Birthdays: Jacques Roumain (1907), Kristine Kathryn Rusch (1960), Robert Fulghum 1937), Val McDermid (1955)

Tip: Internal conflict is what a character struggles with on the inside—wanting that piece of cheesecake when you know it’s not good for you. External conflict is what anyone can see—two friends arguing over who has earned the right to eat the cheesecake. We all have both and so should your characters.

Thought for the day: “As one of my creative writing professors once said, there are only seven plots. What makes those plots different is how you handle them, your voice, your style, and your way of thinking. That’s all. People can mimic your style, but they can never achieve your unique point of view.” – Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Jumpstart: You’re going to a Renaissance Faire. Do you go in costume or as a regular person? If in costume, what does it look like and what kind of character are you portraying? Royalty? Or a serving wench or pirate?