Quote for Today: “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” George Sand
Photo Credit: Pixabay
A simple definition for Valentine’s Day: A holiday for expressing love to the one you have an intense feeling of deep affection. This translates to one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, florists, and chocolate makers.
History of Valentine’s Day
The auspicious beginning of this holiday has been filtered through the ages. The lasting legacy is about Saint Valentine. It is the story about a romantic priest who defied Roman Emperor Claudius II’s order that all marriages and engagements be canceled so he could fill his army.
The ruler believed the difficulty in recruiting soldiers was because the men were married. When he discovered that Valentine was secretly marrying couples, he was beaten and put to death on February 14 (circa 270 A.D.). The priest was proclaimed Saint Valentine after his death.
Through the ages, Valentine’s Day celebrations have changed and some would argue its luster has been lost. Yet, love never fails. Share your love with someone special this Valentine’s Day.
Suggested Reading
Novels by Carolyn M. Bowen
Cross-Ties – Adventure/Romance “Great epic story of love, life, and loss.” Amazon Reviewer
Follow my blog for my latest writing news! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen
###
“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” Dr. Seuss
From my home to yours, wishing you a wonderful Christmas Day!
Tooker Bear
Thank you for reading my novels and sharing them with your friends and family. I appreciate your support of my writing life. You are appreciated! Happy Holidays! Carolyn
Quote of the Day: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
Something to Talk About
Exciting news for mystery lovers! The first book in the Sydney Jones Series, Primed For Revenge is now available at Amazon and Smashwords for just 99 cents. Read now and preorder the 2nd Sydney Jones thriller, Chance – A Novel today.
Follow on social media for updates and giveaways to celebrate the birthday of Chance – A Novel this November 5th. Thank you for supporting my writing life. Carolyn
###
Quote of the Day: A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Richard Bach
Photo Credit: Luisella Planeta Leoni – Pixabay
Today I’m writing about self-publishing versus traditional publishing. One of my Instagram fans asked the question about the pros and cons of each. My reply was it’s a subject requiring more than a line or two for an explanation of my views. Depending on who you ask, you’ll likely get a different response. That’s ok to listen or read them all and make your own decision about what works best for you.
The Pros of Self-Publishing
Control of content
Timeline for delivery
Ownership of copyright
Marketing freedom (design and publish)
Sales information confidential
Larger royalty – Paychecks every 60 days for what you’re doing right now.
Customer accessibility
Free advertising for your author brand – on booksellers’ platforms
The Cons of Self-Publishing
Author platform – Website (design and maintenance especially security)
Responsible for all aspects of publishing
Editing and formatting
Registering copyright and obtaining ISBN identity
Book covers – Professionally designed
Creating a description and short blurb about the novel – Your own or freelanced
Developing advanced reader fanbase
Publishing decisions: For example, go exclusive or wide including multiple author platforms.
Publicist – Help for getting your novel seen by readers!
Book Reviews – Paid – Remember reviews sell books and editorial reviews from paid sources can be used on your website and marketing materials.
Marketing – Development and Expense
Marketing tools and resources – software, freelancers, etc.
Digital – Social Media Sites – creation and updates
Development and purchasing of ads
Pros – Traditional Publishing – The BIG 5
Partnership and collaboration for the success of your novels
Knowledge and name recognition (how to place your novel to become a bestseller)
Inhouse advance readers fanbase for your genre
Phenomenon Marketing – digital and traditional
Advance for copyrights for novel/s present and future royalties
Cons – Traditional Publishing – The BIG 5
Note: Provide a manuscript with professional editing and formatting for the agent. The Big 5 deal exclusively with agents.
Literary Agent – Querying and obtaining an agent – Finding the right fit with your writing style and genre may be time-consuming and negligible.
Copyright ownership shifts
Loss of creative/marketing input
Smaller royalty over time – based on the original contract
Take Always
Patience, practice, and persistence – keep working at creating your best novel.
Practice without progressing in your craft is useless. Learn as you go along. Read and write every day. Be professional and kind to others including your fellow authors.
If you could choose which path to follow, would you go the traditional publishing route or indie? Talk to me and let me know your thoughts.
Thank you for following my blog for updates about my writing life. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen
My latest Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is coming soon. Are you a reader and reviewer or book blogger of murder mysteries and women’s crime fiction? Leave your contact information below and receive an advance readers’ PDF copy of my latest novel when available.
Quote of the Day: But you have to allow a little for the desire to evangelize when you think you have good news. Larry Wall
Photo Credit: Pixabay
I love good news. And, early this morning I received some great news. My latest thriller, Primed for Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series has received a 5 Star review from Readers’ Favorite.
An author loves readers/reviewers who understand the emotional peaks and valleys of the storyline from beginning to end. And, this reviewer, Ruffina Oserio does. Thank you!
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn M Bowen is a spellbinding psychological thriller with a rock-solid female protagonist: Sydney Jones works for Birdman & Birdman and at the time she is looking for bigger engagements in the firm, there is fallout with her boss. As if this wasn’t enough to rattle her nerves, she is abducted as she leaves the office. She is badly beaten and raped and sent home with warnings to never talk about the kidnapping. What is worse is that she has lost a great deal of her memory but she hasn’t forgotten her resolve for revenge.
This is an interesting story about a character who is deeply hurt and damaged and who must navigate a very dangerous landscape to determine who kidnapped and hurt her and why. Her biggest challenge is identifying the right people to talk to. The reader follows her, feeling her pain and seeing her struggle with her options. Primed For Revenge is a sophisticated, deftly written thriller with a protagonist that instantly captured my attention. The pathos is strong as the reader watches her go through the rough experience. Her inner transformation and the quest for revenge are so real, reflecting the abuse she has experienced. The writing is wonderful and Carolyn M Bowen comes across as a perfect wordsmith. Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series is very engaging, emotionally rich, and fast-paced. The kind of book you read in one sitting. A highly recommended read – 5 Stars
How To Order Your Copy!
Primed for Revenge is available online and at your favorite bookstores. Click here for more ordering options for an ebook or paperback. Thank you!
Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is in developmentand will be available online and in bookstores soon. I’m seeking advance mystery readers to provide feedback. Please let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll forward a PDF for your review.
Quote of the Day: “Sometimes you only need to look at other high achievers to remember how GREAT you can become. You can do ANYTHING, and don’t you forget it.” Marsha Wright
Photo Credit: Pixabay
First a disclaimer: Twitter is my happy place for knowing what’s happening right now. Being fascinated by the weather for family and friends live on the coast, and the last BIG one left its mark, I get up-to-date warnings on Twitter from reliable sources. But there’s more, business, financial, travel, and entertainment news is always flowing with what’s happening around the world. Of course, these are my favorite topics. You can find your own by simply following leaders in the industry or related hashtags.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
However, the news potential isn’t why I love Twitter. It’s the people making the Twitter community a place you’d want to hang out. The influencers and fans with an attitude of gratitude and willingness to share positivity are who make a world of difference.
I am thankful for my readers and fans that are diligent in supporting my writing life. I feel like we live in the same neighborhood. We do –Twitterville. I’d know them walking down the street and be glad to have potluck dinner with them.
Then there are the mega influencers like Marsha Wright who promotes the hashtag #ThinkBigSundayWithMarsha and retweets positive sayings and quotes to 600K followers. Wright is a serial entrepreneur, #1 international bestselling author, syndicated columnist, CEO of PromoNation.coand the top 5 marketing influencer. Follow here: Real Marsha Wright® | Top 5 Marketing Influencer
Does she make a difference? Yes. Follow and read her posts and you too will develop a positive attitude.
Thanks for following my blog. Say hello on Twitter @cmbowenauthor. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen
Quote of the Day: Courage is grace under fire. Ernest Hemingway
Photo credit: Pixabay
Ernest Hemingway’s Birthday
July 21st is Ernest Hemingway’s birthday and an excellent time to reflect on his contributions to the literary world.
He lived larger than life – can’t think about the running of the bulls without thinking of him or salt-water fishing, war and peace, extreme sports… His passion for cultural experiences, at times, placed him in harm’s way.
We are the winners as he gathered bits and pieces in his pursuits and used his imaginative storytelling to produce masterpieces that are classics today.
His novels are guideposts for future writers to measure their growth. May he rest in peace! Ernest Miller Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961)
Ernest Hemingway’s Novels and Non-Fiction Books
These are his novels and non-fiction books. For more information about movies, and other writing, visit Wikipedia for details.
Quote of the Day: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James
As authors, we’re always looking for new ways to promote our books and I just got lucky. Let me introduce you to Theodocia McLean with Book Marketing Global Network and Avid Readers Global Network.
She’s smart and quick to present your book/s to catch reader’s attention. Here’s the link to my new authorpage. Check it out and if you’d like some marketing help, contact her so, you too will have more time for writing.
And there’s more…
McLean’scomprehensive marketing for authors includes social media platforms, Facebook groups, blogs, bookstores, and more. I find these services valuable and a much-needed breakthrough for authors. I’m tickled to be included and look forward to more authors joining me. Clickhere for testimonials!
Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. Hope you’re having a wonderful summertime! Carolyn
Quote of the Day: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person …” Carl Sagan
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Latest News: Summer Promotion
Love reading mystery-thrillers with a strong female lead character – then today is your day. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is your right choice for entertainment. Join the thrill of reading with this special price promotion to kick off your summer fun.
A Short Blurb
Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.
Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she has put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.
Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.
Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.
Tapped for a crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.
Where to order yours…
Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 is now available online and at your favorite bookstores in ebook and paperback format now!
Thank you for following my writing news and sharing on social media. I appreciate your support and look forward to your comments and reviews. Enjoy your upcoming summer reading! Carolyn Bowen
Quote of the Day: “For a true writer, each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.” Ernest Hemingway
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Part 2: Hemingway’s Advice to Writers
As promised, today’s topic is part two of Hemingway’s advice to authors provided to Samuelson, a journalist and aspiring author at the time. His book is titled, Arnold Samuelson, With Hemingway, A Year in Key West and Cuba.
Note: The book was published after the author’s death in 1981. You may have seen the movie, if not watch it. The book is available in hard copy from Amazon and at most libraries.
We’re looking at the novels Ernest Hemingway considered the “good stuff” in literature. Although, not handwritten as the list below, in conversation with Samuelson, he said, “the best book an American ever wrote,” the one that “marks the beginning of American literature” – “Mark Twain Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Hemingway’s “Good Stuff”
In looking over the book list, I’m reminded of another quote by Hemingway about studying authors considered the best after their death for that was the true sign of greatness for their work had endured. In doing so, Hemingway’s novels should be added to the list of good stuff for today’s reading.
In his own words…
“Here’s a list of books any writer should have read as a part of his education… If you haven’t read these, you just aren’t educated. They represent different types of writing. Some may bore you; others might inspire you and others are so beautifully written they’ll make you feel it’s hopeless for you to try to write.”
Note: You’ll find most of these at your public library.
The Blue Hotel by Stephen Crane
The Open Boat by Stephen Crane
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
Dubliners by James Joyce
The Red and Black by Stendhal
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
Hail and Farewell by George Moore
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Oxford Book of English Verse
The Enormous Room by E.E. Cummings
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Far Away and Long Ago by W.H. Hudson
The American by Henry James
Following Hemingway’s method of studying the writing of great authors whose works have stood the test of time, what author and books would you add to the list?
Here are a few of my favorites. Comment below with your must-reads of classic novels.
The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher and the Rye – J. D. Salinger
James Bond Spy Series – Ian Fleming
Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
To the Lighthouse – Virginia Woolf
The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
In Cold Blood – Truman Capote
Note: If you missed Hemingway’s Advice to Writer’s Part One, read here.
Thanks for following my blog and sharing on social media. Your support is greatly appreciated!
For more information about my novels, click here. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 