Birthdays: Alan Hollinghurst (1954), Carol O’Connell (1947), Simon Armitage (1963)

Tip: Don’t use the names of real people for a character unless there’s a strong reason to do so. You could open yourself up to a lawsuit.

Thought for the day: “You’re learning to write a book every time you sit down to do it. I know that sounds a little strange, but in every book you’re presented with new possibilities, new environment, different people, new story lines. You’re learning how to do it all over again.” – Carol O’Connell

Jumpstart: You’ve found a magic mirror. It will tell you one truth about the future. What do you ask it?