Literary – October 12

“You don’t write about the horrors of war. No. You write about a kid’s burnt socks lying in the road.” -Richard Price, born this date in 1949. Writing prompt: Describe from your protagonist’s point of view and in your protag’s voice the most life-altering image s/he has ever encountered.

Journaling + Fiction – October 12

“You don’t lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case.”Ken Kesey Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the difference between leading and ruling. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist assumes the people behind him/her are following.

Big Questions – October 12

Under what circumstances would you stiff a service worker who expects a tip? 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...

Romance – October 12

“I did it because I’m a dirty dog.” -Sid Vicious, in a confession later retracted, on this date in 1978 following the discovery of Nancy Spungen’s body in their Hotel Chelsea room. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to extricate her/himself from a relationship headed towards a bad end.

Mystery – October 12

“When I finally caught up with Abraham Trahearne, he was drinking beer with an alcoholic bulldog named Fireball Roberts in a ramshackle joint just outside of Sonora, California, drinking the heart right out of a fine spring afternoon.” -James Crumley, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Write an opening line to top that one.

SciFi/Fantasy – October 12

“Let me strive, every moment of my life, to make myself better and better, to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it. Let me think of the right, and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do....

Secondary – October 12

On this date in 1945, Army medic Desmond Doss was presented the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military citation, for outstanding bravery even though he refused to fight as a conscientious objector in the war. Explain whether someone who doesn’t fight deserves the same recognition for bravery as someone who does.

Primary – October 12

Christopher Columbus reached what everyone spent a long time calling “the New World” on this date in 1492. If you were to be the first explorer to reach a previously unknown world, what would you do when you got there and why?