June 14, 2021

Mental Health & You: 2021

This has been a crazy year for me and likely for you as well. It’s during our most difficult times we need to stop and evaluate our life choices to make better decisions about our future.

In 2021, everyone has felt insecurities about what’s next for them affecting their health and livelihood. Many workers in the retail and hospitality sector have been slam-dunked during this pandemic and are seeking new opportunities.

For those with mental health issues, this year was especially difficult. My goal is to let you know you’re never alone. There is help for you in your darkest moments. Reach out and connect with a friend, family member, or a caring organization. Your life matters!

Mental health awareness is important to everyone. To take charge of your own life, and to recognize when others are in need of help.

To take a stand for Mental Health Awareness with are offering “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success” for a special eBook promotion for 99 cents from June 13^th -17^th. Click the link below to read today!

This is a bite-sized inspirational guide to put a smile on your face, and let you know you’ve got this. Healthy tips about depression, grieving, fitness, life satisfaction, and career advice is succinctly rounded in for a quick and informative read. Please share with friends and family, or gift someone that could use a mental health boost.

Book Description

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 zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zigzag 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.

Bowen is also a 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, “The Long Road Home,” a contemporary crime fiction mystery, and the Sydney Jones Mystery Series.

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September 15, 2020

Meet Sydney Jones Giveaway

September 2020 – Featured Novel – Giveaway

The Sydney Jones Series, book 1, Primed for Revenge is available FREE from these booksellers through September 18^th. Limited offer – Tap the link to read this gripping mystery today. https://books2read.com/u/bQKnMw

Book Blurb

Her success should be the pinnacle of her career. She never expected it to threaten her life…

Book Description

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was has put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for a crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision — never to be a victim again.

Buy Primed for Revenge to start the electrifying whodunnit today!

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May 18, 2020April 5, 2021

Great News for Historical Romance Readers

Limited Offer: Cross-Ties Giveaway

Today we’re celebrating a limited offer for Cross-Ties by Carolyn Bowen. This giveaway is for folks who don’t have access to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited where it’s always available for download.

Special Announcement!

You can download FREE during this giveaway and I can’t wait for you to read this historical romance tapping into the immigration experience of early frontier American founders.

We hope you’re staying safe during this global pandemic. Take care — Carolyn Bowen.

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November 27, 2019April 5, 2021

Heavenly Holidays!

Quote of the Day: “Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens

November is the month for gratitude, and I have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. I have released the Sydney Jones Series this year with books 1 and 2 now available for mystery lovers’.

I am grateful for my many supporters across social platforms and appreciate your help in launching this series. Check out my website media and Goodreads Author’s Page for some highlights from book bloggers and reviewers. Thank you!

Goodreads Giveaway

Reminder: You can still enter for a chance to win one of 20 Kindle versions of Chance – A Novel at Goodreads through December 1st.

Wishing you a heavenly holiday! From my home to yours – Happy Thanksgiving! Carolyn M. Bowen

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August 14, 2019April 5, 2021

Book Review: Divorce Is Murder

Quote of the Day: “People say, ‘What advice do you have for people who want to be writers?’ I say they don’t really need advice, they know they want to be writers, and they’re gonna do it. Those people who know what they really want to do this and are cut out for it, they know it.” R.L. Stine

Divorce Is Murder: A Toby Wong Novel by Elka Ray

Book Review

A long-ago traumatic experience at Camp Wikwakee leaves Toby with shameful feelings in adulthood. And, yes, she’d gotten counseling. But just when she thinks she’s making progress; she’s reminded again of that humiliating awful night.

Toby now an attorney returned to her hometown in Victoria Canada to care for her mother, Ivy. One of her first clients was Josh, the best-looking and most unattainable guy from summer camp. The memories burnt into her mind come full circle when she sees him.

She debated whether to represent him. The attraction to him was strong. But seeing him brought back the repulsion of being confined in the damp insect ridden Wikwakee cabin and the fallout afterward. She wondered if he stood up for her against the bullies. Somehow, she doubted it since he married the most vicious bully of all, Tonya Cabrilatto.

Now, he’s seeking a divorce attorney and melting in his presence with conflicting feelings, she had agreed. Her role changed quickly when he became a prime suspect in the murder of his wife. She referred him to the leading criminal attorney in town, Jackie, who is also her best friend Quinn’s mother.

Jackie recovering from injuries enlisted her aid for building a case for him. Toby investigates and finds incriminating evidence involving those from summer camp. Josh lied to her and yet she still gets flustered and was gullible to his advances. But, is he a psychopath with murderous tendencies?

Divorce is murder and the nemeses from camp are involved. And, one murdered Tonya, Josh’s wife. How far back does the treachery go – Camp Wikwakee?

Ray provides layer upon layer of intrigue with the intermeshing of the personal and social lives of the main characters. Her description of the characters and scenic imagery places you in the story. This whodunit will keep you guessing to the end. Highly recommended reading. 5 Star Review – Carolyn Bowen

Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. Hope to see you on social media (Twitter). Carolyn Bowen

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July 29, 2019April 5, 2021

Putting the Social in Social Media

Quote of the Day: “Sometimes you only need to look at other high achievers to remember how GREAT you can become. You can do ANYTHING, and don’t you forget it.” Marsha Wright

First a disclaimer: Twitter is my happy place for knowing what’s happening right now. Being fascinated by the weather for family and friends live on the coast, and the last BIG one left its mark, I get up-to-date warnings on Twitter from reliable sources. But there’s more, business, financial, travel, and entertainment news is always flowing with what’s happening around the world. Of course, these are my favorite topics. You can find your own by simply following leaders in the industry or related hashtags.

However, the news potential isn’t why I love Twitter. It’s the people making the Twitter community a place you’d want to hang out. The influencers and fans with an attitude of gratitude and willingness to share positivity are who make a world of difference.

I am thankful for my readers and fans that are diligent in supporting my writing life. I feel like we live in the same neighborhood. We do –Twitterville. I’d know them walking down the street and be glad to have potluck dinner with them.

Then there are the mega influencers like Marsha Wright who promotes the hashtag #ThinkBigSundayWithMarsha and retweets positive sayings and quotes to 600K followers. Wright is a serial entrepreneur, #1 international bestselling author, syndicated columnist, CEO of PromoNation.co and the top 5 marketing influencer. Follow here: Real Marsha Wright® | Top 5 Marketing Influencer

Does she make a difference? Yes. Follow and read her posts and you too will develop a positive attitude.

Thanks for following my blog. Say hello on Twitter @cmbowenauthor. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

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July 21, 2019April 5, 2021

Ernest Hemingway’s Birthday

Quote of the Day: Courage is grace under fire. Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway’s Birthday

July 21^st is Ernest Hemingway’s birthday and an excellent time to reflect on his contributions to the literary world.

He lived larger than life – can’t think about the running of the bulls without thinking of him or salt-water fishing, war and peace, extreme sports… His passion for cultural experiences, at times, placed him in harm’s way.

We are the winners as he gathered bits and pieces in his pursuits and used his imaginative storytelling to produce masterpieces that are classics today.

His novels are guideposts for future writers to measure their growth. May he rest in peace! Ernest Miller Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961)

Ernest Hemingway’s Novels and Non-Fiction Books

These are his novels and non-fiction books. For more information about movies, and other writing, visit Wikipedia for details.

(1926) The Torrents of Spring
(1926) The Sun Also Rises
(1929) A Farewell to Arms
(1937) To Have and Have Not
(1940) For Whom the Bell Tolls
(1950) Across the River and Into the Trees
(1952) The Old Man and the Sea
(1970) Islands in the Stream
(1986) The Garden of Eden
(1999) True at First Light

Nonfiction

Hemingway’s Advice to Writers

Here are a couple of my past posts about Hemingway with some tips for writers. Enjoy!

Hemingway’s Advice to Authors – Part 1

Hemingway Advice to Authors – Part 2

Thank you for following my blog. Carolyn M. Bowen

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March 9, 2019April 5, 2021

Upping the Stakes for Spring Cleaning

Quote for the Day: The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment. Marie Kondo

almond-blossom

Spring is the season to clear away the cobwebs from the winter and breathe in the freshness of peace and joy in your surroundings. Most times this calls for deep cleaning of your home and office.

A friend recommended Marie Kondo’s cleaning method. After reading her book, I decided to pursue decluttering using her guidelines. And, let’s just say it’s a huge undertaking, but I’m game! Here’s my review from Goodreads.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō

Follow my blog for the latest news about new releases, giveaways, sweeps, and more. Check out novels by Carolyn M. Bowen. Thanks!

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December 21, 2018April 5, 2021

The Days of Our Lives: Winter Solstice

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Quote of the Day: “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Dame Edith Sitwell

Today, December 21, 2018, is the winter solstice in North America, officially the shortest day of the year. We can look forward to the beginning of shortening nights and lengthening days after this astronomical event. As we celebrate tonight look to the sky and mark the occasion with the spectacular Ursid meteor shower and a full Moon.

What is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.

This rhythmic event is also called Midwinter, Yule, the Longest Night, and Jól. Celebrations include family gatherings, festivals and feast, dancing, and winter fires. Wikipedia

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For the long winter nights, download and read a mystery by Carolyn M. Bowen.

Attention Reviewers and Book Bloggers

My new mystery-thriller is coming out this winter. Interested? Enter your name and email address below to be one of the first to receive an advance copy. Thank you!

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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November 27, 2018April 5, 2021

James Thayer’s: The Complete Guide to Writing a Novel

The Complete Guide to Writing a Novel

by James Thayer

Quote of the Day: If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write. Stephen King

The Essential Guide to Writing a Novel: A Complete and Concise Manual for Fiction Writers by James Stewart Thayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

James Thayer doesn’t mince words when describing the personal habits and characteristics of writers who want to succeed. Focus and concentration, persistence in staying the course, a willingness to learn, and perhaps some luck are helpful.

The Essential Guide shows you the proven techniques of writers such as John Grisham, Tom Wolf, Jeffery Deaver, and Patricia Cornwell to name a few. These insights provide clues for creating a successful novel.

My quick take is to do what has been shown to work time and time again and you’ll be successful. However, there’s room for outliers, the incredibly talented writers whose genius places them on a literary throne of their own. Thayer talks about the rules of writing and the breaking of the rules by some authors and what that means.

Creating a timeline for your manuscript
Thayer provided proven steps for creating a timeline for completing your manuscript. He was forthcoming with examples from well-known authors. I especially liked Stephen King’s formula for having a first draft ready within a season.

I highlighted throughout the book and will place a paperback order to add to my bookshelves to keep handy. I just touched on a few of the techniques discussed. Read – then reread it to get the most out of this writer’s guide.

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