(Got this in an email today — Wendy)
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Preteens
Chicken Soup for the Soul has always provided support to kids of all ages from all over the world. We’re collecting stories by young adults in high school and college for preteens who are caught between childhood and the tumultuous teens — a time when bodies are changing, friendships are forming, and everyone’s just trying to find someone to sit with at lunch. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Preteens is a companion for kids, whether they’re looking to laugh or be told everything will be okay.
What was your experience like as a preteen? Did you fit in with the popular crowd, or were you left behind to eat your peanut butter and jelly in the library? What kind of humorous or embarrassing things happened to you when you were that age? We want stories about friendship, family, learning to do the right thing, and all the mistakes you made along the way.
We are looking for true stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major publications. These must be your personal stories — things that happened to you or someone you were close to.
Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:
* Dealing with tough stuff
* Acts of kindness
* Teachers, parents, and friends who gave you guidance
* Embarrassing moments and funny stories
* Beloved pets
* Changing schools and being the new kid
* First crushes
* How technology influences your life — texting, instant messaging, and emailing
* Sibling relationships
* Learning to be comfortable in your own skin
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://chickensoup.com
Select the Submit Your Story link on the left tool bar and follow the directions.
DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31, 2010.
Ask Wendy-The Query Queen 