Tyler Colins's Blog, page 7
July 12, 2024
As Time Flies Forward
As summer slowly draws to a close, and the year is rapidly somersaulting to one, I softly sigh and ponder, “So much to [still] do and so little time.”
And yet, I have accomplished things these last six-plus months that are pride-worthy. The latest manuscript is completed—polished and ready to go. Now, it’s a matter of finding someone, an agent or publisher, to take it on. I’m working on that. Not an easy feat. Like many things in life, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Hopefully, that moment will transpire. I’m keeping the faith.
It’s been nearly a year since I dislocated my shoulder, and it never mended properly. A resounding “no” to surgery; as the ortho-surgeon stated, there’s no guarantee that it will help. But I’ve always been a fighter. Daily weights help strengthen and have even developed noticeable muscles (which look pretty damn good). That mobility will be forever limited is fine; I’ve dealt with it this long and adapted. It truly is all good. There’s something to be said about the expression: when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
With years of mom-care behind, I’ve started living again. I went to an art exhibit, have made a couple new friends, and am going to a concert in August. By myself! How f’g cool is that? I may be the oldest one there, but I’m gonna rock like there’s no tomorrow. To the Gen Zs: you ain’t got nothin’ on me. 
There’s a major hurdle coming in October … that may well define everything that happens thereafter. But I’ve leaped over hurdles before, not always gracefully I readily admit, but that’s okay (better to give it a heartfelt try than simply watch apathetically from the sideline). We can only take life one day at a time, and there are several more before that particular day arrives. And when it does, I’ll simply embrace it for what it is: a defining moment for the rest of my life.
Cheers. 
July 5, 2024
Gee Willikers … More Promos
The dated expression popped into my head as I was typing this—must have subconsciously heard it on TV recently. It’s not to be found in my usual vocab.
But gee willikers and golly gee, Next Chapter has two more promos going … so I don’t have to rack the ol’ gray matter for new/fresh post material this week (yay)!
The Triple Threat Mysteries – Books 1-3 is available until July 8th as part of Kobo’s Independence Day Sale. The price? A mere $0.99.
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/triple-threat-mysteries-books-1-3
And from July 12 to July 22, the Triple Threat Mysteries – Books 4-5 is also available for $0.99. Ya just can’t beat a good deal like that, can ya? This promo is available in all major marketplaces, including Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Google Books and Barnes & Noble.
The first book (The Connecticut Corpse Caper) takes place in a haunted mansion and gives the three lovely ladies—JJ, Rey, and Linda—a keen appetite for solving mysteries. Though the amateur sleuths / aspiring private eyes fumble and stumble—and even tumble—they show to be rather successful at fingering the culprit who’s been felling guests like Christmas pine trees. Off to Oahu they move and set up shop, and soon The Triple Threat Investigation Agency proves a successful venture.
And gee willikers times three … I see some ratings for Caper on Kobo. Oooh. #258 in the humorous category. Love it! That just made my day.
If anyone’s read any of the case-solving adventures featuring P.I.s JJ, Rey, and Linda, perhaps you’d be so kind as to leave a review on any one of the store pages …? 
That would be beyond amazing and very, very welcome.
You can check out Next Chapter’s upcoming book offers and bargains via this link:
June 28, 2024
Happy Canada Day & Pride Parade Weekend
A quick post to wish those living in the Great White North a fantastic Canada Day, as well as a happy Pride weekend! Barbecues and fireworks will abound for the former, while the latter will end Pride month with a multi-hour/multi-float parade on Sunday. Both, as always, promise good/fun times.
Speaking of Canada, Kobo has another promotion for the Triple Threat Mysteries – Book 1-3. Until July 2nd, as part of Kobo’s Canada Day Weekend Sale, you can get the three books in one for $0.99. 
Hey, something to do while waiting for the wienies [plant-based, of course] to chargrill and the parade [that never quite kicks off when scheduled] to begin.
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/triple-threat-mysteries-books-1-3
Need a quick summary of the three books? You got ‘em …
The Connecticut Corpse Caper
The first in the series has JJ, Rey, and Linda attempting to solve a plethora of murders at a haunted mansion. Seven potential inheritance recipients must stay seven days to collect. Unfortunately, one by one, they topple like dominoes. The trio yank on amateur sleuthing caps, determined to find the crazed culprit(s).
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?
The gals did well solving the mystery of multiple murders in a haunted mansion, so much so, they decide to go professional. Off to Oahu they fly and set up shop. The Triple Threat Investigation Agency accepts their first case: solving the secret of a millionaire’s pretty, young wife. Before they can discover said secret, however, she’s found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific.
Coco’s Nuts
The newbie private eyes must prove their beautiful client did not murder two men. Not an easy feat when the evidence is stacked against her. One person who might shed some light is an odd little fellow named Coco, but he’s MIA. The detecting travels of JJ, Rey, and Linda lead them along a few detours, such as the world of gambling and limb-breakers. Can they solve the case before more bodies drop—maybe theirs?
Enjoy the festivities, my friends!
June 21, 2024
One of Those Weeks
Undergoing a bit of a stressful time right now—yep, another challenge. Quelle surprise. So, instead of attempting to resolve another what-do-I-post-about-this-week conundrum, I’m gonna opt for the tried and true: The Triple Threat Investigation Agency series.
Like wry/dry humor and a bit of quirkiness in your mysteries? Then perhaps you’d like to check out one [or all six] of the books? They feature JJ, Rey, and Linda, three pretty private eyes who fare pretty well solving curious, if not crazy, murder cases. They don’t do so by conventional means, but they always—eventually—catch their culprit(s).
The Connecticut Corpse Caper
The first in the series, Caper has JJ, Rey, and Linda attempting to figure out who’s felling people during tempestuous weather at a haunted mansion. Seven potential inheritance recipients must remain seven days to collect. The trio don amateur sleuthing caps—and professional no-holds-barred attitudes—and endeavor to discover the crazed killer(s) before [too many] more bodies drop.
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?
The gals did so well solving the mystery of the multiple murders in the haunted Connecticut mansion, they go professional. Off to Oahu they fly and set up shop. The Triple Threat Investigation Agency accepts their first case: solving the secret of a millionaire’s pretty, young wife. Before they can discover said secret, the wife is found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific. Sifting through a sundry of suspects proves challenging—but JJ, Rey, and Linda prove up to the task.
Coco’s Nuts
The [still] newbie private eyes endeavor to prove their beautiful client did not murder her boss and best friend. Not an easy feat when all the evidence is stacked against her. The one person who might shed light is an odd little fellow named Coco. But he’s gone MIA. The detecting travels of JJ, Rey, and Linda lead them down [dicey] detours. Can they solve the case before more people die—perhaps them?
Forever Poi
Who torched two Chinatown art galleries and left two charcoal-broiled bodies in the ashes? Are the arsonist and killer one and the same? JJ, Rey, and Linda think so—but the list of possible culprits gets pretty long pretty quickly. The day before the fire, Carlos, one of the arson victims, had a nasty break-up with his partner, James-Henri. There were financial issues, too. Maybe James-Henri wanted to collect on the insurance and/or be rid of his lover? What about the second victim, Mary-Louise Crabtree? Perhaps an old rival finally decided to do in the former queenpin? If that’s the case, was Carlos simply collateral damage? The questions abound … and soon, so do the bodies.
HA-HA-HA-HA
The fourth book finds the three private eyes on a serial killer’s buddy list. When he’s not taunting them, he’s challenging them to “play the game”—by his rules. The trio attempts to determine who he might be amid a cast of oddball characters. As they strive to stop the man from killing again, they must solve a couple of other cases: verifying whether a hubby has a roving eye and ascertaining who is stalking a young, beautiful woman. Could it be that the cases somehow intertwine? And who will prove the ultimate winner in this deadly game of taunts and perplexities: the clever and cunning killer, or the persevering and persistent private eyes?
Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo
The body of Mo-Mo Martine, a dime-store mobster, is found decades later off the shores of Oahu. How’d he get there all the way from Canada? JJ, Rey, and Linda embark on their most puzzling and challenging case yet: to determine the person responsible for killing people who’d known Mo-Mo decades ago. Could it be? Death Angel, a killer-for-hire in the 70s, is back and plying his trade?
JJ, Rey, and Linda (and I) hope you might partake of an adventure or two.
June 14, 2024
So Not an Art Critic
Of the many things I am, some intentional, some not—wink, nudge, wink—an art critic I’m not. And I tossed about the idea [countless times] whether I’d offer a review of the Banksy exhibit attended last weekend. My comments would be far from profound or insightful. They’d simply (very) be.
And thus, so be it …
The exhibit is advertised as taking one to two hours. Mayyyyyyyybe—if you stand in front of the 161 pieces for an extended time. My new “temporary” friends (met outside as we enjoyed the sun before heading in) and I completed it in about 55 minutes. Tops. And we’d lingered before several works.
Everything within the Lighthouse Artspace was black—floors, walls, overhead ceiling, and fixtures—and the music somewhat loud. Nothing wrong with Lenny Kravitz’ wailing guitar [love it] but not everyone’s a fan of rock and/or high-volume music. Diffused lighting was fixed on the artwork and plaques providing details. A little hard to read in some cases [for yours truly anyway].
Though not inclined to take photos myself, I was awestruck by the many who did. And not just random shots—some were taking pics of every piece! How curious. But to each their own.
How wondrous to stand before and “admire” the more well-known Banksy pieces, smile wryly at “Banksy versus Paris Hilton” (he parodies her debut album) and sigh wistfully at “Dismaland” (a dire theme park you’d not want to take the kiddies to). I’m in awe of those who possess the gifts of satire and irony, and/or present tongue-in-cheek interpretations and opinions.
It was discomfiting to view war-inspired artwork and food-for-serious-thought messages, but one entitled “Napalm” had me rooted for several minutes: Ronald McDonald and Mickey Mouse hold the hand of a very young Kim Phuc, screaming and crying as napalm sheathes her frail body (she’s an exceptional woman I once had the humbling pleasure of meeting). Equally captivating was the video displaying his Ukraine murals. Seven, created in 2022, spotlight the horrors of war. That he’d traveled there to create these visual communications in solidarity with Ukrainians spoke volumes [to me].
The Art of Banksy was a revelation, a revealing. I learned a few things about Banksy not previously known, but not much; curiosity piqued, I plonked down before the laptop. If something—an exhibit, show, performance, procession, book—inspires further research, you have to applaud and label it successful.
June 7, 2024
Banksy, You Say?
(It seemed a good a title as any.)
I’m deviating from the norm—not focusing on anything book- (or me-) related. Besides, like a random thought or wayward partner, the focus of my blog has long ago strayed.
So-o, given I’m checking out the Bansky exhibit at the Lighthouse tomorrow, I thought I’d simply post about this intriguing/enigmatic artist. Not that I’ll be providing anything that isn’t already known.
Considering he’s a street artist, creator of temporary art, political activist, and film director, you’d think they’d have figured out who he is by now, but hey, why not add to the mystique?
Though the identity’s unknown—and there’s a lot of speculation—he hails from Bristol (come on, you really don’t know?). Active since the 90s, some of his work has been characterized as bitingly satirical, and often focuses on political topics.
So far, this is the largest [“un-authorized”] Banksy exhibit yet amassed, curated by Steve Lazarides, his former manager.
Some pieces, it’s said, haven’t yet been on public view. But it also includes the well-known “Girl and Balloon” and “Laugh Now”. How exciting and all the more compelling a reason to go [certainly for yours truly].
A couple of interesting titbits. Evidently, there are two Banksy exhibits—one that tours and one that resides permanently in London. And there are 330 works in the overall collection, estimated to be worth more some $120,000,000 USD (that’s like, $799,000,000 CDN, LOL).
Speaking of money, two decades ago, he painted £10 notes with Princess Diana’s face … which were dropped into a music festival. Attendees could use the Banksy-altered notes as if they were the real deal.
There are numerous notable and fun facts to find. And I’m tempted to add more here. But then, that would make it little different from writing or presenting a university dissertation. And why make it easy? Do that Googling thang if you’re interested.
Perhaps there’ll be a review next week. Or maybe another post about an artist—like Sheffield-based Phlegm (there’s an awesome mural next door). Hmm. Something to ruminate over the next few days …
May 31, 2024
No Problems, Just Solutions
In an ongoing endeavor to keep the faith and remain positive, I’m always looking for ways to reinforce positivity over negativity. Doesn’t always work, but I do try.
Oddly, the other day, a saying popped into my allergy-dense head. There are no problems, just solutions.
Like the aches and sniffles that can taunt and tease like bad late-night comedy, it wouldn’t let go. It was comparable to having a song replay itself over and over … and over and over. And so, on the third day of hearing the unrelenting “mantra”, inquisitiveness [finally] took control. What was the origin of the saying? Had someone coined it? I put on one of my private eye’s sleuthing caps.
Yes, indeedy-do: the phrase is attributed to John Lennon. (As Mr. Spock would have said: fascinating.) A little more Googling and I learned the phrase was in Lennon’s “Watching the Wheels” (a song released posthumously in 1981).
People askin’ questions
Lost in confusion
Well, I tell them there’s no problem
Only solutions.
There are no problems, just solutions. It’s rather like viewing situations/life/challenges with glass-half-full or glass-half-empty eyes. If you choose to see hardships and trials as relentless and/or all-consuming, you’ve got a half-empty mentality; if you determine to see adversities as part of the formula that comprises a process that leads to an answer, you’ve got a half-full mindset.
Problems are frustrating and wearying; solutions hope-infusing and confidence-inspiring. Both exist. But only one should be embraced. If you’re having a bad day, only you can make it better. If you want something done, but aren’t sure where the money, time, or energy will come from, sit back, and figure it out. Possibilities exist.
Don’t take “no” for an answer if that’s not what you want to hear. I know I don’t. There are things I want to accomplish—and will, come hell or high water … an expression, incidentally, that dates back to an 1882 article in an Iowa newspaper (case you were curious).
Have a positive and [more than] glass-half-full week, everyone.
May 25, 2024
Two-Part Primo Promo Post
Next Chapter keeps putting out promos … which is primo … and, consequently, results in these promotional posts.
Promo Post Uno
As part of NC’s marketing platform’s 2023-2024 update, the team’s working on expanding its reach to as many new platforms as possible. One of these is Medium—a service with over 100M active monthly users. Pretty impressive.
NC has added a preview of The Connecticut Corpse Caper (the first in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series) to Medium:
Perhaps you have a moment or two to check it out?
Promo Post Dos
As part of a Memorial Day Sale, Triple Threat Mysteries – Books 1-3 has been selected for a seasonal promotion with one of Next Chaper’s wide distribution sales partners: Apple.
Until May 28th, 2024, you can get the three books in one for $0.99!
https://itunes.apple.com/book/id6448790286
And, in the event you’re not familiar with the adventures of JJ, Rey, and Linda—three pretty private eyes based in Hawaii—here’s a quick rundown of the three books:
The Connecticut Corpse Caper
The first in the series has JJ, Rey, and Linda attempting to solve a plethora of murders at a haunted mansion. Seven potential inheritance recipients have to stay seven days to collect. Unfortunately, one by one, they topple like storm-blown saplings. The trio slap on amateur sleuthing caps and determine to find the crazed culprit.
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?
The gals did so well solving the mystery of multiple murders in a haunted mansion, they decide to go professional. Off to Oahu they fly and set up shop. The Triple Threat Investigation Agency accepts their first case: solving the secret of a millionaire’s pretty, young wife. Before they can discover said secret, however, she’s found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific.
Coco’s Nuts
The newbie private eyes must prove their beautiful client did not murder two men. Not an easy feat when the evidence is stacked against her. One person who might shed some light is an odd little fellow named Coco. Too bad he’s gone MIA. The detecting travels of JJ, Rey, and Linda lead them along a few detours, such as the world of gambling and limb-breakers. Can they solve the case before more bodies drop—maybe theirs?
… On a Memorial Day note, let’s honor those brave individuals who’ve unselfishly given their all for their country.
May 18, 2024
Floppin’ Like a Flounder
When floppin’ through a what-do-I-post-about-this-week conundrum, opt for something tried and true—The Triple Threat Investigation Agency series. Woohoo.
For those who like wry/dry humor and a bit of quirkiness in their cozies (with “grit”), maybe you’d like to check out one of the books? Or maybe all six? They feature JJ, Rey, and Linda, three pretty private eyes who discover they have a knack for solving mysteries. They may not crack cases conventionally, and even take a few wrong turns, but they always—eventually—catch their culprit(s).
The Connecticut Corpse Caper
The first in the series, Caper has JJ, Rey, and Linda attempting to solve murders during tempestuous weather at a haunted mansion. Seven potential inheritance recipients must remain seven days to collect. Unfortunately, one by one, they fall like hurricane-whipped fixtures. The trio don amateur sleuthing caps and endeavor to discover the crazed culprit(s) before [too many] more bodies drop.
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?
The gals did so well solving the mystery of the multiple murders in the haunted Connecticut mansion, they decide to go professional. Off to Oahu they fly and set up shop. The Triple Threat Investigation Agency accepts their first case: solving the secret of a millionaire’s pretty, young wife. Before they can discover said secret, however, the wife is found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific.
Coco’s Nuts
The [still] newbie private eyes endeavor to prove their beautiful client did not murder two men. Not an easy feat when all the evidence is stacked against her, er, them, er … The one person who might shed some light is an odd little fellow named Coco. Too bad he’s gone MIA. The detecting travels of JJ, Rey, and Linda lead them along several winding detours, such as the world of gambling and limb-breakers. Can they solve the case before more people die—maybe them?
Forever Poi
Who torched two Chinatown art galleries and left two charcoal-broiled bodies in the ashes? Are the arsonist and killer the same person? JJ, Rey, and Linda think so—but the list of possible culprits gets pretty long pretty quickly. The day before the fire, Carlos, one of the arson victims, had a nasty break-up with his partner, James-Henri. There were financial issues, too. Maybe James-Henri wanted to collect on the insurance and/or be rid of his lover? What about the second victim, Mary-Louise Crabtree? Perhaps an old rival finally decided to do in the former queenpin? If that’s the case, was Carlos simply collateral damage? The questions abound … as do the bodies.
HA-HA-HA-HA
The fourth book finds the three women on a serial killer’s buddy list. When he’s not taunting them, he’s challenging them to “play the game”—by his rules. Rules are made to be broken, however, or at the very least changed. The trio attempt to determine who he might be . . . not an easy feat, given the lack of constructive evidence and cast of oddball characters. As they strive to stop the man from killing again, they must solve a couple of other cases: verify whether a hubby has a roving eye and ascertain who is stalking a young, beautiful woman. Could it be that these two cases somehow intertwine? And who will prove the ultimate winner in this deadly game of taunts and perplexities: the clever and cunning killer, or the persevering and persistent private eyes?
Disco’ Dead and so is Mo-Mo
The body of Mo-Mo Martine, a dime-store mobster, is found decades later off the shores of Oahu. How’d he get there all the way from Canada? JJ, Rey, and Linda embark on their most puzzling and challenging case yet: to determine the person responsible for killing people who’d known Mo-Mo decades ago. Could it be? Death Angel, a killer-for-hire in the 70s, is back and plying his trade?
JJ, Rey, and Linda (and I) hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as they enjoy solving cases.
May 10, 2024
May Day Super Sale
Next Chapter and yours truly is please to announce Kobo’s May Super Sale. From May 9th to May 21st—for a mere $0.99 cents—you can purchase the first three books in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series.
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/triple-threat-mysteries-books-1-3
And for those not familiar with the P.I. antics, er, adventures of JJ, Rey, and Linda…
The Connecticut Corpse Caper
The first in the series was intended to be a standalone, but JJ, Rey, and Linda had other ideas. Well, Rey did and having EF4 stamina, she convinced the other two to follow suit. Caper has JJ, Rey, and Linda attempting to solve murders during tempestuous weather at a haunted mansion. Seven potential inheritance recipients must remain seven days to collect. Unfortunately, one by one, they topple like storm-blown saplings. The trio slap on amateur sleuthing caps, determined to find the crazed culprit(s).
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?
The gals did so well solving the mystery of the multiple murders in the haunted Connecticut mansion, they decide to go professional. Off to Oahu they fly and set up shop. The Triple Threat Investigation Agency accepts their first case: solving the secret of a millionaire’s pretty, young wife. Before they can discover said secret, however, the wife is found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific.
Coco’s Nuts
The newbie private eyes endeavor to prove their beautiful client did not murder two men. Not an easy feat when all the evidence is stacked against her, er, them, er … The one person who might shed some light is an odd little fellow named Coco. Too bad he’s gone MIA. The detecting travels of JJ, Rey, and Linda lead them along a few winding detours, such as the world of gambling and limb-breakers. Can they solve the case before more bodies drop—maybe theirs?
Perhaps you’d like to check them out …?
