Hold on tight for this young author has grit and authenticity. The chapter headings each begin with lies we’ve told ourselves. Hollis offers up her personal journey in dealing with false beliefs. At the end of the chapter, she provides suggestions for overcoming stinking thinking related to the subject.
I’ve found ideas and beliefs in this book that relate to women of any age. However, young women, especially those with children, will find a treasure trove of information to live a better life now. It’s a must read!
Quote of the Day: It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Herman Melville
Photo credit: Pixabay
I was reflecting on my self-help personal development book,Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, and decided to lower the paperback price to $7.99 as a limited offer.
I realized early on there are many people who aren’t computer savvy or just prefer a book in their hands. This is the reason it’s offered as a paperback. For ebook readers, it’s availableFREE with Kindle Unlimited and just $2.99 to download and read.
This bite-sized personal development book was originally conceptualized as an e-book but shortly after beginning the dedication, I realized the person referred to would prefer to hold the book. And, come to find out, many more people would enjoy the same privilege. And, unfortunately, these people aren’t reviewers but they let me know on a personal level how much the book meant to them. Thank you!
Although reviews help sell books, personal comments are more than welcome and keep me energized for writing more. Changing lives one step at a time for the better is my goal for writing personal development books.
Many folks considered elderly by some standards are no different than as any other segment of our society. They can begin again. My life experiences have shown you’re alive for a reason. So, never give up! You’ll find in Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success examples of many who didn’t find their true purpose in life until their later years. Don’t let age be a detriment. Hit the refresh button and begin again!
For the youthful readers, thank you for letting me be on the sidelines of your personal journey. I’m cheering for you! Finding your place in this world seems overwhelming at times, but if you break it down to the basics you’ll find your way. Having made more mistakes than a few in finding my path, forgive yourself when you blunder – that’s life. Just think how exciting your memoirs will be!
I’m considering writing a sequel to Cross-Stepping and would appreciate knowing the problems you’re facing and the successes you’ve experienced. What seems to be the problem (s) for your experiencing your best life now? Fill in the contact form below to start the discussions. I can’t wait to commence this dialog.
Thank you for reading and sharing Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! In developing this transformation book, I thought if just one life was changed from reading it, I was a part of a breakthrough for that individual. This is truly a happy place to be!
When surfers hit the waters, 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 zig-zagging 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!
CAROLYN BOWEN was into life planning and career development before it was cool! With extensive advanced studies in psychology, adult learning, and career development, she has the background to guide you in becoming the best possible you! She’s not only walked the walk but perhaps can save you a few steps in finding your niche – your purpose in life. She knows how to master cross-stepping as a surfer and life coach. She can guide you in avoiding wipe-outs while discovering your niche – your purpose in life. She’s a well-read and beloved mystery author who calls on her life escapades and an adventurous imaginative spirit to create entertaining novels. Her writing credits include “Cross-Ties,” a historical romance, and “The Long Road Home,” a contemporary crime fiction mystery.
Thank you for following my blogand connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen
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Quote of the Day: “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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.
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.
Quote of the Day: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ―Hamilton Wright Mabie
Are you counting down to celebrating this holiday season? Excitement is in the air as we approach Christmas Day. Families’ traveling home for the holidays makes me feel warm and fuzzy. What are your Christmas plans?
How are you traveling this season? Whether by train, plane, or automobile always carry a great mystery read with you. Look no further than books by Carolyn M. Bowenfor entertainment.
Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted
Are you a book reviewer or blogger? Here’s a chance for the first glance of my new mystery available for pre-order after the New Year. Sign up here to receive your free ebook.
From my house to yours – happy holidays!Carolyn Bowen
Thank you for following my blogand connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen
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Quote of the Day: Social media is changing the way we communicate and the way we are perceived, both positively and negatively. Every time you post a photo or update your status, you are contributing to your own digital footprints and personal brand. – Amy Jo Martin
Today I’ve reviewed an excellent book by Matt Bertramabout building and maintaining your brand. He provides the big picture and the blueprint for attracting your ideal customer over time.
We need to understand and welcome the idea that everyone doesn’t fit into your fan base. Those who do will become a supporter and potential customer. And, that’s not all!
Now, with the right online tools and resources, you can monitor your brand and quickly take action to keep your brand in good standing without hurting yourself in the long run. This isn’t the time for “going to the mattresses” in godfather terms.
“Conversations among the members of your marketplace happen whether you like it or not. Good marketing encourages the right sort of conversations.” Seth Godin, Seth’s Blog
Note: There are many excellent monitoring sites on the Internet. For a start, you can Google your own and your business name and see what’s on the net about you. In addition, I personally use and recommend the monitoring provided by Mentionand Google Alerts. Remember, to use your own name and keywords associated with your brand.
Bertram provides a step-by-step guide for developing an authoritative brand on the world-wide-web. His in-depth explanation provides a way to attract your ideal customer. You’ll learn how to filter out what doesn’t fit your business objectives. The end results will be the development of a cohesive plan to reach people interested in your offerings.
How do you handle unfavorable comments online? First, you need the best tools, and online resources to track communications about your brand. This seasoned digital marketer integrates the answers for what to do when confronted with the negativity that’ll soften the blow to your image.
If you want to become a trusted advisor or go-to person for a specific product or service, I highly recommend reading Brand Mania.
I’d love to know about your experiences while branding your business. Leave a comment at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Shopping for a special someone in your life? Whoever it is, we’re guessing they’d love a good book, because who doesn’t? Look no further than action-packed books byCarolyn Bowen!
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Quote of the Day: Remember This December, that love weighs more than gold! Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon, American Writer
The holiday season is here and I’m counting down the days to Christmas. Everywhere I look, there’s a reminder of the coming of winter bliss.
This is the perfect time to spread good cheer and begin making plans for the New Year. What are your holiday plans?
Photo credit: Pixabay
Family gatherings come to mind and sitting beside the fireplace in the still of the night with a great book and cup of cocoa are in my forethoughts. I hope you’ll make time for yourself this season to unwind and capture the precious moments that’ll never be again.
You’ve probably noticed from my blogging that I’m doing a lot of reading during this month. As I mentioned in earlier blogs, I read to learn more about the craft of writing, and marketing. I have a rotation going and share my reviews here and Goodreadsprimarily.
Author Updates
Mynext mystery novel is going through the final stages for publishing. If you’d like to be an advance reader, join my launch (street) teamhere. I look forward to your reviews.
As you go through the paces of preparing for and participating in the fascinating adventure of the Christmas holidays, I hope you’ll share love and kindness to all! Happy Holidays – Carolyn Bowen
Photo Credit: Pixabay
I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen
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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.
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: 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.
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 blogand 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!
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 