Literary – October 16

“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” -Oscar Wilde, born this date in 1854. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist tells the truth because s/he mistakenly thinks no one will find out who told it.

Journaling + Fiction – October 16

“The certainty that life cannot be long, and the probability that it will be much shorter than nature allows, ought to awaken every man to the active prosecution of whatever he is desirous to perform.”Samuel Johnson Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about how you’ll seize the day today or tomorrow. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes life’s too...

Big Questions – October 16

What’s the best way to discover new cultural experiences like books or music? 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 – October 16

“I never regretted what I turned down.” -Angela Lansbury, born this date in 1925. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist tries and fails to convince her/himself that s/he won’t regret turning down something immediately desirable.

Mystery – October 16

Alafair Burke was born on this date in 1969. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is invited to a home from which every single thing has been stolen.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 16

“Never fear, Smith is here.” On this date in 1997, the Robinson family aboard Jupiter II became lost in space. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is put permanently off course by someone who, until that moment, was not known to exist.

Secondary – October 16

“Obsessed by a fairy tale, we spend our lives searching for a magic door and a lost kingdom of peace.” -Eugene O’Neill, born on this date in 1888. Describe the lesson of life you think you are most likely to learn is not true after you graduate.

Primary – October 16

Noah Webster, for whom the famous dictionary is named, was born on this date in 1758. Explain why you think it’s more important to be grammatically correct or to be understood when you’re writing something.