But I thought I'd like to spread Christmas cheer onto my blog as well. So I've decided to host a giveaway! But you're going to have to work for it a little.
Observe the wintery scene I painted below.
But these questions are not for me to answer. YOU get to answer them.
1) Write a short story about the scene above in 500--2000 words. UPDATE: If you would like to write more then the word limit, than be my guest. I just didn't want to overwhelm you this season. :)
2) Send me the story to my email: williamshsj@gmail.com
3) Enter the Rafflecopter below after you have entered a story.
4) For those of you who might not know, I require stories to be completely clean. I will not accept the entries otherwise. The above scene is innocent and sweet. While I don't mind if you put drama and danger into the story, it should still attain to the mood expressed above.
So what is the prize if you enter a story and win in the Rafflecopter? You win the above painting, matted and personalized with a special line from your special story written across the snow in the center of the left-hand side!
The DEADLINE for your story is December 20th, midnight. The winner will be announced on the first day of winter!
The contest is open to the US and Canada.
And I'd love to post your short story on my blog so that everyone can read your genius. If you'd like to share about the contest, feel free to use this button and link back to this post! :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
By the way, this idea was inspired by Molly who is hosting her own picture-inspired contest that gives you a far longer time to write than me. You should go check out her story-writing challenge and the awesome prizes she's giving away! And thank you, Molly, for allowing me to use the idea!
I hope you all have time to write a short story for the picture, but if not, I totally understand. Christmas is a very busy season. I hope you all have a joyous one!
32 comments:
What a wonderful idea! And a gorgeous painting . . . I'll have to see if a story idea comes to me, because, well, there's a kitty. And I do love stories with kitties. ;)
Thank you! I'd be absolutely delighted if you came up with a short story. The kitty almost looks like a kitten version of Monster...
Aw ... that picture is adorable and serene, and breathtaking and ....
Anyway, I'm going to have to rack my brain and find this maiden's story!
Oh, this is going to be such fun! Is the contest international, Hannah?
Thank you, Ghost Ryter! I hope a story will flourish inside you! :)
Oo, thank you for reminding me, Beka! The contest is open to the U.S. and Canada! I'll have to revise that in the post. :)
Ooooo...Will defiantly have to keep this contest in mind. Lovely drawing, btw. :-D
This looks like so much fun! I'll be thinking on a story to write, and I can hardly wait to read all the entries! I love the painting--it is magical and delightful. :-)
Thank you, Grace! I hope a story comes!
Oh, thank you, Mrs. Stengl! I can't wait to read entries either! If this contest is at all successful, I think I might do come like it in the following seasons. :)
This sounds so cool! I'll have to be thinking about this and try to come up with an idea.
I'd really enjoy this, I'm just not sure if I have the time besides all the other things I need to finish writing.
One question - is the contest winner randomly selected (once he or she submits his/her story), or do you hand pick it?
That would be wonderful, Sarah! Thanks!
Word Weaver: I hope you'll have time! But this season can be very busy!
Yes, the winner will be randomly selected through Rafflecopter. I chickened out from actually hand-picking a story with all the incredible writers around! :)
However, all the stories shall be posted on my blog around Christmas!
This sounds like so much fun, Hannah. I love Christmas stories, so it will be nice to have some new ones to read this year.
Question: Would you mind too terribly sending me a description of the girl? I read in the above comments that the kitten resembles a younger version of Monster, so that was helpful. I know his orange coat is lovely against the white of the snow.
God bless and thanks for this wonderful idea.
Thank you, Meredith! I love cozy Christmas stories.
Ooo, have you read the advent stories by Arnold Ytreeide? They are adventurous, not cozy, but they take place during the time of Jesus's birth from the perspective of kids. The first one is Jotham's Journey. They were a big part of my Christmas childhood and they're still quite enjoyable. I'm not sure if they're on audiobook or not.
I've sent a description to you! I'd love it if you come up with a story!
New follower! Sounds like an awesome contest. I'll try to come up with an idea :)
www.coversandink.blogspot.com
Hi Jillian! Thank you for following! I hope a story comes to you!
I just finished my story!! So excited for this contest! :D
Yey, Anna! I look forward to reading your story!
Just an update, everyone. If your story succeeds 2,000 words, that isn't a big deal, since the winner will be chosen randomly from the Rafflecopter. :)
Oh, my gosh, awesome contest, Hannah! Your picture is BEAUTIFUL. Definitely count on an entry from moi. : )
Hi, Hannah. Just entered and am so excited to see the stories everyone creates.
No, I've never heard of this author, but the stories sound great! Am going to look for them. God bless and have a wonderful weekend.
Oh, my favorite fictional Christmas stories pertaining to Jesus' birth are "The Littlest Angel," and Max Lucado's "Cosmic Christmas," and "The Christmas Lamb". I also read A Christmas Carol every year, and I have to watch It's a Wonderful Life at least twice. I also love the "Adventures in Odyssey" Christmas episodes. It's a radio show that I stumbled upon when I was very young. The Bible story episodes actually got me interested in Scripture and were influential in leading me to Christ. God bless.
That's so wonderful, Meredith! I love Adventures in Odyssey!
The picture is so beautiful. Since I was participating in NaNoWriMo, I wasn't sure that I would be able to participate, but I got an idea and decided that I have to try and get it done before the deadline. I can't wait to see everyone else's stories.
Wonderful, Athelas! I'm so thrilled that so many people have been inspired by my painting! I'm really enjoying the stories and can't wait to share!
Ah... I've heard that Rafflecopter can only be entered with a Facebook account. I don't have one of these, and was wondering if you knew if this was so or not.
Don't worry, Athelas! A Facebook account is NOT needed. All you have to do is "Use Your Email" to log in, giving you a place to put in your name and email.
Then you can enter the giveaway by sending in a short story to me and filling in the space provided by Rafflcopter with your email so that I know your entry and story are from the same person. It's really easy. :)
Hannah, I'm finally following your blog! I now it's taken be awhile to officially sign in, but I did it! I just finished my story and am going to send it in as soon as I have a chance. Hope you like it!
SQUEAL! I'm so happy you were finally able to become an official follower! I so can't wait to read your story! Hugs!
Somehow I knew you were going to squeal:) Hugs right back at ya!
Wow, we must know each other or something. ;)
You think?
Oh, good. Thank you very much.
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