Teresa LeYung Ryan

Posts Tagged ‘CA’

Writers, Go & Enjoy a Day in Wine Country at Redwood Writers 2010 Conference

Saturday, October 30th, 7:30 am – 6:30 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdmhXqDaYTA

Redwood Writers, a branch of the California Writers Club, is producing its second annual writing conference, set in the beautiful city of Santa Rosa, CA.

Pre-conference Poetry Evening, Friday, October 29th

Flamingo Hotel and Resort, 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, CA

Theme:  Celebration of the Written Word

This one-day conference will feature agents, editors, and writers from all genres. They will offer their insights and experiences in the craft of writing at beginning through advanced levels, as well as the encouragement of fellow writers in a relaxed and friendly, wine-country setting.

Saturday Conference – All Day – October 30, 2010 7:30 am to 6:30 pm

7:30 – 8:15 am – Check-in

8:30 – 9:15 am – Morning Keynote Address by Elisa Southard

9:30 – 4:15 pm – Twelve Sessions available (including “Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published” with Writing Career Coach & Author Teresa LeYung Ryan at 9:30-10:30am)

12:30 – 1:15 pm – Luncheon Keynote Address by Sheldon Siegel

Recognition: Winners of the Prose contest

5:00 – 6:30 pm – Networking Session, hosted by your CWC – Redwood Branch Board

If you would like to enter the conference contests, go to http://redwoodwriters.org/redwood-conference/ then click on Poetry Contest and Prose Contest pages for fees and entry forms to be sent snail mail. The poetry contest is open to the public. The prose contest is open to conference registrants only.  All contest entries and fees must be sent via snail mail to: P.O. Box 4687, Santa Rosa, CA 95402

Special thanks go to Marlene Cullen, Tricia McWhorter, Elizabeth Beechwood, Kate Farrell, and Redwood Writers  http://redwoodwriters.org/redwood-conference/

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

To comment on any of my columns (blog posts), just click on the blue title bar of the post, fill in the boxes and press “submit.”  Please click here for my blog http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Thank you, producers of the series: Paula Hendricks of Cinnabar Bridge Communications and  Kevin O’Malley, Chairman of the Business and Leadership Forum at the Commonwealth Club!

Producers Paula Hendricks & Kevin O'Malley with panelists Elizabeth Block, Scott James, Teresa LeYung Ryan answer writers' questions about book publishing, promoting and marketing at The Commonwealth Club

Just found out that all three “Self-Publishing: Tutorials from the Trenches“ programs from the Commonwealth Club were distributed as Podcasts and audio streaming:

Go here for links to downloads and direct streaming. You’ll have to search down the page to April 22, 2010 when they were first sent out. They’re in reverse order on the page:

http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Politics/Contemporary-Issues/Commonwealth-Club-Radio-Program-Podcast/18764#

Self-Publishing: Tutorials from the Trenches

Panel: Self-Publishing (Program 1) – Options, Directions and Resources

This program was recorded in front of a live audience in San Francisco at the Commonwealth Club of California on April 6, 2010

Lisa Alpine, Publisher, Good to Go Media; Co-author, Self-Publishing Boot Camp Workbook
Peter Beren, Literary Agent; Publishing Consultant; Author, The Writer’s Legal Companion
Carla King, Publisher, Good to Go Media; Social Media Consultant; Author, Miss Adventuring Series
Paula Hendricks, Founder and Book Designer, Cinnabar Bridge Communications; Author, September in Corrales  Moderator

Book publishing is undergoing a sea change. Come and participate in our dynamic and interactive three-part series covering all aspects of self-publishing, taught by front-line experts who have done it themselves and succeeded. What does it take to publish a book, and how do you choose which route to follow? Discover your options from traditional to cooperative to true self-publishing  with industry experts who’ve done it themselves.

* * *

This program was recorded in front of a live audience in San Francisco at the Commonwealth Club of California on April 12, 2010.

Lee Foster, Owner, Foster Travel Publishing; Author, The Photographer’s Guide to San Francisco
Joel Friedlander, Proprietor, Marin Bookworks; Blogger, TheBookDesigner.com
V. Vale, Publisher, RE/Search Publications; Founder, Search and Destroy
Paula Hendricks, Founder and Book Designer, Cinnabar Bridge Communications; Author, September in Corrales“ Moderator

Book publishing is undergoing a sea change. Come and participate in our dynamic and interactive three-part series covering all aspects of self-publishing, taught by front-line experts who have done it themselves and succeeded. What goes into making a book truly a book? What are the essentials of editing and page layout and how can they make or break you? Learn from an insider panel of experts about the critical design and production of your book and the ins and outs of available formats, from traditional to e-books and apps.

* * *
Panel: Self-Publishing (Program 3) – Book Sales and Marketing

This program was recorded in front of a live audience in San Francisco at the Commonwealth Club of California on April 19, 2010.

Scott James, Columnist, The New York Times; Author (aka Kemble Scott), SoMa, The Sower
Elizabeth Block, Author, A Gesture Through Time; Recipient, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation Fiction Fellowship
Teresa LeYung Ryan, Author; Writing Career Coach.  Love Made of Heart; Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published
Paula Hendricks, Founder and Book Designer, Cinnabar Bridge Communications; Author, September in Corrales

Book publishing is undergoing a sea change. Come and participate in our dynamic and interactive three-part series covering all aspects of self-publishing, taught by front-line experts who have done it themselves and succeeded. Bookstores are closing; newspaper book reviews are almost gone; and online options can be overwhelming. What’s an author or publisher to do?

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan (middle) thank Christina & Fernando at The Commonwealth Club for their gracious assistance

THANK YOU, Paula Hendricks,  Kevin O’Malley, fellow panelists, and everyone at The Commonwealth Club!

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan

Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

Dear pal Martha Alderson (the international plot consultant) and her husband Bob invited us to their home for a barbecue, so, another dear pal Marie Elena (the metaphysical consultant) and I, with our husbands, carpooled to Santa Cruz.  The 6 of us headed for The Hook, and it was a great day to do that—sunny, cool and breezy.  Surfers were out.  I called up our buddy Luisa Adams (who, with her husband, would have been with us too if she weren’t at her Enchanted Lake).

On the return trip from The Hook,  Martha wanted to walk on the beach.  Sure.  We drove all this way, let’s get onto sand.  Hmm… we had to maneuver around boulders.  I slipped on kelp and my right knee landed on something coarse. I thought  Oh now you’ve done it— it’s going to hurt  like crazy later, so, I turned back toward higher ground.  That’s when the tide rolled in and soaked my right pant leg. “Never turn your back to the ocean,” Martha advised. What a wonderful metaphor!

As we continued walking back to the house,  I thought about how Marisa (my friend who died last week) would have loved being in the water.  Here’s to you, Mountain Lake Turtle!  When we arrived at the house, I took out the Neosporin (I always have it in my bag).  Imagine my surprise when I rolled up my right pant to see that my knee was neither bloody nor bruised.  I applied some ointment anyway.  Maybe Marisa was thinking of me too.

I had a lovely time, eating, listening to everyone’s stories and my husband’s ukulele, taking a few photos, enjoying the blue sky.

8 hours later, I’m home. After tidying up my kitchen, I see in my in-box an email from Judith Marshall, telling me that her interview is on http://www.theauthorsshow.com/ Good going, Judie!  Articulate and candid.

I see on the schedule that Margaret Davis will be on the show on June 2^nd.

24-May   Judith Marshall    Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever – novel
2-Jun       Margaret Davis     Straight Down The Middle -  novel

Happy New Week, Everyone!

Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan

Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com
I am so happy to announce the opening of the Love Made of Heart online store where you’ll find gift items for yourselves, women, children, moms and babies, friends and pets.  http://lovemadeofheart.com/Love-Made-of-Heart-Online-Store-&-Gift-Shop.html

April is National Poetry Month
April is School Library Media Month
April is Informed Woman Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

Wednesday April 7, 2010 Richmond, CA

I went to my second rehearsal tonight of The Vagina Monologues.

I have lines in these 2 sections of the play:

“I Was There In the Room” The  lines are beautifully poetic.
Vanessa, Vicki, Natalie, Michelle, Martha and I had a good time saying our lines.

“A teenage Girl’s Guide to Surviving Sex Slavery” I can’t describe to you what this passage is; you have to see the show–Monday April 12, 2010, 7:30pm

Teresa LeYung Ryan rehearsing with fellow actresses "I Was There In The Room" in The Vagina Monologues

Director Kathryn G. McCarty said:  “A cast member asked me to include a few words on why I am doing this show.  Back in November, I stood with fellow teachers and friends at the Candlelight Vigil for the victim of the Gang Rape in Richmond (a student of mine).    A few weeks later, a fellow teacher told me he heard another young woman at our school say ‘I don’t know what the big deal is about rape.  It happens to everyone.’

“Everyone?  Did I hear this clearly?   I wondered what I could do.  After some thought, I spoke with several friends & decided  The Vagina Monologues was a show that needed to be done.

“We really need help getting the word out about the show, which is a benefit for Community Violence Solutions, a rape crisis center.  We would really like to reach young people who might not go to such events – but who will learn from this show.  Thanks for your help!”

Director Kathy McCarty is so good with us newbies. We’re all working hard rehearsing, spreading the word about April 12th, and making new friends.

See you at the Craneway Pavillion, 1414 Harbour Way South, in the Marina district of Richmond, CA, convenient to the 580 freeway.   www.craneway.com

Tickets at:  http://galateanplayers.com “Family Vagina Warrior Discount”  The $30.00  online discounted ticket is available April 7 – April 10.  If you can’t make it to the show, there is also the “Each One, Reach One” ticket, where you can donate $20 to help sponsor someone else’s coming to the show.  $25 for students & seniors. Or https://www.goldstar.com/ for $20 tickets & $5 fee.

Thanks, Elisa Southard, for cheering me on; this newbie likes being an actress.

authors Teresa LeYung Ryan & Elisa Southard in Pittsburg, CA commemorating Denim Day 2005

Thursday, April 8, 2010 third rehearsal. Tonight I remembered 90% of my lines.  I had fun. I was deeply moved by the other gals’ deliveries of their lines.

http://www.goldstar.com/events/richmond-ca/the-vagina-monologues.html

“On April 12, 2010, 7:30pm Women from throughout the East Bay unite to perform Eve Ensler’s award-winning play The Vagina Monologues as a benefit for Community Violence Solutions. V-Day is a global movement and series of consciousness-raising events geared toward ending violence against girls and women worldwide. The Vagina Monologues is based on more than 200 interviews with women. The monologues help give voice to experiences and feelings not traditionally exposed in public.”

Directed by   Kathryn G. McCarty   a benefit for Community Violence Solutions

In an interview:  “Somehow the Craneway Pavillion seems an appropriate venue,” said Clay David, who is helping to produce The Vagina Monologues. The venue is in the Rosie the Riveter National Park, he explained. “The V-Day Movement possesses a very ‘We Can Do It’ grassroots effort. It’s a movement that started small, in colleges throughout the country, and it’s done magnificent work.”

http://galateanplayers.com/THEVAGINAMONOLOGUES.html
Further information about V-Day:   http://www.vday.org

Teresa LeYung Ryan rehearsing lines in "A Teenage Girl's Guide to Surviving Sex Slavery" in The Vagina Monologues

Sincerely,

Teresa

I, Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart, help survivors of violence find their own voices through writing.

www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com

Our mission statements seem to ripple outward, then circuitously flow back to us in order to give us reflection so that our messages take on larger and stronger ripples.

Dear Writers, Colleagues, Mentors, Friends, Family Members,    

Director Kathryn McCarty has asked me to ask you to help spread the word about this benefit performance.  Please use Facebook, Tweeter, your blogs, emails, etc. to extend the invitation to your friends who live in the SF Bay Area.  You have my gratitude.

On Monday April 12, 2010, 7:30pm  Let’s pack Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA to support V-Day & our communities at the one-night performance of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues. In spite of an already packed schedule, Director Kathryn G. McCarty was compelled to take on this project–a fundraiser for Community Violence Solutions in response to the crime of last October when a former student of hers was gang-raped at Richmond High School.  Kathy said: “I am afraid we are kidding ourselves if we think violence, or apathy to violence just happens in Richmond.  It’s epidemic. .. It’s going to take the entire Bay Area Community to reach out.  We all have to take a stand in teaching young people how to think for themselves. There are alternatives to violence.”   “V” in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. Tickets through  http://galateanplayers.com/ General Admission $40; Students & Seniors $25; buffet dinner & show $65  OR https://www.goldstar.com/ (for half-price general admission tickets). Tell Director Kathy (925) 676-5705 that cast member Teresa LeYung Ryan sent you (if GoldStar runs out of half-price tickets; Kathy can arrange for more half-price tickets). The show is produced by Galatean Players in association with Contra Costa College.

Craneway Pavilion is at 1414 Harbour Way South, in the Marina district of Richmond, CA, convenient to the 580 freeway.   www.craneway.com

Could you email me as well if you can attend on April 12, 2010?  I’d like to look for you after performance and personally thank you. I’ll be updating my website  http://WritingCoachTeresa.com with photos from rehearsals.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart
Here’s the backstory–the ripples . . . In April 2004 Poet and women’s advocate Shirley Itim Melo Phelps had invited me to Community Violence Solutions’ Evening of Awareness; Jackie Speier was the keynote speaker that night. The following year, Shirley, Cynthia Peterson and Rhonda James at CVS asked me to be their keynote speaker for Denim Day and Take Back the Night.

Yesterday April 3, 2010 after my first day of rehearsal of The Vagina Monologues, I came home and found photos from 2005 (when I had delivered  those 2 speeches for Community Violence Solutions).

I am honored to be included in the cast, all empowering women, guided by Director Kathryn G. McCarty who has reconnected me with Community Violence Solutions. In Eve Ensler’s play, the section about “what would your vagina wear?”  I’d say “ultra soft denim” to commemorate “Denim Day” which breaks the dress-code thus breaking the silence about sexual violence.

Teresa LeYung Ryan and Sergeant Sandra Douglas 2005 Denim Day

Here are exerpts from my April 27, 2005 speech at Pittsburg, CA.  (My friend, author Elisa Southard, and columnist Clara-Rae Genser were there that day in 2005, giving me moral support.)

“The Denim Day Campaign began in 1999 with the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (also known as CalCASA) and the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women as part of an international protest of an Italian High Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans.  I am now quoting from CalCASA:

The justices dismissed charges against a 45-year-old rape suspect because his 18-year-old victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The Court blamed the victim for the rape, stating in their decision that because the victim’s jeans were so tight, she would have had to remove them herself.  The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand coercion, threats and violence that come with the act of rape.  The unpopular verdict became an international symbol of myth-based injustice for sexual assault victims.

Women of the Italian Legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans.  As news of the decision spread, so did the protest movement. Over 120,000 people throughout Los Angeles participated on Denim Day last year.

We are wearing jeans today, along with Community Violence Solutions and the City of Pittsburg, because we want to put a stop to the kind of thinking that says: ‘A victim can prevent rape if she really wants to, including knocking a gun out of the attacker’s hand.’”

Here are some chilling statistics.  I am quoting Cynthia Peterson, director for the Rape Crisis Center at Community Violence Solutions:

Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men are raped in adulthood………

Under the age of 18, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are victims of sexual assault.

We are here today to say NO to blaming victims.  NO to keeping silent.

We are here today to honor Sergeant Sandra Douglas and the community.

We are here today to WEAR DENIM!

# # # # # #

On a sunny day in November 2009 I was running errands in Berkeley when a newspaper headline stopped me.  “15-Year-Old Girl Gang-Raped”  The last two words made me dizzy and sick.  I stood there, staring into the newsstand. Then the anger rose and I wanted the strength of ten Hercules, to be an avenger for the teenager.  Since that day I’ve been asking my angels to show me compassionate ways to help my community.

Last month, my friend Elisa Southard called Kathy McCarty on my behalf when she heard that Kathy was directing The Vagina Monologues.  Thank you, Elisa, for being there for me in 2005, for being here now as I am reminded that our mission statements do take on larger and stronger ripples.

More about Community Violence Solutions:    Since 1974, CVS has served as the umbrella organization for Rape Crisis of Contra Costa and Marin Counties, while providing a wide range of services to child and adult victims of sexual violence, their families and the community.  http://www.cvsolutions.org/

V-Day Until the Violence Stops is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery.  www.vday.org

I had seen The Vagina Monologues 10 years ago when playwright and children’s book author Kim McMillon invited me. Marga Gomez, Rita Moreno and Vicki Lawrence delivered powerful performances in San Francisco. I remember seeing Patrise, owner of Gaia Books of Berkeley, and her friends, wearing red boas for V-Day.

As an author and a community spirit, I, Teresa LeYung Ryan, use my novel Love Made of Heart to:
• shed light on stigmas suffered by immigrant women, men, and children
• advocate understanding of mental illness/traumas to the mind and spread compassion
• help survivors of violence find their own voices through writing
www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com

Yesterday February 2, 2010 turned into a strange yet motivating day for me as a writer.

A dear friend said yes to driving down to Palo Alto with me to attend the 7:00pm Other Voices TV  “Why Did Haiti Collapse? More Than an Earthquake” at Community Media Center.  I got onto North 101 instead of South 101, so, lost 15 minutes there. Then, relying on MapQuest wrong directions, we lost another 20 minutes. Asking people for directions to 900 San Antonio Road [Community Media Center] led us to the Jewish Community Center instead.
So we did “follow the numbers.”.  I drove to the 800 block of San Antonio and got onto the side of the street with even numbers and headed in the direction of higher numbers than 800.  900 San Antonio Road was tucked away in a strip of buildings partially hidden behind a sound wall.

We made it!  20 minutes late but we made it!  Paul George of Peninsula Peace and Justice Center http://www.peaceandjustice.org was moderator.  His articulate speech on KZSU 90.1 FM http://kzsu.stanford.edu/ on February 1, 2010 had propelled me to attend this program.
The 2 panelists gave compelling eyewitness accounts and the audience learned how we can really help Haiti right now (right now to help lessen the suffering).

Seth Donnelly, a longtime Haiti solidarity activist, has visited Haiti many times, assisting grassroots projects and documenting human rights abuses by the UN occupation forces, was a calm eloquent speaker.

Walter Riley, a longtime civil rights attorney, peace activist, and Haiti Solidarity activist, was in Port-au-Prince when the devastating earthquake struck Haiti.  For three days, he and his family aided in the frantic rescue efforts and witnessed the scope of the devastation.  Walter is the Chair of the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund.

What did I learn from Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Riley?  Many organizations are raising money. Great. Is that money really going to the Haitian grassroots agencies? Is the money to buy food, medical supplies, and building material waiting for red tape (supplies and materials sitting on tarmacs while Haitians are dying)?  Apparently, Haiti’s grassroots (women’s groups being a huge component) are the ones who can help most effectively because they’re right there helping neighbors; they know their infrastructure. What else did I re-learn?  Natural disaster on top of abject poverty = brutal suffering. Medical personnel, disaster relief workers, and compassionate souls are all heroes.

Channel 27 Mid-Peninsula, California http://www.communitymediacenter.net/

Haiti Emergency Relief Fund   http://www.haitiaction.net/About/HERF/HERF.html

I don’t have the means to write big checks; I do have a big voice as a writer though.

Writers, keep on writing!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

If you were there today, click on the title of this post so that when you scroll down this page you can see the boxes to submit your comment and tell the world what number you are (on back cover, lower right corner of the 22-day playbook if you bought one for yourself)

I am so elated that you and 40 other writers from California Writers Club showed up today at Belmont Library, CA for the first “Major League Tryouts with Coach Teresa– Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published”

Let the world know that you were there . . . by filling in your name, email address, website or blog address (if you have one).

In the big rectangular box, tell the world what your “tags” are. If you bought a Build Your Name 22-day playbook, let the world know what number you got.

Review what you typed, because, as soon as you press the Submit Comment bar, your comment will appear on my post for the world to see. You won’t be able to edit it after you press the Submit Comment bar.

My blog alert will send me an email, notifying me that there’s a new comment waiting for me to view. For You Fabulous Writers Who Were There Today, if you press the Submit Comment bar by accident and want me to delete your comment, I will do that for you. Ask me . . . by submitting another comment. This is good practice for writers who have never submitted a comment on a blog before.

Also, if you have a quick question for me, submit a comment. Even if you don’t have a question, submit a comment anyway. I want to hear from you.

I’m cheering for you!

Coach Teresa

Teresa LeYung Ryan

Coach Teresa wants you to have a blog. Why? You can showcase your writing style, “tag” the keywords and key phrases in your blog posts — to attract agents, publishers, more fans.

Ann Foster, on CWC Peninsula Branch executive board, writes historical fiction set in Texas

Apala G. Egan (Apala, check out http://wnba-sfchapter.org)

Arnette Bourla (Arnette, where were you sitting yesterday?)

Bardi Rosman Koodrin, a visionary communicator! Bardi is Publicity Chair for CWC Peninsula Branch

Bel M. Rennels, author of A Gift Not Wasted – organ advocacy, joy of gifting life

Carmen Lee, founder of Stamp Out Stigma. Read about famous people with mental illness http://www.stampoutstigma.org

Catherine Byrne (Where were you sitting?)

Christopher Wachlin writes fiction, scripts, poetry. (Chris, thanks for helping Coach Teresa yesterday!)

Darlene Frank (Do you have Playbook #12?)

Darlene Rose DeMaria, spiritual mentor, Catholic Buddhist Wisdom

David Hirzel writes about Arctic, Antarctic, explorations, Tom Crean http://davidhirzel.net

Diane Warner is NOT a clown anymore.

Eve Visconti says “Personal growth through movies!”

George Jensen writes engaging stories.

Georgia Platts writes about “Having it all without doing it all” for moms whose careers are at home or outside the home.

Geri Spieler, author of Taking Aim at the President, is an investigative journalist and award-winning speaker http://gerispieler.com

Ida Lewenstein, author of a delightful children’s picture book.

Inés Villafañe-León salutes immigrants; she’s fluent in Spanish; author of 2 books http://inesalicia.com/

James Hanna writes about prison riots.

Jess Roat (Where were you sitting?)

JO

Joyce Robins, author of Aunt Lydia’s Trousseau

Kimmelin Hull was there.

L J Anderson specializes in writing about health http://LJANDERSON.com

Laurel Anne Hill, author of Heroes Arise, writes about forgiveness, inner turmoil, unlikely heroes http://www.laurelannehill.com

Lenny Robins is Joyce Robins’ adoring husband.

Linda Okerlund, VP of CWC Peninsula Branch. (Linda, thanks again for inviting Coach Teresa to deliver “Major Leagues Tryouts for Writersto Build Your Name”)

Lisa Meltzer Penn, author of The Siren Dialogues http://LisaMeltzerPenn.com

Margaret Davis, author of Straight Down the Middle – surrogate parents http://MargaretDavisBooks.com

Martin Shane Dowd (Martin, always a joy to see you!)

Mary E. Knippel helps busy women rediscover their creative-selves http://openuptoyourcreativity.com

Mary Hanna, author of You May Already Be a Wiener! and columnist – Second Half is a running commentary on everyday life for Baby Boomers and those who love them. http://maryhanna.com/ (Mary, thanks for telling me about tags revealed or in cloud!)

Ollie (what is your last name?)

Patricia Costello writes crime fiction, with an American female protagonist in Latin America. (Patricia, thanks for asking questions.)

Riley Costello (Thanks for attending with Patricia!)

Ruth Silnes says: “Education through art.” 2 books http://RuthSilnes.com

Tia Creighton, female social satirist http://tia-creighton.livejournal.com

Tory Hartmann, a cool leader, engaging story-teller, writes about Catholic humor http://ToryHartmann.com

Valerie Lee, author of The Jade Rubies – about slave girls (Wow, Valerie!) http://ValerieLeeWorks.com

Virginia W. Thomson, author of history, Bible, Judgment Day

Everyone who was there yesterday . . . I’ll add your name if you submit a comment to this post. Let the world know you were there yesterday.

New Year’s approaching, new year to give your writing project a new look.

Ask me, Writing Coach Teresa, to edit 22 pages at a time.
Gain tools from my coaching with each installment of your manuscript. Affordable too.

Learn how to use  archetypes, themes/universal messages, metaphors, hooks, foreshadows, pivotal plot points, seamless transitions, and poignancy to make your story a page-turner.
I like to edit fiction and narrative non-fiction with strong and quirky protagonists, memoirs, young adult fiction, and short stories.

Visit http://WritingCoachTeresa.com home page to find out what it means when an agent or editor tells a writer that his/her story is episodic.

Writing Coach & Manuscript Consultant Teresa LeYung Ryan who helps writers 22 pages at a time.

California Writers’ Club–SF Peninsula Branch Presents
“Build Your Name While You Write”
with Writing-Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan

January 16, 2010, 10am to noon
Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA
Cost: $15  CWC members;  $18 non-members

Reservations are advised:
Call 650-615-8331 to leave a message or email Chris Wachlin at <reservations@sfpeninsulawriters.com> with your name and the meeting date.

More info & PayPal available on:  http://cwc-peninsula.org

Can you relate to any one of these statements?

* Agents and acquisition editors say publishers prefer to work with authors who are already celebrities or have established platforms (i.e. means to build fan base).  How do I compete?

* I am published. There aren’t enough hours in a day to write, let alone run around and network.

* I believe in my writing and I’m committed to building my career, but, my budget is limited.

Optional exercises before January 16:  http://cwc-peninsula.org/

On January 16, 2010 Teresa will debut her guide Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published

Teresa LeYung Ryan’s bio:  http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

A tree that didn't give up

Dear Writers,

My husband and I were in Forestville, CA this past weekend. We came upon this tree–the trunk was hollow; two of the three major limbs were broken; one limb survived, bearing fruit. What a magnificent sight to behold.  A tree that didn’t give up.

That tree is a metaphor for our endeavors.  Keep writing. The publishing arena is fiercely competitive. If your dream is to be happily published, then, keep writing and rewriting.

Cheering for you!

Writing Coach Teresa