If you want to use the wood for bowls, you may want to try 2 part turning. Cut rough, seal thoroughly with PVA and leave to dry. It will warp a bit, but you can then turn a second time to finish.
Several benefits of this method. Cracking is much less severe (especially for bits with interesting grain). Far quicker - bowl can be finished in 6 months, whereas a 6"thick plank will take many years to dry. Green wood is much softer and easier to turn for the bulk roughing out. Also less of a storage problem as you get rid of 90% of the waste at the beginning!
What species are you using? Time and likeliness of cracking can vary hugely.