Literary – January 2

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must confront the thing or issue that most terrifies you.

Journaling + Fiction – January 2

“An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all.”Oscar Wilde Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the bravest idea you’ve never told anyone about. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must express a dangerous idea to an audience that doesn’t welcome it.

Big Questions – January 2

What was the first step on the path that brought you to where you are right now? 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...

Romance – January 2

Johann Theile’s opera Adam und Eva opened Die Hamburgische Staatsoper on this date in 1678. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first encounters the embodiment of all things your protagonist could possibly desire in a romantic partner.

Mystery – January 2

“I was just cleaning up the place a bit.”- Peter Sutcliffe, arrested by British police this date in 1981 after they identified him as the Yorkshire Ripper. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist catches a bad guy for a minor crime unrelated to his/her more dastardly deeds.

SciFi/Fantasy – January 2

“If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them.” -Isaac Asimov, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an exception proves this rule.

Secondary – January 2

On this date in 1860, the discovery of planet Vulcan was announced at a meeting of the French Academy of Sciences. Think about the last time you had to admit you were wrong and write how you’d do the same thing today.

Primary – January 2

The Japanese traditionally celebrate January 2nd with kakizome, or “first writing.” Write 10 good things you expect will happen this year.