Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene's Blog, page 58
June 30, 2020
Wednesday Writing — Adding Animals
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Update/Note: I wasn’t expecting this post to turn into a birthday party, but everyone is making me smile. Thank you all for your good wishes. Hugs on the wing!
[image error]Egyptian Mau, Wikipedia (altered image)
Welcome to my sanctuary. This post has gone to the… cats. It seems the felines have gotten inside. If you’re a cat hater, then you might as well leave right now.
It’s really hard for me to not share about my novel in progress — particularly since that is what encourages me most. Maybe that’s why I’m so far behind on it. It’s summer, and I hoped to be finished with the writing by now. Instead I’m barely half finished. So, I’m compromising with myself, by talking about adding animals to stories.
Why Use Animals?
I really can’t say why, but I’ve almost always included animals in my stories. I didn’t even think about it. Then one day I was reading something and it occurred to me that the world of that story seemed “sterile.” There were plenty of scenes set outside, but nothing of nature was mentioned. Adding an animal, even if it’s just part of the scenery, helps make a story more alive. Animals can also help with a number of things in the storytelling process.
A Device for the Narrator. It could be any animal. When I started my novel in progress, I gave an important character a cat. That cat didn’t have much of a part. She served the purpose of letting that character express her thoughts by talking to the cat. That kitty is the Egyptian Mau in the image above. (Sorry, but it was made clear to me that I can’t even share their names.)
[image error]Nathalie Jolie, Unsplash
Add Comic Relief. I didn’t plan any other animal for the story, certainly not another cat… “Maybe a goat or a squirrel,” I thought. “Or someone walking their dog.” However, along the way, a secondary character became a lot more important to the plot. That character is an odd guy. He needed a mysterious sidekick who was equally off-kilter. In came the second cat.
Segue with Mystery. Long about that time, an image came into my mind that gave me the right prologue/opening for the novel, but the scene needed a very agile animal. A goat is agile, but the picture in my head needed something that was also graceful. (If you get the impression that I tried hard to add a goat to this story, you’re right.) I used the second cat for that, and suddenly he became more important.
I wasted my morning making a special image for that kitty… Then I realized I’d be sharing way too much. The second feline is represented by the image of the two tabbies above. Sorry, you two — you are not part of this novel.
[image error]Turkish Van kitten by Argelia Aguilar at Pixabay
Tie Threads Together. You’ve probably guessed where I’m going. It became clear that the cats were part of one plot thread (there are a few threads). As you’ll recall, I had to “name the kitten” because a kitten unexpectedly wandered in for my heroine. I know… you’d think I would have been expecting it by then, but I wasn’t. The kitten fit with that feline-related thread. (Cats do like to play with strings.) He’ll also help reveal a mystery.
The way this story keeps morphing, who knows what other critters might sneak into it.
Wishing you an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Be well, be happy my friends. Hugs on the wing!
This post is made possible in spite of (not because of) the deplorable lack of Internet service from TDS Telecom. They are even worse than the government about claiming no problem exists in the face of failure. Every I make a complaint or request a service call, TDS Telecom tells me they find no problem. Their technicians come to my home and refuse to do any work or replace equipment, even when their offsite managers have instructed them to do so. They brought equipment that they openly state does not work properly. My letters, emails, and tweets go unanswered. Dear readers, please do not comment here in response to this paragraph. Just be aware of my awful experience with this so called provider.
T his is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019— and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 26, 2020
The Delta Pearl 39 — Rise
Saturday, June 27, 2020
[image error]The Circle of the Rue Royale by James Tissot 1868 Wikipedia
Welcome back to the riverbank, my chuckaboos. This segment continues the adventures of the passengers and crew during their shore leave in my fictional, Victorian Era version of Cairo, Illinois.
Delightful blogger and fascinating person, Pat at e-Quips recently did a post about bells. I stumbled upon it after I wrote this chapter, but Bells was a perfect random reader thing for today. I only had to make a minor adjustment to use it.
Also, I was finally able to use a “thing” that was sent months ago from one of my original followers, author and translator, Olga Núñez Miret. She comes up with such fabulous things, like Papyrus!
I have one character that leaves most of us undecided — and I doubt this chapter will change that. We’ve learned not to be a trusting bunch! I’m talking about the wealthy intrapreneur, Randall Needleman. Look at Tissot’s painting used above, and consider whether you would cast any of those men as Randall. I’ve always seen him as a tall, barrel-chested man. However, if I had to choose from these… I’m thinking the man standing on the step at the far right (gray top hat). Or the very handsome man seated on the left end of the sofa, chin on fist (black top hat).
Thanks to Dan Antion for the use of his photos.
Last time we left Émeraude in quite a mysterious tangle and losing consciousness. (Chapter 38 — Tangle) Shall we see how she’s doing?
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 39 — Rise
[image error]Pixabay image altered by Teagan R Geneviene
Shouting voices rose up from beneath me. I’m not sure if it was the voices that woke me or the pain in my shoulder and head. The world around me shifted and drew close.
Stars danced before my eyes. My ears rang like a ship’s bell. Although my head hurt, it was not as bad as my shoulder. I cried out when I moved it.
As my vision cleared, I looked upward ― it felt like I was rising. Light glinted dully from a gray metal ball. It drooped from a cord, to which it was attached. Several of them dangled above me.
“That’s what hit me,” I muttered as consciousness returned. “Lead weights. It’s a net! But where did it come from?” I exclaimed.
The weight that knocked me on the head must have been a glancing blow, else I would have been unconscious longer. I didn’t think I had been out more than a moment. I moved my shoulder gingerly. I dreaded to see the bruise that would soon be there.
Shouts intruded on my dazed thoughts. I looked down toward the voices. Regardless of how I came to be in the predicament, I was scooped inside a net. It was being drawn up to who knew where or what.
Already I was higher than Victor T. Elam could reach. I saw him on the ground, jumping, trying to grab hold of the net. It was mere inches beyond his grasp.
[image error]Vernon Lee by John Singer Sargent 1881
Jet Fischer stepped out of the library, summoned by the commotion. Shock painted his expression when he looked up toward me. His gaze seemed to travel up beyond me. From his different vantage point, I wondered if he saw something the others could not see.
The librarian ran back inside. A moment later he emerged carrying an odd shape by a strap. He hurried to the edge of the stairs, but he was farther away than anyone.
A bright flash hit my eyes, a reflection. Amid the chaos, I thought I glimpsed a pair of brass wings. However, the bright spot flew back toward the docks.
Onyx? I wondered, but the clockwork owl never traveled far from the Delta Pearl.
As suddenly as the bright wings appeared, the owl darted away. I heard the high-low-high emergency klaxon from the Delta Pearl, and knew that drew him. Any crew within hearing of that horn were to return to the riverboat immediately. My heart lurched. Not only was I trapped, but there was trouble aboard my home!
Then something tugged at my knotted mesh prison. I saw the handle of Eliza’s parasol hooked through the net. Unfortunately, the net still rose. In seconds Eliza dangled above the ground.
Victor wrapped his arms around Eliza’s legs, in effort to keep both of us from being pulled away. That caused my prison to lurch wildly.
[image error]Foggy River Bridge by Dan Antion 2016 (tomfoolery by Teagan R. Geneviene)
Randall Needleman had been on the curb, beside the Clarence carriage, ready to help his wife climb into it. If I had been captured a minute later, he and Eliza would both have been inside the coach. As it was, Randall was a step away from the horses when he saw the young inventor and his wife, both struggling to prevent the net from pulling me up into the sooty cloud.
Jet gave a shrill whistle as he waved the odd shape he carried. Randall turned toward the librarian. Jet pointed up at the brown cloud and then jiggled the thing he held. Randall nodded his understanding. Jet swung the object by its strap and then threw it hard. The roundish shape hurtled toward Needleman, who caught it with one hand. To my astonishment, he strapped it over his face.
A breathing apparatus? I remembered fireman who was a passenger, years before. He saved the life of a wealthy man who gifted him passage on the riverboat. The fireman told us that fire departments were using “Neally’s Smoke Excluding Mask.” He described how the mask had a small bag of water that was suspended by a neck strap. Connected to the water bag were two sponge filters that were kept wet when the bag was squeezed. Air was drawn through the filters to the mouthpiece in the face mask.
For an instant I wondered what they could be thinking. Then I realized that I squinted to see through the haze. The air around me was had gotten smutty. I coughed.
Acting quickly, Randall hopped onto the back of one of the horses. Standing there gave him enough height that he was able to launch himself from the horse and grab hold of the net.
“Let go, Eliza! It’s getting too high,” he called down to his wife.
I heard Eliza groan out the word “No!” as she fought to keep her grip on the parasol. However, with Victor’s weight pulling her down she was not able to hold onto it.
Yes, Eliza was several feet into the air. Although Victor, whose arms were around her knees, was not at a dangerous distance above the ground. When Eliza lost her hold, they both tumbled to the earth, unharmed.
Or that is, with the exception of Eliza’s broad feathered chapeau. It was dislodged when Victor grabbed onto her legs. The lovely hat floated safely to the ground just a moment before Victor and Eliza tumbled earthward. Victor landed squarely on the hat, and Eliza landed on him.
[image error]Cristian Newman at Unsplash
I coughed incessantly as I was drawn up closer to the noxious brown cloud. I remembered how sick the Captain had been after he went into such a cloud when it descended on the riverboat during my sweet sixteen party.
I choked off a scream when a monstrous face with two big eyes and a long snout popped up beside me. Then it laughed and I knew the voice. It was a gas mask.
“Lean back, Émeraude. Make sure I don’t nick you,” Randall instructed as he clutched the net with one hand.
He held a long switchblade in his other hand. The knife gleamed sharply. Randall began to slice the tough fibers of the mesh.
As Randal worked the blade to cut the net, I heard a clicking sound just above me.
“The scarab!” I whispered as the clockwork beetle scrabbled down the netting toward me.
The green scarab stopped to hide several inches above my head. It dropped a small papyrus scroll, which landed in the ruffles of my neckline. I tucked the scroll farther inside my gown so I wouldn’t lose it, just as Randall pushed his torso inside the net.
Randall saw that I held my shoulder protectively. He nodded as if he understood it was injured. He removed the freakish looking mask and put it over my face, quickly tightening the strap.
“Put your good arm around my neck,” he told me and then he put an arm around my waste.
Randall pressed a button, which retracted the knife. He quickly put it inside his waistcoat. He reached outside the net to retrieve the parasol.
“Don’t look down,” he warned.
[image error]Dan Antion’s River confluence photo, tomfoolery by Teagan R. Geneviene
Of course, that’s precisely what I did. I gasped seeing how high above the ground we were. We had also drifted out beside the river. There was no guarantee we would land in the water. From my vantagepoint, I thought we were almost as likely to plummet to the hard earth. Falling from such a height, even if we did hit the river, that would not be a gentle landing by any means.
“You’re as bad as my dear wife,” he said with a chuckle. “Didn’t I tell you not to look? Don’t worry. I’m a good swimmer,” he added, but his claim was small comfort.
An instant later Randall pulled me free of the net. Far below, I could see the shapes of people running in our direction.
Then we both fell.
***
End Chapter 39
***
Real Steampunkery Tech
Gas masks with self-contained apparatus and filters weren’t successfully in production until around 1910. That’s why I used the term “breathing apparatus.”
Various configurations were invented as early as 1824. That was from a miner, John Roberts, who came up with a “smoke respirator.” They were usually intended for miners and firemen. These masks tended to be hoods or helmets.
The one I chose for this episode, “Neally’s Smoke Excluding Mask,” was produced in the 1870s. I didn’t find a drawing of it, but I expect it would look more similar to what we imagine today when we think of a steampunk gas mask.
***
Well dash my wig, we’re hanging from another cliff! Or rather, plunging through the air toward a most uncertain fate… But really, don’t you know me by now? Of course I had to do that.
I love hearing from you — and hope you will leave a comment. Everyone is welcome to leave a random “steam era” appropriate thing. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This serial is made possible in spite of (not because of) the deplorable lack of Internet service from TDS Telecom. They are even worse than the government about claiming no problem exists in the face of failure. TDS Telecom meets every complaint and service call by saying they find no problem. Their technicians come to my home and refuse to do any work or replace equipment, even when their offsite managers have instructed them to do so. They brought equipment that they openly state does not work properly. My letters, emails, and tweets go unanswered. Dear readers, please do not comment here in response to this paragraph. Just be aware of my awful experience with this so called provider.
T his is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 25, 2020
Scat the Black Cat returns! — E. De Sousa
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Since I didn’t do a midweek post, I’m sharing something new from Eloise De Sousa. Be sure to also visit the delightful video she’s made. Watch and listen as she reads from her book.
Comments are closed here, because I would like for you to click over and meet my “Mello” friend Elo.
After a wobbly start to Scat’s re-launch, thanks to C19, Scat has finally found firm footing for his return. Ready to face his readers with a new cover and a revised version of his book, this wily feline feels confident that more children will enjoy his fabulous tale. Bullying affects everyone. It’s not easy to […]
June 19, 2020
The Delta Pearl 38 — Tangle
Saturday, June 20, 2020
[image error]The Delta Pearl book cover created by Teagan R. Geneviene
Welcome, my chuckaboos, to another episode ashore in my fictional, Victorian Era version of Cairo, Illinois.
Last year, just as this riverboat left the dock, Rob Goldstein left an amazing “random reader thing.” It’s Telectroscope. Read on to learn what that is.
Now we return to Émeraude and Eliza. I think Victor and Randall are about to join them. Without further ado…
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 38 — Tangle
[image error]Leadenhall Street in London 1837, engraving by J Hopkins, Wikipedia
Following the clockwork scarab, I ran out the library door. I barreled straight into Dr. Victor T. Elam, my young inventor. We both landed on our backsides.
Randall Needleman, the wealthy entrepreneur and Eliza’s husband, looked down at us. His expression was startled yet bemused. His mustache twitched. I knew he was trying not to laugh – because I could see for myself that it was a comical thing.
“Miss, are you hurt?” asked Jet Fischer, the librarian.
The bustle and the voluminous fabric of my gown had tangled me. At the same moment, both Jet and Randall bent to help me up. Victor was also getting to his feet, but he tried to avoid stepping on my skirts. That caused him to stumble into Jet, who then lost his balance and fell into Randall. A second later all four of us were in a heap at the entrance to the library.
A street urchin ran to his friends, shouting “Fight! Fight!”
Eliza caught up with us. She took in the sight. She and her husband made eye contact, and they both burst out laughing.
Despite the gallantry that surrounded me, I was the first one to get to my feet. Eliza leant a steadying hand while I righted my skirts and my hat. Then she made a humorous display of helping her husband to his feet. Eliza flew in the face of social convention whenever she could. Jet and Victor followed her lead and made a joke of helping each other.
The street urchin and his friends came running back. They looked confused and disappointed when there was no collie shangle to entertain them.
I stopped smiling as I gazed skyward. A sooty cloud blotted the sun. Something small and green spread its golden wings and flew into the cloud.
“The scarab,” I whispered.
Victor followed my gaze.
“Randall and I found most of the components I need for my tinkering,” Victor cleared his throat and began. “Or I should say, our tinkering, because he has offered to participate.”
[image error]Pixabay
“How delightful, darling. You shall be a great inventor,” Eliza told her husband, her sense of fun still evident. “Perhaps the gentlemen can create something that speeds the drying of a lady’s hair,” she added in a self-deprecating voice as the wind tugged her chapeau. “I’d hate for anyone to see my hair just now.”
“The wind would dry it. Perhaps an electrical fan, but one small enough to direct the stream of air… yet powerful enough…” Victor replied innocently.
His voice trailed away. I could almost see the gears turning in his mind. I smiled.
“So, what tinkering materials did you gentlemen find?” I asked, with an apprehensive glance at the sky.
I tried to sound calm, but the color and texture of that cloud was distressingly familiar. Eliza’s expression became serious when she looked at it too. She made eye contact with me, but didn’t speak. I was sure she remembered when last there was such a cloud.
“We’re going to try and make a telectroscope. You know, the optical telephone Louis Figuier imagined,” Victor started.
“A telephone device for distance seeing,” Randall interjected upon seeing my knitted brow.
“A device that allows objects or people anywhere in the world to be seen anywhere ― by anybody? How marvelous!” Eliza exclaimed, and my puzzled expression shifted to her.
The woman’s progressive attitudes and scientific understanding never failed to amaze me. Her smile faded as she looked down the steps that led up to the library.
“I think we should be getting back to the Delta Pearl,” I said, unable to stop myself from looking at the sooty sky.
We all started down the stairs. Randall had asked the Clarence carriage he hired to wait for them. The driver stepped down, ready to help us.
[image error]A Clarence Carriage, Wikipedia
“Speaking of such, isn’t that the odd tall fellow from the riverboat? He’s headed our way. We should offer to let him ride back with us. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve forgotten his name. What was it? Dundas?” Randal asked, turning to see what caused the change in his wife’s demeanor. “Balderdash, the man could use a barber,” he muttered as if to himself. “Wildly unkempt facial hair like that makes a bad impression in the business world.”
My bustle felt crooked from landing on it a moment before. While the others continued the sidewalk, I stopped several stairs before reaching it. It’s difficult to be discrete about adjusting one’s bustle, but I tried.
The others had reached the curb and were about to board the carriage. The Victor made a surprised noise. Eliza gasped. Randall lifted a shielding arm and stepped in front of her. They all looked toward me with expressions of shock and surprise.
“Really, can’t a girl fix her bustle without causing shock and awe?” I murmured.
“Émeraude!” Victor shouted.
It felt as if something large pressed against my entire body. My hat was knocked off and landed on the steps. I fell on the abused bustle again. Then something small but very heavy hit my shoulder just as a weighty covering pushed me the rest of the way to the ground. Then another of the heavy little things hit my head.
“Émeraude!” I heard my name called by all my friends, but the voices blurred together.
My world went dark.
[image error]Enrique Meseguer at Pixabay
***
End Chapter 38
***
Real World Note
Telectroscope. Also called an electroscope the was the first conceptual model of a television or videophone system. The term was used in the 19th century to describe science-based systems of distant seeing.
I love hearing from you — and hope you will leave a comment. Everyone is welcome to leave a random “steam era” appropriate thing. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 16, 2020
A Delta Pearl Extra
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
[image error]Scarab pectoral belonging to Tutankhamun Wikipedia
Wait a minute — the steampunk riverboat is here? Well, dash my wig! Welcome my chuckaboos! Don’t worry, you aren’t arfarfan’arf or boiled owl. It really is Wednesday. Today I’m doing something I rarely do — posting a revision. A few people commented that they had to look up “scarab.” Most of the time other people know a lot more than I know. However, once in awhile the opposite is sort of true. Like I always say – I’m just not wired right.
[image error]1961 ad for Sarah Coventry costume jewelry, featuring Egyptian theme
Anyhow, I’ve been fascinated by gemstones and even costume jewelry since I was five years old, if not before that. I remember a lady who had a scarab bracelet. Every link was carved as a scarab, each one was a different color. Very young me was amazed!
Carved scarabs were prominent in ancient Egyptian art. So many people in the Victorian Era loved such things that they called it Egyptomania. What better clockwork creature, particularly one with dubious intentions, than a scarab?
While I occasionally make changes to the manuscript, I don’t usually post them. Although this is already a rewrite, so why not? It’s more fun than just defining scarab.
Serializing a novel gives me a couple thousand beta readers, so I take these things to heart. Eliza Needleman was the perfect character to explain the scarab. I’m sharing the revision to Chapter 34 – Scrabble (link to full episode before revision).
Here are a couple of links for those of you who enjoy that kind of field trip.
Scarabs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarab_(artifact)
New Excerpt from Chapter 34 – Scrabble
[image error]Pixabay
“Ah! There’s the sign for the gallery at the top of the hill,” Randall Needleman enthused.
“The one that looks like a green insect? Is it a beetle?” Victor asked, squinting.
“Precisely. It’s called The Green Scarab,” Randall answered. “Eliza is quite fond of Egyptomania. In fact, that’s what brought us together,” he added and gave his wife such an affectionate gaze that I was envious.
“Oh yes, the Pharaoh Diamond,” Victor replied.
Randall cleared his throat awkwardly. Victor blushed furiously when he realized he’d brought up a delicate subject. The flush made the blue topaz earring in his left ear seem brighter. He adjusted his spectacles, a nervous habit I had noticed.
The missing gem caused quite a stir aboard the Delta Pearl. Yet, after the initial shock, the Needlemans had been most civil about the matter.
“Yes, my chuckaboo. Scarab is another word for beetle, but it’s also associated with Egypt. Randall and I met there. What an amazing place!” Eliza began in the tone of a fond memory. “The ancient Egyptians loved to use scarab beetles in amulets, jewelry, and seals. Some were created for political or diplomatic purposes. Others advertised royal achievements. While others protected their beloved mummies!” she added playfully and nudged my arm. “Although most were meant to be worn by the living.”
Looking up toward the sign, an idea occurred to me ― a notion that I didn’t like at all! I quickened my pace, moving ahead of the others.
***
I’ll meet you at the riverside this weekend for an all new chapter of The Delta Pearl. Until then, have an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump, my chuckaboos!
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 12, 2020
The Delta Pearl 37 — Stalk
Saturday, June 13, 2020
[image error]Image by Teagan R. Geneviene, sourced via Pixabay
Welcome back to the riverside, my chuckaboos. The episodes of this serial keep getting shorter. I’m trying hard to make progress on the novel I began in November. I’m a research geek, and the deplorable Internet service I get from TDS is making my pace a hundred times slower.
Even though this is an extra-short segment, I managed to use one “random reader thing.” It’s goggles from Priscilla Bettis. What could be better for a steampunk story?
Here are links to the past few chapters:
We join Émeraude and Eliza, who are still at the public library in Cairo, Illinois. Without further ado…
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 37 — Stalk
[image error]Kellepics at Pixabay
Haze tarnished the sun beyond the library window. I wished Victor and Mr. Needleman would hurry to join us. However, my searching stare found no sign of the men among the people on the street below.
My eyes swept past the broken clock while Eliza talked with Jet, the librarian. Abruptly my gaze darted across the room to the broken clock. Had the hour hand just ticked down a notch?
Goggles were tucked discretely behind the emerald plumes on my hat. I moved the lenses down to magnify my view. Then I glided toward the clock as smoothly as I could, a huntress stalking. I stopped, having the feeling my movement was noticed.
Slowly, I moved my hand to touch the adjustment dial on the right lens of the goggles. I was right! A green speck moved along the. I turned the dial to enlarge the view even more.
A clockwork scarab turned in my direction. I felt it was looking right at me. As it turned, I saw the carved malachite gemstone on its back. It quickly scrabbled away, into the place where the clock’s hands were joined to the face.
The scarab had followed us from the boarded-up gallery. I had just tried to sneak up on it, but I was afraid the clockwork scarab was the one doing the real stalking.
***
End Chapter 37
***
I love hearing from you — and hope you will leave a comment. Everyone is welcome to leave a random “steam era” appropriate thing. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 9, 2020
Named the Kitten
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
[image error]Turkish Van kitten by Argelia Aguilar at Pixabay
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 cats in the story. I wasn’t expecting a third.
Some of you also know that I’m a collector of names. I obsessively research character names for meanings and origins. Then I choose the name to enhance the character’s presence in the story — even if I’m the only one who knows it. So, you probably wondered why I’d invite name suggestions. Well, for one thing it was huge fun to hear the fabulous cat names everyone sent.
Also, I wanted to prevent myself from going off on a name-research tangent. With your help, I achieved that. Ya’ll sent some fabulous feline names! You can see the name suggestions in the comments of that post by clicking here.
I just wish I could have told you more about the novel in progress, but I’m being kind of secretive about this one. I expect some of you would have come up with the name I settled on, if I could have told you more.
[image error]Turkish Van by Pasi Mämmelä at Pixabay
It’s so hard not to tell more about this story! Akkk! If I do anything to explain my choice, I’m telling too much. Anyhow, I made a small change in what I’ve written so far on the novel so the kitten could have the name the story demanded.
Drumroll… the kitten’s name is Moon. Yes, it’s a weird name for a cat… but it’s a weird story! LOL.
[image error]Composite of altered free images by Teagan Geneviene
Even though the cats in this story won’t have huge parts — not like Lilith in Atonement, Tennesee, I think Crystal is getting jealous of me paying so much attention to other cats. So, I’m giving her a little shout-out here.
[image error]Crystal, May 17, 2020
Wishing you an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Hugs on the wing!
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 5, 2020
The Delta Pearl 36 — Research
Saturday, June 6, 2020
[image error]Pixabay
Welcome my chuckaboos. That’s a Victorian Era slang word for dear friend. Some of you have been following since very early in my blogging career — my long-time chuckaboos! One of the earliest of those is author and blogger, Christoph Fischer.
Last weekend’s chapter prompted Christoph to mentioned something I never knew about him. If you’ll recall, at the end of the past episode, Eliza and Émeraude went to the library in Cairo, Illinois — and they encountered the librarian. Well, for a time Christoph was a librarian. So I asked if I could name our librarian after him.
Today I used two “random reader things.” First I used fountain pen from GP Cox. When I decided to give Christoph’s librarian a gemstone name, I thought of the fascinating gem, Jet. Then I remembered that Resa McConaghy had suggested it as a “thing” awhile back. Sometimes things become characters too.
Last time, Émeraude and Eliza parted company with Victor and Randall. The women had just gone into the public library in Cairo, Illinois where Émeraude hoped to find information about the magical portrait that resembles her. Then they spotted that… shall we say unusual looking passenger, Benjamin Dundas. He looked irate as he left a jewelry store on the opposite side of the street. I wonder where we’ll go from there? Let’s see.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 36 — Research
[image error]Fountain Pen by John Jennings at Unsplash
The librarian quickly finished entering a note in a ledger. He put down the fountain pen and removed his spectacles. The nameplate on the desk was engraved with “J. Fischer.”
The surroundings felt completely alien to me. My life had been spent first in a small house with people who had no interest in educating themselves, and then on the riverboat, which was very much a world unto itself. However, the librarian smiled when he greeted us, and I felt at ease. He seemed very kind.
Mr. J. Fischer was also very taken with Mrs. Eliza Needleman. I was surprised when she made a point of undoing the buttons on her gloves to remove them. I was curious at her less than proper action. The man cast an admiring glance at her expensive wedding rings, and commented on the workmanship.
Eliza’s expression registered mild surprise that he didn’t seem disappointed upon seeing the symbol of her marital status. However, she took it in stride. In fact, I thought she was relieved. I imagined Eliza usually received far more attention than she wanted.
Abruptly, I confessed that I had never been to a real library. With a suggestion from Eliza that he show us around, Mr. Fischer began our tour with enthusiasm.
[image error]Euphemia (Effie) Gray by Thomas Richmond 1865, Wikipedia
Eliza brought up the portrait and I described it. She added that it might be an ancestor of mine. When the librarian learned we had come from the Delta Pearl, his attitude transformed. He was eager to assist. He said that he had always been fascinated by the riverboat, but didn’t have the means for a trip.
The nameplate only gave his first initial, J. I wondered if it would be rude of me to ask about his name. While I hesitated, Eliza addressed him as Mr. Fischer.
“Oh, please do call me Jet,” he said.
A gemstone name! I exclaimed silently, knowing the appeal such names held for the Delta Pearl. Perhaps I should try and make some sort of arrangement for Jet Fischer’s passage.
It turned out that he was something of an art expert. Plus, he had recently helped a religious group develop a process for researching family trees. The librarian jumped to the task of leading us to different areas and removing large books from shelves to lay them out on tables.
Unfortunately, our search proved fruitless. Jet recommended two local galleries whose owners were knowledgeable. However, he had never heard of one to which Randall Needleman had been referred ― the Green Scarab.
“I’m sorry to say there have been some fly by night sellers of paintings that were likely forged,” he commented in a cautionary tone.
The advice reminded me that we saw Benjamin Dundas leaving the jewelry store across the street. Eliza had recognized him too. She asked if Jet had been inferring the owner fenced stolen property. Mr. Fischer cleared his throat awkwardly, but nodded.
I commented that Dundas appeared to have been turned away. However, that didn’t improve the librarian’s opinion of the event.
“Émeraude,” Eliza began as she pulled her gloves back onto her hands. “Maybe he was just shopping, but the owner didn’t like his looks. After all, those bushy sideburns are a downright frightening sight. Even if the jeweler is dishonest, he might have been afraid of being robbed.”
[image error]Coca-Cola ad 1890s, Wikimedia. Note the gloves.
“I agree that the look of the man makes me twitchy. The Delta Pearl’s passengers are investigated before being allowed passage, but their physical appearance has nothing to do with whether they are approved,” I replied.
“Ladies, if I may,” Jet suggested. “From what I’ve heard of that establishment, the owner doesn’t handle items that are particularly high in value,” he said with a glance at Eliza’s obviously expensive clothes. “If someone tried to sell an item of great worth, he would likely be turned away, at least if he wanted immediate payment.
“Like the Pharaoh diamond,” I murmured.
“My chuckaboo, you don’t think Dundas is behind the switch someone made with my diamond, do you?” Eliza asked. “I assumed that happened at some point in the past. Who knows how long I had the fake gem?”
I didn’t want to renew any doubts my friend may have had about the riverboat, so I only shook my head. However, I was sure that Amethyst would not have called our attention to the situation if she hadn’t seen something that caused her suspicion. Otherwise the clockwork spider would not have so dramatically broken the imitation diamond.
***
End Chapter 36
***
I love hearing from you — and hope you will leave a comment. Everyone is welcome to leave a random “steam era” appropriate thing. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
June 3, 2020
Name the Kitten
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
[image error]Composite of altered free images by Teagan Geneviene
I wasn’t going to do a midweek post. However, yesterday, I started playing with something on Facebook. When several people came out to play along, I decided to continue the game here.
A strange little kitten (unexpected by me) poked his nose into my novel in progress. On a whim, I put out a query for everyone to “Name the Kitten.” He’ll belong to my heroine, a young woman with the scars of an abused past. Her name is Venus, and she ends up in a weird place with a bunch of strange people.
The setting is the early 1960s in a tiny Nevada town. It’s an urban fantasy story with a big emphasis on the quirky-factor. There are already a couple of cats (with small parts) in the story. He won’t have a big part either, but he’s an odd little guy, with a white body and a ginger tail, and a ginger spot on his head. (Those colors and markings are associated with some, but not all, Turkish Van cats.)
[image error]Turkish Van kitten by Argelia Aguilar at Pixabay
Several of your friends came out to play. You can join the fun by leaving a kitten name in a comment. Most of them offered more than one name, so I picked my favorite from their individual offerings. Here’s what we have so far:
Dan Antion suggested Snap.
Darlene Foster thought Spring suited him.
Mary J. offered Spice Boy.
Eolise De Susa thought about the era and said Apollo.
Carol Taylor suggested Echo.
Adele Marie Park came up with Neptune. (The kitten I shared on Facebook had his paw in a pool.)
Barb Taub considered literature of the era (Heinlein) and thought of Grok.
Donna Parker had no way of knowing it would tie to one of the other cat names when she offered Bloodnut.
What would you name a funny looking kitten, in a “far out” 1960s fantasy story, where nothing is as it seems? Leave a kitten-name in a comment. Or just say hello. Either way, you’re groovy!
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
May 29, 2020
The Delta Pearl 35 — Frown
Saturday, May 30, 2020
[image error]Wild Clouds by Timothy Price
Welcome back to the riverbank my chuckaboos. It’s another all new episode of The Delta Pearl. This one was not part of the original novel.
Several newer readers have asked that I include a list of past episodes. There are many reasons why I don’t do that. (Those of you who asked — I know I could trust you implicitly.) Piracy is at the top of that list. Yes, it’s all still online, but the least I can do is not make it even easier for thieves. I’m saddened that slight protection also makes it harder for you. However, I’ve always kept a category link on the right-hand margin of the page. Click “Delta Pearl.” There’s still a lot of scrolling to get to old episodes, but it’s somewhat less effort. The good news is that it’s also still free each week.
Here are the “random reader things” for today. First we have Wild Clouds from Tim Price. Tim did an entire post of these gorgeous cloud-scapes at his blog Off Center and Not Even. Also, when this steampunk voyage first got onto the river Dan Antion suggested Clock with a Broken Hand. I’ve been searching for the right place to put that clock all these weeks. Today it finally came along.
Last time, Émeraude and Victor — and the Needlemans, who volunteered to chaperone them went ashore in Cairo, Illinois. Émeraude hoped to find information about the magical portrait that so fascinates her. Randall Needleman knew of a gallery where they might learn something. Unfortunately it was closed down… except for a mysterious malachite clockwork scarab. Will they give up? Let’s see.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 35 — Frown
[image error]Cairo Illinois panoramic map, 1885 H Willbe, Wikipedia
Where had it gone? I stretched and craned my neck, trying to catch sight of the skittering bug. Most people would have wondered if their eyes had played a trick on them, if they saw a clockwork scarab. However, I was no stranger to such novelties.
“Thank goodness Amethyst wasn’t here. She might have tried to chase it, and exposed herself,” I muttered.
I looked at Victor T. Elam’s puzzled expression.
“Malachite,” the inventor began. “Do you really think the scarab with a carved malachite back might have belonged to whoever attacked the Captain and the Dealer at your sweet sixteen party? Not many people have automatons, not even small ones. Although if anyone might have one, he might be a candidate.”
Randall and Eliza Needleman caught up with us before I could caution him not to mention the scarab. I gave his arm a squeeze and hoped he understood what I was trying to say.
“Good heavens, don’t tell me the place has closed down,” Randall Needleman complained as they strolled up to us.
“What a disappointment,” Eliza commented as she tried to peep between the boards on the window.
I silently hoped the scarab did not make another appearance. Although I expected it had gone to inform its master.
[image error]Photo by Timothy Price
“Don’t lose heart, Émeraude. We can still visit the library. There’s no need for that frown,” Eliza told me, patting my arm. “Didn’t you say it’s about a block away from here, husband?”
If I had been frowning, then there’s no telling what expression my face held when I looked up and saw the wild clouds that filled the sky.
Victor followed my gaze. He caught my unease.
“Umm, while all of you go to research Émeraude’s painting, I think I shall try to get some components for my, err, my tinkering,” Victor said.
When he started to move away, I was still holding his arm.
“Don’t be long,” I told him with another look at the sky. “I’m worried about the weather. Maybe we should go back to the Delta Pearl early.”
“You’re looking a little all-overish, my lad. Hold up just long enough for us to properly see the ladies to the library. Then I’ll go with you,” Randall suggested.
“Dear, I know you’re hoping to pick the poor boy’s brain about inventions again,” Eliza told him and pretended to roll her eyes with disdain. “Promise me you won’t be a burden,” she added.
Eliza Needleman winked and boldly kissed her husband on the cheek ― in public. Her audacity was thrilling.
“Me, a burden?” Randall cried in mock astonishment. “Why, I’ll even be a beast of burden and carry any heavy equipment he needs.”
I felt better about the situation if he was going along with Victor. Needleman was strong looking. A self-made man, I was sure he wouldn’t run from a fight, if any trouble befell my little inventor.
[image error]A Clarence Carriage (commonly called a growler), Wikipedia
Our chaperones chuckled and reminisced about their courting days. While they were occupied, Victor spoke quietly to me.
“The weather is more reason for me to get supplies. Those strange clouds… they don’t seem natural,” he whispered. “What if there’s another attack? What if that noxious brown cloud returns? I need to create something to combat the effects. If the Captain should get another lungful of that poison, he might now be as lucky again.”
I shuddered at the memory of Cecil Perlog gasping for breath after he went into that sooty cloud to defend the riverboat.
That day, Jaspe had quite literally thrown me to the Captain, telling him to get me away from the hurricane deck. Then he launched himself into the cloud. However, when it sounded like the Dealer was in mortal danger, the Captain followed him.
The buried idea that I had somehow been the cause of that event came back to mind. My eyes filled with tears, which I quickly brushed away, before anyone could see.
A loud whistle startled me. I was surprised that it came from Randall. He hailed a growler that was a short distance behind us. The Clarence carriages were larger than the two-person Hansom cabs. People called them growlers because of the noise its wheels made on the cobblestoned streets. He flagged down the driver as the carriage approached.
“Perhaps Émeraude is right to be concerned about the weather. Those clouds are rather threatening,” Randal explained.
A short while later the men parted company with Eliza and me at the library. Our boot heels clicked as we crossed the marble floor. I paused at a window. I could see the Clarence cab making its way down the other side of the hill.
“Shall we talk to the librarian?” Eliza suggested.
[image error]Cairo, Illinois Public Library, est. 1883, Wikipedia
Turning to face her I saw the main desk across the large room. The wall behind the desk was a clock with a broken hand. I couldn’t explain why, but it added to my feeling of disquiet.
We moved toward the librarian, but I looked over my shoulder to the window. Abruptly I stopped dead.
“Is something the matter?” Eliza asked me, turning to follow my gaze.
Outside I saw a tall, reedy man wearing a voluminous overcoat. His mustache grew into his bushy sideburns. It was the standoffish passenger ― Benjamin Dundas. I had been distrustful of his furtiveness from the first moment I saw him.
He was exiting a business of some kind. He seemed angry as he stopped in the doorway. The other man glared at Dundas as he shut the door firmly behind him. I tried to read the sign beside the door, but it was too faded for me to make out the name. I asked the librarian about the place.
“My dear, you want nothing to do with that establishment. It’s not the sort of place ladies would care to visit,” the librarian told us, and wiped his spectacles as though the mention of the place got the lenses dirty. “It’s a jeweler’s, but not one I would recommend.”
He also appeared to see Dundas. The librarian cleared his throat.
“It draws a… questionable clientele. I’m not certain that the owner is concerned with legitimate business,” he added quietly.
When I turned back toward the window, Dundas had disappeared from view. I stared vacantly at the broken clock as thoughts ticked through my mind.
***
End Chapter 35
***
I love hearing from you — and hope you will leave a comment. However, I’ve been “multi-tasking” in the extreme the past few days, so forgive me for being slow to answer comments this time. Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
