Today is Birth Mother’s Day (Saturday before Mother’s Day), Frog Jumping Day, International Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May), Leprechaun Day, National Train Day and the birthday of Daphne Du Maurier, Roger Zelazny, Francine Pascal, Rachel Ingalls, Alphonse Daudet, Leighton Gage, Armistead Maupin, Marv Wolfman, Charles Baxter

Tip: What is the conflict in your story? (And yes, there should be some). Figure out what the problem is, make it worse, up the ante, and make it look like things are going to fail before you bring them all out on the other side.

Thought: “In a mood of faith and hope my work goes on. A ream of fresh paper lies on my desk waiting for the next book. I am a writer and I take up my pen to write.” – Pearl Buck

Teaser: Write a short story where all the action happens during a dark and stormy night.