Showing posts with label stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stories. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Kicking Off 2016: Strange Things Brewing at Coffee and Critique

 
Nick's last visit to C&C
The new year kicked off on a strange note yesterday at Coffee and Critique. As those present took turns going around the table at the beginning of our first session for 2016 --during which we shared our writing, publishing and other news--first up was Pat, who showed us a photo of her new puppy and mentioned she got an e-mail informing her she made it through the first hurdle for Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Less.

That prompted a comment from Jack, who was sitting at the far other end of the table, to say, "Did you say 'the joy of lust?'"

After we all stopped laughing out loud, we discussed how CS wouldn't publish an anthology focused on the joy of lust, although it would be an interesting read. Jack's comment was one for the books!


The readings by Doyle and Jack, "the boys," went well, as did critiques from the rest of us. With only six writers present, we wrapped up our critiques and discussions early and three of "the girls" stayed for lunch.


Bea in one of her many chapeaus
While Marcia, Jane, and I were eating, I began to discuss how much I missed Bea Siros and Nick Nixon, two of our members who had passed away a few years ago within one year (almost to the day) of each other.


Just then about a dozen glasses and cups fell off the drink counter near the cash register. No one was anywhere near the counter. One server was waiting on a table on the other side of the restaurant, and the other server was in the kitchen. The closest customer was at a table over six feet away.


Bea at her birthday party
Our awesome servers, Chrissie and Kim, quickly swept up the shattered glass, and the owners came in from their office to make sure everyone was okay.  C&K explained they didn't know how the glasses fell because no one was anywhere near the counter at the time. It was indeed a strange happening.

When Chrissie stopped by our table to top off our drinks, she said. "I swear there's a ghost in here."
Her comment gave me chills because right before the glasses shattered, we were talking about the deceased members of our group. Could their spirits be lingering at the restaurant?

It could've been a coincidence, but if you ask my opinion, it looks like our critique group will be in for a strange and an interesting year.



Saturday, August 18, 2007

St. Louis - Share Your Story of WWII with KETC Channel 9

KETC Channel 9 is asking St. Louisans to share their memories of WWII so they can be featured in conjunction with Ken Burns's new documentary, The War. Some stories will be featured on Channel 9 or on their "Your Stories" website. All stories will be collected by KETC and stored at the Missouri Historical Society.

There are several ways to submit your story. You can see their guidelines for submitting on the website, or read some of the stories already submitted. You can also watch some video stories submitted by community members at YouTube. KETC will be accepting stories through November 11, 2007.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Chicken Soups Seeks Stories From Pet Lovers

Chicken Soup is looking for stories from pet lovers. Titles include:

  • Cat Lover's Soul: Raining Cats! Submit your story of cat love, deadline for submissions is December 31, 2007.

  • Dog Lover's Soul: Unleashed! Submit your story of doggie love, deadline for submissions is December 31, 2007.

  • Christmas Pet Book Submit stories about pets and the holidays, deadline for story submission is March 31, 2008.

Literary Cottage Agency Seeks Hero Stories

Who are the heroes in your life?

The Literary Cottage Agency wants stories about everyday heroes centering on following three themes:

  • Teachers or Mentors who are heroic, deadline September 1, 2007
  • Mothers or mother figures who are heroic, deadline November 30, 2007
  • Fathers or father figures who are heroic, deadline February 28, 2008

The stories should be true and uplifting - similar to Chicken Soup or Cup of Comfort style. Each should be between 850-2000 words. You can find further guidelines and tips for writing a hero story on their website. Early submissions are encouraged.

Payment is $100 and complimentary copy, with extra money prizes awarded to the top 3 stories in each book: 1st place is $250, 2nd place is $150, and 3rd place is $100.