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Charge of The Light Brigade and E-Books Pricing

Quote of the Day: “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” – John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States of America

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The Writing Life

Writers are creative in placing words on the page one after another. The logical next step is publishing if you want your work to be read by the masses. This is when a writer become a publisher or an entrepreneur regardless of whether an indie writer or represented by a large publishing company. Today’s publishing world requires the author to have a huge stake in the promotion and sale of their books.

There are many aspects that play a role in the sale of a book. Here are a few of my thoughts about book production and promotions.

  • Great writing and production of work
  • Professional editing and formatting
  • Outstanding professional book cover
  • Marketing strategy – business plan
  • Book Pricing

Book World

A good portion of the books in today’s market are priced according to the competition. The scale hasn’t moved in years. However, the price for producing and marketing has skyrocketed. From advertising on major social platforms and search engines, websites, apps, books reviews, to the basics for creating your book and marketing. For example, keywords used for advertising are sometimes greater than the overall pricing of one book.

I’m reminded of the poem: The Charge of the Light Brigade by Lord Alfred Tennyson. The poem tells the story of six-hundred men who followed their leader to certain death. A clip with dialog from the poem as seen in the movie, Blindside is below.

What I’ve Learned

We can continue to follow the leader into a certain death of writing careers or make changes.  Isn’t it about time pricing and selling books be measured by the costs to produce the product AND relative competition? How many businesses do you know would charge pennies for an item they’d spend several hundred/thousands of dollars to produce? The results would be a disaster and certain death for the business. There are lessons to be learned from The Charge of The Light Brigade. Treat your writing career as a business and use sound practices to measure your success.

Note: The e-book pricing suggested is created by a mathematical calculation, and research of comparable books in your genre. This is not an arbitrary number pulled out of the sky. Remember: Pricing is not set in stone; you can always change it as do most book marketers.

There’s fear involved in making any changes and I’m not immune. However, if you’re tired of feeding the beast, it’s time to make changes. Here are a few things I do to promote my books. Let me know what’s working for you.

  • Provide FREE copies for book reviewers/bloggers
  • Develop an advance readers group to be first reviewers
  • Offer FREE books through sweepstakes on major social platforms and through booksellers
  • Run ad campaign with reduced pricing/or FREE Days

To learn about my writing life, click here. I wish you tremendous success as you develop your creative business. Carolyn Bowen

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Meet & Greet: Author Event

Quote of the Day: “Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.” Ray Bradbury, WD

Meet & Greet!

Join me May 3rd, 7-9 p.m. for a meet and greet at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. I’m tickled to participate in their Emerging Author’s Program.  I hope to see you there. Be ready for some fun and games with giveaways. Hint: What is your favorite scene or quote from any of my novels?

As many of you know, my latest mystery-thriller is celebrating an April birthday. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is available now at your favorite bookstores. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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Today’s Inspiration: Book Blog Tour

Quote of the Day: “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” Dale Carnegie 

Today, I want to pay tribute to Win Kelly Charles who gives hope and inspiration to everyone she meets. Her latest book, She is CP, Butterflies of Wisdom is now up for votes on Something or OTHER publishing site.  Go here and vote for her book idea.

Check out her blog, A Diary of a Fashionista and her podcasts on itunes.

Win Kelly Charles is an inspiration. She is an author, blogger, podcaster, designer, and more.  One of her endearing qualities, is her passion for life and love of people. Whether in her business outlets or social platforms, she brings positive vibes to the table.

Check out Win’s latest release January 2019 – Smile with Dictation

Where to find Win Kelly Charles books on Amazon.

About Win Kelly Charles (Amazon bio excerpt)

Win Charles has Cerebral Palsy–she also has a thriving jewelry design company, enough metal in her feet to set off any airport’s metal detector, and a love of snowboarding. How do all of these things fit together?
Don’t be fooled. This isn’t a novel about hardships or all of the things a young woman with a disability can’t do. This is a story about LIVING, about doing it anyway, and about passion.
I hope you’ll check out Win’s books and vote for her book idea to be published and follow her Amazon Author’s Page for the latest news.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’re enjoying  this fabulous spring season. Carolyn Bowen

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Getting Ready To Launch: Sydney Jones Series

Quote of the Day: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”  Ernest Hemingway

I’m counting down the days/minutes until the launch of the new Sydney Jones Series Book 1: Primed For Revenge. On April 2nd this new novel series will be available online for purchase (ebook or paperback), and in your favorite bookstores. Click here to order!

Books by Carolyn Bowen, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1

Book Bloggers & Reviewers Wanted

If you’re a book blogger/reviewer, please message me for a Kindle gift copy.

Launch Party

Birthday Launch Party for Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Birthing a novel deserves a celebration, don’t you think? Join the fun on Twitter and Facebook on April 2nd for a fun adventure. One lucky party-goer from each social site will receive a signed copy of Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series. Hope you’ll stop by and say hello.

If you’d like a sample of this new thriller, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages.

I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen

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Interview with ASK WIN!

Quote for Today: “In seeking happiness for others, you will find it in yourself.”   Unknown

Interview with ASK WIN, Carolyn M. Bowen

Exciting news! Tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 – 1:00 PM MST, 3:00 PM EST, for a meet-greet with me on ASK WIN!

You will find the hostess of ASK WIN embodies the belief of helping others. She is my superhero for making the most of your life. I want you to meet her! I am indeed fortunate to be on her show.

Ask Win, Carolyn M. Bowen

Counting down! Are you ready? Early bird special ~ Preorder Now! Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series by Carolyn M. Bowen.

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series
Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series

I hope you’ll tune in to the ASK WIN show for the latest news about my writing life. Follow my blog for the latest giveaways, like the one below! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/289379

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Cover Reveal – Primed For Revenge

Quote of the Day: “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums

books by Carolyn M. Bowen, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1
I believe every writer’s dream is to find the right words to connect with readers. I know that’s my mission and feedback/reviews from you make a difference for connecting the dots.

I’ve been busy preparing the launch for my new mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. The Kindle version is available for preorder ONLY on Amazon and will be added to other sites upon the official release date of April 2, 2019.

At that time bookstores across the world will have the paperback in stock and available for purchase. There are NO official online options for purchasing the paperback until April 2nd. Just in case you’ve seen some – not official!

Here’s a short book trailer announcing the book. I hope you will preorder at this low early bird offering. You can thank me later! Keep reading for a giveaway now in progress.


Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/289379

Thank you for being an important part of my author’s journey. I’m continuing to make changes to my website and social sites. Stay tuned for the best is yet to come! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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Holiday Greetings 2018

Quote of the Day: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ― Hamilton Wright Mabie

Happy Holidays 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen

Are you counting down to celebrating this holiday season? Excitement is in the air as we approach Christmas Day. Families’ traveling home for the holidays makes me feel warm and fuzzy. What are your Christmas plans?

Happy Holidays 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen

How are you traveling this season? Whether by train, plane, or automobile always carry a great mystery read with you. Look no further than books by Carolyn M. Bowen for entertainment.

Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted

Carolyn M. Bowen, The Writing Life, books

Are you a book reviewer or blogger? Here’s a chance for the first glance of my new mystery available for pre-order after the New Year. Sign up here to receive your free ebook.

From my house to yours – happy holidays! 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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The Long Road Home – Interview

Quote of the Day: “Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.” Virginia Woolf

Carolyn Bowen Author (31)

Today I want to share the conversation I had with Jason E. Foss, producer of ‘A Dreamer’s Blog’ and the empowered-individuals.blogspot.

Jason wanted to know about my writing process specifically relating to my mystery thriller, The Long Road Home.

I hope you’ll enjoy the light banter and the behind the scenes writing of this novel and the up-to-date news about my upcoming new mystery.

Follow ‘A Dreamer’s Blog’ for interesting in-depth coverage of the writing life from your favorite authors.

Thank you, Jason, for the opportunity to share with your readers. This interview will be remembered as one of my favorite author experiences.  Carolyn Bowen

Where to buy The Long Road Home

The Long Road Home is available at your favorite bookstores!

Download and Read FREE with Amazon Kindle Unlimited!

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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Brand Mania: Book Review – Say My Name!

Brand Mania: Book Review – Say My Name!
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprints and personal brand. – Amy Jo Martin

Today I’ve reviewed an excellent book by Matt Bertram about building and maintaining your brand. He provides the big picture and the blueprint for attracting your ideal customer over time.

We need to understand and welcome the idea that everyone doesn’t fit into your fan base. Those who do will become a supporter and potential customer. And, that’s not all!

Now, with the right online tools and resources, you can monitor your brand and quickly take action to keep your brand in good standing without hurting yourself in the long run. This isn’t the time for “going to the mattresses” in godfather terms.

“Conversations among the members of your marketplace happen whether you like it or not. Good marketing encourages the right sort of conversations.” Seth Godin, Seth’s Blog

Note: There are many excellent monitoring sites on the Internet. For a start, you can Google your own and your business name and see what’s on the net about you. In addition, I personally use and recommend the monitoring provided by Mention and Google Alerts. Remember, to use your own name and keywords associated with your brand.

Build Your Brand Mania: How to Transform Yourself Into an Authoritative Brand That Will Attract Your Ideal CustomersBuild Your Brand Mania: How to Transform Yourself Into an Authoritative Brand That Will Attract Your Ideal Customers by Matt Bertram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bertram provides a step-by-step guide for developing an authoritative brand on the world-wide-web. His in-depth explanation provides a way to attract your ideal customer. You’ll learn how to filter out what doesn’t fit your business objectives. The end results will be the development of a cohesive plan to reach people interested in your offerings.

How do you handle unfavorable comments online? First, you need the best tools, and online resources to track communications about your brand. This seasoned digital marketer integrates the answers for what to do when confronted with the negativity that’ll soften the blow to your image.

If you want to become a trusted advisor or go-to person for a specific product or service, I highly recommend reading Brand Mania.

View all my reviews

I’d love to know about your experiences while branding your business. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Thank you!

Books, Carolyn M. Bowen, bloggingShopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books by Carolyn Bowen!

Social Media Hangouts!

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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A Tribute to Native Americans

Native American Heritage Month

Paying Tribute to Native Americans
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence. – Mourning Dove Salish

 “Sovereignty, Trust, and Resilience.”

November is Native American Heritage Month and we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.

Background

  • The first America Indian Day was established through the leadership of Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y.
  • The first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens was declared September 28, 1915. The annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day with observation to be the second Saturday of each May.
  • New York was the first state to observe American Indian Day. The governor declared the second Saturday in May 1916 as the beginning of the proclamation.
  • Many years later, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Additional proclamations have been issued since 1994 under the names “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian Month”.

Here are some of the events scheduled for this month honoring the American Indians.

Paying Tribute to Native Americans, National Native American Heritage Month, Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Recollections from days gone by…

Interview with a half-breed: What’re your favorite memories growing up in a mixed culture?

Looking out the window and seeing headlights from automobiles coming up the lane to our home stuck in my memory. I knew it was a significant moment.

Word spread and people lined up at our front door to seek alternative herbal healing from my grandmother, a medicine woman. So much it became a problem and my first generation English grandfather stopped it.

She was never the same again. You’re probably thinking I can help you with the insights she provided. NO! According to her, the Native American medicine, what some folks misunderstand as magic, is passed down through the opposite sex.

She shared her knowledge with a male she’d helped. However, she did tell me who to talk to. It was way too complicated for my mind and at the time – honestly not interested. I wonder who the young man passed the secret to for keeping it in his family. Be what it will be – the young man she shared her secrets with had two sons who became M.D’s – medicine men in their own rights.

You’ll be very lucky if they’re you’re attending physician. For a secret has to remain a secret – Native American Heritage protects those who are called to help their fellow earth walkers.

May you soar with eagles in your quest to learn more about Native Americans. The  American Indians saw the Eagle as a symbol for great strength, leadership, and vision.

Recommended reading

Native American culture is explored in Cross-Ties, a fictional coming of age novel. You’ll meet Nokuse and his family in this classic novel.

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

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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