Saturday, December 17, 2022 Welcome back to my sanctuary, everyone. I hope the holiday season is bringing joy your way. I know all of you are busy, so today’s short story will be quite short. Actually, it’s a rerun from 2015, a little slice of life from my Atonement, Tennessee universe. It seems like a … More Weekend #ShortStories — a Rerun from Atonement, TN
Saturday, August 6, 2022 Welcome. You’ve reached Teagan’s Books. The Time Manatees have intercepted your transmission. There is nothing wrong with your electronic device. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. The Forty Ferrets are controlling this transmission. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 34, Why do you have that? — Featuring Resa McConaghy
Saturday, July 30, 2022 You’ve reached Teagan’s Books. There is nothing wrong with your electronic device. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. Time Manatees are controlling transmission. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to… The Armadillo … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 33, How much is that? — Featuring Roberta Cheadle
Saturday, July 23, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. There is nothing wrong with your electronic device. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to… The Armadillo … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 32, Who would do that? — Featuring Pete Springer
Saturday, July 16, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files… the serial is hopping toward its conclusion. If you’re wondering what’s next, please take a look at my previous post. I put out a call to photographers and artists. You might want to participate. Random Reader Things New Mexico’s Tim Price and I have been following … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 31, What’s her name? — Featuring Tim Price
Saturday, July 9, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stay tuned for zaniness. Random Reader Things You probably know the stunningly talented D. Wallace Peach aka Diana from multiple fantasy series and her marvelous blog. If you haven’t read The Ferryman and the Sea Witch, get it quick, because she’ll be launching something new before … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 30, What’s that sound? — Featuring D. Wallace Peach
Saturday, July 2, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files… and we’re back! Thanks for bearing with me while I finished “Dead of Winter.” Now back to the free story. Random Reader Things You might remember Teri Polen from her annual October event, Bad Moon Rising. She recently launched the second installment of “The Colony” series, … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 29, Who’s That? — Featuring Teri Polen
Saturday, June 25, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files… and we’re back! Thanks for bearing with me while I finished “Dead of Winter.” Now back to the free story. Random Reader Things Since Dan Antion just launched his first novel, it felt right that his “three things” helped guide this new episode. Those things are: … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 28, What will I be? — Featuring Dan Antion
Saturday, March 26, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. We now resume your regularly scheduled program. Random Reader Things This episode features three random reader things from a non-blogging reader in Maryland who wishes to remain anonymous. They worked nicely for the latest setting, and helped me get to writing this episode. Those things are: … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 27 — What side-effects?
Saturday, March 12, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Yes, I’m a little late, but I’m happy you’re here. Random Reader Things A few weeks ago, Olga Núñez Miret commented that the cave reminded her of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” A tickle began in the back of my mind. A week or so … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 26 — Featuring Olga Núñez Miret
Saturday, March 5, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. The serial is swimming along, but it’s never too late to jump into it. Today we part company with a friend. Read on. The wind has been blowing so hard here the past couple of days, that the Lost Sea cave sounds like a good place … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 25 — Featuring Mr Ohh
Saturday, February 26, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for a wild and… psychedelic ride. We’ll have mushrooms one more time. “Stop children. What’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down…” Stephen Stills I usually like 1960s original recordings best. But I do love some good swamp blues, especially when it’s Tab Benoit. Thanks … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 24 — Featuring Lauren Scott
Saturday, February 19, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for a wild and crazy ride. When mentioning my weird imagination, more than a few people have asked me if I was doing drugs, specifically the psychedelic kind. After this chapter you might ask the same question. The answer is “No.” Although lately I’ve … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 23 — Featuring Mushrooms, and GP Cox too
Saturday, February 12, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. I’m sorry that I’ve been absent from your blogs and social media. Similar to most of my characters I have… issues. Lately it’s been harder than usual for me to deal with them. Thanks to those of you who asked offline about me and about Crystal. … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 22 — Featuring Ginger
Saturday, January 29, 2022 Life has been out of control this week. I was not able to write a new episode of the serial. I’m keeping the latest one in this post, in case you missed it. I hope to be back with a new chapter next weekend. And I hope you’ll be back too! … More The Armadillo Files — Please stand by
Saturday, January 22, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. The kind of spontaneous storytelling I do with my blog serials can lead to paradoxical problems — especially when you’re writing at break-neck speed, the way I’ve had to do The Armadillo Files. I accidently dug that kind of hole for myself … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 21 — Featuring Geoff Le Pard
Saturday, January 15,2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. It’s been a long time, but Chris Graham, the Story Reading Ape, and I collaborated on several short stories with my flapper character Paisley Idelle Peabody, aka Pip, and his character, a genius ape named Artie. It all started with Time Travel Esc-Ape. Then … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 20 — Featuring Henry Apesly
Saturday, January 8, 2022 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. I think a new character is on the horizon. Random Reader Things Today’s random reader things are from Pat at eQuips blog. They are Pigtails, Saddle Shoes, and Corset. Previously in The Armadillo Files Marie Browning’s name disappeared from the employee list for … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 19 — Featuring Pat at eQuips
Saturday, January 1, 2022 Happy New Year, everyone! You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. It’s unreal so hold on tight. I meant to give myself a week off. However, the real world had other plans. Add to that… to be honest, I’m not doing well with my “stuff,” although I’m not exactly sure why. I’m not … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 18 — Featuring GP Cox
Saturday, December 18, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. However, the only craziness going on today is my own stuff, issues, bull shirt, whatever. For the past few weeks I’ve been trying to (build myself up? psych myself up? prepare? cope?) with a day-to-day task that a normal person wouldn’t think twice about doing. I … More The Armadillo Files — Stay Tuned
Saturday, December 11, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. Random Reader Things The three things that drive this episode are from author and blogger Chris Graham, also known as The Story Reading Ape. Click over and check out his amazing resources for writers. You’re sure to find an amazing, varied collection … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 17 — Featuring Chris Graham
Saturday, December 4, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for weirdness with some reality. The Armadillo Files image by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene Random Reader Things The three things that drive this episode are from a friend and former colleague, Alford Kindred. He doesn’t have a blog, but if you’re interested in connecting with … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 16 — Featuring Alford Kindred
Saturday, November 27, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for weirdness with some reality. Today’s Tidbit of Truth is certainly weird. How so? Read on. Random Reader Things The three things that drive this episode are from author and blogger D. L. Finn, also known as Denise. Click over and check out her … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 15 — Featuring D.L. Finn
Sunday, November 21, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for absurdity touched with reality. I know this episode is late, so let’s just get right to it. Random Reader Things The three things that drive the episode are from Priscilla Bettis. Click over and check out her blog, you’re sure to find interesting … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 14 — Featuring Priscilla Bettis
Saturday, November 13, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for absurdity touched with reality. Random Reader Things This intro is all about “Girl Power.” That’s appropriate since the three things that drive the episode are from Darlene Foster, author of the Amanda Travels series. Her random reader things are Land Girls (aka Women’s Land … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 13 — Featuring Darlene Foster
Saturday, November 6, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. Three Random Reader Things This episode features “things” from Beth at the I Didn’t Have My Glasses On blog. Beth’s three things are Post Office, Bicycle, and Tomatoes. I know I’ve used bicycle already, but it’s back with the rest of her … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 12 — Featuring Beth
Saturday, October30, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for spook-tacular silliness. Yes, I know I’m late. I think all your good wishes brought back my unreliable Internet. Sort of like clapping for Tinkerbell and chanting “I believe in fairies!” In this case, pink fairy armadillos. The past few episodes of The Armadillo Files … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 11 — Featuring Christine Robinson
Saturday, October 23, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for nuttiness. This started as a promotion last time for Teri Polen’s yearly October festival of horror and suspense, Bad Moon Rising. However, along the way I decided to have my own three part Halloween celebration. This would be part two. Three Random Reader … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 10 — Featuring Resa McConaghy
Saturday, October 16, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files, even though it might at first look like author Teri Polen’s yearly October festival of horror and suspense, Bad Moon Rising. Three Bad Moon Things In support of the aforementioned event, my things for this episode are Bad, Moon, and Rising. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 9 — Featuring Bad Moon Rising
Saturday, October 2, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files… sort of. Sometimes I can’t do everything. To be blunt, September was extremely rough for me. Plus I have a “real world” gig that came up with a quick deadline. There is not a new chapter today, but it’s not like I’m giving myself a break. … More The Armadillo Files Character Profiles — Fang
Saturday, September 25, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. It’s a new season, autumn for me. Wherever you are, I hope the equinox brought you positive vibes. Featured Bloggers This episode features “things” from Jill, aka J-Dubs at the Grin and Bear It blog. Thanks again to Timothy Price of Off … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 8 — Featuring J-Dubs
Saturday, September 18, 2021 Welcome to my sanctuary. You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. Featured Bloggers Several of my author and blogger friends absolutely love owls — so much so that they are featured in their blog designs or names, or books. Some who come to mind are Olga Núñez Miret, Viv … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 7 — Featuring Owls
Saturday, September 11, 2021 Everyone here is aware of the significance of September 11th. It continues to trigger heartfelt pain in many of us. I begin this post with a moment of silence. Then I ask you to escape with me into something whimsical. Respectfully, I need us to be happy. * * * Welcome … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 6 — Featuring GP Cox
Saturday, September 4, 2021 You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Stand by for zaniness. First, in case you missed it, Dead of Winter: Journey 9, Doors of Attunement went live on Thursday. Details on that at the end of this post. Historic Tidbits This week’s random reader things are from Pat at eQuips blog. Here are … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 5 — Featuring Pat of eQuips
Saturday, August 28, 2021 Welcome back to The Armadillo Files. For the moment we’re still on the Jupiter AM-18 rocket in 1959. Better hang on tight. The ride is about to get bumpy. Historic Tidbits First, here are a couple of historic tidbits. If the image above is unexpected, that will be cleared up in … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 4 — Featuring Chris Graham the Story Reading Ape
Saturday, August 21, 2021 Hello. You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. Are you ready to let your imagination loose? Even though story is not intended to be realistic at all, I like adding historic tidbits. I haven’t had time to explain them previously. So I’m doing that right now, with the ones I’ve used so far. … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 3 — Featuring Ms. Frances
Saturday, August 14, 2021 Hello, all. Welcome back to The Armadillo Files. I’m still racing to keep up. Even though I’d like to do a preamble with all the history tidbits that have been in the story so far, there just wasn’t time. Here I am again, staying up late to write the episode and format … More The Armadillo Files, Episode 2 — Featuring Fraggle
Saturday, August 7, 2021 Hello, all. Are you ready for the takeoff? I’ve used this video before, but I love the song (and it was a really cool anime series too), and it’s just perfect for this beginning. The all new, interactive, reader-thing driven serial is here! My overbooked status continued throughout last week. I’m still … More New Interactive Serial — The Armadillo Files, Episode 1
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 I promise I’m here… There are several pots on the fire. I’m just trying to get caught up before one of those pots boils over. Look for Journey 8 in a week. Update: I’m thrilled to see this wonderful review for “Journey 7, Revenant Pass” from Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie! … More We now pause for station identification
Saturday, July 31, 2021 Hello, all and happy weekend. I hoped to begin the new serial today, but I haven’t made any progress with the many things I needed to accomplish before that next rocket launches. However, I settled on the title, and tweaked the cover image to my satisfaction. With that done, regardless of … More The Armadillo Files — A Teaser
Saturday, July 24, 2021 I’m at the No Facilities Bar Hello, all. Welcome back. Today I’m splitting myself. I’m also at Dan Antion‘s No Facilities Bar. Click here to join the party. We’re having a great time. I went to that virtual event in style. In honor of my upcoming new serial, I had to … More Visit the No Facilities Bar — New Serial on the Way
Saturday, July 17, 2021 Hello, all. Welcome to my sanctuary — and to my so called break. Thanks to everyone for the terrific response to my “call for things.” Your random reader things will inspire and drive the next serial story of Teagan’s Books. Before that, I asked GP Cox and Chris Graham, the Story Reading … More New Serial Coming Soon — Pantser Process
Saturday, July 3, 2021 Hello, everyone. As most of you know, the blog serial I’ve been writing for the past two years, ended last weekend. You can find The Delta Pearl conclusion here. I’m taking a short break from blog-serial writing — but not a break at all, generally. Anyhow, my next serial will be … More New Serial Preparation — Transportation
Friday, February 9, 2019 We went back in time, from the Roaring Twenties to the Victorian Era. This spring, it’s time to get back to the future, if by the future you mean the days of flappers. Coming in Spring… An Uninvited Guest… In Granny Phanny’s Kitchen! Here’s a hint. What “thread” ties this story … More Coming in Spring — Back to the 1920s
Book Launch? Sort of… The Three Things Serial Story A Little 1920s Story Should I call this a book launch? That just doesn’t feel right, because I already did this story (and others) here at Teagan’s Books. When I started this blog at the end of 2012 I did a few posts. By 2013 I … More Book Launch: The Three Things Serial Story
Hello, everyone. You’re about to discover how demented my definition of taking a break can be… With dogged determination I endeavor to disengage form things that develop stress. Of course I get more, different, worse stress in return. I decided a distraction of monumental proportions was in order. No, not that kind of monument, though I’d … More The Art of Taking a Break: Insanity
Hearing, Sight, Smell, Taste, Touch Traditionally those are the five senses. I thought it would be a fun change of pace to do a mini-series on The Senses. In novel writing I try to involve all your (the reader’s) senses. Today I want all of us to begin building a story together. One by one, we’ll use … More Mini Series — The Senses — Hearing
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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 to the Jazz Age and our little 1920’s serial story. There are so many different (not to mention fascinating) holidays at this time of year. Whatever you may have celebrated — or perhaps you choose not to honor any day at all — no matter what the case, I hope it has been … More Rewind – Three Things Episodes 29 – 30
Welcome back to our whimsical version of the Jazz Age. You’re just the cat’s pajamas for coming back to this flapper tale. I hope the characters in this 1920’s serial have wiggled into your mind so comfortably that you have your own ideas of how they would look or sound. However, I thought it might be … More Three Things 25 & Character Recap
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
The Story Begins I’m posting this especially for those who have requested something longer to read. I’m listening to your comments, and I aim to please! So here is a rather long excerpt from the beginning of “Atonement, Tennessee,” my debut novel, published on Christmas Eve 2013. With our “interactive” serials, The Three Things, and The Three … More Atonement, TN: Beginning
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
Happy December everyone! Now that National Novel Writing Month is over, I’m back with our Three Things Serial. Without further preamble, here is episode 29 of the Three Things Serial: 29. Cypress tree, Mosquito, Gams All the Fabro cousins stood on one corner of the deck, apparently just beating their gums about nothing in particular … More Three Things: 29 – Cypress Tree, Mosquito, Gams
Today is the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. As a long time “whovian” I had to give a nod to the television show, because it is sublime. If any of you are not familiar with this phenomenon, it is a BBC science fiction television series about a “time lord,” known as The Doctor. He travels in what … More Three Things: 28 – Sublime, Dragon, Funds
I’m privileged to have a dear friend whom I also think of as a mentor. For the majority of her life she has given huge effort to educating herself about complex medical issues that have touched the lives of her loved ones. That truly amazing woman sent today’s set of “things” and as usual, my mind went to … More Three Things: 26 – Angiogram, Burglary, Cockroach
As some of you know, National Novel Writing Month began at the stroke of midnight, November 1st. This is my second year to participate… and silly me… I follow the rules. So I’m limiting how much time I spend on our Three Things Serial. That said, let’s get on with the story. Okay… I freely … More Three Things: 25 – Kitten, Fake, Comfort
I’m finally here with another episode of our little 1920’s story. The characters have been nagging at my thoughts. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them during November, while I’m trying to write an entire (new) novel in a few short weeks, for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Maybe I’ll skip the fun part … More Three Things: 23 – Dissolute, Rocky, Bonehead
When I researched ways to illustrate this episode I noticed that media topics of interest in the 1920s were much the same as they are now. I saw headings about sex, diet, scandal, fashion, and other things that you’d see today. Like they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The “things” for episode … More Three Things Serial: 21 – Underwear, Tasteless, Limestone
While I was browsing around the New York Times, I stumbled upon “The Janeiac Quiz.” Since I’ve always enjoyed Jane Austen‘s books, I took the quiz — and failed miserably. I’m sharing it because many of you enjoy those classics. Emma is probably my favorite of Austen’s works and it is also the source of today’s Three Things. I’ll take them … More Three Things Serial: 19 – Comfortable Home, Happy Disposition, Vex
I’m pleased to tell you that today’s three things are from a “science nerd turned quilter who lives near Bristol UK” – known to bloggers as Spockssister. For the sake of this blog’s header (which is not at all cooperative with me) the things are sort of abbreviated. However, in the serial I’m using them … More Three Things Serial: 16 – Microscope, Sewing Machine, Dog
Today’s “things” are from an innovative thinker in Albuquerque. I think they help bring life to the story and our characters — a glimpse of their day-to-day life. Remember, if you need to catch up, the full story lives at the Three Things Serial page. Finger Waves, Shoe Horn, Cummerbund The old fire engine roared … More Three Things Serial: 14 – Finger Waves, Shoe Horn, Cummerbund
Surprise — a mid-week post! Here’s another short installment of the Three Things Serial. This time the “things” are courtesy of Sharon in Virginia. You can view the entire story (so far) as it develops on the Three Things Serial Story page. Next time, the three things will be from reader and friend Provincial Lady. Remember — to keep … More Three Things Serial: 3 – Popcorn, Painting, Movies
August 3, 2013 Here begins the “Three Things Serial Story.” Mary kicked things off with Oscillating Fan, but to keep things consistent right from the start, I needed to use three things. So I took two more “things” from Mary’s last two blog posts: Scent and Cowboy. The Three Things Serial Story With “things” sent … More Three Things Serial: 1 – Oscillating Fan, Scent, Cowboy
Many of you have heard me talk about my “Three Things” writing exercise, but let me explain it for those who have not. Many years ago I developed the exercise as a way to keep me writing. I wasn’t working on any novel at that time. This exercise lends itself to any form of writing, but … More Three Things and Recurring Characters
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