by Kirsten Hess, Bookseller It has been wonderful to read the posts in Storystorm this month, to get a peek into the creative processes that go into the many wonderful books that we carry in our sh…
Source: Storystorm Day 29: “Let’s Play Books!” by Kirsten Hess
I love having books and play partnered together! Perfect match. Need to visit this bookstore!
Storystorm is coming to an end in a few days. I will miss the daily posts by others working in the field of picture books!
Along the way, I’ve learned, brainstormed, taken notes, and jotted down many ideas for future writing projects. Way to go, Tara Lazar and all of the presenters! You can visit Tara’s site and check it out here.
Another unexpected result from Storystorm came this morning. I have now hired a personal assistant. Welcome, Mabel!
by Ruth Spiro Two weeks ago, I posted the following question on the Storystorm Facebook group: I had been brainstorming my own list of ideas to write about, but I think it’s important to do some ma…
Source: Storystorm Day 27: “Ruth Spiro is Asking for it!”
Ruth shares some great writing strategies for turning ideas into picture books. Thanks, Ruth!
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!
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!
Love, Laughter, and Life 