SciFi/Fantasy – September 3

“Truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.”- Malcolm Gladwell, born this date in 1963. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s analysis and instinct tell him/her opposite strategies for escaping mortal danger.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 2

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”- Gimli in The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien, who died on this date in 1973. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is abandoned at a perilous moment by someone s/he trusts.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 1

“I presume that it is the better part of wisdom that we bow to our fate with as good grace as possible.”- Edgar Rice Burroughs, born this date in 1875. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist shows no grace when confronted by fate.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 31

“If your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme.” Manga artist Yumiko Ōshima was born on this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist recognizes the futility of her/his fondest desire.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 30

“It’s the Winter Contingency.” The Covenant arrive at Reach on this date in 2552. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must defend the indefensible against the unstoppable.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 29

“I tend to be attracted to characters who are up against a wall with very few alternatives.”- William Friedkin, born this date in 1935. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist has only two options for survival, one of which will cause the death of a cherished companion.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 28

“Almost every job, you get somebody watching you.”- Jack Vance, born this date in 1916. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist chafes under supervision.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 27

“Like so many unhappinesses, this one had begun with silence in the place of honest open talk.”- Ira Levin, born this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that at least some people believe s/he was born by supernatural means.