Birthdays: Ian Fleming (1908), Walker Percy (1916), May Swenson (1919), Maeve Binchy (1940), Meg Wolitzer (1959), Muriel Barbery (1969), Patrick White (1912)

Tip: Trust the process. You can do this—as long as you persevere. Set a schedule—whatever works for you—and stick to it.

Thought for the day: “Always write as if you are talking to someone. It works. Don’t put on any fancy phrases or accents or things you wouldn’t say in real life.” – Maeve Binchy

Jumpstart: The clock is striking midnight. You are the keeper of all fairy tale trinkets. So… do you give the prince the glass slipper, or do you confiscate it for your collection?