Portrait of Words - Writing Guidelines

Welcome to my monthly writing challenge known as a "Portrait of Words".

In a nut shell here's how it works. Each Month I'll give you a set of categories along with photographs to use as inspiration for your story. Look at each of the pictures and interpret them, then create a story based on what you see and feel. It's really that simple. Listed below are more specific details to help guide you through the process.

The most important thing to remember is this: It's supposed to be a fun experience for everyone, and viewed simply as a writing exercise designed to stimulate creativity and camaraderie between fellow bloggers. In other words, don't get too bogged down with the rules. Use them as guidelines to help you, not to confine you.

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The Categories:

Main Character(s): Your story can be told through or about this person(s), i.e. first or third person. Either way you go, their involvement in the story should be a focal point. Have as many or as few additional characters as you wish, but at least one of the ones pictured should be central to the overall story.

Backdrop: This will create the setting for your story. It can take place at the location depicted, be a destination to it, or be a journey from it.

Purpose: This is what drives or motivates the main character(s) to action. It can also be viewed as the objective of the story. (EDIT - this category has been removed this month - February)

Item(s): The object(s) should have a significant value to the main character, backdrop or purpose of the story.

Wild Card: Writers choice here. Choose *one* of the three options to use in your story anyway you see fit.

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General Guidelines:

Your story can be of any length or style. Long or short, comedy or tragedy, fact or fiction, etc,etc... it's up to you.

Use each of the picture representations from the Main Character, Backdrop, Purpose and Item categories in your story. Use only one from the wild card options.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning, everyone is invited to join in!

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Posting:

See the current month's challenge for the specific posting due dates. (It will be between Mon-Wed closest to the 15th of each month.) Knowing we all have busy schedules, this three day "posting window" should give everyone a chance to submit their story without feeling like they've missed the only day it's due.

I will post the pictures for the following month's challenge on the Friday after we submit our stories. This will give us approximately three to four weeks to create our next story.

Read the other participants stories only after you've posted your own, and please remember to leave them comments about their writing.

Sign in on Mr Linky so others can find and read your story. I will have a link box at the bottom of my story post each month.

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I'll look forward to reading your story!