B.J. Taylor - Writer/Speaker - Huntington Beach, CA

B.J. loves to inspire others. Whether speaking to a small group of women or addressing a large room filled to the brim with women and men, she enjoys reaching her audience through story. Though she has won numerous awards, she is humble and demure, but resonates with those who hear her by sharing takeaways that can change their lives.

Favorite and Requested Topics

▪ Sunny Side Up: How to Stay Positive in a Negative World
▪ High Fives: Making the Right Choices Can Affect Your Entire Life
▪ What to do When Someone in Your Family is an Alcoholic (or a Substance Abuse Problem)
▪ Survive Menopause and Lose Weight at the Same Time
▪ How to Find Your Dog a Job
▪ Grieving? How Writing in a Journal Can Help
▪ Writing for Guideposts Magazine
▪ The Art of the Interview: Telling Another Person's Story
▪ Writers Groups: How to Make them Work for You
▪ Getting Published: How to Become a Cheerleading Member of the Winning Team

Awards

Pacesetter Award Winner
B.J. was the recipient of the coveted Pacesetter Award at the 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. There were 398 in attendance, the largest conference of writers on the West Coast—held every year over Palm Sunday weekend.

Guideposts Writers Workshop Winner
B.J. was a Guideposts Writers Workshop winner in October 2004. She was invited as one of 15 participants out of thousands of entrants to attend the much-sought-after five-day event in Rye, New York. She now writes on assignment for Guideposts.

She has also been a judge for Chicken Soup for the Soul’s 10th Anniversary Contest and was a reader for Chicken Soup for the Mothers of Preschooler’s Soul. In addition, she is a graduate of the Professional Writers Certificate Program at California State University, Long Beach.

Testimonials

“Very good speaker with lots of enthusiasm.”

Owen Mascott, Spring Writers Day Attendee

“I reviewed the evaluations from your class and all attendees loved your presentation! They felt it was organized, comprehensive, encouraging and held their interest. All want to take another class with you. I suggest you repeat your presentation!”

Marge Ball, Orange Coast College

“I met B.J. at the Orange County Writers Conference and after listening to her workshop, I thought, ‘We need her to speak at ours.’”

Opal Mae Daily, Christian Writers Guild of Santa Barbara

“Successful writing doesn’t develop in a vacuum. The best kept secret of up and coming authors is finding a good writers group that really works. B.J. Taylor should know. For 13 years she’s been part of the Sixteen Thumbs group, and, more recently, of an online group. And yes, it is working! Her writing credits are piling up along with her speaking engagements. Practical, informational, and inspirational, her new book answers all the questions you never even thought to ask. Besides which, it’s just plain good reading!”

Kay Marshall Strom, Author and Speaker

“For every writer who knows the value of a professional writers critique group, B.J. Taylor’s book is an important read. I recommend it highly.”

Linda Nielsen, Director, Yosemite Writers Conference

“A friend and I started The Secret Garden Writers Group after attending your breakout session. All seven of our members have different orientations and different writing projects—that is exciting. Thanks for sharing with us and encouraging us.”

Susy Flory, Mount Hermon Conference Attendee

“Our critique group is progressing well. You were just what I needed. I would never have known how to start an organized group if it hadn’t been for your book.”

Betty Chapman Plude, Writers Group Coordinator, Independence, Oregon

Speaking Engagements

Dual Workshop Presenter at the Antelope Valley Christian Writers' Conference

Faculty Representative for Guideposts magazine and Dual Workshop Presenter at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference

Panel Member, Panel Moderator, and Multiple Workshop Presenter at the Yosemite Writers Conference

Keynoter at the Santa Barbara Christian Writers Guild

Double Workshop topics presented at the Orange County Christian Writers Fellowship Spring Writers Day

Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference Speaker/ Coordinator of four Night Owl Sessions on Writers Groups

Numerous Classes at Orange Coast College -- Successful Writers Don’t Write Alone: How to Develop a Professional Writers Group

Mount Hermon Conference 2009 - View Photos >

Mount Hermon Conference 2008 - View Photos >

	B.J.'s Schedule

	JANUARY 21, 2010
	B.J. will speak to the mom's group at Kingsfield Church in Aliso Viejo, CA. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. Start the year off right with a discussion on "How to Stay Positive in a Negative World."

	FEBRUARY 10, 2010 Join B.J. as she addresses the MOPS group at Mission Hills Community Church in Rancho Santa Margarita. The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. and end around 11:00 after a Q&A. B.J.'s topic is a timely one: "How to Stay Positive in a Negative World."

	MARCH 26-30, 2010 The Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference is the biggest and best conference on the west coast. The fees may seem steep, but they are worth every penny. Here you'll hob-nob with the best Christian editors, agents, publishers and writers and they'll meet with you for no extra charge! Take advantage of this opportunity by saving your dollars now. Mark this one on your calendar for sure. Find out more by clicking HERE.


	MAY 14-15, 2010 The Antelope Valley Christian Writers' Conference is filled with powerful and dynamic speakers. Don't miss this event sure to help you fill your writers toolbox with the instruments you need. Located in Lancaster, California, find out more by clicking *HERE*.