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Hello, August 2018

Quote of the Day: I always prefer to believe the best of everybody. It saves so much trouble. Rudyard Kipling

August 2018, Writing Life, Summer Days

Hello, August 2018! What are your plans for this month? Many folks have summer vacations or shopping for children’s back to school clothes on their list. Me, I plan to stay in the shade unless the great outdoors beckons me.

August is typically a scorcher in the southern United States. To beat the heat, many enjoy water sports and lazy summer days on the lake. Whatever makes you happy and comfortable is the ultimate winner.

I’m fascinated by the weather and track the activity of the Atlantic hurricane season. The season began on June 1 and ends on Friday, November 30. However, it peaks in late August or early September, though storms can occur year-round. You can bet I’m ready and tuned to the weather channel.

Question: Does the weather temperature where you live make a difference in your lifestyle choices? Let me know, I’m interested in learning more about you.

Grateful, gratitude, writing life
Oh, happy day! My dreams are coming true by helping you discover yours and claiming your destiny. I am grateful for today’s happy news!

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” is currently an Amazon #1 Bestseller. Thank you for making this possible. Let me help you realize your dreams, too!

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, 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 zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author 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.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

Life’s little instruction book for mastering success! Author and lifestyle coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time.  Download and Read ” “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.”

Download Here or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and today my new book release is in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and a Kindle version will be yours.

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!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Rioting Against The Odds

Book Blog Tour with Author Mark Kloss

Rioting Against The Odds, Adventure poems, Author Mark Kloss, Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Blogger

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!

Christmas PlainThank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. Merry Christmas! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Say hello when you get a chance!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow here!

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My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue

Quote of the Day: The 99.99% of all castles in America are located in fish tanks. Demetri Martin

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping

My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday ShoppingIf 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.

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday ShoppingIt’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.

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping
Tookie & Bubba Saying Hello

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!

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping
Bubba Blue

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

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by soon and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too. Pinners Follow here!

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Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude!

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

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Quotes, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Bloggers, Blogging

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude!

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Quotes, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Bloggers, BloggingThanksgiving 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!

Holiday Giveaway

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!

Book Reviews

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.

Thanksgivings Begins with Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Quotes, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Bloggers, Blogging

Reviewers Wanted

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!

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow here!

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It’s a Beautiful Fall Day for Reading!

Fall Reading In Nature

It’s a Beautiful Day for Fall Reading, Carolyn M. Bowen author, The Writing Life, Book Blogs, Book Reviews

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.

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!

It’s a Beautiful Day for Fall Reading, Carolyn M. Bowen author, The Writing Life, Book Blogs, Book ReviewsLooking 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!


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

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow

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National Novel Writing Month

Quote of the Day: “Make your novel readable. Make it easy to read, pleasant to read. This doesn’t mean flowery passages, ambitious flights of pyrotechnic verbiage; it means strong, simple, natural sentences.” Laurence D’Orsay, October 1929

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month! I needed the reminder to get my writing back on track. I will make a diligent effort this month to write more words a day. One sentence after another and a novel will be born. Then the real work begins in the editing stages. How many drafts does it take you to get it right?

For me, let’s just say it takes a long time! I write from inspiration, the seat of my pants, most times. This can lead to multiple drafts. Hopefully, my editor will make the job easier for my new novel.

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

I am prone to isolating myself when writing novels. I’ve got to train myself to come out of the own little world to breathe freshness into marketing my other books. Time management will be the key to accomplishing my goals. What works for you?

Book Reviewers Wanted

I’m looking for reviewers for my mystery, crime fiction novel, The Long Road Home and for Cross-Ties, a historical fiction adventure. Interested? I’ll gift you with a Kindle version of both or either one. The Long Road Home is available FREE through Kindle Unlimited.

If you’d like to be a beta reviewer for my next mystery novel, let me know and I’ll include you in the review process.

Thank You!

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

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!


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

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow

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Chillin’ Out

Quote of the Day: “No, I would not want to live in a world without dragons, as I would not want to live in a world without magic, for that is a world without mystery, and that is a world without faith.”  R.A. Salvatore, Streams of Silver

The summer months have been fast-paced with hardly any time to enjoy the pleasures of the season. What are you doing for summer fun this year?

Video – Just released – The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

 

Reviewers Wanted: Get added to my reviewers’ list and be the first to know about new releases and other fun events.

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.

Books, Carolyn M. Bowen, bloggingI am hosting a book club giveaway for The Long Road Home, a mystery-thriller. There will be ten (10) novels available to be mailed to the Chairperson of the group for distribution to members. How to enter: Follow my blog (latest writing news) and tell me about your book club (Name & City) in the comments section. The most entries per book club will be the winner. In the case of a tie, we’ll go for a sudden-death finish.

The Writing Life, Chillin' Out, Carolyn Bowen AuthorI 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 and Cross-Ties, a historical fiction adventure. You make my writing life more interesting.

Hope to see you on social media! – These are a few of my favorite hangouts!

Say hello here…

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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