Tyler Colins's Blog, page 30

Doldrums Drum Roll

Now there’s a word you don’t hear to often anymore: doldrums.

For those unfamiliar with it, it refers to a period of despondency or lethargy . . . a state of inertia, sluggishness . . . unproductivity.

I’m feeling a bit unproductive these days—too much on my plate (mentally and physically).  So, it seemed worth pursuing in a post . . . again. 

The first thing you/we should do is embrace it, acknowledge it.  Then, determine how to move on . . . even if only via a baby step or two.

Try to stick with (get back to) the daily schedule.  Sure, lying in bed with the covers pulled over your/our head is comfy-cozy, or sitting in a much-loved armchair watching TV, can help—to a degree.  But ignoring the inevitable, what’s happening, can only be done for so long.  Better to face it and take control, than letting it take the reins.

Taking a walk, or doing something “active”, helps.  Movement works wonders for crushing lethargy and getting the thought process functioning again.

Go somewhere: check out a park, stroll through a cemetery (they’re very relaxing), go to the lake,  see a new part of town, visit a museum or gallery, have lunch in an unknown café.  Being in a different environment can prove bolstering.

Make contact.  Visit a friend, chat with a coworker, or sit in a coffee shop or snack bar.  Go to the gym or the mall.  Be around people.  That human interaction, “energy”, could be just what the doctor prescribed.

How about learning something new?  Maybe go on-line and read something you normally wouldn’t . . . like boosting lethargy.  Find something that interests you, that pulls you into another realm.  Look into books, articles, blogs; the sky’s the limit.

Maybe you could volunteer somewhere?  Taking an hour or two a week to offer assistance to an organization in need is great.  This is something I’d love to do, but am unable to, given my current situation.  But the feeling of extending a hand to someone—wow.  That has to boost flagging spirits.

Eating chocolate or red-velvet cake (my favorite)—or whatever food brings you pleasure—is fine.  Enjoy something fun, something you love.  Then, get back to healthier foods, ones that fuel your body and mind.

And, on that note—big drum roll—I’m going to make myself a big, veggie-laden salad . . . to be followed by a Fry’s Turkish Delight.  Nummmmmmmmm.

Ninety-Nine Sounds Pretty Fine

Hi, it’s Linda posting today (Rey’s on an audition and JJ’s volunteering at the animal shelter).

For 99 cents, you can get a copy of Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?, our first official (as in “paying”) case.

We’re hired to discover what the pretty, young wife of an elderly millionaire is up to—is she having an affair or into something nefarious?  Just as we settle into our new P.I. roles, we find the wife murdered–floating in the beautiful, sapphire waters of a secluded Oahu beach.

There are a sundry of suspects . . . but some of them soon become casualties themselves.  We’ve dealt with murderers in past, thanks to a wacky week in Connecticut at JJ’s weird aunt’s haunted mansion, so we’re not [that] surprised at some of the things we hear or encounter.  It’s one zany roller-coaster ride (as Rey called it), and what a thrilling one!

Here’s a chance for us to prove we made a sage decision in opening the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.  Perhaps you’d like to find out how we do?  Please check us out at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Can-Hula-like-Hilo-Hattie/dp/1074454073

Tough Times

The Boss is going through a particularly tough time right now.  Hey, it’s Rey.  And Linda, hi.  And JJ, hey-ho.

Although she’s managing (just) to get through the regular responsibilities of the daily job, her mom-care tasks and obligations are taking their toll.  There are numerous issues, and they won’t be listed but, suffice it to say, it’s all proving beyond exhausting.

Her mom will be going into long-term care, but not right away—there’s a list.  The stress is pretty intense now, as is the depression.  We know she has days where she, the sole caregiver, wonders if she’ll get through it all. 

Yes, there are PSWs, but only for a total of four hours a week; given her mom won’t allow them to do one thing, save chat, having them is of little value-add.  The situation is neither comfortable nor pleasant.

A head’s up: the posts may be short(er) than usual.  Perhaps she’ll only say “hi, I’m still here” and that’ll be all, but she’ll give it everything she’s got to ensure there are Wednesday and Saturday posts.

Life is not always easy, and sometimes it seems tougher than tough to roll with the punches and go with the flow.  But, somewhere, sometime, that little light at the end of the long dark tunnel does offer a little glimmer—of hope and promise.

To all those going through tough times, hang in.  Accept the trials and tribulations as tests and lessons; they make you stronger . . . and tougher.  You can do it.

HA-HA-HA-HA . . . The First (Awesome) Review

Thank you, Jay . . . for this awesome review!

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha by Tyler Colins

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha is the fifth book in the Triple Threat Mysteries written by Tyler Colins. I’ve previously read the first four books, and this one is probably my favorite so far. Not quite a suspense thriller nor a cozy, it falls somewhere in the middle of the mystery genre, offering a truly quirky and eclectic cast of primary characters, and an even more diverse set of supporting ones. Between the nicknames and the murder scenes, it’s hard not to bust out laughing… but it’s also providing some pretty dark stuff about a serial killer who loves his/her black roses. The first name: Grim Reaper Peeper, or GRP for short. Run for your lives folks, this one’s out for blood.

It was quite funny, and seeing the games being played with the three lovable private eyes by this intensely weird killer made the words in the book leap off the pages. There were at least 10 unique attempts to lure the detective team into a trap, and they fell for some… yet there were so many murders happening, it became the kinda situation where I just said, “oh, another dead body.” But it works, because you’re not meant to choose between a list of suspects in this book. It’s all about the humor and the chase between the good and the bad. Who will win out?

Colins is a highly descriptive writer. Everything is meticulously covered in a way that keeps your memory sharp on who each character is, or what each location is, all about. Sometimes I get lost in the details and forget the plot point we’re trying to uncover, but in the end, it’s a relaxing and humorous approach to the traditional mystery novel. If only these amazing women, who work in Hawaii I might add, had real life counterparts. They’re even more special than Charlie’s Angels, and that’s going back a few decades in popular culture.

Hoping there will be more in the future. With the covers, we’re getting all the spectrums on the color wheel… and soon, we need to get something in all black or all white (covers, I am referring to), meaning it’s time for them to go retro. Wouldn’t that be fun?!? Either path, I’m looking forward to the potential for book six. Give this series a chance, please.

If you’re not familiar with Jay and his books (he’s written some great ones) and blog/website, please check him out here:

 https://thisismytruthnow.com/author/j...

Brain Drain . . . ?

Hey, it’s Rey.  The Boss has left us high and dry this week.  So, it’s on us to put together a post.

I can’t think of a thing.  You guys?

It’s JJ, hey.  He-he.  Can’t think of anything terribly exciting . . . you, Linda?

Given this isn’t a wine-review blog, I’d have to say no.  I’ve got brain fatigue this week.

More like brain drain.  It’s Rey again, hey.  We-ell, that puts us in a bit of a bind.  I say, let’s give a quick synopsis of our five cases—

Four.

Don’t be picky, Lindy-Loo.  Connecticut wasn’t an official case, but it did give us the idea to become private eyes.

You decided that.

Funny, you two . . . not.  I simply put the idea out there.  And you two agreed.

Not initially.

Did too, Cousin Jilly!  Did too!

LOL.  Okay, did too . . . but not really.  Anyway, Cousin Reynalda, honeybun, why don’t you give our friends a quick rundown of our five “cases”?

Love to!

The Connecticut Corpse Caper

This has the three of us gathering for a week-long stay at wacky Aunt Mat’s haunted mansion (guess where it’s located?).  There’s a sizable inheritance to be collected by those who manage to stay to the end.  Those that decide to leave early—maybe not by choice—must give up their share.  Bodies start to drop and the suspect list grows.  Add to that a resident ghost, dark and dank passageways, and weird sounds behind walls, and you’ve got one heckuva mystery.

Can You Hula Like Hula Hattie?

The three of us have moved to Oahu and opened the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.  Our first paying case has us trying to discover the “secret” of the young and pretty wife of an elderly millionaire.  Sadly, she dies before we get too far.  Several persons seem to have wanted her dead so we have our hands full figuring out who the murderer is.  As luck would have it, a few more bodies turn up—and the perp list grows.

Coco’s Nuts

Buddy Feuer’s a gorgeous former socialite turned truck driver who’s been set up to take the fall for two murders.  We don’t believe she’s guilty, no matter what the police believe and the evidence suggests.  There’s one oddball character, Coco Petersen, who appears to be the key to solving this puzzler, but he’s disappeared.  We have our P.I. work cut out for us!

Forever Poi

Who torched two Chinatown art galleries and left two charred bodies in the rubble?  That’s what we have to figure out.  Are the arsonist and killer the same person?  We think so and there is no end of possible perps.  The day before the fire, Carlos Kawena, one of the arson victims, had an “ugly break-up” with his partner, James-Henri Ossature.  There were financial issues, too.  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 some former foe have murdered her?  If so, was Carlos merely collateral damage?  It’s a head-scratcher . . . but we do so love those.

HA-HA-HA-HA (or Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha if you’re on Amazon)

This case finds us on a serial killer’s “buddy” list.  When he’s not taunting us, he’s challenging us to “play the game”—by his rules.  The GrimReaperPeeper, as he introduced himself not long after we solved the art-gallery case, proves to be as intelligent as he is devious and dangerous.  GRP, as we prefer to call him, leaves a lot of calling cards . . . and victims.  DNA and fingerprints are never found; the guy’s good, unfortunately.  But we’re not bad, either. 

So, maybe not that much of a brain drain.  Maybe we’ve been relaxin’ a bit too much on the beach of late. 

Tootin’ Our Horns

You’ve got all three of us today—JJ, Rey, and Linda.  The Boss is OOO.

The three of us had a row, determining what to post about—something about Hawaii, editing/writing, or us (like Rey wanting to sound off about her few days in Cali and the who led her on).  We couldn’t agree.  At all.  It wasn’t just tense, it leaned toward nasty.  So, there we were, tootin’ our horns—in loud, strident ways!

Then, it hit us, rather like a toppling palm frond during a tropical storm.  Why not post about . . . getting along?  He-he.

We agreed that the main thing to getting along is to listen.  With all the disagreeing and yammering, not one of us could hear what the other was saying.  So, pay attention; make an effort to grasp what’s being said, and appreciate it for what it is.   And, if you’re going to comment, don’t condemn or criticize.  Be subjectively objective.

Part of that not condemning or criticizing is keeping an open mind: know/learn all the facts.  Discuss but don’t dispute.  Agree to disagree—in that subjectively objective way.

Be optimistic or upbeat.  Negativity or pessimism can depress/stress others . . . push them away.  The air will be thick and tense, so the general environment will be far from pleasant or productive.

Of course, there’ll be times when feelings/moods can’t be bolstered.  Don’t be afraid to share why; be honest.  You may be surprised at the support you receive.  Accept it graciously and gratefully.

Be polite.  When the three of us get to arguing, we’re focused solely on ourselves.  We could care less what the other is saying (yelling).  It’s selfish.  Give room to others to voice what’s on their minds.  There may be some common ground there, which will allow the “conversation” to progress on a more positive note.  And if there isn’t, then discuss why your views or approaches (whatever the action or situation is) are different—and why that is a good thing.  Being different and having varying views—to use a couple of cliches—make the world go around and add spice to life.

Not an intensively edifying post, but some food for thought (another overused phrase, but appropriate).  On that ending note, we’re going to the mall; there’s a great sale going on, something Rey so enjoys.

Have an awesome Saturday . . . and give someone you don’t know a huge smile!

They Did What?!

I [truly] applaud new writers’ enthusiasm for their newfound craft—it’s wonderful.  What I’d love to see approached with the same passion?   Editing.  Not just in terms of checking spelling and facts, and getting true/historical places and events correct, but re logistics and layouts … and “ability/capability”.

If Reggie just climbed into his Benz, how come he’s suddenly talking to the passenger from the outside?  If Lina stepped into the hallway, how did she end up [back in] the auditorium?  If Flavio grabbed Margie’s hand, why is he reaching for in the next paragraph?

think:  crisp and clean

How is Karen able to curve her mouth in response to Ned’s merry greeting?  How does someone wrinkle his/her eyes in reply to a flippant comment?  I’d love to know how Barry spun his head to view his girlfriend’s approach (sounds painful to me).  And Val’s eyes bouncing across the room—ouch, poor Val! 

think:  reasonableness and plausibility

Does it really matter that Zoey reached for the doorknob, turned it slowly, opened the door, stepped in, turned on the light, and peered around the empty room?  Do we need to know that Edwin was still looking apprehensive, so Anna extended a hand and touched his face, and he leaned his face into her palm, laying his own hand over it? 

think:  brevity is often better/best

Does everyone wear cotton?  How about mocha-brown suits?  Blue ties?  Do they all drink red wine?  Characters, like real-life people, should have diverse interests and beliefs, and be different.  They don’t all smile or grab hands.  Not everyone likes to play kissy-face.  And some folks are simply not nice.

think:  repetition = tedium

As writers, we want to pull in our readers as soon as possible and we want to keep them interested, so that they read [eagerly] to the end.  Providing unnecessary or repetitive details wears thin very quickly.  Mentioning certain facts/factors and then, later, not referring to them again—as in loose ends not being tied up—is also a faux pas.  Don’t get readers excited about a [potential] storyline or plot twist, then leave them dangling!

think:  short and sweet

Yes, it’s extra work, but having an outline is a very good thing.  Point-form is fine.  List plot surprises, incidents and events, and outstanding occurrences that should be returned to (tied up).  Refer to the outline, and often.

Remember, the final product is a reflection of you, the author.  Make it the best it can be! 

Fa-La-La…La!

Just singing for joy – because you have one more day to get HA-HA-HA-HA, our fourth official case for only 99 cents!  Hey, it’s Rey on the fifth and final promo day.

Like Frankie once sang, I’m gonna “start spreading the news” about our exciting (kinda crazy) case that has a serial killer, GRP (The GrimReaperPeeper), scaring the out of Oahu.  He’s leaving tortured victims alongside waterways—with a black rose, no less.

GRP wants JJ, Linda and me to play his game, by his rules. But he keeps changing them!  While we’re trying to figure out who he is (and, hopefully, stop him), we take on a couple of cases: seeing if a hubby is having “fun” on the side and if a young woman is truly being stalked.

Meanwhile, Adwin—Cousin JJ’s old “beau”—is back on the scene.  He’s interested in getting back together, but I don’t think her “sometimes boyfriend”, Cash, is too keen on seeing that happen.

Our killer—our shadow—proves to be pretty clever, even charming.  He keeps us on our toes, researching similar crimes and locating potential suspects (those that might fit the profile) . . . and attempting to stay one step ahead of him  It’s probably our most perplexing case yet . . . and certainly our most dangerous.

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

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

Tra-La-La-La-ing Along

… on the fourth day of the HA-HA-HA-HA 99-cent promo.

HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, has private eyes JJ (Jill Jocasta Fonne), her melodramatic cousin Rey (Reynalda Fonne-Werde), and Rey’s best friend, Linda Royale, 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 introduced himself in a teasing text at the end of Forever Poi, proves to be as intelligent as he is devious and dangerous.  GRP, as they prefer to call him, leaves 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.  They add clever and cunning to the GRP description list.

Although it’s not an official [paying] case, GRP’s obsession with the three private eyes yanks them into the chaos.  As they attempt to figure out who he is and why he leaves black roses with his tortured victims along streams and waterways, they take on a couple of other cases.  A beautiful woman, Caprize Marquessa de Sade, is sure she is being stalked.  Another woman, wealthy Hardena Antigua, is certain her young husband is seeing someone on the side.

Could it be that these two cases somehow intertwine with the killer/killings?  There’s something afoot and it’s not one of Rey’s prized Choo shoes.

Who will prove the ultimate winner in this deadly game of taunts and perplexities?  The calculating killer or the persevering private eyes?

If you’d like to discover how the trio fares, please check out HA-HA-HA-HA at:

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

Day 3 and Filled with Glee (Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha)

It’s the third day of the HA-HA-HA-HA 99-cent promo, an awesome price that may prompt a smile or chuckle.

HA-HA-HA-HA is the fifth book and fourth official case of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.  This time, a rather ingenious serial killer known as The GrimReaperPeeper has challenged the three pretty private eyes—JJ, Rey, and Linda—to “play the game”.  Unfortunately, it’s by his rules, and he likes to change them as the mood strikes.

He’s already got the island of Oahu in panic mode; everyone is wondering (worrying) who’ll be the next tortured victim to be found alongside a waterway, sporting a black rose?

The gals are determined to discover who he is, but he’s proving clever and cunning.  DNA and evidence are never found.  Nor is he, despite his brazen visits, taunts and repartee.

Who’s going to prove the winner?  The creepy yet charming killer or the dogged and determined private eyes?

If you’d like to see how the private investigators fare, please check them out at:

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