Literary – December 28

“This life we endure — how strange, yet how jolly.” -Chris Ware, born this date in 1967. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds humor in a tragedy.

Journaling + Fiction – December 28

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.”Max Lucado Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the most counterintuitive leadership technique you’ve encountered. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to lead from an unexpected position.

Big Questions – December 28

What do you expect from a friend that you don’t expect from a romantic partner? 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...

Romance – December 28

Well—when I write my book, and tell the taleOf my adventures—all these little starsThat shake out of my cloak—I must save thoseTo use for asterisks! Cyrano de Bergerac in his eponymous play by Edmond Rostand, which premiered at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin on this date in 1897. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must give advice to a friend about how best to attract the romantic...

Mystery – December 28

Habitual and glamorous criminal Jacques “The Man of a Thousand Faces” Mesrine was born on this date in 1936. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must tangle with an outlaw more popular than the law.

SciFi/Fantasy – December 28

“I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers.”- Stan Lee, born this date in 1922. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes the impact on him/herself of the person in the world you’ve created who is most recognized as a fantastic hero.

Literary – December 27

“What are you hiding? No one ever asks that.” – Sarah Vowell, born this date in 1969. Writing prompt: Write the response to that question from your antagonist, and then from your protagonist.

Journaling + Fiction – December 27

“His resolve is not to seem, but to be, the best.”Aeschylus Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about what change you’ll make in the new year to transcend merely seeming to be the best. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist proves the best in a crowded field.