Literary – February 13

On this date in 1974, the Soviet Union expelled dissident author Alexander Solzhenitsyn. He once said, “Everything you add to the truth subtracts from the truth.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s attempts to clarify the truth of a situation make everyone increasingly doubt his/her veracity.

Literary – February 12

“Then again, maybe I won’t.” -Judy Blume, born this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene that concludes with your protagonist doing exactly the opposite of what s/he intended when the scene opened.

Literary – February 11

Sylvia Plath committed suicide on this date in 1963, aged 30. She demonstrated her poor forecasting skills when she said, “But life is long. And it is the long run that balances the short flare of interest and passion.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist tries — and fails — to convince her/himself that a long life will balance a moment of agony.

Literary – February 10

“Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.” -Boris Pasternak, born this date in 1890. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to celebrate a surprise s/he secretly loathes.

Literary – February 9

“In order to be cruel we have to close our hearts to the suffering of the other.” -JM Coetzee, born this date in 1940. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s compassion towards another appears cruel.

Literary – February 8

“The only greatness for man is immortality.” -James Dean, born this date in 1931. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist reveals what s/he would like to be remembered for.

Literary – February 7

“People will buy anything that is ‘one to a customer.’ ” -Sinclair Lewis, the first Nobel literature laureate from the USA, born this date in 1885. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist pays dearly for something s/he doesn’t need.

Literary – February 6

Christopher Marlowe, renowned playwright and celebrated influencer of Shakespeare, was born on this date in 1564. His most enduring work is Doctor Faustus. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist contemplates selling her/his soul to your antagonist in exchange for something s/he values more highly.