Literary – April 15

“She is written in a foreign tongue.” -Henry James, born this date in 1843. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that s/he and a new acquaintance are from two nations separated by a common language.

Journaling + Fiction – April 15

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”G.K. Chesterton Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about your life’s most woundrous event. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist expects — but does not receive — gratitude for an exceptionally good deed.

Big Questions – April 15

What would you do with an unexpected gift of US$10,000? 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 15

Leonardo da Vinci was born on this date in 1452. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist and some friends speculate on the origin of Mona Lisa’s smile.

Mystery – April 15

“It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition.”- Henry James, born this date in 1843. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s treasured family tradition is disrupted.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 15

“The map is not the territory.”- Alfred Korzybski On this date in 1924, Rand McNally released its first road atlas of the United States. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds him/herself in mortal jeopardy because a map isn’t accurate.

Secondary – April 15

“It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.” -Leonardo da Vinci, born on this date in 1452. Prove he was wrong or right using examples from your own life.

Primary – April 15

On this date in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Write what you imagine Jackie Robinson wrote in his diary that night.