Mystery – March 7

“To be brave, by definition, one has first to be afraid.” -Robert Harris, born on this date in 1957. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers whether s/he is brave.

Mystery – March 6

District of Columbia politician Marion Barry was born on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is put in a compromising situation because of the secret machinations of a corrupt public official.

Mystery – March 5

Maddie Hayes: Wipe that stupid grin off your face. David Addison: This is the smartest grin I know. Banter from Moonlighting, which premiered on this date in 1985. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must complete an important task in cooperation with an insufferable wiseass.

Mystery – March 4

“Some people don’t respond to civility.” -James Ellroy, born this date in 1948. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which someone goads your protagonist to violence.

Mystery – March 3

Charles Ponzi was born on this date in 1882. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must explain to someone who refuses to understand that s/he has just lost all her/his money to a con man.

Mystery – March 2

Kurt Weill was born on this date in 1900. His composition Die Moritat von Mackie Messer inspires today’s writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must accuse a lovable rogue of a terrible...

Mystery – March 1

Charles Lindbergh’s son was kidnapped on this date in 1932, and killed, a crime for which Bruno Hauptmann was executed in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must deal with a parent whose child is missing.

Mystery – February 28

“He lied with a smile that paralyzed reason.” -Steve Martini, born this date in 1946. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an obviously guilty person persuades your protagonist that s/he is innocent.