Every Sunday in Personal Journeys we tell the story of an individual who has experienced something profound. Sometimes the story is filled with hope and joy, other times hardship and sorrow. But the common thread that runs through them all is an unblinking look at what it means to be human, in all its messy, complicated, surprising glory.

Now it’s your turn to tell your story. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is seeking submissions of true, first-person stories for its first Personal Journeys Writing Contest. Submissions will be judged by AJC editors on originality, topic interest and writing skills. The winning entry will be published in the AJC on Sept. 6 and its author will receive $750.

The contest is open to all writers, professional and amateur, who live in Georgia and are 18 years old or older. Entries should be 2,000-3,500 words, and the deadline is July 12. For writing guidelines and contest rules, go to www.myajc.com/writingcontest.