Birthdays: John Dryden (1631), Philip Larkin (1922), Daniel Keyes (1927), Jonathan Kellerman (1949), Seymour Simon (1931), Pamela Travers (1899)

Tip: Put the book you’ve just finished writing away for at least a week. Watch movies, read other books, take long walks, relax. Or, better yet, start your next book. Do anything other than look at your manuscript. That way, you can come back to it with a fresh eye.

Thought for the day: “The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.” – Bum Phillips (NFL coach)

Jumpstart: P.L. Travers was born on August 9, 1899. Never heard of her? I’d be willing to bet you’ve heard of Mary Poppins. Travers wrote several books about everybody’s favorite nanny. Imagine you’re a friend of Mary Poppins. Who would you be and what would your quirk be? No fair picking something from the book or movie. How do you know Mary?