Become a Published Writer…

Once a month I let Mom Peep talk. Here’s her Taylor’s Tips Newsletter for July. Enjoy, while I take in some sun.

TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…

So, you want to be a published author. A writer who sells stories to magazines, writes devotionals, pens a great novel.

But they say you need a “platform,” and a well-written piece of work. You realize, like me, that you have a lot to learn and a long way to go. Should you give up now and say the heck with it? Should you discount the passion and drive you have inside? Should you curl up and let your talents wither away?

Take it from this guy:

The answer to each of those questions is the same: no.

Should you give up now and say the heck with it?
Charlie Bear was a mess when we adopted him. He threw temper tantrums, ferociously guarded his food, and didn’t like to be touched. But he had Potential (make that your new P word as you work on your Platform!). Start small and add to it weekly. Join Twitter, or Pinterest, or any of the social media sites. Layer your platform step by step.

Should you discount the passion and drive you have inside?
There was something about Charlie Bear when we first met him. He tolerated, and even liked, my husband stroking his soft fur after he jumped into my husband’s lap. They became passionately connected to each other. What are you passionate about? What drives you to write? Hang onto that when life threatens to get you down, like when you’ve received a non-acceptance, or an agent or editor isn’t picking up your book. Remember your gifts.

Should you curl up and let your talents wither away?
We could have easily given up on Charlie Bear the first couple of weeks. He snapped and growled at his tail. He didn’t like me touching him at all. And he attacked our big dog Rex, grabbing him by the throat. Poor Rex didn’t know what to do with this spunky monkey of a dog invading his golden year space. But Charlie Bear had talents: he made us laugh. He had good qualities: he loved my husband with joy and helped him get through a trial in his life. And Charlie Bear even helped me when I had to deal with loss and pain. Now a dog with just a few remnants of those early years, he’s settled into his life as a wonderful companion. What about you? Are you going to give up on you? Sure, you have things to work on…we all do. But there’s Potential for a blossoming Platform. A novel structured well enough to sell. Short stories formulated with P MS to a T. You have talent. You have gifts. Like Charlie, it just takes time to grow into the you that you are destined to be.

Look in the mirror and tell yourself I CAN DO IT. I CAN BE A PUBLISHED WRITER.

Then pick a word for your year (mine is COURAGE) and go after your dreams.

Hugs and love, and blessings on your work.

Follow your dreams…
B.J.

http://amzn.to/1H3PxWy

What’s Going On:

Fourth of July is here! Fireworks. Barbecues. Chilled Lemonade. Laughing Children. Grinning adults. Games. Fun!

While enjoying the summer, I’m also hard at work on my novel about a young couple, a little baby, and forty-nine days. If you glanced at a cover for the book, which would appeal to you more:

• 49 Days (numerical)
• Forty-Nine Days (spelled out)
• or something else?

What does 49 days make you think of? Wonder? What questions are in your mind? Thanks for your input. You can reply via email to bj@bjtaylor.com or comment on FB. Thanks!
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This review is from: P MS to a T: the winning formula for writing nonfiction short stories that sell (Paperback)

5 out of 5 Stars

By Diana Savage on June 6, 2015

It Delivers the Subtitle’s Promise

“B.J. Taylor’s friendly, conversational style makes reading this information-packed book a delight. Having experienced the same fears and rejections that intimidate other writers, this award-winning author freely shares the winning formula she now uses to write personal-experience stories that get published. I appreciate her concrete tips, step-by-step instructions, and numerous examples. The successes of writers who’ve followed her advice prove that the method works. I can hardly wait to implement her suggestions on my next manuscript.”

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Portland Book Review for: Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me about Life, Love, and Second Chances

By B.J. Taylor
Inspiring Voices, 214 pages

Charlie Bear: Unexpected Love Dividends

“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 a the photo of 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’s 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.

Reviewed by Galina Roizman

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For Charlie Bear’s dog blog: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com.

He’s also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliebearwigglesandwoofs 
and on Twitter: @CharlieBearY2K.

P.S. Have a friend who might like to receive Taylor’s Tips? It’s easy…all they have to do is send me an email that simply says, “sign me up.”

B.J. Taylor
bj@bjtaylor.com
www.bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com