Do You Want to Know a Secret?

“But some secrets are too delicious not to share.”
― Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay

It's no secret that I've been remiss in soliciting contributions for Not Your Mother's Book: On Sharing Secrets! First I pleaded for stories for On Travel, and oh, how I appreciated all the stories that came pouring into the NYMB database. That book, with its glorious new cover, finally is available on Amazon, so I'm hoping that soon I'll see some reviews posted there. http://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Mothers-Book-Travel/dp/1938778049/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1375115640&sr=1-1

Then I concentrated on suggesting writers reminisce about their very first time they tried this, that and especially the other for Not Your Mother's Book: My First Time. In fact, I'm still looking for stories for that book. Please be reminded once again that the suggested chapter headings on the NYMB database are suggestions only, just to get your brain in storming mode. Deadline? None has been set yet, but I'm hoping this book makes the 2015 production schedule. There's still time to contribute...but strike while your memory is still hot! I'll be reading the stories already in the database very soon.

Here's the link to stimulate some thought: http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/my_first_time.html

What kind of stories is the NYMB series looking for? Freshly updated  guidelines are here: http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/nymb_submit_guidelines.html

A couple of words of clarification...a few fellow writers have asked me what the difference is between a story suitable for the NYMB series versus traditional anthology series such as Chicken Soup for the Soul or A Cup of Comfort. Those who read the new series will note that stories tend to entertain more than to inspire, to spur laughter rather than to elicit tears. NYMB stories need not be uplifting, but that could be a side benefit if you find yourself enjoying a little secret shameless schadenfreude!

One woman wondered if she'd strengthen her chances of having her story selected if she peppered it with a few four-letter words. I can answer that question in two- three- and four-letter words: No, non, and nein! Gratuitous swearing does not a strong story make. Nonetheless, if a story for authenticity requires an expletive a tad stronger than "cussy darn," remember that the guidelines state: stories may contain language and situations akin to a PG-13 or TV-14 rating.

Speaking of first times, this is the first time that I've asked writers to submit stories for On Sharing Secrets. I'm also asking for suggestions for possible topics or proposed chapters! Please email ideas to me at telders@hotmail.com, with Secrets in the subject line. 

You have until Saturday, August 17, to submit suggestions. That date is International Homeless Animals Day. To honor critters who need homes, I'll spread the names of the contributors into an  open suitcase and ask my Akita, Tsunami, to point her paw to a winner. That winner will receive a copy of Not Your Mother's Book: On Travel. So tell me about the secrets that YOU want to hear about!