Tyler Colins's Blog, page 8

Fizzling & Sizzling

It’s [another] one of those soul-searching, get-the-butt-in-gear weeks. Perhaps spring has something to do with it. One’s more inclined—motivated—to spring into action when sunshine, warmth, and blooms are in abundance.

With winter having finally fizzled, and sunshine starting to make things sizzle, it seemed fitting to focus on that—the fizzling and sizzling.

I wholeheartedly believe I’m:

Fizzling when it comes to blog posts [for a blog now outgrown].  Sizzling when it comes to writing fiction and embracing new adventures.

Fizzling at pursuing the nine-to-five [too much longer].  Sizzling at pursuing dreams and making them reality.

Fizzling at maintaining the doe-caught-in-a-van’s-headlights stance.  Sizzling to whoosh-like-the-wind and make things happen.

Fizzling the can-I-really­-do-this? attitude.  Sizzling with you-bleepin’-bet-I-can! defiance.

Fizzling a too-old-for-this mindset.  Sizzling with ain’t-nothin’-I-can’t-do assertiveness.

The only thing I wanna see fizzle, friends, is a tall flute of champagne. Cheers!

As They Used to Say … Bummer

Fortunately, I wasn’t expecting great things, so I was only a bit bummed out when I saw the two trailers for Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo.

Two for $29.99. A bargain. LMAO You truly get what you paid for, my friends.

Obviously, the synopsis received a look-see and nothing more. The first trailer shows a male detective over a body. My private eyes are female. So, that won’t wash as far as I’m concerned. The second one refers to “murders in Canada”, thus suggesting Mo-Mo takes place there and revolves around multiple deaths. There was one possible murder there—Mo-Mo Martine’s—which the pretty P.I.s JJ, Rey, and Linda were attempting to determine. The story takes place in Hawaii.

My due diligence was minimal. Ensure yours is more thorough, should you be considering doing a trailer or purchasing a service related to your book.

Yup, a bit of a bummer indeed. But as I’ve often said: lesson learned.

Head’s Up … Thumb’s Up?

Felt a need to give the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series one last hurrah. I enjoyed the private eyes adventures—and antics—and had fun. JJ, Rey, and Linda will be forever a [fond] part of me. But onwards and upwards, as the saying goes.

 The last (sixth) book, Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo, will have a trailer very soon.

Took a chance. Saw a post on an author’s site I check out regularly and the person who creates them had “good” comments and one that wasn’t favorable (missed this until after I paid for the trailer, but it wasn’t expensive, so we shall see).

Given it should be ready within a couple of days or so, I’ll provide a drum roll when done … and return with the finished product. If good, I’ll provide details for those who might be interested in doing one, if not, I’ll simply say … lesson learned.

Rantathon – Thankathon

It’s been a rough few weeks. Ding! Lightbulb going off. Maybe it’d make for a great “purge” if I posted about all that’s been peeving me of late.

That, however, proves rather negative. Who needs a picklepuss? Not I, though I, indeed, am same. We should always be grateful for the good things we have in our lives; it makes for a better headspace. Yes?

That got me to thinking: why not release [purge] the annoyances and hindrances while, on the flipside, offering thanks for the very things that prove trials and tribulations?

So, being a transparent kind of gal who has no qualms about baring her soul, here are my idiosyncratic whinges—and subsequent praises—in no particular order:

Whinge:  I’m 30 years old in my head; the mirror’s telling me different.

Praise:  I’m wiser/maturer and have much to share (and I can always go for nips and tucks).

Whinge:  I’ve grown beyond weary of the day job and all the little fires that need to be continually stamped out.

Praise:  It pays the bills, takes care of trips (and may pay for aforementioned nips and tucks).

Whinge:  I’ve no desire to remain living in this country.

Praise:  I’m not living in a war-torn and/or dictator-ruled country.

Whinge:  I’m worried I’ll never become a well-known/successful writer.

Praise:  I’m good at what I do, so I’m grateful I have the imagination—and talent—to write. It’s merely a question of being in the right place at the right time … learning to network and promote myself accordingly … and sell my soul.

Whinge:  The state of the world—selfishness, stupidity, squabbling, skirmishing—is beyond depressing.

Praise:  As long as hope and faith, prayer and persistence, exist, things can change.

Whinge:  I’m angry losing 20 years of my life taking care of a self-absorbed mother who never had one good word to say about anyone.

Praise:  As tough a road as that was, I’ve grown/developed, have the ability to view/assess things from various perspectives, understand, respect, and apply appropriate boundaries … and take no one for granted.

That, my friends, is the juncture I find myself currently at. A rough patch, indeed, but as sure as the sun rises in the east, it’ll pass, and all will prove bright and cheery once again.

Parrotting …

… repeating mechanically … with a bit of verve. 

Last week, we had Kobo’s long weekend sale for Triple Threat Mysteries-Books 1-3.

This week, we have Kobo’s Spring Reading Sale—from April 3rd to April 17th. Once again, Triple Threat Mysteries-Books 1-3 is avail for $0.99. Three books at 33.3 cents each. Sounds like a steal to me.

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/triple-threat-mysteries-books-1-3

The three books in the collection:

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 in Connecticut, solving the mystery of the multiple murders in the 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, said wife is found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific.

Coco’s Nuts

The newbie private eyes have to prove their beautiful client did not murder two men. Not an easy feat when all the evidence is stacked against her. 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 detours, such as the world of gambling and limb-breakers. Can they solve the case before more bodies drop—maybe theirs?

Speaking of parrotting, the trio would love it if you checked them out.

T’is Another Season …

… for book promotions and visits from Mr. Bunny.

There’s the Kobo Easter Long Weekend Sale, happening March 28th through April 2nd. For a mere $0.99 you can place Triple Threat Mysteries-Books 1-3 beside the eggs and chocolate in your basket.

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/triple-threat-mysteries-books-1-3

The three books in the collection:

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 in Connecticut, solving the mystery of the multiple murders in the 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 the curious secret, however, said wife is found floating in the sapphire waters of the Pacific.

Coco’s Nuts

The newbie private eyes have to prove their beautiful client did not murder two men. Not an easy feat when all the evidence is stacked against her. 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 detours, such as the world of gambling and limb-breakers. Can they solve the case before more bodies drop—maybe theirs?

As I always say, the gals and I would love it if you checked us out.

And, on that note, whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply waiting for Mr. Bunny’s delivery of nummy treats, may you enjoy this special weekend.

Cuppa Java?

Who doesn’t love a cup o’ joe in the morning?

I all but fly into the kitchen as soon as I roll out of bed. Nothing better than a huge steaming mug of Kick Ass coffee with oat milk. Ahhhhhh. So-o go-ood.

This week’s post is about more merch (they don’t stop, LMAO) … and this week’s “feature” is, yup, coffee! You can find it for these three books in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency:

The Connecticut Corpse Caper

https://litmatter.com/products/the-connecticut-corpse-caper-broken-top-coffee-blend-medium-roast

Can You Hula like Hilo Hattie?

Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie? – Broken Top Coffee Blend (Medium Roast | LitMatter

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha

Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha – Broken Top Coffee Blend (Medium Roast) | LitMatter

For those unfamiliar with the books, here’s a quick rundown:

Caper is the first book in the series and has JJ, Rey, and Linda solving multiple murders at a haunted mansion. It was intended as a standalone, but the gals—pleased that they’d done so well as amateur sleuths—decided to carry on as professional private eyes.

Hilo has the trio solving their first paying case on Oahu, where they’ve set up the Triple Threat Investigation agency. They stumble over a few bodies as they attempt to discover what an elderly millionaire’s young wife is up to. But they’re far from deterred and determine to solve the case at all costs.

Ha-Ha has JJ, Rey, and Linda dealing with an ingenious serial killer whose goal is to challenge (vex) the P.I.s. Can they find out who he is before too many more victims fall prey …?

If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, or a fun read, maybe you’d be interested in checking out one of the above? 

The Needle’s Stuck in the Groove

At the risk of sounding like a broken record … a broken record … a broken record …

Three more items are avail for Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo.

A stainless-steel water bottle (I’ll add that to the current collection of thirty-five):

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-stainless-steel-water-bottle

A pint glass (if I decide to start drinking suds, I’ll get one):

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-pint-glass

A corkwood coaster set (can’t have too many of those):

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-corkwood-coaster-set

And just so you know what Mo-Mo’s about, here’s a blurb:

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of mobster Mo-Mo Martine in Canada during the days of disco and polyester is finally solved when his body is found in a drum off the sapphire waters of Oahu. Countless people—family, friends, foes—hated Mo-Mo.  Anyone could have murdered him.  Or was it a professional hit by the notorious, never-miss Death Angel? Is it possible!? The faceless, nameless assassin-for-hire is still plying his trade after all these years? As bodies drop, the P.I.s begin to believe answers won’t come from anyone they interview; they’ll be found in mysterious photos dating back to Mo-Mo’s disco days. They merely have to decipher what the people and backdrops in those photos are telling them—a tricky task indeed. Will they figure it out before more murders occur . . . perhaps theirs?

… Maybe I should consider a career change and become a hawker. 

A Blogger & Her Broken Record

At the risk of sounding like a broken record—or recurrent poster of similar news—more Triple Threat Investigation Agency merch has appeared this week. So, I must do my duty and pass along the word. Again.

Available on Next Chapter’s merchandise store, LitMatter, you can find the following:

For Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo (Triple Threat Mysteries Book 6), we have:

Playing Cards

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-playing-cards

Cotton Canvas Tote Bag

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-cotton-canvas-tote-bag

Canvas (for wall)

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-canvas

Stemless Wine Glass

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-stemless-wine-glass-11-75oz

For The Connecticut Corpse Caper (Triple Threat Mysteries Book 1), you can find a:

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

https://litmatter.com/products/the-connecticut-corpse-caper-stainless-steel-water-bottle

And for Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha (Triple Threat Mysteries Book 5), there’s a:

Stemless Wine Glass

https://litmatter.com/products/ha-ha-ha-ha-stemless-wine-glass-11-75oz

What’s the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series about? In a nutshell, it follows the adventures (antics) of JJ, Rey, and Linda, three budding private eyes, as they solve cases on the beautiful island of Oahu. They stumble and bumble a lot—and bodies have a way of tumbling before their feet—but they have heart and soul. No matter how crazy or bizarre or dangerous, the trio gives each case their all.

JJ, Rey, and Linda (and I) would love it if you checked us out.

https://www.amazon.ca/stores/author/B01KHOZAL2

More Merch & A Smile

As you know, every now and again (and sometimes more often than not), I post about new merchandise related to the Triple Threat Investigation Agency books. And then, once in that proverbial blue moon, I’m not adverse to sharing a bit about me.

Today, it’s merch time … with two new items.

For the latest book in the series, Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo (Triple Threat Mysteries Book 6), there’s a teddy bear.  He’s rather cute, I must say (but then I adore cute and cuddly).

https://litmatter.com/products/discos-dead-and-so-is-mo-mo-teddy-bear

In Disco, JJ, Rey, and Linda are trying to solve a decades-old mystery. Who killed dime-store mobster Mo-Mo Martine (and curiously, how did his body end up in the sapphire waters of Hawaii, when he hailed from Quebec)?

The second item is a canvas wall-hanging for the first book The Connecticut Corpse Caper (Triple Threat Mysteries Book 1).

https://litmatter.com/products/the-connecticut-corpse-caper-canvas

In Caper, the trio dons amateur sleuthing caps as they try to determine who’s killing inheritance recipients at wacky Aunt Mat’s haunted mansion. After a few bumbles and stumbles (over bodies), they learn who’s been doing so … and that whets their appetite re becoming professional private eyes.

I was on Amazon this week to grab a link, so I looked at Caper … and saw that it had received almost 1000 reviews and 4 1/2 stars. That made my day, week, and month. I’ve had a miserable head cold for several days now and I’ve been rather crotchety. The frowning and grunting evolved into smiling and rejoicing.

Of all the wonderful reviews, my eye did focus on the not so favorable ones, but that’s okay; people are entitled to their opinions. They don’t know a good book if it bit them in the bum. Just joking. Constructive unfavorable reviews can often provide valuable lessons, which can subsequently be applied to future endeavors. So it’s all very good.