Blisscraft Life With Christina Katz

Stacy Smith for the WPSS Writer Mama Scholarship

&

Lara Krupicka for the DYS-LYP Writer Mama Scholarship

Hearty congratulations, Stacy & Lara!

I look forward to working with both of you in classes in a few weeks.

Thanks to EVERYONE who applied! Choosing scholarship recipients is  extremely difficult because I always receive so many applications from worthy writers. And this time around was no exception.

Watch this blog, christinakatz.com and/or subscribe to The Prosperous Writer e-zine for all the details on future offers. I’m very happy to be able to grant one scholarship for each of these classes each time I offer the class.

If you have not checked out my classes, you can learn more on the “Register” page. I am still accepting students for the October 12th Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff class and the October 12th Discover Your Specialty & Launch Your Platform class.

But they will fill up, so don’t wait!

Keep in mind, if you hope to participate in the January – May 2012 Dream Team, you’ll need to complete the Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff class that begins in October.

Congratulations again, Stacy and Lara. I look forward to working with you!

Do you know any moms who are involved with mother-daughter book clubs?

Cindy, where did the idea for mom-daughter book club planning guides come from?

I often hear from moms and librarians who lead book clubs, asking me for ideas of what to do at their meetings. I know from my own experience that planning a book club gathering can be a challenge. It takes time to figure out how you’ll lead the discussion, what kind of activities you want to pull together and what food to serve. The guides I have created put all these ideas into one document along with a book review and an interview with the author to make planning a meeting easy.

It sounds like you have a depth of knowledge about the inner life of mother-daughter book clubs, how did you become such an expert?

It all started when I created my first mother-daughter book club with my oldest daughter ten years ago. I started another with my youngest daughter three years later. A few years after that, I developed MotherDaughterBookClub.com to provide a resource for moms, librarians and others who were in groups of their own, and I have learned even more from readers who write in to ask my advice or tell me of their success stories.

What are the benefits of mother-daughter book clubs for those readers who might be considering starting one with their daughter or daughters?

There are so many benefits I could go on and on, but if I had to narrow it down to just a few, these are the ones I think are most important.

1. Mother-daughter book clubs help you stay closer to you daughter as she grows.
2. They help you connect with the broader community around you, such as other moms and daughters, librarians, teachers, and more.
3. They keep moms and daughters reading for fun, which has proven to be one of the most effective ways to promote overall literacy throughout your life.

How do your meeting planner guides make a mom’s job easier when she’s hosting a mom-daughter book club at her house?

I’ve included way more ideas than can be used for one meeting, so a mom can choose the ones that will work best for her group. The activities and recipes in the guides include options that are easy as well as those that are more complicated, so she can pick what works with the time she has available as well.

Are there other ways to use these meeting planner guides that might not be immediately apparent?

When moms buy the collection, the whole group benefits from easy planning for six meetings. For some groups, that’s a year’s worth of book clubs. And of course, if you like the recipes you can use them even when you’re not planning a book club meeting.

One of your daughters has gone off to college and now off for a year abroad, do you credit the mom-daughter bookclub you started together for keeping you close today?

Absolutely! Being in book club kept us talking through the most difficult teen years, and reading the same books that she did gave me insight into issues that were important in her life.

Which part of being an expert on mother-daughter book clubs is your favorite part?

I truly believe mother-daughter book clubs change lives, and if I can help even one more get started by doing what I do, that makes me very happy.

You can learn more about Cindy, Mother-Daughter Book Clubs, Cindy’s Guidebook, and her new collection of Meeting Planner Guides at her website.

Thanks for helping me support Cindy’s Meeting Planner collection launch. I appreciate your help spreading the word!

I was commenting to my most advanced Dream Team students that there are several types of assistance that contemporary writers tend to need. I thought I’d share those ideas with you. Here they are:

A good editor (or several of them).

A good proofreader (or a readership that enjoys hunting down typos).

A graphic designer who gets you and can help you communicate what you offer.

An awesome agent, who is just an agent, and not twenty other things.

An e-book layout designer, who can bounce your quality content back to you in all available formats.

Tech/computer help/education, if you require it.

A bookkeeper and/or tax-prep help.

A flexible, supportive spouse or partner (whom you support back).

Children who create and engage in their own worlds/ideas. (You want them to grow up creative like you, right?).

Childcare providers (for children too young to create/engage in their own worlds).

Housecleaning/landscaping help if you can manage it. So you can do more of the fun stuff.

Publicist, Publicity coach or Publicity consultant/trainer (suggested by Porter Anderson)

I’m sure there are more I’m overlooking…more ideas?

Look forward to seeing everyone who can make it at the Wilsonville Public Library on Sunday, September 18th to hear Jeff Baker!

Sorry if you don’t live in Oregon.

Here’s the link to the series website, if you do.

You kind of wish you did, now. Don’t you?

I’m offering TWO scholarships, one for each class that begins on Wednesday, October 12th, this time around.

Each scholarship has a value of $275.

If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, you have to choose one. Please do not apply for both.

The first scholarship is for the all new and updated Writing & Publishing The Short Stuff class.

The second scholarship is for the newly updated Discover Your Specialty & Launch Your Platform class.

Be sure to make it clear in the subject line which scholarship you have selected. I’ve listed the guidelines for each below. First WPSS and then DYS&LYP.

Best of luck!

[Begin WPSS Scholarship Info]

One full scholarship is granted each time the class is held. Please read this post  completely and double-check your application before submitting. The recipient will be announced on Wednesday, September 21st in this blog.

Please feel free to spread the word about the scholarship, even if you do not intend to apply. This is a full scholarship. The recipient commits to participating fully in the class and delivering all six assignments on time.

Please do not apply if you cannot make the commitment to participate in the class, which involves reading the weekly workbook, completing your assignments, and learning from your classmates work. (To learn about what you will get out of the class, please read the full class description.)

No additional time or special coaching is offered with the scholarship. It’s up to the scholarship recipient to make the most of the class.

Please note that this is a scholarship, not a giveaway. This scholarship is only for moms and is offered by class instructor, Christina Katz (that’s me).

One scholarship is available per WPSS class. The scholarship is not transferable if you fail to complete the class. The scholarship is also not transferable in the case of illness, family emergencies, a move, etc. If you have already paid for the class, you do not qualify for the scholarship. If you have already taken the class, you also do not qualify.

What is written in your application is private and your personal information will never be shared or sold beyond announcing the name of the recipient. The only way to qualify is to apply each time. No one else will view your application.

The application questions are below. Copy and paste them into a Microsoft Word document (to take the class you must be able to create and read Microsoft Word documents—no exceptions). Attach your application as a Word doc to your e-mail. Please answer each question concisely and completely.

Send your application to: “katzchristina at comcast dot net” – this the only email address for the scholarship. If you do not receive the scholarship, save your application for future scholarships and re-apply. Always add in your most current publication credits, since they are important. Put “WPSS Scholarship Application” in the subject line.

The scholarship recipient will be chosen based on the following criteria: demonstrated effort, need, and enthusiasm. The most important consideration is demonstrated past effort, so please don’t skimp on details of your past writing efforts. Applications accepted from U.S. residents only at this time.

Please Note: The Writer Mama Scholarship is only for moms who legitimately cannot afford class tuition for whatever reason. So if you work at home, earn money, receive money, or your spouse or partner earns enough money for you to afford the class, please expect to regular pay  price. My classes are kept affordable specifically so moms can afford them!

To register for the class as a non-scholarship candidate, please visit the registration page. Space in the class is limited.

Here’s the application:

[Copy and paste the following application form into a Word doc >>>]

Name

Address

Email

Phone

Have you read the book, Writer Mama?

How long have you been reading my blog(s)?

What version of Microsoft Word software are you currently using?

Have you applied for The Writer Mama Scholarship before?

Write a short paragraph in response to the following questions:

1. Please write one short paragraph about why you want to take the class, Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff.
2. Please list by publication name and date only, any publication credits you’ve accumulated thus far. Briefly list any other experience you think is relevant.
3. Please briefly state why you are unable to afford the tuition for the class at this time (see note below).

[<<<Stop copying this application form]

Thanks for applying for The Writer Mama Scholarship!

[End WPSS Scholarship Info]

[Begin DYS-LYP Scholarship info]

[End DYS-LYP Scholarship info]

Look forward to announcing the scholarship recipients a week from Wednesday. 🙂

~ Photo by galabgal

I’m starting to get really excited about the launch party for The Writer’s Workout.

Just so everyone knows, there are going to be TWO official launch parties, and I’m book-ending them around my 45th birthday.

I mean if you are going to have a mid-life crisis, you should really have it in between two parties, don’t you think?

One party is going to be live, here in Wilsonville, as part of the Northwest Author Series on December 4th from 3:30 – 5:30 in the Oak Room at the Wilsonville Public Library.

This is my fifth season as creator and host of this home-town author series that celebrates Northwest Authors. I will be presenting on the topic of The Writer’s Workout: Whip Your Literary Ambitions Into Shape.

Space will be somewhat limited, so please arrive early. And save room for cake!

Since I don’t think everyone can make it to the live event, and I know and admire writers from all over the world, the OTHER launch is going to be virtual, right here in my blog, in both the front of the house (the part everyone can experience) and in the back of the house (the part only certain people can experience).

I know that it’s one thing to read content in a book, and it’s quite another to hear it from the author, so I’m going to share five pep talks for writers that highlight key points from the book in a virtual coaching room on my blog on the day of the launch. Everyone who pre-orders The Writer’s Workout by December 6th is welcome to come on back and hear what I have to say.

My goal is to raise all writing career boats to a whole new level through my teaching and books between now and the end of 2011.

You’ve heard of a Flash Mob?

This is going to be kind of like a Flash Class.

And as far as I know, no one has ever done this. So be there or be square.

To be invited “backstage,” all you have to do is send me your pre-order receipt to: katz christina at comcast dot net. (That’s my e-mail address in anti-spammer speak.)

You can even send your receipt on the day of the party, but of course, the earlier the better. And don’t you want to be one of the first to come back stage for the festivities on December 6th? (You do. Because there will be door-buster prizes.)

Besides I’m going to give you ideas that you can apply to your writing career growth immediately and before the New Year arrives. I’m going to help every writer I reach better compete in the new economy in 2012.

I cannot promise you “cake” at the virtual party necessarily. 🙂

But I can promise you an educational, inspirational time that will help you get mentally prepared and emotionally psyched for the year ahead.

So place your pre-order now for The Writer’s Workout, so that you won’t miss out on all any of the festivities.

Also don’t forget that I’m offering incentives each month for folks to pre-order.

This month, every person who pre-orders will receive a complimentary copy of my e-book, Author Mama, How I Became A Published Author & How You Can Too. (Read how much others love it here.)

Join us! We’re going to have fun learning and stretching and growing together on December 6th right here.

National News: Great Review of Get Known!

August is over but I still wanted to give a shout out to Karen McWilliams for her wonderful review of Get Known Before the Book Deal in the July/August issue of the SCBWI Bulletin. Here’s an excerpt:

“I recommend Get Known Before the Book Deal for every author to study whether you in the beginning stages of your career, somewhere in the middle, or seasoned but need to know more about publicizing yourself through the Internet.”

Local News: Time to Launch Season Five of The Northwest Author Series

Our first presenter this season is The Oregonian‘s very own, Jeff Baker, speaking on the “Qualities of Critically Acclaimed Books: How To Write for Raves.” Jeff will address:

What’s the difference between a good book and a great one? How do editors select books for review, and how do reviewers combine enthusiasm and critical judgment to create a balanced review? Examples will be discussed, real-world situations will be explored, and any and all questions will be answered. A quiz will be given with prizes for correct answers. If you love literature and have ever wondered what goes on in the book department of a newspaper, this is your chance to find out.

Jeff Baker is the book editor at The Oregonian. He also writes about music and popular culture. He has won awards for criticism, feature writing, sports journalism, and arts and entertainment writing, most recently a first-place award in the Best in the West competition and two awards from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.

Not only is Jeff Baker an awesome speaker to kick us off. We will also be doing a massive door prize giveaway on our series launch day. I will choose twenty attendees to win twenty books. (And there’s always coffee and cookies, of course.) Hope to see you there!

Writing Conference Corner: Another Keynote Invite!

I have been invited to keynote at another writing conference in 2012. I look forward to announcing it as soon as I have a signed contract (can’t overlook these important details). I’d like to take this opportunity to let every know that I may be able to come and speak at your favorite writing conference in 2012 if my schedule allows. If you are interested in finding out if your conference can fly me in, please recommend me to the current board member in charge of arranging speakers. So far, I’ll be at Associated Writer’s Conference and the Missouri Writer’s Guild Conference and this other one that I will announce soon. I always enjoy meeting folks at every writing conference I attend! Hope I get to meet you, as well, in 2012.

Writers On The Move Are Losing Unwanted Pounds & Inches All Around the Globe!

I hope that didn’t sound like an infomercial because I’m quite serious. I started a Facebook group called Writers On The Move in June and the inspiration factor is incredible. Furthermore, I was getting way too chubby from writing all these books. Now I’m running 2.5 miles three times a week. We range in commitment levels all the way from just getting back to exercising or getting in shape for the first time all the way to serious training like what Susan Ito is doing. So, if you need a supportive network of writers to help cheer you on as you commit to getting in shape and actually do it, feel free to join us. Just type “Writers On The Move” into your Facebook search bar. 🙂

New Twitter Practice: Watch for the Tag #DailyPlatform

I am getting tired of clicking through a million links on Twitter. So I commit to posting more meaty tweets with less links. I’ll still RT, but by far my favorite thing to do is listen to people who actually have something short and powerful to say. My new practice is called #DailyPlatform. I’ll use this tag to share a daily platform tip that is something I actually do that is helpful for platform building for writers. I’ll try to share at least one a day, but some days even more. And if you like what I have to say, feel free to forward my tweets. Thanks!

More news soon. Go inspire yourself!

This fall, I am celebrating the publication of three books over six years with Writer’s Digest.

If you are teaching a class on platform development for writers, I would be honored if you would make my book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, required reading.

I think your students will appreciate having a text that breaks down the platform process from the very beginning and through the early years—especially if the concept of platform is fairly new to them.

If your students become interested in what else I have to offer, feel free to also check out my first book, Writer Mama, and my third book, The Writer’s Workout, forthcoming from Writer’s Digest in December.

I am lining up writing conference appearances for 2012 as part of my book tour for The Writer’s Workout, and I always appreciate referrals!

If you are an event administrator and you would like to invite me to your conference, so I can teach or speak for your group, please do not hesitate to contact me at katz christina at comcast dot net.

As much as I would like to be everywhere and do everything at all times, I am limited in the amount of time I have available to donate. So if you would like members of your organization to benefit from my work, I would so appreciate your recommendation of my work.

Luckily, my books can teach for me. And can be as instrumental to a group of growing professionals as they are for individual readers.

When you make my books required reading for your class, you help support the continuation of my work. Requiring purchase of my books and making my books part of your course curriculum are about the biggest compliments I can receive from a fellow teacher. (So if you have done this and you want to make my day, please let me know.)

Thousands of writing careers have benefited and grown from the work I have done for writers over the past decade. And I would be honored to add your members to their ranks. I hope to hear from your students or meet your organization members and you in person in 2012!