Literary – October 24

“All the mistakes I ever made were when I wanted to say ‘No’ and said ‘Yes.’ ” -Moss Hart, born this date in 1904. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes this kind of mistake.

Romance – October 24

“But for us the road unfurls itself, we don’t stop walking, we know there is far to go.” -Denise Levertov, born this date in 1923. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist takes the first step of a long journey.

Mystery – October 24

“Dead is not guts, dead is just dumb.” -Telly Savalas as the title character in Kojak, which premiered on this date in 1973. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is lauded for bravery when s/he knows the act in question was sheer stupidity.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 24

“It is difficult to separate, at times, the myth from the truth.” -Bob Kane, creator of The Batman, born this date in 1915. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the truth behind a myth imperils your protagonist.

Literary – October 23

“People have a hunger to connect with other people. They’re desperate to know that you’re not lying to them or misleading them.” -Augusten Burroughs, born Christopher Robison on this date in 1965. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist exploits another person’s hunger to tell a lie to a third person.

Romance – October 23

Ang Lee was born on this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds her/himself in a dangerous situation because s/he became captivated by a romantic partner’s political influence.

Mystery – October 23

Reservoir Dogs premiered on this date in 1992. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist partners up with someone who’s actually on the other side.