Mystery – June 17

On this date in 1972, US President Richard M. Nixon’s re-election employees were arrested for burglarizing the Watergate building. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that a relatively simple criminal matter has much deeper implications for an important public leader.

Mystery – June 16

“Our enemy is by tradition our savior, in preventing us from superficiality.” -Joyce Carol Oates, born on this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must intervene between two enemies who really don’t want to stop their dispute.

Mystery – June 15

Erroll Garner, born this date in 1921, composed Misty, which later became the plot point of Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finally confronts a mentally ill person who’s been harassing your...

Mystery – June 14

“Fiction is what ought to have been, not what actually was. At least, not exactly.” -Charles McCarry, underappreciated dean of American espionage writers, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that a story s/he knew to be made up is actually true.

Mystery – June 13

On this date in 1966, the US Supreme Court decided in Miranda v. Arizona that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before being questioned by law enforcement authorities. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist deliberately confuses a suspect about his/her Miranda rights to extract some important information.

Mystery – June 12

Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were murdered on this date in 1994. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist interviews a famous celebrity about an infamous act.

Mystery – June 11

Three men escaped from the federal prison on Alcatraz Island on this date in 1962. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist unexpectedly discovers that someone is an escaped convict living with a different identity.

Mystery – June 10

Terence Rattigan was born on this date in 1911. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must act to prevent the punishment of a person your protag believes to be innocent, but of whom all the evidence indicates is guilty.