TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
Dear Friend,
Having potential
works exactly opposite to the way
a savings account does.
In a savings account, as time goes by,
your money compounds interest.
The longer you leave it untouched,
the more it increases.
When it comes to potential,
the longer you leave it untouched,
the more it DECREASES.
Unused potential wastes away.
If you want your potential to increase,
you have to tap into it.
John C. Maxwell
Setting aside the fact that in the first paragraph it would be really nice if we were all gaining interest in a savings account (that isn’t happening lately in this economy, especially in money market accounts), but let’s not go there. I’m thinking positive that things will get better.
Instead, let’s look at the second stanza. POTENTIAL. You have it. I have it. The last line says that we have to tap into it. How did I tap into mine? I took classes on writing starting way back in the 1990’s. I learned from experts–those who have done what I hoped to do. I started or joined three writers groups for support, encouragement and motivation. I took a chance and submitted my work. I was even shot down early on by an editor who said I didn’t know what I was talking about when I sent in a query. That got to me, but with the support of my writers group I rose above his rejection (I now call it nonacceptance).
It took me eight years to win the Guideposts contest and many, many submissions to Chicken Soup for the Soul before I figured out what they wanted. I wrote lots of other people’s stories (still do) so I conducted interviews. The first one I did I shook in my JC Penney shoes. Now, it’s no big deal. I’m even teaching at the SCWC conference (see below) on “The Art of the Interview” along with “Writing Personal Experience Stories That Sell.” And last, I never thought I’d write novels, but I am!
Do you think I’m living up to my potential? Yes…and no. I’ve done a lot, but I’m nowhere near done. I have so much more I want to do–in particular, help dogs and people to live harmoniously together. I’d like to write more novels and finish the true story of Charlie Bear, our adopted rescue dog. I’m pulling together true inspirational stories I’ve written into an e-book compilation called Sunny Side Up: Inspiring Stories for Tough Times. There will be other books added later this year. And there’s a particular novel that keeps nagging at me to get back to writing it.
Potential? You have it. I have it. Are you tapping into yours?
Happy writing and blessings on your work.
What’s Happening….
Southern California Writers’ Conference – Sept. 23-25, 2011 join me at the Ninth Annual Southern California Writers’ Conference *LA (at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach). The SCWC has facilitated nearly $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals. Dozens of read & critique and Q&A workshops–this event is purposely tailored to empower writers to sell their work. www.WritersConference.com
Sorry to report:
CANCELLED: Christian Writers Guild of Santa Barbara – Saturday, October 1st. Doctor’s orders have required conference director Opal Mae Daily to cancel this year’s conference. But watch for the date again next year. There isn’t much that keeps Opal Mae down!
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
New e-book filled with 18 uplifting and encouraging true stories on sale for just $2.99:
http://amzn.to/oWyIIO
Available on Kindle, Nook, or read it on your computer with the
FREE Kindle for PC.
“The Complete Guide to Writers Groups That Work”
For your Kindle http://amzn.to/qDh28y
For your Nook http://bit.ly/qZTHIX
In Print through Amazon: http://amzn.to/n3wS5D
BLOG: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com
Facebook: listed on FB as B.j.Taylor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bjtaylortweets
Website: www.bjtayloronline.com
I really like the arragement of your site. I appreciate the quality of the information. You have done a exceptional job. Thank you very much
Cristina,
Thank you!
Best,
B.J.
Congrats on your e-book BJ, that looks wonderful. There are so many exciting projects, so much to do, and so much POTENTIAL out there, we just have to grab it and keep moving!
Peggy,
Thanks for the congrat’s! Same back at ya! We’re both grabbing our potential and constantly moving. No moss under our feet!
Thanks again,
Hugs,
B.J.
I certainly like the design of your site. I welcome the quality of the information. You have done a outstanding job. Thank you very much
Darrin,
Thank you very much for the nice comments!
Best,
B.J.
I really like the layout of your site. I appreciate the quality of the information. You have done a exceptional job. Thank you very much
Thanks for the comment!
Was it Edison who defused rejection by saying he’d discovered thousands of things that didn’t work?
Encouraging and motivating, as usual! (And ‘as usual’ doesn’t mean same-old-same-old, but that expectations of a lift from you are always met.)
Checking out to work on my potential!
Hi Lois,
Yup, I believe it was Edison. A marvel in his dedication and positive attitude.
Thanks for the compliment. You make my heart soar. : )
Hugs,
B.J.