by Jean Reidy
1. YouTube
Kids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books. But why limit yourself to the kids you know. More than ever, proud parents and brilliant marketers are happy to share a little one’s latest escapades. While I’ve never derived a direct storyline from YouTube videos, I do find in them that wacky lens through which to view a kid’s world. Here are some of my favorites:
2. Artist and Illustrator Websites
Three of my six picture books were inspired, in part, by browsing illustrators’ websites. Whether or not a particular illustrator ends up paired with my text, by studying the works of today’s most celebrated artists, I enter an altered state (Twilight Zone!) of visual creativity that triggers my muse. In the process I often discover a tone, emotion, whimsy or character that might just complete my story.
3. Beat Boxing
Whether they rhyme or not, most of my picture books have a distinct rhythm. And every so often that rhythm comes to me before the story. Listen carefully to your life. Do you hear the thump bump of your feet hitting the stairs each time you go up and down? Do you hear the crunch and shush of your shovel in crusty snow? How about the screech and thrum of an old file drawer? Beat box, then play with those rhythms to see if they have a story hidden inside them.
4. The Timeout Corner
Kids adore naughty characters. Whether we’re seeing ourselves or giggling with relief at another’s foibles, we all love stories with a little mischief in them. “Do some time” with a kid in timeout and you might just find a story there. Or think back to your own timeout corner—come on, fess up—we were all there once. What got you there? What were you feeling? Just remember, keep messages light. Because even a little mischief needs to be a fun read.
5. Your Day Job
Okay, let’s face it. Few of us get to take a morning stroll along the beach or dream by the hour under the old oak tree. Instead we might get regular face time with a subway hissing and shrieking during a crowded commute. Or the steely skyscraper out our window. Or the deli man who serves us pastrami on rye. Or a carpool of crack-me-up kids. Or even a baby giggling at the garbage man. Whether your day job is at home or away, it’s those “regular” experiences that often provide fodder for great picture books. Keep your notebook handy!
Jean Reidy is the author of the newly-released LIGHT UP THE NIGHT from Disney-Hyperion, which Kirkus calls a “gorgeous, mesmerizingly rhythmic read-aloud” in a starred review.
Her other picture books include TOO PICKLEY!, TOO PURPLEY!, and TOO PRINCESSY! from Bloomsbury.
Please join Jean at LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY, her online auction benefiting literacy in Africa and a library at Musana Children’s Home in Iganga, Uganda. She has something for everyone— including terrific items for picture book writers. The auction runs 11/7 – 11/18 at http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com.
98 comments
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November 3, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Saba
Loved the “Whoa” video!! 😀 he must have just learned the word 😀
November 4, 2011 at 9:45 am
Jean Reidy
I know, Saba. Don’t you love it???
November 3, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Lorraine
Love these possibilities- thanks for sharing- I particularly like the illustrator blog sites to look at a s a source of inspiration!
November 4, 2011 at 9:46 am
Jean Reidy
Lorraine – yes, please try taking a look at illustrator sites. Pick a few of your favorites and click around. Amazing inspiration.
November 4, 2011 at 3:03 am
Rebecca C
Such great inspiration here! Novelists and short story writers often clip newspaper articles for inspiration. I love the idea of browsing Youtube videos and more particularly, browsing illustrators’ websites. Will definitely give these ideas a go. Thanks, Jean!
November 4, 2011 at 9:47 am
Jean Reidy
Oooh Rebecca – newspaper articles! What a great idea! I do that for my freelance work but not for my PB writing. I’m going to give it a try. Thanks.
November 4, 2011 at 4:12 am
Julie Fulton
As a musician I love the idea of listening for rhythms in everyday life. I think I already do that – just never thought of using it as a basis for PB inspiration. I’m off to give it a go. Thank you, Jean!
November 4, 2011 at 9:49 am
Jean Reidy
Julie – you’re a musician and PB writer? Lucky you! I’ll bet your muse is beat boxing ALL the time. Thanks for the comment.
November 4, 2011 at 4:27 am
Loni Edwards
Thank you for the great tips, Jean. I loved the videos!
November 4, 2011 at 9:49 am
Jean Reidy
You’re welcome, Loni. They make me smile.
November 4, 2011 at 5:24 am
Catherine Johnson
Wonderful tips Jean, thank you. I especially like the YouTube one! Looking forward to your auction.
November 4, 2011 at 9:50 am
Jean Reidy
Thank you, Catherine. I’m looking forward to the auction too. Hope to see you there.
November 4, 2011 at 5:28 am
Dana Carey
Great tips and the added bonus of fun videos. Thanks so much, Jean!
November 4, 2011 at 9:51 am
Jean Reidy
Thanks, Dana. I hope they made you smile … and got your PB muse going.
November 4, 2011 at 6:03 am
dianamurray
Great tips for finding inspiration. Thanks!
November 4, 2011 at 9:51 am
Jean Reidy
Thanks, Diana. I hope your ideas are flowing!!!
November 4, 2011 at 6:39 am
Lori
I do get to take a walk on the beach…so wonderful, peaceful.
And it does help with clearing the mind. I do plein air art sometimes.
This is the muse. I illustrate for children’s picture books, and you will see in my work an influence in what I just said. Please do look up my art at my site, and you will find a painting to accompany a poem in the Nov. / Dec. issue of Cricket magazine. My art director there, told me, “I love your paintings”…which directly is related to my art ‘for me’ done outside, plein air.
November 4, 2011 at 9:52 am
Jean Reidy
Lori – walking on the beach? Lucky you!!! And you’re an artist as well. Fantastic. Good luck with PiBoIdMo!
November 4, 2011 at 6:41 am
Louise
Great tips for inspiration – thank you! I especially like the one about finding the beat in everyday life. I find myself reading to my kids with a rhythm for all their books, and it throws me off so much when I find the author wasn’t using the same cadence that I am. Oops!
November 4, 2011 at 9:54 am
Jean Reidy
Ha ha, Louise. I hear ya (pun fully intended). I’m so glad to hear you’re reading with rhythm – regardless of what the author intended. I know your readers appreciate it.
November 4, 2011 at 6:47 am
Audrey Vernick
What a smart post! I don’t know about the rest of you, but I found it especially well timed, too. I’m not exactly running out of PiBoIdMo inspiration, but I’m more than ready to look to new sources for good ideas. Thanks, Jean and Tara.
November 4, 2011 at 9:55 am
Jean Reidy
Thanks, Audrey! Can’t wait to see your next book!!
November 4, 2011 at 7:09 am
Megan K. Bickel
You know I love your advice, Jean! You always have the best insights! Thank you!
November 4, 2011 at 9:56 am
Jean Reidy
AWWW Megan. You made my day. Good luck with PiBoIdMo!!
November 4, 2011 at 7:19 am
Sue Heavenrich
Great ideas – especially the “beat box” – I do find rhythms in my daily life. Running up and down stairs distinctly different from raking the leaves.
And I love the Darth-Vader-meets-VW ad. Thanks for popping that in for us non-TV-watchers.
November 4, 2011 at 9:57 am
Jean Reidy
Good for you, Sue. Running. Raking. Great times for writing picture books.
November 4, 2011 at 7:19 am
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
I love learning new ways used by others to find new ideas and gain inspiration. This is a gem. Love the crunch, shush of a snow shovel. I’m not ready for it, but I love the sensory image those two words created. Thank you Jean!
November 4, 2011 at 10:48 am
Jean Reidy
Ha ha, Kim. We just got our first big snow this week. And it’s still crunching.
November 4, 2011 at 7:34 am
Lori Mozdzierz
ROFLOL!!! Video #1 was my ultimate fave! Darth Vader coming in second. I always get a chuckle out of that one when it airs.
Thanks for all the ideas where to look for inspiration. Being a snowshoer, I find inspiration in my treks 😀
November 4, 2011 at 10:49 am
Jean Reidy
Lori – Yes! It’s often those peaceful times – like when snowshoeing – that your mind can go to magical places.
November 4, 2011 at 7:35 am
Betsy Devany
Love the tips here! Kids do love naughty characters, which led me to two new ideas this morning. Thanks, Jean! And, Tara! I now have seven ideas in my PiBoldMo log. (I have to work ahead as I am leaving this morning for a Picture Book Writing Retreat-three days of bliss!) Will share in a blog post upon my return. Happy writing to all!! Betsy Devany
November 4, 2011 at 10:50 am
Jean Reidy
Betsy – oh I spent WAY too much time in the timeout corner myself. 7 ideas!!! That’s fabulous.
November 4, 2011 at 7:43 am
Penny Klostermann
Thanks for the inspiration. Darth Vadar video ranks #1 with me!
November 4, 2011 at 10:51 am
Jean Reidy
You’re welcome, Penny. Good luck with PiBoIdMo!!
November 4, 2011 at 7:54 am
sabrina
Jean, I soooo agree with using art as a source of inspiration. I recently discovered Storybird (yes, thanks to this blog !!!) and totally inspired, I wrote a full story based on the drawings of one wonderful artist.
Tara, am i allowed to post a link here to that online picture book ? (it’s free for everyone to read)
November 4, 2011 at 10:52 am
Jean Reidy
Sabrina – Storybird is a gem, isn’t it. Good luck with your stories!
November 4, 2011 at 8:12 am
Kathleen Cornell Berman
Thanks Jean for the great tips. I especially like the video of your son. So cute! It reminds us of how honest kids are, even if they don’t mean it. I never thought about viewing illustrator websites, very good idea.
November 4, 2011 at 10:55 am
Jean Reidy
Hi Kathleen. Yes, aren’t those videos adorable? And while I’d love to claim him, that wasn’t my son. My kids are all adults now. That’s why it’s so important for me to stay in touch with kids today. And YouTube is great for that.
November 4, 2011 at 8:19 am
Becca Henning
Grat tips! Hoping this will help me surge on as my “shower ideas” start to run out! I was shopping last night and found myself watching kids and their funny conversations with their parents only half listening, their tantrums, etc… I don’t have kids yet, so my nieces and nephews and these little strangers will help me be more authentic about how these little people interact with their world!
November 4, 2011 at 11:56 am
Jean Reidy
Becca!! You write in the shower too? Me too. Who said it was only for singing! Good luck with all your stories.
November 4, 2011 at 8:20 am
M. G. King
Great sources of inspiration, from life where it is actually lived — thank you! I hope you make oodles of money for the Musana library!
November 4, 2011 at 11:57 am
Jean Reidy
Thanks, M.G. And thanks for your auction donation!!
November 4, 2011 at 8:26 am
Meagan Healy
I love the beat boxing idea! My grandfather was a poet and a drummer (not the side of him I knew, unfortunately) but having since learned that, suddenly, all of the onomatopoeic “words” I learned from him began to make sense! Thanks for your post!
November 4, 2011 at 11:58 am
Jean Reidy
Meaghan how lovely about your grandfather. Then you’re coming by your talent honestly. Right? Good luck with PiBoIdMo.
November 4, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Jean Reidy
Meagan – sorry about the added “h” in your name. My daughter-in-law spells hers with an “h” so my fingers just went that way.
November 4, 2011 at 8:36 am
Pam Zollman
I’d never thought about using those “cute kids” youtube videos before. Usually I just stumble across them and chuckle. Now I see them as “research.” Thanks, Jean, for all of your wonderful ideas for picture book inspiration. And, because of your blog, I have now added one more picture book idea to my collection (7 total so far)…but it will soon be joined by a host of others as I roam through youtube and blogs and perhaps timeout corners.
Pam Zollman
http://www.anauthorworld.com
http://www.pamzollman.com
November 4, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Jean Reidy
Pam, I’m thrilled you found the post helpful. Ha “research” – love it. Now I don’t have to think of this as merely procrastination. Good luck with your stories.
November 4, 2011 at 8:43 am
ddhearn
Thanks so much for the funny videos and the tips. As an illustrator, I appreciate the idea of finding inspiration from stories in artwork. I’ll be keeping my eyes open.
November 4, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Jean Reidy
You’re an illustrator? Wonderful. Can you send me your website link? I’d love to give it a look.
November 4, 2011 at 8:57 am
tinamcho
Thanks for these creative ways to find ideas, Jean! Loved the video clips, too!
November 4, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Jean Reidy
Hi Tina. Glad you like them. Good luck with all your PiBoIdMo ideas. I hope you’re well on your way to 30.
November 4, 2011 at 9:06 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for sharing all these amazing ideas, Jean! I especially love the idea of browsing illustrator websites for inspiration.
November 4, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Jean Reidy
Thanks, Mindy. And yes, please give the illustrator idea a try. Better yet, pick your “dream” illustrator and write something for him or her. You never know …
November 4, 2011 at 9:21 am
elizabethannewrites
Great post, and the beat box idea will walk — and sing and dance 😉 — with me for a long time, I know.
“Light up the Library” sounds like a wonderful cause. Thank you for that link, as well.
November 4, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Jean Reidy
Hi Elizabeth. Go ahead – beatbox and dance through life. PB ideas will find you along the way. Best of luck.
November 4, 2011 at 9:22 am
growingmuses
The VW commercial never fails to crack me up and there’s a book with the title: “Whoa, Lobsters!” just waiting to be written. I’m not so sure I’d like to see one on the shelf called “I Don’t Like You Mommy” but maybe: “I Like When You Give Me Cookies.” Thanks for the tips…off to conjure up some more PiBoIds!
November 4, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Jean Reidy
Thanks growingmuses (great name, by the way) I never get tired of these either. Good luck with all your ideas this month.
November 4, 2011 at 9:27 am
Jeanie Wogaman
Great ideas! Thanks, Jean!
November 4, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Jean Reidy
You’re welcome, Jeanie. I hope you’re well on your way to your 30 ideas!!!
November 4, 2011 at 9:56 am
Stacy S. Jensen (@StacySJensen)
Love the idea of time out. The first video was too cute. Thanks Jean.
November 4, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Jean Reidy
Stacy – have you “done a little time?” I sure have. So much inspiration right there in one corner. Good luck with PiBoIdMo.
November 4, 2011 at 10:40 am
Deb Marshall
All I have to say is WOW. Never thought of some of these places before. Okay…that was more than just saying WOW. Thanks!
November 4, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Jean Reidy
Thanks for stopping by, Deb. Good luck with PiBoIdMo. I hope your ideas are flowing!
November 4, 2011 at 11:02 am
Kristen Hicks Hilty
Thanks for sharing. This time around, I have been catching ideas in the wierdest of places: words on a truck passing by, smells from a local restaurant and even a construction sign. Go figure!
November 4, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Jean Reidy
Kristen – I was typing WAY too fast. Sorry for misspelling your name.
November 4, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Jean Reidy
Good for you, Kristen. It’s amazing isn’t it. Once you start opening up to ideas, they just jump out from every corner don’t they. Smells!!! Yes!!!
November 4, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Corey Schwartz
OMG, those videos are HILARIOUS! Thanks for sharing!
November 4, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Jean Reidy
Corey!!! So nice to see you here. Are the ideas just flowing for you???
November 4, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Bethany Telles
Thank you, Jean! Having two boys (under age 5) makes my “day job” interesting, to say the least! I’ve pondered using the ins and outs of our life at home, but I never thought to LISTEN to it. The videos are a great idea! Thank you for your wonderful advice, and I look forward to your new book!
November 4, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Jean Reidy
Hey Bethany. I once had two little boys … and then two little girls. They’re all adults now. But watching our home videos now is WAY more fun than it was years ago. I think because of the perspective. Enjoy your little rascals. They do grow up too fast. I hope you enjoy LIGHT UP THE NIGHT.
November 4, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Tamara Ann
I find it’s not so much broadening the field of ideas as it is narrowing. For example, one day concentrate on sounds. The next, focus on colors. Then, smells. Big things. Small things. Make up your own categories, but focus intently on how and where the chosen factor shows up that day. Make the story three dimensional.
Mercifully I don’t have kids–I couldn’t stand that much stimulation!! LOL.
November 4, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Jean Reidy
Great points, Tamara. I agree, the inflow of stimuli can overwhelm the muse. I love your idea of focusing on one sense at a time. Thanks.
November 4, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Sheri Dillard
Oh, love the videos! Whoa! Wow! 🙂 (Too cute!) Thanks for the great ideas!
November 4, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Jean Reidy
You’re welcome, Sheri. I hope PiBoIdMo is going well for you!! Best of luck.
November 4, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Jarm Del Boccio
I’m keeping a list of resources that will inspire me…thanks for your contribution, Jean!
November 4, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Jean Reidy
You’re welcome, Jarm. The list of resources is a great idea – worthy of a whole separate blog post of your own maybe!! Good luck with PiBoIdMo.
November 4, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Tracy Warren (@socialTracyW)
I loved the videos. The mom in the first one is great, reshooting the boy every few years. These are great sources of inspiration.
November 4, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Jean Reidy
I agree, Tracy. I love that this Mom saw the hilarity in her son. She has a great perspective, eh?
November 4, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Brook Gideon
Lol, I loved the lobster boy, “Can I touch it?” Dad,”Sure, do you want to touch it?” “Noooo,” said the boy. And he repeated it a few times…made me laugh!
November 4, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Jean Reidy
I know, Brook. How sweet and funny is he? And that whole curiosity coupled with fear is SOOOOO universal. It’s truly one of my favorites.
November 4, 2011 at 7:15 pm
beckylevine
I love these ideas, Jean, especially the time-out corner. Those ideas should automatically come with a story problem!
November 5, 2011 at 10:02 am
Jean Reidy
It’s true, Becky, they do. I think the most difficult piece comes when you try to deliver the story without a heavy hand or message. It can take some tenderness.
November 4, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Oy. You know you’ve had a long day when it’s 11:41 and you’re reading the inspiring post for the day! The Youtube idea is golden, Jean! The only problem is…once I start watching those videos, I can’t stop laughing long enough to write! (Thanks–better late than never, huh? ;-))
November 5, 2011 at 10:03 am
Jean Reidy
Hi, Cathy. I’m glad you liked the videos. I could watch them over and over and laugh every time. Good luck with your writing.
November 4, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Tara
I could watch the Walmart mudpies commercial a thousand times over. That kid is hilarious!!!!
November 5, 2011 at 10:04 am
Jean Reidy
I agree, Tara. “I’ve never seen that guy before in my life” may be the most quoted line EVER in my household. He’s adorable, eh?
November 4, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Marcy P.
I love that I’m not alone in enjoying the work of illustrators. While Google+ has not quickly become my favorite social media venue, I DO love the way I can browse so easily through the daily works of many fine artists. And yes, it is so inspiring! Thanks for your words!
And funny videos! I’d seen a couple of them before. I love the little girls thinking they are going to make grandpa young again. CLASSIC!
November 5, 2011 at 10:06 am
Jean Reidy
Hi Marcy. I haven’t tried Google+ yet but your post intrigues me. I’m wondering how it’s different from FB with respect to artists. I’ll have to check it out.
November 5, 2011 at 6:17 am
Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Thanks for this inspiration, Jean! I love the videos–what a great way to get a peek into the way kids think. 🙂
November 5, 2011 at 10:07 am
Jean Reidy
Thanks, Natalie. I like these videos in particular because they feel so darned honest. Don’t ya think?
November 5, 2011 at 12:39 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
I like the “Younger Skin – Walmart Commercial” a lot. Would school count as a job? I learned that it doesn’t really matter where you are when you write, it matters if you’re comfortable there. Also to look EVERYWHERE for ideas! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
November 5, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Jodi Moore
Love this post! Now I’m filled with ideas…and smiles!!! Thanks, Jean!!! 🙂
November 5, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Lynda Shoup
Thanks for the great ideas.
November 5, 2011 at 8:54 pm
laurasalas
I don’t know why I never thought of looking at online portfolios–I write poems all the freaking time that are inspired by photos. It’s one of my favorite poem-starting techniques. But it’s never occurred to me for picture book concept/story ideas. Brilliant! Thank you–I’m off to explore.
November 6, 2011 at 7:26 am
Susanna Leonard Hill
Wonderful post full of great ideas! I loved the videos – especially the ones with the cream and the force! 🙂
November 8, 2011 at 12:45 am
Lynn Anne Carol
I love number 3. Beat Boxing. I also love pocket phone calls.
Thanks,
Lynn
November 8, 2011 at 12:57 am
Pictures as Idea Factories | laurasalas: writing the world for kids
[…] until I read Jean Reidy’s post for Day 4 of PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month): 5 Unusual Places to Find Inspiration, I never considered using images to […]
November 12, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Jessica Young
Love the lobster video. The seeds of PB lurk in so many places! Thanks for the great ideas!