Tyler Colins's Blog, page 57
January 10, 2020
1 Point Here, ½ Point There
As a reviewer, I will deduct ½-1 point when I find a number of typos and errors/inconsistencies. Thinking on it the other day, I questioned whether this was fair, given that it can really be the editor’s fault and not the writer’s.
But is it really? As a writer, I do my best to catch all typos and inconsistencies in a manuscript, but given I’m human, I might not necessarily capture them all. As an editor, I do my best to catch all typos and inconsistencies in a manuscript, but given I’m human, I might not necessarily capture them all.
The editor in me will honestly confess that it sometimes irks me when I receive a manuscript abundant with errors, some so glaring and numerous it makes me wince. It suggests the writer completed one draft and didn’t give a fig about revising or editing. Perhaps he/she knew there’d be an editor, so why bother or worry? Who needs to sweat the small stuff, right? The manuscript was completed; that’s all that matters. That’s fine, I suppose. But what if said editor is good but not great? What happens then?
This brings me back to previous posts re the importance of proofing and editing our own work. Most writers find it a tiresome if not daunting task, and I get that. But consider it this way: it’s a valuable way [practice] to augment writing skills. The more we edit and rework—polish—the more we learn and develop. And the less we have to rely on someone else to “perfect” our product. There’s a certain degree of pride in that, don’t you think?
Today, thanks to world of e-publishing, anyone and everyone can be an author . . . which is wonderful, because traditional publishing of yesteryear made the book world a very difficult realm to break into. Yet it can also lend itself to a certain apathy, where the standard of professionalism seems less critical (that’s another post, my friends).
Conclusion? Deductions will continue . . . as will counsel re the virtues of self-editing and augmenting our skills. [image error]
January 7, 2020
Review: With Her Fists by Henry Roi
Is it [exceptional] bad luck or being in the wrong place at the [dreadfully] wrong time? Or a question of both? One fateful day, Clarice Carter and her hubby, Ace, are conducting business as usual at their shop, Custom Ace, and the next they’re both in correctional facilities—for the long haul. Who do they have to thank? A couple of nasty, dirty cops with ties to The Teacher and a no-holds-barred cartel.
Speaking of holds, Clarice “Shocker the Fighter” Carter is a bantam-weight pugilist with numerous wins under her belt. Being a skilled boxer comes in handy when you’re behind bars, living under conditions that go beyond trying. But this gal’s strong and determined, and she’ll do what’s necessary to survive—and escape.
[image error]When you have cellmates with names like Death Punch, Boogerilla and Tattoo Face, you know trouble can’t be far off. With Her Fists, Henry Roi’s gritty and raw debut novel surges like a whitewater river. The action is intense, and the details and descriptions are so thorough that you can effortlessly visualize settings and characters (some in all their scary, unsavory splendor).
The facts re boxing and tattooing create an additional layer of realness, and there’s humor, too, which helps alleviate the ugliness of correctional life (and death).
“So peanut butter and jelly with sweat pants and a side order of hand towelettes,” Eddy said. “Thank you for choosing Fugitive King. Please drive around to the window.”
“I want fries and a divorce with that,” Ace added. “I’m citing ‘irreconcilable driving differences’.”
“He screamed like a girl,” Clarice informed them. Eddy merely chuckled. Bobby sounded like he was choking to death.
While they waited on delivery service from Fugitive King, Ace and Clarice walked down to the water. Held hands and sat on the sand bar, fully exposed in all its smelly glory, low tide waters lapping gently against the small beach and bank connected to it. An early morning fisherman motored his skiff out around the marsh islands a couple hundred yards in the distance, sea gulls hovering over him, man and boat silhouetted from the rising sun 93,000,000 miles behind him.
Ace gripped her hand. “Should I moon that guy?” he said.
Clarice looked at him, shocked, and gasped, “No! What’s wrong with you? Act your age, dude.”
He just smirked. Stood and offered her his hand. Clarice took it and gained her feet. He bowed and kissed her fingers.
Then they turned around and exposed their glowing rear-ends to the fisherman.
With Her Fists receives a 4.5 rating (the editor in me has to deduct ½ point because of typos and inconsistencies like italics usage).
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The author, Henry Roi, was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and finds inspiration in its places and people. As a GED tutor and fitness instructor, and advocate of adult education in all forms, he works one-on-one as well as on-line. Personal interests, not surprisingly, include: tattoo art, prison reform, and auto mechanics.
This talented writer also focuses on promoting indie writers by arranging reviews, delivering media campaigns, and running blog tours.
You can find Henry on Twitter and Facebook @HenryRoiPR.
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January 3, 2020
New Year, New Outlook, New Hope(s)
Hey, it’s Rey. The Boss is in meltdown mode these days (poor thing), so we decided to take over re the first official 2020 blog post (New Year’s Day doesn’t count). We’re keepin’ it light; nothing earth-shattering or overly deep.
Because it’s a new year—a new decade—the three of us from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency thought we’d share what we’d like to accomplish and see happen this year.
We’ll start with my BFF, Linda. Over to you, hon!
[image error]Thanks Rey. I’m not looking for anything grandiose. A nice home, sufficient finances, and continued employment would be perfectly fine. Blogging and writing is fun, so I definitely want to continue with both. Volunteering with the homeless goes without saying. Oh, can’t forget continued good health: that’s important. What would I like to accomplish or see happen outside the norm? Well, it would be great if the agency were successful—i.e. it receives steady, regular cases. And I wouldn’t mind a trip to Japan and Hong Kong. Rey’s rolling her eyes and feigning a yawn.
That was a snoozer, wasn’t it? Thanks Linda for sharing that non-exciting wish-list. What about you, Cousin Jilly? Hopefully your 2020 plans are more thrilling.
[image error]Sorry to disappoint, Cousin Reynalda. I’m of a similar mind. I’m not looking for huge financial gain, other than what we earn through the agency or via independent projects. I’m content with the new house, even if it needs a lot of work. I’d like us to have more cases, but we’re not doing that badly for a relatively new agency, so I’ll keep the faith that all will work out in our favor. A relationship doesn’t appeal to me, at least not at this time; it’s too much work, never mind the making-compromises component. Volunteering at the animal shelter is a must. My cousin just rolled her eyes again and offered a big fat, fake yawn.
Thanks JJ. Another snoozer. Okay, here’s what yours truly hopes for 2020.
[image error]I’m all for having a nice home, an exciting private-eye career, and saving the monk seals. That’s the humdrum stuff outta the way; now for the real, fun things. I want lots of money, because—as you know—I love shopping. Faux designer bags and shoes are okay, but I’d like the genuine articles, know what I mean? Considering I’ve been married three times, I’m not looking for another walk down the aisle, but I could handle a boyfriend or two. Question is: could they handle me? I still want us to expand the agency—to Maui and Kauai, for starters. I’d also like to do more community theater and see a movie made about the three of us. I could play me! With the right director/crew, it’d win an award or two.
One last thing re 2020: our new case HA-HA-HA-HA will be avail. Can you spell w-o-o-h-o-o?
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December 31, 2019
To 2020!
A few thoughts flowed through the ol’ noggin re writing the final post of the year. The one that persisted was about purging . . . cleansing feelings and sharing truth/life.
Then I thought, given what I’ve been going through for [too] many years, that would be quite depressing. Who wants to start a New Year on a negative note? Not I! Not this time!
So, here is a simple heartfelt post—and here’s to a truly wonderful, inspiring New Year.
May our dreams and aims become reality. May the bad/adverse/harmful and hateful be things of the past. May we grow as individuals and embrace the good in one another. May we forgive. May we stand tall and not allow others to topple us. May we find the ability to be assertive without being aggressive and do what’s right (and recognize that which is wrong). May we be supportive and giving, without being overwhelming or overpowering. May those of us who are weak find the strength to [finally] take stands. May those of us who have lost our faith once again find it.
Happy 2020 everyone . . . may it be your year!!!
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December 27, 2019
T’is Time for [Writing] Resolutions
Given we’re a few days away from a new year (and, with any luck, a better one), t’is time to record resolutions . . . maybe? They’re great for keeping us focused, not so great for keeping. Am I right? . . . Maybe?
Let’s focus on writing resolutions—as in resolutions for writers/bloggers. There are way too many to consider, so we’ll keep ’em sweet and simple, and fairly straightforward.
The first one has to be, to quote Nike: just do it! Write, write, write. Post, post, post. It’s the blessing, and sometimes the bane, of our existence.
Ensure you write every day; set a schedule. If you were doing this professionally—and, hopefully, one day you will—you’d have to commit to a timetable. Arrange one that works with your daily routine.
Challenge yourself this coming year. Write something outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to go for a novel; aim for a short story. If you hate sci-fi, give it a go! You may surprise yourself.
Learn to embrace—and love—editing. You can leave it to a professional if you like (and have the $$$), but it’s a skill that can be picked up. Just apply yourself. Practice makes perfect. Am I right? No maybe this time; it’s a fact.
If you haven’t published or set up a blog yet, do so. Find a publisher. Publish an e-book. Create a blog; they’re easy and fun, and can look as professional or arty as you want (just consider your ultimate goal when you design it).
Mingle. Meet other writers/bloggers. You can do it on-line or via a real group. Make sure you’re on social media so that you can connect—not only with fellow authors, but readers, and possible customers (who may partake of your writing skills or blog offerings).
Read. Learn from others. Study styles and approaches. Get (don’t steal) ideas. See what makes for “success”.
Support your colleagues. Wouldn’t you want (and appreciate) encouragement in your quest? Give back . . . always. It’s a good thing.
Share. Writing/blogging for personal interest is great. But if no one reads your stuff, are you getting anything out of it? . . . Okay, maybe. Nothing wrong with personal satisfaction. It depends on your ultimate aim, doesn’t it?
On that note, my aim is complete for today. But I may be back with more. We can never have enough resolutions, can we? [image error]
December 24, 2019
High-Five for a Free Book
Today marks the fifth and last day to get a free copy of Debbie De Louise’s exciting five-star mystery Sea Scope.
This riveting tale revolves around Sarah, still mourning her brother’s death and lamenting the break-up of her marriage. She decides an escape is in order—and Sea Scope, a childhood home, is the perfect retreat. Twenty years previous, she and Glen, her brother, had come across a dead body by a lighthouse. Back then, Sarah couldn’t comprehend why her parents had left Sea Scope so quickly … nor why her father took his life a year later. Upon return to Sea Scope, she deals with staggering memories and messages. Strange clues written in crayon are left by someone claiming to be her brother . . . and numerous dazing facts are revealed about that strange summer so many years past.
The universal link to the book is: mybook.to/SeaScope.
You can also find it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPW1D41/
Please feel free to check Debbie out at these sites (I’m sure she’d love to have you visit):
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bIHdaQ
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debbie-de-louise
Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com
Happy Holidays everyone!
December 23, 2019
Day Four – One More
Today marks the fourth day to get a free copy of Debbie De Louise’s five-star mystery Sea Scope. (You have until the 25th to partake!)
This riveting tale revolves around Sarah, who is still mourns her brother’s passing and laments the break-up of her marriage. She determines to get away—and Sea Scope, a childhood home, serves as the perfect setting. Two decades previous, she and Glen, her brother, had come across a dead body by a lighthouse. Back then, Sarah hadn’t understood why her parents had left Sea Scope so quickly … nor why her father commit suicide a year later. Upon return to Sea Scope, she deals with tragic and trying memories and messages. Odd clues, written in crayon, are provided by someone claiming to be her brother while several grim facts are revealed about that strange summer so many years past.
If you’re not sold yet, this “enticing” excerpt should do the trick!
The Sea Scope that spread itself across the page as I sketched was huge with several verandas and two floors wrapping around a house that commanded a lovely view of the sea. I recalled the sea gulls circling close to the top floor as Glen and I ran around playing hide and seek. As children with vivid imaginations, my brother and I also liked to concoct ghost stories and mysteries about the inn. Glen would scare me with talk of a murder upstairs in the Violet Room, the one I occupied next to his, that featured purple wallpaper and a purple crocheted blanket over its brass bed. He predicted that one of the guests would be smoking, even though all the guest rooms were non-smoking, and a fire would start and burn the place down. In yet another scenario, some robbers would break in and steal all the statues (there were a number of beautiful pieces of sculpture that graced both floors). Glen also imagined a time tunnel or a secret door behind the kitchen’s pantry, but I laughed. My younger brother was too imaginative for his own good. How I missed him.
The universal link to the book:
You can also find it on Amazon at:
December 22, 2019
Day Three – It’s Free!
It’s the third day to get a free copy of Debbie De Louise’s five-star mystery Sea Scope. If you haven’t partaken of this great offer, please do before it’s over; you have until the 25th. (What a great holiday present.)
Sarah, still over her brother’s passing and lamenting the break-up of her marriage, determines to get away. Sea Scope, a childhood home, beckons. Two decades previous, she and Glen, her brother, had come across a dead body by a lighthouse. Back then, Sarah had never comprehended why her parents had left Sea Scope so quickly … nor why her father commit suicide a year later. Upon return to Sea Scope, she must face memories and messages, and deal with bizarre clues written in crayon from someone claiming to be her brother. Several ghastly facts come to the forefront about that strange summer so many years past. How will she deal with them?
Do get your free copy of Sea Scope—you’ll enjoy the enthralling ride of this dark, gripping tale.
The universal link to the book is:
You can also find it on Amazon at:
Ho-Ho-Ho . . . Free-Free-Free
Day 2 of another freebie – Debbie De Louise’s five-star mystery Sea Scope . . . is f-r-e-e through December 25th. (What a wonderful little stocking stuffer, n’est-ce pas?)
The riveting story revolves around a woman named Sarah who, still grieving over her brother’s passing—and lamenting the break-up of her marriage—decides she needs a break, an escape. She returns to Sea Scope, a childhood home. Two decades ago, she and Glen, her brother, had discovered a dead body by a lighthouse. At that time, she’d never comprehended why her parents had left Sea Scope so quickly … nor why her father commit suicide a year later. Upon return to Sea Scope, she has to confront memories, messages, and bizarre clues written in crayon from someone claiming to be Glen. Sarah must face terrible, daunting facts about that strange summer now so many years past. Will Sarah survive unscathed . . . ?
Sea Scope is FREE from December 21 through December 25. The universal link to the book is:
You can also find it on Amazon at:
December 21, 2019
Get a Grip . . . on a Gripping Psychological Mystery
Today marks the first post featuring Debbie De Louise’s five-star mystery Sea Scope . . . which happens to be f-r-e-e starting today, Dec 21st, through the 25th.
Before providing details about her latest book, let me introduce you to my fellow writer. DDL is an award-winning author, as well as a public-library librarian on Long Island, where she also resides. In addition to a hubby and daughter, she has three kitties (hugs to my fellow cat lover).
Published novels include:
Cloudy Rainbow, a paranormal romance / the Cobble Cove Mystery series, featuring A Stone’s Throw, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Written in Stone, and Love on the Rocks / When Jack Trumps Ace, a romantic comedy novella / articles and short stories for several anthologies (various genres) / Reason to Die and Sea Scope, standalones.
Let’s focus on her latest: the dark and absorbing Sea Scope. Here’s a brief tantalizing teaser . . .
Book illustrator Sarah Collins needs an escape (don’t we all?). Grieving over her brother’s passing and lamenting the break-up of her marriage, she returns to Sea Scope, a childhood home in lovely South Carolina. Twenty years previous, Sarah and Glen, her brother, had discovered a dead body by a lighthouse. Back then, she’d never been able to fathom why her parents had departed Sea Scope so quickly, nor why her father took his own life a year later. Upon return, she must confront memories, messages . . . and odd clues written in crayon from someone claiming to be Glen. The past and present collide like vehicles on an ice-covered freeway, and Sarah has no option but to tackle ghastly facts head-on about that bizarre summer two decades past. How will she cope?
Intrigued? I should hope so. Sea Scope is FREE from December 21 through December 25. The universal link to the book is: mybook.to/SeaScope.
You can also find it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPW1D41/
I’m sure Debbie would love it if you chose to connect with her. Please do so via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bIHdaQ
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debbie-de-louise
Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com
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