June 30

Birthdays: David McPhail (1940), Adam Roberts, Assia Djebar, Czeslaw Milosz, Dinaw Megestu, Jose Emilio Pacheco, Winston Graham

Tip: In dialogue, try to avoid the “But as you know…” syndrome. If the reader should know it, then you should have had it in before this.

Thought for the day: “You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.” – Colette

Jumpstart: Open any magazine to a picture and write a paragraph about what is happening or what is being advertised. You’re trying to describe this to someone who can’t see it. Be specific.