Romance – January 29

“We often color the potatoes to match the colors of the wedding.” From True Love, which won the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury prize on this date in 1989. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an absurd manifestation of romance makes your protagonist reconsider his/her current romantic interest.

Romance – January 28

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, author of Gigi, was born on this date in 1873. Her first fame as an author came in the form of stories ghost-written for her husband Willy, who locked her in a room until she completed them. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that her/his partner has been taking credit for something your protag does.

Romance – January 27

On this date in 1926, John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of a television system. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is challenged by her/his love interest’s preference for something on TV.

Romance – January 26

Lucinda Williams was born on this date in 1953. Writing prompt:  Write a diary entry in which your protagonist ponders something s/he can’t let...

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 realizes that her/his partner’s parental hang-ups have fatally damaged their relationship.

Romance – January 24

“Life is always either a tightrope or a feather bed. Give me the tightrope.” – Edith Wharton, born this date in 1862. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must decide between two potential partners — one who would make your protagonist’s life easy, and the other who would make it 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

“Why do they call me misanthrope? Because They hate me, not I them.” – George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron — better known as the Romantic poet Lord Byron, born this date in 1788. 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 type.