Today is Lover’s Day, National Zucchini Bread Day, Take a Chance Day, World Laboratory Day, and the birthday of Edwin Markham, JP Donleavy, Victoria Glendinning, Halldor Laxness, William Shakespeare

Tip: Most readers identify with the first character they encounter. Make sure this is your main character.

Thought: “Rejections slips are living proof that I sent my work forth, that I am being read, that I am casting my lot. They help define me to my writing self.” – Shelly Lowenkopf

Teaser: After a long and eventful life, your character is dying. What does s/he leave behind? What advice does s/he have for others? Why? What does s/he most regret? What is s/he most proud of?

Recipe for Zucchini Bread:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups white sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.