Literary – November 1

“Literature differs from life in that life is amorphously full of detail, and rarely directs us toward it, whereas literature teaches us to notice.” -James Wood, born this date in 1965. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your character misses the forest for the trees.

Journaling + Fiction – November 1

“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.”K’ung Fu-tzu Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about what you could afford to be a bit more humble about. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s lack of humility leads to your protagonist’s humiliation.

Big Questions – November 1

When will there be good news? 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 answering the question in the voice of a...

Romance – November 1

“To be more precise it was the color of heartache.” -Susanna Clarke, born this date in 1959. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist, alone, paints a room the color of heartache.

Mystery – November 1

Gary Gilmore waived his right to appeal his conviction and death sentence on this date in 1976. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s least favorite antagonist becomes a celebrity by embracing punishment for her/his offenses.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 1

“There is nothing in the world so easy to explain as failure — it is, after all, what everybody does all the time.”- Susanna Clarke, born this date in 1959. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to describe a failure that was fatal to someone else.

Secondary – November 1

“Half of tradition is a lie.” ― Stephen Crane, born on this date in 1871. Explain how you decide which half.

Primary – November 1

“Think as I think,” said a man, “or you are abominably wicked; you are a toad.” And after I thought of it, I said, “I will, then, be a toad.” -Stephen Crane, who was born on this date in 1871. Explain why it’s important to be a toad.