Literary – June 17

Igor Stravinsky was born on this date in 1882. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is swept up in a dangerous riot caused by public response to a creative work.

SciFi/Fantasy – June 17

Lieutenant John Ezra Dahlquist returned to Earth for the last time on this date in Robert Heinlein’s 1999. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must sacrifice himself for the greater good to which s/he is committed.

SciFi/Fantasy – June 16

On this date in Jack McDevitt’s 2202, a message from Inokademeri will be received on Earth. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist receives a shocking surprise when s/he first encounters a culture significantly behind her/his own in development.

Mystery – June 16

“Our enemy is by tradition our savior, in preventing us from superficiality.” -Joyce Carol Oates, born on this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must intervene between two enemies who really don’t want to stop their dispute.

Literary – June 16

“Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” -James Joyce, who is celebrated on Bloomsday, June 16th, each year. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist tries to persuade a close friend that a devastating mistake will, in the long run, be a net positive.

Romance – June 16

“In love there are two things — bodies and words.” -Joyce Carol Oates, born on this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene of intense physicality between your protagonist and another person composed only using dialogue.