San Fernando Valley : FAITHFUL FLOCK

The beehive of women waiting for author Susan L. Taylor was buzzing with anticipation.

Her columns about life--how to survive it, embrace it and rejoice in it--had pulled many through hard times. Sometimes, her words just made a rough day at work seem bearable.

The elegantly dressed columnist and editor-in-chief from Essence Magazine slipped into the Matador bookstore at Cal State Northridge for a book signing Tuesday evening, where she was swarmed by admirers.

“It’ so nice to see you,” said one man, smiling and laughing as he took her hand. “My son is in love with you. But I told him he would have to wait on that one.”

For more than a decade, Taylor’s commentaries on finding a spiritual center and seeking “quiet time” from this crazy world have provided inspiration for many of the 5.2 million subscribers to Essence Magazine. The monthly column, called “In The Spirit,” is particularly popular among black women.

“She uses life experiences in her stories,” said Reseda resident Kathy Williams. “It’s like you’re having a one-on-one conversation with her.”

Taylor, 49, dazzled the audience of about 75 people with anecdotes from her own life and with advise on matters of faith.

“We are trained to think that spiritual power is outside of us--in mosques, churches and synagogues,” Taylor said. “But divinity comes from within.”