Secondary – April 27

Samuel F.B. Morse was born on this date in 1791. Before inventing the telegraph, he was a well regarded portrait painter. Describe how you think his artistry affected his inventiveness.

Primary – April 27

“We improve ourselves by victories over ourselves.” -Edward Gibbon, who was born on this date in 1737. Explain the most important victory over yourself that you want to win.

Rube Tube

Author William Gibson has an essay on his web site in which he contemplates becoming “exactly the sort of introverted, hyper-bookish boy you’ll find in the biographies of most American science fiction writers … dreaming of one day becoming a writer myself.” It’s all interesting, even if you’re not familiar with his work, and he concludes with this compelling insight: “I...

Literary – April 26

“There are no wrong books. What’s wrong is the fear of them.” -Bernard Malamud, born this date in 1914. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes that a close friend’s home has no books in it.

Journaling + Fiction – April 26

“A superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.”K’ung Fu-tzu Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist

Big Questions – April 26

What band most deserves a renaissance of popular attention? 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...

Romance – April 26

“Nobody goes through life without a scar.” -Carol Burnett, born this date in 1933. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must convey serious and tragic news to a person who turns everything into a joke.

Mystery – April 26

Watch this little one,She’s pining away,With her butcher’s knife,Coffin purseAnd black bouquet. Sadie died on this date in 1969. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist suspects a crime everyone believes to be murder is instead suicide.