FOCUS on BOOKS: New Cozy Mystery Release by Susan Bernhardt, Repercussions

 

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading, we will dive into the fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

My love of reading sparked the series, FOCUS ON BOOKS. While the purpose is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

This month, my guest is a dear friend, Susan Bernhardt. We were with the same publisher early in our careers, and we "newbies" have continued to stick together all these years. I was infatuated by her first cozy mystery in the series, The Ginseng Conspiracy. Who knew Wisconsin, which is the location for her stories, is a top provider of Ginseng in the USA?  

I  always look forward to an entertaining read with many twists.  The action takes place in a small town populated with delightful characters and some really rotten villains. However she changes the location when Kay takes her family on a cruise in Paradise Can Be Murder. You know there has to be mystery and murder on the boat!

Congratulations Susan on your new release!

What sparked the idea for your 7th book in the series?

What sparked writing this mystery was to give my followers of this series pure entertainment. Many readers know Kay, Elizabeth, and Deirdre intimately and I wanted to write for them another exciting, thrilling, and fun mystery to read. That's it. There are many surprises in REPERCUSSIONS that will leave the reader with their mouths wide open.

Repercussions by Susan Bernhardt
Cozy mystery--Released September 17

In this edition, readers are taken to Sudbury Falls where Deirdre's tea room becomes an overnight sensation, a favorite go-to place in Sudbury Falls. Her scones are the talk of the town. 

Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Kay's friend) starts seeing copycat murders from her mystery novels everywhere.

Phil (Kay's husband) and his band get a new gig at The Purple Orchid, a dodgy nightclub downtown, where they try out their new drummer to a standing-room-only crowd.

When a murder takes place and there are absolutely no suspects at all, the new Chief of Police, along with Kay and company are stumped. Is this the perfect crime? Will the murder go unsolved?

Yet another humorous and thrilling Kay Driscoll adventure.

Welcome back to Kay's world.

Click here to download the eBook now or order the paperback version from Amazon. 

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ABOUT SUSAN:

 Susan's town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of her Kay Driscoll novels. Like Kay Driscoll in her cozy mysteries,

Author Susan Bernhardt

Susan is a retired nurse who volunteered at her local free clinic. She also writes the Irina Curtius mysteries that take place in Manhattan. 

She lives with her husband, William, and has two sons.

An avid reader of mysteries, Susan is a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.

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THE KAY DRISCOLL AND IRINA CURTIUS MYSTERIES

Cozy Mysteries by Susan Bernhardt

Thanks for stopping in today. 

Please share this blog with a reader who enjoys cozy mysteries.

Visit JQ ROSE online

J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor

J.Q.’s Substack  https://jqrose.substack.com/

Writers are Business Owners Too #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

Happy IWSG Blog Hop Day!

Happy April!

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.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG Blog Hop- Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!

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I have not published an audiobook, but I am interested in reading the answers to this month's question about publishing and marketing them. I have considered narrating my memoir for an audiobook. But, I have no studio or equipment to do that. Nor any idea about marketing an audiobook. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Gardener Ted and I were Mom and Pop business owners
operating a floral shop, a commercial greenhouse operation and a garden center

Last week's blog post, Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day recognized local businesses. I mentioned writers are also business people and could be thought of as operating a small business in the writing industry.

The story of the  first year
we were in the flower business

Did you ever consider your book as a product, a commodity? I imagine you didn't write your first book thinking about selling it. Instead, the story or topic swirled in your brain until you just had to write it down. But because you had a message or a desire to touch people's hearts, you shared it with the public. 

  At the moment the book is published--indie or traditional--it becomes not just "heart work," but also hard work. In order to actually sell a book, you need to convert your mindset from the creative side of your personality to the practical reality of being a producer, a business owner.   Your responsibilities include editor, publisher (indie), marketer, speaker, and bookkeeper. I bet you can add another one in the comments below.

I never realized there were so many "jobs" associated with being a published author until my first novella was published. The good news is there are many tools/resources to help you learn about running this small business- books and online websites, writing groups, and authors who are willing to share their experiences such as the bloggers here at IWSG!

I have listed a some of my favorites below for marketing your books. Please add your favorite sites in the comments section. Thank you.

Writers on the Move 

Training Authors  

Author Marketing Club 

Book Marketing Tools 

Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound 
The Creative Penn, Joanne Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast
Build Book Buzz, Sandra Beckwith

The Business of Short Stories 
by Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence helps readers with the business of writing short stories. Click here to read my blog post and my review of her informative book, The Business of Writing Short Stories.

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UPDATE: Quarterly delivery of the Rose Courier--Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall

Click the link below to receive the quarterly Rose Courier edition delivered to your inbox.
Filled with photos, updates, freebies, new book releases and more! Thank you.

In order to find more time for writing and playing, I will not publish the Rose Courier every month. Instead, the edition will be delivered quarterly to your inbox. 

If you have not subscribed to the Courier, yet...

Click Here to receive your first letter the second week in April. 

Thank you!!

The first day of spring

Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop: Let's Compare a Working Writer to a Hobbyist

 

Hello and Welcome to the Focused on Story Blog AND the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

Always on the first Wednesday of the month.

#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 to join.

✰✰✰✰

Question of the Month

Question of the month

October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

When I think of the term working writer, I believe it means writing is the job of making an income to feed the family and pay the bills. I am not in that category. 

I am a hybrid author of fiction and non-fiction books and a journalist with articles in magazines, newspapers and online magazines). So I don't believe I am an aspiring author. 

That leaves hobbyist, but that sounds like I'm not serious about writing. I am. I love the craft of writing and I try to offer readers a good experience when reading my stories or articles. I want them engaged, informed, entertained and thinking about a message I may have snuck in there. Alright, I think all writers have a message for readers, but sometimes are not aware until the book is written that they really did have a message.

Perhaps another way to define a hobbyist is that I spend more money on writing than I do on making money from my writing. I think everyone knows hobbies are expensive--look at what you need for golfing, sewing, running, baking, cars. They all cost money. This defines me! 

Musing about what to write.

One more way to define hobbyist is a life-long learner. As writers, we learn something new just about every day--new words, new programs, new updates to computers, new friends, new ways to market, social media opportunities, etc. I bet you could add a lot to this list too of all the new things you have added to your writing journey. It sure keeps life interesting to have writing as a hobby, aspiring author, or a working writer!

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 Stay-Up-To-Date with J.Q. Rose--articles, news, prizes, sneak peeks, guest authors and books.

Click here to get the October issue of the Rose Courier delivered to your inbox once a month.

* * *

Thank you for stopping here at the Focused on Story Blog with JQ Rose.

Click here to visit more participating bloggers!

Changes in the World of Book Publishing and Marketing

Change--quote by John F. Kennedy

Change by J.Q. Rose

An article by Pastor Laurie Haller resonated with me this week. While she is not writing about the book publishing business, her points very well apply to the publishing industry. 

In her article, click here for the entire article, If You Just Stay with What You Have, Laurie compares shopping malls to churches. She cites several examples of shopping malls closing down as the anchor stores are dwindling in number. Macy’s is closing 14 stores and J.C. Penney is closing 30 stores. Radio Shack has declared bankruptcy, and we won't go there about the demise of Barnes and Noble stores. More and more of our stores and churches are shutting down because they couldn't change to meet the needs of their customers/congregations. 

Pile of print books

The publishing industry is changing too. No longer absolutely controlled by the big guys in New York, writers who never had a voice can now be heard through their writing. Short stories, poetry chapbooks, collections of stories, special interest books for only a small niche, textbooks, and more are now available to readers. A reader can be in a rural setting or a big city, but can have an e-book in his hands in minutes. And take hundreds of books with him wherever he goes.

Telling a good story hasn't changed through the ages, but marketing has. Don't miss out on the future. Authors have to do their own. Learn how to use social media, make videos, record your voice, try uploading your book to amazon, and step out from behind your book to speak and meet readers. You'll be amazed at how trying new things can re-vitalize your passion for writing.

Are you embracing this change in indie publishing, indie music, indie movies? Leave a comment to tell us how you have changed your approach to writing and marketing... or have you? Thanks, in advance, for your feedback on this article.

Get new posts from the J.Q. Rose Blog in your inbox. Follow this blog by email by adding yours in the box to the right. Guaranteed, no spamming! Thank you.

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Follow Blog Fest--Come along and join the fun!

Click to find the Linky List for the Follow Fest bloggers

Blog button designed by Carrie Butler.

Hello and welcome to the J.Q. Rose blog. Today begins the Follow Blog Fest, the brainchild of Melissa Maygrove, The purpose of this blog fest is to offer a platform building opportunity for writers. 

Come on in and stay awhile. The food table is in the back of the room decorated with fall mums and colored leaves to celebrate the first day of Fall with you. Please help yourself to fresh apple cider and donuts too. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Name: J.Q. Rose

Fiction or nonfiction? 

Both

What genres do you write? 

Mystery, romance, non-fiction

Are you published? 

Yes. My mysteries are with MuseItUpPublishing. 

The non-fiction book for girls, Girls Succeed! is self-published.

Do you do anything in addition to writing? 

Hmmm, does grandmothering count?

Tell us a little about yourself.

We are campers, but not the tenting kind. I have to have a microwave and an electric blanket when I camp. We enjoy traveling and, in fact, RVed full-time for over eight years and loved it. I never thought I could live with just a couple of pans, couple of shorts, and jeans, but I did. Not much space in a camper, but great for those who, like me,  hate housekeeping!

What are you reading right now?

APE by Guy Kawasaki and  Force of Nature by Suzanne Brockman

Which authors influenced you the most?

Jan Karon who wrote the Mitford Series and Mark Twain

Where can people connect with you?

J.Q. Rose blog

Girls Succeed blog 

Twitter

I know I'm probably in the minority, but I am not a tweeter.

Facebook 

Goodreads

Google+

LinkedIn

Not linked in with my pen name

Pinterest 

 Author pages:

Author website 

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Smashwords Author Profile

Website 

J.Q. Rose 

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

I enjoy meeting authors by hosting PG-13 and up published authors on my J.Q. Rose blog and MG and YA authors on my Girls Succeed blog. If you're doing a Virtual Book Tour, contact me so you can make a stop here! It's fun to swap blogs, 

so I would be happy to be your guest too. 

Thanks to Melissa Maygrove for spearheading this clever Follow Fest project. 

Thank you to all of you for stopping in.

Please leave a comment below so I can visit your page too. 

 I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Veteran's Day, Blog Tour, This Week

Veteran's Day today in the USA. God bless veterans! 

My husband served in the US Air Force. What is it about a uniform that makes you fall in love with a guy? 

On Veteran's Day we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country and say a huge thank you to veterans especially those who served during the VietNam War. During that never-declared war, the military servicemen and women never received the recognition they were due. We will never forget you.

Today I am also thinking of the thousands of people devastated by the history making storm in the Philippines. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My author friend, Heather Fraser Brainerd invited me to take part in a huge BLOG TOUR this week. You can link back to her page and discover other authors who are participating today. At the end of my interview, I have listed three authors who will be blogging next week. Have fun on the tour!

This BLOG TOUR is where authors answer a series of questions about their writing, sharing their journey with other authors and interested folks.

1. What are you working on right now?
I am working on another mystery novel and having a blast with it. My main character is Lauren Staab. Her family is in the funeral business, the Staab and Blood Funeral Home. They discover a dead body in the garage of the funeral home. Well, I know you are thinking a body in a funeral home, that's not unusual, Janet. But this is the body of a murder victim sprawled on the floor of the garage. Why was he dumped at their funeral home? Well, for sure they do better work than Schultz Funeral Home across town, but doubtful that is the reason. At this point I have so many men in the story, I don't really know which one Lauren is going to choose for romance, but it will be fun watching her make up her mind in the midst of a murder investigation. Stay tuned!

2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?
My family was in the funeral home business. I'm the daughter of a funeral director just like Lauren. Needless to say, I am an insider and I reveal what it's really like living in such a stressful, but fulfilling business. Helping families through such a difficult time is an honor and a privilege.

3. Why do you write what you do?
I enjoy reading mysteries because they are like solving puzzles. When writing I giggle when I leave little hints, whether a red herring or valuable information for readers, for solving the "whodunit" puzzle. Developing well-rounded characters with all their foibles and strengths keeps it interesting. 

4. How does your writing process work?
Before I start the story, I know who my strong heroine will be. The story develops around her. I usually make notes as to what will transpire from the beginning to the end. These notes are not set in stone. As I write, I scratch out some and add others in order to produce the best story line.

Thanks so much for stopping in today. What genres do you like to read and why? Your comments, questions, and waves are always appreciated!

Look for these authors to answer the four questions next week on their blogs.

• Romance writer Helena Fairfax, http://www.helenafairfax.com
• The "official unofficial" reporter of Gum Drop Island, I.B. Nosey, http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com
• Romantic Suspense/Second Chances/Experience Required author Marsha R. West http://www.marsharwest.com/category/blog

This Week:
Sunday, November 10--Yesterday I kicked off the first post in MuseItUp Publishing's Mystery and Suspense Week on the MIU blog. I discussed Conflict in Stories. Check in all week to discover great writers and books. You can catch my blog post on the Sunday, Nov. 10 MuseItUp Publishing blog.

Thursday, November 14-- Yee-haw, ya'all. You're invited to visit author Margaret Mendel as she shares her pastime, photography. Beautiful photos indeed! 

Thank you for stopping by. You have a fantastic week!

This Week-Hobby Hoedown and Giveaways Start Thursday

Welcome Readers,

Once again the country has been ravaged by tornadoes leaving death and destruction along the way. My heart goes out to those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones and the reality of the clean-up. I pray for your strength and determination to carry you through.

Spring can be such a gorgeous time of year with so much beauty and sunshine, but the downpours and storms are inevitable.

Today I'm a guest at my publisher's blog, MuseItUp Publishing,  and being very honest about my challenge as a writer. I hope you have time to pop over to visit.

On Tuesday, I will be a guest at the Helena Fairfax blog. Wow, did she ever ask questions that made me think deep for the answer.

On Thursday my crit partner's newest book, Climbing Heartbreak Hill, will be released. She'll be my guest for the Hobby Hoedown that day, Launch Day! What's Hobby Hoedown?? Check it out below. 

On Friday children's authorTara Chevrestt will be my guest at the Girls Succeed Blog. I enjoyed her book so much I invited her to tell my readers all about her historical fiction, Ride for Rights.

To get you in the mood for the Hobby Hoedown, click on the music of Aaron Copland's Hoedown.

YouTube video: Hoedown by American composer, Aaron Copland

Alright, all you guys and gals, you're invited to a hoedown 

every Thursday this summer right here at the J.Q. Rose blog. 

A hoedown is a community dance party which usually features folk and square dances, but our hoedown is featuring authors and their  hobbies and books. You'll definitely see another side of your favorite author and learn about authors new to you.

I hope you'll join us for a great line-up 
of hobbies and stories this summer! 
Check out the right page margin for these creative writers 
and come back for the fun and giveaways!
Ya'all come back now, ya' hear?

Coda to Murder Book Tour Continues and Thank Yous

Happy March 1st! So why do I have February's red heart I Love Books badge still up? 

Because I wanted to say THANK YOU to all the wonderful authors who visited my blog in February. Please take some time and visit their sites because many of the authors have more books than the one spotlighted here. I included the dates in case you missed their visit on the J. Q. Rose blog. 

2/5/2013	C.K. Volnek
2/11/2013	Kim Creswell
2/13/2013	Kay Lalone
2/20/2013	A,M Roelke
2/25/2013	Margaret Fieland

I am thrilled to be able to continue taking my new mystery, romance on the road in March. Coda to Murder Book Tour Continues. Join us as I talk about writing the story, emotions, behind the scenes, character interview, even a post on flower arranging! And of course you'll want to leave comments along the way to enter the random drawing for prizes awarded on March 22.

A big THANK YOU to these generous authors who are sharing their blogs to help me spread the word about Coda to Murder.

2/25/2013  Janie Franz

2/26/2013  Lorrie Struiff

3/1/2013 Margaret Fieland 3/5/2013 Kim Cresswell 3/7/2013 Tess Grant 3/11/2013 W S Gager 3/14/2013 Joselyn Vaughn 3/15/2013 Nancy Wood Books 3/18/2013 Scott Caseley 3/19/2013 Jean Viola  Ryan 3/21/2013 Gail Branan

Please note: I am meeting readers at Margaret Fieland's blog, Unique Visions today! Come on over to say hi!