One need not be a defense personnel to write for this series. Families, friends and others are welcome to write for us provided the stories are related to the theme.
We invite stories from the Indian Army, Navy, Air force and paramilitary forces like the BSF, NSG CIFF.
Since defence personnel are barred from talking to press/media I have acquired permission for the same from Brigadier S. K Chatterjee. He is the Director Deputy General Public Information. The other permissions (Navy and Air Force) should come soon too.
Besides the stories that we are looking into deal with themes as love, learning, dealing with death and dying, overcoming obstacles, parenting, stories of personal triumphs against all odds, etc. I believe there is a lot to share which is essentially unclassified.
Forward this mail/post to others who may be interested please
This is Raksha Bharadia. I am the author of:
1. 'Me' - A Handbook for Life (Rupa & Co)
2.'Roots and Wings' - A Handbook for Parents (Rupa & Co).
3. Chicken Soup for the India Soul (
The current assignment undertaken by me is compilation of individual experiences for the 'Chicken Soup for the Indian Armed Forces' Soul' for
The write-ups will carry the contributors' name.
Please send your stories to:
bharadiaraksha (AT) hotmail.com and mark a cc to rakshabharadia (AT) gmail.com
before 30th April 2009
Recipe for A Winning Chicken Soup for Soul for the Armed Forces'
A Chicken Soup for the Soul® story is an inspirational, true story that opens the heart and rekindles the spirit. It is a simple, inter-denominational, living art piece that touches the soul of the readers and helps them discover basic principles they can use in their own lives. They are personal and often filled with emotion and drama. They are filled with vivid images created by using the five senses. In some stories, the readers feel that they are actually in the scene with the people.
Chicken Soup stories have a beginning, middle and an ending that often closes with a punch, creating emotion rather than simply talking about it. Chicken Soup for the Soul® stories have heart, but also something extra…an element that makes us all feel more hopeful, more connected, more thankful, more passionate and better about life in general. A story that causes tears, laughter, goosebumps or any combination of these. A good story covers the range of human emotions.
The most powerful stories are about people extending themselves, or performing an act of love, service or courage for another person.
Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Armed forces Soul® Story
1. Tell an exciting, sad or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Make sure that you introduce the character(s).
2. Tell your story in a way that will make the reader cry, laugh or get goose bumps (the good kind!) Don't leave anything out — how did you feel?
3. The story should start with action; it should include a problem, issue or situation. It should include dialogue and the character should express their feelings though the conflict or situation. It should end in a result, such as a lesson learned, a positive change or pay-off.
4. Above all, let it come from your heart! Your story is important!
What a Chicken Soup for the Soul® story IS NOT:
1. A sermon, an essay or eulogy.
2. A term paper, thesis, letter or journal entry.
3. About politics or controversial issues.
4. A "My Grandma Just Died, and Let Me Tell You What A Wonderful Person She Was" or "Let Me Tell You About My Disease or Operation" or "I Gave a Bum Some Money, Aren't I Incredible?" or "Why My Mother Is the Best Mother" or a personal testimony that may mean nothing to the reader.
Story Specifications
Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300-1200 words.
Chapters
Every book is divided into topic chapters with the following as a guideline for typical chapters:
1) On Love This chapter contains stories that describe acts of love and kindness; the healing power of love; acts of tenderness and compassion; acts of generosity; and events that transcend racism, sexism, ageism and nationalism. In regards to the Armed forces these stories could also talk about issues of moving, lengthy separations and endless anxieties.
2) On the line of Fire This chapter contains stories of near-death experiences, moments of personal revelations and understanding, stories of courage and pride when behind the line of fire.
3) On Parenting: This chapter contains stories that demonstrate love and caring in the act of parenting and grand parenting.
4) On Teaching and Learning: This chapter contains stories that demonstrate caring, compassion and creativity in the art of teaching—both in the classroom and outside the classroom.
5) Overcoming Obstacles: This chapter contains stories that demonstrate how we have triumphed over our own personal obstacles or supported one over theirs, and how individually each should be celebrated.
6) On Death and Dying: This chapter will contain stories about the power of the human spirit to confront the loss of loved ones through spiritual understanding, healing acts of love and kindness, and through humor.
7) On Aging: This chapter will contain stories about people over 60 years old who are making remarkable contributions to society, who are challenging the stereotypes of aging, and who are living without limitations.
8) On Living Your Dream: This chapter will contain stories that demonstrate the power of believing in your dream, the power of goal setting, the wisdom of trusting and following your heart, the power of giving encouragement and the importance of asking for and being open to receiving assistance from both other people and God.
9) Eclectic Wisdom: This chapter contains stories that don't fit into any other chapters. The stories are what about any aspect of life that is emotionally moving, touching, inspiring and insightful.
Raksha
http://bharadia.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
0 comments:
Post a Comment