Tootin’ Our Horns

You’ve got all three of us today—JJ, Rey, and Linda.  The Boss is OOO.

The three of us had a row, determining what to post about—something about Hawaii, editing/writing, or us (like Rey wanting to sound off about her few days in Cali and the <bleep> who led her on).  We couldn’t agree.  At all.  It wasn’t just tense, it leaned toward nasty.  So, there we were, tootin’ our horns—in loud, strident ways!

Then, it hit us, rather like a toppling palm frond during a tropical storm.  Why not post about . . . getting along?  He-he.

We agreed that the main thing to getting along is to listen.  With all the disagreeing and yammering, not one of us could hear what the other was saying.  So, pay attention; make an effort to grasp what’s being said, and appreciate it for what it is.   And, if you’re going to comment, don’t condemn or criticize.  Be subjectively objective.

Part of that not condemning or criticizing is keeping an open mind: know/learn all the facts.  Discuss but don’t dispute.  Agree to disagree—in that subjectively objective way.

Be optimistic or upbeat.  Negativity or pessimism can depress/stress others . . . push them away.  The air will be thick and tense, so the general environment will be far from pleasant or productive.

Of course, there’ll be times when feelings/moods can’t be bolstered.  Don’t be afraid to share why; be honest.  You may be surprised at the support you receive.  Accept it graciously and gratefully.

Be polite.  When the three of us get to arguing, we’re focused solely on ourselves.  We could care less what the other is saying (yelling).  It’s selfish.  Give room to others to voice what’s on their minds.  There may be some common ground there, which will allow the “conversation” to progress on a more positive note.  And if there isn’t, then discuss why your views or approaches (whatever the action or situation is) are different—and why that is a good thing.  Being different and having varying views—to use a couple of cliches—make the world go around and add spice to life.

Not an intensively edifying post, but some food for thought (another overused phrase, but appropriate).  On that ending note, we’re going to the mall; there’s a great sale going on, something Rey so enjoys.

Have an awesome Saturday . . . and give someone you don’t know a huge smile!

They Did What?!

I [truly] applaud new writers’ enthusiasm for their newfound craft—it’s wonderful.  What I’d love to see approached with the same passion?   Editing.  Not just in terms of checking spelling and facts, and getting true/historical places and events correct, but re logistics and layouts … and “ability/capability”.

If Reggie just climbed into his Benz, how come he’s suddenly talking to the passenger from the outside?  If Lina stepped into the hallway, how did she end up [back in] the auditorium?  If Flavio grabbed Margie’s hand, why is he reaching for in the next paragraph?

think:  crisp and clean

How is Karen able to curve her mouth in response to Ned’s merry greeting?  How does someone wrinkle his/her eyes in reply to a flippant comment?  I’d love to know how Barry spun his head to view his girlfriend’s approach (sounds painful to me).  And Val’s eyes bouncing across the room—ouch, poor Val! 

think:  reasonableness and plausibility

Does it really matter that Zoey reached for the doorknob, turned it slowly, opened the door, stepped in, turned on the light, and peered around the empty room?  Do we need to know that Edwin was still looking apprehensive, so Anna extended a hand and touched his face, and he leaned his face into her palm, laying his own hand over it? 

think:  brevity is often better/best

Does everyone wear cotton?  How about mocha-brown suits?  Blue ties?  Do they all drink red wine?  Characters, like real-life people, should have diverse interests and beliefs, and be different.  They don’t all smile or grab hands.  Not everyone likes to play kissy-face.  And some folks are simply not nice.

think:  repetition = tedium

As writers, we want to pull in our readers as soon as possible and we want to keep them interested, so that they read [eagerly] to the end.  Providing unnecessary or repetitive details wears thin very quickly.  Mentioning certain facts/factors and then, later, not referring to them again—as in loose ends not being tied up—is also a faux pas.  Don’t get readers excited about a [potential] storyline or plot twist, then leave them dangling!

think:  short and sweet

Yes, it’s extra work, but having an outline is a very good thing.  Point-form is fine.  List plot surprises, incidents and events, and outstanding occurrences that should be returned to (tied up).  Refer to the outline, and often.

Remember, the final product is a reflection of you, the author.  Make it the best it can be! 

Fa-La-La…La!

Just singing for joy – because you have one more day to get HA-HA-HA-HA, our fourth official case for only 99 cents!  Hey, it’s Rey on the fifth and final promo day.

Like Frankie once sang, I’m gonna “start spreading the news” about our exciting (kinda crazy) case that has a serial killer, GRP (The GrimReaperPeeper), scaring the <bleep> out of Oahu.  He’s leaving tortured victims alongside waterways—with a black rose, no less.

GRP wants JJ, Linda and me to play his game, by his rules. But he keeps changing them!  While we’re trying to figure out who he is (and, hopefully, stop him), we take on a couple of cases: seeing if a hubby is having “fun” on the side and if a young woman is truly being stalked.

Meanwhile, Adwin—Cousin JJ’s old “beau”—is back on the scene.  He’s interested in getting back together, but I don’t think her “sometimes boyfriend”, Cash, is too keen on seeing that happen.

Our killer—our shadow—proves to be pretty clever, even charming.  He keeps us on our toes, researching similar crimes and locating potential suspects (those that might fit the profile) . . . and attempting to stay one step ahead of him  It’s probably our most perplexing case yet . . . and certainly our most dangerous.

If you’d like to learn how we do, please check us out at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

Tra-La-La-La-ing Along

… on the fourth day of the HA-HA-HA-HA 99-cent promo.

HA-HA-HA-HA, the fifth mystery in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series, has private eyes JJ (Jill Jocasta Fonne), her melodramatic cousin Rey (Reynalda Fonne-Werde), and Rey’s best friend, Linda Royale, 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 GrimReaperPeeper, as he introduced himself in a teasing text at the end of Forever Poi, proves to be as intelligent as he is devious and dangerous.  GRP, as they prefer to call him, leaves calling cards—on windows, with a boy on the beach, in a neighbor’s foyer.  And, unfortunately for the trio—but fortunately for him—DNA and fingerprints are never found.  They add clever and cunning to the GRP description list.

Although it’s not an official [paying] case, GRP’s obsession with the three private eyes yanks them into the chaos.  As they attempt to figure out who he is and why he leaves black roses with his tortured victims along streams and waterways, they take on a couple of other cases.  A beautiful woman, Caprize Marquessa de Sade, is sure she is being stalked.  Another woman, wealthy Hardena Antigua, is certain her young husband is seeing someone on the side.

Could it be that these two cases somehow intertwine with the killer/killings?  There’s something afoot and it’s not one of Rey’s prized Choo shoes.

Who will prove the ultimate winner in this deadly game of taunts and perplexities?  The calculating killer or the persevering private eyes?

If you’d like to discover how the trio fares, please check out HA-HA-HA-HA at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

Day 3 and Filled with Glee (Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha)

It’s the third day of the HA-HA-HA-HA 99-cent promo, an awesome price that may prompt a smile or chuckle.

HA-HA-HA-HA is the fifth book and fourth official case of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.  This time, a rather ingenious serial killer known as The GrimReaperPeeper has challenged the three pretty private eyes—JJ, Rey, and Linda—to “play the game”.  Unfortunately, it’s by his rules, and he likes to change them as the mood strikes.

He’s already got the island of Oahu in panic mode; everyone is wondering (worrying) who’ll be the next tortured victim to be found alongside a waterway, sporting a black rose?

The gals are determined to discover who he is, but he’s proving clever and cunning.  DNA and evidence are never found.  Nor is he, despite his brazen visits, taunts and repartee.

Who’s going to prove the winner?  The creepy yet charming killer or the dogged and determined private eyes?

If you’d like to see how the private investigators fare, please check them out at:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

ROTFL . . .

. . . on the second day of the HA-HA-HA-HA 99-cent promo.  For less than a dollar, you can get a copy of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency’s fourth professional case.  Now, that’s worth some mirth.

A serial killer, The GrimReaperPeeper, has challenged JJ, Rey, and Linda to “play the game” … by his rules.  They have little option but to partake.  But who will prove the winner?  The clever and cunning killer or the persevering and persistent private eyes?

If you’d like to see how the trio fare, please check out:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

HA-HA-HA-HA . . . the Joke’s On . . .

 . . . no one.   He-he.  Hey, it’s Rey!

And JJ, hey-ho (gotcha, Cous)!

You’ve got Lindy-Loo, too!

It’s the first official day of the first HA-HA-HA-HA promo.  We’re very excited.  For a mere 99 cents, you can get a copy of our fifth book and fourth case. 

For those not in the know, we’re private eyes from the Triple Threat Investigation Agency.  It’s been fairly successful since we launched it on fabulous Oahu (a move we’ve never regretted). 

A serial killer, who calls himself The GrimReaperPeeper—we refer to him as GRP for short—has taken a intensely serious interest in us . . . so much so, he’s challenged us to “play the game”, by his ever changing rules. 

Our newfound friend likes to leave his victims near waterways, with black roses no less.  Why?  Do these people have something in common?  What?  And what’s the reason re leaving clues and messages?  Simply to taunt?  Does he want to be caught?  Or is he merely showing us how brilliant he is?  He’s certainly not stupid; he knows not to leave DNA at the scenes.

Confounded but [always] determined, we endeavor to discover who he might be and how we might stop him.  Not an easy feat, given the lack of constructive evidence and cast of oddball characters.  While we’re at it, we have a couple of other cases to solve: ascertaining whether a handsome hubby has a roving eye and figuring out who is stalking a young, beautiful woman.  As clues are uncovered, so are coincidences.  Could it be that these two cases are somehow connected?  

A worrisome question on all three of our minds: who’s going to prove the winner in this deadly game of taunts and perplexities?  GRP is clever and cunning . . . but we’re persevering and persistent.

Maybe you’d like to check us out?  We’d love it [truly] if you did.  And we’d really [!!] love it if you’d consider providing a review.

https://www.amazon.ca/Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Tyler-Colins/dp/B094SZRSVN

Aloha!

Under Maintenance . . . We Hope

The Boss is finally updating/revising this blog—a bit anyway.

Hi, it’s JJ today.  Given she’s technically and time challenged, she’s not been overly keen on doing it.  But, this weekend, she’s going for it!  Woo-hoo, as Cousin Reynalda would gleefully shout while doing an incredible cartwheel.

She’s already had one issue—not being able to get the new photo uploaded.  Should be easy-peasy.  But no-o.  Won’t go.  At all.  Many sighs later, she reached out to WordPress and the advice: update the blog template first, then try uploading again.  Fingers crossed (she doesn’t have a lot of hair left to yank out).

Other updates . . .

The Boss is still—very happily—editing regularly.  Rey, Linda, and I are embarking on our next major case, “Disco’s Dead and so is Mo-Mo”.  Can’t wait!  Meanwhile, we’re [also] solving wayward spouse cases and finding misplaced poochies, which has given the agency a fairly reputable standing.  Persistence and perseverance do pay off.

A five-day promo blitz starts on the 20th for HA-HA-HA-HA.  Which reminds me to prod someone re getting that case on a blog/promotion tour.  So many things to do, so little time.

Enjoy your weekend!

Hey, it’s Rey today.  He-he.

Another Wednesday, another post.  Sometimes, it’s bleepin’ impossible to think of something new and fresh.  The Boss will attest to this . . . if she were around.  She’s “conveniently” found something to keep her busy today, so that’s why you have l’il ol’ me.

I was thinking maybe doing something on writing, but I’m not a professional writer, so I’ll leave it for someone who is.  Then, it hit me like a bug on a windshield when driving 80 mph on the freeway.  Why not post about things to do on hump day, or one of those days when you have time on your hands and no idea(s) how to spend that time.

I, personally, would spend it hitting sales—you know how much I love shoes, bags, and earrings, and any other items that have had their prices slashed.  Can you spell f-u-n?!  Other things: lounge around a pool or the beach, have a drink and people-watch, organize a get-together, watch a great movie or show.  Attend the theater or meet up with friends.  Read a play or audition for one.  I could go on, but those are my things.  So, here are a few that might appeal to you, and these are off the top of my head.

♥ walk, trek, climb, run  ♥ play a game  ♥ watch a movie/TV  ♥ read a book  ♥ start a diary; begin journaling  ♥ begin work on your great American novel  ♥ start a blog or website  ♥ figure out how to change/update your blog  ♥ create a list of things you are grateful for  ♥ take on a project (cleaning cupboards or closets, painting a room, whatever you’ve been putting off or considering)  ♥ taking the pet and/or kids out (find somewhere different and/or fun)  ♥ go to an amusement park and be a kid again  ♥ connect with friends (old and/or new)  ♥ get on social media; visit sites you’ve never been to  ♥ do a puzzle or crossword, or grab crayons and a coloring book  ♥ listen to music  ♥ go out and take photos  ♥ create recipes; cook something new/different  ♥ relax by taking a bubble bath or going to a spa (or seeing if a neighbor/relative will let you soak in their hot tub)  ♥ read the newspaper or a magazine  ♥ nap  ♥ start a garden in your backyard or plant something on the balcony . . .

It’s really not that hard to think of things to do.  It’s simply a matter of getting the ol’ gray matter functioning . . . as in, thinking.  Hey, there’s something to pass the time: make your own list.  I betcha can record an easy three-dozen things to do.  Then, all ya gotta do . . . is do

Happy Hump Day!

Review: The Scarlet Queen by Sean Robins

It’s time for another Sean Robins review.  Our prolific writer has penned another book, The Scarlet Queen, the prequel to the well-received The Crimson Deathbringer series.  This time, we follow beautiful Xornaa, a “femme fatale mercenary”—and Xortaag spy—who becomes involved in time traveling with the intriguing if not unique Klatzo, creator of the time machine.  In addition to (expected and desired) engaging battles, there are more life-saving episodes (but no spoiler alerts as to outcomes).

There are references to characters from the series (like Tarq the impassioned prankster and Maada the dogged general), which bring back welcome memories of those other exhilarating stories and danger-fraught and oft crazy adventures.

Here’s a little taste:

Up until then, I still had a faint hope that we could make it to the jump point, but it evaporated with the arrival of the new enemy ships. I closed my eyes, let out a long low sigh, and covered my face in defeat. The thought that everything I’d done, including inventing a freaking time machine, had been for naught stabbed at my heart.

I clenched my fist so tightly that my hands started shaking as a vein began to pulse in my forehead. Then I heard my doppelgangers shouting in excitement. I looked at my tactical display and, in sheer astonishment, realized the new ships were shooting at their own space fighters.

I blinked and checked my tactical display again to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Nope. It was real.

Two of the pursuing space fighters were hit before their pilots realized what was happening. The other two broke and flew in opposite directions, but each had three vessels on their six, and I was certain even their pilots knew they were doomed. They threw their space fighters up and down, left and right, and tried to avoid the incoming fire, but they joined their dead comrades in less than two minutes.

What the hell is going on?!

What the hell indeed?  You’ll just have to read The Scarlet Queen to discover what happens!

For those not yet familiar with Sean, he’s a huge fan of Marvel, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Star Trek.  He’s also a university/college level English teacher who has lived and worked in different countries.  To find out more, please check out Sean and his new book out at:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.ca/Scarlet-Queen-Adventure-Crimson-Deathbringer-ebook/dp/B091FMTSX4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+scarlet+queen&qid=1625919260&s=books&sr=1-1

Twitter:  @seanrobins300

Facebook:  facebook.com/seanrobins300

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18999889.Sean_Robins

Rating: lei1forbookreviewslei1forbookreviewslei1forbookreviewslei1forbookreviews

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