Do you love historical romance novels with plenty of action and adventure? Then, Cross-Ties is the book for you. Tap the link below and download your FREE eBook from Amazon during this special promotion ending January 25th.
I hope you enjoy this escape to another place and time. Your reviews of my novels are much appreciated. I look forward to reading them. Thank you! Carolyn Bowen
Quote of the Day: “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” T.S. Eliot
These are some exciting times as we push forward into the summer months. And, like you, I’m dealing with the never-ceasing catastrophic events happening around and to us. I hope as a collective body we can successfully overcome the obstacles in our paths to excellence and move into a new normal with peace and joy.
Cross-Ties: Historical Romance
Today I want to talk about Cross-Ties, a historical romance about the immigration of the Landry family to the Americas. As in most all my novels, there’s a water theme, in this case, an ocean to cross albeit with pirates. This is a coming of age story that depicts the cultural separation of people. The rebel, lead character Leah, has her own mindset about who she chooses to love and embrace. Follow her journey, fraught with danger at every turn.
Follow Leah’s journey …
Order your book today! From ebook, paperback, hardcover, to now audible, your selection has been increased for your enjoyment. You can read FREE w/Unlimited and/or listen FREE w/ a trial subscription to Audible. http://mybook.to/crossties
AudibleGiveaway
Follow my blog and be entered for a chance to WIN an audible from Audible.com. There are twenty (20) gifts available: Ten (10) EACH for the US and the UK. Subscribe now to learn more exciting news coming soon!
Thank you for following my blog posts. Stay safe and enjoy a relaxing weekend. Carolyn
April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. William Shakespeare
Spring is showing up all around with buds popping out of the once desolate landscape. In the United States, it won’t be long before flowers are in full bloom and trees take on their spring foliage.
Spring sparks the intellect with youthful prose and the imagination soars to new heights. Enjoy the season and allow your creativity to blossom in your writing lives.
My Writing Life
I’m pleased to report that I’m making real progress on the first draft of my new mystery, crime fiction novel. Thank you for the “adda girl” encouragement and support of my writing.
Latest Book Review News
Woo Hoo! 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite – Read the review here! The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen
Crime Fiction/Mystery Book Reviewers
I’m looking for book reviewers who would like to read my new crime fiction and receive an advance copy prior to the release date. I’d love your feedback!
5 Fun April Facts & Trivia
April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
The diamond is April’s birthstone.
This month has many month-long programs: National Poetry Writing Month, National Financial Literacy Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
In the Roman calendar, April is spelled Aprilis, meaning – to open. The trees and plants begin to open to bloom and flower during this month.
April’s Honorary Flowers are Daisies and Sweet Peas.
April Calendar of Events
Apr 10 National Library Workers’ Day
Apr 13 Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
Apr 26 Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Apr 27 Arbor Day ~ State holiday ~ Nebraska
Where to Find My Novels
Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!
Quote of the Day: Most Americans, like most Japanese, view their dogs, cats, and other animal companions as family members, and rightly so. Ingrid Newkirk
Bubba Blue and Tookie are unlikely buddies and their friendship has made them almost famous. Their alliance has garnered them the reputation of being strange bedfellows indeed. In my last postabout the duo, I mentioned Bubba Blue needed a new aquarium to get some airflow moving through his water world.
It arrived and I put it together, all by myself. I felt victorious and intense satisfaction for instructions that made sense. I immediately filled the tank with betta water, gravel, an aquatic plant and a play toy for Bubba Blue. I let the water circulate for 24 hours prior to introducing Bubba to his new home.
The rest is history. Bubba swam around and inspected his new quarters as Tookie watched in awe. Since bettas (known as “labyrinth fishes”) take their oxygen from the surface of the water, it makes it easier when he swims to the top to greet his friend.
Tookie always awakens me to feed them both in the mornings. Every day their routine continues – morning kisses to start the day. It’s great having best buddies to brighten my day!
My Writing Life
Setting Goals
My goal for 2018 is to complete a new novel and I’ve begun the first steps toward that goal – focus with a purpose!
I plan to make myself accountable for achieving my new year’s mission. You’ll probably see me talking about that here from time to time.
Join the Fun
If you’re a mystery book reviewer and would like to be a beta reader for my new novel, let me know so I can add you to my reviewers’ list.
Thank you for reading and reviewing my books on reader/novel platforms. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
Where to Buy My Novels
Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!
Quote of the Day: Real seriousness in regard to writing is one of two absolute necessities. The other, unfortunately, is talent. Ernest Hemingway
I’ve resolved that 2018 is going to be the best year ever for me and my writing. First, I’ve got to clean out some debris from habits formed that keep me from my main focus – writing.
As an author they’re several hats we wear, or at least I do. From studying my craft, learning new computer applications (that’s supposed to help reach new readers) creating content for marketing campaigns, interacting with social media, I often have little time to actually write.
I need to set that in focus. For me to actually write – I need inspiration which usually comes through travel. It’s like a story is waiting to be told in the places I visit. Other words, I really need time to travel. If you’ve read any of my interviews, you know I write from the seat of my pants which makes editing a nightmarish expense as well as time-consuming. Yet, I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.
There are two things that I’ve learned are important to success – time and resources to accomplish your goals. How often have you heard the phrase time is money? Well, it is! When you’re spending time doing something, its dollars spent. You could be earning money elsewhere or in the least relaxing.
My Remedy
Have a clear objective of what I want to accomplish in 2018. This means stating (writing it down) an objective that can be measured. For example, more books sales – what does this require of me?
What are the tools that I need to accomplish the objective? Depending on your objective, the tools may vary. However, for authors who already have published books, there’s a need to continue promotions while writing new works of fiction.
In this case, research the best promotional tools – whether this is book marketing companies to promote your books, search engine advertising, Amazon advertising, or any of the major social media sites advertising.
Make a calendar and schedule time for writing new content for advertisements and social engagement.
Writing – set realistic goals and time frame for completing the steps towards completing a new manuscript.
Implement new strategies – Yes, trust the new process, monitor promotions and update as needed.
Back to my question, how can I make time to accomplish my personal goal of publishing a new book in 2018 while at the same time continue promotions of my books? It’s all about time management!
Today’s author has to be on the top of the playing field with presence and genuine offerings. I’d love to hear what works for you! Wishing you a super 2018, Carolyn Bowen
Where to Buy My Novels
Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link or image to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!
Quote of the Day: “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” T. S. Eliot
This past year has gone in a flash! All my writing plans didn’t get completed in 2017. But, that’s history! It’s time to start setting goals for 2018. What are your plans?
New Year’s Wishes
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith Pierce
Please check out my novels here and at your favorite bookstore! Wishing you joy, peace, happiness, and abundance in this new year. Carolyn Bowen
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.
Book Reviews
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!
Where to Buy My Novels
Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link or image to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!
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
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Quote for Today: “October is the month for painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes around the world. As fruits and leaves acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year near its setting. October is its sunset sky.” Henry David Thoreau, Autumnal Tints
Autumn at Walden Pond
Henry David Thoreau lived on the northern shore of the pond for two years starting in the summer of 1845. His plot was in the woodland owned by his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson, near Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau’s account of the experience was recorded in Walden; or, Life in the Woods, and made the pond famous. Wikipedia
I’m beginning October with thoughts of gratitude for all the good things that have happened for me and my books. I’ve probably missed some blogs or articles written about my writing life. Please, let me know, and I’ll add the features to my website. This is the listing –Media Page – Thank you!
You make my day when leaving reviews and/or comments for The Long Road Home. It really helps others to learn about my books.
Autumn Reading ~ The Long Road Home – Paperback or Download FREE w/ #KindleUnlimited
FREE to a Good Home
I’m giving away five signed copies of Cross-Ties, my historical romance novel to the first 5 folks who follow my blog and leave a comment. Just say “yes” I’d like one.
Autumn (leaf season) is here and I love it. I hope you’ll get out in nature and enjoy this season’s kaleidoscope of colors. Carolyn Bowen
If you like to connect with others who enjoy books, join my new Facebook group –Circle of Friends. I look forward to seeing you there.
Please check out my novels here and at your favorite bookstore! Thanks!
Quote of the Day: Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. T.S. Eliot
Today we celebrate the British essayist, publisher, playwright, literary and social critic, and “one of the twentieth century’s major poets” Thomas Stearns Eliot, OM (T.S. Eliot) birthday (26 September 1888 – 4 January 1965). Wikipedia
His works continue to resonate with people today. The quote above is one of my favorites. Learn more about his lifetime literary achievements here.
Giving Away To Good Homes
Today I’m pushing, making an effort, to see how far I can go. What are my plans? I’m giving away (5 signed copies of my historical romance, Cross-Ties to good homes.
To enter for a chance to win: Follow my blogand leave a comment. The 1st five to participate will be the lucky winners. Good Luck! I look forward to a meet/greet soon.
Reviewers Wanted: Get added to my reviewers’ list and be the first to know about new releases and other fun events. Please let me know if you’d like to be a Beta reader for my future books.
If you like to read and review books, please let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version (Cross-Tiesand/or The Long Road Home) for your reading enjoyment.
I am so excited about the reviews for my novels. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment (nice) about The Long Road Home andCross-Ties a historical fiction adventure. You make my writing life more interesting.
If you like to connect with others who enjoy books, join my new Facebook group –Circle of Friends. I look forward to seeing you there.
Please check out my novels here and at your favorite bookstore! Thanks!
Quote for Today: “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
This month has been refreshing as I’ve gone about updating my marketing program for my novels. At the same time, I realized that I needed to get back on my writing path. Several ideas for new books have floated across my mind. Within the next few weeks, I’ll begin the process of putting my thoughts on paper. I’m hoping this new book will come together as easily as “The Long Road Home.” Please send some positive vibes my way! (smiles)
Latest updates – Cross-Ties Adventure is now rocking new covers. Yes, I did two! It was a difficult decision (smiles). I liked the way each one turned out so I did one for the Kindle version and another for the paperback. Let me know what you think!
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 my favorite hangouts!
Latest Book Review News
It arrived and I put it together, all by myself. I felt victorious and intense satisfaction for instructions that made sense. I immediately filled the tank with betta water, gravel, an aquatic plant and a play toy for Bubba Blue. I let the water circulate for 24 hours prior to introducing Bubba to his new home.
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!
You make my day when leaving reviews and/or comments for The Long Road Home. It really helps others to learn about my books.
I’m giving away five signed copies of Cross-Ties, my historical romance novel to the first 5 folks who follow my blog and leave a comment. Just say “yes” I’d like one.
If you like to connect with others who enjoy books, join my new Facebook group – Circle of Friends. I look forward to seeing you there.
Today I’m pushing, making an effort, to see how far I can go. What are my plans? I’m giving away (5 signed copies of my historical romance, Cross-Ties to good homes.
If you like to read and review books, please let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version (Cross-Ties and/or The Long Road Home) for your reading enjoyment.
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 