Autism Study and Writer Opportunities

If you have a child with autism (I do not, but have several close friends with children who do, and my hat is off to those wonderful parents), then look into this study. They are looking for parents to participate to confirm or rule out, once and for all, certain environmental factors.

Second bit of news to pass on, for those writers or want to be writers among my readers, Chicken Soup for the Soul is looking for some essays for both ends of the age spectrum -- Empty Nesters and Teens (or those who remember what it was like to be a teen):

Empty Nester's Stories Wanted

The "empty nest" experience tests the elasticity of both our house and our heart. Chicken Soup for the Empty Nester's Soul invites you to contribute a true story or anecdote that explores your losses and discoveries, rifts and rescues, pandemonium and silences - and the hope and humor that helped you survive it all.

Topics will include but not be limited to:

Leaving Already?
Broken Wings
Branching Out
Fledgling Flights
Boomerangs
Wings and Wisdom
Prodigals
Ruffled Feathers
Feathering Our Nests


We're looking for inspirational, true stories of 1000 words or less that will make readers laugh, cry, or sigh. Stories should be positive, universal, and non-controversial. The "message" should be evident without preaching. No essays, commentaries, tributes, philosophical, or biographical pieces will be accepted. Please refer to other Chicken Soup books to better understand our story-telling style or see sample stories at: www.emptynesterssoul.com. Deadline is January 31, 2007.<< (more information is available at Chicken Soup for the Soul; go to the Possible Books section).

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: The Real Deal on Girl Stuff Story Call Out

Please send us your stories on "Girl Stuff"-friendship, moods, self-worth, body image, parent relationships, sweetheart relationships, fashion, fitting in, peer pressure, menstrual cycles-anything you want to share with the next generation of young women about what they really need to know, what is important-and what you have discovered is not.

Please note that this is not the typical "Chicken Soup" book in that in addition to stories, there is actual content that helps teenagers navigate through teen years. If you have suggestions on what you think needs to be included, anecdotes about what you wish you had known when you were a teen, please feel free to send you two cents. On the "advice" snippets (a paragraph or less) please specify whether you want credit by full name, first name or a fake name. There is no payment for the advice inserts if used, however, we do pay $200 for each Chicken Soup story selected, and $50 for selected poems.<< (more information is available at Chicken Soup for the Soul; go to the Possible Books section).

Enjoy!

Shirley