Hello, Storystormers! Care to jump into the Way-Back Machine with me? As someone who has participated in every Storystorm/PiBoIdMo challenge since the very first one in 2009, I thought it might be fun to share some Pearls of Wisdom gathered along the way.
In 2009, I had just signed an illustration contract for my fifth book with Raven Tree Press, I was exploring a new(ish) social media platform called “Twitter” where I met the wonderful Tara Lazar, who was already busy making the world a happier place for picture book writer and illustrators. Author/poet Greg Pincus and I had founded #kidlitchat on Twitter over the summer, and I was soooo ready for this picture book idea thing. At the close of the 2009 challenge, I went through each day’s ideas, expanding them into two or three sentence synopses, and developed four of what I judged the best. One helped introduce me to my agent.
Two were probably too quiet for the market and one turned into a chapter book manuscript. A fifth idea never made it to the manuscript stage, but formed the basis of a PiBoIdMo post in 2010. One idea finally found its way into a 2019 project, another was tweaked and re-upped for Storystorm 2020, because the subject was suddenly in the news, in a sad, ecological-disaster way.
Most of my ideas in 2009 were plot-heavy and hard to fit into 500 words or less. The robot cowboy’s story (the one that caught the attention of my agent) is a case in point. It really doesn’t fit the picture book format, but I still have faith in it, and haven’t given up on finding a way to make it work. That’s the thing: a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.
Which brings me to my first Pearl of Wisdom:
Embrace the ideas that haunt you.
Think of them as creative sidekicks. You get to know them really well; they talk smack to you whenever you’re in danger of getting ahead of yourself; and they make excellent sounding boards. Every time you learn a new trick or flash on some insight about how your creative machine operates, you can try it out on your old pal first.
P.S. I have another picture book idea that predates the cowboy! The original concept was kicking around in my head *before* 2009. Is it possible to spend over a decade on one project? Why, yes . . . yes it is.
Witness the evolution of the character I refer to affectionately as “Croc”:
The second Pearl of Wisdom is for other Storystorm veterans:
Revisit your Storystorm stash often.
Sift through the older ones with a new perspective, more confidence in your ability to tell a certain story, or through the lens of changing times. (I have to say, one idea from 2009 and is looking pretty good to me ten years later. ‘Scuse me while I go make some notes . . .)
You’re not the same person you were five or six years ago—I’m not the same illustrator I was even a year ago.
Which leads to the third Pearl of Wisdom:
Don’t be afraid to shake things up.
I thought I was a writer first and an illustrator second, but it seems I had it backwards. Over the years I had settled into a routine: write the story, polish; sketch characters; thumbnail; dummy the page turns; create full-size layouts; complete a couple of pieces of final art; query. This sequence made sense to me, but a deadly fatigue was setting in by the time I got to creating the art. I couldn’t tell if the idea had been wrong for me as an illustrator, or whether I had simply used up all my problem-solving energy too early. So, immediately following Storystorm 2019, I challenged myself to turn each idea into a sketch FIRST, one a day during the month of February. Here are a couple that worked for me (you can see all the 2019 sketches on my website):
For this year’s Storystorm, I’m trying not to get my wordy brain involved at all until I have an interesting or fun image. Here’s Day 9:
(Whoops—it’s Baby Yoda! I dunno . . . maybe if I lose the blanket?)
Fourth (and final) Pearl of Wisdom—this one is the most important. Let’s call it a Diamond of Wisdom:
It’s not all about the ideas.
There have been personal highs over the past ten years: signing with my agent; a chance to illustrate for my dream publisher and a Kirkus starred review that spoke kindly of my art; the opportunity to create the logo for PiBoIdMo 2011 (thanks, Tara!).
But there was also a work-for-hire job that I cringe to think of, and more than one protracted dry spell—marked by the conviction that I’d forgotten how to draw and other forms of temporary insanity.
There have been changes in the industry, too—mostly good (although that darned word count for picture books keeps getting SMALLER and SMALLER).
One thing that hasn’t changed is my love for this challenge: it’s a deceptively simple exercise, but (as I’m sure you’ve realized by day 25), an extremely effective way of getting into the story zone. It’s about self-discovery, about learning to listen to and trust your creative voice. After ten years, I’m still excited to see what pops into the picture book region of my brain (there definitely is a lobe dedicated to picture books by now). I’m still inspired by the daily posts, and still grateful for this community.
So hang in there! That’s really what it’s about: the tenacity to put yourself back in the arena over and over.
Here’s wishing each of you success and decade-spanning journeys of your own.
Bonnie Adamson is a graphic designer turned illustrator who is trying, finally, to make the words match the pictures rather than the other way around.
You can wish her luck on Twitter @BonnieAdamson, where she hangs out when she should be doing something else. Also visit her website and blog at bonnieadamson.com.
Bonnie is giving away a signed copy of RUTABAGA BOO! by the inimitable Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, a definite high point of the last ten years.
Enter 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!
479 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 25, 2020 at 7:10 am
Linda Mitchell
A wonderful post of pearls and diamonds. I’ve taken notes from this one. Thank you so much!
January 25, 2020 at 7:11 am
thecrowsmap
I love your illustrations, Bonnie, and all your pearls of wisdom. Thanks!
Gail Hartman
January 25, 2020 at 7:14 am
Colleen Dabney
So encouraging! Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 7:23 am
Robin Perkins
There’s an idea out there that haunts me. Perhaps it’s time for a revisit. Thank you for the inspiration Bonnie.
January 25, 2020 at 7:24 am
Andrea Mack
I haven’t gone through my idea stash in a while, but it’s so much fun to do! Thanks for all the great suggestions! A really inspiring way to kick off a Saturday.
January 25, 2020 at 8:49 am
michelemeleen
Couldn’t agree more! Time to dust off that stash😁
January 25, 2020 at 7:35 am
Sara Fajardo
Very inspiring. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 7:36 am
tanyakonerman
I too like to go back to my PiBoIdMo and Storystorm ideas from over the years. It’s important to look at them through a fresh lens every so often because different ones jump out at me at different times!
January 25, 2020 at 7:43 am
sarahheturadny
Great post! Thank you Bonnie!!! I love your pearls! Good luck!
January 25, 2020 at 7:45 am
claireflewis
As an author illustrator myself I found your point about which comes first – words or pictures – really interesting! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
January 25, 2020 at 7:48 am
Kathy Erskine
Great pearls of wisdom, Bonnie, and I love your illustrations!!
January 25, 2020 at 7:51 am
Bettie Boswell
I really like your idea of drawing the story before writing it. Thank you for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 7:56 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Thank you! Your squirrels of wisdom are adorable💗 and ever so helpful!
January 25, 2020 at 7:58 am
Robin Jordan
I’m very happy to have jumped into the Way-Back Machine with you! Seeing other’s journeys inspires me. Tenacity and evolution is my take-away today. Thanks for sharing your pearls, Bonnie, and here’s to continued success!
January 25, 2020 at 7:59 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you, Bonnie, for the pearls!!!
January 25, 2020 at 7:59 am
M.R.
Great insights from your over-a-decade-long involvement with Storystorm/PiBoIdMo! Thanks for sharing. Love your illustrations! 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 8:01 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Thanks. There has been something this month igniting the childhood memories in my brain. It is fun to think of it as part of the new picture book region!
January 25, 2020 at 8:01 am
Amy Healey
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2020 at 8:19 am
rahlyn20
This was very insightful & encouraging! Some of these ‘pearls of wisdom’ will get jotted in my ugly journal as reminders! I so enjoyed your sketches ‘n drawings as well !
January 25, 2020 at 8:23 am
Jen Bailey
Thanks Bonnie – love your sketches 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 8:24 am
Suzanne Lewis
Thanks so much for your encouraging words, Bonnie! “Listen to and trust your creative voice.” What a diamond!
January 25, 2020 at 8:28 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Bonnie. Your illustrations are just charming!
January 25, 2020 at 8:30 am
Angela J. Verges
Thanks for the Pearls of Wisdom. I will certainly pull out my past Storystorm notebooks.
January 25, 2020 at 8:31 am
Sharon H
Thank you for the pearls of wisdom Bonnie! Being an illustrator primarily sketching some characters first is a great tip.
January 25, 2020 at 8:32 am
Sharon H
Thank you for the pearls of wisdom Bonnie! As an illustrator primarily coming up with character sketches first is a great tip
January 25, 2020 at 8:41 am
Hélène Sabourin
Thank you for your words of wisdom
January 25, 2020 at 8:43 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
I love that you’re still excited for Storystorm/PiBoIdMo after all these years because that’s how I feel. I tell EVERYONE about it that says they’re interested in writing for children. I find it so odd when they say they’re not interested because they have enough ideas. THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY’RE MISSING!!! This challenge is a gold mine! Okay…off my soapbox.
Thanks so much for your Pearls of Wisdom.They certainly resonate with me!
January 25, 2020 at 8:44 am
Thelia Hutchinson
I will keep trying with my ideas. Some low and some high and not gove up.
Thank you
January 25, 2020 at 8:44 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
I love thinking about my shelved ideas as old pals. ❤
January 25, 2020 at 8:46 am
spinksc
I love the pictures and the idea to start visually first.
January 25, 2020 at 8:50 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Bonnie, your art and your words are pure magic. I’m heading off to revisit my earlier PiBoIdMo/Storystorm ideas from past years.
January 25, 2020 at 8:51 am
lmconnors
What a wonderfully encouraging post. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 8:58 am
Lauren Barbieri
Great post! This resonated with me on so many levels (as a visual person who has been working primarily in words). I’m also challenged by ideas that don’t want to leave but haven’t quite evolved to find their best form. I appreciate seeing your sketches and their evolution.
January 25, 2020 at 9:00 am
Laura
Still hanging in there…sometimes by my fingernails 😂
January 25, 2020 at 9:02 am
David McMullin
Bonnie, you make me feel good about the process, and excited to move forward.
January 25, 2020 at 9:02 am
Susan Wroble
I find it so helpful when authors share the (Long!) timeline that some of their books have taken — when a nagging inner critic says to give up because it is hard and takes so long, this helps provide the counterexamples. Thanks!
January 25, 2020 at 9:05 am
Beth Charles
Thank you for this! I have one particular pb idea that is so near and dear to me, but one that I still have not been able to get right. I love the idea of letting it sit until my skills catch up and using it to try new out new things I’ve learned along the way.
January 25, 2020 at 9:11 am
Mardi Edwards
I will learn to hang in there on those ideas. Hard work will pay off some day.
January 25, 2020 at 9:13 am
jbbower
That pig! Oh my goodness too cute! Thank you Bonnie for those inspiring pearls — and a diamond — of wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 9:15 am
me
Great thoughts, Bonnie!
January 25, 2020 at 9:16 am
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you for the best advice ever, to learn and trust my creative voice.
January 25, 2020 at 9:18 am
Sandhya Rose
Bonnie, I love how you mention ideas as ‘creative sidekicks’. I will learn to see them like that too! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 9:20 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi, Bonnie! I enjoyed your post and illustrations – including the “then” tiger. During this year’s challenge, I have found myself revising previous ideas based who I am today.
January 25, 2020 at 9:23 am
Amy Houts
Thanks for your pearls (and diamonds) of wisdom. I love practical/inspirational suggestions. Best wishes with your work.
January 25, 2020 at 9:23 am
Bru Benson
Those are real pearls of wisdom. Thank you for sharing. I just started viewing Storystorm this year and what a difference it makes in the process.
January 25, 2020 at 9:24 am
Meli Glickman
When a story “haunts” me, as you nicely mention, I know it’s meant for me to write. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2020 at 9:25 am
tinamcho
This was a delightful post, Bonnie. Thank you for all these pearls of wisdom. I’ll definitely take a look at my past Storystorm/PiBoIdMo books and see if any ideas can be updated for today.
January 25, 2020 at 9:26 am
Sarah
Wonderful post, thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 9:28 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Bonnie for posting. Great illustrations!
Will take a look at my past doodles, never know.
January 25, 2020 at 9:28 am
Carole Calladine
Thank you Bonnie for your pearls of wisdom. StoryStorm does get my brain in the picture book zone. It’s a wonderful way to start each year revisiting and renewing nuggets of story ideas. I like your robot cowboy. I have several of those that are waiting for me to catch up with them.
January 29, 2020 at 2:19 am
LaurenKerstein
I love this: “Embrace the ideas that haunt you. Think of them as creative sidekicks.”
January 25, 2020 at 9:29 am
Mary Warth
Thanks Bonnie. This month is the definition of inspiration, motivation, and accountability for me. And with many years to look back on, a notebook that has been and keeps on being, my best resource! Thank you Tara!!
January 25, 2020 at 9:30 am
Susan Drew
Thank you for your pearls of wisdom. I love seeing how things evolve. And your drawings — wow! Love them!
January 25, 2020 at 9:31 am
Jennifer Phillips
Wonderful words of encouragement. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 9:31 am
pjaegly
Bonnie, how refreshing that our creative ideas can live for years until the world is ripe for them!
January 25, 2020 at 9:36 am
Chang H
Your illustrations are adorable! And thanks so much for sharing your tips!
January 25, 2020 at 9:37 am
Janet Smart
I think it was a little over 10 years ago I wrote my first PB manuscript. The story is dear to my heart, but nothing’s ever happened to it. I’ve changed it many times, and I am going to keep changing it ’til it gets the attention I think it deserves. Congratulations on all your accomplishments and thanks for the post.
January 25, 2020 at 9:38 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you so much for these inspiring ideas on process. I am an author illustrator also, so I think I’ll take you up on the February challenge to create a sketch for each story idea. Love it!!
January 25, 2020 at 9:39 am
kiwijenny
I love your pearls of wisdom. I am so waiting for my specks of irritating sand to become pearls. I Love your pictures of kids. You capture their sweetness perfectly. And Yoda pig.hmmmmmmmm he’s so cute. THANKS.
January 25, 2020 at 9:40 am
Melissa Mwai
I love this retrospective advice. I’ve been drawing at least one daily sketch with an idea and that really has forced me to think about what resonates with me and what I can feel I can draw. I’m still new to thinking about myself as an illustrator, but I have better ideas than last year’s storystorm, speaking as a year 2 veteran. 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 9:43 am
Jeannie Santucci
Good words of wisdom Bonnie. Thank you! I think I’ll try my hand at making words fit the pictures.
January 25, 2020 at 9:44 am
Marsha Diane Arnold
I love your post. So honest. So wise. Thank you.
January 25, 2020 at 9:44 am
Jennifer Blanck
How impressive that you’ve done this every year since the beginning! Thank you for the pearls and diamond of wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 9:46 am
jimchaize1
Thanks, Bonnie. Such great advice … now to actually use some of it.
January 25, 2020 at 9:47 am
Kelly Vavala
I’ve gathered these lovely pearls of wisdom and put them in my pocket for safe keeping! Thank you for sharing these words of inspiration! I wish you continued success!
January 25, 2020 at 9:48 am
Louann Brown
It’s encouraging to hear you have a project you’ve been working on for a looong time. Thanks for your post. Love the illios!
January 25, 2020 at 9:49 am
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for sharing these wonderful pearls of wisdom! I’ve gathered them in my pocket for safe keeping! Very inspirational! I wish you continued success!
January 25, 2020 at 9:50 am
mommamoocow
Great pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 9:50 am
ptnozell
Loved strolling down memory lane with you, Bonnie. Thank you for sharing your pearls, and diamond, of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 9:51 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Fun to see your evolution, Bonnie! And so inspiring to hear how ideas from long ago have turned into actual books. I’m going to go dig through my stash of PiBo/Storystorm notebooks right now!
January 25, 2020 at 9:51 am
Robin Wiesneth
Pure wisdom. I agree about keeping your story ideas within reach – it’s a gold mine!
January 25, 2020 at 9:52 am
Joan Longstaff
You were obviously channelling pig-yoda when writing this post – wise words from a stalwart Storystormer. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 9:56 am
pathaap
I look forward to this challenge every year, too, Bonnie. It’s a great community. Thanks for sharing your pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 9:58 am
sareenmclay
Thank you Bonnie, it’s so tempting to be constantly rushing on, trying to think of new ideas. I like the idea of allowing yourself time to revisit ideas and spend time on them. Love your illustrations too!
January 25, 2020 at 10:03 am
Lisa L Furness
I’m taking Bonnie’s advice to make the words match the pictures to shake things up on how I approach an idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2020 at 10:06 am
bymaggiebrown
I love the idea of embracing the ideas that haunt you! Great advice here, thanks.
January 25, 2020 at 10:06 am
Paula B Puckett
Makes sense to me. Turn it around to have the words fit the images of the story. That sounds like another tool to be able to revise that word count, too.
Best of luck with your creative projects.
January 25, 2020 at 10:13 am
Mark Ceilley
This is a great reminder to be persistent and to never give up. I also liked your idea of reviewing previous ideas and looking at them through new lenses. Thank you for your words of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 10:15 am
EmmieTWerner
Sooo encouraging ❤️
January 25, 2020 at 10:17 am
Jessica Kulekjian
Great insight! I especially loved this pearl of wisdom: “a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.” I have a few ideas that have hung out for years and I’m excited to see how they will land on the page when the skills or time is ready.
January 25, 2020 at 10:17 am
Jessica Potts
This was a really great article today! I just started Storystorm last year but pull some of my last years ideas out from time to time!
January 25, 2020 at 10:24 am
steveheron
Loved you pearls and diamond of wisdom. Thanks.
Embrace the ideas that haunt you. – this one is the challenging one.
January 25, 2020 at 10:26 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for your pearls. I’m off to revisit years worth of PiBoIdMo ideas. And I’d love to see a PB with your squirrel as a main character-adorable!!
January 25, 2020 at 10:27 am
Charlotte Offsay
Love the advice to stay in the arena!
January 25, 2020 at 10:27 am
Sheri Radovich
I love that Storystorm has been around for so long. I started PiBoIdMo in 2011 or 2012 so I will go back to all the old ideas as suggested. Love the illustrations Bonnie. Congratulations on your successes big and small.
January 25, 2020 at 10:30 am
Lori Eslick
Thanks for sharing this. As an illustrator of over 24 books, ebooks, some for the ‘dream publishers’ I am so in agreement about the writing vs. the illustrations: which comes first. I know what we are told, however, I also see what I see. Thanks for writing from your heart: sharing what we need to hear.
January 25, 2020 at 10:36 am
Deb Sullivan
Thanks for the very much needed reminder to check back to that Storystorm notebook! Great tip!
January 25, 2020 at 10:36 am
kdid54
I love your pearls and your artwork! I would love to own your book.
January 25, 2020 at 10:40 am
Carolyn
This is fantastic! I love the idea of how we grow and change and how old ideas become new again. Thanks!
January 25, 2020 at 10:41 am
Darlene Koppel
What a great idea to look back at my PiBoIMo written ideas from years back and my sketches too. Thanks so much.
January 25, 2020 at 10:42 am
asiqueira1307
Thanks. A story I’m subbing has been in my head for 20 years.
January 25, 2020 at 10:43 am
goodtimegreatstory
Thank you for the wonderful pearls, Bonnie! Also, Day 9’s pig in a blanket is adorable.
January 25, 2020 at 10:44 am
debbeauchamp
This is a lovely post! So true. Thank you so much!!
January 25, 2020 at 10:48 am
writeremmcbride
Thank you, Bonnie! I couldn’t agree more with your wise thoughts and recommendations. One of the most valuable things StoryStorm (PiBoIdMo 🙂 has done for me is help support a HABIT of writing. I love it that we do this in the beginning of the year and get it all off to a good start with creative thinking. And thank you for the nudge about the character/manuscript stalkers that lurk in your mind, saying “try working on me again….” They are there!
January 25, 2020 at 10:49 am
JillDanaBooks
Thanks for the great advice!
January 25, 2020 at 10:54 am
Paisley Schade
The only way to stop a haunting idea is to bring it into the light — so true. I love your illustration in this post. The are both charming and dynamic.
January 25, 2020 at 10:55 am
maryraebel
Tenacity! That’s the word I’m going to embrace. Thanks for your wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 10:56 am
Maryna Doughty
I love your idea of creating images first and then matching the words to them. Even though I can’t draw, I still want to try that out. 🙂 I also love that you have a ten-year-old idea, and you haven’t given up on it! Thanks for the post, Bonnie!
P.S. You’re squirrel is adorable!
January 25, 2020 at 11:02 am
Rebecca E. Hirsch
Inspiring post, Bonnie, and delightful illustrations! Thanks for brightening my day!
January 25, 2020 at 11:05 am
Debra Kempf Shumaker
Great post!
January 25, 2020 at 11:07 am
Garnett Natasha
Thanks, Bonnie. I hope the story lobe is indeed in there, growing. About this time in Storystorm, the idea well can seem dry. Onward!
January 25, 2020 at 11:08 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thanks for the confidence boost, Bonnie! You’re an inspiration.
January 25, 2020 at 11:09 am
Margaret Flint Suter
I had just finished shoveling the most recent snow from my drive and I began to set out this morning’s peanut in the shell rations when the biggest fox squirrel emerged above me in the sycamore tree and began to chatter. Nut alert!!! So when I came to this page and found your “squirrels of wisdom” I had to laugh out loud! Thanks! From me, the fox squirrels and the grey squirrels and all the other nuts about my world!
January 25, 2020 at 11:10 am
susan schade
Such an inspiring post! Thank you for the pearls of writing wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 11:10 am
nrompella
I love your illustrations! I may try my hand at drawing (for my eyes only!) some of my ideas.
January 25, 2020 at 11:13 am
Hollie Wolverton
The power of persistence – love it! Thank you for the wonderful post.
January 25, 2020 at 11:21 am
Kate Molde
I agree, that this is a process of self discovery and I appreciate your positive thoughts that encourage us all. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 11:24 am
Arlene Schenker
I’m grabbing onto the idea of reviewing my past storystorm ideas. I think there were some that felt good without my knowing how to make stories of them. Maybe now?? Thank you, Bonnie
January 25, 2020 at 11:24 am
Stephen S. Martin
Love the idea of “SketchPiBoIdMoStorystorm”ing. Think I’ll give that a try.
January 25, 2020 at 11:25 am
Juliann Caveny
Oh, Bonnie! I’m so glad I know you (via PiBoIdMo, Twitter and all the good media outlets that we’ve chatting through). You are an amazing talent! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and inspiring images with us!
January 25, 2020 at 11:26 am
karammitchell
Bonnie! You gave me tools for my belt. And I’ll definitely be making sketches of all of my Storystorm ideas this year. Your illustrations are simply charming. I wish you posted more on instagram…Thanks for the post!
January 25, 2020 at 11:27 am
Cathy C. Hall
Thanks for the reminder that I’m not he same writer I was 10 years ago and so excuse me while I look for my PiBoIdMo notebook! 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 11:28 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
While not an illustrator, I see the images in my head that beg for the story to be written. Thanks!
January 25, 2020 at 11:30 am
Janie Reinart
Bonnie fabulous post. I especially like your comment about the ideas that haunt you and won’t leave you alone😊 Your art is delightful ❤️
January 25, 2020 at 11:33 am
Glenda Roberson
Self-doubt has been the main thing that stifles my creativity. The second is wondering why I’m spending so much time on writing manuscripts that will get rejections, just like all the others. My wonderful critique partners talk me off the ledge and give me hope. Fail forward!
January 25, 2020 at 11:34 am
Linda Schueler
I have stories that still haunt me years later, ones that I still cannot make work but am hoping to be able to do so someday.
January 25, 2020 at 11:36 am
Marty lapointe-malchik
Here’s to ‘extremely effective ways of getting into the story zone!’ Thanks for this post, Bonnie. I love hearing about your journey, dry spells included! That cowboy is a super engaging character! Thank you, Tara, for being there when Bonnie hit the scene and being here still, for all of us.
January 25, 2020 at 11:38 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your pearls. Today, and possibly for a few more days, I plan to shift from word to sketch.
January 25, 2020 at 11:39 am
Jeanne Cherney
Thank you for more ideas!
January 25, 2020 at 11:40 am
storyfairy
Great post. I will try to remember to keep track of the ideas that haunt me.
January 25, 2020 at 11:42 am
Susan Eyerman
Hangin’ in there! Thanks.t
January 25, 2020 at 11:43 am
Polly Sena Renner
Great story, Bonnie! Thanks for the reminder to “embrace the ideas that haunt” me:>
January 25, 2020 at 11:44 am
debbiearnn
I love seeing your sketches and how your style has changed over time. Thanks for the pearls of wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 11:45 am
danielledufayet
I agree- ideas do haunt you! They’re like separate, living entities that demand your love and attention. 🙂 Congrats!
January 25, 2020 at 11:47 am
Cinzia V.
Great advice! Thank you for sharing. And I love your art!
January 25, 2020 at 11:52 am
authorlaurablog
Definitely not the same person I was in 2009. In some ways, I’m not the same person I was in January of 2019 when I did my first Storystorm.
January 25, 2020 at 11:54 am
Juliana Lee
Love That’s the thing: a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.” I feel like this is working for me now!
January 25, 2020 at 11:54 am
Joanne Roberts
Thank you from the bottom of my illustrator’s heart. So many sentences spoke to me and I feel ready to explode. thanks for validation, inspiration, motivation, for which I give you a standing ovation. lotsa love!
January 25, 2020 at 11:54 am
Marty Bellis
I have a number of ‘creative sidekicks’, as you so aptly named them! They do hang around forever, it seems, and your post has definitely given me new insights on how to make the most of them. Super helpful! Thx for all the pearl and diamond gems 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 11:55 am
donnacangelosi
I’ll be referring back to this post and will embrace those ideas that haunt me. Thank you for sharing your pearls of wisdom and gorgeous illustrations!
January 25, 2020 at 11:56 am
Sue Reichard
Love your Pearls of Wisdom! Thank you so much!
January 25, 2020 at 11:56 am
Lori Dubbin
Today’s the day to sift through my Storystorm stash! You’ve loosened some gems that are haunting our heads or napping in our notebooks.
January 25, 2020 at 11:58 am
June Semgpiehl
A very useful post to encourage us to struggle on and develop or own books.
January 25, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Laurie Bouck
Great advice, thank you! I LOVE your illustrations, by the way! 😀
January 25, 2020 at 12:03 pm
carolmunrojww
Interesting to see how your process has changed over the years, Bonnie. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 12:05 pm
Jo Hudson
I have ideas that haunt me too. I realize now that I need to take them out and play with them more often and give them a chance to be somebody! Thank you for your post.
January 25, 2020 at 12:06 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
I love your process, thank you for sharing your Pearl’s (and diamond) of wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Darcee Freier
Love your drawings! I’m glad you’ve found a new way to work that’s working.
January 25, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Joanna Rowland
I’m a big believer in writing the books that won’t let go and I love how you phrase it with embrace the ideas or books that haunt you.
January 25, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Jennifer Weisse
I appreciate your pearls of wisdom! And your illustrations are wonderful! Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Lauri Fortino
Love your art!
January 25, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Gail Atherley
Thank you for a post full of encouragement, motivation, along with new ways to view our work processes. I am forever inspired by the generosity and helpfulness of kidlit community writers and illustrators. Many thanks!!
January 25, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Gail Atherley
Thank you for a post full of motivation, inspiration and new ways to view our work process. I am amazed and grateful for the generosity and sharing by successful kidlit authors and illustrators. Congrats and thanks!
January 25, 2020 at 12:22 pm
kimpfenn
Love your art and your inspiration and encouragement!
January 25, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Kim Larson
Great advice, Bonnie! Thanks for sharing. Adorable sketches too! I’m envious!
January 25, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Janice Woods
So encouraging! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Buffy Silverman
Hooray for embracing the challenge (and for revisiting that old stash when the challenge of new feels overwhelming…)
January 25, 2020 at 12:26 pm
8catpaws
Encouraging to know that long-thought-of character may come through for me yet!
January 25, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Thanks for the tips, Bonnie!
January 25, 2020 at 12:33 pm
curryelizabeth
Time to dust off some old ideas! Thank you for the post and thanks Tara!
January 25, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Bev Baird
Wonderful, inspiring post. Thank you Bonnie. One line stood out:
“It’s about self-discovery, about learning to listen to and trust your creative voice.” Exactly!
January 25, 2020 at 12:37 pm
DK Ryland
Wonderful pearls of wisdom
January 25, 2020 at 12:38 pm
rosecappelli
Thanks so much! I love your illustrations, Bonnie!
January 25, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Cathy Ogren
I love your pearls of wisdom, Bonnie. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 12:47 pm
paulinetso
Love your art and Sudipta’s words! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Mary McClellan
Great post! Thanks so much for your inspiring words. Continued success to you!!!
January 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm
ingridboydston
The idea haunting me daily lately showed up 5 years ago! Now that doesn’t seem like such a bad thing. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 12:57 pm
saintamovin
What a wonderful encouragement…thank you
January 25, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Jolene Gutierrez
I love reading and seeing how your style has changed, Bonnie! And the idea of sketching and then making the words match the art is wonderful.
January 25, 2020 at 12:59 pm
Rebecca
Thank you, Bonnie! Lots of great tips!
January 25, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Rebecca Herzog
All wonderful pearls of wisdom! Thank you Bonnie!!
January 25, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Sherry Smith
Hi Bonnie, I think your drawing looks like a pig in a blanket, not the kind you eat, and not baby Yoda.
I’ve been jotting down old and new ideas this month and spending a bit of time researching if there are similar books in the market or not.
This is my first StoryStorm.
January 25, 2020 at 1:07 pm
matthewlasley
My mind was blown…….” a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.”
The latter is more about me. I have to remind myself that I am only getting better and my stories (ideas) are too.
January 25, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Poupette Smith
Such an inspiring post. Thank you. Am eager to pull out those stashed ideas and work on the one prompted by your post, and I’ll buy watercolors even though I can’t draw for beans (!).
January 25, 2020 at 1:15 pm
Becky Ross Michael
So motivating and inspirational!
January 25, 2020 at 1:16 pm
Trish Kreiser
An excellent reminder of the roller coaster ride that our creative endeavor is! I love your adorable characters (then AND now!) Best wishes for future success!
January 25, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Jay
What a wonderful post! Love the pearls of wisdom that I can use. Thank you
January 25, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Karin Larson
Such a terrific post and boost of inspiration. Persistence and perseverance are key. Thank you for the motivation!
January 25, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Ah–several “old” ideas still want to see the light of day. Keeping after it!
January 25, 2020 at 1:23 pm
shirley301
Thanks for your motivating pearls of wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Debra Daugherty
Your pearls of wisdom are inspiring. Thanks, Bonnie.
January 25, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Lisa Black
Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 1:45 pm
marshaelyn
Bonnie…You inspire me to dust off my files where many favorite revisions rest in peace. This is only my 2nd Storystorm year, yet my idea box of is reaching capacity. I can’t imagine what you’ve collected since 2009! Lucky Ducky! I’ll make sure to recommend RUTABAGA BOO to our county library. The title is golden liquid that rolls off the tongue! Thank you for taking time from your life to share such sage advice. Sending you energy to keep shaking things up while discovering new stories…
January 25, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Heather Rowley
Thank you for your wonderful gems of wisdom! I appreciate you!
January 25, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Cathy Lentes
I appreciate your advice and I adore the illustration above of the children.
All the best to you!
January 25, 2020 at 2:13 pm
writeknit
Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me to hang in there and check my old ideas while I’m at it. 😁📚
January 25, 2020 at 2:17 pm
yangmommy
Love the “embrace the ideas that haunt you” and “creative sidekicks.” I’ve one or two that keep coming back, asking for more plot or more laughs. I don’t always entertain them, but I’m sure glad to know them.
January 25, 2020 at 2:21 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Your pearls of wisdom were inspiring. I love how you point out the evolution one goes through on this journey. I certainly am a different writer now than I was when I started. Every step is important! Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Tara Hannon
Great pearls of wisdom, Bonnie! Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 2:22 pm
Julie Reich
Thanks for the pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Jennifer Linville
Do you think the word count in picture books will ever go back up? I imagine it all goes in cycles, no? As a teacher and a parent, I love those lengthier picture books. I’ve even used them with high schoolers.
January 25, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Jennifer Linville
And thank you for this post! Very well written & inspiring. 😊
January 25, 2020 at 2:32 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Oh, thank you Bonnie – just the words of inspiration I needed today.
January 25, 2020 at 2:33 pm
setwiggs
Bonnie,
Your Yoda is a pot-bellied pig who definitely needs a hat. I like your idea to revisit past years Storystorm ideas. I think they will evolve as I change and grow in the craft.
January 25, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Kathy Halsey
Ty, Robin. Lots of shiny pearls in this list. Truth here, “That’s the thing: a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.”
January 25, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Kathy Halsey
Argh, I mean Bonnie. I spend half the day at a Caldecott Read-in and my brains is fried. Sorry.
January 25, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Rebecca Heller
Great “pearls”! I’m writing them all down.
January 25, 2020 at 2:47 pm
Jill M Proctor
Bonnie, thanks for sharing your pearls of wisdom, and congratulations on all your successes! I LOVE your illustrations!
January 25, 2020 at 2:48 pm
writersideup
Bonnie, I have to tell you—this post actually gave me the “warm fuzzies” 🙂 Everything about it. I appreciate not only your “pearls,” but the overview of how your writer/illustrator journey and process have morphed, waxed, waned and improved over the years. Thanks so much for this…it’s more inspirational than you may have realized! ❤
January 25, 2020 at 2:49 pm
dedradavis03
I loved this! I wrote my first PB manuscripts thirty years ago! I found them last year, and one still haunts me. Perhaps I should visit my old friend?
January 25, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Traci VW
Great post! This line really struck me: but a deadly fatigue was setting in
I am familiar with this feeling. I love the idea of sketching out each idea. As a visual person and illustrator (first, but not really), I get that. Thanks for sharing some of your journey!
January 25, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thank you for the inspiration! Just want I need!
January 25, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Sara Matson
Love those illustrations! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 3:27 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your experiences and the pearls (and one diamond) of wisdom!!
January 25, 2020 at 3:28 pm
Lisa Billa
Thank you for the string of pearls, and these sketches are gems! I wish I could sketch! Will be revisiting a few old friends from my Storystorm stash.
January 25, 2020 at 3:30 pm
kirsticall
Thank you Bonnie! Wonderful pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 3:42 pm
DaNeil Olson
Love the pearls of wisdom – and the squirrels!
January 25, 2020 at 3:44 pm
Heather Gallagher
OMG I love the pig in a blanket 😂
January 25, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
“Embrace the ideas that haunt you. Think of them as creative sidekicks.”
Some truly are!!
January 25, 2020 at 3:48 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
” . . . the tenacity to put yourself back in the arena over and over. ” Ain’t that the gospel truth!!
January 25, 2020 at 4:01 pm
sjwmeade
Love the illustration and helpful advice from your post. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 4:03 pm
Marianne Knowles
Bonnie, thanks for your pearls! This is only my second year at storystorm and your advice will serve us all well.
January 25, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 4:17 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for the honesty and insight you provided into your journey.
January 25, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I love your illustrations, and thank you for your pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Susan Macartney
Wit and wisdom! A wonderfully fun and inspiring post – thank you Bonnie!
January 25, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Stringin’ those pearls! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Stringin’ those pearls! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Liz Steinglass
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
January 25, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Cheryl Johnson
‘Sift through the older ones with a new perspective, more confidence in your ability to tell a certain story, or through the lens of changing times.’
On the days where I need to, I pull open my desk drawer and crack open the Story Ideas file. I rifle through it until an ‘aha’ moment, grab that and expand on it.
January 25, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Tom Barrett
Good post!
January 25, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Terrie Hellard-Brown
I love your post and your illustrations. You are a gift to this industry. Thank you for the gems of wisdom. Great advice!
January 25, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Catherine Morgans
Wonderful pearls of wisdom Bonnie.
January 25, 2020 at 4:55 pm
juliannahelt
Great post! Thanks!
January 25, 2020 at 4:58 pm
chardixon47
Bonnie, your pearls of wisdom hit home with me today. Thank you for the advice. Love your art work!
January 25, 2020 at 5:09 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Bonnie. This is my third (fourth??) year in Storystorm. I love going back to my previous idea lists to mine for gold.
January 25, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Melissa Koch
Lovely! Thank you for the inspiration and laughter.
January 25, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Great art, great post and I’ll be on the lookout for my gems! Revisiting old notebooks is truly worthwhile! Thank you.
January 25, 2020 at 5:13 pm
Brenda May
A great inspitational post for my first year in Storystorm. Thank you Bonnie, beautiful art work.
January 25, 2020 at 5:25 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for sharing your journey! I especially liked the suggestion to mine old Storystorm/PiBoIdMo ideas to tweak and combine.
January 25, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Rachel Funez
Thanks for the inspiration! Love the artwork!
January 25, 2020 at 5:32 pm
bgonsar
Wonderful post!
January 25, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Brandy Lynne
All good ideas! Love the illustrations!
January 25, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I love your illustrations. I was surprised to learn that they weren’t your initial focus. What a fun thing to discover about yourself!
January 25, 2020 at 5:42 pm
Nancy Furstinger
Hang in there, indeed! And love the squirrel character–hope he stars in a future book:-)
January 25, 2020 at 5:48 pm
debbiemoeller
Love your sketches! A great post!
January 25, 2020 at 6:03 pm
debobrienbookscom
Bonnie, you are an inspiration!!!!!!!!!!!! Which comes first: the story or the art? That is me exactly, except that “they” always say the story comes first. For me, I usually come up with a character I like and then I write the story around him/her/it. Thank you for linking us to your website. You seriously made my day!!!!!!!!!!!
January 25, 2020 at 6:15 pm
Becky Woodall
Thanks for sharing your process, top tips and illustrations. They are beautiful 😊
January 25, 2020 at 6:16 pm
cbcole
Another great post. I love the idea of not being afraid to mix things up and going back to past ideas.
January 25, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Susan Orton
The ideas that haunt you usually speak to your soul, a truth you value that needs to be told. I just looked over old Storystorm ideas from the past two years and found friends quietly waiting for a renewed friendship. Thanks Bonnie! Great advice!
January 25, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Dina Ticas
This post helped me consider how to shake things up. I hope to change how I handle when an idea hits me. I can’t thank you enough…I realized something new about myself and my craft.
January 25, 2020 at 6:30 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great advice Bonnie! Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
Tenacity is a good word to describe what it takes to be a picture book writer – or any genre writer! Thank you for your pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 6:43 pm
Karen Greenwald
I love these pearls of wisdom! Thank you for your post:) I don’t think people would ever imagine how incredibly challenging this industry really is…or how committed to each other’s success the participants are…it’s really something!
January 25, 2020 at 6:46 pm
Joel Chalmers
Thanks Bonnie!
This year is my first for StoryStorm, but I appreciate your wisdom. The ideas generated in this month could fuel creative work for months if not years to come. The ideas are great, but the inspiration is an added bonus. I will file my ideas that I don’t use right away for days when I am low or have more writing prowess. Best of luck with your creative adventures both with words and otherwise!
January 25, 2020 at 6:49 pm
angiecal76
Revisiting prior storystorm ideas is a fantastic idea, Bonnie. And by the way….I think your illustrations are delightful!
January 25, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Claire W Bobrow
Wonderful post! Thank you, Bonnie 🙂 Your pearls and diamond(s) are much appreciated.
January 25, 2020 at 6:52 pm
betlw
I have a story stash from the last time that has grown and grown. I hope to add more to it along the way. Great ideas for growing my list.
January 25, 2020 at 6:53 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Love this…Embrace the ideas that haunt you. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! I’ve participated in all the PiBoIdMo/Storystorm challenges, too, and I love looking through my old idea folders. In fact, my current WIP is from an old Storystorm challenge. 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Rona Shirdan
Great post! I like the idea of starting with an image and working backwards to the story idea. I think I will try that!
January 25, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Pamela Harrison
What a fun post! I love your sketches. There are some story ideas in these too. Thank you for your pearls of wisdom. Such great advice!
January 25, 2020 at 7:15 pm
Sara Trofa
Great pearls of wisdom, Bonnie. Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 7:18 pm
julielacombeauthor
Thank you for the pearls of wisdom! I need to remember to go bak and look at old ideas.
January 25, 2020 at 7:18 pm
melissamiles1
Thanks for sharing your ideas and adorable artwork with us!
January 25, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Lori Alexander
I remember your cowboy robot from way back when. I hope he finds a home somewhere!
January 25, 2020 at 7:31 pm
thesheilster
Thanks for your pearls of wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 7:43 pm
Sallye O'Rourke
Thinking about my creative sidekicks!
January 25, 2020 at 7:45 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for sharing your pearls of wisdom, Bonnie!
January 25, 2020 at 7:49 pm
beckylevine
Thanks for sharing, Bonnie. (I love your squirrel!)
January 25, 2020 at 7:55 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
So many outstanding pearls of wisdom.
Thank you, Bonnie, for the inspiration.
Suzy Leopold
January 25, 2020 at 7:59 pm
eross
Lovely pearls here, thank you! I’m especially haunted by: embrace the ideas that haunt you.
January 25, 2020 at 8:06 pm
authoryvonafast
Thank you Bonnie for the encouragement to “embrace the ideas that haunt you” and “learning to listen to and trust your creative voice.”
January 25, 2020 at 8:17 pm
Judith Snyder
I loved your pearls and the squirrel. Ideas do have a way of nagging you for years. I’m glad I have them written in my lists to bug me. Thanks for your reminder to play with them again.
January 25, 2020 at 8:28 pm
seschipper
Thank for sharing !! Love every encouraging word!!!!
🙂
January 25, 2020 at 8:46 pm
writeknit
Thank you for the encouragement!!
January 25, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Lisa Tolin
This was exactly what I needed to hear today. The process can feel so long but there’s value in that.
January 25, 2020 at 8:55 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Bonnie, thanks for the words of wisdom. Sometimes its hard to get back “in the arena over and over again” but it’s encouraging to know we all go through the same thing.
January 25, 2020 at 9:09 pm
Kate Carroll
Brilliant! Thank you for posting.
January 25, 2020 at 9:15 pm
claireannette1
I love your illustrations and pearls of wisdom. I’m off to check out my idea stash – hopefully, I’ll find a gem.
January 25, 2020 at 9:17 pm
Chelle Martin
Interesting to see how your ideas change over the years. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2020 at 9:22 pm
cravevsworld
Thank you so much for sharing your decade plus experience and wisdom!
January 25, 2020 at 9:24 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2)
Great ideas! I have a few ideas circling and circling – I will see if I can get some to land!
January 25, 2020 at 9:32 pm
Kara Newhouse
From the pearls of wisdom to the illustrations, this part is a delight! I love the idea of having a “Storystorm stash” to return over time. I’ll also be returning to this post over time!
January 25, 2020 at 9:33 pm
Peggy Dobbs
I’m working to develop that picture book region of my brain. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
January 25, 2020 at 10:00 pm
Erik Ammon
Thank you so much for your pearls of wisdom! I haven’t looked back at my ideas in a while (at least the earliest ones). I’m sure I’ll find something to work on!
January 25, 2020 at 10:02 pm
Lori Sheroan
“Embrace the ideas that haunt you…”-advice I needed to hear. Thank you.
January 25, 2020 at 10:08 pm
Aileen Stewart
Lovely gems of wisdom. Thanks for sharing, and I love your sketches :0)
January 25, 2020 at 10:14 pm
bluerabbit
OH! Oh! I treasure this post and will keep a link to it always. 🙂
January 25, 2020 at 10:15 pm
bluerabbit
Reblogged this on One Way to Wonder and commented:
If you want to write and illustrate picture books, read this post!
January 25, 2020 at 10:27 pm
denitajohnson
Thanks for the words of wisdom.
January 25, 2020 at 10:55 pm
Stephanie Lau
Thanks for sharing your story! I too think of myself as a writer first, illustrator second – and wonder if I’ll ever tip over the other way!
January 25, 2020 at 11:08 pm
farmfolkfamily
What encouraging pearls of wisdom, Bonnie. Thanks! Love your illustration style, too!
January 25, 2020 at 11:10 pm
percyandcat
Bonnie, thank you so much for your Pearls of Wisdom. Allowing us to see your growth and helping us to realize that change can be a good thing.
January 25, 2020 at 11:10 pm
charlestrevino
Pearls are made through grit and time.
Thank you for sharing and encouraging.
January 25, 2020 at 11:12 pm
jenniemacdonald
I love the idea of being receptive to an image and seeing what story accompanies it. Thanks so much for this, Bonnie!
January 25, 2020 at 11:15 pm
gayleckrause
Pearls! Diamonds! All of your suggestions are jewels! Thanks for sharing. 😉
January 25, 2020 at 11:59 pm
ruthwilson48
Thanks for the wise words, Bonnie!
January 26, 2020 at 12:08 am
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
Such great advice. Thanks!
January 26, 2020 at 12:12 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
BONNIE: I LOVE how you presented this INSPIRATIONAL blog post! Your pearls of wisdom (presented by the ADORABLE “Vanna White” squirrel!) and illustrations TRULY SPEAK TO THE CHILD AT HEART!!! I CAN’T WAIT to see more of your work!!! THANK YOU for sharing your AMAZING talent with us and inspiring us to do the same!!!
January 26, 2020 at 12:13 am
Rachel
Great post. Thank you.
January 26, 2020 at 12:14 am
Mary York
Bonnie, I’ll wear your pearls every day! Thanks!
January 26, 2020 at 12:14 am
Rachel
Thanks for the post.
January 26, 2020 at 1:17 am
Nadia Salomon
Thank you for your post Bonnie! I love your idea of sketching our ideas and revisiting ideas that haunt us after learning new skills. Some wonderful points.
January 26, 2020 at 1:24 am
Maria Bostian
Thank you for the terrific post. I am looking forward to revisitng my old Storystorm ideas with new gusto!
January 26, 2020 at 1:38 am
wyszguy
I love this post so much – helpful in a practical way! And your pig in a blanket is ADORABLE!
January 26, 2020 at 1:47 am
Michele R
Thanks, Bonnie. You are yet another example of the generosity of this community by sharing your pearls of wisdom (and a diamond, too!) Congratulations on your continued success!! (And I agree about the diminishing word count! Yikes!!)
January 26, 2020 at 1:49 am
Jenny Read Stout
Oh my gosh, Bonnie… thank you for those pearls of wisdom! I think I might just do the same in February and sketch out each idea on my list.
January 26, 2020 at 2:05 am
Naana
I love your illustrations!! Thank you, Bonnie for sharing your pearls of wisdom!! Time to revisit my PiBoldMo and Storystorm stash.
January 26, 2020 at 2:28 am
rgstones
Thanks for the post. I’m going to sift through prior PiBoIdMo/Storystorm lists.
January 26, 2020 at 2:48 am
Stella Gardener
I love your illustrations! I think the blanket looks perfect on the pig.
January 26, 2020 at 3:13 am
Keila Dawson
This post is filled with wisdom. I so agree with what you said…”a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.” Perfectly stated.
January 26, 2020 at 3:18 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
I like the idea of writing a brief synopsis for each idea! Thanks!
January 26, 2020 at 4:03 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Thanks for the inspiration about not letting go of certain ideas and looking back at old ones to see if they spark something new. To the next 10 years!
January 26, 2020 at 4:41 am
rjtraxel
Robot cowboy does sound pretty cool.
January 26, 2020 at 4:51 am
Johnell DeWitt
Love the art! And valuable advice too. Thank you.
January 26, 2020 at 5:39 am
deniseaengle
Thank you for the reminder to listen to and trust my creative voice!!
January 26, 2020 at 7:54 am
Writer on the run
Bonnie, Thanks for the inspiration to keep at this crazy choice of writing. Loved your post, and I’m sitting down now with my idea that haunts me!
January 26, 2020 at 8:15 am
jacquesartandbooks
Hi Bonnie, your comments about being fatigued and not knowing if you were the right illustrator really resonates with me… I will give your pearls so use.
Thanks
January 26, 2020 at 9:02 am
Abby Wooldridge
LOVED this post, Bonnie!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
January 26, 2020 at 9:02 am
Brinton Culp
Thank you for sharing your pearls! I’m working on shaking things up a bit, inspired by the squirrel.
January 26, 2020 at 9:31 am
Sara A
“That’s the thing: a good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.” Oh gosh, what an encouraging thought!
January 26, 2020 at 10:53 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for these ideas and for the encouragement.
January 26, 2020 at 11:15 am
Mary Worley
Thanks for the encouragement and reminders. It’s fun to look at my idea notebook and try to identify themes.
January 26, 2020 at 11:32 am
rtmna
Very inspiring. Thank you.
January 26, 2020 at 11:42 am
Marcia Berneger
Shaking up ideas-fun!!
January 26, 2020 at 11:49 am
Kim Wilson
Thanks so much for these pearls of wisdom (and the diamond!)!
January 26, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Delightful diamond and pearls – but your squirrel won my heart. Thanks for a fun post!
January 26, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Bonnie, I love your art! Thanks for making me coo and smile and wow! And thanks for reminding me that it is really okay to still love the work that hasn’t yet been published, to embrace the ideas that won’t let me go, and to mine my Storystorm notebooks for all those forgotten gems.
January 26, 2020 at 12:55 pm
Eileen Mayo
Great post! I love your art. Your Squirrel looks just like a character I’m working on in a manuscript. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Tenacity, a great mantra! Thank you for explaining your process. Isn’t it amazing what we keep learning about ourselves…draw before words…who would think that order of doing things would be effective? Thanks so much.
January 26, 2020 at 1:14 pm
heatherbell37
Love these ideas and your art! Thanks for sharing. I especially love the idea of revisiting…you’re right. We aren’t the same even from a short time ago…thanks for re-upping my excitement levels!
January 26, 2020 at 1:16 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the pearls of wisdom, Bonnie! Tenacity wins the race!
January 26, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Linda Hofke
What an insightful post. Thank you.
And I hope to see that robot cowboy story some day.
January 26, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
I love your pearls and diamond!
January 26, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Jocelyn Rish
*waves at Bonnie*
Your sketches are so adorable! And lots of great advice – thank you!
January 26, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Franny G
Love this post — I can think of at least two ideas which have stuck in my head after I sketched the characters, that keep on tapping me on the shoulder saying *Me, me!*. I am going to work on at least one of them tomorrow!
January 26, 2020 at 3:18 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for all the gems of wisdom!
January 26, 2020 at 3:31 pm
denarose
Thanks so much for the encouragement and the inspiration!
January 26, 2020 at 3:50 pm
mona861
Oh, I love your pearls of wisdom, Bonnie. Thank you for reminding us to look back!
January 26, 2020 at 4:16 pm
Samantha Altmann
Thanks so much for the encouragement. Will definitely be digging into my past ideas!
January 26, 2020 at 4:35 pm
jessica shaw
Thanks for the inspiration and pearls, Bonnie! Looking back at my past Storystorm ideas is something I do every year, and often I think of a new angle for an old idea.
January 26, 2020 at 4:47 pm
Leah
Good advice. I have a head full of ideas that haunt me!
January 26, 2020 at 5:13 pm
Alice Fulgione
I think I’ll find it well worth my time to check through my past Storystorm ideas. Perhaps I’ll discover some forgotten gems.
January 26, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Mita Martino
Great post, thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Lori Menning
Great post! I do have ideas that keep coming back to me. Just might be time to follow up on them and see where they go! Love your artwork!
January 26, 2020 at 5:51 pm
Barbara Lowell
Love your pearls of wisdom Bonnie! And of course your art!
January 26, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Joyce
Great ideas. Thanks!
January 26, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
I am inspired by each of these pearls of wisdom, Bonnie! Like you, I find a spark each time I revisit my many years of StoryStorm brainstorming.
January 26, 2020 at 6:17 pm
colleenrkosinski
Great post!
January 26, 2020 at 6:43 pm
mginsberg10
Bonnie, thanks for polishing your wonderful pearls of wisdom and sharing them with us
January 26, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Love your illustrations!
January 26, 2020 at 7:25 pm
Angie
Many great pearls! Thanks for showing a long-term view of the benefits of Storystorm!
January 26, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you, Bonnie! Great post!
January 26, 2020 at 7:34 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
Thank you for the pearls and diamond of wisdom! I have an idea that haunts me. You’ve convinced me I need to make it earn its keep.
January 26, 2020 at 7:43 pm
adavis6385
Thanks for the pearls of wisdom, Bonnie. I recently have been feeling the haunting from some persistent ideas and might soon investigate them more fully 🙂
January 26, 2020 at 8:18 pm
Megan Whitaker
Great advice! I was just looking at my 2018 list this morning!
January 26, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks, Bonnie! Great idea to keep revisiting old StoryStorm journals…you never know what may be lurking there! I’m heading to last year’s ideas now!
January 26, 2020 at 9:26 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Lovely advice. Thanks!
January 26, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Love your sketches. Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2020 at 10:40 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thanks for your post!
January 26, 2020 at 10:49 pm
laurimacey
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve been working on one story for a really long time. It’s nice to have someone say don’t give up.
January 26, 2020 at 11:02 pm
Karan Greene
This was a wonderful and encouraging post! Thank you so much for sharing your pearls with us!
January 26, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Sandy Perlic
Love, love your illustration style, Bonnie! And your advice isn’t bad, either… Thank you!
January 26, 2020 at 11:38 pm
Kari Gonzalez
Embrace the ideas that haunt you- what a powerful statement. The best food for thought! Thank you for your post.
January 26, 2020 at 11:47 pm
tiffanydickinson
Bonnie, I love that you have 10-year-old ideas rattling around. That gives me hope for my three-year-old ones. Thank you!
January 27, 2020 at 12:18 am
Eileen Saunders
Thanks for the thoughts. What about a graphic novel/comic book for your robot cowboy? I’ve been looking at that format for a couple of my ideas. Just a thought. I appreciate you sharing your ideas
January 27, 2020 at 12:37 am
Amy Harding
Those are some great pearls!
January 27, 2020 at 12:44 am
Dee Leone
I love the idea of embracing ideas that haunt you. Thank you for the pearls of wisdom. Your sketches are adorable.
January 27, 2020 at 1:08 am
kmajor2013
Thanks for the pep talk, Bonnie! I’m going to bookmark this post for future reference.
January 27, 2020 at 1:34 am
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for an inspiring post. I love this: “Embrace the ideas that haunt you.Think of them as creative sidekicks.”
January 27, 2020 at 1:36 am
Angela H. Dale
Thanks for the reminder to revisit old ideas. Storystorm is great for helping me think in new ways and get the creative juices going. I forget how it can lay the groundwork for new stories years later.
January 27, 2020 at 1:40 am
Terri Sabol
“A good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.” Love this!
January 27, 2020 at 2:18 am
Kaye Baillie
Beautiful work, Bonnie!
January 27, 2020 at 7:05 am
Diane Tulloch
Thank you Bonnie for reminding me to look back over my past ideas. You never know what might spark the perfect story
January 27, 2020 at 7:41 am
kaleegwarjanski
Thanks for the encouragement!
January 27, 2020 at 7:43 am
Dee Knabb
Thanks, Bonnie. I love your suggestions. The reminder that we evolve like our stories do is a smart strategy to review old ideas and shake them up.
January 27, 2020 at 7:50 am
teacherwriteracker
So much wisdom in one post! Thank you.
January 27, 2020 at 8:56 am
suzannepoulterharris
This! “A good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you’re ready for it, or until your skills catch up.”
January 27, 2020 at 9:49 am
Catherine
Your pearls of wisdom are brilliant Bonnie. I often go back over old StoryStorm ideas and have written stories that have combined ideas from two different years.
January 27, 2020 at 9:59 am
Brittanny Handiboe
I always forget that i’m an illustrator first and THEN a writer. I really should be sketching more during this process. Thank you for the post!
January 27, 2020 at 11:08 am
kyavorski
Participating in this challenge means I finally found one place to park all my ideas. It will be so much easier to revisit them now (my old method was scraps of paper and pages in notebooks – what WAS I thinking?)
January 27, 2020 at 11:12 am
Joan Swanson
I developed an idea just from one of your drawings. Thank you!
January 27, 2020 at 11:20 am
anneiversonbellsouthnet
How wonderful was this post? Need one really ask? What great advice and suggestions! Thank you, Bonnie for your precious pearls of wisdom!
January 27, 2020 at 11:35 am
Angela De Groot
I also have a cowboy picture book that’s been kicking around for years. One day, I’ll get it to work. Thanks for sharing your diamond and pearls.
January 27, 2020 at 11:53 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks, I like the idea of illustrating before writing!
January 27, 2020 at 11:54 am
lanearnold
Embrace. Revisit. Shake things up. Let’s do this!
January 27, 2020 at 11:56 am
Judy Palermo
Great advice! Thanks!
January 27, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Elizabeth W Saba
Thanks Bonnie. Perfect timimg for this post!
January 27, 2020 at 12:16 pm
SUSAN
Thank you!
January 27, 2020 at 12:19 pm
Michele Ziemke
I also deceived myself into believing that the story had to be perfect before I made dummies and made a few illustrations. I am so gonna take your February challenge and draw 29 ideas before I write next month! Can we make this a thing?
January 27, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Lauri Meyers
This is great advice Bonnie. It is fun to go back through those ideas with fresh eyes.
January 27, 2020 at 12:40 pm
saputnam
Great post, Bonnie!! Thank you for your “Pearls of Wisdom!”
I keep my PiBoIdMo and Storystorm folders handy and will go through them often, pulling a few here and a few there to work on, however there are 4 ideas that keep pulling at “me”… they are all in rough draft, very rough draft form but the one that I really want to be able to do reads more like a book report than a picture book… with the lowering of the word count accepted there is no fire in it which is why I am going to try it as a chapter book for ChaBoCha.
January 27, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
“A good idea has a way of hanging out in your head until you are ready for it, or until your skills catch up.” BRILLIANT. Just put that on a sticky note to keep handy THANK YOU!!!
January 27, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Gabi Snyder
It’s amazing what a little time and accumulated wisdom/tricks can do for an idea. Thanks for sharing these great pearls of wisdom with us, Bonnie!
January 27, 2020 at 1:42 pm
Priya Gopal
Great post, Bonnie. I haven’t dug in my old posts yet and I agree, we change and in time our perspective on old ideas can change, too. I love what you are doing with mining your artistic side first.
January 27, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Laura Jean Watters
The suggestion to try the sketch first is very appealing especially since I hear so many educators talk about the importance of visual literacy. After going to Bonnie’s website and seeing how energetic her sketches posted there are, I really got the idea.
January 27, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Pamela Haskin
Such great encouragement! I’m sorry about your dry-spells, but it is encouraging to know that even some of the most successful authors and illustrators struggle at times too. Thanks so much, Bonnie, for sharing with us.
January 27, 2020 at 2:29 pm
kirstenbockblog
What beautiful illustrations, Bonnie! Thanks so much for sharing your pearls of wisdom.
January 27, 2020 at 2:40 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Good advice. I’m going to search for some of my very first stories and see if they take me in a new direction.
January 27, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
I love going back through my notebooks of ideas… I always find something exciting in there… Thanks for the pep talk!
January 27, 2020 at 3:40 pm
candicewolff
I just love that adorable squirrel! I knew exactly what you meant when you said, “the ideas that haunt you.” I definitely have a few of those that keep demanding my attention over and over. Very good insights!
January 27, 2020 at 3:40 pm
MV
Clever how you turned your approach around to good effect.
January 27, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
“Embrace the ideas that haunt you”. I love this. And it scares me. 🙂
January 27, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Your pearls of wisdom are very appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to share.
January 27, 2020 at 4:39 pm
Leigh Therriault
Such wonderful pears of wisdom and love the wily squirrel! 🌊🐿
January 27, 2020 at 4:54 pm
angie9091
Thank you for your pearls (and diamond) or wisdom!
January 27, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Suwin Chan
Thanks for the nudge to revisit my old pal! Her new story idea is percolating and I’m very excited about it!
January 27, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Deborah Foster
I love your illustrations and your pearls of wisdom!
January 27, 2020 at 6:29 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Good advice, Bonnie, thank you for your pearls!
January 27, 2020 at 6:37 pm
Kellie
Fabulous pearls – love them all – but particularly the one about embracing the idea that haunts you. I have a couple of stories I could never make work, but that was years ago and (I hope) my craft has improved now … so I might pick a new technique and go back to them. I’m really keen to try sketching my ideas too (for my eyes only!)
January 27, 2020 at 7:39 pm
LJ Laniewski
Thank you for your pearls of wisdom and that diamond! Your post reminded me that my feelings are normal. The most important thing is continuing on.
January 27, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
SO MUCH wisdom here. Thank you so much.
January 27, 2020 at 9:26 pm
ashleykoney
Thank you for sharing your pearls of wisdom…I like the idea of revisiting the ideas that haunt us.
January 27, 2020 at 10:15 pm
deirdreprischmann
This was a great post, and made me feel WAY better about having stories I’ve been working on for years and years.
January 27, 2020 at 10:26 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Bonnie. Your illustrations are adorable!
January 27, 2020 at 11:39 pm
Linda Silvestri
I love your idea of turning your ideas into sketches after Storystorm, during the month of February. I think I know what my February is going to look like. Thanks for the great idea!
January 28, 2020 at 12:33 am
Amy Newbold
I love your art! Thanks for the reminder that some ideas take time. Great post.
January 28, 2020 at 1:13 am
Jilanne Hoffmann
“Embrace the ideas that haunt you,” rings so true to me. I’ve got ones that I keep returning to that I just can’t make work—YET. Someday they will!
January 28, 2020 at 1:19 am
jefnamc
It’s so reassuring to hear about the ideas that hang around. I have a number if those and you never know, right? You’ve got great illustration styles, Bonnie!
January 28, 2020 at 7:17 am
Mel Copeman
Funny enough I found an old piboidmo idea book from 2012 the other day, I will have to see if theres any good ideas in it.
January 28, 2020 at 8:58 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Make the words go with the pictures, rather than the other way ‘round. Brilliant!
January 28, 2020 at 11:15 am
Genevieve Petrillo
In spite of your periods of “temporary insanity” I enjoyed this post. This is my first year of illustrating each of my ideas. It’s fun, even though I am not and never will be an illustrator. I draw like a 3 year old. But it changes the way you look at things when you are scanning for something to draw later in the day.
January 28, 2020 at 11:27 am
doreenrobinson
Love your all your pearls and your diamond of wisdom! I’m hanging in there!
January 28, 2020 at 11:53 am
Anita Banks
Wonderful pearls and diamonds!
January 28, 2020 at 12:00 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I have participated for many years in Tara’s PiBoIdMo/StoryStorm challenge so thankfully, I have tons of PB ideas to draw from…;-)
Great post!
Donna L Martin
Story Catcher Publishing
January 28, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Krista Maxwell
Great advice!
January 28, 2020 at 12:02 pm
leahpsmoser
As a first time Storystorm participant, I enjoy reading about your past experiences.
January 28, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thank you!
January 28, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Alicia Lopez
Thanks for the ideas!
January 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Jenn
I love all your illustrations! I’m curious about your February sketch a day exercise so I’m off to check out that post. Thank you for sharing!
January 28, 2020 at 1:20 pm
susaninez0905
Thank you for your advice and inspiration. It is tough sometimes knowing it will take quite a while to get things ‘just right’. Your pearls of wisdom and just what we need to keep the momentum going. 🙂
January 28, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Kristin Wauson
SUCH a good post. I’ve been drawing my ideas too lately and it has been really fun.
January 28, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Thanks for your pearls os wisdom.
January 28, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
Love the wisdom and the reminder that we are in this for the long haul 🙂
January 28, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Jane Dippold
As an illustrator, I love your idea of sketch first! Thanks for your inspiring post!
January 28, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 28, 2020 at 6:07 pm
megcason1
Oh Bonnie, just the pep talk I needed!
January 28, 2020 at 6:17 pm
Nancy Riley
Wow, love the idea of a sketch per idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 28, 2020 at 6:19 pm
Joyce
Three lovely pearls and a diamond. Thanks!
January 28, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Thank you for the ideas today!
January 28, 2020 at 8:58 pm
Alexis
What wonderful pearls of wisdom. ❤️
January 28, 2020 at 10:02 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Thank you for your post Bonnie. I appreciate all of your pearls and diamond!
January 28, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Nadine Poper
Thank you for the reminder about revisiting my ideas from past Storystorms.
January 28, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Judy Bryan
Thank you for sharing your pearls and diamonds of wisdom. Great tips! Love your illustrations, too!!
January 29, 2020 at 4:01 am
Nancy Kotkin
You’re a very talented illustrator. Thanks for loaning out your pearls.
January 29, 2020 at 6:51 am
marziehaali
Thank you for the pearls of wisdom!!
January 29, 2020 at 9:55 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Love your cute illustrations! Thanks for bringing attention to the ideas that haunt us.
January 29, 2020 at 10:57 am
Tracy Hora
Such cute illustrations! Thanks for the pearls of wisdom.
January 29, 2020 at 11:44 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Bonnie, such gems! Your encouragement is priceless. Thanks!
January 29, 2020 at 12:19 pm
dlapmandi
Bonnie so good to see you back in the crafting world whether it be illustration or writing. Loved your Pearl’s of wisdom. Thanks for the post.
January 29, 2020 at 2:27 pm
alisongoldberg
Thanks for sharing your journey, and for reminding us to revisit the ideas over time.
January 29, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Susie Sawyer
Wow, Bonnie, I related to SO many things you said here! Thank you for these pearls – I especially am excited to look back at my previous Storystorm ideas (I’ve also been a participant since 2009!).
January 29, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Laura Renauld
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
January 29, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Great post. Thank you for aharung. I liked when you said to embrace the ideas that haunt you.
January 29, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Helen Lysicatos
I really enjoyed your post, thank you for the pearls.
January 29, 2020 at 5:57 pm
gattodesign
Hang in there and keep trying over and over! That is the greatest challenge to stay in the game. Thanks for the inspirational words.
January 29, 2020 at 7:27 pm
Virginia Manning
Thank you, Bonnie! Your dedicated participation in Storystorm is an inspiration to me!!! I’m happy to say that this year I have 31 ideas and one first draft based on one of my 2020 ideas : ) YAY!!! And ooooo I’d love to win a copy of Ruttabagga Boo! for the preschool where I work! Thanks again!
January 29, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Elle
I love it that you finally found your right process! Great advice.
January 29, 2020 at 8:08 pm
Erin Buhr
Amazing. I loved your pearls of wisdom. So inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2020 at 11:23 pm
Shanah Salter
Love your illustrations!
January 30, 2020 at 3:13 am
Gaby Lagos
Bonnie, thanks for highlighting the importance of Storystorm 2020. Having the opportunity to access knowledge by shared experiences is a great learning opportunity. I am feeling full of optimism with the tools that I am gaining through the posts.
January 30, 2020 at 12:15 pm
DK Ryland
Love the illustrations!
January 30, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Anne Appert
Love your illustrations and your advice. Thank you for your post!
January 30, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Judy Sobanski
Thank you for sharing your perspective on StoryStorm and creativity!
January 30, 2020 at 3:08 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration, Bonnie! I loved the sketches you shared:)
January 30, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks for the pearls and diamond, Bonnie! And congratulations on all your book successes. Love your idea of sketching the ideas before expanding with words. Some old Storystorm ideas revisit me even without me revisiting them, begging to be added to this year’s ideas, giving me new twists, details, and info I didn’t know about in past years. Proof they’ve been swimming around in the PB region of my brain.
January 30, 2020 at 5:56 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Your pearls of wisdom greatly appreciated! Writing is definitely a journey.
January 30, 2020 at 7:21 pm
Maria J Cuesta
I live your gems. Thanks a lot! Very useful!
January 30, 2020 at 7:46 pm
kjerstenhayes
“Embrace the ideas that haunt you” One of the best pieces advice from this year! Also I want to look back now and see what year I started StoryStorm/PiBoIdMo… Thank you!
January 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm
Lynne Marie
Such great pearls of wisdom, thank you!
January 30, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Mary Zychowicz
Great pearls of wisdom. Thanks for sharing your journey.
January 30, 2020 at 9:03 pm
Gabriele
Thanks for all the great tips! I love scrolling through past StoryStorm ideas and seeing them in new ways!
January 31, 2020 at 1:29 am
Dani Duck
Thank you so much for your post Bonnie. I love your new style. Yes, the old style was beautiful too, but your new style is so fun!
January 31, 2020 at 3:01 am
Brenda Grant Lower
I’ve never really thought of illustrating (I can draw a little, but not professional quality at all!), but sketching random ideas sounds like so much fun!
January 31, 2020 at 3:10 am
Sylvia Chen
Love everything you shared, and your illustrations are so adorable! Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 4:12 am
Shar
So much good here to learn from. Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 5:21 am
sharongiltrow
Thank you for these pearls of wisdom and reminding me to hang in there :-).
January 31, 2020 at 8:40 am
Michele Helsel
I sometimes feel I have too many haunting ideas following me. Thanks for the pearls and diamond.
January 31, 2020 at 8:55 am
Sue Gagliardi
Thank you for the inspiration and ideas! Your work is wonderful!
January 31, 2020 at 9:58 am
Darshana
I love this post! I’ll be using it as a touchstone. Your artwork is adorable!
January 31, 2020 at 12:47 pm
topangamaria
Tenacity is such a lovely word and concept
January 31, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Becky Shillington
Bonnie, you are always so brilliant! Thank you for sharing these wonderful Pearls of Wisdom! 🙂
January 31, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Shawna JC Tenney
I really love your idea of turning all your ideas into a sketch first! Great idea!
January 31, 2020 at 4:03 pm
Lucy Staugler
Bonnie, your illustrations warmed me soul! Your advice just created a pearl necklace for me….with a diamond in the middle! Thank you!
January 31, 2020 at 5:59 pm
Karen Lawler
I really enjoyed your sketches and the thoughts that came with them.. THANKS 🙂
January 31, 2020 at 8:38 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for the great inspiration
February 1, 2020 at 12:27 am
KASteed
Great tips!
February 1, 2020 at 12:39 am
Michelle Kashinsky
This is so true and such a good reminder. Getting out my past Storystorm journals and thumbing though. Thank you!
February 1, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Thank you for reminding me to “embrace the ideas that haunt me”! I have a book of so many ideas, but there are some that visit me in my sleep! These are my friends, I just know it!
February 1, 2020 at 5:45 pm
shellshock7
thank you!
February 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Johanna
I am going to try and sketch my Storystorm ideas this year. Eeek! We’ll see how it goes 😉
February 3, 2020 at 2:33 am
Susan Cabael
I agree that old ideas continue to haunt me, and taking them on now is a whole different game than it was years ago–revising with an updated set of craft knowledge really can make a whole different story now vs. then.
February 3, 2020 at 5:49 pm
rhumba20
Thank you Bonnie! I really enjoyed reading your post. Will takes those pearls of wisdom and get to work😀
Anna Levin
February 3, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you Bonnie for the words of encouragement. I have several ideas that have been rattling around my brain for about 5 or more years. Can’t put my finger on the whole manuscript yet but I keep trying.
February 4, 2020 at 10:39 am
Susanne Whitehouse
Love your art and how it has evolved! Thank you for sharing.
February 5, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing these pearls of wisdom, Bonnie. I agree that the Storystorm process is very much one of self-discovery and “learning to listen to and trust your creative voice.” Love the notion of embracing ‘the ideas that haunt you’ and thinking of them as creative sidekicks. Wonderful post!
February 6, 2020 at 1:46 am
Mirka
Thank you for your post. Its nice to hear that other get into ruts too and not just you
February 16, 2020 at 1:08 pm
dinatowbin
Thanks for sharing.