A Cup of Comfort is a best-selling anthology (book) series published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications company. Each volume features powerful true stories about the experiences and relationships that inspire and enrich our lives.

Submissions are now being sought for two new volumes:

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Having a baby is one of the most exciting, challenging, and magical experiences in a woman’s life. It can also be an emotional roller-coaster ride and a physical endurance test. Never more so than during pregnancy does a woman need a little extra TLC. The 50 heartwarming true stories selected for inclusion in this anthology are sure to bring comfort, joy, and encouragement to expectant moms of all ages and backgrounds, whether awaiting the arrival of their first child or their tenth. For this volume, we want positive personal stories about the memorable experiences that inspire, reassure, sustain, and delight women during those wondrous and sometimes anxious months of planning, conceiving, carrying, delivering, and welcoming home her new bundle(s) of joy. Any topic relevant to this unique time in a woman’s life is acceptable, as long as the story is positive and meaningful to expectant mothers overall.

Submission Deadline: September 1, 2005

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

A child’s diagnosis of autism usually strikes fear in the hearts of parents—and often turns their world upside-down and their lives inside-out. The incidence of this mysterious neurobiological disorder has risen dramatically in recent years, leaving parents in search of answers, support, and hope. For this inspirational volume, we seek personal anecdotal stories (not prescriptive articles) about the unique aspects of parenting a child with autism and related disorders (Asperger syndrome, Rett’s disorder, disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder). Possible themes include, but are not limited to: impact on other members of family; creative solutions to everyday challenges; breakthroughs; effective treatments; silver linings; tender moments; helpful support; unexpected positive outcomes; blessings large and small; reasons for hope; adult children with autism. We are most interested in stories written by parents, but will also consider and likely publish some stories written by professionals and family members or friends with intimate knowledge of the child and parents in question.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2005

Note: Deadlines are sometimes extended. Additional volumes (themes to be determined) are planned.

Stories must be original (not derived from another published work), true, positive, in English, and 1,000-2,000 words. Open to aspiring, unpublished, and published writers.

Payment: One $500 grand prize per book; $100 each, all other published stories. Plus copy of book.

Guidelines: http://www.cupofcomfort.com (click on "Share Your Story") or email request to cupofcomfort@adamsmedia.com. Additional volumes with varying themes are planned.

About the author: A Cup of Comfort is published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company, and edited by Colleen Sell (wordsinger@aol.com).