Mystery – August 7

“They’d be sitting somewhere out of sight waiting for him to turn the key and blow himself into a hundred thousand spoonfuls of hamburger.”- Thomas Perry, born this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s reward for a job well done is a demand to do the same job again.

Mystery – August 6

“I’ll never leave your side, my dear Clyde; I’ll ride till I die.”- Bonnie Parker to Clyde Barrow, whom she met on this date in 1932. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts an inseparable pair of natural born killers.

Mystery – August 5

“People who have expertise just love to share it. That’s human nature.”- David Baldacci, born this date in 1960. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which someone who mistakenly believes s/he is an expert interrupts your protagonist by sharing.

Mystery – August 4

“Happiness comes in moments, and then it’s gone until the next time. Could be years. But sadness, sadness settles in.”- Dennis Lehane, born this date in 1965. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first experienced a sadness that still affects him/her.

Mystery – August 3

“There comes a time when every scientist, even God, has to write off an experiment.”- P.D. James, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must abandon a solution to a problem of which s/he has been absolutely confident.

Mystery – August 2

“Change isn’t something that most people enjoy, even if it’s progressive change.”- Caleb Carr, born this date in 1955. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist accomplishes an essential task using a new technique that everyone else thinks is ridiculous.

Mystery – August 1

“Nobody ever invented a polite word for a killin’ yet.”- Stella in Rear Window, which premiered on this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist interviews someone who believes s/he has seen a murder committed, but for which no evidence of a crime exists.

Mystery – July 31

“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?” The Shadow premiered as a radio drama on this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s investigatory efforts are complicated by a detective-wannabe who thinks s/he has the power to cloud men’s minds.