Mystery – August 6

Bonnie Parker met Clyde Barrow on this date in 1932. She didn’t leave his side until they were killed by police. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts an inseparable pair of natural born killers.

Mystery – August 5

“People who have expertise just love to share it. That’s human nature.” -David Baldacci, born this date in 1960. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which someone who mistakenly believes s/he is an expert interrupts your protagonist by sharing.

Mystery – August 4

“Happiness comes in moments, and then it’s gone until the next time. Could be years. But sadness, sadness settles in.” -Dennis Lehane, born this date in 1965. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first experienced a sadness that still affects him/her.

Mystery – August 3

“There comes a time when every scientist, even God, has to write off an experiment.” -PD James, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must abandon a solution to a problem of which s/he has been absolutely confident.

Mystery – August 2

Caleb Carr was born on this date in 1955. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist accomplishes an essential task using a new technique that everyone else thinks is ridiculous.

Mystery – August 1

Rear Window premiered on this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist interviews someone who believes s/he has seen a murder committed, but for which no evidence of a crime exists.

Mystery – July 31

The Shadow premiered as a radio drama on this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s investigatory efforts are complicated by a detective-wannabe who thinks s/he has the power to cloud men’s minds.

Mystery – July 30

Archer Mayor was born on 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.