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!
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!
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
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!
April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. William Shakespeare
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.
Latest 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
April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
The diamond is April’s birthstone.
This month has many month-long programs: National Poetry Writing Month, National Financial Literacy Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
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.
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!
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Today we are chatting with Paul Anthony about his background, writing life, and latest titles. Get ready to be educated and entertained by one of the best writers of our time.
Author Paul Anthony
Featured Book Title: Septimus
Genre: Historical Fiction / Thriller
Interview Questions:
Hello, thank you for agreeing to this interview.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Answer: I’m a retired police officer living in the Lake District, England. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the UK to live. We are a mile from Hadrian’s Roman Wall, ten miles from the Scottish border, and about twenty miles from Lake Ullswater. My wife is a retired nurse and we have three children and six grandchildren. A former counter-terrorism detective, I specialize in crime thrillers, true crime, espionage and anthologies for various charities. I’ve been published by a vanity publisher and a commissioning traditional publisher, but I much prefer the self-publishing path. I describe myself as an independent publisher responsible for editing, book covers, marketing, and everything else that goes with the book business. I have absolutely no desire to look for a traditional publisher and often wonder why so-called ‘indie writers’ spend endless hours looking for a publisher. It’s quite possible to achieve tremendous goals without help from these big companies.
Discuss your newest book.
Answer: My latest novel is entitled ‘Septimus’ and it is a welcome departure from my usual foray into crime genres. Having written two detective series I decided to take a break, refresh the mind, and produce something entirely different. Septimus is about the Roman invasion of the Lake District, a man called Hallin who stands in the way of the invasion, and a subsequent incursion into Caledonia (Scotland) where the Romans never really manage to succeed. More importantly, it’s about the characters in the book and how they interact with each other in times of war and peace. Hallin is the leader of a tribe and trades his skill with the Romans in order to try and forge a peace between them. This is quite a complex thing to try and achieve given a constant background of jealousy, treachery, betrayal, and murder as individuals within their own peer groups try to overcome each other and increase their personal power base. Some years back I wrote the history of the family name and learned more about my great uncle. His name was Septimus too. He was one of the first recorded white men to cross the River Sioux complex into Indian country. He was a scout for the US Cavalry and lived in what is now called South Dakota. Readers of Septimus will soon see how my great uncle’s life story inspired ‘Septimus’ and what drove me to write the novel.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Answer: I suspect it all began with reading. As a youngster, I read books written by Enid Blyton. A famous UK writer, she wrote children’s adventure books featuring the ‘famous five’ and the ‘secret seven’. These stories took you into the adventurous mind of a child and, somewhere inside there, it sticks. When you come out the other end, you want to be a writer yourself because inside you think – I wonder if I could write stories too?
What are your current projects?
Answer: I’m currently writing the next Boyd crime thriller. Boyd is a Cumbrian detective who gets posted into the nation’s Special Crime Unit. Here, he works with elite officers on major crime, serial homicide, terrorism, espionage, and all things internationally evil. These books have proved very popular over the years and have an excellent following here in the UK. Each one is a ‘stand-alone’.
What books have most influenced your life?
Answer: It’s not so much the books as the authors. My favorite authors are Gerald Seymour, Jack Higgins, Clive Cussler, and Terence Strong. They are thriller writers. Comparatively, you’ll often see me deep inside a non-fiction book studying another language, a religion, a political or economic doctrine, a biography, or a sports manual.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Answer: I was studying for a degree and writing assignments at 4 am every Sunday morning. When I finished the degree, my wife suggested I continued and inspired me to write my first novel. She told me I had a book deep inside me waiting to get out. I followed her advice and eventually published The Fragile Peace. Since then, I’ve written over 20 novels in the various crime genres but I tend not to write at 4 am on a Sunday morning anymore.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Answer: All my novels carry a message of some kind and that is not at all unusual. Crime writers generally promote good over evil and readers find themselves taking sides with the various characters that an author has written about. They are not that different from romance novels because readers find themselves drawn inside a good book supporting a character (or not) and wanting to know what happens next’. I try to entertain readers whilst also enlightening and informing wherever possible. My novel, White Eagle, for example, offers an explanation as to how terrorism can be avoided. Sound crazy and unlikely? Not if you turned the clock back to the end of various wars and incursions and rewrote the so-called peace agreements. (In some cases there are no peace agreements, hence we have continuing conflict) Terrorism, if you want to focus on that for a moment, is generally rooted in religion and sovereignty. Delivering a thought-provoking message at the same time as delivering a good read is not a bad thing to do.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Answer: Constantly developing new plots that haven’t been used before whilst simultaneously writing at a pace that will keep the reader held and enthusiastic about the book they are reading.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Answer: Finding the time. I’m retired and enjoying life yet I still don’t have enough hours in the day.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
Answer: I’ve always looked upon my writing career as a hobby. Finding quality time to do something you enjoy is quite easy. You just move the goalposts so that you can do what you do best.
What book are you reading now?
Answer: I’ve just finished ‘Blue’ by John Sutherland. It’s an autobiography written by a senior police officer here in the UK and it’s an excellent read.
What does your writing process look like?
Answer: I write when it suits me and when the plot is ready to go down on paper. Most of the time I form a plot in my head, sit and make notes, draft it out into chapters and then – when I’m ready – I sit down and put it all together properly. It can take anything from three to nine months for me to write a book that I’m more than happy with.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Answer: Enjoy time with our family mainly – but I enjoy the gym and weightlifting, learning to speak Spanish, playing a guitar, and ballroom dancing.
From where do you gain your inspiration?
Answer: Usually from thinking about what I am about to write next.
What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
Answer: The advantages of self-publishing are that you can be totally independent and enjoy a work-life balance of your own structure. The disadvantages of being published by a large company is that you are in effect employed by them to write to timescales set by them. Both courses of action can be immensely successful. It really depends how much you want to put into the route you take and how much freedom you want to enjoy yourself. I think the reality is that all writers are vain. It’s in their nature. Another reality is that there are very few authors who actually make a lifelong living from writing books. Of course, they exist, but there are thousands of writers who will never make it a full-time life-enduring career for a hatful of reasons. Being retired, you can perhaps see why I favor a course that delivers a good work-life balance.
How do you market your books?
Answer: Daily via social media, by word of mouth, guest speaking at various functions, author interviews like this one, and having a good batch of business cards that are handed to people you meet on life’s journey. Wherever I go, I usually present a card detailing my website to anyone who might be interested in reading.
Why did you choose this route?
Answer: Historically, experience reveals what works and what doesn’t. Basically, marketing is a numbers game. The bigger the audience you create, the bigger your readership can grow.
What are your views on social media for marketing?
Answer: I think the book groups on Facebook are excellent devices to present your work. Using Twitter and LinkedIn also provide an audience and lead to more connections.
Would you or do you use a PR agency?
Answer: No!
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Answer: Try to market every day on various platforms and try to diversify the style of marketing so that you are not seen to be delivering the same constant message over and over again. A book cover displayed is great but when displayed continuously day after day to the same platforms, it becomes potentially boring and doesn’t catch the eye of the reader.
What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Answer: Coffee time in the morning and a half hour burst at night.
What do you do to get book reviews?
Answer: Nothing at all. I always hope for reviews but I don’t chase people for them. I think that is unfair. In any event, I’m very skeptical about reviews since there are far too many people willing to pay for reviews, give books away for reviews, swop for reviews, barter, and trade for reviews – almost to the point of ridicule. The world of ‘reviews’ lacks honesty on occasions.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Answer: Work hard, keep on writing, and never give your book away for free. Everything has a value however good or bad it is.
How can readers discover more about you and you work
Answer: Links to my website and blog site are below, as well as my Amazon page.
Thank you, Paul, for allowing us to get to know you and have a glimpse into your writing life. We appreciate your sharing some important points for writers of all genres and look forward to reading your novels.
This is where you can find me on book platforms and social media sites. 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!
February – I love you!
It was a dark and stormy morning providing the perfect background for writing my next crime fiction. I am writing again and am thankful for my fans that have encouraged me to write a new novel. You are most appreciated!
I’m looking for beta readers to provide feedback on the finished manuscript and book reviewers for my current novels. If you’re interested, just let me know and I’ll provide a Kindle version for your reading pleasure.
I’ve spent the last few months studying my craft believing that it’ll improve my writing skills. I can’t wait to see the results applied to my new novel. Of course, the studies will continue but this does dip into my time slot for reviewing new books by my favorite authors. But I’ll catch up shortly!
I don’t know about you – but I love the month of February. Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for me. It’s like love is in the air. Do you have anything special planned for the holiday?
Counting down…
Another reason I enjoy February is that I know spring is right around the corner. For me, that means I need to get serious about my exercise program. I want to look especially “fine” for the coming seasons. If you have a routine that provides buff abs, send it to me. Right now, I have to hide from my cats with my exercise ball to keep them from popping it with their claws.
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!
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 mygoals.
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!
Quote of the Day: Real seriousness in regard to writing is one of two absolute necessities. The other, unfortunately, is talent. Ernest Hemingway
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.
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!
Quote of the Day: The 99.99% of all castles in America are located in fish tanks. Demetri Martin
My Great Expectations for Bubba Blue
If 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.
It’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.
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 – Amazonand 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 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 Holidays, Carolyn Bowen
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by soon and say hello!
Quote of the Day: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.” George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
It’s a pleasure to introduce Mark Kloss the author of Game Hunter! Here’s a brief capture of what you can expect from this popular novel.
Zombies in the deserted ruins of the City of London are an endangered species. The only thing keeping them from extermination is the hit reality TV show ‘Game Hunter,’ where people pay to go on a zombie killing safaris. Those left are hardly dangerous and viewer ratings are down unless something changes the show will be scrapped.
The Elders have convinced male and female half-zombie teenagers, reluctant Tremayne and Fiery Red, to find a further five fighters and take on seven of the most ferocious zombie hunters in a series of three gruesome rounds of Game Hunter. They will be feverishly followed by a worldwide audience and the final outcome will determine their annihilation or possible cure.
Yet with the fate of their zombie cousins at stake, a missing beloved sister to find, a budding romance, plus intrigue and conspiracy around every darkened corner, just staying alive until the first round seems to be a deadly struggle in itself.
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 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 Homeand 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.
Reviewers Wanted
I would like reviewers for my books. If you enjoy Mysteryand/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 blogfor 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!
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 