Romance – August 10

Novelist, poet, and literary critic Dorothy B. Hughes was born on this date in 1904. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which  your protagonist talks about how to solve a particularly vexing problem with a close friend and comes to realize that it’s the friend who is causing the problem.

Romance – August 9

“It boxes you in, the way people perceive you.” -Sam Elliott, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is prevented from doing something s/he is capable of achieving because no one thinks your protag can do it.

Romance – August 8

“Nothing is as seductive as the assurance of success.” -Gertrude Himmelfarb, born this date in 1922. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes her/his assurance of success was more seductive than realistic.

Romance – August 7

On this date in 1934, the US Court of Appeals lifted the obscenity ban on James Joyce’s Ulysses. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes her/his partner is going to be unfaithful to your protag.

Romance – August 6

“Words, like nature, half reveal and half conceal the soul within.” -Alfred, Lord Tennyson, born on this date in 1809. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist and her/his romantic partner have two completely separate conversations without knowing they’re talking past each other.

Romance – August 5

Your candle burned out long before Your legend ever did Marilyn Monroe was found dead on this date in 1962. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns an important person in her/his life has died unexpectedly and before realizing what your protag thinks was that person’s potential.

Romance – August 4

“Familiar acts are beautiful through love.” -Percy Bysshe Shelley, born this date in 1792. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist idealizes conducting her/his morning routine alongside an object of affection.

Romance – August 3

Martha Stewart was born on this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist demonstrates conclusively that s/he is not capable of being the ideal mate with whom your protag’s partner hopes to settle down.