Literary – January 13

“Everything becomes symbol and irony when you’ve been betrayed.” -Jay McInerney, in Bright Lights, Big City, born on this date in 1955. Writing prompt: Write a scene in whch your protagonist revisits a place or object that’s important to your protag after being betrayed by the person who made it important.

Literary – January 12

“There ain’t no journey what don’t change you some.” -David Mitchell, born this date in 1969. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes to a stranger how your protag changed as a result of her/his most memorable journey.

Literary – January 11

Alan Paton was born on this date in 1903. In his most famous work, he bemoaned the fate of South Africa’s unborn child: “For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist withholds from his/her partner that which the partner most needs because your protag fears the power such a gift would grant.

Literary – January 10

Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon on this date in 49 BC. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist intentionally crosses a family member or close friend’s bright line of trust.

Literary – January 9

“The word love has by no means the same sense for both sexes, and this is one cause of the serious misunderstandings that divide them.” -Simone-Lucie-Ernestine-Marie Bertrand de Beauvoir, born this date in 1908. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which different understandings of the same word cause a final falling out between your protagonist and a dear relative or friend.

Literary – January 8

“The truth is of course is that there is no journey. We are arriving and departing all at the same time.” -David Bowie, born this date in 1947. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist mistakenly believes s/he is setting out on a great journey.

Literary – January 7

“No man may make another free.” -Zora Neale Hurston, born this date in 1891. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s desire to make another person free is frustrated by that person.

Literary – January 6

On this date in 1878, Carl Sandburg was born. He believed “the secret of happiness is to admire without desiring.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s desire makes her/him miserable.