Literary – July 6

“It is the absence of facts that frightens people: the gap you open, into which they pour their fears, fantasies, desires.” -Hilary Mantel, born this date in 1952. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist pours him/herself into a gap in his/her knowledge.

Journaling + Fiction – July 6

“The universe had an odd sense of fairness; it took away things one did not want to give up, and then gave things one did not ask for.”Laila Lalami Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about what you plan to do with something you received but did not ask for. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is compelled to trade something s/he loves for something s/he...

Big Questions – July 6

What would you do if you walked past an injured dog on your way to a job interview? 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...

Romance – July 6

“I leave you my portrait so that you will have my presence all the days and nights that I am away from you.” -Frida Kahlo, born this date in 1907. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist prepares a message for a departing love.

Mystery – July 6

Burt Ward was born on this date in 1945. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gets an earnest, annoying sidekick.

Literary – July 5

“Silence moves faster when it’s going backward.” -Jean Cocteau, born on this date in 1889. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns this lesson.

Journaling + Fiction – July 5

“Every joke is a tiny revolution.”George Orwell Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about an amusing observation that effectively summarizes your perspective on life. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gets in trouble for making a joke.

Big Questions – July 5

What choice you made thinking it would make a minor difference in your life has had a major impact? 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...