#BadMoonRising A Peril in Ectoplasm by Teagan Riordain Geneviene #horror #paranormal

On By Teri PolenIn Bad Moon Rising

I’ve got a treat to help you get through hump day!  I’m betting today’s author isn’t a stranger to most of you.  Her books are always guaranteed to be wildly creative, a little quirky, and filled with unexpected twists.  She’s here today with her novella that released last Friday!  Welcome Teagan Riordain Geneviene!  

Thanks for letting me participate in another fantastic Bad Moon Rising, Teri. Hello, everyone. I’m Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene. Teri, I noticed you had some new questions this year. As always, they’re fabulous.

Fun Questions

Tracy Jentzsch, Unsplash
Tracy Jentzsch, Unsplash

Have you ever said Bloody Mary three times in front of a mirror?

Teri, this question made me snort, because I should be laughing — but no way am I tempting fate with this, or any mirror related legend. Nope! One of the first stories I wrote (when I was about 12) was a Twilight Zone-ish tale about a woman who was trapped in a mirror. To me, there’s always been something otherworldly about mirrors. Here’s some Teagan-Trivia. I’ve always decorated with several mirrors. I like that they add light and make rooms look bigger. However, what most people don’t notice is that hardly any of them are at eye-level for me. They’re there, but I don’t have to look at my reflection.

Which Stephen King novel unsettled you the most?

My mind works in unexpected ways. There are things that scare other people, which don’t phase me in the least. Yet some things that seem ordinary to other people can freak me out. Stephen King is a master at terrifying readers, including me. I think most people would think “Thinner” is about the least frightening story King has written. Even so, there is something about Thinner that stuck with me from the day I sat on the couch as a teenager reading about the gypsy touching and murmuring to the rude, obese man. It was so simple and mundane that it seemed all too possible.

Would you buy a doll that you knew was haunted?

Are you kidding me? What could be more mysterious or creepy than mirrors? Old dolls — triple that for haunted dolls, that’s what. If you want me to have a heart attack, just put a haunted doll in front of an old mirror. No.

Writing Questions

The Teagan Zone collage by Teagan Geneviene
Image by Teagan

Have you ever tried to write a novel in a genre you rarely or never read?

It’s probably a big draw-back, but I’m a multi-genre author. However, I never dabble in the romance genre. As a teen I read quite a few, especially Victoria Holt and Harlequins, but I moved on to other types of books. When I first started publishing novels, it seemed like everybody tried to get me to write romance. I did try, and several times… but I never got further than a page.

If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be?

Maybe Rod Serling… There really are so many, but I don’t know much about their personalities. I can’t think of what famous author would be a personality-fit as a mentor, and that kind of compatibility is critical for a mentoring relationship. However, I’m answering this question to mention the “Film Courage” series of videos I watch on YouTube. Think of that series as my virtual mentors. No, I don’t write screenplays, but it’s transferrable information. There are several of the interviewed authors with whom I’d love to have long conversations and learn more from on a personal level.

What are you working on now?

I’m gradually working on edits and a better ending for The Guitar Mancer. It’s an urban fantasy set in 1970. I started it several years ago, but I was stumped for the right ending.

A Peril in Ectoplasm

Cover A Peril in Ectoplasm by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

A Peril in Ectoplasm, is a 1920s genre mash-up, part mystery, part suspense, with a dash of light horror. Famous medium, Daphne Moultrie receives a warning from the other side — there is a young woman she must find. If she doesn’t keep the girl with her, then she will die. Aside from the spirit’s warning, all Daphne knows about this girl is what her crystal ball showed her, a four-leaf clover, and each leaf had a human eye.

Meanwhile, Daphne’s fiancé seems to have designs of his own. He also pressures her to continue séances for a strange and very demanding woman. With each of those séances, Daphne becomes weaker and closer to death.

A Peril in Ectoplasm takes place in Coral Gables, Florida of 1926. This novella captures the Roaring Twenties in settings, descriptions, and language. The ensemble cast has a number of characters, including one you will love to hate.

Purchase Links

Kindle:  relinks.me/B0BJ9N1GBX

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0BJBXGJ7L

About the Author

2022 Author Pic art deco Tegan

Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene often writes whimsical and humorous stories. However, she also writes high fantasy, urban fantasy, steampunk, and mysteries with historic settings. Yes, that’s a variety of genres. In addition to fiction, she has created the “Author Tool Chest” series of non-fiction works as resources for writers and anyone who loves language.

Teagan’s work is colored by the experiences of her early life in the southern states and later in the desert southwest, as well as a decade in Washington, DC. She had a successful career as an editor and writer in the information technology field, working for Federal executives. Now Teagan lives in a high desert town in the Southwest of the USA, and she is devoted fulltime to her own writing. She also makes book covers and promotional images. In free time she enjoys conversations with friends, singing karaoke, and playing her piano.

Social Media Links

You can also visit me at these sites:

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/

♦ ♦ ♦

Teri, thanks so much for hosting me. I’m happy to answer questions from your readers as well. Happy Halloween, everyone!

 

Copyright 2022

92 thoughts on “#BadMoonRising A Peril in Ectoplasm by Teagan Riordain Geneviene #horror #paranormal”

    1. I didn’t think of that when I first read it, Priscilla, but I agree that lack of control is part of what made Thinner frightening. I hope you love the novella. It has a lot of “sunny stuff” (so to speak), but there are creepy things along the way to the scary ending. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 2 people

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        1. Ah, yes — I watched a few of hers — great info. Although I admit I had trouble relating to her. I enjoy many of them, but 3 that clicked with me are Shannan E. Johnson, Paul Joseph Gulino, and Jeff Kitchens. Plus I got a kick out of watching Brooks Elms do this exercise on loglines, because it felt a lot like when I ask readers for 3 things for blog serials.

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          2. I just finished watching it. I LOVE how he draws on his personal issues to develop the logline for a new story. What he said about Goodfellas at the end was a perfect way to depict why readers/viewers relate to that story (or those written from the same kind of place). Thanks for sharing this, Teagan.

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  5. I just knew Teagan would have interesting and unique answers to the questions. My mirrors are not at eye level in my house either, but that is more because I’m short and others would have to bend down to look in them. Or, at least I thought that was why(??)

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. You are so kind, Darlene — thank you. About the eye-level mirrors… When I was a teen, there was a big home-party decorating company that was very popular. They demanded that every wall decoration should be at eye-level. That bugged me because all I could think was that eye-level was different for everybody. I had a great-aunt & uncle who were strongly at odds over it. He was 6 feet tall, and she was about 4’11”. LOL.
      I appreciate you reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 2 people

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  6. What a fun post. I love Teagan’s imagination and her wild stories. That’s interesting about not having mirrors at eye level, but I totally get it. I’d be catching my reflection in the corner of my eye and freaking myself out. And I remember the Guitar Mancer, Teagan! It will be fun to see that story come together. Thanks for taking us to the Teagan Zone, Teri.

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  7. Pingback: Spook-tober Shorts — Snippet: A Peril in Ectoplasm, #NewBook #Halloween – Teagan's Books

  8. Pingback: #BadMoonRising A Peril in Ectoplasm by Teagan Riordain Geneviene #horror #paranormal — at Books and Such – Teagan's Books

  9. Teri, what a lovely introduction — I blush! ^^’ I love the gallery of gleefully ghoulish jack-o-lanterns. That made me smile. This has been one of the best Bad Moon Rising events yet. I’m delighted to be here. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this every year.
    If anyone has questions about A Peril in Ectoplasm, I’m happy to answer in comments. Naturally I won’t give spoilers. Happy Halloween! Hugs on the wing.

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  10. I also have A Peril in Ectoplasm waiting for me on my Kindle. I also think there is something about mirrors, although I like them as objects, I find them mysterious as well. On the other hand, I’m quite fond of dolls, although I don’t collect them. Mind you, I’ve never had a haunted one, at least not that I know! Great answers, and I remember The Guitar Mancer as well, so I am cheering you on, Teagan. Thanks for another great interview, Teri and for organising Bad Moon Rising another year. ♥

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  11. Thanks so very much, Olga. I appreciate pretty dolls — they’re a sort of art. I always wanted one of those beautiful porcelain dolls. Although I admit some can be creepy. When I was a little girl, we had a second-hand doll that was 3 ft tall. I was barely taller than the doll. After my little sister died, that doll absolutely creeped me out. It was rather like the scary clown thing, since my sister had chopped up its hair and painted lipstick all over its face (which wouldn’t wash off). It was a totally freaky doll to glimpse in the corner of a room! LOL.
    Many thanks about A Peril in Ectoplasm. I hope you love it. I appreciate you remembering the Guitar Mancer too. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Teagan, I used to love Victoria Holt–and Phyllis A. Whitney! I forgot how often I used to read them when I was younger. I always loved the mystery aspects of those books.

    And Rod Serling was an utter genius.
    I got a chuckle out of the haunted doll in front of an old mirror, LOL.
    All the best with your latest!

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. LOL, I’m always glad to give a giggle, Mae. Yes, I still remember “The Night of the Seventh Moon” (my first novel of that sort — I was 12 or 13 and had a terrible case of the flu) and “The Shadow of the Lynx.”
      Thanks for the luck and for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 2 people

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  14. As always Teagan, you know I love your writing. Thank you, Teri, for having Teagan over for an interview!
    If Thinner got you going, Teagan, you might want to try his “Elevation”. It isn’t scary to me, especially for S. King, but you might find it right up your alley.

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        1. I read that about Serling awhile back, but I didn’t connect it with your dad (other than the thought “Hey, like GP’s dad!”). But that’s my problem with not remembering numbers. LOL. Anyhow, until I read that article, I had no idea he had that kind of background.

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  15. Thinner creeped me out when I read it. My wife and I vacationed in Maine when they filmed the movie. We were riding bikes and stopped outside the house to watch them film for a bit. It was wild. Always great to see Teagan’s interviews here.

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    2. Hi, Deby. I know what you mean. I’m a person who believes nearly anything is possible — but at the same time I’m instantly skeptical about what someone else says. This is undoubtedly more explanation than you want, but others might be interested too.

      I’ve presented séances according to the 1920s setting of the story. The Roaring Twenties saw a resurgence of spiritualism, despite a number of famous “mediums” being exposed as frauds years before. “A Peril in Ectoplasm” is definitely fiction, but I researched the various tools used in séances and included some of them in the story. As with most horror and paranormal stories, a suspension of disbelief is needed. That’s why I put work into developing the setting, to pull the reader into the mindset of the era.

      The characters include skeptics, believers, people who are combinations of the two, and people who have religious objections. Daphne is presented as a psychic medium with a genuine gift, regardless of anything else. The main ensemble of characters all recognize her as having a true talent, and not a fake. Crespo is a spiritualist who sees it as a science (as many did at the time, considering the day’s level of knowledge and proof).

      At the end of the book, I added a section from my research, giving general explanations of some of the things I used in the story.
      Many thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 2 people

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  19. Terry Tyler

    Teagan, I’m so glad you said that about Thinner – I love that book, it’s one of my favourites . I always find a psychological aspect more frightening than a monster.

    I keep reading answers to the Bloody Mary question (a US thing???) – anyone seen South Park’s take on it, in which they dare themselves to say Biggie Smalls 3 times – and he keeps appearing !

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. It’s good to see you here, Terry. I agree completely about the psychological aspect being the most frightening part.
      It’s interesting that you commented about the Bloody Mary legend. LOL, like a lot of sit coms and TV shows, I figured it was something we took from England. I haven’t looked into it. So, I defer to Teri. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

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  20. Great answers, Teagan to Teri’s troubling questions. I don’t even like thinking about dolls, let alone haunted dolls. I have A Peril in Ectoplasm on my Kindle, but you know I prefer a paper book. Amazon says that will be here today! Given the start I’ve made, I am happy to hear that. I am also happy to hear that you’re working on The Guitar Mancer. I encourage that work, but I don’t want to add any pressure. Good job all the way around!

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    2. You’re so kind, Dan — I really appreciate all your support.
      It’s so much harder for me to go back to a story that I’ve “put on the shelf” no matter what the reason. But I *really* want to finish Guitar Mancer… LOL, and Wheel of Fortune… and Taterdemallion the Electric Zucchini, and the Skull of the Alchemist, and… You get the picture. :/ o_O 😉
      I take your comment as encouragement, not pressure. Hugs on the wing.

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  22. Teagan, your PERIL book sounds amazing. I’m dying to read it. Your term “genre mash-up, part mystery, part suspense, with a dash of light horror” intrigues me. I write mostly quiet horror, which is similar to light horror but recently have a WIP that crosses the genres: supernatural, magical realism, murder. Do you read cross genre novels? Who are your favorite authors who write genre mashup novels like you do? I’m always looking to read how other authors handle the mix.

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    1. Hi, Paula. It’s so nice to see you here. I made a reply to Deby above that might interest you about the seances.
      For me, the genre mash-up is just how my brain works. When I’m writing, so many “rooms” in my head are open at the same time, and ideas wander from room to room whether or not I want them to mix.
      As for other authors, I hesitate to put labels on anyone else’s work, but…
      Teri draws on multiple aspects for her “The Colony” series, maybe it’s not really a mash-up, but it is more than just dystopian. It satisfies that need in me for varied elements.
      Jacquie Biggar is great at combining suspense, mystery and romance (and I don’t even like regular romance books, but I enjoy hers).
      For “mainstream” big name authors, Charlaine Harris in two series (I might have the series names wrong) “Gunnie Rose” (dystopian) and “Midnight Texas” (urban fantasy)… those are not genre mashups, but they pull in enough of real-world thinking that they sort of feel like it.
      I guess I’ve just taken the long way around and come to the conclusion that I don’t know how to answer your question. LOL. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 3 people

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  23. alexcraigie

    Great answers, Teagan! It bothers me that I’ve never heard of Thinner, but it doesn’t bother me as much as any porcelain doll… I have Peril in Ectoplasm on my Kindle now! Great series, Teri! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. D.L. Finn, Author

      Thinner was scary because it was such a simple desire that went all wrong. I’m with you no creepy dolls in front of a mirror. Victoria Holt was a favorite in my younger years right next to Stephen King. Great interview and post 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

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    2. Hi, Alex. To be honest, I’m surprised that most people here have heard of Thinner. I thought it was one of King’s lesser known works. LOL, but then I guess everything he writes is famous. I love watching him being interviewed.
      Oh, you are so kind — thank you. I hope you love the novella. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 2 people

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  24. D.L. Finn, Author

    Thinner was scary because it was such a simple desire that went all wrong. I’m with you no creepy dolls in front of a mirror. Victoria Holt was a favorite in my younger years right next to Stephen King. Great interview and post 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  27. Pingback: #TeriPolen’s #BadMoonRising – Featuring #PaulaCappa – #MaeClair&StaciTroilo – #TeaganGeneviene – #HappyHalloween | The Write Stuff

  28. Pingback: Spook-tober Shorts — Surar Fiends, featuring Robbie Cheadle – Teagan's Books

  30. Nothing spooks me.
    I burst out laughing hysterically when Linda Blair’s head sun around vomiting, in “The Exorcist”.
    I adore “Cat’s Eye” by Stephen King, again… made me laugh.
    Cujo was scary, sort of. If a giant dog happened to attack me in real life, that would be scary. However, in a book, film or legend I make the separation in my mind.

    Fun post Teri and Teagan! Thank you!

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  32. Pingback: Spook-tober Snippet: A Peril in Ectoplasm, #Halloween – Teagan's Books

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