AUTHOR FAIR & BIRTHDAY FUN!

This weekend was so much fun! I was able to meet my readers and the general public at the Canton Author Fair on Thursday night. I was able to speak about the issues surrounding diversity and inclusion and present my book to interested parties that visited my table. My birthday was also this week and a very special friend made me the best birthday cake that I've ever had! I had my very first "Who I Am Not What I Am" cake! It was a delicious strawberry shortcake! Readers, I hope that this weekend is fun for you and that you enjoy it with those who make you smile and who let you eat cake! I am looking forward to seeing those interested in my upcoming seminar on "The Power Of People" Using Social Networking & Traditional Networking to improve your bottom line! This event will take place on Tuesday night and be a great course for those who are interested in improving their professional brand and taking it to the next level.

It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, Northville (20600 Haggerty Road) and the cost is $15/person.

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BOOKS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR ME...

When I visit schools I am often asked about the books that I read as a child. I truly enjoyed all of Beverly Cleary books. From Henry Huggins and Beezus to Dear Mr. Henshaw...these books made my day. I loved the reality of the pesty sister Ramona and the challenges that the young boy faced in "Dear Mr. Henshaw" with his parents having marriage difficulties. These characters were people that I could find anywhere and it was nice that I found them in the well written pages of Beverly's books. I also enjoyed Judy Blume books. Super Fudge & Freckle Juice made reading fun and interesting and I would happily skip watching t.v. to curl up with books like these. Today I am reminded of how these authors changed my life and I hope that I am able to do the same for my readers.
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FUN WITH A PURPOSE!

I love to try new foods, meet new people and chat as much as I can. Networking is one of the ways that I am able to share news about my book, events and talents and most importantly learn more about others. The above photo is from a networking event from last week. Bonefish Grill in Novi, MI graciously offered us a menu of delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts! How do you have fun while incorporating business tasks? Do you feel great about your professional brand? Is there a way that you can be more effective by balancing your social networking and traditional networking? On June 2nd there will be a seminar dedicated o networking titled the Power Of People. Your best resources, advertising and allies are all present in the people you meet. Join this group from 5:30-7:00 for a great seminar, refreshments and valuable information to take your business to the next level! Register by sending your payment of $15 to P.O. Box 530432, Livonia, MI 48153 Attn: Tara Michener/Power of People Seminar.
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MAKE IT TODAY!

It is so easy to reschedule those important to-do's on the list. Have you ever heard anyone say well, I'll just wait until tomorrow or I can get that done later this week. The best time will always be right now, today and in the present. It is hard to rely on the next day to accomplish something because no one really knows what tomorrow will bring. The sooner we choose to eat right...the sooner we get to meet our goals. The best time to start writing a book is now...because that means you are closer to being an author. Procrastination is something that holds back great intentions. Have you ever met someone with remarkable potential who chooses not to apply themselves? Don't let that person be you! I know that today you can make your dreams come true! The best part about having a dream is working hard to see it come true! The future is in your hands but it's fate lies in this present moment.

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VALUE IN RELATIONSHIPS

One of the biggest compliments that I am given is that I am a people person. This is easy for me, yet for some it might be grueling to talk to a unfamiliar person. I wanted to post this event to help those who might be interested in improving their relationships professionally.
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THE POWER OF PEOPLE SEMINAR
How Traditional and social networking can impact your bottom line.

-Would you like more insight on using Facebook, Twitter & Linked In to help you professionally?
-Would you benefit from having a personalized networking strategy at the events that you attend?
-Are you curious about how you can have more referrals and repeat customers?
-Are you curious if you are leveraging your relationships in the best way?

Join Author, Tara Michener as she facilitates on the importance of relationship-branding, working a room, navigating the social networking scene & more.
$15.00/person. Light refreshments served.
June 2nd 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Hampton Inn,
Northville 20600 Haggerty Road
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MAY 30TH
SPACE IS LIMITED
Send payment to: P.O. Box 530432, Livonia, MI 48153
Info: whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

DIVERSITY MEANS: NO LABELING

One of the reasons that I love being an advocate for diversity and inclusion is because as a young child I was teased because of various reasons...some people said I was too short, too dark, too loud, too quiet. Today many children face similar issues in regards to the way they are labeled. When a person can feel good about themselves for who they are they can continue to grow in their confidence and security level. My goal is to help change the world one person at a time through my book (s), events and community involvement . I am very excited to announce that I was asked to be the keynote speaker for the Michigan Autism Speaks Walk kick-off. The event will take place on June 8th at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI and will begin at 6:00 p.m. I am expected to speak at 6:30. I am thrilled to be able to be a walk team captain to raise awareness and get positive energy flowing in regards to Autism Speaks. As a Team captain it is my responsibility to recruit and motivate a team of people to raise funds, awareness and show up the day of the walk with energy and enthusiasm in regards to making a difference.

If you are interested in pledging or learning more about this cause...please email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

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WRITE NOW!

I have discovered that if you wait until you have time for your dream...it will never happen! Pursuing a dream takes hard work, persistence and the best time management that you can create! This means that opportunities are all around but you have to make them work for you! When I am very busy it is the hardest time for me to sit down and write...but it is also the best time! Considering the fact that time waits for no man...or woman I have to use the bit of time that I can find to meet my goals. When I began writing my book "Who I Am Not What I Am" I was working full-time and going to school full-time. I also was a leader in the youth ministry at church, Student Government Vice President and a note taker for the deaf and hearing impaired (I probably did even more but my memory can only remember so much). Writing a book was a daunting task and it did not happen over night but it did happen. The reason why I am now able to say that I am living my dream is because I made an opportunity fit into my schedule. I an never be too busy for progress. Reader, if you have a goal that you want to meet and it is challenging...that is good! Goals that don't challenge you are not really worth the effort. Make your hard work count for something and do not give up...your dream is waiting on you...but time won't. I am excited about the Creative Writing Weekend Workshop this Saturday. These classes are great because they offer so much inspiration and a time to focus. The format will be changing after this weekend stay tuned to find out how you can buy these great seminars in packages!

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I REALLY WANT CAKE BUT I'LL WRITE INSTEAD...

Writing is just as satisfying as a large piece of your favorite cake but writing is calorie free and you typically feel better afterwards. I was just thinking about the changes that writing has gone through over the years. At one point in time many people loved to read because it pretty much was the past time of choice. This world was once absent of televisions, stereos and the I's (iPhone, ipod, etc). When people wanted to hear a story I suppose they amused themselves by reading a book. If they wanted to express themselves...they probably took out a piece of paper and wrote something. Can you imagine getting a letter every time someone wanted to communicate with you? There would be no email or chat or even my lovely friends Facebook and Twitter...people would simply write you a handwritten letter and mail it to you with an old fashioned stamp. I truly think the art of the letter and traditional methods are beautiful... but I have to admit I love to write and have it reach tons of people in two seconds. My blog is so dear to me! I love my journals and notebooks but to express myself electronically is such a treat! I mean before I started writing this I really wanted a piece of cake...no really I did! I decided that writing is a treat in itself and it won't make my jeans tighter but it will help me to tighten my craft and connect with the brilliant people like you who read my thoughts on a regular basis. Speaking of writing today is the last day to reserve your spot for the May Creative Writing Weekend Workshop! It takes place on May 23rd from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and will be held at the Hampton Inn in Northville! Pay for it now using the paypal options on this page. I'd love to see you!

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ENJOY A MEAL WITH TARA FOR YOUR NEXT BASH!

Hi Readers!
I wanted to let you know about the meal with Tara event launch! When you are planning your next birthday party or any special event you have the chance to make it a meal with Tara package! I am available for Breakfast with the Author programs, Lunch with the Author programs and dinner works too. It works like this: email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com and let me know details about the event that you would like to have. I am able to have a caterer supply food if need be or you can take care of those details and just have me and my books present. These programs allow your writer's group to ask questions, have their very own workshop and more. If you have a children's group I have an array of activities that they can choose from or they can just have a reading/signing if that is what you desire. Prices vary depending on the package that you choose. It's a fun way to commemorate a special event!
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FUN AT ANN ARBOR PRE-SCHOOL & FAMILY CENTER

I had the opportunity to represent the Ann Arbor Book Festival and be a guest author at Ann Arbor Preschool and Family Center on May 14th. The children ranged from 3-5 years old and gave me a warm welcome. I was able to read multiple groups my book "Who I Am Not What I Am" and answer all of their questions about the book and what it is like being an author. The children had heir very own Janelle coloring sheets and will be able to practice the art of illustrating. I hope that you enjoyed the photo's of our time together!

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EVENTS TO COME...........MAY

I am honored to be able to be a guest author at Ann Arbor Preschool and Family Center tomorrow. Friday night I will be at the Ann Arbor District Library for an Author Reception...feel free to join us at 6 p.m. May 23rd our Creative Writing Weekend Workshop will take place at the Hampton Inn, Northville. The cost of this event is $15/person and will include materials and refreshments. The best part of workshops such as these is that the participant is allowed time to hone in writing block busters, free writing and open critiques. Registration for this event closes on May 17th...please register using the paypal buttons on this page before then if you are interested in attending. May 28th is the Canton Library Author Fair...I will be a featured author! Please feel free to come and meet me and purchase a autographed copy of my book. June will bring lots of fun as well and remember to save the date for the Young Writer's Camp...the deadline is June 8th for the June session. If you need fundraising sheets please email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com. Fundraising deadline is May 29th!

I hope to see you this month!

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Bonus Writing Prompt

What gets in the way of your writing? Is it the television, Wii or just the chores & tasks that pile up daily? I have an idea for you. If you allow yourself to watch t.v. you must write on the commercials. If you can't think of a topic to write about ...use the plot from the t.v. show or movie that you are watching and change it around. Make the characters the people that you want them to be. If you have ever watched a movie and thought that it should have ended differently...here is your chance! I hope your stories are superb!
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Walking with purpose

The Walk for diversity was Saturday May 9th at Belle Isle Park in Detroit. Many people came out to celebrate unity and walk for change. I was able to meet Amiya who is the president of her own mobile dance academy and she is only ten years old!

My team consisted of spirited, hard-working people who sacrificed their Saturday morning to contribute their pledges and energy to a great cause. I hope that you enjoyed the photos! Our team raised over $500! This money will go to the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion and help their sub-group Leaders In The New Century (comprised of middle schoolers and high school students) go back to their schools and stand up to peer pressure and start diversity programs. Thanks again to Nestle Toll House Cafe in Novi (12 Oaks Mall) and Great Harvest Bread company for donating food to our walkers!!!

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Differences challenge assumptions.

Above is one of my favorite quotes by Anne Wilson Schaef. If you went to a library and all of the books were the same color and the same size and even had the exact same content inside...Would you be thrilled? I love that no two people are exactly alike...not even twins. Everyone has a special something that makes them unique. My book "Who I Am Not What I Am" celebrates diversity! Tomorrow a group of committed and hardworking people will join me at Belle Isle in Detroit and walk in the name of diversity and equality. The Michigan Roundtable for diversity and inclusion is all about making change and building great leadership skills in young people to support, inspire and challenge the status quo. We will start walking at 9:00 a.m. in the historic area...if you are in the area look for the "Who I Am" banner! I hope to see you there!

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FAMOUS LAST WORDS...

One of the best things about being a writer is that when years pass and everything changes...our words live on. Some of the best quotes are from people who lived in a different century. So...why do we repeat these comments now? Words are powerful! When someone is given a compliment they typically remember it. When someone is insulted they definitely remember it. Our words carry promise and motivation if we use them in the right way. Make your words count today. Strengthen someones spirit with a word of kindness. Inspire someone with a note of encouragement. Use the pen and paper to make an everlasting impact on others. If you are interested in the May 23rd Creative Writing Weekend Workshop the deadline is May 17th to register. I hope to see you there!
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But what do I write about? The answer is below...

I am often asked a very common question...What do I write about? This question may be asked by a author who needs to know what to put on their blog or a young writer who needs to write a story or who wants to begin a journal. The bottom line is that if you are under 18 or over 40 this question may still pop into your mind waiting for the perfect answer. Their is no perfect answer but many answers can apply to this question. If you want you can write in your journal about your day. Who did you see? How did it make you feel to see them? What were they wearing? What would you change about your day? These are only a few prompts to get you on the right path to writing in a journal. The possibilities with writing are truly endless. I find it a blessing that I have the freedom to write whatever I choose. I may take this freedom and use it to writ about the way I feel when I stop at the ice cream shop on a nice day or I might use it to write about some really nice people that I met at a workshop. Writing never ends and neither do the ideas...what you must do to be a writer is keep on writing! I hope to see you on May 23rd for the Creative Writing Weekend Workshop...sign up using the paypal options today!
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Fun with LeBaron Elementary!

A special thank you to the students and staff at LeBaron Elementary school in Pontiac for having me visit! I truly enjoyed the stories we made together! Many future writers will come from here! Thanks!

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