Planetary Stories Project

"To Act Globally, Think Locally – Through Stories"

Black Earth Institute

How to Submit to the Project

The Black Earth Institute’s Planetary Stories Project, “To Act Globally, Think locally—Through Stories”, encourages submissions of stories by individuals or from projects as classroom or locally based groups. Stories can be of many types though they should all reflect places that have special meanings and feeling for the author. Stories can be historical, telling of the past of places, or they can be either remembrances or present day tales. They can be retellings of local myths or legends or “tall tales” about a place. They can even be fictional, using a setting to tell a story. The introduction above gives a general guide for the purpose and nature of the Planetary Stories Project.

Stories should be limited to 2,000 words or less and should include the author’s name and return e-mail or address... Authorship may be kept confidential under specific conditions requested. There may also be a need to disguise or keep a specific place “hidden” so as not to disturb or trample on a location or sensitivities. Pictures or sounds may be included as the technical capabilities of the site allow. Copyrighted materials are not suitable for distribution unless permission is documented. A link within a story may be used to direct the reader to a longer version if desired.

Stories should generally avoid fanning the flames of hatred, runaway violence, or using language that is generally felt to demeaning or insulting. Soon stories will be accepted directly, assuming that they are within the above guidelines. Stories may be removed by an editorial board if these guidelines are violated At present, until technical capabilities are refined, stories should be submitted to mmcdermott@tds.net.

Anthologies of stories can be drawn from a network of uploads or submissions and published either as a group or separately. School children might be encouraged to interview elders or their local to mine their memories for stories about places where they live. We can imagine contests about inventing the best myth about a local place and other such activities. Creating and telling stories can be a great teaching tool.

Through this project, for example, native peoples, poets and naturalists could help teach us all about the relationship of story to place. They could help show us how to enter a place of the planet through story instead of the abstract subject-object mode we are subject to. We invite all to create, “If you don’t see a story about a place you cherish, share one that explains why you cherish it or find it fascinating.”

We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories.