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
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 Goodreadsgiveaway for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copiesof Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. Hurry, the magic ends at midnight for entering the contest.
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!
Quote for Today: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu
A simple definition for Valentine’s Day: A holiday for expressing love to the one you have an intense feeling of deep affection. This translates to one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, florists, and chocolate companies.
History of Valentine’s Day
The auspicious beginning of this holiday has been filtered through the ages. The lasting legacy is about Saint Valentine. It is the story about a romantic priest who defied Roman Emperor Claudius II’s order that all marriages and engagements be canceled so he could fill his army.
The ruler believed the difficulty in recruiting soldiers was because the men were married. When he discovered that Valentine was secretly marrying couples, he was beaten and put to death on February 14 (circa 270 A.D.).
Through the ages, Valentine’s Day celebrations have changed and some would argue its luster has been lost. Yet, love never fails. Share your love with someone special this Valentine’s Day.
I love having fun especially when it involves meeting people who love reading my books. Finding my own special tribe is an ongoing pursuit that most times put me out of my comfort zone. And, this is one of those moments.
I was recently invited to participate in the “The Hourglass Elite Author of 2019 Tournament” presented by Jason E. Foss. In doing so, I’ve contacted fans to encourage their support for winning this title. I love awards – all types and especially those related to writing and bestselling books. I want to win this award in a BIG way!
After a lifetime of being protected and sheltered by her parents, Kate is thrown into a state of turmoil after their sudden death. With nowhere else to turn, she finds herself living with her fiancé, a conniving businessman who is well on his way to becoming a corrupt super-lawyer. At the same time, Kate’s father’s law firm houses more secrets than a politician’s hard drive. Later, she receives a shocking surprise when a long-lost half-brother enters her life. Can Kate rise to these challenges, discover the truth and re-emerge as a stronger, smarter version of herself?
Do you want to help me win the tourney? Here are the instructions!
1) Email or message me your email address. You’ll be emailed by the presenter about the tournament.
2) Purchase a kindle/paperback of The Long Road Home, my mystery novel.
3) Make a screenshot of your purchase and email it to me or the presenter.
4) Supporters will be entered into a drawing this December 2019 for a signed copy of my new 2019 mystery series – Book 1. The drawing will be held live on YouTube 12-31-19.
Thank you for supporting my writing. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Carolyn M. Bowen
Let’s Connect on Social Media!
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
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: It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Herman Melville
Photo credit: Pixabay
I was reflecting on my self-help personal development book,Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, and decided to lower the paperback price to $7.99 as a limited offer.
I realized early on there are many people who aren’t computer savvy or just prefer a book in their hands. This is the reason it’s offered as a paperback. For ebook readers, it’s availableFREE with Kindle Unlimited and just $2.99 to download and read.
This bite-sized personal development book was originally conceptualized as an e-book but shortly after beginning the dedication, I realized the person referred to would prefer to hold the book. And, come to find out, many more people would enjoy the same privilege. And, unfortunately, these people aren’t reviewers but they let me know on a personal level how much the book meant to them. Thank you!
Although reviews help sell books, personal comments are more than welcome and keep me energized for writing more. Changing lives one step at a time for the better is my goal for writing personal development books.
Many folks considered elderly by some standards are no different than as any other segment of our society. They can begin again. My life experiences have shown you’re alive for a reason. So, never give up! You’ll find in Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success examples of many who didn’t find their true purpose in life until their later years. Don’t let age be a detriment. Hit the refresh button and begin again!
For the youthful readers, thank you for letting me be on the sidelines of your personal journey. I’m cheering for you! Finding your place in this world seems overwhelming at times, but if you break it down to the basics you’ll find your way. Having made more mistakes than a few in finding my path, forgive yourself when you blunder – that’s life. Just think how exciting your memoirs will be!
I’m considering writing a sequel to Cross-Stepping and would appreciate knowing the problems you’re facing and the successes you’ve experienced. What seems to be the problem (s) for your experiencing your best life now? Fill in the contact form below to start the discussions. I can’t wait to commence this dialog.
Thank you for reading and sharing Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! In developing this transformation book, I thought if just one life was changed from reading it, I was a part of a breakthrough for that individual. This is truly a happy place to be!
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 zig-zagging motions to achieve success.
In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag 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. She’s a well-read and beloved 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, and “The Long Road Home,” a contemporary crime fiction mystery.
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: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Photo credit: Pixabay
An important part of my writing life is learning more about the craft and marketing. Today I’m focusing on marketing in preparation for releasing my new mystery thriller.
To stay on top of current trends it’s important to find knowledgeable sources and I hit the jackpot today with an article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Managing Editor of Social Media Examiner.
Jenkins provides marketing predictions for 2019 from top marketers in the world. And, having earlier read predictions by futurist I felt like we’ve just skipped right on through to another decade or two into the far-off future. It was amazing reading about what we could expect in marketing in this New Year.
Here’s a few that caught my attention!
The rapid growth for voice-activated searches using Alexa and other tools. Going from visual to spoken word searches is going to take on new meaning for marketers accustomed to the web and mobile devices.
Augmented reality, AR, for close inspection of products and services is on the rise. For example, wouldn’t it be great to experience a travel destination before booking, try out new accessories or clothing, etc.?
The shift away from active social media interactions back to more passive experiences to entertain and/or educate. The desire to take back control of time and funds normally spent using social media will be evaluated and determined if relevant. According to Seth Godin, author, and entrepreneur, “…the idea of seeing and being seen by the people who matter to them,” will be a priority.
The stability of email marketing will remain strong with businesses utilizing newsletters to converse with their audience.
A special note to authors and publishers is the prediction of the increased use of story format content videos for marketing. Check out my YouTube Channel!
Marketers will need to revamp their plans to stay on top of the trends for 2019. The full article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Social Media Examiner is here.
In 2019 stay true to yourself and don’t let the noise of the world distract you from your goals. Let me know your thoughts about the marketing predictions for this year.
I’m counting down the days to the release of my new mystery-thriller. Follow my blog to stay in the know about upcoming events. Thank you!
Quote of the Day: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You!
It’s time to begin thinking about plans and goals for the New Year. Most years I come up with some New Year resolutions that after a week, at the most, I abandon.
This year I’m going to plan differently. Instead of making New Year resolutions, I’m going to make a list of things to do in 2019. I’ll pick out the top 5 and make a commitment to achieving them.
When making a decision to move forward toward reaching my goals I’ll have a timeline to keep me on the path. Should a need arise to make adjustments to the plan, I’m prepared.
There’s something special about writing your goals down. The psychological effect spurs you to complete the tasks as planned. By whatever name you choose to call your goals for 2019, stay committed. What would you like to accomplish in 2019?
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: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
This year, 2018, has been a fast year for me, pretty much. I’ve written two books and published one. My latest mystery-thriller will be released early 2019. And, you’re in for a BIG surprise! I can’t wait to tell you more about it. Keep watching for the cover reveal and blurb about the novel.
Mystery Novel Reviewers/Bloggers Wanted
If you’d like an advance ebook copy, complete the info below so I can email your gift code. Thank you!
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 