to so Many People On this, the week-eve (?) of my first novel making its way into the world, it’s appropriate to take some time and give thanks to those who got me here. The list is long and (I am sure) full of gaps where I’ve forgotten a name or overlooked an influence. So, to the hundreds of folks who’ve touched my writing life and shaped my craft, I say thank you. And let me be clear: I NEED writers and fellow creatives in my life. Sharing this creative journey with others in the… Read Article →
Posts by: Bowen
Today I give you nothing. I’d apologize, but why? What good would it do? Today is the Tuesday I decided to take a break. Oh, there is plenty on the horizon: book release, conference, me teaching at conference, WiP, fitness kickstart/reboot, the Dungeons & Dragons movie (fun times) and sooo much good bourbon out there (and rum). But I’m drained. Sucked dry this week. So, for my own health, I will not give you a minimum 300-word post because that is what the SEO algorithm says is required for maximum interaction. Instead, I will give… Read Article →
A 3-Part Series on How to get the Most Out of a Conference Part 3: Be Thankful Writers conferences rock. I mean that. They are pure energy and by the time they’re done, you feel sparks in your fingertips. You’re juiced and ready to fly (or write, right now). And yet, far too many attend a conference (often at sizable expense) without the faintest idea how to truly get their money’s–and effort’s–worth. In this last of three installments, we will look at what to focus on once you’ve stepped out the door and headed home…. Read Article →
A Three-Part Series Covering How to Get the Most Out of a Writers Conference Part 2: Be Friendly A writers conference is a magical time. Writers from different locations and backgrounds, all with the imagination, dream, and drive to put their tales to paper (or digits) gather together to drink too much coffee and talk shop. And yet, far too many attend a conference (often at sizable expense) without the faintest idea how to truly get their money’s–and effort’s–worth. Over three installments I will give you a cursory look at what you should do to… Read Article →
A Three-Part Series Covering How to Get the Most Out of a Writers Conference Part 1: Be Prepared I love attending a writers conference. There is a vibe unique and powerful when so many creative souls are gathered together united by a singular event. And yet, far too many attend a conference (often at sizable expense) without the faintest idea how to truly get their money’s–and effort’s–worth. Over three installments I will give you a cursory look at what you should do to maximize a conference experience. In this first part we will look at… Read Article →
March 6th will forever remain a sore date. It marks the bittersweet anniversary of my mom’s passing. I say the anniversary is bittersweet because the loss still pains me but the lessons and memories she left with me are all frosted with joy, tenderness, and wisdom. There is a pain to loss that eases with time yet never truly leaves us. For me it is rooted in wondering what experiences have been missed because she is gone. She never got to meet her granddaughter. I never got to lean on her for parenting advice. We… Read Article →
My first novel will step forth into the world on April 18, 2023. Exceptionals has been a labor of love nearly four years in the making. From short story to novel, it has seen critique group feedback, beta reader comments, and edits galore. However, as I’ve just discovered, when it comes to honing the fine, knife’s edge of a finished novel, the power is in the proof. Proof copies are the first drafts of the published novel. They are the initial look at how the cover design fits on the selected format. Mine, for example,… Read Article →