I love listening to the feedback from all of the wonderful people who spend their precious time reading I Made Lemonade posts. That being said, several people have expressed their desire to share their story but have also expressed their fear of writing. It is important to me to address this subject because it’s one for which I’m very passionate.
I get it. I really, really do.
I love writing. It’s something that comes easily to me. And while I really do believe in the beauty and art of writing, I understand that not everyone finds it so easy. Time and time again, someone will come to me and tell me how much they love and support the website and how they’d love to submit a story, but the idea seems so intimidating to them.
To ease the uncertainty of the process, I’d like to share the various ways I’ve received submissions for IML. Here are 5 ways I have received stories:
1.) I had one story submitted to me handwritten on a note card. The person said, “Here’s my story. I’m horrible at writing. Can you please make this make sense?”
2.) One story was submitted through a text message. (and it was awesome!)
3.) Another was actually submitted via a recorded interview which I simply typed out. (I LOVED this because I could almost feel the story as I put pen to it.)
4.) One writer intends to hand me a handwritten story on a piece of paper the next time we run into each other.
5.) Most stories are typed on a Word Document and then copied into the submission section on the website.
Once these stories were submitted in some way, I looked over them for any misspelled words or errors. If there was something that needed re-wording, I re-worded it. And before I submit anything to the website, I make sure any and all changes are agreed upon by the person who submitted the story.
Let me take a moment here to also address anonymity. I always ask every storyteller to what degree they would like to be identified. Some IML writers are comfortable with everyone knowing who they are while others are not. Some writers like to have me share the link on their Facebook wall for their friends and family to see while others do not. It’s completely up to the person submitting the story.
My goal is to make it as easy as possible to get anyone’s story told.
Maybe one day I Made Lemonade will have thousands of submissions, but right now this is a Texas girl just trying to make a small difference by creating a space for people to share their IML stories. Right now, I’m willing to stretch myself far and wide to do that.
So, if you’ve considered sharing a story or two but have had doubts, just shoot me an email. Let’s talk. Let me meet you where you are.
I hope this clears up the mystery of how IML stories are made. And, as always, I’m so thankful for your undying support.
(PS – T-SHIRTS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!)
