Literary – October 21

“Our own heart, and not other men’s opinions, form our true honor.” -Samuel Taylor Coleridge, born this date in 1772. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist does something that appears dishonorable to remain true to her/his own heart.

Journaling + Fiction – October 21

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.”Joseph Campbell Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about where you consistently return to find yourself. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns you can’t go home again.

Big Questions – October 21

Would you help a complete stranger suffering great pain because of a terminal illness end her or his life? 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...

Romance – October 21

“Leia follows me like a vague smell.” -Carrie Fisher, born this date in 1956. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he will never be free of a reputation s/he developed long before.

Mystery – October 21

“If it doesn’t make sense, it’s not true.” — Judith Sheindlin, born this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the truth makes no sense to your protagonist.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 21

“To oppose something is to maintain it.”- Ursula Kroeber Le Guin, born this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must devise an alternative solution rather than fighting one s/he doesn’t like.

Secondary – October 21

Swedish chemist, industrialist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prize Alfred Nobel was born on this date in 1833. Explain whether perpetual good works can ever offset a single really bad act.

Primary – October 21

“The only questions that really matter are the ones you ask yourself.” -Ursula K. Le Guin, born on this date in 1929. Ask yourself a question you don’t want to answer.