Hi there. Teagan here. I've been spending most of my time over this past week on Twitter. This is a very big deal for me. I'm an 80s throwback and so transitioning to this ultra tech world has been and continues to be a slow and painful process for me. But I'll get there.
I have enjoyed meeting all my followers and I feel like I've done something wrong whenever someone Unfollows me. I've been told I need to not take it personally. I'm trying. On a slightly different note, Ive been kicking around the idea of putting a few pages of the first book out here for folks to read. My editor has the most up-to-date version of the manuscript right now, but she should have it back to me by the end of this month. After making her suggested changes, I could post the first chapter out here for you guys. I'm going to be in Austin toward the end of June for the Agents & Editors Conference and I'm looking forward to meeting more industry professionals there who can offer suggestions as to how get the word out about the story, but I would love suggestions from you. Actually, I'd just be happy to hear from anyone who's interested in the subjects of where we come, how we got here, how and why the universe was created, and what is still in store for everyone. Please send me your thoughts and questions and I'll get back with you as soon as I can. Also, as I mentioned above, I'm now on Twitter and am working diligently to build my list of followers. Please sign up. I'm @TeaganBrody. Well, since I've been spending so much time on Twitter I haven't had time to spend with Tobin. I'm gonna attempt to get together with him this weekend so he can make a post. Don't hold me to that, though. He's usually busy on weekends lately because of his new female friend. I'm glad for him, so I'll forgive him. Hope your day and week are great and I'll be responding to your questions and comments as soon as you submit them - or as quickly thereafter as I can. Thanks, Teagan
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Hi there. Teagan here. I thought I'd share a little with you from my home. This was on the side of my house the other day. Isn't that crazy? It was only a rat snake, but hey! That thing was like three feet long! Scared the ba-jesus out of me! I also had a few bunnies doing what bunnies do best in the front yard, along with a mama turtle laying her eggs right next to my driveway. As I'm so new to this social media thing and haven't quite got the hang of it yet, I didn't think to take pics of those. I'm working on it, but it's gonna take some time. I also wanted to mention a couple of people I met at DFWcon this past month. Below is a pic of two incredible writers who were involved in hosting the conference. Arianne "Tex" Thompson (on the right) is an incredibly talented author and mentor. She is the author of Children of the Drought - an internationally-published epic fantasy Western series from Solaris.
That's all for now. I will have more pics later.
Hope you're all having a great weekend and that you're writing and dreaming up new stories to share with the rest of us. As for me, I'm writing (#amwriting), of course. I'll be heading off to the Agents & Editors Conference in Austin toward the end of June, but I have to get my current book back from the Editor's office beforehand. I'm anxiously awaiting word from her, which really translates into I'm going crazy here waiting for her feedback! In the meantime, I'll keep blogging here and I'll see you on Twitter! Thanks, Teagan Greetings, my fellow humans. Tobin here.
Please allow me to apologize for having been absent so long. I have been searching my soul, as humans say. I have come to the realization that my function here on Earth is not what I have been led to believe. Instead, I believe Teagan has a broader understanding of my true purpose here. Through reading her story, I have come to understand a philosophy completely different from the one by which I have lived up to this point. In a way, she has freed me. Oh, I shall continue on with my work. However, I will no longer submit to the will of those beings who constitute the other half of my genetic makeup. Instead, I shall fully immerse myself in the human culture from now on. I will no longer report to anyone regarding the scions I help create. There is ample evidence of others having mixed with your blood: the light-colored eyes, the attached earlobes, etc. Because of this, I no longer feel the need to surrender my lovely scions to my superiors. Of course, this newly found sense of rebellion did not come solely from the visions and story my friend has shared with me. I have found someone with whom I feel an incredible closeness. I wonder if this is what is called being in love? Regardless, I must confess that had it not been for Teagan, I might never have discovered this new paradigm in my life. Her story has opened my eyes to so many possibilities I had never before considered. I am certain it will do the same for others within the human population. Now that I will be travelling less, I hope I shall also have more opportunity to communicate through this blog. Teagan has assured me she will help whenever and however she can, so we shall see. She did want to mention something in the post here as well, so I shall finish with this thought: Until you come to know your purpose in life and then walk the path of that purpose, you cannot truly live. Thank you, Tobin Hi there! Teagan here. Whew! That was deep. I think the love bug has struck Tobin and that's why he's waxing all poetic. I must admit, I'm curious about this person who's snagged his attentions. Hopefully, I'll get to meet this mysterious stranger soon so I can get a feel for her myself. Anyway, as I mentioned in the post below, I've been dealing with a flooded kitchen all week and that's why I haven't been able to post again. I'm gonna post some pictures here in a little while of some of the folks I met at DFWcon, so please be on the lookout for that. Other than that, I wanted to send a big thank you to the folks on Twitter who have welcomed me by becoming followers. I'm still new at this whole tweeting thing, but I find I'm enjoying it. I think reading other people's tweets is more fun than anything. But now it's time for dinner and I'm gonna go! Until next time, I hope you all have a wonderful evening and a safe weekend. Happy Mother's Day! Thanks, Teagan Dear Public,
This is a work of FICTION! Just thought I'd reiterate that for those of you who continue asking if I believe what's written in my story. Also, I haven't posted again because, as usual, life happens and I've been dealing with a flood in the house. But Tobin is back now and I know he's eager to make another post. Will attempt to get that done tonight. Hope your week has been good and that a great weekend awaits. Teagan Just a quick note to alert everyone that the domain name for my web address has changed from www.thestarchildmanifesto.com to www.teaganbrody.com in order to simplify matters.
I have no thoughts from Tobin today because he has been gone to work on one of his projects since I returned from #DFWcon this past Sunday. I'll certainly post something from him as soon as he returns. In the meantime, I'll be posting some information later this evening regarding my weekend at the conference. It was great! Until then, I hope you have an adventurous day. Teagan I am grateful. It's such a simple expression. Yet when those three words are combined, they convey a lifetime of emotion. The experiences required to lead up to one having the strength to speak the words aloud are more often than not the very things that keep voices silent. But every now and then, a whispered "I am grateful" roars across the earth with deafening intensity.
Listen close, my fellow human beings, and even those who are only half human. Today you hear my voice roaring out across the plains, echoing through the canyons, descending onto the mountainside and rising with each swell on the oceans. #Iamgrateful I may not yet be whole. Hell, I may never be. But I have an incredibly supportive family and some really great friends. I've been granted more time to do what I was meant to do - to put the incredible story I've been shown into words for the whole world to read. I am so grateful I was chosen for this task, for it has already changed my life in more ways than anyone can imagine and it just keeps evolving. I have also been gifted with the opportunity to know the star child Tobin. Although his presence in my life has meant many changes for both our protection, it has been well worth it. I hope he will always be a part of my life and I almost feel sorry for the rest of the world that they cannot know this incredible being. What are you grateful for in life? Have you discovered that one thing that is now your driving force? I'd love to hear about it. And for those of you out there who don't yet know why you're here, why you exist... there is an answer. But you've got to want it. You've got to want it. You've also got to be willing to put in the work for it. Pound the pavement, do your research, ask for help. Whatever you have to do, do it! Last - and this is the most important step of all - you've got to be willing to accept it when you finally find it. Don't be afraid of your reason, your purpose. Don't be afraid of the success you have with it. Instead, celebrate the fact that you've become one of the select few who has figured it out. Take whatever special purpose you've been granted and hold tight, no mater what the ever-present naysayers throw at you. You have your gift and it will only leave if you make it leave. Listening to positive, supportive people will alleviate any possibility of you losing your opportunity. Jeepers! I sound like a spokesperson for the latest self-help program! That was not my intent. With Tobin's help, I'm now feeling much better and the story that has stuck by me for so long has now become a part of me. It drives me. I've almost died twice while writing it, but I love it more than ever. I cannot wait for the rest of the world to read it. Later this month, I'll be at the DFW Writers' Conference in Fort Worth. With any luck, and a killer pitch, I'll be reporting some spectacular news not too long afterward. I've been lucky enough to get to accompany the up-and-coming uber-talent, Ms. Saralyn Daynes, who is a literary queen of the mystery genre. We're both looking forward to meeting both authors and agents alike at this year's event and we'd love to meet you, too! Tickets are still available for the #DFWcon at dfwcon.org. I'd like to thank the DFW Writer's Bloc for all their hard work in organizing this opportunity for writers in and around the DFW area. You guys are beyond compare! For those of you thinking you'll come to meet Tobin, I'm sorry to report he has declined my invitation. He has an aversion to crowds, you see. I, myself, am not so comfortable with large crowds, so I can certainly forgive him - especially since he's... different, you know? But I do want people to know what I've seen and learned both from the things I've been shown and from what Tobin has told me. Therefore, into the crowds of eager writers and agents and editors I shall go. Finally, I'd like to throw a big "Thank You" out to all of those who read this blog. You have no idea how glad I am each day to see that someone has taken the time to visit my site. The thrill I get when I'm notified that someone new has chosen to follow me on Twitter is like a shot of energy and an instant boost to my mood. I am grateful. I am grateful for you, even though I may not know your name. Thank you, Teagan To the people of Brussels: Tobin and I are saddened to hear of the tragedy that struck your homeland today and you are in our hearts and thoughts.
You are not alone. With deepest sympathies, Teagan Brody Hello, there. What a glorious St. Patty's day! It's good to be back. I've been gone for a while, I realize. The illness has had me down for a bit. However, Tobin and I have been working together on a different kind of treatment to get me over this thing and I'm actually feeling better. I received enough donations through the GoFundMe account that I was able to go to the doctor for some tests. That was a bit frightening since the numbers the tests indicated had me knocking on death's door. But like I said, I'm feeling much better now.
Thank goodness for music and books! It's strange how such simple things can help a person get through rough times, but they certainly helped me. Thanks again, #Muse. I also would like to thank #ElvisCostello and the Attractions, #Squeeze, #XTC, as well as the late #DavidBowie. Whew! That's a mouthfull. Now, back to business. I was out and about the other day and met this wonderful group of people who asked for information about my book series, ULTRA. (By the way, I love questions about the books and would happily answer any from fans of the blog. Please feel free to leave one for me and I'll answer as quickly as I can!) Naturally, I gave them my web address and told them about my blog. They were very interested in learning more about Tobin - especially when they learned he plays a major role in the series. Tobin's character doesn't even come onto the scene until Book Three, but his role as a Star Child is significant in the story. There's a big difference between the Star Child Tobin and what most people think of as Star Children (those who have studied about such things). He didn't choose his parent. He didn't come here to make the world a better place. He was created for one specific purpose and that alone - integration. I'm not saying others are wrong in their assertions that Star Children choose to be born to specific parents who will aid them in the goal of creating a better (or possibly even worse) world in which to live. I've read speculations as to how these children are humanity's last hope as well as to them being the scourge of the gods. Neither of these is what I've seen through Tobin. Tobin's off-world family line could not care less about humanity, from what I've learned. They see us as a means to an end and that's all. In fact, I would wager they believe us to be filthy, ignorant children headed for calamity. But they need us and that's why Tobin and the others like him have been placed here. Truth be told, if what I've seen proves to be true, then we need them as well. Regardless, the series tells the story of how and why the Universe and everything within it came into being. In so doing, the reader is shown a glimpse of a history different to that which mankind has traditionally known. Specific incidents and places throughout what man currently knows as its history are referenced throughout the story to explain things as well as showing a different view of man's future. Of course, all of this occurs through an action-packed, scintillating and engaging storyline designed to entertain even the least dystopian, sci-fi/fantasy-geared individual. Now all I have to do is to get more literary agents interested enough to read it. Not such a simple thing to do when they receive thousands of manuscripts per month. Luckily, the full manuscript of the first book, EVOLVE, is currently being considered by a few major literary agencies in the Northeast and I'll be pitching it at writers' conferences this year. With any luck, this new story will soon find its way into a publishing house so the public can finally get the chance to read it in its entirety. Although I'm an unknown author and I have no literary world connections, I'm hopeful I can get it to the right agent. Ah, well. It's time for me to write again, so I should go. Again, please send me any questions you can think of regarding the ULTRA book series. I'm happy to answer. Until next time, I wish you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day! Teagan Brody Hello! Tobin here. Teagan finally got a chance to rest and we are able to come to you again.
She and I have been working diligently since our last post - or as much as she was able - to complete more of the story. I am thrilled to work with her on this project as it involves many of the issues I have dealt with for years. But the scenery and the feelings evoked during the chase scenes are very moving to me. I even know how things are going to turn out and it still grips me whenever we are going through the storyline. I did want to inform you all that the story has moved us to such locales as #Puma Punku in South America, Australia, #Alaska and #Siberia. Books two and four have a lot to do with Australia - Teagan loves #Australia, by the way. I have never been there, but she says it is a land for men. I am not certain what she means by that, but it makes me want to go there. Teagan is still awaiting word from the literary agent world while she continues dealing with her illness. She also goes to work every day, comes home, takes care of her child and does all the other things single mothers do, except have a life (that was thrown in by Teagan, of course). Her doctor has called again to urge her to have a treatment, but she is still unable to pay for it. I would appreciate hearing from anyone out there who might be reading this who has a suggestion as to how my friend can obtain the funds to pay for the medical treatments she needs. She is just about the only human I trust and she is certainly the only human who understands me and the reasoning behind my life choices. I would not choose to lose that, for I have lived a very long time alone on this world. I would ask for anyone to help simply because I believe the story she and I have created to be one that will change the world. There are many people out there who are searching for the answers our story holds and it is also for them that I ask the general public for help. My friend is dying. She does not have to die from this illness. The treatments are available, but they cost money. Money! I have heard it is the root of all evil. Then again, I have also heard people ask why everyone wants it so much if it is the root of all evil. This is a part of my human genetic make-up I do not comprehend - one of the many. I have not found much use for money during my time on the planet. But I live on the outskirts of society and do not have a need of it the way those living in society do. Most nights the ground is my bed and the night sky the roof over my head. I find myself succumbing to bouts of claustrophobia whenever I sleep inside a structure. Back to the story... Teagan and I were working on a particular scene last evening when I realized something. I truly do feel as if this is my home. Before, I always felt as if Earth was just the place I worked and that I would be leaving someday at the end of my time in this vessel that is my body. The idea that I could belong somewhere has always been inconceivable. After meeting Teagan and discovering I was not the only one on the planet to realize the things she and I both have realized, I believe there must be a reason behind all of this and that part of it involves me coming to know without doubt that I am home. This pleases me more than I can express, for it means I will not always be alone. Are there humans who feel so alone they do not believe they belong here? Teagan informs me there are, but what do they do about that feeling? Who is there to help them? Are they simply waiting for someone to find them and show them that they do belong? Should they read our story, they would no longer feel this way. I cannot conceive of anyone reading the story without coming out feeling proud of being human and hopeful of what lies ahead. Of course, the story must be published first. And it is now time for Teagan to get more rest. We shall attempt to update the site again soon. In the meantime, please remember to send all questions or comments you have regarding the story or me or Teagan to the site. I would love to hear from humans who wonder about their true origin and about the future. Actually, as Teagan is normally the only human I associate with on a somewhat normal basis, I would love to hear from anyone on Earth regarding anything. (Gee, thanks Tobin - LOL!) Not that I mean she is boring or not my favorite human to hear from, but I would like to widen my circle of acquaintances. So please feel free to drop us a line, as the saying goes. Until then, or until next time, I wish you all a wonderful evening. Tobin Hello again. Tobin here.
As you may have noticed, Teagan and I have found it difficult lately to update the blog. Her illness, coupled with work and life in general, has kept her busy. Unfortunately, I still have not mastered the written word and must therefore continue to rely upon my friend to relate my messages to you. Thus the delay. I find it interesting to watch how my friend handles this life-threatening illness. She works. She continues caring for her child. She continues work on her books (only one and a half to go before the whole seven-book series is complete - in the first draft form). She does everything she did when she was healthy. It merely takes her a little longer now. I have noticed she is sleeping much more since the resurgence of her illness. However, that is not why I convinced her to write my words here for you tonight. I wanted to remind everyone that the first book in the ULTRA series is currently in the hands of literary agents. Teagan and I are waiting with baited breath for the responses. (I am told this is a very common turn of phrase, but I must admit I do not understand it myself.) We have had some very constructive reviews of the book and my friend has worked diligently for the past few weeks, consulting writers in her circle and reading volumes to make suggested changes. How she can "flesh out" (her words) the short outlines she has made of each book is an amazing thing to watch. She has to have her "mood" music on, such as #Muse or any of the versions of The Red Right Hand featured on #PeakyBlinders, to write. Then she just sits down and writes. I enjoy watching her as she pens her thoughts onto her notebook. Yes - she literally writes her books. Only after she has scribbled and re-written time and time again does she finally pull out her laptop to add it to the overall story. I guess I was incorrect in saying she only writes with her music on. We have been on outings before when she has suddenly stopped to pull out her small travel notebook to write. She says she must write whenever the mood strikes. But I am glad she does it, for the story is coming along quite nicely. She is currently working on my role in the story and I enjoy hearing her thoughts as to how my character would react in certain situations. In case you wanted to know, I have a significant role in the story. How could I not? I am the only other person Teagan knows who is aware of the true history of the Universe and everything in it. Of course I play a significant role! I am very excited for the world full of humans to read the first installment of this epic reveal, as well. All we need is for some savvy literary agent out there to take a chance on this unique series that is sure to become much more than just another book series. But my friend reminds me this is how it works. So, we wait and Teagan keeps writing. I would like to take this brief moment to thank those who have donated to the #Gofundme account to help my friend afford medical treatment to control her illness. It is heartwarming to see such kindness in the human side of my genetic relatives. Although things like physical illness are not common among those of the other side of my genetic line, there would not be the compassion among them should something like this happen in their society. Please feel free to pass the link along to anyone you know who would like to help. To help #SaveTeagan, click the link here: gofundme.com/gnhes9wk. Every little bit helps and the sooner my friend is feeling better, the sooner the remaining one and a half books will be finished in their first draft form. Again, I thank those who have already chosen to give what they could to help my friend. She is my best friend and I would not wish to lose her. Until next time, I hope you and yours remain happy, healthy and safe. Tobin |
AuthorTeagan Brody is author of Sci-fi/Fantasy novels. Her writing helps guide the people of Earth toward a better future. Her most common expression is, "What would Thomas Shelby do?" Archives
April 2020
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