Tyler Colins's Blog, page 53

What’s in a Whisper?

A lot.

For some time, I’ve been wanting to read and review Owen Clough’s first book, Whispers of the Past.  Finally, thankfully, the opportunity presented itself.  And what a treat.  Like the title, the turned pages whispered a fascinating tale.

Set in New Zealand, Whispers incorporates historical fiction, time travel, a little fantasy and a lot of adventure with stupendous results.  The exciting story begins with three young mates—Bob (Brill), Shane (Grunt), and Samuel (Sam)—engaging in a “tramp” into Tongariro National Park to cull feral pigs, not the easiest [or most pleasant] of tasks.

An odd bout of weather propels the trio to the Waikato War of 1863, including the Battle of Rangiriri, a major engagement in the invasion of Waikato.  Skirmishes occur, as do trials and tribulations, which add to the action and emotion.  Along the path to finding a way back . . . without altering history . . . the threesome encounter intriguing individuals, some who turn out to be ancestors.

The narration sounds everyday, natural with local vernacular, which makes for a fairly smooth read.  The characters are strong, believable, and very likable.  Physical descriptions and historical details enhance the read even more.  Owen has a knack for providing particulars—with enthralling twists and turns—that make you want to continue flipping pages: you just have to know what happens next.  And while you’re following the exciting adventures of Brill, Grunt and Sam, you learn a few things about New Zealand and the Māori.

The New Zealand War, by the by, was a succession of armed struggles that occurred from 1845 through 1872; on one side were the Colonial government and the allied Māori, and on the other side were the Māori and Māori-allied settlers.  And for those unfamiliar with the Māori, they’re indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand who arrived from eastern Polynesia in several waves of waka (a Māori canoe made of tree trunk) voyages in the early 14th century.

Entertainment and knowledge do make for great bedfellows.

I’d love to tell you that all ends well for Brill, Grunt and Sam, that they get back to present day . . . but I can’t.  You’ll have to read this engaging book to find out.

The editor in me can only give this a 4.5 due to typos and punctuation flaws.  Without those, it’s an easy 5 out of 5.

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And what about the author, Owen Clough?  His bio lists him as a keen genealogist, motor caravanner, and rugby fanatic with a love of history.   You can check him out at: https://www.owencloughbooks.com.

[image error]Having always wondered what it would be like to live back in the turbulent times of New Zealand’s history, Owen wrote Whispers of the Past with this in mind. The second book is Shadows of the Mind . . . the third, Clearing of the Mist.

Kia ora (be safe).

 

Inept Editing . . . Inept Writing . . . ?

You say “poh-tay-toe”, I say “paw-tah-tow”.  Something like that.

I love editing as much as writing and, admittedly, I get so enthused that sometimes I edit more than I probably should—by adding words/phrases or rewriting something that [I believe] warrants reworking.  Some writers are thankful, others get their knickers in a knot (and sound like they’d love nothing better than smack you with them).

I always feel dismayed when editors receive criticism, but I can also appreciate where the resentment stems from: it’s a blow to that fragile thing known as ego.  In my early writing days, as I’ve shared in past, I wasn’t terribly good.  And the hackles would raise when constructive criticism—“advice”—came my way.  I laugh [hysterically] now, knowing how right those individuals were!  But it took years to come to that realization . . . which was only achieved through studying, learning, and applying . . . and adopting thicker skin.

Writing is something that requires work; for the majority of people, it doesn’t come “naturally”.  It’s a craft that must be fashioned.  And it’s sad when writers won’t make an effort to improve themselves—truly, no one is perfect.  That’s a fact.

In this era of e-book publishing, anyone can be a writer.  And as I’ve previously stated, this is a good thing, because the world of traditional publishing was [is] very limited.  Many good writers could only hope/dream/pray they’d be in the right place at the right time: i.e. having a publisher actually pick up their manuscript as opposed to it landing on the slush pile (ooh, those form rejection letters, how crushing they could be).

The point of this post?  To suggest that e-book writers take feedback—“advice”—from editors with a grain of salt.  This profession, like writing, is a labor of love.  We truly do what we do to assist [and support] writers in becoming better narrators/storytellers.  Authors, aspiring or otherwise, should lay aside the egos a little and understand that while they have great tales to tell, they may not yet have achieved the talented authoring—flair—of Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, or Helen DeWitt.

Inept = incompetent. 

But incompetence can evolve into competence. 

It’s all a question of acceptance, attitude, and application . . . and adopting that aforementioned thicker skin.  We’re in this together; let’s make it work together.

And What’s with the Comma?

Doing a lot of editing these days and coming across “and” followed or preceded by a comma . . . also a lot.    As such, it prompted me to revisit using this lovely little punctuation mark with “and”.

Given this post is grammar oriented (yes, I sense those eyes glazing over already), let’s take a quick gander at “and”.  A conjunction is a word often used to connect words, phrases, and clauses/sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause.  But it can also be used to add (three and five equals seven, er, eight) or demonstrate a result (Read the manual thoroughly, and you’ll be able to build that generator, no prob).  “And” can also serve as a noun (I told you to do that—no ifs, ands, or buts).

Let’s see.  Ah yes.  A coordinating conjunction can also refer to: in addition to (men and women); as a consequence (Gerald raced after the malevolent monster and tumbled off the cliff), and; subsequently or then (Joan texted Rodney her plans and drove over to his place).  You can check the internet for more in-depth details if you’re so inclined. 

Be watchful of how you use commas after “and”.  Use it as a linking device:

  Larry had a mug of coffee and tuna sandwich.        She wrote a book about an angel and a saint.

But if you’re linking more than two phrases, put “and” in front of the last one.

  Larry had coffee, a tuna sandwich, and a chocolate-almond tart for lunch.        She wrote a book about an angel, demon, and deity.

When linking adjectives, the comma is optional.  Many people like to put a comma before “and” in a list.

  They felt weary, sweaty, and dirty.  /  They felt weary, sweaty and dirty.        Henry the hamster is cute, well behaved, and energetic.  /  Henry the hamster is cute, well behaved and energetic.

Be wary of using a comma before “and” when there are only two actions/details.

  Correct:  Martha and Jake like to jog and stretch.        Incorrect:  Marth and Jake like to jog, and stretch.

Here are two independent clauses; as such, add the comma before “and”.  An independent clause, by the by, is a sentence that could stand on its own.  But you already knew that.

  In May they’ll visit Japan, and in June they’ll travel to Australia.

Don’t use a comma before “and” when an independent clause is connected to a dependent clause (a phrase that can’t stand on its own).

  Taylor pulled the roast out of the oven, and watched Lee slice it.

The first clause, an independent one, can stand alone (as a sentence), but the second clause can’t.  It’s “dependent” on the first.

  Correct:  Taylor pulled the roast out of the oven and watched Lee slice it.

Eyes drooping?  A yawn pulling at those down-turned lips?  Okay, okay.  I’ll stop.  Just give thought to that comma.  It’s a wonderful, practical punctuation mark . . . useful for keeping information clear and enabling ease of reading.  However, used in overabundance (like anything), it can prove quite annoying [if not unprofessional].

Decide what your approach/style re the comma is and be consistent.

Here’s to the comma, and not making sentence structure errors. 

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A Simple Wednesday Morning Shameless Self-Promotion

The Boss has a lot on her plate re the 9-to-5 and mom-care right now, so the three of us engaged in “rock paper scissors” to see who’d post today.  Linda won, but managed to bang up her finger (and her temperament).  Rey’s feeling fairly fatigued so, you have me, JJ, today. 

The post isn’t about me or the agency, but about our boss.  Her building has a monthly newsletter and they featured a brief, informative interview written by the lovely fellow dweller, Judith Michael.  It certainly helped rally her flagging spirits. So, I thought I’d share it here . . . because I’m all for some simple shameless self-promotion (even if it’s for someone else).

The WestClair’s Writer:  Tyler Colins

Look no further than The WestClair to find Tyler Colins, our resident writer.  While Tyler has written both fiction and non-fiction, her focus is on writing mysteries.  She has completed four books in the Triple Threat Mysteries and is well into writing the fifth.

The series centers around three strong female private investigators with distinct and unique personalities. According to Tyler, JJ, the narrator, is calm, mature, and thoughtful.  Her cousin Rey is brash, impetuous, melodramatic, and “won’t take ‘no’ for an answer”.  Rey’s best friend Linda, is smart and a little “nerdy”.

Tyler gravitated to the Triple Threat saying, “I liked the characters or they liked me . . . they wanted me to be their boss”. Of the three women, Tyler’s favourite is Rey because “I want to be her.”

When asked to describe “the unique voice” of her writing style, Tyler likened it to “a 1950’s lounge – easy going, beatnik, laid back, with a cool feel”.  The laid-back vibe of her writing is in contrast to the busyness of Tyler’s life. In addition to writing, she edits fiction for a company in Japan, has a full-time job in human resources, and looks after her mother.

You can find out more about Tyler’s work on her blog https://thewritersgrabbag.com/ Her books can be purchased from Amazon and some will be available from The WestClair Library when the second-floor lounge reopens. It’s best to begin with The Connecticut Corpse Caper, the first of the Triple Threat Mysteries and initially written as a stand-alone book.     as written both fiction and non-fiction, her focus is on writing mysteries.  She has completed four books in the Triple Threat Mysteries and is well into writing the fifth.

[image error]The series centers around three strong female private investigators with distinct and unique personalities. According to Tyler, JJ, the narrator, is calm, mature, and thoughtful.  Her cousin Rey is brash, impetuous, melodramatic, and “won’t take ‘no’ for an answer”.  Rey’s best friend Linda, is smart and a little “nerdy”.

Thanks so much, Judith!  The gals and I are very appreciative.

Continue to stay safe, everyone.

Standing Strong

It’s JJ, posting for the three of us, er, four of us (sorry Boss).  Today, we thought we’d simply display the hope-oriented quotes we’ve been posting the last few days on our Triple Threat Investigation Agency FB page.

These times are trying, unexpected and unusual to say the least, but we will get through them.  It may not seem as simple as stated, but we’re a resilient lot.  We have the faith (be it religious, spiritual, emotional, or cerebral), the stamina, and the determination.  We . . . shall . . . overcome.

In all things it is better to hope than to despair.  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and statesman

 Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them.  Vincent McNabb, Irish scholar and priest

Where there is no hope, it is incumbent on us to invent it.  Albert Camus, French Algerian philosopher, author, and journalist

Out of difficulties grow miracles.  Jean de la Bruyère, French philosopher and moralist

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.  Desmond Tutu, South African Leader

Hope is a passion for the possible.  Søren Kierkegaard, Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic and religious author 

Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear.  If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.  Thích Nhất Hạnh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, founder of the Plum Village Tradition

We liked this one so much, we posted it twice.

Hope is a renewable option: If you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to start over in the morning.  Barbara Kingsolver, American novelist, essayist and poet

[image error]Never let go of hope.

H   hold

O   optimism  (and)

P   positiveness

E   evermore

(That was Rey’s contribution.  Who’d have thought she had it in her, God bless her.)

Stay safe!

The Naught for Nothing Post

This week I was inspired by, well, nothing.  I guess my mind is as blank as the page of The Nothing Book (Wanna Make Something of it?).  Remember that, by Bruce Harris?  Many of you won’t of course, given it came out in the 70s.  But it was huge back then.  A book filled with blank pages.  What a concept.  Make a mint by putting a title on a notebook or diary.  Bravo!

So why a naught for nothing post?  Because there are so many thoughts and notions in my head they seem to blend into a big bunch of nothingness.  Because there is so much to post about right now, and yet nothing to say that hasn’t already been said.  Because so much is happening . . . and yet nothing appears to be moving/improving . . .  as we wait (and worry) about what will transpire.

But nothing in and of itself has its merit.  There’s nothing wrong with sitting back and attempting to relax, or gather momentum, or pray / hope / wish for better and safer days.  Embracing nothingness lends itself to a sense of relief, if only temporarily.

I rather like the thought of nothing as “something that does not exist”—like this catastrophic period in history or the dire daily news.  Or “nonexistence”—like this devastating illness.  Ah, to wave a magic wand and have it all go away, to fade into . . . nothingness.  To be able to do much ado about nothing, because that nothing is nothing more than something trivial, like too much cream in coffee.

So, today I’m posting about nothing—for the reason that there would be nothing better than to have nothing to worry about.

Stay safe my dear friends.

The Sun always Rises

You have the three of us today.  Hey, it’s Rey!

No, this isn’t a post about Hemingway (Linda told me my title was similar to the title of one of his books).  If you’ve been following our FB (The Triple Threat Investigation Agency) page, you know we’ve spent the week pretty much on the lanai.  Oh, we’re doing some work—whatever’s doable—and drinking lots of iced tea, which I personally hate.  Linda’s been busy creating new blends (keeps her busy, she says).  The latest concoction—fusion, as my BFF calls it—is lavender-fennel.  With sprigs of dill, no less.  It’s . . . interesting (and let’s leave it at that).

Besides watching some mind-numbing TV—you know, I kinda wish I’d opted to become a game-show model (I like the clothes)—and over-grooming the kids, we’ve been reading a lot.  Me Nancy Drew, Linda philosophy and English lit stuff (can you spell y-a-w-n?), and JJ everything and anything in the news.  Who’d ever have guessed life could be put on lock-down hold?

Given the hope-related posts on FB all week, we thought we’d stay on a similar theme and each provide a current favorite quote—one that’s kinda inspiring us right now.

Linda:   I have to go with Helen Keller’s “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”  Clear and clever.  Never give into negativity or the dark side(s) of life.

JJ:   Winston Churchill said it succinctly well.  “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”  Remaining optimistic, no matter what adversity faces us, is tantamount to overcoming [any and all] obstacles.

Me-Rey:   As a part-time actress, I have to go with Milton Berle.  “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”  We—you, me—have the ability to make things happen.  Don’t ever doubt that.

Continue to stay safe, be smart, and keep the faith.  The sun does always rise . . . sometimes with breathtaking results.

Take care, dear friends.

No Aversion to Diversions

It’s Linda posting today.  The Boss is helping us close the current case, HA-HA-HA-HA, while simultaneously working on an editing project and doing the 9-to-5.  (At least she got over that t.p. obsession, though now she does seem to be  fanatically focused on finding sanitizer products.)

Rey, JJ and I are sitting on the lanai again.  It’s nice and quiet, save for the neighbor who decided to start a self-reno project, given he’s got a lot of time on his hand.  The banging and clanging are a bit annoying, but nothing compared to the cussing when he hammers his finger.

The three of us at the Triple Threat Investigation Agency are still finding diversions—besides blogging and reviewing, I’m taking an on-line course on pet grooming, inspired by JJ’s gawd-awful “spruce up” of Button a few days ago.  The poor dear’s still wearing that woe-is-me look.  A dog with a mullet; who knew it was possible?  JJ’s reviewing crime stories for the agency website.  And Rey’s still reading Nancy Drew books, with great enthusiasm I might add.  She’s been enacting scenes for us.  Hey, it passes the time.

Considering there’s not much happening, I’ve no aversion to another diversion.  So here you go, dear friends, another excerpt from HA-HA-HA-HA.

Continue to stay safe and healthy!

“Nice flowers,” Rey commented, peering over my shoulder at the gold-flecked carton that had just arrived at the agency. 

It was a few minutes after noon and Linda had joined Mink for a casual lunch in the doggy-wear designer’s office.  I’d declined as I’d already picked up shrimp won-ton mein at a noodle house across the street and Rey had passed with a monotone “not hungry”.  Whether that was because she wasn’t a fan of Mink or the fact her BFF and Mink were becoming good pals remained to be seen.

She dropped onto the rattan sofa beside me with a thud.

“Hey, we can’t afford to replace broken furniture,” I chided.

“You going to open that?”  She poked the carton with a long apple-red fingernail.

“My, my, my.  Aren’t we curious?”

“We are.  Now, open it!”

Chuckling, I untied the satin ribbon.  Inside, wrapped in lightweight tissue were twelve long-stem crimson roses.

“Nice.”  Her tone was flat, her gaze narrowed.  “What about the card?”

I passed it.  “You do the honors.”

She unsealed the small gilt-edged envelope like a pro.  “Lovely flowers for lovely ladies.”  She turned it over and shrugged.  “Looks like you have—hold on, it says ‘ladies’.  But the delivery was to you.”

“Looks like we have a secret admirer.”

She frowned.  “They’re roses.”

“But they’re not black,” I said with a tight smile.

Her frown deepened.  “You think they might be from GRP?”

“It’s possible, but I’d expect him to enclose a taunting or sinister message.  And the flowers would be black, or close to.”  I shrugged.  “These could be from a former client or a mischievous friend.”

“Our few friends don’t have money to blow on high-end roses,” she stated, eyeing them circumspectly.  “Maybe a client.”

I stood.  “May as well put them in a vase.”

“We don’t have one.”

“Then I’ll run down to the little trading shop next door and buy one.  They’re too pretty to let wither.”

“Take ‘em home.”  She smiled faintly.  “The place could use some color.”

“They still need water until we leave.”

She shrugged and started to remove them from the box—and shrieked.  “Shit.  I forgot about thorns.”

But it wasn’t a thorn that was sticking from a bleeding finger when she held it up—but a mini razor blade for a snap-blade knife.

She looked at me crossly.  “You were sayin’ something about friends?”

No Laughing Matter

Hey, it’s Rey today.  The Boss is out on t.p. patrol.  The woman has an obsession about it, I tell ya (so what if there’s hardly any to be had?)—get over it.

Cousin Jilly and Linda and I are sitting on the lanai.  We’ve been fortunate so far re the virus, but then we’re being diligent about staying in touch with the latest news.  Ensure you do, too.

So life doesn’t become too grim or overwhelming, we’re finding diversions—Linda’s blogging and JJ’s grooming the pets in the shade.  I’m reading some of the Boss’ Nancy Drew books to pass time.

In case you’re looking for a bit of a distraction, I thought I’d share an excerpt, or teaser, from our upcoming case HA-HA-HA-HA (whadya think—all caps or no?).

Stay safe and healthy everyone—we will get through this.

Take it away, JJ!

“So much for an early night,” Linda grumbled, waving farewell to Ald and Sallo, who’d arrived fifteen minutes after we’d called Ald. 

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. 

“So GRP’s getting close and personal.”  I parked my butt on the edge of Rey’s queen-size upholstered storage bed.  

Leaning into the far wall, Linda frowned and appeared pensive.  “I wonder whose blood he used.” 

“I suspect we’ll learn soon enough,” I said wearily. 

“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.”

“It should be enough 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 a variegated solid-marble and brushed-brass floor mirror (an “awesome mega-discounted sale piece”).

“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—with whiskers wildly twitching—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 dryly, slipping the T-shirt advertising a local rib joint over her head.

“Count sheep.”

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

Standing, I waved goodnight and tread to my room where I found Button already on the bed.  With a pat to her head, I slipped into a V-back chemise and pulled aside the covers.  A twinge—gut instinct—impelled me to check the agency website.  The laptop, conveniently perched on a recently purchased diamond-patterned nightstand (Rey’s “sales bug” was contagious), found its way onto my lap. 

Sure enough, a message from GRP had arrived in the Inbox.

Need help with house renos?  Climbing ladders is no big deal and I’m pretty good with tools.  You’ve seen my etching work.  Let me know and I’ll pop by.  Your new playmate.  GrimReaperPeeper.  Or, as you’ve so fondly dubbed me, GRP.

I drew a deep breath and gazed around the dim bedroom.  Obviously GRP was watching.  And it appeared he was listening, too.

Ta to the Talented Sandi Wallace

My heartfelt thanks to Australia-based crime writer Sandi Wallace for her four-star review of The Connecticut Corpse Caper.  The first book in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series details the crazy antics at a haunted antebellum mansion that “launched” the P.I. careers of JJ, Rey, and Linda.

The Connecticut Corpse Caper is the first in the Triple Threat Mysteries and my first read of this author. It’s a fun twist on the traditional isolated country house whodunnit trope – the writer’s style is energetic and brims with quirky humour and description. There’s a posh mansion, tonnes of hidden passageways, a singing-talking ghost, and a cast of both likeable and unlikeable characters all required to stay a week to inherit a packet of money. When the body count rises, corpses disappear and unexpected parties make an entrance, it’s time for our amateur sleuths to get to work to solve the case. A very enjoyable cosy mystery. (Reviewed on March 11, 2020)

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

https://www.amazon.com/…/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml…

[image error]Sandi’s love of crime stories and avid interest in policing enabled her to step into crime-writer shoes, with successful results!  She has won numerous prizes for her short crime fiction, including several Scarlet Stiletto Awards.  Her debut novel, Tell Me Why (the first in the Georgie Harvey and John Franklin series), won the Davitt Award Readers’ Choice.  Congrats Sandi!

Equally exciting is the fact that her fourth rural thriller, Black Cloud, will be released on July 22nd 2020 and her entire back-list will be republished (with more titles in the pipeline).  As an FYI, Black Cloud, Tell Me Why, Dead Again and Into the Fog are currently available for at your favorite Amazon store.

At present, Sandi is working on a standalone psychological thriller—something for us readers to look forward to!

[image error]You can follow Sandi Wallace’s book news via her Facebook page (Sandi Wallace – Author), as well as Instagram, Pinterest, and her website.

Please connect with Sandi here:

https://www.instagram.com/sandiwallacecrime/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8431978.Sandi_Wallace

https://www.sandiwallace.com/.