SciFi/Fantasy – September 18

“The phenomenon develops calmly, but it is invisible, unstoppable.”- Jean Bernard Léon Foucault, born this date in 1819. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a fundamental constant of the world you’ve created prevents your protagonist from achieving an essential goal.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 17

“When I was a boy, my father was a victim of identity theft. The wyden murdered Father, took over his identity, and had Mother killed.”- Damien Nshogoza, born this date in Don Sakers’ 2017. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes a trusted relative is not.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 16

“In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.”- Laurence J. Peter, born this date in 1919. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails at the first task after being given an opportunity to advance.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 15

“I have not told half of what I saw.”- Marco Polo, born this date in 1254. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns that the oft-repeated tales of an earlier traveler are completely fictitious.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 14

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in it.”- Justin Richards, born this date in 1961. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes that s/he is playing the part of a person doomed to die in one of the most famous stories in the world you’ve created.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 13

“With a history like that, who wants to go back to Earth anyway?”- Dr. Helena Russell, as portrayed by Barbara Bain, who on this date in 1999 was, along with the other 310 residents of Moonbase Alpha and the moon, were blown out of Earth’s orbit by an accident at a lunar nuclear waste dump. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes s/he never again will see the place s/he...

SciFi/Fantasy – September 12

“I am hopeless with gadgets. I can’t even get a ticket to work in one of those confounded machines on the London Underground. And I can hardly put on a kettle, let alone set a video.”- Desmond Llewelyn, born this date in 1914. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is lectured for misusing a tool by the person who gave your protagonist that tool.

SciFi/Fantasy – September 11

“Every time you look at this engine, you’re looking at me.”- Dr. Leah Brahms, born this date in Star Trek’s 2336 Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must complete a life-saving professional task with a colleague that your protagonist has, unknown to your protagonist’s workmate, idealized romantically.