Finding fresh inspiration for our weekly newsletter isn’t always easy but seeing yet another jury duty summons in my mail made me ponder how real life sparks writing. And no, I am not making it up.
Since my first year out of college, I’ve been summoned nearly annually—one year, even twice! What are the odds? No, really—I want to know! This week’s newsletter (Issue 185) turns that ‘wonderful’ luck into writing fodder, plus editor updates, bookstore news, new releases, and book reviews to bulk up your reading list.
Writing Prompt: The Only Things for Certain Are Death, Taxes… and Jury Duty
Some people breeze through life with luck on their side—finding true love, scoring dream jobs, even cracking the perfect lotto numbers. But others? Well, their luck is a bit… different.
Enter jury duty, that unavoidable civic summons, popping up again and again. What are the chances that one person is randomly selected every year—sometimes even more? Statistical bad luck? Or is fate playing an ironic joke?
For those who have experienced jury duty, the process can feel surreal—being scrutinized in selection, locked in a room, cut off from communication, then ushered into a courtroom to make decisions that may alter someone’s life. Some feel the crushing weight of responsibility, while others just want out.
Your Challenge:
Imagine a world where the only luck some people have is jury duty. What does that do to someone? Do they accept their fate? Try to avoid selection at all costs? Or do they lean into the absurdity?
Or, if you’ve served on a jury, share your own experiences! Was it what you expected? What was the strangest, most intense, or oddly hilarious moment?
Need even more inspiration? Not subscribed yet? Don’t miss out—sign up today for weekly inspiration, plus early access to submission opportunities and events! You can also find more writing prompts in our weekly Where to Submit Roundup.
