RSJ NEWS RELEASE
Reynolds School of Journalism graduate Paul George along with instructor and class of 1987 graduate Jackie Shelton have stories featured in two different “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books available in bookstores now. The dual publishing coup originated in a University of Nevada, Reno magazine writing class offered by the school in fall 2012.
George wrote his story, “Adventures of a Middle-Aged College Student,” for the class Shelton was teaching. Shelton shared her story, “A Flood of Blessings,” with the class as an example of a personal essay, and her students challenged her to submit it for publication. They did the same to George, who submitted his to “Chicken Soup for the Soul: From Lemons to Lemonade,” which was published in August 2013. “A Flood of Blessings” appears in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: It’s Christmas,” which came out in October 2013.
“It’s inspiring to see how our students encouraged a classmate and their instructor to submit their work for publication,” said Dean Al Stavitsky. “This speaks to the culture of community that we have in the Reynolds School.”
George’s story is about the events that led him to enroll in college and pursue a career in writing. Currently, he is using his free time to write a novel about Jesus and Thor. He is also starting a remodeling business in Reno and is continuing to look for work in the field of journalism.
Shelton’s story is about a Christmas flood and the events that transformed it from the worst to the best Christmas ever.
Published by Simon & Schuster, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: From Lemons to Lemonade” and “Chicken Soup for the Soul: It’s Christmas” are available from most retail and online booksellers.
Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s land-grant university, the University of Nevada, Reno ranks in the top tier of best national universities. With nearly 19,000 students, the University is driven to contribute a culture of student success, world-improving research and outreach that enhances communities and business. Part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the University has the system’s largest research program and is home to the state’s medical school. With outreach and education programs in all Nevada counties and home to one of the largest study-abroad consortiums, the University extends across the state and around the world. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.
