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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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Be True To Yourself In 2019

Quote of the Day: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be True To Yourself 2019, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo credit: Pixabay

An important part of my writing life is learning more about the craft and marketing. Today I’m focusing on marketing in preparation for releasing my new mystery thriller.

To stay on top of current trends it’s important to find knowledgeable sources and I hit the jackpot today with an article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Managing Editor of Social Media Examiner.

Jenkins provides marketing predictions for 2019 from top marketers in the world. And, having earlier read predictions by futurist I felt like we’ve just skipped right on through to another decade or two into the far-off future. It was amazing reading about what we could expect in marketing in this New Year.

Here’s a few that caught my attention!

  • The rapid growth for voice-activated searches using Alexa and other tools. Going from visual to spoken word searches is going to take on new meaning for marketers accustomed to the web and mobile devices.
  • Augmented reality, AR, for close inspection of products and services is on the rise. For example, wouldn’t it be great to experience a travel destination before booking, try out new accessories or clothing, etc.?
  • The shift away from active social media interactions back to more passive experiences to entertain and/or educate. The desire to take back control of time and funds normally spent using social media will be evaluated and determined if relevant. According to Seth Godin, author, and entrepreneur, “…the idea of seeing and being seen by the people who matter to them,” will be a priority.
  • The stability of email marketing will remain strong with businesses utilizing newsletters to converse with their audience.
  • A special note to authors and publishers is the prediction of the increased use of story format content videos for marketing. Check out my YouTube Channel!

Marketers will need to revamp their plans to stay on top of the trends for 2019. The full article by Lisa D. Jenkins, Social Media Examiner is here.

In 2019 stay true to yourself and don’t let the noise of the world distract you from your goals. Let me know your thoughts about the marketing predictions for this year.

I’m counting down the days to the release of my new mystery-thriller. Follow my blog to stay in the know about upcoming events. Thank you!

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Full Speed Ahead – 2019

Quote of the Day: “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Full Speed Ahead - 2019, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
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.

8 Surprisingly Simple Tips That Will Make You a More Efficient Writer (Infographic)
Source: www.grammarcheck.net

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.

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Wishing you the absolute best of everything in 2019! Carolyn M. Bowen

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

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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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Counting Down to the New Year!

Counting Down to the New Year, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss

This year, 2018, has been a fast year for me, pretty much. I’ve written two books and published one. My latest mystery-thriller will be released early 2019. And, you’re in for a BIG surprise! I can’t wait to tell you more about it. Keep watching for the cover reveal and blurb about the novel.

Mystery Novel Reviewers/Bloggers Wanted

If you’d like an advance ebook copy, complete the info below so I can email your gift code. Thank you!

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Here’s a little inspiration for your day!

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

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

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Happy Moments – Author’s Delight!

Quote of the Day: “Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to makes speeches. Just believing is usually enough.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Cross-Ties, Carolyn Bowen Author

Most authors live for those high-five moments when readers make you proud you’re a writer. I am no different and social media provides the perfect backdrop for hearing from your fans.

Earlier this week one of my fans tweeted about Cross-Ties novel making a connection between Onedin Line and Hornblower, exciting books, series, and movie.

Needless to say, I’ve been on cloud nine – or higher since then. Being compared with some great writers is an experience you’d want to have again, and again.

I want to say a special thank you to my fans. I appreciate your reading and reviewing my novels. For those of you who haven’t read Cross-Ties, this weekend you can download it for free from my website. I ask that you follow my blog so you’ll be the first to know the latest news and leave a review on your favorite platform. Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Ties Novel, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

 

Cross-Ties Limited Offer!

Social Media Hangouts!

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

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James Thayer’s: The Complete Guide to Writing a Novel

Book Review: The Complete Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer, The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen
Photo Credit: Pixabay

The Complete Guide to Writing a Novel

by James Thayer

Quote of the Day: If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write. Stephen King

The Essential Guide to Writing a Novel: A Complete and Concise Manual for Fiction WritersThe Essential Guide to Writing a Novel: A Complete and Concise Manual for Fiction Writers by James Stewart Thayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

James Thayer doesn’t mince words when describing the personal habits and characteristics of writers who want to succeed. Focus and concentration, persistence in staying the course, a willingness to learn, and perhaps some luck are helpful.

The Essential Guide shows you the proven techniques of writers such as John Grisham, Tom Wolf, Jeffery Deaver, and Patricia Cornwell to name a few. These insights provide clues for creating a successful novel.

My quick take is to do what has been shown to work time and time again and you’ll be successful. However, there’s room for outliers, the incredibly talented writers whose genius places them on a literary throne of their own. Thayer talks about the rules of writing and the breaking of the rules by some authors and what that means.

Creating a timeline for your manuscript
Thayer provided proven steps for creating a timeline for completing your manuscript. He was forthcoming with examples from well-known authors. I especially liked Stephen King’s formula for having a first draft ready within a season.

I highlighted throughout the book and will place a paperback order to add to my bookshelves to keep handy. I just touched on a few of the techniques discussed. Read – then reread it to get the most out of this writer’s guide.

View all my reviews

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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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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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Social Marketing Today

Quote of the Day: Everyone lives by selling something. Robert Louis Stevenson

Social Marketing Today, Carolyn M Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

The art of marketing is solidified when you have identified your target market, folks who are interested in your products and services and provide a means to communicate. Today, social media plays an important role in connecting with like-minded people – talking and listening. But, how do you choose which platforms to use for finding your audience and potential customers?

When you are able to see the overall picture and plan your business future, you’ve just become an author, the business end of being a writer.

Answering the Question

For me, as much as I enjoy creating and sharing photos/videos when posting about my books, I’ve got to be aware of the conversion rate. As an author, you need to know how and where to get your books in the hands of interested readers. I asked the question, where are my potential readers hanging out and what site delivers the best return on my investment?

Having lots of followers on social media isn’t the point. Having people interested in what you say and your offerings are important and play a key role in building relationships.

Many new small businesses rush to share on most or all of the social media platforms. Take your time. Begin with two or three of the major ones and expand from there, if desired.

I would suggest sites, in the least, where everyone who follows can see your posts without advertising. I’m not saying don’t advertise, you can pick a post that’s performing well within your community, tweak it and monitor the results.

My favorite social sites for some time have been Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

As mentioned in an earlier post, Google+ is phasing out this platform as currently operated. I’m sad. Second, Twitter has always been a great site for me although the news feed moves quickly. Your post most often has a shelf life of 30 minutes max. The good news is your posts are shown to everyone and advertising is affordable if desired. And, third, Pinterest is a fun place to show-off both personally and professionally. It is a behind the scenes kind of thing that allows followers to get to know the real you.

If you enjoy photos and following the trends for just about anything life has to offer, you’ll love this site. Me, I especially love the cute kitties, travel, fashion, and meeting book lovers!

I’m trying out a new site, MeWe.com, the next-gen social network. I like the idea of a site engineered with privacy in mind and the ability to connect with like-minded folks. I’m learning the ropes and will share more about my experiences in a later post.

Do you have favorite social media sites? I’d love to hear from you about what works for your business. Note: I’m on other social sites for various reasons – business and personal.

The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Latest Writing News

There’s a new mystery/thriller release coming up in my near future. If you’d like to become a part of my advance launch team and receive a free copy, sign-up below. Thank you!

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Write and Grow Rich: Book Review

Quote of the Day: “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.  That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” Octavia E. Butler

Write and Grow Rich: Book Review, The Writing Life

There are several things necessary for me to grow as an author/publisher. There are some easy, others difficult and timely to implement across my author network. First, the easy one – learn from reading books by others in the genre I write and publish. Second, study the craft of writing to become a better author. Third, learn how to build a business (tech stuff included) and marketing as a successful author. And, fourth, connect with other authors/publishers for mutual encouragement and knowledge.

Today I’m sharing my review of Write and Grow Rich. Reading this book was a learning experience for me and I’m grateful for the honesty reflected by this group of authors. Thank You!

Write and Grow Rich: Secrets of Successful Authors and PublishersWrite and Grow Rich: Secrets of Successful Authors and Publishers by Alinka Rutkowska
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a must-read for how-to become a successful author and/or publisher. The book answers questions that maybe you didn’t know to ask yet in your authors’ journey. If you’re seeking personal and professional growth, this bestseller will lift you up mentally while delivering education that’ll make a difference in your future.

Each of the authors candidly answered the same questions with a variety of descriptive details of their failures and successes plus the tools they used for creating and marketing their products. It’s interesting how the members of the group turned negative events and downfalls into positive learning experiences with a successful outcome.

I made notes while reading and noticed trends for becoming successful and how it was defined individually for the author. You can bet that I’ll follow-up with the resources offered by this group of experts.

View all my reviews

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

Twitter

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

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