Long ago I developed a writing exercise. I would ask friends to give me three completely random things. Then I would write until I had mentioned all the things. I brought that exercise to my blog, but I had the readers send me their 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 this culinary mystery. However, this time the “things” are food related — or ingredients.
As with the first serial, Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I is a spontaneously written, pantser story. I let the “ingredients” readers sent each week drive every aspect of a new serial story. This is the “bookized” version of that serial.
This time the Jazz Age setting is Savannah, Georgia where our flapper, Pip is “sentenced” to live with her grandmother and learn to cook. Pip gets caught up in a layered mystery that includes bootleggers, G-men, and the varied challenges of being a young woman in changing times. She meets new friends including some animal characters.
If you have not read The Three Things Serial Story, be warned. This adventure contains a bit of a spoiler, but does not go into detail about it.
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
If you’re a frequent visitor to Teagan’s blog, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Paisley Idelle Peabody, better known as Pip, and her determination to be a level-headed modern woman. A flapper. Pip leads quite an adventurous life, and in this book stumbles upon a murder. The supporting characters are colorful and entertaining, and Granny Phanny is a force to be reckoned with.
I’m fascinated by the author’s ability to take three randomly suggested items by fans and build a story around them. As my son would say, “What sort of black magic is this?” What a talent she possesses.
I curled up with this book on a cold day peppered with snow flurries, hot chocolate on the table beside me – a perfect read for that kind of day. Fun, amusing, unique – you can’t go wrong with this book.
I love this idea. It’s such a different way to write a book.
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Isn’t it? Teagan is like a creative whirlwind.
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She is. Especially if she’s regularly doing those short stories based on suggestions. I don’t think I could manage it every month
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LOL, I try Rebecca. Sometimes I run out of juice (or wind?). 😉 More hugs.
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Thanks 😂
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It was huge fun to write the 1920s stories, Rebecca. You’re the bee’s knees! Happy New Year.
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Happy new year!
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A great review of Teagan’s book, Teri.
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Thanks, Robbie – Happy New Year!
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Robbie, I’m pos-i-lutely honored! What a wonderful beginning to my 2018. Thanks for being so supportive. You are the cat’s meow!
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What a unique way of writing a book. I haven’t met Pip yet, but I need to catch up with her adventures. This sounds like a gem. Congrats to Teagan and thanks for the review!
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Thank you kindly, Mae. Pip seems to have a way about her. 😉 Happy New Year to you.
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Think you’ll really enjoy meeting Pip, Mae.
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OMG! What a wonderful surprise, Teri — and a pos-i-lutely darb beginning to my New Year. I’m psyched despite the sinus infection that sneaked up on me last night. Just what the doctor ordered! Heartfelt thanks for this. You really are the cat’s pajamas!
Lilith might need to have a kitten named Teri — Oops… I nearly gave something away for Atonement-2. 😉 Happy New Year!
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Hate to hear you’re under the weather, Teagan- what a way to start the new year. Lilith with a new kitten – I’m excited! Hope you get some rest.
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Shhhh….! Don’t tell. 😉 Besides, it is more complicated than that — but it would have to be in Atonement, Tennessee! 😀
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Reblogged this on Teagan's Books and commented:
Happy New Year! You know I try to limit the number of posts I do, but there was no way I could resist sharing this lovely review of Murder at the Bijou.
I hope you’ll visit Teri’s blog and say hello to her. (I did not enable comments here… A sinus infection, nasty beast, sneaked up on me last night…)
Oh, and I have a special treat coming with this week’s Jazz Age Wednesdays — stay tuned.
You’re all the berries!
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A fantastic review of Teagan’s book and well-deserved.
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Huge thanks for all your support, Mary — and for visiting here. Happy New Year. You’re the cat’s meow!
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Thanks, Mary!
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I definitely have to move this up my TBR list! Great review, Teri. Congrats, Teagan!
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You are so kind, Jacquie. Thanks for the encouraging words. You’re the cat’s meow!
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Thanks, Jacquie – I recommend a good cup of hot chocolate to go along with it. Makes for a perfect afternoon.
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Awesome review, Teri. Teagan’s writing is so whimsical and magical and fun. I expect I’ll be diving into this one in the near future too. 🙂
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I sure hope it’s a yummy read for you, Diana. 😀 Heartfelt thanks for all your encouragement. You’re the bee’s knees!
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A perfect description, Diana – whimsical, magical, and fun.
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Teagan’s books are great and her blog is a must. Thanks, Teri. A great review.
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You are so kind, Olga. Thanks so very much.
I’m looking forward to your Spanish translation of “Atonement, Tennessee” later this year. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do the job.
You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Thanks, Olga – and I agree. Couldn’t have said it better
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I wonderful review of a wonderful book!!! Sharing this all over the place so others will be lucky (like me) enough to find terrific Teri and Teagan!!! 😘😘😘
Mega cat’s meow hugs to all!!! 🐈🤗
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Thanks so much, Donna – and thanks for sharing!
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Donna, you are beyond kind. Thanks for all the sharing, and for your continuous support and encouragement. It really does keep me going. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Every one of Teagan’s “pantser” episodes are a joy to read, and end up in a thrilling cliffhanger more often than not! Fantastic review of a magical writer!
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Definitely a joy to read – thanks!
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It’s a joy to read your comment, Kathryn. LOL, I didn’t put “cliffhanger maven” on my resume for nothin’! 😀 Huge thanks. You’re the bee’s knees!
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I have this book on my Kindle waiting patiently for me to get to it! Thanks for sharing, Teri.
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That is so kind of you, Jan. I appreciate you visiting here. You’re the berries!
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I’ve had some waiting for years, Jan – hope you get to this one sooner. You won’t regret it!
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May your creative juices continue to flow as we enter the new year. I know that you will come up with all sorts of amazing ideas and thoughts – which will blow my mind……my most creative friend 🙂 The magical hummingbirds are with you all the way 🙂 xxx
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You are so very kind, Janet. I hope I don’t let you down. 😀 Hummingbird hugs!
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You never let me down 🙂
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I enjoy reading Teagans blog and her books, she is a talented writer with a great imagination.
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That she certainly is, Gerlinde.
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You are so kind to visit here, Gerlinde. ❤ Thank you! Looking forward to another year of your culinary creations from the Sunny Cove. You're the cat's meow!
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Pingback: Jazz Age Wednesdays 17 ― Pip & Artie Meet Again – Part 1 | Teagan's Books
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you kindly for reblogging, Michael. Hugs!
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Always with a great pleasure, Teagan! Have a wonderful year, and a nice day. Michael 😉
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Thanks for the reblog!
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😉
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I love the idea of using 3 random things as a prompt.
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Teagan can do wonders with it!
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Teagan truly is talented as she gathers together those 3 random things and builds a fictional episode around them. This is a wonderful spotlight on her, Teri! 🙂
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Christy, you are so kind to visit here! Thanks so very much. I really enjoyed visiting with Teri. You’re both the berries!
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Thanks, Christy! I honestly don’t know how she does it – its’ such a challenge and Teagan makes it look effortless.
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