If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call:
In USA: Call 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or https://988lifeline.org/get-help/
Outside of USA: visit https://lifeline-international.com/
SNAP! Goes the Human
Short Story Collection Submission
EVERY living organism has a breaking point - a SNAPPING! point.
Even if you are a CEO, Mom, doctor, student, race car driver, billionaire, artist, plumber, coach, teacher, Dad, etc - you too can SNAP! under enough back to back pressures and events.
It happened to me 9 years ago and after almost dying, I made a promise to God that when I felt ready I would do this project.
I'm ready.
SNAP! Goes the Human project seeks true yet anonymous stories that illuminate the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit even in the face of soul-crushing, devastating adversity.
Problem:
Shame and stigma around mental health, domestic abuse, addiction, financial trouble, physical illness, relationship breakdowns, and family issues.
Many high-functioning, powerful people are collapsing under the cumulative pressure and demands of being successful professionals and domestic rockstars.
Obstacle:
Many find themselves in a downward spiral or even at a life-threatening rockbottom but are afraid or embarrassed to say the 3 most important words that can save their lives: “I need help”.
Solution:
Sharing stories of other similar folks who have “SNAPPED” and resources for how they built their way back better than ever and consistent support and accountability growth-groups
How:
Collect anonymous stories from people all over the world detailing their before, during, and after “SNAPPING” with the intention of educating, inspiring, empathizing with, and empowering individuals with compassion, support and tools to rebuild their lives at whatever stage they may be along their healing and recovery journey.
(stories must be fully anonymous to protect individuals and their children from future harm - I got a threatening cease and desist letter when I did an interview with a domestic violence survivor who wanted to use her real name and face - lesson learned.)
Distribution:
Publish stories on the blog, YT channel, social media, print and audio books, newsletters, and podcast.
Compensation:
All profits from this project will be donated to charities that help people rebuild their lives after crisis.
Impact:
To ensure the pain of the past fuels the hope of the future, 100% of the net profits from this project are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
With a perfect 100% rating for accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, AFSP is the nation’s leading organization for research, education, and advocacy.
Your stories don't just help others heal—they directly fund the science and community programs proven to save lives for people of all ages, everywhere.
By bravely sharing your transformational SNAP! story, YOU are healing and you are giving someone you haven’t even met a permission slip to seek help so they can break free from suffering and build a new shame-free life.
Examples:
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Domestic Violence
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Sexual or Physical Assault
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Childhood or Family Trauma
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Financial Troubles
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Bankruptcy or Target of Theft
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Losing a Job
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Losing a Home
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Losing a Loved One
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Break Ups or Divorce
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Betrayal or Being Cheated On
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Midlife Crisis
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Dealing with Ill Family Members
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PTSD - War - Accidents
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Refuge or Natural Disaster Victim
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Physical Illness or Chronic Health Issues
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Mental Health Issues
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Psychological or Emotional Abuse
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Suicide Attempt
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Spiritual Abuse
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Abandonment or Relationship Trauma
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Racial or Sexual Discrimination
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Cyber Attacks - Censorship
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Substance Abuse - Alcohol, Drugs, Food, Gambling, Sex, Work, Gym, Shopping, Social Media
What is your unique story?
Our goal is to gather and publish these stories in books and multi-media format and donate the proceeds to fund non-profits who help people rebuild their lives.
Guidelines for SNAP! Goes the Human Stories:
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ANONYMOUS: Safety is our #1 priority and in order to protect you, your loved ones, and other folks, it is critical that all stories are submitted anonymously. You agree to change ALL names, events, dates, businesses, etc. (we reserve the right to edit and change names)
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Authenticity: Share your own truthful personal experiences. We're looking for genuine accounts that reflect the real-life impact of SNAPPING!
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Emotional Resonance: Craft your story to evoke strong emotions such as joy, vulnerability, compassion, or awe. Whether it brings tears to the eyes, laughter to the lips, or goosebumps to the skin, your narrative should deeply touch the reader's heart.
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3-Part Compelling Narrative Structure: Every story should have a clear Before SNAP! During SNAP! After SNAP!. Engage readers from the outset, drawing them into the heart of your narrative. Give the reader red flags to look for, what was going on in your mind with self-talk, what obstacles you faced, solutions you used, etc.
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No Shoulding: Your best work will come from sharing what you learned, how you overcame difficulty, and what you would do differently if you know what you know now.
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First-Person Perspective: Write your story in the first person, offering a personal and intimate account of your experiences with SNAPPING! Let readers walk in your shoes, experiencing the journey alongside you.
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Vivid Imagery: Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for readers, appealing to all five senses. Transport them into the heart of your story, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of your transformational journey.
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Length: Keep your story concise, with a word count between 1500-2500 words or 1000 word or less poem. Every word should serve a purpose, ensuring a tight and impactful narrative.
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Recovery: Writing can be a transformational process and can potentially re-trigger past trauma. It is your responsibility to seek professional help if you feel like process is kicking your ass. Don't try to do it alone.
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You are a rockstar. No victim vibes, guilt, shame or labels here. This is not a pity party. It's a possibility parade baby!
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Share YOUR unique Lessons and Blessings as a way to pay it forward to others on the journey.
Remember.. You didn't get this far to just get this far-
stay strong and keep ROCKING!
What a SNAP! Goes the Human Story IS NOT:
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A political manifesto or advocacy piece.
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Fictional storytelling or speculative narratives.
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A technical analysis or instructional guide on any remedy.
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A platform for controversial debates or divisive issues.
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Selling MLM or other products or services.
How to Submit Your Story (Securely)
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To protect your privacy, we have simplified our submission process to be 100% file-free.
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Draft Offline: Write your story in your own private editor (Word, Pages, etc).
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Scrub for Privacy: Ensure ALL real names, locations, and identifying details have been changed.
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Copy & Paste: Copy your text and paste it directly into the "Story Submission" field below.
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Confirm Terms: Check the mandatory legal release box and hit Submit.
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Security Note: We do not accept file uploads or external links to prevent malware and protect contributor anonymity.
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All submissions must be made through our website. For any technical issues with the submission form, contact DJ Valerie via DMs at https://x.com/djvalerieblove
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Please submit only unpublished stories.
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We do not accept book manuscripts or unsolicited title ideas.
After Submission:
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Upon submitting your story, wait for the confirmation message on the submission portal. This serves as confirmation of receipt.
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If your story is selected for publication, you will be notified via email if you check the box on the form.
Together, let's inspire a brighter, more peaceful future through the power of storytelling.
Congrats on turning your pain and resilience into possibility and power for others.
Wishing You Peace, LOVE and Warm Aloha!
DJ Valerie B LOVE🩷
Terms of Submission & Legal Release
✅ By clicking "Submit," you agree to the following:
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Irrevocable Gift: You are voluntarily donating your story to Valerie B Love Global LLC and the SNAP! Goes the Human project. You grant Valerie B Love Global LLC a perpetual, royalty-free, and world-wide license to publish, edit, and distribute this content in any format (books, podcasts, digital media).
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No Financial Expectation: You acknowledge that this is a volunteer contribution. You waive all rights to current or future financial compensation, royalties, or "Value-for-Value" splits. You understand that net proceeds from this project are donated to charitable causes.
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Anonymity & Liability: You certify that you have changed all names and identifying details to protect the privacy of yourself and others. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Valerie B Love Global LLC from any third-party claims resulting from information you provided.
Sometimes writing about our stories can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable.
Your health and safety are the MOST important things.
The story can wait. Your health and safety cannot.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call:
In USA: Call 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or https://988lifeline.org/get-help/
Outside of USA: visit https://lifeline-international.com/
