Tyler Colins's Blog, page 3

Shameless-Self Promo Time!

… It’s shameless self-promotion time!

July 11th thru the 28th, Triple Threat Mysteries – Books 1-3 is available for a discount via Next Chapter’s new, wide distribution marketing platform. The price? A mere 99 cents! Woo-hoo. That’s 33 cents a book.

Where can you find this fantastic deal, you ask? Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Google Books, and Barnes & Noble, among others.

It’ll be featured in newsletter promotions, too.

If you’re not familiar with the Triple Threat gals—JJ, Rey, and Linda—they’re three enterprising amateur sleuths who go professional. Having successfully solved the crazy murders at equally crazy Aunt Mat’s [haunted] Connecticut mansion, they set up shop on Oahu. Soon, they’re involved in complicated—and yep, equally crazy—cases. None prove simple to solve, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. And these private eyes have determination [and luck] that goes beyond the norm!

So-o, if anyone has read one of these three books (or any of the others in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series), I’d really (!) welcome a review on any of the book site pages.

Book Discounts & Offers – Find Bargain Books | Next Chapter

De-vo-Lighted

Been a few days since the 50 Years of De-Evolution concert, but the memory lingers.

Never let it be said that folks of more “golden” years don’t have it anymore—these guys still rocked. And clearly everyone—old diehard fans and newer enthusiasts—at the sold-out show agreed. The hits sounded as good as ever, the energy flowing before the colorful vids on the huge rear screen was bar none. And, yes, Booji Boy made an appearance, much to the audience’s delight (a character created to “to satirize infantile regression in Western culture”).

For those not in the know, “new wave” Devo became popular in the 80s with hits like “Whip It”, “Beautiful World”, and “Working in the Coal Mine”. But they remained active throughout the decades (save for a brief hiatus) and their musical contributions extended into film and television. A super short summation. Suggestion: check out their extended, fascinating history.

Though short, it was definitely a de[vo]lightful show.

Walking with Pride

Though June has thus far held numerous Pride events, the all-embracing Pride weekend has arrived—filled with countless events, get-togethers, discussions, the Dyke March, and the colorful, cheer-inducing four-hour-plus parade.

Though Pride should be embraced all year (with the exuberance demonstrated in June), we gratefully/happily welcome this weekend and the opportunity to demonstrate our uniqueness, to support rights, to celebrate the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) communities, to having people from all walks of life coming together.

Happy Pride everyone.

Life is Like Laundry

It dawned on me this morning—somewhat like an epiphany, I suppose—that life is rather like laundry.

It wrinkles and crinkles with challenges and ordeals that develop over time or through an unexpected source; some are minor, others major. It stains because of clumsiness or negligence or inattentiveness, of things tossed our way be it from a known or unrecognized source.

And so, there the laundry sits—in what appears to be a mountainous pile. To be addressed. Sorted. Cleaned. Smoothed.

But that’s the beauty of laundry. It can be like new again. With diligence. Take a deep breath and have at it. Consider options. Heavy-duty detergent, optimistic energy, vigorous cleansing, a determined hand applying a steamer or iron to those vexing wrinkles and crinkles.

Whenever that heap of laundry proves daunting, regard it with a positive eye. It may seem overwhelming, but it can be organized into manageable piles and flexible schedules.

And it’s soon evident … that … it isn’t quite as vast as it first appeared.

A Positive Note

When the news/world is fraught with unpleasant tidings, it’s time to embrace the PLEASANT things—to cherish them as [enjoyable] occasions and the [delightful] memories they become.

** good friends and closeknit families

** loving you unconditionally pets

** compassionate folks

** selfless persons

** provocative [mindset/action-transforming] individuals

** unrestricted diversity

** benevolent deeds

** stunning sunrises and sunsets

** temperate weather

** warm misty rain

** beautiful nature

** fragrant flowers

** vivid rainbows

** soothing walks

** invigorating workouts

** entertaining parades (of the non-military kind)

** engaging books

** engrossing movies and programs

** decadent treats

** foot-tapping/dance-inspiring music

** positive convictions and actions

** continued hope.

Being a glass-full person … and believing the good outweighs the bad … is so much more productive. No matter how challenging life gets, catch those curveballs. Keep the faith.

Past, Present, Future

Had a fun foray into the artsy-trendy part of town, revisiting my past, like my first one-room apartment over a billiard hall. Hasn’t changed much in present day. Many haunts were still there, prompting moments of nostalgia and fond memories. Cool clothes. Fun hair. Packed patios. Lingering onlookers. All night dancing and/or carousing. Culty packs. Gothy groups. Punky parties.

Styles and looks have changed, but the countless youthful persons hanging about a boutique, patio, or venue sport the same optimism and cheer. Sunshiny faces shimmer in the glowing dusk in anticipation of the evening to come.

The years have passed, but the gaiety carries on. So do the missions—a night on the town, an opportunity to cut loose, a chance to chill, to make new friends. At 18, 20, 30, you’re feeling immortal and the world truly is your oyster.

Funny, walking about those former stomping grounds, checking out the neighborhood; it seemed, in some ways, I’d stepped back in time … even if the overly padded shoulders and mohawks and combat boots weren’t in the same abundance. It all felt so [wonderfully] familiar.

People move on, trends transform, but I suspect, if I were to return in the future, there’d still be the same cool, hip vibe … one to happily embrace no matter the age. Can’t wait.

Ratt-a-Tatt-Tatt

Tap-tap. The sound of my foot tapping the floor as I excitedly watch my new tatt being completed.

Yep. Got another one. Couldn’t, well, resist. It’s an addiction, as many will attest.

This one’s simply black—and simple in its simplicity. The unveiling? When I [finally] do up a new social media page/site or two.

While being inked, the artist and I had an enjoyable and enlightening chat. They got me curious, and I had to google Whang-od (Maria) Oggay, the oldest tattoo artist in the world. A young 108, Whang-od (born 1917) resides in Buscalan, found in the northern part of Philippines, and rather inaccessible, though many will travel across incredible terrains to see her in the hopes of having her ink them. She does “mambabatok”, a traditional tattooing art. “Batok” is tattooing one’s body with tribal designs … using a bamboo stick and thorn. Her history and that of mambabatok is truly fascinating and worth spending some time reading.

You truly learn something new every day, sometimes profound, other times edifying, a morsel to add to the mental treasure house, a morsel you may (or may not) share at some social function … or in a media post. 

Remembering When …

A weekend of thoughts and recollections … remembering when I …

saw the moving men removed my cribdid my first fingerpainting in kindergarten (what fun!)realized I was an artist more than a scholar (much to my father’s dismay)started and completed four years at universityexperienced my first love (it so-ooo wasn’t)moved to another province and started fresh (scary but exciting)returned years later (neither scary, nor exciting)had my Triple Threat Investigation Agency series published (woo-hoo!)started working on my new series and hoping/intending/willing it to get publishedstruggled with a months-long health issue and seeing [feeling] it get better (thank you, God).

…THAT, my friends, is an FB (social media) memory timeline.

Memories, sad or sweet, mundane or challenging, make us what we are … grateful to BE what and who we are. Amen.

Author, Author

Took me long enough … to discover bestselling author Jeffrey Archer.

Bought Traitors Gate to read on a trip and never got around to even cracking it open. Finally did while dealing with this [still lingering] health issue. Didn’t take long to discover why this talented, high-volume author is so successful, much less to get hooked. I’m thoroughly entrenched [and enjoying] the Detective William Warwick novels.

Even if not reading in sequential order, following Warwick’s evolution—from student through various law-enforcement ranks—is an absorbing [exciting] read. Most characters are recurring, especially the suave villain who seems to be frequently blessed.

Found on the back covers: educated at Oxford, Archer was a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons for five years and a Member of the House of Lords for twenty-nine. Found elsewhere: Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super Mare was involved in a financial scandal that cleaned him out… and a couple of decades later was sentenced to four years in prison for having lied in a case. Given I’m sticking to short posts these days, I’ll leave it at that, but his life story is as fascinating [twisting/turning] as one of his books.

Impressive writing equals great success. As an aspiring author, it’s hard not to be a wee bit envious, but kudos to Archer. He’s an author’s author.

Discouragement … Encouragement

Two fellow authors have seemed a bit discouraged of late, so I thought I’d do a quick double-plug … a simple don’t be discouraged, become encouraged. Your books are awesome reads; take pride in them and your talents. Keep the faith, my friends. 

Jina’s a prolific author who writes in various genres, including [but not limited to] sci-fi, fantasy, and YA. Funny, unlike most of us early on, she’d never inspired to become. Fate (who we profusely thank) made the decision for her.

The Maclee Chronicles, the Roxanne Fosch Files, and Shadow Walker books are just three of the numerous series she’s penned. Great reads/escapism. Exciting. Adventure-dense. Highly recommended.

You can check Jina out at:

https://authorsinspirations.wordpress.com

https://www.goodreads.com/jinabazzar

https://www.facebook.com/JinaBazzarOfficial

A college-university English teacher, Sean also fits into the prolific author category. He’s penned numerous sci-fi books, including the wry/dry/funny [battle-filled] Crimson Deathbringer books, Epic Space Operas, and Starships in the Abyss.

There are some new stories coming—which I’ll leave for him to share on his sites—but they’re every bit as promising [thrilling] as the previous projects.

You can check Sean out at:

https://thecrimsondeathbringer.home.blog

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18999889.Sean_Robins

https://www.facebook.com/seanrobins300