Literary – December 9

John Milton was born on this date in 1608. He composed his masterpieces after he lost his vision at age 43. Seven years after going blind, he began dictating the 12 books of Paradise Lost, which took five years to complete. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist experiences the world exclusively through senses other than sight.

Literary – December 8

“All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why.” -James Thurber, born this date in 1894. Writing prompt: Write a bar scene in which your protagonist reveals what s/he is running from, and to, to someone s/he will never see again.

Literary – December 7

“Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of 15.” -Willa Cather, born this date in 1873. Writing prompt: Write the scene of the most life-shaping event in your protagonist’s life before s/he turned 15.  

Literary – December 6

“There’s a way of playing safe, there’s a way of using tricks and there’s the way I like to play which is dangerously where you’re going to take a chance on making mistakes in order to create something you haven’t created before.” – Dave Brubeck, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist creates something routine in an unorthodox way.

Literary – December 5

“Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.” -Joan Didion, born this date in 1934. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s life as s/he knows it changes in such an instant.

Literary – December 4

Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s most paralyzingly terrifying mistake during high school.

Literary – December 3

“A man’s most open actions have a secret side to them.” -Joseph Conrad, born this date in 1857. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist hides her/his motives in plain sight.

Literary – December 2

“Humor is what happens when we’re told the truth quicker and more directly than we’re used to.” -George Saunders, born this date in 1958. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to see the humor in a situation that everyone else finds hilarious.