A few guidelines to follow…

• Be original – as in ‘the story must be your own work’. If you choose to quote or use an extract from the work of other people, you must reference it.
• Don’t identify yourself or others. Yours and others privacy and safety is important.
• Try and include what you have learned as a result of your experiences.
• Leave out the ‘aggro’ - don’t write insulting, threatening, abusive or racist stuff. No one wants to read that.
• Keep it under 1500 words – that’s around 3 pages.

If you’re having trouble getting started, here are 2 quick tips:

1. Check out other people's stories on the REAL STORIES main page - someone's story might inspire you to write your own.
2. Just start writing. I know, sounds a bit simple. But just start writing without knowing exactly where you’re going with it. The results might surprise you!

Look after yourself

BITE BACK is not a crisis service, so REAL STORIES isn’t the way to communicate that you’re in danger or requiring help. If you are feeling this way, then please talk to a trusted adult, parent, school counsellor or GP. Alternatively, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. If you feel that you’re at risk to yourself and/or to others, immediately call 000 for help.