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.

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.