There’s a Form for That
Please read this entire post first, but here’s the Google Form where you can submit your memory when you’re ready: American Fork Memories submission
This is the only way to submit a memory to the project.
Requirements and Guidelines
The length (word count) of your memory should be 200-300 words. These are hard limits.
One memory per person. The Project will publish only one memory per person. If you submit a memory and it is not published within four weeks, please feel free to submit another.
We’re gathering good, positive memories. They don’t have to be all unicorns and rainbows; this example, a real memory by the editor, begins in a cemetery and mentions two tragic deaths. Use your judgment, and the editor will use his.
The memory you write should be your own—but exceptions are possible. If you want to submit someone else’s memory, consult with the editor in advance at afmemories@60eastpress.com.
The memory should be about living or working in American Fork. It should be as true as the limits of human memory allow.
Submissions should be written by the submitter, not by AI. Use of AI tools to proofread, spell check, etc., is permitted. Please don’t submit your first draft.
Don’t disparage any named person, living or dead. This is partly for legal reasons and partly because we’re collecting positive memories.
Language and content should be appropriate for middle grade and teen readers. If it’s not, the editor will either reject your submission or lightly edit it for content.
Please write in English. This is an English-language publication, and the Guest Editor has to work in a language he knows.
You don’t have to be a gifted writer to submit. The editor may do some light editing before publication, for format, grammar, punctuation, etc.—without communication with you, unless the required edits include substantive changes to content.
No anonymous memories will be accepted. You must supply your full name when you submit the memory, but you’ll be invited to choose whether your name is displayed as a full name, a first name with last initial, initials only, etc.
Comments will be enabled by default, but only subscribers can comment or like a post. If you prefer comments not to be open for your memory, e-mail the Guest Editor at afmemories@60eastpress.com, either when you submit the memory or upon publication. Inappropriate comments will be deleted, and those commenters may be blocked from making further comments.
There will be no notice to the submitter of acceptance or rejection. Submitted memories will either be published (within 28 days) or not. If yours is not published, feel free to submit another.
Rights: As the writer of your memory, you retain all rights to the written text. However, by submitting a memory, you grant the City of American Fork the right to publish it, as submitted or with minor edits, at the American Fork Memories Substack and elsewhere, in electronic and print forms, and to quote it for promotional or other purposes. Through December 31, 2026, the City's right to publish your memory is exclusive; thereafter it will be non-exclusive.
Want Help Writing Your Memory?
We can’t help with the remembering, but if you’d like some help with the writing, the Project provides three kinds of opportunities:
Read “Tips for Writing Your Memory.”
Two walk-in workshops at the American Fork Library, staffed by local writers, including members of the Good AF Writers chapter of the League of Utah Writers (“AF” is for American Fork). Bring something to write with (or on) and either some notes or a draft of your memory.
Monday, June 29, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
The Guest Editor’s available time for helping individual writers is limited, but others may be available too. Feel free to inquire at afmemories@60east.com.
If you’d like to help others with their writing, contact the editor at the same e-mail address.