Birthdays: Alexander Pope (1688), Harold Robbins (1916), Robert Creeley (1926), Maria Semple (1964)

Tip: Use commas between independent clauses (an independent clause can be a sentence all by itself): The committee will meet next Wednesday, and the head will report to the boss on Friday. No commas with dependent clauses: The committee will meet Wednesday and report to the boss on Friday. (“Report to the boss” is not a complete sentence, thus it’s dependent).

Thought for the day: “I keep an elaborate calendar for my characters detailing on which dates everything happens. I’m constantly revising this as I go along. It gives me the freedom to intricately plot my story, knowing it will at least hold up on a timeline.” – Maria Semple

Jumpstart: The ice caps have melted. Welcome to “Water World”. So, what is your life like on a water planet? What does your house look like? Your transportation? Are there underwater cities? How do people get food and get around?