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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheering for writers!

Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Want to attract agents  & publishers?  Want to be your own publisher?

• Get your manuscript professionally edited
• Build your writer’s platform NOW

Email:  writingcoachTeresa    at    gmail.com

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Coach Teresa  LeYung-Ryan

specializes in:   novels   / children’s novels  / memoirs

I started a new format for my blog posts on November 16, 2011. Once a month, I will write a post to include 3 sections.

As 22-day Platform-Building Coach– Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days:

Write Your Story Now! PLAYshop with Mary E. Knippel

Are you frustrated trying to find just exactly the right words
- for your blog posts?
-for that end-of-the-year letter to family or customers?
-to update your profile on your website or social media site?

Come and explore how you can overcome your writing challenges and have fun at the same time!

Nov. 19, 2011   9 a.m. -4 p.m. Free Event
$20 holds your seat (refunded at the door)
Workshop in Half Moon Bay, CA

• Click on the blue header (title bar) of this post
• Scroll down until you see boxes and fill in the boxes (you do need an email address to submit questions/comments; if you have a website/blog, do promote it  by keying in the address)
• After you fill in the boxes, you might want to keep a copy of your question/comment before clicking the  “submit comment” button. Thank you!

Coach Teresa . . . starting a new format with my blog posts

Since I wear 3 hats, as writing career coach & author who helps you Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days / editor & manuscript consultant who helps you identify themes and archetypes / novelist of Love Made of Heart who encourages adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families, I wish to divide my post into 3 sections.

As 22-day Platform-Building Coach:

Promote yourselves by linking your names & your projects to these recognized events.  According to Chase Calendar of Events,  November is:

• Adoption Month, National
• Alzheimer’s Disease Month, National
• American Diabetes Month
• American Indian Heritage Month, National
• Aviation History Month
• Banana Pudding Lovers Month
• Diabetes Month, National
• Diabetic Eye Disease Month
• Family Caregivers Month, National
• Georgia Pecan Month, National
• Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
• Inspirational Role Models Month, National
• Lifewriting Month, National
• Long-Term Care Awareness Month, National
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Marrow Awareness Month, National
• Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month
• Pet Cancer Awareness Month
• Pomegranate Month, National
• PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month
• Vegan Month
• Today November 16, 2011 is United Nations: International Day for Tolerance
• the fourth Thursday in November is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A.
• November 11, 2011 is Veterans Day

Every month is relevant to marketing your literary work. Day 19 of my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days demonstrates the beauty of linking your name to a date that is celebrated or recognized for the entire month–you’ll have a whole month to re-use one piece of writing.

As Editor & Manuscript Consultant:

Give yourself reasons to plot & write and replot & rewrite!

November is National Novel Writing Month (founder is Chris Baty)

Write Nonfiction In November (founder is Nina Amir)

December is International Plot Writing Month (founder is Martha Alderson, The Plot Whisperer)

Read or reread a book – I’m reading Nothing Can Scare Me Now: Managing Breast Cancer So It Doesn’t Manage You by Juliane Cortino (a colleague at Women’s National Book Association)

As author of Love Made of Heart:

I found “Veterans and Mental Health: We Owe Them Better”  blog post by Mike Fitzpatrick, NAMI Executive Director

Last year, more than 1.2 million veterans were treated by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) health care system, about a third for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That is an increase of about 25 percent from four years before, as troops return home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Washington Post reports that approximately 18 veterans die from suicide every day. Yet in survey released in September, the VA reported that 70 percent of its doctors, nurses and social workers believe the system lacks the staff and space to provide adequate mental health care. More than 37 percent said they cannot schedule an appointment for a new patient within 14-days.

* * * * *

Mr. Fitzpatrick,

Thank you for writing this post to shed light on what we can do to advocate for better care of our veterans and their families. I linked your post to mine dated November 16, 2011 http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/ so that my blog fans can get resources for their loved ones. My beautiful mom (not a Veteran but was an orphan during World War II) suffered mental illness all her life and I use my writings to honor her. In September I met NAMI Sonoma County board member Ron Shaw at the Sonoma County Book Festival.  Rosemary Milbrath, Executive Director at NAMI Sonoma County, has contacted me and I hope to deliver my Heroes, Tricksters & Villains interactive workshop to the Sonoma County community in California in 2012. Sincerely, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart; mental health advocate

* * * * *

I hope to see you when I’m at these forums:

• Thursday December 1, 2011 at Women’s National Book Association get-together at San Francisco Public Library Main Branch
• Sunday January 8, 2012 at California Writers Club–Redwood Branch “Writing-Career-Make-Over with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan”

Please click here for details.

“Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Rita Morena to speak at "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk in Oakland, CA

Early morning October 22, 2011 Rita Moreno cheers walkers at Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park,
Oakland, California Out of the Darkness Community Walks (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

Morning October 22, 2o11 Los Angeles Community Walk at Santa Monica City Hall, Santa Monica, California Out of the Darkness Community Walks (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

********************

Saturday, October 22, 2011

National Kidney Foundation San Francisco Authors Luncheon, Marriott Marquis San Francisco

10:00am autographing begins; 12:00 noon luncheon

$125  For tickets or info, call 415-543-3303 ext. 114

Children’s author/illustrator Kathryn Otoshi is one of the featured authors.

Book Passage proud to be part of this event.

This is a joyful opportunity for those who write memoir and creative nonfiction–no need to struggle writing the truth.

Thank you, Linda Joy Myers and National Association of Memoir Writers. Sign up for the conference here to get a free audio download: http://tinyurl.com/3wkvbjn

Today October 21, 2011 day-long free Teleconference for memoir and creative nonfiction writers

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

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

Remember that being a writer is being a business owner.

After seeing Mary E. Knippel http://yourwritingmentor.com/ help job-seekers create their “success stories” and “vision boards/collages” at San Francisco Professional Career Network, I am convinced that everyone needs an expert like Mary E. Knippel to COAX  the writer in us and that everyone needs to build their platforms/fanbases.

Mary & I are members of a mastermind group–cheering each other on, having fun helping our clients. Thank you, Mary!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

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

Here’s another member of our mastermind group… Rebecca Martin!

Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 9am-4pm

Reserve your seat today – http://www.FacebookandYourBusiness.info

Learn the secrets most business owners will never know about creating their business identity online and marketing on Facebook.

Saturday, November 5, 2011
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Lizarran Tapas Restaurant
7400 Monterey Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
http://www.FacebookandYourBusiness.info
(This is a “hands on” and interactive workshop so bring your laptops – WIFI included)

This day long workshop is only $147.00.
Lunch is Included – Parking is Free

Presented by – Rebecca Martin http://dearjane.info/ & Jenn Beninger http://jennben.com/

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

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

To celebrate my novel’s anniversary . . .

Last Thursday I was at San Francisco Public Library for a Women’s National Book Association meeting to shoot one-minute videos of WNBA members and guests so that they can use them to promote themselves. So, there I was, Writing Career Coach Teresa, demonstrating how to create a short video, express yourself, and not have to be in front of the camera.

I am still overjoyed that my novel Love Made of Heart is in public libraries and also archived at the San Francisco History Center.

In this video, I re-declared that I use Love Made of Heart to inspire adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families. Also, I encourage everyone to get a library card.

***********************************************

Look what I received in the mail !

card to Teresa LeYung-Ryan from Teacher Sheryl Fairchild and her delightful students

**

sweet messages to Teresa LeYung-Ryan from Sheryl Fairchild's wonderful students

**

Bette Davis stamps used on envelope sent to Teresa LeYung-Ryan from Ms. Sheryl Fairchild of San Francisco State University. Protagonist Ruby Lin in Love Made of Heart had found her role models in characters portrayed by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. So sweet of Ms. Fairchild and her students to think about the details! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and that's no pun.

Ms. Sheryl Fairchild’s wonderful students in First Year Composition at San Francisco State University had asked me these questions when I visited them last month.

Our Conversation with Teresa LeYung Ryan

Nicole:  I would like to ask her why she wanted to share her story to the world?

Erin:  I’d like to ask why she used Hollywood movie starts as Ruby’s “voice”  . . .   why she wrote certain characters like Mrs. Nussbaum or Emily into the story and if they represent someone she knows in her life.

Allison:  I would like to ask her if the events that she described in the novel are synonymous with her real life or if they just represent different things that have happened to her.

Stephen:  Was the story of her mother having mental illness true or was it completely made up?

Rozlynn:  I would like to know more about Ruby’s brother John, he’s a very mysterious character in the novel.

Heather:  I would like to ask her if she wrote her story to help people dealing with similar domestic violence issues or people that have someone with mental illness in their life, feel like they aren’t alone, or if she wrote the story for therapeutic reasons of her own.

Kerri:  How long did it take for her to be comfortable with writing this story?

James:  I would like to know if she overcame her past through therapy or was it a different source that was able to help her like a friend or lover?

Jonathan:  If Teresa’s view on men has changed when going from a traditional Chinese man . . . to her new marriage of 7 years that she talks about on the back cover.

Ashley:  What challenges did you face writing the book? What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Kyndal:  Did she ever find out more information about her grandmother?

Reyanna:  I would like to ask about Ruby’s grandmother. We never really know what happened to her and why she left America. Was it because of the harsh trials immigrants suffered? Also, I would like to know about Ruby’s brother as well. She never mentioned much about him or the grandmother.

Questions for Teresa from our worksheets:
o    Why did you want to share your story?
o    Have you gotten in contact with your brother?
o    Why did you choose not to use any Chinese language in the novel?
o    Why did you use a paper that Emily wrote to tell Ruby’s story at the end of the novel, rather than having Ruby tell the story herself?
o    Why did you choose that specific ending?
o    What did you find out about your culture as you were writing this novel?
o    Is your husband Chinese?
o    Did you ever talk to Vincent again?
o    How did your family react to your writing the book?

The Essence or Meaning of the Novel:
In Our Own Words

*     Do not dwell on the past, if you do, you cannot move forward with the future.

*     Forgive, but do not forget what you’ve learned from that experience.

*      Cannot judge people right away (such with Vincent)

*     Tradition vs. modern

*      Substituting fictional characters’ lives for Ruby’s – the life she wished she had

*     “Different kinds of love”

*     Culture – Culture’s clashing

*      Childhood – How the things you see as a child sculpt your life and views: violence at home,
family values/traditions, family relationships

*      Communication – If it exists or doesn’t

*     Family ties – Loyalty vs. independence

*      The book Love Made of Heart shows how someone’s troubled past affects their present life.

What a lovely way to celebrate the birthday of Love Made of Heart !  I’m overjoyed. I’d like to believe that my mom is giggling on Cloud Nine. Thank you, Ms. Fairchild, Allison, Ashley, Chris, Colin, Erin, Heather, Henriikka, James, Joelle, Jonathan, Kerri, Kyndal, Luis, Niki, Reyanna, Roxanne, Rozlynn, Stephen, Teja, Zenia for reading Love Made of Heart and asking thoughtful questions. YOU all are love made of heart!

***********************************

Because of Martha Alderson’s plot coaching, my novel Love Made of Heart was transformed into a page-turner. The story grabbed Stacey Glick‘s attention, then Kensington Publishing’s John Scognamiglio‘s [ Thank you to Stacey and all the folks at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management!  Thank you to John and all the folks at and associated with Kensington Publishing NY ].  Fast forward… Love Made of Heart is:

• used as required reading in colleges and universities
• available in libraries
• archived at the San Francisco History Center
• attracting a steady flow of readers/fans
• being my passport to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• linking my mission statement to Glenn Close’s BringChange2Mind and NAMI‘s.  I use Love Made of Heart to inspire other adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families.

None of this would have happened if Martha had not taught me how to plot the front-story.

Thank you, Everyone (starting with first Critique Group members Cat, Theresa Stephenson, Evelyn Miche, Olga Malyj . . .) who have played a role in sending Love Made of Heart into the world. You all have my deepest gratitude.

Martha’s new book The Plot Whisperer is inspiring me to write another novel.

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Recently at the Sonoma County Book Festival, I met Ron Shaw, a board member of NAMI-Sonoma County.  Thank you, Ron, for wearing the brilliant NAMI  T-shirt.  Thank you, Rosemary Milbrath, for contacting me. I look forward to presenting my signature writing workshop “Heroes, Tricksters & Villains” at NAMI Sonoma County in 2012. This fun workshop is for all ages–there’s a writer in all of us.

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

Last week was Mental Health Week.  I believe that Every Week is Mental Health Week.

National Alliance on Mental Illness —- At the heart of NAMI’s mission is our grassroots and the sharing of information with people with mental illness, their families, friends, mental health professionals, and the general public. NAMI strives to offer hope, reform and health to our American community through support, education , and advocacy efforts. Research is constantly providing us with new information about the brain and the nature of mental illnesses and, consequently, more effective treatments.

To find a group near you, go to http://nami.org/ Information Hotline: (800) 950-NAMI

http://nami.org/ Click on “Find Your Local NAMI”

You’ll see the state organization’s contact info.  Scroll down to find a group near you. If you do not see a group in your local community please contact the state organization.

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

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

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

As a manuscript consultant, Teresa LeYung-Ryan loves helping writers identify their themes and archetypes.

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/teresaleyung

Teresa on facebook!  She’s also involved in Women’s National Book Association and California Writers Club

51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, California  94925

Saturday Oct. 8, 2011,  2:15-5:15pm

Lynn Henriksen – Keep Spirits Alive: Write the Mother Memoir $65

Henriksen demystifies the writing process—making it doable. You’ll find keys to unlock memories and learn to create short, telling tales with energy and honesty. Through exercises, sharing, and feedback you’ll merge imagination, intuition, and truth with all your senses.

If you miss this class, visit Lynn Henriksen’s blog http://telltalesouls.com/blog/

Sunday Oct. 9, 2011, 1:00-2:30pm

Geri Spieler – Super Sleuthing $40
Journalist and investigative reporter Geri Spieler explains Internet research techniques that writers need to know. Learn 11 unique “search engine strings” that go way beyond the typical Google search and cut your research time in half. Discover free over-research tools that include directories, databases, graphics, periodicals, government documents, and references. Spieler is the author of the award-winning Taking Aim At The President: The Remarkable Story Of The Woman Who Shot At Gerald Ford.

If you miss this class, visit Geri Spieler’s site http://www.gerispieler.com/

Coach Teresa here, cheering for Lynn, Geri, and all writers and readers!

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams.”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Also, Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (ebook Kindle edition $9.81 print edition $22)

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

author Teresa LeYung Ryan about to visit SFSU Sheryl Fairchild and her wonderful students

SFSU teacher Sheryl Fairchild & author Teresa LeYung Ryan happy to be reunited

SFSU Sheryl Fairchild’s First Year Composition students read opening scene “5150″ from the novel Love Made of Heart with author Teresa LeYung Ryan on September 26, 2011

Kyndal, Teresa, Henriikka, Allison, Chris performed dramatic reading of 5150 from Teresa's book Love Made of Heart--filmed by Colin Sutton

Video of the dramatic reading on Teresa’s YouTube channel.

The Cast:

Ruby Lin—Henriikka (Nicole had rehearsed lines too)

Ruby’s mom—author Teresa LeYung Ryan, offstage

Mrs. Nussbaum—Allison

Police Office—Chris

Susan, Social Worker—Kyndal

Filmed by Colin Sutton

SFSU Sheryl Fairchild's First Year Composition delightful students with author Teresa LeYung Ryan 2011 Sept 26

Thank you Ms. Fairchild, Allison, Ashley, Chris, Colin, Erin, Heather, Henriikka, James, Joelle, Jonathan, Kerri, Kyndal, Luis, Niki, Reyanna, Roxanne, Rozlynn, Stephen, Teja, Zenia for reading Love Made of Heart and asking thoughtful questions which I’ll add to Amazon discussion topics!

Fabulous teacher Sheryl Fairchild invites author Teresa LeYung-Ryan to answer questions from her thoughtful students - photo by Colin Sutton

Which character did you relate to?  Which theme/issue engaged  your attention? I’d be honored if you would write a short review for me by answering those 2 questions. If you have an Amazon account, please click here… Look at reviews from other readers and click on the box “Create Your Own Review”   Please “tag” with keywords “mental illness”   “mother”  “father”  “daughter”   “son”   “brother”   “sister” and other keywords you can think of from reading Love Made of Heart.

If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can just email me your short review. I’m at    gmail.com    and my user name is   writingcoachteresa

Ms. Sheryl Fairchild at SFSU motivates her First Year Composition Students - photo by Colin Sutton

SFSU fabulous teacher Sheryl Fairchild and her thoughtful students are “Love Made of Heart.”

I’d like to thank other caring educators and their students too–Mr. Victor Turks and his students at SF City College; Ms. Miriam Queen and her students at SF City College; Ms. Patricia Costello and her students at SF City College;  Professor Dan Haytin and his students at UC Berkeley; Ms. Barbara Whittaker and students at Stanford University.

SFSU Sheryl Fairchild's students delight Teresa LeYung Ryan with their thoughtful questions 2011 Sept 26 - photo by Colin Sutton

When I got home, I filmed a personal “Thank You” to you.  Here it is…

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams.”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Also, Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (ebook Kindle edition $9.81 print edition $22)