Literary – October 5

“We are all worthy of one another.” -Edward P. Jones, born this date in 1951. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist rejects the kindness of a person trying to demonstrate your protag’s worth.

Journaling + Fiction – October 5

“Advertising isn’t about truth or fairness or rationality, but about mobilising deeper and more primitive layers of the human mind.”Brian Eno Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the advertisement you believe has most manipulated your experience. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist buys something s/he can’t afford because the advertisement for...

Big Questions – October 5

Who does everyone else think you are? 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 question in the voice...

Romance – October 5

“Abnormal pleasures kill the taste for normal ones.” – Eduardo Sanchez in the filmed version of Anaïs Nin’s Henry & June, the first NC-17 film, which premiered on this date in 1990. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes him/herself the third point in a triangle involving a couple dedicated to tormenting one another.

Mystery – October 5

On this date in 1892, the townspeople of Coffeyville, Kansas, shot the Dalton Brothers to pieces as the gang tried to rob C.M. Condon & Company’s Bank and the First National Bank. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must figure out which one of a homogenous mob of vigilantes did the dirty deed.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 5

“I think humans are innately religious as a species, so you don’t need a specific excuse for examining the perversely unholy.”- Clive Barker, born this date in 1952. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist blasphemes the most important deity in her/his life.

Secondary – October 5

On this date in 1877, Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, or Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain — better known to history as Chief Joseph of the Nez Percé tribe — surrendered to the United States Cavalry. Write a brief story describing how you would respond if you were forcibly separated from your home and family.

Primary – October 5

“We spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded than encouraging people who have not.” -Neil deGrasse Tyson, born on this date in 1958. Explain why you think one is more important than the other.