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.

Literary – January 5

“Nothing gives a fearful man more courage than another’s fear.” -Umberto Eco, born this date in 1932. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is motivated out of terrified paralysis by the needs of someone who is even more scared.

Literary – January 4

“Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.” -Isaac Newton, born this date in 1643. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist makes an enemy by making a point.

Literary – January 3

Marcus Tullius Cicero, born on this date in 106 BC, believed it was essential to govern one’s emotions with reason. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to achieve an essential task because his/her passion overwhelms reason.

Literary – January 2

Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must confront the thing or issue that most terrifies you.

Literary – January 1

“All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they’ll do practically anything you want them to.” -Holden Caufield as interpreted by Jerome David Salinger, who was born this date in 1919. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist jabbers nonsense to trick someone into accomplishing your protag’s goal … and fails.

Literary – December 31

“It’s never the changes we want that change everything.” -Junot Díaz, born this date in 1968. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a the results of a change your protagonist worked hard to achieve are reversed by a change your protag didn’t expect.

Literary – December 30

“An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.” – Rudyard Kipling, born this date in 1865. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s mother uses a minimum of words and actions to make clear her opinion that your protag is following the wrong course.