How It Happened
In January 2026 I posted the following:
“In August I picked up some Chicken Soup for the Soul® books at the used book sale at our local library. It had been years since I had read a Chicken Soup book, but I remember the stories, real stories, delightful, heartwarming, encouraging, inspiring – the kind of stories I liked to read – the kind of stories I liked to write.
As I read through the first book, “Believe in Angels”, I thought of some of my own similar stories. Divine interventions, encounters with spirits, messages seemingly heaven sent. More than just coincidences. Some of my stories were written and published on my personal blog and read by a handful of people, others were still trapped in my head waiting to be written. I wondered if some of my stories belonged in these books.
When I came to the end of that book, I found information on how to submit stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul to be published in their books. I decided I would check it out on their website. After browsing the “how to submit” pages I thought this might be worth considering. I mindlessly took a notebook out of my desk and set it next to my computer to remind me to come back later and write down the story topics they were looking for and the dates that submissions were due.
Wondering if my writing was really good enough to be published I mentioned the idea of submitting some stories to my husband and my sister who have read my writings. Both of them encouraged me to do it. After all the worst that could happen is they would not be accepted.
“Lord, should I really do this?” I thought as I sat down with my laptop, ready to organize some stories for possible submission. When I picked up the notebook that I had retrieved from my desk, I recognized it as a gift my daughter had given me for Mother’s Day. It had a pink cover with several rows of chickens on it. In the center of the cover it said, “Chicken Scratch.” Thank you, Lord, Message received!
The above story is true. In November I began reviewing and editing some of my stories, preparing them for submission. Thus far I have submitted eight pieces for three of the books they will be publishing this year.
On Tuesday I received a message informing me that one of my stories has made it to the first phase in the selection process for an upcoming book, (only a small percentage of the stories submitted have made it this far) and asking me to sign an agreement giving permission for them to include my story in the book. I AM SO EXCITED!
This book is scheduled to go on sale on 4/28/26 so I should know for sure sometime in March if my piece will be included. I’ll let you know when I hear more.”
Today is the Day
Chicken Soup for the Soul – I Can’t Stop Laughing went on sale today. I am so excited.
I’m Honored
Chicken Soup for the Soul® is a well-known and highly thought of publishing company. They have been around since 1993 and have more than 100 million copies sold in the U.S. and Canada, 400 titles, and translations into more than 40 languages, the phrase “chicken soup for the soul” is known worldwide. I am so honored to be among their many contributors.
A Great Read
One of the benefits to being a contributor was that I received 10 free copies of the book in advance of the sale date. I have read the entire book and will tell you that it is a fun read packed full of laughs. Who couldn’t use more laughter in their life?
Where to Buy
Before you decide to purchase a copy of this book, expecting to see something new from me, I have to tell you that my story is one that I published here on my blog in January of 2020 as part of my “55 Things” series, so you may have read it before. Don’t let that discourage you, though, the book has 100 other great stories that you will not see on this blog.
For those who do want to get a copy here are some places you can find it:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can’t Stop Laughing: 101 Feel-Good Stories (Paperback) – Walmart.com
If you do get a copy of the book, you will find my story on page 275, it’s number 94.
More to Come
Since many of my readers are also writers, I am going to tell you of my experience in becoming a Chicken Soup contributor. Perhaps some of you might be interested in submitting your own stories. Since I’m running short on time today, I will do that in a separate post later this week.
Thanks for reading.
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