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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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You’ve got to put the past behind you!

Quote of the Day: “My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” Forrest Gump

Photo Credit: Pixabay

In the movie Forrest Gump, he shared his reasons for running across the United States as his way to put the past behind him. He said, “I guess that was what my running was all about.”

So many times, we try to move on after failure, defeat, bad circumstances, and other life events, without taking time to reflect, to process and learn from and release burdens that are dragging us down. Moving from one failure to the next is not a way to live your best life now. Make your happiness a priority and make peace with your past, explore new goals, and be the best you can be.

In my book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, the tools and resources are available to help you find your unique personal path for living victoriously. Topics include leaving the past behind, death & dying, depression, fitness, careers, and inspiration.

The reference to cross-stepping in this book refers to the zig-zag motions you’ll master to become successful for whom you are and were meant to become. Cross-Stepping is a way of moving forward and backward until you achieve success. This is typical knowledge for surfers of the longboard who succeed with this method to hang ten or other magnificent watersport feats.

Get ready to throw overboard anything that stands in your way of achieving your dreams of living a purposeful and successful life.

Thank you for following my newsletter. I look forward to hearing about your successes. Carolyn Bowen

Novels by Carolyn M. Bowen

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Reader’s Fun Giveaway

Reader’s Favorite Fun Giveaway

Book Blogger, Summer Giveaway

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day:  “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Spring is about new beginnings and having fun with beach season right around the corner. The days grow longer when the summer solstice arrives June 21st.  I can’t think of a better way to kick start the season than with a fun giveaway for loyal and new readers. Let the fun begin!

Game Plan

Hit the subscribe (follow) button and share on Twitter tagging me with your favorite quote, scene, or why you like a certain character from any of my novels. Use hashtag: #ReadersGiveaway

Novels by Carolyn M. Bowen

Cross-Ties, The Long Road Home, and Primed For Revenge, The Sydney Jones Series Book 1.

For example Cross-Ties – quote “Bless Your Heart,” Leah figured out the southern meaning behind the phrase. It wasn’t as expected. #ReadersGiveaway

Winner Prizes

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Carolyn Bowen’s book of your choice and a $25 gift certificate. The winner is selected by the most tweets with the hashtag #ReadersGiveaway – Deadline midnight June 21st.

Deadline: Midnight -June 21st

Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. I hope to see you on Twitter soon sharing this fun giveaway.

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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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Author to Author: The Writing Life

Quote of the Day: You see, I am trying in all my stories to get the feeling of the actual life across – not to just depict life – or criticize it – but to actually make it alive. So that when you have read something by me, you actually experience the thing. You can’t do this without putting in the bad and the ugly as well as what is beautiful. Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

One thing I think we can all agree on is the road to discovery for authors is challenging. We write and hope for the best reception for our stories. Most times it seems as though our stories come from a place of inspiration rather than a rational decision to write and plot around a specific topic. I’m speaking for myself here. If you have a writing method that works for you, good!

I’m going to skip right to reviews and reviewers for this is the pressure point for deciding the fate of your novel.

  • The shoot-gun approach to seeking reviews thinking everyone will want to read and leave a great review is a journey filled with perils and one you’ll most likely regret.

What to do!

Find your niche, your tribe, or following many say. Don’t send out review copies or place your work on websites that are not friendly to your genre. For example, you may ask why in the world someone would download and read or attempt to read about murder mystery if they find it appalling?

They do and are subject to leaving crass reviews making it difficult for real mystery lovers to find your novel. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written in Agatha Christie’s style or the most eloquent presentation of your story. Your novel and some readers just do not match. And, Lord help you if you get an overly zealous reviewer that goes to every site your novel is published on and shares their distaste. Please beware this is cyber-stalking!

You may ask, “Didn’t they read the novel’s description, clearly stating what it was about?”

I’m with you there. If a novel is crime fiction or in similar categories, you can expect a story line with gritty details about happenings that some may find offensive. That’s why their different genres for novels on all the platforms selling books.

What to do

  • Clearly identify the genre/s your novel falls into.
  • Write an accurate book description about your novel.
  • Find where the readers hang-out who would enjoy reading your story.
  • Think about groups on social media seeking books of your genre.
  • Your website is a goldmine and where true readers will navigate to keep up with your writing. Also, your website is the real estate that you own unlike the social platforms where you may post. Think back to social sites now dissolved and the followers that you no longer have access to.
  • Become a developer and up your game by engaging your fans on your website and where they hangout.
  • Find professional reviewers in your genre. You can post their reviews to your online book platforms.
  • Don’t give-up! There are readers who will enjoy your novels and give positive reviews. An interesting part of the writer’s journey is finding your base support. Once you do that, the sky is the limit. Go create!

 

If you’d like a sample of my new psychological thriller, Primed For Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages. Note: Crime fiction, murder mystery, psychological thriller, adult rated!

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

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Happy Birthday Sydney Jones Mysteries

Quote of the Day: “It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Today is one of the happiest days of my life. A new beginning with the release of my new novel, Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series.

The Writing Life

I began writing about Sydney Jones in early January 2018 and over a year later we’re celebrating the release. Happy Birthday to my new psychological legal thriller starring Sydney Jones.

It’s fun for me to write about people, places, and extraordinary happenings and share with readers. Writing, publishing, and marketing is a huge undertaking for most authors. The skills needed for each step in the process differ and most times requires assistance from those who rock their specialty. I’ve been blessed with connecting with the best. A special thank you to my editor, Rob Bignell and Jason Orr, graphic designer.

About Primed For Revenge

Bowen’s razor-sharp images and descriptive details draw you into the chilling pulse of the story.

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. BowenIn a conspiracy to advert prosecution in a wrongful death suit, lead attorney Sydney Jones was targeted for removal from the case of Birdman & Birdman’s prestigious client. She didn’t go quietly. There were immediate repercussions and only the fittest would survive.

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 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 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.

Primed For Revenge, the first book in the Sydney Jones Series is available at your favorite online bookstores and local book shops. Check out these stores for your purchase options.  I look forward to your comments and reviews. Thank you!

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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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Primed For Revenge Book Signing

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!

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

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.

Copperhead Lodge

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

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Follow my blog for the latest news about my writing life. Join my journey for the fun side of the writing life. Carolyn Bowen

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Last Call to Enter Giveaway!

Quote of the Day: “Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.” Alan Alda

Goodreads Giveaway

Just a quick note to my mystery-thriller fans! You’re invited to enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copies of Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. Hurry, the magic ends at midnight for entering the contest.

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

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted

I’m looking for bloggers and reviewers to read and review Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1.  Message me with your email address for providing your personal Kindle gift code. The review copies will be emailed on the official release date – April 2, 2019. Thank you!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

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

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Interview with ASK WIN

Quote for Today: “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holmes

microphone-2170045_640

Yesterday, I had an interview with ASK WIN and it was fun! Of course, Win promoted my latest mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1. And, I’ve included the interview for your enjoyment. Listen on iTunes.

Also, Win made an announcement about a new upcoming novel. So, follow Win Kelly Charles on Amazon so you’ll know when it’s released. I know I have!

Thanks again, Win, for having me on your podcast – ASK WIN. It was a blast!

Counting down to the official release of Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1. April 2nd, 2019  Preorder Now! 

Primed - 20

For more information about my novels, see my About Page. Follow my blog for the latest news about new releases, my writing life, and giveaways. I appreciate your support. Carolyn Bowen