Literary – May 4

“My definition of a tragedy is a clash between right and right.” -Amos Oz, born this date in 1939. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist wages a bitter fight against someone who’s as right as s/he is.

Journaling + Fiction – May 4

“Fairness is not about statistical equality.”John Bercow Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about your experiences during a fair process that produced an unfair outcome. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is treated equally but unfairly by a loved one.

Big Questions – May 4

What’s the best first date you’ve ever been on? Journaling prompt: Spend 15-20 minutes writing your answer in the spirit of exploring yourself and the world around you. If you can answer with a simple “yes” or “no,” explain the sources or implications of your response. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene that forces a character in your story to answer the question, or spend 15-20 minutes answering the...

Romance – May 4

“I’d marry you for your money in a minute. Would you marry me for my money?” -Audrey Hepburn, born this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which an unexpected person falls in love with your protagonist in spite of — rather than because of — what your protagonist is.

Mystery – May 4

“Surgeons know nothing but do everything. Internists know everything but do nothing. Pathologists know everything and do everything but too late.”- Robin Cook, born this date in 1940. Writing prompt: Write the scene of your protagonist’s most recent visit to the emergency room.

SciFi/Fantasy – May 4

“In the darkest corners of the Earth, ancient beings lie in wait, biding their time.”- Howard Phillips Lovecraft, whose Nathaniel Wingate Peaslee lost his memory on this date in 1908. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s senses drive her/him to believe s/he is losing her/his mind.

Secondary – May 4

“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” -Horace Mann, born on this date in 1796. Describe the victory you want to win for the world.

Primary – May 4

“A house without books is like a room without windows.” -Horace Mann, born on this date in 1796. Explain what you think he meant when he said that.