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!
by Laurie Ann Thompson This past November, the world shifted. For some, that feels like a good thing—they see things in our world that frighten or disgust them and believe that huge changes a…
Source: Storystorm Day 17: “The Artist’s Gift” by Laurie Ann Thompson
How do current events impact writers for children? Some things to consider.
by Brenda Reeves Sturgis As writers, we must ALL strike while the iron is hot. Every writer tries to get into the castle (the publishing houses) over the drawbridge. The drawbridge however is crowd…
Source: Storystorm Day 16: “Social Media Inspires Social Awareness” by Brenda Reeves Sturgis
This picture book about homelessness comes out on January 31st. I think it will be a great resource! This blog post is written for writers, but the background story of how Still a Family came to be is fascinating!
by Jason Kirschner If you can stick with this post all the way to the end, you’ll find my little bio where it is clearly states that “author/illustrator” is not my day job. Most d…
Source: Storystorm Day 15: “The Day-Job Rule” by Jason
One day to complete a picture book? At least you would have a rough draft, right? Thanks, Jason.
by Marcie Colleen When Tara asked me to blog for Storystorm I knew right away that there were two points I wanted to make. Ideas can come from the most random and wackiest places. A good idea is in…
Source: Storystorm Day 14: “Guard Your Ideas Like Gold” by Marcie Colleen
Great ideas are like gold! Keep them safe!
by Colby Sharp One of my favorite things to do with my students is a Mock Caldecott unit. Each year, my friend Mr. Schu and I select 20 books for the study. Mr. Schu posts the list on his blog with…
Source: Storystorm Day 13: “The Mock Caldecott Awards” by Colby Sharp
Teachers! This is a great idea to do with students. Librarians, you could probably adjust and do the same activity. Readers – who wouldn’t want to be in on the decision making for the Mock Caldecott Awards? Pick me, pick me!
by Julie McGann My name is Julie McGann and I am a wish-granting digital artist who captures the imagination of little dreamers worldwide by giving them the dream pet they have always wanted. Child…
Source: Storystorm Day 12: “Dances with Ketchup” by Julie McGann
I love the way Julie creates her imaginative art! Perfect for kids of all ages.
by Chana Stiefel Well, Storystormers. We have made it to January 11 already. While many of us have developed an aversion to the news these days, I encourage you to give your morning newspaper a sec…
Source: Storystorm Day 11: “Rrrrripped from the Headlines” by Chana Stiefel
Interesting story ideas can literally be rrrrippped from the newspaper! How fun is that?
by Nancy Churnin If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me if I was going to quit my job now that my first book has been published, I’d have…a couple of dollars. Which is not enough t…
Source: Storystorm Day 10: “Storystorm While You Work” by Nancy
Story ideas may be found anywhere, we just gotta pay attention and catch them!
Love, Laughter, and Life 