Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Author/Publisher/Coach Teresa here to say:  I am happy with the customer service at CreateSpace.com for print edition and ebook.  I retain all rights to my intellectual properties (I had bought the ISBNs from Bowker); CreateSpace does the printing, file-conversions, distributing through Amazon.com and other channels.  In January 2011 the print edition of my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW was released . I am thankful for the customer-reviews.

$22 for 10"x8" print edition ISBN: 978-0983010005

If you wish to support independent booksellers, you can ask them to contact me and order copies of my workbook from me.

This week, CreateSpace completed the Kindle-ready conversion. Because of the tables and the graphics in my workbook, the conversion required extra attention/costs. The team at CreateSpace Member Services did a superb job!  Thank you!

So the ebook edition of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW should be available in a couple of days! $9.81

$9.81 ebook edition ISBN: 9780983010012

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, writing career coach, manuscript consultant, and

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW and Love Made of Heart

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa here.  Recently I received happy news from dear Yolande Barial; she said: “Just to let you know that I am now officially a part of the Tracy Press. Photo and all.  Woo hoo!!!!”

Here’s a recent article from Yolande’s column:

Her Voice:  Invest in teens’ transition sooner rather than later

Yolande Barial's energy reminds me of Oprah's.

Who is Just-A-Mom speaking on purpose about God, children, life and love? Poet / Essayist / Author / Anthology Contributor / Columnist Yolande Barial!

Almost two years ago, Yolande was one of the talented writers who helped me test-market my workbook Build Your Name Beat the Game: Be Happily Published.

She said: “Coach Teresa, my brain has been on fire since our meeting. There is so much I want to do with my blog and the ideas keep on coming. Thank you!” Yolande Barial, a sensually spiritual writer who knows that with God all things are possible! A contributing author in If Women Ruled the World and Oakland’s Neighborhoods

August is “Happiness Happens Month” and Yolande’s birth-month.  Happy birthday/birthmonth wishes to my friend who has been a voice-of-wisdom “Don’t let anyone’s gossiping taint your relationship with anyone else.”

A thousand blessings to Yolande!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, writing career coach, manuscript consultant, and

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW and Love Made of Heart

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Lynn Scott, the author of the memoir A Joyful Encounter: My Mother, My Alzheimer Clients, and Me, says: “My book is not about the disease, but about the spirit that exists in us all as long as we live. I led my clients in singing the old familiar songs (“Take Me Out to The Ballgame,” “As Time Goes By,” “I Love You Truly”), and I reveled in the love I received and gave.”

I met Lynn Scott over ten years ago when she received writing awards from the California Writers Club and the Jack London Writers Conference. Her fiction and nonfiction are most engaging.  When she asked me to join her critique group, I said “Yes!” Judith Marshall and Marcia Naomi Berger were the other members. More about those two authors in future posts.

What is Lynn up to these days? She’s being an inspiration as always!

Visit Lynn Scott’s website to find out how [singing the old familiar American songs; turning grief and loss into catalysts for the next creative step; Boston Women’s Health Collective; a unique set of unlikely healers] all relate to this wise author/editor.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, writing career coach, manuscript consultant, and

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW and Love Made of Heart

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

International plot consultant Martha Alderson reflects on the development of plot and structure for writers to achieve maximum reader connection and enjoyment. Home of: INTERNATIONAL PLOT WRITING MONTH: December AKA PostNaNoPlot Perfection

Martha Alderson’s blog post: 17 August 2011

Backstory versus Front Story

Watch your delivery of backstory ~ the story of what, in the past, made the character who they are today (in story time).

Dear Plot Whisperer Martha,

Your advice “Not telling everything makes the reader curious. Curiosity draws the reader deeper into the story world.” is golden.

When I edit my hard-working clients’ manuscripts, I see their desire to ‘inform’ (especially in the first quarter of the story);  and I give them this analogy: “Engaging the reader within the first 5 pages is so much like hooking attention on a first date, the next five pages on a second date, and so on, and so on. Intrigue the reader, not overwhelm her/him.”

Martha, I am so excited that your new book will be available in October! Lucky us writers and manuscript consultants!

Cheers to you!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW and Love Made of Heart

Author Mary Jo McConahay says:

“I wrote Maya Roads after thirty years of traveling in the rainforest region of southern Mexico and northern Guatemala, not only as a journalist but also because I am deeply taken by all culture Maya, ancient and modern. I don’t avoid the violence that has ripped that part of the world with revolution and civil war, describing what I have seen; but I travel too in order to find the sacred Maya sites, and to wonder at the ancient cities that speak even in ruins.”

Maya Roads: One Woman’s Journey Among the People of the Rainforest

http://www.mayaroads.com
For book clubs write:   mayaroads@gmail.com

Saturday August 20, 2011 Mary Jo McConahay will be featured at Left Coast Writers at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA 94925

Talking about Maya Roads Aug. 27, 2011 on Peter Greenberg Worldwide  Tune in!  http://www.petergreenberg.com/

For a complete list of author’s appearances:

Sept. 7, 2011 7:30pm The BookSmith, 1644 Haight St, San Francisco, CA

Taos, NM – Sept. 10, 2011

Los Alamos, NM – Sept. 13, 2011

Albuquerque, NM – Sept. 15, 2011

Santa Fe, NM – Sept. 17, 2011

Washington D.C., DC 20009 – Sept. 27, 2011

Davis, CA 95616 – Oct. 14, 2011

Sacramento, CA 95818 – Oct. 16, 2011

Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240 – Oct. date to be announced

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA – Oct. 26, 2011

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ – Nov. 16, 2011

Harvard Club, Tucson, AZ – Nov. 17, 2011, 12:00 noon

Holy Trinity Church, Tucson, AZ – Nov. 17, 2011, 7:00pm

http://www.mayaroads.com/mayaroads.com/Author_Appearances.html

“Every once in a while I stumble upon a book that is so beautifully written and infused with so much intelligence and heart that it leaves an indelible mark on me. Mary Jo McConahay’s Maya Roads is such a book. In its hungry passion and wide-eyed wonder, it’s an extraordinary literary journey and a moving testament to a region and a life.” —Don George, National Geographic Traveler, Trip Lit blog

August 21, 2011 Coach Teresa here. I had asked Juliane Cortino to email me some photos of her book launch (yesterday). Here’s her report:

“We were 54 altogether at my book party. Really nice people. Novato City Councilwoman Pat Eklund stopped by and talked a few minutes about Relay For Life. The community mission director for the American Cancer Society, Joan Houkum, stopped in and spoke about a cancer fighting initiative on the ballot next June. I gave a short reading and sold 39 books! Very exciting for me. We stayed an hour longer that I’d booked the room for. They had to kick us out, and some people kept chatting on the sidewalk by their cars. The food was great. I really recommend Homeward Bound in Novato, CA for special events. They are the best!

Take care,

Juli C.”

I met Juliane Cortino at the Women’s National Book Association’s 2009 National Reading Group Month event at Book Passage. Since that meeting I have witnessed her kindness at planning meetings.

Author Juliane Cortino says:

“As a girl, I often said I would like to die at age forty. That way I would not have to grow sick or old. As a somewhat mature adult, I came to know the wisdom of growing older. Becoming sick was not in the plan. Illness struck without notice and showed itself during a routine exam. I share my experience in Nothing Can Scare Me Now: Managing Breast Cancer So It Doesn’t Manage You. The book is meant to comfort while it informs. I hope it will help you in your journey.

Born in Tokyo and educated around the globe, I remain devoted to exploring my world through the written word. I’ve been a reporter for United Press International, editor for Information Week magazine, and freelance news writer for ABC-TV. Subjects covered over the past thirty years range from food to health and technology. My articles have appeared in PC Week, The San Francisco Examiner, and The San Jose Mercury News.”

To read Juliane’s posts: http://novato.patch.com/blog_posts/where-is-my-normal-life-2

I cheer for Juliane, her book, and her advocacy work!

Sincerely,

Teresa

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Coach Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days and Love Made of Heart.

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

August 25, 2011  Coach Teresa here, adding the link to Lori Hope’s humorous/serious article at  Huffington Post:  Lori Hope: Direct Mail and How to Help Someone with Cancer

It was a lucky day for me when Vicki Weiland (dear colleague at Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter) called me to say: “Teresa, Lori Hope is looking for you!” Lori was the Managing Editor for Bay Area Business Woman News at the time; she invited me to talk about the themes in my novel Love Made of Heart.  When the interview (entitled “Bleeding Heart Bleeds Love” ) was published under the “Off the Shelf” column, I read Lori’s words and cried and cried. My mom would have been so proud.

What I had learned about the publishing industry was this:  busy people giving their time and energy to help newbies are walking-angels. Lori Hope was reviewing the galley proofs of her own book Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know.  We know how thrilling and time-consuming that task is.  So, that’s how I remember my first meetings with Lori–she was generous, kind, and inspiring.

Recently, when I saw that Lori Hope commented on my post about Anna L. Marks, I was tickled to hear from her. But,  then I read Lori’s words: “Just recovering from cancer treatment . . . ”

I got very sad (this news meant a recurrence of lung cancer for Lori?). I read on. Lori said: ” . . . expanded and revised edition of Help Me: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know comes out Sept. 13!   With love and always hope,  Lori”

“Always hope.”  Lori’s last name is also her gift to the world. She is a dear powerful spirit.

Lori’s “author’s journey” is her Hero’s journey.

Lori Hope says: "What do you say to someone with cancer — how do you show how much you care?"

I recommend Lori’s blog:  What Helps. What Hurts. What Heals.

Lori’s post “Dance With Me” where she says: “No sign of metastasis…” is truly music.

Is Lori Hope the WonderWoman behind “how to help, heal, and keep hope alive” ?   YES!

The second edition of Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know, which includes a new foreword by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, new sections on gender, childhood and young adult cancers, and a survey of 600+ survivors, will be available September 13, 2011. News about appearances/fundraisers will be available soon. Please visit Lori’s website

Sincerely,

Teresa

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Coach Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days and Love Made of Heart.

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa, are there any writing groups in or near Pinole, California?

Friday Morning  Writing Group with teacher Marie Elena Gaspari

Fridays  10:30am -1:15pm

2011 – Sept. 16,  23,  30;  Oct.  7, 14

Five-week Series: $150.00      Drop-In : $35.00

Pinole , CA 94564
Contact: Marie Elena GaspariRiverOFDreamsWriting.weebly.com

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Coach Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days and Love Made of Heart.

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa, Does the Hero/Protagonist Always Want to Go Home?

In a classic tale, yes, the Hero wants to go home. Home represents familiarity, perhaps where loved ones are, perhaps safety. Warriors want to go  home; sailors want to go home; children want to go home.

But, what if Home doesn’t provide any of those comforts?

What about homeless people?  Where/What is home for these folks?

As a writing coach/manuscript consultant, I ask my clients this question: What does your Protagonist want?  You have to show me within the first five pages (if you’re writing a book) what he/she wants.  If you can show the initial “want” on page 1, that’s even better.

In The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, which characters want to go home? Who wants to go home, real bad.

August 8, 2011

Tonight, I was among thousands of protagonists in the San Francisco Bay Area who wanted to go home.  We were having a terrible time getting what we wanted, not because of a natural disaster or an accident.

I had gone into San Francisco to attend a wake. Oh I had the evening all plotted out. 1. Get to the mortuary by 5:00pm; sit in the back of the room and honor my friend’s father; give my friend a token of my prayers; have quiet time with my biggest angel-my mom.  2. Have dinner with my ex-sister-in-law.  3. Be on BART by 8:00pm, home by 9:00.

8:00pm came.  I was sad for my friend and her siblings; I was sad for my ex-sister-in-law. I wanted to go home.

On the BART platform, the digital signs weren’t showing the schedules.  A male voice from the P/A system announced: “Due to a problem with the central computer system, all trains are on hold at stations. We apologize for delays.”

I thought . . .  Oh well, I have a great book (I’m reading The Poisonwood Bible). They’ll fix their computer system, we’ll all be home late, but we’ll get there.  I am so tired, I just want to go home.

Every couple of minutes, the message about their computer system was repeated. Half an hour had passed.

I drank water with my dinner. I’m sure glad I’m not on a train.

Then, a thought crossed my mind–what if they can’t fix the system tonight?  And the people who are sitting/standing inside trains, stuck between stations–what would happen to them?

I talked to two other patrons.  “Maybe they’ll have maps and more information upstairs,” I said.  I left the platform and headed for the escalators to find a station agent. About thirty fellow BART patrons were doing the same thing.

There was no agent on duty.  I want to go home!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days and Love Made of Heart.

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

If you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.

Coach Teresa, what are you reading, watching and writing?

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I’m reading my clients’ manuscripts – I love quirky protagonists and compelling themes.

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I’m still reading Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible. Ms. Kingsolver is a brilliant storyteller – 5 points of view (Orleanna Price, wife of evangelical Baptist minister Nathan Price; 4 daughters Rachel, Leah, Adah, Ruth May) – one family’s experience when they arrive in Belgian Congo in 1959.  Who is Methuselah?

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I started reading Dr. Patricia Tsang’s Optimal Healing: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine. What is Qi? Such helpful information and explanations.

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Michael Moore’s film Capitalism: a Love Story

What is a “dead peasant” life insurance policy?

Who said: ” . . . fight fight fight for the basic things in life.”

How did President Franklin Roosevelt end his speech (Second Bill of Rights)?

Episodes of Columbo–I’ll blog about the themes later.

Episodes of Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.–I’ll blog about the themes later.

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I’m writing editorial memos for my clients; assignments, tailored to their needs; blog posts; and my next workbook for writers.

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Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Coach Teresa’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days and Love Made of Heart.