Literary – September 2

The Iceman Cometh  by Eugene O’Neill opened on Broadway on this date in 1946. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist uncovers the secret, tragic reason for a relative or close friend’s recent conversion on a topic of importance.

Literary – September 1

“The truth knocks on the door and you say, ‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth,’ and so it goes away. Puzzling.” -Robert Pirsig, born this date in 1928. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he dismissed truth when it knocked.

Literary – August 31

“No enemy is so annoying as one who was a friend, or still is a friend, and there are many more of these than one would suspect.” -William Saroyan, born this date in 1908. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes someone s/he counted as an ally is precisely the opposite.

Literary – August 30

Henry Miller said, “One can be absolutely truthful and sincere even though admittedly the most outrageous liar. Fiction and invention are of the very fabric of life.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fabricates a lie that tells more truth about him/her than what s/he’s trying to conceal.

Literary – August 29

“I am different, not less.” -Temple Grandin, born this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is made to feel less because s/he is different.

Literary – August 28

“Fanaticism is overcompensation for doubt.” -Robertson Davies, born this date in 1913. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist overcompensates.

Literary – August 27

“Art is the stored honey of the human soul, gathered on wings of misery and travail.” -Theodore Dreiser, born this date in 1871. Writing prompt: In your protagonist’s voice, describe his/her favorite work of art in words Dreiser would appreciate.

Literary – August 26

“A lot of what we experience as strength comes from knowing what to do with weakness.” -Barbara Ehrenreich, born this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s weakest moment.