Literary – November 24

“That’s what careless words do. They make people love you a little less.” -Arundhati Roy, born this date in 1961. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist unknowingly says something unforgivable to a loved one.

Journaling + Fiction – November 24

“True empathy is rooted in humility and the understanding that there are many people with as much to contribute in life as you.”Anand Mahindra Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the most important thing you learned from the least expected person. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is surprised to be out-contributed by someone who appeared to have little...

Big Questions – November 24

What’s the ideal long weekend look like to you? 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 15-20 minutes answering the...

Romance – November 24

“Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.” -Laurence Sterne, born this date in 1713. Writing prompt: Write two brief scenes: one in which your protagonist’s suitor alarms her/him, and one in which his/her suitor’s efforts are frustratingly subtle.

Mystery – November 24

DB Cooper hijacked a Northwest Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle on this date in 1971, parachuting out of the plane with a $200,000 ransom (worth about a million dollars today) and disappearing forever. Writing prompt: Describe what your protagonist would do if, unknown to anyone else, s/he found DB Cooper’s stash.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 24

“I am but a sapling, yet already I have become proficient in the reading of the First Language, in the rustles and whispers of the Second Language, and even a bit in the vast soundless waves of the Inner Voice with its meanings from beyond the sky.” The Terran Empire will be declared on this date in Don Sakers’ 2153. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns something...

Secondary – November 24

Life debuted as a weekly news magazine on this date in 1936. It cost a dime. Explain whether you think life was better when everyone got their news from the same few publications and broadcasts, or it’s better now that everyone can get whatever news they want.

Primary – November 24

“Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion.” -Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, who was born on this date in 1804. Explain why you agree or disagree with Pres. Pierce.