22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Archive for the ‘Being an ESL Student / Speaker’ Category

Look for fun events at the 2013 Literary Arts Stage, Fine Arts Galleria (area #4 on Fair Map), Expo Hall, at the San Mateo County Fair, San Mateo, CA  General Info on the San Mateo County Fair

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Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (the workbook)

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources.

Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

Next EBRPD public board meeting – Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 2:00pm,  2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA

Let’s all be there to express our concerns.  

When you  speak, our board members do listen.

Great slogans, let’s practice fairness too!   EBRPD Board Members, Please be fair to the Workers who walk the talk of “Healthy Parks Healthy People” at East Bay Regional Park District’s Open Space, Parks, and Trails in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, CA.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

If you cannot voice your opinion in person at the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) public board meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 2:00pm (I shall be there by 1:00pm with coworkers) at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, please use your mighty voices (before or after May 7th)  with your emails or regular mail.  Tell your friends and neighbors.   When you  speak, our board members do listen.

In the literacy community, I am known as Writing Coach Teresa who speaks up for public libraries and public schools.  I am also an employee of the East Bay Regional Park District.  My coworkers and I need your help if you believe in fairness.

Please join me in emailing the Park District board members (I’ve made it easy for you by providing their email addresses) and asking them to be fair to the workers who walk the talk/ who deliver what board members and management have pledged in the Park District’s  Core Mission statement ” and the Dedicated to Quality of Life Community Report: A Look Back at 2012; A Look Ahead to 2013 

While workers took hits to our take-home pay over the previous two-year contract, management gave themselves a raise (but called it a different name)

Workers’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

We the workers care about our volunteers and everyone who visit us at our parks, trails and open space. We’re asking the board members to care about us by practicing fairness.

One simple email from you (to the folks listed below) would be greatly appreciated by me and my coworkers.

1. Pop the addresses into the “To” line of your email so that you’re sending only one email, not nine; depending on your email provider, you may have to add commas or semicolons to separate the addresses.
2. In the subject line, you might insert   “Park District Workers”
3. In the body of the email, express your experience at a regional park, trail, open space (or services you’ve received over the phone or email) and ask the board members to be fair to the workers who walk the talk of “Healthy Parks Healthy People”

“EBRPD Board President John Sutter” <jsutter@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Vice President Ayn Wieskamp” <awieskamp@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Secretary Ted Radke”  <tradke@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Treasurer Whitney Dotson” <wdotson@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane” <blane@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Doug Siden” <dsiden@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Carol Severin” <cseverin@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD GM Robert E. Doyle” <bdoyle@ebparks.org>

“AFSCME Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha” <local2428negotiations@gmail.com>

U.S. mailing address to Board Members and General Manager:    EBRPD Board, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605    1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), extension 2020

U.S. mailing address to Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha:  Local 2428 East Bay Parks, 80 Swan Way, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621; 510-383-9313 x712

    embrace life!   Great slogans, let’s practice fairness too!

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 More information  from AFSCME Local 2428 East Bay Parks:

The AFSCME Local 2428 contract with the EBRPD expired on March 31, 2013 and the District declared an impasse seventeen days later on April 17, 2013.  Prior to impasse declaration, the Union had already filed an Unfair Practice Charge against the District for bad faith bargaining.

Our Rangers IIs are compensated at an average of 22% less in wages (nearly $6.00/hr.) than their counterparts in other East Bay agencies. Our Senior Office Assistants are compensated at an average of 18% less in wages (nearly $5.00/hr.) than comparable positions.

We the Union Employees are seeking a three-year contract that keeps pace with inflation and provides for wage increases that would offset any additional contributions made to retirement while maintaining current health insurance benefits.

The District can well afford a fair contract.  Revenues continue to grow and exceed expenses–boosting a healthy General Fund balance to levels equal to 48% of budget.

While workers took hits to our take-home pay over the previous two-year contract, management gave themselves a raise (but called it a different name)

Workers’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

Workers were given only two 1% COLA over the past four years;  the 1% didn’t even go into effect until April 1, 2012 which was the second year of the two-year contract that ended March 31, 2013 . . .  while CPI were:

2010  2.4%

2011  2.1%

2012  3.5%

2013  2.4%

These figures are confirmed by  http://www.bls.gov/ro9/9240.pdf

The Park District Board approved “Affirming that Retiree Health Benefits Provided to Management and Confidential Employees Hired or Promoted before January 1, 2003 Were Intended to Be and Are Vested in Said Employees”

while imposing a contract to Workers that:

* offers no wage increases

* forces Employees to pay 2% more toward retirement in violation of the new pension law

* attacks Employees’ rights to vested benefits such as retiree medical

* forces Employees to pay even more for health insurance

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting Dec. 4, 2012

C-1-d. Affirming that Retiree Health Benefits Provided to Management and Confidential 
Employees Hired or Promoted before January 1, 2003 Were Intended to Be and 
Are Vested in Said Employees
Resolution No. 2012 – 12 – 277 

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting Dec. 4, 2012

C-1-e. Approval to Modify Management Job Classifications, Titles and Salary Ranges Within the Planning/Stewardship and Development Division

Resolution No. 2012 – 12 – 278 
Director Siden asked why it was necessary to take action today since the study results are still pending.

AGM Mike Anderson explained that staff is trying to get the Chief of Stewardship position filled;

GM Doyle added that it will take some time to go through the hiring process and staff would like the new Chief to be involved in the reorganization process.

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting August 14, 2012

C-1-z. Approval to Establish the Classification of and the Salary Range for Accounting Manager 

Resolution No. 2012 – 08 – 213 
By motion of Director Wieskamp and seconded by Director Dotson, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Item C-1-z.

Directors Present: Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, John Sutter, Ayn Wieskamp.
Directors Absent: Ted Radke.

Cliff Rocha, President of AFSCME local 2428, proposed an alternative to the new Accounting Manager position
discussed at Meet and Confer that will keep the position within the bargaining unit to create an opportunity for
promotion for existing union members. At the same time, it would allow work to be done for less cost.
Mr. Rocha provided the current job description of the Assistant Finance Officer to the Board, who he indicated
is responsible for preparing the CAFR.

Brenda Wood, Business Agent for AFSCME Local 2428, asked the Board to vote against this item as the Union
has concerns that the internal process for a new job description was not followed.

Matt Harray, Water Management Assistant, stated that this proposal for a new position lacks vision, and that
Management should fix the District infrastructure.

Sue Kyle, Administrative Analyst, stated that there will be a change in FTE’s contrary to what was written in the
material and that there is no available funding for this position.

AGM Collins stated that the Board material explained that the District has expanded in capacity and complexity
in the past 30 years. CFO Rubaloff responded that there are three managerial positions and explained their
current and expected duties.

Director Wieskamp added that the Assistant Finance Officer has done a tremendous job and sees the need for
the reorganization and that any reorganization plan will still be discussed with the Union. Director Sutter
commented that he has tremendous respect for the CFO and is convinced that there is need to have someone
prepare the CAFR.

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AFSCME Local 2428 East Bay Parks

We are the more than 600 park district employees who are responsible for designing and maintaining park lands and trails; developing naturalist and stewardship programs; and providing fire protection and water safety at the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).

President: Cliff Rocha
Vice President:Mark Pearson
Secretary: Christina Garcia
Treasurer: Sue Kyle

Eboard At Large
Sharon Corkin
Matthew Harray
William Nichols
Sergeant-At-Arms
Dave Kalahele

Trustees
Marie Arnerich
Donna Cuoco
Greg Mueller

Business Agent - Brenda Wood

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Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Asking You to Please Use Your Mighty Voices to Ask EBRPD Board Members to Be Fair to Workers.

Thank  you!

Coach Teresa’s Third Year Sponsoring “The Immigrant Experience” Writing Contest

I remember feeling hopeful when I entered the first five pages of my novel to the Jack London Writers Conference Writing Contest 1997 and the thrill when I heard my name announced as a winner. That recognition gave me confidence when I wrote query letters to literary agents. That manuscript became Love Made of Heart (published in October 2002).

So, when Bardi Rosman Koodrin (Literary Director of the Fine Arts Galleria at San Mateo County Fair) asked me to sponsor a writing contest, I had to say “Yes!”

Other sponsors said “Yes!” too.  For information about all the contests, please click on the headline below for my March 7, 2013 post:

Writing Contests – Novel, Memoir, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Short Story, Mystery, Essay, Poetry, Monologue, Children’s Novel, and More !

The deadline for all literary contests, including the NDNU scholarship opportunity as well as the two book cover art contests, is Monday April 1, 2013 at 5:00pm California time, no exceptions. $10 per entry.

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Coach Teresa here . . . sharing an exciting announcement from Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Literary Director of the Fine Arts Galleria at the San Mateo County Fair.

Writing Contests – Novel, Memoir, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Short Story, Mystery, Essay, Poetry, Monologue, Children’s Novel, and more !

Hi everyone,

The deadline for all literary contests, including the NDNU scholarship opportunity as well as the two book cover art contests, is Monday April 1, 2013 at 5:00pm California time, no exceptions.  ALERT:  Ignore the deadline date of May 8 on the entry form; all literary contests are due APRIL 1!

List and descriptions of contests and rules: https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2013/literary_13.pdf

How to submit your entries: https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2013/literary_submit.pdf

We’re offering several new contests, and the NDNU scholarship opportunity is now open to any full-time student, so make sure you read all the material.  Just like last year, we require a two-step entry process:

1)   you must register and pay for each entry through the online process www.sanmateocountyfair.com Click on [Contests] tab, then click on Entry form. $10 per entry.  April 1st (not May 8th) for Literary Arts Contests.

2)   email each submission separately to literary@smeventcenter.com so we can publish our second volume of the Carry the Light anthology.  You can also send questions to that email address.

We look forward to receiving your literary submissions to the 2013 San Mateo County Fair.  Check back soon to see all of our free “events within the event” that will be offered on the literary stage throughout the fair June 8-16, 2013 at www.sanmateocountyfair.com/contests/departments/literary-arts

Good luck with the contests and I look forward to seeing all of you at the 2013 Fair!

Best,

Bardi Rosman Koodrin

Literary Director of the Fine Arts Galleria

San Mateo County Fair

Yours truly is sponsoring:

Thank you, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, all sponsors, members of California Writers Club, and, of course the folks at San Mateo County Fair! Good luck to all contestants!

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cheering for you!

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cares about helping fiction and nonfiction writers build their platforms and work on their craft simultaneously with ease.  She says: “Wear the dual hats as promoter and writer and be happily published. Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Please Do Not Give Up On Yourself and Your Writing.”

No writer is an island; no writer is a self-made woman/man.   Our work is influenced by our role models; our work is influenced by our readers/fans.

Thank you to all my friends, colleagues, mentors, advisors, readers/fans, and all dear hearts.

According to the Chase Calendar of Events, the month of October celebrates these causes/issues. For a full list for October or other months, key in the tags [ Chase Calendar of Events ] in your favorite search engine search box.

My mother-daughter love story (Love Made of Heart), published by Kensington Publishing Corp NY, is alive and well because of the issues in the book. Love Made of Heart turns ten years old this month, embracing the issues I’ve highlighted in red.

October is:

• Antidepressant Death Awareness Month
• Depression Education and Awareness Month, Natl
• Disability Employment Awareness Month, Natl
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Natl
• Dyslexia Awareness Month
• Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
• Emotional Wellness Month
• Gay and Lesbian History Month
• German-American Heritage Month
• Global Diversity Awareness Month
• Health Literacy Month
• Medical Librarians Month, Natl
• Menopause Month, World
• Month of Freethought
• Photographer Appreciation Month
• Polish-American Heritage Month
• Positive Attitude Month
• Reading Group Month, Natl
• Self-Promotion Month
• Strategic Planning Month, Intl
• Work and Family Month, Natl
• Workplace Politics Awareness Month

Cheering for writers and readers and everyone who has a story in her/his heart!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

http://www.facebook.com/Teresa.LeYung.Ryan
http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa’s definition of Writer’s Platform:  “Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”

More than ten years ago, if my super-agent Stacey Glick hadn’t landed a big publisher–Kensington in New York (insightful editor John Scognamiglio; good-energy publisher Laurie Perkin; Debbie Tobias was Sales Director; Lou Malcangi was art director, by the way . . . booksellers do judge a book by its cover; Libba Bray, who is now a New York Times bestselling author of young adult books, for book jacket copy; Jacquie Edwards for copy editing; and everyone at Kensington and their associates), I would not have had the opportunity to experience the publishing industry from that perspective . . .  which then gave me the credentials to talk about “who” really is the most qualified person to build the author’s platform and fanbase.

Love Made of Heart (a mother-daughter love story) by Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Also, ten years ago . . .  if not for independent sales reps (especially Nancy Suib and Anne Shulenberger), mentors at Kensington Publishing Corp. (especially Mary B. Morrison and Mary Monroe), booksellers (especially Anny Clevens at Borders, Luan Stauss of Laurel Books, Kate at Books, Inc., Mike and Tricia at Barnes & Noble), my husband, family and friends (from my personal circles, California Writers Club/Jack London Writers Conference, Women’s National Book Association, East Bay Regional Park District, Kim McMillon network, teachers, librarians, readers from far and near,  and advocates who cheered for me — whether they revealed themselves, or not, to me) . . . my mother-daughter love story Love Made of Heart would not have “seen” so many birthdays.  I am eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday, protagonist Ruby Lin!

Happy Birthday, Vivien Lin (Ruby’s mom)

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Nussbaum (Ruby’s neighbor / mentor)!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Gloria Thatcher (Ruby’s confidant)!

Happy Birthday, Emily, Vincent, and all supporting characters!

In other words . . .  Happy 10th Anniversary of Love Made of Heart (my first novel)!

I didn’t know it at the time;  my platform was in the closing statement to the audience every time I read a passage from my book Love Made of Heart (even before publication).  A year after the hardcover edition was released, my editor at Kensington told me that they were going to release the trade-paperback edition.  So, I wrote “Author’s Note to Reader” and Kensington added that page to the book.  I thank the dear readers who had read the hardcover edition and asked me what/who was my muse and why I wrote about tabooed subject matter.

“Author’s Note to Reader”

Thank you for letting me share Ruby Lin’s story with you.  Many readers have asked me what the characters in the novel have done for me.  My answer is this: I’ve learned that behind every face is a compelling story.

Please remember me as a writer who says YES! to compassion for mental illness, and, NO! to domestic violence and child abuse.

Who is Mrs. Nussbaum?  She lives in all our hearts.  Just as we have the “child within,” we also have the “wise elder within.”  May you always embrace your compelling story and allow your Mrs. Nussbaum to embrace you.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

Video on  Coach Teresa’s YouTube channel:  Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan at Sonoma County Book Festival 2012

I was blessed with loyal supporters during the ten years writing the book. And, I am blessed with loyal supporters (so many big hearts) who continue to cheer for me, even now, ten years after publication.  I encourage every writer to “not give up” and “stay true to the self.”

Video on Bay Sunday’s Youtube channel:   Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author:  Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase in 22 Days

As I said to Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat on CBS Channel 5 and to the writers at Kim McMillon’s “Writers On Writing” workshop . . .  “What I care about will turn into themes I write about. And, the themes I write about will attract my fans.”

So, the foundation of one’s platform-statement begins with three simple-yet-powerful words:  “I care about . . . ”  

You (the author) are the most qualified person to build your platform and fanbase.

Example: (as a writer of fiction, narrative nonfiction, including memoirs )

I am Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart.  I care about helping adult-children (of mentally-ill parents) speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their loved ones.

Example: (as a writer of prescriptive nonfiction  a.k.a. “how to” )

I am Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days.  I care about helping writers thrive in today’s publishing arena.

If Love Made of Heart didn’t get published (giving me a forum to learn about “staying alive and well” in the industry), I wouldn’t have developed the expertise to help other writers survive and thrive (through coaching and my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

To my dear friends, colleagues, mentors who inspire me and rally for me, please let me know how I can pay it forward.

I cheer for everyone who has a dream!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

Coach Teresa’s definition of Writer’s Platform:  “Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”

print edition ISBN: 978-0983010005

Kindle ebook edition ASIN: B005J9ZEIA

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Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan (a proud immigrant from Hong Kong, of Chinese heritage), here to cheer for author Laurel Anne Hill and everyone involved in the Shanghai Steam Anthology.

Shanghai Steam anthology, edited by Ace Jordyn, Calvin D. Jim and Renee Bennett; original artwork by James Ng; cover design by Janice Blaine

Laurel Anne tells me that Shanghai Steam Anthology will be launched November 1-4, 2012 at the World Fantasy Convention in Toronto, Canada.  So exciting!

If you had a role in creating this anthology, or, if you know any of the contributing authors, editors, art designers, please tell us by submitting a comment to this post.  Click on the blue header of this post, scroll down to get the boxes, fill in the boxes and press [submit comment] button.  Consider keeping a copy of your comment (before pressing submit-comment button) and use it in your own email signature-block and on other blogs.  Thank you!

Here’s Laurel Anne Hill’s blog post:

Steampunk, Wuxia and the Immigrant Experience
by Laurel Anne Hill

I stare at the crimson printing on my computer screen.  Crisp black lines frame electronic words of caution.  What is this, anyway?  The 1877 U.S. Senatorial report on Chinese immigration I Googled?  Or the “boxed warning” for a toxic drug?

The red letters form an introductory disclaimer of sorts, an alert regarding nineteenth-century political incorrectness.  The Senatorial report’s contents will reflect the attitudes of yesteryear’s Americans.  In other words, readers with sensitive ears, beware.  Still, I need to study sections of this 1,281-page document to blog about railroad workers from China.  My finger tabs through the report’s opening pages.

“There is a vast hive from which Chinese immigrants may swarm…,” the report indicates.  “They are cruel and indifferent to their sick…inferior in mental and moral qualities…”

Anger warms my face.  The historical report I prepare to read in depth is a verbal cesspool of toxic prejudice.  Worse than I expected.  Even the testimony of Charles Crocker–-the infamous railroad executive who respected the tremendous contribution of Chinese laborers in building the U.S. Transcontinental Railway–oozes stereotypes.  I just began this morning’s immigrant-experience research project and already my blood pressure soars.

Now please don’t consider me naïve.  Years ago, I learned about the anti-Chinese legislation passed in nineteenth-century America: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (to keep “them” out) and various anti-miscegenation laws (to prevent interracial marriages).  U.S. immigration policy muddle-ups are not confined to the twenty-first century.  That’s one of several reasons why I wrote my new short story, “Moon-Flame Woman.”  I hope “Moon-Flame Woman” will help readers picture all immigrants as distinct individuals with gifts, fears, hopes and dreams.

The setting for “Moon-Flame Woman” is a North American railroad construction camp in 1866.  In my story, Cho Ting-Lam has lost self-respect.  She, a slave, has neither a husband nor sons.  Disguised as a man, Cho Ting-Lam uses explosives, crystal technology and Qi to bore railroad tunnels through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Then a prejudiced railroad superintendent endangers her and her people.

“Moon-Flame Woman,” is scheduled for publication in the upcoming Shanghai Steam Anthology (Absolute XPress, November 2012).  Shanghai Steam is a unique mashup of steampunk (advanced technology through steam-age mechanical devices) and the Chinese literary genre known as Wuxia (loosely translated as martial hero).

I invite you to visit the worlds within Shanghai Steam.  From ancient China to a future Mars, from the British Empire to the Old West, nineteen authors will show you worlds with alcohol-fueled dragons, philosophical automatons, and Qi-powered machines both wondrous and strange in tales of vengeance, paper lantern revolutions and flying monks.  I also wish to thank Teresa LeYung-Ryan for her pre-submission review of my “Moon-Flame Woman” manuscript.  Teresa provided valuable advice which strengthened my story.

Below, I list the Shanghai Steam table of contents.  For more information about the anthology and its authors, visit the Shanghai Steam Facebook page.

Warm wishes,

Laurel Anne Hill
Author of Heroes Arise, an award-winning novel about breaking the cycle of vengeance.
http://www.laurelannehill.com

Shanghai Steam Anthology  edited by Ace Jordyn, Calvin D. Jim and Renee Bennett

Table of Contents

The Fivefold Proverbs of Zhen Xiaquan
Tim Ford

Qin Yun’s Mechanical Dragon and the Cricket Spies
Amanda Clark

Moon-Flame Woman
Laurel Anne Hill

Love and Rockets at the Siege of Peking
K. H. Vaughan

The Master and the Guest
Crystal Koo

Ming Jie and the Coffee Maker of Doom
Brent Nichols

A Hero Faces the Celestial Empire; A Death by Fire is Avenged by Water
Julia A. Rosenthal

Riding the Wind
William H. Keith

Mistress of the Pearl Dragon
Shen Braun

Song of My Heart
Jennifer Rahn

Last Flight of the Lóng Qíshì
Emily Mah

Protection from Assassins
Frances Pauli

Seeds of the Lotus
Camille Alexa

The Ability of Lightness
Tim Reynolds

Fire in the Sky
Ray Dean

The Legend of Wong Heng Li
Frank Larnerd

Flying Devils
Derwin Mak

Legend of the Secret Masterpiece
Nick Tramdack

Jing Ke Before the Principle of Order
Minsoo Kang

Hearty congratulations to my friend Laurel Anne Hill and all the contributing authors, editors, artwork designer, cover designer, and their advisors!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Please visit Coach Teresa’s Events Page

http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  Click on “Coach Teresa’s Blog”

http://www.facebook.com/Teresa.LeYung.Ryan
http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa on CBS Bay Sunday with Host Frank Mallicoat

Redwood Writers winning playwrights with directors and actors invite YOU to 10-minute plays June 29, 30, July 1, 2012 -- photo by Jonathan Hayden

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: ”I love being in the performing arts theater world!”

In a novel or a narrative nonfiction story, the author carries the sole responsibility to “show” what is happening on the pages.

In a script, while the playwright can include pertinent information unique to the play, the responsibility to “show” what is happening on stage falls on the director, the actors, and stage manager.

Answer Me Now (10-minute monologue)
Playwright: Teresa LeYung-Ryan
Director: Lennie Dean
Cast:  Stacey Marie Kerr (Woman)
What is Answer Me Now about?  Middle-aged woman asks her dead mother a question.

Here’s my author’s note and beginning lines in Answer Me Now:

[ Middle-aged woman sitting in front of her dressing table; she’s staring into space; shoulders slumped.  Her hair is uncombed; circles under her eyes. On the dressing table: hairbrush;  hair clips; lipstick;  jewelry box; a purse.  Her breathing is shallow.  She looks around the room.  She looks up toward ceiling.]

Woman:  MahMa, I’m going to ask you a question.  You must answer me now.    That year, when I thought I was going mad.  Were you haunting me?

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Director Lennie Dean’s stage directions:

Middle-aged woman (in high-back armchair)  almost in fetal position. She lifts herself up, takes a sip from a mug, returns mug to end table.  Woman pulls herself up, walks over to dressing table, looks at her reflection. Then, she takes a few steps toward corner of room, looks up toward ceiling.

Woman:  Mamey, I’m going to ask you a question.  You must answer me.    That year, when I thought I was going mad.  Were you haunting me?

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Linda Loveland Reid, Kim McMillon, Lennie Dean, Elaine Maikovska at party for playwrights on opening night of 2012 Redwood Writers 10-Minute Plays at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA

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community spirit Lisa Marie Keith, author Robbi Bryant, playwright Elaine Maikovska (The Play Is the Thang) in the audience on opening night

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Lisa Marie Keith, thank you so much for telling me how you connected with my 10-minute monologue Answer Me Now – your mother; San Francisco; mental illness; Greece.

actress Stacey Marie Kerr on the set for Answer Me Now (written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan; directed by Lennie Dean)

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actress Stacey Marie Kerr on the set for Answer Me Now (written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan; directed by Lennie Dean)

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epiphany scene - actress Stacey Marie Kerr on the set for Answer Me Now (written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan; directed by Lennie Dean)

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Editor & Writing Teacher Ana Manwaring & Mary True & playwright Elizabeth VanPatten attend opening night June 29, 2012

playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now) and Linda McCabe attend opening night of Redwood Writers Ten-Minute Plays

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Dear Stacey,

How are you doing?

Thank you for taking on the role.  I had no idea that my monologue was so “heavy” until I witnessed your work on stage. Thank you for “carrying” her.

What makes me smile is looking through the photos and seeing your joyful face.
With big gentle hugs,
Teresa

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan with director Lennie Dean and actress Stacey Marie Kerr for Answer Me Now at Opening Night of 10-Minute Play Festival

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After leaving the theater Friday night, Kim McMillon and I went back to Hotel La Rose (lovely rooms) to post photos on facebook. Who can sleep after opening night!  http://www.facebook.com/Teresa.LeYung.Ryan

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Charles M. Schulz's Snoopy & Charlie Brown in Santa Rosa get hugs from Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Saturday June 30, 2012 Before Kim McMillon got on AmTrak to go back to her own work (being host at Arts In The Valley), Margie Yee Webb, author of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life, arrived.

authors Judith Marshall, Margie Yee Webb, Lynn Scott, Carol Sheldon, Teresa LeYung-Ryan enjoy lunch at Jack and Tony's in Santa Rosa

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Luisa Adams (author Woven of Water) and her husband David arrive for Saturday matinee!

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan (shortest in height) cheered by pals / authors Lynn Scott, Judith Marshall, , Margie Yee Webb, Carol Sheldon, Luisa Adams at 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa, CA

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authors Carol Sheldon, Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Margie Yee Webb enjoy dinner (and dessert) at Lo Coco's Cucina Rustica before catching Saturday evening performance of 10-minute plays

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author Margie Yee Webb, author/playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan, poet/columnist Yolande Barial at Saturday evening performance of Ten-Minute Plays--photo by Frank

Tracy Press Columnist Yolande Barial and Frank attend Saturday evening performance

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Authors Margie Yee Webb & Yolande Barial, Festival Director Lennie Dean, Playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now) cheer for all 9 playwrights, 6 directors and 15 actors

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author Margie Yee Webb, author/writing coach/playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan, super gardener Liz Bittner and pal Jackie at June 30, 2012 evening performance of 10-minute plays

actress Stacey Marie Kerr (as Woman in Teresa LeYung-Ryan's Answer Me Now) receives flowers from fans

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:

“Thank you Director Lennie Dean and Actress Stacey Marie Kerr for turning my script Answer Me Now into a memorable live-theater experience!  Cheers to Festival Director Lennie Dean, Artistic & Education Director Craig A. Miller, Stage Manger Beulah Vega, Playwriting Contest Chair Linda Loveland Reid, all 9 playwrights, 6 directors, 15 actors taking on 24 characters, Redwood Writers, everyone at 6th Street Playhouse, audience members, dear friends/loved ones near and far, and everyone who promoted the festival!”

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author Margie Yee Webb enjoys warm evening at Railroad Square, Santa Rosa after attending 10-minute plays

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Sunday July 1, 2012

Festival Director Lennie Dean introduces master playwright Garret Jon Groenveld to 50 new students including Redwood Writers playwrights and actors

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Craig A. Miller chats with Rita Lakin about her play and memoir (Rita is author of the Gladdy Gold mystery series / writer of hit TV shows including Dr. Kildare and Dynasty). Rita Lakin attended Sunday matinee to cheer for playwrights Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Malena Eljumaily .

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Olga Malyj, Margie Yee Webb, Dennis & Sheryl Fairchild, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Rita Lakin, Kate Farrell at July 1, 2012 matinee

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joyful actress Stacey Marie Kerr and playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now) at closing night

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author Margie Yee Webb witnessed 3 of the 4 performances; playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan thankful for friends who supported her in various ways; Women's Studies Teacher Sheryl Fairchild and husband Dennis cheered for Teresa

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Sunday July 1, 2012 audience stayed to ask playwrights questions; festival director Lennie Dean moderated

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Votes are in! Audiences say Best Play is Special Delivery (playwright: Malena Eljumaily - sitting, third seat from left; director: Linda Loveland Reid - standing; actors: Monica McKey as Miss Hobbs and Eyan Dean as Milo the Meals-on-Wheels guy). Fellow playwrights cheer for Malena, Linda, Monica, Eyan !!!! photo by Margie Yee Webb

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Actors Monica McKey and Eyan Dean called on stage as director Linda Loveland Reid and winning playwright Malena Eljumaily hug. Fellow playwrights cheer for Malena, Linda, Monica, Eyan !!!! - photo by Margie Yee Webb

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (gifts her mother-daughter novel Love Made of Heart to director Lennie Dean) says fond farewell to Redwood Writers 10-Minute Play Festival -- photo by author Margie Yee Webb

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Ten-Minute Play Festival Director Lennie Dean and Actor Eyan Dean -- what a dynamic duo ! photo by Playwright / Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan goes home after memorable 3-day play festival; dear pal Olga Malyj at the wheel

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My heart is filled with light and joy.  Thank you, MaMa, for inspiring me to write Answer Me Now. Thank you,  Everyone, who cheered me on.

Sincerely,

Teresa

 Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan helps her clients identify themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-story. As coach and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, she says: “Make your name synonymous with the issues you write about, whether  you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.”

Teresa has built her own platform happily;  her novel  Love Made of Heart and her short play Answer Me Now carry the themes closest to her heart:   mother-daughter relationship, and, speaking openly about stigmas attached to mental illness.

Please visit her website &  blog  http://writingcoachteresa.com

A Weekend In the Life of this Writing-Career Coach

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here, wishing all writers new vitality to write and promote your work.

On the evening of May 2nd, 2012, I received my sister’s text-message “Nayati is home!” (kidnapped boy had been released, thank God!) I text’ed back “Get some rest” because I knew she must be  exhausted (joining forces and taking action to help find Nayati, conducting class, and comforting her own students).

That evening I got onto facebook to broadcast the news of Nayati’s safe return, called friends who don’t use facebook, and updated my webpage and blog posts. Thank you, Everyone, for your powerful prayers.

The next day (after a long sleep), I went about my day with a lighter heart.

So, I wrote cards (created by Rosemary C.) to Elaine M. (retired teacher), Luisa Adams (author of Woven of Water), Vicki Weiland (developmental editor of nonfiction books) and Lori Hope (author of Help Me Live)

I sent Bardi Rosman Koodrin scoring sheets for the “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” which I created and sponsored. I understand that winners from all the writing contests through the San Mateo County Fair Literary Arts Division will be published in Carry the Light San Mateo County Fair Literary Anthology 2012.

And, I continue to read Mary Jo McConahay‘s mesmerizing memoir Maya Roads: One Woman’s Journey Among the People of the Rainforest.

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Linda Joy Myers made it possible for me (Teresa LeYung-Ryan) to attend Lynn Cook Henriksen's book launch at Joyce Turley's, and, when we arrived, I was tickled to see Patricia Morin and my dear friend Lynn Scott (right)!

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Another dear friend to me and my sister!  Jonathan was able to go to Norway Day Festival to cheer for my client Carla Danziger too.

Jonathan and Teresa LeYung-Ryan at Fort Mason Center for Norway Day in San Francisco. Cheers to Carla Danziger!

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authors Irene Berman and Carla Danziger talk to fans at Norway Day Festival--photo by Coach Teresa

Carla Danziger, Julie K. Rose, Astrid Karlsen Scott, Norman Ronneberg at Norway Day Festival

Karin Stahl with Carla Danziger author of Hidden Falls

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Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan with featured author Carla Danziger and journalist Cindy Warner at Norway Day Festival

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Jonathan and Teresa LeYung-Ryan cheer for authors Irene Levin Berman and Carla Danziger at Norway Day

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Italian French Baking Company in North Beach, San Francisco

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan and pal Michelle enjoy dining at North Beach San Francisco

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   I emailed my publicity sheet to colleague Laurel Anne Hill who is helping Bardi Rosman Koodrin.  “Teresa LeYung-Ryan and California Writers Club colleagues will be at Author Day June 16, 2012 at the San Mateo County Fair“

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My pal Elisa Sasa Southard (travel writer and certified tour director) called to schedule our next work session. Our conversation reminded me to post these links:

http://valerieleeworks.wordpress.com Valerie Lee is the author of The Jade Rubies. Here’s a book review by Robert A. Garfinkle of Valerie Lee’s book The Jade Rubies.

Jonathan Fung‘s film Hark is a powerful story that will raise awareness of human trafficking and change lives.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/index.html Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex or forced labor. They are young children, teenagers, men and women. Trafficking in persons occurs throughout the world, including in the United States.

http://www.polarisproject.org   Polaris Project’s client services department has been providing survivors of human trafficking with the support necessary to rebuild lives and regain hope for the future.

NPR’s Talk of the Nation

Polaris Project’s Executive Director Bradley Myles discusses human trafficking in the United States, the NHTRC and what you can do if you suspect some one is being trafficked.

Here’s my webpage with links to The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Stamp Out Stigma, and BringChange2Mind.org

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:
“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”
http://writingcoachteresa.com
Coach Teresa has helped over 1,000 writers.

As editor/story consultant, Teresa LeYung-Ryan identifies themes, universal archetypes, front-story & back-story in clients’ manuscripts.

• As author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she says: “Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, make your name synonymous with the issues you write about.”
  

• Teresa has built her own platform happily. Her first novel Love Made of Heart is used in college composition classes; recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association; and archived at the San Francisco History Center

• Teresa’s 10-minute play Answer Me Now has been selected to be part of the 2012 Redwood Writers Play Festival. Tickets to June 29, 30 and July 1 performances will be on sale as of May 1st through the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA

Coach Teresa’s Blog is abundant resources for you.

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here, at Rose Garden Inn in Berkeley CA, with Carla Danziger (author of Hidden Falls) who is in the San Francisco Bay Area getting ready for her appearance at the annual Norway Day celebration of Norwegian Culture at Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco on the weekend of May 5 and 6, 2012.

Carla Danziger says: “Lots of Norwegian food,  art,  jewelry,  housewares, gifts, and cultural demonstrations and AUTHORS and book-signings!”

Go to http://norwayday.org  for details.  Velkommen!

On both days, authors Carla Danziger, Irene Levin Berman, Astrid Karlsen Scott, and Julie K. Rose.

In The Little Theater, Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco.  11:15am — 12:15pm a Special Program, ‘Norway and the Holocaust: The Untold Story,’ a talk by author Irene Levin Berman, sponsored by the Norwegian Consulate, San Francisco.

And  1:30 – 2:30pm (also in The Little Theater, left when you’ve gone through Festival Pavilion entrance ) Three Books, Three Authors–Astrid Karlsen Scott, Julie Rose, and Carla Danziger!

Also,  Irene Levin Berman and Carla Danziger will be at Booth #14 (far left wall from Festival Pavilion entrance, pass Little Theater, pass food court).

Festival Map:  http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz259/solabayarea/FestivalMap2012_sm.jpg

author of Hidden Falls--Carla Danziger, of Scandinavian descent, inspires soul-searching questions about justice

Watch Author View’s interview on Carla Danziger posted on YouTube.

See you at Norway Day celebrations May 5 and 6, 2012!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan encourages you to wear your many hats as a writer — work on the craft and your platform at the same time.  Pursue more and more resources . . . by visiting my website and this blog on a regular basis.  If you are not in the vicinity of the events I blog about . . . please look at the names of the people who are referenced in my posts, go to their websites by clicking on the links I provide or your keying their names in a search engine.  The people  I blog about will lead you to their colleagues, and so on.  More ways to build your platform?  See the exercises in Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days.  I can help you polish your manuscript (identify themes, universal archetypes, front-story & back-story) AND coach you on platform-building – click here.