Turning points to finding joy, CBC Edmonton wants to hear your stories

Life is a series of eventsbig and littlethat can helpus learn, growand bring us to a place of happiness, peace or understanding.

These are your stories andCBC Edmonton wants to give you an opportunity to tell them.

Our First Person initiative is looking for northern Alberta writers willing to share stories that reflect contemporary Alberta but are outside of the regular news cycle. These stories can bringour audiencesdeeper understanding, new perspectives, or even just a smile.

These 500 to 700-word personal essays your experience, told in your words can be a slice of life or a transformative moment that changed your life.

We hope to hear from writers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds who can share experiences reflecting a diversity of perspectives social or economic, political or spiritual, rural or urban, and everything in between.

We're also planning to pair up some of these written stories with video, adding life and depth as we share your unique stories with our Alberta audiences.

Read on to find out how to be part of it.

Nervous?

Don't be. CBC's First Person project pairs you with an experienced editor who will help polish your piece, making it a perfect opportunity for professional and inexperienced writers alike.

Need some incentive?

Not only will your story reach CBC Edmonton's vast audience, it may also be shared right across the country. Plus, you'll be paid as an official CBC freelance contributor.

Need some inspiration?

Here is a selection of some of the First Person stories from Edmonton that we've published so far in 2022.

• An Edmonton writer-photographer who channeled the creative energy saved for international travel into a photographic love letter to the city where she lives.
• A mom whose pregnancy with daughter Joy was overshadowed by the sadness and fear of two miscarriages.
• A Filipina woman's tale of moving and moving and moving again to find a home that would fit her family's goals and budget.
• A motorcycle enthusiast who takes to Edmonton's ring road in a "throttle therapy" ritual that keeps him connected with his memories and the city's past.

Where to start

Think about your story's focus. A great First Person essay will explore one thing in depthrather than give a broad overview of a subject.

What is the conflict, crisis or turning point of your story? What is the personal anecdote it builds on? What did you learn? How do you believe readers will react to your story?

Your first writing assignment is to get those ideas down. Start by introducing yourself in a few lines and where you live. Then, explain your idea for a First Person column in approximately 150 words and why you think it would resonate with a CBC audience.

If you have relevant photos, audio or video that would augment your column, include those details too.

Then, send it to our editors at firstperson@cbc.ca.

The fine print:

• Anyone chosen to write a piece will be asked to fill out a form detailing potential conflicts.
• Pitches must be for an original work that has not been published elsewhere.
• We do not pay for First Person pieces from politicians, people running for office or employees of political parties. While we may run a piece from someone in one of those roles, we are careful to consider any potential for conflict of interest.
• All stories will adhere to CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices.
• All columns are fact-checked by CBC staff.