Literary – April 17

“The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea.” -Karen Blixen, better known by her pen name Isak Dinesen,  born this date in 1885. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist requires and takes all three variants of Dinesen’s salt water cure.

Journaling + Fiction – April 17

“As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm. Jump. It is not as wide as you think.”Joseph Campbell Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about a jump you made that did not turn out as you’d intended. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist jumps across a chasm that’s wider than thought.

Big Questions – April 17

What vacation experience would you pay to make sure you never had to do it again? 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...

Romance – April 17

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” -Cynthia Ozick, born this date in 1928. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist loses something s/he took for granted because s/he lacked gratitude.

Mystery – April 17

“I know that every good and excellent thing in the world stands moment by moment on the razor-edge of danger and must be fought for.”- Thornton Wilder, born this date in 1897. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must fight a dangerous fight for something good and excellent.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 17

“If I had followed my better judgment always, my life would have been a very dull one.”- Edgar Rice Burroughs, who on this date in 1907 was promoted to manage the Stenographic Department of Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist starts a great job s/he will regret forever.

Secondary – April 17

Describe the last time you did something for the first time.

Primary – April 17

Describe the person who is your favorite caretaker when your dad or mom is away.