Tyler Colins's Blog, page 37

One, Two . . . Boo-Hoo

Hey, it’s Rey . . . again.  Boo-hoo!  I forgot to post yesterday and today re Coco’s Nuts!  It’s avail for 99 cents too!  Double boo-hoo.

So, let me give you a quick rundown (so everyone will stop yammering at me):

Coco’s Nuts, the third mystery in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, finds us three rookie private eyes—that’s JJ, Linda, and me—caught up in our second professional assignment: proving socialite-turned-trucker Buddy Feuer didn’t shoot her boss, infamous entrepreneur Jimmy Picolo.

No matter what the police believe and the evidence suggests, we’re convinced that Buddy has been set up.  In our search for answers, we deal with a slew of suspects.

A lot of people hated Picolo enough to kill him but locating the one who pulled the trigger proves challenging.  Our detecting travels lead us along a few detours, like the world of gambling and “limb-breakers”.  Picolo’s daughter, Annia, owes thousands of dollars to “collectors” in Vegas and Oahu.  Could this have served as a motive to kill her father, so that she can collect a sizeable inheritance?  What about Picolo’s son?  Could Jimmy Junior be that eager to take over his father’s multiple businesses?  What about nutty Coco Peterson, a Picolo employee who has been MIA since the murders occurred?  He certainly appears to be a central piece in this odd puzzler.

Maybe you’d like to learn how we fare . . . or leave a review (we’d love it if you did) . . . https://www.amazon.ca/Cocos-Nuts-Tyler-Colins/dp/1078374368

Forever Poi, Not bein’ Coy

Hey, it’s Rey again.  Lindy-Loo’s “too busy” to post today.  Whatever.

He-he.  I’m never one to be/play coy, as you who know l’il ol’ me are totally aware of  . . . so-o, here you go . . .

You can get Forever Poi for a bargain at 99 cents!

Forever Poi is our third official (and paying) case, which has MIA Linda, Cousin JJ, and me determining who set fire to two upscale Chinatown art galleries and left two bodies in the ruins.  One was the co-owner.  It’s possible his partner may have wanted to collect the insurance money.  The other: a former queenpin whose past may have caught up with her.

Here’s a tidbit, as told by Cousin Jilly (JJ):

Ald adjusted the volume. “Two galleries are pretty close to being cinders, specifically the ones belonging to Carlos Kawena and James-Henri Ossature. Weren’t you supposed to be here for Carlos’ 6-tu-8 do?”

“I had to be somewhere. But I had drinks with Carlos last night to celebrate his forty-sixth and he provided a sneak-peak of the exhibit.” Xavier’s voice had taken on a serious, business-like tone. “What happened? Is he okay?”

“We found a body that wasn’t recognizable. All I know at this stage is that it’s pretty certain the fire was no accident. The only thing I can confirm is the little intimate soirée ended at eight on the nose. He’d planned to leave the gallery no later than 8:20 to be at a snooty function at nine. The fire was called in at 8:35 p.m.”

“Did he show up at that affair?”

“He didn’t tell me much about it. And I haven’t been able to reach James-Henri.”

Rey, Linda and I gazed solemnly at one another.

“Where can I meet you?”

“I’m at the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.” Ald snickered and rolled intense Maya-blue eyes. He’d always found the name of the agency comical, but hadn’t mentioned that until a few weeks ago. In truth, I’d never liked it much either, but my theatrical over-the-top cousin, also a part-time actress (commercials primarily these days), had insisted upon it. Arguing with her was rarely worth the effort, so the Triple Threat Investigation Agency it was.

“Be there as quick as I can.”

“We need serious caffeine, A, not the watered-down crap I see sitting in a pot across this office.”

“You got it.”

Ald replaced the mobile and exhaled at length. Facial lines were beginning to deepen and a thick, notched scar along the right temple was pulsing, sure signs he was growing both fatigued and irritated.

“A?” Linda asked, getting up and stretching.

“A for adjuster,” he replied with a pert smile. “That’s what he does for a living.”

“Does that mean we call you D for dick?” Rey asked breezily.

If you’d like to check out our challenging if not crazy (body-heavy) case, you can do so here: https://www.amazon.ca/Forever-Poi-Tyler-Colins/dp/1079716483

Forever Poi – What a Joy . . .

. . . to get an ebook for a measly 99 cents!

Hey, it’s Rey today (Linda was reviewing a few wines last night and hasn’t climbed out of bed yet).

Forever Poi, our third official—professional—case, has Hungover Linda, Cousin Jilly (also known as JJ), and me trying to find out who set fire to two up-and-coming art galleries . . . and left two bodies in the ashes.  One was co-owner and it appears his partner in business and love might have wanted to collect on the insurance (evidently, it’s happened before).  The other was a former queenpin who seems to have turned over a new leaf; maybe someone didn’t want her to?

As we determine who’s done what, a few bodies show up (they have a habit of doing that around us), and our case proves anything but straightforward or simple.  That’s okay; we’re up for the challenge.  But it’s one heckuva roller-coaster ride!

Maybe you’d like to check us out?  You can find Forever Poi here: https://www.amazon.ca/Forever-Poi-Tyler-Colins/dp/1079716483

. . . And, if you’re so inclined, maybe you could please leave a review?  We’d love it if you would.  Aloha, dear friends.

Forever Poi, Oh Boy!

The 99-cent promo enters its second day.

It’s Linda again, promoting our fourth mystery, Forever Poi.  For a mere 99 cents, you can get a copy today through March 13th.

The three P.I.s of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series—that’s myself, Rey and JJ—are out to solve a double-arson and murder.  Who set ablaze two Chinatown art galleries and left two charred bodies in the rubble?

Here’s a little taste, er, excerpt . . .

“That’s one mother of a fire,” Cousin Reynalda exclaimed, wrinkling a Hollywood [perfect] nose as an acrid burned-toast smell pervaded thick, humid-heavy air. “Weird, but I’ve got a real hankering for s’mores.”

“I’m thinking roasted tofu myself,” Linda stated, breathing down my neck. “You, JJ?”

“. . . Corn on the cob, maybe.”

Rey snorted. “Get real.”

On the opposite side, eight and nine doors down respectively, tendrils of amber and silvery flames interwoven with raven-black smoke twirled heavenward from two art galleries. The two kitschy salons seemed out-of-place in Honolulu’s Chinatown, like wagyu beef amid flank steak. In homage to art-washing, the owners had chosen the unconventional location to bring culture to a district that saw life’s cast-offs struggling with liquid addictions and monetary woes.

A wailing ambulance braked to a stop behind a recently arrived mate. When paramedics sprang from the vehicle, urgent commands and questions fused with frantic action.

Four fire trucks and a half dozen cruisers were positioned near a narrow lane that ran between the galleries. Their bright emergency lights, flashing like dance-club strobes, bounced off concrete and people. Like flies and ants at a church picnic, reporters and journalists scrambled from remote trucks and live-eye vans situated sporadically along the street. Cameras and mikes were zealously poised to capture the smoldering excitement for viewers and readers.

As ominous yellow tapes flapped like long-forgotten prom ribbons in the breezy night, law and fire enforcement personnel briskly attempted to piece together what had transpired. Patiently but firmly, police officers held the curious at bay while firefighters darted like baseball players racing for home plate.

(The Boss would love it if you offered a review.)

Won’t you please check us out at: https://www.amazon.ca/Forever-Poi-Tyler-Colins/dp/1079716483

Forever Poi – Please Enjoy . . .

. . . the 99-cent promo, starting today.

It’s Linda starting off Day 1 of the Forever Poi promo.  You can get a copy through March 13 for a mere 99 cents.

Forever Poi is the fourth mystery in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, and it has us three private eyes (JJ, Rey, and myself) out to solve double-arson and murder.  Who torched two Chinatown art galleries and left two charred bodies in the rubble?

Are the arsonist and killer the same person?  We think so and, as we endeavor to determine who that is, we encounter a plethora of possible culprits.  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 money 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 encounter a collection of curious characters, some with dicey “careers”.  The case proves challenging, even dangerous, but that doesn’t stop us from finding answers—even when faced by a gun, bomb, and [enter weapon of choice].

Perhaps you’d like to find out just how exciting this mystery-solving, roller-coaster ride is?

Please check us out at: https://www.amazon.ca/Forever-Poi-Tyler-Colins/dp/1079716483

The Old Boat Float

Hey, it’s able Rey today.    I made a little rhyme.  The Boss is swamped, so I’m taking over on what Lindy-Loo would call “post patrol”.

To be honest, I was a bit lost as to what the topic should be, then I remembered the last one, and our Boss’ favorite (kinda silly) expression: whatever floats your boat.  Like really?  But whatever.

So-o, I thought I’d share with you guys what floats our boats—“our” being the three of us from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency, me, Cousin Jilly, also known as JJ, and my BFF, Linda, or Lindy-Loo as I sometimes call her, much to her annoyance.  Don’t know why.  It’s cute, doncha think?

I’m gonna start with her and what, these days, does it for her.

Linda:     Lots of things float mine—blogging, reviewing wines and food, being a P.I., volunteering at the shelter . . . enjoying the day.  I’m fairly down to earth; it doesn’t take me a lot to be happy or content.  But, if I have to pick something “current” that brings me joy, given these trying times, I’d say that it’s the goodness in people—LOL, Rey just gave a big roll of those grass-green eyes and stuck her index finger in her mouth.  It’s true, though.  No matter how difficult and challenging things are right now, so many persons are still reaching out to help one another . . . like Chicago’s “Pilot Pete”, who gathered 6000 coats and gave them to the homeless—with coffee.  I love it.  Hope (lots!) abounds.

Thanks Sister Linda.  And what about you, Cous?

JJ:     Like Linda, many things float mine, but I do love animal stories with happy endings.  As such, I’m going to go with a recent one, where a young navy sailor from Thailand leapt into rough waters, and swam several grueling yards, to save four kittens from a burning ship.  Thatsaphon Saii placed three in a sack and perched one on his shoulders.  If that doesn’t bring a tear to your eye—and warm your heart—I don’t know what will.  Yes, hope does abound.    

Okay, that brought on a sniffle.  Last, but never least, me . . .

Rey:     Guess I’m what Linda and JJ might call petty-minded, not in a niggling or nagging way, but in a trivial one.  Sure, saving the monk seals brings me joy (as you may know), and I love private-eyeing—that certainly floats it, too. But I am who and what I am, and the entertainment world (still) does it for me.  I was a B-movie actress and I still do some part-time acting.  Not because I have to, because I want to.  I love being in front of a camera and on the stage.  It’s fun and it’s totally me.  So, you know, I’m going to say what really floats my boat is . . . being honest.

So, friends, what floats yours?

The Ecstasy of Editing

Okay, maybe it’s not quite that blissful, but it is enjoyable . . . this from an editor/proofreader who truly likes her [presently part-time] job.

As a cross between a developmental and line editor, I can become rather exuberant with the task(s) at hand.  I may remove a lot of words (glaringly incorrect or no-value add ones) . . . or insert them, if I believe the story will benefit from a bit of tweaking.  I never, however, do anything willy-nilly; “logic” behind the updates is always provided.

It’s quite satisfying to be able to assist/support fellow writers, improve their writing, polish their voice—and, ultimately, transform their work into the best it can be.

Editing isn’t for everyone, but if you’re considering doing it professionally, I say: go for it.  Follow your desire, your dream.  But there are a few [minor] things you may want to be aware of:

   Keen eyes are a must, as is instinct; you have a feeling for what works.     Excellent communication skills are also required (which probably goes without saying).     There are long hours, so patience (and persistence) are necessary.       The pay’s not always great (especially when you start out) but, with time and experience, it can prove relatively rewarding.     You may burn out from time to time with the heavy load and aforementioned long hours, but that holds true of any job.     There will be some guaranteed head-scratching now and again when something makes sense only to the writer, but that’s the fun of it—you can fix it.

The purpose of this post?  You know?  I’m not actually sure.  Initially, the plan was to offer background.  That didn’t float my boat.  Then it was, hmm, what about reviewing the types of editing?  Nawwww; I felt a snore or four coming on.

So, I guess all this is to share that I’m really enjoying editing [again] and, hopefully, I’ll be able to do so for many years to come.

Ah, a compact personal post with a positive spin.  Yeah . . . now that floats my boat. 

HA-HA-HA-HAing

The Boss is enduring another meltdown, so you have Linda today.  I’m going to keep it quick and light, and let you know that our fourth case (fifth book)—HA-HA-HA-HA—is almost completed. 

We’re so happy, we’re ha-ha-ha-haing.  How can we not be pleased?  It’s been a long, complicated case that fell into our lap courtesy of a nutbar serial killer.

Here’s an excerpt to [hopefully] whet your whistle (unlike the beer that Rey is sucking back at this moment) . . .

The two detectives had arrived fifteen minutes after we’d called Ald to tell him about the rose and message.  Both men had been wearing 50s-style polyester black-and-red bowling shirts.  Funny, who’d have guessed either HPD homicide detective was a bowler?  As Rey would say, ya truly do learn something new every day.

Pets on our heels, it was fifteen minutes after midnight when we finally locked up and trooped upstairs. 

Leaning into the far wall, Linda frowned and appeared pensive.  “GRP’s becoming close and personal.  I wonder whose blood he used.”  

 I parked my butt on the edge of Rey’s queen-size upholstered storage bed and wearily said, “I suspect we’ll learn soon enough.”

“Do you think they’ll find anything incriminating?”

“That dude won’t have left any evidence or DNA,” Rey responded, removing a folded oversized T-shirt from one of two marquetry-motif nightstands.  She started undressing.  “Guess we can open an official case file, starting with the photos we took earlier.”

“And the details Ald said he’d provide tomorrow,” Linda added.

“Limited details,” I emphasized.  “He’s not going to share all.”

“There should be enough for us to begin some serious private-eyeing.”

“Think we should get a security system, like Hives suggested?” my cousin asked, tossing a crimson lace bra across the room.  It landed at the base of an “awesome mega-sale piece”, a variegated solid-marble and brushed-brass floor mirror.

“Given our line of work, yes.”  I flopped back and stared at a ceiling in dire need of paint.  Bonzo landed beside me, his face—whiskers twitching wildly—inches from mine.  “Let’s do it first thing.”

Linda glanced at her ice-pink Coach watch.  “I’m bed-bound.  Nighty-night ladies.”

“Who can sleep?” Rey asked drily, slipping the T-shirt advertising a local rib joint over her head.

“Count sheep.”

“More like corpses,” she said with a cynical smile.

Aloha Saturday everyone—enjoy your weekend!

Weird Words

Hey-ho, it’s Rey.  The Boss is drowning on the 9-5/mom-care front, so I offered to step in.  Given she was posting about words the other day, I thought it might be kinda fun for the three of us to pick one that really bugs us (swearwords aside, of course).

Which one falls at the top of your list, Cousin Jilly?

Has to be fleered.  It’s such an odd, old-world word.  It means to smirk or laugh in contempt or disdain; a taunting, scoffing or scornful/derisive look or gibe (now, that’s another word that does not float my boat, gibe).  Which sounds better?

“Oh yeah?  Well, I don’t believe it, not one bit,” Thomas fleered, eyeing his brother with a critical eye.

“Oh yeah?  Well, I don’t believe it, not one bit,” Thomas scoffed, eyeing his brother with a critical eye.

I’m fleering as I read this. 

He-he.  And you, best friend, Lindy-Loo?

Thanks, Rey-Poo.  The weirdest word for me: soughed.  I always thought it meant to sigh, but it more so means to make a soft murmuring or rustling sound.  Hmm.  Can you rustle with your voice?  My example:

“But, Trevor dearheart, I cannot possibly cross to the other side in this elegant Victorian, cotton ball gown,” Elisabeth-May soughed as she fanned her rosy face and eyed the rippling river with dismay.

“But, Trevor dearheart, I cannot possibly cross to the other side in this elegant Victorian, cotton ball gown,” Elisabeth-May murmured as she fanned her rosy face and eyed the rippling river with dismay.

I’d just read a historical Civil War romance, so I felt an urge to set my example in that period.  Hmm.  I wonder, did women really sough in those days? 

And you, Rey?  What’s your word of choice?

A lot of words are weird for me, he-he-he.  A writer pal of JJ’s used japed—like what the bleep kind of word is that!?  I looked it up and it means to joke or quip (and quip means to make a quip—uh, yeah—which means a clever or witty remark).  Okay, whatever.  There’s no question which one of these is better . . .

“I’ve seen better looking bunnies,” Randy japed, scanning Mark in a pink, furry rabbit costume.

“I’ve seen better looking bunnies,” Randy joked, scanning Mark in a pink, furry rabbit costume.

Bonzo, my bunny, gave the idea for my example.  His fuzzy face is too cute by half.  And that, my friends, is not a jape.

So, there you have it, a not-so-weird little post for a wonderful mid-week Wednesday. 

Which Word Works?

This week I felt compelled to review word usage in fiction writing (or any writing, for that matter).  The right word conveys the right emotion, message, action.

New writers sometimes feel a need to use words or phrases (and I’ve been there, I readily admit) to impress, or seem more “worldly” perhaps.  Occasionally, when editing, I come across ones that I’ve never seen before!  Wow, how impressive indeed—into the dictionary I delve!

Don’t aim for impressive; go for impression, the [desired] effect you produce in the mind of your readers.

At times, the selected word works, at times, not.  So, why was it chosen?  Because it sounded good?  Not a valid reason, my friends.  Because it’s popular?  Not a valid reason, my friends.  Because you really want to demonstrate how grand your vocabulary is?  Not a valid reason, my friends.

Upon hearing the news of her death, sadness flowed through him.

Upon hearing the news of her death, ruefulness flowed through him.

Upon hearing the news of her death, dispiritedness flowed through him.

Upon hearing the news of her death, forlornness flowed through him.

The bolded words share a similar meaning (to a degree) yet are not the same.

sadness:  causing, showing or expressing unhappiness or sorrow

ruefulness:  causing, showing or expressing unhappiness or regret

dispiritedness:  a feeling of low spirits

forlornness:  sad or lonely, chiefly from being abandoned or forsaken

Utilize the word the best works for the dialogue, action, scene—and not because a “bigger” word seems “better”.  Ensure the word or phrase is appropriate to the circumstance(s).  And if you want to use a new word, go for it, but check the definition.  Is it accurate for what is being written/conveyed?  Remember: the dictionary is our friend.

They say short and sweet is best, and that can hold true for words.  Sometimes, the clearest, most persuasive word is the shortest one.

And, if you’re writing a historical novel, think about how your characters speak—modern-day phrases and expressions really don’t have a place here, unless time travel is involved.

The same holds true of speech/dialogue.  Someone of royal blood or a person in a governmental position would not likely use “gonna” or “wanna”; he or she would speak with more precision and professionalism.  Moreover, characters—like everyday persons—would speak differently and employ unique phrases or expressions.  Contractions may or may not be used, given who the person is and where he or she hails from.

Example:

The minister looked as his assistant.  “Bro, like I was tellin’ ya, I was wondering if we’re gonna like the proposals Major Martyn will propose, ya know?  I heard he’s kinda odd when it comes to—”

“No worries, sir, I’m sure you’re gonna like them just fine,” his assistant said.

How about something like:

The minister regarded Lester, his assistant, closely.  “I wonder if Major Martyn’s proposals will be practical.  I’ve heard he’s rather odd when it comes to—”

“No worries, sir,” Lester interrupted with an amiable smile.  “I’m sure you’ll find them appropriate.”

Incorrect word choices (or arrangements) can result in clumsiness, vagueness, and/or ambiguity.

Example of incorrect word usage:

“George, from here on in we will live our life together, don’t you think that’s awesome?  We can rely on each other, my honey-bun,” Margaret derailed George’s train of thought, like she knew precisely what he was so totally enthralled with.

Example of better word usage:

With a patient smile, Margaret derailed George’s train of thought.  “Going forward we’ll live our lives together.  We’ll have each other to rely on.  That’s amazing, don’t you agree?”

Avoid misusing words; again, check the definition if you’re not quite sure.  Make certain the context is correct.

Keep an eye on jargon, too.  It may work for a character or two, but it may not for others, and it may not work in descriptive sections.  Clichés can be appealing, at times, in the right situations, but they can also prove trite if not silly, so use them wisely.

Say what needs saying, and don’t “over-stuff”; you only need so many feathers for a comfy cushion.  Wordiness, unlike a dictionary, is not our friend.

In summation:    be careful when utilizing a word that’s unfamiliar    use a dictionary if you use a thesaurus, to be certain the new word you want to use is the right one    do not write to impress or sound like you know it all    watch for repetition (have you used the same word/phrase too many times?).

Reading aloud helps . . . really.  Try it.  See if it doesn’t help you with your word selection.  If something doesn’t sound good to your ears, it probably needs reworking.

This could easily be a five-page post because there’s so much to advise re word usage, but no one wants to plow through a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng post, so here you have the main food-for-thought points.  I hope they help.

On that note, I bid you a short and simple adieu.