Today is the birthday of Gustavo Becquer (Spanish poet), Andrew Paterson (Australian journalist, poet), Dorothy Fisher (novelist), Margaret Truman (mysteries), Chaim Potok (novelist), Ruth Rendell (British mystery writer)

Tip: Do not add new characters or plot lines in the last third of your book. If they weren’t there in the beginning or middle, they shouldn’t be there in the end.

Thought: “I have rewritten – often several times – every word I have ever published. My pencils outlast their erasers.” – Vladimir Nabokov

Teaser: You’re inside an elevator and the doors won’t open. What’s worse, you’re claustrophobic. What do you do? Is there anyone with you?