Freelance Opportunity ... Chicken Soup for the Soul

Before I tell you about a great opportunity with Chicken Soup for the Soul, I have to share... Last Thursday, I had another story accepted by LIVE. That makes two in about a month. They won't appear until next May and June, but who cares? LIVE is published by Gospel Publishing and is a weekly Adult Sunday School take-home paper for members of Assemblies of God. The pay is good and "on acceptance" and, so far, they've been great to work with. With both submissions, I heard back within a few days and received my contract and payment very quickly. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out and consider submitting something yourself. Scroll down for the LIVE guidelines: LIVE WRITER'S GUIDELINES

OK. Now that I've tooted (my own horn, that is), on to another great opportunity. Chicken Soup for the Soul is a (still) wildly popular series with dozens of books on various topics. If you browse the shelf of Chicken Soup books, you'll certainly find something that relates - and appeals - to you. I have many friends who have had work published in Chicken Soup books. It's a wonderful opportunity and if you have a story to share, and can write it in a way that makes readers slurp it up, either by laughing or crying, chances are good that you will be able to add "Chicken Soup author" to your writing resume'.

So I've always wanted to submit to this series but I've never done it. But, in looking over some of the upcoming titles, I'm thinking now is the time. I can definitely think of a couple of stories from my life that would fit quite nicely under these topics. So look over the list, then click on over to the website to check out the SUBMISSION GUIDELINES. Pay close attention to the deadlines. A couple are coming up very soon!

By the way, if you have a story you'd love to share but are not a writer, I would love to write it for you! If interested, please feel free to contact me. :-)

Good luck!


A Book of Miracles Everyone has experienced extraordinary events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment. Perhaps the only explanation is divine intervention. The true stories in this multi-faith book will awe you with examples of amazing coincidences and prove to you that miracles do happen every day. The deadline date for story submissions is July 31, 2009.

All in the Family These serious or hilarious, oh so true stories will touch your heart and make you see that even in the most difficult situations, other families are not all that different from your own. Share your stories with others who may realize we all have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Christmas and Holidays - Ho Ho Ho We love the holidays! They are a magical time of the year; a time of family, friends and traditions. They can bring special joy and unexpected blessings into our lives. Please share your Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa stories with us... stories that will touch the souls and warm the hearts of our readers. The deadline date for story submissions is January 15, 2010.

Dieting and Fitness Eat less - exercise more! We have all heard these simple words but, in reality, dieting and staying fit require a lot of work. Tell us about your commitment to health and fitness. What changes did you make in your eating habits? What kind of an exercise program did you follow that made the difference? Were you still able to treat yourself to that occasional delicious piece of chocolate cake and stay in shape? The true stories in this book will inspire you, make you laugh, touch your heart, and let you know that you can do it! The deadline date for story submissions is September 30, 2009.

Endurance Sports (run,cycle,swim) Whether you are a triathlete, a duathlete, or you just love to swim, run, or cycle, we want to hear about your sports, your races, and how endurance sports fit into your life, whether you are an amateur, a student athlete, or a pro. The deadline date for story submissions is September 30, 2009.

Grieving and Recovery Grieving is a difficult process that those who have lost a loved one must go through in order to get to the recovery phase. This important collection of stories will be like a support group that will offer comfort and understanding and show you that, no matter how devastating your loss is, you are not alone. You can get through the process and, with time, you will regain your strength and move forward with your life. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.

Mothers and Daughters Mothers and daughters… they are, at the same time, very similar and also completely unique. Mothers show daughters who they will become. Daughters live out mothers’ dreams. Through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between, this relationship can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2009.

NASCAR 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. The deadline for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Not Really Retired This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Tell us about your new careers, your volunteer work, your sports, your travels, and those things you always wanted to do that you are finally doing. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Teacher Tales We have all had that one teacher who has made a difference in our lives. And teachers, remember that one student who made you know why you decided to be a teacher and who you will never forget? We are looking for stories from both teachers and students that will tell that unforgettable story. The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2009.

Thanks Dad We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of all ages about their dads. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Mom We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of all ages about their moms. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.