HOW TO WRITE FOR TRUE VOL. II

If you're not sure about the style, length or content of a TRUE story, the best thing to do is read TRUE Vol. I! The goal of your story is to help teens see God's heart through you and get to know who God is without being chastised, preached to or otherwise intimidated.

CHAPTERS AND STORY EXCERPTS FROM TRUE VOL. I

He is a God of Protection- "Under Control"
He is a God of Faithfullness-"Paid in Full"
He is a God of Mighty Power- "Overnight"
He is a God of Mercy and Forgiveness- "The Family Across the Way"
He is a God of Wisdom and Patience- "In God I Trust"
He is a God of Compassion- "Let Me Say Good-bye"
He is a God of Love- "Soul Food"

TOPICS TO WRITE ABOUT FOR TRUE VOL. II
We are seeking stories that show one or several of the following character traits:

He is a God of...

- Answers and Guidance
- Refuge and Comfort
- Constant Companionship
- Deliverance
- Infinite Support
- Recovery and Restoration

-Transformation with a Powerful Presence

 

 


WHAT WE WANT:

Write Like You Talk:
Avoid long, complicated words. Remember teens will be reading your story. We want slang and all.

No Sugarcoating:
Tell it how it is. We're looking for edge. Describe any lack of understanding or confusion on your part, or others, surrounding the event or experience.

Be Real:
Describe your human/instinctive reaction to the situation.

  • Were you tempted to handle the situation in a way that was not very Christ-like? What were the results?
  • Tell if there were times when you questioned whether or not God truly existed. Re-tell some of the things that were said between the people at the time.
  • Put your reader in the setting by describing: colors, textures, smells, sounds, etc. Also, remember that a story does not always have a happy ending, but can offer a reader the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles.

WHAT WE DON'T WANT:

"And then I got saved and everything was great."
Remember that these are examples of how God has shown himself to you in situations through your life. They are not testimonies about how you came to know Him, unless the circumstances make an amazing story.

All Straight-up God Stories
Not every story absolutely has to mention God, but must somehow exemplify Him or His principals at work in your life. The way you walk out your faith in everyday situations can speak to how God is an essential part of your life.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION, YOUR STORY SHOULD BE:

  • About 800 -1200 words, typed and double-spaced.
  • A TRUE story about yourself or someone you know, preferably written in first person.
  • Submitted via EMAIL, otherwise mailed to TRUE VOL. II, PO Box 10879, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Due by MAY 15, 2006.
  • PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS.

    Chosen authors will be paid upon publication.

    ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. BY LAW, WE CANNOT PRINT YOUR STORY WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY PHONE OR MAIL IF YOUR STORY IS CHOSEN FOR PUBLICATION. PUBLISHED AUTHORS WILL RETAIN COPYRIGHTS OF THEIR WORK. COMPENSATION WILL ONLY BE PAID IF YOUR SUBMISSION IS CHOSEN FOR PUBLICATION.

READ FOR TRUE VOL. II! - GET A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK!

If you're between the ages of 16 and 25 years of age and you'd like to read and evaluate stories being considered for publication in True Vol. II, just drop us an email at TrueReaders@LifeWriters.com and give us your full name, phone number and email address. You'll be acknowledged in True Vol. II and receive a copy of the book!

STILL NEED HELP WRITING YOUR STORY? CLICK HERE.