I would hope even though it's hard to keep getting rejection notices that writers will keep writing. I have said before that I have never let that stop me from going on with my career. I know it might sound crazy to some but I refuse to give up.
For the last several weeks I have been trying to focus on what I can do to help new writers keep writing and what I have come up with is to show them how I continue on. I am writing a new book because it makes me happy. That is really what’s important.
Many people have asked me why I have self – published books. My answer is always the same. That wasn’t my original plan. I now feel so lucky that self- publishing has turned into a very impressive division of the writing world.
When my books are being read, the reader isn’t as interested in the publisher as they are in the author. They really don’t care who publishes the book, they are reading the story. If they like what they have read I have done my job. With all the talk about self publishing, the one thing that is hardly ever talked about is the reader. If the reader is happy I am happy. So, when you’re sitting at your computer wondering if what you are doing makes any sense at all try to remember, give your reader a good story and they will come back for more.
Marsha
www.marcusbryan.com
www.michiganavenuemedia.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
IN HONOR OF BREAST CANCER AWARNESS MONTH
We have all been touched by someone we know who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, may it be a relative, friend, neighbor or someone we work with. We can help those we know that have had breast cancer or for the thousands of patients that will be diagnosed with this disease in the near future. In the spirit of life and with the hope that someday we will find a cure, please help.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month MICHIGAN AVENUE MEDIA / MARCUS BRYAN & ASSOCIATES INC. will donate 25% of net proceeds from all sales of Marsha Casper Cook’s books to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation for the entire month of October.
The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation
Dedicated to the courageous spirit of Lynn Sage, the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) affiliated with Northwestern Memorial in 1991 in a joint mission to advance the understanding, research and treatment of breast cancer. Since that time, LSCRF has contributed more than $20 million to support hospital programs, to fund numerous fellowships in breast cancer treatment and research and to create the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center. Located on the fourth floor of the new Prentice, the breast center provides a broad range of patient services including screening and diagnostic mammograms and breast cancer risk assessment to more than 60,000 patients a year.
MICHIGAN AVENUE MEDIA LLC
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month MICHIGAN AVENUE MEDIA / MARCUS BRYAN & ASSOCIATES INC. will donate 25% of net proceeds from all sales of Marsha Casper Cook’s books to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation for the entire month of October.
The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation
Dedicated to the courageous spirit of Lynn Sage, the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) affiliated with Northwestern Memorial in 1991 in a joint mission to advance the understanding, research and treatment of breast cancer. Since that time, LSCRF has contributed more than $20 million to support hospital programs, to fund numerous fellowships in breast cancer treatment and research and to create the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center. Located on the fourth floor of the new Prentice, the breast center provides a broad range of patient services including screening and diagnostic mammograms and breast cancer risk assessment to more than 60,000 patients a year.
MICHIGAN AVENUE MEDIA LLC
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
MARKETING IS THE TOUGH PART
Writers who become successful are the ones that don't give up. It's hard to keep yourself focused when you keep getting rejected and the cards are not falling into place the way you had imagined. Just focus and move on. Sounds good but sometimes it’s hard to push yourself. Today is a day I need a pep talk.
Most writers don't admit it but there are days when you ask yourself why I ever thought I could be successful at writing. What was I thinking? The answer is usually the same for me. I love writing and creating but marketing that’s another story. Marketing is what gets you where you need to go. And what does that mean? Why can’t I put myself on a few websites and bingo! I ‘m a success and everyone is buying my book.
I wish that were true. Every day I find another website that promises me great coverage and a chance to make my book a household name. There is one set back…it’s called free.
There are a lot of sites out there that claim to be free but then again do we really get anything for free? When a company charges a fee or wants to get reimbursed for expenses it doesn’t mean they are ripping you off. Have you considered maybe they know what they are doing? Stop for a minute and think about it. They have homes, children’s and bills just like you do.
When I created this blog I had no idea what it would turn out to be. I'm wondering if there are a lot of writers out there who might like to say something that would help another writer keep going. It’s time that we help each other.
Let me know what you think. Sometimes it's nice to know someone is in your corner. We all have friends who tell us what they think we should do but almost all writers know some of it sounds good but doesn't work. Get yourself a marketing campaign. You can probably do some of it yourself. Think of writing as a business and get a marketing plan that will help you get noticed.
If there’s a subject that interests you let me know.
Marsha
Most writers don't admit it but there are days when you ask yourself why I ever thought I could be successful at writing. What was I thinking? The answer is usually the same for me. I love writing and creating but marketing that’s another story. Marketing is what gets you where you need to go. And what does that mean? Why can’t I put myself on a few websites and bingo! I ‘m a success and everyone is buying my book.
I wish that were true. Every day I find another website that promises me great coverage and a chance to make my book a household name. There is one set back…it’s called free.
There are a lot of sites out there that claim to be free but then again do we really get anything for free? When a company charges a fee or wants to get reimbursed for expenses it doesn’t mean they are ripping you off. Have you considered maybe they know what they are doing? Stop for a minute and think about it. They have homes, children’s and bills just like you do.
When I created this blog I had no idea what it would turn out to be. I'm wondering if there are a lot of writers out there who might like to say something that would help another writer keep going. It’s time that we help each other.
Let me know what you think. Sometimes it's nice to know someone is in your corner. We all have friends who tell us what they think we should do but almost all writers know some of it sounds good but doesn't work. Get yourself a marketing campaign. You can probably do some of it yourself. Think of writing as a business and get a marketing plan that will help you get noticed.
If there’s a subject that interests you let me know.
Marsha
Sunday, September 27, 2009
THE CLIMBING BOY
A new author to be on the look out for is Mark Lichterman. This is a new client that has been published by Metropolis Ink. Hopefully, we will find a production company to make this wonderful story into a movie. This book is a good fast read. Once you start to read it you won't want to put it down.
Marsha Cook
President Marcus Bryan & Associates Inc.
Review: The Climbing Boy by Mark Lichterman
September 26, 2009 by workinggirlreviews
The Climbing Boy
By Mark Lichterman
Metropolis Ink (c) 2003
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Boy-Mark-Lichterman/dp/0958054363
After reading the synopsis for Mark Lichterman’s THE CLIMBING BOY, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I felt pretty certain the story would educate me on the dreadful working conditions of young orphan children sold into apprenticeship in the 1800s, but what I didn’t know was the depth of feelings this enchanting little story would evoke in me. At just 180 pages, THE CLIMBING BOY is a short novel that is anything but short on plot.
Orphaned at the age of four, Zachariah is sold into apprenticeship to a chimney sweep for the cost of back rent owed on his late mother’s flat: a sum of one pound. Thus begins his life as a climbing boy. The life of a climbing boy is grueling and perilous, not only in the immediate dangers of being suspended by a rope harness and lifted down into zigzagging, sometimes stories-high chimneys, but also in the long term ill effects of breathing in soot and chimney dust on a daily basis. Add to that Zachariah’s master’s cruelty and you will find a boy’s life that is much more an existence than a childhood. Even so, eight-going-on-nine-year-old Zachariah maintains a positive outlook on life and a sweet disposition that makes him a favorite with many of his customers.
Set in London, England in 1843, the bulk of the story takes place in the span of just one day — December 24, the day before Christmas. The tale begins with Zachariah awakening from a beautiful dream of his deceased mother’s love to enter into the reality of his now bleak and loveless existence. Throughout the day, the reader follows Zachariah and his master, Johnson, as they go about their work. Turning the pages, the reader feels a full spectrum of emotions (the terror of being suspended in a chimney that sways precariously in the wind, the heartbreak of a child being denied a gift he really wanted, and the joy of a stranger’s kindness to name but a few) as the story builds to a delightful, fairy tale ending.
I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into the life and heart of this wonderful character until he truly felt like someone I knew and loved. The cruel Johnson is equally well drawn, and though I hated him at times, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him in the end. That’s how talented a storyteller Mark Lichterman is. His poignant fictional details blend with the hard truths of what, sadly, was reality for many children of that era, to create a beautiful story that, while being educational, is also sweeping and unforgettable. I highly recommend this heartwarming tale to anyone who enjoys seeing the good guy win. I know I certainly did.
–Honeybee
Marsha Cook
President Marcus Bryan & Associates Inc.
Review: The Climbing Boy by Mark Lichterman
September 26, 2009 by workinggirlreviews
The Climbing Boy
By Mark Lichterman
Metropolis Ink (c) 2003
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Boy-Mark-Lichterman/dp/0958054363
After reading the synopsis for Mark Lichterman’s THE CLIMBING BOY, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I felt pretty certain the story would educate me on the dreadful working conditions of young orphan children sold into apprenticeship in the 1800s, but what I didn’t know was the depth of feelings this enchanting little story would evoke in me. At just 180 pages, THE CLIMBING BOY is a short novel that is anything but short on plot.
Orphaned at the age of four, Zachariah is sold into apprenticeship to a chimney sweep for the cost of back rent owed on his late mother’s flat: a sum of one pound. Thus begins his life as a climbing boy. The life of a climbing boy is grueling and perilous, not only in the immediate dangers of being suspended by a rope harness and lifted down into zigzagging, sometimes stories-high chimneys, but also in the long term ill effects of breathing in soot and chimney dust on a daily basis. Add to that Zachariah’s master’s cruelty and you will find a boy’s life that is much more an existence than a childhood. Even so, eight-going-on-nine-year-old Zachariah maintains a positive outlook on life and a sweet disposition that makes him a favorite with many of his customers.
Set in London, England in 1843, the bulk of the story takes place in the span of just one day — December 24, the day before Christmas. The tale begins with Zachariah awakening from a beautiful dream of his deceased mother’s love to enter into the reality of his now bleak and loveless existence. Throughout the day, the reader follows Zachariah and his master, Johnson, as they go about their work. Turning the pages, the reader feels a full spectrum of emotions (the terror of being suspended in a chimney that sways precariously in the wind, the heartbreak of a child being denied a gift he really wanted, and the joy of a stranger’s kindness to name but a few) as the story builds to a delightful, fairy tale ending.
I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into the life and heart of this wonderful character until he truly felt like someone I knew and loved. The cruel Johnson is equally well drawn, and though I hated him at times, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him in the end. That’s how talented a storyteller Mark Lichterman is. His poignant fictional details blend with the hard truths of what, sadly, was reality for many children of that era, to create a beautiful story that, while being educational, is also sweeping and unforgettable. I highly recommend this heartwarming tale to anyone who enjoys seeing the good guy win. I know I certainly did.
–Honeybee
Friday, September 25, 2009
AUTHOR MANAGEMENT
Marcus Bryan & Associates is celebrating its 15th year as a literary agency. We are hoping for a banner year and we are always happy to take query letters from writers. We also pride ourselves on helping new writers as well as those of you who have been writing for years. So send us your queries and we will be happy to take a look at them. Check out our submission page.Watch for the new changes that we will be offering.
The first change is author management. This is one of the most exciting changes at Marcus Bryan. Over the years there have been many authors who have given up writing because they were rejected. There have been changes in the writing market but one thing that always remains the same is writers take their projects seriously.
We completely understand and that is why after many years in this business we realize that there is more to do for authors that just sending out their books and screenplays. With all the advantages of networking that the internet can provide we are going to put a series of programs together to enhance writers. These will be offered at affordable prices.
It's time to change and we will help. As President of Marcus Bryan and Associates Inc. I intend on doing what I had always planned to do which was helping new writers get their work noticed and help them create careers for themselves. So keep checking our website for all the changes that will be taking place. Join us because this is going to be a fun ride.
Marsha
www.michiganavenuemedia.com
www.marcusbryan.com
10024 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077
PHONE 224-233-1018 FAX 224-233-1019
The first change is author management. This is one of the most exciting changes at Marcus Bryan. Over the years there have been many authors who have given up writing because they were rejected. There have been changes in the writing market but one thing that always remains the same is writers take their projects seriously.
We completely understand and that is why after many years in this business we realize that there is more to do for authors that just sending out their books and screenplays. With all the advantages of networking that the internet can provide we are going to put a series of programs together to enhance writers. These will be offered at affordable prices.
It's time to change and we will help. As President of Marcus Bryan and Associates Inc. I intend on doing what I had always planned to do which was helping new writers get their work noticed and help them create careers for themselves. So keep checking our website for all the changes that will be taking place. Join us because this is going to be a fun ride.
Marsha
www.michiganavenuemedia.com
www.marcusbryan.com
10024 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077
PHONE 224-233-1018 FAX 224-233-1019
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
CHILDREN'S BOOKS ARE FUN TO WRITE
I had a great time writing these children's books, but up until I had them published by Fideli Publishing I never thought I would see them in print. I had actually stopped sending them out to publishers but when I found out there was a way to publish them I did.
I wanted to write about this today because I hope that if there are authors who have given up on getting their books published,especially children's books, there is a way. I have had them reviewed and was so happy that the reviewers liked them.I am now going to continue on writing children's books because I can. I don't have to keep my manuscripts in a drawer after I write them and neither do you.
If you need help please feel free to contact www.michiganavenuemedia.com. We can help you with your dream. My dream is now a reality.
Working Girl Reviews
Book Reviews For The Busy Woman
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Review: Children’s Books By Marsha Casper Cook
July 25, 2009 by workinggirlreviews
I recently received three children’s books in the mail and although we’d never done this genre at WGR, I agreed to do these because I’m a mother and my kids have always been crazy for books. All three of these charming books were very well received by the children I tested them on. They all have subtle, but important social lessons presented in fun ways. Both the stories and reviews are short, so all three are posted here together.
The Busy Bus
By Marsha Casper Cook
Cronos Press, October 2008
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Busy-Bus-Collection-Short-Childrens/dp/1604140631
Website: www.michiganavenuemedia.com
A wonderful little collection of rhyming poems with titles such as, Terrible Twos, Uncle Edward’s Pig, Tough Jake, Fair Weather Heather, and many more. The kids loved this book with its bright, cheerful pictures, perfect for younger children. They got the giggles when I read Whose Smelly Socks Are Those and I have to admit it, so did I. There are poems in this collection that are just for fun, but others teach social lessons in a subtle way, while keeping the children engaged and having a good time. Try this one on your kids, I think they’ll enjoy it and you’ll be introducing them to the world of poetry if you haven’t already.
–Willow
The Magical Leaping Lizard Potion
By Marsha Casper Cook
Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1 edition (March 9, 2009)
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Magical-Leaping-Lizard-Potion
Website: www.michiganavenuemedia.com
Isabella Pimpinella and her dog Milly Van Dilly are getting together with the other junior witches to make the legendary Magical Leaping Lizard Potion. If they do it correctly, they’ll be able to fly and become full-fledged witches. Something that all junior witches dream of.
I enjoyed the story and graphics in this little book very much. Then I passed it to an eight-year-old girl to read for feedback. Her mother said she’d read it over and over. When I asked the little girl if she’d enjoyed it, she said she loved it and wanted to know where she could get the next one. Obviously this would be a great series for younger girls.
–Willow
Snack Attack
By Marsha Casper Cook
Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1st edition (January 1, 2009
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Snack-Attack-Marsha-Casper-Cook/dp/1604141239
Website: www.michiganavenuemedia.com
Addison Apple is a little boy who doesn’t like the oatmeal his mother makes him eat for breakfast. Liking cookies and candy much better, he secretly feeds the oatmeal to his dog, Sammy, and then sneaks into the cookie jar to fill his tummy.
The mother in this delightful story comes up with a unique way to deal with her son’s aversion to nutritious food. It’s not a remedy I’d recommend, but makes for a charming story. I read this book to a five-year-old and a three-year-old. With shouts of ‘again, again’!! I’d say it was a hit with both of them. It also teaches an important lesson in a fun way.
–Willow
I wanted to write about this today because I hope that if there are authors who have given up on getting their books published,especially children's books, there is a way. I have had them reviewed and was so happy that the reviewers liked them.I am now going to continue on writing children's books because I can. I don't have to keep my manuscripts in a drawer after I write them and neither do you.
If you need help please feel free to contact www.michiganavenuemedia.com. We can help you with your dream. My dream is now a reality.
Working Girl Reviews
Book Reviews For The Busy Woman
Feeds:
Posts
Comments
Review: Children’s Books By Marsha Casper Cook
July 25, 2009 by workinggirlreviews
I recently received three children’s books in the mail and although we’d never done this genre at WGR, I agreed to do these because I’m a mother and my kids have always been crazy for books. All three of these charming books were very well received by the children I tested them on. They all have subtle, but important social lessons presented in fun ways. Both the stories and reviews are short, so all three are posted here together.
The Busy Bus
By Marsha Casper Cook
Cronos Press, October 2008
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Busy-Bus-Collection-Short-Childrens/dp/1604140631
Website: www.michiganavenuemedia.com
A wonderful little collection of rhyming poems with titles such as, Terrible Twos, Uncle Edward’s Pig, Tough Jake, Fair Weather Heather, and many more. The kids loved this book with its bright, cheerful pictures, perfect for younger children. They got the giggles when I read Whose Smelly Socks Are Those and I have to admit it, so did I. There are poems in this collection that are just for fun, but others teach social lessons in a subtle way, while keeping the children engaged and having a good time. Try this one on your kids, I think they’ll enjoy it and you’ll be introducing them to the world of poetry if you haven’t already.
–Willow
The Magical Leaping Lizard Potion
By Marsha Casper Cook
Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1 edition (March 9, 2009)
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Magical-Leaping-Lizard-Potion
Website: www.michiganavenuemedia.com
Isabella Pimpinella and her dog Milly Van Dilly are getting together with the other junior witches to make the legendary Magical Leaping Lizard Potion. If they do it correctly, they’ll be able to fly and become full-fledged witches. Something that all junior witches dream of.
I enjoyed the story and graphics in this little book very much. Then I passed it to an eight-year-old girl to read for feedback. Her mother said she’d read it over and over. When I asked the little girl if she’d enjoyed it, she said she loved it and wanted to know where she could get the next one. Obviously this would be a great series for younger girls.
–Willow
Snack Attack
By Marsha Casper Cook
Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1st edition (January 1, 2009
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Snack-Attack-Marsha-Casper-Cook/dp/1604141239
Website: www.michiganavenuemedia.com
Addison Apple is a little boy who doesn’t like the oatmeal his mother makes him eat for breakfast. Liking cookies and candy much better, he secretly feeds the oatmeal to his dog, Sammy, and then sneaks into the cookie jar to fill his tummy.
The mother in this delightful story comes up with a unique way to deal with her son’s aversion to nutritious food. It’s not a remedy I’d recommend, but makes for a charming story. I read this book to a five-year-old and a three-year-old. With shouts of ‘again, again’!! I’d say it was a hit with both of them. It also teaches an important lesson in a fun way.
–Willow
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