Romance – May 14

Portraitist Thomas Gainsborough was born on this date in 1727. Writing prompt: Describe from your antagonist’s perspective what s/he sees in his 1785 painting “Cottage Girl with Dog and Pitcher.”

Romance – May 13

“I spend most of my life turning things down.” -Bea Arthur, born this date in 1922. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is surprised that everyone else is surprised when s/he turns down an invitation.

Romance – May 12

“A sharp knife cuts the quickest and hurts the least.” -Katharine Hepburn, born this date in 1907. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist takes a dull spoon to her/his most intractable problem.

Romance – May 11

Irving Berlin was born on this date in 1888. In this video, Harry Richman performs one of Berlin’s most famous compositions: Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist puts on the ritz only to learn her/his rationale has been...

Romance – May 10

“When you are a strong woman, you will attract trouble. When a man feels threatened, there is always trouble.” -Barbara Taylor Bradford, born this date in 1933. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes a romantic target feel threatened.

Romance – May 9

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” -J.M. Barrie, born this date in 1860. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes that someone in whom s/he has a romantic interest will never grow up.

Romance – May 8

“The past is a palimpsest. Early memories are always obscured by accumulations of later knowledge.” -Pat Barker, born this date in 1943. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gains knowledge that irretrievably upends one of her/his favorite memories.

Romance – May 7

Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,Or what’s a heaven for? -Robert Browning, born this date in 1812. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a person professes undying love to your protagonist despite knowing that your protagonist will outshine her/his suitor in the suitor’s chosen profession.