Literary – December 13

Bernadette wrote a letter to Paul on this date. Writing prompt: Write a note from your protagonist to his/her best friend in which your protag disguises the real story with witty banter that reveals the underlying emotion.

Journaling + Fiction – December 13

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”Lao Tzu Journal prompt: Reflect on your previous journal entries and spend at least 20 minutes writing about the first step you need to take on your next journey. Fiction writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist takes a single step forward but two steps back.

Big Questions – December 13

What did you do yesterday to improve your mind? 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...

Romance – December 13

“You must be absolutely honest and true in the depicting of a totem for meaning is attached to every line.” -Emily Carr, born this date in 1871. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist deliberately mistakes the meaning of a loved one’s most important possession.

Mystery – December 13

“Hell lies at the bottom of the human heart.” -Kenneth Millar, better known by his pen name Ross Macdonald, born this date in 1915. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers what’s at the bottom of his/her own heart.

SciFi/Fantasy – December 13

“We cannot resist the lure of that mortal brilliance. It is its own kind of glamour, that dazzles the senses. And once we have found it, we cannot turn away.” -Emma Bull, born this date in 1954. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist experiences a thing from which s/he cannot turn away.

Secondary – December 13

Sir Francis Drake launched on a three-year journey around the world on this date in 1577. Describe what you imagine your life would be like if you were to be away from, and unable to communicate with, your family and friends for three years.

Primary – December 13

Explain why you would rather be a great artist, a great athlete, or a great public leader.