Back soon– I hope
April 25, 2024
April 25, 2024 My Internet equipment stopped working. I can’t blog from my phone. I will be offline until the new “box” arrives sometime next week. Hugs, Teagan
Whatnot Wednesday #ThursdayDoors — Images, Inspiration, Process
April 24, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 Welcome, everyone, for topics of writing, creativity, and processes, and… whatnot. Creatives draw inspiration from all sorts of things. Sometimes we actively try to summon up that stimulation. Other times it just blasts into the mind. Today I’m elaborating on my process for creating image collages. In a couple of weeks, Dan … More Whatnot Wednesday #ThursdayDoors — Images, Inspiration, Process
Weekend Reads: April
April 20, 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024 Welcome, everyone. I’m not complaining — just explaining. Because I haven’t finished The Path of Lilies, I must give you an explanation. The combination of back pain, allergies, and lack of sleep had me far enough under the weather on Friday that I wasn’t able to write a post for this … More Weekend Reads: April
Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Looking Out My Back Door
April 17, 2024
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Welcome to another double-duty post. This is about lawn work, classic rock and roll, and of course, whatnot! Let’s be honest. My yard, front or back, looks awful. Today I thought maybe I could just imagine seeing something fun out there. So let’s set the tone with some music from Credence … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Looking Out My Back Door
Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-2
April 13, 2024
Saturday, April 13, 2024 Welcome, everyone. We’re still on “The Path of Lilies.” I hoped to finish this story in two installments. However, since I don’t want to make the episodes long, it’s going to take three. Thanks to Chris Graham for the stunning image of Compass looking out the window of the puddle-jumper craft. … More Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-2
Who’s at the Door? (5) #ThursdayDoors
April 11, 2024
Thursday, April 11, 2024 Welcome, everyone. Some of you will recognize the person above. She is beloved by many small children. Others will know the lady who is right behind her, who is loved by countless readers in the blog-verse. ♣ ♣ ♣ Who’s at the door? Please welcome, mind-cultivator, teacher, and inspiration, Jennie Fitzkee. Jennie comes … More Who’s at the Door? (5) #ThursdayDoors
Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-1
April 6, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024 Welcome, everyone. Finally, I have a new story to share. It’s science fiction. The video above added my vintage element. Now, you might ask what could the film Lilies of the Field have to do with a science fiction story? Read on — I tied it together. The nuns inspired an … More Vintage Vignettes: Path of Lilies part-1
Whatnot Wednesday: Cat Seeds
April 3, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 Welcome, everyone. To write these Whatnot Wednesday posts, I let my mind meander down a path of diverse but related subjects. The Scoobies are indoor cats, so I decided to give them a plant. That’s when they took over this post. Velma didn’t give a mouse’s butt, but Daphne went cray-cray … More Whatnot Wednesday: Cat Seeds
Vintage Vignettes — The Letter A. #VictorianSlang
March 30, 2024
Saturday, March 30, 2024 Above, two chuckaboos? Or perhaps something more? Welcome, my chuckaboos! The vintage of choice today is Victorian. Some of you will remember from my posts (years ago) that “chuckaboo” was slang in that era for a dear friend. Those with great recall will notice that I posted this two years ago. … More Vintage Vignettes — The Letter A. #VictorianSlang
Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (4) A Doors Safari
March 27, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 Welcome, all. Vehicle doors are certainly “doors.” My guest today chose Land Rover doors. When my angel-bots from Hullaba Lulu heard, they insisted on coming along for the ride. ♣ ♣ ♣ Who’s at the door? Some of my readers are familiar with my guest through his mom, with whom he has collaborated … More Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (4) A Doors Safari
Vintage Vignettes: Meet Harley
March 23, 2024
Saturday, March 23, 2024 Welcome, back to my “Vintage Vignettes.” How is this new season starting out for you? I want mine to be a commitment to putting full focus on one of my unfinished writing projects. There are far too many from which I could choose… I never intended these posts to be about … More Vintage Vignettes: Meet Harley
Whatnot Wednesday: Spring
March 20, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Hello, everyone. Happy spring. To celebrate the new season, I have a handful of “whatnots.” They range from sublime to silly. We all need a big dose of happy. Have fun. Music This swaying, sultry, sublime song of spring in the video below is Ella Fitzgerald and Some Other Spring. I … More Whatnot Wednesday: Spring
Vintage Vignettes: Lost Treasure
March 16, 2024
Saturday, March 16, 2024 Happy Saint Patrick’s Day Hi, everyone. Yes, I’m a day early, so I’ll say happy St. Patrick’s Weekend. I’m back with Vintage Vignettes. This one really is a vignette, as opposed to a short story. Last summer I was preparing to write a novella for Halloween. I wanted it to be … More Vintage Vignettes: Lost Treasure
Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (3)
March 14, 2024
Thursday, March 14, 2024 Welcome, everyone. Who’s at the Door today? Throughout my blogging career, I’ve been lucky to know people who are generous, talented, and generally wonderful. Several of my blog friendships go all the way back to the first novel I published, Atonement, Tennessee. One of those people is at the door now. ♣ ♣ ♣ … More Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (3)
Vintage Vignettes: the Red Wriggler
March 9, 2024
Saturday, March 9, 2024 WKRP’s Doctor Johnny Fever and the Red Wigglers commercial Welcome, everyone. I’ve been pondering what to do for my weekend posts, and nothing seemed right. Suddenly an idea popped into my mind for “Vintage Vignettes.” That gives me a broad range of topics. It might be a fictional vignette, a memory, … More Vintage Vignettes: the Red Wriggler
It’s All About 9
March 5, 2024
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Today I’m visiting Off Center and Not Even with photographer and musician Timothy Price. He wrote what he called a “nonsense song” about a time when he and his wife had nine cats. Click over to his blog and join the fun. Comments are closed here.
#ThursdayDoors — Twilight Zone
February 29, 2024
Thursday, February 29, 2024 Welcome, all. You might have noticed the image collage I made for my blog banner. That was awhile back. The thought came to me that the inside of my head was kind of like The Twilight Zone, and that image resulted. Just now, that inspiration carried over to a Thursday Doors … More #ThursdayDoors — Twilight Zone
Wednesday Writing — Responses to Favorite Photo Exercise
February 14, 2024
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Hello, all. Happy Valentine’s Day. I’m delighted with the responses to the writing exercise I shared last week. I asked everyone to look at a favorite photo, painting, mural, or other image. Drink in the feelings that it brings to mind. Then write something related to the image. Short or long, … More Wednesday Writing — Responses to Favorite Photo Exercise
Things change — and usually not for the better. Announcement
February 12, 2024
Monday, February 12, 2024 Hello, everyone. First, something good. Today is the first anniversary of the day Velma and Daphne arrived. I wanted to use names of a fictional detective duo. During the night before they came, my mind had briefly flitted across the names on which I eventually settled. However, if Chris The Story Reading … More Things change — and usually not for the better. Announcement
Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode- 7: Strange Magic
February 10, 2024
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
Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Favorite Photo Exercise
February 7, 2024
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Welcome, all. This weekend, Dan Antion offered to let me use one of his favorite photos for my weekend serial, Atonement, Bad Bishop. “(It) is one of the best photos I’ve ever taken,” Dan said. His remark got me thinking… Pictures and other images are doors to memories and feelings. They’re also … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Favorite Photo Exercise
Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 6: Strange Brew, featuring Liz Gauffreau
February 3, 2024
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
Who’s at the Door? (2) #ThursdayDoors
February 1, 2024
Thursday, February 1, 2024 Welcome, everyone. This year, I had the idea to do an occasional blogger feature, called Who’s at the Door? Today we have the second installment. The kitty above is not one of my “Scoobies.” No, that’s Leo, who belongs to our featured blogger. Readers of my Atonement: Bad Bishop serial will … More Who’s at the Door? (2) #ThursdayDoors
Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm
January 27, 2024
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 — Welcome to My Nightmare
January 24, 2024
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Hello, everyone. People, friends, readers, often remark on my imagination. Some ask where all those whimsical, often outrageous stories and characters originate. I guess they come from the same place as the kind of things about which I never write. This post is a look into the other things that are … More Wednesday Writing — Welcome to My Nightmare
Wednesday Writing: A Snippet from the first appearance of the Atonement Pigs
January 17, 2024
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
January 13, 2024
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
Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (1)
January 10, 2024
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Welcome, everyone. As you probably know, I typically only do two posts per week. When it fits, I sometimes combine my Wednesday Writing topic with Thursday Doors. This year, I had the idea to do an occasional blogger feature, called Who’s at the Door? Moments later, a generous blogger had emailed … More Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (1)
Weekend Serial, Characters
January 6, 2024
Saturday, January 6, 2024 First, a big thank you to Dan Antion for making a post of the writing exercise I did on Wednesday — and giving my books a double shout-out, with Speak Falpper and Hullabal Lulu, a Diesel-Punk Adventure. Don’t miss Dan’s post. Since Daphne was being such a character (if not a … More Weekend Serial, Characters
Wednesday Writing — Year 24 Exercise
January 3, 2024
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 Welcome, 2024, and welcome to all of you. It’s a new year, but I’m trying hard to get back to my old posting schedule and consistently do two posts a week. Doing that was helping me. From very early in my blogging life, I’ve done writing-related posts. This is my first … More Wednesday Writing — Year 24 Exercise
Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-3, Logic and Proportion, Featuring Roberta Cheadle
December 30, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors: 2023 in the Rearview Mirror
December 28, 2023
Thursday, December 28, 2023 Welcome, everyone. If you need a break from the roundups, accomplishments, resolutions, and goals, then you’re in the right place. I don’t have any of those things, especially this year. (Besides, with my particular “stuff,” goals can be a very, very bad thing.) (Video below: “Rear View Mirror” song as performed … More #ThursdayDoors: 2023 in the Rearview Mirror
Meowy Catmas & Happy Holidays
December 25, 2023
Monday, December 25, 2023 Merry Christmas and happy anything else you might celebrate. If you don’t celebrate anything at all, then we’ll simply celebrate the day. Frankly, I don’t really do much for holidays. At least, not nearly to the extent that most people do. That’s just the way my life is. However, this is … More Meowy Catmas & Happy Holidays
Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-2, Both Sides Now, Featuring Geoff Le Pard
December 23, 2023
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
December 20, 2023
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
December 16, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors Badge Contest
December 16, 2023
Saturday, December 16, 2023 Thursday Doors Badge Contest Hello, everyone. This is not exactly an extra post from me today. You know that I participate in the Thursday Doors blog challenge — as often as possible anyhow. With the new year, comes a new badge/logo for it, and a chance to submit a design for … More #ThursdayDoors Badge Contest
#ThursdayDoors: Red or Green?
December 14, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023 So… is that an extra doorknob on the lower panel of the green door? And look at that low placement of the doorknocker on the red one. Interesting. If you go to a restaurant in New Mexico, you’re likely to be asked this question, “Red or green?” The first time I … More #ThursdayDoors: Red or Green?
Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy
December 9, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors: Boathouses
December 7, 2023
Thursday, December 7, 2023 Yes, there’s a door on the amphicar above, but the idea is so fun it’s hard to think about the door. Wouldn’t you just jump right into the seat, forgetting the door? Hop aboard and take a little tour of some boat houses with me. Take me back to my boat, … More #ThursdayDoors: Boathouses
Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue-1 Adelle’s Diary
December 2, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors on a Friday: Windmills
December 1, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023 First let me apologize for a week’s worth of unanswered comments. Horsefeathers! Comments are the whole reason why I blog in the first place. The latest “improvements” to WordPress apparently prevent me being notified of your comments — so I didn’t think anybody was commenting. I was very discouraged… And then, … More #ThursdayDoors on a Friday: Windmills
Daphne-cat’s Dance
November 25, 2023
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
Happy Thanksgiving & #1920s Recipe
November 22, 2023
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Hello, everyone. Let me begin with gratitude to fellow authors John W. Howell (a diary entry from Lucifer!) and Geoff Le Pard (a journal worthy of P. G. Wodehouse) for their responses to my Creativity Challenge. Those of you in the USA are most likely getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday. … More Happy Thanksgiving & #1920s Recipe
Atonement, TN Soundtrack
November 18, 2023
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
UPDATED, Creativity #Challenge, & #1920s Recipe
November 15, 2023
Update: Saturday, November 19th. I don’t have a post for today, but 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. Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Hello, everyone. Where I am, I didn’t see, hear, or smell anything that seemed remotely like … More UPDATED, Creativity #Challenge, & #1920s Recipe
#BookReview from Olga Núñez Miret
November 13, 2023
I can’t express how happy I am to see this review from Olga Núñez Miret. The only thing that would make me happier is for you to click the link below to join us at Olga’s blog. Comments are closed here.
Atonement Serial, before part 2 begins
November 11, 2023
Saturday, November 11, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone. In honor of Veterans Day in the USA, let me begin with a simple… Thank you for your service. I’ve barely made a start on Part-2 of Atonement in Zugzwang, but I am working on it. I admit that I have a terrible time keeping myself … More Atonement Serial, before part 2 begins
Wednesday Writing — Atonement TN: Artifact Notes, the Barber Pole
November 8, 2023
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
A Visit at Dan’s Virtual Bar — Join Us
November 4, 2023
Saturday, November 4, 2023 Welcome, all you sheiks and Shebas. Through the magic of the blog-verse, I’m in two places at once this weekend. I’m here sharing a couple of Roaring Twenties recipes with you — and I’m at Dan Antion‘s virtual bar answering his questions about my new novella, A Peril in the Bayou. … More A Visit at Dan’s Virtual Bar — Join Us
Atonement Serial Research
October 28, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone. You’d think I would be refreshed after such a long blog break. Instead, I wrote a novella (A Peril in the Bayou). Writing a short novel during that long break was actually arduous, and it didn’t lead to a replenishment of energy. However, to keep the … More Atonement Serial Research
Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: Dan Antion, GP Cox, and Teagan
October 25, 2023
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Welcome back, everyone. Unless I’m mistaken, this is the last recap of responses to my Halloween Creativity Challenge. His persistence paid off and G.P. Cox wrote a fun poem using the prompts for his first and last initials. I really got a kick out of it. Since he put it … More Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: Dan Antion, GP Cox, and Teagan
Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon: Robbie Cheadle
October 21, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Imagine a room made of chocolate — that’s what my (bl0g) sanctuary is today. Don’t worry, imaginary chocolate has no calories. Plus, if you eat a wall from a chocolate house, the roof won’t cave in. If you eat a chocolate leg from a chaise lounge, you won’t land in the … More Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon: Robbie Cheadle
Reblog Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising: Come Join the Conversation
October 19, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023 Today I am at Teri Polen’s place, participating in her Bad Moon Rising festival of books and author interviews. This feature is an annual event bringing together authors for the entire month. Teri has a set of questions from which the authors can choose to answer. The results are fun and … More Reblog Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising: Come Join the Conversation
Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: Geoff Le Pard, Robbie Cheadle
October 18, 2023
Wednesday, October 17, 2023 Happy hump day, everyone. I’m excited to say that there are more responses to my Halloween Creativity Challenge. Author and man with a wonderfully, hysterically unique sense of humor, Geoff Le Pard, of the TanGental blog, posted a fantastic short story called “The Hole in the Wall.” Don’t miss it … More Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: Geoff Le Pard, Robbie Cheadle
Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: John Howell, D.L. Finn, Chris Graham
October 14, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023 Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone. This is a safe place where you are safe from hobgoblins and any leftover curses from Friday the 13th. (Although, personally I chose to see 13 as a lucky number.) Today I have more responses to the Halloween creativity challenge I last weekend. The above … More Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: John Howell, D.L. Finn, Chris Graham
Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: Kerfe, Resa, and Teagan
October 11, 2023
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Hello, everyone. Today I’m sharing some responses to the Halloween creativity challenge I posted this past weekend. The cobwebs in Kerfe’s photo remind me of a wizard’s cape, so her post sort of gave me a double response. Kerfe wrote a wonderful poem including three Halloween things for the letter K. … More Halloween Creativity Challenge Responses: Kerfe, Resa, and Teagan
Halloween Game/Creativity Challenge
October 7, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023 Hello, everyone. Could you come out to play? I didn’t intend to do a post today. Then I was suddenly inspired to make this game/challenge. As an October treat, I’m giving you a game – or creativity challenge. Often the hardest part of writing is the lack of boundaries. So, I’ve … More Halloween Game/Creativity Challenge
Announcing, A Peril in the Bayou! #NewBook #1920s #LightHorror
October 5, 2023
Thursday, October 5, 2023 Hi, everyone. As you know, I’ve been kinda-sorta taking a blog break. I wanted to finish at least a couple of writing and/or editing projects. Then, as usual… I got sidetracked by new inspiration, and suddenly wanted to write a story in time for Halloween. Then the story became a novella… … More Announcing, A Peril in the Bayou! #NewBook #1920s #LightHorror
#BadMoonRising is almost here! And My Cover Reveal
September 29, 2023
#ThursdayDoors to Secrets Held Against Evil #NewBook @DAntion
September 21, 2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023 Welcome everyone. Today I’m lucky enough to combine two things that I enjoy — supporting indie authors, and the Thursday Doors Challenge. I’m happy to say the author in question today is Dan Antion, host of Thursday Doors. Do you like a realistically paced thriller? Do you identify with a plethora of … More #ThursdayDoors to Secrets Held Against Evil #NewBook @DAntion
Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Blossoms & Bears, a short story of Atonement, TN
September 13, 2023
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 Hello, everyone. I’m easing away from my so-called break, although I’m not fully back in the blog-verse yet. Anyhow I didn’t want you to go away, so I’m rerunning this short story from 2018. I’m also participating in Thursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion. by showing you VW Beetle doors. When … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Blossoms & Bears, a short story of Atonement, TN
Atonement in Zugzwang, Book 1 — Now available
September 9, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023 Welcome, everyone. I hope your September is going well. I’m still on a blog “break.” That word is kind of hard to say considering that I’ve been staying up past 1AM several nights, working on books and related tasks. However, to tide you over until I come back to do the … More Atonement in Zugzwang, Book 1 — Now available
Atonement in Zugzwang Part 2: Call for Things
September 2, 2023
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
August 21, 2023
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
August 19, 2023
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
August 12, 2023
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
Wednesday Writing — Atonement TN: Artifact Notes, the Mirror of Truth
August 9, 2023
Wednesday, August 10, 2023 Welcome, all. Thanks for opening this door to “Atonement, TN” in the middle of the week. If you opened the door to Annie’s Antiques and Consignment Shop, you’d hear the old-fashioned tinkle of a little bell attached to the door. It wouldn’t be unusual for you to smell home-baked cookies. Often … More Wednesday Writing — Atonement TN: Artifact Notes, the Mirror of Truth
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 21
August 5, 2023
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
Cover Reveal: The Delta Pearl, Book-1 — Coming Soon!
August 2, 2023
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Coming Soon to a Steampunk Port Near You! Hello, everyone. I’ve been hinting around now and then, that I’m working on an editing and illustration project. I reached a good milestone with that over the weekend, so now I’m talking, not just hinting. Back in 2016 I wrote the original version … More Cover Reveal: The Delta Pearl, Book-1 — Coming Soon!
Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors to Atonement in Zugzwang — The Good Guys.
July 26, 2023
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
July 22, 2023
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
July 19, 2023
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
Robbie Cheadle’s 5-Star review of The Inyan Beacon
July 18, 2023
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 18, Featuring Dan Antion
July 15, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors to #IndieBooks — A Steampunk Teaser
July 13, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023 Thursday Doors to Indie Books Welcome all. I hope the temperature is not too oppressive wherever you are. Frankly, it’s been rough here for what seems like forever. Books are doors to the imagination. When you open a book by an independent (indie) author, you open a door to… What? It … More #ThursdayDoors to #IndieBooks — A Steampunk Teaser
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 17, Featuring Anita & Jaye Marie
July 8, 2023
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
July 1, 2023
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
June 28, 2023
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
Stevie Turner shines a light on The Inyan Beacon
June 26, 2023
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 15, Featuring Olga Núñez Miret
June 24, 2023
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
Happy Midsummer — Celebrate with the magical friends of Thistledown
June 19, 2023
Monday, June 19, 2023 It’s time for Midsummer — Thistledown: Midsummer Bedlam! Some of you are already familiar with Thistledown — Midsummer Bedlam. With Midsummer at hand, I thought it would be fun for us to play the “name game” that got that story started. I had found a “What’s your fairy name” thing online … More Happy Midsummer — Celebrate with the magical friends of Thistledown
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 14 — & Recipe from Robbie Cheadle
June 17, 2023
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
Wednesday Writing — Food in Classic Literature
June 14, 2023
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Hello, everyone. Longtime followers know that occasionally I do posts about Writing for the Senses. For me, smell and taste are the most powerful senses to evoke the imagination of the reader. Maybe that’s why food and drink has taken a part in many classic stories and films. There’s even a … More Wednesday Writing — Food in Classic Literature
1920s Party with guest, SR Mallery — All aboard!
June 8, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023 Update, Saturday June 10, 2023: What ho, everyone! You’re all swell to come to this shindig. As anyone looking for the latest episode of Atonement in Zugzwang can see, I’m running late with the new installment, but it’s on the way. Special thanks to Robbie Cheadle for helping to keep the … More 1920s Party with guest, SR Mallery — All aboard!
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 13 part 2, Featuring John W. Howell
June 3, 2023
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
May 31, 2023
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
May 27, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Number What?
May 25, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023 Hello, all. I usually keep it to two posts a week, but yesterday I couldn’t resist sharing my visit with Rebecca Budd. Also, until a little while ago, I didn’t think I would have another short story for Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge. However, something about a fierce looking metal … More #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Number What?
Join me at Tea, Toast, & Trivia with Rebecca Budd
May 24, 2023
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Yesterday, the marvelous Rebecca Budd and I had a tea party at one of her blogs. The party is still going. So, click over and join us for a fun discussion. You’ll hear a brief reading from Rebecca along with the podcast discussion about writing in series and serial forms, with … More Join me at Tea, Toast, & Trivia with Rebecca Budd
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 11 part-2 — Featuring Jennie Fitzkee & Dan the Tool Man
May 20, 2023
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
Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — It’s My Job
May 17, 2023
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Hello, all. I hope your week has been good so far. Today, I have another short story for Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge. This time I used one of the images I submitted as inspiration to other writers. The mood of my background music is nothing like my story, but … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — It’s My Job
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 11 part-1 — Featuring Jennie Fitzkee
May 13, 2023
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
Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Come to My Window
May 10, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 Welcome everyone. I have another short story for Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge. This one is very short. Also, since it’s Get Caught Reading Month, I’m including a link to a free Victorian novel at the end. Thursday Doors followers were asked to submit “doors” images to inspire writers, and … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Come to My Window
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 10, & Doors Writing Challenge & the Kitten is Named!
May 6, 2023
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!
The Inyan Beacon #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Story-1
May 3, 2023
Wednesday, May 1, 2023 Welcome everyone. It’s Get Caught Reading Month, which is all about reading books and raising awareness regarding the advantages of indulging in literature. Get Caught Reading is year-round for children, but during the month of May it encourages people of all ages to read. As many of you know, May is … More The Inyan Beacon #ThursdayDoors Writing Challenge — Story-1
Weekend Serial — Atonement in Zugzwang: Episode 9, Featuring D.L. Finn
April 29, 2023
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!
April 26, 2023
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
April 22, 2023
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
#ThursdayDoors to #IndieBooks — Kamal Roohani & “A Poet’s Touch”
April 20, 2023
Thursday, April 20, 2023 Thursday Doors to Indie Books Featuring A Poet’s Touch by Kamal Roohani Welcome to my sanctuary, everyone. Today I’ve opened a door to an indie author and poet, Kamal Roohani. Learn more about Kamal and get a wonderful dose of positivity at her blog, Boundless Blessings. Don’t miss her book of … More #ThursdayDoors to #IndieBooks — Kamal Roohani & “A Poet’s Touch”
Teagan's Books 