Romance – February 8

Kate Chopin, considered by many the earliest feminist author, was born on this date in 1850. When her husband died after 12 years of marriage, he left her at age 32 with six children and more than a quarter-million dollars in debt (in today’s money). Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a departing partner leaves your protagonist with the most awful possible thing.

Romance – February 7

“Once you begin being naughty, it is easier to go and on and on, and sooner or later something dreadful happens.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder, born this date in 1867. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a minor transgression launches a cascade of naughtiness for your protagonist that concludes at the other end of the spectrum.

Romance – February 6

The originator of the self-help genre, Walter “Life Begins at Forty” Pitkin was born on this date in 1878. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes the self-help book s/he would write.

Romance – February 5

Consider the early lives of your protagonist and your antagonist. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which each gets to explain what they most miss about being a child and what they are most glad to have left in childhood.

Romance – February 4

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” -Betty Friedan, born this date in 1921. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which circumstances force your protagonist to question Betty’s wisdom.

Romance – February 3

“A real failure does not need an excuse. It is an end in itself.” -Gertrude Stein, born this date in 1874. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s excuse for failure ends up being more embarrassing than the failure itself.

Romance – February 2

Songstress Eva Cassidy was born on this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Listen to her most iconic recording and write a scene in which someone makes your protagonist feel that...

Romance – February 1

“It is impossible to persuade a man who does not disagree, but smiles.” -Muriel Spark, born this date in 1918. Writing prompt: Write a scene proving she’s correct.