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.

Journaling + Fiction – November 12

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.”Albert Einstein Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about encountering a thing or idea you did not understand at the time but considered beautiful on first consideration. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist experiences awe when confronted by the incomprehensible.

Big Questions – November 12

What was your worst experience of getting stuck somewhere? 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 – November 12

“Other women looked on me as a rival. And it pained me a great deal.” -Grace Kelly, born on this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist accuses an innocent friend of being a rival.

Mystery – November 12

Christopher Reich was born on this date in 1961. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a petty crime leads your protagonist to suspect a greater financial crime is being covered up.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 12

“Only the right name gives beings and things their reality. A wrong name makes everything unreal.”- Michael Ende, born this date in 1929. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist faces mortal peril because of someone else’s wrong naming of a being or thing.

Secondary – November 12

On this date in 1892, the first professional football game took place between the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Explain your opinion about the role of professional sports in our culture.

Primary – November 12

One of America’s earliest activists for equality between men and women, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was born on this date in 1815. Explain why you think people used to believe that boys and girls couldn’t do the same thing.