*** Registration closes 10/7. Email TessaEmilyHall@gmail.com to register and reserve your spot today! ***
YA authors, Tessa Emily Hall and Caroline George, will hold an all-day informative and interactive workshop for writers.
Be inspired as they share their experience of being published as a teen. Learn how you can apply techniques to your writing that will impress an agent or publisher. Discover secrets that will enable you to come across as a professional and increase your chances of publication.
With more than six years in the industry, Tessa and Caroline have learned from professionals through attending over thirteen writing conferences combined. They have spoken to young people of all ages, encouraging them to tap into their potential and pursue their unique calling.
Aspiring authors will come away from this workshop with new ideas for their stories, as well as step-by-step guidelines that will launch their writing journey.
2015
was the most change-filled, rewarding year of my life. During the past twelve
months, I had the cover designed for my most recent novel (not an installment
of The Prime Way Trilogy), released
an EP album on Sound Cloud, graduated from high school, joined author Tessa
Emily Hall on a YA book tour, and attended the Writer’s Digest Conference in
New York City where I pitched to eight agents. I also moved to Nashville where
I began classes at Belmont University, worked as a founding editor for The Belmont Story Review, and reported
at the red carpet premiere of Providence.
Many
great things happened in 2015, but I have a feeling that 2016 is going to be
even more incredible. To make a few announcements….
-This
semester, I’ll be working as a marketing intern for Harper Collins Christian Publishing, specifically their WestBow,
Elm Hill, and Author Gateway imprints. I’ve also been offered a part-time
publicist position with Faith Flix.
-The
Prime Way Programbook 3 will be released Fall 2016. I’m beyond excited about this
concluding installment and cannot wait to share it with you.
-Athematic book trailer for Be The Victoris currently in pre-production and will be released later this
year. Unlike the first trailer, it will be scripted and include actors.
-I’m
currently in the querying process for another book, which I plan to
traditionally publish.
As
you can see, a lot is happening. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities presented
and cannot wait to share my experiences with you all.
Thank
you for the support, readership, and encouragement.
You
made my 2015 great.
To read an interview I did for Faith Flix Films, click here.
Society continues to tell young people that being a
teenager requires them to “make mistakes,” “live in the moment,” and that important
actions must wait until adulthood. Those who rebel against this ideology are persecuted.
Why?
Why can’t great things be celebrated even if
the great-deed-doer is not a legal adult?
My goal was to be a published author by age sixteen. NO wasn’t a relevant word in my
vocabulary. I was going to publish. My book was going to be read. By age
sixteen.
It was going to happen.
At first, I wanted to traditionally publish. I
submitted to several agents who all liked my book but wouldn’t represent me
because of my age.
My age!
Because of self-publishing, I achieved my goal and am
now pursuing traditional publication for my latest book. I’m passionate about
inspiring teens to rise above expectations and do GREAT THINGS. Whenever I meet
a young person who is pursuing their life vision, I get excited!
Age shouldn’t be a success-determining factor.
A crazy dream shouldn’t be discouraged.
Talent, drive, and hard work should be
celebrated.
THREE CHEERS FOR TEENS introduces three teen success-stories
from three different industries. It’s meant to offer encouragement to teenagers
pursuing their dreams and motivate those who are trapped in “teen ideology.”
I hope the following interviews will inspire you as
much as they inspired me.
MariBeth
Nolte (LA Models)
I first
met MariBeth when she modeled for the trial cover of my latest book. She has
accomplished a lot and isn’t afraid to take a stand against people’s opinions
and stereotyping of the modeling industry. Her work ethic, professionalism, and
drive will take her far!
When did you first
discover your love for modeling?
When
I was just about 5 or 6 I loved posing around the house with my dad. He would
tell me to show an emotion and take pictures of me all the time. If social
media had of been as big as it is now he would have been one of those obnoxious
parents posting pictures of their kid nonstop. I also did a few pageants when I
was younger hoping they would lead to the modeling side of things, but they
never compared to the instant love I fell into with modeling once we finally figured
everything out.
Tell us about the
moment you decided to pursue modeling? Who helped you achieve your dream?
The
summer before my junior year of high school I decided I wanted to focus on
modeling. Charleston is a big town but not a big town for the modeling
industry. I did photo shoots for boutiques in Charleston. I met a photographer
for Charleston Hospitality Group, and he helped me get a job doing weekly
fashion shows at one of their restaurants. I began to network which helped me
to get more jobs. I made the decision not to play high school volleyball that
fall and chose to go to a casting call for Charleston Fashion Week. Out of the
1200 models who came out, I was chosen to be put in the model book with around
200 other models. I then went on to be chosen for Rock the Runway competition
which was made up of 10 girls and 5 guys. While I didn’t win Rock the Runway it
put me in the right place to meet the right people to help me make a move to a
larger market.
How long did it take
for you to find a “breakthrough”? What led to that opportunity?
When
I finished my junior year I went to New York to meet with Karen Lee Grybowski,
the lead judge from Charleston Fashion Week. We had met, and she liked my
personality and thought I had potential. Karen had me darken my hair and do a
couple of photo shoots for test shooting. I then looked at agencies in New York
and Los Angeles, showing them my new test shots, and signed with LA Models!
What are some of the
obstacles you’ve had to overcome while pursuing your goals and how did you conquer them?
School
was an obstacle I had to face. Originally I planned to attend college in NYC
and model while I was in school. After learning more about the market I decided
to model full time. At the end of my junior year I needed Government and
Economics to graduate. So I took those online over the summer and will be
finishing school a year early. I have a three year contract so hopefully by the
time I’m 19 (almost 20) I’ll know for sure this path is right for me.
Do you have any
advice you’d like to give teenagers pursuing a similar dream?
My
main advice is to honestly be yourself. Growing up in a small town it was the
thing to play sports. No one did anything but that. While I wasn’t picked on
for modeling, other than the occasional mean girl comments everyone gets, it
was obvious I was the odd one out. Luckily, I had the self-confidence to know
this is what I wanted to do and went out and did it. Another awesome tip would
be to become educated on the industry. If I didn’t have my mom to help me with
all of it, I’d probably still be in high school dreaming of doing what I’m
doing right now. It’s definitely a world where you have to make the
connections.
Tell us about your
accomplishments.
My
biggest accomplishment so far is getting signed with L.A. Models, one of the
largest agencies on the west coast. Smaller accomplishments like Charleston
Fashion Week and getting a job that let me walk on a runway every Thursday
helped me to be prepared.
What are your goals
for the next ten years?
I
honestly have about a million goals in the modeling business. Anybody who knows
me should know my ultimate dream would be to walk as a Victoria Secret Angel. I
also plan to one day walk in Miami Swim Week and Milan, Paris, London, and New
York Fashion Week. I want to travel the world working as a model and have the
reputation in the industry of being a hardworking and consistent model that
people want to work with. Plus, being one of the models who become best friends
with Taylor Swift would be super cool, too.
Instagram @itsmaribethbaybee
Tessa
Emily Hall (YA author of Purple Moon)
Tessa dedicates
her time to assisting young writers, inspiring teenagers, and drinking coffee.
A lot of coffee. I met her last year when we reviewed each other’s first book
and began scheduling an author tour. She has become my best friend, mentor, part-time
editor, and “fellow soldier in the trenches of publishing.”
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I first
fell in love with storytelling when I was 3-years-old. Any time I was bored, I
would ask my mom, an art teacher, for a new project to create. This one
particular time she suggested that I try writing my own book.
So, I
dictated a story, The Colorful Dolphin,
to her and illustrated the pictures. This was the first of many books I wrote throughout
my childhood.
The process
of capturing my imagination with only a pencil and paper was (and still is!)
exhilarating to me. I never cared whether or not others read my stories; I
simply found joy in becoming another person and “day-dreaming” through my
pencil.
Tell us about the moment you decided to pursue publication? Who
helped you achieve your dream?
When I was
in elementary school, I longed to have a book published.
I clearly
remember running my hand along the cover of children’s books and smelling their
pages, imagining what it would be like to have my stories printed as well. I
couldn’t wait for my stories to become “official” and in the format of an actual book!
When I was
in middle school, I made it my goal to become published by the time I graduated
high school. It was also then when God laid it on my heart to write
inspirational novels for teens.
At the
time, I’d never even heard of the Christian fiction genre—but one day, I typed
into Google “Christian fiction for teens” and was thrilled to discover that it was actually a genre!
The summer
between my 8th grade and 9th grade year, I made a last
minute decision to enroll in an online school so I could fit creative writing
into my daily schedule.
That was
the best decision I could’ve made.
My parents
have always been supportive of my dream to become an author. If it wasn’t for
them, I wouldn’t have attended my first writing conference at 16, which is
where I met my future publisher.
And even
though “being an author” sounds like a far-fetched dream for a teen to pursue,
my mom always said, “Someone has to do it; why can’t it be you?”
How long did it take for you to find a “breakthrough”? What led
to that opportunity?
It was
completely a God-thing! I am still in awe when I think back to how He arranged everything.
When I was
16, I attended my first writing conference and brought the first three chapters
of my novel, Purple Moon. I wasn’t
planning on pitching to anyone. In fact, I didn’t think there was an agent or
publisher at the conference who was looking for YA fiction.
The main
reason I went was so I could learn more about the craft and network with other
writers.
God,
however, had other plans.
When I was
speaking with an editor over a Christian devotion site about the possibility of
writing for them, a man had overheard that I wrote fiction and asked to see my
first chapter. After reading it, he seemed very impressed and asked several
questions about the plot.
You can
imagine my excitement when he told me that he was a publisher for Lighthouse
Publishing of the Carolinas!
At the
time, they had only published non-fiction books but were just beginning to
branch out into the fiction market. He then asked if I would send the rest of
the manuscript once I returned home, of which I gladly agreed.
A few
months later, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas offered a contract for Purple Moon. I didn’t sign it until six
months later, after much prayer and consideration.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to overcome while
pursing your goals and how did you conquer them?
The main
obstacle I’ve had to overcome was my fear of public speaking.
As crazy as
it sounds, I’ve had a passion to be a speaker since I was, again, 13. I knew I
wanted to visit schools to promote my book once it was published, but the idea
of speaking to groups was terrifying!
So a year
after PURPLE MOON was published, I took that leap. And guess what? None of
those fears came true.
Do you have any advice you’d like to give teenagers pursuing a
similar dream?
Make the
most of your youth. This is the advice I give any teen when they come to me for
advice on pursuing their dreams, and it’s stemmed from the scripture
Ecclesiastes 11:9.
Years down
the road, you may look back and wish you would’ve made the most of the time that
you have today.
For many
careers, including writing, it can take years for you to finally reach your
goal. If you begin striving for your dreams now,
then you will be spending your time wisely by getting a “head start”.
God has
given each of us a gift that we are to use for His glory and to minister to
others. He didn’t tell us to wait until after we graduate high school or
college to begin tapping into these gifts.
Also, don’t
compare yourselves to other teens. Embrace your uniqueness and the dream that
has been placed on your heart.
If you
follow the path that is specifically created for you and give your talents to
Christ by using them for His glory, then He will open the doors—all in
accordance with His will and His timing.
Tell us about your accomplishments.
Not the easiest
task for an introvert … lol!
Other than fiction
writing, I am also passionate about writing non-fiction articles and devotions
for teens.
I am a former
teen columnist for WholeMagazine.org,
a former editor over the faith department for Temperance Youth Magazine, former writer for MoreToBe.com, and am on the Teen Advisory Board for Devozine.
My articles
and devotions have been published in numerous publications and websites,
including: Guide Magazine, Devozine,
Ibegat, Temperance Youth Magazine, MoretoBe.com, Imagine Magazine,
RealTeenFaith.com, and Rad
Revolution.
I currently
write a column for teen writers, titled Dear
Young scribes, at AlmostAnAuthor.com.
I am also a
screenwriter for Favoron Productions,
have edited a screenplay for God of Moses
Entertainment, and am currently gearing towards editing another screenplay
for their upcoming project as well.
In 2013, my
blog, ChristisWrite.blogspot.com,
received 2nd place in the blog category at Blue Ridge Mountain
Christian Writers Conference.
In 2014, Purple Moon was a finalist in the YA
Fiction and First Novel categories.
Okay, my
bragging session will now come to an end. =)
What are your goals for the next ten years?
I hope to
continue having opportunities to reach teens through the words I write and the
words I speak.
My ultimate
desire is to write novels for teens that are inspirational, yet authentic when
it comes to reflecting their every-day-lives. It is my goal, with every book,
for teens to come away from it with a sense of hope for their own lives.
I would
also love to continue writing for magazines and screenplays as well—any avenue
that will allow me to minister through the process of creation.
However,
even though I am a firm believer in dreaming big, I have learned to hold these
plans loosely. The future I have in store for my life isn’t always the one God
has in store—but I’m excited to see where the journey takes me!
Cameron
and I met during Belmont University’s freshman orientation. He is extremely
talented and has “trippy” style. His story will inspire young musicians to
pursue their life vision.
When did you first discover your love for rock-and-roll?
I first
discovered my love for rock and roll at sort of a young age. I remember having
Elvis, Ritchie Valens and Hendrix when I was around 7 and it blew my mind! I
loved their voices and the way they made me feel. At the time I had a little
heap acoustic guitar but couldn’t play, so I sat around and learned from
records. Then when I was a bit older, I heard the music of Led Zeppelin, Motley
Crue, etc. I just loved the sounds of the guitars and the whole band going full
out! It made me want to get an electric guitar and emulate what I heard.
Tell us about the moment you decided to pursue music? Who helped
you achieve your dream?
The moment
I chose to pursue music is the moment I realized I couldn’t see my life without
playing guitar and making music. At the time that I was discovering rock and
roll, I was also into baseball and sports. When I got into 8th grade
I dropped sports and decided to make music my priority. At first I played solo
a couple times with two guys who worked at the boys and girls club on the
reservation that I grew up on. They put on some talent showcases and displayed
the talent of the youth. I wasn’t a part of the boys and girls club, I only
played at the events. After seeing groups like Aerosmith, Motley Crue, and The
Black Crowes, I decided that I wanted to put together my own band, which became
The Osceola Brothers. I got my two younger brothers and taught them the little
what I knew on bass and drums and from there on we took off. The people that
really helped us were my parents, they’ve been really supportive throughout the
years and we are really thankful for that.
How long did it take for you to find a “breakthrough”? What led
to that opportunity?
It took a
little while to really get going with our music, but you have to do that to
really gone your craft. We played many events where there would hardly be a
crowd. After a while doing that, we got booked to play the Seminole Tribal Fair
which was held in the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. Still we were
playing to not many people, but it was more than we played for. But from then
on we booked better and bigger gigs.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to overcome while
pursuing your goals and how did you conquer them?
Some
obstacles that I’ve had to overcome are just knowing that the road to success
isn’t going to be easy. Also just not being taken seriously and underestimated
at times by some people at events we played. I feel like they would think that
we weren’t that good considering we were in our early teens at the time. The
way we overcame that is just to keep on playing, not caring and just giving our
all every time we play.
Do you have any advice you’d like to give teenagers pursuing a
similar dream?
Some advice
I would give teenagers pursuing their dreams are to never give up, the road to
success isn’t going to be easy but don’t let that stop you. Also don’t let
people try to tell you what you can and can’t do, always give 110% every time
you play and just play like it’s your last time playing! Lastly stay true to
yourself.
Tell us about your accomplishments.
Some
accomplishments include some shows we have played. Over the course of the four
years we have been a band we have gotten to open for some major acts such as
Indigenous, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Sarah Evans, Candlebox,
Creedence, Clearwater, Jonny Land and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Also I was blessed enough
to be a part of the 2014 Experience Hendrix Tour. I got to share the stage with
most of my heroes such as Eric Johnson, Chris Layton, Billy Cox, Jonny Land,
Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and more!
On a very
recent note, just last month we were booked to play a festival before Lenny
Kravitz and more in Barcelona, Spain, it was an amazing, trippy experience
haha! We were also included in a documentary that aired on TV in June.
What are your goals for the next ten years?
My goals for the next decade are just to keep making music that I believe
in whether or not I'm in the music business.
To most people, self-publishing is
an obscure, confusing topic. This makes sense. For all of history, traditional publication
has been the only way to achieve author-status. Not anymore. Now there are various
ways to make books available to the public.
Below is an email I received today
and my response. It briefly answers several of the questions I’ve been asked regarding
self-publication.
Hi, Caroline. I was just reading your blog and was
wondering if you self-published The Prime Way Program. I don't see anything
about a publisher anywhere, so I just assumed it was self-published... If so,
could you tell me a little about the process? How did you go about the
professional editing/cover design/marketing? Is it time consuming? I'm
attempting to write a book right now, so I'm starting to {halfway} considering
all my options. I don't want to think too much about it because, obviously, the
book's not even written yet.
I really enjoy your writing and I can't wait to hear from you!
Ashley
Hello, Ashley.
I'm a self-published author and am pursuing traditional
publication for my latest book.
Self-publishing is the fastest, most independent form of
publication. It takes a ton of time, effort, and motivation but if dedicated,
you can have your book on shelves in less than six months. There are hundreds
of companies that specialize in helping writers self-publish their books, but
these services are expensive and steal your opportunity to learn about
the publishing industry, marketing, formatting, etc.
I set a goal to be published by age sixteen and
self-publishing was the only option that allowed me to reach my goal. And since
I didn’t have the financial resources to afford professional help, I had to
learn how to be my own publisher, agent, editor, publicist, and graphic
designer.
Be aware. If you want your book to be released within a
matter of months, you’ll need to work at least six hours a day.
The process is complex, but everything you need to know can
be found on the internet. I downloaded several eBook publishing manuals onto my
Kindle and referred to them when formatting my book. There are also countless
blogs and articles that offer help to writer’s self-publishing their novels. Be
proactive. Don’t fear research. It’ll become your best friend.
When editing, I recruited teachers, authors, and a retired
journalist to critique my manuscript—the more credible editors you have, the
better. Professional editing is expensive but if you don’t know anyone
who is literary knowledgeable, it could be a needed investment. There is
nothing worse than an error-riddled book.
Marketing is a job in itself. Make sure to create a website,
build a blog platform, and be aggressive with your social media. Once you’ve
branded your novel and discovered a target audience, cater to them. Goodreads
giveaways are a great way to generate buzz. Also, don’t be afraid to invest
money in your promotions. Almost all of my book revenue has been invested in
promotional products. Another way to market yourself is through writing
workshops, blog tours, and speaking opportunities. You don’t need a publicist.
Emails and research have the same effect.
Cover-designing is one of my favorite aspects of the
self-publishing process. Unlike tradition publishing, self-publishing allows
you to choose and create your book’s cover. There are many design companies
that offer this service, but I decided to be independent and finance savvy. I
hired my photographers, models, graphic designers, and located the shoots’ sets.
I also worked as a makeup artist and designed my characters’ wardrobes. Lots to
do. So much fun. I recommend this route!
Because of self-publishing, I’ve learned so much about the industry,
become a business woman, and a developed author. I support this process
one-hundred-percent.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Sincerely,
Caroline George
Click the link to watch a Q&A with author Tessa Emily Hall and me.
We discuss traditional and self-publishing.
Here are several pictures that capture the self-publishing
process:
Today has
been especially difficult. I’ve been working on my latest book’s pitch and
query because in nineteen days, I’ll be on a plane to New York City. In
twenty-three days, I will meeting with agents.
No
pressure.
What made
today difficult wasn’t that I had a TON of work to do; it was that I didn’t
know how to do my work. I spent most of the day researching, listening to
webinars, and deleting sentences. It’s funny, really. A few months ago, when I
registered for the conference, I thought the preparations would be a breeze because,
let’s face it, I’m a genius. Nope. Not true. I find my conceited expectations
brutally, humiliatingly hilarious.
If you
remember one thing from my blog post today, remember this: it is better to
expect and prepare for difficult and be
pleasantly surprised when things are easy.
Between
the pitch and query, writing the query has been the most enjoyable. I wrote two
options today, each with a different angle. One is professional. The other is
risky and as Sara Megibow would say, “Sparkly.” Click the links, read the template
queries, and let me know which format you like best. PROFESSIONAL or SPARKLY?
Remember
when I said being an author was lonely?
Yeah, I
was right about that too.
God has
placed many wonderful people in my life who support and love me in spite of my
eccentric, overly-driven behavior. But even though I have them rooting for me,
I am pursing this career on my own. They can offer their opinions, but the
decision to listen is mine. Besides, not all of them can offer sound advice
regarding the publishing industry or understand my mentality.
Writers are
athletes without coaches.
Authors
are athletes with too many coaches.
Have you
ever wondered who made the cover of your favorite book? Who inspired and
mentored your favorite author while he/she pursued his/her dream?
There are
several men and women who have made my writing career possible. I’d like to
take a moment and introduce you to some of them.
Mrs. Capers was my Literature teacher throughout
middle and high school, and is now my mentor. In eighth grade, I dumped two,
full-length fan-fiction novels onto her desk. She encouraged me to write an
original novel, edited and critiqued my work, gave me the freedom to find my own
literary voice, and is now helping me prepare for my upcoming conference. She’s
been with me every step of my writing journey.
Britleigh and Bradley were the first Cora and Kyle. Bradley attended a nearby
high school—I didn’t meet him until he arrived at the cover-shoot. I’ve known
Britleigh since I was a toddler. She is an incredible, strong person who has
supported me throughout my writing journey.
Kati was my second Cora. Due to her
gymnastics background, she had the physical built I wanted for the second book’s
cover. I loved working with her. She perfectly embodied Cora's character and let me wrap her in bandages and smear her
with dirt.
Tessa Emily Hall has been my best friend for almost
a year now. She is a brilliant author and editor with a heart for young writers
and serving the Lord. We met when we reviewed each other’s first book and a few
months later, we started to plan a book-tour. Tessa immediately adopted me into
her life and has taught me so much about the publishing industry. Together, we’ve
spoken at libraries, homeschool groups, and coffeehouses.
Favoron Productions created the cover of my latest
book. They’re a spectacular startup company with talented photographers,
filmmakers, and producers. I’m excited to see where God takes them.
Maribeth and Cole are professional models who posed as my main characters, Julie
and Jack. I met Cole in my college psychology class and knew immediately that he
had to be the face of Jack. I found Maribeth on his Instagram—she looks like
Julie. Both are incredibly talented and professional with bright careers ahead
of them. I hope to use their skills again in the future.
My Mom has been my most-dedicated supporter,
reader, and confidant. Even though we occasionally bicker, she will always be
the person I credit with my writing success.
