SciFi/Fantasy – April 12

“To be the first to enter the cosmos, to engage, single-handed, in an unprecedented duel with nature — could one dream of anything more?” – Yuri Gagarin, the first human launched into space on this date in 1961. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is the first person ever to accomplish something spectacularly dangerous.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 11

“If I’m up there on that bar and you’re not, I’ll be looking down. I’ll always have your back.” – Commander Shepard, born this date in 2154. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagnoist lets down a friend who’s counting on your protagonist.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 10

“You see, to be quite frank, Kevin, the fabric of the universe is far from perfect. It was a bit of botched job, you see. We only had seven days to make it.” – Randall, who on this date in 1912 boarded RMS Titanic with the Time Bandits. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist must procure a specific item from a location s/he knows is about to experience a...

SciFi/Fantasy – April 9

“Strangeness is a necessary ingredient in beauty.” – Charles Baudelaire, born this date in 1821. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist contemplates a small element of nature that appears in a location it doesn’t belong.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 8

“The time to act is now. This is not the voice of treason. These are your sons, your daughters, whose loyalties have never wavered, whose belief in this alliance has forced us to take extraordinary means. For justice, for peace, for the future . . . we have come home!” – John Sheridan announcing his intent to arrest President Clark, who on this date in Babylon 5’s 2260 declares martial law...

SciFi/Fantasy – April 7

“The best way to live is by not knowing what will happen to you at the end of the day.” – Donald Barthelme, born this date in 1931. Writing prompt: Write a complete short story in which your protagonist experiences an inexplicably absurd, life-changing event.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 6

“There’s some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” – Samwise Gamgee, born this date. Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist starts an unwinnable fight just because it’s the right thing to do.

SciFi/Fantasy – April 5

“It is obvious to the most simpleminded that Lokai is of an inferior breed.” -Frank Gorshin, born this date in 1933, as Commissioner Bele in the Star Trek episode “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” Writing prompt: Write a scene in which your protagonist is challenged by someone who believes your protagonist is inferior for cosmetic reasons.