As soon as I call on a kid at a school visit and they ask this question, dozens of other hands go down. You’ll hear countless children’s authors say it’s the question they’re asked the most. I get ideas everywhere (yes, that’s a copout statement), and so can you!
But first, you have to get past Miss Midge and her like. Those nasty voices that say miserable things to you. Here she is in my journal (and right now she’s saying “You’re not an artist, what are you doing!?!”)
GAG YOUR INNER CRITIC!
If you’ve been moaning about being behind in your PiBo count—stop perfectionizing! (Since my dinobooks, I’ve thrown out the dictionary. We are all powerful. We create worlds. We can create our own words.) Write down ALL the ideas you consider. You don’t know what will piggyback on them or what new variation will emerge. Let in the misfits and barefoot ideas that blankly stare at you.
But, back to the coach in me who wants you to stop being so durned critical… Name that beast inside you and move on. Sorry, but you gotta be tough about this one. Stand up for yourself. No self-bullying allowed!
Done exorcising that evil shadow? (Not totally? Okay, we’ll visit this again a little later.) Let’s move on to your hunting training.
BECOME AN IDEA HUNTER!
Ideas lurk. They hide. They disguise themselves. It’s your job to hunt them down. You develop x-ray vision, you study playground shenanigans and never say Bah Humbug about any holiday that involves kids, chaos, and giddiness. You train your family and friends. You observe like a four year old. You and your trainees share knowing looks. Picture book? Picture book!
MINE YOUR MEMORIES & UNLEASH YOUR IMAGINATION!
I always say writing is part imagination and part memory—it’s just the ratio that changes. Open your eyes with this in mind and you’ll never lack for ideas.
While other four-year-olds were playing in their sandboxes, I sat on my dad’s lap and operated the levers on his backhoe. I helped him “build.” Those experiences inspired MONSTERS ON MACHINES.
I sailed with The Shifty Sailors (the motley crew below) from Seattle to Olympia, and we took the train on the way home… DINOSAILORS and ALL ABOARD THE DINOTRAIN.
You see? Memory and imagination.
Along with memories come emotions. That takes a little deeper mining, but that’s what makes prose sing. What keeps readers engaged, holding their breaths, laughing out loud, shedding tears. Feel as you write. Wring yourself out onto the page. Write the words that pour from that space that aches, that cries for joy. Replace your judgment with curiosity and write as if your words can save the world. Because they can.
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL WRITER!
Picture book creators must play! Go galumphing! (Says my good friend George Shannon—who is great at accessing his four year old). Twist those ideas, turn them upside down, pack them with surprises and yummy words until you’re clapping and Yay-ing! Be four!
So, little girl or boy inside that big grown-up writer, what do you want? What’s your big dream or wish? Write it. Write whatever “it” becomes. And big outside writer, let that four-year-old go where it’s going to go. Don’t wait for the tantrum. If Miss Midge hears the kicking and yelling, she’ll be all over me.
I promised you another try at quieting your inner critics. Ready?
Raise your write hand and repeat after me…
Note: Did you know some people are so controlled by their inner critic that they can’t even get their hands in the air? RAISE THEM! There. Was that really so tough?
Write badly! Write junk—and lots of it! You gotta dig through lots of rocks to unearth the gems. You clean the mess up later—not before it hits the page.
No excuses, no stopping, no perfectionizing…
Just do it! And may the Fours be with you!
Deb Lund is a picture book author, creativity coach, continuing education instructor, and writing teacher. In her past lives, she’s been a music and classroom teacher, an elementary librarian, and a school founding director. If Deb’s rambling sparked anything for you, check out more on her blog. She lives on Whidbey Island, but if you can’t make it there to hang out with her, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Deb is generously giving away one signed copy each of DINOSAILORS and ALL ABOARD THE DINOTRAIN! Just leave a comment to enter. Two winners will be selected in one week. Good luck!
186 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 24, 2012 at 12:10 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Sweet…Love each of the Fours!–I believe it’s time to MINE MY MEMORIES & UNLEASH MY IMAGINATION! 😉
November 24, 2012 at 2:25 am
Deb Lund
Big hugs to your inner four year old!
November 24, 2012 at 12:11 am
Bev Baird
Love your suggestions! I am learning this month to really listen and observe. So many ideas come when you least expect it!
Thanks for sharing.
November 24, 2012 at 2:14 am
Deb Lund
You’re a hunter! Yay!
November 24, 2012 at 12:17 am
Jenny Boyd
Great advice to write down any and all picture-book ideas and see what will evolve from other ideas. It’s like Word Association–only with ideas.
November 24, 2012 at 2:26 am
Deb Lund
That’s a great analogy. Thank you!
November 24, 2012 at 12:32 am
Robyn Campbell
Idea hunter adjusts her hat. She grabs her pen and heads off into the thought jungle. 🙂 Thanks Deb!
November 24, 2012 at 2:15 am
Deb Lund
I think you just started a picture book! Or another PiBo entry…
November 24, 2012 at 12:33 am
Anjali Amit
Great ideas. Thanks.
Anjali
November 24, 2012 at 2:20 am
Deb Lund
You are very welcome!
November 24, 2012 at 12:33 am
LeslieG
What a great post! Galumphing I shall go — preferably with The Shifty Sailors, who shall make Miss Midge walk the plank. Arrrrr!
November 24, 2012 at 2:20 am
Deb Lund
I never thought of enlisting the Shifty’s help with her. You’re a genius!
November 24, 2012 at 12:48 am
Boo Stad
Thanks Deb! The dictionary was starting to bug me anyway.
November 24, 2012 at 2:18 am
Deb Lund
Thanks for the laughitude!
November 24, 2012 at 1:08 am
Nancy Gow
Wonderful, wonderful advice. I hereby give myself permission to write the worst junk in the world — and possibly beyond, if my imagination soars high enough. Thank you Deb!
November 24, 2012 at 2:17 am
Deb Lund
Yay for writing junk!
November 24, 2012 at 2:06 am
tinamcho
I love this quote: “Writing is part imagination and part memory—it’s just the ratio that changes.” Thanks, Deb, for this encouragement. Now I must go find my inner 4 yr old!
November 24, 2012 at 2:16 am
Deb Lund
That 4 yr old is closer than you think! Don’t look too far… ; )
November 24, 2012 at 2:09 am
susan crites
thanks, deb! i’ve heard a couple of midge’s remarks, so thanks for the pep talk. i took the oath and while i have lots of junk that i’ve wrote, i shall continue on and do a better job of mish mashing ideas together to see just what might emerge. (that theme has been hitting me on the head this month, so i think i better listen.) 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 2:18 am
Deb Lund
Midge is so universal, isn’t she? Protect that head… ; )
November 24, 2012 at 2:30 am
Gary Masskin
Thanks for a some very inspirational words. I also liked the concept of training up the family members to look out for ideas too… already do this a bit with my 5 year old but might be time to put her through the advanced course.
November 24, 2012 at 2:49 am
Deb Lund
If you come up with a syllabus, let us know! ; )
November 24, 2012 at 2:35 am
lillyarts
I loved this article… I will use the fours!
November 24, 2012 at 2:49 am
Deb Lund
The Fours are clapping and jumping up and down. “Yay!”
November 24, 2012 at 3:06 am
B.J. Lee
Oh my goodness, what an inspiring post! Thank you. Thank you. My inner critic is the worst, but I vow to exorcise her! Did I say thank you? I’ll look for you on FB andTwitter.
November 24, 2012 at 3:30 am
Stacy Couch
I write junk all the time! The sillier, the more I like it…and just have to say “All Aboard the Dinotrain” is my nephew’s favorite book…used it as a model when wrote my own first book
November 24, 2012 at 3:36 am
Erin Fennell
I love the phrase, “…write as if your words can save the world.” Beautiful. Thanks for the pep talk!
November 24, 2012 at 4:32 am
Lisa Olson
Thank you for saying we can write junk. I sometimes think in my head how dumb the idea is and let is go by. Now I’m jotting it down. 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 4:32 am
cat jones
I’ve taken the oath! And yes, I did raise my hand in the air. Thanks for the pep talk.
November 24, 2012 at 5:30 am
mona
Thank you for bringing Miss Midge with you. I just looked her right in the eyes-and got a picture book idea! I must jot it in my notebook, now.
November 24, 2012 at 6:29 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Thanks, Deb. Can do!! I can write junk all day long. Then get up the next day and write garbage. Mission accomplished over here. I was taking your advice before you even gave it! And what’s even scarier is I have no inner critic! I like it all. *Gulp* Being a writer is so much fun. ….Ugh.I really need to get it together…
November 24, 2012 at 6:56 am
CW
What an inspiring post! Reminds me of the quote, “Don’t get it right, get it written!”
November 24, 2012 at 7:23 am
Sue Poduska
Galumphing, indeed! When my kids were little, I told people I only had them so I had a good excuse to go to the zoo. Bad junk rules!
November 24, 2012 at 7:23 am
Kathy
Your pep talk is just what I needed today! Your books look fab!
November 24, 2012 at 7:36 am
Deborah Cuneo
Excellent post, very motivating words! And funny…my critic bears a striking resemblance to yours,lol. :0)
November 24, 2012 at 7:52 am
cynthia
Love this! thank you Deb!!! My hands are waving in the air!
November 24, 2012 at 7:53 am
Cathy gifford
Great post. Every bit helps. I am a new writer and bor is it tough!
November 24, 2012 at 8:03 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Ha! Love your play on words, Deb, “Raise your write hand . . .”
Off to join the fearless Fours to dance like no one is watching. 😀
November 24, 2012 at 8:04 am
Marcie Colleen
Thanks, Coach! I needed that! Now off to write some junk! 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 8:07 am
Julie Falatko
I’m another one who needed this (um, suddenly realizing all my comments on PiBoIdMo are “I so needed this today” — either Tara has picked some excellent people, or my needs are completely universal). And you can bet I’ll be observing my kids (ages 9, 6, 2, and: 4! magical 4!) with new eyes.
November 24, 2012 at 8:10 am
Mary Zisk
The timing of your post is perfect. Miss Midge was screaming at me all day yesterday while I worked on my MG WIP, and I was ready to give up. I may put Miss Midge on a wall and throw darts at her.
November 24, 2012 at 8:17 am
Cindy
Thank you especially for the visual of Miss Midge. She’s a real party pooper isn’t she? Gotta send her out for a loooooong vacation. Though with her attitude, where she’d want to go is anyone’s guess!
November 24, 2012 at 8:18 am
Alison Hertz
Fun interview! I enjoy tapping into my inner three yr old and four yr old often. I’m in. I’m committed. She doesn’t just speak to me, she is with me everywhere. : ) We dance, we play, we fingerpaint, we whisper, and yes, sometimes I look like a crazy person when this happens in public.
November 24, 2012 at 8:27 am
Jarm Del Boccio
Deb, this was uber inspirational…thanks! And I went to Lakeside Bible Camp years ago…what a beautiful place to live. You are blessed!
November 24, 2012 at 8:28 am
Elaine Kearns
Thank you for such an inspirational post! I’m four again, I’m four again! Wheeeeeeeee
November 24, 2012 at 8:33 am
Andrea
I love what you said about writing down every idea, no matter how dumb it seems. I wish I could conjure up my inner 4-year-old a little more often!
November 24, 2012 at 8:36 am
Dee Almond
Throw out the dictionary! Write junk! These I can do. Ignoring Miss Midge, who has been hanging out at my house for years, will be a bit more difficult. But I’m definitely inspired to work on it.
November 24, 2012 at 8:36 am
Sharon Putnam
Great post! I try to silence my inner critic by sending her to Cancun but there is a problem with that… nine times out of ten she takes my muse with her and they end up swilling margaritas on the beach and totally ignoring me… which is why most of my stuff is junk : )
November 24, 2012 at 8:55 am
Dawnyelle
Just what I needed this morning! A morning round of applause for ideas, bad ideas, junk ideas, grand ideas, and hiding under the blackberry bush ideas. Thank you.
November 24, 2012 at 8:59 am
Gail Kamer
Thanks so much for the idea!
November 24, 2012 at 9:00 am
Daryl Gottier
I’ll comment more later…headed out galumping.
November 24, 2012 at 9:04 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks so much, I’ve already mined a memory!
November 24, 2012 at 9:17 am
Diana Murray
Oh, that Midge! She’s a big ol’ party pooper. I agree that battling the inner critic is perhaps one of biggest challenges of being a writer. It is for me, at least. Fantasticalicious post!
November 24, 2012 at 9:25 am
laurasalas
No self-bullying allowed. I love that. Happy galumphing this holiday season!
November 24, 2012 at 9:25 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Another great post! Thanks so much for the ideas!
November 24, 2012 at 9:31 am
Kim Murray
Whew! Permission to write junk! Thanks for the inspiration to just write the stuff and “clean the mess up later.” I’ll definitely be digging deep for the gems.
November 24, 2012 at 9:31 am
Jennifer Kirkeby
Thank you for a great post, Deb! I am going to paste a number of your lines right on my computer! And I think I’ll draw my inner critic with a big slash through it!
Best,
Jennifer Kirkeby
November 24, 2012 at 9:44 am
Sheri Dillard
Thanks for the helpful post! I love the idea of observing/thinking like a 4-year-old. I work at a preschool, and it’s fun to pay attention to what is important/exciting for the kids. For example, a little boy sprinted across the playground to show me an unexpected treasure he found in the sandbox. (a piece of sidewalk chalk) 🙂 And I love how everything comes to a complete stop at the sound of a fire truck siren. Think of all the different thoughts those kids might have at a sound like that. (Oh, and I just got my idea for today. Thanks!) 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 9:51 am
Carolyn
Your advice was very interesting. Thanks
November 24, 2012 at 9:53 am
loriannlevyholm
Yes, I did raise my hand in the air and take the oath, confusing my husband (par for the course). I like the idea of ideas cross pollinating. What struck me most was the idea that memories and imagination fuel our words. Shaman sister!
November 24, 2012 at 10:02 am
Marcy P.
I love this! Part imagination, part memory… so true. Thank you!
November 24, 2012 at 10:20 am
DaNeil Olson
Splendiferous post! Thanks for helping me quiet my critic and encouraging me to “mine my memories”.
November 24, 2012 at 10:25 am
wendy greenley
LOVE your books, Deb! If writing junk is your advice, I’m on the train.
November 24, 2012 at 10:31 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
I like how you think! I took the oath! 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 10:51 am
Donna Black
Love this post. I’m pretty sure Midge gave me a non-junk idea for today. Thanks!
November 24, 2012 at 10:53 am
Penny Klostermann
I took that drawing of ol’ Miss Midge
And taped it to the front of my fridge.
I raised my hands—I raised them both
And proudly repeated the Deb Lund oath.
I marched around the kitchen and back,
And said it in duck, “Quack, quack, quack, quack!”
“Yeah, you, Miss Midge, I’m talkin’ to you.”
“I’ll say it in cow, “Moo, moo, moo, moo!”
I said it with style—said it with spunk,
“I can write badly! I can write junk!”
Ol’ Miss Midge softened. Ol’ Miss Midge smiled.
She knew she’d been trumped by my inner child.
Thanks for an inspirational post! And for encouraging us to “trump” ol’ Miss Midge!
November 24, 2012 at 11:38 am
cynthia
Penny this is so cute!!! love it!
November 24, 2012 at 1:15 pm
julie rowan zoch
Yay Penny!
November 26, 2012 at 5:36 pm
SevenAcreSky
Penny! HA! Fantastic response to Midge. (Hmmm….I would probably lose weight if I posted her on my fridge.) Thanks for your creative reply.
November 24, 2012 at 10:54 am
Tracy Bermeo
So awesome to hear from Deb for PiBo ! Love the story behing Monsters on Machines. From now on, I will give myself permission to write junk. Thanks Deb!
November 24, 2012 at 11:26 am
Lori Alexander
Great post! Thanks for putting a face to my inner-critic. We’re big fans of MONSTERS ON MACHINES in my house 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 11:30 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
The sooner our “Miss Midges” are put in place, the better. Thank you for a wonderful and timely post.
November 24, 2012 at 11:33 am
Therese Nagi
Appreciate your post, how often do we stop from writing because of our inner critic. I took your oath to write badly and also enjoy doing it:). As you said we can mine through it.
November 24, 2012 at 11:33 am
Sharon Calle
Thanks for an inspiring post. I agree- the inner critic is hard to squelch. But when you do, look out!
November 24, 2012 at 11:36 am
Julie
Well, I just finished moaning (and posting) about being behind in PiBoIdMo right before I read this post. Oops! But yes, you’ve inspired me to get back down to it and tell my inner critic to SHUT UP! I get timid about writing ideas down because I immediately start judging and evaluating them. This is a good reminder to stop doing that! Thanks Deb!
November 24, 2012 at 11:38 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thanks for the post. It is helpful to be reminded to just write and clean up the mess later. I have a hard time remembering that when I am in the middle of writing. I need to kick my critic to the curb and write, write, write.
November 24, 2012 at 11:54 am
miki
Love Miss Midge (at least the drawing of her). Poor thing. She needs to thaw out. And Penny’s rhyme and dance response is super!
November 24, 2012 at 11:55 am
Sandie Sing
Great advice. If I am excited with an idea, I would quickly write my “poop” draft. I figure I’ll “fine tune” it, and run it through my local critique group.
Finding ideas are easier. It’s formatting it into a story that is harder. I have 32 ideas already.
November 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Carrie Ann Brown
This is really great advice, Deb! My inner critic is quite “Anna”lytical…thanks for helping me name her! It is tough deciding what is worth listening to. Thanks to your wise words, I won’t let her have her say until I have mine!
November 24, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Deb B
Thanks for permission to write lots of junk and all the other precious tidbits you gave us.
November 24, 2012 at 12:21 pm
sheri
Thank you Deb for you wonderful advice as it is hard to see past the critics sometime. Thanks again.
November 24, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Tim McCanna
Thanks Deb. I solemnly swear to stop acting my age. I was never much good at it anyway.
November 24, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Maria Gianferrari
I love the metaphor of digging through the dirt and rocks to find gems–time to get that shovel!
Thanks!
November 24, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Julene Kinser
“Let in the misfits and barefoot ideas that blankly stare at you.” I love the picture this statement makes in my head. Instead of pushing some ideas back with a pitchfork, so they cower in the shadows, throw open the door and bid them come in. Thanks, Deb. Time to strap on my headlamp, enter the mineshaft, and chip away and dig until I see something sparkle.
November 24, 2012 at 1:07 pm
renajtraxel
That’s great that you were able to draw on your own experiences for your stories. I think drawing from one’s own experiences can infuse piece of work with emotion.
November 24, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Sheila Wipperman
A truly inspirational post filled with 24-carat advice! Off to do some digging and eventually mine some gems. Thanks so much, Deb! 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Laura Anne Miller
Dino-sized advice, Deb. My favorites were no self-bully allowed and ‘You clean the mess up later—not before it hits the page.’ That gives us the permission and liberation we need to write! Thanks.
November 24, 2012 at 1:16 pm
julie rowan zoch
Organic idea foraging! Great post!
November 24, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Joanna
Just what I needed to read today! Thanks, Deb!
November 24, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Thank you Deb for the terrific reminder. And, Penny — love how you put Deb’s wise words into rhyme.
November 24, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Mary
Yes! No more guilt about snuggling in my flannel pj’s and enjoying a smoothie and a Leave it to Beaver marathon.
November 24, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Claudia Broglio
Awsome! I just took the oaf.
November 24, 2012 at 2:10 pm
mbeaversillustration
Great inspiration! Thank you!!
November 24, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Larissa Marks
Thanks for the great post! I’m going to access my inner-kid today as my family purchases our Christmas tree 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
Love Midge for showing us what we all think at times! Great way to be able to shut a door on that voice 🙂 Thank you!
November 24, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Kelly Parker
The child me just beat up the adult me! She also advised me to put on my “thinking cap” and to be silly. Thank you for this post!
November 24, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Bonnie Adamson
Love the “fours” post–and especially Midge. My inner critic looks something like Jabba the Hut on an especially peevish day. The exercise of visualizing that negative voice is already helping to put it in its place. 🙂
Thank you!
November 24, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Denise Richter
I’m fortunate to have a real almost-4-year-old to help me access my inner 4-year-old. Great advice.
November 24, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Desiree B.
Permission to write complete and utter crap. Feels GREAT!!! Now I can relax and let that four year old work her magic.
November 24, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Laura Renauld
I love the reminder that writing comes from imagination and memory. Thanks!
November 24, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Laura Thieman
Thanks for your permission to soar with four!
November 24, 2012 at 4:20 pm
h1jackson
Idea Hunter… Here I come! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
November 24, 2012 at 4:36 pm
annierue
This was much needed for all those people who doubt themselves (which we all do). I raised my right hand and I’m going for it!!
November 24, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Mary Flynn
Great advice Deb. I have a very loud “Miss Midge” I think I’ll tie her up and gag her then lock her in the basement.
November 24, 2012 at 4:59 pm
thatssojenj
Great advice! I raised my hand for the oath. 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 6:41 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Reading this post made me realize that I spend way too much time trying to clean up the mess “before it hits the page.” Thanks for helping me give myself permission to clean it up later!
November 24, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Janet Smart
What an inspirational post! My hands are waving!
November 24, 2012 at 7:12 pm
michelleol
“perfectionizing!” I love it! Kudos for drawing Miss Midge, too. That was very brave and very un-midgey of you. Thank you.
November 24, 2012 at 8:07 pm
viviankirkfield
Deb…thanks for 4 amazing golden nuggets that I am adding to my PiBoIdMo treasure chest! I don’t think I have to look for my inner four-year old…she has always been a part of my life…she insists I read/think/breath picture books every day. 🙂
I took the oath to give myself permission to write the worst junk in the world. I smiled when you suggested we enlist others to help uncover picture book ideas…my husband often brings something to my attention if he thinks it would make a great picture book title/subject/story. 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 5:44 pm
SevenAcreSky
Me too, Viv. I’ve learned to talk up ideas among my families…they’ll say something and I say ‘Hey! That’s a PB idea!” (Yep, they’ve even got the lingo down now.) Then I record it on my trusty memo app on my phone. I’ve learned you can create an ‘immediate’ community of support right around you, and that’s been very helpful.
November 26, 2012 at 10:50 pm
viviankirkfield
That’s true! My husband is constantly giving me blog post ideas…and he has even offered a couple of picture book titles. 🙂
November 24, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Kerri Kokias
Great post Deb. I enjoyed meeting your Miss Midge. Someone once noticed what a strong internal doubter I have and trained me to use her against herself with the simple mantra, “Doubt the doubter!” Hope you are enjoying your residency!
November 24, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Carol Nelson
Time to listen to that little four old inside me. I know she’s in there; I just need to trust her ideas and emotions.
November 24, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Angie Breault
I finally got over about a week long dry spell, by letting every idea out. Thank you for giving me permission to NOT feel guilty about it 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity to win a signed book as well.
God Bless, Angie
November 24, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your inspiring words – now off to write some junk!
November 24, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
A great post. May the fours be with you too!
November 24, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Pat
Thanks for the pep talk! I visited Whidbey Island and was amazed at all the “local authors” featured in the fabulous little bookstore there. Even the air there is a bit literary–your books contribute to the air quality!
November 24, 2012 at 9:26 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Just a quick comment before I go write some junk 😉
November 24, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Angela Padron
Thanks for the advice!
November 24, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Joanne Roberts
I felt like I had my own personal cheerleader today. I realized I’ve been taking myself WAAAAY too seriously. Thank-you.
November 24, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
This is great advice to those of us doing Nanowrimo, too! Can’t get to 50K words if you’re not willing to write junk. Thanks for the inspiriation, I’m off to type out my idea and some more nano words.
November 24, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Jen Carroll
Permission to write junk? I need this reminder every time I sit down to write. Thank you!
November 24, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Jennifer Reynolds
Deb, was so pleased to be able to read your comments. (I read a lot of P.B.’s when I was a kid so learned to read!!) I love the idea of making your own ‘yummy’ words, and kids do love them too. Will get to work.
November 24, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Donna Martin
Deb, I love, love, LOVE your dinosaur stories and I read them to my students all the time. I do think it is hard for writers to give themselves permission to write junk because most of us are perfectionists to begin with…lol…lovely post!
Donna L Martin
November 25, 2012 at 12:15 am
Kevin J. Doyle
“Ideas lurk. They hide. They disguise themselves. ” Loved these lines! Thanks for the great words!
November 25, 2012 at 1:22 am
C. C. Gevry
I love this advice–though my sisters always thought I was born at 40 since I was a bit too responsible for my age. I wonder if I can find my inner four-year-old.
November 25, 2012 at 1:50 am
Carol Munro
Wow. I know that Miss Midge. Time to kick her in the shins like a four year old would do. Thanks for showing me how.
November 25, 2012 at 2:20 am
Cheryl
Very inspirational!
Cheryl
November 25, 2012 at 3:38 am
ray hunt
started a 3D image and its got me writing… about dragonflies….? showed my son and he was sort-of amused. but he didn’t tell me to stop… he didn’t say as my 2 yr old niece said to her father tonight, “That’s not funny to me dad” So I’ll keep going with it. (he did mention how the 3D image could be done better… and dragonflies, he’ll just have to wait like everyone else.)
November 25, 2012 at 5:55 am
Michelle Mapp
Another great PiBoIdMo post! Thanks for the advice and the encouragement to silence my own Miss Midge which is generally a group of cheeky monkeys throwing bananas around and making a great mess.
November 25, 2012 at 6:02 am
Tracy Shave
I keep meaning to draw my inner critic – it was advice I gave to someone else in our Power Hour group on facebook and yet I’ve still not given a face to mine. I wonder if this is because it’s actually my mum? Great post!
November 25, 2012 at 7:42 am
Laura Dineen
DinoTrain was the first book my son and I would read where he would fill in words for me that he had memorized! I loved reading that book with him!
November 25, 2012 at 8:56 am
Angela De Groot
Thanks, Deb. You are a fours of nature.
November 25, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
I do have an inner critic and it is especially loud when I am writing. I think I will draw mine and give it a name too. Great post, Deb! Thanks!
November 25, 2012 at 12:59 pm
janelle
Hard to type with my hands in the air!! 🙂 but here I go….
November 25, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Ann
Yesterday was my birthday. All I wanted was a pile of picture books. I got some great gifts from friends and family and few picture books from myself. All good!
November 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Jill Proctor
I love your encouragement AND your beautiful books! I will continue to write…I know I can….I know I can….
November 25, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Dorothy Wiese
I like the idea of being four again. That was a great year!
November 25, 2012 at 4:01 pm
laurimeyers
Honestly if I have room for the inner critic, I should have room for a candy crazed Mikey-
who-likes-everything in there too.
November 25, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Lauri
I’m glad to hear someone in the know say that it’s okay to let out your inner four year old. Great post! : )
November 25, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Andrea Lawson
This is great so inspiring. Thanks for reminding me to mine my child hood memories but also to add imagination, like, monsters or dinos! egads it’s PiBoldMo and Nanowrimo in the same month. My brain is going to explode!
November 25, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Sally Matheny
I didn’t know we could make up words! My husband makes up words all the time and keeps us laughing. Guess I’ll start following him around with my pen and paper. Thanks for the inspiration, Deb!
November 25, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Joanna
Monsters on Machines is one of my son’s absolute favorites! We especially love when they eat with their hands and feet! Thanks for the inspirational post!
November 25, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Roxanne
Powerful, inspirational, motivating! Thank you.
November 25, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Cindy Breedlove
Great ideas for getting ideas! Thanks!
November 25, 2012 at 8:44 pm
helennhill
Love your work and thank you for the thoughtful advice. I hope you have set Miss Midge on fire!
November 25, 2012 at 10:49 pm
evelynchristensen
Wow! Those look like great books. I want one. 🙂 And what an inspirational post you gave us. Thanks.
November 25, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Emily
I’ve been getting down on all fours lately to play with my 22-month old. Now I just need to remember to write from that perspective and dig deep from my emotions! Thanks for a great post!
November 25, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Emily Lim-Leh
I’ve been getting on all fours lately to play with my 22-month old. Now I just need to remember to write from that perspective and dig deep into my emotions. Thanks for that great post!
November 26, 2012 at 12:42 am
Ping Wan
Great post Deb. I’m in the middle of revising a PB manuscript and your post helps a lot on the emotion part. Thank you for sharing!
November 26, 2012 at 12:44 am
marywan2
Great post Deb. It’s very helpful.
November 26, 2012 at 7:54 am
Alexa
Thanks for the pep-talk. I’m slowly gaining on my idea deficit. I appreciated you acknowledging that some of us might fall behind a little 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 8:09 am
Jennifer Hawes
Thanks for blowing the whistle, Coach, and waking us up! WE are almost there!!!
November 26, 2012 at 10:13 am
Natasha
Digging and digging and swearing off perfectionizing (for now.)
November 26, 2012 at 10:13 am
Melanie Ellsworth
So much fun to read! I found myself writing down several quotes from this post to remember always.
November 26, 2012 at 11:18 am
Linda Whalen
I love it! GAG YOUR INNER CRITIC is going up on my wall right next to my computer and art table. Gonna sketch the little booger, too.
November 26, 2012 at 10:59 am
The Ink Pond
Thank you for the amazing post! I am often visited by a similar Miss Midge character and have to constantly fight the urge to quit writing. Today, I will continue to write, and get up tomorrow and do the same:-)
Still Writing-
Tia Svardahl, The Ink Pond
November 26, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Kristiane Pedersen
This should be easy….my children tell me to grow up all the time! I’m already a child at heart, I just need to throw off the voices that keep calling me to grow up! Take that world, I can be as silly as I want! Thanks for your permission Deb, it means a lot!
November 26, 2012 at 2:26 pm
KidLitReviews
My inner child says thank you. What a great way to look at life. Not sure the boss will appreciate it, but I do. Thanks Deb.
November 26, 2012 at 5:05 pm
diane kress hower
Deb it is so fun to see how far you have come 🙂 from one of your connections in your previous chapter when you were not writing full time!
November 26, 2012 at 5:41 pm
SevenAcreSky
Deb, this is priceless! Love the ‘FOURS’ and this post is wall-worthy for any writer. If I’m weak on any of them, it’s mining those memories! The others I recognized as happening frequently in my writers’ world, but that one is a rich vein I haven’t really made use of. Thanks for your advice and encouragement! – Damon Dean
November 26, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Quinn Cole
I love it! Your advice was just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
November 26, 2012 at 8:12 pm
kristin abbott
After this post, I will not give up today at least;)
November 26, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Diana Delosh
Here’s to writing junk!
November 27, 2012 at 1:45 am
Lynn Anne Carol
Boy, Deb, your Miss Midge much be a pod person. She seems to have the ability to clone herself. I think I’m going to have to do what Penny has done, magnet her to the frig where she can’t get off. Probably on the side so I can get in without her seeing me.
Thanks for the uplifting advise.
Lynn~~
November 27, 2012 at 2:48 am
Susan Cabael
Sometimes it’s hard to get back to the Fours, especially when my own kids are past that stage. Must go kid-watching soon!
November 27, 2012 at 3:17 am
Catherine
Thank you for encouraging me to write junk! Hopefully there will be something salvageable at some point.
November 27, 2012 at 7:24 am
erin o'brien
So funny–but true–that we need permission to write junk. Thank you for this!
November 27, 2012 at 9:50 am
Jessica Shaw
Love this post–and your enthusiasm, Deb! Miss Midge has left the building and the silly words are flying:)
November 27, 2012 at 9:51 am
Linda Norman-Lyman
It is exhausting trying to quiet the inner critic! Time to go play!
November 27, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Lisa Anchin
Thanks! This was a wonderful post. I love pulling bits of ideas from my childhood. This afternoon, I’m definitely going galumphing!
November 27, 2012 at 4:53 pm
kirabigwood
Loving the memory bit of the equation! Thanks for the ideas!
November 27, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Peyton Leung
Thank-you Deb (from my inner four).
November 28, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Grrrrr…the inner critic. Have to say she looks a lot like your Midge. 😉
November 29, 2012 at 10:08 am
Deb A. Marshall
Lol! Great post…now, have me some galumping to do!
November 29, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Kjersten Hayes
“I always say writing is part imagination and part memory—it’s just the ratio that changes.” Pure Gold, Deb! Thanks!
November 29, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Erin
roar
November 29, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Beth MacKinney
Thank you! Good post!
November 29, 2012 at 11:24 pm
S.H. Sherlock
My favorite and best writing occurs when I “mine the memories”. Thanks for reminder.
November 30, 2012 at 1:57 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
You are such an inspiration, Deb! I’ll keep writing junk. 🙂
November 30, 2012 at 9:12 am
Lois Sepahban
Thank you, Deb! This is exactly what I needed to read!
November 30, 2012 at 1:31 pm
angelapenadahle
Good to remember! Thanks!
November 30, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Thanks so much for this, Deb! I had forgotten about your “Midge.” We need to put those crazy ladies out of our misery. I always need reminders of forgetting perfectionism and write junk if I need to. It’s ok! Thanks for the inspiration.
November 30, 2012 at 11:43 pm
Heather Soodak
This line really touched me! “Write the words that pour from that space that aches, that cries for joy.” Thanks so much, I will try my best to stifle my inner critic and just write!!
December 2, 2012 at 9:11 pm
lindamartinandersen
Thanks for the reminder to include some of our own experiences that are rather unique. I will ponder on that some more.
January 2, 2017 at 6:01 am
Lisa Freund
Love this inspiring article!