What Amazon says
The Three Things Serial Story: A little 1920’s story is a spontaneously written (“pantser”) story. Everything in it — characters, setting, plot, was driven by “things” left by readers of the blog Teagan’s Books, episode by episode. Each week readers left three more things. The story evolved according to what those random things inspired. The serial began with oscillating fan, which brought me the vision of the 1920s setting. The era and narrator continued in two more serials that followed. While it was not great literature, it sure was a fun ride! Many readers asked me to provide the serial as a book, and that’s what I’ve done with this novella. So sit back and enjoy the Three Things Serial.
My review
Teagan Geneviene is an amazing writer and has an incredible blog where she shares highly entertaining episodes of her latest “pantser” story. Here is a link to a recap of her latest story, Hullaba-lulu https://teagansbooks.com/2018/06/02/hullaba-review-and-review-hullaba-lulu-9-1/.
The Three Things Serial Story: A little 1920’s story has a little bit of everything in it – a touch of a romance or two, stolen goods, a kidnapping, a gang of ruthless men and a satisfactory ending. Teagan manages to achieve all of this in a well written and interesting way based on three word prompts provided by readers of her blog each week. I am frankly quite incredulous that a writer can weave three prompts into each episode and still come out with a story that makes perfect sense, entertains and flows. This approach has the added appeal of resulting in quite a unique story line.
The book is set in the 1920’s which I enjoyed as I don’t know that much about life in the US during that time period and it has been fun to find out more about it. The main character, Pip, is a flapper with a great sense of adventure. I didn’t know what a flapper was so I looked it up and it means a fashionable woman during the 1920’s who was intent on enjoying herself and flouting the behavior conventions of the time. Pip definitely fits this definition as an independent young woman with a mind of her own. I liked that Teagan describes Pip as a wholesome girl with a good appetite for food and fun. I thought the fact that Pip was ready to dive into the ice cream during the book was a good thing and it makes her a suitable role model or female readers in our modern world of obsessions with food and extreme thinness.
The story is fast paced and a jolly good read.
I rated this book five out of five stars.
Robbie — thank you so very much. Your words mean a lot to me. I’m particularly touched by what you said about Pip being a role model. (Pip is the girl next door, while Lulu is… well, Hullaba Lulu, LOL.)
The serials were a big learning experience for me as well. As you saw, I had no idea what the story’s setting would be. Previously I had no particular interest in the Roaring Twenties. But I’m a research geek, so did I ever research! Every “thing” had to be verified to make sure it existed in the 20s, even brown paper bags to carry the ice cream container. Who knew I’d end up (through pure chance) writing so many 1920s stories…
I’m delighted you enjoyed the first book of this series.
You’re the cat’s pajamas!
(PS: I’ll share this with my Jazz Age Wednesdays post.)
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I am really glad you are pleased with the review, Teagan. I am really amazed at how your write theses stories using three word prompts. As I was reading your book the thought that Pip was the ideal role model for young girls/ladies. We need more stories with strong and natural female characters like this.
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Robbie, I loved everything about your review and I’m pos-i-lutely honored. Your words about Pip being a role model meant more to me than anything anyone has ever said.
I try to only do two blog posts a week, but this is so important to me that I don’t want to just add it to my Jazz Age post — I want to give it all the attention I can — and make sure it doesn’t get confused with Lulu’s story. 🙂
You’re the cat’s pajamas for sure!
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I am so pleased you liked the review, Teagan. I loved your book; everyone should read it.
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I promise to share this link, its helpful, I read it and already finding it interesting.. Permission to share link?
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What fun! Since I am a pantster in my own writing, I always think that’s the best way to go. Kudos to you both.🎈❤️
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Hi Pam. Pantsering has good points and bad. However, often I’m too overwhelmed with the real world to plan and write the “right” way. When my random things are supplied from someone else, it triggers a commitment in me to write until my story has covered the things.
I enjoy your stories enormously, so here’s to pantsering! Hugs.
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I do understand how prompts can help with the writing process. I often find that a prompt inspires some fresh ideas.
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The students in my creative writing classes LOVE the exercise when I start a sentence for them (just half a sentence) and then tell them to write from there, adding three words (I give them the words; for instance: admire, illuminate, destroy). This gives them enough of a structure and start to then “pantser” their way to a story. I think it’s a great way to be a storyteller. xo
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Hi Pam, I am most admiring of you pantster writers. I am a planner myself and generally have the outline of my books written down before I begin. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Well, on the other side of things, I must admit to some jealousy of those who can outline. If it worked for me, I’d do it because it sure would help the pounding on the head and wondering WHAT NEXT??! 🙂
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Robbie, you’re right. Having followed a few of the author’s serials as she wrote them, I’m truly amazed at her talent and imagination. It’s fantastic to have access to them in a book form and be able to enjoy the details and the research that goes into each and every chapter. Great review, Robbie!
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Olga, I place such great value on your insights. Thank you for all your encouragement. Hugs.
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Thank you, Olga. I think you and I both really appreciate the uniqueness and inspiration in Teagan’s writing. I can also see evidence of a great deal of research in this book and Teagan’s other writing. I love a good learning experience in a book.
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This sounds like an interesting concept. I’ve done this sort of thing in my classes but never has it come out good enough for a book. Kudos, Teagan!
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Thank you Jacqui! I’m excited about Robbie’s review.
I find writing this way lends itself well to mysteries of one type or another. Hugs!
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I am with you, Jacqui, I think it is incredible how Teagan writes. Knowing how she writes these stories really added to my enjoyment of this book.
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Teagan is a great writer and your review is ace Robbie!
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You are so kind, Ritu. Thanks very much. I’m psyched about Robbie’s review. Hugs!
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🤗🤗🤗
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Thank you, Ritu, a most entertaining book.
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😊😊😊
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Robbie must say what a beautiful review have u given. Great post.
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Thank you, Kamal. I am really pleased you liked this review.
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Welcome Robbie
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Robbie, a lovely review of Teagan’s book. Following her blog, I too have been amazed how she can weave together a book from prompts – this sounds brilliant! I love your taken with Pip … I love the idea of the 1920s!
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Annika, your comment is music to my ears. I never expected to be writing Roaring Twenties stories, but I’ve come to love the era. It feels whimsical, which is right up my alley. Hugs!
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I love the 1920’s, Annika, such a good period for women with starting to enjoy a bit more freedom and gaining the vote. I love the clothing of that time period too. I do enjoy Pip, she is a great role model as I said.
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Robbie, I’m such a clothes hound… and the fashion of the era is delicious!
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I love Teagan! She’s a real sweetheart and her stories are highly entertaining. As you pointed out, she makes her main character less than perfect, someone capable of mistakes-in other words, human 🙂
Great review, Robbie ❤
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Jacquie, you are so kind. ❤ I really appreciate this feedback. It means a lot coming from someone of your skill and success. Heartfelt thanks. Hugs on the wing!
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Thank you, Jacquie. I think that is what makes Pip so appealing is that while she does make mistakes she conducts herself in a wholesome and natural way and helps to rectify them.
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Great review, Robbie! I really enjoyed reading Teagan’s THE THREE THINGS SERIAL story too and look forward to more… she really knows how to pull us in to the era and the book! 🙂 Sharing…
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Bette, your comment has made my day. Yesterday I was so excited about Robbie’s review, and I still am today. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it too. Heartfelt thanks for your support.
Yes, there is more. Pip’s adventures continue in “Murder at the Bijou – Three Ingredients 1” (which adds a culinary element), available now. Waiting in the wings is “A Ghost in the Kitchen – Three Ingredients 2″… as soon as I have time to “book-ize” it.
Great big hug!
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Awesome! ❤ xo
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Thank you for sharing, Bette. Teagan is a very unique and talented writer. I have learned a lot from her weekly episodes and they have inspired some of my fondant creations.
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And I am truly honored to have even a small part in your wonderful, whimsical fondant creations, Robbie. 🙂 ❤
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An entertaining review, Robbie. It fits quite well with the flavor of the book ❤️
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Thank you, Tina. I try to write a review in a style that brings out the best in book. I am so pleased you noticed.
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My heartfelt thanks for that, Robbie. (Wheew… ) 😀
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What a great review, Robbie! I know how it goes to research everything the book talks about. Great job doing it, Teagan R. Geneviene!
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Thank you kindly, Miriam. Happily I’m a research geek! 😀
Hugs!
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I like to do research also, I guess it’s from the habit doing my dissertation. 🙂
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Thank you, Miriam. The research is obvious as the book flows so well and certainly agrees with my understanding of the era.
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Any fiction or nonfiction that include the history makes it fascinating to me.
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Having a wholesome appetite for everything in life is so important. Thanks for sharing your review.
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That’s a beautiful outlook, Tandy. I enjoyed your lovely blog. Hugs.
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Thank you, Tandy. This book is an entertaining read.
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Terrific review Robbie and congratulations Teagan. I will share on Tuesday in the Meet the Reviewers.. hugs to you both.
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How exciting! Thank you Sally. I’m psyched about Robbie’s review. Huge hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Sally. I really appreciate your giving this review a boost.
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Pleasure Robbie..hugsxx
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Thank you for another great review, Robbie! Teagan’s way of storytelling is awesome, and Rob’s visualisation of some blog postings is amazing too. Michael
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Thank you kindly, Michael. I appreciate your support very much.
I agree about Rob Goldstein’s illustrations for my separate (diesel-punk) 1920s story. It’s inspiring to work with him.
Hugs!
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Have a nice week ahead, Teagan. You are far aways from the differences DJT has with our ununited union. 😉 Michael
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Thank you, Michael. I agree that Teagan tells very entertaining and fun stories.
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You too Robbie! 😉 Michael
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Applesauce! Michael I hate to think the impression of Americans he is creating — it was bad enough already! 🙂 Huge hugs.
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I think most people still think America is a great place to live – the land of opportunity, Teagan.
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this review of the book, The Three Things Serial Story: A little 1920’s story, by Teagan Riordain Geneviene, as featured in this post from Robbie’s Inspiration blog
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Thank you for sharing, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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I really want to read Teagan’s writing! I really enjoy her blog and keep planning to get to it. This sounds like a good place to start! Thanks for the review, Robbie! 👍🍻
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Thanks for your encouragement, Nicole. While I am not a fast reader, it’s a quick, whimsical read for most people. I recommend enjoying it with 1920s era beverage, like a gin Ricky. 😉
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Haha, Teagan, a great drink match.
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I already did the gin Ricky for my prohibition day post!! Ha ha!! I’m SURE I can come up with something though, I’m nothing if not determined! 😂😂🍻🍻
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Thank you, Nicole. Teagan’s blog is great, very entertaining and fun. I am glad you enjoyed this.
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Excellent review, Robbie.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, Robbie.
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Reblogged this on Teagan's Books and commented:
Applesauce! Look — my first story about Pip and her friends has a pos-i-lutely wonderful review from the inspirational and creative Robbie Cheadle! I thought I would add it to Jazz Age Wednesdays, but I couldn’t wait.
Robbie’s remark that Pip is “a suitable role model or female readers in our modern world of obsessions with food and extreme thinness.” Means a lot to me.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
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Thank you for sharing this review, Teagan. I am so pleased you found the review meaningful.
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What a fabulous review. I’m so enjoying Teagan’s current foray into the 1920s with LuLu, I need to go back and catch up with Pip!
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Thanks for your encouragement, Mae. Hugs!
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I am also enjoying Lulu, Mae. I really like the 1920’s theme.
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Wonderful review, Robbie – I’m also a Teagan fan!
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I’m still on Cloud Nine, Teri. Thanks so much for your support. Hugs.
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Teagan’s writing is amazing, Teri.
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Teagan is pretty amazing with her pantser style and
ability to incorporate random prompts. I’m equally impressed, Robbie. Great review!
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Diana, coming from someone of your skill, I’m… speechless. Great big hug!
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Hugs back at you. 🙂
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She does make writing seem so easy, Diana. I am also bowled over by the pantster style of writing.
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Not something I could ever do! I love how we’re all different in our approaches. Ceaseless fun and fascination. 🙂
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Wonderful review, Robbie. I’m a long time fan of Teagan’s Writing, and her creative mind. An Impressive Talent how she puts words together and comes out a winner every time (books, serials, etc). 📚 Christine
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Thank you, Christine. I agree with you, it is amazing how Teagan puts these stories together.
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Thank you for this wonderful review, I enjoy reading Tegan’s books and her stories on her blog. She is an amazing writer.
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Thank you, Gerlinde, I am glad you enjoyed this review.
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Robbie you gave Teagan a most excellent review.. Well worthy of Teagans wonderful talent.. Her stories just hold your attention and take you to another level.. She is so creative and has a wonderful descriptive way with her that you feel you are there..
Excellent review.. xx 🙂
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Thank you, Sue. I couldn’t agree with you more.
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❤
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Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein and commented:
A review of Teagan R. Geneviene’s ‘three things’ serial set in the 1920’s on Robbie Cheadle’s blog: Robbie’s inspiration
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It’s pos-i-lutely swell of you to share Rob. You’re the caterpillar’s kimono!
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Thank you for sharing, Rob
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A great review for an amusing and entertaining novella written by Teagan Riordain Geneviene.
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Thank you for sharing.
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Great review for a very creative “panster” writer! I follow Teagan’s blog and her writing and have such admiration for her ability to weave a tale from suggested “three things” each week! Kudos to Teagan!!!
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Yes, I must agree. Teagan is a most unusual and imaginative writer.
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