Welcome to My New Monthly Newsletter – Exclusive Writing Tips, Events, & Bookish News!
Dear Readers,
I’m thrilled to launch my brand-new newsletter and bring you exclusive insights, inspiration, and special perks! Here’s what you can look forward to in each issue: Writing Tips, Marketing Tips for Fellow Authors, Resources for Educators and Parents, Info on Upcoming Events, some Personal Updates, Bookish News, and Subscriber-Only Discounts just for you.
Whether you're a fellow author, an aspiring author, an avid reader, an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about storytelling and books, this newsletter is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected. Thank you for being part of this journey—I can’t wait to share exciting updates with you!
Happy reading,
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Writing Tips and Prompts
✍️ Writing Tip: Show, Don’t Tell! Instead of saying, "Maria was nervous," try showing it: "Maria's hands trembled as she clutched her notebook, her heart pounding like a drum."
Bringing emotions to life through actions, dialogue, and sensory details makes your writing more engaging!
📝 Writing Prompt: Think about a childhood memory—your first day of school, a family celebration, or a time you felt really proud. Write a short scene using only sensory details (what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt) to bring the moment to life.
Marketing Tips for Fellow Authors
Get creative about where your book can be sold or featured:
Partner with local businesses (coffee shops & museums)
Offer your book to schools with a classroom guide
Pitch to niche podcasts or blogs that align with your book’s themes
Do you need help pitching yourself? Book a consultation session with me and let me help you.
Resources for Educators and Parents
As a mom and former classroom teacher, I’m always thinking of teachers and parents. Did you know that ALL of my books Plátanos Are Love (English), Los plátanos son amor (Spanish), The Bronx Is My Home, Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book (English) and Gloriana, presente. De República Dominicana al Bronx (Spanish) have teachers’ and parents’ guides?! Each guide consists of 20+ pages of activities and additional lessons you can do with your students or kiddo.
Upcoming Events
Storytime at the Barnes Foundation on First Family Sunday on March 2nd (this event is open to the PUBLIC and FREE). RSVP here
Pathways to Publishing: Expo for Aspiring Authors on Sat. Mar 8, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm EST. RSVP for this FREE hosted by the New York Public Library. I will not be there but don’t miss this event. Are you interested in publishing a book but don't know where to start? Looking for an agent but not sure how to write a query letter? Trying to self-publish your novel? Do you want to make connections with other writers?
2025 Hudson Children’s Book Fair on Saturday, May 3. This event is FREE.
School Visits: February 3, February 6, February 7, February 10, February 13, 2025 and February 26, 2025
Bookish News
I have a NEW BOOK COMING OUT!!! It is called BOLD, BRILLIANT & LATINE and is available for pre-order. If you pre-order enter my GIVEAWAY to get your BONUS GIFTS!!!
Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic heroes in this celebratory and inspiring biography anthology.
With this dazzling addition to the See Yourself In Their Stories series, readers can meet 52 heroes past and present, from sporting legends to fashion icons, political leaders to fearless changemakers, as well as renowned writers, musicians, artists, scientists, and more.
A heart-warming and soul-rousing book for Latine and Hispanic children and families, this book is also ideal for homeschoolers and educators studying Latine and Hispanic history and achievement, with one new figure to explore every week of the year. This is the perfect read for families looking for empowering stories to inspire their children.
Proud, talented, and boundless, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dreams . . . whatever they may be.
Icons include:
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – Politician, youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress
Lionel Messi – the superstar football player
Sonia Sotomayor – US Supreme Court Judge
Frida Kahlo – Iconic artist
Cesar Chavez – Activist and Labour leader
Ellen Ochoa – First Latina astronaut in space
Lin-Manual Miranda – Actor, composer, and creator of Broadway musicals
Subscriber-Only Discount
This month I am giving away my teachers and parent guide for PLATANOS ARE LOVE. Click on this LINK and use code TEACH and get it for FREE. It is a 24-page guide with the following:
Common Core Standards being met
PRE-READING ACTIVITIES - MAKING PREDICTIONS
AFTER READING - COMPREHENSION
A fill-in-the-blank book about “MY FAVORITE FOOD.”
6 worksheet/activity pages, including coloring pages, word search, and maze
7 pages about how plantains/platanos are eaten all over the world (great geography lesson)
This discount is available until the end of the month. If there are other products you would like to see on sale or for free contact me and I’ll see what I can do.
