Literary – April 25

“Is a gesture of charity genuine or is it a kind of deep moral tax write-off?” -Padgett Powell, born this date in 1952. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s act of genuine charity is rejected because the beneficiary suspects your protag’s motives.

Literary – April 24

“The poem is a little myth of man’s capacity of making life meaningful.” -Robert Penn Warren, the only person to win Pulitzer Prizes for both fiction and poetry, born this date in 1905. Writing prompt: From your protagonist’s point of view, write a poem about what makes your protag’s life most meaningful.

Literary – April 23

“He that loves to be flattered is worthy o’ the flatterer.” Today is the accepted birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which flattery persuades your protagonist to make a decision that s/he would not have otherwise made, and for good reason.

Literary – April 22

“The breaking of a wave cannot explain the whole sea.” -Vladimir Nabokov, born this date in 1899. Writing prompt: Describe your protagonist’s thought process during a time when s/he fallaciously reasoned from a small detail to a great – and mistaken – understanding.

Literary – April 21

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” -Naturalist, author, and Sierra Club co-founder John Muir, born this date in 1838. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s encounter with nature delivers an unexpected and unpleasant surprise.

Literary – April 20

Joan Miró was born on this date in 1893. Writing prompt: Describe from your protagonist’s point of view this famous Miro work.

Literary – April 19

On this date in 1987, the first Simpsons cartoon appeared on The Tracey Ullman Show. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist confronts an all-id oaf.

Literary – April 18

“I never wanted to see anybody die, but there are a few obituary notices I have read with pleasure.” -Clarence Darrow, born this date in 1857. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must conceal her/his glee at another person’s misfortune.