IWSG Blog Hop: My Favorite Writing and New Book Release by Dr. Bob Rich

 

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 October

The awesome co-hosts for the October 1 posting of the IWSG are Beth Camp, Crystal Collier, and Cathrina Constantine!

Hello and Welcome to the Focus on Story blog and to the IWSG Blog Hop!

Before I answer the Blog Hop question of the month, it is my honor to introduce you to an outstanding author and friend from Australia, Dr Bob Rich. He just released his new book, The Hole in Your Life: Grief and Bereavement.

The Hole in Your Life
Bob Rich, PhD

Dr. Bob emailed me this message. "My daughter died in December, and to honour her memory, I had my 20th book published, The Hole in Your Life: Grief and Bereavement. As part of healing from my loss, I want to reduce the suffering of others insofar as it is within my power, and this book is my tool."

This is a timely book as the holiday season approaches. For those who have lost loved ones, the holidays are difficult times when we face the empty seat at the table. The book guides you when your world falls apart, whether because of the loss of a loved person, other disasters like bankruptcy, divorce or natural disaster, or “merely” experiencing second-hand grief at all the suffering we see on the news.

 Dr. Bob has decades of experience in providing counseling and psychological services. This little book, written with humor, uses stories to teach the ways of thinking and acting that help resolve grief. You can read a little about it at http://grief.lhpress.com

* * * *

About Dr. Bob:

Bob Rich, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in psychology in 1972. He worked as an academic, researcher and applied scientist until "retiring" the first time at 36 years of age. Later, he returned to psychology and qualified in Counseling Psychology and ran a private practice for over 20 years. During this time, he was on the national executive of the College of Counselling Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), then spent three years as a Director of the APS. He was the therapist referrers sent their most difficult cases to.

As you can see from his picture, tiny kids laugh at Bob, perhaps because they think he looks funny. When he walks down the street, strangers smile at him. This comes with the territory of being a Professional Grandfather. Since

Dr. Bob
Author and Grandpa

all sentient beings (on earth and elsewhere) are his family, his joy is to spread smiles, which act as boomerangs. That is very appropriate for an Australian storyteller.

 

One of Bob’s personal cliches is, “Writing is the chocolate icing on the cake of life,” even when it concerns topics like grief and depression. Click here to sample a few of his short stories and essays at his blog, Bobbing Around.

 

His long term policy is to offer a free e-book to any new subscriber to Bobbing Around, and anyone who sends him proof of purchase of one of his books. What have you got to lose but boredom?

* * * *

October 1 Question 

What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?

This is an easy question to answer. I enjoyed writing a romantic suspense novel, Dangerous Sanctuary. The characters are funny and quirky, and so were the situations they faced. The scenes and conversations about who killed the choir director were not funny. I giggled as I wrote the scene where Pastor Christine is

Dangerous Sanctuary

left with the responsibility of taking care of a kangaroo and a pig.

Why did I write this story about a woman who is the pastor of a small church in a small town in West Michigan? The spark was ignited by a challenge from our pastor (who was a woman) to explain why we were followers of Jesus. She only asked for a short, 3-minute elevator pitch. But instead, I wrote an entire book! As one reviewer said, "There's no preaching."

Back of the Book:

Pastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer. 

 Detective Cole Stephens doesn't want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep brown eyes attract her.

 Can they find the real killer and build a loving relationship based on trust?

* * * *

Please leave your thoughts below on how you choose your favorite writing project. 

Thanks for stopping in today!!

Click here to visit more participants in the IWSG Blog Hop!!

Watercolor painting is by me! I've been playing with watercolor this summer and loving it. You too?

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

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IWSG: Writing During the Pandemic #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!

Welcome February 2025!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello and welcome to the February IWSG Blog Hop! I am looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! 

Thank you for joining in on the fun.

💖💖💖

The awesome co-hosts for the February 5 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Louise Barbour, and Tyrean Martinson!

Every month, there is a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

February 5 question - Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?

Yes, probably every one of them!!  Okay. I know you all probably said the same thing. If I had to pick just one, it would be my memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir. 

I had been working on the story about our first year in the flower and greenhouse business when COVID struck. Recognizing the profound impact this tragic period had on everyone, my publisher reached out to authors whose books were set to be released in 2020. She offered to postpone the book's release and encouraged us to take the time we needed to complete our manuscripts.

I truly needed that time. Instead of meeting the June 1, 2020 deadline, the publisher released the book on January 1, 2021. What a coincidence. That was the anniversary of our first day as business owners 45 years ago!

Arranging a Dream
a feel-good memoir
eBooks available
at all major online bookstores
and in print

When I read through the book many months after publishing, I could see where the pandemic had interrupted my life and stolen my sense of storytelling. The memoir reads as if was written by two different people. The last part of the book is stilted and includes too much narrative instead of including dialogue, reflections, and emotions. 

The anxiety and fear that we were living with drained me both physically and emotionally. I could not write about that turning point in my life when my husband and one-year-old daughter and I moved from our friends and family in Central Illinois to West Michigan to follow our dream. And we did!

Yes, I would like to write the last part of the book again, but maybe not. Maybe that was the way the end chapters were supposed to be. I am thankful I was able to finish it and we made it through the pandemic alive and well.

I know your life was disrupted during that horrific time. How did the pandemic affect your writing? 

Please leave a comment below. Do you have a turning point in your life that you need to share with your family and/or publish for the world to hear your voice? Go for it!! You'll be amazed at what you learn about yourself, plus your family will love to know all about the "good ole days."

💖💖💖

Happy Valentine's Day from J.Q. Rose!

Thank you for stopping in today! I'll be hopping about cyberspace visiting IWSG bloggers!

Click here to sign up to join the monthly blog hop and visit the bloggers this week.

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

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IWSG Blog Hop: Besides Writing, Photography is Another Way of Expressing My Creative Self #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!

Welcome November!

The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, and Me!

Hello and welcome to the November IWSG Blog Hop! I am thrilled to be one of the "awesome" co-hosts this month. Looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! Thank you for joining in on the fun.

November 6 question

 What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

I enjoy taking photos of nature, family, and events in my "real" life thanks to my dear great Aunt Elizabeth. She was the unofficial photographer of the family. 

I was fascinated as she clutched her Brownie camera and peered into the glass viewfinder on top of the camera to frame her shot.  The strap was attached to the camera so Aunt E. could hang the leather strap around the back of her neck. This helped her keep the camera steady, but also she couldn't lose it!

Brownie camera Courtesy of Danson67 on Pixabay

In those good old days, all pictures were saved on film, not to a digital file. No filters that we use today to change the lighting or enhance the picture. She wouldn't know if the picture was in focus or too dark or light until she took the film to the drugstore to have it developed. Only one or two pictures were taken of the subject. Today we snap six or eight pictures with our digital cameras and phones because there's no charge for each photo.

With all the helpful technology, it is easier these days to be a good photographer. However, it still takes an artistic, creative eye to compose stunning images. 

I've taken many photos during our travels, but none can begin to elicit emotions when viewing the actual site, such as the majesty of the mountains, the magnificence of the architecture, or the glory of a gorgeous sunset. However, I try because memories can't be captured unless the photo is taken.

I look forward to learning about your creative projects when I visit your blog. In the meantime, please leave a comment below about your memorable pictures.

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week. So many amazing bloggers on the IWSG Blog Hop!!

Connect online with JQ Rose:

J.Q. Rose blog 

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IWSG: Writing versus Distractions, New Release-Mom's Memories and Reflections on Motherhood #IWSGbloghop #jqrose #newbookrelease

 

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 this link:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group

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 May!

🎕🎕🎕

Thank you to the awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG--Victoria Marie Lees, Kim Lajevardi, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine!

May 1 Question

 How do you deal with distractions when you are writing? Do they derail you?

Distractions? What distractions? SQUIRREL! 

I like this question. Oh wait a minute. My husband just came in and needs some help in the garage.

I'm back. Got the greenhouse put together.

Now where was I? Oh, distractions. Wait, I have to plug in my second screen. 

GRRR...I still don't have that screen working! Hard to concentrate on my writing because it is sitting right next to me taunting me because I can't figure it out. Guess it's time for a coffee break to cool down and think how I am going to solve this.

Okay. I'm back. Figured out the screen.

Now back to the answer to your question. First I want to wish everyone a marvelous month of May. I love May--so many birthdays, anniversaries, and gorgeous landscapes of flowering trees and spring flowers. Everything is fresh and new, coming alive in Michigan. Now....

Sorry, my daughter called. 

Now about distractions.  Oh, let me throw in a load of laundry before I get into an essay about distractions.

Now about distractions.....The answer is YES they distract me and derail me.

🎕🎕🎕

UPDATE: 

I am thrilled to announce the journal for moms is now available on Amazon! In case you didn't know, I advocate for each person to write their life stories. What a gift to your family when you record life experiences, and surprisingly, it's a gift to yourself. 

Mom's Memories and Reflections on Motherhood: A Guided Journal
J.Q. Rose

Mom’s Memories and Reflections on Motherhood: A Guided Journal is adorned with bright yellow sunflowers and created with pages to journal about mom's unique life experiences, capturing the laughter, tears, and growth that define motherhood. 

Providing a suggested topic, a writing prompt, and an inspiring quote on each page, 

the journal makes writing your stories easy.

The hardcover, premium-color book is divided into three sections for moms to write about the different stages of parenting a child. The Early Years, The Adolescent Years, and Reflections.

One of the sections in the journal

Click here to find out more about Mom's Memories. Thank you.

If you would like the journal in PDF format, please let me know in the comment section below. I have no reviews for the book, yet. I'd appreciate a few sentences left at Amazon when you have time. Thanks.

🎕🎕🎕

GETTING IT RIGHT! I had a difficult time fitting the book cover for Mom's Memories inside the template for KDP. I could see where the words would be cut off on the back cover and a problem with the front cover having words not centered how I wanted them to be placed. So many iterations later, I sent it off to KDP with all the corrections. When I saw the finished product on the sales page, I nearly had a heart attack. 

After all that time spent on the cover, there was ONE typo on the back cover. I had copied and pasted a phrase when re-doing the blurb, so the sentence did not start with a capital letter. What a basic rule--sentences start with capitals....grrr. How did I miss that??

So, once again I had to fix it. The book was originally published on Monday. I corrected the typo on Monday afternoon, and the changes were live the next day!! Kudos to KDP for their quick action. I have since tweaked the manuscript and it was complete with the revisions the next day!

I used Draft2Digital print to publish a different journal in November. I learned later D2D converts the font to 12 point. I must have missed the place to request using my formatted manuscript which is in 14 point. 

After the book is published, D2D does not allow changes for 90 days. After that time, a token is issued to revise the book for free. After using the token, the cost is $25.00 to make later changes. I was amiss for not researching the D2D rules for post-publishing. 

The book interior looked fine, but I did not like the smaller font even if it is the usual size in publishing. However, my readers are older, and I think 14 point is a good size. Large print is considered 16 point.

Have you used KDP or Draft2Digital to publish your books? Please share your experience in the comments below.

🎕🎕🎕

Motherhood

Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day on May 12 in the USA!
 To moms and all who are important in the lives of a child.

Click here to visit more Insecure Writers Support Group  

members participating in this month's IWSG Blog Hop! 

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