Mystery – September 12

“Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice.” -HL Mencken, born this date in 1880. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gets exactly what’s coming to her/him.

Mystery – September 11

“When rich wives get dead, I usually go after the husband. The only problem is, you saw a thief.”- Detective McLean in a film written and directed by Brian De Palma, who was born on this date in 1940. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist achieves a crucial task and discovers it did not, as your protagonist expected, contribute to achieving his/her goal — and instead contributed...

Mystery – September 10

Peter Lovesey was born on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must negotiate with a bad person because the only negotiator the bad person will trust is your protag.

Mystery – September 9

William Bligh, master of the HMS Bounty, was born on this date in 1754. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist conspires to undermine or overthrow a superior.

Mystery – September 8

“Facts, Hercule, facts! Nothing matters but the facts. Without them the science of criminal investigation is nothing more than a guessing game.” -Inspector Clouseau in A Shot in the Dark as portrayed by Peter Sellers, born this date in 1925. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers a profound truth entirely because of his/her own foolishness.

Mystery – September 7

Joe Klein was born on this date in 1946. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an anonymous “fictional” story leads your protagonist to believe a non-fictional crime has been committed.

Mystery – September 6

Alice Sebold was born on this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist becomes convinced s/he is hearing the voice of someone demanding justice.

Mystery – September 5

“Surrender had played out for good with me.” -Jesse James, born on this date in 1847. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts an adversary who refuses to surrender.