by Jen Betton
If you’ve been to any sort of children’s book writing event, you’ve heard how much editors and agents want character-driven stories. But what if that is hard for you? What if you’re like me, and you have a tendency to create characters who are just placeholders for the plot? What if you create amazing characters, but have a hard time getting the plot to work around them?
This is the story of how my first published book was written, which also happened to be my first truly character-driven manuscript.
In 2014, I lurked in the sidelines of Storystorm (PiBoIdMo at the time), and I read Diana Murray’s post about character-driven stories. She recommended creating a character with a personality trait that was in direct opposition to their goal. This struck a chord with me but didn’t result in anything much until a couple months later when I read the absolutely perfect LIBRARY LION, written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. In it, the Lion (who naturally would like to roar) becomes a fixture at the library (a place of quiet) – boom, instant conflict! I adored this book, and thinking of Diana’s post, sat down to think of some animal characters who natural tendencies might lead to conflict.
I wanted to have an animal character because it allowed me to play with making an internal trait external. So I started brainstorming animals and inherent conflicts: A bear wants honey—no inherent conflict there, but a sloth who wants to race, aha conflict. Very quickly, I came up with a hedgehog who wants a hug!
The words weren’t right and I didn’t have an ending, but I immediately had a character, and a conflict, and HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG was born! After a lot of fleshing out, a persistent, prickly little hedgehog feeling down in the snout and droopy in the prickles tries to find a hug. He asks a number of places, gets discouraged, and eventually finds someone feeling the same way.
So get a notepad, and start brainstorming your own list—what is a trait that an animal or person might have? It might be something like this:
- Sloth – slow
- Lion – roars
- Magpie – hoards sparkly things
- Hedgehog – prickly
- Matilda – messy
- Victor – loud
The second step is to create a list of things that would make that natural trait difficult—it could be a goal or desire, or just a situation that makes that inherent quality problematic—anything that creates conflict. What if the sloth wants to hurry up? What if the lion loves a library and needs to be quiet? What if the magpie loses all her stuff? What if the hedgehog needs a hug? What if the messy girl needs to find her homework? What if the loud boy needs to keep his baby sister asleep?
If you start to look, you’ll notice a lot of characters out there have some sort of inherent conflict: in Anika Denise’s STARRING CARMEN, the main character loves being the center of attention, but needs to share the spotlight. In Lisa Anchin’s upcoming debut, THE LITTLE GREEN GIRL, the protagonist wants to leave her garden to see the world, but she is literally rooted in place, being a topiary. In Molly Idle’s PEARL, the mermaid wants to do something important, but is given a humble grain of sand to protect. Sometimes it could be two conflicting desires (instead of a personality trait and desire) like in Sherman Alexie’s THUNDER BOY JR, where little Thunder wants his own name, but doesn’t want to hurt his dad’s feelings.
Another variation on this exercise is to put two characters who have opposing traits or desires together: for example in Alexander Milne’s Pooh books, Rabbit loves order and Tigger loves to bounce on him—that creates an instant tension between the two.
I love this exercise because at the end of it you have a character (or two!) and the beginning of your plot! Happy story-hunting!
Jen Betton loves to draw and make up stories with her pictures. In Kindergarten she got into trouble for drawing presents on a picture of Santa, and she has been illustrating ever since. She wrote and illustrated HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG, published with G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and she illustrated TWILIGHT CHANT, an NCTE notable book, written by Holly Thompson, published with Clarion. You can find more of her work at jenbetton.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @jenbetton.
Jen is giving away a signed copy of HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG, with an activity kit and bookmarks.
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!
713 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 7, 2019 at 8:08 am
Jennifer G Prevost
And now you’re helping all of us, just like Diana Murray helped you! I’ve never approached conflict this way, at least not intentionally. Thanks for sharing! Idea for Storystorm day 7, check!
January 7, 2019 at 8:10 am
pathaap
What a great exercise in creating characters with conflicting, and interesting, traits. Can’t wait to get started on my list. Thanks, Jen.
January 7, 2019 at 8:10 am
Ashley Bankhead
This is a fantastic post! Thank you for sharing how you came up with the idea for your book. I love the idea of using a trait that brings conflict to the story. I am ready to sit down and find some ideas of characters with a traits that are in opposition to the story. Thanks again for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 8:14 am
Joy Pitcairn
Great suggestions! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 8:15 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love this simple, practical tip. I stink at characterization, so ai’m giving this a try right now:)
January 7, 2019 at 8:18 am
michelemeleen
This exercise is so simple, yet the results could be momentous! Thanks for sharing😍
January 7, 2019 at 8:18 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks! HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG sounds like a good mentor text. And I agree that LIBRARY LION is perfect.
January 7, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Jen
Thanks Manju! And Library Lion is still one of my all time favorite picture books!
January 7, 2019 at 8:19 am
Sarah Tobias
Great post. This is not only good for coming up with new ideas, but taking a story idea to the next level. Testing it for its conflict and character drive.
January 7, 2019 at 8:21 am
hallee2012
Hedgehog needs a hug is so cute, and I love this post of opposing forces/traits/characters!! Thank you for sharing!!!
January 7, 2019 at 8:23 am
Joana Pastro
What an interesting way to approach new ideas! I can’t wait to try it for myself! Thanks, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 8:24 am
Linda Mitchell
What a wonderful and practical post! I’m already brainstorming using my pets as lead ideas. Love this so much. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 8:25 am
Martha
What a simple but great idea. I can’t wait to start my list. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 8:25 am
DaNeil Olson
What a fantastic post! Thank you. I struggle with conflict as well and this activity is just what I needed.
January 7, 2019 at 8:27 am
Lisa L Furness
Hi Jen! I love how you arrived at your character conflict for Hedgehog Needs a Hug and advice for character-driven stories. This will come in handy for my next idea!
January 7, 2019 at 8:27 am
Linda Chavez
I love this approach! Thanks for the share.
January 7, 2019 at 8:27 am
jennysarawrites
Jen has some great insights, characters who inherently create conflict make for fun reading!
January 7, 2019 at 8:28 am
vijikc
What a terrific idea! I will begin my list today! Thank you
January 7, 2019 at 8:30 am
Amy Houts
Thanks for the clear instruction!
January 7, 2019 at 8:32 am
MD Knabb
This is a great suggestion. I can’t wait to start using it. Thanks, Jen. Your hedgehog is adorable.
January 7, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Jen
Thanks MD! Hope it’s helpful!
January 7, 2019 at 8:33 am
Lisa M Griffin (@LisaMGriffinArt)
Great article! Enjoyed the examples and clear explanation to help in achieving conflict.
January 7, 2019 at 8:35 am
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Hi Jenn, Thanks for posting mentor texts and for sharing your process in developing Hedgehog Needs A Hug. Hedgehog looks adorable with both of his arms outstretched hoping to get a hug. I struggle with incorporating conflict into my manuscripts so this post is a helpful starting point.
January 7, 2019 at 8:39 am
hmkingman
Jen, thank you! Your simple suggestion has awoken two characters that have been sleeping in the depths of my brain for at least ten years… I can’t wait to see what they do now that they are roused!
January 7, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Jen
Oooh, that sounds exciting! Good luck!
January 7, 2019 at 8:40 am
Rick Starkey
Great idea for conflict! Thanks for sharing this.
January 7, 2019 at 8:41 am
Andrea Mack
I really love this idea for creating conflict and starting the seeds of a story! Thank you so much, I’m going to have so much fun playing with ideas today!
January 7, 2019 at 8:42 am
cath jones
What a brilliant post. Such a simple idea! It’s got me thinking already…
Thanks so much for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 8:42 am
RebeccaTheWriter
It’s like you KNOW me! I often can come up with great ideas for characters but then have no idea where to go with them! Thank you for sharing this great exercise. Gonna try it out today!
January 7, 2019 at 8:43 am
thecrowsmap
Jen, what a great technique! It’s helping me to think of some of my ideas more clearly. Thank you!
Gail Hartman
January 7, 2019 at 8:44 am
Margaret Flint Suter
Wow! So much to like about this one! Making lists!!!
January 7, 2019 at 8:47 am
Sylvia Liu
Great advice!
January 7, 2019 at 8:48 am
Cynthia Hawthorne
Thanks, Jen for sharing your story. One of the wonderful things about Storystorm is finding out about books you hadn’t heard of before. Thanks for the great examples. Time to go read now.
January 7, 2019 at 8:50 am
Lynne Marie
LOVE the story behind the story! I collect Hedgehog books and have two myself — HEDGEHOG GOES TO KINDERGARTEN and HEDGEHOG’S 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL ❤ Welcome to the Hedgehog Club. Would love to add yours to my collection. Wishing you more quills in the future!
January 7, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Jen
Aren’t hedgies the best!! Glad you enjoyed hearing about this one!
January 7, 2019 at 8:53 am
amshahen1
Seems like such an easy concept, but so difficult to execute. Thank you for this reminder!
January 7, 2019 at 8:55 am
ptnozell
What a wonderful way to generate ideas! Can’t wait to start my lists of animals + traits in situations where those traits causes problems/create conflict.
January 7, 2019 at 9:01 am
jheitman22
Jen, this sort of conflict seems obvious, but you had to point it out to me. Thank you! I’ll spend my day observing humans at my workplace and coming up with made-up conflicts for them!
January 7, 2019 at 9:02 am
Tina Cho
LOVE this, Jen! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 9:04 am
tanyakonerman
Oh, I’m seeing all kinds of new possibilities now for characters AND plots. Great exercises!
January 7, 2019 at 9:05 am
nancy armo
Great post! Definitely one that generate a lot of story ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 9:07 am
Meli Glickman
It is so lovely to learn about your journey. I feel inspired to be more focused when I write character-driven stories. Many thanks for sharing!
January 7, 2019 at 9:08 am
kcareywrites
Nice idea! I bet this could work with inanimate object too! Like SPOON by A. Rosenthal — I’m wondering what my chair, desk, and front door really want?
January 7, 2019 at 9:09 am
LaTonya Richardson
I love these exercises! Looking forward to getting to work on it!
January 7, 2019 at 9:11 am
Jennifer Phillips
Very helpful. I can see how I can refine one of my characters a bit more to make a story work better. Thanks for the advice!
January 7, 2019 at 9:12 am
Laura Rackham
What an lovely kickstart to a new character!
January 7, 2019 at 9:13 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
What a fun way to create immediate tension by having the personality traits opposite of what the mc wants or needs. Thank you Jen for this gem!
January 7, 2019 at 9:13 am
Kristen Tipman
Great post! I’m going to try this. Thanks for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 9:14 am
Susie Sawyer
Great post, Jen! Thank you! We all know that we need conflict, but this is a great, simple way to take the first steps to a great idea!
January 7, 2019 at 9:15 am
storyfairy
Great post. Sounds like a neat way to create characters.
January 7, 2019 at 9:21 am
mhklump
I love this idea. I’m going to start brainstorming right away!
January 7, 2019 at 9:22 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Jen for your post. Beautiful illustrations. Much to think about, then go over my stories.
January 7, 2019 at 9:24 am
Joan Swanson
I love that book (Hedgehog needs a hug)! This is a great way to think up stories, thank you for the advise.
January 7, 2019 at 3:59 pm
Jen
Glad you enjoy the book!! Thank you 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 9:26 am
rachelnrosenthal
Love this so much!
January 7, 2019 at 9:33 am
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
Awesome. Brainstorm away!
January 7, 2019 at 9:34 am
nicolesalterbraun
I’m obsessed w/ Hedgehogs and am also writing a book about one. Thanks for the great tips!
January 7, 2019 at 9:34 am
Kathy Halsey
first I adore hedgehog and my 2019 calendar rid all hedgehogs! This is a fabulous exercise for writers, especially when beginning a new story. Sart with character and an inherent or oppositional conflict.
January 7, 2019 at 9:35 am
hmmmmm
Jen: this was the PERFECT post to start my week. THANK YOU!!!
January 7, 2019 at 9:39 am
moviemommie
Thanks for the post. My kids and I actually just read your hedgehog book – which we borrowed from the library. It was adorable!
January 7, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Jen
Awwww, that’s wonderful! Thanks for telling me!
January 7, 2019 at 9:39 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Love Hedgehog Needs a Hug and your suggestions for coming up with characters and conflict. Thanks, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 9:40 am
Katja Bertazzo
This is a great post with some very good tips. Thank-you.Your book ‘Hedgehug needs a hug’ looks gorgeous!
January 7, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Jen
Thanks Katja!
January 7, 2019 at 9:40 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Jen, for sharing your great examples and ideas for character building.
January 7, 2019 at 9:42 am
beckylevine
Love this! I really struggle with character-driven–I think this is going to help. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 9:44 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for breaking down the building of conflict and character, Jen! Can’t wait to check out your books :-).
January 7, 2019 at 9:47 am
rosecappelli
Love your Hedgehog! Thanks for this inspiring exercise. Trying it today!
January 7, 2019 at 9:48 am
mlflannigan
Great idea Jen – thank you for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 9:51 am
Laura Perdew
This is such practical (yet wonderful) advice. I’ve been feeling stuck the past week, so hopefully this will help! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 9:52 am
Katie Engen
Very precise advice and illuminating examples. thx!
January 7, 2019 at 9:53 am
Shelly Wilson
I really needed to hear that today. Thank you for making “character driven” a more concrete concept for me.
January 7, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Jen
Glad it was helpful Shelly! I always need concrete examples myself.
January 7, 2019 at 9:58 am
Andrea MacDonald
Fantastic idea! I love reading all of the various ways PB stories come together.
January 7, 2019 at 9:58 am
Nancy Riley
What a great way to find conflict for characters! I’m drawn to animal characters being a wildlife biologist, so this natural way for me to look at things. Thanks so much!
January 7, 2019 at 9:59 am
authoraileenstewart
All the post have been helpful and interesting, but this one is my fave so far :0)
January 7, 2019 at 9:59 am
Sherry Howard
I love this very specific advice! These are great mentor texts! And Hedgehog is adorable! Love that story!
January 7, 2019 at 9:59 am
connievanhorn2658
Love this idea. Hopefully will lead to lots of brainstorming of ideas for picture books. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 10:00 am
Teresa Daffern
This is brilliant! Thank you. I also love The Library Lion and can’t wait to read Hedgehog Needs a Hug.
January 7, 2019 at 10:01 am
Ashley Congdon
This is a great a suggestion. It makes so much sense to create conflict using opposites. The first thought that came to my mind is how useful this strategy would be for children needing to write stories. The concept is so simple and fun they would enjoy it. Thanks for another great strategy!
January 7, 2019 at 10:02 am
Hank
Jen, I enjoyed your view of a character’s opposite personality trait as the basis for the plot. Great perspective and book examples too. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:02 am
Debbie Huard
What a super fun way to being drafting interesting character. Also a great activity to do with my kids. Can’t wait.
January 7, 2019 at 10:07 am
Writer on the run
Reading this made me realize what is missing from one of my stories! Thank you for such an inspiring post!
January 7, 2019 at 10:07 am
farmfolkfamily
I love this idea to jumpstart my brain into writing!
January 7, 2019 at 10:08 am
Barbara Senenman
Love this idea.
January 7, 2019 at 10:11 am
Rebecca Guzinski
Best way to start my day…inspired with a new idea. Thanks to Storystorm!
January 7, 2019 at 10:13 am
maryshorgan
Really great advice on writing character-driven stories! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 10:13 am
Pamela Harrison
This is such a great idea! And fun too!
January 7, 2019 at 10:14 am
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for the animal suggestions. I hadn’t thought of this and can’t wait to make a chart and try some combinations for new story idea. AndI can use personality traits for children that work against them.
January 7, 2019 at 10:17 am
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
Writing a list now! Fun activity for a Monday morning!
January 7, 2019 at 10:19 am
Aimee Isaac
Fun idea! Plot always comes to me first, too…
January 7, 2019 at 10:19 am
Lynn Baldwin
Thanks for providing such a clear explanation of how to create a compelling, character-driven story!
January 7, 2019 at 10:19 am
Nancy Ramsey
Terrific technique and a great way to start the day! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 10:20 am
Lisa Billa
Great way to think about characters, thanks! And I love Hedgehog!
January 7, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Jen
Thanks Lisa!
January 7, 2019 at 10:24 am
ktfrawley11gmailcom
THis really has my wheels turning. Great exercise!
January 7, 2019 at 10:26 am
David McMullin
Fantastic post. Thank you, Jen.
January 7, 2019 at 10:27 am
Debra Daugherty
Great post, Jen, with clear examples of inner conflict and character-driven stories. Thanks for giving me new ideas and ways to find a story plot.
January 7, 2019 at 10:27 am
wingedtrish
Creating characters is my favorite part of writing, so I’m looking forward to this one!
January 7, 2019 at 10:29 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Some great points here, Jen! Many of us know these sorts of things, but tend to forget them after awhile, so thanks for sharing these thoughts!
January 7, 2019 at 10:30 am
polly renner
Great post, Jen! You have lead me to an idea already:> Thank you!!
January 7, 2019 at 10:33 am
C.L. Murphy
Thanks for sharing this great exercise, Jenn! Hedgehog is adorable!
January 7, 2019 at 10:33 am
lindaschueler
What a great idea! Two ideas popped in my head while reading the post. Thanks so much!
January 7, 2019 at 10:34 am
tanjabauerle
Thank you for a great post! You got my wheels turning. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 10:37 am
Elisa Boxer
This is such a helpful, actionable takeaway. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:39 am
Lisa Freund
This post is so helpful! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:40 am
rimna
Off to make my list – thanks for the inspiration!
January 7, 2019 at 10:40 am
Cheryl Keely
Wonderful, concrete advice. Love it.
January 7, 2019 at 10:43 am
Jessica Kulekjian
Thank you for sharing the story behind Hedgehog Needs A Hug. You gave us a great way to play with character and conflict!
January 7, 2019 at 10:43 am
Nancy Colle
Practical, down to earth advice. Thank you, Jen. Love your artwork!!!
January 7, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Jen
Thank you Nancy!!
January 7, 2019 at 10:44 am
Kathy Mazurowski
Thank you for that inspiration. I loved Hedgehog needs a Hug, especially the language.
January 7, 2019 at 4:21 pm
Jen
Thanks Kathy – the wordplay was a lot of fun to put together!
January 7, 2019 at 10:46 am
Gail Hedrick
Bless your heart! As a ‘vet’ of Storystorm, PiMoBo, and more, your words/examples finally made a seemingly simple concept real to me. And yes, also have several ideas, too. Thank you so much. Hedgehog looks incredibly charming-congrats….
January 7, 2019 at 10:47 am
Judy Palermo
Love beginning with conflict!
January 7, 2019 at 10:47 am
Aimee
Super excited to try this exercise!
Your hedge hog is adorable ☺️
Thanks you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:47 am
SARAH Meade
Thanks for the post! Helpful examples
January 7, 2019 at 10:48 am
Marge Gower
What a great idea. I never thought of using the opposite of an animal’s true nature. How inspiring and so many choices. Intriguing. Thanks for the post.
January 7, 2019 at 10:48 am
Myrna Foster
Great post, Jen! I remember that post of Diana’s.
January 7, 2019 at 10:48 am
Rhonda Whitaker
This post is really helpful. LOVE the idea of a porcupine needing a hug!
January 7, 2019 at 10:49 am
Diana Murrell
Great exercise! I love the practical examples you have shared. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:49 am
Mary Worley
Love this idea. Thanks for sharing it with us.
January 7, 2019 at 10:50 am
Jacqueline Adams
Very effective! I got today’s idea in record time by using your suggestions. Thanks, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 10:53 am
Deb Sullivan
Terrific suggestions Jen – lots to think about! Thanks so much for passing along…
January 7, 2019 at 10:55 am
Vicky Ford
What a great post. Turns things upside down giving greater dimension to the characters. Thanks so much for this post.
January 7, 2019 at 10:56 am
June Sengpiehl
What a great post. We all need to think about developing our characters as we write.
January 7, 2019 at 10:57 am
Marge Gower
What an intriguing idea. Such an easy, but missed opportunity by me. I will have to research a few animals and she what I can come up with. Thanks for the post. ,
January 7, 2019 at 10:58 am
betlw
Terrific post, Jen! I never thought about this before. Now I’m going to make up my own list of animal and kid characters. Thanks for the idea!
January 7, 2019 at 10:59 am
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks for the inspiration Jen! Love this idea!
January 7, 2019 at 10:59 am
thelmakat
Jen, thank you so much for sharing!! This post is so helpful and I am excited to write down my ideas!!
January 7, 2019 at 10:59 am
Jane Serpa
Thank you for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 11:00 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Great post, Jen. I can’t wait to meet Hedgehog and see if he gets his hug.
January 7, 2019 at 11:01 am
andreesantini
Jen, thanks for posting, and love the conflict exploration that led to Hedgehog Needs a Hug!
January 7, 2019 at 11:02 am
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
This was such a helpful post, Jen! I had an inkling of an idea and I think this approach will really flesh it out. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 11:03 am
Lisa Robinson
Great strategy, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 11:04 am
Mardi Edwards
Read Hedgehog Needs a Hug at Barnes and Noble the other day. Thanks for sharing all your ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Jen
Thanks Mardi!
January 7, 2019 at 11:04 am
Barbara Farr Renner
This is a great idea! I’ve been wondering what story to write about my roadrunner.
January 7, 2019 at 11:09 am
Rebecca
This book looks sweet, and I love this brainstorming idea!
January 7, 2019 at 11:10 am
Becky Ross Michael
Great ideas got me enthused about writing this morning!
January 7, 2019 at 11:12 am
Danielle Dufayet
For some reason this post resonated with me the most so far – meaning I’m feeling really excited about applying this concept to some of my potential story ideas (that are just not quite working). Thank you so very much!
January 7, 2019 at 11:12 am
Carlie Cornell
I know conflict is crucial in storytelling, but your clear call to put character personality and goal in conflict was new to me. Thank you for the new angle.
January 7, 2019 at 11:16 am
Liz Steinglass
Thank you so much! This is super helpful!
January 7, 2019 at 11:18 am
Debra K Shumaker
Loved this exercise. Have an idea already. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 11:20 am
faygie1
Jen, I just read your book yesterday and thought it was adorable! Thanks for explaining how you came up with the story.
January 7, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Jen
Thanks so much I’m glad you enjoyed it!
January 7, 2019 at 11:22 am
Jennifer Johnson
This looks like an interesting read.
January 7, 2019 at 11:24 am
angie9091
This idea of inherent conflict resonates with me, too. Thanks for a wonderful post and great mentor texts!
January 7, 2019 at 11:24 am
Susan Johnston
Ooo, I think this will help me develop one of my earlier Storystorm ideas into a fully fleshed out story. Thanks for the insights!
January 7, 2019 at 11:24 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks for the fun brainstorming list, Jen! I’m going to use it for some stale manuscripts that just aren’t quite there yet!
January 7, 2019 at 11:25 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
I like a nice list! And it’s already working!
January 7, 2019 at 11:25 am
carolegerber
I have read this book! It is elegant in its simplicity and the wonderful illustrations by the author (not surprisingly) perfectly mirror the plot.
January 7, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Jen
Awwwww, thanks Carol!!! I really appreciate that!
January 7, 2019 at 11:27 am
storycatcherpublishing
I had not thought of this angle before but I’m definitely going to try ti out!
Great post!
January 7, 2019 at 11:28 am
Krista Harrington
What a beautiful book!
Thank you for the ideas. I often need to add more conflict for my characters to work through.
January 7, 2019 at 11:29 am
melissamiles1
This is something concrete I can work with! I love it. Thank you. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 11:29 am
alisongoldberg
This is a fantastic exercise. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 11:33 am
KidLit Underground
Hedgehog is too cute (spoiler alert – IRL they probably fight off more hugs than they want!) and I think the MC as a topiary is GENIUS.
January 7, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Jen
Thanks! And the little topiary girl will make her debut April 2 – I’m excited for my friend Lisa Anchin as this is one of those stories I’ve seen grow through several different variations!
January 7, 2019 at 8:01 pm
KidLit Underground
That’s the coolest feeling isn’t it? Congrats to you and Lisa!
January 7, 2019 at 11:33 am
jenabenton
That’s a great way to go about finding a plot! Thanks for sharing. =)
January 7, 2019 at 11:34 am
gayleckrause
Hedgehogs and hugs…a perfect conundrum! Great idea starters here. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 11:35 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Jen! Your inspirational post has my brain cells excited with ideas. Thank you.
Suzy Leopold
January 7, 2019 at 11:35 am
marsha e wright
While reading your insightful ideas, my brain began working on overdrive and reworked a PB story that I had revised more times than I want to count. I have the character and her personality trait (which runs in her family). Thanks to your Storystorm, I now have a much more intriguing plot line. Bless you for sharing with us. Hedgehog Needs a Hug is on my library list for the week!
January 7, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Jen
Yay! Breakthroughs are the best! So glad to hear it.
January 7, 2019 at 11:37 am
Katie Giorgio
Thanks for this inspiration!
January 7, 2019 at 11:38 am
Nadine Gamble
Your book looks adorable. adding to my library list. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 7, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Jen
Thanks Nadine!
January 7, 2019 at 11:38 am
Joanna Rowland
Love this!
January 7, 2019 at 11:39 am
matthewlasley
I never really thought about it like that. My upcoming book has a gold pan that struggles to find gold and therefore questions his identity as a gold pan.
Hmmm…..conflict, conflict, conflict.
Ohhhh! I got it! A hedgehog who needs a ……. oh, wait….it has already been done! LOL
January 7, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Jen
Hahahaha!!! Thanks Matthew!
January 7, 2019 at 11:42 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Character driven is always an issue for me. So is conflict. This technique gives me a fighting chance at both. Great post! My favorite day so far!
January 7, 2019 at 11:42 am
Juliana Lee
Hi Jen, I read Diana’s post many years ago too when I was still starting out. Thanks for the reminder. Now that I’ve got ‘a few’ years under my belt, it makes so much more sense! I love your examples… and your hedgehog too! I hope it sticks this time!
January 7, 2019 at 11:49 am
Tracey Brown
I love HedgeHog Needs a Hug! Thank you for this inspirational post and the fantastic idea to make lists of inherent conflicts
January 7, 2019 at 11:50 am
Kay
I love your suggestions about creating tension in a story. I’m inspired to carry this forward!
January 7, 2019 at 11:53 am
Carole Calladine
Conflict! Always ramps up a story. Thank you for your post and suggestions.
January 7, 2019 at 11:54 am
mariaordish
Thanks for this post, Jen! I have a few characters like this and need to expand them a bit. Hedgehog Needs a Hug is adorable!
January 7, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Jen
Thanks Maria!
January 7, 2019 at 11:54 am
Amy Mann
I love this so much! I’ve used “Library Lion” for preschool story times. Now I know why I love it so much! Our copy of “Hedgehog Needs a Hug” is currently checked out. I’d better put a hold on it. 🙂 I do spend more time on character than plot in my writing. Thank you for the direction and inspiration.
January 7, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Jen
Yay! I’m glad the post was helpful – and Library Lion is the best! Hope you enjoy Hedgehog too!
January 7, 2019 at 11:54 am
Janice Woods
Love this! Thanks, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 11:55 am
Paisley Schade
A great post — thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 11:56 am
Johanna Speizer
Thanks for the fun exercise, got to make my list
January 7, 2019 at 11:58 am
Jessica Potts
Great post! Would love my own copy of Hedgehog 🦔
January 7, 2019 at 11:59 am
Marie Sanderson
Jan, these are wonderful ideas, and very inspiring! Thank you! This helps me a lot!!
January 7, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Marie Sanderson
Jan, these are wonderful ideas, and very inspiring!
January 7, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Ingrid Boydston
I have a story that seems to be working and now I see why! Thanks for the clarity. 😃!
January 7, 2019 at 12:02 pm
robinswingeditorial
Great approach to the idea of story conflict.
January 7, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Jane Dippold
Thanks for your helpful post and your review of mentor texts! I love your illustrations for Hedgehog Needs a Hug ❤️
January 7, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Jen
Thanks Jane!
January 7, 2019 at 12:11 pm
therhymeoftime
This is great food for thought!
January 7, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Margaret Greanias
Great post, Jen! Well-said.
January 7, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Brooke Hollon
Your post helped me realize exactly how I need to play up the internal conflict in one of my stories to make it stronger. Thank you for the post and examples. Very helpful!
January 7, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Laurie Bouck
I love this idea! I can already feel the creative juices flowing lol! Thanks so much for sharing. 😀
January 7, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks for getting my mind percolating on this form of story storming!! Congratulations on Hedgehog Needs a Hug, too! Gotta find it in the library system, along with your other examples. Happy Storming, everyone! 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Juliana Jones
Looking at character and realizing how their traits are in conflict with their goals– that’s where I need to start! Thanks.
January 7, 2019 at 12:25 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Wow! I read this post and heaved a great sigh of relief. Character development has been tough, but your post is so helpful to me. Thanks so much!
January 7, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Mel Copeman
This is a great task for me, I’m always drawing characters, then have no idea what to do with them. It’s time to give them all personality traits and see if there’s a conflict for each of them!
January 7, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Krista Maxwell
Love this idea!
January 7, 2019 at 12:29 pm
carol w Munro
You’ve got my mind bubbling, Jan. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Kathy Trudell
Thanks for the helpful post on character development…so many ideas scribbled own but never took the next step. Think I can now move forward with some story ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 12:32 pm
K.A.Steed
I will work on this idea. I typically don’t write with animals but would like to try. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Li’vee Rehfield
Jen I woke up today with just this problem and oh the character it will be…thank you for showing me what to do with him😊
January 7, 2019 at 12:34 pm
karengreenwald2985
I love this idea–ideas were forming as I read your suggestions and examples! Thanks for this post!
January 7, 2019 at 12:34 pm
susan
Such a fun way to generate characters with inherent conflict.
January 7, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Leslie L Goodman
This post was helpful on many levels. I’m excited, inspired, and ready to write.
January 7, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Laurie Kaiser
Hadn’t considered this idea before, and I love the examples.
Thanks for sharing!
January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Joan Longstaff
Definitely got my creative juices flowing with this one – love the immediate conflict created with such characters! Thank you Jan.
January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Gabi Snyder
What a fantastic exercise. Thanks, Jen! And I can’t wait to read HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG!
January 7, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Jen
Thanks Gabi!
January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm
bevbaird
Great advice and inspiration Jen. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm
loelmu
I absolutely love this idea!
January 7, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Inspiring post! Thanks so much!
January 7, 2019 at 12:41 pm
saralakron
Hedgehog Needs a Hug sounds just lovely. Great prompt. I am thinking about conflict already.
January 7, 2019 at 12:42 pm
AMIE DEAN
Hedgehog needs a Hug is such a great idea! So many themes I can teach students with this story! I am a first time storybook author, and this blog entry gave me some great ideas about finding the conflict. Thank you! I hope I win a copy. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 12:42 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for sharing your terrific ideas on creating characters. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Jennifer Bower
The main character in one of my stories is really just a plot holder too. I never thought about looking for conflicts. But, seems I have a lot of rethinking and rewriting to do. Thanks Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Wow! I have trouble with the character driven thing and this is so helped! I wrote down FIVE ideas rather quickly and expect to have more after continuing to explore your suggestions.
January 7, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Jen
Wow!!! Way to go!
January 7, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Perfect timing as I spent yesterday seeking writing exercises for “character driven” books. Thank you soooo much!
January 7, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Roxanne Troup
That will get my synapses firing! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Love HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG! Thank you for sharing the back story on how this book was made. I always enjoy knowing the process.
January 7, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Jen
So glad you enjoy the book! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Creating characters is the hardest thing for me, too! Hedgehog sounds like a wonderful character. Thanks for inspiring me to dig a little deeper.
January 7, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Lenora Biemans
Perfection! I love all of these ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Kelly Conroy
I can’t wait to start my list. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Natalie Jager
I’m going to love this challenge! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
phyllisharris50
This post was so very helpful for me! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m definitely keeping this one book marked.
January 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Monica A. Harris
This activity can be a bit self reflective! Hahaha
January 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Darcee A Freier
Thanks Jen Betton! Just like you suggested, I wrote down a list of characters and their traits. Then I came up with conflicts for them. Now I have at least a couple I’m excited to write about. Whoohoo!
January 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Bobbie Dacus
Wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 12:57 pm
triciacandy
I love this exercise. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Amelia G Gossman
thank you! This is great advice. Also, I LOVE this book – I have 2 pet hedgehogs (Norman & Harrison) and I read this book to them. And then give them hugs, of course!
January 7, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Jen
Awwww, hedgies definitely need lots of hugs!! That is adorable! I’d love to see a picture of you reading to your hedgies!
January 7, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Nancy Ferguson
thank you! This set of contrasts creating conflict is helpful. I can see exploring this idea and ending up with a story!
January 7, 2019 at 1:01 pm
jeanjames926
What an excellent and inspiring post. Hedgehog is adorable, and I love your artwork.
January 7, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Jen
Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 1:06 pm
Carmen White
Inherent conflicts are some of my favorite to deal with.
January 7, 2019 at 1:06 pm
debbiemccue
Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing a strategy that has worked for you. I can’t wait to read the books you picked that clarify your ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 1:07 pm
David Bernardy
I appreciate this, especially ideas for developing plot around a given conflict. Sometimes I have a conflict, but no idea how to really explore it or use it. This helps!
January 7, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Sylvia Grech
I loved reading this post! It’s given me ideas about one of my titles. Thanks much! Congrats on your book!
January 7, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Oh the art! It’s adorable. Excellent advice. Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Daryl Gottier
What a wonderful tip. Thanks for sharing and I’m eager to read about Hedgehog.
January 7, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Janine Johns
Thank you for the helpful advice. I can’t wait to read Hedgehog Needs a Hug!
January 7, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt)
What a useful brainstorming technique. Thank you! And your book looks adorable.
January 7, 2019 at 1:16 pm
Barry Fuxa
This is a great tip!
January 7, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Louann Brown
We used Hedgehog needs a Hug at a recent library program. The kiddos loved it. Thanks for your insightful suggestions. I’m off to work on that list using your ideas. Hurrah!
January 7, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Jen
Oh yay! I love to hear about Hedgehog’s library adventures – thank you for sharing!
January 7, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Jennifer
Thank you! Your post has inspired me with an idea this morning!
January 7, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Josie Liming Gawlowski
Great suggestions! I’ve got some ideas and revising to get started on now!
January 7, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
I have the same struggles with characters thanks for your advice!
January 7, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Debbie Meyer
Excellent suggestions, Jen! I’ve got a manuscript that fits the bill. Now to find the right publisher. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for pointing this out and expressing it so well – a character trait in conflict with a desire. Aren’t we all like that in some way?
January 7, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Katie B
I love hedgehogs!
Those are excellent pointers about characters with conflict, thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 1:21 pm
marty bellis
Jen, love love love this exercise! It’s given me a number of ideas to try to ramp up several of my character-driven stories. Many thanks.
January 7, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Anjali Amit
A story with a heart–already rooting for the hedgehog who wants a hug. thank you for advice on how to make stories with conflict, and a heart.
January 7, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Hugs for Hedgehog all around! He’s adorable. I love your description of him being droopy in the prickles. Thanks for providing such diverse mentor texts for future study.
January 7, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Angie
Love this brainstorming activity! I was pleased to realize that I have written a story using this concept. Yay! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Lisa Springer
Really great pointers! Thanks for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Cathy Ogren
Great post, Jen. I appreciate you sharing your ideas. It’s always great to try new ways to come up with stories.
January 7, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Jodi Mckay
Thanks, Jen! This is a fun exercise and can be really funny!!
January 7, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Michele Grieder
Love this exercise! Thank you! I also love hedgehogs! Just put your book on my Amazon wishlist!
January 7, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Jen
Oh yay! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I can’t wait to get started on my list! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Nicole Vuong
What a great exercise! I needed something to kickstart my writing this morning, coffee wasn’t cuttin’ it. ❤
January 7, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Jen Bailey
This is a great way to approach plot – thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 1:37 pm
KRISTINA CASTILLO
I need this so much!
January 7, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Becky Hamilton
Thank you! Perfect timing. I am going to create my characters now … have you read CAKE about a Cake that loves parties, or so he thinks until ‘the singing starts’ 😂
January 7, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Jen
I have not read CAKE – I’ll have to check it out, sounds hilarious!
January 7, 2019 at 1:42 pm
SuZan Klassen
Absolutely love this post. Very helpful to my own brainstorming since I love to draw as well. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Jen, I love everything about Hedgehog Needs a Hug! Thank you for this post too!
January 7, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Jen
Thanks Elizabeth!
January 7, 2019 at 1:47 pm
deborah lakritz
Great post! I think this could help me take some of my premises and turn them into plots.
January 7, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
This is such a practical idea that I can put to good use immediately. Thank you so much.
January 7, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Love the tip on your MC having a trait opposite of their goal!
January 7, 2019 at 1:48 pm
kathydoherty1
Wonderful advice! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 1:48 pm
susanzonca
What simple, but helpful activity to do anytime or anywhere.
January 7, 2019 at 1:52 pm
colleen kosinski
Making a list now!
January 7, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Hélène Sabourin
I just want to give that cute little hedgehog a hug !
January 7, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Susan Schade
I love this exercise! Thanks for your post.
January 7, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Thank you for your post. It has helped solidify some character traits. we
January 7, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Kate Dolan
Great advice on sparking character-driven conflict👏🏼 Love that little hedgie!
January 7, 2019 at 1:56 pm
Jessica Crooks
This is absolutely fantastic. This is my new brainstorming trick for any story I am working on. Thank you for sharing this gem.
January 7, 2019 at 1:57 pm
bookfish1
Jen, very helpful and insightful ideas, exercises, and recommended books. Your explanation of character driven and plot driven was very enlightening. Thanks
January 7, 2019 at 1:58 pm
leslievanzee
Oh, what a great source of inspiration! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Great post! I love the pairing of traits and and conflict for different characters. Thanks !
January 7, 2019 at 2:03 pm
Betsy Parkinson
I feel like all my characters have this internal conflict…now to move them into the right plot. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 7, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Jennifer Parker Raudenbush
I had read Diana’s article. Thanks for this great reminder and update!
January 7, 2019 at 2:09 pm
Peggy Jaegly
Jen, thank you for your great tips. My brain is already churning with ideas!
January 7, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
Great idea! Must start thinking.
January 7, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Kathryn Jean Hagen
Great way to trigger ideas. Thank you!
Kathryn
January 7, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Rinda Beach
Here’s a hug for you and Hedgehog! Thanks for reminding me about the power of opposites in creating conflict.
January 7, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Jen
Thanks Rinda!
January 7, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Aimee Satterlee
I love hearing about how Hedgehog Needs a Hug came to be. Thanks for the helpful tips about character-driven stories, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Lynn Alpert
Congrats on your hedgehog book! Thanks for the ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Rebecca Colby
Love this exercise! I’ve brainstormed odd-ball characters before but never given a character a trait that is in direct opposition of their goal. Many thanks, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Anna E. Jordan
You’ve reminded me that I have a story like this to revise.
January 7, 2019 at 2:33 pm
Suzanne Lieurance
This sounds like fun. Can’t wait to play around with this idea. Thanks for the great tip!
January 7, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Angie
Library Lion was a favourite in our house for a long time. I hadn’t thought about the premise in this way before though! Thanks for sharing a great idea!
January 7, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the great exercise Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Patti Ranson
Tangible exercises to my writing along – Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Lisa Pavalon
Very valuable advice, thank you! As soon as I finished reading this, the ideas started pouring out!
January 7, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Jen, this really resonates with me as I do mostly nonfiction. Making up plots feels like swallowing a cactus. But, surely I can follow your directions and find a jewel somewhere in the search for opposites. Thanks so much for enlarging Diana’s idea.
January 7, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Carol Kim
I love guidance like this — so simple and yet so effective! The possibilities are so boundless. Thank you for helping me get my creative juices flowing.
January 7, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Jen Bagan
Thank you, Jen! Great inspiration!
January 7, 2019 at 2:53 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
I loved the post and Hedgehog is so cute, I’d give him a hug!
January 7, 2019 at 2:54 pm
karammitchell
Jen! Thank you! I needed an exercise to get me going today!!d
January 7, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Amalia Reef
I love this idea! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Love this concept! Looking forward to reading “Hedgehog needs a hug.” Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 2:57 pm
lizricewrites
Thank you for your tips! I will be happily story hunting today, searching for animals and pondering their conflict!
January 7, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Lovely post! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Sarah John
Great idea! Thanks!!
January 7, 2019 at 3:02 pm
Anne Bromley
Can’t wait to read Hedgehog Needs a Hug! Thank you for your lively and inspiring post!
January 7, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Jen. I dove right into this brainstorming exercise – both fun and helpful!
January 7, 2019 at 3:12 pm
Liz Bedia
Your post struck a chord with me! Thanks so much, Jen!!
January 7, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Therese L Kay
Thanks for a great post, Jen. I love your hedgehog idea!
January 7, 2019 at 3:21 pm
teacherwriteracker
This brainstorming exercise is so simple and effective. Thank you for such a great post.
January 7, 2019 at 3:22 pm
leeanimator
Such a great post thank you so much! Now I want to give Hedgehog a big old hug! Great ideas for us to use in our characters.
January 7, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Tempy
Great idea, thanks! I’ll put this into practice today!
January 7, 2019 at 3:32 pm
Moon Bishop
Every Single Day, these posts are working for me! How did I not know about StoryStorm before?????
January 7, 2019 at 3:36 pm
carolynleillustrations
Love this-so many fun possibilities. Thanks for sharing and I really enjoyed reading your beautiful book.
January 7, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Jen
Thanks Carolyn! Glad you enjoyed it!
January 7, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
Every student in my class had ideas for this one! I have ideas too! Thank you so much!
January 7, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Sensibility and Sense
This is a fabulous way to make character the focus and build the story around that trait and the natural tension it creates. Thanks so much, Jen! Patti Richards
January 7, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Kassy Keppol
I love hedgehogs and hugs!
January 7, 2019 at 3:52 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great tips, Jen. And I just love HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG. Wishing you many more picture book successes.
January 7, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Jen
Thank you Carol!
January 7, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Cindy Montoya
I love your beautiful illustrations!
January 7, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Jen
Thank you!!
January 7, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Megan Whitaker
Great thoughts on simplifying a process that is sometimes hard to do. I haven’t seen Pearl or the Green Girl-I will have to take a look. Thank you and Congratulations on your book!
January 7, 2019 at 3:59 pm
Roz Malin
Thinking about Hedgehog Needs a Hug brought to mind the video of a hedgehog getting a belly rub. They are sweet beings.
January 7, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Cindi Goodeaux
Super cute post but now I want to hug a hedgehog!
January 7, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Mary Kate
Some great ideas here! Thank you for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 4:13 pm
Sara Matson
Thanks for such a practical post. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to go about getting/developing ideas into a story, and this helps!
January 7, 2019 at 4:18 pm
James Arthur
Excellent post. This has been the best one thus far!
January 7, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Poupette Smith
Your post and exercises are v. helpful, as they clarify advice PB writers often hear. Thanks for figuring it out and passing it on. On another note, the soldier and poppies illustrations/story on your website brought tears to my eyes. Are they for a book in progress, or other?
January 7, 2019 at 4:43 pm
Jen
Thank you Poupette! And no, the soldier and poppies paintings were a personal project. Maybe someday I’ll think of a story to go with them, but they were inspired by WWI and the In Flanders Fields poem by John McCrae. https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/flanders-fields
January 7, 2019 at 4:23 pm
RaeMcDonald
Jen, characters that connect to our hearts and wishes are the ones that stand out…time to keep striving for that . Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Amy DiMouro
Great exercise- Hedgehogs are super cute by the way, even though they are prickly
January 7, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Jen, I love Hedge Hog Needs a Hug. Your post today has given me a lot of new ideas and a way to correct a picture book dummy I have been working on. Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 4:43 pm
Jen
Yay – glad to hear it!
January 7, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Emma Wood
Such a useful exercise!! I have several ideas already. Thank you, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Laura Jean Watters
Hedgehog is lovely
January 7, 2019 at 4:43 pm
Ana Crespo
Such a helpful post! Thank you! ❤️
January 7, 2019 at 4:45 pm
CindyC
Thanks for sharing these tips, Jen. Great advice for all of us!
January 7, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Antje
Thank you for this great post, Jen. Ideas spark right away…
January 7, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Bronte Colbert
Wow – got my right brain going immediately! Thank you, Jen.
January 7, 2019 at 4:51 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Jen, for these approaches to finding those elusive story ideas! I’ll be checking out your examples.
January 7, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Carolyne Ruck
Great ideas for creating character driven conflicts. Thanks so much!
January 7, 2019 at 4:53 pm
LaurenKerstein
The wheels are turning, turning, turning. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 4:53 pm
Jen Kraar
From one Jen to another – thanks for opening up this door – now I see opposite characteristics everywhere. What a fun way to generate characters!
January 7, 2019 at 4:54 pm
annjex
This is just the suggestion I needed–I always get characters in my mind but struggle with plot. Perfect solution, thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Michele Helsel
Great ideas!
January 7, 2019 at 5:03 pm
Julie Mondi
It’s funny to think of characters with opposing traits because I instantly think of my own children! Thanks for the tips!
January 7, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
I think a lot of my writings are character personality driven, however I tend to have issues with adding the character to an overall theme. I should do this exercise. 🤔
January 7, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Lauri Meyers
Thank you Jen! Characters are tricky for me, so you hooked me with the first line!
January 7, 2019 at 5:10 pm
sarahheturadny
This is a great idea, Jen. I will make my list of characters and give them opposing traits (to their goal, or life in general). I’ll try to involve my kids in this- it could be a fun game!
January 7, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Jamie Schultz
Super fun exercise! Thank you for sharing!
January 7, 2019 at 5:10 pm
aliciaminor
Hedgehog has been famous lately and this exercise will surely work for other animals on the lists waiting to be written about. Let’s begin the brainstorming…
January 7, 2019 at 5:16 pm
wyszguy
Fabulous idea! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Teresa Klepinger
Five ideas in ten minutes! Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 5:19 pm
writersideup
Hedgehog’ll get a hug when I hug his book 🙂 Jen, this is a great way to get moving on conflict, for sure!
January 7, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Maile's World of Books
I love this post and found it so helpful! Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Carolyn
I love your idea that using an animal character makes an internal trait external!
January 7, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
Congratulations on Hedgehog. What a lovely concept, and thanks for sharing your ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Lori Dubbin
Thanks for these insightful ideas about how to create character driven stories and conflict. I want to hug this post 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Debra Katz
Inspiriting ideas for creating characters and conflict. I am definitely going to try out these ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 5:37 pm
Heather Gallagher
I’m definitely a plot person rather than character – there’s some great inspiration here 😀
January 7, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Sue Niemann
Great insights, Hedgehog is adorable!
January 7, 2019 at 5:45 pm
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Oh I’m going to have fun with this! Thanks for sharing, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 5:46 pm
nataliecohn0258
I have your book and love it. I love this exercise! I am going to really think hard and hopefully create a few characters.
January 7, 2019 at 5:47 pm
nataliecohn0258
I love this exercise and I hope I come up several characters thru this exercise! I love your book!
January 7, 2019 at 5:48 pm
Alicia
Awesome idea!
January 7, 2019 at 5:50 pm
Kristin Wauson
So many ideas flowing. I was behind and now I’m not. Thank you for the great post!
January 7, 2019 at 5:50 pm
Alice Carty Fulgione
I loved, loved, loved this post! My list of potential characters & their traits is beginning today. Tomorrow, I’ll think of their potential conflicts. Thanks for the guidance!
January 7, 2019 at 5:51 pm
gingermeurer
Thank you, Jen, Great tips, and I would love to hug your hedgehog!
January 7, 2019 at 5:52 pm
Janie Reinart
Jen, Hedgehog is so cute. Thanks for the fun activity.
January 7, 2019 at 5:56 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Yay for conflict! Without it, life—and stories—would be pretty boring! Thanks for a great post!
January 7, 2019 at 5:57 pm
Amy Newbold
Great post. Thanks for the wonderful tips about character and conflict. I am starting my list today!
January 7, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Rachel Funez
Oh my gosh! This is by far the simplest and clearest description I have read or heard about how to create great character driven stories (and generate ideas)! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 6:06 pm
cravevsworld
Great advice. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Le Anne Brown
It took me a few minutes, but I knew I had recently seen another starring role for a hedgehog whose character was developed similarly. On YouTube look for Erste Christmas Ad 2018: What would Christmas be without Love?
January 7, 2019 at 6:10 pm
lavern15
While some people don’t like conflict, we have to realize we wouldn’t grow without it. Thanks so much for your input!
January 7, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Sandy Foster
This is such a great idea! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 6:15 pm
karinlarson
Terrific advice, thank you! I love the idea of a hedgehog who needs a hug:)
January 7, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Paige Cunningham
I love Hedgehogs! Thank you for the great column. I’m going to grab my journal and start!
January 7, 2019 at 6:25 pm
indalus3
I love this post. Thank you Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Kellie
I’ve heard the term ‘character driven’ mentioned multiple times but never really understood exactly how to go about doing it. Now, I think I do. Thank you so much for the clear explanation and great examples. Love the concept of a hedgehog needing a hug (who doesn’t?)
January 7, 2019 at 6:36 pm
Vicki Wilke
Thanks Jen! I am excited to get brainstorming on these ideas.
January 7, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Kath Carroll
What a great way to go about creating internal and external conflict for characters! Thanks for sharing the story of how you developed Hedgehog Needs a Hug.
January 7, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for the great tips, Jen. Congrats on your new PBs!
January 7, 2019 at 6:40 pm
curryelizabeth
Great tips! And I love Hedgehog–such a sweet story. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thanks, Jena. I absolutely love your suggestion to consider natural traits vs obstacles. This has been very helpful. BTW I love Hedgehog Needs a Hug and think the idea is brilliant!
January 7, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Love this idea and have come up with one of my own! Thanks.
January 7, 2019 at 6:50 pm
Robyn McGrath
This is so great! Thank you for the great tips!
January 7, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Fran Price
Lovely ‘proper’ illustrations. Thanks for your post.
January 7, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Kay lalone
I will have to give this a try.
January 7, 2019 at 7:01 pm
artyowza
I can work with this idea! Thank you
January 7, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Kaye Baillie
I love these examples and I see Jen is in the SCBWI bulletin. Well done, Jen.
January 7, 2019 at 7:05 pm
claireannette1
Such clever suggestions to develop characters and conflict. Thanks for your post and Hedgehog is darling. I’d love to give him a hug!
January 7, 2019 at 7:06 pm
celticsea
I love this advice!! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love this idea and all the examples. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Erika Henkart
I love, love this! Your ideas are so clear and supportive!
January 7, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Shel ledrew
Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 7:24 pm
Sue Frye
Loved this post!
January 7, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Amy Harding
I’m making a list now…what a great exercise!
January 7, 2019 at 7:32 pm
mbhmaine
What a great exercise! Thanks!!
January 7, 2019 at 7:45 pm
lorisherritt
Monsters who aren’t scary…acrobats who are clumsy…I love writing character pieces. Thanks for the diving board!
January 7, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Paula Puckett
Three examples for ideas popped into my head. This was FUN! Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 8:00 pm
fireurchin
Love how you clarify ways to create internal character conflict – which leads to character driven plots – so succinctly! I’ll be coming back to this little list as a reminder, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing!
bonnie fireurchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 7, 2019 at 8:00 pm
laura516
Thank you for the brainstorming tips!
January 7, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Carrie Harvey
Thanks for these suggestions!
January 7, 2019 at 8:18 pm
heavenlyhashformoms
Love this great strategy! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed you post about characters and how you exercised you mind.
January 7, 2019 at 8:50 pm
Steve Schwartz
Great way to approach the development of the story and the conflict therein.
Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Chrisynthia Casper
I have lots of characters with no storylines. Love this exercise.
January 7, 2019 at 8:58 pm
writeknit
Thank you, your post really inspired me to create some characters to star in my stories. I’m off to make my list. 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 9:00 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
LOVE this exercise! Can’t wait to get started!
January 7, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Susan Burd
Great strategy idea for my undeveloped animal character! Thanks for the exercise-now I understand how to use the conflict to drive to storyline.
January 7, 2019 at 9:05 pm
rjtraxel
Love this idea—so simple but effective! Looking forward to reading your book.
January 7, 2019 at 9:05 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
Loved this idea! Thank you, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Nadine Poper
Thank you for a helpful and inspiring post!
January 7, 2019 at 9:10 pm
Trine Grillo
I am inspired by this post!
January 7, 2019 at 9:11 pm
Janet Smart
Hi, Jen. Thanks so much for the advice. You’ve inspired me to make a list and your book about the hedgehog sounds really neat. I’d love to read it.
January 7, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Lucretia
Thank you for providing a clear, practical approach to developing character-driven stories! I’m inspired!
January 7, 2019 at 9:22 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for the helpful and fun exercise.
January 7, 2019 at 9:24 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
JEN: I LOVE hearing about how Storystorm inspires stories to be born. SO INSPIRATIONAL to us Storystormers! I SO APPRECIATE your exercise ideas in this post. Ideas started “raining” down on me before I was even done reading. THANK YOU!!!
January 7, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Thanks for the great ideas! You really got my creative juices going. Thanks!!
January 7, 2019 at 9:39 pm
newfordfan
We love hedhehogs ( and your book) at Hookey Navarre Primary! I’m going to put this blog to work with our young writers!
January 7, 2019 at 9:40 pm
Susan Macartney
Jen – thank you for sharing this simple, fun and very effective exercise! Your journey and the success of your own delightful book are so inspiring – thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 9:45 pm
J. D. Silverwood
I love this post on building characters with inherent conflict. There are many people talking about this subject, but Jen presents this idea in a super-easy-to-digest-and-go-do manner! Thank you, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 9:45 pm
asfperrott
Tension is where the growth (and magic!) happens.
January 7, 2019 at 9:48 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Great exercise to dream up some awesome characters!
January 7, 2019 at 9:51 pm
Mariana
I loved your post and I find it really useful since I am one who struggles with getting characters into conflict in order to have a story. I will try your idea and see how it goes. I am looking forward to opening myself to new possibilities and ways of looking at my characters. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 9:56 pm
wpdrey
Fantastic post and exercise. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 9:58 pm
denarose
Thanks for sharing this great idea! I’m going to start brainstorming characters with intrinsic conflicts. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Brilliant conflict creators!
Thanks for this helpful post, Jen!!
January 7, 2019 at 10:00 pm
diana delosh
I love this post – especially since I love animals. Going to play w/this exercise.
January 7, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Val McCammon
I love to make lists so a list of characters and their opposite-traits will be fun. Thanks, Jen
January 7, 2019 at 10:09 pm
writeforapples1
Great ideas!
January 7, 2019 at 10:10 pm
Carolyn Farina
Wow. This was amazing
January 7, 2019 at 10:14 pm
R.J. Koehn
This is an amazing exercise! I appreciate how you explained it an the examples you gave. THANK YOU!
January 7, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Arlene Schenker
Jen, this is such a great way to brainstorm story ideas. Thank you so much.
January 7, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Cinzia V.
I love how you laid out this exercise. Fun!
Thanks
January 7, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Shirley
What a terrific post. I love your ideas and examples.
January 7, 2019 at 10:23 pm
Rani Iyer
It seems so simple when you say it! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 10:29 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to “create a list of things that would make [a] natural trait difficult.” Thank you.
January 7, 2019 at 10:29 pm
Diana Calio
Love this prompt! Thanks, Jen!
January 7, 2019 at 10:32 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
January 7, 2019 at 10:33 pm
Erik Ammon
Oh my God, Jen! That’s such a brilliant idea! Animals, major trait, and what to insert them in to, in order to create conflict. Thank yoooouuuuu!
January 7, 2019 at 10:34 pm
Artelle Lenthall
This really resonates, thanks Jen. Off to brainstorm!
January 7, 2019 at 10:35 pm
yangmommy
Just the boost I need to flesh out my story more–thanks, and here’s a hug for hedgehog 🙂
January 7, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Lydia Lukidis
I love these tangible exercises and examples!
January 7, 2019 at 10:50 pm
Buffy Silverman
Love this recipe for instant conflict and appealing character! Thanks.
January 7, 2019 at 11:08 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
Jen’s hedgehog is so cuddly! This post is also an excellent description of what a character-driven story is all about.
January 7, 2019 at 11:09 pm
authoryvonafast
Wow i think this is the best post in this series so far! Yes… i’m one of those who has trouble creating plot and conflict. I will have to try this, and animal characters are a great idea. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 11:10 pm
Leah Coleman
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! The best advice yet! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Chris M. Regier
Oh, Jen, thank you so much! This is a great idea.
January 7, 2019 at 11:12 pm
setwiggs
Jen, thanks for reminding me the importance of a character who wants the opposite of how they naturally are.
January 7, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Stephanie Williams
This one gives a lot of food for thought!
January 7, 2019 at 11:21 pm
Joann Howeth
What a fun exercise! Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 11:25 pm
Gloria Amescua
Great ideas already flowing from this. Thanks!
January 7, 2019 at 11:29 pm
megcason1
Ah, I’d give hedgehog a hug!!
January 7, 2019 at 11:31 pm
Nicole Turner
Such a great idea. Off to make s list of animals and their traits.
January 7, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Thank you for sharing your own inspiration and passing on these exercise ideas. Plus what a great list of character-driven books to read!
January 7, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Liz
I like this idea never really thought about it much before now but it makes so much sense
January 7, 2019 at 11:43 pm
Faith Kazmi
Great idea! Thanks so much!
January 7, 2019 at 11:45 pm
denitajohnson
Great idea. Thank you!
January 7, 2019 at 11:51 pm
Patricia Toht
Hedgehog is adorable! Thanks for giving us some step-by-step instructions to help us find those conflicted characters.
January 7, 2019 at 11:52 pm
CJ Penko
This post was just fantastic! I absolutely LOVED hearing about the process here! Thank you!!
January 7, 2019 at 11:54 pm
Chelle Martin
Your suggestions for creating a character developed story were easy to understand. Thank you! Your hedgehog book looks adorable, too.
January 7, 2019 at 11:55 pm
Chelle Martin
Oops! I meant to say character driven story, not character developed.
January 8, 2019 at 12:03 am
Sara A
I love this approach to character driven story ideas!
January 8, 2019 at 12:17 am
Emily Patriquin
Oh I love these ideas!
January 8, 2019 at 12:19 am
aidantalkin
Thanks Jen – I love a fun challenge! Off to write up (and draw!) some characters
January 8, 2019 at 12:22 am
Kath McGreechan
I just saw the video of the NYC egg roll loving squirrel and it made me think of this post…a squirrel who loves something other than nuts? Hmmm…
January 8, 2019 at 12:24 am
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
Thanks for the great exercise! Just sparked some clarity in my current WIP, hooray!
January 8, 2019 at 12:35 am
deborahholtwilliams
What a clever idea! You’ve got me thinking…thanks, Jen!
January 8, 2019 at 12:46 am
Teresa Traver
Thanks for sharing! I know there are many agents & editors looking for character-driven stories, so this is a helpful approach.
January 8, 2019 at 12:47 am
Jennifer Hunt
Here’s to making a list and finding an MC with opposing traits that’ll make for an interesting conflict. Thanks for the tips!
January 8, 2019 at 12:48 am
Cindy E. Owens
I love this idea! Omg, Hedgehog is SO cute! I’d give tons of hugs, kisses, and love to that cute little darling. ❤
January 8, 2019 at 1:09 am
8catpaws
She dreamed of being a great writer. But every time she looked at the paper, her mind went blank. (Character with a trait in opposition to her goal)
January 8, 2019 at 1:13 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Excellent post with helpful examples. Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 1:15 am
Mary Miller
What a fantastic, helpful post! I’ll definitely try this out. Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 1:17 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
I want to read all of those stories! Thank you for sharing.
January 8, 2019 at 1:27 am
Stephen S. Martin
Fantastic post. As an author who wants to write a book but doesn’t know how to write. 🙂
January 8, 2019 at 1:38 am
ruthschubert
I LOVE juxtaposing character traits with animals that really shouldn’t have them. Great way of generating a great character. Thanks for this post.
January 8, 2019 at 2:07 am
photojaq
I love the illustrator for your hedgehog story! So sweet. I got a couple ideas for conflict character traits… but so far they haven’t sparked a story. Thinking of an owl or a bat who wants to do something in the daylight. Or a little boy who longs to eat PB&J sandwiches with his friends… but he has a bad peanut allergy. Or a service dog who wants to romp and play with children, but he is sent to assist a grumpy old man who hates children.
January 8, 2019 at 2:07 am
Carolyn Lucas
Thank you. Love reading your ideas!
January 8, 2019 at 2:32 am
Heather Stigall
I am polishing a manuscript with two characters w/opposing traits right now. Time to come up with anew idea! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 8, 2019 at 4:55 am
Robin Perkins
Hey, this gives me an idea!
January 8, 2019 at 5:37 am
jodieparachini
Thanks Jen, you post gave me an Instant Idea! ( I love when sparks fly!)
January 8, 2019 at 7:07 am
Renata Clarke
This has been my favourite post yet. I don’t know why exactly but it’s sparked something in me and I’m excited!
January 8, 2019 at 7:13 am
suzannepoulterharris
Hoping to come up with a couple of ideas using this trick. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 8:21 am
Bethanny Parker
Great idea! I put your hedgehog book on my wish list.
January 8, 2019 at 8:32 am
Tania Russ Hebert
So glad for all these tips. This is GREAT!! Thanks! 🙂
January 8, 2019 at 8:46 am
Loralee Petersen
Thank you! Brilliant idea. I will give it a try.
January 8, 2019 at 8:46 am
Midge Ballou Smith
This is great! Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 8:55 am
Ryan Roberts
Excellent suggestion. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 9:17 am
Elizabeth Metz
Excellent, spot-on, practical advice. As a plot-challenged writer, I thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 9:19 am
Debbie Lodato
Jen
This information on character development is so helpful. Thank you sooooo much!
Debbie Lodato
January 8, 2019 at 9:38 am
Tiffany Painter
I like imagining the qualities of a character that will impact the story first.
January 8, 2019 at 10:40 am
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing such a simple yet elegant way to develop conflict.
January 8, 2019 at 10:41 am
Susan Nicholas Korstanje
Great suggestions! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 8, 2019 at 10:45 am
Anna Brooks
Thank you! This is so helpful! One new idea already and I’ve thought of a better approach for two rough drafts!
January 8, 2019 at 10:47 am
Maria Koch
This is a great post! It was clearly written and I love the exercises. Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 10:48 am
Anne Bielby
Inspiring! I feel for little hedgehog.
January 8, 2019 at 11:58 am
ranessadoucet
I love this idea for generating ideas! Thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2019 at 12:01 pm
jessica shaw
Fun post and a great idea for coming up with characters! Thanks, Jen!
January 8, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Sara Fajardo
Thanks for the inspiration.
January 8, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
Awww, hugs to you and (very gentle) hugs for Hedgehog for these great ideas! (I used to have a pet hedgehog, and the gentlest hugs work the best for them.) 🙂
January 8, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Jay
Good suggestions!
January 8, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Carrie Kruck
Great suggestion, I came up with an idea just reading this post, hurray!
January 8, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Gabriele
I’m SO inspired by this post! I stopped twice while reading to jot down ideas. Thank you, thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 1:09 pm
joyceschr
These are fabulous tips for inspiration and character development. Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Kimberly
Love this post! Thank you so much!
January 8, 2019 at 1:33 pm
doreenbuchinski
Thanks Jen!
Excellent Exercise!
January 8, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Jennifer
Love the idea of setting up inherentconflict from the get-go. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Marianne Knowles
Best inspiration ever! Or at least, so far. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Kimberly
So many ideas!!!
January 8, 2019 at 1:56 pm
kiwijenny
I immediately thought of a skunk with an extra sensitive nose. Ha ha ha
Thanks.
January 8, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Diane Gronas
So Sweet! Jen, Your Hedgehog illustration is full of sunshine. 🙂 I love his warm and friendly expression, sunny yellow flowers, and the beautiful study of woodland ground cover that frames him in. He’s perfect for a cheery greeting card. May you create many more heart felt illustrations to brighten our world.
January 8, 2019 at 3:02 pm
Jen
Thanks Diane!!
January 8, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Jamie L. B. Deenihan
This post inspired a morning of brainstorming! Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 3:12 pm
mginsberg10
Thanks for that delicious post!
January 8, 2019 at 4:22 pm
rachel
Thanks for a great post. Very much to think about.☺
January 8, 2019 at 4:33 pm
shiela Fuller
This is a very strong post and I loved all of the examples. Thank you, Jen.
January 8, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
I love the idea of listing characteristics of a character that could present a problem. Thanks for the tips!
January 8, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Jim Chaize
This was a very helpful post for coming up with some ideas. Thank you, Jen.
January 8, 2019 at 5:14 pm
nrompella
Can’t wait to play with this concept. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Maria Marshall
Finally! The internet is restored & I can comment! Jen I adore your hedgehog, the illustrations are amazing. I bought this one the moment I saw the cover. Thank you for breaking down your process of getting to the heart of “character driven” PBs. This will be fun. 🙂
January 8, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Chambrae Griffith
This is my favorite storystorm yet! I really want to focus on character driven stories this year and this speaks to me. I can’t wait to see what I can come up with. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 5:37 pm
Sandy Perlic
So much opportunity when you pair opposing traits/desires! Thanks for a great post.
January 8, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
This was a great post! And Hedgehog Needs a Hug is on my pile of library books right now.
January 8, 2019 at 5:57 pm
jaclynsmiller
Great tip about creating characters. And a hedgehog in need of a hug is great! I’m very curious as to who hugged him! My money’s on a porcupine. Hope I win the book so I can find out!!
January 8, 2019 at 6:14 pm
Diane Tulloch
Great post,, thanks Jen.
January 8, 2019 at 6:23 pm
Monica Stoltzfus
Jen!
These are such great examples of conflict in stories with awesomely deep characters. Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Lucy Staugler
Jen, giving you a big hug!!!! for all of these great tips!
Thank you!
January 8, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Noelle McBride
It seems odd that I would choose to be MORE conflicted, but I’ll give it a try! 🙂
January 8, 2019 at 8:17 pm
Christine Irvin
Thanks for the great ideas.
January 8, 2019 at 8:19 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks so much for this post and inspiration! I’ll try this approach for my next StoryStorm idea. I can’t wait to see where it leads me.
January 8, 2019 at 8:28 pm
bgonsar
Such true words. Thanks for the insight.
January 8, 2019 at 8:40 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
The prickliest always need hugs. A good reminder! Thanks.
January 8, 2019 at 8:44 pm
saputnam
Great post, Jen! Thank you for giving us a peek at how you came up with the idea for Hedgehog Needs a Hug. I love your approach to creating conflict by using opposite character traits.
January 8, 2019 at 8:45 pm
Kyle McBride
Great exercise to try!
January 8, 2019 at 8:58 pm
sherilyncook
Thank you for all the great ideas to create conflict!
January 8, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Nadia Salomon (@Nadia_Salomon)
Thank you for the idea of creating character trait lists and adding conflict. It inspired me to come up with an idea…Now, to flesh it out.
January 8, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Elizabeth Steiner
Innate conflict….I’ve got a few myself:) Thanks for the ideas!
January 8, 2019 at 10:34 pm
Jami
This is great Jen. I love having little excercises to get my brain box moving!
January 8, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Thank you for the brainstorming suggestions! Time to think about conflicts.
January 8, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Very helpful post, Jen! Thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2019 at 11:24 pm
Janet Halfmann
Great idea for generating story ideas. Thanks!
January 8, 2019 at 11:50 pm
Meghan Burch
Awesome suggestions! Thanks!
January 9, 2019 at 12:31 am
sallie wolf
Great post, Jen. I’d like to try your exercises with our SCBWI Network group as a way to explore creating characters with depth and tension. Thanks!
January 9, 2019 at 12:55 am
Jabeen
You have given me some new ideas to focus on, thank you!
January 9, 2019 at 1:10 am
Karan Greene
This is great advice. Thanks so much!
January 9, 2019 at 1:16 am
Zoraida Rivera
I want to rethink some of my drafts with this idea; specially those stuck in the sand, that I keep loving.
January 9, 2019 at 1:48 am
M.A. Cortez
Thanks for the great ideas to use in my writing exercises. I love Hedgehog needs a hug! It’s adorable.
January 9, 2019 at 2:01 am
Keila Dawson
You really simplified how to develop conflict in a story. And i love the exercises. Thank you!
January 9, 2019 at 2:07 am
Michelle Kogan Art, Illustration, & Writing
This was fantastic, I love the idea of creating a character and seeking out an opposite trait as the challenge, or two characters that have opposite traits. Also love your art for “Hedgehog Needs A Hug.” Going to check out your book soon, thanks Jen, and Tara!
January 9, 2019 at 2:25 am
Linda Silvestri
What a great exercise! I can’t wait to implement it. Love your characters. The Hedgehog is adorable! I’d risk a hug.
January 9, 2019 at 3:01 am
Jocelyn Rish
I’ve always been stronger with plot than with characterization, so I definitely need to devote a few days to coming up with ideas that are character based.
January 9, 2019 at 8:14 am
Helen Matthews
Truly, opposites attract. Thanks for these ideas
January 9, 2019 at 9:14 am
kmajor2013
That’s a great idea. Thanks for your enlightening post.
January 9, 2019 at 10:28 am
Anna Ouchchy
This is a great post. I have gotten so many ideas from it already.
January 9, 2019 at 10:35 am
Veronica Jorge
Thank you for encouraging us to be more thoughtful about our characters and to take time to look for naturally occurring conflicts whether outward or internal. They really do strengthen a story and make a character more appealing.
January 9, 2019 at 10:46 am
Maria Bostian
Love all of these ideas, especially to character with opposing desires! Thanks for the great ideas!
January 9, 2019 at 10:49 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for the exercises and for making the character driven story concept clearer.
January 9, 2019 at 11:36 am
Anne Appert
I always start with a character and then struggle to give them a story. Thank you for this exercise! I’m excited to use it with brainstorming stories for some of my illustrations.
January 9, 2019 at 11:45 am
Pat Miller
This is helpful–something I’ve never tried before. Thanks!
January 9, 2019 at 12:25 pm
jessicadunnagan
What a great entry into a compelling character. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 9, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Writing character-driven manuscripts is not one of my strengths, so I especially appreciated your post. Thank you for sharing such a practical strategy. I already came up with two new ideas! Also, I’ve heard wonderful things about your book. I’m looking forward to reading it!
January 9, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Anita
Great ideas! Thank you.
January 9, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Nora Fry
Library Lion makes me tear up every single time and I love looking for and realizing the conflict between the lovable characters and their situation. The library helper who wants order and quiet (and no lions!) but sacrifices what he wants to make her happy, etc.
January 9, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Valarie Giogas
LOVE these ideas – very doable and helpful. Thank you!
January 9, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Jen, Thank you for your post! I love your approach.
January 9, 2019 at 5:59 pm
viviankirkfield
What a wonderful post, Jen! I do have trouble creating character driven fiction pbs…and you’ve given me a great template to move forward with!
January 9, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Marcie Rinka Wessels
You’ve really broken down an important element of character driven picture books! Thanks for the tips!
January 9, 2019 at 7:47 pm
Kathy Sholtys
Great ideas- simple but thought-provoking! Thanks for the boost.
January 9, 2019 at 7:56 pm
martina.franklin.poole
I like this suggestion a lot, because we all face this issue on a regular basis, and stories help to give ideas of overcoming such challenges.
January 9, 2019 at 7:57 pm
kjerstenhayes
A wonderful way to make a built in hook too! Thanks.
January 9, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Karen Lawler
OOOOOO LA LA … You have just sparked another idea and it’s forming in my head as we speak!!! Thanks 🙂
January 9, 2019 at 10:00 pm
julielacombeauthor
Slap me upside the head! This is a brilliant way to generate ideas and create conflict within a character!
January 9, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Lindsay Fiore
Thanks for the great post! I’ve been wanting to write more character driven stories and this gave me some good ideas!
January 9, 2019 at 11:53 pm
Tasha Hilderman
This is my favorite post this year. I feel like *I* am a character with a personality trait in direct opposition to my goal, lol! I think this post might help me fix an ms that has a great character but needs a little more opposition. Thanks!
January 10, 2019 at 12:03 am
Kelly Ohlert
Great tips and Hedgehog Needs a Hug sounds adorable!
January 10, 2019 at 12:38 am
Brittney Kauffman
Really made me think on this one!
January 10, 2019 at 1:58 am
Savannah
I can’t get over how wonderful your hedgehog illustrations are!
January 10, 2019 at 2:42 am
Michelle Sumovich
Thanks so much, Jen! I loved this exercise so much, I spent two days on it! 🙂
January 10, 2019 at 7:21 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Another great strategy. Thank you.
January 10, 2019 at 8:10 am
hdening
Thanks, Jen. Just what I needed …inherent conflict … so simple, yet so complex ….soooo right!
January 10, 2019 at 9:43 am
kaleegwarjanski
Great advice!
January 10, 2019 at 10:06 am
Kathryn E Kass
Great suggestion! Thanks!
January 10, 2019 at 10:48 am
Alyssa Sinnen
This post REALLY resonated with me. It seems I have difficulty creating character-driven stories and nailing down the plot. I really appreciate the list of mentor texts – can’t wait to read them!
January 10, 2019 at 10:58 am
Wendy Greenley
Thanks, for the post, Jen. I had shelved a few ms, and this has given me fresh eyes!
January 10, 2019 at 11:07 am
authorlaurablog
Interesting because I always have characters but struggle to give them conflict.
January 10, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Claire W Bobrow
This is the right post at the right time. I have just such a character, but am struggling with plot details. Thanks for the inspiration, Jen, and for a list of mentor texts. Can’t wait to read Hedgehog Needs a Hug!
January 10, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Melissa Stoller
I love this book, Jen! Great ideas and inspiration! #Epic18!
January 10, 2019 at 1:09 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
Thanks for all the great examples!
January 10, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Jen. A great exercise!!
January 10, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Angela De Groot
What a fun, brainstorming exercise!
January 10, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Jen. I love this brainstorming exercise!!
January 10, 2019 at 4:16 pm
rgstones
This was very helpful. Thanks!
January 10, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Cheryl Malandrinos
What a fabulous way to encourage creativity. Thanks so much.
January 10, 2019 at 6:34 pm
Susan Orton
Jen, thank you for your wisdom on creating fun and interesting characters. This is sound, helpful advice I will put into practice immediately.
You were so kind at LASCBWI. I loved your hedgehog hat!
January 10, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Tamawi
I want to give hedgehog a hug!
January 10, 2019 at 9:27 pm
Naomi Gruer
Thanks for the suggestion! I’m definitely going to give this a lot of thought.
January 10, 2019 at 9:48 pm
writeremmcbride
Jen, your post was soooo helpful! Quite often the terminology used in the publishing business can sound elusive to the outsider! You have made the ‘inherent conflict’ concept abundantly clear and I am very grateful! Your book is absolutely beautiful! I have seen it in our elementary library and it is already circulating well. Thank you so much for being a part of StoryStorm!
January 10, 2019 at 11:31 pm
Dani Duck
You know, I’d think that this would be a great idea for generating ideas. So great that I should have thought of this myself. I probably read Diana Murphy’s post and just didn’t take it to heart! I will now
January 10, 2019 at 11:48 pm
tiffanydickinson
Such great ideas, Jen! A giraffe who wants to be a ballerina? An armadillo who wants to be a tightrope walker? A donkey who wants to sing in the choir? Just a few thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
January 11, 2019 at 12:20 am
Pam Miller
Thank you, Jen. You gave me an easy script to follow and a sweet, memorable Hedgehog face to illustrate your point.
January 11, 2019 at 12:23 am
Deb Cushman
Great idea for natural conflict in the story!
January 11, 2019 at 1:12 am
Catherine Pledger
Wonderful post. The inherent conflict was so straightforward, it was like a lightbulb finally went on. Thank you so much for helping to see the light 🙂
January 11, 2019 at 3:07 am
Ink Bottle Studio
Thanks for a great exercise to help create characters and conflict!☺️
January 11, 2019 at 4:02 am
Sherrilynn Scott
I was already making up characters in my head before I even finished reading the article. Thank you Jen!
January 11, 2019 at 6:40 am
Linda Hofke
Hedgehog is adorable! Thanks for sharing your technique for finding hedgehog’s story. It is simple and effective. I already have 2 new ideas.
And this method isn’t just good for generating new stories. It can be applied to improve exisiting manuscripts.
January 11, 2019 at 9:28 am
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
I had not thought to think of character this way before! Thank you!
January 11, 2019 at 9:53 am
Diana Murray
Great post! I love hearing about your journey!
January 11, 2019 at 9:56 am
Nicole Strangman
Wonderful idea that focuses you on the story conflict right away
January 11, 2019 at 12:46 pm
shanah salter
hedgehog needs a hug sounds super cute!
January 11, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Chez l'abeille
Brilliant reminder of things I know but have forgotten!
January 11, 2019 at 4:12 pm
danielledufayet
If no conflict, why read the story, right? I needed this fantastic reminder!
January 11, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing; endless possibilities.
January 11, 2019 at 5:44 pm
Helen
This was a great post, I have so many starting points. Thank you.
January 11, 2019 at 6:37 pm
Teresa Robeson
It seems like such a no-brainer but I could feel my internal lightbulb going on while reading Jena’s post…so, thank you! I feel excited and inspired.
January 11, 2019 at 7:25 pm
Carrie Finison
This is a great exercise – thank you, Jen!
January 11, 2019 at 9:36 pm
Vicky Howard
This post really resonates! It’s great fodder for both character development and plot!
January 11, 2019 at 11:07 pm
Anna Levin
Thank you Jen! Love the tips. Already got me thinking….
January 12, 2019 at 1:35 am
Julia Dworschack
Thx for the specific conflict idea!!! Just sparked some ideas and characters!!!!
January 12, 2019 at 2:11 am
Emily Lim-Leh
Thanks for the brilliantly simple exercise to generate ideas! Love your post!
January 12, 2019 at 8:04 am
Meilssa Chupp
Thanks for sharing your journey. I love this idea!
January 12, 2019 at 9:49 am
Sara Fajardo
What a fun way to think about character. Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 9:50 am
paintandwordsmel
This is a fantastic post. It really resonated and has got ideas churning in me already! Thank you!!
January 12, 2019 at 10:33 am
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Jen, I absolutely love your ideas. Conflict is my toughest challenge, but you make is seem easy. While I know it won’t come natural to me (yet), I greatly appreciate your 2-step process: 1) Make a list of traits in animals or people 2) Make a list of things that make those inherent things difficult (conflict). I cannot wait to read, “Hedgehog Needs a Hug”. Congrats!
January 12, 2019 at 11:56 am
Cynthia Harmony
Very helpful thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Pragmatic Mom
I wasn’t sure if you knew that Sherman Alexie has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women: https://www.pragmaticmom.com/2018/07/sexual-misconduct-in-childrens-book-publishing-metoo-timesup/
January 12, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Melissa Mwai
This is a very good reminder. Without conflict we don’t have a story.
January 12, 2019 at 6:52 pm
Kathy O'Neill
Very creative idea. Thanks for sharing it!
January 12, 2019 at 7:02 pm
Catherine Morgans
Great Jen, I’m going to brainstorm on this later today. Love to have a list of conflict driven characters, perhaps one will lead to something.
January 12, 2019 at 11:34 pm
Stephanie Lau
That’s a great way to think about characters!
January 12, 2019 at 11:46 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
This is a great technique to keep on standby! Thanks for the tips (Also, I’ve drafted a few of the ideas you mentioned, myself! Great mind think alike, I guess.)
January 13, 2019 at 12:22 am
Erin Le Clerc
I love this technique!
January 13, 2019 at 7:32 am
Nadia A.
A great way to think up characters and I especially like the examples. Thanks
January 13, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Lori Travis
I often feel like a hedge hog that needs a hug. Your technique makes me realize maybe I could pull this writing thing off. In the meantime, I need to round of your book. I love children’s books.
January 13, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Great post, thanks!
January 13, 2019 at 1:37 pm
KATHY Z.PRICE
Wonderful ideas and so many hedgehogs who need hugs!
January 13, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Barb Ostapina
A study in contrasts – brilliant! Thanks, Jen.
January 13, 2019 at 5:12 pm
Shereen S.
I love the idea of brainstorming inherent conflicts.
January 13, 2019 at 7:13 pm
Rona Shirdan
Great brainstorming idea! I’ll try it!
January 13, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Heather Kelso
Already starting a list and got 3 ideas!
Thank you Jen.
January 14, 2019 at 1:05 am
Lisa Burvant
Thank you for sharing your advice on character and story building. I have a couple of characters that are very boring. This just might help me make them a tad more interesting… i hope. 😜
January 14, 2019 at 5:05 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
I’m in love with Hedgehog! My daughter used to have one and they are so sweet and full of personality–and you captured that beautifully.
Thanks so much for the writing exercise. I’m off to play. 🙂
January 14, 2019 at 11:35 am
Judy Cooper
What great advice for upping the tension in a story! (an area I do need to work on) Thank you.
January 14, 2019 at 11:46 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Very effective advice! I have a growing list already! And I LOVE Hedgehog Needs a Hug!
January 14, 2019 at 2:29 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Inherent conflict *and* adorable. I will have to read *Hedgehog Needs a Hug.* Thank you for sharing with us, Jen! –Kim P.
January 14, 2019 at 3:55 pm
Judy Bryan
Creating a list for instant conflict is a great idea, thank you, Jen! Congratulations on HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG…love that book!!
January 14, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Caren Cantrell
I love this idea and the way you made it so clear. Thanks!
January 15, 2019 at 12:13 am
Carolyn Kraft
Love this method of creating conflict, brilliant!
January 15, 2019 at 1:06 am
Helen Taylor
Thank you for articulating this idea so clearly! (And for all the great examples too!)
January 15, 2019 at 1:22 am
N. Carvalho-Lee
Thank you for your advice on how to create conflict in a fun way! I am inspired!
January 15, 2019 at 10:41 am
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
Wow! I love this post Jen!! So helpful. The right kind of conflict is key to a successful story.
January 15, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Ms. Schubé
I appreciate this advice!
January 15, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Shawna J Tenney
Great Ideas!
January 16, 2019 at 12:06 am
Andrew Lefebvre
This is a great idea for thinking about conflict that is naturally built.
January 16, 2019 at 3:12 am
Susan Cabael
Conflicts & twists are PB paradise.
January 16, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Jen. I l might have 30 ideas just from going through the animal kingdom and tweaking their traits. I’m so glad you get to share Hedgehog’s story-behind-the-story with the world. (He was one of my favorite characters when I was collecting door prizes for our NESCBWI conference last year.)
January 16, 2019 at 7:03 pm
Terri Sabol
Great suggestions to insert conflict to create a character driven story. Thank you! And I really want to find out if Hedgehog gets his hug.
January 16, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Brandon Collins
Lovely
January 17, 2019 at 11:41 am
Amelia Shearer
I remember that same post from 2014. I wonder if any ideas it gave me at the time might be ready for writing, I’ll have to dig them up! If not, your post gave me renewed ideas that took me down a really fun rabbit trail I’m excited to pursue! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Cassie Bentley
I see self acceptance in this post about the internal conflict and getting needs met. You made it easy to see and create the conflict needed for story. Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 11:27 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Wow, there are a lot of comments here. I will insert new conflicts into my girl character. Thanks.
January 17, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Jill M Proctor
Oooooo, you’ve got me thinking. I came up with at least 2 before I finished reading your great post. Thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Mary York
Thanks for the mentor books, Jen!
January 18, 2019 at 2:33 pm
imagination4lf
Thank you so much for sharing. What a great exercise with lots of possibilities!
January 18, 2019 at 5:35 pm
donnacangelosi
So helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas for creating conflict! I can’t wait to read Hedgehog needs a Hug!
January 19, 2019 at 2:30 am
aturner513
I love these ideas. One book I have started is similar to what you talked about here. I think I will go work on it.
January 19, 2019 at 10:06 am
topangamaria
I’ve been “down in the snout” myself, love that phrase & your hedgehog & your inspiring ideas on character conflict.
January 19, 2019 at 4:47 pm
readstuffnwrite
Have done this for a few of my storystorm days.
January 20, 2019 at 11:25 am
cantsing1
Fabulous! Great exercises! And too bad Library Lion would likely be passed over by publishers since its word count is 1378 ; (
January 20, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Dianne
I love this idea. Such great conflicts. Can’t wait to settle in and put my mind to it.
January 20, 2019 at 1:59 pm
dlapmandi
A Great exercise. I really enjoyed your post about character driven characters. Thanks for the thought provoking exercise and post.
January 20, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Doris k Stone
Thank you for the great idea generators. I’m looking forward to giving them a try.
January 20, 2019 at 3:07 pm
thesheilster
Thanks for sharing. This gives me some great ideas. Can’t wait to start writing!
January 21, 2019 at 12:42 am
Angela H. Dale
Thanks Jen, you’ve given me an aha moment for a PB MS I’ve been trying to revise.
January 22, 2019 at 1:24 am
Hillary Homzie
So much easier to find the conflict in the story using this method. I love it!
January 22, 2019 at 2:34 am
thedandelionzoo
Thank you for an idea for a story for my little one who has been difficult to write for!
January 22, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
I love this suggestion. Fabulous post – thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 11:25 pm
Rebecca Herzog
Thank you for this idea! I really struggle with coming up with conflict, and this is a great way to go about solving that!
January 23, 2019 at 12:41 am
sharongiltrow
Thank you Jen for the great suggestion on how to generate ideas and a character – very useful.
January 23, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Jen! I loved Library Lion also! And what a great formula for brainstorming! Like you said, has a character and a conflict right away!
January 23, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Amanda Davis
So many good nuggets here! Great ways to generate ideas! Thanks, Jen!
January 24, 2019 at 9:16 pm
annettepimentel
Great analysis of why these books work. Thanks!
January 26, 2019 at 2:58 am
Emily Patriquin
I loved Library Lion and this is such a great way of looking at character creation!
January 26, 2019 at 9:35 am
Shel ledrew
Thank you.
January 26, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Susan Tuggy
The exercise of creating characters with inherent cconflict is eye-opening! Thanks.
January 26, 2019 at 10:23 pm
Robyn Campbell
I write character-driven stories simply because I am better at that. But also because I love my characters silly as they are.
January 27, 2019 at 3:29 am
Robin Robb-Kraus
Thank you Jen for walking us through this process! This technique makes so much sense and I appreciate your use of examples. Super writing exercise!
January 27, 2019 at 11:42 am
Dea Brayden
This is the perfect post for me to read this morning. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 27, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Joyce
I’ve struggled with the concept of conflict. This is helpful. Thanks.
January 29, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Marie Powell
Great idea for introducing natural conflict — thanks!
January 29, 2019 at 1:22 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
What a great prompt for creating a strong character and interesting plot! Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2019 at 11:39 pm
nicolesharkeybooks
I found this entry particularly useful. I was already writing a lot of manuscripts with this sort of conflict, but I hadn’t noticed it. Now that I am aware of it, I can be more intentional in my planning.
January 30, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Danielle Hicks
Excellent advice and solid examples for developing strong character-driven stories. Thank you so much for sharing!
January 31, 2019 at 9:31 pm
higherthanrubies
Love this! I am off to create characters and check on ones I have already created. Thank you!
January 31, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Laurie Swindler
I love how you showed us the way to create inherent conflict in our characters. This I will definitely use. Thanks
February 1, 2019 at 4:43 am
AlisonMarcotte
So cute! And that’s a great technique!
Thanks,
Alison
February 1, 2019 at 9:30 am
McCourt Thomas
Great reminder to focus on character-driven stories – thanks!
February 1, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great exercise. I will definitively try it. I have heard agents and publishers about character driven stories too 😒
Thank you!!
February 3, 2019 at 9:52 am
Sheri Dillard
Thanks for the great post! I just wrote down several ideas! 🙂
And I’m a big fan of your hedgehog! Such a cutie!
February 4, 2019 at 5:01 pm
loelmu
This post was a fountain of inspiration!
February 5, 2019 at 11:30 pm
Becky Shillington
Thank you, Jen–this is wonderful!
January 7, 2020 at 7:26 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Thanks, Jen for Aha moments to shake out a character!
January 26, 2020 at 4:43 pm
teachom
This exercise is a lot of fun. Not only am I going to do it, but I’m also going to use it as a creativity exercise for my students. Thank you!