Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors: Airships

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Door for the people on deck to enter.  Teagan via Playground

All aboard!  In honor of The Delta Pearl duology, this time we have airships.  The title of book-2 is The Geostrophic Pearl.  It will be hard to avoid giving spoilers to book-1 if I go into detail, but a steampunk airship comes into the story.  Once again, this post does double duty for Wednesday Writing and for Thursday Doors.  Yes indeed, airships have doors.

Wednesday Writing

Not giving spoilers to book-2 is even harder than I anticipated.  So, I will not explain anything about what “The Geostrophic Pearl” is.  Giving an exact explanation would be a huge giveaway.  Even so, I’m sharing this scene of what Émeraude first encounters there.

I wanted to set a menacing tone along with a surreal, otherworldly vibe for the first time my young heroine sets foot there.   Of course, the villain is plenty menacing.  Attaching Émeraude’s cameo (which looks like the old portrait that fascinates her) to more knowledge about the Cécile Perle character is both surreal and vibe-filled.

Chapter 20: Geostrophic

Teagan via Playground

Hanging moss and a swampy river made the background for a painting.  The scene reminded me of the Louisiana bayou.  It pulled my attention, just as surely as the magic that permeates that area tugs at one’s soul.

Although the setting was what first drew my eye, the unknown artist’s subject startled me enough that my attention was diverted from the man who wore a green pinstripe tuxedo.  He followed my gaze.

“She is exquisite, no?” Malachite remarked in a Cajun accent.  “Cécile Perle, mambo extraordinaire.  A Voodoo queen of unsurpassed skill and beauty.”

The subject of the painting was a beautiful woman.  Her luxurious hair shone like a halo about her lovely face.  Around her neck was a ribbon from which an intricately carved cameo hung.

While the setting was different, it was the same woman from the old portrait on the Delta Pearl.

Of its own accord, my hand went to my neck.  My cameo was nearly identical to the one in the portrait. 

Malachite’s eyes returned to me.  He regarded me in an evaluative stare.  I felt like a specimen under Victor’s microscope.  Several times he looked from the painting to me, and back again, as if comparing minute details.

Grinding gears, or perhaps it was a growl, created a noise that caused Malachite to look away.  The sound made me even more nervous than I already was.  If it was a growl, then it came from something big.

♣ ♣ ♣

Thursday Doors

1929 Packard and the Graf Zeppelin Wikimedia Commons
1929 Packard and the Graf Zeppelin, Wikimedia Commons

Yes indeed, airships have doors!  Of course, they are vastly different than the fantasy or steampunk variety.  However, like water towers they do need access, and the gondola or other piloting areas must have an entry.  In the photo above you can see the Graf Zeppelin and a door.  That’s a fabulous 1929 Packard in the foreground.  I love that there’s another zeppelin in the background.

Here’s an article that provides the A to Z on the various types and their uses from airship to zeppelin.  Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University article.

Modern airships are touted as a greener alternative to jet travel. Popular Mechanics had an interesting looking article, but membership is required for reading.

AirLander Prototype CNN 2022
AirLander Prototype poster via CNN, 2022

There’s a door above beside the Air Nostrum sign. It’s a prototype. The expected exterior appearance was sort of like a double blimp. I can’t tell you the current status of the project.  However, as of 2022, Air Nostrum, which operates flights under the Iberia Regional umbrella from its Valencia base, had ordered 10 Airlander-10 aircraft, with delivery scheduled for 2026.  (CNN Travel)

Airlander airship interior Good News
Airlander via Good News

There are more delightful details on the dirigible at this Good News article too.  Those windows are a far cry from airplane windows.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip from fantasy, to the past, to the present and near future. Thanks for opening this door.  Friendly comments are encouraged.  Questions about The Delta Pearl are welcome too.  Hugs!

♣ ♣ ♣

Now the obligatory shameless self-promotion.

The Delta Pearl

The duology includes The Delta Pearl: A Steampunk Riverboat, and the conclusion of the story, The Geostrophic Pearl: The Delta Pearl Book 2.

The books are available in Kindle or paperback form.  Also, Amazon offers free readers to allow you to read Kindle books on your device of choice.  Including android.

Please note:  Due to Amazon policy changes there are no illustrations.  I had illustrated both books when that change took effect.  The series description mentioned the illustrations.  I have removed that, but Amazon still states that the series is illustrated (even though they weren’t going to allow it.)

Universal Purchase Links

The Delta Pearl: A Steampunk Riverboat, Book 1

Kindle:  relinks.me/B0D4NPS5LP

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0D4Q1J94Q

The Geostrophic Pearl:  The Delta Pearl Book 2

Kindle:  relinks.me/B0D4R6MB1Y

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0D4TR686Q

♣ ♣ ♣

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).

♣ ♣ ♣

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.

Copyright © 2019 through 2024 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

62 thoughts on “Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors: Airships”

  1. An airship! We combine two worlds, yes? Kind of amphibian but not. The steampunk version is awesome, though I’d be perfectly content waving from the ground with any of these. I’d expect to hear calliope music from that steampunk model. You sure did take us time-traveling –and mind-traveling too! Nicely done!

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    1. Hi Maureen. I’m happy you enjoyed this. LOL, maybe the steampunk one actually is powered by a calliope! It’s funny you should say that about amphibian, because my first thought when I saw the full photo of the modern one was that it reminded me of the sea-to-air small vessel from the 1960s TV series “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” — their flying sub.

      Thanks for this fun comment. Hugs!

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    1. I can understand that, Sharukh. I didn’t investigate how safely they can land, which is the main concern to me. Balloons are a basic kind of airship, and they are popular here, particularly in Albuquerque. It has to do with the topology of the area. Actual airships have more maneuverability than balloons. I would think the landings are easier to control too. The modern ones are hybrids, so should be a lot safer. Regardless they are fun to imagine. 🙂 Hugs.

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  6. Cool about airships! Thanks for including images of a variety of them. The first one is filled with whimsey, and would be fun to ride in it! Neat to read your book excerpt, too! I hope your week is going better than after your previous blog post. 🌞

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    1. Thanks, Dave. I was going to use that airship when I made the illustrated version, but after Amazon’s policy on images changed, I had to reformat (AGAIN) without the illustrations. June has been a real stinker for me all month. Here’s to July. Have a relaxing rest of the week. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.

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  8. As someone who loves steampunk, I thoroughly enjoyed your post and the captivating images you’ve included. Your writing sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore further into the intriguing mysteries of “The Delta Pearl” duology. You’ve skillfully crafted a narrative that seamlessly weaves together history, fantasy, and steampunk elements. Excellent work!

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  9. I like the steampunk version best, but I prefer to be earthbound.
    What fuel does the modern airship use? Somehow I think the greenest transportation is the lowest tech.
    But I always like a mysterious portrait. (K)

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    1. Good old terra firma! The fuel information might be in one of the links. That was beyond the scope of my post. I gather that the modern ones are hybrids, but what combination of fuels, I don’t know. My guess is some ordinary airplane fuel for takeoff and landing, maybe maneuvering, and one kind of gas or another for the rise and float. I don’t know if they still use hydrogen or what.
      Thanks for your feedback about the portrait. It plays a big part throughout the duology. Hugs.

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  10. I love your rendition of a steampunk airship. I’m trying to imagine what cool sounds it makes. I enjoyed the excerpt with the cameo, too. It’s such a good way to set up a mystery. I hope to learn more about Air Nostrum. It looks like a very comfortable way to travel.

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    1. Thanks so much, Liz. I appreciate that feedback about the snippet.
      Hopefully we’ll know more about the hybrid airships soon. I didn’t spend enough hours to find current information on that project. It does seem like a pleasant alternative for short flights. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.

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  11. AH!

    Fab doors post. Love the excerpt, Teagan!

    Fascinating about the new airships. I had no idea, but I like the idea. I look forward to more info coming out.

    I am working on a review for one of Robbie’s books right now. Once done, I’ll take a short reading break (🤭😂 like I read so much!)

    Anyway, Delta Pearl is on deck, and so am I!

    Big Hugs!

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  12. Your steampunk airstrip looks fantastic!

    I’m listening to a story podcast that reminds me of you and your work so much.

    It’s the called the Leviathan Chronicles. If your ears have been ringing the last week it’s because I think of you often while listening to this story.

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  14. Your trip from past to present to future was delightful. What I wouldn’t give to ride in a steampunk airship. That would be so much fun. Your chapter accomplished your goals. The painting, the cameo, and the noise all set a tone that begs for more. Week done, Teagan.

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    1. Heartfelt thanks for that feedback, John. I usually know what effect a written passage has on me, but it’s impossible to be sure whether I’ve conveyed those emotions or sensations well enough to evoke them in others. A steampunk airship is huge fun to imagine. I’m glad you enjoyed this flight. Hugs.

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  16. Oh, my gosh, that new proposed airship looks like the ultimate in luxury. I’ll bet a ticket would cost a bazillion bucks. Better start saving my pennies! And your steampunk airships look even cooler!

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        1. I hear that. Maybe there’s a certain kind of weather-stress that the experts haven’t figured out yet. Stress uses up a lot of energy. I have my anxiety inducing “project” out of the way now. It was three weeks of getting ready to go get my drivers license and car registration… Simple for most people, but not for me. I’ve had so many panic attacks in the past 4 weeks that I wonder if I’ll ever get over the “adrenaline exhaustion” that comes from it. At least that much is finally done though — it only took me four years. LOL. Get some rest, my friend. What you’ve been doing is more than enough to make anybody tired.

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          1. That’s good you got it done. I hope you got 8 years on the license. Unfortunately, you can only do two years on the car registration, but now you will be able to renew it online. Did you have to get the vin cleared to prove the car wasn’t stolen since you came from out of state? If the process is still the same as it was 20 years ago, that’s enough to bring on a panic attack.

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            1. Yes, I got the 8-year one. I don’t know what she might have checked, but she entered the vin in the computer. I didn’t hit any snags. However I had the original title to the car, so that probably helped.

              It had to be inspected because it had never been registered here. I was worried about that because in DC that had to be done every second year. the guys always bullied me saying I must have rolled back the odometer. I don’t appreciate being accused of a crime. Being unable to cope with that conflict was the main thing holding me back.

              Fortunately, the inspiration only consisted of her writing down the mileage from the odometer, and looking around the car to make sure the bumpers weren’t falling off. She didn’t question anything. It all went amazingly well. (Except I had sprained my foot, so the driving and standing were painful, but the process was not.)

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              1. Good. That was rather painless, except for your foot. There was a time when you had to take a car from out of state to the State Police to have it inspected and cleared that it wasn’t stolen. Having the State Police go through a car is no fun.

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                1. Yikes, I can imagine. In DC they went over it with a fine-tooth comb every time — emissions check, all the head/tail lights and signals, tires, I don’t even know what all. I was always afraid they’d break something while checking all that. (I’ve actually taken cars to garages when I was young, where right in front of me they intentionally damaged something. Not that they got my business after that, but it was another expense.) Anyhow, I need to visit your blog. Cheers.

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                2. We used to have to get Brake & Light stickers every six months or so. Gas station attendants would inspect and certify that all the lights, turn signals, brake lights, and windshield wipers worked and were in good shape. But it was a sham because you could give most attendants a few dollars extra, and they would give you the sticker without an inspection. The legislature finally did away with it.

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  20. Fabulous sample and images, Teagan, and you’ve managed to intrigue readers without revealing too much. I am excited and hope the Airlander really gets made, because Valencia is quite nearby and I wouldn’t mind trying it for real! Thanks, Teagan! Love to Daphne and Velma!

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