Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Dump Soup for Camping, Readers Circle Kicks Off on Friday

Cooking over the campfire.
Hello and welcome to the J Q Rose blog,

We camped with our daughter Lee Ann and family over the Memorial Day holiday weekend near Stony Lake in West Michigan. Always the "event" planner, she invited our other daughter, Sara, (who is not a camper) and family to join us on Sunday for a fun dinner with Dump Soup as the main entree.

I bet you've heard the folk tale Stone Soup. Hungry strangers convince the people of a town to share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys.  Well we weren't exactly hungry strangers, and we didn't ask fellow campers to contribute to the soup pot, but that is Lee Ann's idea for next month when we all camp together, including Sara, at family camp,

Lee Ann coined the term "Dump Soup" because we all brought ingredients to dump into the soup pot. There is NO recipe. That's the fun part. Just whatever is offered is added to the pot. Lee Ann poured in beef broth, beef consomme, and I added mushroom soup as a base for all the other stuff e.g. beans, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, cans of veggies, etc.


All ready to cook over the campfire.

Lee Ann combined it all and placed the pot over the campfire for the men to watch while the ladies took a walk. Of course we came back to check on the progress of the soup. After an hour and one half over the fire, we gobbled down the soup. It was delicious. The soup must have been good because the kids loved it too, especially with lots of crackers.


Another of our family faves for dinner over the fire is "hobo dinner." I've heard it called foil packet dinner too. We spray the foil with vegetable oil, place bacon on the first layer, hamburger or chicken next, and then add whatever fresh veggies you like to the foil e.g. potatoes, carrots, green pepper, onion, butter, and celery.
Ingredients ready to wrap.

Be sure and wrap the packet tightly so the grease doesn't run out. Then place them in the coals or on a grate over the fire. Depending how you cut the veggies and how hot the fire is, the packets need to cook 30--45 minutes. Chicken may take longer. PS--It's easy to use your grill at home too.
Dinner wrapped in foil packets.
Clean-up is easy. Just wrap up the foil and throw it away. THEN it'll be time to roast the marshmallows to make S'mores! But first you may want to go for a swim or a hike!

What are your easy go-to recipes when having a crowd over to your house or when camping?


πŸ“•πŸ“—πŸ“˜πŸ“™
UPDATE: Deadly Undertaking is now available at major online bookstores.

Books We Love has added my cozy mystery, Deadly Undertaking in all formats to major online booksellers. AND the book is available in paperpback too.!


I am thrilled to know more readers will be able to enjoy this romantic suspense with such a variety of formats.
πŸ“•πŸ“—πŸ“˜πŸ“™


We're kicking off the Summer Readers Circle Series this Friday, June 2. Tricia McGill takes her seat in the circle. Meet or re-acquaint yourself with this talented author and her books.
Summer Readers Circle Series begins Friday, June 2.
Please join us for lively discussions and win prizes and giveaways 
every Friday this summer!


Sunday, May 28, 2017

Memorial Day: Paying Tribute to the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) WWII

Hello and welcome to the JQ Rose blog.
Memorial Day is the day we remember those who died serving in the American Armed Forces. On this day of remembrance We are paying tribute to the women who served in Women Air Force Service Pilots. (WASP) during World War II.
"Our Eyes are on the Stars", the title of the float, 
celebrates the courage of the 
Women Air Force Service Pilots
Because of the Wingtip to Wingtip Association float in the 2014 Rose Parade, the 1102 women who served their country as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) received recognition for their contribution to the war in 1942-1944. These brave trailblazers dreamed of flying for their nation. Because there was a shortage of male pilots for combat duty, the women pushed to become pilots in order to free up the men for fighting the war. The WASP group members were assigned to ferry military planes between military bases in the USA and flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation. They also towed targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. A few exceptionally qualified women were allowed to test rocket-propelled planes, to pilot jet-propelled planes, and to work with radar-controlled targets.

The reproduction of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the WASP decorates the side of the float. The 38 stars around the medal salute the 38 WASP 
who lost their lives in service to their country.
The courageous women  were not considered members of the military and received no recognition as veterans until 1977 when the WASP records were unsealed. According to Wikipedia, on July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. During the ceremony President Obama said, "The Women Air Force Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve." 

More than 15000 red Freedom roses decorate the length of the float.

The first issue of the Fifinella Gazette was published February 10, 1943. The female gremlin Fifinella was conceived by Roald Dahl and drawn by Walt Disney
and used as the official WASP mascot that appeared on their shoulder patches.
This post was previously published on The Girls Succeed blog. We salute the brave women of WASP who opened the skies to later generations of female pilots in the military. 

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day and take time to remember those who have fought for our freedom.
# # # #
We're kicking off the Summer Readers Circle Series this Friday, June 2. Tricia McGill takes her seat in the circle. Meet or re-acquaint yourself with this talented author and her books.
Summer Readers Circle Series begins Friday, June 2.
Please join us for lively discussions and win prizes and giveaways 
every Friday this summer!


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

I've Been Nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award!


A FUN BLOG HOP
Thank you, Juneta Key for this nomination.  Thank you for being the spark and driving force behind the quarterly short story blog hop, Storytime Blog Hop. I'm glad you challenge us to share our stories because having a deadline helps me sit down and do it! I love Juneta's blog.  She is a champion for writers and shares wonderful tips on writing.  You should check it out here.


Storytime Blog Hop spearheaded by Juneta Key.
The Rules:
Rule 1:  Put the award logo/image on your blog. (ABOVE)
Rule 2:  List the rules. (You’re Reading Them)
Rule 3:  Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog. 
Rule 4:  Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well. (ABOVE under LOGO)
Rule 5:  Tell your readers three things about yourself.
THREE THINGS ABOUT ME
  1. I kicked up my heels as a hobo from Hooverville in the chorus line of the community players production of Annie. So much fun and a dream fulfilled.
  2. My name, Janet, is my mother's middle name and my middle name is my grandmother's middle name, Lee.
  3. I was inspired to keep writing when I really thought I couldn't do it anymore after reading Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.
Rule 6:  You have to nominate a bunch of people (some say 5 others say 20).
  1. Joan Y. Edwards--Never Give Up
  2. Helena Fairfax
  3. Marsha R. West
  4. Joselyn Vaughn
  5. Anna Simpson--Elements of Emaginette
  6. Nan Sanders Pokerwinski--Heartwood
  7. Anyone that would like to join us, Consider yourself nominated.
Rule 7:  Notify your nominees. (Done.)
Rule 8:  Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, one weird or funny question.

1. What was your favorite food when you were 10? And now what is your favorite food? Oops, is that 2 questions?
2. Who influenced you to become a writer? There may be many people who guided you in your journey?
3. What is your favorite book on writing, publishing, or marketing?
4. Did you have an imaginary playmate when you were a kid? Tell us about it.
5. If you had the opportunity to hug anyone from the past or the present, who would it be and why? Uh, that may be 2 questions too. But you're a writer. You can handle them!!
Rule 9: Share a link to your best post. According to my stats, one of the favorites in 2017 was Someone Hacked my Facebook Page, Now What Do I Do?
πŸ“•πŸ“—πŸ“˜πŸ“™
Answering Juneta's very interesting questions...
  1. If you could get a redo on ONE thing in your life without impunity, what would it be? I wish I had gone to Northwestern University and studied journalism.
  2. If you had three wishes, what would your THIRD wish be? Eating ice cream every day of my life.
  3. Describe your “true self” in three words. Optimist, supporter, reliable
  4. If you were a Star Wars character, who would you be? Can be anyone in old, new or expanded universe, but you cannot take a test to find out.  Who do you see yourself as?  If you don’t know Star Wars, use Lord of the Rings, or Pirates of the Caribbean or Harry Potter as a substitute only if you are not familiar with Star Wars.  I know, not everyone is as crazy about it as I am. Oh boy. To be very honest, and I know you wouldn't understand this, Juneta, but I am not a fan of Star Wars. As far as Lord of the Rings, we did a scene from the play in my college drama class and I hated it, so I never read the entire story. And I have not gotten around to Pirates or Harry Potter. Ok--I'm boring. BUT I do love the Star Wars stirring musical theme. 
  5. If you had the opportunity to know your future, would you?  Why or Why not? NO! Then I would worry every day about what was coming up and how to face it. I like taking one day at a time and savoring the good times. Those good memories help me overcome the bad times.
Thanks, Juneta. This has been fun!

πŸ“•πŸ“—πŸ“˜πŸ“™
So excited to kick off the Summer Readers Circle on next Friday, June 1, when multi-talented award-winning author Tricia Gill takes her seat in the circle with us. 

The Summer Readers Circle begins on Friday, June 2
Be here for fun and prizes!
Join us every Friday this summer to meet authors, discover great reads, and win prizes.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Readers Circle: Far Beyond Rubies by Historical Fiction Author Rosemary Morris, FREE eBook



Welcome to the Readers Circle!
Hello Readers and welcome to the J.Q. Rose blog.

UK historical author Rosemary Morris joins the Readers Circle today. So fun to have a guest from across the "pond." I've enjoyed reading her novels set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and the ever popular Regency era. 

This Midwesterner has not studied English history too much, so each of Rosemary's novels is an educational as well as an entertaining experience for me. Rosemary researches these eras so well, her characters come to life as real people living in these times.
Far Beyond Rubies by Rosemary Morris
Historical romance
Rosemary is generously giving away an e-book copy of this engaging book. For a chance to win, please leave a comment below. Deadline to enter is Sunday, May 21 at 9 pm EDST.

Read on to discover why Rosemary chose to set her novels during this time in history.

Welcome, Rosemary!

Thank you, Janet.

There is a gigantic canvas for a historical novelist to choose from.
                                                                                                              ~~Rosemary Morris


I am Rosemary Morris, a multi-published historical novelist. My novels are set in the reign of Charles II’s niece, Queen Anne Stuart, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and the ever popular Regency era. I have also written a mediaeval novel set in in the reign of Edward II, which has been accepted for publication.
I chose those periods because each of them affected the course of history. If the Duke of Marlborough had not won The War of Spanish Succession, and The Duke of Wellington had been defeated by Napoleon at The Battle of Waterloo, the history of Britain and that of Europe would be different. Defeat would also have had far-reaching consequences for the rest of the world. If Edward II had won the Battle of Bannockburn, it is feasible that he would have conquered Scotland and, perhaps, as it is claimed, he would not have been murdered.
The more I read about my chosen eras the more fascinated I become, and the more aware of the gulf between the past and present. Those who lived in the past shared the same emotions as we do, but their attitudes and way of life were in many ways are very different to ours. One of the most striking examples was the social position of women and children in in bygone ages.
 My characters are of their time, not men, women and children dressed in costume who behave like 21st century people.  
Research of my chosen eras sparks my imagination. The seeds of my novels are sown, and from them sprout the characters and events which will shape their lives. 
πŸ“•πŸ“—πŸ“˜πŸ“™

Janet's Review of Far Beyond Rubies
When reading Far Beyond Rubies, I felt I had stepped into the 18th century. Ms. Morris has done her homework to bring us such a rich story with all the historic background and social graces of the era. I especially loved her description of the
Historical fiction romance novel
Far Beyond Rubies
KINDLE COUNTDOWN BEGINS MAY 17
 amazon.co.uk and amazon.com
gentlemen's fancy outfits. They dressed as brightly as male peacocks and wore make-up and wigs that even outshone the ladies of the day.

The dialogue filled with authentic words used in that time period and the way her characters expressed themselves added to the enjoyment of the storytelling.I read the book on my Kindle and truly appreciated the dictionary just a click away to find the definition of the unfamiliar words.

I wasn't familiar with the history of England, so I had a bit of catching up to do about kings, queens, politics, etc.  The author made it easy to understand. The sweet romance was filled with interesting characters and so many secrets.

I would recommend this book for intriguing escape reading and for the historical value.


About Rosemary:
I was born in Kent. As a child, when I was not making up stories, my head was ‘always in a book.’ 
While working in a travel agency, I met my Hindu husband.
Author Rosemary Morris
He encouraged me to continue my education at Westminster College.  In 1961 I and my husband, by then a barrister, moved to his birthplace, Kenya, where I lived from 1961 until 1982. After an attempted coup d’Γ©tat, four of my children lived with me in an ashram in France.
Back in England, I wrote historical fiction, joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association, The Historical Novel Society, Watford Writers and on line groups, and am now published by Books We Love Ltd
Apart from writing, I enjoy classical Indian literature, reading, visiting places of historical interest, vegetarian cooking, growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and creative crafts.  
My bookshelves are so crammed with historical non-fiction, which I use to research my novels, that if I buy a new book I have to consider getting rid of one.
Time spent with my five children and their families, most of whom live near me, is precious.

Connect online with Rosemary Morris and discover all of her books--

Rosemary's Website

Books We Love Author Page

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Celebrating Teachers Appreciation Week and Mother's Day This Week


Click here if you would like to listen to this week's blog post.

Hello and welcome to the J Q Rose blog!

This week in the U.S. we are celebrating special people in our lives as we observe Teacher Appreciation Week and Mother's Day. (Mother's Week would be appropriate too since it really would take more than one day to celebrate all the things moms do for us!!)


Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from JQ Rose.
Combining this post with Mother's Day and Teacher Appreciation Week is right on for me in my situation because my mother was my second grade teacher! In our small elementary school in Central Illinois, our second and third grade classes were big enough to need an extra teacher, but not enough to make a full second classroom of students. So instead, the overflow of students was placed in one room made up of second AND third graders. Kind of like the days when there were one room schoolhouses with all grades in one open room. 

My mother was assigned the task of teaching both classes in her one classroom. Having Mom as my teacher was difficult for both of us. From my perspective, as her daughter, she was harder on me than on any other kids in the class. I didn't realize at the time she didn't want anyone to accuse her of showing any favoritism toward me.
A photo of my mom, my second grade teacher.
As trying for me to have her as a teacher, she faced issues in her grown-up world of combatting those who might think she just gave me A's because I was her daughter. To avoid that criticism, she had the other second grade teacher grade my papers and tests. 

When Mother's Day came around that spring, our class made art projects to surprise our mothers. Since my mother knew what the gift was going to be, I walked up to her and asked her, "Since I don't have a mother, can I make this project for my grandmother Maw?" She told me many years later, it tore her heart when I said I didn't have a mother, even though she realized in my 7-year-old mind, I meant I couldn't surprise her with the gift. We laughed about it realizing in our hearts how difficult that year had been for both of us.


This weekend we honor mothers and women who are important in our lives.


Wishing all you Moms 
and women who are special to a child, 
a very
Happy Mother's Day!

If you have a mom, grandma, aunt, or woman in your life, grab her and give her a big hug and kiss.


Are you a teacher? Thank you. Are you a Mom? Thank you.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

IWSG Blog Hop: Learning About the Darknet, Readers Circle Promo

Hello and welcome to the J.Q. Rose blog. 
Today is the monthly meeting of the Insecure Writers Support Group(IWSG) blog hop! 

Internet Writers Support Group Blog Hop
First Wednesday of every month.
What is IWSG? Founder of the  Insecure Writer’s Support Group and author Alex J Cavanaugh explains the group's purpose is "to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!" You're invited to become a member of this supportive group.

The group blogs the first Wednesday of every month The list of bloggers is always available so you can hop around to the author blogs filled with humor, advice, and thought-provoking topics on writing and publishing. You can find the list of participants at Alex's IWSG page. I hope you'll take some time to visit the diverse list of bloggers.

IWSG Question for the Month

What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?


My weirdest research dealt with learning everything I could about the darknet. This criminal online system was the perfect answer for my character in my romantic suspense, Deadly Undertaking, to sell illegal drugs. As the son of a funeral director, he couldn't allow shady characters stopping at the funeral home to buy drugs during a visitation.

Their presence might tip off his dad he was participating in activities that could put him in jail. And let's face it, that would be bad for business. So he set up his computer in his bedroom and
mail-ordered drugs to customers.


The darknet is a secret internet for illicit activities such as selling and distributing drugs, planning protests, hiring a hit man or a hacker, sex trafficking and about any other "dark" activity you can think of. I had to learn about bitcoins too, a currency used for trading online. I still don't understand that very well. But suffice it to say, it's a way of doing business on the darknet.

Deadly Undertaking 
by J.Q. Rose
Researching this topic was an eye-opening experience for me. 
I had no idea such a huge web of crime existed online. Have you heard of the darknet?


πŸ”ΆπŸ”ΆπŸ”ΆπŸ”Ά

Interested in promoting your book? Be my guest at the Summer Readers Circle on Fridays this summer on the JQ Rose blog. You write a short article about your book or your writing, offer a giveaway, and bio and photos of you and the book cover. Contact me at jqrose02@gmail.com for more information.


The Readers Circle

Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) Blog Post: Now About That AI! #IWSGbloghop

  Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop #IWSGbloghop What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group? Founded by author   Alex J. Cavanaug...

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