Literary – April 7

“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.

Journaling + Fiction – April 7

“Night is a time of rigor, but also of mercy. There are truths which one can see only when it’s dark.”Isaac Bashevis Singer Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the truth you’ll see tonight after you turn off your lights. Fiction writing prompt: Write the scene in which your protagonist first stayed up through the night and into the next day.

Big Questions – April 7

Is that all there is? 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 question in the voice of a character...

Romance – April 7

Eleanora Fagan, the singer we know better as Billie Holiday, was born on this date in 1915. Writing prompt: Write a scene that leaves your protagonist feeling like singing the...

Mystery – April 7

James Garner was born on this date in 1928. Writing prompt: Describe what your protagonist now does habitually or professionally that is the opposite of something that once caused him/her to get in significant trouble.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 7

“The best way to live is by not knowing what will happen to you at the end of the day.” – Donald Barthelme, born this date in 1931. Writing prompt: Write a complete short story in which your protagonist experiences an inexplicably absurd, life-changing event.

Secondary – April 7

“I agree that there are things that should be kept secret.” -Daniel Ellsberg, the U.S. Defense Department analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers, born on this date in 1931. Describe where you think the line is between what your government should keep secret and make public.

Primary – April 7

Which is worse: never starting or never finishing?