Romance – August 21

“There’s something dangerous about the boredom of teenage girls.” -Megan Abbott, born this date in 1971. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your teen-aged protagonist’s boredom causes her/him to undertake an activity of questionably safety that will alter the rest of your protag’s life.

Romance – August 20

Jacqueline Susann, born on this date in 1918, was during her childhood her father’s alibi for his extramarital affairs: Dad dropped young Jacqueline at the theater, then picked her up and got the plot outline from her on the way home, where he would tell his wife about the movie they’d just seen while the family shared dinner. Writing prompt: Write a scene describing the secret your protagonist helps...

Romance – August 19

“Middle age is when you’re sitting at home on a Saturday night and the telephone rings and you hope it isn’t for you.” -Ogden Nash, born this date in 1902. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist answers what s/he expects will be a happy-making phone call and has her/his expectations dashed.

Romance – August 18

“There are two types of people in the world: those who prefer to be sad among others, and those who prefer to be sad alone.” -Nicole Krauss, born this date in 1974. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist wants to be sad alone but is forced to be happy among others.

Romance – August 17

Lois Lane was born on this date. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s expectation of rescue is dashed.

Romance – August 16

“As soon as one promises not to do something, it becomes the one thing above all others that one most wishes to do.” -Georgette Heyer, born this date in 1902. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist breaks a promise not to do something.

Romance – August 15

“Everyone has secrets. It’s just a matter of finding out what they are.” – Stieg Larsson, born this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that a person who claims to be a feminist is actually a misogynist.

Romance – August 14

“It’s hard being visible, so I’ve made myself invisible.” -Danielle Steel, born this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist would prefer to be invisible but is made astoundingly visible.