Welcome to Mike Taylor's Reality Check
Mike Taylor has been writing since age nine, when he found a battered copy of "Robinson Crusoe" in his parents' attic, read it, and decided the story would have been better if Crusoe's "Man Friday" had put his boss on a large spit, fired up the coals, and invited a few friends over for barbecue.
His rewrite - all six pages of it, hammered out on an ancient Underwood #5 typewriter - failed to impress the critics (his parents) who apparently "had a thing" about cannibalism.
Undaunted by this lukewarm reception, Taylor continued writing, selling the occasional magazine article, column or movie review to anyone willing to fork over at least two cents per word, or less. Frequently, a lot less.
Taylor began writing his Reality Check column over twenty years ago. It has been published in several different newspapers across Michigan. He currently writes primarily for the Advance Newspapers, a division of Valley Media.
In addition to his weekly column, Taylor has published several short works of fiction in various anthology publications and is currently working on a book, due out ... eventually.
Mike Taylor is currently at work on REALITY CHECK: THE BOOK, due out as soon as he comes up with a better title. It features many new columns, as well as reader favorites from the past twenty years. If you'd like to be notified when it's available, SAY SO HERE!
When he's not working on his next column, fishing, or watching Law & Order reruns, Taylor plays with one of West Michigan's finest (and best dressed) rock & roll bands, The Guinness Brothers. For more on that, CLICK HERE!
Readers say...
I just wanted you to know how much I loved your recent Reality Check.
I am saving it for the days when nothing else seems funny in the world and I'm certain it will cheer me up!
Like you, I am a major Klutz (sorry) and up to now I think my adult children considered me an anomaly. You can be certain each one of them will be receiving a copy of this column.
As I write this I recall, in particular, your reference to looking like a manatee (which I've seen close up) and I envision that manatee in cowboy boots and a black suit - Omigosh, I'm laughing again.
Keep up the wonderful writing ... and stay out of the water.
Jackie.
Say hello!
There's nothing better than hearing from readers.
So please, take a moment and send an e-mail.
Random Stuff
Not everything makes it into the newspaper. Sometimes, it's not suitable for all audiences, sometimes it just plain stinks.