For examples of what we look for, read our stories now online. Note that although these memoirs are nonfiction, they're written like a short story, with narrative and dialogue. They have a beginning, a middle, and they come full circle to a conclusion. Your story does not need to be extraordinary or involve a momentous event (although it can). Did your grandmother umpire your little league games? Did that embarrass you, or did you think she looked cool in her uniform? Use detail; make us laugh, cry, sympathize, learn something new or see things in a different light. 

We pay $50.00 for accepted stories. Your acceptance of payment indicates your permission for Doorways to display your story online for approximately one year.

**You must be a permanent or part-time resident of Sarasota or Manatee County (Florida), age 50 or older;

**Your story must be true (no fiction); maximum 1500 words; 

**One submission within our reading period: July 1^st to October 31^st;

**Please submit during this period; 

**Selections will be made at the end of the reading period;

**Previously published stories are acceptable, as long as you own the copyright;  

**E-mail submissions only; send story in the body of an e-mail to:  DoorwaysMemoirs@aol.com. No attachments or photos. We prefer Verdana 12 pt font, and please no bold or italics. Please include your name, address, birth date, phone number, and e-mail address on the first page. At the end of your story, include a few lines about yourself.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please share our site with your family and friends. We welcome readers from around the world, but submissions are limited to Sarasota and Manatee Counties (Florida). It's your chance to shine.

Best of luck,
Doorways, Editorial Board