Literary – December 9

John Milton was born on this date in 1608. He composed his masterpieces after he lost his vision at age 43. Seven years after going blind, he began dictating the 12 books of Paradise Lost, which took five years to complete. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist experiences the world exclusively through senses other than sight.

Journaling + Fiction – December 9

Hope is the thing with feathersThat perches in the soulAnd sings the tune without the wordsAnd never stops at all.Emily Dickinson Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about your song that never stops. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s song of hope stops playing.

Big Questions – December 9

Would you sacrifice your life to a cause about which you’re passionate only if you knew your sacrifice would be publicly celebrated and commemorated? 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...

Romance – December 9

“By laughing at me, the audience really laughs at themselves, and realizing they have done this gives them sort of a spiritual second wind for going back into the battles of life.” – Emmett Kelly, born this date in 1898. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist mistakes people laughing at her/him for friends laughing with your protagonist.

Mystery – December 9

“It is inconceivable that a secret arm of the government has to comply with all the overt orders of the government.” -James Jesus Angleton, born this date in 1917. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is so far off the reservation that s/he may never see home again.

SciFi/Fantasy – December 9

“I picked up a man the other day that certainly was a queer cuss.”- Jim Bendell, who on this date in John W. Campbell’s 1932 picked up a hitch-hiker. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes that s/he will die if s/he doesn’t change.

Secondary – December 9

“They also serve who only stand and wait.” -John Milton, born on this date in 1608. True or false?

Primary – December 9

Describe the most important event that’s happened in your life so far.