Today is the birthday of: Kate Greenaway, James Morrow, Michael Kelly

Tip: Is your villain morally corrupt and not just a brat? Those with bad morals are more interesting and have more to lose or gain. Brats are like flies—irritating, but not deadly. Be sure to give your bad guy some good features as well. Don’t make them flat and boring.

Thought: There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. ― W. Somerset Maugham

Teaser: You just bought an old desk. While cleaning it, you find a faded photograph of a soldier from WWI. There is a name written on the back. Searching further, you find a letter to go with the picture. It was never sent. Why? Do you search for the family? What does the letter say?