tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66389325392280385892012-02-19T10:17:06.578-08:00On writing, not writing, publishing, and hoping to be publishedNATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-55489403860889548532012-02-19T10:00:00.002-08:002012-02-19T10:15:52.450-08:00

   As a writer, sometimes what happens on the editor or agent side of things is such a mystery. Why didn't your submission get accepted? Do they really read everything that comes through? What do they look for? Here's one editor's inside view. By the way, my friend Sandie Sing, posted this on Facebook, and it's a gem of a blog with interesting musings and tips from authors and editors. So, I'm

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-44678643392892528842012-02-10T06:36:00.000-08:002012-02-13T06:42:41.978-08:00

   Yay! Finally inked my contract with Charlesbridge Publishing.We had done so much editing prior to acquisitions that there were only a few minor tweaks my editor Alyssa Pusey wanted to make. I'm currently working on some back matter (author's note etc.) and eagerly awaiting to see who the illustrator would be. The book is slated for a Jan. 2014 release.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-82627209956841365032012-02-01T16:57:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:57:07.763-08:00

   For all you aspiring playwrights out there, the Redwood Writers Club (the Northern California branch of the California Writer's Club, one of the oldest writers' club in the nation), is having their 2nd Annual Playwriting contest. Submit a ten-minute play for a chance to see it produced and performed. It's short, it's fun, and there's nothing like seeing your words come to live on stage. My

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-25408091983717883002012-01-29T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-29T18:53:22.585-08:00

        In Andy Allen’s Stormin’ Norman, the Soggy Doggy, a quiet walk on a warm summer day leads to near-disastrous results when Norman falls into a fast-moving creek while fetching a stick. Unable to swim back to shore, he is quickly swept downstream and his owner, Andy must dive in to save his best friend. This gentle story about a boy’s bond with his beloved dog is complemented by vibrant,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-88268067349402166492012-01-25T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-29T18:39:03.705-08:00

     Congratulations to Ryan Keith of Kirksville, Missouri who was one of 685 people who entered the GoodReads Cixi, The Dragon Empress Chinese New Year giveaway. Ryan will be receiving a free signed copy of the book.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-68134933507137010702012-01-25T16:46:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:35:42.144-08:00

     I am now reviewing books for BookPleasures.com. This week's book review is Saul Weber's book, A Lesson My Cat Taught Me.      A Lesson my Cat Taught Me is a chapter book for early readers by Saul Weber. This is the author’s brief summary of the book: Jennifer and her mother find a friendly, abandoned cat.  They soon discover it only has one eye. Jennifer calls the cat Uno, and learns that

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-4610071305882356182012-01-23T00:05:00.000-08:002012-01-23T00:05:59.427-08:00

    Kung Hei Fat Choi! The Year of the Dragon. Cixi, the last empress of China was nicknamed "The Dragon Empress" because of her supposed greed, lust for power, and notorious bad temper. However, this term was probably coined by Western journalists as Dragons in Chinese folklore are not the fierce, fire-breathing beasts of Western literature. Rather, they're benevolent creatures—rulers of the

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-68530198091642850962012-01-19T01:29:00.000-08:002012-01-19T01:29:37.639-08:00

   My article on Lek Chailert, known around the world as the Elephant Queen, has been published in the January issue of Faces magazine. The article profiles Lek's great love and compassion for the endangered Asian elephant, and her commitment to saving them from abuse, returning them to their natural surroundings, and preserving their dwindling habitat. To this end, Lek and her husband, Adam,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-22576072551358309822012-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:00:04.270-08:00

   Chinese New Year is Jan. 23 this year, the year of the Water Dragon. Want to win a free, signed copy of Cixi, The Dragon Empress? Enter the Goodreads.com giveaway: .goodreadsGiveawayWidget { color: #555; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; background: white; } .goodreadsGiveawayWidget img { padding: 0 !

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-78395459268413727362012-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:002012-01-16T10:12:28.794-08:00

   Wow! I can't believe it"s been awhile since I've entered a post. Life has been extremely busy, and for awhile so was the promotion for the book. It'll take me forever to catch up on everythiing that's gone on in the last 3 months, so here's a quick recap, and then on to my New Year's resolution to set a consistent blogging schedule. This year, I also plan to post more reviews of books,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-50645414263296737522011-10-10T06:57:00.000-07:002011-11-24T07:25:13.697-08:00

A good turn out at the Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA.    The Dastardly Dames book launch in Corte Madera was finally here! I'd been practicing my spiel on Cixi for the last few days. Public speaking is not my thing, although I'm getting better at it.  Naturally I was nervous, but I was glad to have the other Dastardly Dame authors to share this with.     Our event began with a major

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-89237447320609130882011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:002011-11-07T11:44:05.339-08:00

   Woo Hoo!!!! My agent called me this morning with great news! And she worried she was calling too early. No, Karen [Grencik], you can call me at 2 am. with this kind of news!! Charlesbridge Publishing has decided to acquire Goldy Luck and the Three Chans!! What a long road it has been for this manuscript! Just a little recap: it was submitted to Tricycle Press in 2006. Three editors and three

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-85291568138416722612011-09-25T06:46:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:58:53.002-07:00

   Just got an email today from the director of the Short+Sweet Festival Singapore that my ten-minute play, "Offing the Witness" has been selected for their 2011 festival. The festival runs the first two weekends in December, so unfortunately, I won't be able to see it. Besides, I was just in that part of the world, so even if I was available, probably wouldn't incur the expense to fly out there.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-58713359647264427702011-09-24T06:35:00.000-07:002011-10-18T07:16:55.886-07:00

   Beautiful day at the Sonoma Book Fair today! Last year, it was blistering hot at this event. We had a good spot under a shady tree, but I felt sorry for those who appeared to be sweltering in the heat. This year, though, it was so cool and breezy that I had to keep my sweater on most of the day.    Goosebottom Books shared a booth with K.O. Books, the publishing imprint of author/illustrator,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-53247580309427814482011-09-12T06:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T07:26:21.616-07:00

   This retreat is always such a "treat". Since March, when I stayed the extra Thursday night for the first time, I've decided to stay the three nights whenever I can. It makes a huge difference having that additional day to write uninterrupted, and it doesn't feel as rushed. It's hard to get much writing done on the first day because I'm trying to get settled in, and I'm tired from the drive. So

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-46438052113413540922011-09-08T20:06:00.000-07:002011-09-08T20:08:03.506-07:00

   My agent recently sent me another rejection for my picture book manuscript, but no word yet from about 8 other editors we've sent it to. Well, I guess I can take solace in the fact that Charlesbridge Publishing hasn't outright rejected it yet. It's still sitting with them, and hopefully will go back to acquisitions in the fall for another round of discussions.     For all of you who've been in

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-43504493387689895602011-08-15T16:54:00.000-07:002011-08-15T23:44:58.868-07:00

   I was interviewed by Rhonda Knight on blogtalk radio today, and am happy to report that I did not sound like a total dork on the show. She erroneously introduced me as a motivational speaker, so just to be clear on this point, if any of you are motivated by what I have to say, fantastic! But motivational speaker, I most definitely am not! Nervous though I was in the beginning, I really did

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-65708609212751828342011-08-07T08:36:00.000-07:002011-08-16T09:55:41.101-07:00

   Ahh...my last day of the conference. How time flies! I got to the hotel early today so I could have a decent breakfast at the restaurant before the day got underway. Literary agent panel: Shown from L: Tina Wexler, Marcia Wernick, and Tracey Adams.    The workshop began with a panel of 4 agents: Tracey Adams, Barry Goldblatt (who's also Libba Bray's husband), Marcia Wernick, and Tina

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-74389355111959457882011-08-07T01:54:00.000-07:002011-08-07T02:12:04.298-07:00

  A truly brilliant day of conference speakers and workshops today, starting out with the fabulous Donna Jo Napoli who talked about the need for writers not to shy away from writing difficult stories about kids going through tragic, depressing, terrible things. Sometimes those stories need to be told, especially for kids in dreadful situations, so they know they're not alone. She stressed that "

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-89509540236275443452011-08-05T23:50:00.000-07:002011-08-05T23:59:35.419-07:00

The huge California Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza The first day of the SCBWI annual summer conference was exhilirating, inspiring, overwhelming...and exhausting! They had a record number of attendees—1300 of them—3 levels of conference rooms, and a lunch line so long you thought you were at a JK Rowling book signing.  I attended a multicultural workshop with Rukhsana Khan, one

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-23875223280487656142011-07-06T06:20:00.000-07:002011-08-05T06:54:17.629-07:00

Two of my ten-minute plays are in production this month:  Playing with Knives (already previously performed in Ukiah, Los Angeles, and Sydney, Australia) will get additional stage time at the Tapas Short Plays Festival in Rio Nido (by Guerneville), Aug. 26 to Sept. 25. Performances will be at the Pegasus Theatre. Get your tickets here. Bring a picnic supper to eat on the charming patio before

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-17930941565267698382011-06-26T06:08:00.000-07:002011-08-05T06:41:33.717-07:00

Attendees congregating around the Goosebottom Books booth Busy, busy morning. We had a lot of traffic by our booth, got to meet many wonderful librarians and educators. Anne and I handed out numerous postcards and introduced  the Goosebottom books and the upcoming Dastardly Dames series which got much attention. Needless to say, we were exhausted by the end of the day! But all in all, Id' say

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-36075463988861821702011-06-25T21:42:00.001-07:002011-06-30T05:39:21.024-07:00

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde Breakfast was at the well-known and ever-popular Cafe Du Monde this morning. Three scrumptious beignets, café au lait, and 1,000 calories later, we were heading to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to set up our booth with all our books, flyers, posters, and booth paraphenalia.  Lunch at the Court of Two Sisters The convention didn't officially start till 5:30

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-44897634332410915252011-06-24T05:50:00.000-07:002011-06-29T05:53:29.993-07:00

In New Orleans for the American Library Association (ALA) conference! I love this city: the great food, fabulous jazz, exquisite balconies and distinctive character of the French Quarter. I'm here with Goosebottom Books publisher, Shirin Yim Bridges and editorial assistant, Ann Edwards. We'll be setting up a booth for Goosebottom Books tomorrow. Should be a packed, but fun-filled weekend. 

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-90712258693995132242011-06-05T07:40:00.000-07:002011-06-05T07:42:48.660-07:00

Sometimes, when people find out I'm a writer, they ask, "So, where do you get your ideas from?" Call me weird, but I like to browse the sheriff or police log in my local paper. The advantage of living in a small town is: Rush hour traffic is rare You run into people you know all the time at the post office, grocery store, library, coffee shop. Crime is minimal And the criminals are stupid.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-829783558552858032011-05-20T11:03:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:03:00.289-07:00

Playing with Knives has just been selected for the Tapas Short Plays Festival at the Pegasus Theatre in Rio Nido. Performance dates are Aug. 26 to Sept. 25.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-44288085312078707962011-05-19T06:32:00.000-07:002011-05-19T06:40:46.365-07:00

   My picture book biography, Cixi, The Dragon Empress will be released in October 2011.  The last empress of China, Cixi, fought ruthlessly to isolate her country from the West while cloistered inside her lavish Forbidden City, ignoring the needs of her people. But was the Dragon Empress evil or just out of touch? Gorgeous illustrations and an intelligent, evocative story bring to life a

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-59063327829588194862011-05-11T11:34:00.000-07:002011-05-11T11:34:47.382-07:00

   If only publishers were so speedy in their responses. I mailed my application for an SCBWI grant that would help fund the cost of attending the annual SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles on Friday, April 29. The application had to be postmarked by May 1. I received an email on Monday or Tuesday, informing me that I was one of 3 recipients for this $750 grant. Yipee! So, I'm all registered

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-1409120981718525802011-05-10T11:46:00.000-07:002011-05-10T11:50:06.319-07:00

    I have two articles out this month. "Horses Helping Others", my non-fiction article just appeared in the May issue (Horsing Around) of Appleseeds magazine. Appleseeds is a social studies magazine for kids 8 - 11. and my article, "Curtain Call" about Mendocino College's annual New Plays Festival appeared in the Spring issue of Mendocino Arts Magazine. It's always great to see your name

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-38512606746433294772011-05-03T11:04:00.000-07:002011-05-11T11:07:46.275-07:00

   May Day weekend was a busy weekend for me. On Friday, April 29, my husband, eleven-year old daughter, and I met up with my sister in Cotati at the small, but intimate, home theatre of Linda and Harry Reid to watch the first Redwood Writers' Ten-Minute Play Festival. My ten-minute play, "Offing the Witness" was first in the line-up. Directed by Lennie Dean and featuring a talented cast of Guy

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-41192033884969559232011-04-13T12:52:00.001-07:002011-05-10T11:52:42.213-07:00

I sent a picture book manuscript to my agent a couple weeks ago. She thought it was a "darling" story, but told me that in today's market, it wasn't enough anymore for a story to be good and well-written. Editors want to know: Who is your target audience? She wasn't sure who the target audience was for this book. Which got me thinking. Picture book. Kids, 4 - 8? Isn't that who the target

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-1840833578471938732011-03-29T23:56:00.000-07:002011-04-23T11:15:40.021-07:00

Here is Short+Sweet Sydney's Production of Playing with Knives.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-51689603993745715732011-03-23T00:33:00.000-07:002011-03-30T00:53:02.130-07:00

      It's amazing how the publishing world can turn on a dime! On March 15, I received an email from Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency declining to represent me. I then sent my manuscript to agent Karen Grencik, who's impressive in her response times, and how quickly she replies to emails. She said she thought the story was adorable, and by March 21, I had signed my first

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-40478439856587967412011-02-20T00:12:00.000-08:002011-03-30T00:33:01.682-07:00

   I went to the Tricycle Press send-off party in Berkeley on Friday. Despite the sad reason for the gathering (to say goodbye to the Tricycle staff), the mood was generally upbeat. I got to meet my editor, Joanne Taylor, see writing friends/acquaintances, and meet some lovely new people, one of whom is literary agent, Karen Grencik, who I thought was very open, friendly, and warm. I'd love to

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-34103285257712438362011-01-30T11:40:00.000-08:002011-03-28T12:03:37.907-07:00

Harbor Bridge across Sydney Harbor      I'm out here in sunny Sydney, Australia for the Short+Sweet Ten-Minute Theatre Festival to see the production of my play, Playing with Knives, a special gift from my parents who have travelled here from their home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to meet me.      We arrived on Australia Day, kind of like our Independance Day, a national holiday, so people were

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-8717635881426958252011-01-25T07:33:00.000-08:002011-03-28T08:17:12.285-07:00

   Okay, my publication contract has been cancelled. I was now faced with two choices: I can get really depressed and wallow in self-pity, or send the darn thing out into the publishing world again. I figured I had done what I could do: write the story, edit it a zillion times, submit it, work with editors to edit it a zillion more times. Everything else that had to do with Tricycle Press closing

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-40546879812812439242010-12-07T08:11:00.000-08:002011-03-28T08:18:28.425-07:00

   My ten-minute play, Playing with Knives, has been chosen for the Short+Sweet Festival in Sydney, Australia! They get 1500 submissions a year, and I've submitted to them before, so I feel very honored to have been included this time around. 

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-36512967307348918752010-12-01T14:08:00.000-08:002011-03-28T08:19:28.208-07:00

  There are no guarantees in the World of Publishing. Not even after you've inked a contract (legally binding in most professions, but in the writing world, anything goes). After carefully (and proudly, I might add) negotiating my publishing contract with Tricycle Press/Random House, I signed it and sent it back with all the appropriate tax forms. That was on a Friday. On Monday, I received a

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-22481341790445373302010-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:002010-11-28T17:25:07.522-08:00

   I attended the official launch of Goosebottom Books and its new series, The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses at Books, Inc. in San Francisco on Oct. 2. The turn out was decent, but not great by any means, but the books definitely generated much interest for those who were there. Publisher and author, Shirin Yim Bridges, introduced the original thinking girl who inspired the

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-67428111733905676222010-09-27T05:51:00.000-07:002010-10-08T06:56:59.922-07:00

Publisher & author, Shirin Yim Bridges I hung out at the Goosebottom Books booth at the Sonoma Book Fair this weekend. It was sweltering hot. Thank God, we had a nice booth location in the shade—right next to Barefoot Books. Naturally, I had to get my kids a book...or two...and spent way too much money on books...again!  Our booth did attract quite a few passersbys. Albert Nguyen (the

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-32732101572053670892010-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:002010-10-05T06:53:37.456-07:00

Aah...Green Gulch retreat! I love, no, LOVE this SCBWI writing retreat! It's in this fabulous zen setting—peaceful, quiet, you can hear birds singing in the trees and inhale the wonderful scent of Eucalyptus. I get a lot of writing done here. Over the years, I've written a 10 min. play (which was produced in Ukiah and Los Angeles), worked  on my Young Adult novel (still in progress), and revised

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-2509008606407528172010-09-09T07:49:00.000-07:002010-10-03T08:37:11.435-07:00

Well, I crossed that bridge, and got to the other side. And I survived my first contract negotiation! I did get a higher advance—not as much as I had asked for, but a higher one at any rate; I got to keep some of my subsidiary rights; didn't get royalties on cover price, but two out of three ain't bad! The question for me was: how much back and forth does one do in a contract negotiation? Do you

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-17507841588583309262010-09-05T06:42:00.000-07:002010-10-04T06:42:03.493-07:00

Okay, I'm going it alone. I sent a query to Laura Rennert of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and received no response which means she's either really busy or not interested in representing me. So, after going through agent Kristin Nelson's very informative "Agenting 101" blogs—a must-read for all writers negotiating their own contracts—I've submitted my counter to the publishing terms Joanne

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-59422490773817760712010-08-28T23:17:00.000-07:002010-09-02T19:54:23.972-07:00

Got my contract in my inbox today! I now feel legitimate! If I can only decipher the gobbledy gook!! This is where agents come in handy. But I've had contradictory advise on that front. PROS: They can handle all contract negotiations, taking on the "bad guy" role and getting you a better contract while you, the writer, can be the "good guy" and play nicey-nicey with the editor while you both

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-10692039342363834392010-08-24T21:41:00.000-07:002010-08-28T21:46:12.437-07:00

Woo Hoo! Just got back from vacation and got a voice mail message from Joanne Taylor. She's making me an offer on my picture book! Words cannot describe how jazzed I am. After three and a half years, three editors, multiple story transformations, and a gazillion revisions, I finally have an offer. For all you writers out there, this is a good example of persistence, hard work, and never giving

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-51299908925114408422010-08-17T21:13:00.000-07:002010-08-28T21:20:23.269-07:00

Got an email from Joanne Taylor of Tricycle Press today. Her boss has finally given her the green light to move forward with my picture book. Yay! But because Random House bought out Tricycle's parent company Ten Speed Press last year, they have the final say. So, she's sending an acquisitions package to the New York Director. Phew! No wonder this business is so slow—there are so many hoops to

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-62774982554892703832010-08-15T23:25:00.000-07:002010-08-15T23:35:30.819-07:00

I just finished reading Sterling Seagrave's book, Dragon Lady, the Life and Legend of the Last Empress of China. I really enjoyed it. I have to say it's one of the best biographies I've read with clearly drawn characters and visual descriptions of the time period and the traditions and etiquettes of the Manchu court. He makes a convincing case of why Cixi, the last Empress of China, has been

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-82672443667472929382010-08-04T07:06:00.000-07:002010-08-04T07:07:53.125-07:00

There are still some openings at the SCBWI Kitteridge Retreat at Green  Gulch Farm in Marin County, north of San Francisco. Space is still available! Kittridge Retreat Green Gulch FarmSept. 17 to 19Optional SUNDAY night stay on Sept. 20 Creative Get-away Retreat Green Gulch Farm, Sept. 17  to Sept. 19 (Friday and Saturday nights, departing on Sunday Sept. 20, 2010) Optional SUNDAY 

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-40413153900454245352010-07-31T11:06:00.000-07:002010-07-31T20:09:28.041-07:00

Just got an email from Joanne Taylor. Her boss is still on the fence about my picture book, but they'll be meeting on Aug. 12 to talk about acquisitions. Joanne says, "I'm  doing my best. I promise!" When an editor goes to bat for you or your manuscript, that's half the battle! Still keeping my fingers crossed.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-57494960556983442832010-07-27T22:32:00.000-07:002010-07-31T06:46:35.327-07:00

Another Kittridge Writer's Retreat has been scheduled for Green Gulch Farm in Marin County just North of San Francisco for Sept. 17 - 19. It's coming at a good time—two weeks before the Cixi manuscript is due—so, I'll need all the uninterrupted work time I can get to finish writing and polishing the first draft to submit to Goosebottom Books by Oct. 1.  I love this retreat! It's in the lush,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-69758663826781905992010-07-21T19:22:00.000-07:002010-07-27T19:30:42.657-07:00

No word from Tricycle Press yet. It's been a month since the manuscript went to acquisitions, and three weeks since I sent the editor an email inquiring about the status of the manuscript. In publishing, there's a fine line between follow-up and stalking. So for now, I'll be busy working on my other projects, and let this sleeping dog lie. No News is still Good News.

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-21371687256891279002010-07-18T16:14:00.000-07:002010-07-31T20:11:44.072-07:00

Here are some Query letters Do's and Don'ts from Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency: Research agents Send query ONLY to agents who represent what you write DO NOT query on a book that's not complete DO NOT write every agent you are querying in the TO line DO NOT say that your kids/grandkids/parent/neighbor love your book DON'T say which agents/editors have turned you down and quote their

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-35380532593711478022010-07-18T15:15:00.000-07:002010-08-02T09:17:33.232-07:00

On July 16, I headed to my alma mater, Dominican University, for the SCBWI Summer Conference. Despite some new buildings and physical reorganization, much of the campus remained the same, and it was wonderful to take a walk through memory lane on Dominican's bucolic grounds. I could only attend one day of this three day conference and retreat, but it was great to re-c0nnect with writing friends,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-54816794270879805932010-06-25T16:14:00.000-07:002010-07-30T14:11:47.985-07:00

My sister, children's book author Shirin Yim Bridges (Ruby's Wish, Chronicle Books, 2002; The Umbrella Queen, Greenwillow Books, 2008) just started a new small press, Goosebottom Books. Goosebottom will be launching its debut series, The Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses, this October. The series, for ages 9-13, includes books about Hatshepsut of Egypt, Artemisia of Caria, Sorghaghtani

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-74934165853644646062010-06-18T15:39:00.000-07:002010-07-25T16:02:21.933-07:00

After three and a half years and a million edits, my picture book manuscript, Goldy Luck and the Three Chans, is finally going to an acquisitions meeting at Tricycle Press. I've been working with editor Joanne Taylor who's been wonderfully encouraging and helpful, but it's now up to the publisher. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that good news will come my way soon. If this saga ends up

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-5324702504769839012010-05-26T16:41:00.000-07:002010-07-25T18:53:59.668-07:00

 My friend, Gretchen, called me the other day to inform me that my article, "Dragons Race on Water" about the Dragon Boat Festival, finally appeared in the current (June) issue of Highlights for Children magazine. It's on page 10 for those of you who have this month's issue. I'm waiting for my complimentary copies, but glad to finally see it in print (it's been a long five year wait!) Other

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-89867176290524397972010-05-17T15:57:00.000-07:002010-05-26T16:40:31.042-07:00

The New Plays Festival was a blast as usual! Ten 10 min. plays by ten different playwrights. Playing with Knives received a good audience response, which is gratifying. The cast included: Justin Briggs as Harvey Crenshaw; Jan Michele as Muriel Crenshaw; Mikael Tadeo as Mugger #1, Tony; and Jake Stoepler as Mugger #2, Marco. They all did a fabulous job! Justin was particularly hilarious in the

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-45272577464224147512010-05-14T08:37:00.000-07:002010-05-14T08:49:04.277-07:00

OPENING NIGHT for Mendocino College's New Plays Festival! My ten minute play, "Playing with Knives", performed earlier this year in Los Angeles by Fire Rose Productions, is in the line-up for the 8th Annual New Plays Festival at Mendocino College. It's always a fun evening of 8 - 10 short plays by different local playwrights. The cast is great, and I'm looking forward to seeing their performances

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-8524319643995451052010-05-03T08:50:00.000-07:002010-05-21T14:35:05.495-07:00

Ahhh...another heavenly writer's retreat at Green Gulch Farm in Marin County. There's nothing like a little Zen-ness to inspire your muse. I worked on Chapter 6 of my Young Adult novel, but really struggled with making certain concepts work. Of course, the bucolic surroundings, gorgeous sunshine, and call of Muir beach just a 20 min. walk away threatened to distract. However, I reached deep and

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-19055484493400354672010-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:002010-01-20T06:53:14.328-08:00

I mentioned in my last blog that Fire Rose Productions is looking for submissions for their 8th Annual Ten Minute Play contest. For those of you who have thought of writing a play, but found the process a little daunting, the 10 min. play format is a good place to start. Here are some sites I've found with useful information on how to write a 10 min. play:http://www.10-minute-plays.com/

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-18439347087703134312010-01-19T10:44:00.000-08:002010-01-19T11:23:53.719-08:00

I just returned from a fun weekend in Los Angeles where my ten minute play, "Playing with Knives" was performed as part of Fire Rose Production's 7th Annual Ten-minute Play Festival. Last year, they had moved the performances to a larger theatre in Santa Monica, but this year, the plays were performed at their home theatre, the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood. The 60-seat theatre was so

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-75019148215151797162009-10-30T09:25:00.000-07:002010-07-22T09:44:05.707-07:00

I'm into collecting quotes lately, especially ones related to writing. Here's one of my faves. I find it particularly inspiring: Writing is like driving in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way — E.L. Doctorow Hear, hear! If you get overwhelmed or intimidated by the thought of planning out or writing the whole book, like I often am, break

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-85703541420068053732009-09-22T10:27:00.000-07:002009-09-22T13:26:34.902-07:00

I just came back from yet another SCBWI Green Gulch Writing Retreat (they're having it twice a year now - in Spring and in Fall). I tell you, I'm hooked! I'll have to bring a camera next time, so I can post some pictures. I arrived about 4 pm. on Friday, Sept. 18. I found my assigned room, set up my computer, and looked out the large windows overlooking the lush hillside to see not one, but two

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-75279097018083399702009-09-16T10:12:00.000-07:002009-09-22T10:25:42.266-07:00

I just got an email from Carolyn Yoder from Highlights for Children magazine. The article I sold to them in 2005 on the Dragon Boat Festival is slated to be published in the June 2010 issue. That's 5 years after they purchased it! Oh well, Better Late than Never, I say. I'm just happy to finally see it in print. Of course, a few things had to be changed and added to make the article a little more

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-45981791831430766702009-08-20T08:53:00.000-07:002009-09-22T13:33:39.577-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since my last post! I had decided to take a short break from blogging to focus on Mom duties and other writing projects, and before I can say "Jack London", a whole year has passed! So, just a brief catch up:Oct. 2008 - went to L.A. to see my 10 min. play, "Elevator" performed at the Miles Theatre in Santa Monica. Nice job, acting and directing-wise.Feb. 2009

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-46336666998594276912008-09-12T16:42:00.000-07:002008-10-20T12:36:02.918-07:00

I'm a big believer in Fate. If something is meant to happen, it'll happen--like getting a certain someone to propose to you, or getting hired for the job of your dreams, or getting a book published ...And so it was that as luck, or Fate would have it, I ran into Susan McCombs of Tricycle Press at the Book Passage Children's Writers' Conference in July. Those of you who have read my previous blogs

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-10387323222262591872008-07-16T05:53:00.000-07:002008-08-10T12:24:14.947-07:00

I'm going to Hollywood! Okay, so Fire Rose Productions is located in Hollywood, and this may be the closest I'll ever get to the big 'H' professionally, but still it's exciting. Elevator has been selected as one of 16 plays to be produced for Fire Rose Production's ACToberfest ten-minute play festival. Yay! It's the first time one of my plays has been performed and produced outside of Mendocino

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-74041019430832277072008-06-30T01:54:00.000-07:002008-08-10T12:19:22.090-07:00

This year's 24 hour play festival at the Ukiah Players Theatre was a blast! My co-writer from last year and fellow Ukiah Writers' Salon member, Paul Kubin, was unavailable this time due to the fact that he had to meet a long lost cousin or some such thing (... yeah, yeah, yeah ... and the dog ate his script ...) But fortunately, I was able to convince Terena Scott, a friend and playwright (she

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-39462165446632669202008-05-15T01:37:00.000-07:002008-07-26T01:47:16.624-07:00

Who had an affair with whom and what is the belly button thing? For those of you who missed seeing my play, Elevator (and the answers to these questions), live on stage, click on the link. It was part of a great line-up of ten-minute plays in Mendocino College's 6th Annual New Plays Festival on May 9 & 10. This is my third involvement in this festival and it's always such a fun event. I loved my

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-45545685343982320032008-04-10T01:22:00.000-07:002008-07-01T02:00:50.086-07:00

My new ten minute play, "Elevator" has been chosen to be part of this year's New Plays Festival at Mendocino Community College. I've always loved this event and the close collaboration of the play production process. The director is Maria Monti, who directed my first play, "Flavor of the Month" in 2004. Here's the synopsis: Amy just found out that her husband, Rob, had a one night stand. When

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-3879459001593145942008-03-15T00:25:00.000-07:002008-07-07T01:01:07.896-07:00

Somewhere earlier in my blogging career, I excitedly mentioned that an editor at Tricycle Press had taken one of my picture book manuscripts to an editorial meeting, and expressed interest and enthusiasm for the story. She asked for revisions which I then submitted to her. She then said she'd get back to me after meeting her deadlines. That was October of 2007. I have not heard from her, or

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-38689167982754231232008-02-15T00:23:00.000-08:002008-07-07T00:56:55.954-07:00

The SCBWI-sponsored writer's retreat at Green Gulch Farm in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, on Feb. 1 - 3 was just what I needed. A whole weekend of writing -- with NO interruptions. Heavenly! Set amidst a grove of Eucalyptus trees, a mere 20 min. walk from Muir Beach, the tranquility of this Zen retreat was the place to nurse your muse. The price of the retreat included healthy

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-7327640961066668682007-12-03T23:12:00.000-08:002008-01-31T09:54:18.281-08:00

I've just figured out how to embed hyperlinks into the body of my blog, thanks to my web programmer, Marc Carson, (see? I did it, Marc!). It' so cool! Now, all I have to do is resist the temptation to link to everything!Speaking of links, Children's Book Insider, has come out with a new e-book, "I Wish Someone Had Told Me That!", a compilation of words of wisdom and advice from 64 published

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-54396078844466472472007-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:002008-07-01T00:17:04.350-07:00

Here's the thing I learned (the hard way) about GPS:• It works great when you have no other directions to go on• When you have a sense of direction (or lack thereof) like mine, it's better than fumbling around in the car for your map, pulling over at every gas station, or trying to call for help on your cell phone• It DOES NOT always give you the most direct routeI discovered this last point when

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-40591269924252241222007-10-21T13:35:00.000-07:002007-12-03T05:41:10.688-08:00

I used to have this little writing fantasy--I have a charming writing cottage in a serene wooded setting where a brook babbles nearby and birds twitter in the trees. The cottage is furnished with one of those cozy armchairs you can really sink into with a good book, a built-in bookcase, a writing desk, my laptop computer, and a steaming pot of coffee. It's a cottage to which I can retreat

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-37921959565444044102007-10-09T06:44:00.000-07:002007-12-03T06:18:49.489-08:00

Susan McCombs from Tricycle Press sent me an editorial e-mail today (yep, the publishing industry is going high tech.) She finally got a chance to take my manuscript to an editorial meeting and the editors were "intrigued" by my story. It's sooo exciting!! They had a few questions and some suggestions for revisions (basically expanding already-present elements to the story). So, revise, revise,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-90577499136722910792007-09-15T10:44:00.000-07:002007-12-03T06:40:24.223-08:00

I went to the NorCal SCBWI Fall Conference in San Rafael, California, on Sept. 8. It was great to get away for an all-day conference. There's nothing like being in a roomful of fellow writers, editors and agents, all talking about the process of writing and publishing to inspire you to get cranking on your writing project(s). Plus, I always seem to run into my writing friend, Andrea McAfee at

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-50438219893530228422007-08-27T11:56:00.000-07:002007-12-03T05:59:18.310-08:00

School is back in session (yay!) Don't get me wrong. I love the easy-going summer months -- the lazy pajama-clad mornings, the smell of sunscreen and beach at the lake, the ashy scent of a camp fire and freshly barbequed hot dogs and chicken (food never tasted better), and most of all, the absence of all the crazy scheduling conflicts that usually come with school events and meetings. But when

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-27472843146669244962007-07-20T10:17:00.000-07:002007-12-03T06:04:52.663-08:00

My last major writing project before the summer was the WAD fest (Writers, Actors, Directors), a 24 hour play festival in which writers have 12 hours to write a script based on a randomly selected theme, and the director and actors have 12 hours to learn their lines and stage the play. The writers get the night shift (from 8 pm. to 8 am.), so pumped with coffee, my co-writer, Paul Kubin, and I

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-30820929243680972382007-07-11T01:29:00.001-07:002007-12-03T10:18:02.876-08:00

We all know that the publishing business is as slow as molasses, right? Especially when you're working without an agent like I am. But sometimes, no news can really be good news. Take the picture book manuscript I have circulating around the publishing world right now. I sent it to several publishers back in November. I received a rejection letter from Hyperion in 4 weeks, and one from Boyds Mill

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-38488175388131585832007-07-05T12:00:00.000-07:002007-07-07T07:19:13.848-07:00

Okay, my blog disease has been cured. Somehow, I ended up with two blogger accounts -- decent picture of me (so you know who I am), nice font account; and no picture, messed up font account. How I got here, I do not know. The whole cyber thing is a total mystery to me. Wouldn't it be nice though, if that kind of thing happened in real life? Like at the bank?"Miss Yim, we've discovered that you

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-87832014872566222772007-06-21T00:36:00.001-07:002007-12-03T10:23:25.915-08:00

As if I don't already suffer from sleep deprivation, I've been crazy enough to sign up for the WAD (Writers, Actors, Directors) fest, otherwise known as the 24 hour play festival this weekend. WAD comprises several teams, consisting of a director, a writer or two, and two to four actors. Everyone meets at 8 pm. on Friday night, June 22, and each team gets to throw a theme into the hat. A theme is

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-85233796306152852542007-06-18T00:44:00.001-07:002007-06-19T13:41:22.035-07:00

Yikes, my computer has been hit with some blog disease!  If you go to my blog through my home page, it's the blog page I designed, but if you go to View Blog through the Dashboard on blogspot.com, the template changes. Plus, I can't seem to find more than one or two blogs listed, so I can't go in and make the edits I want to my blogs. Weird! Marc, my programmer, will look into it next week. So,

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-13041752961406078722007-06-11T18:37:00.001-07:002007-12-03T06:54:58.657-08:00

On my last two visits to Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's not a dark, shadowy city, riddled with crime and teeming with mobsters that I had envisioned from watching too many film noir movies in my youth. In fact, it's a city of spectacular skyscrapers, picturesque parks, the daunting expanse of Lake Michigan, and fantastic museums.You can't come to Chicago without going to

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-31522725596936964202007-06-10T09:29:00.001-07:002007-12-03T07:05:56.222-08:00

The first annual Mendo Lit. Fest was a great success, thanks to the hard work and vision of my friend and fellow Ukiah Writers Salonnette, Dot Brovarney! We had a really decent turnout, and it was gratifying to see so many people take the time on a beautiful Saturday morning to come out and share their love of books, writing, and all things literary.The Mendo. Lit. Fest kicked off with a keynote

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-30749915275266728972007-06-09T19:55:00.001-07:002007-12-03T07:10:48.880-08:00

I know, I know, it's only a ten minute play at a local community College, but it could have been on Broadway the way the butterflies fluttered and somersaulted in my stomach. The problem with comedy is that the timing and pacing is crucial if you want the audience to laugh at all the right places. So, this Friday and Saturday, May 18 & 19, as I took my seat in a packed theater (we had

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-79517654033433414702007-05-07T01:36:00.000-07:002007-12-03T07:16:58.743-08:00

We had some bad news and some good news on the play front this week. The bad news is, after two weeks of rehearsals, we lost one of the actresses. The good news is that she's fine, but she has a medical issue and her doctor ordered her to stay off her feet. The good, good news is that we found a replacement quickly -- Maria Monti, who happens to be the wonderful director of my last play, "Flavor

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-90145825488011685812007-05-01T13:27:00.000-07:002007-05-01T16:23:22.589-07:00

Women are from Venus. Men are from Mars. Or Jupiter. Or another Galaxy altogether. Last week, play rehearsals conflicted with Parent Night at my daughter's school. Since I've been to every Parent Night this school year, and my husband has been to like--two--he agreed to go in my place. The plan was, he'd take the two girls and leave them at the school's daycare during the meeting. My son is too

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-34576131291185112242007-04-23T02:17:00.000-07:002007-12-03T10:16:16.315-08:00

On the writing front, my ten minute play, "Oh, Baby", will be produced at Mendocino Community College as part of their annual New Play Festival. Performance dates are Fri., May 18 and Sat., May 19, at 8 pm. For more information, contact Reid Edelman at 468-3172 or redelman@mendocino.edu, or check back later on my website for any updates. My last ten minute play, "Flavor of the Month", was

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638932539228038589.post-76056728274479906552007-04-22T14:40:00.000-07:002007-05-07T02:21:42.529-07:00

Aaaah, the joys of motherhood. This morning, my five year old dumped half a 2 quart bottle of apple juice on the kitchen floor right when we were leaving for school, and my 16 month old decided that, well, this was as good a time as any to soil his diaper. There must be a Murphy's Law for moms somewhere that ensures that we are NEVER on time for anything -- EVER! The business of writing and

NATASHA YIMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293576071916842414noreply@blogger.com1