Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Archive for the ‘Being an ESL Student / Speaker’ Category

Coach Teresa, are there any writing groups in or near Pinole, California?

Friday Morning  Writing Group with teacher Marie Elena Gaspari

Fridays  10:30am -1:15pm

2011 – Sept. 16,  23,  30;  Oct.  7, 14

Five-week Series: $150.00      Drop-In : $35.00

Pinole , CA 94564
Contact: Marie Elena GaspariRiverOFDreamsWriting.weebly.com

Sincerely,

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 and Love Made of Heart.

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

What Is So Important About Public Libraries?

Public libraries (also called “circulating libraries“) exist in most places in the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population.  Then, why is Mayor Jean Quan proposing to close Oakland (California) public libraries?

Please please call, write to or email Mayor Jean Quan’s office, City Councilmembers, and Oakland City Administration.
Libraries help keep a city “safe” and literate… 

Mayor Jean Quan’s Office – officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com

* District 1 – Jane Brunner    jbrunner@oaklandnet.com
* District 2 – Pat Kernighan  pkernighan@oaklandnet.com
* District 3 – Nancy Nadel  nnadel@oaklandnet.com
* District 4 – Libby Schaaf  lschaaf@oaklandnet.com
* District 5 – Ignacio De La Fuente  idelafuente@oaklandnet.com
* District 6 – Desley Brooks  dbrooks@oaklandnet.com
* District 7 – Larry Reid  lreid@oaklandnet.com
* At-Large – Rebecca Kaplan  atlarge@oaklandnet.com

Oakland City Administration – cityadministrator@oaklandnet.com

What else can we do?  http://www.saveoaklandlibrary.org has suggestions:

http://saveoaklandlibrary.org/act-now/

• Keep libraries open. Don’t close branch libraries or reduce service hours at any library.
• Don’t violate the public trust by throwing away Measure Q funds
• Closing libraries hurts all of Oakland’s citizens.
• Libraries give everyone, regardless of income, free access to books and the Internet.
• Libraries have already sacrificed by limiting service to 5 days/week at all of the branches.
• These cuts are unfair. The Library represents only 2% of the general fund monies but the “All Cuts” proposal calls for 198 full time library jobs to be eliminated out of 367 citywide. The library’s share of jobs lost equals more than 52% of the total positions eliminated.
• Measure Q supplies the library’s entire budget for buying books, DVDs, CDs, downloadable audiobooks and e-books, and other popular materials. Locations which remain open will not have new materials to offer the public.
• The “All Cuts” budget proposal suggests that there will be limited or no programs, including adult literacy, children’s storytimes and the Summer Reading Game.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan “Let’s use our mighty voices for public libraries!’

Author, Manuscript Consultant,  Writing Career Coach

What is the “I Sent Bastard to School” Fund created by Vicki Hudson?

Hi Teresa,

Thanks for the update.
I’m working on a project I wanted to let you know about and ask that you send it out to your network. This came from hearing Dorothy Allison and the Fremont High School (California) teacher and student talk at the last San Francisco Writers Conference about Fremont school board censoring Dorothy’s  book. I’m raising funds to purchase books. Please check out the site: http://www.indiegogo.com/Send-Bastard2School

Thanks!

Vicki Hudson

Bastard out of Carolina

by Dorothy Allison

I salute Dorothy Allison for writing books that inspire hope for children and adults. I salute Vicki Hudson for creating the “I Sent Bastard to School” Fund.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Manuscript Consultant

Writing Career Coach

author of Love Made of Heart

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

To submit your comment to any post (article) in my blog, click on the blue header (title bar) of the post and fill in the boxes (you don’t need to fill in your website address if you don’t have a website); then be sure to click “submit comment” otherwise I won’t get to see your comment. I’d like to hear from you.

Coach Teresa, How Do Writers & Authors Rebuild Their Lives?

June 28, 2011 was a delightful display of authors rebuilding their lives.

Birgit Soyka and I (Teresa LeYung Ryan) were the featured authors at our Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter event at BookShop West Portal in San Francisco.

Birgit Soyka and Teresa LeYung Ryan celebrate Rebuild Your Life Month at BookShop West Portal - photo by Teresa's sister Maria

Birgit Soyka rebuilt her life, leaving Germany and coming to California. Motorcycle racing there and motorcycle racing here – two different worlds. Read her book To Drink the Wild Air.

I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, rebuilt my career after Love Made of Heart was published by Kensington Publishing Corp. New York.  I discovered that I had an eye as an editor–helping other writers identify the themes and archetypes in their stories, so, I became a manuscript consultant.  Then when my clients reported that agents and publishers passed them by because they (the writers) didn’t have platforms and fanbases, I became a writing career coach for them.  And, I published Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

Neal Sofman, the owner of BookShop West Portal, had to rebuild his business. Remember A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books? Those bookstores were owned by Neal.  To survive hard times, he had to close those stores.  Closure of one dream, invitation to another dream. BookShop West Portal in San Francisco is thriving.

Neal Sofman & BookShop West Portal get support from WNBA's Teresa LeYung Ryan & Birgit Soyka--photo by Leigh Anne Lindsey

I thank everyone who stepped out on rainy June 28, 2011 to support BookShop West Portal, WNBA, Birgit Soyka and yours truly Teresa LeYung-Ryan. May everyone who wants to rebuild her/his life do it joyfully.

Thank you to Neal, Kevin, Loretta, Jose, Jess at BookShop West Portal, Leigh Anne Lindsey, Birgit, Birgit’s friends, my sister and my friends Jonathan, Paula, Michelle Tapia, Miss Lauren Jung, bookstore loyalists and everyone there that evening.

And, remember, “Reach out, not stress out, when building or rebuilding your platform and fanbase!”

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan (who helps writers build their platforms and fanbases) celebrates "Rebuild Your Life Month" at BookShop West Portal photo by Maria

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Lauren Jung and Michelle Tapia read scene from Love Made of Heart photo by Teresa LeYung-Ryan's sister Maria

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Maria and Jonathan support BookShop West Portal

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Paula, Michelle, Lauren, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Jonathan support BookShop West Portal photo by Maria

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authors & publishers Leigh Anne Lindsey & Teresa LeYung Ryan cheer for Women's National Book Assn & BookShop West Portal

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Neal Sofman & BookShop West Portal praised by Author & Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan photo by Maria

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Manuscript Consultant

Writing Career Coach

author of Love Made of Heart

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

Dear Birgit,

I had so much fun celebrating “Rebuild Your Life Month” with you, my friends and yours at BookShop West Portal! I too blogged http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/coach-teresa-how-do-writers-authors-rebuild-their-lives/ See you and Jacqueline on Thursday July 7, 2011 at San Francisco Public Library-main branch, Stong Conference Room 6:00-7:30pm for WNBA meet-up!

Cheers from Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Loves Stories About Words

Tuesday night, my sister and I dined at Squat & Gobble Cafe & Crepery before going to my gig with fellow Women’s National Book Association member Birgit Soyka at BookShop West Portal.

At first I thought the eatery was called Squab & Gobble, but, the name is Squat & Gobble. Why “Squat” ?  Chickens squat. People squat.  Squatting is done with the lower half of our body. Why “Gobble” ? Gobbling is done with our mouths.

What’s the lore behind the phrase squat and gobble?

Here’s a story about the Chinese word for “heart”:   The word “heart” is inside the words “grace,” “forgiveness,” “perseverance,” “compassion.” The word “heart” is inside the word “love” thus love made of heart.

What was our gig? http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/how-do-authors-teresa-leyung-ryan-and-birgit-soyka-celebrate-rebuild-your-life-month-in-june/

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Manuscript Consultant

author of Love Made of Heart

Writing Career Coach

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

How Do Authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Birgit Soyka Celebrate “Rebuild Your Life Month” in June?

Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 7:00-9:00pm

BookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 415-564-8080

Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) members celebrate June’s “Rebuild Your Life Month” featuring books by members Birgit Soyka and Teresa LeYung-Ryan. Join us for a fun evening— reception; authors’ presentations; meet the new board and members of the San Francisco Chapter. Please RSVP by emailing BookShopRSVP@wnba-sfchapter.org

Birgit Soyka (author of To Drink the Wild Air: One Woman’s Quest to Touch the Horizon)

and

Teresa LeYung-Ryan (author of Love Made of Heart and Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days)

Birgit Sokya celebrates Rebuild Your Life Month

Teresa LeYung Ryan celebrates Rebuild Your Life Month

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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. As Writing Career Coach Teresa, she helps fiction and nonfiction authors gain a competitive edge before and after publication with her workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days. Visit Teresa’s blog at http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

Birgit Soyka (author of To Drink the Wild Air: One Woman’s Quest to Touch the Horizon )was the only female breaking into the male dominated sport of motorcycle racing in California, showing courage and determination to win a championship against all odds and encountering injuries, destitution, homelessness, and the threat of deportation. Visit Birgit’s blog at http://todrinkthewildair.com/

The Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that fosters professional development and exposure of our members (women & men) through a variety of book-related programs, workshops, and hands-on opportunities to make valuable contacts and connections that are beneficial at any stage of one’s career. WNBA-San Francisco Chapter (founded by Effie Lee Morris) is part of a National network promoting the value of books and reading throughout ten chapters stretching from coast to coast. Annual Membership is $45 http://wnba-sfchapter.org

How Do We Help Libraries?

Seems like we need to constantly watch over beloved underdog libraries.  http://saveoaklandlibrary.org/

Again, thank you dear friend Martha Alderson for forwarding the email from Kathy Shepler.

Thank you dear friend Chandra Garsson for stepping out today to participate in the 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries. I like your photo album on facebook.  I like your 45-second film of me on YouTube.

Here are emails–Oakland Mayor & City Council Members, etc. http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/help-our-underdog-public-libraries-in-every-city-town-incorporated-and-unincorporated-a…rea-in-the-united-states-of-america/ See you tomorrow June 21, 2011, 5:30pm  at Oakland City Council meeting

One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
First and Second Floors
Oakland, CA  94612
Phone:(510) 238-3612
Voice Mail:(510) 238-3611
Email: cityclerk@oaklandnet.com

Apply for a speaker’s card:
http://www.oaklandnet.com/cityclerk/speaker_instructions.htm

Your “film voice” and “camera voice” are mighty. I know you’ll be beautifully “vocal” tomorrow at City Council meeting. Thank you for inspiring me to read Saving Your Library: A Guide to Getting, Using and Keeping the Power You Need by Sally Gardner Reed.

Here’s Amy Martin’s letter to Mayor Quan: http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2011/05/save-oakland-libraries-letter-mayor-quan-librarian-amy-martin Today, Katy Lever from KGO radio interviewed Amy Martin.

Thank you, journalist Don Hudson!  Not only did he show up for 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to Save Oakland Library (all branches) but also he helped the wonderful volunteers today.

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I am Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart and Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days,  asking Mayor Jean Quan, City Council Members, City Administrators, and Everyone who Care about Oakland to please keep Oakland “literate” !
Help our underdog public libraries.
Libraries provide safe space for learning.
Librarians help us identify resources.
Help Oakland survive and thrive by keeping our libraries alive and well.
Email, write letters, call Mayor Quan and City Council Members.

Thank you, Everyone!!!!!

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan

Help our underdog public libraries in every city, town, incorporated and unincorporated area in the United States of America!

Help our underdog public libraries in Oakland, CA. Mayor Jean Quan and City Council Members, please keep Oakland “literate” ! Libraries provide safe place for young and old; Librarians help us identify resources. Help us survive and thrive.

June 20, 2011, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

14 Hours, 14 Branches: A Read-In to Save Oakland Libraries

Amphitheater in front of City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA

14 Hours, 14 Branches is a 14 hour read-in being held on Monday, June 20, 2011 to raise awareness that 14 of 18 Oakland’s branch libraries (including AAMLO and the Tool Lending Library) will be eliminated under the current budget Scenario A. City Council presents their budget recommendations on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 and we want to have our voices reading for an uninterrupted 14 hours the day before to send our message loud and clear: save ALL of Oakland’s public libraries.

Save Oakland Libraries created a survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XGGQD7V

Dear Friends, Neighbors, Colleagues,

Please help spread the word about June 20, 2011 Monday’s 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries.
If you can’t be there in person, please please call or email Mayor Jean Quan’s office, City Councilmembers, and Oakland City Administration.
Libraries help keep a city “safe” and literate… http://preview.tinyurl.com/14hours
City Council: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityCouncil/index.htm
Mayor’s office: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/Mayor/a/ContactUs/index.htm
I’ll be there on Monday; I’ll email too.

Mayor Jean Quan’s Office – officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com

* District 1 – Jane Brunner    jbrunner@oaklandnet.com
* District 2 – Pat Kernighan  pkernighan@oaklandnet.com
* District 3 – Nancy Nadel  nnadel@oaklandnet.com
* District 4 – Libby Schaaf  lschaaf@oaklandnet.com
* District 5 – Ignacio De La Fuente  idelafuente@oaklandnet.com
* District 6 – Desley Brooks  dbrooks@oaklandnet.com
* District 7 – Larry Reid  lreid@oaklandnet.com
* At-Large – Rebecca Kaplan  atlarge@oaklandnet.com

Oakland City Administration – cityadministrator@oaklandnet.com

“Save Oakland Library”  saveoaklandlibrary@gmail.com

Our mighty voices are needed. Today, call or stop by your library and ask questions. Help Librarians help us. Thank you!

Thank you, Kathy Shepler, for emailing author and plot teacher Martha Alderson. Thank you, Martha, for bring this urgent matter to my attention.

Writers and Readers, please step out or shout out.  To promote literacy and help Oakland Libraries live well. I’ll see you all there!

Sincerely,

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan

author of Love Made of Heart

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

What Do Dr. Andy, Poetry, Technology, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, San Mateo County Fair, Oakland Libraries, and Coach Teresa Have In Common?

Promoting literacy, literary arts and underdogs (a.k.a. libraries) . . .

Thank you, Dr. Andy O. Jones, for contacting me when you needed an expert/local celebrity to fill 20 minutes of air time on your wonderful radio show “Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour” and giving me a chance to invite your fans to fun literary events at the San Mateo County Fair June 11-19, 2011 .  To see the schedule of workshops and authors Thursday through Saturday click here: Literary Arts Stage in the Expo Hall at San Mateo County Fair

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And thank you for letting me broadcast about helping our underdog public libraries in Oakland, CA. Mayor Jean Quan and City Council Members, please keep Oakland “literate” !

June 20, 2011, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

14 Hours, 14 Branches: A Read-In to Save Oakland Libraries

Amphitheater in front of City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA

14 Hours, 14 Branches is a 14 hour read-in being held on Monday, June 20, 2011 to raise awareness that 14 of 18 Oakland’s branch libraries (including AAMLO and the Tool Lending Library) will be eliminated under the current budget Scenario A. City Council presents their budget recommendations on Tuesday, June 21, and we want to have our voices reading for an uninterrupted 14 hours the day before to send our message loud and clear: save ALL of Oakland’s public libraries.

Dear Friends, Neighbors, Colleagues,

Please help spread the word about June 20, 2011 Monday’s 14 hours-14 branches READ IN to save Oakland libraries.
If you can’t be there in person, please please call or email Mayor Jean Quan’s office and City Councilmembers.
Libraries help keep a city “safe” and literate… http://preview.tinyurl.com/14hours
City Council: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityCouncil/index.htm
Mayor’s office: http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/Mayor/a/ContactUs/index.htm
I’ll be there on Monday; I’ll email too.

Mayor Jean Quan’s Office – officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com

* District 1 – Jane Brunner    jbrunner@oaklandnet.com
* District 2 – Pat Kernighan  pkernighan@oaklandnet.com
* District 3 – Nancy Nadel  nnadel@oaklandnet.com
* District 4 – Libby Schaaf  lschaaf@oaklandnet.com
* District 5 – Ignacio De La Fuente  idelafuente@oaklandnet.com
* District 6 – Desley Brooks  dbrooks@oaklandnet.com
* District 7 – Larry Reid  lreid@oaklandnet.com
* At-Large – Rebecca Kaplan  atlarge@oaklandnet.com

Oakland City Administration – cityadministrator@oaklandnet.com

Our mighty voices are needed. Today, call or stop by your library and ask questions. Help Librarians help us. Thank you!

Thank you, Kathy Shepler, for emailing author and plot teacher Martha Alderson. Thank you, Martha, for bring this urgent matter to my attention.

Writers and Readers, please step out this week and next Monday.  Step out to promote literacy at the San Mateo County Fair and help Oakland Libraries. I’ll see you all there!

Sincerely,

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan

What Is Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour?

Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour is a weekly public affairs program on radio station KDVS 90.3 FM heard live on Wednesday afternoons at 5 p.m., Pacific. On the air since the year 2000, Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour features interviews with local and faraway poets, innovative thinkers in the worlds of technology and social media, and practitioners of many other forms of creativity, including theatre, music, and writing across media. Poets with new books, creative innovators with new projects, and the representative of any local arts enterprise are invited to contact Dr. Andy to schedule an appearance on Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour.

Cheers to Dr. Andy, his show, U.C. Davis, and independent community freeform radio!

Sincerely,

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan

author of Love Made of Heart

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

author and writing coach Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her mighty voice to say "Help our libraries and librarians help us stay literate."

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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