I've been quite fascinated recently by the use of light and darkness to enhance a story in filmmaking. Shadows and contrast can be used in so many different ways, and, the more I've thought about it, the more aware of it I've become. It is a concept well-suited to film, but I'm convinced that it can be used in prose, as well.
Thus, I'm hosting a writing contest to explore that very thing!
I want to see you write something that utilizes the power of light and dark to accentuate your story. You can decide what that means for yourself. I want to see different interpretations. A few boundaries to keep in mind:
1. Your story can be no longer than 5000 words (but it can be well short of that, too).
2. Your story must not contain profanity, sexual scenes, or graphic violence.
3. Your story needs to be more than just description; I'm looking for a prominent use of light and dark as part of an actual story.
4. You don't need to have a blog to participate.
Starting now, and up until Friday, October 7th, write your stories and email them to me at rachelleoneilwriter [at] gmail [dot] com. I will trim the entries down to two or three of my favorites, which I will announce here on Friday, October 14th. I will either post the stories here or have their authors post them on their respective blogs (depending on whether or not all the authors have blogs). Then I'll utilize your votes to help determine a winner!
The Prize: The winner will receive a detailed critique from me of a piece of their writing, up to 10,000 words. It can be the submitted story, or it can be a selection of a different work. With a few genre and content exceptions, the choice is entirely up to the winner.
I'm very excited about this contest, and I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to reading what everyone comes up with!
Note: I'm not a published author or a writing expert. Judging stories is an exceptionally subjective thing, and my choosing of certain stories does not say that other entries don't have value. I will try to be as objective as possible, but what entertains us is, ultimately, subjective.
I'm also considering doing a photography contest for this same concept. Let me know what ya'll think of that in the comments!
This looks like fun and I hope to participate! :) And I photography contest sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteYay! I look forward to seeing what you come up with! Thanks for commenting!
DeleteOkey-dokey! :)
DeleteThis is a good idea! I was actually thinking about this earlier today, and then I saw your post... ^-^ I might do this, after I finish what I'm working on today.
ReplyDeleteAnd a photography contest sounds awesome! I've recently become very interested in photography, so that could be fun.
*laughs* Well, pretty good timing, hmm? :D I'm happy to have you participate!
DeleteWell, sounds like we might have to do a photography contest, then. :) I've been wanting to expand my photography skills, too. Thanks for commenting!
Things are really busy for me, but we'll see! And I love the idea of a photography contest too!
ReplyDeleteHey, Bethany! I hope it works out; I'd love to see what you come up with! :)
DeleteThanks for your input!