Children’s Writing Teleclass for CWCC – Writing for Parenting and Family Publications - Tuesday, June 21 at 6 pm CST

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance
Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com
Website: http://www.workingwriterscoach.com/



Children’s Writing Teleclass for CWCC – Writing for Parenting and Family Publications - Tuesday, June 21 at 6 pm CST

Why in the world would a children’s writer write for parenting and family publications? Attend the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club teleclass “Writing for Parenting and Family Publications,” and learn what an important niche this is for your freelance writing career.

Children’s author and Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club instructor, Margo Dill is offering a LIVE teleclass on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 6:00 pm CST. The topic is “Writing for Parenting and Family Publications.” Visit the Children's Writers' Coaching Club http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/2011/06/margo-dill and learn how to participate in this valuable teleclass.

This teleclass will cover:

I’m a children’s writer, why write for parents?

Different types of parenting/family publications (including regional)

Finding Markets

Looking for Ideas

Your Audience is Busy and Practical

Be Original/Types of Articles

Pitching Ideas

Sending in Articles and Photos

Repurposing and Re-querying

Questions

About the instructor:

Margo L. Dill is a freelance writer, editor, and teacher, living in Mahomet, Illinois. Her work has appeared in publications such as Grit, Pockets, True Love, Fun for Kidz, Missouri Life, ByLine Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, Families, and The News-Gazette. She is a columnist and contributing editor for WOW! Women On Writing. She also teaches online classes for WOW! on social networking, blogging, and writing for children’s magazines. She is assistant editor for the Sunday Book page in The News-Gazette. Her first book, Finding My Place, a middle-grade historical novel, will be published by White Mane Kids. She writes a blog called, Read These Books and Use Them, (http://margodill.com/blog) for parents, teachers, and librarians. She owns her own copyediting business, Editor 911. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, stepson, and two dogs—Chester, a boxer, and Hush Puppy, a basset hound. You can find out more about Margo by visiting her website: www.margodill.com.

About the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club:

As a member of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club, you’ll also have access to a wealth of articles, checklists, charts, free e-books, and other resources to help you hone your craft as a children’s writer and learn the ins and outs of publishing for the various children’s markets.

The CWCC teleclasses cover everything from how to write picture books to how to find an agent to sell your middle grade novel. And, although each of these teleclasses is a live event, where you can ask questions and interact with other members of the class and the instructor – you don’t have to attend the live calls. As a club member, the day after each teleclass you receive a link to the recording, so you can download it and listen to the class whenever you like.

A monthly lesson and writing assignment, designed to become a finished project ready for submission to a publisher, usually by the end of the month, although some projects take longer. You aren’t required to complete the monthly assignment in order to be a member of the club. It’s up to you. But if you do complete the assignment, you can turn it in and have it professionally reviewed.

Manuscript critiques are a BIG feature of membership in our club. Members can submit a manuscript (up to 1,000 words) for professional critique every week. These critiques are audio critiques, so you can listen to an experienced, published children’s author give you tips and suggestions for making your manuscripts more marketable.

Club members also have the opportunity to network daily via an online discussion list with other members of the CWCC, as well as the instructors.

Visit Suzanne Lieurance, the Working Writer’s Coach, online at http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/ to learn more about her coaching products and services.

###


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Children’s Writers’: Advanced CWCC Membership Creative Nonfiction Teleclass – June 17 at 12 pm CST

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance
Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com
Website: http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/


Children’s Writers’: Advanced CWCC Membership Creative Nonfiction Teleclass – June 17 at 12 pm CST

Writing nonfiction is a sure-fire way to earn income and creative nonfiction is hot. Learn how to use fiction techniques to make your nonfiction sizzle. Editors and readers alike will clamor for more.
On Thursday, June 17, 2011, Nancy I. Sanders will present a special teleclass for the Advanced Members of the CWCC at 12 pm CST. The topic of this teleclass will be “Creative Nonfiction.”

This tele-workshop will cover:

Why every children’s writer benefits from writing nonfiction

What is creative nonfiction and why is it hot

Which fiction techniques to use and when to use them

How to transform your nonfiction manuscript into creative nonfiction

Answers to Your Questions about Creative Nonfiction for Children

NOTE: This tele-workshop is only available for those at the Advanced Membership http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/join level of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club.

About the instructor:

Nancy Sanders’ passion is to help other writers discover their talents, craft their skills, and realize the fulfillment of personal goals through a successful writing career. She has written Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career, Award-Winning Finalist of the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.

Nancy is the bestselling author of over 75 books including D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet, selected for the IRA Teacher’s Choices List as well as other awards (Sleeping Bear Press, illustrated by E. B. Lewis). Her credits include board books, novelty books, beginning readers, picture books, middle grade novels and books for teachers. Her column for children’s writers has appeared in The Writer’s online magazine, the Christian Communicator, and the Institute of Children’s Literature eNews.

About the Advanced CWCC:

Advanced membership in the CWCC is just $37.00 per month and includes all the features of Regular membership PLUS the following:

1. Special recorded teleclass called “How to Critique Manuscripts” (to listen to as soon as possible after joining the club), along with a checklist for critiquing manuscripts.

2. The opportunity to join a peer critique group of advanced writers and swap a 10-page manuscript each week with another children’s author in the same genre. If enough writers participate, picture book writers will critique picture books and have other picture book authors critique their manuscripts, etc.

3. Monthly 55-minute advanced level teleclass/workshop (for published authors) that covers some aspect in-depth about writing for children or the business of writing for children and helps take your career to the next level.

4. A monthly worksheet, chart, checklist or other document to accompany the monthly teleclass/workshop.

5. Free e-book called The Write Answers about children’s writing – offered exclusively upon initial sign-up (this is currently in production and will be forwarded to you as soon as it is finished).

Club members also have the opportunity to network daily via an online discussion list with other members of the CWCC, as well as the instructors.

Visit the Children's Writers' Coaching Club online at http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/ to learn more about the club.

###

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Children’s Writing Teleclass for CWCC – Plotting a Short Story for Kids - Wed, June 15 at 3 pm CST

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance
Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com
Website: http://www.workingwriterscoach.com/

Children’s Writing Teleclass for CWCC – Plotting a Short Story for Kids - Wed, June 15 at 3 pm CST

Do you have an exhilarating children’s story in your sights, but are not sure how to structure it? Without the perfect blend of the beginning, middle, and end you may not be able to achieve your desired results. Learn all about “Plotting A Short Story” by attending the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club teleclass and learn all about story arcs.

As a member of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club, you’ll also have access to a wealth of articles, checklists, charts, free e-books, and other resources to help you hone your craft as a children’s writer and learn the ins and outs of publishing for the various children’s markets.

Children’s author and Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club instructor, Pat McCarthy is offering a LIVE teleclass on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 3:00 pm CST. The topic is “Plotting a Short Story for Kids.” Visit the Children's Writers' Coaching Club http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/2011/06/pat-mccarthy-august-24th and learn how to participate in this valuable teleclass.

This teleclass will cover:

• The Structure of a Short Story
• Writing the Beginning
• Writing the Middle
• The Climax
• Ending Your Story
• Questions and Discussion

About the instructor:

Pat McCarthy has written over a dozen nonfiction children’s books. Her experience teaching elementary school for many years has helped her understand kids and how to write for them. Pat’s favorite books are the biographies she’s written. Besides writing, she loves photography and has sold many photos with her articles and books. Visit her blog at http://patmccarthysauthorblog.blogspot.com.

About the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club:

The CWCC teleclasses cover everything from how to write picture books to how to find an agent to sell your middle grade novel. And, although each of these teleclasses is a live event, where you can ask questions and interact with other members of the class and the instructor – you don’t have to attend the live calls. As a club member, the day after each teleclass you receive a link to the recording, so you can download it and listen to the class whenever you like.

A monthly lesson and writing assignment, designed to become a finished project ready for submission to a publisher, usually by the end of the month, although some projects take longer. You aren’t required to complete the monthly assignment in order to be a member of the club. It’s up to you. But if you do complete the assignment, you can turn it in and have it professionally reviewed.

Manuscript critiques are a BIG feature of membership in our club. Members can submit a manuscript (up to 1,000 words) for professional critique every week. These critiques are audio critiques, so you can listen to an experienced, published children’s author give you tips and suggestions for making your manuscripts more marketable.

Club members also have the opportunity to network daily via an online discussion list with other members of the CWCC, as well as the instructors.

Visit Suzanne Lieurance, the Working Writer’s Coach, online at http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/ to learn more about her coaching products and services.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

FREE e-book ~ Writing Tips from the Children's Writers' Coaching Club

Receive the FREE e-book, Writing Tips from the Children's Writers' Coaching Club when you sign Donna's guestbook at http://www.donnamcdine.com/.

This FREE e-book is composed of articles written for children's authors and illustrators by some of the members of the Children's Writers' Coaching Club and Suzanne Lieurance, coordinator of the coaching club.

Featured members:
Marge Gower
Margo Dill
Kathy Stemke
Donna McDine
Nancy I. Sanders
Grier Cooper
Terri Forehand
Irene S. Roth
Suzanne Lieurance
Mayra Calvani

To find out more about the Children's Writers' Coaching Club, visit http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/.

Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Marketing the National Writing for Children Center is No Longer a One Man Show!

M E D I A   R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Suzanne Lieurance, The Working Writer’s Coach

Email: suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com

Website: http://writingforchildrencenter.com/

For Immediate Release

Marketing the National Writing for Children Center is No Longer a One Man Show!

Writing is usually a solitary endeavor, as children's author Suzanne Lieurance knows. But, as founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center, Lieurance also knows that marketing or promoting the Center, and its coaching club for children's writers, should be anything but a one man show.

"The National Writing for Children Center is a valuable resource for both aspiring and published children's book authors," says Lieurance. "Yet, writers can't get the help we offer if they don't even know we exist, which is why I'm pleased to announce that Donna McDine is joining our staff as Publicist Intern. Donna will help me plan and implement all promotional activities for both the National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club. I'm very excited about this. With Donna on staff, there are so many new ways we can promote and market both the National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club. We're out to provide children's writers with the information, instruction, and resources they need to start their writing careers or take their careers to new levels. I can hardly wait to get the word out about all we have to offer!"

Visit the National Writing for Children Center online at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ or the Children's Writers Coaching Club at www.cwcoachingclub.com for more information.

###

Full Media Kit and more are available upon request electronically.

Hook Boys on Summer Reading by Margot Finke

For those with children who get bored during summer vacation, let me suggest you HOOK THEM on READING.

You will find a terrific selection of books for reluctant readers + easily bored boys, right here: http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/ 

Margot Finke - http://www.margotfinke.com/  

Children's Books - Manuscript Critiques

May 2010 - Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind

Margot's Blogs:

http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/

http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/

Join me - Children’s Writers Coaching Club:

http://www.cwcoachingclub.com/

Find Out What a Writing Coach Can Do for You and Your Writing Career!

Suzanne Lieurance is a children's author, full time freelance writer, and the Working Writer's Coach. I'm a member of her Children's Writers' Coaching Club and her Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than Ever in 2010 Coaching Program.

Membership in these two programs has had a BIG impact on my freelance writing career, so recently I asked Suzanne to answer a few questions about her coaching and this new program. If you're struggling with your own freelance writing career, one of Suzanne's coaching programs might be just the thing to help you take your career to the next level!

Donna: What Made You Decide to Become the Working Writer's Coach?


Suzanne: For many years I was a classroom teacher. I just love to teach and it comes naturally to me to want to help others. I seem to be good at explaining things simply. I guess that's one reason I'm also drawn to writing for children. I love to take complicated subjects and make them simple for children (as well as adults) to understand and appreciate. Anyway, while I love to teach, I didn't love being confined to a classroom all day, every day during the school year. So about 12 years ago, I decided to quit teaching and become a full time freelance writer. After a few years of successful freelancing, people started to ask me for tips and advice for their own freelance writing careers. And that led to me becoming the Working Writer's Coach.

Donna: You have a new comprehensive coaching program for anyone who wants to become a freelance writer. It's called the Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than Ever in 2010 Coaching Program. I just love it! Can you tell people what this program is all about?


Suzanne: Sure, Donna. As you know, this is a new program that allows me to help more writers while still having time for my own writing each day. After all, I'm still a fulltime freelance writer and children's author myself! And I know what it's like when you're just starting a freelance writing career--or you've been at it for a couple of years without much success. You can feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Plus, it's just SOOOO easy to get distracted and, before you know it, your writing career has been pushed aside. My new ongoing program was designed to help beginning writers learn the basics to get their freelance writing careers started. The program also helps more experienced writers take their careers to the next level.

Donna: Do members get individual coaching through the Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than Ever in 2010 Coaching Program?


Suzanne: That's a great question, Donna. Much of the coaching through this program is done on a group basis. However, any member is able to get individual coaching any time he/she feels a need for it. For example, many members of this program need individual help getting their major writing/career goals created for the year. I help them do this through a series of individual, personal emails (just to them, not to other members of the group), along with some short audio recordings where I talk to them about their goals, based on the information they've sent me via emails.

Every week, members also have the opportunity to ask me any question they have about writing or the business of writing. They just email their question to me. Over the weekend, I record an audio where I answer all the questions I've received that week. On Monday morning, members of the program have access to the recording in the Audio Center at the Morning Nudge Club, a sort of "online clubhouse" for all members of the program. The Morning Nudge Club also features a Resource Center with all sorts of professional templates, tools, articles, and other resources for writers. And, all members of the program also receive The Morning Nudge, a short email from me every weekday morning, with additional tips and resources to help them with their writing and their writing careers.

Donna: I just love The Morning Nudge and The Morning Nudge Club. But tell people what else you do to help writers in this new Write More, Sell More Coaching Program.


Suzanne: Well, after writers have created their major writing/career goals for the year, I help them learn to get a weekly marketing plan in place. A marketing plan is essential if they expect to earn a substantial income as a freelance writer! I also help them put together the other basics they need to have if they want to be taken seriously as a professional freelance writer--items like a professional resume and bio, publication credits, information for their websites or blogs that will be used to promote their freelance writing, etc.

Donna: This is such a great program. I'm sure people want to find out how to sign up for it. Where do they go?

Suzanne: That's easy. They just go to http://www.morningnudge.com/ and click on the enrollment/payment form. Once they complete the form, they'll receive several emails from me with instructions for getting started with the program so they have access to all the resources in The Morning Nudge Club. Plus, they'll start receiving The Morning Nudge right away as well.

Donna: Anything exciting coming up for members of this new coaching program?


Suzanne: Ahh..I'm glad you asked that, Donna. Starting in May, we'll have a LIVE group coaching teleclass every month. Each class will cover some element of freelance writing and the business of writing! Stay tuned!

Donna: Sounds exciting. I can't wait! Thanks, Suzanne!

Announcing the Newly Designed Children's Writers' Coaching Club Website

Come explore the newly designed CWCC website.

The Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club is a membership based site for both published children’s book authors and aspiring children’s book authors.

The monthly fee of $27 will provide you unbelievable amounts of inpsiration and direction to make a go of your writing for children career.

Success stories abound from the members of the CWCC.

Take the time time to explore the CWCC today.

What the CWCC offers on a monthly basis will have your jaw dropping for the mere $27 per month:

• LIVE teleclasses EVERY month. Each teleclass is taught by a successful children's book author and/or illustrator who knows the "tricks of the trade" of children's writing, illustrating, and publishing.
• A monthly writing assignment, designed to become a finished project ready for submission to a publisher, usually be the end of the month, although some projects take longer. Each month we focus on some area of publishing. For example, one month we study how to write short fiction for children's magazines. Another month we focus on writing nonfiction for children's magazines. Another month we target writing picture books, etc
• The opportunity to have a manuscript professionally critiqued every week.
• The opportunity to network daily via an online discussion list with other members of the CWCC, as well as the instructors.
• And Much, Much More...  

Check it out today:
 
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2847621

Exclusive Offer from The Morning Nudge - First 5 Days FREE

I've blogged about The Morning Nudge before and wanted to share the latest opportunity from Suzanne Lieurance, creator of The Morning Nudge.

Sign-up today and receive the first 5 days FREE!

Details of what The Morning Nudge offers and what it can do for you:

Can't get your pen and inspiration to budge. Sign-up for the daily Morning Nudge by Suzanne Lieurance and become inspired. What better way to start you day off with an inspirational nudge to get your creative juices flowing. Much better than the terrible SPAM advertisments that slip through our email filters.

Unsolicited and unpaid endorsement:

"I receive “The Morning Nudge,” and want to thank Suzanne for her wonderful tips and help. Thanks to her continued motivational emails, I’ve finally taken the “bull by the horns” and finished my children’s picture book and am having it published.” Donna McDine

Sign-up today for daily inspiration...you'll be happy you did!

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3271591

Dorit Sasson ~ Author Interview

Dorit and I first met through the CWCC over two years ago and I’ve watched and cheered with admiration in all she has achieved. With her background as an ESL teacher, Dorit readily shares her expertise through teaching and writing. Making sure each ESL student has the specific tools in achieving their success both within the classroom and in society. Come along and learn more about Dorit and her well accomplished career.

DMc: You have written articles for a variety of journals, magazines, newsletters, and ezines like Reading Today, Essential Teacher, Teacher and Principal Quarterly, the Internet TESL Journal, WAHM Online, and many others. What do you find the most challenging in keeping your approach fresh and exciting?


DS: One fundamental challenge is picking a topic that my primary audience that is, teachers, seem to be struggling with the most and then write in an attention grabbing and practical way. I'm always looking how to turn serious classroom and teaching issues into simple and sometimes, lighthearted articles that are easy and fun for teachers to read.

DMc: You are a teacher at CCAC Allegheny Community College. Please describe the class structure for your reading and writing classes.

DS: In my ESL classes, Students spend a lot of time using English to communicate and interact for a specific purpose. I always combine speaking with one of the other primary skills of reading and writing. Yesterday for example, the students did a role play of "mock interview" in preparation for an information seeking interview. They will then write their findings in the form of an essay.

Students often work in pairs or in small groups in order to create a classroom community that reflects the globality of learning English.

DMc: What or whom inspired you to become a children’s writer.


DS: I've always been taken to reading children's literature especially Charlotte's Web and the All of a Kind Family series. I think after years of reading children's books, I figured I had enough to say and well, write my own. It just was a natural part of the writing journey. I just thought I'd experiment with writing for children since my focus is for that population anyway.

DMc: How have you combined your experiences as a classroom teacher with your writing?


DS: Since my niche is teaching ESL, I primarily target that part of the educational market. For example, I take many classroom scenarios and issues teachers seem to struggle with the most and turn them into short articles for my blog site, conduct interviews with other professionals and experts in the field, write tip booklets, create podcasts and tele-seminars. Before writing anything, I always look at the needs of teachers and what they're struggling with. I share my own classroom experiences on my blog site and in my weekly ezine. I also focus on larger writing projects such as resource books for teachers.
DMc: What is your biggest challenge in juggling all your responsibilities?


DS: The biggest challenge I find is transitioning from the "teaching hat" to the "writing hat" and carving enough time out of the time to accomplish the tasks without falling on the expense of the other. It's an ongoing challenge.

I am also my own "band." I do everything from marketing to writing. The non-writing activities often eat out of my writing time. Sometimes I wish I had a virtual assistant!

DMc: You are the founder and director of the New Teacher Resource Center. Please share with our readers as to what they can expect when visiting http://newteacherresourcecenter.com/  


DS: The New Teacher Resource Center is an online support site that provides teachers (with the emphasis on new teachers) with resources, tips and teaching strategies – anything they need to jumpstart their careers and become more confident in the classroom. Teachers can find quick tips on parent conferencing or lesson planning. If they need more expert advice, they can turn to Professor Diane Barone and learn how to teach English language learners more effectively or get some hands-on classroom management tips from Professor Howard Seeman.

There are many free resources such as sample teaching resumes, lesson planning charts and links to other educational and teaching resources. There is also a children's writer section including several short recordings from Suzanne Lieurance.

DMc: Through your website you offer a FREE e-book entitled, Taking Charge in the Classroom. How is this resource beneficial to teachers?


DS: The FREE e-book Taking Charge in the Classroom is a handbook of resources and tips on classroom management and lesson planning. Each article gives teachers tips on what they can do to become a more effective lesson planner and classroom manager by creating a classroom management plan that works and speaks to them.

DMc: Please share with us your current Works-in-Progress.


DS: Well, I just finished a tips booklet, "Yes! You Can Teach Your K-12 English language learners successfully!" and it is available for downloading at http://www.newteacherresourcecenter.com/ and http://www.tipsbooklets.com/

I also have a book manuscript under discussion with Scholastic entitled: Helping ESL Students in Grades 1-2: Activities to Increase Word Recognition, Reading Comprehension and Oral Fluency in Just One Month which I collaborated with my coauthor.

And finally, I have a children's picture book under discussion (My first one!) entitled, The Hummus Party with the multi-cultural publisher, Kane-Miller.

I'm really excited about the prospects of these three projects and what they can bring.

DMc: What can we expect from you in the future?


DS: I'm working on my second tip booklet for teachers and getting ready to submit a short story for a fiction contest about my journey coming to the United States after living in Israel for many years.

I'm also in the process of finishing another ebook, Tips and Tricks to Survive and Thrive in the Classroom: Practical activities and tips for teachers made easy, which consists of 10 special reports on a different area of teaching.

I'm also working on a second picture book for children.

DMc: You are a member of the Children’s Writing Coaching Club. What led you to joining? What would you like to share with someone contemplating in joining?


DS: I felt I needed the online support and feedback from a writing group in order to move my children's writing to the next level. Besides benefiting from the already low price, I found a home with other talented writers.

A writing group is an excellent way to receive support and feedback from other writers. Although writers can be lonely people, they still need the camaraderie and support to keep at the writing especially during hard times. Rejection is part of the business.

DMc: A signature request I like to ask every author, illustrator, editor, etc., I interview is for the individual to share with us a tidbit from their lives that the reader will find either humorous or surprising. Dorit, can you please share one with us?

KC: After serving in the Israeli army as an officer and living on a kibbutz in Israel for 19 years, I returned to the United States in 2007 with my husband and young son. I'm originally from New York City (I live in Pittsburgh now) and the multi-cultural hats I wear also feed into my writing and teaching. I feel I can adjust to anything! My students look at me like I'm crazy when I share this tidbit with them and I always wonder why! Living in Israel is a lot safer than living in the U.S.

To learn more about Dorit Sasson’s writing career visit:

The New Teacher Resource Center – http://www.newteacherresourcecenter.com/

2010 Writing Goals

Here we are six days into 2010 already. The kids are back at school and the normal "routine" is back in full swing.

I've never worked off a weekly marketing plan to keep myself focused before, even though I've done a daily check-in with a writing buddy to keep me focused on my tasks (thanks to Kristi Holl). Coupled with the weekly marketing plan suggested by Suzanne Lieurance at the CWCC I began the new year in full swing with breaking down each day with specific categories. And I have to tell you it felt great to sit down yesterday to re-visit my previous goals in 2009 and to get rid of what wasn’t working and to expand on what has been working. It truly provided me a game plan to hit the ground running or should I say the good old pen, paper, and keyboard.

My main goals for 2010:

• Network: visiting and commenting on blogs, conducting interviews for my monthly newsletter, and book reviews
• Develop my marketing plan for The Golden Pathway to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing
• Complete the monthy assignments with the CWCC
• Attend the weekly teleclasses at the CWCC
• Finish the edits on my historical fiction manuscript
• Finish the rewrites and edits on my picture book
• Keep my blog fresh and exciting 

I'm also learning not to put too much on my plate so I don't become overwhelmed and not accomplish a thing because my list becomes too daunting.

What are your writing and marketing plans for 2010? I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!

 

The Morning Nudge by Suzanne Lieurance

Can't get your pen and inspiration to budge. Sign-up for the daily Morning Nudge by Suzanne Lieurance and become inspired. What better way to start you day off with an inspirational nudge to get your creative juices flowing. Much better than the terrible SPAM advertisments that slip through our email filters.

Unsolicited and unpaid endorsement:

"I receive “The Morning Nudge,” and want to thank Suzanne for her wonderful tips and help. Thanks to her continued motivational emails, I’ve finally taken the “bull by the horns” and finished my children’s picture book and am having it published.” Donna McDine

Sign-up today for daily inspiration...you'll be happy you did!

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3271591

Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks - Part 3

I'm happy you stopped by again to learn more about the Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks e-course. Thank you. Now onto the remaining three weeks of this informative e-course.

Lesson Four: Writing Nonfiction for Children

1. 
   
   How to write a winning query letter.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   How to study the nonfiction markets.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   How to Structure Articles and provide sidebars.
   
   
   

Lesson Five: Breaking into the Magazine and Book Markets

1. 
   
   Understanding the power of networking.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   How to Find Writing Assignments online and quickly gain publishing credits.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   How to work with Editors.
   
   
   

Lesson Six: The Final Steps to Starting Your Writing Career

1. 
   
   How and Why to Track Submissions
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Self-editing techniques.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   The importance of joining or starting a critique group.
   
   
   

I cannot stress enough how vital the printable .pdf lessons and audio coincide. It's imperative you use both at the same time to make this e-course a true success.

Now it's up to you, you must take action consistently to turn all this valuable information into a children's writer career. Have additional questions, ask away...I'm happy to respond.

After the 6-week is complete you may opt to continue with the expert guidance of Suzanne Lieurance. This opportunity is available through the CWCC program. More information on this additional exciting club on December 20th.

Best wishes in fulfilling your dream!

Discover more at:

Learn to Write for Children in Just 6 Weeks

Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks - Part 2

As promised I'm back again today to discuss the first three weeks of the Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks. Remember each lesson is accompanied with an audio giving you the feeling that your instructor, Suzanne Lieurance is right in the room with you.

Lesson One: The Basics of Writing for Children

1. How writing for children is different from writing for adults.
2. How publishers group books and other materials for children according to age and grade level, subject matter, etc., and why this information is important for children's writers.
3. The most common fiction mistakes made by new children's writers.

Lesson Two: Grammar & Punctuation Basics

1. How to format manuscripts.
2. Tips for following submission guidelines.
3. Tips for correctly punctuating dialogue, paragraphing, etc.

Lesson Three: The Elements of Good Children's Fiction

1. What is Point of View.
2. How to Add Conflict to a story.
3. Why Sensory details are important.

The subject matter covered in the first three weeks will provide you with a sound foundation to keep the wheels of your creativity spinning for weeks 4-6. Visit again on Friday, December 18th and learn more about Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks.

I personally refer back to my lessons, guidelines, and tips on a consistent basis to keep all I have learned fresh.

Can't wait, discover more at:

Learn to Write for Children in Just 6 Weeks

I'm open to your comments and questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you.

Write What Inspires You Blog Events

Write What Inspires You
Donna M. McDine, Children’s Author
Blog: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com/

M E D I A R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release

Come Explore Write What Inspires You for Book Reviews, Guest Interviews, Media Releases and Virtual Tours

Cruise on over to Write What Inspires You at: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ and learn about Book Reviews, Guest Interviews, Media Releases, and Virtual Tours for November and December 2009.

Take the time out and follow along with the schedule below:

Monday, November 16th – Fish For a Free Book by Lori Calabrese

Wednesday, November 18th – Book Review: The Crypto-Capers in the Case of the Missing Sock, by Renee Hand

Friday, November 20th – Book Review: The Crypto-Capers in the Case of the Red Rock Canyon, by Renee Hand

Monday, November 23rd – Guest Interview: Children’s Author, Renee Hand

Tuesday, November 24th – Write What Inspires You Newsletter

Thursday, November 26th – Happy Thanksgiving

Monday, November 30th – Book Review: Bitter Tastes, by V.B. Rosendahl

Tuesday, December 1st – Media Release: Nicole Weaver Introduces Fun With French and Spanish

Wednesday, December 3rd – Virtual Book Tour and Book Review: Just Breeze by Beverly Stowe McClure

Monday, December 7th – Media Release: Poets Suggest The Real Thing Should Compete with Greeting Cards, Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Wednesday, December 9th – Book Review: Ten Hats A Counting Book by Carolyn Mott Ford

Friday, December 11th – Book Review: The Canada Goose and You by Jennifer S. Burrows

Monday, December 14th - Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks – My personal experience Part 1

Wednesday, December 16th - Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks – My personal experience Part 2

Friday, December 18th - Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks – My personal experience Part 3
Mark your calendar today, stop by for a spell, and comment if you are so inclined. http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

Book Review ~ Rainbow Sheep by Kim Chatel

Cruise on over to The National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and read my book review of "Rainbow Sheep," by Kim Chatel.

While you are there take the time out to read many of the other fantastic articles!

Children's Author & Coach Interview ~ Suzanne Lieurance

Suzanne Lieurance is not only a successful full-time freelance children’s writer, she coaches’ students in the skills of writing for children. Suzanne’s experience and wealth of knowledge is quite evident when you sit in on one of her numerous tele-classes. The electronic airwaves of the internet and telephone lines spark with her energetic and inspiring teachings. Her students are kept active in their writing through weekly assignments, critique sessions and tele-classes. Get ready to immerse yourself in learning more about Suzanne through her interview and visiting her websites. I’m sure you will be motivated to become the best writer you can be through Suzanne’s expertise.

Donna McDine: What inspires you to write?

Suzanne Lieurance: Gosh. No one has ever asked me that question. I guess anything and everything inspires me to write because I just HAVE to write. I can’t NOT write. And you never know what will turn up in my stories. Once I had chocolate raspberry coffee and cranberry orange muffins when I was visiting a friend. A little while later, I wrote a story that I sold to a coffee company to put on their coffee can labels and the main character was addicted to chocolate raspberry coffee and cranberry orange muffins. My friends say nothing is safe around me. Anything they say or do can turn up in one of my stories. When my sons were little they inspired me to write, and that’s how I started writing for children. They were always saying something or doing something that made for a cute story. One time I wrote a story with two brothers, but then I decided the story didn’t really need two boys, so I cut out one of them. My younger son read the revised version of the story and said, “Gosh, Mom. You killed off your own son. Why’d you take me out of the story?”

DMc: When and why did you form Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club through your organization The National Writing for Children Center?

SL: I created the National Writing For Children Center about a year ago. I did this because I wanted to have a way for teachers, parents, authors, and illustrators to connect since they all play such vital roles in the literacy of children. At the NWFCC we offer weekly tips for parents and teachers, as well as author and illustrator interviews, book reviews, and other information about children’s writing and publishing. Many of our tips encourage teachers to use trade books in the classroom. Our tips for parents often give them new ways to enjoy reading, writing, and speaking with their children. I created the Children's Writers' Coaching Club because I noticed that many people who tried to write for children had no idea of the “tricks of the trade” so to speak. Often their manuscripts were rejected by publishers not because the writing or the story weren’t good, but because some rule of thumb for children’s writing was not followed. For example, the writer changed viewpoints throughout the story, or told the story completely in narrative, often from the viewpoint of an adult. I wanted a way for children’s writers to learn these rules and practice them on a weekly basis, as well as get to network with other children’s writers, and learn from a variety of children’s writers who are already successfully published. We’re able to offer all of these opportunities to members of the coaching club.

DMc: How do you balance your freelance writing career with your writers’ coaching responsibilities?

SL: It’s getting tougher and tougher because I seem to have more coaching clients and more coaching opportunities than ever before, which leaves me with less time for writing. But generally, I coach clients in the morning, then write for a few hours. At 2:00 central time every weekday afternoon, I host an internet radio show about children’s books called Book Bites for Kids. After the show is finished each day, I usually go back to writing for another hour or so. A couple of nights a week I facilitate tele-classes for writers.DMc: Please describe your emotions when one of your students achieves their first publishing credit. Especially if it derives from an assignment from CWCC.SL: When one of the coaching club members gets that first publishing credit I am elated, but not surprised. I can just tell when one of the club members is writing material that is good and very marketable. So it doesn’t surprise me when they make that first sale - or any sale thereafter! As a coach and a writing instructor, it’s my job to help writers learn to create material that sells. I love doing that!

DMc: Please describe your creative process. Do you work with an outline or is it a stream of writing directly from your thoughts (or in some writers’ cases your sub-conscious mind while sleeping)?

SL: I write from an outline. In fact, usually I try to create a very detailed outline (with chapter titles and everything) for the book I’m working on. That way, once the outline is complete, it’s much easier to write the book. I go back and fill in the outline. But there are always some fun surprises that pop up along the way. I also spend a lot of time getting to know my characters before I start writing. That way, I know what a character would do or say when something unexpected comes up in the story.

DMc: How many hours do you devote to writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

SL: Since I’m a fulltime freelance writer and writing coach, I write or coach all day, 5 days a week (and sometimes on weekends). Generally, I prefer to have a year to write a middle grade novel or nonfiction book. But I write short stories, test passages, Readers Theater scripts, and other materials much faster. I also do many story adaptations on assignment and I usually have a month or so to complete those.

DMc: What was the biggest obstacle for you to overcome with your first published book?

SL: Actually, I was asked to write my first book. It was a children’s guide to Kansas City. I was the regional advisor for the Kansas chapter of the SCBWI at the time. The publisher called me and asked if I knew a writer who could write Kidding Around Kansas City for them. Of course I said, “Sure. Me!” But since I was also teaching fulltime then, plus going to graduate school, and I had two teenage sons at home, I asked Lisa Harkrader, who was my co-regional advisor, to coauthor the book. We had so much fun working on it together. Later, we got to do book signings and TV and radio interviews together. We had a blast! However, I have had my share of rejections and I still get rejected. But I don’t look at rejections as obstacles. I tend to think that every rejection takes me one step closer to an acceptance.

DMc: Please share with us your current writing project.

SL: Right now I’m finishing up another historical novel for Enslow Publishers’ historical adventure series. This one is about a young boy who lived in the Japanese-American internment camps in World War II.

DMc: What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

SL: Two things - 1) get to know your characters really, really well before you start writing, and 2) read, read, read the kinds of things you want to write.

DMc: How do you spend your time when you are not writing or coaching?

SL: I love to read, read, read. I also love to cook, travel, and listen to music and go to movies. I love to combine ALL of those activities as much as possible. Go on vacation to some exotic locale, listen to music, see a movie or two, read a good book (on the beach, since most of the exotic vacation locales involve a beach, at least for me they do). Usually, I don't get to cook on vacation, but I do get to eat. Yum!

Visit the National Writing for Children Center at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ and http://www.suzannelieurance.com/ to learn more about the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club and Book Bites for Kids, Lieurance’s talk show about children’s books on blogtalkradio.com. Sign up for The Morning Nudge, free words of inspiration and motivation to help you get a little writing done every day at http://www.workingwriterscoach.com/. Leave a comment at any of these sites and mention you read this interview and you will receive the link to this free audio -Picture Book Roundup: A Look at Some Popular Picture Books and What Makes Them So Special.

Author Interview - Beverly Stowe McClure

Hello:

I'm pleased to announce that my interview with Beverly Stowe McClure has been published on The National Writing for Children Center website - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com.

Please take the time out to cruise on over to read this inspiring interview and there are incentive free bonuses included for those that leave comments, but you'll have to read the interview to know what they are!

Here's to an inspiring day!

Interview with Lea Schizas

Hello All...I recently had the privilege of interviewing Lea Schizas, multi-published author and award-winning editor of two Writer’s Digest 101 Top Web Sites.

The interview is now published on The National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com

Please stop by, read Lea's remarkable interview, and leave a comment. Included is a wonderful surprise offer.

The Cake Thief, by Sally O. Lee ~ Book Review

Cruise on over to The National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com and read my book review of "The Cake Thief," by Sally O. Lee. As an added bonus listen to the interview with Sally O. Lee conducted by Suzanne Lieurance.