Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Advice That Changed My Life
Hi Friends, I’m excited to reveal the secret I’ve been keeping: I’ve finally had a story published with Chicken Soup for the Soul.
I was surprised to hear Chicken Soup accepted this story because I submitted others to them but they were rejected. Last summer I mulled over my idea for their newest edition titled, The Advice that Changed My Life. However, I was sure my efforts wouldn’t be good enough so I didn’t write anything.
Then two days before the deadline, I realized how special this story was to me and thought, I’ll only fail, if I fail to submit it. So, I typed feverishly for a day and discussed my progress with my walking partners. Then I sent a rough draft of “The Longest Hug” to three friends and an editor for their expert critique. After spending another five or six hours the next day revising, rewriting, and reworking the jumble of thoughts, I submitted it to Chicken Soup–just under the midnight deadline.
The next day, I realized I needed to tweak the ending to make it stronger. But it was too late to submit the edits, of course! Anyhow, there was little chance my work would meet their stringent guidelines. Besides, Chicken Soup for the Soul receives 3,000 to 5,000 entries for every book, and only 101 are chosen.
The week before Christmas, I received an email from the Chicken Soup editor. My story had been selected!
I pumped both fists into the air. “I can’t believe it!”
What made this story especially meaningful? It includes my youngest son, Robby, who gave his permission and said he was honored.
The story ties the lack of nurture at my boarding school in Nigeria with the difficulty I had in hugging my son as much as he needed.
So, I’m proud that my first story published is our story–Robby’s and mine.
I can’t print it here for you, but you can find it at your local bookstore or online: https://amzn.to/3JCYKjI
Thank you, my friends and family, for supporting, encouraging, and sharing in my joy.
#CSSTheAdviceThatChangedMyLife #Bookstagram #AmWriting #Writers
34 thoughts on “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Advice That Changed My Life”
Debbie this is such great news. I am not surprised. You work very hard on your great writing skills. Barbara
Thank you so much, Barbara! That means so much to me!
Congratulations! That is so exciting! I’m happy for you. I just finished reading one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and never realized they all have 101 stories. I am looking forward to seeing your name in print.
Jean, I love hearing that you read the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and didn’t realize they have 101 stories. I probably didn’t either–until I started submitting to them!
That is wonderful! All your hard work has paid off. I’m so proud of you!
Thank you, Wanda. I appreciate your encouraging words more than you know!
I’m so glad you submitted the story. Congratulations!
Mabel, you’ve been a great inspiration to me, ever since we met at Mount Hermon in 2019!
Truly exciting!!! So happy for you. 🙂
Thank you so much for celebrating with me!
Congratulations for a job well done!! So happy for you that you reconsidered at the last minute! I’ll order the book today!
Thank you so much for affirming my decision to reconsider at the last minute. I’m so glad I did, too. It was truly a shock to find out this story was accepted. Thank you for your love and support through the years!
Bravo Debbie! Your words shine on the page and bring honor to our God. Celebrating with you!
Your words mean so much to me, Lisa. When we were at the Red House writing retreat in January of 2020, we had no idea where God was leading us with our writing. You’ve done a wonderful job publishing your book and turning it into a ministry.
Yay Debbie! Congratulations! I’m so amazed at the gifts and talents God has given you. And your hard work of shaping and shining that Diamond in the rough, is paying off. Again, congratulations my friend.
I love that word picture of shaping and shining the diamond in the rough. That’s what you’ve done with your artistic talent! Ever since we were roommates in our junior year of high school in Jos, Nigeria, you’ve been a treasured friend.
Fabulous, Debbie! I’ve been blessed by your stories so am looking forward to reading this one as a published work. Quite an accomplishment!
You and Mark have wholeheartedly supported my stories all these years, and that meant so much to me. You spurred me on to keep writing when I doubted myself. Thank !you
Congratulations Debbie!! Such good news!!
It’s so great to hear your words of encouragement! I couldn’t believe I’d finally had a story accepted, and am so grateful.
Congratulations Debbie! Your message delivered in your frank and warm writing style will surely bless and encourage many people. We’re so happy for you!
Thank you for celebrating with me and for your words of encouragement. I appreciate you both so much!
👏👏👏🤸♂️🤸♀️🤸♂️Congratulations Debbie!! That is quite an accomplishment! I love your story of writing it at the last minute.
I appreciate you affirming my story of writing it at the last minute! I wasn’t sure if I should include that detail, but it was an important part of the process! Thanks for applause and cartwheels for me.
Congratulations on a well deserved achievement. God continues to use you for His glory.
Mary, you’ve been my biggest fan since the very beginning of my writing these childhood stories. Thank you so much for spurring me on!
Wow! Debbie, this is such an accomplishment! I’m so happy for you.
Thank you so much for celebrating with me! I was shocked and thrilled to get this news.
Oh how awesome! I’ll look for this! Getting published is hard work but persistence pays off!
You know how much work it is, so this encouragement from you is extra special. Thank you!
Good for you! Your perseverance paid off!! Keep up the good work and write more.
Your encouragement to keep writing means so much, Marvae. I’m looking forward to seeing some of your work in print, too!
I am so proud of you and delighted for the Chicken Soup folks!
You’ve been such an inspiration to me, Cathy, ever since meeting you at Mount Hermon Writers Conference in 2019. Next, I want to learn to speak with the humor and warmth that you project!