August was month of supersonic proportions!
The month of August launched with JOSH AND THE IT zooming away to the Children’s Publisher Leonie Tyle recommended, with her brilliant review attached and a kick-ass marketing plan.
Last week Donna Jelli-Beanz interrogated me on JOSH’s past and future, bribing me with jelli-beanz and cups of tea to disclose my latest pitch …
‘World’s best game-fighter, Josh becomes a Space Kid. When he learns how to be a team player, he succeeds in capturing the It, saving the Galaxy.’
The month culminated with me reading JOSH AND THE IT to a horde of child-like aliens, monsters, and space creatures at Logan North Library junior book club.
I zipped out all my teacher and theatrical resources to keep this lively bunch entertained.
I had the kids standing on tippy-toes reaching for the stars then blasting off into space … Gee I miss teaching sometimes!!
Just a glimpse of September …
Next Saturday the 4th of September, I’m gearing up for the CYA Children’s Conference in Brisbane, hoping to chat with my superheroes of Children’s Writing ─ Check out this stella line-up … Kate Forsyth, Gabrielle Wang, Dee White, Sheryl Gwyther, Katherine Battersby, Angela Sunde … to name just a few.
WoW! It’ll be a blast!
As I wait to hear from the Children’s Publisher, September promises to be one helluva busy month.
I can hardly wait to tell you about it … Wish me luck.
 JOSH vs The ALIENS @ Logan North Library
Donna Jelli-Beanz, children’s author extraordinaire chats with me about my inspiration for ME AND HER :a Memoir of Madness
and Kids Sci-fi JOSH and the IT .
Grab a cup of tea, and meet me at Jelli-Beanz corner and for a chat … I’ll answer all your questions over a bowl of jelli-beanz.
http://www.jellibeanzbooks.wordpress.com
We can also chat here as well about Mayhem, Madness and Mania and how it inspired my Writing.
So put your feet up, relax and fire away !!
I’m the luckiest writer in Australia to have won a place in the Society of Editors mentoring scheme.
Last week, the Society of Editors delivered one heck of a report for ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness …
“ME AND HER is a detailed account of living with bipolar disorder, from the perspective of the narrator. It contains strong descriptions, which allow readers to be part of the experience; for instance, ‘Insanity looked bad and smelled even worse’ and ‘choreographing the dance between past mistakes and present forgiveness.”
After that very positive Review, two senior editors analysed my memoir offering advice on how to enhance the structure of my story. (One of the editors won an award for her memoir.)
They explained the HER side was very strong but the reader needed to understand more about the ME before and the ME afterwards. So the reader would know I was now safe and truly recovered.
How did I react?
Cry and scream about how they were wrong?
Send an abusive email to them?
No, I accepted what they had to say and after a few reads I embraced their in-depth report.
With a pen in my hand, I scribbled down fresh insights and ideas.
All writers must face an Editors Report sometime in their writing career.
What’s the best way to reap the benefits of a mentor?
- Read the report slowly and accept what they have to say.
- Study the report several times, embracing the changes.
- Wait a few days and email questions to the editor.
- Scribble down notes, planning how you’re going to make those changes
- Meet face-to-face with the editor or arrange a phone conference
- Tell yourself you can enhance your writing … You can.
- Rewrite your manuscript in an organised but passionate way.
Memoirs are challenging to write, especially if you’re writing about a mental illness you’ve recently recovered from.
My aim now is to add more insight and perspective into my story.
After receiving the blueprint over a week ago, I’m well underway with the Rewrite.
With my eyes fixed on the goal, I’m focused and driven.
I’m more determined then ever to see ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness published.
I’ve come this far. Nothing’s stopping me now.
Please be patient and support me … I’m sending out the NEW VERSION to a Publisher very soon.
Dr. Happy, Tim Sharp of The Happiness Institute invited me to write a guest article for his eNewsletter, which draws over 12,000 subscribers. YES 12K !
He wanted to know how I survived the bad times of Bipolar Mania and found my true Happiness.
I was in rapturous euphoria, over receiving his invitation.
The Happiness Institute is a Sydney based Psychology network, offering practical tips and strategies on how to find more Happiness in our stressful lives.
This morning I read with delight my Published article in the Monday Morning Tip.
Dr. Happy described ME AND HER:a Memoir of Madness as ‘a personal and inspiring story of overcoming adversity.’
Please enjoy … How I found my Happiness
“I’ve Recovered from severe bouts of Bipolar Mania after spending several months in a psychiatric hospital.I survived those bad days by taking up writing, scribbling down what was happening to me, trying to make sense of the intense confusion I felt. Writing became a necessary compulsion to express myself, to get in touch with my emotions.
I found a psychologist whom I learned to trust and he encouraged me to off-load my anxieties and worries and express my innermost emotions. With his help, I discovered what triggered my episodes and I learned to avoid those triggers. He taught me coping skills including visualization techniques to enable me to ward off future episodes. Self-knowledge and self-awareness armed me with defensive weapons, fighting against the chances of future outbreaks of Bipolar.
I’m proud to say I’ve recovered now and I’m completely stable. Each day I maintain a healthy lifestyle by walking briskly, eating a healthy diet, minimizing stress and taking time out to relax. I make sure I keep a calm night routine to receive my full quota of restful sleep.
Today I have found my true Happiness, living a well-balanced life. Writing is my passion and my creative outlet, a way to share my Recovery story with others. My doctor tells his patients about my victory over Bipolar Disorder to offer Hope.
ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness … a memoir of Hope.“
If you wish to subscribe to the eNewsletter, click here www.thehappinessinstitute.com
How do you find your Bliss?
Me?
I really needed this affirmation today as I continue striving towards my Writer’s Nirvana …
I have only one wish …
To nail a Publishing Contract. This will make my spirits truly soar.
Beyond Blue published my brand-new Story of Hope on their website. Beyond Blue requested I write a personal recount of my Recovery from Bipolar Disorder for their newly relaunched Our Stories section.
Australia’s HUGE mental health organization, supports my memoir, ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness and my mental health newsletter, ME AND HER.
Beyond Blue wanted …Words of Hope to empower those struggling with Bipolar … encouragement for those to seek help … strategies on how to cope and recover.
Here’s an excerpt from my compelling story.
I’ve recovered from severe bouts of Bipolar mania … In 2005, after being harassed by parents at my school, my personality changed. I became extremely stressed and anxious, developing acute insomnia and panic attacks. I feared returning to teaching but conversely I developed hypomania, feeling absolutely euphoric, speaking so fast as I paced the floors …
Obsessively, I began writing my tell-all account ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness when I was hypo manic then continued writing in the grips of severe mania.
My memoir is about ME ─ teacher, writer, mother and my other side, HER ─ manic, psychic, healer to the living, telepathic to the dead … and I was very psychotic …
In 2005, a psychiatrist diagnosed me when I was in hospital but I unable to fathom my illness, refusing medication. When I fully accepted my diagnosis and sought treatment for my illness, I pursued everything there was to learn about Bipolar Disorder. My journey to recovery truly began. I agreed to swallow the prescribed medication and participate in all therapy sessions with one goal in mind, to become well again.
My writing became cathartic as I sought answers …
What caused my Bipolar Disorder? How can I Recover? …
To read the REAL DEAL check out Beyond Blue’s Our Stories section … http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=104.1269 … Click Read Stories then scroll down … Stories about Bipolar … Karen
What did you think?
So many out there are struggling with bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and postnatal depression …
Reach out to tell someone about Beyond Blue’s website and remind them they’re NOT alone
How do you write a Elevator Pitch that will sell your book to a Publisher or an Literary Agent?
You create an unforgettable blurb that will catch their attention … A snappy sentence that contains who and what, with a very captivating why.
Think …What’s your story really about? What makes your story unique? … and so intriguing?
• Check out the TV guide to get ideas on how movie blurbs are written.
• Make it clear, powerful and visual.
• Tweak a one-liner, substituting the strongest nouns and verbs imaginable.
• Write a short 6-word pitch, turn it into a longer 12-word pitch.
Where can you deliver your Elevator Pitch?
• In query letters in the very first paragraph … asking if you can send your manuscript.
• In cover letters with the requested manuscript.
• Synopsis … in the first or second sentence.
• Blurbs on promotional postcards.
• Delivering your pitch face-to-face to a Publisher or Agent
Last year at a Queensland Writers Centre cocktail party, I had an unique opportunity to meet Australia’s TOP Literary Agent. After I introduced myself as a writer, she said …
‘Sorry, I’m not taking on anymore writers.’
…’But I have a pitch that could change your mind,’ I said.
‘Okay, hit me with it.’
I sucked in a lungful of air …
‘After parents at my school harass me, my Personality begins to change.’
… my elevator pitch for “ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness.”
This pitch made her do a double-take! …’Okay, send me your manuscript’.
What’s your elevator pitch?
Is it ready to roll off your tongue when an opportunity arrives?
All problems fixed now. Reposted ELEVATOR PITCH.
Thanks to all who helped me with their time and advice. So much appreciated. :))
Guess who’s on the Sci-Fi program at Logan North Library in August?
Yes, yours truly.
I’m so lucky to share this mega program with Sci-Fi and Fantasy celebrities Marianne de Pierres, Trent Jamieson, Kylie Chan, Louise Cusack and Rowena Cory Daniells who’ll speak on … ‘Simple Ways to Promote your Book’ on Grand Finale Day, 28th August 11-12.30 pm.
Logan City Sci-Fi writer Kev Webb, author of Dream Raider will present ‘Publishing … Dreams to Reality’ on the 14th August 2-3pm.
It’ll be a month of cosmic proportions … super competitions, extra-terrestrial encounters, fantastic Writing Workshops and its all FREE.
On Friday 27th August 4-5 pm I’ll read Josh and the It to the Junior Book Club … Does anyone have any spare 6-11 olds I could borrow? Kids will receive prizes for best costume and complete a fun Space Activity.
Check out the full program, scroll down to see my session on page 11.
http://loganlibraries.org/extra/SciFiProgram.pdf
August will be an Out-of-this-World blast. Hope to see you there. Please book PH 3412 4120.
##What do you think of the FREE Josh and the It postcards I’ll be giving out at the RADF Showcase/ EXPO this Saturday at the Logan Art Gallery? … See you there 2-4 pm.
PS This Blog was edited.
I’m teetering on the precipice of Publishing, toes jutting over the edge. I gaze down at the deep abyss of failure and defeat. And stare over to the other side … the Mystical Land of Publishing.
All I need is a running leap.
My heart is pounding with exhilaration and uncertainty. I battle with the sharp pangs of self-doubt and frustration. Will I make it? … Can I grab hold of something substantial?
Last Friday I sent my newly-revamped first 50 pages of my Crime novel Sayonara to the QWC/Hachette Manuscript Program. They’ll notify me by the end of August if I make their Long List. Fingers crossed. xx
This week I’m back with my Kids Sci-Fi, Josh and the It. My rewrites almost finished, save for daily tweaking and fine-tuning.
At the moment I’m developing a knock-em-dead Book Proposal. Content includes my credentials, a synopsis, a chapter outline and a VIP Marketing Section. Thank you QWC for publishing an article on “Make yours a Decent Proposal” on page 14 of last week’s WQ Mag. Soon I’ll be sending a Query Letter to a Children’s Publisher, requesting permission to post my Book Proposal and manuscript to them … Please, please say YES.
I’m not rushing now, no reckless Icarus flights for me. My next step will be a calculated measure of wind velocity and speed. My folded wings are ready to spread out and soar over the gorge into the land of my dreams.
If I sprint fast enough, can I lunge over the Chasm of Defeat and fly into the Land of Hope?
A land where writers co-sign Book Contracts. Where they bask in the sunshine of success and fulfilled dreams.
That’s all I want.
This Exposé guarantees to get to the crux of ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness.
Jamie Huntsman Coulter, American social media manager, mental health advocate and creator of
‘Rambling Thoughts of a Bipolar‘ interviewed me on her Facebook page.
Jamie posed gritty questions, aiming to get to the heart of my illness, my creativity and my Recovery.
Here’s a glimpse of her in-depth Exposé …
When were you first diagnosed?
In 2005, five years ago.
What led to your diagnosis?
Police and a medical team forcibly hospitalized me after I showed extreme manic and psychotic behaviour at the motel where I was hiding.
Were there signs as a child, now that you look back?
Not really. As a child, I suffered from anxiety. As a teenager, when I moved to Teachers College, I developed social angst and insomnia.
How did you feel about the diagnosis?
I was in denial. Initially I refused to accept my diagnosis of Bipolar or take any medication.
Do you go to therapy?
Not anymore. In 2005-6, I actively participated in all therapy sessions, learning coping strategies and how to avoid my triggers.
Do you have a creative side?
Most definitely. I began writing obsessively in 2005 in the euphoria of hypomania and I haven’t stopped. Today creative writing is my everyday passion.
Today, how do you tunnel the energy from bipolar?
By writing full-time, supporting writing groups and mental health organizations. I’m organising Logan Writers Week for October 2010.
What do you hope others get from your BIPOLAR Story?
I want people to know …
You CAN recover from Bipolar Disorder and live a full and productive life.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Please don’t give up. Seek help and support for your illness. Keep taking your meds and pursue everything there is to learn.
Any words of encouragement for those struggling with Bipolar?
ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness is my gutsy story of my struggle and victory over Bipolar Disorder. You can recover from Bipolar with time, determination and vigilance.
Self-knowledge and self-awareness are crucial in developing your own wellness plan to keep you stable.
My ME AND HER Newsletter delivers positive spins on mental health, and messages of hope and recovery. Please let me know if you’d like to subscribe.
Check out the complete interview, scroll down, find Karen … facebook.com/ramblingbipolar
What did you think ? …
Did I give too much away?
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