Romance – September 21

“I wonder how many people don’t get the one they want, but end up with the one they’re supposed to be with.” -Fannie Flagg, born this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist trades the one in which s/he’s supposed to be with for the one s/he wants.

Romance – September 20

“Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got.” -Sofia Villani Scicolone, better known as Sophia Loren, born this date in 1934. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s romantic partner discovers the 50% s/he thought your protag had doesn’t exist.

Romance – September 19

“History is the study of lies, anyway, because no witness ever recalls events with total accuracy, not even eyewitnesses.” -Nancy Pickard, born this date in 1945. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist recounts an important family story to someone who tells your protag the real story.

Romance – September 18

“There are many things in your heart you can never tell to another person. They are you, your private joys and sorrows, and you can never tell them. You cheapen yourself, the inside of yourself, when you tell them.” -Greta Garbo, born this date in 1905. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist tells what’s in her/his heart to someone who immediately proves unworthy of hearing...

Romance – September 17

“But I have noticed this about ambitious men, or men in power, that they fear even the slightest and least likely threat to it.” – Mary Stewart, born this date in 1916. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist poses a slight and unlikely threat to an ambitious man.

Romance – September 16

On this date in 1896, Stephen Crane interfered with police arresting his acquaintance and interview subject, Dora Clark, for prostitution. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is suspected of breaking the law while carrying on a routine, legal activity.

Romance – September 15

“An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” -Agatha Christie, born this date in 1890. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an innocuous comment by your protagonist’s partner causes your protag to imagine the dire consequences of growing old alone.

Romance – September 14

“It would appear that love is dead. Or very likely in a bad way.” -Kate Millett, born this date in 1934. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is treated in a way that makes her/him utter this sentiment.