Romance – January 21

“If we all were judged according to the consequences of all our words and deeds, beyond the intention, we should all be condemned.”-T.S. Eliot in his play that premiered in New York City on this date in 1950. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a stranger’s generous intervention prevents an ugly break-up between your protagonist and her/his romantic partner.

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.

Romance – January 19

Paul Cezanne was born on this date in 1839. Writing prompt: Write the scene depicted in this 1867 painting from the point of view of your protagonist.

Romance – January 18

“There is nothing so powerful as truth, and often nothing so strange.” -Daniel Webster, born this date in 1782. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist uncovered the strangest truth s/he ever encountered.

Romance – January 17

Eartha Kitt — called by Orson Welles the “most exciting woman in the world” — was born on this date in 1927. Her most famous song: Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that a sugar daddy/momma’s generosity is not as extravagant as your protag has grown to believe it is.

Romance – January 16

“The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions.” – Susan Sontag, born this date in 1933. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a person’s answer to your protagonist’s question reveals that your protagonist curiosity was dangerously misplaced.

Romance – January 15

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” -Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write the scene following a scene in which your protagonist expected but did not receive vocal support from a friend.

Romance – January 14

On this date in 1954, Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio. Although their marriage lasted only nine months, DiMaggio had roses delivered to her crypt a few times a week for 20 years after her death in 1962. Writing prompt: Write the scene of the most pointless romantic gesture ever undertaken by your protagonist.