Born on this date in 1642, Isaac Newton believed he could “calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your antagonist’s carefully considered analysis of another character’s likely course of action proves horribly mistaken.
“The right to take a chance, the right to suffer. The right to be unwise, the right to die. These aims are hateful to the government, which values ever frightened mouse and falling sparrow as equal to a tiger burning bright.” -Fritz Leiber, born this date in 1910. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist discovers that an authority figure s/he thought was invested in your protag’s success...
A small demon child named Anung Un Rama was summoned to East Bromwich on this date in 1944. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which a new acquaintance assumes the worst about your protagonist because of your protag’s physical appearance.
On this date in 2012, aliens were scheduled to begin colonizing Earth. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist realizes that someone s/he considered a fellow member of her/his species is something else entirely.
On this date in 1968, Apollo 8, the first manned voyage to the moon, was launched. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist learns the true value of the most amazing voyage ever undertaken in the world you’ve created.
“Beauty and ingenuity beat perfection hands down, every time.” -Nalo Hopkinson, born this date in 1960. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is judged the loser in a contest s/he rightfully won only because the opponent used appearances to win.
“Truth is the one thing you can never intimidate.” -Brandon Sanderson, born this date in 1975. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to intimidate truth and so must deal with its consequences.
Steven Spielberg was born on this date in 1946. About his movies, he’s said he has “this preoccupation with ordinary people pursued by large forces.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist fails to escape the largest force that exists in the world you’ve created.