BUILD.CREATE.IMAGINE

Please read this section and the Writing Disclaimer carefully before sending us your submission.

Content-

We may edit your submission lightly for clarity, while preserving your voice

Include background information or cultural context, if necessary  

Please write from the heart, not a chat bot

You may submit more than once, especially if you address different aspects of estrangement, (see Themes, above.) 

Logistics-

Your submission is also consent to publish

Not all submissions will be published 

Submissions sent by standard mail will not be returned

WHAT TO SUBMIT

A letter, (poem, prayer, etc.) written to your child or to yourself about their estrangement

300–800 words 

Optional: a brief context note (2–3 sentences)

 

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT

Parents who have lived experience with estrangement (partial or complete, current or in the past)

Therapists or clinicians (with anonymized composite or client-consented work)

 

ANONYMITYSubmissions will be published anonymously unless you request attribution of yourself (not your child) via a first name, pseudonym, or initials. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Submissions may be lightly edited for clarity and cohesion

Not all submissions will be included

You will retain rights to your work; publication details will be shared if selected 

Submissions sent by standard mail will not be returned

Theme: Unexpected forms of connection

I didn’t expect to find comfort in people who don’t know you.

Or people who know this version of me instead.

There are conversations now that don’t circle back to what’s missing. There are moments that feel complete on their own.

I notice the way someone listens. The way a friend remembers something small about me. The way a stranger can be unexpectedly kind.

These are not replacements.

They are something else.

And slowly, I am learning to recognize them as enough.

QUESTIONS?

Visit the FAQ page or CONTACT us. Mailing address: c/o Lee Mozena, P.O. Box 27562, Seattle, WA 98165

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Mailing Address: 

 

Unanswered Letters From Estranged Parents c/o 

LEE MOZENA

Creator & Editor

P.O. Box 27562

Seattle, WA  98165  USA 

 

Please note: Submissions sent by snail mail will not be returned.

 

CHAPTER 1- The Break

Themes: The moment things changed, shock

CHAPTER 2- Confusion

Themes: Anger and/or self-questioning, regret

CHAPTER 3- Unspoken Words

Themes: Unexpressed love and anger, rejection

CHAPTER 4- Living With Distance

Themes: The weight of ordinary and special days

CHAPTER 5- Living Without Resolution

Themes: Acceptance, bottled up anger 

CHAPTER 6- Finding New Ground

Themes: Reclaiming self,  defining love, wellness

CHAPTER 7- Gifts of Estrangement

Themes: Life lessons, forgiveness, new paths 

CHAPTER 8- Reflections & Resources

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