A general blog about Teagan’s books
It was an adventure to do the research for this set of things. Please join me for episode 22 of our little 1920’s serial. Blue John, Clarice Cliff Pottery, Art Deco, Silk Before I could stop him, Frankie told Countess Babikov about the burglary at Boris’ apartment — I mean office. I was worried about … More Three Things Serial: 22 – Blue John, Clarice Cliff Pottery, Art Deco, Silk
When I researched ways to illustrate this episode I noticed that media topics of interest in the 1920s were much the same as they are now. I saw headings about sex, diet, scandal, fashion, and other things that you’d see today. Like they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The “things” for episode … More Three Things Serial: 21 – Underwear, Tasteless, Limestone
“In the middle of a difficulty, lies opportunity…” Albert Einstein Personal friends and those who know me from LinkedIn have expressed kind concern over whether or not the “government shutdown” will effect my employment and the roof over my head. That job is my only source of income. So far it has not impacted my livelihood. … More Government Shutdown & Three Things Episode 20
While I was browsing around the New York Times, I stumbled upon “The Janeiac Quiz.” Since I’ve always enjoyed Jane Austen‘s books, I took the quiz — and failed miserably. I’m sharing it because many of you enjoy those classics. Emma is probably my favorite of Austen’s works and it is also the source of today’s Three Things. I’ll take them … More Three Things Serial: 19 – Comfortable Home, Happy Disposition, Vex
Provincial Lady sent three words that were very picturesque to me. So I’ve gotten on many a tangent looking at images to go with this episode. But that’s part of the fun. As always you can do catch-up reading on the Three Things Serial page. I hope to get lots of fun “things” from you … More Three Things Serial: 18 – Punctilious, Train, Diary
Mary is not just a writer — she’s a brave woman to throw me a word like “Reality.” There’s no telling where I might go with that! These three things took me in directions I didn’t expect, but that’s the point of this serial — to let the words all of you supply drive the plot … More Three Things Serial: 17 – Associate, Challenge, Reality
It’s past time I was getting organized for this year’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)… and I’ve not done a bit of planning. I’ve been working so hard at trying to make life in general better, that right now I just can’t imagine expending the huge effort NaNoWriMo took last year. I am not feeling at … More Bubbles of What-If
I’m pleased to tell you that today’s three things are from a “science nerd turned quilter who lives near Bristol UK” – known to bloggers as Spockssister. For the sake of this blog’s header (which is not at all cooperative with me) the things are sort of abbreviated. However, in the serial I’m using them … More Three Things Serial: 16 – Microscope, Sewing Machine, Dog
Finally I’m posting another episode of our 1920’s serial. These three things come from the most “crafty” lady I know — Joye in Albuquerque. Since I didn’t do a mid-week post, you might need to refresh your memory of the serial. You can read all the episodes at the Three Things Serial page. Pip finds … More Three Things Serial: 15 – Tattered Quilt, Memory Squares, Quilting Bee
Today’s “things” are from an innovative thinker in Albuquerque. I think they help bring life to the story and our characters — a glimpse of their day-to-day life. Remember, if you need to catch up, the full story lives at the Three Things Serial page. Finger Waves, Shoe Horn, Cummerbund The old fire engine roared … More Three Things Serial: 14 – Finger Waves, Shoe Horn, Cummerbund
My personal time this week has gone to a short-short story. A challenge was issued to write a story that must include honesty vs. deceit, a trickster, a bag, and a decietful activity. The story had to be 500 to 1,000 words, no more. So I decided to come out and play! Kokopelli’s Daughter I nudged … More Kokopelli’s Daughter
Can you believe we are already up to the thirteenth set of Three Things? As promised in the previous post, these things come from the DC area. The complete story (so far) is on the Three Things Serial page, if you need to catch up. Also be sure to post a comment giving me three things to … More Three Things Serial: 13 – Miracle, Hedgehog, Gloaming
This time the story is driven by three things from Michigan. Then next time the “things” will be from the greater DC area. I’m delighted to have gotten two sets of three during the past week. So I’ll use the new words in the order received. And now, episode twelve of our little 1920’s story. 12. Italy, Family, Thunderstorm … More Three Things Serial: 12 – Italy, Family, Thunderstorm
The very first “thing” in this serial (oscillating fan) sent my mind to the 1920s, providing the time-frame of the story. For the second episode, I took a challenge from another blog, and that gave me some information about the characters. (That was Ballerina, Fireman, Astronaut, Movie Star). Up until now, one thing that has been missing is where the … More Three Things Serial: 11 – Ice Cream, Sound, Thimble
Need a mid-week boost? I’m sharing a motivational message that I wrote last year. *** Many business and leadership books, seminars, and training sessions have been built around L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Life is full of “lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!” just like Oz. But we have to keep moving down … More Oz and Accountability
Don’t “call shotgun.” Get behind the wheel! Remember the Three Things Serial is driven by you sending me “things” (preferably three of them) to include in the story. There’s no telling what road the story will take, until you send the “things” that point the direction. So get your mental wheels turning. Loosen up … More You’re Driving
Enchantment… Doesn’t the word make you think of that harp-like sound effect? Of bright sunshiny magic, and unbridled potential? No? Maybe I’m feeling homesick then. Today’s “three things” come to you from the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, courtesy of RC. Remember, you can do catch-up reading at the Three Things Serial page. Now, the … More Three Things Serial: 10 – Grandma, Big Feet, Woodpile
How different our food supply is from what it once was! A friend at work became very interested in the many unexpected things that lurk in our groceries. She thought about serious questions, like “Where does it come from?” and “What goes into it?” The answers were much more complicated than “From the grocery store” and “Seeds, sunshine, and … More Three Things Serial: 9 – Aspic, Empty Milk Bottles, Ice Cream
I’m really excited to have received “three things” from two different readers over the weekend. So I’m doing a mid-week post with the first set I was given. The story continues with new things from Provincial Lady. Flight, Itch, Heartbreak I was pretty sure the strange key had fallen from the getaway car. That would make … More Three Things Serial: 8 – Flight, Itch, Heartbreak
Today’s “Three Things” are from Suki in North Carolina. Among other things, she writes fan fiction. Check out her site. I’m sure you’ll be entertained. As always you can check out the full story (thus far), or catch-up if you’ve missed an episode, on the page dedicated to it, The Three Things Serial Story. …And now … More Three Things Serial: 7 – Bent Key, Empty Barrel, Torn Hem
This episode features not just “three things,” but also a challenge from The Daily Prompt, “Life Line: You’re on a long flight, and a palm reader sitting next to you insists she reads your palm. You hesitate, but agree. What does she tell you?” (It was posted Monday the 12th, if you’re looking for it.) I’m twisting … More Three Things Serial: 6 – Search, Cocoa, Fox
Our “interactive” story continues with two sets of “things” from amazing friend, Provincial Lady. But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook — be sure to send me your three things! I’m trying to control my editor-brain with this story, partly because the intention is to quickly write whatever comes to me the moment I get your “three things.” That … More Three Things Serial: 4 – Gelato, Aerobic, Thunderstorm; and 5 – Slate, Waterfall, Devious
Surprise — a mid-week post! Here’s another short installment of the Three Things Serial. This time the “things” are courtesy of Sharon in Virginia. You can view the entire story (so far) as it develops on the Three Things Serial Story page. Next time, the three things will be from reader and friend Provincial Lady. Remember — to keep … More Three Things Serial: 3 – Popcorn, Painting, Movies
Come on now everyone — don’t let me down about sending “three things.” Words, phrases, that’s all it is; whatever pops into your head. As an example, I’m taking “things” from The Daily Prompt. Today’s was a thought provoking post. They asked what you wanted to grow up to be when you were ten years old, and … More Three Things Serial: 2 – Ballerina, Fireman, Astronaut
August 3, 2013 Here begins the “Three Things Serial Story.” Mary kicked things off with Oscillating Fan, but to keep things consistent right from the start, I needed to use three things. So I took two more “things” from Mary’s last two blog posts: Scent and Cowboy. The Three Things Serial Story With “things” sent … More Three Things Serial: 1 – Oscillating Fan, Scent, Cowboy
A couple of years after I moved here, in utter frustration with my lack of storage space (and a number of other “lacks”) I told myself that if the things in boxes had not been needed for two years, I could do without them. I further insisted to myself that I’d be more likely to … More Manuscripts Lost: Lorn 1999
What do you see when you go outside? There are thousands of things about which you could write, but you might not see them. Another blog, the Daily Post, sent out a challenge to make a video part of your blog post. So hang on, I hope mine doesn’t leave you flat. Hardee-har-har…! I’m mixing … More Three Things and a Video
When my [then] boss asked me to write one of the Weekly Messages about trust, I told him I couldn’t write about that. He stopped and looked at me in astonishment — I had never said that, no matter what topic, or what farfetched combination of topics, he threw at me. There is no trust … More Trust? Seriously?
Today I feel a newfound sense of freedom. This week I said “Bye-bye Comcast.” Okay, so what I really said was “Take it with you now. Take the cable, the box, and the remote. Take it with you now.” I won’t go into the frustrating details of the soap opera that led up to such a demand. … More Streaming Saturday
While I’m not widely traveled, I have lived in several different places. I also enjoy talking to people from everywhere, hearing their customs and traditions, especially the little things. Everyone is usually ready to share traditions and stories involving food. Somehow the tastes and aromas trigger fond memories. I invite you to share “food customs” … More Tomato Brunch
The lack of sunshine has a big impact on me — and not a good one. On this rainy, gloomy morning I had to give myself a dose of positivity. When I think of pep-talks, I usually think of the weekly motivational messages that were part of the work I did for a former boss. … More Don’t Lose Heart
Have you heard of My Sexy Saturday? Trust me — if you go check it out, it will live up to your expectations of the name! It uses “sevens.” That would be seven paragraphs, seven sentences, or just seven words. It’s also a “blog hop” where writers can share snippets, and it gets your work noticed by readers … More A Back-Story: Innusha
Has your path in life left you sort of walking around aimlessly? I confess to feeling that way lately myself. So I’m sharing another of my erstwhile “Weekly Messages” that I used to write at work. At that time I knew where I was “walking,” even if I might feel a tad aimless right now. … More Create Your Own Path
I gave myself a rule to restrict “Teagan’s Books” to writing and indie publishing related topics. However, with a previous director at work, one of my tasks was writing a motivational message every week. During the past few days one of those messages has repeatedly come to mind. Maybe, I said to myself, someone needs … More Facing Fear
Even though Teagan’s Books has been online for a while, I have little time for the blog or the other endless tasks that consume the hours of an indie author. Still, every few days I learn something new about indie publishing and/or blogging. It might be a sweet little tidbit that helps me with the marketing … More Sweet and Sour
The summer solstice has not yet arrived but… Winter is coming! I’ve been toying with a cover idea for “The Dead of Winter.” This is just an initial concept, but I had fun with it. The image of the girl was so much like “Emlyn” looks in my mind, I thought I’d share. The border was better (dark … More Summer and Winter
Many of you have heard me talk about my “Three Things” writing exercise, but let me explain it for those who have not. Many years ago I developed the exercise as a way to keep me writing. I wasn’t working on any novel at that time. This exercise lends itself to any form of writing, but … More Three Things and Recurring Characters
What’s in a Name? What do you think about names – generally? Or do you think about them? Most people don’t. I however, could really enjoy a big metaphysical discussion about names, but that’s not where I’m headed here. When I started this blog, I promised myself I’d stick to things related to writing or … More What’s in a Name?
Calico Calamity, Excerpt — Atonement, Tennessee This excerpt, this calico calamity, leads the heroine of “Atonement, Tennessee” into a tense situation. Lilith the cat has a knack for finding those, and a few such are told from her point of view in the novel. I use the calico as a device to let you know about … More Calico Calamity — Atonement
Emlyn Ran, Excerpt — The Dead of Winter I’ve been a bad blogger lately, and haven’t posted much. Maybe I’ve been too focused on the paying job – also known as work. To make amends, here is a treat. [I hope!]. Below is an excerpt from The Dead of Winter. I call it “Emlyn Ran.” … More Emlyn Ran – The Dead of Winter
Yesterday, as I left the Post Office, a business man complimented my new glasses. That was nice, especially since here strangers just don’t speak period, unless it’s to tell you to get out of their way. And how often does anybody compliment eyeglasses anyway? “New glasses must work some kind of magic,” my slightly sardonic inner voice … More Magic Glasses
Sunshine Award The Sunshine Award is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers. It’s sort of an interview. Because I’m so new to the blogosphere, I don’t know much about such things. However, I do know that I’m very pleased (and actually humbled) to accept the Sunshine Award from Mary J. McCoy-Dressel. This is … More Sunshine Award
The Dead of Winter — Draft Complete! Winter is coming…. Winter is coming! Maybe there is something to be said for insomnia. Before the first 24 hours of spring were complete, so was a draft of “The Dead of Winter.” Even though there was less than an hour to spare… even though it’s a very … More Winter Is Coming!
My heroine in The Dead of Winter hears the eerie warning, “Winter is coming!” Well, the warning I hear is spring is coming! I’ve thought so many times how badly I’d like to finish at least a draft before winter was over yet again. So a few weeks ago I gave myself the deadline of astronomical … More Spring is coming!
The NaNoWriMo folks have posted the 25 randomly drawn pitches. Neither of mine were drawn, but you can read the pitches that will be judged here: http://www.thebookdoctors.com/2013-nanowrimo-pitchapalooza. It also allows you to vote for your “fan favorite.”
While I was practicing my “pitching” I decided to quickly write a “Pitchapalooza!” entry for The Dead of Winter (along with the one I did for Atonement, Tennessee). The contest begins with a random drawing, but I figured – what the heck. I wasn’t any good at softball, but I hope I’m better at this … More Pitchapalooza! Dead of Winter
Indie Publishing – My Latest Lesson It’s rather amazing, how much there is to learn about indie (independent) publishing. I’m getting practice with blogging. Now I need to try a pitch. The NaNoWriMo organization had a “Pitchapalooza” this month. It’s supposed to be only 200 words… (Yikes!) This is a random drawing; only 25 entries … More NaNoWriMo Pitchapalooza!
The Dead of Winter: How Winter Began When I think of beginning a book, one thing I consider is how many times it has been done. Notice I said “how many times,” because I came to the conclusion that everything has already been done – and not just once, but many times. I even made … More How Winter Began
To all of you Valentines… I wrote and shared this short-short story back in 2006. The basic idea had kicked around in my brain for two years, but I couldn’t make it come together. Then came Valentine’s Day. I had moved across the country and wished I had some kind of Valentine to send to … More A Valentine for You: Chocolate with Death
Wednesday I was thrilled to finally see a letter from the Copyright Office. I did everything to register the copyright for “Atonement, Tennessee” back in December, but had not received the certificate. It was exciting to read over it, and be able to hold it in my hand. However, I’m disappointed about the condition of … More “Atonement, Tennessee” Copyright Certificate
Character Interviews: Lilith the Calico Teagan: Lilith, won’t you come over here and sit with me? (She looks all around the room — everywhere but at me.) You’re even prettier than I expected. (Now she jumps onto the sofa.) For this interview, the Creative Muse has given you the power of human speech. Lilith: Meow… … More Atonement: Lilith the Calico
On Christmas Eve, I finally released my debut novel, Atonement, Tennessee. With that done, I thought it would be good to re-blog the few posts I did a year ago — when I first started getting ready for the book’s (postponed) launch. I did a couple of character interviews. This one is with the heroine of … More Atonement: Ralda Lawton
Atonement, Tennessee was a style departure for me. I usually write what I like to call “quest type” fantasy. While it’s a fantasy, Atonement is written in first person, and set in our current, real world. It was designed to be something I could write ultra-fast for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) 2012. Since it … More A Departure
Synopsis: Atonement, Tennessee Look for some characters inspired by figures in Celtic mythology in this urban fantasy that comes with a side order of mystery. It is a dream come true for Ralda (short for Esmeralda). An old estate, complete with historic cemetery, and she’s won it at auction. Okay, she isn’t so excited about … More Synopsis: Atonement, Tennessee
Last week flew by! It’s the first time I’ve ever taken time off at the holidays, and I’m glad I did. Happily I’ve spent most of my spare time last week and this weekend doing things for my writing. I finished tweaking the draft of Atonement, Tennessee, and then did the formatting and torturous set up … More Finishing 2012
This year I participated in my first National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The challenge was to write a draft novel, of at least 50,000 words, just during the month of November. I didn’t think I could do it — but I did! Now I’m a NaNoWriMo winner with Atonement, Tennessee. It was quite a journey. … More My First Blog Post: Atonement, Tennessee: Draft Complete
Teagan's Books 