Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul

It's here. My humor story "Under Dawg" was one of the 60 stories selected for the newly released Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul from among thousands of entries sent in across the nation. I received my contributor's copy in the mail a few weeks ago and finally read the book this weekend. It's good. Better than I expected. Being published in an American Idol book is kind of one of those, "I'm thrilled and totally embarrassed at the same time" scenarios. There goes my cover story that I only watch PBS.

But now having read the book, I'm happy to be a part of it. My favorite stories aren't from the contestants. They're from the behind-the-scenes crew like the hair stylists and dressers.

I actually wrote this story years ago--well before I ever knew there would be a Chicken Soup book on it (although really, we all should have known...). It was just one of those stories I scribbled down because I found it amusing and didn't want to lose the moment. I love it when a story pays off. Plus, it's now my second Chicken Soup book. (First one was Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul.)

I just spent the better part of an hour shooting out press releases to local media. And realized after I'd sent out the 20 e-mails that I refer to the book as "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Lover's Soul," when the title is actually, "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul."  Phooey.

I'd better start work on my next story. I plan to enter it in the Chicken Soup for People Who Send Out Incorrect Press Releases book. Wish me luck!