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 dialogue.

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...

Mystery – June 14

“Fiction is what ought to have been, not what actually was. At least, not exactly.” -Charles McCarry, underappreciated dean of American espionage writers, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that a story s/he knew to be made up is actually true.

Mystery – June 13

On this date in 1966, the US Supreme Court decided in Miranda v. Arizona that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before being questioned by law enforcement authorities. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist deliberately confuses a suspect about his/her Miranda rights to extract some important information.