Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Posts Tagged ‘Linda Joy Myers’

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here, with a big smile on my face.

If you participated . . . even if you missed this event (and what an exciting tele-roundtable session about what a platform is and why you want one!)  . . . promote yourself by submitting a comment to this blog post (article). [To submit a comment: 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  my fans will see your name, URL, and what themes/subject matters/issues you write about.]

Build Your Writer’s Platform in 2012!

Linda Joy Myers of NAMW.org had invited me to help writers define 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)

Tell us what you learned today at the tele-roundtable session.

You learned the definition of a writer’s platform.

You learned how and where to show off your name and y0ur themes. Next you’ll need a “home base” so that when your fans find you on the Internet and want to read more from you . . . how would they find you?  Your home base is your website / blog.  My workbook guides you, step by step, on how to get a free blog (no web-hosting fees) if your budget is zero.  Get your home base now.

Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s platform!”

Your platform is unique; there is only one YOU!

You deserve a brilliant writer’s life (wear your 2 hats: the hat that works on the craft of writing; the hat that builds your name to help your fans find you NOW)

Thank you, Linda Joy Myers and Everyone who participated today!

Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

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

Teresa LeYung-Ryan‘s editing – specializes in mainstream fiction, women’s fiction, thrillers, narrative non-fiction, memoirs, children’s fiction, and short stories – Coach Teresa’s editing services include editorial memo (recommendations on plotline and sub-plotlines, character development, pace, thematic connections) and copy editing.  Coach Teresa loves feisty protagonists and quirky characters and can help you identify themes and archetypes. http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Some events where you’ll see or hear Coach Teresa:

Jan. 12, 2012 4:00pm PST / 5:00pm MST / 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

After you click here: http://www.namw.org/workshops-classes/build-your-writers-platform-in-2012/ sign up on the right sidebar for today’s  NAMW Roundtable discussions and receive a downloadable audio of the event!

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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

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February 2 (Thurs.) 2012  6:15-7:30pm Women’s National Book Association members and prospective members welcomed to “Authors Exchange Solutions” forums with authors/mentors/coaches Teresa LeYung-Ryan,  Mary E. Knippel and Birgit Soyka, at San Francisco Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room -A http://wnba-sfchapter.org/

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Feb. 17-19, 2012 San Francisco Writers Confernce  http://www.sfwriters.org/ Teresa LeYung-Ryan will present 2 sessions.

Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Mary E. Knippel show writers how to polish their manuscripts before:
·        hiring book doctor/developmental editor
·        pitching to agents or acquisition editors
·        self-publishing

Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Elisa “Sasa” Southard
“Build Your Platform: Craft Your Talking-Tagline to Attract Agents & Publishers”

•    hook agents, acquisition editors and readers
•    have fun building your writer’s platform
•    be yourself and succeed

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March 1 (Thurs.) 2012 6:15-7:30pm Women’s National Book Association members and prospective members welcomed to “Authors Exchange Solutions” forums  with authors/mentors/coaches Teresa LeYung-Ryan,  Mary E. Knippel and Birgit Soyka, at San Francisco Main Library, Stong Conference Room http://wnba-sfchapter.org/

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Saturday, March 24, 2012 Women’s National Book Association presents “Meet the Agents/Speed Dating with Agents” Lynn Henriksen chairs; Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Mary E. Knippel and Tanya Egan Gibson will coach registrants on how to pitch.  http://wnba-sfchapter.org

RESOURCES FOR WRITERS–START HERE:

http://writingcoachteresa.com

http://www.namw.org/

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.

Coach Teresa here… I see in the Book Passage catalog that Lindsay Whiting, Adair Lara, and Amy Rennert will be teaching in November & December 2011 at the store in Corte Madera, CA!

…which made me think about other colleagues  . . .  the list would go on and on, for days    This is just one post of a series.

I’ll be away for 9 days; please bookmark this blog http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/ and visit soon.  Many thanks!

These authors, teachers,  editors, literary agent,  and I (Lindsay Whiting, Marie Elena Gaspari Mary E. Knippel, Adair Lara, Linda Joy Myers, Lynn Henriksen, Kate Farrell, Luisa Adams, Lynn Scott, Elisa “Sasa” Southard, Linda Lee, Vicki Weiland, Margie Yee Webb, Yolande Barial, Amy Rennert, Teresa LeYung-Ryan) are passionate about these themes:  helping self and helping others through art/writing; identifying publishing routes; manifesting dreams; mothers/daughters; promoting reading

Lindsay Whiting – Living into Art: Journeys Through Collage
Sat., November 12, 2011, 1:00-5:00 pm • $60 (plus $5 materials fee due to instructor)
Living Into Art: Journeys Through Collage

Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA 94925 (415) 927-0960

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Marie Elena Gaspari  http://riverofdreamswriting.weebly.com/

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Mary E. Knippel  http://yourwritingmentor.com/tag/collage/

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Class: Adair Lara – Writing the Memoir
Sat., November 19, 2011, 10:00 am–4:00 pm  $105

Adair Lara shows how to get your memoir started—or finished. You will learn all the vital elements: the arc, reflective voice, scene vs. narrative, fact vs. truth, and writing about family members. She also explains what it takes to get published. There will be in-class exercises and assignments. Writers of fiction and essays are welcome too. A former San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Lara is the author of 12 books, including Naked, Drunk and Writing, her popular new guide to essay and memoir.

Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA 94925 (415) 927-0960

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Linda Joy Myers  http://www.namw.org/

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Lynn Henriksen   http://telltalesouls.com/blog/

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Kate Farrell  http://wisdomhasavoice.com/

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Luisa Adams  http://www.rp-author.com/Adams/

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Lynn Scott    http://lynnscottbooks.com/

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Elisa “Sasa” Southard  http://elisaonassignment.com/

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan  http://writingcoachteresa.com

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Linda Lee  http://askmepc.com/

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Vicki Weiland  http://vickiweiland.wordpress.com/

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Margie Yee Webb  http://www.catmulan.com/

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Yolande Barial  http://just-a-mom.us/

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Amy Rennert – Secrets of Getting Published
Two Thursdays: Dec. 1 & 8, 2011 • 6:30-9:00 pm
Price: $130.00

Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA 94925 (415) 927-0960

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Sincerely,

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

Writing Career Coach/Manuscript Consultant

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (print edition & eBook edition)
Author of Love Made of Heart (inspires adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families)

http://www.namw.org/teleseminars/national-association-of-memoir-writers-announces-guest-speakers-for-fall-2011-day-long-memoir-writing-teleconference/

This is a joyful opportunity for those who write memoir and creative nonfiction–no need to struggle writing the truth.

Thank you, Linda Joy Myers and National Association of Memoir Writers. Sign up for the conference here to get a free audio download: http://tinyurl.com/3wkvbjn

Today October 21, 2011 day-long free Teleconference for memoir and creative nonfiction writers

Sincerely,

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

http://writingcoachteresa.com author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

This Sunday Oct. 16, 2011 Free event. Fun. Please go 1:00-3:00pm.

WNBA National Reading Group Month event at Kepler’s Books & Magazines in Menlo Park, CA.

Featured authors Rachael Herron & Thad Nodine.

Listen to Linda Joy Myers’s delightful interviews with both authors.

Delightful interview! Linda Joy Myers asks sweet questions and Rachael Herron (author of Wishes and Stitches; A Life in Stitches) is a joy. I was engaged when she said that even at a young age, when she was reading, she was intrigued that someone had to make a book; and she wanted to do that herself. I look forward to reading her novels and memoir and getting inspirations from her narrator’s voice and the art of knitting.

Thad Nodine (author of Touch and Go) says his narrator is a young blind man – wow – I look forward to reading from this particular POV. Interesting to hear from the author that his unusual narrator took over the story and taught him (author) a few things. Linda Joy Myers praises Thad on using clever techniques in writing scenes. Powerful themes: multi-cultures and love; natural disaster; vision/blindness; journey with and for family.

Cheers to both featured authors, WNBA co-president Linda Joy Myers who will be moderating the panel, WNBA co-president Linda Lee, board members and everyone at WNBA & Kepler’s!  Special cheers to Jill A. Tardiff and everyone at all the WNBA chapters involved in National Reading Group Month events.

More info on Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter.

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

Events for Writers & Readers & Job Seekers in the San Francisco Greater Bay Area, CA

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Tues. Oct. 11, 2011 Please tell job-seeker friends Mary E. Knippel presents at SF Professional Career Network. Meet 9:00am at 390 Valencia St., SF. Presentation 9:30-11:00am.  I’ll be there to film Mentor Mary as she guides job-seekers on how to “Create Your Success Story”:

• Learn simple, creative ways to get noticed in a crowd
• Design your vision-board to achieve your dreams
• Convert your passions into valuable connections

If you can’t attend this Meet-Up, visit Mary’s site: http://yourwritingmentor.com/

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October 7 – 15, 2011

San Francisco’s Litquake Literary Festival

WNBA-SF Chapter Members Janine Kovac and Patricia V. Davis are on the Executive Committee! Who else from WNBA is involved?

LitCrawl San Francisco is October 15, 2011

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October 14, 2011, 7:00pm Mary Jo McConahay at Avid Reader, Davis, CA

October 16, 2011,  2:00pm Mary Jo McConahay at the Avid Reader at the Tower,  Sacramento, CA

Maya Roads: One Woman’s Journey Among the People of the Rainforest

http://www.mayaroads.com/mayaroads.com

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October 15, 2011 Ann Foster reminds us that Brooke Warner will be at California Writers Club–SF Peninsula Branch

September 24, 2011  10:00am – 4:00pm

The Sonoma County Book Festival

Celebrating the Literary Arts & Promoting Literacy

Old Courthouse Square, Fourth Street and Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA

Please look for Women’s National Book Association and California Writers Club colleagues Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Margie Yee Webb, Kate Farrell at their booth #34 (on 4th Street near Mary’s Pizza Shack) and on the Redwood Reading Circle Stage orchestrated by Ana Manwaring.

Other WNBA/CWC members at the book festival: Leigh Anne Lindsey & Persia Wooley at Booth 54, Linda Joy Myers, Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Laurel Anne Hill at Booth 31, Lynn Goodwin & Marcia Canton at Booth 59, Linda Loveland Reid & Redwood Writers at Booths 79 & 80 Who else?

Also visit the Redwood Writers / Redwood Reading Circle Stage to look for Ana (orchestrating this stage), Laurel Anne, Kate, Margie, and me Teresa. We  are excited to be with luminaries including Belva Davis and Maxine Hong Kingston.

Amanda McTigue will be at Booth #20

Kay Mehl Miller, Ph.D. (author of Living with the Stranger in Me: An Exploration of Aging)  at  Bay Area Publishers Association booth

Who Will be on the Redwood Reading Circle Stage at Sonoma County Book Festival?

Kate Farrell on Redwood Reading Circle stage at Sonoma County Book Festival 2 years ago

Teresa LeYung-Ryan on Redwood Reading Circle stage at Sonoma County Book Festival 2 years ago

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Melissa Kelley, Director of Sonoma County Book Festival

Ana Manwaring orchestrates Redwood Reading Circle Stage!

10:00-10:45 am        The Sitting Room – MC Clarise Stasz

10:45-11:00 am    Redwood Writers New books out: Linda McCabe & Robbi Sommers Bryant

11:00-11:30am    Broad Universe: Rapid Fire Readings –   MC  Ann Wilkes

1.                   Ann Wilkes

2.                   Emerian Rich

3.                   Laurel Anne Hill

4.                   Valerie Frankel

5.                   Camille Picott

11:30-12:00   Not Just the Facts: Journalism Today –  MC Robert Digitale

“Come hear journalists, the people who track down great stories.”

1.            Robert Digitale, blogger/journalist

2.            Carylon Alexander, editor, Travel Host Magazine

3.            Jane S. MacLean, journalism

4.            Arlene Miller, blogger/newsletters/educational writing

5.            Kay Mehl Miller, a journalist looks at aging

12:00-12:30pm Redwood Writers Memoir Contest Winners — MC Patsy Taylor

1^st Pat Tyler-Momma at the Swimming Hole

2nd        Jasmine Belenger-Looking for Jeasus

3^rd Jean Wong-Saving Catfish

12:30-1:00pm      Sisters in Crime MC  Malena Eljumaily

1.                   Clair M. Johnson

2.                   Darrell James

3.                   Patricia Morin

1:00-1:45 pm    California Writers Club–Vintage Voices Anthology    MC  Jeanne Miller

1.       Juanita J. Martin

2.       Jeanne Jusaitus

3.       Cindy Pavlinac

4.       Barbara Teboni

5.       Carol Collier

6.       Arlene Miller

7.       Mark Pavlichek

8.       Patsy Taylor

9.       Zara Rabb

10.   Susanna Solomon    Broccoli Dance

1:45-2:00 pm  WNBA (Women’s National Book Association) MC  Ana Manwaring

1.                    Margie  Yee Webb

2.                  Teresa LeYung-Ryan

2:00-2:45 pm        Wisdom has a Voice Anthology– MC   Susan Bono

1.       Kate Farrell

2.       Ana Manwaring- Not My Mother’s Child

3.       Jeanne Jusaitus- Liebestraum: A Daughter’s Reflection

4.       Clarice Stasz- Edgewood

5.       Barbara Teboni- A Moon Song

6.       Laura McHale Holland- Little Traveler

3:00-3:30 pm         BAIPA (Bay Area Independent Publishers Assn.) MC  Sandy Baker

1.  Sandy Baker

2.  Gary Turchin

3.  Carolyn C.J. Jones

4.  Carol Sheldon

5.  Eugene Miller

6.  Susan Pace-Koch

7.  Shelley Buck

8.  Margaret Murray

3:30-3:40pm Redwood Writers Short Story Contest Winners — MC   Elspeth Benton

1.  Jan Edwards

2.  Laura McHale Holland

3:40-4:00pm           Redwood Writers Raffle Winners MC   Linda Reid

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La Rosa Restaurant Tequileria & Grille, 500 Fourth Street
2:30 Maxine Hong Kingston with the Veterans Writing Group

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “I am so looking forward to this event! See you there !”

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

$9.81 for ebook; $22 for print edition

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

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.

Where Can We Find Literary Entertainment in Sausalito and San Francisco?

Wherever you are, check out your local library calendar, coffee house, community events calendar.

Linda Joy Myers founder of National Association of Memoir Writers tells me that Why There Are Words takes place every second Thursday evening of the month in Sausalito, CA!  

“Welcome! This is the place to learn about Why There Are Words, the literary reading series that takes place every second Thursday of the month, at Studio 333 on Caledonia Street in Sausalito, CA, 7 PM, $5 donation at the door.

Each prose (defined as narrative writing other than poetry) reading presents six (6) readers, a combination of those who have published books and those who have not yet. All share the criterion of excellence.

Interested in reading?  Please go to Why There Are Words for please contact Peg Alford Pursell“

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I couldn’t remember the venue where my poet friends performed in San Francisco, so I Googled the words:  poetry reading san francisco russian hill

Look who is on first page of search results! Joan Gelfand’s website address

Then I Googled:  poetry reading san francisco gallery cafe
There she is again! Joan’s working cyberspace magic!  Go, Joan!!!!!

Kit Kennedy produced the fabulous poetry series at Gallery Cafe. Kit, what are you up to these days?

Coach Teresa here cheering for Kit, Joan, Linda Joy, Peg and all literary entertainers!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

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

Coach Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

$9.81 for ebook; $22 for print edition

Teresa is the author of Love Made of Heart

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

Teresa on facebook!

Joan Gelfand says: “Teresa LeYung-Ryan has paid her dues – as a writer, an organizational genius, and a community member. This book Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days is a gift to any writer who wants to know ‘how did you do that?’ or, ‘how do I get there?’ Teresa’s book is supportive, generous and easy to follow. Stop wondering how to make your name in the writing world – buy this book and follow the steps.”

September 5, 2011

Dear Lynn Henriksen,

I miss my mom so so much. Your inviting me to guest-blog is a huge gift and I thank you. Today is Labor Day. I salute you, your mom, my mom, and all moms who labor/labored with love and hope for their families.

Sincerely,

Teresa

“What Does Your Protagonist Want?”

By  Teresa LeYung-Ryan, aka “Writing Career Coach & Manuscript Consultant Teresa”

“If you’re writing a novel or memoir, what does your protagonist want?”
“What are your themes and who are your archetypes?”
“If you’re writing a how-to book, what are the issues?”
“Do you want to build your platform to attract agents, publishers, and fans/readers?”

These are the questions I ask when writers hire me as their coach.

For many writers, the first question (“What does your protagonist want?”) is not an easy one to answer. What does your main character want when the story opens? As the story moves forward?

For memoir authors, the protagonist is the Self. You the author lived your story and you know the outcome; now is the chance to engage readers via story-telling techniques and show them what you wanted and how you went about getting (or not getting) what you wanted.

For novel authors, oftentimes the protagonist (or another major character) is modeled after the author; what the protagonist wants is also oftentimes a recurring theme for the author.

In the opening scene of Love Made of Heart (my autobiographical novel about an adult-daughter struggling to understand her mother’s mental illness ), protagonist Ruby Lin asks herself: What have I done? (as she watches police officers escort her mother from her apartment).

Ruby wants her mother to get well; she wants to return to her routines; she wants to forget her past; she wants a wise elder who listens and doesn’t judge. As we get to know Ruby, we find out what her “big wants” are—to find love and forgiveness.

I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of the novel, did not have a maternal grandmother. How I used to fantasize about a kind and wise Grandmama to run to! Writing fiction gave me the luxury to give my protagonist something I never had, so, I created the elderly neighbor Mrs. Nussbaum (embodying the mentor and ally archetypes); she would listen to Ruby and not judge her.

In the introduction of Lynn Scott’s memoir A Joyful Encounter: My Mother, My Alzheimer Clients, and Me, the author reveals: I needed money. I was sixty-seven and living thinly on Social Security… As we read on, we meet the other characters/archetypes and see how they help the author get the “big want” (what money can’t buy) . . .  a spiritual journey to her mother’s love.  Lynn Henriksen’s review of this same book ends with “… Scott’s book made me laugh, cry, and wish I could have my mother back for just a day, even one more hour.”

Aah, to have Mom back for just a day, even one more hour. That is exactly what yours truly wants right now.  I’ve been ill (coping with symptoms from wheat-intolerance) and I yearn for my mom’s hugs and encouraging words: “All will be fine, my darling daughter.” But, I can’t get what I want on a physical level; Mom died over ten years ago of metastasized breast cancer.

My biggest angel is my mom, and, I ask her to help me on a daily basis. “Mom, I want to feel well.”  My muscles and sinuses were hurting; fatigue overwhelmed me; then, when depression moved in . . . I knew that I needed to be an active protagonist. I stopped eating breads and anything made with wheat flour (and that include flaky pie crusts, almond tea cakes, Challah, tortilla that hold a burrito together, Pad Thai, and pasta).

My mastermind colleague Lori Noack reminded me that wheat is in soy sauce (gosh I eat a lot of Chinese food too) and in marinades and salad dressings (yikes).  LN, thank you for your encouraging emails!

Next, I went to see a Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner. Heather Richmond said “Teresa, the foods you’ve been eating are ‘damp.’ To treat the ‘dampness’ so that you’ll feel better, not only am I advising eliminating wheat from your diet, I’m also recommending eliminating soy as in tofu and corn.” No tofu and corn, in addition to no wheat?  Oh my.  Heather had explained that wheat, soy and corn are the top three most genetically-modified foods in this country.

Mrs. Nussbaum’s voice (my inner Wise Self) stepped into my head.  “Making a lifestyle change calls for perseverance. Go easy. Go gentle.  I’m proud of you.”

I tell my clients “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams.” I too have been reaching out—by telling my friends about what I want—to feel energetic again. I will need their moral support (to cheer for me when I turn down a slice of bread, a fresh croissant or homemade pizza crust).

At a meeting, Linda Joy Myers, author of 3 books and founder of National Association of Memoir Writers, gave me delicious rice crackers, wild salmon, and green beans when she found out about my wheat intolerance. Thank you, LJM!

Thank you to all my friends and family members who are supportive of my goals!  My sister sent me a gift card for shopping sprees in “organic produce” aisles.  Thank you, Maria!

These books continue to be helpful as I want to live well in spite of food allergies:

• Eating Gluten Free: Delicious Recipes and Essential Advice for Living Well Without Wheat and Other Problematic Grains by Shreve Stockton

• Optimal Healing: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine by Patricia Tsang, M.D.

Heather Richmond is recommending I stop eating rice in the next phase of treatment.  Oh oh . . .

I still want hugs from my mom.  I feel them.  Every morning and every night, in my prayers.  And I give hugs back. “Thank you my Main Angel.”

Lynn Henriksen aka The Story Woman, thank you so much for asking me to guest-blog. You’ve given me a lovely gift—a chance to talk about my mom, knowing what the protagonist wants, and how to reach out not stress out!  I cheer for you, your books, blog, and classes!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Author, Writing Career Coach, Manuscript Consultant.

Teresa’s blog http://writingcoachteresa.com for resources.

Teresa 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. (the novel is available in libraries, archived in the San Francisco History Center, and used by teachers in college and universities).

She’s also the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (a workbook to help writers of all genres gain a competitive edge before and after publication. Available as ebook too! Customers of the workbook are saying that it’s useful for anyone who has anything to promote.)

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: "Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams."

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Lynn Henriksen wrote: “Teresa – it was my pleasure placing your guest post on The Story Woman blog! Thank you for an interesting piece and for speaking from your heart as you always do.”

Kate Farrell, Wisdom Has a Voice wrote: “Teresa–What a great post that speaks to how writers think, yearn, and write for themselves, to connect and to share in a way that makes the world a community!”

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

http://www.tracypress.com/view/full_story/12489710/article-Her-Voice–To-helmet-or-not-to-helment?instance=home_opinion_lead_story

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,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

author of Love Made of  Heart

Love Made of Heart - get this book for your mom or sister

author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days

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