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Storystorm Day 4: “What’s the Big Idea? Ask the Big Question!” by Tammi Sauer

January 4, 2017 8:00 am

by Tammi Sauer

I am a huge fan of Storystorm (formerly known as PiBoIdMo). Many of my books started right here!

YOUR ALIEN, my book with Goro Fujita, for example, first appeared on my 2012 PiBoIdMo list. That year, I decided to step away from the classic picture book structure which has served me well in many of my books including BAWK & ROLL!, MOSTLY MONSTERLY, and PRINCESS IN TRAINING, and I challenged myself to try other approaches. I wrote ROAR! (Paula Wiseman/S&S, 2015), a book entirely in dialogue. I wrote MARY HAD A LITTLE GLAM (Sterling, 2016), my first rhymer. I also really, really, really wanted to write:

I mean, who doesn’t?!

To come up with the plot for this manuscript, I asked myself the biggest two-word question I know:

whatif

Each of these questions pushed me to consider what happened next in the story. If one question took me to a dead end, I gave myself a detour. I simply asked myself a new “What If..?” question.

The sequel, YOUR ALIEN RETURNS, debuted in October. I used the “What if…?” approach for determining the plot for this book as well.

youralienreturns-cover
youralienreturnsspread1

youralienreturnsspread2

Maybe you’d like to give the “What if…?” approach a try.

Select one character and one situation (or choose your own!). Ask yourself, “What if…a (character) (situation)?” Next ask yourself, “And then what? And then what? And then what?”

charsitch

*Circle Story: what happens at the very end of the story echoes something that happened in the very beginning of the story
**Second Person Narration: addresses the reader directly and uses the pronouns “you,” “your,” and “yours”
***alien
_________________________________________________________________________tammisauer-authorpic-2015bwTammi Sauer is a full-time children’s book author who also presents at schools and conferences across the nation. She has sold 28 picture books to major publishing houses including Disney*Hyperion, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, and Sterling. In addition to winning awards, Tammi’s books have gone on to do great things. CHICKEN DANCE: THE MUSICAL is currently on a national tour, NUGGET & FANG was a featured book at the 2015 Scholastic Book Fair, and YOUR ALIEN, an NPR Best Book of 2015, was recently released in Italian, Spanish, Korean, and French which makes her feel extra fancy.

You can learn more about Tammi and her books at tammisauer.com.

prizedetails
alienbuttonsAttention, earthlings! Tammi is giving away a signed copy of YOUR ALIEN RETURNS, a bookmark annnnd an out-of-this-world alien button.

Leave ONE COMMENT below to enter. You are eligible to win if you are a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once on this blog post. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.

Good luck!

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Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2017

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634 Responses to “Storystorm Day 4: “What’s the Big Idea? Ask the Big Question!” by Tammi Sauer”

  1. Great idea. I’ll definitely be “What If”-ing my idea today 🙂

    By kikimoo on January 4, 2017 at 8:10 am

  2. Great blog–love the challenges in this one

    By joanleotta on January 4, 2017 at 8:10 am

  3. I got Your Alien now I want the sequel. great article

    By ritaborg on January 4, 2017 at 8:11 am

  4. Thanks, Tammi, for a great post. I play ‘What If…?’ in all my school visits. It’s brilliant for coming up with ideas from seemingly nowhere. I’m about to do a ten minute what if session to come up with something for today’s idea. Thank you! Clare x

    By Juliet Clare Bell on January 4, 2017 at 8:13 am

  5. Thanks, Tammi! I love the “What if?” approach!

    By Jen G. on January 4, 2017 at 8:14 am

  6. I love all your writing tips, Tammi. I’m in the midst of writing a new story, so I’ll keep asking myself WHAT IF?! Thanks.

    By Tina Cho on January 4, 2017 at 8:15 am

  7. Great post, Tammi! Already came up with one idea using “what if.” Thanks!

    By pathaap on January 4, 2017 at 8:15 am

  8. Tammi, thank you. Your shares are always inspiring!

    By Patricia Alcaro on January 4, 2017 at 8:18 am

  9. Now that’s a great way to cultivate ideas! Thank you very much

    By August Washington on January 4, 2017 at 8:21 am

  10. Great post. This is a writing approach I will try to generate some new ideas. I ‘m a big fan of the circle story technique, so this will help me step out of that box.

    By Lisa Gerin on January 4, 2017 at 8:22 am

  11. Asking ‘What if” is always a great standby! Thanks for the inspiration, Tammi!

    By Rebecca Colby on January 4, 2017 at 8:22 am

  12. Love the Character/Situation chart… loads of ideas there.
    Thanks! 🙂

    By Mavis Penney on January 4, 2017 at 8:22 am

  13. A simple question that can bring up an abundance of ideas! I haven’t used this idea for a long time, thanks for reminding me of it!

    By Kat on January 4, 2017 at 8:27 am

  14. Great reminders to get those stories started, Tammi! I’ll be looking for the “What ifs” today!

    By Juliann Caveny on January 4, 2017 at 8:30 am

  15. I’m going to map out a story that I wouldn’t normally choose – just to stretch myself – ‘What if a pirate lost his treasure map?’ …….and then I think I’ll write my own lists. What a great idea – especially if you feel lost for ideas – thank you for sharing x

    By telltalestome on January 4, 2017 at 8:31 am

  16. This one makes me feel in track! I walk around saying “what if…” random stuff all the time and my friends and fam just think I’m still 4!
    Lolo

    By lololaffan on January 4, 2017 at 8:32 am

  17. Thanks, Tammi for your post. I keep forgetting the “what if” idea. Once again I’ll give it a try.

    By betlw on January 4, 2017 at 8:32 am

  18. Great post Tammi! Love the concept. It will keep me busy on a this snowy day. Congrats on all your success!

    By Ashley on January 4, 2017 at 8:32 am

  19. Great way to accelerate idea generation. So simple – and so effective. What ifs are flying through my mind already. Yay! Thanks!

    By Sheri Bylander on January 4, 2017 at 8:35 am

  20. Thanks Tammi! Sometime’s I find the “what if”s flow naturally when I’m with my crit group working through a piece — I really love the social, brain-storm-y aspect of that process too.

    By hmmmmm on January 4, 2017 at 8:37 am

  21. Thank you, Tammi. I love the What If approach to writing!

    By meganleewrites on January 4, 2017 at 8:38 am

  22. “What if” can lead to “how” and “who” and before you know it, a complete story! good idea.

    By Elsa Takaoka on January 4, 2017 at 8:38 am

  23. Hooray for a sequel–how did I miss this? Off to find it right now.

    By Laura Purdie Salas on January 4, 2017 at 8:41 am

  24. What if your post was really helpful?!

    By Kristi Romo on January 4, 2017 at 8:43 am

  25. Thank you, Tammi, for sharing your method of coming up with great stories. I’ve read three of your books so far, and really liked Your Alien.
    I appreciate the “what if” thinking as a very valid way of stirring up ideas. Thank you for the encouragement, and congratulations on such enjoyable books.

    By Lynn A. Davidson on January 4, 2017 at 8:44 am

  26. I’ve been dabbling in different formats as well but worried about the repercussions of straying off the traditional route. I’m now more confident I can take the story through the road less traveled and create a high quality story anyways. Thanks!

    By Peter Dargatz on January 4, 2017 at 8:44 am

  27. Thanks for addressing the sequel to, “What if?” The “What then?” I’ve always thought of it as the domino effect.

    By Rick Starkey on January 4, 2017 at 8:46 am

  28. Thanks Tammi! A great dose to of inspiration about taking it to the next level!

    By Diane Kress Hower on January 4, 2017 at 8:49 am

  29. Awesome suggestions! Reminds me of some advice Tammi gave me in a critique a number of years ago…obviously, I’ve not been as successful in implementing it as she has. 😉

    By Teresa Robeson on January 4, 2017 at 8:53 am

  30. Thx Tammi for some great suggestions that all of us can use to up our picture book-writing game. Personally, I sense a second person narration-inspiration coming on!

    By JoAnn DiVerdi on January 4, 2017 at 8:55 am

  31. I always have difficulty coming up with a story to fit my idea. Asking What if? could be my answer! Thanks, Tammi!

    By cindyjohnson2013 on January 4, 2017 at 8:57 am

  32. Funny, I have a tattoo that says, What if…
    I love asking that question. I feel like it opens my eyes to different possibilities and unlocks the humor I enjoy using in my stories. Thanks, Tammi!

    By jodimckay on January 4, 2017 at 8:58 am

  33. Thank you, Tammi! Your engaging Nugget and Fang characters were a huge hit in my 1st grade class, especially with some of my more reluctant reader boys. What a treat for me to see them “fight” over who would read a book first.
    Thanks also for explaining the circle story structure. I realize now that some of my favorite stories are circle stories. Time to try my hand at one myself.

    By Carmela McCain IMO on January 4, 2017 at 8:58 am

  34. Love Mary Had a Little Glam and your illustrator, Vanessa Brantley Newton is wonderful! I totally had the “Ahhhh” moment in this post. This will certainly help me to challenge my ideas and see where they end up. Thanks Tammi, great advice!

    By Gina on January 4, 2017 at 9:00 am

  35. Thanks Tammi! What if I like Your Alien Returns as much as Your Alien? 🙂

    By lmconnors on January 4, 2017 at 9:01 am

  36. Tammi, I’ve entered your “What if?” T-chart in my journal and have already generated more entries than I thought possible in such a short time. This is an excellent strategy to capture and flesh out random story ideas. I look forward to proceeding to the “and then what?” steps! Thank you!

    By Paula Zeller on January 4, 2017 at 9:01 am

  37. Thanks for this generous post, Tammi. Not everyone is willing to divulge a secret to success!

    By Carrie Pearson (@carrieapearson) on January 4, 2017 at 9:01 am

  38. Thanks for explaining the circle story structure. I realize now that some of my favorite stories are circle stories. Time to try my hand at one. Thanks also for creating such memorable characters. Nugget and Fang were a huge hit in my first grade classroom.

    By carmelamccainsimmons on January 4, 2017 at 9:01 am

  39. “What if” I try this technique? And “what if” it works? Oh the possibilities…

    By lindaschueler on January 4, 2017 at 9:01 am

  40. Thanks Tammi, I love your post And your books!

    By Tracy Hora on January 4, 2017 at 9:02 am

  41. Thanks Tammi – your character/situation example has the juices flowing.

    By Nancy Rimar on January 4, 2017 at 9:03 am

  42. What if you wouldn’t have been part of storystorm?

    By Hélène Sabourin on January 4, 2017 at 9:03 am

  43. I like the idea of continually using the “What if?” to not only get an idea, but to expand the story.

    By Barbara Senenman on January 4, 2017 at 9:04 am

  44. Great story-starters!

    By Amy Harding on January 4, 2017 at 9:04 am

  45. Always love your posts, Tammi. Thank you!!

    By Judy Bryan on January 4, 2017 at 9:07 am

  46. Thank you Tammy! What a great reminder to try new formats, and to keep pushing the plot!

    By catherine bailey on January 4, 2017 at 9:10 am

  47. I’m a proud owner of Your Alien & am excited for the sequel! Love the concrete examples in your Character/Situation chart. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Katelyn Aronson on January 4, 2017 at 9:14 am

  48. I, too, have always wanted to write a circle story. I think my StoryStorm today will be ideas for that particular story structure.

    By erineball on January 4, 2017 at 9:17 am

  49. Terrific brainstorming idea! Thank you for sharing! Now off to ponder…

    By tabithasimswrites on January 4, 2017 at 9:20 am

  50. Tammi, I started w/a “what if” yesterday and will flesh it out today. I also like the nice graphic you gave us today to begin a new “what if” story. TY.

    By kathalsey on January 4, 2017 at 9:21 am

  51. I find asking questions has also helped me out of some dead ends or tricky spots in my current novel (and sometimes asking my kids those questions to get a kid’s-eye-view!). Thanks, Tammi.

    By marcimcadam on January 4, 2017 at 9:25 am

  52. Thank you Tammi!
    This is a great exercise!

    By Janet AlJunaidi on January 4, 2017 at 9:25 am

  53. What if approach is something I will try. Thanks

    By Nina Haines on January 4, 2017 at 9:27 am

  54. Thanks, Tammi, for your inspiration and wonderful books!

    By Lynne Marie on January 4, 2017 at 9:27 am

  55. Great post! I love the “what if” approach, and I will definitely try it with some of your characters and situations.

    By storyfairy on January 4, 2017 at 9:30 am

  56. Thank you for jump-starting my brain the think differently!

    By bgonsar on January 4, 2017 at 9:30 am

    1. *to think differently. I think the auto correct from yesterday got me.

      By bgonsar on January 4, 2017 at 9:32 am

  57. Excellent!
    Backs to basics with the what if question proves successful!!

    By Shel ledrew on January 4, 2017 at 9:31 am

  58. I love the what if approach! I’ll definitely give that a go today. Thanks for a great post!

    By dbyatt on January 4, 2017 at 9:32 am

  59. I love aliens, who doesn’t? Another question we can all ask ourselves is “What if we get published”! Thanks for the helpful insights:)

    By Joan Swanson on January 4, 2017 at 9:33 am

  60. I think the biggest challenge I have is that, although everyone says my stories are “cute” or “good”…there just isn’t that punch or excitement. I really plan on using that question when I write my next book and see where that takes it!! “What if” that’s what I’ve been looking for?? Thanks, Tammi!

    By anitajjones on January 4, 2017 at 9:34 am

  61. My boys and I love your books, Tammi! And I always find your posts super-helpful in a dig-right-in-and-start-writing type of way 🙂

    By laura516 on January 4, 2017 at 9:35 am

  62. Great post Tammi. I love your first Alien book and I’m getting ready to review the second one. And this contest is so much fun. I was super excited with the idea I came up with today and I couldn’t stop at just an idea and actually wrote a first draft.

    By authoraileenstewart on January 4, 2017 at 9:35 am

  63. Great advice!! Thanks for sharing.

    By julielacombeauthor on January 4, 2017 at 9:36 am

  64. Oh, the power of “what if?” 🙂 Your Character/Situation chart reminds me of something my 10yo daughter and I do. We count to three, and one of us shouts out an adjective and the other shouts out a noun. We jot them down in columns on a piece of paper and then draw lines between them, connecting them by the most amusing combinations. Lots of unique ideas come from that game. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your ideas, Tammi!

    By Susie Sawyer on January 4, 2017 at 9:36 am

  65. Great idea thread of “what ifs” that is sure to launch some new storylines. Thank you for a wonderful post!

    By Nancy Armo on January 4, 2017 at 9:37 am

  66. Love the “what if” technique. Your chart is great! Thanks for the morning boost.

    By Deborah Sosin on January 4, 2017 at 9:37 am

  67. Thanks for reminding me of the “what if” form of brainstorming! I also forget to try to mix things up and try new formats,etc. Back to some basics…thanks for inspiring me!

    By tanyakonerman on January 4, 2017 at 9:43 am

  68. Such a great approach! Thank you!

    By Heather Merrill on January 4, 2017 at 9:43 am

  69. Fabulous plot-building exercise – my stories are storming! Thanks so VERY much Tammi (love both of your Alien books – and everything else of yours I’ve read :D). Great stuff!

    By Joanne Sher on January 4, 2017 at 9:44 am

  70. Great post Tammi! I was just looking over my notes from your workshop in KC and unearthed two ideas that came from a similar exercise. Added them to my list! Happy New Year!

    By Jess Townes on January 4, 2017 at 9:44 am

  71. I’m inspired to know that some of your successful ideas started right here!

    By Brenda Maier on January 4, 2017 at 9:44 am

  72. Excellent! The Big Question is a great “push” and just made me re-evaluate a story emerging on my laptop.
    Thank you Tammi for direction this day!

    By Linda C. Carpenter on January 4, 2017 at 9:44 am

  73. It’s nice to know you got some of your stories started here, Tammi! And the “what if” set-up is a great tool. Thanks!

    By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 4, 2017 at 9:46 am

  74. “What if” is my favorite question as well and once you understand the circle, you start to see it in almost everything you read. What I especially loved about “Your Alien,” was the use of “your,” because it makes the reader feel like the star of the story and it feels much more personal. I had the pleasure of meeting Meredith Mundy at an SCBWI conference last year and she is singing YOUR praises, Tammi! You have totally set the bar. Thank you for the valuable insight to the process!

    By candicewolff on January 4, 2017 at 9:47 am

  75. I have used –what will happen next, but what if looks at it a little differently! I think I will give it a go:). Thank you:)

    By Kathy Elstad on January 4, 2017 at 9:47 am

  76. This is a great post! I’m going to print it out and keep it in my “brain freeze” folder for when my imagination needs some defrosting! Thank you and best wishes for your continued success!!!

    By Virginia Law Manning on January 4, 2017 at 9:49 am

  77. PB Queen Tammi does it again! Love all your books 🙂

    By Andria Rosenbaum on January 4, 2017 at 9:50 am

  78. Thanks for reminding us, Tammi, that “what if?” can solve LOTS of our story holes. 🙂

    By Katy Duffield on January 4, 2017 at 9:51 am

  79. Love the what-if-ing and the mixing and matching situations. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Sue Poduska on January 4, 2017 at 9:54 am

  80. Good ideas here for new ways to think and write with a twist (or an alien).

    By catcarole on January 4, 2017 at 9:57 am

  81. Thanks for getting me started this morning.

    By Alex Borns-Weil on January 4, 2017 at 10:00 am

  82. Thanks, Tammi, for the reminder to ask the BIG question that can lead to surprising results in our stories…and someday, published books! Looking forward to reading Your Alien Returns. Very cool!

    By Rene` Diane Aube on January 4, 2017 at 10:01 am

  83. I love playing “What if…and then” to write stories! Another tip is to push beyond the expected. Eliminating the first 3-4 things that pop into your mind will help you find something more unique/unusual.

    By Marsha Blevins, Author on January 4, 2017 at 10:03 am

  84. Thanks Tammi for such straightforward advice! Questioning ties onto a reader’s curiosity. What could be a better formula for a story?

    By Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky on January 4, 2017 at 10:05 am

  85. Thank you Tammi for a great post. Lots to think about…and stories to come up with.

    By Mark Bentz on January 4, 2017 at 10:07 am

  86. I love the “what if” approach! Thank you.

    By tiemdow on January 4, 2017 at 10:08 am

  87. What if…I win Tammi’s new book?! I’d be ecstatic! Thank you for the “what if…” inspiration. I, too, want to write with different approaches. I love reading your books, and use your books as mentor texts quite often:>

    By Polly Renner on January 4, 2017 at 10:08 am

  88. “What if…” is a powerful question and a powerful tool – in writing and in real life. Some people use it to worry, but What if it All Goes Right is one of my favorite country songs and a wonderful way to think. I also like to wonder, “What if my dog wasn’t afraid of pumpkins?” Yeah. The month of October would be very different…..

    By Genevieve Petrillo on January 4, 2017 at 10:08 am

  89. Great techniques. Can’t wait to try them out!

    By Stephanie Oplinger on January 4, 2017 at 10:08 am

  90. Thanks, Tammi. I’ll put your techniques to work today as I do some revisions.

    By David McMullin on January 4, 2017 at 10:09 am

  91. “What-if” is an excellent writing tip, Tammi. All too often writers stare at the blank page waiting for an idea to burst forth and your little exercise should produce bountiful story fireworks. 🙂

    By gayleckrause on January 4, 2017 at 10:10 am

  92. Thanks Tammi for your post, I will be thinking about what ifs and what could happen next today!

    By Marlene Rohr, https://kidsbooknook-marohr.blogspot.ca/ on January 4, 2017 at 10:14 am

  93. What if a grown-up girl followed her dreams to write (and ultimately publish) inspirational, motivational, and educational picture books to help raise the vibration of children? Oh, my little dream life story… But seriously: What if?

    By Meli Glickman on January 4, 2017 at 10:16 am

  94. Hi, Tammi! Thanks for this great post. I’ll definitely be using “what ifs?” more often now. I love your books!

    By Joana Pastro on January 4, 2017 at 10:18 am

  95. There’s going to be a lot of “what if” happening here today!

    By Robyn McGrath on January 4, 2017 at 10:19 am

  96. Great post!

    By Kim Erickson on January 4, 2017 at 10:19 am

  97. Thanks, Tammi! I’m glad you’ve had success with so many different styles and had the courage to take those chances!

    By Brianna Zamborsky on January 4, 2017 at 10:19 am

  98. This is such a great activity…thank you so much! I can’t wait to try it out and then add more characters/scenarios of my own!

    By Stephanie Fitzpatrick on January 4, 2017 at 10:20 am

  99. Great way to approach a story! I like that the situations automatically give us the conflict and motivation. Thanks!

    By Mary Worley on January 4, 2017 at 10:22 am

  100. This post just shook loose an old idea I had that was just begging for the “What If…” treatment but I didn’t see it, until now! Thanks for the nudge, Tammi!

    By Francis S. Poesy on January 4, 2017 at 10:23 am

  101. I find it reassuring how the situations you suggested are very ordinary–things most people can relate to. I’ve tried asking, “What if?” before, but I have often told myself the situation wasn’t really that interesting.

    By Rachelle on January 4, 2017 at 10:26 am

  102. “What if?” I’m going to be saying that all the time now 🙂

    By Christine on January 4, 2017 at 10:27 am

  103. Thanks for the great writing prompt! I’ve already thought of a new story idea.

    By Susan Nicholas on January 4, 2017 at 10:27 am

  104. Thanks for a great post, Tammi. I love knowing the story behind Your Alien which is a favorite at our house!

    By kirsticall on January 4, 2017 at 10:28 am

  105. Thank you for the great activity and the push outside the ‘box’. I have done so much research and reading on the PB publishing industry I feel like I have almost trapped myself into the box of traditional PB formatting. It definitely seems the trend has moved toward unexpected formats for PB’s, so it is nice to be reminded that taking risks can be rewarding!

    By Michele Meleen on January 4, 2017 at 10:28 am

  106. ‘What if’s’ are so very important in crafting stories. Thank you for reminding us to incorporate them more, especially when we hit those blocks.

    By Susan Howard on January 4, 2017 at 10:29 am

  107. When I was a girl, people claimed to see and talk to aliens. 🙂 I like your suggestions for approaching a story. Thank you.

    By bewestcott on January 4, 2017 at 10:29 am

  108. I love this method, and I really needed to be reminded of it today. Can’t wait to put it into practice in generating today’s ideas!

    By Megan on January 4, 2017 at 10:30 am

  109. Had so much fun this morning coming up with story ideas using your chart and the magic of the “What If?” question! It’s amazing how so many possibilities emerge. Thanks for the inspiration. Off to write a story about a superhero who makes a discovery…

    By Andrea Mack on January 4, 2017 at 10:30 am

  110. I am printing this post! Thanks Tammi.

    By Elizabeth W Saba on January 4, 2017 at 10:34 am

  111. This was entertaining, educational and helpful. The chart was wonderful.

    By June Sengpiehl on January 4, 2017 at 10:38 am

  112. Ooooh! You sure got my brain moving this morning! Thank you! I’m off to play with my new storm of ideas!

    By LaurenKerstein on January 4, 2017 at 10:39 am

  113. What if… I love it. So helpful. Thank you!

    By Michelle O'Hara Levin on January 4, 2017 at 10:39 am

  114. Thank you Tammi, this was a helpful post. I like how you pose a new “What if…?” when you hit a dead end.

    By jeanjames926 on January 4, 2017 at 10:42 am

  115. That is a great idea

    By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on January 4, 2017 at 10:42 am

  116. We have Your Alien Returns checked out from the library right now. Tammi is always so full of ideas on how to come up with ideas! And a dynamite speaker. What a gem.

    By kristivaliant on January 4, 2017 at 10:45 am

  117. Excellent advice as always Tammi! Hope Storystorm continues to bring YOU amazing ideas too… LOVE your books as much as my kids do. 🙂

    By artsyandi on January 4, 2017 at 10:45 am

  118. Great brain exercise to get the creative muscles going. Thanks for the piece of inspiration!

    By Brittanny Handiboe on January 4, 2017 at 10:45 am

  119. I often forget how helpful those questions can be! What if? And then? Thank you!

    By Teresa Daffern on January 4, 2017 at 10:45 am

  120. “What if” seems to be at the heart of every story–and in the heart of every writer who sets out to tell a story. I like the template Tammi provides!

    By F. G. M. Kalavritinos on January 4, 2017 at 10:45 am

  121. I love aliens! In fact, my first idea for StoryStorm involved them, maybe they’ll be making another appearance. Thanks for all the help, time to go storm!

    By Mark Gould on January 4, 2017 at 10:46 am

  122. “What if” is the bestest question EVER Thanks for reminding us of that. (And the buttons look adorable!)

    By Shelly Hawley-Yan on January 4, 2017 at 10:46 am

  123. “What if” is the bestest question EVER Thanks for reminding us of that.
    (And the buttons look adorable!)

    By Shelly Hawley-Yan on January 4, 2017 at 10:47 am

  124. Great post! Love the what if approach, to get your mind rolling! Thanks!

    By Nicole on January 4, 2017 at 10:47 am

  125. Tammi,
    Genius! Who would have thought two little words could be so powerful!! What a rollercoaster ride my entry went on this morning, thanks to you!!

    By Lucy Staugler on January 4, 2017 at 10:48 am

  126. What if . . . I get off my butt and turn all these great ideas into great stories!

    By Stephen S. Martin on January 4, 2017 at 10:49 am

  127. What if…is the heart of the matter for kids wondering what could possibly happen. What is the worst, what is worse yet, what is funny and what is funnier yet. This prompt will get our brains storming! Thank you for the reminder. I believe this is where children’s brains live and maybe ours too.

    By mcdonaldrae on January 4, 2017 at 10:56 am

  128. I always learn so much from you Tammi! Thanks for the post!

    By Kris on January 4, 2017 at 10:56 am

  129. Thanks for some great things to think about.

    By Sandy on January 4, 2017 at 10:58 am

  130. Another great idea! And I love that you used this as inspiration as well.

    By Laura Hancock on January 4, 2017 at 10:59 am

  131. Thanks, Tammi. What if. . . I got off my behind and got some work done today? :p

    By Kidlit Tidbits (@KidlitTidbits) on January 4, 2017 at 10:59 am

  132. I love the “What if” question -my kids regularly pose such questions with a bizarre mix of the practical and absurd.

    By Michael Karg on January 4, 2017 at 11:01 am

  133. This earthling thinks your simple question is so profound, Tammi!

    By C.L. Murphy on January 4, 2017 at 11:01 am

  134. Fun post, Tammi, filled with thought provoking ideas. “What if” is a great way to get those little grey cells churning!

    By Anne Iverson on January 4, 2017 at 11:02 am

  135. Congrats on the latest “your alien..” launch!

    By Yvonne Klinksick on January 4, 2017 at 11:02 am

  136. Fabulous post! Thanks and congrats on your latest book!

    By DaNeil Olson on January 4, 2017 at 11:05 am

  137. Enjoyed the post. Very inspirational. I’ll be busy today What iffing…

    By Rachel Critchley on January 4, 2017 at 11:05 am

  138. A simple idea – What if? I love it! There are so many options.

    By authordebradaugherty on January 4, 2017 at 11:06 am

  139. Love your books! I’m from Kansas!

    By Lenora Riegel on January 4, 2017 at 11:06 am

  140. Great idea Tammi – looking forward to Your Alien Returns!

    By McCourt Thomas on January 4, 2017 at 11:07 am

  141. Great post! Thanks for the inspiration Tammi!

    By rowenarae on January 4, 2017 at 11:07 am

  142. Always love the “What if…?” And the circle story. And aliens! What if I go out and get your newest book? Wheeee!

    By Cathy C. Hall on January 4, 2017 at 11:08 am

  143. Love it. I need to try this exercise. Thanks so much!

    By Debra Shumaker on January 4, 2017 at 11:08 am

  144. Second person! How daring of you. 😉 I must check it out! Thanks for the post, Tammi.

    By carolmunrojww on January 4, 2017 at 11:09 am

  145. I love your “what if” approach! Congrats with your books too!

    By Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon) on January 4, 2017 at 11:10 am

  146. Those two words, “what if” opens a door of unlimited possibilities. Thanks for your out-of-this-world inspiration!

    By Danielle Dufayet on January 4, 2017 at 11:10 am

  147. Always inspired by you, Tammi! Meep!

    By Lisa Albert on January 4, 2017 at 11:11 am

  148. Loved your list at the end. Really get the thought juices running. thanks

    By cmdale on January 4, 2017 at 11:11 am

  149. Love this! Thanks!

    By Kerrie on January 4, 2017 at 11:14 am

  150. Huge Tammi Sauer fans. Her books are always a hit with the elementary students. We love her writing style. Thanks for the great ideas, Tammi.

    By Kathleen Grupe on January 4, 2017 at 11:14 am

  151. What if… a great idea generator!

    By Vanessa Roeder on January 4, 2017 at 11:15 am

  152. Adding this to my list of things to try. Thanks.

    By Anna Gateley-Stanton on January 4, 2017 at 11:19 am

  153. I love stories that come full circle. Thanks for the great post.

    By Dawn Malone on January 4, 2017 at 11:22 am

  154. I love the idea of a what if chart!

    By Carolyn on January 4, 2017 at 11:24 am

  155. What a wonderful tool to use as a springboard to a creative thought process. Thanks…I’ll use it!

    By susanhaderlie on January 4, 2017 at 11:25 am

  156. Fantastic! I love using questions to help build my stories. I think of each question like a path and by answering each I have chosen the journey my story will take.

    By Cindi Handley Goodeaux on January 4, 2017 at 11:27 am

    1. I love your path/journey idea!

      By Kathy Elstad on January 4, 2017 at 11:29 am

  157. Thanks for the inspiration!!

    By Wendy Doxey on January 4, 2017 at 11:29 am

  158. Love your books Tammi!

    By Wendi Silvano on January 4, 2017 at 11:30 am

  159. This is a brilliant approach! I’m going to try it! And your book looks amazing!

    By Shawna Tenney on January 4, 2017 at 11:32 am

  160. Great post, loved it!
    Definitely I’ll try the What If to push my ideas forward!

    By mcastello on January 4, 2017 at 11:35 am

  161. What if I wrote PBs at my desk all day instead of working on websites like I’m supposed to? (shhh….)

    By David Huyck on January 4, 2017 at 11:35 am

  162. I loved this peek into your brainstorming/plotting process. What if – it works for everyone? Thanks, Tammi

    By MD Knabb on January 4, 2017 at 11:35 am

  163. I can’t wait to use this “what if?” exercise over and over! Thank you!

    By Susan Schade on January 4, 2017 at 11:35 am

  164. I know her!! I really do! I KNOW HER!
    (Hi Tam! *waves*)

    By Beverly Patt on January 4, 2017 at 11:36 am

  165. I LOVE this! Thank you!

    By mariaordish on January 4, 2017 at 11:37 am

  166. Tammi – LOVE the story-generator! And your tale of the alien. Thank you!

    By Sue Heavenrich on January 4, 2017 at 11:40 am

  167. What if I thought your alien was cute? I’d enter this give away of course!

    By Mel Copeman on January 4, 2017 at 11:46 am

  168. Thanks so much, Tammi, for this post. I love your brainstorming idea. I think I’ll try that out!

    By Jenna Grodzicki on January 4, 2017 at 11:47 am

  169. Thanks Tammi! I love the what if approach!

    By Cortney Benvenuto on January 4, 2017 at 11:51 am

  170. Your character/situation chart offers a great place to start asking “What if?” I’m going to enlist the imagination of my daughter this afternoon to build on that list. Then, I’ll start “What-iffing” my way to some fresh ideas. Thank you!

    By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on January 4, 2017 at 11:52 am

  171. Thanks for the inspiration Tami!
    I will – what if? – today.

    By Mary Warth on January 4, 2017 at 11:53 am

  172. Excellent post with wonderful suggestions! Love it! What if…I actually used your ideas? Yes! Thank you, Tammi! (And Tara).

    By Angie on January 4, 2017 at 11:53 am

  173. Great post, Tammi. I love using the ‘What If’ approach to writing but haven’t used it for quite a while as I still had tons of rough drafts from my PiBoIdMo days… I need to get back to using it this time around, as well as ‘Who Did It’, ‘How Did They Do It,’ and ‘Where Did It Happen’!

    By saputnam on January 4, 2017 at 11:53 am

  174. There can never be too many books about little aliens! What if…

    By Anne Bielby on January 4, 2017 at 11:54 am

  175. Thanks Tammi! What if…thinking always helps me too and it’s a brainstorming idea I always share with my students. 🙂

    By Lee Brockman on January 4, 2017 at 11:56 am

  176. Very useful tips and definitions. Thank you. If confused about cumulative tales versus circle tales, like me, try searching for ‘examples of circle story picture books’ for suggested titles.

    By Poupette Smith on January 4, 2017 at 11:57 am

  177. Love the big question! That’s where a great story often starts…What if? 🙂

    By JEN Garrett on January 4, 2017 at 11:58 am

  178. Thanks! I will be sure to keep this approach in mind as I brainstorm ideas.

    By uraniasmith on January 4, 2017 at 11:58 am

  179. You have a way of giving wanderings a concrete path to follow. Nicely done. Again.

    By Jenifer Heidorn on January 4, 2017 at 11:58 am

  180. Thanks for sharing your process Tammi! I love these structural guides to creative writing.

    By Rabbleboy on January 4, 2017 at 12:00 pm

  181. Asking “what if” has already helped me flush out one of my ideas more fully. Thanks for the tip, Tammi.

    By Kelsey on January 4, 2017 at 12:01 pm

  182. I love this approach. Going to take it on the story I’m currently working on! Thank you!

    By Margaret Greanias on January 4, 2017 at 12:03 pm

  183. I love Your books! You are such a good writer. Thank you for this post. The what if question is such an important question for writers. I’m excited to try your writing excersize. Thanks again for such an informative and great post.

    By Ashley Bankhead on January 4, 2017 at 12:04 pm

  184. What if… Perfect place to start when you are stuck. Thank you for another great post. T

    By tanjabauerle on January 4, 2017 at 12:04 pm

  185. Your advice is “outta this world!” Thanks!

    By Amanda on January 4, 2017 at 12:05 pm

  186. Great springboard for using those creative juices. Your books are magic. Here are my what-if’s. What if I were better at fiction? What if I could relax and let characters into my head? What if one day I could say a character woke me in the middle of the night? What if I could jump ship from nonfiction? Anything is possible, right???

    By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 4, 2017 at 12:09 pm

  187. Thank you Tammi, can’t wait to see where my “What Ifs” take me.

    By Beverly R. Marsh on January 4, 2017 at 12:09 pm

  188. Thanks Tammy. Making a chart to pair characters and conflicts today! Love “What-iffing”.

    By Louann Brown on January 4, 2017 at 12:15 pm

  189. Big fan! Thanks for the great exercise!

    By wyszguy on January 4, 2017 at 12:18 pm

  190. Thanks, Tammi! It’s great to hear your different approaches to writing.

    By Cathy Ogren on January 4, 2017 at 12:18 pm

  191. I’m a big fan of your books! This was a helpful post. Thanks so much. 🙂

    By melissamiles1 on January 4, 2017 at 12:19 pm

  192. Excellent advice! Thank you, Tammi!

    By ajschildrensbooks on January 4, 2017 at 12:20 pm

  193. Thanks for the “what if” ideas. Love that approach.

    By Shirley on January 4, 2017 at 12:21 pm

  194. What a great exercise. Thank you, Tammi!

    By Katrna Moore on January 4, 2017 at 12:23 pm

  195. Wow, thanks Tammi. What if… I was on my way to work out and now have something to think about.

    By katmaz2012 on January 4, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    1. I actually got a work out AND a great idea when I didn’t skip a song on my playlist! Thank you John, Paul, George, and Ringo and Tammi.

      By katmaz2012 on January 4, 2017 at 1:27 pm

  196. thanks for the chart.

    By reluctantspy on January 4, 2017 at 12:23 pm

  197. What a great exercise. Thanks, Tammi!

    By katrinamoorebooks on January 4, 2017 at 12:24 pm

  198. Thank you for sharing your circle story technique! I can see where it will be a lot of fun

    By Kyle Stone on January 4, 2017 at 12:25 pm

  199. Great post, already have some new ideas!

    By bamauthor on January 4, 2017 at 12:25 pm

  200. That what if chart is so helpful! Thank you so much! It’s going to help big time with storystorm!

    By taracreel on January 4, 2017 at 12:26 pm

  201. Great advice. Your books are amazing and wonderful mentor texts. Thanks for the post today.

    By Marty Bellis on January 4, 2017 at 12:27 pm

  202. Fantastic idea to use a story archetype, alternate point of view and distinct character to prompt/challenge yourself. So, what if…

    By cedricgliane on January 4, 2017 at 12:28 pm

  203. You rule, Tammi. As usual. Great stuff, lady. You are an amazing writer and a very skilled educator, as well. We are ridiculously lucky to have you in Oklahoma! I’m going to use all of these tactics TUH-DAY! (And then again tomorrow. 😉 )

    By karammitchell on January 4, 2017 at 12:28 pm

  204. Thanks for sharing!

    By Sara Matson on January 4, 2017 at 12:30 pm

  205. I’ll give it a try! Thanks for the post… and your wonderful books!

    By harmonee2014 on January 4, 2017 at 12:31 pm

  206. I am a pro at asking “what if” but I have never thought to use it to generate ideas. thank you.

    By Vanessa on January 4, 2017 at 12:32 pm

  207. Your post is making my brain whirl!

    By Buffy Silverman on January 4, 2017 at 12:33 pm

  208. Love this! I love your samples of writing different types of stories.

    By Joanna Rowland on January 4, 2017 at 12:34 pm

  209. Howdy from one OK gal to another! Fantastic post! Your advice is always helpful and specific. Love your work – ME WANT PET is a favorite. Thank you 😊.

    By Mary on January 4, 2017 at 12:34 pm

  210. I love the “What if?” idea and it does lend itself nicely to a circle story (in a round-about way). Thanks, Tammi.

    By Laurie Swinler on January 4, 2017 at 12:36 pm

  211. Tammi, I always appreciate your posts and refer to them often. Thank you for sharing with us.

    By Heather on January 4, 2017 at 12:38 pm

  212. Thanks for the great idea. Can’t wait to try it.

    By Alicia on January 4, 2017 at 12:38 pm

  213. Thanks for the “What if?” suggestion and the lists. I’m going to use them for my story prompts for the day.

    By Kay Deans on January 4, 2017 at 12:39 pm

  214. Thanks for the “what if” tip. Really stirs up some good debris for STORYSTORM!

    By Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle) on January 4, 2017 at 12:39 pm

  215. Your name has come up three times in three days. Now I see why! Thank you for such specific and exciting suggestions!

    By ingridboydston on January 4, 2017 at 12:47 pm

  216. What if ? is great fun to think about just like ‘that’s good, that’s bad’

    By yetteejo on January 4, 2017 at 12:48 pm

  217. What if I start using this great chart to develop more arc in my stories? Thanks, Tammi!

    By Stephanie Shaw on January 4, 2017 at 12:48 pm

  218. Nothing like a Tammi Sauer post to get the ideas sparking and the storm clouds clashing! Your character/situation chart is a great story starter.

    By Lori Dubbin on January 4, 2017 at 12:50 pm

  219. Loved it. Thanks for the great advice.

    By Johnell DeWitt on January 4, 2017 at 12:50 pm

  220. Just what I needed to read today to get the brain cells rubbing together
    ! Thank you. 🙂

    By Kerry Trickett (@KerryTrickett2) on January 4, 2017 at 12:51 pm

  221. I love your post, Tammi! Thank you for the inspiration!

    By Elizabeth Brown on January 4, 2017 at 12:56 pm

  222. ‘What if’ are my two new favorite words! We LOVE the alien. Thanks for a good post.

    By Linda Staszak on January 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm

  223. Tammi, I’m a BIG, BIG, FAN of your work. Thanks so much for giving us clues about your writing process! I’m looking forward to reading your newest book.

    By Alice Fulgione on January 4, 2017 at 1:01 pm

  224. Hmm . . . what if? So many possibilities–thanks, Tammi. Pleasure meeting you at NJSCBWI a few years back 🙂

    By ammwrite3 on January 4, 2017 at 1:01 pm

  225. What if I win the alien button? My kids would be thrilled 🙂

    By LIsa R. on January 4, 2017 at 1:06 pm

  226. What if? What then? Thank you, Tammi, for two great questions to get those ideas to percolate 🙂

    By Charlotte Dixon on January 4, 2017 at 1:06 pm

  227. Love the chart! Thanks!

    By Cassandra Federman (@CassFederman) on January 4, 2017 at 1:08 pm

  228. I appreciate that you were confident enough to veer from the traditional story structure to try a new direction! The “what if” is something I’ll start challenging myself with as well. Thanks for the smart, helpful post!

    By Cathey Nickell on January 4, 2017 at 1:08 pm

  229. Out-of-this-world advice, Tammi! Thanks for this great post and I’ll check out YOUR ALIEN RETURNS!

    By Gabi Snyder on January 4, 2017 at 1:09 pm

  230. I always discover something helpful from you. Thanks for your attention to all of us.

    By Karen Henry Clark on January 4, 2017 at 1:10 pm

  231. I like this approach and will give it a try. Great article Tammi.

    By Gregory E Bray on January 4, 2017 at 1:10 pm

  232. This post is sure to spark many stories! What if I just keep on writing and writing and writing and someone wants to read it?! Thanks!

    By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 4, 2017 at 1:10 pm

  233. What if……I keep asking that question, come up with lots of great stories, and get a whole lot more books published? Sounds like a plan! Thank you Tammi for sharing!

    By Karen Dean on January 4, 2017 at 1:11 pm

  234. Tammi, you are truly a treasure! Thank You again for sharing a few golden nuggets with us!!

    By Kenda Henthorn on January 4, 2017 at 1:11 pm

  235. “What if. ..” is a fabulous prompt!

    By Holly Samson Hall on January 4, 2017 at 1:11 pm

  236. Always love hearing from you Tammi! Been using this since I attended your workshop in Kansas last year. Thank you for the refresher!

    By R.J. Koehn on January 4, 2017 at 1:13 pm

  237. What if…. I post a comment and get a fabulous prize. …….

    By angie9091 on January 4, 2017 at 1:18 pm

  238. You continue to inspire us through all the years. What if is an excellent approach to a plot in a story. I wish you more books to come this year and the future.

    By aliciaminor on January 4, 2017 at 1:20 pm

  239. thanks for sharing! I’m writing my latest draft in a circle, on purpose, and “what if” is a great approach. your chart looks fun for generating a storm of new ideas!

    By lisabilla on January 4, 2017 at 1:22 pm

  240. I’m new to picture book writing, so I really appreciate these tips. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Laurie Lascos on January 4, 2017 at 1:23 pm

  241. Thanks, Tammy. I’m going to be asking “What If” a lot today! I was lucky enough to win your book “Nugget and Fang” in this adventure a few years ago, and just this fall I met the fantastic illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton during our SCBWI-Wisconsin conference. Thanks for inspiring us!

    By Janet Halfmann on January 4, 2017 at 1:26 pm

  242. “What if?” is one of the best questions ever! Thank you for sharing how it got your creative engine beeping on all its spaceship cylinders! You rock, bawk, and SOAR!

    By Beth Stilborn on January 4, 2017 at 1:27 pm

  243. Thanks for sharing your chart! I haven’t been writing long and most of my ideas have originated from telling bedtime stories to my sons on the fly. I want to start exploring new techniques and this looks like a fun one!

    By erichshrose on January 4, 2017 at 1:28 pm

  244. Thanks Tammi. I love the What If questions. So helpful with creating a great plot.

    By Sally Spratt (@SallySpratt) on January 4, 2017 at 1:29 pm

  245. I think I have my next book title. Thanks Tammi.

    By teresa.mi.schaefer on January 4, 2017 at 1:34 pm

  246. What if…is a fabulous question! I can’t wait to read My Alien Returns

    By Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri on January 4, 2017 at 1:36 pm

  247. “What if” is pretty much the best question ever, thanks for the inspirational reminder!

    By Carolyn Kraft on January 4, 2017 at 1:36 pm

  248. As always, your posts are inspiring and beneficial. I love that you give such great examples!
    Thanks, Tammi 😀

    By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 4, 2017 at 1:37 pm

  249. Way easier to brainstorm if there is a little push to break the ice.

    By sheistheteacher on January 4, 2017 at 1:39 pm

  250. LOVE what if. I’ll try to remember to use that whenever I get stuck on my MG WIP. Thanks!

    By Courtenay Schurman on January 4, 2017 at 1:40 pm

  251. What fun way to mix and match! Thank you!

    By Robin Currie on January 4, 2017 at 1:40 pm

  252. Thank you! It reminds me of the kid who keeps asking, “Why?” I love non-traditional story structure.

    By Sharon Langley on January 4, 2017 at 1:44 pm

  253. Great reminder from your conference. I’ll be reopening those notes again today!

    By Jennifer Laughlin on January 4, 2017 at 1:49 pm

  254. Thanks for the wonderful post and ideas, Tammi! I’m excited to try the “what-if” approach!

    By Martin Segal on January 4, 2017 at 1:49 pm

  255. Loved this post. Can’t wait to try a what if? story. Thanks!

    By Julie Beturne on January 4, 2017 at 1:52 pm

  256. I love the chart! Thank you!

    By Shari Schwarz on January 4, 2017 at 1:52 pm

  257. This is a fantastic approach. I like the mixing and matching lists. Sure to provide some hilarious PB concepts. Great post.

    By KatieFrey on January 4, 2017 at 1:54 pm

  258. Thank you, Tammi, for your “What if?” prompt!

    By Jill Giesbrecht on January 4, 2017 at 1:55 pm

  259. So glad Alien returned! Can’t wait to read what happens.
    And thanks for the “What if . . . ” story creating idea.

    By jeanne on January 4, 2017 at 1:55 pm

  260. Certainly not a new technique, but this time, asking ‘what if’ really speaks to me and some of the characters I have.

    By Susan Cabael on January 4, 2017 at 1:58 pm

  261. Thanks for a fantastic post! I’m trying the “what if” approach right away. And the brainstorming chart will help greatly!

    By Kristi Veitenheimer on January 4, 2017 at 2:06 pm

  262. “What if…” I’m smiling already, thanks Tammi for this great writing ah-ha

    By shanah salter on January 4, 2017 at 2:06 pm

  263. Thank you for the list and great suggestions! Feeling inspired!

    By Michelle Andersen on January 4, 2017 at 2:08 pm

  264. Thank you for the prompt, Tammi! I like setting up creative parameters for a project as well — my last manuscript was a wordless story with a circular structure. Quite fun!

    By Erika Schnatz on January 4, 2017 at 2:09 pm

  265. Wonderful exercise! What if I win Tammi’s book? Then I will be one happy alien;) Thank you!

    By Nicki Jacobsmeyer on January 4, 2017 at 2:09 pm

  266. Love the What if approach. Really gets some ideas flowing.

    By Nicole Turner on January 4, 2017 at 2:10 pm

  267. Tammi–28 books! That’s a lot of “what if’s”. I’m inspired by your volume of great stories.

    By Pat Miller on January 4, 2017 at 2:11 pm

  268. What if? The best question ever. Love the responses you get from kids too if you ask that question.

    By Caren L Cantrell on January 4, 2017 at 2:14 pm

  269. I’m a huge fan of the “what if” idea! Thank you Tammi for your insight!

    By megcason1 on January 4, 2017 at 2:17 pm

  270. You are always an inspiration and full of great strategies. Thank you.

    By svaisnoras on January 4, 2017 at 2:20 pm

  271. The “what if” is one of my favorite story idea approaches. 🙂

    By jenabenton on January 4, 2017 at 2:20 pm

  272. “What if” might be my two favorite words. I like how you provided the visuals as well. Thanks for sharing.

    By ccmalandrinos (@ccmalandrinos) on January 4, 2017 at 2:21 pm

  273. Love it. Such a seemingly simple question but has impacts that keep on giving.

    By Cheryl on January 4, 2017 at 2:24 pm

  274. This is a great concept and I want to try it but probably won’t use 2nd person. I have a lot of what ifs–like what if I actually write something that gets published. Thank you Tammi.

    By Sheri Radovich on January 4, 2017 at 2:30 pm

  275. Thank you for providing a straight forward approach to brainstorming. The “what if” question is simple and effective.

    By Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed) on January 4, 2017 at 2:41 pm

  276. This really is the best piece of advice. It’s all about the idea. Thank you!!!

    By Melissa on January 4, 2017 at 2:43 pm

  277. Thank you. I will try this with the manuscript I am working on now.

    By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 4, 2017 at 2:44 pm

  278. You have taken my favorite question to greater heights! Thanks Tammi.

    By Sandra S. Jenkins on January 4, 2017 at 2:44 pm

  279. “What if?” makes anything possible in stories and in life. Thanks, Tammi, for nudging me to have the courage to explore.

    By Rita D. Russell on January 4, 2017 at 2:49 pm

  280. Oooo. I like this “what if” approach with detours. Thank you!

    By Kate (@KateGiard) on January 4, 2017 at 2:52 pm

  281. What if Tammy hadn’t written this piece? What if I hadn’t read it? So glad she did and I did!

    By Cindy Breedlove on January 4, 2017 at 2:54 pm

  282. Thank you, this is a great idea to use with freewriting.

    By Cindy on January 4, 2017 at 2:57 pm

  283. Great Ideas, Tammy! Thank you.

    By Carleen Shreeve on January 4, 2017 at 3:01 pm

  284. Thanks, Tammi. You are an inspiration!

    By Lori Alexander on January 4, 2017 at 3:01 pm

  285. Great advice, Tammy! Thank you and your book looks like a blast! 🙂

    By paulinetso on January 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm

  286. Thank you, Tammi. Now, what if I found a character and a situation and what if I have a new story idea and what if….I’d better get started!!!!
    thank you thank you thank you

    By mona861 on January 4, 2017 at 3:05 pm

  287. We loved the first book, can’t wait to read the second!

    By Poppy Wrote P. on January 4, 2017 at 3:05 pm

  288. Will keep this in mind. Thanks Tammy!

    By Lotus Ivak on January 4, 2017 at 3:07 pm

  289. Great jump-start for today’s brain-storming! Thanks, Tammi!

    By Bethany Roberts on January 4, 2017 at 3:08 pm

  290. Great suggestion for getting the ideas flowing.

    By Debra Katz on January 4, 2017 at 3:09 pm

  291. So helpful!! Thank you, Tammi! Huge fan of both Your Alien books. They’re so touching :).

    By mariagianferrari on January 4, 2017 at 3:12 pm

  292. I like the fact that you are willing to challenge the “norm” and approach the stories and ideas from a different angle.
    I teach first grade and when we get into writing, I like to use story dice (they have pictures on them) to give the kids ideas.
    I love to sit back and hear the kids share their ideas. What do you do with “pirate” “lab” and “stairs”?

    By matthewlasley on January 4, 2017 at 3:13 pm

  293. You could do a class about story structure just using Tammi Sauer books! Love to read her PBs and her thought processes. 😉

    By Mary McClellan on January 4, 2017 at 3:16 pm

  294. Tammy you gave us amazing tips on creating new stories. I’m going to ask myself more what if questios while writing.

    By theresenagi on January 4, 2017 at 3:16 pm

  295. So very cute! I need alien buttons to live!

    By Heather Sisson on January 4, 2017 at 3:17 pm

  296. Tammy- great post and I just love how you emphasize that using our imagination and innermost thoughts can create the most awesome stories. Your writing journey sounds amazing and congratulations on your INSPIRING success. Wow…28 books!!! Thank you for the great advice!!

    By Larissa Juliano on January 4, 2017 at 3:19 pm

  297. What a fun way to format. I think I may need to try this out!!! Thank you for the inspiration!

    By Victoria Wirkkala on January 4, 2017 at 3:19 pm

  298. Thanks for a great post. What ifs are good for writing and sometimes good for life.

    By Joyce Allan on January 4, 2017 at 3:21 pm

  299. Your post reminded me of a story idea I’d shelved without a clue about what to do with it. Now, with the “What if…then..” idea it’s back on the drawing board. Thanks!

    By terrytalley12 on January 4, 2017 at 3:23 pm

  300. Wow, what a spectacular post! I especially appreciate the character/situation chart! What an awesome springboard to inspire ideas for storystorm.

    By Rebecca E. Guzinski on January 4, 2017 at 3:26 pm

  301. What-iffing leads to so many interesting discoveries!

    By Sheri on January 4, 2017 at 3:31 pm

  302. I loved YOUR ALIEN and I’m thrilled there’s a sequel. Can’t wait to read it!

    By Brenda Huante on January 4, 2017 at 3:31 pm

  303. My first-graders and I asked, “What if?” about a little squirrel I’ve had in mind…he’s shy and easily confused. Invented some interesting scenarios. Some sweet and some really dark.

    By Susanne on January 4, 2017 at 3:37 pm

  304. Thank you Tammi, I have occasionally said to myself what if, but using it in the way you have described it something I am going to start doing on a few of my ideas that I haven’t known what to do with.

    By debbrooke on January 4, 2017 at 3:38 pm

  305. Tammi, I always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for the great “what if” idea.

    By Beth Blee on January 4, 2017 at 3:39 pm

  306. I absolutely love YOUR ALIEN and I can’t wait for for YOUR ALIEN RETURNS. Thanks for the suggestions to ask questions. I’ll spend this evening seeking out “if-then” situations while I’m doing fun things like laundry, feeding the dogs, etc. 🙂 Ya know, letting my mind go!

    By Maria Bostian on January 4, 2017 at 3:40 pm

  307. Thanks, Tammi. Questions are always great ways to detour around dead ends in stories. What if? What then? Why? Just ask any 2-year-old the value of ‘why’!

    By Joannie Duris on January 4, 2017 at 3:44 pm

  308. A big fan of the what if and Tammi’s picture books.

    By rjtraxel on January 4, 2017 at 3:46 pm

  309. Love the “what if” prompt! Thanks for the great idea!

    By Elise on January 4, 2017 at 3:52 pm

  310. We just returned Mary Had a Little Glam to the library today. What a great dose of sass. Thanks for the story generating ideas in the blog today.

    By Darlene Ivy on January 4, 2017 at 3:56 pm

  311. Love this prompt idea, Tammi! Can’t wait to see “what” happens “if” we all try it! Thank you!

    By ptnozell on January 4, 2017 at 4:00 pm

  312. Thank you for the what -if tip. Looking forward to reading your sequel 😊

    By Janie Reinart on January 4, 2017 at 4:06 pm

  313. Thanks for the post, Tammi. I love the Character/Situation match…lots of great ideas brewing!

    By amievc on January 4, 2017 at 4:09 pm

  314. What if…An excellent opportunity to really think like a child and use that imagination of ours! thanks for the post!

    By Krissy on January 4, 2017 at 4:12 pm

  315. I love your posts Tammi. Trying my “What If” right now.

    By Darshana on January 4, 2017 at 4:14 pm

  316. This suggestion speaks to me! Will try it with a MS that’s giving me a headache! Wow, thanks! And I’d like to read Tammi’s last two picture books–loved her others.

    By Carleen M. Tjader on January 4, 2017 at 4:14 pm

  317. Very helpful post Tammi! Using the “What if” question has just helped me develop (completely change) an idea I got yesterday. Exciting!

    By David Creighton-Pester on January 4, 2017 at 4:14 pm

  318. I always love reading your posts. It was great to meet you at the SCBWI-WA conference a couple of years ago.

    By Sharon Nix Jones on January 4, 2017 at 4:17 pm

  319. Thanks for the ideas for new approaches! I printed out the character/situation list and taped it in my notebook for the month in case I get stuck!

    By angkunkel on January 4, 2017 at 4:18 pm

  320. The thing I love about this is that it’s possible to come up with a bunch of ideas in one brainstorming session. Sometimes I spend too long waiting for ideas to arrive in my brain, rather than actively concocting them. Time to get to work!

    By Carrie Finison on January 4, 2017 at 4:26 pm

  321. Thanks for giving us a peak into your “what-if” writing world, Tammi!

    By LJ Laniewski on January 4, 2017 at 4:28 pm

  322. Even though I know about the what if philosophy it always helps to be reminded – and given a list :).

    By katharinederrick on January 4, 2017 at 4:34 pm

  323. Thanks Tammi – “what if” has been the topic of numerous family situations today. Great idea! Thanks!

    By Helen Dening on January 4, 2017 at 4:35 pm

  324. When I taught writing to teens, I always told them “What if. . .? were the best words a writers can ever say to themselves. It works every time! Great advice.

    By writingcygnet on January 4, 2017 at 4:36 pm

  325. Great ideas, Tammi! Using “what if” to generate my story idea today. Thank you.

    By kathrynjeanhagen on January 4, 2017 at 4:37 pm

  326. I loved this post so much! Thanks for sharing!!

    By A. P. Alessandri on January 4, 2017 at 4:42 pm

  327. This sounds like a such a useful tool for any sort of storytelling! (And I’m incredibly tempted to try a circle story, now, too!)

    By Paul Carroll on January 4, 2017 at 4:43 pm

  328. Thanks Tammi!

    By Dawn Young on January 4, 2017 at 4:44 pm

  329. Great post, Tammi. I just scribbled down a “What If” chart and already have some ideas brewing! Thanks!

    By Kylie Burns kysblog1 on January 4, 2017 at 4:45 pm

  330. WHAT IF is genius! I think this will be all I do all day!

    By Vita Lane on January 4, 2017 at 4:53 pm

  331. I actually despise the “what if” when it comes from an adolescent male who thinks he has a great idea. I’m going to have to re-frame this one.

    By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 4, 2017 at 4:54 pm

  332. I always ask What If? It is one of the best ways to come up with new stories and turn old ones upside down. Great post. I’m printing out the sheet of prompts.

    By Megan Higginson on January 4, 2017 at 4:55 pm

  333. Thanks for the table of Characters and Situations. I think it will be great for the days where ideas are not flowing.

    By Neena Ingerman on January 4, 2017 at 4:56 pm

  334. Thank you, Tammi, for sharing one of your writing strategies! Very helpful!

    By Annie Cronin Romano on January 4, 2017 at 5:02 pm

  335. Thanks for sharing more of your writing wisdom with us, Tammi. 🙂

    By Wendy Greenley on January 4, 2017 at 5:05 pm

  336. Wow, did I need this reminder about the ‘What if?’ Thank you so much, and congrats on the neat-sounding sequel!

    By Gail Hedrick on January 4, 2017 at 5:07 pm

  337. Thank you for the inspiration. What if? could be a great help with a story.

    By Anna Smith on January 4, 2017 at 5:08 pm

  338. “what if. . .” is a great unsticker of my stuck self when I need a way out that is also wayout. Thanks!

    By Shari Della Penna on January 4, 2017 at 5:13 pm

  339. Love the infographic, Tammi…so many classes and presentations have stressed the importance of asking ‘what if’…but hearing how it helped you create your books has inspired me to really put it into action. And second person narration is something I’ve wanted to do, but hesitated to ‘break’ the rules…you’ve given me courage to try. 🙂

    By viviankirkfield on January 4, 2017 at 5:15 pm

  340. Thank you for your insight and for the graphic you provided. Now I’m going to go around for the rest of the day asking, What if? Hope some good ideas come out of it! 🙂

    By Tina Barbour on January 4, 2017 at 5:23 pm

  341. “What if…” is a fabulous approach. Thank you! And the graphic was great!

    By Ali Pfautz on January 4, 2017 at 5:28 pm

  342. Tammi, you always have such great ideas! Congrats on your alien sequel.

    By evelynchristensen on January 4, 2017 at 5:29 pm

  343. Love it! I always get so much out of your posts — thank you!! 🙂

    By Sheri Dillard on January 4, 2017 at 5:31 pm

  344. Thanks for the thought-provoking post, Tammi!

    By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 4, 2017 at 5:36 pm

  345. Thank you, Tami! You got my idea mill running!

    By Sandy Lowe on January 4, 2017 at 5:38 pm

  346. Thank you for that wonderful reminder that we have lots of options for mining our creativity!

    By htbeers on January 4, 2017 at 5:41 pm

  347. Oooh, my son and I loved YOUR ALIEN. I’m definitely going to look up the sequel. Thanks for the great post!

    By Melissa Koosmann on January 4, 2017 at 5:46 pm

  348. Thanks Tammi! This is a great exercise for all writers.

    By CindyC on January 4, 2017 at 5:46 pm

  349. 28 picture books? Amazing. Love the success that can be had by using this simple technique. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Sandy Perlic on January 4, 2017 at 5:48 pm

  350. I love your work, Tammi! Your question “What if” and your list of characters and situations are so helpful in brainstorming story ideas. Thanks for this great post!

    By Melissa Stoller on January 4, 2017 at 5:57 pm

  351. Thank you, Tammi. I am ready to “circle” a story idea into being.

    By judyrubin13 on January 4, 2017 at 6:09 pm

  352. Great advice! I love the idea of using what-if questions…seems so reflective of life as well. Thank you!

    By Karin Larson on January 4, 2017 at 6:11 pm

  353. What if…a great way to get the ideas flowing. Thanks!

    By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 4, 2017 at 6:15 pm

  354. I enjoy reading your books. You have such a great “voice”

    By Denise Benavides on January 4, 2017 at 6:19 pm

  355. Thank you! I am “circling” right now!

    By triciacandy on January 4, 2017 at 6:30 pm

  356. Love systems for channeling and uncovering inspiration. Thanks!

    By peardigger on January 4, 2017 at 6:32 pm

  357. What if … the eternal question that creates for us over and over and over and over …
    Thanks for reminding me that “what if” is an excellent quality to have, even if it does drive some people batty. 😀

    By Danielle on January 4, 2017 at 6:33 pm

  358. Tammi has quite the collection of fun books already! It’s fun to hear how her mind approaches the writing. Can’t wait to read another new one!

    By Sherry Howard on January 4, 2017 at 6:35 pm

  359. I really enjoy the circle story as well. Thanks, Tammi for the “what if…” and character/ situation chart.

    By Tracey Brown on January 4, 2017 at 6:36 pm

  360. As entertaining to read as you were to see in person!

    By Laura on January 4, 2017 at 6:46 pm

  361. Oh yes – “What If?” Every year, I need a reminder to keep asking that question and not to stop after just a couple of What Ifs!

    By Melanie Ellsworth on January 4, 2017 at 6:56 pm

  362. Let me see . . . What if? . . . Thank you, Tammi. My brain cells are spinning with ideas.

    ~Suzy Leopold

    By Prairie Garden Girl on January 4, 2017 at 6:58 pm

  363. I absolutely love this post! What if questions are the best for generating ideas and I love the concept of just choosing random things to put together!

    By amshahen1 on January 4, 2017 at 6:59 pm

  364. I always work with kids with the “What if?” scenario, but I often forget to do it myself! Thanks for the nudge!

    By ellenleventhal on January 4, 2017 at 7:04 pm

  365. I like not stopping with one What If question. Great idea!

    By Natalie Rompella on January 4, 2017 at 7:05 pm

  366. What if gets the juices flowing. Thanks for an inspiring post.

    By carol calladine on January 4, 2017 at 7:11 pm

  367. IF is such a powerful little word, isn’t it?

    By Christine Irvin on January 4, 2017 at 7:13 pm

  368. Thank so for the great post. I learned something new from it. I’d never heard of a circle story before. Thank you. 😊

    By Zainab on January 4, 2017 at 7:26 pm

  369. My husband is the best “What if,” guy around. He is forever asking me that question whenever I run a story idea by him. Great ideas- Thanks!

    By hermanator33 on January 4, 2017 at 7:40 pm

  370. I love your books and thank you for sharing some of your writing techniques! Great post 🙂

    By Nancy Ramsey on January 4, 2017 at 7:49 pm

  371. Great idea Tammi .Thank you.

    By Martti Maguet on January 4, 2017 at 7:50 pm

  372. Wow! What a long list of books you’ve written. I’ve used the ‘what if’ technique before, think I’ll try it again.

    By Janet Smart on January 4, 2017 at 7:52 pm

  373. Love it ! Thanks!

    By Joanna Sabal on January 4, 2017 at 8:08 pm

  374. I love the ‘What If’ premise. It’s so fun!

    By kiwijenny on January 4, 2017 at 8:11 pm

  375. How fun! Great to break structure rules and see what happens.

    By Liz Garcia on January 4, 2017 at 8:14 pm

  376. Sooo, what if …….

    By Candy on January 4, 2017 at 8:20 pm

  377. Love your books, Tammi!

    By kpbock on January 4, 2017 at 8:24 pm

  378. I love the character & situation chart. I’ll be making my own charts (with dogs and wombats & picnics and storms) & I’ll be what-if-ing. Thanks!

    By Carole Stedronsky on January 4, 2017 at 8:30 pm

  379. Thanks for giving me a great jumping off point today.

    By Jane Serpa on January 4, 2017 at 8:34 pm

  380. I love everything about this post but I love Tammi the most of all! Great advice! Thanks, Tara and Tammi!

    By Elaine Kiely Kearns on January 4, 2017 at 8:38 pm

  381. Love the “what if” suggestions. And LOVE your books!

    By writingtexas on January 4, 2017 at 8:39 pm

  382. Love it! Thanks!

    By Carolyn on January 4, 2017 at 8:50 pm

  383. Tammi, thanks for your inspiration and advice. Wishing you continued successes in all you do!

    By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 4, 2017 at 8:54 pm

  384. Cool! I have some of your other books! Thank you for the great post.

    By DebbieLubbert on January 4, 2017 at 9:01 pm

  385. Thank you Tammi, for the great tips through the Storystorm; “what if” and the character and situation chart.

    By nabinava on January 4, 2017 at 9:07 pm

  386. Tammi, your ability to pare down writing advice into succinct strategies is amazing. I think you need to write a book for writers. Thanks yet again.

    By Sue Gallion on January 4, 2017 at 9:11 pm

  387. I love Bawk and Roll! 2nd person-yikes-I don’t think I’d know what to do with that!

    By Megan Whitaker on January 4, 2017 at 9:20 pm

  388. Great story prompts sure to stimulate creativity. I’m on it. Thanks!

    By Jennifer Phillips on January 4, 2017 at 9:31 pm

  389. I LOVE “Chicken Dance” and “Bawk & Roll” — and all of your other great books!

    By jhayslett on January 4, 2017 at 9:33 pm

  390. Thanks for sharing your “What if” technique, Tammi! I’m excited to use it.

    By idzalg on January 4, 2017 at 9:38 pm

  391. I love the ‘what if’ idea! I may have to Steal Like an Artist (thanks Austin Kleon) and borrow it for my classroom (I teach 3rd and love having writing prompt ideas around the room for them to use when we get a chance).

    By Erik Ammon on January 4, 2017 at 9:43 pm

  392. Congratulations on your success. Long may it continue! Thanks for the prompts here. I need to unleash my mind to think in a wacky way, and your list is a good start.

    By Jane Heitman Healy on January 4, 2017 at 9:45 pm

  393. As always, Tammi – you are spot on with advice! I still need my idea for today. What if…. Ohhh, that might just work! Thanks again!

    By lizbedia on January 4, 2017 at 9:46 pm

  394. I love your suggestion of using the what-if approach to navigate away from a dead end. Happy to add this to my tool box, thanks!

    By Alexandra Hinrichs on January 4, 2017 at 9:46 pm

  395. What a fun idea. Thanks

    By Jaclyn Crawford on January 4, 2017 at 9:49 pm

  396. Thanks for reminding me of the “what if” technique, Tammi. This might be just the ticket for unsticking a stubborn story plot.

    By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 4, 2017 at 9:51 pm

  397. Love this so much, Tammi. Thank you for sharing. (And we LOVE so many of your books, especially the Your Alien books! Those are some of my kids’ favorites.)

    By Caroline on January 4, 2017 at 9:55 pm

  398. Such a simple question, but so powerful. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Julie Foster Hedlund on January 4, 2017 at 9:55 pm

  399. Thanks for your “what if” idea. It certainly opens up a lot of intriguing possibilities. Bonnie Kloster

    By Bonnie Kloster on January 4, 2017 at 9:58 pm

  400. This is a great way to start thinking ideas through! Thank you so much Tammi!

    By lbouck09 on January 4, 2017 at 10:03 pm

  401. I was very lucky to have met you at the Kansas SCBWI PB seminar and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Looking forward to reading Your Alien Returns!

    By Michele Helsel on January 4, 2017 at 10:07 pm

  402. Thanks for the reminder to use “what if”!!!!
    Congratulations on all of your successes!!! 🙂

    By seschipper on January 4, 2017 at 10:08 pm

  403. What if… I am going to be a famous writer and don’t know it yet!

    By 8catpaws on January 4, 2017 at 10:10 pm

  404. I love the idea of asking “What If?” I’ll be asking that question with each story I write. I look forward to reading “YOUR AILEN RETURNS,” to my grandsons. Thank you Tammi for a great post.

    By Ali Earle Pichardo on January 4, 2017 at 10:11 pm

  405. Thanks for reminding us of the “what if” technique of finding ideas!

    By Diane O'Neill on January 4, 2017 at 10:12 pm

  406. LOVE the What-If idea!!! Thank you for your brilliance!

    By Nadine Poper on January 4, 2017 at 10:22 pm

  407. Thanks Tammi for sharing! Wonderful characters+imaginative plot+with “what if” twists & turns+circular story = delightful story!

    By Joan Marie Arbogast on January 4, 2017 at 10:23 pm

  408. YOUR ALIEN is my fav of Tammi’s books. I use “what if” to develop all my stories.

    By ManjuBeth on January 4, 2017 at 10:25 pm

  409. Thank you for the great post! I love your practical approach!

    By loriannlevyholm on January 4, 2017 at 10:25 pm

  410. Thanks Tammi for your post. We love your books… can’t wait to read the new Alien one!

    By Viviane LB on January 4, 2017 at 10:27 pm

  411. Tammi, I love hearing your tried and true methods to writing and how you stretched your writing by trying different story structures. Thank you for your talent and your time.

    By Sharon Coffey on January 4, 2017 at 10:29 pm

  412. Always use Tammi’s tips. Makes writing less alien to me. 🙂

    By Keila Dawson on January 4, 2017 at 10:33 pm

  413. Love the idea of prompts to lead you into a new direction!

    By Michele Noiset on January 4, 2017 at 10:36 pm

  414. I love circle stories!

    By Carrie Harvey on January 4, 2017 at 10:40 pm

  415. Tammi, I have always wanted to write a story with a circular plot structure. I like your “what if” questions.

    By Jeanette Koscheski on January 4, 2017 at 10:40 pm

  416. I am such a huge fan of Tammi’s books. And I love the suggested idea of using a “What if” prompt. Thank you!!

    By Cathy Breisacher on January 4, 2017 at 10:47 pm

  417. “What if” really has worked me for in the past. thank you, terri

    By tdegezelle on January 4, 2017 at 10:50 pm

  418. Great post, thank you for the inspiration!

    By Heather Kelso on January 4, 2017 at 10:51 pm

  419. What if I write 31 picture book story ideas this month? …

    By moni on January 4, 2017 at 10:53 pm

  420. The possibilities are endless!

    By Liz Goulet Dubois on January 4, 2017 at 10:56 pm

  421. Love the idea of using what if questions to come up with story ideas. Great place to start!

    By Kristin Wauson on January 4, 2017 at 10:58 pm

  422. I am such a believer in know all the rules, understand the technique before you break from conventional format. Thank you, Tammi, for reminding us of the norms. . . They are part of a rich tradition of story telling. And, there’s a dragon in my dreams who well . . . And then . . . And then . . . The rest is history! : )

    By helennhill on January 4, 2017 at 11:09 pm

  423. Thank you Tammi! Your Alien is currently my 5 year olds favorite bedtime read. I was just wondering last night how you came up with the idea for how the little alien would signal his parents. Thanks for giving us books kids love and that us parents can ponder too. Can’t wait to “What if?”

    By Erin Nowak on January 4, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    1. Aw! I’m honored!

      I tried to think like a kid and imagined how he might tackle this problem with the sort of things he would have at his disposal.

      By tammisauer on January 5, 2017 at 12:51 am

  424. Great ideas! In fact, my middle grade started with a what-if.

    By Lyn Miller-Lachmann on January 4, 2017 at 11:16 pm

  425. I can’t wait to use the “what if” technique to develop new story ideas. Thanks for the tip!

    By Darlene Gaston on January 4, 2017 at 11:19 pm

  426. Such a simple question that can lead to so many great ideas! Thanks, Tanmi! I can’t wait to try it! It might be fun to do with another person too.

    By Becky Scharnhorst on January 4, 2017 at 11:20 pm

  427. Great prompts! It really helps open the doors to the imagination when working to find story ideas. Thanks so much, Tammi.

    By Stella Jane Stauffer (Lopez) on January 4, 2017 at 11:29 pm

  428. Thank you! I’m off to brainstorm some “what if” scenarios.

    By rgstones on January 4, 2017 at 11:34 pm

  429. Tks for the inspiration. I keep thinking what if this is the start of a great pb in my head? I’m excited 😊

    By writeknit on January 4, 2017 at 11:40 pm

  430. Thanks Tammi! What if is my favorite question, and I love the starter list!!

    By Tracy Molitors on January 4, 2017 at 11:40 pm

  431. Thanks for the awesome inspiration! I can’t wait to try out the What If approach!

    By Leah Danz on January 4, 2017 at 11:42 pm

  432. Out of this world reminder, Tammi! Thanks!

    By Carrie Charley Brown on January 4, 2017 at 11:47 pm

  433. I’m definitely going to try your “what if” approach! I’m off to write! Thank you!

    By Jennifer Larson Hunt on January 4, 2017 at 11:50 pm

  434. I like “what if” scenerios…it expands my circle of possibilities.

    Great post!

    By Donna L Martin on January 4, 2017 at 11:51 pm

  435. Thanks for this post. It was just what I needed to get the creative juices flowing for a title idea I had, but that was all I had. Now I have a main character and a bunch of “what if” possibilities. I look forward to seeing where that goes!

    By Heather Pierce Stigall on January 4, 2017 at 11:56 pm

  436. What a great exercise for coming up with ideas! I love the list of character/situations and will be using it to come up with my own. Thank you!

    By Larissa Marantz on January 4, 2017 at 11:57 pm

  437. “What if” is my favourite brainstorm session starter!

    By dianneyoung65 on January 5, 2017 at 12:00 am

  438. I love this!!! I often find myself wondering what if but the character and situation lists really only me thinking! Thanks!!!

    By mentortexts on January 5, 2017 at 12:05 am

  439. “What if?” is the biggest two-word question because “if” is the biggest two-letter word 😀 Great stuff, Tammi! Thank you 🙂

    By writersideup on January 5, 2017 at 12:11 am

  440. My boys and I are big Nugget and Fang fans! I’ve actually been wondering if you included (and how) the words/signs/comments that are in the pictures (which add so much humor to the story) when you submitted it for publication. I’m nearly submission ready with my story and struggling with how to do this. Any advice for me? Thanks!

    By Laurie on January 5, 2017 at 12:14 am

    1. Nugget & Fang also got its start in PiBoIdMo!

      I embedded the comments in the text. The other stuff was conveyed in the art notes.

      Best of luck with your submission! 🙂

      By tammisauer on January 5, 2017 at 12:45 am

  441. Thanks for the great advice. I’ll give the “What if…” a try. Love your books!

    By Kristen Browning on January 5, 2017 at 12:24 am

  442. I love the idea of using “second person narration”, and using a “circle story,” tying together the beginning again at the end, thanks for these great suggestions Tammi!

    By Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing on January 5, 2017 at 12:27 am

  443. I love the type of “what if” of a little alien accidentally crash-landing in a boy’s yard…what a fun way to start and idea to see where it can take you. Thank you for the post!

    By Carolina Pedraza on January 5, 2017 at 12:37 am

  444. What if reminds me of my kiddos inquiring minds… which is exactly where I should be going with my story ideas. Thanks for the post:)

    By Aimee Haburjak on January 5, 2017 at 1:00 am

  445. Thanks! Your “What if?” chart gave me an idea for a bear who decides to try living in the city. (Started off as a shark who didn’t fit in!)

    By Nori Underhill on January 5, 2017 at 1:02 am

  446. A simple “what if” can help your imagination soar high! Thanks for sharing your unique ways of storytelling.

    By Meena on January 5, 2017 at 1:03 am

  447. Love, love, love the mini lesson in this post. I’m gonna take this exercise to my crit group. Thank you so much. Great post.

    By Pamela Courtney on January 5, 2017 at 1:04 am

  448. I’m going to write “What if?” on a piece of paper and put it where I can see it every day!

    By Debbie Austin on January 5, 2017 at 1:07 am

  449. What a great exercise! I’m going to try it with a new story I’m working on. Thanks!

    By Jessie Burnam on January 5, 2017 at 1:36 am

  450. I like brainstorming additions to this list. We did this in a grad class I took (working on story).

    By Nancy Hoorn on January 5, 2017 at 1:39 am

  451. I appreciate the ‘what if’ approach to going down the creative rabbit hole, and look forward to trying this.

    By Katherine Goff Thole on January 5, 2017 at 1:53 am

  452. Circle story…going to try that ASAP.

    By Dina Ticas on January 5, 2017 at 1:56 am

  453. What If? is my favorite idea generator. Sometimes, it leads me down a dead end road, but the beautiful thing is I can back out and turn around with no trouble. Thank you for the post.

    By Matt Leitzen on January 5, 2017 at 1:59 am

  454. TAMMI: “What if . . . ” that is how I walk around the world, too. I LOVE the inspiration to step away from the classic storybook structure (as you did), to try new and different approaches in order to get new and different ideas. I also LOVE the “What if” story-generator box you included to get our ideas started — THANK YOU!!!!

    By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 5, 2017 at 2:49 am

  455. Thank you. Very helpful.

    By Leah Leonard on January 5, 2017 at 3:00 am

  456. Thanks for reminding me to use “What if.”

    By Myrna Foster on January 5, 2017 at 3:15 am

  457. Great post! I’ll be asking myself “what if”!

    By Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart) on January 5, 2017 at 3:45 am

  458. Thank you for the “what if” tip Tammi! It’s after midnight but I’m getting a few ideas down tonight and I needed the help after a long day.

    By Jami gigot on January 5, 2017 at 4:28 am

  459. Loved the “what if” approach,thank you!

    By meszter24 on January 5, 2017 at 5:54 am

  460. I love the ‘what if’ idea. Sometimes I have ideas but don’t know where they’ll lead. Now I can adopt the ‘What if’ statement to see where the stories will take me.

    By Annaliese Arnold on January 5, 2017 at 5:57 am

  461. I just love all the interesting ideas that can come from mixing up characters and conflicts!

    By Dawnyelle on January 5, 2017 at 6:54 am

  462. Excellent blog! Thank you.

    By Patricia Koelmel on January 5, 2017 at 8:34 am

  463. “What if” is a great place to start to build a story. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Judy Sobanski on January 5, 2017 at 8:36 am

  464. I will definitely be using the “What if” approach to creating stories. It kind of gives your mind permission to think out of the box and go in uncharted territory. Thanks for the suggestion. I liked the character-situation chart. I bet your school presentations are fun!

    By Mary Zychowicz on January 5, 2017 at 8:49 am

  465. Love circle stories. 😀

    By Ryan Roberts on January 5, 2017 at 9:33 am

  466. The ‘What If’ exercise is such a fantastic suggestion. Thank you Tammi!

    By Catherine F on January 5, 2017 at 9:37 am

  467. I will be giving “What if” a go. Thanks.

    By Jim Chaize on January 5, 2017 at 9:45 am

  468. What a simple but powerful technique! Thanks you Tammi for sharing your advice and talent with us. (I’m sitting here now with a stack of your books. My favorite mentor texts! )

    By julielacombeauthor on January 5, 2017 at 9:46 am

  469. Always inspiring, Tammi! I love the What If approach! It’s good to be reminded about this when we’re trying to brainstorm this month.

    By Paula Cohen-Martin on January 5, 2017 at 9:46 am

  470. Good tip, Tammi! Thanks!

    By PJ on January 5, 2017 at 9:50 am

  471. Ooh, a circle story. That seems like a term I should’ve known by now, but I didn’t. Now *I* want to write one, too! Maybe about a superhero who wakes up on the wrong side of bed. 😉

    By Elizabeth Metz on January 5, 2017 at 9:57 am

  472. Thanks for the fun exercise. It’s got my wheels turning.

    By Jacqueline Adams on January 5, 2017 at 10:01 am

  473. I love the “What If” approach. Thanks for the reminder for this year’s Story Storm!

    By Barbara Cairns on January 5, 2017 at 10:21 am

  474. Great idea to keep moving the plot along. What if?

    By Rebecca Sheraton on January 5, 2017 at 10:22 am

  475. Thanks for the great idea…”What if…?” I also love your books!!

    By Daryl Gottier on January 5, 2017 at 10:38 am

  476. Whhoop whoop! I’m loving these daily inspirations! -Marie Manley Tucker

    By Marie Manley Tucker on January 5, 2017 at 10:41 am

  477. “What if” I stopped when I get to that block in the road and take Tara’s idea of mindfulness plus your idea of asking ‘what if?’ and find my little ‘brick patio and a glass of wine’ to day dream about the possibilities for my character? Hmmm… Its all coming together 😉

    By Cathy Stenquist on January 5, 2017 at 10:51 am

  478. Thank you, Tammi:) I went to an SCBWI conference
    and the editor used you as an example of the dream author to work with. You’re the one to follow and I can see why. Appreciate your sharing your insight:)

    By Rachel Somoano on January 5, 2017 at 10:52 am

    1. Okay, you just made my entire day. Thank you! 🙂

      By tammisauer on January 5, 2017 at 11:11 am

  479. Definitely going to ask a lot of What ifs today at lunch when I work on my manuscript! Thanks for the suggestion, Tammi. Sounds great!!

    By debmeyercreative on January 5, 2017 at 10:54 am

  480. Inspiring back 2 the drawing board

    By Alexander Mark on January 5, 2017 at 10:59 am

  481. What a delightful way to approach idea geberation. Thank you!

    By Sarita F. on January 5, 2017 at 11:10 am

  482. This is a great activity to do at school visits! I have three piles of cards from kids to choose from — character, situation, and location. It gets their creative juices flowing quickly instead of asking them to come up with their own.

    By Monica A. Harris on January 5, 2017 at 11:36 am

    1. Monica, I’m using your idea as a teacher for a small group writing class activity. I’ve already made my Character/Situation cards (my first productive Snow Day activity ☃) Thanks for sharing.

      By terrytalley12 on January 5, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      1. You’re more than welcome! I’ll be eager to hear how it goes 🙂

        By Monica A. Harris on January 6, 2017 at 2:18 pm

  483. Awesome!! Love this!

    By Heather Elizabeth on January 5, 2017 at 11:49 am

  484. You’ve got me thinking! Thanks!

    By Steve Schwartz on January 5, 2017 at 11:57 am

  485. inspiring

    By colleenrkosinski on January 5, 2017 at 12:16 pm

  486. I love the idea chart!
    *runs off to make up one of my own…

    By Rebecca Van Slyke on January 5, 2017 at 12:17 pm

  487. Thank you for sharing. What if? You’ve certainly proved its success. Congratulations on all of your picture books.

    By Sharalyn Edgeberg on January 5, 2017 at 12:17 pm

  488. You are awesome! Thanks again and again!

    By MickiGinsberg on January 5, 2017 at 12:30 pm

  489. I love playing WHAT IF!

    By Kathy Doherty on January 5, 2017 at 1:07 pm

  490. I love your post on playing What If to get your plot down. Thanks.

    By Juli Jones on January 5, 2017 at 1:13 pm

  491. You are a *SPARKLE” in our writing lives! Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea to get us moving.

    By Sandie Sing on January 5, 2017 at 2:08 pm

  492. What a great story starter! Mix and match characters and situations that resonate with you. Inspiring.

    By Cassie Bentley on January 5, 2017 at 2:37 pm

  493. This is just the advice I needed today! Thank you for sharing!

    By saritarich on January 5, 2017 at 2:45 pm

  494. Wow!! This REALLY got my creative juices flowing!!! I LOVE this approach!! Tammi, thanks for your post and the inspiration!!! Exactly what I needed!!

    By Sathya Achia Abraham on January 5, 2017 at 2:53 pm

  495. Thanks for the great idea!

    By Sharon Cowley on January 5, 2017 at 2:54 pm

  496. I love the inspiration here….

    By lydialukidis on January 5, 2017 at 3:01 pm

  497. Great inspiration! Thank you!!!

    By kjfoote on January 5, 2017 at 3:06 pm

  498. I always use the “what if” prompt for myself when trying to find fresh ideas. I love whenthey click, but sometimes it take a long time.

    By danielle hammelef on January 5, 2017 at 3:16 pm

  499. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Jennifer Ali on January 5, 2017 at 3:43 pm

  500. Thank you Tammi! This was a great post with a fun exercise. 🙂

    By Heidi Yates on January 5, 2017 at 3:49 pm

  501. Congratulations, Tammi, on your many successes. You are the Character Charmer of Picture Books. Thank you for this all important question.

    By Pam Miller on January 5, 2017 at 3:54 pm

  502. Thanks for the fun post, Tammi and I really should try the ‘what if’ approach. I have never given it enough credit, but you’ve spurred me on.

    By Kaye Baillie on January 5, 2017 at 4:42 pm

  503. Thanks for the prompts, Tammi! I love the What if question!

    By Ann Kelley on January 5, 2017 at 5:14 pm

  504. What if I win Tammi’s book? What if the little alien comes to life? What if the alien becomes a cat? What if…Wow, that is fun!

    By Dionna on January 5, 2017 at 5:40 pm

  505. I love playing what if!

    By Kassy Keppol on January 5, 2017 at 5:43 pm

  506. What if….I try all three of these styles? A fun exercise in creativity! thanks

    By billiesgirl on January 5, 2017 at 7:26 pm

  507. Thanks for the ideas, Tammy! I have played with the “What Ifs” before, but time to revisit it.

    By kmajor2013 on January 5, 2017 at 8:05 pm

  508. Thx for the great ideas, Tammy!

    By yangmommy on January 5, 2017 at 8:37 pm

  509. “What if?” Is my new mantra. Thanks Tammi!

    By Barbara Messinger on January 5, 2017 at 8:43 pm

  510. Joypainter is so glad the alien is back!… Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

    By joypainter on January 5, 2017 at 9:23 pm

  511. Thank you for the tips, Tammi! You get me excited about writing picture books.

    By Lu Fiskin-RossL on January 5, 2017 at 9:27 pm

  512. Thank you for the tips, Tammi! You spur me to new imaginings.

    By Lu Fiskin-Ross on January 5, 2017 at 9:28 pm

  513. What if…I tried a little harder.❤

    By authorstephanievanhorn on January 5, 2017 at 10:04 pm

  514. Great ideas!

    By Rona Shirdan on January 5, 2017 at 10:05 pm

  515. This is a far out post, Tammi! Thanks for the great advice.

    By Tracey M. Cox on January 5, 2017 at 10:05 pm

  516. It really works! I asked what if and kept probing deeper and deeper and voila – a PB idea materialized! “Your Alien Returns” looks darling (or is that the wrong thing to say about an alien book?!?!) Thanks Tammi!

    By Amanda Sincavage on January 6, 2017 at 12:41 am

  517. Thank you! Great post!

    By Midge Ballou Smith on January 6, 2017 at 1:01 am

  518. What if I never read this blog? 😮

    By Jenna Woloshyn on January 6, 2017 at 2:10 am

  519. Great post! Thank you Tammi!

    By Reena Balding on January 6, 2017 at 5:53 am

  520. Thank you for your inspiring post, Tammi. I particularly liked your character and situation list for inspiring new situations.

    By lahewson on January 6, 2017 at 7:19 am

  521. I always look forward to your writing posts. You continue to inspire me, and I thank you.

    By Betsy Devany on January 6, 2017 at 9:56 am

  522. The character/situation chart is great!! Thank you for the creative boost (and congrats on the new chapter for your little alien!)

    By Kaitlin Hedberg on January 6, 2017 at 10:09 am

  523. The power of those 2 little words merged into one big question is a mighty powerful story finder. Thanks.

    By topangamaria on January 6, 2017 at 10:19 am

  524. Just started this with a new story – but not with 2nd person. Will give that some thought. I have to think about when it fits . . . thnx

    By cantsing1 on January 6, 2017 at 10:39 am

  525. Love the “What If” Thanks so much.

    By darlene koppel on January 6, 2017 at 10:46 am

  526. Thanks so much for this amazing advice! “What If” sparks so many ideas!

    By Ali Bovis on January 6, 2017 at 11:14 am

  527. Love hearing about how a story got started. Another great approach for my toolbox.

    By Nicole Strangman on January 6, 2017 at 11:19 am

  528. I tried it already! What if…there’s a writer that needs to keep learning.

    By Zoraida Rivera on January 6, 2017 at 11:39 am

  529. Thank you Tammi!

    By cravevsworld on January 6, 2017 at 11:57 am

  530. Plot is my biggest problem. Your “What If” map is going to help me big time.

    By christinerodenbour on January 6, 2017 at 12:24 pm

  531. Great advice as always, Tammi!

    By Traci Sorell on January 6, 2017 at 1:11 pm

  532. Great story starters! Love a mashup!

    By Nadine Gamble on January 6, 2017 at 1:40 pm

  533. I love this idea! I will definitely be using this to come up with more ideas. Thank you so much for your post.

    By Anne Appert on January 6, 2017 at 1:40 pm

  534. Great ideas. Looking forward to trying this out.

    By Jason Perkins on January 6, 2017 at 2:36 pm

  535. Nice list of “What if” items to match up. Thanks for that kickstart, Tammi!

    By Leslie Santamaria on January 6, 2017 at 3:00 pm

  536. Your posts and suggestions always kick off a creative spark for me. Thank you Tammi!

    By wendymyersart on January 6, 2017 at 3:12 pm

  537. You sure know how to inspire us, Tammi!

    By Patricia Toht on January 6, 2017 at 3:40 pm

  538. I love the “what if” idea of moving with the story to see where it goes. Thanks.

    By Andrew Lefebvre on January 6, 2017 at 4:36 pm

  539. Thank you, Tami! This post could not have come at a better time. I am at a total dead end with one of my picture book stories. The “what if” approach is giving me new possibilities.

    By donnacangelosi on January 6, 2017 at 5:13 pm

  540. I love the character and situation lists. Great post!

    By Erin Pearson on January 6, 2017 at 5:44 pm

  541. I love this! Such a powerful question. Thank you!!

    By Maria Oka on January 6, 2017 at 6:16 pm

  542. Thank you Tammi!

    By Emily Robinson Goldstein on January 6, 2017 at 10:13 pm

  543. Thanks for letting us into your process!

    By Aida Radu on January 7, 2017 at 12:00 am

  544. Great prompts to help us come up with new ideas, and I love your alien. He’s so cute!

    By Bethanny Parker on January 7, 2017 at 6:07 am

  545. Love the ‘what if’ chart. Thank you for an inspiring post!

    By junesmalls on January 7, 2017 at 8:05 am

  546. Tammi,
    Thank you so much for this “what if” theme to structure a story idea around! Love it! Can’t wait to jot some things down today!

    By justcomposeyourself on January 7, 2017 at 8:54 am

  547. Thank you for the wonderful tips, Tammi. As usual, you do not disappoint!

    By kimmcculley7 on January 7, 2017 at 10:01 am

  548. Always a pleasure, Tammi!

    By Emily Lavoo Johnsen on January 7, 2017 at 10:51 am

  549. Your “what if” tip was very helpful. Thank you, Tammi.

    By DB Cote on January 7, 2017 at 3:50 pm

  550. Thanks for your tips for stirring our creativity. I LOVE your books. I’ve learned so much by rereading them over and over.

    By Kathy Cornell Berman on January 7, 2017 at 4:09 pm

  551. Thank you for reminding us of a way to go above and beyond the first story idea to hit the page.

    By desertattitude on January 7, 2017 at 4:23 pm

  552. I LOVE the “Character/Situation” model coupled with asking “What If?”
    I’m definitely going to give it a try.

    By Margaret Gerhardstein on January 7, 2017 at 5:16 pm

  553. What ifs are a great creative tool not just for writing but in life. Thanks for the post Tammi.

    By Fran Price on January 7, 2017 at 5:53 pm

  554. Thanks, Tammi! Love your books!

    By Christine on January 7, 2017 at 5:55 pm

  555. Thanks for sharing!

    By Laura Bellina on January 7, 2017 at 6:21 pm

  556. I will try a what if end to my story today. Thank you!

    By K.A.Steed on January 7, 2017 at 6:36 pm

  557. Love this approach! I’ve used “what if?” to start a story but never to move it forward. Will be trying this in the future! Thank you!

    By Melanie Lucero on January 7, 2017 at 7:02 pm

  558. Excellent post, Tammi! Thank you for sharing with us!

    By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on January 7, 2017 at 7:12 pm

  559. Can’t wait to give this a try. Thanks for the thoughtful post.

    By Helen Latos on January 7, 2017 at 9:10 pm

  560. What if I had a fabulous idea today?
    Thanks for the read.

    By Priya on January 7, 2017 at 11:04 pm

  561. What if…the possibilities are endless and the answers infinite. Thanks for reminding me that inquiry is a great way to move a story forward or take it in a new direction!

    By lorisherritt on January 7, 2017 at 11:32 pm

  562. I love when I can circle the end of a story back to the beginning. It feels whole and satisfying. But it isn’t always easy to do.

    By Bonnie Ferrante on January 8, 2017 at 1:48 am

  563. Loved the 3 points to fulfill in writing the story (circling back, 2nd person and alien themed).
    Makes me think about what criteria I’d like to have for my next book!

    By aidantalkin on January 8, 2017 at 12:49 pm

  564. If I could have only one story starter technique, “What If…” would be it! Thanks for an awesome, idea-filled post.

    By Kim Ball on January 8, 2017 at 1:31 pm

  565. Thanks for these helpful tools!

    By Alison Goldberg on January 8, 2017 at 1:51 pm

  566. Thanks, Tammi, for a great post.

    I’ve often used the “what if” method and came up with some really crazy ideas. Some worked out, others didn’t, but it’s always fun to write a story that way.

    By Linda Hofke on January 8, 2017 at 2:45 pm

  567. Thanks for the inspiring post!

    By Doreen E. Lepore on January 8, 2017 at 4:12 pm

  568. Such a powerful question!

    By Lynn Alpert on January 8, 2017 at 5:28 pm

  569. The “What If?” comic series was always my favorite as a kid. I like when the mind wanders in ways that allow for different possibilities. Such a wonderful post — thank you!

    By Dani Duck on January 8, 2017 at 6:43 pm

  570. Great advice!

    By Audrey Hackett on January 8, 2017 at 7:39 pm

  571. I’ve gotten several new ideas from this post. Thank you!

    By Sara Gentry on January 8, 2017 at 7:47 pm

  572. Cool!

    By msmariana on January 8, 2017 at 10:59 pm

  573. Using the what if as a detour, brilliant. Thanks so much for your post.

    By Deborah Allmand on January 9, 2017 at 9:23 am

  574. Thank you so much for your post, ” what if”, definitly gets the story moving!

    By Jabeen on January 9, 2017 at 1:10 pm

  575. I’m excited to see where some new “What ifs” lead me. Thanks for the inspiration and suggestions to get the ideas flowing!

    By Kelly Rice Schmitt on January 9, 2017 at 2:33 pm

  576. Ahh. The what if question. Good advice.

    By Kara Cargill on January 9, 2017 at 3:14 pm

  577. What if? That’s the best question!

    By claireannette1 on January 9, 2017 at 5:54 pm

  578. I love using “What if…” Terrific reminder. But what I love about this most you your goal of writing different types of stories. I think lots of fun ideas can come from this. Thanks for your inspiration!

    By christinefmc6 on January 9, 2017 at 7:07 pm

  579. Thanks for the great post Tammi! Love the “what if” combos. I can’t wait to play with these and come up with my own!

    By blanchebaxter on January 9, 2017 at 10:54 pm

  580. I look forward to your post every year, Tammi! Every single one of them has given me some awesome ideas.

    I can’t wait to play around even more with ‘What if…’

    And wow, you’re up to 28 picture books now? That’s amazing!

    By Mindy Alyse Weiss on January 10, 2017 at 3:33 am

  581. “What if?” Always a good place to start.

    By Michelle Cusolito on January 10, 2017 at 5:57 am

  582. This was such a fun exercise! I love how freeing it was 🙂 Thank you Tammi!

    By Jessica Smith Loupos on January 10, 2017 at 7:28 am

  583. What a great post! I played the “what if” game with my grandgirls and we came up with a bunch of fun stories. We’re going to write the stories down and make them into books. This is an activity they love! This inspired me too. ☺

    By pamzollman on January 10, 2017 at 3:05 pm

  584. What if…a vast horizon stretches out from those two little words.

    By Lane M Arnold on January 10, 2017 at 4:46 pm

  585. I love the “what if” idea! I can’t wait to try this!

    By Tonya Calvert on January 10, 2017 at 5:24 pm

  586. I LOVE the “What if” question. It’s now in big letters in my notebook. Thank you!

    By Lucretia on January 10, 2017 at 10:39 pm

  587. Thanks! This is great!

    By Mary Crockett on January 11, 2017 at 1:16 am

  588. Thank you! I have a story about aliens in my outbox trying to find a Publisher. haha
    I love “what if” and i would love to read your book of your alien.
    Thanks!

    By Maria J Cuesta on January 11, 2017 at 4:37 am

  589. Thank you, Tammi! I’ve been asked in regards to a PB I have on submission what I see my main character doing in a sequel. Asking what if just gave me a new direction. 😊

    By Donna Rossman on January 11, 2017 at 10:07 am

  590. “What if…” seems so obvious now. Thanks, Tammi for a great post.

    By Natasha on January 11, 2017 at 12:57 pm

  591. What if…I read this on the right day? What if…I actually wrote out/completed one of my story ideas? LOVE LOVE LOVE the story prompts. THANKS!

    By sunwalker2013 on January 11, 2017 at 2:45 pm

  592. Great idea, Tammi–and thanks for the prompts, too. What if….

    By susanbruck on January 11, 2017 at 9:13 pm

  593. I’ve used the what if premise before, but I’m going back through my stories and do the exercise again. Thanks for the explanation of that a Circle Story: what happens at the very end of the story echoes something that happened in the very beginning of the story. I like that. Thanks for sharing.

    By Marge Gower on January 11, 2017 at 10:35 pm

  594. Great post, Tammi… love your books!

    By Kim MacPherson on January 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm

  595. Thanks for sharing some insight into your creative process, Tammi! I went back to an old concept I was feeling stuck on and asked, “What if?” It seems so simple but made a big difference in moving the story along. I also love how you keep a list of the types of stories you want to write. Keep up the great work! Your books are awesome!

    By Jamie LB Deenihan on January 12, 2017 at 3:52 pm

  596. Thanks for the reminder to use the what if question! In my corporate world, I always play devil’s advocate with the what if question. Your post reminded me I can utilize that same approach with story ideas.

    By Guyla Greenly on January 13, 2017 at 1:06 am

  597. This is great advice…so many possibilities in the phrase “what if?”.
    I’ve changed several ideas just by asking myself that, and have pushed stories out of ruts with it. It works!

    By Rebekah Lowell on January 14, 2017 at 3:18 am

  598. All great stories begin with a ‘what if?’ Thanks for the prompt chart. Your alien story sounds cute. I will have to look it up. 🙂

    By angelcat2014 on January 14, 2017 at 3:33 am

  599. Thanks for something new to try!

    By Angel on January 14, 2017 at 11:39 am

  600. If only I won the button…

    By sandiejaarsma on January 14, 2017 at 3:42 pm

  601. I love every one of your books, Tami. Thanks for these great suggestions.

    By angiecal76 on January 14, 2017 at 4:15 pm

  602. Such a great post! Thanks for your chart. I got an idea from it and am excited to start my story! I used to use this method with my 2nd graders during our writers workshop time. It was a great way to help them brainstorm.

    By Sue Fritz on January 15, 2017 at 12:46 pm

  603. Thanks for the inspiration!

    By Susan Niemann on January 15, 2017 at 5:01 pm

  604. Great schematic – thanks.

    By @luvthatword / Angela Dale on January 15, 2017 at 6:11 pm

  605. Tammi, I am a huge fan of your books. And your posts! I am asking “what if?” a lot now. 🙂 Thank you!

    By Jennifer Cole Judd on January 16, 2017 at 12:25 am

  606. Your “What if?” discussion took all of two minutes to inspire a new story for me, Tami. Thank you!

    By Sydney O'Neill on January 16, 2017 at 1:11 pm

  607. The magic of “What if?” should never be underestimated. I’m glad to see it has taken you so far.

    By gingermeurer on January 16, 2017 at 7:52 pm

  608. I may be reading this late but your advice is very timely for my current idea. Thank you!

    By Bruna De Luca on January 18, 2017 at 5:37 am

  609. Thanks for the ideas – I love the character and situation scenarios.

    By Elaine Cline on January 19, 2017 at 6:32 am

  610. I don’t think I do enough ‘What-iffing’, so thank you for expanding the thought process further.

    By Laura on January 21, 2017 at 5:47 am

  611. You are one of my favorite picture book authors, Tammi! I always take away something new when I read your posts. Thank you!

    By Susanne Whitehouse on January 22, 2017 at 8:26 pm

  612. Tammi, I’ve learned from you to embrace the challenges by exploring further and going deeper with these questions. The results are very satisfying! 🙂 You’re always an inspiration ❤
    ~Rosie Pova

    By rosiepova on January 23, 2017 at 12:08 pm

  613. YES! To all of this!

    By Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard) on January 23, 2017 at 3:11 pm

  614. Such a great way to explain the process and such inspiration!

    By Jill Tadros on January 24, 2017 at 2:46 pm

  615. Inspiring that so many of your now published books came from PiBoIdMo. There’s gold in them there notebooks! Thanks, Tammi.

    By Bethany Mandich on January 24, 2017 at 9:18 pm

  616. Tammi, I love both of these books and I love hearing your process in coming up with your ideas. Thank you.

    By Cindy Jolley on January 26, 2017 at 4:10 pm

  617. Great advice and love the idea of this approach to coming up with new ideas!

    By Kelly Parker on January 27, 2017 at 11:57 am

  618. Thanks for the great article, Tammi! Using the “What if?” format is a fantastic idea! What a way to bust through writer’s block and come up with new ways to work story ideas!

    By Cindy E. Owens on January 30, 2017 at 3:19 am

  619. I love asking “what if?”

    By Melanie on January 30, 2017 at 6:41 am

  620. What if….? This inspired me to spend some more time with my characters.

    By Alena Telford on January 30, 2017 at 2:29 pm

  621. Such a talented and inspirational writer! I love this approach.

    By April Scott on January 30, 2017 at 11:36 pm

  622. Wonderful advice! Love playing What if!! Thank you for the inspiration!

    By Kelly Vavala on January 31, 2017 at 3:16 pm

  623. This was great Tammi! I got at least 10 ideas from your post.

    By Lauri Meyers on February 1, 2017 at 10:57 am

  624. What if? What if? What if? When I forget to ask, I’m stuck in the muck. Thank you for the reminder, Tammi So I must keep asking…what if, what next, what if, what next????????? Thank you!

    By mona861 on January 4, 2018 at 12:33 pm

  625. I do the what if’s, but sometimes when I get to the end I think, who would believe this. I feel like I got carried away and put it away. Answer: They’re not supposed to believe it, it’s fiction.

    By Marge Gower on January 5, 2018 at 3:13 am

  626. This is. Great way to develop what happens to the characters! I enjoyed the what if approach!

    By Mita on January 4, 2020 at 8:48 am

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