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Don’t Fear the Fire, Light A Torch: Wisdom from Women©

“We’re going to shine the light from our fires into the darkest corners and over the ocean. We’re going to quit waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. We’re going to be the light. ”

— Kathy Davenport

In 2007 I had a vision that I was sitting on a white sofa in a tropical location discussing my yet-to-be-written book with a well-known author. Exactly three years later, I was sitting on a white sofa in Maui getting advice and encouragement from Jack Canfield (co-author of the best-selling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series) about writing an inspirational book of women's stories and wisdom.

My goal is to use these stories to create a firestorm of women who will light the way for others.

Discussing my book with Jack Canfield, Maui, 2010.

Submit Your Story

Deadline May 1, 2020

There are no fees associated with submitting your story, having your story selected for publication, nor any requirements or obligations to purchase copies of the book.

Today, I'm collecting those stories .

I'd love to hear your story and consider it for inclusion in my book and sharing with the world. If you have a story you'd like to share, please fill out the form below. If your story is selected, I'll contact you for additional information.

To give you an idea of what I’m looking for, here’s a brief version of my story:

My struggle: At one point in my life, stress nearly killed me. At the emergency room the doctor told me if things didn’t change, I’d have two motherless children. Over the years, this experience along with experiencing the loss of my husband to leukemia, my own cancer experience, and leaving a toxic work environment—has helped me find superpowers I never knew I had.

My advice: When you’re walking through fire, you may feel it’s the end; in reality, it’s a new beginning. Don’t fear the flames. I read an interesting article that steel is made from iron and carbon. Iron ore is mined from the ground and heated in blast furnaces to remove the impurities. Carbon is added to make it hard. Diamonds are made out of carbon.

So when a woman walks through fire, impurities are being removed and she's got the toughness of steel and the qualities of a diamond. Fire is there to strengthen you. When you walk out of that fire, you’re going to light a torch for others to help them find their way. Your struggle becomes their survival guide.

Questions before you get started? Feel free to contact me.

Or would you like to have a complimentary coaching session to help you through your story? Schedule a free coaching session.

What was your struggle/what did you overcome?

Tell me about your experience. Try to keep it to the point and no more than 400 words. Short is fine. It can even be just 2-3 sentences that describe your situation. (Just to give you an idea of word count, my paragraph above on "My Struggle" is only 62 words. So there's plenty of space for you to share your experience.)

What advice or piece of wisdom can you share with others who may be going through something similar? How did this make you stronger?

Please share your personal advice or wisdom. Please try to keep it to 300 words or less. (Again, just to give you an idea of word count, "My advice" above is only 120 words.).

DISCLAIMER

Don't Fear the Fire, Light a Torch: Wisdom from Women (the working title of the hereinafter “Project”) is a voluntary story collection activity that may result in the publication of a book or other media. Anyone submitting a story, or other material, to the Project will be required to e-sign a release before the Project will accept the submission. The release (provided below) will ask for your permission to use your submission to create a larger work (e.g., a book) and then to allow that larger work to be copied and distributed as the Project sees fit. You will not be compensated for your submission now or in the future. If the publication of the larger work does ultimately generate income you will not be entitled to any royalties or other compensation. The Project, however, understands that if the larger work does generate any income that the income is the result of the community of women who submitted stories. Therefore, to give back to that community and the communities that support them, the Project may well donate a portion of any profits generated to women's organizations and initiatives; military veterans’ organizations; or other such organizations that the Project deems appropriate.

I HAVE READ THE DISCLAIMER.

I am aware that Don't Fear the Fire, Light a Torch: Wisdom from Women (the working title of the hereinafter “Project”) is a voluntary story collection activity and by e-signing this release I am acknowledging my voluntary participation. By my voluntary participation and no other consideration, I hereby grant the Project, permission to use the materials I submit to this webpage (hereinafter the “Work”). I am granting the Project permission for non-exclusive rights to use the written work(s) and/or image(s) submitted by me, now or in the future, to create a larger work (e.g., a book or other media).

I irrevocably assign and transfer to the Project, its successors and assigns all right, title, and interest in the Work and in the copyright thereon, together with the right to secure renewals, reissues, and extension of the copyright.

The Project may revise and use the Work as it deems appropriate, including but, not limited to copying and distributing, without further notice to or review or approval by me. I waive any and all statutory moral rights in the Work which I may have arising under 17 U.S.C. § 106(a), as well as any rights arising under any other federal, state, or foreign law that conveys any other type of moral right. I consent to the use of my name, likeness, voice, and biographical material in connection with the Work and any revisions.

I am the sole creator and owner of the Work and the copyright, and have the legal right and authority to grant this assignment and release. I have read this assignment and release, prior to its execution, and I am fully familiar with its contents.

I hereby certify and covenant that I am of legal age.

I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE COPYRIGHT RELEASE.

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