Coffee and Critique's Art Interpretation Competition and the Dr. Oz Effect on Book Sales

Charles Rogers, author of Sermon at Dead Man's Bend and Conversations with a Barn Cat, did a great job planning, organizing, conducting, and tallying votes in Coffee and Critique's First Art Interpretation Writing Competition.

Entrants were to look at a piece of artwork selected by Charles then write a story no longer than 100 words. Entries were read aloud by someone other than the writer. No author identification appeared on the entries, which were peer-judged.

Congratulations to the top-two winners and everyone who took up the challenge!

The top-two scoring stories were:

"Alone" by Sarah Angleton (aka The Practical Historian)

"Joplin and the Giant" by Jane Hamilton

In case you missed it: on Wednesday, Jan 28, Dr. Oz mentioned the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Touched by an Angel, as part of the segment on "Can Angels Help us Heal?" 

The Touched by An Angel anthology includes the story "A Patchwork of Hope" by Coffee and Critique member Donna Volkenannt, who did a before-and-after analysis of book sales to find out the effect on sales after the book was featured on the Dr. Oz show.

You can find a link to Donna's post about the Dr. Oz dramatic effect on book sales on Donna's Book Pub.

What's New at Coffee and Critique? Coupon Clipping and Collecting Contest Certificates

Our Coffee and Critique writers have been productive this month.

Last week Alice Muschany had another Opinion Shaper column appear in the St. Charles County Suburban Journal. "The Queen of Bargains creates line of succession" is about her family's bargain-hunting and coupon-clipping activities. As usual, Alice serves up another healthy dose of humor in her family stories.

Alice is also giving away a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope and Healing for your Breast Cancer Journey this month over on Donna's Book Pub.

For the past three years Alice has generously donated copies of books with stories about her breast cancer survival to bring awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Stop by Donna's Book Pub by October 31 and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the book with Alice's warm and witty story, "Hats Off to Betty with Love."

Alice isn't the only writer who's been busy this month. 

Last weekend four members of Coffee and Critique were recognized for their writing talent during the annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Doyle Suit, Marcia Gaye, Sarah Angleton, and Janet Bettag combined for a total of ten wins during the awards ceremony. Click here to see what they won.

Tune in next week for more announcements about accomplishments and events of members of Coffee and Critique, including information about Jack Zerr's book launch of Noble Deeds. 

Take Ten with the Fastest Red Pen West of the Mississippi: Alice Muschany

Move over guys, the latest Coffee and Critique Take Ten Interview is from none other than fast walking, fast talking, fast writing, and fast editing phenom: Alice Muschany.

Alice is always on the move, and her spectacular writing, editing, and photography skills are in great demand. She has been a treasured member of Coffee and Critique since its beginning. Her sweet and funny stories warm our hearts and tickle our funny bones.

Earlier this summer I was able to get her to slow down a few minutes to answer my interview questions.  

1. What inspired you to become a writer?

Growing up, I enjoyed creating silly ditties for family and friends. I also kept a notebook filled with humorous sayings. After my kids were born, I continued to jot down silly stuff they said and did. To this day I use it against them when they complain about their own offspring. 

2.      What is your writing specialty? 

 

While most of my writing buddies are liars and murderers (they write fiction), I pen mainly personal essays. My year-long battle with breast cancer also netted me a memoir that I readily share with women fighting the same battle. 

3 How would you describe your writing process?  

 

My writing is totally dependent upon my mood. If creativity strikes, I can whip out a story in no time. I’ve also been known to capture ideas on napkins, receipts or scraps of paper to be used later. The weather plays a big part. If it’s pretty (or not), I’m outside. For me, the hardest part of writing is to sit down at my computer. Family and friends call it ADHD, but they’re just jealous of my ability to multi-task. 

 

4.      What is the best part of being a writer?  What is the worst part of being a writer? 

 

Best: Capturing memories that take me back to a special place and time. Rereading old journals and being able to recall every vivid detail comes in handy, especially now that I have trouble remembering yesterday.

Worst: Finding out the fabulous story you submitted didn’t make the cut. I try using Scarlett O’Hara’s motto, “Tomorrow’s another day.”

5. What is the best writing advice you’ve received?  The worst?

Best: Polish, polish, polish. 

Worst: Suggestions to change my style of writing or take out all the parts of the story that make it me. An author needs to listen to constructive criticism, but she must also remember to remain true to herself.

6. Which books on writing can you recommend for other writers?

 I just read. A lot. Mysteries, romance, non-fiction all teach me what works and what doesn’t. As for grammar issues, I leave commas, (colons not allowed, colons, right Lou?) etc. up to my writing buddies. If the nuns failed to reach me after twelve years of Catholic school, I’m afraid it’s too late for me now. (I could, however, diagram better than the rest of my class).

7. How has belonging to Coffee and Critique affected you as a writer?

My writing group is the best. Some of us have been together for years. We’d recognize each other’s masterpiece even without a name on the paper. Having others critique my work makes my stories so much more powerful—adding a stronger verb, deleting repetitive words, filling in the blanks all make a huge impact on a short piece.

 

8. If you’ve been published or have won awards, which are the most special to you?

 

My breast cancer essays are special to me. Knowing my published stories are being read by other women fighting cancer makes me feel like I’m right there offering my sisters love, laughter, and support.

9. What three words best describe you?

My husband’s description would be: hyper, hyper and hyper.  Mine would be happy, humorous and maybe a little hyper.

10. What is your writing dream? 

I’d like to publish my breast cancer memoir one day. I’d also enjoy writing a weekly column (read all over the world, of course).

 

Bonus question: If you could interview one or two famous writers or historic figures living or deceased, who would they be and what would you ask them?

I’d interview Erma Bombeck and ask her two questions. Did your family actually read your articles? If so, did they hold it against you for poking fun at them?

More about Alice:

 

Alice Muschany recently retired from her day job after 43 years of blood, sweat and tears. She now works even harder flitting from one grandchild’s event to the next, but she wouldn’t miss it for the world. Her eight grandchildren, along with her husband and best friend, make wonderful (but not willing) subjects for her camera and her stories. In her spare time she hikes, swims, and rides the Katy Trail for enjoyment (and peace and quiet).

Her essays have been published in Cup of Comfort, Chicken Soup, and Not Your Mother’s Book. One of her stories will appear in Gloria Gayner’s “How We Survived” anthology. She is also currently an Opinion Shaper for the Suburban Journals.

 

Congratulations, Alice Muschany

Coffee and Critique writers' group member Alice Muschany has two recent publication credits to add to her portfolio.

Two of her inspiring true stories are included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope & Healing for Your Breast Cancer Journey by Dr. Julie Silver of Harvard Medical School.

Alice also has an essay in the Pass it On section of the October 2012 issue of Guideposts.

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Alice has donated a copy of the Chicken Soup book as a giveaway on Coffee and Critique Writers' Group co-founder's blog, Donna's Book Pub.

If you would like to win a copy of the anthology, leave a comment on the post announcing Alice's giveaway on Donna's Book Pub during the month of October.

And, congratulations, Alice. You make the members of Coffee and Critique proud!

Chicken Soup New Call for Stories 2009

Wiltshire Chicken by Protohire Creative Commons

Chicken Soup is asking for submissions for new book topics including:

"...Results Stories...
Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story that touched your life.

A Book of Miracles
Everyone has experienced extraordinary events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment. Perhaps the only explanation is divine intervention. The true stories in this multi-faith book will awe you with examples of amazing coincidences and prove to you that miracles do happen every day. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Christmas and Holidays
We love holidays! We know you do too. We are collecting stories for our next holiday book. There is no deadline date for story submissions.

College Campus Chronicles
We are looking for true stories and poems about your experiences in college, whether you are in college now, or a recent graduate. Stories about everything from leaving home, to classes, to roommates, to personal growth, to funny moments, to travel abroad...anything you have done in college that you would like to share with other college students. The deadline for story submissions is December 31, 2008

Dysfunctional Families
These serious or hilarious, oh so true stories will touch your heart and make you see that even in the most difficult situations, other families are not all that different from your own. Share your stories with others who may realize we all have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Endurance Sports (run,cycle,swim)
Whether you are a triathlete, a duathlete, or you just love to swim, run, or cycle, we want to hear about your sports, your races, and how endurance sports fit into your life, whether you are an amateur, a student athlete, or a pro. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Extraordinary Teens
Teenagers can do the most amazing and positive things. They can overcome obstacles and make wonderful contributions to the world. Do you know a teenager who has made a difference? We are looking for stories about these terrific teens. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2008.

Not Really Retired
This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Tell us about your new careers, your volunteer work, your sports, your travels, and those things you always wanted to do that you are finally doing. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Our Best and Brightest (soldiers and veterans)
An amazing collection of stories from soldiers who defend and protect our country – both active and retired – and from their families who make sacrifices when their loved ones are far away. You will be overcome with emotion as you read these stories that will acknowledge, entertain and inspire you and will leave you with admiration and gratitude for our nation’s best and brightest. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2009.

Teachers
We have all had that one teacher who has made a difference in our lives. And teachers, remember that one student who made you know why you decided to be a teacher and who you will never forget? We are looking for stories from both teachers and students that will tell that unforgettable story. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Dad
We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of all ages about their dads. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Mom
We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of all ages about their moms. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

The Golf Book
Chicken Soup for the Soul and Golf Digest are excited to announce a new book for golfers, edited by Max Adler of Golf Digest. Golf is a sport of passion and obsession like none other. We are looking for true personal stories that reflect what the game means to you. Think of the best stories you’ve told at the 19th hole and share them with us. The deadline for story submissions is December 1, 2008.

Tough Economic Times
We are all going through difficult times right now, some with more dire consequences than others. We would like to know what changes you are making in your lives that reflect the times. Are you downsizing, making do with less, discovering new joy in a simpler life? These stories will give you, our readers, inspiration and insight into how others are coping. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2009.

What I Learned From The Cat
Another wonderful collection of heartwarming and humorous stories about what we learned from our feline family members. The deadline date for story submissions is January 31, 2009.

What I Learned From The Dog
Another wonderful collection of heartwarming and humorous stories about what we learned from our companions and best friends. The deadline date for story submissions is January 31, 2009."

School Days and Chicken Soup Reminder - College and Extraordinary Teen Stories Wanted

Today is my daughter's first day of high school. Gah. And my son is starting the seventh grade. I dutifully recorded the occasion for posterity.

Remember Chicken Soup is looking for College Stories and Stories of Extraordinary Teens for upcoming anthologies.

Chicken Soup Wants College Stories, Resolutions Stories, and Extraordinary Teen Stories

Wiltshire Chicken by Protohiro Creative Commons

Chicken Soup for the Soul is seeking stories in the following categories: (quoted from their website)



...Results Stories...



Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story that touched your life.



Cancer Stories



We are collecting stories of support and discovery from people diagnosed with cancer and their families and support networks. The book will cover everything from the diagnosis, to planning the treatment, to living through the treatment, to coming out the other side. Stories from patients, medical professionals, family members, and friends are welcome. The deadline date for story submissions is September 1, 2008.



Stories about Cats



Another wonderful collection of stories about cats. No deadline date has been established



Stories about Christmas and holidays



We love holidays! We know you do too. We are collecting stories for our next holiday book. There is no deadline date for story submissions.



Stories About College



We are looking for true stories and poems about your experiences in college, whether you are in college now, or a recent graduate. Stories about everything from leaving home, to classes, to roommates, to personal growth, to funny moments, to travel abroad...anything you have done in college that you would like to share with other college students. The deadline for story submissions is December 31, 2008



Stories about dogs



Another wonderful collection of stories about dogs. No deadline date for story submissions has been established.



Stories about endurance sports



The stories in this book will be about running, cycling, swimming and all endurance sports. No deadline date for story submissions has been established.



Stories about Extraordinary Teens



Teenagers can do the most amazing and positive things. They can overcome obstacles and make wonderful contributions to the world. Do you know a teenager who has made a difference? We are looking for stories about these terrific teens. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2008.



Stories about resolutions



We all do it!! We make those New Year's resolutions each year and we try so hard to keep them. How did yours work out? We would love to hear from you about the resolutions you made, those that worked and those that didn't. What did you learn? The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2008.



Stories about seniors and retirement



This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" No deadline date for story submissions has been established.

Call for Stories About SAHMs and WAHMs

Chicken Rice Noodle Soup Creative Commons


According to Literary Mama, Chicken Soup is looking for stories from stay-at-home moms and work-at-home moms. The deadline is September 1, 2008.

This isn't limited to women. Guys can submit essays about their wives and your entries will stand out and have a better chance of acceptance. And remember this advice on submitting to anthologies.

Chicken Soup Wants Stories for 2008

It's time for a fresh chicken soup call for story submissions. For 2008 they want the following:

• Christmas stories
• Cat Stories
• Dog Stories
• Basketball Stories
• Football Stories
• Runner's Stories
• Green Stories
• Expectant Mother Stories
• Couple Stories
• Twin Stories
• Leadership Stories
• Catholic Stories
• Stay-at-Home-Mom Stories

And many, many more. Okay, maybe just a few more. But I got tired of typing. You can find their submission guidelines on their site.

Chicken Soup is Looking for Stories About Twenty-Somethings

According to the Apathy Myth Blog, Chicken Soup needs submissions for a book about the Twenty-something crowd. You do not have to be in your twenties to contribute. It can be about when you were twenty-something or the experience of a twenty-something you know.

The deadline is January 7, 2008, and you'll receive $200 if published. Think inspirational. Duh. It's a chicken soup book, so I guess I don't need to tell you that. My twenties were a blur. No. Stop thinking that. I didn't mean it that way. I had two little kids and no sleep. Seriously.

Chicken Soup Wants Stories From Stay-at-home Moms

The Mommy Life website reports that Chicken Soup is asking for stories from Stay-at-home Moms. Submit your stories of 1000 words or less about being a SAHM to the Chicken Soup website. Scroll down their list of books to find the book description.

Chapters include:

A Mother's Love

Insight and Lessons

On Gratitude

On Sharing and Giving

Through the Eyes of a Child

Overcoming Obstacles

Letting Go

Time for Me

They don't want the kind of mom stories I write - they involve children with milk-filled shot glasses and keeping one eye open at night so the kids can't get me. That's what the voices tell me to do anyway. . .

The Renegade Writer's Tips for Finding Article Ideas and Using Smells to Brainstorm

Linda Formichelli has a great blog on finding article subjects called 8 Tips for Generating Salable Article Ideas. I love her site, The Renegade Writer. If you're writing freelance, you should check it out.

I'll add a tip of my own for essay and article writers. Try using smells to generate memories and associations. Smell is a strong brain trigger for memories, so use it to brainstorm about what the smell reminds you of. (Yes, you can end a sentence with a preposition now.) I use this with my class sometimes to help them think of possible essay topics.

Maybe smelling baking bread reminds you of your flour-covered fingers kneading dough in your grandmother's kitchen. Then you can write an essay about your baking memory and submit it to Chicken Soup for the Soul. They are looking for stories about Baking With Kids. Share your loaf lessons of childhood baking and you may get published. And don't forget to incorporate sensory information into your writing. It gives it a whole new dimension and texture.

Some other smells to scratch and sniff for ideas:
vanilla
peanut butter
garlic
peppermint
cinnamon
lavender
cut grass
chocolate
vinegar
perfume
roses (yeah, corny. I just told you to stop and smell them)

Today is the morning Coffee and Critique Meeting. Hope to see you there.