Focus on Books: Books to Help You Write Your Life Story #focusonbooks, #writingcraft

 

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.

While the purpose of the series 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!

I am choosing today's post to share my personal reading recommendations that help you record your life story for your family. I have been offering presentations on writing life stories and workshops for folks who want to preserve their stories for their families. I feel strongly about the value of sitting down and writing or making a video of your life experiences.

Not only does it offer you some eye-opening moments about past events as you look back through the lens of time, but your stories will become a beloved keepsake for your present generation and future generations.

Thanksgiving is the time when friends and family gather around the table to give thanks for their blessings, enjoy a meal together, and share those stories that have been passed down through the family. I bet the kids will put down their phones to stay and listen to the shenanigans about their dad or grandpa!! Oh, yes!!

What do you think? Please leave your thoughts below.

This list of books for writing life stories is also in my books on writing life stories. Your Words, Your Life Story and Your Life with Jesus.

The following resources can help you write your spiritual memoir.

Fields, Lesley Leyland. Your Life Matters: Finding, Writing and Living the Truth of Your Life

Morgan, Richard L. Remembering Your Story: Creating Your Own Spiritual Autobiography

Peace, Richard. Spiritual Autobiography: Discovering and Sharing Your Spiritual Story

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Connect online with JQ Rose:

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IWSG Blog Hop: Besides Writing, Photography is Another Way of Expressing My Creative Self #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Welcome November!

The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, and Me!

Hello and welcome to the November IWSG Blog Hop! I am thrilled to be one of the "awesome" co-hosts this month. Looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! Thank you for joining in on the fun.

November 6 question

 What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

I enjoy taking photos of nature, family, and events in my "real" life thanks to my dear great Aunt Elizabeth. She was the unofficial photographer of the family. 

I was fascinated as she clutched her Brownie camera and peered into the glass viewfinder on top of the camera to frame her shot.  The strap was attached to the camera so Aunt E. could hang the leather strap around the back of her neck. This helped her keep the camera steady, but also she couldn't lose it!

Brownie camera Courtesy of Danson67 on Pixabay

In those good old days, all pictures were saved on film, not to a digital file. No filters that we use today to change the lighting or enhance the picture. She wouldn't know if the picture was in focus or too dark or light until she took the film to the drugstore to have it developed. Only one or two pictures were taken of the subject. Today we snap six or eight pictures with our digital cameras and phones because there's no charge for each photo.

With all the helpful technology, it is easier these days to be a good photographer. However, it still takes an artistic, creative eye to compose stunning images. 

I've taken many photos during our travels, but none can begin to elicit emotions when viewing the actual site, such as the majesty of the mountains, the magnificence of the architecture, or the glory of a gorgeous sunset. However, I try because memories can't be captured unless the photo is taken.

I look forward to learning about your creative projects when I visit your blog. In the meantime, please leave a comment below about your memorable pictures.

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week. So many amazing bloggers on the IWSG Blog Hop!!

Connect online with JQ Rose:

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Focus on Books Guest Author Marsha R. West, New Release--DETERMINED #romantic suspense

 

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.

While the purpose of the series 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!

My October guest is Marsha R. West, a talented storyteller and a dear friend from the days when we were both newbies in the writing business. 

Congratulations, Marsha, on your new release, #4 in the Second Chances Series.

WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT DETERMINED?

My church is service-oriented, and through that work, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about folks experiencing homelessness. I wanted to share some of that info with others. I had a heroine from the second book I wrote (an unpublished one) that I really liked. I pulled her back into my consciousness and set her in the current day, gave her sisters, and used her backstory. She deserved to have her happily ever after. I hope DETERMINED will help folks look with a more open heart for those without a home and decide to get involved.

Thanks so much for hosting me, J. Q. I’d love to chat with your readers. 😊 Marsha

Determined
A Second Chance Romantic Suspense
Marsha R. West

BACK OF THE BOOK:

Real estate developer Hollister Grant (Holly) and her sisters Lee and Kay are determined to build a tiny home project for people who’ve recently been homeless, but Barrett Armstrong, president of a nearby homeowner association doesn’t want “those people” living near his neighborhood. He will do anything to prevent the land’s development. Anything.

Dan Morgan, Holly’s long-time friend and lawyer, wants to continue to help Holly with the project but sees his feelings for the woman moving past friendship and fears, but because of her past experiences, she isn’t ready for a change in their relationship. And might not ever be. Should he remain silent to maintain their friendship or risk everything for the chance of real love?

TRAILER FOR DETERMINED

BUY LINK:

Click here to download the eBook from your favorite online bookseller.

Click here to order the paperback.

****

ABOUT MARSHA:

I’m a retired elementary school principal, a former school board member, theatre arts teacher, and I write Romance, Suspense, and Second Chances. Experience Required novels. I live in Texas with my supportive lawyer husband and Charley, a deaf, Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier. Our two daughters presented us with three delightful grandchildren, all who live nearby and are now teenagers!  

The theme of my eleven books is always second chances. I even named my four-part series The Second Chances Series. I believe in Happily Ever Afters. My husband picked up a plaque for me on one of our several trips to Maine that states my philosophy exactly. Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end. The Heroines and Heroes in my books range in age from 40 to late 50s and their parents and children often play supporting roles.

I am a member of North Texas Romance Writers, Texas Authors Institute, and the WORD BY WORD Blog. I send out a monthly newsletter and give away an e-book to some lucky commenter. I enjoy making presentations to groups, and several times, I’ve taught a Silver Frogs class on Indie Publishing for Texas Christian University. 

My books can be found on AMAZON, B & N, KOBO, and iTunes. Print books are available at Draft 2 Digital and Amazon.

Click here for more information and links to her books on her website 

Click here  to sign up for her  NEWSLETTER  

CONNECT ONLINE WITH MARSHA

marsha@marsharwest.com 

https://www.facebook.com/MarshaRWestfans

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.twitter.com/Marsharwest  @Marsharwest

https://wordbyword.net/category/blog/

https://www.pinterest.com/marsharwest/

https://www.instagram.com/marsharwest

Marsha R. West (Author of Vermont Escape) | Goodreads

Marsha R. West Books - BookBub

Amazon Author page https://amzn.to/456bBUy

Trailer Links Marsha R. West books

DETERMINED https://youtu.be/UB40vwfuAHc

TAINTED  https://youtu.be/URl5DnN3w4c

COMPROMISE https://youtu.be/KM0ACQn5Bzs

VULNERABLE https://youtu.be/Q2uaEusbZtI

Thanks for being my guest, Marsha!

* * * 

Perfect for Halloween! Horror story and Ghost story
Click here to download these scary, but fun books to read
on sale for $1.99 at Smashwords through October 31
Also available to download from your favorite digital bookseller
Paperback at amazon and bn.com

JQ Rose

Visit JQ ROSE online

J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/

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IWSG Blog Hop: Remembering Casper the Friendly Ghost #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Thanks to our awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG: Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre!

Looking forward to autumn.

October 2 question - Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What's your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.

Not all ghosts are scary, though. Personally, I prefer the friendly ones, like Casper. He was one of my favorite characters when I was a kid. I loved watching the theater cartoons that always played before the main movie.

If you haven’t met Casper yet, check out this YouTube video of the sweet ghost who’s always looking for a friend. Sure, I know ghosts are scary. But, instead of screaming and running away, take time to get to know him and you'll realize he won’t send chills up your spine—promise! 

VIDEO: CASPER THE GHOST AND THE BABY ELEPHANT

Casper the Friendly Ghost

I love friendly ghosts so much that I included a friendly, but annoying "shadow man" in my cozy mystery, Deadly Undertaking. Have you heard of shadow people? I wasn't familiar with the term until I read an article about it. 

Wikipedia's definition-- A shadow person is the perception of shadow as a living species, a humanoid figure, sometimes interpreted as the presence of a spirit or other entity by believers in the paranormal or supernatural. Wikipedia

Deadly Undertaking
Romantic Suspense

A handsome detective, a shadow man, and a murder victim kill Lauren’s plan for a simple life.

That article sparked the character, Henry, in the romantic suspense novel that takes place in a funeral home.  You can see him on the book cover. He hangs around the funeral home bothering the main character, Lauren Staab, a young woman who returned home to help in the family business, Staab and Blood Funeral Home.

It's a fun story to read and a fun one to write! Have you written ghosts into your stories and books? Please tell us about your supernatural character.

Click here to visit the bloggers participating in the blog hop this month.

Thank you for stopping by today. Have an awesome October 2024!

JQ Rose

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/

 

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. 

👓👓👓👓

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.

                 👓👓👓👓

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/

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In Remembrance

 

We will never forget.

IWSG Blog Hop: English Teachers and Me, #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign-up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG -- Beth Camp, Jean Davis, Yvonne Ventresca, and PJ Colando!

***

September 4 question - Since it's back to school time, let's talk English class. What's a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?

I'm sorry. I have no answer to this question. How boring am I???

I can tell you how many of my teachers encouraged me to write though. Mrs. Prior sent in one of my stories to a children's magazine and the magazine published it. I remember Ms. Oldaker and her red pen. Her input helped me write better. My professor in college wanted me to switch my major from elementary education to English. He had quite a system for writing which I followed exactly in order to get an A in his classes. I did not switch, but I believe subconciously I absorbed that system and use it to this day when writing nonfiction.

I am looking forward to reading bloggers' answers this month. I'm sure they will jog my memories of English class. 

Thank you for stopping in...

Wishing you all a super September!!!

***

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

UPDATE: A new series on the Focused on Story Blog, FOCUS on BOOKS. 

Click here to visit my first guest in the series, Sandra Cox, who kicked off the inaugural event in August.

Join us as we focus on authors and their books. New-to-you authors , best-selling, debut, favorite, and classic authors and any in between will be highlighted every third Wednesday of the month. C ya' here on Wednesday, September 18!

***

JQ Rose presenting a workshop on telling life stories.

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/