by Steve BarrNovember 21, 2013 7:57 am
by Steve Barr
I can’t really begin to pinpoint where my inspiration comes from. When people ask where I get my ideas, I don’t tend to have an answer ready. Ideas just seem to leap into my head out of nowhere. My best guess is that there’s some faulty wiring in my brain. That’s most likely due to the regular “thumpings” my older brother gave me on a daily basis as we were growing up. Perhaps he knocked a few screws loose.
I can get inspired by all sorts of things. Some of my best ideas pop into my mind when I’m driving down the highway with no music on, just daydreaming. Or when I’m laying in bed drifting off to sleep. If I had music blaring inside the truck, the lyrics would be too distracting and I’d just end up singing along with them. At home, when I’m locked away in my studio, I do listen to music. But it’s usually jazz, classical or new age. Anything that doesn’t have words blasting into my mind. I want all of the words that are rushing through my head to be my own.
I OBSERVE. By that, I mean I tend to truly look at everything around me. If I’ve hiked miles away from civilization and I’m sitting on a mountaintop watching a hawk fly above me, I’m usually thinking “Oh….THAT’S how their wings are shaped when they’re drifting!” and I incorporate that into my work later. You may sometimes see me sitting in a mall somewhere, and it will appear that I’m gawking at people passing by. Sometimes I stare. But what’s actually going through my mind is “So, that’s how the wrinkles on a coat look when someone bends their arm” or “What a crazy hat! I need to remember that and draw it later.”
I also LISTEN. When other people are talking, I really want to hear what they have to say. Their problems, their frustrations and the things that make them laugh. Because, after all, any of those conversations can be the foundation of an idea for a book or a cartoon. Inspiration is all around us, and we just need to learn how to harness it in our own way.
For instance, a friend was recently telling me that he was concerned that his wife was thinking of getting rid of him. On my ride home, the idea for a cartoon about that popped into my head and I drew it the next day.
Yet another acquaintance was complaining about having trouble getting to sleep. As I was approaching my cabin later that night, a raccoon darted across my path. Those two subjects merged in my mind, and another cartoon was born.
The process of creating books and cartoon ideas are very similar. It’s just that cartoons are compressed into images and thoughts that can be expressed quickly, while books use pictures and words to give a longer, more complete story.
But, like everyone else involved in creative endeavors, there are those days where I’m stopped dead in my tracks by a severe case of “writer’s block”. What do I do then? Well, sometimes I give myself a break, walk away from my work and let my batteries recharge. But if I’m faced with a tight deadline, whether it’s self-imposed or from contractual obligations, I do have a backup plan. I use a technique taught to me by another successful cartoonist when I was young. I take a sheet of notebook paper and divide it into columns. The columns are labelled “Main Character”, “Setting”, and “Supporting Characters”. I fill the columns with all sorts of possibilities, then either close my eyes and randomly circle sections from each column or I simply pick combinations that I think might work. This creates unique combinations I may not have thought about otherwise, and can help trigger new ideas and possibilities.
Cartoonists, like authors, are doing the same thing as a movie director. They created a cast, give them their lines and put them in the right surroundings.
Here’s an example of the chart:
Once one of the combinations begins to trigger ideas, I roll with it….trying to think of what the characters might be saying to each other or how they would be interacting. This method would probably work just as nicely for inspiring writers as it for helping cartoonists. I ask myself what the characters would have in common, or what issues they might be struggling with. And here are the results of combining a dog, a restaurant and a woman on a date:
So, my creative process is very similar to approaching a railroad crossing. Stop. Look. And listen!
Sometimes it results in wonderful inspiration. And other times it results in a train wreck. If the latter happens, I just dust myself off, tuck that idea away for a different time and start on another.
As the late great cartoonist Gil Foxx once wrote in a book he signed to me, “Persist. Over…..and over….and over…and over.” Just keep chugging away, and eventually you are bound to end up on the right track.
Another great source of inspiration can be your editor. (Or an agent, if you have one.) Something I think that many writers and artists tend to forget is that your editor is your best friend. They’re your teammate. You both have the same goal. You are both trying to develop the best product possible. I know quite a few people who like to argue with their editors when they’re given input, because they feel a bit insulted that someone is trying to change part of their creation.
I’ve never looked at it that way. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with some of the finest editors in the field, and I would always listen to their suggestions because I knew they had my best interests at heart.
Do you know that Maurice Sendak had originally intended to call Where the Wild Things Are something totally different? Yup. He was going to title it Land of the Wild Horses. But when he started working on the illustrations, he realized that he wasn’t very good at drawing horses. It was his editor’s suggestion to change it to “WIld Things”, inspired by a Yiddish expression that referred to boisterous children.
Can you imagine the world of children’s literature without Where the Wild Things Are in it? I can’t. And it may never have happened if he hadn’t been willing to collaborate closely with his editor.
Christina Richards, my editor at IMPACT Books, edited my books perfectly and seamlessly. By the time I received the galley proofs for Draw Crazy Creatures, I could not tell which words were mine and which ones were hers. She had removed unnecessary and redundant text during the editing process, and had made minor changes to some of my sentences that had a major impact on them. A major impact that made them better. She made the book flow smoothly.
So I’d highly recommend that folks in the creative end of this business open themselves up to constructive criticism, helpful suggestions and any input from the editorial staff they are working with. These people are in the positions they are in because they know what they are doing. They are the inspiration behind the scenes, and when they’re done helping you, they will have played a huge role in making you and your work shine.
Steve Barr is the author and illustrator of Draw Crazy Creatures and Draw Awesome Animals from IMPACT books. He’s also written and illustrated a series of 11 books in the 1-2-3 Draw line from Peel Productions.
Steve’s cartoons have appeared in a variety of newspapers and magazines, including “The Complete Idiot’s Guides” and the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. He’s also done a lot of art for a wide variety of educational products and publications. You can take a peek at some of his work on his website SteveBarrCartoons.com.
Steve is giving away two signed copies of Draw Crazy Creatures!
Two winners will be randomly selected at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
Good luck, everyone!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2013, Picture Books
Tags: 1-2-3 Draw, Draw Awesome Animals, Draw Crazy Creatures, Steve Barr
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Love the 123 Draw books! I used them this year in an art class for kids. Amazing results! The kids were so proud of their work! Thank you for empowering kids (and adults too!)!!!
By Kimberly Vogel on November 21, 2013 at 8:04 am
This very interesting post got me thinking about where I get my inspiration from. My inspiration is random and can be carved from everyday experiences, nature, and other people. I also like to listen to ZEN as I write.
By shiela fuller on November 21, 2013 at 8:05 am
Thanks, Steve for a great post. I tried your 3-column exercise once in a workshop, but had since forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder…going play with it again today.
By Cheryl Mansfield on November 21, 2013 at 8:05 am
I like your Stop. Look. and Listen idea. Thanks for sharing these cute cartoons, demonstrating how you matched characters and settings. And I loved what you shared about Sendak’s Wild Things!
By Tina Cho on November 21, 2013 at 8:07 am
This is amazing. I love the chart. I am a big cartoon fanatic. So this was “write” up my alley 😀 Thanks for sharing. It is appreciated.
By Jackie Wellington on November 21, 2013 at 8:09 am
Love the idea chart, and your story about Whee the Wild Things Are. Thanks for a great post.
By Laura Gehl on November 21, 2013 at 8:10 am
That’s so crazy about the Wild Things. You’re right: collaboration can yield something better than either individual might have found on his own.
By MC on November 21, 2013 at 8:12 am
Thanks for a great post, Steve. I love your work!
By Victoria Warneck on November 21, 2013 at 8:13 am
Great post!
By Laura Zimmermann on November 21, 2013 at 8:15 am
thanks! I love your Stop, Look, Listen reminder. And the list! definitely the list!
By Sue Heavenrich on November 21, 2013 at 8:15 am
Thank you for this wonderful information. Also, I think ideas come the universal energies that surround us every day
By Donna Mae Pasiczniak on November 21, 2013 at 8:19 am
Great suggestions! Thank you!
By Alicia van Thiel on November 21, 2013 at 8:22 am
I’m picturing you staring at people at the mall… hahahaha! It’s kinda hard to be professional when who look like a creeper! At least take a sketch pad with you…. just a suggestion! 🙂
By Juliana Lee on November 21, 2013 at 8:24 am
It gets even creepier if you stare at people in the mall, and then you try to trace them.
By Steve Barr on November 23, 2013 at 7:27 am
You have a point!
By Juliana Lee on November 23, 2013 at 8:39 am
Sounds like I need an editor or agent! I love the post and your ideas!
By Deirdre Sheridan Englehart on November 21, 2013 at 8:26 am
Good morning! I woke up to snow this morning and anticipate it will find a way to inspire today’s idea. I love your cartoons, Steve. Thank you for sharing.
By MichelleLynn on November 21, 2013 at 8:27 am
Steve – I love your illustrations and your advice for generating ideas. My kitchen chalkboard wall now has three columns! Many thanks.
By Michele Norman on November 21, 2013 at 8:28 am
That chart you made seems very helpful! Thank you!
By storyfairy on November 21, 2013 at 8:28 am
I like your list! Thanks! Clare.
By Juliet Clare Bell on November 21, 2013 at 8:30 am
Thanks for the tips, especially the three-column one! The illustrations rock, too. 🙂
By Hana on November 21, 2013 at 8:36 am
I especially liked the train analogies – very clever. Great cartoons – made me chuckle!
By Jacki Morris on November 21, 2013 at 8:38 am
Wonderful suggestions, Steve. Thank you 🙂 I’m going to give your idea chart a try, see what happens. Sunny greetings!
By One Happy Writer on November 21, 2013 at 8:38 am
I love your cartoons…They gave me some ideas….thank you for reminding me that events, characters and dialogue can be mixed up and a new story develops. Happy creating.
By Jewel Sample on November 21, 2013 at 8:39 am
Fabulous post! Thank you Steve!! I am taking your suggestions to heart.
By Shirley Ng-Benitez on November 21, 2013 at 8:41 am
I agree that editors can really help you make your books the best possible. Thanks for the chart–a fun and useful idea!
By jheitman22 on November 21, 2013 at 8:41 am
Wonderful post and fun art! Love your stop, look, and listen along with the persist, over and over and over. Thanks for such great advice!
By Kim Pfennigwerth on November 21, 2013 at 8:44 am
Great post. Love the three column process and simply listening and observing advice.
By msmo1958 on November 21, 2013 at 8:49 am
My daughter and I love your books. And your advice. Well taken! Thanks for sharing!
By Courtenay Schurman on November 21, 2013 at 8:52 am
Great post! I need to turn off the noise in my life to hear the words rushing in my own head. I’m going to try the three-column technique today.
By rgstones on November 21, 2013 at 8:52 am
Thank you for the wonderful post. You work is so fun. I especially liked the chart to generate ideas and the cartoon that followed.
By dorothia on November 21, 2013 at 8:54 am
I used a chart like that when teaching a writing class with kids — now I’m going to use it to generate my own ideas. Thanks for the fun and creative post!
By skeerswriter on November 21, 2013 at 9:05 am
This was such a great post, Steve! It’s filled with great ideas and I love your cartoons!
By Pat Haapaniemi on November 21, 2013 at 9:06 am
Thank you for this very interesting post !
Geat to meet someone who can’t listen to music with lyrics…
I love observing people… and I have already mentionned to my husband that the day we are old and bored, I would just love to sit somewhere I can look and observe people ! 😉
By nicole snitselaar on November 21, 2013 at 9:16 am
I think it’s time for a people-watching trip to the mall so I can get back on track. Wild horses, huh? Unthinkable!
By Susan Cabael on November 21, 2013 at 9:22 am
Sometimes I am amazed how things come together just out of the blue. Thank you for reminding me that anything can inspire us.
By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on November 21, 2013 at 9:25 am
This was an entertaining post- thanks!
By S.H. Sherlock on November 21, 2013 at 9:26 am
I’m encouraged, because my brother once dropped me on my head. Thanks!
By Anne Bielby on November 21, 2013 at 9:26 am
🙂
By Steve Barr on November 23, 2013 at 7:18 am
Cartooning! I’d give it a try with Steve’s help.
By Natasha on November 21, 2013 at 9:26 am
I love your chart idea! And the subsequent cartoon with the lady and the dog, too funny. Thank you for the inspiration!!
By megmillerwrites on November 21, 2013 at 9:27 am
So interesting about Sendak’s original title being Land of the Wild Horses! Good to see that even the most talented and creative illustrators can take direction from an editor that leads to greatness. Thanks for your excellent post!
By deborahholtwilliams on November 21, 2013 at 9:30 am
Cartoonists are MASTER storytellers! I love your work, Steve–thanks for sharing the inspiration chart.
By Bonnie Adamson on November 21, 2013 at 9:30 am
I love the chart. Thanks for the post!
By Amanda Banks on November 21, 2013 at 9:30 am
Thank you for your post–I think I will try a chart for ideas, but I agree that many come while being quiet and listening and observing.
By lmconnors on November 21, 2013 at 9:30 am
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
By Eileen on November 21, 2013 at 9:34 am
Thanks for this, Steve . . .over and over and over 🙂
By Robin Howard on November 21, 2013 at 9:36 am
I see so much these days about having a playlist while you write. It’s great to cybermeet someone with strong justification for avoiding said playlist. Now I don’t feel quite so un-hip for not having one. Thanks Steve.
By Dee Almond on November 21, 2013 at 9:37 am
Great Post. Really related to radio comments. Some of my best ideas come when I’m driving w/ radio off.
By Deb Dudley on November 21, 2013 at 9:39 am
I love the train crossing analogy! Thank you for the sound advice! And I also find the bold strokes of your art inspiring! 🙂
Michele Katz/CreationsByMit
By creationsbymit on November 21, 2013 at 9:42 am
Hi Steve!
Your post is chock full of great ideas! We are almost through a wonderful month of generating picture book ideas and your lovely chart has given us a way to continue the fun into the new year!
Great post!
By Donna L Martin on November 21, 2013 at 9:43 am
I enjoyed listening to you and looking at your illustrations!
By Nancy Armo on November 21, 2013 at 9:44 am
Steve thanks for sharing such helpful tips, especially the column sheet with different characters and objects. I appreciated your helpful words of encouragement.
By Therese Nagi on November 21, 2013 at 9:50 am
Thanks for sharing some great ideas!
By rosemary basham on November 21, 2013 at 9:53 am
Loving the 3-column chart for idea generation. Will give this a try…thanks!!
By Lori Alexander on November 21, 2013 at 9:55 am
What a great post! Such helpful advice. I really like the column technique, and I appreciate the wise words about listening to an agent or editor. Thanks so much for sharing with us today.
By cherylsec on November 21, 2013 at 10:05 am
On my blog yesterday I said, “I go about my day filtering out way too much.” I am trying to remedy that, and your post stressed that to me. 🙂
This is an informative and helpful post, thank you, Steve.
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 21, 2013 at 10:05 am
Thank you for your fantastic ideas and reminding us of the value of “stopping, looking, and listening” while partnering, brainstorming, and just plain thinking outside of the proverbial box.
By laurenhk on November 21, 2013 at 10:07 am
Thank you for sharing how you find ideas and inspiration — your chart is a great way to get the mind flowing again. I love your cartoons and how you stop, look, and listen to create them. Your point about collaboration with editors and how important and vital their input is reminds me of how helpful my critique group has been for me. Hooray for yiddish expressions!
By Lori Dubbin on November 21, 2013 at 10:08 am
Wow! Simple straight forward ideas that make so much sense I have to ask myself “Why couldn’t I figure this out?” Thanks for the motivation.
By Russ Hogle on November 21, 2013 at 10:09 am
Thanks so much, Steve. Love your work and love all the little insights.
By Sue Poduska on November 21, 2013 at 10:11 am
Great info. I love that idea chart especially.
By jdewdropsofink on November 21, 2013 at 10:12 am
Thank you for your contribution. I especially appreciate where you discussed listening to music with no words. I can relate! Sometimes words DO get in the way.
By emazza1217 on November 21, 2013 at 10:14 am
What a wonderful thing to be able to work at something you love. And as successfully as you have! Thanks for your ideas. I’m going to make up a chart today.
By Mary McClellan on November 21, 2013 at 10:24 am
I love the chart idea! Sometimes those visual arrangements spark just the right chords.
Thanks for your post, Steve! Love the Woman & Dog cartoon!
By Maria Gianferrari on November 21, 2013 at 10:24 am
Thanks for the encouragement to persist–over and over and over!
By Debbie Watley on November 21, 2013 at 10:25 am
Great advice about persistence, and mixing things up to get inspiration. Love your cartoons!
By Sandy Perlic on November 21, 2013 at 10:25 am
Thanks for the creative thoughts.
By Jan Milusich on November 21, 2013 at 10:26 am
As an art teacher, I love your drawing books. I use several in my class. As an illustrator/author I have nearly crashed into many tree, not by texting , but trying to write down my ideas as I travel. What a great Thursday post!
By Dawnyelle on November 21, 2013 at 10:28 am
I LOVE the fragile sticker! And you gave me some great ideas. Thanks. 🙂
By beckylevine on November 21, 2013 at 10:32 am
Fun inspiring post! Thanks!
By Shanda McCloskey on November 21, 2013 at 10:33 am
It’s totally cracking me up that a friend of yours confessed he was afraid his wife was trying to get rid of him, and that your response (after sympathy, I’m sure, for sure) was to make a cartoon of it. And add me to the list of people loving that chart.
By Julie Falatko on November 21, 2013 at 10:33 am
This was all great information and a good laugh to start the day. I want to learn to draw with his books!
By Angela Turner on November 21, 2013 at 10:33 am
Great post! I love your methods!
By LovableLobo on November 21, 2013 at 10:39 am
Great tips!
By The Librarian on November 21, 2013 at 10:44 am
Hmm, my first comment did not come through for some reason, so I will try again.
Anyway, it’s great to be reminded to be open to constructive criticism and helpful suggestions.
By lindaschueler on November 21, 2013 at 10:44 am
Really wonderful, thank you for sharing your thoughts on inspiration and also embracing the help from our agents and editors. 🙂
By Pam Jones on November 21, 2013 at 10:58 am
Good, solid advice! Thank you!
By danielledufayet on November 21, 2013 at 11:01 am
Love the chart idea and the casting director analogy. Thanks for your thoughts and for the reminder to be open to constructive criticism. Plan to check out your books – both for me and the grandkids.
By Marty McCormick on November 21, 2013 at 11:06 am
I agree. If someone wants to make your story better and help your words to have greater impact, you should listen to them…you are only hurting yourself and your creation if you don’t.
By Jessica on November 21, 2013 at 11:08 am
Probably one of the most helpful pieces I’ve read this month. Many thanks.
By Larry Brimner on November 21, 2013 at 11:15 am
Great post. I had no idea about the title of the book, Where The Wild Things Are. Very interesting.
By Ashley Bankhead on November 21, 2013 at 11:20 am
Steve, it was a pleasure to read your kind words on your Editor, Christina Richards. It shows you make a great team!
Just getting into sketching and am finding the joy in staring at things in wonder like I once did. Loved your article, thanks for contributing.
By Heather Gale on November 21, 2013 at 11:21 am
Thank you so much for your ideas on observation! I love your work too!
By LeeAnn Jensen on November 21, 2013 at 11:38 am
Thank you Steve for the wonderful post. Your cartoon about the lady, dog, on a date, made me laugh out loud! Love the idea of making columns on the notebook paper. Trying that right now.
By Janie Reinart on November 21, 2013 at 11:38 am
Thanks for the great brainstorming ideas. My favorite part of this post is the advice to “persist…over and over.” I’m chugging away and see the train I need to get to!
By naomimgruer on November 21, 2013 at 11:40 am
Love your cartoons! I enjoyed reading about your creative process and I plan to use a few of your tips for my own projects.
By Susan Nicholas on November 21, 2013 at 11:42 am
Thank you for the inspiration and for making new ideas seem so attainable. Your art books are wonderfully inspiring for children and teachers alike! I have introduced them to many reluctant teachers who thought they were ‘no good at art’, only to discover that they had it in them all along.
By Teresa Daffern on November 21, 2013 at 11:44 am
Great ideas 🙂
By Holly Bliss on November 21, 2013 at 11:48 am
What a fun framework! Thank you for sharing. Now let’s see. A priest and a giraffe zoom up to a cupcake shop in a go-kart…..
By Jennifer Voigt Kaplan on November 21, 2013 at 11:52 am
I didn’t know that about Where the Wild Things Are! Thanks for the great post!
By Erin Fennell on November 21, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Great post on inspiration. I have to admit the STOP is the part I have problems with…when I do finally stop, I do listen and look, but the next STOP is taking time to write the idea down. At least PiBoIdMo is training me there, thank goodness and Tara and Steve and other contributors to this process–as well as all the encouraging comments.
By SevenAcreSky on November 21, 2013 at 12:05 pm
This was fantastic! I love how Steve showed how to connect random things. I think creating even single-scenes (cartoons) would be tremendous creative fodder for writers and could inspire full stories. Plus, sound advice about working with editors and agents, our greatest allies.
By tpierce on November 21, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Thanks for the insights to your creativity, Steve. Will keep chugging along!
By Heather Greene on November 21, 2013 at 12:10 pm
I enjoyed your cartoons, Steve, especially the dog on a date! Cartoonists have an even harder job than picture book writers; at least we get 500 words. I’m so impressed with how cartoonists can tell a complete story with 15 or so. I took your advice and observed today while I was at the dentist, and now I have a story idea. Thank you! I’ll try out that character chart too – looks very useful.
By melaniebellsworth3 on November 21, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Great post! Thanks!
By kathydoherty1 on November 21, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Thanks for the great advice, Steve! And thanks for sharing some of your drawings with us. You have inspired me today.
By cathy john biggerstaff on November 21, 2013 at 12:16 pm
BOOM, there it is! Thanks for the inspiring post, Steve. I printed out your chart and came up with a funny idea for a story right away! :0) P.S. loved your cartoons!
By Donna L. Sadd on November 21, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Great post! Thank you for all the ideas. The comments demonstrate how much everyone was inspired.
By Pat Holloway on November 21, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Steve, thanks for the advice. Love the stop, look and listen.
By Evie Hjartarson on November 21, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Thanks for the stupendous advice!!! I felt a super de duper stirring of the marbles inside my head! The cartoons made me giggle. I love to giggle.
By Robyn Campbell on November 21, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Since the start of the month, I have been trying to pay attention more to my surroundings. The sparks of inspiration have been flying! There will be sifting, for sure, but thanks for sharing the insights and ways to bring it all together. Love the expressions of your characters! 🙂
By Michelle @ Fitztopia on November 21, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Great blog post. Thanks. Never had heard that about “Where the Wild Things Are”. It is an awesome title and an awesome book.
By Sue Schnitzer on November 21, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Hey Steve, I didn’t expect this line from reading your opening sentence, “If I’ve hiked miles away from civilization and I’m sitting on a mountaintop…” Gosh, I’m in the wrong part of the country for inspiration!
Thank you.
By Patrick Waldron on November 21, 2013 at 12:27 pm
I find listening to my kids is a great source of inspiration. Sometimes their one liners are great starting points for book ideas.
By jdrury002 on November 21, 2013 at 12:41 pm
I also use that chart idea. It comes in very handy and helps to create unusual plots. I concur with your point about constructive criticism. My writing is so much better after considering critique comments.
By Judith Snyder on November 21, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Sometimes I just need to sit at my computer to find inspiration. I think staring at a blank screen motivates me to fill it. I like your chart idea. Think of the hundreds of possibilities you have with just that one chart!
By Debra Daugherty on November 21, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Great advice! And a great reminder of the power of constructive criticism.
By Ashley Potts on November 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Love your cartoons. I agree that your process is similar to many writers. I know it’s similar to mine.
By rlkurstedt on November 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Thanks for the great tips. You make everything look easy (the true indication of expertise!).
By Tracy Molitors on November 21, 2013 at 1:10 pm
I’m going to go try that chart idea right now!
By kpbock on November 21, 2013 at 1:14 pm
Stop, look, listen, and keep on chugging–great advice!
By LeslieG on November 21, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Great post! I agree, your editor is there to help make your book the best book possible. Love your drawings, Steve!
By Lauri on November 21, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Thank you for the suggestions! They are very practical, and I love that you use them for art as well as writing.
By Denise Bowman on November 21, 2013 at 1:44 pm
Thanks for the solid, practical advice for getting through a block. And it’s nice to know I’m not the only one staring at the fold of a coat sleeve.
By Joanne Roberts on November 21, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Great post and I love your cartoons.
By Linda on November 21, 2013 at 2:12 pm
May not seem like a terribly original idea but I’m writing my groups of three elements down on paper and putting them in their own separate bowls/piles to draw from to see what I get.
By Alan Stacy on November 21, 2013 at 2:16 pm
The list is priceless for creating ideas & I and I adore you humor! Thanks, Steve!
By kathalsey on November 21, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Now I want to draw some cartoons! My creativity is spilling over into other areas of my life! It’s wonderful!
By Janny J. Johnson on November 21, 2013 at 2:22 pm
I would love to be able to draw cartoons like this! How amazing.
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on November 21, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Thanks Steve – I like your tip about listening. I’ve gotten some wonderful ideas not just by listening to what people say, but from hearing them trip over words.
By Ann Birnie on November 21, 2013 at 2:33 pm
I loved hearing how an illustrator works. Fabulous post Steve and thanks for joining us with your collective wisdom.
By Julie Grasso on November 21, 2013 at 2:39 pm
I love your chart idea. I’m gonna hafta try that one!!
By Christine M. Irvin on November 21, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Thanks for sharing your process Steve. I like the idea of the chart you use. Also a great reminder that if you keep chugging along, you’ll eventually end up on the right track.
By Pia Garneau on November 21, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Thanks, Steve, I love your cartoons. And the three column chart is a great idea.
By Kaye Baillie on November 21, 2013 at 2:57 pm
My kids LOVE the 1-2-3 Draw book series, especially the one with the knights and dragons!
Thanks for sharing your creative process, this is very insightful.
By Perfecting Motherhood on November 21, 2013 at 3:07 pm
Enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing.
By Meline on November 21, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Steve, I enjoyed your post and tips for finding inspiration. The chart is a fun way to mix it up. Thanks for passing it on.
By Sherry Walz on November 21, 2013 at 3:21 pm
Love the chart idea! Thanks for sharing!
By schriscoe on November 21, 2013 at 3:43 pm
This was a really great post thank you so much!
By Mary Flynn on November 21, 2013 at 4:00 pm
wonderful post. thank you!
By Darshana on November 21, 2013 at 4:03 pm
Thanks for bring some humor into my work day! 🙂
By Jennifer Kaap on November 21, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Steve, thanks for your post. The idea chart sounds like a fun way to reignite inspiration. I’m trying it today.
By helen dening on November 21, 2013 at 4:19 pm
The Sendak story definitely shows how helpful an editor’s advice can be. Where the Wilds Horse Are…just doesn’t seem as good. I am glad he could draw horses. And I’d love to learn how to draw my own crazy creatures.
By Linda E.H. on November 21, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Good advice. That being said, I definitely have experienced some of those Stop Look and Listen train wrecks. Thankfully, sometimes I can hop on the train and enjoy the ride.
By Genevieve Petrillo on November 21, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Steve, thank you so much for sharing your words of wisdom. I have such high respect for anyone who can tell a complete story in one picture and little text! Cartoonists rock!
By Stephanie Shaw on November 21, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Draw crazy creatures looks like such a fun book! And great advice. 🙂
By Mandy Yates on November 21, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Enjoyed your post Steve. Thanks!
By DianeKHower on November 21, 2013 at 5:07 pm
I love this post.
“’Persist. Over…..and over….and over…and over.’ Just keep chugging away, and eventually you are bound to end up on the right track.”
Thanks, Steve.
By danacarey1 on November 21, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I loved the three column chart. I am going to develop my own chart. Your idea is brilliant. Great post. Thanks for sharing the ideas.
By Sandie Sing on November 21, 2013 at 5:16 pm
Your chart prompt is fun. Your advice on having and keeping a good relationship with your agent or editor is great. The Sendak story was really interesting and a lesson in being open minded.
Thanks for your post, Steve.
Happy creating to ya…
By Stella Jane Stauffer on November 21, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Thank you for your encouragement!
By Sarah M. Isaacson on November 21, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Love the chart! Thank you.
By DaNeil Olson on November 21, 2013 at 5:34 pm
I have found listening to be very helpful too. Someone else’s problem can become my next story arc! I also love the character chart—great idea!
By Laurie L. Young on November 21, 2013 at 6:02 pm
Love what you have here: 3 columns! Smart!
And harnessing inspiration in our own way. Indeed!
By Valerie McPherson on November 21, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Really enjoyed your creative advice and your thoughts on working with editors. Thanks!
By Sheri Roloff on November 21, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Thank you Steve. Just when I say things like, “I’m not an artist,” along you come with books about drawing. If I don’t win “Draw Crazy Creatures” I’m going to buy it. Drawing your crazy creatures looks like lots of fun!
By Gaye Kick on November 21, 2013 at 6:43 pm
I love that stop.look and listen. I listen for ideas all the time but I haven’t tried seeing how things are to draw them. That’s a great tip. Love that chart too, thanks for all the takeaways.
By Catherine Johnson on November 21, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Great post. Thanks!
By Debra shumaker on November 21, 2013 at 6:57 pm
I also spend time looking and listening which is often very hard to do in our over scheduled lives. Thanks for reminding me how important it is.
By bangersnmashdesign on November 21, 2013 at 7:01 pm
What a great post! I especially like the chart idea and that part about observing how a shirt wrinkles when the arm is a certain way.
By mlucero30 on November 21, 2013 at 7:09 pm
love the “main character | setting | supporting character” chart, thanks for sharing!
By dee win on November 21, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Thanks for the chart idea. Sounds like fun.
By Sharon Nix Jones on November 21, 2013 at 7:18 pm
This could possibly be my third post– tho 2 prior attempts seem to be lost in cyber space. Sorry if this is a duplicate or worse triplicate. I really enjoyed the Stop, Look, Listen … Keep on chugging message. Thanks Steve. I think you’d make a great conductor.
By teresamis on November 21, 2013 at 7:20 pm
I think the chart is a great idea!
By Christine Cowan on November 21, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Thank you for sharing your column method. I’m going to try it!
By Amy Cohas on November 21, 2013 at 7:21 pm
My daughter’s class loves your 1-2-3 Draw books. Thanks!
By heatherj on November 21, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Great post – I would love to win this book for my son – the perfect Xmas present!
By Ramona on November 21, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Your friends chart idea is a good idea starter. Thanks for sharing that with us.
By Cindy Schumerth on November 21, 2013 at 7:39 pm
I like the chart idea.
By yetteejo on November 21, 2013 at 7:55 pm
We now have so many ways to combat writer’s block, it should never happen! Well, maybe never.
By Noel Csermak on November 21, 2013 at 8:06 pm
Love the chart idea!
By Dawn on November 21, 2013 at 8:33 pm
I second the comment about being open to suggestions from editors. Being willing to make the revisions suggested by an editor at HIghlights helped me make my first short story sale.
By Debra on November 21, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Thanks for all of your kind comments, everyone. You’re all way too kind. I wish I had a few hundred books to give away for free to all of you. But, I do tend to like to be able to eat….
By Steve Barr on November 21, 2013 at 9:19 pm
My drawing skills are pathetic. I want to begin with your books. The chart you described will be one I try tomorrow for inspiration. Thanks
By Melanie Vickers on November 21, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Another awesome post! I love the column approach and am going to try it right away. Also going to check out your 123 draw books! Thanks so much!
By Crystal McIntyre on November 21, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Thank you for the wonderful post. I agree that others input is important to writing. Sometimes that outside voice is necessary to make our stories come to life. Love your illustrations! Thank you for sharing.
By Theanna on November 21, 2013 at 9:56 pm
What wonderful suggestions! I’m going to use his listing idea right now. Thanks.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on November 21, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Thank you for your list idea!
By Rachel Smoka-Richardson on November 21, 2013 at 10:34 pm
I am glad to hear that I’m not the only one that gets ideas when they are driving down the road! That’s how my first picture book idea came to me! Your word list reminds me of my word jar…I love playing with words. Thanks for taking part in PiBoIdMo. I can’t wait to find the 123 Draw books!
By Carrie Brown on November 21, 2013 at 11:05 pm
You’ve inspired my inner illustrator I didn’t know I had.
By Lisa Healy on November 21, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Quite enjoyed the cartoons and the ideas!
By Rebecca Trembula on November 22, 2013 at 12:20 am
some wonderful ideas for synthesis of disparate things. Lots of good advice on listening and using constructive criticism. Thank you
By Cecilia Clark on November 22, 2013 at 12:40 am
I really like the idea chart idea and I’m going to try it for myself.
By Drew Dyer on November 22, 2013 at 12:59 am
I love the chart idea. I’m going to use it.
By Gloria Amescua on November 22, 2013 at 1:14 am
Useful!
By Malena Fuentes on November 22, 2013 at 2:33 am
‘Land of the Wild Horses’? No way! So glad he listened to his instincts. 🙂
By B Lee Draper on November 22, 2013 at 6:35 am
What a fabulous post! Loving the chart idea (and my daughter would love the book!). Thanks!
By Joanne Sher on November 22, 2013 at 6:36 am
Steve, your ‘1, 2, 3 Draw’ series looks amazing. I just put a bunch on hold through my library that our little artist son will LOVE! I enjoyed your comments about respecting your editor/agent…now, if I could just find one of those…Cheers!
By RaChelle Lisiecki on November 22, 2013 at 7:48 am
I love your list of characters, settings, and supporting characters as your jumping off point when you’re stuck. Thanks for sharing that with us. I’m off to make my own lists…and to check out your books. Thanks, Steve!
By Debbie Austin on November 22, 2013 at 8:03 am
I loved reading this.
By Gail Kamer on November 22, 2013 at 8:29 am
I like the thought of using an idea in a snippet like a comic. I know you didn’t suggest that directly, but it’s a fun idea.. to take an idea and see if I can draw out a short scene (ha!). I can also picture you sitting in a mall staring and people, thinking of something no one would likely guess. THAT’S a comic!
By Marcy P. on November 22, 2013 at 8:35 am
What a wonderful and informative post, Steve! I was just in an outdoor science inquiry workshop where we discussed how to break down a student’s thinking process so they slow down and really think carefully; to really pay attention to detail. Be in the moment.
I also loved your 3 column idea generator – one thing to consider is using some dice or other randomizer to help choose items.
Special thanks to Tara for so much PiBoIdMo goodness!
By Peyton Leung on November 22, 2013 at 8:42 am
Steve, thanks for those great tips. I’ll try your 3-column antidote next time I’m blocked.
By Micki Ginsberg on November 22, 2013 at 8:43 am
I love your chart, I may have to try it next time I’m stuck. Thank you!
By Michelle Church on November 22, 2013 at 9:10 am
Curiosity leads to creation. Loved your post!
By Dawn Young on November 22, 2013 at 9:17 am
I love listening in to conversations. I get great ideas from eavesdropping. 🙂 Don’t tell!
By littledbl on November 22, 2013 at 9:41 am
excellent, thanks!
By Tatiana Escallon on November 22, 2013 at 9:48 am
I love your words about editor’s being our teammate. I’m creating my chart and excited about the ideas that may come from it. Your cartoons are hilarious. My favorite was the posted husband.
Thanks for an entertaining and helpful post.
By Penny Parker Klostermann on November 22, 2013 at 10:00 am
I love this post. Not only is it filled with useful and inspirational ideas and good advice, it made me laugh. Thanks for sharing.
By Kathy Cornell Berman on November 22, 2013 at 10:43 am
Great observations and ideas. Thanks.
By Lacey Gunter on November 22, 2013 at 11:29 am
Great ideas and tips! Thank you so much for taking the time to share!!
By Bridey Mendoza-Moore on November 22, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Steve, I’m with you on the type of music while working! I listen to the same as I find it relaxing. And a relaxed mind is an open mind. Great idea with the mesh-up list!
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 22, 2013 at 12:18 pm
3 ideas leapt into my head while I was reading your post. Thanks, Steve!
By Angela De Groot on November 22, 2013 at 12:53 pm
My daughter (she’s 6) and I are always watching “learn how to draw” videos on youtube. I bet she’d love your book! Thanks for the ideas…I’m going to do the 3 columns right now!
By Cherie Behrens on November 22, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Wise words that “Stop, Look, and Listen.” 😉
By Ashley Bohmer on November 22, 2013 at 1:06 pm
I often think I’m a closet illustrator since nearly all my picture book ideas pop into my mind as images. The tough job is to write the story that ties them together. Great advice about working with editors. I never turn down suggestions from an editor/expert without looking at it from every angle. I can then see the truth of it without ego getting involved.
By Quinn Cole on November 22, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Love the chart! Thanks!
By Barbara Messinger on November 22, 2013 at 1:34 pm
very cute ideas! I agree, dropping in on others conversations is like a gold mine for inspiration.
By heather sisson on November 22, 2013 at 1:36 pm
I love the chart.
By mochamusing on November 22, 2013 at 2:00 pm
I’m going to try using the chart. Thanks!
By Susanne Whitehouse on November 22, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Nice insight on the editor/creator relationship. Thanks, Steve!
By Michelle Proper on November 22, 2013 at 3:29 pm
Funny cartoons! Thanks.
By Kjersten Hayes on November 22, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I like the cartoons (especially the woman and the dog on a date! Heeheehee! 😆 )! Great post, Mr. Barr!
By thiskidreviewsbooks on November 22, 2013 at 4:30 pm
The chart listing the main character, setting and supporting characters is outstanding with so many combinations. *Stop, Look & Listen!* is a great reminder to me. Thank you for the inspiration. ~Suzy Leopold P. S. Such fun cartoons!
By Prairie Garden Girl on November 22, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Stop, look and listen. Perfect advice.
By Susan Groh on November 22, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Thank you for the post, Steve. These posts are just so great. Everyone of them has such great timely advice.
By Brenda Harris on November 22, 2013 at 7:12 pm
Excellent advice! 🙂
By Jill Siegel on November 22, 2013 at 7:50 pm
Such practical ideas for drawing inspiration. I love it. I think they will be helpful to me personally and to my students.
By MSackman on November 22, 2013 at 8:26 pm
That’s a fun list of inspirations to work from. Thanks for sharing!
By Charlotte on November 22, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Awesome post, Steve! So glad that I stopped…looked…and listened to it today!
Your 3-column chart is going to be a life-saver for me – I often have so many ideas racing through my mind – this will help me get them on paper and then…..
And I love the cartoon with the husband in the mail…I’ve been working on a story about a little girl who wants to get rid of her baby brother – with similar results. It’s a rhyming picture book and I got road-blocked. You’ve inspired me to return to that story with revisions to ready it for submission.:)
By viviankirkfield on November 22, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Thank you for the tip about working with editors. I’m off now to stop, look and listen for ideas!
By bucherwurm65 on November 23, 2013 at 3:02 am
Steve, this was such a great post. Just loved what you said (probably ’cause I agree with all of it, and I, too, find inspiration in pretty much anything, whether I’m looking or not). And what you did with the columns has also been done for kids in a flip book with the same idea: to mix up odd combos. I don’t remember the name of it, but it was specifically for writing prompts. Great stuff 🙂 Thanks!
By writersideup on November 23, 2013 at 3:18 am
I need to dig out and start using the three column chart again. Thanks, Steve.
By Joanna on November 23, 2013 at 7:28 am
How much is it to ship a husband? And I think I have a story idea too!
By Lauri Meyers on November 23, 2013 at 10:26 am
I like your Main Character, Setting and Supporting Characters chart – that’s a great idea to use on the days when I’m not so inspired – Thank you 🙂
By Catherine on November 23, 2013 at 2:00 pm
The chart is one of those ideas that one wishes they could have come up with a long time ago. Thanks!
By Jennifer Ali on November 23, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Good advice. I love your cartoons.
By Shirley on November 23, 2013 at 4:42 pm
A world without Wild Things?? Terrible place I’m sure. Great post. Thanks!
By Sarah Maynard on November 23, 2013 at 4:47 pm
I love your point about getting inspiration and advice from people who really know what they are doing.
By Andrea on November 23, 2013 at 5:48 pm
Great post! I love the chart. I think I’ll make one up and keep it hanging around. I try to think of illustrating as directing a play and it really helps.
Thank you for the inspiration!
By wendymyersart on November 23, 2013 at 7:29 pm
I always think I can draw until I take a look at what I’ve drawn–so I’m thinking I’ll take a look at your books!
By Cathy C. Hall on November 23, 2013 at 10:33 pm
thanks for your posting!
By Fashionista Philly on November 23, 2013 at 11:56 pm
I like how you encore age us to observe and listen. These are two important skills I learned as a newspaper reporter. I am excited about trying out your chart. My daughter would love your drawing books!
By Dorina Lazo Gilmore on November 24, 2013 at 2:05 am
Gotta love autocorrect! “Encourage”
By Dorina Lazo Gilmore on November 24, 2013 at 2:13 am
Since I hate shopping, the best part of a trip to the mall is listening and observing. I love to take snippets of conversations I overhear and imagine them with different meanings.
By Linda Norman-Lyman on November 24, 2013 at 6:25 am
I too will make a chart and hang it up, using it and your post for inspiration! Thanks for some wonderful advice and now I’m off to try yet again to draw. 🙂
By Beth Gallagher on November 24, 2013 at 8:16 am
Love this post! It was nice to hear that I’m not the only person who gets their ideas in the silence and solitude of a car. 🙂 Great cartoons! Thanks for sharing.
By Sharon K Mayhew on November 24, 2013 at 12:32 pm
Great tips! Thanks, Steve.
By colleenrkosinski on November 24, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Open to constructive criticism.
By Priya Gopal on November 24, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Some great ideas and I like having the columns for brainstorming future stories.
Thanks.
By RadSheri on November 24, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Love the three columns, Steve! My brother watched me “stuck” one day and sat me down to do an “interview”. He asked my favorite animals, favorite places to go, etc. After he had all the answers categorized, he made a paper spinner. I would spin it once for column A, once for column B, etc. and it worked very well.
By Kathryn Ault Noble on November 24, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Great ideas. And yes, listen to your agent or editor! Bravo!
By marciecolleen on November 24, 2013 at 4:38 pm
I also love the columns – great ideas!
By Angela Padron on November 24, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I want to try your 3-column exercise. That looks fun. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
By Debbie Faith Mickelson on November 24, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Thank you for your ideas…. cartoonists are the ultimate idea condensation machine. I have had several myself, none of which have seen the light of day, but I am inspired by your posting .
Stop, look and listen should be a motto for all artists/writers!
By Cindy Cornwall on November 24, 2013 at 8:41 pm
I love your exercise and your inspiring ideas. And you are right – inspiration is everywhere.
By Helen Ross on November 25, 2013 at 3:32 am
Thank you, good advice! I will have to try some charts. 😉
By Shannon Anderson on November 25, 2013 at 7:30 am
Lots of wonderful advice here. Thank you!
By erin on November 25, 2013 at 8:32 am
crazy creatures are great in any setting.
🙂
By aneducationinbooks on November 25, 2013 at 9:11 am
Crazy creatures are awesome!!! Thanks so much for the inspiration… I may have to start drawing some crazy creatures of my own …. 🙂
By Laurie Young on November 25, 2013 at 1:36 pm
The chart idea is brilliant. I often have to snatch a few moments here and there to write (lunch break, anyone?!), and the chart will help me get something down even in the shortest time frame!
By Keri Collins Lewis on November 25, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Great ideas! I love the chart and the funny cartoons. 🙂
By writeforapples on November 25, 2013 at 7:54 pm
I love your cartoons. Terrific advice about being open to suggestions. Thanks!
By rebeccaehirsch on November 25, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Thanks so much for the chart idea—so easy to use!
By Janet Halfmann on November 25, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Thanks for joining us. I love your lists. I’m going to have to start one of my own. I also enjoyed your insight about working with the editors.
Great humor,
Lynn
By Lynn Anne Carol on November 26, 2013 at 1:28 am
I love the way you set up your inspiration chart. I’m going to try this. Hopefully it’s enough to get me my last few ideas!
By Dani Duck on November 26, 2013 at 2:50 am
I like the stop look and listen idea – thanks!
By vijikc on November 26, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Love the cartoons! It is good to remember that nobody is perfect, and sometimes two heads are better than one. Great suggestions about the lists, that could be a lot of fun!
By Kelly Parker on November 26, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Really love your “back up” plan….columns on paper! I tried it myself right away and really laughed out loud! Thank you so much for sharing…enjoyed this very much! Observe and Listen (love children’s conversations)!
By Kelly Vavala on November 26, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Steve, thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas. I like the way your brain works! I find those activities very meditative as well…a great way to get ideas.
By blanchebaxter on November 27, 2013 at 12:44 am
Making charts is an excellent tool for generating ideas. This is a fun way to get creative. Just watch the road closely when you daydream. Thanks. Great post.
By aliciaminor on November 27, 2013 at 11:32 am
Maybe your book can help me learn to draw!
By laura516 on November 27, 2013 at 5:01 pm
I use the 1-2-3 Draw books with my granddaughter. She loves them! Thanks for your wonderful suggestions! Children’s conversations are the best! Thank you for an inspiring post.
By Betsy Devany on November 28, 2013 at 8:50 am
This book looks fun, I’d love to win!
I get ideas in the car too. The trick is to remember them until it is safe to write them down!
By Ann Treacy on November 28, 2013 at 5:58 pm
What a great chart! Thank you for that. I got a few ideas just from looking at that for a few minutes and a few more when I saw your ‘how to draw a chick’ on your website. Thanks Steve.
By Tracey Jackson on November 29, 2013 at 6:31 am
Great chart idea and people watching ideas!
By angiekarcher on November 30, 2013 at 1:13 am
I think I may get a copy of draw crazy creatures for myself. And start randomly choosing body parts like your random plot generator. Love it!
By Jeanette on November 30, 2013 at 9:12 am
Great post! I over the feeling of breaking it all down into easy steps to create the full picture!
By alwaysbedancing on November 30, 2013 at 11:37 am
The cartoons in this post are fabulous. Thanks for the chuckles as well as the tips.
By carolmunrojww on November 30, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Some of my less-developed PiBoIdMo ideas could be incorporated onto your Character-Setting-Supporting Characters chart to inspire new possibilities. I may add a Conflict column too. Thanks!
By City Sights for Kids on November 30, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Steve, I love your cartoons! Thank you for sharing your process and how you get ideas. Many of my ideas tend to come from daydreaming as well, but I too will also listen to people’s conversations. Thank you for your post and advice about working with your editor and agent for inspiration!
By Dana Atnip on November 30, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Steve, GREAT post. I love your cartoons. They definitely take it to the next step. Had me smiling and gave me an idea! YAY!
By Tracey M. Cox on November 30, 2013 at 9:26 pm
Thanks for sharing some inspiration this month. I love the character/setting/supporting character chart you came up with! What a great idea.
By Mindy Alyse Weiss on November 30, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Great post, Steve, thank you!
By Karen Sipps on December 1, 2013 at 12:40 am
Enjoyed the cartoons.
By Laurie J. Edwards on December 3, 2013 at 12:25 am