Literary – November 25

Sinclair Lewis said, “People will buy anything that is one to a customer.” Writing prompt: Describe one of your character’s desire for something that s/he feels s/he must have only because someone else also wants it.

Journaling + Fiction – November 25

“People simply feel better about themselves when they’re good at something.”Stephen R. Covey Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about what you feel best about being good at. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes at an inopportune moment that s/he isn’t as good at as s/he believed.

Big Questions – November 25

What question would you anonymously ask a professional advice-giver like Dear Abby? Journaling prompt: Spend 15-20 minutes writing your answer in the spirit of exploring yourself and the world around you. If you can answer with a simple “yes” or “no,” explain the sources or implications of your response. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene that forces a character in your story to answer the question, or spend...

Romance – November 25

“Sometimes you have to go above the law.” – Fawn Hall, who on this date in 1986 smuggled government documents out of the office of her boss, US Navy officer Oliver North. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes a small bad choice at the request of a superior who will made a big bad choice.

Mystery – November 25

“A piece of happiness should never be taken as due.” -Charlaine Harris, born this date in 1951. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is relieved of something valuable s/he has always taken for granted.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 25

“I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when looked at in the right way did not become still more complicated.”- Poul Anderson, born this date in 1926. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s simple analysis of, and response to, a problem ends up making the problem worse.

Secondary – November 25

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” -Andrew Carnegie, born on this date in 1835. What wisdom can you take from Carnegie’s age?

Primary – November 25

“You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb.” -Andrew Carnegie, who was born on this date in 1835. Explain what you think he meant when he said that.