If you have an entertaining tale of childhood mischief, your anecdote could inspire a chapter in my next book.

Now through April 30, I am collecting memories of childhood shenanigans for my upcoming middle grade novel, “The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill.” The book follows a year in the life of the Molehill family and the mayhem the five children cause when their father runs for mayor.

Some events in the book are completely fabricated. Others, such as when one of the Molehill children decides to build an elephant trap in the backyard, are inspired by true stories in my family.

Because the truth can be stranger — and often, infinitely more entertaining — than fiction, I’m opening the door for others to share a story to inspire Molehill mischief.

The winning submission will be used as inspiration for scenes in the book. Multiple entries per person will be accepted, but all stories should be true. Submissions should be events in which the entrant was involved or was present to witness. Anecdotes can be mischievous memories from the entrant’s own childhood or about the entrant’s children.

The winner will be notified in May and be credited in the book’s acknowledgments. To submit a story, go to juliestroebelbarichello.com/contests (or click the Contests tab at the top of the page) and fill out the form.

“The Mountain of Dempsey Molehill” has a tentative release date of summer 2017.