A few years ago I started following Tara Lazar on Twitter. Not only does she have a great blog that is full of resources and is helpful to writers, but she’s also a great author herself. Then I discovered Tara Lazar’s Storystorm (formerly PiBoIdMo). I used to try and fail at NaNoWriMo, but writing 31 different ideas for a month sounded like a goal I could reach and it would be fun.
I had just sold my second picture book THE MEMORY BOX: A BOOK ABOUT GRIEF in November of 2016 and I needed some time to figure out what to write about next.
Luckily, as a teacher I have the beginning of January off so I can really focus on Storystorm at kickoff. In January 2017, I was up at the family cabin when a snow storm came in. So there on my second day of Storystorm I just wrote the word storm. There is so much I love about storms. The only problem was I didn’t have an idea of how to tackle the story. What was my story?
What I’ve learned about my writing process is that sometimes I get a topic before the story. With my first book ALWAYS MOM; FOREVER DAD (Tilbury, 2014), I knew I wanted to write a positive picture book on divorce. I knew I wanted the topic of divorce before I knew what my story was. I was reading WHEN I WAS LITTLE: A Four–Year-Old’s Memoir of Her Youth by Jamie Lee Curtis to my Kindergarten class. Her book went back and forth with memories of when she was little to her now big age of FOUR. Something struck me in that moment of reading and I thought, What if I write a book about a child that goes back and forth between time with mom and time with dad? I wrote ALWAYS MOM; FOREVER DAD based on that structure and it allowed me to write about divorce and separation and the child’s relationship with each parent in a positive light.
A month before ALWAYS MOM; FOREVER DAD was to be released, a relative that was intended to receive my picture book on divorce and was one the inspirations behind it, tragically lost her father. So then I knew I needed to write a book on grief. I didn’t know what my story was, but I knew it needed to be written. About a month after trying to write about grief, our synchronized swimming team got devastating news that one of our beloved swimmers and coaches was diagnosed with cancer. Within six months, our sweet Marisa, who I used to coach and who swam with my niece and daughters, passed away. It was so heartbreaking.
I had to get this story right. I think going through grief and taking my youngest to her first funeral at age six, helped me find a way to talk about death with my youngest and find the heart of the story. It still took me over two years to get the story right, but again the topic of grief came before the story.
THE MEMORY BOX: A BOOK ABOUT GRIEF won a gold from The Mom’s Choice Award, St. Jude Hospital read it on their Day of Remembrance to families that attended around the world, and it recently sold Dutch and Simplified Foreign Rights. It’s been such a blessing to see and hear how hospitals and counselors are using it. I think my editor Andrew DeYoung was also touched to see how this book has been helping people. He emailed me on his paternity leave to pitch an idea for a companion. Coming Spring of 2020, THE MEMORY BOOK: A GRIEF JOURNAL FOR FAMILIES will be out. Families will be able to write, add pictures, and draw in their own keepsake journal of their loved one. This can be something they add inside their own memory box.
After the years writing THE MEMORY BOX, I now know when a topic lingers, I’m meant to hold on to it. I kept thinking about storms and what I could do, but nothing really inspired me. Then as I was listening to the radio, Imagine Dragons’ song “Thunder” came on and it really made me feel something. So I kept driving around and thinking. I find thinking/writing about difficult topics usually will bring out my best writing or story ideas. I was actually thinking about a childhood friend that died by suicide and how I wished he had stayed. And then the word STAY hit me and I knew I had found my storm story.
I wanted to show friendship through a storm. So my little word storm that I wrote on the second day of Storystorm back on January 2, 2017 took over 9 months to find its true story, but it finally sold to editor Andrew DeYoung of Beaming Books. He took such great care of my second book THE MEMORY BOX that I was beyond thrilled to work with him again.
STAY THROUGH THE STORM is about friendship during a storm. Many kids have fears of actual storms, so kids will be able to relate that fear and it shows ways of being a friend during a real storm. But it is also a metaphor that I think adults will be able to find their own meaning to. One thing I’m very passionate about is mental health and writing books that may help people through difficult times. This story is about being there for one another during the dark and scary times and knowing the storm will pass. You’re not alone.
So my advice is to listen. What topics won’t let go of you? It may take a month, a year, or more, but search for the story that comes from your heart.
Thank you Tara for all that you do to inspire writers and for creating challenges like this where you encourage writers to stop and take the time just to jot down ideas for a month and see where it takes you.
And thank you, Joanna, for sharing your Storystorm success story!
You can visit Joanna at writerrowland.com and follow her on Twitter @writerrowland.
And please join the next Storystorm—a free brainstorming event open to all writers—in January 2020!
95 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 16, 2019 at 8:19 am
Lynne Marie
Congratulations, Joanna! You go, girl! So happy for you and your success!
August 16, 2019 at 6:34 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Lynne. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 8:27 am
Carole Calladine
What a wonderful body of work you have created. Congratulations!
August 16, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Carole. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 8:49 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Congratulations, Joanna! I know how inspirational Storystorm can be, as well, as I sold a BB earlier this year based on an idea I came up with here.
August 16, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Matt. And congrats on your book sale!
August 16, 2019 at 8:56 am
Amanda Davis
Thank you for sharing this and being brave to write about these topics. I have a story with a tough topic that is close to my heart and this inspired me to keep going! Can’t wait to read STAY THROUGH THE STORM.
August 16, 2019 at 6:36 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Amanda. Don’t let that idea go. It will sprout in just the right time. ❤
August 18, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Marty Bellis
Really enjoyed this post and hearing how Joanna’s ideas turned into stories that deal with difficult but important topics. Look forward to reading them all!
August 16, 2019 at 8:57 am
Michele Helsel
Wow, I love your story, Joanna. Whenever I see a book that I’m interested in, the first thing I do is see if I can check it out at the library. For some reason, my local library hasn’t discovered you yet. I’m going to remedy that and request they purchase your books. I think many will be great mentor books for me. I have a story on grief, as well, and would love to read how you approached it. Thank you for sharing your story and introducing yourself to us. I’m excited about what you’ll have out next!
August 16, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Michele. Keep writing that story. I did a lot of research to on books about grief when writing and found a whole in the market. Can’t wait to see your story. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 9:18 am
BrookeVS
Wow, Joanna! Thank you for this. Such great advice and powerful messages that come from your writing. Can’t wait to check out your new book 😍
August 16, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much, Brooke. ❤ ❤
August 16, 2019 at 9:23 am
Jan Milusich
Thank you for sharing Joanna.
August 16, 2019 at 6:41 pm
Joanna Rowland
My pleasure. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 9:41 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Joanna, this is such an inspiring post. I loved hearing about how each one of your stories came to life. Thank you, Tara, and Joanna for sharing!
August 16, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Katie. I love discovering how stories came to be from others.
August 16, 2019 at 10:07 am
amandahoving
Thank you for sharing the stories behind your stories. We all walk around with these ideas that don’t (or won’t) let go…wonderful that you were able to turn yours into stories to share.
August 16, 2019 at 10:15 am
June Sengpiehl
What an inspirational post. It teaches all writers that ideas are all around us ready to be written.
August 17, 2019 at 10:42 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, June. And yes, ideas are all around us. Some just need to simmer a little longer. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 10:21 am
megmbarnum
I also ‘write’ while cleaning, walking the dog, and driving. Well, I use to write while driving, but after that red light incident…. not as much.
I’m off to mull a story. Thanks for taking the time to share.
August 16, 2019 at 6:54 pm
Joanna Rowland
Love! Except for the red light incident. I know those tickets are expensive. 😉
August 16, 2019 at 10:22 am
nicolesalterbraun
Well, I shouldn’t be reading this on my work break. You brought tears to my eyes…..
August 16, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Joanna Rowland
Hugs.I know certain subjects are more difficult. I cried many times writing these and I never could make it through the welcome at my book launch without tears.
August 16, 2019 at 10:30 am
carmelamccainsimmons
I shared this with the school counselor who came to visit and check on me after Harvey when our home flooded for the second time. I was already retired from teaching, but that visit, that caring and concern as we struggled after the storm, sustained our spirits. How wonderful to have these books to share with those who struggle and are in need of their wisdom. Thank you, Joanna!
August 16, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear you had to go through that. Hugs. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 10:36 am
Suzanne Lewis
Thanks for your encouragement to trust–and never give up on–the writing process, Joanna! Congratulations on your success!
August 16, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 10:37 am
danielledufayet
Thank you for the inspiration and for writing such heartfelt books! 🙂
August 16, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you. When I first started writing, I was so sure it was going to be a creepy YA (still on my bucket list). I kind of stumbled into picture books without realizing that it was the perfect place for me.
August 16, 2019 at 10:47 am
kathydoherty1
Such solid proof of the importance of Storystorm. Thank you, Joanna, for sharing your journey.
August 16, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Joanna Rowland
I agree that StoryStorm is so important. I value learning from Tara and the writing/illustrating community. This community is the best!
August 16, 2019 at 10:48 am
Kathy Mazurowski
Inspirational journey. Thank you
August 16, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Kathy. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 10:50 am
Lucretia
Thank you for sharing how your inspiration, process and perseverance has brought your writing to so many readers. I, too, “write” while doing mundane tasks–then rush to jot down ideas or phrases so they’re not lost!
Congratulations on your past and upcoming picture book successes, Joanna.
August 16, 2019 at 9:46 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Lucretia. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 10:57 am
J. D. Silverwood
Fantastic post about how to find and hold onto your theme, Joanna! I love all your work!
August 16, 2019 at 8:51 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, J.D. I love having you as a critique partner and I love all of your writing. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 11:00 am
Cedar Pruitt
Oh man — this is a really powerful post. You got a lot in there about important topics! It really speaks to me. Thank you!
August 16, 2019 at 6:53 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you. And hugs. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 11:09 am
Christy Mihaly
I really enjoyed reading your story, Joanna, and learning about your books — they ALL sound fabulous and I will look them up. Thank you for sharing the tale of how you found your inspiration.
August 16, 2019 at 9:41 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Christy. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 11:36 am
Arlene Schenker
Thanks, Joanna for showing me why not to give up on an idea. Anxious to read Stay Through the Storm.
August 16, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much, Arlene. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 11:37 am
marshaelyn
Johanna, your emotional journey of inspiration reaches deep. Our best stories are born from the heart and experience of living. How wonderful that your gift is capturing life events into words that help children and adults better cope with joys, struggles, and in-betweens. For months I’ve wrestled with writing a picture book based on a “hard” memory my mother had as a child of immigrant parents from Yugoslavia. I’ve written multiple drafts but the magic is avoiding me. Your journey encourages me to stick to my mother’s story. Some day–weeks, months, or years–from now, I’ll rework her memory once again and find a way to tell her story that might bring hope to today’s immigrant children who see faces of “hate” staring back at them. I’m so grateful for Tara, who prepares such a motivational blog. Our writing lives are truly nurtured by her work within the Kidlit Community.
August 16, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you for your kind words. Your mother’s story is so important. Keep writing and I can’t wait to see it out in the world. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 11:44 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
I really enjoyed reading this post!
August 16, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Sylvia. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Angie
I love your process! Each of these books sounds wonderful. Thank you for writing books that matter.
August 17, 2019 at 10:03 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Angie. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 1:03 pm
ptnozell
For me, it’s often a title that comes first. While the title may not stick, the subject generally does. Thanks for sharing what inspired your picture books and how StoryStorm has helped.
August 17, 2019 at 10:28 am
Joanna Rowland
I had one book for me where the title came first called The Monstructor. That was during and inspired by a tough day of teaching where the kids forgot to listen. 😉
August 16, 2019 at 1:11 pm
Faith Pray
Wow. What a beautiful story journey. Thanks for sharing about how these books came to be, Joanna!
August 16, 2019 at 6:52 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you. I love getting to meet you in person at the Western Washington SCBWI conference. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Maria Marshall
Joanna, I love Always Mom, Forever Dad. You did a remarkable job of making it a positive, non judgemental book. I look forward to reading Storm!
Congrats on your success.
August 17, 2019 at 10:05 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Maria. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 2:27 pm
rosecappelli
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!
August 17, 2019 at 10:06 am
Joanna Rowland
My pleasure. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 3:45 pm
HoldYourHorses
Thank you for this lovely piece about the journey a story can take in your mind before it even starts to land on paper. It supports my theory that a lot of ‘noodling’ on an idea before trying to put it into words really can be a key to the finished product having the depth and detail that makes childrens books enduring and impactful.
Is there information anywhere- is any writer willing to open up, about what they really do make on a children’s book? It can vary, of course, from nothing at all to a sustantial amount, but surely there’s some kind of rule of thumb formula that emerging writers could set their sights on. And, any information on how many copies of a reasonably successful book might sell, if properly marketed, would be so helpful. Is that kind of information available anywhere?
August 17, 2019 at 10:15 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you. In terms of how much authors make I will link you to Hannah Holt’s survey because it truly varies. I will say I still work full time and couldn’t rely on advances and royalties alone even though I have sold past one advance. But the idea of a child holding my book and connecting to it, is what drives me. https://hannahholt.com/blog/2017/9/25/writing-picture-books-a-look-at-the-number-part-2
August 20, 2019 at 8:38 pm
HoldYourHorses
Wow! That’s exactly what I needed! Thank you so much!
August 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Joanna Rowland
One person asked if I had an agent. I only had an agent for Always Mom, Forever Dad who is no longer in the business. I tried to get an agent for The Memory Box and Stay, but no luck. Still on my agent hunt, but I’m not currently querying. I’m waiting till later in the year. I am loving your comments and I will get to them after I teach tonight. Thank you. 🙂
August 16, 2019 at 3:52 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Joanna, I just adore this, thanks foe sharing, an do love Tara Lazar too!
August 17, 2019 at 10:17 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Kaitlyn. Loved meeting you in Fresno and connecting after. ❤
August 17, 2019 at 10:20 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Me too! You’re just the sweetest, can’t wait to connect again!
August 16, 2019 at 4:11 pm
CeCeLibrarian
Thank you for sharing your story Joanna. It was inspiring. I’ve got ideas that I hold onto for too long and…ones I don’t want to leave behind, but i also don’t want to feel stuck.
August 16, 2019 at 4:13 pm
CeCeLibrarian
And of course 🎊 Congratulations🎊 to you. This sounds like a great book Joanna.
August 16, 2019 at 6:50 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, CeCe. I had one idea linger for almost ten years. It finally found it’s voice or close to just this past year. I kept writing other things and would just keep wondering about that idea from time to time. So keep writing other stories while it prepares to sprout. Sometimes, time away from an idea is what nurtures it. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 4:39 pm
aliciaminor
I haven’t read Always mom, forever dad but I sure will do. Stay through the storm is next on my list to read. Congratulations…keep it up and more power to you.
August 17, 2019 at 10:20 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you. I have a book trailer for Always Mom, Forever Dad to give you a sneak peek. ❤ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHD4PeG6S9w
August 16, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Gabi Snyder
I really relate to this; I’ve had topics linger/persist and show up again and again in my writing. Thanks for sharing your success story, Joanna!
August 17, 2019 at 10:26 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Gabi. I love that you have topics that linger too. Those are the ones you’re meant to write. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Linda Mitchell
Wow! What a neat thing to see…success from Storystorm. Many congratulations.
August 17, 2019 at 10:29 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much, Linda. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 6:25 pm
Mary McClellan
Loved hearing about your “process.” Your books sound incredible — ones we all need at one time or other. I’m anxious to check them out. I wish you continued success!!
August 17, 2019 at 10:31 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much, Mary. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Dea Brayden
I LOVE this post. Thank you for your important stories and for hanging onto those topics.
August 17, 2019 at 10:32 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much, Dea. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 6:57 pm
Mirka
your post brought me to tears. THese are important topics to cover in kidlit, in addition to all the funny ones. These all sound like great books to discuss these topics with children.
August 17, 2019 at 10:33 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much, Mirka. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Sheri Radovich
I think you hit on a topic that really needs to be discussed and worked through with kids and adults. Many adults I knew had diseases later in life and could not discuss them with a child and that would have been great with a picture book to begin the discussion. Thanks for your story and insight at a time when so much is going on on the news, too.
August 17, 2019 at 10:37 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Sheri. One of the most touching memories last year was a teacher at my school informed me that a child’s mother had died and he never had mentioned her for the first half of the year. The counselor had read The Memory Box with him and the next day he shared in front of his whole class his Memory Box he made for his mother. Then he came to my class to share with me. So many tears. I hugged that little boy and gave him a signed copy and got to talk about how special his mom and those memories are. This is why I write. ❤
August 17, 2019 at 9:44 pm
writersideup
Just got me crying. How beautiful and tragic.
August 16, 2019 at 8:21 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Love how you follow your inspiration! And congrats on turning your inspiration into published books!
August 17, 2019 at 10:38 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you, Jilanne. ❤
August 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm
writersideup
I love your topics, Joanna—so needed 🙂 And THE MEMORY BOOK: A GRIEF JOURNAL FOR FAMILIES is brilliant! Congrats on all of it, and yes, Tara is pretty dang amazing 😀 ❤
August 17, 2019 at 10:40 am
Joanna Rowland
Thank you so much. And I agree, Tara is amazing. I love how she has brought the kidlit community together and has inspired us to go for our dreams. ❤
August 17, 2019 at 10:53 am
Joanna Rowland
And I have to give a special shoutout to the illustrators. Getting the ideas and writing them is only half of what makes a book special. For Stay Through The Storm, Lorian Tu was the illustrator. (I’m a huge fan of hers. She also illustrated Dress Like A Girl and she recently announced her own book deal as writer and illustrator!) And she messaged me how much the words touched her. As an author, you always hope your illustrator will like and connect to what you wrote, but you don’t always get to know that. Lorian got the heart of the story I was trying to say and I love how she captured their friendship which is the heart of the story. It was like this book was meant to find her and I’m so glad it did. I love her work and hope to work with her again ❤ 1/2
August 17, 2019 at 11:02 am
Joanna Rowland
I have to give another shoutout to Thea Baker who illustrated The Memory Box: A Book About Grief and is also illustrating our companion The Memory Book: A Grief Journal For Families out next spring. Did you know her dissertation was on the subject of grief in children’s books prior to this book?! Neither did I or the publishing house until she wrote her bio. Talk about signs of she was meant for this book. She did something truly special for families grieving in this book. I was limited on my words in a more general way so it could relate to anyone grieving, so she put in special illustrations in a few places to honor those this book is in memory of. See how many nods to synchronized swimming you can find. She how many birds and what type of birds. Find the ocean scene. I will forever be thankful. I know the families were truly touched. ❤
August 17, 2019 at 12:03 pm
Joanna Rowland
I’d also like to add that even though this post was about where my ideas come from, I’d be nothing without the SCBWI (Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators) and the kidlit community. I’ve grown from this blog, and attending conferences, getting written critiques from them and critique groups. Once I got the idea, it needed all of these things to work on my craft.
August 17, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Debbie Lodato
Joanna,
Such insightful tips.
Love your blog post.
I too have some hot topics, simmering to
be finished. Thanks for this.
Going to the library to look up your books.
Debbie Lodato 😀
August 17, 2019 at 1:29 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Ideas that latch on and won’t let go always remind me of tenacious terriers. Small and determined, you just can’t shake them loose. I am so glad you let yours find their stories as the books they became are those that touch and help so many. I will be watching for STAY THROUGH THE STORM.
August 19, 2019 at 11:13 am
Christina Shawn
Thank you for sharing how you find your inspiration. Your topics are so important and I’m grateful you write these meaningful stories.
August 20, 2019 at 2:13 pm
Teresa Traver
I really love how you tackle big, serious issues. Children desperately need these books!
August 22, 2019 at 11:05 pm
seschipper
Difficult but necessary topics! Bravo..job well done!! 🙂