If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me if I was going to quit my job now that my first book has been published, I’d have…a couple of dollars. Which is not enough to quit my job and write picture books full-time.
But here’s the thing. For me and for many of you who are juggling writing with other obligations, whether they are full-time jobs, part-time jobs or taking care of your family (or any combination or permutation of the above), your other life can be a source of ideas.
I’m the theater critic for The Dallas Morning News. There’s no obvious correlation between that job and writing picture books. And yet, it was in the course of doing my job that I found the first picture book idea that I sold.
Now I didn’t realize I had come up with a picture book idea when I decided to write an article about a fascinating play, “The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy,” that was being produced at a local high school in Garland. I was intrigued with the subject of a baseball player who was deaf and taught signals to major league umpires so he could play the game he loved. But once the article was written and published, I moved on to other articles. After all, I write several articles a week and I’ve learned to go go go, so I don’t fall behind.
Then I received a thank you email from a man named Steve Sandy who is a friend of the Hoy family. Steve is deaf and shared with me that his life’s dream is to get William Hoy in the National Baseball Hall of Fame where he would be the first deaf player honored there. We emailed back and forth and I found myself on board with his dream and eager to help.
Suddenly, I had my Storystorm moment: What if I write a children’s book about William Hoy and the kids help Hoy by writing letters for him to the Hall of Fame? I asked Steve if he’d help with the research and he said he would. It took me YEARS to turn that idea into a story, mainly because I had no clue about the craft of picture book writing when I started, but that did become the story that got me my agent (the wonderful Karen Grencik of Red Fox Literary) and became my debut picture book in March 2016 from Albert Whitman. We’ve sold three books since.
It’s not every day that a story idea hits you while you’re working and won’t let you go until you transform it into a manuscript. And yet, consider, that those ideas may be kicking around your office or your home, waiting for you to recognize them for the great possibilities they are.
Maybe someone at the office tells you a story you can’t get out of your head or you are working on a project and your mind starts wandering on an only remotely related line of thought. Perhaps someone asks a question or is frustrated because there’s a person or a subject that should be better known or understood. Maybe you overhear a child, or your own child, with a concern or an anecdote that cradles the seed of something bigger.
In fact, I’m willing to bet you could meet your StoryStorm goal of 30 IN ONE DAY, if you weren’t on the go go go to finish all those important things you have to get done.
John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Yes, you’re busy, but don’t forget that life and ideas are waiting like treasures in plain sight to be discovered and savored while you’re shushing the distractions that, in the end, may turn out to be the best part of your day. Slow down and think twice—or thrice!—about all the off topic observations, off track remarks and the many moments between the boxes you check off on your to-do list. Consider that the busy job you have that steals your writing time may also be a repository of ideas!
Here’s another story I like. Atalanta, the original woman in a hurry, refused to marry anyone that couldn’t beat her in a race. Most suitors didn’t try because the penalty for losing the race meant death, which had a way of dampening the ardor. One young man wasn’t deterred. He was not as fast as Atalanta, but he had an idea. He brought three golden apples to the race and as they ran, he threw one, then two, then the third golden apple just before the finish line. Atalanta veered off the beaten track to get those apples and the young man won.
Personally, I think Atalanta won, too. She got herself a clever and determined young man, three golden apples and a break from all the running and executions. So, I guess what I’m saying, is if life throws you golden apples, chase them and turn them into stories. Or golden cider. Either way, you win.
Nancy Churnin is the theater critic for The Dallas Morning News and the author of THE WILLIAM HOY STORY, How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game (Albert Whitman & Company, March 1, 2016).
Her next book, MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN, will be published by Creston Books Sept. 1, 2017. Next up: MAKING HIS SHOT, How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf and THE PRINCESS AND THE TREE, both from Albert Whitman. Visit her online at nancychurnin.com and on Twitter @nchurnin.
In lieu of golden apples, Nancy Churnin will toss one winner a signed copy of THE WILLIAM HOY STORY, How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game…and another winner a picture book critique.
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!
1,090 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 10, 2017 at 11:25 am
Darshana
Great post! Not sure where to look for picture book stories when I deal with computer design all day, but I’ll keep my eyes peeled for them. 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Darshana, perhaps you’ll create a character that does computer design! Lots of kids are curious about that. Or maybe in the process of designing, something will leap out at you.
January 10, 2017 at 11:26 am
angkunkel
I loved this! As a mom and school librarian, I encounter interesting fodder for stories every day . . . now, to put it to work!
January 10, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
You are in a perfect position to come up with great ideas!
January 10, 2017 at 11:26 am
writeknit
I love how you got the idea for your book, William Hoy sounds fascinating. Thanks for reminding us to look and listen wherever we are to glean new ideas for picture books. Now I need to get off of the email and go to a meeting – yup I am at work.
January 10, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Nancy Churnin
I hope you come up with a wonderful idea, today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:27 am
lmconnors
Wow! Great story of how these books came to be. I can’t wait to find and read your books. You definitely make a case for letting go of ‘go, go, go’.
January 10, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Nancy Churnin
I love that, letting go of ‘go, go, go.’ Exactly!
January 10, 2017 at 11:28 am
Linda Hofke
Yay, Nancy! You know I love both you and your Hoy book, and I am glad to see you posting here. I had never heard the story of the race/apples but find it interesting. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the advice.
January 10, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Nancy Churnin
Love you, too, Linda! There is so much wisdom in the Greek myths. I’m glad you like the story of Atalanta. Wishing golden apples your way.
January 10, 2017 at 11:28 am
Sue Heavenrich
Great post, Nancy – and yes, some ideas come while you’re working. Some of my ideas come while working in the garden, so I have taken to tucking an index card and pencil in my back pocket.
January 10, 2017 at 4:23 pm
Nancy Churnin
Sue, the garden is a FRUITFUL place for story ideas. From Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit to Pat Zietlow Miller’s Sophie’s Squash and so much in between and yet to come!
January 10, 2017 at 11:28 am
karammitchell
Thanks, Nancy! I’ve always gotten fixated I things for long periods of time. I’m going to have to make a list of all of those and see what comes up!
January 10, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
Kara, getting fixated on an idea is a sure sign that it is demanding to be written. I look forward to seeing how those ideas develop!
January 10, 2017 at 4:27 pm
karammitchell
Challenge accepted!! 😉
January 10, 2017 at 11:29 am
Jeanette Koscheski
Nancy, story ideas do seem to come at unexpected moments. My current story idea is one I gleaned from my pastor’s sermon. Although the person I am writing about is not a religious figure, his “creation” changed the world.
January 10, 2017 at 4:25 pm
Nancy Churnin
Jeanette, that sounds so promising! The idea of writing about someone who changed the world in an unexpected way is exactly what appealed to me about William Hoy. I wish you luck and good fortune with your biography.
January 10, 2017 at 11:29 am
Karen Lawler
I can’t believe you have only sold 3 books!! You must be joking 🙂 Every library and school should have a copy of your book to show diversity!! Well done. 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Nancy Churnin
Pretty funny, Karen 🙂 ! The William Hoy Story is in its third printing after selling thousands of books, I’m happy to say. I am looking forward to getting the story of this great guy in the hands of more children and doing the same for my upcoming picture book heroes (and heroine)!
January 10, 2017 at 11:29 am
bewestcott
William Hoy must have been a determined man with an interesting story. Thank you for sharing how you wrote the book.
January 10, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Nancy Churnin
William inspired me to persevere when I struggled in the beginning. I kept telling myself if William didn’t give up, how could I give up in telling his story? I hope he will inspire you to persevere, too, as you write.
January 10, 2017 at 11:31 am
Debra Shumaker
Perfect post for me today. I’ve been struggling with StoryStorm ideas this year, but maybe I’m not paying attention to the daily grind enough! 🙂 Thanks!
January 10, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Nancy Churnin
Debra, there’s gold in that grind! When you think about it, the stories that often touch kids the most are the ones that they can relate to in their daily lives, the ones that have a touch of our own daily struggles.
January 10, 2017 at 11:32 am
Nancy Armo
Loving those golden apples. Great post!
January 10, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Nancy. I hope you will have fun chasing those apples (or making cider)!
January 10, 2017 at 11:32 am
artsyandi
What a great article! I have MANY distractions… kids, housework, freelance design work, volunteer work, etc. etc. Such a good reminder to pay attention and think about stories even when I’m not at my desk. Congrats on your debut book!
January 10, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Andi! I hope you will see all those activities as sources for ideas. It’s rich soil, you never know what will grow in it.
January 10, 2017 at 11:32 am
Mary Zychowicz
Good advice! I will look for story ideas as I cruise through all the errands I need to run. I guess it’s a matter of keeping the thought at the front of my mind instead of burying it and waiting until I have “quiet” time to formulate ideas. Thanks for the post. I look forward to reading your books.
January 10, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Mary! I always keep a pad and pen with me and, of course, my cell phone which I use to write brief emails or texts to myself about ideas. Kids go on so many errands with their parents, I bet you can find a lot of interesting possibilities there.
January 10, 2017 at 11:33 am
Mary Warth
Thanks Nancy, for the inspirational story!
January 10, 2017 at 4:37 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Mary, glad you enjoyed! Good luck on your writing journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:34 am
JEN Garrett
This post reminded me to write down the darling thing my daughter said while I was crying. She was trying to cheer me up, bless her heart. It worked.
January 10, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Nancy Churnin
Brilliant, Jen! And glad it worked.
January 10, 2017 at 11:35 am
Lori Dubbin
I’ll be “shushing the distractions that, in the end, may turn out to be the best part of my day!” Love THE WILLIAM HOY STORY and I look forward to reading your new books when they arrive!
January 10, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Lori. It’s a joy to share stories, look forward to the day you’ll be sharing yours, too!
January 10, 2017 at 11:35 am
booksbygee
Thanks, Nancy! I read this while juggling what feels like a million things at work so it was quite timely and inspiring!
January 10, 2017 at 4:40 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you enjoyed the post. I bet there are more than a few great ideas lurking in those million things you were doing at work today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:35 am
Michele Meleen
What a great post we can all relate to! My life serves as the complete inspiration for all my stories as I am not so well endowed as to simply create alternate worlds in my head alone 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Nancy Churnin
Michele, I think all the best ideas have some connection in our own lives. One of the reasons I connected so deeply with William Hoy is that my own youngest son, like Hoy, had meningitis as an infant. My son didn’t lose his hearing, but required years of speech and occupational therapy to catch up to his peers. Also Hoy’s perseverance inspired me. I just couldn’t let myself be stopped in making this story work because Hoy never gave up.
January 10, 2017 at 11:35 am
Susan Schade
I’m am inspired by your words, “GOLDEN APPLES.” Although maybe not the intention, I took it as ordinary ideas can become golden, if treated that way. Thank you!
January 10, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Nancy Churnin
Susan, I love the way you extend the idea to take it to a fresh and fascinating place! Yes, ordinary ideas can become golden as we find the extraordinary in the ordinary.
January 10, 2017 at 11:36 am
Mary
We live in a neighborhood full of kids. I love talking with them and always leave full of ideas. Multi-tasking at its finest. Thank you for the “golden” post!
January 10, 2017 at 4:46 pm
Nancy Churnin
Mary, when you talk to kids, you are going directly to the source! I’m sure some wonderful ideas will spring from those conversations.
January 10, 2017 at 11:37 am
Katelyn Aronson
You are so right, Nancy! Thanks for reminding me to look at my daily distractions differently.
January 10, 2017 at 4:58 pm
Nancy Churnin
Katelyn, I hope you will find many wonderful ideas lurking amid your distractions today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:38 am
meganleewrites
Thank you, Nancy! Story ideas are everywhere if we are open to them.
January 10, 2017 at 4:58 pm
Nancy Churnin
Megan, exactly! I hope you find them in abundance!
January 10, 2017 at 11:39 am
Linda Chavez
LOVE the reminder to tune in to our everyday lives for ideas! It’s what I tell my students who are struggling to write. I need to remember this as well!
January 10, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Nancy Churnin
Linda, I bet your students are an endless source of inspiration! I hope you find some wonderful ideas in your busy day today.
January 10, 2017 at 11:40 am
Lisa Gerin
Lovely post. I love the William Hoy Story.Look forward to reading your new books.
January 10, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Nancy Churnin
Lisa, I’m so happy you love The William Hoy Story. Feel free to email me if you would like me to send you the free Teachers Guide. I hope you will find some wonderful ideas in your busy day today!
January 16, 2017 at 10:56 am
Lisa Gerin
Thanks, Nancy! Keep writing those children’s books!
January 10, 2017 at 11:40 am
stiefelchana
Nancy, I LOVE this post and I LOVE William Hoy! So excited to read your next books. Golden apples…genius!!!
January 10, 2017 at 5:03 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Chana! I always hoped my love of Greek myths would come in handy someday. Guess they were waiting for this post! Thank you for your support of William Hoy. I am so excited about your new books, too!
January 10, 2017 at 11:42 am
Dawn Malone
Love this story! Inspiration can strike anywhere and we need to takes the extra steps to turn that idea into something tangible.
January 10, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Nancy Churnin
Dawn, I always bring a pad and pen with me everywhere I go (just like William Hoy, only for him it was a pencil). I also find it helps me to email or text myself on my cell phone when I’m out and about and have an idea. I hope you find some wonderful ideas today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:42 am
PJ
Thanks for the tip, Nancy! I appreciate the personal stories as examples, too!
January 10, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, PJ. It’s when I found the personal connections to William Hoy, that the story really took off. I remembered how my own son (who also had meningitis as a child) faced challenges. And I remembered how William Hoy never gave up, which helped me persevere in the face of early rejections.
January 10, 2017 at 11:42 am
Stephanie Oplinger
My day job is at a nuclear power plant… I will have to wonder how I can turn THAT into a story… 😉
January 10, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Nancy Churnin
Stephanie, most kids (and adults) know very little about nuclear power plants or how nuclear power works. Have you ever considered a science story that explains how nuclear power works, why it’s important and what it does that affects our daily lives?
January 10, 2017 at 11:43 am
Linda Bozzo
A great reminder, Nancy. And sometimes when I’m researching one subject I come upon a nugget for another. You never know where ideas are going to pop up.
January 10, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Linda! I hope you find many wonderful nuggets today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:44 am
Leigh DeFreitas
I admire how Nancy took the bull by the horns and made it happen. LOVE the ideas she chose AND I love her advice to pay attention to that seed of an idea that keeps nagging away at your phycie.
January 10, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Leigh. I am pretty stubborn and I guess when it comes to pursuing a goal like a children’s book, that turns out to be a good thing. I wish you many ideas that nag away at your psyche!
January 10, 2017 at 11:45 am
mariaordish
Great post, my friend! My workspace includes a five year old….so I can’t say that I am starved for ideas! But I love what you say about slowing down and noticing things around you. Little people are always noticing things because they don’t have all the pressures of big people. Sometimes it’s good to take time and see things from their perspective! Thanks for posting this! That’s a good resolution for a new year…
January 10, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Nancy Churnin
Maria, I am so excited about all the wonderful ideas you are going to turn into stories this year. You are exactly right about looking at things from a child’s perspective. Kids have so much to teach us (because many of us adults forget what we knew when we were children) and particularly about how wonderful and amazing the world is.
January 10, 2017 at 11:45 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks! Living busy lives can help give us ideas, but we need to give ourselves permission to veer off the path and to chase those apples!
January 10, 2017 at 5:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Daryl! I hope your mind does some fruitful veering today. Wishing you many golden apples!
January 10, 2017 at 11:46 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
Thanks for sharing your inspiration and tips!
January 10, 2017 at 5:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Claire! I hope you find many golden apples in your busy day today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:46 am
Stephanie Shaw
Great advice, Nancy! I know that staring at the computer screen is a sure fire way to not come up with ideas. But, while attending to something totally non-writing related and those ideas come knocking on the door.
January 10, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
Stephanie, that is so true. Sometimes when we are staring at that screening we are trying to force something with our conscious mind and becoming increasingly tense about it. It’s not until we walk away and relax that it bubbles up from the unconscious. Of course, that’s why some of the best ideas come when we’re in the shower. Which means you should always leave a pad and pen somewhere near by. Wishing you many ideas today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:46 am
Nina Haines
Great post,very interesting topics.
January 10, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Nina. I wish you many wonderful ideas today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:47 am
Danielle Dufayet
Love the advice. We just need to stay open for stories to come in.Congrats on your success and wishing you a bunch more!
January 10, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Danielle. I appreciate the good wishes! I wish you lots of wonderful ideas today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:49 am
jeanne
I’ll be busy searching for those golden apples. Coincidentally, I just signed up for an ASL course last night. Maybe I’ll find an apple there. Thanks for the great post. I look forward to reading your books.
January 10, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Jeanne, good luck with those golden apples and congratulations on signing up for an ASL course. It is such a beautiful language and I think there are many stories about the Deaf community that are yet to be told. In fact, when I presented The William Hoy Story at The Stonewall Jackson School for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, the school librarian told me how few books she had with Deaf heroes. The world needs more!
January 10, 2017 at 11:50 am
lololaffan
I have to travel a lot for work. Have made it a mission to open my senses while ‘out there’!
January 10, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
Traveling can be a great source of ideas, both the act of traveling (getting from here to there) and the places you go and what and who you see there! Wish you lots of luck in coming in with some good ideas!
January 10, 2017 at 11:51 am
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
Nancy, I adore your book and feel a kinship with you as a former go-go-go-girl of newspapers. Thanks for sharing your journey!
January 10, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Lindsay. So happy you love William Hoy! Please email me if you want me to send you a free Teachers Guide. Newspapers are a great place to start your picture book journey. As a journalist, you know how to keep a reader’s attention and you know how to research. The style of writing and the format is different but the essence of storytelling is the same. I hope you find wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 11:51 am
Tracy Molitors
Thank you, Nancy. A great reminder to notice the things that are right in front of us!
January 10, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Nancy Churnin
Exactly, Tracy. Some of the best ideas hide in plain sight! Wishing you wonderful ideas today.
January 10, 2017 at 11:52 am
Angie
I love how you found your idea! It can happen anywhere. Now, to pay attention to those ideas and catch them! Thanks!
January 10, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Angie. I had no idea I had found my idea until I started talking with Steve. I hope you find some wonderful ideas today!
January 10, 2017 at 11:52 am
caroliverson
Fascinating story. What an inspiration for writers. Stories, stories, everywhere!
January 10, 2017 at 5:46 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Carol. Once you start looking you may find your biggest problem is choosing among them!
January 10, 2017 at 11:53 am
SpeechVine
So true, inspiration is all around us!
January 10, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely. I wish you lots of wonderful inspiration on your search!
January 10, 2017 at 11:54 am
Rebecca Colby
Thanks for the reminder that stories are everywhere! And I loved reading about how your book on William Hoy came about!
January 10, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Rebecca. There were many times on the journey where I wondered if I would ever get where I hoped to go with this idea. I’m glad I stuck with it and I hope you will find wonderful ideas and stick with them, too.
January 10, 2017 at 11:55 am
authordebradaugherty
Congratulations on your books. You’re right about story ideas being everywhere. I just have to be on the lookout for them.
January 10, 2017 at 5:48 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Debra. I hope you find many wonderful ideas that blossom into wonderful books!
January 10, 2017 at 11:56 am
Gina L
Great story! I hope to hear a follow up on how William Hoy makes it into the hall of fame because of a children’s book.
January 10, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Nancy Churnin
Gina, from your lips to the ears of the folks that make that decision for the Hall of Fame! That is my dream, that William Hoy will be The Little Book That Could. The next vote for him is in 2020. I am hoping to have a groundswell of support for him by then. Kids have sent almost 800 letters so far and I’m hoping for thousands!
January 10, 2017 at 11:58 am
Deborah Allmand
I loved your post. I think many a story is passed over because we’re too busy to see all sides. Wonderful ideas, hiding in plain site.
January 10, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Nancy Churnin
Deborah, exactly. There is a little prayer that is close to my heart in which we are thankful for the miracles that are daily with us. I do believe miracles and ideas are daily with us. We just have to open our eyes and our hearts to take them in. Good luck with finding lots of wonderful ideas!
January 10, 2017 at 11:58 am
Barbara Senenman
Great Post. Let those moments hit you in the face. Think about it. It could be a future scene or story.
January 10, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Barbara. And isn’t that an exciting way to see the world? It’s an amazing place with ideas everywhere if only we can recognize them for what they are. I hope you’ll find many wonderful ideas!
January 10, 2017 at 11:59 am
Jacqueline Adams
The idea of reaching the goal of 30 in one day is intriguing. I’d better start paying attention to those distractions!
January 10, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Nancy Churnin
Jacqueline, if you succeed in your 30 in one day, I would love to hear about it! Wouldn’t that be something (and so inspirational for everyone in this group)!
January 10, 2017 at 11:59 am
Stephen S. Martin
The Road of Life is not a straight path, nor a path you need to stay on. Adventure and ideas are everywhere.
January 10, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Nancy Churnin
Stephen, so true. I like to think sometimes of when I was a child and enjoyed wandering in the woods in the Catskills. It was always off the path that I would find the tree frogs and salamanders, the wet leaves and mossy rocks that brought me joy. Sometimes in a busy life, off the path can simply mean talking to someone you never talked to before, noticing an object you never looked at closely before, spending an extra minute or two looking out the window.
January 10, 2017 at 11:59 am
tiemdow
Thank you for this post. I love the thought of golden apples. 🙂 Can’t wait to read about Mr. Hoy.
January 10, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Nancy Churnin
I wish you many golden apples in your Storystorm quest! And I hope you will enjoy the story of William Hoy. He never gave up on his dream and I hope he inspires you to persevere as well.
January 10, 2017 at 12:01 pm
C.L. Murphy
Thanks for the fascinating and inspiring post, Nancy.
January 10, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure C.L., I hope you will find many wonderful ideas in your Storystorm quest!
January 10, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Ali Pfautz
Such an inspiration! Chasing some golden apples now…
January 10, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Nancy Churnin
I hope you find many wonderful golden apples, Ali!
January 10, 2017 at 12:02 pm
katmaz2012
So much inspiration here! Congratulations on your successful publications. I’ve read The William Hoy story and applauded for the determination. Thank you for the story.
January 10, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Nancy Churnin
I am so thrilled that you like The William Hoy Story! Email me if you would like me to email you the Teachers Guide that goes with it. I hope his determination inspires you (as it inspired me) to persevere. I wish you many wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Nancy Rimar
Thanks Nancy. Great reminder to pay attention to what’s going on around us for inspiration.
January 10, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Nancy Churnin
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Nancy! I wish you many wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:04 pm
debmeyercreative
Thank you, Nancy. I really needed this today. Ever since we came back from Christmas break, I’ve been grumbling about having to go to the office instead of having all that glorious, creative free time at home. I need to change my perspective on that. Congratulations on your picture books. They all sound fascinating. 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 6:02 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Deb. As the Rolling Stones say: You can’t always get what you want/But if you try sometime you find/You get what you need. Sometimes what we want (like free time) is not what we need (the inspiration that may come to us from unexpected places like the office). I found it very freeing to trust in the universe to put me where I need to be.
January 10, 2017 at 12:05 pm
lindaschueler
Wow! What an inspirational story. I will continue to keep my eyes (and ears) peeled during daily life for new ideas.
January 10, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Linda! I hope you find many wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Red said what?
Great post, Nancy! Congratulations!
January 10, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much! I hope you find many wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks for the post! I can’t wait to read your book!
January 10, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Cortney. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I hope you will enjoy The William Hoy Story. I wish you many wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you! It is so true that kernels of ideas are everywhere!
January 10, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Lauren! I hope you will find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
So loved meeting you this summer and getting to hear you talk about how we can market our books. Thanks for being so generous with your time and expertise. I have your first book; now to win the lottery and buy all the rest. I’m still at work on my “deaf” story.
January 10, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
I loved meeting you, too, Sherri. Thank you for all your support of The William Hoy Story. I am excited about your “deaf” story and wish you much joy on the journey. I hope you find lots more good ideas in Storystorm this month, too!
January 10, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Loved the story of your writing journey AND the fact that your interest had a direct impact on another human being.
January 10, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Rebecca, I think the fact that I knew how much this story meant to Steve and to the larger Deaf community kept me going long past the time when the rejections might have made me think I was crazy for not giving up. It’s been a joy to know how happy this book has made Steve and his wife Bonnie and also the Hoy family, some of whom have become my friends!
January 10, 2017 at 12:11 pm
loriannlevyholm
So glad that you were open to writing such a great story! Thank you for the post.
January 10, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Loriann, it’s been a joy. I wish you many wonderful story ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Amy Courage
Nancy, this is a great article about inspiration. And a good reminder to treat writing picture books like a job, regardless of whether you do it “full time”. It sounds like you bring that same curiosity and attention to story to everything you write, whether its for the Dallas newspaper or for kids. Thank you for sharing your journey. 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 10:33 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Amy! I do treat writing picture books as a job. I love both my jobs, writing for the DMN and for kids. And my jobs being a wife and a mother and a citizen. We all have so many jobs, don’t we? I wish you many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Caren L Cantrell
Great post – we just need to slow down and pay attention to see the ideas in front of us.
January 10, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Caren, exactly! I hope you see many many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Lisa R
Love this post. Thank you!!!
January 10, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Lisa! Wishing you lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:15 pm
julielacombeauthor
Great post Nancy and congratulations to a fellow NTSCBWI member! Can’t wait to read about William Hoy!
January 10, 2017 at 10:35 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Julie! Always happy to meet another NTSCBWI member. I hope you will enjoy William Hoy. Be sure to let me know if you would like me to email you a copy of the free Teachers Guide to share with your favorite teacher/librarian/parent! Wishing you lots of great ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:16 pm
bamauthor
I have sometimes transferred story ideas from my other works, but by far not enough! Your book sounds amazing…..I would love to read and review it.
January 10, 2017 at 10:37 pm
Nancy Churnin
Th
ank you! I always welcome reviews and would be happy to post a review on Facebook and Twitter. I hope the post aids in generating wonderful ideas and you have a great time on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Marlene Rohr
Thanks so much for posting this inspiring article. It inspires me to pay closer attention to the small details of people that I hear about or interesting details that would otherwise be forgotten. I am looking forward to reading your book!
January 10, 2017 at 10:38 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Marlene! There are so many amazing people out there who deserve to have their stories told. I’m glad you’re interested in finding out about them. I hope you enjoy William Hoy and I wish you lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Susanne
This reminds me of a field trip my Girl Scout troop took when I was little. And there’s my idea for the day! Plus: it’s nonfiction!
January 10, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Nancy Churnin
Susanne, I’m so happy that this post helped inspire an idea for the day! I hope you have many more on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:18 pm
fspoesy
Great advice, Nancy! Currently I’m looking for the seeds of ideas in my tooth extraction that occurred yesterday. I’ve only got a title so far (OUCH!) but I’m having fun taking it in different directions looking for a spark.
January 10, 2017 at 11:29 pm
Nancy Churnin
What a fun idea! Kids are fascinated with teeth and dental operations. I hope you find some good ideas in there! (And I hope you’re recovered from your operation).
January 10, 2017 at 12:19 pm
ajschildrensbooks
Wonderful post! Thank you!
January 10, 2017 at 11:30 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you so much! I hope you find wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:20 pm
Melissa Koosmann
What a cool story about finding the idea for your first book. Thanks!
January 10, 2017 at 11:30 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Melissa, it was a pleasure to share! I hope you find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:20 pm
Helen Matthews
Brilliant, thanks Nancy! Such an inspiration!
January 10, 2017 at 11:31 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Helen, I’m so happy Tara asked me to share my story. I hope you find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Pam Miller
Thank you, Nancy. You just gave me permission to reorder my day and write. Congratulations, especially on The William Hoy Story. It’s sure to be a big seller.
January 10, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Pam! I’m so glad your’e going to find time to write. We need your stories! And thanks for the good wishes on The William Hoy Story. It’s been a joy to be on this journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:23 pm
kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 10, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Kassy! I hope you find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:25 pm
sarita f.
I just love how this story seemed to pursue you until it came into fruition. Such an important lesson on being open and allowing the story in.
January 10, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Sarita. That’s such a good description of how it felt. The story wouldn’t let me go until it became a book. Even know I feel driven to get it in the hands of as many kids as possible! I hope you will find many such stories like this on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:25 pm
lisabilla
Thanks for sharing the inspiration for your story, and the reminder about noticing and saving sparks of stories from moments in a busy day.
January 10, 2017 at 11:35 pm
Nancy Churnin
It was my pleasure! I hope that helps you find lots of wonderful ideas as you continue your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Lori Alexander
I love hearing the story behind the story. Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
January 10, 2017 at 11:36 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Lori! I’m so happy Tara asked me to share this. I hope you find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Sometimes our busy schedule keeps us from realizing we’ve done something great. Your book sounds like a good one.
January 10, 2017 at 11:38 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Carolyn. I feel grateful and privileged to have been the one to tell this story. I hope you find many story ideas on your Storystorm journey that you will enjoy telling.
January 10, 2017 at 12:27 pm
yetteejo
Life is just a collection of stories.
Thanks for the thought.
January 10, 2017 at 11:40 pm
Nancy Churnin
Very well put! So many stories like so many snowflakes — we can only catch a few and admire the rest as they fall on the ground. I hope you find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Lisa Freund
Thank you for the inspiring post! 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 11:50 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Lisa! I hope you find many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Sara Matson
A great reminder to keep my eyes open!
January 10, 2017 at 11:51 pm
Nancy Churnin
That’s right, Sara — you never know what wonders you may see. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Nicole Sharkey
I like stories where success takes YEARS. It gives us all hope to keep trying!
January 10, 2017 at 11:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
Nicole, when I went back to look at when I wrote the original article, it was 10 YEARS before I joined 12 X 12 and got my agent. I couldn’t believe it took me that long. But it was worth every moment. I wish you lots of wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Louann Brown
Great idea! Am adding the Hoy Story to my list to add to our small town’s children’s library collection. (Working on a kinder, gentler nation one book at a time.)
January 10, 2017 at 11:54 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Louann! Be sure to email me if you would like me to email you the free Teachers Guide or if you would like me to support the book in any way. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:30 pm
David McMullin
Thanks, Nancy, for the inspiration.
January 10, 2017 at 11:55 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, David! Wishing you lots of wonderful ideas in your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:33 pm
Nicki Jacobsmeyer
I love non-fiction picture books! Thank you:)
January 10, 2017 at 11:56 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Nicki, I do, too! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Carrie Pearson (@carrieapearson)
Nancy, so happy for you, William Hoy, and all the other lesser known but important people you are bringing into the light.
January 11, 2017 at 12:04 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Carrie. It was so wonderful to meet you at WOW this summer and to share our journeys with each other. Wishing you much success on your writing journey (please update!) and lots of great ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:37 pm
saputnam
Great post, Nancy! Thank you for giving us a peek behind your writing process and for reminding us to stop, look, and listen. I get ideas from all over the place and keep small notebooks and pencils in each room of the house, and even have them tucked into my gardening gloves. 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 12:05 am
Nancy Churnin
Oh, I love that image of notebooks and pencils in your gardening gloves. You should consider creating a character that does just that. I can see the illustration! Wishing you many wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Krissy
Well said! Thank you for the inspiration Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 12:05 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Krissy. I wish you lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Dionna
Love this story, and loved your book!
January 11, 2017 at 12:06 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you and thank you, Dionna! Be sure to let me know if you would like me to email you the free Teachers Guide to share with your favorite teacher/librarian/parent! Wishing you lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Great story. I need to focus on my non-fiction ideas me thinks. I do love good non-fiction as well.
January 11, 2017 at 12:07 am
Nancy Churnin
Johnell, I just love being able to share a story with kids and then tell them it’s all true. Their eyes get so big! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Holly Samson Hall
Excellent post! When I’m not homeschooling three kids, I research and write a history podcast. I come across so many ideas that way! Too many to ever tackle. The William Hoy story is just the kind of thing I love!
January 11, 2017 at 12:09 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Holly! A history podcast sounds fascinating — what a great source of ideas. I hope you settle on some you love during your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Meena
John Lennon’s quote “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” is very true. Thanks for reminding us to keep our antennae up!
January 11, 2017 at 12:11 am
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Meena! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Pj McIlvaine
Great story. Nancy is a doll.
January 11, 2017 at 12:11 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, PJ, you are a sweetheart! I hope your writing journey is going well and that you come up with amazing ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:44 pm
peardigger
Stories are everywhere, and making nonfiction accessible and irresistible is an important focus. Thanks for these reminders!
January 11, 2017 at 12:12 am
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:45 pm
tanjabauerle
Boy, I sure am there with you! Life is hectic and crazy and playing catch up seems the norm. But you are right, there are things that happen daily in my crazy life with two busy girls and a backyard zoo that definitely are picture book worthy. Thank you for the reminder to pay attention. T.
January 11, 2017 at 12:14 am
Nancy Churnin
Tanja, I bet there are a zillion ideas involving your busy girls and backyard zoo. I hope you find some great ones on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Alice Fulgione
I loved the William Hoy story. This post inspired me to notice the many stories around me.
January 11, 2017 at 12:18 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Alice, I’m so glad you loved The William Hoy Story! Be sure to let me know if you’d like me to email you the free Teachers Guide to share with your favorite teacher, writer or parent. I hope you find lots of great ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:46 pm
annehendrickswriter
I plan on writing nonfiction biographies for children – and collective biographies for teens. I am a former librarian. I enjoyed this very much!!! Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 12:20 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Anne. That’s a great goal — nonfiction bios for kids and collective bios for teens. I hope you come up with lots of great ideas for subjects on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Cathy Ogren
What a wonderful story behind the story. Thank you, Nancy, and congrats on your success!
January 11, 2017 at 12:21 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Cathy, it was so much fun to share this with all of you. I hope you find lots of great ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:46 pm
Cathy Lentes
My work always manages to offer inspiration and I’m hopeful will help bring book publication. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 11, 2017 at 12:22 am
Nancy Churnin
That’s fantastic, Cathy! I hope you will find many wonderful ideas during your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:47 pm
angie9091
I love that John Lennon quote!
January 11, 2017 at 12:22 am
Nancy Churnin
Me too, Angie! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
What a marvelous story and journey! Loved it, and now have a desire to read these books. Thank you for sharing this wise insight.
January 11, 2017 at 12:23 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Carleen, I appreciate Tara asking me to share my story. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:50 pm
jenabenton
It’s so easy to be busy and lose sight of those ideas nipping at our heels. Thanks for the reminder.
January 11, 2017 at 12:24 am
Nancy Churnin
Jena, this reminds me of another favorite line: If you need something done, ask a busy person. Sometimes people who are busy are really good at finding time. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 12, 2017 at 1:26 am
jenabenton
LOL! Very appropriate. I have many friends who tell me I’m a busy person and they don’t know how I get all the things done that I accomplish. There is a LOT of truth to that line. Thank you!
January 10, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Jane Hawkins
Thank you for the details of your “overnight” success. I love the idea of nonfiction PBs
January 11, 2017 at 12:25 am
Nancy Churnin
Jane, I have loved working on these non-fiction bios. I hope you’ll have fun experimenting with them, too. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:55 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Jane! Wishing you lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Erin Pearson
Great post! I love the story of how you found the idea for your first picture book. I just checked and your William Hoy book is at my library. I’m so excited to read it!
January 11, 2017 at 12:28 am
Nancy Churnin
Erin, I’m so excited that you’re going to read William Hoy. I hope you like it! Be sure to let me know if you want me to email you a free Teachers Guide for your favorite teacher, librarian or parent! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:52 pm
August Washington
What an interesting story. Thank you for your post.
January 11, 2017 at 12:29 am
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, August. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:52 pm
MaryAnne
Great advice! As a mom with four kids I hear all sorts of story ideas in their interactions and play.
January 11, 2017 at 12:57 am
Nancy Churnin
I bet you’ll get lots of great ideas from your kids, MaryAnne!
January 10, 2017 at 12:54 pm
cantsing1
I love that your conclusion works for everyone in Atalanta’s story. And how we can pick to be any or all of those characters. Thanks for a book with someone with a disability. My heart.
January 11, 2017 at 1:18 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you so much! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Leah Perlongo
I love it!
I have ideas for art projects and creative things all the time. The best of times I actually write then down. Im finding that the more I gave to do and the longer it takes me to get to those ideas, the less interest I have in doing them. A puzzle for sure, but this is a great grinder not to brush them off. Also an excellent reminder that developing them into a story will take time and CAN be done in between a busy life. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
January 11, 2017 at 1:20 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found the post helpful, Leah! I take a pad and pen with me everywhere I go and I also email and text myself ideas on my cell phone. I hope you come up with lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Poupette Smith
That’s a touching post, Nancy. Congratulations for your success and partnership w/ the lovely Karen. G.!
January 11, 2017 at 1:21 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Poupette! I adore Karen! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan
Thanks for the inspiration to find a story today at work, Nancy!
I love books that set kids on a quest for something good in the real world. I hope they, and you, succeed in getting Hoy into the Baseball Hall of Fame. By the way, a reading series called Read Well that is often used in schools to teach reading has a story in it about a deaf girl who wants to join a baseball team. Read Well has recommended read alouds and your book should be on the list for that unit.
Congrats on your other books, fellow kit.
January 11, 2017 at 1:25 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks for the kind words and that tip, Gretchen. So nice to share with a fellow kit! I’ll have to check out that Read Well series. Sounds great!
January 10, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Rebecca
Story ideas have often struck while I worked, back when I had a day job. Great advice!
January 11, 2017 at 1:22 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Rebecca! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Brenda Maier
I’d never heard of Hoy before. I love that you were able to see story ideas others may have overlooked.
January 11, 2017 at 1:26 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Brenda, that’s just what I was hoping — that I would bring William’s story to people who had never heard of him before. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas for stories that need to be told during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:02 pm
carol calladine
Thanks, Nancy for reminding us to look around us for story ideas. They are there waiting for us to catch those golden apples.
January 11, 2017 at 1:26 am
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Carol. I hope you find lots of them during your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for this excellent post, Nancy! It is so easy to always be on the “go go go” — thanks for the reminder to slow down and look for story ideas in everyday moments. I really look forward to reading your upcoming books!
January 11, 2017 at 1:27 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Melissa! I hope you will find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks for the post. Love that your story could have real positive consequences.
January 11, 2017 at 1:28 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Dayne, that’s what kept me going! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Dawn Young
Thanks Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 1:28 am
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Dawn. Wishing you lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:09 pm
kathalsey
Hi, Nancy, we must be primed to look for ideas everywhere. Of course, I know your story of William Hoy very well, but I didn’t realize it came from you doing a story on a play about him. Fun to learn more about the genesis of your debut. Bravo on your new work, too.
January 11, 2017 at 1:29 am
Nancy Churnin
My dear Kathy, thanks so much for your friendship and support! I hope all things go well in your writing journey and you gather up lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 12, 2017 at 9:13 am
kathalsey
Nancy, I am hoping this is my year for some bigger successes. TY.
January 10, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Judy Sobanski
“Do, do, do” can definitely keep me from spotting those “golden apples.” Thanks for the reminder to keep eyes, (and ears) open at all times for those ideas waiting to be discovered!
January 11, 2017 at 1:30 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad this has been helpful, Judy. I hope you gather lots of golden apples during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I’m adding your book, The William Hoy Story, to my must read book list for this week. And, despite working alone at home with only the company of my computer and dog until my husband and daughter return home from work and school, I know if I keep alert, I’ll find inspiration for stories here.
January 11, 2017 at 1:31 am
Nancy Churnin
Leslie, there’s no question that if you’re looking, you will find lots of ideas! I hope you enjoy William Hoy and I hope you find lots of inspiration during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Tina Barbour
Thank you for reminding us that ideas can be found anywhere, and writing is not a lost cause if you have a “day job.”
Now I’m going to be looking around my work office for ideas! 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 1:31 am
Nancy Churnin
Hi Tina, I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas in your office. They’re there!
January 10, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Elise
Thanks Nancy! As a former kindergarten teacher, I’ve got tons of snippets I’ve written down while at work. Hope to have at least one turn into a published picture book! Great post!
January 11, 2017 at 1:32 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Elise. I love that you wrote down all those snippets. I hope you have fun reading them over and glean lots of gold!
January 10, 2017 at 1:13 pm
laurie kaiser
This is great advice I appreciate as a full-time writer in a professional setting who is trying to write children’s books on the side. I appreciate your job, having worked as a newspaper journalist for years. I love the DMN. I grew up with it (and the Times Herald) during my childhood in Dallas!
January 11, 2017 at 1:34 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Laurie, I love writing for the DMN! I bet you have a lot of ideas from your work, too. I wish you a great writing year and lots of good ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Kate (@KateGiard)
Wonderful insight. I like it! Keep ’em coming!
January 11, 2017 at 1:34 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kate! I hope you get lots of great ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Denver Reading Block
What a great quote by John Lennon to start of my Tuesday. I would absolutely love a copy of your book for my 3 year old son. Thank you for all that you do!
January 11, 2017 at 1:36 am
Nancy Churnin
I love that you want to share the book with your three-year-old son! I would love to know what he thinks of it. I also have a free Teachers Guide that I can email to you. I hope you gather lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
February 6, 2017 at 2:06 am
Denver Reading Block
Hi Nancy, I would love your book and guide! Will you be at the SCBWI New York? I’ll be there, so let’s connect!
January 10, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Janie Reinart
Nancy, it was so much fun to meet you this past summer. Love The William Hoy Story. I will be racing around looking for apples.
January 11, 2017 at 1:37 am
Nancy Churnin
Janie, you are so funny! It was so great meeting you this summer. I hope your writing journey is going well and that you gather lots of amazing ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Julie Beturne
Great post. You are so right. Ideas are happening all around us.
January 11, 2017 at 1:37 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Julie! I hope you gather lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for this fantastic post, Nancy, and the reminder to slow down and pay attention to those off-track observations. Reading the title of this post — Storystorm While You Work — put the “Whistle While You Work” song in my head which reminded me of my Dad’s whistling habit which gave me a story idea!
January 11, 2017 at 1:38 am
Nancy Churnin
Gabi, you absolutely got what I was trying to do with the title! I’m so glad it reminded you of your Dad and gave you a story idea!
January 10, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Kay Deans
A great reminder that we should pay attention to what’s happening now and what our family and fiends are saying – those stories they tell us.
January 11, 2017 at 1:39 am
Nancy Churnin
Kay, I’m so glad you found the post helpful. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:27 pm
mona861
Thanks, Nancy. Inspired!
January 11, 2017 at 1:39 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful Mona. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Sheri Radovich
Loved your article today and will check out the William Hoy story. I think you work on ideas until they become golden and someone else recognizes they have merit and helps you, agent, mentor, critique partner, whatever to get where you need to be. I loved the Atalanta story and will look for the source of that.
January 11, 2017 at 1:41 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Sheri, I’m so glad it was helpful! I hope you like The William Hoy Story. There’s a free Teachers Guide that goes with it that’s available on the Albert Whitman website or I can email to anyone who asks. You’ll find the Atalanta story in books of Greek mythology. I hope you gather lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Vanessa Emily Harvey
Thank you for your inspiration!
January 11, 2017 at 1:41 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Vanessa. I hope you gather lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:29 pm
marylouisealucurto
Thank You Nancy, for your very inspiring post! Your book would be Awesome Classroom Material! You may be interested in reading my blog interview with Eileen Amato (Teacher of the Deaf) who also writes for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
January 11, 2017 at 1:43 am
Nancy Churnin
Mary Louise, I would love to read your blog interview with Eileen Amato. I hope you will email it to me! There is a free Teachers Guide for The William Hoy Story with activities for both deaf and hearing kids. I would be happy to email it to you. I hope you will gather lots of wonderful ideas during Storytime.
January 10, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Ann Kelley
What a terrific post! Thank you, Nancy for your story and inspiration! I’m going to pay closer attention for those story nugget ideas!
January 11, 2017 at 1:48 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Ann! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Susan Eyerman
Wonderful inspiration and a great insight on finding really good story ideas!
January 11, 2017 at 1:49 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Susan. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:34 pm
Mark Bentz
Great post Nancy, you hit a home run with this idea!
January 11, 2017 at 1:49 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Mark! It’s been a wonderful journey. I hope you find lots of great ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Annaliese Arnold
I love how we can use our work or everyday life for inspiration. I am a mother to two young children with another on the way and only yesterday was given ideas for picture books. My three and a half year old has a vivid imagination so I listen more closely to his ideas. I love that I can find inspiration from any source, including my kids.
January 11, 2017 at 1:51 am
Nancy Churnin
Annaliese, I bet your kids are an amazing source of ideas and the cool thing is they can be your first audience as you try out your stories! Congrats and good luck on the one on the way. I hope you find lots of great ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:36 pm
laurazarrin
I got two ideas while reading this post. Thank YOU!
January 11, 2017 at 1:51 am
Nancy Churnin
Laura, that’s fantastic! I hope you find lots more during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:37 pm
mariagianferrari
I loved your book, Nancy–it was so moving! Looking forward to reading your others. Congrats to you!!
January 11, 2017 at 1:53 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you so much, Maria. Thrilled you loved William Hoy! Please let me know if you would like me to email you a free Teachers Guide for your favorite teacher/librarian/parent. I hope you’ll find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Judy Bryan
A great reminder to always be on the lookout for ideas. Thank you, Nancy! And congrats!!
January 11, 2017 at 1:53 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Judy! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Great post! I’ve always used my day job as a source of ideas, but since I teach teens, that has led me more in the direction of YA.
January 11, 2017 at 1:55 am
Nancy Churnin
Lyn, I love YA. You’ll find that different ideas fit in different formats. I’ve had some ideas that I tried to turn into picture book ideas but realized could only be told in a longer form (haven’t tried that yet). You never know if you may come across an idea that you can visualize perfectly in a shorter form. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Thanks, Nancy! Great post! Congratulations on all your success!
January 11, 2017 at 1:55 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Nancy. So glad it was helpful. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:39 pm
jjsewell416
I love real-life stories! I’d never heard of Hoy but now I’m excited to read your PB. Thanks Nancy for encouraging us to tune in to those ideas that swirl all around us!
January 11, 2017 at 1:56 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Fabulous post – thank you for these reminders!💗
January 11, 2017 at 2:00 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Shelly. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thank you for sharing your start in children’s publishing!
January 11, 2017 at 2:01 am
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Lynn! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Shirley
Thanks for the reminder to look for stories in our daily life.
January 11, 2017 at 2:01 am
Nancy Churnin
I’m glad it was helpful, Shirley. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:43 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love your first book, Nancy, and can’t wait to read the rest. I also love your idea of writing down 30 ideas in one day! That is seriously motivating!
January 11, 2017 at 2:03 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Robin! 30 ideas in one day is probably a little crazy, but it is a fun challenge, isn’t it? I may try that one myself! I hope you do gather lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:47 pm
dbyatt
I know this feeling all too well – it’s very hard to work on your craft when you have a full time job, terrible commute, responsibilities…Yadda yadda. I never thought of pulling inspiration from my day job though, I’ll have to think hard on that one!
January 11, 2017 at 2:04 am
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, you may even get ideas during your terrible commute. Remember, kids are being shuttled around all the time. There may be some nugget of something in a story about a terrible drive (that turns into something wonderful)? I hope you get lots of good ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:47 pm
Marge Gower
I’ll have to pay attention to those brain nudges I have. I often dismiss them with an, “Oh, that’s a stupid idea.” I always listen to the inner prodding in my personal life, so I need to listening in my writing life, too. I need to try the idea before I dismiss it. Thanks for the encouragement.
January 11, 2017 at 2:06 am
Nancy Churnin
Marge, absolutely! Write down those little ideas, you never know where some of them may lead. Even those that are fragments, sometimes you find that if you combine ideas you may end up with something bigger than the sum of the parts. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 11, 2017 at 11:18 pm
Marge Gower
Thank you for replying. In the three or so years I have done this, I don’t think I’ve received an answer. Thanks for your encouragement. I appreciate it.
January 10, 2017 at 1:49 pm
kirsticall
I love your book about William Hoy! It was one of my favorites from last year!!! I can’t wait to read your others.
January 11, 2017 at 2:07 am
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Kirsti! Please let me know if you would like the free Teachers Guide that goes with it for your favorite teacher, librarian or parent. I hope you will have lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Michelle Andersen
I’m looking forward to reading your books. Thank you and congratulations!
January 11, 2017 at 2:14 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Michelle! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Thank you for sharing your inspiration and for reminding us that our next writing inspiration might be found anywhere in our busy day!
January 11, 2017 at 2:14 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Annie. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks, Nancy! Will try really hard to gather those golden apples🍍(pineapples, right..that’s the only golden Apple offered on my teenytiny phone) in the rat race of life! Happy StoryStorm Day 10 ☺
January 11, 2017 at 2:15 am
Nancy Churnin
Pineapples shoving the golden apples out of the way — there’s got to be a story there, Rene! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Kelly Vavala
I enjoyed your post immensely! I was a TA in an emotional behavioral classroom (5-8yr.old). I retired a couple of years ago and I miss it so much. The children were so inspirational. They knew I liked to write, and we came up with a new idea just about every day! I can still hear them saying, “look Ms. Kelly, here’s a new idea!” I often wrote little stories with them so they could see how it worked. Great post Nancy! Going to make some Golden Cider!!
January 11, 2017 at 2:16 am
Nancy Churnin
Kelly, that’s fantastic! I bet there’s gold in some of those little stories. Your students sound wonderful. I bet they would love having you come back and read some new stories to them some day!
January 10, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Tracey Brown
Thanks, Nancy and congratulations on your book!
January 11, 2017 at 2:17 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Tracey! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:02 pm
pamzollman
Great post! Love how you got the idea for your article. I especially love how your article turned into a picture book! Very inspiring! I’m a big baseball fan and I’ll be looking for a copy of your book to read… for me and for the grands.
January 11, 2017 at 2:17 am
Nancy Churnin
That’s wonderful Pam. I hope you and the grands enjoy William Hoy! And I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Dana Carey
Thanks for a great post, Nancy. I teach English to adults and university students and I love having a day job. Ideas do come from these sometimes funny and surprising interactions.
January 11, 2017 at 2:20 am
Nancy Churnin
Wow, Dana, I bet that would be a great source of stories! Teaching English to adults from other countries who speak other languages — that’s a great opportunity for ideas that bridge language and cultural differences. Maybe if some of them have kids, you can ask them about how their kids adjust to life in America. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I love those hard, unexpected nudges from life that push the tiny germ of an idea into something that won’t be denied! Congratulations Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 2:20 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Cathy! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Heather Merrill
Wonderful post! Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 2:20 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Heather. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Joana Pastro
I love how your book came to be. Stories seem to be everywhere we look. We just have to be open and ready to see them.
Thanks, Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 2:21 am
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Joana! I hope when you look you will find lots of wonderful ideas for Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Very true! Sometimes it’s bits and pieces from everyday life that find their ways into stories, or it’s an entire book idea! I have my little notebook of collections–bits and pieces, that may someday make sense and find their way into one cohesive book, or several. We have to work, and have to fuel our passions. My hope is that they will be one and the same.
January 11, 2017 at 2:22 am
Nancy Churnin
Rebekah, that is great that you are writing things down in your notebook! I carry a pad and pen with me wherever I go. I hope you find lots of ideas you love during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:10 pm
kdveiten
I love the story of Atalanta! I think there may be the stirrings of a book there, lol!
January 11, 2017 at 2:23 am
Nancy Churnin
Hmmm, I like the way you think! Atalanta is one of my favorite Greek myths. I hope you’ll find lots of great ideas for Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:20 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Nancy. You are so right. A smile, a wink, a thumb slammed in a locker may often be the start of a perfect story.
January 11, 2017 at 2:23 am
Nancy Churnin
That does sound like the start of an intriguing story, Judy! I hope you gather lots of wonderful ideas for Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:22 pm
Megan Cason
I love this story’s journey! Thank you Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 2:24 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Megan! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:22 pm
saritarich
I love the advice in this post! It’s a great reminder to find inspiration in the everyday moments. Thank you for sharing your story and turning your ideas into books!
January 11, 2017 at 2:29 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful! I hope you will find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:22 pm
pathaap
Love how you got the idea of the William Hoy story – sounds wonderful too! I am just learning to pay attention to those ideas (that I used to consider distractions) kicking around in my head.
January 11, 2017 at 2:30 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found this helpful. I hope you will pay attention to those ideas and jot them down for future stories!
January 10, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Polly Renner
I’m chasing those Golden apples myself! Thanks Nancy; )
January 11, 2017 at 2:31 am
Nancy Churnin
That’s wonderful, Polly. I wish you lots of Golden apples during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Robin Currie
Being a librarian and pastor who works with kids, I appreciate the work/storm connection!
January 11, 2017 at 2:32 am
Nancy Churnin
Robin, your job must be filled with ideas. I hope you will find and write a lot of them down for Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:27 pm
R.J. Koehn
Love the Atalanta analogy, and I agree with your conclusion that both she and the boy won. Great post! Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 2:32 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, R.J. I hope you’ll find lots of wonderful ideas for Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Lynne Marie
So great to see you here, Nancy and learn more about you!
January 11, 2017 at 2:33 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Lynne Marie! So nice of you to come and visit me here! Wishing you all good things in your writing journey, too. I have no doubt you will come up with lots of amazing ideas for Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:31 pm
Kathy Doherty
Thanks for the post. I sure want to know more about William Hoy!
January 11, 2017 at 2:33 am
Nancy Churnin
Kathy, happy to share! I hope you will have fun gathering up great ideas for Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:34 pm
gretchengeser
Your post is an inspiration. Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 2:34 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Gretchen. I hope you gather lots of wonderful ideas for Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:34 pm
Esther
I can personally relate to this great advice. I once wrote an article about Antarctica and included an interview with a marine biologist who was diving in the frigid waters there. After the article was published, I realized his story would make a great children’s book. I re-interviewed him asking him completely different questions than I had for the general article. The book was published by KarBen/Lerner. Ideas are everywhere!
January 11, 2017 at 2:35 am
Nancy Churnin
Esther, yes, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. I love how you transformed a story into a picture book (which is pretty much what I did). I love KarBen/Lerner, too. I look forward to checking out your book.
January 10, 2017 at 2:37 pm
viviankirkfield
Nancy…you are so 100% right…when life throws you golden apples…make apple cider…to drink while you are writing those sparks into stories. I LOVE how you turned an idea into an amazing book…congratulations on the new book sales…and I just can’t wait to read EVERYTHING you write. 😉
January 11, 2017 at 2:36 am
Nancy Churnin
My dear friend, thank you for visiting and supporting me on Storystorm! And the same to you — you know how I love reading your wonderful books!
January 10, 2017 at 2:38 pm
ManjuBeth
Thanks for sharing your story behind your William Hoy PB.
January 11, 2017 at 2:36 am
Nancy Churnin
You are so welcome! I hope you will find lots of wonderful ideas for Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:40 pm
pattywaymedic
This article made me hatch a great idea that was right under my nose! Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 2:37 am
Nancy Churnin
Patty, I am so thrilled the post generated a new idea for you! I hope you will find many wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:42 pm
kmajor2013
I just got an idea while reading this post. Thanks Nancy! BTW, I love books about baseball.
January 11, 2017 at 2:39 am
Nancy Churnin
Patty, I am so thrilled the post generated a new idea for you! I hope you will find many wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:43 pm
setwiggs
Nancy,
Your story about the origin of your interesting PB inspires me to get going on a great idea I have that is looking very big. I bet if I start it won’t look like such a mountain.
January 11, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, get started! Each word you write will bring you one word closer to climbing that mountain. I wish you luck with that project and with generating lots of wonderful ideas for Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:45 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
I loved the William Hoy Story so it was a particular delight to read Nancy’s insights today. I look forward to her new books!
January 11, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Kathryn, so glad you enjoyed The William Hoy Story. Be sure to let me know if you would like me to email you a free Teachers Guide. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 2:47 pm
susanhaderlie
As a former High School Theatre teacher, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around that you wrote an article about a High School play in the Dallas Morning news!….that High School theatre department will never be the same. What an insightful moment for you that led to a whole new dimension of writing.
January 11, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Nancy Churnin
Susan, I applaud high school theater teachers for all they do for kids and, in this case, what they did for me. I don’t know if I would have written this story, which has brought me so much joy, if not for the teachers who guided their kids to do this play. I bet your work has left you lots of wonderful ideas for books!
January 10, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Susan Nicholas
I work in the news business and I often get ideas from my job. –But I don’t always remember them after my shift ends so starting today I’ll keep an “idea” notebook at work. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 11, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Nancy Churnin
Susan, I always have a pad and pen with me and on the times I forget, I have my cell phone so I can text or email myself the idea. I wish you a lot of luck in finding lots of wonderful ideas at work!
January 10, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Great post Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Emily! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:53 pm
triciacandy
Thank you, Nancy! So many great ideas here.
January 11, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Tricia! I hope you’ll write down those ideas — and more — during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Thank you for this great reminder – story inspirations often spring out of our relationships and other responsibilities. Congratulations!
January 11, 2017 at 4:46 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Kathleen. I think a lot of the best stories come out of the real day to day interactions we have. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm.
January 10, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Nancy Colle
Neato! Such an inspiring story, thanks for sharing;)
January 11, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Nancy! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 3:00 pm
poppywrote
I love the determination to bring this story to fruition. Glad you didn’t quit!
January 11, 2017 at 4:48 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Poppy! Determination is 99% of everything, I think! I wish you lots of success in your writing journey and lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 3:01 pm
jeanjames926
Your William Hoy story just goes to show that everyone has a story to tell if we look in the right places. Thanks for the inspiration piece today.
January 11, 2017 at 4:48 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Jean, I agree with that 100%. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 3:05 pm
Charlotte Dixon
I’m not a sports fan, but when I saw your book, I bought it. I like those stories which need to be written and I look forward to your new books. You’ve given me incentive to chase those golden apples. Thank you, Nancy, for the inspiration!
January 11, 2017 at 4:50 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Charlotte! I hope you enjoyed William Hoy. Please let me know if you want me to email you a free Teachers Guide to go with it. I’m so happy if you found my post encouraging. I hope you will find many wonderful golden apples during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Pat Miller
Nancy, really enjoyed your Atlanta story–cleverly written!
January 11, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Nancy Churnin
Pat, so nice to see you here! I hope you are doing well and everything is going great with your writing journey!
January 10, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Beverly R. Marsh
Great reminder that ideas are waiting like treasures in plain sight to be discovered.
January 11, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Beverly! I hope you find lots of those ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:15 pm
Beth Blee
Loved this: “Yes, you’re busy, but don’t forget that life and ideas are waiting like treasures in plain sight to be discovered and savored while you’re shushing the distractions that, in the end, may turn out to be the best part of your day.” Thanks for your inspiring post and sharing the history behind writing The William Hoy book.
January 11, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you enjoyed it, Beth. I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:16 pm
ptnozell
John Lennon and golden apples in one post – definitely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame of blog posts. Thanks so much for sharing your story & insights.
January 11, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
That’s so sweet, thanks! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey!
January 10, 2017 at 3:18 pm
wyszguy
Thank you for reminding us to keep our eyes open – hoping the boss will throw me a Golden Apple today. 😉
January 11, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
I hope so, too! And I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Ideas are all around us if we remember to look. Thanks for the reminder! And, Tara, thanks for STORYSTORM
January 11, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Michelle. Tara is WONDERFUL. So happy she asked me to share my story. I hope you find lots of fantastic ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:19 pm
Courtenay Schurman
I’ll look for your books. I hadn’t heard about deaf players in baseball before, love the sport and will check it out. Thanks for the reminder to keep eyes (and ears!) open as ideas can show up anywhere if we’re mindful and paying attention.
January 11, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Courtenay! I have been so happy to share the story of this great deaf baseball player. I hope you will enjoy it! And I hope you will find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Jim Chaize
Lots of good ideas here. Will look for the William Hoy story. Thanks, Nancy.
January 11, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Jim. I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you will find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:22 pm
nabinava
Thanks Nancy, looking forward to chasing some golden apples and making some golden cider! Thanks for the inspiring post.
January 11, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Megan Whitaker
Eager to see your book and take another look at the signals baseball uses when the season starts up again! Great idea!
January 11, 2017 at 4:56 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Megan, I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:28 pm
Laura
Thanks Nancy, great read this morning. And I can’t wait to read the book. What an amazing journey from Idea to the finish line!
January 11, 2017 at 4:56 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Laura! I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:30 pm
harveydickson
It’s all grist for the mill.
January 11, 2017 at 4:57 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Harvey! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Joanne Sher
Too often do I forget about focusing on those distractions – SUCH great ideas are all around us. Loved The William Hoy Story – and will definitely keep my eyes out for your other books as well as they come out. Great post – thanks so much!
January 11, 2017 at 4:57 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Joanne! Be sure to let me know you if you want me to email you a free Teachers Guide that goes with The William Hoy Story. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Great advice. Ideas don’t live in a vacuum. They are right beside us all day. My first book was based on a kickball game I played with the kids in my class when I was a teacher. Back then, I only wrote in the summers, but I got ideas all year round.
January 11, 2017 at 4:59 pm
Nancy Churnin
That is fabulous, Genevieve. Kids love kickball. I hope you wrote some of those wonderful ideas down. And if not, maybe think back and remember those days and I bet you’ll find lots of golden apples for your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Nancy, thank you for this post, and for today’s idea. I am one of my dad’s caregivers and there are things said by him I’m sure can be worked into a humorous picture book story.
January 11, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Nancy Churnin
Lynn, I think there are a lot of ideas that will come to you from being your dad’s caregiver. Some can be humorous and some can be serious. Some can help kids understand or cope or learn how they can help when someone they love needs caregiving. Also, maybe there are childhood stories about your dad that could be preserved in a picture book story that would bring joy. It is wonderful what you are doing for your Dad. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:34 pm
storyfairy
Wow. This is a very inspiring post.
January 11, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you, Nancy! I love your William Hoy picture book, and your post makes it all the more lovable.
January 11, 2017 at 5:02 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Anne! Please let me know if you would like me to email you a free Teachers Guide that goes with The William Hoy Story. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Joan Swanson
That is great advise. I pick so many ideas up at work or reading the local news
January 11, 2017 at 5:02 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Joan. You are going to love Chana Steifel’s Storystorm post (Wednesday)! She writes about picking up ideas from the local news! I hope you find lots of wonderful stories on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Deb Lund
What a cool idea! And how wonderful that you heard the story and found a way to include kids in a project that is not only entertaining but serving and deserving.
January 11, 2017 at 5:03 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Deb. I love doing that so much with The William Hoy Story, I am coming up with projects for the kids for all my books. I appreciate the kind words. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Kathy O'Neill
A good reminder of the need to be aware of life around us and ideas that can come from anywhere!
January 11, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Kim Ball
Thanks for a great post, Nancy. I loved your inspiring book The William Hoy Story.
January 11, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kim! Be sure to let me know if you want me to email you a copy of the free Teachers Guide that goes with The William Hoy Story. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks!
January 11, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Carol! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Paula Zeller
“Life and ideas are waiting like treasures in plain sight to be discovered and savored” — such wise words, not just for writing and other arts, but for life as well! Thanks so much, Nancy.
January 11, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Paula, I’m so happy you found the post helpful. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:02 pm
htbeers
Nancy, thank you for this inspiring post! I especially loved reading how the William Hoy story made its way into your busy life and onto our bookshelves. Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you for the kind words! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Laurie Lascos
Great post. 🙂 Love the metaphor.
January 11, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Laurie! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Andria Rosenbaum
Good advice to always keep your eyes & ears open to interesting stories and…golden apples too!
January 11, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Nancy Churnin
Andria, nice to see you here! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Priya
You gotta have patience if it take years to write a book and get it published.
January 11, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Nancy Churnin
Patience and stubborness, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference, Priya! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:06 pm
Mavis Penney
Thanks for the reminder to jot down ideas wherever you are when the ideas start to flow! 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
Mavis, I carry a pad and pen anywhere and have also been known to jot myself emails and texts on my cell phone! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:06 pm
Anna Smith
Wonderful post. I really enjoyed the stories. Thank you.
January 11, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Anna. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for the inspiration Nancy! I can’t wait to read the William Hoy story. 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Heidi. I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Monica A. Harris
I completely agree how little “nuggets” wiggle into your brain and won’t let go. Now, the trick is to recapture the little nuggets before they burrow their way OUT.
January 11, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Monica! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Erika Schnatz
Loved this post! Making a mental note to take more day-to-day notes-to-self. 😀
January 11, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Erika! I always have a pad and pen with me and sometimes I email and text myself on my cell phone! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Meli Glickman
I was quite touched by the inspiration for your William Hoy story. In fact, I can almost “hear” the angelic applause from afar expressing joy that the special story is in print!
January 11, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Nancy Churnin
That is so sweet, Meli, thank you so much! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
I’m glad that William Hoy’s story will be told.
January 11, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you so much, Sharon. It has been my honor and privilege to share this story. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Natalie Rompella
So true about needing to make other plans in order for life to happen. Thanks for the post!
January 11, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Natalie, so glad you found it helpful. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Mark Gould
So true. I often find that when I try to come up with an idea, my mind is blank, yet when I’m out and about I probably have dozens of ideas throughout the day that I’m not paying any attention to.
January 11, 2017 at 5:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Mark, that’s why I always have a pen and pad with me and have been known to text or email myself ideas on my cell phone when I’m out and about. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Debbi G
Great inspiration! Thank you. I look forward to reading this book.
January 11, 2017 at 5:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Debbi, I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:36 pm
danielle hammelef
I love how this idea came to you! This looks like a fun book and since I love nonfiction and sports, I can’t wait to read it.
January 11, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Danielle! I hope you enjoy it. And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Thanks for your inspirational post. One never knows when and where ideas will pop up. Looking forward to reading “The William Hoy Story.”
January 11, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Suzanne! I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story. And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:41 pm
sunwalker2013
With my granddaughter’s Jeep in the shop, we’re spending the day running each other’s errands in my car. I brought my Storystorm notebook, and oh my gosh, the ideas are flowing. Despite the frustrations of the day. Maybe a book on frustration.Thanks for the perspective and reframe, Nancy. Can’t wait to read your stories!
January 11, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
So wonderful to read this! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:48 pm
Nicole
Thank you for this post! It’s so hard to balance your job family and passions.
January 11, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
True, Nicole. And yet, sometimes something wonderful can spring from all three intertwined.. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:49 pm
bookthreader
Thanks for the inspiring post! The William Hoy Story sounds like a must read!
January 11, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:50 pm
renajtraxel
This story sounds amazing. I can’t wait to read it.
January 11, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Tina Cho
Great tip, Nancy! And I liked hearing how you found the story behind William Hoy!
January 11, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Tina, so glad you found it helpful! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 4:53 pm
matthewlasley
There are so many stories around us to tell. I wonder how often I dismiss an idea because I do not think it “good” enough or worthy enough to be told.
I also think of how many times life got in the way of a story that I failed to tell.
January 11, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
It’s never too late to tell the story you were meant to tell, Matthew. Just dig in your memory bucket and who knows — there may be multiple golden apples in there!
January 10, 2017 at 4:56 pm
Cathy Breisacher
I enjoyed learning how you got the idea for your book. This was a wonderful post.
January 11, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Cathy! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Karen Dean
This post is a great reminder that story ideas are all around us. The challenge is tuning out the time robbers that block those wonderful ideas from getting our attention.
January 11, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
Exactly, Karen! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Lane M Arnold
Staying curious brings about stories. Good to remember!
January 11, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you found it helpful, Lane! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:06 pm
anitajjones
Thank you Nancy for such an wonderful message. I have to admit that I’ve chased that golden apple so many times, but now I’m realizing what is truly relevant. You are truly inspirational! I plan on just doing what I’m compelled to do, where my work takes me and to be greatful for that opportunity! I can settle now, for the cider instead of the apple! What a great blog!!
January 11, 2017 at 5:18 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Anita! I hope you find lots of wonderful ideas on your Storystorm journey.
January 12, 2017 at 8:03 pm
anitajjones
Thanks Nancy for taking the time to respond to all these comments! You’re awesome!!
January 10, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Hey Nancy. Great post. I’m in Fort Worth. I’ll look for you in the Morning News!
January 11, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Gayle! I just wrote a story about Circle Theatre in Fort Worth in today’s paper. You have some great companies there. So glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Nicole Greci
Wonderful article!
January 11, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Nicole! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Cathy Stenquist
Love to hear how the idea for “The William Hoy Story” unfolded. You make a very good point of how one moment can lead step by step to your PB story. Cant wait to read your book!
January 11, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Cathy, glad you enjoyed it! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:13 pm
idzalg
I will be looking for golden apples after reading this post! Thank you, Nancy for the great insight.
January 11, 2017 at 5:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad to hear it! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Jennifer Bower
Hi Nancy. Thanks for your inspiring post! I love writing about the regular, or lesser-known people in history and I can’t wait to read about William Hoy. How wonderful you are sharing his achievements!
January 11, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Jennifer. I will look forward to reading your stories about lesser-known people who deserve to be known! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:26 pm
marsue77
I am so intrigued by your book “The William Hoy Story” that I had to see if he got into the Hall of Fame, I noticed a petition online that is closed now but I am hoping your story motivates readers to get him in. Your blog is very inspiring. Stories are all around in the now and when I get stuck with sticking to a schedule I may be missing the lightning bolt. Thanks and I look forward to reading about William.
January 11, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Nancy Churnin
The old petition was for an earlier vote, but the push continues for the 2020 vote. We are hoping that the letters for children will sway the voters. The kids have sent almost 800 letters and we are hoping for many many more by getting entire schools involved in the letter writing campaign to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Please let me know if you want me to email you the free Teachers Guide. One of the activities is to write to the Hall of Fame and it includes the address. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:26 pm
Darlene Ivy
Yup, the ideas are all around us, if we can slow down enough to notice. There ought to be a pun here somewhere – about stopping to smell the roses, or Atalanta’s apple blossoms.
January 11, 2017 at 5:23 pm
Nancy Churnin
Darlene, you may be on to a picture book idea with those puns, I would keep going on that line of thought! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Renae Haggitt
Hi Nancy. Thank you for your inspiration and wonderful tips. I am keen to get more PB ideas from my own experiences with my children as well as from my place of work.
January 11, 2017 at 5:23 pm
Nancy Churnin
Renae, if you look, I know you will find many golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:43 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Yep, I often come across stuff that I think, “Hmmm. That would make a great PB.” The trick is remembering to write it down! 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 5:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
Cathy, that is why I take a pad and pen everywhere I go and am known for emailing and texting myself on my cell phone! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Cindi
Yesterday I had to drive for 9 hours with my hubby while taking our kids back to school. The GPS routed us down miles of small town backroads. Instead of being frustrated, I found myself taking in the sites and saying story ideas out loud to try them on. It’s something I never have time for, but being forced to slow down yielded much fruit!
January 11, 2017 at 5:25 pm
Nancy Churnin
Cindi, that is brilliant and yes, that is exactly what I’m talking about! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Tracy Hora
Thanks for reminding us! I’ll have to think back to my teaching/librarian days too.
January 11, 2017 at 5:26 pm
Nancy Churnin
Tracy, I bet there are lots of ideas just waiting for you to write them down from your teaching/librarian days. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Sharon
Hi Nancy. I love the fact that there seems to be an upswing on picture book biographies such as yours. The more role models we can give to children, the better. Hope to write a biographical picture book. I have two ideas already brewing. Thanks.
January 11, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Nancy Churnin
Sharon, that is fantastic. I agree that kids love true stories and it’s good for them to know about good people. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:47 pm
claireannette1
You have certainly found great topics for stories. Thanks for your suggestions. I’m looking forward to reading your books.
January 16, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Claire! I hope you enjoy them and I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Thank you Nancy! Great inspiring story!
January 11, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Maria! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Joanne Roberts
I enjoyed The William Hoy Story and was pleased that it was nominated for the Cybils Award. I especially loved the way you organized the information into a flowing narrative, and I loved learning about this unsung figure. Thanks for the tips and a peek behind the scenes.
January 11, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Joanne. I didn’t even know The William Hoy Story was nominated for the Cybils Award. I just went and looked it up. Wow! Please let me know if you would like me to email you the free Teachers Guide for the book. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Wendy
I got so excited to see you here–I almost forgot to comment! You may have worked for years but you nailed it with the William Hoy story (I have my own copy!). Maybe I should get my bio ms out again . . .
January 11, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Wendy! And definitely, get those bio ms out again. Kids love reading inspiring stories. I’m so glad you enjoyed William Hoy. Please let me know if you want me to email you a free Teachers Guide. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Sandy Brown Lowe
Nancy – thank you for sharing your journey! I’m even more inspired to write picture book biographies.
January 11, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Nancy Churnin
Sandy, I hope you find many wonderful ideas for subjects during Storystorm!
January 10, 2017 at 5:57 pm
kari
I love the idea of this book. I’m know sports fan but I want to read it.
January 11, 2017 at 6:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kari, I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Zainab Khan
Thank you Nancy. Your post forced me to slow down and get that next story idea/golden and yes, it is a thought I got from my surroundings.
January 11, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Nancy Churnin
Wonderful, Zainab! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Teresa Robeson
Anyone who invokes Atalanta (and other more obscure Greek myths) is awesome by me! Good reminder to slow down and pay attention. 🙂
January 13, 2017 at 12:15 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Teresa! So nice to meet someone who loves Greek myths as much as I do! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:07 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for another way to Storystorm ideas!
January 13, 2017 at 12:16 am
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Brenda! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:11 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Great advice for us oh-so-busy writers. I am guilty of focusing too much on my to-do-list. Glad I stopped to read your post.
January 11, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Suzanne! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Kat Williams
Would love to get hold of your picture book. Fantastic to be supporting in getting lesser known characters who have left their mark in history and need to be recognised. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
January 11, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kat. I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Rachel Critchley
Very inspiring! The idea of what William Hoy accomplished must help so many children realize that they have a chance at success. It just depends upon their work and deternination. Loved the story and places to get my ideas. Thanks.
January 11, 2017 at 6:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Rachel, that is just what I was hoping for! Glad you enjoyed the post and I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Kat
Fantastic to read! Would love to get hold of your book. It’s so good to hear about lesser well known characters that have left their mark in history.
January 11, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kat. I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story. And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:20 pm
gayleckrause
Very inspiring story. We need more stories like William’s to show today’s children the way. 🙂 And more authors like yourself to show authors the way.
January 11, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Gayle, that’s so sweet of you to say. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Wendy Doxey
Great story! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Wendy! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:24 pm
craigpines
Thanks Nancy! Nice post. Love the Lennon quote!
January 11, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Craig! Glad you like the post and the quote. The quote is one of my favorites. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Thanks for sharing your journey to an idea or your idea’s journey…or both! I heard a little of this when I met you in Dallas this past fall.
Your post was very interesting and inspiring. Thanks, Nancy.
January 11, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Nancy Churnin
Penny, it was so much fun spending time with you at Lassoing for Literacy! I hope we see each other again soon. Wishing you all good things with your books!
January 10, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Kaye Baillie
It’s great to read how a story came to be. I have the William Hoy book and it’s so inspirational. Looking forward to Nancy’s next ones. Great advice on how to let stories take shape and life.
January 11, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kaye! So glad you enjoyed The William Hoy Story. Please let me know if you would like me to email you the free Teachers Guide that goes with it. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:33 pm
betlw
Great article. I’m going to start looking more carefully everywhere I go for story possibilities. I especially like that your book tells about a person with a handicap who broke into a field that formerly wasn’t open to him. He opened the way for others.
January 11, 2017 at 6:27 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you. It had meant so much that children with challenges have told me how much William’s story has inspired them. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Kerrie
I love this so much for several reasons. I used to work at a newspaper (features editor) and I miss it. I’m wondering if you know my former editor and friend, Darla Atlas, who used to work at the DMN!
January 11, 2017 at 6:28 pm
Nancy Churnin
Kerrie, of course I know Darla Atlas, but she has a different last name now. Darla is so smart and funny and sweet! You should be able to use all your newspaper skills at researching and writing in the picture book world. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:35 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great post, Nancy. Welcome to the picture book community!
January 11, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Carol, I’m enjoying being here with great people like you! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:36 pm
Barbara Cairns
What a great story, Nancy! And in the process you not only got your first book published but also made folks aware of an untold story about a special deaf person. I’m a former teacher of the deaf and really can appreciate your efforts. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
January 11, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you so much, Barbara! It was my dream that the book would help create a bridge between deaf and hearing kids and it has. At most of my presentations, I bring someone who knows ASL and hearing kids love learning new words. Please let me know if you want me to send the free Teachers Guide that has activities for deaf and hearing kids. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Sally Winchell
The William Hoy story sounds like it would appeal to people of all ages. Adults like to read books, too. You hooked the child and the adult reader with this one!
January 11, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Sally, the funny thing is that I have presented it at events for adults and senior citizens and they do seem to like it. It’s been so gratifying. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:42 pm
sherbyland17
Ooh! I heard a story at my work lunch that I’m going to adapt for my Storystorm today. Great post!
January 11, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Nancy Churnin
Wonderful, Sherby, I bet it will be a wonderful story! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:47 pm
carolmunrojww
I’m battling stinky paint on my living room walls. There’s got to be a story there, right? Kids love stinky! Thanks for the tips, Nancy. And I loved watching your 12x success story video!
January 11, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Nancy Churnin
Carol, stinky paint? There’s DEFINITELY a story in that! The Stinky Paintman??? And nice to meet a fellow fan of 12X12. I love what Julie Foster Hedlund has done with that group! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Julie Foster Hedlund
I’m inspired all over again reading this post, Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Nancy Churnin
Julie, always grateful for your friendship and support! Thanks for hanging out here on my post!
January 10, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Dana Wu
Thank you for being honest about the “other” lives we lead while also trying to get stories out there. Dana
January 11, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Dana. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Andrea Mack
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 11, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found the post helpful, Andrea! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Wow! Your journey along the path to publication is inspiring, Nancy. You have shared sage advice & encouragement. The quote by John Lennon is an excellent reminder, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
The Wm Hoy story is amazing. I enjoyed meeting you at the WOW Retreat 2016. I look forward to your future publications.
~Suzy Leopold
January 11, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Suzy, and I look forward to YOUR future publications, too! Wasn’t the WOW retreat fun? I learned so much! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:14 pm
telltalestome
Thanks Nancy – you have given me a really great idea for a series of books today
January 11, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thrilled to hear it! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Alex Borns-Weil
I want to read that book about the deaf baseball player!
January 11, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Nancy Churnin
Alex, I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story! And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:22 pm
mkresk
Yes! Thank you for sharing your story. Being a theater critic is a fabulous idea-generator, I’m sure!
January 11, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Nancy Churnin
I feel very fortunate to have TWO jobs that I love –covering theater and writing picture books and yes, one is a big idea generator for the other. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Sherry Howard
I love this, and your video on Facebook. The transition to picture books from other writing is a process, but so much fun when in the company of other writers. I appreciate the history of the Hoy story! So interesting.
January 11, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks for your kind words, Sherry! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Anne Bielby
I’m working continuously, didn’t even stop for lunch, so perfect post for me today. Thanks!
January 11, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad the post was perfect for you, Anne! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Amanda Sincavage
Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey Nancy! I just love those illustrations too!
January 11, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Amanda! I’ve been so fortunate to work with great illustrators, Jez Tuya with Hoy and Danny Popovici for Manjhi. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Janet Smart
Thanks, Nancy. Stories are all around us. I got three or four ideas a couple of days ago from one silly TV commercial that I saw.
January 11, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Nancy Churnin
That’s wonderful, Janet. I hope you wrote them down! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Congratulations, Nancy, on this important book, and your upcoming ones! Now I’m off to seek “treasures in plain sight.” Thank you for sharing your story!
January 11, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks for your kind words, Jane! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Joan Marie Arbogast
That’s so true. We often miss what’s right in front of us because we’re busy thinking or doing something else.
January 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm
Nancy Churnin
Exactly, Joan! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Laura Hancock
Ideas really are all around us. It was great to hear how your were inspired to write about William Hoy. Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Laura! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed)
Thank you for sharing the source of inspiration for your amazing book. Looking for inspiration in the mundane; I’m going to try that. There is certainly enough of that in my life. 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Kristen, glad you found the post helpful! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:00 pm
sharonkdal
That was really interesting and got me thinking about some nonfiction ideas. Thanks!
January 11, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad to hear it, Sharon. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Your picture book sounds wonderful – such an important topic. Thank you for sharing your process!
January 11, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Rachel. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Larissa Marantz
Great post. We all have busy lives and it’s important to be inspired by life, constantly! Thank you.
January 11, 2017 at 7:02 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you found it helpful, Larissa. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:01 pm
mcdonaldrae
Thank you for sharing your pathway into telling a much needed story. It is so true, stories happen while we are living our life. And the magic factor is paying attention to the passion that comes along with an idea for it is built in fuel for creativity. In my opinion, I find it absolutely true that determination, passion for an idea, persistence, and follow through are some of our best tools to pull out when bringing a story to print.
January 11, 2017 at 7:03 pm
Nancy Churnin
If you’ve got those in your toolkit, you’ll be all right! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:02 pm
Beth Anderson
Nancy – what a wonderful article! A joy to read! And INSPIRING! Thank you.
January 11, 2017 at 7:04 pm
Nancy Churnin
Beth, thanks for visiting my blog post! Wishing you all good things in YOUR writing journey!
January 10, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Katy Duffield
THE WILLIAM HOY STORY is such a wonderful book! I’ve recommended it to many friends. 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you so much, Katy! Thrilled to hear it. Let me know if you’d like me to email you the free Teachers Guide that goes with it. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:16 pm
Lorraine
Thank you. What a wonderful story. I love reading stories like this. Maybe, one day, I will write one too!
January 11, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Nancy Churnin
Keep at it, Lorraine, and you will! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:17 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Wonderful post, Nancy! Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you Elizabeth for your kind words and for hanging out on my blog post! Wishing you all good things in your writing journey!
January 10, 2017 at 8:18 pm
Liz Garcia
I hope your book brings much-deserved attention to William Hoy.
January 11, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank you, Liz, that is my dream! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:22 pm
Jill Giesbrecht
Thank you! So neat to have such a positive book about Hoy! Thank you too for the reminder that our everyday lives and what we see and do provides us with fertile fodder for our stories.
January 11, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks for the kind words, Jill! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:25 pm
Carrie Harvey
Thanks for the great ideas!
January 11, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Carrie. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Elsa Takaoka
Life sure is busy and riddled with responsibilities. It’s tough to make time to create but I like the idea of being creative even while not creating anything at all! Using busy as an inspiration rather than a hurdle. Thank you for the push!
January 11, 2017 at 7:07 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad the post was helpful, Elsa! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:36 pm
K.A.Steed
Hi Nancy. This is a great idea to look for stories while doing our “other jobs.” Too often, I have thought about writing after I finish work. I’ll make sure to keep my eyes open…
Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 7:07 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, glad it was helpful! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:53 pm
Michael Karg
Well said-my work is a treasure trove of story ideas!
January 11, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad to hear it, Michael! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
Hey, I’ve gotten at least ten story ideas between last year and this year while working at my day job as a QC Lab Tech, and several while working at the Walters Art Museum. You never know.
January 11, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
That’s fabulous, Brittany! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
The same to you! 😀
January 10, 2017 at 9:10 pm
Marty Bellis
Love your example of Atalanta. Good reminder to look for ideas everywhere and in all you do!
January 11, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad the post was helpful, Marty. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:11 pm
DaNeil Olson
Outstanding post! Thank you for the marvelous ideas and congratulations on the publication of your stories.
January 11, 2017 at 7:09 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, DaNeil! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:12 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Looking forward to reading your PB. Sounds fascinating.
January 11, 2017 at 7:09 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Teresa. I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story. And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:14 pm
svaisnoras
Love the story about how you got the idea for Mr. Hoy. Many teachers will be happy you wrote that.
January 11, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Nancy Churnin
I hope so! Thanks for the kind words. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Christine Irvin
Ideas can be found anywhere and everywhere. We just need to be ready to recognize them and remember them.
January 11, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Christine. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:20 pm
Maria Marshall
Nancy, thank you for writing such a great picture book and an excellent book. I will keep an eye out for those golden apples, because I definitely want to make cider & cake (if bot too greedy).
January 11, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Ah, go for the cider and cake, life is to be enjoyed, Maria! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:23 pm
lydialukidis
I love the John Lennon quote. So true….
January 11, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Me, too, Lydia! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:31 pm
Heather Elizabeth
Thank you, Nancy. I’ll be looking for those golden apples.
January 11, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Nancy Churnin
Wonderful, Heather. I hope you find lots on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:35 pm
Martin Segal
Thank you for the inspiring post, Nancy! I liked hearing the story about Atalanta, too! I think my daughter makes into at least half of my story ideas lately. Lol
January 11, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Nancy Churnin
You realize that means you’re going to have to dedicate some of those stories to her, right? 🙂 I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:36 pm
Cindy Breedlove
Thanks for the inspiration in finding ideas!
January 11, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Nancy Churnin
So happy the post was helpful, Cindy! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:36 pm
Buffy Silverman
I love that your “real” job brought you to your first picture book! Thanks for the inspiring post.
January 11, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Buffy. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:39 pm
seschipper
Thank you! Another inspiring post! 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:45 pm
harmonee2014
Love your advice…and your William Hoy story. I look forward to reading it. Thank you!
January 11, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Harmonee, I hope you enjoy The William Hoy Story. And I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:46 pm
Steve Schwartz
Glad you and William Hoy found each other! Thanks for the post!
January 11, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Steve! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Mary Rudzinski
Thank you for reminding me that writing ideas are all around us, and that inspiration can come from unexpected sources.
January 11, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad the post was helpful, Mary. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 9:54 pm
Debra Katz
I came across the William Hoy picture book in a book store one day a while back. It is a wonderful story. It was great to hear the author talk about how it came about.
January 11, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you enjoyed the book, Debra! Please let me know if you would like me to email you the free Teachers Guide that goes with it. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:05 pm
Maria Bostian
I get story ideas from work all the time. Looking forward to turning them into little gems one day! Thanks for the post.
January 11, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Nancy Churnin
I’m sure they’ll be wonderful, Maria! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:25 pm
bonzerb
Thanks Nancy! Inspiring thoughts…
January 11, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad the post was helpful! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:27 pm
Lucretia
I love the William Hoy story; I’m always telling my kids that perseverance is the key to success. Thank you for reminding us that inspiration can always be found around us–we just have to be receptive to recognizing it (and remembering it) when the opportunity to write about it occurs!
January 11, 2017 at 7:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true, Lucretia. Happy you love The William Hoy Story! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:29 pm
Judy Y
Inspiring post! I loved reading your story and learning about your books. Thank you, Nancy!
January 11, 2017 at 7:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Judy. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:38 pm
Robyn McGrath
Inspiration everywhere!
January 11, 2017 at 7:16 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Robyn! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Susan Cabael
Today during a dreaded training at work, I thought of a new story idea. Wonderful when an idea surprises you that way.
January 11, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
That’s great, Susan! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Candy
Golden advice!
January 11, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Candy! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Meghan Burch
I’m excited to read Nancy’s books. Thanks!
January 11, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Meghan, I hope you enjoy them! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:46 pm
hmmmmm
I regularly find myself trapped in this cycle of WORK WORK WORK (on writing), only to (re)discover that when I’m too busy to — or I finally allow myself to chill out and have fun — that’s when the ideas and good thinking flow.
January 11, 2017 at 7:18 pm
Nancy Churnin
So true! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Traci Bold
I absolutely loved THE WILLIAM HOY STORY Nancy. My uncle was deaf and a huge baseball fan. I didn’t know what the hand signals meant until he showed me the signal and wrote down the meaning. So your book spoke to me and brought back fond memories of him. Looking forward to your next book.
January 10, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Traci Bold
Nancy, The William Hoy Story was a joy to read. My uncle was deaf, loved baseball and explaining in sign language what the hand signals meant. He couldnt speak at all but vocalized his excitement during the games. Learning William was the one who invented the signals, helped me understand why my uncle was so excited.
As far as getting ideas from work, I worked in our school district food service for 10 years and now have an arsenal of ideas. 😊
January 11, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
Traci, it’s been such a joy sharing The William Hoy Story with you. I look forward to reading your stories one day! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:00 pm
anitanolan
Thanks. Great post.
January 11, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Anita. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:01 pm
Kristen Browning
Congratulations on your William Hoy story–I look forward to reading it. I work with five year olds and have one of my own, so I am always jotting down ideas 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Nancy Churnin
Kristen, you are perfectly positioned to gather up great ideas! If you want a free Teachers Guide for The William Hoy Story, let me know and I will email it to you. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:08 pm
terrytalley12
Thanks for the inspiration to dig in the idea goldmine there is in the everyday and in the workplace. I’m a teacher so have no lack of material! My favorite nugget this week was a student comment: “My wisdom feet hurt!”
January 11, 2017 at 7:21 pm
Nancy Churnin
I love that, “My wisdom feet hurt!” Glad the post was helpful. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Juliana Lee
I’m not much of a runner, but I’ve got my eyes peeled for those golden apples!
January 11, 2017 at 7:21 pm
Nancy Churnin
I hope you find lots of them, Juliana!
January 10, 2017 at 11:12 pm
Zoraida Rivera Morales
I’m so sorry that I didn’t write down many more ideas while working as a counselor. Work is a great place to get ideas! But ideas, also, need time to bloom.
January 11, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Nancy Churnin
Zoraida, those ideas didn’t go away, they are in your memory waiting to be recovered. Sometimes ideas do need time to bloom as you said. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:16 pm
Emily Lavoo Johnsen
Wow, Nancy! You are on FI-YA!
January 11, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Nancy Churnin
I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had! Wishing you good fortune, Emily, and I lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Yvonne Klinksick
I had not heard of Mr.Hoy but I will be excited to learn about him along with my 4 year old when we order your book- congrats!
January 11, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Yvonne! I hope you and your four-year-old enjoy the book! Please let me know if you want me to email you a copy of the free Teachers Guide, it has lots of fun activities. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:28 pm
Karin Larson
Great advice! Thank you and good luck to you.
January 11, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Karin! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:30 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Congratulations Nancy on you upcoming publications,and thanks for a great dose of inspiration!
January 11, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Diane! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:33 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Yes! All of my stories come from real life moments, way past or barely past, that keep my mind returning to them. Love the golden apple metaphor.
January 11, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you enjoyed the post, Alexandra. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:33 pm
Jeanine Potter Lovell
Thank you Nancy for the inspiration. Letting go of the GO, Go, Go is indeed a challenge.
January 11, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Nancy Churnin
Yes, maybe I should have written Let it Go Go Go! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:47 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
I often say that my busy family life is full of distractions (from my writing) but full of inspiration too! Thanks for the post!
January 11, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Heather. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 10, 2017 at 11:50 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Thanks, Nancy, for helping me see the rest of my life not as obstacles to my writing but inspiration!
January 11, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Leslie. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:01 am
Sara Gentry
I just loved this post. I’m a homeschooling mama of 2, with a part time job as well, and I just feel like there are never enough hours in the day to do all that I wish I could. I also enjoyed reading how The William Hoy Story came to be.
January 11, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found this helpful, Sara. I hope you will find lots of ideas in the midst of your busy life!
January 11, 2017 at 12:04 am
Kristi Romo
This also speaks to the power of an idea. You can, and likely will, figure out how to write that book if the idea is strong.
January 11, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Nancy Churnin
Exactly, Kristi! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:09 am
Kristin Wauson
This observation that your ideas come when you’re doing things other than coming up with ideas is so true … it is evident in my storystorm journal. The days that I don’t leave my house sometimes I have no ideas. Today I was out and about and have written down seven new ideas.
January 11, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Nancy Churnin
Seven new ideas — that’s fantastic, Kristin! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:15 am
Ali Earle Pichardo
Thank you for sharing your story Nancy. I love The William Hoy story. I look forward to your new books.
January 11, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks so much, Ali! Have I sent you the free Teachers Guide that goes with the book? I’m thinking I have.. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:17 am
shanah salter
“when life throws you apples, chase them and turn them into stories”- love it!
January 11, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you like that, Shanah! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:17 am
ingridboydston
One reason I love StoryStorm is it makes writing my ideas down part of the day, I can’t shush it, I HAVE to write it down! Thanks for the encouragement!
January 11, 2017 at 7:28 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad this was helpful, Ingrid! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:18 am
Sandy
Thanks for your post! My second graders often give me inspiration!
January 11, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Nancy Churnin
Second graders are wonderful, Sandy! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:19 am
Juliann Caveny
Fantastic post! Love to find inspiration in the everyday! (And sometimes not-so-every-day!)
January 11, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Juliann! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:21 am
writersideup
Nancy, I really hope you were kidding when you said you only sold 3 books 😉 I had no idea that William Hoy was behind all the signs we see the coaches throwing around. Fascinating! And so many things in life really are, for sure. Great post! Thank you 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Nancy Churnin
Ha ha, happy to report that The William Hoy Story is currently in its THIRD printing, we sold out the first printing in a month and a half. Now I have three more books and one more that may be on the way. So glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:28 am
Jennifer Phillips
Appreciate hearing how you came to find and develop this story. Thanks for sharing!
January 11, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you enjoyed, it Jennifer! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:49 am
Mary Crockett
I love hearing how this idea grew into a book!
January 11, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Mary! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 12:52 am
Nori Underhill
Well, I paid close attention all day and did overhear a conversation that inspired a new pb text about what colors you would paint various things, where some of the “things” get pretty abstract! You can read more about it, and see some excerpts from my rough first draft, on my blog.
January 11, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Nancy Churnin
That’s fantastic, Nori, thanks for sharing! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 1:03 am
JenFW
Hear, hear! All those things that get in the way of writing give us something to write about.
January 11, 2017 at 7:32 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Jen. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 1:22 am
Bethany Roberts
Thanks for such an encouraging and inspiring post. I know sometimes when I have no ideas, the best solution to getting fresh ideas is to go somewhere or to get busy doing something. And I love the idea of multi-tasking- working and gathering story ideas all at the same time!
January 11, 2017 at 7:32 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found this helpful, Bethany! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 1:46 am
Leah Leonard
Thank you for sharing. Great idea!
January 11, 2017 at 7:32 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you enjoyed, Leah. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 1:51 am
Christine
Love the story of how you developed your book – thanks for sharing!
January 11, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you enjoyed, Christine! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 2:02 am
Claire O'Brien
Nice Post thanks
January 11, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Happy you liked it, Claire! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 2:03 am
Urania Smith
Great post! I like how you found inspiration from something in your daily life.
January 11, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Urania! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 2:34 am
Michele Helsel
Interesting story. Thanks for sharing. For some reason I’m craving apple juice now.
January 11, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Nancy Churnin
Ha ha, Michele! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 2:39 am
Keila Dawson
Definitely keeping my eyes open and my ears ready to catch some ideas. Love reading about your road to publication.
January 11, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thanks, Keila! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 2:45 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for your inspiring post.
January 11, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Nancy Churnin
My pleasure, Mindy. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 2:50 am
Cassandra Federman
i never knew about william hoy! interesting! hope good stories hit me working from home. i may just need to get out more!
January 11, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Nancy Churnin
So happy to introduce William Hoy to you, Cassandra! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 3:01 am
Anna Gateley-Stanton
Thanks for the post
January 11, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Nancy Churnin
Glad you enjoyed, Anna. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 3:35 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
NANCY: THANK YOU for the BEAUTIFUL golden apples of advice you gave us! I have wanted to read your William Hoy story ever since it came out. As someone who speaks ASL, I CAN’T WAIT to read it!!! THANK YOU for bringing this important person and story to the page!
January 11, 2017 at 7:36 pm
Nancy Churnin
Thank YOU for the kind words, Natalie! When you do read it, please let me know if you want me to email you the free Teachers Guide with activities for kids who are deaf and hearing. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 4:03 am
Darcie Durr
I love this post. Makes me feel less stressed about life happening and seemingly interfering with my “story time.”
January 11, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad it was helpful, Darcie. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 4:12 am
aidantalkin
Inspired by daily life? Easily – just moved to France (with little french) and the world is baffling and new again!
January 11, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Nancy Churnin
Oh, you’re going to have a treasure trove of ideas as a newcomer to France! Exciting, Aidan! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 4:24 am
Sharon Langley
Thank you for sharing your inspiration…I love that you love such a wide variety of stories,
January 11, 2017 at 7:38 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you enjoyed the post, Sharon. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 5:23 am
8catpaws
Did William Hoy pave the way for players’ signals on the field? Even if not true, it wouldmakean interesting story!
January 11, 2017 at 7:38 pm
Nancy Churnin
I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a connection! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 7:25 am
jennagrodzicki
Thank you for this inspiring post. As a teacher and mother of two young children, it’s hard to find time to write. I’m sure I could find many ideas from my students and my own kiddos!
January 11, 2017 at 7:39 pm
Nancy Churnin
Jenna, I bet you have lots of ideas there! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 7:27 am
Lisa Morgan
THANK YOU!! I get it, I get it!! As an early childhood teacher, I have to keep a notebook next to me. “Life and ideas are waiting like treasures in plain sight to be discovered and savored.” LOVED your post, thank you so much for sharing
January 11, 2017 at 7:39 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad you found it helpful, Lisa! I take a pad and pen with me wherever I go, too! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 7:51 am
Catherine F
I really enjoyed reading this post Nancy. Thank you! There are so many inspirations around us and you and all the Storystorm bloggers are doing a great job of reminding us where to look 🙂
January 11, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Nancy Churnin
So glad this blog and the others are helpful, Catherine. I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 7:59 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Ideas come every where, including your job!
January 11, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Nancy Churnin
Absolutely, Rebecca! I hope you find lots of golden apples on your Storystorm journey.
January 11, 2017 at 8:09 am
Safa
Congratulations! How wonderful and inspiring, Nancy! Thank you for your valuable and uplifting post.