January 14, 2020 7:00 am
As we ponder new ideas this month, I thought it might be helpful to think about the books we loved as children, as well as imagine the books we wished we’d had. Ideas are lurking in those musings. I just know it!
What books did you love most as a child?
Whether you were an avid reader or not, I bet you can remember a book that really mattered to you.
I vividly remember a few books that enriched my childhood life. I remember my third-grade teacher reading The Giving Tree (by Shel Silverstein) and crying. I realized in that moment that books have power.
I also remember the impact Pippi Longstocking had on me as a child. Pippi lived life on her own terms. I wanted to live my life like Pippi.
Write the book that will live in children’s hearts the way your favorite book lives in yours.
Second, think about what books you wish you had as a child? Picture your childhood self. What made you laugh? What made you cry? What books would’ve supported you through tough times? What books would’ve made celebrations even richer?
Write the book you would’ve loved as a child.
As you think about your childhood, and books that would’ve helped you, jot down your memories, feelings, and wishes in a word bank. Here’s an example of the beginnings of a word bank about some of my childhood memories.
Teacher crying
Baby pools at preschool that were filled with grass (yuck)
Giving away our dog when my sister was born
Singing outside our house in front of my favorite tree
Collecting tree sheddings and pretending they were seahorses
New Jersey
New York
Bird bones in our backyard
Favorite babysitter, Liz
Skunk spraying dog
Tomato soup bath
Are there any story ideas lurking around in your word bank?
Remember, ideas are flashes of brilliance that sneak into our minds, saying, “peek-a-boo—try to catch me.”
Catch those ideas. Write them down (WITHOUT judgment). Then write down the emotion, themes, dreams, desires, dislikes, and thoughts that live in each idea. Make your idea 3-D so that the manuscript you write will reflect all of the richness of that first flash.
I use a template when I write down new StoryStorm ideas so that I can capture as much of the initial resonance as possible. You can find the template on my website at laurenkerstein.net/critiquestemplates.
Finally, as you write down your ideas, remember all ideas are works in progress until they’re not. Perhaps thinking of an idea as a work in progress will quiet your inner critic for a moment. The idea for ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES (Illustrated by Nate Wragg) came from my work as a child therapist, my experience as a mom, and my understanding that children want power and control. Who am I kidding? We all want power and control, just like Pippi.
Rosie and Charlie began as a how-to book (How to Put Your Mommy to Bed). Although the manuscript morphed and changed a LOT, the original spark and heart remained. The idea was a work in progress. The heart was not. Ironically, the original flash of the idea (How to Put Your Mommy to Bed) is the basis for the second Rosie and Charlie book that is due out this Fall (ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT).
So, reach into your childhood. Remember your favorite books. Mine your memories and think about books you wish you had. Then, catch those flashes of brilliant ideas. Those ideas just may become books children will remember…
…FOREVER!
Lauren Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who currently lives in Colorado with her husband, Josh, their two dragons…er, daughters, Sarah and Danielle, and her rescue dogs, Hudson and Duke. She is represented by Deborah Warren with East West Literary Agency. Lauren’s debut: ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES splashed to bookshelves in June 2019. The companion volume, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT, is expected Fall 2020. Lauren also has another soon-to-be announced book upcoming in 2020. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique business, and is a long-time member of 12×12. Visit her at LaurenKerstein.net, on Twitter @LaurenKerstein, Instagram @LaurenKerstein, or Facebook.
Lauren is giving away a picture book critique.
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!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: STORYSTORM 2020
Tags: Lauren Kerstein, Nate Wragg, Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves
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Good points!
By Yael Levy on January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am
Awesome jumping board! I was a weird kid, so I have lots of potential stories 😉
By Kelly A. on January 14, 2020 at 10:47 am
Ooooh, I can’t wait to see them!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:16 pm
Thank you!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:17 pm
Already have some great ideas popping up, thanks so much Lauren
By Tara Hannon on January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am
Terrific!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:17 pm
Great ideas to spark ideas!
Gail Hartman
By thecrowsmap on January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am
Thank you! Write on!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:17 pm
Thanks, Lauren, for showing us how to tap into our past childhood to find story ideas.
By tinamcho on January 14, 2020 at 7:09 am
Happy tapping into into all of those memories!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:18 pm
Thanks for inspiring this lovely “flashback” look at powerful and meaningful PBs from memories past!
By Meli Glickman on January 14, 2020 at 7:15 am
You’re welcome! I hope it generates lots of ideas!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:19 pm
Love this! I need to dig through my memory banks. Thanks for the great resources on your website!
By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 14, 2020 at 7:18 am
You’re welcome! I hope they are helpful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:20 pm
Thanks for sharing! I love when ideas pop up from those old hiding places in my memories.
By Rick Starkey on January 14, 2020 at 7:19 am
Yes! I love it too!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:16 pm
Wow! I love your templates. What in the world in an “exploding sandwich”? That in itself sounds like a mischievous story idea!
By Kathi Morrison-Taylor on January 14, 2020 at 7:22 am
Hi! I’m thrilled you love my templates! I so love templates! 🙂 The idea of an “exploding sandwich” is from the talented, funny, and wonderful, Julie Falatko. Here is a wonderful post about this fabulous concept on Nerdy Chicks Write: https://nerdychickswrite.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/the-importance-of-an-exploding-sandwich/.
By LaurenKerstein on January 14, 2020 at 11:30 am
Thank you, Lauren, for reminding me of those childhood stories. You are right, there are certain ones that stick out. Also, thank you for the template!
By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on January 14, 2020 at 7:23 am
You’re welcome! Happy writing!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:20 pm
It’s a great idea to jot down flashes of memories. I will have to give that a go!
By Jeanette Stampone on January 14, 2020 at 7:24 am
I hope there are some wonderful ideas in your flashes of memories!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:21 pm
Your post just made me smile, thank you! I’m off to look at your template and build a word bank of childhood memories.
By faygie1 on January 14, 2020 at 7:25 am
I’m so happy my post made you smile! Good luck building a word bank of childhood memories! In writing this post, I shook out a few story ideas of my own. 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Great ideas and thank you so much for the link to your website – really useful stuff there too.
By Joan Longstaff on January 14, 2020 at 7:32 am
You’re welcome! Happy writing!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Thanks Lauren, I will have to try this today.
By hannahhudsonwrites on January 14, 2020 at 7:41 am
I hope it goes/ went well! Happy idea generating!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Lauren, thank you for sharing your process, I have tried to mine childhood memories before but your suggestions are bringing up more!
By Marianne Knowles on January 14, 2020 at 7:41 am
I’m thrilled my suggestions are bringing up more memories from which to mine ideas!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Thanks for the great idea to generate stories and for the templates..
By rimna on January 14, 2020 at 7:43 am
You’re welcome! I hope they are helpful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Thank you for the reminder to tap into our inner child. I loved Pipi as well!
By ranessadoucet on January 14, 2020 at 7:45 am
You’re welcome! Yes, what an amazing character!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
So important to remember to mine our childhood’s for ideas. Thanks for an inspirational post!
By Rebecca on January 14, 2020 at 7:45 am
You’re welcome. I hope you were able to mine a new idea or two!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
Thank you, Lauren, I love your positivity, inspiring ideas and your templates. I am forever trying to harness ideas (into and onto) the page and I think your templates might just be the answer for pinning them down. Best wishes for success with your picture books.
By sareenmclay on January 14, 2020 at 7:46 am
Fantastic! I hope my template helps you pin down all of the nuances of your ideas!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
Great idea, Lauren! I love it! I’m glad you included that part about “no judgement,” as that’s what I tend to do OH so easily. I will brainstorm my childhood needs (for books) and their accompanying emotions on my drive to work this morning! Congratulations!
By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 14, 2020 at 7:46 am
Yes, our inner critic is soooo judgy! There is a time for our inner critic to shine, and a time for her to BE QUIET. The idea stage is definitely a BE QUIET time! She can have her turn when you revise. (As long as she is polite and constructive!) 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:27 pm
Congratulations on your books, Lauren! Thanks for the great post!
By Kelly Jaques on January 14, 2020 at 7:47 am
Thank you so much! You’re welcome! I hope you were able to capture a few new ideas!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:28 pm
Thanks for your suggestions.
By Colleen Dabney on January 14, 2020 at 7:49 am
You’re welcome!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:28 pm
Ha! I remember a rusty swing set at preschool that I loved! Great prompt today.
By Linda Mitchell on January 14, 2020 at 7:51 am
That is an intriguing memory. Hmmm…. I wonder what would happen if the rusty swing set was up-staged by a new and improved version on the other side of the school playground.
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:29 pm
Wow! You are so right. The books that I loved in my childhood are so clear in my head, and those are exactly the kind of books I want to write.
By Riya on January 14, 2020 at 7:54 am
And exactly the kind of books you WILL write, indeed!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:30 pm
Great post!
By Michelle Ramirez on January 14, 2020 at 8:02 am
Thank you!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:30 pm
Thanks for sharing your word bank excerpt. I have few childhood memories, but these tiny snippets feel doable.
By Laura Purdie Salas on January 14, 2020 at 8:03 am
I wish I could remember exactly who taught me about a “word bank.” It is a great concept! I’m glad they feel doable! Happy writing!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:31 pm
I agree–this is such an important exercise to get reacquainted with our inner child and the stories that touched our heart, soul and funny bone. Thank you for this reminder, Lauren!
By Suzanne Lewis on January 14, 2020 at 8:04 am
Excellent point, Suzanne. It is so important to think about the stories that made us laugh, think, cry, etc..
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:32 pm
I love reaching back for ideas. I happen know a lot about MY world! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your tips. AND… thank you for unselfishly sharing your templates. I think the Storystorm one will be quite useful. I can’t wait to explore the rest.
Have a shiny day, everyone!
By Robin Jordan on January 14, 2020 at 8:05 am
You most certainly do know a lot about YOUR world! You’re welcome– I hope the templates are helpful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:33 pm
Thanks, you sparked some ideas. I also loved Pippi — and have modelled myself on her ever since!
By Franny G on January 14, 2020 at 8:09 am
United in Pippi LOVE forever!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:33 pm
One of my favorite things about Storystorm is all of the books I get to add to my “to-read” list. I tell myself they’re for my kids, but they are at least as much for me! Just added yours. 🙂
By Joy on January 14, 2020 at 8:10 am
Ha! I feel the same way! Now that my kids are older, the ruse is up! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:34 pm
This is a great way to mine ideas! Love the word bank & thanks for sharing your own template. All very helpful!
By Jennifer Weisse on January 14, 2020 at 8:10 am
I’m so glad the information and templates were helpful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:34 pm
I love the idea of word banks. And thank you for the helpful template!
By tanyakonerman on January 14, 2020 at 8:12 am
Love this ❤️
By Anushi Akshar Mehta on January 14, 2020 at 8:13 am
Thanks for the great post and the Storystorm template. I looked over your critiques/templates page, and would love to win a PB critique! In the meantime, I’m going to put that template to good use! 🙂
By M.R. Street on January 14, 2020 at 8:14 am
Thank you for this helpful exercise. Congrats on your debut!
By lmconnors on January 14, 2020 at 8:17 am
I really like the idea of linking the emotions to the idea as part of the brainstorm and will give that a go. Thank you!
By Jennifer Blanck on January 14, 2020 at 8:18 am
This really resonated with me, too. Thank you!
By jenniemacdonald on January 15, 2020 at 2:03 am
Lauren, your templates look amazing. Thanks for sharing them.
By Liz Steinglass on January 14, 2020 at 8:24 am
Thanks so much for the template!
By Laurie on January 14, 2020 at 8:24 am
Great suggestions! I’ve often mined memories for story ideas, but I can’t say I’ve thought much about the stories I wish were available when I was a kid!
By michelemeleen on January 14, 2020 at 8:27 am
Wow—thank you for all the suggestions! Diving back into childhood memories is giving me lots of ideas and also reminding me of a child’s perspective on the world.
By Andrea on January 14, 2020 at 8:27 am
Yes, Lauren, that template is great. And, I have to say we don’t draw upon our childhood memories enough. At least, I don’t and need to. Thank you for the reminder.
By debobrienbookscom on January 14, 2020 at 8:28 am
Thank you for sharing your templates! I can’t wait to get started with these tap into your childhood memories exercises!
By Lisa L Furness on January 14, 2020 at 8:29 am
Thanks for reminding us to mine our very own memories, Lauren. I may need a chisel. Congrats on your debut and its companion!
By Cathy L. Murphy on January 14, 2020 at 8:32 am
I’m right there with you. I’m chiseling away!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:11 pm
I like that you mention the spark. That’s a wonderful visual for conveying the feeling that keeps your idea smoldering in your thoughts.
By Ruthie Kirk on January 14, 2020 at 8:32 am
I am intrigued by the exploding sandwich, but rather than asking, I’ll just let it spark more ideas. Thank you Lauren.
By Robin Perkins on January 14, 2020 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the great brainstorming idea.
By Jennifer Kay on January 14, 2020 at 8:38 am
I love this concept–writing what we know/what we would’ve liked to read. Thank you also for sharing your templates! Such wonderful resources.
By Jolene Gutierrez on January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Great post, Lauren. I love your templates on your website, especially the revision checklist, “Being John Malkovich…”
By Alison Hedrick on January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Great tips and templates! Thanks!
By Lesley Grigg on January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Thank you!
By Sallye O'Rourke on January 14, 2020 at 8:48 am
So many suggestions for capturing story ideas. I love your phrase word bank. As a person who loves to collect things, collecting words and phrases is right up my alley. May be wy I love journaling and sketching. Can’t wait for revision day too.
By Sarah Tobias on January 14, 2020 at 8:48 am
Ty, Lauren, and very wise post. I particularly like this: “Remember, ideas are flashes of brilliance that sneak into our minds, saying, “peek-a-boo—try to catch me.” I love when I catch them. Also, I appreciate you sharing your template. Congrats on the ROSIE AND CHARIE series.
By Kathy Halsey on January 14, 2020 at 8:50 am
Yes, Kathy! I love when I catch them too! It isn’t always easy! They are sneaky little sparks.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:26 pm
I like your very practical ideas and the template! (The link didn’t work, but I found your website and was able to access it). Thank you!
By Amy Houts on January 14, 2020 at 8:51 am
Thanks for the post. I’m going to try it out!
By Janet Smart on January 14, 2020 at 8:53 am
This is a great concept. I will try it out. So much to do, so little time. Thank You.
By BRU BENSON on January 14, 2020 at 9:01 am
So true! I need more hours in the day. Needing less sleep would help too. 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Thank you for the tip and for the template!
By Krista Maxwell on January 14, 2020 at 9:01 am
Lauren, my two favorite books were The Secret Garden and The Velveteen Rabbit because both showed the magic that exists in real life. I would love to write books that couldn’t be forgotten!
By pjaegly on January 14, 2020 at 9:01 am
Oh yes! “Magic that exists in real life.” I loved that in books as well!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Such a great process, Lauren. Thanks for sharing that and the goodies on your website.
By Dee Knabb on January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
Thanks, Lauren! It seems like so many great story ideas come from those intense emotions we felt as children. Now to capture them…that’s the trick 🙂
By Claire W Bobrow on January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
What a great concept! I will try it. Too much to do, so little time.
By BRUCE BENSON on January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article Lauren. There are many parallels with my writing journey.
By steveheron on January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
I’m so happy to hear that, Steve!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Thanks for all the great advice! And I love your templates – will be trying out many of them. The Rosie and Charlie books look great.
By rosecappelli on January 14, 2020 at 9:03 am
Thank you! I hope you enjoy Rosie and Charlie!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:29 pm
You have LOTS of great templates on your sigh, Lauren–thanks for sharing them!
By Kathy Erskine on January 14, 2020 at 9:05 am
Wow, Lauren, your favorite baby-sitter was named Liz?! Mine, too! She and I are still really close friends.
By storyfairy on January 14, 2020 at 9:05 am
How funny!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm
“Make your idea 3D”–I love that! Thank you and congrats, Lauren!
By Jane Heitman Healy on January 14, 2020 at 9:06 am
I love the idea of making a flash of memory 3 D! I also love the idea of mining the flash for emotions, etc. Thank so much for this creative idea!
By Sue Reichard on January 14, 2020 at 9:07 am
Thanks, Lauren. I love this childhood memories list. I’m starting one now.
By David McMullin on January 14, 2020 at 9:07 am
Oh I loved Pippi Longstocking too, as well as Harriet the Spy! But Dr. Seuss is why I love rhyming so much. I am eager to look at your template, so thank you for sharing and thank you for your suggestions!
By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 14, 2020 at 9:08 am
I stopped myself reading the rest of your post when I came to your bullet points, and jotted down a few of my childhood faves. And my 2nd favorite was…drumroll…Pippi!! Love that girl & wish my own girl loved her as much, LOL! Thx for the templates too…invaluable!
By Jenny B on January 14, 2020 at 9:08 am
Thank you for your positive support and templates!
By Leanne Luetkemeyer on January 14, 2020 at 9:11 am
So excited about the Rosie and Charlie sequel – congrats!
By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 14, 2020 at 9:13 am
Yay! Thank you! I’m excited too! 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Great suggestions. I’ve been mining my childhood memories more and more lately. Thank you for providing such useful templates. I’m requesting Rosie and Charlie from library today! Congratulations on your writing success!
By makz5650 on January 14, 2020 at 9:16 am
Thank you for requesting Rosie and Charlie from your library! That is awesome!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Wonderful!
By Lisa Black on January 14, 2020 at 9:16 am
Thoughtful, practical advice. Thank you, Lauren. Congrats on your books!
By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 14, 2020 at 9:17 am
Thanks so much! More ideas to ponder.
By Nancy Riley on January 14, 2020 at 11:55 pm
Hi, Lauren! I loved Pippi Longstocking too! I hope to meet up some day, so that you can sign my copy of ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES.
By Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 14, 2020 at 9:20 am
I hope so too! I’d love to meet in person and it would be so much fun to sign your copy of Rosie and Charlie!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm
I love the idea of writing the stories we loved as children.
By ofmariaantonia on January 14, 2020 at 9:21 am
Congrats on a second Rosie and Charlie book. 😉
By gayleckrause on January 14, 2020 at 9:21 am
Thanks so much, Gayle!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm
One of my favorite childhood books was Heidi :0) Thanks for sharing your childhood faves and for sharing some great idea gathering choices.
By Aileen Stewart on January 14, 2020 at 9:23 am
Wonderful templates. Thank you.
By Marsha Diane Arnold on January 14, 2020 at 9:24 am
Thinking about books I had or needed as a kid was challenging for some reason this morning. I don’t remember having many at home. But maybe that’s why I loved my kiddie lit classes in college so much…and why I bought my own kids so many books. 😁 When I think of favorites, I think of my kids favorites…or my favorites to read to my kids. I think I will start my list there!
By debbiearnn on January 14, 2020 at 9:25 am
Ahh, thanks Lauren! I’m having lots of fun remembering my favorite books as a child:)
By Polly Sena Renner on January 14, 2020 at 9:26 am
Thank you For this wonderful reminder Lauren! As I was reading your post, so many great memories were coming to mind! Your upcoming books sound delightful and I wish you continued success!
By Kelly Vavala on January 14, 2020 at 9:28 am
What a great way to spark ideas. Thanks, Lauren! So kind of you to share your template, too!
By pathaap on January 14, 2020 at 9:32 am
Thank you, Lauren! I loved your post and THANK you for sharing your grid!!! I’m looking forward to putting it to use!
By Virginia Law Manning on January 14, 2020 at 9:36 am
Book memories for inspiration, what a lovely idea. Thanks!
By Susan Latta on January 14, 2020 at 9:36 am
I will spend some time with this today. Thanks for the ideas.
By Tracy Hora on January 14, 2020 at 9:36 am
Going back to the books I loved as a kid is a great idea generating idea! Also, thanks for the templates, Lauren!
By fspoesy on January 14, 2020 at 9:37 am
Love your insight about children wanting power and control, Lauren. Thanks for sharing some childhood memories and templates with us!
By Melanie Ellsworth on January 14, 2020 at 9:38 am
LAUREN: OH, I AM SO IN LOVE with the cover of your book! SO ADORABLE!!! I CAN’T WAIT to read it!!! I think it just might be one of those books I wished I’d had as a kid!!! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to get back in-touch with our inner child to search for and brainstorm story ideas. I am LOOKING FORWARD to having a one-on-one tea party with her, asking all the WONDERFUL questions you have posed, and HOPEFULLY discovering OR RE-discovering memories and ideas that will INSPIRE not only me, but IF I’m SO BLESSED–kids JUST WAITING for that FAVORITE books to find them. THANK YOU!!!
By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 14, 2020 at 9:38 am
OH YAY, Natalie! I’m so excited that you love the cover! Nate is a genius. I hope your tea party went well, and that you have some wonderful new ideas!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:33 pm
Time for a trip down memory lane! Love revisiting my childhood and all the amazing books I grew up with. Thanks so much for this post!
By Kim Wilson on January 14, 2020 at 9:40 am
Lauren, thank you for sharing your idea generation process and the wonderful template.
By ptnozell on January 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
Love the memory word bank to trigger ideas. Thanks!
By teacherwriteracker on January 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
These ideas really resonated with me. I’ll be trying them out.
By Jennifer Parker Raudenbush on January 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
Thank you for sharing!
By Jaclyn Crawford on January 17, 2020 at 11:33 am
Thank you, Lauren! And looking forward to the upcoming #ReVISIONweek day!
By orchardka on January 14, 2020 at 9:42 am
Lovely post! Running to jot down the flood of memories you just elicited!
By Suwin Chan on January 14, 2020 at 9:44 am
Hi Lauren – Terrific ideas to get the juices flowing…what better way to start off a children’s book than to think back to when you were a kid! Thanks for the tip.
By Deb Sullivan on January 14, 2020 at 9:46 am
The books I loved as a child would never sell today: too scary, too sappy, too wordy. But I have been inspired by quite a few NEW books: clever, brief and comforting. Just what we need today.
By Louann Brown on January 14, 2020 at 9:46 am
It might be interesting to think more about why those scary, sappy, wordy books resonated with you. What themes were in them? What about the characters hooked you? Perhaps there are pieces of those books that would resonate with today’s children. I’m glad you have been inspired by new books.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Wow – I filled half a page without even trying. I love the word bank idea!
By kyavorski on January 14, 2020 at 9:48 am
Wow! That is awesome!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Love the word bank and drawing on old favorites. Thanks for the post!
By rgstones on January 14, 2020 at 9:49 am
Great post. I think if we want to evoke an emotional response in our readers, we need to dig deep into our own emotions and feel that while we are writing.
And… my emotional response to your post is HAPPY because it brought back a childhood memory and gave me a new story idea. Thanks!
By Linda Hofke on January 14, 2020 at 9:49 am
So happy to see and support a fellow CP. We always knew how talented you were dear Lauren. So happy to see you soar! Thanks for the inspiration both in this post and out of it! Best, Lynne Marie
By Lynne Marie on January 14, 2020 at 9:50 am
Thanks, Lynne. I am grateful that we are on this journey together!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Books were so important to me as a child. Thanks so much for your ideas.
By Darlene Koppel on January 14, 2020 at 9:50 am
Wow! I love your Storystorm template. I feel like I should know the answer to this, but “exploding sandwich?”
By Michele Helsel on January 14, 2020 at 9:52 am
Exploding sandwich comes from the lovely and talented, Julie Falatko. I now have a link to a wonderful article about it on the template.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Cool! Thank you!
By Michele Helsel on February 2, 2020 at 10:06 am
Nothing says power and control like breathing life into characters you create. Thanks Lauren!
By bgonsar on January 14, 2020 at 9:52 am
YES!!!!!!!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Awesome tips and template – thanks for sharing!
By Hollie Wolverton on January 14, 2020 at 9:54 am
I love the prompt…and all the memories I’m swimming in this morning remembering my favorite childhood books and moments!
By Kaitlin Hedberg on January 14, 2020 at 9:57 am
Thanks for sharing your terrific templates. They’re a thing of joy for those of us who live to plan ;-)!
By Andria Rosenbaum on January 14, 2020 at 9:57 am
Haha! I live to plan as well! (Perhaps that is obvious. :))
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:36 pm
When I think about what stories I loved as a child I think of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs,” books illustrated David Small, things about dinosaurs, and Dr. Seuss sure. I also remember video game stories and tv shows that essentially wrap up my childhood media experience. Thank you for the insight!
By Brittanny Handiboe on January 14, 2020 at 10:00 am
Thanks for the ideas and the template!
By Anita Banks on January 14, 2020 at 10:01 am
Love this!
By Debra Kempf Shumaker on January 14, 2020 at 10:02 am
Lauren, thank you for the tips and the Storystorm template.❤️
By Janie Reinart on January 14, 2020 at 10:02 am
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and resources!!happy for the template and love the line “The idea was a WIP. The heart was not.”
By jenfierjasinski on January 14, 2020 at 10:02 am
Very good post. I have most of my favorite books from my childhood in our library.
By Gregory E Bray on January 14, 2020 at 10:03 am
Thank you for posting Lauren. I really like the title of your book. Clever, kids will love reading this one.
By Mark Bentz on January 14, 2020 at 10:07 am
Thanks for sharing your process and your template! I like to make lists too! My kids love Rosie and Charlie Make Waves. Congrats on your forthcoming books! I’m looking forward to them.
By Jessica Kulekjian on January 14, 2020 at 10:08 am
I like the idea of starting a word bank in my idea book. Thank you!
By Joan Swanson on January 14, 2020 at 10:09 am
Childhood memories are great story starters – the crazier the better. I love the storystorm template, thanks for sharing!
By Robin Wiesneth on January 14, 2020 at 10:10 am
Wonderful post, Lauren! So interesting and helpful! Thank you!
By Mia Geiger on January 14, 2020 at 10:11 am
Love the ideas (and thanks for the templates on your site!)
By Jessica Coupé on January 14, 2020 at 10:11 am
Thank you, Lauren, for today’s inspiration. Why have I not thought about pulling ideas from my childhood? I also LOVED The Giving Tree.
By kswemba on January 14, 2020 at 10:11 am
Thank you Lauren for sharing your childhood memories and your heart. And your template.
By Carole Calladine on January 14, 2020 at 10:13 am
My favorite books as a child were the Pippi Longstocking series! I even put pipe cleaners in my braids! Lauren, your website and templates are so helpful. Your gentle advice about tapping into memories and revising stories always keeps me moving forward. Thank you, lovely CP from CO! Can’t wait for your new books to arrive!
By Lori Dubbin on January 14, 2020 at 10:20 am
How smart, dear Lori! I wish I had thought of pipe cleaners for all of the times I was Pippi! Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this journey with me, my wonderful CP!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Great ideas and encouragement. thank you.
By TerriMichels on January 14, 2020 at 10:21 am
I loved your list. The grass turning into seahorses was a memory jogger for me. Thank You for making me dig deeper. I used to do this with my students except we called it a memory chain. 🙂
By Karen Lawler on January 14, 2020 at 10:21 am
Ooooh, memory chain! I like that. There is an idea in there somewhere for sure!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:38 pm
I’m a big believer in lists and mining the past for ideas. Thanks for sharing yours, and also your template. All the best with your work.
By Cathy Lentes on January 14, 2020 at 10:22 am
Thank you for sharing. I still remember reading books like Little Women and Black Beauty and the strong impact those stories had on me.
By Jane Serpa on January 14, 2020 at 10:22 am
Thank you for sharing.
By Jane Serpa on January 14, 2020 at 10:24 am
Thank you for sharing
By Jane Serpa on January 14, 2020 at 10:26 am
Thanks, Lauren! Sometimes my own childhood is blurry, but my children’s childhood – or is that childhoods? memories are much clearer.
By authorlaurablog on January 14, 2020 at 10:27 am
I often feel the same way. Although, I must admit, it is all a bit blurry.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Thank you so much, Lauren you always give brilliant advice.
By stacey miller on January 14, 2020 at 10:28 am
Thank you for sharing your template and for this great advice, Lauren!
By Viviane Elbee on January 14, 2020 at 10:33 am
Fun idea with a word bank and your templates are so helpful! Congratulations on your second Rosie and Charlie book! LookI got forward to more of their adventures 🙂
By kimpfenn on January 14, 2020 at 10:35 am
It’s so easy to forget that we are writing for children and not (only) editors and agents. When I think of ideas based on my childhood it’s hard to withhold judgment and just get the ideas written down! Thanks for the boost!
By Melissa Richardson on January 14, 2020 at 10:39 am
Wow, as a little girl I remember sticking my head out the window (we lived in the Emirates- no car seats) and singing to my hearts content- I still have the worst voice- no sense of tune- but I remember how it made me happy…. once I got completely drenched in the rain…and then left my head hanging out because I was too scared if what my mom would say- she hadn’t realised one of her 4 kids was nuts!
By marziehaali on January 14, 2020 at 10:45 am
I love this!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:44 pm
Great prompts! Thanks! I have lots of great ideas from mining my memories.
By juliannahelt on January 14, 2020 at 10:46 am
Thanks for some great ideas and for sharing your template.
By Daryl Gottier on January 14, 2020 at 10:46 am
LOL. So many crazy memories from my childhood (and my kids’ childhoods!) Thanks for the reminder.
By nrompella on January 14, 2020 at 10:46 am
Great exercise, Lauren, and thanks for sharing your template!
By Kim Larson on January 14, 2020 at 10:47 am
To live life like Pippi would be wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
By Dawn Young on January 14, 2020 at 10:53 am
Some great thoughts on getting ideas. And I need to revisit Pipi now. Adored Pipi and wanted to be her.
By Cheryl Keely on January 14, 2020 at 10:56 am
Such a great post! Thank you! I can’t wait to read your book.
By Elizabeth Brown on January 14, 2020 at 11:03 am
Wonderful inspiration here, for sparking new ideas!
By Sara A on January 14, 2020 at 11:03 am
Congratulations on your books, Lauren – and yes, every idea is a potential WIP until it’s not! Great quote. (And by the way, I, too, was a fan of the way Pippi lived her life!)
By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 14, 2020 at 11:04 am
Thank you, Lauren! Your post sparks childhood memories and much loved books from the past. I love the idea of writing the book that you as a child would have wanted.
By cynthiahm on January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
Great post! Thanks for sharing your templates as well. They are gold! I’ve taken a trip back in time and started a list of my favorites and childhood experiences. Horses and animals seem to be in nearly all of my memories. Hmmmm. Best wishes!
By Angie on January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
Most of my ideas come from my childhood, as well. Turning them into picture book is way harder than I thought it would be! Thanks for your post!
By Glenda Roberson on January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
I didn’t like to read as a child but there were certain books that resonated with me, mainly Don Freeman and Hardy Boys books. But kids today have even more choices – I feel like a kid when I get to read books out there today. Thanks for the suggestions!
By Angela Padron on January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
Thanks for the technical advise as well as inspiration. I love your spreadsheets and plan to use several of them🙂
By writeknit on January 14, 2020 at 11:08 am
I can’t wait to read Put Your Mommy to Bed. What a fun concept.
By Kaylynn Johnsen on January 14, 2020 at 11:11 am
What a great post and your Storystorm template on your webpage is a great resource. I love the ideas and structure. I didn’t own a picture book as a child but loved buying them for my children at work and at home. Thank you for your ideas and resources.
By Sheri Radovich on January 14, 2020 at 11:12 am
Thank you, Lauren, for a remembrance of childhood. Today should bring some interesting ideas.
By judyrubin13 on January 14, 2020 at 11:14 am
Lauren – so many inspiring takeaways from your post! I’m hanging onto: Write the book you would have loved as a child – thank you!
By Susan Macartney on January 14, 2020 at 11:16 am
Great idea! One of my childhood favorites is “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel SILVERstein
By tdjw on January 14, 2020 at 11:18 am
I remember having a book called Wait and See when I was a child but my Mum gave it away. I so wish I could read it again to see why I loved it so much :o)
Writing the book you would have loved as a child is great advice – thank you Lauren!
By Catherine on January 14, 2020 at 11:18 am
Fantastic advice!
By jenabenton on January 14, 2020 at 11:20 am
Thanks, Lauren! I’m a big fan of Pippi and you, too. You have this lovely way of approaching the writing from the heart with big, fuzzy, elusive emotions and then capturing that with the templates. Wonderful post!
By Mary Worley on January 14, 2020 at 11:20 am
Thank you, Mary! Templates are magic for me (and feed my overly-organized tendencies.) 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Every child should learn how to put mommy to bed. Love it. Now there’s a story that could be told in many different ways…
Congratulations on your books and thank you for the post.
By Garnett Natasha on January 14, 2020 at 11:26 am
Terrific templates, thanks!
By Cathy C. Hall on January 14, 2020 at 11:27 am
I want to hear more about the tomato soup bath! But until that one comes out, I’d better get to work on my list. Congrats on your two (and soon to be three) books. Thanks!
By Darcee Freier on January 14, 2020 at 11:30 am
Lauren, thanks for the ideas on how to mine your ideas. And thanks for sharingthe link to your site
with the different templates you’ve created.
By authoryvonafast on January 14, 2020 at 11:31 am
Thanks for this and all the templates!
By Maureen Egan on January 14, 2020 at 11:31 am
Great to keep a word bank of childhood memories and wishes! Thank you for this post and your excellent templates!
By Brinton Culp on January 14, 2020 at 11:33 am
Excellent questions to ask yourself about books from “before.” I love that! Plus any post with Pippi Longstocking in it is OK with me!
By Genevieve Petrillo on January 14, 2020 at 11:37 am
I’m working on a story right now that is inspired by The Giving Tree! Love your ideas, website and templates, and especially the quote ~
“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”
– Shannon Hale
By Cheryl Johnson on January 14, 2020 at 11:43 am
Thank you for the insights and the templates. I think those will be very helpful.
I flew down from Alaska and was in your neck of the woods (Durango) this past summer debuting my picture book!
By matthewlasley on January 14, 2020 at 11:47 am
Thanks for the link to your website… what a treasure trove of writing tools!
By Juliana Lee on January 14, 2020 at 11:49 am
Such a wonderful post. Thank you and congratulations on your books!
By Shirley on January 14, 2020 at 11:51 am
Wonderful post to help us all draw on memories and write beautiful books of
our own.
By June Sengpiehl on January 14, 2020 at 11:52 am
Thanks for sharing your tips. I think I subconsciously write the stories I would have liked as a child. Hopefully, others will like them too!
By Lauri Fortino on January 14, 2020 at 11:59 am
Thank you for sharing!
By Carolyn Currier on January 14, 2020 at 11:59 am
Congratulations on your upcoming picture books! I always like to hear how a story came together! Thank you also for the great advice!
By debbeauchamp on January 14, 2020 at 12:00 pm
I love that ideas play “peek-a-boo”. They truly do. That’s why it’s so important to have pen and paper ready at all times. Congrats on your success and thanks for sharing!
By danielledufayet on January 14, 2020 at 12:05 pm
Yes, for sure. Pen, paper, a finger to write on the shower glass…. 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:47 pm
Thanks, Lauren. I write for the child in me so I do like what I write, but I love your ideas.
By Debra Daugherty on January 14, 2020 at 12:10 pm
I LOVED Pippi Longstockings as a kid – definitely that whole “doing your own thing and embracing the quirky.”
By Carrie Williford (@carrietimes) on January 14, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Found all your suggestions so helpful. Love the word bank idea and tying themes and emotions to each idea. Great stuff. Look forward to reading your books. It also helped to hear how that first book idea morphed over time. Thanks for a terrific post.
By Marty Bellis on January 14, 2020 at 12:13 pm
I hope you enjoy Rosie and Charlie!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:47 pm
Great ideas. There are some books that I haven’t thought about in years and some that are constantly on my mind. Writing them down is so important. Every so often I go through my notebook and find something that I’d totally forgotten about. Maybe I’ll do that today – after I make a list of my favorite books!
By Kate Woodle on January 14, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Hi, thanks for your idea generating suggestions and StoryStorm idea form. Good luck with your books!
By Sherry Smith on January 14, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for the tips!
By Susan Johnston Taylor on January 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Your post sparked something in me today!
One—a new interpretation (for me) of The Giving Tree (tweeted about it) and 2– “Write the book that will live in children’s hearts the way your favorite book lives in yours.” —Going to stick that on a post it note on my laptop.
Thank you!
By Tasha Hilderman on January 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Tasha– your thoughts about the Giving Tree were so important! I hope you ended up having a productive day!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm
I got an idea just reading this post. And I’m going to check out Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves!
By Heidi M. Rogers (@heidimrogers) on January 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm
I am excited you got an idea reading the post! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:50 pm
OMGEEEEEE! Templates! I LOVE templates! And these are wonderful. And I got a few sparks of ideas from your post!! You rock!!!!!
By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 14, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Great blog as always, Lauren! And that gif with the kitten is my new fav. You rock!
By Shannon Stocker on January 14, 2020 at 12:27 pm
YES! I LOOOOVE that gif! 🙂 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Love your idea and template! I will be spending time today poking around your blog. Thank you!
By Jenn Belden on January 14, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Great post!
By kirstenbockblog on January 14, 2020 at 12:30 pm
I have five new ideas written down just by reading this post. Thank you!
By Lara Elliott on January 14, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Wahooooo! That is AWESOME!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:51 pm
I have held onto my favorite childhood books for the exact reasons you are describing. Their pages are yellowing, and a page or two might be missing, but they still mean so much to me! I’ve also enjoyed sharing them with my own kids through the years. This is exactly the feeling I’d like to leave a child with after reading one of my books. Thanks for the inspiration!
By Lisa P on January 14, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Lauren…Your post and sage suggestions sparked three new story ideas! Thank you for offering us insights about the “heart” of storytelling and how to mine our childhood moments. I hadn’t thought about what kind of books I would’ve loved reading as a child. Now I’m intrigued. Today, I’ll make a list, thanks to you! First on my list would be books to make me laugh. Second would be stories to launch me into a fanciful world where “up” was “down” and “yes” was “no.” I would’ve loved stories to expand my imagination. Third would be tender stories, showing how to handle love and loss. I remember my heart filling as I read and re-read THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. I knew that my stuffed friends were REAL! This year as I work to post a new story each month on Julie Hedlund’s “12 x 12 Challenge,” I’ll be visiting my childhood more often for ideas. Celebrating your writing journey and sending inspiration for continued fulfillment…
By marshaelyn on January 14, 2020 at 12:35 pm
What a wonderful, thoughtful response. I love the way your categorized the books that resonated with you. I’m thrilled you have new ideas for your 12×12 drafts! Hooray!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Always great advice to get back to that place of inner-child. Thanks!
By Caren on January 14, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Thank you for the great post, and for sharing your template!
By Heidi Yates on January 14, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Love the idea of a word bank. Congrats on your books!
By Rebekah Lowell on January 14, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Great ideas. I think it’s so crucial to remember our childhood dreams and fears… we are writing for children after all.
By Rachel Funez on January 14, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Thanks for the ideas! I still remember my 4th grade teacher read aloud The Chronicles of Narnia to us. I loved it, and now I teach those books as a fifth grade teacher. Now I just need to write some!
By Brandy Lynne on January 14, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Another great idea. Thanks so much! I have tons of childhood material. 🙂
By Sally Lotz on January 14, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for your post! Great idea to just jot down the tiny ideas and then morph them into their 3D selves.
By KRISTINA COOPER CASTILLO on January 14, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Thank you – I write what I would have loved as a child. Always in search of something to make me laugh or sigh with happiness and completeness.
By mlflannigan on January 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
By donnacangelosi on January 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Thank you Lauren! And I love your debut! Glad we’re in a group together!
By kirsticall on January 14, 2020 at 12:53 pm
Me too! I’m so happy we’re in a group together. Thank you for loving Rosie and Charlie!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Loved your post – such great description of what ideas need and how to capture them. Thanks for the template as well.
By bevbaird on January 14, 2020 at 12:54 pm
An inspiring post! Thank you so much Lauren Kirstein.
By Mary Jane on January 14, 2020 at 12:56 pm
How fun to recall early memories and remember what it was like to be a kid! Thanks for an inspiring post.
By Peggy Dobbs on January 14, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Thank you, Lauren. Great ideas. And congratulations!!
By Lisa Joan Riddiough on January 14, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Lauren, thanks for your post and the templates on your website. When I think back to my childhood it was Snowy Day that moved me in ways I’m not even able to articulate. I actually joined Rate Your Story this year hopefully our paths will cross.
By bookfish1 on January 14, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Snowy Day is a masterpiece on so many levels. I hope our paths cross as well.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Thank you for this post! Fun to reflect on my childhood experiences and bring ideas forward!
By Kari Lavelle (@KariALavelle) on January 14, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Yes, this is a great way to generate ideas. Thank you!
By Mary Ann Blair on January 14, 2020 at 1:05 pm
Love this! Every word was perfect! Thanks for sharing!
By Daniele Arndt on January 14, 2020 at 1:07 pm
Thank you and thank you for making me smile!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Thanks for sharing your methods for generating ideas – so helpful! Also, the materials on your website are amazing – thanks for the help. It’s great to be among a group of folks so eager to share!
By Amy Bradshaw on January 14, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Awww. Thanks fort sharing, Lauren. Great thoughts.
By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 14, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Awww. Thanks fort sharing, Lauren. Great thoughts.
By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 14, 2020 at 1:10 pm
I’m starting my list of memories right now! Thank you!
By Linda KulpTrout on January 14, 2020 at 1:12 pm
The templates are an amazing resource! Thank you!!
By VC on January 14, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Thank you. Will use the templates!
By Susan Eyerman on January 14, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Thanks, Lauren! Childhood memories really are a goldmine of ideas and I enjoyed revisiting some childhood favorites this morning.
By Gabi Snyder on January 14, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Super ideas, and thanks for access to your templates!
By Becky Ross Michael on January 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm
My mom kept so many of my picture books from when I was young. They are some of our favorites! Thanks for encouraging me to REMEMBER!
By Sarah Wolfe on January 14, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Wonderful ideas here, Lauren! So inspirational!
By ruthwilson48 on January 14, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Thanks, Lauren! I love the idea of keeping a word bank made of memories. This has infinite inspiration possibilities! I just joined 12×12 and I’m so excited!
By karammitchell on January 14, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Time to create a word bank of storytime memores, feelings, and wishes to catch an idea.
Thank you, Lauren, for the outstanding templates.
Suzy Leopold
By Prairie Garden Girl on January 14, 2020 at 1:31 pm
I love doing this! I have so many fantastic childhood memories sometimes I think my brain never left. Some of the books I loved back then may not have been award winning books that stood the test of time, but they stayed with me and continued to fuel my imagination as I grew up. I think that’s what matters.
By iefaber on January 14, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Thank you Lauren for this advice: Remember, ideas are flashes of brilliance that sneak into our minds, saying, “peek-a-boo—try to catch me.” Love this line. Another thank you for the ‘amazing’ resources you listed too! The word bank idea is brilliant too!
By Nadia Salomon on January 14, 2020 at 1:40 pm
I love the idea of making ideas into 3D! Thanks Lauren.
By Sandhya Rose on January 14, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Great idea and advice that i’ll be using throughout Storystorm. Thanks Lauren.
By Jay on January 14, 2020 at 1:47 pm
Awesome! Thanks for sharing and the advice! 🙂
By Cortney Benvenuto on January 14, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Time to push aside those cobwebs and remember!
By Charlotte Offsay on January 14, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for the templates. Very useful.
By asiqueira1307 on January 14, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Great advice. I especially like the part about attaching emotion, desires, thoughts, etc. to each idea. I’ll give it a whirl. Thanks!
By Cinzia V. on January 14, 2020 at 1:54 pm
A springboard for inspiration! Your post already sparked two new ideas. Thank you! And thanks for all the awesome templates on your site.
By Gabriele on January 14, 2020 at 1:55 pm
I like how you have a mix of memories, not all pleasant. Thanks for the inspiration to hit the “way back” button. Cheers!
By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 14, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Thanks so much for sharing your critique templates
By Cathy Ogren on January 14, 2020 at 2:03 pm
I enjoy thinking about the books I loved to read as a basis for ideas about what I want to write. Thanks.
By Elizabeth Duncan on January 14, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Oh, so many books come to mind… ARE YOU MY MOTHER?, BECAUSE A LITTLE BUG WENT KACHOOOO!, the PIPPA MOUSE series.. Thanks for encouraging us to look at books from our past. If we loved them then, surely we’d love to put a new spin on them for the kids of today. Thanks for the great post!
By Maria Bostian on January 14, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Hey Lauren!:) Great ideas, great advice, great post! Can’t wait to read your newest masterpiece!
By Karen Greenwald on January 14, 2020 at 2:07 pm
I really love your Word/Emotion Bank idea. Thanks!
By Cynthia Wyzynski on January 14, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Ah, childhood memories… such a treasure trove of wonderous stories ideas! 💎 I need to start depositing into my word bank, lol 💰😊
By Leigh Therriault on January 14, 2020 at 2:10 pm
Your templates are great! And thank you for the reminder of writing what your 9 year old self would read and enjoy and remember forever!
By Lauri Meyers on January 14, 2020 at 2:15 pm
“All ideas are a work in progress until they’re not.” This concept really spoke to me, thank you! And great idea for capturing ideas in a word bank.
By Lindsay Robinson on January 14, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Your article just validated the shelves and shelves of my childhood books I was never able to give away! Thanks for the support.
By Louise Aamodt on January 14, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Childhood memories are like buried treasure.Thank you for your tips and for the link to your marvelous templates! What a great gift!
By Pamela Harrison on January 14, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Wonderful post. I have the basics of a full manuscript written down. Lots still to do, but WOW!
By Becki Kidd on January 14, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Long time ago,Tarzan kept me reading.
Thank you for reminding me:)
By charlestrevino on January 14, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll work on ideas for what I wanted to read as a younger me.
By Paula B Puckett on January 14, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Love these tips. Thank you!
By beckylevine on January 14, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Love that thought that all ideas are works in progress until they’re not. Thank you!
By Jess Townes on January 14, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Thank you for the inspirational post!
By Heather Stigall on January 14, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Thanks for the inspirational post & the templates!
By Heather Stigall on January 14, 2020 at 2:36 pm
This post caused so many ideas to bubble to the surface even while reading it!
By farmfolkfamily on January 14, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Love the idea of a word bank!
By Katie L. Carroll on January 14, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Some powerful tools here. Thanks! Love the word bank idea along with the template and then further down the inspirational rabbit hole, discovering “exploding sandwich” and then your link to yet another cool article explaining that! Day 14 has been very fruitful and fun, thanks to you, Lauren!
By Linda Silvestri on January 14, 2020 at 2:52 pm
Great ideas! I used to love Pippi Longstocking. There are so many books I vividly remember from my childhood that deeply impacted my life
By Lydia Lukidis on January 14, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Hi Lauren! I loved reading about your idea on how to revive your ideas from childhood into PB stories. I’m using this process now to come up with ideas for StoryStorm and my Adventures of Odi Bear series. Once you start “seeing” your childhood stories again in your mind, they become much more vivid and you remember more details.
I’d love to have you critique my PB, “The First Day of First Grade,” the first in the Odi Bear series. I’ve gotten very helpful feedback from my writers’ group (we’re an eclectic group of women who are based in Lima, Peru, Tennesee, Washington, DC, and North Carolina). I’m thinking about what the next book will be now. Congratulations on your success!
By dinatowbin on January 14, 2020 at 2:57 pm
I’m always happy to provide a critique. Just reach out if you’re interested. What a wonderful writer’s group you have!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:57 pm
Thank you, Lauren. ‘Amelia-Jane is Naughty Again’ was one of my early heroines; she was an absolute terror! Thanks for sharing your tips and memories – I hope you forgave your sister 🙂
By Roo Parkin on January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm
I will have to read this!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 1:57 pm
Thanks for sharing!
By Katie A Giorgio on January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Because of my job I still get to read my favorites. Great tips.
By SpeechVine on January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm
“The idea was a work in progress. The heart was not.” Love that! And so many great resources, include the Storystorm template, on your website. Thank you for sharing!
By mathbookmagic on January 14, 2020 at 3:03 pm
Digging back looking for gems Gotta grab my shovel now and see what treasure box awaits. Thanks, Lauren.
By Mona Pease on January 14, 2020 at 3:04 pm
I wrote a great list from this, thank you!!
By Aimee Isaac on January 14, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Starting my word bank
By Hélène Sabourin on January 14, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Congrats on the new book Lauren. Love your suggestion to mine our feelings from our childhood book favorites. I have many and some of them are beside me in my bookcase 🙂
By chardixon47 on January 14, 2020 at 3:18 pm
I love this! Already have several ideas to develop, both fiction and non-fiction! My curious mind wanted to know more about the world around me, so of course some non-fiction!
By Brenda Grant Lower on January 14, 2020 at 3:21 pm
Great article! It’s amazing to think a book you write can stay with a child for a lifetime!
By Lindsey Hobson on January 14, 2020 at 3:26 pm
As a child, I found The Cat in the Hat scary (the cat messed up the house and wouldn’t listen to the children) and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel sad (they were trapped in the hole they dug). Sometimes I wonder if childhood me would like the books that adult me writes.
By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 14, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Great idea!
By mommamoocow on January 14, 2020 at 3:27 pm
Love an idea that grows into something more. Thank you for todays inspiation.
By Rebecca Woodall on January 14, 2020 at 3:33 pm
Thank you for sharing how you use your childhood memories to create a story. Mentioning the tree parts reminded me of a game I made up as a child. Congrats on your Dragon books.
By Bettie Boswell on January 14, 2020 at 3:33 pm
Very inspirational. Thanks! Great ideas.
By gattodesign on January 14, 2020 at 3:33 pm
Thanks, Lauren, for some interesting and insightful ways to use childhood memories to get ideas for stories. Congratulations on your own dragon books
By betlw on January 14, 2020 at 3:42 pm
I’d love to know more about baby pools filled with grass (yuck). On my own memory bank list I wrote: ‘clothes line merry go round at the kiddie college.’ Thanks for sparking some ancient memories and giving them power!
By eamchild on January 14, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Ancient memories just may make the best stories! I’m intrigued!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Great idea and fun post. Thank you for the template. You definitely sparked a number of ideas for me, today.
By Maria Marshall on January 14, 2020 at 3:44 pm
Thanks for an inspiring post, Lauren!
By Ashley Walker on January 14, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Thank you for this helpful post and the template too!
By sjwmeade on January 14, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Congrats Lauren!
WOW, I feel like we just had a masterclass with handouts! Thanks for all the juicy info! I’ve got to get busy!
By Sue Martin on January 14, 2020 at 3:57 pm
…from my list. Sledding and laughing so hard I wet my pants. Sadly, this happened more than once. Lol. Thanks for the idea of the word bank, I love that!
By Julie Augensen-Rand on January 14, 2020 at 3:57 pm
A very idea-inspiring post- thank you!
By Lisa Billa on January 14, 2020 at 3:58 pm
Thank you for the insight and inspiration.
By carmelamccainsimmons on January 14, 2020 at 3:59 pm
I love all your advise Lauren. I downloaded your template. I was excited to see all the other really useful items to download as well. You have a great way of explaining how to draw out ideas that are just hiding around the corner. I can’t wait to read your new Charlie book! Congratulations!!
By Eileen Mayo on January 14, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Thank you, Eileen. I’m excited to share the new Rosie and Charlie book with you!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:01 pm
Thank you, Lauren, for the template(s) gift! Revisiting the books we needed as a child is where I’m most eager to begin using your stellar advice. Tara! Thank you so much for having Lauren post in the Storystorm 2020 lineup.
By Marty lapointe-malchik on January 14, 2020 at 4:14 pm
Hi Lauren! Thank you for snapping my memories into place! Great advice, and I’m already on it! Thanks!
By Denise Engle on January 14, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Thank you , thank you for brilliant advice as well as sharing the templates with us! So much inspiration! Tara, our storystorm line up is incredible! Thank you so much! 🙂
By seschipper on January 14, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Thanks, Lauren for sharing your ideas and also your template. Congrats on your picture books!!
By Michele R on January 14, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Thanks for such good advice and for the great template to explore our ideas.
By shirley301 on January 14, 2020 at 4:31 pm
So many ideas lurking in our memories. The fun part is catching them all!! Great post. Thanks Lauren!
By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 14, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. What a wonderful idea — I do this alot with my children’s exeperiences, but will certainly start to look toward my own.
By westindianmommy on January 14, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Pippi! I loved her so much as a child.
By Aryn Kennedy on January 14, 2020 at 4:34 pm
A great way to mine childhood memories for a story bank. Thanks, Lauren.
By Jane Baskwill on January 14, 2020 at 4:38 pm
❤️ books do have power. That’s a point that keeps popping in my head. Great post. Congrats on your books!
By Aimee on January 14, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Ha ha, I was about to write a comment, and it sparked a great story idea. Off to write the idea!…
And I’m back. What a great creative sparking post!
By JEN Garrett on January 14, 2020 at 4:42 pm
Yay! So thrilled were able to catch the sparks!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Thanks, Lauren. I always wanted to go up the Faraway Tree. I loved Enid’s books so much. And I’ll jot down some memories.
By Kaye Baillie on January 14, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Great post! I am off to make a word bank.
By brittanypomales on January 14, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Feeling inspired – thanks!
By Heather Gallagher on January 14, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Thank you, Lauren, for another satisfying trip down the memory lane of my childhood. My memory bank word list is full!
By Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert) on January 14, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Thank you so much, Lauren! This post is sparking ideas! 👍😃💃
By Candace Spizzirri on January 14, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Definitely will have to try this!
By drawingablank6 on January 14, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Such fabulous insights. Thank you.
By SUSAN on January 14, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Thank you for the reminder to look back to childhood favorites for themes!
By Deb McGarvey on January 14, 2020 at 5:24 pm
LOVED this post so much, especially the part about connecting the idea to the feelings associated with it. And memory word banks are a good idea!
By Sandy Perlic on January 14, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Thanks for this post. We hope our books can help children through all kinds of things. Here’s to picture books that touch little lives!
By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 14, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Great food for thought. I was an only child and it was good not to require sharing things but lonely when I needed a swimming buddy in vacation motel pools. Thanks for another great Storystorm idea!
By Meredith Fraser on January 14, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Thank you for making me think about my childhood books!! So many to choose from!! Love this idea…
By jamhartman on January 14, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Here’s to manuscripts in 3D!
By Mary Jo Wagner on January 14, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Wow. Great article with a tough challenge – to write the book that will live in children’s hearts. Gulp! Fingers crossed for the picture book critique.
By Beth Edson on January 14, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Thanks for your favorite books suggestions & thanks for sharing your thought organization template!
By Alice Fulgione on January 14, 2020 at 5:41 pm
I love the idea of adding emotions and other thoughts to one’s initial ideas. What a great way to capture and hold onto the initial spark. Thanks also for sharing your template.
By DCSM on January 14, 2020 at 5:47 pm
I really like the idea of the word bank. Thank you for the post and for the templates!
By Sara Trofa on January 14, 2020 at 6:10 pm
I loved The Giving Tree and the Pippi books as well! Many thanks for your tips and for the templates.
By Rona Shirdan on January 14, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Food for thought… Thank you, you multitasker you!
By Poupette Smith on January 14, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Thanks for sharing your templates and your inspiration. I loved Pippi, too.
By stephaniewildman on January 14, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Lots of great ideas to start the inspiration. Thanks.
By Elle on January 14, 2020 at 6:30 pm
I would love a critique! Thank you for your consideration!
By whitcoma on January 14, 2020 at 6:44 pm
If you don’t win (although let’s hope you do!) and still want a critique, feel free to reach out to me on my website. 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm
“…all ideas are works in progress until they’re not.” Love that.
By Laura on January 14, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for a great post, Lauren! I love thinking about childhood memories and how to capture them for potential stories! Can’t wait to read your sequel!
By Melissa Stoller on January 14, 2020 at 6:46 pm
Thank your for sharing your template for Storystorm. Your post really resonated with me and gave me an entire buffet of food for thought.
By Lori Sheroan on January 14, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Great template! Thanks so much.
By Linda Schueler on January 14, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Creating a word bank is a great suggestion. Thanks for sharing your template!
By Dawn M. on January 14, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Thanks for sharing your template. I was working on my own, but this one is so much better.
By Donna Mork Reed (@DonnaMorkReed) on January 14, 2020 at 6:58 pm
I remember reading every Landmark book there was, learning about history.
By Stephen S. Martin on January 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Thanks Lauren,
Looking back at books we love can give some good ideas and mentor texts for what we write. I love the idea of trying to think about what book we needed as a kid too. Both are great ways to ground the ideas we create for stories in the emotion of children. All the best in your writing!
By Joel Chalmers on January 14, 2020 at 7:02 pm
This is my favorite quote from the post: “Write down the emotion, themes, dreams, desires, dislikes, and thoughts that live in each idea. Make your idea 3-D so that the manuscript you write will reflect all of the richness of that first flash.” I need to start doing this! Thank you for the great advice, Lauren!
By Maryna Doughty on January 14, 2020 at 7:03 pm
Pippi! I forgot about her! Thanks for the great things to think about and congrats on your book!
By Shirley fadden on January 14, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Found a theme in books I loved in childhood!
By 8catpaws on January 14, 2020 at 7:21 pm
This was great, thanks!
By Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn on January 14, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Wow! Love all those templates, what a great resource. Thanks!
By kaleegwarjanski on January 14, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Thank you for sharing Lauren!
By Laura W. on January 14, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Great article, thank you. I got an idea from that Dragon cover!
By seethewin38d687e232 on January 14, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Make your idea 3D=terrific!
By Nancy Furstinger on January 14, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Amazing blog! I wanted to be like Pippi Longstocking too (and I already had the red hair! I love the link to resources like your #storystorm outline! AND you referenced another author and exploding sandwiches! It doesn’t get any better than that!
By Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 14, 2020 at 7:40 pm
Pyewacket! That was the first book I remember reading over and over. I still have it, and read it to my class a couple years ago. Books I would have loved as a child? Well, time to write down those ideas. Thank you!
By Erik Ammon on January 14, 2020 at 7:41 pm
I loved Pippi Longstocking! And I don’t know how many times I read Where the Wild Things Are! Thanks for the tips.
By Lynn Alpert on January 14, 2020 at 7:49 pm
Great points to ponder!
By Lane Mathis Arnold on January 14, 2020 at 7:57 pm
I love the idea of starting a word bank for childhood memories. Great post.
By Amy Newbold on January 14, 2020 at 8:01 pm
A great place to start to create a picture book idea that others will love. I like the idea of brainstorming and going from there. Thanks for sharing your template!
By Carolyne Ruck on January 14, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Bookmarking your template, Lauren. Off now to think about what I loved to read as a child.
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 14, 2020 at 8:14 pm
I like your idea to write down memories as a word bank, Lauren. Thanks for the template, too! 🙂
By Becky Shillington on January 14, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Thanks for the template! And I love the word bank idea.
By Beth Charles on January 14, 2020 at 8:28 pm
I think I loved all stories as a child…LOL! Thank you for that terrific Storystorm template, Lauren!
By Teresa Robeson on January 14, 2020 at 8:31 pm
I don’t feel like I can remember much of how I felt as a child, but your list and snippets of remembrances is going to help me reconnect. Thanks. Love the cat gif’s.
By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 14, 2020 at 8:33 pm
I love this idea! It sparked a memory that I am adding to my list. Thank you!
By Laurie Carmody on January 14, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Thank you for the template… isn’t it a shame that word banks are easier to fill than money banks (well, for some of us).
By jacquesartandbooks on January 14, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Thanks for all these creativity-sparking ideas!!
By JillDanaBooks on January 14, 2020 at 8:39 pm
I love the word bank idea, thanks!
By Brenda Whitehead on January 14, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Thanks Lauren. Template link didn’t work, but I found this and other templates on your website. Very useful!
By Joyce on January 14, 2020 at 8:53 pm
I started making a separate list of some of my childhood memories. I’ll go through them and pick ones that I believe I can create an entire story around.
Thank you for your templates.
By cbcole on January 14, 2020 at 8:54 pm
Happily, since I am currently a Kindergarten teacher I get to surround myself and my kids (students) with many of my favorite books! The list activity sounds like fun. Thanks! 🙂
By ingridboydston on January 14, 2020 at 8:55 pm
That is wonderful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Thank you for the walk down memory lane❤️
By EmmieRWerner on January 14, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Congratulations on your Rosie and Charlie books. Great fun! And thank you for sharing the link to you template(s). I had to save them off and take a peek before commenting. What a great resource! Your Storystorm template takes our ideas to the next level. I love your suggestions for ways to flesh out our word banks so the ideas sparkle in 3-D.
By Joannie Duris on January 14, 2020 at 8:56 pm
I appreciate the encouragement to think about what books we needed as children, which goes to our emotional lives/struggles. Thanks!
By ruthgoringbooks on January 14, 2020 at 8:59 pm
Thank you for reminding us to write the book we would have loved as a child.
By Patricia Alcaro on January 14, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Thanks for the great idea. My mind is already starting to work!
By Shawna JC Tenney on January 14, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Thank you for reminding us to go back to where it all started! 🙂
By Alicia Curley on January 14, 2020 at 9:15 pm
Looking very forward making my childhood memory word bank. Thanks for the prompt.
By teresa.mi.schaefer on January 14, 2020 at 9:17 pm
Terrific ideas! Congrats on your books!
By Julie Reich on January 14, 2020 at 9:30 pm
I LOVE this quote: “Remember, ideas are flashes of brilliance that sneak into our minds, saying, ‘peek-a-boo—try to catch me.’” Thanks for a great post, Lauren!
By Abby Wooldridge on January 14, 2020 at 9:37 pm
Checked out your website. Thanks for sharing those great templates!!!
By Sarah Skolfield on January 14, 2020 at 9:50 pm
Thank you for your inspiring post. Off to mine my childhood memories.
By DaNeil Olson on January 14, 2020 at 9:53 pm
Lauren, I love the guide sheets I downloaded from your website. Thank you.
By Dawn Young on January 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Love this concept! Thank you!
By Rebecca Thill (@rkthill) on January 14, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Books do and still can spark emotion. The Giving Tree is a great book! I also remember Pipi, and her crazy pig tales. Great way to think back and remember what books made positive impacts on us.
By Kate Molde on January 14, 2020 at 10:16 pm
Thank you for this concept. I will write what I can remember. Thanks.
By Virginia Rinkel on January 14, 2020 at 10:32 pm
I love the concept of creating a word bank from childhood memories.
By susanzonca on January 14, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Thank you for sharing all those templates and for your great post. I loved those same books.
By Dee Leone on January 14, 2020 at 10:36 pm
I agree, this is a great way to get an idea down.
By VICKI M CONRAD on January 14, 2020 at 10:36 pm
I loved Pippi! Thanks for the word bank, and sharing the story of Rosie and the Dragon. Can’t wait to read more.
By Sue Heavenrich on January 14, 2020 at 10:38 pm
I really like the idea of a word bank. Thanks!
By Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon) on January 14, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Great ideas are simmering now….Thank you!!!
By Michele Ziemke on January 14, 2020 at 10:50 pm
Oooh! I really like these ideas ❤️ Thank you for sharing!
By heatherbell37 on January 14, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Love this post. Great suggestions and ideas. Can’t wait to read “Rosie the Dragon and Charlie…” sounds awesome. I was just thinking about the need for and lack of control for kids the other day.
By Rebecca Heller on January 14, 2020 at 11:00 pm
So many ideas from our own childhoods! Love it!
By Jessica Potts on January 14, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Some great ideas to try! Thanks so much.
By Lori Menning on January 14, 2020 at 11:12 pm
Wonderful ideas! thank you.
By Robyn McGrath on January 14, 2020 at 11:17 pm
Hi to another Jersey Girl! I also read the Pippi Longstocking books, Nancy Drew, Misty of Chincoteague, Stormy–Misty’s Foal, short dog and horse stories, the Snoopy paperback books of the comic strip, and my favorite The Shoemaker & The Elves. Thanks for the ideas of writing from childhood memories and writing books you would’ve liked to read.
By Chelle Martin on January 14, 2020 at 11:18 pm
Curious to see what Dragon and Charlie get up to!
By rjtraxel on January 14, 2020 at 11:20 pm
Loved Pippi! Great idea!!
By KASteed on January 14, 2020 at 11:22 pm
me too
By Mireya on January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Loved Pippy…thank you
By saintamovin on January 14, 2020 at 11:37 pm
Such great ideas! Thank you!
By Heather Rowley on January 14, 2020 at 11:39 pm
Love the idea of a word bank. And thanks so much for sharing your templates!
By Chang H on January 14, 2020 at 11:43 pm
yes let me check this out.
By Mireya on January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Great ideas to mine my favorite books-Heidi, The Secret Garden, Charlottes Web were my favorites. I want to write PBs and an MG novel that mold young readers lives.
By Susan Twiggs on January 14, 2020 at 11:47 pm
Write the book you would’ve loved as a child. What a good idea!
By Mireya on January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing☺️
By Janice Woods on January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Thank you for this idea. I think that sometimes it is the simple things, like pondering what books we read as kids, that we sometimes neglect. Can’t wait to try putting books and memories to paper and seeing where they lead!
By Jennifer Linville on January 15, 2020 at 12:07 am
Great post, Lauren!! Thank you for sharing your ideas on using one’s own favorite childhood books as a stepping stone to generate picture book ideas. For some reason my favorite childhood books were always the British equestrian ones. I have written 3 manuscripts using snippets from my own past but am having trouble adding more fictional aspects into the stories
By saputnam on January 15, 2020 at 12:13 am
Thanks so much. Great inspiration and fun remembering The Pokey Little Puppy, The Little Engine that Could, Pat the Bunny, and For a Child (a poetry anthology)
By bluerabbit on January 15, 2020 at 12:17 am
Reblogged this on One Way to Wonder and commented:
So much fun remembering the first books I loved. What were yours?
By bluerabbit on January 15, 2020 at 12:18 am
Thank you for reblogging this! I will check it out.
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:44 pm
So many vivid memories to mine. Thank you!
By Rebecca Herzog on January 15, 2020 at 12:25 am
Lauren, time for a glass of wine and digging up some favorite picture books from my youth. Reminisce and relive the feelings to discover new ones! Thanks for your post!
By Kari Gonzalez on January 15, 2020 at 12:58 am
Love the idea of the word banks. Thanks, Lauren!!
By adavis6385 on January 15, 2020 at 1:00 am
I love this post! Thank you so much for the inspiration.
By Karin Larson on January 15, 2020 at 1:01 am
I loved Pippi Longstocking! I had so many favorites…I’ll have to give this some thought. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
By Gaynell on January 15, 2020 at 1:32 am
My ideas are such a mess of blah, blah, blah that sometimes when I reread them, I’m not sure what I meant! I might try out the template to see how it goes!
By Jocelyn Rish on January 15, 2020 at 1:34 am
Yes! That is exactly why I began using the template– I wanted to capture my ideas more accurately so that they made sense when I went back to them.
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Really loved this post Lauren. Very inspiring.
By rosainkpen on January 15, 2020 at 2:21 am
Thanks for the reminder to keep the kids in my life close to my heart as i write. Some days in all the hubbub, I forget what really matters.
By laurimacey on January 15, 2020 at 2:53 am
Thanks for taking me back to childhood and the template!
By Latasha Vernon on January 15, 2020 at 2:55 am
I loved Pippi–and still do! So many ideas coming to mind. Thanks for the inspiration.
By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 15, 2020 at 2:58 am
Writing those memories is great for story ideas and for a record of personal family history
By Angela Turner on January 15, 2020 at 4:09 am
I have a word bank book and add to it frequently. I try to flip through it at least once a month to see if any of the words speak up and become part of a story. I also collect phrases that strike me as I read. I collect earliest documented usage if I can which has been fascinating. I opened a random page and will share this quote…”So unlike the normal lunatic” which is found in Dr Seward’s diary about Renfield from Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula'” picture book material?? Aren’t all writers unlike the normal lunatic?? Ooooh, I see an idea to capture and eat!!
By 58chilihed13 on January 15, 2020 at 5:25 am
Thank you for sharing your word bank book!
Quick– capture it and eat it! 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:42 pm
Thank you for the insights.
By Freda Lewkowicz on January 15, 2020 at 6:34 am
Thank you for the great ideas and templates.
By Terrie Hellard-Brown on January 15, 2020 at 6:37 am
Starting a word bank is a good idea generator. Thank you for the template as well.
By Nadine Poper on January 15, 2020 at 6:54 am
I like you idea!
I can’t wait to spend some time mining my memories.
Congratulations on your book!
By Mark Ceilley on January 15, 2020 at 8:12 am
This definitely brought up some pretty hilarious memories! 3 news story ideas in one day! Whooo Hooooo!!
By candicewolff on January 15, 2020 at 8:22 am
Wahooooooo! That is awesome!
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:40 pm
Thank you for this great idea sparking post!
By Beth Gallagher on January 15, 2020 at 8:27 am
Remembering my emotions coupled to my memories gave me some good ideas. Thanks.
By Angela De Groot on January 15, 2020 at 8:43 am
This is one of my favorite things to do, whether it’s about whole adventures or little slivers of experiences. Thanks!
By Jennifer Phillips on January 15, 2020 at 8:57 am
This is part of what makes good children’s books IMO.– as readers, when the longing voice of a child shines through! Thanks for sharing your ideas (and template) with us today.
By Juliann Caveny on January 15, 2020 at 8:57 am
I loved Pippi! Living alone and doing whatever I wanted was definitely my life goal at that point, lol! 🙂 Also, I had bright red hair, so there was a connection.
By melissamiles1 on January 15, 2020 at 9:17 am
The bright red hair was an important connection! 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Two ideas from this post. Loved revisiting those favorite childhood books in my mind.
And we love your book, Lauren. Thanks!
By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 15, 2020 at 9:35 am
Yay! I’m thrilled you love it! 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Great post and way to tap memories—thank you!
By Lauren Barbieri on January 15, 2020 at 9:40 am
Thanks, Lauren. I love your word bank idea and plan to give that a try.
By jimchaize1 on January 15, 2020 at 9:46 am
thanks for the template!
By ryanrobertsauthor on January 15, 2020 at 9:48 am
“Ideas are flashes of brilliance that sneak into our minds, saying, ‘peek-a-boo—try to catch me.'” Love this! Thanks for a wealth of wonderful ideas.
By Rebecca E. Hirsch on January 15, 2020 at 9:48 am
Funny the initial idea for your first story ended up being your second story. I loved Pippi as well!
By Megan Whitaker on January 15, 2020 at 9:50 am
I loved Pippi too! I went on many “thing finding” trips because of her. 🙂 Thanks so much for your post, Lauren, and for giving us access to your wonderful templates! I plan to revisit your website to explore more! And congratulations on your new book(s)!
By Susie Sawyer on January 15, 2020 at 10:02 am
What a fun way to generate ideas! Thank you for sharing.
By shannonlhall on January 15, 2020 at 10:21 am
Thank you so much! I had always thought my childhood experiences might be less than ‘universal,’ but maybe that is good. I’ll do some mining there and see what I can use. Thank you for the good ideas and for the templates as well.
By writeremmcbride on January 15, 2020 at 10:29 am
I would imagine there are lots of important, helpful, resonant ideas in a less than “universal” experience. I hope mining turns up some gems.
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Thanks, Lauren. Did anyone else have trouble opening the critique template? It gave me the “404 Not Found”
By nicolesalterbraun on January 15, 2020 at 10:38 am
Hi Nicole, If you still have trouble opening it, let me know and I can always send it to you directly. Feel free to email me from my website if you need me to do so.
By LaurenKerstein on January 15, 2020 at 8:37 pm
In a PB class, we had to do a similar exercise about what we remember from an important place in our childhood. Eventually a book came out of the various colors I remembered from my grandparents home. It’s nothing like my childhood memory, but was so fun to write!
By Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on January 15, 2020 at 10:57 am
Wonderful post! Thank you! Loved Pippi Longstockings! Loved books that made me laugh.
By BARBARA SENENMAN on January 15, 2020 at 11:00 am
The word bank concept is simple yet allows for such depth when you add additional elements. One of my older sisters loved to read to me. I will always be thankful to her for that gift.
By Gail Atherley on January 15, 2020 at 11:15 am
Wonderful idea! Going to try making a list now. I think mine list will have dress up clothes and pink things.
By Megan J. Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2) on January 15, 2020 at 11:20 am
Lauren, this is a great perspective….SO many books in my childhood made me a booklover and story fanatic. Loved “work in progress, until it’s not.” Quotable thought.
By Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky on January 15, 2020 at 11:27 am
Thanks Lauren! I recently found a book from my childhood, The Lonely Doll, and I think I was captivated by it because it was in photographs. The picture are a little creepy, but it brought back a flood of memories for me!
By Writer on the run on January 15, 2020 at 11:29 am
I already got some ideas just from reading your post. Thank you, Lauren.
By Arlene Schenker on January 15, 2020 at 11:30 am
Lauren, the templates you are sharing on your website are very insightful. I plan to share your site with fellow writers. Thank you.
By Judith Snyder on January 15, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Thank you so much, Judith. I’m glad the templates were helpful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Thank you, Lauren, for your heartfelt suggestions of remembering favorite childhood books and making a word bank of memories, feelings, and wishes which I’m looking forward to doing. Your templates are awesome. Thank you for generously sharing.
By claireannette1 on January 15, 2020 at 12:22 pm
The Giving Tree is my all time favorite cherished children’s book. I tear up every time I read it. Yesterday I came across an old copy of The Forgotten Door by Alexander Key. Forty years later I can STILL remember that story and how that lost little boy felt being in a strange place and just wanting to get back home. Words can have a profound affect on a young mind. It’s one of the reasons I feel blessed to call myself a writer.
Great post!
Donna L Martin
Story Catcher Publishing
By storycatcherpublishing on January 15, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Excellent post!
By Michael Sussman on January 15, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Thanks Lauren! Great tips.
By curryelizabeth on January 15, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Great ideas! I’ve always been inspired by the books that resonated with me but also intimidated by them. My ideas are never quite as moving as are those great books. I will work on a word bank (while doing my best to quiet my inner critic.)
By Jud Ward on January 15, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Thank you for the template!
By Brenna Becker on January 15, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Dear Lauren, thanks for the guidance of using much loved books as a portal to mining childhood memories. (The link to the template is a nice bonus that introduced to me the range of your services.)
By Laura Jean Watters on January 15, 2020 at 1:28 pm
The templates are fabulous resources! Thank you for sharing, Lauren.
By Aimee Satterlee on January 15, 2020 at 1:34 pm
I love what you wrote about catching ideas and writing them down without judgment, but the part of this exercise that gave me an ah-ha moment came from what you wrote about writing down the emotion, themes, dreams, desires, dislikes, and thoughts that live in each idea. Thank you.
By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on January 15, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Thanks for your ideas!
By Alicia on January 15, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Lauren, your templates are impressive. Thanks for sharing! Micki
By mginsberg10 on January 15, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Thanks for that idea, and for the template. 🙂
By Sara Matson on January 15, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Thank you Lauren, for the great trip I just took back to my childhood and the rich story ideas that came from that journey!
By kathrynjeanhagen on January 15, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Especially appreciate your suggestion to make your ideas 3D.
By topangamaria on January 15, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Love the 3D idea generation. Thanks for the template
By Sara Fajardo on January 15, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Lots of great stuff in this post today! Thanks for the template too! That’s a treasure. Thanks, Lauren!
By Ashley Pierson on January 15, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Two of my favorite books growing up were Stellaluna and In a Dark Dark Room. This is such a wonderful idea! Thank you.
By Deborah Foster on January 15, 2020 at 3:03 pm
Thanks for posting this way of looking for ideas. Great perspective!
By Kate Carroll on January 15, 2020 at 4:09 pm
My mind is whirling with ideas! There are several books I would have loved to had as a quiet, shy kid. Thanks for sharing.
By Pamela Haskin on January 15, 2020 at 5:29 pm
loved this. thanks for the post.
By l8k8 on January 15, 2020 at 5:43 pm
Thank you, Lauren for this fruitful post!
Congrats on your books!!
By Lori Mozdzierz on January 15, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Love all of your tips – so helpful, especially for someone just starting out!
Thanks so much!
By dianaguerin on January 15, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Such fun to remember childhood memories and ponder the stories they can inspire.
By Janet Halfmann on January 15, 2020 at 8:22 pm
What a resourceful author you are to other writers! There is such power in a book that resonated with us as a child. You help provide tools for us to do the same to kids in the future. Thank you!
By Judy Abelove Shemtob on January 15, 2020 at 8:46 pm
It’s fun to think of my childhood memories. I’m sure I’ll be able to get story ideas from some of them. Thank you for this post!
By Mark Ceilley on January 15, 2020 at 8:54 pm
Thanks Lauren, for your insightful post. I will “mine my memories.” Childhood, a gold mine of ideas. Congratulations on your book!!
By Naana on January 15, 2020 at 9:11 pm
A very interesting post. Liked the Word Bank and your template. Thinking about those books I needed. Some are work-in-progress already.
By Zoraida Rivera on January 15, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Great advice! Thank you 🙂
By Phaea Crede 💀🏴☠️⚔️ (@PhaeaCrede) on January 15, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Great post! Thanks for sharing. And the templates on your website are great!
By Kristen Tipman on January 15, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! I love the idea of writing the books we would have wanted as a child, especially to get through rough times. Thank you! (P.S. I was trying to get to your template, but I kept getting an error message. But maybe it’s my computer 🙂 )
By Diane O'Neill on January 15, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Thank you Lauren! I love the use of the word bank to fully capture each spark of an idea.
By Mary Warth on January 15, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Thank you for your advice!
By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 15, 2020 at 10:44 pm
Thanks for the advice.
By denitajohnson on January 15, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Great advice to capture new ideas! Thank you!
By susan schade on January 15, 2020 at 11:48 pm
I loved so many books as a kid. Good idea to revisit them for ideas.
By Leah on January 16, 2020 at 12:17 am
Great advice! Thank you–
By Midge Ballou Smith on January 16, 2020 at 12:38 am
Thanks for the inspiration. I had forgotten about several books that I loved as a child. Now I need to go back and read them. Thanks for the wonderful resources too.
By thesheilster on January 16, 2020 at 12:46 am
there are some great ideas here. thanks for the no judgement zone
By Joanne Roberts on January 16, 2020 at 1:14 am
The idea of creating a word bank is fantastic,it will help me separate my notes and ideas. Thanks Lauren for teaching us how to analyze the lines of the authors with detail.
By Gaby Lagos on January 16, 2020 at 1:21 am
I adored Pippi Longstocking. I liked the idea of writing down things we remember from childhood. If I wrote a book about those, the poor kid would have a disaster!
By Suanna on January 16, 2020 at 1:56 am
Pippi still rocks
By Sharon Langley on January 16, 2020 at 3:13 am
Thanks!
By jjarson1 on January 16, 2020 at 8:05 am
Great idea! Thank you!
By supermario6 on January 16, 2020 at 10:16 am
Good idea to write the book that we needed as children. I am running with that one!
By Kailei Pew on January 16, 2020 at 10:21 am
I have a couple of memories resurfacing already! And thanks for sharing your templates.
By suzannepoulterharris on January 16, 2020 at 10:46 am
Thank you for sharing your templates! They’re super helpful 🙂
By Amelia Gossman on January 16, 2020 at 11:05 am
Your word bank struck me because even though the items are short, they immediately stir an emotion. I think this is a great way to find the heart of a story. Thanks!
By Jacqueline Adams on January 16, 2020 at 11:27 am
A word bank is a great idea to come up with story ideas. Thanks!
By Judy Sobanski on January 16, 2020 at 11:43 am
Excellent templates on your site. Thanks.
By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 16, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Time to start digging up childhood memories. Thank you for the idea!
By Suzanne Alexander on January 16, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Thank you, Lauren. You’ve given me steps for making flashes into a story.
By Nancy Ferguson on January 16, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Thanks, Lauren. Your post has inspired me to mine my childhood memories – a few, of which, flashed before me as I read your words. I will add them to my word bank.
By Jill M Proctor on January 16, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Fantastic post, thank you! This sparked 3 new ideas!!!
By Helen Lysicatos on January 16, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Thank you for the templates!
By Kassy Keppol on January 16, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Great post, Lauren! I came up with an idea based off something silly I did as a child, but remember being very adamant about!
By jenwritespbs on January 16, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Thank for this post and your template!!
What a great tool!
By megcason1 on January 16, 2020 at 4:35 pm
My favorite so far! Your post sparked an idea halfway through and I quickly jotted a lose first draft before it drifted out of my head and then continued reading. Thanks so much for sharing.
By Erin Buhr on January 16, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Wow! That is awesome!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Thank you for your interesting post. Love the word bank idea. I shall have a ponder later today. I cant remember much of my childhood at all. Great templates as well, thank you.
By brendamay28 on January 16, 2020 at 5:15 pm
Great post! I also loved Pippi, but my absolute fav book was The Answer Book, which answered the curious cat in me. I remember explaining why popcorn kernels pop to everyone who’d listen. (I really, really think I should be writing NF.) Loved your word bank list, too. It triggered two ideas for my list. Thanks!
By carolmunrojww on January 16, 2020 at 5:26 pm
That sounds like a wonderful book!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Thank you for this post and access to your templates. I’ll use it.
By Elizabeth W Saba on January 16, 2020 at 5:47 pm
I love the idea of reaching back into your childhood for inspiration, the template, as well as the word bank! Fabulous! Thank you!
By jeanjames926 on January 16, 2020 at 6:21 pm
I’m sure there was something in my childhood that could trigger an idea for a story. Maybe the time I got my head stuck in a railing at a shopping mall. Thanks, Lauren.
By Jim Chaize on January 16, 2020 at 6:50 pm
OUCH!!!!!!! That is definitely a memory to mine.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Mining my memories also help me remember grandparents no longer here but what impacts they made on my life. Thanks for the post.
By dlapmandi on January 16, 2020 at 6:58 pm
Those are such special memories.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Great post! Thank you!!
By Kimberly Marcus on January 16, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Your post helped me remember to honor (not judge!) those flashes of brilliance, those ideas that spark the beginnings of story writing. Thank you!
By eross on January 16, 2020 at 7:25 pm
Great ideas, Lauren. Thanks for sharing!
By kmajor2013 on January 16, 2020 at 8:51 pm
I had so many favorite books as a kid. Thinking back on them could spark lots of ideas! Thanks. 🙂
By jshaklan on January 16, 2020 at 9:03 pm
I still remember the day I finished reading Little Women in fourth grade. I didn’t want that book to ever end. I felt part of those four girls’ lives. Great post! Terrific suggestions to ponder!
By angiecal76 on January 16, 2020 at 9:17 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this template (as well as the others on your site)! Thinking back on some of my favorite books as a kids, I realized a theme emerged – pigs! Guess I need to figure out a pig story!
By marykatesmithdespres on January 16, 2020 at 11:23 pm
Thanks so much — I found a treasure trove of templates that are incredibly useful, along with the StoryStorm one.
By Susan Wroble on January 17, 2020 at 12:54 am
So true, our childhoods hold lots of stories. Excellent resources! Thanks so much for sharing these templates.
By Keila Dawson on January 17, 2020 at 12:54 am
Great suggestions thank you.
By Diane Tulloch on January 17, 2020 at 4:57 am
Thank you for an inspiring post!
By Katie on January 17, 2020 at 8:51 am
I am trying to develop my memories into stories before my memory wears out!
By Mardi Edwards on January 17, 2020 at 10:09 am
Thanks for the tips about writing what our child self would’ve loved! Congrats on your success!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 17, 2020 at 11:21 am
Thanks, Penny. I think our dragons would love frolicking and causing a bit of lighthearted mayhem together! 🙂
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm
GREAT post! I so appreciate you sharing these ideas with us!
By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 17, 2020 at 12:45 pm
I wish I could remember my childhood better!
By THarvey on January 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Me too! I must admit, writing this post sparked a ton of memories I thought were lost.
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Thank you for sharing! Now to spend some time thinking about childhood.
By Carrie Cook on January 17, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Interesting post on mining those memories from childhood. Also thanks for the link.
By Kathy Cornell Berman on January 17, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Wow! Inspiring! Thanks for sharing the downloads on your site.
By Julie M. Evans on January 17, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Great ways to connect to your early childhood self, revisit favorite books, and wondering “what if”? Thanks for your templates and your post!
By anneiversonbellsouthnet on January 17, 2020 at 6:15 pm
Thank you so much Lauren – you’ve really made me think. As I read your post, little snippets of past ideas that I’d dismissed kept coming to me. LOVE your website too!! Thank you for sharing that planning sheet.
By Kellie on January 17, 2020 at 7:02 pm
I hope you are able to catch those snippets!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Lauren, thanks for the inspiring post!
By kathydoherty1 on January 17, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Great article Lauren, lots of great ideas. Our past is full of inspirations, and remembering our feelings and emotions at those times is priceless. Thank you for your insight.
By percyandcat on January 18, 2020 at 3:30 am
So inspiring! Thank you!
By Susanne Whitehouse on January 18, 2020 at 10:19 am
I love this:
“Write the book that will live in children’s hearts the way your favorite book lives in yours.”
What a beautiful way to think about writing, thanks!
By Jill Friestad-Tate on January 18, 2020 at 11:03 am
There’s so much of my childhood that I can’t remember. But sitting down to write down what I *do* remember helped more memories flow. Thank you!
By Shar on January 18, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Lauren, I love your idea of the childhood word bank. That’s something to revisit over and over again. Also, thank you so much for sharing your website and templates. Soooo helpful!!! I’ll be following you!!!
By Susan Orton on January 18, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Thank you for the templates and ideas; super helpful!
By Michelle Kashinsky on January 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm
I love that first cat .gif!
By Stephanie Lau on January 18, 2020 at 9:26 pm
great templates!
By shanah salter on January 19, 2020 at 11:02 am
Great advice! I’ve heard that before but you put a different slant on it!
By tootienienow on January 19, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Lauren, I won your book in a contest and loved it! I gave the bubble wand to my favorite first grade classroom. Now to harness my inner child and find a new idea!
By Rinda Beach on January 19, 2020 at 1:08 pm
Yes! Yay! I hope the first graders loved the bubble wand!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:23 pm
I had such a great walk down memory lane thinking about all the books I loved as a kid.
By Dina Ticas on January 19, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Fantastic resources, Lauren. Thank you! Off to mine my childhood again.
By Wendy on January 19, 2020 at 6:38 pm
Tuning into childhood memories is something that is repeated often. Such a wonderful resource you carry with you! Thanks for the reminder.
By susaninez0905 on January 19, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Yhank you so much for sharing your templates! Now to walk down memory lane!
By julielacombeauthor on January 19, 2020 at 7:53 pm
This post has been so good for triggering ideas. Thank you!
By stepheniehovland on January 19, 2020 at 8:30 pm
I have a truly awful autobiographical memory but I have found going through photo albums to be so helpful in triggering ideas.
Love that you’re a therapist and mom 🙂 Your writing must have so many wonderful levels!
By Nicole Loos Miller on January 19, 2020 at 9:31 pm
I love the idea of going through photo albums! That is wonderful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Pippi Longstocking stories were my favorite stories when I was growing up. I thought she was so spunky and strong. I related to her because I felt different and I thought she was too and I didn’t feel so alone. Thank you for your post, this has sparked memories.
I appreciate you sharing your Storystorm template.
By Heather Kelso on January 19, 2020 at 9:43 pm
Love the template. Will enjoy using it.
By Rachel on January 19, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Thank you for this inspirational post and I’m looking forward to reading your second book :-).
By sharongiltrow on January 20, 2020 at 2:37 am
Great post. It gave me a few ideas -even though my childhood was rather ordinary and not very action packed. 🙂
By debbiemoeller on January 20, 2020 at 2:46 am
Great ideas, thanks! I’ll be making notes for future reference and having a good old idea-fest this aft 🙂
By Kate Thackray Edwards on January 20, 2020 at 8:54 am
Good reminder because we never know which ideas will morph into a story so I better write them all down. 🙂
By Jennifer Hunt on January 20, 2020 at 10:56 am
thanks for the great post.
By angie9091 on January 20, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Hi Lauren! I totally agree. Often times I’ll start a MS and if I get stuck, I say, “What would my 5-year-old self want to happen next?” Thank you for your post.
By Karen Rafeedie on January 20, 2020 at 1:49 pm
That is a great strategy. “What would my 5-year old self want to happen next?” I love that!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:25 pm
This! “Catch those ideas. Write them down (WITHOUT judgment). Then write down the emotion, themes, dreams, desires, dislikes, and thoughts that live in each idea. Make your idea 3-D”
By Angela H. Dale on January 20, 2020 at 2:56 pm
The stories that resonate with me now are the bedtime stories my dad made up on the spot! I used them when babysitting as a teenager and then with my own children – but made up new ones to fit daily difficulties.
By Mary York on January 20, 2020 at 5:07 pm
How wonderful!
By LaurenKerstein on January 23, 2020 at 2:27 pm
I love this! Thank you for sharing. I’m going to work on my word bank now!
By Ashley Bankhead on January 20, 2020 at 6:16 pm
Thanks for the advice—I’ll have to try the word bank idea!
By ammwrite3 on January 20, 2020 at 9:35 pm
Very inspirational post! And thanks for sharing your templates!!
By Karan Greene on January 20, 2020 at 10:20 pm
Thank you Lauren! Very inspiring post😀
Anna Levin
By rhumba20 on January 20, 2020 at 11:19 pm
Great advice. This is a good way to generate ideas from childhood memories.
By leahpsmoser on January 21, 2020 at 10:36 am
I thought for awhile that my childhood was pretty typical (=boring) but I’m realizing that there may be a few nuggets of inspiration! Thanks so much!
By Noelle McBride on January 21, 2020 at 2:00 pm
The word bank is a great idea. And thanks for sharing your templates.
By Nancy Kotkin on January 21, 2020 at 5:01 pm
Reach for my inner child!
By Kyle McBride on January 21, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Your Rosie and Dragon books sound amazing. I look forward to checking out the template on your site!
By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 21, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Julie Hedlund did a webinar last year in 12×12 about mining your childhood favorites for ideas. Back at the time, I started compiling lists of my favorite PBs, novels, TV shows, etc., from my childhood. After reading your post, Lauren, I revisited that list to look at the patterns and overlaps– and a very vague nugget of an idea emerged. So thank you! 🙂
By Elizabeth Metz on January 21, 2020 at 9:45 pm
Great advice – love the template and word book concept! Congrats on your books!
By doreenrobinson on January 22, 2020 at 9:26 am
Great ideas for developing ideas. I really like the idea of going back to the idea and writing emotions, thoughts, etc. that are connected with it.
By Anita Palmeri Overgaard on January 22, 2020 at 9:58 am
Lauren, thank you so much for this post. I love this concept of a childhood memory word/phrase bank! What a fun way to keep a brainstorm list.
By Kelly Rice Schmitt on January 22, 2020 at 11:09 am
What a fun prompt. Thank you.
By Belinda Fallon on January 22, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Love this, Lauren! I’m glad someone else asked about the exploding sandwich. Off to read about that!
By Lisa Tolin (@lisatolin) on January 22, 2020 at 3:03 pm
Had a fun time thinking about childhood memories and the books I loved, and still love today! Thank you for the template…great resource!
By Judy Bryan on January 22, 2020 at 4:51 pm
I often think of my childhood living in the country when thinking of story ideas. I like your suggestion of pinpointing emotions, themes, dreams, and dislikes to make a stronger story. P.S. I loved Pippi Longstocking too!
By Jane Dippold on January 22, 2020 at 9:42 pm
Thanks for sharing your tips, and those templates look great, too.
By kelliejanebyrnes on January 23, 2020 at 2:08 am
What a fun exercise – definitely lots of good material to work with!
By Mita on January 23, 2020 at 3:40 pm
Thanks for all of the helpful templates!
By Beth Schneider on January 24, 2020 at 2:21 pm
LOVE this post. So helpful and inspirational. xo
By Dea Lenihan on January 24, 2020 at 4:13 pm
Thank you, Lauren! What an inspirational post! I’m excited to try my Word Bank and appreciate you sharing your critique template with us all!
By imagination4lf on January 24, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Love the ideation tips! Great for brainstorming, thank you!
By Sylvia Chen on January 24, 2020 at 7:38 pm
Love this line: “remember all ideas are works in progress until they’re not.”
By Amanda Sincavage on January 25, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Just added Rosie and Charlie to our library’s order list! Thanks for sharing
By McCourt Thomas on January 25, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Great tips! Thanks, Lauren! 🙂
By Sheri Dillard on January 25, 2020 at 5:47 pm
The word bank is a great idea for tapping into childhood memories. And thank you for sharing your templates on your website. They are so helpful!
By chichiscraps on January 25, 2020 at 7:41 pm
Lots of good advice! Thanks for sharing!
By Terri Sabol on January 26, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Thank you for the awesome templates!
By Johnell DeWitt on January 27, 2020 at 10:33 am
Thanks for sharing!
By alisongoldberg on January 27, 2020 at 11:41 am
Your storystorm template is fantastic! Thank you!
By Kelly Conroy on January 27, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for the helpful post–particularly the heads up about your storystorm template.
By Dawn Prochovnic on January 27, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Thanks for this and the resources!
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on January 28, 2020 at 9:29 am
Thank you for these tips on collecting ideas from childhood and flushing out the heart of each of them.
By Anne Appert on January 28, 2020 at 7:29 pm
I love the thought that ideas are “works in progress”. That reduces the pressure. Thanks, Lauren!
By tiffanydickinson on January 29, 2020 at 12:07 am
Thanks for linking to your templates. What a wonderful resource!
By Darshana on January 29, 2020 at 2:01 am
I love everything about this post, Lauren. The idea of having a word bank is genius. Writing down memories, feelings and wishes seems like a fantastic way to spark ideas. Can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with next! ❤️
By Joana Pastro on January 29, 2020 at 4:39 am
[…] Kerstein suggested brainstorming using your childhood memories. Like she did in her post for StoryStorm, I am just going to list some of my childhood […]
By Brainstorming Childhood Memories - Author Suanna Davis, PhD on January 29, 2020 at 9:07 am
Books have been friends my whole life. I love to think I could write a book that others would feel that way about.
By Cindy on January 29, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Great post, Lauren! Thank you for sharing your templates!
By kirstenpendreigh on January 30, 2020 at 6:32 pm
I remember loving Pippi as a child. I had forgotten how much. Thank you for the post and for sharing the templates you created.
By LJ Laniewski on January 30, 2020 at 7:54 pm
Lauren, love, love, love this thought morsel..” ideas are flashes of brilliance that sneak into our minds, saying “peel-a-boo’-try to catch me!” Also, love the idea of a word bank. Thank you!
By Lucy Staugler on January 30, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Oh no, you had 666 comments and I’m upset that I’m ruining it all Lauren! Anyway, this is a fantastic idea. I need to do some writing like this and collect my own wonderful word bank!
By Dani Duck on January 31, 2020 at 1:03 am
Such a helpful exercise– thank you! (and Pippi forever!)
By annemweaver on January 31, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for helping us mine our childhood for ideas.
By Carrie Tillotson on January 31, 2020 at 3:57 pm
This post helped me recover a fun childhood memory I’d almost forgotten about. Thank you!
By Brenda Miller on January 31, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Great exercise it will help me so much!
By kmshelley on January 31, 2020 at 8:49 pm
This is a wonderful post as so much of our lives are wrapped around our childhood.
By Rebecca Fleishman on February 1, 2020 at 2:42 pm
This is a great reminder to find inspiration in childhood.
By sheriradford on February 1, 2020 at 5:36 pm
than you!
By shellshock7 on February 1, 2020 at 5:51 pm
Great advises. Thanks a lot!
By Maria J Cuesta on February 1, 2020 at 7:11 pm
One of your photos sent me FAR off topic and into a really rich creative area. Thank you!
By michelebacon on February 3, 2020 at 5:26 pm
Thanks for sharing so many idea-generating insights and the template. Great post, Lauren.
By Lucretia on February 5, 2020 at 12:31 am
Thanks for a great post, Lauren!
By CindyC on February 5, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Great advice. Thank you for sharing!
By littlebookworms826336613 on February 15, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Such a lovely and helpful post! Thanks!
I’ve just started a new blog about activities, songs and crafts for kids. Go check it out when you can, thanks! https://misschristinathepreschoolteacher.wordpress.com/
By misschristinas on March 19, 2020 at 6:47 am
What a helpful post, Lauren! Love your word banks and templates. Just as your ideas came from your experiences as a child therapist and being a mom, my ideas come from being an elementary school teacher, a mom, and being involved in intergenerational activities, baking, gardening, and researching.
By Judy Shemtob on January 14, 2021 at 1:15 am
Working on my ideas. Thanks.
By Virginia Rinkel on January 15, 2021 at 12:36 am