Interactive serial story number 4
Wednesday, July 8, 2020 First, I apologize to anyone who received my accidental posts. The scheduling option I typically use wasn’t working properly. Actually it disappeared entirely… Welcome to my sanctuary. Last Wednesday’s post went to the cats. This one is for the birds! Or one bird anyhow. I’m talking about Jinx, my magpie character. … More Wednesday Review — Brother Love
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Update/Note: I wasn’t expecting this post to turn into a birthday party, but everyone is making me smile. Thank you all for your good wishes. Hugs on the wing! Welcome to my sanctuary. This post has gone to the… cats. It seems the felines have gotten inside. If you’re a cat … More Wednesday Writing — Adding Animals
Saturday, July 7, 2018 Welcome to my sanctuary — an oasis free of politics, religion, and the judgments that often go with both. It’s my safe haven where we can relax in the comfort and encouragement of each other’s presence — free of bullies and passive aggressive princesses. I’m allowing certain “punks.” That’s my prerogative as proprietress … More The Punk of I Don’t Know — the Punk of Punk
99 Things A few days ago I posted a heads-up that Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers would have its concluding episode today. Then I had the “brilliant idea” to use a poll, asking you to vote on which of certain features you’d like to see on the posts I’ll be doing while I work … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Conclusion
Note: There’s a voting poll at the end of this post. Please Vote! Copper whispered a secret! But you know how loudly she whispers… So I might as well let you in on it too. It’s about the next episode. No, I promise I really didn’t know it when I posted the previous episode — you … More Copper’s Secret
Indies Agree… I love that “Indie” has endlessly different subjects, genres, and formats. I’m happy that every indie author and blogger is unique. Despite all that diversity, it seems that all indie authors agree on the importance of reviews – whether posted in a blog, magazine, or on a bookseller’s site. Oh, I admit to my jaw-dropping … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 33
Update — I passed my ITIL certification exam! Argle-bargle Last episode I had found myself a “word of the day” — shilly shally. I had so much fun with it that I found another word of the day to entertain myself, argle-bargle. While all of you were at the station (and thank you from the … More Train Schedule and Character Recap – Copper and the Rest
Word of the Day Often I think I should have a word of the day. Once I bought a desk calendar of them, but it turned out to be words that none of us would sensibly use under any circumstance, professional, playfully, or otherwise. I haven’t come up with a viable way to give myself a word of … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 32
Three Things & Three Blogs I hesitated to ask for more “things” to fuel the steam locomotive to the Victorian Era, because the serial is nearing the end of the line. What if I got more things than I could use? I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. However, I still had to have the three things. … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 31
Unexpected Connections I don’t delude myself that my blog serials are “properly” written stories. They are pure unplanned, pantser fun. Since I never know what the next episode will bring, I can’t do advance planning so that everything is properly connected from the beginning. Events and characters show up later than is “acceptable.” I’m aware that flaw … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode- 30
Chugging Along Slowly The steam locomotive to the Victorian Era is almost at the platform to take you to Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Although, it’s chugging along rather slowly. One of the landslide of things that derailed the locomotive last weekend was the cold I had Saturday. Happily I managed to fight … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 29
Rewinding It was serendipitous that “three things” from Western Romance writer Mary J McCoy-Dressel fueled the story-line of this episode. While there’s not a typical romance involved, there is something sort of along those lines. Mary has been a great supporter of this blog and all the serials. In fact, if I were to rewind, you’d see … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 28
So the Drama… I’m afraid I gave in to the dramatic again. I might as well tell you that there is another cliffhanger ahead. But you’re forewarned, so try not to scream “Akkk!” about my theatrics when you get there. The multi-talented Sarah Vernon at “Rogues & Vagabonds” sent the three things that fueled the steam … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 27
3 Things, 3 Tags, & 777 An Author Spotlight The steam locomotive to the Victorian Era is on the way, but it has to make an extra stop. It’s too difficult for me to post more than once a week, so please forgive me for doing a combination today. Before the engine reaches our Steampunk platform it’s … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 26
Choices One of my favorite bloggers, Donna Parker, wrote about choices. Her post got me thinking — as it often does. Eventually my pondering turned to choices about writing. Despite the fact that writers are advised to choose one genre and stick to it, I think most of us like to dabble in various types … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 24
To those of you in the USA… Happy Independence Day! In celebration, rather than taking you to the Victorian Era on our usual steam locomotive, this time we’ll bring all our picnic paraphernalia and get on board a red, white, and blue decorated dirigible and soar into our story. Steering the airship is Kathryn, aka … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 23
Energy! Early this year I had a very unpleasant head cold. So I gave my characters, Felicity and Cornelis, nasty head colds too — and funny, sneezing chaos ensued. Last weekend I barely found time to write Episode-21, and was a day late with it. This weekend I had my every-other-Friday off. But all … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 22
Thanks for waiting Welcome back everyone. I’m so glad you waited for the steam locomotive to the Victorian Era. The “three things” for this chapter are from Donna Parker at Yadadarcyyada – Vague Meanderings of the Broke and Obscure, a truly wonderful blog. In Donna’s posts she shares her thoughts on a variety of things. In one … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 21
Every picture tells a story… Or it does if the camera is in the hands of Timothy Price at T&L Photos. The photographs make for a chronicle of day-to-day life for Tim and his family in “the land of enchantment” — also known as New Mexico. That family includes a four-footed crew of felines that keep … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 19
“This must be Thursday. I never could get the hang of Thursdays…” Douglas Adams It’s Thursday as I post this, and here I am with a mid-week treat. But don’t panic! It’s not that you didn’t get the hang of Thursdays. Neither did time run away with you. I promise the steam locomotive to the … More Character Recap – Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers
Communication Breakdown Communication Breakdown, It’s always the same; I’m having a nervous breakdown, Drive me insane… Led Zeppelin Pardon me for jittering off into a Zeppelin-zone… It was that kind of week. I could describe all the chaos that resulted from lack of communication, but that would take all day. Just watch a clip of the … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 18
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
Somebody hit the rewind button… Believe it or not, I’ve been losing sleep over this all week… Some of my readers said they were confused by the last sequence if Episode-16. I see that as a serious flaw in me, both as a writer and as an editor. Just as the English language is vastly … More Rewind — Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 16
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
The steam locomotive is still on track. Episode-7 is here, although it seems like only yesterday I sent you a poll asking what kind of serial you wanted to do next. First I thought I’d give you a glimpse of my world. Since “Atonement in Bloom” will pick up where my novel “Atonement, Tennessee” left … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 7
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
If you’ve looked high and low, and the steam locomotive scheduled to take you to Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers was not at the station… Well, that’s because there has been a delay. A cast iron finial fell off the train. Copper and Felicity are looking for it right now. Although Cornelis and the Green Fairy appear … More Train Schedule Update
A Flight of Fancy Welcome. I invite you to come with me on a flight of fancy, somewhere in the late Victorian Era. I’ve done all sorts of things in my life — nothing glamorous. There are also a lot of things I’ve never done. This is not a “bucket list” ramble, but one of those … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 4
Welcome back to the late Victorian Era and our all new “interactive” culinary adventure! The things and ingredients for Episode-3 have the story rolling along as they building the plot and characters. Keep an eye out for informational links in the text and with some of the images too. 3. Quail’s Egg, Wurlitzer Organ, Hydrofoil … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 3
You are the best! Yes, I mean you! Last weekend I launched the first episode of our latest “interactive” serial. I was doing Snoopy’s happy dance about the positive responses from all of you. Not only that, but so many of you have been generous with sending three random things and/or food-related things. Remember, you are … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode-2
Three Things: A culinary mystery with “things and ingredients” sent from readers everywhere. Welcome one and all! It is my pleasure to tell you that we have a first-time contributor of ingredients/things to begin this “interactive” serial. John W. Howell did me the honor of sending things for the kickoff of the new story. I hope … More New Interactive Serial – Episode-1
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