Fiction Scribe

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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://chickensoupforthesoul.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story.

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