Send me a photo!

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...

1. you took it,
2. you’re proud of it,
3. 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!

Here is the link for the photo submissions.