Quote for the Day: The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.Marie Kondo
Spring is the season to clear away the cobwebs from the winter and breathe in the freshness of peace and joy in your surroundings. Most times this calls for deep cleaning of your home and office.
A friend recommended Marie Kondo’s cleaning method. After reading her book, I decided to pursue decluttering using her guidelines. And, let’s just say it’s a huge undertaking, but I’m game! Here’s my review from Goodreads.
Quote of the Day: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain
New Mystery-Thriller
Excitement is in the air as the official release date approaches for my new mystery-thriller Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. The official launch date is April 2nd, 2019. Preorder Now!
Meet the Author
A book signing, along with fun and games are scheduled for March 30th, 4 PM EST, at Copperhead Lodge,171 Copperhead Pkwy, Blairsville, GA. Make reservations now for the weekend and enjoy the scenic beauty of the North GA mountains and meet the author.
Book Bloggers/Reviewers
Do you enjoy reading and reviewing crime fiction and mystery novels?Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series, Book 1 has a strong female protagonist posed against a robust multicultural Atlanta GA backdrop. You’ll not want to miss reading this one! Fill in the contact information below for a Kindle version of this new mystery-thriller. Thank you. Carolyn Bowen
Quote of the Day: “Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.”Alan Alda
Goodreads Giveaway
Just a quick note to my mystery-thriller fans! You’re invited to enter my Goodreadsgiveaway for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copiesof Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. Hurry, the magic ends at midnight for entering the contest.
I’m looking for bloggers and reviewers to read and review Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. Message me with your email address for providing your personal Kindle gift code. The review copies will be emailed on the official release date – April 2, 2019. Thank you!
Hold on tight for this young author has grit and authenticity. The chapter headings each begin with lies we’ve told ourselves. Hollis offers up her personal journey in dealing with false beliefs. At the end of the chapter, she provides suggestions for overcoming stinking thinking related to the subject.
I’ve found ideas and beliefs in this book that relate to women of any age. However, young women, especially those with children, will find a treasure trove of information to live a better life now. It’s a must read!
Quote of the Day: “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Photo Credit: Pixabay
January 2019 is here and I’m ready to re-engage with my writing life. One thing I’ve learned from mistakes from the past – never stop writing.
As you probably know, I did, immediately after releasing The Long Road Home. I couldn’t calm down and focus on a new novel. I was so excited with the attention the novel was receiving and trying to stay on top of correspondence and marketing was a full-time job.
I learned. As you probably know by now, I’m releasing a new mystery-thriller in early 2019. This time I’m back at my keyboard writing a new addition to the yet unpublished series. I promise you’ll want to wait for it! I have made a special video for my followers to announce this new mystery series. I think you’ll love it!
I’m trying something new with my plotting in this new mystery series. My subjects tend to be complex with a lot of spinning pieces and twist and turns. Being a visual person, I wanted to map out the plot in larger detail than on a typewritten page.
My answer was to go retro with a chalkboard to plot the course and map out the theme. I found just the one I wanted at you know where – Amazon. I can’t wait to use the board to amplify my vision for this new mystery murder series. I hope to share this experience with you via YouTube!
Writers are often looking for ways to improve their writing life. I saw this today and felt it had merit. It makes good sense to me.
By the way, if you’ve like to be an advance reader and reviewer of my upcoming 2019 new release, fill out the info below and I’ll send you a Kindle version for your enjoyment.
Quote of the Day: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ―Hamilton Wright Mabie
Are you counting down to celebrating this holiday season? Excitement is in the air as we approach Christmas Day. Families’ traveling home for the holidays makes me feel warm and fuzzy. What are your Christmas plans?
How are you traveling this season? Whether by train, plane, or automobile always carry a great mystery read with you. Look no further than books by Carolyn M. Bowenfor entertainment.
Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted
Are you a book reviewer or blogger? Here’s a chance for the first glance of my new mystery available for pre-order after the New Year. Sign up here to receive your free ebook.
From my house to yours – happy holidays!Carolyn Bowen
Thank you for following my blogand 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!
Quote of the Day: “Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.” Virginia Woolf
Today I want to share the conversation I had with Jason E. Foss, producer of‘A Dreamer’s Blog’ and the empowered-individuals.blogspot.
Jason wanted to know about my writing process specifically relating to my mystery thriller, The Long Road Home.
I hope you’ll enjoy the light banter and the behind the scenes writing of this novel and the up-to-date news about my upcoming new mystery.
Follow ‘A Dreamer’s Blog’for interesting in-depth coverage of the writing life from your favorite authors.
Thank you, Jason, for the opportunity to share with your readers. This interview will be remembered as one of my favorite author experiences. Carolyn Bowen
Where to buy The Long Road Home
The Long Road Home is available at your favorite bookstores!
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 Bertramabout 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 Mentionand Google Alerts. Remember, to use your own name and keywords associated with your brand.
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.
I’d love to know about your experiences while branding your business. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Shopping 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 byCarolyn Bowen!
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
Quote of the Day: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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.
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!
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!
Quote of the Day: Remember This December, that love weighs more than gold! Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon, American Writer
The holiday season is here and I’m counting down the days to Christmas. Everywhere I look, there’s a reminder of the coming of winter bliss.
This is the perfect time to spread good cheer and begin making plans for the New Year. What are your holiday plans?
Photo credit: Pixabay
Family gatherings come to mind and sitting beside the fireplace in the still of the night with a great book and cup of cocoa are in my forethoughts. I hope you’ll make time for yourself this season to unwind and capture the precious moments that’ll never be again.
You’ve probably noticed from my blogging that I’m doing a lot of reading during this month. As I mentioned in earlier blogs, I read to learn more about the craft of writing, and marketing. I have a rotation going and share my reviews here and Goodreadsprimarily.
Author Updates
Mynext mystery novel is going through the final stages for publishing. If you’d like to be an advance reader, join my launch (street) teamhere. I look forward to your reviews.
As you go through the paces of preparing for and participating in the fascinating adventure of the Christmas holidays, I hope you’ll share love and kindness to all! Happy Holidays – Carolyn Bowen
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!
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 