Birthdays: Djuna Barnes (1892), Anne Frank (1929-1945), Rona Jaffe (1932-2005), Helen Lester (1936), Johanna Spyri (1827-1901), Tess Gerritsen (1953)

Tip: Go to writer’s conferences when you can. The classes and networking can be a great boost to your career. When you’re there, don’t just sit in corner waiting for others to come to you. It may not be easy, but get out there and meet others.

Thought for the day: “I can shake off everything if I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn. But, and that is the great question, will I ever be able to write anything great? Will I ever become a journalist or a writer? I hope so, oh, I hope so very much, for I can recapture everything when I write, my thoughts, my ideals, and my fantasies.” – Anne Frank

Jumpstart: On June 12, 1969, Niagara Falls stopped. It was an engineering feat never before seen, but what if it had been done by magic? Your character is a mage who must stop the water–but he’s a bit inept. What happens?