Focused on Story

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

IWSG Blog Hop: A Turning Point in My Life

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure 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.

To find out more, click here.

The purpose of the group 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.

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Happy June

The awesome co-hosts for the June 4 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Pat Garcia, Kim Lajevardi, Melisa Maygrove, and Jean Davis!

June 4 question - What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

This is an easy answer for me. Black Beauty is the book I loved. In fact, my first "novel" was written when I was in 7th grade. The story was suspiciously similar to Black Beauty. This was a turning point in my life because my grandmother, Ma, typed up my "manuscript" rom my scribbles hand written in a lined notebook. I was amazed to see the book typewritten. Being the teacher she was, it was also edited into an amazing looking book! Thank you, Ma.

When I saw my story magically turned into such a beautiful piece, I was hooked. I wanted to write a LOT more. She was always my support and encouraged me to keep writing.

How about you? Do you have a memory of the time when you decided to write stories? Please leave a comment below. Thanks.

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Here's wishing you a fabulous month of June! We have GT's birthday, Father's Day, and our 55th wedding anniversary in June. I love June!

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Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

FOCUS ON BOOKS SERIES: GUEST AUTHOR EDEN MONROE AND HER HISTORICAL NOVEL, WHEN SHADOWS STIR BOOK 2 IN THE KAVENAGHS SERIES

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors.

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my reading recommendations. Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

When Shadows Stir by Eden Monroe

Historical fiction

I am pleased to introduce you to my friend and creative author, Eden Monroe, in this last episode of the Focus on Books Series for the season. In her historical fiction novels, Eden uses her imagination to make her characters come alive against a well-researched background of the 1870s.

Welcome, Eden! Congratulations on releasing the second novel in the Kavenaghs Series. Your first book in the series, Bound for Somewhere captured me for sure.

Why did you write the Kavenagh series?

Many thanks, Janet, for this opportunity to meet your readers and tell them about the Kavenagh series.

When Shadows Stir is the second book in the series, The Kavenaghs. The temporal setting is 1870-1879, and I’ve come to enjoy writing historical pieces. I wrote this book because I like to read suspense with romantic elements, and male lead Brogan Kavenagh running for his life was particularly intriguing. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I, as the author, was only along for the ride.

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I had to smile at Eden's last line--I, as the author, was only along for the ride.

Yes, those characters can lead writers off on a different trail than where they planned to go.

I'm looking forward to reading When Shadows Stir. Each novel in the series is a stand-alone story.

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When Shadows Stir by Eden Monroe

BACK OF THE BOOK- When Shadows Stir by Eden Monroe

Tall, proud and handsome male lead, Brogan Kavenagh, grew up fast and hard. Determined to defend the disgraced Kavenagh name, his refusal to back down earned him the reputation of a brawler. However, despite his rough and rowdy ways, Brogan met and married the love of his life, Maggie. A strong female lead who stands by her man, there are no holds barred when her husband is framed for murder.

Brogan has no choice but to run for his life, and is shot by the sheriff during the manhunt that follows. In an unexpected stroke of good fortune he meets Tilda Loughty, a spirited young woman who saves his life.

But perjuring witnesses and the gallows await. How can he possibly prove his innocence in this historical romantic suspense set in beautiful Eastern Canada?

Click here to purchase the eBook from your favorite online bookseller.

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ALL ABOUT EDEN

Author Eden Monroe

Eden Monroe loves giving voice to the endless parade of interesting characters who introduce themselves in her imagination. She writes about real life, real issues and struggles, and triumphing against all odds. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and a good book.

UPDATE:

The Focus on Book Series will resume this fall. Thanks to the authors and readers who have visited this site for the series. Please come on back to this blog in October for more amazing authors and their books.

In the meantime, you can catch me at my Substack page every Wednesday discussing books, a writer's life, and storytelling.

What is Substack? Substack is a publishing platform similar to a newsletter from the writer who can publish their information in articles, podcasts, video, and audio formats. Readers can join each page, like mine is JQ's Substack, by following or subscribing for a free or paid subscription. My page will always be FREE.

I love exploring the writers on Substack. Some are celebrities, some are beginners, and some are seasoned authors. The information can be humorous, thoughtful, and informative. In fact, I can spend hours there because of the diversity. I have not come across hateful, mean writing on Substack.

Click Substack to visit JQ's Substack!

Thank you for your support.

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Author J.Q. Rose

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Click here to read Reed's guest blog post in 2020

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

FOCUS ON BOOKS SERIES: AUTHOR REED STIRLING AND MYSTERY NOVEL: A BOUQUET OF DARTS

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors.

Please welcome accomplished author Reed Stirling. He said,"Intrigue is my primary interest, with romantic entanglement an integral part of the action."

You will find this in Reed's latest release, A Bouquet of Darts.

A Bouquet of Darts by Reed Stirling
A European Travel Mystery

Reed, thank you for being my guest this month on the Focused on Books series. I love the premise of your mystery novel. What sparked this book filled with intrigue and romance?

Thank you, Janet. The reason I wrote a Bouquet of Darts is because travel inspires. Put a group of people with common interests into a confined space, for instance, a tourist boat plying the canals in the Netherlands, introduce conflicting points of view, and what results is potential for an interesting plot. Add Eros, the mischievous mythological god of love with his gold and lead-tipped arrows, and the plot thickens. Insights into the nature of love from different perspectives could develop thematically. A year ago, I entertained these thoughts over a beer on the outer deck as our boat sailed out of Amsterdam.

I agree, travel does inspire an interesting plot! This one sounds like a fun, entertaining read.

BACK OF THE BOOK--A Bouquet of Darts

Leaving Amsterdam, twenty engaging personalities begin a seven-day bike and barge excursion through the Netherlands. Allegiances form, love interests develop, conflicts arise, and a cyclist’s lifeless body mars their arrival in Maastricht.

Who is responsible? The insulted chef? An angry deckhand? The most antagonized among the guests? Everyone onboard, the result of a well-wrought plot?

Eros? Could the culprit be the god of love whose arrows never miss their mark and whose intentions never falter?

Click the link to download A Bouquet of Darts at major online booksellers.

Also available in Paperback.

Buy link

ABOUT AUTHOR REED STIRLING

Reed Stirling lives in Cowichan Bay, BC, and writes when not painting landscapes, or travelling, or taking coffee at The Drumroaster, a local café where physics and metaphysics clash daily. Before retiring and taking up writing fiction as a past time, he taught English Literature. Several talented students of his have gone on to become successful writers. He is a member of the Cowichan Writers Association and the B.C. Federation of Writers. Book We Love Inc. has published his novels.

Author Reed Stirling

Shades Of Persephone, published in 2019, is a literary mystery set in Greece.

Lighting The Lamp, a fictional memoir, was published in March 2020.

Séjour Saint-Louis (2021) is set in Montreal and dramatizes family conflicts.

The Palimpsest Murders (2023) is a European travel mystery set in the Lowlands.

A Bouquet of Darts, featuring Eros the god of love, was published in 2024.

Reed Stirling’s shorter work has appeared over the years in a variety of publications including Hackwriters Magazine, Dis(s)ent, The Danforth Review, Fickle Muses, The Fieldstone Review, Humanist Perspectives, StepAway Magazine, and Mediterranean Poetry.

To all who celebrate, Happy Easter and Joyous Passover from J.Q. Rose!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

BONUS Focus on Books Series Guest S. Cox New Book Release: Reuben Hayes

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors.

BONUS BOOK: Yes, I know it is not the third Wednesday of the month, but I wanted to shout about my guest's latest book release this month, Reuben Hayes. You've just got to know about Sandra Cox's latest Western.

Reuben Hayes by S. Cox

Western action and Romance

The tough middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman.

And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

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I am delighted to welcome back my honorary cousin, dear friend, Western author and super storyteller, Sandra Cox. Sandra is the record holder for the number of times a guest has visited this blog!. Since 2020, Susan has appeared here seven times always bringing with her great stories of the West filled with action and engaging characters.

Welcome back, Sandra!

What inspired you to write this story?

"I wish I could say I dreamt it and it’s destined to become a bestseller, but unfortunately, I never remember my dreams. Honestly, I have no idea where my stories come from. The only thing I can say with certainty is that my writing revolves around the West, in whatever form it takes. Sometimes classic Westerns. Sometimes Western Time Travel. Sometimes Western ShapeShifters. When I was younger I genre-hopped, but eventually settled into the Western niche. I only wish I’d done it sooner.

AND since I failed to answer this question I’m going to lob it back to your readers to ask them, " What do you write and/or read? And, if you write, where do your ideas come from?"

I like Sandra's questions. Please leave a comment below.

Reuben Hayes by S. Cox

BACK OF THE BOOK

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.

Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger named Hawk. Between the two men, and Reuben’s crusty ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Character Facts About Hawk

Young gunslinger.

Has saved Sage’s life on more than one occasion.

Doesn’t know who his parents are. Was raised in a mission orphanage. Took off at fifteen.

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Click here to purchase the eBook now:

Click here to order the paperback

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ABOUT SANDRA COX

Sandra, who writes as both S. Cox and Sandra Cox, is an animal lover and avid gardener. She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

She and her husband are ruled by four cats and a dog. An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Sandra can be found at http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

OR http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

OR https://sandracox.blogspot.com

OR https://www.pinterest.com/scoxauthor/

OR https://www.bsky.app @scoxauthor

OR Amazon.com: Sandra Cox: books, biography, latest update

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UPDATE:

I have updated and released Your Life with Jesus: How to Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir in paperback and hardcover in color.

Your Life with Jesus
Learn how to write your spiritual memoir.

“Your Life with Jesus: Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir” offers a thoughtful pathway for capturing your faith journey. This book combines carefully selected Bible verses with insightful writing prompts to inspire you as you share the moments that have shaped your spiritual life.

In Part One, you'll find tips on igniting your memories and crafting compelling stories that keep readers engaged. Part Two presents over 40 journaling topics, each paired with a relevant Bible verse and writing prompt to deepen your reflection. Embrace this opportunity to document your unique story and uncover new insights into the transformative power of faith.

The hardcover in color is available now for Easter gifting to someone you love and as a gift to yourself.

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Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com