She was right. I needed to go for it.
I was elated when the story about nine-year-old Noah and his visit to Convenient Care was accepted. The book, Raising Kids on the Autism Spectrum, was published in April 2013. I was over the moon.
Before the book was published, I was asked to submit a short bio. Did I have a blog? It was the motivation I needed to finally start one, which I did two months before the book hit the shelves. When the book was released, I already had written a few blog posts.
Submitting the first story gave me the confidence to keep submitting – both at Chicken Soup for the Soul and elsewhere.
Since then I’ve had stories published in two other Chicken Soup for the Soul books: Miraculous Messages from Heaven and Thanks to My Mom. Earlier this year a story about my mom also landed in a Chicken Soup for the Soul bookazine.
I’m glad I said yes to the opportunity.
This summer I was invited by Chicken Soup for the Soul to attend newbo evolve in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I’d get the opportunity to attend sessions, participate in a Chicken Soup for the Soul panel of Iowan writers, and get free concert tickets to see Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5. How could I say no?
Amy Newmark, editor-in-chief and publisher for the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, was the keynote speaker for the conference. I listened to her words of wisdom and was fortunate to receive one of her autographed books.
Before the panel Saturday, the other writers and I were told to come to the green room and walk across the hall for hair and makeup.
Seriously?
Hair and makeup?
Green room?
The only green room I’ve spent much time in is my kitchen, which is painted in Koi Pond by Sherwin-Williams.
The first thing I noticed in the green room was Carson Kressley’s shoes.
Was I dreaming?
They weren’t there to see us, but still . . . we were all breathing the same air.
During the one-hour panel we talked about storytelling and some of the stories we had written. How does it change us as people? What do we learn about ourselves as a result of writing the stories? How did telling our stories affect our relationships with the people in our stories? What constitutes a good story?
Amy Newmark talked about the process for submitting a story and how she chooses book topics. She answered a question or two from the audience. Then we headed off to a book signing.
I learned a lot from other writers on the panel who shared their experiences. Some had written about grief, faith, grandparents, and losing a family member. Some had written funny stories about their families. Others had written about reinventing themselves, receiving messages from heaven, and volunteering. Everyone’s diverse life experiences were interesting and relevant.
I left newbo evolve with new friends, new books, and a new motivation to keep writing. I was honored to have been invited.
On the way home, I thought about the storytellers I had spent time with throughout the weekend. Some are Iowans. Some are celebrities I’ve seen on TV.
In spite of our differences, we’re all artists who are telling our stories, hoping someone will listen.
I’m glad I said yes to the opportunity.