When Tara asked me to write a blog post for Storystorm, my inner critic threw an immediate tantrum. She, Princess Poopynannyhead, is between six and eleven years old, has the voice of my troublemaking younger sister, and sticks her tongue out a lot. She is prettier than me, always wears the right shoes for her outfit, and she knows and remembers absolutely every criticism I have ever received. Especially those about my writing.
“Advice for writers? Who do you think you are? All you do is draw and color pictures.”
That’s right. I do. I am an illustrator.
I’ve always been a very visual person. I’m learning to write, but images always come easier to me than words. My brainstorms come to life in my sketchbooks. Piles and piles of partially-filled sketchbooks. Would you like to try a little drawing exercise with me?
“But I can’t draw! I can’t draw a stick figure. I can’t even draw a straight line!” you say?
It’s ok. Please thank your Poopynannyhead for trying to protect you. My mistake. This is not really a drawing exercise. It’s a sensory exercise. And it’s called…
I WONDER
I learned this exercise from a naturalist named Mark Baldwin at the Highlights Foundation’s Nature Writers Workshop in 2014. For years he taught this same game to kids of all ages as the Director of Education at Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. He’s now a science teacher in Sweden.
Here’s what you’ll need: blank paper (loose or in a journal), a pen or pencil, and a door that leads to the outside.
First, go out and walk toward the first patch of nature you see. It can be as simple as a pile of blown leaves, or as fancy as an arboretum. Spend a few minutes letting your eyes wander until they settle on an object of interest, small enough to bring back inside with you if it’s cold out there. Some examples might be a pinecone, an acorn, a dried seed head, a sprig of holly or boxwood, or a dried, crumpled leaf. I used a piece of bark I found in the woods for my first I Wonder.
Next, study your object. Turn it around in your hands. Set it down on a table or your lap.
Now let’s do a contour drawing. In a contour drawing, you trace the outline of an object with your eyes, and let your drawing hand mimic your eye movement. Slowly. Deliberately. Pretend you’re watching a little ant walk around the outside of the object, and let your pencil point follow the ant, just on your paper. DO NOT LOOK AT YOUR DRAWING UNTIL YOU ARE DONE. It doesn’t matter if you run out of room on the page and have to start in a new spot. Just keep going. When you finish the outline, look at the middle and contour draw any lines you see there.
It won’t matter if your drawing looks like an ugly blob. What matters is the attention you put into observing all the little angles, curves, and details of the object.
Now that you’ve studied the object’s appearance, pick it up and gift it a long, deep sniff. Feel its texture, turning it around in your hands. Now start writing with these prompts:
It looks like…
It smells like…
It feels like…
It tastes like… (optional)
It’s the same color as…
It’s as heavy/light as…
It reminds me of…
I wonder…
Did anything unexpected come to mind? Where did your wonderings take you? You can also try this exercise with something colorful from the produce aisle, a pair of children’s shoes, or a treasure from the thrift store. Can you think of another place to look for objects? Where would your characters like to go? What do they wonder about?
Let’s check in with that inner critic of yours. What is s/he up to now? Do they have any ideas?
Kate Garchinsky listened to inner Poopynannyhead for twenty years before fully committing herself to her dream of illustrating children’s books. Since then she has illustrated four children’s books, including The Secret Life series of narrative non-fiction picture books written by Laurence Pringle. Her most recent book is The Secret Life of the Skunk. Before that she held less-fun jobs like retail cashier, patio furniture salesgirl, hoagie maker, dollhouse decorator, and packaging designer. She lives and works on the edge of the woodlands in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania with her husband, two kitties, and their new rescue puppy, Ruby Roo.
Learn more about Kate and her books at KateGarchinsky.com, Twitter and Instagram @katesnowbird.
Kate is giving away a signed copy of her first illustrated book, The Secret Life of the Red Fox, written by Laurence Pringle, and a page of thumbnail sketches she did for the illustrations, and a peek at an illustration from book #5 in progress, The Secret Life of the Sloth (2021).
Leave one comment below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
Good luck!
603 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 12, 2020 at 7:07 am
Rebecca
Love this prompt! And the name of your inner critic! There should be a book entitled Princess Poopynannyhead. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 10:37 pm
Kate Garchinsky
It’s officially on my idea list now! 😀
January 12, 2020 at 7:12 am
thecrowsmap
What a wonderful activity to spark an idea! And I thought I was the only one who had to deal with Princess Poopynannyhead! Thanks for sharing, Kate:)
Gail Hartman
January 12, 2020 at 9:27 am
Joy
Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 3:06 am
catpledger
Many thanks. This has helped to see things from a different perspective. Great ideas.
January 12, 2020 at 10:39 pm
Kate Garchinsky
She means well, but she’s a little paranoid. 🙃
January 12, 2020 at 7:15 am
betlw
I love your using nature to stimulate the senses and bring new ideas. This way we see, feel etc. objects that we usually pass by. Great post!
January 12, 2020 at 10:48 pm
Kate Garchinsky
It can be a great way to figure out how to describe something using simile rather than overuse of adjectives. Like my Jane Yolen describes the moonlit snow in Owl Moon, “whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl.” It’s so specific and evokes a childhood memory.
January 12, 2020 at 7:28 am
claireflewis
Thanks for a great blog post! I like this idea (I’m a visual thinker too) – can’t wait to give it a go!
January 12, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Kate Garchinsky
I wish there was a way for everyone to post their images here!
January 12, 2020 at 7:28 am
Mark Bentz
Great post Kate. Thank you for the art lesson! I like seeing how an illustrator interprets a story. Great storyboard. Will look for your books.
January 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Thanks! I try to do this exercise with the animals in my books, with live animals whenever possible. Luckily the skunk was unscented.
January 12, 2020 at 7:29 am
mbhmaine
It’s still dark where I am, but I’ll try this out later today. It’s almost like a nature meditation. I can’t wait to try it with my students, too! Thanks for a great post!
January 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Kate Garchinsky
How did it go? I admire you early risers. I’m
a night owl.
January 12, 2020 at 7:29 am
Vickie McEntire
I can’t wait until the sun comes up, so I can try this exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 10:55 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Did you try it?
January 12, 2020 at 7:36 am
Sue Heavenrich
Great prompts! The best thing about contour drawing is that Princess Poopynannyhead can’t criticize you for the quality because you’re not looking at what your hand is doing! I love your illustrations for this series (I have the Secret Life of the Bat on my shelf) – can’t wait to see the Sloth!
January 12, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Hi Sue! Haha, I hadn’t thought about it that way but you’re right, the her royal highness cannot ooo-poo what she cannot see. Thank you, it’s always nice to know whose shelves my books have chosen to fill. I’ve been posting bits of my 🦥 sloth progress on http://instagram.com/katesnowbird
January 12, 2020 at 7:37 am
Robin Jordan
Thank you, Kate! This activity is a great prompt to incorporate one’s senses… and beyond… in idea catching! Have an inspirational day everyone as you take it ALL in!
January 12, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Thanks Robin!
January 12, 2020 at 7:41 am
faygie1
I love this! Yes, I’m one of those who can’t draw stick figures, but I’m definitely going to try this. Thank you for sharing your sketches and your brainstorming notes. I love seeing how other writers work.
January 12, 2020 at 11:03 pm
Kate Garchinsky
I hope you do. If you feel uneasy, start simple.
An apple or an orange. It’s more about seeing than it is about drawing, using the right side of the brain—the poetic, relational side.
January 12, 2020 at 7:47 am
Andrea Mack
We’re having an icy rain this morning so I’ll try the outdoors part another day and choose a bit of nature that I already have inside instead. I absolutely LOVE the sketchbook pages and storyboard you shared with us, thank you so much!
January 12, 2020 at 11:06 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Hi Andrea, thank you! An icy rain would be more seasonable than the spring temps we’ve had here the past few days. Did it leave a crystal coating on the trees?
January 12, 2020 at 7:52 am
tanyakonerman
What a fun way to see the world around me in a different way!
January 12, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Kate Garchinsky
It may help you remember the little details too.
January 12, 2020 at 7:52 am
Kathy Erskine
Thanks, Kate! I’m going to bring something back from my walk in the woods today. Congratulations on all your books! We all knew you’d do well. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 10:35 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Aw, thank you Kathy! I was so fortunate to make a foxy connection with Larry at Highlights. My friend Katrina loved working with you at Summer Camp this past year. I told her she was a lucky gal!
January 12, 2020 at 11:26 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Aw gee, thanks Kathy! 2014 was a serendipitous year for me. In this same sketch book are the notes from Summer Camp/Chautauqua East with your “Mining Your Memories” with the senses… I’m happy to see you here because it made me look for it! For childhood smells I have written “JEAN NATÉ” not once but twice. What a flood of memories from the thought of that fragrance.
January 12, 2020 at 7:54 am
David McMullin
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll be looking for my object in a few minutes. Thanks, Kate.
January 12, 2020 at 11:31 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Hi David, I hope you enjoyed it!
January 12, 2020 at 7:57 am
kirsticall
Love this!!!
January 12, 2020 at 8:53 am
Karen Yin
How playful and freeing! Thank you for describing this process.
January 12, 2020 at 11:32 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Thanks! 😀
January 12, 2020 at 8:01 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a beautiful way to increase, and absorb into the deepest inner self, observation of detail. I love this. And, then we have the prompts! Just wonderful! Thank you Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 11:32 pm
Kate Garchinsky
My pleasure, Suzanne!
January 12, 2020 at 8:09 am
steveheron
I’m a writer wannabe illustrator. Found this very useful. Thanks.
January 12, 2020 at 11:33 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Good to hear, Steve!
January 12, 2020 at 8:09 am
debobrienbookscom
I always appreciate seeing illustrator’s sketches and storyboards. They are so helpful to me. Thank you for your giveaway, Kate. I can’t wait to read your book. I LOVE foxes.
January 12, 2020 at 11:33 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Thanks, Deb. Foxes are magical, aren’t they?
January 12, 2020 at 8:22 am
authoryvonafast
Thank you Kate. I’m just the opposite – words are my world, I need words to conjure images. i will try this exercise, but right now it is dark outside and cold, ground is covered in ice, with freezing rain… I may have to try one of your other ideas, like an item from the thrift store or produce aisle, when the roads are clear and i next go to town.
January 12, 2020 at 11:41 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Are you an avid reader? I have always struggled with reading, and I wonder how that affects how I conjure and process things. Stay safe, stay indoors—you can also hunt for organic forms in your house, like fruits and veggies, houseplants, seashells, rocks, feathers, or something you’ve kept from your childhood.
January 12, 2020 at 8:28 am
Cathy L. Murphy
What a fun exercise, Kate! Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2020 at 11:42 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Happy to!
January 12, 2020 at 8:39 am
Claire W Bobrow
What a great suggestion for sparking new ideas! Thanks, Kate! Love your thumbnails for Red Fox.
January 12, 2020 at 8:42 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Thanks for sharing your sketchbook. I’m excited to give this a try!
January 12, 2020 at 8:55 am
Amy Houts
Love your artwork! I’m very nervous about it (as a writer who can’t draw stick figures) but I’ve promised myself that I’ll try your activity later today. Everything is frozen and under snow, but luckily, I kept a few acorns before the winter weather hit. Best wishes with your work!
January 12, 2020 at 11:57 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Acorns are so cute! It’s ok to be nervous. But listen, you’re not expected to draw a cute picture of acorns. Use the line to to record whatever information your eyes take in. The process is the goal. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 8:58 am
Stephen S. Martin
Nice exercise. Nice surprise
January 13, 2020 at 12:07 am
Kate Garchinsky
Nice 😉
January 12, 2020 at 8:59 am
Christi Scow
What a great mind exploring exercise. This could be a great family night event with the kids too! Thank you for sharing this and your sketches.
January 12, 2020 at 11:58 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Ooo I like that idea, Christi!
January 12, 2020 at 9:00 am
Lori Dubbin
Looking forward to wandering, wondering, and drawing without looking. What a great way to flesh out an idea. Your sketchbook pages, thumbnail drawings, and book illustrations are beautiful.
January 12, 2020 at 11:59 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Thank you so much, Lori. Enjoy the process!
January 13, 2020 at 12:08 am
Kate Garchinsky
Thank you so much, Lori!
January 12, 2020 at 9:00 am
Abby Wooldridge
What an awesome post! I’m so glad you were able to quiet Poopynannyhead long enough to write it. She bothers me, too! She’s always told me what a terrible artist I am. After reading another StoryStorm post, however, I told her to be quiet and went out and got an ugly sketchbook. I also got a book called “How to Draw Almost Every Day” with a second sketchbook to work on learning to draw simple things. I love your “I Wonder” strategy and will be adding this component to my sketches. Thank you so much! 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 12:03 am
Kate Garchinsky
If there’s one way to quiet that Poopynannyhead, it’s to buy her gifts like that. Let her curiosity get the best of her! A sketchy book I love is “Everyday Matters” by Danny Gregory.
January 12, 2020 at 9:01 am
58chilihed13
Oh how I know Poopynannyhead! I keep stuffing her into my old navy duffle and sticking her in the rafters of the garage…she falls out onto the hood of my truck and round we go again…but Kate’s exercise in found objects and drawing and asking touched me right in my hope spot, thank you!
January 13, 2020 at 12:06 am
Kate Garchinsky
LOL this is very funny! What does she look
like?
January 12, 2020 at 9:04 am
ptnozell
I love the idea of just drawing, without looking, and without listening to that pesky inner critic. I wonder what I’ll discover when I try this later today. Thank you, Kate, for the inspiration.
January 13, 2020 at 12:07 am
Kate Garchinsky
I wonder what you discovered, too.
☺️
January 12, 2020 at 9:06 am
Andria Rosenbaum
What a super cool exercise. I can’t wait to try this Kate!
January 13, 2020 at 12:09 am
Kate Garchinsky
Have fun, Andria!
January 12, 2020 at 9:08 am
Jennifer Blanck
Thank you for sharing this exercise. I think it’s so important to engage the different senses. I also love the prompt “I wonder…”
January 13, 2020 at 12:10 am
Kate Garchinsky
Another prompt I neglected to include is, “I noticed.”
Really that should be the first one.
January 12, 2020 at 9:09 am
Kathy Halsey
Kate, I so love posts that give us actual exercises to do. I am revising for the nth-teenth time a narrative eNF so this is a perfect exercise for me. I am also gonna grab the Laurence Pringle books you’ve illustrated for mentor texts. TY so much.
January 13, 2020 at 12:15 am
Kate Garchinsky
Kathy, that is wonderful. Laurence is a master
of his craft, with over 120 books and nearly 60
years of writing under his belt. He also has a “Strange and Wonderful” series, which is not narrative but purely non-fiction. Actually one
of these is “Bats! Strange and Wonderful.” It might be interesting to look at that side-by-side with “The Secret Life of the Little Brown Bat” and note the differences. Good luck!
January 12, 2020 at 9:09 am
kiwijenny
When I taught art this is exactly what I got my kids to do. This shifts your brain from criticizing poopynannyhead to the right part where art happens, creativity happens. I call it being in the zone. Awesome advice for picture book writers. It’s picture book and without the picture it would be so boring.
January 13, 2020 at 12:19 am
Kate Garchinsky
Yes! Exactly! I remember doing it in high school art class, maybe even on the first day. The writing prompts are almost like a translator for the right brain’s creative free-associations while drawing. That “zone” is my happy place. 😊
January 15, 2020 at 2:32 pm
Sara Fajardo
Thank you for this exercise. Perfect excuse to get out in nature
January 12, 2020 at 9:11 am
rimna
Love this – will give it a try later today – thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 12:20 am
Kate Garchinsky
I hope you enjoyed the process 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 9:12 am
kiwijenny
I was an art teacher and this is how I taught my students to draw. It’s an awesome exercise . Way to put picture in picture book.
January 12, 2020 at 9:19 am
authoryvonafast
It is an ice storm here, i don’t think i will be venturing out today either on foot or by car… I will try to do your exercise another day when the weather is more cooperative.
January 12, 2020 at 9:21 am
Sallye O'Rourke
great post!
January 13, 2020 at 12:22 am
Kate Garchinsky
😄
January 12, 2020 at 9:28 am
lmconnors
I struggle with the same problem and I limit my ‘permission to play’, which I understand I need to do, but still struggle to allow. Thank you for your post.
January 13, 2020 at 12:36 am
Kate Garchinsky
I’m sorry you’re struggling with this. I did for years,
and still do but I’m getting better at it. Have you ever read “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron? Her idea
of taking our inner child on artist “dates” is a fun exercise to try. My inner artist child demanded more ice cream. 😋
January 15, 2020 at 9:18 pm
lmconnors
I have a copy, but haven’t started yet. My accountability partner is enjoying it now. I’ll check it out
January 12, 2020 at 9:29 am
Susie
Thanks, Kate. I loved seeing your sketchbook.
January 13, 2020 at 12:36 am
Kate Garchinsky
Thanks, Susie!
January 12, 2020 at 9:32 am
storyfairy
Wow! Your “I Wonder” prompt is awesome.
Two of my favorite writing exercises plus drawing? Yes please!
I can’t wait to try this exercise. Thank you so much.
January 13, 2020 at 12:37 am
Kate Garchinsky
My pleasure 😊
January 12, 2020 at 9:34 am
Mary Warth
Thank you so much for walking us through that exercise! The inner critics can be so loud, it’s nice to keep them occupied with new experiences.
January 13, 2020 at 12:37 am
Kate Garchinsky
Exactly. They do get bored easily.
January 12, 2020 at 9:35 am
Linda Mitchell
That was an amazing exercise. And, I totally found some surprises. I’m excited to play with them now. Thank you! I love the idea of my inner critic throwing a tantrum. I know that tantrum so well!
January 13, 2020 at 12:39 am
Kate Garchinsky
Imagine Princess Poopynannyhead’s surprise when I showed her we had almost 300 nice comments on this post today! It’s gratifying to prove her wrong:
January 12, 2020 at 9:37 am
Jennifer Kay
Great writing exercise suggestion. The budding illustrator in me will be brave enough to try this one.
January 13, 2020 at 12:40 am
Kate Garchinsky
Fantastic! Have fun with it.
January 12, 2020 at 9:42 am
Carole Calladine
I love this exercise. I wonder. Good idea prompt/exercise. Thank you for sharing.
January 13, 2020 at 12:40 am
Kate Garchinsky
You’re welcome!
January 12, 2020 at 9:42 am
kimpfenn
Thank you- Wonderful Idea for sparking creativity! Looking forward to trying this!
January 12, 2020 at 9:42 am
kimpfenn
Thank you- Wonderful Idea for sparking creativity! Looking forward to trying this!
January 13, 2020 at 12:41 am
Kate Garchinsky
Wonderful… pun intended? 😁
January 12, 2020 at 9:44 am
Kate Molde
This sounds like fun!! However, with tons of snow on the ground it might be hard to find an object outside. Perhaps one of my daughters toys would do the trick. Thanks for sharing your inner critic. She sounds sassy!
January 13, 2020 at 12:45 am
Kate Garchinsky
I am so jealous of your snow! You could also try drawing a section of the landscape from your window, like a snow-covered hedge or tree, or pick off an icicle hanging from the roof. Even a snowball, if you can draw it before it melts.
January 12, 2020 at 9:45 am
Joan Longstaff
Wondering what deep, dark dungeon we can consign our own Princesses of doom to! Really interesting exercise. Thank you for sharing.
January 13, 2020 at 12:47 am
Kate Garchinsky
Joan—I love that—all hail Poopynannyhead, Princess of Doom! Hmmm…
January 12, 2020 at 9:47 am
Sarah Wolfe
Thanks Kate! I loved the part about your inner voice 😂 I’m heading outside today!
January 13, 2020 at 12:48 am
Kate Garchinsky
Hooray! I hope you enjoyed it.
January 12, 2020 at 9:47 am
Jay
Thank you for the great exercise tip. I usually walk in the woods first thing in the morning to clear my mind before writing. I will pick up a few things and try out your suggestion.
January 13, 2020 at 12:49 am
Kate Garchinsky
Great, Jay! I find a lot of interesting things on my dog walks in the woods. Sometimes Ruby finds things for me.
January 12, 2020 at 9:47 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
It will be interesting to see what wonders my mind can conjure up! Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 9:49 am
Hollie Wolverton
Fun exercise! Snowing/sleeting here so I’m going to find something inside to wonder about.
January 12, 2020 at 9:51 am
Connie Van Horn
Thank you for the great post!
January 12, 2020 at 9:53 am
Janie Reinart
Kate this was a lovely thing-this wondering.
I won’t worry about blundering this fun and play along. ❤️
January 12, 2020 at 9:55 am
Jane Heitman Healy
I am not a draw-er–until my 7 yr old granddaughter (who CAN draw) asks me to draw with her. But this exercise is one I will definitely try! Thank you, Kate, and congratulations!
January 12, 2020 at 9:55 am
Laura Rackham
I love peeking into sketchbooks- thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 9:56 am
Darlene Koppel
Love this exercise! I’m printing it out. I sketch regularly so your ideas were very helpful. Thank you.
January 12, 2020 at 9:57 am
Laurie
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m headed out to the yard now to try your, I wonder… suggestion.
I fight with my poopynanyhead all the time.I need to listen closer to my inner artist. Thanks for the encouragement!
January 12, 2020 at 10:01 am
pathaap
This is great, Kate! Can’t wait to try this. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 10:05 am
Lori McElrath Eslick
yes!!! I work in sketchbooks too! And have a new good out: GOODNESS GRACIOUS.
January 12, 2020 at 10:05 am
Sheri Murphy
At one time I was working toward a certificate in nature drawing and frequently did exercises like this. They do really help in getting the juices flowing even if you’re not an artist! Try it; you’ll like it!
January 12, 2020 at 10:06 am
Sarah Tobias
I wish we could add images in this comment section. I hope people will share some wonder on the FB page. I love being in nature and have an odd collection of insects, bones, rocks and shells.
Nature Journalist John Muirs Law uses the I Wonder . . . , It reminds me of . . ., and I notice statements. . . . Thank you for pushing me to do this. I get out of the habit and it’s a great one to have.
January 12, 2020 at 10:07 am
Jennifer Lane Wilson
Wondering, wandering – lovely ways to welcome the muse
January 12, 2020 at 10:07 am
mary worley
This is a lovely exercise. I’m excited to try it. Thanks for sharing your sketchbook, too.
January 12, 2020 at 10:07 am
TerriMichels
As I read your post it is 5 degrees here in Minnesota. I am heading out right now for a walk to ponder the first thing in nature I find. Your post is a wealth of information. Thank you so much for sharing.
January 12, 2020 at 10:11 am
Shirley fadden
Your book looks gorgeous and I loved seeing your storyboard. This is a good reminder to study and ask questions. Thanks, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 10:13 am
Marty lapointe-malchik
I LOVE seeing your thumbnails and what you named your inner critic! Thank you for the generous giveaway you’re planning. Storystormtroopers are so lucky to have you leading the way today! Thank you, Tara, for inviting Kate so we could all play, ‘I wonder’.
January 12, 2020 at 10:13 am
Brandy Lynne
Great exercise! It’s one I will have to try with my students too. (I’m an elementary school teacher).
January 12, 2020 at 10:13 am
Lisa L Furness
Thanks for the peek inside your sketchbook and thumbnail sketches! And Poopynannyhead is hilarious! Great exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 10:14 am
Susan Wroble
I especially loved the “I wonder…” prompt. Like Storystorm, wondering frees the brain to open up.
January 12, 2020 at 10:14 am
curryelizabeth
Thanks for the great prompt! I am also in Minnesota (like Terri Michels above!) but I love getting outside to get inspired any time of year. Congratulations to you & thank you Tara!
January 12, 2020 at 10:16 am
Nat Keller
Thanks for this creative prompt! 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 10:16 am
Phyllis
Studying nature leads to wonderment and associations…I like it!
January 12, 2020 at 10:17 am
Mel Copeman
Great game, I’ll try it asap!
January 12, 2020 at 10:20 am
Laura Purdie Salas
I haven’t done this exercise in ages–thank you for the reminder! I’m going to go pick something up out of the snow (hopefully not dog poop or something) to bring inside and wonder about. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 10:23 am
deirdreprischmann
Thanks for sharing – getting a peek at your sketchbooks was fun and fascinating!
January 12, 2020 at 10:23 am
teacherwriteracker
You nailed the inner critic. I wonder where wondering will take me.
January 12, 2020 at 10:24 am
Kellie DuBay Gillis
What a fun exercise!! Looking forward to trying it out today. Thanks for sharing. (Fun fact: The Secret Life of Skunks is listed in my recent NF PB back matter for further reading!!)
January 12, 2020 at 10:25 am
June Sengpiehl
Interesting experiment. All these ideas help.
January 12, 2020 at 10:25 am
Meli Glickman
I applaud you for overriding your inner critic princess and for sharing such helpful tips about seeing the artistic inspiration all around. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 10:27 am
Mardi Edwards
I enjoyed your drawings and the great ways to get some ideas from nature,
January 12, 2020 at 10:29 am
Kim Larson
Congrats on your book, Kate! Thanks for the wonderful ideas on WONDER!
January 12, 2020 at 10:30 am
Polly Sena Renner
Thank you, Kate! I like to play this game while I’m stuck in traffic:>
January 12, 2020 at 10:38 am
sareenmclay
Thank you, I love bringing Nature into my work and anytime spent linking the two is always worth it. I like the way you’ve given your inner critic a name too!
January 12, 2020 at 10:38 am
Angela De Groot
What a fun writing exercise! I haven’t done contour drawing since art class in high school. It’s going to be a mess, but I happy to try it to see where it leads. Thanks, Kate.
January 12, 2020 at 10:41 am
Lori Sheroan
My inner critic has been particularly nasty this weekend. Hopefully this exercise will help stifle her criticism. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 10:42 am
Melissa Coffey
Love this, Kate! Am going to try this with my boys on our next hike. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 10:47 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Kate, for sharing an exercise that is going to experience.
January 12, 2020 at 10:49 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
This is a great post, thank you, Kate! Don’t worry about not having the writing (yet) – your sketches are beautiful. I LOVE contour sketching… I can do it for pages and pages and the results always fascinates me. To use it for story ideas is a GREAT idea. I’m on a writing retreat right now and will try hopefully tomorrow
January 12, 2020 at 10:53 am
jimchaize1
Thanks, Kate. I plan to give your nature drawing activity a try.
January 12, 2020 at 10:54 am
gayleckrause
Interesting exercise. It’s such a lovely day today, it will be the perfect time to find something interesting outside to draw. Thanks for the inspiration. 😉
January 12, 2020 at 10:54 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi, Kate! Thanks for sharing the I Wonder prompt. Sounds like a terrific Sunday afternoon project.
January 12, 2020 at 10:57 am
Becki Kidd
Wonderful Ideas Kate! I find I’m too rushed, got to do it quick! But, writing takes time, makes us slow down and see the wonders of nature & life.
January 12, 2020 at 10:59 am
debbiearnn
I was super skeptical anything was going to come from this activity bc winter in my suburban Dallas backyard is not very exciting. However, the tiny twig I retrieved from my treeless and tiny backyard got me thinking about birds and bird nests. Where Did this twig come from? How did it get here? Where is it going? (I’m putting it back outside so I can wonder some more…)
Thanks for this exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 10:59 am
Deb Sullivan
Thanks for the morning writing exercise Kate! It stretched my creative muscle and got me outside before breakfast – win/win!
January 12, 2020 at 11:00 am
Gail Atherley
Such a tangible, physical way to generate ideas. Your description of ideas as images resonates with me. Thank you ver much (happy you are putting Poopynannyhead in her place).
January 12, 2020 at 11:02 am
Eileen Mayo
What a fun exercise! Thank you for the inspiration😊
January 12, 2020 at 11:03 am
Glenda Roberson
Thanks for the brilliant idea! As a science teacher, observation skills were taught and emphasized! Now I know how to use those skills to help me write a work of fiction.
January 12, 2020 at 11:07 am
susandilldetwiler
I loved this post, and especially seeing the thumbnail sketches. Thanks from a fellow illustrator learning to write.
January 12, 2020 at 11:08 am
beckylevine
Thanks for sharing this look into your creative process!
January 12, 2020 at 11:08 am
Catherine
Your inner critic sounds hilarious. I don’t have a name for mine. I’m not an illustrator but I do enjoy doodling and this exercise sounds like a different way for me to get ideas – thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 11:17 am
Susie Sawyer
What an interesting exercise! I love the idea of using freeform illustrations (no matter how “bad” they are) to spark ideas for words. Thanks very much!
January 12, 2020 at 11:22 am
Writer on the run
This has really inspired me! I have loved all the posts so far, and this one is another unique take on generating ideas and getting to WOW! In my writing. Love it- thanks Kate for the inspiration. I’m not an illustrator but have been toying with the idea of sketching more. You gave me the push!
January 12, 2020 at 11:23 am
jbbower
Thanks for the inspiring post Kate! Nature can indeed reveal much when we stop, look, contemplate and sniff! “I wonder” what I will discover outside today??
January 12, 2020 at 11:23 am
Jessica Coupé
Love the idea, thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 11:26 am
Lauri Fortino
Great post! I love to take my dog for a walk and really pay attention to all the little details that can be found in nature. I’ve gotten many ideas that way.
January 12, 2020 at 11:26 am
maryraebel
Great idea! Thank you! Since we just got socked with snow here, I think I’ll wander over to my junk drawer to do my first “I Wonder” experience.
January 12, 2020 at 11:27 am
Lori Mozdzierz
“I wonder” what will happen when I put this into play? Oh wait, I did. Terrific tool to generate ideas!
January 12, 2020 at 11:28 am
Thelia Hutchinson
That is a fun way of looking at things in order to illustrate. I will try.
January 12, 2020 at 11:31 am
Johnell DeWitt
I’ve got a Poppynannyhead too. She’s quite annoying. Thanks for the tip on how to make her leave.
January 12, 2020 at 11:35 am
Louann Brown
This sounds like great fun. Can’t wait to try it! Thanks for your post. Love the idea.
January 12, 2020 at 11:39 am
Charlotte Offsay
What a fun exercise, thank you for getting the wheels turning!
January 12, 2020 at 11:41 am
Maria Bostian
Oh my goodness, I’m not completely dressed yet, but I can’t wait to try this exercise later today. Thanks for the great post with a little movement/bringing it back to nature exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 11:45 am
Teresa Robeson
I love seeing other people’s sketchbooks, but especially nature journals! I will have to do this exercise soon. Thanks, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 11:50 am
Robin Wiesneth
Perfect post for an illustrator and wanna-be writer. I spend a lot of time doodling out of my head, this is a great reminder to get out into the physical world and bring in some new characters and ideas. Thanks for sharing your storyboard for Red Fox – Always fun to see the ingredients for a great book!
January 12, 2020 at 11:51 am
bevbaird
What a wonderful prompt. So many paths to take from this kind of brainstorming. Thanks so much
January 12, 2020 at 11:52 am
Kara Newhouse
As an author only, I always appreciate exercises that get me to sketch and think in different ways from my usual patterns.
January 12, 2020 at 11:52 am
me
You tricked us into working!
January 12, 2020 at 11:56 am
Lisa Billa
Thanks, great post- I’d like to try this! And I love that you’ve named your inner critic! Maybe it’s easier to argue with a critic I know by name!
January 12, 2020 at 11:57 am
Hélène Sabourin
Thanks for the fun way to approach it
January 12, 2020 at 11:59 am
Shirley
What a wonderful exercise. I will be trying this out a lot this year. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 11:59 am
Jessica Swaim
What a wonderful prompt. Can’t draw a stick figure, but I’m going to try this . . . today! Thanks for keeping it fresh and fun and congrats on your lovely books!
January 12, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Susan
Your fox book looks amazing.
January 12, 2020 at 12:04 pm
shannonlhall
This one is so cool! TOTALLY out of my element. I am absolutely one of those people who can’t even draw stick people right. I can’t wait to get started.
January 12, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Great exercise! Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 12:09 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Wow – what a cool idea. Even the least technically skilled among us can play with this!
January 12, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Heather Stigall
Thanks for the fun exercise, Kate! I’m going to give it a try today to see what kind of ideas I can generate.
January 12, 2020 at 12:14 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Wonderful suggestions! And I am SO excited for your sloth book!
January 12, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Sherry Smith
Great exercise to involve all of the senses and think about while writing stories.
January 12, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Debra Kempf Shumaker
What a great idea! Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 12:17 pm
Lindsay Robinson
It’s amazing what you can see and wonder when you give something your full attention for more than a brief moment. I think this will be an amazing idea generator for me, and a great exercise to do in my classroom as well! Thanks for the idea!
January 12, 2020 at 12:20 pm
danielledufayet
Great creative exercises to do in nature -my favorite place! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 12:20 pm
kyavorski
I used to draw a lot but the habit slipped away. I’m looking forward to a trip outside to try this out. Thanks for the motivation.
January 12, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Thanks for sharing so many of your sketches and notes! Now you definitely have me thinking.
January 12, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Marsha Diane Arnold
I know Laurence and I love red fox. Beautiful book.
January 12, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Wow, such a simple but powerful approach! I love this inspiration 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 12:27 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Wonderful exercise for non-drawers like me.
January 12, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Cathy Ogren
I loved the art lesson, but my work looks nothing like your work! Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Aimee
This was the perfect meditative activity I needed. I think I could get a little obsessed with it. I love your inner critic name but definitely love your work more ❤️
January 12, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Susan Cabael
This “I wonder…” exercise is one of the freshest brainstorming ideas I’ve read in a while—thank you for the inspiration and encouragement!
January 12, 2020 at 12:38 pm
fireurchin
Bonnie fireUrchin Lambourn = Great reminder for ways to approach the sensory right from the beginning of writing a story, or warming up for it so that the senses are on alert before writing more. I imagine now that this played some big part in finding out the secrets of the red fox…. that I hope to learn.
January 12, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Buffy Silverman
I wonder if your post has quieted Princes Poopynannyhead? Terrific–going to try this today.
January 12, 2020 at 12:40 pm
yangmommy
What a fantastic exercise–thank you so much for sharing this. I’m going to pay it forward & share it with my students, too 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 12:42 pm
beginningsandbookends
I will do this, Thank you for the suggestion. I know this will help me get a new idea.
January 12, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Heidi Yates
This is a wonderful idea! Thank you, Kate.
January 12, 2020 at 12:46 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
What a great exercise. Excited to try it!
January 12, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Mrs. Vandivier
I love this idea and it fits into a lesson I m about to do with my students. A different way to think about it and I love that because as an educator, I always want to grow. Personally, I am not an artist…but I don’t have to be: just sketch and wonder! Love this!
January 12, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Lesley Grigg
Hey Kate! Great to see you and your beautiful sketches! Thanks for the tips! Miss you at Starbucks!!
January 12, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Debra Daugherty
I love this “I wonder” exercise. What a great way to stir the creative juices. Thanks, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 12:52 pm
colleen kosinski
Always loved doing contour drawings. Going to try one with the questions.
January 12, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing the ‘I wonder’ process. I’m looking forward to giving it a try. Congrats on your books!
January 12, 2020 at 12:55 pm
heatherbell37
Love this idea! And the blind contour really helps to quiet that inner critic. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 12:59 pm
Sally Lotz
Love this. Ready to run outside and start – but it’s 35 out and I’m still in my pjs.
January 12, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
I wonder …. why didn’t I think of this idea before?! Actually, I do ask “I wonder” a lot about strangers / situations, but I haven’t consciously done this with objects. So glad Poopynannyhead has been given a long time out. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Marsha Weiner
Interesting to hear from you what I’ve taught for others.. NOW TO APPLY IT TO MYSELF… such a concept !!!!!
mucho gusto,
mw
January 12, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Linda Schueler
I love contour drawing, but I haven’t done it in a long time. I am looking forward to trying it again with the follow up exercise. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Your prompt is excellent–for writers too. Thank you, Kate! I love your illustrations. (Now leave us alone, inner critics!)
January 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I used to do an exercise like this with my students. They loved it, and I did too! Thank you for reminding me to try the “I Wonder” game again!
January 12, 2020 at 1:22 pm
stiefelchana
Love this mindful exercise! I drew the leaf stuck to my NYTimes and was amazed to see how many fresh ideas I came up with before my morning coffee. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Tasha Hilderman
It is -41C with windchill outside today and Eve ru thing is covered in snow, so I may do this exercise with the frost on the windows!
I like leaping over to the illustrator side and seeing what pops up. And thank you for naming that Poopynannyhead—I never knew what she was called before ☺️
January 12, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Nancy Furstinger
I’ve done this creative exercise @ the original Highlights in Chautauqua. Loved your Secret Life of the Skunk–looking forward to reading the other books in this series!
January 12, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Carolyne Ruck
Nice game to play with the inner critic — and a fun way to get new insights and storylines. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Elizabeth Muster
I’m so glad you overcame Poopynanny head to create beautiful illustrations and be an inspiration to others.
January 12, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Kathy
Excellent prompts!
January 12, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Sandhya Rose
Thanks Kate, this is an awesome prompt! I’m so excited to try it!
January 12, 2020 at 1:33 pm
Erik Ammon
What a great idea! And a way to get outside. Thanks, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 1:34 pm
wangliarron
This reminds me of an author, she collects things that interests her, and display them in her writing room, the write about them. Thank you for the post. It’s helpful for bring up ideas and helpful for teaching.
January 12, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Sue Reichard
Thanks for your thought provoking article! I am going to use this idea. I love it!
January 12, 2020 at 1:41 pm
M.R. Street
Thank you for this great idea! I can draw (okay, doodle) palm trees and horses and not much else, but I can see how this will be a helpful exercise. Plus, I ADORE foxes and would love a copy of your book. Recently read books about foxes that made me cry: MAYBE A FOX, by Kathi Appelt; and PAX, by Sara Pennypacker.
January 12, 2020 at 1:56 pm
jenabenton
Most excellent post! And I love the name of your inner critic. ❤️😊
January 12, 2020 at 1:57 pm
BRU BENSON
The best post for someone who wondered all his life. Great advice.
January 12, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Sheri Radovich
Fun to try to draw things and come up with ideas today. I can’t wait to see the book about foxes, I had a pair living on the hill behind my home. Today everything is buried in snowfall so mine is white and fluffy.
January 12, 2020 at 2:04 pm
Susan Drew
What a great exercise. Thank you for sharing it!
January 12, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Franny G
Great idea to get the ideas flowing. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Mary Jane
I love this post! Thank you so much for the exercise. What a great way to inspire new ideas.
January 12, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Rebekah Lowell
As someone who gains most her ideas from nature, I love this journaling method and will try it! Congrats on FOX! Looks amazing.
January 12, 2020 at 2:14 pm
debbiemoeller
Thanks Kate! I love the name for your inner critic: Princess Poopynannyhead! Now I have to think one for my own critic. Then maybe I can talk to her like she talks in my head. Then I will give her a piece of my mind! I’m so glad you stopped listening to her. You have lovely drawings and I look forward to reading your books! Fingers crossed for the giveaway!
January 12, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Vanessa Hancock (@HancockVanessa)
Thank you, Kate, for your honesty and inspiration! You shared some amazing ideas! I’ve always wanted to illustrate my own work, but my inner critic wants to hide all things that can draw and rip my paper up! My daughter is an amazing artist, and she doesn’t know how great she is! I’m going to share this with her so she can see that it’s okay to doubt, but still keep drawing! Thanks again for being you!
January 12, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Lisa Riddiough
This sounds like a wonderful exercise. I already took my walk for the day (it’s freezing out – so I don’t want to go back out), so I will pick something from the pantry and try it out. Thank you, Kate!!
January 12, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for the nature study inspiration, Kate! Your books are beautiful! I remember sitting next to you at a Highlights conference and watching you sketch a bird. What an amazing talent you have. I’m definitely going to try your nature study brainstorming.
January 12, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Rebecca E. Hirsch
Terrific advice, Kate! I look forward to trying this.
January 12, 2020 at 2:30 pm
drawingablank6
Thank you! Love this prompt.
January 12, 2020 at 2:32 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Lovely post. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration! 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Lindsey Hobson
Absolutely beautiful! I loved seeing the sketchbooks and your thought processes. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 2:34 pm
leeanimator
Thanks so much for the exercise in illustrating! I remember doing contour drawings in art class but not concentrating on so many details. This will be a great thing to remember in my work too. Many thanks and best wishes!
January 12, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Chelle Martin
As someone new to illustrating, even though I’ve always loved to draw, this was a great article. More focus should be on the artwork because there wouldn’t be picture books without it.
January 12, 2020 at 2:39 pm
Julie Reich
Thank you, Kate! Writers and illustrators can learn a lot from each other.
January 12, 2020 at 2:41 pm
juliannahelt
Great exercise! Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Gabriele
What a fun prompt! Thanks for the nudge to sharpen my observational skills this morning. My wonderings took some inspired turns!
January 12, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Jeannie
It always helps to look at things in a new way. Thanks so much for help in finding new perspectives, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 2:57 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
It is an absolutely beautiful day today…perfect day to go out and play “I Wonder.” Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 3:04 pm
Pamela Haskin
Oh, what a fun game! I’m headed out back now to find something from the pasture to draw. Thanks so much for sharing.
January 12, 2020 at 3:08 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great brainstorming idea! It’s taking meditation to the next level! Thank you.
January 12, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Sarah
Beautiful prompt! I loved seeing some of the pages from your journal. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Love making this kind of exercise tactile! I wonder where that will lead…
January 12, 2020 at 3:20 pm
jenfierjasinski
Cool exercise. Thanks, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Laurie Carmody
Really fun way to get the creative juices flowing. Thank you for sharing this with us today!
January 12, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Elizabeth Brown
I loved the exercise. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
Fabulous exercise, Kate! I loved it!
January 12, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thanks Kate. A great way to generate ideas and it can be done anywhere. Thanks for sharing your journal pages as well.
January 12, 2020 at 3:29 pm
hannahhudsonwrites
Such a good exercise! Thanks, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 3:33 pm
chardixon47
I love, love this exercise to wonder! Thank you Kate for bringing fresh eyes to the table of the writing life.
January 12, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Becky Woodall
I think most of us have an inner poopynannyhead! I may spend the evening just thinking up a name for mine 😂
Great post, will try out the exercise. Thank you 😊
January 12, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Kate, for this beautiful exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Joel Chalmers
Thanks Kate!
Looking at the world around us with an illustrative lens and trying to capture a child’s wonder is a great exercise. Then tying that lens and wonder back to our stories seems like a great way to build depth in the different elements of the story. Best of luck with positive conversations going forward with Princess Poopynannyhead.
January 12, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2)
This is a great idea for adults – and for my students – to help us include all of our senses in our writing! Things might be a bit frozen or wet in my area right now, so we may take pictures of items.
January 12, 2020 at 3:37 pm
nrompella
Hi Kate! I still use what I learned from that writing retreat as well. This was a good reminder to try this again. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Linda Hofke
This is a WONDERful post, Kate. I like the “I wonder” prompt.
I also love the photo of your book with a real fox! I live in an area where there are many foxes. Sometimes I am lucky enough to see the young ones playing together. So adorable.
January 12, 2020 at 4:00 pm
jessica shaw
Thank you, Kate! Love your illustrations!
January 12, 2020 at 4:01 pm
rindabeach
I love playing games. I wonder… turned into what if…then what? Play is always a good thing!
January 12, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for this great post Kate! Certainly going to try this later today and see what I come up with! I wish you continued success! I wonder…
January 12, 2020 at 4:06 pm
KASteed
Getting ready to try this writing activity. Thanks for the idea!
January 12, 2020 at 4:11 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I remember contour drawing a very long time ago in an art class for elementary school teachers. Somehow it was both intimidating and freeing.
January 12, 2020 at 4:12 pm
ruthwilson48
Thank you for sharing about your inner critic voice. Mine always tells me I can’t draw, but this exercise told me otherwise!
January 12, 2020 at 4:12 pm
Karen Greenwald
Great idea, thanks for the post! I realize that I contour draw in my mind constantly. I’m always looking at the angles and foreshortening of everything. Now, I realize I have an opportunity to turn it into…I WONDER what?!
January 12, 2020 at 4:14 pm
Kimberly Marcus
I love your post Kate!! It’s my favorite!
January 12, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Peggy Dobbs
I just tried your exercise and have a page full of sensory ideas to work with. Thanks for the great post!
January 12, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Jolene Gutierrez
I love this mindful approach to nature and art–I’m heading outside to begin!
January 12, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Maryna Doughty
I love the name you gave your inner critic! We should all make up names like that for our inner critics! Haha!
January 12, 2020 at 4:29 pm
mona861
Oh yes, I wonder! I’m outdoorsy and I will be looking at “everything” longer than usual. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 4:30 pm
Jenn
Can’t wait to try this later today!
January 12, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Nancy Ferguson
What an amazing activity, Kate! I’m so happy your inner critic nudged you onward!
January 12, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Those inner critic voices are tough, I think for all of us. Thanks for sharing how to overcome!
January 12, 2020 at 4:40 pm
Melissa Mwai
This is a great exercise! Will definitely try it today! Can’t wait to go outside with the kiddies. Contour drawing is so fun because it frees you up from trying to draw well and lets you work more intuitively, best of all, anyone can do it!
January 12, 2020 at 4:46 pm
DaNeil Olson
Outstanding exercise! Thank you.
January 12, 2020 at 4:50 pm
adavis6385
Time to wander and wonder! Congrats on your books! Try sound lovely and the picture of the Fox is adorable! 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 4:55 pm
Pamela Harrison
Thank you for this inspiring idea, Kate. I love the “I wonder” concept and that you gave your inner critique such a playful name. Let’s see, what should I name mine?
January 12, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Ashley Koney
Wonderful activity! Thank you for bringing me into nature to get inspired!
January 12, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Kate Carroll
This was awesome! Thanks for bringing me back to my “senses”
January 12, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Heather Gallagher
Yep – ever time I try to draw my inner critic goes ballistic 🤪
January 12, 2020 at 5:09 pm
writeremmcbride
Thank you for your post and for including your sketches, Kate! I began sketching in my margins when reading Austin Kleon’s “Keep Going,” and resolved to continue. Just noticing the patterns in nature: leaves, roots, waves, light rays, etc. is fascinating and restorative. Look at a shaft of wheat, how the kernels repeat in their growth pattern. Compare to a pinecone, some of the cactus family, some of the lichens, and on and on we go. We are surrounded by miracles of great beauty every day. To ignore them in favor of the “one thing” mantra of focusing on productivity and accomplishment only, is to invite exhaustion – which is not productive!
January 12, 2020 at 5:17 pm
saputnam
Great post, Kate!! I love the name for your inner critic: Princess Poopynannyhead! I’m going have to think up one for mine… she has a bad habit of running off to Cancun and swilling Margaritas at the most inopportune time.
Thank you for sharing your ideas about using nature as a brainstorming tool!I get my best ideas either gardening… there is something about having my hands deep in the earth that frees up the old brain cells… or just sitting outside, closing my eyes, and just breathing in all the scents, feeling the sun and the wind on my skin, and listening to all of the sounds around me
January 12, 2020 at 5:20 pm
Sharon Langley
Thank you for this…inner critics aren’t always easy to silence.
January 12, 2020 at 5:20 pm
M.A. Cortez
I love this execerise and I’m excited to try it out.
January 12, 2020 at 5:20 pm
phyllisharris50
Great exercise! That was fun! Even on this frigid cold day. Also, thanks for sharing your thumbnail sketches to your beautiful book, The Secret Life of Red Fox. I LOVED seeing your work process.
January 13, 2020 at 1:46 am
Kate Garchinsky
Hi Phyllis! That being my first book, nervous as heck, I did SO many thumbnails, half-size sketches, full sketches…. now I use iPad Pro with Procreate
for thumbnails. This saves precious space in my flat file. BTW I am a fan of your lovely work!
January 12, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Susan Eyerman
Wonderful advice! May try using one of my unused journals for this exercise but I won’t show anyone.
January 13, 2020 at 1:36 am
Kate Garchinsky
That is totally ok!
January 12, 2020 at 5:21 pm
JillDanaBooks
What an excellent exercise! Thanks for sharing it with us! 🙂🙂🙂
January 12, 2020 at 5:24 pm
north4woods
Love this so much! Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 5:24 pm
matthewlasley
I am so stealing this for my first grade class!
January 12, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Gabi Snyder
This exercise was exactly what I needed today and my 10-year-old daughter enjoyed wondering with me. Thank you, Kate!
January 13, 2020 at 1:35 am
Kate Garchinsky
Oh how lovely! I’m touched that it inspired a joint activity. 🥰
January 12, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Leah
This is a great idea! Thank you.
January 12, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Angie
I LOVE this exercise! Thanks for sharing it in such great detail! Congrats on your lovely new book. I also LOVE foxes. 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Heather Kelso
Our inner critiques sound very familiar. I need to find a name for mine so I can tell it to shush…..
Thank you for your exercise, “I wonder”. Using all of our senses to describe an item is a great tool for digging deeper to generate ideas and for descriptive writing. Your illustrations are lovely.
January 12, 2020 at 5:58 pm
brendamay28
My poopynannyhead has been very active for a while, time to give her this excercise. Great post, thank you.
January 12, 2020 at 6:00 pm
8catpaws
I can’t draw stick figures, but my contour drawing of a leaf came out much better than expected! And the fill-in-the blanks gave me an idea…
January 13, 2020 at 1:32 am
Kate Garchinsky
Excellent!!
January 12, 2020 at 6:02 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Love Poopynannyhead! She lives in my head and this exercise will be good for her!
Thanks.
January 12, 2020 at 6:03 pm
Natasha Garnett
Congratulations on your books, Kate. And thank you for the creativity advice. My daughter lives in Costa Rica- I’ll be looking for your sloth book in 2021. (just put a tickler in the calendar.)
January 13, 2020 at 1:32 am
Kate Garchinsky
Lucky daughter! I loved it there. I can’t wait to go back some day. Maybe this time I’ll make it to a sloth sanctuary. 🦥
January 12, 2020 at 6:06 pm
Sue
Congrats on your books! Would love to meet MsPoppynannyhead, or at least learn from these thumbnail sketches, to enhance my craft!
January 12, 2020 at 6:07 pm
Juliana Lee
My Doodooninnybrain gives your Poppynannyhead a high five for making me work!
January 13, 2020 at 1:31 am
Kate Garchinsky
Hahaha, right on!
January 12, 2020 at 6:07 pm
Jessica Potts
How interesting!
January 12, 2020 at 6:09 pm
rosecappelli
Thanks so much for this exercise! And I love “The Secret Life of…” series.
January 13, 2020 at 1:30 am
Kate Garchinsky
Thank you, Rose! 💙
January 12, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
What a fun exercise. Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2020 at 6:13 pm
whitcoma
Thank you for being so honest and brave!
January 12, 2020 at 6:13 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Great idea!
January 12, 2020 at 6:16 pm
EmmieRWerner
I have my Grandma’s apron……I wonder…..
Great post. Thank you❤️
January 12, 2020 at 6:16 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
I love that you have named your inner critic. Working on naming mine today so that I can address her and put her in her place.
January 12, 2020 at 6:20 pm
jeanjames926
I thoroughly enjoyed this exercise. I wonder…such a great prompt. Thank you for your post.
January 12, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Chang H
“…the branching pattern. Babies holding onto a mom.” — what a beautiful image! Thank you so much for sharing your process!
January 12, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Priya Gopal
Definitely something to pick up again.
January 12, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Just sitting here in the airport, pretty removed from nature, and I can see clouds, rain, my necklace is three leaves, and the man across from me is wearing a wintery mounain scened fleece.
I wonder how heavy and weighted a rain cloud feels? How relieved after the release? I wonder why leaves on the same tree turn different colors? Fleece is warm and soft; the opposite of the ice and sleet. But, snow? I wonder why sometimes it feels warmer after it snows? Why the old timers would say, “I wish it would snow, so that it would warm up?”
January 13, 2020 at 1:28 am
Kate Garchinsky
What an excellent adaptation to this exercise! See, you might find a story somewhere in that relationship between snow and warmth.
January 12, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Lori Himmel
I teach a writing workshop to elementary kids. This activity is going to be amazing! Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 6:44 pm
Shauntrell Leaks
I will definitely try the drawing activity!
January 12, 2020 at 6:47 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Thank you, Kate, for the artist’s way of leading into a story idea. I love it!
January 12, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Angela Verges
Thanks for sharing this activity. I put my coat on and wandered around the natural areas near my house.
January 12, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Karin Larson
This was such a fun post to read. Thank you for sharing and congrats!
January 12, 2020 at 7:03 pm
Cathy Lentes
I wish I could draw better, but I have always loved looking at things closely. I often use photography to do this same thing. I love being in nature and really seeing what is there. Your exercise is wonderful and useful to get us to slow down, and experience our surroundings as a child might.
January 13, 2020 at 1:26 am
Kate Garchinsky
I would be interested in hearing what you discover if you photograph an object, and then what you notice if you contour draw the very same thing.
January 12, 2020 at 7:13 pm
writeknit
I can’t wait until the sun comes up tomorrow to find the object of my future picture book.🙂
January 12, 2020 at 7:14 pm
Katie L. Carroll
Fun perspective!
January 12, 2020 at 7:26 pm
TammyB
I love this exercise. It is always interesting to know what exercises are done at retreats and workshops. Thanks for your insight and sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Lane Mathis Arnold
Well, that was fun!
January 12, 2020 at 7:34 pm
asiqueira1307
Thank you for the idea. Today I was out, but I will try it tomorrow. I’m loving all the ideas on how to get ideas.
January 12, 2020 at 7:49 pm
bookfish1
I just now getting a chance to read your post, it’s been a crazy day My inner critic confirms that I can not draw, but I am looking forward to trying your exercise. I am a rather visual person and I start to see illustrations sometimes before the words. Thanks
January 12, 2020 at 7:50 pm
percyandcat
Kate, this was a great exercise. It was fun and made me pay attention to things I would not normally pay attention to. Even though my drawing did not look much like what I was attempting to draw it was still fun and educational. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Beth Charles
Great idea. I have a feeling I will be using this prompt a lot! Thanks.
January 12, 2020 at 8:00 pm
Michele R
Thank you for this idea and the opportunity to give my inner critic a chance to speak her peace, and then a chance for me to tell her to just be quiet and watch! 🙂
January 12, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Megan Whitaker
Great post! I think I might try this with my after school art kids. It would help with the “I can’t draw” comments I hear all the time. Thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 1:23 am
Kate Garchinsky
Perfect! I’d love to know how it goes.
January 12, 2020 at 8:04 pm
Jeanne Cherney
I would love your book. Thanks for the advice
January 12, 2020 at 8:17 pm
bluerabbit
OH! I LOVE this :-). Thank you so much.
January 12, 2020 at 8:18 pm
bluerabbit
Reblogged this on One Way to Wonder and commented:
This is a great idea!
January 12, 2020 at 8:19 pm
Elizabeth Ross
What a fantastic exercise for shutting down that inner critic and amplifying curiosity and idea-generating. Thank you, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 8:31 pm
Rebecca Herzog
What a wonderfully fun exercise! Thank yoU!
January 12, 2020 at 8:33 pm
Lynn Alpert
I have never heard of doing this before – what a great idea!
January 12, 2020 at 8:41 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Thanks for the suggestions!
January 12, 2020 at 8:48 pm
Dina Ticas
Kate, thank so much for the insight. I too would say I’m not an artist, but stopping to focus my attention of the details of something can only help the writing process.
January 13, 2020 at 1:21 am
Kate Garchinsky
I hope so! It may also help you remember details you might lose or miss in a photograph.
January 12, 2020 at 9:03 pm
cbcole
What a different idea. It turn out I can draw when I’m not looking at what I’m doing.
January 13, 2020 at 1:19 am
Kate Garchinsky
Yaaaassss! There’s a reason for that, and it has something to do with letting your creative right brain play while your analytical left brain takes a
time out. ☺️
January 12, 2020 at 9:09 pm
saintamovin
Poppy nanny head for sure👍Thank you
January 12, 2020 at 9:19 pm
Patricia Alcaro
Love this! Love this! Will do this again and again. Inspiring!!
January 12, 2020 at 9:22 pm
Patricia Alcaro
Love this! Love this! I will do this exercise again and again. Inspiring
January 12, 2020 at 9:27 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Illustrating and writing are closer cousins than many folks might think…your prompt is precisely what I encourage students (and adults) to do when formulating a poem! Study the subject; feel, smell, consider, contemplate, imagine! Thanks, Kate.
January 13, 2020 at 1:17 am
Kate Garchinsky
Matt, that was one of my thoughts when I first did this exercise—that the prompts elicited rather poetic responses, many similes to use rather than adjectives. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 9:37 pm
Gail Hedrick
Who doesn’t like something that encourages you to go outside? Then, to tie it a writing exercise which focuses on drawing?! The details i drew were so surprising as were the answers to the questions you posed. Thanks so much!
January 12, 2020 at 9:38 pm
bgonsar
Beautiful sketches! And you don’t have to tell me twice to go outside.
January 12, 2020 at 9:48 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
Good idea for those of who feel as if we can “only” write, thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 9:48 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for the idea. I will try it and won’t let my Poopynannyhead even know!!
January 12, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Katie A Giorgio
Great suggestions. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2020 at 9:55 pm
Terrie Hellard-Brown
What a great post. I had to read the first part to my husband. I was laughing so hard. We all have a Princess Poopynannyhead, don’t we! Love the sensory activity of “I wonder.” Such a great idea for when we’re feeling stuck in our writing.
January 12, 2020 at 9:57 pm
carolmunrojww
Thanks so much, Kate, for reminding me about contour drawing! I learned this in high school, and while I was pretty lousy about most things art, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Love your suggestion to take it further and wonder.
January 12, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Linda Silvestri
Thanks for the exercise, Kate. I can’t wait to try this out! Also, I love your sketches.
January 12, 2020 at 10:08 pm
ingridboydston
I wonder what will come of all this wondering? And I can’t wait to find out! Than you 😁
January 12, 2020 at 10:13 pm
Pat
What a fun exercise! Thank you for sharing 😁
January 12, 2020 at 10:15 pm
Robin Perkins
What a great exercise! I can’t wait to try it.
January 12, 2020 at 10:18 pm
ruthgoringbooks
Oh, this reminds me of the botanical drawing classes I took, & how they trained me to contemplate closely & reverently. And I love seeing the series of thumbnails! I’m a writer who is becoming an author-illustrator, so I just eat this stuff up. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 10:20 pm
wyszguy
Great exercise! Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 10:22 pm
poppywrote
What a fun and useful exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 10:22 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
KATE: OH, I SOOO LOVE this exercise! I am a visual person, too, so I CAN’T WAIT to give it a go! I LOVE the idea of asking myself every day: “where will my wonderings take me?” and following wherever they lead. WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!! THANK YOU for the inspiration! THANK YOU for not listening to your Poopynannyhead, so that we have the chance to admire your work! PS TO YOUR POOPYNANNYHEAD: My Poopynannyhead says “HI”–I think; I’m trying not to listen too closely!
January 13, 2020 at 1:14 am
Kate Garchinsky
Oooh, what an interesting concept, our inner Poopynannyheads trying to communicate with each other! Thank you for your kind words, Natalie Lynn.
January 12, 2020 at 10:48 pm
dinatowbin
Kate, I love that you have poopynannyhead talking in your ear but you don’t pay attention to her. I think a variation of her exists in all our heads as artists and in the words of a famous song, we need to “Let it Go!”
I tried copying a picture of Peppa pig yesterday when I was hanging out with my 8-year-old niece and it came out well! I didn’t say “I’m not much of an artist” this time. I observed and copied. It worked!
I like your drawing and writing prompt. I’m going to try it. I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations!
January 13, 2020 at 1:12 am
Kate Garchinsky
Well done then! When copying a picture or drawing, a fun trick to try is to turn the picture upside down, and try drawing it upside down, as you see it in the picture.
It really helped me to envision her as a child, rather than an adult figure.
January 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Cinzia V.
Thank you for your inspiration! I love the idea of your exercise – especially at this point in the month, where something specific to wonder can really set a trajectory. Thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Aileen Stewart
Love your style :0)
January 12, 2020 at 11:06 pm
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 11:09 pm
pjaegly
Kate, I am taking some simple art drawing classes to practice drawing my own illustrations. I love your art exercise suggestion.
January 13, 2020 at 1:06 am
Kate Garchinsky
Simple is good! I hope you sick with it.
😁
January 12, 2020 at 11:16 pm
Keila Dawson
What a great exercise! Even Poopynannyhead may enjoy doing this. LOL!
January 12, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Ashley Pierson
I love this creative exercise. Off to try it out. Thanks fir the great post, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 11:22 pm
Ashley Pierson
Autocorrect always changes my for to fir!
January 12, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Marty Bellis
This is especially nice for a time when you’re stuck with some other aspect of a story. I can see it will crank up the idea machine. Thank you!
January 12, 2020 at 11:40 pm
angiecal76
Now that’s a fun exercise! It sounds like it could really get the creative juices flowing. Thanks for sharing, Kate!
January 12, 2020 at 11:44 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Great exercise!
January 12, 2020 at 11:48 pm
Susan Macartney
Nature + Drawing + Mindful Observation! Definitely a fun, and super accessible idea incubator – thanks!
January 12, 2020 at 11:50 pm
Kaye Baillie
I had so much fun doing this with my pinkish grapevine leaf. It really made me observe, and feel connected to a simple object. Thankyou, Kate and your Red Fox book looks beautiful.
January 13, 2020 at 1:01 am
Kate Garchinsky
Oh good! Thank you very much.
January 13, 2020 at 12:17 am
sjwmeade
Thank you for this post and for sharing your exercises!
January 13, 2020 at 12:19 am
Mary Beningo
I love hearing from an illustrator point of view! I did not go outside and venture today because we had an ice storm and everything outside is covered in ice! But I have been admiring the ice covered branches of trees from my nice, warm living room window 🙂 I think I’ll look through the kitchen cabinet to see if something inspires me…
January 13, 2020 at 12:21 am
Mary Beningo
I loved hearing from the point of view of an illustrator! We had an ice storm this weekend so I didn’t venture out and find something. Instead I stayed inside and looked out my living room window at the beautiful ice covered branches!
January 13, 2020 at 1:02 am
Kate Garchinsky
Ok, I need to know where all these writers with ice storms live. There are so many of you. I love the blown glass effect of twigs coated in ice!
January 13, 2020 at 12:22 am
susan schade
I cannot wait to try this! Thank you for the idea of leaving my comfort zone and sketching to inspire ideas for stories. Congratulations on your books! I’m excited to read them.
January 13, 2020 at 12:28 am
Diane Tulloch
I loved this idea. I’m a visual thinker so this was a great exercise for me.
January 13, 2020 at 12:34 am
Heather Rowley
You’re brilliant! Love this!
January 13, 2020 at 12:40 am
seschipper
Great hearing from an illustrator! Great perspective! I’m sorry it is too late to venture outdoors now, but this activity is on my agenda for tomorrow!!! 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 12:40 am
Darcee Freier
Thanks for the fun drawing exercise. I wonder what will come out of it.
January 13, 2020 at 12:47 am
authorlaurablog
I like the image of an ant walking the perimeter of an object to help me outline it. I’m going to try drawing more. This is the second Storystorm post that’s inspired me to move beyond my stick figures.
January 13, 2020 at 12:58 am
Kate Garchinsky
Hooray!
January 13, 2020 at 12:57 am
Debra Bartsch
Thanks Kate for the great I Wonder ideas.
Your book looks wonderful!
January 13, 2020 at 1:19 am
Michele Ziemke
This is such a great exercise. Can’t wait to see what happens!
January 13, 2020 at 1:34 am
Juliann Caveny
Kate, thanks for sharing with us. As a science teacher, my class and I frequently complete I Wonder pages. I think today’s story idea will definitely come from one of those I’ve completed this past year. Thanks again for the inspiration!
January 13, 2020 at 1:39 am
Angela Padron
Contour drawings can produce amazing ideas – thanks for the post!
January 13, 2020 at 1:43 am
susanzonca
Fabulous, unique idea!
January 13, 2020 at 1:49 am
jenniemacdonald
I love so much seeing your sketchbook pages and thumbnails for Red Fox. They are so alive with the moment of creation. Thank you for sharing them and retrieving contour drawing practice from my memories of art class 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 2:06 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
This exercise is really going to stretch me. I’m intrigued. If only everything weren’t covered in snow right now… Thanks for the incentive to explore!
January 13, 2020 at 2:38 am
Latasha Vernon
That sounds like a great exercise to get your mind going! Thanks for this!
January 13, 2020 at 2:40 am
rjtraxel
Another fun exercise although my drawing is awful!
January 13, 2020 at 2:45 am
Jenny Read Stout
This seems like it would be a good meditation too!
January 13, 2020 at 2:57 am
Jocelyn Rish
Princess Poopynannyhead?!? That’s too awesome!
January 13, 2020 at 3:21 am
lillyarts
I love loved your post. !!!
January 13, 2020 at 3:22 am
rgstones
What a great exercise. Thank you!
January 13, 2020 at 3:33 am
Marcia Berneger
Fun exercise. Thanks!!
January 13, 2020 at 4:09 am
Gaby Lagos
Your post, really, take me out of my comfortable place, I imagine contemplating nature, or in the thrift store looking for something unique. where my characters like to go? Is a good question.” I Wonder”, is a gem, Thanks
January 13, 2020 at 4:30 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for this awesome exercise–it’s perfect for writers as well as illustrators…even though I’m sure I won’t be posting my sketch online. 😉 I’m reading it while it’s dark, so I looked around my office for the most natural thing I could find and it’s a lapiz lazuli stone and your exercise helped me not only view it in a new way, but spark an idea for a possible manuscript.
January 13, 2020 at 6:23 am
Elle
Great exercise!
January 13, 2020 at 7:53 am
Joan Maher
Such a fun way to spark creativity! Will definitely be giving this a try. Thank you!
January 13, 2020 at 7:59 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the exercises.
January 13, 2020 at 8:04 am
Marianne Knowles
Kate, my inner poopynannyhead is going to have to zip it for me to do this! But it sounds like a great way to access the other side of the brain, so she’ll have to deal. Thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 8:06 am
Naana
Great exercise!! I tried it with a piece of bark that had come in the soil in a plant I received recently. I wondered up to a mountain top and looked down. I will try it with a grocery item. Thanks Kate for inspiring creativity in unlikely places.
January 13, 2020 at 9:28 am
Michele Meleen
Nature is a great source of wonder, but I love your suggestions to try the exercise with other things/locations too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 9:39 am
Daryl Gottier
Curiosity and wonder are such gifts…and they go with you everywhere! Thanks for the great post.
January 13, 2020 at 9:42 am
Dee Knabb
What great suggestions, Kate. Thanks for this exercise!
January 13, 2020 at 9:50 am
Lisa Black
I love this!
January 13, 2020 at 9:55 am
Lauren Barbieri
What a fun exercise! Thank you for the post.
January 13, 2020 at 10:05 am
Becky Shillington
Thank you so much for this suggestion, Kate! I plan to try this exercise as soon as it stops pouring down rain outside! 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 10:18 am
donnacangelosi
Such a great exercise for taking time to wonder and waking our senses. Thanks so much!
January 13, 2020 at 10:42 am
Sarah Momo Romero
It’s been a long time since I’ve done any contour drawing or sketching recently. This is inspiring me to get back into it in a whole new way, thanks for the tip, Kate!
January 13, 2020 at 10:52 am
Joan Swanson
This is a great post. Love how you put all the senses into it as well as observation. Thank you.
January 13, 2020 at 10:56 am
Brittanny Handiboe
I guess its time to go out and be one with nature again. I really do miss landscape painting and drawing anyway. Should be a relaxing exercise.
January 13, 2020 at 11:05 am
Jennifer Spillane
Interesting idea. I’m going to try it with my kids too. Thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 11:05 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
A sprig of dried pokeweed berries…
January 13, 2020 at 11:17 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for sharing this great exercise!
January 13, 2020 at 11:38 am
Anita Banks
This non-artist is going to try this idea.
January 13, 2020 at 11:38 am
suzannepoulterharris
Will squeeze a walk in today and see what I come up with. Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2020 at 11:44 am
cantsing1
Damn good artist! Guess I’ll have to kick my Poopynannyhead in the rump and get busy! I’ve got an idea . . ; )
January 13, 2020 at 11:55 am
aliciaminor
Every little effort is worth a try and a great way to discover an idea one day. Our front, or back yards or where ever in the house are open for this great exercise. Thank you Kate. God bless you.
January 13, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
LOVE this exercise! I’m going to use it when I teach writing for illustrators this semester! I found a soft leather leaf that looks like chocolate and tastes like air (yes, I did lick it!). It seems to “belong” in the sea: a skate, a sting ray, a raft full of tiny passengers…I wonder how far from home it is and what it feels like to waft to earth on a breeze.
January 13, 2020 at 12:07 pm
aidantalkin
As an author-illustrator I come at my stories drawing first, but what a great idea to jump into some close observation as an idea-inspiration… I have a chunk of beaver-gnawed wood I’m going to go hang out with, thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 12:12 pm
eamchild
This exercise woke me up this morning. In my world, deeply covered with snow, snow, and more snow falling down – I found a green leaf. An exotic promise in a bleak landscape. Thank you!
January 13, 2020 at 12:27 pm
tiffanydickinson
Wow, such a great exercise! It really allows us to dig deep and see what’s right before our eyes but we miss. Thank you!
January 13, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Danielle Hammelef
This is an exercise no one has ever suggested to me before. I love nature and can’t wait to give this a try.
January 13, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Dawn Young
Love this idea! Thank you.
January 13, 2020 at 1:16 pm
Kassy Keppol
I love seeing thumbnails. Thank you for sharing.
January 13, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Mita
Loved this! Its a great way to look at things from different points of view!
January 13, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Jess Townes
I can’t wait to try this!
January 13, 2020 at 1:33 pm
Joyce
Okay. I’ll try it sans stick figures. Thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Judith Snyder
Even I can do a drawing like that. It does help the focus and allows the mind to wander as well as wonder.
January 13, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Jen Bailey
Great exercise – thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Tara Hannon
This is an awesome exercise, thanks Kate!
January 13, 2020 at 2:01 pm
dedradavis03
This was amazing! I am no artist–stick figures and firecracker-flower thingys is all I can draw. But you just opened up a wonderful story idea and I am now going to write! Thank you, bye!
January 13, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Lori Alexander
This sounds so much fun. Thanks for the tip!
January 13, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Alice Fulgione
Loved your images! Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
I love this exercise (almost as much as I love the name of your inner critic!!)
January 13, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Elizabeth Saba
I am going to try this right now. Thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 2:29 pm
rhumba20
Thank you Kate!
January 13, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Megan J. Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2)
I can’t wait to try this exercise. I have lots of problems expanding my descriptions from what I see so. This will be so helpful.
January 13, 2020 at 2:32 pm
deniseaengle
Maybe I can illustrate one of my books. Note sure, but more sure than I was before I read your post! Thank you!
January 13, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Rebecca Thill (@rkthill)
Great exercise – thank you for the suggestion!
January 13, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Melissa Stoller
This is a wonderful idea! Thank you, Kate! I enjoyed wondering about a recent seashell find.
January 13, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Beth Gallagher
Fantastic post and exercise! Thank you! My inner Poopynannyhead has quite a mouth on her, so has more sway on me than I’d like. 😊
January 13, 2020 at 3:39 pm
Suwin Chan
Wonderful way to get your mind wandering. Thank you for your wise words!
January 13, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Viviane Elbee
Thank you for sharing this exercise with us!
January 13, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Maria Marshall
This post was excellent – take that Poopynannyhead! What a lot of fun. Not the least of which is permission (“order” for my internal critic) to slow down & ponder, look, and experience. Thank you very much for the inspiration.
January 13, 2020 at 4:24 pm
megcason1
What a fun exercise!!
Thank you Kate for the inspiration and motivation!
January 13, 2020 at 4:26 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
I loved your post… it made me think about using more of myself that a blank screen!
January 13, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Thanks for sharing that great exercise with us!
January 13, 2020 at 4:33 pm
farmfolkfamily
Oh so many poopynannyhead thoughts to ignore! Thanks for encouraging us to explore ideas through drawing. I need to do more of this!
January 13, 2020 at 4:35 pm
marshaelyn
KATE! What a creatively fun way to dig into story ideas! By observing natural or manufactured items, we can possibly create several stories with one detailed observation. Your Poopynannyhead needs to take a vacation or get her eyes checked. Your clever post will help us brainstorm all year long. Sending you energy and inspiration…
January 13, 2020 at 4:46 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
I haven’t tried this exercise yet, buy my goodness, what a unique and clever approach to new ideas. Thanks for sharing.
January 13, 2020 at 4:55 pm
Amy Wagner
I love exercises that make you sit and consider everyday objects – really consider them not glance over them. Thank you for sharing!
January 13, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Joanne Roberts
Awesome, thanks!
January 13, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Thank you for making my nanny-poopyhead step out of her comfort zone!
January 13, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Jennifer Hunt
What a neat way to spark inspiration-can’t wait to give it a try! (I just won’t bring my inner critic along).
January 13, 2020 at 6:02 pm
meghandwrites
love hearing from an illustrator!
January 13, 2020 at 6:04 pm
Amy Newbold
Thanks for sharing your sketches and this exercise. Can’t wait to try it! And I’ll try to make my inner critic take a nap.
January 13, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Amanda Makek-Ahmadi
Great idea to wonder about objects. Thanks for sharing the idea.
January 13, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Alexis Ennis
This idea/ activity is wonderful! I can’t wait to do it. Thank you.
January 13, 2020 at 7:30 pm
claireannette1
I’m not an artist but I think this is something I can do! Thanks for the suggestions.
January 13, 2020 at 7:32 pm
LaurenKerstein
I love this activity. Although I haven’t done it yet, I can’t wait to try it!
January 13, 2020 at 7:55 pm
Poupette Smith
Can’t draw for beans but might just give this one a whirl! Hope you and Mr. Pringle et co. have another “The Art & Craft of Nature Writing and Illustration” planned…
January 13, 2020 at 8:05 pm
Kim Wilson
What a great writing prompt! Thanks so much for sharing this process!
January 13, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Patti Richards, Children's Author
Great exercise! Thanks for sharing this!
January 13, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Nadine Poper
Thank you for this exercise!
January 13, 2020 at 8:55 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love contour drawing. They surprise both the experienced and the novice.
January 13, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Lynne Marie
Such WONDERful ideas here. Love Highlights for inspiration, as well. Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring, Kate.
January 13, 2020 at 9:24 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Such a great drawing exercise to encourage creativity.
Thank you, Kate.
Suzy Leopold
January 13, 2020 at 9:55 pm
kirstenbockblog
What a wonderful exercise! Despite my lack of drawing skills, I’ve found that sketching gives me lots of great ideas.
January 13, 2020 at 10:16 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Ha! Lobe this! I too, have a poopynannyhead.
January 13, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Lori Menning
Love this exercise! I’m going to have to try this with my students!
January 13, 2020 at 10:51 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Poopynannyhead–love it. There is a story right there.
January 13, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Karen Lawler
This drawing trick is hysterical!! I have tried it and the picture was just ridiculously funny and I loved doing the whole process !! Thanks 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 11:16 pm
DCSM
What a great exercise. It really helps to see an object fully. Especially love how it brings in all of the senses. Great for writing descriptions so they come alive to the reader.
January 13, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Dea Brayden
Kate, thanks for this fun idea to get in touch with our senses.
January 13, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 14, 2020 at 12:38 am
Jane Dippold
Great idea to find ideas in curiosity and wonder!
January 14, 2020 at 1:07 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
Such a fun exercise idea. Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 5:06 am
Kellie
Poopynannyhead!! Love it! And I loved the ideas in this post – thank you so much for sharing. For someone who is only now just getting brave enough to start drawing again, the idea of the contour drawing is brilliantly freeing.
January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Sara A
Oooh, can’t wait to try this!
January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
Karrie Zylstra
It snowed here today and I was just LOOKING for an excuse to go for a long walk in it when the sun comes up. Thanks, Kate. I’m strangely glad that I lost the email for a bit and then found it on the exact right day.
January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
Mary Zychowicz
I’m playing “catch-up” today with Storystorm. I love that you named your inner critic! That’s great. It’s night time but I’m going out first thing in the morning to do this. I’m not an illustrator but I love this idea. I think I may get hooked on this and do several! Thank you for your fun post and this wonderful creative activity. Can’t wait to see your illustrations.
January 14, 2020 at 9:14 am
Janet Smart
Congratulations! Thanks for the advice. I love your sketches! I’ve started to dabble a little in drawing and I love it.
January 14, 2020 at 10:33 am
Brinton Culp
So excited to see your post, Kate! I love your work! This was a lovely exercise to slow down, take notice, and discover the hidden mysteries within an old discarded oyster shell that emerged in the backyard. (I found a Storystorm idea.) I also plan to take this and modify it a bit to use in my middle school Spanish classes. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Kate Garchinsky
Hi Brinton! I’m happy to see you here, too! Ohh goodie, an idea! An oyster shell in the yard does spark the imagination. Let me know how it goes in class.
January 14, 2020 at 11:28 am
Laurie Bouck
Thank you for your post! I can’t wait to try this! 😀
January 14, 2020 at 11:29 am
Genevieve Petrillo
I like this. It’s one more way to use outdoors (unless you draw the shoe or produce) for idea generating.
January 14, 2020 at 11:51 am
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for the idea!
January 14, 2020 at 12:09 pm
KRISTINA COOPER CASTILLO
This is such a fun exercise with endless possibilities!
January 14, 2020 at 12:37 pm
Rachel Funez
Cool thanks! I will definitely try this once it warms up later today. 😉
January 14, 2020 at 1:01 pm
gattodesign
I absolutely love this idea of going outside and doing the drawing exercise. I will be doing this today. Also can’t wait to check out your fox book.
January 14, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Love this idea!!
January 14, 2020 at 1:42 pm
Michele Helsel
I’ve never grabbed something from nature and examined it in that manner. Interesting. I like the idea of the thrift shop too. I’m always making up stories in my mind for things I pass by. Mostly people.
January 14, 2020 at 1:44 pm
Paula B Puckett
Thank you for insights and in sharing your process with us. Great post!
January 14, 2020 at 2:01 pm
Lauri Meyers
Ooh I would like to do this with my girl scouts too.
January 14, 2020 at 3:11 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
What a refreshing exercise. I picked a brown leaf but after I was done, my sketch looked like a number 7 with bat wings. I can play a mean game of Pictionary, but this did not look like a leaf at all. I don’t know where my bat-seven is going to go, but it’s been fun using this technique. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Ashley Bankhead
What a great post! Thank you for sharing. I love the I wonder idea. I want to do it with my kids:)
January 14, 2020 at 4:34 pm
Leigh Therriault
Ooohhh, cool idea! I would love to draw beyond the stick figure realm one day… I’ll definitely try this “I wonder” trick! Thanks 🤩🎨
January 14, 2020 at 4:42 pm
Michelle Howell Miller
Love this exercise! Thank you for sharing. Planning to share with my kids’ school as well.
January 14, 2020 at 4:54 pm
stephaniewildman
Brilliant. Thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 4:57 pm
shirley301
I loved your idea. What a great post.
January 14, 2020 at 5:11 pm
Judy Palermo
I love this. Thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Laura Jean Watters
Dear Katie, I’ve been in a bit of a funk since the holidays are over. Your post first made me smile and then it gave me a nice way to ground myself. The “I Wonder” strategy could become a very nice habit. The weather in NY just went from unseasonably, freakishly warm to dismal. Instead of playing “I Wonder” outside, I toured my house and looked at objects in a new way.
January 14, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Rona Shirdan
Loved your post, Kate! Can’t wait to play a game of I WONDER and come up with some new ideas, and drawings!
January 14, 2020 at 7:23 pm
kaleegwarjanski
What a fun idea! Especially with a group.
January 14, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Joannie Duris
Thank you, Kate. Such a great exercise to let our minds meander as they explore details and make unexpected connections. I loved seeing the surprise links you discovered in your journal. Beautiful work in “The Secret Life” series!
January 14, 2020 at 8:46 pm
Arlene Schenker
Kate–thanks for this cool idea. I’ve got to try contour drawing. Maybe my inner illustrator will come out!
January 14, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Dee Leone
Your name for your inner naysayer is awesome. I love your wonder suggestions.
January 14, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Like teachers learn the names of their students for group control, I need to name my critic. He’s naughty, naughty, naughty!
That’s a great exercise!
January 14, 2020 at 11:50 pm
Susan Twiggs
I will definitely try this..
January 15, 2020 at 1:10 am
writersideup
Kate, what a great post and so different 🙂 LOVE seeing your “I Wonder” sketches, too. It’s so important to study things this way and I think your approach is wonderful. Thank you 😀
January 15, 2020 at 4:20 am
Angela Turner
Love, love, love the Secret Life of the Red Fox. Your illustrations are beautiful!
January 15, 2020 at 5:40 am
Maureen Tai
Dollhouse decorator sounds intriguing! I love your notebook sketches and am a little shy about drawing as I’m not naturally talented or trained as an illustrator, but it’s a lovely idea to try out. I wish I lived in a place which has more nature around – we live in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong – but I suppose I could play the same game with a scrap of cardboard or a bottle top… 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 9:20 am
melissamiles1
This is a fascinating exercise! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 11:14 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Kate, what a great exercise. Wonder is at the root of my writing life, but I’ve never wondered like this before. And like so many said above, your illustrations are full of it too. Beautiful book, thanks.
January 15, 2020 at 12:11 pm
storycatcherpublishing
As a sketch artist, I’m always wondering what I will draw next. I also wonder if there will ever come a day when I will be able to devote ALL my time to writing and drawing…lol…
Great post!
Donna L Martin
Story Catcher Publishing
January 15, 2020 at 12:49 pm
curryelizabeth
What a great exercise! Thank you!
January 15, 2020 at 1:03 pm
jshaklan
A fun way to free your mind. Thank you!
January 15, 2020 at 1:58 pm
topangamaria
I love your Secret Life illustrations, and what a great prompt exercise to do.
January 15, 2020 at 2:24 pm
Sara Fajardo
Sounds like fun. Thank you.
January 15, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Deboarh Foster
This morning I was walking back into my house when the frost on the evergreen caught my attention. I had to take a photo (or three) of it. I think that the world was getting me ready to read your blog post! Thanks for the idea!
January 15, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Jennifer Weingardt
Thank you for helping me focus on the small details. It helps make my ideas more concrete.
January 15, 2020 at 4:12 pm
angie9091
I’m in awe that your drawings look like actual things instead of my blobs.
January 15, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Janet Halfmann
I’m definitely going to start “wondering” more!
January 16, 2020 at 12:25 am
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for providing a tool that will help me focus on the small details.
January 16, 2020 at 10:30 am
Amelia Gossman
This is a great exercise, thank you! It’s always great to have a good sketchbook exercise to help generate ideas.
January 16, 2020 at 10:31 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Fantastic idea to get the words and feelings flowing. Love seeing your sketchbook. Thank you!!
January 16, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Now when I take a walk, I’ll be sure to bring a little treasure back with me. Thanks so much for sharing this exercise!
January 16, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Suzanne Alexander
I’m going to try this exercise to generate ideas. Thanks so much!
January 16, 2020 at 1:53 pm
kjerstenhayes
I can imagine doing this with so many things that catch my eye, an interesting ornament on a friend’s Christmas tree, a scarf left behind on a bench at the park, tracks left in the snow. Thanks for this post!
January 16, 2020 at 2:39 pm
Jill M Proctor
What a fun exercise! Especially for someone who can’t draw! (Me) Thanks for sharing! Your artwork is lovely.
January 16, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Danna Smith
I love this exercise, thank you for sharing!
January 16, 2020 at 3:13 pm
Helen Lysicatos
What a wonderful idea! Can’t wait to give this a try! Thank you.
January 16, 2020 at 6:45 pm
dlapmandi
A great exercise for picking up details. Increases your observation skills and it can be applied to observing behaviors of people too! Thanks for the post.
January 16, 2020 at 9:13 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
From Princess IWouldn’tGiveaPennyForPenny’sThoughts to Princess Poopynannyhead:
This is a great activity. I love nature and I’ve never tried anything like this. Thanks for the detailed examples. Love them!
January 17, 2020 at 12:37 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
What a great exercise! Thank you for sharing it with us!! 🙂
January 17, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
LOVE this! Thank you, Kate!
January 17, 2020 at 6:27 pm
anneiversonbellsouthnet
Thanks, Kate for your post! It’s a wonderful exercise in the importance of noticing detail. And it gives new hope to people like me who can only do stick figures! =]
January 17, 2020 at 11:33 pm
kathydoherty1
I’ve done this exercise with students using a Hershey’s kiss. Great post! Thank you.
January 18, 2020 at 7:19 am
sharongiltrow
I love this exercise I’m going to do it for myself and then with my children and my students :-).
January 18, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Susan Orton
I love this idea of exploring nature to open up your mind to possibilities. It’s a wonderful centering exercise for appreciation and creativity. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m doing it today in Balboa Park.
January 18, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Lovely, thank you!
January 18, 2020 at 9:21 pm
Stephanie Lau
Neat to see your thumbnails!
January 19, 2020 at 10:45 am
leahpsmoser
This is good advice! The new book looks wonderful.
January 19, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Wendy
I am a poopynannypoopoohead about drawing. I fess up. Exciting to see you and your marvelous art here!
January 19, 2020 at 7:05 pm
doreenrobinson
Great idea – going to try the “I wonder” exercise!
January 19, 2020 at 7:27 pm
susaninez0905
I have never done the ‘I wonder’ exercise before. What a great idea!
January 19, 2020 at 8:03 pm
julielacombeauthor
I’m adding “I wonder” to my list of things to do when I feel the creative bug flying away. Thank your for the inspiration.
January 19, 2020 at 8:35 pm
stepheniehovland
Great idea! My sister took a picture of a snowflake today. I think I’ll use that.
January 20, 2020 at 12:41 am
Rachel
Good challenge. Look forward to it.
January 20, 2020 at 1:35 am
Karan Greene
I love this suggestion! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks!
January 20, 2020 at 5:13 pm
Mary York
Yes, my own Nannypoopyhead has ruled my life long enough! Great suggestion. I’ll try it!
January 21, 2020 at 4:37 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Thanks for sharing your attempts and results. Very courageous of you and instructive for us.
January 22, 2020 at 8:54 am
Anita Palmeri Overgaard
Perfect timing, as I am just beginning to dip my toes into non-fiction for my ICL course. This will help! And, I think I need to name my inner critic, although I really just want her to go away. If I name her, she might stay.
January 22, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Belinda Fallon
What a fun prompt. Thank you.
January 22, 2020 at 2:53 pm
Judy Bryan
From someone who can’t draw stick people . . . I really enjoyed this! Thank you for this great exercise. Loved seeing your beautiful sketches, too!!
January 22, 2020 at 3:06 pm
Lisa Tolin (@lisatolin)
This is a great exercise to quiet the mind. Mine is so noisy. Thank you!
January 22, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Erin Buhr
This is a new one. Thanks so much for describing the I Wonder activity. I’m definitely going to try this.
January 23, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Sylvia Chen
wow, such an immersive prompt. Thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 3:42 pm
Angela Padron
What a fantastic post thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 6:19 pm
imagination4lf
Thanks, Kate for sharing this exercise. I can’t wait to go out and give it a try! Much appreciated and hands-on!
January 25, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Amanda Sincavage
This was such a great exercise! Definitely holding onto this and sharing with my kiddos!
January 25, 2020 at 4:44 pm
McCourt Thomas
Lovely idea!
January 25, 2020 at 5:26 pm
Sheri Dillard
Fun post! Thanks for the inspiration, Kate! 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Sue Thoms
What a wonderful exercise, even for us non-artists.
January 25, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
What a wonderful drawing and writing exercise! You could even do this with everyday items around your home. Thanks for the fun idea. Princess Poopynannyhead has no clue what she’s talking about!
January 26, 2020 at 3:04 am
Stella Gardener
Thanks for sharing this exercise. I really like the fox sitting next to his book. Hope you didn’t spill all his secrets…
January 26, 2020 at 4:59 pm
Terri Sabol
Permission to draw an ugly blob?? Challenge accepted!
January 27, 2020 at 11:32 am
alisongoldberg
Thanks for sharing this great exercise!
January 28, 2020 at 4:56 pm
Nancy Riley
This is such a great exercise to examine the wonders of nature around us. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 28, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Anne Appert
I love this exercise! It would be fun to adapt and use it as a warm up each time we go to write or draw. What is something in your studio you see? I can’t wait to try this. Thank you!
January 29, 2020 at 1:50 am
Darshana
Interesting exercise! Thanks!
January 29, 2020 at 5:04 am
Joana Pastro
So fun! I can’t wait to try this activity.
Thanks!
January 29, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Lucy Staugler
Kate, “Princess Poopynannyhead”! Hilarious! I’m going to give my inner critic a name.Thanks for the idea! Also, thanks for the amazing exercise!
January 30, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Shawna JC Tenney
Ooh! This is a really great way to really explore an object and come up with new ideas and stories. Thanks for the exercise!
January 31, 2020 at 12:57 am
Dani Duck
This is a great idea Kate. I am also an illustrator and I should try this when it’s light out. Also the “I wonder” gets me thinking about more than just nature ideas.
January 31, 2020 at 3:24 pm
LJ Laniewski
I wonder if this idea will work for me? I think it will..and I’ll get my kids involved for maximum idea generating input. Thank you for sharing this.
January 31, 2020 at 4:06 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Kate! Thanks so much for sharing the “I Wonder” game. It sounds lovely and so inspiring.
January 31, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Brenda Miller
The I Wonder game is such a great way to get my head into nature. Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 8:51 pm
kmshelley
The game sounds awesome. Can’t wait to try it!
February 1, 2020 at 5:52 pm
shellshock7
thank you!
February 1, 2020 at 6:07 pm
Jefna M. Cohen
I want to try this with my kindergarteners! Thanks for the reminder that we all need to get out into nature and do more noticing. The wonders never cease! Your fox book looks lovely. Congratulations!
February 1, 2020 at 7:16 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great game. Thank you!
February 4, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Lucretia
I love the idea of playing “I wonder” and writing it all down. I often do this in my head while out in nature–but the sketching and capturing the thought process is revolutionary to me. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for a great post!
February 5, 2020 at 10:42 pm
CindyC
Thanks for sharing your “wondering” with us!
January 12, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Deborah W. Trotter
What a fun exercise! Even if nothing comes of it to write about, I can’t wait to try it and see what happens. I’m not an artist, but I can sketch a bit, so I’m not afraid to do this. Thanks for the suggestions. THE SECRET LIFE OF THE RED FOX looks beautiful and I want to read it. 🙂