SciFi/Fantasy – February 22

On this date in 1972, US President Richard Nixon arrived in China to meet Chairman Mao. Writing prompt: Describe from your protagonist’s point of view the meeting of two influential enemies in the world you’ve created and it’s impact.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 21

On this date in Judith Merril’s 1953, a child is born to Maggie and Hank Marvell. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist meets a child that only a mother could love.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 20

“Everyone has something to hide. And if they couldn’t hide it the world would be in a lot worse mess than it is.” -Richard Matheson, born this date in 1926. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s world is made worse because what s/he must hide is exposed.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 19

“People are supposed to fear the unknown, but ignorance is bliss when knowledge is so damn frightening.” -Laurell K. Hamilton, born this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns something s/he wishes s/he hadn’t.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 18

Wallace Stegner, the novelist who launched Stanford’s creative writing program, was born on this date in 1937. His novel The Big Rock Candy Mountain begins, “He was a strange child.” Writing prompt: Finish the scene that begins with your protagonist’s mother saying those words.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 17

On this date in Sydney van Scyoc’s universe, Tollan Bailey leaves earth to survey Nor’Dyren. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first encounters a community in which all artistic creativity has been abolished.