Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Posts Tagged ‘memoirs’

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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.

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

Coach Teresa, what does it mean when an agent says my story is episodic?

Authors of novels, memoirs, children’s novels–this advice is for you.

Episodic = This happens, then this happens, then that happens… An episodic story is not compelling because there’s no connection between character growth and action plotline.

The answer: Show the transformation of your protagonist(s) . . . not because “things happen to her/him” but because her/his choices/behavior lead her/him to the next step, to the next step, as she/he goes after what she/he wants.

Examine every scene. Ask yourself this question: What does your protagonist want in this scene?  What is she/he afraid of?  Who/What is the antagonist in this scene?

As Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson says:  “When the dramatic action changes the character at depth over time, the story becomes thematically significant.”

Re-read your favorite book that has a similar premise as yours.

Cheering for writers!

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:  writingcoachTeresa    at    gmail.com

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Coach Teresa  LeYung-Ryan

specializes in:   novels   / children’s novels  / memoirs

Coach Teresa, I’m concerned about my manuscript and someone stealing the work.

Coach Teresa here . . . my clients email me their manuscripts–their work being transmitted on cyberspace. This is why I ask all my clients to submit their manuscripts (mss.) in the same format that agents & publishers want them in–your name and book title in the header on every page.

The following information is from http://copyright.gov/

What is copyright?

Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.

What does copyright protect?

Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “What Works Are Protected.”

How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?

Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.

When is my work protected?

Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?

No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

Mail yourself the entire ms. (U.S.mail) but don’t open the envelope when you get it back–the postal mark/date and the unopened envelope serve as evidence.  Note:  You must register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office before you bring a lawsuit for copyright infringement.

My trademark attorney is Robert Pimm. He is also a copyright attorney.

Cheering for writers!

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

918-6222  ( 510 area code )

Email:  writingcoachTeresa    at    gmail.com

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Coach Teresa  LeYung-Ryan

specializes in:   novels   / children’s novels  / memoirs

Coach Teresa, what happened when you hosted Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson on your blog?

Martha Alderson is one of the seven members of our mastermind group; my previous post included two other members–Job Seeker’s Writing Mentor Mary E. Knippel and Employment Counselor Rebecca Martin.

Hosting an author who is on blog tour (even when the author is beloved Martha Alderson) requires a series of publicity outreach, special invitations, and, of course being present on the day of author-arrival to my blog.

22 writers showed up for Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson!  Please read their wonderful questions about story plotlines and the Plot Whisperer’s helpful answers to authors of novels, memoirs, creative nonfiction.

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/writers-invited-to-camp-out-here-the-plot-whisperer-martha-alderson-to-arrive-october-18-2011-on-blog-tour/

Each writer who participated was eligible for the drawing.  The winner would get a copy of The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master. I had each participant’s name on a piece of paper, and all the entries went into a red bag.  After a few shakes . . .  one entry was pulled out.  The winner is Janet Kerr in Canada!  Congratulations, Janet!  Thank you, Everyone, for making my blog a fun place for The Plot Whisperer.

Coach Teresa here to say that  Martha’s new book The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master has motivated me to the point that I’m writing my second novel on public transit. Last night I even missed my stop because I was engrossed reading Martha’s “Some Final Thoughts” in her book. I am on fire writing and dreaming my next novel. Thank you, Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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)

Is Kathryn G. McCarty teaching a Creative Writing Class to Kids and Teens?

I just received an email from Kathryn G. McCarty who says:

San Mateo County Fairgrounds

1346 Saratoga Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403

Expo Hall, Fine Arts Galleria, Literary Stage

Will There Be Fun Programs for Writers and Readers at the San Mateo County Fair?

Yes! Yes! Yes!  Laurel Anne Hill and David Hirzel had led workshops this past weekend. You’ll see them again this weekend.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

5:00-6:00pm Audio-­book workshop with Kathy Garver!

Have you ever wondered how to find new markets for your writing project?
Do you want to find out more about how audio books are created?
Would you like to learn how to record the audio version of your book?

KATHY GARVER might be best known for her role as Cissy on the hit 60’s
TV show Family Affair, but she’s also an Audie Award winner for narrating books (An Audie is like the Oscar for audio narration).

Excerpts will be read from Kathy’s The Family Affair Cookbook. Visit Kathy’s website:  www.kathygarver.com

6:00-7:00pm Author Anna Booth

7:00-8:00pm Pacifica Poetry Forum

8:00-9:00pm Green Tea Band musical act

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2011   4:00-9:00pm (5 hours of fun)

(30 minute mini-workshops – 4:00pm; 4:30pm; 5:00pm; 5:30pm )

Creativity Mentor Mary E. Knippel

Free Family Fun for ages 10 and up! Let’s Play!

• unleash your creative side
• meet your inner artist
• catch yourself having fun
Mary E. Knippel, writer, Creativity Mentor, speaker and workshop leader, conducts workshops on California’s beautiful San Mateo coast in which participants connect with their creativity, focus on fun, and pursue play as a proven method to de-stress and cope with life’s challenges. Mary will help workshop participants discover the secret of journal writing along with experiencing the magic that happens when bits of paper are infused with imagination.  http://www.coaxingcreativity.com

6:30-­8:00PM
THE SAN FRANCISCO/PENINSULA BRANCH OF THE CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB LAUNCHES THEIR ENDLESS SUMMER TOUR OF FAULT ZONE: WORDS FROM THE EDGE

an anthology of stories and poems to be read by the authors

Scheduled to present:
Lisa Meltzer Penn, Editor, Fault Zone: Words from the Edge
Ann Foster
James Hanna
Carole Bumpus
Linda Newman
Laurel Anne Hill
Ida Lewenstein
Darlene Frank
Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Literary Director, San Mateo County Fair

8:00-9:00pm

DON’T MISS THIS POWERFUL FICTION AND PRESCRIPTIVE NONFICTION MINI WORKSHOP BY ONE OF THE BAY AREA’S LEADING MANUSCRIPT CONSULTANTS, WRITING CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, AND BLOGGER EXTRAORDINAIRE!

Teresa LeYung Ryan will show you how to gain name recognition, fans, and advocates BEFORE and AFTER publication.

As manuscript consultant and platform-building coach, Teresa LeYung-Ryan helps her clients identify themes, issues, and archetypes in their fiction and nonfiction books and choose the right publishing routes.  Coach Teresa’s motto: “Reach out, not stress out, when building your career.” She’s the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Author Teresa LeYung Ryan uses Love Made of Heart to inspire adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and gain resources for their families.

Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan helps fiction and nonfiction writers build their platforms and fanbases

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SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2011

1:00-2:00 Science Fiction/Fantasy Open Mic with author Laurel Anne Hill

2:00-4:00PM AUTHOR BOOK DAY

WE HAVE PAGE-TURNING THRILLERS, COZY MYSTERIES, MEMOIRS, HISTORICAL NOVELS, CONTEMPORARY NOVELS, POETRY, COOKBOOKS, DELIGHTFUL CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT STORIES, AND MORE.

BETH BARANY
EZRA BARANY
ANASTASIA BLACKWELL
PAUL CARLSON
JON CORY
MARGARET DAVIS
PATRICIA V. DAVIS
ELIZABETH FAJARDO
VALERIE FRANKEL
CHUCK FROST
KATHY GARVER
JAMES HANNA
LIAN GOUW
LAUREL ANNE HILL
SCOTT JAMES
F.M. KAHREN
BEVERLY KALININ
LI MAIO LOVETT
LISA MELTZER PENN
EMERIAN RICH
TERESA LEYUNG RYAN‘s books will be available – please visit author BIRGIT SOYKA’s table
JOANN SEMONES, PH.D
BIRGIT SOYKA
KAREN STANTON
DR. PATRICIA TSANG
LEIGH TOLDI
DR. NORMAN E. TUTOROW
MATT WEBER
ANN WILKES

4:00-5:00PM THE WOMEN ON WRITING “WOW” GROUP WILL PRESENT READINGS OF POETRY AND PROSE IMMEDIATELY AFTER BOOK DAY
WOW WOMEN ON WRITING, Skyline College, annually hosts  Women on Writing (WOW), a festive literary event in early March that inspires creativity and celebrates community among writers and readers of all ages. Six dynamic WOW leaders will read original poetry and prose .
Participants include:
WOW founder Marijane Datson, coordinator Kathleen McClung, keynote speaker Li Miao Lovett, and ambassadors Georgia Gero, Lisa Melnick and Ellen Woods.

Hello Writers,

I am Teresa LeYung Ryan. My clients call me Writing Career Coach Teresa. Who are my clients? They are writers just like you:

• authors who have invested years writing their projects and needed to hook agents with a marketing pitch in their query letters.

• authors who have self-published their books, and deserve more readers.

• writers of fiction and nonfiction, tired of rejections, tired of publishers telling them that they don’t have a platform or fanbase.

What is a platform anyway?

Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers who are likely to buy what you have to sell. Let’s hear that again.

Making your name stand for something (the themes/the subject matters/the issues in your writing)—to attract targeted consumers (people who buy the kinds of books you create ) who are likely to buy what you have to sell (your literary works).

Join the community of authors who write fiction (novels, short stories, graphic novels, novellas), narrative and creative nonfiction (autobiographies, biographies, memoirs, essays), prescriptive nonfiction (how-to books), poetry, speeches, and other genres . . .  and have gained a competitive edge with my workbook: Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

What these authors have to say:

Ruth Silnes is a published author of three books, one of them a how-to book. Ruth says: “Thanks to Coach Teresa’s workbook I learned how to contact a star. Carol Channing wrote a review for my latest book.”

Kate Britton is looking for an agent for her novel; she’s also considering self-publishing.  She says: “Through Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days . . . you’ll find out some pretty interesting things about yourself and what your platform is really all about.”

Margaret Davis, a published novelist, says: “Instead of the usual pep talks, Coach Teresa’s workbook consists of a series of exercises which are thought-provoking, and always fun.”

Lynn Scott, author of narrative non-fiction (memoirs), says: “Coach Teresa is a whiz in the ways a writer can get noticed.”

Join these successful authors today!

Go to Amazon and search for Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days.  After you order my book, contact me through this blog post (click on the title bar of this post scroll down to get boxes, filled in the boxes, and click the “submit comment” button) and you will receive a free tip on platform building.

In the meantime, check out the resources at my website http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

I’ll see there!

And remember, “Reach out, not stress out.  Help your readers find you!” with Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days

Sincerely,

Writing Career Coach Teresa 

General Rules for 2011 Writing Contests from San Mateo County Fair Literary Arts Dept.

Entries must be received by 7:00 pm, Friday, April 29, 2011 or postmarked by April 25^th, 2011

http://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/competitive-exhibits/departments/literary-arts

After you go to above link, look at left side of the webpage and click on [ Entry Book Pages ] for general rules.

The Literary Arts Department at the San Mateo County Fair offering contests in these categories:

http://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/guide_book/creative_arts.pdf for the list of writing contests & descriptions (scroll to pages 64 -  70)

DIVISION 342 – THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE: NOVEL, MEMOIR, OR SHORT STORY
Sponsored by Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of  Love Made of Heart http://lovemadeofheart.com

DIVISION 335 – “HEROES ARISE” SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY NOVEL CHAPTER
Sponsored by Laurel Anne Hill, author of  Heroes Arise www.laurelannehill.com

DIVISION 336 – SAN FRANCISCO/PENINSULA CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB:
THE MOST PROMISING WRITER OF THE YEAR SHORT STORY CONTEST

DIVISION 337 – THE VERNA DREISBACH “WHY WE RIDE” NONFICTION
Sponsored by Verna Dreisbach www.vernadreisbach.com

DIVISION 338 – THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEMOIR WRITERS: THE POWER OF MEMOIR www.namw.org

DIVISION 341– “I’M DYING TO TELL YOU” MYSTERY NOVEL CHAPTER
Sponsored by Frank M. Kahren, author of  Brand Loyalty www.fmkahren.com

DIVISION 324 – CHILDREN’S NOVEL CHAPTER OR STORY CONTEST
Sponsored by Parenting on the Peninsula www.ponthep.com

DIVISION 323 – THE GRAPHIC NOVEL
Sponsored by the Peninsula Arts Council www.peninsulaartscouncil.org

The Capitol City Young Writers Award
Youth Grades 6-12  Sponsored by Verna Dreisbach, President and Founder http://www.capitolcityyoungwriters.org/ Young writers, also check out Capital City Young Writers’ website for other resources. For contest description and rules though, go to the San Mateo County Fair links:

http://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/competitive-exhibits/departments/literary-arts

After you go to above link, look at left side of the webpage and click on [ Entry Book Pages ] for general rules.

http://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/guide_book/creative_arts.pdf (scroll down to bottom of page 67 for this contest’s description)

Also, there are contests for essays, poetry, and more !

Thank you, Bardi Rosman Koodri, for orchestrating the Literary Arts Dept.:

LITERARY ARTS GENERAL RULES

PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for all literary contests (including the NDNU scholarship) is 7:00 pm, Friday, April 29, 2011. Registration to compete can be done online, but no literary entries via email will be accepted without three (3) copies of your written material as well, which can be mailed (must be postmarked by April 25^th, 2011) or delivered to the office by the deadline noted above.

GENERAL RULES:

1.   FORMAT: THREE (3) copies of your entry on 8-1/2″ x 11″ white paper with each page numbered and TYPED, double spaced.  Font point size may not be smaller than 12 pt.  Do not submit the original. For judging purposes, author’s name SHALL NOT appear on literary work.  For each piece, include a 3″ x 5″ card with the Author’s name, address, city, zip, home phone, day phone, email address, title, first sentence or line, word count, division, and class.  Literary arts entries must be contestant’s original work and written in English.  DO NOT RESUBMIT ANY LITERARY WORK PREVIOUSLY ENTERED INTO THE SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR WHETHER IT WON A PRIZE OR NOT.

2.  NEW: Submissions can be made electronically as long as three (3) copies are also printed and mailed in time.

3.   JUDGING:  Literary arts will be judged off site.  Literary arts entries must have correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation in order for each entry to be judged on its own merit.

4.   RELEASE: Author retains all rights; however, the author agrees that all literary arts entries may be displayed; along with each division first prize winner’s name, title, and an excerpt of said winning work, and any/all may be used for publicity purposes at the sole discretion of the Fair management.

5.   RETURN: In keeping with current writing competition standards, no literary arts entries will be returned; for confidentiality, all printed material will be recycled.

6.   PRIZE RIBBONS: Ribbons may not be collected during the fair; they will be distributed after the end of the fair.

7.  AGE:  Age for senior citizen class (55 and older) is determined by having had a birthday on or before

April 1, 2011.

Even if work is electronically submitted, three (3) printed copies of each entry must also be mailed to:

San Mateo County Event Center/Literary contest submission

2495 S. Delaware Street

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 574-3247

Thank you, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, my fellow contest sponsors, and everyone involved in making these contests available.

I was a recipient of an award from the Jack London Writers Conference Writing Contest (category:  novel) in 1997.  Mentioning of that award attracted agents’ attention when I queried them.  I encourage writers to enter their work to reputable contests; I encourage writers to check out supportive organizations such as California Writers Club!

My best wishes to writers,

Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart, cheers for brave immigrants.

22-Day Coach Teresa

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW is available through Amazon.  Read success stories (on Amazon) from writers who have finished the 22-day workbook I created to help fiction and nonfiction authors gain a competitive edge.  Whether you want to be your own publisher or sell rights to another publisher, attract readers and more readers now!  http://writingcoachteresa.com

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/is-there-a-book-to-help-a-writer-build-platform-and-fanbase/