Bum Glue

In her craft book Write Away: One Novelist’s Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life, Elizabeth George spends an entire chapter on the value of what she calls “bum glue.” She defines it as that which keeps one’s bottom firmly attached to the chair in which one sits while writing. Although bum glue goes by many different names, the vast majority of successful authors confirm – or, at least, confess – it’s the...

Literary – April 23

“He that loves to be flattered is worthy o’ the flatterer.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which flattery persuades your protagonist to make a decision that s/he would not have otherwise made, and for good reason.

Big Questions – April 23

What does your best friend have that you wish you had? 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...

Journaling + Fiction – April 23

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”Albert Einstein Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about an experience when creativity outperformed intellect ins finding a solution to a challenge. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s knowledge proves insufficient to achieve an important goal.

Romance – April 23

“Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s affection becomes the source of a burning affliction.

Mystery – April 23

“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must comfort someone who believes her/his life is in jeopardy becaues of her/his position.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 23

“This rough magic I here abjure and when I have required some heavenly music, which even now I do, to work mine end upon their senses that this airy charm is for, I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound, I’ll drown my book.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your...

Secondary – April 23

“They stumble that run fast.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Explain your understanding of and opinion about this famous quote of his.