Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “When a plotline and a theme work exceptionally well together, Hollywood producers invest in remakes.”
These 3 movies – Here Comes Mr. Jordan, Heaven Can Wait, Down to Earth – serve as an example.
THEME [ Be true to yourself and everything will be all right.] + PLOTLINE [a man who is sent to heaven before his time (due to an error by an angel) wants his old life back] =
* * * * * * *
Here Comes Mr. Jordan 1941 protagonist Joe Pendleton (a boxer) portrayed by Robert Montgomery
Writing Credits: Sidney Buchman & Seton I. Miller (screenplay); Harry Segall (from the play Heaven Can Wait)
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Heaven Can Wait 1978 – protagonist Joe Pendleton (a quarterback) portrayed by Warren Beatty
Writing Credits: Elaine May and Warren Beatty (screenplay); Harry Segall (from the play); Robert Towne
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Down to Earth (2001) protagonist Lance Barton (a stand-up comedian) portrayed by Chris Rock.
Probably to honor the original script, the name (and body) that Lance Barton will use at the end of the movie is “Joe”
Writing Credits: Chris Rock & Lance Crouther & Ali LeRoi & Louis C.K.
Above data regarding writers’ names are from http://www.imdb.com
I, Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, recommend:
* Martha Engber’s book and workshops on how to write scenes
* Christopher Vogler’s book The Writer’s Journey (about Hero’s Journey and Archetypes)
* all books and workshops by Martha Alderson on plotting
* your rereading your favorite books and studying that authors’ techniques
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung-Ryan aka Coach Teresa teaches writers how to transform their email signature-blocks, photos, videos, social media, website/blog descriptions into platform statements . . . to attract target audience/readers/fans . . . before and after publication. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com and https://www.youtube.com/user/teresaleyung
*
She is the creator of:
- classes, including:
- *For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching to Agents or Self-Publishing
- *Heroes, Tricksters, and Villains – What Do These Archetypes Want in Your Story World?
- *
- Immigrant Experience Writing Contest
- *
- interactive presentations, including:
- *Help Your Fans Find YOU
- *Build & Retrofit Your Writer’s Platform
*
the author of:
- Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook);
- *
- Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness (novel used in college classes and archived at the San Francisco History Center);
- *
- “Talking to My Dead Mom Monologues” (the first monologue received an award from Redwood 10-Minute Play Contest and was staged at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA);
- *
- her blog (which attracts tens of thousands of writers) at http://WritingCoachTeresa.com helps writers build their platforms before and after publication
*
and a proud member of:
- California Writers Club (3 branches! And a past president of the San Francisco Peninsula Branch); and a recipient of the Jack London Award for outstanding service to California Writers Club;
- *
- Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter (a past board member).
Author & Platform/Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan encourages everyone to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day/California Bookstore Day on Saturday May 2nd, 2015
Find booksellers in your area http://www.indiebound.org and visit them!
Author & Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan celebrates Independent Bookstore Day/California Bookstore Day
May 2, 2015, 4:30pm at Laurel Book Store
1423 Broadway (near 12th Street BART station), Oakland, CA 94612
Luan Stauss, owner of Laurel Book Store, says:
We will have hourly drawings for prizes!
10am Start your day with scones from Tart! Bakery while they last.
http://www.laurelbookstore.com/event/independent-bookstore-day
http://cabookstoreday.com says: Just what does IBD celebrate?
Independent bookstores are not just stores, they’re community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers. They are entire universes of ideas that contain the possibility of real serendipity. They are lively performance spaces and quiet places where aimless perusal is a day well spent.
Cheers to booksellers and all book lovers!
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung-Ryan
author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
author of the novel Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness (used in college courses and archived at the San Francisco History Center)
https://www.youtube.com/user/teresaleyung
April 25, 2015
Writing Coach Teresa asks: “How do you hook your reader at the middle of your book?”
Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here . . . recording notes . . . energized from co-teaching with Mary E. Knippel today – Day 2 of “For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching or Self-Publishing”.
Our students / hardworking authors supplied plenty of inspiration for their own protagonists as well as for fellow-classmates.
Today we focused on the middle of everyone’s manuscripts. Why the middle?
Before I take on the role of the writer, I put on my reader’s hat. For me, reading a book is like going for a hike on a trail that I’ve never been on before. By looking at the signs at the trailhead, I know how long I would have to walk in order to get to the end . . . just as I know how many hours it would take to read a book by seeing the page count.
That hike I’ve started – the sign posts on the first half of the trail are clear and helpful. I know that if I follow the arrows, I will reach the end, and feel great as I always do after a “good” long walk.
I’ve started reading a book. The author hooks me from page one – sometimes that hook is the narrator’s voice/language, other times it’s the subject matter (a topic that I do relate to or one that I would like to know more about). By page 5 (oftentimes, even sooner) I know what the main character/protagonist wants or needs, and, I want to see what’s going to happen next. So I turn the page. I am in the story world.
The author had planted “sign posts” to guide me. Those sign posts are called “themes”.
By the middle of the book, that core theme/sign post better be there. If the story has stopped hooking me, I will put the book down and probably not open it again. (On my hike, if at midpoint the trail seems to have disappeared, the marker has fallen off its post, and I’m all alone . . . do I continue on? By the way, I am not interested in getting lost today. My dinner awaits me at home.)
Such is the task for an author – how to guide the reader with that core theme, scene after scene.
To the dear authors in our class,
That big sheet of paper that Mary gave you today? Tape the class handouts from Day 1 and Day 2 onto that sheet. Look at those aids every time you meet with your protagonist. And, ask your protagonist these questions: “Where are you today on your Hero’s Journey?” “What do you want ? … in this scene.”
Speaking of “scene” –
Writing Coach Teresa says: “A scene is a compilation of paragraphs that creates a “movie” in the Reader’s mind. Which means: action, dialogue, sensory details, and authentic details.
A sequence of scenes guides the Reader in your Story World, and, is a vehicle to show the Hero’s/Protagonist’s transformation. Go into scene whenever you want to show us what your protagonist is made of.
In real life, if someone says “I’ve changed. Take my word for it.” . . . wouldn’t you be thinking . . . Hmm…. I’ll believe it when I see it. Instead of telling us how your protagonist has grown, show us through scene, not through summaries.
Summary cannot spark the same emotional responses as a scene would . . . because summary either recaps what has happened or jumps over time in order to get to the next scene.
I recommend:
* Martha Engber’s book on how to write scenes
* Christopher Vogler’s book The Writer’s Journey (about Hero’s Journey and Archetypes)
* all books by Martha Alderson on plotting
* your rereading your favorite book and studying that author’s techniques
The fabulous authors in our class have mighty themes:
* make my own decisions and change my circumstances (author of YA science fiction)
* move on with my life in spite of unanswered questions and a broken heart (author of women’s fiction)
* speaking my truth transforms shame into courage and forgiveness (author of memoir)
* embracing my past and loving myself feed my spirit as well as my marriage’s spirit (Diana Lynn, author of women’s fiction)
Their readers will surely stick by their protagonists and be there at the end of the book.
Cheering for YOU!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
on behalf of
“For Theme’s Sake” teachers Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Mary E. Knippel
May 2, 2015 Teresa LeYung-Ryan ( Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days – workbook; Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness – novel) celebrates Independent Bookstore Day / California Bookstore Day with other local authors at Laurel Book Store, Oakland, CA http://WritingCoachTeresa.com and http://www.laurelbookstore.com
Saturday June 6
Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Fanbase-Building Coach and “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” sponsor) joins California Writers Club colleagues for Writing Contest Awards Ceremony and Writers Helping Writers Through Mentoring;
June 13, 2015 for Authors Day
June 6 and June 13, 2015 at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair (Cheers to Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Boris Koodrin, Laurel Anne Hill, David Hirzel, Margie Yee Webb, Wini McCaffrey, et al) http://WritingCoachTeresa.com http://cwc-peninsula.org/fair.html
Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to say: “We who are compelled to write and also want readers to appreciate our work . . . can work on our craft and build our platform simultaneously with ease.”
Please share the following announcements with your writer-friends/clients/mentees/students. Many thanks!
- “For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching to Agents OR Self-Publishing” – Rewrite with ease! a 2-part class in April, 2015 in Half Moon Bay – with Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Mary E. Knippel – please click here for more info and advance registration;
- *
- Sunday March 22, 2015, 2pm-4pm Coach Teresa will be presenting “Build/Fortify Your Writer’s Platform/Fanbase Before & After Publication” at Book Passage, Corte Madera, for California Writers Club–Marin Branch. Please click here for details;
- *
- Saturday March 28, 2015 Women’s National Book Association’s 12th Annual “Pitch-O-Rama: Meet Agents & Acquisition Editors” Please click here for more info & registration;
- *
- Of course there are the fabulous writing contests through Bardi Rosman Koodrin’s Literary Stage at San Mateo County Fair. Teresa LeYung-Ryan sponsors the “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” https://sanmateocountyfair.
com/contests/departments/ Contests deadline is April 1, 2015; andliterary-arts - *
- The California Writers Club, Sacramento Branch 2015 Short, Short Story Writing Contest. All submissions must be postmarked by Thursday, April 30, 2015. For more info please click here.
Reach out, not stress out. I’m cheering for you!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
She is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript Consultant and Writing Teacher and . . .
author of:
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook used by fiction and nonfiction authors)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at http://writingcoachTeresa.com
What an exciting week for writers in San Francisco this week!
February 12, 13, 14, 15, 2015 http://sfwriters.org
“If you’re going to the San Francisco Writers Conference, I’ll see you there! With smiles.”
Thursday Feb. 12, 2015 I (Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan) be on the 4:45-5:45 panel MAKING YOUR WORK REJECTION PROOF: Advice from Freelance Editors – Nina Amir, David Colin Carr, Tanya Egan Gibson, Stuart Horwitz, David Landau, Heather Lazare, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Mary Rakow, Wendy Nelson Tokunaga, Annie Tucker, Ricky Weisbroth. Moderator: Mary E. Knippel. At the end of the session, you can sign up for a free consultation.
Friday Feb. 13 & Saturday Feb. 14 I (Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan) shall be in the Garden Room giving 8-minute consultations, so, please sign up early in front of the Garden Room on Friday or Saturday OR after the Thursday panel.
If all my 8-minute slots are filled, not to worry… If you see me sitting in the lobby or conference registration areas or near the conference bookstore, come by to ask me questions about your manuscript and how to pitch. Reach out, not stress out.
My books will be at the conference bookstore. Cheers to Bookseller Neal!
Love Made of Heart
the mother-daughter novel that inspires adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about stigmas
- use in college courses -
http://writingcoachTeresa.com
Ask to see Coach Teresa
for an 8-minute consultation
Fri. or Sat. in Garden Room
Go to http://writingcoachTeresa.com
to see
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
interviewed on CBS Channel 5
And, I recommend your getting this book for a friend.
Break Through the Noise is also available at conference bookstore
Go to: http://breakthroughthenoise.com
to watch Elisa Sasa Southard demonstrate
“the talking tagline”
Author and Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Identify the themes and archetypes in your intellectual properties and articulate your platform statement, simultaneously with ease. Show up for the writing, show up for the promoting. I cheer for you.”
Take a look at the impressive list of speakers, presenters, freelance editors, agents, acquisition editors, publishers, and publishing experts. http://sfwriters.org/2015-sfwc-speakers/
Take a look at the impressive list of volunteers http://askmepc.com/sfwc-volunteers/
And of course the superheroes:
Mike Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada, SFWC Co-directors
Barbara Santos, Marketing Director/SFWC Newsletter
Richard Santos, Registration Director/SFWC website
Frances Caballo, Social Media Manager
Joan Gelfand, Poetry Track; Carla King, Self-Publishing Track
Linda Lee, Volunteer Director; Jane Glendinning, Volunteer Manager
Mary E. Knippel, “Conductor!” of One-on-One with Independent Editors
Writing Coach / Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Colleagues at San Francisco Writers Conference 2015
Conference bookstore will be open Friday 8:00am through Sunday midday; stop by – say hello to Neal (from Bookshop West Portal, San Francisco) – take a look at novels, memoirs, biographies, how-to books for writers, children’s books, Y/A, graphic novels, romance, historical fiction, science fiction, thrillers, mysteries, photo/gift books, and more.
**

Developmental editors & story consultants Mary E. Knippel & Teresa LeYung-Ryan use classics to draw examples for their class "For Theme Sake! BE YOUR OWN EDITOR" -photo by author Margie Yee Webb
**

Developmental editors & story consultants Mary E. Knippel & Teresa LeYung-Ryan use classics to draw examples for their class "For Theme Sake! BE YOUR OWN EDITOR" -photo by author Margie Yee Webb
**

Cat Mulan's Mindful Musings author/photographer, editor of Not Your Mother's Book on Cats anthology, FEMME: Women Healing the World documentary movie producer Margie Yee Webb
*
Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson flanked by Writing & Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Memoirist Luisa Adams
**

Cyberspace Genius Linda Lee empowers writers at SFWC--photo by Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
**

Women's National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter members-authors-presenters at past years' SFWC
**
Then, on Sunday February 15, 2015, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Free and open to the public – Peacock Court, Lobby level
JOINING THE WRITING COMMUNITY: Connecting with Writers
Members of writer’s organizations, some national, will bring literature and speak about their organization and meet with attendees. Nina Amir, National Nonfiction Writing Month; Cara Black, Mystery Writers of America; Pat Brown, Goodreads; Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, San Francisco Writer’s Grotto; Stephanie Chandler, Nonfiction Authors Association; Gennifer Choldenko, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators; Randy Dotinga, American Society of Journalists and Authors; Grant Faulkner, National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo); Lee Foster, Bay Area Independent Publishers Association, Bay Area Travel Writers Association; Jane Glendinning, California Writers Club; Anne Hill, Bay Area Bloggers Society; Scott James, Litquake; Linda Lee, Women’s National Book Association; Kerry Lonsdale, Women Fiction Writers Association; Kirk Russell, International Thriller Writers
Reach out, not stress out. I’m cheering for you!
Teresa LeYung-Ryan is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript Consultant and . . .
author of:
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at http://writingcoachTeresa.com
Author / Writing Coach/ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to praise the fine writing and editing, publishing and distribution of the engaging, informative, and educational articles and poems in Street Spirit – the monthly newspaper with the tagline “Justice News & Homeless Blues in the Bay Area“ While we pay handsomely for live theatre tickets to see the timeless Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, do we close our eyes when we see poverty and injustice on sidewalks, BART stations, and storefront doorways?
Here is a short short list of the remarkable stories, essays, tributes, articles and poems from recent issues. And, don’t forget the art and photographs!
“How We Find Our Silenced Voices and Learn to Sing” by Janny Castillo – a retelling of a story by Marguerite Annie Johnson, but you may know her best as Maya Angelou.
January Poetry of the Streets (poets Claire J. Baker, George Wynn, Joan Clair, Judy Joy Jones, Mary Rudge)
Are Homeless People Beautiful? by Osha Neumann
Silicon Valley’s Brilliant Design: Homeless Families in the Rain by Carol Denney
“Remember the Children Born On Our Streets” and “Dave Ferguson’s Lifelong Mission of Opening Doors” both articles by Lydia Gans
“History and commentary on blues and social justice”
“On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us recognize that extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere. Let us recall that poverty is a denial of human rights. For the first time in history, in this age of unprecedented wealth and technical prowess, we have the power to save humanity from this shameful scourge. Let us summon the will to do it.” — Kofi Annan
Street Spirit is a publication of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) that reports extensively on homelessness, poverty, economic inequality, welfare issues, human rights issues and the struggle for social justice. For the past 17 years, Street Spirit has been dedicated to empowering poor and homeless people and giving a voice to the voiceless, at a time when the voices of the poor are virtually locked out of the mainstream media.
American Friends Service Committee shoulders the entire printing costs of more than $3,000 per month to give more than 100 homeless vendors a positive alternative to panhandling, and to give our readers a progressive alternative to the corporate-controlled mainstream media. Help us remain an independent voice for justice! Please donate or subscribe to Street Spirit.
To read more about what Street Spirit is: http://www.thestreetspirit.org/about-2/
If you wish to donate to Street Spirit through American Friends Service Committee, click on http://www.thestreetspirit.org/subscriptions-donations/
American Friends Service Committee
“We are committed to this Spirit-led journey, undertaken to see what love can do.”
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service.
AFSC’s work is based on our belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. These principles animate our work for peace and justice in scores of communities in the United States and in our international programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
AFSC was founded in 1917 during World War I. In accordance with their Quaker faith, the new organization gave young conscientious objectors ways to serve without enlisting in the military or taking lives. They drove ambulances, ministered to the wounded, and stayed on in Europe after the armistice to rebuild war-ravaged communities.
In 1947, the American Friends Service Committee and British Friends Service Council accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for the work done during and after the two World Wars to feed starving children and help Europe rebuild itself.
Committed to the principles of nonviolence and justice, the American Friends Service Committee seeks in its work and witness to draw on the transforming power of love, human and divine.
We seek to understand and address the root causes of poverty, injustice, and war. We hope to act with courage and vision in taking initiatives that may not be popular.
To read more about American Friends Service Committee: http://www.thestreetspirit.org/about-afsc/
The art of homeless artists, reviews of gallery showings, profiles of artists and more: http://www.thestreetspirit.org/category/features/art-spirit/
Index of back issues of Street Spirit http://www.thestreetspirit.org/back-issue-archives-by-month-year/
Cheers to the Folks of Street Spirit – monthly newspaper with tagline “Justice News & Homeless Blues in the Bay Area”
**
Teresa LeYung-Ryan is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript Consultant and . . .
author of:
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at http://writingcoachTeresa.com
**
Thank you, Chris Philpot, for letting me know about the links (on my resources page for writers) that needed updating. Click here for Writing Coach Teresa’s webpage “Resources for Writers”
Your generosity is much appreciated. What a nice reminder for this message:
In my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, I provide website links/addresses (URLs) to organizations. When website administrators of organizations change their URLS or even delete their webpages, you and I have no control over that. Go to your favorite search engine (Mozilla Firefox; Internet Explorer; Safari; etc.), type what you are searching for in the [search box] and press your enter key. Example: I’m looking for Carmen Lee’s organization and her website. I don’t have the full name of her organizations; I do remember that she advocates speaking up on mental illness and stigmas. So, I type Carmen Lee, mental illness, stigmas, website into the search engine’s search box and press my enter key. Voila! http://www.stampoutstigma.net
The above keywords shown in bold font are called “tags” (tags help us find webpages the way indexes help us find the pages or books containing the keywords we are looking for); use commas to separate tags). And, through the exercises in my workbook, you’ll learn even more ways to find organizations and their URLs; so, use your research skills gained from the workbook and have fun.
To writers and readers, if you are near the UK or have friends in the UK, please tell them about http://www.buy-stationery.co.uk Cheers to Chris!
Buy Stationery is an extensive online source of ‘cheekily’ priced stationery products for your home or workplace. Featuring an easy to use website, the product range contains over 30,000 items available on a next working day service throughout the UK. Buy Stationery is owned and operated by Supply My Office Limited

Again, thank you, Chris Philpot, for informing Writing Coach Teresa about broken links on webpages.
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out.”
Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan transforms your email signature-blocks, photos and videos, and website descriptions into platform statements . . . to attract target audience/readers . . . before and after publication. To receive her questionnaire and a complimentary evaluation, visit http://writingcoachTeresa.com
To see what fun Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan has with colleagues at Women’s National Book Association, California Writers Club, California Capital Book Festival, and San Francisco Writers Conference, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW. Click here for print edition. Click here for Kindle edition. “Reach out, not stress out.”
Author & Platform/Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa Jade LeYung (formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan) celebrates New Year 2015 with dear colleagues
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https://lynnscott.wordpress.com
https://feministteaching.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/
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author Luisa Adams http://www.rp-author.com/Adams/
author Teresa Jade LeYung (formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan) https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog http://writingcoachTeresa.com
author Martha Alderson https://marthaalderson.com/
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https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

Writing Coaches Teresa Jade LeYung and Mary E. Knippel prepare outline for Teresa's "For Theme's Sake" class for writers and editors
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https://www.facebook.com/diane.warner.948?fref=ts
Carmen Lee of Stamp Out Stigma http://www.stampoutstigma.net/ I look forward to seeing you soon!
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http://lovemadeofheart.com/Love-Made-of-Heart-Online-Store-&-Gift-Shop.html
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Yolande Barial Knight is:
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Elisa Sasa Southard (Certified Tour Director) is creator of Big City Travel Skills http://elisaonassignment.com/
https://www.facebook.com/elisa.southard?fref=ts
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Theme consultant, author, photographer Teresa Jade LeYung http://writingcoachTeresa.com https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog
Professor Sheryl Fairchild https://feministteaching.wordpress.com
Author and photographer Margie Yee Webb https://www.facebook.com/
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I met with filmmaker / artist Chandra Garsson and had a lively discussion about a new book cover for Love Made of Heart, commenting on facebook to support our colleagues, and movie recommendations.

Chandra Garsson takes photo of the bookcase she was commissioned to paint for author Teresa Jade LeYung (formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan)
https://www.facebook.com/chandra.garsson?fref=ts
http://flyingpaintproductions.blogspot.com
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Dear Vicki Weiland, I wish to see you soon!
https://vickiweiland.wordpress.com
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Theme consultant and author Teresa Jade LeYung wishes everyone excellent mental health!
Teresa Jade LeYung (formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan) is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript and Theme Consultant and . . .
author of:
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog
New Editing Class for Writers
with
Manuscript Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan
&
Developmental Editor Mary E. Knippel
Time and Location will be announced via this blog post and (click here) for Coach Teresa’s Events
Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Mary E. Knippel
present
“For Theme Sake! Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching to Agents!”
for Writers of Novels, Memoirs, Biographies
Please bring the current draft of your manuscript. In this 6-hour class, you will learn how to edit your work by examining vital elements in story-weaving:
- What does my Protagonist really want?
- Who or What is the Antagonist?
- What are the top 3 themes in my story?
- How does WHAT my Protagonist wants connect with my main theme?
- How do all the other characters, especially the Antagonist, contribute toward my main theme?
- How to infuse authentic details into recurring themes?
Master these tools and transform your manuscript into a page-turner and memorable read.
Everyone will be given the opportunity to read passages from their manuscripts out loud on Day 1 and Day 2 and receive evaluations so that all participants will gain from Mary’s and Teresa’s expertise. Learn how to “stay on course, theme-wise” during rewrites as well as create a succinct pitch when anyone asks you “What is your book about?”
Teresa LeYung-Ryan aka “Manuscript Consultant Teresa” and “Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” says “Reach out, not stress out! http://writingcoachTeresa.com She is:
- creator and presenter of interactive workshops including:
“Edit Your Own Manuscript: Know the 5 Ws and H” (3 years at SFWC)
“Be Your Own Editor: Know Your Protagonist and Antagonist”
“For Theme Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching”
“Where Are You on Your Writer’s Journey?”
“Build/Fortify Your Platform to Attract More Fans Before & After Publication”
“Heroes, Tricksters, Villains, and Other Archetypes” (workshop for young writers and adult writers)
“Transforming Grief Into Potent Writing” (authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Lynn Scott for The Writing Salon and Book Passage)
- author of:
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at http://writingcoachTeresa.com
“Talking to My Dead Mom” (the first of these monologues received an award and stage production)
- creator and sponsor of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest”;
- current member and past officer of Women’s National Book Association-SF Chapter;
- past president of California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch (current member at 3 branches);
- recipient of the Jack London Award for outstanding service to CWC.
Mary E. Knippel – creator of Writer Unleashed™, transformational author of The Secret Artist – Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine, publisher, and inspirational speaker – helps clients gain clarity and confidence in the words and the way they connect with the world through one-on-one coaching, virtual classes and workshops, and free writing tips and techniques on her blog at www.yourwritingmentor.com.
- Independent Editor Coordinator/Developmental Editor Consultant at San Francisco Writers Conference for the past five years helping participants in mini-editorial sessions.
- Developmental Editor/Pitch Coach at WNBA-SF Meet-the-Agents/Acquisitions Editor for the past seven years helping participants prepare to speak with agents/editors about their writing projects.
- Creator of virtual presentations and webinars as Your Writing Mentor/Developmental Editor for writers including “3 Keys to Unleashing Your Story”
- Co-creator and co-facilitator of interactive presentations and webinars for writers including “Be Your Own Editor: Know Your Protagonist and Antagonist” and “For Theme Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching”
- current member and past president of Women’s National Book Association-SF Chapter
- current member and past officer of California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch
Coach Teresa says: “I’m cheering for you!”
Coach Teresa talks about her upcoming workbook Build Your Internal Editor In 22 Days – video by Sasa Southard
Teresa LeYung-Ryan is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript Consultant and . . .
author of:
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at http://writingcoachTeresa.com
Robert David San Souci http://www.rsansouci.com
Today I read in the January 2015 San Francisco Writers Conference newletter:
In Memoriam: Children’s book author Robert San Souci, known for his colorful and intelligent retellings of folktales and myths from other cultures, died suddenly on Friday, December 19, 2014 from a head injury incurred in a fall. He was 68. Robert was a frequent presenter at the conference, and we will miss him. http://archive.aweber.com/
SF Gate Sam Whiting writes: Author Robert San Souci, screenwriter for Disney’s Mulan dies
Author and Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to add . . .
“Dear Mr. Robert Sou Souci,
I am sad for your loved ones and fans. You were a joyful spirit at writers’ conferences and book festivals, and so kind to fellow writers. May joy and light always be your wings as you watch over young readers and old readers.
Your fan,
Teresa”
Three of my favorite Robert San Souci’s books:
CENDRILLION ![]()
A Caribbean Cinderella
by Robert D. San Souci
illustrated by Brian Pinkney
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FA MULAN ![]()
The Story of a Woman Warrior
by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Jean & Mou-Sien Tseng
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SISTER TRICKSTERS ![]()
Rollicking Tales Of Clever Females
by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Daniel San Souci
Teresa LeYung-Ryan is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript Consultant and . . .
author of:
Love Made of Heart: a Mother’s Mental Illness Forges Forgiveness in Daughter Ruby (novel used by college professors)
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook)
Coach Teresa’s Blog at http://writingcoachTeresa.com
creator of:
“Talking to My Dead Mom” (monologues)
“Immigrant Experience Writing Contest”
past officer of Women’s National Book Association-SF Chapter
past president of California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch
recipient of the Jack London Award for outstanding service
























