This weekend  June 3 and 4, 2017 in Berkeley, California is the Bay Area Book Festival!

Cherilyn Parsons is Founder and Executive Director!

https://www.baybookfest.org

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Look for these authors:

Margie Yee Webb, Barbara Santos, Michael Larsen et al at the San Francisco Writers Conference booth.

Rita Lakin (Sunday 11:30am – 1:00pm) and her colleagues at the Sisters In Crime booth.

Nanci Lee Woody, Elise Frances Miller, Laurel Anne Hill, Audrey Kalman,  James Hanna, Tory Hartmann et al from Sand Hill Review Press https://www.sandhillreviewpress.com  And, congratulations to Margaret Davis and Bardi Rosman Koodrin whose novels will be released soon!

Cheers to all authors, publishers, editors, book sellers, readers, artists, City of Berkeley, San Francisco Chronicle, Cherilyn Parsons and her super team, all participants, sponsors, well wishers!

Cheers to AAUW, AAWAA, CLA, CWC, Gold Country Writers, SFWC,  SF Writing For Change, WNBA

Yours truly Teresa LeYung-Ryan has fond memories of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (adventures with Elisa Sasa Southard) and the Arizona Book Festival (thank you to friends and book sellers in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe)!

Programs for writers! June 10-17, 2017

presented by California Writers Club members http://cwc-peninsula.org/

and the San Mateo County Fair Literary Stage https://sanmateocountyfair.com/literary-arts

San Mateo County Fair website:  https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/98-entertainment-stages/171-fine-arts-galleria

Map of Fair Grounds:   https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/visit/fair-info/grounds-map

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/programs-for-writers-june-10-17-2017-june-11-mini-conference-literary-stage-at-san-mateo-county-fair-california-writers-club/

“Book Festivals, Fairs – Labor of Love, Writing, Reading,” says Writing Coach / Theme Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan

I am Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan who teaches my clients (writers, artists) how to reach out, not stress out, before and after publication — identify themes in their intellectual properties and create scripts for pitches, query letters, press releases, talking-points, one-minute videos, photo slideshows, and the all-mighty blog. Please visit http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  and http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog for resources.

The workbook:
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW – print edition available at Laurel Book Store http://www.laurelbookstore.com in Oakland, CA and on Amazon – print edition and Kindle edition!

presented by California Writers Club members http://cwc-peninsula.org/

and the San Mateo County Fair Literary Stage https://sanmateocountyfair.com/literary-arts

Programs on the Literary Stage are FREE. Cheers to Bardi Rosman Koodrin & Super Team!

Admission prices to the fair https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/visit/admission/admission-pricing  Special promotions https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/visit/admission/special-promotions

Parking prices https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/about-us/faq-s

Map of San Mateo County Fair Grounds:   https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/visit/fair-info/grounds-map

2017 SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR (SMCF)

Look for LITERARY STAGE in FINE ARTS GALLERIA, EXPO HALL

https://sanmateocountyfair.com/literary-arts

Saturday, June 10, 2017, 12:00-7:00pm 

First day of events for writers and readers at San Mateo County Fair’s Literary Stage in Fine Arts Galleria, Expo Hall.
Programs on the Literary Stage are FREE. Cheers to Bardi Rosman Koodrin & Super Team!

Celebrate Bardi Rosman Koodrin’s book launch of NOVELMANIA 4:30-5:30pm!

Bardi Rosman Koodrin welcomes audience to Literary Arts stage at San Mateo County Fair

Sunday, June 11, 2017 Mini Writers’ Conference

SPOTLIGHT ON THE 2017 SMCF LITERARY CONTESTANTS

12:30-1:00 pm  Contest Entrants read. Participants to be Announced.

SPOTLIGHT ON MENTORING

1:00-2:00 pm  “Use Core Themes to Rewrite Your Manuscript and Pitches” with

Theme Consultant and Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa’s workbook will be available – Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

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2:00-3:00 pm WANT TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S BOOK? And Get It Published? Award-winning authors Jill Diamond, Eric Lindstrom, JoAnne Stewart Wetzel and Caryn Yacowitz talk about picture books, middle grade novels & YA novels they have written and give tips on writing your own. Their publishers include Scholastic, Alfred A. Knopf, Little, Brown, plus Farrar Straus and Giroux. The authors’ books will be available.

3:00-4:00 pm Nora Profit, Founder of      Everything You Learned About Writing is a Lie: Here’s the Truth.

4:00-5:00 pm Ask the Editors: Nora Profit, Lisa Meltzer Penn, Laurel Anne Hill, Tory Hartmann and Audrey Kalman.

5:00-6:00 pm Private  Writing Consultations: Nora Profit, Lisa Meltzer Penn, Laurel Anne Hill, Tory Hartmann, Audrey Kalman, & Teresa LeYung-Ryan.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE 2017 SMCF LITERARY CONTESTANTS

6:00-7:00 pm  Panel of Contest Entrants. Participants to be Announced.

Well-known author and speaker Margie Yee Webb will serve as this panel’s moderator.  https://www.facebook.com/MargieYeeWebb

7:00-7:30 pm   Contest Entrants read. Participants to be Announced.

SEE YOU THERE!

I am Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan who teaches my clients (writers, artists) how to reach out, not stress out, before and after publication — identify themes in their intellectual properties and create scripts for pitches, query letters, press releases, talking-points, one-minute videos, photo slideshows, and the all-mighty blog. Please visit http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  and http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog for resources.

The workbook:
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW – print edition available at Laurel Book Store http://www.laurelbookstore.com in Oakland, CA and on Amazon – print edition and Kindle edition!

Please tell friends about San Mateo County Fair in California. One more day of events for writers and readers on Saturday June 13, 2015, 1:00-6:00pm.

Go to the Expo Hall at the San Mateo County Fair, then head for Fine Arts Galleria (“4″ on map), then Literary Stage (stage is inspired by Bardi Rosman Koodrin, built by Boris Koodrin).

June 13, 2015 Authors Day; programs for Writers & Readers at San Mateo County Fair, California

1:00-2:00  readings by:

Laurel Anne Hill, Marjorie Johnson, Sam Kauffman, Diane Lee Mooney, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Emerian Rich, Sumiko Saulson, Margie Yee Webb
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2:00-4:00 Authors selling and signing books:
Getty Ambau, Prudence Brietrose, Mary F. Burns, Jo Carpignano, Valerie Estelle Frankel, Yvetta “Doll” Franklin, Stanley David Gedzelman, Jeannine Gerkman, Dorsetta Hale, Laurel Anne Hill, Marjorie Bicknell Johnson, Sam Kauffman, Chris Lamela, Winifred McCaffrey, Richard McCallum, Claire Mack, Diane Moomey, Jill Pipkin, Emerian Rich, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Sumiko Saulson, Judith Shernock, Shulamit Sofia, Margie Yee Webb, Wendell H. Williams, Gisela Zebroski
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4:00-6:00 “Writers Helping Writers” Panel including:
Jeannine Gerkman, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Marjorie B. Johnson, Emerian Rich, Margie Yee Webb, Mary F. Burns, Sam Kauffman, Richard McCallum, moderator Laurel Ann Hill

http://sanmateocountyfair.com/entertainment/entertainment/performance-schedules and click on “Literary Arts on Fine Arts Stage” tab

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan aka Writing Coach Teresa who teaches writers how to transform their email signature-blocks, photos, videos, social media, website/blog descriptions into platform statements . . . to attract target audience/readers/fans . . . before and after publication.  http://WritingCoachTeresa.com and  https://www.youtube.com/user/teresaleyung

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She is the creator of:

• classes, including:
• *For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching to Agents or Self-Publishing
• *Heroes, Tricksters, and Villains – What Do These Archetypes Want in Your Story World?
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• Immigrant Experience Writing Contest
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• interactive presentations, including:
  • *Help Your Fans Find YOU
  • *Build & Retrofit Your Writer’s Platform

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the author of:

• Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook);
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• Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness (novel used in college classes and archived at the San Francisco History Center);
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• “Talking to My Dead Mom Monologues” (the first monologue received an award from Redwood 10-Minute Play Contest and was staged at the 6^th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA);
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• her blog (which attracts tens of thousands of writers) at http://WritingCoachTeresa.com helps writers build their platforms before and after publication

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and a proud member of:

• California Writers Club (3 branches! And a past president of the San Francisco Peninsula Branch); and a recipient of the Jack London Award for outstanding service to California Writers Club;
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• Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter (a past board member).

Literary Stage events June 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 2015

California Writers Club Members – at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, Expo Hall, San Mateo County Fair 2015

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California Writers Club Members – “Writers Helping Writers” panel – at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, Expo Hall, San Mateo County Fair 2015, San Mateo Event Center, CA

"Writers Helping Writers" panel - Audrey Kalman, Lisa Meltzer Penn, Tory Hartmann, Laurel Anne Hill, Margie Yee Webb - Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair June 6, 2015, 3pm-4pm - photo by Shelley Buck

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“Due to illness, I had to miss the ‘Writers Helping Writers’ panel on the Literary Stage with colleagues on June 6, 2015. Dear pal Margie Yee Webb (a panelist) had her friendly camera; she asked Shelley Buck to take photos of the panel. Writers helping writers; friends helping friends. My gratitude to friends and colleagues. Margie even got me a copy of Carry the Light the anthology inspired by Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Literary Director at San Mateo County Fair-Fine Arts Galleria.” Sincerely, Teresa LeYung-Ryan

SPONSORS PANEL: “WRITERS HELPING WRITERS”
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015, 3:00-4:00 P.M. Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair

Audrey Kalman has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pen. She published the novel Dance of Souls in 2011. Her next novel will be published by Sand Hill Review Press. She edited two volumes of Fault Zone, an annual anthology of California writers, and is at work on another novel. www.audreykalman.com

Lisa Meltzer Penn is the founding editor of the edgy Fault Zone anthology series, worked in New York publishing, and is finishing a novel. Lisa loves to work deep into the bones of a story to help writers make their work the best it can be. http://www.lisameltzerpenn.com

Tory Hartmann, Panel Moderator: Managing Editor, Parenting on the Peninsula; Editor at Sand Hill Review Press; Award-winning author of short fiction and nonfiction. “I’ve always been a writer,” Tory says. https://www.sandhillreviewpress.com

Laurel Anne Hill‘s award-winning novel, Heroes Arise, was published in 2007. Her publication credits also include over 25 short stories, most recently in Fault Zone, Tales of Fortannis, How Beer Saved the World, and Shanghai Steam, as well as various short nonfiction pieces. More at www.laurelannehill.com.

Margie Yee Webb is author/photographer of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life, co-creator of Not Your Mother’s Book . . . On Cats and producer of FEMME: Women Healing the World. She is VP of California Writers Club and President of CWC Sacramento Branch. https://www.facebook.com/MargieYeeWebb

Teresa LeYung-Ryan creator of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching or Self-Publishing (workshops), is author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days (workbook) and Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness (novel) http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

For full schedule of events on the Literary Stage orchestrated by Bardi Rosman Koodrin, California Writers Club Members, and the team at San Mateo County Fair – http://sanmateocountyfair.com/entertainment/entertainment/performance-schedules  then click on [ Literary Arts on Fine Arts Stage ]

Literary Stage events June 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 2015
Boris Koodrin/ Director
Bardi Rosman Koodrin/ Literary Director
Coordinators:
Kayte Van De Mark- Art Sales & Volunteers
Rusty Sterling – Photography
Eva Portillo – Day of the Dead
Sue Barizon – Literary Assistant
Laurel Anne Hill – Literary Stage
David Hirzel – Literary Stage
Tory Hartmann – Literary Anthology

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Author_Missy_Kirtley_attends_Writers_Helping_Writers_at_SMCF_photo_by_Margie_Yee_Webb

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authors Margie_Yee_Webb,_Shelley_Buck,_Margaret_Murray_at Literary_Stage - photo_by_Rose_Wallace

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Bardi Rosman Koodrin welcomes audience to Literary Arts stage San Mateo County Fair

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Carry_the_Light_anthology_inspired_by_Bardi_Rosman_Koodrin,_San_Mateo_County_Fair_photo_by_Coach_Teresa_LeYung-Ryan

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Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan aka Writing Coach Teresa who teaches writers how to transform their email signature-blocks, photos, videos, social media, website/blog descriptions into platform statements . . . to attract target audience/readers/fans . . . before and after publication.  http://WritingCoachTeresa.com and  https://www.youtube.com/user/teresaleyung

Writing Coach Teresa asks: “How do you hook your reader at the middle of your book?”

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here . . . recording notes . . .  energized from co-teaching with Mary E. Knippel today – Day 2 of “For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching or Self-Publishing”.

Our students / hardworking authors supplied plenty of inspiration for their own protagonists as well as for fellow-classmates.

Today we focused on the middle of everyone’s manuscripts. Why the middle?

Before I take on the role of the writer, I put on my reader’s hat.  For me, reading a book is like going for a hike on a trail that I’ve never been on before.  By looking at the signs at the trailhead, I know how long I would have to walk in order to get to the end . . .  just as I know how many hours it would take to read a book by seeing the page count.

That hike I’ve started – the sign posts on the first half of the trail are clear and helpful. I know that if I follow the arrows, I will reach the end, and feel great as I always do after a “good” long walk.

I’ve started reading a book. The author hooks me from page one – sometimes that hook is the narrator’s voice/language, other times it’s the subject matter (a topic that I do relate to or one that I would like to know more about).  By page 5 (oftentimes, even sooner) I know what the main character/protagonist wants or needs, and, I want to see what’s going to happen next. So I turn the page.  I am in the story world.

The author had planted “sign posts” to guide me. Those sign posts are called “themes”.

By the middle of the book, that core theme/sign post better be there.  If the story has stopped hooking me, I will put the book down and probably not open it again.  (On my hike, if at midpoint the trail seems to have disappeared, the marker has fallen off its post, and I’m all alone  . . .  do I continue on? By the way, I am not interested in getting lost today. My dinner awaits me at home.)

Such is the task for an author – how to guide the reader with that core theme, scene after scene.

To the dear authors in our class,

That big sheet of paper that Mary gave you today?  Tape the class handouts from Day 1 and Day 2 onto that sheet. Look at those aids every time you meet with your protagonist.  And, ask your protagonist these questions:   “Where are you today on your Hero’s Journey?”  “What do you want ? … in this scene.”

Speaking of “scene” –

Writing Coach Teresa says: “A scene is a compilation of paragraphs that creates a “movie” in the Reader’s mind.  Which means:  action, dialogue, sensory details, and authentic details.

A sequence of scenes guides the Reader in your Story World, and, is a vehicle to show the Hero’s/Protagonist’s transformation.  Go into scene whenever you want to show us what your protagonist is made of.

In real life, if someone says “I’ve changed. Take my word for it.”  . . .  wouldn’t you be thinking . . .  Hmm….    I’ll believe it when I see it.  Instead of telling us how your protagonist has grown, show us through scene, not through summaries.

Summary cannot spark the same emotional responses as a scene would . . . because summary either recaps what has happened or jumps over time in order to get to the next scene.

I recommend:

* Martha Engber’s book on how to write scenes

* Christopher Vogler’s book The Writer’s Journey (about Hero’s Journey and Archetypes)

* all books by Martha Alderson on plotting

* your rereading your favorite book and studying that author’s techniques

The fabulous authors in our class have mighty themes:

* make my own decisions and change my circumstances (author of YA science fiction)

* move on with my life in spite of unanswered questions and a broken heart (author of women’s fiction)

* speaking my truth transforms shame into courage and forgiveness (author of memoir)

* embracing my past and loving myself feed my spirit as well as my marriage’s spirit (Diana Lynn, author of women’s fiction)

Their readers will surely stick by their protagonists and be there at the end of the book.

Cheering for YOU!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

on behalf of

“For Theme’s Sake” teachers Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Mary E. Knippel

May 2, 2015 Teresa LeYung-Ryan ( Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days – workbook; Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness – novel) celebrates Independent Bookstore Day / California Bookstore Day  with other local authors at Laurel Book Store, Oakland, CA  http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  and http://www.laurelbookstore.com

Saturday June 6
Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Fanbase-Building Coach and “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” sponsor) joins California Writers Club colleagues for Writing Contest Awards Ceremony and Writers Helping Writers Through Mentoring;

June 13, 2015  for Authors Day

June 6 and June 13, 2015  at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair (Cheers to Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Boris Koodrin, Laurel Anne Hill, David Hirzel, Margie Yee Webb, Wini McCaffrey, et al)  http://WritingCoachTeresa.com http://cwc-peninsula.org/fair.html

California Writers Club - San Francisco Peninsula Branch holiday meeting -- photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Martin Shane Dowd, Christopher Wachlin, Tory Hartmann - photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Ray & Margaret Davis - sociologist Margaret Davis is author of Straight Down the Middle (the novel)

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authors Wendy Walter & Lisa Meltzer Penn

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California Writers Club - San Francisco Peninsula Branch members (Darlene Frank with red scarf) - photo by fellow-member Martin Shane Dowd

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playwright Ollie Mae Trost Welch

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authors Ida J. Lewenstein, Jo Carpignano, C. J. Noonan - photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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friends with CWC members Laurel Anne Hill, Tory Hartmann, David Hill, James Hanna - photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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CWC members Tory Hartmann, Ann Foster, Jo Carpignano - photo by fellow-member & 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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CWC Peninsula Branch Members Dec 14, 2013- seated: Margaret Davis, Carole Bumpus, Elise Frances Miller; standing: Wendy Walter, Laurel Anne Hill, Lisa Meltzer Penn, Audrey Kalman, Teresa LeYung-Ryan - photo by Winston Bumpus

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photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Wendy Walter - photo by David Hill

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Dorcas Cheng-Tozun & Wendy Walter - photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Audrey Kalman at lecture - members of California Writers Club - San Francisco Peninsula Branch - Dec. 14, 2013 photo by 22-Day Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Sincerely,

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

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Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

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

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources.

Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

Writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy, check out Laurel Anne Hill; see how she builds her magnificent platform!

Laurel also thanks her mentor Charlotte Cook of KOMENAR Publishing. Heroes Arise, Laurel’s debut parable, was released in October 2007.  ForeWord Magazine selected Heroes Arise for a Book of the Year Award for 2007 (bronze, science fiction).

Laurel Anne Hill

Upcoming Events in 2013:

• May 24-27; BayCon Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara, CA; Guest and panelist.
• June 8, 9, 10 & 15: San Mateo County Fair at San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA; Guest presenter.
• August 29 – September 2; World Science Fiction Convention, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX; Attending member.
• October 8-10; OryCon Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, Lloyd Center Doubletree Inn, Portland, OR; Guest and panelist.
• October 31 – November 3; World Fantasy Convention, Brighton, England, Attending member.

Cheers to Laurel Anne Hill, Heroes Arise, author of science fiction and fantasy, writing contest sponsor, contributing author for anthologies!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

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

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources. Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

Shanghai Steam anthology, edited by Ace Jordyn, Calvin D. Jim and Renee Bennett; original artwork by James Ng; cover design by Janice Blaine

Laurel Anne tells me that Shanghai Steam Anthology will be launched November 1-4, 2012 at the World Fantasy Convention in Toronto, Canada.  So exciting!

If you had a role in creating this anthology, or, if you know any of the contributing authors, editors, art designers, please tell us by submitting a comment to this post.  Click on the blue header of this post, scroll down to get the boxes, fill in the boxes and press [submit comment] button.  Consider keeping a copy of your comment (before pressing submit-comment button) and use it in your own email signature-block and on other blogs.  Thank you!

Here’s Laurel Anne Hill’s blog post:

Steampunk, Wuxia and the Immigrant Experience
by Laurel Anne Hill

I stare at the crimson printing on my computer screen.  Crisp black lines frame electronic words of caution.  What is this, anyway?  The 1877 U.S. Senatorial report on Chinese immigration I Googled?  Or the “boxed warning” for a toxic drug?

The red letters form an introductory disclaimer of sorts, an alert regarding nineteenth-century political incorrectness.  The Senatorial report’s contents will reflect the attitudes of yesteryear’s Americans.  In other words, readers with sensitive ears, beware.  Still, I need to study sections of this 1,281-page document to blog about railroad workers from China.  My finger tabs through the report’s opening pages.

“There is a vast hive from which Chinese immigrants may swarm…,” the report indicates.  “They are cruel and indifferent to their sick…inferior in mental and moral qualities…”

Anger warms my face.  The historical report I prepare to read in depth is a verbal cesspool of toxic prejudice.  Worse than I expected.  Even the testimony of Charles Crocker–-the infamous railroad executive who respected the tremendous contribution of Chinese laborers in building the U.S. Transcontinental Railway–oozes stereotypes.  I just began this morning’s immigrant-experience research project and already my blood pressure soars.

Now please don’t consider me naïve.  Years ago, I learned about the anti-Chinese legislation passed in nineteenth-century America: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (to keep “them” out) and various anti-miscegenation laws (to prevent interracial marriages).  U.S. immigration policy muddle-ups are not confined to the twenty-first century.  That’s one of several reasons why I wrote my new short story, “Moon-Flame Woman.”  I hope “Moon-Flame Woman” will help readers picture all immigrants as distinct individuals with gifts, fears, hopes and dreams.

The setting for “Moon-Flame Woman” is a North American railroad construction camp in 1866.  In my story, Cho Ting-Lam has lost self-respect.  She, a slave, has neither a husband nor sons.  Disguised as a man, Cho Ting-Lam uses explosives, crystal technology and Qi to bore railroad tunnels through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Then a prejudiced railroad superintendent endangers her and her people.

“Moon-Flame Woman,” is scheduled for publication in the upcoming Shanghai Steam Anthology (Absolute XPress, November 2012).  Shanghai Steam is a unique mashup of steampunk (advanced technology through steam-age mechanical devices) and the Chinese literary genre known as Wuxia (loosely translated as martial hero).

I invite you to visit the worlds within Shanghai Steam.  From ancient China to a future Mars, from the British Empire to the Old West, nineteen authors will show you worlds with alcohol-fueled dragons, philosophical automatons, and Qi-powered machines both wondrous and strange in tales of vengeance, paper lantern revolutions and flying monks.  I also wish to thank Teresa LeYung-Ryan for her pre-submission review of my “Moon-Flame Woman” manuscript.  Teresa provided valuable advice which strengthened my story.

Below, I list the Shanghai Steam table of contents.  For more information about the anthology and its authors, visit the Shanghai Steam Facebook page.

Warm wishes,

Laurel Anne Hill
Author of Heroes Arise, an award-winning novel about breaking the cycle of vengeance.
http://www.laurelannehill.com

Shanghai Steam Anthology  edited by Ace Jordyn, Calvin D. Jim and Renee Bennett

Table of Contents

The Fivefold Proverbs of Zhen Xiaquan
Tim Ford

Qin Yun’s Mechanical Dragon and the Cricket Spies
Amanda Clark

Moon-Flame Woman
Laurel Anne Hill

Love and Rockets at the Siege of Peking
K. H. Vaughan

The Master and the Guest
Crystal Koo

Ming Jie and the Coffee Maker of Doom
Brent Nichols

A Hero Faces the Celestial Empire; A Death by Fire is Avenged by Water
Julia A. Rosenthal

Riding the Wind
William H. Keith

Mistress of the Pearl Dragon
Shen Braun

Song of My Heart
Jennifer Rahn

Last Flight of the Lóng Qíshì
Emily Mah

Protection from Assassins
Frances Pauli

Seeds of the Lotus
Camille Alexa

The Ability of Lightness
Tim Reynolds

Fire in the Sky
Ray Dean

The Legend of Wong Heng Li
Frank Larnerd

Flying Devils
Derwin Mak

Legend of the Secret Masterpiece
Nick Tramdack

Jing Ke Before the Principle of Order
Minsoo Kang

Hearty congratulations to my friend Laurel Anne Hill and all the contributing authors, editors, artwork designer, cover designer, and their advisors!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Please visit Coach Teresa’s Events Page

http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  Click on “Coach Teresa’s Blog”

http://www.facebook.com/Teresa.LeYung.Ryan
http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Coach Teresa on CBS Bay Sunday with Host Frank Mallicoat

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

• Playwright and Arts In the Valley radio host Kim McMillon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coach Teresa’s definition of Writer’s Platform:  “Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”

Start with:  “I care about . . . ”

Example: (as a writer of fiction, narrative nonfiction, including memoirs )

I am Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart.  I care about helping adult-children (of mentally-ill parents) speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their loved ones.

Example: (as a writer of prescriptive nonfiction  a.k.a. “how to” )

I am Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days.  I care about helping writers thrive in today’s publishing arena.

Your Turn:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

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

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

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

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