Today I am hosting my talented Friend and Author Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene who is launching a new book, a fantasy novella, a “dieselpunk” story, as she calls it.
I learned about the book Hullaba Lulu, when it was made into episodes on the author’s blog with the hint of three-world things the readers would leave on her blog comments, hoping those three things would get worked into a new story and they did.
Valentina, thanks again for letting me visit. Here’s the rest of the information for Hullaba Lulu. I am delighted to host you, Teagan.
The book has a 1920s aesthetic with retro-futuristic technology, a dash of magic, and some creepy settings, along with a crew of misfit characters. Lulu is a snarky, but good-hearted flapper. She and her friends get into all sorts of trouble (often due to Lulu’s clumsiness). They travel on a magical train to a lot of “sideways” places.
My one real-world thing is Erte. “Valentina, with your love of fashion and Art Deco, I’m not surprised that you chose Erté” says the author.
Erté was the byname of Romain de Tirtoff. It was derived from the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T. He was born November 23, 1892, in St. Petersburg, Russia—died April 21, 1990, in Paris, France. Erté was a fashion illustrator of the 1920s and creator of visual spectacles for music-hall revues in France. He designed dresses and accessories for women, costumes, and sets for opera, ballet, and dramatic productions, and posters and prints.
I met Erte’
It was the early ’80s, I was in Paris on vacation. I have some friends there I wanted to visit. One evening they arranged a dinner for me with some of their own friends. The evening was pleasant, we exchanged a lot of laughers and I got to know new people and into the arts. After dinner, the new person I met, had promised another friend to come by his place for a drink. That person invited me along.
I felt safe, during dinner, we talked about the arts, fashion, and design. I felt no threat, when people are into the arts, are into violence, I thought to myself and I went, I did not know I was going to Erte’s house.
Erte’ himself opened the door, he introduced himself as Romain, but he looked familiar, he looked like Erte’ split image. I didn’t want to say
“You look like Erte”, therefore I stayed silent. He was not too tall, slim, fully groomed, and attired well in a velvet smoking jacket, or a chamber jacket as it was called. From what I could see, his house was opulent and not so extravagant, considering who he was and the fame that preceded him.
I remember one thing, a large aquarium filled with exotic fish dominated one wall. The room must have been a library room, filled with bookshelves, on one side, the desk and an armchair behind it on the other side.
I also remember a large bar, with lots of mirrors, liqueurs, and beautiful glasses. We had a great conversation, I saw his drawings and the illustrations of stage design. During the conversation, he told me his nome de plume was Erte’… Lucky me, I got to meet a legend.
My Review on Hullaba Lulu
What a fun story! I have never read a Dieselpunk Adventure Story. This will give me the chance to read more of what the author will write in the future. The novel is set in the roaring 1920s, the flappers, the drinking prohibition imposed in the USA, and train travel. Reading this novel, it’s like slicing through time and I love going back in times I have not lived. It’s brilliant how the Author Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene has included futuristic technology, with magic, tarot cards, automobiles and famous people and how well she worked them all in one plot. I love how strong her characters are, Lulu and her friends Pearl and Rose speak their mind and they are not afraid of any situations they face. The novel is short and full of action, it’s funny and entertaining. I truly recommend this novel. Well done Teagan, your imagination is spatial. 😀👋
Snippet
Here’s a snippet related to Erté. In this scene, everyone is headed to the Cotton Club… or a strange version of it, anyway. Lulu is sad and one of the automatons stayed behind with her.
How could Ginger have heard that I was sad? That as creepy as the jukebox or the Orthophonic Victrola playing the song I mentioned.
I remember how excited Wicky, Wacky, and Woo had been because they had arranged for Dynamite to sing to Ginger onstage at the Cotton Club. I couldn’t ruin that surprise for any of them.
So, I pretended enthusiasm that I didn’t feel. I admit that I actually did perk up when I saw the gorgeous gown Ginger brought. It was royal purple silk and looked like an Erté original. The rose-gold bot also brought a black boa to accessorize the gown.
“There’s a bit of a walk to the club,” Ginger began. “Will your kitten heels be suitable? Ah! But there is another way. We could take the Rolls-Royce!”
I remembered Valentino had that automobile parked on the street above my grandfather’s speakeasy. You had to admit, the guy knew how to put on the Ritz!
***
Here’s the Blurb
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
Amazon Universal Links
Kindle: relinks.me/B08JKP1RS4
Paperback: relinks.me/B08JDYXPZM
Alternative Seller
Kobo eBook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hullaba-lulu
Book Trailer Video
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 ( relinks.me/TeaganRiordainGeneviene )
Blog: www.teagansbooks.com
Social Media Links
You can also visit Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene 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/
Congratulations to Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, whishing you great success.
Valentina
Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Goodreads
Amazon Author’s Page
Valentina Cirasola is an interior-fashion designer, author of 5 published books, a storyteller, and a blogger of many years. Her books are non-fictional practical ideas to apply in the home, fashion, cooking, and travel. She never gives up trying new things and doesn’t fear failure. Some years ago, Valentina became a TV producer/host producing shows under her label: Valentina Design Universe. The goal of her shows is to entertain, inspire, and inform, while she is living her passion.
Valentina Expressions 
Nov 02, 2020 @ 17:28:28
Hi VAlentina, I am late to this party, but better late than never. I enjoyed this post and your lovely review. I’ve also read and enjoyed this book of Teagan’s and a few of her other books too.
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Nov 03, 2020 @ 02:59:31
Thank you for the visit, Robbie. This book by
Teagan was entertaining.
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Oct 16, 2020 @ 19:25:24
Teagan’s creativity amazes me – and that’s a fantastic review of her book! Have it waiting for me on my Kindle.
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Oct 16, 2020 @ 23:23:24
You will enjoy it Teri. Thanks for the visit and the comment.
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 23:27:02
I love Teagan’s creativity, it’s nice to see her on your blog, Valentina. How cool that you met a fashion icon!
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 23:36:48
Meeting Erte’ in his private home was an unexpected and exceptional treat. I love Teagan’s creativity, I think she should propose this book to Hollywood. Thanks for the visit.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 21:55:30
So cool that you reviewed Teagan’s book, and that you met Erté!
He has been one of several inspirations to me, as a designer. You are a very fortunate Valentina.
Teagan is a wonderful writer, and deserves all of the many reviews she has received.
Thank you for this very cool review!
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 00:16:33
Resa, living in Europe and being a designer myself, is almost easy to meet celebrities in the liberal art fields. Erte’ was an interesting person. It was my pleasure to host Teagan and her new book. Thanks for the visit.
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 20:47:36
Most enjoyable!
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 21:30:50
Absolutely. Take care Resa.
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 13:26:40
Hi Resa. I’m happy that I could facilitate you and Valentina meeting. I expect you two could have some marvelous discussions.
I appreciate all your wonderful support. Yes, I’m thrilled with Valentina’s review. I have so few reviews… It makes every 5-star review hugely important.
Be well, be happy. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 21:29:39
I love to be in your circle and meet new people Teagan, I have read some of Resa’s blogs. Today, I will post my review for Hullaba Lulu in various places.
Both of you, create a great day.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:45:34
A fantastic post for this book launch, Valentina! And look – your name is so close to the character, Valentino! Thank you for sharing Teagan’s new book! Best wishes, Teagan!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 20:19:13
Thanks Jan. My name is the femminine of Valentino and we are both from the same country. Thanks for the visit. Best wishes to Teagan.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 20:20:00
Thanks for visiting with your support, Jan. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 15:16:53
Congratulations Teagan. Thanks to Valentina for hosting you today.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:14:14
It is my pleasure John. Teagan’s imagination is great. Thanks for the visit.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 17:14:44
Hi John. I appreciate your encouraging visit. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 14:41:20
That was fun, Valentina. It was great to learn the background about one of the 3-things and it’s personal connection. And a wonderful review. Congrats to Teagan! I’m looking forward to the read. 🙂
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:12:18
Thanks for the visit. It was fun to see how she weaved 3 things from her reader into the stories. Congrats to Teagan.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 17:15:35
Thanks so much, Diana. I’m thrilled. You’re the bee’s knees!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 13:01:24
What a great review for Teagan’s book. I’m looking forward to reading this and wish her all the best with the launch!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:09:34
Thank you for the visit Mae, I find this book by Teagan very entertaining. I look forward for more.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 17:16:58
Thank you kindly, Mae. I know you were there for at least part of the serial, but it’s different to be able to just sit down with the story. I hope you enjoy it. You’re the kitten’s ankles!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 20:14:59
That’s true Teagan, I read it from time to time in episodes, the story flows better.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 11:27:19
Thank you for hosting such a wonderful author and friend as Teagan!!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:08:13
It is my pleasure, as always. Thanks for the visit.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 17:17:38
Dear GP, thank you for all your encouragement. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Oct 13, 2020 @ 10:38:47
Who wouldn’t want to give you encouragement – your record speaks for itself!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 10:56:11
It’s so nice to meet you, Valentina. I enjoyed the story of how you met Erté. I love learning about different time periods. One of the things I like about Tesgan’s books and stories is the way she weaves reality in with fiction.
Thanks for hosting her at your blog.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:07:33
Absolutely, I agree, Teagan is a master in taking us back in time with her stories.
Meeting Erte’ was an exceptional experience, what a nice person.
Nice to meet you as well, Dan and thanks for the visit.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 17:19:11
Hi Dan. I’m happy I could facilitate your meeting Valentina. She’s a delight, and I’m honored by her review. I appreciate all your encouragement. You’re the bee’s knees!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 08:09:16
Great review, Valentina, and excellent choice as well. I’m sure you’ll love the rest of Teagan’s stories. They all sparkle with imagination and delight. ♥
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:04:36
Thank you, Olga, I look forward to read more of her creations. Thanks for the visit.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 17:20:49
Hi Olga. Thanks for visiting here. I’m thrilled with Valentina’s review. Thanks for hosting me at your place too. You’re the cat’s meow!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 00:45:00
Holy Hannah, Valentina! I knew you would have something interesting to add about Erte, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect this personal story. How marvelous!
I’m zozzled with delight about your review. Thank you so much for hosting me. It’s always a delight to chat with you.
You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 00:56:44
Teagan, it is my pleasure, this is fun. Doing book launches I get to know authors, their quirks and sometimes the behind the scenes of their books. Much success to you.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 01:11:17
I am grateful. I will share from my blog at midnight Eastern.
Congrats again on your cover reveal. To me, that is one of the most fun parts of the journey. You’re the oyster’s earrings.
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Oct 12, 2020 @ 01:20:45
I agree with you, making a cover design is fun. Thank you for sharing my post on your blog.
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