Quote for the Day: The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.Marie Kondo
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.
Quote of the Day: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain
New Mystery-Thriller
Excitement is in the air as the official release date approaches for my new mystery-thriller Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. The official launch date is April 2nd, 2019. Preorder Now!
Meet the Author
A book signing, along with fun and games are scheduled for March 30th, 4 PM EST, at Copperhead Lodge,171 Copperhead Pkwy, Blairsville, GA. Make reservations now for the weekend and enjoy the scenic beauty of the North GA mountains and meet the author.
Book Bloggers/Reviewers
Do you enjoy reading and reviewing crime fiction and mystery novels?Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1 has a strong female protagonist posed against a robust multicultural Atlanta GA backdrop. You’ll not want to miss reading this one! Fill in the contact information below for a Kindle version of this new mystery-thriller. Thank you. Carolyn Bowen
Follow my blog for the latest news about my writing life. Join my journey for the fun side of the writing life. Carolyn Bowen
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!
Quote of the Day: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ―Hamilton Wright Mabie
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?
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. Bowenfor entertainment.
Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted
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 blogand 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!
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 Bertramabout 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 Mentionand Google Alerts. Remember, to use your own name and keywords associated with your brand.
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.
I’d love to know about your experiences while branding your business. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Shopping 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 byCarolyn Bowen!
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Quote of the Day: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Photo credit: Pixabay
Yes, I’m hyper anticipating my new mystery novel coming out soon. So – I read – and read more to make my jittery nerves relax.
This book got my attention – maybe because I love Hemi trucks – they can pull a boat so I can ski on any lake/river/ocean accessible by land. I think you get it – crazy about water sports. And, I love knowing the latest marketing news! But, can I do what’s recommended? Stay-tuned.
Today’s book world is about learning and using the right communication and tools to reach your audience. The creative process and techniques for delivering the best marketing campaign to boost book/s to the bestseller list is a long and curvy road. I have been fortunate – just plain lucky in some instances in the past. However, going forward I will be on a steep learning curve to develop innovative ways to get my stories to be read and reviewed.
I’m old school with Hemingway influence where if you write a great novel everyone should want to read it – right? Times have changed and my writing reflects the current state of affairs in the criminal world. I think people still want to know the interworking of a character’s mind. And, that I can deliver. Maybe market – we’ll see.
Back your Hemi right on back and fill your truck bed with the best information for promoting your book. This book gives you the nitty-gritty about marketing both fiction and non-fiction.
It’s the equivalent of having your personal marketing expert working for you. The downside – you’ve got to learn the ropes and do it yourself.
I’d love an app that embodies everything this book describes but we all know advertising isn’t stagnant, always moving forward. Yet, you can benefit today from using these carefully researched and proven marketing techniques. Get ready for a mind-blowing experience! Follow this author to keep abreast of the changing marketing environment. Thanks, Penny!
If you’d like to be an advance reader for my upcoming new mystery, complete the information below and an ebook will be made available for your reading pleasure. Thank you!
Photo Credit: Pixabay
I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Quote of the Day: Remember This December, that love weighs more than gold! Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon, American Writer
The holiday season is here and I’m counting down the days to Christmas. Everywhere I look, there’s a reminder of the coming of winter bliss.
This is the perfect time to spread good cheer and begin making plans for the New Year. What are your holiday plans?
Photo credit: Pixabay
Family gatherings come to mind and sitting beside the fireplace in the still of the night with a great book and cup of cocoa are in my forethoughts. I hope you’ll make time for yourself this season to unwind and capture the precious moments that’ll never be again.
You’ve probably noticed from my blogging that I’m doing a lot of reading during this month. As I mentioned in earlier blogs, I read to learn more about the craft of writing, and marketing. I have a rotation going and share my reviews here and Goodreadsprimarily.
Author Updates
Mynext mystery novel is going through the final stages for publishing. If you’d like to be an advance reader, join my launch (street) teamhere. I look forward to your reviews.
As you go through the paces of preparing for and participating in the fascinating adventure of the Christmas holidays, I hope you’ll share love and kindness to all! Happy Holidays – Carolyn Bowen
Photo Credit: Pixabay
I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
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.
Quote of the Day: “I write not because I want to but because I am destined to.” Jules Haigler
Photo Credit: Pixabay
The why behind the doing!
First, let me define some of the terms I’ll be using as to not complicate the understanding of what I’m saying.
Who is a writer?
A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate their ideas. Wikipedia
What is the difference between a writer and author?
According to the dictionary, a writer is one who expresses ideas in writing or engaged in literary work. An author is a person who writes a novel, poem, essay etc., and the composer of a literary work. You become an author when your books are published, but if your writings are never published, you remain a writer.
What is the meaning of authorpreneur?
Authorpreneur is the business end of being an author. To me, it’s no different than being an entrepreneur for starting up any kind of business. Of course, the author added to the shortened entrepreneur pinpoints the exact kind of business the person is involved in.
Learning to be an authorpreneur is about positioning yourself (branding) for the best possible outcome for your writing efforts.
You may be thinking I don’t want to do this! I’d prefer to just write. You are not by yourself. Many writers turned authors who became entrepreneurs feel the same way. However, even the bestselling authors are required to participate in the marketing of their books. Many embrace this opportunity to better understand their readers and to help keep the buzz around their names.
Being a writer and authorpreneur, in the business of promoting and marketing to sell and profit from your writing, is a lifetime learning experience. To accomplish this feat as a writer you need to write, read, and study the craft of writing.
Then changing directions towards getting your book/s in the hands of readers is another challenge in of itself. The same lessons apply to learn publishing and marketing – study, read, write, and learn how to expand your brand to reach new readers.
To improve as an author, I’ve found that it’s a good idea to read books in your genre, continue your daily writing and set aside time to learn more about writing.
Today’s blog post is the result of my applying these steps to my writing life. My personal standard is to never read a book I don’t think I’ll enjoy! Hope you enjoy my review of An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt!
Joe Dillard was a criminal defense attorney who didn’t like his job. Never did. His plans after law school were to work in the District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor. The problem, the pay didn’t line up with the time and cost of the education required to practice law.
The only choice was to open a law firm. He did with a promise to himself that eventually he’d quit and become a prosecuting attorney. But, first, he had to provide for his family and see his children through school. The pay was good. Yet, knowing his clients were guilty and worse, maggots of the earth tormented him. He desperately wanted to be on the opposite side, not defending the scum of the earth.
The years passed by and he was looking forward to retirement. The income from his practice and his wife’s management of their assets was securing their future. And, when the time was right, he’d call it quits. But, for once he’d like to represent an innocent client before he retired.
He was counting down the days to his exit from practicing law when a new case was offered him. He quoted a fee much higher than normal for he’d not planned to stay for a lengthy trial.
Money wasn’t an issue and his desire to represent an innocent client came to mind. All he had to do was talk to the young, beautiful woman charged with first-degree murder and decide whether to take the case. Would he finally get a chance to represent an innocent client?
If you enjoy reading legal thrillers and mysteries, check this one out! It’s a well-written story that’ll keep your interest.
Quote for Today: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Michael Altshuler
Photo Credit: Pixabay
This month is swishing by like a video streaming of an Amtrac train blistering full throttle down the tracks. Sticking to my writing schedule is a daily priority and I am deliberate in making progress although tight-knuckled at times. I’m tickled to see the end in sight for my next project. I’ll tell you more about it next month. (Smiles)
I love celebrating special occasions and holidays are included in these fun days. The dates listed below are this month’s (Oct.) observances. Although I’m not a big fan of Halloween, I’ve noticed its’ growing popularity. So, enjoy and have fun trick or treating!
October Holidays
Monday, October 8 Columbus Day (Federal Holiday)
Wednesday, October 31 Halloween
What do you enjoy most about the fall season? Comment below!
Book Reviewers & Bloggers Wanted:
Do you want a sneak peek of my next novel? Sign up for a Kindle version for your review on major book platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and others. You’ll be added to my reviewers’ list and emailed your gift code with my appreciation. Thank you!
Latest Giveaway
Exciting news! Subscribe to receive the latest updates about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Limited Offer – Act Now! Note: If you follow using a social media sign-in, please provide an email address to send the gift in privacy mode. Thank you!
Latest Book News
Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 