1000 Words | Melanie P. Smith

Nobody can say for sure who coined the phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ but we do know it’s been around since the early 1900s. It’s clear why the saying has stood the test of time. One glance at a picture and you can instantly imagine the story behind it. The story might be personal, like a couple in love relaxing in a gondola in Venice. For me, that image brings back memories of my honeymoon and the amazing adventure my husband and I shared. Or, it could trigger strong emotions of love, hate, loneliness, or contentment.

As authors we work hard to show our readers the worlds we conjure in our minds; the sometimes loving, sometimes quirky, sometimes sadistic characters -- and the stories behind them. We hope our words jump from the page and prompt an emotional response similar to a vivid picture.

That’s what we had in mind when we developed this writing prompt. If you're an author and you want to participate here's your chance. Whether your a seasoned writer, or you're just starting out, give it a try. Because, while a picture might be worth a thousand words… those words can change depending on the story teller.

1000 Word Challenge