Let’s speed-date Storystorm ideas and take the winners on a date (where you can have fun, put in the time and emotional energy, and see if you’re the perfect match)!
Each of my children gave me a notebook for Christmas (they know me so well!) and this, from my middle child, is now officially my Journal of Misfit Ideas (thanks to Mike Allegra on Day 5)…filling up with lots of Storystorm ideas…
I hope you’re having as much fun coming up with lots of unfiltered ideas as I am-–thanks to so many excellent posts. We’re nearing the end of Storystorm 2019 (can I hear a collective sigh?), so how do we make the most of our ideas? Well here’s something we tried last year with our local SCBWI group here in Birmingham, UK (on a budget hostel weekend retreat just after Storystorm finished). It went down really well and this year, we’re doing it again with a much bigger group. If you’d like to try it, you will need:
[1] Your thirty Storystorm ideas (fewer is fine, but if you have more, stop at thirty, or take literally just a couple of minutes before you start to filter it down to thirty).
[2] Lots of paper-–thirty sheets of A3 (that’s approximately double US letter-sized paper); I used a cheap recycled low grade A3 pad or you can use a roll of wallpaper or the light brown paper that comes free as packaging…
[3] A couple of sheets of A4 (letter-size) paper
[4] A pen (and could use other coloured pens to identify certain ideas if you’re interested in them—and want an excuse to use coloured pens…)
PART 1 (one hour): Speed-dating. Set a two-minute timer and press GO!
Brainstorm idea number one (on a big sheet)–quickly!- until the timer goes off. Start the two-minute timer again—and brainstorm idea number two… and work your way through all thirty in an hour. Be open and ready to be surprised by each of your thirty (idea) speed dates. Two minutes of consideration will often be enough to know whether there’s a spark, or something worth pursuing…
END OF PART 1: Take a break. Laugh with your friends. You might be buzzing or feeling emotionally drained.
PART 2 (one hour): (Not quite but fairly) snap decision time. Aim: to identify your top five and give each potential date some consideration before making your final choices…
Go through your ideas quickly and see which speak to you (or ‘spark joy’, anyone? So when you hold that piece of paper up to your chest it makes you go ‘eeeeeee!’)
Marie Kondo on sparking joy with clothes. Try it with your Storystorm ideas…
Choose five of those and spend about eight minutes on each one writing a short summary or pitch for it.
PART 3: Final hour—if you’re with a group (it’ll take less time with fewer people): Pitch a maximum of five ideas you like in no more than thirty seconds per idea. Have each of your fellow critique partners vote for the two they find most compelling. You may choose to ignore their thoughts but it was really interesting to hear the consensus (or lack of) on people’s preferred ones.
FINISH. With OPTIONAL PART 4: This year, at the end of the session, we will each decide on one to write up as a first draft manuscript for our March critique session, so that we don’t lose momentum (and those who aren’t able to write a draft by then will write a twelve-spread structure).
But what if you’re not in a critique group? I’d heartily advise joining one but you can do it easily on your own (without the vote), or if you have even one fellow Storystormer who you’re in contact with, you could do this whole process over Skype. I have an amazing fellow-Storystormer accountability partner and we Skype once a week and have committed to sending each other a picture book manuscript on the last day of each month for the whole of 2019 (and we hope, beyond) –it’s a great –if slightly terrifying- way of being proactive with your Storystorm ideas (and the many other ideas you will come up with over the course of the year if you continue to use your Storystorm techniques throughout the year. Remember, Storystorm’s for life, not just for January!
Of course, like some relationships, it might be that certain ideas are growers and need time to ferment. Great –just don’t throw your ideas out and you can see if any are slow burners by coming back to your discarded ideas in the future (or see if any of them make their own way back to you…). But treating your ideas professionally and respectfully –and efficiently, by the end of an afternoon or morning, you can have decided on which ones you’re most interested in taking out on a real date and spending some real time and emotional energy getting to know.
As a final note, I’ve never actually done speed-dating with people so apologies if the metaphor is a little off. Perhaps I should try it in the interests of blogging accuracy… I’m sure it would give me some more story ideas, though not, perhaps, for picture books…
Juliet Clare Bell (always called Clare, just to confuse people) is the author of five picture books with more on the way (including a very exciting narrative non-fiction project which she hopes she can talk about soon). She also teaches writing picture books to adults, does professional critiques, writes for the joint blog Picture Book Den, runs creative writing sessions with children and does numerous author visits. She’s been heavily involved with SCBWI British Isles for fourteen years. Visit her at julietclarebell.com and www.picturebookden.blogspot.co.uk.
Clare is giving away a professional picture book critique which includes an optional one-hour skype session to discuss the feedback.
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!
564 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 27, 2019 at 8:04 am
Andrea Mack
This sounds like fun, with or without a critique group! Thanks for the idea.
January 27, 2019 at 8:08 am
Latasha Vernon
Thanks for the awesome technique, Clare! Such a clever way to generate ideas.
January 27, 2019 at 8:10 am
Joy Pitcairn
This suggestion is just what I needed! I have been looking at my list thinking “Where do I start?!’ Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 8:11 am
KATHY Z.PRICE
Fancy notebooks to sponsor ideas–Post-Storystorm retreat with speed ideas-dating AND a StoryStorm picture book manuscript generated at the end of each month— with Storystorm accountability partner –the Storystorm wheels are spinning! Thanks Claire!
January 27, 2019 at 8:11 am
mbhmaine
This sounds like a great way to dig into ideas generated this month and find (hopefully) that spark! Speed dating with ideas–love it! Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 8:12 am
Linda Mitchell
Love it! I use a “quick look” with students in my library. There’s no time for distraction or self-doubt. This will work great with my bunch of silly ideas!
January 27, 2019 at 8:19 am
Yael Levy
Cute!
January 27, 2019 at 8:20 am
Tina Cho
Very interesting idea to do this w/a writing group. Sounds fun!
January 27, 2019 at 8:22 am
pathaap
Love this speed-date idea to pare down our list, and focus on our five top ideas.
January 27, 2019 at 8:27 am
Pamela Harrison
What a great way to take those StoryStorm ideas and run with them! It sounds like great fun.
January 27, 2019 at 8:28 am
thecrowsmap
What a fun idea! It’s like playing The Bachelor (or Bachelorette) with your Storystorm ideas. Juliet, will you accept this rose? (Do you know about that show in the UK?) Anyway, have a wonderful time speed dating with your critique group.
Gail Hartman
January 27, 2019 at 8:29 am
Katherine Thomas
I’m excited to check out your website and blog now! Please enter me for a critique!
January 27, 2019 at 8:33 am
Linda Hofke
interesting post today.
I am ready to focus on my 5 top ideas. In fact, I already started my first draft of one of them.
January 27, 2019 at 8:35 am
Anjali Amit
What a brilliant idea this is. Work in our ivory towers generating story ideas, then get together with other writers for an evening of connection and conviviality.
January 27, 2019 at 8:35 am
rosecappelli
Sounds like. A great wya to keep the momentum going.
January 27, 2019 at 8:43 am
Kristen Tipman
I love this! What a great way to move forward with all those Storystirm ideas!
January 27, 2019 at 8:44 am
Patti Ranson (@pcakeran)
Love the proactive approach – going to run with this one!
January 27, 2019 at 8:50 am
Katja Bertazzo
Great idea!
January 27, 2019 at 8:58 am
Artelle Lenthall
Ha ha, funny but a real great idea/ process.
Thanks Juliet
January 27, 2019 at 8:58 am
Margaret Flint Suter
Now I know why I was compelled to flatten out and re-roll all the packing paper I got this past year…taping it up in my hallway and speed dating ideas!
January 27, 2019 at 9:02 am
Paige Cunningham
This was great!! Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 9:14 am
Kathy Halsey
Clare, what a great detailed plan to end Storystorm with. Make those ideas count and date them, then pick some winners. Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 9:14 am
Andria Rosenbaum
What a great way to sift out ideas that won’t go the distance! Thanks so much for showing us how to keep the momentum of Storystorm going!
January 27, 2019 at 9:15 am
tamaragirardi
I love this idea!!!! Any pittsburgh area writers interested in trying to set one of these up?
January 27, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Carole Lynn Jones
Hi Tamara, not sure if you remember me. We met in 2017 at SINC and also through your #KindWriters. I would like to find out more about what you are thinking re this great idea. Send me a message on Twitter. Thanks Tamara!
January 27, 2019 at 9:18 am
Mindy Baker
I would love to win a critique.
January 27, 2019 at 9:18 am
Della Ross Ferreri
Wow, this is a great method to hone in on ideas! And thanks for offering a critique!
January 27, 2019 at 9:20 am
Helen Lysicatos
This is a fantastic way to review my storystorm ideas. I can’t wait to apply this. Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 9:22 am
Mary Vander Plas
This is a COOL and terrifying exercise! I’m in!
January 27, 2019 at 9:22 am
Jennifer Weisse
This sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for the idea…sounds like a great way to revisit all ideas after Storystorm!
January 27, 2019 at 9:24 am
jodieparachini
I told my husband I was spending the afternoon speed dating. He wasn’t impressed.
Thanks Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 9:25 am
supermario6
This is such a great idea. Thank you for the motivation!
January 27, 2019 at 9:26 am
Amalia Reef
Wow! I love this idea! Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 9:26 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 9:26 am
C.L. Murphy
What a unique and productive approach to flush out your ideas! Thank you, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 9:29 am
lindaschueler
What a great idea! I want to try it!
January 27, 2019 at 9:31 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Clare for posting. This could be a lot of fun to do, will deffinatly try. Congratulations on your books.
January 27, 2019 at 9:33 am
ptnozell
I love the idea of spending 2 minutes per idea brainstorming each idea & then whittling them down to the best 5 or so & developing them further, hopefully with some feedback from critique partners. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 9:36 am
Andrea MacDonald
Such a novel idea, lol. I love this creative and systematic approach to funneling our ideas into something more tangible. Thank you, Clare.
January 27, 2019 at 9:36 am
Mia Geiger
Thank you for sharing this! It’s a great idea.
January 27, 2019 at 9:37 am
michelemeleen
This is such a great idea to take a critique group out of comfort zones! I just matched up with my first ever PB accountability partner and couldn’t be more excited about that too!
January 27, 2019 at 9:37 am
PJ Taub
Thank you for this fabulous idea. I can’t wait to try it.
January 27, 2019 at 9:39 am
Jay
This is a great way to progress Storystorm ideas. Thank you Clare.
January 27, 2019 at 9:46 am
Katie Engen
Such clever proactivity!
January 27, 2019 at 9:47 am
Tracy Hora
Perfect timing as I begin a new class. I will use this method to choose my one! Exciting! Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 9:47 am
Lori Dubbin
What a clever way for meeting and greeting and then culling through our Storystorm ideas to see which ones make a match!
January 27, 2019 at 9:48 am
SuZan Klassen
Love this idea! Reminds me of a workshop where the instructor had us cover a poster with 2 x 3 inch rectangles. Then he timed us as we were to simply sketch in our ideas in each block. Fast and furious. Good way to loosen up and draw without thinking/worrying about the results. Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 9:48 am
Joan Longstaff
I’m in! Speed dating with my Storystorm ideas is DEFINITELY going to happen! Thank you Clare for this prompt. I have been highlighting ideas I’m really excited about as the days have gone by, so hopefully, I’ll have accumulated the 30 to start off with!
January 27, 2019 at 9:49 am
martylgraham
Wow! I feel I’ve just run a marathon of stories with you all!! Uplifted and laughing!
January 27, 2019 at 9:49 am
Jennifer G Prevost
This sounds like so much fun! Thanks for the ideas and motivation!! Here’s to all of us and the last leg of the challenge… 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
January 27, 2019 at 9:50 am
Jennifer Bower
Thanks Juliet. I love that you have a StoryStorm accountability partner. I am going to have to find me one of those!
January 27, 2019 at 9:51 am
Pam Miller
Quick and fun and written in 12 spreads. Worth a try. Thanks so much.
January 27, 2019 at 9:55 am
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
Speed dating our ideas – love it!
January 27, 2019 at 9:56 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
I like your “sparking joy” process.Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 9:59 am
Hank
Great idea Clare. I look forward to doing this. It ties in to an idea of mine to have my critique group of four or five take an extra session for each member to meet for an hour and a half to two hours to work solely on a picture book story that is on its way to being fully completed and ready for submission. It would provide the writer invaluable input and insight into the final draft of their story and the focus would just on their story. Then rotate the next session for another member that is ready to move forward with their story.
January 27, 2019 at 10:01 am
Janie Reinart
Claire, great post! Love the speed dating idea. Going to try it with my critique group.
January 27, 2019 at 10:01 am
sudore14
Great idea. I def need a way to sort out my ideas… will give this a try. 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 10:08 am
CJ Penko
What a fantastic idea! I really love this! Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 10:10 am
Amanda Davis
What a great idea, Juliet! I look forward to discussing it with my CP! Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 10:14 am
Kristin Wauson
Love this exercise and love that you got Marie Kondo in there. I just finished refolding all the clothes in my house 😂
January 27, 2019 at 10:20 am
teacherwriteracker
This would be great to do with my critique group. Wonderful idea for finding focus.
January 27, 2019 at 10:21 am
Tara Hannon
Wow, I couldn’t love this idea more. Thank you’
January 27, 2019 at 10:24 am
Sherry Howard
This sounds like a fun idea! Never done anything like it, Clare, so thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 10:27 am
Debbi G
Thanks for this fun and helpful idea!
January 27, 2019 at 10:28 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
What a great idea, Juliet! Thanks for a fun way to choose which “dates” to go on!
January 27, 2019 at 10:28 am
Annie Cronin Romano
This is a wonderful idea! I want to do it! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 27, 2019 at 10:30 am
carol w Munro
What a great idea! I’m going to see what local writer friends are doing Storystorm this year so we can do this together.
January 27, 2019 at 10:34 am
taracreel
I looove this idea! My critique group is going to set this up! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 10:37 am
June Sengpiehl
This is a marvelous post showing us how to implement and develop our
ideas. Thanks for sharing this creative approach.
January 27, 2019 at 10:37 am
James Arthur
Excellent idea!! Very creative and practical. Love it
January 27, 2019 at 10:39 am
DaNeil Olson
Absolutely brilliant ideas! Thank you for your inspiring post.
January 27, 2019 at 10:45 am
nicolesalterbraun
I am definitely going to try this! Thanks, for a great post!
January 27, 2019 at 10:45 am
Alice Carty Fulgione
Great idea for us to have one PB manuscript ready for our March critique groups! Thanks! I also agree with you about allowing some of our ideas to ferment for a while. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 10:45 am
Tempy
What a brilliant way to sort through the stack of ideas at the end of the month. Or to sort through notebooks of old ideas. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 10:55 am
Joanna Rowland
Sounds like a fun idea.
January 27, 2019 at 10:57 am
Julie Mondi
Great ideas here! Thank you so much!!!
January 27, 2019 at 10:59 am
moviemommie
Lovely metaphors and a great set of steps! Plus the give away is the perfect continuation of your post on speed dating your ideas!
January 27, 2019 at 11:00 am
Carolyn Lucas
The heavens have opened, the birds are singing with this Four Part Post-Storystorm story process. Love it! Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 11:00 am
beckylevine
This could be fun!
January 27, 2019 at 11:02 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
CLARE: FINALLY, a speed dating idea that will ACTUALLY produce WONDERFUL results!!! 🙂 I’m SO EXCITED!!! THANK YOU for the inspiration from “across The Pond.”
January 27, 2019 at 11:02 am
Ashley Congdon
I was just thinking the other day, what do I do with these ideas. Do I let them sit until I’m ready to explore them more? Thanks for the idea. Good way to get through the fast. Have to try it out.
January 27, 2019 at 11:07 am
Lynne Marie
Critiques are like crack for me. Can’t. Get. Enough. ‘Nuff said. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
January 27, 2019 at 11:09 am
jheitman22
What a great idea! I am so doing this! Thanks, Juliet!
January 27, 2019 at 11:11 am
Amy Houts
What a fun idea! And I like relating the “sparking joy” judgement applied to writing. Thanks for your critique offer. How generous!
January 27, 2019 at 11:18 am
rachelnrosenthal
Clare, this is a fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 11:18 am
Juliana Lee
Hi Clare. Thanks so much for this idea. I have to say, this is a completely new, unique process for me. This evolution of ideas is genius! I’m so excited to try speed dating my ideas and finding the ones worth pursuing.
January 27, 2019 at 11:19 am
celticsea
Here’s to hoping some of my ideas do spark joy! I don’t think I have any clothing items that do!!
January 27, 2019 at 11:24 am
Dea Brayden
Thanks Clare! Looking forward to giving this a go!
January 27, 2019 at 11:27 am
Aimee
Thanks for this brilliant and fun breakdown of what we could do with our ideas. I love that you have formed a post challenge retreat where you can really flush out the ideas you want to pursue:) great blog post. Thank you
January 27, 2019 at 11:29 am
Varda Livney
Great idea. Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 11:29 am
David McMullin
Sounds like a great group and a fantastic process. Thanks for sharing, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 11:29 am
Barbara Farr Renner
This is a great suggestion for a wrap up of our ideas and motivate our story writing. Is there anyone in the Phoenix, AZ area who wants to get together and “Speed Date”?
January 27, 2019 at 11:31 am
Louann Brown
What a great idea! I can’t wait for the next snow/ice/below zero day to dig in!
January 27, 2019 at 11:33 am
thelmakat
Wow! This is such a great technique and I love how you used speed dating your our ideas to see which ones for now that you would want to take out on a second date and see where the relationship takes you!!
January 27, 2019 at 11:35 am
Deb Sullivan
What a cool idea! Great way to figure out what ideas really stick – thanks for passing along!
January 27, 2019 at 11:40 am
nrompella
OMG. Favorite. Post. Ever. I am going to wrangle up some locals to do this with. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 11:44 am
Nancy Riley
What a fantastic idea! I wonder if we could try this at a SCBWI chapter meeting? Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 11:49 am
Andrew Lefebvre
I love this idea as a way of figuring out which ideas to focus on.
January 27, 2019 at 11:50 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Clare, for sharing your idea that gives our ideas a chance to grow beyond the initial stage.
January 27, 2019 at 11:53 am
Tracey Brown
I LOVE this idea! This focused process sounds rewarding and fun
January 27, 2019 at 11:53 am
Ink Bottle Studio
Ooooh! I think this is my favorite piece of advice of all the Storystorm posts this year! I’ve been waffling around here with this pile of ideas and voila! A great way to at least start ferreting out the ones that have merit. Thank you!!
January 27, 2019 at 11:54 am
writeremmcbride
Wow! Clare, you have quite a plan! Developing something workable certainly requires devotion and energy, so the idea needs to excite you from the beginning. Writing is work, but it is also great fun when you are working on something you love! I like your method of sorting all of that out! Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 11:54 am
Claire W Bobrow
This post was so full of good ideas I don’t where to start! Haha – just kidding, you gave us an excellent blueprint for exactly what to do. Brilliant! Thank you, Clare, for a fantastic post. And btw – love your name. I’m Claire, and my daughter is Juliette 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 11:57 am
Laura Rackham
I LOVE this idea! What a whole new way to get the ideas flowing
January 27, 2019 at 11:58 am
Lynn Alpert
This is a great idea1 Thanks for sharing Claire!
January 27, 2019 at 11:58 am
Writer on the run
I am hoping my wonderful critique partners, Patti and Jennifer, see this and are game to try your idea, Clare! Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 12:02 pm
kristenrashid
Love this idea! Just reached out to my CP to see if we can find a time to do this in February!
January 27, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love your speed date idea. Thanks for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 12:03 pm
polly renner
Thanks, Clare! Super funny idea about speed dating my ideas:>
January 27, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Every year during Storystorm, I at some point get stuck and decide to go back to previous year’s journals to see what ideas I might be able to flesh out, build on, resurrect. And I’m always surprised by the ones I’ve completely forgotten. I tend to latch on to 1-2 good ones to work on and just let my brain abandon the ret. So thank you for this helpful reminder to revisit ideas and take them seriously.
January 27, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Mardi Edwards
Great way to generate more ideas on speed dating/ writing.
January 27, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Lori Alexander
Cool idea! I don’t think I’d want to date the majority of my ideas but hoping for just one gem in the group. 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you ,Clare. My ideas won’t die on the paper if I can do this. You made me laugh about the speed dating. Do try it and let us see what happens in your blog!
January 27, 2019 at 12:10 pm
authoraileenstewart
Interesting idea.
January 27, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Debra Daugherty
Clare, your speed dating writing technique is unique and sounds like fun. I’ll have to try this! Thanks for posting!
January 27, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Rinda Beach
I love, Love, LOVE this idea! My ideas from last year are in the same computer file. Now…to get dating!
January 27, 2019 at 12:27 pm
karinlarson
Such a great idea and post! Thanks so much.
January 27, 2019 at 12:27 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
What a great, practical way to put our ideas to good use. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Speed day ideas is brilliant!
January 27, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Susan Twiggs
Clare,
A good next step. I already typed up an idea for January. Anyone know of a cumulative book to read as a mentor text to recommend?
January 27, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Carolyne Ruck
Wow! We’ve never thought about a group follow up to Story Storm. Do like the speed dating format — although I was exhausted just reading about it! Thanks for the idea.
January 27, 2019 at 12:35 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
This is a great way to process all of the new ideas. Thank you!!
January 27, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Lisa Billa
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Debra K Shumaker
Definitely sounds like a fun thing to do at our next critique group. Thanks for a great post!!!!!
January 27, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Therese Kay
Speed-dating my ideas! This can apply to all kinds of things! Thank you for the inspiration!!
January 27, 2019 at 12:50 pm
Robin Robb-Kraus
Thank you for another writing resource idea! I look forward to giving it a go at the completion of the challenge! Would love to win the session!
Thank you for your participation and encouragement Clare!🌴🌻
January 27, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Love this idea, Clare! Such a fun and productive way to sort through ideas. No doubt would be a great use of time with critique partners. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 27, 2019 at 12:54 pm
rrmalin
Interesting way to winnow 30+ ideas down to the one that flows onto the page. Now to implement it with other Storystormers.
January 27, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Marie Sanderson
Thanks, Clare, for the fun idea. I am so far behind on my ideas that I’m not sure I’ll be ready to “speed date” but maybe…
January 27, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Sue Heavenrich
awesome idea! and it sounds like fun… plus markers and a timer! Going to definitely try this.
January 27, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Shirley
Good way to sort through your ideas and to pick one that grabs you. Thanks for the post.
January 27, 2019 at 12:59 pm
dlapmandi
Truly loved this idea of cultivating each idea for it’s merit. Almost like you are preparing the seeds to grow.
January 27, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Angie
What a great idea – thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Carole Lynn Jones
Clare,
I love this speed dating idea to spend time with your ideas and hopefully meet your match. Thank you for the great motivation.
January 27, 2019 at 1:01 pm
Paula Puckett
These suggestions will be great as I weed through these snippets of ideas I’ve collected. Practical and creative ways for implementation. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 1:01 pm
rimna
What a great and fun idea – thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Jen Bagan
Great post, Clare! Will have to try this speed dating method!
January 27, 2019 at 1:03 pm
wyszguy
What an awesome idea! Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 1:03 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
A practical list of what to do next after StoryStorm? Thank you so much! My friends have been asking what’s next and until now I didn’t have an answer.
January 27, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Although I’m not as organized as Clare with regards to her speed-dating, I do plan to interview each of my ideas and see which one is best suited to grow into a manuscript. Thanks for sharing this!
January 27, 2019 at 1:05 pm
lizricewrites
OOOHhh Can’t wait to try this!
January 27, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for the great post, Clare. I will bring up this idea to my critique group. We are all participating in Storystorm!
January 27, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Jane Serpa
Lots of fun ideas. Thank you for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Johnell DeWitt
This is brilliant! Thank you for this tip. I can totally see myself doing something like this.
January 27, 2019 at 1:12 pm
jenabenton
I love this idea. It will save time in the ling run I think!
January 27, 2019 at 1:13 pm
8catpaws
Speed-dating ideas
No time to obsess
Put pen to paper
Let words flow–no stress!
January 27, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Maria Bostian
Oh Clare, what a great idea. I sure wish I was part of your group. Since I’m not, I am going to see if I can gather some Storystormers/SCBWI members/12×12ers and get together for a fun afternoon like this I seem to do better surrounded by other creatives. Thanks so much!
January 27, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Kay Phillips
I like your idea. You have illuminated a place where I get stuck in the mud. I stop letting my ideas flow and start critiquing instead of running with the idea. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Caren Cantrell
What a great exercise. Quickly whittles the ideas down to those that are viable. I’m sure I’ll be surprised at which jump out to others as the best.
January 27, 2019 at 1:19 pm
matthewlasley
I love this idea! StoryStorm ideas that really catch me, I typically do a little writing, but this would be sure to give all “dates” an equal chance!
January 27, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Mary Jane
Clare – Thank you for this idea. I am off to look for joy from my list of story ideas.
January 27, 2019 at 1:22 pm
Sarah Skolfield
what a great process! thank you for sharing…and I love that clare is spelled without an “i”
January 27, 2019 at 1:25 pm
topangamaria
BEST Quote “Story Storm is for LIFE, not just January”
January 27, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Such a great idea, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Nancy Nesbitt
Great idea! Like the sparking joy analogy. And your sparkly notebook!
January 27, 2019 at 1:37 pm
Amy O'Hanlon
This seems like a great way to get out of your head a bit, break up that circular thinking. I bet this helps discover new directions and nuances for your story ideas as well!
January 27, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Sandy Perlic
What a unique way to vet your Storystorm ideas! I love this idea so much. Thanks, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
I am excited to hear your idea!
January 27, 2019 at 1:43 pm
geobonni
Super great challenge, Clare. Nothing like having to show up with and for our ideas for one grand event before going off to our desks and computers to be alone with our words and imagination. I hope I win your critique.
January 27, 2019 at 1:47 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Finding the ideas that lift us up–spark joy. I like that way of thinking about how to take our StoryStorm ideas to the next phase. Thanks, Clare.
January 27, 2019 at 1:48 pm
debbiemccue
I love this idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 27, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Clare, this sounds like so much fun! Thanks for the idea.
January 27, 2019 at 1:50 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
What a great idea! I’ve only done speed-dating once and hated it, but I’m loving the idea of speed-dating with story ideas! I hope to try that out this coming week. Thanks for the tip!
January 27, 2019 at 1:52 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for the bridge of moving the ideas into possible stories
January 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
karammitchell
Clare, this is a great idea! I’ve been super picky about which ideas I’ve counted this year. I’m going to go back and look at the slush pile and speed date! Thanks, lady.
January 27, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Jessica Kulekjian
Thank you for all these ideas! I love that you and your cps skype at the end of each month for an “in-person” critque session. I’m going to suggest my group does this.
January 27, 2019 at 2:04 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Wow! I absolutely love this! I’ll definitely be doing this with my crit group. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt)
What a fabulous idea! If I can’t find a partner or group locally to do this with I’m going to do it by myself. Brilliant! Many thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea! I am hoping to try it with my students! Maybe I will join in!
January 27, 2019 at 2:11 pm
Sara A
What a great idea! And my six year old has the very same notebook, and it is one of her most favorite things 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 2:14 pm
MONICA HARRIS
How fun! I’ll have to try this….as soon as I shovel out all the snow. Brrr!
January 27, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Deb Bartsch
Wow this sounds like ‘ fast and furious’ for our list ! Yes, our critique group should give it a go!
Thanks for the idea!
January 27, 2019 at 2:19 pm
annjex
I think the best part of your analogy was the reminder that a couple of minutes is usually enough to recognize if there is a spark. Great comparison and seems like a very useful method to flesh out ideas in order to then narrow focus. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Rebecca Colby
Can’t wait to go speed dating with my list of ideas next week! I have my timer at the ready. What a great idea! Thanks for this, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
We did speed dating at VCFA when we were getting to know that faculty. I love the idea of speed dating my ideas, even though I’ve already done an abridged version. Gonna ask my group to try it
January 27, 2019 at 2:43 pm
chardixon47
Clever idea to get those creative thoughts flowing! Thank you, Juliet, for the tips to start the process 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 2:53 pm
Carole Calladine
Thanks for sharing this fun idea, Clare. This is a great activity for any picture book critique group.
January 27, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Love it!!!! I’m going to to do it!!!!
January 27, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Stephanie Williams
What a pretty notebook!
January 27, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Sara Matson
What a great idea. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Rena Traxel
What a fantastic idea!!!!! I’m so going to see if my CPs want to do this! Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Gabi Snyder
Oh, I love this idea! I’m going to try to enlist one of my critique groups to give this a go with me. Thank you, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 3:07 pm
seschipper
As usual, another fantastic post which is quite unusual!!! Love the idea of “speed dating story storm Ideas!! Thanks! (Looking for a critique partner or group to join!) 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Arlene Schenker
This idea sounds fantastic. I was going to review all my storystorm ideas in a haphazard, non-constructive way, but this sounds so much more productive. Thank you, Juliet.
January 27, 2019 at 3:16 pm
Aurora K
Fun idea and gives each a fair share of time. I particularly like the idea of coming up with a pitch and having CPs looks at it to help the selection process. Thank you for sharing it, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Carolyn Farina
I LOVE this idea! Thanks so much!
January 27, 2019 at 3:21 pm
fireurchin
This is BRILLIANT! Speed dating! Get those questions ready to ask your ideas! Switches the perspective, makes me think immediately of characters and what they might be plotting! Will be sharing this one with my critique group.
bonnie fireUrchin Lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 27, 2019 at 3:23 pm
jaclynsmiller
What a fun metaphor for brainstorming. Speed dating your ideas. Sounds helpful!
January 27, 2019 at 3:23 pm
karengreenwald2985
What a cool idea! I love this…guess I’ll be speed dating!
January 27, 2019 at 3:23 pm
heavenlyhashformoms
Love the idea of speed datig with your ideas!! I will try it!!!
January 27, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Maria Marshall
Claire, what an interesting idea. I love the idea. Thanks for sharing it.
January 27, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Sallye O'Rourke
Yes! Love this idea.
January 27, 2019 at 3:33 pm
susan
Perfect timing for this excellent idea.
January 27, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Cheryl Johnson
I like the idea of quickly going through the ideas for the month!
January 27, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Jennifer Hunt
What an awesome idea: speed date my ideas! I’m definitely doing this and fleshing out an idea so I can get a manuscript by March!
January 27, 2019 at 3:50 pm
Rani Iyer
Lovely idea to self-pitch and clean up before sharing the gems with the world. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 3:50 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for sharing a great process. Sometimes someone else telling us what to do step by step clears the way for actually getting somewhere, instead of mucking around in what do I do now territory. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 3:51 pm
Jane Baskwill
What fun. Thanks for this “process” for whittling down that plethora of StoryStorm ideas. Can’t wait to give it a try.
January 27, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Joann Howeth
What a great idea! I’m excited just thinking about the possibilities that may surface – there’s something very powerful in the exercise of a quick emotional reaction – very telling – both with speed dating (I would assume never having done it myself) and with story birthing. Thanks for sharing! I wish I could be a part of your critique group.
January 27, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Li’vee Rehfield
Oh Juliet thank you I am excited to start…♥️
January 27, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Roxanne Troup
Ha! This is a great “next step” for all those ideas. Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 3:57 pm
tanyakonerman
I’m so excited about trying Part 1 this week: what a great way to get to know my ideas better to see if we’re a good match!
January 27, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Jessica Potts
Great idea!
January 27, 2019 at 4:12 pm
heatherbell37
I LOVE this idea! There are definitely some ideas that will have more of a “spark” than others. I’m ready to see if I can find my match(s).
January 27, 2019 at 4:17 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
This sounds like a great plan. I used to be in a face to face critique group, but it disbanded. But, with Skype and face time, there’s no excuse not to try to get with some other authors.
January 27, 2019 at 4:17 pm
Cathy Ogren
Clare, that sounds like a great idea to jump-start a story idea. Thank you for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Sandy Foster
I love this idea. . .now if I can talk my group into participating!! Thank you for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 4:20 pm
kiwijenny
I’ve been married for 37 years so any kind of dating is awesome. Speed dating a storystorm idea is so cool. Makes me wonder what the wedding would look like. Lol
January 27, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Marie Powell
Amazing idea! I’m lucky enough to be in a group that wants to try this, but kudos to those doing it alone too. Excited by the possibilities! Best of luck, everyone!
January 27, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Judy Pressler
Sounds like a fun and helpful idea! Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Such a GREAT idea!!! I am going to bring this up with my critique group!
January 27, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Susan Macartney
Like the snazzy journal and this fun take on selecting and working on our storystorm ideas – thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 4:41 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I was never one to be interested in speed dating, but THIS KIND I could go for!!
Great post!
January 27, 2019 at 4:43 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Great suggestion for providing post-Storystorm structure to cull through the ideas. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post about taking ideas further to see if they have what it takes to be a PB.
January 27, 2019 at 4:53 pm
Sarah Tobias
What a great idea. I am going to share this with my critique group. I am going to take some time and work on it by myself if they don’t want to do it.
January 27, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Janice Woods
Love this! Super productive and fun!
January 27, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Jessica Dunnagan
This is such a great way to get some of these Storystorm ideas into actual stories. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 5:07 pm
Kellie
I’ve been terrified that all the effort I’ve put into generating ideas this month would be for nothing as I’d lose momentum and they’d just sit there. This is such a great way to connect, get some feedback and get moving with those ideas. Absolutely fantastic – thank you so much!
January 27, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Love the challenge!
January 27, 2019 at 5:13 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
OMG I love this idea!!! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Angie
Excellent idea to see which ideas really could be turned into manuscripts! Thank you for the wonderful technique!
January 27, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Helen Matthews
Thanks, Clare. If ever there was a good reason to join SCBWI!
January 27, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Jodi Mckay
Love this idea and will definitely bring it to my critique group!
January 27, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Sue Frye
What a great idea!
January 27, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Amy Harding
I ABSOLUTELY love this idea! What a quick and efficient way to do something with all these ideas and create some momentum!
January 27, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Heather Gallagher
Love the accountability suggestions in this post. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 5:27 pm
marsha e wright
This Storystorm is spot-on for us “newbies”! I’ve been creating an index card for each Storystorm Post: summary, name of “poster,” and story ideas. I’ve since looked at my rubber banded collection and wondered what happens when I reach January 31. You’ve given me a valuable accountability idea for my brainstorming. My small, but talented, Critique Group will benefit from your wisdom, too. Thank you SO MUCHO, Clare! (My husband and family go by their middle names, too. And, yes, what confusion! Might be my next PB.)
January 27, 2019 at 5:34 pm
sherilyncook
Great post and great tips!!! Thanks so much Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Tanya Shock
I love the idea! Thanks for sharing. 😊
January 27, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Johanna Speizer
I really enjoyed this post and plan on speed dating my ideas very soon. I have already reached 31!
January 27, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Erik Ammon
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to have to head to a coffee shop and give it a whirl!
January 27, 2019 at 5:45 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Thanks for the great idea & for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Cheryl Malandrinos
I am totally in love with this idea. It’s definitely going to be used. Thanks for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Mmmm–I’d love a critique! Thank you for posting!
January 27, 2019 at 5:57 pm
Sheri Radovich
I’ve been doing Storystorm/PiBoIdMo for more than 5 years and some years the ideas were awful and unusable. I hope this year to find some gems.
January 27, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Mary Ann Cortez
Sounds like fun. It’s a date!
January 27, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Emily Bertholf
Sounds intense and interesting! Thanks for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Mary Warth
Super idea! I’m thinking of a modified version where my critique group members do parts 1 and 2 on their own and then parts 3 and 4 at our meeting. Thanks!!
January 27, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Danielle Dufayet
Thanks for encouraging post! I’m going to give it a go.
January 27, 2019 at 6:23 pm
Nancy Colle
Love the journal,(and the nifty line drawing:) Can’t wait to speed date through my mound of #storystorm ideas. Thank you so much!
January 27, 2019 at 6:29 pm
Angela H. Dale
Great exercises for evaluating potential and committing to progress. Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for the idea. It’s a great way to narrow down the list of potential projects. I’ll try it!
January 27, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Great post! Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Heather Stigall
This is a great idea! I’m going to ask my critique group if they’d like to try it!
January 27, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
I love this idea and will have to try it! Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 6:42 pm
Joyce
Great idea! Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Kaye Baillie
I love the sound of this. Can’t wait to put my ideas through the process.
January 27, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
What an awesome way to wrap up Story Storm! Especially if done with friends!
January 27, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Shel ledrew
Thank you
January 27, 2019 at 6:57 pm
Harshita
Hello Clare, I loved, loved your idea of brainstorming with the critique partners. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 6:58 pm
joyceschr
This process is very helpful…and sounds like fun. It’s nice to have practical ideas at this point. I look forward to speed dating next week! Thanks… ❤
January 27, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Joan Swanson
Thanks for your great advise!
January 27, 2019 at 7:01 pm
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Thank you, Clare! I love your speed dating look at each of the thirty ideas when searching for which ones have the most promise before writing that first draft. I also like the idea of those who can’t write a draft in time for the next meeting, can do a 12 spread structure instead. It sounds like the perfect way to be both productive and held accountable. Happy speed dating after Storystorm!
January 27, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
OOH! I want to try this! Great idea!
January 27, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Le Anne Brown
Collaboration with wine might be quite productive. Good ideas.
January 27, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Bettie Boswell
This sounds like a good way to make yourself sipped through ideas and come out with some winners. Thanks for a great idea.
January 27, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Great way to process your list!
January 27, 2019 at 7:16 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to “brainstorm idea[s] … and work your way through all thirty in an hour.” Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Deb McGarvey
I love this speed dating idea, especially part 1, using the big paper and doing a more visual activity to get the ideas in front of you. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Darcee A Freier
I like the idea of giving each Storystorm idea a chance, and the idea that Storystorm is not just for January. I keep adding to my idea list all year long.
January 27, 2019 at 7:41 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thanks for your post!
January 27, 2019 at 7:45 pm
bgonsarBrian
That post-Storystorm retreat idea is genius!
January 27, 2019 at 7:46 pm
andreesantini
Thank you for this, I love the idea of the 2 minute speed dating.
January 27, 2019 at 7:49 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
You should definitely try speed dating. One of my friends did it and didn’t fine love, but made a great friend. Ya never know….
January 27, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Love this idea! And plan to try it.
January 27, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Jud Ward
This looks to be a lot more fun than speed dating. Thanks for the idea.
January 27, 2019 at 7:58 pm
Laurie Bouck
I love this idea!! The two minutes really forces you to think fast without much consideration whether or not it’s a good or not so good at this point. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Melissa Mwai
Great idea. I’m definitely holding off until the end of the month to go back through the list!
January 27, 2019 at 8:16 pm
mariaordish
Thanks for the post, Juliet! Love the idea!
January 27, 2019 at 8:21 pm
SARAH Meade
Good idea! Thanks for the post.
January 27, 2019 at 8:22 pm
heidikyates
This is a wonderful idea! Thank you Juliet!
January 27, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Barb Ostapina
Eeeeeee! What a joy sparking idea, Juliet! Thank you.
January 27, 2019 at 8:36 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
I love the idea of “speed dating” my story ideas! Sounds like fun.
January 27, 2019 at 8:47 pm
Kimberly Marcus
What a great idea that also sounds like a lot of fun. Thank you!!
January 27, 2019 at 8:52 pm
susanzonca
Extraordinary idea, Clare! It has a game show feel about it.
January 27, 2019 at 8:55 pm
Carmen White
This sounds super useful! I won’t be able to do it until Tuesday, but I can’t wait!
January 27, 2019 at 9:01 pm
colleenrkosinski
I have a couple ideas sparking joy!
January 27, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Jill
I love this idea, thanks! I am going to “propose” this to my critique group as a way to infuse fun and energy in an upcoming meeting!
January 27, 2019 at 9:05 pm
Rebecca Forester
Thanks for this, Juliet! (Clare ~ I just wanted to type Juliet. 😀 ) I really love this idea – every aspect of it. I wish I was in the UK so I could take part but even if I can’t find any fellow StoryStormers, I’ll be doing this on my own! (especially with the few ideas already sparking joy!)
January 27, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Brooke Hollon
Juliet,
I love the idea of speed dating my picture book ideas from this month of Story Storm. Such a clever idea! Thank you for sharing this fun process.
January 27, 2019 at 9:24 pm
Vicki Wilke
Wow, Clare! What a great way to keep accountable!
January 27, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Great idea for continuing the creative process.
January 27, 2019 at 9:55 pm
Michele Helsel
I absolutely love this idea. I’m going to send this to my PB critique group! Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 9:59 pm
Lucy Staugler
Clare, love, love, love your speed dating ideas for stories!! I can’t wait to try these with my critique group! Genius!
Thank-you!
January 27, 2019 at 10:10 pm
marty bellis
I like this way of sorting out our ideas and making us accountable for moving forward on them. Great idea!!
January 27, 2019 at 10:13 pm
J.D. Silverwood (@jdsilverwood)
What a great idea to organize and launch ideas! 🙂
January 27, 2019 at 10:15 pm
betlw
Hi Clare, I love your idea, but our critique group is too small for this. However, maybe one or two members would consider doing it with me. I’ll have to ask. Thanks for a terrific idea!
January 27, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Megan Cason
Such a fun idea!! I can’t wait to give it a shot!
January 27, 2019 at 10:24 pm
ingridboydston
What a ball! For the great idea! I guess this should probably be done without wine… 🤣
January 27, 2019 at 10:25 pm
Susan Johnston
Great ideas! My CP and I will put these tips to good use.
January 27, 2019 at 10:34 pm
Nadine Poper
I could easily do Part 1 by myself! And Part 2 probably. Thanks for the idea on what to do will my 30 ideas!!
January 27, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
LOVE the handmade (and very sparkly) journal for misfit ideas and the great structure for reviewing and working on storystorm ideas! Thanks!!
January 27, 2019 at 10:41 pm
denarose
Thank you so much!! I love the idea of setting a timer and brainstorming for two minutes on each of the 30 storystorm ideas, and using that brainstorming to winnow down to the top five. I’m already planning to do that timed brainstorming on February 1. Thank you!! (I may find my Storystorm ideas from years past and go through them again, too!)
January 27, 2019 at 10:43 pm
Chelle Martin
Wonderful idea! It’s definitely a new way to go through all of the ideas brainstormed so far to see which ones have the most potential or, as you say, spark joy. Looking forward to trying it with my SCBWI critique group.
January 27, 2019 at 10:43 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!!
January 27, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Cinzia V.
Fabulous post! I love having a plan for all these ideas. Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 10:46 pm
aturner513
Deciding what to spend time on has always been a struggle for me. I love this idea for finding what project really is wanting my full attention.
January 27, 2019 at 10:58 pm
Cassie Bentley
What a creative adaptation of speed dating and cleaning out your closet the Kondo way. This really helps prioritize ideas.
January 27, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Lucretia
Thanks for sharing the speed dating approach to evaluating Storystorm ideas in such an efficient and productive manner! I’m definitely going to use it. Thank you for a fabulous post, Clare!
January 27, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Steve Schwartz
Great ideas! Thanks for your insights!
January 27, 2019 at 11:06 pm
mhklump
This is a great idea — it is helpful to have a path forward for all of those ideas! Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Sara Fajardo
Love this idea. Definitely going to give it a try.
January 27, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Gregory E Bray
Great post. Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 11:38 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you so much for sharing a plan to evaluate all these ideas! I know that for myself, an idea has to truly jump off the page and say, “write about me!” I will definitely try your approach.
January 27, 2019 at 11:43 pm
creationsbymit
What a great (& FUN!) idea for post-Storystorm!!! Thank you!
Michele Katz Grieder
January 27, 2019 at 11:57 pm
Janet Smart
thanks for sharing!
January 28, 2019 at 12:15 am
leeanimator
Thanks so much for the ideas! This will be a great help!
January 28, 2019 at 12:16 am
Katie Williams
I want to do this! Thanks so much for the idea!
January 28, 2019 at 12:28 am
Garnett Natasha
Budget hostel retreat sounds awesome! For those of us not on a getaway, giving 2 mins to brainstorm each of the 30 ideas is an excellent way to begin the post Storystorm work. I need to rustle up some paper…
January 28, 2019 at 12:34 am
claireannette1
Our critique group has a retreat each year and now I know what we’ll be doing! Thanks for the great suggestions
January 28, 2019 at 12:42 am
Hillary Homzie
Writing under a deadline of any kind is always helpful. Brainstorming like this with your critique group just sounds like a winning concept! Thanks for sharing!
January 28, 2019 at 12:44 am
suzannepoulterharris
This is a fantastic idea! What a great way to get those creative juices flowing.
January 28, 2019 at 12:47 am
authorlaurablog
This is a great idea! Can’t wait to try it.
January 28, 2019 at 12:50 am
writersideup
Juliet, I LOVE the idea of SPEED “dating” the ideas. It’s an excellent way to narrow things down and get moving on an idea or two to fruition 😀
January 28, 2019 at 12:59 am
Megan Whitaker
What a fantastic idea! It would really make you get to the heart of the idea in just minutes-whether that’s what the story is ultimately about doesn’t really matter-but you might just go back to those first few moments of your relationship with the idea. Nice!
January 28, 2019 at 1:03 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
Thanks for sharing your strategy and offering such a generous prize.
January 28, 2019 at 1:14 am
Helen Taylor
Love this idea to keep the momentum going!
January 28, 2019 at 1:15 am
Alison Marcotte
Thank you for your post! This is a great way to take vague ideas/concepts and put them into less daunting, tangible stories. And I love the idea of an accountability partner!
January 28, 2019 at 2:40 am
sharongiltrow
I love this idea, can’t wait to use it :-).
January 28, 2019 at 2:47 am
Jennifer
How fun! I’ve already started brainstorming on some of the daily ideas, but giving each one a full two minutes while writing what comes to me is such a great way to invite inspiration. I can’t wait to see what is revealed!
January 28, 2019 at 2:51 am
Rebekah Lowell
Fun idea! I like it! I have several little Storystorm notebooks for years past and it’s fun to peruse them sometimes. I’ll be making some of my ideas into 12×12 drafts this year so I’ll keep your process in mind!
January 28, 2019 at 2:59 am
catpledger
Wonderful ideas! Looking forward to putting this into action
January 28, 2019 at 3:15 am
Marcia Berneger
What a fun idea. Thanks!!
January 28, 2019 at 3:51 am
Terri Sabol
Genius! Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 4:04 am
ecmoran
Wow–fabulous idea. Gonna try it :). Thanks so much!
January 28, 2019 at 5:31 am
Addy Farmer
Brilliant! I’m looking forward to speed dating ideas with you soon!
January 28, 2019 at 6:17 am
Freda Lewkowicz
I love this idea. Thank you.
January 28, 2019 at 7:56 am
melissamiles1
This is great! I love my critique group, and will pitch this idea!
January 28, 2019 at 8:11 am
authoryvonafast
Thanks for helping to get those creative juices flowing! I’m in a couple online critique groups. Because I live in such a remote area, only one or two have shown up at my SCBWI group meetings… there are more on the email list but everyone’s too busy to come, i guess.
January 28, 2019 at 8:14 am
Lisa L Furness
We’ll have to try this idea with our small in-person critique group next time we meet! I also like the idea of skype to connect with online CP’s. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 28, 2019 at 8:21 am
Jane Dippold
Thanks for this great post on organizing ideas into a workflow which is super helpful! And sounds like fun! 😊
January 28, 2019 at 8:22 am
Debbie Day (@debbiedayauthor)
This exercise seems like it would be really effective. I’d love to do this with my critique group! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 28, 2019 at 8:36 am
Myrna Foster
What a fun post! Thank you!
January 28, 2019 at 9:00 am
sarahheturadny
I wholeheartedly agree with SPARKING JOY. I just got back from a writing retreat (that’s why this post is a day late), where I hesitated about sharing my PB idea as it was WILDLY different in writing style than anything I’ve ever written and I was afraid….but I shouldn’t have been, because anything that causes that spark of joy is worth writing, period. 🙂
January 28, 2019 at 9:24 am
Zoraida Rivera
Very interesting! Will try alone, but wish you a great time of brainstorming, sharing and writing. May you find flow!
January 28, 2019 at 9:27 am
Liz Steinglass
Wow. What a great idea. Thank you for sharing it.
January 28, 2019 at 9:40 am
Nicole Strangman
Great advice for figuring out which ideas have the strongest footing
January 28, 2019 at 10:05 am
MD Knabb
This is fabulous, Clare. What a great way to screen your ideas. Thanks for sharing this.
January 28, 2019 at 10:12 am
CindyC
Thank you!! My critique has already agreed to do this in February.
January 28, 2019 at 10:16 am
laura516
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 28, 2019 at 10:25 am
Heidi LaGrasta
Ahh this is my favorite idea of storystorm so far. I think pitching story concepts to my cps will keep my ideas better defined so they don’t get all blobby shaped
January 28, 2019 at 10:29 am
alisongoldberg
Love this! Thank you.
January 28, 2019 at 10:30 am
Barbara Senenman
I like this idea of speed-dating. Better than my Evelyn Woods speed reading where I probably skipped some ideas that were worth spending more time on.
January 28, 2019 at 10:36 am
Daryl Gottier
What a wonderful way to keep the creative juices flowing after Storystorm. Thanks for the suggestions and I’m going to give it a try this year.
January 28, 2019 at 10:38 am
kateperidot
This is fun. I also let ideas ferment until well brewed enough to write.
January 28, 2019 at 10:39 am
nataliecohn0258
I finished my thirty ideas! I do not have a Critique group yet but hoping to find one soon through 12×12. I will go over them and pick the top five. Hopefully I will be able to write a whole manuscript out of one idea. Thank you for the idea.
January 28, 2019 at 10:58 am
Francoise
What a fun, original idea. I haven’t speed dated my ideas yet, but I have been quietly attentive to see which ones keep tapping me on the shoulder saying, ‘Me! Me!’ Thanks Clare!
January 28, 2019 at 11:00 am
Beth Gallagher
Love this! Each week I go through my idea book and pick 3 ideas that strike me right then. Then I outline those further and reread. What really creates that creative spark, I put into my WIP notebook and work on them daily.
January 28, 2019 at 11:05 am
hmmmmm
FANTASTIC Juliet. Truly! (Although it is a little eerie how many times Ms. Kondo’s name has come up in the past 48 hours in my life. I probably should take it as a sign…)
January 28, 2019 at 11:06 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Hi Clare! This reminds me of the activity we did with our critique group a few years ago…remember? Where we assessed several ideas…I think five.
Only this is way more involved. And I love this idea! I wish I lived closer.
xo
January 28, 2019 at 11:11 am
Robyn Campbell
I couldn’t stop at 30. My brain was whizzing so fast. I had to keep going, and as I read over the ideas, I see some really fun ones.
January 28, 2019 at 11:28 am
Jacqueline Adams
I can’t wait to try this! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 28, 2019 at 11:33 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Great idea! I’m going to share this with my critique group and see it they want to do an idea speed dating session.
January 28, 2019 at 11:39 am
Chambrae Griffith
This sounds fun…and slightly terrifying! I am anxious to try it out. Thanks for sharing!
January 28, 2019 at 11:51 am
Catrine Kyster
You make me feel excited about revisiting the ideas I’ve come up with this month! I like the idea of the 2 minute brainstorm, next book, tool.
January 28, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Jim Chaize
Our critique group is making plans to try this. Thanks, Clare.
January 28, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Angela De Groot
I can’t wait to try this Speed Dating idea. Thanks for sharing. Love that I get to evaluate my ideas using big paper and colored markers.
January 28, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Monica Stoltzfus
Clare-
This is the most fun idea! Love speed dating through the ideas & applying Marie Condo strategies to these same ideas 💡. Which ones bring you joy??? 🥰
January 28, 2019 at 12:26 pm
kcareywrites
I am getting excited to dig into my Storystorm ideas – loved how you made it a group party!
January 28, 2019 at 12:31 pm
cravevsworld
Love your process. Very helpful!
January 28, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Sensibility and Sense
Juliet! What a great activity for a retreat or Shop Talk or as a way to help our best Story Storm ideas float to the top as keepers! Thanks for this! Patti Richards
January 28, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Melissa Stoller
Wow what a fabulous idea! I will be trying it this year!!
January 28, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Amy Newbold
I often struggle to get an idea to a story, and I LOVE the method you have laid out here. This is motivating me to try this with a couple of my fellow PB writers to see if we can develop our best story ideas. Thanks so much for a laying out a plan!
January 28, 2019 at 12:47 pm
K.A.Steed
This is new way to brainstorm. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 12:52 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
What a great process! Thank you.
January 28, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
What fun! Thanks, Clare.
January 28, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I absolutely love this idea. I think it would be a great event for our chapter.
January 28, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Melissa Escobar
What a wonderful idea! This has been a terrific and challenging experience for me. 😀
January 28, 2019 at 1:28 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Love this idea, too! Thanks, Juliet!! 🙂
January 28, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Ashley Bankhead
What a fun way to really decide on which ideas are the best ones to pursue. Thank you for sharing.
January 28, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Sylvia Grech
Thanks for your post Juliet! Need to find a critique group in my area.
January 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
OH MY GOODNESS! I can’t WAIT to try this with my critique partners!! I’m so excited to really consider each idea, with equal opportunity and enthusiasm!
January 28, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Catherine Millington
Thank you for such a great way to begin sifting through the all the ideas to find the diamonds hidden within.
January 28, 2019 at 2:13 pm
Aimee Isaac
Oh my goodness- I am so excited to see if I can find some critique partners to do this with! I LOVE IT! Might even try it solo if I can’t find anyone!
January 28, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Dawn
What a fun idea!
January 28, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Anna Ouchchy
Thank you so much! I just finished brainstorming my 30 ideas and am ready for the next step, so this post came at the perfect time for me. I’m going to suggest this to my critique group.
January 28, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Nadine Gamble
Fantastic way to whittle down the list.
January 28, 2019 at 2:55 pm
mona861
Great post, Clare. Such good timing with all the ideas we jotted during StoryStorm. Thank you!
January 28, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Kelly Ohlert
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
January 28, 2019 at 3:01 pm
goodreadswithronna
I totally enjoyed this approach, Clare, and hope to try it with my own critique group. I think your Marie Kondo idea is going to be my go-to self-editor moving forward. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 3:10 pm
debbeauchamp
This sounds like a blast! Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Katie Giorgio
Great prompts here…thanks for sharing~
January 28, 2019 at 3:25 pm
RaeMcDonald
Brainstorms …. purposefully….are meant for discoveries. Thank you for getting us into that mode.
January 28, 2019 at 3:59 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thanks for sharing your speedy suggestion.
January 28, 2019 at 4:04 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Now I know what to do with the ideas running amok. LOL! I’m going to try each step to help me prioritize the outcome of this STORYSTORM month. Thank you so much for sharing this activity with us, Clare! –Kim
January 28, 2019 at 4:16 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
I love this idea!
January 28, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Wow! I love this activity! I especially like looking at each idea to see which ones spark joy. Thanks for this great post!
January 28, 2019 at 4:39 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Great suggestion! I’m going to choose the five story ideas that spark joy in me because that joy will come through to my readers.
January 28, 2019 at 4:45 pm
pjaegly
What a unique idea. I’d be scared and intrigued at the same time.
January 28, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Shawna J Tenney
Wow, this is s great way to decide on which stories to really use after Storystorm! Thanks for the great ideas!
January 28, 2019 at 4:56 pm
Deb Huard, Writer
Thank you for the post. I am definitely going to do this…at least parts 1 and 2 until I find myself a critique group or partner. Thank you for insight.
January 28, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Beth Schneider
Thanks so much for the idea. It’s amazing how much you can begin to build a story in two minutes!
January 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Jennifer
I love the concept of dating your ideas to find a good fit. So clever! Thanks for sharing.
January 28, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Teresa Robeson
I’ll have to rope one of my crit groups into trying this!
January 28, 2019 at 5:41 pm
aliciaminor
Skype is a good idea. What more with a critique group? Thanks for the tip.
January 28, 2019 at 6:24 pm
curryelizabeth
What a fun idea to try with critique groups! Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 6:29 pm
Dani Duck
OMG I have to try this. I’ve had so many ideas over the years, but often my stories don’t get moved to written format. A few I can identify right away, but most are left completely unloved. It may take time to go through my lists (and might not have hour chunks), but I definitely want to do to this. I think I’ll find far more gems! Thanks so much Juliet!
January 28, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Janet Halfmann
Speed dating seems like a great way to keep those story ideas moving along to another stage.
January 28, 2019 at 6:32 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Juliet! You’ve shared a delightful idea. I especially like the suggestion to use Storystorm techniques throughout the year. Thank you.
Suzy Leopold
January 28, 2019 at 6:41 pm
Maritza M. Mejía
Good idea!
January 28, 2019 at 6:59 pm
kjerstenhayes
LOVE this post! Usually with Storystorm I just pluck out my favorite ideas and play with those and end up abandoning the rest. But it seems like I might find some inspiration or ways ideas connect by trying this. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Maggie Brown
This is the only kind of speed dating I am ok with! Sign me up!
January 28, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Kirsten Pendreigh
This is a brilliant suggestion. Sharing new ideas out loud always leads to something! Either discovering new angles and depths or realizing it’s just not gonna go anywhere. If anyone is organizing a virtual/Skype/online version of this, I’d love to take part.
January 28, 2019 at 7:07 pm
angie9091
What a fun idea!
January 28, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Marianne Knowles
What a fabulous idea! It’s been long enough since the start of the month that it will be interesting to see what still looks shiny!
January 28, 2019 at 9:02 pm
marykatesmithdespres
Great idea! Thanks, Clare!
January 28, 2019 at 9:15 pm
Marge Gower
What a cool idea. Even if you’re not the best artist, it brings your vision to life. Thanks
January 28, 2019 at 9:25 pm
grahamslc
What a fun idea! Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 9:31 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
I love these ideas! Thank you!!!
January 28, 2019 at 9:58 pm
Janet Smart
Hmmm. I might give it a try. Thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Jenny Boyd
I’m so excited about this exercise/activity! (I also think it’s a great idea to celebrate the end of Storystorm with a writers’ retreat!)
January 28, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Erin Bylund
I love this idea. thanks!
January 28, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Buffy Silverman
Great suggestions for getting to know our ideas better–thank you!
January 28, 2019 at 11:22 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Great ideas, thanks!!
January 28, 2019 at 11:23 pm
Denise Taranov
Great idea for next steps to move the list forward…love Marie Kondo & spark joy! 🙂
January 28, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Diane Tulloch
Extraordinary idea., not sure if I could speed date my ideas. I’m not that fast. LOL.
January 28, 2019 at 11:45 pm
aidantalkin
That has to be one of my favourite ideas!! I’ve been planning to write out a brief synopsis for the last 4 years worth of ideas so they are actively in mind while choosing the next to turn into a full book dummy, and brainstorming then speed-dating them would be a great approach! Thanks so much!
January 29, 2019 at 12:00 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
What a fabulous idea – to have a retreat right after StoryStorm! I’m doing a similar process by myself, but it would be great to have the added energy of writer friends. The speed-date process is a terrific way to weed through ideas. Great post!
January 29, 2019 at 12:14 am
Jill M Proctor
I love the speed dating idea, though I have a tough time working under pressure. Perhaps practice, practice,practice would help. It would be a good way to challenge myself. Thanks!
January 29, 2019 at 1:23 am
jeanjames926
What a fun post. I love your speed dating idea, and that video on sparking joy…priceless. Thanks so much!
January 29, 2019 at 1:37 am
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
This sounds like a great way to narrow down the Storystorm list to the best ideas!
January 29, 2019 at 2:05 am
Brenda Miller
This is good, concrete advice for what to do next with all these ideas. Thank you!
January 29, 2019 at 2:26 am
Michelle Sumovich
I love love love this idea! I’m taking this on as a challenge this weekend and I cannot wait! Thank you so much, Clare!
January 29, 2019 at 6:18 am
debobrienbookscom
Thank you, Juliet. Great suggestion on how to take all of our ideas to the next level…hopefully a story…which may lead to another story…and so on.
January 29, 2019 at 6:30 am
Jay
Can’t wait to try this out! thank you
January 29, 2019 at 8:23 am
Jackie Kruzie
LOVE THIS! I am the RA of my SCBWI chapter and this activity is definitely going to be one of our events! Thank you for the inspiration
January 29, 2019 at 10:00 am
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
What great ideas! Thanks Juliet! This will surely get the creative juices flowing.
January 29, 2019 at 10:18 am
Carrie Kruck
My great CPs and I have already decided to share our StoryStorm ideas, but I love this idea of first giving each one 2 minutes of my undivided attention to wow me 🙂 I am absolutely trying this!
January 29, 2019 at 10:26 am
Mary Worley
Love this idea! Going to see if I can get a group together. 🙂
January 29, 2019 at 11:02 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I was feeling a tad overwhelmed by my list of ideas I’ve sparked this month. Your idea is a great way to focus on the ones that have potential and excite me.
January 29, 2019 at 11:14 am
Krista Maxwell
Love this idea!
January 29, 2019 at 11:40 am
Keila Dawson
This exercise sounds like productive fun. The speed of it all is what I like best!
January 29, 2019 at 11:51 am
Alicia
great idea!
January 29, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Susan Schade
I love this idea! Thank you!
January 29, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Kassy Keppol
Wonderful Ideas, thank you for sharing.
January 29, 2019 at 1:32 pm
miscellaimeeous01
Now off to find some large paper . . .
January 29, 2019 at 1:33 pm
LaurenKerstein
Haha! Speed dating would probably give you some good ideas, but you’re right, probably not for picture books! 🙂 What a wonderful post and helpful method for choosing the stories in which to invest our energy!
January 29, 2019 at 1:38 pm
hdening
Thanks, Clare. I love the speed dating idea.
January 29, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Jen Bailey
Love this! Thanks!
January 29, 2019 at 2:49 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Wow this is an awesome strategy, thank you for sharing! I also was thinking about applying “spark joy” method to ideas, glad to see you put that to use here! Lol
January 29, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Meilssa Chupp
This would be an excellent workshop at a conference. Obviously you’d need to cut down the time, but you could do that by cutting down the number of ideas. Maybe just have people bring their top 10 ideas.
January 29, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Super idea for a group! I’d love to do this with my regional SCBWI. And helpful for me to narrow down my own ideas. Thanks!
January 29, 2019 at 4:13 pm
Cynthia Harmony
Fun post thank you!
January 29, 2019 at 4:18 pm
writeknit
Thank you for sharing a great way to compile and consolidate ideas and find the one that really might want to become picture books.
January 29, 2019 at 4:44 pm
Susie Sawyer
Great post! What a fantastic idea! LOVE!!
January 29, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Poupette Smith
Brilliant! Any excuse use coloured pens… Love your creative-nonfiction posts too, though the March 2014 link to the course leads to naught.
January 29, 2019 at 5:10 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
What a great idea on what to do next with my Storystorm notes. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Oh my god–I love this idea! Thank you!
January 29, 2019 at 5:43 pm
susan safra
I am TOTALLY doing this!!!! Thank you for the great idea! 🙂
January 29, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Gayle C. Krause
Great idea for Storystorm themes. 🙂
January 29, 2019 at 7:14 pm
jessica shaw
A very inspirational post! Thank you, Clare!
January 29, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Anita
What a great idea!
January 29, 2019 at 7:22 pm
photojaq
Well, I must do it alone, but I can do parts 1, 2, and 4.
January 29, 2019 at 10:46 pm
Charlene Avery
wonderful ideas. thank you
January 29, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Anna Levin
Great idea! Thank you Juliet!
January 30, 2019 at 12:10 am
Karan Greene
Really practical advice to help us take the next step with our ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 30, 2019 at 1:32 am
martina.franklin.poole
So fun! I’m going to give this a try and see what happens.
January 30, 2019 at 2:44 am
Savannah
What a fun idea! I want to play!
January 30, 2019 at 6:14 am
Kathryn E Kass
This is a great idea for urging a good picture book idea into something more. Thanks!
January 30, 2019 at 6:32 am
Rick Starkey
This is a great idea for testing story ideas. Thanks for sharing this with us. Critique partners are a must.
January 30, 2019 at 8:23 am
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you for giving us ideas as to what to do next….
January 30, 2019 at 11:30 am
Kelly Vavala
What a fantastic idea! I can’t wait to try! Thank you for sharing!
January 30, 2019 at 11:38 am
Myrna Foster
Thanks for sharing this exercise!
January 30, 2019 at 11:42 am
Debbie Meyer
I worked at a school library where we did Speed Dating a Book where they moved from one group of tables to the next choosing which book to read. I hadn’t thought of doing that to my Storystorm ideas. Very clever. Thank you!
January 30, 2019 at 11:43 am
Jennifer Parker Raudenbush
I LOVE this idea. Taking it to my critique group.
January 30, 2019 at 11:57 am
Heather Erquiaga
Great idea! How fun. Thank you.
January 30, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
Ooohhh I’m doing this!
January 30, 2019 at 12:36 pm
gattodesign
This was a great one! Thanks!
January 30, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Anne Appert
This is such a great exercise! I am definitely going to see if any of my critique group wants to do this. Thanks!
January 30, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Susan Tuggy
The Speed factor is great for me. I have to use the first idea that pop into my head as I write it down. No ‘what-should-I-do’ meditation sessions.
January 30, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Christina Shawn
I love the notion of speed dating with the ideas. I also love that it uses colored markers and giant pieces of paper. Thank you!
January 30, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Clare, thank you! This is an excellent way of sorting through the ideas list! No I love the timer; I feel like that will help me focus. Looking forward to trying your approach! Thanks again.
January 30, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Oh my goodness this is THE BEST idea! I feel like it should be an SCBWI event put on for all chapters!! Thanks so much!
January 30, 2019 at 3:18 pm
shiela Fuller
Hi Clare, Thank you for sharing one aspect of your writing process. It will surely be worth a try.
January 30, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Rebecca Herzog
This is probably my favorite post from this year! I don’t have too much trouble coming up with ideas, but have a tough time whittling them down. Thank you!
January 30, 2019 at 4:06 pm
sallie wolf
Great post with concrete ideas. I’m looking forward to connecting with some fellow Story Storm participants to try this out. Thanks!
January 30, 2019 at 4:11 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
This is an awesome idea thank you! My critique partners and I from Storyteller Academy are meeting in April. We will definitely have to speed date!
January 30, 2019 at 4:21 pm
Vicky Howard
Great suggestion; if we’re generating ideas rapidly, we don’t have time to be super critical about them! We can allow them all!
January 30, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Shereen S.
I love this suggestion of speed dating my StoryStorm ideas!
January 30, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Joannie Duris
Love this idea, Clare! What a fun, concrete way to narrow down ideas to the ones that really spark our interest. Speed dating will leave you wanting a second date with the winners.
January 30, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Sharalyn Edgebergs
Love the notebooks your children made for you! This sounds very challenging, but productive. I’ll try to give it a try.
January 30, 2019 at 6:24 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
Seeing if my words spark joy is a good place to start
January 30, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Gail Hedrick
Wonderful idea, and what a great comparison to see if we feel something akin to joy from our potential idea-thanks so much.
January 30, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Eileen Saunders
Cool idea, thanks
January 30, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Lauri Meyers
This looks fabulous and exhausting – but not as exhausting and pulling out the notebook every few months looking for a gem!
January 30, 2019 at 8:25 pm
angelapenadahle
It is completely worth it to let ideas ferment.
January 30, 2019 at 9:34 pm
Judy A Shemtob
Speed dating my picture book ideas is so clever that I’m going to do it.
January 30, 2019 at 9:37 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
I can’t wait to try this with my critique group!
January 30, 2019 at 9:49 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
What a fun idea to do. I am going to suggest this for my crit group!
January 30, 2019 at 10:10 pm
thesheilster
Love this! Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.
January 30, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Danielle Hicks
This is such a great idea! I love that it adds an element of fun while still being an efficient way to narrow things down and get to work. Thank you so much for sharing!
January 30, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Carrie Cook
Thank you. This is great advice on how to move forward with our ideas.
January 30, 2019 at 11:44 pm
Trine Grillo
Fun Project!
January 31, 2019 at 12:11 am
Jocelyn Rish
This is such a wonderful idea for making progress on StoryStorm ideas! And a great way to put structure around a retreat.
January 31, 2019 at 12:43 am
vijikc
This is such a wonderful idea. If I don’t do this it will be just by the wayside lost and forgotten.. Thank you so much
January 31, 2019 at 1:35 am
kmajor2013
Wow, interesting idea. I guess you could break things down and do one hour per day and share things with remote critique partners. I’ve got to give this a shot! Thanks.
January 31, 2019 at 2:43 am
Emma Wood
Such an amazing post, Clare!! I’ll definitely give this idea a go. Thank you!
January 31, 2019 at 6:38 am
kelliejanebyrnes
I LOVE the idea of speed-dating ideas, especially with a group of friends. Thanks so much for sharing.
January 31, 2019 at 9:43 am
Catherine Ward
your advice around narrowing down which storystorm ideas to focus on is really interesting, thank you for sharing this!
January 31, 2019 at 10:13 am
doreenrobinson
I love the concept of speed dating Storystorm ideas! This is brilliant, Clare! Can’t wait to start my date!
January 31, 2019 at 10:14 am
Elizabeth W Saba
I am absolutely going to try this approach to culling my ideas. I think writing the pitches of the best five and then having others help cull them is a great way to keep going. Thanks so much.
January 31, 2019 at 10:23 am
ciaraoneal
Fun exercise!
January 31, 2019 at 11:26 am
Tiffany Painter
What a fun way to make sure you move forward with your thirty new ideas.
January 31, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Michelle
This works great as there are certainly some ideas that jump out to me more than others.
January 31, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Judy Cooper
Thank you for this idea. We will be doing this in our critique group. Can’t wait to see how it goes.
January 31, 2019 at 2:02 pm
tiffanydickinson
These are such a fun idea. And I bet they really help. Thank you!
January 31, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Laurie Swindler
Great way to sift through and organize PB ideas. Thanks
January 31, 2019 at 5:11 pm
rgstones
Love this speed-dating idea.
January 31, 2019 at 5:15 pm
elakidsstaff
What a wonderful way to stay accountable and move forward with ideas! And all in a compassionate and non-critical way.
January 31, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Serge Smagarinsky
Now this is a problem that I’m constantly up against. So many ideas. So little time. Thanks for suggesting this process for sorting through the idea slush pile.
January 31, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Lynn Mayer
So THAT’s what I was supposed to do with that roll of paper I had as a kid!
January 31, 2019 at 7:11 pm
junesmalls
Can’t wait to get some of these ideas in front of my critique group!
January 31, 2019 at 8:25 pm
deniseaengle
Oh, Clare! Hoping, hoping, hoping for your critique! So excited by your post to Storystorm! I’m going to do this!!!!
January 31, 2019 at 9:58 pm
Joyce
Love this advice!
January 31, 2019 at 10:16 pm
andromeda515
This is a practical tool set, and I love it. This is going to be fun!
January 31, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Wow–I love how you broke down speed dating our ideas. It’s brilliant! I tend to keep a file and as I flesh my favorite ideas out throughout the month, I pull them into my top Great PB Idea tier. Most of my ideas stay in the Decent PB Idea tier. I also have fragments.
If I don’t flesh an idea out during the month, it usually doesn’t have a chance of making it to the upper tier. I’ll try speed dating them to see if any are worth a second chance. 🙂
January 31, 2019 at 10:22 pm
higherthanrubies
What a fantastic idea! Thank you.
January 31, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Naomi Gruer
Great idea!
February 1, 2019 at 1:00 am
Amanda Sincavage
This is a fabulous idea! I love the idea and accountability of meeting in person to work through this process. Thank you Juliet!
February 1, 2019 at 1:17 am
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for such a great way to narrow down and focus on the best of the best of our ideas. Love it!
February 1, 2019 at 7:21 am
Maria J Cuesta
Great idea. I have speed-dated agents. That is an experience itself! Hahaha
Thanks a lot. I will speed-date my ideas and let’s see… 😉
I do have a SCBWI critic group and that is the best thing you can have ❤️
February 1, 2019 at 11:00 am
saputnam
Great post, Juliet!! Thank you for giving us a peek at your speed-dating idea for rough drafts. I love this and will definitely be trying it
February 1, 2019 at 11:16 am
cantsing1
Great one. Someone from my critique grp has us set up to do this . ..
February 1, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Pat Miller
I bought a flip zipper bag for all my colored pens. It’s bling is inspirational, like your notebook. Thanks for the tips!
February 1, 2019 at 3:10 pm
A. P. Alessandri
This is such a great idea!! Thank you for sharing your speed-dating through ideas!
February 1, 2019 at 8:27 pm
bevbaird
Great ideas and advice! Thanks so much.
February 1, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Tasha Hilderman
This is a brilliant and workable idea! I will need to give myself ample time for these dates and get right into it. Thanks for the idea!
February 2, 2019 at 12:43 am
Anna Brooks
What a fantastic and creative idea. Thank you!!
February 2, 2019 at 3:20 am
Stephanie Lau
That sounds like a great exercise!
February 2, 2019 at 7:46 am
Mel Copeman
Storystorms for life not just for January. There’s a great motto! I think speed dating ideas is a great exercise thank you.
February 2, 2019 at 10:13 am
Kelly Russell Jaques
Great post, Clare! Loved your ideas for continuing on after Storystorm is over!
February 2, 2019 at 10:13 am
readstuffnwrite
Such an interesting idea! Been at a bit of a lost what to do with all my ideas so this’ll help.
February 2, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Tania Russ Hebert
Interesting, Thanks!
February 2, 2019 at 2:49 pm
Becca Fleishman
I love that notebook- an inspiration by itself!
Great advice!
February 2, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
Thanks Juliet. Some great ideas. I really want to try this with my critique group. A good way to spark some ideas.
February 2, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Catherine Friess
This is such a great idea Clare. It would be a great activity to try at our next SCBWI meeting. Thank you for the inspiration and for the great giveaway :o)
February 2, 2019 at 5:45 pm
kaleegwarjanski
I LOVE this idea. I am going to do it for sure!
February 2, 2019 at 7:32 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
Oh my goodness I love this idea! What a great way to flush out the ideas a bit. LOVE!
February 3, 2019 at 12:12 am
denitajohnson
Thank you for the idea.
February 3, 2019 at 12:40 am
Megan Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2)
Excellent idea! I will have to see if some of my fellow writer friends would be up for this!
February 3, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Bethanny Parker
This sounds like a great next step after Storystorm.
February 3, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Dianne
Sounds great. I’ll work on it.
February 3, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
Juliet— thank you for sharing this very intriguing idea with us! I cannot wait to organize one of these and speed date away. We will see how it goes… best of luck to you!
February 3, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Kathy O'Neill
Great ideas for the next step!
February 3, 2019 at 5:50 pm
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Perfectly timed as we now turn to the “What Next” with our idea list.
February 3, 2019 at 9:08 pm
Susan Orton
This is a fantastic idea! I’ve got my roll of paper ready to go. I’m going to bring it up to my critique partners and see where we go from there. It’s great to do alone too. Great brainstorming! Thank you for sharing your idea.
February 3, 2019 at 9:26 pm
julielacombeauthor
What a great idea! I’m going to let my ideas “marinate” and then speed date them!
February 3, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Sharron Magyar
Love to do this, thanks for your suggestions.
February 4, 2019 at 9:30 am
McCourt Thomas
Great idea! Thank you
February 4, 2019 at 10:13 am
Nicole Turner
Love the speed dating analogy!
February 4, 2019 at 12:18 pm
loelmu
Fascinating concept! I love the speed “dating”!
February 4, 2019 at 3:13 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Love this idea, it takes the fear out of taking that first step from idea to draft. Thank you!
February 4, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Meli Glickman
This storystorm suggestion is sparking joy in me right now! Many thanks for sharing!
February 4, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Great way to not get hung up on ideas that may be the right fit at this moment
February 4, 2019 at 9:40 pm
Meghan Burch
Thanks for sharing this great idea!
February 5, 2019 at 11:46 am
Becky Shillington
This is a great new way to figure out which ideas to work on next–thanks so much!
February 5, 2019 at 3:49 pm
shanah salter
great ideas for making the most out of critique group sessions
February 5, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Hi Clare,
This is a great idea – and I feel more free to create with “big” paper so this is a great idea! Thank you and good luck with your secret book! 🙂
February 5, 2019 at 6:21 pm
Sheri Dillard
Fun idea! Thanks, Clare! 🙂
February 5, 2019 at 11:11 pm
thedandelionzoo
I love the new thoughts on digging in to my ideas to create a manuscript!
February 11, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Wendy
I got derailed in January, but a CP mentioned how much they liked this–so glad I came back to finish strong!! I love this idea for pbs (not so sure my in person group with MG and YA ms would want to come up with the necessary number of new ideas)
January 30, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Faith Pray
This is such a clever way to sift through the tangle of my notes and scribbles of an entire month of story brainstorms. Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Tina
Your post Sparks Joy! Thanks!