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

Dave Brubeck was born on this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist accomplishes 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 on this day 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 around him/her finds hilarious.

Literary – December 1

“If it turns out that there is a God, I don’t think that he’s evil. But the worst that you can say about him is that basically he’s an underachiever.” -Allen Stewart Konigsberg, better known as Woody Allen, born this date in 1935. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which circumstances cause your antagonist to struggle with her/his faith or lack thereof.