SciFi/Fantasy – October 15

“Time is a catastrophe, perpetual and irreversible.”- Italo Calvino, born this date in 1923. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the simple passage of time causes your protagonist to suffer terrific anguish.

Secondary – October 15

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” -Friedrich Nietzsche, born on this date in 1844. Describe an experience in your own life that proves Nietzsche’s assertion.

Primary – October 15

“Love conquers all,” according to Virgil, who was born in Italy on this date in the year 70 BCE. Explain why you agree or disagree.

Literary – October 14

“Be of love a little more careful than of anything.” -e.e. cummings, born this date in 1894. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first learned this lesson.

Journaling + Fiction – October 14

“Keeping an active mind has been vital to my survival, as has been maintaining a sense of humor.”Stephen Hawking Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about whether humor can save a life. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist drives his/her compatriots crazy by finding humor in their shared adversity.

Big Questions – October 14

Is the world better off with or without social media? 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 – October 14

“No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.” – Victor Hugo, who on this date in 1822 married Adele Foucher even though his brother suffered a complete psychological breakdown at the wedding breakfast. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s best laid plans are disrupted by someone else’s unexpected personal crisis.

Mystery – October 14

“The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil.” -Hannah Arendt, born this date in 1906. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes the person who committed a horrible transgression has no idea why s/he did it.