Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels and Miracles Book Launch

I'm excited to announce tomorrow's release date for Chicken Soup for the Soul, Angels and Miracles. The anthology, which is edited by bestselling writer Amy Newmark, contains 101 inspirational stories about hope, answered prayers, and divine intervention.

My true story, "On Butterfly Wings," can be found in the book's last section, "Love that Doesn't Die," and is the very last story in the book.

"On Butterfly Wings" is a story about a special visitor my grandson Michael encountered on a field trip to the Sophia M. Sacs Butterfly House in St. Louis County.

In conjunction with the book's release, the Chicken Soup for the Soul publisher is kicking off a Twitter Party at noon CST, Tuesday, November 1st -- which happens to fall on the feast of All Saints.

The hashtag for the Nov 1 event is #CSSAngelsandMiracles.

On a related note, on November 17, I will be among the many local authors participating in the Local Author Open House at the Spencer Road Branch Library in St. Peters from 6-8 p.m.

During the library event on Nov 17, I will be available to talk about the story. I will also have copies of the book available, as well as the other Chicken Soup for the Soul books with my true stories.

Here's a link where you can find more information about the Nov 17 event.

P.S. I plan to post a reminder about the library event in Mid-November.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Call Outs: Dreams, Miracles, Moms -- and More

Summer has arrived. June was a busy month, so I haven't posted often on my blog. 

To make up for my absence, I have some calls for submissions for stories and poems from Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Each month I look forward to reading the Chicken Soup for the Soul Inner Circle Contributor Communique. In addition to photos of book signings, giveaways, and an inspiring note from publisher Amy Newmark, the "Inside Scoop" section announces upcoming topics.

The July 2014 issue includes several book topics with projected publication dates in 2015. The following is a sampling of planned topics and submission deadlines. 

Dreams: How have dreams impacted your life? Deadline is December 31, 2014

Hope and Miracles: What events have caused you wonder and astonishment or given hope for a better future? Deadline is October 30, 2014

Thanks to My Mom: Do you have a story or poem of thanks about your mom or step-mom that will make readers laugh, cry, or nod in recognition? (No general tributes or biographies or eulogies.) Deadline is September 30, 2014.

But wait! There's more.

You can find the complete call-out list along with more details on the Story Submission page. Also, be sure to follow the submission guidelines. And check the Story Submission page often for changes and updates.

Lights, Camera, Action: Chicken Soup for the Soul Headed for the Big Screen

Grab your sunglasses and roll out the red carpet!

Amy Newmark, Chicken Soup for the Soul series publisher and editor, notified contributors today that Chicken Soup for the Soul is being made into a feature film with a Hollywood studio.

According to Newmark's press release, "Alcon Entertainment, the creative studio behind The Blind Side, Dolphin Tale, P.S. I Love You, and many other hits, is set to finance and produce the film, along with The Kerner Entertainment Company and its principal Jordan Kerner, the genius behind The Smurfs 1&2, Charlotte's Web, George of the Jungle, Fried Green Tomatoes, and many others.

"Brandon Camp, who wrote Love Happens, will write the screenplay, which is inspired by our books. Warner Bros will release the film. One of the Executive Producers of the film will be Ben Haber, who executive produced The Smurfs and Across the Universe."

To read more about this exciting project, here's a link to an article in the LA Times.