It’s not too often that we encounter a writer with as much joie de vivre as B.J. Yudelson. A short story writer and longtime Writer’s Relief client, B.J. combined her love of the outdoors with her joy of writing. She was an explorer who loved both the comfort of the familiar and the challenge of the unknown. We will always remember her inspirational spirit and masterful prose: her love of nature and sense of adventure took us as readers into vibrant worlds, usually under humorous circumstances and always with poignant lessons to learn.
B.J. canoeing ten days before her passing.
As a child growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, B.J. knew the size and position of every tree in the wooded ravine behind her house, as well as the best rocks for crossing the creek. When she passed a street repeatedly, she would suddenly turn onto it just to find out where it went, making the unknown familiar. World religions, her own beloved Judaism, a foreign country, or a local park all brought out the curiosity in her. B.J. wrote to explore the inner landscapes of relationships with family and friends, the ins and outs of her community (Rochester, New York), and the beauty of loon-filled lakes.
Her writings—published in a variety of literary journals, websites, and anthologies—delve into family, Judaism, nature, and overcoming obstacles. Read B.J.’s work to join her on her adventures.
Thank you, B.J., for taking us to places that—before you—were yet undiscovered; for inspiring those of us too afraid to take risks and live deliberately; and for being a friend with whom we could journey to find the B.J. in ourselves. You will be dearly missed.
More About B.J. Yudelson
Purchase B.J.’s memoir With An Outstretched Arm here.
Read B.J.’s journal entries on her Caring Bridge website here.
Visit B.J.’s author website here.
Writer’s Relief enabled BJ to go from “never published” in her own name to having the pride and joy of seeing her words reach a wide swathe of readers in a variety of journals, She could have never done it without your assistance and it was deeply appreciated.
Her family and friends are eternally grateful for the understanding and professionalism you gave her.
Julian Yudelson