Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Posts Tagged ‘find resources for their families’

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Rita Morena to speak at "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk in Oakland, CA

Early morning October 22, 2011 Rita Moreno cheers walkers at Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park,
Oakland, California Out of the Darkness Community Walks (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

Morning October 22, 2o11 Los Angeles Community Walk at Santa Monica City Hall, Santa Monica, California Out of the Darkness Community Walks (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

National Kidney Foundation San Francisco Authors Luncheon, Marriott Marquis San Francisco

10:00am autographing begins; 12:00 noon luncheon

$125  For tickets or info, call 415-543-3303 ext. 114

Children’s author/illustrator Kathryn Otoshi is one of the featured authors.

Book Passage proud to be part of this event.

Love Made of Heart Turns 9 Years Old October 2011

To celebrate my novel’s anniversary . . .

Last Thursday I was at San Francisco Public Library for a Women’s National Book Association meeting to shoot one-minute videos of WNBA members and guests so that they can use them to promote themselves. So, there I was, Writing Career Coach Teresa, demonstrating how to create a short video, express yourself, and not have to be in front of the camera.

I am still overjoyed that my novel Love Made of Heart is in public libraries and also archived at the San Francisco History Center.

In this video, I re-declared that I use Love Made of Heart to inspire adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families. Also, I encourage everyone to get a library card.

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Look what I received in the mail !

card to Teresa LeYung-Ryan from Teacher Sheryl Fairchild and her delightful students

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sweet messages to Teresa LeYung-Ryan from Sheryl Fairchild's wonderful students

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Bette Davis stamps used on envelope sent to Teresa LeYung-Ryan from Ms. Sheryl Fairchild of San Francisco State University. Protagonist Ruby Lin in Love Made of Heart had found her role models in characters portrayed by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. So sweet of Ms. Fairchild and her students to think about the details! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and that's no pun.

Ms. Sheryl Fairchild’s wonderful students in First Year Composition at San Francisco State University had asked me these questions when I visited them last month.

Our Conversation with Teresa LeYung Ryan

Nicole:  I would like to ask her why she wanted to share her story to the world?

Erin:  I’d like to ask why she used Hollywood movie starts as Ruby’s “voice”  . . .   why she wrote certain characters like Mrs. Nussbaum or Emily into the story and if they represent someone she knows in her life.

Allison:  I would like to ask her if the events that she described in the novel are synonymous with her real life or if they just represent different things that have happened to her.

Stephen:  Was the story of her mother having mental illness true or was it completely made up?

Rozlynn:  I would like to know more about Ruby’s brother John, he’s a very mysterious character in the novel.

Heather:  I would like to ask her if she wrote her story to help people dealing with similar domestic violence issues or people that have someone with mental illness in their life, feel like they aren’t alone, or if she wrote the story for therapeutic reasons of her own.

Kerri:  How long did it take for her to be comfortable with writing this story?

James:  I would like to know if she overcame her past through therapy or was it a different source that was able to help her like a friend or lover?

Jonathan:  If Teresa’s view on men has changed when going from a traditional Chinese man . . . to her new marriage of 7 years that she talks about on the back cover.

Ashley:  What challenges did you face writing the book? What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Kyndal:  Did she ever find out more information about her grandmother?

Reyanna:  I would like to ask about Ruby’s grandmother. We never really know what happened to her and why she left America. Was it because of the harsh trials immigrants suffered? Also, I would like to know about Ruby’s brother as well. She never mentioned much about him or the grandmother.

Questions for Teresa from our worksheets:
o    Why did you want to share your story?
o    Have you gotten in contact with your brother?
o    Why did you choose not to use any Chinese language in the novel?
o    Why did you use a paper that Emily wrote to tell Ruby’s story at the end of the novel, rather than having Ruby tell the story herself?
o    Why did you choose that specific ending?
o    What did you find out about your culture as you were writing this novel?
o    Is your husband Chinese?
o    Did you ever talk to Vincent again?
o    How did your family react to your writing the book?

The Essence or Meaning of the Novel:
In Our Own Words

*     Do not dwell on the past, if you do, you cannot move forward with the future.

*     Forgive, but do not forget what you’ve learned from that experience.

*      Cannot judge people right away (such with Vincent)

*     Tradition vs. modern

*      Substituting fictional characters’ lives for Ruby’s – the life she wished she had

*     “Different kinds of love”

*     Culture – Culture’s clashing

*      Childhood – How the things you see as a child sculpt your life and views: violence at home,
family values/traditions, family relationships

*      Communication – If it exists or doesn’t

*     Family ties – Loyalty vs. independence

*      The book Love Made of Heart shows how someone’s troubled past affects their present life.

What a lovely way to celebrate the birthday of Love Made of Heart !  I’m overjoyed. I’d like to believe that my mom is giggling on Cloud Nine. Thank you, Ms. Fairchild, Allison, Ashley, Chris, Colin, Erin, Heather, Henriikka, James, Joelle, Jonathan, Kerri, Kyndal, Luis, Niki, Reyanna, Roxanne, Rozlynn, Stephen, Teja, Zenia for reading Love Made of Heart and asking thoughtful questions. YOU all are love made of heart!

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Because of Martha Alderson’s plot coaching, my novel Love Made of Heart was transformed into a page-turner. The story grabbed Stacey Glick‘s attention, then Kensington Publishing’s John Scognamiglio‘s [ Thank you to Stacey and all the folks at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management!  Thank you to John and all the folks at and associated with Kensington Publishing NY ].  Fast forward… Love Made of Heart is:

• used as required reading in colleges and universities
• available in libraries
• archived at the San Francisco History Center
• attracting a steady flow of readers/fans
• being my passport to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• linking my mission statement to Glenn Close’s BringChange2Mind and NAMI‘s.  I use Love Made of Heart to inspire other adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families.

None of this would have happened if Martha had not taught me how to plot the front-story.

Thank you, Everyone (starting with first Critique Group members Cat, Theresa Stephenson, Evelyn Miche, Olga Malyj . . .) who have played a role in sending Love Made of Heart into the world. You all have my deepest gratitude.

Martha’s new book The Plot Whisperer is inspiring me to write another novel.

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

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

I grew up with a beautiful mother who suffered mental illness; I’ve witnessed her overwhelming sadness, the stigmas, the not-so-visible scars.

Recently at the Sonoma County Book Festival, I met Ron Shaw, a board member of NAMI-Sonoma County.  Thank you, Ron, for wearing the brilliant NAMI  T-shirt.  Thank you, Rosemary Milbrath, for contacting me. I look forward to presenting my signature writing workshop “Heroes, Tricksters & Villains” at NAMI Sonoma County in 2012. This fun workshop is for all ages–there’s a writer in all of us.

Love Made of Heart inspires adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families

Last week was Mental Health Week.  I believe that Every Week is Mental Health Week.

National Alliance on Mental Illness —- At the heart of NAMI’s mission is our grassroots and the sharing of information with people with mental illness, their families, friends, mental health professionals, and the general public. NAMI strives to offer hope, reform and health to our American community through support, education , and advocacy efforts. Research is constantly providing us with new information about the brain and the nature of mental illnesses and, consequently, more effective treatments.

To find a group near you, go to http://nami.org/ Information Hotline: (800) 950-NAMI

http://nami.org/ Click on “Find Your Local NAMI”

You’ll see the state organization’s contact info.  Scroll down to find a group near you. If you do not see a group in your local community please contact the state organization.

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

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

Love Made of Heart inspiring adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families.

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

As a manuscript consultant, Teresa LeYung-Ryan loves helping writers identify their themes and archetypes.

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Teresa on facebook!  She’s also involved in Women’s National Book Association and California Writers Club

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Author 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.

author Teresa LeYung Ryan about to visit SFSU Sheryl Fairchild and her wonderful students

SFSU teacher Sheryl Fairchild & author Teresa LeYung Ryan happy to be reunited

SFSU Sheryl Fairchild’s First Year Composition students read opening scene “5150″ from the novel Love Made of Heart with author Teresa LeYung Ryan on September 26, 2011

Kyndal, Teresa, Henriikka, Allison, Chris performed dramatic reading of 5150 from Teresa's book Love Made of Heart--filmed by Colin Sutton

Video of the dramatic reading on Teresa’s YouTube channel.

The Cast:

Ruby Lin—Henriikka (Nicole had rehearsed lines too)

Ruby’s mom—author Teresa LeYung Ryan, offstage

Mrs. Nussbaum—Allison

Police Office—Chris

Susan, Social Worker—Kyndal

Filmed by Colin Sutton

SFSU Sheryl Fairchild's First Year Composition delightful students with author Teresa LeYung Ryan 2011 Sept 26

Thank you Ms. Fairchild, Allison, Ashley, Chris, Colin, Erin, Heather, Henriikka, James, Joelle, Jonathan, Kerri, Kyndal, Luis, Niki, Reyanna, Roxanne, Rozlynn, Stephen, Teja, Zenia for reading Love Made of Heart and asking thoughtful questions which I’ll add to Amazon discussion topics!

Fabulous teacher Sheryl Fairchild invites author Teresa LeYung-Ryan to answer questions from her thoughtful students - photo by Colin Sutton

Which character did you relate to?  Which theme/issue engaged  your attention? I’d be honored if you would write a short review for me by answering those 2 questions. If you have an Amazon account, please click here… Look at reviews from other readers and click on the box “Create Your Own Review”   Please “tag” with keywords “mental illness”   “mother”  “father”  “daughter”   “son”   “brother”   “sister” and other keywords you can think of from reading Love Made of Heart.

If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can just email me your short review. I’m at    gmail.com    and my user name is   writingcoachteresa

Ms. Sheryl Fairchild at SFSU motivates her First Year Composition Students - photo by Colin Sutton

SFSU fabulous teacher Sheryl Fairchild and her thoughtful students are “Love Made of Heart.”

I’d like to thank other caring educators and their students too–Mr. Victor Turks and his students at SF City College; Ms. Miriam Queen and her students at SF City College; Ms. Patricia Costello and her students at SF City College;  Professor Dan Haytin and his students at UC Berkeley; Ms. Barbara Whittaker and students at Stanford University.

SFSU Sheryl Fairchild's students delight Teresa LeYung Ryan with their thoughtful questions 2011 Sept 26 - photo by Colin Sutton

When I got home, I filmed a personal “Thank You” to you.  Here it is…

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams.”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Also, Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (ebook Kindle edition $9.81 print edition $22)

Coach Teresa here.  I was looking for dates in September on the Chase Calendar of Events (because I have several friends who were born in September) when I found this:   National Suicide Prevention Week begins (Sept 4-10, 2011). 37th annual. See www.suicidology.org for history, factsheets and media kits. The goal of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is to understand and prevent suicide.

Chase Calendar for September 4 says:  Happy Birthday! Mitzi Gaynor, Judith Ivey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mike Piazza, Ione Skye, Tom Watson, Damon Wayans

Coach Teresa is adding “Happy Birthmonth! to Jonathan, Lakshmi Kerner, Marie Elena Gaspari and all friend & colleagues born in September!”

On Saturday September 24, 2011 please stop by and say hello if you are in or near Santa Rosa, CA.

The Sonoma County Book Festival,  Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA

Please visit us at our booth

Also,  come by the Redwood Village Stage at the festival:

1:00pm Redwood Writers Vintage Voices

1:45-2:00pm Margie Yee Webb & Teresa LeYung-Ryan

2:00-2:45pm Kate Farrell

Maxine Hong Kingston will be on the main stage sometime between 2:30-4:00pm.

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. She uses her workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW to help writers of all genres gain a competitive edge before and after publication.

Margie Yee Webb is author/photographer of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life, a gift book for cat lovers and their finicky friends!

Kate Farrell is editor of Wisdom Has a Voice: Every Daughter’s Memories of Mother, an anthology that conveys the wisdom and meaning of the deeply bonded relationship.

Coach Teresa here also celebrates September as:

Animal Remembrance Month, World

Be Kind To Editors and Writers Month

Happy Cat Month

Library Card Sign-Up Month

Self-Awareness Month, Intl

September Is Healthy Aging Month

Women’s Friendship Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, Natl (Sept 15-Oct 15)

Sincerely,

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

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (customers of the workbook are saying that it’s useful for anyone who has anything to promote)

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

Look for Teresa on facebook!

What Is Practice Aloha?

In May at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration, I had shared a booth with authors Margie Yee Webb and Dr. Patricia Tsang. Our neighboring exhibitors were the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Today while putting away my files, I found their promotional material. Seeing those souvenirs inspired me to tell  you about a new book Practice Aloha: Secrets to Living Life Hawaiian Style — Stories, Recipes and Lyrics from Hawai’i's Favorite Folks, compiled & edited by Barbara Santos & Mark Ellman

How do you practice Aloha? Go to the Practice Aloha website and share your story.

Two other books that go well with Practice Aloha:

Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life

Optimal Healing: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

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!