Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)

Home | Pages | Archives

Storystorm 2020 Day 29: Jill Esbaum Knocks the Rust Off Her Receptor Antennae

January 29, 2020 7:00 am

by Jill Esbaum

One little story idea per day. That’s all Storystorm asks.

Yet, in past years, I’ve petered out about January 18th-19th. Oh, I didn’t lack enthusiasm. I lacked discipline. Sooner or later my mind wanted to spin one of those sparkly new ideas into a story, and I let it. Then I got the teensiest bit obsessed, to the exclusion of everything else. My good intentions to make it to the 31st? Kaput. Sorry, Storystorm.

THIS YEAR, I made it. This year, I approached Storystorm not as a hopeful writer looking for a great new idea, but purely as playtime. Farting around. Romping through my brain’s weirder recesses.

Are the ideas I jotted far-fetched? Absurd? Impossibly lame? Yeah, baby. And woo-hoo! Because nobody cares. Nobody. For me, Storystorm is a way of knocking the rust from my receptor antennae so ideas can keep pinging in long beyond January 31st—while I’m reading, watching TV, hanging with friends, babysitting, on family outings, etc. If one of those pings becomes a story later on, great. If not, that’s fine, too.

A few recent pings that led to publication:

While babysitting…

I was watching my 2-month-old granddaughter. She was a little fussy, so I was walking her around, bouncing her a bit, and whispering sweet nothings, like Grammys do. Without thinking, I said, “Oh, sweetie. Don’t cry. We love babies… yes, we doooo…” Instantly, that old cheer popped into my head:  “We got spirit, yes, we do! We got spirit, how ‘bout you?!” That led to the just-published WE LOVE BABIES, a rhyming cheer declaring everything we love about baby animals.

While observing kids…

At the county fair, there was a kiddo who you never saw without his beloved red rubber boots. That turned into FROG BOOTS (releasing March 3, 2020), about a kindergartener, Dylan, who falls hard for a pair of rain boots covered in multi-colored poison dart frogs—his favorite animal. But when he proudly wears them to school, another kid announces that, because they’re purple, they’re girl boots, and Dylan has to decide whether to abandon them forever…or not.

While reading the newspaper…

I saw an article about a long-distance trucker who lost his tiny dog at an interstate rest area, but he didn’t realize the dog had jumped from the cab until he was hours away. He couldn’t turn around immediately without losing his job. ANGST. Long story, short:  The little dog, believing his buddy would come back for him, WAITED at the rest stop for two entire days. (Yes, there was a happy ending.) I couldn’t help but jump into the mind and heart of that lost-and-loyal doggy, which became WHERE’D MY JO GO? (releasing April 15, 2020).

.

So our challenge, here at the end of the month, is to KEEP those antennae up, now that we’ve got ‘em greased and upright. Then, no matter what we’re doing in our “real lives,” we’ll be open and aware and (like Hotel California) programmed to receive.

The piano teacher was right:  Practice really does make perfect. And Storystorm provides the perfect opportunity for focused practice. (Thank you, Tara!)

Jill Esbaum lives on a family farm in eastern Iowa, where she writes picture books and nonfiction. Her latest picture book is WE LOVE BABIES (National Geographic). Several of her books have been nominated for state awards, and her I AM COW, HEAR ME MOO! won a SCBWI Crystal Kite.

Learn more about Jill and her books at jillesbaum.com and picturebookbuilders.com. Find her on Facebook at Author Jill Esbaum and on Twitter at @JEsbaum.

Jill is giving away two prizes to two lucky winners—a picture book critique and a copy of her new book WE LOVE BABIES!

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!

 

Share this:

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2020

Tags: , , ,

574 Responses to “Storystorm 2020 Day 29: Jill Esbaum Knocks the Rust Off Her Receptor Antennae”

  1. Wonderful! And, boy do I love hearing that a book came from cooing to your grandbaby. I had lots of made up songs I sang to my kids long ago. You just gave me today’s idea!

    By Linda Mitchell on January 29, 2020 at 7:05 am

  2. Thank you! I now have an idea to work on.

    By Jeanne Cherney on January 29, 2020 at 7:08 am

  3. Loved hearing how your ideas for books developed!

    By Laurie on January 29, 2020 at 7:09 am

  4. Ideas do come more freely when I turn off the judgey part of my brain! Thanks for the great post. Nice to see how playing around with ideas led to something more.

    By Andrea Mack on January 29, 2020 at 7:09 am

  5. Thank you! This is definitely a post I needed this morning:)

    By Kathi Morrison-Taylor on January 29, 2020 at 7:09 am

  6. Jill, thank you my gift. It was an epiphany moment. I can play. WAHOO!

    By kiwijenny on January 29, 2020 at 7:10 am

  7. You’re right Jill, This has been great practice! Thanks for sharing how your ideas became books!

    By tinamcho on January 29, 2020 at 7:10 am

  8. Great post. Definitely something I need to work on.

    By Stacey Corrigan on January 29, 2020 at 7:13 am

    1. Great perspective! I’ve finally made a routine of Storystorm this year and the ideas are a flowin’.

      By michelemeleen on January 29, 2020 at 8:09 am

  9. Far-fetched and absurd are right up my alley! Great way to keep pushing through for ideas!

    By tanyakonerman on January 29, 2020 at 7:16 am

  10. Thank you for the reminder that practice makes perfect. That is, write every day.

    By Patricia Alcaro on January 29, 2020 at 7:17 am

  11. Jill, you’ve given me inspiration! Congratulations on your new books.
    Gail Hartman

    By thecrowsmap on January 29, 2020 at 7:19 am

  12. Great post — thank you! Love the idea o entertaining the absurd!

    By Lauren Barbieri on January 29, 2020 at 7:20 am

  13. “The piano teacher was right:  Practice really does make perfect. And Storystorm provides the perfect opportunity for focused practice. (Thank you, Tara!)”

    True, true.

    By Kaylynn Johnsen on January 29, 2020 at 7:22 am

  14. Great post, Jill! I started petering out this year around January 22nd, or whenever last Saturday was. Sure, I had 170+ story ideas, most of them junk, but the month wasn’t over yet!!! So, thanks to your cheer-leading, I’m getting back on the horse and finishing the race! haha Congrats on your upcoming publications!!!

    By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 29, 2020 at 7:22 am

  15. Thank you, Jill. I love your books, and it’s fun to hear some of their origin stories.

    By David McMullin on January 29, 2020 at 7:25 am

  16. Thanks for a great post, Jill. I always love learning the inspiration of people’s books!

    By kirsticall on January 29, 2020 at 7:26 am

  17. So glad you knocked the dust off and finished your list this year!

    By Bettie Boswell on January 29, 2020 at 7:27 am

  18. Thanks for cheering us on, Jill! Antennae’s greased, alert and ready to receive here–thanks to this incredible month of creation we so appreciatively call Storystorm!

    By Suzanne Lewis on January 29, 2020 at 7:29 am

  19. Your stories have a lot of heart. Lovely post – may the ideas keep blooming.

    By Kate Peridot on January 29, 2020 at 7:30 am

  20. Just loved hearing where your own ideas came from. Thanks for the inspiration, Jill!

    By Rebecca on January 29, 2020 at 7:32 am

  21. Can’t wait to read Where’d My Jo Go? Thank you for the inspiration.

    By Robin Perkins on January 29, 2020 at 7:34 am

  22. Love your approach to Storystorm this year! Thank you for sharing your process!

    By Kim Wilson on January 29, 2020 at 7:34 am

  23. Thank you! A great reminder on idea discipline. It is hard for me to stay motivated the whole month. Especially if I get ahead and hit the magic 31 idea mark early before the month is over.

    By kaleegwarjanski on January 29, 2020 at 7:35 am

  24. I’m following you!— keep my eyes and ears open and my pencil writing!

    By Colleen Dabney on January 29, 2020 at 7:38 am

  25. Thank you, Jill, for giving us this final PUSH!!

    By Laurie Carmody on January 29, 2020 at 7:41 am

  26. Cool! Thanks for letting us take a peek into your process,

    By Linda Schueler on January 29, 2020 at 7:46 am

  27. Great way to leave the house: phone, keys, and antennae up!

    By Lori Dubbin on January 29, 2020 at 7:56 am

  28. Loved your motivational story! Very inspirational. Xo Tammi

    By Tammi Janiga on January 29, 2020 at 8:01 am

  29. Thanks, Jill! Love those stories you found!

    By Kathy Erskine on January 29, 2020 at 8:02 am

  30. Thank you, Jill! And thank you, Tara! This is my second Storystorm, and it is a great way to start the year with some fresh ideas and inspiration (haha even if some of those ideas are sooo laughable they could never be a story…or could they?!).

    By Joy on January 29, 2020 at 8:05 am

  31. Your process sounds so much fun! Thanks for sharing Jill.

    By Sandhya Rose on January 29, 2020 at 8:06 am

  32. Love your inspirations for ideas, and how they can come any time, anywhere! Thanks! 🙂

    By M.R. on January 29, 2020 at 8:07 am

  33. Thanks Jill for the encouraging words. Ideas are everywhere! Congrats on all your up coming books.

    By Kathy Raggio on January 29, 2020 at 8:08 am

  34. First off all, I love the title of this post… Jill Esbaum Knocks The Rust Off Her Receptor Antennae. Receptor Antennae – who even thinks of that? Hahaha!

    Thank you, Jill, for reminding me to put my idea glasses on as I ramble about (It’s 7:04 am and I already talked about rose-colored glassed, jade colored glasses and now idea glasses). Theme of my day? Ooooo… maybe another Storystorm idea! Double thanks, Jill!

    By Robin Jordan on January 29, 2020 at 8:09 am

  35. Inspiring to hear about the genesis of your upcoming books. Thank you!

    By Susan on January 29, 2020 at 8:11 am

  36. Thank you Jill. I love your photos! I’m in awe that you write books for National Geographic. I love Winter Wonderland and Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin Pie. And i can’t wait to read Where’d my Jo go? and Frog Boots when they come out! Thanks for sharing with us how you came to write them.

    By authoryvonafast on January 29, 2020 at 8:11 am

  37. Wow, how amazing you came up with those ideas and they became books!

    By Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon) on January 29, 2020 at 8:14 am

  38. Thanks for the encouragement, Jill! We can do it, yes we can!

    By Cathy L. Murphy on January 29, 2020 at 8:15 am

  39. Oooh Oooh. Love seeing your process. One of your story ideas just pinged a new article that I read and haven’t been able to keep out of my head but it didn’t immediately strike me as picture book. But now I see the path. Glad my antenna was up. Day 29: Check! Gotta go!

    By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 29, 2020 at 8:16 am

  40. Thanks, Jill! Looking forward to reading these new titles. And thanks for the reminder that ideas are everywhere if we are open to letting them in. You are a great motivator!

    By rosecappelli on January 29, 2020 at 8:17 am

  41. Yes, Storystorm has made me realize that ideas can come from the most mundane stuff. Thank you for sharing your inspiration, Jill.

    By Riya Zachariah on January 29, 2020 at 8:17 am

  42. I’m with you–I need to do more farting around! I didn’t make it through Storystorm last year, but I did this year.

    By Jennifer Blanck on January 29, 2020 at 8:18 am

  43. All of your books sound wonderful. Can’t wait to read them!

    By Lauri Fortino on January 29, 2020 at 8:19 am

  44. I need to read, WHERE’D MY JO GO. The title and the look on the face of that little dog touched my heart. I’ve read lots of your books, Jill, and always enjoy them. Thank you for reminding us to keep our antenna up. We never know where inspiration will come from.

    By debobrienbookscom on January 29, 2020 at 8:22 am

  45. Thanks for keeping me focused right to the end! Congratulations on your new books.

    By Jay on January 29, 2020 at 8:23 am

  46. Loved this post, Jill! Congratulations on your publications, they all look great!

    By Kelly Jaques on January 29, 2020 at 8:23 am

  47. Thanks for the advice to keep my antennae up. Ideas are everywhere. I needed to hear this right now! I look forward to reading your books.

    By Janet on January 29, 2020 at 8:24 am

  48. Another great post! I love hearing the inspiration for these books!

    By VC on January 29, 2020 at 8:25 am

  49. I like cheers if a far more perverse variety.

    By reluctantspy on January 29, 2020 at 8:29 am

  50. Love seeing how your daily observations led to published stories!

    By Kara Newhouse on January 29, 2020 at 8:31 am

  51. Hi Jill, what a great post for today! We need to keep the radar/antennae up and running. YOU have been on a tear writing these new books. Her’s to BABIES, FROG BOOTS, and JO.

    By Kathy Halsey on January 29, 2020 at 8:31 am

  52. Focused practice is definitely a plus. Thanks for sharing your inspiration.

    By Zoraida Rivera on January 29, 2020 at 8:31 am

  53. Thank you for sharing! And that trucker story–gah!

    By orchardka on January 29, 2020 at 8:32 am

  54. Fantastic advice! Thanks Jill, and congratulations on all your books.

    By Marianne Knowles on January 29, 2020 at 8:35 am

  55. I love the granddaughter story, hahaha. Thanks.

    By asiqueira1307 on January 29, 2020 at 8:35 am

  56. Great advice! Thanks! My music teacher used to say “practice makes permanent.” She meant that if you practice something wrong you will cement those pathways in your brain, so don’t practice it wrong over and over. But since there’s no wrong way to Storystorm, I say practice away however you want.

    By Rachel Funez on January 29, 2020 at 8:41 am

  57. Love your stories! Greasing my antennas! Thanks, Jill!

    By stiefelchana on January 29, 2020 at 8:42 am

  58. Congratulations on completing Storystorm and thanks for the inspiration to do the same! Looking forward to checking out your new books!

    By jenfierjasinski on January 29, 2020 at 8:42 am

  59. I love hearing the stories behind the book ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    By Jennifer Kay on January 29, 2020 at 8:44 am

  60. Thanks for sharing! We Love Babies looks adorable!

    By nrompella on January 29, 2020 at 8:51 am

  61. Thank you for sharing these anecdotes… Inspiration truly is EVERYWHERE! Congrats on all your amazing and well-earned successes!

    By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 29, 2020 at 8:52 am

  62. Great post. Loved the way you worked your ideas.

    By steveheron on January 29, 2020 at 8:54 am

  63. Thanks for sharing your journey through Storystorm as well as how some of your ideas became books. Very inspirational!

    By Beth Charles on January 29, 2020 at 9:00 am

  64. Great post, but it’s not day 30 it’s day 29!!!

    By Franny G on January 29, 2020 at 9:01 am

  65. Jill, so happy to have met you at a summer writing conference in GA. You are churning out some great books. Such good ideas for story-starters.

    By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 29, 2020 at 9:06 am

  66. Woo hoo for absurd ideas!

    By Jennifer Lane Wilson on January 29, 2020 at 9:06 am

  67. What great tips! Many thanks for sharing!

    By Meli Glickman on January 29, 2020 at 9:09 am

  68. Fun ideas, Jill! Thanks for sharing. And congratulations! Hoping to see you at the Des Moines SCBWI conference in April.

    By Amy Houts on January 29, 2020 at 9:09 am

  69. Love all these examples of where you’re ideas come from. And can’t wait to read all your new books. Thanks!!

    By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 29, 2020 at 9:11 am

  70. Yes Tara, thank you! I can’t wait to read Where did my Jo go! Thank you for the advise that it doesn’t matter if it is weird or absurd, jot it down:)

    By Joan Swanson on January 29, 2020 at 9:12 am

  71. Inspiring ideas, and I have to admit I completely smitten with the dog story. What a good pup!
    I often find the best ideas when I’m doing something else. They find me. Kind of like Jo.
    Best of luck with all of your projects, Jill.

    By Cathy Lentes on January 29, 2020 at 9:13 am

  72. Thank you for your ENCOURAGEMENT to play, persist, and publish!

    By charlestrevino on January 29, 2020 at 9:13 am

  73. These books look fun! I love hearing where they cane from!

    By debbiearnn on January 29, 2020 at 9:14 am

  74. WAIT–It’s the end of the month? Oh, my gosh! Ideas are cranking away! Thanks for the encouragement, Jill, to keep them coming. I look forward to your new releases!

    By Jane Heitman Healy on January 29, 2020 at 9:15 am

  75. Hoping to keep my antennae raised and receptive to any and all ideas. My Storystorm file is also full of weird, and incredibly lame bits and pieces, but there are definitely some ideas that I’m looking forward to pursuing! Congratulations on your three books!

    By Joan Longstaff on January 29, 2020 at 9:15 am

  76. Thank you for your inspiring story. Picture book writers must always keep our eyes and ears open to possibilities.

    By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 29, 2020 at 9:20 am

  77. Hi, Jill! I look forward to reading FROG BOOTS (great title) and WHERE’D MY JO GO? (love the pup on the cover).

    By Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 29, 2020 at 9:22 am

  78. I loved your post and how you arrived at your ideas or should I say how some ideas arrived at your door? Thank you for the excitement. And thank goodness for grandbabies.

    By TerriMichels on January 29, 2020 at 9:25 am

  79. Thank you, Jill! I’ve been able to hang in there so far, but now your blog has made me realize I need to keep going and stay open regardless of the calendar.

    By Writer on the run on January 29, 2020 at 9:26 am

  80. I usually come up with a whole bunch of ideas but this year I’m struggling. Just have to keep all my senses aware for any new ideas that may strike!

    By Brittanny Handiboe on January 29, 2020 at 9:29 am

  81. Very good advice to keep our receptors active all year long!

    By Lara Elliott on January 29, 2020 at 9:31 am

  82. Thanks, Jill! Love your tips to keep ideas flowing and reading the backstories of your books.

    By kimpfenn on January 29, 2020 at 9:33 am

  83. Good advice to keep those ideas flowing all year long!

    By Katie L. Carroll on January 29, 2020 at 9:33 am

  84. Congratulations on your success.Yes, I will keep going and going after January. Thank you for the inspiration.

    By Darlene Koppel on January 29, 2020 at 9:34 am

  85. Such great advice. Your books look wonderful, too! Thank you!

    By Jennifer Weisse on January 29, 2020 at 9:37 am

  86. I completely agree that the challenge of Storystorm is changing the brain to make it more receptive to new ideas. I too hit a slump, and panicked — I really wanted to complete this — but a night of re-reading posts and travelling down the rabbit hole of the internet led to my favorite ideas this year. Thanks for this great post.

    By Susan Wroble on January 29, 2020 at 9:37 am

  87. Love how ideas just come about in your daily routines. They can come from anywhere. Thank You

    By Bru Benson on January 29, 2020 at 9:38 am

  88. Loved reading how those three books developed. Inspiration can be found everywhere

    By Rachel on January 29, 2020 at 9:38 am

  89. Agree with everybody else on the good advice!

    By ofmariaantonia on January 29, 2020 at 9:38 am

  90. “Knocking the rust from my receptor antennae”— so fun! Thanks, Jill, for much-needed encouragement to keep going until the end. I look forward to reading your books!

    By Rebecca E. Hirsch on January 29, 2020 at 9:39 am

  91. Great post.

    By Rachel on January 29, 2020 at 9:40 am

  92. Jill is a treasure to the writing community! Love her words of encouragement.

    By Becki Kidd on January 29, 2020 at 9:41 am

  93. Jill,
    I liked hearing where your ideas came from and how they became stories. It was also fun to see your book covers. Congratulations!

    By Mark Ceilley on January 29, 2020 at 9:42 am

  94. Thanks for sharing. I loved your ideas!

    By Krista Maxwell on January 29, 2020 at 9:42 am

  95. Sweet ideas, Jill. Thanks for sharing what inspires you. I’m looking forward to checking out your new books!

    By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 29, 2020 at 9:42 am

  96. The story of the little lost dog pulled at my heartstrings. I can’t wait to read WHERE’D MY JO GO?

    By Catherine on January 29, 2020 at 9:44 am

  97. Your ideas turned into wonderful looking books. Congratulations!

    By lmconnors on January 29, 2020 at 9:45 am

  98. Thank you for sharing. Your books look wonderful. My antennae is vibrating and rust is falling like copper rain.

    By Sarah Tobias on January 29, 2020 at 9:45 am

  99. We have to keep those antennae on even on the days when the reception isn’t as good. Thanks for the encouraging words

    By Hélène Sabourin on January 29, 2020 at 9:46 am

  100. Thanks for the inspiration! January definitely drags on.

    By SpeechVine on January 29, 2020 at 9:46 am

  101. Great post today! My Storystorm ideas are all over the place, but who knows what eventually will come out of them!

    By Jessica Potts on January 29, 2020 at 9:46 am

  102. Great reminder! I loved reading about where some of your ideas came from. 🙂

    By Janet Johnson on January 29, 2020 at 9:49 am

  103. Great ideas! Thank you!

    By Stefanie Hohl on January 29, 2020 at 9:51 am

  104. WooHoo! Yes, nobody cares about some of my ridiculous ideas! The most bizarre might end up being the best…
    Thanks Jill!!! 🥰

    By Michele Ziemke on January 29, 2020 at 9:51 am

  105. I loved hearing how some of your ideas came to fruition. Thank you!

    By rgstones on January 29, 2020 at 9:51 am

  106. So many shiny ideas to follow…looking forward to FROG BOOTS and the others. You manage to make it sounds so straight-forward that I’m hopeful even though I know it won’t be easy.

    By Mary Worley on January 29, 2020 at 9:52 am

  107. I love hearing you got the idea by playing with your grand baby! Keep those ideas coming and you do have some great ones! Thank you for sharing your inspiration!

    By Kelly Vavala on January 29, 2020 at 9:53 am

  108. Great Advice! Thank you, Jill

    By Tara Hannon on January 29, 2020 at 9:53 am

  109. Excellent advice. Thank you.

    By Johnell DeWitt on January 29, 2020 at 9:55 am

  110. Such a good reminder to absorb the inspirational tidbits and see what may develop! Congrats on these great new books on the way Jill!

    By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 29, 2020 at 9:55 am

  111. Great advice! I should start reading the newspaper more! Ideas everywhere! Thank you Jill.

    By Kailei Pew on January 29, 2020 at 9:55 am

  112. My biggest takeaway from Storystorm is to be open, all day, every day. You never know when an idea will spark. Thank you, Jill, for sharing how you got some of your ideas. LOVE your books!!!

    By Judy Bryan on January 29, 2020 at 9:57 am

  113. So glad you said the dog story had a happy ending-what a nervous time for the fellow and glad you found the story! Congrats on your books and thanks for the post!

    By Megan Whitaker on January 29, 2020 at 9:58 am

  114. Thanks Jill! The final hoorah that we needed:>

    By Polly Sena Renner on January 29, 2020 at 10:05 am

  115. My antennae are still up. Thanks for the post.

    By Gregory E Bray on January 29, 2020 at 10:05 am

  116. I loved how your stories evolved. Thanks for sharing, Jill.

    By Debra Daugherty on January 29, 2020 at 10:06 am

  117. Thank you for sharing and for the wonderful advice.

    By Jane Serpa on January 29, 2020 at 10:08 am

  118. Thanks for the inspiration!

    By Jessica Coupé on January 29, 2020 at 10:10 am

  119. Thanks, Jill, for this insightful post.
    Your experience with Storystorms of the past mirror mine — petering out after mid-month or so. This year, I committed myself to sticking with it. I look forward to reading your books, especially the one about the dog with the happy ending. That made my day to hear. 🙂

    By lauriekaiserwrites on January 29, 2020 at 10:10 am

  120. Ideas are everywhere!

    By juliannahelt on January 29, 2020 at 10:11 am

  121. Oh the fun gibberish we say to babies! We let go of logic and ideas are born. StoryStorm has really reinforced the idea for me to not only be open to ideas but to also set aside a little time to think about what I’ve heard or run across. Sometimes something will strike me but I move on too quickly in the course of the day.

    By Carrie Williford (@carrietimes) on January 29, 2020 at 10:12 am

  122. Hi Jill – Fabulous tips! Love eliminating the guilt factor when writing trash 🙂 Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your upcoming publications..fabulous!

    By Deb Sullivan on January 29, 2020 at 10:12 am

  123. Thanks, Jill. I especially connected with the part where you talked about wanting to write a draft of an idea you came up with, instead of jotting down other ideas. That’s a hard impulse to fight.

    By Jeannie Whelan Santucci on January 29, 2020 at 10:13 am

  124. Thank you, Jill, for sharing your story ideas with us, though I do understand the desire to rush off with an idea and turn it into a story.

    By judyrubin13 on January 29, 2020 at 10:17 am

  125. Which just proves that ideas are all around! Looking forward to your trucker/dog book; your I Hatched! continues to crack me up:-)

    By Nancy Furstinger on January 29, 2020 at 10:18 am

  126. Thanks Jill. Sitting at karate practice right now waiting for the ninja muse to hit!

    By hmkingman on January 29, 2020 at 10:19 am

  127. Thank you!

    By Lisa Black on January 29, 2020 at 10:21 am

  128. Congrats with your ideas!

    By Anita Banks on January 29, 2020 at 10:21 am

  129. Thanks for sharing how your ideas became books. I admit, I failed SS this year, because post-knee-surgery brain fog and PT for hours each day stole what was left of motivation or real energy for most of this month… and then I got back into my final revisions on a book long waiting that time, too. But I saved all the mails, and know I’ll eventually spark ideas onto paper.

    By fireurchin / Bonnie Lambourn on January 29, 2020 at 10:22 am

  130. Great post! Thanks, Jill!

    By Daniele Arndt on January 29, 2020 at 10:25 am

  131. Can’t wait to pick up a copy of Where’d My Jo Go? Sounds wonderful! And thanks for the great tips, Jill. Practice does make perfect!

    By pathaap on January 29, 2020 at 10:25 am

  132. Planning to get an idea a day makes everything I look at during the day look different. It’s looking with a purpose. I like how you call it having greased and upright antennae. That’s exactly how it feels.

    By Genevieve Petrillo on January 29, 2020 at 10:26 am

  133. Thanks for reminding us to keep building on this mini habit we have started.

    By laurimacey on January 29, 2020 at 10:27 am

  134. Loved your post about ideas to stories! And can’t wait to read your books. They look adorable.

    By Tracy Hora on January 29, 2020 at 10:28 am

  135. I’ll be putting these words in my Storystorm notebook: “knocking the rust from my receptor antennae so ideas can keep pinging.” Thank you!

    By Liz Steinglass on January 29, 2020 at 10:28 am

  136. Love your ideas! All your books and upcoming titles… so fun and such heart☺️

    By Aimee on January 29, 2020 at 10:29 am

  137. Finding inspiration for a picture book is as simple as being aware of our surroundings–really looking and listening. I loved reading the stories about where the idea seeds came from for your sweet books. Thank you, Jill.

    By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on January 29, 2020 at 10:29 am

  138. we love picture books, yes, we do! and we love you too, Jill and Tara. Thanks for the pep talk

    By Joanne Roberts on January 29, 2020 at 10:30 am

  139. Thank you for sharing the inspiration for your book ideas. Love the imagery of a boy at the county fair in his red rubber boots! 🙂

    By Brenna Becker on January 29, 2020 at 10:33 am

  140. Thank you for helping me remember back to a child who stands out in my mind and is a great topic for a new story. The rust was starting to form until I saw the title, Frog Boots. I have one new story idea and I am going to work on it all day.

    By Sheri Radovich on January 29, 2020 at 10:36 am

  141. Hi Jill, I know this happened a couple of years ago but congratulations on your Best in Rhyme award. Looking forward to your celebration of lovable baby animals and to meeting your loyal character, Jo! Thank you for reminding us that you never know what a little farting around in January can do for the rest of your year. Thank you, Tara, for bringing a critique from Jill into the treasure trove of prizes this year.

    By Marty lapointe-malchik on January 29, 2020 at 10:38 am

  142. Congratulations! And thanks for the wonderful post!

    By beckylevine on January 29, 2020 at 10:40 am

  143. Great advice! Thanks for sharing!

    By Janice Woods on January 29, 2020 at 10:41 am

  144. Oh my gosh, your inspiration for Where’d My Jo Go? almost made me cry! So sweet and heartbreaking. Can’t wait to check that one out.

    By bymaggiebrown on January 29, 2020 at 10:44 am

  145. Thank you for that reminder to just play. No pressure.

    By mommamoocow on January 29, 2020 at 10:47 am

  146. I love the simplicity of Storystorm, to just let ideas play and try to capture them. I’m working on keeping attentive to those pings. So glad your pings led to some wonderful books!

    By Brinton Culp on January 29, 2020 at 10:49 am

  147. Thank you for sharing your inspiration for these books!

    By KRISTINA COOPER CASTILLO on January 29, 2020 at 10:49 am

  148. Thank you, Jill, for your inspiration!

    By Stefanie Raszler on January 29, 2020 at 10:52 am

  149. Thank you for your inspiring post, Jill. I confess I can’t help but tinker with an idea or two received this month. Even been to the library to research a few. But that just gave me more ideas. And I did really get organized this year. I now have a binder to put my ideas into, even tape them there if written on a napkin, receipt, or envelope. Ideas are so much fun. I will keep my atennae open.

    By Carole Calladine on January 29, 2020 at 10:53 am

  150. Very encouraging post. Thank you!

    By westindianmommy on January 29, 2020 at 10:54 am

  151. Love this: “So our challenge, here at the end of the month, is to KEEP those antennae up, now that we’ve got ‘em greased and upright. Then, no matter what we’re doing in our “real lives,” we’ll be open and aware and (like Hotel California) programmed to receive.”

    By LaurenKerstein on January 29, 2020 at 10:54 am

  152. Thanks Jill for a great post. I love hearing where successful authors get new ideas. I’ll certainly pay more attention to the little articles in my local paper.

    By cbcole on January 29, 2020 at 10:58 am

  153. Thank you, Jill! I’ll keep my antennae up!

    By Della Ross Ferreri on January 29, 2020 at 11:04 am

  154. Congratulations on all the books, Jill, and thanks for the encouragement!

    By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 29, 2020 at 11:07 am

  155. Love all these! Looking forward to reading all of them.

    By Cheryl Johnson on January 29, 2020 at 11:08 am

  156. Thank you for the impetus and motivation to continue moving forward. Your examples of your ideas turning into books are delightful and positive. Congratulations!!

    By Gail Atherley on January 29, 2020 at 11:08 am

  157. I love that you got a book out of a news story. I’ll look our for WHERE’D MY JO GO?

    By kyavorski on January 29, 2020 at 11:09 am

  158. Thanks Jill!

    It does take focus to continue to make creative time for ideas. Keeping your mind open for business through daily life can be tough. But this month with StoryStorm does help to remind me how to be receptive to the ideas constantly floating around me. I hope to keep my mind open throughout the year and beyond. All the best with the stories you talked about and your creative ideas for the future.

    By Joel Chalmers on January 29, 2020 at 11:09 am

  159. Thank you for the encouragement! Antennae up and ready!

    By curryelizabeth on January 29, 2020 at 11:10 am

  160. JILL…Your antennae are definitely rust-proof, tuning into delightful ideas to craft stories like FROG BOOTS and WHERE’D MY JO GO. Both I’ll recommend to our local library. “Be open and aware”…sage advice. Too often our busyness blinds us to the ideas in front of our faces. Thank you for your candor and encouragement! Sending energy and wishes for your continued pursuit for good stories…

    By marshaelyn on January 29, 2020 at 11:10 am

  161. Love these! Can’t wait to read them.

    Reposting as my first one didn’t show up.

    By Cheryl Johnson on January 29, 2020 at 11:10 am

  162. Yay for you! Thanks for the post.

    By me on January 29, 2020 at 11:12 am

  163. I didn’t catch this the other day, but I think Day 28 was skipped, unless I missed it in my emails. No big deal, just thought I’d let you know.

    By Cheryl Johnson on January 29, 2020 at 11:13 am

  164. Thank you Jill for this. Big help at this time.

    By Mark Bentz on January 29, 2020 at 11:13 am

  165. I made it! I never dreamed I would, but I looked everywhere for inspiration. Thanks for you fun post.

    By Glenda Roberson on January 29, 2020 at 11:16 am

  166. How great to read about the origins of your ideas! There’s hope for all of us:)

    By Becky Ross Michael on January 29, 2020 at 11:16 am

  167. Great reading how your stories came to be, especially the dog at the truck stop. Thanks, Jill.

    By jimchaize1 on January 29, 2020 at 11:16 am

  168. Thanks Jill. You are an inspiration! Love your books. And Cheryl I missed Day 28 too. I think we skipped it. My advice take it as a win and write down an idea anyway :)!!

    By Elizabeth Saba on January 29, 2020 at 11:18 am

  169. Thanks for the great advice!

    By Doreen E. Lepore on January 29, 2020 at 11:18 am

  170. Congratulations on your great books, and thanks for the inspiring post!

    By pmmcnally on January 29, 2020 at 11:20 am

  171. Love this post! Congrats on your successes!

    By Debra Kempf Shumaker on January 29, 2020 at 11:24 am

  172. Thank you, Jill. This is the first time I’ve taken part in Storystorm and I’m enjoying it so much. I love your ‘receptor antennae’ idea. Singing to the baby brought back lots of happy memories too, thanks!

    By sareenmclay on January 29, 2020 at 11:25 am

  173. Thanks for the inspiration! Great ideas coming to fruition!

    By Sue Reichard on January 29, 2020 at 11:26 am

  174. Thanks for sharing how your wonderful ideas came alive on the page!

    By Sue Reichard on January 29, 2020 at 11:27 am

  175. Such a wonderful post! Thank you!

    By Heather Rowley on January 29, 2020 at 11:27 am

  176. Wonderful post with illustrations and pictures.

    By June Sengpiehl on January 29, 2020 at 11:31 am

  177. Jill, I thank you for your post! “Yeah, Baby!” sure made me smile! Being in tune with our surroundings and willing to take them a step or two further is KEY! Your boot story made me think of wonderful experiences with my children. Thank you so much for your encouragement and reassurance!

    By writeremmcbride on January 29, 2020 at 11:32 am

  178. Hi Jill! Where’d My Jo Go? is too wonderful and I can’t wait to read it!

    By deniseaengle on January 29, 2020 at 11:34 am

  179. Yep, the ideas are all around us. We just have to be watching for them and snatching them up when we find them. Thanks for a great post!

    By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 29, 2020 at 11:34 am

  180. JILL: I, too, am SO THANKFUL how “Storystorm provides the perfect opportunity for focused practice.” Like you mentioned at the beginning, I also lack some self-discipline. But somehow StoryStorm ALWAYS manages to get me going on the right track again. THANK YOU, STORYSTORM!!! It TRULY does get my rusty gear moving again, reviving my brain, and ESPECIALLY my heart. It’s a playful month where EVERYTHING becomes a possibility–much like an early spring! And so, I go off for the rest of the year, revived and recharged. But somehow, once next January rolls around, I will SO NEED MY STORYSTORM to get me moving–and DREAMING, PLAYING, and BELIEVING–again. THANK YOU for ALL the inspiration, Jill! And THANK YOU, Tara, for making the dreary days of January come ALIVE to possibilities–that MUCH-NEEDED early spring!!!

    By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 29, 2020 at 11:35 am

  181. Great reminder. StoryStorm is a mining exercise. We’re digging for diamonds, not polishing them. I’m off to listen to Hotel California now…

    By Robin Wiesneth on January 29, 2020 at 11:35 am

  182. Great post! But now I can’t get “Welcome to the Hotel California…” out of my head.

    By Hollie Wolverton on January 29, 2020 at 11:36 am

  183. In the ever inspiring words of the The Little Train…..I think I can. I think I can. I think I can……and I did!

    By matthewlasley on January 29, 2020 at 11:37 am

  184. Jill,
    I loved hearing where your stories came from. And that it’s ok to play with titles, ideas, and story. Can’t wait to read these books.

    By Susan Twiggs on January 29, 2020 at 11:37 am

  185. Congrats on all your success, Jill! I loved meeting you at a Writing Barn Intensive several years ago.

    By Susan Johnston Taylor on January 29, 2020 at 11:39 am

  186. Awesome. I loved this. Everything makes sense and great ideas can come from everywhere and anything.

    Thank you.

    By Thelia Hutchinson on January 29, 2020 at 11:41 am

  187. Jill, you’re right…Storystorm helps keep the idea machine in the forefront 🙂 I get ideas throughout the year because it happens organically from wherever things strike me, but having my chart in front of me all month, I’m actually LOOKing more. Love the way your books came to be 😀 Creativity in and of itself is SO inspirational!

    By writersideup on January 29, 2020 at 11:41 am

  188. I love hearing where the ideas came from behind the story. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to reading your new releases.

    By Aimee Larke on January 29, 2020 at 11:45 am

  189. Thanks so much for your post, and for your wonderful books!! You prove that with practice, we can find ideas all around us, even when we aren’t “working.”

    By Daryl Gottier on January 29, 2020 at 11:45 am

  190. Boy do I love the hear that your book cake from a spontaneous song 🙂

    By marziehaali on January 29, 2020 at 11:49 am

    1. Came

      By marziehaali on January 29, 2020 at 11:49 am

  191. Love all your books and your idea antenna! Congrats!

    By danielledufayet on January 29, 2020 at 11:52 am

  192. I love your last paragraph. The lessons I learned about practicing, I learned from my French Horn Teacher. The amazing thing is, the more you practice, the more fun it is. Practicing can be a challenge at first, but if you form the habit (start small and then work up to longer and longer sessions) you will learn the pleasure of accomplishment. That’s one of the reasons StoryStorm is so helpful. Coming up with an idea is the small start and doing it every day is the habit. The next step for me is going to be brainstorming one idea each day. Thanks for the inspiration, Jill!

    By Kate Woodle on January 29, 2020 at 11:53 am

  193. Thanks for sharing the specific things you observed that turned into books for you. It made me take notice of two things from my kids toddler years that have been in my head as memories but could be on paper as PBs.

    By Sarah Skolfield on January 29, 2020 at 11:56 am

  194. Loved seeing your books and where the ideas came from. Polishing my antennae now!

    By Louann Brown on January 29, 2020 at 11:56 am

  195. What a inspiring post. Radar ready … LET’S GO!

    By Dawn Prochovnic on January 29, 2020 at 11:57 am

  196. Great post!

    By jenabenton on January 29, 2020 at 12:01 pm

  197. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation, Jill. I now think that at least two of my Storystorm ideas have potential.

    By Suzanne Alexander on January 29, 2020 at 12:04 pm

  198. Great post! Thanks for the inspiration and congrats on your success! 🙂

    By Cortney Benvenuto on January 29, 2020 at 12:05 pm

  199. And my antennae just pinged at something YOU wrote, Jill. Thanks! (And thanks, Storystorm, too!)

    By Cathy C. Hall on January 29, 2020 at 12:07 pm

  200. Thanks for the boost! I have been flagging lately. Reading the posts–not coming up with many ideas.Can’t wait to read Where’d my Jo Go? in April!

    By Amy Healey on January 29, 2020 at 12:12 pm

  201. We love Storystorm, yes we do! Thanks for a great post, Jill. I’ve been obsessing over I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo lately. Can’t wait to read more of your work!

    By clairebobrow on January 29, 2020 at 12:13 pm

  202. Jill, excited about “Where’d my Jo Go?” That looks like a heartwarmer. Besides, the Scott’s pup looks a lot like my Daisy. Thanks so much for pouring into the kid lit world over the years, and this priceless advice.

    By Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky on January 29, 2020 at 12:14 pm

  203. Thanks Jill, for the encouragement to still keep going after Storystorm.

    By Naana on January 29, 2020 at 12:17 pm

  204. We love your books! Yes, we do!

    By Julie Evans on January 29, 2020 at 12:20 pm

  205. Thank you! Great post. I feel the same as you and I’m jotting words, titles, sentences as ideas and moving on. I did quick write two drafts, but moving on. I will look over what I wrote in February.

    By BARBARA SENENMAN on January 29, 2020 at 12:22 pm

  206. Thank you Jill! Great post. I love practicing and playing!

    By Liz L. on January 29, 2020 at 12:24 pm

  207. Practice makes perfect! Great post! Thanks for sharing.

    By Dawn M. on January 29, 2020 at 12:25 pm

  208. I love how you’ve found your ideas. Fun! I’ve also given myself permission to write junk, just write and get my writing muscle loosened and my brain free for fun new thoughts every morning.

    By Traci VW on January 29, 2020 at 12:26 pm

  209. Great post – thanks for sharing!

    By Rebecca Thill (@rkthill) on January 29, 2020 at 12:26 pm

  210. My antennae is up & ready to receive signals! Thanks for the encouragement to keep going this month.

    By Heather Stigall on January 29, 2020 at 12:28 pm

  211. You are so right about practice makes perfect … well, better. I intend to keep my antenna up for as long as possible.

    By Mary Jo Wagner on January 29, 2020 at 12:28 pm

  212. Uh oh! A piano teacher? Mine wasn’t right – like yours. Mine made big red circles on notes I messed up. But I sure do get your message ; ) thnx

    By cantsing1 on January 29, 2020 at 12:29 pm

  213. Excellent perspective! Looking forward to your boots book!

    By Belinda Fallon on January 29, 2020 at 12:29 pm

  214. Jill, great post today. Can’t wait to read your PB’s. Especially “Where’d my Jo Go.” So touching 🙂

    By Debbie Lodato on January 29, 2020 at 12:33 pm

  215. Thanks, Jill! I can’t wait for WHERE’D MY JO GO? That’s one loyal little dog!

    By chichiscraps on January 29, 2020 at 12:33 pm

  216. I am going to find your book about babies ASAP. Thank you for today’s post.

    By Mary Jane on January 29, 2020 at 12:34 pm

  217. We love Jill Esbaum! Great post my friend!

    By katiemillsgiorgio on January 29, 2020 at 12:40 pm

  218. Congratulations Jill!

    By Shirley Ng-Benitez on January 29, 2020 at 12:40 pm

  219. Dear Jill, thanks so much. I “pinged” on grandbabies and then again on keeping antennae up (anyone remember Ray Walston?!).

    By Laura Jean Watters on January 29, 2020 at 12:41 pm

  220. I love hearing the inspiration behind the books! How exciting!

    By Brandy Lynne on January 29, 2020 at 12:46 pm

  221. Thanks, Jill, listening to you, my teacher…practice, practice, practice, practice…observe, think, jot, write!

    By mona861 on January 29, 2020 at 12:52 pm

  222. I can’t wait to read ALL of the books you mentioned here. Thank you for the reminder to keep our antennae up!

    By Linda KulpTrout on January 29, 2020 at 12:52 pm

  223. Thanks for the motivation to get through these last few days of idea-brewing!

    By Sara A on January 29, 2020 at 12:57 pm

  224. What fun ideas! So glad they became books!

    By Roxanne Troup on January 29, 2020 at 12:58 pm

  225. Thanks for your post, Jill. Looking forward to seeing your new releases, they look wonderful!

    By Susan Latta on January 29, 2020 at 1:01 pm

  226. I love the little loyal trucker’s dog story- and the fact that you found this great inspiration in the news!
    Congrats and I look forward to seeing it when it is in print.
    Thank you Jill and Tara!

    By tina on January 29, 2020 at 1:07 pm

  227. Thanks for the encouragement to stay open to more ideas. I look forward to reading your books!

    By Lisa Billa on January 29, 2020 at 1:09 pm

  228. I find ideas often come from pictures I see online. And your story about the lost dog looks endearing!!! Thanks for sharing.

    By Aileen Stewart on January 29, 2020 at 1:09 pm

  229. Love your books, Jill. Will be looking for your latest one. Thanks for a fun post.

    By Marty Bellis on January 29, 2020 at 1:14 pm

  230. What an inspiring story of sticking to it and succeeding. Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to reading all your new books!

    By Eileen Mayo on January 29, 2020 at 1:18 pm

  231. Thanks so much, Jill! What a great metaphor for letting the ideas flow without censoring them. I love hearing how you came up with some of yours!

    By Amy Cory on January 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm

  232. Great inspiration to write down all ideas, no matter how weird or lame they may seem in the moment. And to keep those antennae up and receiving. Thank you!

    By Deb McGarvey on January 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm

  233. Here’s to antennae up!! And three new books coming soon. Congratulations and thanks, Jill!

    By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 29, 2020 at 1:22 pm

  234. I have GOT to grab some of your books for my after school kids!

    Great post!

    Donna L Martin
    Story Catcher Publishing

    By storycatcherpublishing on January 29, 2020 at 1:27 pm

  235. How fun!

    By Susan on January 29, 2020 at 1:34 pm

  236. Thanks so much for your post–and ideas! I actually find my self video-ing news segments on my cell phone sometimes!

    By Karen Greenwald on January 29, 2020 at 1:36 pm

  237. I love knowing how authors find their ideas. We need to have our shiny antenna raised high to capture them, not just during the month of January, but all year long. Congratulations on your success, Jill!

    By Pamela Harrison on January 29, 2020 at 1:38 pm

  238. Oh my goodness I can’t wait to read Where’d My Jo Go!!

    By Lori on January 29, 2020 at 1:44 pm

  239. Thank you. Love your ideas❤️

    By EmmieRWerner on January 29, 2020 at 1:45 pm

  240. Jill, I love this post! It’s time for me to knock the rust from my receptor antennae!! 🙂

    By Cathy Ogren on January 29, 2020 at 1:46 pm

  241. SO true… thanks for the reminder!!!

    By Poupette Smith on January 29, 2020 at 1:48 pm

  242. I love your playful attitude, Jill! I’m frolicking my way through Storystorm this year and stressing less than I have in years past. For once I don’t really care if I’m a Storystorm Winner. The true winners will be the kids who enjoy the books born in the process. The rust is off my antennae and I’m writing more than I have in a long time. Thanks for your great advice and congratulations on all your successes.

    By Gretchen McLellan on January 29, 2020 at 1:49 pm

  243. How funny, I remember that trucker with the lost dog news story and it inspired me as well. I am working on a potential series and wrote “Buster The Truck Driving Dog: Buster Saves Mitzy.” Still in rough draft format but that is awesome that you got yours published! I can’t wait to read it! Thanks.

    By donnamorkreed on January 29, 2020 at 1:56 pm

  244. I love this post because it reminds us to think simply. Thank you.

    By Jellybean on January 29, 2020 at 1:59 pm

  245. What a great post – thank you Jill!

    By matteo121 on January 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm

  246. I agree with you, it takes just a little bit of openness to get inspiration. I discovered today that my antenna are out – while at the gym. If it wasn’t for storystorm I wouldn’t have been open to these new ideas. I have learned alot this month!

    By susaninez0905 on January 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm

  247. Jill, thanks for the true confession about past StoryStorm idea generation and for sharing the genesis of the ideas that sparked your latest picture books. Congratulations on your upcoming releases.

    By ptnozell on January 29, 2020 at 2:03 pm

  248. You got me laughing, Jill, because I almost petered out at the same point because I, too, couldn’t resist diving in and starting a couple first drafts from these new ideas!

    By Louise Aamodt on January 29, 2020 at 2:03 pm

  249. My favorite Storystorm articles are the ones that talk about the ideas that led to published books. It gives me hope and inspiration. Congratulations on your new book! Thanks for taking the time to share with all of us!

    By Amy Bradshaw on January 29, 2020 at 2:06 pm

  250. Great positive motivation! Thank you!

    By Sarah on January 29, 2020 at 2:07 pm

  251. Thanks, Jill! Great post! I will endeavor to stay “programmed to receive.” Ha!

    By Gabi Snyder on January 29, 2020 at 2:07 pm

  252. Jill, love the way you talked about brushing off that rusty antennae. I’m working that brush! I look forward to reading your new titles 🙂

    By chardixon47 on January 29, 2020 at 2:08 pm

  253. Thank you for the inspiration!

    By drawingablank6 on January 29, 2020 at 2:13 pm

  254. Jill, I loved your stories of inspiration to book! I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.Thank you!

    By kathrynjeanhagen on January 29, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    1. Jill, these were great reminders of all those stories we can see if we have that de-rusting going. And inspiring how you transformed them into new books! Thanks!

      By LInda Bendor on January 29, 2020 at 2:29 pm

  255. Focus, focus! Keep the focus alive! Thanks for sharing your insights and ideas, Jill!

    By Amanda Davis on January 29, 2020 at 2:27 pm

  256. From one Jill to another Jill: Thank you for your fun and insightful post! Your books sound adorable!

    By JillDanaBooks on January 29, 2020 at 2:28 pm

  257. Great post Jill. Thank you. Congrats on the new books.

    By Laura W. on January 29, 2020 at 2:30 pm

  258. LOVE your post! Used a whole can of rust-off as soon as I read it. I’m ready for wonderment!

    By Kate Carroll on January 29, 2020 at 2:31 pm

  259. I loved reading about your new books and how you got your ideas for them. Your writing style is so delightful and inviting! Thank you, Jill.

    By Judy Shemtob on January 29, 2020 at 2:32 pm

  260. I hope my antenna is tuned after storming this month. I have really enjoyed the flow of ideas.

    By brittanypomales on January 29, 2020 at 2:36 pm

  261. Jill you crack me up😂 Greased up and watching for ideas.

    By Janie Reinart on January 29, 2020 at 2:41 pm

  262. I like the visual of the antennae. So true and yet, so cute too!! Thank you for a great post.

    By Kimberly Marcus on January 29, 2020 at 2:45 pm

  263. Your books sound great, and I definitely l look forward to keeping my antenna greased and ready for transmission!

    By Katie Williams on January 29, 2020 at 2:46 pm

  264. Great post! Thanks for sharing where you get ideas and for the reminder to pay attentiion to what’s going on around us – thanks, Jill.

    By rimna on January 29, 2020 at 2:48 pm

  265. Thank you for sharing how your ideas turned into books! And all because you kept your antenna greased and ready. A most helpful reminder as we head into the last days of Storystorm.

    By Anne Bromley on January 29, 2020 at 2:48 pm

  266. Thank you for the post! It’s very inspiring. I just mentioned this morning about how I’ve been thinking about ideas all the time since starting this challenge.

    By Corlie Aldrich on January 29, 2020 at 2:52 pm

  267. Thanks for a terrific post!

    By alisongoldberg on January 29, 2020 at 2:53 pm

  268. I remember the first year of storystorm, how hard it was to come up with ideas. I was struggling. The second year was a breeze and now ideas find me, instead of me chasing them. Its a great excercise in receptiveness.

    By Mirka Hokkanen on January 29, 2020 at 2:53 pm

  269. One thing Storystorm participation has taught me, and as your post says, Jill, is that being receptive to ideas and honing in on them takes PRACTICE. Like anything, the more you practice, the better you get at it! I’ll go through periods where I don’t practice, and I have to get myself back in shape to gather ideas. Once I’m there, I discover them everywhere! Thanks so much, Jill, and congratulations on your success!

    By Susie Sawyer on January 29, 2020 at 2:56 pm

  270. A cheer turned book. Love it!

    By Laura Renauld on January 29, 2020 at 2:57 pm

  271. Thanks so much Jill for this inspiring post. Love the idea of antennae searching for those special nuggets.

    By Bev Baird on January 29, 2020 at 2:57 pm

  272. Thank you!! Ideas really are everywhere!

    By Aimee Isaac on January 29, 2020 at 2:57 pm

  273. I love reading these posts! And I’d love to win one of these prizes.

    By Jean Matthew Hall on January 29, 2020 at 2:58 pm

  274. Jill, I found myself chuckling out loud over your post. I need to get over myself and have more fun with this. I have been taking Storystorm and everything else too serious and the result was a bit of a creative block. Thank you! -Lori

    By LJ Laniewski on January 29, 2020 at 2:59 pm

  275. Loved reading about the methods you use to get story ideas! I especially loved the idea behind, WHERE’D MY JO GO? Thanks for sharing!

    By Alice Fulgione on January 29, 2020 at 3:03 pm

  276. Love how you got the ideas for your recent books. So inspiring! Need to wiggle my antennae a bit more.

    By Janet Halfmann on January 29, 2020 at 3:05 pm

  277. Great idea sources, and at the center a reminder for me to listen to things people say, including myself. Often when talking with kids, things pop out of my mouth that are funny in the moment, and I forget to pay attention even to my own spoken words. Thanks for today’s CHEER!

    By jenniemacdonald on January 29, 2020 at 3:05 pm

  278. Great post, thank you!

    By Leah on January 29, 2020 at 3:10 pm

  279. It’s fun to see where the ideas originated and how they took form. Thanks for the inspiration! Erin

    By Erin Matzen on January 29, 2020 at 3:14 pm

  280. Your books all sound wonderful! Looking forward to checking them out!

    By Charlotte Offsay on January 29, 2020 at 3:14 pm

  281. My Storystorm 2020 is rocking and rolling with an odd variety of ideas, and one of them has been a WIP since I put it on my list. I am working to hard to keep it all going this year and I think I’m going to make it. I love How you got the idea for WHERE’D MY JO GO?

    By authorlaurablog on January 29, 2020 at 3:15 pm

  282. Great post about how the unexpected can inspire-if our antennae are up!
    Thanks for the reminder, Jill

    By Arlene Schenker on January 29, 2020 at 3:17 pm

  283. Thanks for sharing! I try to jot ideas in a notebook. Otherwise I don’t always remember them.

    By Chelle Martin on January 29, 2020 at 3:20 pm

  284. A cheer! What a terrific idea! Thanks for the terrific post. Congratulations on your baby animal book.

    By Maria Bostian on January 29, 2020 at 3:27 pm

  285. Such a great post! Thank you for sharing. I love hearing where you got some of your ideas.

    By Ashley Bankhead on January 29, 2020 at 3:31 pm

  286. Thanks for sharing. I thought I was the only one who’d gotten distracted in the past. This year, I jumped in like you did and simply played. It’s been such a delight to have fun with ideas without having any expectations beyond the writing. I honestly don’t want it to stop. 🙂

    By T.R. on January 29, 2020 at 3:32 pm

  287. Yes, Storystorm knocks the rust off our receptor antennae! Love that and storystorm! Thanks for the inspiration.

    By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 29, 2020 at 3:33 pm

  288. Just what I needed to hear! Antennas up!! Thank you for the motivation today. I can’t wait to read your new books!

    By ashleykoney on January 29, 2020 at 3:40 pm

  289. Thanks for sharing the inspiration for three of your books! The story that led to “Where’d My Jo Go” is absolutely amazing!

    By Lindsay Robinson on January 29, 2020 at 3:41 pm

  290. Yes, it works that way for me too!

    By bluerabbit on January 29, 2020 at 3:42 pm

  291. Jill, Thanks for the reminder that Storystorm is about Ideas – the good, the bad, and the ugly!! Congratulations on your new books!

    By Mary York on January 29, 2020 at 3:43 pm

  292. Reblogged this on One Way to Wonder and commented:
    Go a little crazy and jot down all your most absurd ideas.

    By bluerabbit on January 29, 2020 at 3:45 pm

  293. Creating new ideas for stories flow to us in the extraordinary ordinary…magic!

    By Lizzy Carney on January 29, 2020 at 3:45 pm

  294. I love this aspect of StoryStorm. And your books sound so great! Adding them to my list. 🙂

    By Heidi M. Rogers (@heidimrogers) on January 29, 2020 at 3:45 pm

  295. Good tips today. Thanks!!

    By Susan Eyerman on January 29, 2020 at 3:51 pm

  296. Love these ideas, Jill!

    By ruthwilson48 on January 29, 2020 at 3:54 pm

  297. Thanks, Jill — your books sound amazing!

    By Judy Palermo on January 29, 2020 at 3:54 pm

  298. Oh, that poor puppy! I’m glad it turned out alright. (And that you got a book idea out of it. 😉

    By angie9091 on January 29, 2020 at 3:56 pm

  299. Great post! I love the idea of playing and relaxing your way into ideas organically…

    By Lydia Lukidis on January 29, 2020 at 4:00 pm

  300. Hi Jill – Fun to read your inspirational comments in your ever-upbeat voice.

    By Denise Benavides on January 29, 2020 at 4:02 pm

  301. You’re so right about committing to the practice. I try to keep my antenna up and tuned as much as I can!

    By Mary Jo Wagner on January 29, 2020 at 4:04 pm

  302. Playfully looking for ideas and following them is the way to go! Thanks for your post!

    By Jane Dippold on January 29, 2020 at 4:06 pm

  303. Now I won’t feel so bad about those impossibly lame ideas in my notebook. They do serve a purpose!

    By Jacqueline Adams on January 29, 2020 at 4:08 pm

  304. I agree–the format of Storystorm leaves the Inner Critic with nowhere to stand. We’re just “playing. “

    By Marileta on January 29, 2020 at 4:11 pm

  305. Very inspirationa, Thank you! Last year for me was great, this, not so good, but I am not stopping. Love reading about everyone’s amazing adventures to being published. Congratulations and best of luck.

    By gattodesign on January 29, 2020 at 4:16 pm

  306. Tara planned well to have your motivating post at the end of the month! Cheers for lame ideas and romping around in the weird corners of our brain. Thank you Jill for sharing the pings that led to three of your books. Great examples of never knowing when inspiration will strike. Love it!

    By Joannie Duris on January 29, 2020 at 4:21 pm

  307. Hi, Jill! Congrats on your new books. Thanks for sharing your process. All the more reason to stay present in the moment.

    By Julie Augensen-Rand on January 29, 2020 at 4:40 pm

  308. Thanks, Jill, for the reminder that ideas are everywhere…if we’re tuned into them!

    By Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert) on January 29, 2020 at 4:44 pm

  309. I love this post, Jill! And this lines made me smile…This year, I approached Storystorm not as a hopeful writer looking for a great new idea, but purely as playtime. Farting around. Romping through my brain’s weirder recesses.

    I am so stealing that line. Instead of writing story ideas I will be “romping through my brain’s weirder recesses.” And trust me, it can get REALLY weird in there.

    I liked hearing how you came up with the ideas for your upcoming books. The penguin story sounds like a lot of fun. And I look forward to reading Where’d my Jo Go?

    By Linda Hofke on January 29, 2020 at 5:01 pm

  310. Thank you!

    By Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn on January 29, 2020 at 5:11 pm

  311. Ideas are everywhere, yes! It just takes the discipline to write them down. yes! And then the discipline to develop them. And the discipline to stay to the course and not get distracted….I guess that 99% perspiration is really discipline by another name. Loved hearing about the genesis of some of your books!

    By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 29, 2020 at 5:12 pm

  312. I can’t wait to check out We love Babies!

    By Heather Gallagher on January 29, 2020 at 5:16 pm

  313. I’ve been thinking we need to do mini storystorms for one week every two months or so to keep our brains “programmed to receive.”

    By carolmunrojww on January 29, 2020 at 5:20 pm

  314. You are a PB master, Jill! Thanks for sharing your tips!

    By Lori Alexander on January 29, 2020 at 5:26 pm

  315. Thanks Jill!! I am hoping for inspiration when I am nannying my grandson! But I do find myself listening and imagining all the time – spinning words and images into possible storylines. I just have not – as of yet – found the success you have. Soon!

    By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 29, 2020 at 5:34 pm

  316. (Antennae remind me of My Favorite Martian.) Looking for just a teeny tiny thought to jot instead of getting mired down.

    By susanzonca on January 29, 2020 at 5:37 pm

  317. Keeping my antennae up. These last few days are always the hardest.

    By suzannepoulterharris on January 29, 2020 at 5:41 pm

  318. Love, love your stuff. I was introduced to your work through a friend, Denise Benavides, who bragged on you constantly. Our entire critique became fans.

    By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 29, 2020 at 5:43 pm

  319. Love, love your stuff. I was introduced to your work through a friend, Denise Benavides, who bragged on you constantly. Our entire critique became fans.

    By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 29, 2020 at 5:43 pm

  320. I loved “We Love Babies” – passed my copy to a new mom… it is such a fun book. Can’t wait to read Frog Boots! I always wanted Frog Boots.

    By Sue Heavenrich on January 29, 2020 at 5:49 pm

  321. Thank you for sharing.

    By Kassy Keppol on January 29, 2020 at 5:57 pm

  322. It’s kind of reasssuring to hear that even award-winning authors can have lame ideas, just like the rest of us! But you clearly know how to recognize the ones that show promise. Thanks for sharing the inspiration of some of your plots.

    By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 29, 2020 at 5:58 pm

  323. Thank you for the inspiration. It was nice to hear you have lame ideas as well:)

    By Karin Larson on January 29, 2020 at 6:17 pm

  324. I enjoyed this post very much. Just requested several of Jill’s books at my local library. Thanks!

    By sjwmeade on January 29, 2020 at 6:21 pm

  325. Jill, you are so prolific! Thanks for being an inspiration. I’m learning to keep my eyes and ears open a bit more these days. Keep those darling books coming!

    By Kathy Doherty on January 29, 2020 at 6:25 pm

  326. Rolling, rolling, rolling…..keep those Ideas Flowing….
    Even if they’re slowing
    Keep it going.
    Yes, I’m loving StoryStorm! Thanks to Tara and her great team.

    By Paula B Puckett on January 29, 2020 at 6:26 pm

  327. Keep those ideas rolling, even if you’re slowing.
    Got to keep on going…!
    Thanks, Tara and Team.

    By Paula B Puckett on January 29, 2020 at 6:28 pm

  328. Thank you, Jill! I’m going to try to let my mind go wild on this next idea! I think I’ve been keeping it too under-control. I adore I AM COW, HEAR ME MOO!

    By Virginia Manning on January 29, 2020 at 6:39 pm

  329. I always appreciate your insights and humor, Jill! Your upcoming books look amazing–can’t wait to read them! Thanks!

    By Jill Friestad-Tate on January 29, 2020 at 6:52 pm

  330. Thanks Jill for reminding us to have fun!

    By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 29, 2020 at 6:59 pm

  331. Jill, thank you for your post!

    By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm

  332. Thank you, Jill, for the great suggestions. I look forward to reading your books!

    By Krista Harrington on January 29, 2020 at 7:02 pm

  333. Clever spins of ideas into stories.

    By MV on January 29, 2020 at 7:10 pm

  334. Jill, I love the “We Love Babies” idea!! Thank you for reminding us to keep on the lookout even after Storystorm is over. Congrats on your picture book success!!

    By Michele R on January 29, 2020 at 7:15 pm

  335. Thanks for the reminder to not worry about the quality of ideas – keeping those antennae working is what it’s all about!

    By Carrie Tillotson on January 29, 2020 at 7:18 pm

  336. Thank you, Jill!

    By sylazabor on January 29, 2020 at 7:27 pm

  337. Thanks, Jill, for showing how your ideas developed into stories!

    By Amy Newbold on January 29, 2020 at 7:29 pm

  338. I too felt like I was hitting an idea barrier around Day 20, wishing to race off & write. Some ideas need to simmer though 🙂Thx for your post!

    By yangmommy on January 29, 2020 at 7:29 pm

  339. Thank you, Jill!

    By Sara Trofa on January 29, 2020 at 7:29 pm

  340. Jill, these are great ideas. The lost dog story gives ME angst! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.

    By tiffanydickinson on January 29, 2020 at 7:39 pm

  341. Yep, it’s all about keeping that antenna ready for pings! I really love the permission to put down any idea, even the bad ones. Today’s idea sounded worse and worse the more I played with it. Like that slime stuff that is at the end of its life. BUT, I recently saw dried out slime art, so sure even bad ideas can be beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration sparking post!

    By JEN Garrett on January 29, 2020 at 7:46 pm

  342. So glad you revealed that Where’d My Jo Go has a happy ending or else I was going to have to grab a box of tissues! I can’t wait to read and share with my 7th graders.

    By Lori Sheroan on January 29, 2020 at 7:47 pm

  343. Jill, I’d be tickled to win a critique- so helpful – but oh We Love Babies looks adorable!!!! I’m putting that on my library list.
    Picture Book ideas are everywhere, aren’t they?

    By Natasha on January 29, 2020 at 7:50 pm

  344. Thank you, Jill! Ideas are everywhere! My antenna is rust free!

    By Lisa Riddiough on January 29, 2020 at 8:05 pm

  345. Thanks for sharing the inspiration for your stories, Jill!

    By Heidi Yates on January 29, 2020 at 8:17 pm

  346. Thanks for the encouragement to soldier on and sharing the back story about some of your books. (I used to live in Iowa…loved it!).

    By Jennifer Phillips on January 29, 2020 at 8:21 pm

  347. It’s great to see initial ideas that become books! The penguin looks so cute.

    By Elle on January 29, 2020 at 8:24 pm

  348. Loved hearing where each seed for your stories started. It proves ideas can come from many sources.

    By DCSM on January 29, 2020 at 8:32 pm

  349. Making a cheer into a story is a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing your ideas and the resulting books.

    By claireannette1 on January 29, 2020 at 8:38 pm

  350. Love the idea for the book where did Jo go! Looks like a good read!

    By tdjw on January 29, 2020 at 8:47 pm

  351. A petered out around day 6. Now I’m trying to catch up on everything I missed! Glad to hear I’m not the only one. These blog posts are great, and I love your sense of humor. Thanks for cheering us on!

    By jefnamc on January 29, 2020 at 8:51 pm

  352. Terrific post! Congrats on your two latest books coming out soon!!

    By Lori Mozdzierz on January 29, 2020 at 8:55 pm

  353. This has been my first time doing storystorm and its been great reading the suggestions in the posts. We DO love babies, and Where Did Jo go was a great idea

    By Miki Conn on January 29, 2020 at 8:59 pm

  354. Dear Jill!

    You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts along with inspiration.

    Continue to hug on and read to your sweet grands.

    Suzy Leopold

    By Prairie Garden Girl on January 29, 2020 at 9:06 pm

  355. Great examples, Jill! Thanks for sharing. Congrats on all your books!

    By Kim Larson on January 29, 2020 at 9:08 pm

  356. I enjoyed your post. I find once I start looking for writing ideas – I get into the habit!

    By Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 29, 2020 at 9:11 pm

  357. Oh my goodness– I’m so glad to hear that WHERE’D MY JO GO has a happy ending! 🙂 What a great story! Thanks for sharing your inspiration for your books. I’ll look forward to reading them!

    By Sheri Dillard on January 29, 2020 at 9:17 pm

  358. Great post, Jill. Thanks for reminding us to keep our eyes and ears open for ideas. 😉

    By gayleckrause on January 29, 2020 at 9:24 pm

  359. Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration for your wonderful stories. And what a great way to think about this brainstorming process – as a way to play and keep your antennae working.

    By Kirsten Bock on January 29, 2020 at 9:29 pm

  360. Well done for completing Storystorm this year! And congratulations on your new books. 🥳

    By Becky Woodall on January 29, 2020 at 9:32 pm

  361. Thank you, Jill! It’s so fun to see the initial ideas paired with the books they came to be.

    By Heather Erquiaga on January 29, 2020 at 9:37 pm

  362. I love seeing how your ideas have blossomed into stories! Congratulations!

    By Nancy Riley on January 29, 2020 at 9:40 pm

  363. I loved your post, Jill! Congratulations on your new books. I’ll have to read them to see what you did with the ideas. I’ll also have to get my antenna up to catch some of those ideas myself. Thanks for the suggested ways to garner more ideas.

    By betlw on January 29, 2020 at 9:53 pm

  364. Jill’s ideas are so fun! And she got me with Hotel California…we of a certain age. 😉

    By Teresa Robeson on January 29, 2020 at 9:54 pm

  365. Cheers to another great post!!! Thanks so much for your words of wisdom!!! Congratulations on the success of your books!!! 🙂

    By seschipper on January 29, 2020 at 9:59 pm

  366. Thank you Jill! The more we practice the more we are aware of ideas and potential stories.

    By wangliarron on January 29, 2020 at 10:04 pm

  367. Thanks for sharing your inspiration for each of your books. They look adorable.

    By Peggy Dobbs on January 29, 2020 at 10:13 pm

  368. Thank you for the idea of brainstorming as a playmate, as opposed to brainstorming as a writer. Such a refreshing way to keep the ideas flowing, no judgement.

    By Laura on January 29, 2020 at 10:13 pm

  369. Aw, I love the story of how the baby bouncing went from cheer to baby animal book 🐧. Stories are everywhere, we just have to keep our eyes open!

    By aixaximena on January 29, 2020 at 10:20 pm

  370. Inspiring post Jill…thank you😊

    By saintamovin on January 29, 2020 at 10:23 pm

  371. Well said! I think I’ll keep my Story Storm notebook out this year. Thank you!

    By ingridboydston on January 29, 2020 at 10:24 pm

  372. Thanks Jill! I enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind your stories.

    By Mary Warth on January 29, 2020 at 10:29 pm

  373. Thanks for sharing how you get your ideas. You’ve given me an idea!

    By Julie Reich on January 29, 2020 at 10:35 pm

  374. Some days my antennae are terribly rusty, but I love those days when they’re receiving signals left and right. To more of those days for each of us!

    By Sandy Perlic on January 29, 2020 at 10:44 pm

  375. Congratulations on finishing this year! You’ve given me the push to finish strong.

    By julielacombeauthor on January 29, 2020 at 10:45 pm

  376. Outstanding post. Thank you!

    By DaNeil Olson on January 29, 2020 at 11:01 pm

  377. Thank you for an inspiring post Jill! I’ve got my ears up!

    By jbbower on January 29, 2020 at 11:13 pm

  378. I can’t wait to read WHERE’D MY JO GO. What a sweet little doggy he was for waiting for his owner at the rest stop. 🙂

    By Maryna Doughty on January 29, 2020 at 11:24 pm

  379. Great post, Jill! Thanks for the reminder to keep our antennae ready! Looking forward to your new books!

    By Melissa Stoller on January 29, 2020 at 11:28 pm

  380. Thanks for the great post and backstory on ideas that became picture books. Now I have to go look up “I am cow, hear me moo!”

    By Christine Pinto on January 29, 2020 at 11:38 pm

  381. Great post! Thank you 🙂

    By Shanah Salter on January 29, 2020 at 11:39 pm

  382. I think you’re right, Jill – the ideas we get during Storystorm might not all be great, but it gets our rust out and the “pings” might come later. Congrats on the forthcoming titles!

    By doreenrobinson on January 29, 2020 at 11:47 pm

  383. Great advice! As a former cheerleader I appreciate that you wrote in cheer. Too fun! I have been falling off the wagon a bit, but I will “just keep swimming” and get all those silly, weird, crazy ideas out there.

    By Rebecca Heller on January 29, 2020 at 11:51 pm

  384. Your description of your books was a great example of how to write so engagingly it left me wanting to read all your books!

    By Jud Ward on January 30, 2020 at 12:04 am

  385. I petered out about day 19 because a story about a stop sign that I see every day on my way to work took hold and I had to write it. I am back on track, but so glad to know I am not the only one that gets sidetracked!

    By Lindsey Hobson on January 30, 2020 at 12:09 am

  386. Your books look and sound adorable. I love how you’ve allowed the idea stage to be just playtime.

    By Mary Ann Cortez on January 30, 2020 at 12:10 am

  387. I love this reminder that inspiration is everywhere–congratulations on your upcoming books, Jill! 🙂

    By Jolene Gutierrez on January 30, 2020 at 12:13 am

  388. Great reminder to just play and have fun. I enjoyed hearing where your story ideas came from. I love your books, Jill! Thanks a heap!

    By Jill M Proctor on January 30, 2020 at 12:32 am

  389. What happened to Day 28? I don’t have anything for Day 28.

    Elizabeth

    On Wed, Jan 29, 2020 at 6:00 AM Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) wrote:

    > Tara Lazar posted: “by Jill Esbaum One little story idea per day. That’s > all Storystorm asks. Yet, in past years, I’ve petered out about January > 18th-19th. Oh, I didn’t lack enthusiasm. I lacked discipline. Sooner or > later my mind wanted to spin one of those sparkly ne” >

    By betlw on January 30, 2020 at 12:42 am

  390. Not far to go now! Thanks for sharing!

    By Rebekah Lowell on January 30, 2020 at 12:54 am

  391. Loved reading about the origins of your stories. Thank you so much for sharing!

    By Chang H on January 30, 2020 at 12:57 am

  392. Good advice for Storystorm and every month! Play around with ideas until something good is born. I loved hearing the inspiration behind your books. Thanks for the post!

    By susan schade on January 30, 2020 at 1:18 am

  393. I put-putted logging my ideas in my journal but not on my computer. I totally trudged through and am happy that I kept going. I love how you were inspired to write your stories. Thank you for the advice to be receptive to what’s happening around us. There are gems of stories in everything happening around us. Congrats on your upcoming books too!

    By Nadia Salomon on January 30, 2020 at 1:21 am

  394. I’ve been sad that the end of Storystorm is approaching. It has really helped me to start the ideas flowing. And now, I’m with you. It doesn’t have to end. Let’s keep it going all year. Thanks, Jill and Tara.

    By Judith Snyder on January 30, 2020 at 1:42 am

  395. It’s been a month of unfocused practice for me – I like the idea of looking at it like play. I enjoyed hearing the inspiration behind your books!

    By Jenn on January 30, 2020 at 1:56 am

  396. Thanks Jill. I put into practice today.

    By Catherine Morgans on January 30, 2020 at 2:53 am

  397. It was wonderful to read this, very helpful and fun.

    By lillyarts on January 30, 2020 at 2:59 am

  398. Thank you for sharing how your stories came to be. I petered out at day 17 bc I decided to start working on a few of the ideas so I guess that’s still a win!

    By Heidi C on January 30, 2020 at 3:56 am

  399. Yep this is me, clutter EVERYWHERE!! Newest idea: Searching For Flat Surfaces…thanks Jill!

    By Margaret Flint Suter on January 30, 2020 at 5:52 am

  400. Thank you for the ideas.

    By Freda Lewkowicz on January 30, 2020 at 6:39 am

  401. Thank you for taking the time to share. I love hearing how you got some of your ideas!

    By ranessadoucet on January 30, 2020 at 7:47 am

  402. These are all such great ideas, and I loved reading about how you captured them. Thank you so much, Jill!

    By Becky Shillington on January 30, 2020 at 8:14 am

  403. Congratulations on your upcoming books, Jill! I, too, am grateful that StoryStorm reminds us to keep practicing our best ways to get ideas and to stay open to new strategies.

    By Melanie Ellsworth on January 30, 2020 at 8:14 am

  404. Fabulous post! I too look at Storystorm as a switch to turn on all the goofy ideas my brain can produce. 😉 It’s a wonderful chance to turn off the inner critic. Thanks for the awesome inspiration AND such great books! My students & I love your books. 💕

    By Beth Gallagher on January 30, 2020 at 8:38 am

  405. Thanks for this, Jill. I’ve really enjoyed knocking the rust off my idea-receptor this month!

    By Kate Thackray Edwards on January 30, 2020 at 9:38 am

  406. What an inspiring post, Jill! Thank you for sharing. WE LOVE BABIES! looks amazingly adorable. Love how your used a cheer to spark your PB. Keep pinging in, and congrats on your success! 🙂

    By Kim Graves on January 30, 2020 at 9:44 am

  407. Thank you, so much Jill for sharing your ideas. My daughters would love the story. WE LOVE BABIES!

    By stacey miller on January 30, 2020 at 9:50 am

  408. Thanks for sharing!

    By Kim Erickson on January 30, 2020 at 9:51 am

  409. I would love to delve into the crevices of Jill Esbaum’s brain one afternoon. It would be a wild ride!

    By Michele Helsel on January 30, 2020 at 9:55 am

  410. Raising up the antennae, Thanks!

    By ryanrobertsauthor on January 30, 2020 at 10:00 am

  411. Thank you for sharing how you finally made it through a month of storystorm!

    By Viviane Elbee on January 30, 2020 at 10:18 am

  412. Thanks for your post. Time to “romp through my brain”!

    By Rona Shirdan on January 30, 2020 at 10:38 am

  413. Congratulations on all your books, Jill! Thank you for your post!

    By Elizabeth Brown on January 30, 2020 at 10:38 am

  414. I love the idea of getting the rust of the antennae!

    By Darcee Freier on January 30, 2020 at 10:56 am

  415. Jill. I could not love the receptor antennae more! It’s a wonderful visual reminder. Such a sticky idea. I know it will help sustain my curiosity for stories throughout the year. Thank you!

    By Karen Rafeedie on January 30, 2020 at 11:13 am

  416. Beautiful anecdotes on where inspiration comes from. Thank you for sharing.

    By Sara Fajardo on January 30, 2020 at 11:17 am

  417. Great reminder to be open and cognizant of what is going on around you. Love the analogy of the receptor antennae! In fact, that could be a story idea!

    By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 30, 2020 at 11:26 am

  418. Jill, I love love love this post! I usually come up with all my ideas, but this year I am struggling. Lots of stress and distraction and health stuff. But your lovely post reminds me that this list of story ideas is an escape, not an obligation. I am planning to catch up today on my ideas, and I thank you for your inspiration. These books all sound adorable. Can’t wait to read them!

    By Laura Purdie Salas on January 30, 2020 at 11:38 am

  419. “Practice really does make perfect. And Storystorm provides the perfect opportunity for focused practice.” Love this!

    By Terri Sabol on January 30, 2020 at 11:45 am

  420. Aww, Jo’s puppy looks a lot like our crazy guy!

    By tharvey on January 30, 2020 at 12:00 pm

  421. Can’t wait to read the story about the dog and the truck driver!

    By DK Ryland on January 30, 2020 at 12:08 pm

  422. Great examples of translating an idea into a lovely work!

    By Lauri Meyers on January 30, 2020 at 12:22 pm

  423. I too have been having a hard time focusing on collecting ideas. I still read the blog posts for different idea starters but with two small children and a full time job, I find it hard to grasp time to let my brain wander and write down new ideas. I plan to save all these tips for a less stressful time in my life! (Someone please tell me that time will come right?)

    By Deborah Foster on January 30, 2020 at 12:50 pm

  424. OMG! Farting around! My dad used to say that. Gotta admit, I teared up hearing about the pup left at the truck stop. Oh no! Gotta read it

    By nicolesalterbraun on January 30, 2020 at 12:55 pm

  425. I love this post. My plan for after storystorm is to keep up the practice of jotting down ideas, maybe everyday, but at least keep the habit going.

    By Anne Appert on January 30, 2020 at 12:58 pm

  426. Phew! So happy to hear that there’s a happy ending for Jo (and his owner)! Thanks for the post!

    By Kari Lavelle on January 30, 2020 at 1:36 pm

  427. Your post is so sweet. The story of the little dog lost with the process to turn into a book is one of the things that I will remember of Storystorm 2020. Thanks Jill for your advice of being aware.

    By Gaby Lagos on January 30, 2020 at 1:53 pm

  428. I love your idea of continuing to keep Storystorming after January is over. They say it only takes 30 days to develop a new habit. It’s easier to find ideas when it’s your habit.

    By Pamela Haskin on January 30, 2020 at 2:02 pm

  429. Thank you for this post, Jill! I enjoyed reading the stories behind your beautiful picture books! Can’t wait to read about Jo’s journey!

    By donnacangelosi on January 30, 2020 at 2:10 pm

  430. I, too sometimes get excited about a Storystorm idea and then it’s hard to stay focused on generating more ideas! I love your tips and encouragement to keep the receptor antennae open all the time! Thanks, Jill!

    By Judy Sobanski on January 30, 2020 at 2:14 pm

  431. I liked your concept of knocking off the rust through Storystorm!

    By mginsberg10 on January 30, 2020 at 2:22 pm

  432. I’m always amazed by how creative and prolific Jill is! My antennae are up!

    By Nicole Loos Miller on January 30, 2020 at 2:24 pm

  433. Very inspiring posts. Ideas are everywhere!

    By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 30, 2020 at 2:45 pm

  434. “KEEP those antennae up” – I love that! Thanks, Jill!

    By jenwritespbs on January 30, 2020 at 3:30 pm

  435. Thanks for your honesty one does peter out after awhile but thanks for you inspiration and the reminder about discipline

    By bookfish1 on January 30, 2020 at 3:32 pm

  436. Practice makes perfect. Don’t forget to play. Persistence wins the crown. These are my themes for 2020 storystorm, and I found a unicorn idea. YAY for play!

    By Rinda Beach on January 30, 2020 at 3:51 pm

  437. Such an honest post, Jill and your candor is much appreciated! I’m on of those that experiences those Morton Sallt days and weeks–“when it rains, it pours”. Sometimes the ideas just keep churning and other times it’s almost impossible to come up with something new. Thanks for sharing!

    By anneiversonbellsouthnet on January 30, 2020 at 3:55 pm

  438. I love this reminder to look for stories everywhere.

    By Shawna JC Tenney on January 30, 2020 at 4:20 pm

  439. Hooray that ideas are everywhere!

    By Jennifer Parker Raudenbush on January 30, 2020 at 5:19 pm

  440. Jill, congratulations on the 2020 books! I loved hearing where your inspiration for each one came from.

    By jennagrodzicki on January 30, 2020 at 5:23 pm

  441. I love this idea! Use this brainstorming month to get your 2020 warmup in— don’t care if they’re stellar or duds. Thank you!

    I look forward to checking out your books— the ones mentioned here look wonderful.

    By Kelly Rice Schmitt on January 30, 2020 at 5:27 pm

  442. Awesome post, Jill and I love your three ideas turned into stories.

    By Kaye Baillie on January 30, 2020 at 6:03 pm

  443. Thank you, Jill, Great post! My antennae were getting a bit rusty in the rain and snow 😉

    By kirstenpendreigh on January 30, 2020 at 6:11 pm

  444. Oh my goodness–the stories behind your stories are too funny and so stinking cute! So can’t wait to read All of them.

    By Jennifer Hunt on January 30, 2020 at 6:26 pm

  445. One lame idea + another lame idea = a Great idea (sometimes)

    By Stephen S. Martin on January 30, 2020 at 6:30 pm

  446. Thanks for sharing your inspiring ideas with us. Stories are everywhere– it’s our job to write them down.

    By Juliann Caveny on January 30, 2020 at 6:59 pm

  447. I love the turns your imagination takes from your original observation!

    By Joyce on January 30, 2020 at 7:30 pm

  448. It’s so fun to hear how your latest picture books came about, Jill. All such wonderful diverse and creative stories. I look forward to reading them. Thanks for sharing.

    By kelliejanebyrnes on January 30, 2020 at 7:44 pm

  449. Loved this! Thank you, Jill

    By Midge Ballou Smith on January 30, 2020 at 7:50 pm

  450. A great reminder as we wrap up the month – to continue brainstorming all through the year. And I can’t wait to read your 2020 releases.

    By Nancy Kotkin on January 30, 2020 at 7:52 pm

  451. Thanks for knocking the rust off, Jill. Keeping the rustoleum out 🙂

    By Lynne Marie on January 30, 2020 at 7:56 pm

  452. A great post thank you. I love the theme in the Frog Boots. On my must get list

    By brendamay28 on January 30, 2020 at 8:03 pm

  453. Very helpful and congrats on your books.

    By stephaniewildman on January 30, 2020 at 8:03 pm

  454. Thank you so much Jill! Yes, ideas can be everywhere if we just keep up the antennae!

    By Nadine Poper on January 30, 2020 at 8:10 pm

  455. Thanks Jill! I even thought of an idea about antennae… 🙂

    By Jen Bailey on January 30, 2020 at 8:13 pm

  456. An old cheer becomes a book…Hip, hip, horray! 🙂

    By Rebecca E Guzinski on January 30, 2020 at 8:25 pm

  457. Thanks, Jill! Here’s to a 2020 of upright antennae and clear reception! Your new books look wonderful! What could be sweeter than having a great story idea while cuddling a grandbaby? (For anyone perusing the comments…I’ve had a critique from Jill and she is fantastic:) (And a super nice human:):)

    By jessica shaw on January 30, 2020 at 9:03 pm

  458. Love Jill and her stories. Hope I can get a critique from her someday.

    By Virginia Rinkel on January 30, 2020 at 9:28 pm

  459. It’s a blessing to be critiqued by Jill so we know we have a shot into publication. Thank you Jill. Like your titles. I wish you more blessings.

    By aliciaminor on January 30, 2020 at 10:11 pm

  460. I love your advice to brainstorm with abandon. Just go for it! Anything goes! Freedom! Just reading that energized me! You are so right!

    You never know what that fragment of an idea will bring to your mind the next time you look at it. Thank you for such helpful and freeing advice!

    By Susan Orton on January 30, 2020 at 10:15 pm

  461. I loved hearing the story behind your stories!

    By deirdreprischmann on January 30, 2020 at 10:24 pm

  462. Thanks for the inspo Jill!

    By bgonsar on January 30, 2020 at 10:41 pm

  463. Thank you so much for your honesty! This is a great way to shift my perspective from feeling like I’m “cheating” by putting a bunch of weirdo ideas on paper to get to 31. Maybe one of the less-than-favorite ones will actually turn into something!

    By marykatesmithdespres on January 30, 2020 at 10:43 pm

  464. Love, love love the way your ideas came about. I love watching kids at the beach, in the mall, in restaurants and it’s not just the kids it’s also the animals, like birds, or dogs and cats. Thank you for a delightful post.

    By Diane Tulloch on January 30, 2020 at 10:48 pm

  465. Your books sound so great! I agree with the idea of keeping the antennae up. A critique buddy mentioned keeping an idea-a-day journal, and since I started that, ideas have been coming more easily. (Of course, I’m still struggling to think of an idea for today for STORYSTORM, grin!) Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    By denarose on January 30, 2020 at 10:48 pm

  466. Idea are all around us. Thank you for your post, Jill. Congratulations on your upcoming books.

    By Heather Kelso on January 30, 2020 at 11:33 pm

  467. Such a great reminder that ideas are all around us. Thank you.

    By Angela Padron on January 30, 2020 at 11:35 pm

  468. I love approaching Storystorm as playtime. It gets me in the right mindset to just have fun and let the pressure go away.

    By Rebecca Herzog on January 30, 2020 at 11:41 pm

  469. I’m excited to read your latest books. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!

    By Carrie Cook on January 31, 2020 at 12:01 am

  470. Thanks for sharing where your ideas for some of your books came from. So helpful!

    By Gabrielle Cardwell on January 31, 2020 at 1:08 am

  471. I have been doing Storystorm for a while, but I still need to practice. I mean I win, but I need to change that win in for some actual good stories. Thanks so much for your post Jill!

    By Dani Duck on January 31, 2020 at 1:36 am

  472. Your post really energized my ability to brainstorm with abandon. Thanks!

    By Linda Silvestri on January 31, 2020 at 2:05 am

  473. Thanks for the inspiring examples!

    By Helen Taylor on January 31, 2020 at 2:48 am

  474. Oh my goodness Jill, I love your turn of phrase, it inspired me just as much as your stories and how you came to them (or them to you).

    By jacquesartandbooks on January 31, 2020 at 3:03 am

  475. Thank you for sharing so much!

    By Sylvia Chen on January 31, 2020 at 3:33 am

  476. I loved hearing the seed of your idea and seeing where it went for you. Thank you!

    By Shar on January 31, 2020 at 3:56 am

  477. I loved hearing what sparked your idea and where it took you with each book. Thank you!

    By Shar on January 31, 2020 at 3:57 am

  478. Thanks for the inspiration, Jill! I constantly made up songs when my girls were little. I’ll have to see if any of them have hidden gems. If not, maybe it’s time to make up songs about my rescue dog and grandkitty.

    By Mindy Alyse Weiss on January 31, 2020 at 5:38 am

  479. Jill, you are so funny what a great sense of humor. I love your book ideas also. You are right we do need to knock off the rust sometimes so we can see all the possibilities that are out there just vying for our attention to make something special with them.

    By percyandcat on January 31, 2020 at 5:45 am

  480. Thanks, Jill, for sharing how different experiences sparked story ideas for you!

    By Dee Knabb on January 31, 2020 at 7:42 am

  481. Thank you for sharing these tips!

    By heatherbell37 on January 31, 2020 at 7:51 am

  482. Thank you!

    By Patricia Alcaro on January 31, 2020 at 7:56 am

  483. I needed to read this! Thank you!

    By Sarah Wolfe on January 31, 2020 at 8:33 am

  484. Thank you, Jill! It is wonderful to read about how you write from experience.
    You’ve helped spark some story ideas here as well! Your books look lovely!

    By Sue Gagliardi on January 31, 2020 at 8:40 am

  485. Those are such cute books you came up with! Thanks for the inspiration. I’m not going to give up.

    By Janet Smart on January 31, 2020 at 9:19 am

  486. Great post! Thank you for sharing your tips and experience.

    By Amelia Gossman on January 31, 2020 at 10:10 am

  487. Thank you!

    By Carolyn Currier on January 31, 2020 at 10:40 am

  488. Great ideas for shaking the rust. Thank you for the suggestions. I love your books and am looking forward to your upcoming releases!

    By Mary Zychowicz on January 31, 2020 at 10:40 am

  489. Cute book ideas. Loved hearing your inspiration.

    By mathbookmagic on January 31, 2020 at 12:03 pm

  490. Thanks… I do need reminders to go play! It doesn’t all have to be, can’t all be, GOOD!

    By aidantalkin on January 31, 2020 at 12:41 pm

  491. Thanks!!

    By Tina on January 31, 2020 at 12:54 pm

  492. I loved your inspiring stories of success. Thanks for sharing! (And congratulations. 🙂 )

    By Sara Matson on January 31, 2020 at 1:34 pm

  493. Thank you for sharing your examples – so much fun to hear of your inspiration.

    By Cinzia V. on January 31, 2020 at 2:01 pm

  494. Congrats on all your success Jill!

    By Helen Lysicatos on January 31, 2020 at 2:11 pm

  495. Antenna up and receiving. Thank you for sharing.

    By teacherwriteracker on January 31, 2020 at 2:19 pm

  496. Great post, Jill!! Thank you for giving us a peek at how your book ideas developed into WE LOVE BABIES, FROG BOOTS, and WHERE’D MY JO GO? Thank you for reminding us to keep our antenna up. It’s true that we never know where our ideas will come from.

    I liked your book TEENY TINY TOADY and can’t wait to read WHERE’D MY JO GO?

    By saputnam on January 31, 2020 at 2:47 pm

  497. Yes, Storystorm definitely helps me retune my idea part of my brain.

    By Megan J. Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2) on January 31, 2020 at 3:43 pm

  498. Observation is key!

    By Megan on January 31, 2020 at 3:45 pm

  499. Thanks for the inspiration, Jill! I’m excited to read Frog Boots and Where’d My Jo Go?!

    By Gabriele on January 31, 2020 at 4:14 pm

  500. I always read weird stories on the internet. My latest story came from one of those pieces.

    By seethewin38d687e232 on January 31, 2020 at 5:09 pm

  501. Those adorable baby penguins rival Baby Yoda for cuteness! Oh goodness. I’m feeling the struggle for new ideas, so this is helpful. Thank you!!

    By melissamiles1 on January 31, 2020 at 5:17 pm

  502. Thank you, Jill, for sharing your breakthrough in PLAYING. I forget in my desire to finish, so it may help.

    By Nancy Ferguson on January 31, 2020 at 5:44 pm

  503. Playful indeed!

    By lanearnold on January 31, 2020 at 6:40 pm

  504. I love hearing about the story behind the story ideas that turn into books authors write!

    By Keila Dawson on January 31, 2020 at 6:54 pm

  505. Jill, you made me laugh when you wrote…Farting around! Awesome post! Keep spreading your magic! Thank you!

    By Lucy Staugler on January 31, 2020 at 7:36 pm

  506. Thank you so much for your post. Allowing our brain to play around with a title, character, or setting is so useful. It has been so beneficial to just allow your brain to play.

    By dlapmandi on January 31, 2020 at 7:43 pm

  507. Thank you for this post! Feeling motivated!

    By Gauri Dalvi on January 31, 2020 at 7:46 pm

  508. Thank you for this post. Motivated!

    By Gauri Dalvi on January 31, 2020 at 7:47 pm

  509. Awesome! I love baby animals too! So many things can spark a good idea. It’s just being open to them and writing them down.

    By Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on January 31, 2020 at 8:06 pm

  510. Thanks for that great post!

    By kmshelley on January 31, 2020 at 8:24 pm

  511. Great post. Anthem as still on. Thank you!!!

    By Maria J Cuesta on January 31, 2020 at 8:27 pm

  512. Stories from so many places! Thanks for the reminder to keep looking!

    By Maureen Tai on January 31, 2020 at 8:30 pm

  513. I love this entry – glad I’m not the only one who struggles after Day 15 🙂

    By wyszguy on January 31, 2020 at 9:26 pm

  514. I’m definitely keeping mine up! It’ll just be to remember to write them down. I have a small journal and a tiny pen I plan on bringing everywhere (that I remember to bring them).

    By Erik Ammon on January 31, 2020 at 9:32 pm

  515. i’m always catching up at the end, but I love your idea of knocking off the rust and getting those antenna sensing things again!

    By Tasha Hilderman on January 31, 2020 at 11:00 pm

  516. Thank you for this– antennae up!!

    By annemweaver on January 31, 2020 at 11:18 pm

  517. Thanks for urging us to keep going.

    By shirley301 on January 31, 2020 at 11:37 pm

  518. Love your laissez faire attitude, Jill! I’m here at the last hours of Jan. 31 squeaking out a few more ideas. You’ll put me over the top!

    By farmfolkfamily on January 31, 2020 at 11:43 pm

  519. Checking in missed posts – these books look great!

    By Joni Nemeth on January 31, 2020 at 11:45 pm

  520. Can’t wait to read your books! Great post!

    By Michelle Kashinsky on February 1, 2020 at 12:59 am

  521. Oh, this is wonderful! Now, I’m thinking about bugs and antennae. Thanks!

    By Dina Ticas on February 1, 2020 at 1:16 am

  522. My antennae was getting pretty rusty but I’ve shined it up and it’s ready to go again :-).

    By sharongiltrow on February 1, 2020 at 1:39 am

  523. Farting around? How dare! We kidlit writers are doing serious business here (says the writer who has at least two ideas about poop on her Storystorm list!). 🙂

    By Jocelyn Rish on February 1, 2020 at 4:07 am

  524. It’s great to hear how you can take something simple and turn it into an idea for a picture book. Congrats!

    By Dee Leone on February 1, 2020 at 4:21 am

  525. Thanks Jill. Wow you worked those ideas up into great stories. Fingers crossed I’ll do the same one day!

    By Beth Edson on February 1, 2020 at 6:08 am

  526. I love farting around with ideas… And thanks for sharing the inspiration with your books!

    By Lisa L Furness on February 1, 2020 at 9:04 am

  527. I loved hearing how you came up with your ideas for your published books. That cheer is so adorable! Thanks for the inspiration!

    By Aimee Satterlee on February 1, 2020 at 9:06 am

  528. Ideas are everywhere and I MUST find them! Thank you 🙂

    By Karen Lawler on February 1, 2020 at 10:59 am

  529. Full of bad ideas here, thanks for permission to bounce them all.

    By Lucky Jo Boscarino on February 1, 2020 at 11:09 am

  530. I know, too late, but it’s how things roll sometimes-this was such a delicious, super-useful, sweet post, I had to write and say ‘Thank you’ more than you’ll ever know. Brought me to tears twice thinking of one revision to a story I can’t let go of, and a memory from childhood that has vexed me to tell it-maybe now, I can. Congrats on all your forthcoming books!

    By Gail Hedrick on February 1, 2020 at 11:47 am

  531. Thanks for sharing your idea original stories!

    By Stephanie Lau on February 1, 2020 at 12:10 pm

  532. Thanks for sharing how your books got started. I’m going to be on the look out for “Where’d my Jo go?”

    By Lori Menning on February 1, 2020 at 12:32 pm

  533. Love it! Farting around is the perfect play time excuse. I really do get more ideas when I don’t FORCE my brain to sit there and do it. They readily pop in while doing other things. Thanks!

    By Angie on February 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm

  534. These are terrific ideas! And ACK! Where’d My Jo Go? hits right in the heart strings! Wonderful. I’ve got several ideas from this!

    By Laurel Ranveig Abell on February 1, 2020 at 1:38 pm

  535. I want to pick up all these books right now!!! Thank you for the advice.

    By Rebecca Fleishman on February 1, 2020 at 2:12 pm

  536. Great post.
    The funny thing is, I have a history of the OPPOSITE problem: Too many ideas; chickening out whenever I try to develop any of them.

    By storyfairy on February 1, 2020 at 2:51 pm

  537. Story ideas really are everywhere, if only we take the time to stop and notice them.

    By sheriradford on February 1, 2020 at 5:16 pm

  538. Love your books and thank you for all these great ideas for inspiration!

    By Pat on February 1, 2020 at 5:18 pm

  539. Calling all ideas… calling all ideas…. anybody out there??

    By Noelle McBride on February 1, 2020 at 5:20 pm

  540. wonderful!

    By shellshock7 on February 1, 2020 at 5:42 pm

  541. I loved hearing how you got the ideas for your books. I know the ideas are out there, we just need to be on the lookout. Thanks for posting.

    By thesheilster on February 1, 2020 at 7:51 pm

  542. I loved learning about how you discovered ideas for your books. Thanks.

    By Elizabeth Duncan on February 1, 2020 at 9:01 pm

  543. Your stories sound fresh and fun! I will have to add Frog Boots to my reading list.

    By rjtraxel on February 1, 2020 at 10:13 pm

  544. I will definitely have to check out WHERE’D MY JO GO? Sounds like a story to warm the heart!

    By Beth Schneider on February 1, 2020 at 11:17 pm

  545. Antennae UP reminded me of My Favorite Martian which is a fun weird spin right there.

    By topangamaria on February 2, 2020 at 12:32 am

  546. Love the tips. Your stories look wonderful. Can’t wait to read Frog Boots.

    By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on February 2, 2020 at 2:51 am

  547. Thanks for all your stories and ideas.

    By Mardi Edwards on February 2, 2020 at 9:48 am

  548. I loved hearing how your ideas evolved. Can’t wait for these books, especially the one about the purple boots. Thanks for cheering us on Jill!

    By Kathy Cornell Berman on February 2, 2020 at 10:40 am

  549. I’m open and receiving new ideas. Thanks!

    By Kyle McBride on February 2, 2020 at 12:25 pm

  550. Wonderful post! Thank you sharing the journey leading to your new books. Very interesting and informative! Thank you for the opportunity for a critique!

    By Mia Geiger on February 2, 2020 at 2:58 pm

  551. Thanks for the encouragement, Jill! (What a face on that dog! Thank goodness you told us there’s a happy ending. 🙂 )

    By Wendy on February 2, 2020 at 3:51 pm

  552. keeping the ideas rolling.

    By KASteed on February 2, 2020 at 5:28 pm

  553. Some days the antennae’s are working better than others. Thanks for the encouragement Jill.

    By Franny G on February 2, 2020 at 7:27 pm

  554. I need to pay attention more to the good news stories in the newspaper. Not only are there amazing story ideas in there, but I just need to see the good news in the world! ❤

    By Veronica Bartles (@vbartles) on February 3, 2020 at 12:01 am

  555. Your books are unique and have great hooks.

    By Susan Cabael on February 3, 2020 at 2:49 am

  556. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

    By Angela De Groot on February 3, 2020 at 9:40 am

  557. Fabulous – and you’re right, Storystorm is all about knocking the rust of the ideas antennae. Thank you for sharing where your book ideas originated too.

    By Kellie on February 3, 2020 at 2:09 pm

  558. Jill, I love hearing inspiration stories! Thank you!

    By megcason1 on February 3, 2020 at 3:49 pm

  559. So timely! Thank you for reminding me to keep my antennae greased up.

    By michelebacon on February 3, 2020 at 5:38 pm

  560. I love it when a plan comes together in a nice neat package. HAH! My ideas come in snippets here there and everywhere. I love your new books. Can’t wait to read them.

    By debbiemoeller on February 3, 2020 at 11:40 pm

  561. Oh my goodness “Where’d my Jo go?” looks adorable!!! What a great idea!

    By Brenda Grant Lower on February 4, 2020 at 1:11 am

  562. The dog and trucker story is amazing! It reminds me of Hatchi. Love it!

    By jefnamc on February 4, 2020 at 1:42 am

  563. Thank you for the great reminders, Jill. My antennae are now receiving signals! I can’t wait to read “Where’d My Jo Go?”–it sounds wonderful.

    By Lucretia on February 4, 2020 at 9:23 am

  564. I’m going to go check-out I am Cow, Hear Me Moo! Sounds wonderful!

    By Susanne Whitehouse on February 4, 2020 at 11:43 am

  565. Thanks for the spark for another idea. My grandson only wears his bear house shoes to school.

    By Meredith Fraser on February 4, 2020 at 5:26 pm

  566. Very inspiring post. Thank you Jill.
    Anna Levin

    By rhumba20 on February 4, 2020 at 10:14 pm

  567. Loved the examples that show the ideas will come if we’re programmed to receive!! Thanks for the inspiration, Jill!

    By Penny Parker Klostermann on February 4, 2020 at 11:01 pm

  568. THANKS JILL! Great post. We’ve just got to find time for our ideas.

    By CindyC on February 5, 2020 at 9:58 pm

  569. Such a fun post. I love “programmed to receive” so true! Thank you!

    By Dawn Young on February 11, 2020 at 1:08 pm

  570. I have been keeping my antennae up since Storystorm! Thanks Jill!

    By Amanda Sincavage on February 17, 2020 at 5:13 pm

  571. I love babies too! Thanks for sharing your ideas.

    By dinatowbin on February 17, 2020 at 10:41 pm

Leave a Reply

Mobile Site | Full Site

Get a free blog at WordPress.com Theme: WordPress Mobile Edition by Alex King.