Birthdays: Jack Kerouac (1922), Edward Albee (1928), Carl Hiaasen (1953), Marguerite De Angeli (1889), Virginia Hamilton (1936), Dave Eggers (1970), Patricia Hampl (1946)

Holidays and Observances: Alfred Hitchcock Day, Nat’l Girl Scout Day, Plant a Flower Day, Nat’l Baked Scallops Day, World Day Against Cyber Censorship, Sun-Earth Day (established by NASA and ESA in 2000)

Tip: You just got “the call” – make a list of questions to ask the agent or editor. Keep them handy for when it does happen.

Thought for the day: “You can do the best research and be making the strongest intellectual argument, but if readers don’t get past the third paragraph you’ve wasted your energy and valuable ink.” – Carl Hiaasen

Jumpstart: Finish this scene: Mama, forgive me… (use snow, game, cell phone, timer)