Mitch Albom To Judge Writing Contest

Author Mitch Albom, the Borders superstore chain and the social media Web site Gather.com are all participating in a Mother's Day writing contest, with the winner receiving a seven-day cruise for two.

The "Times Mom Stood Up For Me" contest, which Albom was to discuss Wednesday on CBS News' "The Early Show," asks applicants to write "an original story that relays a childhood memory of a particular moment in which their mother stood up for them.

Essays must be 300 words or less and will appear on Gather.com, where the top 10 picks will be selected. The winner, chosen by Albom, will be announced May 10 on "The Early Show." The nine finalists each will receive a $100 Borders gift card.

"The way my own mother stood up for me was a driving force behind the writing of 'For One More Day,' " Albom said in a statement, referring to his million-selling novel. "In my book, the son never gets to express his gratitude. My hope is that this competition will encourage the entrants to express those feelings, and to honor all the mothers who have so lovingly devoted themselves to their children."

Submissions will be accepted starting Wednesday, and continuing through April 25.