Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. From my home to yours – wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! Carolyn Bowen, Author – The Writing Life
Hope to see you on social media during the count down to the New Year 2018!
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Say hello when you get a chance!
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Quote of the Day: There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Lost Macaw by B. L. BlairThe Lost Macaw is the fourth novella in the Lost and Found Pets series. Alexandra Prescott is a licensed private investigator specializing in finding missing animals. Reuniting pet and owner is more than just a job.
A former client hires Alex to find her lost parrot. The bright colored bird has flown away before, but this time there is evidence that Molly was kidnapped. The demand is simple—the bird for the pictures.
When her client suffers a stroke, Alex is left with a ransom note, a missing bird, and some very incriminating photos. She is in a race against time to solve the mystery of the lost Macaw.
“Your little old lady is quite interesting, Alex,” Halie said.
“What do you mean?”
“She didn’t exist until about thirty years ago.”
“What?!”
“I did a preliminary background search on her. In general, she is clean. No debt. The house is paid off as is her car. The one thing that jumped out at me was the fact that she had a safe deposit box at four different banks.”
Luke raised one eyebrow. I got a sinking feeling. I had noted the bank accounts but hadn’t really given them much thought.
“Yeah,” I said, “I saw those.”
“So why does an eighty-year-old woman need four safe deposit boxes?”
“Why does she need more than one?” Luke muttered.
“Exactly,” Halie said. “So I dug a little deeper.”
“What did you find?”
“About thirty years ago, Joseph and Trudy Kearns purchased the house on Carriage. Back then, it was a new neighborhood, and the prices were cheap. They paid cash. They also opened a bank account, and Joe got a job working for the city. Those are the first records I can find for either one of them.”
“Trudy would have been fifty at that time. Her husband probably a few years older. What about birth certificates? Social security cards?”
“They had them, but conveniently, they were issued from a small county in Virginia where a massive flood destroyed all their records. The county office was in the process of moving the old paper records to electronic when the flood hit.”
“Let me guess. The Kearns’s records did not survive the flood.”
“Nope.”
“So the only records for them are the ones they had in their possession.” I paused a moment. “Do they look real?”
“Yes,” Halie replied.
“So they could be authentic.”
“Or really good forgeries. In some ways, it was easier back then.”
“Anything else?” I asked.
“Not really. Lives on a fixed income of social security and a small pension from her husband’s job. It isn’t much because he only worked for the city for twelve years before he had to retire.”
“Okay, thanks, Halie.”
After ending the call, I looked at Luke. He had a perplexed look on his face that I had a feeling mirrored mine.
“Who the hell is Trudy Kearns?”
Available on Amazon, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, and Smashwords
Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! Carolyn Bowen, Author – The Writing Life
Social Media Hangouts!
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Quote of the Day: “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” Charles William Eliot
Rioting Against The Odds
Today’s spotlight is cast on poet, storyteller, and author Mark Kloss. His new book of poems, Rioting Against The Odds was just released and has quickly stormed up the charts to number one best seller.
Love adventure? Be transported to another time and place with Mark’s powerful word imagery. Read more and escape to another world that is best introduced in Mark’s own words.
Follow his blog to be in the know about his upcoming book releases, sweeps, and more!
Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. Merry Christmas! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Say hello when you get a chance!
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Silent Song coming to life by Jaci Wheeler
Notes from Author Jaci Wheeler
Many authors I know pull from events or people from their own lives for inspiration or storyline. I’ve never been that way personally. I’m an extremely private person by nature, so it’s very unusual for me to use any of myself in my books. That is actually my favorite thing about writing; I’m able to fully create worlds and people out of thin air. It allows you to become whoever you want for the moment. I usually create a main character that is nothing like me because it allows me to be and do all the things I’ve always wanted to.
I’ve had a very eventful life. Those who know me well always ask why I’ve never drawn from my real life for a novel since my life is pretty much a lifetime movie. The idea of writing anything close to home has always been completely horrifying to me. (Super private remember?)
I have a pretty unique situation where I lost my hearing at eighteen years old. (You can read more about it in my letter to the reader in Silent Song.) Deafness is one of those subjects that most people think they understand…but actually, don’t. There is so much more to deafness than not being able to hear. There are levels (decibels) of sound that is so intricate that it is much more than just you can hear or not.
A few years ago I read a book that had a deaf main character. The book was amazing, but there were so many things that weren’t accurate. It wasn’t glaringly obvious unless you were deaf, but it really bothered me. I had brought up the issue to a good author friend of mine and I’ll never forget what she said to me.
“The only way to fix this problem Jaci is to set it straight. That means you are going to have to write the story of a deaf person from their perspective. Show people not only your world but help them understand the deaf world. Who else will?”
I instantly shut her down. There’s no way I’m writing anything close my life. A few months went by and then I had to explain a few things about deafness to people that they just never knew. Like just because you speak English doesn’t mean deaf people can write in English without a struggle. Almost every hearing person I talked to didn’t know that American Sign Language is NOT English. It has its own structure and rules like any other language. ASL is my second language, but it’s the main one I use at home with my husband. It’s hard for my brain to switch back and forth between ASL and English. Because of this, I tend to change tenses when I write, which is very frowned upon in writing. I’m pretty sure I’ve driven every editor I’ve ever had to drink over this little fact.
After having to explain this to several people over a very short amount of time I finally came to terms with the fact that I was going to have to write a story with a deaf character.
I decided to go home and just see if I even had a story in me. I don’t outline, ever. I just start writing. I usually write the end first, then the beginning and fill in the middle. (Yeah I’m weird.) So I went home and just started writing to see if I even had a story in me…and I couldn’t stop. I wrote through the night, and all weekend long. By the time I took a break I had almost written half of the book. This is the only book I didn’t have to re-write or revise. It was trapped deep down and apparently ready to be freed. I cried more while writing this story than I have probably ever cried in my life. But it was also the most cathartic thing I‘ve ever done.
This story isn’t my own, but the feelings are completely mine. The painful feelings, fears, and passion are all mine even though the story belongs to Barrett alone.
Silent Song by Jaci Wheeler is available on Amazon today.
Thank you, Jaci for sharing the story behind your new novel, Silent Song.
Order your copy of the Silent Song today! Happy reading!
Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. If you get a chance say hello or wave, thank you! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by soon and say hello!
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Quote of the Day: The 99.99% of all castles in America are located in fish tanks. Demetri Martin
If you know me, you’ll know that I have fish named after the heroines in my novels. That is except my newest Siamese fighting fish (Betta Fish), Bubba Blue. He’s so bold and fearless – Tookie our cat with paws grasping the inside the aquarium to say good morning doesn’t scare him or me either.
It’s a ritual – Tookie wakes up and greets Bubba Blue with his face smashed against the glass! For the most part, even his brother by another mother, tabby Ollie, believes his desire for closeness is overwhelming, but not for Bubba Blue. They do this kissy thing and go about their own day.
I decided Bubba Blue needed a water filter (contraption) for his tank and off I went to the nearest big box store to purchase one. It’s the holiday season so I waited in line for my turn and was excited about hooking it up when I got home. Note: Betta Fish are not typically required filters but I was spending way too much money buying Betta water for our tap water even with recommended products still stunk after a few days.
I excitingly opened the box and read the directions for mounting this new life breather for Bubba Blue. Only the box didn’t contain all the necessary parts as indicated on the marketing blitz on the outside of the box. I had a choice – should I go online and find and order the missing parts from a reliable source? Trust me; I’m not going to wait in line to return it!
I went to my go-to reviews for products – Amazon and found something even better that would have saved me from the get-go of buying Bubba Blue. I should have brought him home and put him in a large clear vase with the roots of a Peace Lily to munch on while we waited for our purchase to arrive. But, I didn’t!
The good news is that Bubba Blue will have a new home soon. It will give him the space for swimming and enjoy the aquatic plants. Tookie can watch him 24-7 with the new light filters. I can’t wait to watch them play hide-n-seek!
Just remember the folks who draw your attention to shopping at Amazon. These Affiliates strive to bring you the corner store atmosphere while providing you their best offerings from Amazon. This is their local storefront and they pay plenty for that online website privilege. You know about Amazon, in part, because of these influencers! Bookmark their pages and when you order – place it through their websites where they’ll get a commission. It won’t cost you a dime more and these are the people who have influenced buyers to shop – Amazon! Make sure they get a piece of the pie!
My bookmark is set at Roadtrips R Us (since 2011) – making daily food holidays and history come alive with the best in travel, in-house chef-inspired food recipes, and entertainment. Check them out and bookmark their Corner Gift Shop!
Now that Bubba Blue is all set and the Kitties seem happy too, I’ll sign off for now! Happy Holidays, Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by soon and say hello!
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Quote of the Day: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.” George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
It’s a pleasure to introduce Mark Kloss the author of Game Hunter! Here’s a brief capture of what you can expect from this popular novel.
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss
Zombies in the deserted ruins of the City of London are an endangered species. The only thing keeping them from extermination is the hit reality TV show ‘Game Hunter,’ where people pay to go on a zombie killing safaris. Those left are hardly dangerous and viewer ratings are down unless something changes the show will be scrapped.
The Elders have convinced male and female half-zombie teenagers, reluctant Tremayne and Fiery Red, to find a further five fighters and take on seven of the most ferocious zombie hunters in a series of three gruesome rounds of Game Hunter. They will be feverishly followed by a worldwide audience and the final outcome will determine their annihilation or possible cure.
Yet with the fate of their zombie cousins at stake, a missing beloved sister to find, a budding romance, plus intrigue and conspiracy around every darkened corner, just staying alive until the first round seems to be a deadly struggle in itself.
Game Hunter: Book One of the Game Hunter series
Click the image or link above to order your copy of the Game Hunter! Happy reading!
Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. If you get a chance say hello or wave, thank you! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by soon!
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow here!
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Quote of the Day: Over and over I marvel at the blessings of my life: Each year has grown better than the last. Lawrence Welk
Thanksgiving Day is always a special family occasion and one of my favorite holidays. It’s a day of giving thanks for the wonderful blessings of the year.
I have a lot to give thanks for this year! The good health and opportunities myself and family have received. The wonderful friends I’ve met and longtime friends who choose to remain in my life make my life interesting and whole.
I give special thanks for the fans of my books that have taken the time to read, review, or comment about my books. You make my writing life worthwhile through your encouragement and support – thank you! You are invited to join my reviewer beta list to be one of the first to read my new books. Just let me know and I’ll include you with my heartfelt thanks!
In the spirit of the holidays, I’m giving away one Travel Bag to the top three entries in my “Snap a Photo” reading contest. A great go-to bag for your books!
It’s easy to enter for a chance to WIN! Just snap a picture of your reading or displaying The Long Road Home and submit here! Get as creative as you’d like! The winners will be announced Christmas Day!
I love reading books and have learned much this year from soaking up writing craft books, fiction, and nonfiction from some very interesting, and skilled authors.
I would like reviewers for my books. If you enjoy Mystery and/or Historical Romance, let me know. I’ll provide an Amazon Kindle version for your reading pleasure!
From my home to yours – Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your family and friends! Carolyn Bowen
Follow my blog for the latest news about my writing life! You can also find me on social media, where I spend way too much time! (Smiles) Here are a few of my favorite hangouts!
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
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Quote of the Day
Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge Sundae. Kurt Vonnegut (November 11, 1922 –April 11, 2007)
Today is a beautiful fall day and I’ve got some extra pep in my step! I enjoy watching the seasons change! The first days of the full color burst in autumn or new flowers sprouting in the spring remind me how fortunate we are to live in nature.
If you have a novel you’d like for me to review, drop me a note here! Check out some of my latest book reviews also on Goodreads!
Looking for some winter novels to read and review? Click here for a Kindle gift version of my mystery, The Long Road Home or Cross-Ties adventure. Thank you!
Don’t forget this is National Novel Writing Month! Celebrate your favorite authors by leaving a great review. They’ll thank you! I certainly do!
Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link or image to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!
The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery
I hope you’ll enjoy a blissful November celebrating the holidays with family and friends. I’ll be writing – and enjoying some great times too. Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
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Quote of the Day: “Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.” Susan Scarf Merrell
Blog Tour
Today’s blog tour highlights Book Three ‘HER BROTHER’S KEEPER’ of the Arina Perry Series by the author, Kitty Boyes.
It will be released in late November 2017. Here’s a first peek at what you can expect!
‘HER BROTHER’S KEEPER’ of the Arina Perry Series
Have you ever helped out a stranger only to have it turn your normal life into something that resembles a nightmare?
Arina did.
After a dead man is discovered in one of her motel units, his only relative, an older sister, asks Arina to help her. The sister believes her brother was murdered.
Despite being dissuaded from getting involved, true to form, Arina dives in. Head first.
Without knowing exactly what she was getting into, she inadvertently puts lives on the line. Including the life of her two-year-old son, Ben.
Money laundering and multi-million-dollar tax evasion scams are uncovered. Ruthless and desperate people will do all they can to avoid detection to protect their interests. Including murder.
Book Three ‘HER BROTHER’S KEEPER’ of the Arina Perry Series takes a phycological ride on the wild side.
Released in e-book late November 2017 and in paperback late December 2017.
Thanks for following my blog. I hope to see you on social media! These are a few of the bookstores where you’ll find my novels. For additional places, check with your favorite online or corner bookstore. Wishing you a sweet November! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my favorite hangouts!
Say hello here…
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“November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.
With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.
The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.”
― Clyde Watson
It’s good to have something to look forward to this month. Here are a few of the special occasions I plan to celebrate! How about you?
My Birthday – November 6th
Veterans Day – November 11th
Thanksgiving – November 23rd
National Food Holidays – November 2017
Let’s not look at November as a dark and dreary month but one where we reflect on our blessings of the year. However, the overcast shadowing of the skies acts as a prompt for some great mystery writing. I’m thankful the season sets the mood for some interesting novel ideas.
In case you haven’t seen the latest video for The Long Road Home, check this out!
I appreciate your support of my writing and the kind reviews you have left on different book platforms. You make the writing life fun and exciting!
Readers – Reviewers Wanted
I’m looking for book lovers interested in reviewing Cross-Ties (Historical Romance) and The Long Road Home (Crime Fiction, Mystery/Thriller). Please leave a comment and I’ll provide a Kindle version of the books for your reading pleasure.
Thanks for following my blog. I hope to see you on social media! These are a few of the bookstores where you’ll find my novels. For additional places, check with your favorite online or corner bookstore. Wishing you a sweet November! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my favorite hangouts!
Say hello here…
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here!
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Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 