Literary – November 19

On this date in 1863, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on a Civil War battlefield in Pennsylvania. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an obstacle comes into direct conflict with that for which your antagonist would give her or his last full measure of devotion. You can listen to Sam Waterston recite Lincoln’s immortal words in this video.

Literary – November 18

“Never pray for justice, because you might get some.” -Margaret Atwood, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s demand for justice is satisfied in an unsatisfying manner.

Literary – November 17

Hal Incandenza rapped on the door of Ennet House on this date in the Year of the Depends Adult Undergarment. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must seek help for a problem s/he has denied having for many years.

Literary – November 16

“I looked at her and wondered what I am except appetite.” -Andrea Barrett, born this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s gluttony leads to an excruciating aftermath.

Literary – November 15

“I think the key image of the 20th century is the man in the motor car.” -JG Ballard, born this date in 1930. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist debates the key image of the 21st century with his/her antagonist.

Literary – November 14

Claude Monet was born on this date in 1840. Writing prompt: Describe from your protagonist’s point of view what’s happening in this Monet painting:

Literary – November 13

“Bad company is like a nail driven into a post, which, after the first and second blow, may be drawn out with little difficulty; but being once driven up to the head, the pincers cannot take hold to draw it out, but which can only be done by the destruction of the wood.” -Augustine of Hippo, born this date in 354. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist destroys some...

Literary – November 12

“In order to go on with our lives, we are always capable of making the ominous into the merely strange.” -Tracy Kidder, born this date in 1945. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a portent your protagonist once ignored returns with devastating consequences.