Birthdays: Gabriel Fielding (1916), Paul Scott (1920), Flannery O’Connor (1925), Gloria Steinem (1934), Toni Cade Bambara (1939), Stephen Hunter (1946), Susie Bright (1958), Linda Sue Park (1960), Kate DeCamillo (1964),

Stephen Hunter won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for his film reviews.

Linda Park won the 2002 Newbery Medal for “A Single Shard”

Kate DiCamillo’s books “Because of Winn Dixie” and “The Tale of Despereaux” were made into feature films.

Quote: “The mere habit of writing, of constantly keeping at it, of never giving up, ultimately teaches you how to write.” – Gabriel Fielding

Tip: Most people have endless “to do” lists. Look yours over. Can you put some fun things in there to break up the tedium?

Jumpstart: Create an alter-ego. What is his/her name? Sex? Physical attributes? Be specific and detailed. How would you use this person? As a pen name?