SciFi/Fantasy – January 4

“I’m Death, and I make sure that everyone is equal.” -Jakob Grimm, born this date in 1785. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first hears the childhood folk tale your protag considers most influential in his/her life.

Secondary – January 4

Louis Braille, who after being blinded in an accident at the age of 3 invented a system of fingertip reading for people without sight, was born on this date in 1809. Of your five senses, which is your favorite – and how would you compensate if you lost it?

Primary – January 4

Describe how you plan to accomplish the most challenging experience you expect to face in the next week.

Literary – January 3

Marcus Tullius Cicero, born on this date in 106 BC, believed it was essential to govern one’s emotions with reason. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to achieve an essential task because his/her passion overwhelms reason.

Journaling + Fiction – January 3

“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.”Lao Tzu Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the first moment you experienced this kind of love. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s senses are overwhelmed by an attack on her/his head and heart.

Big Questions – January 3

What chore do you most dread? 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 voice of a...

Romance – January 3

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T” – Aretha Franklin, the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this date in 1987. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist addresses your her/his romantic partner’s lack of respect.

Mystery – January 3

“The five senses are the ministers of the soul.”- Leonardo da Vinci Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers four clues using senses other than sight.