The Godfather: Next Generation

This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Godfather. And the scenes behind the story are as interesting as the novel and movie that followed.

The sixty-page novel by Mario Puzo became a hit with the movie: The Godfather. Who according to the Time Magazine, the author wrote as a way to get out of debt. (The Story of The Godfather. Time Special Edition Magazine, 2022).

Great casting with Marlon Brando as the Godfather, and directed by Frank Ford Coppola made his dreams come true. His screenplay was brought to the studio’s attention, and after research and revisions it was produced, and became a big screen hit.

The Godfather was a harbinger of the times, breaking through the post-war mentalities, and introducing a story the boomers could relate too. It was deep, dark, and relevant to a generation that wanted to speak for itself. The Godfather was the sign of the times, in more ways than being a mafia behind the scenes’ exploitation of made-men and their adversaries. It was fitting of the era.

As when the Godfather was written, it’s time for the changing of the guard, a new godfather, a tech-savvy, environmentally conscious, physically skilled, and pumped marksman, that today’s world can relate to.

Welcome to the next generation Godfather. Read “The Death of Me” today! (And, like Mario Puzo, I need to get out of debt. An Olympian task for certain.) Click the link below to read today!

The Death of Me by Carolyn M Bowen

The Death of Me: The Next Gen Godfather

New Mystery-Thriller: Chance A-Novel

Quote of the Day: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” Ernest Hemingway

Latest News

Chance A-Novel is now available at Amazon and you can read FREE with Kindle Unlimited. For mystery lovers who enjoy reading paperbacks, order yours here.

Thank you to all the readers and fans that supported this new release. You made the birthday celebration for Chance A-Novel a wonderful success. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Chance A-Novel Paperback Preview
Chance A-Novel Paperback Preview

For Mystery Lovers

You can download and read this new mystery-thriller, Chance A-Novel today, and be ready for some juicy conversations during the holiday season.

About Chance A-Novel

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. When Sydney Jones’s bodyguard and lover, Walker, is framed by the CIA for the murder of a has-been rock star he once guarded, he has to leave the only woman he ever truly loved and go undercover for them or be found guilty and thrown in jail for life. He’s not even allowed to tell Sydney where he’s going or what he’s doing; he just has to…disappear.

Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Chance by Carolyn M. Bowen

Chance

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends December 01, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

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Summer Reading Kickoff

Quote of the Day: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person …” Carl Sagan

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Latest News: Summer Promotion

Love reading mystery-thrillers with a strong female lead character – then today is your day. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is your right choice for entertainment. Join the thrill of reading with this special price promotion to kick off your summer fun.

A Short Blurb

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 has 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.

Where to order yours…

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 is now available online and at your favorite bookstores in ebook and paperback format now! 

Amazon

B&N

Books-A-Million

Google Play

KOBO

Smashwords

Foyles – UK

Thank you for following my writing news and sharing on social media. I appreciate your support and look forward to your comments and reviews. Enjoy your upcoming summer reading! Carolyn Bowen

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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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March – A Time For Renewal

March – A Time of Renewal, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. Charles Dickens

March – A Time For Renewal

Every season is my season. I enjoy experiencing the contrast of each new season from the last. It’s a marking of time and enjoying the moments, hours, days… that add up to a lifetime. It’s a perfect reason to celebrate each season.

My Writing Life

I’m pleased to report that I’m making real progress on my new mystery, crime fiction novel. Thank you for the “adda girl” encouragement and support of my writing.

Crime Fiction/Mystery Book Reviewers

I’m looking for book reviewers who would like to participate as a beta reader and receive an advance copy prior to the release date. I’d love your feedback!

Fun March Facts

  1. Here are some fun facts about March 2018.
  2. March is the third month of the year.  It’s the second of seven months to have a length of 31 days.  In the Northern Hemisphere, the meteorological beginning of spring occurs on the first day of March.
  3. March meaning and symbolism is solved when we learn the month is named after Mars. Martius, the moniker for Mars is actually the original term for the month of March in Roman calendars.

March Calendar of Events

  • March 4:        Academy Awards
  • March 8:        Int’l Women’s Day
  • March 11:      Daylight Savings Time
  • March 17:      St. Patrick’s Day
  • March 20:      Daylight Savings Time, N. Hemisphere
  • March 25:      Palm Sunday
  • March 30:      Good Friday
  • March 31:      Passover Starts

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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February – I Love You!

Carolyn Bowen Author, Goodreads Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties Novel, February BlogFebruary – I love you!
It was a dark and stormy morning providing the perfect background for writing my next crime fiction. I am writing again and am thankful for my fans that have encouraged me to write a new novel. You are most appreciated!

I’m looking for beta readers to provide feedback on the finished manuscript and book reviewers for my current novels. If you’re interested, just let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version for your reading pleasure.

I’ve spent the last few months studying my craft believing that it’ll improve my writing skills. I can’t wait to see the results applied to my new novel. Of course, the studies will continue but this does dip into my time slot for reviewing new books by my favorite authors. But I’ll catch up shortly!

I don’t know about you – but I love the month of February. Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for me. It’s like love is in the air. Do you have anything special planned for the holiday?

Counting down…

Another reason I enjoy February is that I know spring is right around the corner. For me, that means I need to get serious about my exercise program. I want to look especially “fine” for the coming seasons. If you have a routine that provides buff abs, send it to me. Right now, I have to hide from my cats with my exercise ball to keep them from popping it with their claws.

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


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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Spring 2018 Countdown – Writing Life

The Writing Life

Spring 2018 Countdown, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” Louis L’Amour

Good News

I’m pounding the keys again working on a new novel. Excited – is an understatement. I’m enjoying watching the words appear on the pages and sharing my writing journey with you.

Around the house

Tookie and Bubba Blue are still strange bedfellows with a new friend joining them soon – a swim mate for Blue.

With the flu season making a major impact this season, I’m taking extra health precautions being more health and fitness minded. It’s taken me a long time to find a balance between work and health pursuits. I tend to focus on my writing and marketing and lose touch with everything else. I’m proud to say that’s changing and I’m still able to reach my goals.

Spring 2018 Countdown

There are 52 days left until spring 2018. If you haven’t already read my novels, now is a great time as winter bids farewell.

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


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

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Strange Bedfellows Indeed

Almost Famous – Unlikely Buddies

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

The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Blogger

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 post about the duo, I mentioned Bubba Blue needed a new aquarium to get some airflow moving through his water world.

The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book BloggerIt 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!

The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book BloggerThe Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Blogger

My Writing Life

The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, Book Blogger

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!


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

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Time Management for Authors 2018

Time Management for Authors 2018

Quote of the Day: Real seriousness in regard to writing is one of two absolute necessities. The other, unfortunately, is talent. Ernest Hemingway

The Writing Life, Setting Goals, Time Management, Carolyn Bowen Author

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.

Carolyn Bowen Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties, Long Road Home, The Writing Life, Book Bloggers, Blogging

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!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery

I hope 2018 is a wonderful year for you! 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 Here!

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Happy New Year 2018

Happy New Year!

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

Carolyn Bowen Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties, Long Road Home, The Writing Life, Book Bloggers, Blogging

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?

Carolyn Bowen Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties, Long Road Home, The Writing Life, Book Bloggers, Blogging

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

Say hello here…

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

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