SciFi/Fantasy – March 8

“This is a story from the Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, perhaps the most remarkable — certainly the most successful — book ever to come out of the great publishing corporations of Ursa Minor.” On this date in 1978, the first episode of A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was broadcast on BBC radio. Writing prompt: Write a scene forcing your protagonist conclude that his/her...

SciFi/Fantasy – March 7

Piet Mondrian was born on this date in 1872. Writing prompt: Describe his painting Landscape with Farmhouse from the points of view of your protagonist and your antagonist.

SciFi/Fantasy – March 6

“You can’t talk about heartbreak to a kid.” -Will Eisner, born this date in 1917. Writing prompt: Write a scene from your protagonist’s early life in which s/he was incapable of experiencing an emotion, but which affect her/him throughout life.

SciFi/Fantasy – March 5

“If you try to make such projects, unseen by others, as perfect as any human could, you’ll develop skills that other professionals don’t have.” – Steve Wozniak of the Homebrew Computer Club, which met for the first time on this date in 1975. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist comes to appreciate the humble origins of the most influential tool in the world...

SciFi/Fantasy – March 4

“Traveling through space is stupifyingly monotonous.” On this date in Edgar Rice Burrough’s 1866, John Carter arrived on Barsoom for the first time. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist wakes up someplace s/he couldn’t possibly be.

SciFi/Fantasy – March 3

“Oh, laddie, you have a lot to learn if you want people to think of you as a miracle worker!” James Doohan was born on this date in 1920. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist relies on an expert to pull off a life-saving exploit without knowing whether it will succeed.

SciFi/Fantasy – March 2

“Why are you still here?” On this date in Allen Steele’s 2006, Jamie Rosen was born. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist figures out why someone who should have left a long time ago is still hanging around.

SciFi/Fantasy – March 1

“More weight!”- Giles Corey On this date in 1692, the Salem witch trials commenced, resulting in the eventual execution of 19 people. Writing prompt: Write a scene invoking an historic injustice in the world you’ve created that reverberates, centuries later, during a crisis for your protagonist.