A general blog about Teagan’s books
Pete & Repeat Two chickpeas, Pete and Repeat were in a pod-boat. Pete fell overboard. What was left? “Repeat!” you say? Well, alright then… Pete and Repeat were in a boat— Okay, I’m just being silly. I would have done something with “Lather, rinse and repeat” but I couldn’t come up with anything. It took … More Three Ingredients II – 14: Chickpeas, Curry, Coconut Milk
Forgive me everyone. I tried to send Pip with a message postponing the next episode of The Three Ingredients, but she pouted and wouldn’t even look at me. Yesterday I celebrated a small personal “positive” hoping it would get me back on track, but here I sit, making excuses despite that. I haven’t been able to … More Three Ingredients: The Mess in the “Kitchen”
One of the ingredients for Episode-11, red currants, caused me to add a merman to our serial. Later I had the thought that Andrea Stephenson might like that character. You see, she has written about mythical water beings like selkies. So I am very pleased to tell you that the ingredients for this episode are from the marvelous magical … More Three Ingredients II – 13: Chickpeas, Winkles, Rice Pudding
Granny Fanny was so angry, frustrated, and worried about Pip that she couldn’t take any more. Granny says she’s sending our flapper home to her father! You know… I just realized that last weekend I forgot to add a “ghostly ingredient” from the Jar of Spooky Things. But that’s beside the point. I had an … More Three Ingredients: Granny Is Angry, What Would You Do?
Sanctuary The first time I remember hearing the word I was a small child watching a very old black and white film of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and it had a lasting effect on me. Not just the movie, but the word — sanctuary, the sound of it, the meaning and the concept. Sanctuary … More Three Ingredients II – 12: Lentils, Cumin, Roast Lamb
Am I in an odd “place” or is it just the weather? The moon? Solar flares maybe? Could it be this week’s ghostly ingredient from the Jar of Spooky Things? I can’t define it — this odd mood, so I may as well just roll with it. However, be warned that it might make this episode of … More Three Ingredients II – 11: Red Currants, Baked Beans, Polish Sausage
Thanks for coming back to another episode of our interactive culinary mystery serial. The “ingredients” all of you send help make sure the story includes a multiplicity of ideas. However, the cupboards are bare again. Everyone is welcome to leave three food-related things in the comments. That’s what drives this pantser story — your varied ingredients. Variety … More Three Ingredients II – 10: Strawberries, Avocados, Lobster
Authors and Cats How could I miss World Cat Day? But I almost did! I’ve absolutely no idea why my cats were letting me overlook it. They probably meant to let me know at some point between their after lunch nap and their mid-afternoon nap. If not, then before their pre-dinner nap. There have been … More World Cat Day 2014
The other day I sent Pip to give everyone a “heads-up” that I wasn’t sure I could do this weekend’s episode… due to the unfortunate combination of my clumsiness and lots of stairs inside and particularly (the culprits in my misadventure) outside my home… The story nagged at me though, so I’ll try to provide … More Three Ingredients II – 8: Lettuce, Shrimp, Hot Peppers
Isn’t it just the berries when with no planning at all, things just come together? Everything about our 1920’s serial is unplanned “panster” fun — even the timing of when you all send ingredients. So I was tickled when I learned that the next set of ingredients coincided with something important for the reader who is featured … More Three Ingredients II – 7: Baby Bok Choy, Barbecue Sauce, Aluminum Foil
As I had my morning coffee, the news caster told about a community who’s quiet home-life is to be shattered by the installation of a shooting range. Ever a multi-tasker, I was also looking at my online things — and I saw this powerful image. From Romanian to English: One word, signifying what each wants in life, … More Awesome Image from Ileana
Welcome back everyone! I’m pleased to tell you that today’s ingredients were sent by a reader who hasn’t always been with us here at Teagan’s Books — Jo Robinson. Jo lives in beautiful South Africa, and has written quite a remarkable collection of stories. She has a wonderful imagination. For instance in her novel “The Shadow People, The … More Three Ingredients II – 6: Turnips, Onions, Sauerkraut
Recently Siobhan took up the torch and continued the “Meet My Main Character” blog tour. (Thanks again Siobhan!) She also gave us the ingredients for this week’s episode of our interactive culinary mystery. I can’t believe we’re already at Episode-5. By now, several of the characters from the previous serial have made appearances. New readers, … More Three Ingredients II – 5: Apricots, Eggs, Wheat Flour
Welcome back to the 1920’s everyone. Since we last met my country had a birthday. Hopefully all of you in the USA had a fun Independence Day. Wherever you are I hope life is just the berries for you! Today’s “ingredients” come to you from the Land of Enchantment (that’s New Mexico) via RC, my inspiring friend. … More Three Ingredients II – 4: Ice, Squash, Goat’s Milk
Oh applesauce! You might think this is a new episode and I don’t want to tease you… Sorry, but it’s not more of the serial – I’m just telling you about something new. Cookbook-II Jar of Spooky Things When I was doing my “Three Things” writing exercise (which inspired our first “interactive” serial) I made a … More Three Ingredients Jar of Spooky Things
Today’s ingredients are from Suzanne at A Pug in the Kitchen. I’m so excited on her behalf, because her recipe won a Whole Foods Market contest Your Best Drink for a Crowd! She didn’t know I was going to share that, but I’m pleased as punch. Or should I say that I’m silly over this slushy? Next week’s ingredients … More Three Ingredients II – 3: Aspic, Quail, Puff Pastry
As I get to know each reader, all of you manage to become my heroes and sheroes. I hope you’re able to step outside yourselves and see the obstacles you’ve overcome and the things you’ve achieved the way I see them. I’m proud to know each and every one of you. During the relatively brief time I’ve been … More Three Ingredients II – 2: Stilton Cheese, Rum, Pine Nuts
Hello and welcome back! I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ve been patient during the past couple of weeks, while I got ready for Cookbook-2 of our Three Ingredients Serial. The first set of “ingredients” for Cookbook-2 came from Evelyne Holingue. I guess they’re leftovers, because I’ve been hanging onto them. Evelyne sent them just before the … More Cookbook-2 Begins! Cherries, Mascarpone, Marsala
I really do get a lot of satisfaction from writing this blog, and especially from my interactions with all of you, my friends. Recently Mike and Evelyne, both tagged me to take part in the Meet My Main Character Blog Tour. If you’ve visited their blogs, then you know how enjoyable they are — if not, … More Meet My Main Character Blog Tour
Prepping the Kitchen for Cookbook-2 For the past ten years or so, I’ve felt very lucky to have a work schedule that gives me every other Friday off. In a two week pay period, week-1 has me working four 9-hour days and one 8-hour day. While week-2 lets me work just four 9-hour days. But when … More Prep for Cookbook-2: Interview with Daisy
Haunted Savannah, Georgia Our 1920’s serial story, The Three Things was set in two parts of Florida (USA) — Santa Rosa Sound and Sarasota. The second storyline, The Three Ingredients necessitated a change of setting and I took the serial to Savannah, Georgia. Cookbook-2 Is on the Way We’re about to begin the second “cookbook” … More Haunted Savannah – Prelude to Cookbook-2
Look for Hidden Treasure Today, I am humbled that Daniel at Willy Nilly To and Fro ~ the Philosophy of Inanity wanted to nominate me for a Liebster award. If you’ve been reading “Teagan’s Books” for very long, then you’ve seen that I tend to make up my own rules for awards and other things … More Calling All Novelists and Liebsters!
What’s a writer to do when more than one set of “ingredients” arrive at the same time? Be grateful, that’s what! Which leads me to a big reveal… The following episode brings us to the finale of this storyline. Oh, don’t fret! The Three Ingredients hasn’t “given up the ghost!” I didn’t have the heart to completely end … More Three Ingredients – 25: Finale
Earlier this week a challenge showed up in my inbox. It was already a month old, but it was part of a newsletter with various things from Amazon and Create Space. I looked at for a minute… and decided to play. The Micro Story Challenge Tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end in a single, yet … More The Micro Story Challenge
It came as a very pleasant surprise when CB sent the ingredients for today’s episode. CB is new to the blogosphere. That information was unexpected, because I think “Better Dressed than Joe” is a great blog, with posts that are quick, evocative, and charming — and delightful sketches too. It’s not something I’d expect from a beginner. I … More Three Ingredients – 24: Aubergine, Thyme, Red Pepper
Don’t stray — Episode-24 is headed your way You’re used to the new episodes of The Three Ingredients culinary mystery serial appearing on Saturdays. This week getting it finished within that self-imposed deadline seemed like a big challenge. I didn’t want anyone to feel abandoned if I didn’t get this post out until tomorrow. So … More Three Ingredients: Stay Tuned for the Parade of Pets
Welcome back! Can you tell that I’m excited about this episode? The ingredients for this episode are from Willy Nilly, writer of the blog Willy Nilly To and Fro ~ The Philosophy of Inanity. However, there’s nothing willy-nilly or disorganized about the stories and posts you’ll find there. I hope you’ll pay a visit to Willy … More Three Ingredients – 23: Seaweed Sheets, Rice, Sesame Oil
Hello friends — old, new, and as yet unmet! Welcome to this character recap of the Three Ingredients serial I feel huge gratitude for all of your comments and encouragement. The Three Ingredients is the second storyline we’ve done in this “interactive” format. For new reader-friends, I call it interactive because the story is moved forward by … More Three Ingredients: Character Recap
Hello everyone, This vintage illustration of a “Queen of the May” from a bygone day immediately made me think of Daisy, “the dainty dish” mentioned in our previous episode. She has the ethereal beauty of a romantic heroine. The image popped up in a timely way too, because the ingredients for today’s episode were provided by a … More Three Ingredients – 22: Black Olives, Mascarpone, Thyme
Happy May Day Since it’s actually still April (here anyway) forgive me for being early. For a moment I deluded myself that I could do a mid-week episode of our 1920’s serial (and I might add that it’s coming along nicely, if I do say so myself). However, that was more than I can manage … More Happy May Day
I hope everyone had a wonderful week. The characters in our 1920’s story might have been worried though. The “ingredients cupboards” are bare! The main idea behind this serial is to involve you readers, via the food-related things (the ingredients) you send. Now, you wouldn’t want Granny Fanny to worry, or Cracker to stop getting into trouble … More Three Ingredients – 21: Lettuce, Beet, Stew
Hello everyone. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for coming back. You supply the “ingredients” that built the mysteries in our 1920’s story — that’s what makes the serial interactive. Now our story is drawing closer to revealing some of the answers to those questions and mysteries. Without further ado, here is Episode-20. Bon appétit! 20. … More Three Ingredients – 20: Beef Drippings, Dandelion & Burdock, Salmon
Sunshine-super-hugs to all of you! Why? Do I need a reason? You’ll have to click through to YouTube… I hope this video makes you feel as good as it made me feel. Great-big hug, teagan
? ? ? Hello everyone — Pip here! Say, has anybody seen the Writer? I’ve got to tell you that I’m pretty miffed… She’s left me hanging around for the past couple of weeks with only half of my memory. Worse, when she should be dreaming of things to make my life interesting, she is busy with … More Three Ingredients – ?, ?, ?
Thanks for coming back everyone! I’m sorry I couldn’t provide an episode last weekend. So before I introduce the new episode, here’s a little treat to get you back into a 1920’s mood. The ingredients for today’s episode are from Catherine Wolffe, a writer who (like me) enjoys experimenting with the various genres. But whatever the style … More Three Ingredients – 19: Sugar, Salt, Strawberries
Why am I here when I have so much work that really has to be finished today? I saw something that I couldn’t resist — and this doesn’t take nearly as much time as making an episode of our “Three Ingredients” serial. Sometimes things change, beyond our control, when they’d be much better left as they were. … More Create Changes
Bullying is simply despicable.
Dear readers, I’m finally back to following my own rules — working “three ingredients” into the serial episode, and treating you to recipes or videos, and some factual information along the way. Ingredients for this episode are from my very talented friend Ishita. To be fair — no, Ishita didn’t give us an unappetizing sounding … More Three Ingredients – 18: Fungus, Quiche, Quinoa
Blogs that Bring Me Sunshine Here, it is officially spring… though I’m not sure you could say that spring has truly sprung — especially after seeing the weather forecast. While I’m inside, I know that I really should be writing the next episode of The Three Ingredients. But I think it is still simmering in my … More Sunshine and Spring
Hello all, This weekend I am unfortunately pressed for time. So I didn’t follow my “rule of three” and write about three ingredients. However, I did pick one food and worked into the idea of Pip feeling she is in limbo. Next time I’ll go back to that rule of three. Episode-18 will be about the ingredients … More Three Ingredients – 17: Rutabaga Limbo
Hello everyone. I hope you like the new look for Teagan’s Books. I thought the new theme with the little houses and trees was a good fit for our 1920’s serial. In a way it reminds me of my fictional town, Atonement, TN — so it will do for posts about my novel as well. Episode-16 … More Three Ingredients – 16: Pork, Braise, Fork
When I chose the design-theme for this blog, I was attracted to the bright colors and the sense of movement I perceived in the design. However, lately I’ve been thinking that modern look is not a good match for the 1920’s setting of the serial stories — or my novel, Atonement, Tennessee. I couldn’t find anything … More Quaint New Look
Today’s “ingredients” are from my dear friend Nancy, from my Albuquerque days – however, she lives in California now. She went to one coast and I went to the other, but we try to keep in touch. Nancy has a fondness for little poodles, so I’m throwing a poodle into this episode as a bonus. I hope … More Three Ingredienst – 15: Chicken, Meatloaf, Cookies
A Mid-Week Challenge Yes everyone — I just challenged you (the blogger said with a Cheshire grin).Whether or not you see yourself as a writer, this will be a good mental exercise. Write a paragraph or a page — from the point of view of an animal. I find that creative writing is easier if there … More Atonement Character Interviews: Lilith
What are you supposed to do if you get the same award more than once? Hummm… I’d say the answer to that is… Bend the rules! Here’s a big “Internet hug” to Joe at “Stepping Out with an Agoraphobic” for mentioning Teagan’s Books on his blog with this award. Pay Joe a visit at his … More The Liebster Award Returns
I blogged this snippet a while back — before the release of my novel, “Atonement, Tennessee.” Now that the paperback and e-book editions are available, I’m sharing it as a mid-week post for those who might have missed it. This excerpt, this calico calamity, leads the heroine of “Atonement, Tennessee” into a tense situation. Lilith the cat … More Calico Calamity an Atonement Excerpt
Lucky 13 — that’s how I’ve always thought of the number. There have been cliffhangers in our serial lately. Will Episode-13 be lucky for the characters? Ishita at Kooky Cookyng supplied the “ingredients” today. She playfully threw me a curve with “microwave.” It took a bit of storytelling for me to work that into a 1920’s … More Three Ingredients – 13: Pigeon, Microwave, Prune
I thought it would be fun to post a Valentine for all of you — in the form of a short story. I admit the idea of writing a story for everyone came to me a bit late, so I knew I’d have to scramble to get it finished in time, especially since I wanted to … More Your Valentine from Atonement, Tennessee
With the exception of Pip, our story’s narrator, the character who seems to get the most interest is Cracker the parrot. That amuses me, because Cracker is a character that I never anticipated. That’s the fun part of deliberately not planning this serial and letting the “ingredients” you send drive every aspect of it! I would have … More Three Ingredients – 12: Rye, Pie, Dainty Dish
I know… I’m breaking my rule again — the one about only doing writing related posts. However, this was so timely that I thought I should share it. Many of us have our own home remedies, holistic ideas, and supplement strategies. These (below) are not exactly like the things I do, but they’re similar. (Additionally, I swear … More Survive Flu Season with the Ultimate Winter Defense
Today I’m suspending my self-imposed rules. What rules? Well, I promised myself that this blog would always be limited to writing related things. Next I’ve made it a general practice to use the “ingredients” in the order they are received. This time I’m moving up the ingredients from Judith in California, aka Firecook, which were … More Three Ingredients – 11: Garlic, Crepes, Soufflé
This weekend I will give you another episode of the Three Ingredients serial. However, as a mid-week post, I’m giving you another character interview from my novel, Atonement, Tennessee. It should give you some insight into everyday life in that fictional town. So here goes! Chip from Italian 2 Go A young man walks into my office … More Atonement Character Interviews: Chip the Delivery Boy
Since I started this culinary mystery serial, The Three Ingredients, I’ve been reading a lot of cooking blogs. One of my favorites is Kooky Cookyng, written by Ishita. She was kind enough to provide the three ingredients for today’s episode. Don’t be shy! Leave a comment with three food-related “ingredients” to help keep this story going. … More Three Ingredients – 10: Liver, Za’atar, Sunflower Seeds
I understand that today is Global Belly Laugh Day. Now I haven’t had time to investigate whether or how this might be any official sort of “Day,” so I guess the mail will be delivered and the banks will be open. And you’d best go to work if you’re scheduled to do so today – … More Global Belly Laugh Day
The Story Begins I’m posting this especially for those who have requested something longer to read. I’m listening to your comments, and I aim to please! So here is a rather long excerpt from the beginning of “Atonement, Tennessee,” my debut novel, published on Christmas Eve 2013. With our “interactive” serials, The Three Things, and The Three … More Atonement, TN: Beginning
While I waited for everyone to “get back behind the wheel” and send ingredients to drive this story, I wrote this — Episode-9. But don’t fret. Because Ishita at “Kooky Cookyng” sent very interesting ingredients for Episode-10! I hope to have it ready this weekend, so please come back again. Get ready… because today’s episode reveals … More Three Ingredients Serial – 9: Cream, Vanilla, Sauce Pan
You’re Driving Dear readers, it is time once again for me to bid you “Come and dine!” But first, to keep the culinary story going, we need ingredients. Don’t be shy. The three food-related things you send drive the story, and the Three Ingredient cupboards are bare — so to speak. Please leave a comment with three … More Three Ingredients Serial – 8: Peas, Noodles, Lemon
Originally posted on Eye-Dancers:
I love words. I always have. I caught the bug at a very early age. I remember when I was eight years old, reading comic books, I would sometimes come across words I’d never heard of. When I did, I would immediately put the comic down and open the dictionary I…
I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long for the next installment of the Three Ingredients Serial. The “ingredients” for Episode 7 are from Spock’s Sister. She’s an extraordinary mix of creative and scientific knowledge — so these ingredients are far from ordinary! Working them into our culinary mystery was great fun. However, I hope she’ll forgive me for … More Three Ingredients Serial – 7: Burner, E. Coli, Marmite
Don’t worry. I won’t leave you hanging with the Three Ingredients Serial. Episode-7, “E. coli, Marmite, Burner” is in progress. (Spock’s Sister and I worked out some changes to her ingredients.) I hope everyone will be thinking of food-related ingredients to send me for future episodes. You’re welcome to leave them in a comment. (Hint -hint.) While you wait for the … More Character Interviews: Lacey Hampton
A truly remarkable friend in Albuquerque supplied the “ingredients” for this episode. Clever of her to think of juniper berries and how they relate to the 1920’s and prohibition! That’s how you drive the story. I’m delighted to have all of you readers behind the wheel, steering this mystery with the ingredients you send. And … More Three Ingredients Serial – 6: Turnips, Parsnips, Juniper Berries
Virginia’s own Provincial Lady graciously supplied the three ingredients for fifth installment of our culinary mystery. Somehow these things took me to what I hope you’ll think is a humorous snippet. As always, you can do catch-up reading at the serial’s homepage. Also, to keep the chuckles coming, there is a cute video at the end of … More Three Ingredients Serial – 5: Butternut Squash, Olive Oil, Cracked Black Pepper
I for one am quite happy to welcome the arrival of 2014. Did you notice that the new year begins on a new moon? To me, that makes today very special. May it bring wonderful new beginnings to all of us. Happy New Year everyone! This time our ingredients are from Alexandra of “A Scholarly Skater.” … More Happy 2014! Three Ingredients Serial – 4: Graham Crackers, Apples, Cream Cheese
Every time I see the photos on Maureen’s blog, kiwissoar, I am completely charmed. So when she sent three ingredients, I just had to find some kind of video that related an ingredient to New Zealand. Luck was with me and not only did I find a video about New Zealand and blueberries, but it … More Three Ingredients Serial – 3: Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blueberries
Atonement, Tennessee – Now Available Tah-dah! I finally self-published “Atonement, Tennessee,” which I wrote last year for National Novel Writing Month. Publishing this novel is a gift to myself. Two other times this year I planned to release this book, and then I got so discouraged that I did not. I know that working full … More To Me — From Me, a Limited Release
Today I feel like we’re getting to sneak a peek inside a Christmas package, because my friend Joye shared with us her semi-secret recipe for Fabulous Five Minute Fudge! You’ll find the recipe at the end of this episode. I wish I had been able to make WordPress fancy-up formatting do the recipe justice… but all I could … More Three Ingredients Serial – 2: Mandolin, Chinoiserie, Wimberries
It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to episode-1 of our new “interactive” story, The Three Ingredients Serial. Remember that you, the reader, are driving the story by sending three ingredients that I will include in the episodes. When we did the Three Things Serial, the things you sent inspired the characters and the setting. … More Three Ingredients Serial – 1: Geoduck, Cilantro, Red Wine
Three Ingredients Serial What’s next? Thanks to everyone who sent “votes” on what you wanted to do next – now that we reached a conclusion in the Three Things Serial storyline. It was a three-way tie, appropriately enough! So I’m going with the one that is the biggest challenge for me. (Yes, I’m just twisted … More What’s Next? New “Interactive” Serial
Can you believe this serial began with Oscillating Fan? That was our very first “thing.” In case you felt like there was a bit too much unresolved, I’ve written an epilogue for our little 1920’s story. I expected that the characters readers would be most curious about are Frankie the Fireman and Mona the Movie Star, … More Three Things Epilogue
Here it is, everyone — the conclusion to this storyline. Forgive me for making this episode a good deal longer than usual, but I wanted to do it justice. After all it’s the conclusion to our Three Things Serial. I don’t kid myself that this serial is literature. From a technical standpoint it hasn’t had the … More Three Things Conclusion: Part 3
Yes, the conclusion of Three Things Serial is headed your way. I made sure the sets of “three things” readers sent me drove all aspects of this little story. Everything — the characters, setting, even the plot took shape and turns from the things all of you sent. Now the storyline is ready to conclude… … More Conclusion of Three Things Serial Headed Your Way
We are drawing closer to the close of our little 1920’s story. I’m still looking for your feedback on what you’d like to do next. I definitely want to do something that lets all of you “drive” the story. There are a couple of “votes” in the comments section of the previous episode. You can … More Three Things Conclusion, Part 2
Now that I think about it, I believe this conclusion idea started when Provincial Lady included “dragon” the last time she sent a group of things. Then my imagination running down a most unexpected path. To do this set of things justice, and to keep you from having to read a really, really long episode, I’m … More Prelude to a Three Part Conclusion
I was shocked — but in a good way — when Lynn at Strangled Thoughts and Random Musings very kindly sent me this award. As someone so aptly said, these awards are sort of an Internet hug. So big hugs back to you Lynn. Don’t you just love the dragon picture? I don’t know who painted it, but … More Dragon’s Loyalty Award
Jane Wenham-Jones wrote these words. I enjoyed her “About” post so much that I asked her if I could share it with you. Enjoy, teagan About.
Happy December everyone! Now that National Novel Writing Month is over, I’m back with our Three Things Serial. Without further preamble, here is episode 29 of the Three Things Serial: 29. Cypress tree, Mosquito, Gams All the Fabro cousins stood on one corner of the deck, apparently just beating their gums about nothing in particular … More Three Things: 29 – Cypress Tree, Mosquito, Gams
I try to limit this blog to writing related posts. Maybe I’m celebrating reaching the National Novel Writing Month goal of a draft novel of 50,000 words (yay!). Or maybe I really am just a crazy cat lady… However I thought this was one of the best cat videos I’ve ever seen. The narrator sounds … More Guide to Caring for Humans
First, to all of you in the USA… Happy Thanksgiving! Now, back to NaNoWriMo. It’s all about improving my skills as a writer. That’s my relationship with National Novel Writing Month. I’m always trying to find a way to get better as a writer. Every time I sit down and open a story/file, I think … More NaNoWriMo Got to Get Better
There are just a handful of days left for National Novel Writing Month 2013. Is your muse roaming free and supplying you with details? Or are you trapped in the prison of your word count? Are your ideas orderly? Or did your train of thought chug away to parts unknown? A rhythm helps — a steady, … More NaNoWriMo — Prison of Your Word Count
Many thanks to Debra Paulson for sending me this “Internet hug” as she so charmingly named it. And I’m thanking her for her patience, as she sent it back in October. I never forgot though. I’ve just been trying to “WriMo-mo-mo” for National Novel Writing month. (Follow the link and take a look at her … More Liebster Blog Award
Today is the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. As a long time “whovian” I had to give a nod to the television show, because it is sublime. If any of you are not familiar with this phenomenon, it is a BBC science fiction television series about a “time lord,” known as The Doctor. He travels in what … More Three Things: 28 – Sublime, Dragon, Funds
You can’t be “on fire” all the time. You’d burn out. Fast. Periods of being on fire, no matter what your passion, need to be followed by times of rain. Not quenching rain — you don’t want to put out the fire of that ambition. What I’m talking about is nourishing, steady rain. A rhythm … More NaNoWriMo — Fire then Rain
Yay! This week I took leave from work for an entire week of “stay-cation.” And i’m excited to say that I’ve been on WriMo fire! So I couldn’t resist a new theme song for today. I’m with The Doors again. Can you guess which song? WriMo-Fire! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MifWlrkEBD4 Light My Fire
With National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in full swing, I’m indulging myself with today’s set of three things. When I wrote my NaNoWriMo 2012 winning novel, Atonement, Tennessee, I was somewhat influenced by the style of Charlaine Harris — particularly her “Southern Vampire” series, sometimes referred to as the Sookie Stackhouse books. While Atonement is … More Three Things: 27 – Vampire, Years, Walked
National Novel Writing Month continues. Here comes day-13… Do you know where your mojo is? Is it out somewhere wandering the “dark and stormy night” without you? If that’s the case… Get your mojo risin’! That’s right. Here’s the music to get your mojo risin’ whether you’re on the west coast, east coast, somewhere in … More NaNoWriMo: Where’s Your Mojo
In the USA, today is Veterans Day — a day set aside to honor and remember all people who have been in the armed service. A respectful “Thank You.” It’s also National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) day #11. Time to remember why we’re taking part in this insanity! I’ve had theme songs to keep me going. … More NaNoWriMo: the Paperback
I’m privileged to have a dear friend whom I also think of as a mentor. For the majority of her life she has given huge effort to educating herself about complex medical issues that have touched the lives of her loved ones. That truly amazing woman sent today’s set of “things” and as usual, my mind went to … More Three Things: 26 – Angiogram, Burglary, Cockroach
First let me promise you — I will post another episode of our “Three Things Serial” this weekend. I have not forgotten Pip, Boris, and company, even though National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is in full swing. A few days ago I was ready to “WriMo Mo Mo Mo” and Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell got … More NaNoWriMo Stuck in the Middle
NaNoWriMo Day 4 The fourth day dawns… I really wanted to hit the ground running this year. Unfortunately I am as slow at novel writing as ever. I remembered this post from last year – Billy Idol’s song became my personal theme. Whether or not you are a writer I hope it will encourage you … More NaNoWri-Mo Mo Mo Mo!
As some of you know, National Novel Writing Month began at the stroke of midnight, November 1st. This is my second year to participate… and silly me… I follow the rules. So I’m limiting how much time I spend on our Three Things Serial. That said, let’s get on with the story. Okay… I freely … More Three Things: 25 – Kitten, Fake, Comfort
In celebration of Halloween, I’m re-posting an excerpt from The Dead of Winter. This is probably my favorite sequence in the entire book. I call it “Emlyn Ran.” It comes from a ways into the story, so try to tell your brain not to worry about context or details you might not understand. All “realms” … More Happy Halloween
All through October I’ve considered strategies for how to deal with a full-time job, this blog (especially the Three Things Serial), and other un-blogged things, and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), — which begins in a few short days. Some said “Oh no, don’t try to do NaNoWriMo this year. You already have too much on your plate.” And … More NaNoWri-Less Three Things
You’d think I would have thought of Agatha Christie the minute the Three Things Serial became a 1920’s story. She created so many memorable characters. Two of my favorites are not as well known, but they showcase the spirit of the 1920’s for me — Tommy and Tuppence. The first novel in which they appeared … More Three Things: 24 – Tommy and Tuppence
People have expressed an unexpected amount of interest in a video I posted within a comment on my last post about National Novel Writing Month. The video was about the Neon Sign Boneyard in Las Vegas, one of three things that inspired the novel I will write this November. (Wow… am I hung up on … More Boneyard
There are several days to go before November breaks out in full blown NaNoWriMo. It would be against the rules for me to start writing my novel for this year’s National Novel Writing Month just yet. I have to wait until November to begin writing. Planning and other “writerly” tasks are allowed though. Images help me … More National Novel Writing Month 2013: Tatterdemallian
I’m finally here with another episode of our little 1920’s story. The characters have been nagging at my thoughts. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them during November, while I’m trying to write an entire (new) novel in a few short weeks, for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Maybe I’ll skip the fun part … More Three Things: 23 – Dissolute, Rocky, Bonehead
Setback Maybe this is a picture of a gate opening, but I feel like it is closing. (This is actually one of the images I considered for the book cover.) I really should have known not to put it “in print” last weekend, when I did the cover reveal and said I hoped to publish … More Launch Postponed: Atonement, Tennessee
“You will be showered with good luch.” No… that’s exactly what my fortune cookie said. Clearly there is a typo… but which is the real meaning? At this point I think it’s more likely that the intended word was “lunch.” That makes no sense you say? Well if I were showered in good lunch, the food would … More My Fortune Cookie
I can’t help feeling pretentious, announcing a cover reveal on my little blog, for my little novel, Atonement, Tennessee. I never delude myself that I write great literature, and this one is purely meant to be entertainment. (Granted, I am very serious about The Dead of Winter, but even there I don’t pretend to write … More Cover Reveal: Atonement, Tennessee
Note from Teagan When I got up this morning, the first thing I noticed in my inbox was a blog post from Tim Flanagan. He writes wonderfully inventive and entertaining books aimed at teens (and adults like me, who would much rather read that kind of thing than grown up books). He’s promoting Teen Reading … More Teen Reading Week Starts Today
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