Mystery – November 14

“Ignorance is always afraid of change.”- Jawaharlal Nehru, born this date in 1889. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist proves her/his ignorance by rejecting an important change.

Mystery – November 13

“The visit of a not unimportant member of the Police Department — although I am still uncertain of his title or office — conferred a certain honor. Lesser folk are unceremoniously questioned at Headquarters.”- Vera Caspary, born this date in 1899. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is more attracted to someone literally unattainable than to anyone else.

Mystery – November 12

“Robbie lied about most things, beginning with his name.”- Christopher Reich, born this date in 1961. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist starts thinking that s/he’s getting too old for this stuff.

Mystery – November 11

“Rich, good-looking widow, owner of large farm, desires to correspond with gentleman of wealth with matrimonial intentions.”- Belle Gunness, born this date in 1859. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers an elderly person against whom a crime has been committed is a long-sought criminal suspect.

Mystery – November 10

“And so it goes.” Newspapers reported that 36 copies of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five were burned in North Dakota on this date in 1973. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is faced with something that is not a crime, but should be.

Mystery – November 9

“Like those imperceptible insects which, having once penetrated the root of a tree devour it in a single night, suspicion, when it invades our minds, soon develops itself and destroys our firmest beliefs.”- Émile Gaboriau, born this date in 1832. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which a suspicion about her/his closest friend first enters your protagonist’s mind.

Mystery – November 8

“E. Larry, of course, realized that his very presence at any function put the fear of sudden death in a those around him. He hadn’t attended a play, sports event, or party in years without having to solve a murder at some time during the festivities, perhaps because so many potential murderers (and, in fact, their victims) leaped at the opportunity to match wits with him.”- Jon L. Breen, born this...

Mystery – November 7

“Do just once what others say you can’t do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again.”- Captain James Cook, born this date in 1728. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist proves wrong someone who assumes your protagonist suffers from a limitation your protagonist actually suffers from.