Showing posts with label IWSG blog hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IWSG blog hop. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

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






Saturday, July 5, 2025

IWSG Blog Hop: I'll Never Forget This

 



It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Everyone is encouraged to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 
Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.


Celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day

I hope you have celebrated Canada Day and Independence Day USA this week. In fact, I am blaming the Fourth for my absence from our IWSG blog hop. It has been a wonky week, so I completely forgot about posting on the first Wednesday of the month. I don't know how I could forget it because I've been posting every month for over 10 years! 

Sorry I'm late for posting on the IWSG Blog Hop on Wednesday July 2.
Photo courtesy of kalhh at Pixabay


Thank you to this month's co-hosts: Yolanda Renee, Tyrean Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte , LK Hill, Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott!  I will catch up with you guys next week.
****
JULY'S  QUESTION: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?
I will never forget what my first publisher said when she emailed me. She told me she would like to publish my novel, my first mystery novel. That was a catch-my-breath moment because my dream was to be a published author. But the next line is the one emblazoned on my heart. "We love your voice."

Please leave a comment below about the first time your teacher, editor, or publisher contacted you about your writing. How did you react? 

Thank you so much for stopping in today, even if I am a bit late with my July blog post. I will make a note in capital letters on my calendar to remind me to post in  August and beyond...

****

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com




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.

* * * *
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!

* * * *

Connect online with JQ Rose:


Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com



Tuesday, April 1, 2025

IWSG Blog Hop: Superman and Me #IWSGblog hop

 

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 April!

Happy Spring!

Hello and welcome to the April 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.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the April 2 posting of the IWSG Blog Hop--Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

🌷🌷🌷

April 2 question

What fantasy character would you like to fight, 
go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

I didn't think twice about selecting a fantasy character as my answer to this question. I would love to fly with Superman! Why wouldn't I? "Superman possesses superhuman strength, speed, flight, invulnerability, and heat vision, among other abilities, all due to his exposure to Earth's yellow sun." 

In case you don't know about Clark Kent, Superman's human side,"he is a humanoid alien refugee from the planet Krypton who lands on Earth, developing superhuman abilities and becoming Superman, Earth's only superhero, while also working as a journalist for the Daily Planet newspaper in Metropolis." 

Superman
Image by Solihin Kentjana from Pixabay

Clark jumps into a phone booth, (remember them?) and in a nanosecond 

he comes out dressed in that tight-fitting Superman suit with the huge S in the middle of his chest. He runs a few steps and then launches into the sky, his cape billowing behind him. 

At that moment, he doesn't care about his job at the newspaper. 

He is on a mission to rescue someone or get the bad guy. In other words he helps people, one of the reasons why I admire the character. 

I think he would be an interesting fellow to hang out with. After all, he writes for the newspaper. That's how I entered the writing world. See? We have so much in common.

But nothing is perfect. Superman's downfall is Kryptonite. So my job would be to keep him safe from that deadly rock. Hmm, I wonder though if he might need that suit and cape washed and pressed once in a while. Yes, I'd be happy to do it for Superman.

I always picture him as Christopher Reeves who played 

the character in one of the many Superman movies.

Now do you see why I'd love to hang out with Superman/Clark Kent? Super powers, hero, smart, handsome, AND a writer!!

Did you choose Superman for your fantasy character??? Please leave your comment below.

 The quoted paragraphs are from Wikipedia.

I apologize if the formatting is a bit wonky for this post. I think Professor Google 

has spring fever and is not paying attention to business...???

🌷🌷🌷


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.

             ðŸŒ·ðŸŒ·ðŸŒ·

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

IWSG Blog Hop: Who Would I Like to Be Today? #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!


Hello and welcome to the March 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.

Huge thanks to the awesome co-hosts for the March 5 posting of the IWSG - Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ Middle Passages!


March 5 question - If for one day you could be anyone or *thing* in the world, what would it be? Describe, tell why, and any themes, goals, or values they/it inspire in you.

Boy jumping 
Image by Leonardo Espina from Pixabay


What a timely question for me to answer. If you are reading this post on March 5, I am at Epcot at Disneyland in Orlando, FL. So, today, I wish I could be me at age 10. I could enjoy the awe, wonder, magic, and excitement a child experiences when seeing the amazing rides and sights at Disneyland.

I am looking forward to the visit because our daughter, Sara, her hubby, and her in-laws will be experiencing the flower festival together on opening day. I realize the place will be packed and lines to the rides long, but at this age, I can accept it and just enjoy the magnificent floral displays. 

 It's going to be a great week! I will catch up with you this weekend.

Thank you for stopping in today! 

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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