Friends vs Family

TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…

Something happened recently to make me think about friends vs family. Not against each other, but together.

Like this:

Have you ever had a family member who became a friend?

Like one day you are talking to your family member and they get you…they really get you. They listen, they understand, they hug you, they even cry with you. This family member is no longer just a member of your heritage or your bloodline. They have crossed over the bridge to become someone special. Someone you can trust. Someone you can tell secrets to.

The family member has become a FRIEND.

Do you know anyone like that?

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Have you ever had a friend who became like family?

Not like in marriage, where a friend becomes a bona fide family member, but more about the feelings for a friend. Say you’ve had a friend for years, or maybe a new friend from aerobics class, work, or even school. They arrive at your house and go straight to the frig, grab a drink, kick off their shoes, curl up on the sofa and ask about your day. You are SO comfortable with that person you feel like you’ve had them in your life forever.

You have no qualms about spilling the beans on any and all subjects because you trust this person. They never tell your secrets. They nod and listen and are truly interested in you. They are a true friend who has become your FAMILY.

Do you have anyone in your life like that?

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In your writing, you may want to think about your fiction characters (or real life people in nonfiction) to see how they develop relationships with friends and family. Do they exhibit some of the traits above? Do you?

Hugs and love, and blessings on your work.

Follow your dreams…
B.J.

http://amzn.to/1H3PxWy

What’s Going On:

The summer is winding down. Drat. I love summer! But then again, I love spring, fall, and winter too. I have two things coming up…what’s up with you?

#1. I’ll head to Wisconsin to see family (and friends who are family!) the end of October. This little peanut awaits me and I plan to hug and kiss her, go trick or treating, and take tons of pictures. Don’t you love cell phones?

#2. I’m trying out for a Guideposts Refresher Workshop to be held in San Francisco in mid-November. No guarantee I’ll make it; there are many who try out. I’ll give it my best shot. (Note to fellow workshoppers: are you getting a story ready to send in?) And for those of you who have attended any of my classes on writing for Guideposts, keep fine-tuning those stories and keep sending them in. Being a Guideposts writer is one of the biggest blessings of my writing career.

Life is Good!

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Book Reviews of Writing True Stories: Using the Winning Formula P MS to a T:

5.0 out of 5 stars Write for the reader to take away

By G.W. Mozley on August 4, 2017

“This is a great guide and directive for writing short stories and more. When a reader can grasp your story quickly and you take them somewhere, as a writer you’re giving them a gift — the take away.

I’ve referred this book to several because I think it’s invaluable. Not only have I seen others gain focus on their stories as a result of applying what is in this book, but for myself I found it so valuable when creating stories for contests, promotional case studies, etc..

What B.J. offers in this quick and easy to understand directive, is priceless.

It’s direct, to the point, simple for anyone to grasp and apply. Highly recommend this for any writing. Not only does it apply to the short story format, but if remembered when writing any project, one will find they can focus on the flow to give the reader the gift of the take away — the purpose.

As the writer, remembering the formula, gives direction for the reader.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Every writer’s library should include this practical tool!

By graciejames on August 2, 2017

“BJ Taylor gives valuable insight and step by step tips to insure your writing project is at its best! Every writer’s library should include this practical tool! Thank you BJ for sharing your trade secrets with us!”

Montrose Writer’s Conferee

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was easy to read with essential information for writing short stories

By Dale Witkowski on July 31, 2017

“This book was easy to read with essential information for writing short stories. I picked it up at Montrose Christian Writer’s Conference and I am glad that I did. This week, I have taken my longer story and written two articles from that story so far.”

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Full of surprises…just like Charlie Bear

These reviews are from:
Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me about Life, Love, and Second Chances

5.0 out of 5 stars Fur Baby Memoir: Medicine for Your Soul

By Jeanette E. Levellie on July 31, 2017

“Charlie Bear is not your typical doggie story. Sure, you’ll laugh at Charlie’s shenanigans, worry if he’ll ever improve his behavior enough to stay at the Taylor house and cry over the many losses BJ faces in a single year. But Charlie’s story is unique. Brimming with candor and angst, this fur baby memoir proves that two hearts–one a dog’s, the other a human’s–can overcome the worst heartaches life throws their way–together.

BJ expertly weaves most of Charlie’s story in her own words. And then, tucked in-between BJ’s chapters, Charlie shares delightful snippets from his furry point of view. For anyone who loves an incorrigible dog or a pet lover who’s had to say goodbye to a beloved friend, Charlie Bear is the perfect medicine!”

4.0 out of 5 stars It reminds me of my son’s dog whom I grew to love as well

By Dale Witkowski on July 31, 2017

“I am not a dog owner, but my son is. There was one dog in his life I’ll never forget. They were both inseparable. My son had to have her cremated after she died. He grieved for a long time. This book tells B.J.’s heart felt story of two of her dogs and the impact they both have on her family. It reminds me of my son’s dog whom I grew to love as well.”

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a dog-lover’s book

By Shirley L on July 29, 2017

“From start to finish, this book is a delight. More than a dog-lover’s book, this is a reflection on life and loss and second chances that stays in your mind and heart long after you’ve put it down (not easy) to do other life tasks. You find yourself eager to get back to it and see how Charlie Bear is doing and in the process, you learn a bit about your own journey through life.”

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