Mystery – November 3

“[Kali] does according to her wisdom in destroying what is useless or what has lived its destined time.” -Martin Cruz Smith, born this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist destroys something that has been around as long as necessary.

Mystery – November 2

“I made this list of stuff that it’s time for me to try to do.” -Rick Moody Writing prompt: Write your protagonist’s five most important life goals at each of these moments in her/his life: On your protag’s 9th birthday. When your protag graduates from high school. On your protag’s 30th birthday. On your protag’s 65th...

Mystery – November 1

Gary Gilmore waived his right to appeal his conviction and death sentence on this date in 1976. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s least favorite antagonist becomes a celebrity by embracing punishment for her/his offenses.

Mystery – October 31

“Look at everything upside down. Take absolutely nothing for granted.” -Dick Francis, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an unexpected new perspective offers your protagonist the insight necessary to solve a puzzling mystery.

Mystery – October 30

Writing prompt: List 10 things your protagonist believes there are too few of in the world.

Mystery – October 29

Dominick Dunne was born on this date in 1925. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist becomes the first person to learn that a young, poor murder victim was involved with the community’s wealthiest power-broker.

Mystery – October 28

On this date in 1919, the US Congress overrode Pres. Wilson’s veto of the Volstead Act, enforcing the constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of alcoholic beverages. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first achieves an altered state of consciousness via an intoxicating substance.

Mystery – October 27

“You guys are going to have to do a piece of work for the family.” -John Gotti, born this date in 1940. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a member of your protagonist’s family asks your protag to compromise his/her integrity to protect the family.