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Fun Stuff – The Hourglass Elite Author of 2019 Tournament

Quote of the Day: “When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.” Joe Namath

brown and black wooden docor
Photo by Bryan Schneider on Pexels.com

I love having fun especially when it involves meeting people who love reading my books. Finding my own special tribe is an ongoing pursuit that most times put me out of my comfort zone. And, this is one of those moments.

I was recently invited to participate in the “The Hourglass Elite Author of 2019 Tournament” presented by Jason E. Foss. In doing so, I’ve contacted fans to encourage their support for winning this title. I love awards – all types and especially those related to writing and bestselling books. I want to win this award in a BIG way!

The featured book for this tournament is The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen. Here’s a short blurb about the novel.

After a lifetime of being protected and sheltered by her parents, Kate is thrown into a state of turmoil after their sudden death. With nowhere else to turn, she finds herself living with her fiancé, a conniving businessman who is well on his way to becoming a corrupt super-lawyer. At the same time, Kate’s father’s law firm houses more secrets than a politician’s hard drive. Later, she receives a shocking surprise when a long-lost half-brother enters her life. Can Kate rise to these challenges, discover the truth and re-emerge as a stronger, smarter version of herself?

Do you want to help me win the tourney? Here are the instructions!

1) Email or message me your email address. You’ll be emailed by the presenter about the tournament.
2) Purchase a kindle/paperback of The Long Road Home, my mystery novel.
3) Make a screenshot of your purchase and email it to me or the presenter.
4) Supporters will be entered into a drawing this December 2019 for a signed copy of my new 2019 mystery series – Book 1. The drawing will be held live on YouTube 12-31-19.

Thank you for supporting my writing. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

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

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Celebrating Your Life – 2019

CBBlog

Quote of the Day: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”   H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You!

It’s time to begin thinking about plans and goals for the New Year. Most years I come up with some New Year resolutions that after a week, at the most, I abandon.

This year I’m going to plan differently. Instead of making New Year resolutions, I’m going to make a list of things to do in 2019. I’ll pick out the top 5 and make a commitment to achieving them.

When making a decision to move forward toward reaching my goals I’ll have a timeline to keep me on the path. Should a need arise to make adjustments to the plan, I’m prepared.

Journal

There’s something special about writing your goals down. The psychological effect spurs you to complete the tasks as planned. By whatever name you choose to call your goals for 2019, stay committed. What would you like to accomplish in 2019?

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

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

Goodreads

Twitter

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

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Brand Mania: Book Review – Say My Name!

Brand Mania: Book Review – Say My Name!
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprints and personal brand. – Amy Jo Martin

Today I’ve reviewed an excellent book by Matt Bertram about building and maintaining your brand. He provides the big picture and the blueprint for attracting your ideal customer over time.

We need to understand and welcome the idea that everyone doesn’t fit into your fan base. Those who do will become a supporter and potential customer. And, that’s not all!

Now, with the right online tools and resources, you can monitor your brand and quickly take action to keep your brand in good standing without hurting yourself in the long run. This isn’t the time for “going to the mattresses” in godfather terms.

“Conversations among the members of your marketplace happen whether you like it or not. Good marketing encourages the right sort of conversations.” Seth Godin, Seth’s Blog

Note: There are many excellent monitoring sites on the Internet. For a start, you can Google your own and your business name and see what’s on the net about you. In addition, I personally use and recommend the monitoring provided by Mention and Google Alerts. Remember, to use your own name and keywords associated with your brand.

Build Your Brand Mania: How to Transform Yourself Into an Authoritative Brand That Will Attract Your Ideal CustomersBuild Your Brand Mania: How to Transform Yourself Into an Authoritative Brand That Will Attract Your Ideal Customers by Matt Bertram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bertram provides a step-by-step guide for developing an authoritative brand on the world-wide-web. His in-depth explanation provides a way to attract your ideal customer. You’ll learn how to filter out what doesn’t fit your business objectives. The end results will be the development of a cohesive plan to reach people interested in your offerings.

How do you handle unfavorable comments online? First, you need the best tools, and online resources to track communications about your brand. This seasoned digital marketer integrates the answers for what to do when confronted with the negativity that’ll soften the blow to your image.

If you want to become a trusted advisor or go-to person for a specific product or service, I highly recommend reading Brand Mania.

View all my reviews

I’d love to know about your experiences while branding your business. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Thank you!

Books, Carolyn M. Bowen, bloggingShopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books by Carolyn Bowen!

Social Media Hangouts!

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

Goodreads

Twitter

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

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It’s Not You – It’s Me!

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Quote for Today: “Just as you don’t need to be on every single TV channel, I don’t believe a brand needs to be on every single social media one in a big way.” – Shiv Singh

The new social marketing trends for 2019 are captivating. This one caught my eye with understanding behind the motivation. Put simply, there’s a rising desire for small businesses to cut back their social media posting across multiple platforms.

The reasons are persuasive for analyzing what’s working or not. Social media is time-consuming and is linked to depression for some users. Actively participating costs time and money that may be better spent elsewhere.

The time and resources to create and develop new products and the cost of doing business through these channels is a key point. The need to evaluate the return on the investment (ROI) for the monies spent creating posts, images, videos, etc. is crucial. For example, just because an influencer says there making sales with their storytelling online doesn’t cut it anymore. The proof is in dollars and cents. It has to be experienced for one.

Cross-Stepping MoneyFor example, have you encouraged folks to like your page on a social platform to find few ever saw your creative postings? That’s a dead-end to organic growth from your efforts. The caveat – is until you promoted or sponsored the post as an ad don’t expect growth. Then, the results will depend on the product, the precise targeting, and other demographic variables. And, only a small percentage will click through to become subscribers or potential consumers.

The dollars spent cultivating these type fan bases have been sucked into a dark hole never to be seen again. Take time to study and learn from others about what’s working and make changes as needed. Don’t waste your time and money doing the same old thing expecting different results.

Recently we learned Google+ was ending their social platform that according to some news reports was designed to compete against Facebook. I am sorry to see these changes but understand the reasons behind it. If something isn’t meeting the business goals – end it.

However, this is one of my favorite and largest fan bases. I welcome all my fans to follow my website blog for the latest news about my writing life. In the meantime, I’m staying to the end. The latest report is that Google+ Support will be cut off on December 11th and the app will shut down completely on March 12th, 2018.

I plan to continue evaluating where my advertising dollars are best spent across the web and what social media platform/s helps me achieve my goals. I’ll tell you more about my mistakes in marketing and one I’m correcting soon. Hint: Develop your own real estate.

You can catch me posting on my favorite social platforms daily. Why? Because of the friendships I’ve developed over time and the encouragement and mutual sharing of ideas. What are your social media marketing plans for 2019?

love-1100253__340Shopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books by Carolyn Bowen!

Social Media Hangouts!

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

Goodreads

Twitter

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

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The Modern Rules of Marketing for Writers

Quote of the Day: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Modern Rules of Marketing for Writers, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo credit: Pixabay

Yes, I’m hyper anticipating my new mystery novel coming out soon. So – I read – and read more to make my jittery nerves relax.

This book got my attention – maybe because I love Hemi trucks – they can pull a boat so I can ski on any lake/river/ocean accessible by land. I think you get it – crazy about water sports. And, I love knowing the latest marketing news! But, can I do what’s recommended?  Stay-tuned.

Today’s book world is about learning and using the right communication and tools to reach your audience. The creative process and techniques for delivering the best marketing campaign to boost book/s to the bestseller list is a long and curvy road. I have been fortunate – just plain lucky in some instances in the past. However, going forward I will be on a steep learning curve to develop innovative ways to get my stories to be read and reviewed.

I’m old school with Hemingway influence where if you write a great novel everyone should want to read it – right? Times have changed and my writing reflects the current state of affairs in the criminal world. I think people still want to know the interworking of a character’s mind. And, that I can deliver. Maybe market – we’ll see.

Today’s review fits squarely into the marketing model I discussed earlier. How to Sell Books by the Truckload by Penny C. Sansevieri is a keeper. See my review from Goodreads below.
How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon.com - Book One and Two: Get More Sales - Get More Reviews!How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon.com – Book One and Two: Get More Sales – Get More Reviews! by Penny C. Sansevieri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back your Hemi right on back and fill your truck bed with the best information for promoting your book. This book gives you the nitty-gritty about marketing both fiction and non-fiction.

It’s the equivalent of having your personal marketing expert working for you. The downside – you’ve got to learn the ropes and do it yourself.

I’d love an app that embodies everything this book describes but we all know advertising isn’t stagnant, always moving forward. Yet, you can benefit today from using these carefully researched and proven marketing techniques. Get ready for a mind-blowing experience! Follow this author to keep abreast of the changing marketing environment. Thanks, Penny!

View all my reviews

If you’d like to be an advance reader for my upcoming new mystery, complete the information below and an ebook will be made available for your reading pleasure. Thank you!

December Holidays, Carolyn Bowen Author, The Writing Life
Photo Credit: Pixabay

I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too!  Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

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

Goodreads

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

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It’s beginning to feel like Christmas!

Quote of the Day: Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale

I can’t believe it! I’m in the Christmas spirit right after the Thanksgiving holiday. Go Figure! This is early for me. The first of December is when I normally get in gear for the holiday celebrations. What about you? What sights, sounds, and aromas draw you into the holiday season?

It's beginning to look like Christmas, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Photo by Eftodii Aurelia on Pexels.com

Here’s a new recording made by singer-songwriter and business leader Diane Michel for Christmas this year! In her own words: “My thanks to my long-time friend Chip Martin for producing this and bringing it all together! And special thanks to Shay Watson for asking me to write it with him for the Hallmark Channel a few years ago. We got a good one that day. It felt really good to sing again today….been a long time. Merry Christmas everybody!”

From my home to yours – Happy Holidays! Carolyn Bowen

I hope you’ll follow my blog and connect on social media where I post daily. Here are a few of my favorites places. Drop by and say hello!

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A Tribute to Native Americans

Native American Heritage Month

Paying Tribute to Native Americans
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence. – Mourning Dove Salish

 “Sovereignty, Trust, and Resilience.”

November is Native American Heritage Month and we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.

Background

  • The first America Indian Day was established through the leadership of Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y.
  • The first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens was declared September 28, 1915. The annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day with observation to be the second Saturday of each May.
  • New York was the first state to observe American Indian Day. The governor declared the second Saturday in May 1916 as the beginning of the proclamation.
  • Many years later, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Additional proclamations have been issued since 1994 under the names “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian Month”.

Here are some of the events scheduled for this month honoring the American Indians.

Paying Tribute to Native Americans, National Native American Heritage Month, Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Recollections from days gone by…

Interview with a half-breed: What’re your favorite memories growing up in a mixed culture?

Looking out the window and seeing headlights from automobiles coming up the lane to our home stuck in my memory. I knew it was a significant moment.

Word spread and people lined up at our front door to seek alternative herbal healing from my grandmother, a medicine woman. So much it became a problem and my first generation English grandfather stopped it.

She was never the same again. You’re probably thinking I can help you with the insights she provided. NO! According to her, the Native American medicine, what some folks misunderstand as magic, is passed down through the opposite sex.

She shared her knowledge with a male she’d helped. However, she did tell me who to talk to. It was way too complicated for my mind and at the time – honestly not interested. I wonder who the young man passed the secret to for keeping it in his family. Be what it will be – the young man she shared her secrets with had two sons who became M.D’s – medicine men in their own rights.

You’ll be very lucky if they’re you’re attending physician. For a secret has to remain a secret – Native American Heritage protects those who are called to help their fellow earth walkers.

May you soar with eagles in your quest to learn more about Native Americans. The  American Indians saw the Eagle as a symbol for great strength, leadership, and vision.

Recommended reading

Native American culture is explored in Cross-Ties, a fictional coming of age novel. You’ll meet Nokuse and his family in this classic novel.

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!

Goodreads

Twitter

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

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