Source: Reflections on 2015

Quote of the Day: “Its hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but its harder to give up when you know its everything you want.” Unknown

Reflections on 2015

The year 2015 was fast and furious. It’s amazing to reflect on the number of goals accomplished during the year. As a life-long learner, I have endeavored to learn more about writing and publishing while keeping up with marketing trends. Some lessons were difficult while others easier. Below are my top five writing tips from 2015.

Top 5 Writing Tips

1) Write often – set a schedule and keep it.

2) Continue learning your craft through study and observation. Don’t be too quick in ruling out self-publishing. Many authors have followed this path and enjoy having control over their work and finances. Note, it doesn’t rule out traditional publishing at a later date. There’s more than an handful of authors today who began their career this way. While other independent authors prefer self-publishing and are quite successful.

3) Choose your editor wisely: They’re many excellent editors available for hire. Find one who meets your publication schedule. Do your research and don’t mistake a shiny web-site for competence. For example, one of my best editors was not in the spotlight with a huge number of followers. I was worried at first because as a social media person my expectations were to see him flying across the universe. He wasn’t. What I found was someone living in the backwoods of the South, with Internet connection and the knowledge and skills to take my work to the next level. After reading his thirty page review and a line by line critique, I knew I’d found the right editor for my new book.

4) Brand yourself on social media: Whether you have an agent or not, you still need to know how to publicize your work.

5) Learn the business: Ask questions, establish and grow relationships

I hope that my adventure in publishing will help you. I’m look forward to 2016 and the endless possibilities for cultivating new fans. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!  Carolyn Bowen 

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Motivation For Today.

Thought for Today: “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” Robert Frost

Today is a writing day for me. I am excited about my next book for the characters are coming alive and keeping me in suspense as they delve into the mysteries in their lives. The excitement about what comes next is one of the things that keeps me motivated and disciplined to pursue the writing life. What motivates or inspires you to go after your dreams?

Like many, I want to live a balanced life of work and play which calls for a plan. I would love to sit down at the computer and go with the flow as many of my favorite authors seem to do. Yet, I know that I need exercise, breaks for food and drink and to spend time with loved ones. Many of you know that I wear several hats, and I do love hats, but you know what I am talking about. I am balancing a work life that includes multiple projects and I would not have time to write fiction if it was not for some cool time-saving apps like Hootsuite and PostPlanner. What are your go-to time savers?

For now, back to writing the sequel to Cross-Ties. The picture below was an inspiration for the family home in the yet unnamed book. I can only imagine the tales this antebellum home in Northwest Florida has inspired.

Wishing you joy and happiness in your work and play this week. Carolyn

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When Less Is More: Social Media.

Social Media Tips for Writers.

Summer Is Here!.