Birthdays: Robert P. Tristram Coffin (1892), John Updike (1932), Douglas Florian (1950), George Plimpton (1927), Richard Condon (1915), Stephane Mallarme (1842), Wilfred Owen (1893)

Holidays and Observances: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Awkward Moments Day, Nat’l Biodiesel Day, Supreme Sacrifice Day, Companies that Care Day, Forgive Mom and Dad Day, Nat’l Farm Rescuer Day, Nat’l Oatmeal Cookie Day, Nat’l Sloppy Joe Day, Oranges and Lemons Day, Transit Driver Appreciation Day

Tip: Many writers are members of groups for support and inspiration. Are you? Look around and see what’s available in your area, or online. Take classes. Bone up on the basics or go to deeper depths. Expand your mind.

Thought for the day: “I think the most important part of storytelling is tension. It’s the constant tension of suspense that in a sense mirrors life, because nobody knows what’s going to happen three hours from now.” – Richard Condon

Jumpstart: Write a scene about something you’re doing—perhaps a walk you take. Write it both from your perspective as an adult, then from a child’s perspective.