You could use one of the following unusual, little-known holidays to add a touch of something different to your story. If you write mysteries, a crime could be centered around one of these lesser known holidays. Of if you write historical fiction, the origins of one of these unusual holidays could be the focus of your story.

Have you come up with a totally new design for a pistol that you need to patent on Pistol Patent Day? Are you going to attempt to swallow a sword on International Sword Swallowers Day? Or do you want to write a modern-day fairy tale on Tell a Fairy Tale Day?

Pistol Patent Day - On this day in 1836, Samuel Colt received Patent #138 for his invention of the Colt Revolver that had a rotating chamber with six bullets. This is probably the reason that Pistol Patent Day is always celebrated on February 25. If you have a new design for a pistol, you could celebrate by filing for a patent for you your creation on this day. If not, well, you could always do some research and pen an historical fiction novel about the patent for the first pistol.

American Birkebeiner Race - This holiday for exercise and outdoor fitness enthusiasts attracts not only skiers, but also draws runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers. This ski race goes from the woods of northwest Wisconsin and finishes on Main Street in Hayward, Wisconsin.

What if you are a participant in the American Birkebeiner Race this year? What if you are way far ahead of everyone else and you see a murder take place? What would you do? Would you stop and yell for someone to call the police? Would you try and catch the killer yourself? What if the killer spotted you, then began firing his gun at you?

International Sword Swallowers Day - This holiday, of course, was founded by the Sword Swallowers Association International. Each year it is co-sponsored by Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums. How do you celebrate this day? Well, if you happen to be a sword swallower, you swallow as many swords as you can in the most outrageous way possible. If not, you can go to one of Ripleys's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums and watch those who do swallow swords, swallow them. And I would not recommend trying to swallow a sword if you are not a professional. Anyway, a Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and a group of sword swallowers on this holiday would make an intriguing setting for a crime to take place. Why not try your hand at writing one?

Open That Bottle Night - Perhaps you have a bottle of wine hidden away that you have been saving for a special occasion. If so, then this is the night to open it and create some special memories of your own.

My mind always tends to go for crime/thriller settings for stories, but I'm guessing that this would be a great time for a romance story. Maybe you could mix a bit of mystery and intrigue with it.

Carnival Day - Would you like to be entertained by those performing death-defying acts? Would you like to see lions, tigers, and bears? How about some clowns? If os, you can celebrate this day by going to a local carnival. Millions of Americans flock to carnivals each year. Carnivals can be found year-round, no matter what season it is.

A carnival could be the setting for any genre of story: romance, mystery, thriller, fantasy, science fiction. Take your pick, create some memorable characters, put them in an intense spot, and have fun!

National Pistachio Day - What do you know about pistachios? Did you know that pistachios, grown on trees, are native to the Middle East? The major producer of this nut in the United States is California.

Did you know that a pistachio tree takes 7-10 years to mature and produce its first nut? When this nut is ripe, it's hull will automatically split open. No other nut does this.

You should celebrate Pistachio Day be eating pistachios. Or you can write a story about how Pistachio Day came to be celebrated on February 26.

Tell a Fairy Tale Day - Fairy tales are full of mystery, enchantment, bravery, and triumph. The Grimm Brothers used local legends and superstitions to write their tales that have enchanted people, especially children, for hundreds of years.

Whether it is a fairy tale aimed at children or a fairy tale aimed at older people, this is the day to read at least one. Or you could try your hand at writing a fairy tale. Just remember, it must start with “once upon a time”. That seems to be a requirement for all fairy tales.