#BadMoonRising Hullaba Lulu: A Dieselpunk Adventure by Teagan Riordain Geneviene #steampunk #historicalfantasy

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising

Happy Monday!  Today’s guest is sure to pull you out of your Monday morning slump.  Her creativity knows no limits, and she’s brought along Lulu, her main character, to join in for the interview.  I’m willing to bet a lifetime supply of chocolate you’d never guess which movie scared her so much she couldn’t sleep.  Welcome Teagan Riordain Geneviene!

Hi, Teri. Thanks so much for letting Lulu and me be part of Bad Moon Rising 2020! (Lulu, there’s a bit of horseradish on your mouth. Ugh, did you just burp?)

As I was about to say, I don’t write real horror, but Hullaba Lulu — a Dieselpunk Adventure has some pos-i-lutely creepy moments. In honor of Bad Moon Rising, my new novella is priced at 99¢ (Kindle version only), throughout October. (What Lulu? Yes, I know that cold hand on your shoulder in the abandoned train station really scared you. Now, stop that, Lulu. I know you’re excited, but if you dance the Lindy Hop in Teri’s office, you’ll knock something over. Hey, do I smell giggle water on your breath?)

Anyhow, it’s been fun seeing not just everyone’s answers, but the questions they chose. Here are my answers. They tell a little bit about me. (Shush, Lulu! Nobody needs to know that much about me.)

Fun Questions

Andy Warhol and Tennessee Williams, Wikipedia. Tomfoolery by Teagan
Andy Warhol and Tennessee Williams, Wikipedia. Tomfoolery by Teagan

Has a movie or book scared you so much you couldn’t sleep? Which one?

The Doors (1991) with Val Kilmer. No, that’s not a horror movie, but I woke up screaming — more than once afterward. There was a short bit about Andy Warhol in the movie. Heaven knows how my subconscious works, but I had a couple of nightmares from which I woke up screaming. LOL, Andy Warhol was about to get me, who knows for what nefarious intent. Haha. For at least a month the backbeat of Break on Through to the Other Side pulsed in my head. I love that song, but ever since, I’ve felt a creepy otherworldly association with it. Like I say ― I’m not wired right! (What Lulu? You’re right, the Ouija board navigation system in Valentino’s train isn’t wired right either.)

If you were in a horror movie, would you rather have a loaded gun or a car that wouldn’t break down?

Lulu and Friends by Teagan R Geneviene
Lulu and Friends by Teagan R Geneviene

Give me the car. I have terrible aim. I did “target practice” a couple of times with some friends. We were using their old barn. I literally could not hit the broad side of that barn. However, there have been a times when I’ve had to perform some rather impressing driving maneuvers ― but that is not a story for today. Yeah… definitely the car, not the gun. (Oh, and don’t bring Lulu — she doesn’t know how to drive, as you’ll see in the novella.)

Would you rather put your hand in a box and feel something slimy or furry?

I’m really not sure, that depends on the context. However, in a real life case, it was something furry. Decades ago, my beloved cat went down the tubes of an open dryer vent. (I was lied to about the surrounding circumstances. I had to live somewhere that was not my home, during my divorce. I was told the dryer was hooked up properly, even though the person I was staying with knew that was a lie.) After singlehandedly moving both the washer and dryer (at least twice ― I had an adrenalin surge) trying to find my cat, I heard a raspy hissing sound down inside that hole/tube/vent. I wasn’t sure if it might be a snake or a rat, but I prayed it was the cat. I thrust my hand into the tube (equal to the box in your scenario). My fingers reached something furry, and I grabbed on. Thank goodness it was the cat. (Yes, Lulu. Teri is the cat’s pajamas.)

Writing Questions

Pearl, Lulu, Rose, & Bot in "Sideways" Atlantic City, by Teagan R Geneviene
Pearl, Lulu, Rose, & Angel-Bot in “Sideways” Atlantic City, by Teagan R Geneviene

What was the hardest scene to write in your featured book?

The ending, with all the wild concepts I had to pull together, was by far the hardest. Plus, where there’s Lulu, there’s trouble. That’s why she’s called Hullaba Lulu. So, on top of all that, I had to end with something at which I could hint that Lulu is about to do, off screen, that would result in chaos. (I know, Lulu. I want to write that sequel too. Just drink that jorum of skee and don’t give any spoilers.)

Which comes first for you – plot or characters?

Actually… neither, at least most of the time. Usually, the thing that comes first for me is the world I build. Lulu is an exception to that rule. The title character and her two friends, Pearl and Rose, were inspired by the song “Don’t Bring Lulu.” It was recorded by Billy Murray in 1925. My Lulu stays “wild and wooly” true to the flapper described in the lyrics of the song. (Yes, I know you hate that song, Lulu. Now stop touching things in Teri’s office.)

Describe your writing space.

Oh… I admit this is a bad thing, and I certainly don’t recommend it. Lately my writing space is me plopped in the middle of my bed with my laptop. It’s the quietest room in the house. I can stare out the window to the back yard when my brain needs to dance away for a moment. My back hates me for it though. One of these days I’ll finish my office. (Lulu, you know I don’t have any angel-bots to do the work. Heaven knows I wish I did!)

What are you working on now?

White Gogo Boots Teagan R Geneviene
Image by Teagan R. Geneviene

I’m afraid that I have to remain fairly secretive about my novel in progress. That’s hard because it’s such slow going… Or maybe that’s why it’s going so slowly — because I thrive on sharing. However, I’ll tell this much… It started with my mental image of go-go boots like the ones I had as a little girl, and them stepping onto sandy pavement. It’s a genre mash-up set in the 1960s, and there are cats. I’m grateful to Dan Antion and Olga Núñez Miret for doing alpha reads of part-1. (No Lulu. It isn’t your sequel. I told you not to touch things. Put that down.)

Cover and Blurb

Hullaba Lulu cover by Teagan R. Geneviene
Hullaba Lulu cover by Teagan R. Geneviene

Hullaba Lulu, a Dieselpunk Adventure is a wild and wooly 1920s fantasy story. Lulu, the heroine is inspired by the song, “Don’t Bring Lulu,” from 1925 ― so are her pals, Pearl and Rose. My Lulu loves to dance, and freely indulges in giggle water. She snores and burps and says whatever she wants. Lulu is a snarky but good-hearted flapper. The song’s inspiration stops there, but the story is just beginning.

Travel with Lulu and her friends on a magical, dieselpunk train that belongs to the smolderingly handsome and enigmatic man known only as Valentino. They get into all sorts of trouble, usually due to Lulu’s clumsiness. It’s an intense ride through a number of pos-i-lutely creepy settings, including “sideways” versions of Atlantic City and the Cotton Club. At every stop and in between, Lulu ends up creating chaos. There’s no telling where they’ll end up. No, Lulu! Don’t touch that!

Lulu’s the kind of smarty, breaks up every party,

Hullabaloo loo, don’t bring Lulu,

I’ll bring her myself!

Purchase Links

In honor of Bad Moon Rising, throughout October, the eBooks of Hullaba Lulu are at an introductory price of 99¢. For those who boycott Amazon I made a Kobo eBook too.

Kindle: Click this universal link

Paperback: Click this universal link

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hullaba-lulu

Hullaba Lulu promo image by Teagan R. Geneviene

Hullaba Lulu promo image by Teagan R. Geneviene

Also…

While it is not exactly a companion volume to any of my Roaring Twenties stories, I’ve written a 1920s slang dictionary. I’m careful to use slang in a context that makes it understandable, but you might enjoy having Speak Flapper. It debuted at #1 in its category at Amazon. Here’s a review from Annika Perry at Goodreads.

Speak Flapper, Slang of the 1920s by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
Speak Flapper, Slang of the 1920s by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

(Lulu. If you can’t stop touching things, you’ll have to wait in the car. Just go on outside.)

Author Bio

Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene’s work is colored by her experiences from living in the southern states and the desert southwest (of the USA). Teagan most often writes one kind of fantasy or another, including the “Punk” genres, like steampunk, dieselpunk, and atompunk. Whether it’s a 1920s mystery, a steampunk adventure, or an urban fantasy, her stories have a strong element of whimsy. There are no extremes in violence, sex, or profanity.

Her talents also include book covers and promotional images. She makes all of her own. Teagan is currently exploring the idea of offering that service to others.

All of the books by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene are available at her Amazon Author Page.

Amazon Author Page Universal Link

Her latest release is from the punk genres, Hullaba Lulu, a Dieselpunk Adventure.

Social Media Links

You can also visit me 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/

Lulu! What are you doing? Don’t touch that, Lulu! Akkk! Luluuuu! By-byeeeee Teriiiii!

81 thoughts on “#BadMoonRising Hullaba Lulu: A Dieselpunk Adventure by Teagan Riordain Geneviene #steampunk #historicalfantasy”

  2. That was a fun interview, but with Teagan and Lulu, I expected no less, LOL.
    And Teagan, I am so glad you were able to rescue your cat. With a cat involved, I would have put my hand in there, too! Wishing you all the best with Hullaba Lulu. I really enjoyed this story on your blog, and now I’ve got it on my Kindle and my TBR!

    Liked by 3 people

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  7. Pingback: #BadMoonRising Hullaba Lulu: A Dieselpunk Adventure by Teagan Riordain Geneviene #steampunk #historicalfantasy — Books and Such – Teagan's Books

  9. Good morning from the Land of Enchantment, Teri. I’m so happy you let me participate in Bad Moon Rising again this year. This year has been spook-tacular. I’ve been off in social media land sharing this post everywhere. You’re a marvelous hostess. I’m sorry Lulu was such a handful. Shhh… I think she heard me. No Lulu, just go back to bed. Everything’s fine. Wheew… that was close. Thanks again, Teri. You’re the kitten’s ankles!

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Thanks, Teri, for bringing Teagan here. She is a brave one, whatever she says. It must have been terrifying for the poor cat as well, but luckily Teagan came to the rescue. I think we’ll all join Lulu and ask for her sequel, although having been privileged enough to read a bit of her next WIP, I wouldn’t know what to choose myself. Good luck, Teagan, and thanks for another fantastic selection of guests this October. And there are more to come! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hi Olga! Thanks for visiting here. I appreciate all of your encouragement. Now I’m trying to get myself back to that novel in progress. I don’t feel quite so bad that I’ve taken so long — now that I realize it’s going to be 2 books. LOL. Have a wonderful week. You’re the cat’s meow!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. Fun interview. Also, am loving the Slang of the 20s book. Totally getting that. Another also: “For those who boycott Amazon I made a Kobo eBook too.” Haha! This whole post just made my day. Thanks, ladies. Happy October! 🖤🎃

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Ugh, getting set up with an “alternative” publishing platform was a nightmare in itself, Sarah. I was set up with B&N years ago, but they couldn’t even get my password redone. I wasted hours with them. I meant to do several sites, but gave up with just Kobo.
      I’m zozzled with delight that you’re enjoying Speak Flapper! Lulu and I are always glad to give a giggle. Thanks for commenting. You’re the bee’s knees!

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. Ugh. Sorry to hear of the alt publishing platforms. I’ve been wanting to expand for a long time now. Did you even figure them all out? I’m working on it and getting help so can totally send any inside info if you’re interested. 🐝

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply

        1. Barns and Noble will probably be easier if you’ve never worked with them. They just couldn’t work out my existing account and wouldn’t open a new one.
          Kobo wasn’t too bad — I was just already exhausted from dealing with the nonsense at B&N. My unreliable Internet made it worse… I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Hugs!

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  19. Uh…was the cat OK after??? My God! What a thing to go through!
    And Andy Warhol coming after me would be enough to give me nightmares too. Piffing soup cans at me while I’m trying to run through a kaleidoscope of colour…yeah, those dreams are gonna be heck tonight.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Jess. He was okay faster than I was. Dear thing. That was long ago, but he’s never left my heart.
      Ha! It was one of those nightmares where you try and try to scream (because that would bring help), but you just can’t. I sat up in bed screaming, and then, lay back down, because the scream made it okay. Much to my ex-husband’s dismay. But that’s okay too, because psycho-ex deserved a lot worse than me waking him up screaming. Ah-ha, and you reveal another reason why that movie was so frightening to me. I related to Morrison’s girlfriend too much.
      Wishing you only the happiest kaleidoscopes of color. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. I woke myself up with a scream(ish) the other night. The worst thing was it was a STUPID nightmare that wasn’t even scary. No, actually, the worst thing was dear husband didn’t even hear me scream. Too bad if I was being throttled in my sleep 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

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  22. That was a lot of Lulu fun!
    I never had a nightmare from that Doors movie, but I thought it was a nightmare.
    Great fun post: questions and answers, real and not real, Teagan and Lulu.
    Thank you, Teri!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. That”s fascinating to me that *The Doors* was your “scariest” movie in a way that would seem to be completely unrelated to the movie. That’s largest because it was the opposite for me.

    That’s the last film I saw (at home, not in a theater) before it was determined I had recovered from PTSD.

    Your book sounds like a lot of fun! (And I know we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, but….that’s quite a cover!)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Alden. It’s good to meet you. I liked the movie, although I saw it back in the 90s. Something about the Andy Warhol scenes struck a surreal chord with me and that song (which I love) carried it like a brainworm to “break on through, so to speak. But, yes. I related to Morrison’s girlfriend (as portrayed in the film) hugely, even though I still had to deny it back then. Self-preservation, songs/movies, and reality can collide into an odd mix.
      Oh, heartfelt thanks about the cover! They can be a lot of work (particularly the way I did the cover and promo images for Lulu), but it’s wonderful, relaxing fun for me. I’ve just revealed a new cover at my blog last Wednesday.
      Thanks so much for reading and commenting. You’re the bee’s knees!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  24. Pingback: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore Author Updates #Reviews #DieselPunk Teagan Riordain Geneviene — Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Teagan's Books

  25. Everything Teagan does turns into fun. Even rescuing a cat. This book sounds hilarious, and I can’t wait to read it. I could use a laugh right about now, for sure. Sorry I’m a day behind, but I’m still going to share this on TWS, and will catch up by tomorrow, for sure. I hope. 🙂

    Best of luck with Hullaba Luly, Teagan, and love your post! Still chuckling here. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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  26. Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
    Running a day late with things I want to share, folks, but bear with me. I hope to be all caught up by tomorrow. Right now, I’m eager to share Teagan Geneviene’s fun post over on Teri Polen’s Bad Moon Rising series. Do yourself a favor and check this one out. I love how Teagan’s mind works! 😀 Don’t forget to share, if you would, so others can enjoy it, too. Thanks! And thanks again, Teri, for such a terrific October series! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  27. Can’t wait to read about Lulu. I had an Aunt Mary Lou who was my favorite aunt by a mile, and I always called her Aunt Loo-Loo. She was a wild woman in the 50s, and she played the piano, organ, and could do the Charleston. She would send me letters when I was a kid and she was traveling the world with one of her seven husbands, playing piano for money, having too much fun, and making faces in the O’s of Loo Loo. I’d love to see your incarnation of Lulu. Sounds like so much fun!

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  29. Pingback: Wednesday Writing — Compromise – Teagan's Books

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