Mystery – October 21

On this date in 1910, a bomb exploded in the Los Angeles Times building when a union tried to kill the paper’s publisher. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that a dramatic crime was intended to cover a far more pedestrian crime.

Mystery – May 11

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist considers the merits of trading places with the person s/he most admires for one month.

Mystery – May 7

Writing prompt: Use the following items in a scene requiring your protagonist to achieve a romantic goal: a fork, a dime, a belt, and a lantern.

Mystery – February 24

One of my favorite painters, Winslow Homer, was born on this date in 1836. Writing prompt: Describe the scene of his painting Fallen Deer from the perspective of your protagonist.

Mystery – January 5

Writing prompt: Write a dialogue in which your antagonist reveals whether s/he wants to be most remembered for her/his character or accomplishments.

Mystery – December 29

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes what s/he wants to happen during the observance of her/his death.

Mystery – December 27

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must defend his/her indefensible lust for a particular junk food from a caring partner or friend who knows the snack is terrible for your protag’s health.

Mystery – December 10

Writing prompt: Finish the scene that begins with a stranger saying to your protagonist, “Oh — you’re one of those.”