SciFi/Fantasy – May 29

“It is so fatally easy to make young children believe that they are horrible.” -TH White, born this date in 1906. Writing prompt: Write the scene from your protagonist’s childhood in which s/he was made to feel most horrible.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 28

The first expeditions to Thalassa begin on this date in Arthur C. Clarke’s 2626. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must earn the cooperation of a member of your protagonist’s species who always lived in an entirely separate culture.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 27

“The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.” -Harlan Ellison, born this date in 1934. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is endangered by a combination of the two most common elements in the world you’ve created.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 26

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was published on this date in 1897. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must fight off a smarter, stronger antagonist who wants to convert your protag into the antagonist’s ideal.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 25

Star Wars was released on this date in 1977. Writing prompt: Outline your hero’s journey based on George Lucas influencer Joseph Campbell.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 24

“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” -Bob Dylan, born this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist decides to trade some of her/his freedom to avoid some responsibility.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 23

George Griffin leaped from a Swiss mountain on this date in John Cramer’s 2004. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist inadvertently communicates her/his presence to an opposing force your protagonist did not know existed.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 22

The original Great Train Robbery took place in Marshfield, Indiana on this date in 1868 when members of the Reno Gang stole $98,000 (about $1.6 million in today’s dollars). Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is invited to participate in a particularly audacious and lucrative crime.