Journaling + Fiction – August 20

“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.”Henry David Thoreau Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing a description of what you would like to paint. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist paints an idealized picture of a situation that no one else sees.

Journaling + Fiction – August 19

“Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he isn’t. A sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is.”Variously attributed to Horace Walpole and Francis Bacon (and occasionally Oscar Wilde) Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the greatest consolation humor has given you about yourself. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist...

Journaling + Fiction – August 18

“Without forgiveness, there’s no future.”Desmond Tutu Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about something you believe you should have been forgiven for, but haven’t. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist precludes a future opportunity by withholding forgiveness.

Journaling + Fiction – August 17

“Citizenship is a tough occupation which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by it.”Martha Gellhorn Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about an opinion you’ve stood by even though doing so has proved tough. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist loses an important ally because s/he stands by an opinion.

Journaling + Fiction – August 16

“In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.”K’ung Fu-tzu Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about your assessment of your wealth relative to those around you. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is shamed by a respected peer...

Journaling + Writing – August 15

Doubt thou the stars are fire;Doubt that the sun doth move;Doubt truth to be a liar;But never doubt I love.―William Shakespeare Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the most significant act you’ve taken to express your love to another. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist doubts another creature loves your protagonist.

Journaling + Fiction – August 14

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”Plutarch Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about why you’re interested in the subject currently waiting to fill your mind. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist fills your protagonist’s mind with ashes.

Journaling + Fiction – August 13

“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”Sir Ken Robinson Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the first time you remember learning something important because you were wrong. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist succeeds because s/he’s wrong about something important.