“Fiction gives us the second chances that life denies us.” -Paul Theroux, born this date in 1941. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he won’t get a second chance.
On this date in 1833, the USA’s first tax-supported public library was founded in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Writing prompt: Write a scene that allows your protagonist to contrast his/her attitude about libraries at age 6 and age 36.
“What we owe to society, what we owe to ourselves.” -Barbara Kingsolver, born this date in 1955. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist observes — and must decide how to respond to — an act of social injustice.
“Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.” – William Wordsworth, born this date in 1770. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist suffers a profound relationship with nature.
Raphael was born on this date in 1483. His painting The Three Graces depicts Aglaea (splendor), Euphrosyne (mirth), and Thalia (good cheer). Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a person your protagonist believes epitomizes those graces proves utterly graceless.
“All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called ‘Facts.’ They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain.” -Thomas Hobbes, born this date in 1588. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which facts contradict everything your protagonist wants to believe about her/his closest friend.
“The shortest route to courage is absolute ignorance.” -Dan Simmons, born this date in 1948. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist performs a praiseworthy act of courage because of witlessness.
Richard Thompson was born on this date in 1949. He tells an epic tale of love and villainy in his classic 1952 Vincent Black Lightning: Writing prompt: Write a scene demonstrating your protagonist’s abiding love for the soul of an inanimate...