Connection Writing Guidelines

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Everything you need to know about writing a story for the Connection Magazine

What is Connection?

Connection is a magazine of stories, art, and images about recovery from food addiction. FA members from all over the world submit their personal experiences to inspire other FA members, as well as newcomers who may be considering the FA program.

Who may submit a story?

Any FA member with 90 days of continuous abstinence, working with an FA sponsor, may submit a story of experience, strength, and hope. 

• You do not have to be an experienced writer, just willing to do service.

• Editors prepare stories for publication and writing coaches are available to work with you at any point in the writing process.

Why submit to Connection?

We want your stories. We want to hear your voice, your struggles, and your personal moments of recovery. Sharing your story and experiences is a service that supports FA members around the world. Writing is a tool FA members use to stay abstinent. 

How do I submit my story?

• Submit your article (aim for 800-1,300 words) using one of the submission forms below:

  • Gmail Users: use our automated Articles Submission form

  • NON-Gmail Users: use our manual Articles Submission form

What happens next?

• The editorial team evaluates submissions and edits for clarity to ensure the content aligns with FA meeting practices and the Twelve Traditions (i.e., we don’t name individual members or commercial entities). 

• Once submitted, it is assigned to an editor. 

• You will receive an auto-reply acknowledging receipt.

• Someone might contact you if more details are needed or for clarification.

• Edited stories are saved in the archives for future selection. 

• Please note that the earliest a story can appear in an issue is four to six months after the date it was submitted per the production scheduleThe Connection Committee is comprised of FA volunteers, so the time and effort required to produce a quality magazine precludes us from tracking the status of individual submissions. 

How do I tell my story without mentioning food?

• You may mention food by name, but avoid overly detailed descriptions. 

• Remember that Connection readers are food addicts! You may prefer to use substitutions like “sweet,” “salty,” “greasy,” “sugar product,” “flour product,” etc. 

How should I write my article?

• Share from your heart. 

  • Be honest and genuine. 

  • Write what is true for you, even if you fear it shows weakness. 

  • If it's true for you, it's probably true for many other food addicts.

  • An honest description of a struggle may be more helpful to someone than an upbeat tale of smooth sailing.

• Include details. 

  • Be as vivid and concrete as possible, with specific examples of experience, strength, and hope. 

  • Share a specific story or incident and explain what happened. The more details you include, the more likely the story reaches another food addict.

• Consider your audience. 

  • Think about who will be reading your article. Our primary purpose is to carry the message of FA recovery to the food addict who still suffers. 

  • As you write, picture yourself talking to another food addict. This may minimize the fear of writing your story.

• Use plain language. 

  • Remember that many readers are newcomers who may not yet know FA slogans or jargon. Use language that a newcomer can understand.  

• Ask for help. 

  • We have writing coaches who volunteer to help FA members write their stories. 

  • Email a request for a writing coach to writingcoaches@foodaddicts.org. Be sure to include your email and phone number so we can reach you.

Tell a story. Connection stories are meant to resemble sharing at an FA meeting; submissions of poems, commentaries, or letters are not accepted.