Romance – February 13

Grant Wood, most famous for his painting American Gothic, was born on this date in 1891. Writing prompt: Describe what’s happening in his painting Daughters of the Revolution from the perspective of your protagonist.

Romance – February 12

Franco Zeffirelli, who became a  movie powerhouse after his version of Romeo and Juliet became an international sensation in 1968, was born on this date in 1923. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist’s stereotypes of love cause confusion and pain instead of romance.

Romance – February 11

“You must stop worrying about why things happen and wonder what they mean when they do.” -Joy Williams, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to understand an event’s importance because s/he is so focused on what s/he did to cause it.

Romance – February 10

“Often … the worst parenting is done in the name of love.” -Mary McGarry Morris, born this date in 1943, about her book The Lost Mother. Writing prompt: Write a scene demonstrating the bad parenting your protagonist received in the name of love.

Romance – February 9

“Nobody is as powerful as we make them out to be.” -Alice Walker, born this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist challenges the person who most intimidates her/him, and discovers that person is even more powerful than your protag feared.

Romance – February 8

Kate Chopin, considered by many the earliest feminist author, was born on this date in 1850. When her husband died after 12 years of marriage, he left her at age 32 with six children and more than a quarter-million dollars in debt (in today’s money). Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a departing partner leaves your protagonist with the most awful possible thing.

Romance – February 7

“Once you begin being naughty, it is easier to go and on and on, and sooner or later something dreadful happens.” -Laura Ingalls Wilder, born this date in 1867. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a minor transgression launches a cascade of naughtiness for your protagonist that concludes at the other end of the spectrum.

Romance – February 6

The originator of the self-help genre, Walter “Life Begins at Forty” Pitkin was born on this date in 1878. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist describes the self-help book s/he would write.