SciFi/Fantasy – November 8

“There are mysteries which men can only guess at, which age by age they may solve only in part.” -Abraham Stoker, better known as Bram, born this date in 1847. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns about such a mystery the hard way.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 7

“We must be what we are, or we become our enemies.” -Guy Gavriel Kay, born this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist recognizes his/her own motivations when his/her antagonist behaves exactly as your protag would under similar conditions.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 6

Christopher Donner will be elected President of the United States on this date in Octavia Butler’s 2024. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist becomes the leader of a doomed organization.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 5

Robert Patrick was born this date in 1958. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts an enemy that is not what it first appears.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 4

Maser velocity acceleration sent Lyle Swan to 1877 on this date in 1982. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers the origin of an insoluble paradox.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 3

Adam Link was activated on this date in Eando Binder’s universe. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is surprised by the reaction of an inanimate, non-sentient object when s/he turns it on.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 2

“The gods’ most savage curses come upon us as answers to our own prayers.” -Lois McMaster Bujold, born this date in 1949. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist regrets not being more careful about what s/he wished for.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 1

“There is nothing in the world so easy to explain as failure — it is, after all, what everybody does all the time.” -Susanna Clarke, born this date in 1959. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to describe a failure that was fatal to someone else.