Mystery – July 17

“Just because people are liars is no reason for us to be fools.”- Erle Stanley Gardner, born this date in 1889. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist recognizes the dubious value of legal advice s/he got from an attorney more interested in a hobby than practicing law.

Mystery – July 16

“Suppose I have to whack you over the knuckles.”- Phyllis in Double Indemnity, portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck, born this date in 1907. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a partner’s sarcasm drives your protagonist to violence.

Mystery – July 15

“It’s always the thrill of the unknown.”- Clive Cussler, born this date in 1931. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must enter a completely dark building to complete a task.

Mystery – July 14

“Dave Rudabaugh is an ignorant scoundrel! I disapprove of his very existence. I considered ending it myself on several occasions but self-control got the better of me.”- John Henry “Doc” Holliday Dirty Dave Rudabaugh — the only man known to have crossed paths on both sides of the law with Dave Mather, Bat Masterson, Pat Garrett, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, and Doc Holliday (whom he...

Mystery – July 13

“Over a thousand fires were reported, and more than 1,600 stores damaged or ransacked. In just 24 hours, more than $1.7 billion of the property had been damaged. Looters grabbed whatever they could get their hands on.” Lightning triggered a 25-hour power outage in New York City on this date in 1977. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must achieve an essential goal in an environment...

Mystery – July 12

“Who’s a boy gonna talk to if not his mother?”- Donald E. Westlake, born this date in 1933. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist tells his/her mother of a proud moment and is surprised to learn mom disapproves.

Mystery – July 11

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.  It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.  You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”- Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, published on this date in 1960. Writing prompt: Write a scene in...

Mystery – July 10

“It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”- Sir William Blackstone, born this date in 1723. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must choose between letting a person your protagonist knows to be guilty go free or implicating a person your protagonist knows to be innocent.