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Fun Stuff – The Hourglass Elite Author of 2019 Tournament

Quote of the Day: “When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.” Joe Namath

brown and black wooden docor
Photo by Bryan Schneider on Pexels.com

I love having fun especially when it involves meeting people who love reading my books. Finding my own special tribe is an ongoing pursuit that most times put me out of my comfort zone. And, this is one of those moments.

I was recently invited to participate in the “The Hourglass Elite Author of 2019 Tournament” presented by Jason E. Foss. In doing so, I’ve contacted fans to encourage their support for winning this title. I love awards – all types and especially those related to writing and bestselling books. I want to win this award in a BIG way!

The featured book for this tournament is The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen. Here’s a short blurb about the novel.

After a lifetime of being protected and sheltered by her parents, Kate is thrown into a state of turmoil after their sudden death. With nowhere else to turn, she finds herself living with her fiancé, a conniving businessman who is well on his way to becoming a corrupt super-lawyer. At the same time, Kate’s father’s law firm houses more secrets than a politician’s hard drive. Later, she receives a shocking surprise when a long-lost half-brother enters her life. Can Kate rise to these challenges, discover the truth and re-emerge as a stronger, smarter version of herself?

Do you want to help me win the tourney? Here are the instructions!

1) Email or message me your email address. You’ll be emailed by the presenter about the tournament.
2) Purchase a kindle/paperback of The Long Road Home, my mystery novel.
3) Make a screenshot of your purchase and email it to me or the presenter.
4) Supporters will be entered into a drawing this December 2019 for a signed copy of my new 2019 mystery series – Book 1. The drawing will be held live on YouTube 12-31-19.

Thank you for supporting my writing. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Carolyn M. Bowen YouTube

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Book Review: Girl, Wash Your Face!

Quote for Today: Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. Lucille Ball

I just finished reading Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. This is the review I posted on Goodreads. Enjoy!

Girl, Wash Your Face!. Book Review, The Writing Life
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to BeGirl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hold on tight for this young author has grit and authenticity. The chapter headings each begin with lies we’ve told ourselves. Hollis offers up her personal journey in dealing with false beliefs. At the end of the chapter, she provides suggestions for overcoming stinking thinking related to the subject.

I’ve found ideas and beliefs in this book that relate to women of any age. However, young women, especially those with children, will find a treasure trove of information to live a better life now. It’s a must read!

View all my reviews

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!

Quote of the Day: It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Herman Melville

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo credit: Pixabay

I was reflecting on my self-help personal development book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, and decided to lower the paperback price to $7.99 as a limited offer.

I realized early on there are many people who aren’t computer savvy or just prefer a book in their hands. This is the reason it’s offered as a paperback. For ebook readers, it’s available FREE with Kindle Unlimited and just $2.99 to download and read.

This bite-sized personal development book was originally conceptualized as an e-book but shortly after beginning the dedication, I realized the person referred to would prefer to hold the book. And, come to find out, many more people would enjoy the same privilege. And, unfortunately, these people aren’t reviewers but they let me know on a personal level how much the book meant to them. Thank you!

Although reviews help sell books, personal comments are more than welcome and keep me energized for writing more. Changing lives one step at a time for the better is my goal for writing personal development books.

Many folks considered elderly by some standards are no different than as any other segment of our society. They can begin again. My life experiences have shown you’re alive for a reason. So, never give up! You’ll find in Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success examples of many who didn’t find their true purpose in life until their later years. Don’t let age be a detriment. Hit the refresh button and begin again!

For the youthful readers, thank you for letting me be on the sidelines of your personal journey. I’m cheering for you! Finding your place in this world seems overwhelming at times, but if you break it down to the basics you’ll find your way. Having made more mistakes than a few in finding my path, forgive yourself when you blunder – that’s life. Just think how exciting your memoirs will be!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Carolyn M. Bowen

I’m considering writing a sequel to Cross-Stepping and would appreciate knowing the problems you’re facing and the successes you’ve experienced. What seems to be the problem (s) for your experiencing your best life now? Fill in the contact form below to start the discussions. I can’t wait to commence this dialog.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Thank you for reading and sharing Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! In developing this transformation book, I thought if just one life was changed from reading it, I was a part of a breakthrough for that individual. This is truly a happy place to be!

About Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!

When surfers hit the waters, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zig-zagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

With “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

CAROLYN BOWEN was into life planning and career development before it was cool! With extensive advanced studies in psychology, adult learning, and career development, she has the background to guide you in becoming the best possible you! She’s not only walked the walk but perhaps can save you a few steps in finding your niche – your purpose in life. She knows how to master cross-stepping as a surfer and life coach. She can guide you in avoiding wipe-outs while discovering your niche – your purpose in life. She’s a well-read and beloved mystery author who calls on her life escapades and an adventurous imaginative spirit to create entertaining novels. Her writing credits include “Cross-Ties,” a historical romance, and “The Long Road Home,” a contemporary crime fiction mystery.

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Be True To Yourself In 2019

Quote of the Day: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be True To Yourself 2019, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo credit: Pixabay

An important part of my writing life is learning more about the craft and marketing. Today I’m focusing on marketing in preparation for releasing my new mystery thriller.

To stay on top of current trends it’s important to find knowledgeable sources and I hit the jackpot today with an article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Managing Editor of Social Media Examiner.

Jenkins provides marketing predictions for 2019 from top marketers in the world. And, having earlier read predictions by futurist I felt like we’ve just skipped right on through to another decade or two into the far-off future. It was amazing reading about what we could expect in marketing in this New Year.

Here’s a few that caught my attention!

  • The rapid growth for voice-activated searches using Alexa and other tools. Going from visual to spoken word searches is going to take on new meaning for marketers accustomed to the web and mobile devices.
  • Augmented reality, AR, for close inspection of products and services is on the rise. For example, wouldn’t it be great to experience a travel destination before booking, try out new accessories or clothing, etc.?
  • The shift away from active social media interactions back to more passive experiences to entertain and/or educate. The desire to take back control of time and funds normally spent using social media will be evaluated and determined if relevant. According to Seth Godin, author, and entrepreneur, “…the idea of seeing and being seen by the people who matter to them,” will be a priority.
  • The stability of email marketing will remain strong with businesses utilizing newsletters to converse with their audience.
  • A special note to authors and publishers is the prediction of the increased use of story format content videos for marketing. Check out my YouTube Channel!

Marketers will need to revamp their plans to stay on top of the trends for 2019. The full article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Social Media Examiner is here.

In 2019 stay true to yourself and don’t let the noise of the world distract you from your goals. Let me know your thoughts about the marketing predictions for this year.

I’m counting down the days to the release of my new mystery-thriller. Follow my blog to stay in the know about upcoming events. Thank you!

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Full Speed Ahead – 2019

Quote of the Day: “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Full Speed Ahead - 2019, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

January 2019 is here and I’m ready to re-engage with my writing life. One thing I’ve learned from mistakes from the past – never stop writing.

As you probably know, I did, immediately after releasing The Long Road Home. I couldn’t calm down and focus on a new novel. I was so excited with the attention the novel was receiving and trying to stay on top of correspondence and marketing was a full-time job.

I learned. As you probably know by now, I’m releasing a new mystery-thriller in early 2019. This time I’m back at my keyboard writing a new addition to the yet unpublished series. I promise you’ll want to wait for it! I have made a special video for my followers to announce this new mystery series. I think you’ll love it!

I’m trying something new with my plotting in this new mystery series. My subjects tend to be complex with a lot of spinning pieces and twist and turns. Being a visual person, I wanted to map out the plot in larger detail than on a typewritten page.

My answer was to go retro with a chalkboard to plot the course and map out the theme. I found just the one I wanted at you know where – Amazon. I can’t wait to use the board to amplify my vision for this new mystery murder series. I hope to share this experience with you via YouTube!

Writers are often looking for ways to improve their writing life. I saw this today and felt it had merit. It makes good sense to me.

8 Surprisingly Simple Tips That Will Make You a More Efficient Writer (Infographic)
Source: www.grammarcheck.net

By the way, if you’ve like to be an advance reader and reviewer of my upcoming 2019 new release, fill out the info below and I’ll send you a Kindle version for your enjoyment.

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Wishing you the absolute best of everything in 2019! Carolyn M. Bowen

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Happy New Year – 2019

New Year 2019, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Cousins – Ollie and Juneau – aircraft pilot & aviator

Quote of the Day: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” ― Brad Paisley

It’s time to celebrate the coming of a new year. And, what an event that will be. What are you looking forward to enjoying in your business and personal life this New Year?

Wishing you the absolute best of everything in 2019! Carolyn M. Bowen

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Celebrating Your Life – 2019

CBBlog

Quote of the Day: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”   H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You!

It’s time to begin thinking about plans and goals for the New Year. Most years I come up with some New Year resolutions that after a week, at the most, I abandon.

This year I’m going to plan differently. Instead of making New Year resolutions, I’m going to make a list of things to do in 2019. I’ll pick out the top 5 and make a commitment to achieving them.

When making a decision to move forward toward reaching my goals I’ll have a timeline to keep me on the path. Should a need arise to make adjustments to the plan, I’m prepared.

Journal

There’s something special about writing your goals down. The psychological effect spurs you to complete the tasks as planned. By whatever name you choose to call your goals for 2019, stay committed. What would you like to accomplish in 2019?

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Counting Down to the New Year!

Counting Down to the New Year, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss

This year, 2018, has been a fast year for me, pretty much. I’ve written two books and published one. My latest mystery-thriller will be released early 2019. And, you’re in for a BIG surprise! I can’t wait to tell you more about it. Keep watching for the cover reveal and blurb about the novel.

Mystery Novel Reviewers/Bloggers Wanted

If you’d like an advance ebook copy, complete the info below so I can email your gift code. Thank you!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Here’s a little inspiration for your day!

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Reflections From 2018

Quote of the Day: “We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust.” ― David Levithan, Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List

Refections from 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Between now and the New Year take a break and reflect on the sights, sounds, and aromas you experienced over the past year. What are your favorite thoughts? Catalog in your mind the sweet memories of 2018.

Most all of us have goals we wish to achieve each year. What plans can you mark as completed for this year? Celebrate the milestones with friends and family. To you and your 2018 successes – cheers!

Refections from 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Life has its ups and downs and sometimes we have events in our lives that knock us for a loop. There are many facets to our lives like family sickness and deaths, business losses, relationship problems, and divorces to name a few that hit us hard.

Whatever you’re going through know that it can and will get better. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and reach out to someone when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feelings. There’s free and confidential support just a phone call away. Talk to someone until you feel at peace again. There is promise in each new day. Believe it!

In my reflecting on the past year I came across a video that best represents my feelings. The worldwide celebration of Stand By Me |Playing for Change |Song Around the World! Like the song says, no matter who you are – you’re going to need someone to stand by you. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor – everyone needs someone to stand by them. Hope you enjoy this video with musicians playing and singing around the world. This video was produced by Playing for Change – connecting the world through music.

I hope you enjoy looking back at 2018. May all your dreams come true in the New Year! Carolyn Bowen

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Quote of the Day: “Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here! I can’t wait to see what you’ve found under the Christmas tree. Carolyn

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