Friday, May 11, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 6 through May 11

First and foremost: if you know any single moms who could use a bit of pampering on Mother's Day, be sure to read the first story. RSVP for the event is today.

Writerly forecast for the next three days: Long work day today as Saturday is full: discussing details of The Herald-News' new LocalLit short story news letter at a St. Charles writer's group in the morning, attending a birthday for two grandchildren in the afternoon. I'm hoping to write/edit fiction on Sunday afternoon following church (and maybe sneak in a bit Saturday night, too).

And that's the weekend, over before it starts, LOL!

But the BryonySeries blog tour resumes Monday. For a list of tour hosts, go HERE.

And now for...

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

 One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars 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 jon 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.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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. And for those who came out to WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last night. Your support is greatly appreciated.



A heart and 'soul' for single moms
Joliet woman hosting soiree for single moms, RSVP by May 11 

"I just want them to feel a sense of joy in knowing someone cares," Israeio Holloway said. "They should not feel alone in their struggles in being a parent."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/23d8d56b09a9481091bda1e6c8e68877/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman traded music for love

“She was a fantastic musician,” said Phyllis’ daughter, Linda Trager, of Joliet. “She could play by heart.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/06/531b55d4d70448bcb3864bdf81d99351/index.xml



'I had a mass the size of a football'
Joliet Junior College culinary arts graduate battling testicular cancer 

Up until that point, Vonhoff had some great culinary adventures. In a 2014 Herald-News story, Vonhoff talked about how he'd cooked for celebrities.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/07/2b126ebeb97d4fcfbda1eb429858ed4f/index.xml


Mystery Diner: Channahon's Country Glaze Donut Shoppe offers many varieties

Check out our mystery doughnut expert as she samples nearly two dozen doughnuts!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/05/12ee89aee91a4198a51838ba2b475bcd/index.xml



Blessed by God with the gift to write
Joliet author releases first book for children

"It's important for children to know Jesus," LaToya Hosey said. "And it's important to for adults to allow children to speak about Jesus."



Of emotions and memories
No posed images for this New Lenox family photographer 

Owned by Erin Gunther of New Lenox, Waffles & Honey focuses on family portraits in natural settings, especially maternity and newborn photography (and babies in their first year) and "Mommy and Me" sessions.

The result, Gunther said, are producing that are "real and authentic."



Joliet man performs roots rock, blues
Next show set Saturday

Charles Pelkie said he began playing guitar in his teens and writing songs about eight years ago.

“I always had little snippets of songs in my head since I was a teenager,” Pelkie said. “And I always had bits of song rifts and parts of melodies and interesting bits of lyrics in my head. But I never sat down to put them into something cohesive that made sense and had a story to tell, and had characters as part of those songs.”



LocalLit author spotlight: Vanessa Stephens of Joliet

"I enjoy trying different genres of story-telling. My favorites being Gothic, horror, suspense, supernatural and enjoy melding them together in unique ways," Stephens said.




Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Community News: May 10, 2018


Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Local Faith Events: May 10 through May 17 



VBS submissions, vendors sought, faith resources 



Shorewood school holds annual 5K



Shorewood school celebrates 25th anniversary



Joliet Franciscan professes perpetual vows 



Lockport eighth-grader a winner in dispenser design contest  



Joliet students recognized for courage



Joliet Catholic Academy senior receives service award





And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide



Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter



Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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



Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Dark Vampire Music - The Vampire Masquerade

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Community News: May 9, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.



Plainfield East High School junior going to national ACT-SO Olympics 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/3688031f78e849cdafd575ad8b363b7e/index.xml


Four Lincoln-Way students named National Merit Scholar finalists 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/513507abc2d747a5bbdd14206e0a1d5e/index.xml'


Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox hosted 'Wellness Week' 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/07/2422c21a74c146a4abbc3b1f3a980f05/index.xml



EagleScout project enhances Plainfield Park District

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/caef6d290f03471eb4fcc9d13254cdbf/index.xml


And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide



Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter



Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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




Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Open Mic Night 2018: Duanne Walton (ME!)

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Community News: May 8, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.





Troy 30-C school tackled childhood cancer 
Joliet Junior College to celebrate community members, alumni at Night of Stars

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/4e8df8be86cf4db3b862be946820d660/index.xml


Joliet Catholic Academy Alumni Association announces annual alumni awards

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/78981b041a8741b9af046b4c75275b47/index.xml


Joliet nursing home gets new bus 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/e5fdb4da44cd4afeb41650eabff6877e/index.xml


And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide



Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter



Sign up for The Munsonville Times




Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

"BryonySeries and Baseball" Tour host: Sue Merrell

Second stop on the BryonySeries Inaugural Blog Tour is the blog of Sue Merrell

According to her Amazon page, Sue graduated from the nation's oldest journalism school (J-School at Mizzou), spent more than 30 years at newspapers in Texas, South Carolina, Illinois and Michigan, covering everything from the cops beat and school boards to writing a singles column and editing a food section. 

She spent the last 10 years of her full-time journalism career reviewing theater for The Grand Rapids Press. Soon after retiring in 2009 she wrote a memoir, Laughing for a Living, about her years as an entertainment writer. In 2010 she launched a mystery/thriller series with Great News Town. The second book in the series, One Shoe Off, was released in December 2012. 

The third book, Full Moon Friday, was released June 13, 2014, on a full moon Friday the 13th. Sue lives on a lake in Michigan.

Sue's stop on the tour connects the BryonySeries to baseball. How is that possible? Well, you just have to read the post:

http://laughingforaliving.blogspot.com/2018/05/writers-world-series.html

For more baseball stats on authors, check back HERE on Wednesdays during the month of May.

For more information on the BryonySeries blog tour, visit:

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/05/take-virtual-road-trip-with-me.html

And for the blog tour itinerary, visit:

https://www.bryonyseries.com/promotions

As with any "road trip," you might like to pick up some souvenirs. Check out Sue's HERE.




If you missed stop No. 1, visit these links to tour host Holly Coop:

My first poem:

http://writerbeeme.blogspot.com/2018/05/and-now-please-help-me-welcome-very.html

Holly's interview on my blog, visit:

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/08/author-interview-holly-coop.html

Holly's books:

https://hollycoopbooks.com/

Happy traveling!


Monday, May 7, 2018

Community News: May 7, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Gotta Do It: May 6 through May 13 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/04/gotta-do-it-may-6-through-may-13/arpi187/


Local pet events: May 7 through May 14  

http://www.theheraldnews.com/articles/2018/05/04/64662797568147d99b73f235f9537287/index.xml

ABC News chief meteorologist visits Joliet students 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/04/83d434863a4a43819f4e45e1574fafb1/index.xml


Pets of the Week: May 7

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/05/f1f24767b062472a8d2ca7dd6cb63946/index.xml


Joliet journalism students advance to state

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/04/joliet-journalism-students-advance-to-state/aftrwev/


Slovenian Union of America honors Joliet woman

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/04/people-brief-slovenian-union-of-america-honors-joliet-woman/at36aik/ 


Breakfast celebrates human services providers in Southern Will and Grundy Counties 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/04/breakfast-celebrates-human-services-providers-in-southern-will-and-grundy-counties/a8m650y/


Morris’ Halloran named ‘Superintendent of Distinction’ 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/04/morris-halloran-named-superintendent-of-distinction/ac92aad/ 


Padilla named assistant principal at Bolingbrook school 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/04/padilla-named-assistant-principal-at-bolingbrook-school/aomb3qs/


Channahon-Minooka Rotary, area local governments partner to plant trees




And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide



Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter



Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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




Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

"On the Other Side of the Veil" Tour host: Holly Coop

First stop on the BryonySeries Inaugural Blog Tour is the blog of Holly Coop.

According to her website, Holly resides in the Midwest with her family. She is an author and artist. She enjoys writing spiritual and inspirational poetry and motivational quotes.

And she gave me great feedback on my first poem  and helped me shape the words to its present form.

To read the poem, visit Holly's blog:

http://writerbeeme.blogspot.com/2018/05/and-now-please-help-me-welcome-very.html

For read Holly's interview on my blog, visit:

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/08/author-interview-holly-coop.html

For more information on the BryonySeries blog tour, visit:

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2018/05/take-virtual-road-trip-with-me.html

And for the blog tour itinerary, visit:

https://www.bryonyseries.com/promotions

As with any "road trip," you might like to pick up some souvenirs. Check out Holly's books HERE.



Sunday, May 6, 2018

Sue's Diner: Yorkshire Raised Biscuits

It was at the Harrington’s ball that Melissa met Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, for the very first time. Below is a recipe for one the foods that Melissa choked down while the Steward explained his ruthless dictatorship. 

This recipe for Yorkshire Raised Biscuits is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy. Try it HERE.





From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Ed Calkins: An "Excuse" Limerick

But first an excerpt from Staked! For contextual reasons.


“Hey, John-Peter!” a large, burly man called from across the aisle. “I didn’t get my Thornton Times!”
            “Count?”
            The man stretched his tight and faded blue T-shirt over his hefty belly, trying to cover the last inch of skin and failing. “Thirteen.”
            John-Peter handed them to the man who belched in reply. He couldn’t blame the carrier, or any of the other drivers, for being grouchy tonight. Their boss, Joe Reece, had tucked a policy change into their paycheck envelopes stipulating that only a certain number and colors of bags would be distributed. If carriers required more than that amount, the cost would be deducted from the next week’s pay.
            That move prompted Uncle Ed to express his displeasure with a limerick:

            There once was a cheap boss named Reece
            Whose supplies to carriers decreased
            When the carriers cried, “Foul!”
            Reece spat as he howled,
            “I’ll make you share one sleeve apiece!”
           
            “Someday,” Ed said, leaning close to John-Peter and dropping his voice, “people will refer to cheap acts as ‘doing a Reece.’”
            No negative situation existed where Uncle Ed could not compose an appropriate limerick.
            “The limerick is the most superior kind of poem,” Uncle Ed had often him. “Not only can people pronounce it, they can remember it and it flows freely from the tongue. This sort of poetry works in two ways. The words I say create fear in others, fear of how they will be remembered. This fear then promotes a willingness in your enemy to compromise, to confront you in more friendly terms, or maybe to ally with you.”
             But if Joe Reece, or anyone else for that matter, cowered in terror before Ed Calkins, he never showed it. Even the carriers themselves rarely expressed the respect and appreciation John-Peter felt was due Ed for his hard work.
            Ed printed and sorted route books, oversaw the unloading and distribution of entire truckloads of products, including bag shipments and fifteen different publications totaling over ten thousand newspapers. In addition, Ed fielded complaints, dispensed bags, retrieved and carried garbage to the dumpsters, and swept the warehouse. This was in addition to his regular, carrier responsibilities. Ed delivered newspapers to the outlying and remote areas no driver wanted to touch, including Munsonville. 



And now, today's telegram



Dear MOMI,

I don't have a post today. It's not my fault. I'm still at work on my make believe route.


    The truck hath arrived none too soon
    the fault of the Irish Tribune.
    So heed my advice
    The traffic's not nice
    I'll finish my route around noon.



Take that you big bullies! I hope it follows you when you go out of business! I hope my limerick stains your legacy!


Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara




Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"
For more information on the BryonySeries (including the novel "Staked!"), visit www.bryonyseries.com.


Friday, May 4, 2018

Community News: May 3 and May 4, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Graduates of Plainfield school receive Girl Scout's Gold Award 





Sign up for the Will County Go Guide



Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter



Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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





Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 29 through May 4

Good morning!

I am learning a couple new systems at work and, like any new learner, it's taking me some time to navigate the curves.

That said, I'm hoping once I nail, I'll have time to write a couple more stories each week.

And speaking of stories, I have things to write, and things that are soon due. So let's recap the stories that appeared in features this week.

But first, where to find some things, social media, and the BryonySeries Inaugural Blog Tour.

You can find details about the tour right HERE. (yes, I'm going on tour, but not really).

And now for...

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

 One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars 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 jon 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.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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. And for those who came out to WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last night. Your support is greatly appreciated.


Making the world a better place
Lincoln-Way North grad raising money for Kenya orphanage 

Fundraiser this weekend. Tons of photos of kids, with smiling faces, who need your help.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/24/making-the-world-a-better-place/ar5jc3y/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet barber was a 'good guy to be around' 

My ex-husband texted me yesterday and said "the brothers" at Caterpillar where he worked (and where this barber also worked) really enjoyed this story. Hope you do, too!

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/24/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-barber-was-a-good-guy-to-be-around/a8l3ft2/


'So much more than a workout' 
FIT4MOM offers unique exercise program for mothers, New Lenox location opens May 10 

A new way for moms to get in shape without leaving their babies behind.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/30/d1d3163d1b024d42b9e82b20c10e3460/index.xml


Mystery Diner: Big Fish Grille in Wilmington does it right 

You see, this place might be in the middle of Illinois, but the fish is fresh and quality.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/30/8d5335aee1e147dcac21805a54041013/index.xml



'A total treasure in every way'
Joliet woman blesses Plainfield church with her creativity

There is no quote that says it better than the title. One of those stories that must be read to be believed.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/02/8e15fd0277e84e01af91dc75d0447954/index.xml


Finding the perfect gift for Mom
Joliet area readers share ideas on social media 

A few of these ideas may surprise you. And the author (moi) had Mother's Day come early because of it.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/02/144d07a73df1432eb8d78851a3cabd8f/index.xml


Artworks: Morris Watercolor Guild teaches the art of painting with watercolor

One member has two shows today, including the guild's show in Morris. Read on for details.



LocalLit author spotlight: Tom Hernandez of Plainfield 

Sign up for the newsletter today and read Hernandez's story next week!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/17/189189a30e634a4ab33b5480e6c3edd6/index.xml



Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Community News: May 2, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.



Roundup of Joliet area food pantries and upcoming events 



Orenic students hold toy drive for Lurie Children's Hospital



Joliet fire science students use sprinkler trailer for training 



Shorewood embrace family program allowing girls to take part 



Will County Home and Community Education annual meeting is May 8



L-Way-area students get Seal of Biliteracy awards 



Friends of the Plainfield Park District Foundation hosting May wine and beer tasting 


Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Svengoolie's "Shadow of the Cat" Film Facts!

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Community News: April 30 and May 1, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Gotta Do It: April 29 through May 6




Local pet events: April 30 to May 7

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/25/local-pet-events-april-30-to-may-7/aa948x4/


Local health events: May 1 through May 8 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/28/local-health-events-may-1-through-may-8/aw1yrrf/


Heron mural to tour 4 locations 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/27/heron-mural-to-tour-4-locations/aitgl26/


Spot bison calves on May 5 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/27/spot-bison-calves-on-may-5/aahem3t/


Pets of the Week: April 30 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/25/83e72337518b4a2989e08b28140264bc/index.xml


JCA and JTHS students awarded 2018 Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Top 25 Students 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/23/0e28a0e0ebb448a595ebcc30e0aecb42/index.xml


See how much Visitation and Aid in Joliet has helped the community

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/26/society-contributes-to-local-charities/avtvssl/


Health Briefs



D. 202 students in Plainfield named 2017-18 National Merit Finalists 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/04/26/fc58e4dff5674b


Live Spanish museum at Lockport high school

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/01/02/446f80af452044909e0b4510c9b31812/index.xml


And the newsletters:

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide



Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter



Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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



Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Take a Virtual Road Trip with Me?

In May, I'm tackling one item on my marketing bucket list.

I'm going on tour with the BryonySeries. And I'm not leaving home.

You see, instead of moving from state to to state and bookstore to bookstore, I'm moving from blog to blog, each with its own theme and "flavor," if you will.

The tour will have eight stops. Seven will feature original content written by me (giving my gracious hosts a break from writing posts) that reflect themes of both the BryonySeries and the host blog.

One stop is actually a YouTube interview between my host and me. It's cross-marketing in its virtual finest.

And you're invited to travel with me.

On each day of the stop, I'll post a short summary of blog we're visiting along with a link to the content. You simply click on the link, and you're there! No waiting in lines. ;)

At the end of the tour, I'll recap the journey (but you won't have to sit through a slide show) and introduce you to June's TurnAbout Tour.

What's a TurnAbout Tour, you may ask? Well, it's spending an entire month featuring some of my favorite posts from the host sites and the reason why I like those posts. This gives you the opoortunity to enjoy them, too, and perhaps check back with those sites for new content.

I'll explain more about the TurnAbout Tour in June. The link to May's blog tour is HERE.

Happy traveling! :)





Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."