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Storystorm 2019 Day 13: Ashley Franklin Loses the Muse

January 13, 2019 8:00 am

by Ashley Franklin

If inspiration is all around us, why does it sometimes feel as if our muse is on vacation—basking in the sun and living the good life while we’re struggling to settle into our creative groove?

Without our muse to guide the way, we are destined to be adrift in a sea of uncertainty headed towards a creative abyss, right? Wrong!

I want to let you in on a little secret. Are you ready for it? Here it is: You don’t need a muse!

There won’t be an “aha moment” around every corner. There may not be an aura surrounding your next big idea. If you want access to a constant source of inspiration, look no further than yourself.  All you need is your inspiration tool box.

My inspiration tool box helps me to generate ideas at any stage of the writing process. What’s great about it is that it only consists of three things: eyesight, insight, and hindsight.

You can use all three tools at once, or you can pick and choose. For my picture book debut, NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE, I used a combination of the three to come up with the idea.  Here’s how I used my inspiration tool box:

Eyesight:

Q: What do I see a lot of?
A: Princesses. They’re everywhere and on everything.

Insight:

Q: What’s common about the princesses?
A: Most of them are White. There’s not much variation. They’re all “perfect” according to today’s standards.

Q: What’s missing?
A: Princesses with quirks. Princesses who look like me.

Hindsight:

Q: What made me happy as a kid?
A: Barbies. Mom made a point to buy me POC Barbies. I had tons.

Q: How do I feel about that?
A: Back then, the dolls made me happy. They were my favorite. Now, I realize they helped me feel seen (which was especially important because I attended predominantly White schools).

As you can see, I always begin with questions. Personally, I find that beginning with questions helps me to focus my ideas.

Armed with the thoughts gifted to me by my tool box, I decided that I wanted to write an African-American princess story. Many wretched and promising drafts later (thanks, revision!), I came up with Tameika’s story.

I’m happy to introduce to you, my Storystorm family, the cover of NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE:

:

Ashley Franklin is an African-American writer, mother, and adjunct college professor. Ashley received her M.A. from the University of Delaware in English Literature, where she reaffirmed her love of writing but realized she had NO IDEA what she wanted to do about it.

Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family. Her debut picture book, NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE, will be published July 9, 2019 by HarperCollins. The idea for the book originated from a former Storystorm (then PiBoIdMo) challenge. For more information on Ashley, you can visit her website: ashleyfranklinwrites.com.

Social media savvy?  You can find Ashley on one of these platforms: Twitter @differentashley, Instagram: @ashleyfranklinwrites and Facebook.

Ashley is giving away two prizes to two winners. First, a signed copy of NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE when it releases. Second, a non-rhyming picture book critique.

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!

 

 

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Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2019, STORYSTORM Success Story

Tags: ,

594 Responses to “Storystorm 2019 Day 13: Ashley Franklin Loses the Muse”

  1. Love the cover! Thanks for sharing your thinking process!

    By Tina Cho on January 13, 2019 at 8:09 am

    1. Thank your for reading, Tina! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

      Happy Writing!

      -Ashley

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 11:43 am

  2. The 3-part wisdom of eyesight, insight, and hindsight is amazingly powerful. I appreciate how useful each step can be in the inspirational idea phases. Love it! Many thanks for sharing!

    By Meli Glickman on January 13, 2019 at 8:10 am

  3. Love the simplicity and usefulness of your tool box, Ashley! Also your reminder to “Experience the object of your focus.” is soooo right on!

    By Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis on January 13, 2019 at 8:14 am

  4. This is a great idea. It gets yourself talking about ideas and really thinking about them. I haven’t done that too often. I really like your concept for the book. It looks like a great read. I will be looking out for it! Congratulations on your debut.

    By Ashley Congdon on January 13, 2019 at 8:15 am

  5. Congratulations Ashley! Great cover and story.
    Looking forward to reading your first book. Thank you for posting.

    By Mark Bentz on January 13, 2019 at 8:16 am

  6. I”m looking forward to your book coming out this summer! Thank you for sharing your powerful tools – eyesight, insight, hindsight! Lots of wisdom there!

    By authoryvonafast on January 13, 2019 at 8:21 am

  7. Such a good way to conjure up ideas. You had me when you said you see Princesses everywhere! So funny, then to see the title and the cover of your book – amazing!

    By Nadia A. on January 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

  8. Great advice, and easy to remember too! Thanks for sharing😍

    By michelemeleen on January 13, 2019 at 8:27 am

  9. I like the elements of your tool box, especially the INSIGHT. This is a great way to really focus on something in a way that opens up new, well, insights!

    By tanyakonerman on January 13, 2019 at 8:37 am

  10. Congrats on your debut. NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE looks like a fun, much-needed book. TY of sharing the process of how you came up with the idea!

    By Kathy Halsey on January 13, 2019 at 8:49 am

  11. Thank you!! If that lazy muse is onvacation I’ll just jump in and do things myself! Lol thanks for the great reminders! 💗

    By Shelly Hawley-Yan on January 13, 2019 at 8:51 am

  12. I love it! This is similar to lose the magic…there isn’t magic. There’s the practice of being creative. Wonderful post. MANY congratulations on, ‘Not Quite Snow White’

    By Linda Mitchell on January 13, 2019 at 8:53 am

  13. This is a really good idea generator. Thanks for sharing how you came up with your story idea and congratulations on your book!

    By Heather Stigall on January 13, 2019 at 8:55 am

  14. Excellent tips. Loved this. Thank you.

    By Johnell DeWitt on January 13, 2019 at 8:59 am

  15. Congratulations on your new book! And thanks for sharing your ideas for getting our own writing inspiration.

    By melissamiles1 on January 13, 2019 at 8:59 am

  16. I like the idea of “looks like me” for everybody. Cool!

    By reluctantspy on January 13, 2019 at 9:03 am

  17. Love hearing about how a book was born – thanks for sharing your process! Can’t wait to read Tameika’s story.

    By Carrie Kruck on January 13, 2019 at 9:05 am

  18. Very inspiring! Excited to read your upcoming princess book! Thank you

    By Leanne Luetkemeyer on January 13, 2019 at 9:08 am

  19. Looking forward to reading your story, sounds like one I should also adopt a copy for my library! Thanks for reminding me that quirky can be an asset!

    By Margaret Flint Suter on January 13, 2019 at 9:08 am

  20. Very nice toolbox, and congratulations!

    By marlainawrites on January 13, 2019 at 9:09 am

  21. Congratulations on your debut book! I appreciate your idea of beginning with questions. Thanks for a great post!

    By Jane Dippold on January 13, 2019 at 9:10 am

  22. Thank you Ashley, for a look into your process. The toolbox is great- so accessable! And congratulations on your new book!

    By Mary Warth on January 13, 2019 at 9:11 am

  23. This a great suggestion. Thank you for your sharing what’s in your toolbox. I love your book idea, can’t wait to read a copy.

    By Kathryn E Kass on January 13, 2019 at 9:12 am

  24. Thanks Ashley for the inspiring post! You are right. Inspiration is all around us, we simply have to open our eyes and take notice of things. It truly is something we sometimes forget to do.

    By Jennifer Bower on January 13, 2019 at 9:14 am

  25. I like your approach to finding a concept. Congratulations on your debut picture book, NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE!

    By Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 13, 2019 at 9:17 am

  26. Thanks so much for sharing how you came up with your idea for Not Quite Snow White. I’m definitely going to try this process to get some new ideas. And congratulations on your debut! I’m going to watch for it.

    By Kristen Tipman on January 13, 2019 at 9:19 am

    1. Thanks, Kristen! I do hope you’re able to generate some awesome ideas. Sometimes it’s all about asking the right questions.

      -Ashley

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 9:47 am

  27. Thank you for celebrating our differences. Thanks for sight, insight and hindsight. That’s going to be my new mantra.

    By kiwijenny on January 13, 2019 at 9:27 am

  28. Brilliant post! Thank you Ashley. And congrats on your book. Looks adorable!

    By stiefelchana on January 13, 2019 at 9:29 am

  29. Congratulations on your book! I’m going to be looking for this one on the shelves!

    By Joy Pitcairn on January 13, 2019 at 9:31 am

  30. Thank you so much for your thoughts. I really like the idea of asking questions.

    By Julie Mondi on January 13, 2019 at 9:31 am

  31. Love the idea of a toolbox that spotlights how to begin. Thanks for sharing the mechanics ;-)!

    By Andria Rosenbaum on January 13, 2019 at 9:35 am

  32. Thank you, Ashley! And a big congrats on your book!

    By Midge Ballou Smith on January 13, 2019 at 9:42 am

  33. Congratulations on this book! It looks fabulous and will be a favorite for lots of kids! Thank you for the ideas, too. I like the question idea for focus.

    By jheitman22 on January 13, 2019 at 9:42 am

  34. Congrats on your upcoming release! I think your toolbox (and it’s three components) is one of the most valuable pieces of info yet. You just put the power in our hands, the writer. We don’t need to sit around and wait for inspiration, we have it… it’s just all about perspective!

    By Jennifer G Prevost on January 13, 2019 at 9:46 am

    1. You’re absolutely right, Jennifer! It is all about perspective. With so much life to live and so many words to write, who has time to sit around and wait for inspiration?
      -Ashley

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 9:50 am

  35. Excellent tips. Let’s all just open our eyes! I love your cover and concept for your new book and so will hundreds of young readers. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    By gayleckrause on January 13, 2019 at 9:47 am

  36. Love your idea of an inspiration tool box! Thanks for that tip. And congratulations on Not Quite Snow White!

    By pathaap on January 13, 2019 at 9:51 am

  37. Loved hearing the story behind the story. Thanks!

    By bgonsar on January 13, 2019 at 9:53 am

  38. Thank you, Ashley, for your inspirational post! I cannot wait to read your new book this July:>

    By polly renner on January 13, 2019 at 9:53 am

  39. Yes this was exactly whst I needed to read. Great post. And I can not wait to read your book.

    By chrisynthia on January 13, 2019 at 9:58 am

  40. Thanks for the great toolbox tips!

    By Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll) on January 13, 2019 at 9:59 am

  41. Great idea to incorporate what you see, what yiu feel, and what you’ve learned. I do this when teaching my high school students and it is a really effective way to help them connect their writing to their world. I like how you narrowed it down to 3 easy to understand components. Thanks for the great post!

    By ssafra22 on January 13, 2019 at 10:00 am

  42. Congratulations on your upcoming debut! And thank you for the wonderful advice.

    By ptnozell on January 13, 2019 at 10:01 am

  43. I like the start-with-a-question approach to the toolbox idea. I’ve used the “What if…” question, but yours are just as useful, and easier to answer! Good post. Congratulations and good luck with the new book.

    By Genevieve Petrillo on January 13, 2019 at 10:06 am

  44. Thanks for sharing your tool box of inspiration, Ashley!

    By C.L. Murphy on January 13, 2019 at 10:07 am

  45. Ashley thank you for this approach to not needing a muse…questions are good😊

    By Li’vee Rehfield on January 13, 2019 at 10:07 am

  46. I think we all need “Lose the Muse” t-shirts!

    By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 13, 2019 at 10:09 am

  47. What a fresh way to look at story idea generation, Ashley! Thanks for “eyesight, insight, hindsight.” I’m going to use this process to develop ideas I already have on my list — the ones I think have a nugget of worth, but I haven’t figured out where they should go.

    By carol w Munro on January 13, 2019 at 10:10 am

  48. Thanks for your inspiration today- Great post! Congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to read it!

    By Nancy Ramsey on January 13, 2019 at 10:12 am

  49. Thanks for your handy, dandy toolb0x, Ashley. Congratulations on the new book!

    By MD Knabb on January 13, 2019 at 10:12 am

  50. I love your break down and explanation of “eyesight, insight, and hindsight!” Putting on my tool box glasses now. Congratulations on your new picture book.

    By Lori Dubbin on January 13, 2019 at 10:14 am

  51. Sounds like a great book! Love the title.

    By Poppy P on January 13, 2019 at 10:15 am

  52. Ashley, thank you for the pointers. I have always found that the muse strikes when least convenient (driving, falling asleep, waking up, etc). NOT when I have time to and sit down to write. So I really appreciate your advise to grab a tool (eyesight, insight, and hindsight) from our always-ready tool box. (And I love the three sights – I’m an eye doctor!) I also received a great Christmas present from a writing friend that has proven both relaxing and helpful: A mainly blank book with 300 writing prompts for writers. Thank you again, and I hope to win the critique (or the PBs!), but even if I don’t, I thank you for the helpful insights! Sarah

    By sarahheturadny on January 13, 2019 at 10:16 am

  53. Love these ideas about our different “sights!”

    By Becky Ross Michael on January 13, 2019 at 10:17 am

  54. Yes, me too! Love the title and premise of your book! Thanks for tips on generating ideas.

    By Linda Chavez on January 13, 2019 at 10:17 am

  55. Great tips! I can’t wait to read Not Quite Snow White!

    By Aimee Isaac on January 13, 2019 at 10:25 am

  56. Great process for generating ideas – thanks!

    By rimna on January 13, 2019 at 10:26 am

  57. Thanks for the good ideas for generating my own.

    By Mardi Edwards on January 13, 2019 at 10:26 am

  58. This is wonderful — what a unique and inviting twist on a princess. LOVE it — so fresh! Good luck with this. And love the tool box. I use mine all the time and am thankful for this invitation to sharpen my tools!

    By Lynne Marie on January 13, 2019 at 10:27 am

  59. I love the cover and the title of “Not Quite Snow White” and the three “sights,” Ashley. Thank you for sharing. And thanks to your mom for providing you with what you needed growing up.

    By Cynthia Hawthorne on January 13, 2019 at 10:27 am

  60. I love the three things in the tool box! Thank you! And congratulations on Not Quite Snow White!

    By Pamela Harrison on January 13, 2019 at 10:29 am

  61. Congratulations on your forthcoming debut! I will be looking for this to add to my school library.

    By Nadine Poper on January 13, 2019 at 10:29 am

  62. Thank you for sharing your story about NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE and how it came to be. Good luck on the upcoming release.
    And the technique of using eyesight, insight, and hindsight are a wonderful addition to this writer’s toolbox. Great suggestions!

    By Paula Puckett on January 13, 2019 at 10:30 am

  63. Thank you for sharing the three sights in your your tool box and your productive approach to using them. I’m looking forward to trying your technique. Congratulations on your debut PB, which sounds wonderful!

    By Lucretia on January 13, 2019 at 10:31 am

  64. Looks like a beautiful book!

    By authoraileenstewart on January 13, 2019 at 10:31 am

  65. Your idea toolbox is fabulous! Thank you. I love the questions it evokes.

    By Teresa Daffern on January 13, 2019 at 10:32 am

  66. What an INSIGHTful post!

    By James Arthur on January 13, 2019 at 10:34 am

    1. I see what you did there.😊Glad you enjoyed it!

      -Ashley

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 10:38 am

  67. I agree with you that when the muse takes a vacation, we need to find another way. Thank you for the ideas!

    By vijikc on January 13, 2019 at 10:35 am

  68. You have a wonderful tool box. Love these insightful questions to get us to where the ideas flow. Thanks for sharing.

    By Cheryl Malandrinos on January 13, 2019 at 10:38 am

  69. Thanks for this post! And I can’t wait to get this book for our library.

    By Michelle O'Hara Levin on January 13, 2019 at 10:41 am

  70. Thanks for sharing your tools and congrats on what looks like a terrific book!

    By Danielle Dufayet on January 13, 2019 at 10:42 am

  71. Looks like a great book! Thanks for the post!

    By Alice Carty Fulgione on January 13, 2019 at 10:47 am

  72. Congratulations to Ms. Franklin on her forthcoming picture book. It is a idea that is long overdue.

    By Debra Katz on January 13, 2019 at 10:47 am

  73. Brilliant and much needed book! I’ll be thinking about this title all day and smiling. I have a MS about a princess with anxiety, and have received mixed feedback. One agent said she loved the concept but they had recently signed an author with a similar book. A second said he was good with the princess, but the topic was too dark. (That was the day I realized just how subjective this business is.) Can’t wait yo rot request that our local library add Not Quite Snow White to the shelves.

    By hermanator33 on January 13, 2019 at 10:47 am

  74. What a creative post. Not only can we use your tools but we can create a
    few of our own to help us write.

    By June Sengpiehl on January 13, 2019 at 10:48 am

    1. Exactly! It’s YOUR tool box. Add what tools work for your writing process.

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post, June!

      -Ashley

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 11:01 am

  75. Thank you for posting this! A great reminder to dig deep and find inspiration from within.

    By rachelnrosenthal on January 13, 2019 at 10:51 am

  76. Can’t wait to read this book. Congrats!!!!

    By Debra K Shumaker on January 13, 2019 at 10:52 am

  77. What a helpful suggestion! And I can’t wait to read your book – FABULOUS title! Thanks for sharing.

    By Deb Sullivan on January 13, 2019 at 10:56 am

  78. How wonderful. It’s more than time for more books featuring the rainbow of our world. Now off to find those story starters in our house!

    By Louann Brown on January 13, 2019 at 11:01 am

  79. Your book looks/sounds great! Can’t wait to read it! THank you for your post

    By nicolesalterbraun on January 13, 2019 at 11:03 am

  80. Thanks, Ashley, for the writing tips for getting a new idea. Your book was long overdue. I can’t wait to read it. Good luck and many sales with it.

    By betlw on January 13, 2019 at 11:07 am

  81. I like the suggestion to remember what ‘made your heart skip a beat.” Congratulations on your debut – I’m looking forward to sharing it with my daughter.

    By Melanie Ellsworth on January 13, 2019 at 11:08 am

  82. What a great idea structure. Thanks for sharing. It’s always nice to read the thought process of a creative product.

    By runi on January 13, 2019 at 11:10 am

  83. Eyesight, insight and hindsight! Love it! Just open your eyes! Of course, I should have the foresight to know this! Thank you so much for sharing, Ashley and for posting, Tara!

    By Robin Jordan on January 13, 2019 at 11:14 am

  84. Lovely…great way to keep going deeper. Thank you!

    By beckylevine on January 13, 2019 at 11:15 am

  85. Thanks for this post and giving me permission to throw away the muse idea. I don’t have a muse and sort of felt like something was wrong with my writing because I never have a muse. I absolutely agree with this article and its simple idea of eyesight, insight, and hindsight.
    This looks to be a great book and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

    By Cindy Schumerth on January 13, 2019 at 11:15 am

  86. Thank you for sharing the muse behind Not Quite Snow White. EyeSight Insight Hindsight! Can’t wait to read it.

    By Carole Calladine on January 13, 2019 at 11:21 am

  87. My personal favorite post so far! Thank you for the inspiration 💗

    By Mary Vander Plas on January 13, 2019 at 11:21 am

  88. This book sounds absolutely wonderful. Congratulations!

    By supermario6 on January 13, 2019 at 11:22 am

  89. Congratulations on your debut book, it looks adorable! Great post on the “sights”.

    By Jodi Mckay on January 13, 2019 at 11:25 am

  90. Ohmygoodness Ashley! Tameika is beautiful! Can’t wait to read her story. I woke up this morning to drifts of perfect white snow anxious to dig into my Storystorm and found your gem of a not quite snow white. Taking notes and ready to use my three tools too!

    By Juliana Lee on January 13, 2019 at 11:27 am

  91. Thank you so much for sharing with us about your Inspiration Tool Box idea!! Such a great way to use our senses! Congratulations on your upcoming book

    By thelmakat on January 13, 2019 at 11:27 am

  92. Thank you for sharing.

    By Jane Serpa on January 13, 2019 at 11:30 am

  93. Thanks for sharing your tool box. Congrats on Not Quite Snow White. The cover is adorable. I look forward to seeing the text and other illustrations.

    By Debbi G on January 13, 2019 at 11:30 am

  94. Great post, Ashley!! Thank you for giving us a peek behind the writing of your book, Not Quite Snow White. Love your inspiration tool box idea… my muse is always splitting for Cancun and drinking margaritas while ogling the cabana boys so your tool box will come in handy

    By saputnam on January 13, 2019 at 11:31 am

    1. Make sure your muse shares those frequent flyer miles😆! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

      -Ashley

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 11:45 am

  95. Great post! Thanks for sharing and congrats! Can’t wait to read your debut!

    By Janice Woods on January 13, 2019 at 11:32 am

  96. I loved reading your bio, Ashley! I also love your Tool Box idea! I need to work on my hindsight as to how I felt about things as a child. I find myself remembering my daughter’s trials and tribulations – but I would need to get inside her head more to pull out her child feelings.

    By Barbara Farr Renner on January 13, 2019 at 11:33 am

  97. Thanks for the inspiration!

    By Linda KulpTrout on January 13, 2019 at 11:33 am

  98. Thanks for sharing and congratulations!

    By Tania Russ Hebert on January 13, 2019 at 11:34 am

  99. Great inspiration and beautiful cover/concept!

    By Charlotte Offsay on January 13, 2019 at 11:34 am

  100. Fun, straightforward and really useful – losing “the muse” and checking out my tool box – thanks Ashley!

    By Susan Macartney on January 13, 2019 at 11:35 am

  101. Hi Ashley, I LOVE the title of your new picture book. I also think your formula for losing the muse and using eyesight, insight, and hindsight is sheer magic! Thank you for the generous giveaways and for participating in Storystorm!

    By M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet) on January 13, 2019 at 11:37 am

  102. Great questions to add to our toolbox. Thanks for sharing. I love delving into memories and asking the difficult questions!

    By Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on January 13, 2019 at 11:37 am

  103. Ashley. A beautiful cover for your wonderful new picture book.Thank you for this post today.

    By Mary Jane on January 13, 2019 at 11:40 am

  104. Way cool… I am also from Arkansas!

    By LaTonya Richardson on January 13, 2019 at 11:41 am

  105. Congratulations on your book and thanks for the advice on how to lose the muse. Love it.

    By Jennifer Phillips on January 13, 2019 at 11:41 am

  106. This is a great way to think about ideas, thank you! Congratulations on your book. The cover is terrific!

    By Karin Larson on January 13, 2019 at 11:45 am

  107. I love this post. It reminds me that a thunderbolt idea isn’t going to hit me while I am knitting (ok, most likely it won’t, but you never can give up hope). Thanks for the extra tools I need while waiting for that elusive bolt to arrive.

    By writeknit on January 13, 2019 at 11:46 am

  108. Thank you for sharing your Inspiration Tool Box idea. Congratulations on your book. Looking forward to reading it.

    By Ellen Sirianni on January 13, 2019 at 11:46 am

  109. Our tools:
    “Eyesight”
    “Insight”
    “Hindsight”
    Important questions.
    Wow! What a helpful post! Thank you. Congratulations on NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE! The cover is fantastic and I can’t wait to read it!

    By LaurenKerstein on January 13, 2019 at 11:50 am

  110. Great tools – thank you!

    By Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson) on January 13, 2019 at 11:51 am

  111. Thank you for the post. I love the idea of using his tool box for ideas. I can’t wait to read your upcoming new book.

    By Nicole Turner on January 13, 2019 at 11:51 am

  112. Thank you for the inspiration! I can’t wait to read your book!

    By ranessadoucet on January 13, 2019 at 11:51 am

  113. Ashley, fabulous idea for the tool box! Congrats on your new picture book. Love the cover reveal!

    By Janie Reinart on January 13, 2019 at 11:53 am

  114. Thanks for the post.

    By Gregory E Bray on January 13, 2019 at 11:54 am

  115. Always nice to have tools you don’t have to go out and buy! Thanks for the prompt!

    By Joan Longstaff on January 13, 2019 at 11:56 am

  116. Brilliant!

    By Becky H on January 13, 2019 at 12:01 pm

  117. Great advice rolled out in great wordplay! Love. It.

    By Katie Engen on January 13, 2019 at 12:01 pm

  118. Ashely, thank you for sharing your insights into idea generation and the story behind your story. I love fairy tale retellings and I can’t wait to read your version of Snow White. You’re an inspiration!

    By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 13, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    1. I meant Ashley!

      By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 13, 2019 at 12:02 pm

  119. Congratulations on your debut, Ashley. It’s a great concept; I look forward to reading it. Thanks!

    By tiffanydickinson on January 13, 2019 at 12:04 pm

  120. What tremendously helpful advice! I love the story you wrote and can appreciate how these suggestions helped you to write that story!

    By celticsea on January 13, 2019 at 12:06 pm

  121. Congratulations! I look forward to reading “Not Quite Snow White”. And thank you for the excellent advice.

    By DaNeil Olson on January 13, 2019 at 12:07 pm

  122. Congrats on your book, Ashely.
    And thanks for sharing your questioning/toolbox method.

    By Linda Hofke on January 13, 2019 at 12:08 pm

  123. Thank you for sharing the sources of your inspiration. Congratulations on your debut picture book! Gail Hartman

    By thecrowsmap on January 13, 2019 at 12:16 pm

  124. Congratulations on your new story… I love the ideas you expressed and wish you success!

    By Keri Colon on January 13, 2019 at 12:18 pm

  125. Congratulations, Ashley, on your upcoming picture book. I love the cover.

    By Debra Daugherty on January 13, 2019 at 12:20 pm

  126. Thank you, Ashley, for sharing the contents of your toolbox. I look forward to including aspects of your idea into my writing process. Your book cover is inspirational.

    By judyrubin13 on January 13, 2019 at 12:20 pm

  127. Interesting way to get reinspired (autocorrect keeps changing this to reinsured!). Thanks for sharing.

    By nrompella on January 13, 2019 at 12:20 pm

  128. Congrats on your debut! Can’t wait to read it. And, thanks for sharing your toolbox.

    By Tracy Hora on January 13, 2019 at 12:22 pm

  129. Wow! I love this approach to finding an idea. I’m going to try it today. I’m super excited about your book — I think it will be excellent for my classroom!

    By Andrea Mack on January 13, 2019 at 12:23 pm

  130. Great post. I ask myself questions a lot while writing, too.

    By storyfairy on January 13, 2019 at 12:24 pm

  131. Great ideas and I look forward to reading your book. Love the title!

    By Lynn Baldwin on January 13, 2019 at 12:25 pm

  132. Congratulations on Not Quite Snow White! I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for the great ideas. . . Very helpful.

    By Sandy Foster on January 13, 2019 at 12:28 pm

  133. Sight: the power of seeing. What a powerful toolbox you have created with three simple words. Thank you. And congratulations on your upcoming book.

    By Anjali Amit on January 13, 2019 at 12:30 pm

  134. Thank you for sharing these terrific ideas Ashley! Your book looks great and I can’t wait to read it. 🙂

    By heidikyates on January 13, 2019 at 12:36 pm

  135. Thank you, Ashley. Three different ways to gather ideas and DEVELOP a story. Great. I’m looking forward to Not Quite Snow White.

    By Nancy Ferguson on January 13, 2019 at 12:38 pm

  136. Thank you for this! I can’t wait to read Not Quite Snow White!

    By Amalia Reef on January 13, 2019 at 12:40 pm

  137. Thanks for the moving post. I’m excited to read your book. And also appreciate the offer of a critique.
    Jenna

    By moviemommie on January 13, 2019 at 12:42 pm

  138. Thank you! You set my creativity in motion this morning.

    By Shelly Wilson on January 13, 2019 at 12:44 pm

  139. Can’t wait to read your debut book!!

    By Cheryl Johnson on January 13, 2019 at 12:46 pm

  140. What a great post! Thanks for sharing your process with us. Can’t wait to read your book.

    By Anna Ouchchy on January 13, 2019 at 12:53 pm

  141. Thank you so much for this post, Ashley! After the first days of Storystorm flooding me with really good ideas and outlines, apparently my muse took a sabbatical. Thinking about your inspirational post opened a new path to ideas! Now I’m off to add to my idea notebook. Thanks! 😊

    By Beth Gallagher on January 13, 2019 at 12:55 pm

  142. Love your concept! I’ll read it!

    By Teresa Klepinger on January 13, 2019 at 12:56 pm

  143. I’m so glad to see a post about trading the elusive, infuriating muse for a toolbox. Much more sensible, and effective! Thanks for the tips, Ashley. Your book looks wonderful – can’t wait to read it!

    By Claire W Bobrow on January 13, 2019 at 1:02 pm

  144. Great ida!

    By colleenrkosinski on January 13, 2019 at 1:03 pm

  145. Your book sounds great! Can’t wait to read it. Good luck.
    Lillian

    By Lillian Heckinger on January 13, 2019 at 1:03 pm

  146. Congrats Ashley! That title gives me giggles

    By KATHY Z.PRICE on January 13, 2019 at 1:08 pm

  147. Great post – love your ideas. Can’t wait to read your book.

    By bevbaird on January 13, 2019 at 1:11 pm

  148. I love your book cover! It’s so adorable!

    By Angie Isaacs on January 13, 2019 at 1:12 pm

  149. Congratulations on your book launch and your ideas. I think each of our own perspectives on an idea is different. I have a story to tell on one of my first experiences and you’ve given me an idea to plot it out. Thanks.

    By Sheri Radovich on January 13, 2019 at 1:16 pm

  150. Congratulations on your PB. It looks and sounds wonderful. Thanks for the ideas of getting ideas.

    By Kathy Mazurowski on January 13, 2019 at 1:19 pm

  151. Congrats on your book. Many times we think our childhood was boring and who would want to read about it. However, we have many incidents that stand out and children now could still relate. Thanks for the reminder. Luck in the future. 🙂

    By Marge Gower on January 13, 2019 at 1:20 pm

  152. Clever, Ashley! Thank you. And congratulations on your book.

    By Barb Ostapina on January 13, 2019 at 1:21 pm

  153. You pose excellent questions to ask when trying to come up with an idea. Thank you, Ashley and congratulations on your success!

    By Cathy Ogren on January 13, 2019 at 1:21 pm

  154. Congratulations on your book “Not Quite Snow White”. I love the cover. Thanks for the reminder that no matter how boring our past life seemed, we have valuable things to draw from that are relatable now days.

    By Marge Gower on January 13, 2019 at 1:26 pm

  155. I love these recommendations and can’t wait to see the book! Thank you for sharing!

    By faithkaz on January 13, 2019 at 1:28 pm

  156. I didn’t know you were a U Del grad, too! Nice to learn more about you here. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tips.

    By Wendy on January 13, 2019 at 1:28 pm

  157. Ashley, a perfect kick start/reminder. Waiting for a muse might take a while. Looking forward to your book. Thanks for the post.

    By Elizabeth Saba on January 13, 2019 at 1:31 pm

  158. First, Congratulations on your debut picture book (no small feat)! It’s inspiring to know it came out of this challenge. Your tool box is simple and elegant. I especially appreciated you demonstrating how it worked to create your debut. May it be the first of many.

    By Bonni Goldberg on January 13, 2019 at 1:32 pm

  159. I can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations! Thank you for you so much for todays suggestions!

    By Antje on January 13, 2019 at 1:35 pm

  160. Great post! Thanks, Ashley! And congratulations on your debut!! 😊

    By Sheri Dillard on January 13, 2019 at 1:37 pm

  161. Ashley, your book looks fabulous! I love how your toolbox questions helped you find your way to this story.

    By Lauri Meyers on January 13, 2019 at 1:37 pm

  162. Thanks for sharing Ashley. I adore your cover! 🙂

    By Tanya Shock on January 13, 2019 at 1:42 pm

  163. Congrats on the new book, Ashley! I look forward to reading it. Thank you for the insights into using your tool box to advance our stories. Terrific information!

    By chardixon47 on January 13, 2019 at 1:43 pm

  164. Congratulations on your book, Ashley! I love how you came up with the idea. Great example for us!

    By Jennifer on January 13, 2019 at 1:49 pm

  165. Congrats on your upcoming book, Ashley, and thanks for the tips!

    By Susan Johnston on January 13, 2019 at 1:50 pm

  166. Great post, Ashley! Hooray for your cover being out in the world now! I can’t wait for little princesses and princes around the world to enjoy your book. ❤

    By katrinamoorebooks on January 13, 2019 at 1:51 pm

  167. Congratulations! Love your new story! Thanks for the great ‘thinking’ process examples. I’m sure these will help me in my writing!

    By Angie on January 13, 2019 at 1:53 pm

  168. Ashley, thank you for your post! These are great tips–I especially like the “ask questions” comment. What a great way to break into your past or future!

    By karengreenwald2985 on January 13, 2019 at 1:54 pm

  169. Congrats, Ashley on your debut picture book!
    Thanks for sharing your creative process.
    Excellent tip to add to our writing tool box.

    By Lori Mozdzierz on January 13, 2019 at 1:54 pm

  170. Congratulations!

    By kaleegwarjanski on January 13, 2019 at 1:59 pm

  171. great inspiration! And I can’t wait to see your new book out on the shelves. Congratulations, Ashley.

    By Sue Heavenrich on January 13, 2019 at 2:03 pm

  172. Congratulations Ashley!! I’m so happy and excited for you. I can’t wait to own your book!!

    By Kimberly on January 13, 2019 at 2:05 pm

  173. A big congrats on your book! Thank you;)

    By Nancy Colle on January 13, 2019 at 2:06 pm

  174. What a great cover! Thank you for this toolbox of ideas and your examples. This sounds like a great book.

    By Maria Marshall on January 13, 2019 at 2:10 pm

  175. Thank you for sharing your inspiration tool box!

    By Deb Cushman on January 13, 2019 at 2:11 pm

  176. Thank you for ideas for inspiration,

    By Connie Van Horn on January 13, 2019 at 2:15 pm

  177. Thank you Ashley for proving that dreams DO come true! Harper Collins! WOW! I love the formula, so beautifully and simply put! Eyesight, insight, hindsight.

    By lorisherritt on January 13, 2019 at 2:23 pm

  178. Congrats on your debut!

    By jaclynsmiller on January 13, 2019 at 2:24 pm

  179. Can’t wait to read your debut!

    By Sallye O'Rourke on January 13, 2019 at 2:27 pm

  180. Enjoyed your post, and I really liked your inspiration tool box and how you use it to get those one-of-a-kind ideas.

    By Jenifer McNamara on January 13, 2019 at 2:28 pm

  181. Eyesight, insight, and hindsight are such great inspirational tools! I wrote them down and posted them above my computer. Thanks for sharing.

    By Suzanne Alexander on January 13, 2019 at 2:29 pm

  182. Helpful tips and great story title. Will look for it for sure.

    By Kay Phillips on January 13, 2019 at 2:30 pm

  183. Ashley! This is such a great post. I must memorize your advice about using eyesight, insight, and hindsight. I am so excited about NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE, and I’m dancing a virtual happy dance with you for this fantastic cover.

    By Beth Stilborn on January 13, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    1. Thanks, Beth!❤️

      By Ashley Franklin on January 13, 2019 at 2:40 pm

  184. Good thoughts to think about when the well feels dry. And I adore your cover.

    By Joanna Rowland on January 13, 2019 at 2:32 pm

  185. Can’t wait to see Not Quite Snow White!!!

    By junesmalls on January 13, 2019 at 2:33 pm

  186. I love your process, eyesight…insight…hindsight. Thank you for for this gift!

    By Rinda Beach on January 13, 2019 at 2:35 pm

  187. Congratulations on your debut, NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE! Thank you for sharing your inspiration tool box: eyesight, insight, and hindsight.

    By Tracey Brown on January 13, 2019 at 2:41 pm

  188. I am in love with your new book and love your process! Thank you for your post!

    By teacherwriteracker on January 13, 2019 at 2:42 pm

  189. Love the toolbox and its “can do” spirit. Thanks, Ashley. Congrats on your debut!

    By Judy Y on January 13, 2019 at 2:42 pm

  190. Lovely book, can’t wait to read it! xox

    By Nicole Vuong on January 13, 2019 at 2:45 pm

  191. First – congrats Ms Franklin!
    Second – did you have pictures in your head when you wrote and revised?
    Third – do you ever revise the question or is it always tweaking the story?
    Fourth – thank you for sharing your time and talent.

    By megmbarnum on January 13, 2019 at 2:48 pm

  192. I love the story idea you came up with! Winner!

    By Stephanie Shaw on January 13, 2019 at 2:52 pm

  193. What a great post. I’ve been jotting down ideas all morning after reading your post. I really appreciated your example of how you applied “Sight, Insight and Hindsight” and how that related to your new book (which I’m excited to read). Thanks so much!

    By Dawn Prochovnic on January 13, 2019 at 2:59 pm

  194. Thank you for sharing your fresh approach for brainstorming story ideas.
    ~Martha

    By Martha on January 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm

  195. Ashley, I LOVE this: What’s great about it is that it only consists of three things: eyesight, insight, and hindsight. Printing out the 3 to put SOMEwhere around my desk, so thank you for that! And I can’t wait to read NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE–marked my calendar! What a great result from Storystorm and your method 😀

    By writersideup on January 13, 2019 at 3:01 pm

  196. Oh my, I cannot wait to read your debut! And thanks for sharing your process for story idea inspiration Ashley.

    By Keila Dawson on January 13, 2019 at 3:01 pm

  197. Thanks for sharing your tool box way of crafting new story ideas.

    By Susan Nicholas Korstanje on January 13, 2019 at 3:02 pm

  198. A great book title and super smart ideas. Thank you for the letting us in on your process.

    By Paisley Schade on January 13, 2019 at 3:02 pm

  199. This was so great!

    By therhymeoftime on January 13, 2019 at 3:05 pm

  200. I enjoyed reading the story behind your story and look forward to reading it! Congrats! Thank you for the tips!

    By Anna Levin on January 13, 2019 at 3:05 pm

  201. Congratulations on your PB debut, Ashley. Can’t wait to read it!

    By Arlene Schenker on January 13, 2019 at 3:10 pm

  202. Congratulations on your PB debut!! That’s so exciting and your cover art is fantastic! I think that the story is an awesome idea and can’t wait until it comes out. Also-thanks for your insight on asking the question that could find a new angle to a story. Very helpful 😊

    By BrookeVS on January 13, 2019 at 3:17 pm

  203. Congratulations! I loved hearing your perspective.

    By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 13, 2019 at 3:21 pm

  204. I decided to use the muse of my children and came up with a fantastic idea. Congrats on your book!

    By Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt) on January 13, 2019 at 3:22 pm

  205. Wow, what a fantastic post-great process, and thank you so much for sharing it in such a concise way. I echo the many congrats on this wonderful picture book-this will keep a smile on my face the rest of the day!

    By Gail Hedrick on January 13, 2019 at 3:24 pm

  206. Congratulations on your PB debut! I’m eager to read it. I loved your set of three “sights” to help the muse. Thank you!

    By Kathryn Jean Hagen on January 13, 2019 at 3:26 pm

  207. Great post and I love the idea for your book!

    By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 13, 2019 at 3:30 pm

  208. Great post! My “muse” has been elusive these days so it came at the right moment! 😉 Can’t wait to check out Not Quite Snow White!

    By Jamie Schultz on January 13, 2019 at 3:34 pm

  209. Thank you for the advice. Great to hear that your story came from PiBoIdMo.

    By Sharon Nix Jones on January 13, 2019 at 3:39 pm

  210. NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE – a brilliant title. Congratulations, and many thanks for the list of tools to encourage our Muse.

    By Pam Miller on January 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm

  211. Thanks for the great ideas! I can’t wait to read your book!!

    By denarose on January 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm

  212. Great advice! We can’t wait for ideas to ‘show up’ we must actively look for them everywhere.

    By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm

  213. Thank you for sharing your process and also for adding more diversity to the princess story world!

    By Carolyn Currier on January 13, 2019 at 3:43 pm

  214. Wow! I love this method. And I can’t wait to read this book.

    By jenabenton on January 13, 2019 at 3:44 pm

  215. I think that the hindsight is the best part. It can be difficult to see the day to day since it is normal to us. Being from Alaska, when I visit elsewhere, people can be “Wow!” Now Alaska makes me wow too, but for different reasons.
    Switching perspective is likely another tool in your box. I see it closely aligned to “insight”, but insight is self reflection, rather than empathic.
    Congrats on your book, it is very insightful.

    By matthewlasley on January 13, 2019 at 3:46 pm

  216. Thanks for the reminder that ideas are all around us! And congrats Ashley 💐

    By Heather Gallagher on January 13, 2019 at 3:53 pm

  217. Congratulations! I look forward to reading your debut picture book.

    By lindaschueler on January 13, 2019 at 3:59 pm

  218. Oooo! I like the idea of merging the three. Taking details from the here and now would give some depth to the fragments of hindsight. What a great way to take half-remembered stories and bring them to life. Thank you, Ashley, and congrats on your debut! It’s refreshing to raise a daughter in the age of quirky princesses.

    By Michelle Sumovich on January 13, 2019 at 4:02 pm

  219. I love that you always use questions based on the three “sights” to get started. Thanks for sharing a great idea!

    By Juliana Jones on January 13, 2019 at 4:05 pm

  220. Love your method. Your book sounds awesome.

    By rjtraxel on January 13, 2019 at 4:06 pm

  221. Love all the extra ‘sight’ this has for all of us!

    By Kim Pfennigwerth on January 13, 2019 at 4:07 pm

  222. 1. This process idea is genius. 2. I want THAT BOOK!!

    By Moon Bishop on January 13, 2019 at 4:11 pm

  223. Ashely,

    The toolbox is great. Thank you for sharing it. I love the cover for NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. How awesome the reflection is smiling. I will have to check it out. Thanks again for sharing the toolbox.

    By Aurora K on January 13, 2019 at 4:18 pm

  224. Loved this post Ashley and your debut looks adorable. Best of luck with it! Now to get me a toolbox; imaginary of course!

    By Evelyn Bookless on January 13, 2019 at 4:20 pm

  225. Congrats on your book! I’m a sucker for a princess story and can’t wait to read this one 😊

    By Beth Schneider on January 13, 2019 at 4:25 pm

  226. Thank you Ashley for your eyesight, insight and hindsight! As a POC I looked and still look to see diverse books on the shelf. I can’t wait to read your story and share it with my Not Quite Snow White princesses.

    By Latasha Vernon on January 13, 2019 at 4:26 pm

  227. Ashley,
    Congratulations on your debut book. I will use your 3 part inspiration tool.

    By setwiggs on January 13, 2019 at 4:27 pm

  228. Thanks for your insight, Ashley, and congrats on your upcoming book Not Quite Snow White.

    By angiecal76 on January 13, 2019 at 4:28 pm

  229. The creative muse is quite a romantic idea; the process rarely happens like that! My creativity dies when I try & wait around for a muse.

    By wingedtrish on January 13, 2019 at 4:29 pm

  230. Looking forward to reading Not Quite Snow White. Great tips! I especially like the idea of insight…

    By Kathy on January 13, 2019 at 4:32 pm

  231. Oh I just love your inspiration tool box. Congratulations on your book, it looks amazing, and I your princess is beautiful!

    By jeanjames926 on January 13, 2019 at 4:39 pm

  232. Congratulations, Ashley! I look forward to meeting Tameika! Thanks for sharing your toolbox- I like the reminder to start out with questions to bring ideas into focus.

    By lisabilla on January 13, 2019 at 4:39 pm

  233. Congratulations on the publication of your book. And thanks for sharing your process.

    By Shirley on January 13, 2019 at 4:40 pm

  234. Yea! We need diverse picture books! Congratulations, Ashley!

    By Mary York on January 13, 2019 at 4:42 pm

  235. Ashley! Congrats on your book and thanks for the toolbox!!

    By karammitchell on January 13, 2019 at 4:44 pm

  236. Can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for sharing.

    By Sara Matson on January 13, 2019 at 4:46 pm

  237. Great ideas! And I’m loving the cover to that book. So precious!

    By Krista Harrington on January 13, 2019 at 4:48 pm

  238. Ashley, I love the idea of the toolbox coming with all the necessary tools intact and ready to go – a welcomed idea! Congratulations on your picture book! It sounds great and is certainly based upon an important need for recognition that goes unrecognized in most Princess stories.

    By writeremmcbride on January 13, 2019 at 4:49 pm

  239. This is awesome, Ashley! So important to remember that writing is more about showing up ready to work moments than moments of muse inspiration! And congratulations on your new book! So happy for you. Patti Richards

    By Sensibility and Sense on January 13, 2019 at 4:49 pm

  240. Love the idea. Thanks for sharing, Ashley! Congratulations!!

    By Rani Iyer on January 13, 2019 at 4:51 pm

  241. Love this! You can never ask too many questions. Thank you Ashley!

    By CJ Penko on January 13, 2019 at 4:53 pm

  242. Your picture book sounds delightful! Thank you for sharing your “tool box” way of getting ideas.

    By Kathleen Wilcox on January 13, 2019 at 4:55 pm

  243. Love the three “sights.” Great prompt. Good luck with the picture book. It looks lovely.

    By saralakron on January 13, 2019 at 4:57 pm

  244. Thank you for the great tools of Eyesight Insight & Hindsight!

    By lizricewrites on January 13, 2019 at 5:00 pm

  245. I loved “You can’t change the past, but you can sure draw some inspiration from it.” Lots of ways to apply that in writing and beyond. Thanks!

    By Steve Schwartz on January 13, 2019 at 5:05 pm

  246. Ah, those lovable “threes” have given you a template. Your title and cover are eye-catching, and I am sure your story is a winner. I liked learning how you came to write this story.

    By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 13, 2019 at 5:05 pm

  247. Great cover! And can’t wait to read it!

    By Jessica Potts on January 13, 2019 at 5:09 pm

  248. Thank you. I appreciate your stories. I’m old enough that Barbie was only available as a blonde when I was a girl. I really wanted a brunette Barbie so I empathize with your love of the BOCs.

    By Carlie Cornell on January 13, 2019 at 5:12 pm

  249. Great post and congratulations on your gorgeous book, Ashley.

    By Kaye Baillie on January 13, 2019 at 5:16 pm

  250. Thanks for sharing how you find ideas (without a muse) and your debut book’s journey. I’m looking forward to reading it!

    By Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg) on January 13, 2019 at 5:20 pm

  251. Congratulations on your upcoming book! Great cover! I think using sight, insight, and hindsight is a helpful idea.

    By Kathy O'Neill on January 13, 2019 at 5:22 pm

  252. Great advice, Ashley! I appreciate seeing the question process you used to come up with the concept for Not Quite Snow White. I can’t wait to read it!

    By Meghan Burch on January 13, 2019 at 5:22 pm

  253. Congrats on your debut picture book, Ashley! And thanks for the toolbox ideas – I don’t even have to go to the store, just use my three sights!

    By Darcee Freier on January 13, 2019 at 5:31 pm

  254. Congrats on your release coming this summer! I love your sight idea generator! Thanks Ashley!

    By Erik Ammon on January 13, 2019 at 5:36 pm

  255. I look forward to reading your book!

    By Amy Houts on January 13, 2019 at 5:37 pm

  256. Congratulations, Ashley! And thank you for sharing your process to come up with ideas.

    By Janet Smart on January 13, 2019 at 5:39 pm

  257. Great post! Love the “eyesight, insight, hindsight” approach! Looking forward to reading your book, too!

    By Annie Cronin Romano on January 13, 2019 at 5:47 pm

  258. Congratulations on your debut book!! How exciting is that! I love hearing the stories of people who have previously participated in this wonderful group and are getting published. It gives great hope. I love your post too – the three ‘sights’ – and realise now I need to trust my instincts more. Thank you.

    By Kellie on January 13, 2019 at 5:48 pm

  259. Congratulations!!! Love Princess stories! Thanks so much for sharing your toolbox!!! 🙂

    By seschipper on January 13, 2019 at 5:54 pm

  260. Congratulations! Fabulous book cover!

    By Alicia on January 13, 2019 at 5:56 pm

  261. Thank you Ashley! Love your post and look forward to your book!

    By Jen Bagan on January 13, 2019 at 5:59 pm

  262. Congratulations! Great suggestions!

    By Sue Frye on January 13, 2019 at 6:00 pm

  263. Love the cover, I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the inspiration.

    By Chambrae Griffith on January 13, 2019 at 6:02 pm

  264. Congrats on your book! It looks so cute!

    By Carmen White on January 13, 2019 at 6:11 pm

  265. Love starting with questions.

    By Krista Maxwell on January 13, 2019 at 6:12 pm

  266. Those darn muses! So unreliable – so difficult – so needy! I completely approve ditching them and going to our tool boxes. Congrats on your book! Great to hear a Storystorm success story.

    By Monica Harris on January 13, 2019 at 6:16 pm

  267. Thank you for your story and ideas! I am looking forward to looking out and in more thanks to this advice.

    By jenfierjasinski on January 13, 2019 at 6:16 pm

  268. Congratulations on NOT QUITE! Great cover, and great tool box ideas!

    By Buffy Silverman on January 13, 2019 at 6:18 pm

  269. Interesting approach. Thank you for sharing!

    By cravevsworld on January 13, 2019 at 6:22 pm

  270. Very A- Musing. I think my Muse is riding a Moose in the Mohave.

    By Stephen S. Martin on January 13, 2019 at 6:23 pm

  271. Great post! Your questions and answers to self make for great story starter(s). Thank you. Not Quite Snow White looks wonderful!!!

    By mona861 on January 13, 2019 at 6:24 pm

  272. This is an important book. I’d love to see it in all primary classrooms.

    By kathydoherty1 on January 13, 2019 at 6:30 pm

  273. I liked your statement, “You don’t need a muse!” Thank you.

    By DB Cote on January 13, 2019 at 6:30 pm

  274. Lovely! Thank you for the suggestions. And congratulations on what looks like a great book coming soon! If I have a muse, she’s usually taking a nap. So it’s good to be told I don’t need her.

    By Marie Sanderson on January 13, 2019 at 6:32 pm

  275. Ashley, I can’t wait to read your book! Congratulations!!!

    By jennagrodzicki on January 13, 2019 at 6:33 pm

  276. Thank you for sharing your writer’s toolbox, and congratulations on your book!

    By Anna Harber Freeman on January 13, 2019 at 6:36 pm

  277. Ashley, fantastic cover, great title. Thank you for the tips and how you worked you way through the questions you had. Can’t wait to read your book. Good luck with it…

    By Jane Baskwill on January 13, 2019 at 6:43 pm

  278. Ah huge congrats on your book! I like these tools a lot, thanks for the post!

    By Cynthia Harmony on January 13, 2019 at 6:54 pm

  279. Just the title “No So Show White” sums up so many things – I love that title. I like the idea of looking closer at things around myself.

    By Catrine Kyster on January 13, 2019 at 6:55 pm

  280. Congratulations, Ashley! So many little girls will be thanking you for this book!

    By Mary Lou Johnson on January 13, 2019 at 6:55 pm

  281. I love the concept of a toolbox that can be used anytime, for any type of story. And it’s incredibly helpful to think in terms of insight and hindsight. Congratulations, Ashley, on your debut picture book!

    By Frances Kalavritinos on January 13, 2019 at 6:59 pm

  282. Love the easy to remember tips- eyesight, insight, and hindsight! I’m off to ask myself some questions in the hopes that some ideas reveal themselves. And congrats on the upcoming book!

    By Jennifer Hunt on January 13, 2019 at 7:07 pm

  283. Thank you for sharing your toolbox ideas! Looking forward to reading your new book. Congratulations!

    By donnacangelosi on January 13, 2019 at 7:13 pm

  284. Having bi-racial children makes me wonder, should I make my main character bi-racial? Thoughts?

    By Kaylynn Johnsen on January 13, 2019 at 7:19 pm

  285. Thanks for your helpful advice. Too often we don’t really see what is right in front of us. Congrats on your book!

    By Bettie Boswell on January 13, 2019 at 7:22 pm

  286. Thanks for the inspirational ideas

    By bookfish1 on January 13, 2019 at 7:35 pm

  287. Thank for the inspirational post, Ashley! Congrats on the book!

    By mariaordish on January 13, 2019 at 7:36 pm

  288. Thanks for sharing, and love the cover and concept of Not Quite Snow White.

    By andreesantini on January 13, 2019 at 7:38 pm

  289. Thank you for this great idea! I am looking forward to reading your book and sharing it with the kids at my school!

    By Diana on January 13, 2019 at 7:39 pm

  290. Great story! Good inspiration in your post. Thanks!

    By Rona Shirdan on January 13, 2019 at 7:43 pm

  291. I love that you wrote this story! Can’t wait to read it!

    By Lisa L Furness on January 13, 2019 at 7:44 pm

  292. eyesight – insight – hindsight – Love that!

    By Barbara Senenman on January 13, 2019 at 7:44 pm

  293. Great cover! These three points of focus are great. I especially love the “hindsight” idea. Definitely will bring up a lot of great emotion!!
    Thanks for sharing!!!

    By hallee2012 on January 13, 2019 at 7:51 pm

  294. I am looking forward to reading your picture book this year! Loved hearing the thought process that went into writing it!

    By Amy Bradshaw on January 13, 2019 at 7:52 pm

  295. Sharpening up my rusty tool box. Love the Eyesight – Insight – Hindsight. Thank you so much!

    By desertattitude on January 13, 2019 at 7:53 pm

  296. Eyesight, insight, hindsight … clever! Thank you!

    By Susanne Whitehouse on January 13, 2019 at 8:05 pm

  297. How wonderful that you used your toolbox to build your book!

    By 8catpaws on January 13, 2019 at 8:06 pm

  298. Looking forward to your book. Congratulations! Thanks for your toolbox of inspirational ideas. Extremely helpful!

    By hdening on January 13, 2019 at 8:07 pm

  299. Wonderful!

    By Jennifer Weisse on January 13, 2019 at 8:09 pm

  300. This is great insight! Thank you for sharing.

    By Liz Healey on January 13, 2019 at 8:18 pm

  301. What great question ideas to add to my list.TY

    By Valarie Giogas on January 13, 2019 at 8:22 pm

  302. Thank you Ashley Franklin for sharing your tool box. These are great ideas for me to apply to my writing!

    By nataliecohn0258 on January 13, 2019 at 8:24 pm

  303. Can’t wait to read your book. Great tips!

    By Ryan Roberts on January 13, 2019 at 8:26 pm

  304. Ashley! Thank you for sharing your writing process and tool box. I look forward to reading NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE.

    Suzy Leopold

    By Prairie Garden Girl on January 13, 2019 at 8:38 pm

  305. Ashley, I love this princess and your post of how to ask questions to channel ideas. I loved Barbies, too – NO DOLLS! Great post and thanks for sharing your tips.

    By Mary Miller on January 13, 2019 at 8:42 pm

  306. Love this unique take on the tool box idea. And what a clever title for your new book! I can’t wait to read it.

    By suzannepoulterharris on January 13, 2019 at 8:46 pm

  307. This story looks PERFECT for sharing with our storytime kids! I know they will see themselves in this story. Thank you!

    By missmaryliberry on January 13, 2019 at 8:50 pm

  308. ASHLEY: I CAN’T WAIT to read your book! The cover alone melted my heart. Once again, knowing that a picture book is being published after the author received the idea during StoryStorm–SO INSPIRING!!!! I LOVE the idea of being our own muse, asking ourselves questions (sometimes tough ones) to generate ideas. WONDERFUL!!! THANK YOU, and CONGRATS!!!

    By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 13, 2019 at 8:53 pm

  309. I love the way eyesight, insight, hindsight go together – a perfect rule of 3 message!

    By authorlaurablog on January 13, 2019 at 8:57 pm

  310. Awesome! I thought I recognized Ebony Glenn’s work!

    By Lisa Johnston Hancock on January 13, 2019 at 9:16 pm

  311. I’m so incredibly proud of you Ashley and happy to be your writing buddy 🙂

    By Lydia Lukidis on January 13, 2019 at 9:23 pm

  312. I like that your book came from a story storm challenge. Lovely cover. Always nice to be reminded to observe the obvious.

    By Sharron Magyar on January 13, 2019 at 9:25 pm

  313. Great ideas! Thanks!

    By smpeace on January 13, 2019 at 9:43 pm

  314. Love this idea! Thank you for your inspiring words of wisdom and congratsbon your book!! Can’t wait to read it!

    By RebeccaTheWriter on January 13, 2019 at 9:46 pm

  315. Congrats on NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE! I’m a firm believer that you can’t wait for inspiration, you have to work for it. I love those three words you gave us as tools and I’m gonna jot them down near today’s idea.

    By Rebekah Lowell on January 13, 2019 at 9:50 pm

  316. I am eager to read your story! Love the cover, and you make it sound so easy… which I know it is not. Nevertheless, inspiring!

    bonnie fireurchin lambourn

    http://fireUrchin.com

    By fireurchin on January 13, 2019 at 9:52 pm

  317. Congratulations, Ashley, on your book. I like your toolbox idea and will give it a try. Thanks.

    By Jim Chaize on January 13, 2019 at 9:56 pm

  318. Not Quite Snow White looks great!

    By Sara A on January 13, 2019 at 10:06 pm

  319. The book looks fabulous and great post. Very useful!

    By Melissa Mwai on January 13, 2019 at 10:06 pm

  320. Hurry July! I want to read your book. Thanks for all of the great tips. Very useful!!!
    And HUGH congratulations on your book!

    By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 13, 2019 at 10:11 pm

  321. Your suggestions seem like a very relaxing way to uncover ideas for a story.

    By Patricia on January 13, 2019 at 10:17 pm

  322. I can’t wait for your book to debut! Thanks for the “insight”-ful Post!

    By wyszguy on January 13, 2019 at 10:28 pm

  323. Yay, Ashley! I can’t wait for your book! Thanks so much for your post!

    By Elizabeth Brown on January 13, 2019 at 10:34 pm

  324. Thank you for your insight.

    By sherilyncook on January 13, 2019 at 10:47 pm

  325. I love this idea and am so excited. What a beautiful spin on a much loved tale. I can’t wait! Go Ashley!

    By blutheory on January 13, 2019 at 10:51 pm

  326. It teaches me to open my mind and let it fly. Beautiful story.

    By Marchelle Washington on January 13, 2019 at 11:02 pm

  327. Thanks for sharing your cover reveal with us! I can’t wait to read NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE! And I agree; the toolbox is much more useful and consistent than the muse.

    By Gabi Snyder on January 13, 2019 at 11:12 pm

  328. Can’t wait to try this toolbox method and can’t wait to read Not Quite Snow White.

    By Joyce Frank on January 13, 2019 at 11:16 pm

  329. Thank you for your great advice on where to look, twists and losing the ‘muse’. Congratulations on your debut! Wishing you much success.

    By Nadia Salomon (@Nadia_Salomon) on January 13, 2019 at 11:22 pm

  330. Thanks for the good advice! Stories are all around us.

    By martina.franklin.poole on January 13, 2019 at 11:32 pm

  331. Thanks so much for giving us new ways to vision the world!

    By carmelamccainsimmons on January 13, 2019 at 11:35 pm

  332. Thanks for your idea generators and congratulations on your adorable upcoming book! 😊

    By Rene` Diane Aube on January 13, 2019 at 11:37 pm

  333. What a wonderful way to look at our author toolbox. One more great tool to add to it.

    By Vicky Ford on January 13, 2019 at 11:42 pm

  334. Love this. Thank you. My muse is often on the beach somewhere drinking daiquiris I’m sure. 😊

    By Carolyn Lucas on January 13, 2019 at 11:43 pm

  335. Love this! Thanks for the advice. Needing some inspiration.

    By Sylvia Grech on January 13, 2019 at 11:46 pm

  336. Thanks for this post. It’s got me asking all the questions I need.

    By David McMullin on January 13, 2019 at 11:49 pm

  337. I just love, love the cover of your book. Thank you for the eyesight, insight and hindsight on how you came up with the idea for the story

    By Diane Tulloch on January 13, 2019 at 11:53 pm

  338. Congrats on your book debut. Love the cover. Thanks for a practical post on generating ideas.

    By marty on January 13, 2019 at 11:58 pm

  339. Thanks so much for the inspiring article!!! What a way to make your debut! Congratulations! And thanks for the help on paying attention so ideas can be found.

    By leeanimator on January 14, 2019 at 12:07 am

  340. Looks like an adorable story. Thanks for sharing with us.

    By Chelle Martin on January 14, 2019 at 12:19 am

  341. Great post. So inspiring that the book came from a former Storystorm session. Can’t wait for the books debut. Thank you.

    By Deb Huard, Writer on January 14, 2019 at 12:22 am

  342. Loved reading your bio! Congratulations! “Not Quite Snow White” is fine example of using your eyesight, insight hindsight tools.

    By susanzonca on January 14, 2019 at 12:23 am

  343. What a gorgeous cover! I look forward to reading it!
    Break a leg! (pencil?…quill?….) 🙂

    By Lisa Murphy on January 14, 2019 at 12:27 am

  344. Great idea for looking deeper into our ideas. Looking forward to reading your book. Congrats!

    By Angie on January 14, 2019 at 12:50 am

  345. Congratulations on your debut picture book. I like the three buzz words: eyesight, insight, hindsight. Definitely useful tools! Thank you for sharing your thought process for coming up with the idea for your story.

    By Shereen S. on January 14, 2019 at 12:58 am

  346. Hindsight was the easiest of the three tool for me in this exercise. Fun!

    By missvidalia Le Anne Brown on January 14, 2019 at 1:01 am

  347. A good question IS a great place to start! Thanks for yours!

    By ingridboydston on January 14, 2019 at 1:04 am

  348. Okay… a pale rust (albino) zebra living in a zoo, yearns to be the Librarian at the local library.when she sees kids with their noses in books as they pass by.

    By photojaq on January 14, 2019 at 1:10 am

  349. Thanks so much for your ideas! Congratulations on your picture book!

    By Nancy Riley on January 14, 2019 at 1:18 am

  350. Awesome idea, and amazing picture book! Can’t wait to read it 😊

    By Katie Williams on January 14, 2019 at 1:31 am

  351. So important for kids to feel seen. AND to question why things are or aren’t a certain way. Why we see a lot of something and nothing of another, and how we can possibly do something about it. Thanks for the insight! I won’t sit around waiting for that pesky muse.

    By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 14, 2019 at 2:21 am

  352. I love the “focus” of your post!
    Can’t wait to try it☺️

    By Aimee on January 14, 2019 at 2:56 am

  353. Great idea and so inspiring to see the results from a StoryStorm writer! 🙂

    By Karin Semler on January 14, 2019 at 3:15 am

  354. Well said! Thanks for the inspiration.

    By Jennifer on January 14, 2019 at 3:54 am

  355. Thank you for the inspiration. Tara, I hope you are aware of what an incredible blessing storystorm is for us. I’m sure I‘m not the only one who is so incredibly inspired and has enough material to mine for months. Last year was my first year, and it exceeded my expectations. An illustrator, who believed since I was a child, that I would never have good ideas for stories, am now bursting with stories that I never knew were inside me. No one else has ever given me a gift like this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    By Mirka Hokkanen on January 14, 2019 at 4:20 am

  356. Congrats on your book! 🙂

    By Erin Le Clerc on January 14, 2019 at 5:11 am

  357. Had to hide your post from my muse, but wanted to say congrats on Not Quite Snow White, Ashley.

    By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 14, 2019 at 5:14 am

  358. Lose the muse is my new motto! Love the sounds of your forthcoming book! Congrats and thanks for the inspiration, Ashley!

    By Rebecca Colby on January 14, 2019 at 6:51 am

  359. Thank you, Ashley. I really like your practice of eyesight, insight, hindsight!

    By Clare Juliet Clare Bell on January 14, 2019 at 8:47 am

  360. Great way of thinking about things! Thanks for sharing!

    By Kelly Ohlert on January 14, 2019 at 8:58 am

  361. I like the process. Looking forward to read your book

    By Hélène Sabourin on January 14, 2019 at 9:08 am

  362. Great thoughts about cultivating new ideas and looking at an idea a whole new way. Your book looks sweet! Congratulations!

    By Megan Whitaker on January 14, 2019 at 9:24 am

  363. Adding your book to my READ list- and great suggestions. I keep a calendar with each storystorm suggestion: eyesight, insight, hindsight! Love it!

    By Writer on the run on January 14, 2019 at 9:58 am

  364. I love this approach and can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for sharing!

    By katiemillsgiorgio on January 14, 2019 at 10:19 am

  365. Thought provoking post, on many levels. Thaks so much for sharing!

    By Daryl Gottier on January 14, 2019 at 10:20 am

  366. Thanks for helping us feel inspired and motivated!

    By kcareywrites on January 14, 2019 at 10:25 am

  367. Thanks Ashley, what a great mantra – eyesight, insight, hindsight!

    By Helen Matthews on January 14, 2019 at 10:30 am

  368. Love this idea. The ‘ordinary’ parts of our lives can be filled with inspiring ideas

    By Nora Fry on January 14, 2019 at 10:38 am

  369. Great post, Ashley! So important for today. And so clever, too. Congrats!

    By CindyC on January 14, 2019 at 10:39 am

  370. Thanks for adding to our toolboxes. This approach will be helpful. Your Snow White is on my list!

    By Mary Worley on January 14, 2019 at 10:46 am

  371. Thank you for sharing your process with us!

    By megcason1 on January 14, 2019 at 10:56 am

  372. Thanks for sharing your “Inspiration Toolbox” strategy! Very inspiring and encouraging!

    By marylouisealucurto on January 14, 2019 at 11:03 am

  373. What a great way to generate ideas. Thank you for sharing what you did to come up with your book. It looks adorable.

    By Ashley Bankhead on January 14, 2019 at 11:06 am

  374. Thanks for sharing your approach! And congratulations!

    By alisongoldberg on January 14, 2019 at 11:07 am

  375. Great post! Hindsight is definitely one I use often.

    By juliannahelt on January 14, 2019 at 11:19 am

  376. Thanks, Ashley, and congratulations on Not Quite Snow White. I am curious about her story and what you’ve done with other characters like the seven dwarves.

    By Garnett Natasha on January 14, 2019 at 11:23 am

  377. That cover is adorable! And thank for the great ideas. 🙂

    By writeforapples1 on January 14, 2019 at 11:26 am

  378. Lose the muse! I love it. She can be fickle, so it’s best to take the job on ourselves. THANK YOU!!!!

    By tanjabauerle on January 14, 2019 at 11:31 am

  379. Congratulations, Ashley!! This is wonderful. And thank you for the idea tips!

    By Lisa Riddiough on January 14, 2019 at 11:32 am

  380. How did you know that all weekend my creativity slumped? Feeling like my “muse” left the building like Elvis, I told myself I was empty of ideas even though I now have 14 Storystorm index cards notated. What kind of author am I if I can work with words but have no meaningful message within the rhythms of my stories?
    Then I read your post. TAH-DAH! I DON’T NEED A MUSE. I have HOPE for myself again.
    I can’t wait to read NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. Congratulations on your PB! When I taught public school in Detroit, Michigan, I had such a time finding stories that mirrored my students. SNOWY DAY could only go so far. Keep writing, Ashley. You are truly inspiring.

    By marsha e wright on January 14, 2019 at 11:40 am

  381. Congratulations, Ashley! Not Quite Snow White looks adorable! Very clever too. 🙂

    By Debbie Meyer on January 14, 2019 at 11:41 am

  382. Congrats on your debut PB, Ashley! Thanks for the tips.

    By Lori Alexander on January 14, 2019 at 11:59 am

  383. Looking forward to reading your debut! Congrats!

    By Nadine Gamble on January 14, 2019 at 11:59 am

  384. I love that instead of thinking, “Princesses are everywhere–I’d better write about something else,” you used your process to come up with a fresh princess idea. Thanks for the help!

    By Jacqueline Adams on January 14, 2019 at 12:08 pm

  385. This is a really powerful way of thinking about story creation. Thank you so much for sharing your toolbox.

    By Sara Fajardo on January 14, 2019 at 12:10 pm

  386. Wonderful tips! Thank you and congratulations on your book.

    By Jay on January 14, 2019 at 12:18 pm

  387. Wonderful tips for finding ideas. Looking forward to reading your book!

    By Anne Appert on January 14, 2019 at 12:29 pm

  388. Tapping into “Hindsight” (or my childhood), brought back some memories with strong “first” feelings that would be good jump off places for PB manuscripts. Thank you so much!

    By Leslie L Goodman on January 14, 2019 at 12:29 pm

  389. Such a simple tip but very effective. Thanks!

    By Suzanne Lieurance on January 14, 2019 at 12:36 pm

  390. I can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for the post.

    By Kelly Conroy on January 14, 2019 at 12:41 pm

  391. A great exercise to do instead of just waiting for inspiration!

    By Mel Copeman on January 14, 2019 at 12:42 pm

  392. Thanks for this post! I love the three-part question process and I love the narrative that led to your first picture book. May there be many more!

    By Marie Powell on January 14, 2019 at 12:49 pm

  393. Thank you Ashley for the tips and for such a needed book!

    By Josie Liming Gawlowski on January 14, 2019 at 1:04 pm

  394. Love your Not Quite Snow White!! And the Eyesight, Insight, Hindsight list is a great way to conjure ideas!

    By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 14, 2019 at 1:08 pm

  395. can’t wait to read your book!

    By shanah salter on January 14, 2019 at 1:23 pm

  396. The way you simplified these tips into three catchy, rhyming phrases really helps set them to memory. I liked how you outlined the way you applied them as well. Congrats on your debut!

    By annjex on January 14, 2019 at 1:46 pm

  397. Today I’m giving your suggestions a try. I hope I come up with an idea as awesome as Not Quite Snow White. I can’t wait to read and share your book.

    By claireannette1 on January 14, 2019 at 2:01 pm

  398. Love it!

    By Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life) on January 14, 2019 at 2:10 pm

  399. Thanks for your inspiration. I love the cover of your “Not Quite Snow White” picture book.

    By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 14, 2019 at 2:22 pm

  400. That was not what I was expecting! Who said negatives are negative! Will try that, not now! Oh, yes, I will. LOL!

    By Zoraida Rivera on January 14, 2019 at 3:03 pm

  401. Love the cover. Can’t wait to read your book.

    By K.A.Steed on January 14, 2019 at 3:04 pm

  402. Great tip, thanks. Your book sounds like a fun read.

    By Bethanny Parker on January 14, 2019 at 3:35 pm

  403. Great ideas here! Thank you for sharing this.

    By Maritza M. Mejía on January 14, 2019 at 3:44 pm

  404. What an amazing cover! Congratulations, Ashley! I love your question asking technique.

    By Marcie Rinka Wessels on January 14, 2019 at 3:44 pm

  405. Love this toolbox set–thank you!

    By Laura Purdie Salas on January 14, 2019 at 3:45 pm

  406. Eyesight, Insight, and Hindsight! Got it. Thanks for the great post!

    By Maria Bostian on January 14, 2019 at 3:47 pm

  407. Thank you. Can’t wait to read your book!

    By stephaniewildman on January 14, 2019 at 3:47 pm

  408. Love the inspiration toolbox. And can’t wait to read NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. Congrats!

    By Michelle Kashinsky on January 14, 2019 at 3:54 pm

  409. I love this

    By Lisa Black on January 14, 2019 at 4:24 pm

  410. Thanks for reminding me to just look around and ask questions to get the creative juices flowing.

    By Brenda Miller (@meowdemeow) on January 14, 2019 at 4:26 pm

  411. This advice sounds tremendously useful!

    By leslievanzee on January 14, 2019 at 5:03 pm

  412. What a great trio of perspectives to consider when building on our ideas. Thanks, Ashley!

    By Emma Wood on January 14, 2019 at 5:15 pm

  413. Love it!

    By littledbl on January 14, 2019 at 5:26 pm

  414. I LOVE the framework of Eyesight, Insight, Hindsight. Brilliant. Thank you for this and for reminding us that every kid wants to be seen, really seen.

    By Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt) on January 14, 2019 at 5:32 pm

  415. Great list of questions to ask to gain hindsight and inspiration. Thanks for the post. I love the title of your book that’s coming out and am looking forward to reading it.

    By debbiemccue on January 14, 2019 at 5:36 pm

  416. Thank you for such a wonderful reminder that our motivation comes from within. : ) a : )

    By Andi Butler on January 14, 2019 at 5:56 pm

  417. Your book looks fantastic – thanks for the eyesight/insight/hindsight suggestions!

    By aidantalkin on January 14, 2019 at 5:57 pm

  418. Great post! Thanks!

    By Christine Irvin on January 14, 2019 at 6:13 pm

  419. Oh… gonna try this process, especially as I am writing POV books too that this can generate more ideas. Thank you! And love your book!

    By Laurel Goodluck on January 14, 2019 at 6:17 pm

  420. Thank you for sharing your inspiration tool box with us! I love this practical approach to generating ideas. I’m usually too impatient to wait around for my muse anyway, so this is great! Congratulations on Not Quite Snow White! I look forward to reading it.

    By Becky Scharnhorst on January 14, 2019 at 6:25 pm

  421. Excellent exercises!

    By Cindy Faughnan on January 14, 2019 at 6:31 pm

  422. Just asking questions is a great way to start mining for ideas. Also loved seeing the adorable cover for your book. Congrats!!

    By Sarah Momo Romero on January 14, 2019 at 6:37 pm

  423. Love the idea of eyesight combined with insight!

    By Caren Cantrell on January 14, 2019 at 7:05 pm

  424. Hey Ash, I enjoyed reading your point of view and some fantastic ideas to change the persective, and change the problem. Cheers, have a great year. xx

    By Carol Angels Khan on January 14, 2019 at 7:53 pm

  425. Can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations!! Thanks for the inspiration.

    By Dawn on January 14, 2019 at 7:59 pm

  426. Love this insightful post. The book looks adorable and that’s a great title.

    By SARAH Meade on January 14, 2019 at 8:07 pm

  427. I love this inspiration tool box! I’ll definitely use these tools this month as I brainstorm new ideas. Thank you for the motivating post! 🙂

    By AlisonMarcotte on January 14, 2019 at 8:20 pm

  428. I like this technique. Your new book idea is golden!

    By Trine Grillo on January 14, 2019 at 9:10 pm

  429. I love the questions. So insightful and they guide the ideas so well. Thank you and congratulations on your book!

    By Erika Henkart on January 14, 2019 at 9:52 pm

  430. That’s an interesting process. I’m curious to use it and see where it might take me! Thanks, Ashley!

    By Joana Pastro on January 14, 2019 at 10:07 pm

  431. LOVE this post and the offered tools. look forward to your book coming out. Congrats.

    By teresa.mi.schaefer on January 14, 2019 at 10:08 pm

  432. Ashley, packing my tool box with your valuable list!!!
    Thank-you!

    By Lucy Staugler on January 14, 2019 at 10:10 pm

  433. The fact the you pointed out how you ASK QUESTIONS is such a big deal. For those of us who have trouble clarifying (motivation, goals for the main character…), beginning with these questions can help us to start drafts off on a stronger foot. That’s one of my goals for the year. Also, I love the premise of your debut. Really looking forward to reading it!

    By Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor) on January 14, 2019 at 10:33 pm

  434. Ashley-I loved this post. It put a different perspective on things and I am looking forward to your book debut!

    By Cathy Pledger on January 14, 2019 at 10:33 pm

  435. Very cute idea for a PB. Thanks for sharing writing tips.

    By angiew.littleredhen on January 14, 2019 at 11:26 pm

  436. This is so true – no more using the Muse as an excuse!

    By Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 14, 2019 at 11:39 pm

  437. This was quite timely for where I am at. THANK YOU for this insight and the practical tools.

    By ccnolympia on January 15, 2019 at 12:13 am

  438. Ashley, love your three focused words…insight, eyesight, and hindsight…observation, thinking, and perspective really matter.

    By RaeMcDonald on January 15, 2019 at 12:21 am

  439. Congratulations on your debut! Loved your thoughts on the toolbox.

    By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 15, 2019 at 12:28 am

  440. I like the premise of your book. Great post!

    By storycatcherpublishing on January 15, 2019 at 12:58 am

  441. GreAt way to write a meaningful book!

    By heavenlyhashformoms on January 15, 2019 at 4:05 am

  442. This is a wonderful set of tools, thank you. And I can’t wait to read your book!

    By Alexandra Hinrichs on January 15, 2019 at 7:06 am

  443. LOVE the cover!

    By Amy Harding on January 15, 2019 at 7:23 am

  444. Excellent toolbox tips, thanks!
    Love the book cover.

    By Katie B on January 15, 2019 at 8:12 am

  445. Love the analytical steps in your tool box method! Great and informative post. Congratulations on your new book!

    By narmo2400 on January 15, 2019 at 9:04 am

  446. Love it, congratulations!

    By Anita on January 15, 2019 at 9:42 am

  447. Looking forward to Not Quite Snow White. I love fairy tale twists!

    By Loralee Petersen on January 15, 2019 at 9:43 am

  448. Great Advise, thanks

    By Joan Swanson on January 15, 2019 at 10:04 am

  449. Love this post and can’t wait to read your book. 🙂

    By rgstones on January 15, 2019 at 10:59 am

  450. Thank you for sharing your process. I can’t wait to gift your book to my granddaughter!

    By pjaegly on January 15, 2019 at 11:22 am

  451. I love this idea! I will give it a try!!

    By Sarah John on January 15, 2019 at 12:16 pm

  452. Love the cover of your book! Thanks for the insightful tips about paying attention to our world and experiences.

    By Sandy Perlic on January 15, 2019 at 12:52 pm

  453. Eyesight, Insight, Hindsight – brilliant!

    By Lynn Alpert on January 15, 2019 at 1:01 pm

  454. The most important thing to have in the tool box is pencil and paper, because if I dont write my idea down immediately, it is gone.

    By shiela Fuller on January 15, 2019 at 1:34 pm

  455. Wonderful post! 3 simple questions I can remember. Thank you, and congrats on the upcoming release! Look forward to reading it!

    By Sara Pistulka Weingartner on January 15, 2019 at 1:37 pm

  456. Ashley, your book looks darling! I’ve never heard another writer talk about the role of dolls in her life—thanks for that “hindsight” piece. My soon to be released Button and Bundle (Knopf) has at its heart my experiences with my first friend and our dolls. The story is in part about the central role dolls play in the imaginative life and friendship of two little girls (one white, one black), and how their worlds are shaken when one must move away. (Their dolls are best friends too, and after the move one won’t play anymore. Button’s sadness is projected onto her doll.) With imagination and love, Button finds a way to honor and continue their world of play and learns that together or apart, friendship is forever.
    I’m looking forward to adding your book to what I hope will be a collection of stories that have childhood dolls at their hearts. I’d love to hear suggestions from all you story stormera out there.

    By Gretchen McLellan on January 15, 2019 at 2:04 pm

  457. Looking forward to reading this when it is released. What a great idea!

    By michelle on January 15, 2019 at 2:18 pm

  458. Congratulations to Ashley! Eyesight, insight and hindsight are awesome tools for the writer’s toolbox!

    By Teresa Robeson on January 15, 2019 at 2:33 pm

  459. I love the Q/A approach! (And the Tool Box, too!) Looking forward to seeing your new book.

    By Jenny Boyd on January 15, 2019 at 3:04 pm

  460. “Eyesight, Insight, and Hindsight” — it’s pure brilliance! Thank you, Ashley.

    By Heather Kinser on January 15, 2019 at 3:45 pm

  461. Congratulations and thank you!

    By Ms. Schubé on January 15, 2019 at 3:46 pm

  462. Thank you for sharing your inspiration.
    Congrats on your debut picture book.
    I am going to reach into my toolbox right now and create an idea. Eyesight, Insight, and Hindsight.

    By Heather Kelso on January 15, 2019 at 4:20 pm

  463. Thank you Ashley – the three “sights” – awesome structure!

    By Vicki Wilke on January 15, 2019 at 4:28 pm

  464. Congratulations on your book! Bring on the Inspirational Tool Box!
    Thank you.

    By Susan Schade on January 15, 2019 at 5:24 pm

  465. Starting with questions and looking at things with 3 kinds of sight. Just the right inspiration for today. And fab cover. Congrats!

    By laura516 on January 15, 2019 at 6:13 pm

  466. Ashley, your toolbox and your questioning process have kicked my brain into first gear. I’ve already put down three new ideas. I can’t wait to read NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. It will be fun reading it and thinking how you moved through your process writing it. Much success to you!

    By Susan Orton on January 15, 2019 at 6:54 pm

  467. Great post. Thank you!

    By kjerstenhayes on January 15, 2019 at 7:13 pm

  468. What a great title. The book looks adorable. This was a helpful and informative post.

    By Mary Ann Cortez on January 15, 2019 at 10:18 pm

  469. Great advice. Thanks.

    By Andrew Lefebvre on January 15, 2019 at 10:37 pm

  470. Congratulations, Ashley! I love your cover! And your idea of using a toolbox focusing on eyesight, insight, and hindsight. Will do!

    By Melissa Stoller on January 15, 2019 at 11:00 pm

  471. Wonderful advice. Thank you.

    By Freda Lewkowicz on January 16, 2019 at 5:20 am

  472. Thank you for the reminder that a magical story doesn’t always come from a magical beginning, but rather from a simple beginning and lots of effort. 🙂

    By Catherine Millington on January 16, 2019 at 8:50 am

  473. Good thinking/writing exercise. I seem to see a lot of goo and poop related things haha. And unicorns… I wonder how I feel about that.

    By Brittanny Handiboe on January 16, 2019 at 9:15 am

  474. Ashley! Such a cute pb idea! Can’t wait to read.

    By Monica Stoltzfus on January 16, 2019 at 9:32 am

  475. Happy for you and I love the title and your tool box approach. I will definitely read it. More power to you.

    By aliciaminor on January 16, 2019 at 9:59 am

  476. Thanks for sharing your journey Ashley! Congratulations on your book!! I look forward to reading it!!

    By Kathleen Cornell-Berman on January 16, 2019 at 10:13 am

  477. America is a land abounding with racial diversity. Even those of us who are raised white aren’t always truly white. Only in my 40s did I begin exploring my Native American ancestry, studying the Cherokee language and learning about the culture — past and present. So, I really like the concept you came up with for the picture book, Ashley. The cover is so appealing. –Kim

    By naturewalkwithgod on January 16, 2019 at 10:23 am

  478. I love these tools: eyesight, insight, and hindsight! And I love that you asked the question: “how did it make you feel?” Such a great question to ask!!

    By Therese Kay on January 16, 2019 at 11:16 am

  479. I’ve put Not Quite Snow White on my list of books to read. Love the title!

    By Sarah Skolfield on January 16, 2019 at 12:01 pm

  480. Thanks for the great exercise and congratulations on your first PB!

    By Poupette Smith on January 16, 2019 at 1:16 pm

  481. Love the toolbox idea! Thank you!

    By R.J. Koehn on January 16, 2019 at 2:03 pm

  482. I love the proactive approach vs. sitting around and waiting for inspiration to hit! And Not Quite Snow White looks wonderful. Definitely adding it to my list! Thank you!

    By curryelizabeth on January 16, 2019 at 2:12 pm

  483. I cannot wait to read the book! Thank you for the reminder to write what’s around us.

    By HSeydel on January 16, 2019 at 2:17 pm

  484. Thank you for the 3 sights, an excellent way to get inspiration. Congratulations on NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE…love the cover!

    By Judy Bryan on January 16, 2019 at 3:20 pm

  485. Great advice, will start using this kind of thinking to creative more ideas.

    By readstuffnwrite on January 16, 2019 at 4:26 pm

  486. I love your title!!! Brilliant! Not Quite Snow White.

    By deniseaengle on January 16, 2019 at 4:35 pm

  487. Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your process behind the idea for NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. Congratulations on your debut! Love the concept of starting with a question, then using our toolbox of sights to spark our own internal muse. No outside knock on the head needed.

    By Joannie Duris on January 16, 2019 at 5:26 pm

  488. Great ideas and I love the cover! Congrats!

    By KRISTINA CASTILLO on January 16, 2019 at 6:41 pm

  489. Questions are an outstanding source of inspiration for me. When stuck, I ask, “What if…?” 🙂 Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to your PB this summer!

    By joyceschr on January 16, 2019 at 7:43 pm

  490. Great cover! I love the Inspiration Tool Box idea. Thanks!

    By Terri Sabol on January 17, 2019 at 2:15 am

  491. You have an interesting process. Great example!

    By Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words) on January 17, 2019 at 4:08 am

  492. Thank you for the perspective and the tools.

    By andromeda515 on January 17, 2019 at 11:20 am

  493. Congrats on your book, love the cover!!!

    By Helen on January 17, 2019 at 12:01 pm

  494. What a great idea for a story, Ashley!

    By Patricia Toht on January 17, 2019 at 3:09 pm

  495. Eyesight, Insight, Hindsight! You’ve inspired me.

    By doreenbuchinski on January 17, 2019 at 4:44 pm

  496. Ashley,
    Thank you for sharing the origins of Tameika’s story and your story, too. Can’t wait to see the book!

    By gingermeurer on January 17, 2019 at 5:12 pm

  497. I love your idea, and can’t wait to see your book. Thanks!

    By Cinzia V. on January 17, 2019 at 6:06 pm

  498. Terrific title! Thanks for the ideas.

    By Nicole Strangman on January 17, 2019 at 6:48 pm

  499. I love your suggestion about beginning with questions. Thanks!

    By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 17, 2019 at 7:36 pm

  500. I love being taken through your process. Thank you!

    By Michele Helsel on January 17, 2019 at 7:56 pm

  501. Congratulations on your first picture book!

    By Francoise on January 18, 2019 at 11:00 am

  502. Thank you for showing a new way to look at things.

    By Judy Cooper on January 18, 2019 at 12:20 pm

  503. Awesome toolbox! I’ll definitely be borrowing it to fix a few of my idea generating problems.

    By Angela De Groot on January 18, 2019 at 1:38 pm

  504. Thank you for the toolbox of ideas! I like the questions you ask as you go through the process.

    By Megan Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2) on January 18, 2019 at 3:18 pm

  505. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration with us. I like the personal example you shared to put it all into perspective. Can’t wait to read your picture book, Not Quite Snow White.

    By imagination4lf on January 18, 2019 at 5:00 pm

  506. “Lose the muse: use your tools” is going to be my new mantra. Thank you!!

    By Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard) on January 18, 2019 at 6:58 pm

  507. Great insights! And I can’t wait to read your book!

    By Shawna J Tenney on January 18, 2019 at 8:41 pm

  508. Love the three-tiered toolbox. What a great combination of tools to locate and flesh out stories. Congrats on your debut!!!

    By mbhmaine on January 19, 2019 at 9:04 am

  509. What an adorable cover and concept! I can’t wait to see your book in the world! Congratulations!

    By Jill on January 19, 2019 at 11:26 am

  510. This is an excellent thought exercise for the ole toolbox. I haven’t tried it on for myself yet, but I just noted it in my Storystorm journal as a reminder when I get stuck later this month. Thank you, Ashley!

    By Elizabeth Metz on January 19, 2019 at 12:03 pm

  511. Congratulations on Not Quite Snow White! And thank you for the Inspiration Tool Box resource to get my creativity flowing!

    By Elizabeth Davis on January 19, 2019 at 12:53 pm

  512. THANK YOU! This article came at just the right time. I was struggling with coming up with another PB idea for this challenge. And when I read Ashley’s 3 basic suggestions, I thought about them a lot. As a result, I may not have a GEM of an idea, but I DO have a GERM of an idea. Thank you, Ashley.

    By debobrienbookscom on January 19, 2019 at 4:39 pm

  513. Great advice, thank you!

    By Laurie Bouck on January 19, 2019 at 4:51 pm

  514. Love your toolbox idea, and looking forward to reading your book!

    By Janet Halfmann on January 19, 2019 at 5:15 pm

  515. Thank you for the insight into your process. This gave me ideas. Now to write and revise.

    By Cassie Bentley on January 19, 2019 at 5:33 pm

  516. Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your technique of using the three sights…I’ll try it as I Storystorm! And congratulations on your picture book! The cover looks wonderful 🙂

    By Linda J Thomas on January 19, 2019 at 8:28 pm

  517. Thank you, Ashley! Looking forward to reading your sweet story!

    By Jill M Proctor on January 19, 2019 at 11:24 pm

  518. Your ideas are really helpful. I can’t wait to share your book with my third graders.

    By Tiffany Painter on January 20, 2019 at 12:12 pm

  519. Everyone feels “not quite” at certain points of their childhood. Interesting!

    By Tamawi on January 20, 2019 at 2:07 pm

  520. Enjoyed reading about how you came up with your idea. Can’t wait to read your book.

    By thesheilster on January 20, 2019 at 3:22 pm

  521. Great idea about the inspiration tool box. Very helpful! Can’t wait to read NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. Will be waiting for it’s release!

    By Judy Pressler on January 20, 2019 at 3:32 pm

  522. I really needed to read this, I think I wait too much for the muse to appear. Lose the muse – thank you!

    By Carolyn Kraft on January 20, 2019 at 4:55 pm

  523. I love the three tools of your toolbox – eyesight, insight, and hindsight. The tips you offer are good. And, starting with a question, is a great way to get some ideas flowing.

    Great article.

    By Cindy E. Owens on January 20, 2019 at 7:39 pm

  524. What a beautiful story within a story! I love your idea about not having to have a muse show up!! We wait and wait and often times it’s right there in front of us! Thank you for sharing your lovely story!

    By Kelly Vavala on January 20, 2019 at 7:53 pm

  525. Love the idea of starting with questions! Your book looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

    By Danielle Hicks on January 20, 2019 at 10:27 pm

  526. Love your post. Not Quiet Snow White sounds like fun. Thanks for sharing with us.

    By Rick Starkey on January 21, 2019 at 6:33 am

  527. Congratulations on the debut! Thank you for the inspiration!

    By julielacombeauthor on January 21, 2019 at 3:34 pm

  528. I love how you structured this with questions! Thank you for the ideas!

    By Anna Brooks on January 21, 2019 at 3:53 pm

  529. I love a toolbox that is easily transportable!

    By Meilssa Chupp on January 21, 2019 at 4:31 pm

  530. Great toolbox. Love Not Quite Snow White, hair and all. I wish you every success and look forward to reading it to 5-year-olds.

    By Annette Walsh on January 21, 2019 at 5:59 pm

  531. Great book title. Great questions. Great tool box.

    By topangamaria on January 21, 2019 at 7:05 pm

  532. I love your tool box and I love your cover. Can’t wait to read the story!

    By Christine Pinto on January 21, 2019 at 8:01 pm

  533. Great toolbox – simple yet expansive. Congratulations and good luck on your launch.

    By Angela H. Dale on January 21, 2019 at 10:02 pm

  534. Ashley, I love the cover of your forthcoming picture book. Congratulations in advance. Love your vision (via your sight technique!)

    By Hillary Homzie on January 22, 2019 at 1:53 am

  535. Thank you for this post. It’s inspired me to look at surroundings differently. What can be flipped to better see a child’s world?

    By jpuglow on January 22, 2019 at 6:30 am

  536. Thank you for the toolbox ideas – very helpful. Congratulations on NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE!

    By Paula VanEnkevort on January 22, 2019 at 6:38 pm

  537. Fun! I’m looking forward to reading this book.

    By Stephanie Lau on January 22, 2019 at 7:51 pm

  538. Love love, love! Your title instantly grabbed me and I really liked your walk through of how you used your tools to develop your idea! Thanks Ashley!

    By Rhonda Whitaker on January 22, 2019 at 10:56 pm

  539. Wow, can’t wait for the release of NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE! My first graders will love it! Thanks for sharing your insights with us!

    By Emily on January 23, 2019 at 11:37 am

  540. I love your idea of hindsight. I don’t think I’ve been challenged in that way before. Thanks for the great idea and I’m glad to know you loved your Barbies as a kid. That made me smile!

    By Julie Rand on January 23, 2019 at 4:51 pm

  541. I need to start using my toolbox more often. Got an idea just reading this article! I’m sure I’ll get more quickly with this method.

    By Dani Duck on January 23, 2019 at 5:40 pm

  542. Great approach! I’m using it with a story I’m working on now

    By LAUREN BARBIERI on January 23, 2019 at 6:35 pm

  543. I love the idea of the Inspiration Toolbox! Thank you, Ashley!

    By Amanda Davis on January 23, 2019 at 8:04 pm

  544. Great post and I love the inspirational tool box :-).

    By sharongiltrow on January 24, 2019 at 7:41 am

  545. I love the idea of Eyesight, Insight, Hindsight – what an easy phrase to remember that can lead to all sorts of fun ideas. Thanks for sharing!

    By kelliejanebyrnes on January 25, 2019 at 5:56 am

  546. Thank you b

    By Shel ledrew on January 26, 2019 at 9:32 am

  547. Congrats on your debut book! I think I’ll work on the hindsight first. Thanks.

    By Lou on January 26, 2019 at 8:41 pm

  548. Hey, Ash! So glad to read this. You did great. Just look at all these comments. All my love.

    By Robyn Campbell on January 26, 2019 at 10:12 pm

  549. Thank you Ashley for a fresh perspective! Looking forward to reading your book and using questions more often to develop my writing.

    By Robin Robb-Kraus on January 27, 2019 at 2:45 am

  550. This post sent me off down a Barbie googling rabbit hole! Love the suggestion of starting with questions. Thank you!

    By Kristin Wauson on January 27, 2019 at 11:26 am

  551. This has given me some new ideas for how to look at things – remembering a workshop where we had to describe a water pitcher without using those two words.

    By Joyce on January 27, 2019 at 5:23 pm

  552. Lovely! Looking forward to read the book. ❤️

    By Maria J Cuesta on January 27, 2019 at 7:23 pm

  553. Can’t wait for your book to come out!

    By cantsing1 on January 28, 2019 at 11:28 am

  554. I like your idea of an inspiration toolbox and you made it easy to think about with the three tools of eyesight, insight, and hindsight. Thanks for sharing how you applied it to your new picture book & congratulations!

    By Sharalyn Edgeberg on January 28, 2019 at 5:51 pm

  555. Oh, my goodness, my Muse heard me read that line and now I have NOTHING. NOTHING. oh gosh.

    By photojaq on January 28, 2019 at 9:44 pm

  556. Your advice to consider the emotional response to what I’m observing hit home. I tend to skip over ‘feelings’ and need to coax them out to give my writing depth.

    By Susan Tuggy on January 29, 2019 at 2:34 am

  557. Can’t wait to read your book! And thanks for the tips. ❤️

    By Ana Crespo on January 29, 2019 at 11:27 am

  558. Ashley, I love this post. “Eyesight-Insight-Hindsight” is going on my wall of inspirational quotes and ideas (with proper credit to you, of course) :). Thank you for this inspiration!

    By Susie Sawyer on January 29, 2019 at 12:17 pm

  559. The 3 tools are great, but it is especially helpful to see how you applied them to come up with your story idea! Thanks for sharing!!

    Michele Katz Grieder

    By creationsbymit on January 29, 2019 at 1:06 pm

  560. Thank you for sharing, Ashley! I’ll try to remember I always have my toolbox with me for inspiration!

    By hannahtuohyillustration on January 29, 2019 at 1:38 pm

  561. This is a great idea. Questions always help spark my imagination

    By Rebecca Herzog on January 29, 2019 at 6:02 pm

  562. I like your focus on asking questions! And congrats on your book!

    By Carolyn on January 29, 2019 at 10:53 pm

  563. Can’t wait to read and see your book!! Way to go. Your advice is just what I need, my focus thanks you.

    By Charlene Avery on January 29, 2019 at 11:56 pm

  564. Love this! Asking ourselves questions is so important!

    By Vicky Howard on January 30, 2019 at 10:09 am

  565. Thanks for this insightful post.

    By sallie wolf on January 30, 2019 at 5:49 pm

  566. Can’t wait to read this book.

    By Kassy Keppol on January 30, 2019 at 7:20 pm

  567. Congrats on your idea brining a reality! I LOVE the user of “sight” in various ways for a toolbox, can’t wait to try out mine 😊

    By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on January 30, 2019 at 8:38 pm

  568. Ashley, I am so so excited to read your upcoming book and to buy it for all my favorite little girls that need more princesses and characters that look like them. Watch out Tiana and Doc McStuffins! I also am grateful for your idea generations tips — what a fun way to approach brainstorming. Best of luck with your upcoming release!

    By Kelly Rice Schmitt on January 30, 2019 at 8:48 pm

  569. I love that many of these soon-to-be published books started out as StoryStorm (PiBoIdMo) ideas. It’s so inspiring!

    By Jocelyn Rish on January 31, 2019 at 1:43 am

  570. Love your process. It is definitely something I am going to try. Thanks!

    By Stacey Corrigan on January 31, 2019 at 11:49 am

  571. I’ve marked this blog to go back to again and again (this is my second visit!) I love the way you’ve broken it down to eyesight, insight and hindsight and I can really use the suggestions for applying each one. Thanks so much.

    By Carolyne Ruck on January 31, 2019 at 5:18 pm

  572. Love the name of the book! I am part of a multi-cultural family and I am waiting for this one to come out. Thank you!

    By higherthanrubies on January 31, 2019 at 7:49 pm

  573. I love this technique Ashley. And your book looks fabulous! What a great title! Congrats on your debut!

    By Amanda Sincavage on January 31, 2019 at 9:10 pm

  574. Excited to read (and gift) your book.

    By Naomi Gruer on January 31, 2019 at 10:13 pm

  575. Thanks for sharing your toolbox. I might also add foresight – the ability to predict or look ahead to see what will happen to my characters.

    By Laurie Swindler on January 31, 2019 at 10:46 pm

  576. Thank you for sharing, much inspiration.

    By denitajohnson on January 31, 2019 at 11:16 pm

  577. I like these. And might try adding a fourth “sight” as well: foresight.

    By Serge Smagarinsky on February 1, 2019 at 6:30 am

  578. Inspiration at its best- thank you ❤️

    By Becca Fleishman on February 2, 2019 at 3:06 pm

  579. Your blogpost has really got me thinking. We often don’t take time to look closely at our surroundings so I’ve pinned your three words on the pin board above my desk as a reminder.

    Thank you for a great blogpost and for the generous giveaway Ashley :o)

    By Catherine Friess on February 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

    1. That’s awesome! I’m glad the takeaway was pin board worthy😁. Happy writing!

      By Ashley Franklin on February 24, 2019 at 12:04 pm

  580. Thank you for these ideas. They’ve got me thinking and looking and seeing.

    By Dianne on February 3, 2019 at 12:53 pm

  581. Eyesight, Insight, and Hindsight — awesome! Congrats on using these tools in the creation of your book, NOT QUITE, SNOW WHITE. Cannot wait to read it. 🙂

    By Johna Nicole Rossetti on February 3, 2019 at 3:30 pm

  582. Thanks for the toolbox! Love your cover–congrats on your new baby!

    By Buffy Silverman on February 3, 2019 at 6:33 pm

  583. Congratulations on the new book! Great method of concocting an idea!

    By loelmu on February 4, 2019 at 4:45 pm

  584. What a great thought process, and I’m very much looking forward to reading your (much needed!) picture book!

    By Jess Bourgeois on February 4, 2019 at 5:12 pm

  585. Your book is super cute! I checked it out this summer at our library. Love your ideas-thanks!

    By Megan Whitaker on January 13, 2020 at 10:04 am

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