Literary – November 17

Hal Incandenza rapped on the door of Ennet House on this date in the Year of the Depends Adult Undergarment. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must seek help for a problem s/he has denied having for many years.

Journaling + Fiction – November 17

“Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.”Hannah Arendt Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about whether some act could be so unforgivable that you could never set yourself or your transgressor free from it. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is paralyzed by her/his refusal to forgive someone s/he once considered an ally.

Big Questions – November 17

What year of your life was most productive for you in terms of personal change and growth? 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 – November 17

“How can we be happy behind the backs of people who trust us?” -Ellen Olenska in the 1993 film version of The Age of Innocence, directed by Martin Scorsese, born this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers s/he can be happy only behind the back of someone who trusts her/him.

Mystery – November 17

“I love studying Ancient History and seeing how empires rise and fall, sowing the seeds of their own destruction.” -Martin Scorsese, born this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes a choice that will later cause his/her downfall.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 17

“He had riposted with the proper metaphysical statements, yet he was disturbed.” Simeon Krug’s tower will reach a height of 500 meters on this date in Robert Silverberg’s 2218. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist responds self-destructively after being disabused of a favored notion.

Secondary – November 17

“When you grow up in a totally segregated society, where everybody around you believes that segregation is proper, you have a hard time. You can’t believe how much it’s a part of your thinking.” -Shelby Foote, born on this date in 1916. Describe a time you learned your thinking was confused because everyone surrounding you was thinking the same way.

Primary – November 17

August Ferdinand Möbius was born on this date in 1790. Describe what you think the world would look like without math.