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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
