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The big book reveal!


Well here is the big surprise! A little less than a year ago I was browsing a friend's blog. Susan at Stony River, always posts open markets at the end of her blog. This Chicken Soup for the Soul was the one posted for that day. I checked it out and it sounded like something I could do. So, I blindly submitted my story to them in hopes of hearing something back. Well, months passed and I forgot about submitting it, until I received an e-mail saying that I had made the first cut. The editor said there were around 4,000 submissions and they cut it down to about 200. Then about a month later they cut it to 120 and there was one more cut to make it to 101. I found out at the first of the year that I was selected to be in the book. Since the book wouldn't come out until April, I had to keep it a secret from my dad. I wanted to give it to him for his birthday, which is also in April. I only told a handful of people about it and they were sworn to secrecy.

Wednesday, I helped my uncle-in-law, Jackie with a photo shoot for a dance studio in Alabama and decided to drive home afterwards to surprise my dad with the book. When I handed it to him I said, "I thought about you and had to get this for you. That first story reminds me of you." He didn't know that the first story was about him. He opened it and was pretty much speechless. It was a neat moment for mom, dad, and me. I received payment up front and will not receive any royalties but, I hope all of you will buy a copy anyway! You can find one here on Amazon. They will make great Father's Day gifts. Be sure to read the first story (FYI: that's mine). Thanks for your support.
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Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 22, 2010 at 4:35 PM

    Wow, Bryan - that is amazing! What a beautiful moment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 23, 2010 at 6:35 PM

    My Hebrew study partner making it in the real world of live fire action! So awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Susan at Stony RiverApril 26, 2010 at 9:05 AM

    Oh wow -- OH WOW!!
    Out of 4,000 entries, that's just astronomical competition, CONGRATULATIONS! Your story (and how you told it) must be amazing; I can't wait to get a copy and check it out. Thanks for the link!

    Well now I know what I'm posting about tomorrow LOL. First I have to go now, and jump and down screaming with excitement for a while!

    I hope it's followed by much more success too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dr. Chandana ShekarMay 6, 2010 at 3:18 PM

    congratulations :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. SouthLakesMomMay 6, 2010 at 4:04 PM

    Susan sent me over and congratulations! Since you're a believer, you know there are NO coincidences in life. God gave you that talent for a reason. And what a blessing you were able to share with your dad! I can't wait to read it either. (Note to self. Stop at B&N tomorrow with only enough cash for one book. No credit card.)

    ReplyDelete
  6. CutePriyaMay 7, 2010 at 5:56 AM

    Many congratulations...what a perfect Father's Day Gift...

    ReplyDelete

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