Saturday, January 4, 2025by Teagan via Night CafeHello, all. I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I began by diving back to the work lineup that Amazon KDP derailed when they held upReal Steampunkery Tech. Because of that, I’m afraid to announce what I otherwise would today. I’ll wait a week and make that announcement (if they don’t pull the rug out from under me again).What else is on my high-desert horizon? First a small teaser. Tim Price and I have been working on a new musical project. I won’t say much yet. Because Tim is doing the majority of the work, I feel that non-secret is his to tell. My header image is a little clue though.With my work on those two “mysterious” (although I’ve spoken of the novella too many times, so you know what that is) projects done, I’m finishing up the next volume in myAuthor Tool Chestcollection. I may as well do a cover reveal now.
Speak Flowers & Fans
A Dictionary of Floriography and Fanology
A few of you know those terms, floriography and fanology. I’ll talk more about the language of flowers and the language of fans in a future post.Now I should finally finish finalizing the steampunk novel that forever foregoes its first-place status to frequently fluctuating priorities… Forgive me — I’ll forgo further F words. Like “A Peril in the Vines” I have mentioned “Cornelis Drebbel the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers” far— oops, sorry about the F word… too many times as being on the way. So, I’ll leave it at that.That’s the near horizon. Honestly, I have so many projects in various stages of completion (fiction and nonfiction)… not to mention being constantly assailed by new ideas… that there’s no telling which one I’ll pick up from one day to the next.Velma: Don’t forget the string. We’ll play with the string. A lot.VelmaDaphne: And treats! Please say there’ll be treats.Daphne
Of course, Scoobies. Of course. I know what’s really important.
Thanks for visiting. I’m looking forward to our new adventures together in the blogosphere. Wishing you all good things in the New Year. Hugs!
♣ ♣ ♣
Of course there’s the obligatory shameless self-promotion.
Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras
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.
Thanks very much, Sharukh. It’s not what I originally had in mind, but that first idea was just too busy. I appreciate your good feedback on this one. Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs.
Your cover is stunning, Teagan. How beautiful. It sounds like another useful book for authors. I’m intrigued for sure! Now to come up with a way to use flowers and fans in my next project. ❤
Thanks, Diana. I wanted to keep a background similar to the other two “Speak” books, but that was just too busy for what I needed to do with this one. Have a wonderful week. Hugs.
They’ve been great in the past, particularly the customer service people. All that got turned upside down with Steampunkery Tech though. I’ve never seen such absurd LACK of service. At least not until a current non-book issue with a gift card balance refill that they “applied” to some weird number (not any kind of account) that even their people don’t know what happened. They won’t even communicate at all about that. Meanwhile I’m out $200… Although that is regular Amazon, not KDP. It was a heck of a way to start the year. Anyhow, thanks for commenting. I hope you have a great 2025. Hugs.
Thanks, Teri. Sometimes Velma gets this “bliss” look on her face when she jumps in for a post-treat snuggle, as if she might say “Oh, live is so good!” Hugs.
Thanks for your kind encouragement, Rebecca. Maybe if we just keep creating good and positive things, the world around us will follow suit. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs on the wing.
Yay! I’m so excited to hear that, Denise. I’ve tried to make each story in that series similar for the characters, but quite different for the stories. I’m delighted you are enjoying it.
The Scoobies thank you. They’re snuggled into their afternoon nap. I hope your New Year is off to a great start. Hugs.
I absolutely LOVE that header photo! ❤ ❤ ❤ And another Author Tool? The language of flowers and fans — so tasty! numnumnum Are you TRYING to take all my money? Because it’s yours!!!
Haha. You are so kind, Marian. This one is kind of a “niche” book, but it’s interesting. Plus, it brings such elegance to mind. I hope your New Year is off to a good start. Hugs.
My late best friend got me hooked on Regency Romances (lots of fans) and one story line on BONES featured the language of flowers. Esoteric is right up my alley!
Was that the episode with Hodgens at the botanic gardens and the Juliet rose? I don’t remember the details off the top of my head.
I first became aware of the language of fans years ago when reading a spy story written in the Victorian Era called “Elusive Isabel”. The setting was the area where I lived and worked, so the descriptions were particularly interesting to me. You can get it free here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10943
Ahhh! Now I remember that. Yuck for sure.
Okay, I’ll hand you a virtual iris. *Iris: The purple iris symbolizes trust and says that “your friendship means a lot to me.” These spring flowers also stand for wisdom, a nice compliment for any friend.8
I love fanology and the cover looks fab! You have so many awesome ideas! I wish you all the best for 2025 with lots of publications and fun. Big snuggles for the Scoobies as well. Hugs, xo
Thanks, Darlene. Whatever the real life hardships of centuries past may have been, learning about things like the languages of flowers and of fans makes it seem like such an elegant world. Wishing you continued success this year. Tummy rubs to the pups. Hugs winging back to you.
Having many projects in various stages of completion and being constantly assailed by new ideas is better than neglecting the muse. For too long I’ve been saying, yeah, yeah, one day….. but then we did make a big move… You inspire me to get my feet wet again. Oh, and the header photo resonates with me – looking forward to learning more about that.
It’s good to see you, Joanna. I always feel so humbled when someone says I’ve inspired them. Definitely keep creating. It helps me to use prompts (whether words or visuals) with the intention of just creating a little bit — not even a finished (or finish-able) end result. I save them and sometimes they become a scene in a full-fledged story. If they don’t, then they still aren’t wasted, simply because doing the creating is useful in and of itself.
Thanks about the image. I did 3 of the woman playing piano to wolves in the forest that Tim added to his video (along with the many he had done). I’m planning some kind of companion post, but Tim’s post will include the music video. It’s tentatively scheduled for January 13th. Wishing you every kind of wellness in the new year. Hugs.
I too have so many uncompleted projects that sometimes I just get overwhelmed. But you seem better at finishing than I am.
May the New Year be merry and bright! (K)
My constant state with all the things that need to be done (other than writing) is overwhelm, Kerfe. So many things I’m just unable physically to do, it’s hugely depressing. Writing is the only way I can shut it out.
New ideas bring enthusiasm with them. I’m hoping to find ways to reignite that initial enthusiasm on partly written novels that I started years ago. A sparkling New Year to you as well. Hugs.
Thank you for these kind and encouraging words, Kirt. The Scoobies (Daphne & Velma as in Scooby Doo) give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and make me smile. Wishing you and yours a brilliant New Year. Hugs.
I hate that KDP tortures you. Anyway, you always seem to come through, one way or another.
We cannot force our pure creativity. It has a life of its own.
I did force creativity for years, but it was not for my own pure creative ideas. It was for $$$ and for other people’s ideas/dreams to come true, in the film industry.
So, go with your flow, I say!
Love what you do, Teagan! Hugs and many more coming over 2025!
In a way, that forced creativity is similar to how my work was for the Feds. I wrote. They took credit. And then wouldn’t lift a finger to help me advance because they’d look foolish if it was learned that a lowly worker, three pay grades below them had been doing that writing. Only one of them ever gave me credit, and even that turned out to make the rest of them (who thought that boss had been doing the writing) get furious with me because they felt stupid. Anyhow, thank God I’m away from there. I’m just trying to say that I can relate.
My “flow” is not to very positive imaginary places for the past year (or more) — and I absolutely need positive things in my head. Maybe I can turn the unhappy ideas into some kind of dark humor or satire… We’ll see. Big hugs winging back to you.
PS: Hmmm… I might email you about the post-social-apocalypse idea that just won’t leave me alone.
I appreciate you, Resa. I’m not sure I can make this idea work. I haven’t been able to find even dark humor in it, but that’s the only thing that might let me work on it.
A story needs an ending, and I can’t see more than the setup and worldbuilding. I’ve thought about posting it here in dribs and drabs (not really as a serial), with no real intention of it becoming any particular thing. Maybe think of it as a series of vignettes so that I’m not overwhelmed by the need to actually finish it… But maybe I can turn it into… (I don’t know) some kind of collaborative challenge. Have a relaxing week ahead. Hugs.
A vignette(s) sounds good.
Hmm, well, a challenge is interesting, but has to be monitored.
Collaboration is 2, usually, so easy to control.
Can you send me a paragraph or 2 on the set up and world?
Perhaps I can see some humour? Hugs!
That’s generous of you, Resa. I only have a “topic outline” (I guess you could call it) of the world building. I’ll tighten things up and email you tomorrow. 🙂 ❤
Oh yes, just like the language of flowers, it really was a thing for fans — just not as well known. It really is interesting. I first became aware of it years ago when reading a spy story written in the Victorian Era called “Elusive Isabel”. You can get it free here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10943
Stay tuned for the music project. Hugs.
Thanks, Lavinia. I actually made up the tune for this one, and that’s new for me. (Aside from a couple of awful teenaged tries decades ago.) LOL, I think maybe I channeled Joan Baez a little. Anyway, I’m very excited about it. Stay tuned! Big hugs.
I love the image of you playing guitar with the wolves. I think people will be surprised by our Warble of the Wolves: Flowers and Fans. We do a lot of flowers, and when we dance flamenco, we dance with fans. Velma looks so sweet. Daphne is in typical catnap mode.
Me being able to play a guitar is about as likely as sitting in the middle of a happy, pristine wolf pack, but that’s what’s so great about creating CGI images — it brings fantasy a step closer to life.
I know very little about flamenco. It’s very expressive, and intentionally so. Because of that I guess you could say that it’s kind of next door to fanology. Both “languages” are a sort of combination of coded messages and society game. Both have been called coded messages, but to me since (back then) most people knew the “codes” they weren’t secret. (I need more coffee, LOL.) Oh, anyhow, it’s a fun sort of niche book. Happy Caturday to the clowder. Hugs.
Over the last few years, while I have been missing from WordPress, I have been exploring AI and I was very impressed at how detailed and creative text to image was at creating SteamPunk. Especially short films.
Hi Greg. I agree, although it can be a lot different from one app to the next. Many people are extremely against AI art. I understand their point of view. However, to me regular human-generated art is a completely different thing from AI. And, I’m resisting getting on my soapbox, because I’m too honest. LOL. Thanks for commenting. Hugs.
I can understand being against AI art – but in the long run it is just a tool. Artists used to be against photography at one point, maybe some still are, but I think where we draw the line is where AI is doing the creativity part and the artist is just going along for the ride. We need to get to the point where that is flipped on its head. Then AI can be a wonderful tool.
True. And that’s a good point about photography. I see AI art and AI content (writing) as two entirely different beasts. Maybe I’m biased. My comments are limited to the art. I can’t help seeing the extremely anti-AI-art mindset as elitist. Only the few can afford to have a good artist hand-create a book cover, and fewer still could afford weekly illustrations. Also, for most of us, a book without a decent cover isn’t going to get anywhere, so that hands publication back to only a wealthy few…
Sounds great, Teagan, but I hope the music doesn’t include wolf howls! The Scoobies are relaxed, as usual. My own battling Frenemies now sniff noses before taking whacks!
Haha. Adding one discrete wolf howl, maybe… But I’m too much of a feline to want a chorus. 🐱 Although it would be better than the forever barking dog next door.
Well, Noelle, when they hear me, it might start wolves and neighborhood dogs to howling… However no wolves were harmed in the making of this project. 😉 And anything that bothers cats (like wolf howls) is strictly forbidden.
Maybe it’s something in the moon… for a few days, Velma was beating up on (much larger) Daphne. They got over it as suddenly as it began. Hugs.
Fingers crossed there is no plug pulling this time Teagan… and those things on the end of a string are what keep our cats happy… Oh along with the odd treat… 🙂
They really messed with me that time, Sue… Approving and then rejecting a book for the most absurd, irrelevant reasons, (one of which was the font on ONE BLANK SPACE) and taking three weeks to make it available. Honestly, I felt singled-out, or like for some unknown reason they were suppressing the book. Big hugs, Sue. Happy New Year to you as well.
Lots of things happening behind the scenes within many brand names Teagan… But it is another ‘Test’ dear friend you have and will overcome…
Lots of love your way xx ❤ Remember..
" All is well in my world" mantra… 🙂 Big hugs xx
Oh, I love fans. I never thought about why a lot of them have flowers on them. I use a folding paper fan I bought in San Clemente, CA while visiting my son years ago to dry my setting spray after I apply my makeup. I imagine that’s how most of us in this modern age use them these days.
Best of luck with the publishing of the new book, Teagan! I hope there are no hiccups this time round.
Hmmm. I never thought about why many fans had flowers on them, Deborah. It might have been meant to somehow make a connection between the two “coded languages.”
Thanks about the book. My fingers are crossed. Hugs.
I love how the Scoobies press their case from bed. I guess they’re making sure the world is ready for them. You have a lot of projects lined up. I won’t tell you which one I’m waiting for (I think you know) but it looks like I’ll have plenty to read. I hope 2025 is a good year for writing, and I’m excited to hear what you and Tim have cooked up.
Haha… Dan I discuss (vent about) so many of my writing projects, that I’m not sure which one you think I mean for next. (Thank you for those conversations by the way.) Wheel of Fortune? Actually, knowing which one might help me get focused.
Stay tuned for the music. Hugs!
It all sounds great, Teagan. And I think your announcement should go ahead. Amazon allowed me buy your new book and it’s on my Kindle, so… Love to you and the Scoobies!
A wonderful illustration Teagan.
Happy New Year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kevin, and thanks for visiting. I hope your 2025 is off to a good start. Hugs.
LikeLike
That is a lovely cover you’ve made there, Teagan.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much, Sharukh. It’s not what I originally had in mind, but that first idea was just too busy. I appreciate your good feedback on this one. Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent and your cats are awesome Teagan. All the best for your writings. Pleasure to read your works.
LikeLike
Many thanks, Kamal — and the Scoobies thank you. 🐱 Big hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are always welcome dear Teagan. Big hugs to you too 🤗🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry to hear. Let’s hope your year gets better soon 🤣😎🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds pretty amazing, Teagan. I enjoyed the few steampunk books I read. This might fit right in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacqui. Happy New Year to you and yours. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your cover is stunning, Teagan. How beautiful. It sounds like another useful book for authors. I’m intrigued for sure! Now to come up with a way to use flowers and fans in my next project. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana. I wanted to keep a background similar to the other two “Speak” books, but that was just too busy for what I needed to do with this one. Have a wonderful week. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the wolf Picture! KDP Has ruined me many times and I only have one book up. I can’t imagine what a prolific writer like you has to deal with. 🤣😎🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’ve been great in the past, particularly the customer service people. All that got turned upside down with Steampunkery Tech though. I’ve never seen such absurd LACK of service. At least not until a current non-book issue with a gift card balance refill that they “applied” to some weird number (not any kind of account) that even their people don’t know what happened. They won’t even communicate at all about that. Meanwhile I’m out $200… Although that is regular Amazon, not KDP. It was a heck of a way to start the year. Anyhow, thanks for commenting. I hope you have a great 2025. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful cover, Teagan! I sure enjoy seeing the pics of the Scoobies. Those faces are irresistible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teri. Sometimes Velma gets this “bliss” look on her face when she jumps in for a post-treat snuggle, as if she might say “Oh, live is so good!” Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is going to be a great year of wonderful and creative projects, Teagan. Looking forward to hearing more!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind encouragement, Rebecca. Maybe if we just keep creating good and positive things, the world around us will follow suit. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the kitty pics, Teagan. I am reading A peril in the Vines right now and throughly enjoying it! Xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I’m so excited to hear that, Denise. I’ve tried to make each story in that series similar for the characters, but quite different for the stories. I’m delighted you are enjoying it.
The Scoobies thank you. They’re snuggled into their afternoon nap. I hope your New Year is off to a great start. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely LOVE that header photo! ❤ ❤ ❤ And another Author Tool? The language of flowers and fans — so tasty! numnumnum Are you TRYING to take all my money? Because it’s yours!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. You are so kind, Marian. This one is kind of a “niche” book, but it’s interesting. Plus, it brings such elegance to mind. I hope your New Year is off to a good start. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My late best friend got me hooked on Regency Romances (lots of fans) and one story line on BONES featured the language of flowers. Esoteric is right up my alley!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Was that the episode with Hodgens at the botanic gardens and the Juliet rose? I don’t remember the details off the top of my head.
I first became aware of the language of fans years ago when reading a spy story written in the Victorian Era called “Elusive Isabel”. The setting was the area where I lived and worked, so the descriptions were particularly interesting to me. You can get it free here:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10943
LikeLike
Thanks for the recommendation. The language of flowers came up in BONES in relation to the serial killer, Pelant. Yuck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh! Now I remember that. Yuck for sure.
Okay, I’ll hand you a virtual iris. *Iris: The purple iris symbolizes trust and says that “your friendship means a lot to me.” These spring flowers also stand for wisdom, a nice compliment for any friend.8
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love fanology and the cover looks fab! You have so many awesome ideas! I wish you all the best for 2025 with lots of publications and fun. Big snuggles for the Scoobies as well. Hugs, xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Darlene. Whatever the real life hardships of centuries past may have been, learning about things like the languages of flowers and of fans makes it seem like such an elegant world. Wishing you continued success this year. Tummy rubs to the pups. Hugs winging back to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having many projects in various stages of completion and being constantly assailed by new ideas is better than neglecting the muse. For too long I’ve been saying, yeah, yeah, one day….. but then we did make a big move… You inspire me to get my feet wet again. Oh, and the header photo resonates with me – looking forward to learning more about that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good to see you, Joanna. I always feel so humbled when someone says I’ve inspired them. Definitely keep creating. It helps me to use prompts (whether words or visuals) with the intention of just creating a little bit — not even a finished (or finish-able) end result. I save them and sometimes they become a scene in a full-fledged story. If they don’t, then they still aren’t wasted, simply because doing the creating is useful in and of itself.
Thanks about the image. I did 3 of the woman playing piano to wolves in the forest that Tim added to his video (along with the many he had done). I’m planning some kind of companion post, but Tim’s post will include the music video. It’s tentatively scheduled for January 13th. Wishing you every kind of wellness in the new year. Hugs.
LikeLike
I too have so many uncompleted projects that sometimes I just get overwhelmed. But you seem better at finishing than I am.
May the New Year be merry and bright! (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
My constant state with all the things that need to be done (other than writing) is overwhelm, Kerfe. So many things I’m just unable physically to do, it’s hugely depressing. Writing is the only way I can shut it out.
New ideas bring enthusiasm with them. I’m hoping to find ways to reignite that initial enthusiasm on partly written novels that I started years ago. A sparkling New Year to you as well. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Teagan. That’s a good resolution. I hope to do the same with art projects.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are going to have a fabulous New Year and I’m looking forward to it for you!! P.S. Daphne and Velma are too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for these kind and encouraging words, Kirt. The Scoobies (Daphne & Velma as in Scooby Doo) give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and make me smile. Wishing you and yours a brilliant New Year. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Egads, the Scoobies are gorgeous.
I hate that KDP tortures you. Anyway, you always seem to come through, one way or another.
We cannot force our pure creativity. It has a life of its own.
I did force creativity for years, but it was not for my own pure creative ideas. It was for $$$ and for other people’s ideas/dreams to come true, in the film industry.
So, go with your flow, I say!
Love what you do, Teagan! Hugs and many more coming over 2025!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In a way, that forced creativity is similar to how my work was for the Feds. I wrote. They took credit. And then wouldn’t lift a finger to help me advance because they’d look foolish if it was learned that a lowly worker, three pay grades below them had been doing that writing. Only one of them ever gave me credit, and even that turned out to make the rest of them (who thought that boss had been doing the writing) get furious with me because they felt stupid. Anyhow, thank God I’m away from there. I’m just trying to say that I can relate.
My “flow” is not to very positive imaginary places for the past year (or more) — and I absolutely need positive things in my head. Maybe I can turn the unhappy ideas into some kind of dark humor or satire… We’ll see. Big hugs winging back to you.
PS: Hmmm… I might email you about the post-social-apocalypse idea that just won’t leave me alone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the worst…not getting credit.
At least I was paid well, and got the credit.
It’s great you got out of such a stifling place.
Yes… email me! Creativity is our saving grace. Dark humour is fabulous.
HUGS!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate you, Resa. I’m not sure I can make this idea work. I haven’t been able to find even dark humor in it, but that’s the only thing that might let me work on it.
A story needs an ending, and I can’t see more than the setup and worldbuilding. I’ve thought about posting it here in dribs and drabs (not really as a serial), with no real intention of it becoming any particular thing. Maybe think of it as a series of vignettes so that I’m not overwhelmed by the need to actually finish it… But maybe I can turn it into… (I don’t know) some kind of collaborative challenge. Have a relaxing week ahead. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A vignette(s) sounds good.
Hmm, well, a challenge is interesting, but has to be monitored.
Collaboration is 2, usually, so easy to control.
Can you send me a paragraph or 2 on the set up and world?
Perhaps I can see some humour? Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s generous of you, Resa. I only have a “topic outline” (I guess you could call it) of the world building. I’ll tighten things up and email you tomorrow. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yahoo! Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh good, I have something to look forward to! I love when you and Tim collaborate! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, Tiffany — thank you. This one is a new experience for me because I made up the tune for Tim’s lyrics. I’m a little nervous. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing you the best in the new year, Teagan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kymber. Happy New Year. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best wishes for the new year’s endeavors, Teagan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jan. The same to you. Happy New Year. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
can’t wait for the fun.. You mean the cackling cranes are coming soon by You and Tim? ha❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. I might do some cackling, Cindy, but that’s the wrong critter. 😉 Have a good weekend. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hahahaha you have to add it now.. thanks 🙏🏼😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Teagan
LikeLiked by 1 person
The same to you, Kevin. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know that fans have a language. Interesting! I look forward to your latest musical colloration with Tim!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, just like the language of flowers, it really was a thing for fans — just not as well known. It really is interesting. I first became aware of it years ago when reading a spy story written in the Victorian Era called “Elusive Isabel”. You can get it free here:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10943
Stay tuned for the music project. Hugs.
LikeLike
I a looking forward to hearing that musical project you have going with Tim!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lavinia. I actually made up the tune for this one, and that’s new for me. (Aside from a couple of awful teenaged tries decades ago.) LOL, I think maybe I channeled Joan Baez a little. Anyway, I’m very excited about it. Stay tuned! Big hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the image of you playing guitar with the wolves. I think people will be surprised by our Warble of the Wolves: Flowers and Fans. We do a lot of flowers, and when we dance flamenco, we dance with fans. Velma looks so sweet. Daphne is in typical catnap mode.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me being able to play a guitar is about as likely as sitting in the middle of a happy, pristine wolf pack, but that’s what’s so great about creating CGI images — it brings fantasy a step closer to life.
I know very little about flamenco. It’s very expressive, and intentionally so. Because of that I guess you could say that it’s kind of next door to fanology. Both “languages” are a sort of combination of coded messages and society game. Both have been called coded messages, but to me since (back then) most people knew the “codes” they weren’t secret. (I need more coffee, LOL.) Oh, anyhow, it’s a fun sort of niche book. Happy Caturday to the clowder. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very nice thing about CGI. Handling fans correctly takes skill. You can tell whether a person knows how to handle a fan by how they open it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Over the last few years, while I have been missing from WordPress, I have been exploring AI and I was very impressed at how detailed and creative text to image was at creating SteamPunk. Especially short films.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Greg. I agree, although it can be a lot different from one app to the next. Many people are extremely against AI art. I understand their point of view. However, to me regular human-generated art is a completely different thing from AI. And, I’m resisting getting on my soapbox, because I’m too honest. LOL. Thanks for commenting. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand being against AI art – but in the long run it is just a tool. Artists used to be against photography at one point, maybe some still are, but I think where we draw the line is where AI is doing the creativity part and the artist is just going along for the ride. We need to get to the point where that is flipped on its head. Then AI can be a wonderful tool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. And that’s a good point about photography. I see AI art and AI content (writing) as two entirely different beasts. Maybe I’m biased. My comments are limited to the art. I can’t help seeing the extremely anti-AI-art mindset as elitist. Only the few can afford to have a good artist hand-create a book cover, and fewer still could afford weekly illustrations. Also, for most of us, a book without a decent cover isn’t going to get anywhere, so that hands publication back to only a wealthy few…
LikeLike
I’m hoping all goes smoothly and there’s no plug pulling. Hugs to the Scoobies! Happy New Year, Teagan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jennie. My fingers are crossed. A sparkly, shiny New Year to you and yours too. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great, Teagan, but I hope the music doesn’t include wolf howls! The Scoobies are relaxed, as usual. My own battling Frenemies now sniff noses before taking whacks!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmmm! What is wrong with musical wolf howls, may I ask?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. Adding one discrete wolf howl, maybe… But I’m too much of a feline to want a chorus. 🐱 Although it would be better than the forever barking dog next door.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wolves howl in compás (in time) when I’ve made songs with wolves howling.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As long as they’re on key!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, Noelle, when they hear me, it might start wolves and neighborhood dogs to howling… However no wolves were harmed in the making of this project. 😉 And anything that bothers cats (like wolf howls) is strictly forbidden.
Maybe it’s something in the moon… for a few days, Velma was beating up on (much larger) Daphne. They got over it as suddenly as it began. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have a cat to cat beat down at least once a day, but they also touch noses. Go figure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers crossed there is no plug pulling this time Teagan… and those things on the end of a string are what keep our cats happy… Oh along with the odd treat… 🙂
Have a Wonderful New Year Teagan xx ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really messed with me that time, Sue… Approving and then rejecting a book for the most absurd, irrelevant reasons, (one of which was the font on ONE BLANK SPACE) and taking three weeks to make it available. Honestly, I felt singled-out, or like for some unknown reason they were suppressing the book. Big hugs, Sue. Happy New Year to you as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lots of things happening behind the scenes within many brand names Teagan… But it is another ‘Test’ dear friend you have and will overcome…
Lots of love your way xx ❤ Remember..
" All is well in my world" mantra… 🙂 Big hugs xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I love fans. I never thought about why a lot of them have flowers on them. I use a folding paper fan I bought in San Clemente, CA while visiting my son years ago to dry my setting spray after I apply my makeup. I imagine that’s how most of us in this modern age use them these days.
Best of luck with the publishing of the new book, Teagan! I hope there are no hiccups this time round.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm. I never thought about why many fans had flowers on them, Deborah. It might have been meant to somehow make a connection between the two “coded languages.”
Thanks about the book. My fingers are crossed. Hugs.
LikeLike
I love how the Scoobies press their case from bed. I guess they’re making sure the world is ready for them. You have a lot of projects lined up. I won’t tell you which one I’m waiting for (I think you know) but it looks like I’ll have plenty to read. I hope 2025 is a good year for writing, and I’m excited to hear what you and Tim have cooked up.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We may only be half baked, but we have a lot of fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That might have to do with the fact that I don’t bake at all. LOL. We do have fun. (More fun than cooking for sure.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Definitely more fun than cooking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s all that matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha… Dan I discuss (vent about) so many of my writing projects, that I’m not sure which one you think I mean for next. (Thank you for those conversations by the way.) Wheel of Fortune? Actually, knowing which one might help me get focused.
Stay tuned for the music. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cornelius is my favorite of all your characters. But, now that you mention Wheel of Fortune, hmmmm.
Wherever that imagination of yours takes you is fine with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, the magic of that road locomotive. Cornelis is a definite, since it just needs proofreading. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
I hope all remains on track. You have a lot of fans and we all wait with bated breath for your latest !!!!!!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, GP — thank you. I woke up sad today, but you just made me smile. Have a great weekend. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀keep smilin’😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sound quite busy with various projects. I hope they’re keeping your creative life interesting! Best wishes on your writing 🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dave. Being creative-busy does help me shut out the things that I can’t change. I hope your year is off to a good start. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds exciting Teagan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Mas. LOL, hopefully it’s “good excitement” — not like the bad kind from my last go-round. I hope your new year is going well. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like everything is okay now…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year. Hugs.
LikeLike
💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
It all sounds great, Teagan. And I think your announcement should go ahead. Amazon allowed me buy your new book and it’s on my Kindle, so… Love to you and the Scoobies!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Olga, you gem. You are so very kind. Big hugs from the Scoobies and me.
LikeLike