BryonySeries: public education

Showing posts with label public education. Show all posts

Friday, August 16, 2024

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 10 to Aug. 16

Good morning!

I have ten stories to share with you today with stories posting over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Tonight until late, five WriteOn Joliet authors (which includes the BryonySeries) will be showcasing out work at New Orleans North in Joliet (so please stop by our tents).

And then first thing tomorrow morning, BryonySeries will be making bargain-based deals with our booth attendees at Stuff on Bluff." Come out and make a shopping deal with us!

BryonySeries books-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, with all but eight chapters that are ready for final edits. I should be able to finish the eight at the next at-home writing retreat in early September. We are still estimating a late 2024 release date for this book, with copies available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 6.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). However, I outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Timothy said his concept for the next book in the actual series will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

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 in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. I've neglected this book for a few months and hope to revisit it soon. We'd like to release it in late 2024, but 2024 has been a challenging year. We shall see.

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.

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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty-one chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

Now back to The Herald-News stories 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 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.

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’s Cathedral neighborhood to host 3rd Porch & Park Music Fest

Genres include rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, duos, brass and jazz, Irish and Americana

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/joliet-neighborhood-to-host-3rd-porch-park-music-fest/

Will County business experts: 4 things you need to do when starting a business

Opening a business is ‘much more than just setting up a storefront’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/will-county-business-experts-4-things-you-need-to-do-when-starting-a-business/

Merichka’s in Crest Hill now selling its house dressing at Berkot’s grocery stores

Joe Zdralevich III, Merichka’s co-manager: ‘This was a long time coming’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/06/merichkas-in-crest-hill-now-selling-its-house-dressing-at-berkots-grocery-stores/

New Plainfield pancake restaurant opens

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/03/new-pancake-restaurant-in-plainfield/

Silver Cross Medical Group in New Lenox opens new location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/silver-cross-medical-group-in-new-lenox-opens-new-location/

Joliet Unity Movement works to empower, engage local youth

Families can register now for home ownership seminar on Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/09/joliet-unity-movement-works-to-empower-engage

Will County schools standing pat as national trends show schools tighten cellphone rules

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/15/will-county-schools-reminding-students-parents-of-cell-phone-policies/

Joliet Bishop Hill winery hosting Sunday concert series

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/17/joliet-bishop-hill-winery-hosting-sunday-concert-series/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 12, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/12/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-12-2024/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Joliet Blues Brothers Con

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/08/15/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-joliet-blues-brothers-con/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, May 12, 2023

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

Good morning!

Today I have thirteen features and news stories to share with you today, which includes eight "Thank You, Teacher" I wrote in the background over the last few weeks.

More stories will be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

On April 22, WriteOn Joliet presented its first presentation of original readings in a radio-style format at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater. In June, we will record an audio version of that show.

And if you missed it the first time around, you may get another opportunity. I will keep you posted.

I am very happy to see Friday today. Except for taking Rebekah to a very well-deserved "thank you" breakfast for all her hard BryonySeries work, I have no plans for this weekend, except to relax and write fiction, something I haven't done for several months - much needed since I'm scheduled to work next week again.

Here is a recap of my BryonySeries projects so far.

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and hope to spend some deep time on just one chapter this weekend.

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have nearly six solid chapters ready to go and hoping for a seventh by the end of this weekend. Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior and cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the 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.

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Six chapters are completed and a hope to make progress on a seventh.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. A fourth of it is written and edited, another third on top of that is loosely written, and pieces are in "homework" shape. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. This is typically a Friday night project - so hoping to play with it tonight.

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 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

Longtime Joliet glass artist closes retail location, but hopeful for the future: Sue Regis: ‘I’m very blessed and grateful for the support in the community.’

The 815 gives Joliet area youth musicians a monthly concert experience: Youth ages 5 to 21 can sign up to perform at The Forge

Baran-Unland: 10 reasons why you should eat dinner with turtles on May 23: The Forest Preserve District of Will County will also hold a live turtle presentation on May 21.

Bring documents to shred on Saturday at #Romeoville village hall: This event is free and open to the public

Romeoville university site for 3rd annual Summer STEAM Camp: After The Peanut is hosting the camp at Lewis University

Will County Beer and Bourbon Fest scheduled for May 20 benefits veterans: Will County Habitat for Humanity is ‘only as strong as the community that supports us’

Joliet Public School Districts 86 teacher receives Golden Apple award in surprise celebration Wednesday: Chelsea Young: ‘The crowd came busting through the door with joyful cheers.’

New Lenox hospital foundation, Old National Bank announce corporate partnership: The donation will help fund programs and facilities

Register now for a Mother’s Day event at the Will County forest preserve: Register by Friday for ‘Hike with Mother Nature at Keepataw Preserve

Plainfield Park District Foundation to host ‘Float and Fundraise’ event: Reserve your tube time now for the July 3 day of giving.

Get tips for saving money and energy at Troy Township event May 18: Registration is required for this free event

Pets of the Week: May 8, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Get Mom a free ticket to a Joliet Slammers game on Sunday: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

THANK YOU, TEACHERS

Joliet Central special needs teacher visits and raises money for orphans in Uganda: Assistant vice principal: ‘She’s remarkable, so full of love’

Plainfield’s District 202 director of student services committed to students’ social emotional health: ‘He has really been a leader and he will continue to keep it at the forefront for all of us’

Associate professor at Lewis University in Romeoville is a role model for future special education teachers: Jennifer Buss: ‘My goal was just to provide more doors being opened’

Joliet’s District 86 hires its first French bilingual English language resource specialist: Kira Cloonan: ‘Once I found out this job was available, I just had to try for it’

Lincoln-Way West social worker ‘just lifts everyone’: Chrissy Hack promotes social-emotional health wherever she can

District 86 teacher shares her Colombian culture in Joliet classroom: Teacher Jenny Cuesta Hernandez said her Sator Sanchez students love learning new songs and games

Valley View special education teacher has taught every grade in 30-year career: Jennifer Foster ‘helps to build the whole child’

Troy ELA teacher brings language to life for her students: Jennifer Lowe: ‘I so love getting kids up on their feet and getting them to engage’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, May 5, 2023

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 29 to May 5

Good morning!

Today I have just twenty-one features and news stories to share with you today, which includes eight "Thank You, Teacher" I wrote in the background over the last few weeks.

More stories will be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Last Saturday WriteOn Joliet presented its first presentation of original readings in a radio-style format at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater. In June, we will record an audio version of that show.

And if you missed it the first time around, you may get another opportunity. I will keep you posted.

Here is a recap of my BryonySeries projects so far.

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book. The heaviest and most difficult part of the book is done. Hurray!

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have five solid chapters. Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior and cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the 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.

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Three chapters are completed and a fourth chapter is in a very rough draft.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. A fourth of it is written and edited, another third on top of that is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover.

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 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.

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 civil engineer builds her own pathway to success: Former IDOT employee starts own consulting firm

Minooka middle school students held mobile food pantry on Saturday: Lexi Guerrero: ‘It’s fun to talk with friends and help people you know need help’

Lockport teen athlete died weeks after brain cancer diagnosis. Saturday’s fundraiser aims to fight back: Connor Christian’s legacy lives on through a foundation in his name

Romeoville university hosted Special Olympics plane pull on Saturday: ‘We love Lewis and we’re excited to be raising money for these athletes’

New Lenox Trinity Services staff member receives award: Trinity Services, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that was founded in 1950

Halfway to Halloween comes to Old Joliet Haunted Prison May 12 and May 13: Sign up for Fright Club for early access and promotions

No one injured in car fire at #Joliet business on Sunday morning

Joliet police officer stabbed in stomach while conducting welfare check

Joliet Township High School recognized for excellence in financial reporting: This was JTHS’ 36th year of participating in this program

Joliet university students create paint night for Timbers of Shorewood residents: Amy Odell: ‘The USF students ran a wonderful interactive project.’

Joliet Noon Lions recycling projects benefit sight, hearing projects: Items were sent to the Lions of Illinois Foundation

Pets of the Week: May 1, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

THANK YOU, TEACHERS

Joliet Central special needs teacher visits and raises money for orphans in Uganda: Assistant vice principal: ‘She’s remarkable, so full of love’

Associate professor at Lewis University in Romeoville is a role model for future special education teachers: Jennifer Buss: ‘My goal was just to provide more doors being opened’

Joliet’s District 86 hires its first French bilingual English language resource specialist: Kira Cloonan: ‘Once I found out this job was available, I just had to try for it’

Lincoln-Way West social worker ‘just lifts everyone’: Chrissy Hack promotes social-emotional health wherever she can

District 86 teacher shares her Colombian culture in Joliet classroom: Teacher Jenny Cuesta Hernandez said her Sator Sanchez students love learning new songs and games

Valley View special education teacher has taught every grade in 30-year career: Jennifer Foster ‘helps to build the whole child’

Troy ELA teacher brings language to life for her students: Jennifer Lowe: ‘I so love getting kids up on their feet and getting them to engage’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, February 24, 2023

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 18 to Feb. 24

Good morning!

Today I have just eleven features and news stories to share with you today with more to be posted over the weekend as I will be working.

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.

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

Also, here is a "save the date" event for people in the general Will County area: WriteOn Joliet will host its first radio-style reading on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet.

I'll share details as they jell - and they are jelling. We worked on the readings last night and realized we need more practice.

But for now, read this post.

We held our annual Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13 at The Book Market in Crest Hill. If you don't know what Calkins Day is, read this post and then read this post.

This year, we built our celebration around the local authors and independent authors in order to help build up Ed's library of such authors and provide a little exposure for these authors.

Authors were invited to gift Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara with one of their books. In turn, they could take home any one of five books Ed either wrote or appeared in. Readers could talk Ed out of a book.

Over the next few weeks, I'll dedicate separate posts to these authors and give them additional exposure on social media. Here is one such post from earlier this week.

So please watch for these posts. They may just lead you to your next favorite book.

Fiction projects are coming along very slowly, but they are coming along. I'm also working simultaneously working on five books (and a new Bertrand book), a first for me.

So here's the latest update:

I now have completed rough drafts for the first eleven chapters of 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 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 three solid chapters. Sue Midlock sent all the interior art and it is stunning! Sue is currently working on the cover.

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. 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 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.

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’s UCP’s Great Chef’s Tasting returns March 5: Tickets available now.

United Way of Will County urges local agencies and nonprofits to apply for Emergency Food & Shelter Program Funds

Young Joliet boxer winning awards, wants to pursue nursing: At 15, Joseph “Jo Jo” Awinongya Jr. is competing and attending Joliet Junior College.

Enjoy the Herald-News roundup of Joliet-area fish fries this Lent: Here are ten fish fries you can try.

Joliet club to host women-centered film festival Joliet’s Renaissance Center: The event also raises scholarship funds for women.

Citizens form committee to support bond referendum for Joliet schools: The referendum question needs 50% approval along with one additional ‘yes’ vote.

Plainfield School District 202 approves building security upgrades: This work is part of District 202′s 5-year strategic plan.

Joliet woman killed in car crash Wednesday morning

Silver Cross president and CEO named New Lenox’s Citizen of the Year: Ruth Colby: ‘Since 2005, it’s been the most amazing journey for me personally.'

Pets of the Week: Feb. 20, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Enjoy comedy on Saturday in New Lenox and help 4 animal rescues.: Plus, 4 additional ways to enjoy the arts this weekend.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, August 19, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug 13 to Aug. 19

Good morning!

I have twelve features and news stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted. But 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 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 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.

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.

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

Dwight teen climbs Devil’s Tower to raise money for school’s emergency aid fund: Noah Kelleher: ‘We need to climb mountains for each other.’

What’s driving the cost of housing in Will County?: Patricia Venziano: ‘Nothing seems to be affordable anymore.’

Longtime Joliet photographer has exhibit at St. Joe’s in Joliet: Bob Campbell: ‘Anytime you can contribute to a good cause — that’s a good thing’

Pets of the Week: Aug. 15, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Scrambling to find teachers, bus drivers in Will County: School starts this week for most districts and most districts are still hiring.

Back-to-school in Will County is looking a lot like 2019: The pandemic hasn’t gone away. But many mitigations are eased.

School administrators discuss school shortages in WillCounty: Shawn Walsh: ‘We need to get more people enthused about joining the educational field’

Romeoville cancer care center provides ‘one-stop’ oncology care: The facility is also an extension of the Ascension Illinois — Cancer Care Joliet

Kim Gordon knows #Joliet schools from both sides of the desk: Gordon: ‘I think it’s important that we retain qualified, passionate teachers who are passionate about this community’

St. Joe’s hospital in Joliet celebrates 140 years of holistic care: The Joliet hospital was rebranded as Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet earlier this year.

Joliet third grader arrived at his 1st day of school in a fire truck: William Zaffino even got to pull the horn twice.

Plainfield man arrested for Shorewood bank robbery: The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office filed felony charges for robbery and robbery of a financial institution.

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"

Friday, August 12, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Friday, May 20, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 14 to May 20

Good morning!

I have sixteen feature stories to share with you today and more yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Over the last couple of months, 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/

On the fiction side of things, Rebekah has formatted Call of the Siren and she is working on cover design. Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We are also waiting approval from KDP for Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being and waiting for the arrival of the proof copy for Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being.

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

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy and I had scheduled a "Cornell" breakfast for last Saturday. But he was sick, so we postponed it again. This weekend is "Art in the Park" and next weekend I'm working. But perhaps Memorial Day?

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.

Now back to the sixteen 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.

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.

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

Flu still hanging out in Will, Grundy counties: Your allergy symptoms might not be allergies.

Mystery Diner in Shorewood: Happy Place Cafe has fast service, family atmosphere: Good experience for dine-in and carryout

‘An unfortunate confluence of factors’ leaves parents throughout northern Illinois scrambling to find baby formula: Factors include supply chain woes, formula recall

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

D-204 in Joliet announces its students of the month for May 2022: Service clubs honored ‘character, responsibility, and academic performance or improvement’

Catholic Charities’ donation center in Lockport has 60 days to find a new home: The Giving Tree is a place for eligible clients to ‘shop’ with vouchers.

Multiple Joliet area organizations come together to send hygiene kits to Ukraine: Sue Pritz-Bornhofen: ‘If more people would open their doors and their hearts, I think we all would be better off.’

JJC award-winning orthotics teacher changing lives with her skills: Alisha Brennon: ‘You know you are 100% changing a person’s life’

Romeoville man needs bone marrow donor to beat leukemia: John Block hopes his story will attract diverse donors.

Morris Hospital earns 8th “A” rating in a row for patient safety: Landers: ‘Patient safety is our number one priority.’

Joliet 5th-graders showcased their business skills: ‘This is really about helping the kids’ Teacher Amberley Maierhofer: ‘This is really about helping the kids to grow and succeed in life.’