Send me a photo!
Calling ALL writers with a camera!
Merry Christmas, everyone! How are you all doing? (Yes, I do want to know the answer to that, so please tell me in the comments. 😊)
I thought I’d write something since it’s been a little bit. Not a super long time, but long enough, and I’m excited about what I’m about to announce. No, it’s probably not what you’re thinking… I haven’t published a book or launched a complete blog or anything. But I hope you’re still reading when I say…
…I want to run another unofficial challenge!
After the incredible success and huge fun of my Grocery List challenge back in November, I had an idea. What if I we all used each other’s work to inspire MORE writing?
Let me explain!
Because I love ekphrastic writing, I thought, What if we provided art for others to write about? Specifically, photographs. Not paintings or drawings or music or anything else; just photography. I do really like the potential for another ekphrastic challenge using other media forms, though…
This will entail two parts. Part 1 will be required for Part 2, but only the writing will be judged.
So, for Part 1 of my new challenge, please send me a photograph!
I’d like this photo to be taken by you and to be something you’re proud of. Naturally, it has to also be a photograph that you wouldn't mind someone writing a poem or story about. Only 1 photo per person, too!
I ask that if you aren’t planning to write anything for this challenge, please refrain from submitting a photo. I want everyone’s photo to be used, which means the same people who submitted to Part 1 should also submit to Part 2. Otherwise, we will have a discrepancy. (That goes in reverse too. You can’t write for the challenge unless you’ve submitted a photo. This is logical. It’s not just me being a hard-ass, I swear. Stay tuned for Part 2!)
"But," I hear you ask, "how do we send you a photo? Vocal's comment system doesn't allow uploaded content." Aaaaand, right you are. I thought about this for a while, vacillating between a few different options, but ultimately decided on the following:
I made a Google Doc for everyone to add to. Anyone with the link can edit the document and upload their chosen photograph. Instructions are included on the document too! (Link is at the bottom of the article.)
Now, if this becomes a problem, I do have a backup plan. Make sure you're subscribed in case I need to enact it. silly
So, to recap, please click the Google Doc link at the end of this article to upload your chosen photo. It can be of anything, just make sure...
- you took it,
- you’re proud of it,
- and you don’t mind someone else writing a story or poem based on it.
The deadline is Sunday January 7th, 2024 at 11:59 MST.
Mark it on your calendar!
With the holidays, this gives more people time to see this article and participate if they want to. 13 full days is pretty good! So, by January 7th, be certain that the photo you uploaded to the doc is the photo you’re happiest with. And no, I will not be judging the photographs, only the writing that comes from them.
Once I have all the photos, I will publish the article for Part 2 and explain the final steps for the challenge. You will not want to miss that!
Now for the most important question. Will there be a cash prize?
This time? YES.
I'll explain the details in Part 2, but multiple people will be getting prizes. Yay! I am very excited about this one, guys!
Any questions or concerns? Leave them in the comments for me!
Cheers, everyone!
About the Creator
Mackenzie Davis
“When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint, don’t state the matter plainly, but put it in a hint. And learn to look at all things with a sort of mental squint.” Lewis Carroll
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Copyright Mackenzie Davis.
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WINNERS! – Grocery List Challenge
When I started this challenge, I was not expecting as many entries as I got. Why? I worried it was too restrictive, perhaps off-putting. After all, my goal for setting this up was to encourage minimalism. A grocery-list (or shopping-list) poem seems easy at first glance, but when you sit down to start, it quickly becomes clear there is a narrow path forward. How can just a few items imply a whole story, emotional depth and complexity, get to the heart of daily life?
By Mackenzie Davis6 months ago in Writers
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Comments (32)
Too late for this one Mackenzie but next time. A very interesting challenge.
Mam i am your New subscriber. please subscribe me. In Future i write many contents and poems. I Read your story
Just having a lazy Sunday, sitting around, watching YouTube videos... "Am I forgetting anything? ... wait, WHAT DAY IS IT?" I remembered to submit a photo. Lol
Just added mine. We live in an old decommishioned Catholic church in Hull, MA (near Boston).
This is right up my alley as I express myself through many ArTisTik fOrMs. Hmm. How long does the description about the photo need to be? I may not make the deadline this time, however, I really hope you will make this a regular challenge in the months ahead! Cool idea:)
I thought I had commented that this is an excellent idea & I'm keen to take part! Some my comments elsewhere have been disappearing.
This is a really awesome and unique idea! I love that you’re organizing this. It’s such a fantastic way to draw inspiration for a story. Excellent idea!
Hey Mackenzie!!! I am doing well, I love the idea and how well thought out this challenge is!! I will have to think of a photo to enter for this and create an email address as the one I use for Vocal would expose my real name... 😅 But I love this and think it is sooo fun!!
What an awesome prompt! I went ahead and submitted.
Hope everyone’a had a lovely festive season. Well done for great idea! I’d love to join in but can’t commit. Distressing family stuff going on and head’s a mess, but if I get a chance, who knows.
Excellent! I'm intrigued and added a photo!
Congratulations on Top Story!!!
Is it just me or has mine been deleted?
Congratulations on achieving top story status!
Hi. I’m new - and I absolutely LOVE this idea! I may do this on my own with one of my photos, or artworks. I’ve been wondering how to get inspired to write - and this is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much!!
Phew, I think I did it- from my phone, my internet is out until tomorrow.
Ooohh. This is fascinating. Can we submit photos that we ourselves have previously written about? Also, will you be assigning photos to creators? Forgive me if you've already answered. I'm to lazy to look right now.
Your photo is actually really good! It's like a frame within a frame and the perspective of what I believe is the Denver Stockyard Saloon with the construction next to it outside the door is centered well. It would look bland if it wasn't for the composition of the clouds and that is actually the most ideal light for that angle was well. Either way, you have a nice vision :)
First, to answer your question: I am just recovering from a Vocal slump, so your challenge was timely for me. Second, I've added one of my 5,000+ photos for Step 1. Looking forward to seeing where this goes. Congratulations on Top Story!
I love new things. Will start going through my snaps.
This is a great idea. I’ve submitted a photo. Step 1 complete 👍
congrats on Top Story for your awesome challenge.
Excellent idea , and I have loads
We have a lot of photos...but I'm trying to think if I have any pictures of something I'm proud of lol. Dammit, Mackenzie. As you know I was doing nothing different other thanwatching Dr Who yesterday, so it's been a peaceful time while everyone else celebrates lol. Hope you are doing alright. Just also wanna say, I am definitely going to submit, if only because it means I get to write...I love ekphrastic writing too and this is a perfect challenge for you to run because some of your best work is that kind. I suppose I could just take a picture of me with my book and submit that to be a proper egotistical bastard and also use this as a free marketing strategy lol. I'll definitely think of something better than that hahahaha! Thank you for the exciting prompt...your enthusiasm was smacking me in the face!
How in the name of jesus am I going to choose ONE photo as a writing prompt!!!