Tyler Colins's Blog, page 27

To Err is . . .

. . . human.  Sure, of course it is.  But to err as a writer is not a good thing.

As an editor, I make mistakes; I may miss the odd typo or don’t see for looking .  That’s human, but not professional.  Nor is it professional for a writer to make errors.  Yes, there may be an editor to catch things, and that’s fine . . . to a point.  I believe, from both the writing and editing perspectives, that it’s important—as I’ve often stated—to  demonstrate competence.

So, why don’t we review those things that writers, perhaps more specifically new ones, make.  Here is some food for thought . . .

Say, as that new writer, you’ve determined what you want to write, how you’re going to present it, and that you’ve perhaps even completed it.  Are you going to send it off—to an agent or publisher?  Perhaps.  But maybe you’d like to review it first (emphasis on the maybe, as in “yes”)?  First drafts should not be final drafts.

Have you checked out the genre your book embraces?  There are certain practices that should be followed; readers of given genres have certain expectations.  A great way to see what’s what: read, read, read (learn, learn, learn) as many books as you can in your given/preferred genre.

Does the story/book start with a strong opening—one that attracts the reader (wants him/her to continue reading)?  If not, consider how you might make it more tantalizing/gripping/intriguing.

On a similar note, does that opening provide too much background or history from the get-go?  If it does, again, consider how you might make it, yes, more tantalizing/gripping/intriguing.

Are you telling as opposed to showing?  Sounding like a colleague spewing facts and figures at a never-ending meeting?  Mix in dialogue and action with the details and descriptions.  Add friction and tension.  Speaking of telling, what about the voice, the narrative?  Does it flow naturally or sound forced/stilted?  Is it repetitive?  Don’t repeat details or have characters recounting events and the like over and over . . . and over and over . . . and over again.

And what about your plot (storyline)?  Is it strong?  Does it keep the reader interested?  Are there any holes (errors) in it?  Does the action flow (is there logical progression)?  Are loose ends tied up?

What about typos and grammatical inconsistencies and punctuation errors?  Getting feedback is a good thing.  Ask friends and folks to read/review your book.  If you can, hire an editor, but if you can’t, there are a lot of wonderful writers’ groups to be found on social media; ask if someone would be interested in helping a fellow writer.

If you’re submitting to an agent and publisher, learn what the submission requirements are . . . and make certain, when you submit, your query is professionally presented.

That’s it, that’s all.  For now.    Happy writing . . . and editing.

Sean Robins does not Disappoint with The White Republic

Another quick plug—this one for Sean Robins.  I had the pleasure of editing the sixth book in The Crimson Deathbringer series and The White Republic: An Epic Space Opera/Alien Adventure does not disappoint.  It’s as enjoyable a read as the previous (great title, too).

If you’ve been following, you know about the brilliant battles and enemy invasions and the fun cast of characters, including: Jim (the hero), Kurt (his friend, and the President), Xornaa (a stunning warrior), Tarq (the four-legged prankster), Maada (the enemy-turned-ally General). 

This time the question is: what happens if the technologically superior Akakies develop into the villainous Klingons in a parallel universe?

The ship itself was built before the widespread use of SAM had changed the Akakies into a warrior race, but they had recently added layers upon layers of offensive and defensive weaponry to her hull, turning her into a lethal killing machine that could destroy an entire planet with ease. With a few thousand escort space fighters, she could stand against the entire enemy force and prevail.

When the White Republic’s navy decimates the Federation’s forces in a surprise attack, Jim and his friends must unite once more to expel the invaders and liberate their worlds.  Unfortunately, they have only a few thousand ships left and, to make matters worse, they’re under a tight deadline—with time rapidly running out. 

How will they accomplish this incredible feat?  You’ll have to read The White Republic to find out.  You can find it and the other books in the series here:

https://www.amazon.ca/Sean-Robins/e/B07PS1116K%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

And to learn what makes Sean tick, check him out on Goodreads, BookBob, Twitter (@seanrobins300) and/or Facebook (facebook.com/seanrobins300).

Ring Ting Tingle, Sleigh Bells Jingle

A little early for the holidays?  Nawww.  We blink; they’re here.

I’m happy to share the news that James J. Cudney is releasing the eighth book in the Braxton Campus mystery series—Sleigh Bell Tower—December 20, 2021.  And there’s a blog tour from December 11th through the 20th.  Exciting news indeed.

I’ve enjoyed the series, featuring amateur sleuth Kellen Ayrwick, a thirty-something single father and professor at Braxton University.  Included in the cast of characters: a precocious daughter (Emma), feisty grandmother (Nana D), love interest (April), and intriguing (quirky) assortment of townsfolk.

When Bell Towers decides to build a new boutique hotel in Wharton County, Braxton establishes a hospitality program as part of the university expansion. Despite the Ingram and Lynch family ties to prominent citizens, a dispute over the proposed landsite pits citizens against one another. One takes matters into their own hands and slays the hotel magnate during a campus holiday party. As the list of suspects increases, long-lost family members are anxious to keep their secrets from being revealed, complicating Sheriff Montague’s ability to determine the murderer’s true motive. Even Kellan is forced to cast doubt on his friends and colleagues when it becomes obvious someone he knows committed the ultimate crime.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing
Ring ting tingle-ing too
Come on, it’s lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you   (Leroy Anderson)

Kellan and April celebrate their first Christmas and Hanukkah together, exchanging gifts based on the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song. While they trim the tree, light the menorah, and experience all the traditional holiday festivities with the kids, Nana D delivers her sarcastic brand of humor and endlessly tortures the town. Among Eleanor’s surprise news, Augie’s new girlfriend, and Myriam’s hilarious demands, Kellan’s dealing with unexpected holiday drama. The poor guy simply wants to spend the merry season with his family before he’s forced to trek to Scotland to fulfill his promise to the late Constance Garibaldi.

And what about our prolific author and fine friend, Jay?  As well as being the aforementioned author, he’s a blogger, reader and reviewer, genealogist and researcher, and thinker.  He’s also a pretty amazing person.

Please check him out at:

https://jamesjcudney.com/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=james+j+cudney&i=digital-text&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56803291-sleigh-bell-tower#_=_

A Little Fun

And a little plug.

I just joined The Writers Forum on Facebook . . .

“A SUPPORTIVE FORUM FOR WRITERS AT ALL LEVELS TO DISCUSS WRITING TOPICS, DEBATE BURNING ISSUES RELATED TO PUBLISHING, TO PUBLICISE YOUR NOVEL AND TO SEEK SUPPORT OF EVERY KIND IN HELPING YOU TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER.” 

In 13 weeks, since being created, it has acquired over 5,000 members.  Pretty awesome.  But no surprise. 

What a blast (to use an old, but valid, expression).  There’s useful information for writers regarding editing, reviews, and marketing, among other things.  You can promote your novel weekly, share your work and self, and support other members.  There are a lot of entertaining challenges, too.  My favorites are those where you provide the last sentence of a novel, based on the posted pic; what a hoot (to use another old, but valid expression, he-he).

I’m sure they’d love it if you checked them out.  If you decide to join, do review and respect the usual guidelines.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/852252819063291

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha . . . Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho

Hey, it’s Rey again.  HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in our Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, is available for only 99 cents.  What a great holiday gift, doncha think?  He-he.

My cousin JJ, BFF Linda, and me have to figure out who the serial killer is that’s leaving victims along streams and canals—with black roses, no less.  “Have to” because he’s decided he wants us to play his game, but his whacked-out rules.  Which he keeps changing, by the way.

GRP is short for GrimReaperPeeper, as he calls himself.  The media dubs him the Rose-Pin Killer and then, later, the Ha-Ha Killer.  He’s not fond of either.  Anyway, the dude’s pretty smart and kinda charming . . . and so not easy to catch!

If you’d like to learn how we do (or you’d like a little stocking stuffer), feel free to check us out at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

Aloha!

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha . . . Who Has the Last Laugh?

We do . . . I think.  LOL  Hi, it’s Linda.  HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in our Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, is available for only 99 cents.  A steal, my BFF Rey would say.

We get pulled into a bizarre “case”—a serial killer, GrimReaperPeeper, or GRP for short, has decided he wants us to play his game.  It’s a challenging one, because he keeps changing the rules.

Our charming and cunning new “buddy” leaves taunting messages, with no DNA or anything that might give away his identity.  As more tortured victims are found with black roses along waterways—and the island is in panic mode—our culprit becomes increasingly elusive.  He’s good at what he does, sadly, but we’re pretty decent private eyes.

As we attempt to discover who GRP—soon dubbed the Rose-Pin Killer and then the Ha-Ha Killer—we take on two cases.  One is determining if a young husband is cheating on his older, wealthy wife and the other is tracking a pretty woman’s stalker.  Eventually, it appears these two cases may have links to GRP.  What, though?

Maybe you’d like to see how we fare?  If so, please check us out at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha . . . Splittin’ my Sides, Laughing

With happiness ‘cause HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in our Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, is available for next to nada . . . only 99 cents!

Hey, it’s Rey.  Although it’s not an official paying case, we’re out to nab the serial killer who’s terrorizing the island … and wanting us to play his game, by his rules.  GrimReaperPeeper, or GRP as we call him, seems to have an obsession with us.  He won’t leave us alone—which is kinda good, given we have to find and stop him!

Unfortunately, GRP’s victims are found all too regularly.  Given he leaves handcrafted black roses with his tortured victims, he’s dubbed the Rose-Pin Killer. And when a plane flies overhead at one of the crime scenes—with a banner reading “HA-HA-HA-HA”—he’s soon referred to as the Ha-Ha Killer (much to his displeasure).

As we try to figure out who he is and why he leaves roses with victims found along streams and waterways, we take on a couple of cases.  Gorgeous Caprize Marquessa de Sade is sure she is being stalked.  And another woman, super rich Hardena Antigua, is certain her young husband is seeing someone on the side.

The give it our best to catch this mysterious man; he’s crafty and cunning, but we’re patient and persevering.  And we have some help—from our new friend and neighbor, Sach Martin Morin, a personal fitness trainer who’s keen on becoming a part-time assistant P.I.

Meanwhile, Adwin, JJ’s former beau (he was with us during The Connecticut Corpse Caper) and her “sometimes boyfriend”, Cash, show up.  And it seems both are interested in my cous.  Which leads to a bit of tension, to say the least.

Wanna find out how we do?  Please check us out at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha, Nothing like a Good Laugh

Or a super cheap promotion.  It’s JJ today, hey.  HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in our Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, is available for 99 cents.

This time, we’ve not been enlisted by a client . . . we’ve been recruited by a serial killer.  He’s as wily as he is charming.  GRP (GrimReaperPeeper) has decided he wants us to play the game—by his rules, ones that continually change.  It’s our most challenging and baffling case yet, with another curious (crazy) cast of characters.  But we’re up to task.  We have to be.  Someone has to stop this guy!

While we endeavor to catch GRP, we take on a couple of cases: finding out if young hubby is cheating on wealthy older wifey and who (and why) a woman is being stalked.  It soon seems that maybe, just maybe, these two cases are linked to GRP.  But how?

If you’d like to accompany us on our quest(s), please check us out at:

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha . . . We Kid You Not

Starting today, HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, is available for 99 cents (that’s worth a smile, if not a chuckle).

A rash of killings has private eyes JJ, her melodramatic sometimes-actress cousin Rey, and Rey’s best friend and blogger, Linda, on a serial killer’s buddy list.  When he’s not taunting them, he’s challenging them to “play the game”—by his rules.

The GrimReaperPeeper, as he teasingly introduced himself at the end of Forever Poi, proves to be as intelligent as he is devious and dangerous.  GRP, as they not so fondly call him, leaves them calling cards … on windows, with a boy on the beach, in a neighbor’s foyer.  And, unfortunately for the trio—but fortunately for him—DNA and fingerprints are never found.

It’s not an official case, but they’re determined to solve it, despite their crafty and cunning nemesis.  Who’ll have the last laugh?  The treacherous opponent?  Or the untiring trio?

Perhaps you’re curious to find out?  Please check out . . .

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

A Review re Writing a Review

Hey, it’s Rey.  Today, I got post patrol (as Lindy-Loo calls it).  Seeing as our Boss has written a few reviews in past, I thought I’d post about how to write a review.  Seemed like a worthwhile endeavor (another Lindy-Loo word contribution).

So, let’s start with the obvious.  Read the book from cover to cover, and not a CliffNotes version, he-he (something I might do).

Begin with an introduction.

Jot down / type two or three sentences that describe the book to get yourself started.  Let people know what the genre and basic storyline are.  Add something about the main characters.  If it’s part of a series, include that bit of info.  Then, build on these.

Summarize / expand next.

Offer an overview.  Share what you liked about the book—what hooked you?  The way it was written/narrated?  The plot?  The characters?  Was the genre or topic well presented and/or researched?  If it’s a historical story, were facts and setting properly relayed?

If you didn’t like something, feel free to share that, too.  Be honest.  Constructive criticism is a good thing.  The word, folks, is “constructive”.  Like Elvis sang it, “don’t be cruel”.

Highlight key aspects.

Pick components of the book that really stand out.  Share the main conflict.  Like, maybe the hero, a western-day sheriff, has to choose between love and riding into the sunset to accept a new job in a dusty far-away town?  Maybe the heroine has to decide whether to solve a murder or accept a million-dollar pay-off by not solving it?

Maybe there’s a chapter or scene that you’d like to refer to, one that really shone for you?  If you’re reminded of another book, you may want to mention this or do a comparison.

And you know you can provide quotes or excerpts, right?  Have at it if you feel it will support your opinion(s).

Evaluate / rate.

Most reviewers tend to provide ratings, usually based on a five-star system.  Feel free to give one.  If it’s a five-star book, stating, “I just loved this story so much, I’m giving it five stars” is not really going to cut it.  Detail why.

You may want to give background on the author, you may not.  It’s up to you and how long or comprehensive (another Lindy-Loo word—yeah, she’s sitting here, looking over my shoulder) you want the review to be.  I took a look-see and found that reviews, as an FYI do-with-it-what-you-want fact, are between 600 – 2000 words.

And, lastly, one thing you don’t want to do?  That’s right!  Spoil the ending for readers.  Let them be surprised.

There, friends and followers and potential reviewers, you have it—Reynalda Fonne-Werde’s hopefully-helpful Saturday post.