YA AUTHORS HOST INTERACTIVE WRITING AND PUBLISHING WORKSHOP, OCTOBER 8

Tessa Emily Hall, award-winning author of “Purple Moon,” and

Caroline George, author of “The Prime Way Trilogy,”

set to hold workshop for aspiring authors

at the Anderson County Museum

(Nashville, Tenn.) – The teen author duo, Tessa Emily Hall and Caroline George, will host a writing and publishing workshop, Write Now, on October 8, 2016 at the Anderson County Museum, 202 E Greenville St, Anderson, SC from 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Write Now caters to teen and adult writers, and offers inspiration as well as step-by-step guidelines that will increase chances of publication.

Unlike other workshops, Write Now motivates writers to pursue author careers with realistic expectations and knowledge of the current marketplace. Tessa Emily Hall, award-winning author, blogger and agent intern, shatters the misconceptions surrounding the traditional publishing realm and offers editing and pitch tips. Caroline George, two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee, multi-self-published author and marketing intern for Harper Collins Publishing, offers an in-depth look at the setup of a publishing house and the process of self-publication. Participants will leave Write Now with a better understanding of the industry and be equipped with writing, editing and marketing tools to assist their efforts.

Tessa’s debut novel, “Purple Moon,” which was published while she was still in her teen years, has been vastly praised. Actress Alyson Stoner, known for her roles in Cheaper by the Dozen, Camp Rock and Step Up, said about “Purple Moon,” “Tessa offers a glance at the complex and all-too-commonly dysfunctional nature of relationships--to self, to family and peers--especially as we're learning to navigate the world on our own. Nimbly, she also interweaves hope amidst suffering; promise amidst frustration; restoration and wholeness among chaos and confusion; and endurance and vibrance among the throes of life. Purple Moon feels like the perfect side-hug to my teenage self, which reassures me I'm not alone, but knows I'm highly hormonal and not in the mood to romanticize life’s messes.”

At fifteen years of age, Caroline self-published the first book in her trilogy, “The Prime Way Program: Be the Victor.” Since then, the series has gained worldwide readership and gushing reviews from readers such as “George's world building is stunning and character development is amazingly strong. Her dedication to this book and characters is also not something to be overlooked. […] Truly an amazing story.”

From the get-go, when Tessa and Caroline first met to discuss book-tour plans over cups of coffee, they decided pairing their platforms would not only grow their success but encourage young writers to pursue their life visions. Now, after two years spent strengthening their credentials and friendship, they are ready to broaden their audience to include adult writers.

“I’ve never had a friendship quite like mine and Caroline’s,” Tessa said in an interview with Lisa Bergmanis of Belmont University. “We both share a strange obsession for imaginary characters, coffee and stories. Because of that, when we hang out, we don’t typically do the normal best friend stuff—such as watching movies, painting our nails, shopping, etc. (Actually, on a rare occasion when we did watch a movie, we took notes on the plot the entire time. Ha!)”

With one teen writer’s workshop already under their belts, complete with raving reviews from participants, the YA author duo is ecstatic to be offering the information behind Write Now to the general public.

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To reserve a spot at the event and pay the twenty-dollar fee, email TessaEmilyHall@gmail.com. Registration closes October 7, 2016.

Three Cheers For Teens - Artist Spotlight - Leah

Leah perceives a noir-pop world constructed of objectified girls and bad boys, and stands amidst the heartbreak as an individualistic onlooker.

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Leah kicks down the walls dividing genres and delivers a fierce, independent sound that both seduces and empowers. Inspired by influences such as Stevie Nicks, Bread, Lana Del Rey and Norah Jones, Leah’s music evokes eerie, cinematic emotions that reveal what it means to be a girl caught in the rift between attraction, love, and freedom.

As a young teenager, Leah rebelled against criticism, embraced her “different” voice, and began playing in bars and restaurants. Since that time, she has performed for intimate gatherings and crowds in excess of ten thousand, sharing her profound, glamour-rich songs and fiery passion.

“A unique sound from a refreshing perspective, Leah brings it.” -John Scott, iHeartMedia

I first met Leah in a college seminar course. The moment she walked into the room, I knew she was special. And each day since then, she’s proven me right. Not only is Leah an incredible singer and songwriter, she’s also an inspiring person with a God-given vision. Her soulful, mesmerizing music will add heat to any playlist.

In the following interview for Pursue Magazine and Girl Meets Publishing World, Leah shares her journey from aspiring musician to breakthrough artist and offers advice to those pursuing their dreams.

When did you first become interested in music?

I truly cannot remember a time when I wasn’t interested in music. I remember sitting in the back of my mom’s mini-van listening to Norah Jones and being obsessed with the musicality in every word she sang. I began singing and writing when I was about 12 and performing publicly when I was 14, but as far as my interest in music, it has always been there.

How did you break into the music scene?

I didn’t know any better way to “break into the music scene” than to write everyday and start playing in public, so that is exactly what I did! When other kids would be hanging out I would lock myself in my room, sit on my bed, and write for hours. And then I would take those songs and play them anywhere they'd let a 14-15 year old play. I was playing one Saturday night at a small restaurant and a local dj happened to be there. He liked my sound, invited me into the station and I did a live show with him. After that he wrote an article calling me an artist to watch. That really opened doors for me, giving me a little credibility, allowing me to play in more places; even though I was still too young to get into some of them on my own!  I am truly grateful for all of the positive things that came from that one vote of confidence. 

What are your future goals as a musician? 

I want to play music for the rest of my life, make a living out of it, but still love it at the end. I think that is the key: still loving it. Fame would be great and having people know every lyric to all of my songs, but I just want to continue sharing my music with every ear that will listen and if fame came out of, that would just be a plus.

Besides music, what else do you like to do? Favorite things?

Oddly enough, I love running! People think I am crazy when I say that, but as long as I have a pair of tennis shoes and the road, I am a happy lady. It gives me a lot of time to think. A lot of my songs have been written while running. A less abnormal thing that I love to do is bake! I can make some pretty amazing chocolate chip cookies.

How has God shaped your life and career?

Something I struggled with when I was young and around a lot of people that I went to church with was how I could sing and write secular songs and still be a Christian. My view is more that the way I treat others and portray myself as woman should show my love for Christ. If you listen closely to some of my lyrics, my personal values show through, like in my song Easy (this song hasn’t been released yet) I say, “I’ve got dignity and I’ve got strength and just because I want you doesn’t mean I’m gonna give it away. I’m not saying your sleazy, I’m just not easy.”

Do you have any advice you’d like to give those pursuing their dreams?

Don’t get easily discouraged! Whatever industry you want to break into whether it be music, business, or basket weaving, you will come across people who don’t agree with you or will try to change you. The most important thing that I have learned is to listen with a critical ear to decipher what criticism I can use to make myself better and what is just meant to hurt me and let it roll off my back.

Leah’s single, Cupid, is now available for download. Be sure to watch for her upcoming releases and LIKE her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LeahSykesMusician.

You can also see more of Leah in the latest trailer for The Prime Way Program.