A general blog about Teagan’s books
In the past, part of my “real” job was writing a weekly motivational message. I was basically “ghost writing” as/for the Senior Executive Service level director where I work, but he never made any secret of the fact that I wrote his messages. (That was a couple of “Directors” ago.) People would ask me (especially … More Holiday Weekend and DoW Snippet
Back on Track Last time I hit a bump in the road (or rather the railroad tracks). However, the Victorian locomotive is back on schedule and running at full steam. John W. Howell gave us the very first set of “things” to guide the plot of this pantser serial. Happily later he sent a second set of three, which … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 17
Did I mangle the mangle? English is an amazing language. It’s amazing because with words that have the same spelling as another word but have a different sound and a different meaning… and then words that have the same sound as another word but are spelled differently and have a different meaning… Well, it’s a wonder we can … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 16
What’s in a name? Last time I promised that this episode would reveal the name of the mysterious Woman in Trousers. Her name shifted and altered in my mind throughout the week. But yes, the “things” finally led to the naming of the Woman. I thought to pay homage to a character from an all but forgotten … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 14
I admit defeat… Sassy segues sauntered away. Glib words have gotten up and gone. So far I’ve drafted three beginnings for this post. Then I saved them for another episode — they just won’t do for today. I’ve admitted to myself that I simply don’t know how to start. That usually means I’m truly impressed with someone… and … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 13
Hello everyone, I’m always excited when I’m able to get ahead of schedule on anything, particularly this “interactive, culinary, steampunk” serial. However, I never thought I’d need to have a couple of episodes written in advance because of a bereavement. For the time being, I’m simply unable to talk about it, but it’s just Crystal … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 12
Location Revealed! When my friend Olga at Just Olga offered “things” for an episode of this “interactive” serial, I knew they would be rich in detail. What I didn’t expect was for those things to reveal the location of the story… well, sort of. It’s not an exact location, but a general one. You see, that’s how my Three Things … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 11
Color My World — Please! Maybe you’ve heard me mention my thing about color. I seem to have a physical need for color. I used to wear black occasionally — it’s a color. However, I’ve seen so very, very much of it in DC, that I avoid it now (except for basic slacks once in a … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 10
I’d like to thank the Academy… By the “Academy” I mean the group of wonderful people, writers, chefs, photographers, readers, and bloggers who come here to Teagan’s Books each week. You see, when I introduced the previous episode, I got a little off track. Ever since, I have felt that I did not do justice to the … More A Shout-out – Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers
You’re too old, too fat, and you dress funny… What? But wait — it gets even better. Let me put this into context. While not an exact quote, it is close. It was meant to be a pep talk from a friend at work when I was upset about not being able to get interviews … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 9
Do you want some cheese to go with that whine, Teagan? If you saw yesterday’s post, you know I have even more stress than usual right now. So thanks for letting me vent. Usually I have to be in a really “good place” or I can’t write. The spontaneous nature of the serials help with that, though I’m … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 8
On Wings of Whimsy The four naughty chimps probably weren’t as much of a surprise to those of you who have been with Teagan’s Books for awhile. I don’t think I can get more whimsical than a ghost cowboy riding a giant seahorse. I really shouldn’t let those wings of whimsy sprout again, lest you think … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 6
Welcome back to the Victorian Era. I’m so happy to be here with all of you. Thank you for coming back after my weekend away. I’m glad to report that I accomplished a lot on “Atonement in Bloom,” my current work in progress — or one of them, that is! I’ve never given a shout-out for something local … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 5
Happy Valentine’s Day my friends! I wish there had been time to write a new short story as my Valentine to all of you… But I’m going to re-Press the one I wrote last year. At least it will be new to some of you. What is new is the video I made for it. … More Valentine’s Day in Atonement, Tennessee
Hello everyone, As of Monday evening, most people want to start an all new serial from scratch. If that’s not the option you’d choose, then be sure to cast your vote! The poll will stay open until Friday, January 16th. No need to re-comment on this update unless… Whatever form the new serial takes, I’m going … More UPDATE: New Interactive Serial – What do YOU want?
Originally posted at Chris The Story Reading Ape‘s Blog. Many thanks to Chris Graham (aka The Story Reading Ape) for hosting me at his amazing Author Promotions Enterprise blog. “The Ape” generously promotes authors on his blog, and he offers excellent resources for our use. However, he’s also a gifted cover artist. Be sure to take a … More Writing from an Unexpected Point of View
Sheiks and Shebas, welcome back. It’s time to conclude this rewind of our first “interactive” serial! It was fun romping through the Roaring Twenties with you in 2014. I’ve met many new friends that I treasured right away. Just as importantly, old friends stuck around too. I hope our serial’s family grows even more in 2015. … More Rewind – Three Things – Conclusion
Welcome back to the Jazz Age and our little 1920’s serial story. There are so many different (not to mention fascinating) holidays at this time of year. Whatever you may have celebrated — or perhaps you choose not to honor any day at all — no matter what the case, I hope it has been … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 29 – 30
Hello my friends. As this year draws closer to a close, I feel a sense of gratitude, because I am sincerely thankful to each of you. It’s been a very difficult year for me. Though that is because of a facet of my life that I don’t blog about, a few of you know some details. … More Holiday Hosting: Chance to Win Books by Jo Robinson
Welcome back to the “rewind” of the first serial I did here at Teagan’s Books. The timing of the rerun of Episode-26 is serendipitous. In the original introduction I mentioned one of my friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico and some of the self-teaching she has done to learn about medical things, in order to help … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 26 – 28
Welcome back to our whimsical version of the Jazz Age. You’re just the cat’s pajamas for coming back to this flapper tale. I hope the characters in this 1920’s serial have wiggled into your mind so comfortably that you have your own ideas of how they would look or sound. However, I thought it might be … More Three Things 25 & Character Recap
I started to say, “Just call me Sybil.” Because I have too much going on — a few different works in progress, and the next serial for this blog simmering on the back burner. However, I don’t think it quite adds up to Sybil’s 16 personalities. Although with two distinctly different stories actively evolving in my mind, … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 22 – 24
Welcome back my friends. To those of you in the USA, I hope you enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day filled with gratitude and happiness. I would use huge letters to say “Ta-dah!” but I’m exhausted from a full month of squeezing every minute of novel writing possible from each day and night. My ta-dah is more … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 20 – 21
Welcome, my friends. Have I told you how much I appreciate your visits? Well, I do — a lot. Before I present Three Things, here’s the promised update on my National Novel Writing Month progress. Well, there hasn’t been a lot of progress. As of right now, I’m barely on schedule to finish on November 30th, and the weekend … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 18 – 19
I’ve been a busy blogger this extended-weekend. This post was a bit of something extra I suddenly decided to do. I’ve been feeling a tad guilty over just “re-winding” the first serial for you… And then… Everything happened at once. There was no plan for me to re-blog that lovely post from Randstein, but how … More My “Sexy” Saturday
Hi there Sheiks and Shebas! I’m having a hard time coming up with an intro that will “hook” my readers. Honestly, I don’t mean to complain, but I’ve been battling a migraine on and off for two days. So All I can think of is… What did you do this week? Me? I killed a … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 15 – 17
Welcome back to the 1920’s everyone. I really appreciate you dropping by for this “rewind” of the first interactive serial. But first, I want to update you on my My National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) progress, since that is what has taken me away from writing the serials. This is what my homepage showed me Friday. … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 10 – 14
National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo as it is affectionately called, is underway. I started out with a lot of enthusiasm; let’s just hope it holds out. Writing the draft of a 50,000 word novel in a single month is grueling! While I’m slaving away at my keyboard, I’m posting a “rewind” of the original interactive … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 6 – 9
My favorite of all holidays… and my favorite yearly challenge… It’s my time of year! So for all my spirited, Ghost in the Kitchen-loving, heavenly haunt hunters, poltergeist pursuers, and gremlin getters I bid you — Happy Halloween! I’m glad my spirits are high (and I don’t mean Maestro Martino has gotten locked into another wine … More Happy Halloween and Happy NaNoWriMo
Hello everyone — and welcome. I’m delighted to have you here, and I’m happy to be here too. You see, a week ago I had a resignation blog ready to post — leaving this blog and the serials, and maybe writing all together. Why? Something troubled me greatly when I concluded Three Ingredients Cookbook-2, a Ghost … More Rewind – Three Things Serial Episodes 1 – 5
Welcome back everyone! Our previous chapter of this interactive culinary mystery was essentially part-1 of a 2-part finale. And yes — I heard the commotion when I left our three suspects of ill-doing hanging in midair (literally) and basically you along with them. I’m just wicked that way… I really can’t help myself. I sincerely … More Three Ingredients II – 18: Conclusion – Sweet Potato, Wimberries, Worcestershire Sauce
Welcome to the My Workspace Blog Hop. When smart, funny, and talented, Jo Robinson tagged me for this bloghop I did a double take. “What workspace? ” I thought. When I lived in the desert southwest I had a detached house with a little work room I used for writing and crafts. It was not a … More My Workspace Blog Hop
Horsefeathers! This took me by surprise. I didn’t know quite where the “ingredients” would take this story — until last evening. > Sheiks and Shebas, I have to tell you — this is the penultimate episode of Three Ingredients Cookbook-2, a Ghost in the Kitchen. Sorry I didn’t add that subtitle sooner — it’s always been … More Three Ingredients II – 17: Spinach, Carrots, Yogurt
Sheiks and Shebas I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Yes, there is pos-i-lute-ly going to be a new episode of our 1920’s culinary mystery serial! The ingredients for Episode-16 are from the astonishingly prolific Olga Núñez Miret at Just Olga. Serendipity was with us, and this chapter coincided with the launch of her latest book, I Love Your Cupcakes. Have a … More Three Ingredients II – 16: Apples, Broad Beans, Curry Leaves
Stand up! Those two words can mean several different things in the dictionary. remain/be valid, be sound, be plausible, hold water, hold up, stand questioning, survive investigation, bear examination, be verifiable We might also stand up for a cause, like the power of a simple hug. Or we might stand up for ourselves. Andy Avis did … More Stand Up
Welcome back to our interactive 1920’s culinary mystery serial! The “ingredients” for this episode are from the very talented “Kraftycat” at Kraftycat Creations. You don’t have to be a crazy cat person to enjoy her blog. Not only does she make adorable kitty toys, she makes wonderful gifts and jewelry for the humans. I hope you’ll check out … More Three Ingredients II – 15: Ribs, Watermelon, Corn
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
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