Literary – January 11

Alan Paton was born on this date in 1903. In his most famous work, he bemoaned the fate of South Africa’s unborn child: “For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist withholds from his/her partner that which the partner most needs because your protag fears the power such a gift would grant.

Journaling + Fiction – January 11

“To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day.”Winston Churchill Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about a time you caused or observed the destruction of another’s efforts. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s hard work is thoughtlessly...

Big Questions – January 11

What’s the one material object you’d save from your burning home? 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...

Romance – January 11

Rupert Holmes’ Escape — better known as “the piña colada song” — topped the charts on this date in 1980. Writing prompt: Write a personals ad for your protagonist that does not exceed 60...

Mystery – January 11

“There is no trap so deadly as the trap you set for yourself.”- Raymond Chandler, who met Dashiell Hammett at a dinner for contributors to Black Mask on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene that foreshadows a rivalry between two great talents.

SciFi/Fantasy – January 11

“So think about it and try to tell yourself wherever you may be in the quiet of your home, in the safety of your bed, try to tell yourself, It couldn’t happen here.” – Carl Kolchak in The Night Stalker, which premiered on this date in 1972. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s refusal to believe the truth is out there leaves her/him vulnerable when that truth takes...

Secondary – January 11

Describe the most challenging experience you faced in the past week.

Primary – January 11

Today is Amelia Earhart Day, which celebrates the most famous female airplane pilot of 1920s and 1930s. If you could fly anywhere right now, where would you fly and what would you do when you got there?