by Tammi Sauer
Back in 2009, Tara first prompted us to join her on her challenge to generate 30 ideas in one month’s time. That year, I wrote a blog post about an idea-getting strategy that worked for me, and I have written about a different approach every year since.
In the spirit of Posts of Storystorm Past, however, I wanted to revisit one of my favorite strategies for brainstorming ideas. It’s something I share at writing conferences and school visits. It’s simple.
Celebrate the weird stuff in life—it’s good material for stories.
Many of my books got their start by some weird thing that happened to me.
One day, for example, I was hard at work and under a deadline. Everything was going well until, in the course of less than 30 minutes, the FedEx guy knocked on my door, the phone rang, the doorbell rang, the dog barked, and someone added me to a group text which included approximately 827 people who suddenly had lots to say.
All of these distractions made it hard for me to concentrate, and I just wanted Calgon circa 1980 to take me away.
That evening, I got to thinking I needed to write a book about a character who grew more and more frustrated by distractions. After all, frustration was a relatable experience.
This led to KNOCK KNOCK (Scholastic Press), illustrated by Guy Francis. The story is told almost entirely through knock-knock jokes and the art. It stars a bear named Harry who is all set to hibernate. Then, just after he tucks himself into bed, a friend unexpectedly shows up at his door. Then another. And another. Soon Harry’s house is filled with friends, and, just when he is about to flip his over-exhausted lid, Harry realizes his pals are there for a very good reason. They’re throwing a surprise happy hibernation party for you-know-who.
Another example of a weird thing in my life that led to a book involved the fine art of procrastination. One morning, while I should have been writing but I was aimlessly scrolling through my Facebook feed instead, I clicked on the link to Jama Rattigan’s latest blog post. On that particular day, Jama was featuring the wonderful work of artist James Ward.
See for yourself:
Well! The second I saw that big, hairy bear in those giant red underpants standing in a pile of cake crumbs, inspiration hit. I had to write a story about a character who loved cake as much as this guy did.
The result? That bear became Moose in I LOVE CAKE! (HarperCollins), illustrated by Angie Rozelaar.
So yay for procrastination!
Think about the weird stuff in your life. These things can be big or small. Jot down a few examples.
1.
2.
3.
Later, choose one for a story starting point. Keep in mind that this idea should just serve as the seed for a story rather than a factual recount of every little detail about a particular weird thing.
I say we celebrate annoying times, sightings of big, hairy bears in giant red underpants, and everything else in between. You never know where those weird moments might take you.
Tammi Sauer is a full-time children’s book author who presents at schools and conferences across the nation. Her 25th picture book was recently released. She has many more books on the way as weird stuff seems to happen to her all the time.
Tammi is happy to report that, at long last, she has a real-deal, fancy website courtesy of her very first writing friend, Flora Doone of somethingelseinc.com.
Please check out Tammi’s new site at tammisauer.com and follow her on Twitter at @SauerTammi.
Tammi is giving away copies of two of her upcoming books! There will be one winner for each title.
Simply leave ONE COMMENT below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
709 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 3, 2019 at 8:05 am
Poppy P
I didn’t know there was a Wordy Birdy 2… can’t wait to read it as well! Tammi’s posts are great. Because of her I write in the car pool line now… 🙂
Poppy Wrote
January 3, 2019 at 8:07 am
Lenora
Congrats on all of your inspiring weirdness. Love the new site!
January 3, 2019 at 8:10 am
Kellie DuBay Gillis
Thanks, Tammi! You’ve always been an inspiration. Going to keep a look out for all things weird with great intention.
January 3, 2019 at 8:12 am
Tina Cho
I love all your writing tips, Tammi! Wow, 25 picture books! Will look for the weird this week. Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 8:15 am
jennysarawrites
Love digging in to find inspiration in the weird!
January 3, 2019 at 8:15 am
Aimee
Thanks, Tammi. Weird is sounding wonderful:) congrats on all the fantastic books
January 3, 2019 at 8:16 am
hallee2012
This is great. I love the idea of celebrating the weird.
January 3, 2019 at 8:19 am
Mark MacKay
Bring on the weird!
January 3, 2019 at 8:20 am
Katie Engen
Great reminder of ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ and ‘you can’t make this stuff up.’ thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 8:23 am
Julie Mondi
Finally, a reason for weirdness! Thank you!!!
January 3, 2019 at 8:26 am
indalus3
Thanks for the awesome tips Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 8:28 am
Kara Marsee
Tammi,
Love your books! Congrats on #25! Stay weird and wonderful!
January 3, 2019 at 8:29 am
celticsea
Weird stuff does happen all of the time. I need to start paying more attention to it instead of just dismissing it. Thanks for the advice!
January 3, 2019 at 8:33 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Thanks for your examples of twisting real life into fiction. Congrats on your 25 books – that’s quite an accomplishment!
January 3, 2019 at 8:35 am
Lenora Riegel
I am weird! Yay! ✨💕✨
January 3, 2019 at 8:37 am
Deborah Cuneo
I love the idea of looking for stories in life’s weirdness but thanks also for bringing to light the fact that it doesn’t have to be verbatim! I think that’s a subconscious default when beginning a story and sometimes hard to find your way out ! Great post, thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 8:39 am
Elaine Cline
Thanks for your this.
January 3, 2019 at 8:42 am
Loralee Petersen
Great idea! Books that are quirky, fun, and even downright weird are my favorite! Thank you, Tammi.
January 3, 2019 at 8:42 am
RebeccaTheWriter
Well if it’s weird stuff you need to be successful, I’ll be a best selling author in no time! Thanks for the great tip!
January 3, 2019 at 8:42 am
Anne Marie Pace
Great piece, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 8:44 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
I look forward to Tammi’s post and inspiration every year! You never disappoint! Thank you Tammi and Tara!
January 3, 2019 at 8:45 am
Ashley Congdon
Such a great idea and approach to coming up with ideas. Also, ideas I’m sure are unique as they are specifically weird. Thanks for the suggestion!
January 3, 2019 at 8:49 am
Alice Carty Fulgione
Tammi is one of my favorite authors & I love hearing about how she gets ideas. Loved this post!
January 3, 2019 at 8:49 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Happy New Year, Tammi! This post reminds me of your conference presentation that I enjoyed learning from.
January 3, 2019 at 8:50 am
Andria Rosenbaum
May Weirdness be with you. Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 8:52 am
storycatcherpublishing
Why didn’t I think of using this technique with all the weird things that are always happening in my life…lol…
Great post Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 8:52 am
Rachel Anderson
Thanks, Tammi. It’s common for me to laugh at the weird stuff in life and then brush it off and move on. No more! I love the idea of pinpointing the heart of the weird and molding it into a picture book.
January 3, 2019 at 8:52 am
cath jones
Wordy Birdy? What a great title!
January 3, 2019 at 8:57 am
candicemarleyconner
I love the idea of turning Frustrating Things into idea-gold! That is truly making lemonade out of lemons.
January 3, 2019 at 9:05 am
Lizzy Rizzi
Thanks Tammi! I’m such a big fan that it was really fun to read where some of your stories were born!
January 3, 2019 at 9:06 am
jheitman22
Tammi, Thank you so much for sharing this tip, your great examples, and the perfect way to turn frustration into fun!
January 3, 2019 at 9:07 am
Sheri Dillard
I always enjoy your Storystorm/PiBoIdMo posts, Tammi! (And KNOCK, KNOCK was one of the kids’ favorites at my preschool storytimes!) Thanks for the great posts and great books! 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 9:07 am
Lisa Freund
I’m going to try this today. Fantastic way to be inspired. Love your books! Thank you.
January 3, 2019 at 9:11 am
Patty Militello
I can think about a year’s worth of weird stuff in just one sitting. Hopefully I’ll be able to come up with some good enough to write about. Great post, Tammi. Thank you so much!
January 3, 2019 at 9:11 am
Joan Swanson
This whole blog post sounds like my life of interruptions and procrastination!
January 3, 2019 at 9:14 am
CeCeLibrarian
I have plenty of weird things that happen every day, especially in my K-5 library. There are likely countless stories that could come out of our day-to-day happenings on the story rug alone. Thank you for sharing Tammi.
January 3, 2019 at 9:14 am
Anita Banks
Oh thank you, I remembered a weird happening while reading your post!
January 3, 2019 at 9:16 am
rekrall@yahoo.com
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 9:16 am
Kimberly
Thanks Tammi! I’m glad to learn a new method from you that I didn’t learn at the conference I saw you at in August. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
January 3, 2019 at 9:17 am
Andrea Mack
Great post! Ideas are everywhere if yohb have the right perspective.
January 3, 2019 at 9:17 am
Beth Gallagher
Love this post! I can’t wait make my wired things list. Thanks, Tammi! 😊
January 3, 2019 at 9:20 am
Joana Pastro
I absolutely love this post. Just reading it sent me back to a few weird moments and made me chuckle. I can definitely use them as stating points! Thanks, Tammi! (Btw I ❤️ your books!)
January 3, 2019 at 9:20 am
sherilyncook
Weird on fellow seekers, weird watching commence! Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2019 at 9:21 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Hahaha! Love the weird things, and Knock Knock is hilarious! Thanks for sharing your inspiration, hopefully we’ll all come up with some cool stuff too😎
January 3, 2019 at 9:21 am
Jen Bagan
Yay for the weird! Thanks for the reminder to not forget about these inspiration nuggets!
January 3, 2019 at 9:23 am
Diana
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 9:23 am
lizricewrites
Thanks Tammi. Great new website. So Happy there will be 2 more Nugget and Fang books in 2019! My brain has already found an idea to ponder today based on your post!
January 3, 2019 at 9:25 am
mhklump
Thanks, Tammi! Great idea. Now I’m off to go search my memories for something weird!
January 3, 2019 at 9:25 am
gayleckrause
Great ideas for inspiration, Tammi, and a reminder not to overlook the obvious in search for a picture book concept. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 9:26 am
chrysakeenon
It’s super easy for me to get distracted while writing, so I resonate well with that bear! 🙂 Thanks for the ideas!
January 3, 2019 at 9:27 am
Lisa Healy
Thanks for helping me plant the seed! I’m thinking about a recent family experience now.
January 3, 2019 at 9:27 am
Mark Bentz
Weird works. Kids love to laugh. Thank you Tammi for posting.
January 3, 2019 at 9:29 am
kirsticall
LOVE this idea, Tammi. I’m going to write down my weird experiences right now 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 9:30 am
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
I have so much weird – I could fill volumes. Thanks for making me look at in a different way!
January 3, 2019 at 9:30 am
Kathy Halsey
Tammi, I have lots of weird in my life. It’s a daily occurrence. Noe I’ll look at these as story seeds. Thanks for being here with us every year.
January 3, 2019 at 9:32 am
Sarah Tobias
I love weird! I feel like that has been a constant idea companion for me. I really like how you take a weird life moment and turn it on its head then into a story.
Can’t wait to read your new books.
January 3, 2019 at 9:32 am
Brianna Zamborsky
I LOVE CAKE is my favorite! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 9:32 am
nancy armo
Tammi’s advice is always gold.
January 3, 2019 at 9:33 am
Cheryl Keely
A quote from a travel book I love M=EA. Mishaps equal excellent adventures, to which I added = excellent stories. Embrace the weird and wild for they can bring wonderful moments.
January 3, 2019 at 9:33 am
Carolyn
What a great way to turn lemons into lemonade! Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 9:33 am
amshahen1
Love this post and love the advice to celebrate the weird in our lives! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 9:37 am
BrookeVS
Great idea! Off to scout out weird things for the day 😉
January 3, 2019 at 9:37 am
Megan Whitaker
Great advice as always! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 9:38 am
Andi Butler
Here’s to the strange, odd, unusual, and weird. May we experience a misfit-ton of it!
January 3, 2019 at 9:39 am
polly renner
Thanks Tammi! I did this recently while stuck in traffic…someone had the weirdest bumper sticker so I thought of a story for it. It kept me entertained while I inched along.
January 3, 2019 at 9:39 am
Amber Webb
Oh man! This was such a good prompt. I have way more than three weird things to jot down in a day that may just become stories. But without this prompt, I wouldn’t have thought to write them down!
Also, we ❤️ Wordy Birdy!
January 3, 2019 at 9:41 am
rimna
I do have a lot of weird in my life – off to start jotting down ideas – thanks Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 9:42 am
authoryvonafast
I love “this idea should just serve as the seed for a story rather than a factual recount of every little detail about a particular weird thing..” Thank you. Yes – story ideas are all around us we just have to look with open eyes and ears…
January 3, 2019 at 9:46 am
mariemanleytucker
Yay for delaying and distraction! It’s like, my entire life:) hahaha. Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 9:46 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Jot down the weird stuff that happens? Where do I start? Great tip to transform daily aggravations and odd occurrences into story gold. Add ‘alchemist’ to Tami’s resume!
January 3, 2019 at 9:47 am
beckylevine
Great brainstorming idea–thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 9:49 am
DaNeil Olson
Fabulous post. Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 9:49 am
Barbara Senenman
There’s a lot of weird stuff and conversations to mine through. Finding the right story to go with it is a challenge. But, first, find the event that intrigues.
January 3, 2019 at 9:50 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Another great idea for ideas! I will definitely embrace and celebrate the weird stuff. I love this creative nudge! Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 9:52 am
Susan Halko
Thanks, Tammi! My weird-stuff antennae are up!
January 3, 2019 at 9:52 am
michelemeleen
Weird always wins! Love it 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 9:53 am
Deb Sullivan
What a terrific idea! Plenty of material in my house, for sure. Thanks for the tip Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 9:54 am
Genevieve Petrillo
If I had giant red underpants, that book could’ve been about me! I also love cake. Plus I always leave a pile of crumbs mixed with furs behind.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 3, 2019 at 9:55 am
mona861
Turn the everyday into weird. Love it!!
January 3, 2019 at 9:57 am
Tracy Hora
Thanks, Tammi! I always love to read your posts. Great writing ideas!
January 3, 2019 at 9:58 am
Jennifer Phillips
My life has so many weird things in it right now, I came up with 2,355 ideas just in the span of reading this blog post. Sweet. Love the encouragement to capitalize on it more. Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 9:58 am
Ellen Leventhal
I Iove this. The weird stuff is abundant in my life! Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 9:59 am
tanyakonerman
Showing my age when I say I can completely relate to that Calgon commercial! Here’s to celebrating the weird (and the often misunderstood benefits of procrastination!)!
January 3, 2019 at 10:00 am
2riteornot
I woke up to the weirdest dream ever. Started the day with StoryStorm(it is January after all) and read your article on looking for idea seeds in weirdness! Coincidence? The universe has spoken.
January 3, 2019 at 10:00 am
Shelly
I want to be YOU when I grow up!
January 3, 2019 at 10:02 am
Mariana
Thanks for sharing your ideas for inspiration, it is very helpful. I was surprised to read you sre celebrating 25 books published. Congratulations! Make me believe I can work hard to share that kind of dream of seeing one of my stories published. Thanks again and good luck!
January 3, 2019 at 10:03 am
Pat Miller
Your posts have helped me since 2009! Thanks for your real world examples.
January 3, 2019 at 10:03 am
Nadine Gamble
Weird ideas abound, but yours are always kid friendly and relatable. Thank you for another great post for Storystorm.
January 3, 2019 at 10:04 am
Debbie Huard
Great tip. I’m a mom of two toddlers so weird stuff happens daily. LOL.
January 3, 2019 at 10:05 am
Dea Brayden
Goin’ on a weird hunt! Gonna find a big one… Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 10:05 am
Mary Worley
Turning frustration into a story is brilliant. Your new website looks great!
January 3, 2019 at 10:05 am
David McMullin
What would life be without the weird? Thanks so much. Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:06 am
Zoraida Rivera
Weird is a great way to interest kids! I need my thinking cap! Forget great hair today!😁😀
January 3, 2019 at 10:08 am
KRISTINA CASTILLO
Can’t wait to tap into the weird stuff!
January 3, 2019 at 10:08 am
Kim Chaffee
Writing down all the weird today! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:09 am
Jennifer Bower
Thanks for the inspiring post Tammi. I seem to say “that’s weird” a lot — I will now start making note of them : )
January 3, 2019 at 10:10 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Love celebrating weirdness. And I love your books. (I also love cake and good jokes.) Thanks for the inspiration and laughs, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:10 am
Tara Hannon
Thanks, Tammi. This is a good reminder. I actually jotted down a semi-good idea as soon as I read this. We will see if it becomes anything more down the road. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 10:11 am
Alexandra Hinrichs
Hooray for weird! Thank you for this reminder, Tammi.
January 3, 2019 at 10:12 am
Joan Longstaff
Weird is definitely wonderful in my world! Thanks Tammi for the nudge to tap into those weird moments and see where they might lead to in a story!
January 3, 2019 at 10:12 am
alisongoldberg
Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:14 am
marlainawrites
Thanks, Tammi! Procrastination is a pretty useful thing.
January 3, 2019 at 10:17 am
Janie Reinart
Yeah,Tammi ❤️ Thanks for helping us celebrate the weird and wild things that happen in our lives. Happy New Year!
January 3, 2019 at 10:17 am
Meilssa Chupp
What a great way to relieve the stress of frustrating times. Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 10:18 am
pathaap
I always look forward to, and am inspired by, Tammi’s posts. Thanks for another great one!
January 3, 2019 at 10:19 am
Nancy Vona
This is so helpful–thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 10:20 am
Carole Lynn Jones
You are an inspiration as I procrastinate! 😊
January 3, 2019 at 10:20 am
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
Kids love weird! Thanks for reminding me that I love it too. Great tips and thanks for distracting me with Jama Rattigan’s blog. What a find! Always an inspiration, thanks Tami! By the way I already own Wordy Birdy! Fun book!
January 3, 2019 at 10:21 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Great idea! I can tell you, with two small children, there are weird things happening all the time. LOL
January 3, 2019 at 10:22 am
Sharon Langley
You inspire me to get busy
January 3, 2019 at 10:22 am
Sallye O'Rourke
I’m thinking weird! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 10:23 am
donnacangelosi
Thanks so much, Tammi! This is an approach I haven’t tried.
January 3, 2019 at 10:24 am
Aimee Isaac
Plenty of weird out there waiting to be noticed!
January 3, 2019 at 10:25 am
SARAH Meade
I love these tips! I get most of my story ideas from my two little ones.
January 3, 2019 at 10:25 am
gweddle
Thanks Tammi. We all have plenty of weird in our lives.
January 3, 2019 at 10:26 am
June Sengpiehl
This is a wonderful approach–using real life experiences in your life as a
springboard.
January 3, 2019 at 10:26 am
wingedtrish
I always feel so much guilt for procrastinating. I like this perspective so much more!
January 3, 2019 at 10:27 am
Mary Miller
Always a fan of your picture books. I’m glad weird stuff happens to you 🤣. Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:27 am
CJ Penko
Great post Tammi! And the website looks perfect! Can’t wait for your upcoming books! Mr. Cougarpants 😂😂😂
January 3, 2019 at 10:28 am
Li’vee Rehfield
Thank you Tammi for showing us how useful the weird stuff really is…
January 3, 2019 at 10:31 am
Kathy Price
Love your process….and both books sound delightful! Congrats on the new website!
January 3, 2019 at 10:32 am
Jim Chaize
Thanks, Tammi. I will watch more closely to the weird things that happen in my life.
January 3, 2019 at 10:33 am
Akula Harish
Tammi Sauer is my favorite writer and I’m excited to see this is (stuff that I expeerience) exactly how I get idea for stories! Hurrah!
January 3, 2019 at 10:34 am
Rebecca Colby
My life is filled with weirdness at the moment, so I’m going to embrace it and find the inspiration in it today. Thanks, and congrats, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:35 am
ptnozell
Love looking at, and thinking about, the weird stuff in life! Thanks to your prompt, idea 3 is in the bag!
January 3, 2019 at 10:36 am
thelmakat
I’m going to start embracing the off-center moments in my life!!! Thanks!!!
January 3, 2019 at 10:36 am
Megan Walvoord
Yay for weirdness! Great advice and I’m excited to think about three weird things that happen to me. (They probably will have to do with things my littles do or say.)
January 3, 2019 at 10:37 am
Darcee A Freier
Thanks for the idea! I wrote a wierd things list and now have at least one idea for a story. I love Storystorm!
January 3, 2019 at 10:38 am
Monica Harris
The funny thing is….weirdness is what connects us to each other because, seriously, who hasn’t had something strange happen to them?!
January 3, 2019 at 10:38 am
booksbygee
So many wonderfully weird things happen on a daily basis. Great advice. Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:39 am
Amy Harding
Weird is great inspiration! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:39 am
Lindsay Fiore
Great idea looking for the weird in every day life! Fortunately lots of weird things happen to me-lol! Thanks for advice and congrats on writing 25 books!
January 3, 2019 at 10:45 am
Louann Brown
I loved reading about specific instances that led to your books. How inspiring. You also pointed out that ideas may not come fully formed. (The bear who became a moose.) Thanks for your inspiring post.
January 3, 2019 at 10:48 am
Debbie Lodato
Love your idea of jotting down weird things that happen and building on it. With my life that could make for a lot of material 😀. Looking forward to reading your books.
January 3, 2019 at 10:48 am
Laurie Goodluck
Weird stuff… this was so FUN! I didn’t realize I had sooo many weird situations in my life. One, in particular, I am going to develop.
January 3, 2019 at 10:49 am
Jennifer G Prevost
Weird stuff is everywhere! I especially love the though of channeling annoyances into inspiration… that’ll make things much more Bear-able 🙂
Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:49 am
Cortney Benvenuto
Thinking of several weird things now! Thanks for the tips Tami! Congrats on your success!
January 3, 2019 at 10:52 am
Angie
Great inspiration! I usually get annoyed by weird stuff, though retelling to my husband is pretty fun. I need to take a different approach and look for those kernels of story fun. Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 10:53 am
Heather Stigall
Thanks for the prompt. Weird things happen all the time! And those things have given me story ideas. I’m going to generate some ideas right now.
January 3, 2019 at 10:56 am
heidikyates
I love the idea of finding inspiration in some of the weird things we encounter. Thank you for this wonderful post Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:56 am
Linda Mitchell
Oh! Weird stuff?! Not a problem. no problemo. Seriously, dude…..that’s a weird situation.
Basically, I got this covered. I work in a middle school! Love today’s post. Jama Kim Rattigan’s blog posts are just wonderful. Aren’t they? And, what great ideas there too!
January 3, 2019 at 10:57 am
Kimberly Bennett
Thank you for helping remember to think outside of the box. Wonderful post!
January 3, 2019 at 10:58 am
Amy Houts
Fun and funny! Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 10:59 am
Debra K Shumaker
LOVE this idea! Thanks for a great post!
January 3, 2019 at 11:00 am
Johnell DeWitt
I loved that commercial–it became one of my catch phrases back in the day. Great tips. Thank you.
January 3, 2019 at 11:04 am
Laura Jean Watters
Immediately a very weird day that happened almost 32 years ago popped into my head!
January 3, 2019 at 11:06 am
Danielle Dufayet
Weird can certainly be wonderful as a muse. I’m going to focus on weird today and hope something happens that is news-worthy. If not, I’m sure it will be a fun exercise. Congrats on all your fun and imaginative books!
January 3, 2019 at 11:06 am
Christina Shawn
Thanks! I can work with weird, for sure!
January 3, 2019 at 11:09 am
Susan Schade
Weird is funny! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2019 at 11:10 am
Mary Ann Cortez
Thank you, I just got a great (I hope) idea from reading this post!
January 3, 2019 at 11:10 am
laurameressa
So fun to hear the backstory for these two books!
January 3, 2019 at 11:11 am
Chambrae Griffith
I love this advice! I’m excited to be a weird watcher. Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2019 at 11:12 am
Maritza M. Mejía
I love this! “Celebrate the weird stuff in life.” Thank you, Tammi Sauer.
January 3, 2019 at 11:13 am
awritersdream41
Thanks Tammi for encouraging us to use the weird stuff as a springboard for ideas. I think I’m a “weird stuff” magnet.
January 3, 2019 at 11:13 am
Heather Crespin
Love it! Weird stuff happens to me all the time! Thanks for the idea!
January 3, 2019 at 11:14 am
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
Thanks, Tammi, for keeping it weird!
January 3, 2019 at 11:14 am
Laura Purdie Salas
You just inspired me to take a break from laughing about two embarrassing/funny things from the holidays this year and start spinning them in to picture books instead!
January 3, 2019 at 11:18 am
Sherry Howard
Thanks, Tammi! Love everything about this post. I also love that Tara mentioned how approachable you were when she started out! That means a lot!
January 3, 2019 at 11:19 am
Jodi Mckay
“The Weird” totally works for me so I’ll be tuning in, thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 11:25 am
Cheryl Malandrinos
This is awesome! Considering our family, finding the weird stuff shouldn’t be hard. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2019 at 11:25 am
Jane Dippold
I love your post! Finding the humor in weird things that happen in life is my favorite kind of story. 😊 Thank You!
January 3, 2019 at 11:26 am
Ryan Roberts
Weird stuff happens to me ALL the time, yet when asked to write it down… ??? Nothing comes to mind! Will start keeping track. thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 11:27 am
bevbaird
Love the weird and wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 11:28 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks Tammi! Weird is everywhere. Thanks for the nudge to see it as inspiration for stories!
January 3, 2019 at 11:29 am
Kimberly Marcus
Great post! Gotta let the weird in and out! 😀
January 3, 2019 at 11:31 am
Joanna Rowland
Yay for the weird and procrastination giving us ideas.
January 3, 2019 at 11:33 am
rjtraxel
Yes, I love how you drew from your experience but turned into so much more!
January 3, 2019 at 11:36 am
Jane Serpa
Thank you for reminding me to pay attention to what’s going on around me.
January 3, 2019 at 11:36 am
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
Let that weird flag fly! Yes!
January 3, 2019 at 11:37 am
paulabpuckett
Embrace the Weird. I love this! And I’m SO happy to see that there are so many of us who will. Thanks.
January 3, 2019 at 11:38 am
Charlotte Offsay
What a fun exercise! I love this!
January 3, 2019 at 11:38 am
Teresa Daffern
It’s the weird stuff that I love! Glad I’m not alone. Thank you also, for showing how valuable those moments of distraction and procrastination can be. Great post.
January 3, 2019 at 11:39 am
colleenrkosinski
IU’m always looking for the weird!
January 3, 2019 at 11:42 am
nancy s ferguson
This is so inspiring. I will try to not procrastinate…and enjoy distractions. All fodder for the creation.
January 3, 2019 at 11:43 am
annabrookswriter
I LOVE knowing the origin story for I Love Cake. One of my favorites! Thank you for the reminder to look for the weird.
January 3, 2019 at 11:43 am
Debra Daugherty
Thanks, Tammi, for reminding me that many great PB ideas come from the craziness in one’s life. Here’s to weird!
January 3, 2019 at 11:45 am
Pamela Harrison
I love the way you came up with your weird ideas. It’s time for me to think weird. Thanks for the tip, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 11:46 am
Cynthia Hawthorne
Tammi, you have a way of bringing adorable characters into the world. Congratulations.
January 3, 2019 at 11:48 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Here, here! It’s often those weird moments that have a fun element of surprise that’s just right for a story.
January 3, 2019 at 11:48 am
carolmunrojww
Weird is wonderful. Thanks for the post, Tammi. And Mr. Cougarpants? Great character name! Can’t wait to read that one.
January 3, 2019 at 11:49 am
authorlaurablog
Great ideas for inspiration. Weirdly, maybe I’m psychic, I had already recorded my idea for today which resembles your story of increasing frustration. Hopefully there’s room for more stories like this.
January 3, 2019 at 11:50 am
Tasha Hilderman
Yay for celebrating weird! Now to turn it in to something….
Thanks Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 11:52 am
Jacqueline Adams
Something weird happened the other day, and thanks to your post, it inspired today’s idea. Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 11:53 am
David Bernardy
Thanks Tammi,. I was at one of your great talks at the Carolinas SCBWI last year, I believe it was The Power of Three. I really got a lot out of it.
January 3, 2019 at 11:55 am
Susan Johnston
Happy New Year! I have a weird and funny thing that happened when we returned from our last vacation. Might be good fodder for a story!
January 3, 2019 at 11:55 am
Darlene Ivy
Weird is wonderful. Laughter is lovely!
January 3, 2019 at 11:56 am
Ingrid Boydston
I love your titles and the advice! Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 11:57 am
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Awesome post! Thank you. Onward… and embracing the weird…
January 3, 2019 at 11:57 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Writing down weird things that happen in my life? Got it!
January 3, 2019 at 11:57 am
jessicadunnagan
With five kids, there’s plenty of weird stuff happening around me. Thanks, Tammi, for the reminder to to look up and notice the craziness of everyday life!
January 3, 2019 at 11:59 am
Sensibility and Sense
Love this so much, Tammy! There’s plenty of weird around here, that’s for sure, so lots of fodder for great stories:) Thanks so much! Patti Richards
January 3, 2019 at 12:00 pm
lchardesty
Yay, Tammi! Great idea!
January 3, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Claire W Bobrow
Love this lemons to lemonade approach. Thanks for reminding us to celebrate the weird, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Debra Katz
I will on the lookout for weird stuff.
January 3, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for sharing the stories for some of your inspirations. Going for a walk today with an eye for the unusual.
January 3, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Jessica
Thank you, Tammi! I’m going on the hunt for the heart in weird moments. Congrats on the upcoming books!
January 3, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Stephanie Shaw
No shortage of weirdness in the world. Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Cindi Goodeaux
What a fantastic perspective!! Celebrate the weird!!
January 3, 2019 at 12:14 pm
Heather Thurmeier
Great brainstorming ideas! Thank you!!
January 3, 2019 at 12:14 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Tammi. You are so right. Those weird little moments definitely evolve into great story ideas.
January 3, 2019 at 12:16 pm
suumac
Tammi, so much weird stuff in life – big and small – thanks for this fabulous creative kickstarter!
January 3, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Katie Williams
I’ve got kids, weird stuff happens ALL the time–great idea for a prompt!
January 3, 2019 at 12:18 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Tammi. Those moments of weirdness are priceless inspirations.
January 3, 2019 at 12:18 pm
SuZan Klassen
Ooh. I can do procrastination very well.
January 3, 2019 at 12:20 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Weird is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Mary Jane Muir
Weird is a perfect idea. Thanks for this post Tammi. I will look for your books at my favorite book store.
January 3, 2019 at 12:24 pm
andreesantini
Ok, have a weird day everyone
January 3, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Stephanie Lau
I ALSO LOVE CAKE!
January 3, 2019 at 12:27 pm
betlw
I’ve had days like that. Tammi, what a great idea! I get weird stuff all the time and I’m too good at procrastination(a habit I must break). Thanks for the terrific ideas.
January 3, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
I chuckled at the thought of a bear in red underpants. Thanks for the great ideas.
January 3, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Poupette Smith
Loved Knock! Knock! Interesting to hear how it came about.
January 3, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Carlie Cornell
Weird is definitely in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the ideas about how to use it.
January 3, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Thanks for the advice and inspiration!!
January 3, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Jessica Potts
Great post! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Judy Cooper
Wow! One never knows where inspiration will come from. Thanks for sharing your experience with the inspiration behind these books.
January 3, 2019 at 12:38 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Love KNOCK KNOCK & so funny to hear how the idea originated!
January 3, 2019 at 12:39 pm
AliciaAlicia
I love the idea of celebrating the weird things in life!
January 3, 2019 at 12:41 pm
machiase
I loved this post! Great ideas!!
January 3, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
Thank you, Tammi (and Tara) for inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 12:45 pm
gcartee86452015
Weird stuff happens all the time, but who thinks about the positive? You do! Thanks for a great post.
January 3, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Cindy
Weird things DO happen…thanks for sharing your experience of how you gathered ideas for your picture books. And by the way, I love cake too!
January 3, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Kerry Trickett
Love it! Here’s to finding our weird! 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Nicole Turner
Thank you for your post. Time to start looking out for the weird things in life!
January 3, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Megan Cason
Amen to embracing the weird!! Inspiration always comes at the weirdest times!
January 3, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Lisa
Hooray for procrastination! Love that. Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 12:53 pm
aka Francis S. Poesy (@tcanny)
The last time I embraced the weird I ended up with a bleach blonde mohawk. But you’ve inspired me, Tammi, so I think I’ll risk embracing the weird again! Besides, I’m bald now, so how bad could it be? 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Love this! Something very interesting has recently happened to our family. Perhaps there’s a story in the weirdness.
January 3, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Margaret Gower
It’s true and never fails, we sit down to write and the interruptions start. And as long as we have a mind to write, they continue. Never thought of using them as fodder for a story. Something to ponder, after the confusion subsides. Thanks for the insight.
January 3, 2019 at 12:56 pm
jessica shaw
Thanks, Tammi! I’m looking forward to reading your latest *wonderfully weird* PBs! 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Sorry I don’t think my first comment went through. Thanks for sharing this. We just had some strange things happen in our family. Perhaps there’s a story in there!!!
January 3, 2019 at 12:58 pm
viviankirkfield
I’m such a fan of your books, Tammi…and I thank you for giving me permission to scroll through my FB feed instead of buckling down to write. Oh? What’s that you say? That wasn’t quite what you meant?
Seriously though…I love your suggestion to embrace the weird. Right now, I’m off to shovel snow off my driveway…I’ll bet there will be a snowpile full of story ideas out there.
January 3, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Laura Sassi
Love this WEIRD strategy! =)
January 3, 2019 at 1:01 pm
Cathy Ogren
Well, I certainly have a lot of weird things happen in my life. I need to take advantage of them and write. Right? Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Mary Nienow
Tammi, I love all your books and so do the students in my library. Me Want Pet is our favorite. Thanks for your post.
January 3, 2019 at 1:07 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Repurpose the weird? That I can do. Thanks, Tammi.
January 3, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Rita Goldner
I recently saw the same advice from Mira Reisberg,: different POV, I.e. A fly on the wall, unusual animals for protagonists, not the usual dog cat or mouse, odd or funny locations, one character speaking in rhyme etc.
January 3, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Susanne
Being weird is so much more interesting! Can’t wait to read Knock Knock.
January 3, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Paisley Schade
Thanks Tammi. Perspective can indeed change us and the world.
January 3, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Lisa Pavalon
Great idea; weird things constantly are happening to me. Time to take notice!
January 3, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Nancy Colle
Can’t wait to “celebrate annoying times”. (So many to choose from) A great post! Thank you:)
January 3, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Joann Howeth
I discovered you with Nugget and Fang and have loved “your” take on the world ever since. Thanks for the reminder that story ideas are everywhere.
January 3, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
I don’t need to celebrate the ‘weird’ in my life…’weird’ IS my life! Heck, that’s where half my inspiration comes from, already!
January 3, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Krista Maxwell
Love this strategy!
January 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm
bookfish1
Tammi, great advice. My first book was the result of a weird off the wall idea from my son. I also like how you incorporate the idea of “weird” into everyday stuff like distractions & procrastination. Thanks
January 3, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Michele Helsel
“Cake.” “What cake?” Love that! Your books coming out look fantastic! Can’t wait to read them! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 1:27 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
I have enough weird in my life. I should have LOTS of books…someday!
January 3, 2019 at 1:29 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Just think how many times I have thrown away “weird” story nuggets with grumbles or complaints! Thanks for sharing a new writing tool…and a valuable life lesson.
January 3, 2019 at 1:29 pm
karengreenwald2985
Great suggestion…I am going to look at “weird” in a whole new way!
January 3, 2019 at 1:35 pm
lauriesmollettkutscera
I’ve spent my whole life trying to “unweird” myself. Who knew??? Thank you for the inspiration! Congratulations on a marvelous career!
January 3, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Excellent post! So helpful! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Sue Frye
A very insightful post. Thanks for sharing, Tammy!
January 3, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
You are by far one of my favorite PB authors and I love reading your guest posts! They always seem to spark great ideas! Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 1:47 pm
petiteflower
Great ideas, thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Anna Levin
Thank you Tammy! Very encouraging post:)
January 3, 2019 at 1:49 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Gotta love the weird!
January 3, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Helen
Good idea, thanks Tammi
January 3, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks Tammi for your helpful post.
January 3, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Aimee Satterlee
I’m glad “weird” is good because I will have a lot to write about! Thanks Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
Tammy, you are one of my favorite authors! I enjoy reading your posts. Thank you for the idea generator. With 5 kids and 4 pets I have lots of weird things happen to me.
January 3, 2019 at 1:58 pm
Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed)
I love Tammi Sauer’s books. I wish I remembered where every one of my ideas came from. Must do better making notes during StoryStorm as a start!
January 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm
storyfairy
Great post. Weird things sure do happen to me! 😉
January 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Sherrilynn Scott
My sister forwarded the link to sign up for the StoryStorm Challenge. She wrote that if I was still going to write a book, this looked interesting. I’d never heard of this before but I am excited! I believe it will help motivate me to do something with the many journals of anecdotal stories I’ve written about my children growing up. I actually just had an idea as I’m writing this while looking at my son’s dog. 🙂 Thank you so much for the opportunity to win prizes at the end of the challenge also!
January 3, 2019 at 2:02 pm
James Arthur
I am weird so now I have hope…
January 3, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Sara Matson
Great reminder. Thank you! And I love that commercial–I yelled “Calgon, take me away!” in the middle of my Christmas dinner preparations the other day amid 10 family members asking me various questions at the same time. My nieces and nephews had no idea what I was referring to. 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 2:03 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Tammi! Here’s to mining the weird for writing gold!
January 3, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Love this post. Weird seems to have served you well, Tammi. I actually had something happen this morning that I probably can use. I say Weird Works Wonders for Writers.
January 3, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
That is a great story behind the KNOCK, KNOCK book. Your point is so true! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Amalia Reef
Yes! Thank you for this. Weird things do seem to follow us around…
January 3, 2019 at 2:10 pm
mariaordish
Weird is defintely a good thing….thanks Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 2:16 pm
matthewlasley
It is great to see where other people’s ideas come from and not just a strategy.
As a first grade teacher, I have weird things happen all the time. In fact, two of those I created into stories this last year and plan to begin pitching this month!
January 3, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Beth Schneider
Love Wordy Birdy! Looking forward to the next book 😊
January 3, 2019 at 2:19 pm
Robin Bailey
Love this post Tammi. Thank you! In my family of 6 a lot of weird happens so I’m excited to grab my story net and capture it. Love your work, too!
January 3, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Shereen
I’m such a fan! May 2019 be full of weird happenings for you so we have more delightful stories to read.
January 3, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Bethanny Parker
One weird trick for coming up with picture book ideas. 😉
January 3, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Elizabeth Steiner
I have 3 kids and 5 nieces/nephews …all under the age of 6…weird definitely happens!
January 3, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Kelly
Thanks, Tammi! I’ll definitely stop to smell the weird. And your website looks amazing!
January 3, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Debbie Meyer
You always put a fun twist to your weird experiences. 🙂 I love that.
January 3, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you for this post Tammi! Love reading your books aloud!
January 3, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Valarie Giogas
Way to spoil the ending of Knock, Knock, Tammi (Just kidding. I knew it from reading the book a few times). This poust gave me a brandy new idea. Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Rita
Great advice on being inspired by the oddball moments in life. Awesome seeds of inspiration are out there — we just have to pay attention.
January 3, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Roz Malin
Knock. Knock. Today is Festival of Sleep Day, and it’s time for a nap.
January 3, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Emily Patriquin
I loved reading those books to my kids!
January 3, 2019 at 2:37 pm
karammitchell
Tammi, you rule. As always. Now, I think I might go take a bath on this semi-snowy day. Thanks, lady!
January 3, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Arlene Schenker
love this idea. I just came up with 2 weird things. Working on a third-my life can’t be that boring!
January 3, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Lisa M Griffin (@LisaMGriffinArt)
keeping my eyes out for “weird stuff” 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Angie Isaacs
Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2019 at 2:39 pm
Lori Dubbin
Hooray for something annoying!
January 3, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Lauri Meyers
There’s so much weird available! Thank you Tammi.
January 3, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Trey Veazey
Life is all about the weird stuff.
January 3, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Debbi G
Great idea to capture all of the strange & unusual things that happen to us all. Just have to jot them down instead of being convinced I will remember them later…
January 3, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I love the idea … and I really appreciate your specific examples about how “weird things” have been the kernel of an idea for some of your books. I live in Portland, Oregon, and one of our unofficial mottos is “Keep Portland Weird,” so I’m thinking this post will be very applicable for me! Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Trey Hays
You make it sound so simple! I hope I can find it to be so simple too!
January 3, 2019 at 2:50 pm
LaurenKerstein
Excellent, idea stimulating post! And, I loved James Ward’s work!
January 3, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Lisa Billa
Distractions, procrastination, weirdness- ok, this could work, thanks! The website looks great, and I look forward to more Nugget and Fang.
January 3, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Tammi. Three cheers for weird things! Your blog post helped me find my story idea for today! Thank you so much!
January 3, 2019 at 2:51 pm
setwiggs
Weirdness I love it! Now to use it as inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Gretchen Haertsch
Great advice for generating ideas for fun picture books. I like how you urge us to just take the seed of the idea and run with it from there. There’s a danger in being too literal in following what “really happened” instead of letting our imaginations soar!
January 3, 2019 at 2:52 pm
leeanimator
Thanks so much for your inspirational article! I can’t wait to use ideas from all the weird stuff that happens at my house.
January 3, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Irene Grace
These are great inspirations! Thank you!
Love that bear & moose!
January 3, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Shannon McPherson
Lots of weird stuff in our house! 3 boys and 2 dogs!! Need I say more?
January 3, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Irene Grace
Love that bear & moose! Great ideas!
January 3, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Buffy Silverman
I love this celebration of weird! Of course how Tammi went from seed to story is the real trick….
January 3, 2019 at 3:03 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Some are born weird, some achieve weirdness, and some have weirdness thrust upon them!
Or all of the above! Thanks, Tammi, I’ll be looking for the weirdness!
January 3, 2019 at 3:03 pm
shiela Fuller
Distractions is my call name. lol Thank you for sharing your distractions, I know i’m not alone.
January 3, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Carolyne Ruck
I love what you do with your “weird stuff”! Amazing!
January 3, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
This is one of my favorite StoryStorm suggestions ever! It will be fun to think of weird things . . .
January 3, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
As a mom of toddlers and 2 cats, I have plenty of weird inspiration all around me 🙂 Love learning about the seeds of some of my favorite books! We just read Knock Knock this morning!
January 3, 2019 at 3:14 pm
mariagianferrari
Let the weirdness begin!! Thanks for all of your weird & wonderful books, Tammi 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Tracy Abell
Thank you for this suggestion, Tammi. I thought back to yesterday and remembered a “weird happening” that makes a solid premise. Woot!
January 3, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Antje
I love your stories and how you weave them from weird happenings… Great idea. Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Maria Marshall
Love hearing how the weird sparked the seed for your books. Great brainstorming idea. Thanks so much.
January 3, 2019 at 3:20 pm
K.A.Steed
I will start paying attention to the weird things. Thanks Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 3:20 pm
teacherwriteracker
My three year old telling me what to type in response is just the beginning of my weird. Excited to put it to good use 😃
January 3, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Anne Bromley
In praise of all that is weird! Thank you, Tammi. I love your books!
January 3, 2019 at 3:26 pm
jaclynsmiller
Weird is wonderful :).
January 3, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Josie Liming Gawlowski
Great ideas! Love your work, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Kath Carroll
Thanks, Tammi! Weird really is inspirational! Love hearing the backstory for Knock Knock!
January 3, 2019 at 3:33 pm
aliciaminor
Life is boring without weird things, don’t you think? So embrace the weirdness and enjoy it as much as writing a book about it. I like your titles…Happy new year!
January 3, 2019 at 3:34 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I love this weird stuff! And I love your books, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Sandra Sutter
Thank you for sharing this not-so-weird, but totally useful writing tip, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 3:40 pm
katrinamoorebooks
Weird stuff make wonderful story seeds. Thanks for the inspiration, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 3:41 pm
marty bellis
I am such a Tammi Sauer fan. Love your books and always find your advice super helpful. Thanks so much for giving some specific examples from your ‘real life.’ Will try to be grateful for any and all weird, annoying stuff from here on!!
January 3, 2019 at 3:51 pm
msvukidlit
A great prompt, Tammi. This one is a lot of fun!
January 3, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Tracey Brown
Thanks for sharing your inspiration, Tammi. Great idea to mine the weird and distracting stuff
January 3, 2019 at 4:02 pm
abi rayner
The weirder the better! I love Tammi’s ideas for generating stories!
January 3, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Ellen Sirianni
I always love your inspiring posts!
January 3, 2019 at 4:05 pm
ruthschubert
Love the idea of weird things in life. Or random things. Typos and autocorrect give me some of my favorites ☺️
January 3, 2019 at 4:17 pm
Katie B
Lol, I bet Knock, Knock is hilarious. I’ll have to look it up!
January 3, 2019 at 4:18 pm
authoraileenstewart
What a great idea Tammi. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 4:22 pm
martylgraham
Me! Me! I must find out what happens to Wordy Birdy! : )
January 3, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Deslie English
And who doesn’t have weird stuff happen? Thanks for this reminder to WRITE it down.
January 3, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Jennifer Hunt
I always love your insight and celebrating the weird is no exception! Thank you, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 4:34 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Tammi, for the weird tips and quirky examples. Congrats on the upcoming books 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Janet Smart
Thanks, Tammi. I have an idea!
January 3, 2019 at 4:45 pm
debbeauchamp
Thanks Tammi! I can definitely relate to weird 🙂 Great post!
January 3, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Maggie Brown
Love this! Reading it inspired one idea already! Being on the weirdness.
January 3, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Barbara Farr Renner
Lots of weird stuff happens to me too – I love your idea of using them to write stories. I must concentrate to make note of this weird stuff in Evernote on my phone or in the pad of paper I carry around in my purse.
January 3, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Sue Heavenrich
cool! I was wondering how you got inspired for your cake book…. So all those weird, random things can be put to use…. I love it when I’m fast-reading book titles on the library shelf and wind up with some weird mis-reads.
January 3, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Here’s to weird and where it might take me! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 4:59 pm
Colleen Dabney
Love your advice to play off the weird stuff that happens in life.
January 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm
dlapmandi
Love these ideas. Searching for the weird from this moment forward. Thanks for the post.
January 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Marcia Nass
Loving Weird.
January 3, 2019 at 5:01 pm
Danna York
Fun with Tammi, as always!!!
January 3, 2019 at 5:05 pm
C.L. Murphy
I adore your use of weird and word play, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Rebecca Herzog
What if my whole life is weird? Haha. I love the idea of mining this area for idea nuggets!
January 3, 2019 at 5:09 pm
kcareywrites
I love this idea! I’m prowling around for weird — shouldn’t be hard to find at all!
January 3, 2019 at 5:14 pm
triciacandy
Thank you for your post! Lots of weird in my life!
January 3, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Great idea to embrace the weird!
January 3, 2019 at 5:24 pm
carolynleillustrations
The image of the bear in red underpants is great! Embrace the strange.
January 3, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Carolyn Farina
Wonderful! Kids especially love the weird
January 3, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Kirsten Leestma (@missleestma)
Thank you! Same goes for weird places…glad I had my notebook today while I waited for an oil change.
January 3, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Connie L Van Horn
Wonderful ideas. Time to start thinking….
January 3, 2019 at 5:43 pm
Jennifer
Love the idea of finding inspiration in the weirdness of everyday life.
January 3, 2019 at 5:43 pm
lorisherritt
Hooray for weirdness! One of the books we begged our librarian to read when we were little was about a man who never did his dishes and ended up eating out of ashtrays before he finally gave in. The dirty dishes filled every nook and cranny in his house! It made us giggle.
January 3, 2019 at 5:44 pm
chiannevictoria
I’m good with wierd. Thanks for the tips, surely hey will inspire many awesome books to come!
January 3, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Trine Grillo
I will be on the lookout for the weirds. I am sure there are plenty right inside my own family.
January 3, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Janice Woods
Ahhh, the weirds! Great reminder to embrace them! Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 5:57 pm
Latasha Vernon
You’re right, Tammi. You have to learn how to look past those little annoyances. It’s like making lemonade out of lemons. Thanks for the insight.
January 3, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Stef Wade
With 3 young boys in my house, there’s weird everywhere. I don’t have to look too hard!
Also, my boys love Knock Knock!
January 3, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Mary McClellan
Tammi , you never fail to inspire us! Continued success to you!!
January 3, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Summer Quigley
Weird is wonderful! Thanks for the recommendation Tammi.
January 3, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Helen Matthews
Weird just got weirder!
January 3, 2019 at 6:11 pm
Bettie Boswell
Yay for weird stuff. Thank you for sharing this idea!
January 3, 2019 at 6:11 pm
J.D. Silverwood
Weird is in the eye of the beholder! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Kathy
I embrace weird! Thank you Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Ink Bottle Studio
Thanks for the good advice! We all have weird stuff to mine!
January 3, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Caren Cantrell
Thanks for the insight Tammi! Weird stuff happens to my husband almost daily. I’ll use him for inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Steve Schwartz
Thanks for your post. There’s no shortage of material to work with!
January 3, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Jocelyn Rish
My current WIP was inspired by a pic I saw on Twitter. Social media can be a time suck, but it can lead to great ideas. Just have to find the balance. 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 6:23 pm
cravevsworld
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 6:24 pm
Writer on the run
Thanks Tammi! So often I walk away from an experience and just categorize it in the weird pile, but now I can use it! Great post!
January 3, 2019 at 6:24 pm
saralakron
Thanks for another great prompt. I seem to be a fountain of weirdness.
January 3, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Kaye Baillie
Always great advice from Tammi. Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 6:42 pm
Karin Larson
Thank you so much for the great post and ideas, Tammi. Weird is so fun! Congrats on your books and new website. I’m looking forward to popping over to check it out.
January 3, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Lucretia
Hooray for inspirational weirdness! Thank you for reminding us to appreciate the writing potential in the odd occurrences in our lives.
January 3, 2019 at 6:45 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Life is full of weird; brilliant! Thank you for sharing!!
January 3, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Keila Dawson
Great tips Tammi. Big fan of your wonderful work!
January 3, 2019 at 6:49 pm
deborahholtwilliams
Let’s hear it for life’s weird little moments, which can lead to weird big ideas! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 6:52 pm
Amy DiMouro
My whole life is weird! Yay for a whole lot of inspiration!!! Thank you Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Thanks for sharing the inspiration behind some of your stories, and thanks for celebrating the weirdness in your life. It sounds like that has led to some of my favorite books. 🙂 Time to embrace the weird and wonderful!
January 3, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing. I like your ability to turn negative life events into positive story ideas.
January 3, 2019 at 7:04 pm
junesmalls
Love celebrating the weird and turning frustration into inspiration! Wonderful.!
January 3, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Tanya Shock
Love it! Thanks for sharing your examples! ❤
January 3, 2019 at 7:20 pm
Heather Gallagher
I love generating stories from weird stuff – lots of ideas here 😀
January 3, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Judy Palermo
Love this reminder — the weirder the better!
January 3, 2019 at 7:23 pm
writersideup
Tammi, you’re such s WEIRD-o 😉 And congrats on the new site! Flora did a great job 😀 I love how your characters appear on every page!
January 3, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Vicki Wilke
Thanks for your ideas, Tammi! I’m busy thinking of weird things!
January 3, 2019 at 7:36 pm
laura516
Thanks for the hands-on inspiration! Can’t wait for the Wordy Birdy sequel!
January 3, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Erik Ammon
Weirdness rocks, and I’m happy it works so well for you! Now to jot down some weird ideas…
January 3, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Sandy Foster
Thank you for the awesome, inspiring post! That Calgon slogan is a staple saying around our house! Lol.
January 3, 2019 at 7:52 pm
Jennifer
Great idea! I’m going to try this right now!
January 3, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Kellie
So many ideas right now (and I must ‘write now’). Tammi – I love your website too. Thank you for your inspiration.
January 3, 2019 at 8:00 pm
tanjabauerle
Hah! I love it. Celebrate the weird! Thank you for the push to embrace weirdness. Hugs. t
January 3, 2019 at 8:00 pm
LJ Laniewski
Thank you, Tammi! Love this! I so need a copy of Wordy Birdy. I can’t stop chanting it. ~Lori
January 3, 2019 at 8:03 pm
debbiemccue
Love how celebrating the weird resulted in two picture books. I can’t wait to read both of them! Thanks for your post.
January 3, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Amanda Herron
Thanks for this! Great post 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Rona Shirdan
Weird stuff abounds in my life! Thanks for the inspiration, Tammi. I should be able to come up with a lot of new ideas!
January 3, 2019 at 8:07 pm
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
HI Tammi, I love CARING FOR YOUR LION with Troy Cummings art. At first I thought that day you described with the Fed Ex truck arrival was inspiration for your lion story. So happy for you and for your readers that you are able to write full time. I’m sure your school visits are as wonderful as your books are. Thank you for the inspiration to start turning weird stuff that happens to us into picture book idea seeds.
January 3, 2019 at 8:10 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Such great ideas!
January 3, 2019 at 8:11 pm
milayaro
Weird is the spice of life. 😉
January 3, 2019 at 8:12 pm
Teresa Robeson
Tammi is prolific and hilarious! Can’t wait to try out this idea.
January 3, 2019 at 8:12 pm
Brooke Hollon
Tammi, I love the story of how your inspiration came about for your books. The exercise today was very helpful! Can’t wait to flesh out some of these fun ideas from today’s Story Storm exercise. Thank you for sharing!
January 3, 2019 at 8:17 pm
Tania Hebert
Never thought of that. I’ll have to start paying more attention to the weird things in my life and around me. Thanks!
January 3, 2019 at 8:17 pm
jeanjames926
Great post Tammi, thank you. I have always loved that Calgon commercial, and find myself saying “Calgon take me away” often. Congratulations on your 25th book!
January 3, 2019 at 8:22 pm
kathydoherty1
Great advice, Tammi! . . . I look forward to trying this out.
January 3, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Gabriele
Thanks, Tammi! Love your work and your writerly tips. Your 2018 post inspired my best idea of the year! I look forward to exploring all things weird in 2019.
January 3, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Thanks for you tips about how to take the Weird to Wonderful
January 3, 2019 at 8:42 pm
Ashley Bankhead
I love this post! Thank you for sharing where you got some of your ideas. I always welcome the weird and crazy. There usually is a story hidden in there somewhere. Thank you for the great reminder. I love your books!
January 3, 2019 at 8:47 pm
Juliann Caveny
Thanks for the post, Tammi! I found it inspiring to take the directive of actually list making today. I find that when I look back, my lists are so full of ideas!
January 3, 2019 at 8:47 pm
writeknit
Since my life is full of weird (all of which I fully embrace) I really loved the idea of embracing the craziness and running with it. Thanks for the encouragement and the opportunity to win a copy of your books!
January 3, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Mary Boehmer
Thank you for your post! Our school raises chickens, these books would be a great addition to our library!🐔
January 3, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Juliana Lee
Weird is good. Your new website looks promising too. Congratulations several years in arrears!
January 3, 2019 at 8:54 pm
paulastevenson7
Thanks for the heads up re weirdo stuff. My aim this year is to inject humor and the sense of the ridiculous so my antennae are tuned!
January 3, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Suzanne Poulter Harris
No shortage of weird happenings in my life. Will definitely tap into this resource for some StoryStorm ideas.
January 3, 2019 at 8:57 pm
Violet Charleston
Celebrate the weird stuff! Now this is up my alley.
January 3, 2019 at 8:59 pm
Liz
This is so helpful lovely ideas
January 3, 2019 at 9:02 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
YES! There have been times that life has become so hectic that my husband and I just laugh and say, “This has got to be good material for a book one day!” I need to start writing these things down! LOL.
January 3, 2019 at 9:05 pm
deniseaengle
What a great idea!! Thank you!!
January 3, 2019 at 9:12 pm
Jen Fier Jasinski
I love reading your books and enjoyed hearing the catalyst behind some of them. Thanks for the encouragement to celebrate the weird!
January 3, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Cinzia V.
Thanks for the advice – put it in practice today!
January 3, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Michele
Such a good reminder ! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Eileen Meyer
I love that WEIRD STUFF is a source for inspiration – it’s all about looking at things in a new way. Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Nancy Riley
Well my mother always told me I attracted the weird and odd, so now I just need to channel that! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 9:30 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
Many great ideas here – as I was showing this to my students as inspiration to create their own ideas, I came up with three of my own!
January 3, 2019 at 9:31 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
TAMMI: I TOTALLY agree with you that we MUST celebrate the weirdness in our lives. Weirdness is definitely KEY in interesting readers–both young and old. THANK YOU for the inspiration! I have TRULY ENJOYED and been uplifted by your blog posts of Storystorm’s past. I LOVE your work!!!
January 3, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutierrez
Thanks for sharing some of the weird things that inspire you! Can’t wait to turn some of the weirdness in my life into stories! 😉
January 3, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Beth Stilborn
This is great, Tammi! And sounds like so much FUN! *puts weirdness thinking cap on* (A weirdness thinking cap looks, well, pretty weird.)
January 3, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Weird is wonderful and so are your books, Tammi!
You are an inspiration!!
January 3, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Kath McGreechan
I love Ms. Sauer’s books and its such a pleasure to read some of her writing advice.
January 3, 2019 at 9:43 pm
Susan Burd
Tammi-thanks for sharing your inspiration! This is kind of how I think, too!
January 3, 2019 at 9:49 pm
Amanda Davis
Embrace the weird! Love it! Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 9:51 pm
Amy Flynn
Nothing is weirder than my children. Perfect inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 9:55 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for the tip! I will look at my (weird) life through a new (weird) lens.
January 3, 2019 at 9:58 pm
lindaschueler
Weird stuff happens to me all the time…Now I just need to see how I can turn my experiences into stories…
January 3, 2019 at 10:14 pm
picturebookplaydate
Love reading any gems Tammi is willing to share and this was no exception! Thank you!
January 3, 2019 at 10:17 pm
saputnam
Great post, Tammi! Thank you for giving us a behind the scenes peek at how “Knock, Knock” and “I Love Cake” came about. You have given us permission to embrace the weird in order to inspire our own writing. Ideas are everywhere … here’s to the weird in our lives!!
January 3, 2019 at 10:32 pm
Traci Osborn
Love how you take relatable, everyday moments and create relatable, extraordinary books!
January 3, 2019 at 10:38 pm
missmaryliberry
Thanks, Tammi! Celebrate weird! – Mary Kuehner
January 3, 2019 at 10:46 pm
Sara A
Great post and love the website 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 10:47 pm
seschipper
Great post!!! Weird is all around, everyday in my world!!! I will certainly attempt to put the “world of weird” to work!!! Love your stories!!! 🙂
January 3, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Susan Tuggy
I resolve to tap into the wonderful world of weird. Thanks, Tammi!
January 3, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Sylvia Grech
Thank you Tammi for giving ideas on how to find inspiration!
January 3, 2019 at 10:56 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
My life—weird? I thought it was normal! I find inspiration for weird things in morning Twitter feeds too.
January 3, 2019 at 10:57 pm
Rebekah Lowell
I love the idea of using circumstances that are out of your control to inspire ideas that are in your control. Wonderful!
January 3, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Aurora K
Tammi, thank you for the advice to embrace the weird. I love the cover for Wordy Birdy Meets Mr. Cougarpants.
January 3, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Chelle Martin
Really cute ideas for books. Especially love the bird books. Hoping to write one or two based on a family pet and some wild birds that have been visiting our yard for awhile.
January 3, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Tammi for the focus on weird!
Inspiring!!
January 3, 2019 at 11:29 pm
A. P. Alessandri
This is a great idea!! Thanks for sharing!!
January 3, 2019 at 11:33 pm
Chris M. Regier
Keep picture books weird. Yay!
January 3, 2019 at 11:40 pm
8catpaws
Today I saw WEIRD animals on a little girl’s outfit. What were they doing there? Hmmm…
January 3, 2019 at 11:56 pm
shannonstocker
I know procrastination well! I just need to treat it with a more creative eye, apparently. Thanks for the tips. 😉
January 3, 2019 at 11:57 pm
Della Ross Ferreri
Thanks for the validation of all things weird,Tammi!
January 4, 2019 at 12:01 am
Peter Dargatz
I love weird. 🙂
January 4, 2019 at 12:02 am
taotalley
My life is a goldmine of weird stuff so this one is an easy list for me. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2019 at 12:06 am
Carole Calladine
I like weird. thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2019 at 12:08 am
Lisa Murphy
LOVE THIS!!!!! I am ALL FOR embracing the weird in my life! I’ll be doing it a lot more from now on 🙂 Thanks Tammi! Good luck with your upcoming releases xx
January 4, 2019 at 12:17 am
Erika Henkart
I love, love this! My favorite thing is to hear authors tell where stories began! Thanks and congratulations on all your success!
January 4, 2019 at 12:28 am
doreenrobinson
Thanks for sharing your “weird” words of wisdom, Tammi!
January 4, 2019 at 12:28 am
DB Cote
I liked your advice that the “idea should just serve as the seed for a story rather than a factual recount.” Thank you.
January 4, 2019 at 12:37 am
Michelle Kogan Art, Illustration, & Writing
What a fantastic post Tammi, I loved every weird thing about it–especially your Calgon lady in the bath who gave me shivers of delight! Great story– generating prompt too. Thanks Tara for sharing Tammi with us.
January 4, 2019 at 12:40 am
Emily Lim-Leh
Love how your books ideas sparked off! Going for weird this week :).
January 4, 2019 at 12:41 am
Stephen S. Martin
wow, that is so weird that i didn’t think of that!
January 4, 2019 at 12:42 am
susanzonca
This should be easy for me because weird things happen to me all the time.
January 4, 2019 at 12:42 am
Jill M Proctor
Now you’ve got me thinking. I do love weird! Thanks! Your new books look darling.
January 4, 2019 at 12:44 am
denitajohnson
Thanks and congratulations on your new site. I will see the weird things of life differently now.
January 4, 2019 at 12:50 am
denitajohnson
Thank you and congratulations on your new site. I will see all my weirdness differently now.
January 4, 2019 at 12:58 am
Patrese Fischer
I’m going to have a new appreciation for life’s little hiccups. :). Thanks for sharing and huge congrats on 25 books published with more on the way – very inspiring!!
January 4, 2019 at 12:59 am
kimgjolly
I would love to win your books! I can remember some very “weird” stuff from my life – involving wildlife in particular – Mountain lions, Wild Horses, and Bears in Nevada were a few animals I posed for selfies with since I worked for a Wildlife agency for nearly a decade. Ha!
January 4, 2019 at 1:13 am
Jennifer Bush
Weird is the spice of life, second only to garlic salt, which technically isn’t even a spice, it’s just that good.
January 4, 2019 at 1:16 am
Garnett Natasha
Congratulations, Tammi, on the two new books. I am hoping that I might get weirdly lucky and win one!
January 4, 2019 at 1:19 am
Teresa Klepinger
I love weird! Thanks!
January 4, 2019 at 1:29 am
Nicole Vuong
Great ideas, thank you!
January 4, 2019 at 1:33 am
writeremmcbride
Your post is very encouraging, Tammi – kind of like accepting the grace within the life we already lead. Thank you!
January 4, 2019 at 1:42 am
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
Great idea! Plenty of weird stuff happens around my house!
January 4, 2019 at 1:49 am
fireurchin
That bear in red underwear? My son! LOL, really.. when he was young- but too old to have magical thinking… had cake all over his face, crumbs around, and said this to his grandmother. OH MY! The things that happen when we transform into bears.
Glad to read this today. I get a bit irritated hearing from so many people how things should be more normal to protect kids, etc and bla bla blah!
Weird or unique, all very interesting to notice what stands out and love it somehow.
bonnie fireUrchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 4, 2019 at 2:08 am
Denise
Oh i love this! The ideas came. pouring out!
January 4, 2019 at 2:23 am
Jamie L. B. Deenihan
Congrats on 25 books and I’m sure there’s plenty more on the way! I love hearing about where your ideas came from and will happily embrace the weirdness all around me. Great advice. Thanks, Tammi!
January 4, 2019 at 3:55 am
percyandcat
Tammi, thank you for this great article. You are right weird stuff happens all the time and it does not have to be to us all the time. I have witnessed some pretty weird things happening to others when I am out. Congrats on your new books.
January 4, 2019 at 4:47 am
Jo Jo
Thank you Tammi for great tips on weird!
January 4, 2019 at 4:57 am
Margaret Flint Suter
Wow! Weird, procrastination and interruptions…my autobiography! Loved this article Tammi, thank you!
January 4, 2019 at 5:29 am
Artelle Lenthall
What a great idea! Thanks Tammi 😊
January 4, 2019 at 5:32 am
Mel Copeman
Love how you went from random disturbances to a knock knock book and a bear to a moose. Really flips the idea on its head, which I need to do more of!
January 4, 2019 at 5:42 am
debobrienbookscom
This article was inspiration for generating new PB ideas. Thank you, Tammi.
January 4, 2019 at 6:22 am
Debra Tidball
You’ve got me thinking now – thanks!
January 4, 2019 at 7:01 am
Victoria Winifred
What a great strategy! Thanks!
(But that group text…argh!!! 🤯)
January 4, 2019 at 7:19 am
Jessica Nims
Yay for the odd things in life!
January 4, 2019 at 7:26 am
freda lewkowicz
Super strategy! Thank you.
January 4, 2019 at 8:02 am
naturewalkwithgod
Wonderful suggestions in your post. Now “watching” for the weird things in my life. LOL! — Kim
January 4, 2019 at 8:22 am
R.J. Koehn
As always Tammi, I love hearing about your weird experiences! Getting some ideas already!
January 4, 2019 at 8:23 am
Nina Johnson
Tammi, thanks for that insight. Weird things happen all the time and I can use them as ideas. Wonderful concept.
January 4, 2019 at 8:41 am
sarahheturadny
Okay, I’ll think of WEIRD STUFF on my way to and from work today and see what sort of story sparkers I come up with! Thank you, Tammi!
January 4, 2019 at 9:08 am
Monica Stoltzfus
Thank you so much, Tammi! Love the weirdest things… 💓🤪
January 4, 2019 at 9:17 am
Elizabeth Metz
Ack! As soon as I’m told to think about what’s weird in my world, all ability to remember things leaves me. I think this is one I’ll have to file in the back of my mind and forget about for the moment in order to eventually use it as an idea generator. 🙂
January 4, 2019 at 9:24 am
Lisa L Furness
I love that you scroll the FB feed too so I’m going to start looking for the “weird” to inspire me there!
January 4, 2019 at 9:33 am
mlflannigan
Thanks for sharing – on a hunt for my own bear in red underwear 🙂
January 4, 2019 at 9:36 am
Tiffany Painter
I’ll be watching for weird when school starts next week. I know my third graders will have plenty of weird to share with me.
January 4, 2019 at 9:47 am
Annie Cronin Romano
Thanks for sharing what sparks your inspiration, Tammi!
January 4, 2019 at 9:48 am
Robin Robb-Kraus
Love your story seed idea coming from real life unusual!! So fun to make the connection to something else! Also, I see great application in the classroom to open up discussion with students about how the character feels! Thank you for the inspiration!!
January 4, 2019 at 9:48 am
Shel ledrew
Great idea.
January 4, 2019 at 10:34 am
Anne Bielby
Some say “weird” like that’s a bad thing…Nope!
January 4, 2019 at 11:11 am
Linda Bozzo
I love the idea of just saying how “weird” something is to build it into a story. Weird stuff happens all the time!
January 4, 2019 at 11:19 am
Laurie Bouck
Kids love weird stuff, so this is a great tip! Thanks for sharing! 😀
January 4, 2019 at 11:23 am
Laura Hancock
Great writing tips.
January 4, 2019 at 11:59 am
rachelnrosenthal
Great tips, Tammi! Thank you!
January 4, 2019 at 12:03 pm
melissamiles1
This is great! I have weird stuff happen to me all the time. Probably because I spend everyday with kids and/or elderly people. They both provide lots of story fodder. 🙂
January 4, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Anita Palmeri Overgaard
No shortage of weird here! Now I have to mine the weird for story ideas. Thank you for this suggestion!
January 4, 2019 at 12:35 pm
hdening
Yay for weird! So much to celebrate….so many gems! Thanks, Tammi.
January 4, 2019 at 12:37 pm
wyszguy
Yea for weird!!!!
January 4, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Christine Pinto
Hurray for weird stuff! I’ll never be short of material. Thanks!
January 4, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Oh dear! There’s so much weirdness in my life *don’t say it!* I don’t even know where to begin cuz it all feels so normal! Thanks, Tammi, for sharing your inspiration with us! Happy storming!
January 4, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Pamela Miller
In turmoil, your spirit found comedy and joy. Thank you for the writing prompt.
January 4, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Celebrate the unique, outlandish, and weird events in life. Thank you, Tammi.
Suzy Leopold
January 4, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Meghan Daniels
Oh I love the weird stuff!!
January 4, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Sheryl Murray
Thanks, Tammi! Your post hits close to home (well, my hometown of Portland, Oregon) where my wacky city’s unofficial slogan is “Keep Portland Weird”…I’ll do my best to capture that spirit.
January 4, 2019 at 1:47 pm
bgonsar
Great post Tammi.
January 4, 2019 at 1:50 pm
Kelly Ohlert
Thank you! Great suggestions for drawing inspiration!
January 4, 2019 at 1:57 pm
alishagabriel
I read this post while sitting in a waiting room, and now I have my idea for the day! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Kristin Wauson
Love this idea of mining the weird for book ideas. Surely there is a lot to work with there for most of us. 😂 Thanks for the inspiring post!
January 4, 2019 at 2:22 pm
moviemommie
Of course considering our real world experiences matter! And thanks for pointing out how our adult experiences can still be relevant when we write for kids!
Jenna
January 4, 2019 at 2:35 pm
mginsberg10
Tammi, thanks for this inspiring post. You never run out of great ideas!
January 4, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Marcie Rinka Wessels
You always have such solid advice, Tammi. Off to embrace my weird.
January 4, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the ideas! Speaking of procrastinating, I got lost in the rabbit hole of James Ward’s art! I love it!
January 4, 2019 at 2:52 pm
marsha e wright
Thanks, Tammi! Weird stuff is the spice of life and the spark of stories. You’ve spurred us on to do lots of fun brainstorming as we live each day. Your idea reminds us that most of the best storytelling comes from life.
January 4, 2019 at 3:05 pm
writeforapples1
I love this! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
January 4, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Knock Knock was a hit in our house. The weird everyday is why I keep a notebook with me!
January 4, 2019 at 3:11 pm
aturner513
I’m pretty weird myself so hopefully the weirdness and ideas will flow!
January 4, 2019 at 3:25 pm
Sarah Momo Romero
Cheers to the weird stuff! 🙂
January 4, 2019 at 3:25 pm
Norma
Thanks for sharing this info. I have lots of weird events to choose from!
January 4, 2019 at 3:28 pm
wpdrey
So much weird material to chose from! 😉
January 4, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
Yay, another wordy birdy book coming out! we have the first one already
January 4, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Carrie Finison
It wouldn’t be Storystorm without an inspiring post by Tammi Sauer! Thanks for 10 years of inspiration!
January 4, 2019 at 4:12 pm
Meena
Go crazy! – thanks for the tip, Tammy.
January 4, 2019 at 4:20 pm
jenabenton
LOL! I was called weird a lot as a kid and told I’m offbeat. I’m now trying to think of something that ISN’T weird! LOL!
January 4, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I am now starting an endlessly weird list of things that have happened to me. Had no idea my life was this weird. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Kini
I live in weird, so this is perfect for me. I enjoyed the tips and used it for freewriting this morning. I also enjoyed some of your books on Youtube. Thanks so much and congratulations on all your success.
January 4, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Maria Bostian
Weird things happen to me and my family all the time. Gonna start writing all those things down. Thanks for the great inspiration. Can’t wait to read the next Wordy Birdie!
January 4, 2019 at 6:03 pm
pjaegly
Tammi, what a wonderful way to take what annoys us and turn it into something wonderful! Thank you!
January 4, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Jackie Kruzie
embrace the weird!
January 4, 2019 at 6:50 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for your quirky ideas for writing pbs. I am inspired.
January 4, 2019 at 6:55 pm
missjamielynnschultz
Love it! I just brain stormed a list of the weird and got totally inspired for a new piece so THANK YOU! 🙂 I will definitely be revisiting this technique in the future when I’m feeling stuck.
January 4, 2019 at 8:02 pm
Rani Iyer
Tammi, you make writing fiction sound easy! Thank you!
January 4, 2019 at 8:26 pm
Laurie L. Warchol
Thank you for sharing how you come up with story ideas from life’s little quirks and annoyances. Love your books.
January 4, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Val McCammon
Love the idea of using the “weird” in life as the nugget that becomes a solid PB! Thanks, Tammi.
January 4, 2019 at 9:06 pm
denarose
Thanks for the ideas and encouragement! I’m going to start keeping a list of weird things that I notice or that happen to me!
January 4, 2019 at 9:23 pm
Ashley Franklin
Celebrate the weird, huh? Finally, my time has come.
January 4, 2019 at 9:43 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Love this idea of celebrating the weird stuff! I’m ready!
January 4, 2019 at 10:58 pm
danesusawwii
I will keep my eyes open for weirdness.
January 4, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Leah Coleman
Weird is relative (and inspiring)! Thanks!
January 4, 2019 at 11:07 pm
Jabeen Chawdhry
Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2019 at 11:10 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
Thanks for sharing. I’ll start paying attention to the weird stuff. Certainly, have plenty of that happening.
January 4, 2019 at 11:25 pm
julielacombeauthor
I get a ton of weird ideas teaching middle school! LOL! (I love Wordy Birdy! Cant wait for #2!)
January 5, 2019 at 12:05 am
Melissa Koosmann
Thanks. I love weirdness too!
January 5, 2019 at 12:20 am
martina.franklin.poole
I love the work of James Ward! What a great inspiration!
January 5, 2019 at 12:45 am
Patricia Toht
I haven’t met a Tammi Sauer book I don’t love! You always offer great ideas for inspiration. Thanks, Tammi.
January 5, 2019 at 12:48 am
rgstones
Thanks, Tammi! I’m surrounded by weird (and weirdos) so this should be fun. 🙂
January 5, 2019 at 12:51 am
Beth Stewart
A few years ago, five cows randomly showing up in my yard. At the time I thought, I know there is a story there. Need to revisit some ideas that sprang to mind then.
January 5, 2019 at 1:42 am
Kelley Poe
Thanks for the weirdness inspirations!
January 5, 2019 at 1:45 am
Jill
Embrace the weird! Thanks!
January 5, 2019 at 6:28 am
Mardi Edwards
Writing the weird things is an inspiration.
January 5, 2019 at 6:43 am
MD Knabb
A brilliant, fun way to get ideas, Tammi. Your books are amazing and I loved hearing the inspiration behind them.
January 5, 2019 at 7:20 am
Kathryn E Kass
Great Post. Thanks!
January 5, 2019 at 9:46 am
Juliana Jones
Lots of weird things have happened to me and now I know what to do with them! Thanks for the post.
January 5, 2019 at 10:01 am
learningtobemomsite
Wordy Birdy is a favorite.
January 5, 2019 at 10:11 am
Cindy Faughnan
I love seeing where your ideas came from!
January 5, 2019 at 10:29 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Tammi, I so agree. It is those weird things in life that make the greatest stories. Thanks for the inspiration and examples!
January 5, 2019 at 10:32 am
Laura Rackham
How could that bear not inspire?😁
January 5, 2019 at 10:58 am
Laura M Perdew
I’ve been a fan for a long time (both as a mom and an author!), and use your books as mentor texts. I’ll be on the lookout for weirdness!
January 5, 2019 at 11:34 am
nrompella
Your books look adorable! Thanks for the great idea! But can I really write a book about always finding a hair in my food at restaurants??
January 5, 2019 at 11:46 am
Joyce
Great ideas! Thanks.
January 5, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
This should be a fun exercise since I ride public transportation!
January 5, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Kris Wrucke
I’ll be sure to look for the ‘fun’ in all my disfunction! Lol! Thanks for the insight!
January 5, 2019 at 1:03 pm
rindabeach
Thank you for giving me 2 ideas. I was reading Wordy Birdy and the title Mary had a little glam. Thank you!
January 5, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Lynne Marie
I am a huge fan of “The Story Behind the Story,” and so enjoyed hearing these! Thank you so very much for sharing and offering copies of these wonderful books.
January 5, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Life IS weird! Great idea!
January 5, 2019 at 1:57 pm
topangamaria
PLENTY of WEIRD here to work with = GOOD idea
January 5, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Lou
Hooray for weird!
January 5, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Nora Fry
Definitely fun to look for the odd and find the awesomeness
January 5, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
Weird is wonderful!
January 5, 2019 at 4:08 pm
doreenbuchinski
I love this! And love weird!
What is so weird, is that I recently illustrated Jane Sutton’s new edition of Me and the Weirdos! Ha, ha!
Weird is Wonderful!
Doreen Buchinski 🙂
January 5, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Kathy O'Neill
I love your idea to notice the odd and weird in our lives as potential stories.
January 5, 2019 at 6:21 pm
catpledger
I love the idea of looking for the weird. I think work might become my inspiration 🙂
January 5, 2019 at 8:27 pm
Tamawi
Embrace the weird!
January 5, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Everett Shearer
I didn’t even know if there was even any weird things until that. -Everett, age 8
January 5, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Lucy Staugler
Tammi,
I love how your brain works and your sense of humor!! Celebrate the weird. OH, YES!
January 5, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Sullivan Shearer
I came up with a really funny idea for a new book. It’s hysterical. -Sullivan, age 5
January 5, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Amelia Shearer
This is brilliant. 🙂 I knew being in a weird family would come in handy some day! We had a lot of fun tonight sitting around thinking of weird things we’ve experienced, seen, or done recently, to be ‘seeds’ of new story ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 5, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Deb Cushman
My favorite picture books are those that are…well…er…a little weird!
January 5, 2019 at 9:33 pm
Janine Johns
Thanks for the reminder to celebrate and write about the weird stuff in my life. I will never run out of ideas!
January 5, 2019 at 9:37 pm
Myrna Foster
I love this! Thank you, Tammi!
January 5, 2019 at 10:45 pm
dew
Wonderful weirdness!
January 5, 2019 at 11:04 pm
tiffanydickinson
And this is what makes your books so engaging and entertaining. Welcome weirdness. Thanks!
January 5, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for sharing your ideas in weirdness that turned into books!
Congrats on your 25!
January 5, 2019 at 11:55 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh I new this would be a fantastic post – it’s Tammi Sauer, after all! I’m going to not only harvest ideas from weird things in my own life, but from friends and family too! Thank you Tammi!!
January 6, 2019 at 12:30 am
Terri Sabol
Celebrate the weird. Love it! Thanks!
January 6, 2019 at 12:51 am
Julia Dworschack
This is great! My life is MOSTLY WEIRD!! (Ask my family and friends😂)
Thx
January 6, 2019 at 10:20 am
cantsing1
Fantastically weird! Thanks. Uh oh!
January 6, 2019 at 1:20 am
Lori Alexander
Thinking weird! Thanks, Tammi 🙂
January 6, 2019 at 9:31 am
Nadine Poper
I just received a box of my childhood photos that I haven’t seen in 30 years. Yeah…lots of weird ideas ready to explode! Thanks Tammi.
January 6, 2019 at 10:22 am
Jen Kraar
Often the weird becomes everyday – thanks for the inspiration to keep a look out.
January 6, 2019 at 10:39 am
firstbookscape
I keep thinking I need to come up with something about hateful geese. We’ve got em here…. all year round.
January 6, 2019 at 11:00 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Thanks for sharing, Tammi!
January 6, 2019 at 11:18 am
Clare Juliet Clare Bell
Thanks for the reminder. It’s a great idea x
January 6, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Sarah Noble
The weird is all around us, and definitely serves as a starting point for picture book ideas. Great post!
January 6, 2019 at 1:46 pm
krbatti
Thanks for the reminder to take note of what we experience and the routines we are accustomed to.
January 6, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Vicky Howard
Great suggestion. Sometimes our lives can seem MORE weird than ordinary!
January 6, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Mark Ceilley
I loved hearing how your weird ideas gave you the inspiration to write your books.
January 6, 2019 at 3:38 pm
Sarah John
Great ideas!
January 6, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Rhonda Whitaker
Ready to wallow in the weird!
January 6, 2019 at 5:11 pm
Brittney Kauffman
I have plenty of weird things that happen to me, I never thought to turn one into a story idea!
January 6, 2019 at 5:33 pm
vijikc
I think I need to tune into the weird things that happen in my life. Thank you!
January 6, 2019 at 8:16 pm
pattyjcooper
I like how you took what would typically be classified as a “negative” experience and turned it into something to be explored and even curious about. Thanks for inviting me to celebrate the every day “weird”!
January 6, 2019 at 8:27 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great advise. Eyes open day (and maybe night too?) thank you!!
January 6, 2019 at 9:09 pm
Robin Perkins
Agreed. Weird equals interesting.
January 6, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Diana Calio
Lol – I still think of that Calgon commercial when life gets crazy! But now, after reading your post, I’ll be wanting to jot the scenario in my notebook instead of wishing for a bubblebath…! Thanks, Tammi 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 3:23 am
Michelle Sumovich
So good! Looking forward to re-categorizing annoying and frustrating situations as weird! 5 stars!
January 7, 2019 at 7:16 am
Meli Glickman
What weird and wonderful words of wisdom! Love it! Many thanks for sharing!
January 7, 2019 at 9:08 am
Therese Kay
Too bad nothing weird ever happens to me! 🤣
January 7, 2019 at 10:12 am
Lynn Baldwin
Another great idea! Who doesn’t experience weirdness every day??
January 7, 2019 at 10:30 am
Vicky Ford
The wonder of weirdness. This has gotten me to rethink those ‘annoying’ moments and the bizarre-ness of life and turn them into stories. Great post.
January 7, 2019 at 10:52 am
Angela De Groot
The weird and the wonderful!
January 7, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Shawna J Tenney
I love it! I’m going to go write down some weird things in my life!
January 7, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Margaret Greanias
I am such a fan. Thanks for the tip!
January 7, 2019 at 1:06 pm
Sandra Ekstrom
Wonderful ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Anna E. Jordan
Weird and wonderful. I love how you flesh out the initial idea so it isn’t “slight.”
January 7, 2019 at 2:27 pm
Kathryn Jean Hagen
Great ideas, Tammi. I will start jotting weird happenings immediately!
Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 3:37 pm
CindyC
Thanks Tammi! It’s always great hearing the origin stories of your stories.
Cindy
January 7, 2019 at 3:38 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing the information again.
January 7, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Sue Niemann
Thank you so much!
January 7, 2019 at 9:26 pm
kmajor2013
Great post, Tammi! I have several story ideas from previous StoryStorms that came from weird things. Time to get weird again.
January 7, 2019 at 10:09 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Tammi–great ideas!
January 7, 2019 at 10:35 pm
Lydia Lukidis
I Love the simplicity if this.And, I Love cake too!
January 8, 2019 at 12:29 am
Cindy E. Owens
I loved this article. I guess being “weird” does have its benefits! 🙂
January 8, 2019 at 2:26 am
thesheilster
What great ideas! Weird stuff happens to
me all the time.
January 8, 2019 at 2:31 am
thesheilster
Love your ideas. Weird stuff happens to me all the time.
January 8, 2019 at 2:35 am
thesheilster
Great ideas! Weird stuff happens to me all the time.
January 8, 2019 at 10:07 am
Helena
That’s so true, weird things keep happening all the time so why not use them for inspiration. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Jay
Thinking weird thoughts! Thank you.
January 8, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Sara Fajardo
Celebrating the weird. Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 12:15 pm
joyceschr
Weird is wonderful! Will watch and write weird stuff. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Carrie Kruck
With two kids running around my house there’s no shortage of “weird” to mine! Thanks for the reminder!
January 8, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Sandy Perlic
I love Tammi Sauer’s books, and her “weird” ideas. I’ll have to notice more of the weirdness in my own life.
January 8, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Anne Appert
I love this idea for mining ideas. Can’t wait to put it into practice!
January 8, 2019 at 5:43 pm
Diane Tulloch
Love that about ideas being in the most obvious of our every day life… weird or otherwise. Thanks Tammi.
January 8, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Noelle McBride
This is my favorite way to get ideas as well! As a reading interventionist, many wacky ideas fall into my lap from things students say and do!
January 8, 2019 at 7:50 pm
kjerstenhayes
The more picture books with weird stuff, the better! Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 8:14 pm
Christine Irvin
Yes, you just never know where those weird moments might take you.
January 8, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Kyle McBride
I will pay attention to the weird.
January 8, 2019 at 8:29 pm
jennagrodzicki
Weird things make for the best inspiration! Thanks for this post.
January 8, 2019 at 10:49 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I love weird – I’ll start paying more attention from now on!
January 8, 2019 at 11:08 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Tammi. Love your ability to turn weird into hysterical books.
January 8, 2019 at 11:14 pm
CeCeLibrarian
Weird and strange things happen every day. I’ll have to remember to take note. Some though I will never forget.
January 9, 2019 at 2:43 am
sruble
Great post, Tammi! Weird stuff and procrastination are two of my favorite things! Combine them with dreaming up picture books, and it’s perfect for a creative storm of story ideas.
January 9, 2019 at 5:01 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thank you so much for another amazing post, Tammi. Weird things happen to me all the time. Plus, my daughter says I’m weird, so I should have tons of material. 🙂
I already came up with one Storystorm idea thanks to my list and can’t wait to brainstorm even more.
I hopped over to your website and it’s amazing! Flora did an incredible job.
January 9, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
Such great advice! Nothing better than the weird to inspire. Thank you for this Tammi!
January 9, 2019 at 12:18 pm
aidantalkin
Weird is always a great place to start, thanks!
January 9, 2019 at 3:16 pm
angiew.littleredhen
Thanks for sharing tidbits. Clever ideas in looking at the weird stuff. Also, great PB’s!
January 9, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Wendy
Thanks, Tammi! Good to “see” you again! I will be using my weird-ar (like radar, but weird–you get the picture–maybe a story!)
January 9, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Linda J Thomas
Great post and suggestions, Tammi! I’ll be on the lookout for weirdness…and now I want a big bathtub so Calgon can take me away….!
January 10, 2019 at 9:47 am
kaleegwarjanski
Here’s to the weird!
January 10, 2019 at 10:07 am
Melissa Stoller
Weird is awesome! Thanks for the inspiration, Tammi!
January 10, 2019 at 12:51 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
The weird is often fantastic! Thank you.
January 10, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Naomi Gruer
Love this suggestion! There’s lot of weird in my life.
January 10, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Faith Sun
Thank you, Tammi, for your positive perspective on the weirdness of life!
January 10, 2019 at 11:20 pm
Dani Duck
I have such weird stuff happen to me. Also I’m just odd in general. Should make some of this into stories!
January 11, 2019 at 6:07 am
Linda Hofke
Yay for the weird and wacky! I’ve got much of that in my life.Now I know how to use it. I love the examples you shared, Tammi. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 11, 2019 at 12:26 pm
shanah salter
what a great idea for turning the negative into positive!
January 11, 2019 at 3:08 pm
Patricia
Tammi Sauer is always inspirational!
January 12, 2019 at 9:14 am
Diane
It’s the weird stuff that gives me something to smile about each day!
January 12, 2019 at 9:35 am
Johna Nicole Rossetti
I love this post! What great inspiration and often times “weird” leads to “funny” –> perfect for writing children’s books where storyline/character can be relatable to the young reader. LOVE the website where all your book titles can be seen. Beautiful! Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Janet Halfmann
Will try to embrace those weird moments!
January 12, 2019 at 11:08 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
Between my weird stuff and my kids’ weird stuff, I’ll never want for inspiration again!
January 13, 2019 at 8:00 am
Erin Le Clerc
I adore weird! Thank you!
January 13, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Barb Ostapina
Weirdly good! Thanks, Tammi.
January 13, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Anne Young
So interesting to see how you developed your stories, Tammi. I’m now wracking my brains for my weirds.
January 14, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Judy Bryan
You’re an inspiration to us all, Tammi! Finding the humor in all the weird stuff that happens is a great idea!!
January 14, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Doris k Stone
Tammi,Thank you for helping me to embrace my inner self, aka the weird procrastinator.
January 14, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Thanks for the inspiration Tammi! Instead of trying to forget all the weird things that happen to me, I will now try to remember and transform those incidents into fun story ideas. Love the new website!
January 14, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Erica De Chavez
Hmmm. . thinking of a weird/annoying habit I’ve observed in my dog from having to work from home today. Thanks for this great post throwback!
January 15, 2019 at 1:09 am
thedandelionzoo
Thanks for helping me shift my storytelling perspective!
January 15, 2019 at 12:05 pm
keertisharmablog
I attended your workshop at the LA conference a couple of years ago. I was truly inspired! Thanks for the continued inspiration. 😊
January 15, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Ms. Schubé
So inspiring, thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 12:03 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
The weird in all of us and that happens to all of us is what makes kids books so fun! Thank you for yet again an inspiring post. It was wonderful seeing you speak in person in North Carolina this year. I am looking forward to wordy birdy 2! Congratulations on book 25 — what a nice milestone!
January 16, 2019 at 12:41 am
Andrew Lefebvre
Thanks for great ideas.
January 16, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Cassie Bentley
Tammi, I love how you take the seed of an idea and develop it.
January 16, 2019 at 6:25 pm
Francoise
weird and wonderful. Thanks!
January 18, 2019 at 11:15 am
imagination4lf
Thanks for sharing your inspiration. I love Knock Knock!
January 19, 2019 at 4:58 pm
readstuffnwrite
Observing the weird stuff is a great idea, there’s so much weird around us!
January 20, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Dianne
Weird stuff. I KNOW so much weird stuff has happened to me. Must have blocked it out. Hmmm. I’ll have to break through that block. This could be fun!!
January 21, 2019 at 12:21 am
Angela H. Dale
Weird – a great jumping off point. thanks!
January 21, 2019 at 6:45 am
Rick Starkey
Weird is wonderful! Thanks for sharing this.
January 21, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Hillary Homzie
Love how you transposed your own frustration with distractions into your lovable book about Bear and his Hibernation party.
January 22, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Kelly Vavala
Let’s celebrate weirdness! I’m in!
January 22, 2019 at 4:42 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
Weird is the way to go! Thanks, Tammi!
January 22, 2019 at 11:39 pm
sharongiltrow
I love weird! And thanks for reminding us that it doesn’t have to be the whole story just a part of the bigger picture.
January 26, 2019 at 10:31 pm
Robyn Campbell
Fabulous inspiration. I have some weird ideas on my posterboard this year. Thanks for everything.
January 28, 2019 at 10:49 am
creationsbymit
Really love how you’ve converted every day life (i.e. interruptions, distractions, etc) into picturebook concepts! Brilliant!
January 29, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Marie Powell
Good point, especially about converting distractions into concepts. Interesting ideas — thanks!
January 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
Thank you for sharing, Tammi! I’m going to get a little distracted and retrace my weird interactions haha.
January 30, 2019 at 3:13 am
Michelle Kashinsky
So excellent, thank you! Gotta love the weird!
January 30, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Danielle Hicks
Love the idea of celebrating the weird in life and turning it into a story! My day has been full of distractions. Never thought to turn them into something productive! Thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Becky Shillington
Wonderful advice as always, Tammi! Thank you!
January 31, 2019 at 11:57 pm
Laurie Swindler
Weird is wonderful. Thanks
February 1, 2019 at 9:24 am
McCourt Thomas
Great ideas!
February 2, 2019 at 6:22 am
Gabrielle Schoeffield
Weird is great! Thanks for the great ideas!
February 3, 2019 at 12:44 am
Nat Keller
Thanks Tammi! I love this post about the weird things in life.. I have 4 ideas from this post already, and ready to explore more!
February 4, 2019 at 5:13 pm
loelmu
I’m all about the weird and the wonderful. Good post!
February 4, 2019 at 5:38 pm
goodreadswithronna
Does a toddler walking around the playground with a pair of underpants on his head count as weird? Thanks for the inspiration Tammi.
February 16, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
I love all these ideas you’ve generated (reading some of the comments!). Thank you Tammi and congratulations on your books!
January 4, 2020 at 9:28 am
Sharon H
Great article and ideas to try, thank you! Love a bit of weirdness!