A Picture and A Thousand Words was first held in 2017 as a celebration of collaboration between writers and image-makers. Founded by Milwaukee writers Jonnie Guernsey and Laurel Landis, later joined by Milwaukee filmmaker and artist Daniel Wilson, Write-A-Pic, Inc. was organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2019.
Using photo submissions as writing prompts, authors perform a live reading of new work up to 1000 words as the images are projected behind them. Following the reading, photographers are invited to respond to work. In most cases, this is the first time the writers and photographers have met.
Our flagship event, A Picture and a Thousand Words is held annually. We are committed to collaborations between the diverse voices in Wisconsin, and encourage participation through free photo and writing submissions and a dedication to keeping the event free and open to the public.
Jonnie Guernsey
Laurel Landis
Laurel Landis is a Wisconsin native with an avid interest in photography and the written word. Her short stories have appeared in Wisconsin People & Ideas, Lost in Thought, and Rosebud (Mary Shelley contest) among others. Her work is also excerpted in Judy Bridges’ book Shut Up & Write, and broadcast on Milwaukee Public Radio.
She has led roundtables at the former Redbird Writing Studio and taught writing at Aurora’s Behavioral Health inpatient program.
Daniel Wilson
INTJ. Art. Music. Cinema. Scorpio Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising.
