TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
Dear Friend,
Now that we’re past the holidays and back into our routine (whatever that is for you), it’s time to plan. The entire year stretches out before us. What are we going to do with it?
Look at that calendar! Lots of days. Lots of weeks. Lots of months.
Now if you know me, or have read these Taylor’s Tips Newsletters before, you know I’m big into quotes and sayings. Like: you can’t get anywhere if you wait for all the lights to be green before you start out; or you can’t get your boat to shore if you don’t paddle and row. Those are off the cuff remembrances of the actual quotes, but you get the drift.
So here’s one more: Plan with a Purpose and Have a Purpose to Your Plan
What are you goals? What are your dreams? It’s been said that goals are dreams with deadlines. What are yours? What do you want to achieve? Dreams are different for each of us, but the value to ourselves remains the same: feeling a sense of accomplishment, having a purpose for this coming year, contributing to our family finances or our family happiness.
So here’s what I said to myself after I wrote down my goals for 2011:
Take it one step at a time. After deciding what you want to achieve, set deadlines and work toward it every day.
Share it with a friend. Most goals are not reached alone. Ask for help when you need it, and consider becoming accountable to someone: a fellow writer, a best friend, a coworker. The act of sharing our goals out loud and with someone else makes them real.
Set REALISTIC deadlines. Not pie in the sky things like “I’m going to write a novel in a month,” but purposeful goals that fit into our individual lifestyles allowing for family time, work requirements, sleeping, doing laundry, cleaning house, traveling, fixing meals, etc. And if you have to move your deadline, then do it, but don’t lose sight of your goals.
The reason this is important is because if we look back at January 6, 2010 and the entire year that is now behind us, we can ask ourselves a question: did we meet our goals? Some we probably did, some we did not. How do we want to feel on January 6, 2012? I’d like to feel a sense of accomplishment, a sense of contribution, a sense of peace within myself. Will you join me?
Happy writing and blessings on your work.
What’s Happening…
Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference It’s not too early to register for this Palm Sunday weekend conference…the best on the West Coast. It has everything a writer could want: fellowship, good food, nice accommodations, wonderful classes, fabulous speakers, and free meetings with editors and publisher representatives. This is the place to network and build your skills if you are serious about being a writer. Check it out here: http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference
Chicken Soup for the Soul has the following books in the works. Follow their guidelines for submission (see them on their website). Here’s what Chicken Soup has to say about these books and what they are looking for:
Canada
If you are Canadian, we are looking for stories from you! Send us your inspirational, humorous, or heartwarming stories. They don’t have to specifically be about Canada — they just have to be Chicken Soup for the Soul stories that take place in Canada or are written by Canadians. If you are not Canadian but you have a great story that took place in Canada (examples would be American college student at McGill, stranded travelers in Newfoundland on 9/11, great vacation stories) that is fine too. The deadline for story submissions is January 30, 2011.
Devotional Stories for Times of Trouble
Life has always been filled with trials, including illness, job loss, grief, addictions, and much more. God never promised that our earthly lives would be without difficulties, but he assured us that he will always be with us to share our burdens. If you have a brief true story (up to 500 words) that shows God’s presence during a time of trouble, please share it along with an applicable Bible verse and a 2-3 sentence prayer. You will receive $100 for each published devotion. ($100 due to the shorter word count than our regular books.) The deadline date for submissions is February 28, 2011.
Brides and Weddings
You are engaged! How lucky you are to have found that one person you want to share the rest of your life with. We are looking for stories about this very special experience in your life. From the proposal, to the planning, to actual wedding day events – both touching and hilarious – these stories will capture your heart and your emotions. Stories from the groom or the proud parents would be great too! Please share the memories that were created during this special time in your life. The deadline date for story submissions is April 30, 2011.
Marriage and Married Life
Whether you are newly married or have been married for years and years, the stories in this book will capture your imagination, inspire you, make you laugh and touch your heart. We are looking for stories that will celebrate the commitment two people make when they say their vows. Tell us about your relationship. What makes it work? How did the comfort of your mate guide you through challenging times? What is the most important thing in your relationship? How did you try to change your mate? Did it work?! The deadline date for story submissions is May 30, 2011.
Check out the website at: www.chickensoup.com
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
DOG BLOG: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com
Facebook: listed on FB as B.j.Taylor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bjtaylortweets
Author of :
“The Complete Guide to Writers Groups That Work”
Available on Amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-4099-7
Website: www.bjtayloronline.com