Father's Day will be here before you know it, and what better way to celebrate than to give your father a Chicken Soup for the Soul book with your own story in it! Share your stories of good times with your father. We are looking for funny, quirky, and unusual stories, as well as those heartwarming stories about the unique ways that our fathers help us and show their love for us.

We are not looking for eulogies, life stories, or very serious stories, as we already have plenty of those in the book. We are also not looking for stories about your children. This book is about Dad and for Dad, so let's give our fathers a good time and a book that will make them smile.

We have about 75 great stories selected so far for this book, and are looking for 30 more. This is the first time that we have sent out an e-mail about this book, but many of you saw it listed on our website. We are reopening the database for Thanks Dad for two weeks, so if you have a great story about your father, we look forward to reading it.

We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories should not have been previously published in our books or other major publications. Previous publication in school newsletters, local newspapers, and other small circulation venues is okay. Stories must be non-fiction.

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 DECEMBER 14, 2009. Book is scheduled for publication April 20, 2010, and you will receive your free copies in advance of that.