Literary – October 4

“You can become a winner only if you are willing to walk over the edge.” -Damon Runyon, born this date in 1880. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist balks at waking over the edge.

Literary – October 3

“There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.” -Gore Vidal, born this date in 1925. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a frenemy of your protagonist achieves something amazing by doing the opposite of what your protagonist advised.

Literary – October 2

“Success is more dangerous than failure, the ripples break over a wider coastline.” -Graham Greene, born this date in 1904. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s success attracts the wrong kind of attention.

Literary – October 1

“A thing may happen and be a total lie; another thing may not happen and be truer than the truth.” -Tim O’Brien, born this date in 1946. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns a valuable truth because of what doesn’t happen.

Literary – September 30

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” -Truman Capote, born this date on 1924. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that what s/he thought was a success is only a condiment.

Literary – September 29

” ‘Tis the only comfort of the miserable to have partners in their woes.” -Miguel de Cervantes, whose birth is observed on this date although when exactly in 1547 he was born is unknown. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is pressed into reluctant service to comfort an afflicted friend.

Literary – September 28

What does your protagonist consider the most unforgivable betrayal a friend could commit? Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s sibling, parent, or child commits that transgression.

Literary – September 27

“You can’t lie to your soul.” -Irvine Welsh, born this date in 1958. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s soul announces that it’s been lied to one too many times.