Quote of the Day: “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale
What’s Up?
We are busy getting ready for the launch of Chance – A Novel. Don’t forget to join me on Twitter for Chance’s birthday party, November 5th at 9 a.m. EST.
We’ll be giving away some cool prizes for mystery lovers. From a signed copy of this latest thriller to t-shirts, and a Kindle edition of Chance – A Novel, many goodies are up for grabs. Follow the Twitter Chats for details about how to win your favorites in the giveaway@cmbowenauthor.
Download and read book 1 in the Sydney Jones Series, Primed For Revenge now for just 99 cents. You’ll be ready for more action coming November 5th. Preorder Chance – A Novel today!
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for October 14th, 4-6 p.m. EST to join me and fellow guest authors on Blog Talk Radio. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of juicy comments to take you behind the scenes of the authors’ lives.
Thank you for following my writing life and leaving notes of encouragement. I am particularly grateful for the many people who’ve reviewed and promoted my latest novel. A special thank you to PromoNation for today’s cool YouTube Video. Thank you all for your support. You are appreciated! 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
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Quote of the Day: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou
Today my attitude is one of gratitude. Frankly, my days go better when I begin the day being grateful for my health, family, friends, and fans.
I have many things, personal and professional, to be thankful for. I appreciate the many people who’ve reached out to me in the spirit of collaboration or simply to support me and my writing life. You folks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, you rock! Thanks for liking and sharing my posts. Check out my media page for more interviews, and blog posts, and articles about my books.
Here’s my latest interview with the Awesome Gang after completing Chance – A Novel, Sydney Jones Series, Book 2. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my writing life. Go have a great week! Carolyn M. Bowen
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: “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: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Spring is about new beginnings and having fun with beach season right around the corner. The days grow longer when the summer solstice arrives June 21st. I can’t think of a better way to kick start the season than with a fun giveaway for loyal and new readers. Let the fun begin!
Game Plan
Hit the subscribe (follow) button and share onTwitter tagging me with your favorite quote, scene, or why you like a certain character from any of my novels. Use hashtag: #ReadersGiveaway
Novels by Carolyn M. Bowen
Cross-Ties, The Long Road Home, and Primed For Revenge, The Sydney Jones Series Book 1.
For example Cross-Ties – quote “Bless Your Heart,” Leah figured out the southern meaning behind the phrase. It wasn’t as expected. #ReadersGiveaway
Winner Prizes
Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Carolyn Bowen’s book of your choice and a $25 gift certificate. The winner is selected by the most tweets with the hashtag #ReadersGiveaway – Deadline midnight June 21st.
Deadline: Midnight -June 21st
Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. I hope to see you on Twitter soon sharing this fun giveaway.
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!
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
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: “Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to makes speeches. Just believing is usually enough.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Most authors live for those high-five moments when readers make you proud you’re a writer. I am no different and social media provides the perfect backdrop for hearing from your fans.
Earlier this week one of my fans tweeted about Cross-Ties novel making a connection between Onedin Line and Hornblower, exciting books, series, and movie.
Needless to say, I’ve been on cloud nine – or higher since then. Being compared with some great writers is an experience you’d want to have again, and again.
I want to say a special thank you to my fans. I appreciate your reading and reviewing my novels. For those of you who haven’t read Cross-Ties, this weekend you can download it for free from my website. I ask that you follow my blogso you’ll be the first to know the latest news and leave a review on your favorite platform. Carolyn Bowen
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!
Social Media Hangouts!
These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!
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Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 