Where do ideas come from? Why, from caffeine of course! And books. Books and caffeine are the best combination. Join me for a virtual cup of tea while I read to you from some picture books that have deep insights into the creative process.
“Toad put his head very close to the ground and shouted. ‘NOW SEEDS, START GROWING!’
Frog came running up the path.
‘What’s all this noise?’ he asked.
‘My seeds will not grow,’ said Toad.
‘You are shouting too much,’ said Frog. ‘These poor seeds are afraid to grow.'”
~ Arnold Lobel, FROG AND TOAD TOGETHER
Story ideas are seeds. They are scared of loud noises. They don’t like being told they aren’t good enough to write down, or they are too much like another idea. They tend to flee when criticized, and they take their friends with them.
Don’t scare off your ideas by holding out unrealistic standards. (“You must be polished and ready to publish!” or “You must be absolutely unique!”) Let your ideas grow at their own pace. Treat them all as worthy of being jotted into your notebook, or on the back of receipt, or typed into your phone. Remember they are just seeds, and they might arrive as a single word, or an incomplete image. They will grow.
In Henkes’ Caldecott-winning title, Kitten tries, and tries, and tries to drink the big bowl of milk in the sky, and fails miserably.
“So, she went back home—and there was a great big bowl of milk on the porch, just waiting for her.”
~ Kevin Henkes, KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON
Inspiration can be elusive. If we chase after it, we often fail to catch it. But then, when we’ve exhausted every effort, an idea will be sitting on the porch, just waiting for us. Sometimes the best ideas come when you are sitting in traffic, or shoveling the driveway, or generally not looking for them.
Still stuck? Have a cup of tea with a friend. (Or whatever it is that you like to drink—beer, moonlight, tears of your enemies are all acceptable.)
“Susan liked Fredrick’s ideas, and he liked hers.”
~ Dean Robbins, TWO FRIENDS
Sometimes it’s a simple as that, my friends. Share your ideas. You will both come away with more than you started with, just like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass do when they share tea and thoughts, in this beautiful book.
“Every tiny atom in your body came from a star that exploded long before you were born.”
~ Elin Kelsey. YOU ARE STARDUST
Finally, a reminder: It is amazing and magical to be alive and reading blog posts and brainstorming story ideas. Tap into your stardust magic. Pause as you are taking out the trash to look at the sky. Go for a walk in the woods. Take a minute right now and hold your hand up to a sun and watch photons streaming through your fingers from space.
This is also a reminder to not take yourself or your ideas too seriously. You are but a bit of leftover star swirling in a minor galaxy in an expanding universe. No one cares if that idea you just had is stupid, and you shouldn’t either. Write it down.
No one cares if you don’t have an idea right now, and you shouldn’t either. Take a nap or go for a walk. Your ideas will grow while you aren’t paying attention.
When you come back, they may be sitting on the porch.
Jeanette Bradley has been an urban planner, an apprentice pastry chef, and the artist-in-residence for a traveling art museum on a train. Her debut picture book LOVE, MAMA was published by Roaring Brook Press in January 2018. It contains no cities, pastries, or trains, but was made with lots of love. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her wife and kids. Find her online at: JeanetteBradley.com, on Twitter @jeanettebradley, and on Instagram @jea_bradley.
Jeanette is giving away a copy of LOVE, MAMA.
Leave ONE COMMENT on this blog post to enter. You are eligible to win if you are a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
475 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 26, 2018 at 10:38 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the reminder and the inspiration!
January 26, 2018 at 10:39 am
Debra Shumaker
Love your analogies in this post! And LOVE, MAMA looks adorable. Can’t wait to read it!
January 26, 2018 at 10:39 am
Polly Renner
Thanks Jeanette for sharing your wisdom. Can’t wait to read LOVE, MAMA!
January 26, 2018 at 10:39 am
lmconnors
Wow! What a beautiful, encouraging and humbling post. Thank you Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 10:41 am
Avery Elizabeth Hurt
Oh, Jeanette. How wonderful that you went to picture books themselves for inspiration! Thanks for the truly lovely post.
January 26, 2018 at 10:42 am
Laurel Abell
Beautiful inspiration! Thank you
January 26, 2018 at 10:42 am
tiemdow
Thank you for the inspiration, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 10:42 am
kirsticall
Thanks for a great post, Jeannette. I can’t wait to read your book!
January 26, 2018 at 10:45 am
laura516
Just read Love, Mama. It was the perfect snuggle book with my boys! Your way of tapping into picture books for writing advice is just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 3:34 pm
jembradl
Thank you for sharing LOVE, MAMA with your little ones! It warms my heart to hear you read it while snuggling. ❤️
January 26, 2018 at 10:45 am
Pat Miller
Jeanette, your post is entertaining and inspiring in the ways you drew from children’s literature to make your points. I am going to stop shouting at my ideas. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 10:47 am
kathalsey
Jeanette, yes, those ideas germinate and grow. We must give them time. Great post and I love your debut book. Got it out of the Columbus library last week. Congrats.
January 26, 2018 at 10:49 am
Carmela McCain Simmons
All of Storystorm has inspired me, but for mr yours is the loveliest post on Storystorm I have read to date. Thank you for sharing your love of kidlit with us. Now I HAVE to go out and get your book.
January 26, 2018 at 10:50 am
Marianne Kuzujanakis
Pouring my tea right now…Thanks!
January 26, 2018 at 10:50 am
Kara Newhouse
I love this post – the writing/creativity lessons pulled from picture books, the style and the frankness and humor. Thanks for writing it, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 10:52 am
Kristen Donohue
I loved this one!
January 26, 2018 at 10:52 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Jeanette, for the inspiration of those books that we read and motivated us. They are special and often lead to special ideas to formulate other books.
January 26, 2018 at 10:53 am
Kim Chaffee
Jeanette, I love this entire post, but the ending…love, love, love! A great reminder to be kind to ourselves just as we would be kind to others. I think I’ll go pour myself another cup of coffee! Thanks for posting!
January 26, 2018 at 3:35 pm
jembradl
YES! Kindness matters, especially to ourselves. :). Thank you for that
January 26, 2018 at 10:54 am
Anne Bromley
Thank you, Jeanette, for this thoughtful and inspiring post. It was just what I needed to read! I look forward to seeing your new book!
January 26, 2018 at 10:54 am
C.L. Murphy
Thanks for the pep talk, Jeanette. I’ll keep checking the front porch. LOVE, MAMA looks adorable!
January 26, 2018 at 10:56 am
lindaschueler
I was recently reading about a study that concluded that drinking tea made people more creative. Thank you for sharing a cuppa this morning.
January 26, 2018 at 10:56 am
Jen Bagan
Haha – “tears of your enemies!” 🙂 Thanks for a great post!
January 26, 2018 at 10:57 am
Margo Sorenson (@ipapaverison)
Absolutely lovely! The insights truly resonate!
January 26, 2018 at 10:57 am
Dede Carlsten
Hi Jeanette, Your post is beautiful! Every image speaks to me. Partly this is because you handle words like an instrument that sings. I have a book so don’t put me in the drawing. I just wanted you to know how much your words meant to me – seeds, friends, and star dust. Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 3:36 pm
jembradl
❤️🐧❤️Love to you Dede!
January 26, 2018 at 10:58 am
ammwrite3
What a lovely way to inspire us! Thank you for reminding us of the quiet special way ideas grow. Your debut looks adorable!
January 26, 2018 at 10:58 am
Janie Reinart
Jeanette congrats on your new book baby. Those ideas always pop up when you least expect them.😊
January 26, 2018 at 10:59 am
Stacey Corrigan
Loved this post. Thanks.
January 26, 2018 at 10:59 am
tanyakonerman
“Inspiration can be elusive. If we chase after it, we often fail to catch it.” So, so true! Thanks for a great post!
January 26, 2018 at 11:00 am
CindyC
Thanks for a beautiful post, Jeannette. Great examples and a wonderful reminder for us to get out and take a walk.
January 26, 2018 at 11:02 am
writeknit
Jeanette, thank you for the kind, gentle and yet profound post this morning. I need to be reminded of patience as I am an impatient kinda gal. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:03 am
karen j gruber
Great advice! And the illustrations to your book look adorable. I can’t wait to read it! Congrats on the debut!
January 26, 2018 at 11:03 am
Lee Brockman
What an inspirational post! Thank you! I really like how you related ideas to picture books. So unique. (And positive!)
January 26, 2018 at 11:04 am
Mary R Kiang
Jeanette, thank you for such an inspiring post! I love how you connect excerpts from such wonderful PB’s to the points you want to make. It helps me to remember them.
January 26, 2018 at 11:05 am
sherilyncook
Thanks for sharing to be tender and gentle with our first kernels of ideas and inspiration. Love the art of Love, Mama. Squeee.
January 26, 2018 at 11:05 am
Sharon Nix Jones
Thank you for the ideas about ideas. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:05 am
Megan Taraszkiewicz
Thank you for the inspiration, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 11:06 am
Li’vee Rehfield
Jeanette thank Your for your words of encouragement
January 26, 2018 at 11:06 am
Mary Worley
Oh, this makes me want to sit and read Frog and Toad all morning. Fabulous advice, and the best part? Drinking tears of your enemy. That has me thinking…
January 26, 2018 at 11:06 am
Krista Harrington
Thank you, Jeanette, for reminding me to have patience for those little seeds of inspiration!
January 26, 2018 at 11:07 am
Janice Woods
Well put! Thanks for the reminder.
January 26, 2018 at 11:07 am
Sara A
Beautiful post!
January 26, 2018 at 11:08 am
Deborah Allmand
Jeanette,
Lovely tidbits to consider for even a germ of an idea. Thanks for the post.
January 26, 2018 at 11:08 am
Louann Mattes Brown
My ideas are like fireflies, they flash then disappear. I try to catch ’em all, but I often end up with only a couple in my jar.
January 26, 2018 at 11:09 am
loriannlevyholm
I like your kind approach to waiting and trusting for ideas. Thank you for the post.
January 26, 2018 at 11:11 am
Kathy Mazurowski
Love your ideas for ideas. As someone who “judges” my ideas before I’ve even written them down, I’ve been practicing putting????? next to the words. It seems to help me. Thanks!
January 26, 2018 at 3:38 pm
jembradl
Great idea. Give those words permission to not be GREAT or PROFOUND. Let them be a question that might lead to more thoughts. Brilliant.
January 26, 2018 at 11:11 am
Karin Larson
Terrific post, thank you! Great reminder for all.
January 26, 2018 at 11:11 am
Linda Hofke
The quoted lines from Frog and Toad made me smile. That was one of our favorites. “NOW SEEDS, START GROWING!” So silly. I love how you took that line and made our story ideas into little seeds that sprout and change until fully grown. Very nice.
January 26, 2018 at 11:12 am
June Sengpiehl
Marvelous post. Ideas do grow and we need to write down words and watch they develop in time.
January 26, 2018 at 11:14 am
Lisa Robinson
Fun post, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 11:15 am
Ashley Pierson
I love the analogy of ideas being seeds- so true! Thanks Jeanette! Congratulations on your book!
January 26, 2018 at 11:15 am
Deborah Beauchamp
How true! Thank you for the post and the reminder to give our ideas some space to grow.
January 26, 2018 at 11:15 am
Sharon
Jeanette, thank you for all your fun book analogies when it comes to ideas. It reminds us that inspiration comes in many different forms and many different places.
January 26, 2018 at 11:18 am
authoraileenstewart
Awe, what a cute book :0)
January 26, 2018 at 11:20 am
poppywrote
Sometimes the smallest speck of a thought, grows into the biggest and best of ideas. LP
January 26, 2018 at 11:21 am
willowwrites
Thank you Jeanette for stardust 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:21 am
Meli Glickman
I raise a cup of fresh-brewed coffee! Cheers to many more years of stardust magic! Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2018 at 11:21 am
Kimberly
“Tears of your enemies” hahahahahaha
Thank you for a charming post. Much appreciated!!
January 26, 2018 at 11:22 am
Jessica
I love this post! Thank you for the inspiration.
January 26, 2018 at 11:23 am
Karen Eastlund
Just what I needed today. THANK YOU….
January 26, 2018 at 11:23 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the inspiring post, love the cover of “Love, Mama”! 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:26 am
Lori Dubbin
I love how you mined actual picture books for idea inspiration! What a beautiful and calming post.
January 26, 2018 at 11:26 am
christinerodenbour
This post is so encouraging, and really helps take the pressure off. Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 11:26 am
Jim Chaize
Really enjoyed this post, Jeanette. Thanks for inspiring me.
January 26, 2018 at 11:28 am
Mary Jo Wagner
Such a great visual of scaring your ideas away. And congrats on LOVE, MAMA!
January 26, 2018 at 11:28 am
swimwarrior60
Great inspiration! Thanks for a lovely post and for reminding me to not take it all so seriously!
January 26, 2018 at 11:29 am
Vasilia Graboski
Thanks for the great post! Can’t wait to read “Love, Mama!”
January 26, 2018 at 11:29 am
Anita
Thank you for the wonderful post.
January 26, 2018 at 11:32 am
Jane Heitman Healy
What a beautiful post! Thank you, Jeannette!
January 26, 2018 at 11:32 am
hmmmmm
Fantastic post, Jeanette. Such a beautiful way to deliver these much needed reminders!!
January 26, 2018 at 11:32 am
jenabenton
I love the advice tied in with the books. Brilliant!
January 26, 2018 at 11:33 am
Angie
Love the links to the picture books! And I’d love to come home and find my idea on the deck. But it’s usually just a dead mouse head or bird feathers.
January 26, 2018 at 3:40 pm
jembradl
LOL!
January 26, 2018 at 11:34 am
gayleckrause
Thanks so much for your insights. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:36 am
Cotton Wright
What great book examples! It makes me want to read/reread all those books. Thanks for the great post!
January 26, 2018 at 11:37 am
fspoesy
I can attest to the fact that ideas come to you while shoveling the driveway. I’m currently working on a ms that started as an idea I had shoveling snow. 🙂 Also, thanks for showing us picture books can teach picture book writers valuable lessons. May we never lose sight of that!
January 26, 2018 at 11:38 am
sarita f
Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 11:40 am
Joanne Sher
So many of these points resonate with me. THANK you! Great stuff.
January 26, 2018 at 11:41 am
.CAROLE CALLADINE
What a wonderful essay on elusive ideas. Thank you for this post and the notion that ideas are just on the porch waiting for us!
January 26, 2018 at 11:43 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you for your wonderful post!
January 26, 2018 at 11:43 am
Patricia Alcaro
Right down all of my ideas, even the stupid ones…aha! Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 11:45 am
matthewlasley
It is true. Ideas breed other ideas. You have to have the “bad” ideas to understand the good ideas. I like to think of them as fruit. You can pick them early and let them ripen, but they aren’t ready to eat yet. Others can seem good, but with time they turn to mush. You simply watch them and wait. Is this idea ripe yet or has this one gone bad?
January 26, 2018 at 11:46 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love the nuggets to drink tea with friends or tears of your enemy and that an idea may be waiting on your porch. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 26, 2018 at 11:47 am
Sara Matson
Love this post! I love Frog and Toad, too. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:47 am
Paula Puckett
Jeannette says, “Story ideas are like seeds,” among other things. How appropriate that today, I discover my Storystorm idea in a seed catalogue !
Thanks for this post and indeed, ideas can be hiding everywhere.
January 26, 2018 at 11:48 am
Darlene Ivy
I got today’s idea while reading your post. It’s the result of very thought-provoking conversation a week of two ago, but now the story is filled with whimsey and rhyme. Who knew?
January 26, 2018 at 11:49 am
Carol Nelson
What a great way to find ideas in the books we read. Thanks for the post.
January 26, 2018 at 11:49 am
paulajbecker
Nice way to use those books to extrapolate gems of encouragement! Thanks, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 11:49 am
rimna
Great post – thanks Jeanette.
January 26, 2018 at 11:50 am
Kirsten W. Larson
Sage advice, Jeannette!
January 26, 2018 at 11:51 am
seschipper
Great post! I ‘m going to “check my porch” for some Ideas that may have been eluding me !!! And you mentioned two of my favorite authors ..Lobel and Henkes, my first graders loved Frog and Toad!!! Thank you, Thank you!!! 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:51 am
ManjuBeth
Thanks for the reminder not to scare off my ideas and the cup of tea!
January 26, 2018 at 11:56 am
Pat Tanumihardja
I love how you use published picture books to illustrate your analogies. So apt! Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2018 at 11:57 am
Lorraine Bonzelet
Funny concept: ideas with a personality. I scare my ideas away all the time. I think I will take a gentler approach. Thanks, Jeanette
January 26, 2018 at 11:58 am
Lindsay Maeve
This is a beautiful reminder, so encouraging. Not every idea is a ‘good’ idea, but they are all worth acknowledgment. Also… I do drink tea, beer, moonlight, and tears of my enemies. I’m glad to hear that’s cool with you, ha!
January 26, 2018 at 11:58 am
Michelle Mullen
Thanks for the teatime Jeanette, and I’ll keep checking the porch! “Love Mama” looks adorable. I’m a huge valentines fan and am intrigued just by the art conveying the emotion of holding onto a special heart–whether literally or symbolically. Can’t wait to read it!
January 26, 2018 at 11:59 am
Stephanie G.
Loved how use used lines from children’s books as your jumping off point for inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Rebecca Colby
I’m always writing on the back of receipts. Thanks for the inspiration, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 12:02 pm
illustratorm
Thank you for posting on Storystorm. Can’t wait to read Love Mama…great advice Jeanette.
January 26, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Maritza M. Mejia
Good points. Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Mary Jane Muir
Thank you for the inspiration today. Great advice! Drinking coffee at this moment. Taking my little notebook with me today.
January 26, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Nancy Ferguson
What lyrical inspiration! Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Lori Alexander
Great tips, Jeanette. Congrats on your new release–looks adorable!
January 26, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Thank you for your encouraging words today. I have many seeds that I hope to plant this year.
January 26, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Debra Daugherty
While reading your post, I was reminded of the story of a man who went out into the world searching for a treasure, only to find out years later it was in his own backyard. Although story ideas can be found anywhere, the first place to look should be within ourselves and our surroundings. Thanks for sharing.
January 26, 2018 at 12:11 pm
julielacombeauthor
Congratulations on your debut! I love to sit quietly with a cup of hot tea and just let my mind wander for ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2018 at 12:12 pm
Marie Sanderson
All such encouraging ideas! Giving my ideas time and space to grow…not shouting at them! Talking with a friend ( or my grandchildren:). It’s encouraging to be reminded that living life with intention can generate great ideas.
January 26, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Garnett Natasha
I enjoyed your post hugely, Jeanette. Your wisdom, humor, and quotes from wonderful books were a great way to start my day. Now if my ideas are out on the porch waiting for me…
They are freezing and I’d better bring them in!
January 26, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 26, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Seeds, stardust and inspiration appreciation. Lovely! Thank you, Jeanette! Also, congratulations on Love, Mama!
January 26, 2018 at 12:20 pm
karammitchell
Such a great post! Love how you connected so many things – because, isn’t that what we’re doing? Stephen King talks about keeping notes of ideas taped to his printer. Sometimes they stay there for awhile. Thanks, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Leslie Santamaria
What an encouraging post! I love the simple line, “They will grow.” Thanks, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Carrie Fannin
LOVE THIS —> “Story ideas are seeds. They are scared of loud noises. They don’t like being told they aren’t good enough to write down, or they are too much like another idea. They tend to flee when criticized, and they take their friends with them.
Don’t scare off your ideas by holding out unrealistic standards. (“You must be polished and ready to publish!” or “You must be absolutely unique!”) Let your ideas grow at their own pace.”
Side note: Thank you for introducing me to Soyeon Kim’s illustration work! (You Are Stardust).
January 26, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Susan Macartney
Jeanette – what a delightful and thoughtful post to help nudge us forward on our quest for ideas – thank you!!
January 26, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Katie Frawley
I am guilty of criticizing my ideas and failing to write them down. No more! Thanks Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 12:26 pm
supermario6
Here’s to ideas waiting on the porch!
January 26, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Wendy
Self doubt is the idea killer. I got an idea while reading your post and I will NOT squash it! Perhaps this one wants to grow. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Joan Swanson
Loved this post! Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement!
January 26, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Kirsten Bock
Great post! I love the encouragement and the beautiful words.
January 26, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Ann
Excellent ideas Jeanette on how to let our stories take shape. A walk in the woods and a cup of earl grey suits me just fine. Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 12:31 pm
stiefelchana
Perfection! Thank you Jeanette. Can’t wait to read LOVE, MAMA!
January 26, 2018 at 12:33 pm
deborahholtwilliams
Maybe there’s hope for my talking nail polishes idea! I wrote it down and then later thought, “What was I smoking?” But thanks for the encouragement to give even our “worst” ideas a chance to develop.
January 26, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Sherry Howard
Way to end a blog post: Your ideas will grow while you aren’t paying attention. Love it! And your book looks adorable!
January 26, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Jeanette, thanks for giving us the okay to not have an idea today. And Love, Mama looks delightful. What a great book cover.
January 26, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Rita Antoinette Borg
I guess waiting for ideas is like waiting to be published, you have to wait until one day it happens.
January 26, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Thank you for this beautiful post! And tears of your enemies–hehe 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 12:44 pm
bamauthor
Brewing my next cup of coffee right now! Thanks for the ideas!
January 26, 2018 at 12:48 pm
theresenagi
Thank you for this lovely post! I loved your comment that story ideas are seeds.
January 26, 2018 at 1:03 pm
JEN Garrett
Yum, tears! Very inspiring, and a bit intoxicating. 😉
January 26, 2018 at 1:06 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Love this, so true! Thank you Jeanette 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 1:06 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
What an encouraging post! Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2018 at 1:08 pm
angiecal76
Thanks for sharing with us how to steep and stir up ideas. Helpful advice!
January 26, 2018 at 1:20 pm
Andria Rosenbaum
LOVE MAMA looks beautiful, Jeanette! Thank you for your words.
January 26, 2018 at 1:20 pm
writersideup
What an incredibly eloquent post with the most simple yet poignant points. Thank you, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 1:21 pm
Kimberly Hutmacher
Love this post. Thanks for the tea and inspiration 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 1:23 pm
Poupette Smith
Thanks for your take. I believe the seed for Henkes’ Kitten was a sentence that haunted him, which he extracted from a manuscript he dropped.
January 26, 2018 at 1:25 pm
Darlene Koppel
Love your gentle way of helping us to coax our ideas into stories. Thank you so much Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 1:28 pm
Amy
Congratulations on your new book “Love, Mama!” And, thanks for the idea nuggets you’ve sent our way!
January 26, 2018 at 1:29 pm
mamabalzam
Wow! What an excellent post. Thank you for encouragement.
January 26, 2018 at 1:30 pm
Michelle Howell
Thank you for the inspiration! And congrats on your new book!! 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I’ll try to be kinder to those seeds. Thanks for all the thought you put into the lessons from those PBs.
January 26, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Ann Cronin Romano
Love this encouraging post! And congratulations on LOVE, MAMA!!
January 26, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Colleen O Murphy
Thanks Jeanette! I will stop trying to pay so much attention to my ideas, stop trying to will them to happen. I needed that permission.
January 26, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Love the thought of finding ideas sitting on the porch after we return from the chase, exhausted. And how luscious and lovely it is to be alive and writing. Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 1:47 pm
Meena
Take it easy, ideas come to you in your leisure. Sip a cup of tea and soak in that thought.
Thanks for reminding to relax!
January 26, 2018 at 1:51 pm
Jeanine Fondacaro Brown
Simple wisdom from simple stories… I love it
Thank you, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 1:57 pm
Cindy Mims
Every idea is so helpful! Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 2:02 pm
Stephanie
Oh! This is a lovely post. Just what I needed today.
January 26, 2018 at 2:10 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love Frog and Toad, and your inspiring post! Thanks, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 2:13 pm
nrompella
You book looks lovely. Congrats on its release.
January 26, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Jane Hawkins
Frog and Toad is lovable and timeless as is your advice. Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Donna L Martin
I was never one to get inspired by a cup of coffee, but then again, a mug of hot green tea is another matter…;~)
Nice post!
Donna L Martin
January 26, 2018 at 2:18 pm
Tracey Brown
“Your ideas will grow while you aren’t paying attention. When you come back, they may be sitting on the porch.” A loving reminder for self-kindness. Thank you for this post, Jeanette. Congratulations on LOVE, MAMA
January 26, 2018 at 2:18 pm
lorisherritt
To stardust magic, to inspired friends to encouraging that seed with friendly, kind words one at a time and to always having an abundance of cream with that cup of coffee. Today I will gaze beyond…and let my pen flow…
January 26, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Sometimes talking things out with someone helps get the creative juices flowing for me!
January 26, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Debbie Day (@debbiedayauthor)
I appreciate you words Jeanette! I often shut an idea down before it has a chance to grow. Going to do a better job of nurturing those seeds, no matter how small. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 26, 2018 at 2:30 pm
Gabriele
Thanks for this lovely post, Jeanette. I find picture books, titles, and illustrations endlessly inspiring. Whenever time allows, I try to spend a full morning browsing library and bookstore shelves for inspiration.
January 26, 2018 at 2:32 pm
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
Brilliant and beautifully put. Thank you, Jeanette.
January 26, 2018 at 2:33 pm
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Wow, Jeanette! When lines from children’s books can capture how to be kind and patient towards your ideas AND your process you know it’s time to trust. I really appreciate the golden nuggets you shared here. Can’t wait to read Love, Mama. What a tender cover your book has! Thank you. I wish you all the best in your future writing projects.
January 26, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Jean Richardson
Great advice to think of our ideas as seeds and let them grow at their own pace as they take root. I’ll have to remind myself not to rush the growth process. Thanks Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 2:36 pm
beccalingley
Thank you for your inspiration. I really enjoyed your post. My biggest take-away was “Let your ideas grow at their own pace. Treat them all as worthy of being jotted…”
I’m still a newb at this, but I definitely find myself ignoring the incomplete thoughts and chasing the more fully formed ones. Your post helps encourage us to give all ideas opportunity. Thanks again!
January 26, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Judy Bryan
Beautiful post, Jeanette. Congratulations on Love, Mama!
January 26, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Paulette Sharkey
Thanks for the advice and inspiration, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 2:49 pm
barbarakeevilparker
Thanks Jeanette. Letting ideas flow is a great take-away. I used to live in RI and miss the beauty there. But there’s beauty in Washington too.
January 26, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Margaret Greanias
I LOVE this post. It’s such a good reminder to “yes and…” ideas so we can be more creative and have fun (something I learned long ago in an improv class but never applied to writing).
January 26, 2018 at 2:51 pm
pathaap
Thanks for the inspiring post, Jeanette! It was the pep talk I needed!
January 26, 2018 at 2:53 pm
triciacandy
Thank you, Jeanette! It is so true – I often scare away my ideas.
January 26, 2018 at 2:53 pm
Candy
Maybe I’ll make some tea and sit on the porch. 😉
January 26, 2018 at 2:58 pm
tiffanydickinson
Jeanette, thank you for this. The seed analogy is helpful. And “Frog and Toad” always make things clearer. Your book looks wonderful.
January 26, 2018 at 3:15 pm
mlflannigan
Thank you Jeanette – great advice! Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2018 at 3:15 pm
Lynn Alpert
Great advice Jeanette – thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 3:21 pm
betlw
Great post, Jeanette. I’ll have to take more walks in the woods or just in my own neighborhood. I’ll have to keep my eyes and ears open for more ideas, or maybe one will be waiting on my front porch when I get back.
January 26, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Mary York
Caffeine and pay attention to the subtleties of life – good advice! Thanks, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 3:23 pm
Alice Carty Fulgione
I’m a tea drinker too and YES books are always filled with inspiration. Thanks for your post!
January 26, 2018 at 3:24 pm
Kaye Baillie
When the sun rises I will hold my hand up to it. Thanks for the inspiration, Jeanette. And I just love the Frog and Toad example.
January 26, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Lu Fiskin-Ross
Thank you for your post today! I must read “You are Stardust.” I’m currently working on a biography of an astronomer, so you have helped me find my voice in mentioning this title. Thank you again!
January 26, 2018 at 3:32 pm
rosecappelli
Thank you for sharing your wisdom from picture books. Perfect!
January 26, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you for your inspirational post. Only a few more days to go.
January 26, 2018 at 3:34 pm
maryshorgan
Great post, thanks!
January 26, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thanks for the post Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 3:43 pm
Linda Chavez
Thanks for your “stardust magic!” I’m inspired.
January 26, 2018 at 3:43 pm
Marge Gower
Thank you to you and the others for your insight. I often turn away ideas, without even trying for the reasons you stated. Since this adventure began, I have been making notes, copying videos that spark an idea, finding ways to revamp my manuscripts. I have almost filled my calendar with ideas. It’s been exciting. The most I’ve ever done. Thank you.
January 26, 2018 at 3:44 pm
jembradl
Thank you everyone for your encouraging words, nuggets of writing wisdom & funny comments. I wish I could respond to every one of you individually! I’m at a conference right now & stealing a couple of minutes to check in. I’m glad my post resonated with so many of you! (Dead mice on the porch aside 😂)
January 26, 2018 at 3:45 pm
Pamela Harrison
I love your post! Your word images are beautiful and inspiring. I also LOVE Frog and Toad!
January 26, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Kate Carroll
Thanks for your poignant thoughts and validation! As a writer, we can feel small and vulnerable, just like your analogy. But today, I choose to be a mustard seed, growing and nourishing and producing great craft!
Congrats on Love, Mama!
January 26, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Katie Carberry
This was such a beautifully written post and so very inspiring. Thank you for this. Can’t wait to read Love Momma!
January 26, 2018 at 4:04 pm
mariagianferrari
I’ll take my ideas with a cup of tea :). Looking forward to reading your book. The cover is very sweet! Congrats, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 4:11 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Those are some of my favorite books right there! I grew up on Frog & Toad and other Lobel books. I need to re-read them. My girls want me to take them ice skating this evening. Maybe a book idea will come from that!
January 26, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
Thank you for sharing! This is the first dissertation I’ve ever read using only picture books as primary sources. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 4:15 pm
Susan Johnston
Congrats on LOVE, MAMA! Can’t wait to read it.
January 26, 2018 at 4:15 pm
Sandy Perlic
Loved your unique take on finding inspirations, Jeanette! Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
January 26, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Shaye Wardrop
pure gold! thank you
January 26, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Practically perfect in every way–thanks!
January 26, 2018 at 4:24 pm
Katherine
BRAVO! Thank you for sharing your stardust!
January 26, 2018 at 4:25 pm
Gabi Snyder
Yes to caffeine and great books! Thank you for this great advice on how not to scare away our idea seeds. And a giant congrats on LOVE, MAMA. What a gorgeous cover!
January 26, 2018 at 4:27 pm
Michele Helsel
I always look for my amazon packages on the front porch, why didn’t I think to look for my ideas there?
January 26, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Julie Rand
I love thinking of my stories as little seeds that need to sprout. Thanks for the pep talk.
January 26, 2018 at 4:37 pm
writingcygnet
I love how you pulled such inspirational concepts from such wonderful picture books. I’ll have to be a lot more observant as I read! I also tend to judge my ideas as you say toward the end of the post. Each idea has a life of its own and as such is valuable. Thanks! Susan Swan
January 26, 2018 at 4:37 pm
Bethany Roberts
Lovely and freeing. Thanks for your thoughts!
January 26, 2018 at 4:50 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Cheers to writing with a cup of tea. Thank you for the words of encouragement, Jeanette.
Suzy Leopold
January 26, 2018 at 4:50 pm
Lynn
It’s amazing the ideas that come to us. Thanks for sharing, Jeanette.
January 26, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Angela Kunkel 📚 (@rahrahread)
Love that Frog and Toad showed up for this! And excited to read some of the newer titles, mentioned too. Congrats on LOVE, MAMA!
January 26, 2018 at 5:12 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Very sweet. Thank you for the post. 😊
January 26, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Angie Isaacs
I love your stardust analogy. Lovely.
January 26, 2018 at 5:19 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Like Toad, I need to stop yelling at my ideas, it definitely scares them off. Love this post so much, thank you!!
January 26, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Celeste
Are you saying I have to have patience? I am not so good at that but I will try to stop scaring my ideas away.
January 26, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Carrie Glicksteen
You are stardust… so simple and so profound!
January 26, 2018 at 5:28 pm
Tracy potash
I love the analogy and your book selections. Thanks so much for your contribution!
January 26, 2018 at 5:32 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Waiting here, iPad in hand, with a glass of Chardonnay, waiting for Idea’s knock on the door.
January 26, 2018 at 5:33 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Good tips. Plus I like thinking that I am leftover stardust. Maybe it’s stardust scattered all over the floor. Mom calls it “dog hair.”
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 26, 2018 at 5:33 pm
Shelley
Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Tina Cho
Yes, ideas usually come to me when I’m not expecting them. Thank you for your post!
January 26, 2018 at 5:45 pm
chardixon47
“Your ideas will grow while you aren’t paying attention.” Thank you, Jeanette, for reminding us to give ourselves a break. Time away doing other things are often the times of discovery. Congrats on your new book! I look forward to reading it.
January 26, 2018 at 5:51 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Jeanette for a fabulous post! I grew up in RI so I saw a great article about your new book when my mom sent it to me here in Rochester! Small world!
Congratulations and all the best with LOVE MAMA.
January 26, 2018 at 5:53 pm
Sue
“Tap into that stardust magic.” Lovely image! Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Lauri Meyers
Well done Jeanette. I feel sparkly and twinkly and ready to politely ask the moon for a little sip.
January 26, 2018 at 6:00 pm
Peg e. Monley
Thanks Jeanette,
Your posting made me feel better.
Thanks for the insite and the comfort.
Time for a glass of wine. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 6:04 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for the inspirational post Jeanette! 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 6:06 pm
Lindsey McDivitt
Very nice post Jeanette! As a big tea drinker, I’m feeling hopeful. Thanks!
January 26, 2018 at 6:14 pm
Elizabeth Tracy
Great advice Jeanette! And I, too, love TWO FRIENDS. What a gorgeous book.
January 26, 2018 at 6:14 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Thank you for the reminder to not take ourselves too seriously! Seems simple but sometimes hard to remember!
January 26, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Karen Turner
Amazing post! Such an inspiration!
January 26, 2018 at 6:25 pm
annabrookswriter
Thank you, Jeanette! All of the StoryStorm posts have been wonderful, but this may be my favorite. I love the reminder not to overthink things because we’re just stardust and that wherever we are in our process, that’s okay!
January 26, 2018 at 6:35 pm
@luvthatword
Trying to grow a story right now – so off to do the laundry. Thanks for a lovely post reminding us where the magic is.
January 26, 2018 at 6:39 pm
Sarah Momo Romero
Thanks for the lovely post, and the cup of tea, Jeannette! I love thinking of ideas as little seeds that just need a little space and love to grow.
January 26, 2018 at 6:44 pm
Cynthia Harmony (@cynthia_harmony)
Lovely post! I very much appreciate the reminder to not scare the ideas seeds away. Thank you Jeannette!
January 26, 2018 at 6:50 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Great post! Thank you for helping us nurture our seeds.
January 26, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Rosalind Malin
Stardust. Thanks for reminding us the stars are part of us.
January 26, 2018 at 7:17 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
What an info-packed, motivating, and encouraging post. Thanks!
January 26, 2018 at 7:19 pm
saputnam
Great post, Jeanette!! I loved when you said, “Inspiration can be elusive. If we chase after it, we often fail to catch it.” And just when you least expect it… BANG…there it is in all its splendor waiting for you to unwrap it
January 26, 2018 at 7:25 pm
Colleen Dabney
Encouraging!
January 26, 2018 at 7:29 pm
claireannette1
Great examples – I especially like the one about sharing ideas with friends. Writing buddies are the best.
January 26, 2018 at 7:32 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for the encouragement Jeannette to write things down and keep trying to make that idea into a manuscript or to suggest something new from that idea.
January 26, 2018 at 7:32 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great advice, Jeanette! Happy writing!
January 26, 2018 at 7:34 pm
Tracy Hora
Nice post, Jeanette! I need to stop chasing and stop judging! Thanks for that reminder!
January 26, 2018 at 7:35 pm
Shanah salter
Can’t wait to meet an idea on my porch 👌
January 26, 2018 at 7:35 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Ideas are seeds-Love it! I’m going to be patient and let them grow. Thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Paula Young
I loved your tie-in to the PB’s! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement.
January 26, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Lea Lyon
What a delightful post. It made me smile and relax. And made it all sound like a fun process. It’s easy to get too serious about this idea finding – about creating in general. Brilliant post
January 26, 2018 at 7:45 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
That was fun to read. The book references were already inspirational in themselves.
January 26, 2018 at 7:48 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I’m off to check the front porch.
January 26, 2018 at 7:49 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Your words of encouragement are much appreciated!
LOVE, MAMA cover is adorable. Look forward to hearing it!
January 26, 2018 at 8:01 pm
Mary Ann Cortez
Great post. I have learned to write down any old idea. You just never know.
January 26, 2018 at 8:05 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2018 at 8:06 pm
bevbaird
Love your post! So true – and such good advice. Just sitting down now with my tea and a few books for inspiration!
January 26, 2018 at 8:09 pm
storyfairy
Oh, wow, this post made me (happy) cry! Very important reminders.
January 26, 2018 at 8:14 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for the reminders! I love the Frog and Toad quote and your post brought me back to why I’m doing this. Now sitting down for coffee and a few good books- I look forward to reading yours!
January 26, 2018 at 8:14 pm
moviemommie
Thank you for all of the lovely quotes! And for sharing your ideas and thoughts!
Jenna Feldman
January 26, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
I TRULY ADORED having tea with you, Jeanette, Frog and Toad, and all the others! I LOVE how you crafted this post–so warm and so inviting! And I LOVE the inspiration from the kind of books we children’s authors are trying to write! TRUE WISDOM!!!! The tea was LOVERLY, but I think I will go with “tears of [my] enemies” next time, per your suggestion. 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 8:18 pm
Laura rackham
You had me at Frog and Toad…❤️
January 26, 2018 at 8:21 pm
jeanjames926
Excellent post Jeanette, thanks for the inspiration.
January 26, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Danielle Dufayet
Books, coffee and a touch of chocolate? Then, I’m ready for the ideas to pour in…or not. They’ll come when they’re ready. Thanks for the reminder!
January 26, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Val McCammon
Ahh, yes, let’s not scare away our ideas but patiently let them grow — thanks, Jeanette!
January 26, 2018 at 8:38 pm
Martin Segal
Thanks for this wonderful post, Jeanette! Great analogies to some great books! 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 8:51 pm
Tina Barbour
I knew there had to be a connection between ideas and caffeine! 🙂 Thanks for an inspiring post.
January 26, 2018 at 8:53 pm
Beth Stilborn
Thank you so much for these thoughts, Jeanette. Great things to remember. I may need to re-read this post several times.
January 26, 2018 at 8:56 pm
Teresa Traver
This was a good one to read late in the month, when it feels like my burst of ideas is starting to peter out. Thank you for reminding me that sometimes ideas come when you don’t expect them!
January 26, 2018 at 8:59 pm
Nancy Riley
Thanks so much. Nice to take a deep breath and try not to frighten the ideas bubbling just out of reach. Maybe if I offer them a cup of Barry’s Irish Breakfast tea . . . Congratulations on Love Mama!
January 26, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Latasha Vernon
Plant the seeds and they will grow. Thank you for reminding me just to write and write.
January 26, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Rita K.
Your post had a lyrical quality making me want to read your book. Good advice, too!
Sent from my iPhone
January 26, 2018 at 9:09 pm
Arin Wensley
Thank you for writing this inspirational post, Jeanette.
January 26, 2018 at 9:12 pm
F. G. M. Kalavritinos
Reading great books is a great way to inspire ideas. Love this post.
January 26, 2018 at 9:26 pm
anitajjones
Thanks Jeanette for so much inspiration! I always find ideas in the simpliest places as well…I am curious however about a part of your bio that states that you were an artist in residence for a traveling art museum on a train….I’d love to hear this story!!!
January 26, 2018 at 9:29 pm
Cassie Bentley
Thank you for reminding us that ideas are ideas and to not judge them. Let them grow.
January 26, 2018 at 9:32 pm
Amy Harding
Love the references to some great stories!
January 26, 2018 at 9:35 pm
rindabeach
There’s no place like a good book!
January 26, 2018 at 9:42 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks for you encouragement to relax and let the idea seeds come at their own pace and then to treat them with lots of TLC so they blossom into lovely stories. Happy storming! 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 9:44 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
Thank you for all your inspiration!!
January 26, 2018 at 9:54 pm
Lizzie Maxwell
Love the sentiment……my best ideas come in the wee hours of the morning when I don’t want to get up. Hey, now i know why I don’t want to get up!
January 26, 2018 at 10:01 pm
Marlene Rohr
Thanks Jeanette for the inspiring post!
January 26, 2018 at 10:02 pm
laurelwoodkeeper
Ideas as seeds, love this!
January 26, 2018 at 10:03 pm
Kathy Manchip
This is excellent, thank you. I really do need to stop worrying about whether my ideas are “good enough” and just get to the work (and fun!) of writing them into stories 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 10:07 pm
shirley301
Thanks for this hopeful post.
January 26, 2018 at 10:18 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post. Yes books come from books!
January 26, 2018 at 10:18 pm
Dina Hodara-Bono
This book looks so sweet. My son calls me “Mama,” so I’ll be sure to check out this book.
January 26, 2018 at 10:27 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
This beautiful post made me smile and made me think. And I loved the quotations from those lovely pictures books. Thank you. I will try to be open to ideas rather than force them.
January 26, 2018 at 10:32 pm
Ann Martin
What a lovely post – entertaining, fresh and full of truth!
January 26, 2018 at 10:56 pm
Pam Miller
Thanks for permission to let the ideas flow. Happy to share your sweet story and the Publishers Weekly review. Congratulations!
January 26, 2018 at 10:57 pm
Amanda Sincavage
Thanks Jeanette! What a great post with great book quotes! Your experience as an artist-in-residence at a museum on a train sounds fascinating! There’s got to be a story in that!
January 26, 2018 at 11:09 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Jeanette!! Many congratulations on Love, Mama!
January 26, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Megan Whitaker
Your book looks so very sweet 🙂
January 26, 2018 at 11:18 pm
Lindsay Bonilla (@LindsayBonilla)
What a fabulous post Jeanette! I love the way you tied in all of the literary examples!! 🙂 Everything you said resonated with me and my experience as a writer!
January 26, 2018 at 11:25 pm
wpdrey
Beautiful post, thank you!
January 26, 2018 at 11:25 pm
Kathy j brown
Thanks for a great post.
January 26, 2018 at 11:29 pm
Peter
Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Kathy Doherty
Congratulations on your debut picture book, Jeanette! I’m in awe that you are both the illustrator and the author. Now that’s talent!
January 26, 2018 at 11:53 pm
Keila Dawson
Love the books used to relay such an inspirational message about writing. Ideas have to flow and can’t be forced.
January 26, 2018 at 11:55 pm
Claire Wrenn Bobrow
Lots of ideas popped into my head as I flew cross-country today. Maybe the plane was bombarded by stardust! Thanks for a great post, Jeanette, and congrats on your debut book!
January 26, 2018 at 11:58 pm
Cheryl Malandrinos
“Tears of your enemies…” I need to remember that one. I love it. Thanks for the great post.
January 27, 2018 at 12:01 am
Kristen Browning
Thanks for the great advice! I especially like the reminder not to shout at my seeds like Toad–although it may have hit too close to home. LOVE, MAMA looks adorable–can’t wait to read it. I also need to check out TWO FRIENDS.
January 27, 2018 at 12:07 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Coffee + books= Happiness
January 27, 2018 at 12:08 am
Evelyn Bookless
What a gorgeous and inspiring article. Just beautiful. And how adorable is that kitten PB. Thank you.
January 27, 2018 at 12:16 am
megcason1
I agree, ideas seem to attack when you least expect them!
Thank you for this post!
January 27, 2018 at 12:26 am
sue heavenrich
Books and tea; books and chocolate…. books and coffee or anything (as long as the first ingredient is books!) I really love how toad tries to wake up his seeds, too.
January 27, 2018 at 12:38 am
denitajohnson
Thank you for sharing your insights with us!
January 27, 2018 at 12:40 am
Aimee
Excellent picture book examples for an inspiring post. Thank you
January 27, 2018 at 12:46 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
What a lovely post! I love the seed analogy. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 12:49 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thanks for some great reminders about finding inspiration, Jeanette. Congratulations on Love, Mama–it looks like a wonderful PB. I’m looking forward to reading it!
January 27, 2018 at 1:14 am
Christine M Irvin
Excuse me while I fix myself a cup of tea!
January 27, 2018 at 1:22 am
Christine Pinto
thanks for the inspiration: Your ideas will grow while you aren’t paying attention. Thanks for reminding me that they will be there.
January 27, 2018 at 1:32 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
I started the practice of writing down any ideas that came to me a few years ago. It was hard, at first, to quiet the inner critic who told me to not bother writing down some ideas that might not be very good. But now I have learned that even the lamest of ideas might have even a tiny kernel that could be used in a story. Thanks for the reminder! And LOVE, MAMA is a sweet book! I just read it last week.
January 27, 2018 at 1:54 am
Sandy
Here’s to a garden of ideas!
January 27, 2018 at 2:05 am
David McMullin
This was lovely, Jeanette. A nice reminder to not stress out and just let the ideas be what they are.
January 27, 2018 at 2:38 am
Joana Pastro
What an inspired post! Thanks, Jeanette.
January 27, 2018 at 2:55 am
Laurie L Young
“Books and caffeine are the best combination.” I like how you think!
January 27, 2018 at 4:20 am
8catpaws
Good idea to keep from being critical of the seedling ideas that arise–one may flower someday when you least expect it
January 27, 2018 at 4:49 am
Sarah Noble
Your analogies are spot on in this post. I’m excited to read LOVE, MAMA!
January 27, 2018 at 5:31 am
Krissy Papadakis
An author AND an apprentice pastry chef! Writing and baking – my two passions! Great advice, great post! Thanks!
January 27, 2018 at 7:45 am
Nat Keller
What a lovely post – thank you for sharing Jeanette!
January 27, 2018 at 7:47 am
Rick Starkey
Thanks for reminding me that sometimes the ideas have to grow on their own time. Yelling will not help.
January 27, 2018 at 8:14 am
mathbookmagic
This post was just what I needed today. Thanks for sharing your insights.
January 27, 2018 at 8:43 am
sharongiltrow
I love the analogy that ideas are like seeds and we need to plant them and let them grow.
January 27, 2018 at 9:05 am
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for the inspiration! They are just seeds we must nurture and let grow at their pace!
January 27, 2018 at 9:51 am
Cathy Breisacher
This is quite a creative post! I love how you found these statements and quotes in various books and tied them together to create your post about generating ideas. So clever and inspiring.
January 27, 2018 at 9:59 am
Susan Schade
Thank you for you post and insight!
January 27, 2018 at 10:02 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
I love the thought of a bowl of milk (ideas) sitting on the porch waiting for us.
January 27, 2018 at 10:12 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you, Jeanette, for this inspirational post straight from those who have gone before us generating ideas and bringing them to life. So encouraging!
January 27, 2018 at 10:12 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for your suggestions about letting our ideas grow. Yes sometimes they might take years to grow. Looking forward to reading your book.
January 27, 2018 at 10:30 am
Ink Bottle Studio
Thanks for the reminder to go and do something else and often ideas come. That’s so true!
January 27, 2018 at 10:42 am
marty
Like your references to a variety of books. Gave me a few new ones to check out.
January 27, 2018 at 10:56 am
Loralee Petersen
Great post! Can’t wait to read Love Mama. Looks perfect for a Valentine’s Day story time.
January 27, 2018 at 11:02 am
MD Knabb
Your post is a great reminder to ignore our inner critic and let ideas grow like seeds. Thanks, Jeanette.
January 27, 2018 at 11:06 am
michelle gajda
Ahhhhh….caffeine and writing..two of my favorite things! Great (and creative) examples to help us find those elusive ideas! Thanks!
January 27, 2018 at 11:08 am
mona861
This is such a heartfelt, relaxing, post. Thank you, Jeanette. Tea time!
January 27, 2018 at 11:16 am
Ryan Roberts
Oh my gosh. I LOVE this post and love your final reminder. Also- I just happened to finally read Love, Mama at the library earlier this week. So sweet!
January 27, 2018 at 11:23 am
yangmommy
Lovely post with the theme of stardust woven through–thanks for the magic & inspiration this morning!
January 27, 2018 at 11:45 am
kmajor2013
I enjoyed your post. I’m a fan of Kevin Henkes, and his Kitten’s First Full Moon too. Congrats to you for Love, Mama publication!
January 27, 2018 at 11:46 am
Juliana Lee
So many ideas, so little time! Can’t wait to read Love, Mama!
January 27, 2018 at 12:00 pm
wyszguy
This post was wonderful – it really inspired me today! I’m going to start leaving my porch light on… 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Sally Spratt 🎉🍾🎇 (@SallySpratt)
WOW. Thanks for the wonderful reminder.
January 27, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Connie Colon
What a lovely and well researched post! Can’t wait to read Love, Mama
January 27, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Nadine Gamble
Beautifully written, thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Love this advice. Wonderful perspective. Thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 12:54 pm
aidantalkin
Jeanette, what a beautifully written and validating piece! I’m happy to say I read it by my fire, with an Earl Grey in hand, and an empty seat beside me where I imagined we finally got got to have a chat in person!
January 27, 2018 at 12:54 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing. You’re a star! No literally…
January 27, 2018 at 12:58 pm
Brenda Maier
Thanks for the inspiration, Jeanette! And I love Love, Mama.
January 27, 2018 at 1:01 pm
Maria Bostian
One of the best posts of the month. Thank you for taking the time to put it all together.
I have a few seeds that I need to let grow.
Thanks again!
January 27, 2018 at 1:11 pm
Barbara Senenman
Great post! I’ve written so many ideas that at the moment are a “So what?” But “So What?” is also a “Who knows?” That idea could become a PB, MG, poem or a magazine story/article.
January 27, 2018 at 1:36 pm
58chilihed13
Love the we are all stardust take on this!
January 27, 2018 at 2:06 pm
KASteed
I like the stardust magic thought. Thanks for the advice!
January 27, 2018 at 2:15 pm
mginsberg10
Thanks for those great mentor texts and for your energizing ideas!
January 27, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Janet Halfmann
Need to remember not to censor ideas before they have a chance to be nurtured. Thanks for the reminder.
January 27, 2018 at 2:44 pm
donnacangelosi
This is one of my favorite posts ever! I plan to reread it for reminders to stop censoring ideas and to let seeds grow. Thanks so much, Jeanette! I’m looking forward to reading Love, Mama.
January 27, 2018 at 3:02 pm
susanzonca
I love the gardening analogy. That will stick with me.
January 27, 2018 at 3:26 pm
aliciaminor
I want to have tea with you and thanks for the beautiful words. I look forward to reading Love, Mama. God bless…
January 27, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Aubri Mosness
Loved your kid-lit focused post…now must carry around empty jar to catch tears of my enemies and buy much larger purse. Thanks!
No really, I loved that the proof is in the puddin’…how and what to write can be found and lost and found again in literature and life.
January 27, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Nicole M Strangman
Great advice for keeping it real – and if you really love an idea, you should definitely see where you can take it
January 27, 2018 at 3:45 pm
Angela De Groot
I always need a reminder to hush my internal editor up. Thanks for your words of advice and best of luck with Love, Mama.
January 27, 2018 at 3:48 pm
Brenda Harris
Thank you for the post and introducing me to your book Love Mama and to two of your favorite reads -I hadn’t seen those before. 🙂
January 27, 2018 at 4:04 pm
Kelly
I so related to this post! I have often described my new PB drafts as infants — they need to be nurtured and feed and snuggled before you send them out into the world. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks for all the wisdom in this post, Jeanette!
January 27, 2018 at 4:26 pm
mcdonaldrae
Story ideas are seeds, save, savor, plant and watch them grow. The analogy is so wise. Thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 5:02 pm
Jennifer G Prevost
Thanks for reminding me to treat my ideas tenderly. I know how important it is, bit I so often try to hurry them along. This was a beautiful and inspiring post!
January 27, 2018 at 5:15 pm
DaNeil Olson
Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.
January 27, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Anna Smith
Great post. This was really helpful. Thank you.
January 27, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Darcee Freier
Caffeine and books, what a great combination, especially if the caffeine is from chocolate! Thanks for the encouraging post.
January 27, 2018 at 8:23 pm
Leah
My daughter just read Kitten’s First Full Moon to me this week. It’s such a sweet idea.
January 27, 2018 at 8:43 pm
Karen LaSalvia
Oh my goodness, I love all the cosmic imagery. Feeling inspired! Thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 8:46 pm
viviankirkfield
Loved your post, Jeanette. It’s so true…we need to share our ideas – I have several in person critique groups and love to get together over a cup of hot chocolate…brainstorming with friends is the best! And may I say that I LOVE our head-shot photo…you are glowing!
January 27, 2018 at 9:03 pm
Author Yvona Fast
Thank you for the reminder to live, enjoy, not take myself too seriously, and ideas will come when i’m least looking for them…
January 27, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Andrea Mack
Ideas as seeds resonates so strongly with me! Thank you for the inspiration.
January 27, 2018 at 9:08 pm
denarose
Thanks for the reminder that ideas are delicate things that don’t like criticism!
January 27, 2018 at 9:19 pm
slowsly
Thank you for your inspiration. Sometimes I get in the mindset where I don’t think I have any good ideas. Thanks for reminding me not to judge ideas…write them down.
January 27, 2018 at 9:20 pm
Sandi Lawson
I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 9:56 pm
Brenda Bokenyi
Thank you for your insight.
January 27, 2018 at 10:01 pm
kiwijenny
Jeanette Bradley thanks for photons streaming through your fingers. Butterfly your lashes and dance with rainbows. Thank you
January 27, 2018 at 10:09 pm
Sherry Alexander
I thought stardust came in every cup of tea–especially licorice (one of my favorite brainstorming teas. Thank you for sharing protons!
January 27, 2018 at 10:20 pm
Anne Appert
Thank you for this post! A good reminder not to judge our ideas.
January 27, 2018 at 10:25 pm
Licy Staugler
Jeanette, I’m planting my seeds in a big milk bowl, sprinkling them with magic stardust, and then sitting on my front with a huge cup of coffee while soaking up inspiration from Momma Nature!❤️
Fabulous, inspiring post💫🌟
Thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Lucy Staugler
Jeanette, I am planting my seeds in a big milk bowl, sprinkling them with stardust, sitting them on the front porch, while drinking a huge cup of coffee soaking up Momma Nature!
Thank you for the inspiring post!💫🌟
January 27, 2018 at 10:35 pm
Cinzia V.
Great post – love the references to such wonderful books, and the inspiration to let go of judgement.
January 27, 2018 at 10:46 pm
Tasha Hilderman
How very true that we are s lucky to be alive and able to brainstorm story ideas!
January 27, 2018 at 10:53 pm
susanbruck
What a lovely post. Thank you! Stardust is such a wonderful image–and planting seeds–all kinds of magic all around.
January 27, 2018 at 11:33 pm
wendymyersart
Truly sweet post. Thank you.
January 28, 2018 at 12:36 am
Cheryl T.
Jeanette, your comment about ideas being like seeds and the fact is we do have to cultivate them, nurture them so they grow into wonderful stories to share with others. Nice books.
January 28, 2018 at 12:48 am
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Great post Jeanette!
January 28, 2018 at 12:52 am
Monica Stoltzfus
Jeanette,
“Don’t scare off your ideas by holding out unrealistic standards. (“You must be polished and ready to publish!” or “You must be absolutely unique!”) Let your ideas grow at their own pace.”
These words are EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Thank you X a million. ❤️
January 28, 2018 at 2:28 am
Teresa Daffern
Thanks Jeanette. Lovely post – will keeping checking the porch 😉
January 28, 2018 at 2:28 am
Carrie Tillotson
Thank you, Jeanette! I’ve heard great things about Love, Mama. Can’t wait to read it.
January 28, 2018 at 3:20 am
Heather Kinser
Brilliant! Everything we need to know, we can learn from a picture book.
January 28, 2018 at 3:38 am
ingridboydston
Thank you for sharing!
January 28, 2018 at 5:01 am
Zoe Alicia Gaetjens
Drinking the tears of your enemies, so funny. Seriously though what I loved and connected with is the concept that an idea doesn’t need to be big, fully formed or even feel worthy to write down. No matter how small it is it could still be the start of something. Thank you for the reminder.
January 28, 2018 at 7:24 am
kelliejanebyrnes
Fantastic post, and I can’t wait to read your book – it sounds (and looks) delightful.
January 28, 2018 at 8:10 am
Alexandra Hinrichs
What smart advice you’ve harvested from these lovely stories for us. Thank you.
January 28, 2018 at 8:29 am
Zoraida
Yes, ideas take time. We must be patient and let them grow. Thanks.
January 28, 2018 at 8:51 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Caffeine is a great stimulator
January 28, 2018 at 9:06 am
Kaitlin Hedberg
I like the suggestion to think of any tiny bit of inspiration as a worthy beginning of an idea. Thanks for the inspiration today!
January 28, 2018 at 10:21 am
ptnozell
Thanks for sharing the literary insights into ideas and how they grow.
January 28, 2018 at 10:37 am
Elizabeth Brown
Love this post, Jeanette! Thank you!
January 28, 2018 at 11:06 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Oh, this was fun! Thanks for the tips and the Storytime! 🙂
January 28, 2018 at 11:33 am
curryelizabeth
Lovely post with some favorites featured. Can’t wait to read Love, Mama. Congratulations!
January 28, 2018 at 11:57 am
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Thank you for this inspiring piece! I’ve been trying to finish a YA manuscript, and the picture book ideas haven’t come as quickly as I’d hoped. Maybe another cup of coffee.
January 28, 2018 at 11:57 am
Elizabeth Metz
Hooray Jeanette! I’m so excited to read Love, Mama (my library copy is waiting for me now!) and your inspiration tips are excellent. Now as soon as I catch up on Storystorm posts, I’m going to go for a good long walk and see what happens.
January 28, 2018 at 1:01 pm
Bruna De Luca
I love this pressure-free way of looking at ideas. Thank you!
January 28, 2018 at 1:42 pm
singebinge
Thanks for this much-needed reminder!
January 28, 2018 at 1:50 pm
carolmunrojww
GREAT post, Jeanette! I had to stop reading it twice to write down some ideas. May take a walk this afternoon (it’s warmer outside than inside today, sez my hubby!), and will look for more on the porch when I return. 😉 See you in March at the Carle!
January 28, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Lynne Marie
Thanks for the invite to tea, and what a wonderful tea it was! So much to learn and digest!
January 28, 2018 at 3:52 pm
Robin Bailey
Jeanette Bradley, thank you for your lovely post. I appreciate the reminder to tread lightly on the ideas that come. That’s good. Thank you! -Robin
January 28, 2018 at 4:01 pm
Patricia Toht
Loved the insights from a great collection of books. Thanks!
January 28, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Marcy P.
Love your use of classics as examples 🙂 Thank you!
January 28, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Beautiful! Thank you.
January 28, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Sharon Mayhew
Great, inspirational post!
January 28, 2018 at 7:21 pm
sharonkdal
Such a beautiful post. Thank you, Jeanette! I’ve had my caffeine. Now I’m going out to look on the porch!
January 28, 2018 at 7:22 pm
Trine Grillo
I like your comparison of inspirations to Kitten’s First Full Moon.
January 28, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Janet Smart
Love the quotes from the picture books. And, congratulations on yours! It looks adorable.
January 28, 2018 at 10:49 pm
deniseaengle
A cup of tea. Simply delicious ideas!
January 28, 2018 at 11:28 pm
Vicki Wilke
Caffeine is definitely my “go to” forhelp with inspiration! And I love the idea of something waiting quietly on the porch. Thanks for a sweet post!
January 29, 2018 at 12:37 am
sjctenney
I love the quotes from the books, and your book looks wonderful!
January 29, 2018 at 12:37 am
rgstones
I love your post. This is so true! “Your ideas will grow while you aren’t paying attention.”
January 29, 2018 at 1:35 am
Barb Ostapina
Love this, Jeanette: “Tap into your stardust magic.” Yes!
January 29, 2018 at 2:09 am
Abi Cushman
Great analogies, Jeanette! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2018 at 2:34 am
Michelle Sumovich
Thank you, Jeanette! The minor galaxy visualization always does it for me, but I haven’t applied it to writing. It got me through childbirth, it can get me through a picture book!
January 29, 2018 at 3:07 am
Catherine F
It is so true that ideas and ways to resolve problems in my writing come when I don’t expect them to. I had an idea as I was chopping tomatoes last week. I don’t know if it will end up as a book but I hope so, I’m just waiting for the seed to grow :o)
January 29, 2018 at 6:17 am
debobrienbookscom
Thank you, Jeanette. I’m always taking books out of the library. I love perusing through. I also study the art. Thanks.
January 29, 2018 at 9:22 am
Paula Cohen Martin
What a lovely inspirational post. Thanks Jeanette! I don’t need to win because I already have a copy of your wonderful book but I AM waiting impatiently to read more books to come!
January 29, 2018 at 9:34 am
Cheryl Kula
Before daughters, I never thought of writing picture books, but now I am constantly studying and deconstructing them as I read to my girls.
January 29, 2018 at 10:47 am
Brianna Zamborsky
How lovely was that blog post? Thanks, Jeanette.
January 29, 2018 at 11:41 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
“You are but a bit of leftover star swirling in a minor galaxy in an expanding universe. No one cares if that idea you just had is stupid, and you shouldn’t either.” – Jeanette Bradley My favorite thing today.
January 29, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Kelly
This was such a lovely, sweet post. Thank you!
January 29, 2018 at 1:12 pm
julia dworschack
I love the visual I got when reading the part about handling story ideas with care, not loudly, not rushed. Then a story idea popped into my head where the story ideas were little beings……………….ooooooooo yeah….
Thanks!!!!!!!
January 29, 2018 at 2:41 pm
Laurie Swindler
Thanks Jeanette. Im getting a head start on February’s National Haiku Writing Month.
A new year begins.
Ideas sprout from seeds that
have long lain dormant.
January 29, 2018 at 4:17 pm
Guyla Greenly
Very inspirational. Thank you.
January 29, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Traci Bold
Thank you Jeanette for sharing this with us. 🙂 Looking forward to reading your new book!
January 29, 2018 at 5:22 pm
Faith
Thank you for this post! After reading it, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders that I didn’t even realize was sitting there. I took a deep breath, exhaled, and felt better. Having the opportunity to think about writing, to read about writing, and to play with story ideas is a gift in and of itself. Thanks for the reminder and the helpful tips!
January 29, 2018 at 5:45 pm
topangamaria
Thank you for that spritz of stardust magic.
January 29, 2018 at 7:06 pm
claireannette1
Thanks for the lovely examples and great encouragement. Time for tea!
January 29, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Buffy Silverman
What else could we need but books and coffee? Thanks for the stardust and story seeds.
January 29, 2018 at 9:58 pm
Steve Schwartz
I enjoyed your post and appreciate your sound advice.
January 29, 2018 at 11:00 pm
Sara Gentry
Thanks for the fun post.
January 29, 2018 at 11:52 pm
annettepimentel
Thanks!
January 30, 2018 at 12:16 am
Elizabeth McBride
“Why, caffeine, of course!” Best opener ever! Thank you for the comforting and wise advice, Jeanette!
January 30, 2018 at 1:11 am
Andrew Lefebvre
Thanks for the inspiration.
January 30, 2018 at 10:30 am
Daryl Gottier
I have the cup of tea beside me, strong and hot. It’s time to tackle that stack of PBs from the library. Here’s hoping I find that bowl of milk before my cats do:)
January 30, 2018 at 10:37 am
Delfina Salimbene
Can’t go wrong with books, caffeine, friends . . . and stardust magic! Thanks so much for the laughs and encouragement, Jeanette. Such a fun post!
January 30, 2018 at 11:54 am
nabinava
Congratulations, Jeanette on your book!!. I love to write with a cup of tea beside me. In this case ideas from tea and books. Thank you for the advice of not taking oneself seriously and that inspiration can be illusive when chased, but comes with taking the moment. I like the seed analogies.
(Naana)
January 30, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Carrie Finison
Frog and Toad is one of my absolute favorites – and so is this post. No one cares! And neither should I! 😉 Love it. Thanks, Jeanette!
January 30, 2018 at 2:52 pm
Carolyn
I love the ideas as seeds analogy (especially with the writer as Toad!)
January 30, 2018 at 3:45 pm
Cathy Ogren
This was a lovely post, Jeanette Thank you!
January 30, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Debbie Zapata
I am a big fan of scribbling ideas on back of receipts, etc. I have a small bulletin board on my wall where I tack the ideas until I can write them in a log. Thank you!
January 30, 2018 at 4:27 pm
Maria Marshall
I love your book and I agree that ideas, are wispy creatures. They can’t be forced or commanded. They love coming at the darndest times; usually when they are least expected. Thanks for the great post.
January 30, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Virginia Law Manning
Your book looks adorable!!! I can’t wait to read it! So sweet, just like your fun post. I love all the lines from classic stories.
January 30, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Heather Thurmeier
Kitten’s First Full Moon was a favorite in our house when the kids were really little. They used to lick the pages!
January 30, 2018 at 6:35 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Great post. I loved how you shared parts from picture books to teach us about ideas. Fun!
January 30, 2018 at 8:55 pm
Amanda Herron
Aww the passage from Frog and Toad was always one of my favorites. I want to check out each of these books for inspo as well. Thank you for this post!
January 30, 2018 at 11:04 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to “let your ideas grow at their own pace.” Thank you, Jeanette.
January 31, 2018 at 1:22 am
Bronte Colbert
Great post. An artist-in-residence on a traveling art museum on a train!!?? That alone had me pondering for quite a while! Thank you for your suggestions. 🙂
January 31, 2018 at 7:00 am
Beth Elliott
Wonderful to read your post, Jeanette!
January 31, 2018 at 10:14 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
I love this post! Thank you! The connection to books is fabulous. What connected with me most was the Frog and Toad quote. I’m so excited I got 30 ideas this Story Storm. And you hit on the head why I haven’t in the past. I put too much pressure on the ideas. Now to turn them into books. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 31, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Lauren Soloy
What a lovely post. Time for a cup of tea.
January 31, 2018 at 12:20 pm
tanjabauerle
Thank you for a great post. T
January 31, 2018 at 2:04 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
Tea time! Thanks for a great post!!
January 31, 2018 at 3:32 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you!
January 31, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Joannie Duris
Congrats on your debut book! What a fun post, Jeanette. Pulling inspiration and tips from books was brilliant. May all our ideas grow from frightened seeds to stardust magic.
January 31, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Hannah Tuohy (@hannahlollman)
Thanks for the reminder that ideas shouldn’t be expected to be award winners the minute they leave your pencil.
January 31, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Sheri Dillard
LOVE, MAMA looks adorable! Happy Book Birthday Month! 🙂
January 31, 2018 at 7:25 pm
sallie wolf
Have you written about the art museum on the train? I’m tempted by that idea. Thanks for a good post.
January 31, 2018 at 8:09 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 31, 2018 at 8:34 pm
Helen Lysicatos
This happens to me all the time, I hesitate in writing an idea down that I assume is ‘not good enough’. Thanks for the encouragement.
January 31, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Doris k Stone
Your post caused me to write down 3 ideas that have been swimming in my thoughts for a while now. I kept thinking of them but I didn’t have storylines. Tonight I’m just letting them sit in my notebook. They may never become stories but at least they are written down. Thank you, Jeanette!
February 1, 2018 at 12:37 am
Mary Cox
I believe I am too late but just in case I wanted to say:
I HAVE to write that down at my desk. “They tend to flee when criticized.” Also, I am going to be more open to writing down even just the single word idea and see how it grows from there. Thank you for this!
February 1, 2018 at 1:57 am
Terri Sabol
I know the perfect person to have tea with. Thanks for the reminder and the tips!
February 1, 2018 at 2:43 am
sunwalker2013
It’s a frigid night in Colorado and a cup of tea is next for me. Perhaps an idea will be floating in it. LOVELY post!
February 1, 2018 at 10:46 am
CindyC
This is a lovely post, Jeanette. We need to work hard, yet not take ourselves too seriously either. Thank you.
February 1, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Louise Aamodt
Congrats on your debut picture book! Now I’m off to go check my porch…
February 1, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Cathy Biggerstaff
Great post. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
February 1, 2018 at 3:10 pm
Anna Levin
Love the insights. Thank you!!!
February 1, 2018 at 4:08 pm
Debbie Meyer
Thank you for the virtual cup of tea and storytime. That’s one of my favorite things to do. And congratulations on your new book. How adorable!!! I’m super excited for you. 🙂
February 1, 2018 at 5:29 pm
Melanie Lucero
I really enjoyed reading this post–thank you!!
February 1, 2018 at 7:03 pm
Alberto Martín "NiñoCactus"
I love Arnold Lobel. Thank you for all your inspiration.
February 2, 2018 at 2:03 am
Allison Alley
This is beautiful. Now off to cultivate my seeds…
February 4, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I love any post that quotes Frog and Toad. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder to not take myself too seriously.
February 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
What a beautiful post. Especially love the nod to Frog and Toad!
January 26, 2020 at 7:26 am
Lori Mozdzierz
A truly inspirational post. Thank you, Jeanette!