Mystery – July 14

Dave Rudabaugh — the only man known to have crossed paths on both sides of the law with Dave Mather, Bat Masterson, Pat Garrett, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid and Doc Holliday (whom he taught to use a pistol, and from whom he learned to gamble) — was born on this date in 1854. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns a valuable skill from an accomplished criminal who is notably less...

Everything you write makes you a better writer.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane Friedman at a Writer’s Digest program; she’s since left that august publication and joined Virginia Quarterly Review. Lucky for all of us, she still offers terrific advice to writers on her web site. I found this post particularly useful as we head into National Novel Writing Month:   3 Steps for Using Prompts to Write Better & Get Published By Gabriela...

Mystery – July 13

Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s most paralyzingly terrifying mistake during high school.

Romance – July 13

Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s most embarrassing romantic moment.

SciFi/Fantasy – July 13

Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s most self-deceptive presumption of victory.

Literary – July 13

Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s most humiliating defeat.

Romance – July 12

Andrew Wyeth was born on this date in 1917. Among his iconic American images is Christina’s World: Writing prompt: Write from your protagonist and your antagonist’s points of view what story this painting tells.