Literary – January 26

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist dreams that s/he must choose a single moment in her/his life to literally erase.

Literary – January 21

The first novel published in America, The Power of Sympathy by William Hill Brown, appeared without its author’s name on this date in 1789. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns a dear friend holds a diametrically opposed view of reading.

Literary – January 14

“It’s almost worth having been in the army for the joy your freedom gives you.” -John Dos Passos, born on this date 1896. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist describes her/his sense of freedom after leaving a relationship or circumstance.

Literary – January 9

Jane Austen’s sister, the painter and correspondent Cassandra, was born on this date in 1773. Only one of Cassandra’s two paintings of Jane shows us what she looks like. Writing prompt: What was the painter of this portrait intending its viewers to understand?

Literary – January 7

“It’s hard to say. Sometimes people have had terrible childhoods. And sometimes they just haven’t found their special place in life. And sometimes they’re dogs from hell and must be destroyed.” -Charles Addams, born on this date in 1912. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist applies Addams’ categorical analysis to your protagonist.

Literary – December 24

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must assemble a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces upside-down.

Literary – November 6

Writing prompt: The word “fiction” is rooted in the Latin fingere, “to make.” What kind of world do you want to make in your fiction?

Literary – November 5

Writing prompt: Describe your emotional and physical responses to lying to someone you love.