Lee Child goes the distance with Past Tense; all the way back just asking – begging for trouble. Jack Reacher’s usual mode of transportation, hitchhiking, across America from Maine to California, brought him to a fork in the road deep in the New England woods. A place he’d never been before but the town where his father was born. Curious, he takes the detour.
Not far away as the crow flies, a young Canadian couple on their way to New York to sell a treasure has car trouble. They’re stranded and taken by the tow truck driver to a motel for the night until their car could be fixed in the morning. A friendly place at first glance, perhaps a little too friendly thought the couple.
By morning, Reacher is in the city clerk’s office looking for answers about his family’s home. He knew his father had lived there in the past, left and never returned. The city clerk’s office informed him no one by the name Reacher had ever lived there. He wondered if he was wrong about the location or if his father never lived there. Haunted by memories from the past, he had to investigate.
From day one, Reacher gets into some tight places because of his code of honor. Not that he was looking for trouble, but someone needed to take a stand. He was there, so it was left up to him. Detective Amos, a former MP, encourages him to leave town before something worse happened.
Reacher wasn’t finished exploring his father’s life and intended to stay. And, things did get worse as the Detective promised. Hidden out of sight, in a motel where the sign had been removed the young Canadians found themselves pinned into a bizarre experiment unable to leave. They wondered if and how they’d ever escape their tormentors.
Their stories converge as Reacher uncovers secrets about his family. Looking into the past can be deadly, but living in the present in Laconia was pure hell. The Reverend Patrick G would attest to this fact.
Thoughts for Today: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” Bernard M. Baruch
This month has started off with a bang! I was tickled to see “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” ranked by Amazon as a #1Bestseller hot new release immediately upon the July publication through August 9th. Now, thanks to my fans it’s still hanging out at the top of the list.
I’m offering a chance to WIN aFREE Kindle version on an Amazon Giveaway. It’s also free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited users!
Are you a Goodreads follower? Enter for a chance to win one of 50 copies of “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” by Carolyn Bowen. Learn how to change your world one step at a time.
As you can see, I’m pretty excited about this new personal development book. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.
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!
Quote of the Day: It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. Charles Dickens
March – A Time For Renewal
Every season is my season. I enjoy experiencing the contrast of each new season from the last. It’s a marking of time and enjoying the moments, hours, days… that add up to a lifetime. It’s a perfect reason to celebrate each season.
My Writing Life
I’m pleased to report that I’m making real progress on my new mystery, crime fiction novel. Thank you for the “adda girl” encouragement and support of my writing.
Crime Fiction/Mystery Book Reviewers
I’m looking for book reviewers who would like to participate as a beta reader and receive an advance copy prior to the release date. I’d love your feedback!
Fun March Facts
Here are some fun facts about March 2018.
March is the third month of the year. It’s the second of seven months to have a length of 31 days. In the Northern Hemisphere, the meteorological beginning of spring occurs on the first day of March.
March meaning and symbolism is solved when we learn the month is named after Mars. Martius, the moniker for Mars is actually the original term for the month of March in Roman calendars.
March Calendar of Events
March 4: Academy Awards
March 8: Int’l Women’s Day
March 11: Daylight Savings Time
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20: Daylight Savings Time, N. Hemisphere
March 25: Palm Sunday
March 30: Good Friday
March 31: Passover Starts
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!
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: “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
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?
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
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!
Past Tense by Lee Child
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 