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?
- Think about the books that changed your life.
- The stories that resonated with you.
- The characters who still live in your mind and heart.
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!
684 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am
Yael Levy
Good points!
January 14, 2020 at 10:47 am
Kelly A.
Awesome jumping board! I was a weird kid, so I have lots of potential stories 😉
January 15, 2020 at 8:16 pm
LaurenKerstein
Ooooh, I can’t wait to see them!
January 15, 2020 at 8:17 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am
Tara Hannon
Already have some great ideas popping up, thanks so much Lauren
January 15, 2020 at 8:17 pm
LaurenKerstein
Terrific!
January 14, 2020 at 7:07 am
thecrowsmap
Great ideas to spark ideas!
Gail Hartman
January 15, 2020 at 8:17 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you! Write on!
January 14, 2020 at 7:09 am
tinamcho
Thanks, Lauren, for showing us how to tap into our past childhood to find story ideas.
January 15, 2020 at 8:18 pm
LaurenKerstein
Happy tapping into into all of those memories!
January 14, 2020 at 7:15 am
Meli Glickman
Thanks for inspiring this lovely “flashback” look at powerful and meaningful PBs from memories past!
January 15, 2020 at 8:19 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome! I hope it generates lots of ideas!
January 14, 2020 at 7:18 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Love this! I need to dig through my memory banks. Thanks for the great resources on your website!
January 15, 2020 at 8:20 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome! I hope they are helpful!
January 14, 2020 at 7:19 am
Rick Starkey
Thanks for sharing! I love when ideas pop up from those old hiding places in my memories.
January 15, 2020 at 8:16 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yes! I love it too!
January 14, 2020 at 7:22 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Wow! I love your templates. What in the world in an “exploding sandwich”? That in itself sounds like a mischievous story idea!
January 14, 2020 at 11:30 am
LaurenKerstein
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/.
January 14, 2020 at 7:23 am
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
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!
January 15, 2020 at 8:20 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome! Happy writing!
January 14, 2020 at 7:24 am
Jeanette Stampone
It’s a great idea to jot down flashes of memories. I will have to give that a go!
January 15, 2020 at 8:21 pm
LaurenKerstein
I hope there are some wonderful ideas in your flashes of memories!
January 14, 2020 at 7:25 am
faygie1
Your post just made me smile, thank you! I’m off to look at your template and build a word bank of childhood memories.
January 15, 2020 at 8:23 pm
LaurenKerstein
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. 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 7:32 am
Joan Longstaff
Great ideas and thank you so much for the link to your website – really useful stuff there too.
January 15, 2020 at 8:23 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome! Happy writing!
January 14, 2020 at 7:41 am
hannahhudsonwrites
Thanks Lauren, I will have to try this today.
January 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
LaurenKerstein
I hope it goes/ went well! Happy idea generating!
January 14, 2020 at 7:41 am
Marianne Knowles
Lauren, thank you for sharing your process, I have tried to mine childhood memories before but your suggestions are bringing up more!
January 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
LaurenKerstein
I’m thrilled my suggestions are bringing up more memories from which to mine ideas!
January 14, 2020 at 7:43 am
rimna
Thanks for the great idea to generate stories and for the templates..
January 15, 2020 at 8:24 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome! I hope they are helpful!
January 14, 2020 at 7:45 am
ranessadoucet
Thank you for the reminder to tap into our inner child. I loved Pipi as well!
January 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome! Yes, what an amazing character!
January 14, 2020 at 7:45 am
Rebecca
So important to remember to mine our childhood’s for ideas. Thanks for an inspirational post!
January 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome. I hope you were able to mine a new idea or two!
January 14, 2020 at 7:46 am
sareenmclay
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.
January 15, 2020 at 8:25 pm
LaurenKerstein
Fantastic! I hope my template helps you pin down all of the nuances of your ideas!
January 14, 2020 at 7:46 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
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!
January 15, 2020 at 8:27 pm
LaurenKerstein
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!) 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 7:47 am
Kelly Jaques
Congratulations on your books, Lauren! Thanks for the great post!
January 15, 2020 at 8:28 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you so much! You’re welcome! I hope you were able to capture a few new ideas!
January 14, 2020 at 7:49 am
Colleen Dabney
Thanks for your suggestions.
January 15, 2020 at 8:28 pm
LaurenKerstein
You’re welcome!
January 14, 2020 at 7:51 am
Linda Mitchell
Ha! I remember a rusty swing set at preschool that I loved! Great prompt today.
January 15, 2020 at 8:29 pm
LaurenKerstein
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.
January 14, 2020 at 7:54 am
Riya
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.
January 15, 2020 at 8:30 pm
LaurenKerstein
And exactly the kind of books you WILL write, indeed!
January 14, 2020 at 8:02 am
Michelle Ramirez
Great post!
January 15, 2020 at 8:30 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 8:03 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Thanks for sharing your word bank excerpt. I have few childhood memories, but these tiny snippets feel doable.
January 15, 2020 at 8:31 pm
LaurenKerstein
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!
January 14, 2020 at 8:04 am
Suzanne Lewis
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!
January 15, 2020 at 8:32 pm
LaurenKerstein
Excellent point, Suzanne. It is so important to think about the stories that made us laugh, think, cry, etc..
January 14, 2020 at 8:05 am
Robin Jordan
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!
January 15, 2020 at 8:33 pm
LaurenKerstein
You most certainly do know a lot about YOUR world! You’re welcome– I hope the templates are helpful!
January 14, 2020 at 8:09 am
Franny G
Thanks, you sparked some ideas. I also loved Pippi — and have modelled myself on her ever since!
January 15, 2020 at 8:33 pm
LaurenKerstein
United in Pippi LOVE forever!
January 14, 2020 at 8:10 am
Joy
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. 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 8:34 pm
LaurenKerstein
Ha! I feel the same way! Now that my kids are older, the ruse is up! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
January 14, 2020 at 8:10 am
Jennifer Weisse
This is a great way to mine ideas! Love the word bank & thanks for sharing your own template. All very helpful!
January 15, 2020 at 8:34 pm
LaurenKerstein
I’m so glad the information and templates were helpful!
January 14, 2020 at 8:12 am
tanyakonerman
I love the idea of word banks. And thank you for the helpful template!
January 14, 2020 at 8:13 am
Anushi Akshar Mehta
Love this ❤️
January 14, 2020 at 8:14 am
M.R. Street
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! 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 8:17 am
lmconnors
Thank you for this helpful exercise. Congrats on your debut!
January 14, 2020 at 8:18 am
Jennifer Blanck
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!
January 15, 2020 at 2:03 am
jenniemacdonald
This really resonated with me, too. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 8:24 am
Liz Steinglass
Lauren, your templates look amazing. Thanks for sharing them.
January 14, 2020 at 8:24 am
Laurie
Thanks so much for the template!
January 14, 2020 at 8:27 am
michelemeleen
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!
January 14, 2020 at 8:27 am
Andrea
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:28 am
debobrienbookscom
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:29 am
Lisa L Furness
Thank you for sharing your templates! I can’t wait to get started with these tap into your childhood memories exercises!
January 14, 2020 at 8:32 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for reminding us to mine our very own memories, Lauren. I may need a chisel. Congrats on your debut and its companion!
January 23, 2020 at 1:11 pm
LaurenKerstein
I’m right there with you. I’m chiseling away!
January 14, 2020 at 8:32 am
Ruthie Kirk
I like that you mention the spark. That’s a wonderful visual for conveying the feeling that keeps your idea smoldering in your thoughts.
January 14, 2020 at 8:36 am
Robin Perkins
I am intrigued by the exploding sandwich, but rather than asking, I’ll just let it spark more ideas. Thank you Lauren.
January 14, 2020 at 8:38 am
Jennifer Kay
Thanks for the great brainstorming idea.
January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Jolene Gutierrez
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Alison Hedrick
Great post, Lauren. I love your templates on your website, especially the revision checklist, “Being John Malkovich…”
January 14, 2020 at 8:47 am
Lesley Grigg
Great tips and templates! Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 8:48 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 8:48 am
Sarah Tobias
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:50 am
Kathy Halsey
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.
January 23, 2020 at 1:26 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yes, Kathy! I love when I catch them too! It isn’t always easy! They are sneaky little sparks.
January 14, 2020 at 8:51 am
Amy Houts
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!
January 14, 2020 at 8:53 am
Janet Smart
Thanks for the post. I’m going to try it out!
January 14, 2020 at 9:01 am
BRU BENSON
This is a great concept. I will try it out. So much to do, so little time. Thank You.
January 23, 2020 at 1:28 pm
LaurenKerstein
So true! I need more hours in the day. Needing less sleep would help too. 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 9:01 am
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for the tip and for the template!
January 14, 2020 at 9:01 am
pjaegly
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:28 pm
LaurenKerstein
Oh yes! “Magic that exists in real life.” I loved that in books as well!
January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
Dee Knabb
Such a great process, Lauren. Thanks for sharing that and the goodies on your website.
January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
Claire W Bobrow
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 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
BRUCE BENSON
What a great concept! I will try it. Too much to do, so little time.
January 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
steveheron
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article Lauren. There are many parallels with my writing journey.
January 23, 2020 at 1:29 pm
LaurenKerstein
I’m so happy to hear that, Steve!
January 14, 2020 at 9:03 am
rosecappelli
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.
January 23, 2020 at 1:29 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you! I hope you enjoy Rosie and Charlie!
January 14, 2020 at 9:05 am
Kathy Erskine
You have LOTS of great templates on your sigh, Lauren–thanks for sharing them!
January 14, 2020 at 9:05 am
storyfairy
Wow, Lauren, your favorite baby-sitter was named Liz?! Mine, too! She and I are still really close friends.
January 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm
LaurenKerstein
How funny!
January 14, 2020 at 9:06 am
Jane Heitman Healy
“Make your idea 3D”–I love that! Thank you and congrats, Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 9:07 am
Sue Reichard
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:07 am
David McMullin
Thanks, Lauren. I love this childhood memories list. I’m starting one now.
January 14, 2020 at 9:08 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:08 am
Jenny B
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:11 am
Leanne Luetkemeyer
Thank you for your positive support and templates!
January 14, 2020 at 9:13 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
So excited about the Rosie and Charlie sequel – congrats!
January 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yay! Thank you! I’m excited too! 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 9:16 am
makz5650
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for requesting Rosie and Charlie from your library! That is awesome!
January 14, 2020 at 9:16 am
Lisa Black
Wonderful!
January 14, 2020 at 9:17 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thoughtful, practical advice. Thank you, Lauren. Congrats on your books!
January 14, 2020 at 11:55 pm
Nancy Riley
Thanks so much! More ideas to ponder.
January 14, 2020 at 9:20 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
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.
January 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm
LaurenKerstein
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:21 am
ofmariaantonia
I love the idea of writing the stories we loved as children.
January 14, 2020 at 9:21 am
gayleckrause
Congrats on a second Rosie and Charlie book. 😉
January 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thanks so much, Gayle!
January 14, 2020 at 9:23 am
Aileen Stewart
One of my favorite childhood books was Heidi :0) Thanks for sharing your childhood faves and for sharing some great idea gathering choices.
January 14, 2020 at 9:24 am
Marsha Diane Arnold
Wonderful templates. Thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 9:25 am
debbiearnn
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:26 am
Polly Sena Renner
Ahh, thanks Lauren! I’m having lots of fun remembering my favorite books as a child:)
January 14, 2020 at 9:28 am
Kelly Vavala
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:32 am
pathaap
What a great way to spark ideas. Thanks, Lauren! So kind of you to share your template, too!
January 14, 2020 at 9:36 am
Virginia Law Manning
Thank you, Lauren! I loved your post and THANK you for sharing your grid!!! I’m looking forward to putting it to use!
January 14, 2020 at 9:36 am
Susan Latta
Book memories for inspiration, what a lovely idea. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 9:36 am
Tracy Hora
I will spend some time with this today. Thanks for the ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 9:37 am
fspoesy
Going back to the books I loved as a kid is a great idea generating idea! Also, thanks for the templates, Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 9:38 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Love your insight about children wanting power and control, Lauren. Thanks for sharing some childhood memories and templates with us!
January 14, 2020 at 9:38 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
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!!!
January 23, 2020 at 1:33 pm
LaurenKerstein
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:40 am
Kim Wilson
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
ptnozell
Lauren, thank you for sharing your idea generation process and the wonderful template.
January 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
teacherwriteracker
Love the memory word bank to trigger ideas. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 9:41 am
Jennifer Parker Raudenbush
These ideas really resonated with me. I’ll be trying them out.
January 17, 2020 at 11:33 am
Jaclyn Crawford
Thank you for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 9:42 am
orchardka
Thank you, Lauren! And looking forward to the upcoming #ReVISIONweek day!
January 14, 2020 at 9:44 am
Suwin Chan
Lovely post! Running to jot down the flood of memories you just elicited!
January 14, 2020 at 9:46 am
Deb Sullivan
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.
January 14, 2020 at 9:46 am
Louann Brown
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.
January 23, 2020 at 1:34 pm
LaurenKerstein
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.
January 14, 2020 at 9:48 am
kyavorski
Wow – I filled half a page without even trying. I love the word bank idea!
January 23, 2020 at 1:34 pm
LaurenKerstein
Wow! That is awesome!
January 14, 2020 at 9:49 am
rgstones
Love the word bank and drawing on old favorites. Thanks for the post!
January 14, 2020 at 9:49 am
Linda Hofke
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:50 am
Lynne Marie
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
January 23, 2020 at 1:35 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thanks, Lynne. I am grateful that we are on this journey together!
January 14, 2020 at 9:50 am
Darlene Koppel
Books were so important to me as a child. Thanks so much for your ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 9:52 am
Michele Helsel
Wow! I love your Storystorm template. I feel like I should know the answer to this, but “exploding sandwich?”
January 23, 2020 at 1:35 pm
LaurenKerstein
Exploding sandwich comes from the lovely and talented, Julie Falatko. I now have a link to a wonderful article about it on the template.
February 2, 2020 at 10:06 am
Michele Helsel
Cool! Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 9:52 am
bgonsar
Nothing says power and control like breathing life into characters you create. Thanks Lauren!
January 23, 2020 at 1:36 pm
LaurenKerstein
YES!!!!!!!
January 14, 2020 at 9:54 am
Hollie Wolverton
Awesome tips and template – thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 9:57 am
Kaitlin Hedberg
I love the prompt…and all the memories I’m swimming in this morning remembering my favorite childhood books and moments!
January 14, 2020 at 9:57 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for sharing your terrific templates. They’re a thing of joy for those of us who live to plan ;-)!
January 23, 2020 at 1:36 pm
LaurenKerstein
Haha! I live to plan as well! (Perhaps that is obvious. :))
January 14, 2020 at 10:00 am
Brittanny Handiboe
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!
January 14, 2020 at 10:01 am
Anita Banks
Thanks for the ideas and the template!
January 14, 2020 at 10:02 am
Debra Kempf Shumaker
Love this!
January 14, 2020 at 10:02 am
Janie Reinart
Lauren, thank you for the tips and the Storystorm template.❤️
January 14, 2020 at 10:02 am
jenfierjasinski
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and resources!!happy for the template and love the line “The idea was a WIP. The heart was not.”
January 14, 2020 at 10:03 am
Gregory E Bray
Very good post. I have most of my favorite books from my childhood in our library.
January 14, 2020 at 10:07 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you for posting Lauren. I really like the title of your book. Clever, kids will love reading this one.
January 14, 2020 at 10:08 am
Jessica Kulekjian
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.
January 14, 2020 at 10:09 am
Joan Swanson
I like the idea of starting a word bank in my idea book. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 10:10 am
Robin Wiesneth
Childhood memories are great story starters – the crazier the better. I love the storystorm template, thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 10:11 am
Mia Geiger
Wonderful post, Lauren! So interesting and helpful! Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 10:11 am
Jessica Coupé
Love the ideas (and thanks for the templates on your site!)
January 14, 2020 at 10:11 am
kswemba
Thank you, Lauren, for today’s inspiration. Why have I not thought about pulling ideas from my childhood? I also LOVED The Giving Tree.
January 14, 2020 at 10:13 am
Carole Calladine
Thank you Lauren for sharing your childhood memories and your heart. And your template.
January 14, 2020 at 10:20 am
Lori Dubbin
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:37 pm
LaurenKerstein
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!
January 14, 2020 at 10:21 am
TerriMichels
Great ideas and encouragement. thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 10:21 am
Karen Lawler
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. 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 1:38 pm
LaurenKerstein
Ooooh, memory chain! I like that. There is an idea in there somewhere for sure!
January 14, 2020 at 10:22 am
Cathy Lentes
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.
January 14, 2020 at 10:22 am
Jane Serpa
Thank you for sharing. I still remember reading books like Little Women and Black Beauty and the strong impact those stories had on me.
January 14, 2020 at 10:24 am
Jane Serpa
Thank you for sharing.
January 14, 2020 at 10:26 am
Jane Serpa
Thank you for sharing
January 14, 2020 at 10:27 am
authorlaurablog
Thanks, Lauren! Sometimes my own childhood is blurry, but my children’s childhood – or is that childhoods? memories are much clearer.
January 23, 2020 at 1:40 pm
LaurenKerstein
I often feel the same way. Although, I must admit, it is all a bit blurry.
January 14, 2020 at 10:28 am
stacey miller
Thank you so much, Lauren you always give brilliant advice.
January 14, 2020 at 10:33 am
Viviane Elbee
Thank you for sharing your template and for this great advice, Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 10:35 am
kimpfenn
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 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 10:39 am
Melissa Richardson
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!
January 14, 2020 at 10:45 am
marziehaali
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:44 pm
LaurenKerstein
I love this!
January 14, 2020 at 10:46 am
juliannahelt
Great prompts! Thanks! I have lots of great ideas from mining my memories.
January 14, 2020 at 10:46 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for some great ideas and for sharing your template.
January 14, 2020 at 10:46 am
nrompella
LOL. So many crazy memories from my childhood (and my kids’ childhoods!) Thanks for the reminder.
January 14, 2020 at 10:47 am
Kim Larson
Great exercise, Lauren, and thanks for sharing your template!
January 14, 2020 at 10:53 am
Dawn Young
To live life like Pippi would be wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
January 14, 2020 at 10:56 am
Cheryl Keely
Some great thoughts on getting ideas. And I need to revisit Pipi now. Adored Pipi and wanted to be her.
January 14, 2020 at 11:03 am
Elizabeth Brown
Such a great post! Thank you! I can’t wait to read your book.
January 14, 2020 at 11:03 am
Sara A
Wonderful inspiration here, for sparking new ideas!
January 14, 2020 at 11:04 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
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!)
January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
cynthiahm
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
Angie
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
Glenda Roberson
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:07 am
Angela Padron
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:08 am
writeknit
Thanks for the technical advise as well as inspiration. I love your spreadsheets and plan to use several of them🙂
January 14, 2020 at 11:11 am
Kaylynn Johnsen
I can’t wait to read Put Your Mommy to Bed. What a fun concept.
January 14, 2020 at 11:12 am
Sheri Radovich
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:14 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Lauren, for a remembrance of childhood. Today should bring some interesting ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 11:16 am
Susan Macartney
Lauren – so many inspiring takeaways from your post! I’m hanging onto: Write the book you would have loved as a child – thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 11:18 am
tdjw
Great idea! One of my childhood favorites is “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel SILVERstein
January 14, 2020 at 11:18 am
Catherine
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:20 am
jenabenton
Fantastic advice!
January 14, 2020 at 11:20 am
Mary Worley
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:46 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you, Mary! Templates are magic for me (and feed my overly-organized tendencies.) 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 11:26 am
Garnett Natasha
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:27 am
Cathy C. Hall
Terrific templates, thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 11:30 am
Darcee Freier
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:31 am
authoryvonafast
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:31 am
Maureen Egan
Thanks for this and all the templates!
January 14, 2020 at 11:33 am
Brinton Culp
Great to keep a word bank of childhood memories and wishes! Thank you for this post and your excellent templates!
January 14, 2020 at 11:37 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Excellent questions to ask yourself about books from “before.” I love that! Plus any post with Pippi Longstocking in it is OK with me!
January 14, 2020 at 11:43 am
Cheryl Johnson
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
January 14, 2020 at 11:47 am
matthewlasley
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:49 am
Juliana Lee
Thanks for the link to your website… what a treasure trove of writing tools!
January 14, 2020 at 11:51 am
Shirley
Such a wonderful post. Thank you and congratulations on your books!
January 14, 2020 at 11:52 am
June Sengpiehl
Wonderful post to help us all draw on memories and write beautiful books of
our own.
January 14, 2020 at 11:59 am
Lauri Fortino
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!
January 14, 2020 at 11:59 am
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 12:00 pm
debbeauchamp
Congratulations on your upcoming picture books! I always like to hear how a story came together! Thank you also for the great advice!
January 14, 2020 at 12:05 pm
danielledufayet
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:47 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yes, for sure. Pen, paper, a finger to write on the shower glass…. 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Debra Daugherty
Thanks, Lauren. I write for the child in me so I do like what I write, but I love your ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
I LOVED Pippi Longstockings as a kid – definitely that whole “doing your own thing and embracing the quirky.”
January 14, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Marty Bellis
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.
January 23, 2020 at 1:47 pm
LaurenKerstein
I hope you enjoy Rosie and Charlie!
January 14, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Kate Woodle
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!
January 14, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Sherry Smith
Hi, thanks for your idea generating suggestions and StoryStorm idea form. Good luck with your books!
January 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Thanks for the tips!
January 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Tasha Hilderman
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm
LaurenKerstein
Tasha– your thoughts about the Giving Tree were so important! I hope you ended up having a productive day!
January 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Heidi M. Rogers (@heidimrogers)
I got an idea just reading this post. And I’m going to check out Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves!
January 23, 2020 at 1:50 pm
LaurenKerstein
I am excited you got an idea reading the post! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
January 14, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
OMGEEEEEE! Templates! I LOVE templates! And these are wonderful. And I got a few sparks of ideas from your post!! You rock!!!!!
January 14, 2020 at 12:27 pm
Shannon Stocker
Great blog as always, Lauren! And that gif with the kitten is my new fav. You rock!
January 23, 2020 at 1:50 pm
LaurenKerstein
YES! I LOOOOVE that gif! 🙂 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Jenn Belden
Love your idea and template! I will be spending time today poking around your blog. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 12:30 pm
kirstenbockblog
Great post!
January 14, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Lara Elliott
I have five new ideas written down just by reading this post. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 1:51 pm
LaurenKerstein
Wahooooo! That is AWESOME!
January 14, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Lisa P
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!
January 14, 2020 at 12:35 pm
marshaelyn
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…
January 23, 2020 at 1:52 pm
LaurenKerstein
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!
January 14, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Caren
Always great advice to get back to that place of inner-child. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for the great post, and for sharing your template!
January 14, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Love the idea of a word bank. Congrats on your books!
January 14, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Rachel Funez
Great ideas. I think it’s so crucial to remember our childhood dreams and fears… we are writing for children after all.
January 14, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Brandy Lynne
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!
January 14, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Sally Lotz
Another great idea. Thanks so much! I have tons of childhood material. 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 12:49 pm
KRISTINA COOPER CASTILLO
Thanks for your post! Great idea to just jot down the tiny ideas and then morph them into their 3D selves.
January 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm
mlflannigan
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.
January 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm
donnacangelosi
Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 12:53 pm
kirsticall
Thank you Lauren! And I love your debut! Glad we’re in a group together!
January 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm
LaurenKerstein
Me too! I’m so happy we’re in a group together. Thank you for loving Rosie and Charlie!
January 14, 2020 at 12:54 pm
bevbaird
Loved your post – such great description of what ideas need and how to capture them. Thanks for the template as well.
January 14, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Mary Jane
An inspiring post! Thank you so much Lauren Kirstein.
January 14, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Peggy Dobbs
How fun to recall early memories and remember what it was like to be a kid! Thanks for an inspiring post.
January 14, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Lisa Joan Riddiough
Thank you, Lauren. Great ideas. And congratulations!!
January 14, 2020 at 1:04 pm
bookfish1
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.
January 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm
LaurenKerstein
Snowy Day is a masterpiece on so many levels. I hope our paths cross as well.
January 14, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Kari Lavelle (@KariALavelle)
Thank you for this post! Fun to reflect on my childhood experiences and bring ideas forward!
January 14, 2020 at 1:05 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Yes, this is a great way to generate ideas. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 1:07 pm
Daniele Arndt
Love this! Every word was perfect! Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 1:55 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you and thank you for making me smile!
January 14, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Amy Bradshaw
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!
January 14, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Awww. Thanks fort sharing, Lauren. Great thoughts.
January 14, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Awww. Thanks fort sharing, Lauren. Great thoughts.
January 14, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I’m starting my list of memories right now! Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 1:12 pm
VC
The templates are an amazing resource! Thank you!!
January 14, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thank you. Will use the templates!
January 14, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Lauren! Childhood memories really are a goldmine of ideas and I enjoyed revisiting some childhood favorites this morning.
January 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Super ideas, and thanks for access to your templates!
January 14, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Sarah Wolfe
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!
January 14, 2020 at 1:29 pm
ruthwilson48
Wonderful ideas here, Lauren! So inspirational!
January 14, 2020 at 1:30 pm
karammitchell
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!
January 14, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
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
January 14, 2020 at 1:36 pm
iefaber
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.
January 14, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Nadia Salomon
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!
January 14, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Sandhya Rose
I love the idea of making ideas into 3D! Thanks Lauren.
January 14, 2020 at 1:47 pm
Jay
Great idea and advice that i’ll be using throughout Storystorm. Thanks Lauren.
January 14, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Awesome! Thanks for sharing and the advice! 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Time to push aside those cobwebs and remember!
January 14, 2020 at 1:54 pm
asiqueira1307
Thanks for the templates. Very useful.
January 14, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Cinzia V.
Great advice. I especially like the part about attaching emotion, desires, thoughts, etc. to each idea. I’ll give it a whirl. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Gabriele
A springboard for inspiration! Your post already sparked two new ideas. Thank you! And thanks for all the awesome templates on your site.
January 14, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I like how you have a mix of memories, not all pleasant. Thanks for the inspiration to hit the “way back” button. Cheers!
January 14, 2020 at 2:03 pm
Cathy Ogren
Thanks so much for sharing your critique templates
January 14, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
I enjoy thinking about the books I loved to read as a basis for ideas about what I want to write. Thanks.
January 14, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Maria Bostian
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!
January 14, 2020 at 2:07 pm
Karen Greenwald
Hey Lauren!:) Great ideas, great advice, great post! Can’t wait to read your newest masterpiece!
January 14, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Cynthia Wyzynski
I really love your Word/Emotion Bank idea. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 2:10 pm
Leigh Therriault
Ah, childhood memories… such a treasure trove of wonderous stories ideas! 💎 I need to start depositing into my word bank, lol 💰😊
January 14, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Lauri Meyers
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!
January 14, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Lindsay Robinson
“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.
January 14, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Louise Aamodt
Your article just validated the shelves and shelves of my childhood books I was never able to give away! Thanks for the support.
January 14, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Pamela Harrison
Childhood memories are like buried treasure.Thank you for your tips and for the link to your marvelous templates! What a great gift!
January 14, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Becki Kidd
Wonderful post. I have the basics of a full manuscript written down. Lots still to do, but WOW!
January 14, 2020 at 2:23 pm
charlestrevino
Long time ago,Tarzan kept me reading.
Thank you for reminding me:)
January 14, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Paula B Puckett
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll work on ideas for what I wanted to read as a younger me.
January 14, 2020 at 2:30 pm
beckylevine
Love these tips. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Jess Townes
Love that thought that all ideas are works in progress until they’re not. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Heather Stigall
Thank you for the inspirational post!
January 14, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Heather Stigall
Thanks for the inspirational post & the templates!
January 14, 2020 at 2:38 pm
farmfolkfamily
This post caused so many ideas to bubble to the surface even while reading it!
January 14, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Katie L. Carroll
Love the idea of a word bank!
January 14, 2020 at 2:52 pm
Linda Silvestri
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!
January 14, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Great ideas! I used to love Pippi Longstocking. There are so many books I vividly remember from my childhood that deeply impacted my life
January 14, 2020 at 2:57 pm
dinatowbin
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!
January 23, 2020 at 1:57 pm
LaurenKerstein
I’m always happy to provide a critique. Just reach out if you’re interested. What a wonderful writer’s group you have!
January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Roo Parkin
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 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 1:57 pm
LaurenKerstein
I will have to read this!
January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Katie A Giorgio
Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm
SpeechVine
Because of my job I still get to read my favorites. Great tips.
January 14, 2020 at 3:03 pm
mathbookmagic
“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!
January 14, 2020 at 3:04 pm
Mona Pease
Digging back looking for gems Gotta grab my shovel now and see what treasure box awaits. Thanks, Lauren.
January 14, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Aimee Isaac
I wrote a great list from this, thank you!!
January 14, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Hélène Sabourin
Starting my word bank
January 14, 2020 at 3:18 pm
chardixon47
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 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 3:21 pm
Brenda Grant Lower
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!
January 14, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Lindsey Hobson
Great article! It’s amazing to think a book you write can stay with a child for a lifetime!
January 14, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
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.
January 14, 2020 at 3:27 pm
mommamoocow
Great idea!
January 14, 2020 at 3:33 pm
Rebecca Woodall
Love an idea that grows into something more. Thank you for todays inspiation.
January 14, 2020 at 3:33 pm
Bettie Boswell
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.
January 14, 2020 at 3:33 pm
gattodesign
Very inspirational. Thanks! Great ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 3:42 pm
betlw
Thanks, Lauren, for some interesting and insightful ways to use childhood memories to get ideas for stories. Congratulations on your own dragon books
January 14, 2020 at 3:43 pm
eamchild
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!
January 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm
LaurenKerstein
Ancient memories just may make the best stories! I’m intrigued!
January 14, 2020 at 3:44 pm
Maria Marshall
Great idea and fun post. Thank you for the template. You definitely sparked a number of ideas for me, today.
January 14, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Ashley Walker
Thanks for an inspiring post, Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 3:55 pm
sjwmeade
Thank you for this helpful post and the template too!
January 14, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Sue Martin
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!
January 14, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
…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!
January 14, 2020 at 3:58 pm
Lisa Billa
A very idea-inspiring post- thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 3:59 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Thank you for the insight and inspiration.
January 14, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Eileen Mayo
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!!
January 23, 2020 at 2:01 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you, Eileen. I’m excited to share the new Rosie and Charlie book with you!
January 14, 2020 at 4:14 pm
Marty lapointe-malchik
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.
January 14, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Denise Engle
Hi Lauren! Thank you for snapping my memories into place! Great advice, and I’m already on it! Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 4:22 pm
seschipper
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! 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Michele R
Thanks, Lauren for sharing your ideas and also your template. Congrats on your picture books!!
January 14, 2020 at 4:31 pm
shirley301
Thanks for such good advice and for the great template to explore our ideas.
January 14, 2020 at 4:32 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
So many ideas lurking in our memories. The fun part is catching them all!! Great post. Thanks Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 4:33 pm
westindianmommy
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.
January 14, 2020 at 4:34 pm
Aryn Kennedy
Pippi! I loved her so much as a child.
January 14, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Jane Baskwill
A great way to mine childhood memories for a story bank. Thanks, Lauren.
January 14, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Aimee
❤️ books do have power. That’s a point that keeps popping in my head. Great post. Congrats on your books!
January 14, 2020 at 4:42 pm
JEN Garrett
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!
January 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yay! So thrilled were able to catch the sparks!
January 14, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Kaye Baillie
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.
January 14, 2020 at 4:43 pm
brittanypomales
Great post! I am off to make a word bank.
January 14, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Heather Gallagher
Feeling inspired – thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
Thank you, Lauren, for another satisfying trip down the memory lane of my childhood. My memory bank word list is full!
January 14, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you so much, Lauren! This post is sparking ideas! 👍😃💃
January 14, 2020 at 5:14 pm
drawingablank6
Definitely will have to try this!
January 14, 2020 at 5:21 pm
SUSAN
Such fabulous insights. Thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Deb McGarvey
Thank you for the reminder to look back to childhood favorites for themes!
January 14, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Sandy Perlic
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!
January 14, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
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!
January 14, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Meredith Fraser
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!
January 14, 2020 at 5:33 pm
jamhartman
Thank you for making me think about my childhood books!! So many to choose from!! Love this idea…
January 14, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
Here’s to manuscripts in 3D!
January 14, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Beth Edson
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.
January 14, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Alice Fulgione
Thanks for your favorite books suggestions & thanks for sharing your thought organization template!
January 14, 2020 at 5:47 pm
DCSM
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.
January 14, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Sara Trofa
I really like the idea of the word bank. Thank you for the post and for the templates!
January 14, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Rona Shirdan
I loved The Giving Tree and the Pippi books as well! Many thanks for your tips and for the templates.
January 14, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Poupette Smith
Food for thought… Thank you, you multitasker you!
January 14, 2020 at 6:26 pm
stephaniewildman
Thanks for sharing your templates and your inspiration. I loved Pippi, too.
January 14, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Elle
Lots of great ideas to start the inspiration. Thanks.
January 14, 2020 at 6:44 pm
whitcoma
I would love a critique! Thank you for your consideration!
January 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm
LaurenKerstein
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. 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Laura
“…all ideas are works in progress until they’re not.” Love that.
January 14, 2020 at 6:46 pm
Melissa Stoller
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!
January 14, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Lori Sheroan
Thank your for sharing your template for Storystorm. Your post really resonated with me and gave me an entire buffet of food for thought.
January 14, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Linda Schueler
Great template! Thanks so much.
January 14, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Dawn M.
Creating a word bank is a great suggestion. Thanks for sharing your template!
January 14, 2020 at 6:58 pm
Donna Mork Reed (@DonnaMorkReed)
Thanks for sharing your template. I was working on my own, but this one is so much better.
January 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I remember reading every Landmark book there was, learning about history.
January 14, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Joel Chalmers
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!
January 14, 2020 at 7:03 pm
Maryna Doughty
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!
January 14, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Shirley fadden
Pippi! I forgot about her! Thanks for the great things to think about and congrats on your book!
January 14, 2020 at 7:21 pm
8catpaws
Found a theme in books I loved in childhood!
January 14, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
This was great, thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 7:29 pm
kaleegwarjanski
Wow! Love all those templates, what a great resource. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Laura W.
Thank you for sharing Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 7:33 pm
seethewin38d687e232
Great article, thank you. I got an idea from that Dragon cover!
January 14, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Nancy Furstinger
Make your idea 3D=terrific!
January 14, 2020 at 7:40 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2)
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!
January 14, 2020 at 7:41 pm
Erik Ammon
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!
January 14, 2020 at 7:49 pm
Lynn Alpert
I loved Pippi Longstocking! And I don’t know how many times I read Where the Wild Things Are! Thanks for the tips.
January 14, 2020 at 7:57 pm
Lane Mathis Arnold
Great points to ponder!
January 14, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Amy Newbold
I love the idea of starting a word bank for childhood memories. Great post.
January 14, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Carolyne Ruck
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!
January 14, 2020 at 8:14 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Bookmarking your template, Lauren. Off now to think about what I loved to read as a child.
January 14, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Becky Shillington
I like your idea to write down memories as a word bank, Lauren. Thanks for the template, too! 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 8:28 pm
Beth Charles
Thanks for the template! And I love the word bank idea.
January 14, 2020 at 8:31 pm
Teresa Robeson
I think I loved all stories as a child…LOL! Thank you for that terrific Storystorm template, Lauren!
January 14, 2020 at 8:33 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Laurie Carmody
I love this idea! It sparked a memory that I am adding to my list. Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 8:35 pm
jacquesartandbooks
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).
January 14, 2020 at 8:39 pm
JillDanaBooks
Thanks for all these creativity-sparking ideas!!
January 14, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Brenda Whitehead
I love the word bank idea, thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Joyce
Thanks Lauren. Template link didn’t work, but I found this and other templates on your website. Very useful!
January 14, 2020 at 8:54 pm
cbcole
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:55 pm
ingridboydston
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! 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm
LaurenKerstein
That is wonderful!
January 14, 2020 at 8:56 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thank you for the walk down memory lane❤️
January 14, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Joannie Duris
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.
January 14, 2020 at 8:59 pm
ruthgoringbooks
I appreciate the encouragement to think about what books we needed as children, which goes to our emotional lives/struggles. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you for reminding us to write the book we would have loved as a child.
January 14, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Shawna JC Tenney
Thanks for the great idea. My mind is already starting to work!
January 14, 2020 at 9:15 pm
Alicia Curley
Thank you for reminding us to go back to where it all started! 🙂
January 14, 2020 at 9:17 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Looking very forward making my childhood memory word bank. Thanks for the prompt.
January 14, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Julie Reich
Terrific ideas! Congrats on your books!
January 14, 2020 at 9:37 pm
Abby Wooldridge
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!
January 14, 2020 at 9:50 pm
Sarah Skolfield
Checked out your website. Thanks for sharing those great templates!!!
January 14, 2020 at 9:53 pm
DaNeil Olson
Thank you for your inspiring post. Off to mine my childhood memories.
January 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Dawn Young
Lauren, I love the guide sheets I downloaded from your website. Thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Rebecca Thill (@rkthill)
Love this concept! Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 10:16 pm
Kate Molde
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.
January 14, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Thank you for this concept. I will write what I can remember. Thanks.
January 14, 2020 at 10:32 pm
susanzonca
I love the concept of creating a word bank from childhood memories.
January 14, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Dee Leone
Thank you for sharing all those templates and for your great post. I loved those same books.
January 14, 2020 at 10:36 pm
VICKI M CONRAD
I agree, this is a great way to get an idea down.
January 14, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Sue Heavenrich
I loved Pippi! Thanks for the word bank, and sharing the story of Rosie and the Dragon. Can’t wait to read more.
January 14, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
I really like the idea of a word bank. Thanks!
January 14, 2020 at 10:50 pm
Michele Ziemke
Great ideas are simmering now….Thank you!!!
January 14, 2020 at 11:00 pm
heatherbell37
Oooh! I really like these ideas ❤️ Thank you for sharing!
January 14, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Rebecca Heller
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Jessica Potts
So many ideas from our own childhoods! Love it!
January 14, 2020 at 11:12 pm
Lori Menning
Some great ideas to try! Thanks so much.
January 14, 2020 at 11:17 pm
Robyn McGrath
Wonderful ideas! thank you.
January 14, 2020 at 11:18 pm
Chelle Martin
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:20 pm
rjtraxel
Curious to see what Dragon and Charlie get up to!
January 14, 2020 at 11:22 pm
KASteed
Loved Pippi! Great idea!!
January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Mireya
me too
January 14, 2020 at 11:37 pm
saintamovin
Loved Pippy…thank you
January 14, 2020 at 11:39 pm
Heather Rowley
Such great ideas! Thank you!
January 14, 2020 at 11:43 pm
Chang H
Love the idea of a word bank. And thanks so much for sharing your templates!
January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Mireya
yes let me check this out.
January 14, 2020 at 11:47 pm
Susan Twiggs
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.
January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Mireya
Write the book you would’ve loved as a child. What a good idea!
January 14, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Janice Woods
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing☺️
January 15, 2020 at 12:07 am
Jennifer Linville
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!
January 15, 2020 at 12:13 am
saputnam
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
January 15, 2020 at 12:17 am
bluerabbit
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)
January 15, 2020 at 12:18 am
bluerabbit
Reblogged this on One Way to Wonder and commented:
So much fun remembering the first books I loved. What were yours?
January 15, 2020 at 8:44 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for reblogging this! I will check it out.
January 15, 2020 at 12:25 am
Rebecca Herzog
So many vivid memories to mine. Thank you!
January 15, 2020 at 12:58 am
Kari Gonzalez
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!
January 15, 2020 at 1:00 am
adavis6385
Love the idea of the word banks. Thanks, Lauren!!
January 15, 2020 at 1:01 am
Karin Larson
I love this post! Thank you so much for the inspiration.
January 15, 2020 at 1:32 am
Gaynell
I loved Pippi Longstocking! I had so many favorites…I’ll have to give this some thought. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 1:34 am
Jocelyn Rish
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!
January 15, 2020 at 8:43 pm
LaurenKerstein
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.
January 15, 2020 at 2:21 am
rosainkpen
Really loved this post Lauren. Very inspiring.
January 15, 2020 at 2:53 am
laurimacey
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.
January 15, 2020 at 2:55 am
Latasha Vernon
Thanks for taking me back to childhood and the template!
January 15, 2020 at 2:58 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
I loved Pippi–and still do! So many ideas coming to mind. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 15, 2020 at 4:09 am
Angela Turner
Writing those memories is great for story ideas and for a record of personal family history
January 15, 2020 at 5:25 am
58chilihed13
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!!
January 15, 2020 at 8:42 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for sharing your word bank book!
Quick– capture it and eat it! 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 6:34 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the insights.
January 15, 2020 at 6:37 am
Terrie Hellard-Brown
Thank you for the great ideas and templates.
January 15, 2020 at 6:54 am
Nadine Poper
Starting a word bank is a good idea generator. Thank you for the template as well.
January 15, 2020 at 8:12 am
Mark Ceilley
I like you idea!
I can’t wait to spend some time mining my memories.
Congratulations on your book!
January 15, 2020 at 8:22 am
candicewolff
This definitely brought up some pretty hilarious memories! 3 news story ideas in one day! Whooo Hooooo!!
January 15, 2020 at 8:40 pm
LaurenKerstein
Wahooooooo! That is awesome!
January 15, 2020 at 8:27 am
Beth Gallagher
Thank you for this great idea sparking post!
January 15, 2020 at 8:43 am
Angela De Groot
Remembering my emotions coupled to my memories gave me some good ideas. Thanks.
January 15, 2020 at 8:57 am
Jennifer Phillips
This is one of my favorite things to do, whether it’s about whole adventures or little slivers of experiences. Thanks!
January 15, 2020 at 8:57 am
Juliann Caveny
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.
January 15, 2020 at 9:17 am
melissamiles1
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.
January 15, 2020 at 8:39 pm
LaurenKerstein
The bright red hair was an important connection! 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 9:35 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Two ideas from this post. Loved revisiting those favorite childhood books in my mind.
And we love your book, Lauren. Thanks!
January 15, 2020 at 8:39 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yay! I’m thrilled you love it! 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 9:40 am
Lauren Barbieri
Great post and way to tap memories—thank you!
January 15, 2020 at 9:46 am
jimchaize1
Thanks, Lauren. I love your word bank idea and plan to give that a try.
January 15, 2020 at 9:48 am
ryanrobertsauthor
thanks for the template!
January 15, 2020 at 9:48 am
Rebecca E. Hirsch
“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.
January 15, 2020 at 9:50 am
Megan Whitaker
Funny the initial idea for your first story ended up being your second story. I loved Pippi as well!
January 15, 2020 at 10:02 am
Susie Sawyer
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)!
January 15, 2020 at 10:21 am
shannonlhall
What a fun way to generate ideas! Thank you for sharing.
January 15, 2020 at 10:29 am
writeremmcbride
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.
January 15, 2020 at 8:38 pm
LaurenKerstein
I would imagine there are lots of important, helpful, resonant ideas in a less than “universal” experience. I hope mining turns up some gems.
January 15, 2020 at 10:38 am
nicolesalterbraun
Thanks, Lauren. Did anyone else have trouble opening the critique template? It gave me the “404 Not Found”
January 15, 2020 at 8:37 pm
LaurenKerstein
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.
January 15, 2020 at 10:57 am
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
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!
January 15, 2020 at 11:00 am
BARBARA SENENMAN
Wonderful post! Thank you! Loved Pippi Longstockings! Loved books that made me laugh.
January 15, 2020 at 11:15 am
Gail Atherley
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.
January 15, 2020 at 11:20 am
Megan J. Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2)
Wonderful idea! Going to try making a list now. I think mine list will have dress up clothes and pink things.
January 15, 2020 at 11:27 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
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.
January 15, 2020 at 11:29 am
Writer on the run
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!
January 15, 2020 at 11:30 am
Arlene Schenker
I already got some ideas just from reading your post. Thank you, Lauren.
January 15, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Judith Snyder
Lauren, the templates you are sharing on your website are very insightful. I plan to share your site with fellow writers. Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 2:08 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thank you so much, Judith. I’m glad the templates were helpful!
January 15, 2020 at 12:22 pm
claireannette1
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.
January 15, 2020 at 12:23 pm
storycatcherpublishing
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
January 15, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Michael Sussman
Excellent post!
January 15, 2020 at 12:44 pm
curryelizabeth
Thanks Lauren! Great tips.
January 15, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Jud Ward
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.)
January 15, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Brenna Becker
Thank you for the template!
January 15, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Laura Jean Watters
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.)
January 15, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Aimee Satterlee
The templates are fabulous resources! Thank you for sharing, Lauren.
January 15, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
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.
January 15, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Alicia
Thanks for your ideas!
January 15, 2020 at 1:48 pm
mginsberg10
Lauren, your templates are impressive. Thanks for sharing! Micki
January 15, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Sara Matson
Thanks for that idea, and for the template. 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 2:29 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Thank you Lauren, for the great trip I just took back to my childhood and the rich story ideas that came from that journey!
January 15, 2020 at 2:30 pm
topangamaria
Especially appreciate your suggestion to make your ideas 3D.
January 15, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Sara Fajardo
Love the 3D idea generation. Thanks for the template
January 15, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Ashley Pierson
Lots of great stuff in this post today! Thanks for the template too! That’s a treasure. Thanks, Lauren!
January 15, 2020 at 3:03 pm
Deborah Foster
Two of my favorite books growing up were Stellaluna and In a Dark Dark Room. This is such a wonderful idea! Thank you.
January 15, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Kate Carroll
Thanks for posting this way of looking for ideas. Great perspective!
January 15, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Pamela Haskin
My mind is whirling with ideas! There are several books I would have loved to had as a quiet, shy kid. Thanks for sharing.
January 15, 2020 at 5:43 pm
l8k8
loved this. thanks for the post.
January 15, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Thank you, Lauren for this fruitful post!
Congrats on your books!!
January 15, 2020 at 7:33 pm
dianaguerin
Love all of your tips – so helpful, especially for someone just starting out!
Thanks so much!
January 15, 2020 at 8:22 pm
Janet Halfmann
Such fun to remember childhood memories and ponder the stories they can inspire.
January 15, 2020 at 8:46 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
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!
January 15, 2020 at 8:54 pm
Mark Ceilley
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!
January 15, 2020 at 9:11 pm
Naana
Thanks Lauren, for your insightful post. I will “mine my memories.” Childhood, a gold mine of ideas. Congratulations on your book!!
January 15, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Zoraida Rivera
A very interesting post. Liked the Word Bank and your template. Thinking about those books I needed. Some are work-in-progress already.
January 15, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Phaea Crede 💀🏴☠️⚔️ (@PhaeaCrede)
Great advice! Thank you 🙂
January 15, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Kristen Tipman
Great post! Thanks for sharing. And the templates on your website are great!
January 15, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Diane O'Neill
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 🙂 )
January 15, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Mary Warth
Thank you Lauren! I love the use of the word bank to fully capture each spark of an idea.
January 15, 2020 at 10:44 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you for your advice!
January 15, 2020 at 11:28 pm
denitajohnson
Thanks for the advice.
January 15, 2020 at 11:48 pm
susan schade
Great advice to capture new ideas! Thank you!
January 16, 2020 at 12:17 am
Leah
I loved so many books as a kid. Good idea to revisit them for ideas.
January 16, 2020 at 12:38 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Great advice! Thank you–
January 16, 2020 at 12:46 am
thesheilster
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.
January 16, 2020 at 1:14 am
Joanne Roberts
there are some great ideas here. thanks for the no judgement zone
January 16, 2020 at 1:21 am
Gaby Lagos
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.
January 16, 2020 at 1:56 am
Suanna
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!
January 16, 2020 at 3:13 am
Sharon Langley
Pippi still rocks
January 16, 2020 at 8:05 am
jjarson1
Thanks!
January 16, 2020 at 10:16 am
supermario6
Great idea! Thank you!
January 16, 2020 at 10:21 am
Kailei Pew
Good idea to write the book that we needed as children. I am running with that one!
January 16, 2020 at 10:46 am
suzannepoulterharris
I have a couple of memories resurfacing already! And thanks for sharing your templates.
January 16, 2020 at 11:05 am
Amelia Gossman
Thank you for sharing your templates! They’re super helpful 🙂
January 16, 2020 at 11:27 am
Jacqueline Adams
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!
January 16, 2020 at 11:43 am
Judy Sobanski
A word bank is a great idea to come up with story ideas. Thanks!
January 16, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Excellent templates on your site. Thanks.
January 16, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Time to start digging up childhood memories. Thank you for the idea!
January 16, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Lauren. You’ve given me steps for making flashes into a story.
January 16, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Jill M Proctor
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.
January 16, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Helen Lysicatos
Fantastic post, thank you! This sparked 3 new ideas!!!
January 16, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for the templates!
January 16, 2020 at 4:25 pm
jenwritespbs
Great post, Lauren! I came up with an idea based off something silly I did as a child, but remember being very adamant about!
January 16, 2020 at 4:35 pm
megcason1
Thank for this post and your template!!
What a great tool!
January 16, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Erin Buhr
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.
January 23, 2020 at 2:18 pm
LaurenKerstein
Wow! That is awesome!
January 16, 2020 at 5:15 pm
brendamay28
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.
January 16, 2020 at 5:26 pm
carolmunrojww
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!
January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
LaurenKerstein
That sounds like a wonderful book!
January 16, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Elizabeth W Saba
Thank you for this post and access to your templates. I’ll use it.
January 16, 2020 at 6:21 pm
jeanjames926
I love the idea of reaching back into your childhood for inspiration, the template, as well as the word bank! Fabulous! Thank you!
January 16, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Jim Chaize
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.
January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
LaurenKerstein
OUCH!!!!!!! That is definitely a memory to mine.
January 16, 2020 at 6:58 pm
dlapmandi
Mining my memories also help me remember grandparents no longer here but what impacts they made on my life. Thanks for the post.
January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
LaurenKerstein
Those are such special memories.
January 16, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Great post! Thank you!!
January 16, 2020 at 7:25 pm
eross
Your post helped me remember to honor (not judge!) those flashes of brilliance, those ideas that spark the beginnings of story writing. Thank you!
January 16, 2020 at 8:51 pm
kmajor2013
Great ideas, Lauren. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2020 at 9:03 pm
jshaklan
I had so many favorite books as a kid. Thinking back on them could spark lots of ideas! Thanks. 🙂
January 16, 2020 at 9:17 pm
angiecal76
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!
January 16, 2020 at 11:23 pm
marykatesmithdespres
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!
January 17, 2020 at 12:54 am
Susan Wroble
Thanks so much — I found a treasure trove of templates that are incredibly useful, along with the StoryStorm one.
January 17, 2020 at 12:54 am
Keila Dawson
So true, our childhoods hold lots of stories. Excellent resources! Thanks so much for sharing these templates.
January 17, 2020 at 4:57 am
Diane Tulloch
Great suggestions thank you.
January 17, 2020 at 8:51 am
Katie
Thank you for an inspiring post!
January 17, 2020 at 10:09 am
Mardi Edwards
I am trying to develop my memories into stories before my memory wears out!
January 17, 2020 at 11:21 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Thanks for the tips about writing what our child self would’ve loved! Congrats on your success!
January 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm
LaurenKerstein
Thanks, Penny. I think our dragons would love frolicking and causing a bit of lighthearted mayhem together! 🙂
January 17, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
GREAT post! I so appreciate you sharing these ideas with us!
January 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm
THarvey
I wish I could remember my childhood better!
January 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm
LaurenKerstein
Me too! I must admit, writing this post sparked a ton of memories I thought were lost.
January 17, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Carrie Cook
Thank you for sharing! Now to spend some time thinking about childhood.
January 17, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Interesting post on mining those memories from childhood. Also thanks for the link.
January 17, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Julie M. Evans
Wow! Inspiring! Thanks for sharing the downloads on your site.
January 17, 2020 at 6:15 pm
anneiversonbellsouthnet
Great ways to connect to your early childhood self, revisit favorite books, and wondering “what if”? Thanks for your templates and your post!
January 17, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Kellie
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.
January 23, 2020 at 2:22 pm
LaurenKerstein
I hope you are able to catch those snippets!
January 17, 2020 at 9:39 pm
kathydoherty1
Lauren, thanks for the inspiring post!
January 18, 2020 at 3:30 am
percyandcat
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.
January 18, 2020 at 10:19 am
Susanne Whitehouse
So inspiring! Thank you!
January 18, 2020 at 11:03 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
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!
January 18, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Shar
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!
January 18, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Susan Orton
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!!!
January 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Thank you for the templates and ideas; super helpful!
January 18, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Stephanie Lau
I love that first cat .gif!
January 19, 2020 at 11:02 am
shanah salter
great templates!
January 19, 2020 at 12:00 pm
tootienienow
Great advice! I’ve heard that before but you put a different slant on it!
January 19, 2020 at 1:08 pm
Rinda Beach
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!
January 23, 2020 at 2:23 pm
LaurenKerstein
Yes! Yay! I hope the first graders loved the bubble wand!
January 19, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Dina Ticas
I had such a great walk down memory lane thinking about all the books I loved as a kid.
January 19, 2020 at 6:38 pm
Wendy
Fantastic resources, Lauren. Thank you! Off to mine my childhood again.
January 19, 2020 at 7:22 pm
susaninez0905
Tuning into childhood memories is something that is repeated often. Such a wonderful resource you carry with you! Thanks for the reminder.
January 19, 2020 at 7:53 pm
julielacombeauthor
Yhank you so much for sharing your templates! Now to walk down memory lane!
January 19, 2020 at 8:30 pm
stepheniehovland
This post has been so good for triggering ideas. Thank you!
January 19, 2020 at 9:31 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
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!
January 23, 2020 at 2:25 pm
LaurenKerstein
I love the idea of going through photo albums! That is wonderful!
January 19, 2020 at 9:43 pm
Heather Kelso
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.
January 19, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Rachel
Love the template. Will enjoy using it.
January 20, 2020 at 2:37 am
sharongiltrow
Thank you for this inspirational post and I’m looking forward to reading your second book :-).
January 20, 2020 at 2:46 am
debbiemoeller
Great post. It gave me a few ideas -even though my childhood was rather ordinary and not very action packed. 🙂
January 20, 2020 at 8:54 am
Kate Thackray Edwards
Great ideas, thanks! I’ll be making notes for future reference and having a good old idea-fest this aft 🙂
January 20, 2020 at 10:56 am
Jennifer Hunt
Good reminder because we never know which ideas will morph into a story so I better write them all down. 🙂
January 20, 2020 at 1:25 pm
angie9091
thanks for the great post.
January 20, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Karen Rafeedie
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.
January 23, 2020 at 2:25 pm
LaurenKerstein
That is a great strategy. “What would my 5-year old self want to happen next?” I love that!
January 20, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Angela H. Dale
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”
January 20, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Mary York
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.
January 23, 2020 at 2:27 pm
LaurenKerstein
How wonderful!
January 20, 2020 at 6:16 pm
Ashley Bankhead
I love this! Thank you for sharing. I’m going to work on my word bank now!
January 20, 2020 at 9:35 pm
ammwrite3
Thanks for the advice—I’ll have to try the word bank idea!
January 20, 2020 at 10:20 pm
Karan Greene
Very inspirational post! And thanks for sharing your templates!!
January 20, 2020 at 11:19 pm
rhumba20
Thank you Lauren! Very inspiring post😀
Anna Levin
January 21, 2020 at 10:36 am
leahpsmoser
Great advice. This is a good way to generate ideas from childhood memories.
January 21, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Noelle McBride
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!
January 21, 2020 at 5:01 pm
Nancy Kotkin
The word bank is a great idea. And thanks for sharing your templates.
January 21, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Kyle McBride
Reach for my inner child!
January 21, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Your Rosie and Dragon books sound amazing. I look forward to checking out the template on your site!
January 21, 2020 at 9:45 pm
Elizabeth Metz
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! 🙂
January 22, 2020 at 9:26 am
doreenrobinson
Great advice – love the template and word book concept! Congrats on your books!
January 22, 2020 at 9:58 am
Anita Palmeri Overgaard
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.
January 22, 2020 at 11:09 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
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.
January 22, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Belinda Fallon
What a fun prompt. Thank you.
January 22, 2020 at 3:03 pm
Lisa Tolin (@lisatolin)
Love this, Lauren! I’m glad someone else asked about the exploding sandwich. Off to read about that!
January 22, 2020 at 4:51 pm
Judy Bryan
Had a fun time thinking about childhood memories and the books I loved, and still love today! Thank you for the template…great resource!
January 22, 2020 at 9:42 pm
Jane Dippold
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!
January 23, 2020 at 2:08 am
kelliejanebyrnes
Thanks for sharing your tips, and those templates look great, too.
January 23, 2020 at 3:40 pm
Mita
What a fun exercise – definitely lots of good material to work with!
January 24, 2020 at 2:21 pm
Beth Schneider
Thanks for all of the helpful templates!
January 24, 2020 at 4:13 pm
Dea Lenihan
LOVE this post. So helpful and inspirational. xo
January 24, 2020 at 6:35 pm
imagination4lf
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!
January 24, 2020 at 7:38 pm
Sylvia Chen
Love the ideation tips! Great for brainstorming, thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Amanda Sincavage
Love this line: “remember all ideas are works in progress until they’re not.”
January 25, 2020 at 4:54 pm
McCourt Thomas
Just added Rosie and Charlie to our library’s order list! Thanks for sharing
January 25, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great tips! Thanks, Lauren! 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 7:41 pm
chichiscraps
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!
January 26, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Terri Sabol
Lots of good advice! Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2020 at 10:33 am
Johnell DeWitt
Thank you for the awesome templates!
January 27, 2020 at 11:41 am
alisongoldberg
Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Kelly Conroy
Your storystorm template is fantastic! Thank you!
January 27, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for the helpful post–particularly the heads up about your storystorm template.
January 28, 2020 at 9:29 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Thanks for this and the resources!
January 28, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Anne Appert
Thank you for these tips on collecting ideas from childhood and flushing out the heart of each of them.
January 29, 2020 at 12:07 am
tiffanydickinson
I love the thought that ideas are “works in progress”. That reduces the pressure. Thanks, Lauren!
January 29, 2020 at 2:01 am
Darshana
Thanks for linking to your templates. What a wonderful resource!
January 29, 2020 at 4:39 am
Joana Pastro
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! ❤️
January 29, 2020 at 9:07 am
Brainstorming Childhood Memories - Author Suanna Davis, PhD
[…] 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 […]
January 29, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Cindy
Books have been friends my whole life. I love to think I could write a book that others would feel that way about.
January 30, 2020 at 6:32 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Great post, Lauren! Thank you for sharing your templates!
January 30, 2020 at 7:54 pm
LJ Laniewski
I remember loving Pippi as a child. I had forgotten how much. Thank you for the post and for sharing the templates you created.
January 30, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Lucy Staugler
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!
January 31, 2020 at 1:03 am
Dani Duck
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!
January 31, 2020 at 12:35 pm
annemweaver
Such a helpful exercise– thank you! (and Pippi forever!)
January 31, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks for helping us mine our childhood for ideas.
January 31, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Brenda Miller
This post helped me recover a fun childhood memory I’d almost forgotten about. Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 8:49 pm
kmshelley
Great exercise it will help me so much!
February 1, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Rebecca Fleishman
This is a wonderful post as so much of our lives are wrapped around our childhood.
February 1, 2020 at 5:36 pm
sheriradford
This is a great reminder to find inspiration in childhood.
February 1, 2020 at 5:51 pm
shellshock7
than you!
February 1, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great advises. Thanks a lot!
February 3, 2020 at 5:26 pm
michelebacon
One of your photos sent me FAR off topic and into a really rich creative area. Thank you!
February 5, 2020 at 12:31 am
Lucretia
Thanks for sharing so many idea-generating insights and the template. Great post, Lauren.
February 5, 2020 at 10:38 pm
CindyC
Thanks for a great post, Lauren!
February 15, 2020 at 5:02 pm
littlebookworms826336613
Great advice. Thank you for sharing!
March 19, 2020 at 6:47 am
misschristinas
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/
January 14, 2021 at 1:15 am
Judy Shemtob
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.
January 15, 2021 at 12:36 am
Virginia Rinkel
Working on my ideas. Thanks.