Hello and Welcome to the Focused on Story Blog
AND the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop
Always on the first Wednesday of the month.
#IWSGbloghop
Happy IWSG Blog Hop Day!
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 join.
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The awesome co-hosts for the May 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine!
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May 5 question - Have any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?
When I began publishing, I was thrilled my friends supported me through buying my first book. It was so much fun to watch them leaf through the pages and then to see their expressions of astonishment when they absorbed the idea that I could actually be a published author!! ( to be honest, I was amazed too...)
What surprised me was their response or absence thereof. Days and weeks went by. I waited to get feedback on the book. However, several never said a word about it. I didn't want to ask because I thought it would sound like I was wanting praise for the book. I asked the ones who had an amazon account to leave a review, but only two did that for me. Sigh...
I found, a few books later, this is what happens. I must remind myself that reading a book is not the priority for many folks, and their lives do not revolve around writing, reading and reviewing. I can finally accept that and be grateful for my friends' support when they ask about my writing and purchase my books. A huge thank you to those who take time to give me a thumbs up via reviews. And, as I understand it, even a thumbs down review is good to have, not for the author's psyche, but the more reviews, the more buzz for the book. Hopefully 4 and 5 stars outnumber 1 and 2 stars.
On the other hand, my best friend since third grade has not read a book in many years because she can't focus her attention to read a book. But when she discovered my memoir was published, she bought the book. (Had I known she wanted to read it, I would have mailed her one). I found out she had purchased the book when she left a voicemail, beginning with, "I'll try not to yell." Then she proceeded to yell, "I got the book. I got the book! It's so cool! I started reading it and could not put it down! That first paragraph just hits ya'." She ended the message with "I love it, I love it, I love it.!"
When I returned her call, I asked her about reading. "I thought you weren't able to concentrate on reading a book anymore."
She replied, " I don't sit down and read it. I walk around the room and read as long as I can, then I set the open book on the dining room table and pick it up when I am ready to walk around the house and read a little more." When I learned what a struggle it was for her to read my book, her words about it were more precious to me. A chunk of my heart sighed at her determination to read that crazy book. What an exemplary act of friendship.
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UPDATES:
My memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir, was just released with a hardcover. The story is all about making your dreams come true. Well, having a hardcover book was one of my dreams. Thank you, BWL Publishing for making that dream come true.
Spring brings new beginnings, so I am freshening up the Focused on Story blog beginning today. Below is the monthly schedule I plan to follow through the summer, then re-evaluate as to freshening up the schedule again!
Of course, IWSG is scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month and has been for several years.
My Life Writing Journal has a new book cover in time for Mother's Day. Laughing at myself that Mother's Day is this Sunday. Guess I'm kind of late with my marketing to get it in time for Mother's Day!! I do love this cover a lot more than the original one.
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| My Life Writing Journal On sale now on amazon.com |
Do you want to get started recording your life stories? Many life experiences make up your entire story from birth to the present. With the list of topics in My Life Writing Journal, it is easy to spark the memories in your life and share the good old days with family and friends.
Click here to order the journal from amazon.com
Do you know Smashwords is having a HALF-PRICE SALE THIS MONTH?
J.Q.'s Mysteries on Sale at Smashwords
The Rose Courier
J.Q.'s Mysteries on Sale at Smashwords
BWL Publishing is offering their books on sale for half price. You can pick up my mysteries AND my new release, Arranging a Dream, for $1.49!!
Click here to grab some wonderful reads while sitting on the beach or in the AC this summer!!!
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PLEASE NOTE: Beginning in July, Blogger will no longer be sending emails from bloggers to their subscribers to notify them when a new blog article has been posted. I post every Wednesday on this blog, so if you don't get a notification from me, it's not because I have not posted. Please check-in on Wednesdays. I will also use Instagram and Facebook to announce new posts. (If I can figure out IG soon!!!)
Stay in touch with updates from JQ--packed with articles, freebies and photos in the Rose Courier!
Click here to sign-up for delivery once a month.
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| Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and grandmoms and to all those who have been a guiding light to a child God bless. |
24 comments:
Now that is a true fan - and a true friend. She found a way.
Yes, indeed. We've been friends for 60 years!
Such a great story about your long-time friend reading your book. Congrats on the hardback too!
Hi JQ,
Thanks for the reminder. I post one a month on my Everything Must Change blog but I need to let people know. I have your memoir. Have you ever thought about doing an audio version? I have fallen in love with audio books.
Have a nice May month.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
It used to be hard for me to understand how others don’t like reading as much as I do, but being a mom right now with two middle school kids, I get it. Sometimes our eyes cause issues. Sometimes our schedules won’t allow for it. We must continue on. Keep writing and happy IWSG day :)
Thank you, Natalie.
You're welcome. Yes, I would love to do an audio version, but that decision is up to my publisher. She has the rights at the moment. I would like to narrate it, but I really have no good microphone or place to record it. Maybe I'll nudge my publisher to see if she would consider it! I like audiobooks too, especially when traveling. It makes the miles click by much faster.
I was disappointed when all of my 5 grandkids didn't enjoy reading, but you're right, there are reasons. So happy we have eBooks and audiobooks to enjoy nowadays to help those with eye issues, both young and old. Happy IWSG day to you too!
Aren't BFs wonderful?! I have one too. We are blessed, Janet. Congratulations again on your memoir.
What a terrific friend!
Thank you,Natalie.
Thanks, Joylene. Remember that Brownie Scout song? "Make new friends, but keep the old?" Yep, she's an old friend for sure.
Yes, indeed!
I've had that same experience of someone I know never mentioning my book after reading it. I took it to mean they didn't like it and didn't know what to say without lying. I like your take on it much better. It was just a book. No big deal They think that way because they don't write books. Glad your friend came through for you. Those kind of friends are keepers!
I couldn't believe most of my own family hasn't read my books. They claim they aren't readers. My brother, when pushed, still wouldn't read it. My sister though, read it, loved it, keeps telling me how great it is, and introduces me as an author of great books. I love that sis.
That was so sweet of your best friend.
I discovered the same thing. My first book, and everybody bought a copy. The second book and it was like, "Oh, crap, you're still writing?" LOL
That is such a heartwarming story about your best friend. She sounds like a very special person, as are you.
AND Woo Hoo on having a hard cover. Excellent, Cuz!
I'm glad I dispelled the fear that you had about your friends not wanting to lie to you about your book!
Yes, I bet your sis is your fave sibling now!!
Ha! You made me laugh with that comment. Because it is so true!
Thank you, Sandra!!
For a lot of unrelated reasons, yes, she is. I adore that gal!
Hey, JQ. What a great friend. And it is an especially wonderful book. Wonder why Blogger won't send emails after July. I love getting email reminders. I always enjoy your blogs and share. :)
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