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Latest Writing News

Quote of the Day: “To think to long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.” Eve Young

person writing on white book
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Sunday’s are a day of reflection and planning around my house for me. Today is exciting as I look forward to my next creative venture. And, you’re invited to participate in my latest Sunday fun day idea!

The V.I.P. Launch Team

Team members will receive the first copy of my new books for review and comments. Also, members will have the opportunity to win prizes of a few of my favorite things – books and more. Join the V.I.P. Group today. Thanks for your support!

 

Free Gift For Subscribing to “The Writing Life!”

Please leave your name and email address for a free Kindle version of “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” by Carolyn Bowen. Limited Offer – Act Now!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

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,” career coach 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! #SelfHelp #MentalHealth #Bestseller

Life is precious – go live it! ~ Carolyn M. Bowen

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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Hello September!

Quote of the Day: “The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

September1

September is waving its magic wand inviting us into a new season when fall begins and summer ends. The quote for today honors Longfellow’s favorite month – September. May it become our best month yet!

Here are a few special days for September 2018.

Celebrate Self Improvement this month!

September 3 – 1st Monday in September – Labor Day

September 6th Read a Book Day!

September 8th International Literacy Day!

September 23rd Autumn Equinox – fall begins!

September 25th National Comic Book Day

Background – Labor Day

Labor Day, is a legal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Canal Zone, and the Virgin Islands. Canada also celebrates Labor Day on the same day.

What Labor Day Means

For most people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and a chance to say goodbye to the summer. But why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to men and women in the workforce. It has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States (NYC) since September 5th, 1882 in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union.

Are you a Goodreads follower? Enter for a chance to win one of 50 copies of  “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” by Carolyn Bowen (ends September 9th). Learn how to change your world one step at a time.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success by Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends September 09, 2018.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

 

As you can see, I’m pretty excited about this new personal development book. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

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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Tasty Book Reviews and More…

Quote of the Day: Summertime and reading are the perfect pairings!

Early Autumn

Labor Day will be here before we know it broadcasting the end of summer. The leaves are beginning to change acting as a harbinger for the fall season. I would have missed these telltale signs if not for enjoying nature. Time flies.

This summer I’ve done a lot of reading and writing. A much-prescribed ambition for becoming a successful author. Below I’ll reference one of my latest reviews for books I enjoyed reading.

Update on my latest book release – “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!”

Thank you for spreading the word about this personal development book. This little instruction book was written in hopes of helping others define and achieve their destiny. I appreciate your sharing this self-help book with your friends and family.

In the weeks ahead, I’m offering a Kindle version for everyone who follows my blog. Of course, if you have Kindle Unlimited you can read it now for free.

How to Claim Your FREE Copy!

It’s simple, just click the follow button on the upper right-hand side near the descriptions about the blog.  Leave your email address and I’ll mail you a gift code for downloading Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!

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Here’s my latest review in the mystery/thriller genre – The Broker by John Grisham.

The BrokerThe Broker by John Grisham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grisham pulls out all the stops in this international legal thriller. Follow former Washington D.C. power broker, Joel Backman, as he attempts to put the pieces together about his last-minute presidential pardon.

He was now on the run with his assigned government handler. He was loaded into a cargo plane immediately after release from federal prison with a need to know the destination. Could he keep his wits about him and thwart their interrogations and possible death sentence?

Who are the people chasing him and why? He suspected U.S. government spy agencies, Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis had obtained secrets about his former client’s sophisticated satellite surveillance system, JAM.

He was provided with little details and cash from the people sent to watch over him. Learning Italian was a must for his survival or said his handler. He was diligent in his studies with the tutors provided by the government. He learned his way around the Italian city of Bologna and became adept at losing his handler.

He enjoyed early morning walks in the crisp air, the food and wines, and historical sites. His body became leaner and healthier with his outside explorations. Even he didn’t recognize the man he saw in the mirror.

The C.I.A. planned to release his whereabouts to the global spy agencies interested in his secrets and watch who’d kill him first. He was tipped off when his bag was stolen in a restaurant during a scheme caused to disrupt service. Not long afterward, he was confronted by two men from the F.B.I. near his apartment. He knew other spy agencies were probably closing in. It was time to leave Bologna but could he with no money, passport, or change of clothes?

His being on the run trying to stay ahead of deadly spy agencies proved to be daunting. Where should he go and how could he survive since they were always one step behind?

This heart-racing thriller will keep you on your toes. How many people would be killed because of his client’s secrets? Was it possible for him to broker one last deal – the most important one in his life?

View all my reviews

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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Latest Writing News

Thoughts for Today: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” Bernard M. Baruch

Summer Fun

This month has started off with a bang! I was tickled to see “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” ranked by Amazon as a #1Bestseller hot new release immediately upon the July publication through August 9th. Now, thanks to my fans it’s still hanging out at the top of the list.

I’m offering a chance to WIN a FREE Kindle version on an Amazon Giveaway.  It’s also free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited users!

Are you a Goodreads follower? Enter for a chance to win one of 50 copies of  “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” by Carolyn Bowen. Learn how to change your world one step at a time.

As you can see, I’m pretty excited about this new personal development book. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

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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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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Hello April…

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. William Shakespeare

Hello April, Flowers, The Writing Life

Spring is showing up all around with buds popping out of the once desolate landscape. In the United States, it won’t be long before flowers are in full bloom and trees take on their spring foliage.

Spring sparks the intellect with youthful prose and the imagination soars to new heights. Enjoy the season and allow your creativity to blossom in your writing lives.

My Writing Life

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

5 Stars, Book Review, The Writing Life, Hello AprilLatest Book Review News

Woo Hoo! 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite – Read the review here! The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

Crime Fiction/Mystery Book Reviewers

I’m looking for book reviewers who would like to read my new crime fiction and receive an advance copy prior to the release date. I’d love your feedback!

5 Fun April Facts & Trivia

  1. April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
  2. The diamond is April’s birthstone.
  3. This month has many month-long programs: National Poetry Writing Month, National Financial Literacy Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
  4. In the Roman calendar, April is spelled Aprilis, meaning – to open. The trees and plants begin to open to bloom and flower during this month.
  5. April’s Honorary Flowers are Daisies and Sweet Peas.

April Calendar of Events

  • Apr 10     National Library Workers’ Day
  • Apr 13     Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
  • Apr 26     Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
  • Apr 27     Arbor Day  ~ State holiday ~ Nebraska

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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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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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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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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

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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Book Blog Tour: Wise Before Their Time

Quote of the Day: Plan your life like you will live forever, and live your life like you will die the next day. Unknown

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book Gifts

“As Powerful As Any Great Classic of Fiction” so said Sir Ian McKellen in his foreword to my book. And it is.

 Wise Before Their Time – Book Blog Tour

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book GiftsExcerpt from Author Ann Richardson

Do you remember the terrible times of AIDS and HIV in the 1980s and 1990s? If not, are you curious to learn what it was like for those diagnosed?

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book GiftsWise Before their Time, first published in 1992, shows in moving detail what it was like to live with HIV/AIDS when there was no real treatment for this life-threatening illness. It tells the true stories of over forty young men and women from all over the world, attending an international conference of people with HIV and AIDS in London in 1991.

I have added a new cover and a short introduction to the new version, but the book remains essentially the same.

These were very young people (most were in their twenties and thirties) having to cope with an unexpectedly shortened lifespan.

They describe the difficulties of telling their parents, friends, and partners of their diagnosis, while trying to cope with the day-to-day problems of staying healthy, keeping in work and supporting their friends.

They all experienced enormous stigma, blame, and guilt because of the disease. This can be seen in all kinds of ways – from small things, like an Irishman being disappointed that friends did not want him to play with their child, to larger ones, such as a man being placed alone in an isolation hospital in Goa for some months with no help.

They all knew others who had died. And one mother tells the story of the death of her toddler.

Yet this is in no way a struggle to read. It is touching, it is enlightening and it is sometimes funny.  But most of all, there is virtually no self-pity. On the contrary, the participants were committed to celebrating the joys of life to the full. Which is why I chose the title – they were, genuinely, wise before their time.

Thank you for stopping by and reviewing author Ann Richardson’s book, Wise Before Their Time. For more information or to buy, click here!

This holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to practice compassion towards mankind. I hope you will share peace and love with those who cross your path this season. I plan to make a conscious effort to spread love and joy every day. CB

Book Blog Tour, Wise Before Their Time, Author Ann Richardson, Holiday Reading, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen, Book Reviews, Book Bloggers, Book GiftsBook 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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