101 True Stories Exploring the Fine Line between Comedy and Tragedy in our Dysfunctional Families

Almost everyone thinks their own family is dysfunctional, or at least has a dysfunctional member or two.

We are looking for true stories and poems about your family. Stories can be serious or hilarious, or both, and should help readers understand that their families are not so different from those of other people. Many of us 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!). We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more, since there is no way we can think of all the ways that families can be dysfunctional:

    Wedding woes
    Compulsions
    Holiday meltdowns
    Mean or controlling family members
    Crazy but lovable
    Interventions and family meetings
    Abandoning a family member, sometimes to preserve the rest
    Funny foibles
    Serious family issues such as abuse, mental illness, substance abuse
    Reconciliations
    Funeral flare-ups and estate issues
    Acceptance
    ... Anything else that you think is interesting about your dysfunctional relatives

We are not looking for stories about divorce or the normal trials and tribulations of raising children and teenagers.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoupforthesoul.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story.

DEADLINE IS JUNE 30, 2009. Book is tentatively scheduled for publication in fall 2009, in time for the next holiday season!