I was unwell for most of December and January and did not find a featured
blogger for February so am re-posting my feature of friend and sometimes collaborator, Teagan Geneviene.
Since the first publican of this interview, Teagan released Atonement in Bloom.

The quaint town was stranger than Ralda Lawton could have imagined. The local population included supernatural beings. Yet only she and a few others knew about that.
Although she didn’t know the details, in a past life, Ralda ― Esmeralda had been involved in something with those supernaturals and it had carried into her present life. In Atonement, Tennessee, that almost got her killed. Now she has new problems, and new supes to complicate matters.
Atonement in Bloom continues the misadventures of Ralda, her friends, and neighbors in the small (but far from peaceful) town of Atonement, Tennessee. Her old house and cemetery are still there, along with Lilith the cat, quirky townsfolk, and assorted supernaturals.
Now Lilith the calico sniffs out a strange beast.
Fae foolery backfires.
A friend is abducted.
On a cold December day, Atonement, Tennessee comes into bloom.

This month I’m honored to feature Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene of
Teagan’s Books.

When did you start writing?
My seventh-grade teacher gave us an assignment that truly inspired my young mind — Write a story. However, we only had two options about the story 1) Write it from the point of view (POV) of a cartoon character, or 2) from the POV of the shoes of a famous person. Well, 12-year-old me watched talk shows after school, not cartoons. So, I saw plenty of “famous people” and “used to be famous” ones too, on Merv Griffin’s TV show. I liked the ones who talked about their pets. So, I wrote my story as a pair of red pumps belonging to actress Doris Day. (Back then I don’t think she was still making movies, but she was known for all her dogs.) I had so much fun that I also gave half the class verbal outlines for their stories.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I did a few stories on my own. My teacher wanted to see them. She said good things about the one for the assignment so (not that I thought I had any choice) I let her have the stories. They were Twilight Zone-ish stories and one was about child abuse. They got a lot of attention…
My teacher spoke to my parents.
My parents told me very sternly to never do that again!
That said, I guess I started writing in my late thirties. Throughout my life novels were my only escape from the personal difficulties (yes, abuse too) that I faced each day. I had read a couple of interviews with writers, and decided to write a fantasy novel. I did a lot of research and work, read more interviews, and then I dove into it. With that start, I never stopped.

You started your blog as an adjunct to self-publishing, how do you define your blog now?
I’m sure you’ve seen the same advice I always see for us Indies – You must have a blog to promote your work! Well, I couldn’t bear the thought of droning on about my novel with every post. Instead, I modified a writing exercise I created for myself long ago. I brought that exercise to my blog (Teagan’s Books). I had the readers send me three random things. I let the random things drive every detail of a serial story, setting, plot, and characters. That resulted in The Three Things Serial Story, which gave birth to my current release, a culinary mystery. However, this time the “things” are food related — or ingredients. So that one is Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I. I’ve published both of those serials in book form.
That “pantser” style of writing, combined with engaging my audience (having them send “things” or otherwise promoting them) seems to have defined my blog.
I also mean for my blog to be a sanctuary for everyone. I keep it free from religion and politics, even though there are issues about which I feel strongly.
Where were you raised and how does that affect your style?
I’m a southerner by birth, but I was “enchanted” by the desert southwest of the USA when I moved to New Mexico. Like the old John Denver song, I had come home to a place I’d never been before. The truth is, I wish every day that I had never left. However, many things about the southeast – the deep south made an impact that remains with me. Following the advice, “Write what you know,” many of my stories have a southern setting.
What writers give you inspiration?
Robert Jordan (the Wheel of Time series) inspired me with his detailed world-building. Charlaine Harris influenced me with writing in first-person. That was something I never cared to do until I did my first National Novel Writing Month and created my début novel, Atonement, Tennessee. To my surprise, all the serial stories at my blog turned out to be written in first person as well. David Eddings influenced me with the way he showed his sense of humor, particularly in the Belariad series.
What are your top 3 tips for new bloggers?
Reciprocate. Answer every comment, and try to do so with more than just “Thank you.”
Don’t “act/look like an expert” if you are not. If you have credentials then say so – and make that information something the reader can find without digging. If you found useful information, and you just want to share it, then say so.
Make it easy to read. Light colored (or splotchy, speckled) backgrounds with medium colored text are hard to read, no matter how good your content. Also, those horrid pop-ups, soliciting subscriptions. If I’ve barely started reading and one of those things blocks me from that read, I don’t care to continue.
Thank you Teagan! A short section from one of your books would be great way to close the interview.

Since I’ve been promoting the release of Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I, I want to share a short story. It is not in the book, but it’s still from that “universe,” and features the heroine of that 1920s series.
Here goes:
Pip’s a Chicken
“Bock, bock-bock. Bock! Baaawk!
Of all the nerve! My mouth dropped open. I was speechless. Granny Phanny bocked at me like a chicken. She bocked. She put her fists under her armpits and flapped her boney elbows — and she bocked at me!
Then, to make matters worse, she laughed.
Why that banty little old woman. Of all the self-important, cockalorem…
“Oh Pip, if you could see the look on your face,” she said, still chuckling. “It’s not like you to chicken out. Now tie on your apron and we’ll look at this recipe together.
Granny hung an apron around my neck, and then put her hands on my shoulders to forcibly turn me around. She tied a bow in back that I knew without looking was perfectly symmetrical.
“But Granny, I nearly set the kitchen on fire last time,” I complained, sincerely afraid of what damage I might cause.
“Hush that nonsense right now, Sweetpea. We’ll not be having any fires. Just because your fried chicken turned out as tough as an old rooster doesn’t mean you can quit.”
“An old rooster?” I exclaimed, mortified.
I looked at the recipe card. “Chicken Fricassee…” I read aloud. “Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture; coat well. Oh Granny, this sounds pos-i-lutely like a repeat of the fried chicken disaster. Granny?”
Phanny Ilene Peabody was gone. Her purse was missing from the corner table. I called out again and she hollered from the living room.
My eyes fell on the calendar that hung on the wall. Wong’s Chinese Restaurant made one annually for Chinese New Year. Granny was going to an early dinner with friends.
“No wonder she wasn’t worried about me ruining dinner again,” I grumbled. “Granny!” I yelled.
“I’ll be back this evening, Pip. Just keep the stove set to low while you fry that chicken, and follow the instructions for the fricassee.”
I blew a raspberry as the front door closed with a thud. My hand plopped down on the plump poultry with a smacking sound.
“Old rooster, huh? I’ll show her,” I muttered and went back to the recipe card.
***
Copyright © 2017 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
The Three Things Serial Story
Amazon USA, Paperback and Kindle
Murder at the Bijou
Amazon USA Paperback and Kindle
Atonement, Tennessee Amazon Kindle and Paperback
You can also connect with Teagan at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/e/B00HHDXHVM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teagangeneviene
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeagansBooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teagangeneviene/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-z7_iH5t2_7aNpy3vG-Q
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagangeneviene
What a fantastic interview with Teagan, one of my favorite writers! Teagan, those stories back in school must have set about a whirlwind of reactions. 🙂 Your imagination knows no boundaries. Love the excerpt. The dialogue is perfect for the setting and time period. Thanks, Rob!
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Teagan is good person and an amazing writer. This was one of my first interviews. I’m going to do another feature of Teagan in November.
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Thank you so much, Jan. I’m delighted you enjoyed it. Hugs.
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I always enjoy learning more about people I like. Both of you collaborate so well together; seeing you come together this way instead of through your work was a nice change.
Teagan, Doris Day’s pumps? I’d read that in a heartbeat.
Rob, I hope you’re feeling better. Thanks for reposting this, as I’d missed it before.
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Thank you, Staci. I am feeling better, thank you for asking.
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LOL, the Doris Day part got odd looks from my teachers. The other kids didn’t know who she was, so I guess that was why. Thanks for your lovely comment, Staci. Hugs.
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Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.
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Huge thanks for re-running this feature, Rob — and for mentioning “Atonement in Bloom.”
Last year was difficult in so many ways, for us both. Then your health problems continued into 2019… But now you’re feeling better, just in time to start the Lunar New Year off on a beautiful note!
Wishing you health and satisfaction in the year of the Earth Pig and to infinity. (Deme & Honeybell dancing in Buzz Lightyear costumes.)
Hugs on the wing!
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Hi Teagan. I think I discussed wanting to do another interview with you. My interviews have evolved since we did this one. This one is OK, it’s just not as in depth.
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I enjoyed it Rob. Any time you want to send me new questions feel free. Have a terrific Tuesday. Hugs.
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Learned some new things about you, Teagan! Think Pip and I had the same results the first and last time I tried to fry chicken.
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LOL. I never enjoyed trying to fry anything, Teri. All that popping oil… I appreciate you taking time to visit here. Thanks again for your support in the book launch. Hugs!
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Reblogged this on firefly465.
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Huge thanks for reblogging, Adele! You’re the cat’s pajamas.
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My pleasure, Teagan. xxx
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Hi Rob! I love any opportunity to get to know Teagan better. Great questions and answers. I read some things here I never knew about Teagan, so thanks to the both of you. I liked the blogging tips too. We all need reminding from time to time. Cute story. I wonder how Pip’s chicken turned out, especially after she blew a raspberry. 😉 Loved it!
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I’m so glad you read the interview and enjoyed it. Thank you for the visit and the comment!
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Very happy to do it, Rob. 🙂
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Thanks!
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Vashti, you are a delight. Thanks so much for all your support.
LOL, that day, Pip would have been lucky to even finish cooking the chicken. It may have taken her some extra time, but eventually she became a “passable cook”… Although I don’t know (right now) if she decided to stay in Savannah after that or had more adventures elsewhere. 😀 You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Thank you, Teagan! You’re so sweet and the cat’s meow. 😉 Ha, ha!
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Teagan and Rob ~ wow this combo is a dynamic one!! I adore the new short story and also the interview. Great questions, Rob. I can totally see you as a girl writing from the POV of the red pumps, Teagan, and now I see that your creative, unique spirit that spurs your writing has been with you since you were a wee gal. I adore you both even more now!! ❤
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Thanks Christy! What a wonderful comment. I’m pulling those red pumps out now.
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LOL, Christy, you are one of a very wonderful kind. And I just realized that happening might explain why I like red shoes! 😀 At Wiki Media Commons I ran across a photo of red patent leather thigh high spike heeled boots… I’d never try to wear them these days, but it sure got a sigh from me. Thanks for making me grin with this delightful comment. Hugs on the wing!
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Christy, I gave those shoes to one of my characters.
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Thanks, Robert for having Teagan as your guest. Cute story, Teagan. I love stories about the 20’s as that’s when my parents met and married. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for the visit and your comment!
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You are so kind, Suzanne. And you are a wellspring of support. I appreciate you so very much. Hugs.
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I never tire of features on lovely Teagan. Great post!
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Thank you for your comment. 🙂
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You are too kind, Christoph. I’m having a great virtual visit to San Francisco with Rob. Hugs!
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Teagan is a delightful writer. It’s wonderful to see her here, Robert. Have a wonderful week. ❤
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Thanks for the visit. I agree with you!
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Hi Diana — and thanks very much for visiting here. Hugs on the wing.
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Great feature, Teagan! Really enjoyed your story at the end… hope the chicken was melt-in-the-mouth gorgeous! 😀🐔
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How lovely to see you, Ali. Thank you kindly. And I’m delighted you enjoyed the story from the “Pip-verse” as I call it. Hugs!
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Great to read more about Teagan. A fabulous writer. Good luck and thanks, Robert!
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Thank you for the visit and the comment. She’s a wonderful writer.
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Hi Olga! I’m honored to “be here” in San Francisco at Rob’s brilliant blog. Wishing you a wonder-filled, hug-filled week.
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Great to see Teagan here, Rob!
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Thank you for reading it and leaving a comment!
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My pleasure, Rob!
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Thanks for visiting, Kev. I’m honored to be here.
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As long as you don’t start to think, I’m stalking you, Teagan. Lol
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Glad to see the Feature for Teagan…well deserved!!
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I agree completely! 🙂
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Thank you for taking a moment to visit here, Kirt. Your beautiful photo art from this morning is still in my head. Hugs.
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Thanks Teagan!!
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Reblogged this on BOOKS & MUSIC and commented:
A wonderful interview with Teagan Geneviene, folks!
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Kev, you’re fabulous. Thanks for reblogging! Hugs.
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My pleasure!
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Nicely done, Robert! Teagan is a favorite writer! Your interview gave us more great info about Teagan. Thanks! 🌷 Christine
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Thanks for the visit and the comment. I’m honored to have her on Art by Rob Goldstein
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You are so kind, Christine. I appreciate you commenting. Hugs on the wing!
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Lovely interview, both. Nice to see Teagan getting a share of the limelight – well deserved. xx
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Thank you for the visit and for leaving a comment!
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You are so kind, Judith. Thank you. Wishing you continued success with A Hundred Tiny Threads! Hugs.
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Really interesting interview and good to learn a bit more about Teagan. And I’m with her on those awful pop-ups on blogs. I dislike them intensely and a friend of mine who is visually impaired say they cause havoc with her screen reader.
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I click away from any web page that uses pop-ups and nag ware. Thanks for reading the interview Mary. Teagan is an interesting writer and I’m so glad she agreed to be a featured blogger.
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Hi Mary. I worried (for about 5 seconds) about making that statement about pop ups. LOL… but I tend to be direct. It might explain my “lofty” career. Never be honest in kiss-butt-land. 😀
Many thanks for visiting. Hugs!
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you for the re-blog!
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Thank you for the informative and nice posting. Wish you a great week. 😉 Michael
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Huge thanks, Michael. Have a wonderful new week. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan! Hope you will also have a great week. ,-) Michael
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Good morning, Rob — and thanks so much for doing this interview. I appreciate you adding the links to writers who inspired me; I didn’t think of that. 🙂
I hope you’ve recovered from your “confrontation” with the heatwave. Huge hugs!
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I’m much better. I’m so happy we did this. Thanks again, Teagan!
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Reblogged this on Teagan's Books and commented:
My heartfelt thanks to Rob Goldstein for reviving this monthly feature — and for letting me have the first post!
I know I’ve been blogging a good bit this weekend, but I cannot resist sharing this with all of you.
Please click over to visit Rob and check out his brilliant work.
Hugs on the wing, Teagan
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Totally love this write up about you!
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Hi Kally, it’s great to see you. Rob did a great job with the questions. I’m happy you could visit with us. Hugs on the wing.
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Big hugs back too, Teagan!
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Many thanks for reblogging, kind sir. Hugs.
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