Mystery – January 12

“It was a great game, and exciting and dramatic and even at times tragic — but funny it emphatically was not.”- John Cecil Masterman, author of An Oxford Tragedy among several acclaimed mystery novels and head of the Twenty Committee, born this date in 1891. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to find any humor in another person’s wit.

Mystery – January 11

“There is no trap so deadly as the trap you set for yourself.”- Raymond Chandler, who met Dashiell Hammett at a dinner for contributors to Black Mask on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene that foreshadows a rivalry between two great talents.

Mystery – January 10

“Let me tell ya something. Nowadays, everybody’s gotta go to shrinks, and counselors, and go on ‘Sally Jessy Raphael’ and talk about their problems. What happened to Gary Cooper? The strong, silent type. That was an American. He wasn’t in touch with his feelings. He just did what he had to do.”- Tony Soprano, who premiered on this date in 1999. Writing prompt: Write a scene in...

Mystery – January 9

“Sometimes when you’re too close to something, you can’t see it clearly.”- Stuart Woods, born this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist earns a new perspective by backing up.

Mystery – January 8

“Our words are giants when they do us an injury, and dwarfs when they do us a service.”- Wilkie Collins, born this date in 1894. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s words create a problem by failing to rise to the occasion.

Mystery – January 7

“At times like this, I wish I was but a simple peasant.”- Inspector Jacques Clouseau, introduced to the world when The Pink Panther premiered on this date in 1964. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a total fool infuriates your protagonist until the fool causes your protagonist to discover an essential fact.

Mystery – January 6

“To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name.”- Dr. John H. Watson, narrating the life of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective who was born this date in 1854 on the farmstead of Mycroft, near Sigerside, in the north Riding of Yorkshire. Writing prompt: Describe your protagonist’s “the” woman or man from the point of view of your...

Mystery – January 5

Brogan-Moore: Touching isn’t it? The way he counts on his wife.Sir Wilfrid: Yes, like a drowning man clutching at a razor blade.- Harry Kurnitz, born this date in 1909. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must reject the assistance of someone your protagonist should be able to count on.