NARRATIVE PATHS JOURNAL Guest Column:

Wake-Up America! Part I

June 15, 2020

by Kim McMillon Ph.D.

Kim McMillon, Ph.D.

https://www.narrativepathsjournal.com/guest-column-wake-up-america-part-i-by-kim-mcmillon/

1.  Why do you believe the issue of racism is important?

2. Do you believe the individual can make a difference in a racist society?

3.  Have you ever been confronted with racism and how did you handle it?

4.  What do you tell your children about racism in the United States today?

5.  Do you believe it is possible to understand racial oppression if you are not a person of color?

6.  The title of the Poetathon is “Wake-Up America.”  What do you see America needing to Wake-Up from?

Have you ever been confronted with racism and how did you handle it?

Author Teresa Jade LeYung says:

“I am a sixty-something-year-old female American naturalized citizen, of Chinese ancestry, who has been sleeping a lot since March 16, 2020 (hours before our county was to adhere to COVID-19 ‘Shelter-In-Place’ order) when I experienced racial harassment at the local supermarket.  What happened? A fifty-something-year-old Caucasian man pushed his shopping cart into the right side of my body, and then walked away with his head held high.  When I told friends, they gave support through resources… including www.asianpacificpolicyandplanningcouncil.org/stop-aapi-hate/  to report the incident, and, www.ihollaback.org  to sign-up for Bystander Intervention Training to STOP anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment.  I kept sleeping. Until I followed through with both resources. Gaining knowledge and skills woke up my brain.

“I didn’t know that I had to stay awake. While heroes from all walks of life were helping communities cope with daily needs during this pandemic, others continued to commit racial injustices. Details of the murders of three Americans – Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd – woke up people from all parts of the world.

In Part II  of Guest Column: Wake-Up America!  by Kim McMillon,  we shall answer:

7.       How do you become an ally to those experiencing racial oppression?

8.       The public has not protested the atrocities that have been taking place in our country, but yet during a pandemic, people are taking to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd, why?

9.       How do you believe we can change the world for the better?

10.   As a poet, how would you like to be remembered?

11.   What line or stanza of poetry best describes you?

“Thank you, Dr. Kim McMillon, for giving us this forum to wake up in unity.”

author Teresa Jade LeYung, mask by Emily O., June 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

Bio:  Teresa Jade LeYung, American naturalized citizen of Chinese ancestry, is a manuscript-theme consultant, author of Love Made Of Heart (archived at the San Francisco History Center), Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, and Talking To My Dead Mom monologues, and, an advocate for public libraries and public schools. http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Teresa Jade LeYung

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan added Helpful Websites & Resources & Guides for Mental Health / Mental Illness / Depression

Dear Writers and Readers,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan's book Love Made of Heart shows protagonist Ruby Lin learning about compassionate and self-forgiveness when her mom is 5150'ed -- photo by Cheri Eplin

Kim McMillon’s “Writers On Writing” event energizes, inspires, delights panelists and audience!

• Playwright and Arts In the Valley radio host Kim McMillon

• Award-winning Australian author and journalist Stephanie Dale will help authors find their inner voice as writers

• Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan will define “writer’s platform” and guide audience in an exercise to identify their fans, brands, and write their platform-statements (for authors of fiction and nonfiction, before and after publication ).
  

• Author and columnist Yolande Barial will demonstrate the importance of finding your passion

• Author and educator Joan Gelfand will deconstruct the process of getting published

• Poet and composer Judith Cody will discuss how to write for and publish an anthology

What else do Joan Gelfand, Yolande Barial and Teresa LeYung-Ryan have in common?  They are proud members of Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter!

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writers' platform-building coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: "Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams!"

Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan . . . energized from being with writers today at Rockridge Library, Oakland, CA.

"Writers On Writing" panelists Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Joan Gelfand, producer Kim McMillon, Judith Cody, Stephanie Dale and Yolande Barial -- photo by Dave Peterson

Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan asks "What do fans do for you?"

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.”

Start with:  “I care about . . . ”

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.

Your Turn:

Click on the blue title bar of this post so that you see the full post and empty boxes.
Please broadcast to my fans what you care about (themes you write about) by filling in the boxes:
•    your name; email address (you must have an email address in order to submit comments to a blog post)
•    your website address (you don’t have to have a website address to submit comments, but, do get one if you don’t already have one…my workbook shows you how to get a free site and what to do with it);
•    compose your comment ( copy your comment and save it for future use)
•    when you’re satisfied with your composition, click the “submit comment” button. Voila!
I will receive a notification that there’s a new comment waiting for me to moderate and publish.

Playwright and Arts In the Valley radio host Kim McMillon with Pat Lichter, Rockridge Branch Manager, Oakland Public Library

A room full of courageous writers at "Writers on Writing" (produced by Kim McMillon) at Oakland Library, Rockridge Branch, on 14 July 2012--photo by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Dear Kim McMillon, thank you so much for having orchestrated the “Writers On Writing” panel.  Thank you, Rockridge Branch Manager Pat Lichter & Reggie!

Yours truly (Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan) had sooo much fun with Kim and fellow-panelists Yolande Barial, Joan Gelfand, Judith Cody, Stephanie Dale (from Australia!).  Seeing talented friends in the audience– Lori Overgaard Noack, Laurel Anne Hill, Sally, Rosie, D.C., Lakshmi Kerner, and all the brave writers in the room– made my heart sing!

Poet & Columnist Yolande Barial, Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, and "My Video Talk" Rep. Lakshmi Kerner

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Kim McMillon, Sally Faubion, Rosie, Yolande Barial, Linda Messick, Judith Cody cheer for writers and readers --photo by Paradise

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Award-winning Australian author and journalist Stephanie Dale (My Pilgrim's Heart) chats with artist Wanda Sabir at "Writers On Writing"

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Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan with Cynthia Johnson-Colston (children's stories) at "Writers on Writing"

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Author Laurel Anne Hill (Heroes Arise) and Sally cheer for writers and readers at "Writers on Writing" July 14, 2012

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Author and educator Joan Gelfand inspires writers by deconstructing the process of getting published with the 4 Cs: craft; commitment; community; confidence -- photo by Dave Peterson

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Poet and columnist Yolande Barial uses humor and frankness to inspire writers at "Writers on Writing" produced by Kim McMillon - photo by Dave Peterson

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producer Kim McMillon introduces poet and composer Judith Cody at "Writers on Writing" photo by Dave Peterson

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Davida with poet/columnist Yolande Barial, artist Wanda Sabir and playwright/Arts In the Valley radio host Kim McMillon cheer for all writers at "Writers On Writing" -- photo by Writer's Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

courageous writers Kerry Messer and Molly Anne Messer show up at Kim McMillon's "Writers On Writing" -- photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Writers who filled out my evaluation forms (thank you!), I’ll be emailing you more writer’s platform-building coaching tips.

Please send me facebook Friend’s Request so that we can connect and you can access photos from today’s “Writers On Writing”

Sincerely,

Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Coach Teresa says: “I love helping writers build their platforms and published authors fortify theirs with individualized coaching.”

As coach and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she advices: “Make your name synonymous with the issues you write about.”

Teresa has built her own platform happily; her novel Love Made of Heart and her short play Answer Me Now carry the theme closest to her heart: mother-daughter relationship.

Teresa LeYung-Ryan helps clients identify themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-story in their manuscripts.

Last year when my friend and colleague Margie Yee Webb showed me the mock-up for her book, I knew the finished product would be beautiful. Here’s the praise I wrote:

After the book was published, Margie received 5-star reviews from readers (consumers).

This month, Margie shares more fabulous news with me.

Margie Yee Webb‘s book receives Midwest Book Review’s “choice” attention

“Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life blends words of wisdom for living well with the illustrative photographs of an intelligent silver tabby cat from kittenhood to adulthood… The practical, positive-minded advice combined beautiful photographs any cat lover will enjoy make Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings a wonderful giftbook. Highly recommended.”  –Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch, January 2012, Reviewer’s Choice

by Margie Yee Webb

You might be asking? How do industry-recognized book reviewers know about new books?  Publishers send books to them (meeting their submission guidelines).  Ask your publisher. If you are the publisher, invest in yourself. Book reviewers cannot review all the books they receive. So, you ought to be proud when your work attracts their attention.  I am overjoyed for author Margie Yee Webb.

When one is fortunate to receive praise for a job well done from a respected book reviewer, broadcast your news (in your signature block; on your website & blog; facebook, all social media, Amazon page for your book and/or Amazon’s Author’s Central; show it to everyone; tell everyone via your voicemail; YouTube)  Celebrate with people who care about you!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dearest dreams!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

DIVISION 342 – THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE: NOVEL, MEMOIR, OR SHORT STORY
Sponsored by Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of  Love Made of Heart http://lovemadeofheart.com

First place winner:  “My Chinese American Experience” by Patricia Tsang

Second place winner: “Dancing Among the Tombstones” by Ellen Six

Third place winner: “Culture Shock” by Lucy Murray

Honorable Mention: “Message Deleted” by Evie Groch

Honorable Mention: “Caught in the Current” by Uldis Zebergs

Honorable Mention: “The Luck of the Irish” by Martha Traynor

author Teresa LeYung Ryan writes fiction to help mothers and daughters and prescriptive nonfiction to help writers

Dear Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Sue Barizon, Elliotte Mao,

Bardi had invited me to attend the award ceremony on June 11, 2011 (San Mateo County Fair Literary Arts writing contests). I had wanted so much to be there, to thank everyone in the SMCF offices and the writers who entered the contest I sponsored  – “The Immigrant Experience”

A previous commitment prevents me from being there with you on June 11th.

Could you  3 wonderful hearts Bardi, Elliotte, Sue (Sue, I read what you said about Bardi in The Patch) please print the attachment and bring it to the June 11 ceremony and one of you read it for me?

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Greetings from author and writing career coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan , the sponsor of The Immigrant Experience Writing Contest. . .  I wish I were with you today.  I’m visiting my friend Patty in the hospital who is another hero like Bardi.  I thank Bardi, and everyone who helped her, for orchestrating the many wonderful writing contests. I thank all the writers who submitted entries to The Immigrant Experience category.  The manuscripts I read touched me deeply.  A second judge, Mary Knippel, and I discussed the merits of each piece. Thank you, Mary.

I extend this offer to all the contestants:  If  you email me at WritingCoachTeresa…I’m at gmail.comI will give you some pointers to polish your piece.  And, I’d love to meet you.  Please go to my website: WritingCoachTeresa.com and look at my Events Page.  On Friday June 17 I’ll be at San Mateo County Fair with my California Writers Club buddies.  I hope to meet you all in person, on facebook,  or through my blog at WritingCoachTeresa.com where you’ll find lots of resources, including links to my Youtube channel and to Amazon for my 22-day workbook, to help you build your writer’s platform to attract agents and publishers.  Remember me as Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan who says: “Reach out, not stress out, when building your writing career. Stay connected with members of California Writers Club!”

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San Mateo County Fair. Go to Expo Hall, the Literary Arts Stage, San Mateo Event Center, 2495 So. Delaware St., San Mateo, CA

Events at the Literary Arts Stage are free, but there is admission and parking costs to enter the fairgrounds.

To the readers who have read/are reading from the hard cover edition, here is the Author’s Note to Reader:

Thank you for letting me share Ruby Lin’s story with you.  Many readers have asked 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

author of Love Made of Heart

http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com

• Les Miserables novel by Victor Hugo; 1933 movie (script by André Lang, directed by Raymond Bernard)  http://filmsdefrance.com/FDF_Les_Miserables_1933_rev.html

• Forbidden 1932 – screenplay by Jo Swerling; directed by Frank Capra (story)  http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article.jsp?cid=205128&mainArticleId=202017 Barbara Stanwyck as Lulu Smith

• Back Street, novel by Fannie Hurst http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1868821.Back_Street

• The Story of Temple Drake (1933) Movie Review by Mordaunt Hall for The New York Times May 6, 1933 http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9904E4DF1538E333A25755C0A9639C946294D6CF Miriam Hopkins as Temple Drake

• The movie is a pictorial conception of the novel Sanctuary by William Faulkner  http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Sanctuary_%28novel%29

What powerful dialogue and metaphors!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

author of Love Made of Heart

http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

Career Coach for Writers

and

Manuscript Consultant

• polish your manuscript by identifying the themes and archetypes;
• market yourself to agents and publishers;
• map out your career.

Teresa edits women’s fiction, mainstream fiction, memoirs, children’s and young adults’ fiction, and short stories.

Some comments from her clients:

“Teresa is not only a lovely writer and a wonderful person, but also an enthusiastic, inspiring, and thorough mentor. Her far-reaching knowledge, networking expertise, and organization ensure that an aspiring writer will have the strongest foundation possible to launch him/herself on a successful career.” Pat Windom

“Teresa, . .because of you, the story has grown. You make me dig deeper and it brings more life to the story.“ E. Hartshorn

“Teresa, . . . I even see myself succeeding and being put into print and making money with my writing ability.I am so grateful to you.” D.Warner

Teresa LeYung Ryan is:

• Member-at-Large at Women’s National Book Association-SF Chapter;
• Past Co-Chair of Group Mentoring at California Writers Club-San Francisco Peninsula Branch;
• Past President of California Writers Club-San Francisco Peninsula Branch;
• a 2004 recipient of the Jack London Award for her services to California Writers Club;
• Speaker and instructor.
  

Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her mother-daughter novel Love Made of Heart to advocate compassion for mental illness and to help survivors of family violence find their own voices.

In Love Made of Heart, protagonist Ruby Lin is forced to look into her past when her mother shuts down her own painful world.The story explores the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, the choices we make when our hearts are broken, and the choices we make when our hearts are healed.

• archived at the San Francisco History Center;
• recommended by the California School Library Association;
• recommended by the California Reading Association;
• used in Advanced Composition English-as-a-Second-Language classes.

www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com