Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
101 Stories of Gratitude, Fortitude, and Silver Linings

This follow-on book to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope in these difficult times. These inspirational stories remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for -- whether it is having the sun shine or having food on the table. Power outages and storms, health scares and illnesses, job woes and financial insecurities, housing challenges and family worries test us all. But there is always a silver lining. The simple pleasures of family, home, health, and inexpensive good times are described.

We are looking for true stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both. They should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major publications.

Here are a few suggested topics:

How you count your blessings or express your gratitude
What made you realize that your life is good and that you are grateful
Silver linings that you have discovered in the midst of challenging events
What is really valuable in your life
Major life changes or events for which you are grateful
How you spread the message of gratitude to your family and friends
The joy of simple pleasures
The unexpected benefits of health challenges or other life changes

This book is in the process of being completed and will go to the printer in September for publication in October! It is a featured Chicken Soup for the Soul title for Christmas 2009. The deadline for submissions is soon, so if you can submit quickly you have a better chance than normal of being chosen.
If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoupf orthesoul. com/form. asp?cid=submit_ story.

DEADLINE IS MONDAY AUGUST 3rd. THANK YOU!

CONTACT US

Please do not reply or send questions to this address. For any further questions or correspondence, contact webmaster@chickenso upforthesoul. com or visit our website at http://www.chickens oup.com.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR

101 Stories of Family, Fortitude, and Fast Cars

Everyone loves great stories about families working and playing together, grit and perseverance, and fast cars! We are collecting stories for the ultimate NASCAR book, coming out in February 2010, in time for the new season. We are excited to have well-known NASCAR columnist Cathy Elliott editing the book.

Do you have a great NASCAR story to share? We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:

Interacting with the drivers
Experiences you have had with family members at the track or at home
NASCAR family traditions
Things you have seen drivers do that you found admirable or inspiring
Finding love at the racetrack, or even getting married there
Funniest personal NASCAR moments
Individual drivers and what they have meant to you
Ways that NASCAR has brought your family together
Stories about the most passionate, dedicated, or downright obsessive fans
you have ever met
Your first NASCAR experience and what it meant to you
Your favorite racetrack
Why NASCAR is part of your life
Kids and NASCAR
NASCAR's patriotism
Experiences in the infield...

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story

A Book of Miracles

Chicken Soup for the Soul, A Book of Miracles

Chicken Soup for the Soul, A Book of Miracles, with co-author LeAnn Thieman, is looking for true stories showing signs and wonders God is performing today. We invite people of all faiths to share their stories of ordinary people whose lives are transformed by wondrous events. Whether a "Divine coincidence, " an appearance of God, or answered prayers, this book will show God's miracle power in action, alive and very active in the world today!

Please share your heart-warming, humorous and powerfully moving stories of no more than 1,200 words.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:

*"Divine coincidence"
*Healing
*Angels
*Everyday miracles
*Safety and Protection
*Visions and Voices
*Heavenly Connections
*Overcoming Obstacles
*Intercession of Saints
*Power of Prayer
*Holy Spirit
*Signs from Above

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of the book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright and the rights to your story.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoupforthesoul.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story.

DEADLINE IS MARCH 31, 2009. Book is scheduled for publication in 2010

Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned From the Cat

101 Stories about Life, Love, and Lessons

Cats have always been wonderful companions and playmates that brighten and enrich our lives but they are also amazing teachers. We want cat lovers, both lifelong and reluctant, to share the lessons they have learned about life from their furry companions. The stories in this book will delight readers with the often humorous, heartwarming, poignant and always inspiring lessons taught to us by our feline friends and family members.

We are looking for true stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both. Remember, these stories should be about lessons learned from your cat rather than general stories about your cat.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO
http://chickensoupf orthesoul. com/form. asp?cid=submit_ story.

The deadline for submissions is March 31, for publication in September 2009.

CONTACT US

Please do not reply or send questions to this address. For any further questions or correspondence, contact webmaster@chickenso upforthesoul. com or visit our website at
http://www.chickens oup.com.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
101 Heartwarming and Humorous Stories about Dating, Romance, Love and Marriage

Everyone loves a good love story. And we all love stories about how the love started and blossomed.

Join us in a fun new book about dating, romance, love, and marriage, scheduled for publication in January 2010, just in time for Valentine's Day.

We are looking for true stories and poems about your soulmate, your true love, the one that got away, and all the ups and downs of your love life. Stories can be serious or hilarious, or both.

We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of 600-1,200 words. Stories should not be pre-published unless in very small publications.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:
Dating adventures - the good and the bad
How you met
Internet searching and dating
Speed dating and other strategies
When did you know?
Proposals
Wedding stories
Parental pressure and support
Pressure and support from children
Senior dating and love at a certain age
Making marriage work
Second chances

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO
http://www.chickens oupforthesoul. com/form. asp?cid=submit_ story

DEADLINE IS May 31, 2009.

Teen relationships will be covered in a future book, so please do not submit them for this book.

Dysfunctional Family Anthology

Almost everyone thinks their own family is dysfunctional, or at least has a dysfunctional member or two.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is looking for true stories and poems about your family. Stories can be serious or hilarious, or both, and should help readers understand that their families are not so different from those of other people. Many of us have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc.

Submit under your real name, but rest assured they expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). They prefer stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words.

Here are some suggested topics, but they know you can think of many more, since there is no way we can think of all the ways that families can be dysfunctional:

Wedding woes
Compulsions
Holiday meltdowns
Mean or controlling family members
Crazy but lovable
Interventions and family meetings
Abandoning a family member, sometimes to preserve the rest
Funny foibles
Serious family issues such as abuse, mental illness, substance abuse
Reconciliations
Funeral flare-ups and estate issues
Acceptance
... Anything else that you think is interesting about your
dysfunctional relatives

They are not looking for stories about divorce or the normal trials and tribulations of raising children and teenagers.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the
right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO
http://chickensoupf orthesoul. com/form. asp?cid=submit_ story.

DEADLINE IS JUNE 30, 2009. Book is tentatively scheduled for publication in fall 2009, in time for the next holiday season!

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

For more about the author of this blog check out Theinkslinger.net.

ANTHOLOGY: tough times

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People
101 Stories about Overcoming the Economic Crisis and Other Challenges


Most of us have lost money and many are losing their jobs, homes, or at least making cutbacks. Many of us have also faced life-changing natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires, as well as health and family challenges. We are all going through difficult times, some with more dire
consequences than others.

Tough times won't last but tough people will. What is your story of tough times? Are you making changes in your life that reflect the times? Are you downsizing, making do with less, discovering new joy in a simpler life? Are you recovering from other challenges such as natural disasters, health problems, or the loss of a loved one?

We are looking for true stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories can be serious or humorous, or both.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:


Financial problems and solutions
Losing homes and jobs
Putting off retirement
Silver linings
Downsizing, simplification, "staycations" versus vacations
Families pulling together
Challenges of death, disease, and disability
Stories of courage from victims of crime, terrorism, and other abuses
Recovering from disasters such as fire, hurricanes, floods
Inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles and challenges
Putting things in perspective
Examples from nature - pets and other animals overcoming adversity
... Anything else that you think is interesting and inspirational and will
help other readers going through tough times and make them realize they are
not alone


If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. We will copyright your story in your name and you will retain the rights to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoupf orthesoul. com/form. asp?cid=submit_ story


DEADLINE IS MARCH 31, 2009. Book is tentatively scheduled for publication in
summer 2009.

College Campus Chronicles

We are looking for true stories and poems about your experiences in college, whether you are in college now, or a recent graduate. Stories about everything from leaving home, to classes, to roommates, to personal growth, to funny moments, to travel abroad...anything you have done in college that you would like to share with other college students. The deadline for story submissions is December 31, 2008

Guidelines:

Recipe for A Winning Chicken Soup for the Soul Story

A Chicken Soup for the Soul story is an inspirational, true story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is a story that opens the heart and rekindles the spirit. It is a simple, inter-denominational, living art piece that touches the soul of the readers and helps them discover basic principles they can use in their own lives. They are personal and often filled with emotion and drama. They are filled with vivid images created by using the five senses. In some stories, the readers feel that they are actually in the scene with the people.

Chicken Soup for the Soul stories have a beginning, middle and an ending that often closes with a punch, creating emotion rather than simply talking about it. Chicken Soup for the Soul stories have heart, but also something extra…an element that makes us all feel more hopeful, more connected, more thankful, more passionate and better about life in general. A story that causes tears, laughter, goosebumps or any combination of these. A good story covers the range of human emotions.

The most powerful stories are about people extending themselves, or performing an act of love, service or courage for another person.

Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Soul Story

1. Tell an exciting, sad or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Make sure that you introduce the character(s).

2. Tell your story in a way that will make the reader cry, laugh or get goose bumps (the good kind!) Don’t leave anything out — how did you feel?

3. The story should start with action; it should include a problem, issue or situation. It should include dialogue and the character should express their feelings though the conflict or situation. It should end in a result, such as a lesson learned, a positive change or pay-off.

4. Above all, let it come from your HEART! Your story is important!

What a Chicken Soup for the Soul story IS NOT:

1. A sermon, an essay or eulogy.

2. A term paper, thesis, letter or journal entry.

3. About politics or controversial issues.

4. A “My Grandma Just Died, and Let Me Tell You What A Wonderful Person She Was” or “Let Me Tell You About My Disease or Operation” or “I Gave a Bum Some Money, Aren’t I Incredible?” or “Why My Mother Is the Best Mother” or a personal testimony that may mean nothing to the reader.

Story Specifications

1. It is preferred that all submissions are sent via our website by clicking here. In the future all submission will need to be entered in this way but if, for now, you need to send your submission by postal mail or fax please use the address and fax number provided below. Please know your stories and poems have the best chance of being used if you submit them through our website.

2. Stories and poems should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300-1200 words.

3. No anonymous or author unknown submissions please.

4. Send only one copy of each submission.

5. We do not return submissions, so please don’t send the original.

6. Please submit only stories or poems that have not been previously published. The only exception to this is if your work has only been published in a small local publication with limited circulation.

If the story or poem you wrote is published by us, you will be paid $200 upon publication of the book plus you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.

The only way to receive an acknowledgment of your submission at this time is by submitting through our website, by clicking here . By submitting through the website, you will be taken to an acknowledgment screen on our website directly after hitting “send”. This screen will inform you that the story has been accepted into our submission process. We strongly encourage you to submit stories online as it is both the fastest and easiest way to process and review your submission. If you do not have Internet access at home, you can always visit a local library.

It can take up to three or four years for Chicken Soup for the Soul books to develop. Please be patient, as this is an important, yet time-consuming process. If your story is chosen for a future edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul or any other projects, you will be notified and your permission to print it will be requested. Please know that we never publish anything without written permission from the author.

Feel free to submit more than one story or poem. Please do not send us any book manuscripts, unless through a literary agent, as these will be automatically discarded

You can submit your story 3 different ways:

Internet: www.chickensoup.com

Please know your stories and poems have the best chance of being used if you submit them through our web site.

Mail: Chicken Soup for the Soul
Attn: Story Submissions
PO Box 700
Cos Cob, CT 06807-0700

Fax: 203-861-7194