What Every Writer Can Learn from the "Chicken Soup" Success Story

It was a simple concept that "ignited" like a grease fire in a kitchen.
Chicken soup.
A feel-good antidote for a world of hungry readers seeking uplifting stories that offered hope through heartfelt tales, during today's tough times.
And it worked. In a big way!
This project catapulted authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen to mega success--to the tune of millions! It paved the way for a future empire of speaking events, cook books, music Cds and more.
It topped the New York Times' lofty best-sellers list.
And after more than a decade, it's still going strong.

The lessons they imparted to audiences worldwide through this popular anthology can impart important lessons for today's writer as well.

As a fan of the series, (and one who is dying to be published in one), here's what I've learned, and you can too.

•  They believed in the philosophy that "everybody's got a story to tell."

What's your story? How can your unique perspective help others to find a common bond? Or live better? Or inspire others to reach their dreams? When will you share it?

• They didn't try to "reinvent the wheel."

These savvy guys simply took a basic recipe, (anthologies) and added their own ingredients and flavor. And they just did it better. So often writers and bloggers believe that their work has to be out of the ordinary and freakishly unusual to have massive appeal. Not so. Not always. Of course originality is important, but excellence is even moreso. :-) Remember the K.I.S.S. principle.

• They recognized the importance of effective branding and marketing.

No matter how well you write, if you don't promote effectively and find various avenues to connect with audiences, your project's growth will be stunted. Use the power of social media to optimize success. And don't be shy about tooting your own horn when the situation dictates.

• They persevered through multiple rejections.

I don't remember the exact account, but if I recall correctly, the authors were denied dozens of times before they actually garnered a book deal. How many of us can relate? As a noted politican one stated: "Don't retreat, reload."

• They created good "karma".

Often in their books and speeches, they will thank and honor all the contributors, editors, friends, family members, and book buyers that made it all possible. They partner and collaborate with other organizations for worthy causes. They make others feel vested in their success and create important alliances in so doing. Writers should too.

So the next time you'd like to add success to your creative menu, look to the men at "Chicken Soup" for a recipe worth emulating.

Your turn.
Thoughts? Agree or disagree?

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