Romance – May 24

“People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.” -Bob Dylan, born this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must repent for having done what was convenient instead of what your protag believed in.

Romance – May 23

“It seems that it is madder never to abandon one’s self than often to be infatuated; better to be wounded, a captive and a slave, than always to walk in armor.” -Margaret Fuller, born this date in 1810. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist misses an opportunity because s/he refuses to walk unarmored.

Romance – May 22

Mary Cassatt was born on this date in 1844. Writing prompt: Describe from your protagonist’s point of view what’s happening in Cassatt’s painting The Long Gloves.

Romance – May 21

“The awful thing, as a kid reading, was that you came to the end of the story, and that was it. I mean, it would be heartbreaking that there was no more of it.” -Robert Creeley, born this date in 1926. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes a story s/he desperately wants to continue has reached an irreversible conclusion.

Romance – May 20

On this date in 1845, Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett met in person for the first time. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist imagines describing to a future child meeting her/his soul mate and true companion for the first time.

Romance – May 19

“Could you really love someone who was capable of falling in love with someone else?” -Jodi Picoult, born this date in 1966. Writing prompt: Answer in your protagonist’s voice, and then answer in your antagonist’s voice.

Romance – May 18

“Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.” -Tina Fey, born this date in 1970. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s intent to be funny to win the attention of a romantic target dissolves into unfunny tragedy.

Romance – May 17

“I am tired of always dying with a broken heart.” -Erik Satie, who proposed to his mistress after one night together, born this date in 1866. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s one-night stand decides it’s true love.