Literary – May 18

“A stupid man’s report of what a clever man says can never be accurate, because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.” -Bertrand Russell, born on this date in 1872. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which something perfectly sensible and inoffensive said by your protagonist causes a considerable conflict with someone your protag cares about because it was...

Romance – May 18

Tina Fey was born on this date in 1970. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s intent to be funny to win the attention of a romantic target dissolves into unfunny tragedy.

Mystery – May 18

“A hair divides what is false and true.” -Omar Khayyam, born this date in 1048. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must split a hair to satisfy both the law and justice.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 18

Persian poet Omar Khayyam, born on this date in 1048, wrote that “Whoever thinks algebra is a trick in obtaining unknowns has thought it in vain.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s reaction to a mathematical challenge reveals the role math plays in the dominant culture of the world you’ve created.

Mystery – May 17

On this date in 1978, authorities recovered the corpse and coffin of Charlie Chaplin, which had been stolen and held for ransom for more than two months. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist recovers something that no one can imagine anyone would want to steal.