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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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Time Management for Authors 2018

Time Management for Authors 2018

Quote of the Day: Real seriousness in regard to writing is one of two absolute necessities. The other, unfortunately, is talent. Ernest Hemingway

The Writing Life, Setting Goals, Time Management, Carolyn Bowen Author

I’ve resolved that 2018 is going to be the best year ever for me and my writing. First, I’ve got to clean out some debris from habits formed that keep me from my main focus – writing.

As an author they’re several hats we wear, or at least I do. From studying my craft, learning new computer applications (that’s supposed to help reach new readers) creating content for marketing campaigns, interacting with social media, I often have little time to actually write.

I need to set that in focus. For me to actually write – I need inspiration which usually comes through travel. It’s like a story is waiting to be told in the places I visit. Other words, I really need time to travel. If you’ve read any of my interviews, you know I write from the seat of my pants which makes editing a nightmarish expense as well as time-consuming. Yet, I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.

There are two things that I’ve learned are important to success – time and resources to accomplish your goals. How often have you heard the phrase time is money? Well, it is! When you’re spending time doing something, its dollars spent. You could be earning money elsewhere or in the least relaxing.

Carolyn Bowen Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties, Long Road Home, The Writing Life, Book Bloggers, Blogging

My Remedy

  • Have a clear objective of what I want to accomplish in 2018. This means stating (writing it down) an objective that can be measured. For example, more books sales – what does this require of me?
  • What are the tools that I need to accomplish the objective? Depending on your objective, the tools may vary. However, for authors who already have published books, there’s a need to continue promotions while writing new works of fiction.

In this case, research the best promotional tools – whether this is book marketing companies to promote your books, search engine advertising, Amazon advertising, or any of the major social media sites advertising.

Make a calendar and schedule time for writing new content for advertisements and social engagement.

Writing – set realistic goals and time frame for completing the steps towards completing a new manuscript.

  • Implement new strategies – Yes, trust the new process, monitor promotions and update as needed.

Back to my question, how can I make time to accomplish my personal goal of publishing a new book in 2018 while at the same time continue promotions of my books? It’s all about time management!

Today’s author has to be on the top of the playing field with presence and genuine offerings. I’d love to hear what works for you! Wishing you a super 2018, Carolyn Bowen

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 2018 is a wonderful year for you! 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 Here!

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Happy New Year 2018

Happy New Year!

Quote of the Day: “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” T. S. Eliot

Carolyn Bowen Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties, Long Road Home, The Writing Life, Book Bloggers, Blogging

This past year has gone in a flash! All my writing plans didn’t get completed in 2017. But, that’s history! It’s time to start setting goals for 2018. What are your plans?

Carolyn Bowen Author, The Long Road Home, Cross-Ties, Long Road Home, The Writing Life, Book Bloggers, Blogging

New Year’s Wishes

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith Pierce

Please check out my novels here and at your favorite bookstore!  Wishing you joy, peace, happiness, and abundance in this new year. Carolyn Bowen

Say hello here…

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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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It’s a Beautiful Fall Day for Reading!

Fall Reading In Nature

It’s a Beautiful Day for Fall Reading, Carolyn M. Bowen author, The Writing Life, Book Blogs, Book Reviews

Quote of the Day

Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge Sundae. Kurt Vonnegut (November 11, 1922 –April 11, 2007)

Today is a beautiful fall day and I’ve got some extra pep in my step! I enjoy watching the seasons change! The first days of the full color burst in autumn or new flowers sprouting in the spring remind me how fortunate we are to live in nature.

Book 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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National Novel Writing Month

Quote of the Day: “Make your novel readable. Make it easy to read, pleasant to read. This doesn’t mean flowery passages, ambitious flights of pyrotechnic verbiage; it means strong, simple, natural sentences.” Laurence D’Orsay, October 1929

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month! I needed the reminder to get my writing back on track. I will make a diligent effort this month to write more words a day. One sentence after another and a novel will be born. Then the real work begins in the editing stages. How many drafts does it take you to get it right?

For me, let’s just say it takes a long time! I write from inspiration, the seat of my pants, most times. This can lead to multiple drafts. Hopefully, my editor will make the job easier for my new novel.

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

I am prone to isolating myself when writing novels. I’ve got to train myself to come out of the own little world to breathe freshness into marketing my other books. Time management will be the key to accomplishing my goals. What works for you?

Book Reviewers Wanted

I’m looking for reviewers for my mystery, crime fiction novel, The Long Road Home and for Cross-Ties, a historical fiction adventure. Interested? I’ll gift you with a Kindle version of both or either one. The Long Road Home is available FREE through Kindle Unlimited.

If you’d like to be a beta reviewer for my next mystery novel, let me know and I’ll include you in the review process.

Thank You!

National Novel Writing Month, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, Goodreads Author

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

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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Sweet November 2017

Sweet November 2017

Sweet November 2017, Carolyn Bowen Author,

“November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.”

― Clyde Watson

Hello November 2017

It’s good to have something to look forward to this month. Here are a few of the special occasions I plan to celebrate! How about you?

My November Checklist

My Birthday – November 6th

Veterans Day – November 11th

Thanksgiving – November 23rd

National Food Holidays – November 2017

Sweet November Thoughts

Let’s not look at November as a dark and dreary month but one where we reflect on our blessings of the year. However, the overcast shadowing of the skies acts as a prompt for some great mystery writing. I’m thankful the season sets the mood for some interesting novel ideas.

In case you haven’t seen the latest video for The Long Road Home, check this out!

I appreciate your support of my writing and the kind reviews you have left on different book platforms. You make the writing life fun and exciting!

Readers – Reviewers Wanted
I’m looking for book lovers interested in reviewing Cross-Ties (Historical Romance) and The Long Road Home (Crime Fiction, Mystery/Thriller). Please leave a comment and I’ll provide a Kindle version of the books for your reading pleasure.

Thanks for following my blog. I hope to see you on social media! These are a few of the bookstores where you’ll find my novels. For additional places, check with your favorite online or corner bookstore. Wishing you a sweet November! Carolyn Bowen

These are a few of my favorite hangouts!

Say hello here…

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

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

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What Are You Willing To Risk?

Quote of the Day: Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. T.S. Eliot

What are you willling to risk?, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author

Today we celebrate the British essayist, publisher, playwright, literary and social critic, and “one of the twentieth century’s major poets” Thomas Stearns Eliot, OM (T.S. Eliot) birthday (26 September 1888 – 4 January 1965). Wikipedia

His works continue to resonate with people today. The quote above is one of my favorites. Learn more about his lifetime literary achievements here.

Giving Away To Good Homes

Cross-Ties Adventure, Carolyn M. Bowen Author, The Writing Life, What are you willing to risk?Today I’m pushing, making an effort, to see how far I can go. What are my plans? I’m giving away (5 signed copies of my historical romance, Cross-Ties to good homes.

To enter for a chance to win: Follow my blog and leave a comment. The 1st five to participate will be the lucky winners. Good Luck! I look forward to a meet/greet soon.

Reviewers Wanted: Get added to my reviewers’ list and be the first to know about new releases and other fun events. Please let me know if you’d like to be a Beta reader for my future books.

Carolyn M. Bowen Author, The Writing LifeIf you like to read and review books, please let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version (Cross-Ties and/or The Long Road Home) for your reading enjoyment.

I am so excited about the reviews for my novels. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment (nice) about The Long Road Home and Cross-Ties a historical fiction adventure. You make my writing life more interesting.

The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author, What are you willing to risk?

If you like to connect with others who enjoy books, join my new Facebook group – Circle of Friends. I look forward to seeing you there.

Please check out my novels here and at your favorite bookstore! Thanks!

Say hello here…

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

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Summer Reading Begins In June

Quote of the Day: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” Mark Twain

Summer Reading

The month of June has started off with a bang! I’m so glad to have wonderful fans and supporters. You make my days brighter. Thank you!

The Writing Life, Cross-Ties NovelI love the new article from The Owl Branch Blog about Cross-Ties novel, my historical fiction book. Take a look here!

If you haven’t read it yet, you’re in for some surprises if you enjoy multicultural family sagas with a strong female character (rebel). You can find it online in paperback or KindleNOOK  or at your favorite bookstore.

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorThere’s been a lot of activity surrounding my latest mystery, The Long Road Home. Some days I visualize the demand for the novel if placed on a graph, much like an irregular heartbeat mimicking my own.

The Goodreads Giveaway for The Long Road Home is open until June 18th. Enter now for a chance to win a signed copy of this international mystery with a romantic twist. If you’ve already entered, thank you!

Can’t wait for your copy – Here are a few of the places you can purchase the novel to read now. Barnes and NobleAmazon, and createspace.

Looking for Reader/Reviewers

If you’re interested in reviewing either of my books, drop me a line and I’ll gift a Kindle version for you. Remember you can download a FREE copy with Amazon Prime (Kindle Unlimited).

More Good News

Annual BooksGoSocial Best Book of the Year Prize Contest 

I’ve entered The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen into this book of the year contest. I’d appreciate your vote and super comments about my mystery-thriller. (Smiles)  Vote here! Thank you!

I just received a song to match my book from the singer-songwriter recording artist and former The VOICE (NBC) contestant, Dr. Paul. I am honored in his interest of The Long Road Home. Here’s the song, let me know what you think.

I love my readers and am glad to connect on social media where I do a lot of hangin’ out. If you’ll send me a photo showing my book in your reading space, I’ll publish it on my Facebook page and give you credit. Think about it!

Say hello here…

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

Carolyn Bowen Author

Until next time, enjoy your day. Carolyn Bowen

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It’s A New Day: The Writing Life

Hello June, CMBowenAuthor, The Writing LifeQuote of the Day:It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, When pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.”  Nathaniel Parker Willis

We welcome the month of June as we say farewell to Spring. It’s going to be a wonderful month, you just wait and see.

Carolyn Bowen Author, Cross-Ties Novel, The Long Road Home, The Writing LifeI want to share with you the latest news about what’s happening in my writing life. But first, let me thank my wonderful readers for sharing my books with their family, friends and social media contacts. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Readers and Reviewers Wanted

On that note, if you enjoy reading and reviewing mystery-thrillers, crime fiction or romantic suspense and would like a free Kindle version of The Long Road Home Please let me know. I’ll gift you with a copy.

Here’s one of my favorite reviews (5 Stars) by The Owl Branch blog. Thank you!

The Long Road Home, Carolyn M. Bowen, AuthorAnnual BooksGoSocial Best Book of the Year Prize Contest 

I’ve entered The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen into this book of the year contest. I’d appreciate your vote and super comments about my mystery-thriller. (Smiles)  Vote here! Thank you!

Books, Carolyn M. BowenGoodreads Giveaway – Enter for a chance to WIN a signed copy of The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen Giveaway ends June 18, 2017.  Enter here: The giveaway details at Goodreads.

Keep informed about the latest writing news. Follow my blog for the latest giveaways and contests.

Where to Find My Books

Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Createspace and your favorite bookstores.

Let’s have a meet/greet on social media. You’ll find me hangin’ out on my favorite sites.  Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

Twitter
Goodreads
Google+
Facebook

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

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