Birthdays: Jonathan Swift (1667), Theodore Mommsen (1817), Mark Twain (1835), Winston Churchill (1847), Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874), John D. Carr (1906), Margot Zemach (1931), Kevin Phillips (1940), David Mamet (1947), David Nicholls (1966), Tayari Jones (1970)

Jonathan Swift is best known for his book “Gulliver’s Travels”

Theodore Mommsen won the 1902 Nobel Prize in Literature as “the greatest living master of the art of historical writing”

Mark Twain is best known for books like “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” as well as multiple short stories.

Winston Churchill won the 1953 Nobel Prize in Literature for books like “The Gathering Storm”

L.M. Montgomery is best known for her “Anne of Green Gables” series.

Margot Zemach won the 1974 Caldecott Medal for “Duffy and the Devil”

David Mamet won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony nomination for “Glengarry Glen Ross”

Quote: (Note: there were so many good ones for today, that I’m giving you multiple quotes from today’s authors).

“Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way.” – Ray Bradbury

“It’s no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make senses.” – Mark Twain.

“The proper words in the proper places are the true definition of style.” – Jonathan Swift

“There is no such thing as talent; you just have to work hard enough.” – David Mamet

“I am simply a ‘book drunkard.’ Books have the same irresistible temptation for me that liquor has for its devotee. I cannot withstand them.” ― L.M. Montgomery

“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” – Winston Churchill

Tip: Think about your readers when writing your climax and ending. What would satisfy them? The climax should be intense, but should leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction.

Jumpstart: The shoes were an impulse buy. Something she never did. But they were the perfect shoes for the perfect dress for the perfect evening. Except…