January 24, 2017 8:00 am
I’m assuming that you’re all deep into your brainstorming about story ideas at this point and already have a meaty list after all the inspiring posts you’ve been reading during Storystorm. Good for you!
I sometimes equate this stage of story brainstorming to experimenting with a recipe for a cake. Why cake? Because cake is one of my favorite things in the world. And suppose it’s a recipe entry for a baking contest in which you can submit ONE entry.
After Storystorm, I advise you to browse your list of ideas and choose the one that appeals to you the most. Maybe you’ll be so excited about this particular idea that you won’t be able to wait. Maybe you’ve already started working on expanding the story, plotting an outline and/or doodling rough sketches. Maybe you’ve just expanded the idea a wee bit, perhaps into a paragraph or a few pages of notes.
Excellent! Now put that story away and DON’T LOOK AT IT for a while. “A while” is up to you. For me, it’s at least two weeks but sometimes several months.
In our baking analogy: it means tweaking your cake recipe and then putting that experimental cake in the oven:
RESIST THE URGE TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE OVEN BEFORE IT’S READY.
Why?
Because if you take it out too soon, it’ll look pretty much the same as when you put it in. What you want: to give it enough time to settle, to bake, to reach a state where you can taste it objectively and see whether it’s really THE cake recipe you want to submit to the contest.
Sometimes when you take it out of the oven, it’ll look like this:
Though of course we all hope for this:
But back to when your cake story looks like this:
At this point, you may realize that it’s not worth salvaging, and you may want to just toss it. Sometimes your instinct will be right.
However, there may still be SOMETHING about it that you just can’t let go of:
In that case, try experimenting some more. Maybe combine it with another idea, find a different spin, rework it in a different genre or format. Turn it upside down or reverse it, add an unexpected twist. You never know what will happen. Read this Veronica Bartles Storystorm post about how she substitutes story ingredients to familiar recipes to make them uniquely delicious. (Mmm, plus her Cranberry Sage Cookies With Almonds recipe sounds yummy….)
Then put it in the oven again to let it bake:
As before, no matter how excited you are, force yourself to work on something else and NOT take your new creation out too soon. While you’re waiting, take a look at your other recipe ideas, start experimenting for another recipe.
And so on. Ok, I’ll drop the baking analogy…you get the message, right?
Sometimes I may feel SUPER excited with a new story idea and have the urge to IMMEDIATELY dive into the writing and editing and revision process. Sometimes the first draft of the story pours out onto the paper; I love when this happens. However, I have learned to let an idea or first draft sit for a while before coming back to it. If I’m still excited about it, then I go to the next stage. After another round of writing or sketching or revising, I let it sit again and then re-evaluate.
The danger of letting yourself dive into developing a story idea too soon is that you’ll get so caught up with the “ooo shiny toy” honeymoon phase that you won’t be objective. You’re going to be pouring a lot of time and effort into this project, after all, as well as inevitably getting emotionally invested. It’s in your best interest to take your time before you commit.
So stick with the rest of the Storystorm month! Keep reading Storystorm blog posts and coming up with ideas. By the end of the month, you’ll be able to look at your earlier ideas more objectively.
This is pretty much my story brainstorming process, by the way. I currently keep a notebook where I constantly jot down story ideas, fragments, bits of conversations and synopses for picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels. I used to use a digital notebook but I currently prefer a paper notebook where I can doodle as well as scribble ideas PLUS I like being able to physically browse earlier ideas to see if they still excite me.
Whatever the method you use to keep track of your story ideas, I encourage you to GIVE THEM TIME to develop and before sending them out into the world.
Good luck!
Debbie Ridpath Ohi is the author and illustrator of Where Are My Books? (Simon & Schuster), a book that began as an idea generated during PiBoIdMo (now known as Storystorm). Her illustrations appear in books by Michael Ian Black and Judy Blume, among others. Upcoming books in 2017 include Debbie’s second solo picture book, Sam & Eva (Simon & Schuster), Sea Monkey & Bob (Simon & Schuster, author Aaron Reynolds), Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in The Secret Ingredient (Random House, author Lauren McLaughlin), and Ruby Rose, Big Bravos (HarperCollins, author Rob Sanders). Debbie posts about reading, writing and illustrating children’s books at Inkygirl.com. Twitter: @inkyelbows.
Debbie is giving away one of her original found object doodles, using a crumpled Lindor wrapper and drawn with a fountain pen. It’s about 5.7″ x 7″, and will be mailed in a protective cellophane wrapper with a cardboard backing.
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!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Author-Illustrator, STORYSTORM 2017, Uncategorized
Tags: Debbie Ridpath Ohi, InkyGirl, Where are my books?
Mobile Site | Full Site
Get a free blog at WordPress.com Theme: WordPress Mobile Edition by Alex King.
Love this post (and the fun drawings)! Thanks!
By Deborah Sosin on January 24, 2017 at 8:11 am
OMG I would love to win this soooooo much. I work in a library and sometimes I get so anxious about all the books that I would love to read and then I calculate that I would probably have to live alone on a desert island until I’m 200, reading non stop every day……. and oh no they would publish heaps of books in that 200 year period that I would need to add to my list……and then I would need to live until I’m 300………..and just keep repeating – lol !!!
By telltalestome on January 24, 2017 at 8:13 am
Love all the art that went with this post! Thank you for a fun post.
By Kim Pfennigwerth on January 24, 2017 at 8:14 am
Really enjoyed all of the drawings to enhance the message. And now I want some cake for breakfast! Thank you.
By Ali Pfautz on January 24, 2017 at 8:14 am
Your analogy to baking opened my eyes, and not just the mention of cake! You found art is fantastic!
By julielacombeauthor on January 24, 2017 at 8:14 am
Thank you, Debbie. You make a very important point!
By meganleewrites on January 24, 2017 at 8:16 am
a bakingly good idea to wait
By ritaborg on January 24, 2017 at 8:16 am
I love the the way you treat developing stories like baking a cake. Thanks.
By Elaine Cline on January 24, 2017 at 8:17 am
Oh my gosh I WANT THAT PRIZE!! I DO want to read all the books!📚 💃🏽📚Great post, Debbie!
By Stephanie Geckle on January 24, 2017 at 8:19 am
Love the analogy, Debbie!
By Dionna on January 24, 2017 at 8:21 am
As one who rushes into the writing process far too often, I must say that this is a great process. Thank you for sharing it.
By August Washington on January 24, 2017 at 8:22 am
Oooo, this is a great piece. Your illustrations are fantastic! I would only add that after the cake bakes you must, must, must share it and see what people think! Eeek!
By Kate (@KateGiard) on January 24, 2017 at 8:26 am
Thanks for the reminder to take your time before you submit.
By Patricia Alcaro on January 24, 2017 at 8:26 am
Love it, Debbie! I am definitely an “ooo shiny!” distractible type. Thank for reminding us how patience is in order. P. S. – ha ha, the cake guy that got thrown away is funny! Poor little guy. 🙂
By tiemdow on January 24, 2017 at 8:27 am
Guilty! I will try to “step away” next time! Great post!
By Krissy on January 24, 2017 at 8:27 am
I’m saving the image of the second Cake-Creature in the front of my Storystorm notebook. Just to remind me that I can always experiment some more, I can find a different spin, I never know what will happen, and that there is always HOPE. Thanks, Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
By Mavis Penney on January 24, 2017 at 8:30 am
I’ve had a lot of half-baked ideas in the past. 😉 Thanks for the reminder to allow our ideas plenty of time ‘to cook’, so to speak. Loved this post and the accompanying illos!
By Rebecca Colby on January 24, 2017 at 8:30 am
Waiting is *always* the hardest part. But the very best ideas grow stronger with age and objectivity. Thanks, Debbie!
By Andria on January 24, 2017 at 8:30 am
This post tastes oh-so-yummy, especially due to the wisdom sprinkled on top of that deliciously perfected cake!
By Meli Glickman on January 24, 2017 at 8:37 am
That’s great! My ideas always seem to need lots of baking time too.
By Viviane LB on January 24, 2017 at 8:37 am
Aww man, I already started to take my idea cakes out of the oven…fine, I’ll put them back in. Lol
By Brittanny Handiboe on January 24, 2017 at 8:38 am
Great post!
Thanks for the reminder to “let it bake!”
By kylemstoneart on January 24, 2017 at 8:38 am
Appetizing post, Debbie. Full of creative ideas and advice that we all can use. Simmering, stirring, folding, blending, tossing, beating, and so many more cooking terms can be used when we are in the process of writing and “waiting” (a.k.a. patience) is one of the best. Thanks for a super post!
By Anne Iverson on January 24, 2017 at 8:42 am
Thanks for the inspiration, and fun post & art, Debbie!
By Diane Kress Hower on January 24, 2017 at 8:44 am
Thank you for reminding us to be patient. And in such a creative way!
By Nicole Sharkey on January 24, 2017 at 8:49 am
Debbie, ideas do need to rise before we revise! Great analogy and fun illustrations, too.
By kathalsey on January 24, 2017 at 8:52 am
So many Storystorm posts make me hungry! Pringles, cookies, cakes… Get me a snack so I can wait out the baking of my favorite idea! Great post and (gulp) such important advice.
By Sheri Bylander on January 24, 2017 at 8:55 am
Guilty of shiny toy syndrome. Thanks for the reminder to give it time.
By Lorraine on January 24, 2017 at 8:56 am
Thank you Debbie for the reminder to step away and let the draft bake. It’s so hard to do but I agree helps you look at it with a fresh eye. Another reason to have a kitchen full of recipes cooking.😉
By Cathy Stenquist on January 24, 2017 at 8:59 am
Yes! An important point. (I think I may be guilty of baking mine for too long….)
Love the drawings throughout, though I expect nothing less from Debbie! I love the doodles you share on social media, Debbie!
By Michelle Cusolito on January 24, 2017 at 9:04 am
Oh, thank you Debbie I so needed this. I’m the cartoon character who rushes into a story and then rushes to send it out. I need to learn to polish and wait. When I was a kid I preferred to lick the batter before the cake was baked.
By kiwijenny on January 24, 2017 at 9:04 am
A great reminder not to be too hasty before we let editors taste the “Baked Goods”. Thanks, Debbie for an important post.
By Barbara Cairns on January 24, 2017 at 9:06 am
Great advice, Debbie! (Think I’ll bake a cake today, too!)
By pathaap on January 24, 2017 at 9:11 am
Wonderful advice to take your time so you can see your story with fresh eyes. Thanks, Debbie, for this post with 20-20 insight.
By MD Knabb on January 24, 2017 at 9:12 am
Love this creative post! I just checked the oven yesterday and found some half-baked ideas 😀
By Linda Chavez on January 24, 2017 at 9:14 am
Lol. Good one😃
By Jeanne on January 24, 2017 at 9:23 am
Love the baking analogy. Explains why I burn so many manuscripts!
By Brenda Maier on January 24, 2017 at 9:15 am
Love this bit: “However, there may still be SOMETHING about it that you just can’t let go of.”
By JB Lynn on January 24, 2017 at 9:15 am
Great analogy! And I especially love the accompanying pictures.
By lindaschueler on January 24, 2017 at 9:15 am
I’m pretty sure you wrote this post just for me! It’s certainly what I needed to hear. I also loved the illustrations in your post. Thank you for sharing your process!
By Emily Eberts on January 24, 2017 at 9:18 am
Now that I have more drafts this year than last, it is much easier to let them bake a little longer! Thanks for the post and doodles!
By Megan Whitaker on January 24, 2017 at 9:20 am
Hi, Debbie. I’m a big fan. Your doodles are always creative and fun, and inspire story ideas.
Thanks for the post. Looking forward to seeing your new books and more of your doodles ⭐
By Jeanne on January 24, 2017 at 9:22 am
Thanks so much for your guidance. In reading this, it also holds true when a person if creating a piece of art of any kind. Noted and will be used. 🙂
By Gerri McCullough on January 24, 2017 at 9:22 am
Count me in as another who loved having Debbie illustrate her post…it’s like a Storystorm post in picture book form! 🙂 Thank goodness I’m always already in the middle of something else and usually don’t look at those ideas until a few months down the line.
By Teresa Robeson on January 24, 2017 at 9:23 am
Thanks for the great post. I loved the cake drawings as well as the important reminder not to tackle an idea without giving it time to bake properly.
By Zainab on January 24, 2017 at 9:28 am
Love your suggestion to “step away from the oven” and let it bake. Also love your artwork.
By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 24, 2017 at 9:29 am
Great post! The baking analogy really helps explain the importance of waiting. And I love your illustrations!
By lmconnors on January 24, 2017 at 9:30 am
What fun drawings! Debbie is so generous to our community, and so TALENTED. I think many people would be shocked by how long it takes to get a beautifully baked story completed!
By Sherry Howard on January 24, 2017 at 9:35 am
Waiting is always sooooo hard but very important! I’ve been resisting the urge to take a story out that I’ve put away. Thanks for the affirmation and boost needed to keep it in the drawer! 😊 Also… Cake… YUM!
By Donna Rossman on January 24, 2017 at 9:38 am
Thank you Debbie for your inspiration! Our family loves your stories as well as your artwork! Can’t wait to see what your baking up now:>
By Polly Renner on January 24, 2017 at 9:40 am
A wonderful reminder for writing, baking, and even to eat breakfast. All of those cake illustrations are so, so yummy! Thank you, Debbie!
By ptnozell on January 24, 2017 at 9:44 am
Bake me a cake as SLOW as you can ;). Thanks for the inspirational post, Debbie! I have to let my ideas marinate too, and as a baker, I love the baking analogy & all of the illustrations for this post ❤
By mariagianferrari on January 24, 2017 at 9:45 am
Love this post! I love to bake my ideas into cakes- sometimes they flop and sometimes they are delicious!
By Elaine Kiely Kearns on January 24, 2017 at 9:47 am
ooooo! Love the advise, Love the analogy and love the gift (I am an original artwork and fountain pen maniac)
By Stephen S. Martin on January 24, 2017 at 9:48 am
Such sage advice. (Plus, I want to try the cranberry sage cookies now.) The trick for me, is not letting it sit too long. I LOVE this post and will re-read a few times. Thank you Debbie.
By Teresa Daffern on January 24, 2017 at 9:50 am
I love this post! I tend to want to work on multiple things at once, so I appreciate being encouraged to do that and set one thing aside while I work on another. Thank you!
By Deb McGarvey on January 24, 2017 at 9:50 am
Love your drawings, Debbie! And it is a great reminder to take a step back from stories to let them “bake.” It really works!
By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 24, 2017 at 9:52 am
I get tunnel vision. Thank you for the reminder.
By loriannlevyholm on January 24, 2017 at 9:52 am
Great post Debbie! Have to admit, I got a wee bit excited when I found out that you’d written today’s post!
By Paul Carroll on January 24, 2017 at 9:52 am
I’m in the middle of baking a cake. So your post is timely. I will put it aside to let age like a fine wine or using the cake analogy, a fruitcake. Thanks for sharing.
By carol calladine on January 24, 2017 at 9:54 am
Giving your writing “thyme” to bake and no peeking, great advice, thanks!
By Beverly R. Marsh on January 24, 2017 at 9:57 am
Hi, Debbie! I always love your posts and your doodles. The baking analogy is perfect. I think I’m right at that point where it’s time to put one cake in the oven and get another one out. Thanks!
By Joana Pastro on January 24, 2017 at 10:00 am
I love the idea of combining two ideas!
By Joan Swanson on January 24, 2017 at 10:02 am
Great analogy I always think of simmering a soup but I like cake better!
By Nicole on January 24, 2017 at 10:03 am
I love cake and your quirky style, Debbie! I’m going to check out my notes from last year’s PiBoIdMo for a possible idea that I may have let go of too soon.
By C.L. Murphy on January 24, 2017 at 10:03 am
This was so fun, between the baking and illustrations, I want to doodle out some ideas, even though I truly cannot draw!
By lololaffan on January 24, 2017 at 10:04 am
Such a fun post and a great analogy. Thanks, Debbie and Tara!
By Lynne Marie on January 24, 2017 at 10:05 am
Love the baking analogy! By the way if you ever need a taster, I’m your girl! Thanks for the post!
By Deborah Allmand on January 24, 2017 at 10:09 am
Great advice, Debbie! Thanks for the fun and informative post!
By Elise on January 24, 2017 at 10:11 am
I love this. I’ll be sure to bake my next project.
By Angela Verges on January 24, 2017 at 10:13 am
I loved this post! Thanks for sharing your talents and ideas!
By Heather Merrill on January 24, 2017 at 10:14 am
Thanks for sharing this. Love your drawings.
By caroliverson on January 24, 2017 at 10:16 am
Thanks for reminding us we can’t send a toddler to high school! And for the opportunity to win your doodle – it is awesome.
By writeknit on January 24, 2017 at 10:18 am
Great analogy and advice! I love your illustrations 😊
By Christine on January 24, 2017 at 10:18 am
Patience – yes! Such an important reminder. Thank you!
By Mary Wagley Copp on January 24, 2017 at 10:20 am
I like this advice. I think that’s a great plan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
By makz5650 on January 24, 2017 at 10:20 am
Ohhhhh I know. I so hate this process of waiting!!! I just want to love and perfect it and keep going for it! But alas, patience….
By mariaordish on January 24, 2017 at 10:23 am
The drawings are great and the message is spot on with this post! I’m going to try and let my ideas sit a bit. Thanks.
By kmajor2013 on January 24, 2017 at 10:25 am
Love the baking analogy, Debbie (and your found object doodles)! Thanks for sharing!
By Martin Segal on January 24, 2017 at 10:28 am
Thank you, Debbie! Such an important message. I love this post.
By Alison Goldberg on January 24, 2017 at 10:31 am
My usual wait time is also around 2 weeks to a month. Admittedly, with the way my memory works, I could forget what the story was about in 2 days, but I wait it out anyway while I get to work on other things. My critique group is helpful when I finally pull stuff out of the oven.
By Genevieve Petrillo on January 24, 2017 at 10:31 am
Great advice…and now I kinda wish I were a better baker. 🙂
By Cathy C. Hall on January 24, 2017 at 10:32 am
What a great analogy. Thanks for the ideas. I’m not part of Storystorm but should have joined!
By Sue on January 24, 2017 at 10:34 am
Love all the clever illustrations. Thank you for reminding us to let our ideas simmer for a while. Being emotionally attached to stories can be challenging. Thanks for bringing that to our attention, also.
By Maria Bostian on January 24, 2017 at 10:35 am
Thanks, Debbie. It can be hard to not jump in on something you are excited about, but I have experienced the value of giving it time.
By David McMullin on January 24, 2017 at 10:37 am
The baking is a very important part of the process for me even though I sometimes try to rush and just get cake batter. Thanks for reminding us how important this step is. Loved the illustrations! So fun!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 24, 2017 at 10:40 am
I can so relate! It’s amazing how far a manuscript can come if you give it enough time. Love the cake analogy and love the little “monster” cake you almost threw out! 🙂
By danielledufayet on January 24, 2017 at 10:41 am
It is so hard to wait until the toothpick comes out clean! (Anyone old enough to remember doing that?) Thanks for the reminder!
By Robin Currie on January 24, 2017 at 10:41 am
Thanks, Debbie! I love your baking analogy and doodles.
By ManjuBeth on January 24, 2017 at 10:44 am
Time. Got it. Hard to wait sometimes when you feel the pressure to get your idea out before everyone else, but if you send a half-baked or burned idea, nobody will want it. Thanks for the post!
By Courtenay Schurman on January 24, 2017 at 10:44 am
We all want to open the oven to check on our cakes… and then we mess up the temperature.. and the cake… we need to have the restraint to do an initial brain dump, and then let the ideas sit and grow. Thank you for this all-important reminder!
By Kelly Rice Schmitt on January 24, 2017 at 10:44 am
Thanks Debbie – great analogy.
By Nancy Rimar on January 24, 2017 at 10:44 am
Super fun post and art! love it!
By Laurie knowlton on January 24, 2017 at 10:48 am
Great post Debbie. Let is bake, take the time to stop and smell the chocolate cake baking…Thank you.
By Mark Bentz on January 24, 2017 at 10:51 am
Debbie ” But back to when your cake story looks like this” made me smile! And “ooo shiny toy honeymoon ” phase is sooo true. Love your sketches ❤ Congrats on your new book babies.
By Janie Reinart on January 24, 2017 at 10:54 am
To quote Tom Petty,
‘The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part’
The waiting to let my story finish baking is sometimes the hardest for me so in those instances, I find other creative outlets if working on a different story is not in the cards.
Great analogy Debbi and the illustrations are spot on cool. 🙂
By Traci Bold on January 24, 2017 at 10:54 am
Awe, Debbie, I love your advice. And I adore your art. It’s such a comfort to know that even with all your success and talent, things don’t always come easily, and you have to let ideas simmer … or bake.
By gingermeurer on January 24, 2017 at 10:55 am
Thank you Debbie (and Tara). Words of wisdom are always welcome. Debbie your doodles have inspired me to look at ordinary things differently.
By katmaz2012 on January 24, 2017 at 10:58 am
I couldn’t agree more! Great tips — thanks!
By Heather Pierce Stigall on January 24, 2017 at 10:58 am
Great advice, Debbie. Ties in well with the creative procrastination theme. Love the accompanying artwork.
By suzannepoulterharris on January 24, 2017 at 10:59 am
I love this and it fits well with the procrastination… ideas are best left to develop on their own, sometimes. Thanks, Debbie
By Cindy Williams Schrauben on January 24, 2017 at 11:00 am
As a food writer as well, I HEART your baking analogy! It’s so apt for the writing life. Thank you!
By Pat on January 24, 2017 at 11:00 am
Love this advice! I just wish it hadn’t taken me so long to learn it.
By Lindsay Hanson Metcalf on January 24, 2017 at 11:01 am
Thank you, I love cake too and am always disappointed when it sinks in the middle, which usually leaves its appearance permanently ruined–though it can still taste wonderful! Good to realize that ideas can bake a little longer to be tweaked and salvaged!
By Sharon Cowley on January 24, 2017 at 11:02 am
It’s amazing what our subconscious brain does with stories that are left to “bake”.
By laura516 on January 24, 2017 at 11:03 am
Great advice – that percolating time is SO important, at so many different stages. Thanks again 😀
By Joanne Sher on January 24, 2017 at 11:06 am
Spot on analogy and perfect for where I am with one of my manuscript ideas right now. Thank you!!
By Jamie Deenihan on January 24, 2017 at 11:08 am
Thanks for this post, Debbie. I admire how so many of the posts complement each other. This reminds me of yesterday’s post and the video about precastinators and procastinators. We need to find that balance of working, waiting and then letting the idea take off on it’s own, in it’s own time.
By Marlene Rohr on January 24, 2017 at 11:10 am
I am not good at letting an idea set once I write out a beginning and an ending but should look at a lot more ideas in the plot building tension.a whiteboard sounds like a good idea for this. Thanks Debbie for your insight and drawings.
By Sheri Radovich on January 24, 2017 at 11:14 am
Love this, Debbie! Such great advice–Thank you!
By Midge Ballou Smith on January 24, 2017 at 11:14 am
The analogy of letting the idea bake a bit and not opening the oven helps. Thanks.
By Lane M Arnold on January 24, 2017 at 11:15 am
Debbie, charmed by your post and ” munch, munch . . . Writing”. Thank you.
By Pam Miller on January 24, 2017 at 11:15 am
Thank you for sharing…wonderful and very helpful advice. Storystorm is amazing! I also love the found object doodle!
By Cortney Benvenuto on January 24, 2017 at 11:18 am
Thanks for reminding us it’s wise not to rush a recipe and to let our ideas and drafts “settle, bake, and reach a state where we can see them objectively.”
By Lori Dubbin on January 24, 2017 at 11:19 am
Great advice. I usually do this, but thought I was doing it wrong. Good to know that I’m doing it right. I guess I need to figure out how long to put them in the oven, though. Or maybe I just need to set the timer.
By Kerrie on January 24, 2017 at 11:20 am
Aww! I wanted to see the drawing ofnthe cake bunny creature fully realized. I love those happy endings. Lol!
By jenabenton on January 24, 2017 at 11:22 am
Chocolate cake is my favorite dessert. I like your comparison between writing a story and baking a cake. Stories are improved by allowing them to “bake” for a while.
By bewestcott on January 24, 2017 at 11:22 am
What a YUMMY post Debbie! I love the analogy used here as I also like to bake and love cake!! I often find that I like an idea so much that I am ready to delve into it head on…and land on my head!! The concept of giving it time “in the oven” is wonderful advice. Thank you for sharing your expertise! I wish you continues success in your endeavors!
By Kelly Vavala on January 24, 2017 at 11:25 am
Ha! That cartoon is awesome.
By Johnell DeWitt on January 24, 2017 at 11:26 am
One of the hardest things to do is put it away – but I know it’s the best practice so I do it. For me it’s like going on a diet. I have to wait x number of days before I can reward myself with that delicious piece of cake I’ve been wanting.
By Caren L Cantrell on January 24, 2017 at 11:28 am
This post dovetails very well with Tara’s interview yesterday with Originals author Adam Grant. Letting your idea bake is the perfect time to procrastinate, whether with other ideas, or baking a real cake. Thanks for supporting us all with your post, Debbie!
By fspoesy on January 24, 2017 at 11:29 am
I so agree with telltalestome’s comment above! I want to read ALL the books, too, which Debbie’s doodle illustrates. It such a quandary. Thank you, Debbie, for this helpful post to wait it out until it’s time. And congrats on all your upcoming books!
By Lynn A. Davidson on January 24, 2017 at 11:30 am
I needed that reminder.
By Nina Haines on January 24, 2017 at 11:31 am
I love this, Debbie. It’s so true, but sometimes very hard to do!!!
By kirsticall on January 24, 2017 at 11:33 am
I know you are right but I can’t figure out when they are good enough to send.
By Michele Helsel on January 24, 2017 at 11:35 am
Great post, Debbie! Thanks for the input. I struggle with laying things settle. I’m the gal who tells puerile what present I’ve bought for them while they’re unopening it!!
By karammitchell on January 24, 2017 at 11:37 am
I love all of your illustrations. The last comic is hilarious! Thank you for the post.
By Erin Pearson on January 24, 2017 at 11:38 am
Love these illustrations, especially the burnt cake bunny with the lopsided smile! I’m letting a few cakes bake right now, and I know they’ll be better for having had the time to set, rise, brown, etc.
By Megan on January 24, 2017 at 11:40 am
Thanks, Debbie. Letting an idea marinate is so important. I really enjoy your found object doodles!
By ammwrite3 on January 24, 2017 at 11:54 am
Thanks for your great advice. I am all for letting my ideas bake a little more!
By Sharon Haan on January 24, 2017 at 11:55 am
I would love to win one of your doodles! Great advice, too!
By Kim Erickson on January 24, 2017 at 11:56 am
Love your cake analogy and illustrations. Thanks for the reminder to let our ideas/stories simmer. Appreciate your post!
By Beth Blee on January 24, 2017 at 11:58 am
Debbie, you are so talented!! Thanks so much for the advice to…literally, stir, let rise, stir again, let rise again, finally… bake and serve for all to enjoy!!
Thank you!
Keep on baking!!
By Lucy Staugler on January 24, 2017 at 11:58 am
Super good advice! I always rush through. But now I will try and slow myself down!
By Kris on January 24, 2017 at 11:58 am
Love the literal and the metaphor of the Lindor wrapper hat – would that my brain were always filled with chocolaty goodness, wrapped in clear, crackling shine!
By @luvthatword / Angela Dale on January 24, 2017 at 11:58 am
Love the baking analogy. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I appreciate these blog posts Tara.
By darlene koppel on January 24, 2017 at 12:02 pm
That os definitely the cutest burnt cake I’ve ever seen. 😀
By angie9091 on January 24, 2017 at 12:04 pm
I love the thought of putting an idea “in the oven” for a bit. Shiny new ideas are so hard to be objective about, but a good critique group helps!
By Daryl Gottier on January 24, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Debbie – I always love your cartoons. And your cake-baking analogy is perfect, because sometimes you realize that you put in too much baking soda or half the amount of flour (that actually happened once, with results I don’t want to discuss).
By Sue Heavenrich on January 24, 2017 at 12:05 pm
I love reading your writers’ comics, Debbie! They always make me laugh. Thanks for sharing your brainstorming process. Incubation (or baking) works.
By Ann Kelley on January 24, 2017 at 12:05 pm
I love the cake analogy! Now I won’t feel bad if an idea bakes its way into a story. Thank you for sharing, Debbie. Great illustrations!
By nabinava on January 24, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Terrific post, Debbie, and I love your drawings too. It’s sometimes hard to let a great idea sit for awhile when you’re excited about it. I does help the story if you wait and then look at it with fresh eyes. Then you can usually see the places where it needs tweaking. Thanks for the reminder.
By betlw on January 24, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Ooh, I’d love to win that gorgeous found object doodle! Thank you, Debbie, for the entertaining post and fantastic advice.
By Gabi Snyder on January 24, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Hi Debbie, Thanks for sharing. I find it real hard to put ideas way for a while (I always take my steak off the grill too early too!) I guess I need to have a little patience and trust the process.
By craigpines on January 24, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Great post! Love the advice about letting ideas bake. Thank you!
By Jen Bagan on January 24, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Letting an idea, and a manuscript, cook for a while is good advice. Your drawing is awesome, would love to win it! Thanks for your post, Debbie.
By Carleen M. Tjader on January 24, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Thank you for the post and loved the pictures. I will also wait before I rush my ideas out the door.
By Denita Johnson on January 24, 2017 at 12:12 pm
I want this.
By Josh Funk (@joshfunkbooks) on January 24, 2017 at 12:12 pm
As one who tends to under-cook, your cake analogy hit home. Patience and letting things ride awhile are two things I need to work on. Thanks for the post.
By authordebradaugherty on January 24, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Debbie, I love this post. I love all of your creations from “whatever”! I’ve got to get cooking! Thank you.
By mona861 on January 24, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Thanks you for your tips and encouragement, Debbie! Bake on!
By PJ on January 24, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Thks- I love cake too! Chocolate salted ganache cupcakes another delicious favorite of mine. I shall bake those ideas and let them rest.
By MM Allen on January 24, 2017 at 12:17 pm
Ah, you hit on my two loves: baking and books!
By Darcie Durr on January 24, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Hard for mixers to know when their batter’s ready for the oven, unless an editor awaits the cake (!)… Cakes aside, your last paragraph is great advice for brainstorming after Storystorm ends (!).
By Poupette Smith on January 24, 2017 at 12:20 pm
thank you for sharing
By Kassy Keppol on January 24, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Hmm, maybe I’ll bake a bunch of cakes while I wait for my ideas to bake!
By JEN Garrett on January 24, 2017 at 12:24 pm
I like to come back and rediscover a story. I often have new ideas that I never knew I had.
By matthewlasley on January 24, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Such an awesome post! LOVE the art!
By Corey Schwartz on January 24, 2017 at 12:25 pm
Good point. Distance from an idea makes you more objective. Need to remember to do this. Thanks, Debbie.
By Marty Bellis on January 24, 2017 at 12:30 pm
This post could not come at a better time! Sometimes I get so many half-baked ideas that I overwhelm myself! Thanks for the suggestions. Love your illustrations!
By donnacangelosi on January 24, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Thanks Debbie for sharing this fun post. It reminded me to wait before I bake some of my ideas and maybe some scraps of ideas are worth salvaging.
By theresenagi on January 24, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Great post, Debbie, with terrific tips and inspiration. Let those ideas set and cool a spell 🙂
By Charlotte Dixon on January 24, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Letting is simmer is so true! Thanks!
By nrompella on January 24, 2017 at 12:41 pm
The “honeymoon phase.” Ha, ha! Been there…
By christinerodenbour on January 24, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Oh, my goodness. You are so correct! Taking time away from your baby can be an eye opening experience. Thank you also for your great analogy. Splendid, indeed.
T
By tanjabauerle on January 24, 2017 at 12:44 pm
I love the baking analogy and your art to go with it! Opening the oven too soon is tempting.
By Jacqueline Adams on January 24, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Such great advice…thanks for sharing!
By Katie Giorgio on January 24, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Wise words. The baking metaphor really makes your point so clear! Thank you for sharing!
By Kristi Romo on January 24, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Oh, i feel so violated . How did you get inside my house to see how I was writing & thinking? Maybe this is why I never bake (literally). Great post, analogy, & advice (and art). Thanks, Debbie!
By sunwalker2013 on January 24, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your story brainstorming process through a baking analogy. Love your creativity.
~Suzy Leopold
By Prairie Garden Girl on January 24, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Love the baking metaphor and all the drawings!
By Meredith Messinger on January 24, 2017 at 12:57 pm
This is great advice–thank you!
By Lauren Barbieri on January 24, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Thanks Debbie for a delicious post!
By CindyC on January 24, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Excellent post. Thank you, Debbie!
By ajschildrensbooks on January 24, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Thanks, Debbie! I love the baking analogy and your drawings! Now I need to get busy and bake up some ideas!
By Cathy Ogren on January 24, 2017 at 1:05 pm
Thanks for the laugh and for the great advice! I am way too familiar with pulling that stinkin’ pile of poorly-baked cake out of the oven. Love your drawings.
By Kristen Browning on January 24, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Thank you for the wonderful advice Debbie! 🙂
By Heidi Yates on January 24, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Thank you for the wonderful analogy and illustrations! I love the notion that time is a type of essential and secret ingredient to making something scrumptious!
By moviemommie on January 24, 2017 at 1:09 pm
I loved your post and I loved the accompanying illustrations! Thanks for reminding us to be patient.
By Alice Fulgione on January 24, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Great idea, Debbie! And one I practice. I’m currently moving my office into a different room in my home, and I just found files of mss that have been baking for more than 20 years! Mixed emotions about opening that oven door. lol
By carolmunrojww on January 24, 2017 at 1:20 pm
Yes, I am very guilty of shiny idea writing–which is strange because I usually procrastinate about everything. But I’m really enjoying coming up with idea after idea and not pursuing them–yet! Thanks for the great, entertaining post. I love your work, Debbie.
By Kim Ball on January 24, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Great creative analogy for the writing process. And your illustrations are icing on the cake!
By Lynn Alpert on January 24, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Deb, uncanny timing! What you describe in your post today is EXACTLY where I am. I have an idea that I’m crazy about! But maybe I’ll take a sec or two before I send it out…
By JoAnn DiVerdi on January 24, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your recipe for writing with us.
By judyrubin13 on January 24, 2017 at 1:38 pm
I love the baking a cake analogy. Thanks for this post, it’s what I needed as I have what I think is a great idea but I need to let it bake. So will leave it for a while, which is hard because I am excited by the idea. I know this will serve me well though and hopefully a great story will come out of it.
By Annaliese Arnold on January 24, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Nice post. Letting your project sit is very important.
By storyfairy on January 24, 2017 at 1:38 pm
Being a fan of cooking shows, I recognize your advice. Let it rest, let the flavors develop, let it breathe. It all comes down to practicing patience when there’s a hungry gremlin who won’t stop asking, “Is it done yet?”
P.S. Loved your spot on cartoon.
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 24, 2017 at 1:43 pm
Leave it in the oven!! Debbie, you always have such a fresh and energetic take on things. I love the frame where he’s flying into the trash can. Thanks for your post!
By peardigger on January 24, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Thanks, Debbie! Your art adds so much emotion to your post. Poor little underdeveloped cakes… the story ideas want to become beautiful books as much we want them to. I wish everyone plenty of ideas and plenty of patience.
By Natasha Garnett on January 24, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Appreciated the encouragement to let the darlings bake a bit and the reevaluate. Thank you Debbie!
By Kathryn Hagen on January 24, 2017 at 2:01 pm
This makes a lot of sense to me…oh, and I love the chocolate truffle wrapper hat. 😉
By Rebekah Lowell on January 24, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Who cannot resist cake? I love the illustration of the blob that you fall in love with. Inspiring. Waiting for your future publications is a lesson in patience.
Thank you.
By Cassie Bentley on January 24, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Been there. Baked like that. So painful to see my mistakes discussed in front of the world. 😀 Love your work! Thanks for taking the time to give us “sage” advice. Oh, that’s right, Veronica used sage…..
By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 24, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Let them simmer on the back burner. Perfect suggestion! Thanks for the strategy!
By Angie on January 24, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Debbie,
Ah a reminder that patience and taking your time can work. I feel better knowing that. I really do.
By setwiggs on January 24, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Love the cake baking analogy and a very. good. reminder.
By wyszguy on January 24, 2017 at 2:28 pm
I always talk about setting pieces aside as “back burnering” them, but this post made me think about baking bread and letting it rise: it sometimes feels as if stories — like bread dough — are sort of alive. When you pull them out from that warm spot where you’ve left them you discover that they’ve expanded and transformed and changed shape and somehow feel new. (And then of course you go back and squeeze all the air out of them again. 🙂
Thanks for the post Debbie!
By hmmmmm on January 24, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Debbie! I always love seeing your “doodles.” 🙂
By Katy Duffield on January 24, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Loved your post….but now I’m hungry.
By susanhaderlie on January 24, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Love this post! It’s so true. I have to put stories away and let my subconscious work on them, especially novels. I have two PBs that I wrote in December that I’m super excited about, and I needed this reminder to work on something else for a while.
Also, I love your work! You mix bits of insight and humor into cartoons and doodles that taste fabulous.
By Myrna Foster on January 24, 2017 at 2:30 pm
I love the baking and mixing it up motifs. Thank you for the great post!
By Jennifer Raudenbush on January 24, 2017 at 2:36 pm
Oh man. I am the classic fool-that-rushes-in when it comes to new shiny drafts of mine. Thank you, Debbie, for being the voice of wisdom and reminding me to slow down!
By Katelyn Aronson on January 24, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Oooh. Your comic! I may have done that once. Thanks for the reminder.
By Mary Worley on January 24, 2017 at 2:39 pm
Great advice of course. I do this, though it is sometimes hard. Other times, I completely forget about something until I’m searching through files because I have no ideas and come across an old one that can be dusted off. Kinda like finding a twenty in your coat pocket that you had forgotten about…
By R.J. Koehn on January 24, 2017 at 2:46 pm
What great advice! I hope I am patient enough to take it!
Best,
Michelle
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on January 24, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Thanks for the great post Debbie! I love your work.
By Mary Warth on January 24, 2017 at 2:57 pm
I’m currently working on a project that I have sat on for a few months and now I’m baking up a storm to hopefully create the sweetest “cake story” ever…;~)
Great post!
By Donna L Martin on January 24, 2017 at 2:57 pm
I enjoyed your blog post and love the idea of baking an idea for a while.
By Joyce Allan on January 24, 2017 at 3:01 pm
I LOVE this post and your doodles! Can’t wait to see all your forthcoming titles!
By Sarita Rich on January 24, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Debbie, thank you! Your baking analogy is much richer (and tastier!) than the old stand-by, “sleep on it.” and I love your found art doodle!
By Paula Zeller on January 24, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Debbie, I absolutely adore your found objects doodles you tweet. Thanks for writing.
By Jane Hawkins on January 24, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Love your post! Love your work! Thanks, Debbie.
By harmonee2014 on January 24, 2017 at 3:06 pm
Truly, patience is a writer’s only free lunch!
By J. D. Silverwood on January 24, 2017 at 3:10 pm
You are speaking right to me today! I love yesterday’s idea and am having a torrid love affair. 🙂 Will finish the draft and put it away. Reluctantly. (okay, so I know I’m going to peek back–self control might need a bit of work)
By Wendy Greenley on January 24, 2017 at 3:14 pm
Thank you! Really great advice!
By Carolyn on January 24, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Looking forward on trying to be patient and bake my darlings. Thank you!
By Nicki Jacobsmeyer on January 24, 2017 at 3:24 pm
Sometimes I put my manuscript away many times. I gain fresh perspective by letting the story “rest” each time.
By Jeanette Koscheski on January 24, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Debbie, you’re so right about putting those drafts away. But it’s so hard to do! I love your advice . . . but I especially love your doodles . . . AND YOUR SMILE! You have the best smile!
By Kathy Doherty on January 24, 2017 at 3:32 pm
Thank you so much for sharing! I love the idea of letting the idea cook. Problem is, you also made me hungry! I may have to make a cake tonight.
By Lu Fiskin Ross on January 24, 2017 at 3:37 pm
I simmer my ideas. I like the idea of making sure they are completely baked before submitting. Thank you for your art and inspiration Debbie.
By Ali Earle Pichardo on January 24, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Comparing writing to baking makes it so much tastier! This is one of the toughest things for me, being patient until the idea is ready. Thanks for sharing, Debbie!
By Sandy Brown Lowe on January 24, 2017 at 3:45 pm
Let them eat cake! Or write cake! Er…you get the idea! Thanks for the blog post. My first few years writing I was exactly like your cartoon (I wrote it and sent before anyone even critiqued – yikes!) but then I found the most amazing critique group through SCBWI and I have learned to let things “bake.” Thanks for sharing!
By Jill Burkemper on January 24, 2017 at 3:51 pm
I love the baking comparison. 🙂
By rgstones on January 24, 2017 at 3:54 pm
A wise post – thanks, Debbie!
By Melanie Ellsworth on January 24, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Your illustrations are so sweet and so is your advice! Thanks Debbie!
By Gina L on January 24, 2017 at 4:03 pm
This is such a helpful post! I’m so bad at not letting ideas “bake.” Thanks for the reminder!
By Kristi Veitenheimer on January 24, 2017 at 4:09 pm
I love the baking analogy, Debbie. And since I live at altitude, the rule of NEVER opening the oven while baking is even more true. 🙂
By Julie Foster Hedlund on January 24, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Thank you for the great advice! And the chance to win one of your “found” doodles. Wow! So cool! Thanks again!
By Deb Beauchamp on January 24, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Thanks for the reminder to slow the creative process down to allow it to be its best.
By Lucretia on January 24, 2017 at 4:21 pm
This is fantastic advice! I get frustrated with an idea sometimes and set it aside, thanks for reassuring that this is a good idea 🙂
By Paul Orsino on January 24, 2017 at 4:23 pm
D.Ohi always with insight 🙂
By Cassandra Federman (@CassFederman) on January 24, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Thanks for such a great post! Your drawings throughout the post are fantastic–as is your work in general. Thank you so much for being so generous with your insights!
By amievc on January 24, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Good approach, great post. Thanks.
By Steve Schwartz on January 24, 2017 at 4:37 pm
Good advice. Thank you!
By Susan Eyerman on January 24, 2017 at 4:40 pm
Love your drawing! So 1920-ish. thanks for the opportunity to win it.
By Sheri on January 24, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Ideas need to bake, but don’t let them cook too long – some of my earlier drafts have a freshness that tends to be lost in the cooking process.
By Fran Price on January 24, 2017 at 4:49 pm
I love the baking insights. Thank you for the great advice.
By Anna Smith on January 24, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Love the analogy–and your art! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing, I’m off to bake some cake…er, I mean ideas 😀
By Kathy Manchip on January 24, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Adorable drawings
By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on January 24, 2017 at 4:56 pm
Great ideas and artwork. Enjoyed the post. Thanks.
By Rachel Critchley on January 24, 2017 at 4:59 pm
Excellent advice. Thanks!
By Ryan Roberts on January 24, 2017 at 5:03 pm
Such great advice, Debbie. And, I love your found objects art — it always makes me smile. Thank you and bon appetite!
By Stephanie Shaw on January 24, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Spot-on advice. Thanks, Debbie!
By Lori Alexander on January 24, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Here’s hoping to having more cakes than there are ovens!
By teresa.mi.schaefer on January 24, 2017 at 5:25 pm
I love the baking analogy.
Thanks for the advice.
By Linda Hofke on January 24, 2017 at 5:27 pm
I still have ideas from so many years ago that I love and really want to turn into a picture book, but still don’t know how to do it. What POV? What characters? I hope my brain is working on them…
By danielle hammelef on January 24, 2017 at 5:34 pm
I’m a huge fan of Debbie’s work. Thanks for the tips on when something may or not be ready.
By Kaye Baillie on January 24, 2017 at 5:36 pm
I was going to take my story out of the oven, but maybe I’ll leave it in for another ten minutes. Thank you for this fun post!
By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on January 24, 2017 at 5:40 pm
Thank you for this encouraging and helpful post. I love that hope went into the oven along with the cake. 🙂
By Tina Barbour on January 24, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Here’s to good recipes for cakes and books!
By Juliana Lee on January 24, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Love the cake analogy! Give it time and everything will turn out good! Thanks for the new perspective.
By Meena on January 24, 2017 at 5:52 pm
I love this analogy! It’s such great advice and so helpful!
By Samantha Altmann on January 24, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Baking an idea is a fine as long as I don’t set the temp. to high.
By yetteejo on January 24, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Oh my god–I love the doodling. Hoping for this prize:>)
By Laura Purdie Salas on January 24, 2017 at 6:09 pm
It’s good to have several projects going so you can take the time to let the story bake. Thanks for the post!
By Kay Deans on January 24, 2017 at 6:12 pm
I also love to cook and I adore your cartoon. Who hasn’t rushed a dish out of the oven or into a critique group? Thank you for softly driving home the need for patience. ❤
By Maria Marshall on January 24, 2017 at 6:19 pm
I like your advice! You’re so right- Sometimes it’s difficult to wait when you think you have a good idea, but it makes all the difference when you let it bake a while! Thanks for this post!
By Nancy Ramsey on January 24, 2017 at 6:26 pm
As someone who loves to bake, I love your baking apology.
By Debra Katz on January 24, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Thanks Debbie, I hate baking, hope it still works 😉
By Artelle Lenthall on January 24, 2017 at 6:36 pm
Great advice especially for me who tends to jump the gate!!!
By pattywaymedic on January 24, 2017 at 6:36 pm
Love your artwork, Debbie! thanks for the great advice!!
By Judy Bryan on January 24, 2017 at 6:39 pm
It is so important to wait…and so tempting not to! Thanks you for the reminder to let those glittery new ideas amd drafts simmer a bit!
By Annie Cronin Romano on January 24, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Thanks for sharing your process with us, and the importance, sometimes, of letting ideas wait and marinate!
By denarose on January 24, 2017 at 6:54 pm
I enjoyed the analogy and sketches. Thanks for sharing your ideas…
By anitajjones on January 24, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Debbie! I absolutely love the baking analogy and the reminder to be patient (which is so easy to forget in this business!) Thank you for sharing your process with us.
By A. P. Alessandri on January 24, 2017 at 6:59 pm
It’s not easy to wait for the “baking” sometimes, but necessary 🙂
By rosiepova on January 24, 2017 at 7:06 pm
I think your post offers very wise advice! I love the shiny new toy analogy. Some of my ideas are truly stinkers. I always enjoy your found object posts on FB. I hope today is my lucky day!
By Virginia Law Manning on January 24, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Perfect for today, and now I’m craving cake!! Thank you Debbie!
By Megan Cason on January 24, 2017 at 7:13 pm
I’m with you, Debbie–there’s something about writing in a notebook that’s a lot like experimenting with a recipe. So much easier to look back and see what you’ve added or changed. The digital process, used too soon, can actually hamper the creative process, in my humble opinion!
By F. G. M. Kalavritinos on January 24, 2017 at 7:14 pm
So much fun and inspiration from the amazing Debbie! Thank you:)
By Nancy Colle on January 24, 2017 at 7:18 pm
My only question is: Where do I hide the batter so I don’t eat it all up before the cake is ready to bake?!
By 8catpaws on January 24, 2017 at 7:20 pm
I can so relate! I had a story idea that I loved so much that I dove right in, wrote it and was not objective at all. I sent it out to get some thoughts and was shown just how unobjective I had been. I let it sit for quite some time – out of disappointment really – but then jumped back in and created something much better (at least I think it is!). Thanks Debbie!
By Jennifer Bower on January 24, 2017 at 7:20 pm
A recipe for success! 🙂
By gayleckrause on January 24, 2017 at 7:26 pm
I love this illustrated article. Gosh, manuscripts really are like cakes. I think of agents to be like the great baker Mary Berry.( sp). I better get those recipes in my writing down and be patient before creating that masterpiece cake! I would love your envelope. If I win, I will post a large portfolio of all the envelopes of snail mail I’ve received.
By olsenkristen38 on January 24, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Thanks Debbie – I love the baking analogy! Your notebook of ideas and doodles must be incredible. Look forward to seeing your new books.
By Melissa Stoller on January 24, 2017 at 7:50 pm
I enjoyed your post. Thank you!
By K.A.Steed on January 24, 2017 at 8:07 pm
I need to take your advice to heart, Debbie…it’s hard for me to put the ideas away…but I think you are right…not all of them should become stories. 😉 And I loved the comedic art in your post…your humor is spot on!
By viviankirkfield on January 24, 2017 at 8:37 pm
You will be baked, and then there will be cake.
By Alan Horne on January 24, 2017 at 8:42 pm
Patience is a virtue. 🙂
By Peter on January 24, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Thanks, Debbie for your baking analogy and fun illustrations! Some of my cake stories end up in the trash, but I love the ones where I can still see something special
By Tracey Brown on January 24, 2017 at 8:51 pm
This post fits so nicely with Adam Grant’s one yesterday. It’s a good thing I like procrastinating :).
By katharinederrick on January 24, 2017 at 9:15 pm
I have two manuscripts that have been baking for several months now and almost smell “done.” Thank you for the post and encouragement!
By htbeers on January 24, 2017 at 9:19 pm
Great post but now I’m hungry
By Bill Bibo on January 24, 2017 at 9:33 pm
First, I’m completely excited about found object doodling! I need to try doing that! Second, I like to let ideas and drafts sit for awhile as well. It can be challenging to wait a long enough time, but I do find it very helpful and appreciate the reminder to let things bake a sufficient amount of time. Thank you!!
By Melanie Lucero on January 24, 2017 at 9:35 pm
Great advice. I’ve saved myself lots of embarrassment by letting freshly baked ms cool even before I ask my critique group to read them.
By Louann Brown on January 24, 2017 at 9:36 pm
That is just great, Debbie! Yes, let the story rise and bake til done. I like the idea of going back and looking at “old” ideas, too. You never know when one will click with something else and send you off on a whole new draft!
By Jane Heitman Healy on January 24, 2017 at 9:45 pm
Hi Debbie,
I love the baking analogy and all your illustrations for this story-post or even mini-picture book post – I especially love the one with the heart where the cake is smiling at you and “you just can’t let go of” it. I love the perspective of the idea in the cake batter somewhere.
Thank you!
By Janet AlJunaidi on January 24, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Fabulous post. Thank you.
By DaNeil Olson on January 24, 2017 at 9:54 pm
Patience is not my strong suit–thanks for the nudge.
By Janet Halfmann on January 24, 2017 at 9:57 pm
I love the keep baking analogy!!!
By Erik Ammon on January 24, 2017 at 10:05 pm
Your prize art is fab! I’m afraid you’ve been spying on me however as that final comic hits just a little too close to home…cringe. Literal deep breathe, and we’ll just have another go at it. This time with cake! Thanks for always sharing such great insights!
By ingridboydston on January 24, 2017 at 10:08 pm
This is exactly the advice I needed to hear. Thank you, thank you!!! So funny (and humbling) how you captured the range of emotions I feel when I write, submit, revise, pray (as I put back in the oven), etc. Writing (and cooking!) is so vulnerable and I just love how many of us are in this together 😉 ps- love your website by the way….tons of amazing resources/advice for authors…
By Larissa Juliano on January 24, 2017 at 10:18 pm
What a lovely and inspiring analogy! It made me hungry and excited to delve into my most exciting idea.
By karinlarson on January 24, 2017 at 10:20 pm
Thank you for this advice. Though I do let ideas and drafts sit for a time and then revisit, this reminds me to share it with my critique group.
By teachnarsd on January 24, 2017 at 10:30 pm
The cake baking is a great analogy that everyone can relate to. I’ll remember this lesson and share it. Thank you!
By Darlene Ivy on January 24, 2017 at 10:39 pm
This was fun and made me laugh! I loved the cartoon pictures you combined with this post. Plus, it contained a wealth of wisdom.
By Cathy Breisacher on January 24, 2017 at 10:42 pm
What a fun post! I can see how jumping into a story too soon can be a problem. When I get an idea that seems really good, I tend to jump in, thinking about writing and illustrating all at the same time. It would be better to slow down and give it more time to fully develop, then reevaluate objectively. Its hard to be objective when its so fresh.
By Karen Dean on January 24, 2017 at 10:44 pm
Great advice! I have trouble doing this but will think baking from now on 😊
By Shanah Salter on January 24, 2017 at 10:49 pm
I like your suggestion to pick one idea at the end of storystorm.
By Hélène Sabourin on January 24, 2017 at 11:04 pm
Amazing analogy…baking-writing! I promise to keep it in the oven!
🙂
By seschipper on January 24, 2017 at 11:19 pm
I love everything about this post!!!
By Cindi on January 24, 2017 at 11:24 pm
I love this advice! Now I’ll feel better about taking time away from a first draft, I’m just letting it bake!
By Carolyn Kraft on January 24, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Thanks for a great post! Stepping away is necessary. thanks for the ideas!
By Christine Pinto on January 24, 2017 at 11:37 pm
I have always enjoyed Debbie’s work 🙂
By lydialukidis on January 24, 2017 at 11:42 pm
Great analogy! Love it!
By bookthreader on January 24, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Good advice!
Thank you.
By Susan Schade on January 25, 2017 at 12:03 am
Seems like Debbie O always has something good cooking in the oven. She’s a great cook! Fun post.
By Nancy Armo on January 25, 2017 at 12:08 am
Very fun post! I always want to sneak a peek on the cake baking and my premature story idea… I will attempt to practice more patience 🙂
By Aimee Haburjak on January 25, 2017 at 12:09 am
Love the baking analogy! Thanks for the advice.
By Alicia on January 25, 2017 at 12:15 am
Love the drawings. This advice is so true!
By mkresk on January 25, 2017 at 12:26 am
Loved the illustrations and the analogy. My problem is I tend to eat the cake batter before it gets to the oven. I will try to be better with the batter.
By slowsly on January 25, 2017 at 1:12 am
Always good advice. We, as authors, get so excited about our new stories, our new “darlings,” that we sometimes send them out into the world when they’re only half-baked or when the recipe has failed all together.
By Christine Irvin on January 25, 2017 at 1:14 am
Mmm . . . cake. Mmm . . . chocolate. Good stuff!
By JenFW on January 25, 2017 at 1:33 am
Fun post (hmmm…now I’m hungry) and great advice on letting things settle for a while.
By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 25, 2017 at 1:38 am
Great post and analogy. Let the ideas bake a bit. Love it!
By Judy Sobanski on January 25, 2017 at 1:58 am
Such good advice. I need to spend a lot of time thinking as well as writing.
By Keila Dawson on January 25, 2017 at 2:09 am
You are SO right, Debbie 🙂 If anyone knows the right recipe to cook up a great story—it’s you! 🙂
By writersideup on January 25, 2017 at 2:31 am
Great advice not to be hasty with submissions. Thanks
By lahewson on January 25, 2017 at 3:58 am
Damn, you read my mind. I guess we all do the same thing, which is comforting to know.
By Stuart Carruthers on January 25, 2017 at 4:05 am
Debbie’s doodles are hysterical. And her advice was sage. Fun post.
By Poppy Wrote on January 25, 2017 at 4:24 am
DEBBIE: I am your BIGGEST fan! In fact, I have your illustration of the little boy “eating a cookie totally and completely naked” from Michael Ian Black’s book, Naked, as my screensaver! It makes me smile every time I look at it — which is SO NEEDED in our world today! THANK YOU for you blog post today. I am inspired to let my ideas marinate a bit on their own before getting too far into the “cooking” stage,” so the “ingredients” have time to release their “flavors.” I CAN”T wait to revisit these “recipes” to see how their “dough” has risen. I am also inspired to bake a cake and some cookies at 3:40 A.M.!!!! And may I say, your prize give away of your Lindor wrapper original find item doodle is AMAZING!!! I HOPE I win! . . . PLEASE let me win!!!! . . . OHHHHHHHH, PREEEETTTYYYY PLLLLLLLEEEEEAAASSSSEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU for inspiring us!!!
By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 25, 2017 at 6:40 am
This is such a great analogy. Thank you for a great post Debbie 🙂
By Catherine F on January 25, 2017 at 7:08 am
Great post and great ideas. Thanks.
By Janet Smart on January 25, 2017 at 8:56 am
Debbie, Thank you! This is exactly what I do. I thought I was procrastinating, or wasn’t able to finish things, but I can see that what I do has value. Now I’m going to dig around in the bottom of the pile and see what I was excited about last year!
By Noelle McBride on January 25, 2017 at 9:01 am
Thanks for the advice! Love your website and information you share w/readers/writers! Always look forward to reading your posts!
By Juliann Caveny on January 25, 2017 at 9:03 am
Loved Debbie for years, and love the baking analogy! I’m off to buy some flour. 😊
By Nancy Tupper Ling on January 25, 2017 at 9:41 am
A metaphor I can relate to! Thank you for a great and inspiring post.
By Kaitlin Rose Hedberg on January 25, 2017 at 9:44 am
Great analogy. Thanks so much!
By gretchengeser on January 25, 2017 at 10:02 am
Always, always good advice to let the idea bake. I’m constantly tempted to remove from the oven too soon! Thanks, Debbie!
By Leslie Santamaria on January 25, 2017 at 10:37 am
Fantastic post! Thank you!
By Elizabeth Brown on January 25, 2017 at 10:41 am
I never know when a story is done. That’s what writing groups are for.
By reluctantspy on January 25, 2017 at 10:42 am
Great post. Thank you.
By Sheila Lynch-Afryl on January 25, 2017 at 10:44 am
I like your analogy. I also think of a story idea of mine as a teabag that has to steep in a pot of water for awhile before it is ready to drink! (I like tea as well as cake!)
By Suzanne Alexander on January 25, 2017 at 10:50 am
Your analogy helps a lot. Thank you! And, I love your doodles.
By LaurenKerstein on January 25, 2017 at 11:05 am
I get wrapped up in my ideas until I work through them. I like the idea of stepping away and coming back to it later. Thanks for the post.
By Andrew Lefebvre on January 25, 2017 at 11:08 am
Same with my quilts. I try to keep three going at different stages so if I get sick of one or stuck, I have another project ready.
By Susanne on January 25, 2017 at 11:26 am
Oh, I am so guilty of this! Thanks for the reminder to let things sit!
By laurensoloy on January 25, 2017 at 11:38 am
Great advice–and illustrations! Thanks!
By Christine on January 25, 2017 at 11:57 am
Hi Debbie! *waving to you from across that “pond” (Lake Ontario)* Thanks for a great post reminding us that great product, whether drawing or writing or baking, takes time. We shouldn’t rush it…think I’ll go bake that into this cookie head! 🙂 Happy day! 🙂
By Rene` Diane Aube on January 25, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Thanks so much Debbie!
By Lotus Ivak on January 25, 2017 at 1:20 pm
Fun baking analogy. Cute drawing. Thanks for sharing.
By Jill Giesbrecht on January 25, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Thanks for the reminder about giving the story some time to cook before editing so that it can be viewed with fresh eyes.
By Linda Norman-Lyman on January 25, 2017 at 1:57 pm
What a wonderful analogy….this is going to get super stuck in my head…which is great…but I may be thinking a great deal more about cake (especially Brooklyn Blackout cake)
By Laura Jean Watters on January 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Thanks for always being willing to share your ideas. Even though I’m not an illustrator, your template for picture books helps me visualize the text that needs to go on the pages. I love the baking analogy. Thanks!
By melissamiles1 on January 25, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Yes! Great! And that two weeks is so hard to wait for. Good reminder. thnx
By cantsing1 on January 25, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Your final cartoon made me laugh out loud! Thanks — now I have a craving to make cake……
By Kelly on January 25, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Great post, Debbie!! Loved your baking analogy. Thank you for the peek at your writing process. This is my 6 th year in PiboIdMo aka Storystorm, and seeing I am an overachiever I have a zillion and one ideas to play with so it’s easy to go on to another one while my first one is baking… or rather stewing away on the back burner
By saputnam on January 25, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Loved this post! Thank you!
By meszter24 on January 25, 2017 at 4:24 pm
I love Debbie’s drawings!! And agreed, appropriate baking and resting time are so essential. For me it’s also a good way to complete an idea– I might get half an idea on Day 2, then another quarter of an idea on Day 17, then complete a plot plan with an idea on NEXT year’s Day 8. It’s definitely happened before!
By Elizabeth Metz on January 25, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Oh Debbie, another wonderful post! And now I’m hungry to write. But first, I think I have a cake somewhere…
By Paula Cohen-Martin on January 25, 2017 at 5:18 pm
You’re so right. Putting your story away long enough to forget what you’ve written helps you take fresh look when you pull it out again. Love your drawings.
By Laurie Swindler on January 25, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Such a great post. I like keeping a paper sketch book for this too. I’ve found good ideas years later that work, or combined them with other ideas. Thanks Debbie. Your drawings are so fun.
By wendymyersart on January 25, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Great advice–thank you!
By Buffy Silverman on January 25, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Great suggestion. Thank you!
By Lisa Freund on January 25, 2017 at 7:15 pm
I’ve always loved your doodles.
By mgkingwrites on January 25, 2017 at 7:42 pm
Ok. Mixing up a new batch of ideas.
By Candy on January 25, 2017 at 8:16 pm
Debbie,
Coming from a cake baker- turned writer, this is an absolutely beautiful analogy to the brainstorming through submission process. Thank you!! Love all your illustrations! 😉
By justcomposeyourself on January 25, 2017 at 9:58 pm
I’m really loving all the baking analogies! Especially the part about letting it “bake” for a little while to see if the idea is worth pursuing.
By Kelsey on January 25, 2017 at 10:45 pm
Baking is such a great analogy for writing. This post was also timely for me as I finished the first draft of a PB today and have already been thinking of ways to revise it. BUT–I know I have to let it sit and your post gives me the encouragement I need to stick to my guns and let it sit! Thanks for the post.
Susan Swan
By writingcygnet on January 25, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Thanks for sharing your words and pictures. It’s great advice and a wonderful analogy.
By susanbruck on January 25, 2017 at 11:12 pm
It’s so interesting hearing about other people’s writing process. It helps me accept and renew my own process.
By Zoraida Rivera Morales on January 25, 2017 at 11:34 pm
I love your doodles. Off to bake a cake.
By rjtraxel on January 26, 2017 at 12:24 am
Your suggestion is the icing on the cake! Thanks!
By jhayslett on January 26, 2017 at 1:18 am
Great tip, thank you! I just went through what you described in your cartoon. (The story just turned out so good!) (I LOVE it)(aka Honeymmon phase.) I’ll put it in the oven. 😉
By Wendy Doxey on January 26, 2017 at 1:43 am
Great post. That comic was hilarious!
By Urania Smith on January 26, 2017 at 3:25 am
So awesome. The putting the idea away and looking at it later is a wonderful idea. Thanks for the inspiration.
By April Welch on January 26, 2017 at 9:08 am
You are so talented! Thanks for sharing, Debbie. Cake and books….could there be any more perfect combination? Loved this!
By Kylie Burns kysblog1 on January 26, 2017 at 9:50 am
A deliciously sweet post; simmering ideas. I feel I’ve been doing that with two of my ideas/ characters. Thanks, and loved your illustrations with the post as well.
By Laura Hancock on January 26, 2017 at 11:34 am
Love your advice for baking ideas, and then patiently waiting to see which one rises to the top.
By Rita D. Russell on January 26, 2017 at 12:08 pm
“Oooo shiny new toy phase,” she says? “Not objective”? So darn true. Time to get out the (Not So Easy) Bake Oven.
By carrie a. pearson on January 26, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Debbie, I am not in the ‘Oooo shiny new toy…” phase of book cooking, but rather the ‘burnt-crispy dormant-dry” slump. You’ve encouraged me to set the timer, turn on the oven light, and cook confidently. Thanks.
By Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky on January 26, 2017 at 3:39 pm
I love that weird little creature in the oven. It’s not pretty, but certainly has potential.
By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 26, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Fantastic. Most of my ideas are half-baked great post!
By Jason Kirschner on January 26, 2017 at 8:18 pm
I LOVED this post!! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
By lbouck09 on January 26, 2017 at 8:47 pm
Such great advice!
By Kirsten Bock on January 26, 2017 at 9:11 pm
However, there may still be SOMETHING about it that you just can’t let go of:
Hehe that’s why I have such a big file of stories waiting for revision. 🙂 I’ll start pulling them out. Loved your drawings. Especially the one that goes with my (your) beginning sentence. Thanks for your post.
By Marge Gower on January 26, 2017 at 11:40 pm
Fabulous advice and illustrations! Thank you, Debbie!
By Emily Lavoo Johnsen on January 26, 2017 at 11:49 pm
Thank you for the wonderful advice.
By Matt Leitzen on January 27, 2017 at 12:14 am
Excellent advice, Debbie! I am always in awe of your creativity! Thanks for being an inspiration to us!
By Carrie Charley Brown on January 27, 2017 at 1:16 am
This is a fun, encouraging post. It’s hard not to open the oven when the aroma fills the room. Jan 27th is national chocolate cake day. I think I’ll bake a cake.
By hdening on January 27, 2017 at 8:04 am
Really enjoyed this post. The cartoon of the rushing writer was hilarious! Thanks for the great advice Debbie.
By Jim Chaize on January 27, 2017 at 9:30 am
I nearly have to lock my ideas up but they always come out better in the end if I wait a bit. Great post!
By artsyandi on January 27, 2017 at 11:05 am
Your “found doodles” are my favorite! Thanks so much for sharing your process. It was just what I needed to hear today!
By Erin Nowak on January 27, 2017 at 11:30 am
It’s funny (maybe?) how often I’ll think a draft is just right, but then come back to it a few weeks later and see how it can be better. Thank you for this post, and for your funny drawings … especially the bunny-ears-on-burnt-cake! Love that image, and your found object doodles, too.
By Kristen Quinn on January 27, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Good analogy. Revisions take time. And critiques help focus on any problems.
By Shirley on January 27, 2017 at 1:08 pm
I have such a hard time with letting my ideas percolate before I come back to them. I will really give this a try though! Maybe I should go through my ideas from last year… Thank you for your post!
By Anne Appert on January 27, 2017 at 3:00 pm
I’ve been learning to practice patience on this front. Appreciate the advice and really hope I win this prize!
By Jennifer Phillips on January 27, 2017 at 3:50 pm
I love how you “illustrated” your point! Fantastic post.
By kjerstenhayes on January 27, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Thank you for the fun post and accompanying illustrations. Love the analogy.
By Sara Gentry on January 27, 2017 at 9:36 pm
Fantastic post, thank you Debbie.
By Heather Kelso on January 27, 2017 at 10:50 pm
I was just feeling I ought to update to digital notes that are more searchable, but there is nothing like flipping through my book full of doodles! Thanks for the great article!
By aidantalkin on January 28, 2017 at 5:55 am
Thank you Debbie what a great reminder to let stories sit, simmer and become better (or not). Then give them the attention they need.
By Sharon Giltrow on January 28, 2017 at 6:02 am
“ooo shiny toy” honeymoon phase” – I love this description, sometimes I LIVE in this phase because it’s so cozy 🙂 thank you for the great advice.
By Elsa Takaoka on January 28, 2017 at 11:07 am
I loved your post and envy your ability to draw! Thank you.
By Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed) on January 28, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Love it! Thanks, Debbie!
By Sheri Dillard on January 28, 2017 at 3:19 pm
Great post Debbie! And I love the fun illustrations that go along with it!!
By Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart) on January 28, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Cute post….I have learned this lesson for sure. It is best to wait.
By authorstephanievanhorn on January 28, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Thank you for the post, Debbie! I very much enjoy seeing your social media posts. 🙂
By Erika Schnatz on January 28, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Ooh, cookies from Veronica, now cake! You are speaking my language. And I love how this applies to writing. Thank you for the “sage” advice. 🙂
By Debbie Austin on January 29, 2017 at 1:15 pm
My process: Write, bake and eat chocolate!
By Nadine Gamble on January 29, 2017 at 8:42 pm
I liked your advice to “put that story away and DON’T LOOK AT IT for a while.” Thank you, Debbie.
By DB Cote on January 29, 2017 at 11:29 pm
Another fabulous baking analogy! I agree that the period in the oven is so important. Thank you for describing and illustrating this process so well.
By Alexandra Hinrichs on January 30, 2017 at 11:40 am
You had me at the word cake! Love this!
By Kelly Parker on January 30, 2017 at 1:26 pm
I love your fun illustrations! And I’m suddenly craving chocolate cake. 😛
By Bethanny Parker on January 30, 2017 at 5:17 pm
I loved this article. The baking analogy was great. I watch baking and cooking shows on Food Network often. The contestants keep checking on what they’re cooking, then wonder why whatever it is turned out doughy or undercooked. It’s because of them constantly checking on the food. So, this article hits the bullseye.
By Cindy E. Owens on January 30, 2017 at 6:01 pm
This article was a sweet reminder of the power of waiting. I will be taking this advice!
By April Scott on January 30, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Good advice!
By colleenrkosinski on January 31, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Love the analogy. Reminds me of my cakes. Thanks!
By Carrie Chan on January 31, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Baking several ideas…always love your work!
By lorisherritt on January 31, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Fun analogy. Thanks. See you in May for NaPiBoWriWee!
By Joanne Roberts on January 31, 2017 at 11:48 pm
Love your baking analogy and the drawings make me smile.
By claireannette1 on February 1, 2017 at 12:49 am
Good tips! Though you were making me peckish with all that talk of cake…
By Reena Balding on February 1, 2017 at 6:51 am
Fun post. Love the baking analogy.
By Nancy Kotkin on February 1, 2017 at 2:13 pm
I love Debbie! Follow her online. She’s an inspiration!
By Melissa on February 1, 2017 at 8:48 pm
Great advice, Debbie! (But now I wan’t CAKE!)
By Patricia Toht on February 1, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Cool way to think of it. Love the title, too. 🙂
By Mary Crockett on February 1, 2017 at 10:01 pm
Great analogy! What happens if you want to eat the batter before it’s done baking? (Maybe why I need to work on my percolating skills–both with writing and with baking! ;D)
By Jennifer Cole Judd on February 1, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Great analogy to compare writing with baking. So important to remember that taking it out too soon will have it be just as it was when it was put in. Now to develop the patience to wait.
By Cindy Jolley on February 1, 2017 at 11:49 pm
This post is so helpful; for me, generating ideas isn’t too hard, but developing them after that first inspiration? Eeeehhhhhh, not so good.
By Maggie Taylor on February 2, 2017 at 8:40 pm
Love your creativity and enthusiasm!
By Susanne Whitehouse on February 4, 2017 at 12:07 am
You are right about waiting. It gives you more insight.
By kari on February 4, 2017 at 9:23 pm
I agree that holding off to write your favorites helps make the story marinate in my mind and develop its flavor.
By Susan Cabael on February 20, 2017 at 6:36 pm
This is another great point to discover which ideas are our very best. Thank you. I needed that! Great art, too! Loved the humor.
By Zoraida Rivera Morales on January 25, 2018 at 12:37 am