by Tammi Sauer
Most of my pbs begin with character.
Occasionally, however, I go in a different direction and start with setting.
Some of the settings I have used in my books include the following:
- Cowboy Camp
- Barnyard
- Monster Academy
- Pond
- Prehistoric Times
- Royal Kingdom
- Zoo
- Concert Tour
- Oklahoma
- Sea
As much as I loved setting books in these places, I know I should come up with something fresh for the next manuscript. This calls for some brainstorming. I push myself to come up with at least ten new setting possibilities.
Examples:
- Outer Space
- Rodeo
- Petting Zoo
- Parade
- School Science Fair
- Family Reunion
- Fish Tank
- Library
- Road Trip
- County Fair
Once I have a list, I take each place into consideration. Then I ask myself the big question:
What can go wrong here?
If I come up with an answer that is irresistible, I know I am well on my way to developing that next manuscript.
Your turn:
Consider the settings I’ve already listed. Brainstorm a list of ten additional settings. Then ask yourself, “What can go wrong here?” for each one.
Extra credit:
Go to the library or bookstore and grab a stack of picture books. Jot down each book’s primary setting. Who knows? Maybe one of those settings is the perfect fit for your next manuscript.
Tammi Sauer has sold 12 picture books to a number of major publishing houses: Bloomsbury, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Simon & Schuster, and Sterling. One of her latest books, Mostly Monsterly, illustrated by Scott Magoon, was named a Scholastic Parent & Child Best Book of 2010 and won the 2011 Oklahoma Book Award and the 2011 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. To learn more about Tammi and her books, please visit her online at www.tammisauer.com.
Tammi’s next book, Me Want Pet!—illustrated by Bob Shea—hits shelves March 2012. OOGA! Leave a comment for a chance to win a first edition signed copy when it’s released!
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
141 comments
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November 12, 2011 at 12:21 am
Stephanie Shaw
What a brilliant idea! Thanks, Tammi! And congratulations on ‘Me Want Pet!’
November 12, 2011 at 12:27 am
LadyInRead
Love this idea..and am thinking ‘boo hoo hoo at the petting zoo’ (why??!!)
My 8 year old son can think up tons of things that could go wrong in outer space and prehistoric times. He is actually writing a story(comic) set in outer space….and the book title (Me Want Pet) is just what I keep hearing from my kids day in and day out.
Am off to brainstorm 20 more settings(just to challenge myself)
November 12, 2011 at 10:58 am
Tammi Sauer
Wuhooh! I love the idea of Boo-Hoo at the Petting Zoo. 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 12:30 am
Elizabeth McBride
Great post!!! Thank you for the wonderful suggestion to start with a setting (or ten of them). I need a new approach about this far into the month. Thank you!
November 12, 2011 at 12:30 am
Romelle Guittap
My brain will be churning all day thanks to your advice! And congratulations on your new release. Me can’t wait to read, “me Want Pet!”
November 12, 2011 at 12:46 am
Lynn Anne Carol
When so much is said about character driven stories in PB’s it’s interesting to think about the settings for a change.
Thanks for your thoughts, and great job in the PB industry.
Lynn
November 12, 2011 at 12:51 am
pascale mackey (@pascalemackey)
I love this: coming up with an answer that is irresistible to “What can go wrong here?”
Brilliant idea by a brilliant gal!
November 12, 2011 at 1:09 am
Sharon K. Mayhew (@skmayh)
Tammi is fantastic! I met her at a conference and I have to say it was probably the BEST picture book workshop I’ve ever been to. I’ve bought several of her books to study. 😀 (*waves*)
November 12, 2011 at 11:00 am
Tammi Sauer
Thanks, Sharon! I looooved being a part of your conference. 🙂 (*waves back*)
November 12, 2011 at 1:26 am
Maria Gianferrari
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing it!
November 12, 2011 at 1:56 am
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
I’m a total setting girl! I loved this post because it inspired me to think about even more wacky settings I could use in my picture books. A great place to start a new list of ideas….
November 12, 2011 at 2:02 am
Marcy P.
That’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip!
November 12, 2011 at 2:26 am
Corinne
A great way to create ideas! Thanks so much for sharing!
November 12, 2011 at 2:45 am
tinamcho
Thanks, Tammi, for this unique idea of starting with a setting! I can’t wait to give it a try!
November 12, 2011 at 2:56 am
Ramona Davey
Thanks Tammi, this is such great information. Thinking of the setting can be a secondary consideration for me but I realise now that they can offer so much substance. Love your suggestions..what can go wrong here? 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 3:26 am
Linda Lodding
I’m off to the library to do my extra credit assignment! I know, I know…I’m that kind of girl 🙂 Great posting, Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 4:03 am
Loni Edwards
What a great idea to start with a setting! Thank you for sharing Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 4:28 am
Mona Pease
Thanks Tammi,
Making a list of – “settings”. Who knows what will go wrong, especially when the characters start appearing!
November 12, 2011 at 6:47 am
Laura
Love this brainstorming strategy! As soon as my tea finishes steeping, I’m settling in to brainstorm!
November 12, 2011 at 6:50 am
Lynda Shoup
Wow! I don’t think I’m going to have much trouble coming up with ideas today. You’ve already set my brain off and running with possibilities. I had never thought about starting from the setting, so this post was really mind expanding for me.
November 12, 2011 at 6:52 am
Megan K. Bickel
With so much focus on character lately, this is a great fresh approach to try. Thanks!!
November 12, 2011 at 7:23 am
Kimberly Thompson Strickler
I often start with setting, but I’ve never asked myself “what could go wrong?” Great advice, Tammi. Thanks!
November 12, 2011 at 7:26 am
sabrina
Tammy, I simply love posts that give us a ‘real’ assignment to kick the creative the side of us 🙂 thanks a lot and hoping to generate some new ideas !!!
November 12, 2011 at 7:53 am
Rick Starkey
Thanks for the idea for getting ideas! Great prompt to get us going.
November 12, 2011 at 7:57 am
Donna Martin
Thanks, Tammy, for a great article. Sometimes I answer the “what could go wrong” question and then see what kind of place I can tie to it. Kind of like walking backwards through the exit of a PB and taking a look around…;0)
November 12, 2011 at 8:03 am
Debbie Meyer
Tammi was my favorite presenter at our recent NC/NE Texas SCBWI conference last month. She has so many great tips & techniques for writers. I learned so much from her in a short time. Thank you, Tammi & congrats on your new book & continued success.
November 12, 2011 at 11:03 am
Tammi Sauer
xoxoxo! I’m so glad you got a lot out of it. I looooved being a part of your conference. 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 8:04 am
Dana Carey
This is great. I love a hands-on exercise. And you make a great point–setting is so often the overlooked, tag along little sister when brainstorming for ideas… Thanks, Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 8:06 am
Lynn
ooooooooooo an assignment! What a great approach,Tammi. Thank you for throwing fresh light on the search for ideas. Congratulations on your newest book.
November 12, 2011 at 8:17 am
Catherine Johnson
Me Want Pet sounds great! Now that’s homework I don’t mind doing 😉 You have a very orderly approach to settings. I often use memories of an interesting place I’ve been to that few people know about. Which makes me think of the caves of Drac in Majorca. That could be today’s idea, I haven’t had a pb setting in a cave before. Thanks!
November 12, 2011 at 8:20 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Perfect plan to flesh out a conflict!
Appreciate your sharing Tammi 😀
November 12, 2011 at 8:22 am
Sheri Dillard
Great post! My PBs usually start with a character, too. Or even just a fun name for a character. In fact, my folders from the last two years of PiBoIdMo have ideas for characters that I love, but I haven’t been able to “find” their story yet. So I’m going to plop them into some of the settings I brainstormed today! 🙂 Thanks, Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 8:25 am
Jan Milusich
What could go wrong? I’d never considered starting with the setting first. Thank you for the new POV.
November 12, 2011 at 8:42 am
sandy bixby
Thanks for the setting tips!
November 12, 2011 at 8:48 am
Valarie Giogas
Thanks, Tammi. I love writing exercises to get the ideas flowing. Just what I need this month (& as I use some of the PiBoIDMo’s).
November 12, 2011 at 9:04 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks Tammi – Alexandera Pennfold from S & S used Mostly Monsterly as her example to work through for pacing and page turns at a session at an SCBWI event in Denver. It is a delightful book!
November 12, 2011 at 11:04 am
Tammi Sauer
Isn’t Alexandra so amazing? I first met her at a ms consultation in Florida. 🙂 She’s also the editor for Mr. Duck Means Business and Me Want Pet!
November 12, 2011 at 9:08 am
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
Many of my stories start with a problem – what if ____ happens to _____.
but I love the idea of starting with a setting and asking what could go wrong.
Congratulations on Mostly Monsterly’s awards. They are well deserved.
Thank you for your post!
November 12, 2011 at 9:10 am
Amy Dawn DeLuna
I am heading to B&N today to buy a book for a 5 year old birthday party … and I’m definitely going to grab a stack of books and do exactly what you suggested. Ha! Its something I’ve never thought to do … and I’m so excited to see the outcome. On a different note … I’m so angry that I missed meeting you at the NC/NE Texas SCBWI!!!! Its been harder for me to head down there … so I know I’ve missed out on a lot!! 😦 Hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to meet you in the near future.
November 12, 2011 at 9:17 am
Beth G
Thanks Tammi for a wonderful and inspiring post! I’m a list gal too, so this homework is going to be fun. 🙂 I absolutely cannot wait for Me Want Pet! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. My girls would be thrilled!
November 12, 2011 at 9:18 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Great idea, Tammi! Just what I need to jump start my brain on a Saturday morning!
November 12, 2011 at 9:26 am
Kathleen Cornell Berman
Interesting post. Just what I need, an assignment on a
Saturday! Ha! But this one I am looking forward to doing. Thanks!
November 12, 2011 at 9:32 am
Rebecca C
Great advice! I made a conscious effort to think more about setting this year. But rather than thinking ‘what can go wrong here?’ I thought ‘who doesn’t belong in this setting?’ Once I found a character that was completely out of place in the setting I chose, the problems presented themselves automatically. Love your books, Tammi! Thanks for the giveaway!
November 12, 2011 at 10:57 am
Tammi Sauer
Rebecca, I’m glad you brought that up! I very recently sold my latest book. This book started with a setting. When I asked myself, “What can go wrong here?” the answer was a character shows up who doesn’t belong. 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 9:54 am
Kristi Valiant
Oh, I love Tammi’s books. And what fabulous advice. I was stalling a bit on my picture book ideas, but this is a great jump-start. Thanks!
November 12, 2011 at 10:01 am
elizabethannewrites
Oh, great thoughts! And an exercise to do — this is just what I need to get my brain back into working order (it’s been off thinking about other things, and coming up with revisions to the MG novel in my sleep. I need to get it coming up with PBs in my sleep!)
I love the advice to think “what can go wrong here?” That’s often one of my stumbling blocks to having a good plot — nothing goes wrong.
Thank you!
November 12, 2011 at 10:06 am
Colleen Jensen
I love your titles and cave man illustrations. Sometimes kids are little monsters. Keep up the good work!
November 12, 2011 at 10:07 am
Meghan
Thanks. I appreciate the very practical help.
November 12, 2011 at 10:08 am
Donna Black
Who wouldn’t pick up a book called Me Want Pet?!
November 12, 2011 at 10:14 am
Rob Sanders
Tammi Suaer rocks!
November 12, 2011 at 10:19 am
Madelyn Rosenberg
Thanks for this post, Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 10:37 am
Sue Heavenrich
Just in time – new ideas to keep me going through the next 2/3 of the month. Settings! Great idea starters. And thanks for inspiring me with another great question: what can go wrong here? I love it….
November 12, 2011 at 10:46 am
Penny Klostermann
Thanks, Tammi! I was lucky enough to hear you at in Texas at SCWBI in October! You were great. I go to the library at least every two weeks and come home with 15-20 PB. I go with a list from researching publishers, blogs, etc., and then, I browse to find extras. Tammi Sauer books come home with me any time I can find one on the shelves. That’s a challenge because they are checked out a good part of the time. So, yes, I have checked each of your books out several times. Every time I study them, I learn new things to apply to my writing. You just do it right! Thanks for your advice and inspiration.
November 12, 2011 at 11:06 am
Tammi Sauer
Hooray! So glad my talk and books have been helpful to you. 🙂 Best of luck with your writing. 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 10:50 am
Lori Alexander
Tammi – thanks for a simple yet effective way to drum up new PB ideas.
P.S. Me want your new book!
November 12, 2011 at 11:06 am
Betsy Devany
Such wonderful advice!!! Thanks for the great post! Love the caveman.
November 12, 2011 at 11:16 am
Tammi Sauer
Wow. I wasn’t expecting such a big crowd on a SATURDAY. Gold stars for everyone! 🙂
Many thanks for your wonderful comments and well wishes.
If anyone is interested, these are my PiBoIdMo posts from 2009 and 2010.
https://taralazar.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/piboidmo-day-4/
https://taralazar.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/piboidmo-day-23-2/
November 12, 2011 at 11:23 am
Rachel Hamby
Love this idea for brainstorming, thx!
November 12, 2011 at 11:30 am
Sandie Sing
What can go wrong here? That is definitely what I will ask every time I am beginning my story. Thanks for your wonderful resources. You rock!
November 12, 2011 at 11:55 am
Janet O'Neil
Great advice at the perfect time! Now I’m refreshed to keep going on my PiBo list of ideas!
November 12, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Cathy
Looks like a good book! 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Sue Morris
Love the post. So what kind of pet does a cave boy get? Would love to find out.
November 12, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Debra Elliott
This is a great post and advice!
November 12, 2011 at 12:45 pm
carterhiggins
I can’t wait for ME WANT PET! I love Bob Shea, and I met Tammi at SCBWI-LA conference, and you were just as friendly and warm as you are talented! Great advice. Settling in to some Saturday brainstorming.
November 12, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Keri Collins Lewis
Love the fresh question: what could go wrong here? What if is good, but this question gets to the heart of plot right away! Thanks!
November 12, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Kathy May
Me want Tammi’s book!
November 12, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Sarah C. Pilon
Short and to the point, great post! I love learning about new ways to approach a new project. 😀
November 12, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Kristin Johnson
I LOVED Mostly Monsterly! Looking forward to Me Want Pet! 🙂 Thanks for the great advice!
-Kristin Johnson
November 12, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Jarm Del Boccio
I thought of an idea the moment I read your post…thanks for the inspiration, Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Julie
I like the ‘assignment’ you suggest – simple & straightforward, yet a new way to get the ideas flowing. Funnily enough, just this morning my husband said I should set a book in outer space. I think I have the makings of idea #12!
November 12, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Nancy Furstinger (@AnimalAuthor)
Some imaginative and unique settings…and I encourage all writers to visit their libraries and bookstores to read armloads of books every week, like I do!
November 12, 2011 at 2:07 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Thanks for this challenge…great idea! The humor is always in what goes wrong!
November 12, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Rebecca Thvedt
Great ideas. I want to win your book, Me Want Pet! Funny, I was just thinking about a crazy childhood pet, a dog, and how much I would love to have another dog. We’re all kids at heart.
November 12, 2011 at 2:32 pm
julesmae
Very useful, thanks!
November 12, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Beth MacKinney
: ) Thanks for the post, Tammi. I absolutely love to hear about the creative process for picture book writers.
Beth
November 12, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Cathy Mealey
A writer walks into a bookstore and grabs a stack of picture books for her homework assignment….what could go wrong??
November 12, 2011 at 2:58 pm
clarbojahn
Thanks for a great prompt. Am definitely looking for your pbs in the library next time. My latest pb has three settings but takes on the whole day. I love this simple way to imagine an idea.
November 12, 2011 at 3:18 pm
patientdreamer
Cool Advice thanks for that Tammi. Just came up with an idea thanks to Catherine’s mention of caves….
amazing what happens when blog visiting.
November 12, 2011 at 3:35 pm
DD Hearn
This is a wonderful prompt, something I had never thought of trying. I’m sure it’ll help me to brainstorm some ideas and, who knows, one of them might turn into a good story.
November 12, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Wendy Greenley
Thanks, Tammi. I’ve always focused on character and your post is doing amazing things to my brain! All good!. I can’t wait to see We Want Pet.
November 12, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Kayleen West - Children's Book Illustration
These posts are great but oh the pain! I just want to switch my life off, lock all the doors and just type madly for weeks. Congratulations on your new book Tammi and thanks for sharing with us here.
November 12, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Jessica Young
Yay! Great brainstorming idea, Tammi! Me want to write!
November 12, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Heather Jackson
ME WANT BOOK! Enough said! Congrats!
November 12, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Happy birthday, Tammi! Thanks for the great post.
I usually have a character, problem, or possible title spark my story ideas, but I’ll definitely explore setting more in published books and when coming up with future book ideas. I can’t wait to find some PiBoIdMo gems using your technique. 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 6:56 pm
Jennifer Kirkeby
Thanks so much, Tammi! This is a great idea. Btw, I love your books! Congratulations on your new one!
November 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Such simple advice but oh, so brilliant! Thanks, Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
M. G. King
The world is a big place — Time to go exploring. Thanks Tammi!
November 12, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Tracy Warren (@socialTracyW)
Thanks for the exercise. I used it to generate today’s picture book idea.
November 12, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Lisa Heun
My children and I love all of your books and we look forward to each new one! I’ve seen you speak in a school and you are such an inspiration!! Keep up the amazing work!!
November 12, 2011 at 8:20 pm
jessica shaw
Thanks, Tammi, great brainstorming exercise. Would love to add Me Want Pet to our pb collection! 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Algernon Michael Roark
Thank you Tammi!
That is a great thought, I got an idea today for a new story. Was’t quite sure where to begin with the idea. I will now explore that option.
Algernon Michael Roark.
November 12, 2011 at 9:15 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
Cool! I’m going to go write 10 setting ideas…here’s my first, a deserted island!
November 12, 2011 at 9:31 pm
angelapenadahle
My PB ideas usually start with a character also. I really should practice thinking of more ideas where the root of the idea begins with an unusual setting, maybe even an everyday one. I rarely find a story that way, but now that will be on my mind wherever I go. Thanks for the tip! By the way, Me Want Pet sounds like a funtastic read! 🙂
November 12, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
I had not thought of starting with setting – thank you for this suggestion! I love, love MOSTLY MONSTERLY. Thank you for your post!
November 12, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Angela Padron
Great advice – and I can’t wait to read your latest book. Sounds like a fun story and I just love Bob Shea’s illustrations. Congrats and thanks for the tips!
November 12, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Beverly Lyle Patt
Me can’t wait to see ME WANT PET in person!
Me Bev
November 12, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Laura
Ooga! Great Wisdom on your birthday! : )
November 12, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for your information posted on PiBoIdMo. I’m looking forward to your next book!
November 13, 2011 at 12:38 am
Helen Ross
Hi Tammi, thanks for your inspirational post. Starting with a setting and then asking ‘What can go wrong here?”is a great idea. I am going to use this to kick start my imagination for the remainder of PiBoldMo (and post PiBoldMo). Helen
November 13, 2011 at 1:32 am
Sandi Hershenson
I like the suggestion of starting with a setting. I usually start with character myself. Starting with setting will be a new challenge for me. I like it!
November 13, 2011 at 8:31 am
Gwendolyn Hooks
Thanks for the extra credit assignment.
I will try it.
November 13, 2011 at 11:10 am
Jennifer Rumberger
I loved this post and the ideas. Starting with the setting is something I haven’t tried yet. Thanks!
November 13, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Joanna
Refreshing tarting point, many thanks, Tammi.
November 13, 2011 at 1:52 pm
3pups
I’m going to work on my “assignment” today! 10 new settings!
November 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm
eecoburn
Great post! Our family has really enjoyed Chicken Dance! Thanks for sharing some tricks of the trade.
November 13, 2011 at 2:18 pm
kathyellen
Great strategy! thinking of just settings is something I never thought of! Thank you!!
November 13, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Gary Masskin
Haven’t come across this method yet. Love it. *runs off to jot down idea*
November 13, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Priscilla Mizell
I love this prompt. What a great way to brainstorm unusual plots!
November 13, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Karen Cheesman
What could go wrong!!?
November 13, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Katy Duffield
Thanks, Tammi!
November 13, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Thanks for the post, Tammi!
November 13, 2011 at 6:08 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Love the setting tip! You inspired a new idea for a picture book. Thanks, Tammi. Wishing you continued success in your writing work.
November 13, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Linda Andersen
Great tips for brainstorming setting and the story problem. Thanks Tammi.
Linda A.
November 13, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Tia C. M. Svardahl
Thank you for the great post! Settings and ‘what can go wrong here’ are going to give me even more ideas than I expected from the 30 day challenge! Love it!
November 13, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Carrie F
I love this approach — it’s so practical it just might work! Great ideas.
November 13, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Tammi Sauer
Thanks again, everyone! I’m so glad this has been helpful.
btw…my most recent sale was a result of this approach. Here’s hoping it works for you, too! 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 12:00 am
Mary M
Yours was the most inspiring post thus far into the PiBoIdMo this year. What a great way to come up with ideas. Love it and thanks for sharing. Your latest book looks wonderful! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks again for the inspiration!
November 14, 2011 at 12:53 am
ecmoran
What a great way to generate new PB ideas. I’m game for trying it out… Thanks, Tammi! 🙂 Edna
November 14, 2011 at 8:42 am
laurasalas
Love this idea–sometimes a fresh setting is what helps a pb stand out from all the others on the shelf! I’m going to do this brainstorming today–thanks!
November 14, 2011 at 9:18 am
aneducationinbooks
Great post and brainstorming activity. Thanks!
November 14, 2011 at 10:47 am
beckylevine
I love the idea of playing more with setting. Thanks for the tip. And the homework! 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 10:57 am
Janet
This is a great idea. I will go to work right away, I need a few more story ideas, I haven’t had any for a few days. Thanks and I would love to win a copy of your book.
November 14, 2011 at 11:45 am
sketched out
Yay! Another way to brainstorm. I don’t see how any idea can escape me now… bwuuuaaa haaa haaa! Thanks for the great inspiration, Tammi!
November 14, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Brook Gideon
Sometimes a location comes to me, but only because I used to go there or go there now. I like the thought of pushing yourself to think of new locations , maybe even ones you’ve been to but have not thought of before in that way. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
November 14, 2011 at 2:22 pm
growingmuses
I love the new book already…a cave kid wanting a pet. Having just become the owner of two new felines this past weekend for our two little cave kids, the book especially resonates with me.
November 14, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Sherry Dargert
Wonderful advice, Tammi! Thank you. And best of luck with your latest book.
November 14, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Carol
Thanks for the great writing exercise!
November 14, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Christie Wild
What a great quick tip to SET in motion. Thanks!
November 14, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Marcie Colleen
Love it! I almost always start story from a character or a situation. Never have I thought to look at setting. I will definitely try this! Thank you!
November 15, 2011 at 5:34 am
Dianne De Las Casas
Tammi is one of my FAVORITE picture book stars. Her books are fresh, funny, and always child-centric. Tammi is a featured Picture Book Month Champion too! Woo hoo! Thanks for a great post about setting. Hmmm. Where shall I set my next PB? 🙂
November 19, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Tammi Sauer
*smooch!*
November 15, 2011 at 8:24 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Thanks, Tammi, I’ll be having a go later today… good luck with the new book, Clare.
November 15, 2011 at 10:36 am
Kerry Aradhya
Wow. Congrats on having so many books published with such great publishers. And thanks for the great idea for generating new ideas. I will definitely try it!
November 15, 2011 at 10:41 am
Angela De Groot
Ooh! A brainstorming assignment – I love it. Now to grab my crayons and a big piece of paper. . . and I’m off!
Looking forward to Me Want Pet! The cover had me laughing already.
November 15, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Cathy Cronin
Great post! Thanks so much for sharing.
November 15, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
This exercise was especially helpful! Thanks for the post and the inspiration to contemplate some new settings! Blessings to you as you write…
November 29, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Jennifer DuBose
What a super suggestion! One I’ve never heard before. Awesome!
April 18, 2012 at 10:08 am
Janina Loop
Excuse me, but why did you win the Cheerios Spoonful of Stories contest when the rules CLEARLY STATE: YOU MUST NOT BE A PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AUTHOR??????
April 18, 2012 at 10:20 am
Tara Lazar
Janina, there are two separate kinds of “Spoonful of Stories” books–so I understand your confusion. One is the “new author” contest of which you speak. Cheerios also puts popular published books in their boxes. So Tammi did not win the “new author” contest but instead had her “Mostly Monsterly” book chosen to be reproduced in a smaller, paperback version to be included in a million boxes. Many other previously published authors were also honored as Spoonful of Stories books–like Karma Wilson, Mem Fox, Toni Morrison and Liz Garton Scanlon.
November 7, 2012 at 12:01 am
PiBoIdMo Day 7: Every Day Tammi Sauer is Structurin’ « Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)
[…] use setting as a takeoff point. […]
January 4, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Pamela Miller
Like your idea about starting with setting. But what a title: “Me Want Pet!” Thank you.