Many Beginnings

Many writers start from a brilliant opening line – an inspiration to craft an entire story from a dazzling line of prose. Other writers use the opening line as a placeholder, knowing they will revise or replace it when they finish telling the story. Although I prefer the second approach, there is no wrong or right way to write an opening line – truly, deciding must be the best and worst of times for a...

Literary – February 16

“Things you did. Things you never did. Things you dreamed. After a long time they run together.” – Richard Ford, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns a long-treasured dream is a nightmare.

Journaling + Fiction – February 16

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”John Maxwell Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about a challenge in your life to which you should change your approach. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gets a stern lecture from a respected elder for whining instead of adapting.

Big Questions – February 16

Who in the course of your life have you lost contact with that you most regret? 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...

Romance – February 16

Hugh Beaumont was born on this date in 1909. Writing prompt: Write scenes of the same routine conversation — clean your room, what do you want to be when you grow up, that sort of thing — your protagonist has with his/her father at ages 5, 15, and 25.

Mystery – February 16

“It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s . . . Ralph Hinkley.”- William Katt, born this date in 1951. Writing prompt: Write a scene from your protagonist’s childhood in which s/he first pretends to be the superhero your protagonist want to be when s/he grows up.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 16

“I’ve always thought that technology could solve almost any problem.” – Geordi La Forge, portrayed by LeVar Burton, born this date in 1957. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must use  tools and techniques to compensate for the loss of his/her most important sense.

Secondary – February 16

Sonny Bono was born on this date in 1935. Make the case that celebrity is a qualification or disqualification for public office.