Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Stories, Secrets, Success











Here's a heads up for all our blogger buddies. Chicken Soup for the Soul has a call for submissions. They're looking for stories to publish in two upcoming anthologies that will be of interest to all you wonderful writers who are also critter crazy. If you have an amazing, poignant, or funny story about your dog or cat, "I Can't Believe My Dog Did That" and/or "I Can't Believe My Cat Did That" will be right up your alley. If your story is accepted, Chicken Soup will pay you $200 and provide some complimentary copies of the book.

There are so few paying markets these days for freelance writers, I really appreciate the opportunities provided by the Chicken Soup folks. It's a quality publication with appeal, world-wide recognition, and a great reputation. However, if you don't have a critter story to submit, fear not. There are other submission possibilities, too. Read all the details here.

I'm hoping Chicken Soup can help me get on track. My pants are too snug. I'm eating too much of my favorite things, and the only time I seem to spend walking is when I'm pushing a grocery cart. And then there's all the "research"...a major excuse for not writing.

It's time for a better routine. I need all the motivation I can get to eat healthy, exercise, and write every day.

Blogger buddies, help! What are your secrets for success?

15 comments:

BECKY said...

Hi Pat! What a great post! And I certainly can relate to it all. I finally got back into the groove of writing...but that's not exactly right, either...because I'm in a better groove than I've EVER been in! I truly believe it had a lot to do with two things: My vacation with my sister and family in Atlanta, and my mentoring package from Eliza. I posted a little about that on my blog, if you'd like to read it. Good luck with everything you want to accomplish. I know you can do it!

Ann Summerville said...

Thanks for posting this. I've had three stories published so far in Chicken Soup for the Soul. It's a great outlet for writers.
Ann

Tammy said...

Chicken Soup for the Soul is a real class act to work with, too. Their whole philosophy is about spreading around positive things, and it works. Thanks for sharing the call-out!

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

thanks so much for sharing!

I doubt I would get accepted but it couldn't hurt to try!

Linda O'Connell said...

Pat,
I know exactly what you mean. Lately I have been srtanding up and shuffling a few steps left, then right for about five minutes, which is better than sitting and thinking about moving. I strut during commercials when I watch a movie, left-right, back-forth. Hubby was snboozing in the chair, woke suddenly and said, "We're having an earthquake."

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

Thanks for the heads up!!!

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Wow the story idea sounds neat -- but I can't think of a story off the top of my head. Thanks for sharing! My mommy can relate about the exercise thing. Usually pushing a shopping cart at the grocery store was about all the exercise she was doing. But she started to walk on the treadmill and I am helping her. I will post a video on my blog soon to show me being her personal trainer!

Peggy Frezon said...

Chicken Soup is a wonderful market to write for because there is a theme for every interest. I've been in more than a dozen, and I encourage everyone to try! Just write as if you are telling the story to your best friend. The submission process is easy too...right on their website. So go for it! (Did my pep talk give you a little motivation?!)

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,
Thanks for sharing. I wish I could write something inspirational about getting motivated to exercise, but that's something I need to work on myself.
Last week I started going back to Zumba class-so that's a start.
donna

meemsnyc said...

Oooh, I'll have to think of some stories!

BTW, we are having a contest where we are giving away a bag of free Innova Natural Pet food. Today is the last day to enter! Good Luck.
http://ilovecatnip.blogspot.com/2011/08/enter-for-chance-to-win-bag-of-innova.html

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a fun freelance gig! Good luck to you!

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Love Chicken Soup! Thanks for the link...and good luck with all your endeavors. When it comes to diet and exercise, I have great intentions but never enough follow through. As to a groove with my writing...honestly? I'd a get a lot more accomplished if I quit blogging, and that's the sad truth. There must be a happy medium, but I've yet to find it. Still searching. If I figure it out, I'll let you know!

Peggy Frezon said...

P.S. You're the winner of my Innova pet food contest! Please send me your mailing address at peggyfrezon (at) gmail (dot) com. Congratulations!

Lynn said...

Thanks - and let me know the secret, will you>

Pup Fan said...

Very cool! Thanks for the info! :)