K.J. Bryant's Bio

I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in a family of musicians—the Bickels. Expectations were that I'd also play a musical instrument, but for me, the music gene turned out to be recessive. I tried my hand at the piano, accordion and oboe, but even my dog Maestro was not impressed. It was writing that stirred my spirit.

I left Pittsburgh for California where I lived for 30 years. I married (more than once), raised two wonderful children, Sahara and Aaron, and built a marketing career that included working for Fortune 500 companies. Writing was always a part of my work, but how inspiring could it be hawking home loans or health insurance? I harbored an inner most desire but couldn’t even whisper it to myself—to write in my own voice and become a published author.

Then one day, at 56, with the kids grown, the marriage over, the dog and the cat gone, I decided to reinvent myself. I went on a road trip that changed my life. On my journey, I found my voice and started living my dream.

On her path to reinvention, Bryant met other women who had transformed their lives. She includes their stories in her forthcoming book, Journeys: 50,000 Miles of Wise Women. In addition, she writes a monthly magazine column and feature articles for magazines and newspapers.

Update – April 2006: In just twelve months, Bryant logged 50,000 miles, visited thirty states, and conducted over seventy interviews for Journeys. Some of the notable women participating:

Sue Ellen Cooper, originator of The Red Hat Society
Jill Conner Brown, best-selling author and originator of The Sweet Potato Queens
Deborah Koons Garcia, documentary filmmaker and widow of Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia
Lucia Capacchione, best-selling author and workshop leader
Plus a host of inspiring women we’ve never heard of until this book.

Today, Bryant is settling down in her new home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to be close to her ninety-year-old mother while she completes her book about her transforming year on the road.

Current Writing Assignments

The Point North Magazine, Cranberry, PA (beginning January 2005)
Monthly column: "Been There. Done That. Now What?" Bryant highlights women’s stories of reinvention.

Pittsburgh Magazine (2006 assignments)
Feature assignments: Pittsburgh’s Provocative Ad Agencies and the Power People Behind Them; Pittsburghers: Reinventing the Rest of Their Lives.
The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh, PA (beginning January 2005)
Feature writing assignments: After a thirty-year hiatus in Los Angeles, Bryant offers her unique reflections upon returning to The Burg.

Click to see more writing projects.

Workshops & Presentations

Bryant has developed workshops and presentations to spark the journey waiting inside each woman. Click to learn more.

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