Mystery – December 28

Habitual and glamorous criminal Jacques “The Man of a Thousand Faces” Mesrine was born on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must tangle with an outlaw more popular than the law.

Mystery – December 27

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist plays his favorite game and ends up losing to someone s/he has just taught to play.

Mystery – December 26

On this date in 1996, six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found slain in the basement  of her family’s house. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the public and media involve themselves in your protagonist’s life in counterproductive ways.

Mystery – December 25

Born on this date in 1899, Humphrey Bogart portrayed the stereotypical hard-boiled private eye in many films. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a group of your protagonist’s friends debate and decide which stereotype your protagonist represents, and which actor best exemplifies that kind of role.

Mystery – December 24

42-time best-seller Mary Higgins Clark was born on this date in 1927. For a time, she worked as a Pan Am stewardess. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes working at a job no one would expect s/he one did.

Mystery – December 23

“Well, I’m all broken up over that man’s rights.” -Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry, which premiered on this date in 1971. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must choose between ignoring a person’s civil rights and preventing a crime.

Mystery – December 22

On this date in 1984, Bernard Goetz shot four men attempting to rob him on a New York City subway. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist debates his/her opinion about vigilante justice with a boss who disagrees.

Mystery – December 21

On this date in 1911, two men stole a satchel of cash being delivered to a Paris bank and made off in a stolen limousine, marking what is believed to be the first use of a getaway car. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is surprised to find out s/he’s in the middle of an unexpected getaway.