Portrait of Words - The Kick Off

Thank you all for casting your votes in the recent poll determining the name of this new writing challenge. As I'm sure you can ascertain from the title of this post, "Portrait of Words" gathered the majority of the votes, eking out "The Writers Block" by a single vote. Your input, both on the name, and the structure of this challenge have been greatly appreciated. At this point I think I have a pretty solid set of guidelines to kick this thing off with and now I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come with for stories. There may be some minor tweaks to it along the way, so if you come up with any suggestions to improve on it, by all means, let me know.

I used the phrase "new writing challenge" above and that of course is a relative term, because if any of you participated in R.E.H.'s "Picture Fiction Challenge", then you know this is more of an adaptation of that one rather than something completely new. Well... I made the executive decision that since over two months have gone by without a new post from him or even a comment, that he has decided to forgo carrying on this "responsibility" or even his blog in general for that matter. I do sincerely miss the guy and truly hope he's alright, but at the same time, I also miss this writing challenge. Obviously I can't bring him back to blogging, but I can start, or at least re-start, this exercise again.

I've made some modifications to the original format, i.e. new name, graphics and slightly different categories, but the general premise of it is the same. In a nut shell here's how it works. Each Month I'll give you set of photographs with five different categories to use them in. The challenge is for you to create a story using the pictures as inspiration. It's really that simple.

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.

Listed below are more specific details of how it all works, complete with the first series of pictures to get us started. Even if you decide not to participate in the story writing, I hope you'll enjoy reading them and leave the authors constructive comments. These comments are a tremendous source of encouragement to the writers and are also a way for you to express feedback in a positive way.

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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.

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 in your story. (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:

This month's stories should be posted between Sept 15-17. (FYI - It will be the first Mon-Wed nearest 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 Linkey so others can find and read your story. (I will have this at the bottom of my story post each month)

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This month's challenge: