Quote of the Day: “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Dame Edith Sitwell
Today, December 21, 2018, is the winter solstice in North America, officially the shortest day of the year. We can look forward to the beginning of shortening nights and lengthening days after this astronomical event. As we celebrate tonight look to the sky and mark the occasion with the spectacular Ursid meteor shower and a full Moon.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.
This rhythmic event is also called Midwinter, Yule, the Longest Night, and Jól. Celebrations include family gatherings, festivals and feast, dancing, and winter fires. Wikipedia
For the long winter nights, download and read a mystery by Carolyn M. Bowen.
Attention Reviewers and Book Bloggers
My new mystery-thriller is coming out this winter. Interested? Enter your name and email address below to be one of the first to receive an advance copy. Thank you!
Quote of the Day: “I write not because I want to but because I am destined to.” Jules Haigler
Photo Credit: Pixabay
The why behind the doing!
First, let me define some of the terms I’ll be using as to not complicate the understanding of what I’m saying.
Who is a writer?
A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate their ideas. Wikipedia
What is the difference between a writer and author?
According to the dictionary, a writer is one who expresses ideas in writing or engaged in literary work. An author is a person who writes a novel, poem, essay etc., and the composer of a literary work. You become an author when your books are published, but if your writings are never published, you remain a writer.
What is the meaning of authorpreneur?
Authorpreneur is the business end of being an author. To me, it’s no different than being an entrepreneur for starting up any kind of business. Of course, the author added to the shortened entrepreneur pinpoints the exact kind of business the person is involved in.
Learning to be an authorpreneur is about positioning yourself (branding) for the best possible outcome for your writing efforts.
You may be thinking I don’t want to do this! I’d prefer to just write. You are not by yourself. Many writers turned authors who became entrepreneurs feel the same way. However, even the bestselling authors are required to participate in the marketing of their books. Many embrace this opportunity to better understand their readers and to help keep the buzz around their names.
Being a writer and authorpreneur, in the business of promoting and marketing to sell and profit from your writing, is a lifetime learning experience. To accomplish this feat as a writer you need to write, read, and study the craft of writing.
Then changing directions towards getting your book/s in the hands of readers is another challenge in of itself. The same lessons apply to learn publishing and marketing – study, read, write, and learn how to expand your brand to reach new readers.
To improve as an author, I’ve found that it’s a good idea to read books in your genre, continue your daily writing and set aside time to learn more about writing.
Today’s blog post is the result of my applying these steps to my writing life. My personal standard is to never read a book I don’t think I’ll enjoy! Hope you enjoy my review of An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt!
Joe Dillard was a criminal defense attorney who didn’t like his job. Never did. His plans after law school were to work in the District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor. The problem, the pay didn’t line up with the time and cost of the education required to practice law.
The only choice was to open a law firm. He did with a promise to himself that eventually he’d quit and become a prosecuting attorney. But, first, he had to provide for his family and see his children through school. The pay was good. Yet, knowing his clients were guilty and worse, maggots of the earth tormented him. He desperately wanted to be on the opposite side, not defending the scum of the earth.
The years passed by and he was looking forward to retirement. The income from his practice and his wife’s management of their assets was securing their future. And, when the time was right, he’d call it quits. But, for once he’d like to represent an innocent client before he retired.
He was counting down the days to his exit from practicing law when a new case was offered him. He quoted a fee much higher than normal for he’d not planned to stay for a lengthy trial.
Money wasn’t an issue and his desire to represent an innocent client came to mind. All he had to do was talk to the young, beautiful woman charged with first-degree murder and decide whether to take the case. Would he finally get a chance to represent an innocent client?
If you enjoy reading legal thrillers and mysteries, check this one out! It’s a well-written story that’ll keep your interest.
Quote of the Day: “Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” Edward Sandford Martin
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Day in the USA is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. A United States Congressional declaration officially designated the date in 1941. Throughout November we also celebrate Native American Heritage Month. The mutual trust and collaboration of Native Americans and the New World English colonists played a significant role in U.S. history. Today we reflect and share our bounty with family and friends in the spirit of the first Thanksgiving.
Background
The history of the celebration dates back to November 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared their first harvest festival at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts. The autumn harvest celebration lasted three days and is considered the “first Thanksgiving.” According to attendee Edward Winslow, there were 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims participating in the celebration. Wikipedia
The Attitude of Thankfulness and Gratitude Benefits
Family Time – Together as an extended family
Strengthens family bonds
Improves our self-esteem
Reduces depression
Increases our energy
Helps develop a stronger immune system
Decreases blood pressure
Increases sleep quality
Reduces negative stress
From my home to yours – Happy Thanksgiving! Carolyn Bowen
I hope you’ll follow my blogand connect on social media where I post daily. Here are a few of my favorites places. Drop by and say hello!
Quote of the Day: Courage is the act of putting one foot in front of the other in the bleak of disaster not knowing the final outcome. Carolyn M. Bowen, Author
Mexico Beach – Before Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael blows through and for many, it’s over, but for those living in the region devastated by the blow at zero points, it’s significant. The hurricane’s landfall and surrounding areas have experienced the wretched aftermath and it’s not a quick fix. And, the news cycle goes on to the next big story while residents try to make sense of their losses and rebuild from nothing and I’m talking about 60 miles inland.
For many, including myself, we are unsure of the property damage or even if there’s property remaining. The ocean may have sucked in the land and perhaps created another island. This brings to point. We have no news yet, about St. George Island. Does it still exist?
St. George Island is the coastal getaway for many folks living in Tallahassee and surrounding areas plus a destination getaway for the rich and famous.
These places are my stomping grounds and have been for decades. The historic homes along the old coast are gone forever. My favorite oyster bar and shipping company were completely underwater. What’s going to happen to our gulf oysters this year? And, yes, I order them by the case for my personal consumption when out of Florida!
I love the Gulf of Mexico seafood. Some refer to the area as the Panhandle, me personally, I like the title Emerald Coast of Florida. For if you saw it, you’d know there’s nothing like it in the world.
You can see I have more questions than answers. My writing about Hurricane Michael is nostalgic, yet I already know my family members have suffered significant losses. I’m still waiting until the path can be cleared to my homestead or maybe not.
As always, I appreciate your following my blog and reading my books. Carolyn Bowen
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!
Quote of the Day: “In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
World Mental Health Day
Today is World Mental Health Day and a worthy awareness cause to celebrate. However, concerns for friends and family’s mental health and our own should be something we recognize daily.
Recently I was told about a woman who was in the midst of the worst and best days of her life. The events happened in threes with some planned and others unplanned. The occurrences hiked her normal stress levels to new heights.
The first was the unexpected death of a parent, immediately followed by her daughter’s planned wedding, then a car accident where she was at fault. You’re probably thinking – how in the world was she coping? It seemed she was attempting to put one foot in front of the other and carry on until she could find a place and time to personally make peace with life events.
Stresses can build up over time if not resolved and can destroy your mental and physical health. We don’t think about it often, but good happenings like weddings, new job, partner, home, financial windfall, and others add to our stress level. Then when the boom falls caused by death, divorce, job or business loss, home disaster, and other life problems we find ourselves staring at the bottom of a dark hole.
We feel debilitating stress when the good and bad experiences make an impact acting as a vortex spinning our world out of control.
When you’re feeling you’re being swallowed up by things out of your control, seek help. Don’t wait for things to get better on their own. There is qualified help to get you back on a wellness path. For immediate free help, call theNational Suicide PreventionLifeline.
Today through the end of the year, December 31st, 2018 I’m offering new subscribers a free Kindle version of my personal transformation book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Act Now! Limited Offer – Fill in the information below for emailing your gift code to redeem your book.
Quote of the Day: “A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” William Styron
Today’s post is a book review of Enemy of the State by Kyle Mills. You will find it exhilarating and possibly exhausting following in the steps of Mitch Rapp.
Mitch Rapp pushes the limits in fighting terrorism wherever and however is necessary. Forced to change directions with the president’s approval, he quits the CIA.
Rapp assembles a group of independent contractors to get the job done. They had just begun infiltrating the Saudi government and ISIS when the new head of intelligence discovers their efforts and puts a stop to the plan by threating to go public with the post 9/11 agreement between the two countries.
Concerned about his political career and an international incident, the president turns his back on Rapp. The American intelligent agencies were ordered to join the Saudis’ effort in finding Rapp.
Rapp and his band of mercenaries become the center of a manhunt orchestrated to stop his mission. Who will win? Will Rapp vindicate himself and turn the tables on the Saudis and come out alive?
Kyle Mills has picked up the gauntlet from where Vince Flynn left off and has stayed true to his voice while expanding the old, and creating new characters to move the series forward.
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
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 aFREE 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.
Quote of the Day: I always prefer to believe the best of everybody. It saves so much trouble. Rudyard Kipling
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.
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.”
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!
Quote of the Day: “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” ― Paulo Coelho
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 in Mental Health Law New Releases and #5 in Amazon Hot New Releases for Family & Health Law. I’ll be on the lookout for more great news! 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 tiny 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.”
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!
Quote for Today: “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Albert Einstein
Today’s an exciting day. My new personal development non-fiction book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, is now live on Amazon. Here’s the skinny on it!
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.
With “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!
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!
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 