Saturday, April 18, 2026 A new Cronesboro writing exercise is ready and waiting for me to format it. So, stay tuned — it will be posted later on Saturday. Comments are closed, because I’ll be back soon. ♣ The video trailer below will tell you about a different story. How can I get this whimsical … More Next Exit: Cronesboro
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Hello, everyone. Today I’m visiting another of my books that includes inventions and/or inventors. The steampunk-fantasy novel, “The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: A Cornelis Drebbel Adventure was written spontaneously, when readers of my blog gave me sets of “three random things” to fuel the tale, back in 2015. Readers … More Whatnot Wednesday: Fantasy Tools, #CFFC, & a Story
Thursday, September 25, 2025 I’m blessed to have made many long-lasting, long-distance friendships through the WordPress blogging community. One of those is Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This morning, she posted a marvelous review of my steampunk-fantasy “The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers.” Click the big blue link below for Robbie Cheadle’s wonderful post. Click for … More #ThursdayDoors to Friendship, & a #BookReview
A big thank you to Dan Antion for making his post about my novel, The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers. He used his own photos to bring out hints at scenes from the novel. I hope you’ll click over and take a virtual tour at Dan’s blog. Comments are closed here. Hugs!
Saturday, March 22, 2025 All aboard! The Scoobies and I are celebrating the publication of my steampunk fantasy novel: The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: A Cornelis Drebbel Adventure Why celebrate? The novel debuted as a #1 New Release at Amazon. What would a steampunk fantasy be about? Here’s a brief description. Book … More All Aboard for The Alchemist & the Woman in Trousers!
Thursday, March 20, 2025 Hello, all. First, let me apologize for all the “break” images and symbols. I had to put images between paragraphs to make WordPress stop jamming all of my text together. Even using HTML code wouldn’t work… (WordPress, all the love has left our love/hate relationship!) I digress — onward to the … More Announcing “The Alchemist & the Woman in Trousers! / #ThursdayDoors in the story
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Hello, all. This post is a hodgepodge of things about one of my favorite inventors, Cornelis Drebbel. Born in Alkmaar, Holland, but famous throughout Europe and the UK during the 1600s. Since I usually only post twice per week, we have both Whatnots and Doors. Whatnot Wednesday I first “encountered” Cornelis … More Whatnot Wednesday: Art/Inventions & #ThursdayDoors: Cornelis Drebbel
Saturday, August 10, 2024 The late 14th century wasn’t exactly an era that was big on invention. It’s been called the dog days of the Renaissance. It was however, filled with wonderful art and poetry. Although let’s not forget the religious strife, or the veritable tide of warring kingdoms. It was also a time into … More Who was My Alchemist?
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 It’s time for Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! I’m grateful to everyone who started this wild ride on the #steampunk train, and then the submarine. What mode of transportation will we take next? As you know, the serials on this blog are pantser stories. They are completely unplanned. I let the “three … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 39 Conclusion
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 It’s time for Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! I’m grateful to everyone who started this wild ride on the #steampunk train, and then the submarine. What mode of transportation will we take next? Hang on tight. This is the penultimate episode of the serial! Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 38
Monday, April 8, 2019 Hello my chuckaboos! I knew we were close to the end of this rerun of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. However, I’ve had so much going on that it only just now registered with me how very close the conclusion is. As the story-line drew close to an … More Character Recap – Cornelis Drebbel
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! Our heroes are still in the purple world. Will they return home this time? The steampunk submarine is coming into port. Let’s not waste any time. Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers Chapter 29 “When the loud harmonic noise of … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 37
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 It’s Hidebound Hump Day again, my chuckaboos! This is a rather noisy episode. I didn’t notice Cornelis Drebbel’s submarine coming into port. However, I see the harbor master waving, and now I can hear his voice. Let’s get straight to the #steampunk submarine. Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers From last … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 36
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! I’m off-line, but didn’t want to leave you hanging from any cliffs with the serial. Collecting the recap for this episode reminded me of some fabulous animated videos created by Chris Graham. Let’s get over to the #steampunk submarine. Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 35
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! I’m off-line, but didn’t want to leave you hanging from any cliffs with the serial. Let’s get straight to the #steampunk submarine. Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers A Rewind from Chapter 3 First things first, I told myself as I turned my attention … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 34
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! Unfortunately I still haven’t gotten my agoraphobic self on the road. Even without my “messed-up-ness,” a cross country relocation is a lot for one person, physically and mentally… and I’m no spring chicken… So, please forgive me for being scarce. I miss visiting other … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 33
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! Right now, I’m sitting in the floor, surrounded by boxes, trying to lasso all the phone calls I need to make, and accounts that need address changes, and… I can see that it is more than I can do in the next three days, … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 32
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Welcome to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! When I wrote this episode back in 2015, I was working on a novel called The Guitar Mancer. Later I even tried to serialize it here as a means of finishing it. The feedback of readers back then brought an unexpected change to the story. It … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 31
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Happy Valentine’s Day, my chuckaboos! I know this image is not from the right era, but the dashing man looking all afternoonified, made me think of something Cornelis might do. I think Valentine’s Day around him would be positively naty narking. Back in 2015, Christoph Fischer sent the “things” for this chapter. Christoph … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 30
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Not to repeat myself from my Saturday post, but… Happy Chinese New Year. Happy Year of the Earth Pig! Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system. My chuckaboos, it’s time for Hidebound Hump Day! Our heroes are in a strange purple world. It reminded me of this image Rob Goldstein made … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 29
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 When I wrote this chapter back in 2015, I was experiencing a lack of energy. It made me relate to these images of worn-out, abandoned locomotives. Since my characters sometimes reflect my experiences of a given moment, I went to my manuscript with the intention of exploring what a tiny magical … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 27
Saturday, January 19, 2019 Welcome back to Straightlaced Saturday! I’m toying with a new feature, that will complement the era of my steampunk serial, Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. My thought is to give you some information about novels written in the Victorian Era of the real world, along with a link … More Straightlaced Saturday — Lady Audley’s Secret
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 This episode finishes the three random things from Donna Parker at Yadadarcyyada. Be sure to visit her blog and look around, read and enjoy. The #submarine is at our port. It’s rising to the surface now, and we’re ready for another chapter of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Previously … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 26.2
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Welcome to Hidebound Hump Day. Back in 2015 he three things” for this chapter were from Donna Parker at Yadadarcyyada. Her writing is uniquely wonderful as she shares her thoughts on a variety of things. Aside from the random things, Donna’s inventive blog name inspired an important part of this chapter. Be … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 26.1
Wednesday, January 2, 2019Happy New Year, my chuckaboos! It’s a new year, and appropriately enough our heroes have a new mode of transportation. We are no longer on the road locomotive. The #Steampunk train is now a submarine! No matter how we’re traveling, I’m happy to share the journey with you. My heartfelt thanks to … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 25
Saturday, December 29 , 2018 Here we are, in that limbo between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s still a festive time, but it is rather a “between” time. However, the #SteamPunk train has arrived at the platform and we’re ready for another chapter of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Although the mode of transportation … More Straightlaced Saturday — Cornelis Drebbel 24
Wednesday, December 26 , 2018 I hope everyone who celebrated any sort of holiday this week had a joyous and relaxing time. I’m always hearing people say “Christmas is all about families.” Well, I don’t have a family, but I enjoy the holiday in my own way. Festivities were perhaps a little restrained this year for … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 23
Wednesday, December 19 , 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day! The #SteamPunk train wears festive holiday lights today. It’s headed to the northern Pacific coast of the USA, during the Victorian Era. That’s where we’ll finish chapter 22 of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Today we will see what the third of the “three … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 22.2
Saturday, December 15 , 2018 It’s Straightlaced Saturday! Welcome aboard the #SteamPunk train. Our destination is the northern Pacific coast of the USA, during the Victorian Era. We’re headed for another episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Back in 2015, the random “three things” for this chapter were provided by John W. Howell at Fiction … More Straightlaced Saturday — Cornelis Drebbel 22.1
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day. Find your seat on the #SteamPunk train. We’re headed for another episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Many have been enjoying the imaginative art from Eugene Ivanov. I found several available as public domain images. However, this is the last one I … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 20
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, my chuckaboos! (I do love the Victorian vernacular, even if it is harder to use than Roaring Twenties slang.) Find your seat on the #SteamPunk train. We’re headed for another episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Do you remember I told you … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 19
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 Welcome to Hidebound Hump Day. Find your seat. The #SteamPunk train is preparing to leave the station. Oh, and buckle up, because we may encounter some dangerous curves. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the USA. No matter where you are, I am thankful to have you on this train. My wish … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 18
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, everyone. I’m happy to see you. In this chapter I give you a couple of hints for something that will be revealed in the near future. So I hope you’ll remember later in the journey of this #steampunk train. Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 17
Wednesday, November 7, 2018 Hello, November! It’s National Novel Writing Month again — or #NaNoWriMo as it’s also called. I have more going on than usual, so this year I’m doing the editing version. I’m bookizing the third 1920s novel of Pip and Granny Phanny’s adventures, A Ghost in the Kitchen — Three Ingredients 2. I’ll keep you … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 16
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Happy Halloween, everyone! Welcome back to the spontaneously written, #SteamPunk serial, Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. Everything about the story is driven by the random things that were sent by readers, back in 2015. When I say everything, I mean it — even the location. Although no one … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 15
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Heartfelt thanks to everyone who got on the party bus for the launch of Atonement in Bloom! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone who hosted the launch post, reblogged, allowed me to use images, and otherwise helped me promote my new novel. If you missed the launch, don’t worry. … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 14
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 It’s Hidebound Hump Day, and another episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. There was not a Straightlaced Saturday chapter last week, so today we pick up where we left off a week ago. Remember I’ve mentioned that this serial was originally presented as a “culinary” mystery. All of the random “things” that … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 13
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, and another episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. My blog-writing time is limited to the weekend, and it was a very busy one. So without further ado, here’s chapter 12. Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers Chapter 11. Felicity thought one … More Hiedbound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 12
Saturday, October 6, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, and another episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. If you enjoyed my 1920s stories about Paisley Idelle Peabody, aka Pip — keep an eye out. My characters begin to feel left out when I start new stories. Keep an eye out in this episode. … More Straightlaced Saturday Day — Cornelis Drebbel 11
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day, where we continue our Victorian (#SteamPunk) adventure from Straightlaced Saturday. This episode brings up some health matters for the characters. That wouldn’t be surprising if you knew that I wrote it in March of 2015, during a huge snowfall. I hate snow, so I was really missing the … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 10
Saturday, September 29, 2018 It’s another “Revealing” Straightlaced Saturday. The first blogger I got acquainted with — back in November of 2012, for National Novel Writing Month, was Mary J McCoy-Dressel. In 2015 she provided the “things/ingredients” for Wednesday’s episode and for this one. Mary made an off-handed, fanciful comment about destiny… and as you saw in episode … More A Revealing Straightlaced Saturday — Cornelis Drebbel 9
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Thanks to everyone who visited the virtual art show, Under the Sea. I preempted the Straightlaced Saturday edition of this serial for that post, but today the steampunk locomotive is back on track. Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you welcome to Hidebound Hump Day, where we continue our Victorian adventure from Wednesday last. Horsefeathers… I can’t … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 8
Welcome to my art gallery. Today the venue is the #steampunk submarine of Cornelis Drebbel, who graciously allowed us into his domain. I’m excited to present the artwork of Rob Goldstein, who illustrated Hullaba Lulu. Please join me for a stroll through the submarine to view his images. Yes, that’s the first piece of Rob’s … More Under the Sea, a Virtual Art Gallery Showcasing the work of Rob Goldstein
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Welcome back to Hidebound Hump Day and the next episode of the steampunk serial. The next random “thing” a reader left to drive the plot of this story should come as no surprise — “steam engine.” Let’s see if I use it in a way you expect. (winks) Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 7
Saturday, September 15, 2018 Did the allure of the word “revealing” lure you to my clutches? I’m giving a shout-out to the fabulous Mae Clair who has just revealed the delicious cover of her next novel! The big release of the book won’t be until January, but you can pre-order End of Day here. I don’t … More A “Revealing” Straightlaced Saturday — & Cornelis Drebbel 6
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 You can also click here for the video. You’ve arrived at Hidebound Hump Day! As you can see, I had a special treat for this chapter. Chris Graham (the Story Reading Ape) did the above animation, and I’m tickled pink! His character, Artie the genius chimp, has been here several times. Before Artie … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 5
Saturday, September 8, 2018 Thanks for being at the station for this rerun of my steampunk serial with a Victorian setting. This adventure was written spontaneously, with “three things” left by readers (back in 2015) driving every element of this story from the setting to the characters. Writing Process I enjoy alteration, as you will … More Straightlaced Saturday — Cornelis Drebbel 4
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 Welcome to Hidebound Hump Day! I call it hidebound because Victorians are sometimes described that way. It might be hard to decide who the “hero” of this story is, but everything revolves around Cornelis Drebbel. I suppose Cornelis is a bit of a tortured soul, due to the accident of alchemy that … More Hidebound Hump Day — Cornelis Drebbel 3
Saturday, September 1, 2018 If you saw my Wednesday post, then you know that I’m trying to lighten my workload for awhile. To do that, and to prepare you for what will eventually be coming next, I’m re-running a past “three things” style serial. It’s Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers — a steampunk serial with … More Straight-Laced Saturday — Cornelis Drebbel 2
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 “Hidebound Hump Day” and “Straightlaced Saturday” — Re-Beginning “Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers” as prelude to a new serial. Last week we reached the end of the line, with the final episode for the Jazz Age Wednesdays serial Hullaba Lulu. It was a dieselpunk series, set in the Roaring Twenties authored by … More Jazz Age Wednesdays ― Hidebound Hump-Day
Saturday, May 12, 2018 Hello, everyone! I’m back for more Get Caught Reading Month festivities. Chris Graham – the Story Reading Ape and I collaborated for a mini-series in honor of this event. But first… You caught me reading another great book. This week, you’ve caught me reading one of my favorites by Sally Georgina Cronin — Just an Odd … More Artie Meets the Alchemist Conclusion — #GetCaughtReading 2018
Sunday, May 6, 2018 Hello, one and all! It’s Get Caught Reading Month. I couldn’t resist making a video for the mini-series Chris Graham – the Story Reading Ape and I are doing in honor of this event. Please click here for episode-1 of Artie Meets the Alchemist*. Video trailer follows. Learn how to win a free Kindle … More Artie Meets the Alchemist Video! — #GetCaughtReading 2018
Saturday, May 5, 2018 Hello, everyone! It’s Get Caught Reading Month. Chris Graham – the Story Reading Ape and I are together again for a mini-series in honor of this event. There’s also a free Kindle book to be had — read on to learn about that. But first… Every week, you’ll catch me reading a different book. … More Artie Meets the Alchemist 1 — #GetCaughtReading 2018
Image courtesy of Chris Graham Welcome, one and all — to this re-run of last year’s Get Caught Reading mini-series. Without further ado, here’s the conclusion! *** It’s been fun participating in Get Caught Reading Month. I hope my zany and bizarre story encouraged people of all ages to read. Last week my real-world schedule … More Get Caught Reading — The Sign of the Ape 4 (2016 Rerun Conclusion)
Hello everyone. Welcome back to my rerun of last year’s mini-series, in support of Get Caught Reading Month. It’s about the escapades of our intrepid band of bloggers and their pets. Who could resist those fur babies? If you were here last year, I’m delighted that you’ve stuck with me. If this is new … More Get Caught Reading — The Sign of the Ape 3 (2016 Rerun)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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