Tyler Colins's Blog, page 55
February 13, 2020
Day 4 – Some More Shameless Self-Promotion (coz I just Can’t Provide Enough)
The Connecticut Corpse Caper and Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie are still available for a discount / free promotion.
Promotion price for both: FREE
Caper: A haunted antebellum mansion, several corpses, and a slew of suspects inspire JJ, Rey and Linda, to become P.I.s. The threesome moves to beautiful Hawaii and opens the Triple Threat Investigation Agency—with decent success.
Hula: Our aspiring private eyes take on their first official case: discovering the “secret” of an elderly millionaire’s young wife. All seems straightforward enough—until the wife is found dead along the lovely oceanside. As Jill (JJ), Rey and Linda determine to uncover the killer amid a cast of curious, unconventional characters, they stumble across more than one “secret” and trip over a few bodies.
Here are various [messy looking] Amazon links (coz I’m not that technically brilliant when it comes to them, LOL):
https://www.amazon.ca/Connecticut-Corpse-Triple-Threat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KEDWHMG
https://www.amazon.ca/Hula-Hattie-Triple-Threat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KEEBNOS
https://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Colins/e/B01KHOZAL2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Thank you.
Please note: $0.99 promotions are active only in the US and UK stores, and free promotions are available in all Amazon marketplaces!
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February 12, 2020
Day 3 – More Bout(s) of Shameless Self-Promotion(s)
Aloha Wednesday.
[image error]Don’t forget, please – The Connecticut Corpse Caper has been selected for a discount / free promotion.
Promotion price for The Connecticut Corpse Caper (Feb 10 – 14): FREE
A haunted mansion, a number of corpses, and a sundry of suspects motivate JJ, Rey and Linda, to become private eyes. The trio moves to beautiful Oahu and opens the Triple Threat Investigation Agency—with not too shabby success.
[image error]And starting today (through the 16th), you can also receive Can You Hula like Hilo Hattie free.
The novice private eyes take on their first official paying assignment: discovering the secret of an elderly millionaire’s young wife. It seems straightforward enough—until the wife is found dead in the sapphire Hawaiian oceanside. As Jill (JJ), Rey and Linda strive to uncover the killer amid a cast of curious, unconventional characters, they stumble across several secrets and fall over a few bodies.
Here are various Amazon links (to cover all bases):
https://www.amazon.ca/Connecticut-Corpse-Triple-Threat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KEDWHMG
https://www.amazon.ca/Hula-Hattie-Triple-Threat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KEEBNOS
https://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Colins/e/B01KHOZAL2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Thank you kindly!
Please note: $0.99 promotions are active only in the US and UK stores, and free promotions are available in all Amazon marketplaces!
February 11, 2020
Day 2 of Another Bout of Shameless Self-Promotion
Happy Tuesday.
A quick reminder that The Connecticut Corpse Caper has been selected for a discount / free promotion.
Promotion price for The Connecticut Corpse Caper (Feb 10 – 14): FREE
If you’d like to learn what inspired JJ, Rey and Linda, to become private eyes and open their own shop—the Triple Threat Investigation Agency—please check out Caper.
Here are three Amazon links (I like to cover all bases):
https://www.amazon.ca/Connecticut-Corpse-Triple-Threat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KEDWHMG
https://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Colins/e/B01KHOZAL2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Thank you!
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Please note: $0.99 promotions are active only in the US and UK stores, and free promotions are available in all Amazon marketplaces!
February 10, 2020
Another Bout of Shameless Self-Promotion
Extra, extra!
The Connecticut Corpse Caper has been selected for a discount / free promotion. Here are the details, dear friends and followers:
Promotion price for The Connecticut Corpse Caper: FREE (yes, f-r-e-e!)
Promotion dates: February 10th through the 14th 2020
Please note: $0.99 promotions are active only in the US and UK stores, and free promotions are available in all Amazon marketplaces!
Please check out the antics—er—cases of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency trio (JJ, Rey, and Linda). And perhaps you might wish to help boost Caper’s Popularity Index (PI) . . . ?
Here are three Amazon links (you can never have enough):
https://www.amazon.ca/Connecticut-Corpse-Triple-Threat-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KEDWHMG
https://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Colins/e/B01KHOZAL2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Thank you . . . or as the Oahu-based P.I. gals would say . . . mahalo.
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February 8, 2020
Peeves, Not Pets
Hey-ho, it’s Rey again. Linda was going to take over today’s post, but she had a few too many Mai-Tais last night—a party I wasn’t invited to (which I won’t forget).
Today, I thought I’d post about peeves, not pets—you know, what our current gripes are. So ya got one from my cousin JJ, one from by best friend Linda (recovering from too much fun, he-he, and serves her right), and one from yours truly.
Linda’s Peeve
[image error]Ill-mannered people, first and foremost. Yes, these days, we’re all in a rush, trying to get things done and we’re so focused on that, we forget to be nice. Remember that word? It translates into being polite, kind, pleasant. Last week, some hulk of a guy nearly crushed me against a glass door in his haste to leave a store. He had a bag in one hand, a cell in the other, and pipikaula clasped between his tense lips. No apology, just a what-are-you-doing-in-my-way glare. Granted, he may have been having a bad day—heaven knows we all do—but do we need to extend that to others? It might not be that bad, even quell said bad mood, if we presented a smile, a greeting, or a simple apology.
JJ’s Peeve
[image error]Animal abusers. To hear of an animal being beaten or killed—poached or hunted—breaks my heart. That a fellow human being could inflict injury or death on a helpless creature / a beloved pet, simply boggles my mind. If caring for a pet—that wonderful companion that demonstrates unconditional love—is no longer an option, surely another home, even a shelter, is a viable option. There’s no (!) excuse for mistreatment.
My Peeve
[image error]Sick people who wanna share the love. Not long ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop and this woman came in, hacking up a storm. Sat across from me and continued with the nasty coughing. Never covered her mouth. Never even apologized. Needless to say, I got sick—for over a week! Nothing I like more than shoving tissues up my nose, whooping up a storm, and feeling like shi—uh, sickly. People, if you’re ill, show some respect. Cover up and steer clear!
Ahhhhhh. Nothing better than purging peeves. Have a great rest of the week, everyone! The Boss’ll be back soon.
February 5, 2020
Pets, not Peeves
Those are for another post. Hey, it’s Rey! The Boss, as an FYI, is having some mom-care things to tend to, so ya got me again.
We were walking Button and Piggaletto in Kapiʻolani Park the other day—I had Bonzo in a cool new stroller—and thought a post about pets might be fun. [image error]
So, where to start, my friends? We-ell, Bonzo is my Checkered Giant rabbit. I rescued the cutie when his young owner had been murdered during the Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie? caper. I never had pets prior. Man, did I miss out.
[image error]Button is JJ’s rescue mutt, a mix—let’s see if I can remember—right, of Havanese, Schnoodle and Chacy Ranoir. They’re breeds considered hypoallergenic, coz my cousin’s got allergies.
[image error]Piggaletto’s my best friend’s pot-bellied pig. I was kinda surprised when she brought the porker home one afternoon, and it took a wee bit of getting used to him, but he’s a sweetie and I’ve grown to really love the little guy.
Besides pets being fun and cute and just too lovable, I did some Googling and found out there are actual merits to owning one. Let me share . . .
There’s decreased: 
blood pressure cholesterol levels triglyceride levels (a type of fat found in your body, as an FYI) feelings of loneliness and/or stress.
And there’s increased: occasions for exercise and physical activities opportunities to meet people, make new friends (I know we’ve made a few since spending time in parks with the pets) sense of safety.
Additionally, having pets is great for kids—gives them a sense of responsibility and bonding. And, apparently, they can actually stop kids from developing allergies (JJ’s mom should have got her a cat from day one). And here’s one fact I find amazing: pets can help detect cancer. Like, who knew!?
There are so many animals in shelters, waiting to have a home, be loved and pampered (kinda like what we humans want). Please give [lots of] thought to adopting one. You’ll [both] feel better!
February 1, 2020
I’ve been Imprinted!
Or rather, my books have now gone through imprintation (which doesn’t appear to be a valid word, actually, but hey, what’s wrong with adding new ones to the lot?)
The Triple Threat Investigation Agency series—The Connecticut Corpse Caper, Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie, Coco’s Nuts, and Forever Poi—are now formally part of the Next Chapter catalog! How exciting is that? The P.I. gals (JJ, Rey, and Linda) and I officially belong to a recognized publishing house. We’d woo-hoo, big time, but no one really does that anymore . . . do they? Oh, what the heck—WOO-HOO!
If you have a second or two, dear friends and followers, we humbly ask (beg, plead, promise to be your BFF) that you visit one or all of the links to check us out.
Thank you kindly, or as the Hawaii-based trio would say, mahalo.
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January 29, 2020
Say it Ain’t So!!!
As a Nancy Drew fan, I purposely avoided reading the news about her demise. But, curiosity being what it is, I finally gave in. [image error]
Whew! She doesn’t actually die . . . well, maybe, maybe not. Per the New York Times:
“A new comic book series imagines that Nancy has been killed, infuriating some fans of the unstoppable teen detective who made her debut 90 years ago.” (The optimum word here, people, is “imagines”.)
Yes, 90! Can you believe our pretty, spunky young sleuth has been around for nearly a century (and sold nearly 80 million books)? As an FYI, the brainchild of Edward Stratemeyer, Nancy’s mystery-solving adventures were penned under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene for decades.
More from NYT:
“The forthcoming comic book series “Nancy Drew & the Hardy Boys: The Death of Nancy Drew!” was intended to commemorate the publication in April 1930 of the first Nancy Drew book by putting a noirish spin on the classic tale of the roadster-driving, truth-seeking sleuth from River Heights.
But the possibility that Nancy — whose pluck and valor have helped her triumph over villains since the Great Depression — was murdered infuriated some of her passionate fans . . .”
Per CNN Entertainment, “Some fans criticized the decision to apparently “fridge” Nancy Drew in her own series. “Fridging” is a comic book trope in which a female character is killed to build a male character’s development and motivation.”
And per CTV News: “Nancy Drew is dead! Or so it seems,” teases publisher Dynamite in a press release. “Through twists and turns, this dark noir-infused story unfurls as the biggest Nancy Drew mystery of all time.” (“Seems” and “teases” certainly suggest her return.)
Some claim it’s a marketing ploy. Hopefully. I’d hate to think my favorite detective is no more. She’s been part of my life—as she has for countless others—for many, many years. She’s rather like family and losing a beloved family member is beyond tragic.
So I’m going to firmly hold the faith that Nancy will be back to sleuth for 90 more! (Please say it is so, folks!)
January 25, 2020
Giving Gratitude
A simple post today. As some of you may be aware, yours truly has been rather stressed (depressed) for the long last while. Trying to go with the flow. I know, nix the “trying”—just go with it, right? (Maybe if the flow tried to go with me a wee bit, that would help, but that’s another rant, uh, post. LOL)
While I haven’t had all the time I’d like to devote to blogging, writing, and social media—especially of late—I’m still quite aware, in my present rush-through reading/writing/life travels, of all the wonderful blogs, sites, books, and people out there. So many individuals share incredible, uplifting, and enlightening things—be it telling tales, personal episodes and events, messages of faith and belief, or stories of perseverance and strength.
A few fun and fascinating folks have entered my life since I began blogging and some are still there, even though I’ve been remiss in staying in regular touch. But I hope they know that my thoughts and good wishes are always with them.
Giving gratitude is a very good thing, and something we should do frequently. Let’s be thankful for a lovely sunrise, a wonderful warming cup of joe, a pretty poem, a side-splitting story . . . a shy smile.
I’d like to extend a simple, wholehearted thank you to everyone who has entered my life, even fleetingly. You’ve touched me in some way and I’m grateful I’ve received the opportunity for our paths to cross.
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January 21, 2020
Do You Hear What I See?
Happy Wednesday everyone. It’s Linda. The Boss is still stressed (a bit depressed, too), so I said I’d be happy to post today. The $1,000 question though: about what? In view of the fact I review wines and food, I thought maybe I’d feature a few outstanding Hawaiian wines and culinary delights . . . or perhaps enlighten readers about the local music and literary scene. So many topics, so little time and space. He-he.
As I sit here listening to Jake Shimabukuro (a cutie who plays an awesome ukulele) I’m thinking how much books are like music. Comprised of words, units of language, stories communicate accounts, events, yarns, legends: tales simple and complex. Much like songs.
Words are lyrics. Words are music. Like melodies, they flow . . . and have rhythm. They entertain. Soothe. Thrum and strum. An arrangement of vocal/instrumental sounds. Writing a narrative is like writing an aria or anthem. A fluid artistic endeavor.
Athenian philosopher Plato stated, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” No argument there. And the word “stories” could easily be exchanged for “music”.
According to Modest Mouse, an American rock band formed in the 90s, “Music is to the soul what words are to the mind.” Right on.
And there’s a great quote from Alphonse Marie Louise de Prat de Lamartine, Knight of Pratz (that’s a mouthful): “Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” Born in the 18th century, De Lamartine, for those not in the know, was a French writer, poet. He was quite influential in the continuation of the Tricolore as the flag of France, as well as the Second Republic (a transient republican government under Napoléon Bonaparte). I digress.
I told Rey what I’d written just before getting ready to post. She responded with two typical Reynalda Fonne-Werde comebacks: a buffalo snort and a loud raspberry. Then she fell on the sofa and laughed. Guffawed, actually. This encouraged me to do exactly what I’d set out to—with a trumpet blast. In her ear. He-he.
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