by Kristi ValiantNovember 1, 2014 8:34 am
Are you ready to jump in? Do you have a few picture book ideas you’ve been keeping secret so you can write them down today and count them? Now for some more…
Start an ongoing list of things you adore or loathe or laughed out loud at or evoked some kind of emotion that stuck with you. Is there a tradition or memory from childhood that comes to mind? What about that time your friend got in trouble for something silly? Write down that funny thing your grandchild or pet did that you keep telling everyone about. It could even be a ridiculous incident your cousin’s yoga instructor mentioned in a Facebook post that you’re still laughing about.
For example, my adorable 2-year-old girl in pigtails walked up to some older kids on the playground and growled in their faces so they’d move and she could play on the slide by herself. I then explained to her that we don’t growl at people. We aren’t bears or monsters. I wrote that down as a picture book idea. But it’s not really a whole picture book, and having Mommy step in to fix the problem is a big no-no in picture books. I can use that real-life experience as a starting point for a character whose personality doesn’t match her appearance, and then make it a better story.
Don’t be afraid to change the way something happened. Writing fiction is lying in a good way. Sometimes we get so stuck on basing our manuscript on a real-life experience or a sweet person or animal we love, that we’re preventing our manuscript from becoming a fully realized, great book.
I illustrated a picture book written by Danielle Steel that just came out this week called PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS. (Cue the celebratory chocolate lava cake!) This book is based on Danielle’s own teacup-size Chihuahua named Minnie. Did Danielle write Minnie true-to-life? Nope!
In the book, Minnie loves being out and about in Paris, but Danielle’s real pet Minnie is squeamish about touching sidewalks or even being set down outside. In the book, Minnie is a fashionable pup with an outfit for every occasion, but when I visited Danielle and the real Minnie in Paris last year, Danielle had a blast dressing Minnie up for me, but Minnie was mortified! She is not a fan of doggie clothes. Minnie has even rolled on her back and refused to get up when Danielle dressed her in a snowsuit before. That one tidbit made it into the book, but the rest of the book is mostly made up.
If you’re basing a story on real people or animals in your life, you may have a tendency to try to protect them in your story or to make them too perfect. I have a sketch dummy ready to submit that’s based on my husband and daughters and a chasing game we play. I have to admit it was a bit hard to make my little girl shed tears in that story. I had to keep telling myself it’s not really her. Don’t go easy on your characters. They aren’t your real kids or pets.
To sum it up, be inspired by real-life incidents, people, and animals, but then ask, “What would make this an even better story?” That’s where the fun starts.
Kristi wrote and illustrated the picture book PENGUIN CHA-CHA and illustrated Danielle Steel’s picture book, PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS, as well as the Little Wings chapter book series, THE GOODBYE CANCER GARDEN, CORA COOKS PANCIT, and others. Her books received a Starred Review from School Library Journal and won some shiny awards. Kristi graduated magna cum laude from Columbus College of Art & Design with a major in Illustration. She grew up in Wisconsin, studied in Ohio, danced in Texas, taught in China, and now lives in Indiana with her husband, daughters, and a room full of hippos, monkeys and sneaky penguins.
Visit Kristi online at KristiValiant.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kvaliant.
PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS has its own website (http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/pretty-minnie) with a look inside the book, Minnie’s map of Paris, and a paper dog activity in which you can print out Minnie and dress her up in lovely outfits. Oh la la!
Kristi Valiant will sign a copy of PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS for a lucky winner!
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
Good luck, everyone!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2014, Picture Books
Tags: Danielle Steel, Kristi Valiant, PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS
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Ooooh, I love any story with an animal in it. Great ideas for spring-boarding something real into something really fantastic!
By Sherri Jones Rivers on November 1, 2014 at 8:39 am
Things that elicit giggles make me want to write.
The book cover makes me giggle. Great information!
By Nina Haines on November 1, 2014 at 9:31 am
What a great reminder: even if your characters are rooted in a real person in your life, they are still characters on a page…and, thus, not real. “Don’t go easy on your characters.” Excellent advice. Thanks for the advice, Kristi.
By Camilla M on November 1, 2014 at 8:39 am
Great advice to get beyond the true inspiration and not protect your characters but let them blossom.
By Susan Cabael on November 1, 2014 at 8:40 am
Great points, Kristi, about memories turned into manuscripts.The emotional truth is all that we need to keep because that’s what will resonate.
By carrie a. pearson on November 1, 2014 at 8:40 am
This is one of my problems–trying to keep the real life idea true instead of expanding it or “lying” to make the better story. Thanks, Kristi!
By Tina Cho on November 1, 2014 at 8:40 am
I thought of my first idea this morning and then opened my email to this “opening day” email. Let the games begin! Thank you, Tara for coaching and Kristi for your post!
By shiela fuller on November 1, 2014 at 8:40 am
Thanks for the great advice and reminder. Even if your characters are rooted in a real person in your life, they are still characters. “Don’t be too easy on them.” Thank you, Kristi.
By culinarycam on November 1, 2014 at 8:40 am
Thanks for the reminder about lying in a good way! Sometimes I get stuck making it all too realistic.
By Michele Prestininzi on November 1, 2014 at 8:43 am
Thanks for the following tips: “Writing fiction is lying in a good way” and “Don’t go easy on your characters” – this is definitely making me refine ideas already!
By Jennysha Patel on November 1, 2014 at 8:43 am
This is a great post that hits a couple of my weak spots–being too nice to my characters and thinking “it didn’t really happen that way.” Thanks for the tips, Kristi. I love the idea of “lying in a good way”!
By Jane Heitman Healy on November 1, 2014 at 8:44 am
Great tips! I love the illustration of Minnie, on her back, in her snowsuit!
By Kathy Johnson on November 1, 2014 at 8:44 am
Thank you for the advice on writing an almost true story. I tend to get stuck because I want them to be as true as possible. I’m already thinking of how I can get myself out of a jam on one of my current projects!
By ducks33 on November 1, 2014 at 8:45 am
I think I will be making “lying in a good way” an ongoing project- maybe not just in relation to writing! Thank you for that golden nugget!
By Jeanine Potter on November 1, 2014 at 8:54 am
Thanks for the great insight!
By Sue Poduska on November 1, 2014 at 8:46 am
Pretty Minnie in Paris looks delightful! ❤
By Ashley Bohmer on November 1, 2014 at 8:47 am
“Writing fiction is lying in a good way” I am still laughing. In fact, I wrote it on a post-it and put that quote in my office. Thanks for the post!
By Susan Schade on November 1, 2014 at 8:47 am
That is the first thing I wrote in my PiBoIdMo journal.
Actually, it’s the 5th thing, halfway down my page, but it is a much better story to tell you it was the first, right?
Thanks, Kristi! It is nice to have that reminder to feel free in fiction!
By Rebekah Hoeft on November 1, 2014 at 9:02 am
Wonderful insight, thank you! Thinking back to what made an impression on me during my childhood brought up some things that had been long-forgotten. Thanks. 🙂
By Laurie Theurer on November 1, 2014 at 8:48 am
I am sitting with my 9 year old reading this, may have to reiterate that “lying in a good way” is for fictional stories. Great blog, reading it with a nine year old TBD. Hmm maybe this is my first picture book idea?
By Shirley Timberlake Fadden on November 1, 2014 at 8:49 am
Context is important. The whole sentence that Tara took the title from is, “Writing fiction is lying in a good way.” Yes, indeed, just meant for fictional stories, not real life. 🙂
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 9:13 am
“Writing fiction is lying in a good way.” So, the better you are lying, the better you’re writing? I need to work on my lying. Wait ’til the next time my wife asks me something.
By Jim Chaize on November 1, 2014 at 8:52 am
Ha! I need to give you the same response as the last post. The whole sentence that Tara took the title from is, “Writing fiction is lying in a good way.” Yes, indeed, just meant for fictional stories, not real life. 🙂
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 9:15 am
I definitely need to read this post. I know I am guilty of trying to protect my “character.”
By Laura J on November 1, 2014 at 8:52 am
Love the “fiction is lying in a good way” comment, some one once asked me about something I wrote being “real”. Hey, in my head, EVERYTHING is real!
Great start to the month!
By Margaret Flint Suter on November 1, 2014 at 8:54 am
Great advice!
By Christine Michaela Sharpe on November 1, 2014 at 8:55 am
Great ideas – thanks!
By pathaap on November 1, 2014 at 8:55 am
My worst picture book drafts are always the ones based on my own kids! I think sometimes it is hard to change your real-life kid stories, because to YOU (the parent) they are so darn cute.
By Laura Gehl on November 1, 2014 at 8:55 am
This post made a lot of sense to me. This is interesting and very inspiring. I have to go and work on telling lies…in my book of course. Thanks for sharing. This was entertaining.
By Jackie Wellington on November 1, 2014 at 8:58 am
PRETTY great advice, Kristi! Thanks!
By Hayley B on November 1, 2014 at 8:58 am
Great post! I agree that it’s important to change details when you write stories based on people you know or experiences you’ve had. 🙂 -Lily Stejskal
By storyfairy on November 1, 2014 at 8:58 am
This was a great reminder we can use literary license creating fictional characters, even when they are based on true life.
By 3011mileswestofvt on November 1, 2014 at 9:01 am
Lying in a good way. I love it! All you need is one tiny incident to springboard a whole story. With a few good lies along the way!
By Becky P. Hurd on November 1, 2014 at 9:01 am
I know some kids that, just like Pretty Minnie, fall over and refuse to get up after being dressed in winter garb !
By Angela Hawkins on November 1, 2014 at 9:01 am
Lying in a good way…I think that may unblock an idea or four 🙂 Thanks for the permission!!
By erikammon on November 1, 2014 at 9:02 am
This was a lovely introductory post to kick off PiBoIdMo! I can’t wait to read more! And the book looks charming!
By Karen Shipman on November 1, 2014 at 9:04 am
Great point you made about not having to stick to 100% accuracy when basing characters on people we know…always ways to make it more fun and interesting!
By tanyakonerman on November 1, 2014 at 9:05 am
“Lying in a good way”. Love it. Thanks for the great advice, Kristi 🙂
By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on November 1, 2014 at 9:08 am
Thank you for giving us permission to lie in a good way. I will keep reminding myself of that. When personal experience is the seed for the theme or character, you are right, I am tempted to be protective and go easy on a character. Thank you for your insights!
By Ginger Weddle on November 1, 2014 at 9:13 am
I think there is something about using a real life experiences that makes a magical connection between you and the story.
By Laura Bellina on November 1, 2014 at 9:13 am
A wonderful post showing how illustrators interpret a story. Loved it.
By Dee Knabb on November 1, 2014 at 9:16 am
This is a terrific suggestion – especially since I just wrote a draft of a PB based on a real life little girl. I did change her into an animal, but need to give her another flaw or tweak. Thank you!
By Deb Dunn on November 1, 2014 at 9:17 am
Kristi, I’m looking forward to buying PRETTY MINNIE IN PARIS! Good luck with your sweet family based PB.
By ManjuBeth on November 1, 2014 at 9:18 am
Great advice and gorgeous illustrations Kristi!
By Alexa Kaufhold on November 1, 2014 at 9:18 am
Thank you so much, a wonderful way to officially start the challenge!
By Anita Banks on November 1, 2014 at 9:21 am
Thanks for the great advice.
By Daryl Gottier on November 1, 2014 at 9:22 am
“Don’t go easy on your characters” What a great reminder that our characters are just that…CHARACTERS! Thank you!
By Jennette Mutolo on November 1, 2014 at 9:27 am
How exciting to ilustrate a picture book by Danielle Steel. Congratulations.
By Linda on November 1, 2014 at 9:29 am
That’s what I’m working on – allowing my characters to push themselves into full fledged characters. Thank you!
By Ann K on November 1, 2014 at 9:29 am
I love this post! We get inspiration and ideas from all around us, but we can’t be stuck with the facts! Thanks!
By Deirdre Englehart on November 1, 2014 at 9:31 am
This is a great post. I like lying. (those two comments are unrelated)
By Josh Funk on November 1, 2014 at 9:33 am
🙂
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 9:40 am
This is a great way to start the month. I need to remember your advice when I write my 5 year old’s character.
By Marge McGugan on November 1, 2014 at 9:33 am
Ready to go and permission to lie and fib Whoo Whoo!
By Stephen S. Martin on November 1, 2014 at 9:34 am
Kristi’s post was on the mark. Every writer lies and stretches the truth. Love the illustrations. I was lucky to see a preview at the Words in the Woods conference last June. Congratulations on the book!
By Debra Daugherty on November 1, 2014 at 9:34 am
Kristi, thank you for the terrific post. You have got me thinking! Where and when did you dance in Texas?
By Nancy Churnin on November 1, 2014 at 9:35 am
I was in a competition and performance swing and latin dance group in Ohio for years, and then when I moved to Texas, I mainly went swing dancing in Houston and Austin. I need to get back to swing dancing!
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 9:42 am
Thanks for this post, Kristi. I really like your illustration style! I love your idea to write down what makes me laugh 🙂 I’m off to do that!
By kirsticall on November 1, 2014 at 9:38 am
Love the wonderful illustrations and the fun advice!
By Nancy Armo on November 1, 2014 at 9:38 am
Congratulations! Your illustrations are so appealing! I need to push my character out of my comfort zone! I’ve already started my ’emotional drivers’ list! Thanks for the encouragement!
By Virginia Law Manning on November 1, 2014 at 9:39 am
I love the idea of Minnie!
By Evelyn on November 1, 2014 at 9:39 am
Super reminder!! Lying can make a funny story a fabulous picture book!
By Joanne Sher on November 1, 2014 at 9:40 am
Thank you, Kristi, for a wonderful start to PiBoIdMo. This is such a good tip regarding being over-protective of our characters; so … ‘lying’ isn’t always a bad thing – in this case.
I appreciate your suggestion of creating an ongoing list of memories and experiences from my own childhood that could inspire pb’s. There might be a few gems to dig up.
Your illustrations are amazing! I’m sure Danielle Steele is thrilled.
– Lynn A. Davidson
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 1, 2014 at 9:45 am
🙂 While she didn’t growl, my daughter did do something similar-writing it down now. Good memories. Thanks!
By Julie Durr on November 1, 2014 at 9:49 am
Everyone’s noted the great quotes here. Thanks for getting us started!
By dsi1nyu on November 1, 2014 at 9:49 am
Kristi, that is so true about struggling to change a real incident lol! Love your art work! Thank you for sharing.
By Janie Reinart on November 1, 2014 at 9:50 am
Kristi is one of my fav Indiana SCBWI peeps! Not only is she talented and clever (as you can tell from the post), but she’s also super nice and freakishly organized. 🙂 Great reminder to not stick so close to life and the inspiring event. Thanks, Kristi, and see you next weekend!
By teresarobeson on November 1, 2014 at 9:54 am
See you soon, Teresa!
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 10:07 am
Thanks for the great kick-off post!
By Debra shumaker on November 1, 2014 at 9:55 am
Thanks for the great start! Personal ah ha moment . . .I love to write fiction so I can change what happened!
By Elizabeth Davis on November 1, 2014 at 9:56 am
Permission to extrapolate….this could be dangerous! Thank you for the great post.
By loriannlevyholm on November 1, 2014 at 9:57 am
Thank you Kristi, for the great tips on characters. I love the idea of keeping an on-going list of childhood memories to inspire writing.
I love your illustrations!
By Naana Kyereboah on November 1, 2014 at 9:58 am
What a great post to start with! Especially the idea of keeping a running list of incidents that stick with you!
By Jill Tadros (@PopTheWall) on November 1, 2014 at 10:00 am
Great post, Kristi! I loved it when you said that, “Writing fiction is lying in a good way.” Thank you for reminding me that even if my characters are rooted in real situations that actually happened in my life, they are still characters… and not to be easy on them.
By saputnam on November 1, 2014 at 10:01 am
I like how we have the freedom to take something real – an event or a comment – and then stretch it and look at it from all different angles. At least for fiction…
By Sue Heavenrich on November 1, 2014 at 10:02 am
What a talented artist you are! Love the illustrations for Minnie. Thanks for your great post!
By Barbara Cairns on November 1, 2014 at 10:04 am
Great ideas! I started my lists already.
By Kara Stewart on November 1, 2014 at 10:09 am
Great post. And I love your illustrations.
By Linda Hofke on November 1, 2014 at 10:11 am
Fantastic. Even though you prepared us for Minnie lying upside down in a snowsuit, I laughed out loud when I scrolled down to the illustration. Fantastic job!
I loved your suggestion on having a starting point for a character be that her personality doesn’t match her appearance.
Thanks, Lynn
By zebrakitchens on November 1, 2014 at 10:16 am
I’ve tried to write using personal stories and it is hard not to keep from protecting your subject. Good advice. Thanks.
By Cindy S on November 1, 2014 at 10:17 am
Adorable! I love it! When I couldn’t sleep last night, I started thinking about picture book ideas. So much fun!
By Amy Houts on November 1, 2014 at 10:17 am
Great article and I love the illustrations! Lying is a good way for the purpose of writing great books for kis is helpful and no guilt too!
By Roberta Rivera Illustrations on November 1, 2014 at 10:18 am
Great post! And I just love in progress sketches! The Danielle Steel cover is classic and kid-u-ti-ful!
By Freckled Daisy Creations on November 1, 2014 at 10:18 am
I love your art and can’t wait to read about Minnie. When I learned I did not have to stay ‘true to life’ it gave my writing freedom.
By Doris Fisher on November 1, 2014 at 10:19 am
I too struggle with changing stories from “what actually happened”. But when I do, they tend to be better. Thanks for the post.
By lindaschueler on November 1, 2014 at 10:21 am
If I don’t win Pretty Minnie, I will go buy it. It looks great.
By Donna B on November 1, 2014 at 10:21 am
Repeat “Lying is good” when writing!
By Amy Harding on November 1, 2014 at 10:24 am
Wow- i want that coat the mom is wearing in the first illustration! Love the saturated colors of this book. My kids and I enjoyed reading Penguin Cha-Cha!
By SMHS on November 1, 2014 at 10:24 am
Thank for a great day one – this was inspirational and fun!
By Cathy Ballou Mealey on November 1, 2014 at 10:24 am
Wonderful post! This was a great reminder that we all have a wealth of stories within us, and the joy is taking off with them. Can’t wait to get a copy of Pretty Minnie! Congratulations, Kristi!
By jenniferkirkeby on November 1, 2014 at 10:26 am
Thank You, your post inspired my first journal entry! 🙂
By Donna Rossman on November 1, 2014 at 10:28 am
Kristi…thank you for my PiBoIdMo golden nugget of today: Don’t Go Easy On Your Characters…this is the most difficult thing for me as I write because I want to make everything smooth, just as I do in real life. 😉 But if I can see it as ‘lying in a good way’…WOW…that puts a whole new light on crafting the characters and the story.
BTW…your illustrations are fantastic – I love them!
By viviankirkfield on November 1, 2014 at 10:28 am
Time to stretch the truth. Thanks, Kristi!
By mariagianferrari on November 1, 2014 at 10:30 am
As I sit down with coffee in hand, new PiBoIdMo notebook and multicolor pens, I feel inspired. Thanks for the advice.
By hummingbird13 on November 1, 2014 at 10:37 am
Great idea. I tend to write the character based on the ‘person’, but how freeing to get them to do the opposite or something so unexpected.
By Tracey M. Cox on November 1, 2014 at 10:37 am
I am wondering if we are allowed to share these posts (as in copy and pasting them) to our own blogs during PiBoIdMo? Thank you! ~Cindy Loven~ Co-Author of Swept Away Quilts of Love Series, releasing November 2014 from Abingdon Press Follow my Facebook Author Page
Read my book reviews at Cindy Reviews Read my product review or tips and hints at Cindy’s Tips and Hints
By cindy loven on November 1, 2014 at 10:37 am
Feel free to copy a short little except to your blog as long as you link back to the original post. Typically, blog post attribution follows the same rules as formal writing attributions.
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:22 pm
This is adorbs!!! And, oh my goodness Kristi … you hung out with Danielle Steele in Paris??!!?
By Sarah Frances Hardy on November 1, 2014 at 10:38 am
It was surreal! Danielle is super friendly and so sweet.
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:23 pm
Great post! Writers must know how to stretch, exaggerate and embellish the truth to make our stories and characters come alive!
By danielledufayet on November 1, 2014 at 10:44 am
This did bring back memories of when I was young and my sister, neighbour and I used to dress up our dogs in our yards. One time we even married my dog to my neighbours dog. I love Paris and this book looks super adorable.
By Bonnie on November 1, 2014 at 10:45 am
Adorable illustrations!
By Judy Cox on November 1, 2014 at 10:46 am
Kristi, thanks for the reminder to twist the truth a bit in fiction!
By hollyruppel on November 1, 2014 at 10:47 am
Thank you, thank you. I needed to hear this wisdom today.
By Karen on November 1, 2014 at 10:49 am
Good reminder that the ideas are just start points. Thanks for the great post.
By beckylevine on November 1, 2014 at 10:49 am
What a fun cover! Congrats!
By KatyD on November 1, 2014 at 10:50 am
Thank you, Kristi, for a great start! Your post sparked today’s idea!!! You’ve pushed my fun factor button!
By Susan White on November 1, 2014 at 10:51 am
Great idea to take your ideas from real life but not be afraid to stray from them to make the story better.
By Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon) on November 1, 2014 at 10:51 am
My husband always tells me that I’m a terrible liar – and I tell him I can’t SAY a lie, but I can write one like no one else! I’ll point him back to this post when he tells me that picture books don’t count!
By kateywrites on November 1, 2014 at 10:52 am
Great reminder that the true event is just the starting point. The fun is in the dressing it up.
By Lori Alexander on November 1, 2014 at 10:52 am
I love this! It’s hard to lie when you’re close to something. Maybe put on a blindfold, spin 3 times and try to sit the penguin on the potty!!! Whoops, that’s what happens when you shake things up!!! Thank you
By mona861 on November 1, 2014 at 10:52 am
You told some beautiful lies about Minnie. She’s adorable!
By Sydney O'Neill on November 1, 2014 at 10:54 am
Yes, I am ready to “jump in.” I thought of my first idea before getting out of bed. Thanks for your idea and encouragement.
By Beth Blee on November 1, 2014 at 11:05 am
Love the delicious illustrations! Suddenly my brain is zipping. . . Remembering childhood events that could use a bit of creative lying. Just think how interesting my childhood can become, and when I’m old, I won’t know the difference! My youngest was a master of creative storytelling, much to the dismay of his teachers. Your mother did WHAT to your homework?! Thanks for a great start to PiBoIdMo 2014, Kristi.
By Kathryn Ault Noble on November 1, 2014 at 11:05 am
I love that, “when I’m old, I won’t know the difference!”
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Kristi, what fun pics of Minnie! And you are a CCAD alum, hoot. I lived in C’bus for 12 years. Great libraries and peeps. I have a tendency to want to preserve my memories of beloved animals through my stories and hav dot force myself to “lie” sometimes. TY for this advice.
By kathalsey on November 1, 2014 at 11:05 am
Thank you, great reminders and ideas!
By The Styling Librarian on November 1, 2014 at 11:07 am
I have absolutely tried to keep my characters too true to life, and it never turns out very well. Love this post. Wonderful ideas.
By Maria Oka on November 1, 2014 at 11:09 am
“Pretty Minnie,” pretty illustrations, and being a pretty little liar 😉 — thanks for your excellent advice. Can’t wait to read about Minnie!
By Lori Dubbin on November 1, 2014 at 11:10 am
Lying?! (Gasp!) Great insights; thanks!
By Shena Ashcraft on November 1, 2014 at 11:11 am
This is such a great post! I feel like you just gave me permission to be creative. I am protective of my characters that are based on my daughters, but I didn’t realize it until just now! Thank you. Also, a great post to share with kids who are writing stories!
By Dana Murphy on November 1, 2014 at 11:11 am
Lying in a good way is an idea in itself. Hmm…. The illustrations are a delight! I’ve always wanted to turn my cats into characters! Thanks, Kristi!
By Marilyn Recknor on November 1, 2014 at 11:13 am
Great ideas! Thank you Kristi. 🙂
By Heidi Yates on November 1, 2014 at 11:14 am
Thanks for the great post to kick off PiBoIdMo! Appreciate the advice. Love your illustrations!
By Debbie Smart on November 1, 2014 at 11:17 am
Thanks for your insights about keeping the animal story true to life. I am currently writing an animal story and need to add more interest by deviating from reality. Great post. Love your illustrations.
By Shirley Menendez on November 1, 2014 at 11:18 am
And we’re off! Thanks for the great post to get us started.
By dianneyoung65 on November 1, 2014 at 11:20 am
I pledge to not go easy on my characters! Great advice for pushing the story beyond the original idea. Thanks!
By Carrie O'Neill on November 1, 2014 at 11:22 am
Great tips and while I was reading I remembered a tradition my dad and I had. It can be a great picture book. I’d forgotten about it until this very moment. THANK YOU!! Your art is wonderful.
By Robyn Campbell on November 1, 2014 at 11:22 am
Dear Tara & Kristi,
Sage advice! I have 2 writing projects I realize now that I’ve hurt by too-closely following the “real” people’s lives, rather than my characters. This inspires me to pull them off the shelf & get back into the fiction.
Also a bit of fan fun, but when reading about Cora & her Mom, following the stuffed animals thru Cora’s house in CORA COOKS PANCIT, is fun for the kiddos in school to keep their eyes on one particular animal & look for it to appear.. Especially I look look for the purple hippo; we visit a purple-ish hippo at a zoo here in Florida.
Brava! about MINNIE IN PARIS. I’ll look for it.
Jan
By jan godown annino/bookseedstudio on November 1, 2014 at 11:24 am
I had lots of fun adding that dog and his stuffed animal toys into CORA COOKS PANCIT, and it’s great to hear kids’ reactions to them!
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:28 pm
Ooh la la, is right! Danielle Steele? C’est magnifique … both your collaboration and your post, Kristi!
By LovableLobo on November 1, 2014 at 11:24 am
Thanks for reminding me to stretch beyond real events and to use my imagination more! Great tips!
By Andrea on November 1, 2014 at 11:34 am
Great beginning to 2014 PiBoIdMo! Thanks Kristi and Tara!
By Doreen E. Lepore on November 1, 2014 at 11:39 am
Gorgeous illustrations in Pretty Minnie!
By Aimee Bissonette on November 1, 2014 at 11:41 am
“Don’t go easy on your characters” is something I REALLY needed to hear today. THANK YOU!
By Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle) on November 1, 2014 at 11:42 am
If I could turn the page/In time then I’d rearrange/Just a day or two
Tell me lies, tell me lies/Tell me sweet little lies/… You see?, You tell something and the mind just hops somewhere else. HOPPITY, HOPPITY, HOP. (a big hug).
By apserione on November 1, 2014 at 11:46 am
Hi Kristi, You’ve said it best. I felt protective of my character (my child) too. Congratulations on your booming career. I thought your illustrations at Words in the Woods (SCBWI) were fantastic. But, Minnie, Paris, the expressions, the shoes – WOW!
By Pam Miller on November 1, 2014 at 11:47 am
No kidding….I just saw your book yesterday at work (a library) and said what cute illustrations!
By Cindy on November 1, 2014 at 11:50 am
Great advice that I must take to heart as I am dealing with that very tendency to make the character based on family a little too perfect. Thanks again. Love your illustrations…
By Jay Polowski on November 1, 2014 at 11:51 am
After I read this post I thought about the pets our children have had, and their personalities. I also thought of accidental pets, that adopt you and never go home. Ideas for books born!
By pearlz on November 1, 2014 at 11:52 am
And we’ve officially begun… in Paris! Hurrah!
By Janny J Johnson on November 1, 2014 at 11:52 am
Kristi, thanks for permission to daydream about the past, searching for memories to spark a new story. I love your illustrations from Pretty Minnie in Paris.
By Sherry Walz on November 1, 2014 at 11:54 am
Great advice! Beautiful illustrations 🙂
By kroberts24 on November 1, 2014 at 11:55 am
There are good ideas here (maybe a mismatched cat/dog pair) and I’m psyched for PiBoIdMo. Thanks for the inspiration.
By Christy Mihaly on November 1, 2014 at 11:55 am
Kristi, I LOVE the cover art!!!! And I’m sure I’ll love every page after. I don’t live too far from Paris… so I’m excited about that bit for my kids too. Thanks for kicking us off today. FANTABULOUS!
By Marcy P. on November 1, 2014 at 11:58 am
Great way to start the month! I had to pause in the middle of the post, because while reading it, I got my first official PiBoIdMo idea. Not a post-dated idea that I would feel guilty about using… An original idea that I know will go somewhere someday. 🙂
By JEN Garrett on November 1, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Your advice is terrific and your illustrations brilliant. Thank you for sharing both. Minnie in the snow suit made me laugh out loud remembering the day my then toddler daughter capsized in her winter wear. 🙂
By Michele Norman on November 1, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Love the illustrations! And as far as the lying. Kristi, I’m soooo ready to jump in. My first thought was “I love to lie!” And the next thing I knew, I was singing a Kristi-inspired version of Uncle Albert’s song, “I Love to Laugh”, from Mary Poppins! Now I will be singing it all day. Maybe everyone should join in!
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
I love to lie
Big and bold and clear
I love to lie
It’s getting worse ev’ry year
The more I lie
The more I fill with glee
And the more the glee
The more I’m a merrier me!
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
Thanks for the inspiration on this first day of PiBoIdMo, Kristi!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on November 1, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Penny,
This song cracked me up THANKS!!
By Karen Lawler on November 1, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Ha!
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:30 pm
Kristi,
What beautiful illustrations! They almost seem Paris”y” to me. Thank you for the great advice. I think I am able to have a balance of good and mischievous in my characters. Never too perfect. Although, I seem to lean more towards mischievous.
By Sandy Powell on November 1, 2014 at 12:07 pm
A great start, and a equally excellent craft tip. Here we go PiBoIdMo!
By Hey, Jim Hill! on November 1, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Fantastic post! This is a great reminder for writers. Thanks, Kristi.
By tpierce on November 1, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Hi, Kristi, I met you at Words in the Woods and was privileged to see your wonderful illustrations for Pretty Minnie in Paris. I’m glad it’s in print, and I will buy one for me and others for birthday and Christmas gifts. I can’t wait!! Thanks for your encouraging words.
By Dorothy Wiese on November 1, 2014 at 12:13 pm
What timely advice–thanks, Kristi 🙂
By marcimcadam on November 1, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Thanks for your insights and prompts, Kristi! I’m already generating new writing ideas!
By Beth Barrett on November 1, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Great idea about making a list to spring from, Kristi. Your illustrations for Pretty Minnie in Paris are Fabulous! :0)
By Donna L. Sadd on November 1, 2014 at 12:19 pm
A stylish little pup. Great illustrations! & a famous author! Way to go! Thanks for your ideas.
By Sharalyn A. Edgeberg on November 1, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Great tips! And I love the retro quality of your illustrations in Pretty Mini in Paris. Super cool stuff. Thanks!
By Sheri Roloff on November 1, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Very good point for me to take home. I have a hard time divorcing myself from the real story. But I have now finally realize that it’s not that difficult to do. Thank you!
By viji on November 1, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Yes, I agree viii!
By Sharalyn A. Edgeberg on November 1, 2014 at 12:36 pm
A agree with you Kristi. Our lives are an open book for ideas! Happy writing everyone.
By Matt Tesoriero on November 1, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Terrific advice. I’ve written stories based on my ancestors. 90% of it is made up, but based on what I knew about them. Congratulations on your books!
By Janet Smart on November 1, 2014 at 12:33 pm
” Sometimes we get so stuck on basing our manuscript on a real-life experience or a sweet person or animal we love, that we’re preventing our manuscript from becoming a fully realized, great book.” I need to copy and paste this onto a notecard and clip it to my manuscript!!! I KNOW that’s what’s holding back one, if not several, of my stories!
Thank you Kristi! I’ve started my list!
By Carol Federoff on November 1, 2014 at 12:39 pm
I totally needed to see this post today! I am often inspired by my own two kids for stories and being given permission to “lie” to make the story better give me the freedom to take the characters that may be based on my daughter or son and make them unique to the book. I also love the thought about writing down everything thing that emotionally strikes you. Is there an app for that? Thinking I may have something here!
By Kim Chaffree on November 1, 2014 at 12:44 pm
You caught me!! I may have saved an idea for this month…
By Derek Trimmer on November 1, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Kristi: The idea of beginning with real-life people, animals and experiences to create stories and then enhancing the tale to make it better, is excellent. Pretty Minnie must be a pampered pooch. Thank you for the inspiration. ~Suzy Leopold
By Prairie Garden Girl on November 1, 2014 at 12:47 pm
How cool that Danielle Steele has a kid’s book!! It’s inspiring that leaders in adult literature have fun and make a difference in kid lit!
By Virginia Kelly on November 1, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Your illustrations for MINNIE IN PARIS are delightful! I look forward to reading the book and seeing all your illustrations. Thanks, too, for the great advice about finding inspiration in the people and animals in our lives but not being constrained by their real-life nature.
By rowenarae on November 1, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Great illustrations! Thanks for this post. Already my mind is thinking up solutions for an old manuscript that got stuck in too much of real life memory. Cheers!
By Mary Jane Muir on November 1, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Great start to PiBoIdMo! Great inspiration! Love your illustrations.
By bevbaird on November 1, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Great post, and Pretty Minnie in Paris looks awesome.
By Sylvia Liu on November 1, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Started my list? Check.
Found a great idea? Check. Asking yourself, “What would make this story even better?”
By Susanne on November 1, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Perfect advice for me today, thank you!
By Pat on November 1, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Thanks Kristi Valliant. I look forward to buyiing Pretty Mini in Paris. I love your advice about using real experiences to create stories. I have to remember that my characters are just characters not family. I have an idea for a story from my childhood. Thanks again, you are starting PiBoIdMo off well!
By Ali Pichardo on November 1, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Thanks for the great advice! Wish my australian shepherd would wear shoes.
By Sandy Jones on November 1, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Oh my goodness – your illustrations in the Minnie story are to die for! Love them! And thanks for the advice about using experiences from our lives.
By Sandy Perlic on November 1, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Getting stuck and not expanding my story, happens when I use something from reality. Thanks for the advice
By Priya on November 1, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Great advice! I have a manuscript that people think is adorable, but not as satisfying as it could be, and I think it’s because I stuck too closely to the plot of the bedtime story I used to tell my son. (He’s not a fan of conflict unless it involves a light saber battle!)
By Jessica @ Play Trains! on November 1, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Enjoyed this post, really helped in thinking about characters. Good advice and a great beginning.
By Shirley Johnson on November 1, 2014 at 1:27 pm
I love Cora Cooks Pancit! And those other illustrations are so fun. Thanks for the tips. I need to get cracking.
By jdewdropsofink on November 1, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Ooh la la– how cool that you got to visit Minnie in Paris! Et comme Minnie est charmante! Merci, Kristi :0)
By LeslieG on November 1, 2014 at 1:33 pm
I so needed to hear this. I’m working on a story inspired by some neighborhood kids, and I’ve been struggling with it. Now I think I know why… I’m trying to stay “true” to them and instead I should be lying a little. Ha ha!
By thestoryladyva on November 1, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Great start to the month, thank you!
By Linda Thompson on November 1, 2014 at 1:34 pm
I am soooooooooooo guilty of sticking to my original idea and not deviating. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of looking at things in a different light. Lies or no lies. 🙂
By Karen Lawler on November 1, 2014 at 1:36 pm
I am too, Karen!
By katmaz2012 on November 1, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Thank you, Kristi. What perfectly gorgeous illustrations!!!! My granddaughters will love this book, I can tell. Your point is important, that most real-life ideas or situations require some fine-tuning to make them story material. Harder to do than it sounds 😉 Marty McCormick
By Marty McCormick on November 1, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Great advice, and a wonderful word for the first day. It’s freeing to think about picture books this way. Thanks!
By Sonja Anderson on November 1, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Fact is, I try to keep the distance between my lies and my truths to a hair. Very challenging if you’re a dreamer.
By cedricgliane on November 1, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Love your artwork! Thanks for the great advice today.
By Angela Turner on November 1, 2014 at 2:02 pm
Your artwork is beautiful! Great flow and movement and personality to all the characters. So inspiring!
By Cassandra Federman on November 1, 2014 at 2:03 pm
I love your illustrations! Thanks for the great advice.
By Mary Zychowicz on November 1, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Great advice, Kristi. It isn’t easy changing a real life experience to make it work as a PB story, but thinking of those experiences as inspiration is a great tip. Love the examples of your daughter and Danielle’s dog.
By Rachel H on November 1, 2014 at 2:10 pm
Love your advice, “writing fiction is lying in a good way.” Congratulations on the new book!
By Buffy Silverman on November 1, 2014 at 2:12 pm
Great advice! Thanks!
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on November 1, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for the post Kristi! I loved Penguin Cha-Cha and will be looking for Pretty Minnie too.
By Juliana Lee on November 1, 2014 at 2:29 pm
Love the advice! I would love to read Pretty Minnie!
By mwebb32 on November 1, 2014 at 2:38 pm
Thank you so much, Kristi! Great advice! I think it is hard sometimes for us writers to let go of the details of actual events enough to let them develop into new stories. Ironically when we let those details go is when they tend to take on a life of their own and grow into something bigger!
Happy writing!
By Chelsea Elizabeth Coutarel on November 1, 2014 at 2:38 pm
This is so true, trying to make too much sense tends to limit the imagination. Thank you for the input
By Hélène Sabourin on November 1, 2014 at 2:41 pm
So fun, and great info. Thanks!
By Telaina Muir on November 1, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Thank you Kristi – loved the two-year old growling story! Good insight into letting go of “truth”.
By Vicki Wilke on November 1, 2014 at 2:45 pm
My first idea was right in front of my nose and I did not realize it til I read your post! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
By Joan Kassmann on November 1, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Great advice! This should help “unstuck” a manuscript I have been working on for a long time. Thanks!
By katmaz2012 on November 1, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Thank you for great suggestions! I have been protecting many of the ideas, people, and pets as I have been pondering ideas. Valuable lesson for me 🙂
By Joyce Tucker on November 1, 2014 at 3:01 pm
Thanks for sharing Kristi. LOVE your art!!
By kimlynnp on November 1, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Pretty Minnie looks adorable!
By kpbock on November 1, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Considering last night was Halloween, the advice in this post was perfect. I got two ideas already. Thanks!
By Jenna Woloshyn on November 1, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Timely reminders! Thanks!
Lisa Connors
By lmconnors on November 1, 2014 at 3:15 pm
First of all, I LOVE your illustrations for “Minnie”! You’ve given some great tips on using daily life situations as inspiration, but allowing yourself to twist it to make it better pb fodder. 🙂
By Susie Sawyer on November 1, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Hi Kristi, What a great post, chock full of info for us, thanks! What really hit home for me was your info on taking an idea from childhood/real life experience and using this as a point of departure, how true. Many thanks to you and to Tara for hosting Kristi!
By Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing on November 1, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Love this post! Day one and I’ve got two ideas already! Two PRETTY GOOD ideas too! Thanks for the inspiration!
By iamccmonroe on November 1, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Thanks for the new story generating ideas! It is always difficult for me to veer away from real life. I am working on it 🙂
By alikotanko on November 1, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Time to start mining those memories! Thanks, Kristi.
By Patricia Toht on November 1, 2014 at 3:44 pm
It is hard to make your darlings cry and I am gearing up for that challenge! 🙂
By writeknit on November 1, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Wonderful advice! It’s something that makes sense but that I have never thought of. Thanks for the great post!!
By kjfoote on November 1, 2014 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for your great post and your adorable illustrations. I’m making notes now on a few of our memorable moments!
By Louann Brown on November 1, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Great advice! Thanks! 🙂
By John Strong on November 1, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Kristi, Excellent tip! I am going to mine a few of those saved e-mails and journal entries I wrote about my daughter’s antics. Thank you for your beautiful illustrations in The Goodbye Cancer Garden – we love that story.
By Melanie Ellsworth on November 1, 2014 at 4:28 pm
I love using experiences from my own life in my stories. I’m new to picture books, but I feel that some of my best short stories have come from events in my life that I’ve mined and then tweaked into something magical. Great post!
By desirae1987 on November 1, 2014 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for the reminder about mining life’s true stories for writing inspiration. Thanks also for the permission to “lie in a good way!”
By Sarah Kilfoil on November 1, 2014 at 4:31 pm
I really enjoy the idea of using real life people and change them. In fact they become characters and are not the one you know anymore. Kristi, you really inspired me for my first day on my first PiDoIdMo. Many thanks to Tara and yourself
By Isabelle Barth on November 1, 2014 at 4:39 pm
I’m a fan of “imaginizing” real life! 🙂 Making it a bit more creative with every chance I get. Thank you for the great inspiration on our first day of PiBoIdMo! I can’t wait to get Pretty Minnie in Paris for my little one.
By Beth Gallagher on November 1, 2014 at 4:46 pm
It is always helpful to know how others work through the writing process. I don’t always realize when I back myself into a corner with a ‘rule’ that I set for myself.
By byjuliekolb on November 1, 2014 at 4:50 pm
I have a bit of a problem changing the facts in real life situations so this was a good post for me to see. Remembering the story characters are NOT the real people will be a helpful thing to keep in mind.Thank you. Your art work is delightful, thank you for sharing with us.
By Cecilia on November 1, 2014 at 4:50 pm
Thank you for the important reminder that it’s OK to change up some details and not always stick to the truth of how things are in real life!
By Melanie Lucero on November 1, 2014 at 4:53 pm
Aww, what a cute book! And good advice to boot!
By Lill Pluta on November 1, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Great post Kristi! I love your work and can’t wait to see Pretty Minnie! You’re so right about the difficulty in using your own family/pets in a story. I find it difficult to detach the two, myself.
By laurazarrin on November 1, 2014 at 5:07 pm
I like the question: “What would make a better story” after writing down the details of a real story. It’s helpful advice!
By Linda Baie on November 1, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Great advice! I need to start writing down these funny moments. I’ve already started writing down some of the funny things my 3 year old (David) says (or has said). Also need to find time today to do today’s prompt!
By Dani Duck on November 1, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Thanks, Kristi – I need to take your advice to heart. Many of my ideas are inspired by real life, but lack story. Is it okay to save your advice for December, when I flesh out the ideas? 😉
By Stephan Stuecklin on November 1, 2014 at 5:32 pm
Great advice! I need to push myself to stray from what really happened when using real life to generate fiction.
By gabisnyder on November 1, 2014 at 5:35 pm
Such great advice Kristi. Thank you for this. I often struggle with the issue of how much reality to retain from a certain inspiring moment, so this confirms what I already felt; that the story can diverge as much as it needs to.
By Teresa Daffern on November 1, 2014 at 5:37 pm
I totally fell into the, “tell the truth” trap when I wrote a story about my great grandmother. Finally, two years later, the story is so much different but so much better. Glad I’m not the only writer who fights honesty!
By natalie15 on November 1, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Thank you for the great advice! Using real life events and emotions could open up ALL KINDS of crazy picture book ideas for me! Lol
By lbouck09 on November 1, 2014 at 5:44 pm
It is hard to move away from the true event, but what you said is so necessary.
By Gloria Amescua on November 1, 2014 at 5:44 pm
I started my lists. Great idea. I was (pleasantly) surprised to hear Kristi went to CCAD! (I live in Columbus.) Thanks for this post!
By Mary McClellan on November 1, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Love the Pretty Minnie in Paris website! Good advice and thanks for the permission to ‘lie’
By Lorraine Donohue Bonzelet on November 1, 2014 at 5:50 pm
I love picture books based on real events, people, or animals. I’ve been wanting to write one about two of my past dogs for ages now
By Jessica S on November 1, 2014 at 5:51 pm
Such great reminders in today’s post. Thanks for sharing! And love your illustrations!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 1, 2014 at 5:52 pm
This is an encouraging idea to write with ideas from real events. I had always thought my childhood was not story-worthy, but now I can see the path to how it could be. Thanks!
By Arlene Bolton on November 1, 2014 at 5:59 pm
Great post and wonderful illustrations! I’m also excited to discover the book you mentioned, Cora Cooks Pancit. My husband is Filipino and our lil one will love to read that with his “Lola” 🙂
By lidia on November 1, 2014 at 6:01 pm
Thank you Kristi! One of my daughters is quite the embellisher – I’ll be sure to follow her lead! The new book is beautiful!
By Dawn Young on November 1, 2014 at 6:02 pm
As my one son likes to say, “it’s not a lie, it’s an equivocation.” 😉 Thanks for the inspiring post! 🙂
By Jodi Moore on November 1, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Thank you Kristi. I enjoyed your post and I love signed picture books!
By Elizabeth Saba on November 1, 2014 at 6:10 pm
GAH, Kristi! Your Pretty Minnie illustrations look GORGEOUS! Wonderful post!
By Sadee Schilling on November 1, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Great information and specifically for me. Most of my stories are centered around my fur kids. Absolutely love your illustrations!!!
By Dianne Burch on November 1, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Your illustrations for this book look gorgeous. Can’t wait to see the entire book!
By supermario6 on November 1, 2014 at 6:35 pm
First, I loved the art from Pretty Minnie. Second, I loved the suggestions – and the advice not to protect your characters, which dovetails with advice read just the other day on Advice to Writers!
By Kelly Ramsdell Fineman on November 1, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Great advice! The snatches of conversations I overhear coming out of the mouths of my grandchildren always need a bit more to become a story, but they are great starting points.
By Carol Nelson on November 1, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Thank you for the idea about a list of funny memories, great inspiration to me on this first day. I enjoyed your illustrations as well.
By Heather Kelso on November 1, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Ambre Leffler must be out of her mind to take on one more thing in November…but she’s looking forward to this process!
By holisticarchitect on November 1, 2014 at 6:58 pm
Sometimes it’s hard to take a real event and morph it into fiction because your head is so wrapped around the details of the real event. Time and distance from the actual event helps- Thanks for the post.
By Audrey on November 1, 2014 at 6:59 pm
Love the illustrations, and the advice. So good to remember that your story isn’t real life.
By Laurie L Young on November 1, 2014 at 7:02 pm
Great suggestions! Thank you!
By Nancy Ramsey on November 1, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Thank you, Kristi. For the inspirational post. I can’t wait to read, “Pretty Minnie in Paris” to my pretty chihuahua, Petunia.
By Doris Stone on November 1, 2014 at 7:07 pm
A story of someone reading to pets is a great story starter 🙂
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:41 pm
I have a difficult time letting go of the real event. Thank you for the nudge!
By Aimee Isaac on November 1, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Thank you for reminding me of “lying my way to the truth.”
By Klmcmorranmaus on November 1, 2014 at 7:13 pm
Here’s to twisting the truth.
By Andria on November 1, 2014 at 7:23 pm
What great ideas, there’s a reason I keep telling those stories!
By Elizabeth Lim on November 1, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Such great ideas – thank you for the post!
By angelapadron on November 1, 2014 at 7:28 pm
Love the thought about being to nice to your characters. I also like the modeling of writing ideas down and then just using a little bit to create your story. I good lesson to teach students as they write as well. Thanks!
By Joanne Toft on November 1, 2014 at 7:32 pm
My real dog Java inspires me every day. He is such a character. But he doesn’t like to be dressed up either. It took four years just to get him used to his raincoat.
By Lauri Fortino on November 1, 2014 at 7:55 pm
It’s true. I am writing a story based on a real event and I want the truth to be in there but I’ve come to realize I need to make up the background to get to the true part so there is an actual plot. Thanks for posting this!
By Meghan Daniels on November 1, 2014 at 7:57 pm
Love your illustrations! And thanks for the list ideas… That should really help boost everyone’s creativity 🙂
By Bethany Roberts on November 1, 2014 at 7:58 pm
What a fun prompt to start with!
By Sue Matzke on November 1, 2014 at 8:00 pm
After reading this, I realize I should write down a few Halloween antics. My kiddo was very serious.
By Stacy S. Jensen on November 1, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Just your mention of the yoga instructor’s post on facebook triggered an idea! Thanks for the tips!
By Heather Pierce Stigall on November 1, 2014 at 8:10 pm
I love to look back on entries in my diary from when my daughter was very little. Kids say the funniest (and most inspiring) things!
By Julie Murphy on November 1, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Excellent points! Thank you Kristi! (And, lovely illustrations!) 🙂
By Jill Siegel on November 1, 2014 at 8:23 pm
Inspiring how much you can modify reality to create good fiction. Thx!
By Deborah Patz on November 1, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Tweaking real life is more fun! Thank you for the reminder…sometimes I do get so attached to a character that may be based on real life that I’m afraid to let that character become even more special on the pages.
By Anne Neidinger on November 1, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Super fun info about using a real life experience in picture book fiction. Lying! Yay! I love lying. This is perfect. (I’m not lying.)
By Genevieve Petrillo on November 1, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Thank You , Thank You! I love reading the blogs and comments that follow! Fibbing for a good cause is fun!!!!
By seschipper on November 1, 2014 at 8:44 pm
“Lying in a good way” reminds me of a student who said “telling stories” instead of lying.
By Mary Worley on November 1, 2014 at 8:47 pm
I just read this book at the bookstore, yesterday. It is amazing, and freeing in a remarkableway, to know that Minnie’s real personality is starkly different, Your advice to let the characters grow is very helpful. Thank you!
By Maria Marshall on November 1, 2014 at 8:51 pm
Thanks for the inspiration! -Robin Bailey
By Robin Bailey on November 1, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Thanks for addressing 2 definite challenges for me: keeping stories too real and being too nice to characters. The ongoing list is a great suggestion. Thanks, Kristi.
By Julene Kinser on November 1, 2014 at 8:57 pm
To embellish is to be a storyteller. Thank you for the reminder.
By marciecolleen on November 1, 2014 at 9:08 pm
Thanks for the great advice about not being too married to the facts and instead using them as a leaping off point!
By jshaklan on November 1, 2014 at 9:12 pm
What a great way to start off PiBoIdMo! Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve made several notes.
By Maria Bostian on November 1, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Already copied your ideas for mining memories for story ideas! Thanks!
By cindyjohnson2013 on November 1, 2014 at 9:22 pm
Love, love, love your illustrations. Plus, I wanted to thank you for the great suggestions on where to find inspiration. Very good stuff!
By stephseclecticinterests on November 1, 2014 at 9:23 pm
Kristi you’ve really helped me out with this post. Thank you. And your latest book looks just beautiful.
By Kaye Baillie on November 1, 2014 at 9:37 pm
Thanks for the great reminder to keep a list of the funny moments in life!
By Mary Warth on November 1, 2014 at 9:39 pm
Thanks for the inspiration! 3 fun ideas created today For my PiBoIdMo work book:)
By girlwrites29 on November 1, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Interesting Danielle Steele the romance novelist wrote a PB. Yes great idea to take your story as far a it will go.
By Jenifer McNamara on November 1, 2014 at 10:06 pm
It’s “lying in a good way”, yes! It makes me think of a landscape painter friend that says, “Why just paint that right there when I can make it better?” And he does.
By lymartinez on November 1, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Love that fiction allows us to stretch the truth a bit and make our stories that much better! Great post and can’t wait to read/see some of your work!
By Kathleen Buckley on November 1, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Thanks for the reminder that good PB stories are full of magic!
By Karen Calloway on November 1, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Leaving for Paris this week! I’ve been reading all kinds of Paris books – this one looks so much fun. Thanks for sharing such great advice.
By McCourt on November 1, 2014 at 10:29 pm
Reading this post gave me several ideas for possible picture books, Kristi. Thank you for the reminder about using a real event as the “starter seed” for a picture book. If I should win the free book, please gift the book to the Little Free Library in Walnut, CA. I have a LFL in my front yard, and live within walking distance of a K-8 school. Sharing books with others gives me much joy.
By Nicole Popel on November 1, 2014 at 10:36 pm
Congratulations, Kristi. Thanks, Tara. “We get so stuck . . . we’re preventing our manuscript from becoming . . . fully realized.” Can’t wait to share this tidbit with my fellow participants at a writers’ workshop tomorrow!
By Joanne Roberts on November 1, 2014 at 10:43 pm
I tend to write as things are; here’s hoping “lying in a good way” pushes my storytelling!
By Leah Coleman on November 1, 2014 at 10:59 pm
I’m so happy to get started! My notebook is ready and the ideas are flowing. Thx Kristi for reminding us to take the memorable moments in life and use them for inspiration! I love your illustrations in Pretty Minnie!
By angiekarcher on November 1, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Great hints and inspiration! Today I’ve been brainstorming character traits of kids our daughter knew when she was in school as starting places for stories. I agree. Real life is the best starting place, as long as you don’t tie yourself to it.
By bluerabbit on November 1, 2014 at 11:05 pm
As a Filipino living in the US but born in the Philippines, it was wonderful hearing about the book “Cora Cooks Pancit”. There’s not enough Filipino cultural books out there. The best part is it incorporates a staple dish to any celebration, the humble pancit!! Thank you for beautifully illustrating that book! This new one of your is adorable!! Congrats!
By Lynnor Bontigao on November 1, 2014 at 11:15 pm
The pancit recipe in the CORA book is the author’s grandmother’s recipe and so delicious! I was honored to illustrate it.
By kristivaliant on November 1, 2014 at 11:47 pm
Thank you for the inspiration to try something different
By Kristen Yakubisin on November 1, 2014 at 11:20 pm
I love the sample illustration including the adults–they look like fashion plates in a way that is perfect for a tale set in Paris.
By Shannon Delany on November 1, 2014 at 11:37 pm
Great inspiration, I can’t wait to try these ideas!
By Sue Frye on November 1, 2014 at 11:38 pm
Thank you for this post! I need to work on my “lying in a good way”!
By Jenny Seiger on November 1, 2014 at 11:40 pm
This is a great collection of story-generating techniques! It is so easy to look outside of our own experiences for story ideas, that we forget we might be carrying some already! Thank you 🙂
By Elizabeth McBride on November 2, 2014 at 12:06 am
Cute! Great insight.
By laura516 on November 2, 2014 at 12:15 am
Thanks for reminding us to stay true to our characters, and not try to write them exactly like their real- life inspirations. Fiction really is lying in a good way. 🙂
By Ashley Bankhead on November 2, 2014 at 12:24 am
Real life incidents + imaginative improvements = the secret to mining memories and daily life for parts that could become pizzazz! Thanks, Kristi, for the inspiration.
By Pat Miller on November 2, 2014 at 12:27 am
Kristi, the cover for Pretty Mini in Paris is eye-catching and sensational! Thanks for kicking off day 1 of Piboidmo 2014!
By Carol Gordon Ekster on November 2, 2014 at 12:54 am
I never thought about not going easy on your characters. In real life, we would not let kids have it super easy. My wheels are turning!
By melsul09 on November 2, 2014 at 12:58 am
Thanks, Kristi! I’m going to mine for some real-life incidents that I can creatively tweak into a picture book idea. Your book cover is gorgeous!
By Debbie Austin on November 2, 2014 at 1:03 am
I love the idea of turning memories into manuscripts and not going easy on our characters as mentioned by other members. Great post!
By Jamie Deenihan on November 2, 2014 at 1:09 am
Thanks for the post Kristi, some ideas forming here. My dogs are pretty good at providing me with material.
By Author Ashley Howland on November 2, 2014 at 1:28 am
This is great insight. Thanks.
By Debbie Mickelson on November 2, 2014 at 1:29 am
Good idea to keep a list. Even if the idea doesn’t strike at the moment, it may at any time later!
By Linda Moore on November 2, 2014 at 1:39 am
Thank you for the great pointer. I am so very lucky because with two girls and a backyard filled with animals I have lots of inspiration to draw my story ideas from. Love the idea of taking actual people or events that we know to build characters and stories around. Thank you. T.
By tanjabauerle on November 2, 2014 at 2:06 am
Beautiful illustrations. So true, kids say the darndest things! Their world is one huge exaggeration.
By Keila Dawson on November 2, 2014 at 2:15 am
Love your work! Penguin Cha-Cha is one of my favorites. Thanks for the permission to fudge the truth for the sake of the story too!
By Danielle Heitmuller on November 2, 2014 at 2:37 am
Such a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing such wonderful ideas! :0)
By Clare Cannon on November 2, 2014 at 3:01 am
Thanks so much for your helpful post, and for sharing your amazing illustrations with us. I’ve seen so many people base characters or plots on something true, and have trouble veering from it during revisions. I hope this helps a lot of writers learn to let go…so they really can explore their characters and stories.
By Mindy Alyse Weiss on November 2, 2014 at 3:09 am
Thanks for starting the month of right!
By SaDonna on November 2, 2014 at 3:42 am
This is great, thank you. I have gotten caught up in too many realities with manuscripts and then trashed them. This has taught me to not let that get in the way of a good book!
By Barbara Siemen (Farm Barbie) on November 2, 2014 at 7:56 am
Kristi, you make a great point about fictionalizing our own memories, kids, and pets. It is hard to modify those we love but will help make a better picture book. Love your illustrations, too!
By Alison Hertz on November 2, 2014 at 8:37 am
I like how this post simplifies the idea of using real inspirations to create larger than life stories. I’m currently toying with a picture book idea based on my mother-in-law but have been stuck with wanting to make it almost too real. Thanks for this.
By Elsa on November 2, 2014 at 8:38 am
Kristi I was so thrilled to see you were the first guest blogger because I’ve been following you across various social media platforms for a long time! It was great to see a familiar face 😀 Love the post and thank you for the great advice!
By Jessie on November 2, 2014 at 8:41 am
What a great post and your illustrations are amazing.
By Karen Brueggeman on November 2, 2014 at 9:06 am
Thanks for your good advice. I love your illustrations!!!
By Kathy Cornell Berman on November 2, 2014 at 9:21 am
Very inspiring and helpful tips about using someone or something you love and not being afraid to change them or it in some way to produce a better story. I love it! Thanks. Have to check out Danielle Steel’s book too. I had no idea she wrote picture books.
By ptuck7 on November 2, 2014 at 9:22 am
A great start to PBIdMo – an idea prompt combined with excellent advice.
By angeladegroot8 on November 2, 2014 at 9:43 am
The perfect start to PiBoldMo – a writing prompt and excellent advice.
By angeladegroot8 on November 2, 2014 at 10:11 am
Great Post Kristi! I love taking inspiration from real-life experiences! ‘Writing fiction is lying in a good way’ is going to help me abundantly in making my characters seem more real -:)
By Sita on November 2, 2014 at 10:20 am
Love the advice about not having Mommy step in to save the day and keep things in the child’s perspective. I have been inspired by real situations and writing them down immediately is key! You never know what you might add to a story.
By Mary Ward Constantino on November 2, 2014 at 10:22 am
It’s like you were talking directly to me in this post. I just revised (MASSIVELY) one of my pb manuscripts because it was too didactic (i.e., mommy fixed the problem). Thanks for the reassurance that this was, in fact, the right move.
By Stacey Shubitz on November 2, 2014 at 10:38 am
Thanks, Kristi-your post just sparked my first idea. Absolutely love the illustration of the dog in the snowsuit! Looks like a terrific book for little girls.
By Joan Waites on November 2, 2014 at 10:45 am
I based a story on a real-life event but found I had to elaborate quite a bit. I was feeling a bit guilty until I read your post! Thanks, Kristi!
By deborahholtwilliams on November 2, 2014 at 10:51 am
Good ideas and advice I can follow and not get stuck on one idea but try to exaggerate or embellish some story ideas.
By Sheri Rad on November 2, 2014 at 11:02 am
Thanks for sharing so great ideas as well as some fantastically fashionable illustrations.
By Mishka Jaeger on November 2, 2014 at 11:15 am
I love the artwork for this book -glittery and colorful. I am racking my brains for an equally glittery and colorful story.
By Jennifer Sommer on November 2, 2014 at 11:29 am
I’ve been so excited for this book’s release ever since you told me you were illustrating it!
By Wendy Martin Art on November 2, 2014 at 12:21 pm
What a great way to start our PiBoIdMo journey. Writing fiction is lying in a good way. Tip to remember always. Thank you so much!
By Meena on November 2, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Thanks for your post.
I never know when inspiration will strike or where my imagination will take me. It’s a wonderful feeling.
By cat jones on November 2, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Wonderful ideas – now to get back to creating some quirky, imperfect charcters.
By Aidan Cassie on November 2, 2014 at 1:15 pm
What adorable art! I see lots of pbs for critique that are based on real pets, and almost always, the writer has those same fears you talk about. Congrats on your new book!
By Laura Purdie Salas on November 2, 2014 at 1:32 pm
Great post. Thank you Kristi!
By Elizabeth Brown on November 2, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Minnie is adorable!
By colleen kosinski on November 2, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Kristi – your illustrations are adorable!
By Lauri Meyers on November 2, 2014 at 2:01 pm
I think the battle is just being open to the moments of inspiration that may present themselves. I know that there are days when my mind is racing on other things when I’ve probably walked right by dozens…
By hmmmmm on November 2, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Yea, the day is finally here, and I missed it. Thank you for your fun post.
By Katie on November 2, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Great frist post. Looking forward to the rest!
By trbarrett on November 2, 2014 at 3:31 pm
My kids keep doing cute stuff that I think needs to be in a story. I guess I need to jot them down and ask what if?
By Marla on November 2, 2014 at 3:46 pm
I love the idea of taking real life experiences and adding a little “twist” to them. Thanks for the prompt.
By angelcat2014 on November 2, 2014 at 4:25 pm
Thanks, Kristi. I needed the reminder to go back to a few of the moments that stand out with my own kids!
By Tracy Molitors on November 2, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Thank you for the suggestions! What a great post to get us started this month!
By tphumiruk on November 2, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Great post! AWESOME!
By thiskidreviewsbooks on November 2, 2014 at 5:28 pm
I love the story of your daughter growling to get the slide! Thank you for your ideas and suggestions. Fun post!
By donnacangelosi on November 2, 2014 at 6:04 pm
Minnie is darling! Can’t wait to read your fun book.
By Nancy Furstinger on November 2, 2014 at 6:13 pm
A pretty little girl growling? What a humorous PB that would be for child and reader. Start writing!
By Stella Jane Stauffer on November 2, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Love the illustrations and thanks for the advice! I will not let my real life inspirations block the story 🙂
By Theresa Love on November 2, 2014 at 7:43 pm
It’s good to know we can “lie” when we’re trying to tell the “truth”!! LOL
By Christine M. Irvin on November 2, 2014 at 8:23 pm
Couldn’t help but chuckle over your daughter’s growl 😀
Kristi, your illustrations of Minnie are outstanding!
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 2, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Kristi, your character’s facial expressions…canine and child, I ‘heart’ them!
By Heather Hatch on November 2, 2014 at 8:43 pm
Finally, a good reason to lie!
By Sheila Hausbeck on November 2, 2014 at 8:50 pm
I agree, Kristi. We can find inspiration in our own lives. This is the chance we get to stretch the truth!
By Romelle broas on November 2, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Definitely great advise. I love the “lying in a good way” part. So what if we embelish a little bit to make an event more interesting, right?
By Jessica Miller-Nims on November 2, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Pretty Minnie in Paris looks adorable!! Some wonderful advice here to follow during our challenge! Writing about real life things doesn’t mean you have to keep it “real”! Thanks for sharing!
By Kelly Vavala on November 2, 2014 at 9:02 pm
Oh, yes! Reminded of a comment a child made after an auto accident! Perfect reminder! Thanks.
By cantsing1 on November 2, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Thank you for the tips. I like your illustrations, the one with Minnie on her back in the snowsuit is hilarious!
By Yvonne Mes on November 2, 2014 at 10:03 pm
Kristi, freeing advice! I think that your lying in ‘writing’ advice bleeds over well into ‘revision’ too. The more a lie is told, the bigger and more exaggerated and more complex the lie and the situation becomes…which makes GOOD STORY and INTRIGUING CHARACTERS. Perfect advice. Thanks. I’m ready to re-lie, re-lie, re-lie on your advice.
By SevenAcreSky on November 2, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Thanks for the tips on fictionalizing ‘real’ events. Pretty Minnie in Paris looks great.
By l8k8 on November 2, 2014 at 10:23 pm
Thank you for the first bit of inspiration on our thirty day journey. Pretty Minnie looks wonderful, congratulations!
By Katie Sullivan Peterson on November 2, 2014 at 10:55 pm
Thanks Kristi for giving us permission to lie… in a good way. I love the Minnie snowsuit scene.
By Rita Allmon on November 2, 2014 at 11:11 pm
What a great idea, thank you for your tips!
By Jabeen on November 2, 2014 at 11:20 pm
I can’t wait to try these tips. Minnie is on an adventure in my favorite city!
By Andrea Cumber on November 3, 2014 at 5:29 am
Loved the comments about how different Minnie is in real life.
By lindamartinandersen on November 3, 2014 at 7:27 am
After fifteen years, I’m just getting back into writing. I know that even if I don’t flesh out a single character on the page, it will make my illustration skills that much better. Thanks for a great post!
By Andi on November 3, 2014 at 8:15 am
My goodness Kristi! If you make it this far to read my comments, well, I’ll be as impressed as I am by your wise words and the stunning illustrations! Gorgeous!
By Frances Brown on November 3, 2014 at 8:25 am
I sure did make it through all the comments! I love reading them.
By kristivaliant on November 3, 2014 at 11:09 am
Starting a list is a great way to start Pibo. Thanks!
By Emily Lim-Leh on November 3, 2014 at 8:43 am
I like the idea of thinking about things that I love or loathe. Some fun ideas always emerge.
By Talitha Shipman on November 3, 2014 at 9:24 am
Thank you for the advice Kristi!
By Anna Levin on November 3, 2014 at 9:35 am
Great advice about stopping and asking: “What would make this an even better story?” Thanks for getting PiBoIdMo off to an inspiring start!
By Jacqueline on November 3, 2014 at 9:49 am
To me, the challenge is utilizing some emotion/memory that is less than pleasant. I keep wanting to retreat to the comfortable areas, so the hill to climb will be finding a way to use that discomfort in a productive way.
By Kelly Campbell on November 3, 2014 at 10:15 am
A good start to PiMoIdMo. Thanks.
By Rita Zobayan on November 3, 2014 at 10:54 am
I feel so energized to get my ideas down on paper (or, tablet)! Thanks for this!
By Stephanie Fitzpatrick on November 3, 2014 at 11:12 am
I always need ways to take an idea to the next level. Thanks! And Minnie is the most adorable chihuahua I’ve ever seen!
By Nadine Gamble on November 3, 2014 at 11:25 am
Congrats on Pretty Minnie, Kristi. Slice me off a piece of that cake. But first, let me start that fabulous thing you suggested — a list of things I adore, loathe, laugh at… THANKS for this idea!
By carolmunrojww on November 3, 2014 at 11:57 am
Great ideas to jumpstart inspiration. Thanks for this.
By Becky Hohensee on November 3, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Good post thanks
By theitaliancob on November 3, 2014 at 12:37 pm
What an adorable idea
By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on November 3, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Paris and a chiuahua!! Fantastique:) I’m making my lists! Such a good way to get the ideas popping. Thanks Kristi
By clarepernice on November 3, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Love the artwork – gorgeous! Congratulations on this! Great post – so inspiring- going to find the book 🙂 Thankyou!
By Lisa McManus Lange on November 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Thank you for the pep talk, Kristi! You’re a very talented artist!
By laurahawking on November 3, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Thanks for your post today, Kristi. I love that little dog- so cute! -MK O’Keefe
By mkokeefe on November 3, 2014 at 2:26 pm
Writing down embarrassing moments from my childhood. Not sure I could share my children’s embarrassing moments, even in fictional form. Interesting food for thought.
By Wendy Greenley on November 3, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for showing us how not to get bogged down in what really happened.
By Janet Halfmann on November 3, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Great reminder to draw on everyday life
By Mary Kate on November 3, 2014 at 3:26 pm
Thank you for this post. Makes me start to think about situations that could make great stories.
By Sandra Lawson on November 3, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Pets of friends and my own have spawned a few finished stories. Reality is a wonderful launch pad for fiction.
By sardyhar on November 3, 2014 at 3:33 pm
I love the picture of Minnie in a snowsuit 🙂
By Cat on November 3, 2014 at 4:06 pm
I’m enjoying looking at everything as a possible picture book – being inspired by real kids, pets, and events – but your reminder that, in a book, these AREN’T the real thing and that I need to figure out how to make the idea into a good story, is great. Thanks!
By januaryfae on November 3, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Thanks for the great ideas and reminder that real people can become wonderful fictional characters.
By kmshelley on November 3, 2014 at 4:24 pm
A wonderful start to PiBoIdMo! Thank you, Kristi!
By Annie Cronin Romano on November 3, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Kristi, such darling artwork in your new book! It shows how much you enjoy your work. Cute doggie!
By kathydoherty1 on November 3, 2014 at 6:27 pm
Thank you for an interesting and inspiring post, Kristi.
By Debbie Wagenbach on November 3, 2014 at 8:58 pm
Thank you for sharing, Kristi. You’re a wonderful artist.
By Linda Graden on November 3, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Great post! I enjoyed Penguin Cha-Cha and can’t wait to read the others.
By rgstones on November 3, 2014 at 9:04 pm
I love these ideas – thanks for sharing!!
By Beth Consugar on November 3, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Thanks for the great post, Kristi. I have a soon-to-be three year old and there are so many things that she does and things I witness during her play dates that inspire ideas. I keep a little notepad with me all the time, just so I can jot them down. 🙂
By trobinsondaly on November 3, 2014 at 9:43 pm
Great day 1 post! Can’t wait to read your new book!
By Jennifer Rumberger on November 3, 2014 at 10:09 pm
Great post on using your own experiences as ideas for stories!
By Nat Keller on November 3, 2014 at 10:58 pm
Great day 1 post! A tip to remember!
By Blanche Baxter on November 3, 2014 at 10:59 pm
Great advice to push our ideas further than “real life.”
By Carrie Finison on November 3, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Great tips!
By rmcg14 on November 3, 2014 at 11:37 pm
“Oh! (she said, trying to catch up having just found the Lost PiBoIdMo Chronicles for not having known where to seek/find) This is all simply perfect on so many levels, and I am delighted to be here, finding inspiration and possibility!”
By becki on November 4, 2014 at 12:02 am
Gorgeous art Kristi. You are so talented. Thank you for all the info in this post.
Rachel, from the WWMW planning team days
By Rachel Anderson on November 4, 2014 at 1:33 am
Thanks for kicking us off on Day 1,Kristi- your art is beautiful! I’m going to check out your newest book asap.
By wendymyersart on November 4, 2014 at 1:47 am
I am seriously going bananas over your art! It’s fabulous!!!! Thank you. Also great tip to keep it real to writing fiction by adding a bit of make believe!
By KurlGurl on November 4, 2014 at 5:51 am
Great advice! Thanks, Kristi!
By Sheri Dillard on November 4, 2014 at 8:16 am
Great advice! Beautiful illustrations 🙂
By Victoria Thomas on November 4, 2014 at 8:57 am
I love your art and thanks for the reminder about writing fiction. I have this trouble when writing about my kids or pets.
By oceanis723 on November 4, 2014 at 10:33 am
Your art is so colorful, vibrant and happy. Beautiful. Way to go!
By Christie on November 4, 2014 at 10:42 am
Love your artwork. And great advice on making lists and using them as starting points. Thank you.
By Irene Branch on November 4, 2014 at 11:27 am
thanks for the lying tip, and love your drawings.
By Daniela Weil on November 4, 2014 at 11:35 am
Motivated with the idea of formulating a list of things I love and loathe! Time to add this to my journal before I forget.
By Rebecca E. Guzinski on November 4, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Great advice to take inspiration from real life. And lists are always a good thing!
By Erin O'Brien on November 4, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Did someone say lava cake, celebratory chocolate lava cake? Count me in if there is any left. Lovely post.
By teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer) on November 4, 2014 at 1:58 pm
Adorable illustrations! Thank you!
By Denise Bowman on November 4, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Some great advice! I definitely won’t be going easy on my characters!
By Rebecca Colby on November 4, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Beautiful illustrations! I can’t wait to read Pretty Minnie in Paris! Thanks for the encouragement!
By kariail2013 on November 4, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Sometimes it is difficult to lie about a real situation, but often I find myself adding fictitious information to an anecdote to make it more fun.
It is important to know that the intention is not to deceive others, but amuse them.
By NiñoCactus (Alberto Martín) on November 4, 2014 at 6:48 pm
LOVE your illustrations and your attitude!! Thanks!
By Meredith Pinkstone on November 4, 2014 at 7:44 pm
I really appreciate you’re advice about not making the character s perfect. Thank you.
By Ann Bentley on November 4, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Don’t be afraid to change the way something happened. Writing fiction is lying in a good way. Sometimes we get so stuck on basing our manuscript on a real-life experience or a sweet person or animal we love, that we’re preventing our manuscript from becoming a fully realized, great book.
I love this advice. I have trouble if I don’t follow the facts or change them. It’s a great reminder that fiction is (lying in a good way.
By Marge Gower on November 4, 2014 at 10:38 pm
You have some great ideas here. Great post!
By Shawna JC Tenney on November 5, 2014 at 12:00 am
I love the Paris illustrations. The colours are so vibrant.
By Anne Lei-Yeung So on November 5, 2014 at 12:28 am
This was an important lesson for me in taking one of my best ideas from last year’s PiBoIdMo to manuscript. When I first spat out my crappy first draft, I was sticking too close to real life events, and it was unwieldy and terrible. When I got okay with tweaking and leaving things out and just focusing on the FEELING of the real life events, I had a much better story. Great advice, Kristi!
By Elizabeth Metz on November 5, 2014 at 10:48 am
An editor once said to me “It doesn’t have to be real.” Thanks for the reminder!
By Janet Bingham on November 5, 2014 at 11:24 am
Great advice stretching the truth, a little exaggerating goes a long way. Your illustrations are inspiring makes me want to write for your talent. Good to keep in mind how one tidbit that can make it into a book and it just may be that tidbit that gives a writer the idea for the story.
By Jennifer Huls on November 5, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Wow, Kristi, I LOVE that cover and your illustrations! Great post, too 🙂
By writersideup on November 5, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Great post, thanks so much for sharing! Minnie is adorable… and so cool you got go to Paris to visit the real Minnie and Danielle
By mbeaversillustration on November 5, 2014 at 4:12 pm
Thanks Kristi! Can hardly wait to read Minnie’s next adventure.
By Claire Vita on November 5, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Thanks, Kristi! Good advice and I loved getting a peek at your illustrations for Danielle Steel’s picture book.
By Cathy Biggerstaff on November 5, 2014 at 10:43 pm
Love the illustrations – beautiful! Thanks Kristi, the advice helped jumpstart some new ideas as well and added fuel to ones that had been simmering.
By Tracy on November 5, 2014 at 11:00 pm
Mahalo (Thank you :)) Kristi! This advice has definitely put some bounce into my coconut. Love your illustrations.
By Kira Kia Fruit Nims on November 6, 2014 at 3:11 am
Grest advice thank you!
By Shel LeDrew on November 6, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Kristi your illustrations are divine. I just took your advice and put a recent epic tantrum into a story I was trying to keep perfect, I think it works far better now, great advice.
By Tarryn Lean (@TarrynLean) on November 6, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Great advice about not being married to the way things really happened. 🙂
By Laurie J. Edwards on November 7, 2014 at 2:28 pm
In honor of your wonderful Minnie-in-Paris success, please enjoy some pain-au-chocolat with your coffee or tea….from me!
( It was my very favorite breakfast indulgence when I was in France a decade ago!) Congratulations and thank you for validating the act of “truth-stretching” about a character who is rooted in reality.
By Charlotte on November 7, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Just had pain-au-chocolat for breakfast today! Mmmm…
By Kristi Valiant on November 8, 2014 at 12:15 am
Adorable!
By kerriesportfolio on November 8, 2014 at 12:11 pm
What an imagination, Wow! Thank you
By Mark B. on November 10, 2014 at 9:35 am
Lying in a good way…I like this idea. Thank you so much for this post.
By Cathy Breisacher on November 11, 2014 at 9:01 am
I am a teacher and one of my favorite students had a period where she growled at everyone. She was a good, well-adjusted kindergartener so it wasn’t really cause for alarm. She just really wanted to be a bear, for quite a long time. I wonder if she still does.
By gasamie on November 11, 2014 at 9:10 pm
Great way to start Picture Book Idea Month. Thanks for the tip!
By furfilled on November 12, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Love list making as well. You never know what will come of it!
By Kelly Parker on November 14, 2014 at 11:03 am
Love your artwork Kristi, and it was great meeting you at the scbwi indiana retreat this spring.
By winemama on November 14, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Beautiful artwork and the advice is perfect. I realized some of my best ideas are stalling because I’m afraid of drifting too far from the truth. Thank you.
By DaNeil on November 15, 2014 at 10:35 am
Thanks for your post. I can only agree. I try to overprotect my characters too. Thanks for pointing in out. Love your art. Thank you!!
By Maria J Cuesta on November 18, 2014 at 4:50 am
Great story especially the advice about writing down funny anecdotes or stories that people keep telling. Also using bits of fun for character building. Thank you for being inspirational.
By marloes on November 18, 2014 at 11:41 am
Letting our imaginations change up the story is an invaluable piece of advice. Thank you! Can’t wait to check out Pretty Minnie!
By RaChelle Lisiecki on November 21, 2014 at 7:59 am
Love your artwork! Thanks for the inspiration and for great advice!
By Betsy Devany on November 22, 2014 at 10:18 am
I love your amazing illustrations! I’m revisiting your post to make my adore/loathe lists – a great way to find inspiration. Thanks!
By lisakwillard on November 24, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Sometimes it’s hard to be mean to our characters, but a writer has to do it. Thanks for the post.
By Rick Starkey on November 25, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Thanks for the great advice. The illustrations are beautiful, can’t wait to read the book.
By Ellen Sirianni on November 28, 2014 at 5:57 pm
heh heh… sorta like saying the truth is stranger than fiction, but a game of “what if” helps too
By LL on November 28, 2014 at 11:22 pm
Great advice, delightful illustrations. I especially liked the advice to keep reminding yourself it’s not really her just a character based on her. It’s hard to take a step back when we are basing a character on a real person or pet.
By majanecka on November 29, 2014 at 11:44 pm
It’s hard to step away and separate your feelings from the event, thanks for reminding us it is very often important to do just that thing!
By Brook Gideon on November 30, 2014 at 9:35 am
A good reminder to mine our real lives for ideas and story fodder. Thanks!
By Nancy Kotkin on November 30, 2014 at 9:12 pm
This is a very important point to remember. Thanks.
By Colleen Kelley on December 1, 2014 at 12:25 am
great post.
By Jason Perkins on December 1, 2014 at 12:59 am
Wow, creating the love and loathe lists brings up so many memories… and stories. Thank you!
By Andrea J Loney on December 1, 2014 at 5:13 am