22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Archive for the ‘Being an Immigrant – The Immigrant Experience’ Category

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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!

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to encourage all writers to make your names synonymous with the issues you write about, whether  you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.

I learned about the community of Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) http://www.fescofamilyshelter.org from author/columnist Yolande Barial http://just-a-mom.us

16th Annual  ”Shelter Shuffle: Striding Toward Home”  is just weeks away

Have you registered for the Shelter Shuffle yet? This year’s goal is $75,000.00 and we need your help to ensure we not only meet, but exceed $75,0000.00. The Shelter Shuffle will take place Saturday, May 18th, 2013, 9:00 A. M. at Meek Park in Hayward, CA. Join hundreds of supporters at this family-friendly, dog-friendly 5K walk! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, live band and free tours of the Meek Mansion by the Hayward Area Historical Society .

To register today, please go to www.firstgiving.com/fesco/2013  or call 510-886-5473 to have a paper registration form mailed to your house.

The Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) http://www.fescofamilyshelter.org helps homeless families move toward self-sufficiency. Every year, we provide shelter and transitional housing to 300 individuals (80 families) and support to an additional 300 alumni living in the community. We serve families of all configurations. While staying with us, families receive nutritious meals, mental health counseling, housing placement assistance, and focused support to help them identify a path to self-sufficiency and progress to their goals. More than 85% of our families move on to more permanent housing. More of our funding comes from community support than from any other source.

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.

* * * * * * * *

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

Give yourself a New Year gift.  Give a friend a New Year gift.

Even if you are employed, please take a look at the table of contents of What Color Is Your Parachute?  A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career Changers 2013 edition, published by Ten Speed Press.

This miraculous book is updated every year by Mr. Richard N. Bolles (I call him the Yoda for job seekers)

Coach Teresa says: “What Color Is Your Parachute? is for Writers and Artists”

Go to http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/  for resources and be inspired by Mr. Richard N. Bolles’s warm and engaging writing style.

**

Mr. Richard Nelson Bolles loves to give us hope.

Other Books by Richard N. Bolles

The Job-Hunter’s Survival Guide: How to Find Hope and Rewarding Work, Even When “There Are No Jobs” (2009)

How to Find Your Mission in Life (2005)

The Three Boxes of Life, and How to Get Out of Them: An Introduction to Life/Work Planning (1981)

Books by Richard Bolles with Co-authors

The Career Counselor’s Handbook (2007, Second edition)
(Howard Figler is co-author)

What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens (2010)
(Carol Christen, with Jean M. Blomquist are co-authors)

What Color Is Your Parachute? For Retirement (2010)
(John E. Nelson is co-author)

Job-Hunting Online (2011)
(Mark Emery Bolles is co-author)

Job-Hunting for the So-Called Handicapped (2001, Second edition)
(Dale S. Brown is co-author)

Where Do I Go from Here with My Life? A systematic and practical workbook for counselors, instructors, and job club leaders. (1974; essentially out of print)
(The late John C. Crystal is co-author)

**

Coach Teresa here . . .  Recently I found a treasure – a letter to me from Mr. Richard Nelson Bolles dated April 1, 1994!  That letter (along with current emails from the Yoda  for job seekers) has given me new inspiration in my own work.  Thank you, Mr. Bolles!

**

I’ll be blogging about Rebecca Martin, Founder/CEO of Dear Jane Inc. soon !

http://dearjane.info

Dear Jane Inc.’s mission statement:   dear jane… is a comprehensive career advisement company dedicated to helping individuals and corporations meet their personal and financial goals in order to improve the overall quality of the global workforce.

By training, coaching and educating individual workers, as well as companies, dear jane… is committed to improving human welfare, values and dignity.

Sincerely,

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

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

As author of Love Made of Heart, creator of Love Made of Heart gift items and the Talking to My Dead Mom Monologues, Teresa encourages writers to speak out (in print) for those who cannot speak for themselves.

 Coach Teresa says: “Fortify Your Platform with New Tags for Your Books and All Your Writings.”

How do you attract new fans?  When your friends and colleagues brag about you?  Yes!   What else?  How do you help your prospective fans find you?  By making your name synonymous with the issues / themes / subject matter you write about?  Yes!!  After all, when folks need something, don’t they go to search engines and type keywords and key phrases (aka “tags”) to find what they need?  Those folks will find you through the tags associated with your name!

Here’s an excellent example — let’s look at author Wendy D. Walter and her tags.  Wendy writes fantasy / adventure stories for young adults / teens.  Her protagonist is fourteen-year-old Ambril Derwyn.

I hosted Wendy D. Walter (author of Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith) in a live-blog event on January 5, 2013.  Nineteen fans (old and new) showed up to greet her and cheer for her and to ask questions.

Thank you, Anne M. Beggs, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Christopher Wachlin, Deborah Taylor-French, Diane LeBow, Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, Eugenia Budman, Eve Visconti, Janine, Jean Morrow, Kate Farrell, LakshmiLove, Linda C. McCabe, Margie Yee Webb, Maria, Tera, Thonie Hevron, Yolande Barial, for participating on January 5th, 2013!

To see complete questions and answers and  comments from please click on: http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/please-help-me-welcome-author-wendy-d-walter-to-this-live-blog-appearance/

To read my interview with Wendy, please click on:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/coach-teresas-interview-questions-for-author-wendy-d-walter-ambrils-tale-the-return-of-the-dullaith/

Here are some tags associated with Wendy D. Walter’s writings

• Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith
• father’s death
• half-truth
• ancient Celtic magic and nature-based magic
• introverts
• Global Warming, rising seas, raging storms
• Utah in the middle of winter
• taking on the bullies
• fictional California town Trelawnyd
• fantasy stories
• monsters
• young adult Y/A
• secret warriors
• human morality

Thank you,Wendy, for having written a compelling story. What a page-turner!

Look for more “tags” in Wendy D. Walter‘s answers to the questions asked by fans:

“My all time favorite writer is Jane Austen. It’s been over 200 years since she was first published and her stories still enthrall me. From her books, I learned that the most important thing a writer can do is to make your readers care about what happens to your character and to never underestimate your reader.”

“I’m also a great admirer of Diana Wynne Jones, my favorite fantasy writer. She also never underestimated her readers and gave us incredibly intricate and original stories. Her books are often funny as well!”

“And that is why Ambril’s Tail has a very robust plot, with lots of twists and turns and strives to be humorous as often as possible!”

“Some of my characters are right out of my imagination, but some of them have roots in mythology. The Aunties, for instance, are the seers of the story, who share one pair of glasses. Perseus runs into three crones who share one eye and a tooth in one of his adventures, but groupings of three witches/hags/seers appear in all sorts of ancient Nordic and Germanic stories as well!”

“The Cerberus, the guardians of the underworld, is one of my favorite Greek legends.”

“I’m not sure why this is, but if you take a simple bullying exchange off the playground in our world and give the characters fangs and fairy wings, the issue becomes much clearer. In fantasy, we get a bit heavy handed at times and tend to make our bullies actual monsters (it’s more fun that way). Also, as bullying is an obvious abuse of power, it works well within worlds where it’s clear who the good and bad guys are, at least most of the time! Check out the Q & A Teresa posted on this blog for more on bullying: http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/coach-teresas-interview-questions-for-author-wendy-d-walter-ambrils-tale-the-return-of-the-dullaith/  Bullying appears to be a behavior that some mistake for strength, particularly the immature (of all ages).”

“And there is a great male main character called Ygg. My beta readers all chose him as their favorite character!”

“Ambril’s Tale is for the 10-14 marketplace, just right for middle schoolers!”

Get your copy of Wendy D. Walter's book or ask your library to carry it!

Where to Find the book Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith:

http://www.amazon.com/Ambrils-Tale-Return-Dullaith-ebook/dp/B008EALE3A/

Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith at Barnes and Noble

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/174750

“Book 2, Ambril’s Tale, Riding the Cursed Shoots, is coming out in March, 2013!”

Cheers to Wendy D. Walter, protagonist Ambril and everyone she cares about!

Sincerely,

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

As author of Love Made of Heart, creator of Love Made of Heart gift items and the “Talking to My Dead Mom Monologues,” Teresa encourages writers to speak out (in print) for those who cannot speak for themselves.

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

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

**

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