Crowing Pains
No, this is not the weekend, and you haven’t missed the steam locomotive to the Victorian Era — I’m here with a mid-week post!
Many of you have heard me say how difficult it is for me to cope with the indie author necessity of shameless self-promotion. I’m going to start calling that crowing pains.
However, my excitement is making it a lot easier. Why the giddiness? Atonement, Tennessee just received a five-stare review from (drum roll)… none other than the Story Reading Ape himself — Chris Graham!
When I wrote Atonement, Tennessee I followed some old advice that I continue to use in anything I write — let the story be whatever it needs to be. Even so, I wondered if having mostly women as the main characters would limit the audience, but I shrugged it off, and let the story be what it was. With that in mind, I’ve been delighted to see that it is well received by men as well as women… and Apes too!
Here’s what Chris wrote. He posted it at Amazon.com.
This story deserves a sequel
By Chris Graham on September 6, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
A great fantasy with Celtic tones, set in modern days.
I loved the characters who are well described and believable:
Ralda (full name Esmeralda) has had unfortunate personal experiences with life and love before moving into the ‘Local Haunted House’ of Atonement, Tennessee; which, incidentally, has an ancient graveyard as part of the estate…
Her nearest neighbour is the beautiful and friendly Lacey, whose husband Ralph is not the most pleasant of people.
Other characters include two handsome, but strange, young men who seem to be vying for Ralda’s attention, two other women, one of whom is a Goth, also become Ralda’s friends and a Small Town Sheriff with an unfortunate nickname locally.
Not forgetting Lilith, Ralda’s curious calico cat who sees more than her mistress and Puddles, Lacey’s mischievous dog.
I found this story easy to read, enjoyed the interaction between the characters and am left hoping that the author intends to write a sequel.
Now do you see why I’m practically dancing a jig, just like one of the Ape’s naughty chimps?

To reward you for putting up with my crowing pains, here is the original Crowing Pains… followed by all my purchase information (wink).
Mega hugs!
Barnes & Noble Nook
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/atonement-tennessee-teagan-geneviene/1117790203?ean=2940148918431
Kindle and Paperback
Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atonement-Tennessee-Teagan-Geneviene-ebook/dp/B00HGSVA8A
Amazon India
http://www.amazon.in/Atonement-Tennessee-Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/dp/1481826948
Congratulations on the great review Teagan!
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Thank you Andrea — I’m still excited! Mega hugs.
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Well that was nice of him to comment on the story. It helps to have other crows in the murder to get it out there. Hope you continue to write and do well my friend.
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Hi RC — it’s so nice to see you! Oh, I’m still tickled and crowing about this review from Chris Graham. From his “treehouse” as The Story Reading Ape, Chris gets to see the best of indie books, so I’m honored that he took time to read — and review my novel. I hope this week has been kind to you. Mega hugs dear friend.
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Congratulations Teagan! That was a great review and you should be proud! There’s nothing wrong with letting your friends know about the good that happens in relation to your writing––we want to know! Why am I using so many exclamations? I guess I’m excited for you. Enjoy! 😀
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Hi Vashti — and thank you. I’m sorry to seem slow to respond. I replied to your wonderful comment the same day, but I don’t see it in the system… Wishing you a satisfying Saturday. Mega hugs!
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Congratulations, Teagan! 🙂
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Hi Suzanne! Thank you so much — and thanks for taking time to comment. Hugs!
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Crow away Teagan. There’s such a great feeling when our books are well received. Congrats! xo
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It certainly is, Debby. I don’t have many reviews, and just the one (released) book. So I still get all excited to get a (good) review. Thanks for dropping by! Hugs
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You’re a fabulous writer Teag. You should consider doing so promo ads to share your work for more exposure, and you will find many more 5 star reviews. ❤
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Why thank you Debby. I know that’s a good idea. If i ever get book-2 finished, I shall try to advertise a bit. Since from the beginning (2013) I realized that with my job, the blog and a few tweets are all the self promotion i have time for, I’ve always called the novel, the blog and everything my “grand experiment in Indie.” Since that’s the way it is, I’ve also been determined to put very little money into it. Once i have a little hope of some return on my investment, then… well, then i’ll invest.
Many thanks for taking time to comment. I appreciate the feedback. Huge hugs!
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I hear you on all fronts Teag. Everyone has their own pace and goals, just thought I’d mention. If you decide down the road to do more and need some advice, feel free to ask. 🙂
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I really appreciate that Debby. Many thanks. Have a wonder-filled new week.
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Great book, Teagan, absolutely enjoyable read. Cannot wait for the sequel. Hugs!!!
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Oh thank you, Inese!!! And thanks for taking a moment to comment. Mega hugs!
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Have a lovely weekend! Hugs!
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Bravo, Teagan! This lifts our spirits, right? Enjoy.
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It certainly does, Evelyne! Thanks for dropping by. Huge hugs!
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Thank you Melinda! Yes, the Story Reading Ape’s “naughty chimps” are too cute… not to mention such good dancers. 😉 Mega purple hugs!
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Aww, thanks for the purple hugs!! I’ll treasure them!
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Congrats and thanks for the awesome laugh. Those dancing monkeys just say join us!
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I’m always glad to give a giggle! Many thanks for dropping by. Hugs!
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Soooooo proud of you, Teagan! Congrats and best of wishes with mega hugs! You got the dancing chimps too 🙂
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Why thank you Patrick, thank you. Ah those naughty chimps… They’re a might fickle — For enough bananas they took a little time away from the Story Reading Ape. 😉
Mega hugs right back!
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Congratulations, Teagan! And letting the story be whatever it needs to be is great advice! I had a similar issue with The Eye-Dancers, only in reverse, as that novel’s four main characters are all boys . . . Enjoy that jig.:)
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Hi Michael, how nice to see you! Thanks. And thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs. 🙂
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I agree with Chris Graham, it’s time for a sequel. Loved the dancing chimps.
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Hi Lorna! It’s so nice to see you. Yes, Chris and his chimps are wonderful.
I appreciate the time you took to do a pre-publication read & comment of Atonement. I definitely want to get busy with book 2. Miss you bunches! Hugs. ❤ 😀
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Congratulations, Teagan! You deserve to be doing that rather odd jig!
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LOL. Thanks Noelle. But the chimps dance better than me!!! I really appreciate the encouraging words. Huge hugs!
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Congratulations Tegan on your great review. I will have to check this book out. Sounds like an interesting story. Love them dancing Apes! 😀
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Hi Cheryl, that’s very kind of you. Thanks for visiting. Oh, the dancing chimps belong to Chris the Story Reading Ape. They just popped over here for for a quick jig.
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Excellent Teagan! Hugs, Cheryl
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Thanks for the encouraging word, Cheryl! Mega hugs.
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Brilliant! 🙂
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Many thanks Kev! Hugs 😀
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Outstanding….congrats!! Well deserved!!
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Hi Kirt. Thanks so very much — and for taking time out to comment. The photographer in you would like the imagery, i think. I hope you are having a beautiful Arizona day! Hugs!
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Ya gotta keep on promoting yourself!
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And I also keep sharing your wonderful review, Tim. I mean… no one has ever created a special photo for me! Thank you again. Mega hugs!
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Welcome!
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Fabulous news, Teagan! xx
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Hi Sarah and thank you!!! Hugs.
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Great review. And we’re more and more people clamoring for the next book!
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Hi Olga. It’s great to see you! Thanks for the encouraging word. Atonement in Bloom is always on my mind… if not my schedule… I’m trying to set aside special time. Huge hugs and welcome back!
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Thank you David. It’s lovely to get to see you again this week.
Shhhhh…. the bananas our our little secret. 😉 Mega hugs my friend.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Teagan Geneviene has every right to crow about her excellent review from The Story The Story Reading Ape. Reviews are the icing on the cake..
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Oh thank you Sally. That makes me feel good. Thanks for reblogging. Mega hugs and a big crow!
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Great review, Teagan. Congratulations. I can feel your excitement coming through the post!
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Ha! Yes D, I’m excited. It’s the kid in me. I realize most writers get reviews every day, and five stars often. But I only have the single novel, and I’ve zero time to promote it… Sooo I don’t have many reviews. Five stars, leaves me grinning like a ‘possum. 😀
Thanks very much for taking a moment to comment. Huge hugs!
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I still get all excited with every review! I don’t think the feeling will ever go away 🙂 Enjoy it – every time. That’s part of the fun!
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Congrats, Teagan, although I haven’t had the pleasure of reading your book yet, your writing is amazing so I suspect the 5 star review is fully warranted. 🙂
Is it available in Canada (not on Kindle?)?
You should have all the crowing pains you can handle, you’re magnificent!!! 🙂
Shared this all over the place.
Megahugs!
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Hi Donna. Yikes! That is a question I really should have been prepared to answer. Indie is a constant learning experience. I sent an email to Createspace (part of Amazon, but they do the paperback, [printing on demand]) to learn how they handle taking payment from Canada. I’ll extract your email from the innards of my blog and let you know what I find out.
Amazon has a free app to let you read Kindle on your PC (i have it on my laptop), but I’m getting that you want an actual print copy book.
Thank you so very kindly for sharing this review. And especially for wanting to read my book!!! Mega hugs my friend! 😀 ❤
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Oh yes, since you might already know some answers that i don’t, here is a direct link to my book on Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4108162
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Congratulations Teagan, it is a positive review! Oh no worries about this post! Actually that’s a great reminder for me to have your book soon 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
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Indah, you are so nice! Thank you. And thanks for all the visual treats of photography at your blog. So lovely. Hugs!
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Nice. Chris is absolutely right. I’m reading the book now and love it.
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John, I’m tickled pink. Thank you for saying that — and for taking a moment to comment. Really enjoyed your post today. Still chuckling. Mega hugs!
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It gives me a nice feeling to give you something to carry you through the work day. Thanks for letting me know you liked it.
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Well done, Teagan. I’ve been promising myself a delve into your book. With such a great review from the dancing Ape – how could I resist any longer?jx
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That’s so kind of you Judith. It’s meant to be a fun read — not serious literature. I hope you enjoy. Have a terrific Tuesday. 🙂
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Congratulations Teagan, not read the book yet but I am sure Chris has given a true and honest review so it’s on my list, enjoy your reviews and bask in the glory you deserve it 🙂
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Hi Carol — you are so kind. I appreciate the encouragement. Huge hugs!
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Congratulations Teagan – your book deserves ALL of the love! ❤ 🙂
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It’s lovely to see you Jo! Thank you so very much. Mega hugs! 🙂
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Congratulations Teagan, I LOVE the book and it deserves all the accolades it gets. Great work!!!
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Suzanne, thank you so much! Your encouragement means a lot to me. (And your cake was such a huge hit on this weekend’s serial episode!) Mega hugs my friend.
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I am yet to buy this book…hopefully I’ll do it in my 1st sem hols:)😊😊
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Hi Lina. Thanks so much for commenting. I know you have a busy calendar. There are various snippets from the novel in my blog posts. If you’re curious you can click the category button on the right of the screen, for Atonement, Tennessee. Huge hugs. 🙂
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Haha ok cool will chk it out:)
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Fantastic. Congratulations, Teagan. You don’t do much self-promotion. In this day and age, if you don’t promote yourself who will know about you, your books, and great reviews? Be proud of what you’ve done. Have a great *short* work week.
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Thank you Mary. You always make me feel better. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Yay for a short week, but I have 3 days of all day training on a “process”, with homework each night. So if short, it will be grueling.
Mega hugs. 🙂
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I nice glass of wine should remedy the grueling part. After the “homework” of course. *Wink*
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😀 That kind of reward might be inspiring! Hugs.
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Congratulations Teagan!
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Thank you Dan. Have a terrific Tuesday. Mega hugs!
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
I think Teagan may be a little bit HAPPY!!!… 😀
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Many thanks for reblogging, Chris. Wishing you a wonder-filled week. 😀
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You too Teagan 😀 xxx
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