Tyler Colins's Blog, page 28

High-Five to # 5

Jina S Bazaar’s fifth book, From Fame to Ruin, is set to release on December 21st – a standalone romantic thriller/suspense novel.

As the [lucky] editor, I got first dibs re reading it (okay, other than the beta readers and whatnot).  I was glued to the story.  It’s so good, I have to give it five thumbs up.

Known for fantasy (like the Roxanne Fosch series), Jina said it was “incredibly easy to switch genres and writing style”.  Kudos.  That’s not an easy feat.

I don’t want to give a lot away; Jina can do that with her marketing and promotion strategies, when the time comes.  But it’s set in Brazil (a luscious location) and revolves around the music world and the various people that reside within that oft turbulent environment.  Love at first sight does exist.  So does love lost.  The characters are dynamic, as is the compelling storyline; like a mystery, it’s filled with sensational twists and turns, and a wonderful “whodunit” component.

An entertaining and thrilling read, to be sure!

(Write another, Jina . . . please!)

https://www.goodreads.com/…/58827418-from-fame-to-ruin

https://www.amazon.com/-ebook/dp/B09HSGMFYC

https://authorsinspirations.wordpress.com/

Putting the Mystery . . . in a Mystery

Now and again, I receive the privilege of editing the odd mystery, my favorite genre (just ask the private eyes from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency).  Having touched upon the various types several months back, I thought I’d post about what makes a good mystery . . . a good mystery.

Like other genres, it contains a few necessary [vital] components:

  characters/protagonist(s)    setting/locale    plot/storyline    conflict(s)/friction/tension/problem(s)    solution/ending.

In terms of mysteries …you want a main character (detective, amateur sleuth, cop, grandmother, biker, you pick it) who is strong and/or likeable and is up to the task of solving the crime.  It should be a person that readers can identify or sympathize with.  Someone who is wishy-washy, weak, whiney, probably won’t cut it.  But never say never.

Given there will be a villain—the perpetrator(s) of the crime(s)—make sure you detail him/her thoroughly.  You likely won’t want to let readers know who the perp is until the end, so watch how much you reveal.  Readers can encounter the villain early in the story . . . amid a number of other potential suspects.  You’re providing a puzzle for readers to piece together, so make it both complex and entertaining.

If, however, you do wish to reveal the perp early on, you may want to let us know what makes him/her tick: why did/does he/she do what he/she did?    An FYI: I won’t continue reading a book if I know who the culprit is by page 50, but others may.  Personally, I want the challenge of determining who did it!

Exotic settings, like a velvety white-sand beach in the south of France, are always lovely and appealing, but a small town in Midwest USA can hold equal appeal.  Small towns are often picturesque and . . . rather soothing . . . until a murder occurs, of course.  You can even set your mystery in a fictional city or village.  Or, if you’re aiming for a mystery taking place in the future, make it another planet or galaxy.  Just ensure you provide enough details to make the setting/locale come alive (let readers envision it, smell it, hear it, feel it).

Consider where the crime took place and where [other/potential] suspicious actions occur.  Big cities have long, dim and dank alleys.  But a nightclub, with strobe lighting, can make for an equally daunting place, depending on how you “paint” it.  Weave from one place to the next; variety is the spice of life.  Small towns and rural settings have dark, deserted barns, winding dirt roads lined by tall leafy trees.  But they may also have a diner run by a neurotic cook and weird waitress.  The sky is the limit.  Paint, paint, weave, weave.

Your plot can be complicated—twists and turns work well in a mystery—but do ensure events and actions make sense and that any loose ends are tied up at the end.  And who says a mystery has to revolve around a murder or two?  They do make for more “fun”, but your story can just as easily incorporate a robbery or kidnapping that the main character has to figure out.  Whodunit!?

A lot of mystery lovers enjoy being yanked right into the crime/action.  I’m one of those.  But, you know, I’ve found mysteries that open with casual discussions in comfy salons with a blazing fire can work quite well, too.  It’s a matter of how you present the discussion (dialogue) and characters.  Tweak our interest.  Being yanked in is fun, but a nudge or prod can work well, too.

On the way to the solution/ending, add a red herring or two.  Mystery readers love to determine who the culprit is, so provide some misleading clues; don’t make it too easy.  And, when you’re ready to provide that solution, make certain that it makes sense.

You know, your main character may miss a clue, and that’s perfectly okay; why not allow readers to hone in on it while your protagonist does some head-scratching?  Know the ins and outs of the crime.  Before you write the mystery, determine the who, what, where, when, why and how.  And, lastly, the evidence: does it make sense?  Descriptions/details should be relatively comprehensive and plausible.

Some food for thought (a favorite expression of mine of late, maybe because food is a favorite of mine of late). 

Happy trails . . . of breadcrumbs . . . and clues.

21 More Reasons . . . Why Not?

The gals—JJ, Rey, and Linda—from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency did a fabulous job posting about “21 Reasons”.  They inspired me to revisit the theme one last time.

Life has proven beyond trying the last few years, the stress and depression so overwhelming at times, I considered the “s” word once or thrice.  But as I reflect on [ultimately] having a life of my own, I’ve decided to once again grasp hope (which tends to flow through my fingers like foamy soap).

Here are 21 reasons why I should continue to hold hope—because I would [still] like to:

take control of my lifeassist others with their writingedit (help make good stories better)give a cat and/or dog a forever hometake real vacation daysreturn to Hawaii at least onceread books I’ve not been able to the last decade or twowatch programs/movies I’ve not been able to the last decade or twowalk for miles a day, whenever and whereverdrive with no purpose or destination in mindeat ethnic/international foods again (nummmm!)volunteer againhave friends againlearn to forgive and forget (again)embrace life [at long last]fix—“pretty up”—my blog (!!!!!)get a websitesee the world (I’d settle for Australia, Japan, and/or Spain)learn the ins and outs of social media and apply, as necessarytake part-time/on-line courses, andlearn to fly a helicopter.

I suppose you could also call it a bucket list.  Either way, these seem like 21 pretty darn good reasons for sticking around.  Here’s hoping reality complies.

21 Reasons for . . . Being Me?

Hey, it’s Rey!  Man, did I have a hard time figuring out what my reasons would be related to—and if they’d be good/positive ones or be excuses for something.  Like, should I post about me being happy to be me?  My life as an actress?  Being asked to do something I don’t want to?

You should see my notes.  If you could read—what Lindy-Loo sneeringly calls “akin to chicken scratches”—you’d find five pages of points.  A “mish-mash” Cousin Jilly calls them.  And a pffllllllllllt to you both, ladies.

So-o, I opted for 21 reasons why I like being a P.I. and having founded the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.  Okay, okay—having co-founded the agency.

I like the excitement and thrills that come with solving a case.Putting together the pieces of a puzzle—that case—gets the ol’ gray matter movin’.We’re good at what we do, so we can take pride in that, and that makes for a bleepin’ solid reason for being a P.I.And speaking of pride, I’m proud of the reputation we’re building as a bona fide, budding agency.It’s great to help people.It’s even grander to assist in easing a person’s burdens (yeah, Linda helped me reword the original one: “it’s cool to end people’s problems”).I like the “power”.I like the variety; no case is ever the same.It’s a blast trying to outmaneuver a bad guy/gal.The networking part is fun; building relationships is super cool.It’s fantastic to make new friends.Meeting people in different professions is awesome.Learning new things related to those different professions is also awesome.Growing as a P.I. and person is worth a few pats on the back.B&Eing is something I’m good at and I enjoy (it’s fun, even if my cousin and BFF would disagree, big time).My mom can’t criticize me—too much—for not having a “real” job.It’s cool (and self-satisfying) to tell people—especially those family folks who always looked down their nose at me for being a B-actress—that I’m a successful private investigator.Even if salary is based on the completion of a case, I (we) earn pretty decent money . . . which helps with those sales I do so love (can’t resist those bags, shoes, and earrings).I love the flexibility; it’s not working 9-to-5 in an office environment (I’d so not do well at that).While we do “report” to our client, there’s no boss.I like the unpredictability; it’s exciting and keeps me on my toes.

Yeah, life as a P.I. is really good.

Here’s to a great weekend.  Enjoy!

21 Reasons . . . for Anything

You’ve got JJ today.  The theme continues with 21 reasons . . . but, given I don’t mind posting (long as I have some sort of idea what to write about) . . . I opted for 21 reasons for doing anything someone might request of us—long as it’s decent, legal, and something within our capacity/capability of doing (and, if it’s not, we find or suggest an option).

It’s something that:

is kind to dowe do from the heartmakes us happymakes us a better personwe don’t intentionally seek gratitude forresults in the requesting person smilelessens the requesting person’s load (and that’s a great thing)is supportive / helpful / enlighteningprovides purposeoffers a sense of satisfactionisn’t a big deal, so we do it with a smilemakes us feel good / accomplishedwe learn fromcould inspire othersenhances our self-confidence or self-respectmay help us meet new people / make new friendsprompts us to do/give your bestmay alleviate our own sense of apprehension / stress / sadness by focusing on the task (in other words, it distracts)sets a good example / inspires others (to be equally giving)may result in us getting assistance when we require itgood = good (there’s that cosmos / kismet belief that if you do good, you receive good).

So, there you have it—my contribution to 21 reasons.  Nothing mind-blowing or earth-shattering.  Just some food for thought.

I’m curious as to what Cousin Reynalda will come up with for Saturday’s post.  Linda and I saw her frantically jotting notes this morning as she gulped back a mega-sized mug of coffee (her fourth).  Linda’s thinking “scary”, I’m thinking “melodramatic” (he-he).

21 More Reasons for Not Posting? But I Like to Post!

It’s Linda today.  The Boss recently provided 21 reasons [excuses, grumbles] about not posting, not having the motivation or focus.  So, the Triple Threat Investigation Agency ensemble—Rey, JJ, and I—decided we’d take turns with the same theme.

The thing is, I don’t mind posting, but then I do blog regularly.  Usually, I can think of some matter to write about.  Today, the theme’s slightly different; here are things 21 things I like doing personally and professionally (in no specific order).  This, of course, garnered me a roll of the eyes, a “like really, Lindy-Loo?”, and one of those water-buffalo snorts from Rey.  She’s okay with it now, though, since I reminded her she’d be submitting a list next week and we’d see how well she’ll do.

blogging (doing wine and food reviews in particular)surfing (a fairly recent new love)walking and playing with Piggalettovolunteering at the homeless shelterjogging / running / trekkingbeing a P.I. (except when having a gun jammed in my face)friends and, in particular, my BFF Reyniggling my BFF Rey (he-he)lounging in the yard by our not-yet-up-and-running pool and reading a good bookboating / sailingtrying new dishes (getting to really enjoy cooking)learning new thingsoutings and luaushaving me time / being alonemeditating / reflectingdiscovering new local music / artistssinging in the showerenjoying that first steaming, fragrant cup of coffee in the morning (so-o goo-ood)embracing good healthhaving a nothing-to-complain about lifetaking on challenges.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Postponing Posts . . . or . . . 21 Excuses for Not Posting

This year, I’ve posted a few times about how to find motivation or stay on schedule re blogging and writing.  There are numerous ways of doing this, and we only need Google to find them.  Whether they work, well, that’s entirely on us. 

I’ve probably shared once too often (ad nauseum, yawn) how my 10-12-hour-a-day job and mom-care responsibilities are limiting, not only re time but “focus”.  Finding something to write about can prove a struggle.  Majorly.

So, as I once again tossed and turned last night and ideas flowed through my scrambled, er, scrambling gray matter, I thought about providing [my] reasons for not [wanting to] post.  And, goll-lly (as Gomer Pyle might have once said with that goofy but endearing smile), I thought of something.  Why not list those reasons? 

Why not indeed?

I [bloody well] don’t feel like it. 

I can’t think of anything!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need a brain-cation.

Does anyone need more editing advice?

Does anyone need more motivational suggestions?

I’m having a pity party or three, and blowing out the candles is exhausting.

I’d rather nap.

A long walk, followed by a cup of tea or glass of wine, would be rather pleasant.

The cupboards are in desperate need of cleaning.

Darn, those ten pairs of socks could use some serious darning.

The cardinals living adjacent to the building need feeding.

No one will notice if a post isn’t delivered on the promised day[s].

Coffee’s calling . . . repeatedly.

Maybe Mom wants to go get another manicure.

Those French fries stuck to the bottom of the oven should [finally] be removed.

Baseboard-cleaning might not be a bad idea.

Watching a couple of [free] motivational vids sounds like a worthwhile endeavor.

I hear the vacuum-cleaner calling.

I haven’t read The Odyssey yet; maybe it’s time to blow off the dust and open it.

I haven’t had a long hot, bubbly bath in years; maybe it’s time to indulge.

This seems like a good time to take up jogging.

For the next post, perhaps I’ll think of 21 more.  Or maybe I’ll have one of the Triple Threat Investigation Ageny P.I.s list hers. 

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Axed by ACX

Next Chapter (https://www.nextchapter.pub) informed its authors that ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) has closed NC’s account—with no warning. 

Moments later, ACX advised the publisher that there’d been a copyright infringement of one of their titles, yet provided no proof of said infringement.  Moreover, outstanding royalties won’t be paid; as Next Chapter authors, we’re now cut off from our books while ACX continues to make money from us.

ACX, for those not in the know, is a publishing platform, that allows professionals to connect and create audiobooks; there are thousands of titles in a sundry of genres (https://www.audible.com/ep/ACX).

NC will be investigating legal options.  Hopefully, all will work out in everyone’s favor.

Five, Four, Three, Two, One

A quick countdown to the last day . . .

Coco’s Nuts, the third mystery in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, is available for 99 cents today, the last day of the promo.

It’s Linda today (or Lindy-Loo, as Rey likes to call me too often).

As still newbie P.I.s, we become entrenched in our second paying assignment: proving socialite-turned-trucker Buddy Feuer did not shoot her boss, infamous entrepreneur Jimmy Picolo.  If that’s not bad enough, a few days later her best friend, Eb, is found dead in a nearby alley.  Oh, it gets worse: not long after that, Razor, Picolo’s assistant, receives five fatal bullets in his bulky frame.  Unfortunately, all the evidence points at our pretty client. 

In the search for answers, JJ, Rey and I deal with a sundry of suspects.  Many persons hated Picolo enough to kill him—no news there—but determining who pulled the trigger proves quite challenging.  And, apparently, the killer hates Buddy as well, because she’s been set up to take the fall.

Our detecting leads us down a few detours, like the world of high-stakes gambling and the not-so-friendly limb-breakers that reside within it.  Picolo’s daughter, Annia, owes thousands of dollars to debt collectors in Vegas and on Oahu.  Was this motivation to kill her father, so that she could collect from the will?  Or did Picolo’s son, Jimmy Junior, want to take charge of his father’s multiple and highly successful businesses?

What about nutty Coco Peterson?  A driver for Picolo, the weird little  pest (as some might call him) has been MIA since his boss’ murder.  Alas, while searching Picolo’s million-dollar Haleiwa retreat, the we discover “bits” of Coco—his tattoo and jewelry.  It appears pesty Coco is another casualty, but locating the rest of him is as difficult as proving Buddy innocent.

If you’d like to find out how we do, please check us out at:

On Day Five, What’s Wrong with One More High Five . . .

. . . to mark the last day of the Forever Poi promo.  It’s JJ today, hey-ho.

Forever Poi is the fourth mystery and third official paying case in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series.  It has us—my cousin Rey, her best friend Linda, and myself—out to solve a double-arson and murder.  The big question: who torched two Chinatown art galleries and left two charred bodies in the rubble?

Are the arsonist and killer the same individual?  We’re pretty sure he/she is and as we attempt to find out who he/she is, we encounter a plethora of possible culprits.  The day before the fire, Carlos Kawena, one of the arson victims, had a rather nasty break-up with his lover-partner, James-Henri Ossature.  There were financial issues, too, which has us wondering: could James-Henri have done the dastardly deed to collect insurance and be rid of his lover?  What about the second victim, Mary-Louise Crabtree, a former queenpin?  Given her sketchy past, might a former foe have murdered her?  If so, was Carlos merely collateral damage?

We’re hired by insurance adjuster Xavier Shillingford to assist in the investigation and it soon becomes apparent that a professional arsonist did not set the fires.  As we immerse themselves in this perplexing and complex case, we find a few more bodies lying at our feet . . . and twists and turns that have our heads reeling.  But who doesn’t welcome a challenge or three?

If you’d like to learn how we do as P.I.s still fairly new to the profession, please check us out at: