.
Your PiBoIdMo caption challenge: Any suggestions for what the children’s book writer on the right should say? Post your caption suggestion in the comments section—I’ll pick one. The winner gets a signed copy of I’M BORED with a hand-drawn doodle inside. If you already have a copy of the book (yay, thank you!), I will inscribe the book to anyone you’d like and send it to them. Even if you DON’T win, all commenters will be entered in a random drawing for a hand-drawn doodle.
Sadly, the comic was inspired by a real-life comment by someone who didn’t appreciate how difficult it is to write a good picture book. Has anyone else encountered this sort of attitude?
But to the topic at hand: PICTURE BOOK IDEAS. Kudos to Tara Lazar for PiBoIdMo. I’m currently writing and illustrating a picture book for Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers which came about because of last year’s PiBoIdMo and NaPiBoWriWee (Paula Yoo’s National Picture Book Writing Week). (Tara’s Note: Another PiBoIdMo success story! Sadly I have lost count of how many deals y’all have made!)
My process for coming up with picture book ideas:
- Brainstorm. I keep a paper book idea notebook, a Scrivener idea notebook and I also jot down quick ideas in Simplenote via iPhone or iPad if I don’t have time to do anything else.
- After I’ve collected a bunch of ideas (after PiBoIdMo, for example), I’ll go through the most lame ideas and cross them off.
- I’ll examine the remaining list of ideas and realize that pretty much every single idea has already been used in some published picture book.
- Massive insecurity sets in. I wonder if there’s any point to trying to write a picture book if all the good stories have already been taken. Or what if I write a story I think is original but then it turns out that it’s already been written?
- More angsting. Self-deprecation. Chocolate.
- Take a deep breath, stop obsessing about failings and focus again on pure brainstorming. I set aside some regular time when I sit and focus completely on coming up with words, phrases, paragraphs, scenes, titles, situations, characters. I try to focus on elements that appeal to ME, not the market.
- Then I go through the list and start matching up elements, purposely trying for unusual combinations. Inevitably some of these combos will spark a longer picture book idea.
- When I’ve come up with this second list of ideas, I fight the urge to get angsty when I find that some of the plot ideas are already out there. Instead, I try add my own unique twist instead, perhaps in voice, character, setting or ending.
Good luck with those ideas, and I look forward to seeing your caption suggestions! (Please keep suggestions family-friendly.)
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the illustrator of I’M BORED, a new picture book written by Michael Ian Black and published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. Her current and upcoming projects include two books for S&S (one of which she is also writing) and illustrating the new RUBY ROSE series by Rob Sanders (HarperCollins). Visit her at DebbieOhi.com and follow along on Twitter @inkyelbows.
281 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 21, 2012 at 8:27 am
laurasalas
Caption: “Hey, I plan to learn Latin tomorrow while the kids nap. Let’s collaborate on a Latin picture book. We’ll self-publish and make millions!”
November 21, 2012 at 3:57 pm
lisajaynemurray
love it!
November 22, 2012 at 8:41 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Ha…”I plan to learn Latin tomorrow” 🙂
November 22, 2012 at 6:17 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
I’m actually on my second year of Latin! Love the caption!
November 21, 2012 at 8:29 am
Gina Perry
Great post, Debbie!
“That’s fabulous, darling! I know an illustrator who’d love to work with you… just for the exposure.”
November 21, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Mary Uhles
ha haha haaa ha love it;)
November 21, 2012 at 8:29 am
mattforrest
Nice to see angst, self-deprecation, and chocolate are an important part of someone else’s regigmen, too! Whew, at least I’m not alone. Good post, Debbie.
Here’s my caption: “Great idea! Your post-modern minimalist abstract expressionist illustrations are sure to be a big hit with the kiddies!”
November 22, 2012 at 8:42 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 8:35 am
Patricia J. Murphy
Caption comment: “Good for you! I was thinking of dabbling in surgery myself…thought I’d start with the brain…”
November 21, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Angie Breault
Funny !
November 22, 2012 at 8:43 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Good one. 😀
November 21, 2012 at 8:42 am
Beth Gallagher
Great inspiration! Thanks for a wonderful post. 😀
Caption: “That’s wonderful! I’m thinking of going into medicine. I’ll start with neurosurgery.”
November 22, 2012 at 8:43 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
So glad you liked the post, Beth! and 😀
November 21, 2012 at 8:43 am
Gail Kamer
It’s a picture book so her thoughts are in pictures: just show a large nut
November 21, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Oh, nice!!!
November 21, 2012 at 8:45 am
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
Caption: ‘That would be a great gift for my nephew. How soon will it be published?’
Great post and Debbie you should sell your 4 stages of writing drawings!
November 22, 2012 at 8:44 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Kim. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 8:53 am
Laura Thieman
“Fantastic! Let’s start with pouring out our wine, filling up with apple juice and heading to the park!”
November 21, 2012 at 8:53 am
Pat
“It’s almost as easy as having a baby because you like teens.” Thanks for the fellow angsting–its a comfort!
November 22, 2012 at 8:45 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Pat. Glad you enjoyed the post!
November 21, 2012 at 8:56 am
Woods
I haven’t officially “signed-up” for PiBoIdMo (though I am following along!) but I couldn’t resist writing a caption of what the other writer would potentially say:
“Actually, I think it’d be easier for you to write a SFD 200,000-word fantasy novel first before you write a 200-word picture book.”
November 22, 2012 at 8:45 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Ok, I have to ask…what’s “SFD” mean?
November 22, 2012 at 8:51 am
Woods
SFD. . . it stands for S****y First Draft. 😉 Most of the time writers refer to it as CFD (Crappy First Draft) instead.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 9:04 am
Sue Poduska
Congratulations! 18 words. You’re halfway there already. Is it about a man who has no idea what he’s talking about?
At least, this is what I WANT to say. Good post, Debbie.
November 21, 2012 at 11:16 am
viviankirkfield
Hi Sue…we haven’t ‘met’…but I had to comment on your caption idea…you are brilliant…I love this. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Sue Poduska
Aww. Thanks.
November 22, 2012 at 8:45 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Hee hee, love this. 😀
November 21, 2012 at 9:06 am
Laura Sassi
Caption: Hmmm… and didn’t I hear you just wrote your first poetry book last week?
November 21, 2012 at 9:12 am
Robyn Campbell
Love this Debbie! I would say: “Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Bet it’ll take you two weeks and another two weeks for the publisher to get them illustrated and printed up. Bless your heart!” *snort*
November 22, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Romelle Broas
Love your caption, Robin!
November 21, 2012 at 9:12 am
Talynn Lynn
Caption: Really? And I think I’ll join the Marines. That looks easy, too.
November 21, 2012 at 9:24 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
“Good idea, give that big brain of yours a break.”
November 21, 2012 at 8:41 pm
mikelaprevost
This one gets my vote. If it were up to me.
November 21, 2012 at 9:24 am
Donna
My suggestion for the caption: “Be sure and give plenty of illustration notes. PUblishers love that. Really.”
November 21, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Christie Wright Wild
So sneaky you are. And funny.
November 21, 2012 at 9:25 am
julietclarebell
“Lovely. Call it a gift, I just knew we’d have loads in common. Maybe I could critique it for you at no cost when you’re done?”
Thanks for the post. I love your cartoons.
November 21, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Wouldn’t you though, want to really see it? I’d love to critique it too. With an attitude like his, I bet his 10th draft is still terrible! (Did I say that out loud?)
November 22, 2012 at 8:47 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 22, 2012 at 8:47 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks for the kind words about my cartoons, Juliet! 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 9:28 am
Jarm Del Boccio
“Yeah, me too. But I’ll sharpen my writing skills with a non-fiction book, “400 years of Russian History as Seen Through the Eyes of the Common People.” No big deal…should take me a couple of months.”
November 21, 2012 at 9:28 am
lindamartinandersen
Debbie,
Thanks for sharing the tips that help you to go from idea to picture book.
November 22, 2012 at 8:48 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Linda. So glad you enjoyed my tips. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 9:30 am
lindamartinandersen
Be sure to make it rhyme. Publishers LOVE new rhyming authors. (comment for cartoon)
November 21, 2012 at 9:31 am
C. C. Gevry
“I’m taking up juggling swords tomorrow.”
November 21, 2012 at 9:34 am
loriannlevyholm
Splendid Jeeves! I’ve been wanting to get into shape, so tomorrow I am going to slather myself with duck fat and swim the English Channel!
November 21, 2012 at 9:35 am
wendy greenley
Caption: “Since that’s your fourth martini in ten minutes, I’ll forgive you. You know not what you say.”
It’s either that, or just pouring the second character’s drink on his head1
Thanks for the mix of wisdom and chuckles this morning,
November 22, 2012 at 8:49 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Wendy. Glad you enjoyed my post. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 9:35 am
Danny Kyzer
…and what do you have in that glass? I’d like some of THAT!!
November 21, 2012 at 9:36 am
Adrienne May
That cartoon is the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I’ll be grinning all day!
November 22, 2012 at 8:49 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Adrienne. 😀 Glad you enjoyed it.
November 21, 2012 at 9:42 am
Michelle Levin
“And I’m taking up painting. I’ll start with the Sistine Chapel, it’s overdue for a repaint, dontcha think?”
November 22, 2012 at 8:49 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 9:43 am
erin o'brien
Caption: Well, good luck to you! I just finished reworking a lovely children’s tale about expectations vs. reality.
November 21, 2012 at 9:44 am
Kelly Parker
Ha! This is so funny. Also love the idea of making separate lists and then matching them up later, could make for some interesting ideas. Thank you so much!
Caption: What was your name again? Aleck?
November 22, 2012 at 8:50 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Kelly. So glad you enjoyed the post!
November 21, 2012 at 9:45 am
maria johnson
Easy as cooking up a six course Thanksgiving feast.
November 21, 2012 at 9:47 am
sharann
Caption: “Good luck. I’m sure plenty of children would love a story about a barista polar bear trying to open a hipster coffee bar at the South Pole.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:18 am
S.H. Sherlock
ha!
November 21, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Lori Alexander
That’s great!
November 22, 2012 at 8:51 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Ha. Ok, now I can’t get the image of a barista polar bear out of my head. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 9:49 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Caption: “Really? I didn’t think you had the time to dedicate your life to researching how to write a short, charming story with beautiful language.”
Love this post! Great idea. Thanks for sharing your picture book idea process Debbie.
November 22, 2012 at 8:51 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Kathy. So glad you enjoyed my post!
November 21, 2012 at 9:49 am
Margo Sorenson (@ipapaverison)
Love your cartoon, Debbie! Here’s my caption: “Absolutely! Doing anything for little kids is easy! That’s why I’m so glad my doctor was a pediatrician first before she decided to practice adult medicine.”
November 21, 2012 at 4:01 pm
julie rowan zoch
Good one Margo!
November 22, 2012 at 8:51 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
LOL! And thanks for the kind words about my cartoon, Margo.
November 21, 2012 at 9:53 am
aneducationinbooks
“Why don’t we down a few more glasses of wine, and then we can write it together? We’d probably get it done tonight! Do you know how many picture books got their start at soirées?”
November 22, 2012 at 8:52 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 10:03 am
Elaine Kiely Kearns
Caption: You should, I hear the money is incredible…
Thanks for the post, Debbie!
November 22, 2012 at 8:52 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Ha, nice one. And you’re welcome, Elaine. 🙂
November 25, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Catherine Johnson
That’s super! Great post, Debbie!
November 21, 2012 at 10:07 am
Catherine Bailey
What a fun post – “I think I’m going to be a cage fighter. Thought I’d start with something easy. Like a guy in a turtleneck.”
November 21, 2012 at 4:02 pm
julie rowan zoch
This one really made me laugh, Cath!
November 22, 2012 at 8:53 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
December 7, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Hi Catherine – Could you please contact me? Thanks so much: http://scr.im/debbieohi
November 21, 2012 at 10:09 am
Laura Renauld
Caption: “You just gave me a great idea for my next picture book: ROCKET SCIENCE!”
November 21, 2012 at 10:10 am
Deb A. Marshall
Caption: “I agree. I wrote mine yesterday and getting that author who is here, Debbie Ohio or something, to give it to her publisher for me.”
November 22, 2012 at 8:53 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Heh. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 10:19 am
Joyce Grant
“Oh, I’m way past you, then! In my spare time, I’m writing ‘the next Harry Potter’!”
November 21, 2012 at 10:21 am
101happyhours
“Funny, I thought I would create world peace. I am going to start with the Middle East.”
Great post. Thank you for the humorous encouragement.
November 22, 2012 at 8:54 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome. So glad you enjoyed the post!
November 21, 2012 at 10:22 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Caption: “Awesome! Let me go get you a bit more wine to celebrate, on second thought maybe I’ll get you an entire cellar full.”
November 21, 2012 at 10:24 am
Jill Proctor
Caption: “Just don’t let the stuffing between your ears get in the way.” Thanks for your post!
November 22, 2012 at 8:55 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Jill! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 10:27 am
Wafa
I’m Bored is my favorite new picture book of the year!!!!! It is so brilliantly funny and yet you finish it and think that story was so simple, and yet you know it was more complext to write. So psyched to see the illustrator on here, totally have the author on my wishlist to see blogging on this challenge next year maybe???
November 22, 2012 at 8:56 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Wafa, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the kind words about I’m Bored – I really appreciate it. 🙂 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 10:29 am
Buffy Silverman
“Great! I’ve been thinking of trying my hand at plastic surgery. I thought I’d start with something easy like your pointy nose and chin…”
November 21, 2012 at 10:31 am
Shevi Arnold
“Reading or writing?”
November 21, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Linda Graden
I love that!
November 22, 2012 at 8:56 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 10:32 am
Alexa
Caption: “And I’m going to try my hand at a biography. It’s called, “That Smug Bastard I Killed at a Cocktail Party.”
Too harsh? Sorry, I’m nursing some rejection letter wounds today…
November 22, 2012 at 8:57 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Sorry to hear about the rejection letters, Alexa.
November 21, 2012 at 10:33 am
Patricia J. Holloway
Caption: “Oh, yeah! You do realize the pictures always tell an enchanting story?”
November 21, 2012 at 10:34 am
Sheri Dillard
Caption: “Hmm, you do seem to have a way with fiction…”
November 21, 2012 at 11:07 am
lauraboffa
Simple and clever – I like it!
November 21, 2012 at 10:52 am
Kirsten Larson
Caption: “500 words or less. Just throw in a talking potato and call it done. You could whip that out in an hour.”
November 21, 2012 at 10:54 am
daniela weil
caption: Oh I know! I’m thinking of taking up mountain climbing myself…start with a shorty…maybe El Capitan!
November 21, 2012 at 11:00 am
cocoanqueso
How about, “Great! You do have a big imagination. I mean, you must if you think writing picture books is easy.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:01 am
laurieajacobs
“I can see you leapfrogging right past the Newbury to the Noble Prize in Literature!”
November 21, 2012 at 11:04 am
lauraboffa
“Not that you need any advice, but make sure to tell the editors that you are ‘the next Dr. Seuss.'”
Thanks for the great post and the suggestions for fighting that angsty voice!
November 22, 2012 at 8:58 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Laura. So glad you enjoyed my guest post. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 11:08 am
Jennifer Hawes
Caption: (Crickets, crickets… and then she walks away)
No words are needed;-) Thanks for the post-great inspiration!
November 22, 2012 at 8:58 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Jennifer. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 11:10 am
Ashley Bankhead
Caption suggestion: “Really? Well I think I’m going to be a millionaire. Thought I’d start with something easy like owning a successful business.”
Thanks for the post.
November 22, 2012 at 8:59 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Ashley. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 11:17 am
SevenAcreSky
Caption: “I’d be glad to give you a hand–I should be finished solving the middle east crisis by noon on Saturday.”
Thanks for the post! – Damon Dean
November 21, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Linda Graden
That’s great!!!!
November 22, 2012 at 8:59 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀 Nice.
November 21, 2012 at 11:20 am
Carolyn
“Excuse me, I have a plane to catch. I am flying to the Mid East to solve all their problems but I’ll be back tomorrow. You should have that book written by then.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:20 am
viviankirkfield
Thank you, Debbie, for adding another golden nugget to my PiBoIdMo treasure chest! Because of this challenge, I’ve started an idea notebook (yes, I know, what was I doing before? Jotting down ideas on scraps of paper…most of which got lost or thrown away over the years!)
My caption for the cartoon:
“The only ‘easy’ thing about picture books is reading them…writing them is a whole other ‘story’.”
November 22, 2012 at 9:00 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks for the kind words, Vivan. So glad you enjoyed my post. And yay for idea notebooks!
November 22, 2012 at 12:39 pm
viviankirkfield
Yes, my PiBoIdMo notebook is filling up…and I’ve set aside a shelf for my ‘idea’ notebooks!
November 21, 2012 at 11:30 am
Kerri Kokias
Caption: “I’m bored.” And in the next frame she just turns and walks away.
November 21, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Lori Alexander
Ha! Love it.
November 21, 2012 at 4:07 pm
julie rowan zoch
me too!
November 22, 2012 at 9:00 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 11:33 am
Judy Cox
Caption: “Great idea! I thought I’d swim the English Channel, myself.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:34 am
Laura Anne Miller
I’ve been laughing so hard at everyone’s comments I can’t see straight! Thanks for the grin. Debbie, your angst is appreciated – it’s reassuring to see professionals still suffer with it. and your suggestions are wonderful. my caption was actually my gut reaction…
Caption: [thought bubble] Should I slap him now or let reality do it for me?
November 21, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Linda Graden
Perfect!!!
November 21, 2012 at 11:41 am
Caroline Starr Rose
Caption: Keeping smiling and say nothing. If he’s serious, he’ll figure out how ridiculous his words were on his own!
November 21, 2012 at 11:42 am
Sally
I love your cartoon style and your humor. I appreciate your pb idea process–especially #5–chocolate helps just about everything!
Caption:”Wow! You must be a celebrity. Can I have your autograph?”
November 22, 2012 at 9:01 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Chocolate does help just about everything. And thanks for the kind words about my humorous doodles. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 11:42 am
Anne Bromley
Caption: “So, maybe you’d like to try writing Gone With the Wind in haiku?”
Thank you for sharing the yin-yang of exhilaration and angst. That is, indeed, the writing life.
November 22, 2012 at 9:01 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Anne. And Gone With The Wind in haiku is a scary idea! 😀 😀
November 21, 2012 at 11:47 am
jhhcanada
“That’s awesome! I’m writing the next Harry Potter on my lunch breaks.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:55 am
Jane Clarke
“Fabulous! Let me introduce you to my Editor, Enya Dreams.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:59 am
B.J. Lee
Caption: “Good luck with that! And who will you be studying with?”
November 21, 2012 at 12:08 pm
White Wolf Studio
“Yes, how hard can it be to write 500 words that appeals to kids, adults, book sellers, book editors, book marketing committees, book agents and the Great Creator. Good Luck with that easy task, let me know when I can pre-order.”
Great post!!
November 21, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Anjali Amit
Caption: Great idea. The best chef make the smallest servings.
Anjali
November 21, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Diana Murray
“I know what you mean. People always ask me why I’m only a brain surgeon. ‘One organ at a time,’ I tell them.”
—
I love your post! And these comments are cracking me up! 😀
Yes, I’ve had some similar experiences. I just nod and smile.
November 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Diana Murray
I was just thinking, I hope no brain surgeons are offended that I compared brain surgery to writing a picture book. Also, I wonder what brain surgeons joke about?
November 22, 2012 at 9:03 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀 😀
November 22, 2012 at 9:03 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I’m getting such a kick out of reading all these comments too, Diana! and HA, I love your brain surgeon caption. 😀
November 21, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Larissa
“Great! I’ll let Mo Willems know that competition is right around the corner.”
November 21, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Jacqueline Adams
“Yes, the shortest endeavors are always the easiest. That’s why I decided to put the marathon on hold and just challenge Usain Bolt to the 100-meter instead. Should be a breeze.”
November 21, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Christie Wright Wild
I was trying to think of a running analogy! You really hit the nail on the head, here. Thanks for making my day. Love it!
November 21, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Mary Uhles
omg this is hilarious
November 22, 2012 at 9:04 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Caption: “Oh Harold, I’m delighted to hear that you’ve decided what to do with your inheritance!”
November 21, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Edna Cabcabin Moran
My caption: “Yeah it’s so EASY that right now I’m writing a picture book with a pen between my toes, on a notepad inside my boot!”
Hi Debbie, Howzit? I enjoyed your good fun interview! Congrats on your upcoming PB with S&S~so cool that your idea sprang from PiBoIdMo :D! Thanks, Tara!
November 21, 2012 at 6:02 pm
Angie Breault
This is funny 🙂
November 22, 2012 at 9:05 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Great to hear from you, Edna, and thanks so much. And I’m with you — yay for Tara and PiBoIdMo!!
November 21, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Lori Alexander
Great post, Debbie! Caption: “Illustrating is even easier than writing, so you should do the pictures, too.”
November 21, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Oh, that’s funny! Love it!
November 21, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Mary Uhles
bwaa ha ha hah haha !!
November 21, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Linda Graden
Noooo! This is the best one!!!
November 22, 2012 at 9:05 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀 😀
November 22, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Romelle Broas
Oh, that’s good, Lori!
November 21, 2012 at 1:50 pm
renajtraxel
There are a lot of funny answers on here! Debbi, I’m Bored is such a great book. The trailer had me shaking with laughter. Anyways for my caption – “Haha. But seriously have you come up with a pen name yet? It’s never to early to protect yourself from stalkers.”
November 21, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Linda Graden
Hahahahahahahahaha! That’s hysterical!
November 22, 2012 at 9:06 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks so much for the kind words about I’M BORED — I really appreciate that. And thanks also for your caption suggestion, which made me laugh out loud. 😀
November 21, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Deb Lund
Oh, gosh. I just read your post and went through all those steps about the post I wrote for next week! ; ) Everything here… ditto, ditto, ditto. What a delight! Your energy, insights, and enthusiasm are always a joy!
Love the caption challenge! How about: Great idea! You might want to warm up by condensing WAR AND PEACE into 32 pages.
November 22, 2012 at 9:07 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Aw, thanks so much, Deb. 🙂 And good luck with your own post – I look forward to reading it.
November 21, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Christie Wright Wild
Caption: Really?! If you want “easy” I’d suggest starting with a SENTENCE.
Thanks for the giveaway. I always love your posts. Congrats on the book!
November 22, 2012 at 9:08 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome and thank you, Christie! 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 2:06 pm
susan crites
fun post – thank you, debbie! my caption: “you’re right. piece of cake and besides, it’s an easy market to get into.” (with a roll of the eyes)
November 22, 2012 at 9:09 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Susan. And I especially love the “easy market to get into” bit. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Deb B.
“What a great idea. Oh, you know what? This is so perfect. Since you’ll be looking for inspiration for your books, you can watch my seven children when I go to Hawaii next week. It’s all settled then! I’m so excited!”
Thanks for the post Debbie – awesome as they all have been.
November 22, 2012 at 9:10 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
🙂 And so glad you enjoyed my post, Deb.
November 21, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Brilliant post, Debbi! Love your suggestions, illustrations, and chocolate!
Caption: “Easy, you say? Shh! Unless, of course, you’re prepared to offer classes.
November 22, 2012 at 9:10 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks for the kind words about my post, Sheila. And yay for chocolate, eh? 😀
November 21, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Dawnyelle
Or perhaps rewriting Shakespeare would be easier.
Rise up children’s book writers and illustrators!
November 21, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Donna Gwinnell Weidner
“Good for you! I’ve never visited anyone in a sanatorium before. What’s your favorite cake?”
And thanks for the wonderful post Debbie!
November 22, 2012 at 9:11 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Donna! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Marcie Cooper
“Too bad you missed signing up for Picture Book Idea Month.”
November 21, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Lilly Fluger
Caption” And then maybe climb Mt. Everest naked while hopping?”
November 21, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Boo Stad
C’mom Lilly, there has to be a PB story in that comment…maybe leave the naked bit out.
November 22, 2012 at 9:11 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Yes, imagine the frostbite!! 😉
November 21, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Caption: “That’s awesome. Then we ptich it for a reality series.”
Thanks for the post!
November 22, 2012 at 9:12 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Debbie. Glad you enjoyed the post!
November 21, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Julie M. Evans
Great thinking! Just visualize getting published and it will happen! Just visualize winning the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, and it will happen! Just visualize anything, and it will happen.
November 21, 2012 at 2:54 pm
evelynchristensen
Enjoyed your post, Debbie. Plus all the delightful cartoon captions from the commenters. Here’s my contribution: “Great idea! And since a picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words and little kids’ books aren’t supposed to have many words, you could just let your illustrator do the whole thing and put your name on it for fun.”
November 22, 2012 at 9:12 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, and glad that you enjoyed my post, Evelyn! 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 3:07 pm
mvwriter888eb
“That’s fascinating. I think I’m going to change careers. I think I’ll start with something easy, like running for President.”
November 21, 2012 at 3:08 pm
mvwriter888
“Fascinating. I think I’m going to change careers. Thought I’d start with running for President.”
November 21, 2012 at 3:23 pm
LeslieG
“Great idea! How about calling it DON’T LET THE WINO DRIVE THE BUS”?
November 21, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Mary Uhles
awesome, love it;)
November 22, 2012 at 9:13 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
LOL 😀
November 21, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Pete
Caption: “Really?! I can already ‘picture’ how that will go for you.”
Insert picture of the man at desk crying and pulling out his hair with piles of crumpled up paper all around.
November 21, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Nancy Gow
These are too funny! Here’s mine:
“Waiter, I’ll have whatever he’s drinking.”
November 21, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Stephanie Shaw
“And I thought ‘Delusional’ was just a clever name for these drinks!”
Thanks, Debbie! A very fun post. And Happy Thanksgiving, all!
November 22, 2012 at 9:13 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Stephanie. Happy Thanksgiving!!
November 21, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Kate Warren
Caption: “You know I’d love to help you with that, but what with that World Peace Summit, solving the international energy crisis and rewriting the U.S. Tax Code I’m just swamped.”
November 21, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Mary Flynn
“Easy, you think picture books are easy. You can wake up at any point now.” Thanks Debbie
November 22, 2012 at 9:14 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Mary! Glad you enjoyed the post.
November 21, 2012 at 4:19 pm
julie rowan zoch
“Yeah, and when you find that recipe for ice cubes, let me know.”
Great post Debbie!
November 22, 2012 at 9:14 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
“recipe for ice cubes” LOL! And thanks, Julie. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Mary Uhles
thanks for the great post on angst debbie… i know i can relate. Can’t wait to see your new book!
I’ve enjoyed reading all the comments too, you’re going to have a hard time choosing;) Here’s mine: “Great idea! I hope you’re also planning on writing in a heavy handed life lesson, because kids love that.”
November 22, 2012 at 9:15 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I agree — I am going to have a very very hard time choosing. There are soooo many great suggestions. 😀 And thanks — I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Mary.
November 21, 2012 at 4:33 pm
alexandrakloeckner
Thank You so much, Debbie! You´re absolutely right. “The 4 Stages of Writing” – okay, where´s the camera at my home? My MacBook, my hair – but the nose …. hm….
Caption: “Great idea! The illustrators will fight for you!”
November 22, 2012 at 9:16 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Alexandra. 😀
November 21, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Heather Soodak
“Easy Peezy! But, have you read Dr. Suess??!”
Thanks for the reassurance that I am not alone in the torture of myself!
November 22, 2012 at 9:16 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Heh. I think most writers are self-torturers. It’s part of the job description.
November 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Jenny Boyd
Caption: “Thanks, Gert! You’ve given me PiBoIdMo Idea #63 . . . Some things are the complete opposite of what we first imagine.” Debbie: I enjoyed the audience participation and am having fun reading everyone’s captions.
November 22, 2012 at 9:17 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Jenny!
November 21, 2012 at 5:29 pm
tlwest
“I think I’m going to raise some children. Luckily it starts easy – with a newborn.”
(Sadly, I’ve been scooped by Pat.)
November 22, 2012 at 9:17 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 21, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Joanne Roberts
Caption: “Is it about a girl who finds a 1990’s car phone and learns to dance?”
I guess if you pick mine, you’ll have to send the prize to Tracy Marchini. Drat. Maybe I can still win the random drawing.
Loved your post.
November 22, 2012 at 9:17 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀 Thanks, Joanne!
November 21, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Angie Breault
“Great idea, but to make things even easier, you could start by trying to win an insignificant little award like the Pulitzer prize.” Thanks for the opportunity to win a signed copy. God Bless, Angie Breault
November 21, 2012 at 6:52 pm
jcestes
“That’s an awesome idea. But you know what’s even easier? Comics. We should totally draw comic strips. Seriously. How hard could *that* be?”
Thanks for the post, Debbie & Tara! As always, inspiring in a dozen different ways.
November 22, 2012 at 9:18 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome — glad to hear you found the post inspiring. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 7:04 pm
mona
Fun post. Thanks.
Caption- Easy peasy. Write what you know-hic!
mona pease
November 21, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Cindy Breedlove
“Ooh! Great idea! And do it in rhyme! I’m sure it will get snatched up!”
November 21, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Jen
(found out too late to sign up, but following along. couldn’t resist)
“Oh yes, and your idea?…”
[if he has no idea]
“…………..hmmm”
[and if he has an idea]
[a ‘gently’] “and, you think that will appeal to?………………”
November 21, 2012 at 8:43 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
caption: I think I need a new look for the new year.
Maybe I’ll start with something easy, like a black turtleneck.
November 21, 2012 at 8:45 pm
jessica shaw
Love this post, Debbie, thanks! 🙂
“Good luck with that! The hardest part–for *you*–will be dumbing it down enough for kids!”
November 22, 2012 at 9:19 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Jessica — glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 8:49 pm
tinamcho
Debbie, I love your comics. This is hilarious and fun to read everyone’s captions.
caption: Don’t quit your day job. I’ve been doing this for years.
November 22, 2012 at 9:20 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Good to see you here, Tina! Thanks for your continuing support of my doodles. 😀
November 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm
mikelaprevost
Brody, you’re so funny! But can we stop playing “Grown-Up” and go play Freeze Tag now?
November 21, 2012 at 9:38 pm
helennhill
Holy Good Night Moon! You’ll never get laid with a line like that!
November 21, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Anne Bielby
“Whew! What a relief! And here I thought you were going to keep concentrating all your energies on being an obnoxious bore!”
November 21, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Anne Bielby
“Awesome! And you can count on me to write a thorough review.”
November 21, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Cindy
My caption: “Oh yeah? I’ve just started dabbling in neurosurgery myself.”
November 21, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Rick Starkey
Caption: “Oh yeah? Easy as compared to. . .”
November 21, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Boo Stad
“…But darling, you’d have to keep the word count lower than your IQ number and that would be such a waste.”
You had me at chocolate. great post Debbie and unfortunately, oh so true.
November 22, 2012 at 9:20 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Boo. And yay for chocolate! 😀
November 23, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Boo Stad
“yay for Chocolate!” what a title! I picture a little Aztec boy named cad who…?
November 21, 2012 at 10:40 pm
Penny Klostermann
Ha! Getting some great laughs today!!
Caption: “Come on, Buddy…you’re like Fifty Shades of Stupid, Man.”
Loved seeing your process of getting ideas. Thanks for the helpful post!
November 22, 2012 at 9:21 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Glad you enjoyed the post, Penny!
November 21, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Enjoy the post, Debbie!
Caption:
** Dialogue: Hmmm.
** Inner Dialogue: Ha! Bring it on, Bub.
November 22, 2012 at 9:21 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thanks, Lori! Glad you enjoyed the post.
November 21, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Linda Graden
Caption: “I think there’s a 45 minute training video you can get on that.”
This was hysterical! Thanks for the fun post, and your advice. I just love your illustrations. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
November 22, 2012 at 9:21 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Glad you enjoyed the post, Linda! And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Carrie Ann Brown
Good luck with that…
November 21, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Rosie Pova
Absolutely! I encourage you to do so. People have no idea how easy it really is to write a picture book until they start working on one. Let me know how that goes and save me a seat at your launch party: I’ll go pick my outfit right now.
November 21, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Therese Nagi
Really! It might be easier to fly.
November 22, 2012 at 1:18 am
Peyton Leung
“Wonderful! I can picture you writing something meaningful and engaging in a beautifully illustrated form. In fact, I’m about to write a bestseller about it.”
Thanks Tara and Debbie for inspiring even more ideas for PiBoIdMo!
November 22, 2012 at 9:22 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
You’re welcome, Peyton! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
November 22, 2012 at 2:34 am
Carol Nelson
“Great Idea! You’ll probably want to start with something sure to interest kids–maybe an autobiography focusing on your amazing intellect!”
Thanks for the chuckles! I also recognized myself in your four writing stages…it’s nice to know I’m not alone.
November 22, 2012 at 9:22 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
😀
November 22, 2012 at 2:52 am
Yvonne Mes
“And when I grow up I am going to learn how to avoid snobby, ignorant men with wine-soaked mustaches . BURP.”
November 22, 2012 at 4:06 am
Gary Masskin
“It’s great to have stretch goals, but you seem to be having enough trouble with just the ‘thinking’ part.”
November 22, 2012 at 7:20 am
Marcy P.
“Ooh, good idea! Make sure to write it in rhyme, include some of your own doodles, then send it to every single publisher that comes up on Google. You’re bound to be a hit. *snicker snicker*”
Debbie- you’re my hero for so many reasons. Your perseverance is a huge testimony to the work of an artist (in any form of art) and your humor brings laughter to some of the dreariness of our field. “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused!”
November 22, 2012 at 9:23 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Marcy, you sweet thing. Thank you so much for the kind words. 😀
November 22, 2012 at 7:26 am
Angela Padron
“Great idea! Then maybe you could do other easy things like clean the house, pay the bills, take care of the kids, food shop, and cook.”
November 22, 2012 at 8:02 am
Emily Lim-Leh
So true! I was at stage 3 (Brilliant) a few days back and now I’m at Stage 4 (totally sucky). Since I’m at the sucky stage, I might as well do some captioning:
“Great idea! Your first manuscript should be for a wordless picture book. It will take you no time at all to write that.”
Love your book cover and post!
November 22, 2012 at 9:23 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Thank you, Emily! 🙂
November 22, 2012 at 9:24 am
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
p.s. And sorry to hear about the sucky stage. Hope you enter the next stage soon!
November 22, 2012 at 9:57 am
A. Miller
“Excellent plan! Go write that book, and let’s talk again as soon as it gets published!”
November 22, 2012 at 10:12 am
Sue Heavenrich
Great Post – and I’ll actually get this comment attached to the right post now (suffering from too much early morning turkey prep!)
Deb – I love the “4 stages of writing” cartoon and the 8-step program – I’m up to “eating great gobs of chocolate” at this moment.
caption: “oooh, I love it when you go all post-modern ironic on me.”
Reply
November 22, 2012 at 11:01 am
Marcie Colleen
Caption: “Wouldn’t you rather write a REAL book? Like 50 SHADES OF GREY?”
Thanks for the wonderful post, Debbie!
November 22, 2012 at 11:51 am
angie arcangioli
I would say, “That’s easy, me, I use my toddler’s drawings and eve’s drop on my 13 year old’s Facebook conversations.”
November 22, 2012 at 11:59 am
arcangioli
Haiku or sonnets?
November 22, 2012 at 12:27 pm
arcangioli
I already left a comment but this is just so funny. I pitched a picture book to to an big NY agent and gave up the entire idea after a 1 minute crit. So here is another comment:
“Yeah my 2 yr old copies me too.”
November 22, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Tim McCanna
“Huh. Your eharmony profile said you were taller, too.” Thanks Debbie!
November 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Romelle Broas
Caption: That’s great! And I can illustrate it for you. I just completed my one-day course. This will give me practice and exposure.
Hi Debbie, thanks so much for sharing your ideas. I love your illustrations. I remember when you first announced I’M BORED! Can’t wait for RUBY ROSE ON YOUR TOES too!
November 22, 2012 at 7:03 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
Caption: “Great idea! Hey, you can also make it rhyme! That should be easy peasy lemon squeezy!”
Great post! I loved reading about how you brainstorm!
November 22, 2012 at 8:47 pm
JoanneRFritz
Debbie, I love your list, especially #5. Angst and self-deprecation I can relate to. And congrats again on I’M BORED. It’s a lot of fun.
My caption: “Fantastic! Call me again in fifteen years when it’s published.”
November 22, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Janet Smart
okay, I could go the route of having her being dumb, too. She could say, “Oh darling, that’s a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that. I love to draw, can I do your illustrations for you?”
November 22, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
Ohhhhhhh how much I love this post. Wonderful stuff here Debbie. So great to know that really creative people feel doubt as well. =) Here is my guess at what she might say…
Eh hem…
“SUPERB idea Chaz! And after you earn that million off its first month’s sales, you can teach me everything you know about the industry, INSIDE AND OUT! Toodaloo!”
November 23, 2012 at 12:06 am
Katrina
Ooh, wonderful! Maybe my niece can help you with the illustrations. She’s only five, but she’s an excellent drawer. Her teacher gave her two gold stars on her last art assignment!
November 23, 2012 at 9:10 am
Sharon Putnam
Debbie, I love your list, especially #5. Also love # 7… the idea of making separate lists and then matching them up later
Caption: ” Really? That’s great! Make sure to write it in rhyme, publishers love books in rhyme!”
November 23, 2012 at 9:37 am
jhhcanada
Wait – weren’t you a replacement ref during the NFL strike? How’d that go?
November 23, 2012 at 10:29 am
Jennifer Phillips
“I agree. It’s extremely easy to take complex ideas about life and childhood and describe them simply in ways that grab the very short attention spans of young readers. You may want to get more wine….”
November 23, 2012 at 10:41 am
h1jackson
#5 Yes, nothing a little chocolate can’t cure!
Caption: “Easy? Keep drinking and call me in the morning when you come to your senses!”
November 23, 2012 at 11:13 am
Lauri
Caption: You’re so right. (He must be some kind of celebrity.) I crank out a new picture book story every day. That’s how easy it is. (Big dummy.)
November 23, 2012 at 11:43 am
Kimberly
I saw this at my sons school. LOVED the illustrations.
November 23, 2012 at 11:48 am
Bill Bibo
Love your cartoons and have followed inkygirl for some time. Thanks for the encouragement.
caption: “By the way, you’re standing in poo.”
I thought I’d go a little left of the field.
thanks again
November 23, 2012 at 1:10 pm
reneekurilla
“You’re a book dummy.”
November 23, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Diana Murray
Ha ha!!
November 23, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Penny Klostermann
Yes!!! Ditto to Diana’s “Ha ha!!”
November 26, 2012 at 8:41 am
Jenn DesAutels Illustrator
Hear hear!
November 23, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Hi Debbie! Loved your post and congrats on your upcoming new book! I’m late, sorry! Here’s my caption “Right…I have some tips for you: 1. Send in your first draft to every major publisher 2. Contact as many illustrators as you can to see if they will donate their art for your book 3. Try writing in rhymes, editors love that!”
November 23, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Lynn Anne Carol
I can see the comments are going to be as much fun to read as your post, Debbie. When I first saw the illustration my eyes didn’t get to the instruction of what you wanted us to do. All I saw was the speechless woman smiling at the absurdity of that notion. I know I thought that when I first heard someone tell me that writing a PB is a lot harder that people realize.
So if I was to “fill in the blank” so to speak, after looking at the illustration, I guess I’d think she would want to say, “I’ll just stand here and smile at this poor lad and allow him his delusion.”
Thanks for sharing. I love your honest evaluation and suggestions.
Lynn~~
November 23, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for sharing your process! I love your illustrations.
November 24, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Jennifer Reynolds
Great! Learning how to write a Picture Book will give you a good foundation for writing anything else.
November 24, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Gail Handler
Debbie: If my name is drawn, please give the book to a school or library in the area hit by Hurricane Sandy. SAlthough I’d love an autograph, I bought my own copy!
Here’s my caption: “Uh Huh. I thought you came from the shallow end of the gene pool!”
November 24, 2012 at 11:09 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
“Yeah you seem like the kind of guy who takes the easy way out…given your hairstyle.” (Ok that was kind of a snarky one but I couldn’t resist!)
November 25, 2012 at 12:05 am
Kevin J. Doyle
Caption: “Well, you have a nice idea already. Guy takes on nearly impossible task, works against all the odds, nails it on first try! Write that in 500 words or less, have it star an 11 yr old and you’re golden!”
Thanks for the post!
November 26, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Quinn Cole
You do know picture books have illustrations, right?
November 26, 2012 at 4:28 pm
diane kress hower
caption – how exciting can i illustrate it? i love to dabble in watercolors in my spare time.
😀
November 26, 2012 at 11:03 pm
laurimeyers
Woo all those comments could be combined in a writing joke book!
“Darling, what a funny thought! I do believe they have monkeys to write picture books these days.”
November 27, 2012 at 5:37 pm
kirabigwood
“I think I’m going to do some rearranging. Thought I’d start with your face.”
November 28, 2012 at 12:48 am
diandramae
Oh, I recognize that creative cycle all too well! Those steps, too. 🙂 I haven’t experienced that “easy” comment yet, but every person I’ve met who finds out what I do eagerly tells me about an idea they have that will make for a great kids’ book. *eyeroll*
Renee’s comment is GOLD! My first comment was very similar to Katie Mills’ Hm. My real world comment has been, “You should join SCBWI.” For the contest…let’s see. “Really? I’ve decided to design parachutes. You can be my first test jumper!” 😉
November 28, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Hahahaha! Enjoying all the captions–and the four stages as well. Heck, I live the four stages–a couple times a day. 😉
November 29, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
I’m coming to the party a week late, so every caption I’ve thought of has already been used! Still, I totally relate to all the writer’s angst!! Thanks for the great post!
November 29, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Beth MacKinney
Reaction to first cartoon: I’m going to push him out the window. No, don’t bother to open it first.
Reaction to second cartoon: Lol. This sounds just like Jeff Mack in our interview when he described his writing process.
Overall score: 10 (Great post!)
November 30, 2012 at 2:07 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Wow! Debbie, I would never have imagined that you experience “massive insecurity”! I feel better now. 🙂
December 1, 2012 at 3:17 am
Lisa Olson
Caption: “Alright Ashton, where ya at? You punk’d me!”
December 3, 2012 at 3:31 am
Kristiane Pedersen
I love your four stages of writing! Of coarse it was your drawings that made it so wonderful….otherwise it would have totally made me depressed. I must be on spin cycle, because I cycle through all those emotions several times a day. Am I pathetic or what? Caption….Yah… make it one of those wordless ones…with you know pictures! Even YOU could write nothing.
Thanks for the encouraging post!