Chicken Soup call
The Chicken Soup editorial team seek stories for two new books on ‘gratitude, thankfulness, mindfulness, positive thinking’ for pre-teens and teenagers. The editorial team feel that ‘Adolescence is a great time to learn about the power of gratitude, practice thankfulness, and to appreciate the blessings in life, including friends and family.’ They want stories to help the youngsters learn ‘these skills that preteens and teenagers need to develop as part of social and emotional learning.’
There will be two anthologies, one aimed at ages 9-12, and one for ages 13-19. Be sure to mark which anthology the story is for. The editorial team believe that ‘being thankful improves health, cognitive functions, and relationships’.
Teach young people ‘to see the silver linings, count their blessings, and maintain a positive perspective and it helps them weather the ups and downs of life much better than those who bemoan their fates and focus on the negative.’
Submit uplifting true stories and poems about how ‘you personally used the power of gratitude to change your own life while you navigated the pre-teen and teenage years.’ Give your personal examples and your personal tips on how to use thankfulness and appreciation. Suggested topics are: Learning that less can be more; how to develop the right attitude toward technology, clothing, cars, and other things that kids want; realising that possessions are not as important as other things, like relationships and family; adopting a healthier attitude towards money, the elderly family members in your life; helping others with volunteer work, random acts of kindness; understanding that you only have one life; doing the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing. Did making yourself do something kind every day help? Did keeping a journal help?
Remember that all stories and poems need to be true. Stories should be no longer than 1,200 words, written in the first person and submitting under your real name. Pen names can be used with the published story.
Submit through the website.
The deadline for submissions is 20 December. Response time is slow. Payment is $200 plus ten free copies.
Find all details at: www. chickensoup.com/storysubmissions/possible-book-topics