by Joana Pastro
A few months ago, I was summoned for jury duty. When lawyers went around the room asking questions as part of the selection process, one of them surprised me by asking where I get ideas for my stories. About fifty pairs of eyes stared at me, so I gave my go-to one-word answer: everywhere. I wasn’t lying—I was under oath after all—but when I noticed that all eyes were still on me, I realized they expected more. So I expanded my response with a series of examples that I’m pretty sure sounded like a bunch of mumbo jumbo.
At the end of the day I wasn’t selected for the jury, but I left determined to have a better answer for next time.
So…where do I find ideas for my stories?
Everywhere. Allow me to expand.
All day long we are exposed to an enormous amount of information that can prompt ideas. Notice I’m using the word prompt.
To find ideas, you must follow a few steps.
- Be on active pursuit of prompts at all times. How, you ask? Turn on all of your senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Leave your brain, your very own personal database—emotions, memories and knowledge—open to make the necessary connections rather than just going on autopilot through your day.
- Once you’ve made the connections, ask a creative’s favorite question: What if?
- Grab those ideas! Register them: write them down, record them on your phone, do whatever needs to be done. Don’t let them escape. Ideas have a way of disappearing into thin air when they’re not properly captured!
For example:
Witnessing a flock of birds fly from one tree to another, in and of itself, is simply a beautiful scene. It’s not an idea…yet. But if you take that beautiful scene and filter it through your personal database, that scene might take you to an idea. Observing those birds might make you think of an air show, a ballet, or a crowd gathering to protest—birds can be pretty loud! Their beautiful chirping might remind you of an orchestra or your grandma’s front porch where you used to eat deliciously ripe and juicy mangoes. I bet you can almost taste those.
Oh boy, I’m about to go on a tangent.
The flock of birds might remind you of how your grandpa planted trees all over town, and by helping him, your relationship with him grew stronger.
So, perhaps that flock of birds leads to a story about a grandpa’s love for nature and his grandchild.
My upcoming debut book LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS began with a call for submissions from Cricket magazine. The prompt was knights and castles. It wasn’t an idea yet. It only became an idea when I sifted through my database and remembered the term “damsel in distress”. Then I thought of my daughter, who loved playing princesses and was also confident and strong. BOOM! An idea was born! What if I wrote about a damsel, who loves being a damsel, but refuses to wait for rescue?
Try taking a few moments to pursue a prompt that catches your senses and see what kind of connections your personal database will make. It can be outside your window, on a screen or a photo album. Anywhere! If this process works for you, make a habit out of it, and hopefully you will never suffer from a dreaded idea drought ever again!
Joana Pastro always wanted to be an artist of some sort. So, she became an architect. But once her first child was born, all the visits to the library, and the countless story times made Joana start dreaming of becoming a children’s book author. After a lot of reading, writing and revising, her dream is coming true. Her debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, will be published by BM&K in Fall/2020. Her second book, BISA’S CARNAVAL, illustrated by Carolina Coroa will be published by Scholastic in Spring/2021. Originally from Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her husband, her three extremely creative children and a rambunctious Morkie. Visit her on Twitter @jopastro, Instagram @joanapastro, or at joanapastro.com
Joana is giving away a non-rhyming 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!
540 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 21, 2020 at 7:07 am
Linda Mitchell
Oh, to capture the ideas! That’s the trick, isn’t it? I love the courtroom scene. Too funny.
January 21, 2020 at 7:59 am
michelemeleen
Yes, capturing them is likely the hardest part! Great post 😁
January 21, 2020 at 11:15 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Joana, for sharing your ideas and thought process for finding and developing concepts, definitely not your average walk in the park.
January 21, 2020 at 3:24 pm
karasibilia
This is so helpful! Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 7:10 am
Roo Parkin
Thanks for sharing your experiences and techniques. I love mining for ideas (it’s one of the most fun parts) and it’s great to hear how other writers go about it.
January 21, 2020 at 7:12 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great ideas, Joana! I love the senses and ‘what if’ and congratulations on your books with BM&K and Scholastic! Ah… can’t wait for the dream to come true! 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 7:13 am
tinamcho
Thanks for sharing how you came up with your book idea! How funny about the courtroom! Congrats on your books!
January 21, 2020 at 7:26 am
ranessadoucet
I can’t wait to read LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS. Thanks for all the tips:)
January 21, 2020 at 8:41 pm
jenniemacdonald
I’m looking forward to reading about Lillybelle, too! And Joana, I really appreciate your delineating capturing a sensory thing but needing more to make it an idea. That helps me so much!
January 21, 2020 at 7:28 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Your post sent my brain off on a tangent, in a good way. Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 7:28 am
Sara Fajardo
Jury duty as inspiration for a blog post. Ideas really are everywhere! Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 7:37 am
M.R. Street
I especially love the prompts about grandparents. I think the bond between children and grandparents is unique to each grandchild, yet universal. Lots of great info and inspiration in your blog! Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 7:38 am
M.R.
Lots of great ideas and inspiration in your post. I especially love the prompts about grandparents. The bond between kids and their grandparents is unique yet universal, and the source of multiple story ideas! Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 7:40 am
Marianne Knowles
Love how the random train of thought can take you to a place that has little resemblance to the prompt. Thanks for clarifying prompt vs idea! And congratulations 🎈
January 21, 2020 at 7:42 am
Robin Perkins
The tangents are where the good stuff happens. Those are the times when we make emotional connections and come up with something meaty to explore.
January 21, 2020 at 7:43 am
Joan Longstaff
Anything that alleviates the dreaded idea drought gets a thumbs up from me! Thank you for your post – now to see what the view from window might bring me today!
January 21, 2020 at 7:44 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Joana,
I like the way you got so many trains of thought over one flock of birds. So creative. Your book sounds really cute.
January 21, 2020 at 7:45 am
Suzanne Lewis
Thanks, Joana, for sharing your idea creation and creative processing! What an inspiring reminder to keep our eyes open and let our imaginations take us where they will!
January 21, 2020 at 7:48 am
Laurie Carmody
Great post! I think it is important to take time for processing through that database of ours. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 7:48 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Wow. One flock of birds spawns a multitude of ideas. Creativity at its finest. Obviously, with your talented approach, you are not a damsel in distress. Cute book idea!
January 21, 2020 at 7:50 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Please delete second comment. My phone is acting up.
January 21, 2020 at 7:53 am
Elle
I like the idea of ‘prompt’. Enjoyed your post.
January 21, 2020 at 7:53 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you. The senses are a great resource.
January 21, 2020 at 7:59 am
Beth Gallagher
Love this reminder, Joana! Though I carry my little notebook with me everywhere for Storystorm, I tend to let that go when SD is over. Making it a habit now to keep that idea mill going all year! Thanks for the inspiring post and congratulations on your books!!!
January 21, 2020 at 8:01 am
Mark Ceilley
I like your way of generating ideas! The sky is the limit when you let your mind wander. Congratulations on your upcoming books! Thank you for your post!
January 21, 2020 at 8:01 am
VC
Great post! I am always finding myself writing random inspirations down on my phone.
January 21, 2020 at 8:02 am
Lori Sheroan
For quite a while, I worked on sensory detail journals with my middle school students. I may need to revisit that practice. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 8:05 am
Andrea Mack
Such inspiring thoughts, Joanna! Off to see what connections I can make to the dark view outside my window this early morning.
January 21, 2020 at 8:08 am
Laurie
I love how you laid out your thought process that led to a book idea. Thanks for the insight!
January 21, 2020 at 8:13 am
debobrienbookscom
Write down random thoughts? I can do that. Why did I think of that? Did I feed the cat yet? Are library books for sale? Can I mix ice cream with peanut butter? Great post. Thank you, Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 8:15 am
Jennifer Blanck
I love the damsel not in distress idea! Congrats on your book, and now back to observing the world!
January 21, 2020 at 8:16 am
David McMullin
Thanks, Joana. It’s funny how difficult and simple the answer to that question is.
January 21, 2020 at 8:19 am
jenfierjasinski
What a thorough answer for the next time you are asked about your idea generation! I am looking forward to reading A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS.
January 21, 2020 at 8:20 am
Jeanette Stampone
I’m learning this lately. Ideas really are everywhere. You have to open up your mind and allow even the most mundane day to become a source of inspiration.
January 21, 2020 at 8:20 am
Sarah Wolfe
Who knew inspiration for an article could occur during jury duty?! 😆 Thanks for the tips!
January 21, 2020 at 8:22 am
Riya
Turning off autopilot now 😉
Thank you for the post, Joana
January 21, 2020 at 8:26 am
sareenmclay
Thank you Joana. I do like a plan and I like your 3 step process!
January 21, 2020 at 8:26 am
Margaret Flint Suter
Exactly why I always carry my trusty 4 x 3 ish pocket composition book and my favourite B2P pen. Always. I even have one for just when I am working for groceries and when I am working for me!
January 21, 2020 at 8:27 am
Robin Jordan
I like how you said to “register” ideas. It sounds so sensible. I sometimes think of nuggets and instead of capturing them, they fly through my net. My critique group is thinking about doing some prompt activities together. I’m excited to try that out!
Thank you, Joana, for sharing and congratulations on all of your success!
January 21, 2020 at 8:29 am
pathaap
Love following your thought process on how information can prompt an idea. Very helpful. Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 8:30 am
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
This is so true. I have so many ideas from everywhere, but for some time now I haven’t been paying attention. Thanks for the reminder.
January 21, 2020 at 8:32 am
storyfairy
Great post. I love using my five senses.
Can you please tell me when and where Cricket puts out themed submissions? I’d love to keep up with those.
January 21, 2020 at 8:35 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
I love the premise of your story!! I need to keep asking “What if?” to see what I can conjure up from my own database. Clearly we all have a lot of information stored!
Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2020 at 8:38 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Prompts help way more than I want to give them credit. Time to look for some writing prompts. 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 8:39 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for a great post! And Lillybelle sounds like a wonderful character!
January 21, 2020 at 8:41 am
Rebecca Herzog
I can’t wait to read A Damsel Not in Distress! And thanks for the ideas!!!
January 21, 2020 at 8:42 am
Lori Dubbin
Joana, I like how you distinguished a prompt from an idea and how using your senses expands an idea in so many directions. Can’t wait to read your new books! Congratulations!
January 21, 2020 at 8:43 am
Sue Reichard
Thanks for the advice to use prompts in many different ways! Your story sounds wonderful!
January 21, 2020 at 8:44 am
Linda Hofke
yes, ideas are EVERYWHERE. Thanks for your post on how to expand on those every day prompts and congrats on LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS. It sounds like a great book.
January 21, 2020 at 8:45 am
pjaegly
Joana, I love your idea of a damsel NOT in distress. Like your daughter, mine and my granddaughters are also strong and capable.
January 21, 2020 at 8:51 am
Joy
Thanks for sharing! Time to cultivate some ideas from everywhere. 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 8:51 am
yangmommy
Capturing those ideas is so crucial–whether it’s a word, a smell, a phrase. Thanks for your post, and the idea of buying mangoes today 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 8:51 am
Dee Knabb
Thanks for sharing your process, Joana. You remind us all to pay attention, make connections and record those idea seeds. Can’t wait for Lillybelle’s debut.
January 21, 2020 at 8:52 am
thecrowsmap
This is a great reminder that ideas are everywhere. Congratulations on your new books!
Gail Hartman
January 21, 2020 at 8:53 am
Michelle Ramirez
Thanks for this insight!
January 21, 2020 at 8:53 am
Louann Brown
I find lots of ideas hanging around preschoolers. Their funny bumbles with language and pronunciation often sparks an idea. Thanks for the reminder!
January 21, 2020 at 8:56 am
bgonsar
Congrats on your new books! Great post Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 8:58 am
Juliann Caveny
Love it, Joana! I’m always taken back a bit when people don’t understand how I can have these “chattering monkeys” in my brain, and still be able to function at work and day-to-day. (Basically, the monkeys chatter, but I have to listen to only a few of their voices at a time.) Thanks for sharing your post!
January 21, 2020 at 8:58 am
Barbara Senenman
Great post! Need to keep mind open all the time. I do slip into autopilot at times. Those are probably when those great ideas snueaked by. Ideas are clever! Might have just written an idea for story!
January 21, 2020 at 8:59 am
Sarah Tobias
Great post. A pen, a “what if” notebook, and my senses. Off to capture a few ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 8:59 am
tanyakonerman
What if?…always a great way to start a brainstorming session!
January 21, 2020 at 9:01 am
Shutta Crum
Yay, Joana. Good ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 9:02 am
Janet Smart
Thanks for the post and congratulations! Hmmm. I was on a jury one time and your post got me to thinking . I think I’ve come up with an idea from that experience.
January 21, 2020 at 9:04 am
fspoesy
I like the idea of running things you notice through your own personal database. I’m currently doing that with “Morkie”, which I didn’t know existed until I read your bio, Joana. I’m asking myself what would be some other fun animal mixes, and taking off from there. Thanks for the inspiration! I look forward to reading your books.
January 21, 2020 at 9:04 am
annemweaver
Love this inspiration! Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 9:04 am
Jennifer Phillips
It’s so true how different experiences trigger memories and these can lead to wonderful story ideas. Congratulations on your new books!
January 21, 2020 at 9:04 am
aliciaminor
Using prompts is a great way to find ideas. Thanks and I wish you more books to come. God bless.
January 21, 2020 at 9:06 am
Maureen Egan
Jury duty is always useful! Thanks for this!
January 21, 2020 at 9:07 am
steveheron
Ideas have a way of disappearing into thin air when they’re not properly captured. So true.
January 21, 2020 at 9:08 am
Katherine
BRAVO!
January 21, 2020 at 9:08 am
Darlene Koppel
Enjoyed your inspirational and fun write-up. Congratulations on your books!
January 21, 2020 at 9:08 am
Susan Drew
Got an idea about jury duty! Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 9:09 am
betlw
Joana, thanks for the reminder that I have to be attuned to the things around me with every sense at all times. I also have a daughter who seldom waited to be rescued. I would love to read about your damsel not in distress. Looking forward to it. Congrats!
January 21, 2020 at 9:09 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the reminder. I tend to accidentally let good ideas slip away!
January 21, 2020 at 9:10 am
Catherine
I find that I am more aware of prompts while I am doing Storystorm but I really need to get into the routine of carrying it on throughout the year.
January 21, 2020 at 9:13 am
Lara Elliott
Wow. Questioning under oath about your writing. No pressure! I was interviewed by my student for the school newspaper recently and had no intelligent answers to give about my job.
January 21, 2020 at 9:13 am
gayleckrause
Ideas ARE everywhere. You just have to be open to discovering them. Thanks for sharing. 😉
January 21, 2020 at 9:13 am
Joan Swanson
great ideas on how to get good ideas 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 9:13 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for the great examples of how you capture ideas, Joana. Congrats on your girl empowering debut.
January 21, 2020 at 9:16 am
lmconnors
Congrats on your debut books. I agree, it is important to capture and develop an idea before it disappears.
January 21, 2020 at 9:17 am
Jane Heitman Healy
aHA! Paying close attention to prompts in this post, I have one idea for today already! Thank you, Joana! Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 21, 2020 at 9:18 am
debbiearnn
I’m gonna try it with some pictures on my phone that amused me but I haven’t shared them with anyone yet. Great idea!
January 21, 2020 at 9:18 am
Patricia Alcaro
Inspiring advice. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 9:19 am
Kathy Erskine
You’re so right, Joana, and congratulations on your successful career switch!
January 21, 2020 at 9:20 am
doreenrobinson
Thanks for sharing insight into your process. I love the idea of using our senses when we are looking for ideas, which really are all around us! Looking forward to reading your debut book – congratulations!
January 21, 2020 at 9:21 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Great process and way of thinking about where the magic happens!💗
January 21, 2020 at 9:24 am
Becky Ross Michael
I enjoyed reading about your process for finding and developing writing ideas!
January 21, 2020 at 9:24 am
jjsewell416
Who knew a jury summons could be so productive! Thanks for the encouragement to be intentionally mindful of the story prompts all around me.
January 21, 2020 at 9:25 am
Lisa Billa
Connections, “what if”s”, and recording ideas before they fly away- thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2020 at 9:26 am
Susanne Whitehouse
Congrats on your debut!!!
January 21, 2020 at 9:26 am
Rebecca E. Hirsch
A damsel who refuses to wait for rescue. I love it! Thanks for sharing Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 9:30 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
So true about ideas morphing from things in our life. Thanks Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 9:32 am
Dina Ticas
It was so great to hear how your ideas are generated–from a flock of birds to time with grandpa. I just love that you invited us in with that example.
January 21, 2020 at 9:32 am
Heather Stigall
Thank you for sharing how to use our senses to help capture ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 9:34 am
Beth Charles
I love this post! Yes, I agree inspiration is everywhere if we only stop and look for it. I love Yorkies… but a Morkie? There’s an idea right there. Thanks Joana, for the inspiration!
January 21, 2020 at 9:37 am
Kathy Halsey
Joana, filtering ideas through our personal database of experiences is a perfect way to make them unique. TY and congrats on your debut.
January 21, 2020 at 9:38 am
Michele Ziemke
Being put on the spot is unnerving. I always think later what I should of said…thanks for sharing your revised response!
Congrats on your book! I’ll be looking for it next spring!
January 21, 2020 at 9:40 am
Laura rackham
Love the “what if’s?”
They take us to wonderful places.
January 21, 2020 at 9:41 am
Elizabeth Curry
Yay Joana! Thank you for the tips and sharing the story behind Lillybelle! Congratulations!
January 21, 2020 at 9:44 am
Meli Glickman
Ideas from where? Ideas from everywhere! I loved reading this post. Thanks so much for sharing!
January 21, 2020 at 9:44 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Ideas are everywhere! I wouldn’t like to be put on the spot about them, though! Congrats on your books, Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 9:47 am
Charlotte Offsay
I love the idea of a damsel who refuses to wait to be rescued, what a clever concept! I can’t wait to read it!
January 21, 2020 at 9:50 am
writeremmcbride
Joana, the creaky sound of old hardware stores’ wooden floors, the chunk and clink of nails in old heavy cardboard boxes,….yes – trips to the hardware store with my father, where I realized that everything I saw there was used to make something else! It was fascinating and exciting to me to think of all the inventing and transforming that was going on around us all the time! Prompts are everywhere!
January 21, 2020 at 9:53 am
Mary Lou Johnson
Keeping your personal database open all day, as you suggest, makes a day more interesting, too! I am eager to read your debut book! Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this post!
January 21, 2020 at 9:53 am
Shirley fadden
Huh? At jury duty? Maybe that judge wanted to write a picture book, so they took their chance to do some research. Good tips, thanks.
January 21, 2020 at 9:55 am
BRUCE BENSON
The magic words of “What If?” are a powerful start for an idea anywhere and anytime. Thank You
January 21, 2020 at 9:55 am
Terrie Hellard-Brown
I love how you distinguish between the prompt or inspiration and the idea that can become a story and the process that may require. Great post!
January 21, 2020 at 9:55 am
Genevieve Petrillo
So true. Properly capturing an idea is critical. Those things can be wily! I love the Princess NOT in Distress idea. Very 2020. Good luck with it.
January 21, 2020 at 10:01 am
Rona Shirdan
I must continue to write down my “WHAT IFs” -Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 10:01 am
Jessica Potts
Great article! Excited for the debut!
January 21, 2020 at 10:03 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the prompt!
January 21, 2020 at 10:03 am
rosecappelli
Thanks for the inspiration! It pays to be observant and then ask that all important “What if.” Love the suggestion of running an idea through your “persona database.”
January 21, 2020 at 10:04 am
Polly Sena Renner
Thank you, Joana, for sharing, and congrats on all your recent book deals! Yay!!
January 21, 2020 at 10:04 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Joan for posting. Ideas are every where.
January 21, 2020 at 10:05 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Ha! Love the jury duty scene – and that we have to capture those ideas as we see the inklings of them!
January 21, 2020 at 10:07 am
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 21, 2020 at 10:07 am
Jane Serpa
Thank you for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 10:11 am
Lisa Black
Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 10:13 am
Chang H
Thank you for sharing your ideas! I love the question, “What if?” And the premise to LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS sounds like such fun. Looking forward to reading it!
January 21, 2020 at 10:13 am
asiqueira1307
Joana, thanks for all the ideas on how to get ideas. I can’t wait to read your book. Obrigada.
January 21, 2020 at 10:13 am
Robin Wiesneth
Great post. Love the jury duty story. connecting simple ideas with your own experiences and feelings can turn an OK idea into something special!
January 21, 2020 at 10:14 am
Mary Worley
I’m picturing the jury pool with concerned looks. 😄 Glad you took this chance to answer thoroughly. Thanks for the advice and walking us through your tangent.
January 21, 2020 at 10:14 am
ptnozell
Great idea to think of the “what if” in any situation. Thanks for sharing & congratulations on your upcoming debut.
January 21, 2020 at 10:15 am
Linda Schueler
I agree that ideas are everywhere!
January 21, 2020 at 10:18 am
Deb Sullivan
Helpful post Joana – always good to remember the value of all the senses! Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2020 at 10:19 am
Hélène Sabourin
It’s all about being open and receptive
January 21, 2020 at 10:24 am
rimna
Thanks for the tips – looking forward to reading your books.
January 21, 2020 at 10:28 am
Jessica Kulekjian
I love how you describe the tangent an idea can go on before it lands on the right story. Thanks for the inspiration and congrats on the forthcoming books! They sound amazing!
January 21, 2020 at 10:30 am
teacherwriteracker
The ideas are everywhere it is stopping to catch them that is important for sure.
January 21, 2020 at 10:32 am
Lori Lehman
Thank you this was a wonderful post and I scribbled down three ideas as I was reading it!!!
January 21, 2020 at 10:33 am
Nancy Furstinger
I would’ve loved to have seen those expectant faces during jury duty! Congrats on your upcoming books.
January 21, 2020 at 10:33 am
Gail Atherley
This line speaks to me this morning: “Ideas have a way of disappearing into thin air when they’re not properly captured!” I am struggling remembering an idea that visited me last night. I remember the emotion, but not the underlying idea….. phooey!! Thank you for the tips and congrats on your book.
January 21, 2020 at 10:36 am
Anita Banks
I was writing ideas as I was reading your post, thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 10:36 am
Tara Hannon
Great ideas! Thanks Joana
January 21, 2020 at 10:40 am
Susan Latta
Thanks for this post. I look forward to reading Lillybelle, A Damsel Not in Distress. Looks great!
January 21, 2020 at 10:43 am
Mia Geiger
Great ideas! It was interesting to hear how you come up with and develop ideas. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 21, 2020 at 10:44 am
nrompella
Your book sounds adorable. Thanks for the post!
January 21, 2020 at 10:47 am
Claire W Bobrow
Great reminder to think about all the senses. I often forget about taste/touch/smell when I’m working on ideas, but those are perfect jumping-off points. Thanks for the inspiration, and congrats on Lillybelle!
January 21, 2020 at 10:47 am
Marcia Nass
I loved reading about how Lillybelle, A Damsel Not in Distress came into being. And yes, we must catch those ideas fast. Wonderful tips and so happy for you. Can’t wait to hold your books in my hands,
January 21, 2020 at 10:47 am
Melissa Richardson
Congratulations on your debut! I can’t wait to read it!
January 21, 2020 at 10:50 am
Maria Bostian
I love how you make connections to find great ideas. Thanks for showing us your process.
January 21, 2020 at 10:51 am
Eileen Mayo
What a great article! I love the prompt- what if? It’s so simple but opens up a huge idea door. Can’t wait to read your book.
January 21, 2020 at 10:51 am
Writer on the run
Thanks for the post Joana! I like your step-by-step suggestions for idea development. Prompt + senses + connections= story idea!
January 21, 2020 at 10:51 am
Aimee
I love your suggestion of taking a scene to an idea! Congrats on the upcoming books🎉
January 21, 2020 at 10:51 am
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for your thought process, got an idea watching the snow cover things outside. It’s wonderful you didn’t have to sit through a trial but there would be new ideas there,too.
January 21, 2020 at 10:53 am
Juliana Lee
Congratulations on your new books. I’m originally from Spain and I too have a story idea involving Bisa! Can’t wait to read yours!
January 21, 2020 at 10:54 am
cynthiahm
Thank you for sharing your experience, Joana. That question, ‘what if…’ is so powerful. Your upcoming books sound wonderful. Congratulations!
January 21, 2020 at 10:54 am
Jennifer Kay
Love the idea of a damsel rescuing herself. Looking forward to reading your book.
January 21, 2020 at 10:56 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Pursuing prompts is a wonderful habit to cultivate! Thanks Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 10:57 am
Linda KulpTrout
I can see why you were surprised by such a question! I enjoyed hearing about your thought process!
January 21, 2020 at 10:57 am
Corlie Aldrich
You’re so right about needing to grab your ideas! I’m brainstorming ideas while I’m running, and I need to find a way to hang onto them before they disappear into thin air!
January 21, 2020 at 10:59 am
Carole Calladine
Thanks, Joana for merging the senses with the what if question. I’m looking forward to reading Not a Damsel in Distress.
January 21, 2020 at 11:00 am
juliannahelt
Great post. Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 11:00 am
Naana
“Grab those ideas” – so true one can lose them quickly. Using the phone is good. Sometimes that is all you have with you. Congratulations on your books.
January 21, 2020 at 11:02 am
gattodesign
Thank you. Sometimes just hearing it over and over, motivates. Great post.
January 21, 2020 at 11:07 am
dedradavis03
I love the crazy places I get ideas–in bed, in the shower, while I’m driving. But nature is the winner. My backyard is full of ideas. It’s up to me to pay attention. Thank you for this reminder!
January 21, 2020 at 11:07 am
dedradavis03
I love the crazy places I get ideas–in bed, in the shower, while I’m driving. But nature is the winner. My backyard is full of ideas. It’s up to me to pay attention. Thank you for this reminder!
January 21, 2020 at 11:10 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
Joana: I LOVE the words you used to INSPIRE us: “Active pursuit.” We REALLY MUST see book idea HUNTING as ACTIVE–and NEVER let our guard down! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I AM SO EXCITED to read “A Damsel Not in Distress”!!!
January 21, 2020 at 11:15 am
Thelia Hutchinson
I feel the same way about ideas. I have lost a few by not writing them down. Now I try to have pen and paper readily available at all times.
Thank you.
January 21, 2020 at 11:15 am
Kaylynn Johnsen
Percolating, that’s what I call it,. Which is funny because I don’t drink coffee and have never even seen a percolator.
January 21, 2020 at 11:16 am
Kelly A.
My 4.5yo daughter is going to love your new book! She, too, is a damsel not in distress 😉
January 21, 2020 at 11:21 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Joana, for sharing your insights and ideas for developing your concepts.
My apologies, if this appears as a second comment, but after checking four times, my first comment seems to have slipped into the netherworld.
January 21, 2020 at 11:25 am
Sara A
Love the jury duty anecdote. So true how a scene is not the same as an idea…and how our drafts run into trouble when we mistake one for the other…
January 21, 2020 at 11:34 am
June Sengpiehl
A very helpful post about gathering and developing ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 11:38 am
authorlaurablog
I get my ideas from Everywhere! I’m afraid I might have answered with sarcasm. Would I have been in contempt of court?
Thanks, Joana for sharing your ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 11:42 am
writeknit
Great post! When I admit to people that I write, they ask me why and how. My explanation is either too long or too dismissively short. That is why I like writing so much more than explaining why I do it. LOL Tks for the inspiration today 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 11:42 am
matthewlasley
Sometimes, in my first grade class, I like to throw a picture up on the board and have the kids come up with a short story. 100% of them will base the story off of something we have read in class or a personal experience. Then I ask them a question: Who is this guy? What if…? What happens next? Where are they at?
Once I ask a question, most will come up with a unique tangent. It may still be something from their experience, but it is when creativity happens.
Thanks for sharing your method!
January 21, 2020 at 11:44 am
bookfish1
I love the title of your upcoming book, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing how the idea morphed into a story. I also appreciate the advice about What If…
January 21, 2020 at 11:45 am
Mary Jane
No matter what happens today, I will be taking notes. Great post! Thank you.
January 21, 2020 at 11:49 am
rjtraxel
What a random question get to asked at jury duty. Lol.
January 21, 2020 at 11:51 am
Garnett Natasha
Thanks for the tips for combatting idea drought. And congratulations on your upcoming books! It’s inspiring to hear from debut authors. Hope springs eternal and meanwhile, we keep working.
January 21, 2020 at 11:52 am
shanah salter
thank you, great tips!
January 21, 2020 at 11:52 am
cbcole
Carol Cole – I love the idea of letting a simple image or sound lead you to wonder “What If?” which can then lead to an idea for a story.
January 21, 2020 at 11:57 am
marshaelyn
JOANA…I rarely play “What If,” but your post clearly shows its creative rewards. Starting today, my regular route to a good idea will pass through the “What If” Playground. Thank you for konking my noggin about developing ideas before click-clacking the keyboard. Your family sounds like a fertile field of ideas; you are blessed! Tossing confetti in celebration of your debut books and wishing you continued fulfillment in your writing life.
January 21, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Danielle Dufayet
So interesting about jury duty! I agree, there’s so much potential in the question “what if”. Thank you for sharing and congrats!
January 21, 2020 at 12:04 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for your post! I look forward to your books!
January 21, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Your reminder to use all of your senses just triggered an idea – thanks, Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I’ve long been a fan of the “What If” game, or playground, as Marsha Elyn refers to it above my comment. This is where I skip over the first thoughts that come and dig into the sandbox for bigger and better treasures. I very much enjoyed your post, and I’m looking forward to reading your debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS. Congratulations!
January 21, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Lauri Fortino
Great tips, thanks! And love your jury duty story!
January 21, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Great post! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2020 at 12:13 pm
donnacangelosi
Reading your post gave me a great idea for a picture book! Thanks so much! I can’t wait to read Lillybelle, a Damsel Not in Distress! What a catchy title! And your daughter sounds wonderful too!
January 21, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Susan Wroble
Going down the path of “What If” combined with yesterday’s call for scheduling boredom, seem like a perfect way to boost creativity. Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 12:16 pm
pmmcnally
Congratulations on LILLYBELLE, I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the inspirational post.
January 21, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for sharing your ideas and inspiration, Joana! I can’t wait to read LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS.
January 21, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Time to use my five senses to make connections to my schema aka database.
Thank you, Joana.
Suzy Leopold
January 21, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Rebecca
Your book sounds great! Thanks for the advice, Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Rebecca Thill (@rkthill)
Thank you for sharing your ideas!
January 21, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Heidi M. Rogers (@heidimrogers)
I’m guessing they didn’t choose you simply because you’re a writer. But I would have answered the same thing! Great post. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Debra Daugherty
Ideas are everywhere, and my problem is I need to write them down right away so I don’t forget. “What if” is a great idea catcher. Thanks for reminding me, Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 12:31 pm
bluerabbit
Absolutely! Great advice.
January 21, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Joanna, your post served as a wonderful prompt for me to re-see something that happened this morning, and turned it into a brand new PB idea. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Sally Lotz
I keep my sudden ideas in the notes app on my phone. Anyone looking at that is going to wonder what kind of wacko I am. 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 12:33 pm
bluerabbit
Reblogged this on One Way to Wonder and commented:
Good advice here for writers, and an interesting answer to the first question non-writers ask.
January 21, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Lynn Pedersen
Thanks for this tip. Going an extra step or two will often lead to an idea.
January 21, 2020 at 12:36 pm
Matt Tesoriero
My prompt to you, Joana. AWESOME SAUCE!
January 21, 2020 at 12:37 pm
orchardka
Yes! Ideas are everywhere! We just need to be open to experiencing them 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Dawn M.
Look for idea prompts. Thanks for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Great jury duty story… I wonder what would have happened if you had said, gee, I could even get an idea or three from doing jury duty?
And I love the idea of a Damsel NOT in Distress… because, seriously, who needs another prince?
January 21, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Joel Chalmers
Thanks Joana!
Thinking about the different lens to look at the same scene and finding the one that draws the most emotion for you, sounds like a great way to prompt a picture book. My daughter was just in awe of the birds she saw outside her window and we were just driving down the highway. The awe and wonder in little kids is definitely something to cherish and nurture. Best of luck with your debut picture book!
January 21, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Brandy Lynne
Great ideas! I love how one idea can tumble into a pile of others!
January 21, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Hollie Wolverton
Love the jury duty story! Great tips on how to explore what we encounter for those ideas that are truly everywhere.
January 21, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Susan Macartney
Off to find “A PROMPT” that catches my senses – thanks for this fun, useful post Joana! And congratulations on your new book!
January 21, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Ruthie
I love this! You put into words a foggy process I do by accident! Now I will be more deliberate! 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Traci VW
Great post. Love the line: Be on active pursuit of prompts at all times. This fits perfectly with my word of the year: Purpose. I’m attempting to go through each day with purpose rather than moving through the hours on auto-pilot.
January 21, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Sarah SarahH
Sitting next to a sick child while reading this just gave me an idea. Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Sherry Smith
Hi Joanna,
Good luck with the book launch. I love the what if? prompt.
I always wonder why attorneys dismiss potential jurors because they don’t have to explain why. I’ve been dismissed and though they didn’t explain, I knew they dismissed me because of my former job.
January 21, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for giving me an idea.
January 21, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Bev Baird
Great post and inspiration. Congrats on your new book.
January 21, 2020 at 1:06 pm
laurimacey
i totally agree with you. There are ideas everywhere. They aren’t all good…but (as someone said in a class on creativity) the way to get to a great idea is to start with lots of ideas. If you have 1 idea you have one chance to have a good idea. If you have 30 ideas, 28 of them can be terrible and you still have 2 chances for a great idea…thanks for the reminder!
January 21, 2020 at 1:09 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Yep, I’ve used my experience with jury duty in some story. Gave me LOTS of ideas (even though I wasn’t selected, either.) 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Maryna Doughty
Thanks for the post, Joana! I am going to work on tapping into my senses more! 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 1:28 pm
kirstenbockblog
Thank you for sharing your idea catching methods! I can’t wait to read about Lillybelle!
January 21, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Thanks for sharing your tips and congrats on your forthcoming book!
January 21, 2020 at 1:32 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Joana, thank you for your ideas about transforming a prompt into a story beginning–I just used the approach for my Storystorm idea today. Congratulations on your debut book and the one coming out next year!
January 21, 2020 at 1:32 pm
jenwritespbs
Great post, Joana! Ideas really can be found everywhere when we allow our brains to be open to them!
January 21, 2020 at 1:34 pm
saputnam
Great post, Joana!! Thank you for sharing your process for finding and developing ideas into workable story lines. I keep pens, and small “What If” notebooks all around the house and in my pocketbook, as you never know when an idea will come winging by. I can’t wait to read “Lillybelle: A Damsel Not In Destress.”
January 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm
saputnam
Oops ,“Lillybelle: A Damsel Not In Distress.” Never try to talk on the phone and type at the same time.
January 21, 2020 at 1:36 pm
aidantalkin
Fantastic, right on the heels of reading this I what-iffed a tiny thought and it grew into a story idea. (It has been a struggle every day; that was my first easy one!)
January 21, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Ahhhh. Thank you, Joana. I love asking “what if?” Congrats on your forthcoming books. Yay!
January 21, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Maria Marshall
Thanks for some ideas on how to capture those squirrely ideas. Speaking of squirrels . . . they can be so fun to watch and lead to lots of ideas. Thanks again Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Jolene Gutierrez
Thank you so much for sharing, Joana! I fully agree about capturing those ideas before they flit away!!
January 21, 2020 at 1:51 pm
Paula B Puckett
Good suggestions. Looking for ideas hiding everywhere. Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2020 at 1:51 pm
Katie L. Carroll
I always go blank when people unexpectedly ask me what my book is about.
January 21, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I have to immediately write those ideas down or they’re gone! Poof! Congratulations on your success and your dreams coming true!
January 21, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Louise Aamodt
Congrats on your upcoming picture books!
January 21, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Cathy Ogren
Thanks for sharing, Joana! Everything you said is so important when trying to come up with new ideas. Just make sure when you write your ideas down you can read your own writing!
January 21, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Sandhya Rose
Thank you Joana for sharing your process on developing beautiful scenes into story ideas!
January 21, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi, Joana! Congratulations on your debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS! I’m so happy for you.
January 21, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the reminder of all the different ways to cull ideas. Congrats on your upcoming book!
January 21, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Ideas are everywhere! Your upcoming books sound delightful. I can’t wait to get a hold of them!
January 21, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Liz Steinglass
I like the idea of an experience being the first step and allowing that to begin a game of connections and associations. Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2020 at 2:09 pm
donnamorkreed
Thanks for the reminder to capture those fleeting ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Daniele Arndt
This was so insightful! Thank you so much!
January 21, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thanks Joana- I was asked the same question when called for jury duty. Thanks for the post.
January 21, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Kim Larson
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing! The books sounds adorable – congrats, Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 2:16 pm
ruthwilson48
“Ideas have a way of disappearing into thin air when they’re not properly captured!” I have learned this the hard way one too many times. Always a good reminder to capture ideas before they slip away!
January 21, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Great advice. Thank you. Your jury duty story made me smile! Congratulations on your upcoming books…they sound great!
January 21, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Rinda Beach
I do get them from everywhere too. Your flock of birds reminded me of one I wanted to write down, but keep forgetting. Now I will. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 2:20 pm
kiwijenny
Oooooo oooooooooooooo oooooooo I just came up with an idea for a story…I’ve got to lasso it, wrangle it to the ground and tie a rope around its frisky little legs….must go….got to jot it down….quick it’s about to evaporate……
January 21, 2020 at 2:21 pm
Brenna Becker
Wow! Talk about being under pressure to talk about writing. Thank you for your insights.
January 21, 2020 at 2:22 pm
htaylorwrites
I like the idea of filtering through your personal database. Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 2:24 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Everywhere indeed! Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2020 at 2:27 pm
jbbower
I’m going to turn on all my senses and I have no doubt it will start raining ideas soon! Thanks for the inspiring post Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Virginia Rinkel
You were under lots of pressure to talk about how you get your ideas. You simply answered the truth – from everywhere. I’m working on one now. Thanks.
January 21, 2020 at 2:28 pm
marsha weiner
wonder what would have happened if you plead the fifth when the judge asked you where you get your ideas….
tx!
mucho gusto,
marsha
January 21, 2020 at 2:38 pm
LaurenKerstein
A brilliant post from a talented, beautiful, wonderful writer. I’m proud and grateful to be your CP, and most of all, your friend! I cannot wait for LILLYBELLE! Oh, how I love that book!
January 21, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Glenda Roberson
Ideas pop into my head all the time, a memory, a meme, a feeling, a scene…everything potentially can lead to a great story. Just open your mind. Thanks for your post.
January 21, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Wow, usually when someone asks me where I get my ideas, I’m not under oath! That’s some pressure. You should’ve just thrown yourself on the mercy of the court and then waited to see what happened. 😀
January 21, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Mary Zychowicz
This is a great lesson in taking time to think about those things that attract our attention and meditate on them. Must be a reason we are drawn to them, right? I think it’s somewhat about intentionality. LILLYBELLE, looks adorable! Congratulations. I can’t wait to read about this strong little girl!
January 21, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Rachel
Enjoyed your post. I agree with everywhere is an idea waiting to find you. Capturing them before they escape is often difficult.
January 21, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Mirka
I totally agree where my ideas also come from. They just hit me at all sorts of random times from something getting through to my writing consciousness.
January 21, 2020 at 3:12 pm
debbeauchamp
Right away when I read your post I was imagining the jury duty people either wanting to be or on the other hand not wanting to be the inspiration for your next book 🙂 Thank you for for the post!!
January 21, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2)
Ideas are indeed all around – sometimes you mis-hear something (or hear it properly) and voila, there is your idea! Thank you for this great post! Looking forward to your books!
January 21, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Pamela Haskin
Can’t wait to read your Lillybelle book! Sounds like such a fun read. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
January 21, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for this inspiring post and I love your examples! Also, I agree about how slippery new ideas can be. They absolutely escape if we don’t capture them quickly. (Though once in awhile we get a second chance when an idea reappears in a new guise.)
January 21, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Leigh Therriault
I too, was inspired to write a short story from a Cricket Magazine prompt. I’ve been thinking of revising it into a picture book, so I’ll take this as a sign to act now! Thanks! 🤗
January 21, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Jeannie Whelan Santucci
Thanks, Joana. Can’t wait to read you book about Lillybelle!
January 21, 2020 at 3:46 pm
tdjw
Great read! Glad to see it’s good to have a specific routine when coming up with PB ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Marty lapointe-malchik
Hi Joana, Great to experience one of your tangents…ideas coming from a flock of birds and ever-changing into just right book potential. Thank you for the inspiration. Plus, if I’m ever asked that question at jury duty I’ll know what to say now! Thanks, Tara, for inviting Joana to post for all of us!
January 21, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Jenny Read Stout
Thanks for sharing your process. I will sometimes catch prompts while listening to news headlines on the radio. The only problem is how to write them down as I’m driving!
January 21, 2020 at 3:52 pm
SpeechVine
That would’ve been terrifying but it did start a good review of the process.
January 21, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Pamela Harrison
I love you post, Joana! And I love the jury duty experience! Congratulations on your new book about doing it on her own damsel. I want to read it for sure.
January 21, 2020 at 3:56 pm
Cinzia V.
Great post! I loved how you started with jury duty. While reading, I heard the clanging in my kids’ school kitchen and thanks to you, was aware and came up with an idea (which will morph I am sure). Thanks.
January 21, 2020 at 4:01 pm
brittanypomales
You nailed that answer! I am on the look out for prompts today.
January 21, 2020 at 4:07 pm
Jellybean
What an interesting question for a potential juror. Nice post. Thanks.
January 21, 2020 at 4:18 pm
sjwmeade
I’m looking forward to reading your book. Thank you for the post!
January 21, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Latasha Vernon
You’re so right, Joana! Ideas do have a way of disappearing. Thanks so much for your insight. Looking forward to read your books.
January 21, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Amy Cory
Thanks so much, Joana! I need reminders like these to keep my senses open to the world all the time!
January 21, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for stirring up my memories–now on to capturing the ideas they prompted!
January 21, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Aileen Stewart
I’m pretty sure everyone gets ideas from everywhere, lol. It’s work to gather them like eggs in a basket, but fun work!!!
January 21, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I just tried your method and came up with an idea that I”m really excited about, Thanks, Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 4:39 pm
Poupette Smith
They must have worried that jurry duty would prompt too many ideas (teehee!).
January 21, 2020 at 4:39 pm
Heather Gallagher
Would love a critique! Great post 😀
January 21, 2020 at 4:42 pm
Dee Leone
What timing! I just got a jury duty summons so this was an especially fun read. That’s the last thing I would expect the lawyers to ask. Thank you for the wonderful post.
January 21, 2020 at 4:59 pm
Amy Harding
I love the idea that you combine sparks of inspiration with your own filter!
January 21, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Thanks so much for a great post, Joana! Congratulations on your books! 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Brenda May
Thank you for your advise. Love the Damsel not in Distress. Great title and one that makes me want to read it to my great neices.
January 21, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Brenda May
Great advice. Love the title Damsel Not In Distress. Makes me want to read it to my great neices. Thank you
January 21, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Brenda May
Great post. Love the title Damsel Not in Distress. Look forward to reading it to my great neices. Thank you.
January 21, 2020 at 5:11 pm
brendamay28
Sorry about the duplicate posts. Had a glitch.
January 21, 2020 at 5:15 pm
Aryn Kennedy
The birds picture gave me an idea!
January 21, 2020 at 5:19 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I like the idea of grabbing a writing prompt/idea and then going off on a tangent. It might end up too wacky or weird, or it just might be perfect.
January 21, 2020 at 5:22 pm
angiecal76
Ideas are floating around everywhere even during jury duty! Thanks for the tips, Joana!.Good luck with your debut book!
January 21, 2020 at 5:30 pm
leahpsmoser
Great post – thank you. Looking forward to reading this book with my little strong princess-loving girls.
January 21, 2020 at 5:39 pm
Michele Helsel
Thank you! Good luck on your debut!
January 21, 2020 at 5:51 pm
kyavorski
I’m sure many people left jury duty wondering if they would become a character in a book! Thanks for the suggestions.
January 21, 2020 at 6:03 pm
Alice Fulgione
Thanks so much for sharing. Story ideas are everywhere & I liked your idea of remembering to use our senses. It is also important to write the ideas down because if we forget to write them down, we may forget the idea totally.
January 21, 2020 at 6:03 pm
Karan Greene
Ideas are everywhere! Thank you!
January 21, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Becky.woodall@outlook.com
Love a strong female story, your not damsel will be a great role model!
Great post of ideas, thank you 😊
January 21, 2020 at 6:12 pm
EmmieRWerner
❤️ ideas are everywhere
January 21, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Teresa Robeson
That jury duty story is funny! It might even make it into one of your future stories, right? 😉
January 21, 2020 at 6:28 pm
shirley301
Thanks for sharing how to generate ideas.
January 21, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Sara Trofa
Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Joana : >
January 21, 2020 at 6:42 pm
Judy Sobanski
So important to keep all our senses open to ideas!
January 21, 2020 at 6:55 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for the reminder to experience with all of our senses!
January 21, 2020 at 6:59 pm
mona861
Thanks for reminding us to use all of our senses. Prompts surround us!!!
January 21, 2020 at 7:03 pm
Karin Larson
Ideas are most definitely everywhere. I appreciate the reminder to use all senses. I sometimes get locked into one or two. Love the title and idea behind your book. Congratulations!
January 21, 2020 at 7:10 pm
carolmunrojww
A damsel not in distress? I like that idea! Looking forward to reading the book, Joana.
January 21, 2020 at 7:12 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Writing down a story idea promptly is the key! I carry a small notepad in my pocket. I now write down ideas throughout the year, not just during Storystorm month.
January 21, 2020 at 7:26 pm
Cathy Lentes
Thanks, that was a very sense-able post! All the best with the book.
January 21, 2020 at 7:41 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Joana, for suggesting to use our personal databases to expand an idea. Thank you for your insightful tips. Congrats on the new books!
January 21, 2020 at 7:52 pm
Jocelyn Rish
Falling down the rabbit hole after being prompted by an idea is so much fun, especially when you finally feel it CLICK, and you know you’ve found what you were looking for.
January 21, 2020 at 7:55 pm
saintamovin
Thank you for the inspirations
January 21, 2020 at 7:58 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Ideas can be slippery little buggers if not corralled!
January 21, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Susan Cabael
My favorite thing is when that nugget of an idea that came from ‘everywhere’ gets reinforced from completely separate places. Then, I think, the vibe of that idea really starts to reverberate.
January 21, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Lydia Lukidis
These are great reminders. I don’t really use all my senses when I write, so I should start doing that. And I love the what if prompt!!
January 21, 2020 at 8:08 pm
denarose
Thanks for reminding us that ideas are everywhere, and to use our senses!
January 21, 2020 at 8:14 pm
Debbie Lodato
Joana,
Great post. Thank goodness for the notes section of my IPhone 😀
Can’t wait to read your upcoming picture books.
January 21, 2020 at 8:15 pm
Alison Hedrick
I cannot wait to read your books, especially love the title and concept behind “Lillybelle, A Damsel Not in Distress.”
January 21, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Debra Kempf Shumaker
Love, love, love this post! And cannot wait for Lillybelle!!!!!
January 21, 2020 at 8:39 pm
whitcoma
Congrats on your upcoming debut book! I’ll be sure to pick it up for me and my daughter!
January 21, 2020 at 8:45 pm
Kate Molde
I agree!! Ideas/prompts are everywhere. I like your tip of using all our senses when being on the lookout for a good one.
January 21, 2020 at 8:55 pm
adavis6385
Thanks for sharing your thoughts regarding inspiration and ideas! Congrats on your debut, too!
January 21, 2020 at 9:01 pm
Cheryl Johnson
‘Ideas have a way of disappearing into thin air when they’re not properly captured!’ And I properly capture ideas all the time ~ in a file on my computer, on my phone and and an actual file in my desk drawer.
January 21, 2020 at 9:05 pm
Judith Snyder
Thank you for sharing your ideas for gathering ideas so that we all can find our own ideas for our idea list.
January 21, 2020 at 9:09 pm
Brenda Whitehead
Love the distinction between prompt and idea–the filters of perspective, experience, and personality are key to uncovering and telling our own unique stories.
January 21, 2020 at 9:13 pm
writersideup
Joana, I LOVE how you came up with your “damsel” premise/book 😀 And wow, all those possibilities from a flock of birds. Ideas truly ARE everywhere, but how we expand makes all the difference 🙂 Great post!
January 21, 2020 at 9:16 pm
charlestrevino
THANK YOU for the insight:)
I will work on a prompt to capture my senses!
January 21, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
“Grab those ideas…don’t let them escape.” Love that.
January 21, 2020 at 9:35 pm
Karen Greenwald
I’m getting a net to capture those elusive ideas! Great suggestions–thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 9:40 pm
Lori Menning
Thank you for reminding me to expand my “what ifs” to include my senses too.
January 21, 2020 at 9:43 pm
JEN Garrett
You know, I’ve been summoned several times for jury duty but I’ve never actually had to go to the court house! I feel like there’s an idea in there… 😉
January 21, 2020 at 9:44 pm
susanzonca
Thanks for the prompt!
January 21, 2020 at 9:53 pm
Kim Erickson
So true! Thanks for the insight!
January 21, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
I love your damsel idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
I love your damsel idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Lis Sites
It is so true that my ideas vanish if I dont capture them! Thanks and looking forward to reading your books
January 21, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Kathy Doherty
I agree. Keep your eyes and ears open for ideas. They are all around…And I recently was chosen for jury duty! My first time.
January 21, 2020 at 10:17 pm
seschipper
Super ideas! Sometimes the best ones are right in front us…We just have to look!!! 🙂
January 21, 2020 at 10:26 pm
Janie Reinart
You are absolutely right! Must be on high alert for ideas all the time.
January 21, 2020 at 10:28 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 10:30 pm
DaNeil Olson
Excellent post – thank you for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Angie
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing with us!
January 21, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for the reminder to soak in all the experiences around you and in you.
January 21, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Marty Bellis
Great reminder to use our senses and filters to turn those random ideas into stories.
January 21, 2020 at 10:51 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Simple, well explained and can go a long way. No autopilot.
January 21, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Linda Silvestri
Being on active pursuit at all times, using your senses! What a simple but brilliant way to exist! Instead of only depending on a set time to brainstorm, living can be the brainstorm! Thanks for the great post, Joana!
January 21, 2020 at 11:07 pm
8catpaws
Free associations–capture an image, a sound, a texture, a taste–and let our minds wander–like Proust and that madeleine…
January 21, 2020 at 11:16 pm
Jud Ward
The dreaded drought of ideas had befallen me and your prompting on prompts help me save myself. Thanks.
January 21, 2020 at 11:25 pm
Melissa Stoller
Dear Joana – I love your courtroom story! Looking forward to your books!
January 21, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Mary Warth
Thank’s for the great post Joana! I like the concept of prompts filtered through our experience. Lately I have been taking a lot of quick notes on my phone, to sort through later. Hopefully they will find their way into a story!
January 21, 2020 at 11:29 pm
Michele R
Thank you for giving concrete things to do to spur our creativity! Congrats on your picture book success!!
January 21, 2020 at 11:32 pm
Susan
This is so great – we were just talking about damsels and not being in distress at lunch today. Can’t wait to see your book.
January 21, 2020 at 11:32 pm
KASteed
Use your senses…great idea. Thanks!
January 21, 2020 at 11:42 pm
claireannette1
What if? The best question ever. How interesting that you were asked where your ideas come from during jury duty. I never get good questions.
January 21, 2020 at 11:43 pm
Peggy Dobbs
So many story ideas from one picture. Thanks for sharing.
January 21, 2020 at 11:52 pm
Julie Reich
I like the idea of thinking of my brain as a database. Very cool!
January 21, 2020 at 11:58 pm
rgstones
I love how one idea can lead to another like that.
January 22, 2020 at 12:01 am
M.A. Cortez
Great post. I love when ideas come to you one way and end up in a story in another,
January 22, 2020 at 12:17 am
Erin Buhr
I love the premise of your story. It sounds hilarious. Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2020 at 12:19 am
drawingablank6
Your debut book sounds so cute. Thank you for sharing this post!
January 22, 2020 at 12:30 am
Keila Dawson
I got two ideas while reading your post! And wrote them down, because they do flee. Your debut sounds adorable.
January 22, 2020 at 12:44 am
JillDanaBooks
Thanks so much for these exercises to help us “prompt” ideas, Joanna!! 🙂
January 22, 2020 at 12:45 am
Darcee Freier
I remember being questioned as a prospective jury member—my mind went blank. I could barely stumble out a response. So glad you did better, and it worked into a whole blog post. Looking forward to reading about a damsel not in distress. Congrats!
January 22, 2020 at 12:50 am
beckylevine
Great post. Thanks!
January 22, 2020 at 1:05 am
tiffanydickinson
Thanks for this, Joanna. I bet simply being on a jury would unleash an onslaught of story ideas!
January 22, 2020 at 1:38 am
Janice Woods
So helpful. Thank you!
January 22, 2020 at 2:01 am
debbiemoeller
Love those ideas. Thanks.
January 22, 2020 at 2:08 am
wyszguy
You’re not kidding about grabbing those ideas – I had 2 in 2 days vanish on me! Thanks for the great post!
January 22, 2020 at 4:26 am
Liz L.
Congratulations on your upcoming books! Thanks for your words of wisdom.
January 22, 2020 at 4:27 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Thank you!
January 22, 2020 at 7:01 am
Denise Engle
Thank you!
January 22, 2020 at 7:42 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you so much for these tips on where ideas come from, how to capture them and how to turn them inside out!
January 22, 2020 at 7:58 am
Sallye O'Rourke
love this–filter observations through your personal database!
January 22, 2020 at 8:22 am
Mardi Edwards
I still carry a small notebook for ideas in my purse to jot it down quick. My writing coach taught me that one.
January 22, 2020 at 8:23 am
melissamiles1
I needed these concrete examples of how to capture ideas before they escape. Thanks, and congrats on the books!
January 22, 2020 at 9:03 am
heatherbell37
Love the senses database! I can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2020 at 9:54 am
Jay
Thank you for the reminder to use all our senses. Applying ‘what if’ is a great idea. Congratulations!
January 22, 2020 at 9:55 am
Karen Lawler
OOOHHH !! Thank you for this POST !!! I did get the sweet beginnings of a PB just by your words running through my head ! THANK YOU 🙂
January 22, 2020 at 10:06 am
Gail Hedrick
Great points and wonderful ‘tangent’! Thanks for being so generous with your time. And I agree with so many-what a terrific title!
January 22, 2020 at 10:14 am
Amelia Gossman
This is a great way to make connections and tap into memories using sense memory. Thanks for a great and inspirational post!
January 22, 2020 at 10:16 am
Rona Shirdan
Thank you for the tips!
January 22, 2020 at 10:21 am
KRISTINA COOPER CASTILLO
Love it! Thank you for this post!
January 22, 2020 at 10:25 am
Megan Whitaker
Great! Something to think about when I have jury duty next month! Congrats on your book!
January 22, 2020 at 10:34 am
Rachel Funez
Great advice! Ideas are everywhere. 😊
January 22, 2020 at 10:52 am
Arlene Schenker
Great way to get inspiration–open your mind! Thank you, Joana.
January 22, 2020 at 11:06 am
cantsing1
Can’t wait to see your damsel NOT in distress! thnx for ideas . . ..
January 22, 2020 at 11:21 am
Sarah Skolfield
Thanks for sharing. I love hearing how other writers approach idea-generating/gathering. It’s always helpful.
January 22, 2020 at 11:23 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Love this! Finding and cultivating ideas is my happy place.
January 22, 2020 at 11:31 am
Jill Purtee
Thank you for reminding us to pay attention to the senses. I’m a nurse, and at the last KidLit Mingle, someone shared their story with such vivid imagery that I was looking for the nearest trashcan! Effective.
January 22, 2020 at 11:40 am
jimchaize1
It’s helpful to read of yours and everyone’s idea gathering strategies. Thanks, Joana.
January 22, 2020 at 11:41 am
Rebekah Lowell
“filter it through your personal database”
YES! This is gold.
January 22, 2020 at 11:55 am
Susie Sawyer
Thank you, Joana! Gathering ideas/prompts is something I’ve actually spent time practicing. They truly are everywhere, but I find I need to be purposeful about being open to receiving them. I regret how many ideas have no doubt been right in front of me, but I wasn’t prepared to gather them.
January 22, 2020 at 12:10 pm
mginsberg10
Joana, thanks for sharing your views on what to do with the ideas you mine. Very helpful!
January 22, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Lori Alexander
Great tips! Thanks for sharing the stories behind your stories.
January 22, 2020 at 12:21 pm
westindianmommy
I love the idea of filtering a prompt through my own personal database to come up with an idea. Thank you!
January 22, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you, Joana! Great post!
January 22, 2020 at 12:52 pm
Johnell DeWitt
I did this just the other day. I was at a museum, with Storystorm in the back of my mind, snapping picture after picture because so many things I read about sparked all sorts of idea strings. I was able to catch up and pass the number of ideas I needed for the week. Thanks for your words.
January 22, 2020 at 1:41 pm
kaleegwarjanski
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22, 2020 at 1:57 pm
setwiggs
Joana,
Yes prompts are everywhere if we just use our senses and make connections. congratulations on your debut book coming out.
January 22, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Kim Wilson
Thanks so much for sharing your process! I love drawing from personal experiences when brainstorming story ideas!
January 22, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Lisa Tolin (@lisatolin)
Can’t wait to read about your damsel! Thanks for sharing this.
January 22, 2020 at 4:06 pm
lanearnold
Here. There. Everywhere. Ideas abound!
January 22, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Ideas ARE everywhere! Thanks for reminding us!
January 22, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Franny G
Catch those little gems before they become someone else’s next PB!
January 22, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Karen Rafeedie
Thank you for the advice. Writing prompts ARE everywhere. Congrats on the book. It sounds great.
January 22, 2020 at 4:49 pm
susaninez0905
This advice was a prompt in itself! Well done you! Thanks for the nudge we all need to keep the ideas flowing.
January 22, 2020 at 5:54 pm
Kellie
Thank you so much Joana – I loved seeing your thought processes in action. It’s fascinating to know where an author got his/her idea from – because often it seems completely unrelated to the final – it’s only when it’s teased out that we can see the connections. Great post!!
January 22, 2020 at 7:03 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
Thanks for the tips!
January 22, 2020 at 7:21 pm
jacquesartandbooks
Joana, I loved reading your post this morning. I can relate to your daughter 😀
January 22, 2020 at 8:21 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you for your post. Opens a lot of doors for new ideas.
January 22, 2020 at 8:29 pm
mrsgoodchoice
Thank you Joana, your ideas are inspiring.
January 22, 2020 at 9:13 pm
Kristen Tipman
What a great post! Loved your list of steps to find ideas. Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2020 at 9:20 pm
Stephanie Lau
Perfect .gif. HA!
January 22, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Erik Ammon
Thanks for the tips, Joana! I think I rely on mostly vision with some of things I hear. I’ve got to pick it up on tastes and scents to help bring some ideas!
January 22, 2020 at 9:56 pm
ofmariaantonia
Some good tips. Thanks!
January 22, 2020 at 10:39 pm
nicolesalterbraun
I have to remember to ask the “What if”.
January 22, 2020 at 10:50 pm
Jane Dippold
Thanks for the great advice! Grab those ideas!
January 23, 2020 at 12:05 am
Deborah Foster
Wow, kind of feel like our life stories are similar. I am an architectural drafter who always loved writing but it wasn’t until my first child came that I began to pursue picture book writing! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
January 23, 2020 at 3:25 am
Marcia
So true about ideas coming from everywhere!
January 23, 2020 at 6:45 am
Nancy Kotkin
I agree – writing prompts are everywhere around us. I used to post one each week to a online writing group, and I had great fun coming up with them.
January 23, 2020 at 8:57 am
audiencedog
Mangoes weren’t part of my childhood, sadly, but when we lived in Bangladesh I began to understand why they are known as the “King of Fruit.” Thanks for these ideas and prompts!
January 23, 2020 at 10:11 am
Kelly Vavala
The infamous question, where do you get your ides? So silly, they are gifts brought to us by little fairies lol We feel like deer caught in the headlights when asked this question! Love your ideas! Very inspiring post! Thank you for sharing! Your new book sounds great and I wish you continued success!
January 23, 2020 at 11:20 am
Kelly Jaques
Love the damsel NOT in distress. Congratulations. Really loved this post…
January 23, 2020 at 11:24 am
Suzanne Poulter Harris
“Take a beautiful scene and filter it through your personal database.” I have done this for several of my stories, including one on birds! But I’m going to try to be more mindful of these golden opportunities.
January 23, 2020 at 11:34 am
colleenrkosinski
Great ideas!
January 23, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Jill M Proctor
Love hearing about your process. And I look forward to reading about a damsel not in distress. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 1:25 pm
storycatcherpublishing
Whenever I get ready to write one of my flash fiction piece, I always look at random pictures via the internet. I might type in a one word prompt and see what comes my way. I don’t fight the process, but simply allow myself to look through the photos until one inadvertently jumps out at me and says WRITE MY STORY! And then I do…
Great post!
Donna L Martin
Story Catcher Publishing
January 23, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Laura Jean watters
More damsels in distress are saving themselves these days…and helping other similarly situated damsels. I’ll be looking out for this book for sure. Thanks Joana.
January 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
What an odd jury question! Thank you so much for this post – it inspired an idea!
January 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Robyn McGrath
I have actually jury duty next week, hmmm, curious about their questions. 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
Love that they asked where you get your stories! Maybe they were worried the would wind up in your next book! (Little did they know…. they cannot escape your memory and senses!)
January 23, 2020 at 2:49 pm
Judy Palermo
I have notebooks in every bag! Definitely write those bits down!!!
January 23, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
I had to start keeping a note pad on my nightstand for this very reason. I just need to be more open to ideas at any given time. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 3:19 pm
jessicadunnagan
This was really helpful and a great reminder to be attuned to all our senses. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 4:16 pm
Amy Houts
I agree! Everywhere there are ideas just waiting. I love the way you turned the “damsel in distress” cliche on its head. Best wishes.
January 23, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Deb McGarvey
Great reminder to write everything down, and to let my mind wander more to see where it takes me. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 5:17 pm
Mita Martino
I sometimes get my best inspiration when Im least expecting it – especially in the shower!
January 23, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Elizabeth (@elizabethstiert)
Fantastic post! I constantly, like CONSTANTLY, ask “what if”. This is my first StoryStorm and I’m finding I LOVE to write nonfiction because I’m such a curious person.
January 23, 2020 at 5:38 pm
Joannie Duris
Great post, Joana. I loved the peek behind the creation of Lillybelle. And all your sensory tangents from a flock of birds–wow! What a perfect example of letting our brain make personal connections that can then lead to further connections. Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
I like that you suggest making a habit out of the process of pursuing prompts that catch your senses and connect with you personally.
January 23, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Mary York
Congratulations, Joana! I’ve copied your 3 steps to prompt new ideas! Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 7:13 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Mindfulness and connection. Love it! Thank you. Great post.
January 23, 2020 at 8:06 pm
eross
Thank you for your post! Open mind and tuned in senses, here we go!
January 23, 2020 at 8:50 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats Joana! Thank you for the ideas.
January 23, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Your mention of senses is interesting. One thing I noticed when I moved from the east coast to Alaska is that there are far fewer smells in Alaska (the cold plays a factor in that, I think). Perhaps that will make it into a story some day.
January 23, 2020 at 11:18 pm
Della Ross Ferreri
Love the idea of discovering ideas and filtering them through your personal database.
January 23, 2020 at 11:27 pm
Joana Pastro
I’m out of the country and could only stop to read comments today. Oh my goodness! So many great comments! Thank you so much for taking the time. You guys made my day!
January 23, 2020 at 11:29 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
You made me think of what is called “branching” in the engineering world. A very organic approach to coming up with new ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2020 at 2:33 am
percyandcat
Wow! What wonderful information, thank you Joana. You are on point, inspiration and ideas are everywhere we just need to keep all of our senses keyed into the world around us. jotting down ideas and little phrases are so very important, I have lost a few great ideas along the way for thinking I would remember them when I get home. That’s when you could kick yourself. Again, thank you so much for your insight. I love the idea of your upcoming book ‘LilliyBelle a Damsel not in distress’ sounds very cute.
January 24, 2020 at 7:19 am
Lisa L Furness
Turn on your senses and be open to ideas all day! Great post today!
January 24, 2020 at 10:33 am
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for the post and the reminder that ideas are everywhere we just have to embrace them. Best of luck on your future releases.
January 24, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Priya Gopal
True, ideas are everywhere, you have to be open to them
January 24, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Joyce
Thank you for reminding us to keep our minds receptive. Thank goodness Storystorm is giving us practice!
January 24, 2020 at 4:26 pm
Lynne Marie
So fun to read a post from my online and in-person critique partner. So happy to be riding (and refusing to wait to be rescued) along with you on the path. Wishing you all the best of success! XOXO
January 24, 2020 at 4:46 pm
Stacey Corrigan
Love the reminder to look for ideas all around and to write them down…I must get better at that part.
January 24, 2020 at 5:11 pm
Angela Padron
Ideas are all around us – thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Your book sounds so fun! Can’t wait to read it. Congrats!
January 24, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
I love the reminder to grab that idea! Looking forward to reading your books, thanks!
January 24, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Stephen S. Martin
That Flock of Birds actually did give me a great idea 🙂
January 24, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
I love it when idea just smack me on the head in the middle of nowhere. It’s like….Where did that come from?
January 24, 2020 at 7:35 pm
Dea Lenihan
Yes! As my cousin the therapist says, life is a case study…it is also endless fodder for our stories! Thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 7:35 pm
imagination4lf
Thanks for sharing, Joana.
January 24, 2020 at 8:34 pm
Virginia Manning
Thank you, Joana! I’ll keep pushing my small ideas along until they roll into something wonderful!
January 24, 2020 at 8:54 pm
kmajor2013
Thanks for the great post, Joana. I’m working on those ideas.
January 24, 2020 at 9:00 pm
Sara Matson
Thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 9:47 pm
Brinton Culp
Wow–way to be put on the spot about ideas. I’m glad it led you to expand and share. Thank you! And looking forward to checking out your books!
January 24, 2020 at 10:00 pm
deirdreprischmann
This was a great article – I love the simplicity of using prompts and asking what if.
January 24, 2020 at 10:22 pm
Judy Shemtob
Ideas are everywhere. The key to prompts, asking what if, and using your senses is to write down everything that comes to your mind. Thank you for a great post, Joana Pastro!
January 24, 2020 at 10:45 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Congrats on your success. Thanks for the reminder to observe and then go off on a tangent! Love it!
January 25, 2020 at 8:04 am
Jen Bailey
Thanks for the tips – I like the idea of drawing on your personal database to formulate a story from an idea.
January 25, 2020 at 10:07 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for sharing your ways of discovering ideas. I actually heard a flock of geese overhead this morning, and an idea popped up. Good luck on your book!!
January 25, 2020 at 10:20 am
susan schade
Thanks for sharing your tips! Ideas ARE everywhere!
January 25, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Beth Schneider
Can’t wait to read your book. Congrats!
January 25, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Angie Isaacs
I don’t think I’d want to grilled under oath about where I get my ideas from. O.O I’ll start working on my better answer now.
January 25, 2020 at 4:42 pm
Kari Lavelle (@KariALavelle)
Ideas are everywhere! 🙂 Thank you for your post! Congrats on your book!
January 25, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Carrie Cook
Sounds like you found a great idea for a story. Congrats!
January 25, 2020 at 5:57 pm
McCourt Thomas
Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2020 at 6:07 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for your post. The senses take me right back to that memory. Smelling cookies out of the oven, hearing a certain song, or seeing a hummingbird. Senses definitely evoke emotions. Congrats on your upcoming PBs.
January 25, 2020 at 7:13 pm
thesheilster
While reading your post, a memory came back and prompted an idea. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Susan Orton
It is so interesting how one idea can morph into so much more! I love when the brain sparks and these ideas are ricocheting around my head. Thank you for the reminder to stay alert for these inspirations.
January 25, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Joanne Roberts
I love the thought of forging connections to create story. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2020 at 8:09 pm
julielacombeauthor
I use OneNote to collect ideas. Now to see how I can weld some together.
January 25, 2020 at 8:27 pm
Lisa p
I love your story’s premise; I’m also the mom of a confident daughter that is making her own way. Can’t wait to read it!
January 26, 2020 at 3:36 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Congrats on your debut picture book. I look forward to reading it to our daughter who is due in two weeks. I bet her brothers will love reading it to her too!
January 26, 2020 at 4:11 am
Stella Gardener
I’m going to start asking what if more. Thanks for your post and congrats on your books coming out.
January 26, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Joana. I will use “What if?” more. It does stretch the ideas.
January 26, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Judy Bryan
Thank you for these tips, Joana, and congrats on your upcoming books!!
January 26, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Samantha Altmann
Love the tangents – all part of the creative process 🙂
January 26, 2020 at 5:57 pm
Wendy
Nice to see you here, Joana! Congratulations on your books!
January 26, 2020 at 7:16 pm
Angela De Groot
Engaging senses and making connections – a fun prompt. Thanks.
January 26, 2020 at 7:46 pm
adavis6385
Inspiration is all around. I’ll be on the look out for daily prompts :).
January 26, 2020 at 8:11 pm
teachom
It’s tough to keep all of the ideas recorder, especially when I don’t have a notebook, so I’m trying to use Google Keep to keep track of them until I transfer them.
January 26, 2020 at 9:39 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Love the Damsel in Distress!
January 26, 2020 at 11:23 pm
Kari Gonzalez
Thank you, Joana! Those ideas are elusive if they aren’t captured properly, aren’t they? Thank you for sharing your process!
January 27, 2020 at 12:54 am
Terri Sabol
“Ideas have a way of disappearing into thin air when they’re not properly captured!” Love this line. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2020 at 1:40 am
Kaye Baillie
I love hearing examples of how one thing links to another and another then becomes a story idea. Thanks, Joana!
January 27, 2020 at 7:28 am
Diane Tulloch
Wow! Love your tangent with the flock of birds. Love how ideas can just fly around you. Capturing them is important. Thanks.
January 27, 2020 at 11:59 am
topangamaria
WHAT IF is one of my favorite questions to ask myself.
January 27, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Lauri Meyers
One thing lawyers definitely don’t like is an imagination! Great story.
January 27, 2020 at 12:27 pm
anneiversonbellsouthnet
Echoing the words of others–inspiring, great post, etc. I do believe all our brains are beehives of activity and ideas. Now…to harness some of those “honey” thoughts! Thanks for a wonderful post, Joana!
January 27, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I’d love a critique with you, of course – but I really have to ask… what is a Morkie? (I’ve got a whole Mork and Mindy dog situation happening in my brain… maybe that’s the prompt for me for today).
January 27, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for the advice on capturing ideas. I really enjoyed your post!
January 27, 2020 at 3:04 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Great ideas on capturing ideas! Thanks so much!
January 27, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
“What if” has got to be one of the best questions we writers can ask.
January 27, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for helping me ward off idea drought. Thanks so much!
January 27, 2020 at 8:12 pm
Jennifer
Fun! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 28, 2020 at 2:15 am
jcyoungstrom
I have been trying to do this more and more during StoryStorm. Thanks for the Office gif. Love it!
January 28, 2020 at 7:46 am
poppywrote
Lovely post. My favorite (clever) line: “I’m just there to observe the idea.”
January 28, 2020 at 5:51 pm
megcason1
Joana, I can’t wait to read this book!!
January 28, 2020 at 5:57 pm
Nancy Riley
Thanks! Got another idea while reading your post. Congratulations on your books.
January 28, 2020 at 8:14 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Looking forward to reading your book!! Great post, thank you!! I am going to keep all my senses seeking out ideas.
January 28, 2020 at 10:33 pm
Anne Appert
This is definitely something I want to make a practice of: capturing the bits and pieces as they come to me with all my senses and seeing where they go. Thank you for your post!
January 29, 2020 at 2:07 am
dlapmandi
Creating writing prompts, what a great idea. These could also be used for conferences, school visits, writer groups creative writing exercises. Thanks for the post
January 29, 2020 at 7:01 am
marziehaali
Wow, love the mindfulness excercises…thanks
January 29, 2020 at 11:15 am
Tracy Hora
Haha. Love your courtroom story. And thanks for your “ideas” post.
January 29, 2020 at 11:19 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Joana, absolutely vital advice. Active idea pursuit, w question & capture. Loved this post. Thanks.
January 29, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Gaby Lagos
I am enjoying a lot with your post. We have memories, usually in my case with food, or with the beach. Thanks for remenber us to use our senses in every day.
January 29, 2020 at 2:12 pm
alisongoldberg
Great post! Thank you!
January 29, 2020 at 4:06 pm
Lindsay Robinson
The rabbit trails that our thoughts wander down can sometimes lead to some great stories! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2020 at 6:38 pm
Sheri Dillard
I love your courtroom story! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your process. Very helpful! And congrats on your upcoming books!!
January 29, 2020 at 10:31 pm
ingridboydston
One of my daughters favorite shirts says “ This princess saves herself!” I’m sure we’ll love your book!
January 30, 2020 at 5:47 am
sharongiltrow
Love the phrase “damsel in distress” and the follow on of a damsel not waiting to be rescued. I can’t wait to read your book :-).
January 30, 2020 at 12:19 pm
DK Ryland
What if? Great post!
January 30, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Let your ideas take you in new directions–Great takeaway!
January 30, 2020 at 12:43 pm
Lynn Mondello
Joanna, thank you for.putring into words a process that I ort of follow. However, for me, the connection part was often missing! Thank you for giving me a visual (the bird) to help me remember to connect all that is out there with my own personal “database!”
January 30, 2020 at 1:08 pm
LJ Laniewski
I always print out the Storystorm posts… and this one is covered in yellow highlighter. I can’t believe I needed a reminder about “turning on all of my senses.” For quite some time, I have been on autopilot. Your post is like a little wake up call. Thank you…and congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to read it.
January 30, 2020 at 5:22 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Lillybelle sounds awesome!
January 30, 2020 at 6:21 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Thanks, Joana!
January 30, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great post. Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 1:19 am
Dani Duck
Thank you so much Joana! In January I think I have the opposite problem. I’ve got a downpour of ideas and just not enough time to get to them all.
January 31, 2020 at 2:20 am
Sylvia Chen
Definitely helpful to make sure to be proactive about catching ideas, thank you! Also love your inspiration for your book coming out, so cute and cool!
January 31, 2020 at 2:37 am
Brenda Grant Lower
I love how sounds lead to memories lead to stories. One thing leads to another seemingly unrelated, but it makes the ideas flow!
January 31, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Lucy Staugler
Joana, ideas everywhere! Going to carry my mini notebook everywhere and my phone! Going to take pictures and record sounds that move or interest me. Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Shawna JC Tenney
Your book sounds amazing! I can’t wait to see it! Thanks for the suggestions for catching ideas.
January 31, 2020 at 8:41 pm
kmshelley
It is amazing how many ideas you have and how much they help me!
February 1, 2020 at 8:18 am
Nadia Salomon
Funny post on ‘everywhere’. Love these suggestions Joana. Thank you!
February 1, 2020 at 8:27 am
rhumba20
Thank you for your post Joana!
Anna Levin
February 1, 2020 at 5:28 pm
sheriradford
I appreciated the reminder to notice ALL the senses. I’m guilty of relying too heavily on just sight.
February 1, 2020 at 5:47 pm
shellshock7
thank you!
February 3, 2020 at 6:06 pm
michelebacon
I love this concept of a personal database! Thank you!
February 4, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Carolyne Ruck
Super answer … and who would have guessed it would come from being called for jury duty! Thanks for sharing!
February 5, 2020 at 9:52 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
I’m on alert to find those prompts at all times. Thank you!
February 5, 2020 at 11:44 am
Becky Shillington
I appreciated this post so much–thank you for your wise words, Joana!
February 5, 2020 at 3:58 pm
Lucretia
Prompts are indeed everywhere around us–from the birds outside our windows to our cherished family members. Thanks for the lovely reminders, Joana. Congratulations on your new books!
February 6, 2020 at 11:36 am
dinatowbin
Thanks for sharing your creative process with us and congrats on your book being published!
February 17, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Amanda Sincavage
Thank you for sharing your thought generation from a flock of birds to grandpa – love it! Can’t wait to read LILLYBELLE!
January 13, 2021 at 1:06 pm
EllenB
Thanks so much for the inspiration. I love the example of the birds in flight!
Ellen
January 18, 2022 at 10:58 am
Debbi G
Thanks for sharing your process of finding and developing ideas. Great inspiration to write everything down and make associations.