10 days on the JMT

My husband and I just recently decided to try to do about 10 days on the JMT this July. I've just started researching everything and am so overwhelmed by the whole permit thing. We're really late in the game as far as permits go, and have very limited options right now. We would like to spend 7-10 days heading southbound, but we are certainly open to other options going the other direction, especially if we can get a permit. Any advice as far as getting permits, entry points, a nice segment of the trail to focus on since we only have 10 days would be greatly appreciated! We really just want to spend some quality time in the wilderness enjoying the beauty of nature! Thanks in advance!