The First Interactive Culinary Mystery Serial
Saturday, November 12, 2022 Happy weekend, all. I’m afraid my week went sideways, and I didn’t get any writing done. I was feeling bad about not doing a post today… then it hit me that I could rerun something. I’ve posted this short story from the “Pip-verse” a few times over the years, but it’s … More Weekend Shorts ― Turkey Time for Pip
Wednesday, August 28, 2019 Welcome back to Jazz Age Wednesdays. I planned to do a cover reveal today, but something came up to take me out of the blogosphere for a day. So instead, I’m sharing a short story I wrote two years ago. Back then one of author John W. Howell‘s hilarious lists of what … More Jazz Age Wednesdays — In the Pip of Time
Monday, April 9, 2018 Hello, all. Forgive me if you saw this review at Jazz Age Wednesdays last week. Now that Olga Núñez Miret has it on her blog, I had to share. Let’s blouse over to her place — click here*. Since I want everyone to get to know Olga, I have disabled comments here. Olga … More Marvelous Monday Review
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Hi there, Sheiks and Shebas. I’m happy to see you back at Jazz Age Wednesdays. Here we are in the month of March. For many of us, March came in like the proverbial lion. I hope it takes on a much more lamb-like countenance for the remaining three weeks. Good riddance year of … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 25 ― Pip’s a Chicken
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Hello, everyone. It’s Jazz Age Wednesdays here at Teagan’s Books. I’m blessed to offer you another joint post! I have actively sought out collaborations with bloggers who work with subjects that are different from my whimsical fiction. So, I was delighted when Dr. Glen Hepker* agreed to work with me on a … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 24 ― Pip Meets the Master
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Welcome to Jazz Age Wednesdays here at Teagan’s Books. Last time I posted part-1 of a story that resulted from a collaboration with Fiction Favorites* author John W. Howell*. John did one of his terrific lists of Ten Things Not to Do, and I wrote a story. You can read part-1 here*. I … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 23 ― Pip Meets Tiny (Part 2)
Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Happy Valentine’s Day Happy Valentine’s Day from Jazz Age Wednesdays here at Teagan’s Books! Awhile back I was lucky enough to do a collaboration with Fiction Favorites* author John W. Howell*. He did one of his outrageous lists of “Ten Things Not to Do” and that took me to my short story, In the … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 22 ― Pip Meets Tiny (Part 1)
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Hi there, Sheiks and Shebas. It’s darb to see you back at Jazz Age Wednesdays. It feels like it’s been a long cold winter to me… and it’s only February. Teagan’s Pondering The research geek in me wanted to know how different I might have felt if I lived in the … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 21 ― February Pondering
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 Welcome back to Jazz Age Wednesdays. Last time I posted part-1 of a story I wrote because Hugh Roberts, of Hugh’s Views & News, asked me to participate in his new feature series. (Click here for Hugh’s post.) Writing Process Lately the real world has provided an over abundance of the “s” … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 20 ― Pip and Holding On Part 2
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 Hey, Sheiks and Shebas! It’s pos-i-lutely darb to see you at Jazz Age Wednesdays. I have something to share. When handsome, humorous, honorable, most huggable Hugh Roberts, of Hugh’s Views & News, asked me to participate in his new feature series, all I could say was, “And how!” Here’s Hugh’s description of this … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 20 ― Pip and Holding On Part 1
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 The New Year’s celebration is finally wrapping up, here at Jazz Age Wednesdays. Chris Graham, the Story Reading Ape! collaborated on a story with me that started here. I couldn’t resist keeping the tale going for a few episodes. However, today I present my conclusion. Part-1 (here) began with Chris’ character, Artie … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 19 ― Pip & Artie Meet Again – Part 3
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 I’m still celebrating New Year’s here at Jazz Age Wednesdays. You see, the pos-i-lutely darb, Chris Graham, the Story Reading Ape! collaborated on a story with me. Chris started the tale in which my character Pip, and his character Artie get together. Sharing ideas with “the Ape” was such fun that I … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 18 ― Pip & Artie Meet Again – Part 2
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 Happy New Year to you from Teagan’s Books and Jazz Age Wednesdays! Yesterday I was crowing when I saw Teri Polen’s review of Murder at the Bijou – Three Ingredients 1 (see it here.) What a keen way to start the year! With these Roaring Twenties posts, we’ll be putting on the … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 17 ― Pip & Artie Meet Again – Part 1
Originally posted on Books and Such:
Long ago I developed a writing exercise. I would ask friends to give me three completely random things. Then I would write until I had mentioned all the things. I brought that exercise to my blog, but I had the readers send me their things. I let the random…
Wednesday, December 27, 2017 Update: I have no idea how WordPress managed to post a duplicate of this… I regret any confusion this caused — particularly if you receive my posts via e-mail. The battle of the WP gremlins continues. Now on with the good stuff. Welcome to Jazz Age Wednesdays here at Teagan’s Books. Many … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 16 ― Champagne Tidbit from Murder at the Bijou
Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Hello, everyone! It’s Jazz Age Wednesdays here at Teagan’s Books. I know how busy you must be at this time of year, so I’m even happier to see you. These midweek posts have been a mix of new and re-shared vignettes. Since several of you sheiks and shebas are new here, I … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 15 ― Pip’s Lemony Christmas
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 It’s Wednesday and that means it’s the Jazz Age here at Teagan’s Books. This time I’m not telling a story. I’m just imagining what the holidays might have looked like for Pip and her friends during the Roaring Twenties. I imagined Pip decorating a Christmas tree. Granny Phanny would have had a … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 14 ― Pip at the Holidays
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Hey Sheiks and Shebas, I’m pos-i-lutely happy to see you at Jazz Age Wednesdays again! I started this short story back when I did a collaborative post with author John W. Howell*. The three things driving that story were “Counterfeiting, Time, and Hollywood.” The ultimate result was In the Pip of Time, which you … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 13 ― Pip and the River Monster
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 Hey Sheiks and Shebas, I’m pos-i-lutely thankful that you’re at Jazz Age Wednesdays! Yes, November is National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo), even at Thanksgiving (USA). And yes, I’m still woefully behind on my word-count toward drafting a novel of 50,000 words in a month… but I’m so grateful for all of you … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 11 ― Turkey Time for Pip
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Welcome back to Jazz Age Wednesdays! You’re all the cat’s meow, but this 1920s story went to the dogs! Whether it is one dog or four remains to be seen. I shared this short story a while back in collaboration with A Pug in the Kitchen* where blogger-chef Suzanne cooked up some … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 10 ― Pip Sees a Pug
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Wow, you’re the berries! I’m glad to see you back at Jazz Age Wednesdays! When I posted a Halloween story, Pip in the Field of Fear, you got to meet Pip’s friend Hank Hertz. Those of you who have read Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I also know Hank. Awhile back, … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 9 ― Pip’s Friend Hank
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 I’m so excited to get reviews! So I hope you’ll forgive me for crowing. Today author and “fairy whisperer” Colleen Chesebro* posted a review of my debut novel, Atonement, Tennessee. What a delight it was to read her mindful review with my morning coffee! I’m thrilled. Since Colleen is “the fairy whisperer“ I … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 6 ― Reviews & a Crossover Story
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Welcome to October at Jazz Age Wednesday. I’ve been so busy, I forgot today was Wednesday! However, I’m here now, with something new for the Pip-verse and I’ve gotten all Halloween-ish! Writing Process I was honored when Chris Graham*, the Story Reading Ape himself, agreed to do a short story for one of my … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 5 — Pip in the Corn Maze
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Welcome back to Jazz Age Wednesday. I’m celebrating a wonderful review of Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I by Molly Flanders! By Molly Flanders on September 28, 2017 Format: Kindle Edition This is a very enjoyable murder story set in the 1920s. Pip, Granny Phanny and a whole bunch of alliterated characters populate the … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 4 — In the Pip of Time
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 On Saturday, I was honored to be the guest of the enchanting Esmé — The Recipe Hunter. I’m sharing that post today for Jazz Age Wednesdays. I hope you’ll click over and say hello. Thanks again, Esmé! That post is below. *** It was a recipe for fun when I wrote Three Ingredients I — Murder at the … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 3 — Recipe Hunter
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 Welcome back to Jazz Age Wednesdays. I’m still celebrating the release of Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I . For this weekly feature my intention was to make things easy for myself by re-sharing short stories I had already written. However, to day I’m posting an all new vignette. It’s another hump … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 2 — Pip Sees a Camel
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 Each weekend I give you a new serial episode. I’ve been giving that throughout most of the past four years. However, Teagan’s Books is about more than serial episodes. It’s about my books too. So I’m creating this midweek feature. I added a poll to the last post. Not a majority, but … More Jazz Age Wednesdays 1 — Pip Arrives in Savannah
Originally posted on beetleypete:
I am always happy to promote new books published by fellow bloggers. Teagan is no exception, and I am pleased to feature her new novel. She is an American, a published author, and a blogger too. And what a blogger! Generous, involved, and engaged, she is an example to us all…
My heartfelt thanks to Rob Goldstein for reviving this monthly feature — and for letting me have the first post! I know I’ve been blogging a good bit this weekend, but I cannot resist sharing this with all of you. Please click over to visit Rob and check out his brilliant work. Hugs on the … More Featured Blogger: Teagan’s Books
Ta-dah! I’ve finally finished the technical aspects of book-izing the second of my blog serials. About the Novel Murder at the Bijou – Three Ingredients-I is the second of my “three things” style of blog serials. As with the first serial, The Three Things Serial, a Little 1920s Story, it was a spontaneously written (“pantser”) … More Cover Reveal! Murder at the Bijou – Three Ingredients-I
Today I’m pleased to introduce you to two pos-i-lutely fantastic guys — Kirt Tisdale and Hank Hertz! It was my great pleasure to be a guest at the Wall Gallery, Kirt’s blog, The Wall Gallery. There you will find his inspiring collection of art and photography. Thanks to Kirt for working with me on this joint … More At the Wall Gallery and on The Radio — Meet Kirt and Hank
Great news everyone — we have another guest! Dan Antion at No Facilities agreed to be my next co-conspirator collaborator. This post is already live at his blog for his One-Liner Wednesday feature. So I’m handing things over to Dan to explain. (I also think he should consider a career change to TV announcer. He gave me such a … More Pip & Pancakes with Dan
It’s hump day and I needed a boost to get me through the rest of the week. I avoid midweek posts, but I thought this might give me the lift I need. When this song popped into my head (again) I knew I had to share. Because I’m getting ready, ready, ready for the takeoff! … More The Characters, Murder at the Bijou
Update I finally got around to making Suzanne’s “Creamy Spring Turnip Soup.” I know anything from A Pug in the Kitchen is going to be delicious, but I confess to being lukewarm about turnips. I say that for the non-turnip lovers in the crowd. I always take shortcuts in cooking, so I know my versions … More Back to a Pug in the Kitchen — Granny Phanny & the Giant Rabbit
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
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
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
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
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
? ? ? 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
Hello everyone, I think this is the first weekend that I’ve failed to give you a serial episode since we started this, way back with the Three Things. So I hope you will tune in next weekend to find out what is happening with Pip, Granny Fanny, Cracker the Parrot, and the rest of the … More Three Ingredients – Stay Tuned
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Teagan's Books 