Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors to Atonement in Zugzwang — The Good Guys.

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Image collage by Teagan
Image collage by Teagan

When you open a door anywhere in Atonement, TN, you’re bound to find friends.

I’ve done a lot of long-running blog serial stories (at least eight, but I always overlook a couple when I try to think of them all). At some point during any of them, I do a post with images of how I see the characters. 

If you haven’t been following my current serial, this post would be a great way to get acquainted with the “Atonement in Zugzwang” so you can enjoy future episodes.  If you enjoy a little dark humor mixed with your whimsy, or some “Weekend at Bernie’s” type silliness come on over.  However, if you’re “sensitive” about dead bodies, sigh… just stay away.

Writing Process

Image collage by Teagan
The glowing pigs in a magical doorway. Image collage by Teagan

This post part of my writing process.  Usually, I don’t mention a character’s race, because I feel it makes it easier for the reader to either put themselves into the story, or to use their own imagination.  So, the following images are from my vision of Atonement.  Yours can be anything you like.  If you’re a regular follower, I’d be curious to know how you imagine the characters.

This post is limited to the “good guys.”  Also, I did not include all of the characters who have very small background roles.  The following pictures are computer generated images (CGIs), which I own.

The characters are listed roughly in order of their appearance or introduction in the serial.  I’ve included a relevant snippet of text from the story for each.  Altogether, this post will make a good recap for the story because most of the text bites include little hints.

But first, a shout out to Chris Graham the Story Reading Ape for being the one to get me interested in the various apps for computer generated images. Thanks Chris!

Episodes 1 & 2

CGI image by Teagan
CGI image by Teagan

Pepper Riley

“Ms. Riley, strong elemental forces are in play, my dear.  It’s best to place yourself at a position that allows you make your own decisions,” Adelle Metatron continued.  “When higher powers begin a game, one would not want to end up in zugzwang — with your back against a wall.”

Maudie

Maudie Rocket

(Pepper’s best friend.)
Despite the ungodly hour, I was only mildly resentful when my friend Maudie Rocket called, begging me to make a drive of many hours to pick her up in an isolated town named Atonement.  It was a rescue mission.  My flighty friend, Maudie, had run off with a mysterious man she met on one of the outings with our women’s group.  Ambrogio Junior was the son of a vampire and a sugar plumb fairy.  She had broken up with him in a dramatic way.

Wirt (Salty) Riley

Salty Riley (Pepper’s late uncle)

“He got the nickname Salty because he was a merchant marine,” I explained.  “He was responsible for me being called Pepper.  When I was little, he always joked that we made a great crew — Salty and Pepper.”

Heavily altered CGI Teagan
Annie (left), Adelle (right)

Adelle Metatron

Adelle softly blew across the surface of the cup.  Tiny tealeaves floated to the top.  She swirled the contents again.  The leaves spiraled and then separated into groups.

“The knights have gathered on neutral ground.  Although the agreement is breached.  A bishop, a biased keeper, has taken possession of the grounds.  Others have congregated as well.  This is indeed a dangerous hour,” Adelle intoned, and then looked up at them.

Lexica CGI

Donny Metatron

(Son of Annie, younger brother to Dale, and nephew to Adelle.)
  “I can’t believe they let anything with those buttons back in here.  If anybody summons a unicorn again then I… I… Then I quit!” Donny grumbled.

“Well, we won’t have to worry about anything, Pepper.  Don’t unicorns come to virgins?” Maudie quipped.

At her words, Donny turned scarlet and stalked away.  He muttered curses and threats to his absent older brother Dale, whom he apparently believed was responsible for the presence of the garment.

Dan Barrett w beard Lawyer
CGI

Dan Barrett, Esq.

(Boyfriend to Lacey Hampton in the novels.)
Dan Barrett, the attorney handling my uncle’s estate was prominent in Nashville.  Before Salty’s death he had opened a second office in Atonement.  He divided his time between the two places, but his local hours were limited.

Russell Skeen bank manager CGI

Russell Skeen

(Manager of local bank and boyfriend of Marge Tipton in the novels.)
“I hope you don’t mind this intrusion into your meeting.  Your uncle left some things for you that have been stored in the bank’s vault,” Mr. Skeen, the bank manager added.  “And please, call me Russell.  We don’t stand on formality here.”

Enoch Metatron overalls looking away CGI

Enoch Metatron

“Enoch Metatron is the grandfather of Adelle and Annie Metatron who owns the antique store.  But I’m afraid he doesn’t live around here,” the attorney continued.  “I believe he’s somewhere in the desert southwest.  Miss Metatron, Adelle, had said that she would obtain his contact information for us when the time was right.”

Episodes 3, 4, & 5

CGI by Lexica
CGI by Lexica

Annie Metatron

“Annie Metatron, who owns the antique shop, must have agreed about the value of Salty’s antiques.  She and Salty once had a long discussion about them.  I wasn’t part of it, but I know it ended with Annie warning him that he’d better take care of them properly.  I had never heard Annie take that tone with anybody.  Except her sons, that is.”

Honeybell, Deme, & Moccus

Deme, Moccus, & Honeybell – the Glowing Pigs

(Occasional scenes are told from Deme’s point of view.)
“Deme, what are you reading?  It seems out of character for you.  Honeybell’s the big reader,” Moccus asked her, rather than giving a polite greeting.

“It’s a book about chess,” she began.  “I overheard the Guardian of the Eastern Gate warn a supernatural not to put Atonement in zugzwang.  That’s a chess term for when you’re forced into making a move or a decision.  He also cautioned about the dragons, who are also guardians,” she replied.  “I have a funny feeling that there’s a situation I don’t know about or understand.  And I’m afraid it might escalate.”

Bheema image collage by Teagan

Bheema Parvati

“That would be Mr. Parvati,” the banker replied.  “I shouldn’t say anything, but I promised Salty that I’d look out for you.  Bheema Parvati checks out fine.  He’s a decent sort.  He also offered to help you with anything heavy.  I’d take him up on that.  He doesn’t look it, but the man’s as strong as an elephant.”

Chip

I jumped at a sudden noise.  “Don’t worry.  That was probably just Chip pealing out in that muscle car he drives.  He does deliveries for Italian 2 Go.”

Image collage by Teagan

Deputy Fletcher N. Hodge

“You can guess what the N is for.  My dad was vertically challenged, and he figured I would be too.  He gave me the middle name Napoleon to remind me not to take my short height too seriously,” the deputy elaborated with a crooked smile.

Episodes 7 – 15

Spike

With a louder mew, the gray kitten head-butted me.  Surprised at what seemed quite strong for a weak, defenseless baby, I looked at her curiously.  To my astonishment, a single gold horn protruded from her forehead.  I gasped and then blinked.  The kitten’s head was normal.  It returned my gaze blissfully and started to purr.

Dale Metatron Lexica CGI

Dale Metatron

(Older brother of Donny, son of Annie.)
“I’m just trying to be comfortable for while I’m here,” I muttered, reminding myself that I would leave as soon as my late uncle could be laid to rest.

“Careful.  The town grows on people,” remarked Dale Metatron with a sardonic half-smile.  “It’s really not that bad.”

Deme & Sheriff Robin image collage by Teagan

Sheriff Robin Warden

Not everyone in the town of Atonement is drawn there to atone.  Although they are few, in fact only about one in a billion, some follow an inner urge that brings them to the town to serve as caretakers of the magic or as its protectors.  One such was Sheriff Robin Warden.  Deme and Honeybell were both fond of Robin the Warden of Atonement.

Dr. Mary Sue Leggett

(Psychiatrist at Magnolia Skies Convalescent Home, in the adjacent village of Rectify.)
“I know most of your family said your uncle was crazy.  If you’re concerned that you might have inherited that, don’t be.  Wirt Riley was perfectly sane.  Just a little eccentric.  Atonement really is a… a unique town,” Dr. Leggett said.

♣ ♣ ♣

Thanks for opening this door.  I hope you’ll come visit me and the friends I’ve introduced here by reading my serial, Atonement in Zugzwang.  It’s free.  Friendly comments are encouraged.

♣ ♣ ♣

The Atonement Series

The Glowing Pigs: Snort Stories, image by Teagan
The Glowing Pigs: Snort Stories, image by Teagan

Atonement, Tennessee

Full series of e-books with one click:  relinks.me/B087JV25JT

Kindle:  rxe.me/HGSVA8A

Paperback: relinks.me/1481826948

Atonement in Bloom

Kindle:  rxe.me/5RRBLH

Paperback:  relinks.me/1726882128

The Glowing Pigs, Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee

Kindle   rxe.me/LTBDNH

Paperback   relinks.me/1725891972

♣ ♣ ♣

Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world. It’s hosted by Dan Antion.  Feel free to join in on the fun by creating your own Thursday Doors post each week and then sharing your link in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time).

2023 Badge Thurs doors teresa-my-camera-and-i

Thanks for opening this door.  Hugs!

 

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 © 2023 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work 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 used with permission, or from free sources.

55 thoughts on “Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors to Atonement in Zugzwang — The Good Guys.”

  1. Pingback: Atonement in Zugzwang Part 2: Call for Things – Teagan's Books

  5. Fabulous post, Teagan!
    I adore your CGI images.
    I’m also happy that they are not generated by AI.
    The best here today is Spike. I’d like a Spike kitty of my own.
    Great recaps!
    Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

        1. Most of them are for phones, but you can upload the images to your whatever. I have GenZart (my first one) — They changed everything recently and went to mostly paid stuff. I still only use the free “filters.” They were out of commission for a while and I bought “Imagine” (a Google sponsored app). Sometimes, on my laptop, I use Lexica — HOWEVER their app is not free so I do a search of their existing posted images. That’s why you’ll sometimes see me crediting them for a CGI — because I didn’t choose any style or filter, or supply the “prompt” words.
          Chris Graham has Pintrest pages that he has set up for the many AIs he uses. With each page he states what app was used for its images: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/grahamchristoph/

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  11. Love the characters–Pepper and the pigs look as expected, some of the other characters now have dimensions I had not previously thought about. This serial has gotten me as thoroughly hooked as your previous stories.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Pat. Funny… I never could get the CGIs to make Pepper the way I imagine her — always too young and too beautiful. However, it’s been easier to get additional images of her with the same/similar face than the other characters. I’m happy that you are enjoying this wacky ride. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I confess that I take the clues from the images you post, Teagan, when it comes to characters, although there are some that I hadn’t a clear image of in my mind yet. Like Dan, I like your suggestions. Thanks, Teagan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m glad you liked it, GP.
      (Shakes head) It seems the AIs that generate these images believe the human race is either beautiful or freakishly, absurdly distorted. For instance, I never meant for Pepper to be so beautiful. And Leonidas Gathright — I kept telling the software to make him ugly, and it kept giving me this gorgeous guy. LOL.
      Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. No real surprises here, Teagan. Maybe not what I would imagine, but I like them, and I feel like I know some of them. I can tell, in all your stories and serials, that you know your characters very well. I feel like you know what they would do in every situation. I’m looking forward to the next episode.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.