~soul-perfume is a group for writers of all kinds to come together and share their work and ideas, to inspire one another and to make new friends through their love of words.

We will hold fortnightly contests where members are asked to write a piece in any genre on a given theme.

This weeks theme is Autumn / Fall.


The Contest

Autumn

<sup>Definition according to the Oxford English Dictionary:

n. the season after summer and before winter
- DERIVATIVES autumnal
- ORIGIN Latin autumnus</sup>

The summer sun is low in the sky sending its warm glow over waning crops and bare trees. Animals scurry about collecting food for the cold winter ahead. The air is chill and clouds veil the skys blue, occasionally spilling rain onto the earth. These are the first signs of autumn, the signs of transition. We turn on the heating, light fires in our homes and gardens, bring out thick jumpers and coats that have sat in our attics through the warmer months. Harvests are reaped and stored, thanks is give for the warm days as we prepare for the dark time ahead. Autumn can indeed be likened to the changing of life's seasons: middle age - old age - death. Images of autumn can be evocative and nostalgic.
Your challenge is to write a piece of prose or poetry revolving around this theme. Think about your concept, the imagery you will use, the ideas and links to ideas hidden in your words. Try to capture a picture with your writing.


Some Ideas:

Imagery: Leaves, fires, bare trees, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, the setting sun low on the horizon, cold, cobwebs, russet and gold, mists, darkness, Halloween, berries in the hedgerows, damp fog, stillness

Concepts: Age, change, death/birth/rebirth cycle, hibernation, ancestors, sleep, the thinning of the veil between our world and the Otherworld, beginnings and endings



- Push your imagination and your writing skills
- Be original - originality stands out



Rules:

- Poetry or prose - it's your choice
- No word limit


Rating & Commenting

All comments should be constructive; do not simply say that you 'like' the piece or that it is 'beautiful'. Explain why you like it and what you think could be improved on.

When you comment on a piece of work you are required to rate it.

1 is the lowest rating and 10 is the highest.

The piece of work with the highest rating wins the contest.


Entries should be judged on

- 1. Relevance to the theme
- 2. Workmanship (face value, presentational quality)
- 3. Creativity
- 4. Intrigue (interest, provokes thought, etc)


Submitting Work


To enter the contest all you have to do is complete the writing task given and submit it via note with 'Submission' in the subject line.


Remember to include:

- Title of entry

- Desription & keywords

- Catagories

- A link to your entry



The contest will run for two weeks, the first week will be for submitting work and the second will be the judging period. The winning piece will be the groups featured deviation for the next week.

All submissions must be new writing to ensure that everyone gets a fair go at the contest.

You must be a member of ~soul-perfume in order to enter the contest

Deadline: Wednesday 17th October '07 (UK time)