KATHY TEMEAN: Ilustrator, Website Designer, & All-around Children's Book Guru

Kathy Temean, (speaker, illustrator, marketing consultant, web designer, and more!) presenting to 7 eager writers at a recent writer event.

If you've read my recent posts, you know I'm on a high from my recent participation in Peter Jacobi's "Life in the Spotlight" workshop at Boyds Mills, PA.

I don't mean to imply that the entire week was a pie-in-the-sky event. Actually, I think of it more as a coming down-to-earth experience. In addition to all the delicious food and hilarious fun, we each "endured" the scrutiny of experts who were not shy about telling us how we could improve.

Take Kathy Temean who blew away my arguments against certain social internet sites. From now on, if I invite you to get LinkedIn with me, blame it on Kathy. If you find me tweeting on your Twitter page, it will surely be her fault!

In addition to advice about making social and professional connections on the web, Kathy also gave feedback on our personal web presence. She took us to the blogs and websites of every participant in our workshop and gently gave critical feedback on each one.
So how did I fare?

Apparently, I'm doing okay here, on my blog. (Big sigh of relief!) But not to rest on my laurels! Because there is still the matter of my website. Full confession: I created it myself. According to Kathy, the content is respectable. But the presentation? Not so much!

And in case you're wondering what Kathy Temean knows about websites take a look at some she designed. They include many well-known children's authors. I love the fact that Kathy is open to creating original artwork for her clients! And also that she is so connected in the children's book world. (Incidentally she is the Regional Advisor for New Jersey chapter of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators!)

So, when people ask me if my week was worth it what do I tell them? First of all - every Founders Workshop I have ever taken has paid for itself in real dollars. Even when - as in this case - it means paying more money to get a professional looking site! (Kathy, I'm getting right on that extreme website makeover. I promise!) (Sign from the kitchen windowsill at Founders Home in Boyds Mills, PA)

Coffee? Yes. Lots of it, please. But I also need the wisdom and comraderie of gathering with other writers, speakers, and the occasional marketing consultant!

BLUE MONDAY: ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Today was the first time I signed the cover of my book. But St. David's School in Raleigh wants to collect signed book covers by visiting authors. So I took a deep breath and there you have it!

I'm on the road - gallivanting around the world. I like gallivanting. Honest I do. But I really like home more. Still, I’m very lucky.

Today I spoke at a private school in Raleigh.

Tuesday I’ll be researching in Philly.

And the rest of the week I’ll be sitting at the feet of the eminent Peter Jacobi in a Highlights Foundation Workshop - Life in the Spotlight: Author Opportunities After Publication.

In spite of my reluctance to leave home I’m thrilled with this learning opportunity. When I speak, I constantly second-guess myself. I have tons to learn about adapting to the various ages in my audience – not to mention the fact that every situation has different dynamics. And of course there is the whole marketing thing which I work hard at, but definitely need to hone.

Here's a description from the workshop webpage.

Fine-tune your presentation and marketing skills with a workshop that offers
- useful strategies for creating and delivering engaging talks;
- videotaped public-speaking sessions and school presentations with useful feedback;
- tips for marketing yourself to schools, libraries, and other potential venues;
- information on developing brochures, Web sites, and other useful promotional tools; and
- helpful pointers for working with the media to promote yourself and your work

I’ll be back with updates throughout the week, assuming Mr. Jacobi builds some blogging time into the schedule!