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ONE – New Release

ONE, Sydney Jones Series #3

I’m excited to announce the release today of my latest mystery-thriller, ONE, Sydney Jones Series, Book 3. Tap the link below to download and read FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

ONE Sydney Jones Series #3

Reviews for ONE from Advance Readers

ONE ~ 5 Stars

 “All the action and surprising twists and turns this story takes kept me turning the pages quickly hungering for more.” Chick Lit Café

ONE ~ 5 Stars

“This fast-moving thriller will hold your attention, as no one is really safe.” Theodocia McLean (Book Marketing Global Network)

ONE ~ 5 Stars

“This psychological thriller is an outstanding addition to the Sydney Jones Series and is sure to gratify any mystery lover’s thirst for a great read.” Amazon Reviewer

Here’s a little background info about my quirky writing life during the research and writing of this novel.

I began writing ONE immediately following the release of Chance, Book 2, in the Sydney Jones Series. I’d already begun plotting the new story and named it before beginning the manuscript. This is a mysterious phenomenon for me and hopefully, it will continue for future books. This knowing adds to the excitement of writing for I’m trying to understand why I chose the name while the story unfolds. If you’re an author, I’d like to know your decision-making process for naming your novel.

Getting in the mood…

Mentally I prepare to write by listening to the music from the settings in the novel before beginning my day. I research the favorite foods of the locale and prepare them to add flavor to my writing. I take on the persona of someone living the story sometimes including clothing and accessories, a fun activity for me.

You’ll find from reading my novels, I enjoy adventure and scenic locations. I hope that I’m able to give you a taste of the land in my writing and you’ll embrace the culture.

Travel is an important part of my writing process. At times, I sense a story is waiting at my destination. This is a great experience and I attempt to take in the sight, sounds, smell, and feel of cities and towns in my stories.

I hope you enjoy reading ONE and look forward to your comments and reviews. The Sydney Jones Series, book 1: Primed for Revenge, book 2: Chance, and book 3: ONE.

Stay safe and believe we’ll travel again! Carolyn Bowen

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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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Author to Author: The Writing Life

Quote of the Day: You see, I am trying in all my stories to get the feeling of the actual life across – not to just depict life – or criticize it – but to actually make it alive. So that when you have read something by me, you actually experience the thing. You can’t do this without putting in the bad and the ugly as well as what is beautiful. Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

One thing I think we can all agree on is the road to discovery for authors is challenging. We write and hope for the best reception for our stories. Most times it seems as though our stories come from a place of inspiration rather than a rational decision to write and plot around a specific topic. I’m speaking for myself here. If you have a writing method that works for you, good!

I’m going to skip right to reviews and reviewers for this is the pressure point for deciding the fate of your novel.

  • The shoot-gun approach to seeking reviews thinking everyone will want to read and leave a great review is a journey filled with perils and one you’ll most likely regret.

What to do!

Find your niche, your tribe, or following many say. Don’t send out review copies or place your work on websites that are not friendly to your genre. For example, you may ask why in the world someone would download and read or attempt to read about murder mystery if they find it appalling?

They do and are subject to leaving crass reviews making it difficult for real mystery lovers to find your novel. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written in Agatha Christie’s style or the most eloquent presentation of your story. Your novel and some readers just do not match. And, Lord help you if you get an overly zealous reviewer that goes to every site your novel is published on and shares their distaste. Please beware this is cyber-stalking!

You may ask, “Didn’t they read the novel’s description, clearly stating what it was about?”

I’m with you there. If a novel is crime fiction or in similar categories, you can expect a story line with gritty details about happenings that some may find offensive. That’s why their different genres for novels on all the platforms selling books.

What to do

  • Clearly identify the genre/s your novel falls into.
  • Write an accurate book description about your novel.
  • Find where the readers hang-out who would enjoy reading your story.
  • Think about groups on social media seeking books of your genre.
  • Your website is a goldmine and where true readers will navigate to keep up with your writing. Also, your website is the real estate that you own unlike the social platforms where you may post. Think back to social sites now dissolved and the followers that you no longer have access to.
  • Become a developer and up your game by engaging your fans on your website and where they hangout.
  • Find professional reviewers in your genre. You can post their reviews to your online book platforms.
  • Don’t give-up! There are readers who will enjoy your novels and give positive reviews. An interesting part of the writer’s journey is finding your base support. Once you do that, the sky is the limit. Go create!

 

If you’d like a sample of my new psychological thriller, Primed For Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages. Note: Crime fiction, murder mystery, psychological thriller, adult rated!

I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen

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New Mystery Thriller – Primed For Revenge

Quote for Today: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Leonardo da Vinci

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Carolyn Bowen

Today I’m trying to keep it simple. My new mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, is now available for preorder and I can’t hardly sit still. I am so excited and probably hyper to mark the birth of a new mystery novel. Here’s a little something about Sydney Jones.

Book Description

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for a crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series will be available at your favorite bookstores. I’ll be adding links (fast as I can) as the official launch day nears.

Thank you, Carolyn Bowen AuthorThank you to my loyal fans that support my writing life and share the love. You are appreciated. Thank you!

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