Mystery – August 10

“The poor dope — he always wanted a pool. Well, in the end, he got himself a pool.” -Joe Gillis, narrating Sunset Boulevard, which premiered on this date in 1950. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that s/he doesn’t actually want what s/he thought she wanted.

Mystery – August 9

“I get paid to do what got me in trouble in grade school.” -Jonathan Kellerman, born on this date in 1949. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is unexpectedly rewarded for doing something that previously got him/her into trouble.

Mystery – August 8

Britain’s Great Train Robbery — valued at about $50 million in today’s dollars and split among 15 conspirators (about $3.5 million each) — occurred on this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he has the opportunity to steal $3.5 million without being caught.

Mystery – August 7

Thomas Perry was born on this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s reward for a job well done is a demand to do the same job again.

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.