Mystery – April 18

Richard Harding Davis, a writer who got his start as a reporter by infiltrating criminal gangs to write about them for his newspaper, was born on this date in 1864. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that someone s/he believes is a criminal is a reporter working undercover.

Mystery – April 17

“I know that every good and excellent thing in the world stands moment by moment on the razor-edge of danger and must be fought for.” -Thornton Wilder, born on this date in 1897. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must fight a dangerous fight for something good and excellent.

Mystery – April 16

Henry Mancini was born on this date in 1924. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is paired with a notorious fool who nevertheless manages to make a valuable...

Mystery – April 15

“It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition.” -Henry James, born this date in 1843. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s treasured family tradition is disrupted.

Mystery – April 14

New York police detective Frank Serpico was born on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he cannot solve a problem because of official corruption.

Mystery – April 13

Robert LeRoy Parker — better known as Butch Cassidy — was born on this date in 1866. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts an inveterate but lovable recidivist.

Mystery – April 12

“The prosecutor, who is supposed to carry the burden of proof, really is an author.” -Scott Turow, born on this date in 1949. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist has to explain to a dubious accuser a narrative of your protag’s trangression persuasive enough to avoid responsibility.

Mystery – April 11

“I don’t want to try analyzing what I do because I’m afraid that would lead me into some kind of formula. I think formulas squeeze the juice out of stories.” -Peter O’Donnell, creator of Modesty Blaise, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s formula for figuring out a run-of-the-mill problem creates a much more complicated...