Literary – October 9

“We must make demands of reason and create a life worthy of ourselves and of the goals we only dimly perceive.” -Andrei Sakharov, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this date in 1975. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which reason fails your protagonist in her/his quest to understand her/his life’s goal.

Journaling + Fiction – October 9

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.”Martha Graham Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about whether your thought or your action makes you more unique. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist acts in a unique way for a...

Big Questions – October 9

Do you prefer to compete against people who are more or less talented at the game than 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...

Romance – October 9

“How helpless we are, like netted birds, when we are caught by desire!” -Belva Plain, born this date in 1915. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is rendered utterly helpless by the presence of a paramour who expects your protagonist will accomplish a specific task.

Mystery – October 9

Tony Shalhoub was born on this date in 1953. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the thing that your protagonist considers most annoying competes for her/his attention at a crucial moment.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 9

“You have to believe the magic to see it.”- Guillermo del Toro, born this date in 1964. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds him/herself the antagonist in his/her favorite childhood folk tale.

Secondary – October 9

“Imagine no possessions.” -John Lennon, born on this date in 1940. Describe a world in which no one owns anything.

Primary – October 9

On this date in 1888, the Washington Monument opened to the public. Describe the monument you would build to recognize your favorite leader.