Literary – December 30

“An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.” – Rudyard Kipling, born this date in 1865. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s mother uses a minimum of words and actions to make clear her opinion that your protag is following the wrong course.

Literary – December 29

Thomas Becket was murdered on this date in 1170. In the 1964 film about his life, the Becket character suggests someone may teach him “humility — a virtue I’ve never really mastered.” Writing prompt: Consider a virtue your protagonist has not mastered and write a scene in which s/he learns its value.

Literary – December 28

“This life we endure — how strange, yet how jolly.” -Chris Ware, born this date in 1967. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds humor in a tragedy.

Literary – December 27

“What are you hiding? No one ever asks that.” – Sarah Vowell, born this date in 1969. Writing prompt: Write the response to that question from your antagonist, and then from your protagonist.

Literary – December 26

“Every man with a bellyful of the classics is an enemy to the human race.” -Henry Miller, born this date in 1891. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist describes your protagonist’s motives as being based on a wrong-headed classic idea.

Literary – December 25

“I love to be individual, to step beyond gender.” – Annie Lennox, born this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a long-lost friend expects your protagonist to defend an unconventional life choice.

Literary – December 24

“Victory in combat is like sex with a prostitute. For a moment you forget everything in the sudden physical rush, but then you have to pay your money to the woman showing you the door. You see the dirt on the walls and your sorry image in the mirror.” -Karl Marlantes, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist loses because s/he wins.

Literary – December 23

“Romantic vision can also lead one away from certain very hard, ugly truths about life that are important to know.” – Donna Tartt, born this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s idealized notions prevent him or her from recognizing the truth about an uncomfortable situation.