Tyler Colins's Blog, page 32
July 17, 2021
Under Maintenance . . . We Hope
The Boss is finally updating/revising this blog—a bit anyway.
Hi, it’s JJ today. Given she’s technically and time challenged, she’s not been overly keen on doing it. But, this weekend, she’s going for it! Woo-hoo, as Cousin Reynalda would gleefully shout while doing an incredible cartwheel.
She’s already had one issue—not being able to get the new photo uploaded. Should be easy-peasy. But no-o. Won’t go. At all. Many sighs later, she reached out to WordPress and the advice: update the blog template first, then try uploading again. Fingers crossed (she doesn’t have a lot of hair left to yank out).
Other updates . . .
The Boss is still—very happily—editing regularly. Rey, Linda, and I are embarking on our next major case, “Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo”. Can’t wait! Meanwhile, we’re [also] solving wayward spouse cases and finding misplaced poochies, which has given the agency a fairly reputable standing. Persistence and perseverance do pay off.
A five-day promo blitz starts on the 20th for HA-HA-HA-HA. Which reminds me to prod someone re getting that case on a blog/promotion tour. So many things to do, so little time.
Enjoy your weekend!
July 13, 2021
Hey, it’s Rey today. He-he.Another Wednesday, another po...
Hey, it’s Rey today. He-he.
Another Wednesday, another post. Sometimes, it’s bleepin’ impossible to think of something new and fresh. The Boss will attest to this . . . if she were around. She’s “conveniently” found something to keep her busy today, so that’s why you have l’il ol’ me.
I was thinking maybe doing something on writing, but I’m not a professional writer, so I’ll leave it for someone who is. Then, it hit me like a bug on a windshield when driving 80 mph on the freeway. Why not post about things to do on hump day, or one of those days when you have time on your hands and no idea(s) how to spend that time.
I, personally, would spend it hitting sales—you know how much I love shoes, bags, and earrings, and any other items that have had their prices slashed. Can you spell f-u-n?! Other things: lounge around a pool or the beach, have a drink and people-watch, organize a get-together, watch a great movie or show. Attend the theater or meet up with friends. Read a play or audition for one. I could go on, but those are my things. So, here are a few that might appeal to you, and these are off the top of my head.
walk, trek, climb, run play a game watch a movie/TV read a book start a diary; begin journaling begin work on your great American novel start a blog or website figure out how to change/update your blog create a list of things you are grateful for take on a project (cleaning cupboards or closets, painting a room, whatever you’ve been putting off or considering) taking the pet and/or kids out (find somewhere different and/or fun) go to an amusement park and be a kid again connect with friends (old and/or new) get on social media; visit sites you’ve never been to do a puzzle or crossword, or grab crayons and a coloring book listen to music go out and take photos create recipes; cook something new/different relax by taking a bubble bath or going to a spa (or seeing if a neighbor/relative will let you soak in their hot tub) read the newspaper or a magazine nap start a garden in your backyard or plant something on the balcony . . .
It’s really not that hard to think of things to do. It’s simply a matter of getting the ol’ gray matter functioning . . . as in, thinking. Hey, there’s something to pass the time: make your own list. I betcha can record an easy three-dozen things to do. Then, all ya gotta do . . . is do.
Happy Hump Day!
July 10, 2021
Review: The Scarlet Queen by Sean Robins
It’s time for another Sean Robins review. Our prolific writer has penned another book, The Scarlet Queen, the prequel to the well-received The Crimson Deathbringer series. This time, we follow beautiful Xornaa, a “femme fatale mercenary”—and Xortaag spy—who becomes involved in time traveling with the intriguing if not unique Klatzo, creator of the time machine. In addition to (expected and desired) engaging battles, there are more life-saving episodes (but no spoiler alerts as to outcomes).
There are references to characters from the series (like Tarq the impassioned prankster and Maada the dogged general), which bring back welcome memories of those other exhilarating stories and danger-fraught and oft crazy adventures.
Here’s a little taste:
Up until then, I still had a faint hope that we could make it to the jump point, but it evaporated with the arrival of the new enemy ships. I closed my eyes, let out a long low sigh, and covered my face in defeat. The thought that everything I’d done, including inventing a freaking time machine, had been for naught stabbed at my heart.
I clenched my fist so tightly that my hands started shaking as a vein began to pulse in my forehead. Then I heard my doppelgangers shouting in excitement. I looked at my tactical display and, in sheer astonishment, realized the new ships were shooting at their own space fighters.
I blinked and checked my tactical display again to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Nope. It was real.
Two of the pursuing space fighters were hit before their pilots realized what was happening. The other two broke and flew in opposite directions, but each had three vessels on their six, and I was certain even their pilots knew they were doomed. They threw their space fighters up and down, left and right, and tried to avoid the incoming fire, but they joined their dead comrades in less than two minutes.
What the hell is going on?!
What the hell indeed? You’ll just have to read The Scarlet Queen to discover what happens!
For those not yet familiar with Sean, he’s a huge fan of Marvel, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Star Trek. He’s also a university/college level English teacher who has lived and worked in different countries. To find out more, please check out Sean and his new book out at:
Twitter: @seanrobins300
Facebook: facebook.com/seanrobins300
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18999889.Sean_Robins
Rating: 
July 6, 2021
To-Do and Ta-Da . . . and a Big Fat Duh-Uh
The odd time I post about having a to-do list to ensure tasks and goals are met in a timely manner. A good idea . . . often a necessary one.
Today, I haven’t got a to-do list. No ta-da moments. Just a rambling post. Rambling because I’m having a “duh-uh” week.
Is it the heat/humidity? The anxiety of never-ending mom-care? The stress of the day (into night) job? The desire to be walking along an oceanside beach, with no troubles or worries? . . . The ultimate boredom of having the same routine day-in, day-out, not for months, but years?
It’s okay to have an off week or month. Sometimes it’s just not there and there’s nothing we can do to make it happen. So, we have to—pardon the clichés—go with the flow and roll with the punches.
And pray to the powers that be that all will [soon] fall into place.
July 3, 2021
Happy 4th of July, My oh My
Tomorrow is July 4th. My oh my, what an awesome day indeed. Hey, it’s Rey!
We (JJ, Linda, and me)—the Triple Threat Investigation private eyes—are offering another humble but heartfelt post.
Here’s to picnics and fireworks, music and sports, family and friends, and all those wonderful persons and fun events that make this day so special. And here’s to all those amazing selfless and fearless souls who have kept—and continue to keep—this incredible country safe.
Happy July 4th!
June 29, 2021
Happy Canada Day, Eh
This week marks two holidays—Canada Day (July 1st) and Independence Day (July 4th)—times to reflect on the great countries we live in (and have fun while doing so).
Given tomorrow is July 1st, we (JJ, Rey and Linda)—the private eyes at the Triple Threat Investigation Agency—have opted to provide a simple but sincere post for our Canadian friends . . . Happy Canada Day!
June 25, 2021
When the Mood’s Not There
The Boss blanked out re today’s post. So did JJ, Linda and me. He-he. It happens, right? We all suffer from writer’s/blogger’s block . . . sometimes, more often than we’d like to admit.
The Boss will readily admit that she has blanked out on a number of occasions of late. It’s all good. Oh, by the way, it’s Rey today, hey!
I can think of some things to post about, none really related to the theme of this blog. And that might be okay, but I think I’ll save those for another time. So, I’m just gonna shift into auto-pilot a bit.
The Boss has been wanting to re-invent/redesign this blog for a short eternity, which she’s shared. Poor thing’s stuck with both feet in boggy terrain at the moment, so that ain’t happening any time soon (unless Fate changes her mind, decides to be kind, and grants her some good luck for a change).
But if she can’t redesign the blog or offer new services (like editing and proofing), she can always take a half hour here and there and update previous posts. So can you. Instead of scrambling for new ideas, take old ones . . . and add some freshness.
Update photos and graphics. Change font colors and headings, add new data or remove what no longer seems of value … “renovate” those posts however you deem best. Add links. Maybe you write them from a different perspective. The three of us—JJ, Linda, and me—are as dissimilar as jelly beans and ice-cream. Some may not like what I have to say, or how I say it, and that holds true for my fellow private eyes. But we all have a distinct voice and that is a very good thing.
So, if you’re not in the mood to write/blog, or can’t think of anything new, go with the old. And add a twist or two. Remember: everything old is new again—at some point. He-he.
And you know what I am in the mood for? Shave ice! Catch ya later!
June 22, 2021
Historical, Hysterical
When writing a historical novel—fiction, romance, biography—ensure your names, events, and facts are accurate when you referring to real-life people and occurrences. Otherwise, for those in the know, you may evoke some [hysterical] laughter.
Determine the period and consider the POV you’re going to use. What’s your starting point? Will the main characters be fictional ones or real people? Perhaps a combination? What about the plot? Will it revolve around real events or be fictitious ones (with real ones, possibly, as the backdrop)?
Make certain towns and cities, and the like, are spelled correctly. Dates, if used in conjunction with actual events, should be accurate. Ensure you depict details precisely in and around the storyline and characters.
Become familiar with the various components of the time:
** incidents (wars, inventions, discoveries, explorations) ** fashion/clothing (for the rich and poor) ** customs/etiquette (for the rich and poor) ** social norms ** technology/art/culture ** expressions and vocabulary (in the 17th century, people would not say things like “that’s so cool” or “butt out” or “text me”) ** beliefs and principles.
You may not necessarily use all the information, but be familiar with it; it will help you paint a more vivid picture. And the more vibrant, the more exciting . . . because that’s what you want . . . to excite your readers and have them return for more.
Happy penning!
June 19, 2021
The Grand Opening . . .
. . . of a book should reel the reader right in! You/we don’t want the “it was a dark and stormy night” start, so it’s been often stated. And correctly so.
That said, though, dark and stormy nights do have the ability to provide a few frissons, if depicted with the right details . . .
It was a darkly ominous night, filled with strident thunderclaps and blinding lightning, as Edoardo rode along the overflowing stream. His quest was simple: kill the escaped convicts who’d burned down his farmstead and slew Olivia.
The example above gives the reader a pretty good indication of what the plot’s about and what will [likely] transpire. The mood is menacing: a potentially dangerous storm, purposely (spitefully) destroyed farm, murdered woman (wife/lover), evil fugitives, and vengeful man. Perhaps he’s the protagonist—hero—perhaps not. The reader has to continue to discover who he is.
A powerful plot requires a powerful opening, and winning storyline. Make sure that happens from the get-go.
Details and descriptions should be . . . detailed and descriptive. Consider the examples below, A versus B.
A The gang rode quickly across the corn field, toward the hills.
B The dogged gang, anxious to lose the persistent posse, drove their weary horses across the withered corn field, toward the tree-lined hills.
Characters should be distinct; they have habits, traits, favorite expressions, accents perhaps. They don’t all sport blond hair or blue eyes. Characters are different sizes and shapes . . . have varying purposes/pursuits . . . come from diverse backgrounds. Just like in real life.
John’s blue eyes looked into her gray ones. “How’s it goin’?”
“It’s goin’ great,” she said, looking into his eyes.
Uh . . . yawn. Not everyone speaks the same. How about:
John’s sapphire-blue eyes peered searchingly into her ash-gray ones. “How are you doing today, my pet?”
“I’m doin’ pretty good,” she replied, not quite meeting his gaze.
But I digress . . . a little. These suggestions are something to bear in mind when penning that opening. You don’t want it to be flat, but stirring. Remember: reel . . . in . . . the . . . reader . . . right . . . away.
That first sentence/paragraph should not only introduce the plot and character(s), and establish a mood, but also present you—the writer, and your style. Determine your voice and maintain it. Readers will often read the first page to determine if they will purchase the book; ensure they do by offering the best [most dynamic] writing you can.
How often can I stress the importance of that opening sentence/paragraph? Not enough. And one last thing I’m also going to stress—make certain that dynamic opening carries throughout the book.
Pique the reader’s interest and keep it.
June 15, 2021
The Nothing Post
Rather like Bruce Harris’ The Nothing Book: Wanna Make Something of It?. A huge hit in the 70s, it was just that: a book about nothing. You made something of it by [creatively] utilizing the blank pages.
But we can’t have a blank post, can we now? So, JJ, Rey and I (Linda) put our heads together and . . . came up with . . . nothing. We truly pulled blanks.
So, when wisps of nothingness flow through one’s noddle, aim for something frivolous yet fundamental. And that something we have in common: Hawaii. As such, we thought we’d simply let you come to the Islands and relax a wee bit.
Enjoy!
