People who aren’t directly involved in the publishing industry ask me where I get my ideas from all the time. I’m always tempted to respond with something like, “I steal them from first graders” or “I ask my Ouija board.” I think everyone reading this post knows that ideas come from absolutely everywhere and anything. From the mundane to the downright bizarre, everything is fair game. Consequently, writers are perpetual treasure hunters, the black crows of society.
Most writers I talk to can trace their treasure hunting days back to childhood. Once a seeker, always a seeker. When I was a kid, I had a secret drawer in my dresser where I hid my eclectic collection of treasures. It included things like my favorite Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers, sea glass, a cool cat’s eye marble, miniature Hello Kitty colored pencils, and a tiny box of Worry Dolls. There was no rhyme or reason to what I declared a treasure. They were just random objects that evoked feelings in me that really couldn’t be put into words. And for that reason, they were special.
If we’re really being honest with ourselves we know when our stories are rooted in something deeper than just a good idea. There’s an invisible connection to some intangible variable that we can’t always put our finger on. Love? Passion? Truth? Whatever it is, when it’s there, you know it. And for that reason, those stories are special.
While I believe that treasure hunting out in nature or out in the real world is infinitely more inspiring than virtual treasure hunting on the internet, physical expeditions aren’t always possible. So here’s what you do: Head over to Etsy, eBay, YouTube, Pinterest, Zappos—wherever your web weakness might be—and look for things you really love or really hate. You can pretty much find a story seed in anything that makes you ridiculously happy or sad. How do I know this treasure hunting exercise actually works? Meet French Bulldog Puppy Can’t Roll Over.
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Holy cute, right?!
When I watched that video clip about two years ago, I wanted to reach into the computer screen and put that little hunk of sugar in my pocket. I was so punch drunk on puppy love I wrote a story about a French bulldog named Gaston. Just so we’re clear, GASTON isn’t a picture book about a dog that can’t roll over. Thirty-two pages featuring a beached dog may not be as endearing or as entertaining in print as it is on film. However, what YouTube puppy did do was inspire a new character and that character was very eager to tell me his story. The manuscript, which took several weeks to complete, sold to the first editor who read it. Christian Robinson is illustrating. The book will be published by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster next year.
So that’s my advice on Day 12, PiBo people. Go treasure hunting and find the shiny things that make you swoon, swear, sigh, or smile.
If you’re still stuck after that, go talk to a first grader.
Kelly DiPucchio is the award-winning author of fourteen children’s books, including New York Times bestsellers, GRACE FOR PRESIDENT, and THE SANDWICH SWAP, a book co-authored for Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. Kelly’s books have appeared on The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, and The View. Kelly’s new picture book, CRAFTY CHLOE, illustrated by Heather Ross, (Atheneum) received a starred review in Kirkus and was featured on The Martha Stewart Show. Visit Kelly at www.kellydipucchio.com, or follow her on Twitter @kellydipucchio.
Hey, crafty writers! Kelly is generously donating a picture book critique to a lucky PiBoIdMo’er who completes the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge. Leave a comment here…and if you also end the month with 30 ideas and take the PiBo-Pledge (posted for you to sign in early December), you’ll be entered to win. Good luck!
208 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 12, 2012 at 12:09 am
Gayle C. Krause
Kelly, I too had special treasures as a child. Maybe that’s a common key for picture book writers. Thank you for sharing your inspirations.
November 12, 2012 at 12:13 am
Carol Munro
Thanks for sharing the idea hunting tip. Spending time on Pinterest soon!
November 12, 2012 at 12:13 am
Kate Rose Johnson
Love this philosophy – it’s freeing and encouraging. Thanks for sharing!!
November 12, 2012 at 12:13 am
katiemillsgiorgio
My 4 year old daughter and I JUST read Crafty Chloe tonight for the first time and loved it! Thank you for writing wonderful picture books Kelly and sharing some inspiring thoughts here!
November 12, 2012 at 12:17 am
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
I usually check with my second grader and fifth grader! They can play with words better than I can. And with much more glee. Always inspiring. Can’t beat being around kids for ideas. . .
November 12, 2012 at 12:19 am
S.H. Sherlock
Crafty Chloe is now on my to-read list! I love Heather Ross’ fabrics. What a great team up for author and illustrator. I’m thinking about my childhood treasure box now and it’s inspiring some story ideas….
November 12, 2012 at 12:24 am
Robyn Campbell
Gotta read Crafty Chloe. It sounds bodacious. What wonderful thoughts and inspiration for us all. Isn’t it great when a story comes together? Thank you, Kelly! *waving*
November 12, 2012 at 12:31 am
tinamcho
My kids and I love your book “Crafty Chloe!” I still collect treasures. And now my children do, too! Your character Gaston sounds very cute. I need to pay more attention to video clips! Thanks, Kelly!
November 12, 2012 at 12:51 am
Kellie DuBay Gillis
Love Kelly’s books…and her advice. Thanks for the opportunity to win a critique. Plan to treasure hunt online for some inspiration!
November 12, 2012 at 12:55 am
Talynn Lynn
Crafty Chloe is on my TBR list! It sounds fabulous!
And I loved your idea for collecting ideas! Inspiration can strike at any time and cruising my favorite web places collects ideas all the time:)
November 12, 2012 at 1:40 am
Yvonne Mes
Lovely post, I go through art books for inspiration, easier to afford than collecting actual art.
November 12, 2012 at 1:55 am
Larissa Marks
Um, that puppy is just too adorable. Like many others, my best inspiration comes when I’m with my kids.
November 12, 2012 at 1:58 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Goin’ on a bear hunt, I’m not afraid! No wait, you said treasure hunt. Tomorrow I will put on my expedition outfit, grab a lantern and plunge into the deep recesses of my childhood! Thanks, Kelly!
November 12, 2012 at 2:02 am
Rebecca Colby
My seven year old has gotten canny. She knows I write down things she says and her ideas, so now she’s taken to forcing them upon me whether I want them or not. I look forward to some treasure hunting soon—probaby in the seven year old’s bedroom.
November 12, 2012 at 2:02 am
Rebecca Colby
Meant to add a thank you for the great inspiration!
November 12, 2012 at 2:05 am
Cheryl
Cute puppy!
I’ll have to check ‘Crafty Chloe’ out of the library. Sounds like a fun book!
Cheryl
November 12, 2012 at 2:17 am
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
I use my Ouija board too! We have SO much in common! 🙂 Great advice Kelly. I think when we are in our happy place, those ideas just start popping up like pop tarts. So, day dreaming on J. Crew.com here I come! Thanks so much for the post and for offering a critique. I will be crossing my fingers, toes and eyeballs until the December drawing. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 2:27 am
kikimoo
What is it with that drawer of treasures? British comedian Michael McIntyre has a whole skit about the male version, “the MAN drawer”, but even as an adult, I rather like the one with Hello Kitty pencils and Bonnie Bell lip smackers! Thanks for the fun idea Kelly 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 2:36 am
LeslieG
Big DiPucchio fan here–and now I can’t wait to meet Gaston!
November 12, 2012 at 3:13 am
bjleepoet
Great post, Kelly! Writing about something one feels a strong connection to is key – whether positive or negative. I’ll put that in my arsenal of ideas or maybe in my treasure chest.:)
November 12, 2012 at 3:21 am
Marcy P.
What a great idea! LOVE IT! You just gave me every reason I needed to spend the day on Pinterest and Youtube. THANKS! 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 3:23 am
Marcy P.
Sorry if this is a duplicate… looks like my first one didn’t “stick.”
THANKS for giving me all the permission I needed to hang out on Pinterest and Youtube today… though with a different (and exciting) secret spy motive. 🙂 I appreciate your ideas!
November 12, 2012 at 4:33 am
Jo Dearden
My dad and my eldest daughter, age 7, are real hoarders of ‘treasure’ (guess it skipped a generation with me!). Great idea for inspiration though, thanks.
November 12, 2012 at 5:27 am
lindamartinandersen
Kelly,
Treasures in pockets or in drawers may lead to good books. There’s something comforting about that.
November 12, 2012 at 5:35 am
mona
Thanks Kelly,
I am a collector of treasures, though you may not think so!
Thanks for being here and offering a prize to add to the list of PiPoIdMo treaures.
November 12, 2012 at 5:35 am
mona
whoops! treasures!!!!!
November 12, 2012 at 6:15 am
Genevieve Petrillo
OMGoodness! Crafty Chloe was one of my favorite picture books of the summer. Treasure hunting is a great way to think about finding ideas. I’m proud (embarrassed) to say, I STILL carry around a box of “lucky things” in my purse. …I wish I had a cool cat’s eye marble to put in there… Just sayin’.
November 12, 2012 at 6:22 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Love rediscovering treasures from years gone by, adding those newer, and just plopping down and digging deep into my treasure chest! Memories can create so many new worlds!
November 12, 2012 at 6:23 am
Julie Falatko
I love that this is kind of validating my various web addictions. I’m not procrastinating! I’m hunting for ideas! Now, to write that picture book about Ryan Gosling making quinoa while eating chocolate and giving me cute shoes.
November 12, 2012 at 6:27 am
lizagardnerwalsh
Thank you for that inspiring post. Of course, ideas come everywhere and when they come, it gives that same amazing thrill as finding a piece of a tea cup handle on a beach or a tiny rock that just might be a fossil. Keep digging.
November 12, 2012 at 6:28 am
Andrea
It’s so true that what’s a treasure to one person may just be junk to someone else!
I love what you said about knowing when stories are “rooted in something deeper than just a good idea”.
November 12, 2012 at 6:39 am
rlkurstedt
Fining the treasure in the ordinary is important to remember- as is saving those treasures- since you never know when they’ll grow into a manuscript. Thanks for the reminder.
November 12, 2012 at 6:46 am
Janet Smart
Crafty Chloe sound right up my alley. We do seem to gravitate towards subjects that interest us, we just have to put a twist on them to make them unique. Good post, Kelly.
November 12, 2012 at 6:51 am
debraaelliott1960
Great post filled with great ideas. Love it!
November 12, 2012 at 7:05 am
Diane Kress Hower
off on my daily treasure hunt. thanks for the great post.
November 12, 2012 at 7:07 am
Diana Murray
Thanks, Kelly! Your new book about Gaston sounds adorable! At my house, we’re already big fans of Gilbert the Goldfish and Mortimer the zombie. I always get ideas from really random places too. I love that I can still be “working” even when I’m not.
November 12, 2012 at 7:22 am
maria johnson
Yes, I must confess I trully am a Black Crow of Society. I do treasure my ‘treasures’. Lovely validation.
November 12, 2012 at 7:23 am
The Ink Pond
Thank you, Kelly! Great post. I love finding ideas here, there and everywhere!
We just read Grace for President before the election and my girls loved it!
Tia Svardahl, The Ink Pond
November 12, 2012 at 7:24 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Great post! Crafty Chloe sounds great! I love the video! Did you ever see the Henri le Chat Noir videos?! They are funny! 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 7:24 am
Cheryl Mansfield
Thanks, Kelly – great post. I loved Crafty Chloe…it’s one of those ideas I wish I had thought of. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 7:30 am
Cindy Johnson
Thank you for the great suggestion, Kelly! You’re right, the best ideas are the ones that strike an emotional cord. I need to start being on the look-out… er treasure hunt for them!
November 12, 2012 at 7:31 am
ldk
I love Kelly’s treasure hunting ideas, and I can’t wait to read what Gaston has been up to!
November 12, 2012 at 7:39 am
Jennifer Faragitakis
Thanks Kelly! Great post and suggestions!!!
November 12, 2012 at 7:40 am
erin o'brien
I love the idea of treasure hunting! Very inspiring post. Thank you, Kelly.
November 12, 2012 at 7:41 am
Michelle Barnes
Holy cute is right! I think today is going to be a treasure hunting kind of day. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 7:52 am
Alexa
My childhood treasures were four-leaf-clovers. Still are! We LOVE Crafty Chloe. Thank you!
November 12, 2012 at 8:04 am
Beth Gallagher
Love this! I still have my own little wooden box of “treasures” from when I was a child! 😉 I even got several ideas from going through my box so far this month. Thanks for the inspiration, and I LOVE your books!
November 12, 2012 at 8:04 am
Jim Hill (@heyjimhill)
Wonderful post. Yes, we are all treasure hunters. I prospect my childhood memories, panning for the nuggets of gold that flash. I talk to my 4-year old son about, well, just about anything he says can be spun into the fantastic, it seems. I take fifteen minutes to make paper airplanes for a class full of preschoolers, each one bursting with stories, excitement and expressions of joy.
Then I try to write some of them down, mash them up and capture the alchemical magic of childhood and possibility.
November 12, 2012 at 8:12 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks – I too have been a treasure hunter my whole life, now with more purpose!
November 12, 2012 at 8:15 am
Bill Bibo
Arr, that be one fine post. Searching for treasure be my middle name. Keep up the good work, me hearties.
November 12, 2012 at 8:15 am
Sue Gallion
Thanks, Kelly! I need to spend some time reorganizing in my basement before one of my kids sends a clip to Hoarders . . . so I’ll do some PB treasure hunting at the same time!
November 12, 2012 at 8:18 am
Pat
This month’s daily post and the quest for a daily idea have proven that ideas ARE everywhere! Thanks for providing another source in your Internet suggestions.
November 12, 2012 at 8:21 am
Therese Nagi
Thanks for sharing such great ideas to look for writing inspiration! I will definitely checking on ebay and my kids drawers for ideas!
November 12, 2012 at 8:23 am
Sue Poduska
I’m finding lots of treasures this month — all of you and Chloe included.
November 12, 2012 at 8:34 am
Anne Bielby
Good post! i’ve been re-watching videos of my kids, my treasures!
November 12, 2012 at 8:48 am
Gail Kamer
I’m off for an observation of a first grade classroom today for another job I have. I hope to come back with a few good ideas! Thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 8:38 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
Holy cute is right! I can’t help but click replay on French Bulldog Puppy Can’t Roll Over.
Nice post, thank you.
November 12, 2012 at 8:49 am
Carolyn
There are truly treasures everywhere if we just look.
November 12, 2012 at 8:53 am
wendy greenley
I can’t watch cute videos like that on a regular basis or I’d never get anything done! Love your work, Kelly! I’ll be on the lookout for Gaston.
November 12, 2012 at 8:57 am
Penny Klostermann
Excellent! I can’t wait to begin my treasure hunting today…and all month! One place I love to treasure hunt is on illustrators’ websites. Sometimes their characters are just what I need to send my imagination off on a story.
I love Clink and Bed Hogs. I look forward to reading more of your stories and I love that you shared your inspiration for Gaston.
November 12, 2012 at 9:00 am
Anjali Amit
Thanks for the reminder of finding value in our personal treasures. When we were kids we went treasure hunting every day. There is so much we forget as we grow old.
November 12, 2012 at 9:01 am
Debra Feldman
The thought about having good ideas, but realizing that one is special because of how you connect to it is important I think. I didn’t yet think to search through the box of items I kept from when I was little or consider the items in my grandmother’s house that I used to sneak a look at because they captivated me. Congratulations on your PB successes and thanks for sharing.
November 12, 2012 at 9:02 am
Donna L Martin
Thank, Kelly, for a wonderful post! I’m very much a visual writer so why didn’t I think of Pinterest boards as a good treasure hunting site? ;~)
Donna L Martin
November 12, 2012 at 9:08 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Great post, Kelly!–Gotta go a treasure hunt is calling me… 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 9:09 am
Jenn Bower
Super great post for this Monday morning. I love the idea of treasure hunting on YouTube or Pinterest. What fun.
November 12, 2012 at 9:15 am
Kathy May
Thanks, Kelly and Tara!
November 12, 2012 at 9:23 am
laurasalas
Great post–love that you pointed out your book is NOT about not being able to roll over. You took that source and let it grow into something totally different in you–thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 9:26 am
Desiree Batson
Great post! My daughter has that box of things and those feelings that she can’t verbalize. Wonderful suggestion. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 9:29 am
Rebecca Walton Evans
After you posted that I had to go watch the adorable video… Poor little guy! I just wanted to reach right in the screen and help him make it over, and all the while I was chuckling at his cuteness. I can see why he inspired you 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 9:33 am
Susan Harrison
Thank you for your post! It reminded me of the treasures I have collected over the years; things which still make my heart sing.
November 12, 2012 at 9:39 am
Kelly Parker
I definitely do pull things from my childhood, or from my brothers when they were little mischief makers running around. As silly as it may sound, I never really thought of using the internet to draw inspiration, but for research purposes only. Wow, do I feel silly, LOL! Great post!
November 12, 2012 at 9:50 am
Jennifer Hawes
Thanks for sharing your bonnie bell lip gloss treasure writing ideas!
November 12, 2012 at 9:51 am
Valarie Giogas
I have to say, Gaston is the perfect name for that cutie. Thanks for giving me a reason/excuse to play on the computer watching youtube videos. 😉
November 12, 2012 at 9:54 am
Lynn Anne Carol
Oh, I love secret drawers with eclectic collections. I could fill a whole dresser full.. Thanks for the great suggestion on etsy, etc. As winter sets in I see myself pulling up a comfy chair, grabbing a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and wrapping up in a snugly blanket then losing myself in the Internet.
November 12, 2012 at 9:59 am
Carla
I love this…my kids are always bringing me sparkly treasures!!
November 12, 2012 at 10:00 am
Carla
Oops…my last comment had the wrong contact info…this link should be better! 😉
November 12, 2012 at 10:03 am
DaNeil Olson
Wonderful idea! I think I need to go clean out some drawers, a closet, the garage … 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 10:03 am
Judy Cox
I used to hide my treasures in my sock drawer. I love tiny things and bright shiny things. Still do!
November 12, 2012 at 10:05 am
Carol Nelson
The snow is sliding by my window sideways, and the news is listing the local hills that are impassable, looks like the perfect day to hunker down and pull those ideas from my childhood and the Internet. Thanks for the ideas!
November 12, 2012 at 10:05 am
Deb B.
Lip Smackers- what could be better than that as a kid! Thanks for the ideas. Your books are great!
November 12, 2012 at 10:06 am
Jacqueline
Great advice about finding a story seed in anything that makes you ridiculously happy or sad. If something sounds like a good idea but doesn’t touch the writer emotionally, it’s not going to touch readers emotionally, either. It can be easy to get so caught up in what’s “marketable” that we forget about that factor.
November 12, 2012 at 10:08 am
Danny Kyzer
Been a ‘treasure collector'(my wife calls it junk) all my life!! Thanks for the inspire…
November 12, 2012 at 10:09 am
Danny Kyzer
Been a ‘treasure collector’(my wife calls it junk) all my life!! Thanks for the inspire…
November 12, 2012 at 10:22 am
Renée Kurilla (@reneekurilla)
Your post just sparked so many memories of childhood treasure…Bonne Bell lip gloss- I had it too! And tiny erasers shapes like ice cream and sparkly stickers that I never did use because they were too precious…
It’s also great to know that my cat video watching habit might actually lead to something! 😀
November 12, 2012 at 10:27 am
Elaine Kearns
What a fantastic post! I still collect things and hide them, only this time from my own children. I may be perpetually in first grade. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 10:28 am
Lori Alexander
We are huge Kelly DiPucchio fans! ZOMBIE IN LOVE is one of my kids’ faves. Thanks for the great advice.
November 12, 2012 at 10:31 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank your for your post. I love and read all of your books. It is fun to hear about the different places people get their inspiration for picture books. I know that inspiration can come from the strangest places and most interesting situations. Thank you for sharing, and now I am off to seek some treasure of my own.
November 12, 2012 at 10:34 am
Cindy
My nine year olds and I spend a ridiculous amount of time on Youtube looking at cute kitty videos, so now I can put this to good use! Thank you for being a fellow treasure hunter. I will be on the look out for Crafty Chloe!
November 12, 2012 at 10:41 am
Sharon Calle
I, too, love finding everyday treasures. Many times they are experiences in nature rather than actual objects. Either way, they have inspired many an idea!
November 12, 2012 at 10:49 am
Joanna
I want to read about Gaston, the French Bulldog! I have moved too often to save too many treasures- now I often capture them on my camera!
November 12, 2012 at 10:55 am
Jessica Shaw
Thanks, Kelly! Great post and adorable video! I draw so much inspiration from my kids and their friends, but also from unexpected places. You just never know. And now I must go Google French Bulldog puppies….:)
November 12, 2012 at 11:04 am
Brianna Soloski
I don’t write childrens books, although I want to write at least one in my lifetime. However, I do lots of treasure hunting for my novels and it’s great fun, even if the ideas don’t come to life with cute illustrations of French bulldogs. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 11:11 am
Annie Silvestro
Thank you for helping to get us inspired! Great idea!
November 12, 2012 at 11:20 am
Laura Anne Miller
Thanks, Kelly. My 4 yr old Granddaughter helped me w/Day 2 of PiBo. I asked her what should I write about. She said, a castle and a princess. Okay – what is next to the castle she said, a mall to go shopping and she rides her new bike there. Wheeee–that was too easy – but the story flowed from there.
November 12, 2012 at 11:21 am
Deb Dunn
Thanks for your wonderful ideas, Kelly! My 9 year old son and the doodles/drawings he brings home from school are like my own little You Tube – I get some of my best ideas from him. Never thought of You Tube and the others…and always grateful to expand my scope of where those juiciest ideas come from.
November 12, 2012 at 11:24 am
mvwriter888
Thanks for your wonderful ideas, Kelly! My 9 year old son and the doodles/drawings he brings home from school are like my own little You Tube – I get some of my best ideas from him. Never thought of You Tube and the others…and always grateful to expand my scope of where those juiciest ideas come from.
November 12, 2012 at 11:28 am
Wafa
I loved the bit on youtube that was so funny and so true you have to get insipration from everywhere any anywhere you can pull it from Thanks Kelly for a delightful revealing post!!!
November 12, 2012 at 11:36 am
Kimberly Thompson Strickler
Great advice, Kelly. And your books are amazing!
November 12, 2012 at 11:38 am
kirabigwood
And I’d say write everything down, even if it seems like a bad idea. You’ve got to get everything out of your head to get to the good stuff! Thx for the post!
November 12, 2012 at 11:39 am
Laura Renauld
Treasure hunting for ideas. What a fabulous metaphor. Thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 11:42 am
Kerry Mazengia
Thanks for your post. I love the idea of being a treasure hunter and taking ideas from anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes I get bogged down in thinking maybe my ideas are silly or too random – but, maybe they are treasure after all!
November 12, 2012 at 11:44 am
Marcie Colleen
OK. That puppy is simply adorbs! 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Off treasure-hunting I go!
November 12, 2012 at 11:48 am
cekster
Well, you inspired me. I’m off to “Go treasure hunting and find the shiny things that make you swoon, swear, sigh, or smile.” Good luck with your new title, Kelly. And may we all find that special nugget of a story this year that will add to the beautiful world of children’s books. Happy PiBoIdMo day12!
November 12, 2012 at 12:07 pm
aneducationinbooks
Watching that puppy was excruciating, but it did remind me of The Very Clumsy Click Beetle.
November 12, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Julie
It’s funny you mention YouTube because I saw a video a few months ago that hasn’t left my head and I put it down for one of my PiBo ideas! Great advice. Now we have even more reason to hang out on Etsy and Pinterest – LOL!
November 12, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Sally
It’s true, story ideas come from anywhere. I once got an idea from a magazine cover! Thanks for your story about that super cute puppy and how that became the inspiration of a very successful story. Back to treasure hunting!
November 12, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Natasha
I would love to win a critique with you, Kelly.
November 12, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Jenni Bielicki
Great post Kelly and congratulations on your new book sale! Wooo hoooo!!!
Okay, I’m in. Id love a critique. Thanks to both Tara and Kelly for the opportunity!!
November 12, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Angie Breault
This is great, and so true. I have been taking my ideas from things or moments I come across in my life, on a regular basis for this challenge. Believe it or not, my most recent idea was taken from the new James Bond movie, while he was hanging off of an elevator. It so inspired me that I’m almost done with the first draft of the manuscript called “How High Can You Fly?” Thank you for your wisdom and for the critique opportunity. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 1:15 pm
cocoanqueso
Oh! As my son would say “now I get it.” So that’s why my childhood treasures fill my attic! Thanks for the post. Now back to treasure hunting…
November 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Joanne Roberts
Thanks for making my collecting obsession sound justified. Thinking about my old treasures has been a great source of inspiration as well as a way to reconnect with the child within. I actually love the writing in The Sandwich Swap and have been looking forward to owning Crafty Chloe. Thanks for an insightful post.
November 12, 2012 at 1:28 pm
viviankirkfield
I appreciate this gem of an idea, Kelly, and will be adding it to MY PiBoIdMo treasure chest! It’s really important for writers/illustrators to keep a pad of paper and a pen/pencil handy at ALL times…sometimes these amazing ideas flutter by on the wings of a butterfly…and if you don’t grab them and write them down, they continue on into the universe, sometimes never to be seen again. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Great post, Kelly and I can’t wait for the new book!
November 12, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Julie
Thanks for sharing!
-Julie
November 12, 2012 at 1:50 pm
julie rowan zoch
Gem of a post. Had to think of the opening credits to “To Kill a Mockingbird”. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, watch it again: http://www.anyclip.com/movies/to-kill-a-mockingbird/opening-credits/
November 12, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Laurie Young
A perfect way to generate ideas! I have a drawer like that now, only we call it the junk drawer. Not so much treasures, it’s full of odds and ends and things that have no other home. Just reaching into it usually sparks some kind of memory, and occasionally an idea.
November 12, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Hilary Leung
This post is a treasure! Just read and thoroughly enjoyed Crafty Chloe this weekend too… double happiness!
November 12, 2012 at 2:15 pm
sharann
Great advice! I’m going to start referring to myself as the Idea Pirate now. Arrrgh!
November 12, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Helpful post, Kelly! I always seem to gravitate to ideas based at least in part on past memories and personal experience. 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Cath Jones
I hadn’t thought about using Youtube, what a good idea. I’ll give it a go 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Rachel Hamby
That idea clicks with me, Kelly. Thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 2:43 pm
renajtraxel
Poor puppy. Ideas do come from everywhere.
November 12, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Laura Thieman
Listening to our characters telling the story!! Thank you so much.
November 12, 2012 at 2:56 pm
corinne dean
Great post, thanks for sharing!
November 12, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Stacy Couch
Take what love or really dislike (nephew won’t let me say “hate”)…Internet such a fresh take…wonder if can use “Real Housewives” too
November 12, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Jarm Del Boccio
I never thought of looking on Etsy…thanks for the inspiration, Kelly!
November 12, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Linda Lodding
Any advice that tells me to head over to Pinterest, Etsy and Facebook is just the kind of advice I was looking for! Thanks for a great posting, Kelly — and for sharing one cute French bulldog!
November 12, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Becky Hall
Thank you for this insightful post. I always think of pictures in a story before I think of the words. Agree that is a very cute bulldog!
November 12, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Angela Padron
Thanks for the tips! All your ideas seem very cute. Congrats on your success.
November 12, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Heather Preusser
I, too, had never thought to do a virtual treasure hunt. Since I just moved to Germany and can’t get story seeds by eavesdropping on conversations (don’t know the language yet), this is perfect! Thank you!
November 12, 2012 at 3:54 pm
kelly dipucchio
Wow, thank you for all the wonderful feedback and replies! It’s so nice to read through all of your comments! Julie Zoch, thank you for the TKAM link….so cool! I haven’t watched that film in a very long time and I didn’t even remember the opening credits. What a great tie-in with this post!
November 12, 2012 at 3:56 pm
stephseclecticinterests
I love the idea of making the search for inspiration synonymous with treasure hunting. And looking for things we not only love but hate as well, what a great idea! Thanks so much!
November 12, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Romelle Broas
I am probably the last one to join Pinterest. I did so hesitantly, but glad I did. I found it rich with ideas! It is my go-to for ideas now. I may check out your other suggestions as well. Thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Sue Heavenrich
In addition to stealing ideas from first graders and ouija board consultations, I find great ideas in fortune cookies. This, of course, necessitates many trips to the local wok-eatery – which means less cooking for me and more story ideas…
November 12, 2012 at 4:18 pm
JoanneRFritz
Ooo, I’d love to win a critique from Kelly. Crafty Chloe is such a fun book! And The Sandwich Swap is moving. Thanks for the inspiring ideas, Kelly. (And Romelle, you’re definitely not the last one to join Pinterest. I’m not on there yet!)
November 12, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Mary Flynn
Thank you so much for this idea, I know getting out is important, but sometimes I just don’t have the time or energy. Or I may just see something inspirational on a website. It just feels good to have someone validate that avenue to find ideas. Thanks again Kelly
November 12, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Maria Gianferrari
I love Crafty Chloe’s creativity, and I can definitely see how that adorable french bulldog inspired you. Can’t wait to read about your Gaston!
Thanks for sharing! Off to go treasure hunting!
November 12, 2012 at 4:36 pm
laurieajacobs
My daughter showed me that bulldog clip. I wanted to reach in and put the poor puppy on his paws, but I hadn’t thought of making a picture book story out of that experience. Hmmm. Thanks for opening my eyes to other possibilities.
November 12, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Bev Baird
What a great idea! To treasure hunt is so doable and fun!
I have been amazed though at the power of just showing up and capturing ideas as they happen. I have more than the 12 days already! Thank you Tara!
November 12, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Kim MacPherson
Fantastic post about treasure-hunting, Kelly! I completely agree– those little nuggets are simply everywhere. When I look at my list of older PB ideas and try and remember what inspired them, some of them (probably most of them) were inspired by my 8-year old… one or two from a song… another from a school event… and another from something someone close to me said. The thing they all have in common, though, is that the seed for each of them was rooted in an emotionally-charged “something.” So lesson learned: Look for strong feelings… in, well, EVERYTHING! 🙂 Thanks again!
November 12, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Hmm…think I will find a first grader and ask what is in her treasure chest and why. Then I will try to remember what I had in mine! Great advice, and if it inspires me to write books as amazing as Kelly’s, I can’t go wrong!
November 12, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Laurie Ann Thompson
What a great reminder! I am sure it come in handy in the next few weeks! 😉
November 12, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Jennifer Bertman
I can see why that clip inspired a story for you–adorable! I love the mama dog in the background, totally bored with her pup’s flipped over turtle impersonation. Thanks for the great post and advice on generating ideas!
November 12, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Natalie Crabb (@NatalieCrabb)
My first grader has a treasure chest of bits ‘n bobs and all things yukky and shiny so I can’t wait to raid it for new ideas!
November 12, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Sharon Putnam
Great post, Kelly! I’ve been a treasure hunter for most of my life and have found that my writing is at its best when it’s connected to something I feel strongly about
November 12, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Brook Gideon
I still have my trouble dolls around here somewhere. And I still collect all sorts of small trinkets that make me smile. My daughter was just commenting on it a few weeks ago. Guess it’s time to go take another look at all of it. Thank you for the wonderful new insight!!
November 12, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Rick Starkey
Thanks for reminding me of treasures from childhood. I remember when I first started school. I felt that all my treasures had feelings. I will never forget my favorite pencil. I lost it and worried for days about it being all alone somewhere feeling unwanted.
Thanks for the Great post!
November 12, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Cindy Breedlove
I’m off to seek my treasure! Thanks for the “map!”
November 12, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Great idea, Kelly! Thanks for the treasure map. Can’t wait to see GASTON!
November 12, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Jenny Boyd
Holy good idea! Thanks for the advice. I will look at things I love (as well as things that drive me bananas) in a whole new light. And that puppy couldn’t have been cuter if he tried. Squeee!
November 12, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Dawnyelle moore
In my other life I do assemblage art based on treasures I collect, I never thought of uses those treasures in my pb. Thank you for a great idea on an old habit.
November 12, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Kirsten Larson
So true. I am a collector of ticket stubs brochures and other treasure. I just did some treasure hunting today.
November 12, 2012 at 8:13 pm
colleen kosinski
That puppy is the cutest! heading over to Youtube to research. : )
November 12, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Debra Shumaker
Just read Crafty Chloe last week – great book! And great tips on generating more ideas – thanks so much!
November 12, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Sheri Dillard
Thanks, Kelly! I just checked out Pinterest, and MY OH MY does it have a huge variety of interests! I saw everything from a fancy kitten wearing a top hat to “mermaid tattooed legs.” Thanks for the fun idea-hunting ideas! 🙂
November 12, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Carrie Ann Brown
Treasure hunting, and enjoying it! Thanks for the motivating words! By the way, my daughter, Chloe, loved your Crafty Chloe book!
November 12, 2012 at 9:16 pm
h1jackson
Treasure Hunting and loving it! Kids are a great chest full of treasures (A.K.A PB ideas). Thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 9:25 pm
helennhill
Wow! This post just made me remember how much I used to love treasure hunting/searching and finding surprises. Thanks for the reminder!
November 12, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Holly
I love today’s advice so much! And if you think about it, the kids we write for get their ideas for everything from everywhere too, so it makes sense.
November 12, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Quinn Cole
Your post and all the follow-up comments affirmed how connected our childhood experiences can be. It was a nice reminder why I write for children and childhood.
November 12, 2012 at 10:23 pm
miki
Watching that puppy was painful, but he was building muscle, right? Great tips for finding inspiration, Kelly, and I appreciate the reminder that I had (and have) special-just-because objects squirreled away.
November 12, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Holy moly, I had to go a loooooooooooong way to comment–almost like going on a treasure hunt! 😉
November 12, 2012 at 10:48 pm
laurimeyers
I love this tip, because sometimes to do something you have to give yourself a little slack (“I’m not going to come up with an idea right now, I’m going to troll the internet instead.”…five minutes later…bam- I’ve got an idea!)
November 12, 2012 at 11:14 pm
growstudios
I love this! …and it worked. I mined a couple treasures this very day! whoo!!
November 12, 2012 at 11:48 pm
Hannah Holt
Oh. my. heavens. That puppy is too cute. I just want to give him a hand. Alright, I guess I’d better get treasure hunting. Three more hours left in the day.
November 13, 2012 at 12:29 am
Debbie Austin
Great advice! Going on a treasure hunt…
November 13, 2012 at 2:41 am
karenkallischeesman
It would be amazing to get a crit from one of my favorite authors.
November 13, 2012 at 3:11 am
Tim McCanna
Nice thoughts, Kelly. Thanks for the inspiration.
November 13, 2012 at 7:48 am
Erin
Thanks for the advice
November 13, 2012 at 8:19 am
janelle
Awesome!
November 13, 2012 at 9:05 am
Liz Miller
Thanks for a great post and oh dear I’ve only just discovered Etsy! Wow thank you, that’s the rest of my day gone but maybe I might hit my PiBoIdMo target early! 🙂
November 13, 2012 at 9:54 am
C. C. Gevry
Love the post and that puppy. I used to collect stickers. It was a big thing when I was a kid. I used to go hunting for the most unusual ones I could find. I still have some of my books in my hope chest.
November 13, 2012 at 10:22 am
susan crites
tara, i love your choice of bloggers for this event! i’m the “world around me creates ideas” band and while i do get ideas from online sources, i love the idea of the other sites she suggested. and the bonnie bell lip smackers? stepped me back in time. i can smell and taste the flavors right now. thanks, kelly!
November 13, 2012 at 10:28 am
Angela De Groot
What a cutie! I’m looking forward to reading Gaston so that I can see how you went from beached sugar cube to picture book.
November 13, 2012 at 11:34 am
mbeaversillustration
Get post, and great idea!! Can’t wait to find some priductive ideas from getting distracted online! 😉
November 13, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Kerri Kokias
Thanks for the great post. I recently discovered your work after stumbling across Zombie’s In Love, one of the most unique and original PB’s ever! Also, just made the connection that Heather Ross illustrated Craft Chloe, I’ve been I fan of her fabric designs for years but just didn’t make the connection, even though it seems obvious enough…
November 13, 2012 at 1:13 pm
mikelaprevost
Completely depleted of all inspiration, I did what you suggested and went to my “web weakness”. So nice to justify an hour of “pintersting” for the sake of research ;). Great post!
November 13, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Corey Schwartz
Oh my gosh! Holy cute is an understatement!!! Can’t wait to meet Gaston!
November 13, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thank you, Kelly. I use my 3 year old as an idea mine all the time. And now I can say that I’m doing important book-writing research when I’m on Facebook or scanning the latest election news on-line.
November 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Yona
Ooh – can’t wait to dig out all my little treasure boxes from the past (yes I still have many of them – and now I can claim hoarding as a virtue!)
November 13, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Darshana
thanks for the inspiring post. i better go watch youtube now! my girls love your CRAFTY CHLOE and the SANDWICH SWAP books.
November 13, 2012 at 5:11 pm
bucherwurm65
I’m a ‘grown up’ and I have a marble in my current box of treasures…once a black crow, always a black crow!
November 13, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Kristiane Pedersen
I’m afraid this black crow still has treasure boxes and drawers! My six year old son recently opened my little glass jar of Mt. St. Helen ash all over my bedroom floor! My aunt had sent it to me special when I was…..much younger. I was terribly disappointed to loose such an old treasure, but we did have a great time cleaning it up and re-enacting the natural disaster in the backyard! My children were able to live a moment of my youth. I loved your advise. I will search through my treasures and memories!
November 14, 2012 at 12:38 am
Kevin J Doyle
Seeing ideas everywhere, it’s what separates writer types from regular folks, right?! That and copious amounts of coffee and/or tea. Thank you for the great words!
November 14, 2012 at 9:37 am
Jen Carroll
Just read Crafty Chloe with my 3-year-old. Loved it! Both of us.
November 14, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Roxanne
Oh, a special treasure since the age of two. 45 years is a long time. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 14, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Gail Handler
Great suggestions for idea hunting, Kelly! And getting a picture book critique from you would definitely be a treasure!
November 14, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Christie Wright Wild
What you love or what you hate, either way it’s still passion! Right on!
November 15, 2012 at 8:31 am
Emily Lim-Leh
Thanks for the inspiring post! I should go dig up my drawer of shiny things! Btw, co-writing with the Queen of Jordan – how amazing is that!
November 15, 2012 at 8:46 am
Nessa
Love the post. My son IS a first grader, and I have gotten the majority of my story ideas from him.
November 15, 2012 at 8:55 am
Veronica Bartles (@vbartles)
Thanks! I love looking for snippets of ideas in everything I do. My hubby jokes that, no matter where we go, or what we do, I’m always technically writing, because my brain refuses to shut off 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Lauri
Completely relate! Oh and my puppy inspires me every day.
November 15, 2012 at 11:47 pm
Lois Sepahban
French Bulldog Puppy is adorable! Thank you for an inspiring post!
November 16, 2012 at 6:55 am
Felicia Lilley
My children are grown now so I don’t have that type of inspiration jumping out at me. But, I have found a few sparks of inspiration from memories of them as children. I really enjoyed your post because it helps me to look for my “treasure box”. Thanks.
November 16, 2012 at 11:21 am
Jill Proctor
Treasure hunting….it may not be something great to look at….but gives me a special, magical feeling. Then run with it. I’ll give it a try. Thanks!
November 16, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Treasure Seeker struck me. I love finding treasures everywhere even if I’m not sure what to do with them at the time I pick them up. Thanks for your treasure thoughts. It’s given me ideas.
November 16, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Priscilla Mizell
A wonderful idea. Thanks for the advice! (And the excuse to watch cute and funny animal videos . . .)
November 16, 2012 at 10:13 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
That puppy is adorable!! I love the idea of treasure hunting on my favorite sites – and when I feel guilty for spending too much time on them, I’ll just tell myself I’m doing research – so back off, guilt!
November 18, 2012 at 10:30 am
Laura Hamor (@LauraHamor)
Treasure Hunting! Yes! the world is full of characters! 🙂
November 18, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Lisa Anchin
“When I was a kid, I had a secret drawer in my dresser where I hid my eclectic collection of treasures.”
I still keep a drawer around of random odds and ends. It’s an excellent source for story ideas. The idea of the writer as “treasure seeker” is fantastic!
Thanks so much for your post!
November 18, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Lynda
Is secret drawer of treasures the same as messy kitchen drawer full of stuff that doesn’t belong anywhere else? If so, I have lots of those!
Lovely post, thank you. I like being a treasure seeker! 🙂
November 18, 2012 at 3:57 pm
SevenAcreSky
So true! Half of my PiBoIdMo ideas have come from my 4-year old granddaughter! Endless inspiration. All I have to do is dig into her mind. – Damon Dean
November 20, 2012 at 1:41 am
Lisa Olson
Thanks for the advice and love the little puppy. 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Beth Stilborn
Treasure hunting? Ooooooh… SHINY! This is wonderful.
I’ve been away, and am behind in my idea-generation, but I think the concept of treasure hunting may just get me on the trail of some shiny, sparkling ideas. Thank you!
November 25, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your good advice! I love French bulldogs. 🙂
November 30, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Brian Humek
I got stuck a couple times this month, but then I found all the shiny things. Thanks.
December 6, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Caroline
Thanks for the inspiration. I love this idea of looking not necessarily for the story right away, but just looking at what affects us and then seeing the story in it.
October 30, 2013 at 8:51 pm
RaChelle Lisiecki
C’est vrais…that was the cutest thing ever. Thanks for the reminder that ideas are everywhere!