I Could Not Finish the Story Until---by J. Q. Rose #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

Happy IWSG Blog Hop Day!

Happy June!

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.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the IWSG--SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!

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June 1 question - When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

via GIPHY

When I was penning my romantic suspense novel, Deadly Undertaking, I could not, absolutely could not, finish the story. I gave up but saved all I had written to a file and didn't look at it all summer. But, during that season, my thoughts questioned why I couldn't keep writing. 

That summer, I wrote many short stories completely alien to what I usually write. Yes, some of them had really mean characters and dark tones, reflecting how I was feeling about my writing, I guess. Creating those stories loosened up my brain and allowed my imagination to grow. That's the only explanation I have for the uptick in writing so many short stories.

After so many months away from the novel, I opened the saved file and read the story. There was the answer to my difficulty. The background of the story which takes place in a funeral home was based on my real life when I was a kid. My dad was an undertaker and both of my brothers were funeral directors.  I grew up in that business, so I thought I could use them as resources for the ins and outs (and underground) of the funeral business. Remember that old adage of "write what you know?"

I included tidbits from my life e.g. how I used to dust the caskets in the casket room, set up seating for the funerals, and hauled flowers to the cemetery in the story. The character was too much like the actual me. I could not put myself in the role the main character had to perform because I would never do what she had to experience. When I separated myself from the character, I continued writing and finished the story!!

So, this is a long-winded way of telling you to put away the project that is causing you angst and begin a new one. Work on that one or two or three, then return to the story to view it from your present perspective. I bet you'll figure out some workarounds to break through what stopped you from writing and finishing. If not, put those pages away, but save them. You have plenty of other stories swirling in your head. Then try later. You may discover part of the story can be used in an entirely new way in your next project.

 If you have a similar experience with your writing, please leave a comment below or just say hi. 

Thank you.

****

Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose
A handsome detective, a shadow man, and a murder victim kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.
Romantic suspense, paranormal

If my sharing the behind-the-scenes information spiked your curiosity about Dangerous Sanctuary, please click here to download the eBook from your favorite online bookseller.  

Click here to download the paperback 

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Thank you for visiting!!

That Pesky Shadow Man! #MFRWHooks Blog Hop

 

Book Hooks--excerpts from novels

   Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog. Today we're joining the Book Hooks Blog Hop sponsored by the Marketing For Romance Writers Group. Each participating blogger shares an excerpt from their book. Today, I share an excerpt from Deadly Undertaking, romance, mystery and the paranormal.

Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose
Romantic suspense

BACK OF THE BOOK: 

Lauren Staab knew there would be dead bodies around when she returned home. After all, her family is in the funeral business, Staab and Blood Funeral Home. Still, finding an extra body on the floor of the garage between the hearse and the flower car shocked her. Lauren’s plan to return to her hometown to help care for her mother and keep the books for the funeral home suddenly turns upside down in a struggle to prove she and her family are not guilty of murdering the man. But will the real killer return for her, her dad, her brother? Her mother’s secrets, a killer, a handsome policeman and a shadow man muddle up her intention to have a simple life. Welcome home, Lauren!

EXCERPT: 

What you need to know--The excerpt begins after Lauren ushered the "loved one's" family out the door after the visitation that evening. After they left, Gary, the police officer who was her childhood friend, shows up to check the house to be sure no bad guy sneaked in during the visitation for the public. Henry is the shadow man who seems to show up at the wrong times. Lauren's mother is in the memory care unit in the nursing home.

"You don’t need to prove how brave you are or offer any opportunity for someone to take advantage of a situation. You could be in extreme danger.” 

“That’s what I thought we had you guys for, to protect us.” She folded her arms across her chest. 

Locking his gaze on her, he said, “We can’t always be in the right place at the right time. So don’t give the bad guys any openings, okay?” 

“Duly noted, Officer.” She could hear the concern in his voice, and she liked it. “Got time for a cup of coffee? I’ll make some fresh while you check out the house.”

“That sounds good. Let me take a look around.” 

“Great. I’ll meet you in the family room. That’s where the coffee pot is.” He walked through the living room, checking for some creepy guy hiding behind the curtains she supposed. 

Lauren hummed as she made yet another pot of coffee, but this time it was for her and Gary. She was looking forward to chatting with him and catching up. As she measured the water into the carafe, the temperature in the room dropped, and she sneezed three times, a sure sign Henry was lurking nearby. 

“Hi Henry.” She never turned away from the counter. “Nice of you to wait till the family left for the evening. But Gary’s here now. No need for you to stay around, right?” Lauren caught his shadow out of the corner of her eye. 

“I guess you’re right. Bad timing on my part. I don’t want to interrupt your rendezvous with your old sweetheart.” Henry bowed low, then stood and leaned on his umbrella. Lauren chuckled as she faced Henry straight on. 

“Gary’s not an old sweetheart. He was a good friend in high school though. We were very close especially since he could work out those trig problems for me.”

 “Oh, I guess I was mistaken. I thought you two were a couple.” 

“Say what?” She wrinkled her nose at the thought. She and Gary, a couple? She put her finger to her chin to think about that. Well, he does look pretty sharp in his uniform, broad shoulders, and those eyes. Somehow the nerdy boy with the big glasses and zitty face had evolved into a muscular cop. 

Henry interrupted her thoughts. “How was your mother today?” 

“About the same. Still confused. But she remembers me, Henry. I’m hanging on to that. She still remembers me, but she doesn’t remember that Dad goes every day to visit her. I wonder if she doesn’t know him.” 

“Oh, sorry, Lauren.” Was that Gary’s voice? Lauren spun around to see him standing in the doorway. As he walked into the room, he said, “I heard you talking to someone, so I thought I’d better check in.” 

He looked around and returned her gaze with questions in his eyes. Her face flushed with embarrassment. 

“Oh, uh, no. Nobody’s here. Just me talking to myself, I guess.” She searched Gary’s face to see if he bought it. Definitely a better explanation than telling him she was talking to a shadow. 

“Come on in. The coffee should be ready in a minute.” Lauren motioned Gary to have a seat on the couch in the family room. 

“I’ll be back after I check out the garage.” Gary smiled. “I take it black.” 

“Oh, yeah, ok, the coffee.” 

Her palm smacked her forehead with the knowledge Gary must have heard her talking to Henry. She glanced at the shadow and smiled back at him through clenched teeth. 

Gary turned his back and headed down the hallway to the garage. 

She felt as if Henry could see the steam escaping from her ears. She was so angry at that cocky shadow for staying to watch and see how she was going to explain her talking to him. 

“Talking to yourself. That was good.” Henry stood up straight. “You’re pretty quick on your feet.” 

“Henry,” she hissed in a whisper. “Go away. I don’t need you around here tonight. I have company,” 

“I guess it’s a bad time for us to have a talk now that Lover Boy is here.” 

Lauren bit her lip so she couldn’t yell at the annoying Henry. She certainly didn’t want Gary to hear her give that shadow a piece of her mind or he’d be back in a second with more questions. 

Squeezing her eyes tightly closed, she said, “You’d better be gone when I open my eyes.” Not that she could do anything if he didn’t leave. Lauren squinted through her right eye. Not seeing the shadow, she opened both eyes wide and swept the room, sighing with relief. At that moment the basket full of sugar packets flew off the table onto the floor. 

“Henry!” She couldn’t stop herself from yelling his name out loud. He didn’t respond. He had slipped through the slice of time into another dimension.

####

Click the link below to download your copy of Deadly Undertaking from your favorite online bookseller. 

 AmazonUS  

Kobo 

 

Barnes & Noble 

 

Smashwords 

 

Books We Love 

Dear Friends, I am taking a break this week, but I will catch up with you this weekend! Have a great blog hop!! J

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↪Click here to visit bloggers participating in the #MFRWhooks  Blog Hop!

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What is Writer's Block and How to Defeat It

Writer's Block
Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay 

What is Writer's Block and How to Defeat It by J.Q. Rose

Writer's block. Everyone talks about it, but what is it???

Writer's block appears when a writer sits down to write, but can't think of anything to put down on the paper. I have never suffered from a severe case of writer's block. That sounds like it must be a disease. But it isn't. 

Writer's block is not a physical problem like a broken arm. Although, you may get a headache or upset stomach when facing the blank page/screen.

Writing coach Jeff Goins says it is an "excuse." An excuse not to write, not to work on your project. Do you suppose any other worker in the world can blame his/her inability to work on an invisible force? No. You go to work. (But please don't go if you have a virus or fever!)

Writer's block is what people say is keeping them from writing, but Goins maintains there is no such condition. Instead, Goins offers the real cause of writer's block:

• Fear
• Exhaustion
• High standards (which is basically fear of failure)
• Imposter Syndrome (fear of rejection)
• Perfectionism (fear of not being good enough)
• Busyness (fear of not having enough time)
• Laziness (or is it really fear?)
• Lack of structure (fear of not knowing how to start)

Think about it. Do any of the reasons apply to you? Fear of rejection and perfectionism certainly niggles in my brain when I am working on my WIP (Work-In-Progress). 

I would also add Comparing my work to another author's work. Comparison can really knock you down. Face it. Someone can write better than me. Someone can also write a lot worse than me. But no one can write the same as me. I am the author and that is what makes my writing special. 

Click here to read more of Jeff Goins's excellent article on writer's block. 

So what can you do to get rid of writer's block? Face it head-on and knock it out of your head by focusing on the cause of the block. Could it be from one of the causes listed above? Do you have another reason for writer's block invading your space? Please leave a comment below to help others knock out writer's block.

####

Deadly Undertaking
by J.Q.Rose
romantic suspense

I must admit I had a difficult time writing my romantic suspense novel, Deadly Undertaking. The main character is the daughter of an undertaker. I am the daughter of an undertaker. The setting is a funeral home based on my Dad's Victorian-style funeral home. 

I discovered I couldn't write the story. So many memories of those growing-up years flooded over me as I wrote. I had to put the story away until I could separate the real me from the main character. Then I could write the fictional part of the story and allow her to face and overcome the conflict in the novel. And did I ever give her lots of problems--boyfriends, family, and a shadow man. Whew!

Click here to download the ebook copy of Deadly Undertaking on sale now at amazon for $2.99

Click here to order the paperback copy of Deadly Undertaking.

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IWSG Blog Hop: Something Dark Today, the Darknet and Incognito Window

IWSG Blog Hop---the first Wednesday of every month.

Happy November!!

Hello and welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop! 

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 for November 6

November 6 Question 

What's the strangest thing you've ever googled in researching a story?

The strangest thing I ever googled was the Darknet. In 2013, not many people were aware of the existence of the Darknet.

 Wikipedia describes the following uses of the Darknet

"Darknets, in general, may be used for various reasons, such as:

• Computer crime (cracking, file corruption, etc.)
• Protecting dissidents from political reprisal
• File sharing (warez, personal files, pornography, confidential files, illegal or counterfeit software, etc.)
• To better protect the privacy rights of citizens from targeted and mass surveillance
• Sale of restricted goods on darknet markets
• Whistleblowing and news leaks
• Purchase or sale of illicit or illegal goods or services^[20]
• Circumventing network censorship and content-filtering systems, or bypassing restrictive firewall policies"

Deadly Undertaking
Romantic Suspense
with a touch of the paranormal

I read an article about the secret web. I didn't believe it because it sounded like something in a spy novel, not in real life. But, sure enough, this amazing concept was a reality. I found it to be an excellent way to ......Oh, sorry I can't tell you since it would be a spoiler in my romantic suspense novel, Deadly Undertaking. (See how I wove this shameless plug into the IWSG blog post?)

In 2020 we have a window named "incognito," so browsing will remain secret and no one knows who is using it for searches. Doesn't that sound so James Bondish? 

And yet, the incognito window is something to use while browsing for keywords for your latest book or to update your older books. Keywords will pop up from everywhere not based on your browsing history. The search will reveal words beyond your personal interests. It isn't the Darknet, but I do feel like a secret agent when snooping in the incognito mode, and it feels great! 

Secret Agent
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors
from Pixabay 

<Looking around to see if someone is watching over my shoulder> Shhh...I'll tell you how to find the incognito window if you promise not to snitch on me. Click on the 3 stacked dots on the right of your Google search bar. You can choose the incognito window from the drop-down menu to go underground. Now, remember to keep it under your hat, kiddo. <wink>

Have you heard of the Darknet? (I won't ask if you are using it.) Have you used the incognito window? In the comment section below, please enlighten us with your experience using the incognito window--unless you want it to remain a secret! 

Click here to read another blog about the Darknet on the Focused on Story Blog.

Click here to visit the IWSG Blog Hop participants.
Thanks for stopping!

# # #

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

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IWSG Blog Hop: My Character is ME!

IWSG Blog Hop---the first Wednesday of every Month.

Hello and welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop! 

Always on the first Wednesday of the month.

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.

***

July Question 

July 3 question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

Very personal indeed! My character, Lauren Staab, is me! Let me count the ways.

Deadly Undertaking
Romantic suspense
On Sale at Smashwords $1.50

• Yes, she is the daughter of a funeral director just like me.
• She works hard and is reliable like me. 
• She eats the same food I do. 
• Her condo is decorated like a home I would have if I were 35 years old again. 
• The funeral home she works in is modeled after my Dad's funeral home.
• She overthinks things like I do.
• She's smart like me. (wink wink)

In fact, I had a very, very, very difficult time establishing this character because I was too up close and personal with her. When I finally separated me from Lauren and stepped back to get a different perspective of her, I was able to continue writing the book.

I have never had a problem developing a character using my imagination to conjure her up. But since she was me, I guess I couldn't get the brainstorming/creativity to flow. Have you ever had that problem when developing a character? Please leave a comment below and let us know your experience. Thank you!!

 ***

BIG NEWS FOR READERS AND WRITERS!

July1-31 2019 Smashwords is having a 75% off SALE! Check it out at Smashwords.com.

Thanks for stopping in today. To continue the blog hop, click the link below and scroll down to the list of participating bloggers! Click this link-- Insecure Writer’s Support Group

To the US --Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

#Giving Tuesday: Use Your Head and Your Heart for Giving, End Alzheimer's

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story blog.

Focused on Story by J.Q. Rose

What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday #GivingTuesday is on Tuesday, November 26, 2018.  According to Wikipedia Giving Tuesday is always the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. This movement "was created as an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season."

When I think of giving to an organization, I assume the gift would be a monetary donation. But according to the Giving Tuesday website, a person can also give of their time, goods, and their voice. 

End Alzheimer's Disease

Today I'm using my voice through my blog to bring awareness to fight Alzheimer's Disease, "the only cause of death in the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, slowed or cured", according to alz.com. I'm sure you have known someone in your family or a dear friend who suffered from this disease. You have seen him or her deteriorate because AD has ravaged their brain. So many of those who lost a loved one because of this disease remark that they lost the person way before death took the victim.

The Alzheimer's Association states that "Alzheimer's is an epidemic worldwide." Click here to read the facts that back up this statement. 

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Click here if you would like to join a team in your area to participate in the next walk.

I lost my friend and mentor to AD. I hated to see how she suffered and how her family and friends felt helpless to comfort her or make her better. 

Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose
Paranormal romantic suspense

A handsome detective, 

a shadow man, and a murder victim

 kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.

Available at major digital booksellers.

I wanted to raise awareness of the disease, so I included a character suffering from AD in my romantic suspense novel, Deadly Undertaking. She is the mother of the main character and plays an important part in the story.

I have pledged to donate the royalties from the October through December sales of this book to fight Alzheimer's Disease. But you don't have to buy my book to donate money or offer your time and voice to this organization. Please help any way you can.

Thank you. I hope this blog post has raised your awareness and concern about this disease.

***

Use Your Head and Your Heart for Giving
Giving is a good thing, but not everyone who is asking you to give is good. Scammers will try to take advantage of kind hearts. It's important you use your head as well as your heart to make a wise decision to support an organization that will make the best use of your dollars. So, please, whatever charity or person you choose to support, talk to your friends about it or research online to make sure the money or time you give will be used toward actually making a difference in their stated mission.

I use Charity Navigator to find out about groups. I especially like to know what percent of the monies donated are spent on administration fees. 

Other sites recommended by the "New York Times" are GuideStar and BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Click the highlighted names of the sites to research charities and help make your choice no matter what time of year you wish to make donations.

Scary Stuff for Halloween, Alzheimer's Disease

Romantic Suspense, Deadly Undertaking
A fun read for Halloween!

Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog! T'is the season for witches, goblins and ghosts and things that go bump in the night. Halloween has never been a favorite holiday of mine. I think the "being scared is fun" attitude of the holiday rushed out the door when my brothers took me to a horror movie when I was six years old. I still have nightmares about hiding under the theater seat! 

In my adult life, I get scared about other things than Frankenstein. But when I write about my fears, the words on the page help me let go of the oppressive feeling.

I wrote about a topic that scares me--Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia. It was one of the most difficult scenes I have ever written. I wrestled with my fear of the disease and body-slammed it down on paper. 

In my romantic suspense, Deadly Undertaking, the mother of the main character is afflicted with Alzheimer's, a monstrous disease capable of stealing a person's personality and memories. The brain is attacked until it is rendered useless. No speech, no problem-solving, no reading, no recognition of loved ones. Eventually even the ability to eat and swallow is forgotten. Frightening? Yes! And worse is the fact that there is no cure, no turning back the inevitable loss of thinking, memory, and behavior.

Now you understand why I'm afraid of Alzheimer's because it may attack me and/or someone I love. I have lost friends due to Alzheimer's disease. I imagine someone you know and love has been stricken by this disease. 

By including a character with AD in my novel, I hope to raise awareness and educate folks about AD, a form of dementia. One astounding fact is 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease according to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Click here to learn more facts about Alzheimer's Disease. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is "to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health."

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Photo courtesy of ALZ.org

This time of year the Alzheimer's Association is sponsoring walks all around the country in order to provide awareness and funding. Click here to find a walk near you or click here to register and donate. Donations are used for clinical trials and studies. With research, AA plans to not only relieve symptoms but to reverse the effects of Alzheimer's AND to eliminate the disease. Can you imagine a world without AD? I can.

During October through December, royalties from the eBook and paperback sales of Deadly Undertaking will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Deadly Undertaking

Halloween is the perfect time to read this romantic suspense set in a funeral home.

A handsome detective, a shadow man,

 and a murder victim kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.

BACK OF THE BOOK: Deadly Undertaking by J.Q. Rose

Lauren Staab knew there would be dead bodies around when she returned home. After all, her family is in the funeral business, Staab and Blood Funeral Home. Still, finding an extra body on the floor of the garage between the hearse and the flower car shocked her. Lauren’s plan to return to her hometown to help care for her mother and keep the books for the funeral home suddenly turns upside down in a struggle to prove she and her family are not guilty of murdering the man. But will the real killer return for her, her dad, her brother? Her mother’s secrets, a killer, a handsome policeman, and a shadow man muddle up her intention to have a simple life. Welcome home, Lauren!

eBook Available at MAJOR DIGITAL BOOKSELLERS 

and

AmazonCA 

Amazon UK 

eBook and Paperback available at 

Amazon US 
ATTENTION Libraries and Retailers--Deadly Undertaking in paperback is available at Ingram.

Thank you for stopping in.