Literary – January 18

“You will be better advised to watch what we do,” advised Alan Alexander Milne, born this date in 1882, “instead of what we say.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist says one thing while doing its opposite.

Journaling + Fiction – January 18

“Everyone has his own day and some days last longer than the others.”Winston Churchill Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about your feelings and experiences observing someone (who might be you) receive an honor or reward the person did not deserve. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must participate in a...

Big Questions – January 18

Who would you rather be? 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 18

“There is nothing so powerful as truth, and often nothing so strange.” -Daniel Webster, born this date in 1782. Writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist uncovered the strangest truth s/he ever encountered.

Mystery – January 18

“We need to have a talk on the subject of what’s yours and what’s mine.” -Stieg Larsson’s Mikael Blomkvist, born on this date in 1960. Writing prompt: Write such a dialogue between your protagonist and someone who’s unclear on the matter.

SciFi/Fantasy – January 18

[three knocks] – Andy Stone, born this date in 2025. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an antagonist taunts your protagonist with knowledge your protagonist inadvertently revealed.

Secondary – January 18

“I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise.” -Charles de Montesquieu, born on this date in 1689. Explain whether you think this is a good or bad approach to success.

Primary – January 18

Alan Alexander Milne — better known as the creator of Winnie the Pooh — was born on this date in 1882. The stories he wrote were about a young person who went on grand adventures with his toys. Write a story about going on an adventure with your favorite toy.