#ThursdayDoors #StorybookStyle #writingprompt
It’s no secret that I adore Storybook Style architecture. I’m even writing a series of mystery novels set on a two-block street of Storybook Style houses, the street being called Spadena Street. It’s crossed by Dixon Way, Dixon being a Storybook Style architect.
This is the Spadena House in Beverly Hills, after which the street was named:
Not all Storybook houses are that extreme, though. Most are just made to look like architecture of the old world — or like somebody’s idea of that architecture.
All of these pictures came from this book, Storybook Style: America’s Whimsical Homes of the Twenties, by Aarol Gellner & Douglas Keister. Yes, Keister. Don’t be so juvenile. I heard you snickering.
If you like, I’ll post more Storybook Style doors and door details. They’re amazing!
A WRITING PROMPT FROM ME TO YOU: A tower.
MA
Teagan Riordain Geneviene
March 20, 2025 at 5:12pmThis is an unexpected aspect of 1920s architecture. I love it.
Not just one mystery in that marvelous setting, but a series? I’m looking forward to it Marian.
LOL, I don’t know if it’s that I’m jaded, or that it’s because of potty-mouth that often takes over (probably both), but I when I read your remark, I looked back at the name Keister and thought “Oh, is that all.” Don’t send Agent Steffie after me with her industrial strength Mr. Clean. Big hugs.
Marian Allen
March 21, 2025 at 10:13amI know keister is mild as milk, but I’ve been scarred by two precious little girls who sat at the table and EVERY TIME one would say to the other, “Pass the BUTTer, BUTler,” and they’d giggle.
The first book in the Spadena Street mysteries is BAR SINISTER, about the former hippies who live in the miniature castle. It’s already out. The second is PICKLE IN A PEAR TREE, a Christmas mystery, and that’s ready for Beta reading. The next might be DOWN AND DIRTY DEATH, or it might be MURDER WITH WHITE SAUCE.
Teagan Riordain Geneviene
March 21, 2025 at 10:26amI love Bar Sinister. Glad to hear it’s a series now.
The BUTTer story is too funny.
Marian Allen
March 21, 2025 at 10:27amOh, Teagan, I’m so happy you like the book! Support from a fabulous writer like you means so much!
Dan Antion
March 20, 2025 at 4:14pmShe said ‘Keister’ hee hee hee. Sorry. My inner 7th-grader woke up. I love those doors and I look forward to our new project.