Speaker Carol Howell

Author and Speaker, as Certified Dementia Specialist 

Fees: $75 for 30 - 45 minute presentation within 30 minutes of home. Additional travel requires extra fee. 

Travel: USA


Categories: Health, Nutrition, Alzheimer's and Dementia,


Speaking Topics

• How Food and Exercise Connect With Dementia

I have lost 100 pounds. Eating right and exercising are of utmost importance to me. This became even more true when I learned eating right and exercising can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 50%. My grandmother died of Alzheimer's, and my mother is presently living with the disease. I am doing everything I can to protect myself. This particular topic, like all my topics, is approached from a point of personal experience, but it is laced with much humor.

• Communicating With A Loved One With Dementia 

This topic allows me to demonstrate the "do's and don'ts" of communicating with a loved one who has dementia. There are techniques that can drastically improve the potential for success in communication. There are also definite ways to assure failure. With a great deal of interacting with the audience, a huge amount of humor, and a lot of good practical information, the audience leaves energized and prepared to tackle life from a different angle.

• How To Make A Caregiver Laugh   

Caregiving is a stressful and tiresome job. It is always my hope to bring knowledge, power, and hope to the lives of those in which I am blessed to make contact. One way of enriching lives is through humor. When I am given the opportunity to play the role of someone with dementia, the interaction between myself and the audience is very fun. The participants always laugh, always relate, and - I hope - leave feeling happier than when they arrived.

• Alzheimer's and Dementia - Are They The Same?  

This topic is a basic "101" type class. We discover the definition of Alzheimer's, dementia, diversion therapy, and therapeutic fibbing. These are the four core points needed to understand the basics of good caregiving. The information is presented in a very easy to understand way, and, as always, laced with humor. No Powerpoint presentations, ever.

• What Does God Think About My Weight?

I have lost 100 pounds. Through that process, I learned the scriptures have a great deal to say about food, self-esteem, and taking care of the Temple of God. IF MY BODY IS A TEMPLE, WHY AM I EATING DOUGHNUTS? is the book that came to be as a result of my weight-loss journey. I share many of the stories with the audience, make them laugh, and cause them to think about their relationship with God.

Recommendations

"The women of St. Anne's Guild of the Episcopal Church of our Savior want to thank you for your splendid presentation on Dementia."
Patricia Truncellito, President St. Anne's Guild, Rock Hill, SC

"Again, thank you for a wonderful education and inspiring presentation!!!" 
Lee Q. Miller, Lecturer of Gerontology and Sociology-
Winthrop University

"Thanks so much for a wonderful talk by Senior Life Journeys."
Robert Hope, The Shepherd's Center, Rock Hill, SC

Bio 
Special Interests and Activities – I am a published author. I very much enjoy sitting in my office and writing the words God sends to me. The two of us, God and me, have published How I See It and If My Body Is A Temple, Why Am I Eating Doughnuts?. Our third book, I Prayed For My Refrigerator, and Other Stories of Faith, just became available in March of 2012. Now we are working on Let’s Talk Dementia – With A Splash Of Humor. 
I also have made it my goal to exercise 30 minutes per day EVERY DAY this year. As I have lost 100 pounds, this goal is very important to me.

Church Affiliation – My husband and I have been members of Westminster Presbyterian since 1998.

Family: Spouse – Michael – and my best friend Children – Brandie, a Physician Assistant, is married to Mike, a Dentist. They live in Florida. Pretzel – the miniature dachshund who plays an important role in my stories of dementia and passed away March 10, 2012; Carson – the adopted chartreuse cat. My Momma – Vera – who is the reason Senior Life Journeys came to be. 

Additional Info: I absolutely LOVE working with seniors through the use of music. It is amazing to see individuals “come alive” who would, otherwise, remain silent within their own world. I also enjoy speaking to groups and always hope my words speak HOPE into the day of someone traveling the journey of dementia. 


Contact
Website:  www.seniorlifejourneys.com
Blog:  www.letstalkdementia.blogspot.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/carol.howell.7773
Twitter: @carolhowell12

Speaker Dave Stevens

Author and Speaker who is a self-proclaimed 

adrenaline junky who loves science and technology

Fees: Free to reasonable, depending on event

Travel: USA

Categories: Christian-based Science, Converting Agnostics, Converting Atheists


Speaking Topics

• Christians, Stop Fighting Science: Use It!

Hitting the science-loving atheist or agnostic upside the head with a Bible is probably not going to work. Scripture to them might as well be written in Hebrew. They put their belief in science and really believe a God is not required to explain the universe. We must speak to them in their language, before we can reach them with any message. Forget about Evolution, use physics to reach them. We'll discuss in simple terms how quantum mechanics requires an "observer" to start the universe.

• Reaching Those Who Don't Believe that God is Required to Explain the Universe

We spend millions of dollars and volunteer hours introducing Christianity in developing countries. That’s awesome, but we’re going to talk about reaching your fellow citizens: the educated agnostic or atheist relative, friend, or coworker who was raised with little or no church exposure.

• Keeping Your Know-It-All Brother-In-Law From Burning in Hell

How do you overcome objections from know-it-alls?

• Reaching CEOs, Scientists, Lawyers and Legislators

Christians often give up attempting to reach these people in frustration. As a former agnostic, I believe that's extremely dangerous. These people are running our corporations, schools and country. They write or interpret our laws. There are more of them out there than you think. Most won’t share their real beliefs because they don’t want to offend.

Bridging science and religion. from David E Stevens on Vimeo.

Bio
Commander David E. Stevens, was a Navy Commander and F-18 pilot. A self-professed adrenaline junky who loves science and technology, he holds engineering degrees from Cornell and The University of Michigan, with graduate work in human factors and astrophysics. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Dave served as the Navy Strike Operations Officer for the Persian Gulf. He also test-piloted new fighters, received an aviation patent, and with a Top Secret clearance, led classified defense programs.

Contact
Website: www.resurrecttrilogy.com 
Email: resurrect@comcast.net 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/resurrecttrilogy 

Speaker Terry Burns

Author and Agent for Hartline Literary Agency, Terry often speaks on the craft of writing and the do's and don'ts in the publishing industry. 

Fees: Depends on topics and length

Travel: USA


Categories: Writing, Publishing, Faith


Speaking Topics

• Writing to Reach the Unbeliever 

Jesus used fiction to make some of his most important points. They were called parables. Terry talks about using fiction in order to spread God's word and about the difference between writing for the Christian market and writing in hopes of reaching an unbeliever. Too often people say they are writing a "crossover book" but I believe a crossover book is an accident. Books are written 180 degrees for the maximum effect in the two markets so the writer should choose one and hope he or she can make people from the other market read it as well. Too often a book intentionally written for both markets ends up in that no-man's-land with too much faith content for the mainstream market and not enough to interest the Christian market. Terry will talk about these differences and how to reach the desired audience.

• Just Say Yes 

Too often we don't understand that not saying yes to the Lord is the same as saying no. People who would never dream of saying no to God can do it through inactivity and failure to act. What can this concept mean to the Christian Writer? Presented as a keynote or 30 min to an hour.

• Editor and Agent Pet Peeves   

Are there things that can rub an editor or an agent the wrong way and effect the success of a submission? You bet there are, and Terry has collected a number of them in a program designed to help writers avoid some of the pitfalls they may not even see coming.

• Survive Your Way to Publication  

Publication is not a selection process but a survival process. Terry walks to author through the entire pitch and submission process, How to do a proposal and what each portion is and what it does. How to pass the various tests and make it into the 15% of submissions that are actually in the running. This workshop is presented in a Q & A format that goes along with his new book on the same subject.

• Agent Q & A  

The most popular sessions at most conferences are the agent and editor panels. If your conference or workshop is not planning an agent panel Terry does a Q and A session designed to answer to key questions like "do I need an agent?" "How do I get an agent?" He talks about how to work with an agent, and a variety of other questions about the publishing
industry.

Recommendations

"My highest compliments on the job you did in presenting this material. I found it practical, honest, insightful, and clear. You offer a lot of wisdom in what you've presented. I see this as excellent material for a person just starting out, and good or reassuring for someone who is farther down the writing path."

Max Elliott Anderson, Author

"This was a tremendously helpful course. I so appreciate your time and effort to respond to all our questions, even in the midst of recovering from an injury! Although I didn't participate much, I was inspired to get off my duff and put on my "I am a writer" hat by putting together a website and blog. It seems everyday I had a question answered I hadn't even thought to ask. Your explanation about why agents and editors want to see a synopsis changed my whole perspective on the dreaded thing! What a blessing you've been to us all, thank you so much!"

Niki Turner, Author

"I ended up mostly lurking but I learned so much. I learned that I can hide behind my VP on Stage personna and not be as afraid to pitch (I hope, lol!). I so appreciate all the time you took and for giving a thorough class with such  usable material. Thank you seems rather puny by comparison."

Pamela James, Author

Bio 
Terry has been with the Hartline agency for over ten years, five years as an agent, and has a substantial list of clients, a growing list of credits, and a reputation for presenting to conferences all over the country with workshops, speeches, keynotes and generally having individual appointments with authors in connection with the event. He is consistently listed near the top on the Publisher's Marketplace list of agents helping debut authors to publish. Terry comes from a writing background, has over 40 books of his own in print, is a graduate of West Texas State and did post graduate work at Southern Methodist University.  

Terry is a native Texan and is based at Hartline's Amarillo Texas field office. He is a member of the Association of Author's Representatives and a signatory to their rules and practices.


Contact
Website: www.terryburns.net
Blog: http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TerryWayneBurnsAuthor
Twitter: @Terry79104 

Speaker Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Provides keynote speeches to motivate others to climb their dreams and expand their faith. 

Gives strategic workshops on the craft of writing, unspoken rules in the publishing industry, and platform building through social media. 

Fees: $100-$500 on workshops depending on length & number of sessions. $600-$1,200 for keynotes, depending on conference size & topic, +travel.

Travel: When flying anywhere in USA. When driving, TN,NC, SC, VA & GA


Categories: Writing, Publishing, Social Media, Internet Marketing, Platform Building, Parenting, Special Needs Children, Faith Building, Teen Ministry, Women's Ministry

Speaking Topics

• Building an Online Platform with Impact

If you are blogging and never receive comments, your following base doesn't grow, and ranking numbers in the search engines are stagnant, then this is the workshop for you. The content covers why you need an online platform, how to maximize your blogging efforts, increase traffic, comments and online interaction. Social network sites are included such as how to best utilize Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Shelfari, Amazon, etc. And answers the question of why you still need a website if you have a blog and/or the benefit of consolidating.

• The Art of Researching Today & Yesterday

Jennifer gives tips on how to explore the Internet and to access resources you may have never considered. She shares ideas that will benefit both the contemporary and historical author. You will leave with fresh ideas and a renewed energy for researching that story that's been nagging at your muse.

• Climbing a Dream

Jennifer shares a re-occuring dream that God gave her through her childhood and how she has seen this dream unfold as she began climbing the ladder of her dream of publication and serving Christ in other areas of her life. Using scripture and experience, Jennifer will inspire you to never give up on your dream regardless of life's obstacles. Learn to believe again in the dreams God has given you.

Recommendations

"Jennifer Hudson-Taylor engages her audience in a way only people gifted in speaking can. Whether you're working on a historical novel or something modern-day her workshop, The Art Of Research For Today and Yesterday, is a wealth of valuable information."          
Lindi Peterson, President, ACFW Word, local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers in Atlanta, GA.  

"Jennifer Hudson Taylor will amaze and bless anyone who sits under her teaching on writing and research. Of all the speakers we have had, she has been one of the best prepared and most interesting. Attendees took home a ton of useful information. I still refer back to my own notes on her class and to a great handout she gave on methods and sites for researching. In addition, although Jennifer has a busy schedule, she is never to busy to give another writer assistance or encouragement."

Elva Cobb Martin, President, Upstate SC American Christian Writers and former Director, Carolina Christian Writers' Workshop.

Bio
Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning multi-published author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, won the 2011 Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.

Contact
Website: www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com
Email: jt4novels@yahoo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JenniferHudsonTaylor
Twitter: @jt4novels

Welcome!

We would like to welcome you to Upon the Rock Speaker's Bureau. If you have an upcoming event and need a speaker for your ministry, conference or workshop, this is a place where you will find talented and experienced speakers to meet your needs.

If you are a speaker, we would love to add you to our growing pool of talent. We are a Christian-based publicist concentrating on working with Christian ministries and authors who need book promotion and a way to help build their speaking platform.