Hello and welcome to a big day at the Focused on Story blog by J.Q. Rose.
It's the monthly meeting of the Insecure Writers Support Group(IWSG) blog hop
and a visit with my special guest, author Sandra Cox.
It's the monthly meeting of the Insecure Writers Support Group(IWSG) blog hop
and a visit with my special guest, author Sandra Cox.
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Internet Writers Support Group Blog Hop
First Wednesday of every month.
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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. I hope you'll take some time to visit the diverse list of bloggers.
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| IWSG Question for the Month |
I enjoy writing mysteries. Mystery is a large overarching category because it can include sub-genres e.g. romance, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, historical within the pages of the mystery. That makes it fun to write with so many possibilities thrown in.
One writer said every book is a mystery because the reader needs to keep turning pages to find out how the story will end. We're curious about a story's Who, What, Where, When and Why no matter the genre. And especially the How!
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Welcome, Sandra Cox!
I'm excited to welcome my friend and multi-talented author, Sandra Cox, as my guest on the Focused on Story blog. She is a wordsmith and has a special word puzzle for you. It's my privilege to introduce you to her new YA/NA story, Minder, available until February 10 for only 99 cents.
Minder by Sandra Cox
YA/NA Paranormal Romance
Welcome, Sandra!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit your blog today and interact with your lovely followers, Janet. I’m so excited to be here.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit your blog today and interact with your lovely followers, Janet. I’m so excited to be here.
As everyone knows, writing is all about wordsmithing. Being an author, I love word search puzzles. I’m hoping everyone out there does too, because I developed one for MINDER. Anyone that wants to play, feel free to download it by right-clicking on the puzzle, then "save as" to save it to your device.
After you find all the words, if you would like to go into a drawing for an E copy of MINDER or an E from my backlist just leave a comment here that says ‘I did it.’ Good luck.
After you find all the words, if you would like to go into a drawing for an E copy of MINDER or an E from my backlist just leave a comment here that says ‘I did it.’ Good luck.
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| Minder Word Search |
MINDER a YA/NA Paranormal Romance with light elements of horror
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| Minder by Sandra Cox YA Shape-shifter Available at Amazon |
Back of the Book: Minder by Sandra Cox
On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Aurora Valente goes through disturbing changes. She purrs and craves raw meat. Most alarming of all, she’s taken to chasing wildlife.
Her aunt gives her a beautiful, antique choker and tells her a story about a shape-shifting
Minder princess and the beast that hunts the Minder’s descendants. To Aurora, it’s only a story...till later that night when her world takes a turn into terror.
Excerpt:
A movement along the edge of the cliff caught my attention. A small rabbit nibbled at a tuft of clover growing between the rocks. I came to attention like a pointer. My nose quivered, my mouth watered. I twitched my butt.
Without thought, I bolted out of the house after the rabbit. My blood raced. I breathed in short, sharp pants. I could hear the creature’s heart pound and smell his warm vibrant flesh.
He took three frightened leaps and disappeared into the forest. I skidded to a stop, trembling so hard my teeth rattled. What’s wrong with me? I wanted to take a bite out of a poor, defenseless little bunny. I pursed my lips and screwed up my face. Gross didn’t begin to cover it.
This is way past PMSing. Tears welled up and spilled down my cheeks.
I turn eighteen tomorrow. Surely, there’s no connection.
A sharp wind blew off the water. My eyes closed. I stood perfectly still, except for shudders that racked my achy body as fear and revulsion washed over me like the loud pounding waves below.
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| Sandra Cox |
Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA fantasy and romance. She lives with her husband, a menagerie of pets, and an occasional foster cat in sunny North Carolina.
You can visit Sandra at:
Sandra's blog
You can visit Sandra at:
Sandra's blog
Available at Amazon
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PROMO OPPORTUNITY
PROMO OPPORTUNITY
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| The 5 W's Event begins in March! |
Beginning in March, a new event will begin on the Focused on Story blog. Guest authors will choose one book and tell the Five W's of their story--Who, What, Where, When and Why. I didn't include How because how may be the spoiler. (?)
If you would like to be my guest for the event, please leave a comment below or email me at jqrose02 at gmail dot com.
Don't forget to say "I did it" in the comment below to enter Sandra's drawing.
Click here to download Minder now for only 99 cents.
Sale ends February 10.
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The Winter Warm-Up Blog Hop Continues |
Saturday, February 10--I'll be hopping across the pond to be a guest at the blog of my English friend and romance author, Helena Fairfax. Click here to join us and warm up with a cup of English tea on Saturday. Helena wants to know why I chose a Florida retirement community as the setting for inexplicable murders in this place known for golfing, pool parties, craft classes and winter fun. Hee hee...you'll see.
26 comments:
I love my share of mysteries as well. Mix and match I say. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
Hi J.Q,
I like the way you write your mystery novels. I have two of them on my iPad. You have a way of catching the reader's attention.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Back again. I tried to get Sandra Browns' book at Amazon for 99 cents. I am presently residing in Germany so I have to order over Amazon Germany. Could you ask her to include Germany in her special price deal because it is not showing the special price until Feb. 10. I would like to purchase it at that price if it is available for that price.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Hi Pat! Sorry. I wish it was in Germany. It's a Kindle Countdown. I believe Amazon only offers the countdowns in the US and UK but I could be mistaken.
PS. Sorry I didn't clarify that on the post.
Janet, Thanks so much for hosting me today. Much appreciated.
FYI: I'm really enjoying Terror On Sunshine Boulevard.
Yep, you've gotta have a bit of wonder and curiosity to keep on going.
Grats to Sandra!
Hi Anna. Mix match or remember that song..stir it up n serve it.
Thanks, Pat for your kind words. I m blushing.
Sandra, so glad you 're my guest. Happy to hear you are enjoying TOSB.
Hi Loni. Curiosity is the key. Thank you for stopping by.
I love a good mystery too. Congrats Sandra on the release. Had to grab a copy. Sounds like an interesting story.
Thanks, Loni:)
Juneta, I very much appreciate the copy grab:)
JQ, It's a good thing you love mysteries because you write them well:)
Hi Juneta, Thanks for visiting and for your support.
Sandra--really appreciate that compliment.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I like the idea that every book is a mystery. I too am growing to like mysteries more each year.
I do like a good word search. Minder sounds like an interesting story.
Hi Toi, Glad to stop in at your blogger home. I love the IWSG blog hop so we can meet so many bloggers. Thank you for stopping here!!
Word searches - how much fun! I haven't seen one of those in ages. I'm a big fan of mysteries. They definitely keep you turning the pages.
Cheers - Ellen
Good point as to why every book is a mystery.
Good luck with the sale, Sandra!
Hi Ellen. I love word searches too. My daughter is into Sudoku, but I was too frustrated by that game. Maybe we like word searches because we are wordsmiths? Thanks for stopping in.
Thanks, Alex. Every book a mystery makes sense with that explanation.
The mystery/suspense/thriller genres are my favourite!
Congrats to Sandra - that's a great excerpt from her book!
I don't know when last I saw a word search or participated in one. Back in the day, I always did the crossword puzzles (at least once a week)
Happy Writing, JQ!
Writer In Transit
Hi Michelle, I like crossword puzzles too, but only the ones with the answers on the next page!! Puzzles can be frustrating. Have a relaxing weekend!
Thanks, Alex!
Thanks, Michelle:)
Always a good post, JQ. I'd love to be included in your March deal. You are so great at marketing and finding new ways to get the word out. :) I've shared.
Thanks, Marsha. I'll send you an email to let you know about the 5 W's event. Thanks for sharing!!
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