Marge Tipton — Characters from Atonement, TN (& a Cover Reveal)

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Marge at LOLAs
Marge Tipton at L.O.L.A. Lola’s

Welcome everyone.  You’ve entered my sanctuary.  Today we’re visiting Atonement, Tennessee.  I know it can be hard to find your way around in a fictional town.  So, let’s have lunch at the local diner, L.O.L.A. Lola’s.  I want you to meet the owner, Marge Tipton. 

Marge’s part in Atonement, Tennessee is quite small, but she comes back for book-2 with a somewhat bigger role.  I thought it would be fun for you to meet some of the residents of the quirky town.

Actually, I wrote this vignette a few years ago.  So while I try to finish the edits to Atonement in Bloom (I know you must be as tired of hearing me say that as I am of saying it but…) I’m giving you a rerun.  I hope you don’t mind.  This little slice of life was done in my “three things” style of pantser writing and I took the things from names of three blogs. Thanks to those folks for following me then and now!

Writer Christoph Fischer

No Facilities (Dan Antion)

Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ ~ Contemporary Western Romance

Writer, Facilities, Western

Cowgirl to the Rescue

Young Marge painting
Young Marge Tipton.  Dreamstime

The voice on the radio crackled as she drove through another area with poor reception.  The DJ counted down the top hits of 1974.  Marge pushed her big glasses back on the bridge of her nose and hoped she wouldn’t lose this channel before hearing a favorite song. The glasses were very similar to a pair she’d seen in a picture of Elton John.  She loved his flamboyance. 

You see, Marge Tipton wanted more than anything to be a wild child, an anti-establishment rebel. However, the truth was she just didn’t know how.  So she left her southeastern home and as her family put it, ran off out west.  She stopped running just after she crossed the Texas state line. Marge lived there for ten years. Then the post cards started coming.

The writer of the cards was her brother, Tracey. She didn’t know why her brother moved to the strange sounding Tennessee town a year before. It sounded like he didn’t have much choice in the matter. With each post card Tracey’s state of mind seemed to get worse. He was not pleased with his life there, yet he refused to leave. In his last missive Tracey begged his sister to come to Atonement, Tennessee.

1972 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside Pickup
Chevrolet 1972, C10 Shortbed Stepside Pickup

Marge was not happy about the situation.  She rebelled against anything she felt she was “supposed” to do.  She knew that everyone would judge her and say she should help her brother, regardless of whether he deserved it, or whether it ruined her own life. 

She adopted the cowgirl style that she would continue throughout her life.  Marge was perfectly satisfied in her western home.  However, she had a sense of duty that was every bit as strong as her wish to defy the establishment.   So cowgirl Marge got into her pickup truck, left Texas in her rear-view mirror, and headed to Tennessee.

The gas gauge in the truck steadily crept toward empty.  Just as Marge was getting worried she spotted a sign for a gas station.  At first she was relieved in more ways than one, but when she got closer, she saw the smaller sign below the oil company’s logo. “No facilities.”  Marge grumbled to herself. 

Maybe, if she was real polite, they’d let her use the employee restroom.

***

The End

***

Lolas inside diner
L.O.L.A. Lola’s

It wasn’t really a story, just a vignette, but now we have a backstory for a younger version of Marge Tipton.  She stayed in Atonement, TN with her brother and eventually opened “L.O.L.A. Lola’s Bar and Restaurant,” the diner frequented by my characters. 

Marge wasn’t there to “atone” after all, but her brother was.  However, as you’ll see next week, Deme and Honeybell might argue that point.  Meanwhile, Marge has her hands full with Atonement in Bloom.  There’s something about a bear, but I won’t say more. 

Do you have a story about a fuel gauge and the big “E” for empty?  Leave it in a comment if you do.  Thanks for visiting.  Great big hug!

 ***

Now a Reveal!

You know I’ve been trying to finish the editing and publishing work for book-2, Atonement in Bloom.  (My real job makes that difficult.)  Well, the thing is… There is a short story (many of you have seen it) that is a prequel to everything else in the “Atonement universe.”  Always one to make more work for myself… I’ve decided to do a double release.  Along with the sequel to Atonement, Tenneessee I will publish a collection of snort stories, which includes that prequel.  Here’s the cover.

Pigs collection cover banner
Snuffling your way soon.

Here’s the rest of the requisite shameless self-promotion…

Atonement Video Cover copy

Atonement, Tennessee

Amazon UK

Bijou front only 2

Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I

Novel-book-The Three Things Serial Story-Teagan Riordain Geneviene-The Writer Next Door-Vashti Q-spotlight-author

The Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story Kindle 

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 and 2018 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. 

All images are either the property of the author or from the public domain unless stated otherwise.

80 thoughts on “Marge Tipton — Characters from Atonement, TN (& a Cover Reveal)”

    1. Oh, I read that not long ago and loved it, Staci. I think you’ll find the tone very different. Maybe not quite as dark? Also, my Atonement stories are “loosely inspired” by Celtic mythology. (Meaning I got the general idea for my story from the myth and ran off the rails with it. LOL.) If you’re interested in that kind of thing, look into the myth of Gwydion fab Don.
      Love your new profile pic! Thanks for visiting. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Nothing wrong with “not as dark” and I love Celtic mythology. All mythology, really. And I think it’s great that you took the idea and ran with it. Sounds wonderful.

        Thanks for the recommendation. And for the kind words. 🙂

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  9. Wonderful to read some of Marge’s back story Teagan.. And congratulations upon your book.. Love the book cover.. and title.. 🙂
    And you never do things by halves.. Lol.. Now to catch up a little with your other story I am reading.. ❤ HUGS my friend.. Wishing you a relaxing Sunday.. But I bet the keys are being pounded.. ❤
    love and mega hugs your way ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Ha! You know me well, Sue. I really need to finish the Hullaba Lulu story today… The mental film is still having “cuts” and changes to “action!” in my head. I need to stop blogging and write before Monday-Mordor-dread takes over. It’s all ready grabbing for the rotor-blades of the windmills of my mind. Ah.. but it puts a lovely song in my head. Hugs on the wing my friend. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

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  12. What a wonderful cover design, Teagan!! And how wonderful to meet Marge and get a little backstory. There is a popular bar here in Dallas called “Lola’s.” The diner made me think of it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Oh gosh! I had no idea… Well, I’m glad I added the song spelling/reference to the diner’s name then (so it’s not an exact match).
      I’m happy you enjoyed Marge. She’s a very minor character, but that made it fun. Marge will be back next week. Hugs!

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  13. He he – it’s funny to see No Facilities in its proper historic context 🙂 I love reading about the characters in Bloom. You made them seem so real that it’s good to see them in other circumstances.

    Thanks for the mention. Sorry to be here so late.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. There’s no such thing as late here, Dan. Heck, it’s still the weekend. It’s always great to see you whenever you have time.
      You’re most welcome for the mention. I enjoy exploring the lives of the minor characters, so I’m happy you liked it too. Happy weekend hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

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  15. I don’t remember Marge from the first Atonement, Teagan, but I’m certain to get to know her when I read Atonement in Bloom. 🙂 Great idea to release your short stories at the same time, with the prequel. You are getting close, I think. I can feel the energy. Happy Writing and Editing!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Diana. Welcome back!
      Huge thanks for your positivity! Marge had a very very small part, a “walk on” or an “extra” if it was a movie. That was why it was fun to write more about her.
      I’m relieved to know the double-release idea works in your mind. I got several recommendations on how to handle the prequel situation. (Difficult since I didn’t intend to structure the timeline that way.) But it’s truly a *short* story. Finally the idea for the collection popped into my head, so I just went for it.
      I hope I’m getting close. I did a new cover for Bloom yesterday. (New image — idea I’ve been working with for months.) Great big hug.

      Liked by 1 person

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  16. Thanks so much for the mention, Teagan. That’s sweet. Marge and I would be good friends. LOL. I love, love, love your new cover. Congratulations on the snort stories. It takes a double take to realize it isn’t “short” and is a great idea. ❤ Hope you're enjoying the weekend. Stay dry!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. It’s my pleasure, Mary. I’m so happy you like the cover. Thanks for your suggestion to be sure and make it clear that the book includes a prequel story. LOL, *snort* you know I can’t resist a play on words.
      We finally got a break from the rain today, if not from the humidity. Grunt-snuffle-snort hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Robbie. Aw… Tracey Tipton has an even smaller role than his sister. He’s not usually sober enough to get up to anything. Although, it’s always good to have a character in reserve! He might eventually have an interesting part. 😉 Many thanks for visiting. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks so much, Rob. Two book covers in two days. I’d say I’m on a roll… but part of me knows I’m procrastinating about editing! Still — it was work that had to be done.
      I hope you’re having a beautiful weekend. Grunt-snuffle-snort hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

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  22. You had me at ‘snort’ stories, Teagan!!! 😉
    Loved this, I love visiting here because I’m always guaranteed a smile, some chuckles, some thoughts (deep sometimes, happy sometimes…sometimes both) – your sanctuary? My dearest friend, this is a sanctuary for all who are lucky enough to stumble upon this magical place. 🙂
    Hope this weekend gives you peace, love and understanding xoxoxo
    Mega this post made me sing and giggle which you know led to a snort or three hugs xoxox

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Dear Donna, heartfelt thanks for what you said about the sanctuary. That is my intention. ❤
      Loved your post today. Yes, what the world needs now is love sweet love, but it needs RESPECT just as much. Five days a week I see the opposite. Well done, my friend.
      I'm delighted that you enjoyed your visit, and always glad to give a giggle. Grunt-snuffle-snort hugs!

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  23. Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    Today Teagan Geneviene shares some background to a minor character in her novel Atonement, Tennessee Marje Tipton, who is due to have more prominent role in the sequel, Atonement in Bloom.. Sounds like my kinda Gal.. loves Westerns and dresses the part.. Also a surprise in the form of a cover reveal for a second book to be released at the same time The Glowing Pigs… snort stories… great cover as you will discover when you head over to meet Marje. #recommended

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Olga, it’s so good to see you! I finished formatting the snort story collection last night. 🌙 Now to finish editing Bloom so I can release them together…
      I appreciate the virtual hug. You know it’s a rough time when first thing in the morning I belt out a blues song at my desk, not giving a… snort about who hears me. Who cares — it kept me from falling apart. o_O Grunt-snuffle-snort from the pigs! Great big hug right back.

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    1. Hi Mihran, it’s great to see you. Oh, that’s a cool idea… a story with a Sinatra vibe. Maybe I’ll look for one of his movies today. 🙂 Thanks very much for your feedback. Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs!

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  34. Makes me sing Donovan’s song, “She came up to me and she asked me to dance. I looked down at her and I asked her name, she said, Lola. L O L A, Lola.”
    Something close to this, since this is by memory.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hi Cindy. Exactly! In the novel, Marge wanted to give her restaurant the wildest name she could. Being somewhat sheltered, that song was as wild as she could imagine. Thanks for taking time to visit. Hugs on the wing!

      Like

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