Mystery – June 20

“Let me explain something to you, Walsh. This business requires a certain amount of finesse.” –Jake Gittes in Chinatown, which premiered on this date in 1974. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist acts in a way that contradicts his/her...

Mystery – June 19

“I hate admitting that my enemies have a point.” –Salman Rushdie, born on this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is proved wrong in dramatic fashion by your protag’s most insistent competitor.

Mystery – June 18

On this date in 1984, talk-radio shock-jock Alan Berg was shot and killed in his driveway. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is called to investigate the murder of a person everyone hated.

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...