Birthdays: Suzanne Collins (1962)

Tip: Plot can take two basic forms, or even a combination of the two. It will usually be either a three-act structure (beginning, middle, end), or, from Joseph Campbell’s writings, be a mythic journey. It can also be a combination of the mythic journey within the three-act structure.

Thought for the day: “Practice does not make you perfect, as nobody is perfect. But it will make you better. If you thought you were perfect, you would no longer practice.” – Adrian Parrish

Jumpstart: You’re going to visit a favorite relative you haven’t seen in years. You’ve kept in touch by phone and letter, but not visually. When you see him/her, you’re shocked by their appearance. Why?