Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

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Writing Coach Teresa says: “Platform-Building Is Fun For Writers, Friends, Fans.”

"The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other. Showing your fans 'what your name stands for' (your platform-statement) helps them brag about you with ease," says Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan -- photo by poet & novelist Joan Gelfand

When I heard dear friend Kim McMillon’s voice on July 16, 2012 asking if I would like to be a guest on CBS 5′s Bay Sunday show, I thought . . . I’d love to, but, I’m exhausted. . .  Just that day, artist Chandra Garsson (another dear friend) had filmed me reading my ten-minute monologue Answer Me Now.  Two days before that, I was on the “Writers on Writing” panel at Oakland Library, Rockridge Branch, that Kim had orchestrated for Stephanie Dale, Judith Cody, Yolande Barial, Joan Gelfand, and yours truly Teresa LeYung-Ryan.

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

Saying “yes” would mean spending at least two full days preparing for the appearance and doing pre-event publicity and then calendaring another two days to do post-event follow-ups and publicity.

Carol Sheldon (author of Mother Lode) interviewed by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan at Book Passage Ferry Building SF -- photo by Jim Weiland

You see . . . a week before that, I had interviewed award-winning author Carol Sheldon (Mother Lode) at Book Passage at the Ferry Building in San Francisco.  Two days before that event, I had attended a planning meeting at Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter. Before that, I was away for the 3-day Redwood Writers Ten-Minute Play Festival at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. Before that, I was having fun with California Writers Club friends showcasing our works at the San Mateo County Fair (June 12 and June 16 for me).

All the while . . .  I was helping clients create their platform-statements and identify themes in their manuscripts.

Yes, I was exhausted . . . But, I knew I would say “Yes!” to my dear friend Kim McMillon.  Kim was helping Bay Sunday Producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa by providing a list of authors with public-speaking experience.  I was one of the fortunate chosen ones. I needed to say “Yes! Thank you!”

I am so glad I did . . .  Angela Pang, Community Relations Manager at AsianWeek Foundation (who is also my pal Margie Yee Webb’s beloved niece), saw the group photo posted by Bay Sunday’s super team on their facebook album “Bay Sunday 7/23 Taping” and tagged me.  Now, I’m getting all kinds of fun messages from my other friends.

Writers’ Platform-Building Coach  Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other.  Outfitting your  fans (old ones and new ones) with your platform-statement helps them brags about you with ease. I cheer for writers, friends, fans!  Thank you, 3 time Emmy Award winner Frank!  Thank you, producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa! Thank you to the four wonderful interns, especially Jennifer and Chelsea! Thank you Bay Sunday Team (including audio expert Francisco Gomez and the gurus behind stage!)

“I had so much fun this morning being a guest on Bay Sunday at CBS 5 with fellow authors Joan Gelfand, Ishmael Reed, and Pireeni Sundaralingam . Everyone extended kind energy. I was happy to see Tennessee Reed!  Thank you, Kim McMillon, for pitching us to Akilah!

Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.

authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Joan Gelfand, Pireeni Sundaralingam are fans of Bay Sunday host Frank Mallicoat--photo by Jennifer

Here and Abroad by Joan Gelfand

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Love Made of Heart by Teresa LeYung-Ryan

A Dreamer’s Guide to Cities and Streams by Joan Gelfand

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Build Your Writer's Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days by Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Juice by Ishmael Reed

Indivisible an Anthology of Contemporary South Asian American Poetry - Edited by Neelanjana Banerjee, Summi Kaipa, and Pireeni Sundaralingam

Seeking Center A Collection of Poems by Joan Gelfand

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Jennifer helps Bay Sunday guests Joan Gelfand, Tennessee Reed and Ishmael Reed get comfortable before taping of show--photo by Coach Teresa

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"The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other. Showing your fans 'what your name stands for' (your platform-statement) helps them brag about you with ease," says Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan -- photo by poet & novelist Joan Gelfand

Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.

authors Joan Gelfand, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Pireeni Sundaralingam cheer for Bay Sunday producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa and host Frank Mallicoat--photo by Jennifer

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Wonderful Interns Jennifer and Chelsea flank Bay Sunday Super Producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa (yes, that is Host Frank Mallicoat walking by)-- photo by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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CBS-5 Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat asks poet & novelist Joan Gelfand about her writing process--photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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CBS-5 Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat asks Poet Pireeni Sundaralingam about her co-editing Indivisible: an Anthology of Contemporary South Asian American Poetry --photo by Writers' Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan answers Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat's question "What is branding?" --photo by Jennifer

Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.

Of the 10 talking-points that I was prepared to cover, we had time to answer most of these in the five-minute interview:

•    What is Coach Teresa’s definition of a writer’s platform?

“Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”  

“What I care about leads to my writing about those themes/subject matters/issues; what I write about attracts my fans because they also care about what I care about.  Help your fans find you.”

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.

Where to “show” your platform-statement? 

Your email signature block!  Your letterhead!  Your website and blog slogan/tagline/description!  Your bio!  Your business cards!

“Even when I’m emailing my loved ones (my biggest fans), I show them my platform-statement in my signature block.  Help your fans brag about you with ease.”

•    Why does a writer need to promote?

“To compete in the publishing arena where celebrity authors and best-selling authors have huge fanbases. “

•    How much does it cost to build my writer’s platform?

“Might not require money.  The writer does need to invest time and energy.   22 minutes a day for 22 days to start.”

•    What is branding?

“Your name is your brand.  Making your name synonymous with the issues you write about in order to attract fans (a.k.a. targeted consumers)”

•    Which is the “better” route – find an agent who will find the publisher OR find the publisher myself OR be my own publisher?

“A writer’s journey is magical.  Your fans could be the ones to lead you to your route. Take a look at my website, page entitled “Writers’ Resources,” and my blog.”

•    Coach Teresa, your workbook is Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days .    Why 22 days?

“When we stick to something for 21 consecutive days, we develop a new habit. Why not gain the wonderful habit of building our platform/name?  On the 22nd day, we celebrate. Everyday is a good day to build your name / fanbase / platform!”

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

Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.

I care about helping writers thrive in the publishing arena.  Coaching writers before and after publication is what I enjoy doing.  Some clients prefer my coaching them 5 to 15 minutes a day for 22 consecutive days ( in-person, via Skype or phone calls); some prefer an hour or two hours at a time.  Start with my workbook — You can sneak preview the 2 exercises for Day 1 in Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days by going to Amazon and take advantage of their “Look Inside” feature.

How to contact me?  Click here please.

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

I cheer for all writers!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

“My platform is not something I stand on, it is what my name stands for.”
http://writingcoachteresa.com

10 Talking-Points from Writing Coach Teresa for Bay Sunday on CBS 5

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here, ready for tomorrow’s taping for Bay Sunday at  CBS 5 in San Francisco, CA!

Thank you, producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa!

Yours truly ( Teresa LeYung-Ryan) …  honored to have been chosen with Joan Gelfand, Ishmael Reed, and Pireeni Sundaralingam!

Thank you, Kim McMillon, for pitching us to Akilah!

My first appearance on television was on Bay Sunday in 2003; Kim had pitched me then!

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Producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa emailed:

Our regular host Frank Mallicoat is on assignment so Elizabeth Wenger will host, she will be familiar with all of your books.  It should be a great show.

Thanks to all and thank you, Kim, for helping me book this excellent show.  I am honored to have you all on.  I will be mainly in the control room producing but hope to say hi to each of you.  And I will let you know when we have an air date.

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10 talking-points that Coach Teresa submitted:

•    What is Coach Teresa’s definition of a writer’s platform?
“Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”

•    Why does a writer need to promote? Wouldn’t an agent or the publisher handle that?

•    Aren’t platforms only for “how to” books?

•    I write fiction; I have received awards; wouldn’t great writing speak for itself?

•    How much does it cost to build my writer’s platform?

•    I’m an introvert. Can I build my platform without having to appear in person?

•    What is branding?

•    Why do I need fans before my book is published?

•    Which is the “better” route – find an agent who will find the publisher OR find the publisher myself OR be my own publisher?

•    Coach Teresa, your workbook is Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days .    Why 22 days?

Sincerely,
Coach Teresa

“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan helps her clients identify themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-story. As coach and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, she says: “Make your name synonymous with the issues you write about, whether  you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.”
Teresa has built her own platform happily;  her novel  Love Made of Heart and her short play Answer Me Now carry the themes closest to her heart:   mother-daughter relationship, and, speaking openly about stigmas attached to mental illness.

Please visit her website &  blog  http://writingcoachteresa.com

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CBS 5′s Bay Sunday is an eclectic mix of light news, arts and community information all tossed up in lively conversation.  The show airs on Sundays at 5:30am.

www.twitter.com/BaySunday

Become a fan:  www.facebook.com/BaySunday

Archived shows:  www.facebook.com/BaySunday

Redwood Writers winning playwrights with directors and actors invite YOU to 10-minute plays June 29, 30, July 1, 2012 -- photo by Jonathan Hayden

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: ”I love being in the performing arts theater world!”

In a novel or a narrative nonfiction story, the author carries the sole responsibility to “show” what is happening on the pages.

In a script, while the playwright can include pertinent information unique to the play, the responsibility to “show” what is happening on stage falls on the director, the actors, and stage manager.

Answer Me Now (10-minute monologue)
Playwright: Teresa LeYung-Ryan
Director: Lennie Dean
Cast:  Stacey Marie Kerr (Woman)
What is Answer Me Now about?  Middle-aged woman asks her dead mother a question.

Here’s my author’s note and beginning lines in Answer Me Now:

[ Middle-aged woman sitting in front of her dressing table; she’s staring into space; shoulders slumped.  Her hair is uncombed; circles under her eyes. On the dressing table: hairbrush;  hair clips; lipstick;  jewelry box; a purse.  Her breathing is shallow.  She looks around the room.  She looks up toward ceiling.]

Woman:  MahMa, I’m going to ask you a question.  You must answer me now.    That year, when I thought I was going mad.  Were you haunting me?

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Director Lennie Dean’s stage directions:

Middle-aged woman (in high-back armchair)  almost in fetal position. She lifts herself up, takes a sip from a mug, returns mug to end table.  Woman pulls herself up, walks over to dressing table, looks at her reflection. Then, she takes a few steps toward corner of room, looks up toward ceiling.

Woman:  Mamey, I’m going to ask you a question.  You must answer me.    That year, when I thought I was going mad.  Were you haunting me?

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Linda Loveland Reid, Kim McMillon, Lennie Dean, Elaine Maikovska at party for playwrights on opening night of 2012 Redwood Writers 10-Minute Plays at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA

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community spirit Lisa Marie Keith, author Robbi Bryant, playwright Elaine Maikovska (The Play Is the Thang) in the audience on opening night

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Lisa Marie Keith, thank you so much for telling me how you connected with my 10-minute monologue Answer Me Now – your mother; San Francisco; mental illness; Greece.

actress Stacey Marie Kerr on the set for Answer Me Now (written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan; directed by Lennie Dean)

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actress Stacey Marie Kerr on the set for Answer Me Now (written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan; directed by Lennie Dean)

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epiphany scene - actress Stacey Marie Kerr on the set for Answer Me Now (written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan; directed by Lennie Dean)

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Editor & Writing Teacher Ana Manwaring & Mary True & playwright Elizabeth VanPatten attend opening night June 29, 2012

playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now) and Linda McCabe attend opening night of Redwood Writers Ten-Minute Plays

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Dear Stacey,

How are you doing?

Thank you for taking on the role.  I had no idea that my monologue was so “heavy” until I witnessed your work on stage. Thank you for “carrying” her.

What makes me smile is looking through the photos and seeing your joyful face.
With big gentle hugs,
Teresa

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan with director Lennie Dean and actress Stacey Marie Kerr for Answer Me Now at Opening Night of 10-Minute Play Festival

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After leaving the theater Friday night, Kim McMillon and I went back to Hotel La Rose (lovely rooms) to post photos on facebook. Who can sleep after opening night!  http://www.facebook.com/Teresa.LeYung.Ryan

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Charles M. Schulz's Snoopy & Charlie Brown in Santa Rosa get hugs from Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Saturday June 30, 2012 Before Kim McMillon got on AmTrak to go back to her own work (being host at Arts In The Valley), Margie Yee Webb, author of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life, arrived.

authors Judith Marshall, Margie Yee Webb, Lynn Scott, Carol Sheldon, Teresa LeYung-Ryan enjoy lunch at Jack and Tony's in Santa Rosa

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Luisa Adams (author Woven of Water) and her husband David arrive for Saturday matinee!

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan (shortest in height) cheered by pals / authors Lynn Scott, Judith Marshall, , Margie Yee Webb, Carol Sheldon, Luisa Adams at 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa, CA

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authors Carol Sheldon, Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Margie Yee Webb enjoy dinner (and dessert) at Lo Coco's Cucina Rustica before catching Saturday evening performance of 10-minute plays

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author Margie Yee Webb, author/playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan, poet/columnist Yolande Barial at Saturday evening performance of Ten-Minute Plays--photo by Frank

Tracy Press Columnist Yolande Barial and Frank attend Saturday evening performance

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Authors Margie Yee Webb & Yolande Barial, Festival Director Lennie Dean, Playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now) cheer for all 9 playwrights, 6 directors and 15 actors

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author Margie Yee Webb, author/writing coach/playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan, super gardener Liz Bittner and pal Jackie at June 30, 2012 evening performance of 10-minute plays

actress Stacey Marie Kerr (as Woman in Teresa LeYung-Ryan's Answer Me Now) receives flowers from fans

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:

“Thank you Director Lennie Dean and Actress Stacey Marie Kerr for turning my script Answer Me Now into a memorable live-theater experience!  Cheers to Festival Director Lennie Dean, Artistic & Education Director Craig A. Miller, Stage Manger Beulah Vega, Playwriting Contest Chair Linda Loveland Reid, all 9 playwrights, 6 directors, 15 actors taking on 24 characters, Redwood Writers, everyone at 6th Street Playhouse, audience members, dear friends/loved ones near and far, and everyone who promoted the festival!”

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author Margie Yee Webb enjoys warm evening at Railroad Square, Santa Rosa after attending 10-minute plays

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Sunday July 1, 2012

Festival Director Lennie Dean introduces master playwright Garret Jon Groenveld to 50 new students including Redwood Writers playwrights and actors

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Craig A. Miller chats with Rita Lakin about her play and memoir (Rita is author of the Gladdy Gold mystery series / writer of hit TV shows including Dr. Kildare and Dynasty). Rita Lakin attended Sunday matinee to cheer for playwrights Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Malena Eljumaily .

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Olga Malyj, Margie Yee Webb, Dennis & Sheryl Fairchild, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Rita Lakin, Kate Farrell at July 1, 2012 matinee

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joyful actress Stacey Marie Kerr and playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now) at closing night

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author Margie Yee Webb witnessed 3 of the 4 performances; playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan thankful for friends who supported her in various ways; Women's Studies Teacher Sheryl Fairchild and husband Dennis cheered for Teresa

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Sunday July 1, 2012 audience stayed to ask playwrights questions; festival director Lennie Dean moderated

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Votes are in! Audiences say Best Play is Special Delivery (playwright: Malena Eljumaily - sitting, third seat from left; director: Linda Loveland Reid - standing; actors: Monica McKey as Miss Hobbs and Eyan Dean as Milo the Meals-on-Wheels guy). Fellow playwrights cheer for Malena, Linda, Monica, Eyan !!!! photo by Margie Yee Webb

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Actors Monica McKey and Eyan Dean called on stage as director Linda Loveland Reid and winning playwright Malena Eljumaily hug. Fellow playwrights cheer for Malena, Linda, Monica, Eyan !!!! - photo by Margie Yee Webb

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (gifts her mother-daughter novel Love Made of Heart to director Lennie Dean) says fond farewell to Redwood Writers 10-Minute Play Festival -- photo by author Margie Yee Webb

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Ten-Minute Play Festival Director Lennie Dean and Actor Eyan Dean -- what a dynamic duo ! photo by Playwright / Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan goes home after memorable 3-day play festival; dear pal Olga Malyj at the wheel

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My heart is filled with light and joy.  Thank you, MaMa, for inspiring me to write Answer Me Now. Thank you,  Everyone, who cheered me on.

Sincerely,

Teresa

 Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan helps her clients identify themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-story. As coach and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, she says: “Make your name synonymous with the issues you write about, whether  you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.”

Teresa has built her own platform happily;  her novel  Love Made of Heart and her short play Answer Me Now carry the themes closest to her heart:   mother-daughter relationship, and, speaking openly about stigmas attached to mental illness.

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

If you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

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.

Writers On Writing; Women On Writing; She Writes; He Writes

Tomorrow, Saturday, July 14, 2012, noon to 2:00pm, while I (Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan) will be on the “Writers on Writing” panel at Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland, CA with Kim McMillon, Yolande Barial, Joan Gelfand, Stephanie Dale, and Judith Cody . . .

Margie Yee Webb, author of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings, will be at California State Fair . . .

and Joanna W. Biggar, author of That Paris Year, will be speaking in Sacramento, CA. While visiting Joanna’s blog, I found her post about another  colleague – Cara Black! http://joannabiggar.org/2012/03/10/cara-black-and-my-own-paris-noir/

I met Joanna at Book Passage, Ferry Building, San Francisco on July 9, 2012 when I was interviewing Carol Sheldon, author of Mother Lode, who was being honored by Left Coast Writers.

That got me thinking about  SheWrites.com and Jodi O’Donnell-Ames, founder of Hope Loves Company and author Judith Marshall.

www.shewrites.com

Q: Who can be a member of SHE WRITES?

A: We welcome individuals who consider themselves writers!  You don’t need to be a published, professional writer, but most of our members are, or aspire to become so.  When you fill out your profile, please use a name rather than a business.  We prefer first and last names, but we understand if there’s a good reason you need to use a pseudonym.

Businesses: We will not approve businesses as members.  We do not allow unapproved vending on SHE WRITES.  If you wish to promote your services to the writers on the site, there are a few options: 1) advertise with us 2) pitch our SHE NEEDS HELP team, and we will consider promoting you on a case-by-case basis. See our terms of use for further clarification.

Men: We welcome men.  Our reasoning is twofold: 1) legal2) philosophical.  We would not want to be excluded from a site called HE WRITES because of our sex or gender.

While looking up Women On Writing, the annual conference held at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA, I came across Wild Writing Women.

Oh how I love being Coach Teresa!

I cheer for writers & readers (women and men, teens and children)!

Sincerely,

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.

Coach Teresa asks: “What to do when you are asked to change your script or manuscript?”

In 1999, after receiving helpful comments on my 350-page manuscript Love Made of Heart from three generous colleagues (Luisa Adams, Martha Alderson, and Susan Canale), I plunged into rewrites.

I remember my sitting at the computer keyboard . . . and letting narrator Ruby Lin take over the story-telling.  I paid attention and transcribed.

In 2000, my agent  Stacey Glick at Dystel Literary Management (now Dystel & Goderich Literary Management) asked me to make the mother-character Vivien Lin  in my novel “more accessible.” So, I asked my protagonist Ruby Lin and her mom Vivien for help.

The answer I received (from these two muses) was . . . “Show the mother not only as the parent-archetype but also as the maiden-archetype.”

To make this kind of change (affecting character arc and plotline), I had to rewrite many scenes.

My colleagues’ comments and Stacey Glick’s request had compelled me to tell a “deeper” story.

Then editor John Scognamiglio at Kensington Publishing NY asked me for more rewrites . . .  I’ll save that story for another blog post

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

Fast forward . . .  Love Made of Heart is read in colleges and universities.  My job as author is to welcome discussions about the themes and using the themes to spread awareness. Here’s my mission statement:   I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, use Love Made of Heart to inspire adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families.

I am forever thankful to the folks who had asked for “changes.” I am forever thankful to my muses and my own common sense for guiding me through rewrite.

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When a client seeks my advice about rewrites, the first questions I ask are these: 

“What does your protagonist want most?”

“Does she/he get what she/he wants at the end of the story?” and “If your answer is ‘no,’ then, what does she/he gain at the end of the journey?”

You rewrite to make your story flow.  You rewrite some more until your story flows.

I love editing my clients’ manuscripts. I love helping them identify themes, universal archetypes, front-story and back-story.

to sneak preview the exercises for Day 1, go to Amazon books

Even when I’m wearing my other hat  . . . as Platform-Building Coach Teresa, I remind clients about rewrites . . .

“What is your website or facebook page saying about you?”  “What is your signature block saying?”  “What is your phone’s outgoing-message saying?”

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playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Answer Me Now), actress Stacey Marie Kerr, director Lennie Dean invite you to the Redwood Writers 10-Minute Plays at 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa, CA June 29, 30 and July 1, 2012

Recently I was asked to make changes to my short-short play Answer Me Now (a monologue) that had won an award from the Redwood Writers Playwriting Contest.   As a matter of act, Director Lennie Dean asked me for changes on three occasions.  My initial reaction on all three occasions was oh no.  However, the internal-processing each time (a matter of seconds) lead me to answer my own question “Will rewriting/cutting lines… make the piece flow ‘better’?”  The answer was “Yes!”

If you are going to be near Santa Rosa, CA on July 29, 30 or July 1st, please come by 6th Street Playhouse and see and hear the results of rewrites.

For more information about dates and times, please click here.

For tickets, please click here.

Redwood Writers winning playwrights with directors and actors invite YOU to 10-minute plays June 29, 30, July 1, 2012 -- photo by Jonathan Hayden

For bios of all the playwrights, please click here.

For tickets to:  Workshop with GARRET JON GROENVELD
Debunking the “Write What You Know Myth” – 10-Page Plays and Unlimited Potential    July 1, 2012, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
6th Street Playhouse – GK Hardt Theatre
Tuition: $10.00 – purchase by phone  (707) 523-4185 ext. 1

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

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

“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 says: “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 created the annual “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and cheers for all contestants.

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for her Blog, events, and other resources.

The Woman in the Photograph; Girl in the Mirror; Woman in My Dream

Good Day!  Coach Teresa here . . .

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Dear friend Diane Ichiyasu emailed me about Mani Feniger‘s new book The Woman in the Photograph

For more information about Mani and her events http://manifeniger.com

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Girl In the Mirror by Kate Farrell

Sylvie Dawson is a young woman with a dangerous secret: an abusive boyfriend who is stalking her. Forced to hide in her godmother’s country home for the summer,she struggles with isolation and creeping terror. When her godmother tells her the ancient story of Psyche and Eros, Sylvie is inspired to begin a journey of self-discovery. Will she be able to overcome her fears and live the life she was meant to live?  http://www.girlinthemirror.info/

What is Kate Farrell doing these days?  Visit her at: http://wisdomhasavoice.com

Lennie Dean directs Stacey Marie Kerr in Answer Me Now (10-minute play written by Teresa LeYung-Ryan) as Jonathan Hayden sets up shot

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here again . . .  A remarkable dream about my mother and me has become the centerpiece of my 10-minute play Answer Me Now.  My heritage is Chinese.  When director Lennie Dean asked me to consider changing a few words in my script to fit the actress’s heritage, the “alarms” went off in my head. Oh no, I thought . . .  I don’t want my words altered.

“Stacey Marie Kerr’s heritage is Jewish,” Lennie said.  “Instead of calling her mother ‘MahMa,’ she would be saying ‘Mameh’ and instead of referring to her father as BahBa, she would be saying ‘Tateh.’  Think it over, tweaking a few words makes the piece personal for the actress on stage.” Lennie added.

I thought it over in the next three seconds of that phone conversation.  “Yes!  From now on, I would tweak those pronouns and the words ‘China’ and ‘Hong Kong’ to fit the actress whoever she may be.”  Asian, Jewish, Italian, Russian, American, Australian, African actress?  I can see them and hear them! I’d be honored to change a few words to fit each woman.

I met Stacey Marie Kerr on June 2, 2012.  She said she has “adopted” my monologue, she has made the words hers.  I couldn’t be more pleased. Thank you, Lennie and Stacey!

Thank  you, Linda Loveland Reid, for creating the playwriting contest!

Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s 10-minute monologue Answer Me Now (middle-aged woman asks her dead mother a question) is one of nine winning-plays to be produced by Redwood Writers & 6th Street Playhouse Play Festival in Santa Rosa, CA.

2012 Performance Dates:

• June 29 – 8:00 PM
• June 30 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
• July 1  – 2:00 PM

For my Events Page, click here.

I am so looking forward to seeing Stacey on stage and my friends in the audience.

For poster of winning playwrights and contest judges: http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/home-old/article/article/167/

For tickets:
http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/online-ticketing/show-availability/?show=328

If you prefer talking to real person, call (707) 523-4185 and leave your phone number for a ticket rep. to call you back.

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Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

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

As coach and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she says: “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 created the annual “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and cheers for all contestants.

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for her Blog, events, and other resources.

June 12, 2012

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Has Fun with Colleagues at San Mateo County Fair 2012

Please click on the title bar of this post, scroll down, and submit a comment – what were you doing at the Literary Arts stage area?

Literary Arts Director Bardi Rosman Koodrin happy to greet audience at San Mateo County Fair

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children's book author and poet Ida J. Lewenstein performs at San Mateo County Fair Literary Arts stage

5:00-6:00pm  Playwrights Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Ollie Mae Trost Welch,  David Hirzel (author interviews by Darlene Frank after the plays are read)

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Darlene Frank introduces playwright Ollie Mae Trost Welch at Literary Arts stage

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Martin Shane Dowd (portraying George Bernard Shaw) and Christopher Wachlin (portraying God) reads Ollie Mae Trost Welch's play SHAW

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David Hirzel reads his play A Chance Encounter with Darlene Frank

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Playwright Teresa LeYung-Ryan reads her 10-minute monologue Answer Me Now at San Mateo County Fair--photo by Martin Shane Dowd

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s 10-minute monologue Answer Me Now (middle-aged woman asks her dead mother a question) is one of nine winning-plays to be produced by Redwood Writers & 6th Street Playhouse Play Festival.

2012 Performance Dates:

• June 29 – 8:00 PM
• June 30 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
• July 1  – 2:00 PM

6th Street Playhouse – Studio Theater – Santa Rosa, CA
All Tickets: $16.00 – purchase by phone  (707) 523-4185 ext 1 or online

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David Hirzel, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Ann Foster, Darlene Frank, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Ollie Mae Trost Welch, Ida J. Lewenstein having fun at Literary Arts Stage, San Mateo County Fair

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entries of 2012 Immigrant Experience Writing Contest sponsored by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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First Place Winner of 2012 Immigrant Experience Writing Contest sponsored by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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Boris Koodrin Director of the Fine Arts Galleria at San Mateo County Fair chats with Darlene Frank - Writer, Editor, Creativity Coach for Writers

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Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

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

As coach and author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she says: “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 created the annual “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and cheers for all contestants.

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for her Blog, events, and other resources.

Coach Teresa’s June and July 2012

Dear Writers,

If you’re in northern California, or if you have writer-friends in the area . . .  please come by and see me . . .

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Listen to Bardi Rosman Koodrin with “Arts In the Valley” Radio Show Host Kim McMillon: http://artsinthevalley.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/san-mateo-fair.mp3

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 5:00-6:00pm 3 playwrights at the San Mateo County Fair in California

the Literary Arts stage area in the Fine Arts Department at the fair.

https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/ The fair runs from June 9 – 17, 2012.

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Ollie Mae Trost Welch, David Hirzel (author interviews by Darlene Frank and audience Q&A after the plays are read)

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Saturday, June 16, 2012 2:00-4:00pm Authors Day at the San Mateo County Fair in California.

the Literary Arts stage area in the Fine Arts Department at the fair.

Meet Teresa LeYung-Ryan (author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW and Love Made of Heart and  Answer Me Now – her short play) and her colleagues at California Writers Club.

https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/ The fair runs from June 9 – 17, 2012.

Writing Contest winning entries will be displayed in the Literary Arts area; Teresa LeYung-Ryan sponsored the 2nd annual Immigrant Experience Writing Contest. Good luck to all contestants!

Bardi Rosman Koodrin brought literary arts to the county fair 4 years ago.

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For all events sponsored by California Writers Club – San Francisco Peninsula Branch please go to: http://www.cwc-peninsula.org/

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June 29, 30; July 1, 2012

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/coach-teresa-leyung-ryan-having-the-time-of-her-life-as-playwright/

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s 10-minute monologue Answer Me Now (middle-aged woman asks her dead mother a question) is one of nine winning-plays to be produced by Redwood Writers & 6th Street Playhouse Play Festival.

2012 Performance Dates:

• June 29 – 8:00 PM
• June 30 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
• July 1  – 2:00 PM

6th Street Playhouse – Studio Theater – Santa Rosa, CA
All Tickets: $16.00 – purchase by phone  (707) 523-4185 ext 1 or online

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For all events sponsored by California Writers Club – Redwood Branch – please go to: www.redwoodwriters.org

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Monday, July 9, 2012,  6:00pm - 7:00pm
Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA  94111

Teresa LeYung-Ryan interviews Carol Sheldon (author of Mother Lode)

Left Coast Writers honors Carol Sheldon !

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Saturday  July 14, 2012, noon – 2:00pm at Oakland Public Library – Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland, CA

Join playwright, and radio host Kim McMillon  for the free Writers’ workshop “Writers on Writing.” Award-winning Australian author and journalist Stephanie Dale will help authors find their inner voice as writers. Teresa LeYung-Ryan will speak on creating your writing platform and building your brand as a writer.  Poet and composer Judith Cody discusses how to write for and publish an anthology; author and columnist Yolande Barial will demonstrate the importance of finding your passion, while author an educator Joan Gelfand will deconstruct the process of getting published. This workshop is for writers with a desire to find their voice, write, and promote their work. A reception and book-signing will follow the presentation.

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Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

http://writingcoachteresa.com

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

As author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW, she says: “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 created the annual “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and cheers for all contestants.

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for her Blog, events, and other resources.