Author Recruitment Opens July 1, 2026 | Only 31 Author Spots Available
A Legacy Anthology by Marilyn Morales
Please Don’t Say That
Stories of Loss, Love, and Legacy
This Is More Than a Book
Please Don’t Say That began as a guide created by Marilyn Morales to help people understand what to say, what not to say, and how to be present when someone is grieving.
Now, that guide is becoming a movement through an anthology of real stories from people who have lived through loss and are ready to turn pain into purpose.
“This isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It is about learning how to stay—with pain, with love, and with grief.”
Have You Ever Thought...
"Please... don't say that."
Maybe someone told you:
"They're in a better place."
"Everything happens for a reason."
"At least..."
"You'll get over it."
Although those words may have been spoken with good intentions, they often leave grieving hearts feeling unseen, misunderstood, and even more alone.
Please Don't Say That is an opportunity to change that.
We're inviting contributors to share not only the story of someone they love, but also the lessons they learned through grief, helping others understand what compassion truly looks like when words are difficult to find.
We Are Looking for 31 Authors
If you have lost someone you love and feel called to honor their story, this may be your invitation to create something that lives beyond the moment.
Honor Their Life
Share the story of someone who mattered deeply and preserve their memory in a published book.
Help Others Heal
Your words may help someone feel seen, less alone, and more understood in their own grief journey.
Create Legacy
This anthology turns remembrance into impact through storytelling, education, and community support.
Is This Your Story?
This anthology is open to contributors who have experienced loss and are ready to share a meaningful, respectful, and heartfelt story.
If you've ever left a conversation feeling more alone than before...
If you've ever heard words that were meant to comfort you but instead made your grief even heavier...
If you've ever wished people understood what someone truly needs after loss...
Then your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
This anthology is for those who are ready to transform painful moments into powerful lessons that help others show up with greater compassion.
Your Chapter Will Explore
Who you are honoring
How their life impacted you
What grief taught you
What you wish people understood
How their legacy continues through you
The words that unintentionally made your grief harder
Authorship Opportunity
Each selected author will contribute one chapter of approximately 1,200 words and become part of a professionally published anthology.
Professional Editing
Professional Formatting
Worldwide Distribution
Author Spotlight
Launch Recognition
Publishing Timeline
This is a fast-moving legacy project with clear deadlines to get the book to print by September 30, 2026.
July 1
Author recruitment opens.
August 9
Final chapter submissions due.
September 30
Books targeted for delivery.
October 24
Official launch and fundraiser.
Mission and Proceeds
This anthology is connected to a greater mission of grief education, remembrance, community awareness, and support.
Izzy’s Legacy
Supporting awareness, advocacy, registry education, and families navigating cancer-related challenges.
Miguel Soto Memorial Fund
Honoring Miguel’s memory through legacy-based support and future educational opportunities.
Community Impact
Helping people learn how to speak with more care, compassion, and humanity after loss.
Your Story Could Help Someone Stay
Sometimes people do not need perfect words. They need presence. They need compassion.
They need to know their grief is not too much.
Please Don’t Say That is an invitation to honor love, speak truth, and create legacy through storytelling.
Please Don’t Say That Anthology | Created by Marilyn Morales | Published by BALM GLOBAL Publishing
Benefiting Izzy’s Legacy and the Miguel Soto Memorial Fund | Official Launch: October 24, 2026