Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 11 through Oct. 17

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working 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!

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

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Pop in anytine before October 25 to decorate one of our crocheted pumpkins (while supplies last, all free, no purchase necessary).

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

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

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

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

‘The government came down with a hammer’ - Immigration crackdown fears affecting Illinois restaurant industry

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/10/15/the-government-came-down-with-a-hammer-immigration-crackdown-fears-affecting-illinois-restaurant-industry/

‘Just fewer and fewer of us’: Joliet Franciscan sisters built lasting legacy, but not accepting new members

President says it’s been 16 years since order has added new member

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/just-fewer-and-fewer-of-us-joliet-franciscan-sisters-built-lasting-legacy-but-not-accepting-new-members/

Disability advocates in Joliet celebrate ADA anniversary while citing concerns over federal cuts, protections

Event recognized 35th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/disability-advocates-in-joliet-celebrate-community-of-fighters-while-calling-for-protections-to-ada/

‘A fun place to hang out’: Goodfellas Cigar Lounge opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/a-fun-place-to-hang-out-goodfellas-cigar-lounge-opens-in-joliet/

Bays Tower in Joliet celebrating grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/15/bays-tower-in-joliet-celebrating-grand-opening/

Joliet rabbi responds to news of ceasefire

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/joliet-rabbi-responds-to-news-of-ceasefire/

Senior Services of Will County appoints new executive director

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/senior-services-of-will-county-appoints-new-executive-director/

New bar and grill opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/new-bar-and-grill-opens-in-joliet/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 13, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-13-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Explore "Fear" This Month

Very few of us can say we've never been afraid.

Many of us are also afraid to explore those fears.

And perhaps many of us never consider the fears we've addressed.

It's true people don't share the same fears.

But I also believe we also share many of the same fears, since they are part of the human experience.

So this month, with tie-ins from various BryonySeries books, I invite you to explore fear.

Simply visit the BryonySeries calendar, pick a date (any date), read the prompt, and follow the instructions.

You may be suprised on how many times you relate to one or more of these common fears.

Or maybe not.

Sue's Diner: Chocolate Bat Cookies

Our featured recipe at Sue's Diner this week is for chocolate bat cookies, which are as chocolatey good as they are adorable.

They are perfect for indulging any pre-Halloween sweet tooth (and any post-Halloween, out-of-chocolate sweet teeth, too).

This recipe does not appear in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

However, you will find this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website, where it's ready to fly into your kitchen so baking preparations may begin.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

One Photo Tells So Much

I recently stumbled across this photo and thought to myself, "What a terrible photo!" Why did a take a picture of this???

Upon closer inspection, I realized this photo told so much about me, kind of like those hidden picture puzzles that amused some of us as children.

I swear what's coming next isn't social media clickbait. You know, the posts that say things like, "let's see how many people will like and share," etc.

This is really a little more fun. And maybe a bit of a cautionary tale about the things we don't mean to share when we post random photos.

Here's the ask: How many things does this photo tell you about me?

Game ends Monday, October 20.

Winner receives a BryonySeries book of choice.

IF THE WINNER SO DESIRES, I'll post the list of "items" and a photo of the winner with the book.

Otherwise, the winner just wins.

And who know? Maybe I'll learn a few more things about myself.

Happy Tuesday!

"30"

 Rebekah's on a roll with good ideas lately.

It was she who thought participating in "Men Who Cook" was a good idea.

And she had this fantastic idea for Daniel's birthday.

You see, Daniel had a lot of health issues when he was younger. And Daniel always says he doesn't remember much of his childhood.

So Rebekah thought we could give him thirty gifts, with each gift representing something he liked or owned or experienced from that year in his life.

So we made a list of years with noteworthy details and gift suggestions.

We bought said gifts.

And then I wrote clues to all thirty gifts on scrolls that we rolled up and tied with yarn.

On Thursday, Rebekah asked for a packing box at Walmart.

On Friday night, we wrapped all the gifts, assembly-line style, and numbered each gift and scroll.

One items (four different flavors of rice Krispies) couldn't be done until Timothy and Daniel left for Men Who Cook on Saturday.

Although Daniel's birthday was Saturday, we saved the presentation and unwrapping until Sunday, so we could take out time.

It took two hours for Daniel to open them all - and the clues spurred lots of guessing, remembrances and the telling of fun stories. 

Three were movies that represented three different "likes" in three different years of his life.

So after we opened gifts, we settled down to watch three movies in one of the most eclectic family movie aftenroon/nights ever. 

We watched "Stayed Tuned" (the year Daniel wanted this cake and we gave away this cookbook in a hilarious Facebook contest). 

And then we watched "Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog" a birthdnd finally "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie."

There you have it: thirty years of memories packed into a box - with many more made yesterday afternoo and last night.

Now go forth and building some beautiful memories today.

Happy Monday! :)

‘Food, Glorious Food’ from Oliver! | Lionel Bart

The Twelve Irish Tenors Sing Happy Birthday

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

 Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working 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!

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

Oct. 11: Men Who Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 West Laraway Road, Joliet. Sample small portions of appetizers, side dishes, entrée and desserts at this all-you-can-eat event that benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. While this is not a BryonySeries event per se, Timothy and Daniel are participating for the first time (and this is Daniel's birthday) since the event benefits a nonprofit close to our hearts and raises awareness of the second. That's because the boys will be preparing and serving something yummy from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. The boys will also be distributing information about B.L.O.C.K.S. For tickets and more information, visit willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

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

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

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Businesses have ‘heightened degree of awareness’ with ICE, Guard presence, Will County CED leader says

Joliet Chamber says it has not heard from businesses about concerns

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/08/businesses-have-heightened-degree-of-awareness-with-ice-guard-presence-will-county-ced-leader-says/

Silver Cross breast cancer patient has ‘excellent prognosis’ despite multiple areas of cancer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/07/silver-cross-breast-cancer-patient-has-excellent-prognosis-despite-multiple-areas-of-cancer/

Joliet City Center director invites business owners to coffee meetings

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/05/joliet-city-center-director-invites-business-owners-to-coffee-meetings/

Chicago sportscaster Dave Kaplan to speak in Joliet on streaming, ‘platform proliferation’ impact on viewers

Program part of Joliet Chamber’s Visionary Series

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/04/chicago-sportscaster-dave-kaplan-to-speak-in-joliet-on-streaming-platform-proliferation-impact-on-viewers/

SERVPRO cleaning and restoration marks 20th year in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/04/servpro-cleaning-and-restoration-marks-20th-year-in-joliet/

New bar and grill opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/new-bar-and-grill-opens-in-joliet/

Hall of Famer Frank Thomas coming to Joliet cigar lounge

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/03/hall-of-famer-frank-thomas-coming-to-joliet-cigar-lounge/

Joliet celebrates 35 years of ADA at Disability Pride event Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/08/joliet-celebrates-disability-pride-event-saturday/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 6, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/06/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-6-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

We (Finally) Have a B.L.O.C.K.S. Sign!

Although we published our very first BryonySeries book "Bryony" in 2011...

And although we used various display art through the years (including some cool panels my father made)...

We never had an actual sign.

Well, we do now.

Earlier this year, some members of the BryonySeries team formed B.L.O.C.K.S. which is (for now) an umbrella group for the BryonySeries and related creative endeavors.

We will roll up the B.L.O.C.K.S. sign for the very first time this Saturday, for the Men Who Cook event.

Will you be there?

We promise terrific food, friendly service, and a chance to win the cookbook that features the recipe we're serving Saturday night.

But here's the best part: all proceeds benefit "hope, healing, and justice for abused children."

Happy Thursday!

Sue's Diner: Halloween Salad

Whoever says Halloween can't be healthy has never tried our Halloween salad.

In addition to lettuce, this salad contains features black olives and green olives, cherry tomatoes, humus, fresh mozzarella, baby carrots, and slivered almonds arranged in spookily spectacular ways.

So this is a Halloween treat you can feel good about eating.

You won't find this recipe in "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony'" that's a companion to "Bryony" and a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

(Although, you CAN try a recipe from that cookbook on Saturday if you attend Men Who Cook).

However, you can try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

BryonySeries "Before The Blood" Prequel

I was still in the drafting and editing phases for the BryonySeries original trilogy (2009 to 2010) when I began to seriously consider writing a prequel.

Because the prequel is mostly historical fiction with supernatural undercurrents, the initial research alone took several years.

At the time, I saw the prequel as one novel (which it is). But I struggled to find the best protagonist for the story, since no one character possessed the overarching "best perspective."

I finally decided to tell the story from the point of view from four main characters (each character would have his or her own section) with the storylines weaving and crisscrossing - until all four appeared together in the final section like a 1970s disaster movie.

I was well into the writing when Rebekah suggested publishing each section as a separate installment, since each section was really five incomplete novels that comprised one larger (and also incomplete) novel.

The initial research continued several years until I finally began any serious writing in January 2014. More research continued throughout the writing and editing process until the end of 2018.

I had entire the novel ready to go before publishing the first volume in January 2019. And then released each installment in two-month segments, working on each segment in those quiet spaces.

We called it "Before The Blood" because the action tells the back story before the three main BryonySeries vampires became vampires (although one is actually turned in BTB) and the events that led to the vampirism in the first place. 

The fourth character is Bryony herself, who only appears in the prequel, despite the entire series bearing her name.

Sue Midlock, who creates all The Adventures of Cornell Dyer art, worked with me to create a cover concept with a nineteenth century feel.

Christopher Gleason, cover artist for "Staked!" and "Snowbell," created five frontispieces for each volume. The colors are stunning; and we considered publishing them in color, but the cost was prohibitive.

However, you may enjoy them on the BryonySeries Facebook page.

And Colleen H. Robbins shared her editorial skills to find areas to polish that my own editing missed.

Here is the description for each book.

Browse - and enjoy!

Before The Blood

"Before The Blood" is a five installment prequel to the original "drop of blood" trilogy. It's part historical fiction, part gothic fiction, and part tragedy as it centers on four key characters and how they ruin their lives.

Its tagline reads: "Step into the past when dreams were still bright and the future was unwritten."

Before The Blood: John Simons

In Book One, read how nineteenth century pianist/composer John Simons goes from riches to rags to riches, and the price he pays along the way.

Before The Blood: Kellen Wechsler

In Book Two, read how Kellen Wechsler goes from rags to riches, and the lives he discards along the way.

Before The Blood: Bryony Marseilles

In Book Three, read how little Bryony Marseilles, spoiled sheltered, and sickly, uses her introversion and imagination to make sense of her Utopia.

Before The Blood: Henry Matthews

In Book Four, read how Henry Matthews goes from rags to riches and what he sacrifices to serve the riches.

Before The Blood: Bryony Simons

In Book Five, read how Bryony Simons and those she loves destroy their dreams.

Before the Blood 

Get all five installments in one volume for a lower overall price. Just be aware the paper is white as opposed to cream and the print is very, very small.

Don't Miss the 2025 "Men Who Cook"

On October 11, Daniel will turn 30.

On October 11, he and Timothy are also teaming up to serve 800 small bites to attendees at the 15th annual Men Who Cook, which benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.

Since Daniel and Timothy are representing B.L.O.C.K.S. (umbrella group for the BryonySeries) in this endeavor, they are also hosting a giveaway of this BryonySeries cookbook, which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brother Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

That's because the "small bites" they will serve is adapted from a recipe in this cookbook.

So the winner can enjoy the recipe again and again at home.

But - what recipe, you may ask.

Ah, you have to attend to find out.

Details (time, date, place, ticket prices) are right here: willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Hope to see you there - and Bon Appétit!

Peder B. Helland - You & Me (Live Performance) | Soothing Sessions

Enya - Only Time (Official 4K Music Video)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3

 Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working 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!

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

Oct. 4: FAME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This Fandom Arts and Music Expo will features local musicans, artists, authors, and events on all three levels of the library. I will be leading a panel of comic book artists, reading a couple excerpts from my books, and speaking briefly about B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet. I will also have BryonySeries books, WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer two years ago.

Oct. 11: Men Who Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 West Laraway Road, Joliet. Sample small portions of appetizers, side dishes, entrée and desserts at this all-you-can-eat event that benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. While this is not a BryonySeries event per se, Timothy and Daniel are participating for the first time (and this is Daniel's birthday) since the event benefits a nonprofit close to our hearts and raises awareness of the second. That's because the boys will be preparing and serving something yummy from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. The boys will also be distributing information about B.L.O.C.K.S. For tickets and more information, visit willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

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

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

BryonySeries books-in-progress

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

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.

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

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

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Joliet social worker helping fight food insecurity among cancer patients

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-social-worker-helping-fight-food-insecurity-among-cancer-patients/

Will County schools superintendent named impact leader by American Heart Association

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/01/will-county-schools-superintendent-named-impact-leader-by-american-heart-association/

Downtown Joliet getting Baby’s Cheesesteak restaurant

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/10/01/downtown-joliet-getting-cheesesteaks-restaurant/

Coffee shop one of new Shorewood business licenses issued

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/01/coffee-shop-one-of-new-shorewood-business-licenses-issued/

Joliet nurse practitioner ‘climbing mountains’ for prostate cancer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/28/joliet-urology-nurse-practitioner-climbing-mountains-for-prostate-cancer/

Learn how to grow garlic in these classes in Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/27/learn-how-to-grow-garlic-in-these-classes-in-will-grundy-and-kankakee-counties/

Troy Township hosting free Medicare seminar in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/29/troy-township-hosting-free-medicare-seminar-in-shorewood/

Silver Cross New Lenox wound care center earns 2 awards

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/27/silver-cross-new-lenox-wound-care-center-earns-2-awards/

Joliet hospital recognized for geriatric emergency care

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-hospital-recognized-for-geriatric-emergency-care/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 29, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/29/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-29-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

"The Beast of Venice Pier"

"The Beast of Venice Pier" is a piece written by WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton for WriteOn Joliet's first radio theater-style performance at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet in 2023.

The piece is an alternate piece based off "The Foghorn" by Ray Bradbury, which Duanne explains on his YouTube channel.

Duanne and I read "The Beast of Venice Pier" at WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last week at Critical Grind Board GAme Cafe in Shorewood.

We read this quite spontaneously and had not read it since our last performance in 2023.

What made it so much fun is that we quite naturally slipped into our roles as if we'd just performed it an hour ago. Each syllable, each inflection, was exactly the same.

Duanne, .Holly Coop, and Diana Estell, also read my piece from that same performance ("A Little Wine For Your Stomach"), which is an excerpt from the BryonySeries novel "The Phoenix," which they also executed flawlessly

Diana had previously said she'd love to perform that piece again. So they did, quite spontaneously, at the open mic - which led Duanne to want to read "The Beast of Venice Pier."

The point of all this (other than the fact I'm super proud of all of us) is the value of doing your homework (so to speak) before showing up.

I'm not just talking theatrics here. I'm talking about any project you tackle. All the hours and unseen work in the background will pay off during that short time in the foreground.

So be encouraged today that your hard work is not in vain.

You can watch the original performances starting at the 1:50 mark here: An Evening With WriteOn Joliet: Readings to Entertain and Inspire You. Act 2 and also at 38:10.

Happy Thursday! :)

Sue's Diner: Werewolf Parfait

This week's recipe is for Werewolf Parfait, which Rebekah created for the BryonySeries cookbook, GRRR: Twelve pawtastic werewolf-themed recipes, which is available on the BryonySeries book store and on Amazon.

It's super easy to make and perfect for this summerlike weather as Halloween approaches. The description in the cookbook says," A dessert so dreamy, they’ll be howling for more."

Try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.