Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor Seeks a Spot on “The Gittle List”

HOUSTON - Nov. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- Children’s book author Michele Christian-Oldham traces her writing career back to a story she wrote about a sneaker in 1988 for her high school’s literary magazine. “My Life as a Sneaker was a humorous tale about what an average teenage-owning sneaker goes through during the course of a day.” It would be 20 years before Michele gave that sneaker another thought.

Life after high school was far more complicated. Writing became a form of therapy for the author. She says, “In 2005, when I faced a tough divorce, along with raising a 5-year old son and 3-year-old twin girls on my own, I sought refuge in writing. It literally saved me.” Michele's children gave her enough material to start writing articles for a twins and triplets organization’s newsletter.

It wasn’t long before Michele was writing newspaper columns and getting her short stories published. Chicken Soup for the Soul picked up her first short story in 2006. By 2013, the popular franchise published three more of her stories.

Back to the sneaker. At a high school reunion, Michele remembered the story she had written two decades earlier. She realized it would make a great children’s book and started the long process toward self-publishing it. Sunny the Sneaker was born. It helped that she reconnected with an old high school friend, Michele Katz, who happens to be an illustrator. It was Ms. Katz who ultimately brought the old sneaker to life.

Ms. Katz also told the author about The Gittle List contest for self-published children’s picture books. Michele says, “Although I have short stories published in well-known books—trying to branch out on your own is tough. I decided to enter Sunny the Sneaker because I felt it was a great opportunity as a first-time publisher to gain exposure.”

Michele entered The Gittle List contest last year. Even though she did not make the top ten, she earned free publicity. So, she decided to enter Sunny the Sneaker again for 2015. (Submission guidelines: http://gotogittle.com/the-gittle-list-2015-guidelines/)

Michele isn't the only author who re-submitted their book for consideration. Aviva Gittle, owner of Aviva Gittle Publishing and host of the contest, says, “There are other authors who decided to resubmit their book this year. Entering The Gittle List is cost-effective marketing for many of the entrants. I don't guarantee that every author will get their book posted on social media, but many do. It's the best $21.95 an indie author can spend." Winners are guaranteed a lot of promotion as part of the prize package.

Michele hopes to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10 for 2015. Win or lose, Michele has a very special sneaker – and three wonderful children – to thank for kicking off her publishing journey.

The Gittle List contest is open to indie authors around the world. Digital and print books published in any year are eligible. Learn more by going to www.GoToGittle.com and selecting "Contests" from the top menu. (http://gotogittle.com/)

Did you self-publish a great children's picture book? Enter it into The Gittle List contest. Hurry! Deadline is midnight November 15, 2015. Submission Guidelines: http://gotogittle.com/the-gittle-list-2015-guidelines/

Aviva Gittle Publishing offers great stories for children in English and Spanish, including the Kitten and Friends / Gatito y amigos series. Aviva’s website, www.GoToGittle.com, shares the stories of authors, illustrators, and others who offer books and creative media for children.