Literary – November 15

“I think the key image of the 20th century is the man in the motor car.” -JG Ballard, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist debates the key image of the 21st century with his/her antagonist.

Journaling + Fiction – November 15

“Gratitude is the direct way out of comparison.”Robyn Conley Downs Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about the most important lesson you’ve learned during the past year. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that “keeping up with the Joneses” is a recipe for disaster. Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko...

Big Questions – November 15

How would you cover the unexpected loss of US$10,000? 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...

Romance – November 15

“I feel there is something unexplored about woman that only a woman can explore.” -Georgia O’Keeffe, born this date in 1887. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist rejects the genuine interest of a friend because of gender differences.

Mystery – November 15

On this date in 1959, the Clutter family was killed in cold blood in Holcomb, Kansas. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist suffers a criminal act that occurs entirely because the criminal believes incorrectly that your protag has something your protag doesn’t have.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 15

“I would sum up my fear about the future in one word: boring.”- J.G. Ballard, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to confront her/his greatest fear about the future.

Secondary – November 15

“There never was a war that was not inward.” -Marianne Moore, born on this date in 1887. What’s the most recent war you’ve had with yourself, and which side won?

Primary – November 15

Children’s book author and poet Daniel Pinkwater was born on this date in 1941. In his book Lizard Music, he wrote, “Chickens have an uncanny sense of direction.” Where would a chicken need to go — and why?