Literary – November 18

“Never pray for justice, because you might get some.” -Margaret Atwood, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s demand for justice is satisfied in an unsatisfying manner.

Journaling + Fiction – November 18

“Physical strength can never permanently withstand the impact of spiritual force.”Franklin D. Roosevelt Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the last time the spirit moved you to confront a physical obstacle. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which an ally overcomes a physical obstacle that your protagonist previously failed to overcome.

Big Questions – November 18

Do you envy your most reserved friend? 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...

Romance – November 18

“I have seized the light. I have arrested its flight.” – Louis Daguerre, born this date in 1789. Writing prompt: Describe your protagonist’s most valued photo (or image) in your antagonist’s voice, and your antagonist’s most valued photo in your protagonist’s voice.

Mystery – November 18

“All the same, murderess is a strong word to have attached to you.” -Margaret Atwood, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is labeled painfully but accurately.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 18

“The truly fearless think of themselves as normal.”- Two-time Arthur C. Clarke Award recipient Margaret Atwood, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Describe in your protagonist’s voice what’s “normal” in the world you’ve built that would terrify people in ours.

Secondary – November 18

Pollster George Gallup was born on this date in 1901. Explain whether you think public opinion surveys are a good way to decide which corporate and government policies to pursue.

Primary – November 18

Finish this sentence and explain your answer: If I could be a superhero, the power that would be most important to me would be…