Hello, everyone!
CONGRATULATIONS on tackling PIBOIDMO. You are awesome!
Doesn’t it feel amazing to know that some of the ideas you cook up this month may become real, solid books in the hands of real kids someday? Yes, that’s going to happen. It WILL. But before that happens, a few steps have to take place. And one of those first steps, for some of us, will be to take a close look at how we manage our time.
Specifically, our writing time.
First off, I would like to encourage everyone to stick with your PIBOIDMO momentum not only this month, but beyond. Maybe you won’t come up with a picture book idea every single day forever, but you know what? When you sit down to write, you will write something. And any “something” has a better chance of becoming a book than a “nothing.”
That being said: This is as good a time as any to evaluate your writing goals for the remainder of the year and for next year. Want to get published? If so, those goals MUST include making time for writing. Consistently.
Think of it this way. If you ever—for some crazy reason—wanted to run a marathon, would you only train a few hours on the weekends? Or the few times a year you find yourself alone in the house with quiet time? No, you would not. You would train and train and train, every day, no matter what, in “Rocky”-like montages of rain and snow and stairs and fists pumping in the air. You can do that. You can channel your inner-Rocky and do your victory dance at the top of the staircase of your public library, because YOU have the power of imagination AND the discipline of a dedicated writer!!
Let’s lace up your sneakers, tape up those knuckles, head to a meat packing plant to punch some sides of beef, and think about a few things, shall we?
- Are you where you want to be?
- Does your family know you are serious about writing?
- Are you wasting time waiting until you have that extra room cleared out and your writer’s desk set up? Are you waiting until the holidays are over or work settles down or the kids grow up? Are you being non-Rocky-ish?
- Do you make time for your craft and guard that time? Or do you feel guilty for taking time to write, as though writing is a secret, indulgent hobby that you should only do from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. so that you don’t dare deprive anyone else of something THEY might need?\
“No, Kelly, I do not make time for my craft. My family/job/life is too stressed right now. If you knew what a big deal it was for me to commit to ONE MONTH of writing, you’d be awed.”
I hear you. I do. I’ve been there, too. I wrote Z IS FOR MOOSE while working full time, raising two babies, and completing a master’s degree. I had excuses a-plenty. But the thing is, I wanted to write, and I wanted to be published, really, really bad.
So: If you feel yourself putting writing last—due to external or internal pressure, guilt, mixed messages, embarrassment, misconceptions, or whatever—then I would encourage you to think about that. Again, it comes back to: Do you want to be published? Yes? Well, then. How do you think that will happen if you are unwilling to inconvenience anyone else in order to write for a few minutes a day?
No one scoffs at a pianist who practices hours a day. No one rolls their eyes when a doctor-in-training goes to yet another conference. Right?
Writing is a job. It’s a profession. It matters. So take it out of the closet, stop worrying about whether or not it’s selfish, silly, private, or whatever, and just DO IT.
Inspiration will only take you so far. Great ideas will sit in your folder if you only look at them every other Thursday. If you have a desire to be a published writer, then make a commitment. It doesn’t have to be huge. Try ten minutes a day to start. Just stick with those ten minutes a day. Take the energy of this month and keep it going. Take your writing time and guard it, protect it, and utilize it. You deserve it. Making time to write—even if it’s ten minutes a day—is the straightest path to writerly growth, skill, and publication.
[cue Rocky music.]
Now, let’s make magic!
I’ve been invited to share a tip on inspiration. I’d like to talk about one of my favorite exercises that I use for working through hard spots. It’s particularly helpful with the “what do I do with this snippet of an amazing idea?” syndrome.
It is the simple act of Brainstorming. It requires you to relax, open yourself to possibilities, and put aside your inner censor. Sound fun?
I don’t need to tell you where to find inspiration. You see it in your family, your pets, your garden, your daily life. You hear it in conversations between strangers. You read it in the news, see it on TV, or hear it in song. Ideas are everywhere, and once you begin collecting them, you’ll find an abundance. The universe provides. All we have to do is listen.
But what do you DO with those ideas? For me, this is the problem. This is where I often lose the flush of inspiration—when faced with the challenge of bringing those ideas to life. This is where brainstorming comes in.
DIRECTIONS:
- Take your exciting snippet of an idea (a girl encounters a magic zebra, for instance) OR your character (a pink polar bear who feels he does not fit in). Write it down.
- What happens next? Now list at least three ideas for what happens next. Nothing is too silly. Nothing is too dumb. Pull crazy solutions out of thin air. (The polar bear meets a purple penguin who invites him to Rainbow Island.) Write it down. You will create a list of possibilities—some of them a bit unexciting, some of them wonderful, and some in-between.
- When you run dry on “what happens next,” then choose one of your strung-together storylines. Ask yourself, “What is the most expected way to finish this off?” (The bear discovers that it’s okay to be pink, and lives happily on Rainbow Island with all the other multi-colored animals.) Go ahead, write that down. Then ask, “What is something surprising that could happen here?” (The bear eats the penguin and turns purple, which he decides is even worse than pink.) Write that down.
- Look at what you have. You have one predictable path that you have thoughtfully laid out for yourself to avoid. No one is looking for predictable endings, after all. But you’ve also paved the way for more creative, surprising, and interesting developments for your story and character.
Take these varied ideas and begin developing one or two of them in simple thoughts, simple sentences. Just a few sentences, that’s all—no pressure to pound out an entire manuscript. In no time, you will have a whole MENU of magical zebra story possibilities. And that’s all you’re looking for during this exercise: Possibilities.
When the right combination hits you, you will know. You will start tacking on one additional thought after the other, after the other. And from there, you can lift your exercise into a whole separate folder and officially begin poking, shaping, and drafting a full-fledged manuscript.
If that particular phrasing doesn’t work for you, try this:
“My main character is___________, and she wants __________ but the problem is, __________.” Fill in the blanks.
Then below that, write: “How can my main character get what she wants?”
Relax. Brainstorm. Fill in those blanks over and over, in whatever way calls to you. Again—nothing is to be censored or dismissed. When you are done, you should have at least one combination of answers that grabs your imagination and has you to jotting down ideas.
Jotting down ideas leads to more ideas, which leads to stringing actual sentences together. And that leads—to a manuscript!
But we aren’t thinking that far ahead in this exercise. We are just playing. Shadow boxing. Jogging. Training day by day. So play, explore, create IDEAS. We can do that, because we’re open to possibilities, this particular month more than ever. Right?
Besides: we are writers.
So naturally, we write.
Kelly Bingham was a professional storyboard artist, supervisor, and director for Walt Disney Feature Animation for 12 years. She worked on movies such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Tarzan, and Atlantis. She earned her MFA at Vermont College and has been writing full time ever since. She is the author of two novels: SHARK GIRL and FORMERLY SHARK GIRL, and two picture books; Z IS FOR MOOSE, and CIRCLE, SQUARE, MOOSE, both of which are illustrated by Caldecott-award-winning Paul O. Zelinsky, who is super nice and wonderful and you should go check out his website and twitter account right NOW. Z IS FOR MOOSE has been nominated for several state book awards, as has SHARK GIRL. Kelly regularly hums the theme song to “Rocky” while huffing along the treadmill at the gym, and also while tackling sticky plot issues. One of her proudest possessions is a recent photo with “The Naked Cowboy” from New York City. She lives in Georgia with her sons and husband and a passle of deer and bears. Visit her at KellyBinghamBooks.com on Twitter @kellybingham1 and @MooseThatsMe and Facebook Author Kelly Bingham.
Kelly is donating one picture book critique, to be used at any time within the next 12 months.
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
568 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 3, 2014 at 8:08 am
Sue Poduska
Very nice. Lots of thoughts here to help keep me going. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 8:14 am
thestoryladyva
Taking the time to discover the possibilities! That’s what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 8:14 am
Susan Eyerman
Interesting way to address all my stumbling blocks in one good article. Happy writing everyone.
November 3, 2014 at 8:16 am
Hayley B
Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay for ROCKY. He’s a writer–just like us! Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 8:17 am
Pat Blackman
Found this very helpful. Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 8:18 am
ManjuBeth
Kelly, Z IS FOR MOOSE, and CIRCLE, SQUARE, MOOSE look like fun concept picture books. I agree that “inspiration will only take you so far.”
November 3, 2014 at 8:18 am
jodimckay
I really like those fill in the blank sentences. That’s a great way to start the brainstorming process. Thanks!!
November 3, 2014 at 8:22 am
Marla
I’m definitely wasting time. Thanks for the pep talk. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 8:22 am
Andi
I am so number four…thanks for the kick in the tush!
November 3, 2014 at 8:25 am
Magda
Very inspirational. Thank you, Kelly. I’m off to brainstorm immediately! (Queue the Rocky theme song)
November 3, 2014 at 8:26 am
topangamaria
Thanks for the inspirational pep talk, coach!
November 3, 2014 at 8:26 am
Jessica Maria
This post really connected with me – thank you! I have a really hard time justifying writing time amidst the demands of motherhood and my paying job. But you see SO right!
November 3, 2014 at 8:30 am
Lindsey
Really great suggestions! Making time everyday.
November 3, 2014 at 8:30 am
meenooma
Thank you for the hearty breakfast of validation and inspiration this morning! I really needed that.
November 3, 2014 at 8:32 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
Thanks so much for the brainstorming ideas! I will definitely be using these techniques.
November 3, 2014 at 8:33 am
meenooma
Thank you for the hearty breakfast of validation and inspiration! I really needed that.
November 3, 2014 at 8:34 am
Dee Knabb
Love this logical approach to uncovering the unexpected.
November 3, 2014 at 8:35 am
Pat Miller
Knuckles taped, packing plant located on the GPS, I’m off to pound some ideas into shape. Thanks for the great post, Kelly. I’m delighted to see there’s a sequel to Z is for Moose. LOVE that book!
November 3, 2014 at 8:35 am
Andrea
Thank you! Your post inspired me to work on my writing this morning, even though everything around me is falling apart. A few minutes is better than zero minutes.
November 3, 2014 at 8:36 am
pathaap
Such a helpful post – thanks so much Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 8:36 am
Kara Kramer
Wow… This makes me want to get in the writing ring NOW.
November 3, 2014 at 8:37 am
Santiago Casares
Great post on how to expand on snippets of ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 8:39 am
Jane Heitman Healt
Your inspirational tips are great and helpful. At this stage, it’s important to turn off my inner editor and just get the ideas down. Thanks for the encouragement and shaming to keep at it!
November 3, 2014 at 8:41 am
Jenny Seiger
Thank you Kelly for this inspirational post. It is easy to feel guilty and push writing to the side when life gets hectic, especially because getting published can feel like a far fetched dream sometimes. But life will always be busy and dreams will never be reached if you don’t make time for them. Must make time every day…I need to do this! Thanks for the writing exercise idea too!
November 3, 2014 at 8:43 am
Laurie Theurer
Wow! Thank you for these incredibly helpful suggestions. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 8:43 am
Julie
Ouch. I am one among many, but ‘you’re right, ‘you’re right, I know you’re right’. Brainstorming was one of the most helpful things I learned in high school English, yet one of the fewest exercises I do. Very easy to forget frustrations are similar and feel a bit alone in this pursuit.
November 3, 2014 at 8:43 am
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
This post really hit home for me. The ideas are there, but the cultivating them into a story is difficult at times. Thank you! Love this quote: “The universe provides, all we have to do is listen.”
November 3, 2014 at 8:44 am
Andria
Brilliant brainstorming ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 8:45 am
Louann Brown
Coming up with new ideas isn’t a problem for me, but fleshing those ideas out is. SO thank you for your brainstorming tips….I’m printing them out to refer to as I dig in and transform my ideas into manuscripts.
November 3, 2014 at 8:46 am
Sarah T
“Do you make time for your craft and guard that time? Or do you feel guilty for taking time to write, as though writing is a secret, indulgent hobby that you should only do from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. so that you don’t dare deprive anyone else of something THEY might need?” This is so me, and something I really need to work on. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 8:47 am
Lynn A. Davidson
Kelly, I love you! It’s as if you read my blog on Saturday, or my heart’s cry. I’m a poor manager of my time. As a main caregiver of my dad (Alzheimer’s) I’ve been living every other week with him since April 2011 while trying to maintain both his and my own home. Even with lots of help it’s stressful and exhausting while I want so much to write. Obviously, I have to tackle my dream of writing for children more seriously since I’ve been putting it far from the place of reality.
Your post is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
– Lynn A. Davidson
November 3, 2014 at 8:48 am
Kelly Conroy
I thought you were literally talking to me, “Kelly, you have to make time to write.” Thank you for that pep talk.
November 3, 2014 at 8:48 am
cat jones
If only I could get that Rocky music out of my head I’m sure I could write something amazing…
Thanks for a great post with a lot of wise words!
November 3, 2014 at 8:51 am
Jodie
I’ve read a lot of writing advice and this post is seriously one of the best, most motivating pieces I’ve read. Excellent job!
November 3, 2014 at 8:51 am
Susan Halko
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I’ve got the eye of the tiger now. Thank you, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
Emily Lim-Leh
Inspiration with punch, sweat and scenario workouts thrown in. Great practical inspiration. Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
Jennette Mutolo
Thank you for that push Kelly! I’m inspired and even more determined than I was yesterday. Da na na! Da na naaaaa!
November 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
marciecolleen
I ttotally appreciate your marathon analogy, having run the NYC Marathon in 2013. So true. Thanks for the pep talk, Coach.
November 3, 2014 at 8:52 am
Lenora Riegel
Thanks Kelly! Writing is important and deserving of taking it seriously. My brain is storming!
November 3, 2014 at 8:56 am
thelogonauts
Yes! Love the pep talk. 🙂 Can’t wait to carve out some time today to give this one a go – my third graders are starting their own fiction unit today, so I feel like the timing is perfect for us all to be more open to brainstorming. Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:01 am
dorothia
Thank you Kelly. Great information on how to turn an inspiration into a full story.
November 3, 2014 at 9:02 am
Elizabeth Davis
Great Brainstorming technique! Way to knock out my inner critic who tends to shut me down early.
November 3, 2014 at 9:04 am
Frances Brown
Gosh Kelly. I feel a bit sick looking at your amaZing artwork and all you have achieved! Hopefully some of that would rub off on us, quick-sharp! Wonderful ideas. Head down, now… going to work!
November 3, 2014 at 9:04 am
Maria Bostian
Thanks for the brainstorming ideas. I have a new outlook on brainstorming. Now I’m off to go”train!”
November 3, 2014 at 9:07 am
Jeanette Bradley
I’m going to start humming the Rocky theme song to motivate myself. Excellent idea!
November 3, 2014 at 9:09 am
Janet Smart
Great ideas, Kelly. I’m going to start brainstorming!
November 3, 2014 at 9:11 am
apserione
You are awesome, too. From now on I will devote a space of my day to invent new stories
November 3, 2014 at 9:12 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for the inspiration. No more excuses, I’m finding a quiet spot to brainstorm!
November 3, 2014 at 9:14 am
Jodi Moore
Yes, yes, YES to everything you say! Thanks for the reinforcements and the inspiration. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 9:14 am
Alexa Kaufhold
Yay! I’ve been waiting for that athletic-trainer-like post that gets me all fired up again. Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:15 am
Stephanie
Breaking the process down into these manageable steps makes me feel publishing is not a pipe dream. I feel fired up already. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 9:17 am
Christine Michaela Sharpe
Love this author!
November 3, 2014 at 9:18 am
Holly Howley
Wonderful, wonderful inspiration. And, now to those stairs….!
November 3, 2014 at 9:18 am
Susan Cabael
Brainstorming = play,
10 minutes a day.
Got it. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 9:19 am
marcimcadam
Loved the prompt to go with the unexpected–thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:19 am
kroberts24
That was super inspiring! Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:20 am
bevbaird
Fabulous advice. Love the prompt especially. Great giveaway as well! Thanks Kelly.
November 3, 2014 at 9:20 am
mariagianferrari
I’m a HUGE fan of Z is for Moose! It’s hilarious!
Thanks for the concrete examples of how to spin those vague ideas into possible storylines–perfect for the next step after PiBo!
Time to play!
Thanks so much, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:22 am
Donna Black
Thanks for all you said here.
P.S. Even my teenage son loves Z is for Moose.
November 3, 2014 at 9:23 am
Becky P. Hurd
Even though I moved last week, have 3 kids (one who got up to nurse at 4 a.m.) and have mountains of laundry to do, I get up at 6 a.m. and write for an hour. Every day. I am always coming up with book titles or one-liners or book endings, but don’t know where to go from there. Now I have a better idea of how to brainstorm. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 9:23 am
danielle hammelef
You have inspired me to say “I can do this! I have ten minutes for myself!” Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 9:24 am
Chana Stiefel
So funny, Kelly! I’ve been channeling Rocky too! In fact, I played the Rocky theme on iTunes while writing the other day. I even used it as a motif in the MG novel I’m working on (hoping it’s not cliche since most middle schoolers have never heard of Rocky!). Thanks for the inspiration to keep writing. I would add that a good run or walk on a cold autumn day is a great way to get those ideas flowing, especially when you get stuck. (But do NOT drink raw eggs.) “Getting strong nowwww! Gonna flyyyy nowwww!” (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
November 3, 2014 at 9:27 am
Jeanine Potter
It is so great to have a plan! Thank you for breaking down the steps.
November 3, 2014 at 9:27 am
Cindy C.
How true. We definitely allow time for others to physically train (ie marathon) or practice (music). But somehow writing (and sketching) are seen as fluff. This is why PiBoIdMo is so empowering: it connects us to fellow PBIM’ers and we shout, “It’s important, go do it!”
November 3, 2014 at 9:28 am
Michele Prestininzi
Thank you, Kelly. I love the idea of the worst case scenario as well. It leads to so many possibilities.
Also, Tara–thank you so much for my PIBO mug! It’s adorable and perfect for the the tea drinker that I am. What a nice surprise.
November 3, 2014 at 9:29 am
katrinamoorebooks
I loved the positive energy in this post! I am channeling my inner-Rocky now! Thanks, Kelly.
November 3, 2014 at 9:29 am
Debra Daugherty
Super post! I found it inspiring. I decided that even though anything is possible, it is up to me to make it happen. Writing is a priority that needs to be addressed every day, not just when the mood suits me. I’m open to all possibilities.
November 3, 2014 at 9:30 am
Jim Chaize
Great post! I like the short fill in the blank idea starter. And if I want to get published, I have to write consistently. If I want to get published, I have to write consistently. If I want ……….
November 3, 2014 at 9:30 am
jenswan90
Great inspiring post! Now to get to work! 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 9:31 am
Laura Purdie Salas
I love your advice about laying out what’s expected and then avoiding it. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 9:32 am
Lauren Greenberg
I’m opening my freezer to punch a piece of meat right now! Thanks so much for your inspiring post.
November 3, 2014 at 9:33 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
I like the idea of coming up with something surprising…….makes one think a little deeper….you just might come up with a keeper.
November 3, 2014 at 9:34 am
Pam Miller
Inspired! I know that busy people get things done. I have a kitchen calendar with “things to do.” They get done. somehow. Writing is not listed and often gets pushed to the next day. No more.
November 3, 2014 at 9:34 am
Shena Ashcraft
Kelly, this post was exactly what I needed today. I always feel the need to put my writing career in quotation marks, as if my “writing career” is not something for others to take seriously. Thank YOU for the inspiration!
November 3, 2014 at 9:36 am
Joseph Miller
Thanks for the advice!
November 3, 2014 at 9:37 am
Anita Banks
Interesting, thank you for the ideas. I am writing down the fill in the blank suggestion.
November 3, 2014 at 9:39 am
Celeste
It turns out punching frozen chicken really hurts my knuckles! So from now on I vow that for every day that I skip my ten minutes of writing I will punch frozen chicken 10 times thus forcing myself to write in order to avoid the pain.
November 3, 2014 at 9:41 am
Jacqueline
I love the marathon analogy–so true. And I’m looking forward to trying the exercises. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 9:41 am
Christy Mihaly
This is a great pep talk about taking our writing seriously. I’ve been working on this for a few years, and slowly but surely, have learned to feel less sheepish about saying “I’m a writer.” Now I feel mostly lucky to be able to say that! Thanks —
November 3, 2014 at 9:47 am
Heather Hatch
Thank you, Kelly. This is a practical, as well as inspirational, piece I can use today.
November 3, 2014 at 9:41 am
holly
Awesome post!
November 3, 2014 at 9:45 am
Janie Reinart
Humming, jogging in place, and trying to make the magic! Thanks for the “exercise”!
November 3, 2014 at 9:45 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
“When the right combination hits you, you will know.” Yes – so true. You can mess around with lots of ideas, but *bing!* when the strongest, truest one hits you WILL know for certain. Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:48 am
Tina Cho
Great questions you’ve asked of us today. Must be honest with ourselves and our writing. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 9:49 am
Zachary Ratcliffe
Great tips! -Zach Ratcliffe
November 3, 2014 at 9:49 am
Alison Goldberg
Terrific post!
November 3, 2014 at 9:52 am
kateywrites
Lots of great prompts for me today – thanks for the excellent advice!
November 3, 2014 at 9:52 am
kathalsey
Kelly, I love Z IS FOR MOOSE and so does my grandson. I like the concrete suggestions you have given us to flesh out an idea a bi tore w/out getting nuts or stressed. Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 9:52 am
Kathleen
Thank you for the specificity of this brainstorming approach AND the reminder to not take the “expected” path with our story. Very important to remember.
November 3, 2014 at 9:54 am
Joanne Sher
Okay – this is TOTALLY a keeper. EVERY.SINGLE.WORD. THANK you!
November 3, 2014 at 9:54 am
Kathleen
(OOoops…posted from wrong account!)
Thank you for the specificity of this brainstorming approach AND the reminder to not take the “expected” path with our story. Very important to remember.
November 3, 2014 at 9:55 am
gweddle
Thank you Kelly! I will definitely use these brainstorming exercises. Also, thanks for reminding us to make time for writing, make a priority, and don’t feel apologetic about it.
November 3, 2014 at 9:58 am
Kari Allen
Great post! Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 9:59 am
Kari Allen
Great post. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 10:01 am
Pat
Kelly, cool thoughts that offer guiding structure! Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 10:01 am
Jill Edmonds
This is great, thanks!!
November 3, 2014 at 10:02 am
Nathan Arnold
Great tips.
November 3, 2014 at 10:03 am
beckylevine
Great post. Thanks for all the ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 10:07 am
AlenaT
I definitely need to channel rocky. Thanks for the post.
November 3, 2014 at 10:09 am
Deb Dudley
Love this post! Embracing our craft and making it a priority is so important!
November 3, 2014 at 10:12 am
Kelly Campbell
Bless you, Kelly! Midway through reading your article, I found inspiration and started writing. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 10:12 am
Rita Zobayan
Thank you for the marathon analogy. It’s a really useful comparison to keep in mind.
November 3, 2014 at 10:12 am
Alisa Harris-Norico
I love your writing insights and Rocky style training mentality. Thumbs up from a fellow story boarder and animator. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 10:13 am
tphumiruk
Thank you for the very specific steps in how to get going!! I’ll be using that today!
November 3, 2014 at 10:14 am
Nancy Furstinger
Your marathon analogy is so on target!
November 3, 2014 at 10:14 am
FLOWER TRELLIS
Thanks, Kelly. Good advice. I love Moose!
November 3, 2014 at 10:17 am
Jay Polowski
Ok I just used your brainstorming technique and came up with two new ideas. I hear you about giving time for writing and I’m adding drawing.
It’s always on the back burner. Thanks for the pep talk, coach. Now for another run…
November 3, 2014 at 10:20 am
Joyce Tucker
Great words of inspiration that were really needed this morning! Thanks! Going to start some of your suggestions right now!
November 3, 2014 at 10:20 am
dsi1nyu
saving this post. I love the idea of “OK, here’s the predictable path. All nice and neat. Don’t go there!”
November 3, 2014 at 10:23 am
Pj McIlvaine
W is for pink writer who eats a picture book and turns in to a purple penguin.
November 3, 2014 at 10:25 am
Tom Barrett
#3 of the first list was a big one for me. Not anymore. It is amazing what you can accomplish when you start tearing down self-built walls. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 10:25 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Every now and again I print and save one of these posts. Today is one of those nows. Thanks – so helpful!
November 3, 2014 at 10:26 am
lmconnors
Lisa Connors
I am going to print this post out and highlight sections! I needed the ‘kick’ and reminder that writing is my job. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 10:26 am
Karen Lawler
I have run those famous steps and I know the commitment….. BUT the time element for writing just seems tough to justify sometimes. I promise I’ll do my 10 min. per day and once I sit down and start the brainstorming I know my hundreds of ideas will start to come to LIFE !!!!! Thanks for the kick in the butt. I needed that. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 10:27 am
rowenarae
Brilliant post, Kelly! You articulate how to move beyond these common stumbling blocks so well. I’m inspired both to write and to write consistently.
November 3, 2014 at 10:28 am
momslifeponderings
Gonna fly now!
Thanks, Kelly!
Dana Edwards
November 3, 2014 at 10:29 am
Pam Smallcomb
Don’t make me drink a raw egg! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
November 3, 2014 at 10:32 am
Mike Karg
Thanks, Kelly. Writing is a visceral pursuit. Time to ply my little oars of a Hemingwaysian skiff in the raging squall of a brainstorm.
November 3, 2014 at 10:32 am
Sharon Nix Jones
Just 10 minutes a day. I can at least try.
November 3, 2014 at 10:33 am
tanyakonerman
I’m all the time using brainstorming for other areas of my life, but hadn’t even thought to use it on a ms I’m stuck on…duh! Thanks for the reminder!
November 3, 2014 at 10:34 am
Zainab Khan
Thank you for the motivation to write and the great feedback!
November 3, 2014 at 10:35 am
Linda Ford
Love, love, love this blog. I am printing it out and pasting it into my PiBoIdMo journal. Thank you for such practical advise.
November 3, 2014 at 10:36 am
Stephanie Fitzpatrick
This was just what I needed! I became a new mom in June and while working full time was thinking “It’s not possible to make time for my writing.” I guess I “forgot” that other people have gone and are going through the same thing…it’s time I make time for my passion!
November 3, 2014 at 10:36 am
Jessie
Haha, this was hysterical! Also, on a similarly related topic, I was literally reading this post as I sit here in my running shoes with my headband on about to go for a jog! So thanks for pumping me up on both occasions! 😛
November 3, 2014 at 10:37 am
Alison Hertz
Your work at it everyday is a great point. I host Doodle Day and I draw every single day – at least one drawing. My skills have improved and my style is showing itself. I need to take the same attitude about writing – 2 minutes, 5 minutes, ten – one page or two but every day and the stories will grow. Thank you for the post.
November 3, 2014 at 10:40 am
hummingbird13
I enjoyed reading this post and will use your ideas today. Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 10:40 am
Pat
My biggest challenge is coming up with unpredictable endngs. Thanks for giving me some ideas on veering off the path!
November 3, 2014 at 10:40 am
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for this post. It will keep me motivated!
November 3, 2014 at 10:40 am
Lisa Kahn Schnell
My writing and art time–even if it’s just a little bit each day–is what keeps me sane. Thanks for the encouragement, and it’s nice to know I’m in good company!
November 3, 2014 at 10:46 am
Alice Fulgione
I especially liked your idea about stating who the main character is, what he wants and what the problem is. I also want to start listing the events that will occur after I state my story idea.
November 3, 2014 at 10:46 am
storyfairy
The Rocky theme is great music for brainstorming every day! 🙂 -Lily Stejskal
November 3, 2014 at 10:47 am
Tina Hoggatt
Kelly, thank you for this simple listing technique – it’s a great tool to take the ideas further without the pressure of fleshing out a whole story during this month – and beyond. Loving these next steps.
November 3, 2014 at 10:51 am
Linda Tripp
Perfect advice (can’t hear it too often) and inspiration. Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 10:57 am
Elizabeth Parker Garcia
Love these concrete ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 11:00 am
Nicole Popel
Well said!
November 3, 2014 at 11:02 am
Naana Kyereboah
Thank you, Kelly, so poignant! Great brainstorming tips and a reality check on time management.
November 3, 2014 at 11:03 am
aneducationinbooks
Love Kelly’s books!
November 3, 2014 at 11:03 am
McCourt
We are big fans of Z is for Moose in our house. I have to smile because I am in Graduate School, have 4 kids, beginning my practicum, drowning in laundry, and overcommitted with volunteer projects. And yet I really, really want to get my stories out there. I have been using the first list as an excuse not to get to the second – thanks for reminding me that it CAN be done!
November 3, 2014 at 11:04 am
Jennysha Patel
What an inspiring post, and a really useful practical set of directions. I’ve always brainstormed ‘freestyle’ but I really like the added focus you’ve given. Thanks 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 11:08 am
deborahholtwilliams
Taking the loooong view, we only have one decade when our kids are tiny, but we have five or six decades for writing. If young moms don’t find time for wtiting, it’s OK, they’re doing research! We all do the best we can. Thanks for the concrete examples of how to flesh out an idea, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 11:10 am
Sue Heavenrich
awesome post, Kelly! Am scribbling a note to post above my desk that says: If Kelly has time to write, so do I! And I love Z is for Moose – can’t wait to read circle/square…
November 3, 2014 at 11:12 am
Patricia Toht
Consistency makes such a difference, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 11:12 am
jngallaher
I can’t stop thinking about magical zebra ideas! Thanks for the great tips.
November 3, 2014 at 11:13 am
Meghan Daniels
Just read Z is for Moose. So cute! Paul O. Zelinsky was one of my teachers at Highlights. He & Kelly have a lot of fun with Moose.
November 3, 2014 at 11:13 am
Nina Haines
Thanks for the detailed suggestions on turning off your inner censor.
November 3, 2014 at 11:13 am
Sydney O'Neill
The brainstorming tips will be so useful. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 11:18 am
Rita Allmon
I’m off to a sparring match! Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 11:20 am
Sandy Jones
Really enjoyed Z Is for Moose. What a fun way to learn the alphabet!
November 3, 2014 at 11:21 am
cantsing1
How wonderful to share in the process of such a delightfull writer. Both grandson and I LOVE LOVE E your books! Will look for Shark Girl, now.
November 3, 2014 at 11:21 am
Jennifer Sommer
Thanks for the tips. Providing specific exercises like this really helps me find inspiration. I think I’ll give it a whirl!
November 3, 2014 at 11:23 am
Shari Della Penna
Thanks, Kelly. I love your step-by-step method of brainstorming. I saved your post and added BRAINSTORM to my numbered (but not completely filled-in) list of ideas. Thank you, too, Tara for hosting such an inspiring event. I really do feel part of something much bigger than myself!
November 3, 2014 at 11:24 am
Erin Fennell
Thanks for the tips and inspiration!
November 3, 2014 at 11:25 am
Kristen Yakubisin
I’m feeling the Eye of the Tiger! Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 11:26 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
I’m ready to take the plunge and dive head first into the sea of PB writing. Thank you for your inspirational ideas and no excuses policy.
November 3, 2014 at 11:29 am
Mary Worley
The reminder that it isn’t selfish to make the time to do this is especially helpful on Monday when I’m looking at my to-do list for the week. I’ll definitely use the brainstorming steps.
November 3, 2014 at 11:30 am
Stacey Shubitz
This post is so helpful! I’m pinning it & putting it in My Pocket so I can return to it again and again.
What a great prize too! Whoever wins that will be one very lucky person!
November 3, 2014 at 11:31 am
Jill Tadros (@PopTheWall)
What a great post. Useful and doable ideas and great encouragement! Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 11:33 am
Angela De Groot
Right on. If we want it, we can make it happen. Even at 10 minutes a day.
November 3, 2014 at 11:34 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you, Kelly, for a fantastic post which is not only motivating but practical. I’m printing out your exercise to use once I start pinpointing which of my PiBo ideas to start working on.
November 3, 2014 at 11:39 am
Amy Smith
Loved every bit of this. Will be keeping it close. Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 11:39 am
Marty McCormick
Kelly, absolutely terrific post. Exactly what I needed, as it’s moving beyond the idea stage that stumps me every time 🙂 THANKS for all the suggestions. I plan to take them to heart and ‘train’ away. Marty McCormick
November 3, 2014 at 11:40 am
cartwomey
Brilliant post! Very helpful and practical suggestion! Will definitely be trying it out 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 11:41 am
Judy Cox
Very solid advice. Often, the first ending that occurs to you will be the most predictable. You have to make sure your unpredictable ending isn’t so unexpected that it doesn’t make sense, though! It’s a balancing act that takes place in revision.
November 3, 2014 at 11:41 am
zebrakitchens
I Kelly. I love the idea of throwing away the idea of the obvious. Thanks.
I enjoy your books and why not, there’s a zebra in them. It was an honor to meet Paul Zelinsky last year at the Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival. He had so many nice things to say about you when he read your book to the children.
November 3, 2014 at 11:43 am
lindaschueler
Playing and training. Both definitely important. Thanks for the post.
November 3, 2014 at 11:43 am
Dawn
Lacing up my sneakers and taping up my knuckles. Was this written specifically with me in mind? 🙂 Great post! Thanks.
November 3, 2014 at 11:45 am
Nancy Armo
Ready to put your inspiring and practical advise to work.
November 3, 2014 at 11:45 am
laura516
This is JUST what I needed today. Thank you! I always get stuck in the next step after the ideas are in my notebook. And my boys and I LOVE Z is for Moose. Can’t wait to read the sequel.
November 3, 2014 at 11:47 am
Lill Pluta
Aha! This is wonderful, incredibly useful information. I’ve jotted down the list of things to do to come up with possibilities. Thank you so much!
November 3, 2014 at 11:48 am
Amy Houts
Wow, Kelly! I feel energized! Thanks for being my cheerleader today and for the great advice related to, “What if?”
November 3, 2014 at 11:48 am
Alayne Kay Christian
Excellent brainstorming tips, Kelly. Thank you. The basic idea is one thing, but turning it into a full story is another. Your tips will surely help.
November 3, 2014 at 11:49 am
teresarobeson
From now on, my rallying cry will be “if Kelly Bingham can find time in her busy schedule, so can I!” 😉 Thanks for the detailed directions on what to do next with one’s ideas. That is really helpful!
November 3, 2014 at 11:51 am
kimlynnp
Thanks Kelly!! It’s great to hear from a seasoned writer about working towards picture book success. Wonderful encouragement and motivation!!
November 3, 2014 at 11:52 am
Emmeline Hall
Great reminder of how (and why!) to avoid the predictable plot path. Off to revise a manuscript that immediately leapt to mind as having a RIDICULOUSLY predictable ending. Whew–dodging a bullet! Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 11:55 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for this post. Finding the time to write is important. One will never get published if they don’t put in the hard work. I also liked your brainstorming ideas for writing a manuscript. Very helpful.
November 3, 2014 at 11:56 am
Nadine Gamble
Thanks for sharing your process with us, now hopefully, I can unstick my ending in a more creative, unpredictable way!
November 3, 2014 at 11:56 am
Carol Nelson
Outstanding post! Thanks for the inspiration to keep my dream of becoming a published writer alive. No more excuses! The tips for turning ideas into stories were perfect for me. I’ve brainstormed for years, but your process is more focused and will produce better results. Z is for Moose is one of my favorite books– It’s one of my go to books for new parents and kid birthdays. I laugh myself silly each time I read it. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 11:56 am
janiswarren
Thank you, Kelly! This is a boost of strength and affirmation of purpose that comes at an important time for me – Just DO It!
November 3, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Natasha
The Rocky theme rocks! Thanks for all the thoughts and tips.
November 3, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Sian Mole
Fantastic post. Finding time to write is something we all struggle with but without the writing there are no books!
November 3, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the great advice and inspiration, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Dawn Young
Great post! Thank you Kelly 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Aimee Bissonette
I love the analogy to training for a marathon – as crazy as that would be!
November 3, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Margaret Greanias
Wow, great post! I’m feeling inspired and raring to go! Thx also for the great tip on brainstorming the next steps. I can’t wait to use them with my ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Janny J Johnson
I appreciate some of your ideas that are new to me about how to get over some of the slumps I run across in pb writing. And Z is for Moose, the title alone made me laugh!
Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Sandy Powell
Kelly, what a great post! So much advice, information, and encouragement. Thank you! Both training for a marathon and Rocky are a great analogy. It fits perfectly with writing. Thanks again!
November 3, 2014 at 12:28 pm
BLAHM
“…all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.”
Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Lois Peterson
Thanks for your ideas and insights. All very useful and interesting.
November 3, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Dara Dokas
Z is for Moose looks hilarious! In addition to being a children’s writer, I’m a bookseller. I’ll try to get the book for our store. Also, thanks for the great post!
November 3, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Clare Cannon
Love these brainstorming ideas! Thank you so much for sharing! :0)
November 3, 2014 at 12:32 pm
carolmunrojww
I am awesome. Thanks for that! Needed it today. And you are awesome, Kelly, for sharing such a motivational post and step-by-step suggestions to get us past the idea stage.
November 3, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Bonnie
Great pep talk post. I have realized that no one will take me seriously as a writer unless I get serious about it too. I have been guarding my writing time more and more. I also didn’t know how to take snippets of ideas and flush more out of them. Great advice!
November 3, 2014 at 12:35 pm
sketched out
Kelly, thanks for the reminder that commitment can come in small increments if need be. Just commit! All sorts of inspiration in this post! Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Annie B
Saving this for when I’m stuck! Great post!
November 3, 2014 at 12:40 pm
emilie288
Great post!
November 3, 2014 at 12:41 pm
pattywaymedic
Yes, Kelly! So true! Excuses are much easier to come up with than great PB ideas……..not nearly as fun though!
November 3, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Karen Calloway
Thank you Kelly. i can’t wait to start using your brainstorming ideas. It’s already helped to beat back the panicked feeling that I’ll never be able to create 30 ideas.
November 3, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Corey Schwartz
Totally feeling the urge to write about a bear who eats a purple penguin and turns purple now!
November 3, 2014 at 12:53 pm
cravevsworld
A much needed utt-kickingly inspirational post. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 12:54 pm
laurazarrin
I like your idea on how to get to the next level from a good idea to something that could be a story. Thank you!!!
November 3, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Robyn Campbell
Thank you bunches and bunches, Kelly. I make all kinds of excuses. You have PUMPED me up, woman! YEAH! Will keep this post in my special file.
November 3, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Yes, I have to keep stretching my imagination so that I can make a good idea great. Thanks for the post.
November 3, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Kelly. I needed someone to yell at me (again) about guarding my time. So many excuses, so little structure. I am off to brainstorm!
November 3, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Teresa Daffern
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Kelly, your post has spoken volumes to me. I struggle with making that time to write every day and sometimes imagine that no ‘real writer’ would have that issue. But you’ve reminded me that they do. I’ve got the Rocky theme playing in my mind and I’m off to carve out that time…MY writing time.
November 3, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Such timelyness. I have struggled and struggled with this time thing. Lots of ideas squirreled away but never time to act on them. Being recently down-sized, i should have and now need to make the time. It is all about commitment so Let’s all get committed!
November 3, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle)
Great advice! I just summoned my inner Rocky and he is on his way! THANK YOU! Also, thank you so much for the brainstorming tips. It’s a great way to get unstuck and keep things moving.
November 3, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Anna Totten
Solid advice.
November 3, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Julene Kinser
Inspirational and practical–the very best combo for a post! Yo, Kelly! I read your post and got chills.Then I played the Rocky training montage and my chills got chills. Gotta go now and find a side of beef to pummel . . . I mean, a pen and paper. 🙂 🙂 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Bri Davey
Wow! Thanks so much Kelly! I especially love this part: “what do I do with this snippet of an amazing idea?” I completely have this syndrome and am looking forward to trying out your brainstorming ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 1:17 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
I always need to hear this reminder! Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Linda Moore
Well timed message for me! So, family, it’s like this…
November 3, 2014 at 1:20 pm
Diana Murray
Ha ha! I love your variations of that Rainbow Island story. (And we adore Moose around here!)
November 3, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the great reminders! I still struggle with the guilt of taking time for things that focus on me. Now I have to take my November attitude and spread it out all year…
November 3, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Pamela M. Tuck
Kelly, you don’t know how much I needed to read this post today. I’m the mother of 11 children, so you can imagine my “Excuse-Not-Write” List! But it is inspiring to relate it to piano practice, which I have 2 girls doing that. A daughter taking flute lessons and a son and husband who make time for hunting. SO…Mama needs her hobby time too. I also appreciate the Fill in the blank phrase that will help generate some type of plot. Thanks so much for your inspiration and insight. Write ON! – Pamela Tuck
November 3, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Great post. I am inspired
November 3, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Matt Tesoriero
I’m committed to my writing exercises. I’m fit. I’m creative. I’m a writer!
November 3, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Lorraine Donohue Bonzelet
No more ‘secret’ writing! I look forward to Brainstorming and writing everyday. Thanks for great advice!
November 3, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Buffy Silverman
Thanks for the pep talk and inspiration. Going off to punch a side of beef.
November 3, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart
Cue Rocky music… here I go! Thank you for the advice.. I will take time every day to write!
November 3, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Kelly Vavala
Very inspirational…I’m going to get my “Rocky” on!! Da da da! Da da da!! Lol I especially like the fill in the blanks idea! Thanks for sharing your precious time with all of us!
November 3, 2014 at 1:48 pm
SaDonna
So timely. Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Jill Tuckman
Great advice about making the time to write and not feeling guilty about it. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 1:53 pm
bangersnmashdesign
I’m excited to try this exercise. Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Therese Nagi
Kelly you got me inspired to get my manuscript done! Will write everyday for PiBoIdMo and beyond! Thanks for encouraging us.
November 3, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Lisa McManus Lange
Great inspiration! Loved this post – needed it! Thank you so much! Lisa McManus Lange
November 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Kim Chaffee
Kelly, thanks for kick in the pants! I’ve canceled the pity party for today and am getting my write on! I’m even thinking about a character named Adrian 😉
November 3, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Emily Goldstein
Write on!
November 3, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Sharalyn A. Edgeberg
Thanks Kelly! Great advice on the next steps after we have our ideas. VERY PRACTICAL!
November 3, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Rachel H
Woo Hoo! I’m pumped! Thanks for the inspiration. I just picked up your new book at my local library in Spokane, WA the other day, Kelly. Can’t wait to sit down and read it. It’s sure to brighten this rainy Monday we’re having.
November 3, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Priya
Good reminder to work daily on our craft as that is what it will take to get published. I like the trying out possibility. (Priya Gopal)
November 3, 2014 at 2:10 pm
Heidi Yates
Great brainstorming ideas. Thank you Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 2:12 pm
Laura
Thank you very much for the inspiration, Kelly! Let’s rock this PiBoIdMo!
November 3, 2014 at 2:18 pm
laurahawking
Thanks, Kelly, for sharing your powerful message!
November 3, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Beth Blee
Kelly, great post! I’ll be applying your “brainstorming” ideas. I plan to listen more. Thanks for the encouragement. The possibilities are endless.
November 3, 2014 at 2:21 pm
Jeff Faville
A menu of possibilities. That works for me. Thanks for the brainstorming tips!
November 3, 2014 at 2:23 pm
LovableLobo
Now, THAT’S what I call a motivational post! MAKE the time and JUST do it! Thanks for the great tips, Kelly.
November 3, 2014 at 2:24 pm
Julie
Kelly, you’re post was not only inspirational but very helpful! Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 2:24 pm
mkokeefe
Thanks for the inspiration this morning, Kelly! Loved the Rocky video!
November 3, 2014 at 2:27 pm
kirsticall
This is a great reminder of what I really want to be doing!
November 3, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Janet Halfmann
Definitely going to try this inspiration idea. Thanks for sharing.
November 3, 2014 at 2:28 pm
kpbock
Sounds like a great brainstorming technique. I’ll be trying it out today!
November 3, 2014 at 2:29 pm
gabisnyder
I love the idea of identifying the most expected way to end the story in order to avoid it AND a surprising way to end the story to open yourself to more interesting story developments. Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Debra Shumaker
LOVE THIS! I will tap into my inner-Rocky, promise! Thanks for a great post.
November 3, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Gretchen Haertsch
Wonderful post, Kelly. You are so right about writing daily. All those bursts — even if they’re short — really add up. Plus, we stay with our stories. Really motivational!
November 3, 2014 at 2:41 pm
amomnextdoor
Thank you for the reminder to commit to my writing goals, and for the brainstorming ideas.
November 3, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Virginia Law Manning
I loved your practical easy-to-follow instructions! In the past, I felt like I had to wait until another good idea ‘came’ to me to help me flesh out the initial ‘great’ idea. Now I can tackle it head on! Thank you!!!
November 3, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Sally R. Flannery
Z is for The Rocky Theme Song! – Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I have time validation in writing to show my family and friends…kind of like a hall pass.
November 3, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Jill Siegel
Really helpful tips and ideas! Thanks Kelly! 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Maria Oka
Okay, this is EXACTLY the post I needed today! How on earth were you reading my mind? I have been making too many excuses to not write, but I have so many ideas and I want to write them SO badly! So the excuses end today. And I love your brainstorming ideas, sometimes I feel too silly to write everything down, or to let my mind go crazy. That ends today too. Thank you!!
November 3, 2014 at 3:07 pm
Sandy Perlic
LOVED this post. Comes at a perfect time, too. Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Christine M. Irvin
Thanks for the great post!
November 3, 2014 at 3:09 pm
lindamartinandersen
Thanks for encouraging us to hold ourselves accountable and making it fun!
November 3, 2014 at 3:10 pm
Ashley Bohmer
Love this, Kelly.–Let the brainstorming begin! 😀
November 3, 2014 at 3:16 pm
katmaz2012
Great post! Thank you for the tips/assignment, (I printed it out) and the clip for Rocky. I needed to see that today for many reasons:)
November 3, 2014 at 3:20 pm
tanjabauerle
I love the connection to training for a marathon. You are so right about the dedication it takes to make it. It is a journey and during this journey you discover all the things that you don’t know. That is why you have to work on your craft. Thank you for a great post. T
November 3, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
I will be humming the theme from Rocky all day as I revise my dummy. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 3, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Mary Kate
Adorable connections to training and writing. Made me want to brainstorm!
November 3, 2014 at 3:33 pm
Wendy
Yo, you spoke to the heart of this Philly girl! Ready to “knock out” today’s ideas.
November 3, 2014 at 3:36 pm
Sandra Lawson
Thank you so much for the inspiration to “just to it!” I often let too many things get in my way!
November 3, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Juliana Lee
Rocky and I have some work to do…meet you at the top of the steps!
November 3, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you, Kelly, for these great tips for turning an idea into something workable! I used to be a marathon runner, so I totally get your analogy!
November 3, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Lynnor Bontigao
I will play the Rocky Theme song in my head from now on!! I like the idea of finding an expected path to the story, and creating another, but surprising path to the story. It’s usually the surprising path that I find more charming. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 3:50 pm
jdewdropsofink
Thanks for this. I needed to hear it.
November 3, 2014 at 3:59 pm
Cat
Thankyou Kelly. The brainstorming exercise is really useful 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Kelly Russell Jaques
Great post, Kelly, I could really relate!
November 3, 2014 at 4:05 pm
Isabelle Barth
Running a marathon – what a great comparison…. The training bit is the most important…. like walking as a child or learning a new language. Thank
November 3, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Beth Gallagher
Thanks, Kelly, for such a great post for me today! Life’s giving lemons, but I’m squeezing lemonade like crazy and finding ideas/brainstorming all the way. 🙂 I’m grateful for your wonderful inspiration!
November 3, 2014 at 4:10 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
Great tips for day 3!
November 3, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Aimee Isaac
The brainstorming exercise will be so helpful with my endings…the place where my creativity gets a little lost. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 4:11 pm
MJ Marston
Nice technique for fleshing out ideas, thanks for sharing.
November 3, 2014 at 4:16 pm
desirae1987
The brainstorming exercises will definitely be helpful when it comes time to start turning all of my wonderful ideas into stories!
November 3, 2014 at 4:17 pm
kiwiskan
Thanks Kelly. That’s awesome!
November 3, 2014 at 4:23 pm
hethfeth
Yes! I will keep making time for writing, and feel justified. Thanks for the encouragement, and the permission, and for the practical lesson in how to find surprising twists that feel right. By the way, I got interested in the word “passle” from you bio (since I’ve never used it before), and looked it up. Found a little typo; it’s actually spelled “passel”. Glad I learned a new word!
November 3, 2014 at 4:25 pm
Darshana
Love your brainstorming trips. I suffer from writing predictable. Also liked your analogy to training for a marathon will have to remember that one for when I slack off.
November 3, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Gail Buschman
Thanks for the brainstorming idea! I will definitely try this, since I’m stuck on an ending for one of my picture book dummies.
November 3, 2014 at 4:43 pm
kmshelley
Informative and inspiring. Surprising outcome will be me taking time to treat my writing more seriously. Thanks Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 4:46 pm
stephseclecticinterests
Thank you so much for the practical suggestions for getting over the rough patches. Much appreciated!
November 3, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Carol Federoff
I love the fill in the blank to start off brainstorming, mostly I like the “JUST DO IT”! I fight the tendency, often, to forget that though I’m not a published author yet, I’m still a writer and I do deserve to treat it like a REAL JOB! Stop the guilt!
November 3, 2014 at 4:48 pm
amstr
Thanks for the “when you’re stuck” ideas.
November 3, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the concrete steps for developing our ideas. Very helpful!
November 3, 2014 at 5:04 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Your life sounds like mine used to be. Now I can follow my passion.
November 3, 2014 at 5:04 pm
Corey Finkle
I often find that the difficulty of what comes AFTER you write a book translates into writer’s block when it’s time to get started. Thanks for a way to defeat that.
November 3, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Kathy Doherty
I’m off to brainstorm right now! I have a silly idea that needs to be fleshed out. Thank you for the enlightening post.
November 3, 2014 at 5:08 pm
Stacy Couch
Great exercise–and I love the alternate, penguin-surprise ending. Fabulous way to mix it up.
November 3, 2014 at 5:18 pm
julie rowan zoch
I had to laugh out loud when you asked, does your family know you’re SERIOUS about writing! Heck, they’re wondering when I’ll get a ‘sense of humor’ and cook something again! Great post, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 5:19 pm
shiela fuller
Hi Kelly: Thank you for your post today. I especially liked the “directions”.
November 3, 2014 at 5:28 pm
danielledufayet
Thank you for fun and helpful advice!
November 3, 2014 at 5:30 pm
Joanne Roberts
Wow! Your post packs a punch. So much helpful info in one tiny space. Thank-you especially for giving me permission to create books. My family takes me seriously, but do I?
November 3, 2014 at 5:32 pm
Lauri Fortino
Super inspiring, Kelly! Rocky is great but I prefer to listen to You’re the Best from Karate Kid (1984). P.S. Love your Moose books!
November 3, 2014 at 5:39 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Wonderfully inspiring blog! Thank you, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 5:40 pm
jshaklan
Thanks for the inspiration, Kelly! I ran a marathon (one was plenty!) several years ago and I like how you used that as a metaphor for committing to writing — it really hits home!
November 3, 2014 at 5:41 pm
tpierce
Great post, Kelly. Love the hands-on approach to getting the creative juices flowing.
November 3, 2014 at 5:49 pm
Julie Murphy
I found your post particularly inspiring. Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Selena
Wow, really great post! Thanks so much for the kick in the pants and the inspiration.
November 3, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Rachel Krackeler
Thanks so much for the great idea. Fleshing out my ideas is absolutely the hardest part for me!
November 3, 2014 at 6:05 pm
melsul09
Making time is my weak spot. The possibility sentence truly helped me. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 6:05 pm
Nancy Piper Davis
I often find myself putting off writing until I can find the time to do it justice. Thank you for reminding me to make it a priority!!
November 3, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Heather Erquiaga
Thank you for the much needed reminder that we (and our books) are worth the time we spend writing.
November 3, 2014 at 6:12 pm
janejpark
The beginning of the post sounded like me…not able to prioritise my writing within my family life and my family’s needs. The Rocky visuals helped. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 6:13 pm
August Washington
Thank you for the wonderful post. I will use this information to keep my plots from being predictable…then I’ll conquer the world:)
November 3, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Vanessa Harvey
I have been that marathoner. I have rowed on an international stage. I know about training and hard work. I am rubbish at applying that knowledge and discipline to my writing. Thank you for the sport-analogy. Now to sweat words. Thank you for the great post.
November 3, 2014 at 6:25 pm
Katie
So good that you remember Rocky. Now that was determination. Thanks for
the boost in the arm.
November 3, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Lauren Soloy
Awesome, Kelly! Thanks for the inspiration. It’s always a challenge to carve out time at our house. I, personally, tend to forgo the housework, when necessary. At least, until the laundry pile can officially apply for “mountain” status 🙂 It’s so nice to hear, from someone, that I am not being greedy!
November 3, 2014 at 6:37 pm
Julie Campbell
SUPER helpful post, Kelly! I’m going to print this out and keep it handy! Thanks so much!
November 3, 2014 at 6:46 pm
AmeliaGrace Gossman
Fantastic post – definitely keeping a printed copy for my records! Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 6:55 pm
sardyhar
Thank you for the exercise, Kelly. It’s already got my creative juices flowing and I can tell it’s one I’ll return to again and again.
November 3, 2014 at 6:58 pm
erikammon
I love your idea!!! Now to remember it…at least I added it to my favorites folder 🙂 Thanks!!!
November 3, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
Thanks for the structured approach!
November 3, 2014 at 7:10 pm
John Strong
Excellent advice!!! I’m even more charged now. Off to writing… 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 7:14 pm
K.A.Steed
Thanks for the encouragement and writing plan.
November 3, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Susan Schade
I truly love this post! I can’t wait to try the exercise that you suggested. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 7:16 pm
Marcy P.
I love this post! I may even print it out and hang it up. Next to a picture of Rocky 🙂 Really, the connection with the marathon was a powerful point for me… you’re right, I haven’t treated them the same, but it makes sense. So thank you! And the brainstorming exercise is AWESOME!
November 3, 2014 at 7:20 pm
Kelly Bingham
Thank you to everyone for the warm response! I’m go glad you enjoyed my post. More importantly, I am glad that all of you are fired up to write and create and to continue that journey towards publication. You’re all awesome!
November 3, 2014 at 7:22 pm
rmcg14
Thank you for the motivating ideas- I needed that. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Carol Jones
The brainstorming tips are great. They allow us to give ourselves permission to write a bunch of stupid stuff untill one idea clicks.
November 3, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Jessica Harley
Thank you!! This is a great post.
November 3, 2014 at 7:31 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great suggestions, Kelly. And I LOVE Z is for Moose. It’s brilliant! Wishing you continued success.
November 3, 2014 at 7:51 pm
blbachmann
Such a great and motivational post with lots of wonderful tips to get us going! No excuses…I’m brainstorming now! Thanks, Kelly! 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 7:51 pm
Karen Shipman
This is me – every bit of it. I have so many excuses why I don’t write – no time is my favorite. Ten minutes a day – now that I can do! Now to put that into action!
November 3, 2014 at 7:56 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Shadow boxing! I feel that is what I am doing every day. . .waiting for a punch to land. Sketchbook after sketchbook loaded with characters with problems to be solved. But oh my, the solving part seems to be an elusive sparing partner. Thanks for affirming that we can move the story along in bits and pieces, Kelly. Eventually the pearls will become a necklace, right?!
November 3, 2014 at 8:05 pm
Sherry Walz
Great tips, Kelly. Thanks for sharing how you get yourself moving in the right direction.
November 3, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Michelle Cusolito
Great tips. Thank you.
I already set clear goals for what I WILL accomplish in November. Day 3: on target.
November 3, 2014 at 8:23 pm
viviankirkfield
Kelly, when I saw you were the PiBoIdMo guest poster today, I knew I would find a golden nugget. What I didn’t know was that I would find THREE! “You must make time to write consistently”…it so darn easy to get sidetracked with the daily responsibilities of running a home and/or business. “Take your writing out of the closet and just do it!”…how many years did I (and many others) wait to seriously purpose our passion? “Relax, open yourself to possibilities and PUT ASIDE YOUR INNER CENSOR!”…I’ve printed these words out and have hung them on my workspace – they will be my mantra this month as I start Mira Reisberg’s Illustrating Children’s Books class. I’ve never painted or done any art – and I think the most important thing I will have to remember is to heed your words. 😉 Thank you so much…awesome post!
November 3, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Tracy
Kelly, thanks for this ~ not only was it something I needed to see today but I loved the examples and tips. I’ve saved this one for future reference and I agree with Vivian about the gem: “put aside your inner censor” – I’m battling that one big time and I’ve also put off my passion and dreams for too long. Now to get started on those “fill-in-the-blanks” – the brainstorming tips are ones I will use again and again. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 8:40 pm
shirley johnson
This was very helpful. Very good brainstorming tips. Enjoyed the post. Thanks for sharing.
November 3, 2014 at 8:44 pm
pearlz
Reblogged this on Pearlz Dreaming and commented:
Some great ideas for PiBoIdMo coming from the guest bloggers.
November 3, 2014 at 8:44 pm
Laurie L Young
So true. So smart. Still So hard. I am bookmarking this page for daily reference.
November 3, 2014 at 8:47 pm
pearlz
That’s it time to put the Rocky music and other inspiring music on to keep this momentum going. I loved this post, and am going to apply the thinking about my character’s central problem today and the what next, what next, nothing too crazy plotting technique. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
November 3, 2014 at 8:52 pm
Deb Dunn
Kelly, you are so approachable and I really appreciate the specifics you outlined about what to do NEXT with our ideas. Those are super helpful and I can’t wait to try them. Thank you!
November 3, 2014 at 8:54 pm
3011mileswestofvt
I love the tips to think outside the box and the encouragement to keep the momentum going!
November 3, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Debbie Wagenbach
Thanks for the challenging and expert advice, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Derek Trummer
Thanks for the advice and tips. I’m off to write!!!
November 3, 2014 at 8:57 pm
Laura Bellina
I love the idea of not limiting the possilblities. It’s catching the “Rocky” theme is now playing in my head.
November 3, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Jenny Blum
Most down-to-earth and explicit tips for brainstorming I have come across. Thanks Kelly
November 3, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Kaye Baillie
This is a fabulous post, Kelly, thank you. I do get the ‘guilts’ but I’m working on it. Day 3 and I have about 7 ideas, so will use your post to move them along.
November 3, 2014 at 9:23 pm
Beth Consugar
Thanks for the tips and encouragement!
November 3, 2014 at 9:25 pm
Cindy S
This is a very helpful post. Lot’s of great info. Thanks Kelly
November 3, 2014 at 9:30 pm
Cat Clerkin
Thanks Kelly! I am definitely going to try these steps during PiBoIdMo and beyond! Also, I am going to write “Are you being non-Rocky-ish?” on my white board as my daily reminder. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 9:33 pm
rgstones
Channeling Rocky. I’m off to brainstorm. Thanks for the fantastic post! 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Kelly Hochbein
Thank you, Kelly! This is just the kick in the shorts I needed… and great brainstorming tips to boot!
November 3, 2014 at 9:34 pm
Debbie Lubbert
A very helpful and interesting post. Thank you Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 9:36 pm
angelapenadahle
Another reminder I need to get back to “playing.” I’ve been in a frump lately with ideas and one particular manuscript. Thanks for the boost. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 9:42 pm
Donna Rossman
I will definitely cue Rocky music next time I start to feel guilty. This is a great motivational blog post! Thank You 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 9:43 pm
Doris Stone
Fantastic post, Kelly. Thank you for inspiring to write.
November 3, 2014 at 9:44 pm
Carrie O'Neill
Great advice! Now I can’t stop thinking about story ideas that include the Rocky training montage. I need to go write them down!
November 3, 2014 at 9:55 pm
Rebekah Hoeft
So great! Love the inspiration to commit time to writing and to admit that I am a writer! Also love the brainstorming ideas; I am a little weak in the conflict department of my stories…your ideas should help me with that! Thank you!
I gave Z is for Moose to my preschoolers last year. What a great book!
November 3, 2014 at 9:56 pm
bilinguazo
I really like this post because I have just let myself say that I am a writer without fear of what others think. I plan to use all of the tips here, too. Such inspirational blogs to be read thanks to PiBoldMo! Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 10:02 pm
Franziska
Super helpful!
November 3, 2014 at 10:06 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
What a wonderful motivational post. Thanks, Kelly!
November 3, 2014 at 10:10 pm
Cassandra Federman
I LOVE this post! Thank you so much for the useful exercises and the license to just write down anything without judgement!
November 3, 2014 at 10:16 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you Kelly! It is always good to hear what one might already know but it justified my actions! Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 10:21 pm
Hélène Sabourin
Very motivating post. It was needed after spending too many hours working on a new picture for my blog. I thought it would fit in with yesterday’s challenge (experimenting with art) and creating a character
November 3, 2014 at 10:23 pm
KurlGurl
I love the dialogue in Kelly’s piece. I imagine my brain functions in much the same way as hers. Thank you so much.
November 3, 2014 at 10:23 pm
l8k8
Thanks for the encouragement and for the brainstorming exercises.
November 3, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Theresa Love
It’s always refreshing to hear that everyone is just as busy – you’ve just got to write. Thank you! Now, I’m off to write:)
November 3, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Zach Roush
I trained and ran a marathon so I could take it off my bucket list…and it’s funny how I had not thought of “training” for writing like I trained for my book writing. p.s. my students love Z is for Moose 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 10:34 pm
Jenifer Heidorn
This is so true. The first time I said, “No, I’m writing!” was amazing. Thanks for the reminder on what it took to get into the ring.
November 3, 2014 at 10:35 pm
supermario6
I love Z is for Moose! Thanks so much.
November 3, 2014 at 10:37 pm
schriscoe
Awesome inspirational post! Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 10:41 pm
Sue Matzke
We had fun as a family at the dinner table filling in the blanks.
November 3, 2014 at 10:44 pm
Katie Sullivan Peterson
Thanks, Kelly. I love creative prompts like the ones you offered. Gracias!
November 3, 2014 at 10:44 pm
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
Thank you for some great strategies!
November 3, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Linda Baie
Thank you. I love all your books, Kelly, & loved what you said about training for a marathon on on the weekends. Inspiring cheering on, and thanks also for the specific ideas of what to do with the ideas. Helpful!
November 3, 2014 at 10:46 pm
RaChelle Lisiecki
Z is never for “Z-end”! Thank you for your uplifting post. I feel regenerated and almost want to jog around my neighborhood with a grey hoodie. Almost.
Cheers!
November 3, 2014 at 10:49 pm
lexicalcreations
oooh, Brainstorming! My favorite kind of storm. But I also like rain. And snow. And also tornados if they’re not too close… Maybe one out in the middle of nowhere where no one will get hurt…
November 3, 2014 at 10:50 pm
Romelle Broas
Love the tips on generating ideas!
November 3, 2014 at 10:57 pm
Linda Thompson
LOVE your “What’s next?” brainstorming suggestion as well as your fill in the blank template. I also love your permission for me to write guilt-free in a busy home! Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 10:58 pm
SevenAcreSky
I was kneeling at the altar repenting by the end of the first paragraph. You were preaching to me, Kelly, for sure. All points hit home about time management.
Then, I got the gracious bonus of your inspiration advice, which was like hugs and whispers of assurance in the aisle. Thanks for this post.
November 3, 2014 at 11:00 pm
Traci Sorell
Love the inspiring words, Kelly! Thank you.
November 3, 2014 at 11:16 pm
Carrie Finison
I love Kelly’s brainstorming ideas – sort of like sneaking up on a manuscript sideways and before you know it – BAM! – your story is written. Def. going to try this with an idea that I’ve been wrestling with. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you so much for the great directions. I took notes and plan on using these tips when I use my ideas from this month to start a new story. Great post!
November 3, 2014 at 11:26 pm
Sue Frye
Kelly, thanks for reminding me to focus on long time writing goals. It’s safe and easy to just write whatever comes to mind, while chasing some weird character up one hill and down the other, but focusing will eventually make us successful!
November 3, 2014 at 11:29 pm
Mary McClellan
Write it down! How often do I not write something down because I can’t think where I might take it? I like writing down the idea and then tackling the rest with a question and sentence at a time. Helpful ideas. Thanks.
November 3, 2014 at 11:30 pm
Jabeen
You nailed it! I have made too many excuses for too long! Thanks for the pep talk, I really needed it.
November 3, 2014 at 11:33 pm
Vicki Wilke
I want to be published.
I want to be published.
I want to be published….
Wow Kelly – your ideas got me so busy poking my imagination, cutting and pasting in my journal – my muse got such a rush! Thank you!
I want to be published…
November 3, 2014 at 11:41 pm
lbouck09
Thank you for the great ideas! Very inspiring. 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Sue Rankin
This is a GREAT breakdown of the brainstorming process Ms. Bingham, especially the step about writing down the most obvious Next to get it out, and then starting listing twisty and turny nexts.
As for taking writing seriously, the most difficult point is the one about inconveniencing others. For me, that would learning to leave dishes and laundry till an appointed time, or starting the day with it as a sort of reboot (I have trouble working when I know there are dishes in the sink and A waterfall of laundry pouring out of the hamper!).
I would add learning to say no to that list. Social invitations are vital for sanity and inspiration, but in limited quantities. I have to the weigh pros and cons whenever my phone buzzes and it’s a friend wanting to have coffee together or asking me to go shopping with them (“Pleeeease! I need your color sense and eye for detail and design!”). But our time and head space are precious and valuable and we must protect them.
Thanks again for your blog installment. I’m bookmarking this one!
-Sue
November 3, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Love me some brainstorming! Great tips 😀 Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Jarm Del Boccio
Thanks for helping us to expand our picture book ideas with your questions, Kelly. Most helpful!!
November 3, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Yvonne Mes
Thanks for the theme song, Rocky style. Well, got to go, better get to writing 🙂
November 3, 2014 at 11:50 pm
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing
Fantastic Blog entry, how inspiring you are Kelly!!! Many Thanks!!!
November 3, 2014 at 11:56 pm
marlainagray
Thanks for the pep talk and the brainstorming suggestions, Kelly! Going to run up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum now.
Metaphorically speaking, of course.
November 3, 2014 at 11:57 pm
natalie15
This is the perfect post for the beginning of PiBoIdMo because it’s a strategy I can use all month. Thanks!
November 3, 2014 at 11:59 pm
lymartinez
Thank you for the decisiveness and forthrightness in your post! We ARE writers! We WRITE!
November 4, 2014 at 12:03 am
Eric Adler
I love this advice. It’s so easy to make excuses for not writing. I’m doing this instead of writing right now! Thanks for the reminder to keep fighting.
November 4, 2014 at 12:15 am
loriannlevyholm
I like the idea of your fill in the blank sentence paired with “how can my mc get what she wants”. Cool beans. Thank you.
November 4, 2014 at 12:16 am
Joan Kassmann
Thank you for your inspirational post! Small steps with small ideas can grow into something much bigger if we let it down the road.
November 4, 2014 at 12:22 am
Jessie Oliveros
Thanks for the inspiration! Off to go make time to write.
November 4, 2014 at 12:22 am
paddedpup
Such a great idea to help people brain storm!
November 4, 2014 at 12:23 am
Laura Wynkoop
What a GREAT blog post! I’ve been very discouraged lately because I’ve been working so many hours (at least 60-70/week), but this reminded me to reclaim just a few minutes a day to keep working toward my goal of PB publication! Thank you!
November 4, 2014 at 12:34 am
Jamie Deenihan
Kelly, this was such an inspirational and motivational post. I loved your advice about writing down an idea and asking what could come next in order to avoid prefictable paths. Trying to get my family to understand how serious I am about writing has been tricky but oh so important! Thank you!
November 4, 2014 at 12:39 am
Judy Y
Great ideas, perfectly timed to help us make the most of the month ahead. Thanks!
November 4, 2014 at 12:40 am
Anne Neidinger
Thank you for breaking it down, Kelly. Snippets, possibilities and unpredictable paths! And, yes, I’ve been waiting to clean off my desk and throw away piles of files before feeling really ready to write…silly me! I’ll just write on top of the piles! 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 12:42 am
Jenny
I love your advice at the end – Avoid the predictable path! Thanks Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 12:59 am
Diane Hanington
Great article. Coming up with ideas is a good starting point but what to do next is sometimes a stumbling block. Like the use of the question – what does your character want and how will she get it to help develop the story.
November 4, 2014 at 1:08 am
Aunt Alice
Thanks, Kelly.
November 4, 2014 at 1:14 am
mariajcuesta
100% agree. We should pu tours eleva first and stop making excuses. Love the Rocky Spirit 😉
November 4, 2014 at 1:24 am
Rachel Anderson
Thanks Kelly. Your brain storming section broke an ice flow that was holding me back. So easy to implement. Wow.
November 4, 2014 at 1:31 am
Jenna Woloshyn
First of all, Z is for Moose is awesome. Second, I love the practical advice for fleshing out an idea. I seem to be able to create the seed, but getting it to grow is more trouble for me. I will try the suggestions in this post.
November 4, 2014 at 1:33 am
trobinsondaly
This was such a great post, Kelly. I say all the time that just like actors act and runners run, writers write! There is no way to be great at anything without consistently doing it. This was inspiring. Thanks!!!
November 4, 2014 at 1:36 am
girlwrites29
I have been guilty of putting everyone’s needs before my own. Protecting my writing time with a rubber sword. My best stories come when I claim time for me.
November 4, 2014 at 1:57 am
Meridth Gimbel (@Meridth_Gimbel)
“Super inspiring kick in the butt,”I say while humming the tune to Rocky. (Thanks for the post!!)
November 4, 2014 at 2:06 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
I am sooo guilty of the mommy guilt thing! I am going to prioritize my writing and commit to writing something everyday! Your tips on what to do with your brainstormed ideas is perfect for me — I have lots of ideas, but I don’t always know how to turn these into a story. Thanks for a great post!
November 4, 2014 at 2:07 am
klmcmorranmaus
I am going to take your advice and get my BIC for at least 10 minutes a day. Thank you for sharing.
November 4, 2014 at 2:45 am
Kathryn Cunningham
Thanks for your awesome advice!
November 4, 2014 at 3:00 am
Gail Maki Wilson
Great advice! Thanks Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 3:06 am
Maria Marshall
Kelly, thank you for the suggestions and the roadmap. What an awesome gift you just gave us all. Here’s to good ideas!
November 4, 2014 at 3:07 am
eloisefreeman
Love your directions for brainstorming your inspiration idea with what happens next. I’m inspired!
November 4, 2014 at 3:18 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
You would train and train and train, every day, no matter what, in “Rocky”-like montages of rain and snow and stairs and fists pumping in the air. You can do that. You can channel your inner-Rocky and do your victory dance at the top of the staircase of your public library, because YOU have the power of imagination AND the discipline of a dedicated writer!!
ADRIENNE!!! I mean KELLLLEEEEE!— I LOVE this!
November 4, 2014 at 3:23 am
Gloria Amescua
Great advice and I’m taking it. Very inspired and strategies to go forward.
November 4, 2014 at 3:40 am
wendymyersart
Thanks for a great post, Kelly! It’s so easy to give your time a shove when someone needs you. I log too many late hours making up for it. I like your fill in the blank brainstorming idea, like the funnest MadLib ever!
November 4, 2014 at 4:18 am
Jami
Great ideas to get the brain moving! Thanks Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 5:25 am
Margaret Flint Suter
This is wonderful and for me empowering! Especially love the structure! What next!? Thanks!
November 4, 2014 at 7:09 am
sharifagrant
Thanks for the inspiration Kelly! Ideas flow easily for me. Consistently dedicating time is my biggest challenge. #renewedcommittment
November 4, 2014 at 7:38 am
iamccmonroe
Thank you for acknowledging that writing can very much feel like a guilty pleasure! And for validating the time we spend writing, which can feel like we are ignoring our families! I do all the things you described (trying to find the rare instance of a quiet house, using the excuse of not having an office to retreat to etc). PiBoIdMo has forced me to carve out that time come hell or high water and I plan to keep that pattern going! The brainstorming ideas will definitely help with that! Thanks again! Great article!
November 4, 2014 at 7:42 am
Nancy Tupper Ling
Thanks for the inspiration and direction and the Rocky theme now stuck in my head 😊
November 4, 2014 at 7:46 am
Amanda Banks
I can’t wait to try your brainstorming suggestions. Thanks for the ideas!
November 4, 2014 at 7:47 am
theitaliancob
Brilliant advice, especially for me who’s finding it hard this year to come up with ideas, thanks!
November 4, 2014 at 8:19 am
Lisa Rogers
That exercise sounds great! Can’t wait to try it–maybe while I’m training for the marathon!
November 4, 2014 at 8:35 am
Eva Folks
Great suggestions on how to collect ideas and expand on them.
November 4, 2014 at 8:36 am
DianeKHower
Thanks for the inspiration and tips!
November 4, 2014 at 8:42 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for the inspiration! Great post Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 8:50 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Kelly. Perfect post for reminding me why I shouldn’t let time slip away from me as it did yesterday! Will work all the harder not to let that happen going forward.
November 4, 2014 at 9:03 am
Julie Durr
Kelly, thank you. This post was “print it off now” inspiring. It was just what I needed. Thank you!
November 4, 2014 at 9:18 am
Gail Kamer
Thanks for the tips. 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 9:31 am
Joanna
I so believe this, Kelly. Thanks!
November 4, 2014 at 9:31 am
DaNeil
Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 9:35 am
Linda Hofke
thanks for the brainstorming tips
November 4, 2014 at 9:43 am
Donna L Martin
I shadow box daily with my story ideas. Some days I win, some days they do but at least I’m still in the fight…
Great post!
November 4, 2014 at 9:47 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Looking for possibilities (and trying to avoid the predictable outcome!) Great post!
November 4, 2014 at 10:25 am
donnacangelosi
This is such a helpful, inspiring post! Thank you for all the great ideas, Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 10:29 am
oceanis723
Thank you for such a great post!
November 4, 2014 at 10:34 am
Jennifer Kaap
YOU are awesome, Kelly Bingham! Love this inspirational post–time to stop making excuses!!
November 4, 2014 at 10:35 am
saputnam
Great post, Kelly! I never have trouble coming up with ideas it’s fleshing them out that is the problem as I have a hard time making them match what I see in my mind. Thanks for the brainstorming tips, especially on how to avoid predictable outcomes!
Love this quote: “The universe provides, all we have to do is listen.”
November 4, 2014 at 10:38 am
becki
Thank you for the brilliance of your snippets, possibilities, and inspiration… I am feeling all of it! You ARE Rocky, Kelly, perfectly themed into the Mooseness of your life, lol! (oh! perhaps you are too young for the Bullwinkle stretch there…)
November 4, 2014 at 10:40 am
Caroline
This is fantastic. Love the inspiration and love that you shared your brainstorming practice. Thank you! This post will be a great one to pull back out when I need to figure out some options and possibilities.
Love this: “And any “something” has a better chance of becoming a book than a “nothing.””
November 4, 2014 at 10:41 am
Heather Thurmeier
I try to do all my writing while my kids are at school. I call those my “office hours” so I no longer feel guilt for working on a book instead of laundry. 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 10:45 am
Sheila Hausbeck
I love the ideas for furthering the ideas I’ll come up with this month. I’m printing this post. Thanks!
November 4, 2014 at 10:45 am
Christie
I already mentioned how much I appreciate these encouraging words – I needed them – but I didn’t say it in the comment section. I would love an opportunity to win a manuscript critique. Thank you for offering this chance to all of us. 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 10:47 am
Susie
Thanks for this post. I love the idea of the Rocky theme song. I used to play it all the time when I trained for a 15K. I think it’s time to dig it out and use it for writing motivation.
November 4, 2014 at 11:18 am
Kathleen Wilson
Thank you, Kelly! I don’t know how you do it all. You’re amazing. So inspiring. I’ve already printed out your post.
November 4, 2014 at 11:19 am
Sheri Roloff
Great post! Thanks for reminding me to seek out all the possibilities!
November 4, 2014 at 11:47 am
hmmmmm
I love that fill-in-the-blanks sentence (“My main character is___________, and she wants __________ but the problem is, __________.”), though I always seem to back into it through writing rather then muscling my way in up front…
November 4, 2014 at 12:08 pm
mona861
Thanks for this great brainstorm reminder! I hand wrote this in my PiBiIdMo journal so I won’t forget the obvious!!!
November 4, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Deborah Patz
Great inspiration about finding the “better” idea behind the expected outcome.
November 4, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Sadee Schilling
Now I’m going to have “Eye of the Tiger” stuck in my head all day! Great inspiration, Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 12:44 pm
ducks33
Thank you on the specific tips on how to move past a vague theme. I’m printing out the entire post to tape to my monitor!
November 4, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Erin O'Brien
You have no idea how timely this post was for me. Thank you, Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
Wow! This is jam-packed with awesome ideas AND inspiration! Thank you so much, Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 1:21 pm
csschwarz
Great analogy to training for a marathon. And I am going crazy with your ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ exercise! Thank you!
November 4, 2014 at 1:25 pm
MaryAnne Locher
This is a great reminder of a brainstorming exercise I did at a seminar a couple of years ago, and haven’t used since then. : / Perfect timing, Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Jennifer Ali
I thought I was going to be able to write in earnest now one child is in high school and the other in 6th grade, then we adopted a puppy; not an excuse, but now I have to find time during puppy naps!
November 4, 2014 at 2:09 pm
MickiGinsberg
Kelly, thank you for your memorable, inspirational, practical post. I take even even more seriously because you are the author of “Z is for Moose,” one of my all time favorite picture books.
November 4, 2014 at 2:21 pm
Denise Bowman
I wish you could call me every morning and repeat this speech for me! I used to could see myself being published so clearly, but it’s getting harder to see. Thanks for the exercises–very helpful.
November 4, 2014 at 2:29 pm
januaryfae
Kelly – thank you for opening up the possibilities, and reminding us that writing is what we do, so we need to go ahead and do it!
November 4, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Laura J
One can only hope that our ideas will blossom into stories that little one’s will read some day.
November 4, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Claire Vita
Thanks Kelly! Time management, brainstorming plus examining possibilities-all great points. Makes my head explode with ideas!
November 4, 2014 at 3:48 pm
Sheri Rad
Kelly this is very helpful as there are days when writing feels like sneaking away from other things I have to do first. I hope to concentrate and make the many revised and unexciting ideas I have into something wonderful and marketable. Then I will do the harder stuff like contact an agent or editor.
November 4, 2014 at 4:25 pm
Rebecca Colby
Spent part of the morning brainstorming. Thanks for a super post!
November 4, 2014 at 5:10 pm
seschipper
Thanks Kelly! Encouraging words …always welcome!!!!! 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Paula Cohen-Martin
This was such a great post. After a weekend of telling my family I was going to the library to write, then the bookstore to write, I did neither. Meanwhile I hosted a playdate for my son, cooked, cleaned, helped with projects, and watched a movie while my husband went grocery shopping (but HE made time to stop in at the pizza place and watch the football game). AND he was happy to let ME be the one to go out. I was creating obstacles and labeling them as guilt. Well your post was just what I needed. I particularly love the suggestions of where to take our ideas after we’d jotted them down. I’m off to punch out some sides of beef!
November 4, 2014 at 5:18 pm
oyjojo
Thanks for this great post. I have chosen to allow myself to feel guilty about making time to write. I now feel officially inspired to allow a little bit of me time 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 5:24 pm
MaryAnn Clark
Thanks for your inspiring thoughts, especially on Brainstorming! I feel like that is an art unto itself.
November 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
WOW! What a wonderful essay on what to do post – idea!
November 4, 2014 at 6:24 pm
Kim Mounsey
I definitely need to start looking at unpredictable ‘paths’ I could take my ideas in. Thanks for the nudge to do some brainstorming.
November 4, 2014 at 6:29 pm
Audrey Hackett
Very inspiring! Thank you
November 4, 2014 at 6:32 pm
Keila
When creating time one must also not feeling guilty about it. My resolution? Why I’m helping my local economy. Lots of take out and wine! Thanks for the brainstorming ideas.
November 4, 2014 at 6:38 pm
kariail2013
I love the Rocky pep talk and am proud to say I am finally beginning to make that time each day for writing (for about a month) but I need to stick with it over the long haul. I’m very practical so I love your advice about unpredictable possibilities and will definitely use that!
November 4, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Britta Beth Jones
How inspirational! Thank you so much! Just what I needed 😉
November 4, 2014 at 8:04 pm
Dani Duck
This is fantastic! I need to remember this post so I can come back to it later. I love the idea generation here. I think it will help me with a story idea from last year as well as others in the future. Thank you so much!
November 4, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Author Ashley Howland
Catching up today and really glad I did, what a great post! Cheers
November 4, 2014 at 8:32 pm
Lauri Meyers
There’s a lot to love about this post. I love the Rocky references, even if it left me with Eye of the Tiger in my head for 24 hours. I love the brainstorming step-by-step, which I plan to employ instead of making it harder than it has to be by banging my head against the wall. And I love that I actually feel great about my level of commitment to making time for writing. Thank you Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 10:03 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Kelly – My family loves Z is for Moose! It’s amazing when the parents love a book as much as the child. I like your suggestion to write out the predictable ending and then the surprising path.
November 4, 2014 at 10:36 pm
Becky Hohensee
I’m a day late on my comments. Because…you guessed it…I didn’t have TIME yesterday :-). It feels like you wrote this for me. It’s exactly what I was needing to hear about making writing time a priority. I love the analogies you shared about running a marathon and the pianist. Speaks volumes to me. This one is definitely a keeper. Thank you Kelly!
November 4, 2014 at 10:48 pm
Rachelle Sadler
Thank you, Kelly! Thoughts we can all relate to and advice I know I certainly needed! Thanks for sharing and all the best 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 11:11 pm
Mary Zychowicz
I am keeping your post VERY handy when I sit down to write. As a “newbie” to this picture book writing I have had so many of those “snippets” pop into my mind. I feel like I’m an “in the closet” writer. While I’m at the job that pays the bills, I am finding ideas, phrases, rhymes, concepts etc. pop in and out of my head all day and I can’t wait to write them down. But then….what to do with them? This was the perfect “prompt” for me. I will be using this to grow those ideas. Thank you so much for the advice and inspiration. And I’m going to get back on my treadmill tomorrow too!
November 4, 2014 at 11:21 pm
jessica shaw
Great post, Kelly! Thank you so much for this! Excellent 4 points as we head into the freezer to pound some meat. 🙂
November 4, 2014 at 11:34 pm
janetmcd
Thank you for this very specific, helpful advice. And for not making me drink a raw egg.
November 4, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Marge Gower
Fill in the blanks template looks interesting. Thanks for the help.
November 4, 2014 at 11:47 pm
imartypoet
Kelly, I love the Rocky analogy with the sound track and montage! Trying harder! Thank you for the authentic portrayal of all that we convince ourselves we must do before writing (and illustrating). You inspire me to dive in everyday from this day forward even if for a short time. To take myself seriously and to begin to brainstorm, in earnest, with the ideas that remain just ideas if looked at every other Thursday. Thank you for being a guest blogger and for offering a participant a critique.
November 4, 2014 at 11:47 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Kelly: And you are awesome, too! There are no acceptable excuses for not reading, writing and creating every day. I must keep in mind the value of time management as I balance what I want to do and what I need to do each day. Thank you for the brainstorming ideas and exercises. ~Suzy Leopold
November 5, 2014 at 12:43 am
jhayslett
So much here, Kelly. I’m bookmarking for frequent referral — and inspiration! Thanks.
November 5, 2014 at 1:28 am
Cecilia Clark
I always forget about brainstorming, it is such a fabulous idea expander. Thanks for reminding me of it and yes writing is a REAL job. Thank you Kelly.
November 5, 2014 at 7:43 am
Sheri Dillard
Great advice! Thanks, Kelly! 🙂
November 5, 2014 at 8:59 am
Peyton Leung
Thanks for the “shot in the arm”, Kelly. Time to commit to some serious idea writing!
And Tara, you’re like Mick – teaching new ways fight for what we believe in.
Eye of the tiger is going to be my idea spark of the day 🙂
November 5, 2014 at 9:02 am
Joan Waites
Love the brainstorming activity! It’s now written at the top of my notebook of ideas for this month’s challenge.
November 5, 2014 at 9:12 am
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
I appreciate the analytical approach to cultivating these wonderful snippets of ideas. Thanks for both an inspiring and practical post, Kelly. I’m ready to get to work!
November 5, 2014 at 10:28 am
Mishka Jaeger
Absolutely! And of drawing too. Great advice about getting serious. If we don’t take ourselves seriously as artists, certainly nobody else is going to!
November 5, 2014 at 10:37 am
A. G. Tan
This was an incredibly helpful post for me. Thank you so much. And I love your Z is for Moose book.I could not keep this on the shelf at our children’s library!
November 5, 2014 at 10:49 am
Donna L. Sadd
This post really got me fired up, thank you Kelly! I get stuck in the same place, so I’ll try your technique today! :0)
November 5, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Holly Ruppel
This is such a helpful, inspiring post. Thanks for opening my eyes to the possibilities, Kelly!
November 5, 2014 at 2:10 pm
Suzanne Kaufman
great post thanks !!!
November 5, 2014 at 2:11 pm
QuinnC
Step by step checklist is perfect for novice and experienced writers! Thank you! It is going into my favorite advice notebook right now.
November 5, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Lori Dubbin
Thanks, Kelly, you helped me see what making time to write should be like: stretching my imagination, brainstorming and writing down ideas, and having it be guilt-free! Z is for pushing aside the ZILLIONS of things that keep me from writing and being OK with that.
November 5, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Hannah Holt
“I wrote Z IS FOR MOOSE while working full time, raising two babies, and completing a master’s degree.” <–Wow! Go you! Alright, I'm ready to fire up that Rocky music. Let's do this thing!
November 5, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Aidan Cassie
I think I don’t count things as ‘story ideas’ unless it has a great ending in place, but I rarely get there in one day. I’m going to let go of the idea it needs to be wholly resolved… 80% of a story can still be an awesome IDEA, thanks!
November 5, 2014 at 4:17 pm
sallymatheny
Thanks for the encouragement, Kelly. The Naked Cowboy thing in the bio scares me, but other than that I enjoyed reading your post!
November 5, 2014 at 4:25 pm
Jennifer Huls
I love Z Is For Moose . Thank you for your pep talk – I am reminded that “by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail”
November 5, 2014 at 4:45 pm
mbeaversillustration
Thanks so much for your comments about what to DO with all our snippets of ideas (which is mostly what I collect during PiBoIdMo). I’m definitely going to be putting these suggestions into action!
November 5, 2014 at 9:14 pm
Jessica
I love these suggestions!
November 5, 2014 at 10:35 pm
Nat Keller
Some great ideas to focus on brainstorming- thanks Kelly!
November 5, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Cate Berry
Z is for Moose kind of changed my life as a picture book writer. Well it changed my outlook. Seriously great post. Many thanks to you.
November 6, 2014 at 3:51 am
Kira Kia Fruit Nims
Ready, set, lets do this!
November 6, 2014 at 9:23 am
alikotanko
This post has come at just the right time for me. I am running to my notebook jotting down ideas all day, but when I sit down to turn them into real ideas I draw a blank. I plan on trying out your ideas today. Thank you!
November 6, 2014 at 10:11 am
aliciaminor
Yes, more tips and suggestions and I will try yours too. Thanks for sharing. Another book to look for in the library- Z is for Moose.
November 6, 2014 at 10:36 am
Sita Singh
Thanks for the excellent tips Kelly! Those four brainstorming directions made their way to the pin board on my desk:)
November 6, 2014 at 11:05 am
colleenrkosinski
Great post!
November 6, 2014 at 11:07 am
Linda Norman-Lyman
Thanks for your suggestions on how to develop ideas that we don’t know how to develop past the idea stage.
November 6, 2014 at 11:38 am
Cindy Williams Schrauben
This is JUST what I needed today, Kelly. Thanks so much. 🙂
November 6, 2014 at 1:48 pm
claireannette1
My main character is__me, and she wants _to get published but the problem is, she procrastinates.” Fill in the blanks – by writing!
Thanks for the great suggestions!
November 6, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Kerrie
Haha! Ditto.
November 6, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Tracy
Oh wow, I could have written that – too priceless. 😀 Glad to know I’m not the only one.
November 6, 2014 at 1:57 pm
Erin Nowak
Thanks so much Kelly. I’ve already put these exercises into practice and they are breaking me out the same old cycle of ideas. Its fun to experiment with the wackier side of things!
November 6, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Shel LeDrew
“Save As….(holy crap this is great)”…..
And Print.
Shel LeDrew
November 6, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Kerrie
This has been the most helpful post so far! Thank you!
November 6, 2014 at 8:44 pm
Karen A
“When you sit down to write, you will write something. And any “something” has a better chance of becoming a book than a “nothing.”
This really hit me 🙂 So if you’ll excuse me, I am going to go write “something”. 🙂
November 6, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Pia Garneau
Thanks for the concrete brainstorming technique! Will try that. Thanks for a wonderful post.
November 6, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Tarryn Lean (@TarrynLean)
Great brainstorming ideas, thank you. I know I will be using them next time I am faced with a predictable ending dilemma.
November 6, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Zach Roush
Love reading “Z is for Moose” to my students 🙂
November 7, 2014 at 3:35 am
Pauline Johnson
Great advice. Inspiring!
November 7, 2014 at 11:54 am
SMHS
Excellent post. I’ll be reading this one several times for inspiration to keep at it!
November 7, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Laurie J. Edwards
So true about making time for writing. I hear so many people say they want to be writers, but then follow up with the excuse that they have no time.
November 7, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Charlotte
…and now back to my snack of daily writing! Thanks for the reminder about brainstorming without self- censorship!
November 7, 2014 at 3:24 pm
Rebecca
Thank you! Very helpful
November 7, 2014 at 6:27 pm
Janelle Youngstrom
This is my favorite way to brainstorm! I’m excited to get started on this exercise. Thanks so much for the visual of doing a Rocky fist pump at the top of my city library stairs. It made my day and will be my new mental motivation at the beginning of every writing session.
November 7, 2014 at 10:34 pm
angelapadron
Thank you so much for this post – very inspiring!
November 8, 2014 at 12:36 am
bitsykemper
Love the “rule out the predictable” challenge! Thanks Kelly!
November 8, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the brainstorming exercise! And the reminder to never be satisfied with your first idea.
November 8, 2014 at 4:33 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
It does matter. It always helps to hear that again. Making the time is important and it can be easy to lose sight of that. Thank you for the timely reminder.
November 8, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Alberto Martín - NiñoCactus
It was a really master-class. Thank you very much! The best tip: play with the ideas.
November 9, 2014 at 9:39 am
dianneyoung65
Thanks for the inspirational post. Go Rocky!
November 10, 2014 at 12:59 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks so much for your inspirational post, Kelly! I’m off to brainstorm some more ideas. 🙂
November 10, 2014 at 9:34 am
Valarie giogas
Great thoughts. Thx for the perfect timing.
November 10, 2014 at 4:08 pm
kirsten percival
‘Any “something” has a better chance of becoming a book than a “nothing.”’ I’ve just lovingly copied this into the inside cover of my PiBoIdMo ideas journal! In silver marker pen!
November 10, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Karen Brueggeman
Love the brainstorming ideas. Thanks so much
November 10, 2014 at 10:27 pm
Megan Freeman
Thanks, Kelly!
November 11, 2014 at 9:05 am
Cathy Breisacher
I love the running analogy…comparing training for a marathon with how we approach our writing. Gave me something to think about. Thank you!
November 11, 2014 at 12:09 pm
City Sights for Kids
Thank you for this great brainstorming exercise. I am eager to explore some of my PiBoIdMo ideas using this exercise to open up the possibilities!
November 11, 2014 at 9:21 pm
gasamie
This is something I can really use (a practical exercise!). Thank you! I also relate to life being too busy to write. This is the first real time I’ve carved out for myself to write in a long, long time.
November 12, 2014 at 11:13 am
Lindsay Bonilla
Thank you SO much for this! It was just what I needed. As a mom to a 7 month old son, I often find myself wishing I had more time to write (and more time in general!) But your practical tips about just getting writing, one sentence at a time, are going to help me so much! As well as asking others for the time I need to develop my craft! Thanks again! I LOVE “Z is for Moose” and can’t wait to share it with my son!
November 12, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Christine Kornylak
I love the concept of idea generation as “Play”. Sometimes, when we approach things too seriously, we hinder our own creativity.
November 12, 2014 at 10:39 pm
writeknit
Thanks for reminding me it is ok to take time to do what I love doing – writing.
November 13, 2014 at 1:30 am
writersideup
“Hey, Butkus! Come on, boy! It’s dawn and we’re joggin'” 😉 Thanks, Kelly!
November 14, 2014 at 11:08 am
Kelly Parker
I can really relate to this. It is amazingly hard to just sit and dedicate time to writing without feeling guilty for spending so much time on something that other people perceive as “a hobby”. This is something REAL and deserves time, just like anything else. I have started jotting little notes here and there into my phone as they come up, that has really helped.
November 15, 2014 at 10:51 am
DaNeil
Boy did I need this post! I have been feeling guilty for taking time for my writing and therefore I haven’t dedicated myself to it. No more! It is not selfish to carve out some time for myself to commit to my craft, dreams, and goals. Thank you.
November 16, 2014 at 4:03 pm
bucherwurm65
Thank you so much for the writing exercise! I will do it again and again!
November 16, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Anna Levin
Thank you so much for this post Kelly! You make many great points. I do find that finding time to write consistently is a big challenge but once it’s done, a whole world of creativity opes up!
November 22, 2014 at 10:16 am
Betsy Devany
Wonderful writing exercise! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Kelly!
November 25, 2014 at 3:26 am
lisakwillard
Kelly, Thanks for sharing your brainstorming techniques!
November 25, 2014 at 9:16 pm
Rick Starkey
Great post. The only way to make it is to make time to make it.
November 26, 2014 at 3:08 am
Jessica @ Play Trains!
What practical advice for exploring a picture book idea. I can’t wait to try it!
November 28, 2014 at 11:10 pm
LL
Playfully simple. Like a good book 😉
November 29, 2014 at 11:52 pm
majanecka
Wonderful inspiration for us all.
November 30, 2014 at 10:00 am
Brook Gideon
Thank you for the motivation to write and the excellent tools with which to do it effortlessly.
November 30, 2014 at 11:39 am
Kimberly Cowger
Wow! This was soooooo helpful that I’m going to print this off to help me get through 12 x 12! Thank you for this post!
November 30, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Rosie Pova
Great practical advice! Thank you.
November 30, 2014 at 9:05 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Just wrote out my annual goals for 2015 and made sure to include writing time. Thanks for the push!
November 30, 2014 at 9:56 pm
bookseedstudio
Dear Kelly,
Especially important on this last day of dear PiBoIDMo is pushing on with the momentum, so thanks for that. Reading the comments your article inspired, such as the writer with 11 (yes, eleven) kiddos to care for has set me on fire. Brava to Pamela T & you. ~ j a n annino
December 1, 2014 at 12:17 am
Colleen Kelley
This is like two posts in one! Thanks so much for this supportive reality check and helpful tools.
December 1, 2014 at 12:58 am
Jason Perkins
I’m putting eye of the tiger on during my next writing session. Great read.
December 1, 2014 at 5:30 am
Andrea J Loney
I like your ideas on how to add an unexpected twist. Thanks!
December 3, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Brian Humek
I totally agree that we should keep our PiBoMo momentum up. I need to turn it this month to submissions. Enough already with the ‘no submissions’ months. I’ve had too many of those.
December 4, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Amelia Shearer
This post was a MUCH needed kick in the butt. 🙂
December 5, 2014 at 2:30 am
angelcat2014
I am open to the possibilities that making time will offer me. I love the idea that ‘something has a better chance of becoming a book than a ‘nothing.’
January 12, 2015 at 1:37 am
PiBoldMo Day #3: Possibilities | Creative Thought
[…] Kelly Bingham’s blog post talks about carving out time to write, protecting that time, and how to bring ideas to life. […]
November 3, 2015 at 11:45 am
Cassie Bentley
Thank you Kelly for sharing your writing process and inspiration.
November 11, 2015 at 5:55 am
A couple of days into PiBoIdMo, SkADaMo and Picture Book Month | Noble Illustrations Process and Musings
[…] Kelly Bingham who has shared some great tips on stringing those pearls together (analogy mine) into a fine necklace. As she mentions, going from main character idea into creating a problem, then solving it is a difficult step for everyone, herself included. I felt encouraged that adding an idea here and there over time will eventually lead to a finished story. Is it the one? Will it make the leap to Dummy Book, then submission? Maybe, maybe not. But working everyday, which I am pleased to say I have been doing all year, is the key to that happening. […]
December 22, 2016 at 11:01 am
Okay…What’s Next? | EMU's Debuts
[…] Kelly Bingham on developing an idea. […]