Below are the guidelines for submission:

1. Tell about a moving, challenging, uplifting, spiritual, melancholy, sad, witty, encouraging or "seemingly supernatural" story about something that has happened to you in your life. Have you been touched by an angel? Given a message spiritually? Protected by an unseen hand? Discovered your purpose in life? Does someone you know recount a story you love to hear? There are numerous stories to be shared for us all. Be sure to make your story come to life. Use visualization & descriptive phrases that make readers feel they're a part of the experience that you are describing.

2. Don't concern yourself with how many people may be moved by your story. The way the universe works, if it helps even one person it has completed its cycle! Life experiences are designed so that many can benefit from the experiences of one. More than likely, if your story moved you in some way, so too will it move others. Your story should contain one or more of the following: A positive or uplifting outcome, a silver lining, a moment of revelation, a profound lesson, a challenge that was overcome, spiritual/physical or mental growth, a maturity point that has occurred, or a simple "a-ha! moment."

3. Stories should, of course, be well written and communicated. They should be detailed in a way that readers are able to connect to your emotions and identify with your experience. If you're concerned about your writing style, enlist the help of a friend to give you some basic feedback before submitting. Stories should be encouraging, inspiring, motivating or uplifting. While there are stories with endings that may seem sad or less than "perfect," depending upon the lessons learned and how the story is conveyed, these, too, may be eligible to be included. As we all know, not all of life leaves us smiling; however, it is what we do beyond those moments that make for an uplifting tale, as well as make the difference for us in our daily lives.

4. There is a nonrefundable, $10.00 submission fee for each story submitted via PayPal. Stories without a submission fee will not be considered.

5. If your story is selected to be included in the "Sweet Potato Pie for the Heart" series, you will be eligible to be invited to meet with the author* and will receive an autographed copy of the book.

6. Submisions may be sent via the online form or by email. If you send your story by email, you must still submit $10 via PayPal by going to the payment page.

7. All stories must be nonfiction, true accounts. Stories should range in between 300-1500 words.

8. Neither submissions nor submission fees will be returned. For your records, please retain a copy of your original work sent. Submissions sent are not guaranteed to be used in publication.

9. Tell us a little about yourself--a short biography--sharing whatever information you feel comfortable in sharing.

All submissions will receive acknowledgment upon their receipt via e-mail. While not all stories will be used for the first series of the book, should your story be used for publication you will be notified by mail, whereby we will request your permission to include it in the series. If your story does not make it to the first in this series--don't fret. It may still be eligible for a future installment of the "Sweet Potato Pie for the Heart" series of books!

You may of course, submit more than one story. Each story must be accompanied with a separate submission fee. If you know of others whose stories may be a good choice for this project, or you'd like to share a story passed down through your family, feel free to include them! Remember to include the author's name, its source, how the story came to be, and what it means to current family members.

Authors whose stories are selected are eligible to spend some time with the author*, and will receive an autographed copy of the book!

If you've ever wanted others to gain wisdom, humor, or knowledge from an event that you've experienced, if you've ever wanted the opportunity to share your inspirational moments with others, then seize the moment now. Reflect on the blessings & opportunities that have occurred in your life that propelled you to move forward--send your submission today!

Remember: Allow your HEART to be your guide! The "Sweet Potato Pie for the Heart" series is all about stories that move and touch us at the very core of our hearts!

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