Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode- 7: Strange Magic

Saturday, February 10, 2024 Welcome back to the strange town, Atonement, Tennessee.  Today’s soundtrack is Strange Magic, by ELO.  The song was suggested by Dan Antion, who also offered up one of his favorite photos.  Midweek, Dan’s photo inspired me to do a post offering a writing exercise/challenge.  You’re still welcome to come out and play … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode- 7: Strange Magic

Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 6: Strange Brew, featuring Liz Gauffreau

Saturday, February 3, 2024 Welcome everyone.  Today’s soundtrack tune was offered by Liz Gauffreau.  It’s our second song by “Cream” — Strange Brew.  Be sure to click over and check out Liz’s blog. Previously With the sun to one side, I shielded my eyes, squinting into the distance.  As the black mist reached the ground … More Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 6: Strange Brew, featuring Liz Gauffreau

Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm

Saturday, January 27, 2024 Welcome everyone.  Horsefeathers!  How can it be that January has gone by so fast?  Yesterday (as I write this on Friday) I emailed several people for ideas for another soundtrack song.  Thanks to everyone for the great song ideas.  I’ll be choosing one of those for next weekend’s episode.  However, right … More Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm

Wednesday Writing: A Snippet from the first appearance of the Atonement Pigs

Wednesday, January 17, 2023 Welcome, everyone.   I hope your week is going well.  Maybe it’s just that it’s early in the year, but I was feeling a little reflective.   If I had never written my first published novel, Atonement, Tennessee then I would have never started this blog.  I wouldn’t have written any of the … More Wednesday Writing: A Snippet from the first appearance of the Atonement Pigs

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-4, Tortured Ears, Featuring Tim Price

Saturday, January 13, 2024 Welcome back to the strange town, Atonement, Tennessee.  Today’s soundtrack is Tales of Brave Ulysses, by Cream.  It made me think of Donny Metatron and his predicament with the sirens.  However, the otherworldly pigs took over it — at least for this episode. The song was suggested by photographer and cat-dad (and … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-4, Tortured Ears, Featuring Tim Price

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-3, Logic and Proportion, Featuring Roberta Cheadle

Saturday, December 30, 2023 This is my last post of 2023.  Before I do anything else, let me wish each of you a sparkling New Year.  Honeybell, Moccus, and Deme are having a party to celebrate. Today’s soundtrack is White Rabbit by Grace Wing Slick and Jefferson Airplane.  It fit Pepper Riley’s disoriented state, now … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-3, Logic and Proportion, Featuring Roberta Cheadle

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-2, Both Sides Now, Featuring Geoff Le Pard

Saturday, December 23, 2023 It’s wonderful to see you in Atonement, TN and reading this serial.  Whether you love the holidays and are happy that it’s only a couple of days before Christmas — or if you’re glad it’s finally almost over, I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season, with joy to in your world.  … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-2, Both Sides Now, Featuring Geoff Le Pard

Wednesday Writing — the Unlikely Path to a Character: Enoch Metatron

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Welcome, all and happy hump day.  It’s been a while since I did a “writing” post.  I hope you’re in the mood for a ramble.  Did you ever have to find your way to a rural or remote place?  I mean the kind of destination where you have about 30 turns … More Wednesday Writing — the Unlikely Path to a Character: Enoch Metatron

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-1, All Good People, Featuring Dan Antion & Kerfe

Saturday, December x, 2023 Welcome back to the Atonement, Bad Bishop serial.  I’m glad you’re here.  Like they say, great minds think alike.  This time, the random reader things, which drive this episode were from the “soundtrack” offerings. Two of you suggested the same song — I’ve Seen All Good People, by the group Yes … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-1, All Good People, Featuring Dan Antion & Kerfe

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy

Saturday, December 9, 2023 Welcome back to Atonement, TN.  It’s good to see you. This time, the random reader things, which drive this episode were from the “soundtrack” suggestions.  Resa McConaghy suggested Hotel California.  It seems like if a song fits my mood, the ability to write arrives soon after the tune gets embedded in … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy

Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue-1 Adelle’s Diary

Saturday, December 2, 2023 Book-2 Begins Now Welcome everyone, and welcome December.  Wow…how did it get here so fast.  Wasn’t it just March?  Just an eye-blink ago wasn’t it September, when I finished Book-1 of the Atonement serial.  Believe it or not, I’ve been thinking about the serial all this time.  I keep changing my … More Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue-1 Adelle’s Diary

Daphne-cat’s Dance

Saturday, November 25, 2023 Update: I need to share two responses to my creativity challenge.  Both fellow authors did journal entries for their characters.  Robbie Cheadle used a character from a novel in progress.  Dan Antion worked a bit about the journal of one of his bartender characters into his post today. Hello, everyone.  I realize … More Daphne-cat’s Dance

Atonement, TN Soundtrack

Saturday, November 18, 2023 Hello, everyone.  Before I get to the point, we do have a response to the creativity challenge.  It’s from fellow author Geoff Le Pard. Don’t miss his is hysterically Ruthless response. Be sure to check it out. Anyway, you aren’t mistaken — I was late publishing this post.  I’ve been banging my head … More Atonement, TN Soundtrack

Wednesday Writing — Atonement TN: Artifact Notes, the Barber Pole

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Welcome, all and happy hump day.  As I persisted in futile attempts to get my head back into the universe of Atonement, TN, I decided to do another “Artifacts” post. Update: this actually did help. Last evening I sketched out the opening scenes for part-2 of the new serial.  I hope to … More Wednesday Writing — Atonement TN: Artifact Notes, the Barber Pole

Atonement in Zugzwang Part 2: Call for Things

Saturday, September 2, 2023 Hello, everyone.  Thanks for visiting my sanctuary.  My break from blogging isn’t precisely over yet.  As Olga Núñez Miret once told me, sometimes doing something different is as good as a break.  That’s what I’ve been doing.  But first a boo-hiss to WordPress for continuing to crop large swaths off my … More Atonement in Zugzwang Part 2: Call for Things

Before “part 2” of Atonement in Zugzwang, a break

Monday, August 21, 2023 Those of us who have been in the blog-verse for several years (or more) talk about the dreaded “summertime slump.”  It happens every year.  This year is no exception.  I realize that summer is almost over… However, many of us experienced a big decrease in followers, views, and comments throughout the … More Before “part 2” of Atonement in Zugzwang, a break

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 23, Featuring Marian Allen

Saturday, August 19, 2023 Welcome back to Atonement, TN.  It’s good to see you. Today I’m welcoming fellow author/blogger Marian Allen back to the blog-verse.  Marian hasn’t been able to post much this year because she fell and broke both wrists.  Back in DC, I had a severe break to my right wrist (that of … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 23, Featuring Marian Allen

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 22, Featuring Teri Polen

Saturday, August 12, 2023 Welcome back, everyone.  I’m happy that you’re following this urban fantasy serial. To drive this episode, I used John W. Howell‘s “finger point prompt.” Here’s how John uses this prompt, “The idea is to open a book randomly and, without looking, point to the page. The word or words closest to the … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 22, Featuring Teri Polen

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 21

Saturday, August 5, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone.   Thanks for following this wild, urban fantasy serial.  When I asked Pat at e-Quips blog for the random reader things for this episode I asked her to think about things that might be at or near a lake.  Pat gave us boat house, hammock, and oar(s). … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 21

Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors to Atonement in Zugzwang — The Good Guys.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 When you open a door anywhere in Atonement, TN, you’re bound to find friends. I’ve done a lot of long-running blog serial stories (at least eight, but I always overlook a couple when I try to think of them all). At some point during any of them, I do a post … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors to Atonement in Zugzwang — The Good Guys.

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 19, Featuring Fraggle

Saturday, July 22, 2023 Hello, everyone.  This is a rather long episode, although it’s still under 2,500 words.  I didn’t want to split it, because we’re going to be hanging on the cliff about Donny Metatron for long enough as it is. So, there’s not much preamble today.  Fellow blogger, Fraggle. posted a photo that inspired me, … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 19, Featuring Fraggle

Adelle’s Teapot, a short story of Atonement, TN — Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 Hello everyone.  It’s good to see you. My post is doing double duty today, for Wednesday Writing and Thursday Doors.  I wrote the story below several years ago as a teaser for book-2 of my Atonement, Tennessee series, Atonement in Bloom. In this story I bring up the grandfather of mysterious … More Adelle’s Teapot, a short story of Atonement, TN — Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 18, Featuring Dan Antion

Saturday, July 15, 2023 Welcome back to my sanctuary in the town infested with “supernaturals,” that I call Atonement, TN.  Before we get to the story, I need to apologize because I haven’t been around the blog-verse as much as I would like.  As you know I’ve had Internet problems ever since I moved into … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 18, Featuring Dan Antion

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 17, Featuring Anita & Jaye Marie

Saturday, July 8, 2023 Thanks for coming back to Atonement, TN.  As you know, I first wrote the Atonement “universe” back in 2012, and there are two novels and one collection of snort stories.  This serial uses several of the minor characters from the books, and a new heroine.  I’ve avoided using the main characters … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 17, Featuring Anita & Jaye Marie

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 16, Featuring Kamal Roohani

Saturday, July 1, 2023 Welcome back to the strange little town of Atonement, TN.  I’m very happy to see you.  If you’re in the USA, you might be doing some preliminary celebrating for Independence Day, so I appreciate it even more that you’re spending part of your weekend here. This is a week when my … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 16, Featuring Kamal Roohani

Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Sometimes you need to open the door

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 Writing for the Senses: Hearing As many of you know, for the past ten years, my shtick in the blog-verse has been writing serial stories that are spontaneously driven by random “things” from readers. While I didn’t do it intentionally, when I finished Episode 15 of my weekend serial Atonement in … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Sometimes you need to open the door

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 15, Featuring Olga Núñez Miret

Saturday, June 24, 2023 Thanks for coming back to Atonement, TN.  My featured guest today has been a blog-friend all the way back to the creation of my Atonement series.  She even did the Spanish translation of Atonement, Tennessee.  (The Spanish version is called Expiación y Magia.) Of course, I’m talking about Olga Núñez Miret.  … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 15, Featuring Olga Núñez Miret

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 14 — & Recipe from Robbie Cheadle

Saturday, June 17, 2023 Welcome back to Atonement, TN.  Last week I hosted a Roaring Twenties blog party, featuring S. R. Mallery.  With all those links to so many other people, it was a big undertaking for me.  As a result, I had little time for this serial, or for arranging to feature someone. Roberta Eaton … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 14 — & Recipe from Robbie Cheadle

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 13 part 2, Featuring John W. Howell

Saturday, June 2, 2023 Welcome back to our weekend sanctuary in the weirdly magical town of Atonement, Tennessee.  The residents of this town are just like everyone else— Well, that’s way off.  Some of them are like everyone else, but others…  Anyhow, now and then, they all enjoy watching a game or going to the … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 13 part 2, Featuring John W. Howell

Atonement in Zugzwang, Episode 13. #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Old Green Eyes

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary in the fictional town called Atonement.  I have two novels and a small collection of short stories set in this town.  Doors afficionados might not have visited this place yet, but I hope you will for this “short story.” It’s actually an episode of my blog serial.  … More Atonement in Zugzwang, Episode 13. #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Old Green Eyes

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 12 — Featuring Rebecca Budd

Saturday, May 27, 2023 Welcome back to Atonement, TN.   Today we are joined by Rebecca Budd, who has been a wonderful source of encouragement. On Wednesday I shared a link to a podcast we did together.  I was honored to be interviewed. She has quite a number of blogs including Tea, Toast & Trivia, and … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 12 — Featuring Rebecca Budd

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 11 part-2 — Featuring Jennie Fitzkee & Dan the Tool Man

Saturday, May 20, 2023 Hello, all.  Thanks for coming back for part 2 of Episode 11 of Atonement in Zugzwang.   As you’ll recall, Jennie Fitzkee from A Teacher’s Reflections provided this episode’s three things.  In part-1 the only thing I used was Nancy Drew book.  Today I’m using emerald, and grandfather clock.  Jennie recently had an in-person … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 11 part-2 — Featuring Jennie Fitzkee & Dan the Tool Man

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 11 part-1 — Featuring Jennie Fitzkee

Saturday, May 13, 2023 Welcome back to my sanctuary in the very strange little town called Atonement.  It’s a relief to be here with all of you. I admit that my “stuff” has made coping with an unpleasant neighbor situation even more difficult. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to write (or anything else for that … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 11 part-1 — Featuring Jennie Fitzkee

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 10, & Doors Writing Challenge & the Kitten is Named!

Saturday, May 6, 2023 Welcome back, everyone.  Three is certainly my number today.  As you know, this is one of my “three things” style pantser serials.  So of course, there are three random reader things driving the story. Beyond the three random reader things, I’ve tied this post to three other types of things.  First … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 10, & Doors Writing Challenge & the Kitten is Named!

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 9, Featuring D.L. Finn

Saturday, April 29, 2023 Welcome back, everyone.  After doing various types of refresher posts during the past couple of weeks (here and at my midweek posts), I’m going to move straight into the new episode. Today the random reader things, which drive this episode are from fellow blogger and author, D.L. (Denise) Finn.  She already … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 9, Featuring D.L. Finn

Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Name the Kitten!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 What lurks behind ordinary looking doors?  Perhaps there are grand things beyond?  Perhaps things that are not as harmless as they seem?  Are you afraid to find out?  Or does curiosity overcome caution?  Imagine if you will, the Teagan Zone. Or more precisely in the Teagan Zone, Atonement, Tennessee. My weekend … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Name the Kitten!

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: a Refresher

Saturday, April 22, 2023 Hello, everyone.  Welcome back to my very strange fictional town, Atonement, TN.  Pepper Riley, and the guardians of this small town that is full of (secretly) supernatural beings are about to be placed in “zugzwang.”  To over-simplify, zugzwang (German for “compulsion to move”) is a situation found in chess and other … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: a Refresher

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 8, Featuring G. P. Cox

Saturday, April 15, 2023 Thanks for coming back to my sanctuary, everyone.   I put the chessboard (above) on a tropical shore.  It reminded me of the blog, Pacific Paratrooper.  Actually, the special guest this week is GP Cox, who runs that blog.  He provided this week’s random reader things:  Musket, pawn, and barber pole. One … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 8, Featuring G. P. Cox

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 7, Featuring Teri Polen

Saturday, April 8, 2023 Hello, everyone.  The month of April has begun with odd weather again for many of us.  Not to mention the odd happenings under my kitchen sink.  I’ve had the plumber out for my badly leaking sink three times in as many weeks.  “Nothing is wrong” with the sink.  I guess that … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 7, Featuring Teri Polen

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 6, Featuring Fraggle

Saturday, April 1, 2023 Hello, everyone.  Welcome back to my new, spontaneously written, reader-inspired serial, Atonement in Zugzwang.  If you missed the beginning of this serial, or if you need to refresh your memory about where it began, click here for Episode 1.  Each week I feature the person who provided random reader things that … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 6, Featuring Fraggle

Wednesday Rerun — The Glowing Pigs Meet Artie the Genius Chimp

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 What a relief to be in my sanctuary.  Sit down and relax relax with me.   One day about five years ago, I remarked on my dislike of acronyms.  Actually, I hate the blasted things.  It inspired our marvelous Story Reading Ape to be a bit of a prankster.  He spontaneously created … More Wednesday Rerun — The Glowing Pigs Meet Artie the Genius Chimp

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 5, Featuring John W. Howell

Saturday, March 25, 2023 Hello, everyone.  Welcome back to our weekend sanctuary.  It’s in the weirdly magical town of Atonement, Tennessee.  Today’s random reader things are from a blogger-author I’ve been privileged to collaborate with several times.  That goes all the way back to Pip’s adventures, set in the 1920s, which were my first blog … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 5, Featuring John W. Howell

Wednesday Writing — an Atonement TN Short Story

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary.  I hope everyone is safe, warm, and dry.  Sit back, have a cup of coffee, a snack, or whatever pleases you.  There aren’t any calories here!  Now, I invite you to enter my “Atonement universe” for this story I wrote back in 2018.  I never furthered one … More Wednesday Writing — an Atonement TN Short Story

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang Episode-4, featuring Robbie Cheadle!

Saturday, March 18, 2023 Welcome back to Atonement, TN, everyone.   If you saw my post yesterday, then you know that this new installment of Atonement in Zugzwang was driven by a recipe (from which I chose 3 things) created just for this post by the amazing Robbie Cheadle.  Here’s a link to the post where you … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang Episode-4, featuring Robbie Cheadle!

Prelude to Episode 4 — A Special Recipe from Robbie Cheadle!

Friday, March 17, 2023 Hello, everyone and happy Saint Patrick’s Day.  I put a lot of thought into how to handle the next episode of Atonement in Zugzwang.  You see, I asked Robbie Cheadle for a recipe to use to drive the next installment.  I randomly chose the “three things” that drive that episode from … More Prelude to Episode 4 — A Special Recipe from Robbie Cheadle!

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 3, Featuring Dan Antion

Saturday, March 11, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone.  After another rough week, I hope you are ready to enter this safe place and relax. The random reader things, which drive this episode are from fellow blogger and new author, Dan Antion.  Last year he gradually released three books of a series.  And a little bird … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 3, Featuring Dan Antion

Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy

Saturday, March 4, 2023 Hello, everyone.  Welcome back to my new, spontaneously written, reader-inspired serial, Atonement in Zugzwang.  If you missed it, or if you need to refresh your memory, click here for Episode 1.  Many of you know Resa McConaghy for the mural photos, Art Gown sketches, and the gowns she actually makes.  Did … More Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy

#ThursdayDoors — To a New Interactive Serial

Thursday, March 3, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone.  A decade ago, I made my “brand” in the blogosphere by writing serial stories. Those stories were completely spontaneous and driven by random things from readers.  The things set the location, most of the characters, and the plot.  After finishing The Armadillo Files in 2022, I took … More #ThursdayDoors — To a New Interactive Serial

New 3-Things Serial! — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 1, Featuring Chris Graham

Saturday, February 25, 2023 Hello, everyone. I’m finally ready to take the plunge into an all new, three things style serial.  You may have noticed that strange word in the title. To over-simplify, zugzwang (German for “compulsion to move”) is a situation found in chess and other turn-based games when a player is forced to … More New 3-Things Serial! — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 1, Featuring Chris Graham

Weekend Shorts — Do Not Enter, featuring Resa McConaghy

Saturday, November 5, 2022 Hello, everyone.  I’m back with more Weekend Shorts.  Also, I brought along the Pumpkin Hat Girls again.  They were up for some more Twilight Zone-ish fun. Back when I asked photographers and artists to send me three images that were “generally related” one another (unlike the randomness of the reader things … More Weekend Shorts — Do Not Enter, featuring Resa McConaghy

Revised: Spook-tober Shorts — Sugar Fiends, featuring Robbie Cheadle

Saturday, October 22, 2022 Hello everyone, and welcome back to Spook-tober Shorts.  A couple of weeks ago I introduced some new character-friends, the Pumpkin Hat Girls.  They’re back for some more Twilight Zone-ish fun. BASED ON COMMENTS, I REVISED THE STORY TO INCLUDE AN EPILOGUE. Haunted Halloween Holiday is a delightful story by Robbie and … More Revised: Spook-tober Shorts — Sugar Fiends, featuring Robbie Cheadle

Spook-tacular Shorts — The Game of Sinful Delights, featuring Dan Antion

Saturday, October 8, 2022 Hello everyone, and happy October.  I hope to use this series of short stories I’m writing to promote new books from indie authors, whenever synchronicity allows.  Today that happened with the second book in Dan Antion‘s trilogy, “The Evil You Choose.”  The title is what inspired my short story, although Dan has … More Spook-tacular Shorts — The Game of Sinful Delights, featuring Dan Antion

Shorts for the Weekend — Red Phoenix, featuring Kerfe

Saturday, September 24, 2022 Welcome to my sanctuary.  You’re in a safe place.  When I started this series of short stories, I had asked readers to send images I would use to spontaneously inspire the tales. Of course, I got off track, when inspiration flew under my nose.  I read Kerfe‘s beautiful poem and asked … More Shorts for the Weekend — Red Phoenix, featuring Kerfe

Shorts for the Weekend — Lemon Trees at Sunset, featuring SR Mallery

Saturday, September 10, 2022  Hello everyone, and welcome back to this casual series of “Shorts for the Weekend.”  They’re written by yours truly, but illustrated with images created by and/or supplied by the featured guest. Today’s images were provided by an author you’ve gotten acquainted with here, S.R. (Sarah) Mallery.  She took the beautiful orange … More Shorts for the Weekend — Lemon Trees at Sunset, featuring SR Mallery

Shorts for the Weekend — Urban Waterfalls or Can’t Find My Way Home

Saturday, August 27, 2022 REVISED INTRODUCTION Hello everyone, and welcome to the first in my series of illustrated short stories. Most, if not all of these will be stand-alone short stories. There are no other episodes of the story below. Writing long-running blog serials is really intensive work.  I’ll certainly do another serial, but I … More Shorts for the Weekend — Urban Waterfalls or Can’t Find My Way Home

Meanwhile, if you aren’t familiar with Brother Love

Saturday, April 9, 2022 Anyone would be surprised by how much I honestly do miss all of you. However, I’m being firm with myself in trying to give all of my focus (absurdly illusive though it is) to concluding “Dead of Winter.”  I’ll back after I’ve written an ending that does the epic story justice. … More Meanwhile, if you aren’t familiar with Brother Love

Named the Kitten

Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Last week, quite unexpectedly, a kitten wandered into my novel in progress.  On a whim, I invited everyone to give me name suggestions for him. Those of you who know I’m a “cat person” are probably surprised that the kitten was a surprise to me… but I already had two other … More Named the Kitten

Resa Honors the Glowing Pigs — Graffiti Lux Art & More

May 7, 2020  The multi-talented Resa McConaghy just did a post about my little collection of short stories, The Glowing Pigs – Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee.  I’m tickled pinker than Deme or Honeybell! In addition to her lovely Art Gowns, Resa photographs and shares brilliant murals and street art that she finds.  She’s used … More Resa Honors the Glowing Pigs — Graffiti Lux Art & More

Laughter is good medicine — snorts are even better. #FreeBook

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Laughter, they say, is the best medicine.  So, wouldn’t be even better when something makes you snort? I write all sorts of stories.  I’ve been told that I do some genre mash-ups.  However, there’s one thing you can count on with my stories — whimsy.  In the universe of Atonement, Tennessee, … More Laughter is good medicine — snorts are even better. #FreeBook

Kevin Cooper and his cats had me over for “An Interview with Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene”

via An Interview with the wonderful, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene Author and musician, Kevin Cooper (and his feline friends) invited me to his place to talk about my urban fantasy town, Atonement, Tennessee and the books that are set there.   Of course they also wanted to know more about the calico of the novels, Lilith. … More Kevin Cooper and his cats had me over for “An Interview with Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene”

Atonement Ganesha

Saturday, February 9, 2018 Diana Wallace Peach started a  monthly feature at her blog, Myths of the Mirror.  I caved into the temptation to play along. Click the link to learn more.  Each month, Diana issues an image as a prompt. This time, my response is a twofer! My first response is my alteration of … More Atonement Ganesha

Happy Year of the Pig, and a Bloomin’ Character Interview

Saturday, February 2, 2019 Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!  Yes, I realize I’m a little early.  However, Atonement, TN’s porcine residents, Deme and Honeybell heard it is going to be the Year of the Pig.  Those two glowing gals wouldn’t leave me alone until they got their own special post.  Straightlaced Saturday will return next week … More Happy Year of the Pig, and a Bloomin’ Character Interview

A Bloomin’ Barn

Saturday, December 8, 2018 When I was ready to publish Atonement in Bloom, blogger extraordinaire Dan Antion did the first ever (as far as we know) fictional Thursday Doors post.  He used doors and buildings from his part of the country that made him think of my quirky fantasy town in Tennessee.  Recently, with the photos Dan … More A Bloomin’ Barn

A Bloomin’ Good Week in Atonement TN – It’s Catnip!

Saturday, November 17, 2018 Welcome, to my sanctuary.   Could I offer you some coffee or tea, and a pastry or maybe a breakfast biscuit?  Something more unusual — perhaps herbal tea… maybe even catnip tea?  I had a few days away from my job, and other than a migraine and snow (both on Thursday), it’s … More A Bloomin’ Good Week in Atonement TN – It’s Catnip!

A Pause & a Review — (Cornelis will be back)

Saturday, October 13, 2018 Straightlaced Saturday will not be at the steampunk train station today.  This weekend I must not blog, no matter how much I miss visiting with you.  Why?  I have a ton of work to do before the Atonement, TN Party Bus is road worthy!  So I’ve disabled comments today.   However… Deme and Honeybell … More A Pause & a Review — (Cornelis will be back)

Another Bloomin’ Cover Reveal — But this time it’s mine!

Friday, October 5, 2018 I debated when to run this post.  I worried that it wouldn’t be seen between my serial posts — so I scheduled it as my Saturday post. Then I worried that you’d lose track of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers…  Have I ever mentioned that Springsteen was born to run, … More Another Bloomin’ Cover Reveal — But this time it’s mine!

Matchmaking Pigs in Atonement, Tennessee

Saturday, August 25, 2018 Deme and Honeybell, the otherworldly glowing pigs of Atonement, Tennessee had so much fun visiting with you recently that they talked me into letting them have the spotlight again today.  Yes, it’s another snort story. If you’ve been following me for awhile, please forgive me for another rerun.  The past couple of work-months have … More Matchmaking Pigs in Atonement, Tennessee

Marge Tipton — Characters from Atonement, TN (& a Cover Reveal)

Saturday, August 18, 2018 Welcome everyone.  You’ve entered my sanctuary.  Today we’re visiting Atonement, Tennessee.  I know it can be hard to find your way around in a fictional town.  So, let’s have lunch at the local diner, L.O.L.A. Lola’s.  I want you to meet the owner, Marge Tipton.  Marge’s part in Atonement, Tennessee is quite small, but she … More Marge Tipton — Characters from Atonement, TN (& a Cover Reveal)

Baby You Can Drive My (Novel’s) Car

Saturday, August 11, 2018 Robert Matthew Goldstein is my “partner in crime” illustrating the #DieselPunk serial that you’ll find on my Jazz Age Wednesdays posts — “Hullaba Lulu.”  Sometimes Rob also makes videos that parallel the Lulu-verse.  He just did a fabulous one featuring (fictionalized) Nikola Tesla and the electric car that I wrote into the serial.  That … More Baby You Can Drive My (Novel’s) Car

WIP vs LIP? Or Glowing Pigs and the Batmobile

Saturday, July 28, 2018 Welcome, to my sanctuary.  Come on inside and relax for a while. Writers are always talking about their WIP — or work in progress.  At my “real job” I frequently have to ask executives and tech guys to “spell out” acronyms.  I’m drowning in alphabet soup! So, I just now laughed when … More WIP vs LIP? Or Glowing Pigs and the Batmobile

Books set in TN & Atonement, TN Revisited

Saturday, June 23, 2018 I can’t believe that it was way back at Christmastime, 2012 when I published my urban fantasy novel Atonement, Tennessee.  That makes it downright embarrassing that I still haven’t released the second book!  It’s written, but I have little time to give the editing and proofing process.  Although I’m getting closer.   … More Books set in TN & Atonement, TN Revisited

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Calico Calamity an Atonement Excerpt

I blogged this snippet a while back — before the release of my novel, “Atonement, Tennessee.” Now that the paperback and e-book editions are available, I’m sharing it as a mid-week post for those who might have missed it. This excerpt, this calico calamity, leads the heroine of “Atonement, Tennessee” into a tense situation.  Lilith the cat … More Calico Calamity an Atonement Excerpt