Literary – April 1

“When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.” -Otto von Bismarck, born this date in 1815. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which circumstances conspire to prevent your protagonist from believing the truth.

Journaling + Fiction – April 1

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”Edith Wharton Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about an opportunity you could seize right now to amplify the impact of a person or group that’s spreading light. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist gets burned while spreading light.

Big Questions – April 1

What’s the worst experience you’ve had in an intoxicated state? 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...

Romance – April 1

“Happiness is the longing for repetition.” -Milan Kundera, born this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene demonstrating your protagonist’s drive to repeat something bad because s/he’s convinced it will make your protag happy this time.

Mystery – April 1

“So much harm comes into this world when the wrong thing is said. But that’s nothing compared to the pain from what goes unsaid.” -Brad Meltzer, born this date in 1970. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist causes pain to someone s/he cares about because of something your protag didn’t tell that person.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 1

“Make no judgements where you have no compassion.” -Anne McCaffrey, born this date in 1926. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is judged without compassion by someone with great power over your protagonist.

Secondary – April 1

On this date in 1826, Samuel Morey was granted a patent for the internal combustion engine. About it, he wrote, “Is there not some reason to expect that the discovery will greatly change the commercial and personal intercourse of the country?” Describe the greatest change you think the internal combustion engine has caused in your country.

Primary – April 1

Explain why you prefer one of the following two choices: Doing something totally new and unknown, or doing something you’ve enjoyed doing before.