The Best Gift Ever! #IWSGbloghop

 

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 December 2025!

Happy Holidays!

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The awesome co-hosts for the December 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, Liza, and Natalie Aguirre!

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PLEASE NOTE 

Beginning January 1, 2026, my blog will be located at 

JQ's Substack Focused on Story.

https://jqrose.substack.com/

If you are a reader or writer, JQ's Substack is Focused on Story featuring

a weekly blast of stories and writerly information you can use.

You're invited to pop in whenever you can. 

New posts every Wednesday.

My Substack page will always be free. 

I appreciate your support!

Happy Holidays!

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December 3 QUESTION

As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?

The best gift I ever received was not wrapped up in pretty paper with a big bow on top. Instead, it was a party, and more, to thank me for leading a workshop on writing life stories over five winter seasons for the members of the Hernando Computer Club in Florida. This

At the last meeting of the season and my final workshop, we celebrated with a variety of delicious snacks loaded with sugar and butter! But some thoughtful folks also brought trays of veggies, fruit, and a treat for those with food allergies. To my surprise, a beautiful cake appeared on the table, with "Thank You" written in icing for presenting the workshop for the past 5 winter seasons. Paired with balloons, it turned the gathering into a truly festive occasion.

I was misty-eyed when I read the heart-warming sentiments on the beautiful thank-you cards. One participant told me that when she entered the doors to the classroom, she left as a different woman. 

I had no idea I had touched the lives of the participants in such a profound way. My purpose in offering the workshop was to teach and encourage them to take time to record their life experiences for today's generation and future generations. I received so much more than satisfaction that I had achieved my purpose. I had been given the gift of appreciation. 

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Click here to visit more bloggers during the IWSG Blog Hop! 

You'll meet outstanding writers. I'm looking forward to reading about their gifts.

In January, you will find me at Substack. I am so excited to begin a new year and a new plan for my writing. Please come and share this next chapter with me.

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Facebook

Instagram

Substack

Tools and Tidbits for Writers: Engage Your Readers Using Tips on Showing, Not Telling Your Story #toolsandtidbitsforwriters #shownotell

 

Tools and Tidbits for Writers
#toolsandtidbitsforwriters
by JQ Rose

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The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression
Available at your Favorite Bookseller

Tips on Showing Your Characters, Not Just Telling About Them

If you are a writer, you don't want to start editing a scene and discover it reads like a second-grader wrote it. To draw readers into the story use imaginative imagery. Include characters who come to life for the reader. Your words convey the emotion and action so well a reader becomes wrapped up in the story.

I have a tip today to help you find the right words to develop a full character.

My go-to book for developing scenes and characters is The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writers Guide to Characters Expression. 

According to the description, the purpose of The Emotion Thesaurus, "in its easy-to-navigate list format, will inspire you to create stronger, fresher character expressions and engage readers from your first page to your last."

The table of contents is easy to use to find the emotion you need to portray. You'll appreciate it when looking through the 130 emotions listed to discover the one you need. Here are examples of the emotions that are covered in the book--Fear, Frustration, Happiness, Impatience, Nostalgia, Pride and more.

In the listings for each emotion, you will find ideas to keep your writing fresh.

• physical signals
• internal sensations
• mental responses
• cues of acute or long-term (emotion)

The authors do not suggest you copy the information word for word, but rather to allow their suggestions to inspire you to show, not tell the story.

May I suggest The Emotion Thesaurus as the perfect gift for an aspiring or veteran writer? Since writing this book, the authors have extended the thesaurus idea into a series for other topics in writing like character flaws, character attributes, psychological trauma and more.

Do you use this book or any of the books in the series? Please leave a comment below. 

If you purchase the book using the link below, I will gain a few pennies from the sale. Plus you can check out the entire list of books in the series. Thank you.

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While you are in the gift buying mood, why not purchase an eBook that will help you with your writing? Yes, it's okay to buy yourself a gift and not feel guilty about it! 

Romance and Mystery Authors on Writing: Tips on the Writing Process, Publishing and Marketing
Compiled by J. Q. Rose

Romance and Mystery Authors On Writing--a Gift to Yourself 

Fifteen romance and mystery authors offer writing tips they have gleaned from their experiences as “on-the-job” writers. The tips in the eBook are organized into the main topics of writing, publishing and marketing. The authors share 

🛠 “light bulb moments” in their writing journey, 

🛠 questions they are asked most often (and their answers)

🛠 the most helpful advice on writing they have received. 

The goal of sharing this information is to smooth and straighten the rocky and twisting journey for writers along the path to enjoy a rewarding career in writing.

Best wishes to you for success in your writing career.

Authors who have graciously contributed to this project are:

Conda Douglas, C. Hope Clark, Gail Roughton, Heather Fraser Brainerd, Heather Haven, Helena Fairfax, J.Q. Rose, Joan Curtis, Joselyn Vaughn, Kathy MacIntosh, Marsha West, Melissa Maygrove, Miss Mae, Roseanne Dowell, Sara-Jayne Townsend.

Thank you, inspiring authors, for sharing your knowledge!

Click here to download this jam-packed-with-helpful-information eBook now for 99 cents!

PS--GIVE A VALUABLE GIFT TO AUTHORS. WRITE REVIEWS FOR THEIR BOOKS.

The Rose Courier

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