Special Promotion
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: “Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison
The Dog Days of summer means the worst heat of the season will set in. Living in the south you know it’s time to find shade, cool bodies of water, and air conditioning. And, of course, a great mystery read.
Yes, the season is here! Dog Days begin July 3rd and end August 11, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The 40 days of extreme heat coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star.
Stay cool and hydrated while enjoying the offerings during the summer months. There’s no better time to catch up on your reading. Load up your bookshelves for beach reads and the long summer nights.
For mystery lovers, you’ll want to check out the special promotion for Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 at Smashwords.
Short Blurb:
In 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.
Check out the reviews on my media page for books by Carolyn M. Bowen.
Are you on Instagram? Follow here and share your photos of reading my novels. I’d love to see your favorite reading spots.
Thank you for supporting my writing life. Wishing you a safe and happy July 4th! Carolyn Bowen
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Quote for Today: “When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
I am excited about the new season and the delightful activities available during Spring. What are some of your favorite things to do when the weather feels just right outside?
You’ve probably noticed I haven’t been posting on my blog lately. It’s not because I didn’t want to! My computer had a hiccup and off to the repair shop we went. A week later, I’m proud to announce I’ve got a new laptop. A much-needed reprieve for my writing life.
Here’s an inside look of my writing life when my computer stalls and I’m left to figure a way to continue with my creative ventures.
I’d talked about getting a blackboard in a previous blog. The idea was to use it for creating a visual of my plots. The timing was perfect. The plotting and writing of scenes on the board kept my writing moving forward. I also used a handy composition book to record my thoughts and ideas. The show must go on!
The countdown to the release of my new mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 is ticking down daily. You can preorder your copy today and be one of the first to read and review this new novel.
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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Quote of the Day: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain
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!
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.
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
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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Quote for Today: “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holmes
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!
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
Quote of the Day: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” ― Brad Paisley
It’s time to celebrate the coming of a new year. And, what an event that will be. What are you looking forward to enjoying in your business and personal life this New Year?
Wishing you the absolute best of everything in 2019! Carolyn M. Bowen
Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here!
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Quote of the Day: “Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to makes speeches. Just believing is usually enough.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Most authors live for those high-five moments when readers make you proud you’re a writer. I am no different and social media provides the perfect backdrop for hearing from your fans.
Earlier this week one of my fans tweeted about Cross-Ties novel making a connection between Onedin Line and Hornblower, exciting books, series, and movie.
Needless to say, I’ve been on cloud nine – or higher since then. Being compared with some great writers is an experience you’d want to have again, and again.
I want to say a special thank you to my fans. I appreciate your reading and reviewing my novels. For those of you who haven’t read Cross-Ties, this weekend you can download it for free from my website. I ask that you follow my blog so you’ll be the first to know the latest news and leave a review on your favorite platform. Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here!
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Quote of the Day: “I write not because I want to but because I am destined to.” Jules Haigler
First, let me define some of the terms I’ll be using as to not complicate the understanding of what I’m saying.
A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate their ideas. Wikipedia
According to the dictionary, a writer is one who expresses ideas in writing or engaged in literary work. An author is a person who writes a novel, poem, essay etc., and the composer of a literary work. You become an author when your books are published, but if your writings are never published, you remain a writer.
Authorpreneur is the business end of being an author. To me, it’s no different than being an entrepreneur for starting up any kind of business. Of course, the author added to the shortened entrepreneur pinpoints the exact kind of business the person is involved in.
Learning to be an authorpreneur is about positioning yourself (branding) for the best possible outcome for your writing efforts.
You may be thinking I don’t want to do this! I’d prefer to just write. You are not by yourself. Many writers turned authors who became entrepreneurs feel the same way. However, even the bestselling authors are required to participate in the marketing of their books. Many embrace this opportunity to better understand their readers and to help keep the buzz around their names.
Being a writer and authorpreneur, in the business of promoting and marketing to sell and profit from your writing, is a lifetime learning experience. To accomplish this feat as a writer you need to write, read, and study the craft of writing.
Then changing directions towards getting your book/s in the hands of readers is another challenge in of itself. The same lessons apply to learn publishing and marketing – study, read, write, and learn how to expand your brand to reach new readers.
To improve as an author, I’ve found that it’s a good idea to read books in your genre, continue your daily writing and set aside time to learn more about writing.
Today’s blog post is the result of my applying these steps to my writing life. My personal standard is to never read a book I don’t think I’ll enjoy! Hope you enjoy my review of An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt!
An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wherein Lies the Truth?
Joe Dillard was a criminal defense attorney who didn’t like his job. Never did. His plans after law school were to work in the District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor. The problem, the pay didn’t line up with the time and cost of the education required to practice law.
The only choice was to open a law firm. He did with a promise to himself that eventually he’d quit and become a prosecuting attorney. But, first, he had to provide for his family and see his children through school. The pay was good. Yet, knowing his clients were guilty and worse, maggots of the earth tormented him. He desperately wanted to be on the opposite side, not defending the scum of the earth.
The years passed by and he was looking forward to retirement. The income from his practice and his wife’s management of their assets was securing their future. And, when the time was right, he’d call it quits. But, for once he’d like to represent an innocent client before he retired.
He was counting down the days to his exit from practicing law when a new case was offered him. He quoted a fee much higher than normal for he’d not planned to stay for a lengthy trial.
Money wasn’t an issue and his desire to represent an innocent client came to mind. All he had to do was talk to the young, beautiful woman charged with first-degree murder and decide whether to take the case. Would he finally get a chance to represent an innocent client?
If you enjoy reading legal thrillers and mysteries, check this one out! It’s a well-written story that’ll keep your interest.
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here!
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Quote of the Day: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” ―
Looking Back – A Game Changer!
Past Tense by Lee Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lee Child goes the distance with Past Tense; all the way back just asking – begging for trouble. Jack Reacher’s usual mode of transportation, hitchhiking, across America from Maine to California, brought him to a fork in the road deep in the New England woods. A place he’d never been before but the town where his father was born. Curious, he takes the detour.
Not far away as the crow flies, a young Canadian couple on their way to New York to sell a treasure has car trouble. They’re stranded and taken by the tow truck driver to a motel for the night until their car could be fixed in the morning. A friendly place at first glance, perhaps a little too friendly thought the couple.
By morning, Reacher is in the city clerk’s office looking for answers about his family’s home. He knew his father had lived there in the past, left and never returned. The city clerk’s office informed him no one by the name Reacher had ever lived there. He wondered if he was wrong about the location or if his father never lived there. Haunted by memories from the past, he had to investigate.
From day one, Reacher gets into some tight places because of his code of honor. Not that he was looking for trouble, but someone needed to take a stand. He was there, so it was left up to him. Detective Amos, a former MP, encourages him to leave town before something worse happened.
Reacher wasn’t finished exploring his father’s life and intended to stay. And, things did get worse as the Detective promised. Hidden out of sight, in a motel where the sign had been removed the young Canadians found themselves pinned into a bizarre experiment unable to leave. They wondered if and how they’d ever escape their tormentors.
Their stories converge as Reacher uncovers secrets about his family. Looking into the past can be deadly, but living in the present in Laconia was pure hell. The Reverend Patrick G would attest to this fact.
I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here!
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Quote of the Day: “Build it, and they will come” only works in the movies. Social Media is a “build it, nurture it, engage them and they may come and stay.” – Seth Godin
Our world is constantly changing and business is no exception to this rule. Marketing strategies are constantly evolving and being made new to reach customers where they live and work with products/services relevant to their wants and needs.
Entrepreneurs are required to become smarter and more resourceful in attracting and maintaining customers’ loyalty. Marketing and advertising play a major role in accomplishing business goals with repeat satisfied customers.
Marketing is not a shush word one is afraid to say out loud. The best made beautifully crafted products or most polished service is unknown unless it is marketed and advertised. But, with the variety of marketing strategies available, it becomes deafening and confusing to most business owners.
The idea of simplicity is a favorite go-to for me. Just give me the facts, nothing fancy, like I’d have to stand on my head to accomplish and I’m happy. The 1- Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib made sense for me. Here is my review from Goodreads. Check it out and see if his marketing ideas will work for you.
The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand out From The Crowd by Allan Dib
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No hype here. This marketing book is straightforward about its offerings. Allan Dib provides a step-by-step plan for developing and executing a marketing plan along with a sample one page worksheet to download. Simple instructions making the complexities of marketing easier and more customers oriented are at your fingertips. I’d also recommend buying the paperback to have on hand as a resource. This is one of the best marketing books available right now.
I look forward to learning about your successes. Thank you for following my blog and reading my books. Hope you’ll check out my “About Page” to learn more about my books and writing life.
I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow Here!
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Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 