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One of Our Members is an Author!
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43871		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Scuba1 [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:  One of Our Members is an Author!
That's right - one of our long time VIP members, who posts under the name of "Bilko" is a published author, who's works can be seen and purchased on Amazon.com.

I found out one of our longtime members, Bilko, is the author of three eBooks for Amazon Kindle: "Clueless Clyde in Costa Rica," "Dances with Prostitutes Costa Rica Style," and "Clueless Clyde in Costa Rica - Clyde Heads South." His pen name is Thomas Ray O'Brien. Many of you know him, but I'll bet you didn't know he was a published author.

I met him some years back when I began making solo trips - previously, I had made a trip or two a year with a group of friends, and not only does he know the scene, but he is a great guy and willing to share his knowledge with others - he's a great writer, too and I really enjoyed reading what he wrote.

The "Clyde" series I found especially funny and to the point - and with more than a little truth!

We have seen "guidebooks" that tell you locations, but these are not guide books per se, but well written chapters either about real working girls, or in the case of Clyde, a clueless newbi who discovers Costa Rica the hard way.

I don't recall any written as well as Bilko's, because they tell a story that many of us can relate to - plus Dan's take on clueless newbi's <Clyde> as well as his perspective on working girls, their lives and motivations are especially interesting to those of us who love San Jose, Costa Rica, and the scene.

Might be interesting to see if YOU are in any of them.

I was kidding <a little :lol: > about seeing yourself in any of these books but I can state without reservations that not only are they well written, but they will make you think and you will enjoy reading them.

Thanks Bilko for writing them!

You can download a free kindle reader or read them online with Amazon's cloud reader.
Author:  Bigal211 [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
I am about 70% through the newest book, "Dances with Prostitutes" which is a sort of autobiography of his years in Costa Rica. Very well written and informative. It is good to see that others have made the same mistakes I have made, and there some mistakes I haven't made (yet). Highly recommended for anyone who doesn't already know it all.
Author:  LAdiablo [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
sure seems like he went to a lot of trouble to keep it a secret. but i'm sure you checked with him prior to outing him on the internet...
Author:  Hank [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
I bought the CLYDE HEADS SOUTH and enjoyed it immensely. The writing definitly coming from someone who has lived in San Jose. Was a little disappointed in the ending thought Clyde and Selena would have more interaction after he found out.
Author:  Scuba1 [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 3:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
LAdiablo wrote:
sure seems like he went to a lot of trouble to keep it a secret. but i'm sure you checked with him prior to outing him on the internet...



What, writing under a pen name; its common - what, all your reading is Mad Mag. or comic books????

You really can be a jerk, you know that :roll: - you always assume the worst about me (believe me, I've noticed it in many posts) and we don't even know each other.

Of course, Bilko is well aware of what I posted b/c I told him how much I enjoyed what he wrote, and b/c any publicity is good publicity, he welcomed it - no "outing" involved.
Author:  Bilko [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 5:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
It's no problem, I'm not trying to keep my identity a secret any more, although I did start out under a pen name because I wasn't sure where this would all lead. Among CRT members and fellow mongers I don't worry about it. I don't care for everybody "back home" to know, especially the females, but among us guys it's all good.

The final chapters of "Clyde" will be available within a day or so, along with a complete version that includes all 3 parts. Thanks for the kind words, all. It's good to know I'm reaching my intended readers.

Bilko / Thomas O'Brien / Dan
Author:  Buzzfla [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
Bilko, how did you find time to be an author ? Hanging out at the NYB and being part of the Gringo Stars with Mike?
Author:  LAdiablo [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
Scuba1 wrote:
LAdiablo wrote:
sure seems like he went to a lot of trouble to keep it a secret. but i'm sure you checked with him prior to outing him on the internet...



What, writing under a pen name; its common - what, all your reading is Mad Mag. or comic books????

You really can be a jerk, you know that :roll: - you always assume the worst about me (believe me, I've noticed it in many posts) and we don't even know each other.

Of course, Bilko is well aware of what I posted b/c I told him how much I enjoyed what he wrote, and b/c any publicity is good publicity, he welcomed it - no "outing" involved.


i don't assume the worst about anyone in fact quite the opposite. but its hard to see why you needed to bring this info to all of us. it sure seems like its his business and if wanted people to know he would be the one talking about it. i know plenty of cool things about all sorts of members i not only wouldn't post on a board, i wouldn't talk about it to a stranger either. not my business.
as far as you and your posts. maybe i have made a couple of comments here and there about idea that you think your opinion is the only one that matters. whatever. i'll ignore you like everyone else.
and lets keep in mind you are the one that makes it personal. yeah all i read is comic books. sure and all you do is look in the mirror.
btw good on you Bilko.
Author:  SpeakNo [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
I have a pen name as well, many people don't realize this, its best to stay anonymous.....you have heard of "War And Peace".....hehe :D
Author:  Gersen [ Mon Aug 12, 2013 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
I'd really like to know what's in dem der books without buying them--I knowI'm cheap. But I am curious what could possibly be written that hasn't been discussed ad nauseum here. Or are we talking soap opera stuff? Fun to read I guess.
Author:  Bilko [ Tue Aug 13, 2013 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
Hank wrote:
I bought the CLYDE HEADS SOUTH and enjoyed it immensely. The writing definitly coming from someone who has lived in San Jose. Was a little disappointed in the ending thought Clyde and Selena would have more interaction after he found out.

Hank, Book 3 (The REST of the Story) has that scene, it just didn't happen right away.
Buzzfla wrote:
Bilko, how did you find time to be an author ? Hanging out at the NYB and being part of the Gringo Stars with Mike?

Well, after the NYB shut down, I had to do SOMETHING, and this is it.
Gersen wrote:
I'd really like to know what's in dem der books without buying them--I knowI'm cheap. But I am curious what could possibly be written that hasn't been discussed ad nauseum here. Or are we talking soap opera stuff? Fun to read I guess.

You can browse several chapters free. Go to Amazon and search on "Thomas Ray O'Brien" or "Clueless Clyde"
or "Dances with Prostitutes."

These are eBooks, Kindle format, but you can download a free reader or read on their "Cloud" reader if you don't have a Kindle.
Author:  Nhhank [ Tue Aug 13, 2013 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  out of the closet
What next Bilko :D
You pen Jo Stuarts piece as well

Good luck I liked the Clyde adventures as well
Author:  Gersen [ Tue Aug 13, 2013 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
Jo Stuart turned on the light bulb for me, or I should have typed turned it off.

But I hope you do well, great idea, make some $$$.
Author:  Danielson [ Fri Aug 16, 2013 8:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
selfpublished author :)

big difference anyone can publish thier own book on amazon
Author:  Bilko [ Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of Our Members is an Author!
Danielson wrote:
selfpublished author :)

big difference anyone can publish thier own book on amazon


That's almost true, Danielson. They do review submissions but they aren't extremely critical. They also have a good spell checker :)
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