IWSG Blog Hop: Write What You Love by J.Q. Rose, The Good Neighbors

Welcome to  the Internet Writers Support Group (IWSG) blog hop.  .

What is IWSG? Founder of the  Insecure Writer’s Support Group and author Alex J Cavanaugh explains the group's purpose 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.

The group blogs the first Wednesday of every month.  The list of bloggers is always available so you can hop around to the author blogs filled with humor, advice, and thought-provoking topics on writing and publishing. You can find the list of participants at Alex's IWSG page. 

# # # #

Write What You Love by J.Q. Rose

When I read this statement by top-selling author Kristine Kathryn Rusch, it was like  new insight hit me between the eyes. She wrote--"What my professor knew, what most writers learn, what readers know in their gut, is that what makes a book unique and different isn’t the plot or the subgenre. It’s not the romance or the harmonica.

It’s the writer himself. His perspective. His voice. His take on something that the writer—the writer—loves." --Blog post by Kristine Katheryn Rusch 

After finishing my third novel and getting it on its way into the readers' world, I floundered for a story I should write.  What was hot? What was selling? But Ms. Rusch makes the point to forget all that. Don't worry about what amazon is selling. Even they, with their huge book sales and algorithms, haven't cracked what readers really want.

The market used to be determined by the big publishers who told readers what was not hot and what you should be reading. Self-publishing has crushed that idea with quirky, zany, intellectual, boring-to-some books available for everyone. And isn't that opportunity delicious? 

So with this vast market open to write OUR stories we want to write, then we should. Write what we love. I understand that now and I'm fired up to re-visit characters who I loved telling their story.

Have you noticed a story is especially difficult for you to begin or finish? Could it be because you don't even like the story you're writing and you're just pushing through to completion? Have you noticed a book flows on the page when you really love the premise of your story? Please leave a comment below and let us hear from you.

# # # #

The Good Neighbors available at Amazon
Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan,
always help out the neighbors
 in their Florida retirement community when asked.
Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

I wrote a holiday story based on characters from my novella, Sunshine Boulevard. Jim and Gloria Hart are characters I enjoyed writing and placing them in quirky situations.

I hope you giggle. >>>>>>

Self-Publishing with KDP, This Week, Giveaway

The Good Neighbors
How could being good turn out to be so bad?

Self-publishing with KDP by J.Q. Rose

Yes, I tried it. I published my short story, The Good Neighbors, on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). I am not a guru when it comes to formatting, so I was really nervous about getting it right. I learned a LOT about formatting from Mark Coker's FREE Guide to Publishing on Smashwords and reading amazon's information. I think the short story, 4000 words, was a good one for my first project because there were no chapter headings to worry about formatting for a Table of Contents.

After I published The Good Neighbor, I discovered a ridiculous, obvious error, so I re-pubbed it after fixing the error. I uploaded the story and it was live again within hours. 

Designing the book cover was difficult for me. I'm not satisfied with this one…pretty amateurish, but I wanted to use the cartoonish flamingo to clue readers into the idea that it is a funny, holiday story. It also helps readers realize the same characters are in my mystery novella, Sunshine Boulevard,  because flamingos are on the cover of the mystery e-book.  

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

 Not only did I enjoy re-visiting my characters, Jim and Gloria Hart, in my mystery/horror novella, I hope The Good Neighbors will stir up interest in reading more of my books. 

Check out my humorous story, The Good Neighbors on amazon. While you’re there, discover Sunshine Boulevard on amazon or at the Muse It Up Publishing bookstore and major online booksellers.

Have you tried self-publishing? What did you learn? Are you a reader? Do you notice who publishes the books you read? Thanks for your input.

Post originally published on my Word Press site

# # # #

Coming Up This Week

Wednesday, January 7

First Wednesday of the month means it's time for the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) blog hop. Join me and a few 100 of my writerly friends as we talk about writer's insecurities.

Thursday--January 8

Romance and Mystery Authors on Writing series 

Mystery author Sara-Jayne Townsend offers her writing tips and advice. Sara's newly released title, Dead Cool: A Shara Summers Mystery, is second in the series of the Shara Summers Mysteries. Find it at amazon, MuseItUp Publishing, and all major online sellers. Please join us and enter to win a door prize!!

DEAD COOL
They were dying to be famous.
And someone was prepared to kill for it.

# # # #

How to Choose and Care for a Poinsettia, Amaryllis, The Good Neighbors Short Story, Giveaways

Traditional red poinsettia

Hello from Elves Headquarters. This little elf has been decorating the house for Christmas. Outdoor lights, Christmas tree, and Christmas plants. Nothing brings Christmas to life like a live Christmas plant. 

Red poinsettias are the traditional plant of the season, but so many other colors are now available including solid pinks and creams and combinations of those colors in one plant. 

How to Choose and Care for a Poinsettia

The former florist in me has a few tips for plant buyers:

• Please note the little yellow flowers in the center of the poinsettia in the picture above. Yes, those are the flowers, the red "petals" that are distinctive of the poinsettia are actually the bracts or leaves. Do not buy a poinsettia plant unless the center flowers are in it. The plant will last longer if the "flowers" are still there. 
• When bringing this beauty home, wrap it to protect the delicate flowers and leaves from the cold air.
• Place the plant in a brightly lighted room, not close to a cold window or near a hot fireplace or register.
• If you leave the foil on the pot, poke a hole in the foil on the bottom of the plant so water will drain through. If the water collects in the foil, the plant will be over-watered and die.
• Feel the soil before watering. If it's dry, water it. Place a saucer under the plant to catch any water that may flow through the hole in the bottom. Don't let the it sit in water for hours, so dump the excess water out of the saucer after an hour.
• In Florida, after Christmas,  we can plant the poinsettia outdoors after the threat of frost is over. All those years in Michigan we struggled to grow poinsettias in pots, but in Florida they grow like bushes as tall as a man.
• If you are in a colder climate and you want to keep your plant for next year, there is a way to do it, but you have to plan ahead to have a poinsettia turn red in time for Christmas. The hours of daylight are key to the turning. Here's a good article on how to do this  turning-poinsettias-red-again/

# # # #

Amaryllis

We always have a poinsettia for Christmas, and this year we have re-instituted the tradition of growing an amaryllis. When the kids were growing up, we always had an amaryllis. Kids love watching them grow. 

This thick-stemmed flower graces a home with wonder and awe when watching it stretch its long stem elevating the bud above the pot. The lily-like flower opens into a large blossom and stands tall in all its glory.

Red Amaryllis
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net by By franky242

I am amazed every year at this miracle. From a dry bulb to an elegant, graceful bloom. It reminds me of the wonder and miracle of Baby Jesus birth at Christmas. 

I have taken pictures to give you an idea of how quickly this plant grows. I'll update you when "Amy" blooms in all her true beauty. Yes, the amaryllis is always named Amy.

Taken the day after Thanksgiving November 28 breaking out of the bulb.

Taken December 3

Taken December 6 shooting up in the air growing almost an inch a day!

Just a few Merry Christmas tips for you. I hope they help. What do you think of poinsettias that are not the traditional red color? Leave a comment below. We love to hear from you.

# # # #

Speaking of Christmas. Check out my Christmas short story based on characters in my novella, Sunshine Boulevard.

Short Story
The Good Neighbors by J.Q. Rose

Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan, always help out the neighbors in their Florida retirement community when asked. Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

Review from Conda Douglas
Delightful Short Story--I wouldn't have believed that a retirement community in Florida would be a fascinating setting, with intriguing and fun characters. But J.Q. Rose's short story delivers exactly that--I also believe it is an excellent taste of her mystery novel, Sunshine Boulevard, with the same setting and characters, and if so, I'm certainly off to read Sunshine Boulevard! More, please. 

The Good Neighbors is available at Amazon for 99 cents!

# # # #

PS--Sunshine Boulevard was chosen to be bundled together with three other mysteries from MuseItUp Publishing. The bundle of books is called, Sirens on Death, Starke Boulevard. A lot of great reading for only $1.99. Hurry and get yours at MuseItUpPublishing, amazon and major online booksellers.

This Week:

Thursday, December 11--Humorous suspense author Kathy McIntosh shares her writing tips on editing and more on the Romance and Mystery Authors on Writing series. Kathy is generously donating an ebook copy and audio book of her first book, Mustard's Last Stand, in the Havoc in Hancock humorous suspense series for door prizes. Two winners!

Enter to win prizes through December 13!

12 Lucky Holiday Winners 

from MuseItUp Publishing

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Short Story--The Good Neighbors--Excerpt and Giveaway!

Delightful holiday short story

Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan, always help out the neighbors in their Florida retirement community when asked. Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

This delightful holiday short story will tickle your funny bone and question the idea of being good during the warmth and good cheer of the holiday season.

Review from Amazon

4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful short story, December 7, 2012

By 

Conda V. Douglas - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: The Good Neighbors (Kindle Edition)

I wouldn't have believed that a retirement community in Florida would be a fascinating setting, with intriguing and fun characters. But J.Q. Rose's short story delivers exactly that--I also believe it is an excellent taste of her mystery novel, Sunshine Boulevard, with the same setting and characters, and if so, I'm certainly off to read Sunshine Boulevard! More, please.

Excerpt:

A booming megaphone voice jarred the unsuspecting couple. “This is the police. Come out of the shed, Mr. and Mrs. Hart. Come out now with your hands up.”

Jim dropped his screwdriver and jumped away from the door. Gloria ran over to cling to him. What in the world is happening?

“Jim?” Tears welled up in Gloria’s eyes. Her heart felt as if it were going to pound out of her chest.

The front door of the shed ripped open and two policemen stood aiming their weapons at the frightened couple. At the same time two armed policemen wielding their guns burst through the already broken back door.

“Put your hands up and walk this way,” one policeman demanded. Gloria and Jim’s arms shot up in the air, and they started moving quickly toward the carport and out into the driveway.

“Officer, what is it? What’s happening?”

“Please don’t talk now, Mrs. Hart.”

Escorted by the policemen, Gloria shuffled out onto the driveway holding her hands high above her head. She saw a line of police cars up and down her street. I don’t see our first responders or firemen among them, so I guess there is no emergency. Against the backdrop of outdoor Christmas decorations, curious neighbors stood in driveways and yards up and down the block.

“Just co-operate fully with us. Okay, lay face down on the grass.” He motioned to the side yard.

“But, Officer, ….”

“Face down now, Mrs. Hart.” Gloria saw one of the policemen train his rifle on her, so she dropped to the grass immediately next to the candy canes lining the driveway and spread-eagled on the lawn.

# # # #

What is your favorite Christmas story or movie? Leave a comment to win a free PDF copy of The Good Neighbors. 

If you can't wait until Friday to find out if you won, you can buy The Good Neighbors short story for 99 cents at amazon.  All royalties from the sale of the story will support local food pantries. 

FREE FREE FREE E-book: The Good Neighbors

For a fun read, pick up my holiday short story, The Good Neighbors. 

It's FREE on Amazon December 6-10.

The main characters are Jim and Gloria Hart whom you met in the mystery novella, Sunshine Boulevard. This snowbird couple from Michigan always help out the neighbors in their Florida retirement community when asked. 

Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

FREE on Amazon December 6-10

Amazon Review:

I disturbed the peace at Wendy's because I was laughing so hard reading this while I had lunch today. It's another great waiting room read--the kind of short-story you can devour along with a quick burger or while waiting to see the doctor. But try not to laugh too loudly unless you want to tell people what you're reading. On second thought, go ahead. Laugh out loud. Don't be afraid to let people know how much you're enjoying Ms. Rose's writing. Isn't a good hearty laugh in the middle of Wendy's a great recommendation for a book?  Rochelle Weber

The Good Neighbors Buy Link

All royalties will be donated to local food pantries.

Need a Break from the Holiday Madness??

The official holiday season is in full swing now. Time for decorating, shopping, cooking, partying, and sometimes stressing out. Take a break from the madness and retire to a quiet corner to read.

If you truly want to escape and just chill out for awhile, pick up my holiday short story, The Good Neighbors. The main characters are Jim and Gloria Hart whom you met in the mystery novella, Sunshine Boulevard. This snowbird couple from Michigan always help out the neighbors in their Florida retirement community when asked. Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

Amazon Review:

I disturbed the peace at Wendy's because I was laughing so hard reading this while I had lunch today. It's another great waiting room read--the kind of short-story you can devour along with a quick burger or while waiting to see the doctor. But try not to laugh too loudly unless you want to tell people what you're reading. On second thought, go ahead. Laugh out loud. Don't be afraid to let people know how much you're enjoying Ms. Rose's writing. Isn't a good hearty laugh in the middle of Wendy's a great recommendation for a book?  Rochelle Weber

The Good Neighbors Buy Link

All royalties will be donated to local food pantries.

Review for The Good Neighbors

I think Rochelle enjoyed my short story, The Good Neighbors.  She asks, "isn't a good hearty laugh in the middle of Wendy's a great recommendation for a book?" I'd say so. Thanks, Rochelle. Glad The Good Neighbors made you smile and laugh out loud!

Jim and Gloria Hart first appeared in my mystery novella, Sunshine Boulevard.

Here's Rochelle's delightful review:

Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan, always help out the neighbors in their Florida retirement community when asked. Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

I wish I could be a snowbird and have Jim and Gloria Hart for neighbors.  They’re so helpful and they sound like fun people to have around even if you don’t play golf.  Between solving the mystery of last year’s deaths at their Florida winter retirement community, helping a neighbor who fell in her bathtub and plant-sitting for a neighbors who surprised his wife with a Christmas cruise, they’re all round good people.  Besides, who ever got into trouble just plant sitting?

I disturbed the peace at Wendy’s because I was laughing so hard reading this while I had lunch.  It’s another great waiting room read—the kind of short-story you can devour along with a quick burger or while waiting to see the doctor.  But try not to laugh too loudly unless you want to tell people what you’re reading.  On second thought, go ahead.  Laugh out loud.  Don’t be afraid to let people know how much you’re enjoying Ms. Rose’s writing.  Isn’t a good hearty laugh in the middle of Wendy’s a great recommendation for a book?  Just try not to choke on your food or snort pop through your nose.

Price:  $0.99

Buy Link:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Good+Neighbors+J.+Q.+Rose&x=13&y=17

All royalties from the sale of The Good Neighbors go to local food pantries.

Rochelle Weber is the author of Rock Crazy, a futuristic, sci-fi romance.

Abandoned, pregnant and bi-polar, Katie McGowan's going crazy on that God-forsaken rock, the Moon.  

My Interview by I.B. Nosey....WOW!

  

Check out this week's outrageous interview at Mishaps at Gum Drop Island. I.B. Nosey interviewed me about my short story, The Good Neighbors, and it is pure fun. M.M., the creator of this madness, is a talented writer. She penned a fantastic world for children in her book Gum Drop Island. This site is a very special showcase for her amazing characters.--oh, and authors who are willing to be grilled by I.B. Nosey.


Come on over for the fun and a few giggles!
                                                                                  

NEW Holiday Short Story--The Good Neighbors by J Q Rose

Announcing today! The Good Neighbors, a short story for the holidays is now up on Amazon! If you need a break from preparing for the upcoming holidays, pick up the short story and escape for a awhile into this fun tale. Please leave a comment to be eligible to win a PDF copy of The Good Neighbors!

Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan, always help out the neighbors in their Florida retirement community when asked. Who knew being good could turn out to be so bad?

All royalties from the sale of this story support local food pantries. If you are able, please consider donating food or make a cash donation to your local food pantry so they can purchase goods at discounted prices to stock their shelves. Please note food pantries need our donations year round. Summer, when the kids are out of school and do not receive school lunches, is a time of urgent need. Thank you.

Excerpt from The Good Neighbors:

Gloria couldn’t pull Ethel out of the bathtub by herself. She remembered there was something about not moving a fall victim.  She couldn’t just leave her there. Her skeleton-like neighbor was lying splayed out in the tub. At least she didn’t land face down in the soapy water. Gloria pulled the plug and the water swirled down the drain. She wrapped a bath towel around Ethel and dialed 9-1-1 on her cell phone.  Thank goodness she had stuffed it in her pocket this morning.

“9-1-1. what is your emergency?”

“Yes, hello. My neighbor has fallen and I can’t get her up.” Gloria’s head ached and Ethel’s yapping dog was driving her crazy. “Hush, Buttons! Go on. Go on. Get out of here.” She shooed the little mutt away from her.    

Ethel moaned. She seemed to be coming to. “What the hell happened?” She blinked up at Gloria. “Dammit. Get me out of here. I’m okay. I’m fine. Dammit.” Gloria gently held Ethel’s hand, but when the determined woman struggled to get up, Gloria threw the phone on the floor and firmly grasped Ethel’s wrists to hold her down. This feisty eighty-four-year old lady was stronger than she looked.

“Stay there, Ethel. I’ve called for help. Just be patient.” Gloria couldn’t let go of Ethel nor could she retrieve the phone from the bathroom floor to keep talking to the 9-1-1 operator. She hollered Ethel’s address at the phone.

Trying to remain calm, she turned back to Ethel and asked, “Do you need another towel?”

Ethel’s eyes narrowed as she gazed full on at Gloria. “Let me outta here, Gloria. Dammit! I’m okay. Why’d you call 9-1-1? Are those first responder clowns going to show up here? Son of a bitch, I’m naked! I don’t want them to see me like this. Dammit to hell. Let me outta this tub!”

“Calm down, Ethel.” Still hanging on to Ethel’s thin wrists, Gloria made a mental note to herself not to ever pick up the neighbor’s newspaper out of the bushes and take it to the back door. She realized she would never have heard Ethel’s scream if she had ignored the paper.

“Where are you?” A woman’s voice called from the kitchen door.

“In the bathroom. Come on. Hurry. Ethel’s fallen and she shouldn’t get up, but she’s trying awful hard.”

Gloria was never so happy to see someone. Thank goodness it was her friend, Leslie. She was one of the first responders in their Florida retirement community of Citrus Ridge, a large park filled with double wide trailer homes, broad streets, golf course, and Florida palm trees.

“Dammit, Girl. Let me get outta this tub!” Ethel continued to squirm but Gloria held her down.

“Oh, my side, my side hurts. Shit.” Gloria felt Ethel stop resisting when the pain took over. The injured woman closed her eyes and wriggled her hand free to hold her left side, but continued muttering every blue word Gloria had ever heard in her life. Evidently Ethel’s ribs were more painful than the goose egg beginning to appear on the side of her head.