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‘Tis the Season

Quote of the Day

“City sidewalks
Busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There’s a feeling
Of Christmas…” Silver Bells

Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year. The festive decorations and lively spirit of the holiday puts a smile on my face. I enjoy listening to Christmas music and smelling the aroma of freshly-baked cookies. What are some of your favorite things to do?

New Release

This Fall I released the 2nd  book in the Sydney Jones Series – Chance – A Novel. If you enjoy reading mystery thrillers with an undercurrent of conspiracies, you’ll love this one. Check out some of these awesome reviews on my media page.

You’ll find it will be a great conversation starter when it gets eerie quiet during friends and family get-togethers. I look forward to reading your reviews. Thank you.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season. Carolyn M. Bowen

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New Mystery-Thriller: Chance A-Novel

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

Latest News

Chance A-Novel is now available at Amazon and you can read FREE with Kindle Unlimited. For mystery lovers who enjoy reading paperbacks, order yours here.

Thank you to all the readers and fans that supported this new release. You made the birthday celebration for Chance A-Novel a wonderful success. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Chance A-Novel Paperback Preview
Chance A-Novel Paperback Preview

For Mystery Lovers

You can download and read this new mystery-thriller, Chance A-Novel today, and be ready for some juicy conversations during the holiday season.

About Chance A-Novel

Walker didn’t plan to fall in love with Sydney. He blamed their closeness in proximity, horrid circumstances in her life, and no friends but a paid confidant to comfort her. There was no one to hold her in their arms, and that’s what the lady needed–to cry and release the pain in her life. Sydney struck a chord in his heart. Her beauty, along with her spark to keep going through the hell in her life, enamored him even more. Did he love her? Yes! The government had him now. It didn’t take him long to realize they’d framed him for Roxanne’s murder, then got his case dismissed when he agreed to become their agent. The problem was, Sydney may still think him guilty of murder. The agency didn’t give him time to discuss the dismissal of charges against him. All he could tell her was the government needed him and he was catching an early morning flight. When Sydney Jones’s bodyguard and lover, Walker, is framed by the CIA for the murder of a has-been rock star he once guarded, he has to leave the only woman he ever truly loved and go undercover for them or be found guilty and thrown in jail for life. He’s not even allowed to tell Sydney where he’s going or what he’s doing; he just has to…disappear.

Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Chance by Carolyn M. Bowen

Chance

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends December 01, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

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Counting Down to Chance – A Novel

Quote of the Day: “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win.” Mahatma Gandhi

30 Days to the release of Chance – A Novel.

Today we are exactly one month away from the release of Chance – A Novel, the 2nd in the Sydney Jones Series. Preorder your copies today!

Primed For Revenge, the 1st novel in the Sydney Jones Series has been reduced for a limited time to just 99 cents to introduce you to Sydney Jones. Check it out and download yours today from Amazon or your favorite online store here (U.S. U.K.)

We’ve planned a Twitter Party to celebrate Chance’s birthday. I hope you’ll join us at 9 a.m. EST here. Watch for giveaways on Facebook and Instagram to welcome Sydney’s next adventure.

ATTN: Book Clubs
Please let me know if your group is planning on reading the Sydney Jones Series.  We have special rates for you.

Let us know of your interest in a book signing, and we’ll visit when in your area, if possible. Thanks for supporting my writing life. You are appreciated! Carolyn

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Goodreads Giveaway: Chance – A Novel.

Quote of the Day: “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” William James

Fun times are here! My Goodreads giveaway is LIVE now for Chance – A Novel, Book 2 in the Sydney Jones Series *Trilogy. Enter for a chance to win one of 20 copies today. If you haven’t read Book 1, Primed For Revenge, download your copy, and be ready to continue the adventure with Chance – A Novel on November 5th. Preorders available now!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Chance - A Novel by Carolyn M. Bowen

Chance – A Novel

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends October 22, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/297881

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Chance – A Novel: Behind the Scenes Action

Quote of the Day: It’s splendid to be a great writer, to put men into the frying pan of your imagination and make them pop like chestnuts.  Gustave Flaubert

Chance – A Novel 

Chance – A Novel by Carolyn M. Bowen

We are getting closer to the countdown for the release of Chance – A Novel, book 2 in the Sydney Jones Series. The official release date is November 5th.

If you haven’t ordered your copy, do it now with an easy preorder link to Amazon. Stay tuned for some exciting giveaways happening during our birthday week. They’ll blow you away!

Chance (Book Description):

They took her lover. Getting him back could be the last thing she ever does…

High-powered Atlanta attorney Sydney Jones never backs down from a case. So when her bodyguard and boyfriend is accused of murder, she’s determined to fight for him in court. Instead, the charges are suddenly dismissed, and he vanishes without a trace…

Suspecting CIA involvement, Sydney takes on a lawsuit with Chinese Black Society ties and finds a startling connection to her missing man. But as she digs deeper, she discovers that someone may kill to keep the secret.

Will this dangerous cat-and-mouse game reveal the truth or put a bullet in Sydney’s head?

Chance is the second book in the Sydney Jones psychological thriller trilogy. If you like fearless heroines, page-turning action, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Carolyn Bowen’s gripping story.

Buy Chance to board a wild roller coaster ride today!

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Cover Reveal: Chance – A Novel

Quote of the Day: “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” Franz Kafka

Chance – A Novel (Sydney Jones Series Book 2) – November 5th, 2019

Excitement is in the air as I prepare to release, Chance – A novel, the second book in the Sydney Jones Series trilogy. This new psychological thriller is now available for preorder at the Amazon Kindle store.

I’ve worked with some super nice folks in preparing for this new release. Thank you!

If you are a book reviewer of mysteries and crime fiction especially women’s fiction, please contact me below for an advance reader’s copy for your enjoyment. If you’ve missed book one, Primed For Revenge, let me know so you’ll have the background for Chance – A Novel.

The official release date is Tuesday, November 5th. This will give you a chance to read and write your reviews prior to the holidays. Yes, I’m thinking of you – smiles!

From the back cover

Walker didn’t plan to fall in love with Sydney. He blamed their closeness in proximity, horrid circumstances in her life, and no friends but a paid confidant to comfort her. There was no one to hold her in their arms, and that’s what the lady needed—to cry and release the pain in her life.

Sydney struck a chord in his heart. Her beauty, along with her spark to keep going through the hell in her life, enamored him even more. Did he love her? Yes!

The government had him now. It didn’t take him long to realize they’d framed him for Roxanne’s murder, then got his case dismissed when he agreed to become their agent.

The problem was, Sydney may still think him guilty of murder. The agency didn’t give him time to discuss the dismissal of charges against him. All he could tell her was the government needed him and he was catching an early morning flight.

Click here to learn more about my books and purchase options.  Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Carolyn

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Self-publishing vs Traditional Publishing

Quote of the Day: A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Richard Bach

Photo Credit: Luisella Planeta Leoni – Pixabay

Today I’m writing about self-publishing versus traditional publishing. One of my Instagram fans asked the question about the pros and cons of each. My reply was it’s a subject requiring more than a line or two for an explanation of my views. Depending on who you ask, you’ll likely get a different response. That’s ok to listen or read them all and make your own decision about what works best for you.

The Pros of Self-Publishing

  • Control of content
  • Timeline for delivery
  • Ownership of copyright
  • Marketing freedom (design and publish)
  • Sales information confidential
  • Larger royalty – Paychecks every 60 days for what you’re doing right now.
  • Customer accessibility
  • Free advertising for your author brand – on booksellers’ platforms

The Cons of Self-Publishing

  • Author platform – Website (design and maintenance especially security)
  • Responsible for all aspects of publishing
    • Editing and formatting
    • Registering copyright and obtaining ISBN identity
    • Book covers – Professionally designed
    • Creating a description and short blurb about the novel – Your own or freelanced
    • Developing advanced reader fanbase
    • Publishing decisions: For example, go exclusive or wide including multiple author platforms.
    • Publicist – Help for getting your novel seen by readers!
    • Book Reviews – Paid – Remember reviews sell books and editorial reviews from paid sources can be used on your website and marketing materials.
    • Marketing – Development and Expense
    • Marketing tools and resources – software, freelancers, etc.
    • Digital – Social Media Sites – creation and updates
    • Development and purchasing of ads

Pros – Traditional Publishing – The BIG 5

  • Partnership and collaboration for the success of your novels
  • Knowledge and name recognition (how to place your novel to become a bestseller)
  • Inhouse advance readers fanbase for your genre
  • Phenomenon Marketing – digital and traditional
  • Advance for copyrights for novel/s present and future royalties

Cons – Traditional Publishing – The BIG 5

Note: Provide a manuscript with professional editing and formatting for the agent. The Big 5 deal exclusively with agents.

  • Literary Agent – Querying and obtaining an agent – Finding the right fit with your writing style and genre may be time-consuming and negligible.
  • Copyright ownership shifts
  • Loss of creative/marketing input
  • Smaller royalty over time – based on the original contract

Take Always

Patience, practice, and persistence – keep working at creating your best novel.

Practice without progressing in your craft is useless. Learn as you go along. Read and write every day. Be professional and kind to others including your fellow authors.

If you could choose which path to follow, would you go the traditional publishing route or indie? Talk to me and let me know your thoughts.

Thank you for following my blog for updates about my writing life. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

My latest Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is coming soon. Are you a reader and reviewer or book blogger of murder mysteries and women’s crime fiction? Leave your contact information below and receive an advance readers’ PDF copy of my latest novel when available.

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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

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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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Primed For Revenge – 5 Stars Review

Quote of the Day: But you have to allow a little for the desire to evangelize when you think you have good news. Larry Wall

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I love good news. And, early this morning I received some great news. My latest thriller, Primed for Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series has received a 5 Star review from Readers’ Favorite.

An author loves readers/reviewers who understand the emotional peaks and valleys of the storyline from beginning to end. And, this reviewer, Ruffina Oserio does. Thank you!

Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn M Bowen is a spellbinding psychological thriller with a rock-solid female protagonist:  Sydney Jones works for Birdman & Birdman and at the time she is looking for bigger engagements in the firm, there is fallout with her boss. As if this wasn’t enough to rattle her nerves, she is abducted as she leaves the office. She is badly beaten and raped and sent home with warnings to never talk about the kidnapping. What is worse is that she has lost a great deal of her memory but she hasn’t forgotten her resolve for revenge. 

This is an interesting story about a character who is deeply hurt and damaged and who must navigate a very dangerous landscape to determine who kidnapped and hurt her and why. Her biggest challenge is identifying the right people to talk to. The reader follows her, feeling her pain and seeing her struggle with her options. Primed For Revenge is a sophisticated, deftly written thriller with a protagonist that instantly captured my attention. The pathos is strong as the reader watches her go through the rough experience. Her inner transformation and the quest for revenge are so real, reflecting the abuse she has experienced. The writing is wonderful and Carolyn M Bowen comes across as a perfect wordsmith. Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series is very engaging, emotionally rich, and fast-paced. The kind of book you read in one sitting. A highly recommended read – 5 Stars

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones SeriesHow To Order Your Copy!

Primed for Revenge is available online and at your favorite bookstores. Click here for more ordering options for an ebook or paperback. Thank you!

Amazon Kindle – Read Here

New Release News:

Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is in development and will be available online and in bookstores soon. I’m seeking advance mystery readers to provide feedback. Please let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll forward a PDF for your review.

 

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

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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

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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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