In November 2011, I secretly stalked Storystorm (then PiBoIdMo) from afar. I wanted to write picture books, but I didn’t take myself seriously as a writer. So I lurked in the shadows, read the inspirational blog posts, and soaked up everything I could without thinking of ideas, putting myself out there, or participating in the group’s Facebook page in any way whatsoever.
By Storystorm 2012, I had boldly joined a local critique group of other greenhorn picture book writers, and had resolved to stop being so secretive about my desire and efforts to write for children. I decided it was time to publicly try on my new identity, and I hoped that it would fit. So when Maria Burel posted on the Storystorm Facebook wall (with similar trepidation) that she lived in my area and was looking to join an in-person critique group, I invited her to join mine.
You see, for me, Storystorm wasn’t about generating picture book ideas. It was about the people. The community of writers who shared a love for children’s literature and a desire to write stories that would touch a child’s heart, or funny bone, or soul. While I’m constantly grateful for the blog posts and for the opportunity to learn from shared resources, mostly, what drove my desire to participate in Storystorm was engaging with others. I loved interacting in the comments on the Facebook wall! The Storystorm community provided the much needed infusion of interpersonal connection in my otherwise solitary writing effort.
That said, when November 2013 rolled around, I was also in it for the ideas! I was writing more seriously, meeting regularly with my critique group (including Maria), and learning everything I could about the children’s book business and craft. That year, I was deliberate about capturing every idea in my idea notebook, including, on November 20, when I documented the idea, “Find some fun Yiddish saying and make a story out of it.”
This idea surfaced while reading a bedtime story to my son that included Yiddish vocabulary. I have always loved Yiddish, and I think Yiddish proverbs are the perfect combination of hilarious and profound. My father’s parents spoke Yiddish, and I have fond memories of my grandfather teaching me to swear in Yiddish while my grandmother yelled at him to stop corrupting me.
Later that same night, I continued thinking about my grandfather, and decided to spend a few minutes researching Yiddish proverbs. I came across the proverb that became the first line of my book—“If the cat laid an egg, it would be a hen.” (It loosely means, you can’t wish for something to be different from what it is because wishing won’t make it so.) The proverb inspired me to write more words about different types of animals, and ultimately a full meta-fiction author-illustrator conflict story spilled out.
As far as I was concerned, though, I was merely entertaining myself by writing a funny story based on that day’s Storystorm idea. It was a fun night. But, a few weeks later, I was still amused by the story, so I emailed it to my critique partner, Maria. Maria replied: “JULIE! I LOVE this. Your natural voice comes through so clearly here. Like you allowed yourself to be silly and THIS came out!”
I still get chills when I read her message, because I think Maria’s point—allowing yourself to be silly—is another gift of Storystorm. Sure it’s important to generate lots of picture book ideas. But I think Tara Lazar’s genius in creating Storystorm was in creating an environment that allows us—even requires us—to just be creative. And silly. It’s a brainstorm with no room for an internal editor. It doesn’t require industry savvy, or story arc, or plotting. Storystorm frees our imaginations, and sometimes an unburdened inspiration results in a book.
That book I wrote in November 2013, THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK, sold in May 2014 to Simon and Schuster, and released in November 2017. While I will NEVER write or sell a book that quickly again, I always try to return to that zone of unburdened creative freedom that I learned and nurtured through participation in Storystorm when I think of story ideas or write something new.
All of this was possible thanks to Tara Lazar and the Storystorm community, and I will be forever grateful to you all. But Tara can only lead a horse to water (and, you know, provide the water). It’s up to each of us to drink the Storystorm opportunities. I’m proud that I chose to take a risk, participate in the challenge, and engage with the community. Thanks to Storystorm, I thought of the idea for my debut picture book. But more importantly, I met the critique partner who encouraged me to pursue the book, as well as dozens of other incredible picture book writers and friends. I also learned about Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 [http://12x12challenge.com/] from Storystorm. Through 12×12, I received further critiques on my book, and met the people with whom I would later form Picture the Books, [https://picturethebooks2017.wordpress.com/] the group of 2017 debut authors and illustrators who have become some of my most trusted colleagues and dear friends.
To me, my true triumph, and the real Storystorm success story here, is an achievement we all have the opportunity to share — the enduring gift of creativity, and of connecting with this committed, generous, and supportive community of writers and illustrators.
Thank you all for everything!
Julie Segal Walters is the author of THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK (illustrated by Brian Biggs) (Simon and Schuster 2017). She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, son, and pesky cat. Before writing for children, Julie was a lawyer and advocate for civil rights and civil liberties, and an international democracy and civil society development specialist. These days, she can be found advocating for her many favorite children’s books to anyone who will listen. Julie is fluent in Spanish and loves to cook, but not bake. She thinks baking has too many rules. You can find her online at juliesegalwalters.com.
Julie is giving away a picture book critique.
Simply leave ONE COMMENT below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
551 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 23, 2019 at 11:12 am
kaleegwarjanski
So great to hear your story, thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 11:13 am
Andria Rosenbaum
No, thank YOU, Julie! Amazing how that one little line inspired THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK! May we all continue to inspire each other. XOXO
January 23, 2019 at 11:13 am
imagination4lf
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It’s always motivating to hear how others have reached their goals. Love, love your book!
January 23, 2019 at 11:15 am
Elizabeth Saba
Julie – thank you for this inspiration! Very good to know about your success!
January 23, 2019 at 11:15 am
Kimberly
What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing your story. (((hugs)))
January 23, 2019 at 11:15 am
moviemommie
Thank you for the inspiring post!
January 23, 2019 at 11:16 am
Lois J Wickstrom
Having fun is the whole point of writing / living!
January 23, 2019 at 11:17 am
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
Such a great success story. Thanks for reminding me to keep it silly!
January 23, 2019 at 11:17 am
Joana Pastro
I love your story, Julie! I wrote down something similar as a storystorm idea the other day. Here’s hoping something amazing will come out of it! Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 11:17 am
Ashley Congdon
That’s how a feel right now. Lurking and reading what I come across. Thank you for the inspiring story.
January 23, 2019 at 11:18 am
beckylevine
Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 11:18 am
pathaap
What a great post, Julie! Like you, I’m so grateful to Tara and the Storystorm community for inspiring us everyday.
January 23, 2019 at 11:19 am
C.L. Murphy
The kidlit community is truly wonderful and so supportive! Thanks for sharing your path to pub, Julie.
January 23, 2019 at 11:19 am
June Sengpiehl
This wonderful post gives us ideas and also praises Storystorm which is
a terrific thing to do because it helps all of us to grow in our writing goals.
January 23, 2019 at 11:20 am
Kim Erickson
I love this!
January 23, 2019 at 11:20 am
debbeauchamp
This is a great reminder to keep the fun in writing! Thank you for the post!
January 23, 2019 at 11:20 am
Writer on the run
Really inspiring post! Reminded me that there are no bad ideas, and the silly ones are often gold!
January 23, 2019 at 11:21 am
Heather Stigall
awesome success story! Thanks for sharing. Now it’s time for me to get silly & come up w/another StoryStorm idea!
January 23, 2019 at 11:21 am
Lynne Marie
OOOH, OOOH, Me, Me!! LOL Just had to be silly! This is not a normal comment. Love the story behind your Story. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 11:22 am
Mia Geiger
Thank you for this inspiring post!
January 23, 2019 at 11:22 am
Kathy Price
Love this idea! Gonna try it! I also love the whole energy of the Yiddish language.I used to live on NY lowest lower East side near Delancey..Essex…etc where I would see old signs of Molly Pivon…Thanks Julie.😊
January 23, 2019 at 11:23 am
Catrine Kyster
I love the Yiddish saying. Makes me think of what I may find in my ethnic roots.
January 23, 2019 at 11:23 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Ok. I agree with the proverb, and all, but I like my own proverb better. If a dog laid an egg it would be an amazing egg-laying doggie superhero. Yeah.
Love and licks,
Cupcake – I’m NOT an amazing egg-laying doggie superhero, but someday, I plan to get into the garbage pail and see where all that pizza crust and chicken bones go.
January 23, 2019 at 11:24 am
Kathy Price
Molly Picon! Spellchecker does not how to spell.
January 23, 2019 at 11:24 am
Marcie Rinka Wessels
Your book is hilarious! I had no idea it was a Story Storm idea! Well done, you!
January 23, 2019 at 11:24 am
Joan Swanson
I thank the community and especially Tara for helping me to generate many great ideas!
January 23, 2019 at 11:25 am
Lisa Billa
Thanks for sharing the inspiration behind this story, and the reminder that no idea is too silly!
January 23, 2019 at 11:25 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you for posting Julie, and for the important work that you do. Amazing cover and unique story idea. Keep lurking.
January 23, 2019 at 11:26 am
carol w Munro
I think your grandfather would love this. Thanks for sharing about the beginning of your writing path. I’m off to find your book.
January 23, 2019 at 11:26 am
Carlie Cornell
Thanks for lead on 12 x 12
January 23, 2019 at 11:27 am
Amy Houts
What an amusing idea! Congratulations! You comments about community are so true.
January 23, 2019 at 11:27 am
Ann Schwarz
Thanks for sharing your journey! It is a good reminder that we all need encouragement, support, and some silliness in order to stick with it and keep our imaginative side engaged.
January 23, 2019 at 11:28 am
Claire W Bobrow
“Unburdened creative freedom” is the key. Just last night my critique group was discussing this exact subject – how our best work flows from an unrestricted place and feels joyful in the moment (even if the topic is serious). Thanks for a great post, Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 11:31 am
Lisa Riddiough
Such a wonderful success story! Thank you for sharing, Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 11:31 am
marlainawrites
I also think Yiddish is fun, and I love how your story came together. The freedom to be silly is the best kind of freedom. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 11:32 am
Mary Jane
Thanks Julie. Your energy and enthusiasm for picture books comes through so well. I will look for your books in my favorite children’s book store.
January 23, 2019 at 11:32 am
supermario6
Thanks for reminding us it’s all about community!
January 23, 2019 at 11:34 am
thecrowsmap
Dear Julie,
Congratulations on your book — I read it last year in ReFoReMo and loved it. I used it for a mentor text for one of my manuscripts. It’s so nice to connect a book to its author and hear the story behind it. Your Yiddish saying reminded me of a saying my southern Ohio grandma used to say about wishing —that I can’t repeat in polite circles! Thanks for your post!
Gail Hartman
January 23, 2019 at 11:35 am
nrompella
Very true about just writing down ideas and not allowing the internal editor. I still struggle with that!
January 23, 2019 at 11:35 am
rimna
Great story, thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 11:35 am
Mary Worley
There is something special about StoryStorm ideas. They seem to come out of left field for me during this time. I’m guessing it’s because of the constant input about different aspects of our lives.
January 23, 2019 at 11:35 am
Diana
Thank you for this inspiring post! I love seeing the connections with Storrystorm and published authors. I completely agree that having a community of writers is key!
January 23, 2019 at 11:36 am
Lauri Meyers
I love the story of how your book came to be, and love you Julie!!!
January 23, 2019 at 11:36 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Julie, for sharing your inspirational story of success, personal and literary, all while celebrating your childhood memories.
January 23, 2019 at 11:38 am
Tempy
Thanks for the encouragement to move out of the fringes and really get into it!
January 23, 2019 at 11:38 am
Jennifer G Prevost
This was incredibly inspiring and such a great reminder for all of us to not try and write stories just like others do, but to let our own voices shine. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 11:38 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
What a lovely and oh-so-true post of gratitude to Tara and the STORYSTORM community. Thank you for sharing your experience, Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 11:40 am
Kristi
So inspiring, Julie! Thanks so much for sharing. I love THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK! So funny!
January 23, 2019 at 11:40 am
Lori Mozdzierz
“I have fond memories of my grandfather teaching me to swear in Yiddish while my grandmother yelled at him to stop corrupting me.”
Yep, I was rolling in laughter to a snort!!!!!
Story Storm is a true gift to all creatives!
January 23, 2019 at 11:41 am
matthewlasley
Congratulations. It is exciting to see success. The idea is only the first step. Getting that community support (critique groups, mentoring, webinars, friends, retreats, conferences and so on) is so crucial. We are our biggest critics and it is great to hear others champion our work.
January 23, 2019 at 11:42 am
Susan Macartney
Julie, thanks for sharing your journey to success – inspiring! And a resounding yes(!) – StoryStorm is both a wonderful, extended community and an amazing story idea-generator!
January 23, 2019 at 11:43 am
heatherbell37
I loved this article. And the concept of using Yiddish proverbs and embracing the silly. Great inspiration. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 11:43 am
Marie Sanderson
Your book looks wonderfully fun! And a great reminder to find my true voice and let it shine!
January 23, 2019 at 11:43 am
Le Anne Brown
Fun, smiley story. Will read your book soon. Not ready for your free critique, however 🤓.
January 23, 2019 at 11:45 am
polly renner
Thanks, Julie, for your inspirational story! Congrats on your success:>
January 23, 2019 at 11:46 am
thelmakat
Thank you for sharing with us your journey on how both the StoryStorm and 12 x 12 community guided you on your creative and silly path!!
January 23, 2019 at 11:46 am
Krista Harrington
I totally agree with the excitement of being a part of the writer community.
Thank you for this post and reminding me to let the silly out!
January 23, 2019 at 11:46 am
Sue Heavenrich
What a fun book – I read it last year… and chuckled my way through it. Great way to turn a phrase into an entire book. Like weaving a suit from a single thread.
January 23, 2019 at 11:47 am
Juliana Lee
Hi Julie. Congratulations on your idea/book! It’s always so nice to hear of another success story. Looking forward to reading your final product. Hope to hear more from you soon!
January 23, 2019 at 11:49 am
Maritza M. Mejía
I love your journey. Nice line, “The proverb inspired me to write more words about different types of animals…” Thank you, Julie.
January 23, 2019 at 11:49 am
Joy Pitcairn
What a fun looking book! How neat to hear how Storystorm started so much for you.
January 23, 2019 at 11:49 am
annjex
I love hearing about Storystorm ideas that turned into published books. You are right, this is a great environment to generate creativity and just be silly. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 23, 2019 at 11:50 am
Danielle Dufayet
What a great reminder to let out your silly! perfect advice. I can’t wait to read your book and congrats!
January 23, 2019 at 11:50 am
Sallye O'Rourke
enjoyed your post, can’t wait to read your book!
January 23, 2019 at 11:50 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Love to hear success stories
January 23, 2019 at 11:51 am
Arlene Schenker
Thanks for this idea, Julie. I know only a few words in Yiddish, but I agree that Yiddish proverbs are the best.
January 23, 2019 at 11:53 am
geobonni
Mazel tov! I know that this challenge has unleashed my humorous/silly side as well. Is this the nature of creativity, the challenge itself, writing for kids, or Tara’s energy infusing? Probably all four.
January 23, 2019 at 11:53 am
Janie Reinart
Julie thank you for your post. Now I’m going to put on my silly shoes and write:)
January 23, 2019 at 11:53 am
Alison Marcotte
Thank you for your inspiring post! As a new-ish PB writer, this was the motivation I needed! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 11:54 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
This is a normal post. I love the cover of your book–so clever and fun. So glad you quit lurking and started working. Your readers are the winner.
January 23, 2019 at 11:54 am
mariaordish
Thanks for the post, Julie! Yes, silly. I don’t think I was even a very silly child. My little guy is teaching me a bit about that….no better critique partner for silly than a 7-year-old boy. Ouch.
January 23, 2019 at 11:54 am
Deb Huard, Writer
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is my first year with Storystorm, and I’m semi-lurking, though filling my notebook with lots of ideas that I am determined to work into some great stories. I am sincerely hopeful that I will becoming a future success story like you and so many others. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 11:55 am
jenabenton
Be free to be silly. Great advice!
January 23, 2019 at 11:57 am
sarahheturadny
I LOVE THIS POST, THANK YOU!!!!! Julie, I would LOVE to win a PB critique with you. That being said, I find it such a strange coincidence (Note: I don’t actually believe in coincidences) that 1. Storystorm day 23 took FOREVER to load this morning and 2. It’s the first morning I’ve had off in a month and 3. I decided to use my free pre-Storystorming time to write a SILLY draft of a SILLY PB idea I had. I had the idea, which I won’t type here, b/c you’re not supposed to, and immediately thought, Oh no, someone obviously had that idea before me, as it’s so cute. So I almost buried it. Almost. But I wrote it down (it’s actually not a complete idea, it’s a title) in my notebook and I review this Storystorm notebook every few days and I kept coming back to that idea, starring it and finally, this morning, I thought, I can totally picture this book and it’s writing itself in my head right now so I’d better get it down on paper and I DID. Then I read your blog post about allowing ourselves to be silly and I just about exploded (in a good way)! Thank you, Julie! And congratulations!!!!!
January 23, 2019 at 4:39 pm
juliesegalwalters
That’s awesome! Good for you for pushing yourself forward! Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 11:58 am
authoraileenstewart
Love your journey. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 11:59 am
Stephen S. Martin
Be Silly and Carry on
January 23, 2019 at 11:59 am
Katie Engen
What a nice story about making a story.
January 23, 2019 at 11:59 am
Joan Longstaff
What a fabulous post – I know feel I have permission to Free the Silly! I do have a habit of self-editing as I go along, and this is something I need to work on and just let myself go with the flow more. I’ll endeavour to keep your recommendation ringing in my ears. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 12:06 pm
juliannahelt
Such an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for permission to be silly and the success you had trying things. Spurs us on to be silly, too.
January 23, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Jessica Potts
Love reading Storystorm success stories!
January 23, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Debra K Shumaker
Love, love, love this post! You are absolutely right – the community is the best thing from Storystorm!
January 23, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Lisa Pavalon
Your post truly resonated with me; I have yet to take myself seriously as a writer. I know it’s time to find a critique group, as well, but something has been holding me back. Your post has given me some inspiration to get moving on some things; thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Way to go, Julie! It’s amazing to think how much has happened since then.
January 23, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Paula Puckett
Thank you for the inspiration to keep on going!
January 23, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Juliana Jones
I totally agree that community plays a huge part of Storystorm. That’s a big reason I do it every year. Thanks for sharing your story!
January 23, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Tracy Hora
Wonderful success story. Thank you for sharing! I love these writing communities. And, I always have to remind myself to just have fun in writing.
January 23, 2019 at 12:14 pm
BrookeVS
That’s so fun! I was just looking up yiddish words this morning to help with a MG novel. Thank you for your tips and inspiration. Always great to read 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Lori Dubbin
Julie, I just love how a Yiddish proverb gave you your inspiration for your manuscript and how you approached Storystorm in steps from lurker to idea cooker to spilling out your wonderful story. Your grandfather’s influence is the best.
January 23, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Jane Dippold
So happy to know that silliness lead to your success, having fun, being open to crazy, imaginative ideas! Thank you Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Julie, I love that the Yiddish proverb and memories of your grandfather inspired you to write This is Not a Normal Animal Book. Such a fantastic story behind the story. And I love the book! Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks Julie for the silly inspiration! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Carolyn Farina
Wonderful! Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Buffy Silverman
I love that playing with a Yiddish proverb led you to finding your own voice (which surely must have a touch of your grandfather’s corrupting influence!) Thanks for the inspiration!
January 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Sheryl Murray
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Julie! It’s a great reminder to me to celebrate all my successes, big and small. I love how you recognize what you got out of each year of Storystorm. And congrats on your book – looks like a hoot!
January 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Rick Starkey
Thanks for sharing this. I enjoy learning how others come up with ideas.
January 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm
triciacandy
Thanks, Julie! Your story is an inspiration!
January 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Anna Ouchchy
I completely agree with you. This writing community is wonderful!
January 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thanks Julie! I am reading Big Magic and a lot of what you say about Storystorm ties in with the whole outlook on creativity in that book – the idea of play and fun!
January 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm
Pamela Harrison
I love silly picture books. It must be such fun to find inspiration that tickles the funny bone and write silly books. I’m going to think of some silly ideas and share in the fun. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love this post, Julie! Hope to hear about more wonderful ideas and books coming our way!
January 23, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan
Dear Julie,
Thank you for these wise words and the reminder of how many beautiful, generous and supportive kidlit friends we meet along this journey. We find people with whom we can be vulnerable, who share our dreams, and with whom we can be SILLY! What a gift!!! And we learn about BLOWFISH! Thanks for sharing your silliness with the kidlit world where even a cat can lay an egg sometimes.
January 23, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Stewart Hildred
Great, inspiring story Julie. I understand you hiding. I’ve been hiding for years and now too old to/too late to do anything but watch. May you go from strength to strength.
January 23, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Linda Mitchell
I love this post! I struggle to take myself seriously as a writer as well. I like to downplay how important it is to me to my family. The idea for this book is fantastic. And, it came together with a new friend. How perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 23, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Rebekah Lowell
I’ll have to check out your book! Looks silly and fun! Congrats!
January 23, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Jennifer Bower
It is wonderful to hear from everyone who has found success through StoryStorm. Without a doubt, StoryStorm can be counted on to deliver a ton of inspiration and encouragement. So excited for your success Julie. Thanks for a great post!
January 23, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Rebecca Thill (@rkthill)
Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiration!
January 23, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Michele Helsel
Aw, good share. I love my critique groups too. Wonderful to have supportive and helpful friends!
January 23, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Aurora K
I love this! The inspiration and the call out to the power of community. It is so true. I’m so glad to have joined Storystorm and 12x12PB this year. Thank you for sharing, Julie.
January 23, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Amusement, entertainment, silliness, all great things. Permission granted.
January 23, 2019 at 12:32 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Congratulations on your success, Julie! Thank you for sharing how the book came about and the role this annual STORYSTORM event played in making it happen. –Kim
January 23, 2019 at 12:33 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I think sometimes we are afraid to lay aside our “adult” way of thinking and allow the kid in all of us to come out to play…😉
Great post!
January 23, 2019 at 12:33 pm
lindaschueler
Cool story. Thank you for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Angie
Love it! Great post! The kidlit community is the BEST! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Julie. I love the description of your journey. Permission to be creative and SILLY. I struggle with silly and your post may get some sillinesss out of me!
January 23, 2019 at 12:38 pm
ptnozell
Julie, what an inspiring story! And great advice to let the ideas flow without heeding an inner critic.
January 23, 2019 at 12:39 pm
8catpaws
Julie, your post is a nice tribute:
When you walk through Storystorm
Hold your head up high
And keep your sight on your star
At the end of Storystorm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet, silver song of Tara Lazar!
January 23, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Susan Johnston
Yay for community! My critique partner and I are planning to discuss our favorite ideas at the end of the month and brainstorm ways to move those ideas from the germ of an idea to a fully formed story.
January 23, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us that we can all use some help and encouragement sometimes.
January 23, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Debra Daugherty
Thanks, Julie, for reminding me it’s okay to be silly when writing. I need to let go and allow my inner humor to come out. Congratulations on your book!
January 23, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Deb McGarvey
Julie, thank you for this! It’s a great reminder to follow those moments of inspiration without letting doubt creep in – at least at first!
January 23, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Kay Phillips
I loved your heartfelt story of the value of community. Also love the Yiddish saying. Great illustration as well. Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Paige
Thank you for being silly. I need more of that! I truly love reading all these posts. You all are so inspiring. Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Carole Calladine
What a wonderful post. The gift of the picture book writing community to explore the many sides of ourselves is priceless. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 23, 2019 at 12:49 pm
rosecappelli
Thanks for sharing your thoughts,Julie. Like you, I was a lurker before I was a participant and it took many years before I started referring to myself as a writer for children. Still waiting for my debut PB, but stories like yours are so encouraging.
January 23, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Alice Carty Fulgione
I loved your story! I’ve also received much needed support both from my writing community and from my critique groups. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 12:57 pm
SARAH Meade
Inspiring story. Thanks for the post!
January 23, 2019 at 12:57 pm
kcareywrites
I love that this post is a celebration of the KidLit community!
January 23, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Meilssa Chupp
What fun it would be to have a common physical creative space that we could all work from and pop in and out of each others “offices” for in person critiques and brainstorms on a daily basis. For now though, I love this online community!
January 23, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Robin Jordan
Yes, yes, yes, Julie! I agree with you 100%! I love the KL community. The encouragement from seasoned pros to test-the-waters newbies is the perfect blend of what I need.
Thank you for sharing your journey. People who give of their time and talents are so appreciated as I try to navigate this crazy business. I wish you much continued success in your writing endeavors.
January 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Kathy Halsey
Julie, it Is about the people and being silly. Great post!
January 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Gregory E Bray
Great post. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Angela De Groot
Allow yourself to be silly and let your natural voice come out – awesome advice!
January 23, 2019 at 1:05 pm
susanzonca
I’ve tended to hang out in the shadows as well. Thanks for the encouragement to step into the light.
January 23, 2019 at 1:06 pm
Angie
It’s so great to be reminded that we all start out the same way. Many thanks for the encouraging words.
January 23, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Jennifer Hunt
A great reminder to let yourself be silly and stay the course!
January 23, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Sherry Howard
Love this story of Julie’s journey! It’s so hard to step into the deep end! But once you do, the swimming is lovely!
January 23, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Tara Hannon
So inspiring! Sometimes all it takes is an invitation to be yourself. Thanks for the muse.
January 23, 2019 at 1:15 pm
marsha e wright
I applaud your post, Julie! Allowing ourselves to be silly is savvy. Grown-up kids are too serious, too often. We forget that in the center of troubles and sadness, kids want to laugh and escape for a bit from their real world. After reading your Storystorm, I pulled out a PB that I started a year ago. The story is a celebration of a child’s imagination. The language, imagery, and rhythm are plain silly fun to read and imagine. I had tucked this PB away, thinking that I needed a stronger premise. Thank you, Julie, for inspiring me to take another look. Blessings!
January 23, 2019 at 1:16 pm
Stephanie Shaw
What a wonderful story of ‘connecting the dots’ to success!
January 23, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Rebecca
Very inspiring success story, Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you, Julie, for sharing your unique journey. And truly, each writer’s journey is a story unto itself. Yours kept me reading and wondering. And now it’s time to write down a silly idea!
January 23, 2019 at 1:18 pm
writeremmcbride
Great post, Julie! And great ideas as well! We shouldn’t give up on our silly ideas, but work at them to see what they can become! Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
Thanks Julie! Silly always wins.
January 23, 2019 at 1:22 pm
saralakron
Wow, that is so cool!
January 23, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Melissa Escobar
Oh wow! I needed this post this morning. I have been sitting here trying to think of an idea and coming up blank. I love, love, love silliness and the cover picture of your book in the post made me laugh out loud. Thank you so much Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Darcee Freier
Wow! I love all the Storystorm success stories. Congrats, Julie! And thanks for the reminder to keep drinking the water.
January 23, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Roxanne Troup
Agreed. It is so cool to “meet” the authors of some of the picture books my kids and I have enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 1:28 pm
Maria Marshall
Thanks Julie for validating all of the “lurkers.” Storystorm and 12 x 12 are so helpful in elminating the feeling of being alone in this crazy process. As for a fast manuscript, you never know what could happen during this storm! Best of luck.
January 23, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thank you so much for sharing, Julie! Tara has done so much for the kidlit writing community. Thank you, Tara 🙂 I’m still working on some PiBoIdMo ideas from I don’t even know which year off the top of my head, but some day I hope to be able have a debut picture book, too! Congratulations on yours! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Jay
Great story with great ideas.
January 23, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Julie, I, too, appreciate the environment Tara has created through Storystorm. I am thankful for the opportunity that encourages creativity and connections I make with like-minded creatives.
Suzy Leopold
January 23, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Your post encourages me to keep going with my dream. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 1:34 pm
karengreenwald2985
Julie, thanks so much for your post! I LOVE IT–and I love the path that Yiddish took you on! (I can visualize your grandparents in that hilarious situation!) Mazel tov on your success!
January 23, 2019 at 1:34 pm
Shawna J Tenney
I, too, love story storm. I love hearing your story. Congratulations on your book! And may there by many more!
January 23, 2019 at 1:34 pm
Aimee Satterlee
I love reading the Storystorm success stories. Thanks Julie for sharing yours. I agree wholeheartedly that you must allow the silly. Don’t edit your ideas. Thanks again!
January 23, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Sara Matson
That story about your grandpa and grandma made me smile. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 1:41 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Hurrah for an inspiring success story, Julie. I totally agree that connecting with our creative soul-mates is the best part of this writing journey. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 1:41 pm
Kristen Tipman
Thank you for sharing your story. It is an inspiring post!
January 23, 2019 at 1:42 pm
Mary Vander Plas
You had me at “perfect combination of hilarious and profound”. This pretty much sums up my writing goals (and life philosophy!)
January 23, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Deb Sullivan
I too, had grandparents who spoke Yiddish (both of whom swore regularly and were apparently not concerned with corrupting us!) Certainly a great starting point for any fun story. Thanks for reminding us to keep it silly and connect with others in the community.
January 23, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Sarah Skolfield
Inspiring story! Thanks for sharing and giving me another way to look at Storystorm participation. I think I was allowing that internal editor to throw away some ideas and I’ll just put a stop to that right now.
January 23, 2019 at 1:47 pm
kiwijenny
Hugs and thank you, thank you. I must let my sillies out. It’s a good thing I teach four olds.
January 23, 2019 at 1:48 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Love the Yiddish idea! And I agree, this is a great outlet to meet other PB writers.
January 23, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Wonderful success story! So much inspiration here!
January 23, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for sharing your story and so beautifully articulating what’s so amazing about Storystorm and the kidlit community. In terms of idea generation, I think this line is key: “It’s a brainstorm with no room for an internal editor.”
January 23, 2019 at 1:54 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for sharing your story Julie! It was very inspiring.
January 23, 2019 at 2:03 pm
megcason1
Julie, I love how you stuck with that inspiration!! This is a fun book, I’m glad you allowed yourself to be silly!
January 23, 2019 at 2:03 pm
debbiemccue
Love the story of how your picture book evolved. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Li’vee Rehfield
Julie it is wonderful to see you freedom …thank you😊
January 23, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Julie, Thanks for sharing your backstory!
January 23, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Great post! It is time to get silly 🙂 Thanks!
January 23, 2019 at 2:19 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
I’ve already got a couple of ideas using my German-language knowledge…thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
I enjoyed this all-around, truly inspirational post!
January 23, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Susan Schade
Thanks for sharing your tips! Don’t stifle the silliness.
Congratulations on your book!
January 23, 2019 at 2:31 pm
Lisa Katzenberger (@FictionCity)
I love seeing how your story idea blossomed. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration!
January 23, 2019 at 2:37 pm
curryelizabeth
Love hearing the background and inspiration for a specific book. Thanks!
January 23, 2019 at 2:37 pm
krbatti
Thank you for including a photo of your idea in your notebook. I have been curious about how ideas are being documented. Thanks for the inspiring article.
January 23, 2019 at 2:41 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Great story of your journey, Julie. And you give us all permission to be wonderfully and authentically silly!! Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 2:44 pm
nataliecohn0258
I have never had a critique so this would be great to win. I love her idea about being silly. I am going to try more silly stories. Thank you Julie!
January 23, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Josie Liming Gawlowski
Great inspiration!!
January 23, 2019 at 2:46 pm
rhumba20
Thank you Julie for your inspiring post! Here’s to taking risks, joining a community of writers and just being creative!!!
-Anna Levin
January 23, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Sarah Tobias
Such a lovely post. I love your book. It’s weird and funny. I need to start spending more time visiting the Facebook group. I am finding in my second Storystorm year, the ideas are more about bits and pieces that could come together in my stories. Also, the ideas I had last year that went unwritten, but are now bubbling back to the surface. Thank you for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 3:01 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Completely agree! I was lone wolfing it for a long time before I tripped over the community. It was like night and day. ❤ ❤ ❤
January 23, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Dawn
Thanks for sharing your success story!
January 23, 2019 at 3:08 pm
Antje
What a great story you shared with us. Congratulations on “this is not a normal animal book ” and how you got the idea for it. Awesome!
January 23, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Rinda Beach
Yesterday I started following a Storystorm recipe. Today I’m drinking in opportunities. I can’t wait for tomorrow!
January 23, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Jane Baskwill
Your story underlines how important community is and how amazing the kidlit network is. Thanks Julie.
January 23, 2019 at 3:33 pm
Helen Taylor
I loved hearing how this story idea transformed!
January 23, 2019 at 3:33 pm
Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt)
So sweet. And true.
January 23, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Thank you for sharing your story!
January 23, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Nancy Colle
Yup, family is such a great influence in our lives. I’m sure your grandparents never dreamed a story would spring from all that Yiddish:) Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Mary Lou
Yay for your success! Saving a future Hurray for mine!
January 23, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Jennifer Weisse
This is such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 3:43 pm
pjaegly
Julie, I love your idea and am eager to see where this experiment takes me. I agree with you – being in a community of writers is something I cherish too.
January 23, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Judy Pressler
Inspiring article. Storystorm truly frees our imaginations!
January 23, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Jen Bagan
Great post, Julie! And loved reading about how your book came to be – congratulations!
January 23, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Margie Markarian
I’m going off to ponder some of my Dad’s very colorful sayings now!
January 23, 2019 at 3:49 pm
Sandy Foster
What an encouraging story! Your book sounds like a lot of fun. Can’t wait to read it! Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 3:51 pm
rjtraxel
Your book sounds wonderfully funny.
January 23, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
I just love your story. I’m inspired to get silly and creative!
January 23, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Heather Gallagher
Feeling the emotion in this post. Where would we be without our writing buddies? ❤️
January 23, 2019 at 4:06 pm
Pat Miller
What a great story! Thanks for sharing–wishing you much more success.
January 23, 2019 at 4:12 pm
Joann Howeth
“Creative and Silly” – what a perfect collaboration. I found your blog so liberating! Thanks for the reminder that none of this is all that serious. And the less we treat it so, the more creative we will find ourselves.
January 23, 2019 at 4:12 pm
colleen kosinski
Great story!
January 23, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
This was a great idea to present to my 4/5 students because several of them think that story ideas are huge – not that they can come from small things – like a saying.
January 23, 2019 at 4:21 pm
jamhartman
I loved your post. I remember all my friends in grade school and middle school teaching me yiddish phrases. I still use several today.
Thank you for the permission to be silly and play with ideas…let it all out.
January 23, 2019 at 4:25 pm
SuZan Klassen
Clever. Every culture has some of those sayings.
January 23, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Leanne Luetkemeyer
Thanks for sharing how you got started!
January 23, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
I absolutely LOVE this idea! Now I want to rummage through ancient sayings and proverbs to see what gems may be lurking out there for me to write about. Thank you so much for posting!
January 23, 2019 at 4:31 pm
LaurenKerstein
I absolutely love THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK
January 23, 2019 at 4:32 pm
LaurenKerstein
I somehow posted before I was ready. Anyway– I absolutely love your book and enjoyed hearing about its StoryStorm origins! Thank you for sharing your journey thus far!
January 23, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Tracey Brown
What a great story, Julie! Thank you for the reminder to creatively brainstorm and crowd out that internal editor
January 23, 2019 at 4:46 pm
laurameressa
Hi Julie! It was so fun to hear the backstory for this book! Hope to see you in person soon 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Suzanne Alexander
What a wonderful success story! It also reminded me to lighten up and be more creative with a picture book manuscript I’m working on. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Loved your post! Thanks so much!
January 23, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Do you like cooking shows?
January 23, 2019 at 5:15 pm
MD Knabb
I liked reading how the idea kept bubbling inside you and you had so much fun writing it. Thanks, Julie
January 23, 2019 at 5:17 pm
karinlarson
This was a great post, Julie, thank you. I so agree that the real gift of StoryStorm is allowing oneself to be silly and free in generating ideas. It certainly takes the pressure off. Congrats on your success!
January 23, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Debbie Meyer
Whoooohooooo! Congratulations, Julie! I’m excited for you. 🙂 I’m going to let go and be silly today. Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Jennifer
Thanks for the great post and cheers to being silly!
January 23, 2019 at 5:49 pm
cravevsworld
Informative and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Nancy Riley
Thanks for the inspiring story! This is my 2nd Story Storm and I love the challenge and interaction!
January 23, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Janice Woods
So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Katie Williams
I love being silly, but you’re right–it doesn’t always come out easily. Thanks for the reminder to tap into that zany vein every now and then!
January 23, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Dani Duck
What a cool story. I wonder if you personally could get some more stories out of that one idea? It’s so great!
January 23, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Rebecca Colby
I love hearing success stories! This is so inspiring!
January 23, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Jill M Proctor
What a great story! ‘They’ say, laughter is the best medicine – and I believe it. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations on your silly success!
January 23, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Jodi Mckay
This is lovely, Julie. Thank you for sharing your writing journey!
January 23, 2019 at 6:21 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for the gift to be silly.
January 23, 2019 at 6:23 pm
James Arthur
Very encouraging!
January 23, 2019 at 6:24 pm
M.A. Cortez
That’s a great story. Thanks for inspiring us to keep trying.
January 23, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Janet Johnson
What a fun story! And I LOVE being silly, so this is perfect!
January 23, 2019 at 6:29 pm
Lori Alexander
Thanks for sharing your road to publication, Julie! I love hearing the story behind the story.
January 23, 2019 at 6:34 pm
Kellie
I think my inner silly has been stamped down and caged by years of needing to be the responsible one … 2019 seems to be the year to help it escape.
January 23, 2019 at 6:37 pm
Alicia G Lopez
Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 6:37 pm
Brenda Miller
Thanks for pointing out that Storystorm leaves no room for an internal editor. Just what I needed to hear!
January 23, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Erika Henkart
Being silly is so important! Thanks for your story!
January 23, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Shirley
Thanks for your inspiring story.
January 23, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Mary York
Intriguing title! And, I love your cookie recipe with peanut butter cups!
January 23, 2019 at 6:48 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for sharing your post.
I look forward to reading your book.
January 23, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thank you fro sharing your story, Julie! Congrats on your success!
January 23, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Barbara Farr Renner
Such an inspiring story! I love my critique partners and look forward to interacting with more fabulous writers in StoryStorm and 12×12. Thank you for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Jacqueline Adams
It’s great that you thought you were just having fun and entertaining yourself and the result was a winning story. I guess if we’re entertaining ourselves, chances are the story will entertain others too!
January 23, 2019 at 7:15 pm
jaclynsmiller
Silly sells. It’s fun for kids. It’s fun for writers. Win, win, win.
January 23, 2019 at 7:22 pm
lizricewritesliz
Thank you! I’m looking forward to reading your book, looks fun!
January 23, 2019 at 7:27 pm
writeknit
Thank you for a fabulous post – silly is the way to go!
January 23, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Amalia Reef
I’m looking forward to reading your book. We love the silly books in our house! Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post about how you kept you passion alive and getting a PB published.
January 23, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Sue Frye
Such inspiration in this post. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 7:46 pm
sherilyncook
I love your ideas for this book!!!! This was a fun post. Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 8:06 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Love the children’s book community
January 23, 2019 at 8:10 pm
Charlotte Offsay
A great reminder to have fun with our writing! I agree that the best work comes out of giving ourselves the freedom to be who we are.
January 23, 2019 at 8:11 pm
Erik Ammon
Oh, that’s awesome! Your Grandfather teaching you to swear in Yiddish, while your Grandmother telling him to stop corrupting you. I couldn’t stop laughing! And yes, I, too, love this community.
January 23, 2019 at 8:11 pm
Therese Kay
What a great inspirational story! Your book sounds like a hoot! Can’t wait to read it!
January 23, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Laurel Goodluck
I love that I turned that corner to serious writer and not giving up when it was hard. I am building off your idea of Yiddish proverbs to hard to pronounce Navajo words. Hummmm see where this goes? Thank you for inspiring me!
January 23, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for sharing your story…and yes, it is a great community!
January 23, 2019 at 8:36 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
Speaking of Yiddish proverbs, (or Yiddish humor…) I recently bought a Yiddish Sally Dick and Jane book that had my husband and me rolling off of our chairs. I enjoyed your post a great deal! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 8:36 pm
David McMullin
For me too, Storystorm is not about the ideas (though I am glad to have them) but about being an active participant in the community.
January 23, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Anjali Amit
Thank you for writing what is in the mind of all who participate in Storystorm: an appreciation of Tara for creating an opportunity to come together in a totally safe place–a place where we can let out our silliness, and not be judged for it.
January 23, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Tania Russ Hebert
Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2019 at 8:47 pm
Lisa Johnston Hancock
Oh thank you! I needed to hear (read) this!
January 23, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Amanda Davis
Thank you for sharing your success story, Julie and congrats! Always important to remember our silly side and the importance of writing with uninhibited creativity!
January 23, 2019 at 8:50 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
It’s so true. One of the things I love most about being a writer for children is the amazing community and supportive people. Thank you for sharing your experience. 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 9:20 pm
julielacombeauthor
What great inspiration! I love how you came up with the idea for THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK.
January 23, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Debra Katz
A nice reminder that it is important for writers to connect with people (critique partners, fellow writers) as well as with ideas.
January 23, 2019 at 9:21 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for the inspiration. You captured the hesitation so many of us feel when we make the commitment to be a writer.
January 23, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Lisa Rogers
Fantastic post! You are so right–the opportunity to not have anyone, even you’re internal editor (or especially your internal editor) telling you the idea is silly, boring, been done–it’s the best!
January 23, 2019 at 9:28 pm
denarose
Thank you for sharing your story, and you’re so right–this community of people who write for kids is wonderful!
January 23, 2019 at 9:28 pm
kelliejanebyrnes
Thanks so much for sharing, Julie. How fun to hear about your journey & taking a Storystorm idea through to publication. Congrats!
January 23, 2019 at 9:30 pm
writersideup
Julie, WHAT a post! And WHAT a SUCCESS STORY! There’s no way not to love and be inspired by this…and a BIG WOW on landing BRIAN BIGGS! 😀 😀 😀 Congrats on ALL of it–and thank YOU for being a part of this wonderful community ❤
January 23, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Amy Harding
What a great story!
January 23, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Margaret Flint Suter
Wow! Julie was/is so accomplished at SO MANY thing! How do you choose!?
Looking for the not a normal animal book, think my grandsons would appreciate your take on things!
January 23, 2019 at 9:37 pm
RB Frank
Hi Julie!
Thanks for your inspirational story. It gives me hope and that’s where we all live, every day, don’t we? 😁
January 23, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Linda Hofke
Thanks for sharing your journey.
I love silly stories and yours looks like lots of fun. Congrats!
January 23, 2019 at 9:40 pm
michelemeleen
Storystirm (and a little self-motivation) fir the win!
January 23, 2019 at 9:43 pm
Suzanne Poulter Harris
Julie, thanks for sharing the story behind your masterpiece. Feeling inspired!
January 23, 2019 at 9:45 pm
bgonsar
Great story from a great writer!
January 23, 2019 at 9:48 pm
teacherwriteracker
Such a great story! Stirystorm really is amazing.
January 23, 2019 at 9:51 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
What an inspirational story! Loved hearing your path to being published.
January 23, 2019 at 9:57 pm
donnacangelosi
I love your book, Julie! It was such fun reading your inspiration for writing it. I couldn’t agree more about the wonderful writing community we’re all part of!
January 23, 2019 at 10:00 pm
betlw
What a terrific and inspiring story about how you got your first book idea, wrote it and got it published. It sure helps to have a friend to encourage you also. It sounds like a great and funny book. I love silly stories too.
January 23, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Carmen White
Too often we push ourselves too hard to ignore our real creativity. Thanks for the reminder!
January 23, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
Thank you for sharing your story, so inspiring!
January 23, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Janet Smart
Great post. Congratulations on your book, Fun cover that the kids will love.
January 23, 2019 at 10:27 pm
Kelly Ohlert
Baking does have too many rules! Great success story. Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Thanks for sharing how Storystorm has inspired you as a writer! Loved reading about your journey!
January 23, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Lucy Staugler
Julie, lovely post about our lovely, encouraging writing community.
January 23, 2019 at 10:35 pm
Christine pinto
Permission to be silly. Thanks!
January 23, 2019 at 10:50 pm
Sara A
Love how your book came to be!
January 23, 2019 at 11:06 pm
marty bellis
Storystorm is what got me hooked on writing for kids after a 10 year hiatus, so totally agree it’s a great idea-generating and community-building site. Congrats on your success.
January 23, 2019 at 11:09 pm
Rani Iyer
An excellent source of inspiration. I will dig into proverbs too!
January 23, 2019 at 11:09 pm
mhklump
what an awesome story! Thanks for sharing and providing some inspiration to the rest of us.
January 23, 2019 at 11:13 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
JULIE: THANK YOU for this BEAUTIFUL post! You infused it with SO MUCH LOVE and INSPIRATION! Whenever I read about a fellow Storystormer making her/his picture book dreams come true, it helps push me to keep working on making my picture book dreams come true–that CHERISHED Storystorm community IN ACTION!!! CONGRATULATIONS and MANY, MANY THANK YOUS TO YOU!!!
January 23, 2019 at 11:15 pm
Lucretia
Thank you for sharing your success story, Julie–and for reminding us to allow inspiration to occur in Storystorm’s “zone of unburdened creative freedom.”
January 23, 2019 at 11:17 pm
seschipper
Wow, Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!!! Plus with “permission” to be silly ..I am going to start looking for a book buddy to “critique” with! Anyone live near Merchantville, NJ??!! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 11:20 pm
doreenrobinson
Mazel Tov (congrats) Julie! I really enjoyed reading about your path to being published and the important role that Storystorm and critique groups played. Wishing you continued success!
January 23, 2019 at 11:27 pm
jheitman22
I love everything about this post! Thanks, Julie, and congratulations!
January 23, 2019 at 11:50 pm
Garnett Natasha
Thanks Julie and Tara. I hope the ideas are Storming in for everyone. And after the idea becomes a ms. , a critique is just what a writer needs.
January 23, 2019 at 11:55 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
Allow yourself to be silly! Possibly the most helpful reminder (for me) yet! Thank you 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 11:56 pm
Trine Grillo
Congratulations on stepping out of your comfort zone!
January 24, 2019 at 12:09 am
Pam Miller
Beautiful story, Julie, and what a book. You’ve grabbed a child’s attention from Title/cover to words/pictures to the very end. Fantastic!
January 24, 2019 at 12:26 am
Melissa Maxwell Davis
Wonderful and encouraging! Thanks!
January 24, 2019 at 12:27 am
Latasha Vernon
Loved your story! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
January 24, 2019 at 12:36 am
ingridboydston
My heart is full from reading your story. Thank you for sharing it! ❤️
January 24, 2019 at 12:49 am
Nancy Ramsey
Great post! Thanks for sharing your story!
January 24, 2019 at 1:06 am
RaeMcDonald
Unleash your wild imagination…words to live by and to write by. Thank you.
January 24, 2019 at 1:27 am
thesheilster
Thanks for sharing your story. It reminds me to not put limits on my imagination and to enjoy being silly.
January 24, 2019 at 1:46 am
Varda Livney
Great post, Julie, thanks! One of the few Yiddish sentences I remember from my grandmother is “Vas vilstu fun meer?” (What do you want from me?)
January 24, 2019 at 1:56 am
Dawn Prochovnic
What a great post. Congratulations on your success and thank you for encouraging and inspiring us all. I can’t wait to read your book. I love the story behind the story!
January 24, 2019 at 1:56 am
Megan Whitaker
Yes! I want to read this. I don’t particularly like to cook, but like to bake…
January 24, 2019 at 2:01 am
fireurchin
Thank you for this reminder.. that what I’m doing during Storystorm is right and may not simply be distractions. I’ve been feeling my cogs come a little loose, my brain spinning details while sleeping and waking and sleeping and waking… and finally writing it all down… at least some of these ideas very different form my norm. I’ve collected words that are never used in picture books – or most any books – and visualizing a story with these – very different than my norm or the last other than norm. Wondering if I can manage all this activity in so many directions, what will expand and grow and reform, what will shrink, shrivel, and disappear… or will those forms become characters in the story? Finding the fun again!
bonnie fireurchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 24, 2019 at 2:50 am
Helen Matthews
Hi Julie, I agree the community of like-minded writers and keen parents is just priceless, and not forgetting our key audience – children. The excitement and the magic that books can bring is a world of its own (and out of this world! 🙂
January 24, 2019 at 3:41 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
I agree, the kidlit community is so inspiring and fun to connect with! And I’m your polar opposite, I love baking and not cooking, nice to meet my opposite. I love rules (mathematician), never thought about that’s why I enjoy baking more thanks for the cool new insight, maybe there’s a sorry in there😉
January 24, 2019 at 4:33 am
kateperidot
Hi, what a great story about your path to inspiration. Best wishes,
January 24, 2019 at 5:08 am
Colleen Dabney
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2019 at 5:58 am
Tina Cho
How fun to read how your story came about. Thanks for reminding us to be silly!
January 24, 2019 at 7:14 am
Lynn Mayer
What are some of your favorite children’s books?
January 24, 2019 at 7:28 am
Lisa L Furness
I agree! Storystorm IS an enduring gift of creativity, and of connecting with this very supportive community of writers and illustrators.
January 24, 2019 at 8:13 am
Mel Copeman
I was a storystorm stalker back when it started too, I’m trying to be more involved this year. At least by letting the authors posting that I enjoy hearing their advice and stories.
January 24, 2019 at 8:14 am
Erin Le Clerc
Love this idea. Thank you!
January 24, 2019 at 8:37 am
DaNeil Olson
Thank you for your inspirational post!
January 24, 2019 at 8:58 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Thanks for the encouragement to continue taking that big leap into the picture book writing world.
January 24, 2019 at 9:08 am
andreesantini
I love how you spun this saying “If a cat laid eggs, it would be a hen.”
January 24, 2019 at 9:11 am
Jennifer Phillips
I agree with your assessment of the underlying gift of Storystorm. Congratulations to you on your career!
January 24, 2019 at 9:17 am
jennysarawrites
This was so encouraging and inspiring to those of us who are here to just get the ball rolling on our creativity, thank you so much for sharing! I’d love to win a picture book critique from Julie!
January 24, 2019 at 9:21 am
rachelnrosenthal
This speaks to me so much! Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2019 at 9:55 am
Carolyne Ruck
Very inspirational — I can so relate to wanting to connect and share. I am blessed by a great critique group as well as 12 x 12. Thanks for sharing your journey.
January 24, 2019 at 9:59 am
Louann Brown
Thanks for your post Julie. I enjoyed hearing about your books. Congratulations on making your dream come true.
January 24, 2019 at 9:59 am
Mardi Edwards
Your message is very encouraging to me, a beginner in all of these storystorms. I am learning so much.
January 24, 2019 at 10:16 am
Maria Bostian
You did a fantastic job describing Storystorm and what it is all about. Yes, let’s all be creative, silly and fun… and enjoy ourselves this month.
Look forward to seeing you in the 12×12 forum, etc.
January 24, 2019 at 10:25 am
shiela fuller
Unleash the creatve restrictions and let the stories emerge. thank you for this today.
January 24, 2019 at 10:29 am
Alexandra Hinrichs
This is such a wonderful story, thank you for sharing. And I agree, this space and the community are amazing!
January 24, 2019 at 10:29 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Tara’s Story Storm is an amazing opportunity to gather and create! And your book sounds wonderfully silly, right up my alley!
January 24, 2019 at 10:38 am
Cathy Breisacher
Your post is inspiring, Julie!! I wish you much continued success with your writing.
January 24, 2019 at 10:45 am
Aimee Isaac
Yay for encouraging critique partners and Storystorm success!
January 24, 2019 at 10:51 am
Hank Dallago
I couldn’t agree with you more, Julie. Storystorm has been one of those solid states in my life, yet filled with creativity, spontaneity, and joy! The entire concept speaks to the adage for picture book writers to ‘Pay it Forward’.
January 24, 2019 at 10:56 am
Aimee
The freedom, creativity and community mentioned in the post are spot on. Your book looks hilarious. Can’t wait to check it out:) congrats
January 24, 2019 at 11:02 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Congrats on your success! And to think, it all started here.
January 24, 2019 at 11:07 am
Amy Newbold
Tapping in to that silliness is sometimes difficult! Thanks for your words of wisdom. I think I will take some time today to play with my stories and be silly and have fun.
January 24, 2019 at 11:08 am
Emily
“The Storystorm community provided the much needed infusion of interpersonal connection in my otherwise solitary writing effort” — love this, Julie! I completely agree!
January 24, 2019 at 12:09 pm
karammitchell
Thanks, Julie. I struggle with letting an idea reach its ridiculous end. I usually scrap it while it only moderately ridiculous! I’m going all the way to ridiculously silly from now on!
January 24, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Teresa Robeson
The “zone of unburdened creative freedom” resonated with me and reinforces what I’m reading right now in Amy Tan’s autobiography. I need to get into that zone!
January 24, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Sensibility and Sense
Julie! What a great post about the importance of our community! It’s the gift that keeps of giving, when we’re in the trenches digging out a story, in the desert feeling discouraged, and on the mountaintop of that first sale! Love our kidlit peeps! Thanks for this!
January 24, 2019 at 12:37 pm
wyszguy
Loved this post! Thanks for reminding us to be silly sometimes and to pursue our passions.
January 24, 2019 at 1:12 pm
Clare Juliet Clare Bell
Glad you allowed yourself to be silly! It’s so important.
January 24, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Helen Lysicatos
What a wonderful success story. Thank you sharing with us.
January 24, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Anitha Kuppuswamy
Thank you for the inspiring post!
January 24, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Sandy Perlic
All my best ideas come from Storystorm! Glad to hear of someone else’s “inspired” experience with it. Go, Julie!
January 24, 2019 at 1:43 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
Love this story behind the story! Thank you.
January 24, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Cathy Ogren
Connecting with others in the writing community has been a lifesaver for me. Thanks for your post, Julie.
January 24, 2019 at 1:52 pm
kathydoherty1
I see silliness and creativity go hand-in-hand! Thank goodness!
January 24, 2019 at 1:55 pm
rgstones
Thanks for the post. Can’t wait to read your book. 🙂
January 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Monica Stoltzfus
Julie,
This was lovely-
My super take away: “return to the zone of unburdened creative freedom”…
I struggle with this!
But I will tackle it & free the sometimes silly. 🤪
January 24, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing your story. It is a good reminder that there is more here than just ideas. I haven’t checked out the facebook group but I think I will go do that now.
January 24, 2019 at 2:07 pm
alisongoldberg
Terrific post, Julie! Thank you!
January 24, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Ms. Schubé
Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Howdy neighbor! I’m in Maryland! Encouraging post! Thanks a bunch!
January 24, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Elizabeth Steinglass
Thank you for sharing your story. I absolutely love the snapshot of your journal. It’s so great to see the seed of the story.
January 24, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Chelle Martin
Thank you for sharing your success story. It’s wonderful that your inspiration came from your grandparents. I love the idea of Yiddish sayings. I’ve learned a lot of them by watching Judge Judy. Practical and funny. Would love to read your book.
January 24, 2019 at 3:52 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great post, Julie! Thank you.
January 24, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was a fun post to read! I loved learning all of the background on how you came up with your idea, and how it got published. Thank you for sharing.
January 24, 2019 at 4:06 pm
Kaye Baillie
To turn the Yiddish proverb into a story, it’s genius! Love the book.
January 24, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Poupette Smith
I love proverbs and Storystorm, and you sure came up with a cute book idea. Any room in your critique group for this here gypsy writer?
January 24, 2019 at 4:12 pm
celticsea
I love how all the pieces came together for you. Thanks for sharing your story!
January 24, 2019 at 4:32 pm
aidantalkin
Hi Julie! I had a very similar path – PiBoIdMo, a silly story idea (2015), a book contract, a bunch of great new crit partners and great new author connections through ‘Epic18’ for 2018 debut authors. Feel so blessed to have participated in Storystorm. I’ll keep doing it, no matter how many books I have published! See ya on the shelves!
January 24, 2019 at 4:40 pm
hmmmmm
You rock Ms. Julie — nice share!
January 24, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Jennifer
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2019 at 5:14 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Julie, for sharing the inspiration behind your idea 🙂 STORYSTORM is a fab group offering the best of the kidlit community.
January 24, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Janet Halfmann
Community is so important for writers and illustrators. Congrats on your debut book!
January 24, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Elizabeth
Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration!
January 24, 2019 at 7:00 pm
yangmommy
Thank you for sharing your inspiration & journey!
January 24, 2019 at 7:09 pm
K.A.Steed
Thank you for sharing Julie!
January 24, 2019 at 7:31 pm
ssafra22
What an inspiring story about your journey! Thank you for your ideas and the encouragement to continue to be silly. 🙂
January 24, 2019 at 7:31 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thank you for sharing. Time to create something fun and silly!
January 24, 2019 at 7:32 pm
tiffanydickinson
Julie, I enjoyed reading your story about coming out as a writer. And I agree – critique partners can make the journey a party. Thanks
January 24, 2019 at 8:05 pm
Nicole Strangman
Fantastic silly success story!
January 24, 2019 at 9:20 pm
annettepimentel
I love this tribute to the people who nurtured your inner writer.
January 24, 2019 at 9:24 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
How glorious that Tara created a space where we are free to be silly, creative, curious, and friends with other pb writers. It is truly a fertile place for ideas and writers to grow
January 24, 2019 at 9:32 pm
stephanie williams
what a great success story!
January 24, 2019 at 9:33 pm
Angela H. Dale
Thanks for the reminder to stay true and stay silly. Words to live by.
January 24, 2019 at 9:51 pm
Becky Shillington
I love the concept of “unburdened creative freedom” that you discuss here, Julie! Thanks–this was great!
January 24, 2019 at 9:54 pm
Cinzia V.
Thanks for the inspiration – fun success story! I love silly.
January 24, 2019 at 10:08 pm
Nadine Poper
You have me so curious about Yiddish proverbs. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 24, 2019 at 11:16 pm
Cathy Pledger
Congratulations Julie. This was a great heartfelt post, and I love the Yiddish.
January 24, 2019 at 11:17 pm
bevbaird
Great post! Thanks Julie.
January 25, 2019 at 12:12 am
Kim D
The community is definitely an important piece!
January 25, 2019 at 12:14 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
I see you’re fluent in Spanish — maybe a saying from that language will be the inspiration for your next book! Thanks for sharing your insights.
January 25, 2019 at 12:24 am
Carolyn Kraft
Thanks for this post Julie, so inspiring!
January 25, 2019 at 12:29 am
Keila Dawson
Hear! Hear! It’s so important to connect with critique partners who share the same passion. So happy you found yours!
January 25, 2019 at 2:40 am
percyandcat
Wow, Julie this article is fantastic. It gives me hope, incite and the freedom to use my own voice, because we all have a different voice. I love laughter and your idea of using Yiddish proverbs as inspiration is funny and a great idea. I really did enjoy reading your article. Thank you!
January 25, 2019 at 1:18 am
Cheryl Malandrinos
I love reading these success stories. Two of my published books also came out of Storystorm. Keep up the great work.
January 25, 2019 at 7:08 am
tanyakonerman
Taking a risk is not always easy, but you’ve shown how great it can turn out!
January 25, 2019 at 9:43 am
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you for reminding us that participation in Storystorm nurtures our “…unburdened creative freedom…”
January 25, 2019 at 9:48 am
Barbara Senenman
Thank you for the this inspirational post! I have to read more of the proverbs. The “curses” always made me laugh. One of my favorites – May all of your teeth fall out but one and let that one ache! Not quite picture book material, but you got me thinking!
January 25, 2019 at 9:59 am
melissamiles1
Stories like yours are so inspirational! Thank you for sharing this part of your writing journey with us.
January 25, 2019 at 10:17 am
Nicole Turner
Love your post, thank you.
January 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Jessica Kulekjian
My kids and I love This is Not a Normal Animal Book. Thank you for sharing how it came about. Also, thank you for the reminder to play and be silly! It is very easy to get caught up in the rules of writing and sometimes forget about just having fun.
January 25, 2019 at 10:54 am
Nora Fry
I keep coming back to your post for the good ideas and the reminder that we are writing KIDS’ books.
January 25, 2019 at 11:25 am
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for sharing this inspirational post! A reminder to share with another your thoughts/ideas. Love the silliness and so do children!
January 25, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Love this! I have to work hard to let myself be silly:)
January 25, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Thanks for sharing your story and inspiration, Julie!
January 25, 2019 at 12:53 pm
setwiggs
Julie,
Your book is proof that thinking outside the box works and is fun!
January 25, 2019 at 1:23 pm
mona861
Success! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Amelia G Gossman
So fun! Thank you for sharing your inspiring process.
January 25, 2019 at 1:38 pm
CJ Penko
Fantastic post! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 25, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Shanah Salter
Great post!
January 25, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
I LOVE my peers and critique partners. On the days when my work flows, I celebrate with them, and on the days when I feel stuck, it’s not like there’s nothing to celebrate. I still have them!
January 25, 2019 at 2:25 pm
higherthanrubies
Oh my goodness….this spoke right to me. I started out in one career, but have been writing stories since I could write. I did not think I would be taken seriously though if I told people I write children’s books. Then, I found Storystorm back before it was storystorm and then I found 12×12 and now I am in the Gold level. I actually tell people now that I write children’s books. Thanks so much for the reminder!
January 25, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Marge Gower
I’m going to have to look for some online critique partners. There are no groups in my area. I would value their input. I did belong to a writing group, but everyone wrote different genres. I loved the group, but needed peer evaluation of my writing. Thanks for the reminder that we need each other’s input. Congrats on your success.
January 25, 2019 at 2:36 pm
laura516
What a great success story! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
January 25, 2019 at 3:09 pm
jessicadunnagan
Lately I have been thinking about how lucky I am to have kind, talented, supportive critique group members to share this journey with. This just reinforces my belief–thank you!
January 25, 2019 at 3:32 pm
writeforapples1
What a great story!
January 25, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Shereen S.
Critique partners are invaluable! I’ve never had an in-person one. That would be wonderful, too.
January 25, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Stephanie Williams
That last comic was totally me at the beginning of my journey.
January 25, 2019 at 5:23 pm
angie9091
My kids and I love that book! Thank you for sharing its origin story.
January 25, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Teresa Traver
I ABSOLUTELY love this line: “It’s up to each of us to drink the Storystorm opportunities.” Yes.
January 25, 2019 at 5:48 pm
Jim Chaize
Thanks, Julie for sharing your journey and some great tips.
January 25, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thanks for your story of such progress. I’m in year two…nearly wet!
January 25, 2019 at 8:09 pm
Steve Schwartz
Thanks for sharing your story and for the encouragement it provides!
January 25, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Sylvia Grech
Thank you for telling your story. Loved reading this.
January 25, 2019 at 11:24 pm
Melissa Mwai
Excellent, thanks for sharing! I like the freedom of just generating ideas, too.
January 25, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Cassie Bentley
The wheels are spinning out ideas. Thank you for the inspiration and permission to be silly.
January 26, 2019 at 12:22 am
Elizabeth Metz
Julie! You creative genius! My next silly Storystorm idea will be dedicated to you and this post. 🙂
January 26, 2019 at 4:14 am
sharongiltrow
Thanks Julie for the great motivation from your success story :-).
January 26, 2019 at 8:40 am
Shel ledrew
Thank you!
January 26, 2019 at 10:28 am
dlapmandi
So happy for your success! You are proof positive that Storystorm is a great experience for ideas and finally books that come from those ideas.
January 26, 2019 at 10:42 am
Midge Ballou Smith
I found this so helpful! Thank you, Julie!
January 26, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Anna Brooks
Thank you for the motivation! As an introvert, I am often uninterested in joining new communities, but all of the PB-writing communities, from StoryStorm to 12×12, have been so welcoming and awesome. It’s a wonderful part of this whole experience!
January 26, 2019 at 2:33 pm
kmajor2013
I especially enjoy reading about positive writer stories that have come from activities like Storystorm. Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
Thank you for sharing your story and your journey to publication – very encouraging!
January 26, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Carole Lynn Jones
Julie-you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2019 at 2:51 pm
readstuffnwrite
Such as great journey, thank you for sharing it.
January 26, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Kathy O'Neill
Very encouraging! Thank you!
January 26, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Carrie Finison
Thank you, Julie! I’m drinking it all in this year.
January 26, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Karan Greene
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Very encouraging!
January 26, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Julie, for sharing your path to success. Love the idea of just going for silly–forget about story arc or plotting initially, just let the sillies run wild.
January 26, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Robyn Campbell
Fantastic inspiration. Thanks for sharing your path to success.
January 26, 2019 at 11:37 pm
Lou
Thanks for the reminder not to isolate myself in front of the computer, playing only with words instead of also with my literary friends!
January 27, 2019 at 12:45 am
Robin Robb-Kraus
Thank you Julie for sharing your process and journey! Life is so much more fun when spent with like-minded creatives! Storystorm helps me feel connected to so much more and I am in awe of the wealth of talent!
January 27, 2019 at 5:56 am
Maria J Cuesta
Lovely post and lovely animal book. ❤️
Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 8:13 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Vakz vie a tzibulah! Thanks for this great Yiddish idea! And excuse the spelling of ” Grow like an onion.”
January 27, 2019 at 10:26 am
Carolyn Lucas
Love your journey story. Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 10:38 am
Kristin Wauson
Loved reading about your success with Storystorm! So inspiring.
January 27, 2019 at 11:32 am
Dea Brayden
Thanks for this post. I too appreciate a place that encourages silliness. Congrats on your success!
January 27, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
I love the concept of This Is Not a Normal Animal Book. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Janet A Bryce
Wow, I relate to your uneasy feeling about making it known you are a writer. I think we all go through that feeling. I wasn’t going to join StoryStorm this year. That little voice in my head made me jump in and guess what I’m not drowning! I’m learning so much and so many stories are invading my brain. Thanks
January 27, 2019 at 12:27 pm
rrmalin
Silly rocks! Hit them with science facts while they’re laughing. It’s a great way to teach and learn.
January 27, 2019 at 12:52 pm
topangamaria
THANK YOU for taking us down your inspirations path.
January 27, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Great advice to allow yourself to be silly. I think this will help us connect better with kids through our books. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Jen Fier Jasinski
Thank you for sharing! I love that you included the many layers of help Storystorm brought to your writing experience, not only about the idea. It is a wonderful community and I’m glad you drew closer over the years!
January 27, 2019 at 5:38 pm
jeanjames926
I love your Storystorm success, and I love this post. So much great information and advice sprinkled with some fun and silliness. Thanks so much.
January 27, 2019 at 6:01 pm
joyceschr
Thank you for the glimpse into your personal journey and your feelings about the importance of community. I’m working on a quasi-similar language book and heartened to read that your exploration of culture and language led to even greater creativity! Will try to unleash my inner-silly…which is not exactly my sweet spot. 😊
January 27, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Joyce
Thanks for the post and thanks to my critique partners.
January 27, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Anne Appert
I love this post. The kidlit community is so great, and Storystorm is a huge part of that. Thank you for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 7:18 pm
Jud Ward
Thanks for the inspiration and for Tara for nurturing this “zone of unburdened creative freedom.”
January 27, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
It’s great to hear Success stories. I started by just reading the posts to before I actually got to where I felt I should sign up myself.
January 27, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Barb Ostapina
I so appreciate your “silly” insights, Julie! Thank you. (And I got a silly idea!)
January 27, 2019 at 8:11 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Love the serendipity, and how some stories will write themselves. You never know when that will happen.
January 27, 2019 at 9:36 pm
Jill
What perfect inspiration! Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 10:45 pm
creationsbymit
Such a great story! I’ve got “silly” down pat. 🙂
Michele Katz Grieder
January 27, 2019 at 11:06 pm
aturner513
Loved hearing your Storystorm story. I feel the same way.
January 27, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Allow myself to be silly, be creative and then follow through! Great recipe to remember. Felicidades and much success.
January 27, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Jenny Boyd
I love a good Storystorm-idea-that-turns-into-a-book story! It’s so nice (and motivating) to see the hard work pay off. Congrats on your book!
January 28, 2019 at 1:10 am
claireannette1
Great idea to look at proverbs for ideas. So glad you found others to be creative and silly with!
January 28, 2019 at 2:27 am
Michelle Sumovich
I love hearing how this great book came to be. Thank you, Julie!
January 28, 2019 at 3:06 am
Terri Sabol
Great success story! Love seeing how it all unfolded. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 10:19 am
CindyC
What a cool story! Thanks Julie.
January 28, 2019 at 10:46 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Love this!
“It’s a brainstorm with no room for an internal editor.”
Thanks for the reminder to be silly.
And congrats!!!
January 28, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Marie Powell
Love the proverb — and the reminder that we’re in this together. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Melissa Stoller
What an inspiring post, Julie! Thank you!
January 28, 2019 at 2:33 pm
Nadine Gamble
Love hearing your story…for lurker to published author. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 28, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Kelly Conroy
It’s a great community! Thanks for the post.
January 28, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Lillian Heckinger
I like your ideas. They’re very clever!
January 28, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Paula Cohen-Martin
Great post! I’m channeling my grandparents too recently and throwing in Yiddishisms so it’s wonderful to see someone else doing it!
January 28, 2019 at 4:19 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
What a great story. Thanks for sharing.
January 28, 2019 at 4:50 pm
goodreadswithronna
What an encouraging post, Julie. I agree that finding the right critique partner(s) and being part of this wonderful community of kidlit writers and illustrators is so rewarding.
January 28, 2019 at 6:20 pm
aliciaminor
What makes it not normal draws curiosity and that’s why I look forward to reading it. Thank you.
January 28, 2019 at 7:09 pm
kjerstenhayes
Loved reading about how this book came to be. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Noelle McBride
Julie, thanks for yet another large gulp of inspiration and permission to be silly!
January 28, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Kyle McBride
Thanks for sharing your story.
January 28, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Thank you for sharing your story – and YES! being silly is important!!!
January 28, 2019 at 10:05 pm
photojaq
Ella was an ele-roosta-fly-on, but she wanted to be a real lion. She helps a raccoon get an apple from a gopher hole with her “trunk” and bing, she has a lion’s nose. She helps a groundhog wake up on that special shadow day with a loud cock-a-doodle-doo, and bing, her rooster tail is a long sleek lion’s tale with a tuff at the end. She helps a beaver bet a balloon that’s caught in a tree and bing, her butterfly wings turn into a smooth lion’s back. And there she is, a true lion…. from doing kind deeds for others. Ella, the Kind Lion.
January 28, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Diane Tulloch
Julie, you sound so like I was in the beginning. Too nervous to put myself out there. I just enjoyed being in the background watching the writing world unfold in front of me. Quite over whelming. But after I joined 12×12 I slowly came out of my shell. Thanks for your lovely post. Your book is such fun.
January 29, 2019 at 11:29 am
Lynn Katz
I love your story and am inspired to dig further into my Jewish roots. (Kenahora)
January 29, 2019 at 12:13 pm
hdening
Lovely post. Thanks for the encouraging story.
January 29, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Kassy Keppol
I think, I really realized that I might actually be an illustrator after I received on of the PiBoldmo prizes, which happened to be from an illustrator. I was in aw, but didn’t think this will never be me; instead I took notes on how they packaged and printed everything.
January 29, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Susie Sawyer
I love Julie’s comment: “But I think Tara Lazar’s genius in creating Storystorm was in creating an environment that allows us—even requires us—to just be creative. And silly.” This is SO IMPORTANT! Thank you for this wonderful post and for giving us the permission to let go, and be creative and silly!
January 29, 2019 at 2:10 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
What a great story, thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Francoise
Thanks for your inspiring post. Let’s all enjoy the creative process and chase our dreams. Picture Book writing is such fun!
January 29, 2019 at 8:13 pm
vijikc
Thank you for the lovely post!
January 29, 2019 at 11:02 pm
Charlene Avery
Love it! Thanks for all you share.
January 30, 2019 at 6:30 am
Kathryn E Kass
Congratulations on a Storystorm success. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
January 30, 2019 at 10:08 am
Anita
Congratulations!
January 30, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Tracy Abell
I’m catching up on posts I missed and was so excited to read this because I bought THIS IS NOT A NORMAL ANIMAL BOOK at our local SCBWI conference last fall. It was a recommended read from your editor who was there (Sylvie Frank, I think) and the cover caught my eye. Such a fun book! Thank you for sharing the journey to publication.
January 31, 2019 at 10:09 am
juliesegalwalters
Well that’s lovely to hear! Thanks for sharing, Tracy!
January 30, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Susan Tuggy
Hooray for your Storystorm success! I get overwhelmed by Facebook groups but will give the community a shot.
January 30, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Sharron Magyar
Children love silliness and I like to reconnect with the younger me in silliness. Great reminder to cultivate it. Thanks for the reminder of how important community is.
January 30, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
This is excellent, thank you for sharing. I love your Yiddish proverb inspiration. My grandmother used to come out with the most amazing Yiddish phrases. A well of inspiration!
January 30, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Thanks for sharing your story. Congrats on your success!
January 30, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Vicky Howard
I see myself here–faithfully reading every Storystorm post, saving ideas and inspiration, but staying on the fringes when it comes to connecting with other writers. I would love to find a local in-person critique/writing group, because I think that would make a huge impact on writing with regularity! I don’t think there is a group in my area, but anything is possible…!
January 30, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Thanks for sharing your story with us! I love how Storystorm encourages us to push our internal editor aside and embrace our creative, silly selves.
January 30, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Christine Irvin
Congrats on your success and thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2019 at 4:29 pm
sallie wolf
Love the reminder to be silly! Thanks.
January 30, 2019 at 4:44 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
Thank you for a great post! Everyone needs a little dose silliness once in awhile!
January 30, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Carrie Kruck
Thanks for sharing your Storystorm journey! I feel the same, it’s such a chance to be free and creative…but sometimes my analytic brain gets in the way and wonders if all the silly will really amount to anything so it’s great to read about your success with the process!
January 30, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
Julie, This was such an inspiration. What a wonderful success story. I look forward to checking out your blog post (with your co-writers)as well. I think the reminder to be silly is also great!
January 30, 2019 at 7:52 pm
Eileen Saunders
YAY, creativity. I love a success story. Thanks for sharing
January 30, 2019 at 8:36 pm
angelapenadahle
Love the Yiddish idea. Clever.
January 30, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Judy A Shemtob
I have so many Yiddish expressions that I’ve put into my HF novel. Love your inspirational idea as well as giving yourself the permission to be silly. Thanks.
January 31, 2019 at 12:10 am
Danielle Hicks
I love the concept of your debut! Adding it to my TBR list! You are spot on with pointing out how important it is to ALLOW yourself to be silly and creative, especially in the brainstorming phase. Thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2019 at 12:31 am
Jocelyn Rish
I love reading the success stories that come out of StoryStorm – so inspiring!
January 31, 2019 at 10:28 am
Julie Segal Walters
I wish I could respond to every one of these warm and generous comments. Thank you all for your kind words and for connecting! Happy writing! xo
January 31, 2019 at 10:30 am
ciaraoneal
It’s scary to put yourself and your work out there. It’s always wonderful to read about it paying off for someone! Yay!
January 31, 2019 at 11:27 am
Lydia Lukidis
Happy you had the courage tp pursue your dreams, and, this book looks hilarious!!!!
January 31, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Michelle
Love that super silly ideas can be successful!
January 31, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Judy Cooper
Hi Julie – It was great meeting you at the SCBWI conference in New Jersey. How wonderful seeing you here as a contributor on Storystorm.
January 31, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Joyce
Wow! Inspiring! I’d love to learn more about how Picture the Books came into being.
January 31, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Nina Snyder
I’ve never heard that saying about the cat, but I always liked the Yiddish saying “May you grow like an onion with your head in the ground.” I’ve heard it with turnip, too.
January 31, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Laurie Swindler
Great story about creating your story. Thanks
January 31, 2019 at 8:06 pm
deniseaengle
Julie, I loved your post! I am crossing my fingers for your critique! And, I think it’s time for me to allow myself to be silly! It could make all the difference.
January 31, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Serge Smagarinsky
Thanks for sharing. Proverbs/wisdom from various cultures makes for a great starting point for story ideas.
January 31, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Patricia Toht
I love This Is Not a Normal Animal Book! Nice to know the inspiration behind it, Julie!
January 31, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Irene Grace
Thank you Julie for your shout out to Tara. Thank you Tara, I love StoryStorm!! It’s great to have such a community.
January 31, 2019 at 10:32 pm
andromeda515
Permission to be silly accepted.
January 31, 2019 at 10:58 pm
Naomi Gruer
Love this reminder to lighten up!
February 1, 2019 at 12:18 am
Amanda Sincavage
Julie, this post is wonderful! I loved learning the story behind your debut book. I now have an urge to read Yiddish proverbs!
February 1, 2019 at 9:17 am
saputnam
Great post, Julie!! Thank you for giving us a peek at your writing journey and a reminder to let our silly out! I really connected with what you said about your grandfather swearing in Yiddish, mine would swear at his wife in Québécois, as he was French Canadian. I still remember some of the words to this day 🙂
February 2, 2019 at 1:37 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
Thank you, Julie, for sharing your story. I am looking forward to checking out your book and mining for some more ideas to get to the gems like you did!
February 2, 2019 at 3:33 am
Stephanie Lau
Lean into your silly! That’s what I’m trying to do this year!
February 2, 2019 at 10:29 am
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to “[allow] yourself to be silly.” Thank you.
February 2, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Becca Fleishman
Inspiration at its best! Miss hearing my grandparents with their Yiddish sayings… ❤️
February 2, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Catherine Friess
I love hearing stories about how authors got published. Thank you for sharing yours, Julie and thank you for the very generous giveaway :o)
February 2, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
100% THIS! This community rocks! Thanks Julie!!
February 3, 2019 at 12:02 am
denitajohnson
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
February 3, 2019 at 12:24 pm
Bethanny Parker
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
February 3, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Dianne
Thanks for the encouragement to us lurkers!
February 3, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Indeed, Storystorm is about community. I am really looking forward to diving in more and getting more plugged into this wonderful community. Who knows, maybe I can find a critique group as well.
February 3, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Susan Orton
Your post made me smile with glee! I love that Yiddish sayings were your first inspiration. I’m sure your grandpa was connected to some of the silly fun. I’ll be getting your book because I love all things silly. Thank you for being so generous in sharing your writing journey with us.
February 4, 2019 at 9:22 am
McCourt Thomas
Such a fun book!
February 4, 2019 at 1:05 pm
loelmu
I like finding and honoring our true voice. Thank you!
February 4, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Meli Glickman
Oh the fun enjoyment of creativity. Many thanks for sharing!
February 4, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Enjoyed hearing about your inspiration for your book, as well as putting yourself out there!
February 4, 2019 at 9:16 pm
Meghan Burch
Julie, Thanks for sharing your story!
February 5, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Sheri Dillard
Love it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
February 5, 2019 at 11:42 pm
thedandelionzoo
Thanks for sharing your success story!
February 11, 2019 at 5:37 pm
Wendy
Congratulations on your speedy success (this from someone who uses a snail role model) And idea!!
February 17, 2019 at 10:53 pm
Mireya
never heard of storystorm but I love the idea of the animal book and agree with your notion of how you wrote it quickly.
February 25, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Jennifer Wright
Excellent article Julie!
January 27, 2020 at 11:01 am
Dea
Wow do I love that cover!
Thanks for telling us your inspiring story.
I’m revved for the day.
xo Dea