorcyclist killed in Joliet crash ID’d by coroner: Avontae E. Baker fondly remembered by childhood friend

On-duty Joliet police officer injured in car crash: Officer in good condition, according to Joliet PD

Joliet detectives investigate shooting early Saturday in 100 block of South Hammes: 28-year-old man with life-threatening injuries was taken to hospital

Crest Hill home uninhabitable after heavy fire

Aurora man charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder of Bolingbrook man arrested Tuesday

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, Jan 23 through Jan. 29

Good morning! What a busy week!

Nineteen stories to share with you this week plus one photo gallery by Herald-News photographer Geoff Stellfox, who braved the blustery weather on Wednesday to capture a vigil that law enforcement representatives held outside a hospital room for one of their own - a father of five who is battling severe COVID-19.

In addition, Rebekah is attending a two-day marketing conference for authors in my place, which is being hosted by someone from whom we've been following for a couple of years, taking his classes, etc.

She's jotted down some good ideas and received reinforcement that we've absorbed some of the material, so that's been useful.

This morning, I also attended a virtual discussion on revision at 4 a.m. (yes, you heard that right) as part of the 5 a.m. writers group on Twitter (the group is on the east coast). I'm actually surprised I made it. 

Last night I wound up with a migraine aura - haven't had one of those in a few years. But the resulting headache is nearly gone, and I'm, surprisingly, not that tired (migraines usually leave me sleepy).

Rebekah is planning to upload the final draft of Ed Calkins' "Ruthless" today, too. So unless KDP has any issues with it, Ed should be able to order copies this weekend.

Speaking of Ed and his book, don't forget to register for his book release party.

“Ruthless,” by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is a work of absolute literary nonsense about the last seven seconds in the life of an Irishman and his afterlife as an Irish vampire, most of which never happened.

Calkins Day 2021 will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Calkins Day (Feb. 13, 2021) on Zoom. 

Real food and drink available if you bring your own ingredients. 

Calkins and his sidekick “The Goddess” will chat about author collaborations, how to legally  fictionalize a real person, literary nonsense. Irish vampires, deep time psychosis, and Astro-Time Physics.

He will also answer questions but doesn’t promise you’ll understand the answers. Calkins will also randomly give away three copies of “Ruthless.”

Local author and WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez will emcee. 

Chef Tim will give three demonstrations. Menu and ingredient list provided after registration.

Calkins Day is free. To register, visit bryonyseries.com/registerforcalkinsday.

Finally, if you'd like more kindness in your life, here are some reflections where you might find it: Nine Months of Kindness.

Have a great Friday!

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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.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-1.

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

An Extraordinary Life: ‘He wanted to make sure everyone was safe’ : Gordon Latz was a dedicated Joliet police officer and family man

Few dispute the need to protect seniors citizens from the SARS-CoV-2. But at what cost?: A year into the pandemic, here’s the effects of physical distancing on the elderly

Turning technology around ‘on a dime’: Despite challenges, Troy technology specialists keep remote learning running smoothly

Putting their money where their beliefs are: Will County lawyers offering unique scholarship to help promote diversity

LocalLit book spotlight: ‘With Only Seconds to Spare’: Story of how 1 family survived the 1990 Plainfield tornado will be reviewed in this week’s newsletter

LocalLit book review: A teen’s experience of the 1990 Plainfield Tornado: Thoughts on ‘With Only Seconds to Spare: How one family survived the 1990 Plainfield tornado’

Pandemic brought ‘opportunities for creativity and growth and inclusion’: Plainfield-based After the Peanut offering online tutoring in new partnership

Plainfield resident named BCBSIL ‘Volunteer of the Year’: Dominique Bryant spent nearly 285 hours in 2020 serving others

Up to snow good? We want to see it: Herald-News seeking submissions of your snow photos

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

Wilmington’s ‘free’ store runs on donations, volunteers and prayer: With pandemic protocols in place, Our Caring Closet continues to serve its clients

Seeing red because of face masks? Here’s what to do: Personal protective equipment great for slowing spread of COVID-19, terrible for your skin

In search of better protection from COVID? The answer’s in your dresser drawer: U of I research team found the best face mask – and CDC references its research

Braving the elements for one of their own: Will County law enforcement held vigil for Deputy Ken Kostecki

Photos: Vigil for Ken Kostecki: Will County deputy battling severe COVID

‘Something was going on with her kidneys. And they didn’t know what it was’: Joliet teen didn’t know she had rare genetic syndrome – and now she needs a kidney

Easy come, easy snow: Herald-News readers submit their best snow photos of the fierce winter storm that wasn’t

Students receive a tour of their school - finally: D. 202 in Plainfield phasing into in-person learning 

A showcase of creative abilities: JCA students display their work at 2 collegiate art exhibits 

Got cabin fever? Try these ‘remedies’ from Forest Preserve District of Will County: Check out fun outside and inside activities for this weekend and beyond

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

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

Good morning!

It's an especially busy Friday, so I'll keep this short and, hopefully, very sweet.

Weekend plans, writing-wise: some editing (for me, for some clients). On the "me" side of things, I have a short story to finish that keeps getting pushed aside (again, by me), and the edits to incorporate into Lycanthropic Summer and Cornell Dyer and the Old Folks Home.

I'm hoping to spend a little time with The Phoenix, too.

Weekend miscellaneous plans: Coffee, walks, some reading (have three books going at once), and maybe a peek at some of the grandkids - because that's how quality times goes during a pandemic.

And I might check in with Ed Calkins to see how Ruthless is coming along.

Have a great day! :)

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.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times


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.


FEATURE STORIES:

LocalLit book spotlight: 'When Life Gets Shaky'

And the review: LocalLit book review: 'When Life Gets Shaky'

Building a bridge with a piece of paper: Joliet hospice's 'Cards for Caring' program keep patients and volunteers connected 


Baran-Unland: Joliet man's fight for a kidney abruptly ends


Pets of the Week: Sept. 14

An Extraordinary Life: 'He just protected us from everything:' Retired Joliet police officer put great value on his relationships

Student artifacts are buried underground at the new Will County courthouse

"Time capsule at new Will County courthouse holds hundreds of student submissions:" 

Here is the list of all the students who participated. The capsule will be opened in 2045.

President of D. 204 board in Joliet residents

'All our activities will be able to go on steroids:' Senior Services Center of Will County purchases former Target in Romeoville

Baran-Unland: Rooting for a 'little warrior' named Baby Owen Buell: Joliet toddler OK in some areas, struggling in others

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 27 through July 3

Super slow start to this morning, just taking my time scheduling posts , etc.

The next three days will consist of editing work for clients, playing with my own fiction writing, working on the fourth anthology for WriteOn Joliet (November 202 release), and time with family - whatever they want to do.

For those new to this blog, the first bit of information tells where to find me and my writings on social media. Beyond that are the story links, nearly a dozen this week (although two are mystery diners written by Shaw Media employees).

In the spirit of Henry Matthews from Bryony, I leave you this quote from Jane Eyre: “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

Happy reading!

Non-bylined features:

Search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

Once a week, I do combine a week's worth into a single blog post.

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 at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

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

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. 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 with each year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

Upcoming BryonySeries events:

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts. 

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at bryonyseries.com.

Newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

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.

A new mutation makes it easier for the coronavirus to infect people

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/26/a-new-mutation-makes-it-easier-for-the-coronavirus-to-infect-people/ax6wdaj/


Treating covid-related anxiety: 1 cultural approach doesn't fit all

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/26/treating-covid-related-anxiety-1-cultural-approach-doesnt-fit-all/ajbye7k/


LocalLit book spotlight: 'Cherry Mine Disaster of 1909' by Jim Ridings

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/25/locallit-book-spotlight-cherry-mine-disaster-of-1909-by-jim-ridings/aok4vy9/


LocalLit book review: 'Cherry Mine Disaster of 1909'

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/30/locallit-book-review-cherry-mine-disaster-of-1909/accoy66/


An Extraordinary Life: A winner on and off the baseball field
Longtime Troy board member was also an exceptional coach

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/06/26/a3d672b5aef44eb4bf55e4ecd2092407/index.xml


'I literally looked like a pregnant man'
Pandemic delayed transplant testing for #Joliet diabetic in kidney failure

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/29/i-literally-looked-like-a-pregnant-man/a4iwzg/


Pets of the Week: June 29

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/28/pets-of-the-week-june-29/d90a6zy/

Take a 'Key West' staycation this July at retail garden center in Crest Hill

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/28/take-a-key-west-staycation-this-july-at-retail-garden-center-in-crest-hill/dx5jtu5/


Baran-Unland: Tips for a great summer staycation during COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/29/baran-unland-tips-for-a-great-summer-staycation-during-covid-19/ae5mzak/


In kidney failure and college-bound
Plainfield teen has rare #autoimmune disease and plans for his future

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/29/in-kidney-failure-and-college-bound/dhkf76k/


Mystery Diner: Som Za Thai Cuisine in Joliet keeps you coming back for more

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/29/mystery-diner-som-za-thai-cuisine-in-joliet-keeps-you-coming-back-for-more/dtxj5cx/


Mystery Diner: Bold adventures in Chinese cuisine at Dragon Palace

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/06/24/76656a5c1c684c988b05e7e6fe2c1bc1/index.xml?page=1

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage.