Literary – January 26

“There is not a physicist in the world who can perceive when a parlor magician palms off playing-cards.” -Charles Hoy Fort, who on this date in 1931 attended the first meeting of the Fortean Society. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s expertise in one area makes it impossible for her/him to see s/he is being fooled in another.

Journaling + Fiction – January 26

“Fairness is man’s ability to rise above his prejudices.”Wes Fesler Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about a time you treated another unfairly because you’d been treated unfairly. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which a person from whom your protagonist expects little accomplishes a lot.

Big Questions – January 26

What does your family name mean to you? 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...

Romance – January 26

Lucinda Williams was born on this date in 1953. Writing prompt:  Write a diary entry in which your protagonist ponders something s/he can’t let...

Mystery – January 26

“As I would not wish convicts to lay the foundation of an empire, I think they should ever remain separated from the garrison and other settlers that may come from Europe; and not be allowed to mix with them, even after the seven or fourteen years for which they are transported may be expired.”- Arthur Phillip, the British naval officer charged with leading the First Fleet of ships transporting...

SciFi/Fantasy – January 26

“This story is about love, which means that it is also about hate.” -Philip José Farmer, born on this date in 1918. Writing prompt: Write a scene exploring your protagonist’s most vexing duality.

Secondary – January 26

“Genius is nothing but continued attention.” -Claude Adrien Helvetius, born on this date in 1715. Explain why you think Helvetius is wrong or right.

Primary – January 26

“The outrageous is the reasonable, if introduced politely.” -Charles Hoy Fort, who was born on this date in 1931. Tell a story about a time this happened to you.