Yes, I’ve had these questions a few times. I am “for real”, collecting Army spouse essays and intend to publish them in book format. I have no plans other than what’s stated here, collecting military spouse essays. The goal is that we can share what we have learned with spouses who may follow in our footsteps. I am an Army wife of almost 20 years and WISH I had a book like this to read when we were first married.

No problem. I am suggesting that essay contributors also submit their personal biography, up to 90 words. In addition to their biography, they can also submit a head shot to go with their biography. Bloggers who submit an essay can also list the title and brief description of their blog. If you wish to remain anonymous but would still like to share what you’ve learned, I am still very happy look at what you have to submit. 

Simple answer, no. I am already collecting essays from people that I personally know who do not blog. I’ve also placed advertising in a number of spouse club newsletters in the U.S. and overseas. It would be best to have essays from a wide range of spouse experiences. 

I am also “interviewing” spouses vs. having them write their essays. I found a simple iPhone app that can record and play back at half speed (I’ll look up that app and post info later). While playing back the recording at half-speed, I transcribe what was said, then later edit the material into essay format. The people who have given the interviews will be able to proof the essay before it is published. I can do this for anyone in the Ft Leavenworth, Ft Riley, Ft Sill and Ft Hood areas (as I travel to those areas). If interested, send me an email: milspousebooks@gmail.com. 

Yes, if your essay is accepted and published. The essay submissions are broken into three categories. The goal is to collect as many essays as possible, working them into these categories. If there are enough essays collected for this project, there will be three publications. You will get a free copy of each title in which your accepted essays are published.

Contact me for the release forms that are needed for your essay submission: milspousebooks@gmail.com. There are three release forms: Author, Photographer and Model. A Photographer Release Form is needed for each photographer of pictures submitted for publication. A Model Release Form is needed for each person in the pictures submitted for publication. Essays and pictures can be submitted electronically to: milspousebooks@gmail.com. Hardcopies of these forms must be filled out and physically sent to me. The address is given on the release forms. 

Right now my personal goal is to work on the collection of Army spouse essays. In the future I would like to collect essays from spouses of other military services, starting with Navy spouses. Someone asked me if I was planning a speaking career. My answer was easy, NO. I am very comfortable and experienced with writing, editing and even print publishing. I am just excited to have the time and support to be working on this project right now. I am also VERY excited to collect essays from so many great Army spouses, and have THEIR voices be heard. 

Again, this is a project I’ve been thinking about for 20 years. It is even more special to me that the project may help the group Defenders of Freedom: http://defendersoffreedom.us/. During our last deployment, I was overwhelmed by the support our soldiers received from parents and civilian organizations. This is my way of saying, “Thank you,” and giving back, too. 

No, but your essay should at least be close to 1000 words. If you have to hand write your essay, I will take those submissions (email me for my address), and type them up myself. Once you start writing, though, you will probably be surprised at how quickly you reach 1000 words. One person told me she wrote almost 2000 words the first time she sat down—HOOAH!

Don’t worry about your writing style! I have to keep repeating this again and again. I am not grading you on your style, spelling or grammar. Write what you have in your heart and head, and I will help you edit your material into an essay. Upon editing, your essay may actually fit into two different essays. I would then break them apart, edit them, and submit them to you for your approval before publication. I am not going to nit-pick on the number of words.