Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Posts Tagged ‘Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan’

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Coach Teresa here to tell you about how, once again, writers brighten my day.

I had redesigned one of my signature presentations for California Writers Club-Redwood Branch and created a new template for Writing Career Make-Over with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan.

I so wanted to help every writer in the audience see how simple building one’s platform could be.  To get familiar with my audience, I read every word of Redwood Writers’ January 2012 newsletter and looked at the names of the entire membership roster on the branch’s website.  The exciting programs created by the members are synonymous with Redwood Writers. I spent weeks preparing for my presentation.

But I goofed!   Even though my definition of platform was on the template, I didn’t say it!  And, because I didn’t say: “A platform is making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers who are likely to buy what you have to sell,”  my talk was missing  structure.

Whether you write fiction, narrative nonfiction or prescriptive nonfiction (how to books) or poetry or plays or anthologies. . . whether you want to land an agent or acquisition editor at a publishing house . . . whether you want to be your own publisher . . . you’re going to need a platform.

Let’s dissect the definition of a platform.  “Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers who are likely to buy what you have to sell.” (page 1 of my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days)

The last part “what you have to sell” — what you’re selling is your literary works or services.

The middle part “to attract targeted consumers” — the targeted consumers are the folks who read and buy the kind of material you write about.

The first part “Making your name stand for something” — that was the heart of my presentation–to help each writer identify the themes/subject matters/issues that he/she writes about. For my template, I had found on Google Images the perfect hard hat  to illustrate my point that the hardest job in platform-building is asking yourself and answering these questions: What is it that I write about? What are my themes/subject matters/issues? What will readers gain from reading my work?

So, there I was, asking 7 delightful authors (Marcia Naomi Berger, Deborah Taylor-French, Amanda McTigue, Robbi Sommers Bryant, Paul Greenberg,  Ana Manwaring, Heidi Roth) to come up to the stage to speak their full names. I guided them on how to identify: her/his picture of success; the themes/subject matters/issues that he/she writes about;  his/her motivators & modus operandi; her/his fans and where to find them.

Making one’s name synonymous with the themes/subject matters/issues one writes about.

If I had prepared everyone with the “why” for doing the exercises, then more writers in the audience would have gained their “aha moments” too.

When I coach my clients  . . .prescriptive nonfiction (how to books) authors usually answer those questions with ease. It’s not so easy for fiction and narrative nonfiction authors. I’d say: “Instead of telling me the plotline or the character sketch, think about the issues and the themes.  What does your protagonist have to deal with?  What will your protagonist learn in story world?  What your main character learns, your readers will also learn!”  The answers will help you form your mission statement.

So, Coach Teresa, define a writer’s platform!  “Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”

Understanding what a platform is gives you a fresh look at your writing career.

And you’ll be ready to have more fun doing the exercises in my workbook. Day I exercises:  “Who am I?” and “What I Have in Common with Super Famous People” (take a sneak peek at Amazon’s “look inside” of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days

I wish to thank these folks again:

Linda C. McCabe for inviting me to present

The entire Redwood Writers Board

Everyone in the audience yesterday

Kate Farrell for helping me format my template on her MAC and being a loving friend

Everyone who gave me their comments on the evaluation sheet.

Everyone who told me about their themes before and after the presentation.

Everyone who bought Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days and will start Day I exercises:  “Who am I?” and “What I Have in Common with Super Famous People”

Everyone who bought Love Made of Heart (my novel to inspire adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families)

Kate Farrell made my day by showing me Lindsay Pasdera Marquez’s email to Redwood Writers’ listserver.

Mon, Jan 9, 2012 at 8:57 AM

Re: [RWmembers] glad to have found RWC

I joined RWC a few months back, and was able to attend my first meeting yesterday.  Wow!  I feel very fortunate to have access to such a vibrant community of passionate writers in my own backyard.

I appreciated Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s perspective and am thrilled to have a written mission statement (Dream) for my work. Mine is: to dramatically increase the percentage of Americans who are aware that humans have a rich history of cooperation, egalitarianism, and non-violence. Writing that statement helped me see the coherence between my two current writing projects: one, a historical fiction set in sixth century Scotland among a matrilineal tribal people, and two, my blog (www.ancientabundance.blogspot.com) on the true nature of pre-agricultural humanity.  I have chosen a pen name for both the novel and the blog.

I look forward to taking advantage of all the wonderful growth opportunities that RWC has to offer and to getting to know each of you over time.

Happy New Year!

Lindsay Pasdera Marquez

Here’s my response:

Mon, Jan 9, 2012 at 8:57 AM

Good Day Fabulous Redwood Writers!

Thank you for your participation yesterday for my “Writing Career Make-Over with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan” presentation.
Thank you for your comments on the evaluation sheets.

Lindsay, I am jumping for joy seeing your mission statement; it speaks with clarity. Be sure to add your mission statement to your signature block in emails (even emails to personal friends). Why? You want all your fans to see what you are passionate about. Fans talk about passionate people.

I will write a follow-up to yesterday’s session and submit it to Robin Moore and/or Lynn Millar for those who could not make it yesterday.

“Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s platform!”
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa 

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (in print edition and E-book)

More rewards:

I’m going to submit my 10-minute play to 2012 Redwood Writers 2nd Playwriting Contest. Thank you, Linda Loveland Reid, for creating the contest!

Today, after Kate Farrell fed me breakfast and got me to Golden Gate Transit Mall in plenty of time (Thank you, Kate!), I met up with another dear friend–author Lynn Scott. I told Lynn about my goof-up yesterday; she laughed at me, lovingly. Thank you, Lynn! “Focus on the positive,” reminded Lynn.  Once again, writers brighten my day. I am a happy and thankful coach/author/friend.

To participate in this blog post (article), submit a comment by: clicking on the blue title bar of this post, scrolling down to get the boxes, filling in the boxes and click on “submit comment” button — so that thousands of my fans will see your name, URL (your website/blog address if you have one), and what themes/subject matters/issues you write about.

I’m cheering for you!

2012 Contests – Poster; Poetry; Short Story; Memoir; Prose; Playwriting; Conference contests

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POSTER CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Submit by Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 5:00pm to win $500 and fame!

The Asian Heritage Street Celebration (AHSC) is hosting its annual poster contest in partnership with the Asian American Women Artists Association, Asian Art Museum, Center for Asian American Media, and Kearny Street Workshop. Graphic artists are sought to create an exciting image to become part of the personality for the 8th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration to be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in front of the Asian Art Museum, leading up to the Little Saigon District.

Entries should be submitted online here:
http://asianfairsf.com/2012-poster-contest-entry-form/
For rules visit:
http://asianfairsf.com/features/poster-design-contest/

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Contests sponsored by Redwood Writers — California Writers Club “CWC” Redwood Branch   http://redwoodwriters.org/contests/

Redwood Writers currently sponsors:

* Poetry contests
* Short story contests
* Memoir contests
* Conference contests for poetry and prose writers
* Playwriting contests
http://redwoodwriters.org

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19 branches of California Writers Club “CWC” http://calwriters.org

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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 (in print edition and E-book)

January 2012 Events for Writers, Authors, Business Owners

Happy New Year to You!

January 5, 2012 6:00-7:30pm Women’s National Book Association SF Chapter members and prospective members welcomed to “Authors Exchange Solutions” discussions with Birgit Soyka, Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Mary E. Knippel at San Francisco Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room A – free event

January 8, 2012 “Writing Career Make-Over with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan” at California Writers Club Redwood Branch in Santa Rosa, CA  $5 for CWC member; $8 non-member

January 12, 2012 roundtable discussion “Building Your Writer’s Platform with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan“  free Internet event. Sign up at National Assn. of Memoir Writers

January 29, 2012 10:00am–5:00pm Half Moon Bay, CA  “Create Your Success Story from the Inside Out” with Mary E. Knippel, founder of Your Writing Mentor, sponsored by Women’s National Book Assn-San Francisco Chapter $35 for WNBA member; $55 non-member

February 2, 2012 6:00-7:30pm Women’s National Book Association SF Chapter members and prospective members welcomed to “Authors Exchange Solutions” discussions with Birgit Soyka, Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Mary E. Knippel at San Francisco Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room A — free event

Arts in the Valley is hosted by Kim McMillon on 1480 KYOS in Merced, CA. Merced County has a vibrant arts community that Arts in the Valley showcases along with local and national authors. Arts in the Valley often has theme shows where topics of health, healing, women’s issues, and topics of interest to our listeners are discussed.  http://artsinthevalley.wordpress.com/

California Writers Club CWC http://calwriters.org/ 10 branches in northern California and 9 branches in southern California. CWC shall foster professionalism in writing, promote networking of writers with the writing community, mentor new writers, and provide literary support for writers and the writing community as is appropriate through education and leadership.

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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 (in print edition and E-book)

Coach Teresa’s This Reminder and That Reminder for Writers / Authors

Happy New Year !

I Wish You . . . Work that Makes Your Heart Sing

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Back-up your electronic files–on a flashdrive or use an online service. Sometimes I email files to myself and then move those emails into folders.

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Make 2012 writing career goals, starting with January.  If you’re not in northern California . . . to look for similar events or organizations that I associate with, go to Google and key in the words: events for writers  OR writers organizations . . . and the name of your city and state. ShawGuides is another resource.

Coach Teresa here with mine:

• edit a section of a client’s novel

• provide Chinese-ism for a colleague’s short story in an anthology

• attend January 5th 2012  6:00-7:30pm Women’s National Book Association get-together at SFPL Click here

• prepare for my January 8th 2012 presentation Writing-Career-Make-Over with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan at California Writers Club Redwood Branch in Santa Rosa, CA Click here for details.

• meeting with colleague Elisa Sasa Southard for our monthly writing date

• prepare to serve as roundtable discussion leader for Linda Joy Myers’s National Assn. of Memoir Writers to talk about building a writer’s platform — Thurs. January 8th 2012  (4:00pm California time). Free on the Internet. Please sign up.

• attend planning meeting for Women’s National Book Assn-SF Chapter

• meet with mastermind members Linda Lee, Mary E. Knippel and Lori Noack

• attend “Create Your Success Story from the Inside Out” workshop facilitated by Mary E. Knippel for Women’s National Book Assn-SF Chapter on January 29, 2011 Click here

• continue promoting San Francisco Writers Conference. I will be presenting with Elisa Sasa Southard; I will be presenting with Mary E. Knippel

• continue helping clients with my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW click here

• schedule editing clients

• continue writing my next novel!

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Authors (whether or not you’re self-publishing), remember to register your work with the Copyright Office. http://www.copyright.gov

eCO Online System

Before using the service, we recommend you first read eCO Acceptable File Types, eCO Tips, eCO FAQs, or eCO Tutorial (PowerPoint) eCO Tutorial (PDF). For recently added features, see eCO Updates.

Advantages include:

• Lower filing fee of $35 for a basic claim (for online filings only)
• Fastest processing time
• Online status tracking
• Secure payment by credit or debit card, electronic check, or Copyright Office deposit account
• The ability to upload certain categories of deposits directly into eCO as electronic files
• Available 24 hours a day, except for routine maintenance every Sunday from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM Eastern Time

Processing Time: The time the Copyright Office requires to process an application varies, depending on the number of applications the Office is receiving and clearing at the time of submission and the extent of questions associated with the application.

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Happy New Year!

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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 (to inspire adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families)

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.

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I wish You

a warm and safe home

nutritious foods everyday

ease of movement

work that makes your heart sing

true friends

worry-free thoughts

hopes and lovely dreams

joy and light for Self

a dancing spirit

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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.

During this holiday/gift-giving season, remember to gift yourself or a writer friend  . . . with books to improve your craft and advance your career; workshops; editing services; membership to writers’ organization; money toward attending a conference . . .

Are you rewriting?

Are you starting a new project?

Do you want to meet agents?

Are you being your own publisher?

Want to be associated with other writers who also specialize in your genre?

Help yourself!  Help a friend!

I’m editing a client’s children’s novel and another client’s thriller. Do you or a friend need me to help you transform your manuscript into a page-turner? Email me at gmail.com  WritingCoachTeresa is my email ID.

There might be  something at Books, Movies, other Writing Tools Recommended by Coach Teresa that will get you closer to your goal or connect you with published authors. Read acknowledgment pages in books–authors thank the people who have helped them succeed.  Look at the names of folks who wrote advance praises for the authors.

There might be an organization or group or an individual at my webpage Writers’ Resources who will help you turn dreams into reality.

Go where my colleagues and I go — click here for Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s events.

• Meetings at San Francisco Main Library with Coach Teresa and other Women’s National Book Association members
• Writing Career MakeOver with Coach Teresa at California Writers Club
• Roundtable discussions “Building Your Platform” with Coach Teresa for Linda Joy Myers & National Association of Memoir Writers
• San Francisco Writers Conference
• “Speed Dating with Agents & Acquisition Editors” at Women’s National Book Association

I wish you a joyful winter!

Happy Birthmonth to Margie Yee Webb and Elisa Southard.

• Margie’s book Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings makes a delightful gift to cat lovers.
• Elisa’s book Break Through the Noise makes a perfect book for anyone who has a business to promote.
  

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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) for authors who want to attract agents  & publishers  OR  want to be their own publishers.

In The Apartment (script by Billy Wilder and  I.A.L. Diamond ), the 2 protagonists are C.C. Baxter, an insurance clerk (whose apartment is much in demand by four executives for their extramarital activities) and Miss Kubelik, an elevator operator in the insurance company (who is described by Baxter as a “perfectly respectable girl”).

Then there’s Miss Olsen. She is secretary to Jeff Sheldrake who is head of Personnel. Miss Olsen appears in only a few scenes, yet, she personifies multiple archetypes—shape-shifter; herald, but also threshold guardian; antagonist, but also ally. Her character fascinates me. Baxter’s and Kubelik’s heroes’ journeys would not have begun if not for the action of this not-so-minor character.

For more information about the movie http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053604/

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C.C. Baxter -  portrayed by Jack Lemmon

Miss Kubelik – Shirley MacLaine

Jeff Sheldrake – Fred MacMurray

Dr. Dreyfuss-  Jack Kruschen

Miss Olsen – Edie Adams

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May your major and not-so-minor characters be memorable!

I recommend your studying The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler and The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson.

Happy writing and rewriting!

Editor / Manuscript Consultant / Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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) for authors who want to attract agents  & publishers  OR  want to be their own publishers.

Coach Teresa, How do I fix my children’s story? Agent says it’s too episodic.

In my previous blog post about how to remedy an episodic storyline  . . . here’s an argument from one of my clients who writes children’s books . . .

“But kids aren’t that sophisticated, are they? Shouldn’t stories for that age group be episodic?”

Coach Teresa here . . .  Kids know what a good story is, especially if they’ve read the timeless classics (to name a few:  The Hobbit; The Wind In the Willows; Charlotte’s Web; The Phantom Tollbooth; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. What are other memorable children’s books? Wordsworth the Poet by Frances Kakugawa is a contemporary favorite of mine )

Also, keep in mind that a children’s story has to hook adults (agents, acquisition editors, publishers, booksellers, reviewers, shoppers).  How do you hook adult-readers, even if you choose to be your own publisher?

Answer:  Create memorable characters and follow screenwriting teacher Terrel Seltzer’s advice:  “Someone we care about wants something badly and is having a terrible time getting it.”

Here’s my post from May 26, 2011 about Terrel

I encourage you to set the stage.  Give the reader sensory details—not only sight and hearing but also taste, smell and touch.

To create a story with thematic significance, let your metaphors / similes / inferences move your story forward or provide clues.

Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Want to attract agents  & publishers?  Want to be your own publisher?

• Get your manuscript professionally edited
• Build your writer’s platform NOW

Email:  Teresa_LeYung   at    yahoo.com

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Coach Teresa  LeYung-Ryan loves to edit:

• novels & memoirs with feisty protagonists and universal messages;
• children’s novels that help young readers understand their feelings and build self-confidence

I wish Everyone a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving.

Coach Teresa, what are some December 2011 Events?

Margie Yee Webb author of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings tells me that:

The Writer’s Yearbook 2012 (by Writer’s Digest) is available now! Read about 100 best book & magazine markets for writers, 101 best websites for writers… Chuck Sambuchino shares 5 facts on book publicity, San Francisco Writers Conference – Michael Larsen is the #17 website, Martha Alderson is the #40 website with The Plot Whisperer for Writers & Readers, and Ken & Dahlynn McKowen has their Publishing Syndicate ad for three new anthology series looking for stories and for the free publishing & writing tips e-newsletter! Happy reading and writing!

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Women’s National Book Association

San Francisco, CA Thursday December 1, 2011 6:00-7:30pm

Yours truly Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan will be at the December 1, 2011 get-together at the San Francisco Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room–see you there!

Los Angeles, CA

Seattle, WA

Nashville

Charlotte

Detroit

Boston

New York

Washington D.C.

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California Writers Club  19 branches in the state

Ann Foster of California Writers Club–SF Peninsula Branch tells me:

DON’T MISS THE SF/PEN WRITERS

HOLIDAY PARTY & FAULT ZONE PRE-LAUNCH HULLABALLOO

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
Peninsula Regent, One Baldwin Street at El Camino, San Mateo, CA
(Baldwin is one block north of 2nd Avenue).

5:00pm – 8:00pm
Donation $10 for members and non-members

RSVP: pres@sfpeninsulawriters.com

Parking in the neighborhood, or go down the ramp under One Baldwin, press the button and tell the attendant you are there for the CWC Holiday Party (Ida Lewenstein is our Peninsula Regent host.) Only park in visitor spaces, please.

No host bar. Coffee, tea, and hors d’oeuvres provided.

Copies of Fault Zone will be for sale for $7.50 (plus tax). Bring your checkbook! We’ll have an autograph party! Bring your camera! Bring your mother-in-law!

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Kim McMillon founder of Arts in the Valley tells me that:

PEN Oakland — 2011 Josephine Miles National Literary Awards

Saturday December 10, 2011, 2:00pm at Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave., Oakland CA  94618

I met Mary Monroe when she received this award for God Don’t Like Ugly.  Later when my novel Love Made of Heart was published by Kensington Publishing Corp. NY, I found out that Mary Monroe was/is a superstar at Kensington. I’ve met so many talented artists through Kim. Cheers to Kim McMillon, Mary Monroe, all the authors who have received the Josephine Miles award, and everyone involved with PEN Oakland.

PEN Oakland “The Blue-Collar PEN”

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Remember to give yourself a gift if you’re going to give presents to loved ones and friends. Here’s one that won’t cost any money. Do the 2 exercises for Day 1 in my workbook by clicking on the book title: Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

Then, if you want to own the workbook, ask your loved ones & friends to chip in $1 each.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com  Click on Coach Teresa’s Blog