Posts Tagged ‘Chandra Garsson’
Writing Coach Teresa says: “Platform-Building Is Fun For Writers, Friends, Fans.”

"The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other. Showing your fans 'what your name stands for' (your platform-statement) helps them brag about you with ease," says Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan -- photo by poet & novelist Joan Gelfand
When I heard dear friend Kim McMillon’s voice on July 16, 2012 asking if I would like to be a guest on CBS 5′s Bay Sunday show, I thought . . . I’d love to, but, I’m exhausted. . . Just that day, artist Chandra Garsson (another dear friend) had filmed me reading my ten-minute monologue Answer Me Now. Two days before that, I was on the “Writers on Writing” panel at Oakland Library, Rockridge Branch, that Kim had orchestrated for Stephanie Dale, Judith Cody, Yolande Barial, Joan Gelfand, and yours truly Teresa LeYung-Ryan.

writers' platform-building coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: "Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams!"
Saying “yes” would mean spending at least two full days preparing for the appearance and doing pre-event publicity and then calendaring another two days to do post-event follow-ups and publicity.

Carol Sheldon (author of Mother Lode) interviewed by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan at Book Passage Ferry Building SF -- photo by Jim Weiland
You see . . . a week before that, I had interviewed award-winning author Carol Sheldon (Mother Lode) at Book Passage at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Two days before that event, I had attended a planning meeting at Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter. Before that, I was away for the 3-day Redwood Writers Ten-Minute Play Festival at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. Before that, I was having fun with California Writers Club friends showcasing our works at the San Mateo County Fair (June 12 and June 16 for me).
All the while . . . I was helping clients create their platform-statements and identify themes in their manuscripts.
Yes, I was exhausted . . . But, I knew I would say “Yes!” to my dear friend Kim McMillon. Kim was helping Bay Sunday Producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa by providing a list of authors with public-speaking experience. I was one of the fortunate chosen ones. I needed to say “Yes! Thank you!”
I am so glad I did . . . Angela Pang, Community Relations Manager at AsianWeek Foundation (who is also my pal Margie Yee Webb’s beloved niece), saw the group photo posted by Bay Sunday’s super team on their facebook album “Bay Sunday 7/23 Taping” and tagged me. Now, I’m getting all kinds of fun messages from my other friends.
Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other. Outfitting your fans (old ones and new ones) with your platform-statement helps them brags about you with ease. I cheer for writers, friends, fans! Thank you, 3 time Emmy Award winner Frank! Thank you, producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa! Thank you to the four wonderful interns, especially Jennifer and Chelsea! Thank you Bay Sunday Team (including audio expert Francisco Gomez and the gurus behind stage!)
“I had so much fun this morning being a guest on Bay Sunday at CBS 5 with fellow authors Joan Gelfand, Ishmael Reed, and Pireeni Sundaralingam . Everyone extended kind energy. I was happy to see Tennessee Reed! Thank you, Kim McMillon, for pitching us to Akilah!
Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.

authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Joan Gelfand, Pireeni Sundaralingam are fans of Bay Sunday host Frank Mallicoat--photo by Jennifer
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Indivisible an Anthology of Contemporary South Asian American Poetry - Edited by Neelanjana Banerjee, Summi Kaipa, and Pireeni Sundaralingam
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Jennifer helps Bay Sunday guests Joan Gelfand, Tennessee Reed and Ishmael Reed get comfortable before taping of show--photo by Coach Teresa
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"The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other. Showing your fans 'what your name stands for' (your platform-statement) helps them brag about you with ease," says Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan -- photo by poet & novelist Joan Gelfand
Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.

authors Joan Gelfand, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Pireeni Sundaralingam cheer for Bay Sunday producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa and host Frank Mallicoat--photo by Jennifer
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Wonderful Interns Jennifer and Chelsea flank Bay Sunday Super Producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa (yes, that is Host Frank Mallicoat walking by)-- photo by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
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CBS-5 Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat asks poet & novelist Joan Gelfand about her writing process--photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
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CBS-5 Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat asks Poet Pireeni Sundaralingam about her co-editing Indivisible: an Anthology of Contemporary South Asian American Poetry --photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan answers Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat's question "What is branding?" --photo by Jennifer
Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.
Of the 10 talking-points that I was prepared to cover, we had time to answer most of these in the five-minute interview:
• What is Coach Teresa’s definition of a writer’s platform?
“Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”
“What I care about leads to my writing about those themes/subject matters/issues; what I write about attracts my fans because they also care about what I care about. Help your fans find you.”
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.
Where to “show” your platform-statement?
Your email signature block! Your letterhead! Your website and blog slogan/tagline/description! Your bio! Your business cards!
“Even when I’m emailing my loved ones (my biggest fans), I show them my platform-statement in my signature block. Help your fans brag about you with ease.”
• Why does a writer need to promote?
“To compete in the publishing arena where celebrity authors and best-selling authors have huge fanbases. “
• How much does it cost to build my writer’s platform?
“Might not require money. The writer does need to invest time and energy. 22 minutes a day for 22 days to start.”
• What is branding?
“Your name is your brand. Making your name synonymous with the issues you write about in order to attract fans (a.k.a. targeted consumers)”
• Which is the “better” route – find an agent who will find the publisher OR find the publisher myself OR be my own publisher?
“A writer’s journey is magical. Your fans could be the ones to lead you to your route. Take a look at my website, page entitled “Writers’ Resources,” and my blog.”
• Coach Teresa, your workbook is Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days . Why 22 days?
“When we stick to something for 21 consecutive days, we develop a new habit. Why not gain the wonderful habit of building our platform/name? On the 22nd day, we celebrate. Everyday is a good day to build your name / fanbase / platform!”
The workbook: Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.
I care about helping writers thrive in the publishing arena. Coaching writers before and after publication is what I enjoy doing. Some clients prefer my coaching them 5 to 15 minutes a day for 22 consecutive days ( in-person, via Skype or phone calls); some prefer an hour or two hours at a time. Start with my workbook — You can sneak preview the 2 exercises for Day 1 in Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days by going to Amazon and take advantage of their “Look Inside” feature.
How to contact me? Click here please.
http://www.facebook.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
I cheer for all writers!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa
Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”
“My platform is not something I stand on, it is what my name stands for.”
http://writingcoachteresa.com
Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s Play (monologue) a Winner of the 2012 Redwood Writers Playwriting Contest
3 April 2012
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to share sweet news with you.
At 8:19pm this evening I received a phone call from Linda Loveland Reid, telling me that my 10-minute play Answer Me Now has been chosen as one of the nine plays to be produced. I listened to Linda as she explained that directors will be selected, auditions will be scheduled, then casting, and rehearsals, and that the plays would be performed at the annual Redwood Writers Play Festival on June 29, 30 and July 1, 2012 in California.
Performances will be June 29, Friday at 8pm; June 30, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm; and July 1, Sunday at 2pm. Tickets will be $16 per person.
at Santa Rosa’s premier theater, 6th Street Playhouse. The plays will be presented on 6th Street’s Studio stage.
I’m feeling proud and sad at the same time; my play is a monologue (middle-aged daughter talking to her mother); I miss my mom so much.
Thank you, Linda Loveland Reid, for your generosity in creating the annual Redwood Writers Playwriting Contest. Thank you, judges Natasha Carter-Yim, Michael Fontaine and Lennie Dean. Thank you to fellow playwrights and everyone involved in this project.
Thank you, dear Lynn Scott, for your editing my play.
Last week I had already asked dear Elisa Sasa Southard to attend the April 15, 2012 meeting with me, winning or not, so that we could cheer for all the playwrights. Tonight, after receiving the call from Linda . . . I called dear Luisa Adams. Sasa could still be on her trip. It’s too late to call other pals, so, I write this blog post. Gotta email my sis (teaching abroad) and KB in Australia!
Kim McMillon, I’m thinking of you. Your plays have inspired me so much!
Kathryn G. McCarty, thank you for inspiring me with your writing and directing plays, and for giving me the thrill to be on stage for the fundraiser performance of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues to benefit Community Violence Solutions.
Carol Sheldon, you have inspired me too. I look forward to seeing your new play this month.
Chandra Garsson, I’m thinking of you too. Your films have inspired me so much! Last month Chandra had offered to film me performing Answer Me Now so that I would have a Chandra Garsson production for my YouTube channel; I guess I better memorize my own lines… in addition to attending some of the rehearsals (as the playwright, not actor) when casting has been completed for the Redwood Writers Play Festival.
Screenwriter and screenwriting teacher Terrel Seltzer, thank you for having coached us on what a compelling story is.
Goodnight, Everyone!
Being a writer is a reward! Keep writing!
Sincerely,
As editor/story consultant, Teresa LeYung-Ryan identifies themes and universal archetypes for clients. As author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she says: “Make your name synonymous with the issues you write about.” Teresa has built her own platform happily; her novel Love Made of Heart is used in college composition classes. She says her novel and her play Answer Me Now carry the theme closest to her heart: mother-daughter relationship. http://writingcoachteresa.com for Coach Teresa’s Blog and other resources. “Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”
Here’s the email that I just received from Linda.
A huge thank you to judges Natasha Carter-Yim, Michael Fontaine and Lennie Dean. We wish that every play could have been chosen and appreciate everyone who participated.
The winners will be recognized at the April 15, 2012 Redwood Writer general meeting at the Flamingo Hotel at 2:30.
The judges will be in attendance to help recognize the winning playwrights. It is especially exciting this year, as the annual Redwood Writers Play Festival on June 29/30 and July 1, 2012 will be in partnership with Santa Rosa’s premier theater, 6th Street Playhouse. The plays will be presented on 6th Street’s Studio stage. Stand-by for lots more on that front, but for now, please help us celebrate our winning playwrights, listed below in alpha order:
Congratulations to the following nine winning playwrights!
Malena Eljumaily Special Delivery
Nancy Lockard Gallop There There, Now
Gene Griffith Gravediggers
Teresa LeYung-Ryan Answer Me Now
Elaine Maikovska The Play Is the Thang
Amanda McTigue Turn The Other
Harry Reid GPS
Elizabeth VanPatten Dream Girl
Jean Wong BFF
Coach Teresa invites Laura Bean and her wonderful art students at Academy of Art to broadcast their themes here. How? Click on the blue title bar of this post, scroll down to get the boxes, fill in boxes and click on “submit comment” button so that thousands of Coach Teresa’s fans will see your name, URL, and read about the themes in your art works. (your email addresses will not be revealed)
You can sneak preview the 2 exercises for Day 1 of my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days by going to Amazon’s page for my workbook; look for my bookcover then “Click to look inside”
Listed below are 2 events — free and open to the public.
Thursday, February 16th, 2012 at 5 p.m.
San Francisco Writers Conference Presents a Free Public Reading
Lisa See reads from Dreams of Joy in the California Room at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco
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Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at 6:15 p.m.
San Francisco Writers Conference Mass Booksigning!
Thirty presenters will sign in the Room of the Dons at the Mark Hopkins. Books for sale at the onsite bookstore manned by BookShop West Portal. Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan will be autographing books.
I cheer for artists! Special cheers fro Laura Bean and Chandra Garsson! Check out Chandra’s new film Art & Gift 2011.
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
Teresa LeYung-Ryan has helped over 1,000 writers.
- As author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she works with clients one-on-one to show them how to make their names synonymous with the themes/subject matters/issues they write about.
- As editor/story consultant, Coach Teresa helps her clients polish their manuscripts by identifying their themes and archetypes.
- As speaker and teacher, Coach Teresa delivers her signature workshops to help writers before and after publication.
- Her novel Love Made of Heart is used in college composition classes; recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association. Love Made of Heart inspires adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families.
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan‘s motto: “Work on the craft and build your writer’s platform and fanbase at the same time. Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams.”
January 1, 2012
Chandra Garsson asked me today: “Teresa, what did you really think about my film?”
As I was telling her, she said “Could you say it in your blog?”
So, here goes… It took Chandra 9 months to create her documentary Art & Gift 2011. 9 months of work–being the film’s protagonist, camera person, director, producer, editor. What impressed me the most about this film is seeing Chandra’s generous nature on the big screen. She could have been the sole narrator, presenting the conflict. But, she did so much more. She interviewed over a dozen fellow artists and writers to give us a chance to express ourselves. She presents a story with fairness. She listens to the other side; she even gives the other side the spotlight so that we can hear/see the other side without any filters. In the case of her film, the other side was the landlord.
During our conversation today, we talked about theme. I was telling Chandra about just having finished editing a children’s novel and helping my client identify the themes in her story. Chandra said there is theme in her work too. Yes, in deed.
The first time I experienced her art was when the fabulous Kim McMillon orchestrated authors’ readings during the 5-week long exhibition of Chandra’s Insomnia [Awakening] at Pro Arts in Oakland. I still remember what poet Mark G said about Chandra’s big pieces (Chandra had painted stories on doors). “She understands trauma. I’m a vet.” That’s my recollection of what Mark said that day.
The plastic baby dolls in Chandra’s exhibit hooked my attention. She understands broken child-within, I thought.
We’ve been friends since.
Please take a look at Chandra’s film Art & Gift 2011! I’m proud of my friend and her powerful work. I’m honored to be in the documentary with Lucille Lang Day, Mary Rudge, Pedro, and all the other artists/poets/musicians/writers who were invited to speak to Chandra Garsson’s camera.
December 24, 2011
My praise on Chandra Garsson’s latest film Art & Gift 2011
birds’ songs
dog’s barking
haunting music
You understand sorrow.
eviction. Your losing your work space–to paint, to create, to sculpt, to work
from 2,400 square feet of artist’s space to 400
Your Insomnia [Awakening]
trusting Chandra Garsson to paint my dolls my ego my childhood symbolism onto Love Made of Heart bookcase
Your growth, blossoming, working with your hands, with colors, sounds, shapes.
Your masterpieces: art-making; book-making; jewelry-making; film-making
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart
Chandra Garsson says of her film: “Documents the gift of a lifetime of art-making after eviction from art studio. Interviews with recipients of art, including landlord. My goal was to save art from the dump, and I succeeded.”
Chandra’s blog: http://flyingpaintproductions.blogspot.com
http://writingcoachTeresa.com
Teresa is author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
Teresa is author of Love Made of Heart
Coach Teresa edits manuscripts (contemporary novels; thrillers; children’s novels; memoirs; short stories; anthologies) for authors who want to attract agents & publishers OR want to be their own publishers.
Chandra Garsson wrote to Teresa LeYung-Ryan on facebook:
“A lovely holiday to you, dear friend, and thanks for the mention. There is a gravity and dignity to your presence in the film.” “I am enjoying your newly poetic form of writing. Great and gorgeous New Year to you, Teresa!”
Coach Teresa, what is a typical day as a Writing Career Coach?
I responded to my emails. I asked California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch Newsletter Editor Linda Okerlund to help broadcast the Sonoma County Book Festival on September 24, 2011.
Even though I had emailed a client my editorial memo to his new first 50 pages (his thriller with magnificent themes!), I wanted him to see my notes on his manuscript pages, so, I went to the post office and used priority mail. I enjoy going to the post office in person especially when it’s in an beautiful old building.
I returned a library book – Saving Your Library: A Guide to Getting, Using and Keeping the Power You Need, by Sally Gardner Reed.
In the mail was a promotional offer from Poets & Writers. Check out their Writing Contests, Grants & Awards. Look for this year’s opportunities.
While my laptop is uploading videos on my Amazon Author Central page, I’m writing this post and watching (studying actually) 2 episodes of Columbo (Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo). I study films and I advise my clients to study films. Why? Translating what you see and hear into words is a major feat. Try it. Use words to show show show.
Here’s the review I submitted to Amazon for Saving Your Library:
Our Beloved Public Libraries Can’t Speak for Themselves But We Can
I learned that no matter how busy a library appears to be (patrons reading, doing research, using computers, receiving help from librarians, borrowing books), we still need to be routinely asking about its “welfare.” Why? Whenever there is a budget crisis, underdog libraries are among the first to be targeted. Our public libraries can’t speak for themselves, and, librarians (city employees) cannot jeopardize their jobs; we the patrons can speak up, with our mighty voices! This book helped me understand what happened when our federal government “offered” cities and towns “local control” of public libraries (by pulling away funding). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_libraries says: “Public libraries exist in most places in the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population.” Our beloved libraries… Chandra Garsson, thank you for showing me this book–Saving Your Library: A Guide to Getting, Using and Keeping the Power You Need by Sally Gardner Reed. Ask your librarians about the book. Here’s the website for the American Library Association http://www.ala.org
Got to check my emails again.
Sincerely,
author/writing career coach/library advocate
Teresa LeYung Ryan
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan helps writers & authors build their platforms and fanbases and polish their manuscripts by identifying their themes and archetypes. Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW Coach Teresa says: “Reach out not stress out when pursuing your dreams!”
Novelist Teresa LeYung-Ryan uses Love Made of Heart to inspire adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families.
Coach Teresa’s videos http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung
Teresa LeYung-Ryan on facebook!
How Do We Help Libraries?
Seems like we need to constantly watch over beloved underdog libraries. http://saveoaklandlibrary.org/
Again, thank you dear friend Martha Alderson for forwarding the email from Kathy Shepler.
Thank you dear friend Chandra Garsson for stepping out today to participate in the 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries. I like your photo album on facebook. I like your 45-second film of me on YouTube.
Here are emails–Oakland Mayor & City Council Members, etc. http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/help-our-underdog-public-libraries-in-every-city-town-incorporated-and-unincorporated-a…rea-in-the-united-states-of-america/ See you tomorrow June 21, 2011, 5:30pm at Oakland City Council meeting
One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
First and Second Floors
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone:(510) 238-3612
Voice Mail:(510) 238-3611
Email: cityclerk@oaklandnet.com
Apply for a speaker’s card:
http://www.oaklandnet.com/cityclerk/speaker_instructions.htm
Your “film voice” and “camera voice” are mighty. I know you’ll be beautifully “vocal” tomorrow at City Council meeting. Thank you for inspiring me to read Saving Your Library: A Guide to Getting, Using and Keeping the Power You Need by Sally Gardner Reed.
Here’s Amy Martin’s letter to Mayor Quan: http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2011/05/save-oakland-libraries-letter-mayor-quan-librarian-amy-martin Today, Katy Lever from KGO radio interviewed Amy Martin.
Thank you, journalist Don Hudson! Not only did he show up for 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to Save Oakland Library (all branches) but also he helped the wonderful volunteers today.
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I am Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart and Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, asking Mayor Jean Quan, City Council Members, City Administrators, and Everyone who Care about Oakland to please keep Oakland “literate” !
Help our underdog public libraries.
Libraries provide safe space for learning.
Librarians help us identify resources.
Help Oakland survive and thrive by keeping our libraries alive and well.
Email, write letters, call Mayor Quan and City Council Members.
Thank you, Everyone!!!!!
Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
Before I answer that question, I’d like to introduce you to my colleagues who are fine poets / excellent performers of their poetry. I had asked them to send me links to their articles about mothers.
By Yolande Barial, a mom of 3, contributor in the anthologies If Women Ruled the World and Oakland’s Neighborhoods :
http://yolandebarial.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/www-examiner-com/
http://www.redroom.com/blog/yolandebarial/happy-mothers-day
http://www.redroom.com/blog/yolandebarial/thanks-mom
http://www.redroom.com/blog/yolandebarial/like-daughterlike-mother
http://www.examiner.com/motherhood-in-stockton/yolande-barial
Joan Gelfand’s article “Mother’s Day Without Mom” for the Huffington Post
And, here are authors whose books are about relationships with mothers or mother-figures:
Lynn Scott – A Joyful Encounter: My Mother, My Alzheimer Clients, and Me
Deborah Grossman - Goldie and Me
Luisa Adams - Woven of Water
Lynn Henriksen – Telltale Souls
Linda Joy Myers - Don’t Call Me Mother
Matilda Butler - Rosie’s Daughters
Kate Farrell - Wisdom Has a Voice: Daughters Remember Mothers
(me) Teresa LeYung Ryan - Love Made of Heart
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Coach Teresa, what did you do on Mother’s Day this year?
Thank you for asking. The day before Mother’s Day, I had helped dear colleague Mary E. Knippel create multiple videos about her fun Coaxing Creativity workshops:
http://www.youtube.com/maryeknippel#p/a/u/0/xZ2GgqEE3Q4
http://www.youtube.com/maryeknippel#p/a/u/1/JsaPHrUvVfo
Her events are all inspiring. “Simple” and “abundant” best describe what I get from Mary Knippel’s workshops.
The next Day (Mother’s Day) I met artist Chandra Garsson on Hayes Street.
Lunch at La Boulange Cafe & Bakery was delightful, sitting in the corner, with view of the entire cafe and looking out onto Hayes Street. My mom would have liked this place. People eating tasty-looking salads, sandwiches, soups, baked goods; you can see the baked goods and pre-made sandwiches in the counters, all appealing. People reading newspapers and drinking beverages. High ceiling; a European-feel about the place.
Then Chandra treated me to San Francisco Ballet’s hypnotically beautiful production of The Little Mermaid. The story (tragedy) was written by Hans Christian Andersen.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150573069220430&oid=27923251292&comments
Principal dancer Yuan Yuan Tan says: “on stage … I am dancing without thinking.”
Thank you, Chandra, for giving me a day of bittersweet beauty.
I come home and there’s a Happy Mother’s Day e-card in my inbox from publicity expert Lin Lacombe. The animated card shows a wishing well. I make my wish for my mom–wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I wish you lots and lots of joy and love.
Sincerely,
author of Love Made of Heart
author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days
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Another Magical Week for Writing Career Coach Teresa Part II
Chandra Garsson wrote:
“Thank you Dearest Teresa, for your kind words before you even saw the film below. I hope hope hope you like it. I loved the process start to finish! You are a marvelous subject, to me the result is pure magic. It is up on Youtube, too— I posted it to facebook and it should be on your homepage.”
My reply:
‘Water Boy Teresa’ here. You are a remarkable ‘expressionist’ — in your art — in your jewelry-making — in the way you dress — in your speech — in how you do ‘friendship,’ and now, in yo ur films. Thank you, Chandra Garsson (the power of your name!), for letting me be the subject of your color-filled, sound-filled, humor-filled, artsy video. Hey, MaMa, my friend Chandra made a film and she is so clever–she edited it so that in the beginning I talk about how I enjoy helping writers link their names to issues they write about . . . at the end, Chandra included the talk about how you had changed your name several times… I think the film is beautiful and I got to talk about my mom candidly and joyfully. I’m so happy that you Chandra included the photo of you and me…speaking up as public library advocates at Oakland City Council meetings. The editing of the video took many days; I know it was a labor of love. Love made of Chandra’s heart. Thank you, dear friend, for a magnificent gift !!!!!!!
Also I need to thank dear friend Kim McMillon (playwright, literacy advocate, teacher, producer). It was at a” Kim McMillon Production” at Swans Marketplace in Oakland where I met Chandra Garsson. Kim had given me (a newbie then) stage time to read a scene from pre-published Love Made of Heart. I ended my presentation with “NO to domestic violence and child abuse!!” and when I got off the stage, Chandra introduced herself… Kim, you are a hero in the writing community. I’ve met so many big-hearted do-ers through you; MamaCoAtl I’m talking about you
Kim, thank you for being a beautiful friend. I see how busy you are by looking at your blog http://artsinthevalley.wordpress.com
I thank my friends and Chandra’s friends for being so supportive.
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan, writing career coach
Another Magical Week for Writing Career Coach Teresa
Today is Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I received the proof of my workbook BUILD YOUR WRITER’S PLATFORM & FANBASE IN 22 DAYS: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW from CreateSpace and it looks beautiful! As soon as I review the proof closely, I will authorize CreateSpace to start distributions of the physical book and make the ebook available through Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Mac, and PC. Thank you, CreateSpace staff and CreateSpace “Community” ! Thank you, graphic designer Gail Cao Mazhari, for making the front cover, back cover, and spine so beautiful !!!!
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After attending Mary E. Knippel‘s remarkably motivating workshop (creating my 2011 vision board/collage) on Sunday and spending time with the other women (learning something from each one of them), I started mapping out my next workbook BUILD YOUR WRITING LIFE IN 22 DAYS: For Fiction & Narrative Non-Fiction Writers. Thank you so much, Creativity Coach Mary!
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My dear friend Chandra Garsson, the exquisite artist/filmmaker, has been announcing on facebook:
Jan. 31, 2011, 2:22pm “Less is definitely more. It takes hours to whittle down a minute to a few seconds toward a three minute film about my friend Teresa LeYung Ryan. I am now at 6 minutes, 39 seconds and I’m thinking maaaaaybe 4-5 minutes.”
Jan. 31, 2011, 6:06pm “I’ve got the film down to 5 minutes, 17 seconds, and because I have a tendency yo love any creative work I do, I’m SO tempted not to edit any more. But I know it should be shorter.”
Feb. 1, 2011, am “4 minutes 56 seconds, and well worth the watch. Long on time, but very lively. It had to be both, it’s Teresa, she’s worth it. Soon in a theater near you— well— in your computer anyway.”
Feb. 1, 2011, pm “Film is just under five minutes, I’m happy. I can’t imagine what Teresa will think, seeing herself presented through my eyes.”
Here’s my response:
Dear Chandra, I thought I was going to be “water boy” schlepping stuff while you film people in The City. Your wanting to make me the subject of one of your films is already the best gift. Everything else is icing on the cake. You add “magic” to all you do. You had painted my Love Made of Heart bookcase . . . and now a film about goofy me–I can’t wait to see it. I thank you. Humbly, Teresa
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Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her workbook BUILD YOUR WRITER’S PLATFORM & FANBASE IN 22 DAYS: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW to help writers gain a competitive edge. She uses her novel LOVE MADE OF HEART to inspire adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas that their parents suffer. Also, Teresa is a manuscript consultant; she likes quirky and feisty protagonists. Resources at her website & blog http://writingcoachteresa.com
My beloved friend Olga hosted a Gathering of Women today. It was more than a networking party because during “circle time” each woman was given the stage to talk about herself and her immediate goals. If a listener had recommendations or leads for the speaker, she wrote it on a piece of paper and presented it to the speaker after everyone had a chance to speak.

Twelve Powerful Women, photo courtesy of Margie Yee Webb (left in photo), author of Cat Mulan's Mindful Musings
I humbly thank Olga, Margie, Frances, Kim, Theresa, Neva, Jana, Mary, Chandra, Pat, and Pamela for lovely foods and such beautiful energy (and the marvelous advice you gave me to further grow my business!). Nadia, thank you for hanging out with us. My wish for every woman in the group is this: May you summon the kind of vibrance you shared with the group today when you yourself need an energizer.
I invite you to broadcast your “Want Ads” and “Press Releases” by submitting a comment to this post.
If you like, give out your URLs to your:
Linkedin
facebook
twitter
website/blog
I will “tag” your full names when you comment. To get the comment box, click on the blue title-bar of this post. Before you hit the “submit” button, you might want to copy your comment so that you can use it on your own blogs/facebook.
How do I keep my energy high and healthy? Speaking my wishes and listening to yours.
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan, author, writing-career coach, founder of GraceArt Publishing
Build My Writer’s Name and Platform: Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook.
“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name/platform.”
http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/
“I’m tagging Olga Malyj, Chandra Garsson, Margie Yee Webb, Frances Kakugawa, Patricia Phillips as these powerful women have commented on this post. Click on their names to get to their links. More tagging to come. Click on ‘comments’ at the bottom of this post to read their comments.” Sincerely, Writing Career Coach Teresa















