Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her published mysteries are Deadly Undertaking and Dangerous Sanctuary released by Books We Love Publishing. With her non-fiction book for girls, Girls Succeed!, she returns to her first love, writing about real people. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She spends winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Books We Love released my second mystery, Dangerous Sanctuary, this past fall. The story is about a female pastor and a murder in her church. I was inspired to write it because I had interviewed a female pastor for the interactive e-book, Girls Succeed! Stories Behind the Careers of Successful Women. She is such a wonderful role model for girls, definitely not a murderer! We had a female pastor at our church too, so I used their conversations with me to shape Pastor Christine.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to set the timer to STOP writing. When I get involved in the story, I stay seated too long, so I need to remember to get up, stretch my legs, get a drink, before sitting back down to write at my desk or dining room table or recliner.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephanie Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series opened my eyes to writing humor in mysteries and got me hooked on reading mysteries. Jan Karon’s Mitford series is well-crafted storytelling filled with warm and witty characters. I wanted to combine those styles into my mysteries.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a memoir about the first year we were in the flower business. This is more difficult than writing fiction because I can’t invent anything. A memoir has to be truthful!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I rely on Facebook and websites like Awesomegang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! Write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t stop writing. Keep writing and it will work out.
What are you reading now?
Gold Fever by Joan Donaldson-Yarney
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so many ideas for fictional stories swirling in my brain and ideas for non-fiction books too! I’ll continue to write and promote my books so they can reach readers. My books entertain, inform, and educate. The mysteries help people escape from the hum-drum of everyday life and my non-fiction books help readers by informing and educating them on many topics. I don’t plan to stop writing at all.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take a book on writing, a mystery, and a memoir that I haven’t read yet.
Author Websites and Profiles
J.Q. Rose Website
J.Q. Rose Amazon Profile
J.Q. Rose’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account