Literary – November 26

“Because, once alone, it is impossible to believe that one could ever have been otherwise. Loneliness is an absolute discovery.” -Marilynne Robinson, born this date in 1943. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist finds her/himself unexpectedly and against her/his will alone.

Journaling + Fiction – November 26

“In all affairs it’s a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.”Bertrand Russell Journal prompt: Spend at least 20 minutes writing about the idea you most take for granted that most needs a question mark applied. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns the hard way that a cherished idea never should be taken for...

Big Questions – November 26

What causes you to lose control of your rationality? 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 26

Annina: Monsieur Rick, what kind of a man is Captain Renault? Rick: Oh, he’s just like any other man, only more so. -From Casablanca, which premiered on this date in 1942. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist does something s/he shouldn’t do for all the right reasons.

Mystery – November 26

Poet William Cowper was born on this date in 1731. He famously wrote, “Variety’s the very spice of life.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist comes to believe the exact opposite.

SciFi/Fantasy – November 26

“History is, after all, based on people’s recollections, which change with time.”- Frederik Pohl, born this date in 1919. Writing prompt: Imagine a scene in which your protagonist triumphs over your antagonist, and then write that scene from the perspective of your antagonist.

Secondary – November 26

On this date in 1922, British archaeologists Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon entered the tomb of King Tutankhamen — the first visitors in more than 3,000 years. What discovery would be as momentous to you, and why would it be so important?

Primary – November 26

According to Peanuts creator Charles Schulz — born on this date in 1922 — “No problem is too big to run away from.” What problem would you rather run away from than solve, and what would happen if you didn’t run away?