We were lucky to catch up with BJ Sloan recently and have shared our conversation below.
BJ, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I first got serious about being an author seven years ago. That’s when I started attending the weekly DFW Writer’s Workshop. It was there I first began to soak up every bit of advice and critique-no matter how painful. It was necessary, I wanted to be successful.
At first I was still working long hours in my real estate company. My time was not my own. Fortunately, I did manage to push through and gratefully now, I’m able to devote more time to writing- the thing I love.
I’ve known from the time I first learned to read I wanted to be an author. With stories to share I hoped my work would be enjoyed by others and perhaps one day earn a place on their book shelf. But the technical skills necessary for me to be successful were a challenge. I’m still a student, learning each day. Beyond that, a writer must possess a grand curiosity of the world. To know the who, what, when, where, and how around us. A writer can never stop being amazed with life. But I will argue the most important skill a writer needs in their tool box is a burning desire to know and understand the WHY. Only then can we successfully paint the scene with words, give life to our characters or show outrage with social injustice.
Creative types, me included are sensitive folk. It’s difficult to hear let alone accept, criticism. And that’s even when our own little voice is telling us to “listen up.” Opening my mind to suggestions for improvement is something I’ve found necessary to develop. Critique of my work I now regard as business advice. I change my tactics if warranted, keep writing and move forward.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I write everyday. Sounds funny but practice, practice, practice, will pay off. Dedicating time for reading is also something I do daily. Learning from others is a vital part of my continuing education as well as attending and teaching in writing conferences, attending special classes, and reading for my weekly critique groups.
It ‘s my job to make up stories and breathe life into the characters. The settings, and situations must feel real. Growing up as a farm kid, I have the experience of country and small town people for building a believable cast. My stories explore life’s small things, usually revealed in a beautiful new way. Readers tell me, my stories are easy to relate to as they find themselves dealing with many of the same problems. My fictional characters are not super heroes. Instead you’ll find Bunny Boy Potts, the poor kid searching for his father. Or maybe, Sarah Berg, a divorced young woman who ‘s been disinherited because of it.
My debut novel, The Forgotten Son, is based on a true story. After earning a degree, I worked as a journalist and this was one of the first stories I covered as a reporter. I was thrilled in 2025 when The Forgotten Son won the judges Top Pick in Suspense and also the Reader’s Choice award at the Killer Nashville Writer’s Conference.
My second novel, The Unfavored Children’s Club, release date February 24, 2026 is the tale of disinherited adults who join a club to learn how to steal back what they feel has been taken. This story is steeped in dark humor similar to Coen Brother chaotic style of story telling.
There are both fun and heartfelt moments in my stories but the cornerstone is always relatable and memorable characters. I’m thrilled when a listener in a critique session comments regarding one of my characters, “I know this guy.” One thing is sure, my readers remember the stories and these people. The slogan for my author brand is “stories that don’t wash off.” Believe me, they don’t.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Authentic- that’s what my readers want and expect. I’m still the girl from the Central Texas dairy farm who grew up knowing how important it is to contribute. Plenty of authors may out write me but nobody is going to out work me. It’s in my DNA. Naturally, social media is a big part of keeping in touch and I always strive to stay true to my author branding of rural settings and country people. My web site is constantly updated with author events and stories. News letters are another great way to develop and stay in touch with your fan base. Make public appearances, do interviews, teach classes be on panels, put yourself out there.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to become a best-selling author with a bookshelf of award winning novels, many of which will be made into films and enjoyed all over the world. Got to start somewhere-right?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bjsloanwrites.com
- Instagram: bjsloanwrites
- Facebook: bjsloanwrites
- Other: TikTok – bjsloanwrites
