Improve the Odds

       If you need 12 cupcakes for a party, you had better make at least 14...a menopausal chocoholic might get out of control mishap might happen. 

       If you need 50 brochures, make an extra 10 just to be safe.

       If there is a contest, and you're not limited in your entries, send in more than one submission. One of them might not make it, but one of them might end up a winner.    

        This week I got an email from D'ette Corona, one of the head haunchos at Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I always hold my breath like I do when I pass by a police officer shooting radar and I'm clearly speeding when I see an email from her. It's either good news, or a version of "Sioux-you-screwed-up-and-forgot-to-send-in-the-release" message. One of these days, I think she's going to say, "Stop bugging us. Don't submit another thing." Hence, the holding of my breath...

This book is going to go on sale on November 2, 2013.

       I submitted two stories for this anthology. "My Circle of Friends," a memoir about a book club I belong to, was the only one that made it to the final round. Of course, it could get booted out before the book goes to press, but I'm remaining hopeful. (And if it does get tossed out at the last minute, I will shout that out as well, 'cause rejection is all part of the writing business...)

       Improve your odds. Take more than one chance at some of the opportunities that come your way. You might end up a winner...