Mystery – July 30

“It’s the line dividing righteousness from self-righteousness which allows believers in the latter to turn their backs on common decency.”- Archer Mayor, born this date in 1950. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must convince someone in authority to re-open a closed case to prove an innocent person was framed.

Mystery – July 29

“The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time.”- William Powell, born this date in 1892, as Nick Charles. Writing prompt: Describe the emotional response of your protagonist to his/her favorite beverage.

Mystery – July 28

“Apparently, the only performance that will satisfy you is when I play dead.” North by Northwest premiered on this date in 1959. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist chases your protagonist using an unorthodox vehicle.

Mystery – July 27

“When they’re all chasin’ the poor bloody fox, ’tis safer to be dressed like the hound.”- Jack Higgins, born this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s disguise fails.

Mystery – July 26

“All matters relating to investigation under the Department, except those to be made by bank examiners, and in connection with the naturalization service, will be referred to the Chief Examiner for a memorandum as to whether any member of the force of special agents under his direction is available for the work to be performed.” On this date in 1908, US Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte ordered the...

Mystery – July 25

“I wanted to live like a colorful butterfly in the sun.”- Margueretha Gertruida Zelle, better known as Mata Hari, sentenced to die this date in 1917. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers s/he has been betrayed by a trusted friend.

Mystery – July 24

“A man with a credit card is in hock to his own image of himself.”- John D. MacDonald, born this date in 1916. Writing prompt: Write a scene from your protagonist’s life when money problems motivated your protagonist to do something wrong.

Mystery – July 23

“The law isn’t justice. It’s a very imperfect mechanism. If you press exactly the right buttons and are also lucky, justice may show up in the answer.”- Raymond Chandler, born this date in 1888. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must decide whether to allow the machine of law to work or to break it.