Literary – March 13

Janet Flanner, who wrote The New Yorker’s “Letter from Paris” under the pseudonym Genêt for more than 50 years, was born on this date in 1892. She believed “genius is immediate, but talent takes time.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the struggle to cultivate talent proves your protagonist is no genius.

Journaling + Fiction – March 13

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters”Albert Einstein Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about a time when you trusted someone you knew in your heart of hearts that you should not trust. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is shamed to be fooled a second time.

Big Questions – March 13

What’s the most significant mistake of your life so far? 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...

Romance – March 13

Writing prompt: Write the scene that prompts your protagonist’s expulsion as a young person from an open-membership service-oriented organization such as Girl/Boy Scouts.

Mystery – March 13

“For more than half an hour 38 respectable, law-abiding citizens in Queens watched a killer stalk and stab a woman in three separate attacks in Kew Gardens. Twice their chatter and the sudden glow of their bedroom lights interrupted him and frightened him off. Each time he returned, sought her out, and stabbed her again. Not one person telephoned the police during the assault; one witness called after the woman was...

SciFi/Fantasy – March 13

“The way out is the way through.” – L. Ron Hubbard, born this date in 1911. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist can survive only by escaping through that which is most dangerous to him/her.

Secondary – March 13

On this day in 1943, German military officers conspired to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and failed. Explain why you agree or disagree with with the idea that killing someone may be justified.

Primary – March 13

Percival Lowell was born on this date in 1855. His search for the non-existent Planet X allowed later astronomers to discover Pluto, which got its name from his initials, PL. If you discovered a new planet, what name would you choose for it and why would you choose that name?