Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, my name is Carolyn Bowen and I’m a mystery-thriller author. I enjoy writing mysteries with an underlying theme of romance usually set in intriguing scenic locations. I love to travel and from the early age of reading Around the World in 80 Days, I’ve wanted to do just that and share the cultural experience in mystery novels.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Long Road Home’ book?
The Long Road Home was a heartfelt driven experience. I knew I was ready to write a new novel and it was approaching winter, and making a road trip could be hazardous in the snow. Yet, I felt like if I could spend some time in Charleston, a book was waiting to unfold and it did.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I am a long-time Ernest Hemingway fan. You can check my blog (cmbowenauthor.com) and read several posts about him and his books. I especially like his advice to writers. In my latest Sydney Jones Series, Chance – A Novel, he takes prominence in the Cuba setting where he wrote many of his novels.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favourite places are beach towns. I especially like the beaches of Northwest Florida with its crystal white sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle.
Q5. Is there a lot to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes, my writing style is a combination of being a plotter and pantser. I plan out my novel in advance and then let go and fly by the seat of my pants – pantsing. I enjoy seeing where it takes me and if I feel off course I can go back and look at the plotting and either change it or leave it as is.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘CHANCE’ book?
Chance – A Novel, book 2 in the Sydney Jones Series came together quickly after publishing Primed for Revenge. This was another one of the stories that was waiting to be told.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
All my books are on Amazon and shared by well-known publishers online. You can also find my novels in bookstores wherever fine books are sold.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cross-Ties’ and for the book ‘ONE’?
The title for Cross-Ties came from the multigenerational ties of the main characters. The ancestral impact was clearly felt by future generations of the family. The book cover was designed to reflect the movement of the family in geographical terms.
The title for ONE – A Novel was decided before the first word was written. After reviewing my manuscript, I realized the desire of the main character was the title. The book cover shows the possibilities of that occurring. You’ll need to read the novel to understand the challenges of that happening.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Every day is a new day and my writing reflects the excitement I feel when writing. I question whether my characters staying in line today or are they acting out. Usually, the pantser wins and away we go!
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Oh, that’s a BIG yes, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Links: Websites and Social Media
Website (w/blog) cmbowenauthor.com – http://bit.ly/CMBNovels
Website (latest releases) carolynbowen.com – https://cmbowenauthor.com
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/CBNovels
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/CMBGoodreads
Social Media
Instagram: @carolynbowenauthor https://www.instagram.com/carolynbowenauthor/
Twitter: @cmbowenauthor – https://twitter.com/CMBowenAuthor
Facebook: http://bit.ly/CBowenFB
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/CMBPinterest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/CBowenYouTube
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