C.J. Kirkland

C.J. is a freelance storyteller, editor, and published author with a focus on conveying stories that exemplify the human spirit. She has written for numerous companies and nonprofit organizations including Executive Speakers Bureau and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. For more than six years she penned the blog River City Rising for cityCURRENT, a Memphis-based philanthropic organization.

While residing in Los Angeles, C.J. began a creative writing group at a residential home for at-risk youth and, after moving to Memphis, volunteered at a nonprofit organization helping students build their writing and English skills in preparation for the GED exam. In 2011, C.J. was the graduation keynote speaker for BRIDGES in Memphis. She has been homeschooling her son for six years and enjoys running, CrossFit, and traveling.