I grew up in foster care. In high school, I used to walk around the campus imagining myself as a college student, living a different life. I was truly honored to finally make it there. My 17 year old self would have been thrilled to find that I do, in fact, have that different life.

This is my first Christmas tree in years.

Is anyone leading a one-day evening #poetry #workshop?

My second short story collection is with beta readers until the end of the year. This one isn't about generational trauma. It feels like I've grown.
And for that, I am grateful.

Getting started on this tonight.
#amreading

I just spent $50 submitting to literary journals. Throwing the ball is free. Both are essential but one is way more fun. #dogs #amwriting #writingcommunity

The best shot from my recent writing retreat in which I spent my 50th birthday with my dog in a beach house, and almost finished my book.

I wrote a pretty good book but I didn't know how badass it was until seeing this. Thank you @rufus-hickok.bsky.social for sending my words out there into the world. I owe you!

Are you a badass person? Have you seen some sh*t and lived to tell about it?
Yes: This book is for you. Buy this book.
No: Buy this book and live vicariously through these stories.

Want a signed copy and free shipping?
www.TJButlerAuthor.com

Thank you for reading!

Save the date because you're invited to my book launch on October 20.
I wrote these stories to control the trauma narrative. I gave my characters agency and a voice during the times I had none.
@emergejournal.bsky.social

It changed my writing life, word by fuckin' word.

Waking around and taking pics when I should be working on book marketing.

Mad Libs are alive and well but maybe not as loved as they used to be.

The beginning of my healthy wheatgrass endeavor.
I've never had it so it made sense to go all in, rather than trying it first.
Someone please tell me this stuff is worth it.

I don't have a thing for birds but the universe keeps arranging them beautifully when I go out to walk the dog.

Did I just send my publisher the final copy of my manuscript and all the other stuff that goes into a book? Do I really have a short story collection coming out? Is this actually happening in four months?
Yes to everything. I can't even.
Here's a small donkey so we can all be as happy as I am.

I love it when you have to look closely to find the details. It gave me FOMO that I didn't get to pet the dogs.
He will probably be in my next short story.
#writingcommunity