What to Wear?

Welcome everyone.  I’m glad the weather does not usually effect our ability to have these virtual visits, but horse-feathers, it’s cold out there!  Or at least it is cold for a lot of us.  The question of what to wear is answered by “A coat!” Have you guessed that I’m leading into another writing process post?  Some people … More What to Wear?

1920s Party — Three Things Serial Story

Three Things Serial 1920s Party!   You’ve all made this Roaring Twenties party a huge success.  New guests keep arriving (be sure to meet them in the comments).  Everyone is having such a great time that I’ve decided to let this hootenanny continue through this weekend too!   So happy holidays to all you Sheikhs and Shebas! … More 1920s Party — Three Things Serial Story

Three Things Serial Shout-Out

#TuesdayBookBlog at Olga, Author Translator Please click this link. My little 1920s novella, The Three Things Serial Story, just got a lovely endorsement from Olga Núñez Miret.  Of course I couldn’t resist sharing! Please drop by Olga’s blog to say hello — comments are there.  Check out her extraordinary collection of books too.  Stay tuned here as well. … More Three Things Serial Shout-Out

Book Launch Giveaway Winners — Three Things Serial Story

The Three Things Serial Story Giveaway Winners Welcome back everyone.  I want to thank all of you for your support in the “launch” of the novella version of The Three Things Serial Story.  I realize I should have preceded the launch of this novella with a cover reveal.  Then I should have done several posts … More Book Launch Giveaway Winners — Three Things Serial Story

The Art of Taking a Break: Rolling on a Riverboat

In the USA the Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated this week.  I’m grateful for those of you who have continued to visit and offer encouragement even though I’ve stopped giving away episodes of a novel or serial.  I’m thankful for you. My National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) story, The Delta Pearl, is set on a very … More The Art of Taking a Break: Rolling on a Riverboat

The Smorgasboard Features Adelle’s Teapot, an Atonement, TN Story

Hello everyone. Thank you very much for visiting.  I know you are not used to seeing daily posts from me. However, I wanted to show my gratitude to the people who have been so generous in supporting me this week.  Yesterday, it was Chris, the Story Reading Ape.  Today it is Sally.  I promise to … More The Smorgasboard Features Adelle’s Teapot, an Atonement, TN Story

Southernisms & New Year’s Resolutions — Features from Atonement, TN

Southernisms and New Year’s Resolutions in Atonement, TN Welcome back to Atonement, TN – and happy New Year one and all! WordPress sent around the yearly stats.  I’m pleased to say that the numbers for Teagan’s Books went up a little.  However, the interactions with all of you here are immeasurable to me.  Thanks to … More Southernisms & New Year’s Resolutions — Features from Atonement, TN

The Sleigh: Annie’s Inventory Notes — Features from Atonement, TN

Welcome back to Atonement, TN! I hope everyone has had a wonder-filled week.  I’m delighted that you’re spending a moment from the holiday weekend here. Sometimes I get a few posts prepared ahead of time (and that’s nice for me). However, that hasn’t been the case for awhile. Anyway, just as I was wondering what I could possibly … More The Sleigh: Annie’s Inventory Notes — Features from Atonement, TN

Seasons Greetings — Features from Atonement, TN

Blessings of the Yuletide to you and yours! Welcome back to Atonement, TN everyone.  I hope the holiday season is bringing joy your way. The truth is that I don’t make a big deal of this particular season.  However, I do enjoy giving little presents.  So I spent hours trying to think of something I could give … More Seasons Greetings — Features from Atonement, TN

3 Bloom Things — Features from Atonement, TN

Welcome back everyone.  Thanks for coming to Atonement, TN! It’s great to see you again  — I know it can be hard to find your way to a fictional town. I’ve been delighted with everyone’s support of my “pantser” serial stories.  As most of you know, those stories resulted from a writing exercise I created for … More 3 Bloom Things — Features from Atonement, TN

When the Greatest Is the Smallest — Features from Atonement, TN

It’s My 3rd Blogiversary! The second day of December marked the third anniversary of this blog.  Like some other things, to me it doesn’t seem nearly that long — yet it also feels like something I’ve always done. To many bloggers and readers three years and 295 posts truly is not much at all.  I … More When the Greatest Is the Smallest — Features from Atonement, TN

Adding Suspense — Features from Atonement, TN

It’s Moving Too Slow — What Shall I Do? As I grow my characters, and layer the elements of a new story, I’m always afraid that it is moving to slowly — because I’m doing precisely those things rather than something more exciting.  How do I cultivate both characters and suspense, and work on more than … More Adding Suspense — Features from Atonement, TN

Mysterious Lodge — Features from Atonement, TN

Building a House with Magic — The Mysterious Lodge Sometimes things don’t go as planned — as you saw last weekend. Thank you so much for coming back again.  I’m also sorry you missed the Halloween treat from Isabel at Cakes and More 101.  I was going to feature a recipe from her last weekend.  Isabel has a beautiful … More Mysterious Lodge — Features from Atonement, TN

Mirror of Truth — Features from Atonement, TN

Welcome back to Atonement, TN! Yes, this is my warped idea of taking a break — still making a weekly blog post.  However, the interactive serial stories really are much more labor intensive than these posts.  I actually am getting some writing done on Atonement in Bloom, my main novel in progress! Update — Writing Process … More Mirror of Truth — Features from Atonement, TN

79 Words & Duct Tape — Features from Atonement, TN

First an Update — My Writing Process I began drafting Atonement in Bloom about a year ago (as I’ve already whined).  Last week I saw that a long “magical” interlude right after the opening needed to happen later in the story. You’d think that would be a simple matter… However, delaying that part of the plot actually caused … More 79 Words & Duct Tape — Features from Atonement, TN

Good Mimosa Mornin’! — Features from Atonement, TN

Here we have it — my first “between the serials” post.  I admit that it feels a little strange, not writing a weekly episode after doing that for so long. Note: In the title of these posts I’m making a distinction between the name of the first novel and the name of the town. “Atonement, … More Good Mimosa Mornin’! — Features from Atonement, TN

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Conclusion

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

Copper’s Secret

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 33

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

Train Schedule and Character Recap – Copper and the Rest

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 32

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

Crowing Pains

Crowing Pains No, this is not the weekend, and you haven’t missed the steam locomotive to the Victorian Era — I’m here with a mid-week post! Many of you have heard me say how difficult it is for me to cope with the indie author necessity of shameless self-promotion.  I’m going to start calling that crowing … More Crowing Pains

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 31

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode- 30

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 29

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

Photo-Artist Tim Price Reviewed “Atonement, Tennessee

Perspectives For once I don’t feel like I’m engaging in shameless self-promotion.  I guess that’s because it’s giving me the chance to share with you the wonderful talent of someone else. I’m proud as a peacock of the mindful review photo-artist Timothy Price did of Atonement, Tennessee.  But I was absolutely stunned when I saw the photo-art … More Photo-Artist Tim Price Reviewed “Atonement, Tennessee

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 27

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

Coffee with Barb & Teagan — Memorable Southern Characters

Originally posted at “Barb Taub — Writing & Coffee. Especially Coffee.” (If you’re looking for the serial, “Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers” go back one post) In my “real job” outreach is a buzzword.  I see my blog as a great outreach effort. Through this blog I’ve met so many fascinating people and made … More Coffee with Barb & Teagan — Memorable Southern Characters

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 25

Thank you! My heartfelt thanks to everyone who checked on me yesterday.  Thanks to those who left three things to drive the plot of this serial. And thanks for coming back after that delay! Yes, yesterday the steam locomotive to the Victorian Era was stalled in Migraineville.  It was also out of the “things” that fuel the plot … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 25

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 24

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 21

  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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 20

Caution: Shameless Self-promotion Ahead Thank you so very much to Donna, RC, and Kathryn, who have all sent “three things” to drive this story.  All those are waiting in queue.  However, the steam(punk) locomotive was all out of fuel when I started writing this episode.  Also since I didn’t have “three things” to drive this … More Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 20

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 19

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

Character Recap – Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers

“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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 18

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 17

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

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 14

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 13

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 11

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 5

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

Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 4

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

UPDATE: New Interactive Serial – What do YOU want?

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?

Writing from an Unexpected Point of View

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

Rewind – Three Things – Conclusion

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

My “Sexy” Saturday

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

Rewind – Three Things Episodes 10 – 14

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

Rewind – Three Things Serial Episodes 1 – 5

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

Three Ingredients II – 18: Conclusion – Sweet Potato, Wimberries, Worcestershire Sauce

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

Three Ingredients II – 16: Apples, Broad Beans, Curry Leaves

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

Three Ingredients II – 9: Chanterelle Mushrooms, Gin, Trifle

Hello everyone — I’m so glad to see you again! At the end of Episode-7 Andy’s fate was unknown. Whether by design or by accident, the ghost-riders had taken him away. Then last weekend Maestro Martino sacrificed something important to him, without knowing whether or not it would return Pip’s friend. However, that segment ended … More Three Ingredients II – 9: Chanterelle Mushrooms, Gin, Trifle

Three Ingredients II – 7: Baby Bok Choy, Barbecue Sauce, Aluminum Foil

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

Three Ingredients II – 6: Turnips, Onions, Sauerkraut

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

Three Ingredients II – 5: Apricots, Eggs, Wheat Flour

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

Cookbook-2 Begins! Cherries, Mascarpone, Marsala

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

Three Ingredients – 18: Fungus, Quiche, Quinoa

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