Literary – April 29

Duke Ellington was born on this date in 1899. Take the A Train became his band’s signature tune: Writing prompt: Write a scene in which at least three different people hear your protagonist say the same words and interpret those words...

Journaling + Fiction – April 29

“We grasp at everything, but catch nothing except wind.”Michel de Montaigne Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the last time you realized you were in complete harmony with whatever you were doing. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist transcends him or herself to become something greater.

Big Questions – April 29

Which of your routines do you like most? 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 question in the...

Romance – April 29

Writing prompt: Outline the story that precedes this famous closing line: “Tell me how free I am.”

Mystery – April 29

“It’s a proprietary strategy. I can’t go into it in great detail.”- Bernard Madoff, born this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist informs the spouse of a well-respected professional that his/her spouse is nothing more than a common criminal.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 29

“I’ll pick my own name and my own life. I’ll find something worth passing on.”- Raiden, who on this date in Metal Gear Solid’s 2009 infiltrated the Big Shell to suppress the Sons of Liberty. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes that his/her allies are using your protagonist for a reason entirely different than the reason they’ve told your protagonist they...

Secondary – April 29

“News is something somebody doesn’t want printed; all else is advertising.” -William Randolph Hearst, born on this date in 1863. Explain why you think the news media should maintain it is unbiased and objective or should advocate an ideological perspective.

Primary – April 29

Describe your favorite sound.