Journaling + Fiction – January 2

“An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all.”Oscar Wilde Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the bravest idea you’ve never told anyone about. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must express a dangerous idea to an audience that doesn’t welcome it.

Journaling + Fiction – January 1

“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”Erich Fromm Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about one or more certainties complicating your creative sensibilities. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist struggles to let go of a certainty.

Journaling + Fiction – December 31

“Look at everything as though you are seeing it either for the first or last time, then your time on earth will be filled with glory.”Betty Smith Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the last time you saw something for the first time. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist sees a valued colleague for what s/he knows will be the last time.

Journaling + Fiction – December 30

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”Melody Beattie Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about your vision for tomorrow. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns an important fact that helps him/her make sense of a previously inexplicable tragedy in his/her past.

Journaling + Fiction – December 29

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”Abraham Lincoln Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about what you are. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he isn’t as good as s/he thinks s/he is being what s/he is.

Journaling + Fiction – December 28

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.”Max Lucado Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the most counterintuitive leadership technique you’ve encountered. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is forced to lead from an unexpected position.

Journaling + Fiction – December 27

“His resolve is not to seem, but to be, the best.”Aeschylus Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about what change you’ll make in the new year to transcend merely seeming to be the best. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist proves the best in a crowded field.

Journaling + Fiction – December 26

“You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”Woodrow Wilson Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about how you’ll most enrich the world during your life. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which an ally must remind your protagonist of your protagonist’s errand in the world.