Secondary – January 5

Describe the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and your thoughts and feelings afterwards.

Primary – January 5

Finish this story: Once upon a time, there was a very sad duck.

Paradox: Limitations Drive Creativity

If I ask you to tell me a story, or to draw me a picture, what’s your first reaction? If you’re like most people, it’s another question: “About what?” Few things are as intimidating as a blank sheet of paper. All the hopes, fears, dreams, tragedies, climaxes, and denouements you plan to spill forth in lyrical and dazzling prose … where, oh where, to begin? That’s one reason prompts are such powerful, proven...

Literary – January 4

“Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.” -Isaac Newton, born this date in 1643. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes an enemy by making a point.

Journaling + Fiction – January 4

“The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.”Winston Churchill Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about the subject of humility. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns a valuable lesson by being proved wrong.

Big Questions – January 4

Under what conditions would you donate one of your kidneys? 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...

Romance – January 4

“I wanted to star in a western opposite Robert Redford. That was my plan for my life.” – Dyan Cannon, born this date in 1937. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s realization that failing to achieve her/his greatest desire enabled achievements greater than s/he knew worthy of desire.

Mystery – January 4

“Trust is like that. You can break it for a good reason. But it still remains broken.”- Harlan Coben, born this date in 1962. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to trust a person who earlier broke trust with your protagonist.