I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the LOSING AUSTIN by Michael J. Bowler Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About The Book:
Title: LOSING AUSTIN
Author: Michael J. Bowler
Pub. Date: June 10, 2025
Publisher: Michael J. Bowler Publishing
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 213
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/LOSING-AUSTIN
Fifteen-year-old
Austin Bowman vanishes off the face of the earth. Was he kidnapped, abducted by
aliens, or murdered by his hotheaded brother, Colton? Despite the rumors and
his troubled kid reputation, only Colton knows he didn’t kill Austin. He also
knows what drove his brother from the house that rainy day. Or does he?
Riddled with guilt, Colton spends every waking moment trying to find Austin.
Searching online for similar missing kids, he meets Keilani, a girl from Hawaii
whose younger brother vanished the same day as Austin. Internet explorations
reveal other kids who also disappeared, always on rainy days. Since none of
these kids have been heard from since, alien abduction seems the most likely
answer.
Colton endures years of frustrating dead ends and high school graduation
beckons. Then something so shocking occurs that the world descends on the
Bowman home in the form of media, law enforcement, even Homeland Security, and
Colton’s life will never be the same.
YABC Q&A
- What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I was a high school teacher for many years and so often I’d hear one kid say something nasty or hateful to someone I knew to be his/her friend. I also recall many times kids would shout or scream at their parents. If they were students I knew well, I’d suggest they make it right with their friend or parent because we never know if we’ll have the opportunity. The unexpected always intervenes in life. This thinking was the seed which begat Losing Austin, and it’s the essential premise of the book.
- Who is your favorite character in the book?
I love Colton and so enjoyed writing his “voice.” He’s smart and talented, but, like me as a youngster, he’s possessed of a terrible temper that will land him in serious trouble one day. I also love how, despite having been embarrassed by his brother all his life, he’s focused like a laser on finding Austin at all costs. I like loyalty and devotion in people.
- Which came first, the title or the novel?
The book began as a short story with a specific title, which initially carried over to the novel version. The book had four possible titles by the time I was ready to publish. Here’s how I decided: I opened Amazon to the book search and typed in each title I’d chosen. If the exact title was already in use, I discarded it. If the first word of my title was a common first word which would drop my book way down in the search engine, I discarded it. With Losing Austin, my book pops up first when searched for in Amazon, so that title won.
- What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
There’s a scene where Anderson Cooper of CNN interviews Colton and his parents about Austin, the brother who vanished. It’s emotional and raw and lays bare Colton’s soul to the reader in a visual, dynamic way. I love it.
- Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
I think I’ve gotten better at writing blurbs, and I’m definitely better at editing my own material. I always hire an editor to make sure the story and writing are polished, but I won’t hesitate to cut something on my own that slows down pacing or is just superfluous. I think that’s the most important thing I’ve learned – don’t fall in love with your words to the point that you won’t take editorial advice of any kind. I may love a certain scene, but if it doesn’t work or it brings the pacing to a standstill, it’s got to go.
- What do you like most about the cover of the book?
I love that the cover accurately depicts a pivotal scene in chapter three of the book. The blue color and police lights really pop, and the boy is a suitable stand-in for young Colton.
- What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2025?
I honestly don’t know what’s releasing in 2025. I don’t tend to look ahead much because I can’t get my hands on the book anyway.
- What was your favorite book in 2024?
Not to sound self-absorbed because I’m not in the least, but I didn’t read any new releases last year, so my favorite book has to be Forever Boy since I spent most of the year polishing it and preparing it for release. It’s certainly my most read book of 2024.
- What’s up next for you?
I’m writing the first of two sequels to Forever Boy, my well-reviewed and multi-award-winning novel from 2024 and after those two are completed, I’ll tackle a cozy mystery I have mapped out.
- Is there anything that you would like to add?
I hope readers give Losing Austin a look-see. It’s one of my most emotional books and close to my heart.
- Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
I’d have to say the finale was the most difficult to get right because there were so many emotions on display and so much of importance takes place.
- Which character gave you the most trouble when writing your latest book?
Colton’s mother was challenging because I don’t want readers to see her as a villain, and yet she does treat Colton unfairly through much of the story, so it was a fine line to walk. I hope I wrote her well.
- Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or Revising?
Revising is the best part of writing for me. The first draft can sometimes be a drudgery, but once it’s done and I dive into the revisions, that’s when the story really comes alive.
- What would you say is your superpower?
I’d have to say empathy is my superpower because I can relate to everyone and, on some level, understand and feel where they’re coming from.
- Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
Raise A Child is an organization that helps bring together children in foster care and prospective families. I’m a HUGE advocate for adoption because there are so many kids in foster care who can never be re-united with their families and need a forever home.
About Michael J. Bowler:
Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author
who grew up in San Rafael, California. He majored in English and Theatre at
Santa Clara University and went on to earn a master’s in film production from
Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and
another master’s in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez
Hills.
Putting his degrees to use Michael taught high
school in Hawthorne, California for many years, both in general education and
to students with disabilities, in subjects ranging from English and Strength
Training to Algebra, Biology, and Yearbook. Using what he learned from his
master’s degree Michael wrote two screenplays. His horror screenplay, “Healer,”
was a Semi-Finalist, and his urban fantasy script, “Like A Hero,” was a
Finalist in the Shriekfest Film Festival and Screenplay Competition. He also partnered
with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several
ultra-low-budget horror films, including “Fatal Images,” “Club Dead,” and
“Things II.”
Michael is a passionate advocate for the fair
treatment of children and teens and serves as a volunteer Big Brother with the
Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and has been a volunteer within the
juvenile justice system in Los Angeles for over thirty years. He has been
honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year,
California Big Brother of the Year, and 2000 National Big Brother of the Year.
The “National” honor allowed him and three of his Little Brothers to visit the
White House and meet the president in the Oval Office.
Michael’s goal as an author is for teens to
experience empowerment and hope; to see themselves in his diverse characters;
to read about kids who face real-life challenges; and to see how kids like them
can remain decent people in an indecent world. The most prevalent theme in his
writing and his work with youth is this: as both a society, and as individuals,
we’re better off when we do what’s right, rather than what’s easy.
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Giveaway
Details:
1 winner will win a finished copy of LOSING AUSTIN, US Only.
Ends June 24th, midnight EST.
Tour
Participants:
