Romance – January 25

“Few misfortunes can befall a boy which bring worse consequence than to have a really affectionate mother.” -William Somerset Maugham, born on this date in 1874. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist to realizes that her/his partner’s parental hang-ups have fatally damaged their relationship.

Romance – January 24

Edith Wharton, who confessed to hoarding her emotional life rather than spending it, was born on this date in 1862. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must decide between two potential partners — one who would make your protag’s life easy, and the other who would make your protag’s life interesting.

Romance – January 23

Edouard Manet was born on this date in 1832. Writing prompt: Write the scene portrayed in his 1862-3 painting Le déjeuner sur l’herbe in your protagonist’s voice.

Romance – January 22

George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron — better known as the Romantic poet Lord Byron — was born on this date in 1788. His epic poem Don Juan satirized the mythical ladies’ man by revealing him as a man too easily seduced by women. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist meets someone s/he has been told is one type, but who turns out to be completely the opposite...

Romance – January 21

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist cannot find something that is both urgently needed and personally valuable.

Romance – January 20

“The pearl is the oyster’s autobiography.” -Federico Fellini, born this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes something beautiful and valuable that emerged from a corruption of her/his life.