The Musical Story Contest! :]  January 13, 2009 - March 13, 2009

Have you ever listened to a song and thought "Wow, that would make a great story," or "Those lyrics sound a lot like the character's thoughts of the book I was just reading!"
It's definitely happens to me. A lot. So I've decided to see if it happens to any of you, and even more so, if you can make anything out of it!

Here's the general idea of what you will be doing:
-Pick a song (There's are some limits on this, but they are very loose and will be explained further down)
-Think about the lyrics, and the general idea of them. Obviously you won't be making a story/poem/etc. from the exact wording. You can be pretty loose. (Aka: The song says "It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert"; your character doesn't need to actually stand in the desert) I just want the GENERAL IDEA of the song. But make it so that if you hear the song you immediately think of that story. You also don't need to quote the song directly, in fact I would prefer you didn't. Copyright, you know? And if you must quote some of it, put a disclaimer! Understand? Good. :)
-Write your story and post it! :D


RULES:
-Put the song that you are using somewhere in your post. (I.E: in the description, the notes for review/author's note, at the beginning or end of the body of the story/poem/etc. Anywhere I can find it) Also, if you don't think I'll be able to find the lyrics/song put the lyrics with the song name in the body before/after your story/poem/etc. or a link to somewhere that I can listen to it.
-You can write any type of literature.
-You can make it as long as you want, but please, not 100,000,000,000,000 words, you know? I don't have THAT much free time.
-You may submit up to 2 pieces of writing.

SONG LIMITS:
-The song doesn't have to be in English, but if you pick one that is a different language, PLEASE give me translations.
-One song per submission.
-It must be an actual song. Sorry, no commercial jingles, etc. I need to actually be able to find the song. And please, if you are a song writer, I apologize, I would prefer if you didn't use your work, it's too complicated, and it kills the whole contemplation of the artists thoughts and feelings that they put into the music.
-If you are unsure if a song would be appropriate to use, simply send me a message and I'll be glad to inform you.

Also, just a suggestion, if you are using a sad song, you probably want to write a sad story/poem/etc. It would make more sense that way. But I won't enforce that.

WHAT I WILL BE LOOKING FOR:
-Creativity!
-If the piece was well-written.
-I'm not grading grammar strictly; I won't take off for a couple incorrectly spelled word, but please don't type like a moron. And remember, spell check is your best friend.
-How much thought you put into your song choice.
-Keep away from cliches! Points will be deducted.
-Effort!

You have two months. Get writing!

Jean

Glen Burnie, MD

16 Contestants
20 Submissions
531 Views
Created Jan 14, 2009