Blog Tour ||Can you hula like Hilo Hattie? ~ Tyler Colins (+ Interview)

Good morning!

How exciting, my second blog tour ! I had intended to do a review for this like I had done for my first one, but sadly my November had been quite sluggish so that has been impossible for me (I promise to do it at later date !).

I have then prepared an author interview for you all, today!

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Goodread’s link

First, you might wonder; Who’s Hilo Hattie? 

Hilo Hattie (born Clarissa Haili, October 28, 1901 – December 12, 1979) was a Hawaiian singer, hula dancer, actress and comedian of Native Hawaiian ancestry
[Sourced from Wikipédia]

Book blurb:

The aspiring detectives of the Triple Threat Investigation Agency take on their first official paying assignment: discover 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.

Piecing together the puzzle detours the trio—to the domains of drug pushers, informants, and gangs. Serious game players, they play for keeps. Does the trio possess enough shrewdness and savvy to beat the odds and win the game?

Author’s Interview ;

1. What drew you to cozy mysteries?

I’ve been reading them for many years but I grew up on Nancy Drew mysteries (which I’ve recently started reading again). Cozies have always been appealing because of quaint locations and settings, intriguing characters with often fun careers (cooks, bakers, archeologists), and non-graphic murder scenes. While I also enjoy “hard-boiled” mysteries, there’s something to be said for stories that truly allow you to escape everyday life/news.

 

2. Do you write in any other genres?

I dabble with women’s fiction—a chapter from Odd Woman Out can be found weekly on Wattpad. It’s nearing completion, though, and I’m thinking the next “installment” book might be short stories about lessons learned.

 

3. What does the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series entail?

The Triple Threat Investigation Agency series is about three (still somewhat novice) private eyes living on Oahu. JJ, her cousin Rey, and Rey’s BFF Linda become embroiled in challenging if not crazy cases but, ultimately, they always catch their culprit without too many hitches.

 

4. Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

I’m very fond of melodramatic, part-time actress Reynalda Fonne-Werde. Rey is feisty and lippy, and believes anything is doable. She’ll confront a villain with teeth and claws bared, and has no qualms about doing a little B&E if it will net answers. Despite an army-tank approach and in-your-face attitude, she has a big heart.

 

5. Is there a specific inspiration for your series?

Nancy Drew, as mentioned. I read (devoured) her mysteries in my youth and wanted to be her. I now have that opportunity—by writing the TTIA series and following the antics, er, pursuits of my three aspiring sleuths.

 

6. What made you decide to e-publish your work?

I’ve always wanted to be a published writer. Publishing the traditional way—or finding an agent—is very difficult, so I opted for e-publishing. No regrets. I’ve met an amazing group of like-minded writers/bloggers in my e-publishing travels.

 

7. If you could have a dinner party and invite three authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

My favorite authors would be invited: Ray Bradbury, Ayn Rand, Shakespeare!

 

8. Is there anything of note you’re currently reading?

With a full-time job, taking care of Mom, and trying to maintain a blog (never mind writing books), it’s extremely difficult to pick up a book. But I have managed to buy a few of the original Nancy Drew mysteries I used to read (was feeling nostalgic) and manage to read a chapter every day or so.

 

9. What about personal interests?

Writing, blogging, writing, blogging. <LOL> I also have a fascination for / love of Hawaii, am interested in spirituality, and am trying to develop as a [better] individual.

 

10. If you weren’t a writer/ blogger, what would you be?

At this stage of my life, I can’t imagine doing anything else. If I were a few years younger, however, I believe I’d like to have done food styling or catering, or something in the culinary world. It’s another creative realm; instead of words, you use food.

 

11. Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or might you start a new series?

I’ve just started working on “HA-HA-HA-HA”, the fifth in the Triple Threat Investigation Agency series. There are plans for a sixth. I’m quite fond of the Triple Threat trio, so I’m/we’re not ready to move on yet . . . but I’m tempted to write one of the books with Rey as the narrator.

 

12. What’s your favorite thing about being an author?

It’s fun (and challenging) making characters and situations come alive. I love being with the characters as they learn and grow; in essence, they influence how I learn and grow.

 

13. Do you have a set writing routine?

I write as often as a full-time job and Mom-care allow. A dream come true would be to write and blog for several hours a day. It’s all good, though; things still get done (it just takes a wee bit longer).

 

14. How do you pick the names and settings?

A name will pop into my head courtesy of a television program, a newspaper or magazine article, or even a product. If I have to “think” of a name, nothing comes to mind; if I do something trifling, like dishes or dusting, an array of them pop into my head. As for settings, the Triple Threat Investigation Agency e-books (Caper aside) take place in Hawaii. I know Oahu well enough that neighborhoods and venues are easy to select and describe.

 

15. What do you like about your main characters?

The three gals from the Triple Threat Private Investigation Agency—JJ, Rey, and Linda—bicker and banter. They can be funny and quirky, and bitchy, and are [wonderfully] far from perfect.

 

16. How did publishing your first e-book change your process of writing?

It didn’t really change my process, but it did offer me enough confidence to continue. Seeing an actual cover—a product—provided self-assurance. But after the second and third e-books were published, I realized I had to get out there and start marketing and promoting myself. That in itself, however, is a full-time job. So I’m not even close to where I want to be re my blog and e-books, but everything in its own sweet time.

 

17. What’s your favorite novel and/or character of all time?

I still love To Kill a Mockingbird and Something Wicked This Way Comes. They’re books I read in school, fell in love with, and pick up again every few years. The characters and settings seemed so real back then, vibrant and tangible, as they still do today. When you can create such realism, you know you’re a stellar writer.

 

18. How social-media savvy are you?

<ROTFL> Oh, that was a real question? . . . OMG. There’s so much to learn and constantly stay on top of. Given time constraints and comfort levels, I stick with Facebook and Twitter. While I signed up for Instagram, I truly haven’t a clue as to what to do with it (I’m not a picture-taker, at least not right now, but photography is something I’d like to eventually pursue).

 

19. Are there any common traps for budding writers?

Trying to be “perfect” the first time out. Not doing due diligence when seeking services such as formatting or cover design, editing or promotion, or marketing. Not doing any form of self-promotion or marketing. Not using social media to its/your full advantage…. Do as I say, not as I do. <LOL>

 

20. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself. Always strive to better yourself and your product. If you’re serious about becoming a published writer, be it traditional or e-book, learn all that you can about the various components involved. Completing a book/e-book for publication is merely the first step.

 

21. The mystery genre, regardless of type, is your favorite. What about music?

These days I’m into K-pop . . . totally.

 

22. What’s your favorite food?

Cheese. Fromage. Käse. Queso. Formaggio. Ser. 치즈.

 

23. What’s one thing you never leave the house without?

My glasses. (Seeing the world as a blur has merit on occasion, but not being able to read is no fun.)

 

24. You live in Canada currently, but have been known to say (declare, promise, affirm) that one day you’ll reside in Hawaii. Is this still true?

The first time I set foot on Hawaiian soil, I knew I had to live there. Yes, there’s that teeny-weeny [annoying] issue about Canadians not being able to live there permanently without a green card, but I’m maintaining faith/hope.

 

25. Name one thing you’re good at and one thing you’re bad at.

The good: scheduling and coordinating (I’m great at organizing, if I do say so myself though, sometimes, I spend way too much time at it).

The bad: scheduling and coordinating (I’m great at organizing, if I do say so myself though, sometimes, I spend too way much time at it.)

 

26. What do you like to do when you have free time?

Free time? What’s that? <LOL>

 

27. What’s your pet peeve?

Bad customer service / rude people / me-me-me folks. (The three fall into the same bucket.)

 

28. If you could be anything you wanted to be, what would that be?

One thing I’ve always desired: a great voice. While I love writing, it would be awesome to sing/perform (without sounding like I’m choking on a handful of jellybeans).

 

29. What projects are you currently working on?

The fifth in the Triple Threat Private Investigation Agency series, titled “HA-HA-HA-HA”. I’m finishing Odd Woman Out, which can be found in weekly installments on Wattpad.

 

 

That has been it for me ! 
Have you read this book ? If not, have I picked your interrest?
Let me know! xx