New Creative Writing Workshops For Kids Kickoff 2010 in the Greater Houston Area

Contact Melissa at Melissa@Longtalepublishing.com or 713-724-6372 for a to reserve your spot or download a registration form!

Mr. Teddy Loses His Bow Tie on the Indie Author Show Books Written by Kids for Kids

I am excited to announce that the authors of the book, Mr. Teddy Loses His Bow Tie, Lindsey and Caroline will be interviewed on the Indie Author Show with host Bobby Ozuna, Monday December 28th at 7pm CST!  Both young ladies have accomplished their dreams of publication in their middle school years and plan to continue writing well into the future.

KidPub Press had the honor of publishing this cute story and this publisher has brought the dreams of many young author's to life.  No matter what the age, all of us have the capability of accomplishing our goals if we work hard and put in the effort.  These young ladies came to me for advice on publishing their story that they wrote and illustrated together, and a year later I got an email from KidPub in regards to their first published book.  I am so excited for them and can't wait to hear all about their inside inspiration and future goals on the Indie Author Show!  Be sure to register to chat on-line with the girls or feel free to call in with your questions!  (646) 929-0546

If you are between the grade levels 3rd-8th be sure to check out Read3Zero, for ways you can be published too! 

Melissa M. Williams
Literacy~Creativity~Learning

Creative Writing Workshops for Kids (Register now to get your CUTE Iggy Gift Certificate Stocking Stuffer!)

Creative Writing Workshops

Melissa M. Williams will be kicking 
off the New Year with her
January Creative Writing Workshop 
Series for Kids!

Topics Include:

• How to create a memorable character
• Process of developing a storyline and plot
• What you must ALWAYS include in your story
• Different character types presented in best seller movies and literature

A Chance To Be Published!!!!

All attendees will be able to enter their finished stories in the "I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids Project" presented by Read3Zero! See www.Read3Zero.com for details!

Class Schedule 

Saturday January 16th 10am-2pm

How to Create a Memorable Character

Grade Level: 3rd-6th

Location: Hobby Lobby

16011 FM 529 Rd

Houston, TX 77095

(Near Hwy 6)

Saturday January 23rd 10am-2pm

How to Create a Memorable Character

Grade Level: 7th-12th 

Location: Tomball Harris County Public Library

30555 Tomball Parkway

Tomball, TX 77375

Room: L129

Saturday January 30th 10am-2pm

How to Create a Memorable Character

Grade Level: 5th-8th

Location: Tomball Harris County Public Library

30555 Tomball Parkway

Tomball, TX 77375

Room: L129 

Get your child ready and excited to write for the TAKS test!

Cost per workshop: $50

(Free Autographed Book Included)

Lunch Provided

Seating is limited

Contact Melissa at Melissa@Longtalepublishing.com or 713-724-6372 for a to reserve your spot or download a registration form!

 

Makes a great stocking stuffer!  Contact me for the fun and festive creative writing gift certificate!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Creative Writing Workshops for Kids!

Melissa M. Williams, Iggy the Iguana and LongTale Publishing are pleased to announce the next wave of creative writing workshops for kids!

If you are local to the Houston, Texas and surrounding areas, you are not going to want to miss this opportunity to acknowledge, nurture and develop the next great American authors--your kids!!!

"I will be holding Saturday workshops in the Houston area for children in the 3rd-12th grade. We will focus on the process of character development, how to create a memorable story, and how to become a young published author. My motto is: “There is NO such thing as ‘Writer’s Block.’” This is a great gift for kids this holiday season as we bring in the New Year!"

To learn more information or to purchase your stocking stuffer gift certificate for your child or a child in your community, navigate to the full feature article on Houston's West Side Story Kids Korner column!

Melissa M. Williams and Iggy the Iguana on Kids Korner! and the January Creative Writing Workshops for Kids!

~LongTale Publishing, staff

Literacy. Creativity. Learning.

CNN 650 Houston Morning Show Brent Clanton Steven Kay

If your Child loves to write, listen to the CNN 560 Morning Show to discover all they ways your child can enhance their writing skills and become a published author!

Authors Melissa M. Williams and Bobby Ozuna will be featured guests on the Houston Radio News Program on Thursday Morning December 17th, 2009 at 8:40am, discussing upcoming news about the Literacy Foundation, Read3Zero.  Call in with your questions at 713-956-0650.

Topics Discussed:

*The "I Write Short Shorties By Kids For Kids" writing contest

*Publishing Opportunity for Kids

*Ways for you to become a supporter for the fight against illiteracy

*Ways to increase your child's interest in creative arts

*Creative Writing Classes in the Houston Area

Creative Writing Workshop Schedule:

Saturday January 16th 10am-2pm

How to Create a Memorable Character

Grade Level: 3rd-6th

Location: Hobby Lobby

16011 FM 529 Rd

Houston, TX 77095

Saturday January 23rd 10am-2pm

How to Create a Memorable Character

Grade Level: 7th-12th

Location: Tomball Harris County Public Library

30555 Tomball Parkway

Tomball, TX 77375

Room: L129

Saturday January 30th 10am-2pm

How to Create a Memorable Character

Grade Level: 5th-8th

Location: Tomball Harris County Public Library

30555 Tomball Parkway

Tomball, TX 77375

Room: L129 

Get your child ready and excited to write for the TAKS test this year!

Cost per workshop: $50

(Free Autographed Book Included)

Lunch Provided

Seating is limited

Contact Melissa@Longtalepublishing.com for a registration form and to reserve your spot. 

You Ask We Answer: Self-Publishing vs. Indie Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

I often get these questions from many aspiring writers: "Why did you decide to start your own publishing house instead of sending your book to a major publisher?" And, "Why did you decide to start LongTale Publishing, instead of using a POD Publisher?"

And the answers...???

Simple...

First I will say, I am not against big Publishing Houses, BUT I am an entrepreneur by heart just as much as I am a creative.  I wanted to have complete control of a book that was very dear to my heart.  I wanted to work with people that I know and trust...and I wanted to own MY WORK.  Also, I wanted to know the business backwards and forwards, so if one day I have the opportunity to work with a big publisher, I know exactly what goes into the process of publishing, printing, distributing, marketing, promoting, and establishing royalties, splits, agreements, copyrights, and trademarks, etc. You never want to appear to be naive, even in the wonderful world of the book industry and especially if someone is going to "take over" and represent your work.

Secondly, to answer the question, why didn't I use the self-publishing POD route? Well, for one of the same reasons as above.  I want to know exactly what is going on with MY WORK.  Many (not all) POD (Print on Demand) Self-Publishing Companies work with you online ... very convenient, but a little scary.  I actually did a lot of investigating and almost used Lulu before I knew any better.  MISTAKE.  Thankfully God intervened before I screwed my entire career over.  I had already paid Lulu $650 to start up the project.  (I am really embarrassed to even admit this in writing.)  But Lulu had no real communication in their customer service department.  No number to call, no email, just a chat feature.  I never got any confirmation that they were going to start working with me, yet they had my money.  I sent many (demanding and threatening messages on the chat) and then disputed the charge with my bank.  The day I got my money back in my account, they emailed me!!!!!!!!  NO THANK YOU!  No communication = No way of telling what they are doing with your manuscript.

I have even heard through other sources and authors that certain Self-Publishing Companies out there make you sign a contract so they own the copyright to your manuscript for 7 years ... yet they never do what they say they will do.  What I would like to know, is how in the world could you ever let a self-publishing company own your copyright?  I'm not going to name any names, but they are out there and they prey on naivety and the writer who just wants to be "published!"

All of this info is not to scare anyone away from Self-Publishing, but remind you how important it is to follow through with your research and know who you are dealing with before sending a manuscript that is full of you and your sweat, blood, and tears out into the oblivion. 

Now, what did I do, if I didn't do any of these publishing options?  I went to the state ... established a business ... got an EIN ... Tax ID ... established my logo, copyrights, library control number, ISBN, web presence, all before my manuscript was even complete.  I read Dan Poynter's Book of course!  I hired my printing company, LSI (owned by Ingram so I knew my books would be distributed to libraries and all major book stores) illustrator, graphic designer, copy editor, web-designer, and later a marketing team. THAT is the process of being completely independent and being the owner of a publishing house.

*** REMEMBER a Printing Company and a Publishing Company are not the same thing. And a Distributor is not the same as a Printer. ***

Now there are some things that you must get help on.  For example, I am not good at graphic design, but I know exactly how I want my cover to look.  It is a team effort ... many different talents coming together.  Sometimes when we think self-publishing, we think ... do it yourself.  But I am not a self-published author ... I own a small publishing house ... and I am an indie author.  There is a difference.  I understand that not everyone has a creative team at their finger tips, and all of these things can definitely be done by a Self-Publishing Service.  I have seen books that are beautifully produced that way, but many of these people did their research and found a self-publisher who used a reputable Printing Company and Distribution Service.  


Now to clarify a misconception, just because a self-publishing company uses "print on demand" doesn't mean the quality will be poor.  Technology has fixed many of the old problems we used to see with POD printers.  You will want to order a few different books from the company you are considering to check out the print quality.  You want to check for print consistency, binding, size options, color quality, etc.  Please remember that many self-publishing companies will always want your business and your money, so be sure to compare different price points and publisher's discounts when ordering your own inventory.   

The moral to this story is, investigate before you make a mistake.  Make sure you will be available in major book stores and online.  Some of these POD Publishing will tell you yes.  Go find out for yourself.  Try to order books from their website on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.  If you can't, then the POD is lying to you through your computer screen.

I hope this helps all aspiring authors to not make mistakes before a manuscript goes to print.  I have heard many unfortunate horror stories.  It's ashame when some of those stories could have been something great!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  Be sure to check back for my publishing and writing lectures in the spring.  For more info on Indie Publishing be sure to listen to the Indie Author Show live with Host Bobby Ozuna on Monday nights at 7pm CST.  

Melissa M. Williams
Owner/CEO LongTale Publishing
Co-Founder, READ3Zero Literacy Foundation

Literacy~Creativity~Learning

Radio Interview Monday Dec. 7th ODD MIND SHOW

Check out my live interview this Monday Night at 9pm CST on The Odd Mind Show with your Host, LESA TRAPP!  Topics Discussed on the Show will include:

Indie Publishing

The Way Story Ideas Come to Life

Children as Inspiration

Speaking Events and School Involvement 

What Type of Research Goes into Writing Children's Books

Questions From Aspiring Writers

New Projects for 2010

The New Literacy Foundation: Read3Zero!!!!

Short Shorty Contest for Kids!

Be sure to hop on the chat box for questions and discussion!

Melissa M. Williams

Literacy~Creativity~Learning

Book Tour Vol. 3 is now up on YouTube!!!!!

R.E.A.D Festival Supporting Literacy in New Orleans

Join us this Saturday Dec. 5th at the R.E.A.D Festival at West Houston Church on 17100 West Rd, Houston, TX 77095 from 12:00 to 3:00pm. 

I will be doing a 1:00pm presentation/reading at the The R.E.A.D (Reading Educating Awareness Day) Festival, which is hosted by the Cy-Fair High School Key Club in order to make a difference in the community and promote the importance of childhood literacy. 

This year their mission is to send book and money donations from the Festival to the Orleans Parish Public School System in New Orleans.  (They have informed me that the literacy rate in New Orleans, Louisiana is only 40% due to lack of materials.)  The entrance fee to the festival is a used book donation or monetary donation. 

When the Key Club contacted me to do a signing at their event, I was so excited to hear that their students are making a stand in the community, so I gladly accepted the invite.  To kick off the new literacy foundation, Read3Zero, I will be making a 100 Book Donation to the Orleans Parish!

***

Time:          12 Noon ~ 3PM CST
Location:  West Houston Church
Address:   17100 West Rd, Houston, TX 77095
*Click HERE for Google Maps location*


Come out to show your support and donate an Iggy Book to the New Orleans Charity! If you have questions about how you can support this cause outside the Houston, Texas area, contact Melissa here.

To view the official Press Release for this event, click HERE.

~Bobby Ozuna
LongTale Publishing, Online Marketing Manager
Literacy. Creativity. Learning.