#Bookreview – The Three Things Serial Story: A little 1920’s story

The Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story

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.

Purchase The Three Things Serial Story: A little 1920s story

Published by robbiesinspiration

Robbie and Michael Cheadle are co-authors of the Sir Chocolate series of books. We both like to write and bake.

99 thoughts on “#Bookreview – The Three Things Serial Story: A little 1920’s story”

  1. 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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    1. 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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      1. 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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    1. 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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      2. 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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      1. 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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  4. 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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    2. 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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  8. 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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    2. 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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  9. 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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    1. 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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  19. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  27. Pingback: Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Meet the #Book #Reviewers – Chuck Jackson for Paul Kalanithi, Olga Nunez Miret for Guillermo Stitch and Robbie Cheadle for Teagan Riordain Geneviene. | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

  29. 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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  30. Pingback: #ShareAReviewDay – The Three Things Serial Story by Teagan Geneviene | The Write Stuff

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