Daily, genre-inspired writing prompts for authors, teachers, and journaling

Literary – October 4

“You can become a winner only if you are willing to walk over the edge.” -Damon Runyon, born this date in 1880. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist balks at waking over the edge.

Big Questions – October 4

Whose life or lives do you hope to most influence by living your own? Journaling prompt: Spend 15-20 minutes writing your answer in the spirit of exploring yourself and the world around you. If you can answer with a simple “yes” or “no,” explain the sources or implications of your response. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene that forces a character in your story to answer the question, or spend 15-20 minutes...

Journaling + Fiction – October 4

“The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it.”George Orwell Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about a time when you were excoriated for speaking the truth about a matter of justice. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is shunned for describing objective...

Romance – October 4

Mary Elizabeth Braddon was born on this date in 1835. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist and one of her/his romantic partners simultaneously learn that your protag is also romantically entangled with a second partner.

Mystery – October 4

Talmage Powell — who wrote more than 500 short stories and novels as Robert Hart Davis, Robert Henry, Milton T. Lamb, Milton Land, Jack McCready, Anne Talmage, Dave Sands, and Ellery Queen — was born on this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that a person of interest answers to several different names.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 4

“The world doesn’t need any more mediocrity or hedged bets.” -Anne Rice, born this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is put in mortal peril by a trusted friend’s hedged bet.

Secondary – October 4

Work began on Mount Rushmore on this date in 1927. Make the case for the leader you think deserves to be so honored.

Primary – October 4

Work on Mount Rushmore began on this date in 1927. Explain the characteristics of a public leader who you think deserves to be honored in this way.

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