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.

Mystery – October 26

The gunfight at the OK Corral took place on this date in 1881. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is caught in a literal or metaphorical crossfire.

Mystery – October 25

Leo Carroll, most identifiable as Mr. Waverly on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and The Professor in North by Northwest, was born on this date in 1886. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist engages with a kindly older person who is not what s/he seems.

Mystery – October 24

“Dead is not guts, dead is just dumb.” -Telly Savalas as the title character in Kojak, which premiered on this date in 1973. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is lauded for bravery when s/he knows the act in question was sheer stupidity.

Mystery – October 23

Reservoir Dogs premiered on this date in 1992. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist partners up with someone who’s actually on the other side.

Mystery – October 22

“I always say that bad women are fewer than men, but when you get one, they’re fascinating because they’re so rotten.” -Ann Rule, born this date in 1935. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist changes his/her opinion about a female wrongdoer.

Mystery – October 21

“If it doesn’t make sense, it’s not true.” — Judith Sheindlin, born this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the truth makes no sense to your protagonist.

Mystery – October 20

“The two women exchanged the kind of glance women use when no knife is handy.” -Half of Ellery Queen, Daniel Nathan (aka Frederic Dannay), born this date in 1905. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds him/herself between these two women.