In the mentor department, I hit the jackpot! I wrote Page From a Tennessee Journal in four months at the end of 2002. No eyes, other than my own had ever seen a word of it until I spotted a sign inviting wanna-be writers to a group discussion led by Teresa LeYung Ryan.
Teresa had just published her wonderful book, Love Made of Heart, in the Fall of ’02. Despite her busy schedule, she made time to give back to a group of struggling writers.
In those first two meetings, I looked up to that group of unpublished writers, admiring them, envying their inherent talent. How could I possibly possess such skills to become a writer–struggling or not. That’s when Teresa stepped in. On meeting number two, she ordered me (yes, she can be feisty when necessary), to read the first page and a half from my manuscript.
I protested with every fiber I possessed because I was nowhere good enough compared to the others in the group. Teresa refused to have me refuse. I read in the quiet of a Barnes and Noble. The rest, as a million people already say, is history.
Teresa’s reaction to my words was overwhelming. She gave me positive and enthusiastic feedback. I took it and ran. With her words encouraging me, PAGE earned a finalist spot in the 2003 Maui Writers Conference, and eventually, publication by AmazonEncore. Other works are in the offing, and I can truly say, I owe it all to Teresa LeYung Ryan.
Read Love Made of Heart. It will stir your heart.
Dear Francine,
I just opened your email about your second novel, PARIS NOIRE, due out September 2011! Your wonderful news is music to my ears!!!!!
I am soooo happy for you!!!!!!!
Happy Holidays, Talented One!
xoxo
Coach Teresa
Teresa LeYung Ryan
Author / Writing Career Coach / Manuscript Consultant / Publisher
Build My Name, Beat the Game: 22 Days to Identify & Develop My Writer’s Platform to Attract Agents, Acquisition Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention. writingcoachteresa.com