Literary – April 3

Richard Thompson was born on this date in 1949. He tells an epic tale of love and villainy in his classic 1952 Vincent Black Lightning: Writing prompt: Write a scene demonstrating your protagonist’s abiding love for the soul of an inanimate object.

Romance – April 3

Richard Thompson was born on this date in 1949. He wrote one of his most unforgettable love songs, Persuasion, for the entirely forgettable film Sweet Talker: Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is frustrated despite practicing the persuasion s/he thinks her/his romantic target will find most...

Mystery – April 3

On this day in 1888, the first of 11 Whitechapel Murders occurred in London. At least five such murders were eventually attributed to Jack the Ripper. Writing prompt: Write the scene of the first in a series of unsolved crimes your protagonist desperately wants to solve.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 3

Gore Vidal’s Age of Kali ends on this date with the virtual extinction of all life on earth. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist arrives in a place devoid of life.

Secondary – April 3

“Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.” -Washington Irving, born on this date in 1783. Explain what you think is the difference between a purpose and a wish.

Primary – April 3

On this date in 1860, the Pony Express postal service started when riders left St. Joseph, Mo., and Sacramento, Calif., at the same time on 2,000-mile trips. The first trip west took 9 days and 23 hours, and trip east took 11 days and 12 hours. Today, when you can talk with people on the other side of the planet in real time, describe your favorite method of communication and why you prefer it.