IWSG Blog Hop: Do I Have Regrets About My Writing Career? by J.Q.Rose, Birthday Celebration, Giveaways #IWSGbloghop #Celebration #giveaways

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

Happy IWSG Blog Hop Day!

Happy First Birthday!

Happy New Year!

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.

Our awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken!

Hello and Welcome! How much excitement can one endure in a day?? Two big events today.

1. It's time for the IWSG Blog Hop! I always look forward to getting together with writers and reading their blogs filled with wisdom, humor and caring thoughts on the first Wednesday of the month.

Happy First Birthday!

2. Today is also the kick-off of the birthday celebration for my memoir, Arranging a Dream! Discover how you can celebrate with me and win free books and prizes January 4-16 after I answer the January question.

︖︖︖︖︖︖

January 5 question - What's the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?

I can't say I have regrets. I have more gratitude than regrets in my writing career. I am thrilled I've had teachers and friends and family who have encouraged me to write stories since I was in second grade. (Yeah, there's a story to that experience.) 

All the members in my critique groups have made major differences in building confidence and worthiness to have a book published. I am thrilled to be a hybrid publisher and have the opportunities these methods offer to writers to share their work with readers. And oh those amazing readers! I have received such heartwarming moments from them in reviews and in person. 

I value how the writing community comes together to help each other, such as IWSG. My biggest surprise was the generosity and support from authors who could be considered competitors. 

This question made me examine my writing career through the years. It came at the right time as I plan on opening a new chapter in this ever-evolving experience called writing. Thank you.

You're Invited!

Several lucky commenters will win an eBook or short story. Just leave a comment below to enter.

Speaking of regrets. I remember a conversation with my husband, GT, way back in the 70s about buying a greenhouse business. We had a baby girl to provide for, good paychecks, friends and family we loved. Still, we decided to pursue that dream of becoming entrepreneurs because we didn't want to look back, sitting in our rocking chairs on the porch during our senior years, and regret not trying to make our dream come true.  

If we failed, we figured we were young enough to start over. We knew if we didn't try and give it our all, the decision would haunt us for the rest of our lives. I'm glad we shared the ups and downs together and will never regret taking the opportunity to start out on the life-changing adventure as entrepreneurs. 

If you would like to know more about that first year in the flower business in 1975-1976, download a copy of Arranging a Dream: A Memoir for 99 cents at amazon.com. Or, leave a comment below to enter to win the eBook! 

The deadline for entry is Sunday, January 16, 10:00 p.m. ET. Good luck!!

UPDATE:

Today, my fellow Michigan author and friend, Diane Burton, is helping me get the word out about the birthday celebration. Click here to stop by her blog to read her review of Arranging a Dream.

January 7: Please pop into both of my hosts this Friday when they feature Arranging a Dream.

Click here to visit Sandra's Place blog. Sandra Cox wheedled some Fun Facts from me.

Click here to visit Connie Vines' blog about what else? Arranging a Dream!

January 14 and 15: Janet Lane Walters interviews me on Friday.On Saturday she features 3 of my books and you can imagine that one will be my memoir. I'll have links to the post next week.

Thank you to those who are helping me get the word out via social media. See what I mean about writers being generous and supportive of each other?

Click here to receive the monthly edition of the Rose Courier in your inbox. 

Don't miss out on the news from J.Q. Rose, articles, guest authors and giveaways!!

Now it's time to Click here to visit the participants in the IWSG Blog Hop. 

Short Story: The Starry Night by J. Q. Rose, Birthday Celebration #christmasstory #birthday #ebooksale

 

Merry Christmas from J.Q.Rose

Hello and welcome! 

I hope you are looking forward to Christmas because ready or not, it'll be here on December 25th!

I am sharing a short Christmas story with you today. I was caught up in all the holiday fun and food and needed a reminder of the reason for Christmas. It's not the tinsel and the fruitcake. It's Jesus' birthday! 

Whatever holiday you celebrate, please know I wish you joy, hope, peace and love this season and throughout the New Year 2022!

The Starry Night

The Starry Night by J.Q.Rose

Noor’s eyes widened in wonder. The millions of stars faded in the brilliance of the star in the night sky. The fields appeared as if it were mid-day. The sheep stood silent all around him. What is happening? His heart thudded in his chest for in all his eight years of living, he had never experienced such a moment. The sound of sweet voices from heaven calmed Noor and peace overcame him.

His father approached him and whispered,  “Hurry, Noor, we must go to Bethlehem.”

“But why, Baba? What is happening?”

“Did you not hear the angel tell us our King is born, is here? Come, come, we must follow the star.”

“Noor.” He stooped to search the boy’s face. “Listen to me. We’re leaving now. Stay by me.”

Grabbing his staff, he scurried to catch up with his father rushing toward the path leading to Bethlehem. As they followed the star, more shepherds joined in the pilgrimage. Soon the men engulfed him.

Unable to breathe in the suffocating crowd, Noor pushed his way to the side of the pathway. Finally free from the tangle of men, he stopped to take deep breaths. The view of the star mesmerized him. The starlight seemed brighter.

“Noor, come on,” his brother hollered as the throng of believers swept him out of sight. Noor stumbled after his brother but gave up. He was exhausted.

The next morning his father’s harsh words jolted Noor awake. “You never listen! You didn’t stay by me.”

Relief flowed through him knowing his father found him sleeping alongside the path. But sadness filled his heart. “Baba, I never saw the King.”

Pointing his finger to his chest, his father said. “Nor did I. Instead, I searched for you everywhere!” His angry face softened. Instead of a whack, Baba embraced his son as their tears trickled down their cheeks.

Thirty years later, Noor’s father now bent with old age asked, “Son, help me bring up the bucket from the well.”

Noor leaned his staff against the well. With his strong muscles, he helped his dad pull up the bucket so they could drink the refreshing water.

Noor and his father stepped away from the well, allowing the man behind him an opportunity to go ahead.

“Thank you, Noor.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” His brow creased with a puzzled frown. “ May I ask how you know me?”

The man’s gentle eyes filled with mischief. “Well, listen carefully. We never actually met on that starry night in Bethlehem. But I know you.” He squeezed Noor’s shoulder gently. “Today I can meet you and your father in person.”

Janet Glaser writing as J.Q. Rose

copyright J.Q. Rose 2021

December 2021

 YOU'RE INVITED TO A CELEBRATION JANUARY 4-16, 2022!

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q Rose
A "feel-good story"

YES, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir was released by BWL Publishing on January 1, 2021, so we are celebrating that birthday in January. eBook giveaways, free stories--and it's easy to win! Just leave a comment between January 4-16 on this blog. Winners will be announced on January 19! 

Please come back and be a winner!!!

If you can't wait, then visit amazon to pick up Arranging a Dream especially on sale for the celebration for 99 cents. Click here to download now.

PLEASE NOTE: I am taking a break, but I'll see you for the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop on January 5, 2022!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday Giveaway, Meet Mr. Tweeble's Dog Jingles #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog! 

Today we're celebrating my birthday week by giving away prizes! Nothing makes me happier than to give gifts, so add some joy to my life by signing up to grab a gift from the Birthday Grab Bag!

Let's Celebrate My Birthday Giveaway
May 23-31

Let's rock it today and enjoy the time together. 

YOUTUBE VIDEO-Kool and the Gang Celebrate Good Times--Come On!

Here's the Birthday Grab Bag loaded with gifts for you.

WHAT'S IN THE GRAB BAG?
📘COUPONS for mystery suspense eBook, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard
📙PAPERBACK COPY of Romantic suspense, Dangerous Sanctuary
📗FOR WRITERS--PDF COPY of Romance and Mystery Authors on Writing:
Helpful Tips on the Writing Process, Publishing and Marketing
📚PDF COPY-Quick Tips on Vegetable Gardening
🍬🍫CHOCOLATE and CANDY
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY-11:59 PM MAY 31

3 WAYS TO ENTER to win one of these prizes: 

1. Leave your name below in the comments box

2. Like my Facebook page and FB message me or leave a comment

Click here for my FB J.Q. Rose author page.

3. Email me--jqrose02 at gmail dot com  

On June 1,  I'll grab a gift to send you via FB Messenger or email. 

Print books will be sent via snail mail US only.

# # # #

Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Today we're also joining in on the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the MFRW Authors Blog. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. I'm sharing from my latest mystery/horror book, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard. (One of the eBooks stashed in the Birthday Grab Bag.)

Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose

Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders? These are not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.

EXCERPT: Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose

Mr. Tweeble woke up with a start when his dog Jingles began barking loud enough to wake him even if he wasn’t wearing his hearing aids.

“Jingles! Jingles! Hush up, will you? It’s three o’clock in the morning. You’re going to wake the neighborhood with your barking.”

He remembered Jingles barking and whining like that when he drove his electric scooter near George McConnell’s house that afternoon. He had finally picked up the feisty terrier and put him on his lap to join the other curiosity seekers near the house. The dog jumped off and raced the other way until he was brought up short on his leash and howled until his master turned the cart around and left the area.

Jingles’ pitiful yowling broke into Mr. Tweeble’s memory.

Fearing his dog was sick, Mr. Tweeble rolled himself out of bed, fumbled putting on his glasses, and shuffled into the kitchen. Using the night light in the hood vent over the old stove to see the dog, he discovered the animal scampering back and forth near the back door.

“Jingles, come ‘ere, boy. Are you sick?” Mr. Tweeble picked him up and gently held the dog close to his chest. He switched on the ceiling light and studied the precious face he dearly loved. He checked Jingles’ brown ears and his brown and white furry body for any injuries and then cradled him to his rotund belly.

“It’s all right, little guy. Come on. Come on to bed with me. You must want to go out to chase a rabbit, eh?” As he slowly shuffled his way back to his bedroom with the dog, he wondered what was wrong. Mr. Tweeble made a mental note to check behind the couch for an “accident” in the morning.

He lay down on the rumpled bed and enfolded the trembling dog in his arms. Suddenly Jingles wriggled free and sprang up barking non-stop. He leaped from the bed and raced out of the room. A flash of searing yellow light filled the room blinding Mr. Tweeble, and the smell of his own scorched flesh burned his nostrils.

# # # #

BACK OF THE BOOK:  Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders Not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.

Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.

Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?

CLICK THE BUY LINK to purchase Terror on Sunshine Boulevard at major online booksellers.

REMINDER--You can win this book in my Birthday Giveaway, so leave a comment below, FB message me or send an email to enter!! Thank you.

Click below to participate in the Book Hooks Blog Hop. Enjoy meeting authors and reading excerpts from their books!

It's My Birthday! Celebrate with Me, Giveaways

Welcome to my birthday celebration! I hope you didn't wear your best clothes because we are playing wiffle ball and croquet in the backyard. Corn Hole is set up near the deck. You can't wear your high heels because the ground is so soft from the rain. Oh well, it's okay if you want to go bare foot. The grass is lush and green. 

My daughter, Sara, is serving Texas sheet cake (the official birthday cake) and ice cream on the deck  Be sure to grab the fresh strawberries to garnish your plate. Head on over to the punch bowl for what began the party as Presbyterian punch, but a sneaky guest spiked the punch. Pastor Christine hasn't complained about it though! She and her florist friend, Lacey, have been a big help setting everything up for me. Come to think of it, they made the punch!

My DJ daughter, Lee Ann, is in charge of keeping the party lively with great music. Be sure to request her to play your favorite song. She has everything from the Oldies to Country to Rock. 

Jim and Gloria Hart are here waiting to welcome our friends from Sunshine Boulevard. I am especially anxious to share this beautiful spring day in Michigan with you, my readers.

# # # # 

Thank you for coming to my party. I hope you didn't bring a present ( but if you did that's okay!) LOL I have gifts for you. Be sure to enter to win prizes after the party. Three winners will be chosen. Deadline to enter is 12:01 Sunday a.m.

The giveaways are:

1. Chocolate!

2. A short story

3. Your choice of an e-book (If you already have my books, then I will send you the first couple chapters of my WIP, a mystery of course, AND when the book is ready for publication, I will send you the ARC)

Here are your choices of books:

Coda to Murder

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?

Available at MuseItUp Publishing

Amazon.com, bn.com and major online booksellers.

Sunshine Boulevard

Mysterious deaths upset the Florida retirement community interfering with their seasonal activities and turning up more than dead bodies.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, MuseIt Up Publishing, and major online booksellers.

Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women

An interactive e-book filled with dreams and passion to inspire, entertain, and empower girls. Fifteen remarkable career women in a variety of occupations share their stories in these pages.

Explore careers which include women who have discovered cures to stamp out disease, made people laugh, earned Olympic and Paralympic gold medals, and crossed the country in the cab of an 18 wheeler.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate My Birthday Week with Gifts for YOU, Giveaways

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend if you celebrated Memorial Weekend. Wherever you were in your corner of the world, I hope you had a great weekend. The weather was gorgeous here in Michigan. I noticed the first sunburns showing up on people's winter white skins today. Ouch!

The Seeds of Inspiration Spring Event held every Thursday since March ended last Thursday for the season. But that doesn't mean the fun and giveaways stop here on the J.Q. Rose blog. 

This Week:
Thursday, May 29--You're invited to my birthday party here on the blog. Bring your friends. There will be plenty of cake and ice cream and punch. Texas sheet cake is my cake of choice as a birthday cake. It's a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and walnuts baked in a cookie sheet. So rich and luscious. Excuse me while I drool about that. Balloons and bands will be here too. And Givaways! You can win an e-book, short story, or chocolate. THREE WINNERS!

On Saturday night, my DH took me out for my birthday dinner at the Driftwood Inn. It's a biker bar and you can imagine how many bikes were there during this holiday weekend that featured picture perfect days. This popular destination is located in beautiful country where the Muskegon River flows through the woods and hills to carve out breathtaking scenery. The restaurant sits right on the mighty Muskegon with a huge deck for enjoying the panoramic view of the river, fishermen, and recreational boaters. No skiers or jet skis because the water is still really really cold.

The Driftwood has killer hamburgers and they had a country band on the deck. Not only talented guitarists and drummer, but also musicians playing a sweet trumpet, sexy sax, trilling flute, and down home harmonica. The band had the diners rockin'! The afternoon and evening time is now a lovely memory of being together with my special guy to celebrate yet another birthday. The years sure click by quickly, don't they?

Giveaways, Hobbies, Birthday Celebration, and More!

So much happening in May here at the J.Q. Rose blog and at the Girls Succeed blog.

Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop

May 13th – 19th

Hosted by 

KidLitFrenzy, Mymcbooks

& I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

~~Win over a 100 prizes by taking part in the Giveaway Hop. 

What a fantastic opportunity.

Click on over to the Girls Succeed blog to enter the drawing for my non-fiction book for girls, Girls Succeed: Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women. 

Just enter a comment to be eligible to win!

~~Beginning next Thursday, May 23, and continuing every Thursday this summer, authors will be showcasing their creativity, but not just in writing. We'll explore the pastimes of authors when they share their hobbies with readers. Check out the right margin to discover my guests and the dates they will be visiting the J.Q. Rose blog.

Generous authors will award giveaways too.

~~Somehow Vern the Dragon from Karina Fabian's Dragon Eye PI series got word of our hobby event this summer and decided to share his hobby

during the Greater Treasures Book Tour. He'll kick off the Hobby Hoe-down on Wednesday, May 15. And you can win the e-book, Greater Treasures.

~~May is my birthday month, so beginning today, right now, leave a comment and you will win the opportunity to name the shadow person in my work-in-progress! Having that character's name will be a birthday gift I will truly appreciate!

After your name is drawn on Monday, May 27 at 9 pm, I'll give you the info about the character so you can conjure up a name for him. Your name will appear in the acknowledgement section of my new mystery. Put on your thinking caps!!

What a month of fun and prizes. Thanks for visiting the J.Q. Rose blog!