Romance – March 10

“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.” -Zelda Fitzgerald, who died on this date in 1948. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist proves him/herself unworthy of another’s love.

Romance – March 9

Barbie appeared for the first time on this date in 1959 at the American International Toy Fair. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes Barbie to a young female relative.

Romance – March 8

“She understood that her heart operated on its own instructions, that she had no control over it or, indeed, anything else.” -Jeffrey Eugenides, born this date in 1960. Writing prompt: Write the scene that first led your protagonist to this conclusion.

Romance – March 7

“The last thing we learn about ourselves is our effect.” -William Boyd, born this date in 1952. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes for the first time her/his significant influence on someone your protagonist believed was laregly unaware of her/his existence.

Romance – March 6

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” -Elizabeth Barrett Browning, born this date in 1806. Writing prompt: List 13 reasons your protagonist believes s/he deserves to be loved.

Romance – March 5

On this date in 1946, Winston Churchill gave his “Iron Curtain” speech in Fulton, Missouri, defining the boundaries of what came to be known as The Cold War. Writing prompt: Write a letter to your protagonist from a paramour from whom your protag is separated by an invisible but insurmountable barrier.

Romance – March 4

“Some stories don’t need telling.” -Khaled Hosseini, born this date in 1965. Writing prompt: From your protagonist’s point of view, tell a story s/he believes never should be told.

Romance – March 3

The original blonde bombshell, Jean Harlow, was born on this date in 1911. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist applies that adage “If you can’t get what you want by being smart, get it by being stupid,” but fails to get what s/he wants.