Copper’s Secret

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Note:  There’s a voting poll at the end of this post.  Please Vote!

 

Copper whispered a secret! But you know how loudly she whispers…

Victorian girls whisper_Hotel Perrin

So I might as well let you in on it too. It’s about the next episode. No, I promise I really didn’t know it when I posted the previous episode — you know these serials are pure “pantser” unplanned fun — but it turns out that Episode 33 was the penultimate installment of our “interactive” Steampunk serial. I’ve written the conclusion, which is waiting in the wings of my master document.

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers concludes this weekend!

Come on now… you knew this was going to happen. Stop crying or I’ll cry too.

What’s next?

Copper w ChalkboardFor about two years I’ve faithfully given episodes of serial stories, driven by the three things you send. In total I spend at least 3 full days writing, designing, and following up on each episode.  If I didn’t have a full-time job that might not be a big deal, but I have to earn a living.  However, I get enjoyment and satisfaction from writing them and even more, I absolutely love interacting with all of you!

I do plan to write another “three things” serial, and will want you to send the things. All sorts of ideas keep battering the doors of the chambers in my mind, demanding to be heard and seen.

Atonement_in_Bloom_1_03-24-2014However, I’m very much in need of a significant break. Else I’ll never finish another novel. “Atonement in Bloom” (book-2) beckons!  But what to do to keep you from drifting away???  I’d be truly hurt if I lost friends.

So for this so called break, I’ve decided to stick around, but do something less labor intensive. It’s also something to ensure I keep working on book-2.

Until I finish “Atonement in Bloom” I will post weekly updates on my progress, or something to do with the novel.  

— AND– I have a couple of ideas to make these interim posts more interesting…

1:  I could give you snippets from Esmeralda’s Journal.  No, not Ralda Lawton, the heroine of “Atonement, Tennessee.” I mean her past incarnation as the long ago Esmeralda Gwynedd!

(Farther ahead… Book-3 will be set in Esmeralda’s day and you’ll learn why she needed to “atone.”  So it’s sort of a pre-preview.)

Here’s an example:

Esmeralda’s Journal

Blue rose, symbol of the impossible
Blue rose, symbol of the impossible

Dear Diary,
I finally saw it. The blue rose. He told me it is the symbol of the impossible.  And should it grow in my garden my life would be filled with impossible things.  He also warned me to take care.  That my misdeeds could follow me beyond this mortal coil and into lifetimes to come.

Then he bent down, so near to my face that his lips brushed my cheek when he again spoke.  “And so will I follow you, Esmeralda,” he said.

Now remember, Esmeralda Gwynedd’s full story won’t be told until book-3.  I’m still working on book 2 right now.  So maybe using her is not a good idea after all.  So…

2.  I also thought about giving you weekly recipes from Bethany, our Goth accountant. It turns out she’s a bit of a baker. That would be more relevant to book-2.  Hmmm. Okay, let’s do a poll. Come on and vote everybody!

Once I’ve finished “Atonement in Bloom,” a new three things serial will begin.  So be thinking of things to send.

The steam locomotive to the Victorian Era will be at the platform one more time this weekend. I hope you’ll be there.

Hugs,

Teagan

54 thoughts on “Copper’s Secret”

  1. You’ve done a fantastic job with the three things serial, Teagan and a well deserved break is in order. I think no matter what you choose to do in the interim, if it winds up here on your blog, it will be equally well done and entertaining. I look forward to it.

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    1. Why thank you Daniel! You are so kind. It’s also been a pleasure to watch your blog evolve over time. Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories. I’ll miss doing the serial, so I’m sure another one will come along! 😀 Hugs

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      1. Hi Teagan! I’m over at your place catching up on ultraviolet streaked hair and violet eyes. What an adventure! 😀

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  2. Oh Teagan, the sad day finally arrived… I just hope you write another Three Things and put them together in a book. And I SO LOOK FORWARD to the new Atonement book! You are amazing! And I hope, and cross my fingers so that you get a job in the land you love. Hugs, more hugs, and talk to you Sunday 🙂

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    1. Dear Inese, thank you for these kind words. Yes, one day I’ll make books of the serials. They’ll lose a bit without the “interactive” aspect or the illustrations though. However, since they are available here, my priority over that will be novels. And how could I resist another Three Things serial? I plan another as soon as book2 is finished. Mega hugs my friend.
      Oh and I especially enjoyed your post today with all the owls. So charming!

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  4. I feared as much, the train has nearly reached its destination! I think you deserve a break Teagan – besides I want to read Atonement in Bloom so you need to get it written 🙂 I’d be happy just getting updates from you as your posts brighten up my inbox 3>

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  5. OH TEAGAN! I will be so sad but delighted for you when this serial ends so that you can focus on your book. I think you need to post whatever takes the less time for you. Do you really have outtakes saved, or would that take more time? Does your baker friend already have a blog? If not I can tell you writing up recipes and taking photos takes a lot of time. And no photos with a recipe is a hard sell. Hmmm. thinking thinking for you! Hey, why not a “word or phrase of the day” to keep your readers engaged? Something short and sweet that you can weave into your own personal life or the lives of any of your characters? Try to write something that would take less than 15 minutes of your time, with maybe one photo to go with it? What do you think?? MEGA HUGS!!! ❤

    Example, (and NO, you don't have to use this one!) :

    One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater: This is a character/phrase introduced in Episode #XX of the Copper and the Alchemist. According to Wikipedia, "The Purple People Eater" is a novelty song written and performed by Sheb Wooley, which reached #1 in the Billboard pop charts in 1958 from June 9 to July 14, and reached #12 overall. The Purple People Eater" tells how a strange creature (described as a "one-eyed, one-horned, flying, purple people eater") descends to Earth because it wants to be in a rock 'n' roll band. The premise of the song came from a joke told by the child of a friend of Wooley's; Wooley finished composing it within an hour."

    Then you can add a sentence or two, something like that. What do you think?

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    1. Oh Kathryn… First, I love your example. You may have an additional calling!
      I must admit, I have a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease. I suggested “Esmeralda’s Diary” before I thought it through, and now feel it would be confusing. The same for “Outtakes.” No… I only have one. LOL and it was from before I finished “Atonement, TN” and many people encouraged me to write a “romance because sex sells.” So the outtake is a naughty scene (at least for me).
      You couldn’t know, so I’m sorry to mislead you. “Bethany, the Goth accountant who turns out to be a bit of a baker” is a character in the Atonement series. Though she’s probably my favorite character in the series. She showed up with lovely pastries in one scene, and I mean to have her do a thing or two with that in book 2.
      If I use “Bethany’s Recipes” as a weekly “hook” I will just link back to a recipe I find on WordPress, as I do for the serials.
      The main thing is that I do some kind of weekly post about Atonement in Bloom (the work in progress), because that will goad me to keep working on it. I need to use a feature (about either book-2 or even book-1) that is consistent and entertaining – people are mere engaged if a blog is consistent.
      BUT, maybe it doesn’t have to be the same feature each week, as long as it’s about Atonement. As Suzanne and others suggested, I could mix it up.
      Got to get to the office. Wishing you (and everyone here) a thriving Thursday! Huge hugs! 😀 ❤

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    1. Thank you dear Chitra. I’ll still be here each weekend, just not with something as time consuming as creating the serial episodes. I’m taking a serial break for at least a month. Then I intend to start an all new “3 things” serial.
      See you this weekend with the conclusion. Huge hugs!

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  7. I don’t know how you have managed writing serials this long while holding down a full time job. I feel a breakdown coming on just thinking about it. I’m retired and most certainly could never keep up with you. Lots of luck on Book 2. Don’t worry about me. Though I’ll be popping in mostly till the end of the year, I’ll always find y.o.u. ❤ ❤ ❤

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  9. Teagan, I’ll be sad to see the series finish but excited to hear you’re going to concentrate on the book. Of course you won’t lose friends. I’ve voted for the diary, but like John I understand why it might not be the best idea (I’m just terribly curious about that side of things but can wait…perhaps, if it’s not going to be years and years!). Oh, whatever you do, I’m sure I’ll enjoy. Be well…:)

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    1. Hi Olga, it is great to see you. I get an idea for this “feature” and then it starts to look like it would give a lot of spoilers… Hopefully the right thing clicks into place soon! Many thanks for commenting. Hugs 🙂

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  10. All good things, even astonishingly good things, must come to an end. We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make the parting any easier.
    But I’m fine with you taking time to write ‘Atonement in Bloom’, especially since I’ve finished your magnificent ‘Atonement, Tennessee’. I’m feeling a tad bereft, I may need some time to process all this ending…but I like that it will lead to beginnings, and maybe more explanations because I have lots of questions (no spoilers).
    Thank you so much for the gifts of this serial and your book, they are truly something everyone should read.
    You’ve inspired me to get off my butt and write more of my book, wait, actually, you’ve inspired me to get on my butt because I usually sit to write, either way, you’ve inspired me!
    I can’t wait for the outtakes, recipes, just anything you want to toss our way, Teagan, we know it will be entertaining.
    I’m off to share this warning/teaser and to brace myself for the last episode…I have a feeling chocolate and tissues will be the order of the day. 🙂
    I’ll always be here, waiting. Thank you. And now I’m off to think of three things. 😉
    Megahugs, Teagan and all the best today and every day. 🙂

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    1. Dear Donna — another comment worthy of framing and placing on my office wall. Yes, bosses, this is what i really do!
      If i have inspired someone, then my day is complete. That is satisfaction.
      In all seriousness, if you have questions about Atonement, please email them to me. I meant to leave only one (important?) thing that was truly a loose end. So your questions might help me improve for book 2. Plus, I’m re-reading it myself, because it’s been a couple of years now since i wrote it and I want to make sure book 2 has the same “tone” and feeling as book 1. So if you have time, I’d really appreciate it if you’d email me your questions.
      Mega hugs my friend! 🙂

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  12. Teagan, I wondered when you would make the step to put your time into book writing. Knowing how connected you are with blogger friends, this must have been hard! Your wonderful supportive comments always looked forward to and appreciated. Now understanding will prevail, and giving back. I chose other for progress on book 2. Short weekly posts will do. I love Dan’s idea of Copper’s involvement in writing. Chryssa has been a huge help in my focused book writing! Look forward to your weekly thoughts, wherever they go…book, food, or anything you come up with. I’ll be there to read. Huge hugs, Chryssa

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  13. Hi Teagan, looking forward with purple flip flops in hand to the last episode this weekend! As for the other writings, progress in the works, do as comes to mind. Your followers and readers will be behind you all the way my friend. Huge Hugs, Cheryl.

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  14. Recipes and out takes are running neck and neck at moment. Now but Esmeralda could come up from behind at this point in time. It will be good for you to work on Atonement in Bloom.

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    1. Thanks Tim. I’ve needed to work on it all year, but I simply can’t do the blog and a novel. I tried, but I couldn’t. And I enjoy the blog too much to give it up. I’m having big second thoughts about Esmeralda’s Diary now… Thinking that since her story isn’t until book 3 that it would only confuse things…
      “Out takes” just popped into my head — I’m not sure what i can use for it…” I guess i didn’t think the poll thing through…
      I might end up with something that isn’t even on the poll — but i did give it the “other” option.
      Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Mega hugs!

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  15. Teagan I am sad that this episode will be ending but am thrilled and excited that you will be finishing Atonement in Bloom. You need a break, I don’t know how you do it, you are like the eternal fountain of creativitiy. I actually voted other, wondering if you could mix it up, changing from week to week a little of each. Maybe thats asking too much. Am eagerly awaiting the last episode this weekend.

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    1. Hi Suzanne, I actually thought about mixing it up like that. So your comment is valuable feedback to me. Plus with each comment I get new thoughts! Since the house (Sunhold) is full of antiques, some of which have strange properties, now I’m thinking about “playing” with the furniture somehow.
      For those who like long episodes — the conclusion is double length. It didn’t feel right to try and divide it.
      Thanks so very much, my friend. Hugs!

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  16. I can see the problem with the diary posts. You would be giving away things before hand. Hmmm. Why not just tell us how things are going and throw in a few recipes. I really am not fussy and think your loyal (readers would feel the same. Whatever you do I’ll be here. I did vote for the diary but understand why it might be a tough one.

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    1. Hi John… I’m intrigued by your feedback — and I really appreciate it too. I lost a lot of my “cook” readers when I started the Copper story… It wasn’t as food oriented. So there are a lot of variables whirling around in my head. Maybe Lilith’s diary? Or one of the supernaturals poking fun at how silly the humans are? Or…
      Heck, who knows. Many, many thanks for taking time to read and comment. Mega hugs! ❤ 🙂

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        1. Oh, I did think of a Bethany diary… but I’d be giving a spoiler if I say why I don’t think I could pull that off. 😉
          Hopefully something comes to me when I start writing the first post. As others have said, i wouldn’t have to do the same thing every week. But I’d rather have a consistent theme… or maybe two. LOL. Hugs! Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday tomorrow. That’s your serial day, I think — looking forward to see what your new characters are getting in to.

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  17. Definitely take a break Teagan! You won’t lose friends by not pushing yourself to the max all the time. Writing and creating new stuff is just as tiring as just doing push ups for the same time. Rest up! HUGS and MORE HUGS! X

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  19. Teagan, I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be finishing your book. It’s understandable that you need to take a break. Best of luck! I need to rush back to the previous serial post and catch up before the conclusion. The picture of Copper at the beginning of this post is the cutest. It so fits her. I’ve grown to love her character. Have a fantastic day.

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    1. Mary, that’s so kind of you to say about Copper. 🙂 I knew you’d support me in taking a break. Now if I can manage to actually scale back on how much effort I put into the blog posts… (Rolling my eyes.) I really got “in gear” this weekend, and hope to stay that way. Mega hugs, dear friend! ❤ 🙂

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  21. Good morning and mid week dear Teagan……It sounds to me that you are making the right decisions…even though your serial has become part of my weekly read as I know it has for many more…..however, I also know that every now and then, we creatives need to change tack in order to keep freshness in our work. I am so excited about your next book ‘Atonement in Bloom’ and like the idea of getting updates from you…..and snippets from Esmeralda’s diary….and yes do bring on the Goth accountant’s recipes….I like the sound of that. I will celebrate with you – a new beginning….and wait with baited breath to see what comes next. Enjoy my creative and innovative friend. Janet. xxx

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    1. Hi Janet — and thank you so much for your comment. This past weekend, I felt like a writing-whirlwind — and I hope I can keep that feeling for a month or so to work on book 2.
      I hope you’re having a terrific Tuesday. Mega hugs! ❤ 🙂

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