How do you get a star to read your script? You get their agent to send it to them. Everyone has told me that sending emails would be horrible for my image - and I'd look like an amateur. For me, that was great news! An amateur is someone who pursues an activity for pleasure rather than for money. The word "amateur" comes from the French word for "lover," indicating a person who loves doing something for its own sake. I recently read Cynthia Erivo's book, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much. That's me! I always do "too much!"

    I don't mean to date myself, but I was an early adopter of email. In the 1980s, while in college, there was a bulletin board system that enabled my classmates, especially those of us taking programming classes, to communicate. In the late 80s, I used Prodigy and CompuServe, and then the one I still have today, AOL. Don't laugh! Keith and I have had our shared email of sandikeith@aol.com for over 30 years! I'm a loyal person; been married to the same guy for over 50 years, still have my two best friends from before my teens. As long as something "works," I stick with it.

Sure, we get about a thousand emails a month, including one from my high school civics teacher after I send him a monthly update of my writing.  Yes, I treasure those who helped make me who I am today, and I have a long memory! Like I said, I'm loyal to those who are kind.

I was originally going to title this blog - email is dead because for many, this has gone the way of fax machines and landlines - but I was wrong when I sent out 30 experimental emails to agents. Two things happened: I got instant responses from agents! Yes, one was within a day, sending me release forms, and another was a phone call - a few hours after I sent the email! Both plan on sending my project to their A-list talent. It makes sense; a star would expect their agent to send them scripts to read. Sure, the proper procedure is to first get a producer, then investors and development funds - and then pay a star to read your script - but think about it - many stars have their own production companies and they NEED great scripts; scripts that are written by a writer who is eager! A writer who is "too much!"

Nobody can tell me that email doesn't work, or that my enthusiastic emails are "unprofessional" for a writer. I was able to build a multi-million-dollar tech company that today operates in dozens of countries - via email. While building my company, I didn't take on any debt. I had a 15,000+ email list from my years as a consultant. I used it first to attract attendees to my workshops so I could stop traveling over 200,000 miles a year and stay home to program. 

 When we started installing the systems, I needed to stop all travel and workshops to support those systems 24/7. I used that email list to sell my training guides and books, and keep us out of debt. Eventually, I needed employees, hosting and expensive certification. I used my email list to attract investors. It was one of those emails that alerted one of my earliest investors that I should consider merging with a bigger company - and we worked out all the details for the next few years -  everything happened via email! 

    

When I started down this path to becoming a professional screenwriter, Keith and I wrote software to handle emails and queries to producers, agents, and managers, SmilingPitch. We are still perfecting the software, and I'm the only user. Sure, we might be building another tech company, but in the meantime, we have someone lined up to take over the company if we both get hit by a bus. For now, my hubby and I are handling all the programming, testing, and modifications. Why? Because it works and it is a blast!

    

When will SmilingPitch be ready? You'll know when you get an email! We're still testing it and sending more emails. Be sure to visit my website, click the Free Stuff Link, and enter your email address. You'll also get my free e-book, Writing is Life!

I've named March Marketing March Madness. I'm learning how to market my books. I've spent the past few years writing and writing - and now I have lots of books, but now it is time to get the word out. My strategy is simple; I've picked 3 books, and for each, I'm doing a different plan and my budget? Less than $300 for all 3 books!

1.  Blood Moon Wolf – This is my latest book release and the first in my Cherokee heroes series. I'm going "wide," posting trailers, and focusing on my Amazon Author page. My A+ content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content) and Editorial Material were approved and uploaded by Amazon today. I also published this book everywhere - from Apple to Nook. No cost yet, but I might try a few Amazon promos.

1. Wilma Wallaby Series – I'm a Platinum member of Written Word Media, which sends out hundreds of thousands of emails. I'm running stacked "promos" and pricing the first in the series at "free." One went out a few days ago and tripled my sales for the month - and my big 3 promo goes out on March 10th - for 4 - only $189.

1. Kira and Henry Series – Targeted Social Media – writer’s groups, because it was a semifinalist in the Kindle book review, and I have book #4 being released in March. I'm building a mailing list by offering free downloads on my SandraJerome.com website. I've already made friends with a new producer who downloaded a free example of my script pitching tools. I'm looking at Reedy Discovery too.

What works? Stay tuned, and I'll give you the results - yup, via emailed newsletter!

Early Mother's Day

 "A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." - Princess Diana

Mother's Day comes early next month, normally before my blog is done, so I thought I'd write about my mother. Her birthday is in a few weeks, and my own was a few weeks ago. My earliest childhood memory was looking out my bedroom window and seeing the side of a huge feed truck. My parents owned a chicken ranch, and much of my early years were spent working. I had the job of candling eggs, which was a visual inspection of an egg as it passed in front of a bright light before entering the egg washer to find any fertilized eggs. Talk about early sex education! I was also the one to collect the eggs because I had tiny fingers and quick hands. But being only five, I didn't know much about physics,and when the feed truck pulled away, I thought the house was moving and screamed. I remember my mother hugging me and explaining that the house didn't move, the feed truck did.
This simple moment fundamentally shaped how I understand teaching and growth. I learned that true nurturing isn't about removing obstacles but providing the support and space for others to overcome them themselves. Years later, as an adult, I find myself approaching challenges with others—whether mentoring colleagues or helping friends through difficulties—with this same balanced approach: present enough to provide security, distant enough to allow growth. This single memory gave me a template for understanding care that values both protection and independence, a perspective that colors how I view relationships, education, and personal development to this day.

My mother died at a younger age than I am now of cancer. My dad has had to live out his final Act without her. Yes, he remarried, traveled the world, and even got to see the Pope - but I know he misses her. As Mother's Day approaches, I think of her.  She loved animals; growing up, I was allowed to have as many pets as I wanted. After they sold the chicken ranch, my parents bought acreage and developed an avocado ranch in Escondido. Gophers are enemy #1 for avocado trees, and cats are the best defense. At times, I had dozens of cats and gave each one a name. But I had other animals: pigs, rabbits, chickens, and my main 4-H project, market sheep. I'd take them to the Del Mar Fair each year and show them. Starting at about 10, I'd have my first taste of freedom. We stayed at the fair, camping out under the racetrack in the betting area. They'd bring in army cots, and for a week, that was our dorms, and we were on our own. Our cafeteria was on the other side of the fairgrounds, past the horse stalls. 

Yes, the Del Mar Racetrack was completed in 1937 on the grounds of the Del Mar Fair, which had opened just a year earlier in 1936. The track was built by a partnership including famous celebrities of the era - most notably Bing Crosby, along with actors Pat O'Brien, Gary Cooper, Joe E. Brown, Charles S. Howard, and Oliver Hardy. When Del Mar opened on July 3, 1937, Bing Crosby was personally at the gate to greet the first fans. Crosby served as President of the Turf Club (where we'd have our auction luncheon) while his friend Pat O'Brien was Vice President. The track quickly earned nicknames like "Bing's Baby" and "Movieland's Own Track" due to its Hollywood connections. One of the most famous moments in Del Mar's history came on August 12, 1938, when the track hosted a $25,000 winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti.

This race was the first nationwide broadcast of a thoroughbred race by NBC Radio. In front of a record crowd, Seabiscuit won by a nose, helping to make Del Mar a success. Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, Del Mar established itself as "the Saratoga of the West" for summer racing, featuring large purses for many stakes races.

The track has continued to attract Hollywood celebrities throughout its history. Stars like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Betty Grable, and Mickey Rooney were among those who frequented Del Mar, and Jimmy Durante became such a regular that the track eventually named its turf course in his honor. Today, Del Mar Racetrack continues its tradition of thoroughbred racing with its famous slogan "Where the Turf Meets the Surf," a phrase from a song written by Bing Crosby. The track hosts important races like the Pacific Classic and continues to be a significant venue in American horse racing. But for that one week, in the 1960s and 70s, it was "our turf" during the fair.

When I was sixteen, I fell for a much older guy who was about 20. He was the cousin of a good friend, and some of my buddies snuck me into the boys' dorms. This older guy was a chaperone, but so was my dad. Needless to say, I got caught, making out with a guy in the boys' dorm - by my father! In a few hours, was on my way home with my mother. As she drove the car home with me sobbing all the way, she finally pulled over and hugged me. Agreements were made, and she turned the car around. I don't know how she convinced my dad to let me stay at the fair, but my mom was a "fixer." I miss her every day.

My Head to Clearer Thinking

 My Head to Clearer Thinking

Growing up, being in 4-H was a big part of my life. I learned public speaking through demonstrations and holding various offices in the club. I made life-long friends from different schools, like Kathy Tomac who was older and went to Escondido High, and Leslee Woods who was younger. Later, I decorated Kathy’s 4-tier wedding cake as a wedding present.  

I learned “accounting” by keeping a record book and determining a profit/loss after raising a sheep and then selling it at the livestock auction.  I went on to be an accountant/CPA.

I ended up being a computer consultant and performed training seminars around the world.  At one speaking engagement, I shared the speaker's lounge with former First Lady Barbara Bush.  She was the keynote speaker and I was only a "breakout" session speaker - but wow!  She was right there in the same room - but of course, surrounded by guys in dark suits with guns, so I sat quietly and ate my free granola bar in awe.

In high school, 4-H was a VERY embarrassing thing for a "semi-cool kid" like me at OGHS - if we were considered cool? I dated a football player and my best friend was best friends with a truly cool kid, Anne McLeod.  Anne was a cheerleader, homecoming princess, etc.  You might wonder why I was best friends with a person who had another best friend?  That was because my football player boyfriend was very jealous – of even my best friend.  He was especially jealous of my 4-H guy friends.  But when I met my husband Keith, he ended up becoming friends with my guy 4-H friends, Cliff and Danah - even selected them as groomsmen.  After we got married, Keith and I went on to be the Hi-4-H leaders for the next few years. Then after we moved to Arizona where Keith helped bring Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station online, I was a leader for sheep, rabbits and photography.  4-H is an unusual youth club; the organization is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - through the University system's Extension Service. I can still remember the pledge

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

my heart to greater loyalty,

my hands to larger service,

and my health to better living,

for my club, my community, my country, and my world (world was added in the 1970s)

A clear head?  That was hard as we left childhood and became teenagers. 4-H might have been okay at Escondido High which had FFA and lots of farm kids and many 4-H kids went there for their Ag program like my neighbor, Danah.  But at OGHS I rarely mentioned 4-H at school and didn't hang out with any of them - but my 4-H friendships were genuine. I am still in touch with Danah’s mother who was our neighbor on La Honda the person who got me involved in 4-H. Danah passed away many, many years ago, but I still think of him often.  His cousin, little Leslie is now a successful real estate agent in Texas, married to the Sheriff.  In my 1971 4-H story that we had to complete each year, I write, “In January, Leslie Woods – 9 years old asked me to help her with her demonstration. I ended [up] giving it with her. I feel “demonstration” is a very valuable activity. It not only builds public speaking courage but also allows members to share their knowledge. I helped Peggy Frazee with Hi-4H Novice Demonstration Day and was the Mistress of Ceremony.”

 

Over the years as a computer programmer, whenever the discussion turned towards levels of “nerdiness” as a kid -  I would rank at the top when I pulled out this 6th-grade picture.  

I thought I looked pretty tough in my 4-H uniform that was supposed to be worn with white pants, but schools at that time required girls to wear dresses.  This was before 4-H created a scarf/dress uniform- which I later I liked. Since I couldn’t wear my 4-H pants, I had to wear a skirt and looked major dorky in my class picture!  

Today, I’m writer of MG – Middle-Grade fiction. I remember vividly 6^th grade and my desire to fit in at school. I remember the pain of being picked on. 

 

I had a tyrant of an older brother who was charming and gorgeous to others, but abusive to me. I had big ears and a big nose. I stuttered when I was tired or excited. My brother lasted one year in 4-H and quit because it wasn’t cool.  He was no longer friends with our neighbor, Danah, and I jumped in to fill that gap.  I loved Danah until the day he died. My best of times was roaming around the fair with Kathy Tomac, Danah, and Cliff.

 

To this day, I still sew, grow food and decorate cakes (a few of my 4-H projects) but don’t raise sheep anymore. I have a tiny yard that I use to learn how to grow food.

My senior year, I was the recipient of the Junior Livestock Auction scholarship which helped pay for my first year of college. My plan after high school was to attend CalPoly where I had a scholarship and teach the world how to grow food...but a slight diversion happened. Now that I’m retired, I'm trying to get back to agriculture and always have 2-3 backyard experiments going. My goal is to find the best salt-tolerant crops to feed a hungry world.  I’ve signed up to be a Master Gardener with the University of Florida Extension Service and hope to complete that in the fall.  I think that is rather a full circle  - writing about middle school when I was in so much pain - and remembering 4-H and the friends that helped me survive. 

If you want to follow my writing and gardening trek - please subscribe to my free quarterly newsletter (next issue is July) at www.sandijerome.com and Subscribe to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/sandijerome/about

 

Risks vs Reward - April 2022 Quarterly Newsletter

 

Risk vs. Reward

I use a "risk vs rewards" concept to make decisions.  I suffer from huge  FOMO  - fear of missing out, so when it comes to doing something that I want - I weigh the risks.  For my birthday, I wanted to go on the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  It comes with lots and lots of risks, here is a small excerpt of the warnings; For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.  You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. 

For me the biggest risk was no bathroom access for over 3 hours - and they give us a free water bottle and constantly remind us to hydrate!  What a risk for an old lady with a tiny bladder!  But I did it and the reward was worth the risks.  I got to see my favorite animals up close and personal.  We went behind the scenes of Disney's Animal Kingdom and got to eat an amazing meal out on the savannah amongst the animals.  This was a big bucket list item for Keith.  He had originally wanted to go on a real African safari,  but downgraded it to this.  He worked very hard over the past five years to recover from his stroke and regain his balance to enable him to make this excursion.  He minimized the risks to enable this reward.

Profit Accounting Guide

Now, I am embarking on another huge risk; becoming a full-time writer.  I spent the past fifty years working my way up the ladder in the automotive technology world.  I would often make a few jokes; trying to get car dealers interested in technology is like trying to get nuns to like pornography and yes, most car dealers are highly qualified and have a PHD, which stands for "papa had a dealership."  That career had lots of risks, but the rewards were numerous and you can read about that in my free Profit Accounting Guide below.  But I was able to minimize the risks in that career by becoming highly qualified; earning my accounting degree and CPA, learning computer programming, and training myself on dozens of different DMS systems (the software that runs dealerships and communicates with the factory.)  I ended up designing my own  DMS, DealerStar and sold that three years ago to a bigger company, DealerTeam.  To hear more about this journey and maybe help your accounting skills, it is now available on Amazon. 

https://www.amazon.com/Profit-Accounting-Guide-Profit-focused-Dealership-ebook/dp/B09YYJ93ZV

Amazing Animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom

But now I take a new risk and I have been diving into it over the past few years in my free time while turning over my company to the new management.  I tested the waters of self-publishing and wrote a non-fiction book about one of my passions; the Amazing Animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Here is a download link below to look at the pre-final copy that I'll upload to Ingram and Amazon on April 30th.  If you'd like to be in the acknowledgements - just send me an email to sandi.jerome@gmail.com with your comments, suggestions, blurbs, etc.  I have been handing out free copies at the park to the cast members and guests and the reception has been wonderful. 

Sleep Warrior

During the Covid lock down, I gave my granddaughter the job of teaching me fiction by having her convert my award-winning screenplay, Princess Quest into a novel and used the wonderful graphics of my other granddaughter, Tulaasi (who did the graphics for the free Profit Accounting Guide above) and the graphics of my best friend, Laura.  Again, we self-published.   I found that book publishing and promotion takes away from what I truly love; telling stories.  

One of my passions is genealogy and I try to write a Facebook posting every week called Throwback Thursdays to share in my two family groups; The Phillips Family and Nellesen Family. It is great having 36 first cousins and thousands of 2nd and 3rd.  When I was researching the Native Americans on my paternal grandmother's maternal side (Phillips;) I found the Native American that we trace our roots to; Clarissa Phillips.  She became the dream spirit superhero of my first fiction book, Sleep Warrior - for the middle school audience.   

I think the time is right for this type of book.  On page 28 this month of Anadisgoi, Official publication of the Cherokee Nation  https://issuu.com/anadisgoi/docs/no.13_anadisgoi_winter_spring_2022 there is an article about the Marvel Voices Heritage - Indigenous Voices that will have a Cherokee character in a future series.  This is the artwork created by a member of the Cherokee Nation.    

My own novel, Sleep Warrior is about a preteen girl, Aya, who is half Cherokee, but looks like she is right off of the ‘res’ as the kids at her new huge public middle school in Asheville, NC refer to her. After moving from Oregon during the summer, Aya hasn’t been able to make friends like her twin brother, Alec. When the ever-popular mean girl, Chrissy, makes fun of her brother’s severe stutter, Aya gets Alec to smile again with some clever revenge, but it comes at a price.  

To make matters worse, Aya starts sleepwalking. She discovers that her ancient Cherokee ancestor, Clarissa, is taking over her body each night.  Clarissa is your typical superhero; flying around on a talking bear, saving a little girl from drowning, rescuing a hiker, and now she wants to expose the danger of a new dam.  Aya desperately wants her body back and to fit in at her new school.  With the help of another Cherokee kid at school and two talking bears, Aya discovers that sometimes to fit in, you need to find your own tribe.

I am looking for family and friends (old and new) to read this and provide me with a critique or review of the book.  Please send your comments to sandi.jerome@gmail.com.  It has been a long time since I've been around middle schoolers; my own granddaughters are now grown in their 20s, so my only input is listening and observing them at the Disney Parks which we frequent a few times a week as Annual Passholders.  Please download a free copy here.  Download PDF link - https://www.sandijerome.com/free/SleepWarriorSandiJerome.pdf

Now comes my big risk.  I will be having this critiqued at the SCBWI conference next month and also be sending out query letters to agents and publishers.  I have minimized the risk by reading a fantastic book over 9 times and doing ALL the exercises; including waiting 90 days.   It is by Mary Kole - Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers 

I made the decision to change from self-publishing to being a PAL - Published and Listed author.  This means that a major publishing house has published my book.  I was a "PAL author" in 1990 when I wrote a computer manual for Lotus 1-2-3 (a popular spreadsheet program before Excel.)  I was lucky; I came up with an idea and sent out 3 query letters.  This was before the Internet so everything was snail mail and 2 letters came back as invalid addresses.  The 3rd one ended up with a phone call from an editor at Compute! Books saying he was publishing my book!  It was exciting and I used the money to buy a laser printer which cost more than my car.  But now, I go into the other "R" arena and the risk of rejection since the children's book market is huge.  My new question for myself;  is it worth the risk AND rejection?  The risk of my finite time left on this earth, the humiliation of criticism and rejection for the reward of being a PAL author again?  Yes, it is - because I have so many stories to tell and I get up wanting to write.  

I hope you like this Sleep Warrior story and if you're not already,  please Subscribe to my Quarterly Newsletter - I'm changing this from monthly to Quarterly to give me more time to write.  I will send you a link for this update; next time in July 2022 and maybe some more FREE things to download. Go to https://www.sandijerome.com/subscribe.html and enter your email address and then click Subscribe.  You'll get an email from SmilingEagle (our self-publishing venture) to Opt-In after you click the Subscribe button.  That email might be in your SPAM.  

Thank you for reading!

Sandi

https://www.sandijerome.com

  

 

 

Friends for Life - Laura and Sandi with an "i"

 

Laura is my best (non-husband) friend.  We met during 8th grade.  She had sat down in the science class and a few of my friends; Wendy, Sheila, and Kathleen asked Laura to save a seat for “Sandy.”  I came in late and found that empty seat next to Laura.  Laura had moved to Escondido from Arizona where her father had been stationed in the Air Force.  Laura was so much more worldly than me; she had lived and traveled all over the world including a time in the Philippines.   In a few months was her 13th birthday and she asked me to go to Disneyland with her.  At some point, Laura decided that she would like to spell my name with an “I” so that she could make smiley faces or hearts from the dot.  To this day, Laura and I are close and my name is now Sandi with an "i".  We email weekly to stay in touch better since neither of us likes to travel.

Laura’s family were sort of like Ward and June Cleavers of Leave to Beaver for me. Their home at close to Glenview in Escondido was my image of an ideal home; tastefully decorated, organized and clean.  The yard and lawn were manicured.  Her mom was a professional woman; she worked at the school district, dressed well, spoke softly and again, my ideal of June Cleaver.  Her was like any typical 1960s family; with the dad, always in the garage and grunted most of his answers.  I loved how he talked to Laura with his deep voice, calling her Laura Lee or Laurie.  I was so envious of their lifestyle.  Laura’s older brother, David was highly intelligent and talked down to us, but thankfully ignored us.  I think he ended up being a professional student, so rarely at home. 

Laura (on the left above) was very involved in the yearbook in high school and was named the editor for our senior year.  She named me the photo editor which was lots of fun.  I would grab a staff photographer and go to events or advertising engagements and get to set up the shot.  We do have one claim to fame our senior year.  For years we had belonged to the Pep Club and painted these huge posters that the football team runs through.  Nobody seemed to appreciate them.  The pep club president, Sheana had attended a college game where the sign said “Screw Navy” (not sure of the actual team) and had a cute little guy with a screw going through the middle.  We thought it was funny.  For the big Escondido High vs. Orange Glen game, we made a similar sign that said “Screw Escondido” and a cartoon character with a screw through him.  When we put up the sign, the cheering crowd was silent.  Unexpected results.  The team ran through it unknowingly, and then the principal ran down on the field and rounded the 4 or us up.  We were in big trouble and were told to be in his office Monday morning.  That morning, he looked at us and said, “I should suspend all of you for this, but between the four of you, most of the student clubs and organizations would shut down.”  He went on to say that with Laura running the yearbook and having upcoming deadlines and with me being the assistant treasurer and responsible for paying all the student club bills, he couldn’t suspend us. Over the next few weeks, we were shocked to realize that this is probably a record number of letters to the editor – all fully against one thing.  We had united our mostly Republican town against a common enemy; that horrible sign!  When I took the yearbook picture of our principal, the theme was to something with our hands.  I asked him do that and he is pointing at me and saying, “Don’t you ever do anything like that again.”  Nobody probably knows that except me.  The picture still makes me smile.

The top picture of Laura and me is from grad night - 1972 at Disneyland. We had decided to go with each other instead of having dates. I was worried about staying up all night, so my drug-dealer brother gave us some speed which we had never taken before. Needless to say, it made us sick and as we entered the park, we were in bad shape. Two very cute guys saw us and we explained what happened. They offered to escort us around until we felt better and Laura and I ended up having a great time. Unfortunately, I think we ended up running into every guy who we had turned down for dates that evening and each thought we were lying when we said we wanted to go without a date since we obviously had these "dates." When we got home, we decided to sleep on the beach. I snuggled down into my sleeping bag and because of the drug, I didn't wake up until later the next day. Laura was next to me in her bikini - sunning and stunning on the beach. I was a human burrito and a mess!

Visit my website for info on my books - https://www.sandijerome.com/