It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this weeks prompt is “wrap/rap.” Here is Linda Hill to explain the prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wrap/rap.” Use one, use both (for bonus points), use ’em any way you’d like. Enjoy!”
So you know I’m going for the bonus points. If you would like to join the fun visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
Thanks for hosting me for my novel launch and book fair.
Hi everyone. I’m Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, and I’ve brought a bunch of friends for this shindig on a magical 1920s trolley. First let me tell you a little about my new novel.
When my character, Paisley Idelle Peabody (better known as Pip) came along, I started writing a type of fiction that I never expected. Pip is a flapper. Her stories took me to Savannah, Georgia of the 1920s.
It’s only natural that some ghosts got in on the act. After all, many people say that Savannah is the most haunted city in the USA! Here’s the blurb for this novel.
A Ghost in the Kitchen, Three Ingredients-2 continues the flapper adventures of Paisley Idelle Peabody, aka Pip. It’s a 1920s “pantser” story and a culinary mystery. This time Pip’s pal Andy (from The Three Things Serial Story) returns. Granny Phanny is there too. She’s still trying to teach Pip to cook. Granny is in a lather because of the supernatural goings-on in her kitchen. There’s also one pos-i–lutely potent poltergeist!
New adventures abound as Pip and Andy unravel an old mystery. It’s all spontaneously driven by “ingredients” sent by readers of the blog, Teagan’s Books.
A Ghost in the Kitchen by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
Did you hear the bell clang? Our magic trolley is here!
There are links galore, so limber up your clicking finger and jump on the trolley. Here’s a map showing some locations. Friends who promised to participate in my launch will be at some of these haunted places. They’ll get on the magical blog party trolley as we tour haunted Savannah!
I just wish this 1920s trolley could move faster… Oh! A brass lamp just clattered to the ground. There’s purple smoke coming out.
“Your wish is my command!”
Aladin Fazel– my favorite magician! Now the trolley can go anywhere.
At the top of the map is the Moon River Brewing Company. That’s a good place to start incase anyone needs some liquid courage for this ghostly adventure!
Blue Moon Brewing Co Savannah, GA
There’s Christoph Fischer. Duck! A rowdy, spifflicated ghost just threw a beer bottle. Olga NúñezMiret is helping him Christoph get away from the spirited spirit and onto our trolley. Welcome aboard, Olga and Christoph. You two look darb in your 1920s glad rags.
Magician, those ghosts are going to follow Olga and Christoph all the way to the trolley. Can you please get us to the next stop?
We’ve traveled east, closer to the river. Our trolley is on a bluff above the River Walk. Now we’re at Factor’s Walk. The foundations of some of these buildings date back to the late 1700s. D. L. Finnand Valentina Cirasola should be waiting for us there. Ah, there they are, beside one of the sealed-off tunnel entrances. Love those hats, ladies! Applesauce, hurry to the trolley. There are shadow figures all around us!
Factors Walk, Savannah, GA
Tunnels that originate in this area have been known to send ghastly moans into the still night air. Look out, DyannaWyndesong! A tall shadow was sneaking up behind you. Get back on the trolley, quick!
Yes, that’s one of the many tunnels. They make a labyrinth beneath Savannah. Wow, we’re going into the haunted tunnel.
A hidden tunnel in Savannah, GA
Magician, why are you slowing the trolley? You must see something ahead in this creepy tunnel… Oh! It’s a poster for Teri Polen’s yearly October event, Bad Moon Rising!
I’ll be there on October, 18th, chatting with Teri about all sorts of Halloween-ish things, as well as my novella, Brother Love — a Crossroad. I hope everyone will join us for the fun.
Bad Moon Rising, hosted by Teri Polen
Since this is a magical trolley the tunnel will take us directly the Sorrel Weed House where we’ll pick up two more guests. Just beware the lady in black! I hope John W. Howell and Dan Antion know about her. Oh-oh! John and Dan, that’s no damsel in distress, it’s a mean ghost. Hurry over here to the trolley, guys!
The Sorrel Weed House, Savannah, GA
If you’ll keep the trolley heading south, Magician, we can pick up Michael (from OIKOS Publishing) at the Andrew Low House. I see that Jan Sikesis meeting us there too. Jan don’t go in that room! Through the window I see Juilette Gordon Low lying on the bed – but she died in 1927! Michael, watch out for that butler at the top of the stairs too. His clothes went out of style 150 years ago. Those are ghosts. You two better get on the trolley fast!
Aladin, this is great! You found a magic tunnel to take us north east. Sally Croninand Jacquie Biggar are waiting for us at the Colonial Park Cemetery. Ladies, I realize that handsome young man invited you to follow him. Don’t bother. He’ll just disappear once he goes inside the gate. He died a long, long time ago.
Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, GA, Wikipedia
Applesauce! All these spooky apparitions have given me an appetite. Shall we find a haunted restaurant? Ah, the 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant is on our way. Robbie Cheadle and Marje Mallonare already there. Robbie, take care. That little boy is really a ghost. Marje, I know you feel sorry for Anna, but she’s been waiting for her lost love since before any of us were born. She’s a specter too.
That ghostly cook, does not seem nearly as friendly as Maestro Martino, the cursed chef in A Ghost in the Kitchen. She’s banging her pots and pans and making a quite ruckus. What’s our next stop, Magician?
17Hundred90 Inn, Savannah, GA
Now we’re at The Marshall House. It’s a haunted hotel where we’re picking up Chris Graham, the Story Reading Ape. What’s that dear Ape? You say your “naughty chimp” nephews are in a game of “tag,” chasing the ghosts of children who run up and down the halls there? They’re all having a great time!
Hey, there’s Traci Kenworthtoo, down at the other end of the building. Come on to the trolley, Traci. Those little ghosts are starting to raise a ruckus.
The Marshall House, Savannah, GA
Thanks to Aladin and our magical trolley, we’ve taken another of those hidden tunnels. Now, we’re almost back where we started, between River Street and Factors Walk. We have one more stop. We need to pick up ResaMcConaghy and Jacqui Murrayat the Olde Harbour Inn.
Oh! They’re already running to the trolley. I expect the spirit known as Hank tried to crawl into bed with at least one of them. I also smell his cigar smoke. I think I’d run too!
The Olde Harbour Inn, Savannah, GA
Alright everyone. Pip and Granny Phanny are waiting for us at the cottage. Granny is eager to start her book fair. She’s a real bearcat, and she won’t like it if we’re late. So let’s get a wiggle on!
***
Granny Phanny’s Book Fair
Welcome to the book fair. All these authors volunteered to help me by sharing this magic trolley tour of haunted Savannah. Their books are all swell. So I put them in pos-i-lutely random order. Hopefully that will lead you to look at some things you might not typically read. You’ll find purchase links below the cover images.
Sheiks and Shebas, thanks so very much for getting on the magical trolley for this tour. Ya’ll are pos-i-lutely the berries!
***
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.
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.
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last time we were present when Larry and Andrew were forced into a black SUV by two thugs. Larry tried to find out where they were going and who they were going to see, but the thugs gave them no clue. I see they are pulling up to a rather substantial Chalet on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. I think we better go and see what is going on with this whole scene.
“Okay, you two. Get out.”
“Do I hear a please with that?”
“Again, detective, you are making me strongly resist putting a hole in your foot with all my might.”
“Yeah, but the boss wouldn’t like that would he?”
“You know the boss may just not give a shit what happens to you, and then you will be mine. You are racking up a lot of points, detective.”
“What is your name?”
“None of your business, now get out before I break your pinkie.”
“You’ve convinced me. No please necessary.”
“You two go with Lance here.”
“It was nice meeting you. Okay, Lance, we are all yours.”
“Follow me.”
“You know, Lance. You have a very nice voice.”
“Yeah, so what?”
“I mean maybe you could take that to Hollywood and do voice-overs.”
“Rocko told you to shut up so now I’m telling you. Shut up.”
“Yes, sir. Whatever you and… Er was that Rocko? …tell me to do.”
“Watch your step there, Mr. Smart Ass.”
“Yeah, that’s a big stairway. You okay Andrew?”
“Yes, I am. Oh, look a big door opening. This reminds me of a mystery movie.”
“Gentlemen. Please come in. My name is Terrence. I am Mr. Nobel’s personal assistant.”
“Mr. Nobel? You mean Jason Nobel the billionaire?”
“Why, yes. If you follow me into the reception area, I’ll tell Mr. Nobel you are here. Thank you, Lance, I have this.”
“Yeah, Thanks, Lance. It’s been wonderful.”
“Now Gentlemen, please make yourselves comfortable. Mr. Nobel will be with you in a minute. Can I get you some coffee or a drink perhaps.”
“No thank you, Terrence. We are good.”
“Very well. We’ll be right with you.”
“He’s gone but not a word, Andrew.”
“Yes, sir Larry.”
“You make me laugh, Andrew. Oops here comes someone.”
“Hello, Gentlemen. I hope Terrence is taking care of you.”
“Well, sir, he’s been fine. It’s those two goons that I have a problem with.”
“Goons?”
“Yes. Lance and Rocco. Are you aware they brought us here at gunpoint?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I told them to use whatever is necessary to get you here. I should have told them to be gentle.”
“Gentle?”
“Yes, it means without force.”
“Well, we are here. What can we do for you, sir.”
“I think it is more what I can do for you, Detective.”
“Yes, sir. In either case, why are we here?”
“I want to take a chance on keeping you two alive.”
“I would like to hear more about that, sir.”
“It seems you two have staggered into a very sticky situation. Your investigation into the Rafferty case has caused some very volatile people to become extremely upset. They have asked me to give you the opportunity to drop it.”
“What does ‘drop it’ mean exactly?”
“I’m surprised that a detective with your background needs to have a definition. You pack your bags, get on a plane, and go back to Boston where you belong.”
“How can these people get someone like you to carry their water?”
“Let’s just say I owe a couple of favors and these things do not go unpaid when the request comes through.”
“These must be compelling people.”
“And you should be grateful they are giving you a second chance.”
“Okay. What do we need to do?”
“You need to go with Lance and Rocco, get your things, and leave town.”
“You’re not afraid we’ll come after you once we get back to Boston?”
“What would be the charge?”
“Kidnapping.”
“Proof?”
“Those goons out there.”
“That would be a problem. You would never find them. Trust me. You will be safer in Boston. So do we have a deal?”
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is a bit unusual. Let’s let Linda Hill explain it. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “blue.” Talk about the first blue object you see when you sit down to write your post. Have fun!” Okay then. If you would like to have fun like this, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.
“Love your collar, Twiggy.” “Thanks, Dad. You think Lucy wants to play?” “After the sun comes up, I’m sure.”
Another Friday is upon us. For whatever reason this week seemed to last a long time. I think maybe it’s because football began in earnest last weekend and I spent a lot of time looking at a few games. I can’t say any of the games had the outcomes that I wanted but, hey. As a fan, it was good to see the games back again.
I am still working on the first draft of my WIP. Last week I was at 68,000 words and this week I fell slightly short of the 1000 words a day at 74,500. (It was only 500 words short but short nonetheless.)
I had a lot of research to do and just got lost in it. I guess I could have gutted it out to make up the 500 words, but it seemed forced, so I didn’t do it.
This week’s JohnKu talks about missing goals. I hope you have a super weekend.
Usually, I would have an episode of my continuing story during this time, but this is not the day for a fictional story.
This is the day to remember an actual horror at the hands of those who hate America and the freedoms for which we stand. Today is the day to remember the innocent victims of this hate.
We should remember the citizens of the world who were terminated for merely being on American soil.
We should remember the American citizens who were going about their daily life, not knowing this would be their last.
We should remember the first responders who heroically attempted to save their fellow human beings, even knowing their lives were in danger.
We should remember the passengers innocently riding in what would become weapons of mass destruction and those who valiantly fought back against their kidnappers.
We should remember those who gave their lives in bringing those responsible for the 911 massacre to justice.
We should remember today what happened on September 11th, 2001, for all who have sacrificed their lives to preserve a free America in spite of those who wish to destroy us and the spirit of freedom.
Join me in remembering that day and those who perished.
“Here, we are again. Having to face another weekend away from our beloved work,” said no one ever. I hope you are looking forward to the weekend. I also hope your week was a good one.
Nothing much going on around here. Just plugging away on the WIP. Last week I finished up at over 61,000 words. This week’s total is over 68,000. That is still on the 1000 word a day goal. I am grateful I can continue the pace and don’t take the productivity for granted. We all know things could get in the way at any time, so I mark it up as a good run so far. It also means I’m about 75% complete on my first draft. Yeah, that feels good.
Today’s JohnKu talks about taking things for granted. I hope you enjoy your weekend.
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed Larry and Andrew get waylaid on their way to their hotel by a couple of men brandishing handguns. The men told Andrew and Larry to get out of the car, and Larry advises Andrew that they should do just that. These guys were a surprise to us all, so I think we better get over there to find out what they intend to do.
“All right we are getting out of the car. Andrew do as the nice man says.”
“You two keep your hands where we can see em. Slowly get out and come around the front.”
“You’ll have no trouble with us. Can I ask what this is all about?”
“You can take a big cup of shut the fuck up, detective. That’s what you can do. If we want to hear from you, we’ll ask. In the meantime, shut your yap.”
“Well, okay.”
“I said, shut it. You two got any weapons?”
“Can I answer?”
“A real smart ass we have. Did I ask a question?”
“Yes, you did.”
“Then answer the dammed question.”
“No, we don’t have any weapons.”
“Big detective like you from the big city of Boston is not packin’ I find that hard to believe.”
“You can search me if you want.”
“I’ll do anything I want to you smart ass. I don’t need permission. Your constitutional rights are suspended. Spread your legs and reach for the sky. Uh-huh. No weapon.”
“Told you.”
“Shut up. How about you, fat man? Got a gun in your underwear?”
“For heaven’s sake, my good man. Why would I put a gun in my underwear? It might go off accidentally.”
“Oh, you are a regular stand up comic. Hear that Lance? This guy doesn’t want to shoot his parts off. What a laugh. You spread your legs as well. Okay, no weapon either. Now I need you two to get in this big ole SUV. We are going for a ride.”
“A ride like Al Capon ride?”
“Shut up, detective. Your jokes are getting on my nerves. Just get in the vehicle. Lance here is going to ride with you. He’ll be in the third row behind you. Don’t do anything to make him have to go to confession this Sunday okay?”
“Don’t worry. I certainly want to respect his feelings.”
“Okay, then. Lance get in. You two follow him. I’ll be driving.”
“Yes, sir. Can I ask where we are going?”
“You can but I ain’t gonna tell you. My boss wants you to be surprised.”
“Ah, you have a boss.”
“Doesn’t everyone. Now shut up and watch your hands. I’m closing this door.”
“Boy Andrew. Looks like we are going to be blessed talking to one of the biggies here in town.”
“We all ready back there? No more talking. Here we go.”
