A year of writing prompts: February 29 (leap years only)

How to use these prompts

Who is this?
What is she celebrating?
Where is she?

Prompts

1. Today's the day when a woman can traditionally propose marriage to a man. He can refuse but must buy her a new dress or a pair of gloves to soften the blow if he does. Write a story about a woman who proposes to a man on this day. Does he accept? If not, does he pay the penalty? If not, what does the woman do about it?
2. A plot twist in Pirates of Penzance involves apprentice Pirate Frederick being much younger on paper than in actuality because he was born on February 29. Write about a person born on February 29 who uses the fact they only have a birthday every four years to assert that they are a quarter of the age they appear to be, or who is thwarted by someone else doing so.
3. A group of men go off on a men only break on February 29 to avoid any potential proposals from their girlfriends.
4. Write about someone who leaps into action.
5. Write about something (apart from birthdays or marriage proposals) that only happens every four years on February 29.

Character Names

Roman, Ludoslaw, Radomir

Character Traits

• Will have felt different from others and found it necessary to compromise.
• Individualistic and original.
• Good at detailed and creative work, like sewing.
• At times, are too critical of others.
• Work well with children.
• Interested in nutrition.
• They are ambitious and have ability but nevertheless may struggle to reach the top of their field. This may be because they are distracted by things outside the workplace, such as love affairs; or their career is cut short for some reason.
• If they do get to the top, there is a danger of reversal of fortune.
• Danger of health conditions related to ambition.
• Business, theatre, astronomy, astrology and image building are possible lines of work.
• Good at art or writing.
• Deny their own uniqueness in order to blend in.
• May be excessively devoted to one person or cause.
• Indecisive and anxious.
• Have a fear of failure.
• Can be arrogant.

Possible Themes

Fear of the future/responsibility.

Initiations and inductions.

Being judged and proving yourself.

Objects

Two cones; a wristwatch; a rejected manuscript; a lady's photograph; a ring of flames.