Growing up Black and Buddhist
	Being Black and Buddhist in a Christian society/country
	Views on war and peace
	Life changing experiences due to Buddhism
	Acceptance or lack of acceptance by greater Buddhist community
	Raising Buddhist Black children
	Reconciling the “God” concept
	Buddhist relationships
	Interfaith relationships
	Buddhist wisdom
	General views on love
	Perspectives and thoughts on Buddhist religion and philosophy
	First encounters with Buddhism and why you choose Buddhism

TIPS FOR CREATING A VOICES FROM THE SHADOWS STORY:
• Your story should include the main components of a story which are exposition, conflict (rising action, climax, falling action), denouement? Is there revelation, resolution, or both?
• Your story should involve an event or series of events related to Buddhism that had a profound impact on you.
• Begin with a strong and compelling introduction that hooks the reader.
• Show don’t tell. Use dialogue, imagery, action, and dramatic scenes to help you tell the story.
• Minimize the use of “I”.
• Choose one story to tell. Your submission should be about one main story idea/premise, not your life story or memoir.
• Use lively, descriptive, and appropriate language.
• This story is not a Buddhist primer. Please explain unusual or foreign words but your story should not be an Introduction to Buddhism 101.
• Your story should have an element of drama (compelling life experience, human emotions, a struggle, a conflict) and at least one pivotal moment.
• The story should have scenes and devices that move the story forward and to a moving conclusion.
• The story’s conclusion should resolve the conflict/drama of the story. Please, no cliché endings.

SUBMISSION SPECIFICATIONS
• Story length: 1,000 words minimum to 5,000 words maximum.
• First-person or third-person narrative essay or creative non-fiction. Individuality, drama, and creativity are encouraged.
• Stories must be original, true, titled and written in English.
• Please do not send: fiction, profiles, eulogies, sermons, testimonials, journal entries, letters, academic papers, opinion pieces, news articles, diatribes, memoir chapters, journalistic articles, or confessionals.
• No payment will be made at this time.
• Contributors receive byline and free copy of book.
• Include your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address on each story.
• Previously published material is acceptable, unless the story has been or will be published in a mass-market anthology.
• Electronic submissions are preferred. Mailed submissions are acceptable.
• Typed submissions only.
• Retain a dated copy of your story for your records.
• Authors may submit multiple entries.
• Submissions are reviewed and selected on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.
• Finalists are selected and notified after the submission deadline has passed and all submissions have been reviewed.
• Manuscripts are not returned.
• No entry or reading fees.