In addition to her work as a writer, Bonnie is also a regular speaker at conferences, women’s retreats, and writing weekends. She is also available to talk with book clubs and reader groups across the nation by phone.
Below are a few of Bonnie’s most popular topics. To request Bonnie as a speaker, simply send her a message and write “I’m interested in booking Bonnie to speak” in the Message field.
- Making Memories to Cherish
Description: Memories are one of God’s gifts to us. They ease grief and remind us of our best days. In this workshop, Bonnie shares secrets she’s discovered to creating great memories. - God Has a Plan for Your Life—(So Get Out of the Way:)We make plans, figure out our lives and then something happens—God. He has the big picture; Bonnie shares how we can trust and follow Him when we can’t see what He sees.
- Embracing Life’s Disappointments
Have you ever asked, “Why does God allow the tough stuff? Is there a purpose? Sometimes we don’t like where He is taking us; the journey isn’t what we expected, but we can know God is good. Bonnie will take you on a Biblical journey into the lives of some who faced great disappointment. Their lives give us a glimpse at how we ought to live our own lives in the worst of times. - Learning to Triumph After Tragedy
A powerful story of victory, based on Bonnie’s tragic car accident and long road to recovery. - Loving Well While There’s Still Time
We never know when our last day may be or when someone we love will step into God’s Kingdom. Will we wish we’d loved better? Bonnie shares her personal insights on loss and love. - Living Without Masks—Do We Dare? *
If we’re to have authentic relationships we must dare to reveal the real us. Bonnie discusses the danger of living with masks, and the great rewards that come with transparency. *Can be presented as a single speech or expanded for an entire weekend retreat. - Never Alone
Bonnie shares her personal testimony—including how she came to know Christ, and then how He saved her marriage and her life.
Writing-Related Seminars & Workshops
- How I Became a Writer—When God’s Gifts Don’t Come in Pretty Packages.
Being a writer was not in Bonnie’s plans, but God had other ideas. - The Writing Experience (All Day Workshop)
Using Francine River’s terrific book, The Last Sin Eater, Bonnie walks students through how to create a great story. You’ll look at why the book works, what’s so great about the opening lines, why the characters are memorable, and what it is about the plot that builds tension and keeps readers turning pages. Then through brainstorming and writing sessions, Bonnie will help students work together to create their our own page-turning stories. - From Idea to Completed Manuscript (All day workshop)
Basic steps to writing and completing your novel. - Turning Family History into Fiction (All day workshop)
Using your family history you will assemble a story idea and follow steps to outlining a full novel. - Creating Believable Characters Discover how to create real people that readers care about.
- Plotting
How little details make a big difference in weaving a great story. (Includes help with timelines and outlines.) - Research, Research, Research
What to look for, how to find it, how to use it, and how to become an expert on anything. - Finding your story
To write a winning book, you need a great plot. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to find one. - Opening Lines
Why do they matter? Learn how you can write a captivating beginning to your novel. - Critique
A hands-on critique session using your own stories.