As, Because, and Since Are Not the Same Words

I did not understand various components of English until I learned Spanish and French.* Similarly, I didn’t think much about three words that English speakers use interchangeably until I worked with people for whom English was not their first language: As Because Since Years editing non-native English speakers’ submissions to engineering and scientific journals and technology conferences taught me to...

Literary – April 6

Raphael was born on this date in 1483. His painting The Three Graces depicts Aglaea (splendor), Euphrosyne (mirth), and Thalia (good cheer). Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a person your protagonist believes epitomizes those graces proves utterly graceless.

Journaling + Fiction – April 6

“The important thing is this: to be able to give up in any given moment all that we are for what we can become.”Max De Pree Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about what you’d give up right now to become different. Fiction writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first gave up herself or himself to become the person s/he is now.

Big Questions – April 6

What’s the greatest story ever told? 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 answering the question in the...

Romance – April 6

On this day in 1327, Petrarch saw his ideal love for the first time. He wrote 366 poems about Laura de Noves during the next 40 years, which make up Il Canzoniere. He believed “five enemies of peace inhabit with us – avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride.” Writing prompt: Write a short scene for each of your protagonist’s inhabiting enemies that describes how they...

Mystery – April 6

“Mistakes are very interesting — you look for the behavior that’s not the one you expect.”- Barry Levinson, born this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a character’s unexpected mistake proves a decisive clue.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 6

“There’s some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” – Samwise Gamgee, born this date. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist starts an unwinnable fight just because it’s the right thing to do.

Secondary – April 6

On this date in 1917, the United States officially entered World War I, although the war was being fought between America’s allies and enemies on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Think about whether you agree or disagree that the US had a national interest in fighting a distant war, and then describe the arguments against your opinion.