By Teresa Jade LeYung

Every year, I sponsor my Immigrant Experience Writing Contest (short stories, essays, monologues) offered through California Writers Club San Francisco Peninsula Branch and The Literary Stage at the San Mateo County Fair  https://cwc-peninsula.org/the-literary-stage/. You do not have to live in California in order to enter any of the writing contests. Some contestants will enter an excerpt from a long piece of work (novels, memoirs) without investing time to rewrite the pages so that the piece would engage the reader with a beginning, middle and ending.

As a theme consultant and a writing coach, and a fan of a few television series, I have found another inspiration when teaching my clients how to show archetype-driven plotlines.

One of my favorite characters is Rhoda Morgenstern in the situational comedy (sitcom) RHODA  portrayed by Valerie Harper.

One of my favorite episodes is “One Is A Number” (Season 4, Episode 4, written by Charlotte Brown). I love this episode because this is a stand-alone piece. I do not have to  know the backgrounds of the characters.  The script clearly shows what the main character (protagonist) wants and how she goes about getting it.

Act 1 – we see relationships, the protagonist’s personality and what she wants.

Fellow: “Rhoda, it was really nice of you to invite me to breakfast.”

Rhoda: “Gary, I did not invite you.” (with a smile)

Gary:  “Well, then it was nice of you not to kick me out.”

Rhoda’s sister Brenda arrives to tell her why she can’t go out to dinner and the theatre with Rhoda tonight.

Act 2 – we see Protagonist pursuing what she wants.

Rhoda calls friends; they cannot go with her.

She asks her boss; he doesn’t like going to theatres.

She even asks Johnny Venture, the  fellow she has been turning down; he cannot because he’s judging a beauty contest tonight.

Act 3 -  Protagonist reveals what the real Antagonist is.

In her apartment, Rhoda paces, she picks up the theatre tickets and puts them down again.

She gets on the intercom with Carlton the doorman.  She tells him why she doesn’t want to go out alone at nighttime – she fears what people could be thinking of her, how they would judge her.

Archetype:  Carlton is the unexpected ally and mentor

Act 4 – Protagonist has overcome Antagonist.

At a restaurant where tea tastes like coffee (Rhoda is escaping from pouring rain), she meets:

- a taxi driver who is eating his spaghetti dinner

- an old woman named Marie who says she is a stewardess on a rocket on the Martian Space Patrol

- the waitress named Bea who says: “What are you doing out on a terrible night like this?”

Rhoda:  “Tonight was a big night for me. I was trying to do something alone.”

Bea: “You married?”

Rhoda: “Divorced.”

Bea: “Sounds like you’re already doing something alone.”

Act 5 -Protagonist has been transformed.

In her apartment are her allies – her sister Brenda, Brenda’s boyfriend Benny, Gary, Johnny.

Rhoda comes home.  She says: “I had a great time. It was wonderful.  It’s great to go out alone, I found out. I mean, you meet terrific people…. You would have loved it….”

Her boss Jack arrives.  “You’re not dead.”

Brilliant line.  Rhoda is the opposite of dead.

She has realized a new life. She can go out alone and enjoy herself. She has learned to look at people. She wants to share her discovery with her sister and friends.

They want to leave.

Rhoda says: “You had to be there.  I love you all, even if you didn’t get it.”

“Brenda, look at me. Have you ever seen your sister in better shape?”

After Rhoda closes the door, she reaches into her bag and pulls out Bea’s hat (souvenir from mentor archetype) and puts it on her head.

I love how sitcom character Rhoda Morgenstern shows beginning, middle, and ending  through an archetype-driven plotline! Thank you, Ms. Charlotte Brown!

Cheering for all Writers and Readers!

Story Theme Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung - photo by Mary E. Knippel, creator of Your Writing Mentor

Please share this news with friends who might be interested in my “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” or any of the writing contests offered through The Literary Stage at the San Mateo County Fair.

Good luck to everyone!

Sincerely,

Theme Consultant and Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

photo by Lynn Scott

2018    SCHEDULE OF LITERARY STAGE “EVENTS WITHIN THE EVENT”

Monday, April 2, 2018, 11:59pm  ALL LITERARY ARTS ENTRIES DUE  including the Notre Dame de Namur Scholarship and Anthology Book Cover contest for artists  https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2018/exhibits/literary_18.pdf

https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/literary-arts

HOW TO ENTER ONLINE  https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2018/exhibits/how_to_enter_18.pdf

REGISTRATION FORM AND FEES: http://sanmat.fairwire.com/

The contest description is on page 60 of the 2018 San Mateo County Fair Literary Arts Contest Book

https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2018/exhibits/literary_18.pdf

2018 Immigrant Experience Writing Contest, created by Author Teresa LeYung-Ryan

How Dr. Norman Doidge’s Books Help Me and My Chinese Papa Who Has Parkinson’s

I am not fluent in Cantonese.

When I was a new immigrant from Hong Kong in the 1960s, San Francisco public schools did not have ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.  Classmate’s snickering compelled me to learn my new language with urgency. By fourth grade, you couldn’t shut me up.  Then our parents (actually, probably just our father) insisted that my siblings and I go to Chinese School (classes in Chinatown everyday after regular school was let out).  One year of misery. Thank goodness our mother spoke up to our father (in Cantonese) – “Let our children succeed in English school first.”

Fast forward to 2017. Parkinson’s Disease has caused what Papa would say with his Cantonese accent “a lot of problem.”

[ According to http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/ Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people … a person’s brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. With less and less dopamine, a person has less and less ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions.]

Papa and Teresa chuckle at the last part of speech exercises taught by Terri Snyder from Self Help for the Elderly - photo by Wen Hsu, translator extraordinaire

While I lack the vocabulary to tell my father that I sympathize, I do know how to encourage and praise with sincerity.  When he frowns at my prompting to do the exercises (taught by the dear professionals from Self Help for the Elderly) or Sit and Be Fit™  (recommended by NP Heloise Lim), or to pick up his feet when those darn rubber mats at grocery stores and restaurants seem to ambush him and his walker… I say to him: “You win! Do NOT let Parkinson’s win. You win!”

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Through the engaging stories in this book – The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. – I have learned that our wonderful brains are forever changing, growing and healing. That knowledge gives me the vocabulary to ask the right questions as an advocate for my father. Dear friend Wen Hsu ordered the traditional Chinese edition of Dr. Doidge’s book through a bookseller in Taiwan. Papa has the book near his dining table; next to the Chinese edition is the English edition; both books are there for Papa’s helpers and friends to read.

As for my being an advocate/daughter who is not fluent in her parent’s native tongue, I know how to find people who excel in their work. In the past three weeks, Wen Hsu (translator extraordinaire) has translated my multiple letters (written in English) into Chinese for Papa’s Caregivers/Helpers.

I salute Papa’s caregivers/helpers, his caring friends, my caring friends, wise mentors, supportive spouse, dear sister, MaMah, Papa’s spunk, the doctors, nurses, administration staffs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interpreters, dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly, South Market Senior Health Clinic, UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center, E.R. staffs, staffs at U.C. Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, SFGH Orthotics and Prosthetic Center, the dear staff members at the building where my papa lives, and Dr. Norman Doidge for writing his book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.

Mr. Leung with traditional Chinese edition, Teresa LeYung-Ryan with English edition of the book THE BRAIN'S WAY OF HEALING: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. - photo by Wen Hsu, translator extraordinaire

Special thanks to the dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly – Nurse Valerie Chan, Nurse Chiu Li, Physical Therapist Jenny Chiu, Occupational Therapist Tom Wong, Speech Therapist Terri Snyder, Translator Albie Wong, and of course the administrative staff, and all the nurses and therapists who have helped my father in the past and shall in the future.

Knowledge that leads to health and wellness – this is my wish for everyone.

Sincerely,

Teresa, advocate/daughter to my Chinese papa

P.S.  I am rereading Dr. Norman Doidge’s books

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, photo by Britt

Teresa LeYung-Ryan is

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 Finds Herself through Witnessing Her Mother’s Mental Illness (novel used in college classes, recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association, 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);
• Coach Teresa’s Blog  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog (which attracts thousands of writers) helps writers build their platforms before and after publication
• “For Themes’ Sake” and “Heroes, Tricksters and Villains” and “Where Are You On Your Writer’s Journey?” and other workshop material

creator of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and

owner of trademark

 and proponent of public libraries, public schools, and excellent public healthcare for ALL!

The link to this blog post #3 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-3-of-3-how-dr-norman-doidges-books-help-me-and-my-chinese-papa-who-has-parkinsons/

Blog post #2 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-2-of-3-how-dr-norman-doidges-books-help-me-help-my-papa/

Blog post #1 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-1-of-3-what-i-learned-about-the-brain-from-dr-norman-doidges-2-books/

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.

Please share this news with friends who might be interested in my “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” or any of the writing contests offered through The Literary Stage at the San Mateo County Fair. All entries are due Monday, April 3, 2017, 11:59pm.  Please read all rules https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2017/literary_17.pdf

Literary Director Bardi Rosman Koodrin says: “The San Francisco Peninsula Writers is the only California Writers Club branch in the state utilizing a weeklong, 18,000 sq. ft. Fine Arts Galleria with a stage and seating for 125. Now entering our 9th year, we’ve conducted over 150 free “events within the event” on our Literary Stage: workshops, panels, author presentations, one-act plays, and interviews, annual author day book sales, poetry readings, musical groups, and individual song and dance performances.”

Please go to https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2017/literary_17.pdf

Top half of page 68 of the 2017 Literary Arts Contest Book Information

is  description of DIVISION 336

Entry for Literary Arts  https://sanmateocountyfair.com/literary-arts

click on

• What You Need To Know
• Online Entry
• How to Submit Your Online Entry and Questions & Answers

Q: Do I have to register online to enter my work in the Literary Arts Contests?

Yes, it’s the ONLY way to participate.

Q: Does my file need to be PDF format?

YES you must convert your document into PDF format and upload that. If you upload

anything other than a PDF, the document will not submit to the fair.

Wishing all contest entrants a joyful experience through the Literary Stage!

Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and Other Contests through 2017 Literary Stage at San Mateo County Fair

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “I can help you identity your themes – to make rewriting your first draft and building your writer’s platform joyful tasks. Make your name stand for something—to attract target consumers who are likely to buy what you have to sell. Reach out, not stress out. I cheer for you!“

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-events/
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan who says “Reach out, not stress out!” will present “Where Are YOU & Your THEMES on Your Writer’s Platform- Building Journey?” for:

• California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch (March 18, 2017 Redwood City, CA)

• The Writer’s Life Conference sponsored by California Writers Club–Marin Branch  (April 2, 2017 at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA)

• SacramentoSuburban Writers Club (July 10, 2017 Fair Oaks, CA)

The workbook:
Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW – available at http://www.laurelbookstore.com in Oakland, CA and http://www.bookpassage.com in Corte Madera, CA and on Amazon – print edition and Kindle edition!

Do submit your work to writing contests run by reputable organizations. Do choose contest categories that match your genre or themes.

Congratulations to all the 2016 Literary Award winners  at the Literary Arts Stage at the San Mateo County Fair, San Mateo, California. To see the list of the many writing contests and the winners -  https://sanmateocountyfair.com/contests/departments/literary-arts.  Bardi Rosman Koodrin (Literary Director, Fine Arts Galleria at the San Mateo County Fair) says: “Winning entries will be displayed during the County Fair June 11-19, 2016. Winners will receive prizes and will be published in our Carry the Light anthology published by Sand Hill Review Press.”

Each year, I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, sponsor the “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest”

 DIVISION 358 – THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE: SHORT STORY, ESSAY, OR MONOLOGUE

 This contest is to honor immigrants who struggle over language barriers, poverty, stigmas, and injustice. Your entry could be a firsthand account or a retelling of someone else’s experience. Show how your protagonist goes about pursuing what she/he wants while confronting antagonists (persons or circumstances); use authentic details to show protagonist’s recollection or attitude of “the old country”; foreshadow the core theme in the first paragraph. ELIGIBILITY:  Submit a 1,500 word maximum unpublished short story, essay or monologue. Must have a title.

Sponsored by 22-Day Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan www.writingcoachTeresa.com

Love Made of Heart: a Daughter Finds Herself Through Witnessing Her Mother’s Mental Illness (novel); 

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase in 22 Days (workbook);

Talking to My Dead Mom Monologues;

 Coach Teresa’s Blog http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

Judges’ comments to 2016 Winners of the “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest”:

1^st Place: “A Little Water goes a Long Way” by Ellen Six

Poignant. Excellent show of theme – protagonist connecting with faraway relatives solely through letters sent to her mother. Story clearly shows “immigrant experience” from narrator’s point of view. Brava! Thank you for entering Immigrant Experience Writing Contest sponsored by Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  Judges: authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Luisa Adams

 2^nd Place: “Immigrating to America, 1960” by Rosina Weiskopf

Nice job showing protagonist’s determination. Would have liked to hear her voice, know her name, whether she had previous waitressing experience, and what she looked like through dialogue. Engaging story. Thank you for entering Immigrant Experience Writing Contest. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com Judges: authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Luisa Adams

 Honorable Mention:  “Belly Dance” by Marcela Dickerson

Enticing hook – widow from Chile becomes newlywed in CA, U.S.A. However, help reader connect with protagonist even though she says she’s a sociable person and that she worked as an interpreter for the UN. Show her reactions to the TV programs and especially interaction with her husband. Stay with your enticing hook. Thank you for entering Immigrant Experience Writing Contest http://WritingCoachTeresa.com Judges: Teresa LeYung-Ryan and Luisa Adams

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Thank you, Bardi Rosman Koodrin (Literary Director, Fine Arts Galleria at the San Mateo County Fair), for helping me refine my contest description.

Thank you, Luisa Adams, for being co-judge this year 2016.

Thank you, Mary E. Knippel, Prof. Sheryl Fairchild, and Margie Yee Webb, for being co-judges in past years.

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Literary Stage events June 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 2015

California Writers Club Members – at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, Expo Hall, San Mateo County Fair 2015

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California Writers Club Members – “Writers Helping Writers” panel – at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, Expo Hall, San Mateo County Fair 2015, San Mateo Event Center, CA

"Writers Helping Writers" panel - Audrey Kalman, Lisa Meltzer Penn, Tory Hartmann, Laurel Anne Hill, Margie Yee Webb - Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair June 6, 2015, 3pm-4pm - photo by Shelley Buck

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“Due to illness, I had to miss the ‘Writers Helping Writers’ panel on the Literary Stage with colleagues on June 6, 2015. Dear pal Margie Yee Webb (a panelist) had her friendly camera; she asked Shelley Buck to take photos of the panel. Writers helping writers; friends helping friends. My gratitude to friends and colleagues. Margie even got me a copy of Carry the Light the anthology inspired by Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Literary Director at San Mateo County Fair-Fine Arts Galleria.” Sincerely, Teresa LeYung-Ryan

SPONSORS PANEL: “WRITERS HELPING WRITERS”
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015, 3:00-4:00 P.M. Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair

Audrey Kalman has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pen. She published the novel Dance of Souls in 2011. Her next novel will be published by Sand Hill Review Press. She edited two volumes of Fault Zone, an annual anthology of California writers, and is at work on another novel. www.audreykalman.com

Lisa Meltzer Penn is the founding editor of the edgy Fault Zone anthology series, worked in New York publishing, and is finishing a novel. Lisa loves to work deep into the bones of a story to help writers make their work the best it can be. http://www.lisameltzerpenn.com

Tory Hartmann, Panel Moderator: Managing Editor, Parenting on the Peninsula; Editor at Sand Hill Review Press; Award-winning author of short fiction and nonfiction. “I’ve always been a writer,” Tory says. https://www.sandhillreviewpress.com

Laurel Anne Hill‘s award-winning novel, Heroes Arise, was published in 2007. Her publication credits also include over 25 short stories, most recently in Fault Zone, Tales of Fortannis, How Beer Saved the World, and Shanghai Steam, as well as various short nonfiction pieces. More at www.laurelannehill.com.

Margie Yee Webb is author/photographer of Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life, co-creator of Not Your Mother’s Book . . . On Cats and producer of FEMME: Women Healing the World. She is VP of California Writers Club and President of CWC Sacramento Branch. https://www.facebook.com/MargieYeeWebb

Teresa LeYung-Ryan creator of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching or Self-Publishing (workshops), is author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days (workbook) and Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness (novel) http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

For full schedule of events on the Literary Stage orchestrated by Bardi Rosman Koodrin, California Writers Club Members, and the team at San Mateo County Fair – http://sanmateocountyfair.com/entertainment/entertainment/performance-schedules  then click on [ Literary Arts on Fine Arts Stage ]

Literary Stage events June 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 2015
Boris Koodrin/ Director
Bardi Rosman Koodrin/ Literary Director
Coordinators:
Kayte Van De Mark- Art Sales & Volunteers
Rusty Sterling – Photography
Eva Portillo – Day of the Dead
Sue Barizon – Literary Assistant
Laurel Anne Hill – Literary Stage
David Hirzel – Literary Stage
Tory Hartmann – Literary Anthology

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Author_Missy_Kirtley_attends_Writers_Helping_Writers_at_SMCF_photo_by_Margie_Yee_Webb

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authors Margie_Yee_Webb,_Shelley_Buck,_Margaret_Murray_at Literary_Stage - photo_by_Rose_Wallace

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Bardi Rosman Koodrin welcomes audience to Literary Arts stage San Mateo County Fair

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Carry_the_Light_anthology_inspired_by_Bardi_Rosman_Koodrin,_San_Mateo_County_Fair_photo_by_Coach_Teresa_LeYung-Ryan

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Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan aka Writing Coach Teresa who 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

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

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;
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• 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;
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• 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;
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• 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/literary-arts   Contests deadline is April 1, 2015; and
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• 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

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/sfwcnewsletter

We mourn beloved children's book author Robert San Souci. What a brilliant storyteller!

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

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FA MULAN  
The Story of a Woman Warrior
by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Jean & Mou-Sien Tseng

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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

Writers,

Here are opportunities for you to continue polishing your writing and building your platform and fanbase. I will be updating my events page

http://lovemadeofheart.com/Teresa-LeYung-Ryan%27s-Events.html

Thanks to Literary Director Bardi Rosman Koodrin and Fine Arts Director Boris Koodrin at San Mateo County Fair and members of California Writers Club, a variety of programs for writers and readers will be presented before and during fair dates June 6 – 14, 2015 at the Literary  Stage.

Author and Manuscript Consultant/Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan is proud to sponsor her writing contest:

DIVISION 332 – THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE: NOVEL, MEMOIR, BIOGRAPHY, SHORT STORY, ESSAY OR MONOLOGUE

Contest deadline is April 1, 2015.  Submission guidelines for Teresa’s contest and other writing contests will soon be posted on https://sanmateocountyfair.com/contests/departments/literary-arts  and http://carrythelight2013.wordpress.com

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 Teresa LeYung-Ryan is a perennial presenter at the

San Francisco Writers Conference

February 12-15, 2015; plus pre-conference classes on Feb. 12 and post-conference classes on Feb. 16, 2015

http://sfwriters.org

Coach Teresa says: “I cheer for Co-Founders & Co-Directors Michael Larsen & Elizabeth Pomada, entire SFWC Team, and everyone associated with the conference that celebrates craft, commerce and community.”

Thursday February 12, 2015 at SFWC

4:45-5:45pm

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.)

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 Sunday, March 22 (NOT March 28), 2015, 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Marin Branch of California Writers Club meets at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista, Corte Madera, CA    $5 members; $10 nonmembers. All are welcome.

  http://www.cwcmarinwriters.com  

Interactive presentation for fiction and nonfiction authors; for before and after publication

Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out.”

Subscribe to Coach Teresa’s blog now. Watch her interview on CBS “Bay Sunday” Show. Start by going to http://writingcoachTeresa.com

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Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s 2015 New Year Wishes for Writers,

May you have nourishing foods, clean and safe environment, and abundant energy for whatever creative and joyful work you do to make this world a nice place.

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Teresa LeYung-Ryan is “Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa” and Manuscript Consultant and  . . .

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  and

creator of:

“Talking to My Dead Mom” (monologues)

“Immigrant Experience Writing Contest”  and

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