Romance – December 27

“The best sex education for kids is when Daddy pats Mommy on the fanny when he comes home from work.” – Dr. William H. Masters, born this date in 1915. Writing prompt: Describe the origination and evolution of an endearing, physical habit of expression your protagonist considers important.

Mystery – December 27

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist plays his favorite game and ends up losing to someone s/he has just taught to play.

SciFi/Fantasy – December 27

“That is what we call the Darling house, but you may dump it down anywhere you like, and if you think it was your house you are very probably right.”- James Matthew Barrie, whose Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up was performed for the first time on this date in 1904. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a myth or fairy tale in the world you’ve created manifests itself in...

Literary – December 26

“Every man with a bellyful of the classics is an enemy to the human race.” -Henry Miller, born this date in 1891. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist describes your protagonist’s motives as being based on a wrong-headed classic idea.

Journaling + Fiction – December 26

“You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”Woodrow Wilson Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about how you’ll most enrich the world during your life. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which an ally must remind your protagonist of your protagonist’s errand in the world.

Big Questions – December 26

For whom or what would you place your life in mortal jeopardy? 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...

Romance – December 26

“I haven’t got the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.” -David Sedaris, born this date in 1956. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist recounts to a trusted confidant the changes s/he couldn’t impose on her/his first lost love.

Mystery – December 26

On this date in 1996, six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found slain in the basement  of her family’s house. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which the public and media involve themselves in your protagonist’s life in counterproductive ways.