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.

Mystery – June 12

Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were murdered on this date in 1994. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist interviews a famous celebrity about an infamous act.

Mystery – June 11

Three men escaped from the federal prison on Alcatraz Island on this date in 1962. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist unexpectedly discovers that someone is an escaped convict living with a different identity.

Mystery – June 10

Terence Rattigan was born on this date in 1911. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must act to prevent the punishment of a person your protag believes to be innocent, but of whom all the evidence indicates is guilty.

Mystery – June 9

“We have a really serious problem on our hands, and TV has made it so much worse. CSI is fun to watch and entertaining. But, more and more, jury members believe that police and scientists work every case with this huge bag of tricks, and if they don’t, the victim and jurors feel the case has not been adequately investigated.” -Patricia Cornwell, born on this date in 1956. Writing prompt: Write a scene in...

Mystery – June 8

Sara Paretsky was born on this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is denied respect by a group of peers because of his/her gender.