SciFi/Fantasy – April 25

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.”- Edwin Powell Hubble, namesake of the telescope released into orbit by Space Shuttle Discovery on this date in 1990. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers an unsettling truth while using the method or technology enabling her/his culture to see as far into the past as...

SciFi/Fantasy – April 24

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”- Ken Olson On this date in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to admit that what s/he derided as a foolish idea is, in fact, revolutionary.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 23

“This rough magic I here abjure and when I have required some heavenly music, which even now I do, to work mine end upon their senses that this airy charm is for, I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound, I’ll drown my book.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your...

SciFi/Fantasy – April 22

“Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”- J. Robert Oppenheimer, born this date in 1904, at the detonation of the first atomic weapon. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s scheme succeeds so far beyond her/his expectations that your protagonist is humbled as if before a god.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 21

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”- John Muir, born this date in 1838. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist receives an unexpected spiritual insight during a walk in the woods.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 20

“Real magic can never be made by offering someone else’s liver. You must tear out your own, and not expect to get it back.”- Peter S. Beagle, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must sacrifice a part of him/herself to achieve a goal.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 19

“Our will to survive is what sets us apart from the machines.”- Kyle Reese, referring to Skynet, which gained self-awareness on this date in The Terminator’s 2011. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s protector turns on him/her.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 18

“There’s always a way. When the odds are impossible — do the impossible.”- Superman, who appeared for the first time on this date in 1938. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confidently sets out to achieve the impossible, fails in spectacular fashion, and prevails because of that failure.