I love that O’Connor’s spark came not only from exploring her inner child but from her ACTUAL childhood. So here’s your new assignment: Take a walk down memory lane and dig deep into your childhood. (You may have blocked it, but you had one!)January 21, 2019 8:00 am
by Chana Stiefel
Hello Storystormers! By now, you are either sloshing through puddles of ideas, or maybe you’re stuck in the mud. That’s ok! Here’s a method to jumpstart your story idea machine…
Recently, I came across an article by Fancy Nancy author Jane O’Connor announcing that she is hanging up her boa. O’Connor’s idea for her blockbuster series came from her habit of dressing up when she was a kid and urging her mom to be fancy, too.
I love that O’Connor’s spark came not only from exploring her inner child but from her ACTUAL childhood. So here’s your new assignment: Take a walk down memory lane and dig deep into your childhood. (You may have blocked it, but you had one!)
What stories pop into your head? What made your childhood unique? Think about your relationships with parents, siblings, teachers, friends, camp counselors, baby sitters, coaches, neighbors, pets….you get the idea! What conflicts or challenges did you face? Did you resolve them? If so, how? What were your talents, hobbies, dreams, likes and dislikes?
Now here’s the TWIST. Unless you are uber-famous, most kids (or editors) may not want to read your autobiography. So take your idea and give it a twist. Exaggerate, add humor, turn yourself into an animal or robot, take your idea and go bigger!
O’Connor didn’t copy her own childhood; she took it to another level and created a character that uses French terms and flowery language to express her “fancy” nature. Voila!
When I started writing my upcoming picture book, MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH!, a Storystorm (then PiBoIdMo) 2014 idea that will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on August 27 (woohoo!), my first drafts were about a girl named Chana (ahem) who wanted to change her unpronounceable name. In those older versions, Chana’s grandmother explained that Chana got her name from her namesake, her resilient great grandmother. My critique partners thought my story was okay but Chana needed to solve her own problem. I was stuck in the muck for a long time. Then I read a blog post by my agent John Cusick suggesting that I drop my character into a new setting. That’s how my cave girl Wakawakaloch was born.
Soon a whole new world opened up and my manuscript took off. (Check out my full “success story” on Tara’s blog.) Basically, I started with my own childhood struggle of dealing with a hard-to-pronounce name, gave it a neolithic twist, and ended up with cave girl with a funny and relatable problem. The takeaway: It’s those real, relatable childhood experiences that touch the hearts of kids.
I asked some writer friends if their own childhoods sparked book ideas. OF COURSE they did! Here are some more examples for inspiration:
Gretchen McLellan wrote, “Many of my books, published and soon-to-be, are based on my nomadic army-brat childhood. MRS. McBEE LEAVES ROOM 3 (Peachtree, 2017) is grounded in my extensive experience with the bittersweet of saying goodbye. BUTTON AND BUNDLE (Knopf 2/19/19) is based on leaving my first best friend and the world of play we created. My experience of having a father at war is deeply woven into WHEN YOUR DADDY’S A SOLDIER (Beach Lane, 2020).”
Patricia Toht said, “I mined our family’s holiday traditions for PICK A PUMPKIN (Candlewick, July 9, 2019) and PICK A PINE TREE (Candlewick 2017).”
Gaia Cornwall added, “Being scared of jumping off the diving board, while wanting to sooo badly, is a very clear memory from childhood.” Results: The beautiful JABARI JUMPS (Candlewick, 2017).
Ariel Bernstein shared this gem: “I saw an old photo of me on a camping trip with my family–in a canoe with my mom and sister where they were smiling and I was scowling. I thought it was funny and came up with the idea for my upcoming PB, WE LOVE FISHING, which is about four woodland friends who go fishing–three love fishing, one (the squirrel, based on me), does not. (S & S, Paula Wiseman, 2020).” See how Ariel drew from her childhood and added a twist?
From Gina Perry: “I wrote SMALL (Little Bee, 2017) because I was always the smallest kid in my class, all the way through middle school. I never forgot how it felt and wanted to show ways that kids could feel big regardless of size.” True that!
Michelle Schaub shared: “Two of the poems In my upcoming PB poetry collection, FINDING TREASURE (about things people collect), coming from Charlesbridge in September 2019, are based off of childhood memories of my grandma collecting teapots and my grandpa collecting license plates.”
So get out of the muck and give it a try: Tap into your unique childhood. Add a twist. Create fresh new stories for years to come!
Check out Jane O’Connor’s article here:
“Au Revoir, Nancy! A Children’s Book Author Kisses Her Character Goodbye”
Chana Stiefel grew up in South Florida, fishing for tadpoles and going on swamp tromps in the Everglades. Her childhood love of creepy critters was her inspiration for writing ANIMAL ZOMBIES!…& OTHER REAL-LIFE MONSTERS (NatGeoKids, 2019). Growing up with a hard-to-pronounce name gave Chana the spark to write MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH! (illus. by Mary Sullivan; HMH, 8-27-19) about a cave girl who wants to change her unpronounceable name. Chana is also the author of DADDY DEPOT (Feiwel & Friends, 2017) and the upcoming LET LIBERTY RISE (Scholastic, 2021). She is represented by John M. Cusick at Folio Literary. Follow @chanastiefel on FB, Twitter, and Instagram and visit her at https://chanastiefel.com/.
Chana is giving away a signed copy of MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH! after its release in August. (U.S. only, please!)
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!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: STORYSTORM 2019, STORYSTORM Success Story
Tags:
Mobile Site | Full Site
Get a free blog at WordPress.com Theme: WordPress Mobile Edition by Alex King.
Great ideas, Chana. Thank you!
By Jennifer Parker Raudenbush on January 21, 2019 at 8:11 am
Thanks for the inspiration! I love hearing about process and where authors get their ideas. Our childhood experiences are a great place to start.
By rosecappelli on January 21, 2019 at 8:14 am
It was so neat to see how different writers were able to mine their childhoods and come up with picture books based on their experiences. I need to see what in my past might be a starting point for a story. I was kind of a weird kid, so that shouldn’t be too hard. Thanks, Chana.
By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 21, 2019 at 8:14 am
Weird childhoods are the best…especially for storytelling!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Putting on my memory mining helmet, turning on the lamp and descending to childhood memories…taking the canary ’cause know some may be deadly bad ideas, even if they are good memories! Thanks Chana! Or Wakawakaloch, ramalamadingdong!
By Margaret Flint Suter on January 21, 2019 at 8:22 am
Lol! Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:40 pm
Great idea, Chana! I just wrote one new idea. thanks!
By Tina Cho on January 21, 2019 at 8:22 am
Thank you! I know my inner child has a lot to say!
By Julie Mondi on January 21, 2019 at 8:23 am
Time to fish for old memories! Thanks for the suggestion, Chana.
By Rona Shirdan on January 21, 2019 at 8:26 am
Looking forward to reminiscing. (I realized I’ve used experiences in my childhood in my books, but not consciously.) Thank you for sharing.
By Amy Houts on January 21, 2019 at 8:29 am
I think we each have a ton of ideas from our childhood. It is still like a treasure hunt to find the right ones.
By Rick Starkey on January 21, 2019 at 8:30 am
Exactly! They’re not ALL book ideas!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:49 pm
It was great hearing about how other writers have mined their childhood experiences for inspiration! Now time to mine mine…
By Rebecca Colby on January 21, 2019 at 8:34 am
Thanks for the inspiration, Chana! Loved to read how everyone’s childhood inspired successful PBs:>
By polly renner on January 21, 2019 at 8:34 am
Thanks for this post — we all have a source of ideas to draw on:)
Gail Hartman
By thecrowsmap on January 21, 2019 at 8:35 am
I would venture a guess that nearly all PBs start with personal experiences or the experiences of kids in the author’s life…it’s the best source of inspiration we’ve got!
By michelemeleen on January 21, 2019 at 8:40 am
Love this, Chana, and congrats on the book!
By marlainawrites on January 21, 2019 at 8:40 am
Thank you so much!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:47 pm
This is such a serendipitous post….my daughter nudged a childhood memory from me that had me searching the obituaries last night for a neighbor lady’s info. I had long forgotten. Thanks for this nudge too! I feel like I was supposed to write about this topic–today!
By Linda Mitchell on January 21, 2019 at 8:41 am
So wonderful! Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:41 pm
Great hearing how you, and other writers, turned childhood experiences into wonderful stories. Thanks for sharing!
By pathaap on January 21, 2019 at 8:43 am
Great idea, Chana, and congratulations on your newest book.
By MD Knabb on January 21, 2019 at 8:44 am
Thank you! I got an idea while reading and can’t wait to dig through family photos while thinking of more.
By teacherwriteracker on January 21, 2019 at 8:48 am
Thanks for the inspiration!
By Liz Steinglass on January 21, 2019 at 8:56 am
Thank you Chana (and Tara) for putting this together. Such a nifty post. Childhood experiences can be a gold mine:)
By Nancy Colle on January 21, 2019 at 8:57 am
Thanks for sharing all the examples about how you and other writers mined their childhood memories for story ideas. I find that tugging on one memory strand often stirs up others. Thanks for sharing!
By mbhmaine on January 21, 2019 at 8:58 am
Thank you Chana. Great idea.
By Loralee Petersen on January 21, 2019 at 9:00 am
Writing for children tapping into our childhood…great idea Chana. Thank you for your post.
By Mark Bentz on January 21, 2019 at 9:01 am
Thanks for sharing, Chana! From one (former) South Floridian to another. 🙂 Here’s to tadpoles and swamp tromping.
By Joy Pitcairn on January 21, 2019 at 9:02 am
Yes! And frog legs and manatees! I loved growing up in SoFlo!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:42 pm
Congratulations Chana on your forthcoming books! Wakawakaloch sounds amazing. I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of all your books. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey.
By Nadine Poper on January 21, 2019 at 9:03 am
Thanks so much! Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:42 pm
I really enjoyed hearing this. It’s a good lesson for my students. It was fun to see how the other authors books relate to their childhood as well!
By Kimberly on January 21, 2019 at 9:06 am
Great post! I draw lost of inspiration from my childhood and my kids’ as well. It’s amazing what you can remember once you start recording your memories!
By Sarah SarahH on January 21, 2019 at 9:07 am
Thanks to you, Chana– I’m off to break open my idea-piggy bank! What a terrific post!
By Andria Rosenbaum on January 21, 2019 at 9:08 am
😘 thanks Andria!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:43 pm
Great ideas to get the memory compartment of my brain working!! Congratulations on your upcoming book!!
By thelmakat on January 21, 2019 at 9:11 am
What a fun and inspiring post, Chana! I can’t wait to read your new book.
I love all those childhood inspired ideas.
Thanks!
By Joana Pastro on January 21, 2019 at 9:12 am
Thank you Chana – great suggestion! 🙂
By mlflannigan on January 21, 2019 at 9:12 am
What a great idea for mining story ideas. I love that you included the quotes from the other authors as well.
By Frances Kalavritinos on January 21, 2019 at 9:15 am
PS..love the crown…reminds me of Purim
By Kathy Price on January 21, 2019 at 9:28 am
Yes! But I think it was my 6th birthday!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Thank you Chana for the wonderful ideas
Congratulations on your new book♥️
By Li’vee Rehfield on January 21, 2019 at 9:21 am
I feel like I am trudging through the mud…. this is great inspiration. I am looking forward to looking back.
By kaleegwarjanski on January 21, 2019 at 9:22 am
Looking forward to looking back sounds like a book title!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Love hearing how you took a childhood experience and twisted it.Great advice! And congratulations on your upcoming book.
By Jennifer Phillips on January 21, 2019 at 9:24 am
Ray Bradbury created his sci-fiction,.in similar fashion, …..love this idea, Chana!Thanks!
By Kathy Price on January 21, 2019 at 9:26 am
Heading to my journal right away to start listing. Thanks for your inspiring post! Best of luck with your new book, sounds adorable.
By Louann Brown on January 21, 2019 at 9:27 am
Wonderful! Thanks!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:48 pm
Great idea! I am going to do some brainstorming!!
By Sarah John on January 21, 2019 at 9:28 am
Very inspiring. Thanks Chana and good luck with the release of your new book!
By bgonsar on January 21, 2019 at 9:30 am
Thanks so much!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Ideas sparked…and twisted! Thanks, Chana.
By C.L. Murphy on January 21, 2019 at 9:30 am
Yes! Awesome!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:52 pm
I have a funny childhood memory that’s begging to be a story but I haven’t found the twist yet. I think reading the books in your post might jog it out of my head! Thanks for the inspiration!
By Therese Kay on January 21, 2019 at 9:31 am
Awesome! Lots of luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Thanks for the inspiration! I just remembered a childhood memory that I can twist!
By Andrea Mack on January 21, 2019 at 9:32 am
Our own childhoods can be a goldmine of ideas! Thanks for the reminder.
By Susanne Whitehouse on January 21, 2019 at 9:33 am
LOL, lots of material here for me.
By Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt) on January 21, 2019 at 9:33 am
This is a good idea because we can tell authentic stories without locking it into how it exactly happened.
By Melissa Mwai on January 21, 2019 at 9:33 am
Yes, and many kids have similar experiences but never exactly the same. There can always be a new twist on an old theme.
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:06 pm
Love all these examples of playing with our past!
By beckylevine on January 21, 2019 at 9:36 am
You’ve helped me tap into some happy memories that are making me smile. Maybe I can convert a few to stories, but even if I can’t, loving the trip down memory lane! Thank you.
By Joan Longstaff on January 21, 2019 at 9:37 am
YES! Keep going!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:46 pm
Chana, such a fun idea – mine our actual childhood and then make the situation bigger or drop it into a new setting. Bravo for new ideas that will come from this. TY.
By Kathy Halsey on January 21, 2019 at 9:39 am
Thank you Kathy!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:46 pm
I love this! I’ve already got a great idea. Thank you.
By angie9091 on January 21, 2019 at 9:40 am
Great post Chana! Happy Tu Bishvat today.
By Johnell DeWitt on January 21, 2019 at 9:41 am
I love that you mined your childhood memories and journeyed all the way back to the stone age, Chana. Thank you for the great advice.
By ptnozell on January 21, 2019 at 9:44 am
Thank you, Chana, for sharing your childhood memories and for stirring up some of mine.
By judyrubin13 on January 21, 2019 at 9:45 am
Great post. I’m going to try this!
By varda on January 21, 2019 at 9:45 am
Can definitely relate to the weird name thing.
By Varda on January 21, 2019 at 9:50 am
So glad to see you “Seen in 19” right off the bat. You go, girl! Loved hearing this story and love the stone age. Can’t wait for this book, Chana! XO
By Lynne Marie on January 21, 2019 at 9:46 am
Yay! #seenin19 rocks!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Childhood is the ultimate treasure box!
By Hélène Sabourin on January 21, 2019 at 9:46 am
I love the idea of using childhood memories as inspiration. Thank you!
By rhumba20 on January 21, 2019 at 9:47 am
CHANA: THANK YOU for jumpstarting my Story Idea Machine with ALL of these AMAZING ideas! I appreciate that you included other authors’ ideas as well. SO INSPIRING!!! And most inspiring of all: hearing of YET ANOTHER BOOK BEING PUBLISHED THAT CAME FROM A STORYSTORM IDEA!!! Sharing your story gives us all hope for our own stories. THANK YOU!!! I CAN’T WAIT to read your newest gem!
By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 21, 2019 at 9:47 am
SO AWESOME. THANK YOU!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:53 pm
Great post! Can relate to the weird first name.
By Varda on January 21, 2019 at 9:48 am
Interesting little fact: my agent, editor and illustrator are John, Kate & Mary. And they all believed in this book about weird names. 🙂
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:55 pm
What great inspiration! I love taking a childhood memory or even concern and blowing it up and making it zany even!
By tanyakonerman on January 21, 2019 at 9:52 am
Thanks for the reminder about dredging up childhood memories – good and bad. Should get many ideas from them.
By Barbara Senenman on January 21, 2019 at 9:54 am
Thanks Chana for such a fun post. I appreciate the push to think bigger and go for the twist!
By Mary Warth on January 21, 2019 at 10:02 am
Congrats Chana on your upcoming release! Kids will know how to say your name and WAKAWAKALOCH very soon! Thank you for the great examples about digging into the past. I think I might sit with my childhood photo albums for awhile and see what story ideas pop into my head. Thank you!
By Aimee Satterlee on January 21, 2019 at 10:03 am
How wonderful! Enjoy & good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:55 pm
Inspiring post – thank you. And congratulations on your new PB!
By DaNeil Olson on January 21, 2019 at 10:04 am
Congrats on the new book, and thanks for the great ideas and examples, Chana!
By jheitman22 on January 21, 2019 at 10:07 am
I love the twist you did, turning yourself into a cave girl. I’m off to reminisce, thanks.
By andreesantini on January 21, 2019 at 10:07 am
It’s easy to say look to your childhood for inspiration, but the way you enumerated various aspects of childhood actually helped the flow of ideas for some brainstorming. Thank you for the practical and effective suggestions!
By annjex on January 21, 2019 at 10:09 am
Terrific. Lots of luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:56 pm
Great post. It brought back a funny memory that I think I can use. And I LOVED the Fancy Nancy sign-off. Brought tears to my eyes!
By nicolesalterbraun on January 21, 2019 at 10:16 am
Hmmm I could do a story on how I earned my nickname. Thanks! Yay! an idea!!!!!!
By kiwijenny on January 21, 2019 at 10:16 am
I love the title of your upcoming book and you have me thinking – digging – for childhood memories on which I can put a twist!
By celticsea on January 21, 2019 at 10:17 am
I think it’s hard for me NOT to write a story or poem without somehow connecting to my childhood…good thing we writers don’t need to grow up. 😉
By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 21, 2019 at 10:17 am
You must have had a very memorable childhood! 🙂
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 10:58 pm
Such wonderful advice to jumpstart my week. I can’t wait to dig into my past and give it a twist. Thanks!
By Juliana Jones on January 21, 2019 at 10:17 am
This is a great idea, and one I am excited to present to my fifth graders. Even though they’re only ten, it’ll be fun to see them think about events from when they were ‘kids’ and write about them.
Thank you for another great PB post!
By Kristin Crouch on January 21, 2019 at 10:18 am
I think I need to pull out all my parent’s old photos! I’m sure that will spark some great ideas!
By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 21, 2019 at 10:20 am
Chana – thank you. Thanks for the mentor texts titles too. Your book was used as an example at a Highlights Retreat I went to in November. Love it.
By Elizabeth W Saba on January 21, 2019 at 10:22 am
What a great process for mining ideas Chana. I am excited about your new book coming out.
By Cynthia Hawthorne on January 21, 2019 at 10:29 am
Thanks for the great ways to generate my ideas.
By Mardi Edwards on January 21, 2019 at 10:32 am
Thank you for the inspiration! I’m ready to explore memory lane.
By Jessica Kulekjian on January 21, 2019 at 10:32 am
This is a productive (and fun!) way to kick start any writing drought! Thanks for sharing!
By Deb Sullivan on January 21, 2019 at 10:40 am
Thanks, Chana. I love the examples. So many great books here.
By David McMullin on January 21, 2019 at 10:43 am
Yikes! Thinking about my childhood on the farm, my cup overfloweth with ideas. Today is a good day to write one of them out, then tomorrow, another. Thanks for the memory jog!
By Roz Malin on January 21, 2019 at 10:43 am
So cool that you grew up on a farm. You must have a million stories! Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:07 pm
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
By Ellen Sirianni on January 21, 2019 at 10:43 am
Great post! Lots of ideas here to sit with and brainstorm! I can’t wait for all you books to come out. They look wonderful!
By Tracy Hora on January 21, 2019 at 10:43 am
That was lovely and inspiring!
By Nora Fry on January 21, 2019 at 10:45 am
This is a wonderful way to mine for ideas when writing for kids. A delightful post.
By June Sengpiehl on January 21, 2019 at 10:46 am
This was a wonderful and inspiring post, thank you. I was writing my idea for today as I was reading!
By Karin Larson on January 21, 2019 at 10:48 am
Going to give this a try down memory lane! Love to visit my childhood with my inner child aboard! Thank you for sharing!
By Kelly Vavala on January 21, 2019 at 10:50 am
Such a great story idea prompt – thank you! Also had instant flashbacks and will have fun adding that “‘twist”!
By Susan Macartney on January 21, 2019 at 10:51 am
Thanks for the inspiring post Chana. Sometimes we forget to look back on our own lives and experiences; and instead attempt to write about things we know little about.
By Jennifer Bower on January 21, 2019 at 10:52 am
Right? Childhood memories are such an accessible resource!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:15 pm
Thank you for reminding me to go down memory lane for ideas – just wish I could remember my childhood better. Congrats on all your books!
By Danielle Dufayet on January 21, 2019 at 10:54 am
Great ideas! Looking forward to reading your books.
By Kathy Sholtys on January 21, 2019 at 10:57 am
Another angle on the ‘truth is stranger/funnier/richer than fiction’ bon mot. Love it.
By Katie Engen on January 21, 2019 at 10:57 am
Hi Chana. I hated my name growing up too. Luckily I feel like I have ‘grown into it’. Can’t wait to read how Wakawakaloch deals with it! I’ve found that sometimes it’s not until after I write a story that I see the autobiographical seed in it. I think our subconscious helps us out like that. 🙂
By Juliana Lee on January 21, 2019 at 10:59 am
Thinking of my childhood sparks so many ideas. Thank you!
By Carole Lynn Jones on January 21, 2019 at 10:59 am
Awesome post! Congratulations on your new book. Great ideas and twists.
By Janie Reinart on January 21, 2019 at 11:00 am
Thinking of my childhood sparks lots of story ideas. Thank you! Great inspiration!
By Carole Lynn Jones on January 21, 2019 at 11:01 am
Fantastic advice and post! I can definitely go back through my childhood for some wild stories 😂.
By Mary Miller on January 21, 2019 at 11:01 am
THANK YOU ALL for your wonderful comments! We encourage each other! I’m on a family vacation with limited internet (trying to create those childhood memories for my kids!) but know that I’m reading all of your responses and hope to reply soon! Keep writing! Xoxo
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:01 am
Thanks for the great post!
By Sara Matson on January 21, 2019 at 11:02 am
Great advice, Chana! As for most of us, life was different for kids when we were young so I’m guessing those experiences (with a twist!) would be fascinating to kids now.
By Jodi Mckay on January 21, 2019 at 11:02 am
For sure, Jodi! Like that YouTube video of today’s kids trying to dial a rotary phone. Hilarious!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:17 pm
Gonna go mining! Thanks
By ryanrobertsauthor on January 21, 2019 at 11:04 am
Wonderful and inspiring post, thank you. I was writing today’s idea as I was reading.
By karinlarson on January 21, 2019 at 11:05 am
Thanks for reminding us to take a trip down memory lane for ideas.
By awritersdream41 on January 21, 2019 at 11:05 am
What a great idea! I can think of a number of childhood memories that could become book ideas. Thank you.
By Laurie Bouck on January 21, 2019 at 11:07 am
Thank you Chana! Just jotted down 2 more ideas because of your post!
By Jen Bagan on January 21, 2019 at 11:08 am
Todays post is just chock-full-of ideas! Thanks Chana.
By jeanjames926 on January 21, 2019 at 11:09 am
Great article. Good luck on your book!
By Michele Helsel on January 21, 2019 at 11:10 am
Thank you, Chana. Your writing drew me into a long ago happening that would be a perfect story idea for now.
By Judy Shemtob on January 21, 2019 at 11:11 am
Ooh fantastic! Yay!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Thanks for the reminders. I had forgotten the torture of being the tallest person in my class. But it’s grist for the story mill now!
By Carlie Cornell on January 21, 2019 at 11:14 am
YES! Go for it!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Was it something you said? LOL I have three new story ideas! And I haven’t even ventured very deep into that mine of childhood memories. Thanks, Chana!
By carol w Munro on January 21, 2019 at 11:15 am
Yay, you go girl!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:19 pm
Wonderful ideas. Thank you
By Jay on January 21, 2019 at 11:16 am
Great ideas to think about childhood memories and add a twist. Brainstorming, here I come.
By Joanna Rowland on January 21, 2019 at 11:16 am
Thank you so much, Chana. I can’t wait to read your new book. You also put an idea in my head, Now to write it down and twist.
By Kathy Mazurowski on January 21, 2019 at 11:17 am
Hi Chana! Like you my name – Iwona – was unpronounceable when we came to the USA… and i got called all sorts of things (like I Wanna! What you wanna? (it is prounounced Eee Vo Na (with vowels like in Spanish). And like Gretchen McLellan we moved a lot – 3 countries, 3 continents, 3 languages by the time i was 9… unfortunately my memories are fuzzy and hard to dig out… but great ideas, your story sounds awesome.
By authoryvonafast on January 21, 2019 at 11:17 am
Love this! So unique Ilona! Maybe interview one of your family members to gain more clarity. Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:09 pm
Such a cute photo! Thanks for the ideas.
By Susan Johnston on January 21, 2019 at 11:18 am
Love this. I have a childhood experience that for years I thought of writing, so now I definitely will. And now I just remembered another one.
By Marcia Nass on January 21, 2019 at 11:18 am
I literally had ideas popping up while reading this- thanks so much Chana!
By Writer on the run on January 21, 2019 at 11:19 am
Thanks for the suggestions–an image popped into my head for a pb illustration. Now, to dig for the words to go along with it.
By Paula Puckett on January 21, 2019 at 11:20 am
You’ve inspired me to dig through old photo albums and my box of childhood mementos to spark those memories. Thanks, Chana!
By Claire W Bobrow on January 21, 2019 at 11:23 am
Thanks for the great idea. I feel like my childhood was pretty uneventful (read boring) but I can surely get creative!
By Jennifer G Prevost on January 21, 2019 at 11:24 am
I think that’s a story idea right there! 😉
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:20 pm
Thank you! Will be checking out old photos! maybe I’ll ask my older sibs for stories – but I amy not want to hear them!
By Dea Brayden on January 21, 2019 at 11:29 am
When I wrote this I was worried about drumming up some bad memories for people, but maybe the twists can be joyful!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:21 pm
I love this list and the variety of examples!
By Amy Harding on January 21, 2019 at 11:31 am
Wonderful ideas!
By Krista Maxwell on January 21, 2019 at 11:32 am
As I was reading your wonderful post, several childhood ideas popped into my head! The examples helped jog my memory. Thank you!
By Pamela Harrison on January 21, 2019 at 11:32 am
Living in Wisconsin, having 5 kids with Hebrew names, I can definitely relate! Great post! I’m thinking of my childhood today…
By Deborah Lakritz on January 21, 2019 at 11:38 am
Love it! None of my kids have ch- names…for a reason! LOL!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:10 pm
Thanks so much. I loved that you provided examples from other authors. It shows that everyone has a story or two, just have to bring them out.
By Ashley Congdon on January 21, 2019 at 11:40 am
So many ideas! So so many ideas!!! Bye!
By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 21, 2019 at 11:41 am
Haha! Bye!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:21 pm
Excellent post! I have already thought of a few examples from my childhood and jotted them down. I usually dip into my daughter’s childhood for some story ideas too.
By Barbara Farr Renner on January 21, 2019 at 11:43 am
Chana, I LOVE this idea, I’m like Ms. Perry, my first thought was being too short growing up, so thank you especially for that example, can’t wait to read it. I love that your bio have catching tadpoles btw! I grew up in the Central Valley of CA and we totally did that too, and caught crawdads before fishing with them (most people only think of then big cities and the beaches in CA, maybw i have another story inspired by you😉) thanks again bout of you amazing ladies for your self inspiring of us aspiring writers
By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on January 21, 2019 at 11:49 am
Now I’m thinking of a tadpole story too! 😉 Thanks!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:00 pm
Anytime! Glad that I can return the favor😁😉
By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on January 21, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Great advice for turning an awkward childhood/teen/youth years into a book!
By kimgjolly on January 21, 2019 at 11:49 am
Thanks for the great advice – it’s a way to turn an always childhood into something good – an entertaining story!
By kimgjolly on January 21, 2019 at 11:50 am
Digging into childhood memories with photographs (and old movies) is a great way to Storystorm. Thanks for the wonderful idea of giving those memories a twist, Chana!
By Lori Dubbin on January 21, 2019 at 11:51 am
Great advice. It will be good to let this simmer today.
By nrompella on January 21, 2019 at 11:53 am
Great post for story inspiration. Thank you.
By Carolyn Lucas on January 21, 2019 at 11:55 am
Great ideas! And I really like the idea of dropping your story/memory into another setting/character. Very helpful.
By Marie Sanderson on January 21, 2019 at 11:55 am
Thanks, Chana. Now to get out the photo albums.
By Angela De Groot on January 21, 2019 at 11:56 am
Thank you for sharing. People always mispronounced my name as well.
By Carolyn Currier on January 21, 2019 at 11:56 am
Truly and inspirational post. Thanks!
By Mary Ann Cortez on January 21, 2019 at 11:57 am
Ahhhhh, the fond thoughts of the taste of soap. . . . And the “paddle” hanging in the hallway. 😸
By Stephen S. Martin on January 21, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Oh my! Vivid memories! Those were the days…
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:11 pm
y my hand at biography. Thanks for the push.
By Stephen S. Martin on March 3, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Thanks Chana. This give us something to think about today. So helpful!
By Mary Jane on January 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Perfect! Love the ways we can mine our own childhoods and give them a twist! Thanks!
By Angie on January 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm
You’ve got me mining memories that I haven’t visited in a long while. Thanks for the helpful post!
By Jacqueline Adams on January 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Great post, Chana! I was taught to mine my memories in the MFAC program I attended. Beyond good ideas, our memories help us write from a more emotional kid’s POV. Thanks for the reminder! It’s been a while since I have made conscious use of my own best inner resource.
By Danette Rance Lane on January 21, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Awesome! Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:01 pm
Thank you for showing how to twist our histories to create something special.I certainly relate to having an unpronounce-able name. Schleihauf…..Always a pause before they tried to say it.
By Nancy Ferguson on January 21, 2019 at 12:10 pm
I LOVE hearing how you came up with this idea–and how it evolved over time. I also appreciate how you included the back stories for several others. This was a really helpful post. Thanks!
By Dawn Prochovnic on January 21, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Yup. I’m sure there’s a story about the time Nicky S. in my second grade class told the teacher when I stole some chalk on my way out of the classroom. In my neighborhood, chalk was a whole afternoon of fun decorating the sidewalk and the dead end street where I lived. Nicky S. Ugh. Narc. I’m going to unfriend him on Facebook right now!
By Genevieve Petrillo on January 21, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Mining then putting mc in different or unusual setting. That’s my takaway for today! Thank you, Chana.
By mona861 on January 21, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Idea found, plus several more. Thanks for the idea of looking back!
By Rinda Beach on January 21, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Memories + twist, great tip thank you!
By Cynthia Harmony on January 21, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Love this post! Thank you!!!!!
By Debra K Shumaker on January 21, 2019 at 12:19 pm
these are great ideas. My very first PB manuscript that I wrote – many years ago- has gone through so many changes. It is about a childhood memory. I love it, but I guess it needs to be tweaked and made more unique for it to be loved by other people as much as I love it. Congratulations on your books!
By Janet Smart on January 21, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Yes, Janet, I clung to that earlier concept of my book for at least a year. Try something fresh and see what happens!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Congratulations on all your success! I remember reading the rough draft of Daddy Depot at an SCBWI event.
By colleenrkosinski on January 21, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Thank you so much, Chana! This post is sparking so many great ideas! Now to write them all down:) Patti Richards
By Sensibility and Sense on January 21, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Absolutely LOVE this idea! You just jump started my creativity machine that was slowing down at this stage of the month! Thank you!!! (PS – your upcoming book looks ADORABLE! Adding to my wishlist!)
By Michele Grieder on January 21, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Ooh! Awesome. Thank you!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:03 pm
I like hearing how these authors got their idea sparks. PS My name is hard to pronounce, too!
By Trine Grillo on January 21, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Yay for unusual names! (Is it Tree-nah?)
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Chana, thank you for the inspiration. I was stuck in the mud.
By Aurora K on January 21, 2019 at 12:29 pm
I love the idea of putting your character in a whole new situation or setting. I also love the idea of digging into our childhood for ideas. So fun. Thank you for sharing this post. It was fun to read.
By Ashley Bankhead on January 21, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Great ideas! Thanks.
By Alicia on January 21, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Great post-love thinking back to childhood memories! Just thought of one so I need to add it to my Storystorm list…thanks!
By Megan Whitaker on January 21, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Dear Chana,
This is a great post! Thanks so much for the shout out to our #PTB17 crew!
It’s great to be sharing the picture-book journey again in #seenin19. I love everything about Wacawacaloch and can’t wait to add it to my shelves. My uncommon name, though mostly pronounceable, was often the target of mean-spirited tongues and I passionately wished for a plain Jane name, like Mary or Kathy or Wacawacaloch:). Wishing you and Mary Sullivan great success with this adorable book!
By Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan on January 21, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Thanks Gretchen. There’s a much longer story to my name, and even an official name change with a judge…but that’s a different story! Here’s to new books!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:23 pm
Chana, your writing inspired me to dig deeply and pull a memory that I hadn’t recently considered for a picture book. Thanks so much.
By Judy A Shemtob on January 21, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Cool examples. Thank you so much!
By lindaschueler on January 21, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Congrats on your upcoming book! And thanks for adding a twist to mining childhood experiences.
By Darcee A Freier on January 21, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Chana, thank you for taking the time add examples from other authors as well as your own example. it helps to see multiple versions of using the same prompt. FYI, I know exactlt how to pronounce your name, 🙂
By geobonni on January 21, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Yay! Wait til you see the book trailer! 😉
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:24 pm
Thanks for such helpful tips from you and your friends. It’s obviously the twist part that works the magic.
By Pat Miller on January 21, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Yeah, for me that was the hard part but once it hit me the writing just flowed!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:25 pm
Thanks for the fantastic ideas!
By Janice Woods on January 21, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Excellent post, Chana! And I love seeing other #SeenIn19 authors here also sharing memories from their childhoods that inspired their current picture books!
By Melissa Stoller on January 21, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Thanks! Such a great group!!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Love this backstory, Chana, and how dropping your story idea into a different setting shows the same results in a more humorous way. It was fun hearing that’s how Fancy Nancy came to be also and everyone’s examples of mining their stories from their own childhood. Great inspiration!
By Kim Pfennigwerth on January 21, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Thanks Kim!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:13 pm
Great advice!
By Patrese Fischer on January 21, 2019 at 12:50 pm
What a great bunch of childhood inspired books to look forward to! Thanks, Chana.
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 21, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Many of my topics come from my childhood, but now I’m starting to think about how I could add a twist to make them more fun!
By Linda KulpTrout on January 21, 2019 at 12:53 pm
This gave me an idea already! Thanks, Chana.
By Arlene Schenker on January 21, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming book! I’ve found when writing PBs that many times I’ve included something from my childhood in the storyline. The story becomes more personal to me, and easier to write. Thanks, Chana, for this super post.
By Debra Daugherty on January 21, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Thank you, Chana! Yes, tapping into one’s childhood is a perfect suggestion! I can’t wait to get my hands on My Name is Wakawakaloch! With my Polish Family Tree, I can relate! Best wishes!
By Robin Jordan on January 21, 2019 at 1:01 pm
Great advice, Chana! And I love all the examples!
By Diana Murray on January 21, 2019 at 1:02 pm
On this chilly, downright freezing, day….I’ll take a walk down memory lane. Thanks for the suggestions!
By Daryl Gottier on January 21, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Great idea. I like the specific example of what a twist might look like – putting it in a different context. Thanks!
By Angie on January 21, 2019 at 1:08 pm
I’ve dug into my past before, but it is time for me to revisit it looking for new gems. Thanks for the great post and the suggestions.
By Maria Bostian on January 21, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Great post! Thanks Chana!
By Lynn Alpert on January 21, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Thanks for such a great idea!
By Catherine Millington on January 21, 2019 at 1:14 pm
This is a great exercise! Thank you!
By chelsealin79 on January 21, 2019 at 1:15 pm
So many ideas immediately come to mind. Thanks for the charge!
By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 21, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Love this! Thank you!
By Nicole on January 21, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Great ideas are percolating in my brain after reading your post and thinking about my childhood adventures in a much simpler time. Thanks for your inspiring post.
By Sheri Radovich on January 21, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Thank you for the inspiration! There are a multitude of funny experiences to mine.
By Sandy Foster on January 21, 2019 at 1:23 pm
thank you so much for bringing us back to our own childhood experiences as a source for fun, healing, sharing.
By Kay Phillips on January 21, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Just thought of an idea! Thanks, Chana, for the inspiration!
By Heather Stigall on January 21, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Chana, I love how you reimagined your own story in such an unexpected setting- neolithic genius!! And thanks for the shout out for FINDING TREASURE!
By Michelle Schaub on January 21, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Thanks Michelle! I’m on vacation but I’m excited to read your book as soon as I get back!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:14 pm
Okay, now I need to go down memory lane this morning. Thanks for the idea!
By thesheilster on January 21, 2019 at 1:34 pm
Thank you for sharing. Childhood memories are always a winner! And, with a twist!
By Carole Calladine on January 21, 2019 at 1:37 pm
I love the idea of finding a memory and adding a twist! Thank you!
By Shawna J Tenney on January 21, 2019 at 1:40 pm
My wheels are turning! Thank you! 🙂
By Nicole Vuong on January 21, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Great post! Thank you, Chana!
By Stephanie Shaw on January 21, 2019 at 1:50 pm
I love mining childhood memories for poems. I’ll try it with PBs now too
By setwiggs on January 21, 2019 at 1:50 pm
Fantastic idea, Chana! I’m excited to take a childhood memory and give it a twist. Thank you!
By Gabi Snyder on January 21, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Great idea about changing the setting.
By Catrine Kyster on January 21, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Thank you for the enlightening story idea starters.
By shiela Fuller on January 21, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Great idea to explore childhood memories and give them a twist.
By Shirley on January 21, 2019 at 2:12 pm
What a great idea! I do have a few story ideas that are based on childhood memories already written down but I will go back and mine for more! Congratulations on your book Chana!!
By Melissa Escobar on January 21, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Not sure how to pronounce the title of your upcoming PB but it sounds delightful. Thank you for this great post!
By Kathleen Wilcox on January 21, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Haha! I know! My upcoming book trailer will help.
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:26 pm
Thank you so much for the ‘twist’ idea, and the wonderful examples-hoping I can mine some of the great or even the awful memories into something cool! Congrats on how your writing career has blossomed!
By Gail Hedrick on January 21, 2019 at 2:19 pm
What a fun twist you put on your personal story!
By Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll) on January 21, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Great advice. Thanks for the post!
By SARAH Meade on January 21, 2019 at 2:28 pm
What a great idea. I can think of a few stories based on your suggestions. And I can relate to your name pronunciation. I use Chelle even though I’m Michelle. Just leave off the beginning. But do people pronounce it correctly? lol
By Chelle Martin on January 21, 2019 at 2:29 pm
To have reached the venerable age we have, we have all crossed the minefields (and meadows) of childhood. Our memory banks are full. Thanks for reminding us to mine those fields for stories.
Congratulations on your books.
By Anjali Amit on January 21, 2019 at 2:31 pm
I needed this idea today!
Please let me win, please let me win, please let me win…
Thank you
By Savannah on January 21, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Chana, Thank for reminding us to tap into the kids that are still inside us. Names are so so so important. They are the heart of us and all of us.
By RaeMcDonald on January 21, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Thank you for sharing. It is often a mistake to consider our childhood experiences as ho-hum. Your problems are real and applicable to kids, but finding a home for them is the hard part. I love the idea of finding a new setting.
By matthewlasley on January 21, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for the post, Chana! Inspirational childhood stories!
By mariaordish on January 21, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Love your ideas on finding your inner child. I love these exercises and the idea of exaggerating to appeal to kiddos. Thank you for your insights!
By Laurie Goodluck on January 21, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Thank you Chana, this post is pure gold! I already thought of a new idea while reading it.
By Carolyn Kraft on January 21, 2019 at 2:44 pm
I can’t wait to read your books coming out this year. Is the Alaskan wood frog (or zombie frog as we call it here) going to be in your zombie animal book? Great post that gave me tons of ideas!
By jenabenton on January 21, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Hi Jenna, I gotta see that zombie frog. The frogs in my book (which came out in August) sadly have extra legs. Incredible pics, though!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:28 pm
Here you go! http://akonthego.com/blog/zombies-in-alaska-wood-frogs-are-freaks-of-nature
By jenabenton on January 21, 2019 at 11:30 pm
LOVE this idea, especially the part about adding a twist! Thanks so much for sharing : )
By Katie Williams on January 21, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Chana, I LOVE your post (and the inspiration for your name)! It has given me a lot to think about. Thank you! I look forward to reading your book:)
By karengreenwald2985 on January 21, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Thanks for your post that has my childhood memories swirling!
By Jane Dippold on January 21, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Childhood experiences with exaggeration and/or a twist! I love it!
By Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 21, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Great Idea. Thanks
By KAYLA ZUBER on January 21, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing all your stories, Chana.
By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 21, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Great inspirational post!! Already spinning some ideas in my head!
By Jessica Potts on January 21, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Got my notebook out and am going to mine my memories! Thank you!
By Kimberly on January 21, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Congratulations on your new books, Chana. I love all the childhood-memories-with-a-twist examples
By Tracey Brown on January 21, 2019 at 3:17 pm
What a great idea by giving your story a neolithic twist, you could use your imagination and not have it be as personally felt by yourself. It still remained a funny and relatable problem with cave girl setting. Thanks for sharing.
By Marge Gower on January 21, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Thanks, Chana. Just reading through this post was enough to get ideas popping! Love that you included other authors’ childhood inspirations, too.
By Melanie Ellsworth on January 21, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for this idea Chana!
By K.A.Steed on January 21, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Thanks, digging up some ideas already! Congratulations on My Name is Wakawakaloch- my kids, who have “difficult” names, will love this!
By Lisa Billa on January 21, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Chana, my childhood memories depict me as blahhhhh. HOWEVER, with your Storystorm post, I’ve revisited some stand-out experiences and worked on giving them a “twist.” BAHZINGA! Thank you for adding spark to my “normal” childhood and giving me some unique stories to pursue. Wishing you continued success in uncovering nuggets from your childhood.
By marsha e wright on January 21, 2019 at 3:28 pm
BAHZINGA would make a great book title! 🙂
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:29 pm
Thank you Chana! I brainstormed 26 ideas – some are new viable ideas & a few old ones I’d forgotten about. Wahoo!!! Enjoy.
By Charlene Avery on January 21, 2019 at 3:31 pm
So good! Thanks for this image-filled walk down memory lane.
By Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt) on January 21, 2019 at 3:32 pm
Fun idea! This will be interesting to explore. Congrats on your book!
By Rebekah Lowell on January 21, 2019 at 3:38 pm
Such great ideas! Thank you!
By Patricia Alcaro on January 21, 2019 at 3:40 pm
I love all the examples you gave of picture book stories that originated from a childhood experience or memory. And it seems that adding the “twist” is key. I’ll have to delve into the past for my next Storystorm idea.
Congrats on My Name is Wakawakaloch. Kids are going to love that title. I can’t wait to read it.
By Linda Hofke on January 21, 2019 at 3:41 pm
I love the nuggets of childhood experiences and change up the settings.
Also great examples of what other authors have pulled ideas from. Wonderful post, thank you!
By Aimee on January 21, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Time to head down memory lane and then add a twist. Thank you, Chana.
Suzy Leopold
By Prairie Garden Girl on January 21, 2019 at 3:43 pm
What a great post! My mind is twirling with childhood memories. Now I need to get these on paper and think of a twist!
By Heather Kelso on January 21, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Great post! My childhood inspires lots of stories. 🙂
By storyfairy on January 21, 2019 at 3:50 pm
Great post. Gave me my idea for today!
By readstuffnwrite on January 21, 2019 at 3:51 pm
Thanks, Chana. I love hearing about the journey of everyone’s stories.
By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 21, 2019 at 4:03 pm
What great examples!
By Sara A on January 21, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Wow! A great idea. I never thought of this!
By Rani Iyer on January 21, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Fantastic!!! I was just perusing my memories the other day from growing up with disabled parents and now I have more ideas thanks so much!!!!!
By leeanimator on January 21, 2019 at 4:13 pm
Oh how wonderful. Sounds like a much-needed book. Good luck!
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:30 pm
great post, Chana! I can’t wait to read your new book… and now to go mine my childhood memories…
By Sue Heavenrich on January 21, 2019 at 4:15 pm
What great insight! Thanks for sharing.
By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 21, 2019 at 4:20 pm
I love this idea and the twists you can use. Thank you!
By Gloria on January 21, 2019 at 4:21 pm
I love this idea! So many times when I draw on a childhood experience, I run out of steam. But I think I’m stuck in the actual. I love the idea of giving it a twist to bring it to life!
By Anna Brooks on January 21, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Funny how inspiration hits at the strangest times! Thanks for sharing your story with us and helping us think in new ways!
By Amy Bradshaw on January 21, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Thank you. I especially like the “twist” part of your suggestion. I would never have thought of setting a story in a cave-girl era!
By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 21, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Such a great post! I have so much to think about now! So many memories to exploit! Lol. Thank you!!
By RebeccaTheWriter on January 21, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Can feel my inspiration cogs whirring 😀
By Heather Gallagher on January 21, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Chana, thank you for the advice to get out of the mud with some childhood memories for ideas!
By chardixon47 on January 21, 2019 at 4:53 pm
Love your idea suggestions. Thank you. My name has an unusual spelling and it is often misspelled as well as mis-pronounced, I get the struggle. Glad you found a way to resolve it.
By SuZan Klassen on January 21, 2019 at 4:58 pm
I love this! I had the opposite problem– my name was so common that all the places that sold personalized knickknacks were always ALWAYS out of my name. I’d always just see the “Time to Reorder Elizabeth” card at the back of the rack. I wonder if there’s a picture book idea in that phrase, hmmm.
By Elizabeth Metz on January 21, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Omg! That’s HILARIOUS! Thanks for sharing.
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 9:00 pm
Great idea, Chana. Thank you for reminding me to dig into my childhood and come up with ideas, and then twist. I have an idea right now I’d better go write down!
By sarahheturadny on January 21, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Dipping into the childhood mine right now. Thanks for the inspiration and the ways to turn it universal.
By Christine Pinto on January 21, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Got my shovel out and I’m ready to dig through those memories. Thanks so much!
By Ginny Neil on January 21, 2019 at 5:24 pm
I love “Daddy Depot!” Thx for some great ideas, including going through old photographs. Looking forward to reading your upcoming story!
By yangmommy on January 21, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Yay! Thank you! Good luck.
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:31 pm
Thank you for your post. It was very helpful!
By Sylvia Grech on January 21, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Thanks for the suggestion!
By Latasha Vernon on January 21, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Thank you for these great ideas. So much fertile soil in the backyard of my childhood.
By tiffanydickinson on January 21, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Thanks for sharing! I know what it’s like to have your name mispronounced.
By Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 21, 2019 at 5:53 pm
What a fantastic post! Thank you so much for sharing your insight Chana!
By CJ Penko on January 21, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Ok – so it appears I’m out of the running for a copy of Chana’s book (I live in Australia) but I still have to comment on this post because it resonates with me so deeply. One of my PB WIPs came from my intense dislike of sultanas as a kid; the heart of my YA WIP is based around my own trauma of sleepwalking and a kids’ short story I wrote ages ago has its origins in the absolute hairiness of my grandfather’s arms. When I started reading this post, I thought “My childhood was unremarkable so I won’t get too many ideas from this” … and then, as I kept reading, I realised I already do. By the end of the post I had several new ones.
** Best post of the month so far!!
By Kellie on January 21, 2019 at 6:02 pm
Great exercise! And I look forward to reading MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH!!
By triciacandy on January 21, 2019 at 6:07 pm
I’ll try to tap into that precious resource. Thanks, Chana. Can’t wait to read your latest book.
By Kaye Baillie on January 21, 2019 at 6:23 pm
Great inspiration to start the week! Thanks.
By Debbi G on January 21, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Thanks for reminding me that my childhood was not as uneventful or uninspiring as I thought!
By Judy Pressler on January 21, 2019 at 6:28 pm
This is an awesome post, Chana. Thank you so much. You sparked another five or so spontaneous ideas …
By Antje on January 21, 2019 at 6:30 pm
What great ways to gather ideas. Thank you!
By Joan Swanson on January 21, 2019 at 6:54 pm
This brought back memories and ideas for more stories. I have a sister and 3 brothers to reminisce with. What fun! Thank you.
By Cassie Bentley on January 21, 2019 at 7:08 pm
I read somewhere that children will always resonate with their feelings from a PB than from anything else. And your ‘real and relatable childhood experiences that touch the hearts of kids’ does just that. Thank you for your source of inspiration for new story ideas.
By Hank Dallago on January 21, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Chana, Congratulations on your upcoming book! Just love this post…I’ve been sitting here going down memory lane!!! Also thanks for sharing Jane O’connor’s “farewell” Fancy Nancy article… boo hoo as my kids would say!!! 🙂
By seschipper on January 21, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Great post and fabulous ideas to glean inspiration!!! Thanks! 😀
By Beth Gallagher on January 21, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Enjoyed you post about going back to memory lane for PB ideas.
By Jenifer McNamara on January 21, 2019 at 7:11 pm
Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea Chana! I’m looking forward to reading your book, MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH. 🙂
By heidikyates on January 21, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Love this, thank you for sharing this with us.
By Kaylynn Johnsen on January 21, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Thank you so much for this idea! an thank you for the examples from other authors and their books. I LOVE your character’s name Wakawakaloch! So fun to say!
By lizricewrites on January 21, 2019 at 7:16 pm
I’m commenting just to say YES! [My first picture book was totally inspired by my childhood dachshund who didn’t act like a dog at all, STERLING, BEST DOG EVER, 2018. He thinks he would be great fork though. I’d love to win, but sadly – rule me out – I’m in Canada
By aidantalkin on January 21, 2019 at 7:28 pm
I have a name that is too easy to pronounce–and BORING. I would love to be “Wakawakaloch”!
By 8catpaws on January 21, 2019 at 7:35 pm
Love this! And ps, love your name too 🙂
By Lydia Lukidis on January 21, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Ooh… lot of material to mine from here! Thanks, Chana!
By Sandy Perlic on January 21, 2019 at 7:48 pm
So love this! Just today I was thinking about mining my childhood to get out of the mud, but I hadn’t thought about exaggerating or placing somewhere else or otherwise making my memories into fun stories. Thanks! Perfect timing.
By ruthschubert on January 21, 2019 at 8:16 pm
I kept reading comments that this was a great post but just got around to it tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Just what I needed today! And congrats on the new book!
By Betsy Parkinson on January 21, 2019 at 8:20 pm
What a lovely post – filled with grounded details and examples from a range of authors and texts. Thank you!
By moviemommie on January 21, 2019 at 8:34 pm
I’ve been writing down childhood memories for years but couldn’t come up with a way of pulling them together into a story. You’ve planted a seed in my mind now, so thank you. I’m going to go stand on my head now!😁
By Debbie on January 21, 2019 at 8:38 pm
What an inspiring post, Chana and an interesting name. I’ll have to really dig deep to access my childhood memories, but maybe I can use those of my children instead. Great way to come up with ideas. Terrific post!
By betlw on January 21, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Great post today – childhood is fun, crazy scary and full of interesting interactions and events. Thanks for reminding me how awesome and scary it was at the same time. 🙂
By writeknit on January 21, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Thanks for the ideas and the trip back down memory lane
By bookfish1 on January 21, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Oh my, Chana, thank you for showing me that all those things I was trying to forget are best remembered! And Congrats on Wakawakaloch!
By Barb Ostapina on January 21, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Terrific post today. Thank you, Chana. Love you name, by the way. Going back into childhood really makes the story real and other kids can certainly relate. Will be using this trick, for sure.
By Vicky on January 21, 2019 at 9:08 pm
I did a similar exercise in a PB class I took and wrote a PB that out on submission now. It was amazing to see what strange ideas could come out of our childhood.
By Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on January 21, 2019 at 9:08 pm
Thank you for the inspiration!
By denarose on January 21, 2019 at 9:16 pm
So many of my stories are based, in part, on the things my kids say and do. It’s time to think back to MY childhood. Thanks for the kick in the pants, Chana! 🙂
Della
By Della Ross Ferreri on January 21, 2019 at 9:31 pm
This is wonderful! I love childhood stories as seeds. Thank you!
By Erika Henkart on January 21, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Great inspiration today! Thanks very much!
By Nancy Ramsey on January 21, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Childhood memories with a twist…so many great ideas to tap into for inspiration! Thank you, Chana, for a great post.
P.S. I can totally relate to having a unique name, too. It’s the gift that keeps giving, even as an adult. I’ve heard two brand new mispronunciation “doozies” in just the last few weeks!
By Lucretia on January 21, 2019 at 9:54 pm
We need to start a club! Someone called me China recently.
By stiefelchana on January 21, 2019 at 11:33 pm
Ummmm…not to brag, but I think Croatia might top that….and I’m nearly certain that “Liquisha” does!
By Lucretia on January 22, 2019 at 11:14 am
I love this post. It was very practical and I got a lot of good ideas from this. Thank you so much for posting this!
By James Arthur on January 21, 2019 at 9:56 pm
Chana, This blog really struck home with me. Thanks for reminding me of so many stories I could mine for my writing.
By carmelamccainsimmons on January 21, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Oh, I liked this one a lot! Thank you!
By hotelonearth on January 21, 2019 at 10:04 pm
Love this post!
By Carmen White on January 21, 2019 at 10:05 pm
So excited to see your comments. A story I wrote about a family tradition has been sitting around for many years. It needed something. I finally knew that I had to not only think out of the box but make my box much bigger. Can’t wait to reinvent the characters and setting. Ultimately making it more funtastic. Thank you for validating this leap in creativity.
By Shelley Worman on January 21, 2019 at 10:09 pm
Surf childhood for stories . . . Brilliant!
By Lori Mozdzierz on January 21, 2019 at 10:15 pm
What a great idea! Your book sounds so fun!
By mhklump on January 21, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Great suggestions for mining story ideas!
By Annie Cronin Romano on January 21, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Interesting take on stories from our past. Thanks for sharing!
By Jennifer Hunt on January 21, 2019 at 10:41 pm
love the idea of the twist, the new location, the magnified characters – all great ways to take the evergreen and give it a new shine. Thanks, Chana!
By Angela H. Dale on January 21, 2019 at 10:49 pm
Another great suggestion for finding story ideas.
By Debra Katz on January 21, 2019 at 10:56 pm
Chana, going back in my mind’s time machine to my childhood for memories…I have 4 brothers and 8 sisters, so it is quite a wild ride!!
Treasure trove of stories!
Wonderful post!
Thank-you!
By Lucy Staugler on January 21, 2019 at 11:00 pm
BINGO! My hubby released from short hospital stay today. I had no thoughts about writing, books, endings. Then I read your post and found the perfect ending to a story that has never been submitted because I wasn’t satisfied with the ending. It didn’t strengthen the take-a-way, until now.
By Pam Miller on January 21, 2019 at 11:03 pm
It pays to mine our memories. Great suggestions and also some new books to check out. Thanks, Chana.
By marty bellis on January 21, 2019 at 11:22 pm
Great post! You never know what memory is going to trigger a great idea!
By Deb Cushman on January 21, 2019 at 11:27 pm
I love the idea of taking a real event and upping the stakes and bringing the fun into the truth. Great post!
By Charlotte Offsay on January 21, 2019 at 11:27 pm
Very creative! I’m eager to see your book!
By Mary Lou on January 21, 2019 at 11:29 pm
So many ideas swimming in my head right now! Thank you!
By Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson) on January 21, 2019 at 11:58 pm
Great reminders here…thanks for sharing!
By Katie Giorgio on January 22, 2019 at 12:00 am
You’ve inspired me to mine my memory. Thanks, Chana! There’s got to be some gold, there, somewhere.
By Jill M Proctor on January 22, 2019 at 12:02 am
Such a clever twist to take your name story and set it in cave girl times, Chana! it reminds me of Tammi Sauer’s ME WANT PET.
By Patricia Toht on January 22, 2019 at 12:12 am
What wonderful ideas. My mind is already spinning. Can’t wait to read your book
By Connie Van Horn on January 22, 2019 at 12:21 am
This is my favorite way to come up with ideas. Thank you for writing about it!
By Jennifer on January 22, 2019 at 12:43 am
So true! I wrote my debut from celebrating a cultural tradition we practiced in my youth.
By Keila Dawson on January 22, 2019 at 1:17 am
What a great idea! If you’ve ever read Beverly Cleary’s autobiography A GIRL FROM YAMHILL, it’s full of little details that ended up in her books. Things like taking the first bite of an apple and throwing the rest away, then taking one bite from ANOTHER apple and throwing it away, and so on . . . that ended up in one of the Ramona books.
By Teresa Traver on January 22, 2019 at 1:22 am
I love the twist you came up with for your story. That is so cool!
By rjtraxel on January 22, 2019 at 1:27 am
This has inspired me to take s stroll through my scrapbook to stir up some memories and details from my childhood. Thanks!
By Jennifer on January 22, 2019 at 1:53 am
I’ve definitely taken feelings of loss from childhood and wrapped them in other forms of loss. Will revisit now some more specific events and see what grows from them wit a twist.
bonnie fireurchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
By fireurchin on January 22, 2019 at 1:56 am
Being a writer myself at Wowriters.co (https://wowriters.com/), I am firmly in favour of your thoughts that persistence pays off in writing.
By Mathew Anderson on January 22, 2019 at 1:59 am
Recently I started journaling everything I could remember about my child hood. I hate that I have questions about my own parents lives and I cannot ask them since they are gone. I am writing partly for my own children to have that history but also to try and find those feelings and perspectives from my childhood. Great suggestions today.
By aturner513 on January 22, 2019 at 2:05 am
Love the idea of drawing from your childhood and adding a twist!
By Hillary Homzie on January 22, 2019 at 2:16 am
What a great task on this chilly January day. Mabye forgoing the tea for a hot chocolate will spark some old memories, especially if I snuggle up with a book for a bit. 🙂 Thanks Chana.
By Maria Marshall on January 22, 2019 at 3:31 am
Thank you, Chana! Love the name you came up with for your character!
By Myrna Foster on January 22, 2019 at 3:53 am
Thanks for helping me find my miner’s hat, Chana! I think I’m about to find some gold!!
By Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis on January 22, 2019 at 5:21 am
Your post inspired me to take a stroll down memory lane. Thank you Chana and congratulations on your upcoming book!
By Jo Jo Harder on January 22, 2019 at 7:00 am
After reading this, I realized that my childhood inspires lots of moments in my stories too. Great post!
By Lisa L Furness on January 22, 2019 at 7:27 am
Thanks. I just thought of a couple ideas!
By Bettie Boswell on January 22, 2019 at 8:04 am
Thanks Chana, very inspiring!
By rimna on January 22, 2019 at 8:57 am
Thank you for the stream of ideas!
By https://katiewalsh.blog/ on January 22, 2019 at 9:09 am
Thank you for sharing the story behind your story, and many others’ examples!
By jenfierjasinski on January 22, 2019 at 9:27 am
Thanks for the great ideas. I truly do have a wealth of experiences to draw on for inspiration.
By melissamiles1 on January 22, 2019 at 9:37 am
Omg, do I really want to go there? Why yes, yes I do! Especially now that I’ve been granted an official Licence to Exaggerate. Thank, you, Chana, for some great inspiration.
By Andrea MacDonald on January 22, 2019 at 9:45 am
I loved reading this post!! Thank you for sharing!
By megcason1 on January 22, 2019 at 10:34 am
So many good ways to get ideas in this one post. Thanks!
By Mary Worley on January 22, 2019 at 10:34 am
Great post Chana! Thank you for sharing your personal story and those of other writers who turned their childhood experiences into terrific books.
My inner child never shuts up, which is why I tend to end up way over 30 Storystorm ideas every year… at the moment I’m on a Victorian slate roof with my young brother in a blinding snowstorm rescuing a cat… yup, my cat, as it’s a true story, and I’ve added in a Christmas twist, which at the moment seems way too sappy, but we’ll see.
By saputnam on January 22, 2019 at 10:42 am
I love the author examples!
By supermario6 on January 22, 2019 at 10:54 am
After seeing the mouthful y our characters name is, I guess mine’s not so bad, lol :0)
By authoraileenstewart on January 22, 2019 at 11:14 am
Hi Chana, I’m so excited for your book!
By jennagrodzicki on January 22, 2019 at 11:33 am
I love this! My head is spinning with childhood ideas. Congratulations on your book!
By Susan Schade on January 22, 2019 at 11:40 am
I love the idea of dropping my childhood memories into fresh settings. Oh the possibilities…..
By kcareywrites on January 22, 2019 at 11:57 am
Thanks, Chana, for all the great tips and examples for finding just the right story idea.
By Cathy Ogren on January 22, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Thanks for reminding us that we have loads of untold stories from our own childhood.
By Kathleen Cornell-Berman on January 22, 2019 at 12:03 pm
This is great advice. Thanks for sending us back to our youth. Can’t wait to read your books.
By CindyC on January 22, 2019 at 12:36 pm
I love reading about the process authors go through to come up with ideas for new stories, and one’s childhood is the perfect place to start — with a twist, of course. Thanks for your suggestions I will definitely give them a try.
By debbiemccue on January 22, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Excellent post, Chana! You sparked my brain this morning. 🙂 Thank you!!
By Debbie Meyer on January 22, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Thank you so much for this post today. It is just what I needed. I was stuck for a couple of days, but poof, four new (very basic, need to be flushed out) ideas popped into my head. Thank you!!
By Deb Huard, Writer on January 22, 2019 at 1:01 pm
Thank you Chana – I wrote down 10 ideas just while I was reading your post. There is so much treasure in our childhood, as children’s writers. Excited to get going!
By Vicki Wilke on January 22, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Thank you for sharing
By Kassy Keppol on January 22, 2019 at 1:14 pm
I love this! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
By writeforapples1 on January 22, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Love this, Chana! Thank you for sharing!
By Lisa Riddiough on January 22, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Thank you! Just reading this post sparked a couple memories that may have picture book potential.
By Anne Appert on January 22, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Thanks for sharing! Childhood memories are filled with great ideas.
By Alice Carty Fulgione on January 22, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Thanks for the inspirational piece, Chana!
By Catherine Pledger on January 22, 2019 at 2:11 pm
Great advice! I mine my childhood memories all the time (also gives me an excuse to skip down memory lane). 🙂
By Teresa Robeson on January 22, 2019 at 2:14 pm
So many great suggestions here. Thanks, Chana!
By Lori Alexander on January 22, 2019 at 2:21 pm
So many ideas in my childhood experiences to think about! Thanks for the inspiration. Au revoir to Fancy Nancy, I’m a big fan!
By Nancy Riley on January 22, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Thanks, Chana! You’ve got the wheels in my head turning. Time to go dig out some old photos!!
By Judy Sobanski on January 22, 2019 at 2:53 pm
I just love how your Wakawakaloch idea evolved, and your thorough explanation is very helpful.
By Poupette Smith on January 22, 2019 at 3:00 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS. Thanks for giving us some great questions to ask and examples. I even went back to your success story to check out the evolution of your book. Great storystorm post, Chana!
By J.D. Silverwood (@jdsilverwood) on January 22, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Love the title of your upcoming book, and I love your idea re: honing one’s childhood memories! Thank you.
By Kathryn Jean Hagen on January 22, 2019 at 3:20 pm
I’ve got a couple ideas brewing from childhood!
By Cheryl Johnson on January 22, 2019 at 3:34 pm
Thanks for this! Great reminders and examples. Thanks to all the contributors, too.
By Bronte Colbert on January 22, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Oh, I love these ideas
By Sue Frye on January 22, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Thanks for your story and examples of taking ideas/memories and adding that important twist to come up with something more interesting.
By Sara Pistulka Weingartner on January 22, 2019 at 4:38 pm
I will be spending a lot of time following your advice! I sure could use a few new ideas.
By kathydoherty1 on January 22, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Thanks for your great post!
By Elizabeth Brown on January 22, 2019 at 7:26 pm
I never tire of hearing how authors come up with their picture book ideas. And to also hear how a manuscript evolves and changes until its submission-ready. Thank you for sharing.
By Shereen S. on January 22, 2019 at 7:33 pm
Love the idea of taking a childhood memory and giving it a twist–you’ve sparked two ideas for me. Thank you!
By Buffy Silverman on January 22, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Love the “twist” to this tip. That’s what makes this idea fun. Thanks.
By Suzanne Lieurance on January 22, 2019 at 7:51 pm
Great suggestion to mine for ideas and then add a twist! Thank you!
By Paula VanEnkevort on January 22, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Thanks for sharing these examples!
By Stephanie Lau on January 22, 2019 at 8:12 pm
I love the idea of adding a twist to the ordinary!
By Meilssa Chupp on January 22, 2019 at 9:17 pm
Childhood is one of my favorite places to delve into for PB inspirations. I think I’ll jump back in and see what else I can find to write about.
By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on January 22, 2019 at 9:26 pm
Great post Chana!!!
By hmmmmm on January 22, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Great idea, thanks!
By Jabeen Chawdhry on January 22, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Thanks for helping us refocus on our childhood experiences. Not only does this provide subject material, but it’s a great way to re-experience the world through the eyes of a child.
By Steve Schwartz on January 22, 2019 at 10:59 pm
Now I need a pet named Wakawakaloch…
By martina.franklin.poole on January 22, 2019 at 11:14 pm
This is a wonderful approach. Thanks!
By Karan Greene on January 22, 2019 at 11:16 pm
Oh! The ongoing strife of having an unusual name! I feel for you! I’m headed off to sit with my younger self – maybe instead of coffee today I should drink Koolaid?
By Noelle McBride on January 22, 2019 at 11:46 pm
Thanks, Chana! Great post — and the twist I’ve come up with in my idea is going to be great fun to explore.
By Beth Stilborn on January 23, 2019 at 12:38 am
Great post! I think this one will definitely spark some ideas. And I love cave people stories. Can’t wait to read about Wakawakaloch. Thanks.
By Jim Chaize on January 23, 2019 at 1:05 am
Thank you for pushing me to think outside of reality. I think I need to think more about the twist than the idea.
By Sarah Tobias on January 23, 2019 at 1:52 am
Amazing! Your book looks – and sounds – like a lot of fun! Can’t wait to read it!
By Amalia Reef on January 23, 2019 at 3:02 am
Great inspiration here! Thanks for sharing.
By suzannepoulterharris on January 23, 2019 at 3:41 am
Great thoughts and ideas in looking for new ideas. Thanks
By Diane Tulloch on January 23, 2019 at 6:01 am
Authors are sometimes told to put their characters “on the couch” to get to know them better…I think I need to put myself on one to mine for memories! Thanks for the inspiration!
By Laura M Perdew on January 23, 2019 at 9:31 am
Great ideas. This jogs my memory and unleashed a few memories that were long buried! Thanks for the inspiration
By Mary A Zychowicz on January 23, 2019 at 10:11 am
Love all the great ideas here! But especially, Chana’s inventiveness with choosing a new setting for a universal problem.
By Sherry Howard on January 23, 2019 at 11:01 am
Thanks for idea of taking a trip down memory lane. Hopefully I’ll find somewhere warm while I’m at it!!
By debbeauchamp on January 23, 2019 at 11:31 am
I write about my childhood on my blog called TALES FROM THE BAYOU. I need to look at these stories again, but with PB eyes this time…😉
Great post!
By storycatcherpublishing on January 23, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Chana, I thank you for this interesting and inspiring post! I always thought my childhood stories were a bit too unique, but maybe I will give some of them a try and generalize a little. Thank you for the good ideas! I liked your inclusion of other authors’ experiences and sources for their stories as well. Very helpful!
By writeremmcbride on January 23, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Chana, thank you for reminding us what a treasure box our childhood memories are.
By pjaegly on January 23, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Exaggerating my childhood memories!
By Kyle McBride on January 23, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Great post! I love the thought of taking a memory and adding a twist. Thanks!
By Cinzia on January 23, 2019 at 4:13 pm
I’m not sure if I’ve written anything from my old childhood. I need to remedy that! It’s not like I don’t remember.
By Dani Duck on January 23, 2019 at 6:11 pm
I’m digging deep into the depths of my childhood memories!
By Mary York on January 23, 2019 at 6:27 pm
I already thought of an idea while reading this! Thank you, Chana!
By Amanda Davis on January 23, 2019 at 8:41 pm
Chana, I LOVE and can’t wait to see “My Name is Wakawakaloch!”! 😀 How adorable! And is that the same Mary Sullivan as BALL? One of my favorite books?!!! Great post, btw 🙂 I probably have some stuff from childhood that could be twisted 😉
By writersideup on January 23, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Oh. Thank goodness for the twist! That’s permission to make the tale much more interesting. I have an idea! Gotta go.
By andromeda515 on January 23, 2019 at 10:17 pm
I loved all the examples! They were very inspiring. And, if course, I can’t wait to read “My Name is Wakawakaloch!”
By Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life) on January 23, 2019 at 11:46 pm
At your childhood name didn’t rhyme with anything. My nickname was Inky…hey, I just got today’s idea. Thanks! 🤣
By ingridboydston on January 24, 2019 at 12:41 am
Writing stories for children connects me with my childhood. I’ll see if I can reverse that!
By Helen Matthews on January 24, 2019 at 3:05 am
Love this post, Chana! It will take some digging indeed, but I just scheduled a childhood reflection session for myself and I’m very excited about it. I’m going deep! Also, looking forward to Wakawakaloch!
By Michelle Sumovich on January 24, 2019 at 3:08 am
Thanks for all the terrific examples! I can’t wait to read Finding Treasure.
By Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words) on January 24, 2019 at 3:53 am
Awesome post! Love these tidbits ❤️
By Monica Stoltzfus on January 24, 2019 at 8:41 am
This gives me the inspiration I was needing!
By rachelnrosenthal on January 24, 2019 at 9:25 am
I love this technique; it seems a surefire way to bring the heart into a picture book. Thank you for sharing!
By Alexandra Hinrichs on January 24, 2019 at 10:22 am
Great ideas here! Thanks for giving concrete examples from other picture books, too!
By Emily on January 24, 2019 at 10:44 am
Thank you for the ideas and examples
By Helen Lysicatos on January 24, 2019 at 1:12 pm
Great post–thank you! Some of those childhood memories are surprisingly vivid!
By LAUREN BARBIERI on January 24, 2019 at 1:36 pm
There’s so much material in our own childhoods to mine for ideas. Thanks for the reminder!
By rgstones on January 24, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Great post, Chana! Thank you!
By alisongoldberg on January 24, 2019 at 2:02 pm
This is fantastic – thank you!
By Ms. Schubé on January 24, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Thanks, Chana. At least three of my picture book stories originated from childhood experiencies. From this post, I got five new ideas!! I’m thrilled!
By Zoraida Rivera on January 24, 2019 at 4:58 pm
From Chana to Wakawakaloch! What a perfect twist. Thank you to you and your friends for all the childhood sparks. Almost any memory can be tweaked into an amazing story.
By Joannie Duris on January 24, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Need to look for those twists to my childhood stories!
By Janet Halfmann on January 24, 2019 at 6:14 pm
Such a good idea! I can think of several childhood memories that have potential!
By Sarah Noble on January 24, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Thanks, Chana. I like the idea of mining my childhood for story ideas!
By Becky Shillington on January 24, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Great ideas Chana – thanks so much.
By bevbaird on January 24, 2019 at 11:13 pm
My childhood ideas might traumatize little ones…I’ve blocked it out for a reason. Seriously, though, I love your idea of digging deep into those younger days and adding twists.
By Cheryl Malandrinos on January 25, 2019 at 1:26 am
I loved your twist from original story to prehistoric! How cool!
By Erin Le Clerc on January 25, 2019 at 7:25 am
Love the backstory to your book. Thank you!
By Laura Purdie Salas on January 25, 2019 at 12:30 pm
I got 4 ideas, just while reading this! Thanks!
By Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor) on January 25, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Great idea and I sympathize with the name issue!
By Shanah Salter on January 25, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Congrats on your book! Your post has inspired many ideas. 🙂
By laura516 on January 25, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Great advice. I am going to go take a stroll. Thanks!
By higherthanrubies on January 25, 2019 at 2:43 pm
I’ll start thinking about it right now! Thanks.
By Kelly Conroy on January 25, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Thanks for giving us some ways to get the creative wheels turning again!
By jessicadunnagan on January 25, 2019 at 3:23 pm
I always find these are the hardst places to mine for ideas. I wonder why
By Mirka on January 25, 2019 at 3:46 pm
I’m looking forward to tromping down Memory Lane. Thanks for the great (and fun) advice!
By Jenny Boyd on January 25, 2019 at 5:12 pm
I love the idea of mining your childhood then giving it a twist. Put it in a new location, give character a difficult name, or give character something to overcome or to deal with that is permanent. Great ideas because there are children dealing with difficult issues. Can’t wait to journal some ideas.
By dlapmandi on January 25, 2019 at 6:54 pm
Thank you for sharing.
By Jane Serpa on January 25, 2019 at 11:37 pm
Thank you!
By Shel ledrew on January 26, 2019 at 9:30 am
Thanks so much, Chana! Great advice!
By Midge Ballou Smith on January 26, 2019 at 10:12 am
Great Post! You’ve highlighted some awesome places to mine for story ideas. Thanks!
By kmajor2013 on January 26, 2019 at 11:52 am
Great post that really got me thinking! Thank you, Chana!
By curryelizabeth on January 26, 2019 at 3:55 pm
Ahh, the memories! Now for those twists! Thanks for a super idea!
By Kathy O'Neill on January 26, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Great post. I will channel my childhood from now on. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
By Robyn Campbell on January 26, 2019 at 9:56 pm
Thank you Chana for your inspiring tip and examples! I grew up in Florida too and spent much time outdoors! Looking forward to reading your books!
By Robin Robb-Kraus on January 27, 2019 at 1:28 am
Lovely, lovely, lovely. I already have an idea!!!! Great to go back to my childhood! Thank you!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
By Maria J Cuesta on January 27, 2019 at 6:06 am
The takeaway: It’s those real, relatable childhood experiences that touch the hearts of kids – keeping this in mind! Thank you:)
By Patti Ranson (@pcakeran) on January 27, 2019 at 9:16 am
Childhood memories are one of my favorite things to brainstorm and draw. Thanks for the great post!
By Kristin Wauson on January 27, 2019 at 10:46 am
Love the paper crown you are wearing in the photo. I just got an idea…
By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 27, 2019 at 11:36 am
Great idea Great examples
By topangamaria on January 27, 2019 at 12:34 pm
What a totally obvious YET-I-DIDN’T-THINK-OF-IT idea for inspiration. Not only is the information readily available, it’s totally unique (to me!) Love it! Thank you!
By joyceschr on January 27, 2019 at 5:59 pm
The childhood memories are churning. Thanks.
By Joyce on January 27, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Exaggerate my childhood – I can do that .
By Andrew Lefebvre on January 27, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Thanks for inspiration to find funny moments and adding a twist!!!
By Jill on January 27, 2019 at 9:54 pm
An idea from childhood with twist, but relatable. Great advice. Love it! Thanks!
By Terri Sabol on January 28, 2019 at 2:36 am
This is very helpful,practical advice.Thank you.
By Freda Lewkowicz on January 28, 2019 at 6:23 am
Wow! Thanks for all your suggestions. I’m thinking back to my childhood. I have three sisters and so I can think about their childhood experiences, too!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 28, 2019 at 10:39 am
Several of these ideas resonate with me — and the suggestion of adding a twist gives me a direction for them. Thanks!
By Marie Powell on January 28, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Great suggestions and examples. Thank you for the time you took to gather it all together.
By Nadine Gamble on January 28, 2019 at 2:12 pm
I can totally relate to growing up with an unpronounceable name. Reading your post has given me a string of new ideas — thanks!
By Francoise on January 28, 2019 at 5:47 pm
This is great. What a name. I couldn’t spell mine (Cassandra) until third grade. I feel for people that have long or unpronounceable names. Exaggeration with humor, wow. Cannot wait to read it.
By Cassie Bentley on January 28, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Got some cool ideas here. – 3 Musketeers type friends, (tall, medium,short),
Fear of heights and jumping off.
By photojaq on January 28, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Thank you! You sparked so-oo many ideas!
By Joyce on January 28, 2019 at 10:17 pm
I love the idea of recreating my childhood. I can make it better and more exciting! (Even though it was a good childhood, just a normal one though)
By Tiffany Painter on January 29, 2019 at 12:09 am
Your post got me thinking about how so many aspects of childhood change with the times but essentials remain. Thank you!
By Ruthie Kirk on January 29, 2019 at 7:35 am
Eagerly awaiting MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH!. Childhood memories and then with a twist = a treasure trove. Thank you.
By hdening on January 29, 2019 at 11:29 am
I’ve always known that we should mine stories from our childhood, but I always came out of it thinking, “BORING!” Your post helped me realize I’m not supposed to retell my (boring) childhood – I need to give it a twist! Thank you!!!!
By Susie Sawyer on January 29, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Thank you for sharing. I’ll have to relive some events/memories of my childhood and see what sparks inspiration.
By hannahtuohyillustration on January 29, 2019 at 2:06 pm
I love the idea to add a twist and exaggerate what really happened. Thank you so muchSee.
By vijikc on January 29, 2019 at 8:05 pm
loved it so much, read your post again. cool and thanks!
By Charlene Avery on January 29, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Great idea and your new PB looks like so much fun!
By Rebecca Herzog on January 29, 2019 at 11:15 pm
🙂
By Brandon Collins on January 29, 2019 at 11:58 pm
Adding ‘the twist’ to my childhood memories sounds like fun!
By Susan Tuggy on January 30, 2019 at 1:42 am
Ahhh, the memories to mine.
By Anita on January 30, 2019 at 10:13 am
Thank you, these are great insights!! Memories with a twist! Fabulous!
By Michelle Kashinsky on January 30, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Thanks for the tip. Definitely trying this after I play catch up on posts!
By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 30, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Love this idea about taking a theme or concept from our own childhood and dropping it into a new setting; brilliant–and truly useful!
By Vicky Howard on January 30, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Thanks, Chana! I enjoyed reading the inspiration behind your story and others. I think I’ll browse through some childhood photos to see if anything sparks an idea.
By Becky Scharnhorst on January 30, 2019 at 4:09 pm
Hmm………now I’ll have to really think about my childhood…..
By Christine Irvin on January 30, 2019 at 4:26 pm
This post has already sparked two new ideas. Thanks for a great post!
By sallie wolf on January 30, 2019 at 4:50 pm
After I read this, I turned on some music that I loved when I was a kid and almost immediately it triggered all kinds of memories that lead to a new idea! Thank you!
By Carrie Kruck on January 30, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Dear Chana, Your post has meant so much to me as I think so many of the stories I want to write stem from childhood memories, but the spark you gave is to add a twist! I think it’s the “twist” that’s important. Thank you so much.
By Sharalyn Edgeberg on January 30, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Chana – Love your post and the inspiration for wakawakaloch!
By Lauri Meyers on January 30, 2019 at 7:51 pm
I’ve been mining my childhood for ideas as well. 🥰😀😜
By angelapenadahle on January 30, 2019 at 8:42 pm
I can’t wait to meet Wakawakaloch in the pages of your book.
I recently found a box of slides from my childhood that I had printed out. There are definitely some experiences that could be told with a twist.
By claireannette1 on January 30, 2019 at 10:29 pm
I love reading the journey these idea sparks take to become their final form.
By Jocelyn Rish on January 31, 2019 at 12:42 am
Mining childhood experiences is a great idea. I think I have a lot of material with your advice and my childhood. Thanks!
By Kathryn E Kass on January 31, 2019 at 4:34 am
Ooh! This post gave me a good one! Thanks!
By Stacey Corrigan on January 31, 2019 at 10:51 am
Thank you for this guide in using our childhood memories in our writing.
By Judy Cooper on January 31, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Got four new ideas from this!
By Teresa Klepinger on January 31, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Ha, I’m totally laughing at your post. My name is Julie. Everyone was named Julie when i was little. I had the opposite problem when I tried to find my name on a key chain or Disney cup….well, it’s the same problem. There was never a Julie, it was always sold out. But yeah, I guess Chana was never there. Sorry for that.
By Julie Rand on January 31, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Thanks Chana, I grew up a Collier (def: a coal miner) so mining my childhood should come naturally. thanks.
By Laurie Swindler on January 31, 2019 at 7:29 pm
Oh! This post is just magical. My brain is working hard right now! Thank you!!!!
By deniseaengle on January 31, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Yay for you upcoming book! I remember reviewing it at a round table at a Fall Craft Conference!
By Naomi Gruer on January 31, 2019 at 10:48 pm
This is an excellent post, Chana! MY NAME IS WAKAWAKALOCH! looks excellent. I love that bone swing!
By Amanda Sincavage on February 1, 2019 at 12:09 am
Some of this year’s Storystorm ideas have come from childhood memories of our family dog and the trouble he got himself into.
By Bethanny Parker on February 1, 2019 at 9:18 am
I really enjoyed this post, Chana. I not only like your advice, but your thorough examples from other authors use, too, of this same technique.
Best of luck with your upcoming release!
By Kelly Rice Schmitt on February 2, 2019 at 1:17 am
Thank you for this post!
By Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard) on February 2, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Thank you for the post, memories are always a good to start a spark. Congratulations on your upcoming book.
By denitajohnson on February 2, 2019 at 11:52 pm
Thank you for the post. It’s a great inspiration and reminder to look at our own childhoods.
By Nicole Turner on February 3, 2019 at 11:25 am
I should find a ton of ideas from back then. I’ll be mining those for quite a while. Thanks for the examples and ideas. Very helpful.
By Dianne on February 3, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Love the list of suggestions on how to draw ideas from own childhood then adding a twist. And I can TOTALLY relate to having a name nobody can pronounce. 🙂 Thanks for the post!
By Johna Nicole Rossetti on February 3, 2019 at 5:16 pm
I love your ideas of incorporating one’s own childhood into story ideas with a twist. Your article brought back some great memories and ideas for the twist. Looking at old photos can help too. Thank you!
By Susan Orton on February 3, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Thanks for the inspiration.
By Sara Fajardo on February 4, 2019 at 7:19 am
Love this idea!
By McCourt Thomas on February 4, 2019 at 9:17 am
I’ve done this, love it!
By loelmu on February 4, 2019 at 1:13 pm
I am inspired to remember my own direct experiences and to see what picture book ideas may transpire as a result. Many thanks for sharing!
By Meli Glickman on February 4, 2019 at 3:41 pm
What fantastic examples! Love learning the inspiration to these pieces. Will definitely be cracking open the photo album and hitting up grandma for stories 🙂
By Jess Bourgeois on February 4, 2019 at 5:53 pm
Great idea! Thanks, Chana! 🙂
By Sheri Dillard on February 5, 2019 at 5:52 pm
Thank you Chana! I love that you got the idea to take your book to the next level from your agent’s blog!
By Janet AlJunaidi on February 5, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Great story starter ideas. I already got a few new ones brewing.
By Susan Nicholas Korstanje on February 6, 2019 at 6:39 am
Love your photo, Chana! And thanks for raising me out of the muck. 🙂
By Wendy Greenley on February 11, 2019 at 5:04 pm
[…] post I wrote for Tara Lazar’s Storystorm 2019 about tapping into your childhood for story ideas: https://taralazar.com/2019/01/21/storystorm-2019-day-21/ (BTW guess who won that book giveaway?) (It was me […]
By Interview with Author Chana Stiefel | johnell dewitt on September 10, 2019 at 11:35 am