Who can believe the month of November is half over already? Hopefully you’ve already got 15 ideas (or more) in your PiBoIdMo journal. And if you don’t, no worries! There’s plenty of time left to catch up and complete the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge.
This is a place to check-in and let your fellow picture book writers know how you’re doing! What has been the most inspiring message for you during the guest posts?
You might be wondering how I’m doing. Well, I’m always a little behind with my own challenge…
Enough about me. What about you?
Brand new picture books!
As a children's book author and mother of two, I'm pushing a stroller along the path to publication. I collect shiny doodads on the journey and share them here. You've found a kidlit treasure box.
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November 15, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Sharon K. Mayhew (@skmayh)
I’m at 11 new ideas, but I have to admit that I’ve been working on some other projects which is why my number is so low. 😦
I hope everyone is still generating lots of great ideas!
November 15, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Cathy C. Hall
I’m at 15 and I’m kinda surprised…I don’t really think of myself as a PB writer but I’ve been reading so much about PB ideas and PB’s in general that I find myself thinking in pictures. And I like it!
November 15, 2011 at 11:51 pm
Rachel Hamby
I’m at 11 ideas, too. It’s been a busy November, but I’m still hoping to catch up! The posts have all been great, the one I personally enjoyed was Tammi’s–thinking about a setting and asking what can go wrong.
November 15, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Kathy May
I’ve got 12 new ideas and I’m seeing possibilities almost everywhere. Thanks so much for putting this together. All of the guest posts have been instructive, but Tammi Sauer’s was extra helpful for me.
November 15, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Karen Cheesman
I’ve never had so much fun. This has been the most creative month ever! Every morning I wake up wondering if an idea will come and every morning I’m amazed when it does. The most inspiring messages for me were Karma Wilson’s “What if…”, Tammy Sauer’s “Settings” and today’s message in the book “How to Steal Like an Artist”.
November 16, 2011 at 12:00 am
Stephanie Shaw
Oh, gosh! I can’t choose! I’ve loved each post and also enjoyed the additional links and videos. Before PiboIdMo I wondered if I would ever come up with a new story —- I’m up to #21 as of tonight. Again, thank you, Tara!
November 16, 2011 at 12:07 am
Julie
I started off strong and ahead of the game, but now I’m at exactly 15. So I’m right on target. The motivational posts have been excellent! I feel confident I’ll make it to 30 before month’s end, although it is tempting to start digging in on writing some of them. 😉
November 16, 2011 at 12:11 am
Robyn Campbell
I have 25 new ideas. And a couple of those from PiBoIdMo posts. I loved today’s post and Tammy’s. Really, they’ve all been worth their weight in gold for me. Now I can’t wait to start developing these ideas. *waving*
November 16, 2011 at 12:20 am
Christie Wild
Wow! You guys are awesome! I’m having trouble this year, for some reason. I only have 4 ideas. One is a cute nugget of an idea. The most helpful posts were “puzzle,” “experiences,” “settings,” and “hybrids.” Last year I got all 30 ideas, but I’m seriously wondering about this year. HELP! I think I just need more TIME (in the day)!
November 16, 2011 at 12:21 am
tinamcho
I finished my 19th idea, and I’ve really enjoyed the inspirational posts for pb writing! I wish I could have one EVERY day to my inbox! I really benefited from Karma Wilson’s post about asking ourselves “What if” questions and choosing the setting first by Tammi Sauer. Thanks, Tara!
November 16, 2011 at 12:31 am
Lori Alexander
I’m closing in on 30 ideas, but some are much more fleshed-out than others. Thanks, Tara, for organizing such a fun challenge!
November 16, 2011 at 12:38 am
Elizabeth McBride
Picture Book Idea Month has kept me thinking of new ideas and looking for new inspiration. It is frustrating to keep generating new ideas without developing the preceding one, but I’ve gotten around that by writing myself a blurb about the book idea so that I can recall my intentions when I come back to it later, and it continues to look exciting to me in the meantime. I’m up to date at the moment and loving that! Best wishes to all, and happy writing!
November 16, 2011 at 12:45 am
Marcela S
Tara, your idea of having PiBoIdMo is brilliant!
Since November started, I have been brainstorming new stories and new images that I would like to make into stories, non-stop! I am recording all this in Word. I am so pleased, everything is now in one document…that keeps growing and growing.
I was lucky to get some extra inspiration during the past three days. On Saturday, I went to the University of Connecticut’s Children’s Book Fair, where I had the chance to listen to amazingly talented authors and illustrators. And yesterday, at RISD-CE we received the visit of Brian Lies (“Bats at the Beach”, “Bats at the Library”) who also, with great generosity, shared his process from first idea, through research, sketches, thumbnails, book dummy, full size sketches, all the way to his incredible finished illustrations. What a treat!
After these days of inspirational presentations, some common statements resound in my mind:
Know what you want to do.
Believe in yourself.
Trust your inner voice.
Work very hard.
Persevere.
Love what you do.
November 16, 2011 at 2:31 am
Kayleen West - Children's Book Illustration
I am drooling just readiing that Marcel. I love seminars and festivals. Even if you pick up one small thing, it makes a world of difference in the end.
November 16, 2011 at 8:50 am
Deb Marshall
Marcela! What a couple of days you had…appreciate you sharing with us!
November 16, 2011 at 1:11 am
Elizabeth McBride
I have to add that the wonderful daily posts have been inspiring and informative. Liz Scanlon’s post was very helpful, and the reference to Austin Kleon was superb. His posts are well-worth the reading. I loved the push-back against the ‘write what you know’ cliche; forget that saying! Write what you wonder about! Write about what amazes you! Write about what you struggle with; anything but what you know! Stretch!!! Thank you so much for the great connections!
November 16, 2011 at 9:01 am
elizabethannewrites
Elizabeth, I absolutely LOVE that — “Write what you wonder about! Write about what amazes you! Write about what you struggle with; anything but what you know!” Thanks so much for the injunction to stretch!!!
November 16, 2011 at 1:31 am
Jedda Bradley
the daily blog posts are keeping me going with motivation to think about the worlds of kids in all different ways. thanks to all the authors.
November 16, 2011 at 1:53 am
Dana Carey
I have 15 ideas. I do one a day: might start out with a snippet then rift on that but I stop when I feel I have one idea that could carry a story. Usually. I’ve had a day or two where the idea isn’t as well rounded but I just carry on. This is my third year doing PiBoIdMo and I’m finding my idea search process has improved each year. That’s why I love doing this– I get better at it! I also love checking the post each day. Particular favorites that come to mind are what if, setting, taking the pov of a kid… I think I gravitate towards hands-on activities (being told what to do!). But really, I’ve gotten something out of all the posts and have enjoyed each one. Thanks to all!
November 16, 2011 at 2:36 am
Kayleen West - Children's Book Illustration
As from today I have my 30 ideas already and couldn’t help but develop some of them over the past couple of weeks as well. It is exciting to think after this exercise I may end up with 40-50 ideas. What a gold mine! This has really switched me on. I am so awake to the smallest of words or happenings that trigger a story. I have to say that it makes many a day more interesting too. 🙂
November 16, 2011 at 3:04 am
Sharon Nix Jones
PiBoIdMo has awakened my creativity that I usually keep on the back burner while life gets in the way.
November 16, 2011 at 3:36 am
sabrina
I’m at 30+, but i find it very hard to define ‘an idea’, since sometimes it’s simply a character, or a sentence. i guess i’m the sort of person that first generates, generates, wildly brainstorming over hours and days, to ultimately hold a major clean-up. It’s been great so far though, because i would never have had so many ideas to work on if it hadn’t been for PiBoIdMo. So thanks so much all of you and especially you Tara !!
November 16, 2011 at 3:40 am
Helen Ross
Hi Tara. I love PiBoldMo. I did NaNoWriMo in 2009 but PiBoldMo suits me much better, esp. since I’m primarily a children’s picture book writer. I haven’t yet counted my ‘ideas’ but would probably be around 30 already. And we’re only half way through. ‘Eureka’. Helen
November 16, 2011 at 4:11 am
patientdreamer
I have 17 good ideas with a couple of others I am not so sure on. while I mainly want to stick to multicultural themes, an outing at a ANP Show (Agricultural and Pastural Show) besides showing animals, has crafts and lots of foods stalls, also gave me ideas on animal stories after watching a bull with attitude and a sheep who insisted on mounting a table to get at some chicken feed…lol. Also a beautiful idea after watching a (horse whisperer) dance with his horses.
Tara’s guest posts on her blog are a big help as well as Rob Sanders Blog posts a great website with lots of inspiration, thanks to you both.
November 16, 2011 at 4:36 am
Nino Trentinella
45+ ideas (not counting anymore) with a handful of really well developed ones – out of which, 1 that I’m really excited to work on ASAP. Tara, thank you.
Nino 🙂
http://www.ninocosm.com
November 16, 2011 at 5:09 am
Mona Pease
So far, a good month. On some days more ideas pop to mind. I love having the notebook beside me to “write” in. Carry a short pencil and note cards in my pocket when I walk and pens and paper in the car for when I ride. Not good jotting when driving, but once in awhile…just once in awhile! Wish this would go on longer!
November 16, 2011 at 5:21 am
Tabatha
I’ve got 16! It’s fun every year.
November 16, 2011 at 5:56 am
Catherine Johnson
18 ideas, including one rough draft and one I’m in love with.
November 16, 2011 at 6:30 am
Linda Andersen
So far, I’m ahead of the goal just a little. This is so fun! I really am glad I decided to give this a try. Thanks Tara and all who shared blog posts.
November 16, 2011 at 7:00 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Whoa! I have 16 ideas in 16 days 😀
Never had that many in 16 months :O
Can’t wait to reach 30 by Nov 30!!!
November 16, 2011 at 7:10 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
I have to write 3 more ideas down (I have 13). 😦 I need to catch up but I think that it’s pretty goodfor a kid…
Erik
November 16, 2011 at 7:34 am
laurasalas
I’ve got 17 ideas so far–some a little more thought out than others. Many are just bare bones premises. But at least they’re a start. The most inspiring idea for me so far has been using pictures to kickstart story ideas. I’ve been using that one a lot!
Thanks for all the fun!
November 16, 2011 at 7:37 am
Marcie Colleen
I have 15 ideas on 15 index cards. Some have more notes on them than others. Some are just a sentence or quote. I definitely think there are ones worth expanding into manuscripts. Others might be woven in througout other ideas or created as characters in a different story. In any case, it is great to have a file of ideas to go to when I get stuck for an idea throughout the year. Such fun! Thanks again, Tara!
November 16, 2011 at 7:38 am
Nancy Frederixon
Some days I am ahead, but never behind with ideas. I have read the postings of others and realize that while I am around town, there are so many ideas. During my pedicure, I realized just how important my toes are to help me balance, walk and how nice they look all painted and trimmed.
November 16, 2011 at 7:44 am
Tia C. M. Svardahl
I am at 18 ideas and enjoying every minute of this challenge!
I tried to figure out what post was most inspiring for me and realized I can’t even pick one because they all have such great information and inspiration!
Thanks, Tara!
November 16, 2011 at 7:50 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
I have 13 titles. All of the guest posts have helpful ideas
November 16, 2011 at 7:54 am
rickstarkey
Like some of the others, it’s hard to pick because they all have something to learn from. I surprised myself, I already have more than 15.
Thanks for all the great posts.
November 16, 2011 at 7:55 am
Alexa
Can’t believe it, but I’m on track with 16! And now, I’ve jinxed myself. Great to have those daily morsels of inspiration, wit, and commiseration in my inbox every day. Will have plenty to keep me working when the month is over!
November 16, 2011 at 8:10 am
angelapenadahle
46 ideas. Three rough drafts. I’m going to just keep going! I got an idea just before bed last night and had to text it to my phone. I was too lazy to get up and write it down. Shame on me for leaving my notebook downstairs! I’m amazed that everyone is doing so well, and getting those ideas out. It is fun to see that we all move at a different pace too. Ideas come when they come, and there is no rushing it. 🙂 The brain is a magical instrument with many hidden corridors and surprises. Perseverance is key!
November 16, 2011 at 8:53 am
Deb Marshall
Oh my gosh, love it Angela! And lol on the texting your idea!
November 16, 2011 at 8:25 am
Jan Milusich
The posts that most inspired me were the doodle a day one and the one about setting and asking what if. The posts are like presents and I look forward to opening them everyday. At last count I’m up to 12 ideas but I’ve also been working to make one of the into a PB manuscript. Thank you for the inspiration.
November 16, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Lisa Buscemi-Reiss
Awesome, Jan! 🙂 Me too!
November 16, 2011 at 8:26 am
Megan K. Bickel
I’m right at 15. I started out really fast, but the ideas were not terribly strong. So, in the past week I’ve made myself focus on one a day and come up with some better ones. Yay!
November 16, 2011 at 8:41 am
Julie Fulton
I’ve faltered a bit over the last few days – blame the pressure of getting my next PB right for my publisher! I do have several ideas, not all written down yet, but after next Wednesday will have loads more time to catch up. Can’t wait – it’s really motivating!
November 16, 2011 at 8:44 am
Madelyn Rosenberg
I’m at 22 ideas with a full outline for two. I love getting in this mindset — last year it lasted long after November.
November 16, 2011 at 8:46 am
Carrie F
I’ve got about 18 ideas. I surprised myself by starting off really strong with some ideas that I love (still thinking about them). The last few days have been tougher — I actually completely forgot to come up with an idea this past Monday (but made up for it with two the next day). I’ve enjoyed reading all the posts, but haven’t consciously been using the techniques to brainstorm. I think now I will go back and reread them and try to actively attempt some of the suggestions. I love this challenge. Thank you so much Tara, for organizing this!
November 16, 2011 at 8:56 am
elizabethannewrites
First, I want to say that all the posts have been inspiring, and I’m delighted and impressed with the variety and the depth of the topics and wisdom shared in the guest posts. Thank you so much, Tara, for all you’ve done to pull this together!
I’ve been scrolling back through the posts — I think I’m going to print them all and put them in a binder for easy reference after PiBoIdMo — and Kelly Light’s Fred and Ginger squirrels, and Becky Levine’s jigsaw puzzle have been the most inspiring for me, to date. THANK YOU!
I’m at 25 ideas, some partly fleshed out, others just a brief line or two, some that I already know I’ll be working on when PiBoIdMo is over, some that likely won’t make the cut, some that need to sit on the back burner and simmer for a while. I am astounded at the number of ideas that have come to me, good, bad, and in between, and I hope to continue this habit of coaxing ideas out once PiBoIdMo ends.
I also hope that the community being built over in the FB group will continue after the month is over — the discussions and support in that group is super!
November 16, 2011 at 8:57 am
Deb Marshall
Thanks so, so much for hosting this, Tara. And big thanks to all the guest posters. I start my day with reading them, then grabbing my notebook for some brainstorming/doodling/wandering on paper! I am at 41 ideas. Some are nothing more than a word, first line, others (I would say a good 5) started growing well beyond the germ of an idea stage. One post I keep going back to is Tammi’s setting…pick a setting, now…what can go wrong. Another one is the hybrid of ideas! What a whirlwind of inspiration this has been, thanks again. Good luck everyone!
November 16, 2011 at 9:01 am
Kathleen Cornell Berman
So far, I have 25 ideas. I have been doing some research on a non-fiction PB idea and continue to jot a little here and there on the others. I have been trying that cooking/marinating idea by thinking more about one of my ideas during the day. After reviewing the post so far, I find it too difficult to choose the most inspiring. They all played a part in sparking something within me.
Thanks Tara, it has been fun.
November 16, 2011 at 9:02 am
Pat Haapaniemi
29 ideas. Some just a few lines and others much more developed. I never imagined coming up with this many, and don’t think I could have without PiBoIdMo. The posts have been inspiring and the comments by other participants have been just as helpful. Thanks for doing this, Tara!
November 16, 2011 at 9:03 am
Debbie Austin
I think I’m at 9 ideas so far. I’ve loved all the guest posts. It’s been great to get their perspective on pb writing. I particularly was inspired by Becky Levine to look at a story like a jigsaw puzzle during the revision stage. It puts a fun spin on revision for me. I happen to love jigsaw puzzles!
I’m also inpsired by the other participants’ posts!
Thanks, Tara, for this wonderful month of inspiration. I’m still hopeful I’ll meet the 30 idea goal.
November 16, 2011 at 9:07 am
Darlene Ivy
This has been so much fun. I have two more ideas to write down before I forget them, but those will make 16 and 17. Some of the ideas are more fully developed than others, but its been fun seeing how an idea develops. Each seems to have its own process!.
November 16, 2011 at 9:09 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thank you for organizing this and getting us all jazzed up! I am at 25 ideas. My ideas come in different ways to me. I am hopeful for at least 5 more!
November 16, 2011 at 9:15 am
DianaM
I have 15 ideas so far. But some days I came up with two or three and then skipped a day.
I also ended up writing one of the manuscripts already because I liked the idea so much.
Loving the posts and having a great, inspiring time!
November 16, 2011 at 9:22 am
DianaM
Also, it’s impossible to choose a favorite post, but one is “Setting”.
November 16, 2011 at 9:28 am
Patti Richards
18 ideas and counting so far! I am really enjoying this challenge. I’m surprised at how staying focused on this task and reading the blogs each day are really keeping the new ideas popping. Most of the time I just put down an idea as it comes, but working on ideas a little bit each day and reading others work consistently is keeping my muse working overtime! Thanks so much for putting this together!
November 16, 2011 at 9:34 am
Betsy Devany
It is hard to say what post inspired me the most. They have all generated new ideas for me. Every morning I read the day’s post, and then find myself writing down a possible title, a scene, the antics of an unfamiliar character or compelling voice. I have 23 new story ideas, some collaborated over breakfast with my 5 y.o. granddaughter. It has been a joy. Thank you, Tara and all the contributing authors, etc.
November 16, 2011 at 9:46 am
Michelle Krasny
This has been really fun for me, I don’t consider myself a writer at all (the only things I write are things I want to illustrate and need words to go with) but it’s been really fun to come up with new characters and “what-if’s.” I only wish there was something like this for picture book illustrators. Thanks for making it!
November 16, 2011 at 9:58 am
Tim Brandhorst
I just wanted to thank you for putting this all together. I’ve kept up, and am at 16 new picture book ideas. And and AND I have written the first draft of one of those ideas–and the concept for that one is so far removed from the kinds of things I’d been writing that I have to completely credit PiBoIdMo for pushing me toward new and different ideas.
November 16, 2011 at 10:02 am
Sheila O Lindsay
Thank you Tara, this has been a woderful experience. I got a little nervous when I got behind during my vacation, but i am right on schedule. I think I even got an idea for a middle grade book too. Thanks for the great posts too, they are very inspiring.
November 16, 2011 at 10:16 am
Janet
I’ve enjoyed reading all of your posts so far. I am currently at 18 ideas!
November 16, 2011 at 10:21 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I have gathered 24 ideas, but have not had the time to develop them at this point. Hopefully, I can retreat for a couple of days to do so…or sign up for a PIBoDeMo! Anybody game?? The author/illustrator posts have been helpful, each in their own way. It’s been good to hear from those who have blazed the trail before us. I especially love the “esprit de corps” generated as we share links, posts, thoughts and helpful information. It spurs me on. And thanks goes to you, Tara, for being willing to host this creative challenge!
November 16, 2011 at 10:28 am
Jarm Del Boccio
By the way…posts by authors that have struggled with generating ideas, and have taken sometimes years to do so, have been the most encouraging to me. Patience is the key!
November 16, 2011 at 10:28 am
Catharine
I have some new ideas, not as many as I would like but I like to think each one may blossom into many.
Yesterday I was lucky at work to sit in on l library visit with Michael Kusugak, an award winning author and storyteller from Repulse Bay, Nunavut writes fiction for children. His body of work ranges from his most recent book “The Littlest Sled Dog”, to his first book “A Promise is a Promise”, co-authored with Robert Munsch. http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Vancouver+Island+Inuit+storyteller+inspired+kids/5701403/story.html
This has been an inspiring challenge, thank you!
November 16, 2011 at 10:45 am
Diana Delosh
I’m way behind this year – only 5 so far… but they’re 5 strong ones at least. Not sure why I’m having such a hard time this year but I hope to catch-up. Still I’m enjoying all the posts. My favorites to date are: Julian’s on creating slowly, Kelly Light’s on putting in the work to make it look effortless.
November 16, 2011 at 11:25 am
shirley
This is my first PiBoIdMo experience, and I must say that it has been an AWESOME so far. To have a daily challenge such as this has really kicked me in the pants to build my confidence in writing. I am so grateful and thankful Tara for this amazing experience and opportunity to get to read and discover inspirational insights each day in my email box. PiBoIdMo = Invaluable. Thank you!
I have 15 so far, with 1 being a nugget that I want to really pursue..(so excited!) – and all of your guests have really just been great – highlights for me include: Mary Rand Hess, Kelly Light, Tammi Sauer.
November 16, 2011 at 11:48 am
kate carroll
I love PiBoIdMo!
It provides the perfect combination of discipline and creativity!
Helping me focus and look at the world through children’s eyes is the best part of this little adventure.
Rally for the second half!
November 16, 2011 at 11:58 am
Lori Taylor
Shazam! I had no idea how much fun PiBoIdMo would be. My brain has exploded onto a sketchbook I bought just for this project. I especially liked the post on setting being used for ideas. Great stuff. As a nature artist it made me think beyond the forest and lake borders. So in taking my granddaughter out to the mall for the day gave me lots of ideas–setting, first grade problems and new characters. Great fun. The ideas have been leaping at me everytime I leave the house so I keep a pen and paper handy at all times for those brain explosions. Here’s to hoping the second half will be just as fruitful.
November 16, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Joyce Ray
Wow! So many writers are having more than an idea a day! I am impressed. But I’m happy that I’m on schedule and hoping for my 16th idea today. I would never have this many ideas without PiBoIdMo. Thank you for this challenge and the wonderful posts that keep me going. I loved the doodle post. I’m not artistic at all, but have made a special notebook so I can doodle ideas.
Something else that helped me expand an idea was to type my idea into a Wordle website and print out a scramble. Just looking at the jumbled words freed me to keep thinking.
November 16, 2011 at 12:33 pm
sketched out
I’ve got 15 ideas and the 16th is brewing as we speak. Some of them are merely nuggets some are fairly fleshed out. Tight deadlines this week have slowed me down. But that’s one of the many great things about PiBoIdMo. Normally if I was busy, I would just let everything else slide, including eating, heehee. But I know I have to carve a wee bit of time aside to brainstorm… oh yes, and eat.
Thanks so much for hosting this Tara and to all the folks who’ve posted all the brilliantly, inspirational wonderfulness!
November 16, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Sue Heavenrich
I’ve scribbled 30+ ideas – some more developed than others. Some are really wacko – but it’s like brainstorming for me: no editing the process until December! I “re-purposed” one of my kid’s school notebooks – it has 45 pages in it. I’m thinking that won’t be enough. Argh. Will have to go scrounge for another marble-notebook that was once used for Civics or math (shiver)….
November 16, 2011 at 1:25 pm
carterhiggins
Agreed. The camaraderie and encouragement is out of this world. I’ve only been good for one a day, but 16 is NOT TOO SHABBY! Two I am especially over the moon about, and a handful that are daunting. The scary/crazy/way fun news: I fear I may have to cut my illustrator chops on one. Bring. it. on.
November 16, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
I have 16 ideas so far, can’t wait until I have my 30! I have loved the posts, so inspiring. I really liked Tammi Sauer’s on setting. So many new unique ways to look at the world around you!
November 16, 2011 at 2:01 pm
sillylibrarian
I have about 15 ideas so far. Some are great… some are probably never going to go anywhere but my list. At first, I had a separate list of not-so-great ideas as back-up if I couldn’t think of anything “better” for the day. Ha, but then I realized that those ideas should “count”, too. No censoring! It’s okay to write crap sometimes 🙂 I’m really digging all of the posts… but I think Karma Wilson’s is my favorite so far. It definitely inspired at least one silly/fun idea.
November 16, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Tim McCanna
I’m at 50+. I started strong out of the gate and am now churning up a couple ideas a day rather than my initial 5 or 6 per day in the first week or so. Some ideas are coming as rough story synopses. Others are just a word or phrase or title or topic that sparks my interest, but will have to wait until I can spend some time with it after November’s over. Aside from collecting a backlog of story ideas, this month is slowly teaching me how to be open to story ideas even when I’m not actively looking for them. School was out Monday, so I took my kids for a canoe ride in the park. We could have rented a paddleboat, but my daughter insisted on a canoe. Canoe is such a fun sounding word and a fun object to interact with, that it sparked a whole range of story ideas for me. Thanks, PiBoIdMo!
November 16, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Angela Padron
I like the variety of articles, from characters to settings to non-fiction ideas. I’m getting a few ideas after reading each one but only about 9 are worth pursuing at this point. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 16, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Wendy Greenley
All the posts have been great. They have touched off different areas of my brain, leading to more ideas. I’m at 16 ideas in various stages of development, and four of them are speaking so loudly to me, I know they’ll be the next to be fully fleshed out. I’m trying to finish up a novel rewrite while I’m doing this, so my picture book fingers are itching to fly when I’m done (hopefully soon!). Thanks for everyone’s story nudges.
November 16, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Teresa
I have 14 ideas but hope to catch up tonight. All the posts have been helpful, several inspired some fun ideas. Really pleased to have so many ideas to flesh out this winter. Thank you!
November 16, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Bethany Telles
I’m at 21! Never actually counted until this morning… Thank you to ALL who have posted, encouraged, and inspired!
November 16, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Darshana
I am at 10 ideas. Been busy reading and reading for the Cybils. Hope to catch up over the Thanksgiving break. Can’t say which post was the most inspirational yet as I have only read half of the blog posts.
I do love the car commercial with darth vader, that was hilarious and gave me a great PB idea!
November 16, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Lynn Almer
The most meaningful posts for me so far came from Karma Wilson and Tamara Ellis Smith. I liked be reminded to ask the What if? question in my writing and I am using that as I work with 5th graders (as a volunteer) in their writing. It was Tamara’s last line – Join me in the wide and wonderful out there” that took me back to my childhood days at my grandfather’s house. It gave me an idea to capture that simple joy, one that did not involve expensive toys or video games, in a picture book. This is the first year I’ve particpated in PiBoIdMo and I’m loving it! I’ve already taken three of my ideas and fleshed out the basics for three books. My thanks to Elizabeth B. for noting this PiBoIdMo opportunity in her blog.
Lynn Almer
Lakewood CO
November 16, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Jeannie Brett
I am very happy to say I have had one to three ideas a day. I am looking forward to play with those ideas and see what comes of it! Thanks for the inspiration PiBoldMo.
Next month I am going to try little “warm up” illustration, before starting my work day of illustrating!
November 16, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Libby Williams
I have 21 ideas in my book at the moment. This challenge has certainly made me more aware of each new environment I enter and my senses have been heightened to the point where I am looking, hearing and even smelling new ideas.
All the posts have been encouraging and I look forward to each day’s entry, but the post by Mary Rand Hess has been the one that has resonated in my heart.
Thanks Tara for organising the challenge.
November 16, 2011 at 8:28 pm
clarbojahn
Thank you so much, Tara, for hosting this blog with new ideas to get ideas every day. I have fifteen already, getting one each day. A couple have been fleshed out.
I”m having so much fun and love getting a post in my email box each day. 🙂
November 16, 2011 at 10:20 pm
katfrog
I have first drafts ready for three books, and ideas for 11 more!!! I know that I am still a day behind, but I have had so much fun doing creating picture book ideas. I think the fun influenced my work on NaNoWriMo, because I’m finding it easy to make my daily word counts.
November 16, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Jessica Young
The wonderful posts have been inspiring, and so are all of the other participants!
I have 15 ideas: some are stronger than others, several are calling me, but they’ll have to sit and stew as I’m working on several WIPs.
November 16, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Carol
I’m up to twenty ideas. Some have promise, while others are waiting to be paired up with something else to make a complete story. The best part is the way the brainstorming has opened my mind to so many new and varied ideas. One idea triggers another and the cycle repeats, and repeats, and repeats!
Carol
November 17, 2011 at 12:26 am
Pat GB
I’m behind, but catching up. All the posts are helpful! Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen’s post about finding nuggets and patiently finding the story of that nugget was just what I needed to read. Thanks!
November 17, 2011 at 1:08 am
Julie D.
I’m right on track – yay! The first few days were easy, then I started to think how many 30 actually is and got a bit nervous. Happily, though, the ideas keep popping up. (Not that they’re all GOOD ideas, of course) A couple I’m really excited about, a couple I think would be really hard to turn into complete stories, and the rest I think are pretty interesting. I’m enjoying the daily posts for inspiration and new perspectives. I find I get ideas when I’m not actively thinking – most surprisingly, when nursing my baby at 4 am. Because of this challenge I think I’m paying more attention to how my mind wanders and keeping a mental ear out for story potential. I’m trying out Scrivener to organize my ideas and so far I like it. Thanks, Tara, for doing such a great job organizing PiBoIdMo!
November 17, 2011 at 1:13 am
LadyInRead
I have 17 ideas and I am not a PB writer – wanted to join in so can be inspired and maybe, just maybe actually start on one PB at the end of it! All the posts are wonderful and hard to choose one among them and I have gotten ideas from so many of them! (‘settings’, ‘sounds’,’hybrids’,’multicultural’,and more)
November 17, 2011 at 8:43 am
Pat Miller
I’m at 14 ideas–on day 17. I’m even behind on commenting to the posts. Last year’s PiBoIdMo seemed more bountiful, this year, ideas seem to lag, then come in bunches. These posts are very inspiring–proof that other strugglers are out there making the effort. Some days I think all the good ideas are taken, then I read these and discover that hundreds more are being generated–I can do this, too!
November 17, 2011 at 9:14 am
Lynn
This is my second year for PiBoIdMo, and it is so much harder to be creative this time around (could be due to added stress and responsibilities in my life since April, I suppose) .. but I keep plugging away at it. This morning’s idea put me up to 23, so I’m not far behind my 26 total at this time last year.
As for a favourite post, it seems to depend on what’s going on that day, but I think the one that spoke deepest to me is by Kelly Light, although nearly every one has been inspiring for me.
Tara, you know I appreciate you and all your work to do this, but I will say it again .. Thank you!
November 17, 2011 at 5:46 pm
katerinazisiadou
I’m at 19 ideas on day 17. Though I’m afraid a couple of them are less suitable for a picture book. I’m not a writer and not an illustrator either. I paint paintings (often rather abstract) so this is quite a challenge for me, but I LOVE it!!!! The daily posts are very inspiring; some trigger ideas immediately, while other ones need more time to ‘mature’ in my mind. The question “What if?” keeps popping up in my head at the most unexpected moments, so I have to say that -for the time being- this registered more than anything else…
Tara, thank you very much for doing all this!
November 17, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Mary Meinking
I’m at 16 ideas thus far. Some could work, others probably not. I too got the most inspiration out of the location/what if’s posting of Day #12 (Tammi Sauer). But all the posts are great. Keep um coming and thanks Tara for organizing this again this year!
November 18, 2011 at 9:09 am
JoAn Watson Martin
These posts everyday have helped me become inspired. I have always been an addict of newspapers. If I see something unusual enough to embellish, embroider, elaborate on, I cut it our and add it to my drawer of newspaper clippings. I have gone through those and used some for ideas for picture books. Thanks for keeping us going.
JoAn
November 18, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Becky Lees
Ummm….I’m way behind.
November 19, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Camlin
I’m doing okay on ideas. Granted a lot of them are really sketchy, but I’ve got three that are in rough draft stage. I love the posts. They are all full of great nudges for ideas. This is great.
November 20, 2011 at 2:41 pm
corinne dean
I was a little behind, at 13, and feeling a little bad about it. Then I saw many others were at this same point, and it got me going again! This blog has been helpful in so many ways! Now I am back on track, I have 20!
November 24, 2011 at 9:45 pm
patrickguindon
https://patrickguindon.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/piboidmo-update/