Primary – November 16

W.C. Handy, who is considered the father of blues music, was born in Alabama on this date in 1873. He once said this: “Life is like a trumpet – if you don’t put anything into it, you don’t get anything out of it.” What do you think he meant when he said that? You can listen to a recording of W.C. Handy’s Memphis Blues by clicking on song the title.

Many Beginnings

Many writers start from a brilliant opening line – an inspiration to craft an entire story from a dazzling line of prose. Other writers use the opening line as a placeholder, knowing they will revise or replace it when they finish telling the story. Although I prefer the second approach, there is no wrong or right way to write an opening line – truly, deciding must be the best and worst of times for a...

Literary – November 15

“I think the key image of the 20th century is the man in the motor car.” -JG Ballard, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist debates the key image of the 21st century with his/her antagonist.

Journaling + Fiction – November 15

“Gratitude is the direct way out of comparison.”Robyn Conley Downs Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about the most important lesson you’ve learned during the past year. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that “keeping up with the Joneses” is a recipe for disaster. Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko...

Big Questions – November 15

How would you cover the unexpected loss of US$10,000? 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 – November 15

“I feel there is something unexplored about woman that only a woman can explore.” -Georgia O’Keeffe, born this date in 1887. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist rejects the genuine interest of a friend because of gender differences.

Mystery – November 15

On this date in 1959, the Clutter family was killed in cold blood in Holcomb, Kansas. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist suffers a criminal act that occurs entirely because the criminal believes incorrectly that your protag has something your protag doesn’t have.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 15

“I would sum up my fear about the future in one word: boring.”- J.G. Ballard, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to confront her/his greatest fear about the future.