Literary – Leap Day

“History is one of those marvelous and necessary illusions we have to deal with.” -Howard Nemerov, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene shattering with facts one of your protagonist’s most precious historical illusions.

Literary – May 10

Writing prompt: Write a dialogue in which your antagonist describes whether s/he wants to be most remembered for her/his character or accomplishments.

Literary – April 27

Writing prompt: Describe the contents and condition of your protagonist’s tool kit from the point of view of your protag’s father.

Literary – April 11

“And if I remain in the dark about our purpose here, and meaning of eternity, I have nonetheless arrived at an understanding of a few more modest truths: Most of us fear death. Most of us yearn to comprehend how we go here, and why.” -Jon Krakauer, born on this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts these modest truths alone.

Literary – January 2

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist considers the advantages of being the opposite gender.

Literary – December 31

Henri Matisse was born on this date in 1869. Writing prompt: From your protagonist’s point of view, tell the story of this scene. Then tell the story of the same scene from your antagonist’s point of view.

Literary – December 28

In 1865, French film pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumiere showed the first commercial motion pictures at a Paris cafe. [youtube width=”319″ height=”258″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI63PUXnVMw[/youtube] Writing prompt: Watch the first of their films through the eyes of your protagonist and describe the telling details of La Sortie de l’Usine Lumière à Lyon from your protag’s...

Literary – December 24

On this date in 1851, a fire at the US Library of Congress destroyed about two-thirds of its 55,000 books, including most of former US Pres. Thomas Jefferson’s personal library. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that his/her personal library has been destroyed.