Personal stories sharing how the love for outdoor trails connects us all
Call for Submissions
Do you have a hiking experience that you would like to share with others? Have your story told as part of a new book that will be a collective of personal short tales featuring California Central Coast trails. As a Central Coast native who is passionate about the outdoors and is inspired by the amazing people in this community, I am creating a book that will highlight local trails and share a variety of personal stories of self-discovery, growth, connection, and/or creativity. We all have vastly different backgrounds from being nature seekers, athletes, artists, founders, professionals, nomads, scholars, religious leaders, etc., yet the love of California Central Coast outdoor trails connects us together. I want to share your story, provide amazing imagery of our local trails, and inspire others to go out and explore one trail at a time.
stories
Stories must take place and highlight a Central Coast, CA trail (Santa Cruz to Ventura). This book is not intended to be a trail guide, but instead highlight a local trail in a people-centric and personal way with beautiful and inspiring visuals. Stories that work best are relatable messages relayed through powerful storytelling. Impactful story tellers bare their souls and get vulnerable. They show us what they’ve learned or experienced in places, alongside people, told with detailed imagery. Stories need to be authentic and true, not works of fiction. They must be from your own personal experiences, not anyone else’s, and written from a first-person perspective.
your unique voice
If you don’t consider yourself a “writer,” but your story is a good fit, I’ll work with you to tell your story. I would love the opportunity to interview you to hear your story and write it in your voice on your behalf if you are not confident as a writer. I welcome different levels of writing and style and encourage you to participate.
I’m always amazed at how many talented, creative, innovative, generous, determined, and passionate people live on the Central Coast. I am looking for stories that highlight our uniqueness and diversity and inspire others.
People and topics of interest for submission
(but are NOT limited to…..)
PEOPLE
Astronomers
Geographers
Nature seekers
Individuals inspired by older parents
Climbers
Runners
Surfers
Bikers
Families
Couples
Models
Writers
Musicians
Artists
Medical Professionals
Active Military & Veterans
Photographers
Professionals
Entrepreneurs
Teachers
Students
Religious leaders
Conservationists
Founders
Nonprofits
Influencers
Firefighters
Archaeologists
Nomads
Immigrants
TOPICS
Recovery from illness/injury
Bonding with people
Overcoming failings/disappointments/conflict
Highlighting successes/attempts
Mental health
Finding inspiration (creative, personal, or professional)
Sweating it out
Self-discovery/acceptance
Grieving
Reflecting
Being brave/bold
Doing something that scares us/pushing our limits
Pursuit of adventure
Being vulnerable
Raising children
Pushing through a disability
Finding passion/purpose
Getting perspective
Making a difference
Outdoor advocacy
Leaving a legacy
Improving health
Building a business
Training for an event
Maintaining a lifestyle
Finding love
Academic stimulus
Reaching goals
Helping others
constraints
Since this book is a hiking collective, I would like to feature 15-30 personal stories each taking place on different Central Coast trails. Please try to keep submissions between 500 and 1500 words.
While not required, if you would like to submit photographs that enhance your story, make sure provided photographs are sized appropriately (300 ppi minimum). Set up a dropbox or use google drive to share. You must have full ownership of the image(s). No stock photography will be accepted. Acceptance of your written entry does not guarantee that your submitted photos will be used.
With each submission we ask for a short bio describing yourself, your work, why you are interested in contributing to this book, and what Central Coast trail you are featuring, along with links to any social media and blog/portfolio websites you’d like to share.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about the project.