Showing posts with label restaurants. Show all posts

Friday, September 4, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 29 through Sept. 4

Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today, since I worked on some longe-range projects this week for "Thank You, Veterans" edition in November - and I completed a large regional story on long waits in the emergency department (watch for it next week).

More stories will likely go live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And a recap of Bertrand's Back-to-School Birthday Bash!

And next week I'll share a recap (and update) of August 28th's "Page to Stage."

And if you'd like to help sponsor WriteOn Joliet's book giveaway on Sept. 19 at Kids Fest, please reach out to writeonjolietgroup@gmail.com. Deadline is Sept. 10 and YES, we still need sponsors.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Sept. 6: Plants, Paws, and Pages: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lockport Metra Station, 133 W. 13th St., Lockport. A diverse selection of curated handcrafted goods, artisan pets items, books and local authors with some fun "pet and plant" offerings from the BryonySeries

Sept. 12: FAME - Fandom Arts and Music Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. A cross-fandom artist-market minicon. Features 50 local artists, live music, panels, games, and contests.

Sept. 19: Kids Fall Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. For the third year in a row, WriteOn Joliet will have a tent at the annual Kidz Fest celebration. Write your own story with our unique, one-of-a-kind, made-just-for-us story manipulable story blocks. And be sure to pick up one (or more) WriteOn Joliet-authored books (titles for all ages), which we will distribute for free.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't.

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries has three remaining chapters in drafts; the rest of the book is edited. I hope to finish it over Labor Day weekend and have it available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release party on Nov. 12.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But we plan to release a BryonySeries Christmas anthology around the holidays. This will be Christmas excerpts from existing BryonySeries novels along with a few bonus chapters (I hope) only available in this anthology.

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events, including WriteOn Joliet's "Page to Stage" event on Aug. 28.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
Family-owned Submarine City in Lockport serving up local
favorites for nearly 50 years
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/28/family-owned-submarine-city-in-lockport-serving-up-local-favorites-for-nearly-50-years/
Joliet treatment center appoints new clinical director
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/29/joliet-treatment-center-appoints-new-clinical-director/
Joliet Junior College offers networking series for local
entrepreneurs
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/29/joliet-junior-college-offers-networking-series-for-local-entrepreneurs/
Joliet Diocesan Council closes Morris St. Vincent de Paul
thrift store
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/30/joliet-diocesan-council-closes-morris-st-vincent-de-paul-thrift-store/
Lemont-area native returns as family medicine physician
at Silver Cross
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/30/lemont-area-native-returns-as-family-medicine-physician-at-silver-cross/
Authentic Harold’s Chicken opens in Joliet
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/29/authentic-harolds-chicken-opens-in-joliet/
Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 31, 2026
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/31/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-31-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, August 28, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 22 through Aug. 28

Good morning!

I have eleven stories online to share with you today, since I worked on some longerange projects this week and one week of Eyes on Enteprise have not made it online yet.

More stories will likely go live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And a recap of Bertrand's Back-to-School Birthday Bash!

And tonight is "Page to Stage." (details below).

And if you'd like to help sponsor WriteOn Joliet's book giveaway on Sept. 19 at Kids Fest, please reach out to writeonjolietgroup@gmail.com. Deadline is Sept. 10.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Aug. 28: WriteOn Joliet Presents "Page to Stage:" 7 p.m., ROXY Lockport, 1017 S. State St., Lockport. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present a compilation show as a fundraiser for Trinity Services. For details, read this "save the date" post.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't.

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

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.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
Joliet girl fighting rare cancer gets free dream room
makeover
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/22/joliet-girl-fighting-cancer-gets-free-dream-room-makeover/
Head Start could see sweeping changes under proposed
federal rule. Local leaders are worried
‘I could just scream,’ says Aurora Head Start director
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/08/22/head-start-could-see-sweeping-changes-under-proposed-federal-rule-local-leaders-are-worried/
New ‘farmhouse’ restaurant coming to former Lock &
Mule location in Lockport
https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2026/08/27/new-farmhouse-restaurant-coming-to-former-lock-mule-location-in-lockport/
Popular Swig beverage venue opens in Crest Hill
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/22/popular-swig-beverage-venue-opens-in-crest-hill/
Joliet Chamber hosting program for community leadership
school graduates
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/24/joliet-chamber-hosting-program-for-community-leadership-school-graduates/
Chicago Street Mexican restaurant in Joliet closes
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/23/chicago-street-mexican-restaurant-in-joliet-closes/
Sinister Apothecary in Minooka embraces the metaphysical
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/21/sinister-apothecary-in-minooka-hosting-grand-opening/
Romeoville approves new grant program to attract small
businesses
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/27/romeoville-approves-new-grant-program-to-attract-small-businesses/
City Electric Supply opens new Joliet location
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/27/city-electric-supply-opens-new-joliet-location/
Joliet Latino economic group to offer food service
certification class in Spanish
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/24/joliet-latino-economic-group-to-offer-food-service-certification-class-in-spanish/
Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 24, 2026
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/08/24/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-24-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, April 10, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 4 through April 10

Good morning!

I have five stories online to share with you today, less this week than usual because I'm working on a couple of large projects for the Shaw Local News Network's regional health team.

More stories will go live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

April 18: "Shades of Noir" at 2 and 7 p.m., Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Eight members of WriteOn Joliet (including me) will original radio-style stories and poems for the fourth year in a row.

The first ten attendees at each performance will receive a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for "Missing Person"), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

Also, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't.

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and four chapters are written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 2026.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. Doctors say don’t wait to get checked

Local survivors share stories of delayed diagnoses; experts warn against dismissing symptoms

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2026/04/08/colorectal-cancer-is-rising-in-younger-adults-doctors-say-dont-wait-to-get-checked/

Will County restaurants ‘at the mercy of the economy’ as costs go up and patrons cutback on dining out

Flexibility needed to react to local and national shifts, owners say

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/04/04/will-county-restaurants-at-the-mercy-of-the-economy-as-costs-go-up-and-patrons-cutback-on-dining-out/

Joliet area residents invited to take water conversation challenge

Communities can win prizes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/04/06/joliet-area-residents-invited-to-take-the-water-conversation-challenge/

Easter egg hunt in Shorewood pivoting to drive-thru due to heavy rainfall

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/04/03/easter-egg-hunt-in-shorewood-pivoting-to-drive-thru-due-to-heavy-rainfall/

Will County Pets of the Week: April 6, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/04/06/will-county-pets-of-the-week-april-6-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, February 6, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 31 through Feb. 6

Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today. More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

Feb. 13: Calkins Day: 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. Celebrate laughter, creativity, and generosity with Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. BryonySeries book specials (some free), art raffle, free food, free gift certificates to The Book Market.

We also encourage you to check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't.

Please note: Bookshop does not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 2026.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

If you 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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Book business sees revival in Will, Grundy counties

Independent stores, cafes spur resurgence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/book-business-sees-revival-in-will-grundy-counties/

Blinking lights at Plainfield house is now a fundraiser for Will County Habitat for Humanity

Donate by Friday to enter raffle

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/blinking-lights-at-plainfield-house-is-now-a-fundraiser-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanity/

Shorewood cocktail lounge swaps speakeasy vibes for Victorian elegance and more martinis

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/shorewood-cocktail-lounge-swaps-speakeasy-vibes-for-mythological-victorian-baroque/

Plainfield resident speaks out on sustainability after winning international pageant

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/27/plainfield-resident-speaks-out-on-sustainability-after-winning-international-pageant/

Ryder taking on most employees at Minooka warehouse

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/03/ryder-taking-on-most-employees-at-minooka-warehouse/

New Joliet restaurant specializes in Venezuelan, Colombian dishes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/31/joliet-restaurant-serves-venezuelan-and-colombian-food/

New hibachi restaurant opens in Bolingbrook

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/02/new-hibachi-restaurant-opens-in-bolingbrook/

Silver Cross opens urgent care in Orland Park

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/30/silver-cross-opens-urgent-care-in-orland-park/

2 health care-related businesses coming to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/2-health-care-related-businesses-coming-to-shorewood/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 2, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-2-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, January 16, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 10 through Jan. 16

Good morning!

I have thirteen stories online to share with you today. More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

We typically don't host in-person events in January to give us time to recoup and prepare for tax time - but we are participating in one!

Jan. 31: Critical Grind Winter Local Author Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Drive No. L, Shorewood.

We also encourage you to check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't.

Please note: Bookshop does not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

If you 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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Will County father and son combine for 76 years of mail delivery

‘You have to deal with the elements. And dogs, of course’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/42-years-of-postal-service-in-one-joliet-family/

Will County businesses adapt to penny going away

‘Pennies might not seem much, but they do add up’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/09/will-county-businesses-adapt-to-penny-going-away/

Joliet police officer opening ‘Rage Cage’ in downtown Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/joliet-police-officer-opening-rage-cage-in-downtown-joliet/

The Curator’s Cafe in Joliet closed

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/07/the-curators-cafe-in-joliet-closed/

Joliet Chamber announces its ‘2025 celebration of success’ award recipients