Buckets of Water
An Anthology
"I love when people that have been through hell walk out of the flames carrying buckets of water for those still consumed by the fire."
-Stephanie Sparkles
Submit your story below
Your Story Submission
Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. This collection is about healing, hope, and being a light for others who are walking similar paths. Whether your story is joyful, painful, or somewhere in between, your words matter. You can write in the space below or upload and original short story, poem, or drawing. Submissions must not include any identifying information about themselves or others. Editors will review all submissions and select stories to potentially include in the book. Any identifying details will be removed. All work will be lightly edited for legibility.
If under 18, a legal guardian must sign the consent form and upload with submission. See form below.
Your submission confirms that you have read and understood this information and that you voluntarily agree to participate under the described conditions. You also confirm that the submitted story or poem is your original work. Upon publication, the submitted work becomes the property of Kourtney Lynn LLC, which will continue to market the book and manage future volumes for other participants. Please take a look at these simple guidelines before you begin.
Submission Guidelines
Be respectful: No profanity, graphic violence, or explicit content. Let’s protect and inspire our readers, especially the younger ones.
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Be honest: You don’t need to have a perfect ending—just be real. The truth is powerful.
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Keep it short: Aim for 1–2 pages, give or take.
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No need to name names: You can use initials, roles (like "my caseworker"), or made-up names.
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Stay safe: Don’t share anything that could put you or someone else at risk.
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Use your voice: We welcome serious, funny, poetic, or thoughtful tones. Just be you.
Need help getting started? Try one of these prompts:
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What’s one act of kindness that helped you keep going?
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If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?
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What’s something you survived that made you stronger?
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What was foster care really like—for you?
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Who was someone who saw something good in you?
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What’s one truth you wish the world understood about kids in foster care?