“What obligation is more binding than to protect the cherished, to defend whoever or whatever cannot defend itself and to nurture in turn that which has given nourishment? I’m reminded of words written by John Seed, an Australian environmentlist. At first he believed that he was protecting the rain forest. But as his thought evolved, he realized, ‘I am pat of the rain forest protecting myself.’” - Richard Nelson
Wild Dialogs publishes stories in many forms (both written and non-verbal), profiles of members, and interviews with individuals, groups, and tribes working to heal our relationship with one another and the planet. Below is a list topics to get your stories started AND a list of questions to answer if you’d like to be profiled.
TOPICS
Relationships with animals. For inspiration check the posts in Whales in My Backyard as well as authors such as Craig Childs (The Animal Dialogues), Barry Lopez (Of Wolves and Men), Roger Payne (Among Whales), Bernd Heinrich (One Man’s Owl), and Katy Payne (Silent Thunder).
An encounter in the natural world that left a lasting impression on you.
A dialog between yourself and someone with very different views about the natural world than yourself.
Tell us the story of how your relationship with nature began and how it has evolved over time.
Tell us about any hobbies you have or sports you take part in that involve nature. For example, gardening, bird watching, water skiing or rock climbing. Talk about any ethical or environmental concerns you might have related to those.
Tell us about a place on the planet that is special to you for either positive or negative reasons.
Write a story from the perspective of an animal you admire. Be sure to research the animal’s physiology (senses, physical capabilities, etc.), environment, and how it is adapted to where it lives.
Word-based Stories
Written stories should be between 600 and 1,500 words in length. Please include a short 50 words or less bio and any images you think would be helpful. NOTE: We reserve the right to use or not use images and to edit both words and images. We will reach out to you before doing either. Please send submissions to JenaBall@CritterKin.com with “Wild Dialogs Story Submission” in the Subject line of your email.
Non-verbal Stories
Because there are so many kinds of no-verbal stories, there’s no way for me know if one is appropriate for Wild Dialogs without seeing either a sample or reading a description. A good examples of this is Eric Hernandez’s hoop dancing. I’d never heard of hoop dancing until I saw Eric perform. When I did I was of course amazed.
So….if you’d like to submit a non-verbal story please send me an email with “Non-verbal Story Submission” in the subject line. Please include a brief description of the story you’re telling and how. If you have a link to photos, video, a website, etc. that would be helpful.
Questions for Profiles and Interviews
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word, “nature?”
At what age did you begin to develop an awareness of nature?
Would you say you have a relationship with the natural world? If so, how would you describe it?
Has that relationship changed? If so, how?
What, if any, role have animals or other wildlife played in your understanding or and relationship with nature?
What issues, topics, or interests related the natural world are important to you? Why?
What, if any, hobbies and/or work do you do related to the natural world? This could be anything from gardening, bird watching, animal rescue or reading stories to kids about animals to research into a particular plant, animal, or ecosystem.
How do you stay informed about and connected to the natural world without becoming overwhelmed or discouraged?
What are you favorite ways to spend time in and with nature?
If you could change one thing related to nature what would it be - dream big.
Please share any individuals, groups or organizations that you feel are doing good work in any fields related to nature, the environment. conservation, and animal protection.
Podcasts
These recorded Wild Dialogs between myself and guests are in the works but not yet finalized. If you have a particular topic you’d like me to consider, please drop me a line with “Podcast Suggestion” in the subject line of your email.
Thank you! I can’t wait to hear your stories.
Jena