Literary – April 3

Richard Thompson was born on this date in 1949. He tells an epic tale of love and villainy in his classic 1952 Vincent Black Lightning: Writing prompt: Write a scene demonstrating your protagonist’s abiding love for the soul of an inanimate...

Journaling + Fiction – April 3

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”J.K. Rowling Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about a time you had to stand up to a friend or relative. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds out that an ally isn’t helping her/his quest.

Big Questions – April 3

What was the dumbest mistake you ever made in front of other people? 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...

Romance – April 3

Richard Thompson was born on this date in 1949. He wrote one of his most unforgettable love songs, Persuasion, for the entirely forgettable film Sweet Talker: Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is frustrated despite practicing the persuasion s/he thinks her/his romantic target will find most...

Mystery – April 3

On this day in 1888, the first of 11 Whitechapel Murders occurred in London. At least five such murders were eventually attributed to Jack the Ripper. Writing prompt: Write the scene of the first in a series of unsolved crimes your protagonist desperately wants to solve.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 3

“The only way to deal with a fool is to let him have his way.” – Gore Vidal, whose Age of Kalki ends on this date with the dawn of the extinction of human life on earth. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s enabler lets your protagonist have her/his way.

Secondary – April 3

“Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.” -Washington Irving, born on this date in 1783. Explain what you think is the difference between a purpose and a wish.

Primary – April 3

On this date in 1860, the Pony Express postal service started when riders left St. Joseph, Mo., and Sacramento, Calif., at the same time on 2,000-mile trips. The first trip west took 9 days and 23 hours, and trip east took 11 days and 12 hours. Today, when you can talk with people on the other side of the planet in real time, describe your favorite method of communication and why you prefer it.