Literary – February 17

On this date in 1913, the Armory Show forever changed the world of art by forcing Americans to confront modernism. Writing prompt: Describe from your protagonist’s point of view the scene portrayed in this work from that show, George Bellows’ painting Both Members of This Club. Link to larger image.

Literary – February 16

“Things you did. Things you never did. Things you dreamed. After a long time they run together.” – Richard Ford, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns a long-treasured dream is a nightmare.

Literary – February 15

“We humans are here because nothing can be perfect. There always have to be some living things that are unsatisfied, itchy, trying too hard.” -Miranda July, born on this date in 1974. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s quest to make something perfect drives observers to question his/her grasp on reality.

Literary – Valentine’s Day

The Importance of Being Earnest opened on this date in 1895, staging Oscar Wilde’s story of two women in love with two men who are each pretending to be a third person. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that the person s/he loves is not the person your protagonist thinks s/he knows.

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.