Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Boost Your Confidence to Succeed in 2018 by J.Q. Rose, Year End 50% Off Sale

Happy New Year 2018 from J.Q. Rose!
Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story blog by J.Q. Rose.

The bright and shiny New Year 2018 looms ahead with opportunities to make a change in our lives. Are you going to try to make a change, continue a helpful new habit you acquired this year, renew old relationships, make new friends, and perhaps write a new story or a novel? 
So many things to choose from. Don't overwhelm yourself. Choose something you are confident you can do.

After listening to a speaker on motivation, I realize how confidence plays a huge factor in achieving your goals, resolutions, desires.

Let's say you're determined to lose weight, stop smoking, or write a book this year. Then you must dig deep and be confident you can do it! But where do you get that confidence?

Here are some suggestions to boost your confidence:
  • Ask yourself what it would take to achieve your goal, e.g. writing. Write down specific steps to do it, not general steps. Example: I will write for 15 minutes at lunch time every day, not say I'll write every day.
  • Tackle each step to achieve your greater goal. Getting started will boost your confidence to do the next step.
  • Remember how good you felt when you  completed a story, poem, novella, an article. What did you do to make that happen?
  • Know that other people have completed a writing project. How did they do it? Use their success as your motivation to do the same. 
  • Think positive thoughts and surround yourself with those who are positive about you reaching your goal. 
  • Realize you are not perfect. If you get off track, pick yourself up, and get back on track. 
  • Do NOT Give Up.
# # # #
Having lectured you on achieving goals, I'm going to be brave and be specific in listing my goals for my writing career in 2018. I hope when I look back on January 1, 2019, I will have achieved them. Wait a minute. I mean I am confident that I achieved them!

My Writing Goals for 2018 by J.Q. Rose

1. Complete my memoir, Looking Through Rose-Colored Glasses (working title)
2. Post FB Live videos on my J.Q. Rose, Author page.
3. Gather 150 more followers who "like" my J.Q. Rose, Author page
4. Install a landing page on my website to help build an email list.
5. Plan a blog tour and visit my hosts this winter to give away prizes and shout about my latest mystery, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard.

Terror on Sunshine Boulevard
Paranormal Mystery
Click here to order at these digital stores
There they are in black and white. This makes me more accountable by sharing it with readers. I'm sure I'll be able to mark off these four items from the list as "Done!" by January 1, 2019.

Do you have goals or resolutions for 2018? If you want to share your goals with us in a comment below, please do. Thank you for your support!!

Time is running out to take advantage of Books We Love Publishing's 50% off sale on these eBooks at Smashwords. Sale ends January 1, 2018.
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If you have read these books or the new release, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard, I'd appreciate a review from you on the site where you purchased the books and/or Goodreads.

Thanks so much for your help in letting readers know about these mysteries.

Happy and blessed New Year 2018!!







Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Arm Chair Travel: Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico

Shopping Plaza in Cozumel, Mexico

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog by J.Q. Rose.


Last week you joined me in an Arm Chair Travel Tour of our cruise to the Western Caribbean where we enjoyed the sights at Mahogany Bay on the island of Roatan, Honduras. Today I'm sharing photos of Cozumel, Mexico. Come along.
 Cozumel is definitely a tourist spot due to all the cruise ships that drop off thousands of passengers every day. The area does have beautiful beaches and that tropical atmosphere. Unfortunately the Carnival cruise ship only allows less than 8 hours for visitors to get off the ship, tour, and then get back on. I wanted to spend more time, but of course I didn't want to miss the ship. And we were cautioned, if you do not take a tour sponsored by Carnival, you must be on the ship on time, or they will sail without you. If you take the their sponsored tour, they'll wait.


We reserved a Jeep to drive around Cozumel a week before we arrived. Unfortunately, Ernesto rented ours out to another party. But to his credit, he made good on getting us transportation. He had to rent one from another company in order to do it. Fortunately, the Jeep he procured for us was a NEW one, and it was enclosed, not open-air like we had ordered. We were happy to take advantage of the air conditioner and stay cool on that warm afternoon.


My brother-in-law, Terry, had been to Cozumel several times, so he was our chauffeur and travel guide. He headed right out to the road that allows us to view the magnificent seascapes. We stopped at beaches along the way. After leaving the frenetic city traffic, we drove for half an hour or so along the smooth and wide beach road. 

We chose this atmospheric and friendly restaurant, Alberto's, for lunch ON the beach with swaying palms over head and shade from the warm sun. The food was delicious or was it due to the location making the food even better? I had yummy chicken fajitas. We also had chips and salsa. Not the kind of bagged chips we have in the States. These were crisper and tastier. The salsa was a bit too hot for me, but I'm a wimp when it comes to jalapeno or any hot peppers.


The warm tropical breezes and views added to the enjoyment of this special meal at the beach restaurant.
Or was it that few sips of Mexican beer I tried? Hmmmm...Sol is the name of the beer. Ever sipped it? It was refreshing.


As we traveled on, we saw this cute market of thatched huts. All kinds of souveniers, jewelry, clothing, etc packed into these small stores.


Wares for sale displayed on the wall of the hut sitting right on the beach.




Couldn't resist taking a pic of these cute little chihuahua statues. 
No, I didn't bring them home with me.


The day we visited, six of these enormous cruise ships were in port at the same time. We had 2300 passengers on ours and we were one of the smaller ships. Can you imagine how many visitors were in town that day? But we toured out along the beach where there was no traffic problem.

These tin looking plates on the ropes are rat barriers, keeping the rats off the ship. They were on every line holding the ship to the dock--sorry I'm not a seaman and don't know the correct term for those lines. Tell me if you know what the correct name is. Thanks.


We experienced breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the vast ocean. The best part of the trip for me were those early mornings when we would gather on the lido deck for coffee and juice just talking about our experiences and our plans for the day. Truly relaxing and peaceful while most of our shipmates slept in their beds.

I did not enjoy the trip when the ship rocked and rolled on the seas, but I did when it was quiet and calm. Believing the waves "rocked me to sleep" at night comforted me a little.

 Will I ever go again? I doubt I will cruise to the Caribbean after this second trip. But I won't get on my soapbox about these cruises and bore you with my feelings about the trip. You can try cruising for yourself to determine if it is right for you. Are you a cruiser? Tell us about your experience!

Thanks for stopping in. 

Click here if you'd like to view more pictures from our cruise to  Mahogany Bay at Roatan, Honduras.
# # # #
 My latest mystery/paranormal, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard 
is now available in paperback and ebook .
* * * *
Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose
Mystery/paranormal

Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders? 
Not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.
First Responder

Back of the Book:  Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.

Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.

Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?
# # # #


Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Arm Chair Travel: Time for a Cruise to Roatan, Honduras

Buenas Dias and Bienvenido to the Focused on Story blog by J.Q. Rose.

This week I'm sharing photos from our cruise to Mahogany Bay on the island of Roatan, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico. The photos tell the story better than words, but as usual, the photos are nowhere as spectacular as the reality of the scenery and people.

The Carnival Ship Line, Paradise, was our ride.

My husband and I traveled with my brother-in-law and his girlfriend. We left on the five day Carnival Cruise from the Port of Tampa, FL. I was so enthralled with everything, I forgot to take my camera up on the deck as we sailed away from the beautiful city of Tampa on the west coast of Florida. I wish I had taken shots of the city as we cruised down the channel and under the Skyway Bridge out to the Gulf of Mexico. BTW, this was the last time I knew where I was in this vast ocean until I arrived back in Tampa five days later.
The lobby was all decked out for Christmas and festive.

This beautiful sunset wished us a good night. And the meal that night on white tablecloths, china, loads of waiters to keep us fed and over fed made us feel like royalty. The food all week was very good, plentiful, and available 24 hours a day!

The morning brought warm showers. The Lido deck with the buffet, pool, water slide and meeting area was wet when we traversed the deck to get to the early morning coffee and juice. The stormy cloud bank with the rains falling from it over the vast ocean was an amazing sight.

Welcoming sign for us at Mahogany Bay.
When we reached Mahogany Bay, the private Carnival Ships port, we hired a guide to take us around to see the island of Roatan. And did he ever! We saw the seedy side, the slums, the parks, the people, the shopping areas, and learned the history of Central America's formation and the political and economic situation of Honduras.

 This family had beads and bracelets to sell to the tourists.

A view of the bay

Shopping at the outdoor market.

 Our guide took us to the Monkey and Sloth Park.
 Ever been hugged by a sloth?
The parrots' colors were brilliant.
 The West End is the tourist's shopping area. and beach. We didn't sit on the beach, 
but opted to do the sight-seeing of the island.
 All kinds of food and shops renting diving equipment, kayaks, boats. 
Such narrow streets, barely room for two cars.
The rusty old shipwreck was left in the bay on purpose because the tourists love to take pictures of it. So, being wide-eyed tourists, we took pictures.

Next week I'll take you on the tour of Cozumel. Thanks for stopping in. Hope you enjoyed the sun and the beach and the water.

Have you been on a cruise? Did you have fun? Did you get seasick? Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Thank you
# # # #
December 15 is the release date for my latest mystery/paranormal, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard. Take a peek.
* * * *
Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose
Mystery/paranormal
Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders? 
Not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.
First Responder

Back of the Book:  Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.

Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.

Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?

Now available to pre-order at 



Available in many online digital book outlets beginning this Friday, December 15.

eBook and Paperback available NOW at AMAZON








Tuesday, December 5, 2017

IWSG Blog Hop: What I Would Have Done Differently in 2017, Announcing Mystery/Paranormal Book Release in December

Hello and welcome to the J.Q. Rose blog. 
Time for 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

Question: As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

When my publisher, Books We Love Publishing, accepted my mystery/paranormal novel in June, I knew had a release date in December. Did I finish up the manuscript and send it right in? No, I didn't. 

I worked on the story most of the summer with my fabulous writers group. But I dilly-dallied putting it all together. It was a scramble for me to get it in on time to have a pre-order page for the book ready. 

Did I get the images and the promotion material ready so I could shout about the new release? No. I'm working now on images in canva and planning out the promotions/marketing. 

I guess I'm a procrastinator and need that extra surge of having a deadline to meet to get me motivated. How about you?

To answer the question, yes I would have done it all differently--finish the manuscript right away and make plans for promoting earlier. 

December 15 is the release date for Terror on Sunshine Boulevard. Today, I'm thrilled to reveal the book cover by Michelle Lee and the info on this re-release plus of the original novella, Sunshine Boulevard with my friends at IWSG.
* * * *
Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose
Mystery/paranormal
Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders 
are not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.
First Responder

Back of the Book:  Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.

Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.

Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?

Now available to pre-order at 





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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