Charlie Bear here with a Newsletter from Mom Peep B.J. Taylor. I hope you like it.
TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
Dear Friend,
Christmas is more than two months behind us. Spring is about two months ahead. (Let’s hope it’s less, right Northeasterners?) Summer is right after that.
So what does that make NOW?
PRIME TIME to get things done. Do you have goals? Something in your brain that’s niggling at you? A writing opportunity / deadline that beckons? A story you want to write? A book you want to work on?
What’s stopping you?
The biggest stop sign is the one you place in front of yourself. The cure is to:
How about these strategies:
- Cram writing in between the tight spots, working on a project for half an hour when the house is quiet or getting up early to put in a little writing time.
- Grab fear by the tail and send it swinging, giving in to the knowledge that yes, there are lots of things that are frightening, but you’d rather be afraid of revising and making it better than not having started at all.
- Percolate on your project all the time: when you are washing dishes, making the bed, stuffing laundry into the machine, folding fresh clothes, driving to work (but be attentive—daydream only at stop lights), and even when with your spouse (you know you do it—as long as you give that person your undivided attention when it is required).
We writers never really turn it off, do we?
I think I’ve said it before: if you don’t know where you are going there is no way you will get there. Like an airplane flying without a destination, a writer without projects and goals will never accomplish anything. Agree?
So plan your strategy for the in-between time right now. Spring is coming…summer right after. What are YOU going to accomplish before that time? Let me know.
Hugs and love, and blessings on your work.
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
What’s Going On:
B.J. Taylor domain name: Maybe you’ve noticed that my website is longer than just my name? It’s www.bjtayloronline.com. That’s because the name B.J. Taylor alone had been taken. A man had it “parked” which meant he had the rights to it as long as he paid the yearly fee for renewal. At the end of last year I hired a wonderful woman named April Michelle Davis from Editorial Inspirations to upgrade/update my website. She reached the owner of www.bjtaylor.com and negotiated for me to buy it. I’ll admit it wasn’t cheap. But I think it’s worth it. Look for the shorter, quicker-to-type version of my website name soon. And don’t worry if you don’t remember to switch, the old website with “online” in the name will rollover to the new one. Isn’t technology wonderful?
P MS to a T: the winning formula for writing nonfiction short stories that sell The manuscript is now in the hands of my book services guy and his wonderfully talented team from www.GeniusBookServices.com. They will format the book for print through Amazon and as an e-book available through the regular channels (Amazon, B&N, etc.). Here’s a sneak peek at the cover. What do you think?
Orange County Christian Writers Conference I cannot wait to see you at the conference. It runs Friday, April 24 from 5:30 to 9:30, and Saturday, April 25 from 8:00 to 5:00. Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana, California. It’s going to be filled with opportunities to learn more about your craft. www.occwf.org
Northwest Christian Writers Renewal I’ll be doing something different: group appointments. I will meet with six attendees at a time for 30-minutes. You get to do a three-minute elevator pitch and then receive feedback. Sounds like fun! I’ll also be teaching Writing for the Guideposts Contest and Making $$$ Selling Inspirational Short Stories. Did you register yet? www.nwchristianwriters.org/renewal May 15-16, 2015 in Redmond Washington (near Seattle).
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By Portland Book Review: www.portlandbookreview.com
By Galina Roizman
This review is from: Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, and Second Chances (Paperback)
“Hon, do you think the day will come when we don’t have any pets?” B. J. Taylor asks her husband when they lose their second cat in a few months apart. His answer, “I don’t think so,” is probably common for all animal lovers and it isn’t surprising that soon they decided to add a small dog to the golden Lab, Rex, the only pet left at their home. What is surprising that while looking for a dog like a Yorkie they spot the photo of a young Shih Tzu/Terrier mix rescued from the street and both fell in love with his cute appearance and decided to give him a trial. Was this a right decision?
‘“I need a home and someone to love me.’ How could someone not love this dog?”
Charlie Bear is adorable, but has a lot of behavioral issues. B. J. and her husband are responsible pet owners concerned not only with animal rights but with proper animal behavior as well. Would B. J.’s place be a good home for Charlie Bear? Can he trust his new owners? Read the book to find it out. Short “Charlie’s monologues” are funny and provide an additional charming aspect to the story.”
For Charlie Bear’s dog blog: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com.
He’s also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliebearwigglesandwoofs
and on Twitter: @CharlieBearY2K.
B.J. Taylor
bj@bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com
I love how you encourage us to set goals. I remember talking with you I person – how you encouraged me. You are a gem, Mom Peep.
Shawnelle,
Do you ever look at yourself and wonder, what do I have to give others? God seems to have bestowed upon us the gift of writing…words that can help people heal and giggle and cry. You do that, so wonderfully, with your blog. Thank you for sharing your life!
Hugs,
Mom Peep B.J.
Sooooooooooo thrilled about your new book! And I wish I could sit in on your classes. You’re an amazing teacher! xo
Julie,
Thank you so much. Your comments mean the world to me. ; o )
Hugs and love,
B.J.