This is not a project about infidelity.
You are invited to take part in a project about identity.
To record an experience that is almost never talked about honestly.
When an action fractures our identity.
I am Maxine. A writer, therapist, researcher and educator, and I am collecting anonymous stories centred on infidelity for a new book.
This topic was chosen because it provides one of the clearest examples of a moment of crossing a deeply personal boundary.
If you have experienced a moment in your life - however recently or long ago - where you feel you crossed a line from fidelity to infidelity, I encourage you to share freely without judgement.
Submit Anonymously
The project seeks to understand what happens to identity at the point of transgression, through curiosity, compassion, and emotional honesty.
The collated stories will answer the question 'what happened?', not 'why did you do it?'
'Affairs', 'betrayals', 'infidelity' are all terms we think we're familiar with. But they can be more subjective and nuanced than we might expect. Where exactly is 'the line'? Is it physical, verbal, emotional?
My feeling is that, even when it isn't clear or stated, somehow people 'just know'.
In your submission I am asking you to share the precise moment in time you feel like everything changed.
Simply: What happened? How did you feel?
At this stage, don't worry too much about how you tell your story. It may be brief or very descriptive. Let it unfold as it naturally feels it should.
You do not need to give extensive details about your relationship history, or a long explanation of the build up to the moment.
Submissions open:
1 August 2026
The first collection of submissions close:
31 October 2026
Every submission will be read carefully.
I expect to spend the following weeks reading and reflecting on each story before contacting contributors where appropriate.
If your story is selected for publication, I will be in touch using the contact details you provide.
If you prefer, you can submit your answers to these questions directly by emailing:
figsandstones@gmail.com
Submission and Project Questions
01
What am I looking for?
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I want to hear from women of any age or background who identify with having crossed a line from a committed relationship into infidelity.
I am collecting true and personal stories that can share the scene and paint a picture of that precise moment that everything changed.
The initial story may be brief, as long as it is told in your own words.
Privacy & Security
This project is built on trust. I understand that many submissions may describe deeply personal experiences. I will treat every story with care, respect and confidentiality, whether or not it is ultimately published. Please read my privacy policy before submitting your story.
03
Submission Process
04
Before you begin
Thank you for considering sharing your story.
Please read these points before submitting.
Also read the full Submission Terms here.
You must be over 18.
Your story should be true to your experience and written in your own words.
You can submit anonymously.
Submission doesn't guarantee publication.
You'll always retain copyright in your story.
By submitting, you give me permission to contact you for interview, to edit and publish your story if it is selected.
Please avoid including information that could unnecessarily identify another person unless you have their permission.
If your story is published, identifying details may be changed to protect privacy.
Writing about deeply personal experiences can bring up unexpected emotions. Before you begin, take a moment to consider whether now feels like the right time to tell this story.
You do not owe this project your story.
If telling it feels freeing, illuminating or simply like the right moment, I would be honoured to read it.
If it doesn't, that is a complete answer too.
If writing your submission leaves you feeling distressed, please consider talking to someone you trust or seeking support from an appropriate professional or support service.