Literary – January 16

“As photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possession of space in which they are insecure.” -Susan Sontag, born this date in 1933. Writing prompt: Write the scene during which the photograph most important to your protagonist was taken.

Literary – January 15

“Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.” -Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the most important circumstances and objects mean entirely different things to the characters involved.

Literary – January 14

“I’m very comfortable with failure. I’m very comfortable being the guy who disappoints people.” -Steven Soderbergh, born this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must persuade everyone that s/he doesn’t care about completely failing at an important task.

Literary – January 13

“Everything becomes symbol and irony when you’ve been betrayed.” -Jay McInerney, in Bright Lights, Big City, born on this date in 1955. Writing prompt: Describe a place or object important to your protagonist from his/her point of view before and after s/he has been betrayed by a friend.

Literary – January 12

“There ain’t no journey what don’t change you some.” -David Mitchell, born this date in 1969. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes how s/he changed as a result of her/his most memorable journey.

Literary – January 11

Alan Paton was born on this date in 1903. In his most famous work, he bemoaned the fate of South Africa’s unborn child: “For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist withholds from his/her partner that which the partner most needs because your protag fears the power such a gift would award.