by Rebecca E. Hirsch Congrats, Storystormers, you are almost done! Tara asked me talk to you about how to get nonfiction ideas. In fiction, anything is possible. But nonfiction shows the world as i…
Source: Storystorm Day 26: “Non-Fiction Truths” by Rebecca E. Hirsch
What are your interests? Mine your hobbies, passions, and experiences for picture book ideas – fiction and nonfiction!
by Jill Esbaum Ever had a story idea pop into your head while reading someone else’s published book? I still remember, back in 2008, stumbling onto Mary Amato’s quirky CHICKEN OF THE FAMILY. I was …
Source: Storystorm Day 25: “Characters Who Won’t Stay in the Drawer” by Jill Esbaum
A tale of a tale which inspired a tale – and many years of revising and/or simmering in the file cabinet. Some stories take a long time to perc. There is hope!
by Debbie Ridpath Ohi I’m assuming that you’re all deep into your brainstorming about story ideas at this point and already have a meaty list after all the inspiring posts you’ve …
Source: Storystorm Day 24: “Bake Your Darlings” by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Simmer those ideas on the back burner or place them in the oven to let them bake a bit. Don’t peek too early – they might just flop!
Back in 2010, Wharton Professor Adam Grant made a financial mistake that he still regrets—failing to invest in billion-dollar eyewear juggernaut Warby Parker when offered a pre-launch opportu…
Source: Storystorm Day 23: Interview with “Originals” Author Adam Grant
Originals? Creativity? Procrastination? Great talk about how generating lots of ideas increases the chances of finding the gems!
by Keith Allen As a kid, I loved building things out of cardboard, whether it was a spaceship for the very first mission to Saturn or a fortified castle to keep out the fire-breathing dragons. That…
Source: Storystorm Day 22: “The Best Ideas Pop Up” by Keith Allen
This is much more sophisticated than the pop-up books I used to make for my son out of lawn mower catalogs and construction paper. Way to go!
by S.britt When Tara initially asked me to be a guest writer for Storystorm, I was flattered. When she then suggested I write about how motorcycles influence my artwork (and vice versa), I was intr…
Source: Storystorm Day 21: “Zen and the Art of Illustrator Maintenance” by S.britt
Today my husband had to fire up the Honda Shadow. It was too cold, icy, and snowy to go for a ride, but he got to dream about future trips this spring when the weather is nice. Nothing like blowing out the cobwebs to allow great ideas to pop up!
Source: On the road with SOPHIE’S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL
I just had to share this post about author visits. If you are planning one soon, read what Pat Zietlow learned during her recent whirlwind book tour! Thank you, Pat!
by Corey Rosen Schwartz Most of my picture book ideas have come from my own children. Unfortunately, they are getting older so I am a little short on material lately. I can no longer rely on them t…
Source: Storystorm Day 20: “Titlestorming” by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Great post! Finally, I see what type of writer I am!
by Ross MacDonald Over the years I’ve been approached by illustration and design students who share an internal struggle: that they have other interests—cosplay, metalwork, bookbinding, writi…
Source: Storystorm Day 19: “Many Layers, One Cake” by Ross MacDonald
I appreciated this post about doing things we love. Enjoying other activities besides just writing allows the creative juices to percolate on the back burner. Plus, our brains get refreshment! Thanks, Ross!
by Veronica Bartles When Tara asked me to write a blog post for Storystorm about Inspiration, I knew this would be my Finest Achievement Ever. I’m so excited to share with you my brilliant, awe-ins…
Source: Storystorm Day 18: “Bake it Up, Shake it Up” by Veronica Bartles
Mentor texts? Fractured fairy tales? I want to do one of these! Love it!
Love, Laughter, and Life 