I really do get a lot of satisfaction from writing this blog, and especially from my interactions with all of you, my friends. Recently Mike and Evelyne, both tagged me to take part in the Meet My Main Character Blog Tour. If you’ve visited their blogs, then you know how enjoyable they are — if not, then you’re in for a treat.
Thanks so much, Evelyne and Mike, for including me in this tour! I hope everyone will check out the other writers they have tagged for the tour as well! There are a lot of wonderful indie novels out there.
Evelyne Holingue’s young adult novel is Trapped in Paris. Set in contemporary Paris and the Parisian suburbs. Trapped in Paris is a fast paced action novel on a background of loss. Social and cultural differences separate Cameron and Framboise, yet when the two teenagers find themselves stuck at the airport in Paris, their paths cross, and they become unlikely partners.
Michael S. Fedison’s The Eye Dancers also appeals to young adults and (not so young, like me) adults alike. It’s a story about friendship, overcoming obstacles, keeping the faith, and believing in possibilities. The four main characters must learn valuable insights. The most important thing they need to learn is this: Everything is connected. Events and people that seem so far away, a universe away, are, in actuality, much closer to us than we ever dared to think.
Meet My Main Character Blog Tour
For this virtual tour, we have to answer a series of questions about the main character in a work-in-progress (WIP). I have a few of those, but no time to actually do the work for which the “W” stands. However, I’m now focusing my efforts on one WIP — the sequel to Atonement, Tennessee.
You’ll meet many familiar characters in book-2, Atonement in Bloom. Once again Ralda Lawton is the main character and primary narrator. Yes, Lilith the calico is back too, and the parts of the story Ralda can’t see are told through the cat’s eyes. The story is an urban fantasy. It might not be okay for me to mention it outright, but if you miss the “Sookie” books, now that the well loved series set in a small Louisiana town (with HBO series based on it), has come to an end (wink-nudge-wink), then I think you will like my Atonement series. There are no vampires (not that I know of), but there are characters inspired by ancient Celtic mythology.
I’m excited to add that yesterday I wrote the prologue! And it is chapter-length. (Maybe I was channeling Robert Jordan, who wrote thrilling detailed prologues… Though mine can’t compare with his.) While I have lots and lots of notes and some random scenes, this was the first significant writing I’ve gotten to do on the sequel.
Now for the blog tour questions…
1. What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?
Ralda (Esmeralda) Lawton returns for book-2. She’s a fictional character. Atonement, Tennessee, the first 
book in the series, was a National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) novel. I designed everything about that story to be something I could do in the single month of NaNoWriMo. Typically none of my characters are based on real people. But with the need for speed in mind, I let Ralda share some of my outlooks. Plus her profession is similar to mine. But she isn’t me, I promise.
2. When and where is the story set?
Following the advice “Write what you know,” I wanted a small southern town as the setting. I chose Tennessee for the state of my fictional town. (Even making up a fictional town was intended for speed – it wouldn’t need as much research!) But what to name this town? Suddenly “Atonement” popped into my mind as the name for the town. So my setting for book-2 is also the fictional town, Atonement, Tennessee.
3. What should we know about him/her?
Hummm… That’s really hard to say without giving away parts of the story. And I don’t want to spoil anything for people who have not read the first book, Atonement, Tennessee.
Okay… Ralda has been hurt badly in the past, and more than once. She’d like to keep an open mind about things like relationships, but she’s afraid to try. Besides, she doesn’t think the “pluses” outweigh the “minuses” anyway. On the other hand, she makes friends quickly and readily. If she cares about someone, she’s fiercely protective.
She’s highly intuitive, and smart. Those assets lead her to unravel the mysteries that surround her in her new home, Atonement, Tennessee.
4. What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?
Ultimately, what messes up Ralda’s life (repeatedly) are the supernatural beings that either live in or frequent the strange little town and the old estate house in which she lives (and its grave yard). The main conflict? Wouldn’t you know, I haven’t written a synopsis yet. Let’s see if I can put it into words without giving everything away.
Atonement in Bloom brings some new characters (pictured). One is Lew. Lew Lawton-Gyffes shows up in town claiming to be Ralda’s relative. (She has little family to speak of, so it is a surprise to her.) Whether or not he really is a distant relation of our heroine, we learn early on that he is Gwydion’s nephew. Gwydion is one of the supernatural beings, so you can expect some excitement around Lew.
Lew has a purpose in coming to the tiny rural town. He is looking for a wife. As with many of my characters, Lew is not simply black and
white. I like to leave you to make up your own minds about whether some characters are “good” or “bad.”
As in the first story, there are two conflicts. First the town bursts into bloom in the middle of a winter snow storm. But then, the plants and trees in Atonement and nearby farms begin to die, inexplicably — a serious problem in an agricultural area. Lew is mostly the cause of the other conflict (or maybe conflicts).
5. What is the personal goal of the character?
Ralda Lawton just wants a peaceful life in her new town. She succeeded in getting away from the big city by moving to quaint Atonement, Tennessee in book-1. However, so far, her new life has been anything but quiet. How could she know the tiny town rests on a very powerful ley line? It seems to draw mythological entities like a magnet.
6. Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
Yes, I’ve settled on the title, and I’m pretty sure of my book cover. Atonement in Bloom. You can learn more about most of the characters here on my blog. Using the Categories on the right-hand side of the page click on either “Atonement, Tennessee” or “Character Interviews.”
7. When can we expect the book to be published?
As Pip, from The Three Ingredients would say, Applesauce! I work full-time, and it is extremely stressful. Then I spend all my free time on the blog serial. So that doesn’t leave much time for my novels. I make neither promises nor predictions. However, I would very much like to finish and publish it before the calendar year is over. I’d really like that a lot. Universe? Did you hear that Universe? I’m putting it out there…
Now simmer down… I’m not tagging you
If you’ve looked at this blog tour, you’re expecting my “tags” and links to other great indie books here. I feel like I’m letting Mike and Evelyne (and myself) down, but nobody I approached wanted to be tagged. So my part in this charming tour basically ends here and I have to “get off the bus.”
However, I do enjoy promoting others, whether or not I get anything from it. I just feel good, thinking I’ve given someone a chance or a compliment. Since my blog features a culinary mystery serial (The Three Ingredients) I’m sharing some lovely cooking and food related blogs since there was no one to tag.
On the links below you’ll find dozens of delicious dishes to prepare (or if you’re like me to dream about). And now that you’ve checked out Mike and Evelyne you have some lovely books to read while you wait for those delightful dishes to cook.
Suzanne at A Pug in the Kitchen
Ishita at Kooky Cookyng
Phuong at Dr. Phuong Le Callaway’s Store (Her blog is about leadership, rather than cooking.)
Please visit their sites and while you’re at it, check out some of the wonderful commenters and the great folks who’ve left a “like.”
Great-big-hugs to you all,
teagan
Teagan's Books 
Hello, I’m one of the writers Siobhan tagged, and I’ve also found someone else, so hopefully we can keep this going 🙂
I like the sound of your books – I love anything supernatural, and as I used to work in the funeral profession, I like anything to do with death, cemeteries etc – yeah, I’m weird, lol.
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog x
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Hi Tina and welcome! I’m delighted that you are keeping the blog tour going.
Thanks so much for commenting. LOL, maybe “evolved” is a better word for it than weird. 🙂 But you might like the Three Ingredients serial story I do each week — this incarnation is part ghost story! Feel free to leave 3 food-related “ingredients” (things) for a future episode.
Hugs,
teagan
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Beautifully done, Teagan! I’m already looking forward to reading the second installment, but I’ll definitely have to check out the first one before then. Keep up the great work.
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Thanks so much, Melissa. I’m delighted that you stopped to comment.
Cheers!
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I am going to love the Atonement series, its right up my alley, love the Sookie books and the HBO show, sad to see it end. I can’t wait to read it, no pressure, and I’ll be in line at the book signing to get a signed copy. Also thank you for the shout out, much appreciated.
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Oh, thank you Suzanne. And you’re more than welcome. I love to promote and encourage others.
I hope Atonement lives up to expectations. It’s meant to be a fun read. More suspense than anything like horror. (Though one of my coworkers told me she had nightmares… LOL I think she was just sensitive.)
Both are loosely inspired by the Gwydion fab Don myth (my supernatural element, rather than vampires). Very loosely.
I have Pinterest boards for both stories that might give you a feel for it. (Book-1 http://www.pinterest.com/teagangeneviene/atonement-tennessee-random-illustrations/ )
Hugs to you and the pugs!
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I love stories that center on the supernatural, True Blood is really that and not horror, fairies etc… I just followed your pinterest board. I am not squeamish at all, thick skin here!!
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Excellent! If you want, you can also give me 3 food-related “ingredients” for the serial story, and I will feature your books or blog in a future episode of the Three Ingredients. 🙂
Good luck with the WIP. Hugs!
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I’ve already found two writers to tag. Woo hoo! Will post next Monday. Three ingredients: apricots, eggs, wheat-flour. See my blog post for ideas: http://siobhandaiko.wordpress.com/2013/07/ Thanks again, S x
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Wonderful, Siobhan! Wishing you the very best. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the “ingredients” for the serial story. I’m really inspired to have several sets now. That helps a lot. Hugs,
teagan
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Thank you, Teagan. I’ll let you know when I’ve posted. S x
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I’ve put “Atonement” on my Amazon wish list. And I’ll consider myself ‘tagged’ by proxy as I would love to take part in the blog tour. What are the rules? S x
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Many, many thanks Siobhan! For both things. I couldn’t get your email so i posted the rules and questions on your About page. It’s really just the questions you saw here and asking other people to participate.
Hugs,
teagan
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I’m in the process of finding someone to tag. Some writers don’t like talking about a WIP, but hopefully someone will agree. S x
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now these are really good info for readers who actually love to read stories, it gives them a little idea about what the author is writing about… will be waiting for the story… your main character is purty, real purty 🙂
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Hey Shelley. Thanks — it’s kind of you to ask. The Kindle version and paperback are available through Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Atonement-Tennessee-Teagan-Geneviene-ebook/dp/B00HGSVA8A
I also have a “Nook” version at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/atonement-tennessee-teagan-geneviene/1117790203?ean=2940148918431
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
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Ohhh looks so interesting. Will get John to find “Atonement Tennessee” on Amazon?
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Hello Teagan: Thanks to you, I have learnt something new today. Was not aware of the concept of ‘Meet My Main Character Blog Tour’.
I am sure that the Universe is listening At the same time, working at a pace which makes writing, both, pleasurable and enjoyable, means you will get your book “out” when the time is right :-).
Thank you for mentioning my blog, I am very grateful.
Hope your rest of the week is fruitful. Xs.
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Thank you Ishita. I’m happy you stopped to comment.
I tried [a variation of] your Purple Salad, just using what i had on hand. So i didn’t have that unfamiliar [to me] fruit you included. But i wanted you to know that despite the differences it turned out great… a very pleasing combination of flavors and textures.
Hugs,
teagan
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I’m so glad you took some time from your very busy life to write about your new work in progress, Teagan. Thank you. Atonement 2 sounds intriguing. I love prologues too!
Your followers know how kind and generous you are, but here you demonstrate once more the kind of person and writer you are by giving back to so many of us. I feel proud to know you through your blog and writing and to be part of a group of people who care for each other.
Cheers to your story, to your success and to each of your readers.
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Oh Evelyne those are the kindest words you could have said to me. Thank you so much. And the feeling is mutual! I’m proud to know and be associated with you as well. You have accomplished and braved so very much. Mega-hugs, teagan
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I can see why you’d feel torn as I love the serial too… All writing is good writing…:)
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Thank you so much for saying that Olga. 🙂
I wish I were as quick a writer as others. Probably having been a technical editor for so many years slows me down — hopefully that also means i have less work editing at the end! I don’t write quickly and i don’t read fast… Even so, i’m patting myself on the back again today. I wrote chapter one this afternoon! For me, that’s amazing. Combined with a chapter length prologue yesterday — and my jaw is dropping.
But it’s back to the office after today. Maybe i can get the mojo back next weekend. Here’s hope anyhow.
Hugs,
teagan
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Wonderful post, Teagan, I really enjoyed it! Thanks again for taking part in the blog hop!
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I’m delighted that you enjoyed it, Mike. I really appreciate you thinking of me. Cheers!
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Atonement in Bloom sounds like a fabulous match to go with the first book. Good to see Ralda back. Looks like this could be another NaNo project, but to have it out before the end of the year, I guess it can’t be. I’m sure your blog followers would understand if you missed a serial post now and then to work on a book. Write the next book. 🙂
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Mary I always appreciate your encouragement. Thank you for saying that. However, I really feel committed to the blog and serial too. So I am very torn. If only I could get the big “change” to come through… the one I don’t talk about here. It would free up a lot of my time and even more of my energy.
Mega hugs,
teagan
PS… Yeah. I don’t know what to do about NaNoWriMo 2014… I hate to skip it completely. If i can move forward enough with book 2, maybe i could do book 3. Sure seems like a lot though. 🙂
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