Literary – February 22

“The longest absence is less perilous to love than the terrible trials of incessant proximity.” -Edna St. Vincent Millay, born this date in 1892. Writing prompt: Write a scene proving familiarity breeds contempt.

Big Questions – February 22

What topics are too personal for you to discuss with anyone else? Journaling prompt: Spend 15-20 minutes writing your answer in the spirit of exploring yourself and the world around you. If you can answer with a simple “yes” or “no,” explain the sources or implications of your response. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene that forces a character in your story to answer the question, or spend 15-20 minutes...

Journaling + Fiction – February 22

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”Winston Churchill Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about a situation in which your continued efforts counted. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is encouraged by people s/he considered allies to give up.

Romance – February 22

So obsessed with second bestNo rest you’ll ever find – Noël Coward in “Dance, Little Lady” from his play This Year of Grace, which premiered this date in 1928. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s obsession with being first causes more problems than the prize is worth.

Mystery – February 22

“If someone really interests you, you’ll learn about them yourself.” -Richard North Patterson, born this date in 1947, in his Edgar-award winning debut novel. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist sets out to learn about someone who really interests him/her after their first encounter.

SciFi/Fantasy – February 22

“As long as you have friends who have your back, you’ll be able to clear a path to the future without giving up.” – Nekomaru Nidai, born this date in 1990. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s coach helps your protagonist break through to a new level of performance.

Secondary – February 22

Poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, born on this date in 1892, once asked a friend to send good advice in a letter. “I promise not to follow it,” she said. What advice would you give a friend, and do you think s/he would follow it?

Primary – February 22

“It is better be alone than in bad company.” -George Washington, who was born on this date in 1732. Explain whether you agree or disagree with America’s first president.