The countdown is on, PiBo peeps!
In a few days, the challenge of producing one idea per day for the month of November will be upon us. Bring it!
If, like me, you’ve been stuck in a rut lately, this is the best time to blast the cobwebs from your brain and set to task. So…
- Creative space clean and tidy: Check!
- Pencil sharp, sketchbook open: Check!
- Ready to draw: Ch … wait! Draw? Isn’t PiBoIdMo for writers?
No. That’s the beauty of PiBoIdMo. You can be an illustrator and still participate—heck, you don’t have to write at all—you can sketch your ideas.
A doodle can develop into a character sketch that turns into a scene, which might eventually become a concept for a book—it’s a great way to flesh out story ideas.
And doodles don’t always have to become an entire picture book either. Portfolio or promotional pieces can happen this way, too. So, it’s a three-fer—bonus!
As an illustrator who likes to write, but struggles with words, I go to what comes easiest first. Sketching. No thinking. No pressure. Just me, my pencil and a blank page. That’s why I am looking forward to PiBoIdMo.
However, even the best of intentions can go stale if the motivation well has dried up. Obviously that’s what PiBoIdMo’s for, too, but what if that’s not enough or you simply have blank-page syndrome, and you’re still stuck?
Get out! Go on, you heard me, grab your sketchbook and leave the house. Here’s some additional ways to kick start that motivation and prepare for PiBoIdMo:
SHOPOHOLIC: Pouring over the classics in your favorite library or bookstore is an obvious choice, but ever thought to mosey through a shop you might not otherwise frequent—certainly not for inspiration, anyway? Pet stores are choc full of fascination, especially those exotic ones. Tarantula watching might trigger a Halloween tale, reptile research could spark an alphabet book or snake sketching might lead you to that perfect promo card. Other stores to consider include: antiques, costume, hobbyist, candy or maybe try a farmer’s or fish market.
SHOW UP: The Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators in New York City is an amazing exhibit that showcases some of the best picture book art of the year under one roof. Not only can you get up close and personal with the real art but most of the selected picture books are on display too. You can see how the art was used, and check out the story at the same time. The OAS times perfectly with PiBoIdMo. If you can’t make it to Manhattan, visit the website and check out the featured artists here. This year’s show runs from October 24 to December 22, 2012.
TAKE A HIKE: Whether you live near a beach, park, forest, farm, or town square, going for a walk is healthy for PiBo mind and body. If time is precious in your daily schedule, allow yourself 30 minutes once a week to walk off some PiBo stalemate, but remember to open your eyes. Look at your surroundings. Really look. Notice colors, human interaction or simply cloud watch. Don’t force it, just watch and let the mind capture moments. It might take a few tries to get all that chatter out of your head, but don’t forget your sketchbook and pencil for when it clears!
SEASON’S GREETINGS: Halloween hangovers, corn maze castaways, apple bobbing, pumpkin picking, and Thanksgiving get-togethers are all perfect fodder for inspiring new ideas. Put your observational powers to the test and see if you can put a new spin on time-old themes. Let the fall season motivate new ideas!
Music is my main motivator indoors. I jump up and dance, and don’t care how ridiculous I might look. I do it to release energy, loosen limbs, and rev up the creative force within.
Heading outdoors motivates me in more internally charged ways. When I let go internally, the ideas flow effortlessly. All I have to do is catch them with sketches, doodles and scribbled notes. I’m stoked for this year’s PiBoIdMo, motivated and raring to go! What’s motivating you?
Leeza Hernandez lives in central New Jersey. Her debut-authored picture book DOG GONE! released in June with a companion book CAT NAPPED due for release in Spring 2014. She is currently illustrating John Lithgow’s latest picture book NEVER PLAY MUSIC RIGHT NEXT TO THE ZOO, due for release in Fall 2013. Leeza is also the newly-appointed Regional Advisor for New Jersey SCBWI. Follow her on Twitter @leezaworks.
Listen up!
Leeza has some SWAG for you!
There’s a DOG GONE! goody bag including a bookmark, postcard, signed book, signed poster, and an original signed lineart drawing from the book!
Plus there’s two paperback copies of EAT YOUR MATH HOMEWORK! One for you, one to give as a gift!
DOGGONE AWESOME!
Just leave a comment to enter. A winner will be randomly selected one week from today.
149 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 27, 2012 at 12:05 am
Donna Earnhardt
GREAT POST and very cool goody bag!
October 27, 2012 at 12:12 am
Talynn Lynn
I really loved the ideas for motivation and inspiration. And I love art. I can’t count the times and idea for a story has popped into my mind while looking at an awesome picture. So fun! Awesome swag give awy, by the way!
October 27, 2012 at 12:25 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
Great tips for motivation!
October 27, 2012 at 12:29 am
Jennifer Lorrekovich
What an awesome swag bag! I love it. 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 12:39 am
Laurie Ann Thompson
Good ideas for inspiration-catching. Thanks, Leeza and Tara!
October 27, 2012 at 12:51 am
Jen
What a nice doggie bag. I mean goody bag!
October 27, 2012 at 1:04 am
Jennifer Noel Bower
Wow! What a super idea. This year’s SCBWI-Carolinas conference really stressed character development. As an author/illustrator it is going to be great fun taking this daily story idea and doodling out some character sketches to go along. Thanks, Leeza, for this great insight. I am getting more and more excited for Nov. 1!
October 27, 2012 at 1:11 am
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
Love how you share your motivators! A professor of mine calls this feeding the subconscious mind. I feed my creative soul by going for a run, creating a new recipe with fresh food from the Farmer’s market – even just taking a hot shower. These things help me to exhale and find the creative ideas!
October 27, 2012 at 1:28 am
bucherwurm65
Thanks for all the fun, totally doable ideas to get the creative juices flowing!
October 27, 2012 at 1:48 am
Tim McCanna
Great suggestions, Leeza. I’m definitely going to add some sketching into my brainstorm strategy now. Thanks!
October 27, 2012 at 2:06 am
Anjali Amit
“Blank page syndrome.” Now that could be the title of my picture book!
October 27, 2012 at 3:05 am
Larissa
Great tips on finding inspiration!
October 27, 2012 at 3:06 am
Claire O'Brien
Good ideas, Leeza. I’m off to see the Cressida Cowell How To Train Your Dragon exhibition at http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/ (despite our October snow). No doubt I’ll be inspired.
October 27, 2012 at 4:35 am
Catherine Johnson
I was dancing in my witch outfit yesterday. That’s a great idea that I don’t enough of. Great tips, Leeza.
October 27, 2012 at 4:38 am
mona
Leeza,
Thank you. A sketch or two? That’s a great idea. I’m thinking that if I put pencil to paper to do anything but doodle, I just may come up with a whopper of a story, maybe even scary!
The bag and books is a wonderful prize. Would be great for my turn at library’s story time.
October 27, 2012 at 4:57 am
Laura Sassi
Thanks for motivating us. LOVE your goody bag!
October 27, 2012 at 5:28 am
Gary Masskin
Some awesome tips on places to gain inspiration. Thanks Leeza!
October 27, 2012 at 5:30 am
debraaelliott1960
Great tips! My grandson would love this! Thanks Leeza!
October 27, 2012 at 5:33 am
timcanny
I’m not an artist but I am a chronic doodler and I definitely plan to doodle my way through PiBoIdMo! Thanks for some great ideas on how to get jump started.
October 27, 2012 at 5:46 am
Leeza
Thanks everyone for such lovely, kind words. I forgot to mention exercise/going to the gym. Dancing at home is great, but for me, sometimes the best ideas come when I’m deep in the throws of a kickboxing session! KAPOW!
The OAS is what has lit the fire under my bum this year. Being at the reception this year and meeting all those amazing illustrators and seeing such incredible art like that made me realize how much I miss simply sitting and letting the creative mind do its thing–playing with new techniques, drawing for fun and making art for myself. I spend too much time worrying about getting from A to Z instead of enjoying the journey between the two.
I’d love to see the HTTYD exhibit, Claire, how cool. But wait, snow?!?!?!?!
piBoIdMo is gonna be the catalyst to get me to a new body of work- YEAH!!!
Thank you Tara, for this, I know I need it this year. hope I’m officially registered… 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 5:52 am
lepley
Thanks for the inspiration!
October 27, 2012 at 6:41 am
Julie Falatko
Dog Gone is waiting for me at the library — had to get it after Colby Sharp’s post about how it has become a nightly read with his 2-year-old. I can’t wait to read it with my own dog-loving 2-year-old!
October 27, 2012 at 6:46 am
Poppy Wrote
I HAVE to leave a comment! Love Leeza’s work! And the kids would too… 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 6:52 am
saputnam
I head outdoors to get my creative juices flowing, especially gardening. There is something about getting my hands in the dirt that frees up my mind, but some days I just sit, close my eyes and listen to the sounds of nature that surround me.
October 27, 2012 at 6:53 am
laurimeyers
Great ideas. I wish my doodles looked like something, but mainly they just look doodly.
October 27, 2012 at 6:57 am
Tracy Shave
Thank you for this post – I was going to ask people if they illustrate their own books. I’ve not written a picture book before but it’s something I’d like to achieve next year. I already illustrate my humorous verse for adults (although never been published) so I was thinking of illustrating it myself but had read somewhere that this was a bit of a no no unless you are qualified. I can illustrate – I’d have thought that’s my qualification right there. 😀 Great goody bag too!
October 27, 2012 at 7:17 am
Alison Hertz
Love the idea of tarantula watching at the pet store to get inspiration. Great goodybag, too!
October 27, 2012 at 7:21 am
Beth Gallagher
What a great motivational post! I’m going to blend my ideas with sketches. Thanks for the inspiration AND the fab giveaway!
October 27, 2012 at 7:21 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Thanks for the link to the Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators in New York City! Really interesting – wish I lived closer. The show does travel as well and there is a schedule on the website. 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 7:28 am
Alexa
Great ideas! Thank you.
October 27, 2012 at 7:42 am
Terri
I head outside with my camera for ideas. It is calming and good for the mind and body.
October 27, 2012 at 7:51 am
Laura Thieman
What a leaf-crunching, inspiring way to start my day! Thank you.
October 27, 2012 at 7:57 am
Rebecca Colby
I hate to shop but your post has made me rethink. I’m going to start ‘browsing’ for ideas soon, and take more enjoyment out of my shopping trips. Congratulations on ‘Dog Gone’, Leeza! I met you two years at a British SCBWI event and you mentioned you had a book coming out in 2012. Great to hear that it is now available!
October 27, 2012 at 8:05 am
Donna Black
Thank you for reminding me that inspiration is everywhere.
October 27, 2012 at 8:17 am
Debbie Smart
Thanks for the great post! Love pb illistratons! The fasinate me … as I can only draw stick men. Lol.
October 27, 2012 at 8:24 am
Kirsten Larson
I found a special notebook for PiBoIdMo, and the ideas have already started flowing. This is going to be a great experience.
October 27, 2012 at 8:27 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the great post. My ideas come from everywhere and as a creative soul I look everywhere so your post was perfect!
October 27, 2012 at 8:28 am
Laura Lowman Murray
Lots of inspiration in your post, Leeza!! I absolutely love the titles of your books – Dog Gone and Cat Napped – very cute and catchy! Can’t wait to check out Dog Gone, and will look for Cat Napped in 2014! 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 8:34 am
Bonnie Adamson
Doggone, Leeza–great tips!! 😀
October 27, 2012 at 8:35 am
Claudia Broglio
Hip hip hooray for our NJ SCBWI RA! Looking forward to seeing more of Leeza art!
October 27, 2012 at 8:36 am
Gail Kamer
Great ideas! Thanks.
October 27, 2012 at 8:45 am
Beth Stilborn
This is such a fabulously inspiring post. Thank you Leeza! I find my brain works best when I’m in motion, either walking or driving (or showering — see yesterday). Guess I’d better get moving! The gift bag looks doggone wonderful!
October 27, 2012 at 8:48 am
Audrey Vernick
Now you went and made me wish I could draw. Leeza. Big congrats on theLithgow book! Just one thing–you forgot to mention the downside of pet-shop visiting: all those extra pets you end up sharing your home with…
October 27, 2012 at 8:51 am
aneducationinbooks
The outdoors–best inspiration ever.
October 27, 2012 at 9:10 am
Mel Copeman
Awesome post, I’m an illustrator too so sometimes I can only express ideas through drawing.
Speaking of dogs, my puppy will be my big inspiration this year!
October 27, 2012 at 9:11 am
Desiree Batson
Always a good idea to get out of the norm and explore with new eyes. 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 9:14 am
Bill Bibo
Great post. I’m so pumped to start this I can’t wait for Nov 1.
October 27, 2012 at 9:15 am
Jennifer Hawes
Thank you! Love the idea of sketching some ideas first! I am a children’s writer, but I am also an art teacher. THinking I will blend my two passions and see what comes up this month!!
October 27, 2012 at 9:15 am
tammi sauer
What a dog gone good post!
October 27, 2012 at 9:19 am
Victoria Warneck
Thank you for the encouragement to get out there for inspiration! Great post!
October 27, 2012 at 9:28 am
Kathy
Great ideas! I can’t wait to start.
October 27, 2012 at 9:28 am
Sue Poduska
Ready! Set! PiBo!
October 27, 2012 at 9:31 am
donnashepherd
Almost inspired me to try my hand at some illos. 🙂 Great post and giveaway. Thanks!
October 27, 2012 at 9:50 am
Jenn DesAutels
Thanks Leeza!! I’m an illo too!!! And I will never forget that I was sitting 2 seats away from the winner of the Illustrator Showcase at SCBWI New York 2011. Congrats on all your accomplishments and best wishes for your continued success!!!! Your artwork is fantastic =)
October 27, 2012 at 9:54 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
A great post jam-packed with tips–I think I’ll be putting these awesome motivators into action very soon. Thanks so much, ANB
October 27, 2012 at 10:07 am
Renee K
Weee! What a great post, Leeza! Thank you for sharing all your “get out of a funk” tricks 😀
October 27, 2012 at 10:11 am
Renee K
Weee! What a great post, Leeza! Thanks so much for sharing your “get out of a funk” tricks 😀 Makes me feel like drawing…hey! It worked!
October 27, 2012 at 10:25 am
Lori Alexander
Thanks, Leeza! My kids love Dog Gone! We checked it out at the library and renewed and renewed until it HAD to go back. Great ideas for jump-starting inspiration. Nice to hear that illustrators go through dry-spells, too 😉
October 27, 2012 at 10:31 am
Quinn Cole
Great post. I just got an idea for a picture book from your post! I’m off to do more research. Thanks!
October 27, 2012 at 10:32 am
Michelle Levin
Pet Store! Great idea. Wish I could get to NYC for that art show too. Thanks for sharing, Leeza!
October 27, 2012 at 10:47 am
Jennifer Ali
After reading yesterday’s post I had a shower moment, then wished I had something to write on that was waterproof. Today I’m expecting an EPIPHANY! By the way, a great place to hear and see how kids interact is the playground–lots of inspiration.
October 27, 2012 at 10:51 am
Diana Murray
Thanks for the great suggestions, Leeza! Hmmm. I think I’ll try doodling this year. Haven’t tried that yet. But I used to carry a sketchbook everywhere with me when I was younger. (Awesome prizes!)
October 27, 2012 at 11:02 am
Margie Kimberley
Perfect timing —- am back from vacation, done with a week of grandkids – getting stoked to write again. Appreciate the tips and ideas.
October 27, 2012 at 11:14 am
katiemillsgiorgio
What fun! I am not an illustrator but I think you just inspired me to doodle at least a few of my ideas! Thanks!
October 27, 2012 at 11:15 am
Sheila Wipperman
Super suggestions, Leeza! Getting outdoors, even just for a walk, is a great way to get inspired. Thanks for the post! Super cool goody bag, too! 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 11:33 am
Tracy
Such an inspirational post from Leeza! She’s spot on with that while get up and move for inspiration. Hope to see you both in November!
October 27, 2012 at 12:01 pm
colorcat5
Cute doggie bag! Woof!
October 27, 2012 at 12:31 pm
LeslieG
Love this post! Thanks for sharing so many great ideas.
October 27, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Mary Flynn
Great post Leeza, Some truly wonderful advice. Thank you
October 27, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Evelyn Christensen
Thanks, Leeza, for some good suggestions. I’m typically an anti-shopper, so going to some odd shops might well be just the environments to stimulate some new ideas for me.
October 27, 2012 at 12:40 pm
evelynchristensen
Thanks, Leeza, for some good suggestions. I’m typically an anti-shopper, so going to some odd shops might well be just the environments to stimulate some new ideas for me. [I tried leaving this comment, but I’m not seeing it here, so I’m reposting it. If it’s a repeat, please remove it, Tara.]
October 27, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Congrats, Leeza on all your awesome picture book accomplishments!
Great idea to doodle! It will be fun to incorporate into PiBoIdMo :~>
October 27, 2012 at 2:08 pm
juliebehm
Fabulous post! I hadn’t thought about doodling for PiBoIdMo, despite the fact that picture book I’ve been working on was inspired by one of my drawings. 🙂 The other suggestions are just wonderful, too. Thank you!
October 27, 2012 at 2:10 pm
julie rowan zoch
Might just add the doodle challenge to the idea challenge – one a day!
October 27, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Anna J. Boll
Leeza these are awesome ideas. I’m trying to do nanowrimo for my novel but I’m psyched to take sketch breaks! 30 days of new drawings will be great!
October 27, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Marcy P.
If i drew out my ideas, its quite possible id have no idea what the idea was later! I like the go for a walk idea… time is an issue but i DO need to silence the brain chatter. Thanks for encouraging that!
October 27, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Rena Traxel
Yay. I’m glad there are some illustrators in the group. I don’t draw but sometimes an idea comes to me in picture form.
October 27, 2012 at 2:49 pm
janelle
Awesome! Thanks!
October 27, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Donna Earnhardt
I am going to show my sister this post… she’s getting started and I’m sure it will be appreciated!
October 27, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Jannie Ho
Would love this for my baby girl. Go Leeza!
October 27, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Brook Gideon
Hello Leeza! Thanks for the great tips, it’s def hard to be inspired at times! 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I like the shopping tip! Ideas? Sure. Plus I love shopping! I may try some stores I don’t usually frequent to see how this works.
Genevieve Petrillo
October 27, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Marcie Colleen
Between this post and Kathy Ellen’s I am starting to feel compelled to doodle!
Ready for PiBoIdMo and letting creativity take over!
Thanks Leeza and Tara!
October 27, 2012 at 4:54 pm
patientdreamer
mm….. might go for a walk later today….. thanks for all those inspiring ideas Leeza. Your goodie bag looks awesome to.
October 27, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Mary Zisk
Hi Leeza, great tips. I love my copy of Doggone and I’m so happy for you that it inspired Cat Napped. And now working with John Lithgow–fantastic. RA stands for Really Awesome!
October 27, 2012 at 5:19 pm
myhappyhero
Great post, love all the ideas….I write in sketches too! see the story then write it!
Nicky Johnston
October 27, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Lynn Alpert (@RedStepchild)
Going to the pet store is a doggone great idea! Congrats on your upcoming books. I think John Lithgow’s writing is wonderful – I’m sure you’ll have a blast working on that one!
October 27, 2012 at 6:59 pm
laurazarrin
I, too am afraid of words, so this post was perfect for me! Thanks, Leeza!
October 27, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Jen Judd
Love this post! Great ideas for, well, getting ideas! And I could hang out in the pet store all day… Oh…and also, John Lithgow. Wow. Love him! Fannie and Blue are some of our favorite dogs.:)
October 27, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Sallianne Norelli
Doggone cool, Leeza!
October 27, 2012 at 7:31 pm
bonni
Wow, maybe I can convince my artist-husband to join in; he doodles like mad….
October 27, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Ian Robertson
Top post Leeza! Especially like the dancing around to music for inspiration, although keeping the pen on the notebook page is a little difficult when I twirl!
October 27, 2012 at 7:42 pm
SevenAcreSky
Leeza, Wow! I am a doodler at heart, and never imagined using sketching as a PB-idea generator! Even while I read your example venues for hatching sketches, an idea came to mind.
Thanks for the inspiration – Damon Dean
October 27, 2012 at 7:44 pm
SevenAcreSky
(PS…hmmmm….this idea makes me think I should dig out those old (40-year-plus) high school and college notebooks from storage. They are full of doodles and probably stories are waiting to jump from the margins.)
October 27, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Maria Gianferrari
I love your dog-gone illustrations! Thanks for motivating us!!
Every dog has its day!
October 27, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Julie
Even though I can barely draw a stick figure, maybe I’ll try a doodle alongside each idea just to get my right-brain flowing. 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 8:11 pm
kidlitgail
Inspiring post, Leeza! I’d head outside right now…..except it’s dark and chilly. Can’t wait until the 1st. Oh BTW, great goody bag!
October 27, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Laura Renauld
I’m not an illustrator, so I didn’t consider the idea of sketching my ideas. But I think that would be a great thing to try…Let all those ideas flow!
October 27, 2012 at 8:35 pm
viviankirkfield
Tara…these guest posts are amazing! I’m going to print each one out and make a notebook.
Thank you, Leeza, for sharing these great ideas for sparking creativity. 🙂 I had heard that closing your eyes and just filling a sheet of paper with doodles is a wonderful way to realize your own artistic power. When you open your eyes, you will see several areas that ‘look like something’…and you can take it from there. 🙂
The filled goody bag is lovely…that is very generous of you! Whoever wins is will be a happy camper…or PiBoIdMoer. 🙂
October 27, 2012 at 8:39 pm
lauriefrench
Great ideas! Great goodies! Thanks!
October 27, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Lois Sepahban
Thank you for all the great ideas!
October 27, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Great ideas for inspiration! I love walking my dogs outside. Driving also works to get those ideas flowing. Good luck on PiBo and thanks for a great post!
October 27, 2012 at 9:13 pm
susan crites
another great post! i see doodling in my PB future when the words don’t come but there’s something in my head. hadn’t thought of it – thank you!
October 27, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Yael Safran
Great ideas.
I will definitely include your book to my preschool classroom reading list. Thanks Leeza.
October 27, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Susie Kralovansky
Great post and great ideas. Thanks
October 27, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Debbie Austin
Great post! I am inspired to first clean up my creative space at home and pack a portable creative space when I’m writing somewhere else. Already planning some PiBo walks, too.
October 27, 2012 at 10:16 pm
theartfulsheck
Thanks for sharing the inspiration ideas!
October 27, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Ashley Bankhead
What a fun goody bag.
October 28, 2012 at 3:34 am
karenkallischeesman
Dog Gone clever. Arf! Arf!
October 28, 2012 at 9:32 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Wow! You take inspiration seriously! 😉 Please pick me to win! 🙂
October 28, 2012 at 11:46 am
Donna Gwinnell Weidner
Looks like that SCBWI conference in 2011 kicked you into high gear. Great to see you are doing so well…happy PIBOIDMO!
October 28, 2012 at 12:23 pm
mbeaversillustration
Awesome tips, Leeza! Thanks for sharing! I just requested my local library purchase Dog Gone, as everyone should have the opportunity to read & enjoy it… even us desert-dwelling south westerners. 😉
October 28, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Cindy Johnson
Great ideas for writers, too! Thank you!
October 28, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Valarie Giogas
Congrats on the new book and the new RA position.
October 28, 2012 at 3:05 pm
wendy greenley
The new book and inspiration are awesome! Thanks, Leeza.
October 28, 2012 at 6:11 pm
lindamartinandersen
Leeza,
What motivates: I have gotten two story ideas while attending church. I love to write outdoors too. I don’t do it as often as I should though..
October 28, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Helen Hill
I want that swag!!!
October 28, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Brenda Harris
Thanks Leeza for letting us know we can use this time to get ideas for illustrations, too. 🙂
October 28, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Lauri
I am a Dog Gone fan! I even reviewed it on my blog. Love it!
October 28, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
What great places for inspiration and thanks for the giveaway!
October 28, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for sharing your inspirational thoughts!
October 28, 2012 at 10:43 pm
laurasalas
I love hearing about illustrators’ approaches/thoughts. Thanks for sharing this!
October 29, 2012 at 2:07 am
Elena
I never thought about sketching for this year’s PiBoIdMo. Just the inspiration I needed!
October 29, 2012 at 11:57 am
Romelle
I like the art show idea. You are right. Artwork can be a great story idea prompt! Can’t wait to read your upcoming PB, Leeza!
October 29, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Christy Peterson
Love how PiBoIdMo can fit with all kinds of writers/illustrators. Thanks for sharing!
October 29, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Michelle
Thanks for the start, Leeza!
October 29, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Penny Klostermann
I love all your “getting out” ideas! Sometimes I feel I HAVE to be pounding on a keyboard or it doesn’t count, Thanks for the reminder that writing comes from all the experiences in life. Congrats on the release of DOG GONE! and upcoming publication of CAT NAPPED! What cute titles.
October 29, 2012 at 4:24 pm
ellakennen
Ooh, fun stuff. Thanks for the great ideas and energy.
October 29, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Donna Martin
I love the goody bag and I am envious of all illustrators out there with the gift of putting on paper the dreams that run through their heads…I really wish I had that talent but can only admire from afar…;~)
Great post!
Donna L Martin
http://www.donnalmartin.com
http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com
October 30, 2012 at 7:32 am
beingbelly
Great post and great SWAG! Count me in!
October 30, 2012 at 9:57 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Doggone GREAT ideas! Thanks, Leeza!
October 30, 2012 at 10:51 am
Jodi Vorwald
Fantastic tips, great inspiration! Thank you!
October 30, 2012 at 11:07 am
Erin O'Brien
Thanks for the ideas!
October 30, 2012 at 3:01 pm
stephseclecticinterests
I love the idea of my PiBoIdMo journal being a home for art as well as words. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
October 30, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Sue Rankin
I’ve a feeling that most of my PiBoIdMo ideas will be in sketch format. IN addition to the other benefits you mentioned, I may use it as an excuse to try a few new mediums and techniques I’ve been meaning to attempt, but have shied away from. Great write-up, Leeza!
October 30, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Robin Bulleri
Great post – good looking goody bag.
October 31, 2012 at 6:10 am
The Ink Pond
I like to doodle and am going to add it to my PiBoIdMo idea process this year! Thank you for the great post!
Tia Svardahl
The Ink Pond
October 31, 2012 at 8:45 am
Veronica Bartles (@vbartles)
Okay, I’m going to do it! I may be insane, but this year, I’m going to attempt NaNoWriMo AND PiBoIdMo!! Wish me luck!!
October 31, 2012 at 11:50 am
Joanne Roberts
I don’t know how to thank you. As a newbie, I was terrified and already drawing a blank (no pun intended). As an illustrator, I was thinking I’d have to hang up my sketchbook for the month, now I know it is my greatest source of inspiration! And I think I’ll head to the pet shop too. Thanks for the insight!
October 31, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Colleen
Thanks for the ideas! I am going to attempt some art in my notebook, despite the fact I am NOT an artist… we’ll see how it goes!!!! 😉
November 1, 2012 at 9:30 am
julietclarebell
Hi Leeza, Were you part of an online British SCBWI critique group years ago? I think it was you… Huge congratulations on your book. I was just getting into the idea of thinking whilst cycling on Saturday as I was riding along… and then my bike got nicked. Very frustrating but I might just use the experience as my first PiBoIdMo idea today on day 1….. Thanks, Clare.
November 1, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Lynn Anne Carol
Leeza, I love the realization that a story can come out of an illustration. Even a stick figure has a heart.
Ouu, I like that! PiBoIdMo idea for day 2.
Zeebs~~
November 1, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Elizabeth Coburn
Great ideas for jump starting our writing!
November 1, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Sandra C
Thanks for the great motivation and most of all for the permission to be free on the page…if the words don’t flow, you can bet I’ll be sketching.
Thanks, Sandra
November 2, 2012 at 8:34 am
Lisa
Thanks Leeza! I love your comment about sketching without the thinking or pressure. Too true. I may try that this month!
November 4, 2012 at 12:38 pm
The Scribbler (Meagan Munroe)
I have always been a bit shy about my doodles (sounds rude – sorry!) and have never really used them for creating picture book ideas. You have inspired me to get my crayons out and doodle proudly! Thanks 🙂
November 4, 2012 at 4:06 pm
B.J. Lee
Thanks for all of your great inspirational ideas. Write on!
November 6, 2012 at 2:32 am
ray hunt
as a starting up illustrator I like to take pictures of anything. drove my parents crazy when I just had an instamatic… (a what) now that I’m using a digital cam I find more things to shoot… some of these end up as vectors changed and deformed… some of these will add to the art I will do! thanks for the comments!
November 30, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Jenny Boyd
All great suggestions! I really like the one about visiting various types of stores and shops to generate ideas.