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An Evening with James Ellroy

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

Los Angeles CA

The Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB) is hosting an evening with James Ellroy June 13th, 7:15 p.m.–10:30 p.m. at the historic Hancock Park O’Melveny estate of Brian Curran and Kevin MacLellan Los Angeles, CA 90020.

About the Author

Lee Earle “James” Ellroy is the author of the Underworld U.S.A. Trilogy: American Tabloid, The Cold Six Thousand, and Blood’s A Rover, and the L.A. Quartet novels: The Black Dahlia, The Big Nowhere, L.A. Confidential, and White Jazz.

Visit Eventbrite for more information and to reserve your ticket/s for a luminary evening with James Ellroy, a master of American mystery and crime fiction writing.

This event is organized by The Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 

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Book Review: Livia Lone by Barry Eisler

Quote for Today:  “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

Spring 2019

Spring is in the air and I’m enjoying my writing life – reading and working on book 2 of the Sydney Jones Series. As you know, I rotate my reading from craft, marketing, to the mystery-thriller genre. This is my latest read. Hope you’ll give this gripping fiction a shot!

Livia Lone (Livia Lone, #1)Livia Lone by Barry Eisler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Livia Lone opens the dialog for talking about human trafficking. It’s a worldwide criminal operation partnering for taking and fulfilling orders for people, against their will, to be distributed worldwide. This fictional account shows the political corruption and horrors associated with this heinous crime.

The psychological effects of abuse take on many forms and we get a front row seat to seeing Livia deal with years of childhood and early adulthood abuse. The suspense of not knowing if her sister is dead or alive after both were sold by their parents in Thailand haunts her.

The love for her sister keeps her going. Learning how to defend them both was her objective. She excelled at martial arts, studied criminal justice and became a cop with one purpose in mind – find and free her sister. What she did with her new found knowledge crosses the line, but it fit her agenda – vendetta against those who caused their suffering.

Barry Eisler weaves a tale of deceit that’ll keep you turning pages. In the end, you’ll be ready for the next in the series.

View all my reviews

I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen

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Meet & Greet: Author Event

Quote of the Day: “Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.” Ray Bradbury, WD

Meet & Greet!

Join me May 3rd, 7-9 p.m. for a meet and greet at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. I’m tickled to participate in their Emerging Author’s Program.  I hope to see you there. Be ready for some fun and games with giveaways. Hint: What is your favorite scene or quote from any of my novels?

As many of you know, my latest mystery-thriller is celebrating an April birthday. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is available now at your favorite bookstores. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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Author to Author: The Writing Life

Quote of the Day: You see, I am trying in all my stories to get the feeling of the actual life across – not to just depict life – or criticize it – but to actually make it alive. So that when you have read something by me, you actually experience the thing. You can’t do this without putting in the bad and the ugly as well as what is beautiful. Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

One thing I think we can all agree on is the road to discovery for authors is challenging. We write and hope for the best reception for our stories. Most times it seems as though our stories come from a place of inspiration rather than a rational decision to write and plot around a specific topic. I’m speaking for myself here. If you have a writing method that works for you, good!

I’m going to skip right to reviews and reviewers for this is the pressure point for deciding the fate of your novel.

  • The shoot-gun approach to seeking reviews thinking everyone will want to read and leave a great review is a journey filled with perils and one you’ll most likely regret.

What to do!

Find your niche, your tribe, or following many say. Don’t send out review copies or place your work on websites that are not friendly to your genre. For example, you may ask why in the world someone would download and read or attempt to read about murder mystery if they find it appalling?

They do and are subject to leaving crass reviews making it difficult for real mystery lovers to find your novel. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written in Agatha Christie’s style or the most eloquent presentation of your story. Your novel and some readers just do not match. And, Lord help you if you get an overly zealous reviewer that goes to every site your novel is published on and shares their distaste. Please beware this is cyber-stalking!

You may ask, “Didn’t they read the novel’s description, clearly stating what it was about?”

I’m with you there. If a novel is crime fiction or in similar categories, you can expect a story line with gritty details about happenings that some may find offensive. That’s why their different genres for novels on all the platforms selling books.

What to do

  • Clearly identify the genre/s your novel falls into.
  • Write an accurate book description about your novel.
  • Find where the readers hang-out who would enjoy reading your story.
  • Think about groups on social media seeking books of your genre.
  • Your website is a goldmine and where true readers will navigate to keep up with your writing. Also, your website is the real estate that you own unlike the social platforms where you may post. Think back to social sites now dissolved and the followers that you no longer have access to.
  • Become a developer and up your game by engaging your fans on your website and where they hangout.
  • Find professional reviewers in your genre. You can post their reviews to your online book platforms.
  • Don’t give-up! There are readers who will enjoy your novels and give positive reviews. An interesting part of the writer’s journey is finding your base support. Once you do that, the sky is the limit. Go create!

 

If you’d like a sample of my new psychological thriller, Primed For Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages. Note: Crime fiction, murder mystery, psychological thriller, adult rated!

I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen

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Today’s Inspiration: Book Blog Tour

Quote of the Day: “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” Dale Carnegie 

Today, I want to pay tribute to Win Kelly Charles who gives hope and inspiration to everyone she meets. Her latest book, She is CP, Butterflies of Wisdom is now up for votes on Something or OTHER publishing site.  Go here and vote for her book idea.

Check out her blog, A Diary of a Fashionista and her podcasts on itunes.

Win Kelly Charles is an inspiration. She is an author, blogger, podcaster, designer, and more.  One of her endearing qualities, is her passion for life and love of people. Whether in her business outlets or social platforms, she brings positive vibes to the table.

Check out Win’s latest release January 2019 – Smile with Dictation

Where to find Win Kelly Charles books on Amazon.

About Win Kelly Charles (Amazon bio excerpt)

Win Charles has Cerebral Palsy–she also has a thriving jewelry design company, enough metal in her feet to set off any airport’s metal detector, and a love of snowboarding. How do all of these things fit together?
Don’t be fooled. This isn’t a novel about hardships or all of the things a young woman with a disability can’t do. This is a story about LIVING, about doing it anyway, and about passion.
I hope you’ll check out Win’s books and vote for her book idea to be published and follow her Amazon Author’s Page for the latest news.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’re enjoying  this fabulous spring season. Carolyn Bowen

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Happy Birthday Sydney Jones Mysteries

Quote of the Day: “It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Today is one of the happiest days of my life. A new beginning with the release of my new novel, Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series.

The Writing Life

I began writing about Sydney Jones in early January 2018 and over a year later we’re celebrating the release. Happy Birthday to my new psychological legal thriller starring Sydney Jones.

It’s fun for me to write about people, places, and extraordinary happenings and share with readers. Writing, publishing, and marketing is a huge undertaking for most authors. The skills needed for each step in the process differ and most times requires assistance from those who rock their specialty. I’ve been blessed with connecting with the best. A special thank you to my editor, Rob Bignell and Jason Orr, graphic designer.

About Primed For Revenge

Bowen’s razor-sharp images and descriptive details draw you into the chilling pulse of the story.

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. BowenIn a conspiracy to advert prosecution in a wrongful death suit, lead attorney Sydney Jones was targeted for removal from the case of Birdman & Birdman’s prestigious client. She didn’t go quietly. There were immediate repercussions and only the fittest would survive.

Book Description

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.

Primed For Revenge, the first book in the Sydney Jones Series is available at your favorite online bookstores and local book shops. Check out these stores for your purchase options.  I look forward to your comments and reviews. Thank you!

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Last Call to Enter Giveaway!

Quote of the Day: “Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.” Alan Alda

Goodreads Giveaway

Just a quick note to my mystery-thriller fans! You’re invited to enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copies of Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. Hurry, the magic ends at midnight for entering the contest.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted

I’m looking for bloggers and reviewers to read and review Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1.  Message me with your email address for providing your personal Kindle gift code. The review copies will be emailed on the official release date – April 2, 2019. Thank you!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Check out novels by Carolyn M. Bowen. Follow my blog for the latest news about giveaways, sweeps, and more. Carolyn Bowen

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Interview with ASK WIN!

Quote for Today: “In seeking happiness for others, you will find it in yourself.”   Unknown

Interview with ASK WIN, Carolyn M. Bowen

Exciting news! Tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 – 1:00 PM MST, 3:00 PM EST, for a meet-greet with me on ASK WIN!

You will find the hostess of ASK WIN embodies the belief of helping others. She is my superhero for making the most of your life. I want you to meet her! I am indeed fortunate to be on her show.

Ask Win, Carolyn M. Bowen

Counting down! Are you ready? Early bird special ~ Preorder Now! Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series by Carolyn M. Bowen.

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series
Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series

I hope you’ll tune in to the ASK WIN show for the latest news about my writing life. Follow my blog for the latest giveaways, like the one below! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/289379

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Valentine’s Day 2019

Valentine's Day 2019, Carolyn M. Bowen
Valentine’s Day 2019

Quote for Today: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

A simple definition for Valentine’s Day: A holiday for expressing love to the one you have an intense feeling of deep affection. This translates to one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, florists, and chocolate companies.

History of Valentine’s Day

The auspicious beginning of this holiday has been filtered through the ages. The lasting legacy is about Saint Valentine. It is the story about a romantic priest who defied Roman Emperor Claudius II’s order that all marriages and engagements be canceled so he could fill his army.

The ruler believed the difficulty in recruiting soldiers was because the men were married. When he discovered that Valentine was secretly marrying couples, he was beaten and put to death on February 14 (circa 270 A.D.). 

Through the ages, Valentine’s Day celebrations have changed and some would argue its luster has been lost. Yet, love never fails. Share your love with someone special this Valentine’s Day.

Suggested Reading

Carolyn Bowen, Cross-Ties

Cross-Ties – Adventure/Romance

“Great epic story of love, life, and loss” Amazon Reviewer

Follow my blog for the latest about my new releases, giveaways and more! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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Cover Reveal – Primed For Revenge

Quote of the Day: “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums

books by Carolyn M. Bowen, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1
I believe every writer’s dream is to find the right words to connect with readers. I know that’s my mission and feedback/reviews from you make a difference for connecting the dots.

I’ve been busy preparing the launch for my new mystery-thriller, Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. The Kindle version is available for preorder ONLY on Amazon and will be added to other sites upon the official release date of April 2, 2019.

At that time bookstores across the world will have the paperback in stock and available for purchase. There are NO official online options for purchasing the paperback until April 2nd. Just in case you’ve seen some – not official!

Here’s a short book trailer announcing the book. I hope you will preorder at this low early bird offering. You can thank me later! Keep reading for a giveaway now in progress.


Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/289379

Thank you for being an important part of my author’s journey. I’m continuing to make changes to my website and social sites. Stay tuned for the best is yet to come! Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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