Hello There! You Can Find Me Over Here!

Are you looking for my monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group post? If so, you can find it over at my author blog HERE.

Yep, I know things have been quiet here on this blog but I do have a post coming soon explaining exactly what's going on. So stay tuned to find out the scoop.

In the meantime, hop on over to my author blog and find out what I have to say about my writerly journey.

Where Did She Go? Where's That IWSG Post?

Hello! Yes, I know that it's been very silent here lately. I've been hopeless at blogging and at visiting everyone's blogs. There's some stuff going on in the background and some decisions being made. As part of that, I'm trying to figure out what to do with this site. I'll give you an update once things become clearer.

But, in the meantime, I've decided to move my monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group blog posts over to my author blog. Hop on over HERE to read this month's post and find out what Simon the Cat has been getting up to lately.

Writing Update & Googling Weird and Wonderful Stuff | IWSG

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.

Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.

This month's optional question is:

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

Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here. You can find out how I answered the question below.

* * *

Before I dive into this month's question, a bit of a blog and a writing update.

Let's start with the blog.

[Scratches her head and tries to figure out what to say.]

[Head hurting because she scratched it too much, she changes tack.]

Okay, let's start with the writing update. Things have been busy on the writing front. Crazy busy, but also good busy. Crazy is good, right?

I finished book #4 in my cozy mystery series and sent it to beta readers last month. {Cue all the insecurities that come with sharing your work.} I'm hoping to publish it next month if all goes well with the final revisions and my editor. And now NaNoWriMo is upon us and I'm working on book #5. Plus, I've been putting some energy into marketing my prequel novella through newsletter swaps and group promos with the aim of drawing in new readers for my series. And trying to get more reviews for my back list through BookSprout.

Which brings us back to the blogging update.

[Pauses to drink some coffee, then takes a deep breath.]

I've been terrible at blogging lately. And not just posting regularly here on this blog, but also visiting my blogging buddies. I need to do better. I almost didn't post today, but I knew that if I didn't, I'd be missing out on connecting with the wonderful folks I've met in the writing and blogging community.

Okay, enough about that. Let's talk my weird and wonderful (and slightly scary) google search history. Over the past few months, I've searched for various ways to kill people, how to get away with murder, and what knife and gunshot wounds look like. I've also researched various diseases to give to my characters. Odd how my job is to take all of that horrifying stuff and work it into a lighthearted cozy mystery. You wouldn't really think "cozy" and "murder" go together, but somehow they do.

On the weird side of things, my current work in progress features pub trivia contests so I've been googling for weird facts. Did you know that it's illegal to duel with water pistols in Massachusetts? Or that Oscar the Grouch used to be orange?

I'll do my best to visit folks and comment, but it may take me a few days as I need to get some serious NaNoWriMo words written as I'll be distracted for a good chunk of the month while I'm visiting family.

What weird and wonderful things do you google?

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!

Get a FREE copy of Robbery at the Roller Derby by signing up for my newsletter HERE.

Or you can buy a copy for 99c/99p at your favorite retailer HERE. 

Also available in paperback and large print.

This prequel novella is set around twelve years before Murder at the Marina and tells the story of Mollie's roller derby days and how she and Scooter met. Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com

Saturday Spotlight | Author Interview With Charles Suddeth

In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday and Wednesday about our travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.

Today, I have an author interview with Charles Suddeth to celebrate the release of his book, Stone Man and the Trail of Tears. Sit back, grab a snack, and find out what Charles has to say about writing, penguins, and cookies.

1 - What inspired you to write this book? 

My great-great grandfather, Bill Pennington was born about 1830 in a Cherokee mountain village, possibly in Kentucky. The family moved north of the Ohio River around the time of the Trail of Tears to a rural area north of Charlestown, Indiana, 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky where a mixture of whites and Meti (French/Shawnee mixed bloods) lived. Many of the Cherokees in eastern Kentucky were chased out during this period.

2 - Do you have any writing rituals? 

I do love my coffee. After coffee, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and clear my mind. My inner self takes control.

3 - What's more important - character or plot? 

I think they are equally important. A fantastic plot will generate great characters. And complex, conflicted characters will get in trouble and generate great plots.

4 - What do you like best about being an author? 

I love writing stories that people cannot stop reading. What do you like the least? I am a humble person. I hate telling editors and readers that my books are a great read. I would rather tell them about my friends’ books.

5 - What's your favorite cookie? If you don't like cookies, what's wrong with you? Oops, sorry, scratch that. My follow-up question was meant to be far more polite - "Why don't you like cookies?"

The one in my hand. I never met a cookie I didn’t like! If pressed, I might mutter about oatmeal raisin cookies. I will answer both ways. I don’t like food that fits in my hand and contain infinite calories.

6 - A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why did he come visit you?

“Que tal, yall?” says penguin. He has come to beg me for oatmeal cookies, but he is out of luck.







7 - What else would you like us to know about you? 

I love learning about DNA research, though I am not an expert. Dinosaur tissue has been discovered, and T-rex may come back to life. I want to write about the resurrected dinosaurs!

Editor's Note: Thanks for participating in the interview, Charles. Oatmeal cookies are a great choice! Too bad the penguin got there too late :)

About Charles

Charles Suddeth has published poetry, picture books, middle reader’s books, young adult thrillers, and adult mysteries in English, Cherokee, and Turkish. He is active with Green River Writers and leads a monthly SCBWI Social. He lives in Louisville and teaches for the Jefferson County Schools. 

You can connect with Charles on his Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr

About Stone Man

After U.S. soldiers attack twelve-year-old Tsatsi’s Cherokee village, his family flees to the Smokey Mountains. Facing storms, flood, and hunger, they’re forced to go where Stone Man, a monstrous giant, is rumored to live.

His family seeks shelter in an abandoned village, but soldiers hunt them down. Tsatsi and his sister Sali escape, but Sali falls ill and is kidnapped by Stone Man. Tsatsi gives chase and confronts the giant, only to learn this monster isn’t what he seems.

Their journey is a dangerous one. Will Tsatsi find the strength to become a Cherokee warrior? And will they ever find their family?

Print ISBN 9781939844620
Driven to Stone Man’s trail...
EBook ISBN 9781939844651

Release date – October 8, 2019

Find Stone Man: And the Trail of Tears at: Amazon | Apple Books | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

How To Read Without Opposable Thumbs | IWSG

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.

Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.

This month's optional question is:

"It's been said that the benefit of becoming a writer who doesn't read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect people to want your writing if you don't enjoy reading. Thoughts?"

Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here. You can find out how I answered the question below.

I'm pleased to be co-hosting this month along with Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte,

"Simon, what are you doing?" I asked frantically. "You're going to break that!"

The large gray cat ignored me and continued to jab his paw on my Kindle as though he was trying to squash a bug crawling across it. As I tried to pull the ereader away from him, his tail swished back and forth in that way that tells you your cat isn't happy to see you.

"Back off, lady," he growled. "I'm in the middle of something."

"In the middle of what? Trying to crack the screen? Go play with one of your toy mice instead."

"Those toy mice are beneath me. Now be quiet. I'm trying to read."

"Read? But you're a cat. You can't read."

"Of course, I can. You think just because we felines don't have opposable thumbs that we can't read? In the past it's always been a pain because we had to lie on top of books that humans were holding and nudge them to turn the pages. Now that they invented ereaders, it's a snap. All you have to do is press your paw on the screen to get the next page."

"Hmm. I'm not exactly sure Kindle screens were designed to withstand claws. What are you reading?"

"A dog training manual." He leaned forward, his whiskers grazing the screen. "What kind of animal would be dumb enough to fall for playing fetch and walking on a leash? Dogs, that's who." He sat back on his haunches. "By the way, lady, you have a lot of stupid books loaded up on your Kindle. Why are you reading all those ridiculous mysteries and sci-fi novels, anyway?"

"I'm a writer. You can't write unless you're also a reader. Although, I am finding I read less and less the more time I spend writing. And I worry about 'copying' other authors' styles and ideas without meaning to. But I can't imagine not reading." I sighed. "I guess it's a writerly conundrum."

"Who cares if you 'accidentally' copy other authors," he said, doing a pretty good impression of air quotes with his paws. "No one reads your stupid books. What you should be worrying about is why we're out of full-fat milk. You better get to the store and grab some for my afternoon snack. But first, order another one of these Kindles for me. Yours has a lot of scratch marks on the screen. Makes it hard to read."

* * *

And in other news, I recently released a prequel novella to my Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery Series - Robbery at the Roller Derby. It's set around twelve years before the start of Murder at the Marina and tells the story of Mollie's roller derby days and how she met her husband, Scooter.

For those of you familiar with Mollie's antics, you can only imagine the trouble she gets up to as part of a roller derby team. Can she skate her way out of danger or will her nosiness be the death of her?

If you sign up for my newsletter HERE, you download a FREE copy of Robbery at the Roller Derby. 

Alternatively, you can pick up the ebook for 99c/99p at your favorite retailer HERE. It's also available in paperback and in large print.

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com

What about you - do you think writers should also be readers or doesn't it matter? Have you ever been to a roller derby match? Do you prefer "real" books or ereaders?

Is Sailing Really Interesting To Non-Sailors? Writer's Tips & Tricks

One of the challenges I face writing a cozy mystery series about a reluctant sailor turned amateur sleuth is how to write about sailing in a way that's engaging for people who know nothing about boats.

Now that I've published three books in my series (plus a prequel), I've figured out a few tips and tricks about how to make it interesting. Want to know more? Hop on over to Elizabeth Spann Craig's blog HERE and check out my guest post.

Buckeyes, Roller Skates & Danger | Robbery at the Roller Derby Release

Have you ever had a buckeye?

No, not the kind that falls from tree. Don't eat those. They're poisonous. Besides the whole potential-for-dying thing, why would you eat one of those anyway when you could have something that looks like a nut but is actually a candy? That's the kind of buckeye I'm talking about.

And how do I know so much about buckeyes? I grew up in Ohio and the buckeye is our state tree. This is one of the things I learned in Ohio history class. I also learned that Ohio has 88 counties. File that fun fact away for your next trivia contest.

But what they didn't teach us in school was that if you mix peanut butter, sugar, and butter together, shape it into balls, and dip it in chocolate you get something that looks like a buckeye but isn't poisonous. (Here's a recipe if you want to try them yourself.)

So what do buckeyes have to do with anything besides the fact that I now have a massive sugar craving? They were one of the fun Ohio references I weaved into my latest Mollie McGhie book - Robbery at the Roller Derby. It's a prequel novella set around twelve years before the start of Murder at the Marina. It tells the story of Mollie's roller derby days and how she met her husband, Scooter.

For those of you familiar with Mollie's antics, you can only imagine the trouble she gets up to as part of a roller derby team. Can she skate her way out of danger or will her nosiness be the death of her?

If you sign up for my newsletter HERE, you download a FREE copy of Robbery at the Roller Derby. 

Alternatively, you can pick up the ebook for 99c/99p at your favorite retailer HERE.

It's also available in paperback and coming soon in large print.

You can find out more on my author site.

Ever had a buckeye? Do you have a state/provincial/country tree? 

Saturday Spotlight | CassaSeries By Alex J Cavanaugh

In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday and Wednesday about our travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting Alex J. Cavanaugh the author of the Amazon best-selling CassaSeries, as well as the founder of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. I'm a big fan of Alex's books and if you like space opera, you'll love them as well!

Have a read below for details on the CassaSeries and how Alex comes up with his character names, as well as a cool giveaway!

Where Did the Character’s Names Come From?

Some people labor over character names. I read posts and comments from writers who struggle to find the right names or have to rename characters. Fortunately, I’ve never struggled with names.

Byron and Bassa came to me with their names in place. So did Athee, who appears in the next two books. Byron’s son was easy – Bassan honored his friend.

As for the rest of the names? I spent a whole thirty minutes per book making them up! That’s right – I just brainstormed unique, alien-sounding names that were also simple to pronounce and wrote them down. (My apologies for Ernx – it’s pronounced Urnks.) From that point, I paired them with the right character.

Yes, that meant that while I was writing each story, there were a lot of blanks in the manuscript. Which made it really fun filling them in later!

CassaDawn

CassaStar Series Prequel

By Alex J Cavanaugh

Genre: SciFi Adventure, Space Opera 

The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series!

A pilot in training...

Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training and join the Cassan space fleet. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…

**Get it FREE!! **

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo

CassaStar

CassaStar Series Book 1 

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.

Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.

As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Add to Goodreads

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CassaFire

CassaStar Series Book 2

From the Amazon best-selling author - CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Add to Goodreads

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CassaStorm

CassaStar Series Book 3

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” - Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * BAM

Get the CassaSeries Boxed Set Here! 

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the award-winning site, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Website * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads * Insecure Writer's Support Group

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!

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Hurricane & Writing Update | IWSG

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.

Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.

This month's optional question is:

"If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?"

Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here. You can find out how I answered the question below.

I didn't have the time or energy to put together a "proper" IWSG post complete with an appearance from Simon the Time Traveling Cat. The reason has a name - Dorian the Hurricane.

I just asked my hubby when Dorian first came onto our radar as something we needed to be concerned about. He said, "Sometime last year." To be honest, that's what it feels like. In reality, I think it was just last week. When the National Hurricane Center started showing forecasts that had Dorian barrelling straight toward us as a major hurricane, that kind of got our attention. We prepped the boat, bought food, topped up the car with gas, and waited to see what Dorian would do.

Turns out we were fortunate. He bypassed us. Unfortunately, he pummeled the Bahamas. It's been heartbreaking seeing the photos and video showing the aftermath. So many of the places we've spent time cruising on our sailboat are no longer there. There really are no words to describe what I'm feeling and supposedly I'm a writer.

I have three more books planned in my Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery series. I'm currently working on the third (Dead in the Dinghy) and once I finish that I need to get started on the fourth (Shooting by the Sea). I had always planned for it to feature a hurricane and the impact that it has on Mollie, Scooter, and their marina friends. Now I'm not sure what I think about that now.

In other writing-related news, I just finished writing a Mollie McGhie prequel novella - Robbery at the Roller Derby. (Yes, Mollie used to be on a roller derby team. That's how she met her hubby.) I'm planning on using it primarily as a reader magnet for newsletter subscribers, although I'll probably also put it up for sale. Love to hear from any of you about your thoughts and experience with reader magnets and building your newsletters.

Where would you like to sit and write your next story or work on your other favorite creative pursuit? Has Dorian impacted you (or forecast to)?

Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.

Saturday Spotlight | Grumpy Old Gods & Author Interview With Juneta Key

In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday and Wednesday about our travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.

Today, I'm featuring an interview with Juneta Key to celebrate the release of Grumpy Old Gods, Volume 2. I'm halfway through this hilarious collection of stories about retired, waning, reborn, and AWOL deities and loving it! It's definitely an anthology well worth checking out, as is the interview below where Juneta shares her thoughts on writing, penguins, and cookies.

Author Interview

1 - What inspired you to write this story?

In order to answer this question, I need to give a little background

This year I and another author engaged in a conversation on a writing forum where we are both members talking about mythology and humorous stories.

We meandered around this topic, and at one point related it to a well-known movie starring Walter Matthew and Jack Lemmon, Grumpy Old Men. We laughed and decided stories about Grumpy Old Gods could be pretty funny and lots of fun to write.

This whole conversation led to us teaming up to create themed anthologies and co-owning Stormdance Publications.

So, to answer your question, this is our second anthology release of Grumpy Old Gods, Volume 2. My inspiration for it came from the title of the book and this photo I found at Pixabay.com. It so cute I couldn’t resist.

2 - Do you have any writing rituals?

Not particularly, but I do like to wear a fedora hat when I write.





3 - What's more important - character or plot?

I think both hold weight in really good stories, but character trumps everything for me. Character generates plot, world elements and the story for me.

I tend to relate best with stories and movies based around a strong main character. I need to care, or I feel I am wasting time.

I want the payoff of some connection, even a good psychological or horror story has character connection when it blows you away.

4 - What do you like best about being an author? What do you like the least?

Best: The story payoff. When someone else enjoys something, I wrote and wants more because they get it or relate to it or just makes them happy.

Least: I could say marketing, but I find learning about that interesting. I think it is the internal struggle within myself I like least when words elude me, or refuse to emerge onto the page, because of some emotional angst or situation that is plaguing me in that moment.

5 - What's your favorite cookie? If you don't like cookies, what's wrong with you? Oops, sorry, scratch that. My follow-up question was meant to be far more polite - "Why don't you like cookies?"

Bought: Keebler Deluxe Fudge Covered Graham & Keebler Coconut Dream Fudge, Carmel and Coconut. (Okay, I admit Oreo’s are right up there too)

Made at Home: All-time favorite, since I was a child, Nestle’s Toll House Chocolate Chip.

6 - A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?

“Yo Quiero, Taco Bell. I’m here to replace the little dog.” It is a reboot of the Chihuahua commercial with a twist.

Yeah, one of the best commercials ever. Taco Bell even changed their building design so those commercials really are a step back in time.

7 - What else would you like us to know about you?

I write speculative fiction. Love the short story and flash fiction, so write those often as I can. I am working on three paranormal fantasy series and a sci-fantasy space opera.

By April 2020, we will have published seven Grumpy Old Gods anthologies. We decided to make a brand, but we do have plans to do other types of anthologies in the future once we are established at Stormdance Publications.

About Grumpy Old Gods

Grumpy Old Gods, Volume 2

The Grumpy Old Gods are back in this second installment of mythical fun. Join us for 13 new tales of deities that are retired, reborn, waning, or AWOL from their assigned posts as they hilariously navigate life, death, and everything in between. 

 Buy a copy on Amazon or FREE to read in Kindle Unlimited.

Grumpy Old Gods, Volume 1

What happens when gods wane, retire, or just decide they need a change of employment?

13 writers took up the challenge and let their imaginations run wild in this anthology that is nearly-always amusing, somewhat insightful, and completely irreverent as we imagine the gods of yore in retirement.

 Buy a copy on Amazon

About Juneta

Juneta writes SPECULATIVE FICTION. She loves fantasy and all its subgenres, the paranormal, mythological and space opera. She is a huge proponent of flash fiction and the short story. In 2019, She entered into a partnership with another Indie author as co-owner of Stormdance Publications, their mission, to create fun, quality themed anthologies, especially about grumpy old gods. She is one of seven founders of the Storytime Quarterly Blog Hop founded in 2015. She is currently working on three book series projects.



Connect with Juneta at Amazon Author Page |  Website Writer’s Gambit  | Facebook | Twitter | Stormdance Publications Website  | Storytime Quarterly Blog Hop  | Medium Publication Writer’s Gambit

Editor's Note: Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, Juneta! Homemade Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies are my favorite too :)

Saturday Spotlight | The 5 W's & Terror On Sunshine Boulevard By JQ Rose

In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday and Wednesday about our travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting J.Q. Rose, the author of Terror on Sunshine Boulevard.

Hello. Thank you, Ellen, for hosting me today. 

Ellen was a guest on my blog, Focused on Story, last month when she was touring with her new release, Poisoned by the Pier.  Click here to read her post. 

The 5 W's in Story

The 5 W's of a story are who, what, where, when and why (and sometimes How is included if it doesn't contain any spoilers.) These important W's make up the skeleton or the bones of a story. This series has been a hit with readers. Click here to read Ellen's earlier blog post on my blog for Murder at the Marina sharing the 5 W's of that story. 

Today I thought I'd take a turn on Ellen's blog to share the 5 W's of one of my mysteries, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard, a touch of horror with a lot of humor. Similar to the fun Ellen includes in her Mollie McGhee series about a marina in Florida.

That makes the perfect segue to the WHERE in Terror on Sunshine Boulevard--Instead of a marina, the action takes place at the Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort--a beautiful park filled with manufactured homes, a community center, golf course, tennis, pickleball, horseshoes, bocci ball, heated pool and a club for every interest imaginable.

Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose
Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed?
Investigating mysterious murders?
These are not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community
for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.

WHO--The main characters are Jim and Gloria Hart, snowbirds from Michigan, who spend their winters at Citrus Ridge meeting friends and joining in the social activities. 

Jim and Gloria retired after selling their hardware store in Michigan. Jim was a volunteer fireman, so when he moved into the community, he became a volunteer first responder and eventually the co-captain of the Citrus Ridge first responders squad. Because the volunteers live in the park, they are key to saving many lives due to their quick response.

WHEN--Contemporary 

WHAT--The members of the first responder squad are accustomed to being called to seniors' homes for slip and fall accidents or high blood pressure issues, but Jim has never been called to the homes of so many folks dying of unknown causes. 

WHY--So if seniors are dying every day, the question is why? What is killing them? A virus, deadly air quality, bad water, a treacherous mad man? 

Why don't Jim and Gloria head back north and get out of there? (If any of you have endured or are enduring winter storms, icy roads, blizzards, you may understand why Jim and Gloria want to stay in warm, tropical Florida. !!!) 

As co-captain of the squad, Jim is drawn into the police investigations.  Gloria feels responsible for so many of her senior friends who rely on her for assistance. They both know if they went home to Michigan they would only be miserable worrying about their Florida friends and feeling guilty for abandoning their community in crisis Wouldn't you?

HOW-- I can't tell you how the cause of so many deaths are solved. You knew I wouldn't, didn't you? That would ruin the fun of reading Terror on Sunshine Boulevard. 

But, I can tell you my publisher, BWL Publishing, is running a Kindle Countdown now through August 16 so you can get the e-book for a discount. The sooner you order, the more you save.

Click here to download your e-copy at amazon during the countdown.
Click here to order your paperback copy at amazon. 

***

Jingles, a star in the book

BACK OF THE BOOK: Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose

Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed? Investigating mysterious murders? Not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.

Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.

Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?

About J.Q.

Author J.Q. Rose

After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her mysteries published by BWL Publishing are Terror on Sunshine Boulevard, Dangerous Sanctuary, and Deadly Undertaking. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband, Gardener Ted, spend winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.

Connect with J.Q. Rose online at

J.Q.'s blog, Focused on Story http://www.jqrose.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor