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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Spring 2018 Countdown – Writing Life

The Writing Life

Spring 2018 Countdown, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” Louis L’Amour

Good News

I’m pounding the keys again working on a new novel. Excited – is an understatement. I’m enjoying watching the words appear on the pages and sharing my writing journey with you.

Around the house

Tookie and Bubba Blue are still strange bedfellows with a new friend joining them soon – a swim mate for Blue.

With the flu season making a major impact this season, I’m taking extra health precautions being more health and fitness minded. It’s taken me a long time to find a balance between work and health pursuits. I tend to focus on my writing and marketing and lose touch with everything else. I’m proud to say that’s changing and I’m still able to reach my goals.

Spring 2018 Countdown

There are 52 days left until spring 2018. If you haven’t already read my novels, now is a great time as winter bids farewell.

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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My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue

Quote of the Day: The 99.99% of all castles in America are located in fish tanks. Demetri Martin

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping

My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday ShoppingIf you know me, you’ll know that I have fish named after the heroines in my novels. That is except my newest Siamese fighting fish (Betta Fish), Bubba Blue. He’s so bold and fearless – Tookie our cat with paws grasping the inside the aquarium to say good morning doesn’t scare him or me either.

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday ShoppingIt’s a ritual – Tookie wakes up and greets Bubba Blue with his face smashed against the glass! For the most part, even his brother by another mother, tabby Ollie, believes his desire for closeness is overwhelming, but not for Bubba Blue. They do this kissy thing and go about their own day.

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping
Tookie & Bubba Saying Hello

I decided Bubba Blue needed a water filter (contraption) for his tank and off I went to the nearest big box store to purchase one. It’s the holiday season so I waited in line for my turn and was excited about hooking it up when I got home. Note: Betta Fish are not typically required filters but I was spending way too much money buying Betta water for our tap water even with recommended products still stunk after a few days.

I excitingly opened the box and read the directions for mounting this new life breather for Bubba Blue. Only the box didn’t contain all the necessary parts as indicated on the marketing blitz on the outside of the box. I had a choice – should I go online and find and order the missing parts from a reliable source? Trust me; I’m not going to wait in line to return it!

I went to my go-to reviews for products – Amazon and found something even better that would have saved me from the get-go of buying Bubba Blue. I should have brought him home and put him in a large clear vase with the roots of a Peace Lily to munch on while we waited for our purchase to arrive. But, I didn’t!

Bubba Blue, The Writing Life, Bubba Blue & Tookie, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Books, Book blogging, Online Holiday Shopping
Bubba Blue

The good news is that Bubba Blue will have a new home soon. It will give him the space for swimming and enjoy the aquatic plants. Tookie can watch him 24-7 with the new light filters. I can’t wait to watch them play hide-n-seek!

Just remember the folks who draw your attention to shopping at Amazon. These Affiliates strive to bring you the corner store atmosphere while providing you their best offerings from Amazon. This is their local storefront and they pay plenty for that online website privilege. You know about Amazon, in part, because of these influencers! Bookmark their pages and when you order – place it through their websites where they’ll get a commission. It won’t cost you a dime more and these are the people who have influenced buyers to shop – Amazon!  Make sure they get a piece of the pie!

My bookmark is set at Roadtrips R Us (since 2011) – making daily food holidays and history come alive with the best in travel, in-house chef-inspired food recipes, and entertainment. Check them out and bookmark their Corner Gift Shop!

Now that Bubba Blue is all set and the Kitties seem happy too, I’ll sign off for now! Happy HolidaysCarolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

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

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!

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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The Long Road Home: Goodreads Giveaway

The Long Road Home: Goodreads Giveaway

Quote of the Day: The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. Mary Heaton Vorse

Exciting news! Today my Goodreads giveaway kicks off (November 28th -December 28th). Follow me and enter for a chance to win a signed copy of The Long Road Home.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

The Long Road Home

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends December 28, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

The book reviews on The Long Road Home are beginning to show up on various social media sites. I am grateful for the readers who have taken the time to comment about my book. The present goodreads rating is 4.5 stars! Wow!

Today’s book review was posted by Katherine’s Book Reviews. I love the four star rating and her blog comments about The Long Road Home. Thank you Katherine!

http://kwbookreviews.com/post/153750627185/the-long-road-home-review

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version with no strings. Please note that books will be sent this week to reviewers previously signed up for copies. Thank you!

ATTN: Book Clubs
Contact me about reading and discussing The Long Road Home for your special discount.

More Good News

I’m so happy about launching The Long Road Home! I’m offering Cross-Ties Novel with reduced pricing. It’s a story about love, passion and family with some hiccups here and there. (Historical Fiction) Purchase today at Amazon: Paperback $9.99 – MatchBook $0.99 – Kindle $1.99 and Barnes and Noble Nook Book -$1.99.

I enjoy my social media communities. Please join me on  for exciting updates and giveaways.

I hope you’ll follow my blog for the latest writing news and updates. I love hearing from you.

Something to talk about this holiday season. Order your copy of The Long Road Home today!

Wishing you a wonderful day. Carolyn Bowen, Author “romantic novels of suspense”

 

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My New Novel: The Long Road Home Is Now Available

Quote of the Day: “Stories may well be lies, but they are good lies that say true things, and which can sometimes pay the rent.” Neil Gaiman

The Long Road Home Is Now Available

Exciting news! My novel, The Long Road Home, is on sale today on Amazon for just $16.11 paperback and $2.99 Kindle. Click here if you’d like to check it out. I hope that you’ll take advantage of this low introductory offer. Please read and share your thoughts on review sites and with friends and family. You’re actions are appreciated!

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorThe Long Road Home: Genre

‬Fiction
Crime Detective
Mystery
Suspense/Thriller
Romance Novel

Description:

Kate‭’‬s life was in turmoil after the death of her parents.‭ ‬She‭’‬d always been protected and sheltered by them.‭ ‬Suddenly she finds herself with a conniving fiancé living under her roof,‭ ‬a powerful businessman with terrorist ties from across the ocean trying to kill her and more family secrets than most American politicians.‭ ‬She was also unaware that a half brother she knew nothing of was about to enter her life.‭ ‬Her situation was getting precarious right at the moment she was least able to cope with it.

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version when released, no strings. Please note that books will be sent this week to reviewers previously signed up for copies. Thank you!

ATTN: Book Clubs
Contact me about reading and discussing The Long Road Home for your special discount.

More Good News

I’m so happy about launching The Long Road Home! I’m offering Cross-Ties Novel with reduced pricing. It’s a story about love, passion and family with some hiccups here and there. (Historical Fiction) Purchase today at Amazon: Paperback $9.99 – MatchBook $0.99 – Kindle $1.99 and Barnes and Noble  Nook Book -$1.99.

I enjoy my social media communities. Please join me on Goodreads for exciting updates and giveaways.

I hope you’ll follow my blog for the latest writing news and updates. I love hearing from you.

Wishing you a wonderful day. Carolyn Bowen

As the clock ticks down…

Quote of the Day: “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” Henry David Thoreau

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorWe are getting closer to launching my new murder-mystery, The Long Road Home. How do you like the cover? 

Follow my blog and Amazon Author’s Page to be one of the first to read and review The Long Road Home. I will be doing special events, giveaways and sweeps during the launch. Stay tuned.

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, The Long Road Home, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version when released, no strings.

I enjoy my social media communities. Please join me on Goodreads for exciting updates and giveaways.

Cross-Ties Novel, Carolyn M. Bowen AuthorWeekend fun: Read Cross-Ties Novel by Carolyn M. Bowen ~ Amazon Prime or Kindle

Wishing you a super weekend. Carolyn Bowen

 

 

 

 

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It’s A Wrap

Quote of the Day: Writing is a passion I have never understood, yet a storyteller is all I have ever wanted to be. Ruth Park

Cross-Ties NovelThank you for your wonderful response to my Cross-Ties novel Goodreads giveaway. All of the copies have been mailed to the winners.

Nearly 600 readers responded for a chance to win an autographed copy of Cross-Ties. Two hundred folks have placed it on their bookshelf to read. I look forward to reading your reviews and am grateful for your support. Here’s the link to follow on Goodreads. Hope to meet and greet you soon.

The Amazon Giveaway for Cross-Ties Kindle Edition is ending soon.

See this for a chance to win: Cross-Ties (Kindle Edition). Amazon Giveaway NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Sep 15, 2016 11:59 PM PDT, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules.

To purchase Cross-Ties: Paperback or Kindle Amazon

Reviewers Wanted: If you’re the real deal, reader/reviewer and would like a copy of my book, Cross-Ties, let me know and I’ll send you a Kindle version, no strings.

Wishing you a wonderful month filled with peace and joy. Carolyn Bowen

P.S. Let’s connect on social media: Facebook

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

Quote for today: “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Ernest Hemingway

Today I’m celebrating the relaunch of Cross-Ties book. The paperback is ready on Amazon. The Kindle edition is coming soon. Mark your calendar for my Goodreads Giveaway starting Midnight Thursday August 25- Midnight September 2nd. Follow my author’s page and enter to WIN an autographed copy.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cross-Ties by Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Ties

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends September 02, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/200399