My picture books are nearly all the product of a love affair with words. I listen and they bring me ideas:
THE RING BEAR was born when my sister told me that her five year-old caused a ruckus at a wedding after she whispered to him that the ring bearer was about to come out. He heard it wrong. And panicked.
CHEESE LOUISE! was born after I heard someone say that “everyone has holes,” meaning “no one’s perfect.” Which lead me to wonder whether Swiss Cheeses mind having lots of problems.
NED LOSES HIS HEAD is about a boy who…loses his head. (Mom told me I’d lose mine if it wasn’t attached.)
7 ATE 9 was born after my five year-old told me the old joke: “Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ate 9!” And I had to ask why. (It’s just a joke, Dad!)
THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED is about a saw who isn’t, well, the sharpest tool in the shed. Until he is.
But idioms, misunderstandings, jokes, and silly expressions generate ideas, not stories. How do we get from one to the other? A great idea, while exciting, can actually be paralyzing, so it’s helpful to understand the distinction between a simple and a fertile premise.
Idea: A story about a slice of Swiss who doesn’t like having holes.
Problem: There are an infinite number of possible story paths.
Let’s pause for a moment to discuss structure. I believe that understanding traditional story structure is wise. And so does screenwriting guru, Robert McKee:
And so remember this from school?
You know: set up/complications/climax/resolution. It helps. A lot. But this helps even more…
Because…
And watch this…
Linking (one way or another) the incident that sets your protagonist off on his/her quest for change to the climax of the story creates a powerful effect. Ideally, this effect:
So back to this:
Now let’s adjust.
A fertile premise requires an Inciting Incident, which means we need to determine what causes our cheese to dislike her holes. There are many possibilities of course, but the choices are manageable. (Decision: she gets teased.)
And our knowledge of structure tells us that, one way or another, in the climax, she must use her holes to “save the day.” (Decision: she uses them to outwit the one-eyed cat in the kitchen.)
The traditional structure imposed limits that guided these choices, but these limits were helpful:
If this feels formulaic during your drafting…hang in there. You are yet to internalize the traditional structure. Once it’s instinctual this isn’t something you consciously consider as you write. Yet it’s nearly always detectible in the final product, even if it has been creatively altered. (For example, Cheese Louise! employs two superimposed story arcs.)
Keep in mind that the subject matter of your story is not original (sorry). What should be original is the specific way you package and present it. Here is Mr. McKee to the rescue one more time:
I’m hoping that the story of coming to believe one’s flaws can be one’s strengths has never been told in the context of refrigerator life. Similarly, that blending families can be fraught with misunderstandings has never been conveyed via a story about a boy who intentionally turns himself into a bear to wreck his mother’s wedding.
Can one reject traditional story structure entirely and still produce a successful story? Of course, though in my opinion doing so pretty much guarantees a limited audience. Unless you hold the trump card.
Not that one.
This one:
If you are hilarious, no one cares what happens in your story. But guess what the hardest thing to do in writing is?
PiBoIdMo is a gift because the more ideas you can muster the better. You never know which one will be the one that blooms.
Good luck!
David Michael Slater is an acclaimed author of books for children, teens, and adults. His work for children includes the picture books Cheese Louise!, Flour Girl, The Boy & the Book and the on-going teen series, Forbidden Books, which is being developed for film by a former producer of The Lion King. David’s work for adults includes the hilarious comic-drama, Fun & Games, which was included on Steven Spielberg’s start-up magazine, Heeb’s, Best Books of the Year list. David teaches in Reno, Nevada, where he lives with his wife and son.
You can learn more about David and his work at DavidMichaelSlater.com.
David is giving away one of two prizes, your choice:
- either a free Skype session for a classroom/group
- or a picture book critique.
Leave a comment below to enter. One comment per person, please.
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!
465 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 5, 2015 at 10:52 am
hmmmmm
Thanks Michael. Perfectly timed post. I’ve been awash in ideas but feeling at a loss for next steps…
November 5, 2015 at 10:54 am
Kimberly Piddington
Feel like I’ve been to workshop. Thanks for all the great advice.
November 5, 2015 at 10:55 am
Akire Bubar
Great post! This will really come in handy when I start to flesh out some of my ideas. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 10:56 am
Beth Gallagher
After waking up with a dead idea generator, THIS is the inspiration I needed! Thanks for delivering at the perfect moment. 😀
November 5, 2015 at 10:57 am
Laura K. Zimmermann
Great advice…thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 10:57 am
Stephen S. Martin
I have been struggling with this for ages. Plenty of ideas but where to go. Interesting scenes or incidents, but not a story. Great advise and reminder to go back to the basics. Thanx.
November 5, 2015 at 10:58 am
Rebecca Colby
I’ve got loads of ideas that are just that–ideas. Thank you for a very timely post that should help me develop a few of them into proper stories.
November 5, 2015 at 10:59 am
Kara
“Keep in mind that the subject matter of your story is not original (sorry). What should be original is the specific way you package and present it.”
I love this advice. It’s so true. We just need to remember it. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 10:59 am
Polly Renner
Love the new ideas! Kids are a great inspiration always:)
November 5, 2015 at 10:59 am
writerjodimoore
“What should be original is the specific way you package and present it.” Yes, yes, YES! Thanks for sharing your thought processes, and for the inspiration, David. 🙂 Hugs!
November 5, 2015 at 11:00 am
vickireinhardt2014
What a great post! I wish someone would publish a writing book with more visuals and charts like you have shared here, since I tend to pick up more visually than reading words with no pictures. I love your titles, too. You are very clever indeed!
November 5, 2015 at 11:01 am
slowpony
Thank you for this post! It is very helpful!
November 5, 2015 at 11:01 am
Gregory E Bray
What a great article. Now I need to go through my finished stories again.
November 5, 2015 at 11:02 am
shiela fuller
I feel like I’m in good company here. I thought I was alone in generating good ideas but at a loss for execution. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 11:02 am
Bonnie Adamson
Wow. This is useful. Lights-switching-on, massively useful. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 11:03 am
Deborah Bernard
Thank you for this. Good stuff.
November 5, 2015 at 11:04 am
Midge Smith
Great article!
November 5, 2015 at 11:04 am
Kerrie
This was extremely helpful. Thank you! (Things we know, but forget. Is there a hashtag for that? #TWKBF?)
November 5, 2015 at 11:04 am
Tina L. Wheeler
This post may have just saved me. I can write, but I work best when I have a basic format to follow. Which is why I struggle when I write fiction. I LOVE this so very much! It was just what I needed!!
November 5, 2015 at 11:05 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
I appreciate your humor and formulas.
November 5, 2015 at 11:07 am
Cinzia
Fabulous post! I love the thoughtful structure and the direct acknowledgement that we’re all packagers. Bravo.
November 5, 2015 at 11:07 am
Leslie Santamaria (@LSSantamaria)
Finally! McKee in words and pictures I can understand. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 11:08 am
michaelwaynebooks
I love Robert McKee. Great to see his advice broken down for PBs.
November 5, 2015 at 11:08 am
mermaidrain
I love puns and jokes! Time to start thinking of some ideas with those!
November 5, 2015 at 11:09 am
Sue Poduska
What a ton of information! Did you need a forklift to upload this? Thanks so much for the inspiration.
November 5, 2015 at 11:11 am
kateywrites
Bookmarking this one for reference! Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 11:11 am
Brianna Zamborsky
Very interesting. And luckily kids are an endless source for these language mix-ups. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 11:12 am
writeknit
Thanks for the advice and tips.
November 5, 2015 at 11:12 am
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
I love this post! I enjoy learning languages and how idioms can be misunderstood by someone unfamiliar with a language. These are great ideas for how one of those misunderstandings can be turned into a story.
November 5, 2015 at 11:14 am
Priya
I’ve been rejecting it for a long time but I believe it’s about time that I start working this way. I’ve got ideas but I don’t always know hot to turn them into good stories. This will probably help.
November 5, 2015 at 11:14 am
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for this fantastically helpful post. Your insight into the creation of a PB that’s unique even if it really isn’t was very informative.
November 5, 2015 at 11:15 am
Bethanny Parker
Wow. I feel like I just took a writing class–a really good one. The images you used helped a lot.
November 5, 2015 at 11:17 am
Jan Peck
Hilarious! Love your word plays!
November 5, 2015 at 11:18 am
Pauline Tso
Thanks, David, for the good advice – love that horse!
November 5, 2015 at 11:18 am
Leanne Shirtliffe
“A great idea, while exciting, can actually be paralyzing” -> Yes. Thanks for breaking it down for us. I’m bookmarking this.
November 5, 2015 at 11:19 am
Ann Kelley
Going back to the basics – plot, inciting incident, climax comes at a time that I needed it! Hopefully I can get back on track. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 11:19 am
Alison Goldberg
Great post! Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 11:20 am
ManjuBeth
Thank you for introducing me to your PBs and sharing your process!
November 5, 2015 at 11:21 am
Suzanne Poulter Harris
Great advice. It helps to be reminded to turn your characters’ flaws into strengths.
November 5, 2015 at 11:22 am
katrinamoorebooks
Loved this post! Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 11:22 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
Coming up with ideas has always been spotty. Sometimes I go through a dry spell, sometimes the ideas come fast. Thanks to your outline of Cheese Louise, that next step became clearer. Ask – what causes cheese to not like her holes. It seems like a logical next step, but has often been my stumbling block. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 11:24 am
deborahholtwilliams
Love following your thought process. Thanks for sharing it with us! Reminds me of when I told my daughter to behave, and she’d holler “I’m bein’ have!”
November 5, 2015 at 11:46 am
David Michael Slater
“I’m bein’ have!” Welll, that just made my day 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 11:24 am
Lori Alexander
Getting from ideas to full fledged stories…that’s the trick! Thanks for the great advice, Michael.
November 5, 2015 at 11:25 am
Chris Regier (@cmregier)
Thank you so much for this. I sat and let the comment “Stories that last are stories that move us; stories that move us are about change” sink in for awhile. Wow!
November 5, 2015 at 11:26 am
yetteejo
I think words make the best idea. Idioms are fun but only when you understand them. Picture books really help there.
Thanks for the reminder that ideas can start with just one word.
November 5, 2015 at 11:27 am
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing
David, what you shared with us was fantastic! Thanks for the succinct kernels of a PB story. I read it twice through and will want to come back again and again. Universal stories told in our own way, what a gem, many thanks! Can’t wait to dive into your broad range of books. And thanks Tara for sharing this great writer with us!
November 5, 2015 at 11:27 am
Angela Verges
I love how you come up with your story ideas…by listening. Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 11:29 am
danielledufayet
Another great post! I love your fun titles and ideas. Your simple formula is inspiring today!
November 5, 2015 at 11:30 am
Deborah Allmand
What a wonderful gift. Such inspiring words!
November 5, 2015 at 11:30 am
mariagianferrari
Love these clever titles, David! Looking forward to reading your books :)!
November 5, 2015 at 11:30 am
Lisa Black
Great!
November 5, 2015 at 11:31 am
Stephanie Padgett
Your story ideas sound hilarious. Thank you
November 5, 2015 at 11:31 am
Andrea Mack
Thanks for the inspiration!
November 5, 2015 at 11:32 am
Kate Harold
Great “back to the basics” guidance. Thanks so much!
November 5, 2015 at 11:32 am
Brandt Woods
That was an awesome post and I have always been in agreement with his viewpoint on the structure of stories. You need to know the basics of structure before you can start breaking it.
November 5, 2015 at 11:33 am
Jessica Burnam
Hi David, reading your post was like sitting in an uplifting college course. Your words make sense on several levels. A friend gave up writing picture book manuscripts because it’s “formulaic”… I wish she were participating in these 30 days with me. I love the insert about stories being “universal” and “eternal”. When they’re good, they’re that good!
November 5, 2015 at 11:34 am
susandilldetwiler
This is a brilliantly clear description! Thank you; it was fun to read.
November 5, 2015 at 11:34 am
Joan Waites
Great advice for taking an idea from something you see or hear and turning it into a story that makes sense. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 11:36 am
Christie Allred (@ChristieAllred)
You made me laugh out loud this morning. Thanks. I needed that 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 11:36 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Wow. Great info. I must get out my book of idiots…..oops, idioms.
November 5, 2015 at 11:38 am
Robyn Campbell
Shhh, I’m listening. 🙂 Fabulous post, David. 🙂 I must order your books. I love hilarious and horses. Thank you, thank, you.
November 5, 2015 at 11:38 am
Natasha Wing
Well, shit! I sent around a manuscript about a Ring Bear years ago and now there’s a book. That’s the deal with this business. You think you’ve got something unique and someone else beats you to the finish line. Congrats! Book looks cute.
November 5, 2015 at 11:39 am
Kathy Grupe
Fabulous, fabulous post! So many good ideas in here. Thanks, David.
November 5, 2015 at 11:42 am
triciacandy
Thanks, David!
November 5, 2015 at 11:42 am
leprechaun5770
Thanks, David, this is great advice.
November 5, 2015 at 11:42 am
ajschildrensbooks
This is an incredibly helpful post! I will return to it again and again. Thank you, David!
November 5, 2015 at 11:43 am
Katelyn Aronson
Thank you David, for walking us through the structure of story. I hope that it will indeed come more and more naturally to me in time. Until then, your article was a great help.
November 5, 2015 at 11:45 am
Jessica Nims
I love this! Very interesting. And, it sparked an idea. So, even better.
November 5, 2015 at 11:46 am
tanjabauerle
Not only is your post very helpful, it is written in such a visual way that it drove your point home in an even clearer way. Thank you so much for a great way to start the day. T.
November 5, 2015 at 11:47 am
mrsbulls2ndgrade
This was very helpful!
November 5, 2015 at 11:48 am
Monique
Thank you Michael. It has been an issue to turn some of my ideas into stories. Now I have new insight on what I should do.
November 5, 2015 at 11:50 am
JenFW
I like your style! Wordplay is what triggers most of my pb ideas, too.
November 5, 2015 at 11:51 am
Colleen Paeff
Thanks, David. Super helpful! 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 11:52 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love this post, as I love reading about story structure.
November 5, 2015 at 11:53 am
sherry
It’s easy to start thinking that a PB doesn’t need to have a plot. It just has to be cute. So thank you for showing the elements of a good story.
November 5, 2015 at 11:54 am
Doris Stone
Thank you, David, for the fun and insightful post. I’m looking forward to reading your books.
November 5, 2015 at 11:54 am
Indie Book Gal (@Indiebookgal)
Michael, I’ll be examining all my stories thanks to you! I’ll be heading over to my local B&N – they gotta stock your books – those titles are a blast & those illustrations too!
November 5, 2015 at 11:55 am
Brook Gideon (@brookgideon)
Great advice! Thank you! Structure must be remembered and also the point on originality.
November 5, 2015 at 11:57 am
kathalsey
I have never seen story structure explained so simply but so well. Printing this one. TY, David.
November 5, 2015 at 11:58 am
Brenda Huante
Wow. That’s a lot to think about. Thank you for your suggestions.
Brenda Huante
November 5, 2015 at 11:59 am
Joan Swanson
Thanks for showing a great way to formulate a picture book from concept to finish!
November 5, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Christine Rodenbour
So helpful! The diagrams and breaking it down with Cheese Louise as the example really clarified some things for me.
November 5, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Lee Walker-Brockman
Thank you so much for sharing, David! Great advice. 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Ashley Pierson
Hi David, thank you for such an inspiring and clever post. Your creativity is evident. I loved hearing about the ‘background’ planning process. Thanks again for your insight.
November 5, 2015 at 12:02 pm
JEN Garrett
Great way to do it… think about the packaging.
November 5, 2015 at 12:02 pm
ptnozell
Thank you, David, for sharing how to progress from idea to a well-crafted story. I look forward to reading yours.
November 5, 2015 at 12:06 pm
transego
This was just want I needed after a dull Adobe Connect work meeting! I loved this post!
November 5, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Santiago Casares
That’s the thing, isn’t it? How to take an idea and make a story out of it…
November 5, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Juliana Lee
Love the differentiation between Rules and Principles. It opens the door to ‘yes… but, what if…’ ideas, which are exactly the basis of all my favorite picture books!
November 5, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Donna Carey
I like this. This is the way I think too. I love to listen and watch and then let my imagination shine.
November 5, 2015 at 12:12 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Well said, David. We miss you here in Oregon!
November 5, 2015 at 12:14 pm
barringtondesign
Thank You!
November 5, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Jane Hawkins
David, I just started Harvey Lost His Head but guess it will go in the trash 😢 Thanks for great tips and especially the outlined examples.
November 5, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Mark A. Bentz
Thank you David, love the titles! Looking forward to reading them.
November 5, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Carole Calladine
Thanks for sharing what makes a story a story, David. Great lesson to read and reread.
November 5, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Debbie Austin
Thank you for your post, David! This is one I’m going to want to reread an internalize. Your trump card joke was hilarious–both pictures!
November 5, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed)
Very practical advice from an author with a great sense of humor. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Rosalind Malin
This still groggy brain loved the visuals. Went through the eyeballs right to my wake-up! and pay-attention! center.
November 5, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Kelly Rice (@ricek0)
This is great advice — I love your fun plays on words as ideas, then some instruction on how to expand ideas into stories with a drive and personality. The narrative arc element is a great tool. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 12:20 pm
Caren Cantrell
Wow – a lot to consider here. Definitely need to read more than once. Love the inspiration around children’s jokes.
November 5, 2015 at 12:21 pm
joypainter
David, this is a great post. It turned on a light for me letting me see a little clearer what I have been missing! Thanks for sharing your knowledge of writing with us.
November 5, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Pj McIlvaine
My kids are an endless source of inspiration. And now my grandkids.
November 5, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Kathy Doherty
What a meaty post! Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, David. This was a helpful post for me as idiomatic titles often pop into my head, and I need to remember that those ideas must have a story arc to transform them from merely clever into a real story. (Now I have your 7 Ate 9 and soon Tara’s 7 Ate 9 to read!)
November 5, 2015 at 12:24 pm
alexiamandoni
Great advice for turning our ideas into stories. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Rebecca L. Snyder
Wow. Your detailed outline along with illustrations was like a mini-picture book course. Thanks for this most helpful post!
November 5, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Barbara Cairns
Thank you, David for a very helpful post. Love your titles!
November 5, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Alice Fulgione
Thanks, David! I loved reading about where you got your super ideas.
November 5, 2015 at 12:38 pm
sarabayles
This post was very thoughtful. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 12:41 pm
lisa patten
wow! Food for thought! Thank you David. Ears and eyes – always on the lookout – but that’s just the start! My son liked your number joke too!
November 5, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Pamela_Berkman
Very concrete and helpful! I’ve been struggling to figure out how to apply the Syd Field/Robert McKee ideas to something as distilled as a picture book. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Laura Mulvey
Thanks for the morning entertainment and great advice!
November 5, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Christine
Great post, David! Thanks for the concrete suggestions.
November 5, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Kimberly Marcus
First off, thank you so much for being so clear. And for giving me what I needed when I needed it. I’m going to print this out and post it on my wall.
November 5, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Marti Johns
That’s always the hardest part – taking the idea spark and actually creating a true story with it. Thanks for all the great advice, David! I plan on following a lot of it with my PiBoIdMo ideas.
November 5, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Stephanie Dreyer
Such a great post! I just came up with 10 ideas inspired by your words and books. What wonderful inspiration – I am listening to words in a whole new way!!! Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Lori Dubbin
Thank you so much for visually breaking down how to go from idea to unique story structure for that idea. You’ve created an aha moment for me.
November 5, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Lynne Marie
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this post, David! Much appreciated!
November 5, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Marty McCormick
Taking notes like crazy this morning! Such a helpful post. Thank you, David, for all the insights and advice and wisdom!!!
November 5, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Jill
Giving away a Skype session is very generous! Thanks for the great advice on taking an idea and making it a story.
November 5, 2015 at 12:53 pm
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Thank you, David. I am always struggling with plot. I loved the trump card! It’s good to look at the other end of the horse, so to speak. I have a story concept that I will definitely use this plotting structure for to see if it can jumpstart the story I want most to tell. If I am fortunate enough to get your prize I will be inviting you to my critique group via Skype so you can us through David Michael Slater’s plot boot camp!
November 5, 2015 at 12:53 pm
F. G. M. Kalavritinos
I really appreciated the plot graphics–something to guide me. Thanks David!
November 5, 2015 at 12:54 pm
childrensbooksonadime
I can’t believe the title Cheese Louise is already taken!!! Thanks for the post- it’s nice to have something substantive and not so strictly inspirational.
November 5, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Viva Tomlin
I have been using screenwriting principles and approaches for two novels I have had in nearly done but not stage for too long, with great success. I never thought to apply the same to my nearly done but not, picture books ! Thank you! I hope I get the skype to share with some writer friends! We and our children/grandchildren all love your books which are repeatedly presents for yet another child to discover!
November 5, 2015 at 12:56 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Why is a seemingly simple process always so hard? Thanks for giving us a path to get started!
November 5, 2015 at 12:56 pm
Jeanine Potter Lovell
Thank you for the in depth tip. soo helpful!
November 5, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Jill Richards Proctor
Such great advice! Thank you, David. Love your idea generator for some of your humorous books!
November 5, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Kelly BennettK
Thanks for this! Insightful and fun!
November 5, 2015 at 1:03 pm
rupalimulge
What a great depiction! Thank you for sharing that process! It’s always a difficulty to formulate what next after having an idea!
November 5, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Carinn Michele
Great advice. Thanks David!
November 5, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Rebecca G. Aguilar
Super post on simple v. fertile premises, David! Aspiring NF writers like me use several different structures to present informational text… but recognizing more and more how STORY engages readers. So many true stories to write!
November 5, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Amanda Smith
Thank you for taking us back to the basics in a unique and helpful way.
November 5, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Kristin Baird Rattini
Thanks so much for this valuable reminder to not just look for ideas but to listen for them as well!
November 5, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Annelouise
David Slater, Thank you so very much! I truly appreciate your post.
November 5, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Janice Milusich
Thanks David, You’ve given me a lot to think about!
November 5, 2015 at 1:15 pm
pathaap
Wow! Wonderful, informative post. Thanks for taking us through the process, David! Love the titles of your stories. Will have to pick some up!
November 5, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Dana Murphy
This may be the most valuable PiBoIdMo post I’ve read yet! This really gave me such insight into plot structure. Thank you so much for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Ali Earle Pichardo
Thank you David for giving us a look into how some of your story ideas came to be. I look forward to reading your stories!
November 5, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Gabi Snyder
Great advice here! I love the idea of using idioms, misunderstanding, etc. to generate ideas. And thanks for discussing how to move from an idea to a fertile premise.
November 5, 2015 at 1:21 pm
Gracie Idzal
Great post! The way you speak about plot structure and making ideas original in the way they are presented and packaged is very helpful. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Jennifer Larson
So ideas can really turn in to stories with enough elbow grease, of course. Loved the post and look forward to reading the books, especially Cheese Louise and Sharpest Tool in the Shed. 😃
November 5, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Thank you, David, for this inspiring post. I need to listen more closely to what is being said around and about me-LOL Some of those comments have been doozies 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Pam Miller
Thanks for the laugh (Trump card) and the great advice to expand my manuscript and make it IMPOSSIBLE and INEVITABLE.
November 5, 2015 at 1:27 pm
mkcolling
I like the presentation.
November 5, 2015 at 1:29 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
I love the term “fertile premise!” Thanks for reinforcing the soil and seed, David!
November 5, 2015 at 1:31 pm
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews
Nice posting, and a clear look at story structure with a unique view. Learned a lot, thanks. I would love to have you Skype my new school library friends.
November 5, 2015 at 1:36 pm
lindaschueler
Thanks for walking us through a simple premise to a fertile premise.
November 5, 2015 at 1:37 pm
Holly Ruppel
Great advice, David! Thanks for your tips on taking a simple premise to the next level!
November 5, 2015 at 1:37 pm
rgstones
Thanks for a great post!
November 5, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Kathleen Higgins
My young son once said (a long time ago, he’s 31 now), “Mom, can you please turn the dark off” meaning could I “please turn on the light”. Both are technicaly right but from different perpectives. I’m woking on that idea.
You have given me vein of gold to mine, Thanks, David
November 5, 2015 at 1:47 pm
Marileta Robinson
On the hunt of the fertile premise–thanks for the good tips.
November 5, 2015 at 1:50 pm
katmaz2012
Wow! There is a lot of good information in this post. Thank you. I will be rereading it several times to apply.
November 5, 2015 at 1:52 pm
Kathleen Higgins
Thanks for giving me a vein of gold to mine, the baby book pages of things thing my kids said when they were little!
November 5, 2015 at 1:55 pm
kmajor2013
David,
Thanks for the great suggestions on story idea generation. BTW, can someone send me the fourth PiBoIdMo email. My copy got deleted by a ghoul. Thanks Ken
November 5, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Teresa Robeson
Okay, so: be funny or use traditional structure. Got it! 😀 Thanks for a nice analysis and summary of what we can and should do to produce a winning story!
November 5, 2015 at 2:03 pm
LovableLobo
Thanks for reminding us of the rules, David. Love your word play.
November 5, 2015 at 2:06 pm
David Michael Slater
I’m so pleased this post is proving helpful! This information is part of one of my workshop/presentations, but this seems like a much better way to share with many more folks. –Dms
November 5, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Bruna De Luca
Great post. I especially love knowing where ideas came from…and where the led!
November 5, 2015 at 2:08 pm
marlainagray
HAHAHA Trump card. Thanks for the advice and the laugh, David!
November 5, 2015 at 2:10 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the great post! I like the structure summery.
November 5, 2015 at 2:12 pm
Sylvia Liu
Love how wordplay gave you your ideas. thanks for the post!
November 5, 2015 at 2:16 pm
olsenkristen38
David, Listening for ideas and being in touch with one’s surroundings is key! My latest story was inspired by a load of laundry with all mismatched socks! I could really use your workshop! Best,
Kristen Olsen
November 5, 2015 at 2:23 pm
David Michael Slater
That worked for me too 🙂 http://davidmichaelslater.com/jock-spock/
November 5, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh boy can I relate to having words speak to me. I’m always keeping my ears and eyes open for plays on words – they’ve been some of my best story sparkers. Thank you, David, for a very helpful post and for sharing Robert McKee’s excellent quotes!
November 5, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Donna L Martin
This post really made me think about how I approach my picture book writing. Thanks, David, for sharing your writerly wisdom with us!
November 5, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Val McCammon
What a thought-provoking series of progressive structure realities and challenges. Thank you David!
November 5, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Linda Carpenter
David,
Great visuals and great reminder of the appropriate flow. This train got off the track but going to get back on…
Many thanks for a great post!
November 5, 2015 at 2:23 pm
M. Lauritano
Nice to see someone starting to dig in to the work of creating a story! I have been thinking a lot about story structure (helping to edit a friend’s middle grade book) and how it properly fits into a picture book. It’s interesting how there are a lot of great children’s books, not necessarily funny ones, that don’t employ traditional structure. When it is there, I often find that the climax occurs later in the story than your typical diagram shows (is this just because there are less loose ends to tie up in a simpler, shorter format?).
Writing my own material, I sometimes feel like adhering to the narrative arc can make things seem melodramatic. I guess it’s just like you said, it works better for some stories than for others.
November 5, 2015 at 2:41 pm
David Michael Slater
Hi M – In my reading, I honestly don’t see many stories totally devoid of traditional structure that I consider satisfying (that aren’t really funny). I never say never in writing, though. And I’m not sure what diagrams you mean; the climax by definition needs to come near the end of the story, any story. Though, yes, in novels there are often loose ends to tie up. Better not be too many though or you risk losing the reader. And, finally, if adhering to structure seems to create melodrama, I’d argue that has less to do with structure than the story inhabiting it. That said, forcing a rigid structure on a story that wants to breathe a bit might cause it to seem formulaic, which in turn might lead to melodrama. I sometimes liken this process to committing athletic moves to muscle memory. Going through prescribed motions (say, racket back, turn feet, swing through, etc.) feels terribly self-conscious, but once it’s committed to muscle memory, there’s no thought involved, and futher, players start to get creative with their play. –Dms
November 5, 2015 at 5:03 pm
M. Lauritano
The classic book without traditional structure that first pops into my head is Goodnight Moon. Being an illustrator, I’ve always been a fan of books that are excuses for a series of great images, like The Mysteries of Harris Burdick or Flotsam (the latter has a very slight arc). Non-fiction books can of course have an arc, but often they don’t, and they can still be really entertaining! Then, of course, there are experiential type narratives, like One Morning in Maine, which I’d argue doesn’t have much in the way of rising action or a climax, but it’s just lovely.
November 5, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Pascale M.
Love your approach, David. Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Chana Stiefel
Great post David! I once tweeted every gem I found in Robert McKee’s STORY, and he tweeted me to keep going! Amazing how the best PBs are 400-word novels. Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Kari Benjamin
Good reminders about story structure.
November 5, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Pia Garneau
Excellent post! Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 2:30 pm
chrisynthia
This was exactly what I needed today. Filled with ideas that stuck right there. You motivated me to move them along…thanks
November 5, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Andrea Wang
I hadn’t heard of the Principle of Creative Limitation before — thank you for defining it and showing me how limitations can be helpful!
November 5, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Jamie LB Deenihan
Informative and inspiring post David! Thank you and congrats on all your success.
November 5, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Love, love, love these titles. Terrific post. Thanks for this one.
November 5, 2015 at 2:38 pm
baublekat
This is such an informative post. I am enlightened by so many of the things you said. How simple yet how complex your ideas are. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
November 5, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Michele Blood
Flat, flippin’ fantastic!
November 5, 2015 at 2:40 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Now I know too much about your picture books and will have to read them.
Such clever titles, I’m a little jealous and a lot impressed. Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you. Great advice.
November 5, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Jessalyn King (@jessalynk)
This was a really great post! Just the advice was nice, and then you went into specifics and examples and theory, which was even better and even more useful!
November 5, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Keila Dawson
This post is packed with great info. Helped me turn an idea inside out. The creative juices overfloweth! Thanks.
November 5, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Traci Bold
Ah, the braying horse got to me. 😀 And you are so right about comedy being the hardest to write. Great lesson David. Thank you. 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 2:51 pm
mollywog2015
Thank you for such a informative post! Very helpful.
November 5, 2015 at 2:54 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
You definitely gave me some things to mull over. Thanks for the tips!
November 5, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Anjali Amit
So much to learn from your article. Thanks
November 5, 2015 at 3:02 pm
billiesgirl
Love the play on words! Reminds me of an old joke about the kids who went to church and learned about “Gladly, the cross eyed bear”…haha
Thanks for your tips!
November 5, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Linda Hofke
I love word play and enjoyed this post. AND it gave me a new idea. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 3:05 pm
yangmommy
Before I had a chance to read today’s blog, I wrote down my daily idea which began with…a cliché! I won’t “spill the beans” on which cliché, other than I think it’s a good one! Thanks for your post!!
November 5, 2015 at 3:08 pm
gretchengeser
Yes, great advice. Thanks so much! I just sent a Kindle sample of McKee’s book to myself.
November 5, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Elizabeth Brown
I loved this post and your great advice! Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Rebecca Wise Eklund
Thanks for the lesson on plot! “Impossible and inevitable!” And my ears are open to ideas! Thanks, thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 3:18 pm
lscheuer
Fabulous post!
November 5, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, David — much food for thought!
November 5, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Diane Asyre
So, if a nonsense story is about change then the nonsense is meaningful. I like that. Something more to mull over for a few days or more.
November 5, 2015 at 3:30 pm
David Michael Slater
🙂 http://www.amazon.com/Book-Nonsense-Forbidden-Books/dp/1943549109/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
November 5, 2015 at 3:24 pm
Sheila Lynch-Afryl
Great advice. Thank you. And I’m going to read all your books because I’m fascinated.
November 5, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Janet Halfmann
Lots of great tips to ponder. Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Karen Brueggeman
Wonderful words of wisdom and loved all your illustrations to emphasize your point. Thank-you. Also love your books. 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 3:29 pm
jessicaevans915
Thanks David! I also love words and wordplay. These are good reminders to go with!
November 5, 2015 at 3:31 pm
Colleen Post
Helpful – one to keep looking back to for guidance. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you, David! This one is a keeper, for sure. I appreciate how the clever illustrations, as well as your wonderful books, make your point.
November 5, 2015 at 3:40 pm
rythmicrhyme
Thanks for walking us through the maze of: starting with a love affair with words, moving on to find a problem, creating a fertile premise, utilizing story structure (a quest in which challenge and change occurs), and creating a resolution where both the impossible and inevitable occur.
I so want this process to flow in my thinking and writing!
Can’t wait to read your books.
November 5, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Matt Tesoriero
Inciting incident. Inciting incident. Inciting incident. Keep saying it and the story arc will unfold!! Thanks David!
November 5, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Chad Wonsik
Great post!
November 5, 2015 at 3:56 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
This thought provoking and clever post has so much to offer. Thank you for encouraging me to not limit my creativity, David.
~Suzy Leopold
November 5, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Mardi
Thank you for such wonderful advice – right when I need it!
November 5, 2015 at 4:06 pm
tpierce
Awesome breakdown, David. And I loved the Robert McKee quotes 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 4:13 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I love this post. When my stories are called “slight” it’s usually because they aren’t starting with a fertile premise. That’s tough for me. I never knew what it was called, but now I do and I need to be more aware of it…
November 5, 2015 at 4:16 pm
Maria Bostian
David, Thanks for a great post and for pushing us to write “stories that last!”
November 5, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Melissa
Thanks David! So many great bits in this, especially this: “The best stories strike one as both impossible and inevitable”! Love that! ❤
November 5, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Dawn Young
Thank you David.
November 5, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Kevin Klein
Wonderfully instructive, David. Many thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 4:25 pm
Amy Houts
Thank you! All the graphics helped me understand. Your books look like fun!
November 5, 2015 at 4:31 pm
Lois Wickstrom
You must be one of the lucky ones who can get away with puns. When I try, people don’t get it, or don’t think they’re funny.
November 5, 2015 at 4:32 pm
lindamartinandersen
Going to read this one again and again! Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 4:36 pm
Cela Love
Thank you for this post! It’s inspiring and funny! 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Katie Engen
Pun-derfully delicious.
November 5, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Teresa Daffern
Thanks for the great post. So true – the stories we remember are the ones where great change and growth has taken place, with the character(s) and ourselves.
November 5, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Jennifer Weingardt
Thank you for pointing out the importance of linking the inciting incident to the climax of the story. It really helped me understand how to make a story more powerful.
November 5, 2015 at 4:44 pm
kpbock
Thanks for the fabulous advice!
November 5, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Heather Linford
This is GREAT! Thank you for drawing the bridges, filling in some lines, showing us where to place the shadow and the light… I’m pinning this one!
November 5, 2015 at 4:45 pm
Joan Marie Arbogast
David, thanks for demonstrating how you took simple ideas and developed them into humorous books. It’s apparent you enjoy the process. Even your “slide” presentation is laced with humor! 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 4:51 pm
tinawissner
Hoping to find what causes my cheese to dislike my holes.
November 5, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Lisa Connors
Lisa Connors Wow! Lot’s to think about for my new ideas. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 5:04 pm
Stacey Han
Holy (holey?) moly this was great advice, David! I admit I had to put on my thinking cap and read it twice (maybe thrice…) to really take in the wisdom, but the information is incredibly useful and applicable to my works in progress. I’m a huge fan of Robert McKee, and I had read his book, Story, before I dove into PB writing – it’s very applicable. Great to see his sage words resurface. Thank you so much for a fantastic post!
November 5, 2015 at 5:06 pm
Hannah Jones
Thanks for this post, David! This simple advice (seemingly simple…) helped jog me past some writers blog this morning! A great post.
November 5, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Michelle Mapp
Thanks for the great insight.
November 5, 2015 at 5:11 pm
authordeb
Before even opening today’s post, I had jotted down an idiom as my idea of the day. This was the perfect post to help me explore how to turn that idea into a story. Thanks, David!
November 5, 2015 at 5:11 pm
Barbara Carney
David, thanks for such a concise summary of some of Robert McKee’s points. Very helpful!
November 5, 2015 at 5:14 pm
Mary Worley
Great info on story structure. I found the reminder about rules/principles very helpful. I do find it restricting sometimes, but it is getting easier.
November 5, 2015 at 5:14 pm
Darlene
Good solid information for a writer! Thanks David
November 5, 2015 at 5:30 pm
Valarie
Oh, how I love this post. I have a bunch of ideas, but getting them into a story isn’t coming as easily. Thanks for the timely post!
November 5, 2015 at 5:34 pm
Sharlin Craig
Thanks for reminding us that stories that last are the stories that move us. So true! And thanks for the tips for coming up with great ideas but sticking with a structure that works!
November 5, 2015 at 5:35 pm
supermario6
Great advice. Universally true, and packaged in a unique way!
November 5, 2015 at 5:36 pm
gweddle
WOW! Very helpful post. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Debra Shumaker
Love, love, LOVE this post! Thank you so much for your insight!
November 5, 2015 at 5:57 pm
thduggie
Awesome trump cards!
November 5, 2015 at 5:59 pm
mkresk
I’m excited about my oodles of ideas trickling up but have been struggling with developing them into full-fledged stories. This helps a lot. Thanks. Also, I love playing with words, too, and was recently introduced to your books at a kidlit writing workshop. Fun stuff. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Li'vee Rehfield
I get this:
A great idea, while exciting, can actually be paralyzing, so it’s helpful to understand the distinction between a simple and a fertile premise.
This has been an eye opener for me and I am very thankful for this most helpful post.
November 5, 2015 at 6:07 pm
Cassie Bentley
Thank you for the inspiration and insight into taking idioms and playing them into a story.
November 5, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Kaye Baillie
Great way to show where ideas come from. Love that poor little cheese slice.
November 5, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Christine Connolly
Great guidance – wonderful reminders and inspiration!
November 5, 2015 at 6:38 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Excellent post! Universal truth packaged in a unique way. Thank you, David!
November 5, 2015 at 6:39 pm
kdveiten
This is a very insightful post! Who knew you could write a picture book with a piece of cheese as the main character?
November 5, 2015 at 6:42 pm
dana wu
Thanks for being very practical and focusing on the STORY and the hard work it takes to getting it right.
November 5, 2015 at 6:45 pm
Laurie Daley
This is helpful for me to get a better idea of how to get from a starting idea to adding more depth to the story in a more systematic way.
November 5, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Davo
Love your Coat of Many Colours [AKA Inspiration]
November 5, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Sarah Harroff
Good food for though, David. Here’s to a fertile premise-filled month.
November 5, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Elaine
I love this post. Some great insights. Thank you.
November 5, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Tina
Entertaining and informative? My favorite way to learn. Thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 7:09 pm
Christine Pinto
Thank you, David for great reminders and new ideas too. I have to get that McKee book – and read all of yours!
November 5, 2015 at 7:13 pm
Carleen Shreeve
Thanks for the great ideas, David.
November 5, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for the great advice David! I love the word play and humor in your writing.
November 5, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Susan Nicholas
I loved reading the “stories” behind your book ideas. Thanks for sharing your writing process.
November 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm
mwebb32
Loved your post. Great advice, thanks!
November 5, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Karen Lawler
These words are ringing soooo true.. Thank You. David
November 5, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post! Now I think I can begin, and I’ve noticed that slip of the tongue also bring about ideas, too.
November 5, 2015 at 7:53 pm
Joanne Fritz
This is excellent advice! And presented in such a funny, refreshing way Thanks so much!
November 5, 2015 at 7:55 pm
Janet Smart
Thanks, David!
November 5, 2015 at 8:11 pm
shirley johnson
Great information! Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 8:12 pm
carolofparis
Great post and great advice. Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 8:17 pm
Joannie Duris
Great, meaty post…and that’s no baloney! Thanks, David.
November 5, 2015 at 8:18 pm
hethfeth
Love this post, especially the part about internalizing the traditional structure. I have been wondering about that recently. Is it like driving and trying to look in your mirrors at the same time? Eventually does it become natural and automatic?
November 5, 2015 at 9:48 pm
David Michael Slater
Exactly, except you get creative with it in a way (hopefully) don’t get too creative with your driving 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 8:20 pm
Kristi Bernard
Loads of great advice. Thanks for the picture demos.
November 5, 2015 at 8:27 pm
Auntie Cee
Perfect post packed with advice for experienced authors and beginners- like me!
November 5, 2015 at 8:29 pm
amyrosas
Such great info!!!! Please pick me for the prize….my writing class would love it!!! 🙂 Thanks so much!
November 5, 2015 at 8:30 pm
Lynette Oxley
Your insights are remarkable. Thank you so much, David.
November 5, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Laura Bellina
Thanks for sharing your process with us!
November 5, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Stephanie Farrow
Love the phrase “fertile premise.” A way to look at the potential for growth. Thanks.
November 5, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Angie
I have a feeling that you’re a very cool middle school teacher.
November 5, 2015 at 9:49 pm
David Michael Slater
My students are assigned to agree 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 8:44 pm
aallen6
I will be coming back to this post! Thank you, this was very helpful!
November 5, 2015 at 8:46 pm
cherylsec
Excellent post! So helpful. Thank you so much, David!
November 5, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
A Skype session would be really helpful to Alaska writers — we don’t get many visits from writers or editors here! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into how you develop your ideas.
November 5, 2015 at 8:50 pm
nicolepopel
Love this!
November 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm
sgfortson
Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 8:58 pm
Rona Shirdan
Great advice!
November 5, 2015 at 9:00 pm
Shirley Fadden
Very helpful! Thank you!
November 5, 2015 at 9:10 pm
Laurie
Thanks for sharing your excellent post. I especially like your quote “The best stories strike one as both impossible and inevitable”. So true.
November 5, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Tracey M. Cox
Thanks for the mini-workshop! I’m trying to think of a few sayings that get mis-quoted.
November 5, 2015 at 9:22 pm
Maria Marshall
This was so much fun! What a great way to synthesize it all into digestible nuggets! You really opened the flood gates today. I was reminded of all the “misheard” lyrics to songs by my siblings and kids. Sometimes even “ancient” – ok 2 generations ago – sayings spur some impossible/inevitable ideas. Thank you so much. 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 9:24 pm
jan dolby (@jandolby)
I enjoyed your visuals. Very useful. Thanks.
November 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm
Rene Aube
Thanks for pushing against my writing muscles…I think…I have…lots…ooouuccchh…to think….eeeee…about! Truly, thank you for a meaty post!
November 5, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
“…subject matter of your story is not original.” So often, David, struggling for original subject matter petrifies me. I must adopt your insight that ‘packaging and presenting’ are our jobs as good writers.
November 5, 2015 at 9:49 pm
Deirdre Englehart
Great information, I love your books and approach.
November 5, 2015 at 10:06 pm
sschwartz28
Points well taken regarding the blend of creative thought/ideas into a cohesive plot/story arc.
November 5, 2015 at 10:20 pm
Brandi M. Payne
Thank you so much! That was a great post and much needed!
November 5, 2015 at 10:28 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
Love the graph 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 10:44 pm
andreesantini
I really appreciate how simplified and summarized the process. Thanks.
November 5, 2015 at 10:46 pm
Susan Schade
Thank you for the helpful post. Your books look hilarious…can’t wait to read them.
November 5, 2015 at 10:46 pm
Aimee haburjak
Great post on the backbones! Also, I love the unique portrayal of your stories. Thanks
November 5, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Great fundamentals here with a dose of fun. Thanks, David.
November 5, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Mary Zychowicz
Good visuals. Definitely things to consider in structure.
November 5, 2015 at 10:57 pm
jacquesartandbooks
🙂 Thanks
November 5, 2015 at 11:08 pm
Zoraida Rivera Morales
What a great post…and I still have to digest it and get all the vitamins and minerals it has to offer! Thanks, David… and Tara.
November 5, 2015 at 11:10 pm
LJ Laniewski
Thank you for the information.
November 5, 2015 at 11:11 pm
karadhya
Great post, and thanks for the generous prize!
November 5, 2015 at 11:13 pm
Kristen Browning
Wow! Thanks for the great information–very helpful. I’ll look for your books.
November 5, 2015 at 11:17 pm
barbarabockman
Thanks for the helpful graphs and Most of the other illustrations.
November 5, 2015 at 11:27 pm
laura516
I have always had the problem with infinite story paths. Thank you, thank you, thank you for simplifying the plot diagram and showing the link between inciting incident and climax. Ah-ha moment for me 🙂
November 5, 2015 at 11:56 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
Perfect reminder of — the rest of the story.
November 5, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Louann Brown
Thanks for sharing your insight and humor. The titles of your books are hysterical.
November 6, 2015 at 12:00 am
bleakx
And off I go to draw a couple inspirational posters. Who knew plot could inspire in living color.
November 6, 2015 at 12:13 am
lizbedia
Always good to think beyond the ideas. The basics can lead to great things. Thanks!!
November 6, 2015 at 12:15 am
Mari
Thanks for the thoughts …and the laughs!
November 6, 2015 at 12:34 am
undercoverwonders
Super helpful post! Love The Boy and The Book!
Jamie Palmer
November 6, 2015 at 12:35 am
Michael Lawrence Vogel
David this is very helpful! Thanks for the post, Great Stuff!
November 6, 2015 at 12:35 am
Keesha Steed
Very inspiring. Thank you for your instruction.
KASteed
November 6, 2015 at 12:41 am
Sharon Lillie
Thanks for the post, and I’d have a raucus classroom for you to skype with!
November 6, 2015 at 12:41 am
Kim
Lots of great information. Thanks!
November 6, 2015 at 12:42 am
Mary Greer
This was very helpful, and fun. Thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 12:53 am
Sara Kvols
Exactly what I needed to focus on–fertile idea vs idea with too much freedom. Thanks!
November 6, 2015 at 12:54 am
catpledger
Very helpful to see how a simple twist of the words can create such wonderful new stories. Thank you
November 6, 2015 at 1:07 am
jshaklan
Thank you for taking me back to the nuts and bolts of storytelling! Much appreciated.
November 6, 2015 at 1:36 am
viviankirkfield
Hi David…this was like a mini-workshop class…oh my goodness…thank you so much. I felt like a thirsty sponge, absorbing all the precious liquid gold you poured out for us. And I loved how you used your Swiss Cheese story to help us see the concepts in actions. 🙂
November 6, 2015 at 1:47 am
Nori Underhill
Once again, the day’s blog post gave me my idea and first draft for the day: a story about a child who hears the phrase, “passed away” but doesn’t understand it, and spends the rest of the story trying to imagine it in terms of things like “passing out” or “passing exams” or even “passing gas”!
I must admit I didn’t actually finish a complete draft this time, but you can read my explanation for this on my blog.
November 6, 2015 at 1:53 am
ingridboydston
Truth-I will revisit this post again. Wow! And thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 2:06 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
Great post. Thanks!
November 6, 2015 at 2:09 am
Jenna Woloshyn
This is very practical and helpful. Thanks!
November 6, 2015 at 2:52 am
Naana Kyereboah
Thanks for the helpful tips and for the gift of laughter at the end.
November 6, 2015 at 3:09 am
claireannette1
Your ideas are so clever and it’s amazing to see how you turn an idea into a story. Thanks for the post.
November 6, 2015 at 3:11 am
Laurie L Young
Love how clever your books are!
November 6, 2015 at 3:46 am
anniebailey7
This was great! Gave me an idea for my wip! Thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 5:38 am
wendymyersart
Half way through your inspirational post 2 ideas slammed into me! So thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 6:02 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Great to see how you can take an idiom and turn it into a story.
November 6, 2015 at 6:28 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Bookmarked! Love reading a post that lends the “Ah ha!” moment for me. Where I was once stuck on a particular story line, I’m now working toward the light.
November 6, 2015 at 7:25 am
pearlz
Reblogged this on Pearlz Dreaming and commented:
Definitely some classic idioms to play with from Aussie slang. A great blog on another way to generate ideas.
November 6, 2015 at 7:39 am
Dee Knabb
Great post – quirky, yet down to earth. Thanks
November 6, 2015 at 7:48 am
Jim Chaize
Very very informative post. Your books look hilarious. Thanks.
November 6, 2015 at 7:51 am
Sharon Giltrow
Thanks David for showing me how a good idea or title can become a fleshed out manuscript
November 6, 2015 at 8:02 am
mona861
Wow! Thank you, David, for offering so much here-your structure and prize. I love that you have a love affair with words. I’m “hearing” ideas already. Thanks, thanks, thanks!!!
November 6, 2015 at 8:04 am
Tucker
Love the visuals!!!
November 6, 2015 at 8:50 am
Anna Smith
Thanks for reminding me a good basic guide can help with story structure and flow when I get down to writing all this month’s great ideas into stories!
November 6, 2015 at 8:59 am
Colleen Sims
What an incredibly rich post! I love this: “The archetypal story unearths a universally human experience then wraps itself inside a unique, culture specific expression.” I am going to go back to a few pieces I am working on, and ask myself to distill them into two sentences: “What is the universal human experience portrayed in this story?” and “How is my representation unique?” Thanks so much – I will be returning to this post.
November 6, 2015 at 9:33 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Great post! Lots of thinks to think about while playing with my ideas. Thanks!
November 6, 2015 at 9:50 am
sunroksus
David, I love words too! My favorite book is my Large Print Thesaurus. Thanks for the cool tips.
November 6, 2015 at 10:12 am
saputnam
Terrific post, David!! Thank you for sharing your thought process on how your books came about and showing us how to expand on our ideas by getting “back to the basics.” It was a much needed reminder.
I especially loved your advice to, “Keep in mind that the subject matter of your story is not original (sorry). What should be original is the specific way you package and present it.”
November 6, 2015 at 10:22 am
David McMullin
Michael. Thank you for finding new ways to convey old concepts. Very helpful.
November 6, 2015 at 10:25 am
Susan Cabael
Both impossible and inevitable–love this concept! One of many delicious nuggets you shared.
November 6, 2015 at 10:38 am
Steph Beth Nickel's Blog
What an incredibly helpful post, one I’m sure to return to again and again! Thanks so much!
November 6, 2015 at 10:41 am
Karen Kane
This was EXTREMELY helpful, funny, and inspiring. Thank you, David!
November 6, 2015 at 10:46 am
Sheri Rad
What a great way to look at story ideas and fun with idioms and other concepts. I have two shelved ideas that this helps me rethink.
November 6, 2015 at 10:54 am
julie rowan zoch
My head is reeling with idea sparks and I haven’t even had breakfast! Thank you, David!
November 6, 2015 at 11:02 am
jdewdropsofink
Fantastic. Thank you.
November 6, 2015 at 11:11 am
Lane Arnold (@lanearnold)
Fabulous post. Thank you for the time you put into it!
November 6, 2015 at 12:09 pm
Joanne Sher
This is so INCREDIBLY helpful. Saving this post FOREVER. Thank you!!
November 6, 2015 at 12:12 pm
donnacangelosi
It was such fun to read how you came up with the ideas for your books. Thank you for the refresher course on story structure. I’ll definitely be referring back to this post in the future!
November 6, 2015 at 12:13 pm
Darcee Freier
I thought that I knew what a story was, but the more I write the more confused I become. Thanks for reminding us of the basics.
November 6, 2015 at 12:36 pm
angeladegroot8
Excellent post – much to think on. Now to release those brainstorming hounds . . .
November 6, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Traci Sorell
Wonderful post with great advice. I love all that you shared and will be saving this one. Thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Sandy Powell
Thank you for a very visually appealing and educating post.
November 6, 2015 at 12:58 pm
cat jones
A really excellent post. Thanks for all the plotting reminders. You certainly nailed plotting 🙂
November 6, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Sandie Sing
“Keep in mind that the subject matter of your story is not original (sorry). What should be original is the specific way you package and present it.” David, you are so right about this. I have seen so many books re-created. I have used them to compare and contrast with my students. The way you re-do the story and presenting them makes the difference. Thanks for sharing this point.
November 6, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Juliann (Juli) Caveny
Fantastic advice! I will definitely be coming back to this post when I get stuck and my story seems to fall flat. Identifying (while you’re writing) the character change is such an important part of PBs!
November 6, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Natalie Rompella
I loved how you laid this out. And I can’t wait to pick up The Ring Bear–too funny!
November 6, 2015 at 1:08 pm
David Michael Slater
Sadly, The Ring Bear is currently out-of-print, but you can find an interactive copy at tinytap.com. Thanks! -Dms
November 6, 2015 at 1:09 pm
David Michael Slater
tinytap.it actually. For phones and tablets.
November 6, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Zainab Khan
Thank you so much for your detailed and insightful post. I learned a lot from it.
November 6, 2015 at 1:30 pm
purimenaya
Thank for te clear exposition of structure in stories.
November 6, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Cassandra Federman
What a wonderfully helpful post! Thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Cindy Loven
it sounds awesome, enjoyed the post very much
November 6, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Sandra Jenkins
Yes! Principles over rules. Love your graphics.
November 6, 2015 at 3:36 pm
jhayslett
OMG, what a great blog post. I learned so much from this. Thank you!
November 6, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Catherine Friess
This is a really great post. Thank you David – I love the story behind the idea for The Ring Bear 🙂
November 6, 2015 at 4:06 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
It’s a simple concept, isn’t it? Listen and then write it down.
Thank you for the lesson on structuring a picture book.
November 6, 2015 at 4:09 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, David! Impossible, but inevitable, I shall take those words into my next brainstorming session.
November 6, 2015 at 5:06 pm
viji
wonderful article. thank you
November 6, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Anne Iverson
Oh, WOW, what an inspirational read. Many thanks, David!
November 6, 2015 at 8:18 pm
L. M. Quraishi
Time for me to read Robert McKee. Thanks for the reference!
November 6, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Lotus Ivak
This is great! Thanks much for sharing. If I am lucky – would really appreciate the skype chat/picture book critique!
November 6, 2015 at 9:26 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Fun and inspirational 🙂 Thanks!
November 6, 2015 at 9:42 pm
Jennifer May
I love the way you get your ideas! Thanks for the plot help.
November 6, 2015 at 9:43 pm
Poupette Smith
Very useful post, and your diagrams give us much to work with. This has been said before, but your before and after swiss cheese illustrations clarify the lesson. Thank you.
November 6, 2015 at 11:10 pm
Elizabeth
Thanks! It is always great to be reminded of the freedom that comes with structure!
November 6, 2015 at 11:22 pm
Pat Gramling
Lots of food for thought! Thanks.
November 6, 2015 at 11:58 pm
Pamela Haskin
Thanks so much for sharing with us! I love your books.
November 7, 2015 at 12:15 am
Leah Perlongo
Fantastic lesson! Thank you. 🙂
November 7, 2015 at 2:50 am
Debbie Meyer
Good grief! This Piboidmo keeps getting better & better. Really loved all the valuable information. Thanks!!
November 7, 2015 at 5:29 am
Tina Cho
The cheese story sounds great! Thanks for sharing your ideas and thought processes.
November 7, 2015 at 7:47 am
The Ink Pond
Thank you for the visuals! Great post!
November 7, 2015 at 9:47 am
Kathryn Kass
I hope I can be hilarious in my writing. Any tips?
November 7, 2015 at 9:16 pm
David Michael Slater
I don’t think there are funny lessons, sadly. My only rule is, if I find it funny, it’s in. It’s not good enough (for me) to think, Well, a first grader would find this funny. But these kind of tips are tricky. I’m evidently lucky (or stunted) enough to have a sense of humor similar or overlapping enough with first graders. If your humor is totally different (and there’s nothing wrong with that!), then this rule isn’t a good guide.
November 7, 2015 at 10:56 am
Carrie Moore Chan
Very informative. Thank you.
November 7, 2015 at 12:09 pm
orthodoxmom3
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Great visuals!
November 7, 2015 at 12:29 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
Loved your post. The visuals making it all so clear. Love your unusual ideas for books, yet universal truths. Thanks so much.
November 7, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Denise Wydra
Thanks! This was terrific! (And I went back and made sure my ideas created so far this week are fertile!)
November 7, 2015 at 3:03 pm
kayt663
I love the idea of creative limitation. I’ve used it in photography but hadn’t really thought of it in terms of writing before.
November 7, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Janie Reinart
I agree that Tara has given us a gift! She has given us permission to play and hopefully find that idea that will bloom. Thanks for the great post.
November 7, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Yunita Phillips
Thank you David for very challenging tips. The visuals making it all clear. I was challenged to write a hilarious one of mine 🙂
November 7, 2015 at 4:43 pm
lgalaske
I love this advice! When I hear axioms, my mind immediately sees them in their literal form, but I never even considered them PB ideas. Thank you!
November 7, 2015 at 6:11 pm
erikammon
I love your plot charts!! Thanks for the advice!!
November 7, 2015 at 6:56 pm
writeremmcbride
Elizabeth McBride – What a helpful post, David! I love your ideas and I especially appreciate the distinction made between story ideas and their inspirations. That will help us take the next steps in turning our inspirations into stories.
Sent from my iPhone
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November 7, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Cindy E. Owens
I loved that article! The backstories that you drew your ideas from were great! I am definitely going to have to read “The Ring Bear” first. That was my top favorite book (and idea) listed.
November 7, 2015 at 9:03 pm
Karen Lawler
The Ring Bear was just the ticket I needed to get my juices flowing about watching my grandchildren and listening a little bit more. 🙂
November 7, 2015 at 9:15 pm
Mary Jo Tannehill
Thank you for your insight.
November 8, 2015 at 1:07 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you so much for this post! I loved reading everything you had to say. It really made my day. Thank you!!!
November 8, 2015 at 1:32 am
Lindsay Robinson
Wow, amazing! Just the type of advice I needed.
November 8, 2015 at 9:57 am
A. P. Alessandri
Love the breakdown of plot and structure here! Such great advice. Thank you!
November 8, 2015 at 10:50 am
Jan Peck
So glad to discover more about your work here! I’ll start checking out your posts on Facebook more closely! Love YOU!
November 8, 2015 at 1:25 pm
melissamiles1
Thank you for your advice. I appreciate the practical bits that can immediately but put to good use during this month of gathering ideas. I work with inner-city preschoolers so I hear many things that could likely be transformed into an engaging story. Now I need to hone in on my fertile premise and plant some seeds that will grow one heck of a story. Thanks again!!
November 8, 2015 at 6:42 pm
TONY WILLIAMS
Thank you for this. Good stuff.
November 8, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Susan L. Roberts
Love you simple plot line! Hilarious post!
Thanks.
November 8, 2015 at 9:23 pm
Yvonne Mes
Thanks for reminding us sometimes we forget to look for the holes in the plot 😉
November 8, 2015 at 11:55 pm
hdmerrill
Thanks for sharing your process! This is helpful!
November 9, 2015 at 12:02 am
Eric Adler
Thanks, David.
November 9, 2015 at 9:18 am
ammwrite3
Oh, you said it, David. Funny is especially difficult for me. Took lots and lots of notes on this post. You’ve brought what I knew once to the forefront again–thanks!
November 9, 2015 at 9:18 am
nicolezoltack
Love looking at everyone’s process!
November 9, 2015 at 9:31 am
Peter Dargatz
Those initial stories all sound great. I have so many ideas that come from the silly quips of my kindergarten classes over the tears. Now to nurture those ideas bloom!
November 9, 2015 at 9:48 am
Erin O'Brien
Great advice! Thank you for your post!
November 9, 2015 at 11:40 am
Erin Nowak
Incredible advice. As an illustrator first I often doubt my structure choices when writing…which is sill, because as you mentioned…this is something we all learned in school. I think I need to print this out and carry it with me, or find some pother way to burn it on my brain. Thank you!
November 9, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Lael Smith
Malapropisms are my favorite source of material for PB, too! Especially my kid’s brilliant ones. They reveal the sweet magic of children’s minds. Thanks!
November 9, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Celeste June Henriquez
David, thank you for blogging on PiBoIdMo. I appreciate how you illustated plot for us, very helpful. I’d love to hear your thought on my picture book manuscript.
November 9, 2015 at 2:15 pm
saundrasstudio
This was great, thanks!
November 9, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Debra
It was interesting to hear where David’s story ideas came from and how he developed those ideas into stories.
November 9, 2015 at 4:17 pm
megkimmelshue
Wonderful advice that reminds me to keep it simple! Thank you!
November 9, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Anna Levin
Thanks David! I found your post to be very informative for where I am in my writing process.
November 9, 2015 at 5:31 pm
renajtraxel
Creative! Your stories sound really funny!
November 9, 2015 at 6:35 pm
Kassy Keppol
THank you
November 9, 2015 at 6:41 pm
Fran Price
Good to be reminded of Robert Mckee’s words of wisdom, as well as yours, of course!
November 9, 2015 at 8:29 pm
Angie Cherney
This is wonderful. I have three picture books in which I’ve gotten ideas like this from using real life experiences. Now if only I could figure out the climax in them. Therein lies my problem!
November 9, 2015 at 10:41 pm
bunnyminer
Awesome advice, thanks for taking the time to share with us!
November 10, 2015 at 1:37 am
AlenaT
Thanks for the post! I have a book full of ideas, now to make them into stories.
November 10, 2015 at 1:50 am
writersideup
David, this was fantastic! And I’m lovin’ that Robert McKee! I took away some really good stuff from this. Thank you 😀
November 10, 2015 at 9:32 am
ritaborg
I so enjoyed reading this. It’s so helpful. We need more posts like this one.
November 10, 2015 at 10:00 am
Jacqueline Adams
Your books sound so fun! It’s great to see how you developed the ideas.
November 10, 2015 at 10:14 am
Corey Finkle
Awesome post! Thanks, David.
November 10, 2015 at 10:26 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
I loved how you got your ideas! So clever. I will keep my ears opened at all times.
November 10, 2015 at 12:20 pm
Daniela Weil
great great great lesson!!
i love how you broke down the path of writing the cheese story.
November 10, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Anna L. Russell
I’ve been looking for this information.
November 10, 2015 at 10:49 pm
goodfish78
My class would love a Skype session. Thanks for the information, David.
November 11, 2015 at 11:07 am
Kelly Vavala
Love your wit and enthusiasm!! Thanks for passing it on! Go back to the basics of story structure…focus on How to make it different
November 11, 2015 at 12:20 pm
Lauri Meyers
Excellent post! I’m going to reread this bad boy a few times…
November 11, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Meghan Daniels
Great post! I have a lot of ideas and am working on sorting some of them out into stories.
November 11, 2015 at 3:13 pm
Lisa Charlebois
Very interesting. Thanks! This resonated with me the most: “Keep in mind that the subject matter of your story is not original (sorry). What should be original is the specific way you package and present it.” Agreed!
November 11, 2015 at 3:31 pm
amievc
Thanks for reminding us of these universal storytelling truths and to use them in our work!
November 11, 2015 at 11:37 pm
Christa von Zychlin
Just reread this. I’ll be rereading again. Thank you!
November 12, 2015 at 10:31 am
Judy Bryan
Fantastic post, David! Thank you!!
November 12, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Dee Knabb
Such terrific advice meant to be read and reread. Thank you!
November 12, 2015 at 6:55 pm
heidimrogers
Great reminders! Thank you!
November 13, 2015 at 8:54 pm
fishpatti
Thank you so much for this incredible post that takes us from idea to actual story! This is a keeper that I will come back to time and again when I need to get back to basics! Thanks!
November 13, 2015 at 10:21 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Great advice! Thanks, David!
November 13, 2015 at 11:33 pm
ELJohnsen
Thank you, Ravid! This really did spark some ideas in my old brain!
November 15, 2015 at 1:59 pm
Pat Scruggs
Yes! Great post. Thanks
November 15, 2015 at 8:37 pm
Dawn
Informative post. Thanks.
November 16, 2015 at 11:31 am
carolmunrojww
Awww…poor Swiss Cheese. 😉 Thanks for the post. You’ve got my simple ideas cooking.
November 17, 2015 at 7:01 am
Jabeen Chawdhry
Your post shows me how important it is to jot all those “fun” questions/sayings down so I can go back to them. Every moment can give fresh ideas, thanks for the reminder.
November 18, 2015 at 10:43 pm
Ana Crespo
Amazing post and amazing prizes! Now, if I win, I will have a hard time deciding between the generous choice and the selfish one… 🙂
November 21, 2015 at 3:07 pm
bonzerb
Great ideas, thanks so much…
November 22, 2015 at 5:24 pm
Donna Rossman
Many thanks! Great advise! 🙂
November 24, 2015 at 10:18 pm
Janice Brown
Great lessons, thank you David!
November 27, 2015 at 10:25 pm
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
Wow! I love this post. “The best stories strike one as both impossible and inevitable.” After reading this post, I can’t wait to dive into your stories and learn more.
November 28, 2015 at 10:42 am
Betsy Devany
Awesome advice! Thanks, David!
November 29, 2015 at 12:11 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for this great post, David! Appreciate the ideas and advice.
November 30, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Dee Engle
Thanks, David, for reminding me that my writing is like a love affair with words. When I listen, the ideas arrive! And your comment that the subject matter in our stories is not original, but that what should be original is the way we package and present it, really grounded me! Thank you for taking time to share your inspiration with PiBoIdMo!!
November 30, 2015 at 1:56 pm
sallie wolf
So good to hear that nothing is original except the way you present it. That’s got me thinking.
Thanks!
Sallie Wolf
November 30, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Darshana
Thanks for that lengthy post! Good stuff.
November 30, 2015 at 8:28 pm
Myrna Foster
The story behind THE RING BEAR is hilarious. Thanks for sharing!
November 30, 2015 at 10:55 pm
Jean Isani
Loved hearing how words strike you. I get teased for doing the same. Thanks for sharing so much info, David!
December 5, 2015 at 5:31 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great ideas and advice, thanks a lot!
December 5, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Great bridge from idea to draft. Thanks!