Showing posts with label Karen Brown Tyson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Karen Brown Tyson. Show all posts

Time to Reset Blog and Podcast Tour (and Giveaway)

Monday, April 19, 2021
Now announcing our next blog tour with author Karen Brown Tyson. Her book is perfect for anyone who wants to reset their life and faith walk with God.

About the Book

Has your life been interrupted? Do you want to know how to move forward? It's time to stop running in circles. When we experience setbacks and disappointments in life, God is ready to not only offer refuge but is prepared to provide redirection.

In Time to Reset: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Sidelined, Disappointed or Knocked Off Course, Karen Brown Tyson helps us: 

  • learn how to surrender to God's plan,
  • become the best version of ourselves, God created us to be; and
  • refresh our faith.

How can we get our lives back on track and find time to connect with God? This 21-day devotional will show you how to reset your mindset to move forward with renewed strength.

This book is now available for purchase on Amazon, Thrift Books, and Barnes and Noble. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Karen Brown Tyson


Karen Brown Tyson is an award-winning author. Her first book, Time to Refresh: A21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined, was named 2019 Finalist in the Religion: Christian Inspirational Category of the 2019 Best Book Awards.
 
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from West Virginia University and a Master of Arts in English from National University.  In addition, Karen has a Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministry and postgraduate certificates in Christian Leadership, Theological Studies and Biblical Studies from Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity. Her ministry concentration focuses on the expository teaching of the Word of God in the areas of spiritual discipline, discipleship, leadership, apologetics and New Testament theology. 
 
Karen has served in God’s kingdom in a variety of ways including her most recent assignments with the Deacon's Wives, Women, Evangelism, Social Media and Helps ministries at her church, Elevation Baptist Church. Karen also serves as the Dean of the Elevation Bible Institute where she teaches courses on spiritual discipline, evangelism, and Christian apologetics. 
 
She is a graduate of the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild apprentice program. As a writer, she has developed several Christian ministry tools and training materials for her local church. 
Karen and her husband of 25 years, Kelvin, have one son and they live in North Carolina.
 
Find Karen online:

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First of all, congratulations on your new book! What led you to write this devotional? Thank you! 

Karen: After writing my first book, Time to Refresh, I wanted to inspire people to keep moving forward. So many times we have life-altering events, like a job loss or the end of a relationship, that leave us feeling unsure about our next step. For my second book, Time to Reset, I decided to focus on how to reset different areas of my life, including my faith walk. 

WOW: I love that you said in a recent interview with WOW, that God calls us to inspire one another. I totally agree! For those of us, not feeling very inspirational right now, how do we find the answers that can lead to that sort of growth? 

Karen: I truly believe we’re here to help one another. With so much going on in the world right now, we could all use inspiration and support. If you are dealing with life’s challenges, tell God exactly how you feel. If you are mad, frustrated, or worried, let God know your heart. If you are having a hard time, ask God to show you how to deal with what’s going on in your life. If you know someone who is going through a tough time, offer to help by meeting with them regularly just to talk. If they have questions about a new career path, help them find the answers. 

WOW: I love your advice! Talking to God has helped me in so many ways in my own faith walk. You work one-on-one with writers all the time. What is a common struggle that you see writers deal with? 

Karen: One of the most common struggles I see in new writers is making time to write. On the one hand, they’re eager to write, but on the other hand, they find it hard to fit writing into their schedule due to other commitments. I understand exactly how they feel. For a long time, I used to struggle to find time to write. Until I decided to make time to write. The first thing I help new writers do is to establish a writing routine where they block out time on their calendar to write or work on tasks related to their writing projects. 

WOW: It makes such a difference to block out time. Okay, you are a content marketing pro! I love your blog and website. How do you keep up with it and get your blog post ideas? 

Karen: That is so sweet and a huge compliment, thank you! In 2017, when I made the decision to become a blogger I knew I wanted to offer a valuable resource for people. I did a lot of research before I started blogging and I took a course to become certified in content marketing. 

As a blogger, you know that blogging takes lots of time and focus. To keep track of everything, I have a content strategy for the year, which includes a content calendar that outlines the topics I plan to cover each month. To find ideas, I read lots of articles and read comments to see what people are talking about or the areas where they need help. I try to offer solutions to real problems. 

WOW: That level of research and planning shows me how much of a true expert you are! What are you working on next? 

Karen: I’m working on a few writing projects. One project I’m working on is my first fiction book. It’s in the very early stages but I’m working on an outline right now. My other writing project is the next book in the Time to Grow in Grace series called, Time to Rejoice, which I hope to publish later this year or in early 2022.

WOW: Count me as your first reader when your fiction book comes out! And good luck on the tour!

--- Blog Tour Dates

April 19th @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Karen Brown Tyson's blog and podcast tour of her book Time to Reset. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy for yourself.

April 20th @ Bookwoman Joan
Joan is reviewing Karen Brown Tyson's devotional Time to Reset.

April 22nd @ Jill Sheets Blog
Visit Jill's blog and read her review of Karen Brown Tyson's devotional Time to Reset.

April 25th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole will be reviewing Karen Brown Tyson's devotional Time to Reset.

April 29th @ The Frugalista Mom
Join Rozelyn as she reviews Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson.

April 30th @ A Storybook World
Deirdra will be featuring Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson on her blog.

May 5th @ Crafty Moms Share
Join Carrie as she reviews Karen Brown Tyson's devotional Time to Reset.

May 6th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Beverley will be reviewing Time to Reset on her blog.

May 8th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews Blog
Lisa will be interviewing writer Karen Brown Tyson about her book, writing journey, and more.

May 12th @ Look to the Western Sky
Margo reviews Time to Reset on her blog today.

May 21st @ Strength 4 Spouses
Wendi reviews Karen Brown Tyson's inspiring devotional Time to Reset.

May 22nd @ Leslie's Voice
Leslie will be reviewing Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson.

May 23rd @ Wildwood Reads
Join Megan as she reviews Karen Brown Tyson's devotional Time to Reset.

--- Podcast Tour 

The Polished Perspective
Join Karen at the Polished Perspective podcast, a show that empowers women through etiquette, polish and poise.

The Stephen Ivey Show
Join Karen as she talks about her new devotional over at the Stephen Ivey Show.

The Awakened Feminist
Join Karen on the Awakened Feminist podcast and get inspired!

Breathe Podcast
Make sure you listen to Karen on the Breathe podcast.

The Walk Show Podcast
Karen shares her journey with the Walk Show podcast.

The Shift Podcast
Listen to Karen's podcast episode with the Shift podcast.


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a copy of Time to Reset by Karen Brown Tyson! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends May 2nd at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be announced the next day on the Rafflecopter widget and we will follow up via email. Good luck!


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The Gift of Falling Forward: Interview with Karen Brown Tyson

Thursday, February 18, 2021


 By Margaret Buapim


Karen Brown Tyson had been here before, wondering how to recover professionally and personally after a lay off. Multiple layoffs in fact. With it came the need to reframe what was once seen as a career failure and relegated to a place of silence. It was what drew me to Karen’s work in the first place and the works of the growing number of writers who are addressing the shame that can block one from authentically moving forward after a job loss, goal fail, or repeated rejection.

Here at WOW, we’ve come to recognize it as a serendipitous chance to “fall forward” and writers like Karen Brown Tyson are taking the lead in showing us how.  

In Time to Refresh, her debut title, Karen shares her journey of allowing herself to “fall” into purpose.  Written as a 21-Day Devotional guide, she simultaneously encourages readers to reflect on their own experience, discern their purpose and anchor their motivation for a new path to success. 

Previously featured on the WOW! Muffin Blog, Karen enthusiastically agreed that the new year is the perfect time to start over. 

WOW: Thank you again for agreeing to share a little more with WOW readers on how to begin again after the unexpected happens. I'm currently reading your devotional, Time to Refresh. I’m intrigued with how you were able to turn the obvious pain of job loss into motivation for beginning a writing career.  Can you talk about the decision process to try something new rather than a focus on the familiar path - speaking and speaking tours? 

Karen: It’s interesting that you asked me why I decided to write a book versus going on tour.  Throughout my career, I have been blessed to travel extensively to places like London, Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, and Ireland.  However, my dream has always been to write a book to share with the world. I found it hard to focus on writing throughout all of my travels. The issue was that I didn't have a writing routine.  Once I got laid off, it was easier for me to slow down in order to find the rhythm of my writing routine.  Once I slowed down and changed my mindset, that’s when I was able to start managing my writing life. 

WOW: Great advice for us to slow down and find the rhythm of our writing routine.  Along with that, you mentioned a changed your mindset. Can you share a little more about the need for a changed mindset?

Karen: Sure. For too long, I put my writing and creative dreams on the backburner. Instead, I spent all of my time and energy focused on work, school, family commitments, and friends. By the time I helped everyone else, I never had time for my writing. Once, I made the decision to stop allowing other things to get in the way of my writing dreams, I was able to move forward. Instead of finding time to write. I made time to write.

WOW: I’m hearing a changed mindset that involved commitment. At the time you began writing, this topic of a career fail was rarely written about or acknowledged publicly by those who have experienced it. What gave you the confidence that there would be an audience receptive to your work in this format and with this theme? 

Karen: Besides being a lover of devotional books myself, I firmly believe God calls us to inspire one another. Everyone goes through tough times. Once we go through our experiences, I think we grow by sharing with others. I realized that so many people were getting laid off.  In talking to people, I could see that some were okay while others were really struggling to find answers so I wrote Time to Refresh to help people find hope. 

WOW: Definitely needed especially after what we’ve been through in 2020. It resonates and validates where we’ve been and gives the opportunity to heal while planning the move forward. So, the process of writing Time to Refresh was a labor of love, but one that you also took full ownership of publishing wise. Was that a conscious decision or did you seek representation and publishing through traditional means?

Karen: No. From the time God gave me the idea to write the book, I saw myself self-publishing rather than going the traditional route. Self-publishing allowed me to publish the book within my timeframe.

WOW: Dealing with your own experience so authentically that makes a lot of sense. It’s certainly a great book birthing experience. I love that not only have you been able to find an audience for Time to Refresh but you’ve been able to build a solid platform that continues to expand. I’d describe that as a successful authorpreneurship. When you think of that term what comes to mind and how have you applied it in your writing career?

Karen: When I think of an authorpreneur I think of someone who operates their writing career like a business. An authorpreneur is responsible for everything from writing to marketing to paying the bills. In my role as authorpreneur, it also means always thinking about the next book idea or writing project. In terms of writing, I have decided to make Time to Refresh part of a three-part series. I am also enjoying running my own writing and coaching business called Constant Communicators.  
 
WOW: Wonderful reminder in your business name that is also a marketing caveat – As writers, we are always telling our story platform-wise and in connecting with our audience. It takes courage! What can you tell other writers about the process of writing and the lessons you’ve learned since publishing Time to Refresh?

Karen: I never wanted to use Time to Refresh to call out my previous employer for laying me off.  I chose to focus on my response to the layoff as a way to help my readers overcome similar challenges in their lives.  I would encourage writers to focus on what’s inside - how they feel about overcoming the obstacle without spending too much time focused on the people that may have caused it. Also, although I have come to enjoy everything about building an author platform, the most important lesson learned is it takes time. Building an author platform is more of a marathon than a sprint.

WOW: Great advice. You don’t have to pressure yourself to try and make it happen overnight!  So, we’ve processed the experience of a layoff, firing, sidelining experience, what do we do next to start over? 

Karen: I encourage my clients to honestly assess where they are today and where they want to be tomorrow with their writing goals. I ask clients to take inventory of what’s going on in their life right now that requires their time and attention. From there, I encourage them to make small changes that allow them to fit writing and creativity into their daily routine.

WOW: Thank you so much Karen for agreeing to share these tips with us - honest reflection, a changed mindset, prioritizing and then executing our writing goals – a solid foundation to build with. Any teasers you would like to give regarding your new release?

Karen: Certainly! My newest book, Time to Reset: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Sidelined, Disappointed or Knocked Off Course, just released in print at the end of January 2021 and as an ebook this month.  

WOW: Great. We’ll be sure to check it out!


*


Think 2021 may be your year to begin a writing career, refresh your initial dreams to be an author, or enhance your goals in writing by getting specific about goal posts?  Try these suggestions to get started:  Reframe your view of obstacles as a chance to revisit your goals. Reframing how we view an experience allows us to remain unstuck and open to opportunities; Journal as a way to dig deep and gain clarity in order to discover the why and how of your journey. Your journal entries can be the starting point for great writing material as well as motivation reinforcement; Share your story as part of building your author platform. You may find that it helps you discover a niche and audience previously overlooked.

Remember, this is a marathon rather than a sprint! If you have not already started your writing journey, life may be hinting its time. 

Karen Brown Tyson is the author of Time to Refresh, A 21-Day devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined, and Time to Reset, A 21-Day devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined.

***



Margaret Buapim is the author of Ring Envy. She has contributed to Guide Magazine (2000) and WOW! Women-on-Writing’s Friday Speak Out (2017). Her interview with New York Times Best Selling Author, Mary Monroe is featured in the June 2020 WOW! Women-on-Writing Ezine and Newsletter. Margaret recently edited The Shameless Plug: Curse of My Father, Series Book II by author Taunishia Zoa and offers ghostwriting and editing services for fiction and memoir. She is currently querying for her second novel. Feel free to connect with Margaret on social media at @YBuapim or on her website, https://www.authormyb.com.


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Karen Brown Tyson launches her blog tour of Time to Refresh

Monday, November 26, 2018
....and giveaway!

What happens when some part of your life comes to a screeching halt?

Time to Refresh: A 21- Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined, highlights Karen Brown Tyson's journey through the Bible following one of three layoffs in her life.

Watch how God leads one woman on a 21-day journey through the Bible and teaches her how to G.L.O.W.— gratitude, listen, observe and witness.

Print Length: 68 pages
Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Help
Publisher: Constant Communicators (August 2018)
ISBN-10: 0692170480
ISBN: 978-0692170489
ASIN: B07GCJ115V

Time to Refresh is available to purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound.

Book Giveaway Contest!
To win a copy of the book Time to Refresh by Karen Brown Tyson, please enter via Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. Giveaway ends December 3rd at 12 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

About the Author, Karen Brown Tyson

For the past 25 years, Karen Brown Tyson worked for Fortune 500 companies in the fast food, pharmaceutical, and telecommunication industries. Today, Karen is the founder of Constant Communicators, a lifestyle business that helps people improve their business writing skills. Time to Refresh:  A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined was released in August 2018.  Karen lives in North Carolina with her husband and son.

You can find Karen at:

Website - www.karenbrowntyson.com

Blog: https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog-2-feed/

Twitter: @KBTWrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Write-to-Inspire-385353048666490/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/karenbrowntyson/

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

 WOW: First of all, congratulations on the launch of your book Time to Refresh! What led you to write this book?

Karen: On November 1, 2017, I found out I would be without a job in 60 days. Because I experienced layoffs two other times in my 25-year career, I was determined to be as productive, focused and positive as I could be during my time away from a traditional job. My motivation in writing the book came because I wanted to prove to myself and others that being laid off is not the end of the world. I also wanted to share my story with others sitting on the sidelines of life.

WOW: Being in that boat myself (of sitting on the sidelines) at the moment, I love your motivation to write this book! Between your successful public relations business, your writing career, your work within your church and raising a family, you handle so much! How do you handle all of this while still making time to write? 

Karen: Lots of organization and planning! Also, I am an early bird. I get up between 4 and 5 a.m. during the week. By 11 a.m., I have at least two hours of writing in, along with my morning workout, and a trip to the bus stop.

WOW: That's an impressive morning routine! That leads me to my next question - what advice do you have for writers who keep telling themselves they don’t write because they don’t have the time?

Karen: How we view and manage our time requires a shift in mindset. We all get the same number of minutes every day. One of our most valuable assets is time. Yet, we allow people and situations to steal our time. How we, as writers, see and use our time is up to us. If you dream of writing a book, you will need to manage your time.

WOW: I completely agree! Time is incredibly valuable and we must treat it that way. I couldn’t help but notice on your website you coach writers. How does coaching writers also help you with your own writing?

Karen: Coaching writers and aspiring authors is great because it allows me to understand what they want to accomplish with their writing projects. From there I research new ideas and recommend strategies for their books, which sometimes, works in promoting my book.

WOW: I love how you are able to work in promoting your book with your coaching. So, what was a lesson you learned along the way in writing this book that challenged you and changed you?

Karen: Writing a book takes time. The lesson I learned is that it’s my job to make time to write and see my books come to life.

WOW: Absolutely and that's an ongoing lesson for me too. What are you working on now? What is next for you?

Karen: I have two manuscripts in the pipeline. The first book is called, Change for His Glory, which explores how a Christian’s response to change can and should bring glory to God. The other book I’m working on focuses on how business writers can change their mindset and behaviors to improve their writing.

WOW: I'm looking forward to reading your next books! Thank you for chatting with us today and best of luck with Time to Refresh.  

----- Blog Tour Dates

November 26th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and stop by the Muffin blog where you can read an interview with author Karen Brown Tyson and enter to win a copy of her book Time to Refresh.
muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 29th @ Bookworm Blog
Be sure to stop by Anjanette's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's guest post on managing career, home, and ministry.
bookworm66.wordpress.com

November 29th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn's blog where you can read her review of Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
http://thefrugalistamom.com/

November 30th @ Amateur Twin Mom
Visit Jonelle's blog to read what she has to say about Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
https://www.amateurtwinmom.com

December 3rd @ Beverley A Baird Blog
Visit Beverley's blog where Karen Brown Tyson talks about how to improve your writing life.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 5th @ Break Even Books
Stop by Erik's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about how to build your personal brand.
https://breakevenbooks.com/

December 5th @  Jill Sheets Blog
Stop by Jill's blog today where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about how to improve your writing life.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

December 6th @ Beverley A Baird Blog
Visit Beverley's blog again where she shares her thoughts about Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh. 
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 7th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette's blog again where she interviews author Karen Brown Tyson about her book Time to Refresh.
bookworm66.wordpress.com

December 8th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about fearless writing.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 9th @ Reducing Overload
Stop by Peggy's blog to read author Karen Brown Tyson's post about journaling and stress management.
http://reducingoverload.com/

December 13th @ Memoir Writer's Journey
Visit Kathleen's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about fearless writing.
https://krpooler.com/

December 13th @ M.C. Walker's Blog
Visit M.C. Walker's blog where she interviews author Karen Brown Tyson about her and her book Time to Refresh.
https://seeminoltawrite.com/

December 14th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about having faith during difficult times.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

December 15th @ Jessica's Reading Room
Visit Jessica's blog where you can read her thoughts on Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
http://jessicasreadingroom.com

December 16th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise's blog where she shares her opinion on Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
http://www.12books.co.uk/

December 18th @ Look to the Western Sky
Visit Margo's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about parenting.
https://www.margoldill.com/

December 20th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Visit Wendi's blog again where you can read her opinion about Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

December 20th @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily Shadowlyn's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about journaling.
http://www.thefaeriereview.com/

December 21st @ The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog where she shares her thoughts about Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

December 23rd @ Look to the Western Sky
Be sure to stop by Margo's blog again where you find out what she had to say about Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
https://www.margoldill.com/

December 23rd @ Coffee with Lacey
Visit Lacey's blog where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about journaling.
http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

December 24th @ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey's blog again where she reviews Karen Brown Tyson's book Time to Refresh.
http://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com

December 27th @ The Frugalista Mom
Be sure to visit Rozelyn's blog again where you can read Karen Brown Tyson's blog post about change management.
http://thefrugalistamom.com/

Keep up with the latest blog tours by following us on Twitter @WOWBlogTour.

*****BOOK REVIEW*****

To win a copy of the book Time to Refresh by Karen Brown Tyson, please enter the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends December 3rd at 12 AM EST. We will announce the winner the same day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!

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