SciFi/Fantasy – August 18

“It is not sufficient that I succeed — all others must fail.”- Genghis Khan, who died on this date in 1227. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers victory is so unsatisfying that s/he is driven to the next extreme.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 17

“A battle cry,” Mr. Bennet said, “is a warrior’s calling card. Only it does not say, ‘Good afternoon. I have come for tea and crumpets.’ It says, ‘Death has come for you! Flee or be killed where you stand!'”- Steve Hockensmith, born this date in 1968. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must decide to flee or be killed.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 16

“What description of clouds and sunsets was to the old novelist, description of scientific apparatus and methods is to the modern Scientific Detective writer.”- Hugo Gernsback, born this date in 1884. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a powerful leader refuses to pay your protagonist for a job well done.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 15

“Long ago, I believed in higher powers. I took it as my purpose to heal and shepherd the world … but the world turned its back on me. And this is my reward for a lifetime of faith.”- Dr. Elliot Sinclair, who invents time travel on this date in 2315. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gets rewarded in an unexpected way.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 14

“This was more than just a cow — this was an entire career I was looking at.”- Gary Larson, born this date in 1950. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist is set on her/his future path in life by an odd item or event.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 13

“I’m the one behind everything! I don’t give a damn what this impostor’s saying!”- Mitsuo Kubo, whose arrest was announced on this date in 2011. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he has been used as a pawn by a greater force by whom s/he had been inspired.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 12

“Going outside is highly overrated.”- Wade Watts, born this date in a year that depends on which medium one consumes. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is compelled outside her/his physical area of comfort.

SciFi/Fantasy – August 11

“dot dot dot DASH DASH DASH dot dot dot” The first SOS transmitted by radio was broadcast on this date in 1909. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must beg for aid.