Founded by authorAlex J. Cavanaugh, theInsecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter.
October 2 question - Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.
Not all ghosts are scary, though. Personally, I prefer the friendly ones, like Casper. He was one of my favorite characters when I was a kid. I loved watching the theater cartoons that always played before the main movie.
If you haven’t met Casper yet, check out this YouTube video of the sweet ghost who’s always looking for a friend. Sure, I know ghosts are scary. But, instead of screaming and running away, take time to get to know him and you'll realize he won’t send chills up your spine—promise!
VIDEO: CASPER THE GHOST AND THE BABY ELEPHANT
Casper the Friendly Ghost
I love friendly ghosts so much that I included a friendly, but annoying "shadow man" in my cozy mystery, Deadly Undertaking. Have you heard of shadow people? I wasn't familiar with the term until I read an article about it.
Wikipedia's definition-- A shadow person is the perception of shadow as a living species, a humanoid figure, sometimes interpreted as the presence of a spirit or other entity by believers in the paranormal or supernatural.Wikipedia
A handsome detective, a shadow man, and a
murder victim kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.
That article sparked the character, Henry, in the romantic suspense novel that takes place in a funeral home. You can see him on the book cover. He hangs around the funeral home bothering the main character, Lauren Staab, a young woman who returned home to help in the family business, Staab and Blood Funeral Home.
It's a fun story to read and a fun one to write! Have you written ghosts into your stories and books? Please tell us about your supernatural character.
Click here to visit the bloggers participating in the blog hop this month.
Thank you for stopping by today. Have an awesome October 2024!
FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month
Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading, we will dive into the fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations. Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.
My love of reading sparked the series, FOCUS ON BOOKS. While the purpose is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!
This month, my guest is a dear friend, Susan Bernhardt. We were with the same publisher early in our careers, and we "newbies" have continued to stick together all these years. I was infatuated by her first cozy mystery in the series, The Ginseng Conspiracy. Who knew Wisconsin, which is the location for her stories, is a top provider of Ginseng in the USA?
I always look forward to an entertaining read with many twists. The action takes place in a small town populated with delightful characters and some really rotten villains. However she changes the location when Kay takes her family on a cruise in Paradise Can Be Murder. You know there has to be mystery and murder on the boat!
Congratulations Susan on your new release!
What sparked the idea for your 7th book in the series?
What sparked writing this mystery was to give my followers of this series pure entertainment. Many readers know Kay, Elizabeth, and Deirdre intimately and I wanted to write for them another exciting, thrilling, and fun mystery to read. That's it. There are many surprises in REPERCUSSIONS that will leave the reader with their mouths wide open.
Repercussions by Susan Bernhardt Cozy mystery--Released September 17
In this edition, readers are taken to Sudbury Falls where Deirdre's tea room becomes an overnight sensation, a
favorite go-to place in Sudbury Falls. Her scones are the talk of the town.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Kay's friend) starts seeing
copycat murders from her mystery novels everywhere.
Phil (Kay's husband) and his band get a new gig at The Purple Orchid, a dodgy
nightclub downtown, where they try out their new drummer to a standing-room-only crowd.
When a murder takes place and there are absolutely no
suspects at all, the new Chief of Police, along with Kay and company are stumped. Is this the perfect crime? Will
the murder go unsolved?
Yet another humorous and thrilling Kay Driscoll adventure.
Welcome back to Kay's world.
Click here to download the eBook now or order the paperback version from Amazon.
👓👓👓👓
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan's town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for
the quaint setting of her Kay Driscoll novels. Like Kay Driscoll in her cozy mysteries,
Author Susan Bernhardt
Susan is a
retired nurse who volunteered at her local free clinic. She also writes the Irina Curtius mysteries that
take place in Manhattan.
She lives with her husband, William, and has two sons.
An avid reader of mysteries, Susan is a member of Sisters in
Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.
👓👓👓👓
THE KAY DRISCOLL AND IRINA CURTIUS MYSTERIES
Cozy Mysteries by Susan Bernhardt
Thanks for stopping in today.
Please share this blog with a reader who enjoys cozy mysteries.
Founded by authorAlex J. Cavanaugh, theInsecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter.
September 4 question - Since it's back to school time, let's talk English class. What's a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?
I'm sorry. I have no answer to this question. How boring am I???
I can tell you how many of my teachers encouraged me to write though. Mrs. Prior sent in one of my stories to a children's magazine and the magazine published it. I remember Ms. Oldaker and her red pen. Her input helped me write better. My professor in college wanted me to switch my major from elementary education to English. He had quite a system for writing which I followed exactly in order to get an A in his classes. I did not switch, but I believe subconciously I absorbed that system and use it to this day when writing nonfiction.
I am looking forward to reading bloggers' answers this month. I'm sure they will jog my memories of English class.
Thank you for stopping in...
Wishing you all a super September!!!
***
FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month
UPDATE: A new series on the Focused on Story Blog, FOCUS on BOOKS.
Click here to visit my first guest in the series, Sandra Cox, who kicked off the inaugural event in August.
Join us as we focus on authors and their books. New-to-you authors , best-selling, debut, favorite, and classic authors and any in between will be highlighted every third Wednesday of the month. C ya' here on Wednesday, September 18!
***
JQ Rose presenting a workshop on telling life stories.
FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month
HELLO AND WELCOME!
Today begins a new series on the Focused on Story Blog, FOCUS on BOOKS. Join me as we focus on authors and their books. The authors may be new to you or you have already enjoyed their stories. I love finding new authors to read. You too?
I spotlight books, interview guests, and share books I have enjoyed reading. You are invited to pop in every third Wednesday of the month. Engage with the authors and readers. Surprises and games will add to the fun.
📚📚📚📚📚
My honorary "cousin" and fabulous storyteller, Sandra Cox, kicks off the very first posting with her just released Mateo's Woman--Book #3 in the Mateo series, and it's a page-turner!
You may be curious when Sandra and I comment on a post or visit each other's blog we call each other honorary cousins. We met at the Insecure Writers Support Group monthly get-togethers. I finally gathered enough courage to ask her if we might be related because my mother's maiden name is Cox. Turns out, we don't think so. But maybe way back in the ancestry? Who knows?
I'm so happy I asked her and she didn't laugh or think I was weird. Well, I don't think she did. ???
I began reading her books and, I was hooked on her Westerns. I didn't even consider reading a Western, although my childhood was filled with my beloved cowboy stars, Randolph Scott, Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger movies and TV shows.
Sandra includes all the action of the Old West like cattle drives and bad guys in black hats in her Westerns. But against such a fabulous backdrop, a romance weaves throughout with the main characters you'll cheer on to overcome their conflicts and fall in love.
NOTE--you can find Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop (IWSG) on the first Wednesday of every month #IWSGbloghop
📚📚📚📚📚
MATEO'S WOMAN BY SANDRA COX
Mateo's Woman Book #3--Mateo Series Sandra Cox
BACK OF THE BOOK--Mateo's Woman.
Delilah is dead.
With her demise, everyone should be safe,
but something insidious is happening to Mateo’s town and to the woman he loves.
People are dying and Blair is changing, taking on mannerisms that are clearly
not her own. Becoming a danger to herself and others. He has no idea what is
happening to the town’s people but he has an inkling of what is happening to
Blair and what he’s thinking just isn’t possible. But whether it’s possible or
not, he has to pry Blair from the evil that’s sunk its fangs into her. Now it's
a race against time to save the woman he loves and get to the bottom of who is
killing Grizzly’s citizenry. And if that’s not enough of a challenge for the
shapeshifting sheriff, his future mother-in-law has come for a visit.
Character Facts
CHARACTER FACTS
Chief Deputy Blair
Delaney lately of Grizzly, Montana is a transplant from Atlanta and while she
may look like a cover model, she’s a lawbreaker’s worst nightmare.
She loves her rusty,
old, backfiring truck Beaulah.
She also loves
listening to the Full Moon Band that plays at the Blue Coyote Bar every
Wednesday night.
📚📚📚📚📚
ABOUT SANDRA COX
Sandra Cox, Author
Sandra, who also writes as S. Cox, is
a vegetarian, animal lover and avid gardener. She lives with her husband and
several cats in sunny North Carolina.
An award-winning author, her stories
consist of all things Western and more.
Click Amazon now to order the paperback or download the eBook.
Thank you for dropping by for the inaugural presentation of the FOCUS ON BOOKS SERIES!
Help me celebrate! Just for you--a FREE book of short stories by JQ Rose. DM me on Messenger to request the book. I will send you the PDF for the collection of stories that are not available for sale.
Founded by authorAlex J. Cavanaugh, theInsecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter.
August 7 question - Do you use AI in your writing and if so how? Do you use it for your posts? Incorporate it into your stories? Use it for research? Audio?
I just uploaded a new book cover to Amazon and updated the book description and metadata for my book for middle school girls this weekend. The Big A asked how much AI I used in the book's content. I used Grammarly and MS Editor which are considered AI content. Please let me know if that is incorrect.
UPDATE: I looked up the information about declaring in the book set-up how much AI used. Here is what I found at the KDP guidelines site.--If you created the content yourself, and used AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), you do not need to disclose the use of AI-asssisted content. KDP Help Page
You are not required to disclose AI-assisted content. We distinguish between AI-generated and AI-assisted content as follows:
AI-generated: We define AI-generated content as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool. If you used an AI-based tool to create the actual content (whether text, images, or translations), it is considered "AI-generated," even if you applied substantial edits afterwards.
AI-assisted: If you created the content yourself, and used AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), then it is considered "AI-assisted" and not “AI-generated.” Similarly, if you used an AI-based tool to brainstorm and generate ideas, but ultimately created the text or images yourself, this is also considered "AI-assisted" and not “AI-generated.” It is not necessary to inform us of the use of such tools or processes.
For the first time, I used AI to write my book description. I asked to use casual, enthusiastic, informative styles, and a description for a 10-year-old girl reader. Yes, four versions. I spent as much time laboring over the AI descriptions as I would have if I had just written my own!
The first 3 were similar, but the description for the 10-year-old reader was different and fun. I re-wrote the casual one for the paperback book and used the one for the 10-year-old girl in the eBook description.
I always wonder if I should market to the girls or the parents and teachers. (Moms, Dads, and teachers control the cash.) What are your thoughts on this?
I have used AI for ideas/topics for a book. I found it the most helpful in that situation. I do not believe in using AI for creative writing. The words should flow from the heart to the pen not from a robot to the screen.
We all need more positivity in our lives. For me, that positive moment was yesterday when I saw my new book cover for Girls Succeed already on the sales page on Sunday when I had just uploaded it on Saturday! Thanks, Amazon!! Because of their quick response, I can start my sales for Girls Succeed earlier than I planned! Hooray!!
I visited the A+ content for the book because I had to change the book cover. Hmmm...I thought it would be no problem editing the 4 modules there. But, I was wrong. I cannot get the changes I made saved. But I am not going to let that negative ruin my positive!
Have you had experience with editing the A+ content on amazon? Please leave a comment below. Thank you.
****
Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women
Back-to-School Campaign August 6-August 17
Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women
Back-to-School Campaign for Middle School Girls
August 6-August 17
AI book description for the eBook written to attract a 10-year-old girl:
Open Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful
Women, a book that's like a magic window into the future! Duck through
the window and join the sixteen amazing women who followed their dreams to
become leaders in their chosen careers. They stood on Olympic podiums with
medals shining around their necks, found the key to destroying diseases, and even
made people laugh until their tummies hurt! Each story is a sparkly gem of
wisdom showing you how to keep going even when obstacles look like mountains.
And guess what? There's a fun part of the book just for you! It's
packed with cool projects and big ideas about being unique, following your
passion, and being a trailblazer. So, whether you dream of cooking up a storm,
painting a masterpiece, or being a star in a courtroom, Girls Succeed will take
you on the journeys to learn how these amazing women made their dreams come true.
****
Please share the Girls Succeed! Back-to-School Campaign on your social media. Thank you.
Click here to download the interactive ebook with special back-to-school pricing or order the paperback in color for a young girl in your life.
Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women
Nonfiction, inspiring book for middle school girls
UPDATE: Because I am online here on the blog, on Facebook, and Substack, I will no longer publish the Rose Courier newsletter. Those places give you enough opportunities to keep you up-to-date with me. And as my mom would say, "I don't want to wear out my welcome." Click the links below to visit me online.
Please Click here to be notified when a new article is posted on the J.Q. Rose blog.
Click here to join me every Thursday at Substack. Substack articles are also Focused on Story, writing, reading, fiction, and non-fiction, writing/sharing life stories, shouting about new releases, and offering tips for writers. In one word, storytelling!
I'm taking advantage of this fifth Wednesday in July to catch you up with what's happening in my writing life this summer.
After 19 years I completed a promise.
Our home for 8 years
After we sold our flower shop and greenhouse business in 1995, we bought a fifth-wheel camper and Dodge RAM truck (we were not campers) and enjoyed visiting national parks. That was fun….for a couple of years. But we grew weary of not having a purpose in our lives.
We discovered an opportunity to do meaningful work through the NOMADS RV group sponsored by the United Methodist Church. Members of the group were a mixture of folks from many different denominations, not only Methodists. NOMADS is the acronym for Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service. But we joked it stood for Normal Old Methodists Avoiding Deep Snow!
NOMADS’ winter work projects were scheduled for three weeks in areas where the sun shined and no snow and ice were in sight. The projects included building churches, rebuilding and cleanup after devastating hurricanes, painting, cleaning, plumbing, and more at UMC church camps and children’s homes.
One of our mission projects was located at the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Sager-Brown Depot Distribution Center in Baldwin, LA. This is the hub of UMCOR’s relief-supply operations. Many volunteers put together different kinds of kits to give to folks in areas destroyed by hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, etc.
Each year, more than 2,000 volunteers prepare approximately $4 million in relief supplies for shipment from the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in response to disasters in the United States. GT (my hubby Gardener Ted) worked in the warehouse packing shipping containers full of goods for overseas, and I worked in the office on the computer and anywhere they needed me.
We met so many wonderful, dedicated folks during this project. We became great friends with Pastor Donald and Shirley. Don, a gentle, soft-spoken gentleman with a mellow baritone singing voice, and Shirley, a whirlwind of energy and warmth, shared laughter and camaraderie with us over board games and conversations post-work. We were fortunate to continue our friendship after working at UMCOR.
The devotionals crafted by our friends, Pastor Don and Shirley
Don and Shirley, who pastored in Pennsylvania, led groups on retreats to hike the trails in the Appalachian Mountains. They created little books of devotions designed for such a venture that lasted seven or ten days in the mountains. The hiking groups gathered at the evening campfire and learned, discussed, and deepened their faith through the devotions penned by Don and Shirley.
In 2005, I received a little packet in the mail from Shirley. Inside were four of the hand-made booklets for four different backpacking adventures. Knowing I had plans to write a devotional for nature enthusiasts, Shirley enclosed a note, “These are devotional booklets prepared for specific backpacking trips. This may mean the material will need a lot of adjustment for general use. Please feel free to use…or not use, adjust or not adjust.”
I was honored they shared their precious writings and lessons with me and gave me permission to “adjust” the devotions to be used in other instances. I tailored these devotions to resonate with those seeking to strengthen their spiritual journey, whether sitting around a campfire, in a classroom, or in the comfort of their home.
I gave the writings to Shirley’s family so they can share them in their ministries. The promise was kept, but more importantly is the warmth within my heart knowing the devotionals will keep Don and Shirley’s work and spirit alive in future study groups.
* * *
I am presently planning a Back-to-School campaign around my inspiring book for middle-grade girls, Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women.
Here is the new book description I will use to let readers (girls, parents, teachers, home schoolers) know the book is about 16 amazing women who turned their dreams as young girls into becoming successful women in their chosen careers.
Book Description
Take an extraordinary journey with Girls Succeed:
Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women, a book for young dreamers
to explore the lives of sixteen remarkable women who turned their childhood
dreams into reality. These are the stories of everyday heroes, from doctors who
have battled diseases to Olympians who have won Olympic and Paralympic gold
medals, a professional clown who brings joy and laughter with her funny antics,
and an adventurer who has conquered the roads in her mighty 18-wheeler truck.
Each chapter unfolds with an inspiring quote and a
tale of determination. These outstanding role models share their stories of joy
as well as how they overcame daunting obstacles to achieve greatness in fields
as diverse as medicine, sports, the arts, ministry, law and beyond.
Accompanied by a Reader's Guide, this book is not just
a collection of success stories, but a toolkit for teachers and parents to
inspire passion, persistence, and the courage to blaze new trails. Whether you
aspire to heal, create, compete, or lead, let "Girls Succeed" be your
guide to reaching for the stars and beyond.
Open up these inspiring stories for girls. Download
the eBook or order the paperback book now.
I'd appreciate any feedback. Should I list all 16 of the careers in the description?
Book Covers
And now the big decision! Please let me know in the comments what book cover you like-- black background or green background. The book is aimed at girls aged 9-13 years old. Thanks for any suggestions you have for improvement.
The book cover and book description are the most important elements to grab the attention of readers. Reviews are very important too. Do you usually check out the reviews when you are shopping online?
Thank you for your help! Watch for a date when Girls Succeed will be discounted...eBook and paperback...during the 2024-2025 Back-to School Campaign
Please Click here to be notified when a new article is posted on the J.Q. Rose blog.
Click here to join me every Thursday at Substack. As always, Our Focus on Story on Substack is writing and reading fiction and non-fiction, writing/sharing life stories, shouting about new releases, and offering tips for writers. In one word, storytelling!
SMASHWORDS SUMMER HALF-PRICE SALE ENDS TOMORROW NIGHT!
Heads up! Today and tomorrow are the only days left in this month's sale at Smashwords. My cozy mysteries, paranormal, horror, feel-good memoir are on sale for $1.49! Click here to download them before midnight tomorrow night.
.jpg)
.jpg)
