| Honored Babies Press offers publications providing support and resources for families (and their communities) grieving the death of their babies from miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy termination, stillbirth, neonatal death & infant death. |
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Why This Series Although each woman's journey is unique, there are many similarities among those mothers who grieve their baby's death. I yearned, and still yearn, to read women's stories about their journey into and out of grief and darkness. To find out that they too stumbled and screamed. That they too clawed at their baby's grave. That they too threw large heavy items at their partners. That they too huddled in the darkness afraid the world was coming to an end. That they too lost relationships that once meant the world to them. And, that they too know what it feels like to hold on to the few precious minutes, hours, days, or weeks of memories. I also need to know the joys and gifts their baby brought them, the thoughtful and supportive souls who came out of seemingly nowhere to lend their shoulders and ears, and to find confirmation that laughter and joy is indeed not going to cause me more undue pain. I need to find those other women who now belong to this "exclusive club" - to reach out and connect with them. To be able to nod when I read their stories and say "yes, I did that, too" or "oh, so that's how you dealt with that" or "I can't believe that happened" or just to sigh, nod, and cry. We need to share our memories and our experiences: the pain, anger, sadness, and yes, even the joys of our journey. Our babies still live. They are forever with us in our hearts. Most of us want to share our stories - without interruption, judgment, agony over being offensive; and mostly, we want to share our babies with others who didn't get to know them like we did. This is an opportunity for you to share your journey. You choose where it begins. It ends when you stop writing. I won't tell you what to include or what not to include, although I will tell you that I am looking for what I like to call your "entire story". You may choose to share journal entries, your birth story, horrific fights, the mural at your therapist's office, or whatever. You decide, but do share. It's your turn to talk and everyone else's turn to listen.
First, I want to honor all the babies who are no longer with us and their familes (but especially their mamas). Although not every woman's story will be in these books, those that are I hope represent all the babies who are no longer with us in life but live on within our hearts. Secondly, my sincerest hope is that our stories will help to change how we all deal with a baby's death, from the macro level of society down to the micro level of immediate family and friends. My love, thoughts, and hugs are with each and every one of you. ~Paula If a woman you know doesn't have email or internet access but may be interested in submitting her story, please feel free to print out the pages on this web site or have her call me.
A collection of stories from women whose babies have died. Stories are welcome from women who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy termination, stillbirth, neonatal death, and/or infancy death. These are not self help books nor are they how to grieve books. The books will be a reflection of the reality of loss and grief. At some point, one or more volumes may include some of the following additional writings. These are headings only (this list is neither inclusive nor assured):
Who Will Benefit From Reading These Books Anyone because anyone can come in contact with a woman (and her family) whose baby has died, and Other Mothers whose babies have died Working Title ~ Honored BabiesTM, learning to live with a broken heart : Volume 2... a collection of women's storiesTM
On November 24, 1999, I opened the original (for the first book) "Call for Submissions." I understand that many of you would like to know, in advance, if there is a deadline for submissions for this second volume. Well, I now have a deadline! Please have your "Call for Submission" packets and stories submitted to me no later than June 30, 2007. Please do not send your packages to me overnight or some other expensive method. There is no reason to do that. If you'll have them in the mail by 6/30/07, that will be fine. I will be reading through the stories and making preliminary selections soon after. Please note that this book will contain less stories than the first volume although, at this time, I do not have a firm number for number of stories or number of pages. There were 25 stories in that volume for a total of 368 pages. My goal is to have this book ready for shipping before the 2007 holidays, so please do send your materials in to me in a timely manner. All authors who have stories that are accepted for the book will receive a free signed copy and 50% discounts on additional copies. There will be a pre-press sale for those interested in purchasing the book but not submitting their stories. This sale will be for a limited time and will be announced on this site.
The following is but a fraction of information you'll find in the "Call For Submissions" packet. I'm outlining some key points here for you to consider. Names of People & Places You may substitute alias names (of people and places) if you are concerned about retribution or legal issues. What I'm NOT looking for in a story:
Your "entire story." This is where you can share all the details. I certainly can't include your life story, but I realize that parts of your life before your pregnancy and your baby's death play a role in your journey. Your story "ends" when you decide to put down your pen. There is no minimum number of words/pages nor is there a maximum! Basically, I'm looking for the feelings, the intimate thoughts, the reality of your story and your grief. Writing Style I am not looking for professional writers (although of course welcome); I am looking for women who can, however, share their experience in an effective manner, which will happen if you write from your heart and NOT for the book. Stories should:
If you are serious about submitting your story, feel free to request the "Call for Submissions" packet. I do not send these packets out via postal mail. You will receive your packet via Email. The document is a .pdf file (Adobe Reader - if you don't have this program, go to the very bottom of this page for a link to download it; it's free). I will send it via email to you after you submit the information required via the link at the bottom of this page. The document you will be sent is entitled "HBP-CFSub-2.pdf". Please feel free to call me at 281.337.1822 or 832.656.8404 with any questions (or, of course, send an email to me... please do not use this email link to send your request for the packet - use the graphical link below). By requesting the "Call for Submissions" packet, you understand that this is not any guarantee that your submission will be accepted for publication. Important: I will NOT reveal, sell, rent, or lend this information to anyone for any purpose so please fill in all required information (packet will not be sent otherwise).
Thank you very much! ~Paula Long |
This site uses Adobe Reader for many of its documents. Get it FREE here. Honored Babies Organization | Email Paula @ HBPress | Honored Babies Press Home Contact: Paula Long / 281.337.1822 or 832.656.8404  page last updated April 25, 2007 |
