Literary – October 6

“It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.” -Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre, published on this date in 1847. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s idle hands prove to be the devil’s playground.

Literary – October 1

American anthologist, editor, and 14th United States poet laureate Louis Untermeyer was born on this date in 1885. Writing prompt: Define in your protagonist’s, and then your antagonist’s, voice this term coined by Untermeyer: Jackassonance.

Literary – September 28

Writing prompt: If your protagonist could rescue only three items from her/his home as it burned, what would those items be and what sentence would describe each one’s relevance?

Literary – September 27

Consider the most challenging issue that you must — but do not want to — confront in your own life. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts that issue.

Literary – September 22

Writing prompt: Write a scene that concludes with your protagonist telling someone, “You’re drunk — I’m not talking to you.”

Literary – September 14

Writing prompt: Write ten aphorisms your protagonist’s parents repeated to her/him during childhood.

Literary – September 10

Writing prompt: What’s the worst birthday gift your protagonist ever received? Who gave it to her/him, and why was it so awful?

Literary – September 8

Writing prompt: Briefly describe the following four life events. Your antagonist’s most euphoric high point. Your protagonist’s most crushing low point. Your protagonist’s most euphoric high point. Your antagonist’s most crushing low point.