Romance – June 6

“He who loves the more is the inferior and must suffer.” -Thomas Mann, born this date in 1875. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the imbalance between your protagonist’s affection and your protag’s partner causes an explosive escalation at a family event.

Romance – June 5

Suze Orman was born on this date in 1951. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s failure to establish financial independence forces her/him to comply with a demand your protag finds repulsive.

Romance – June 4

On this date in 1919, Congress approved the Nineteenth Amendment, which eventually extended the voting franchise to women. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which someone in authority gives your protagonist permission to do something it never occurred to your protag that s/he could not do.

Romance – June 3

” ‘Do I perceive a softening in your heart for me, damoiselle?’ He laughed at her scowl. ‘Beware maid. I will tell you true. After you will come another and then another. There are no strings that can tether me to any woman. So guard your heart.’ ” -Kathleen Woodiwiss, the originator of the historical romance genre, born on this date in 1939, in her novel The Wolf and the Dove....

Romance – June 2

On this date in 1953, 27-year-old Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is challenged by her family and friends to justify her/his opinion contradicting theirs of the institution of British royalty.

Romance – June 1

Norma Jean Mortenson was born on this date in 1926. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist pretends to be someone s/he is not to impress a suitor, who discovers your protag’s deception.

Romance – May 31

“Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.” -Walt Whitman, born this date in 1819. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s contradiction creates an intractable romantic dilemma.

Romance – May 30

“It is terrible to be an unprotected being.” -Colm Tóibín, born this date in 1955. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a close friend exploits your protagonist when your protag is unprotected.