Birthdays: Edward Channing (1858), William McFee (1881), Erik Erikson (1902), Wilbert Awdry (1911), Amy Clampitt (1920), Gene Roberts (1932), Brian Jacques (1939), Xaviera Hollander (1943), Elvira Woodruff (1951), Adam Rapp (1968)

Edward Channing won the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for History for is six-volume History of the United States.

Erik Erikson won the Pulitzer and National Book Award for “Gandhi’s Truth”.

Wilbert Awdry is known as the creator of “Thomas the Tank Engine”.

Gene Roberts won the 2007 Pulitzer for “The Race Beat” (with co-author Hank Kibanoff).

Quote: “Look around you. Absorb and remember, use the things you know well and adapt them to your work. Above all, paint the picture with words.” – Brian Jacques

Tip: Be sure to keep an eye on your story timeline. If something happens on Wednesday and three days later, it’s Monday—you have a problem. Also check your timing of actions and time of day.

Jumpstart: Your car has come to life and is taking you on a journey. Where is it taking you and why? Do you sit back and enjoy the ride, or fight against it?