Mystery – February 21

“He dreams about being wanted and desired. So he changes people into beings who want and desire him.” -William Petersen, performing as Will Graham in Manhunter (Hannibal Lecter’s first film), who was born on this date in 1953. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is laughed at for explaining a transgressive person’s true motive.

Romance – February 21

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” -Anaïs Nin, born on this date in 1903. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist sees a young child as no one else does.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 21

On this date in Judith Merril’s 1953, a child is born to Maggie and Hank Marvell. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist meets a child that only a mother could love.

Primary – February 21

The poet W.H. Auden was born on this date in 1907. He once wrote, “Learn from your dreams what you lack.” What does that mean to you?

Secondary – February 21

“The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” The Communist Manifesto was first published on this date in 1848. Explain what you think Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels meant when they wrote this, and whether you agree.

Literary – February 21

“Getting rid of the pain without addressing the deeper cause would be like shutting off a fire alarm while the fire’s still going.” -David Foster Wallace, born on this date in 1962. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which everyone incorrectly believes that shutting off your protagonist’s fire alarm has extinguished the fire.