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Storystorm 2021 Day 1: She’s Gotta Habit

January 1, 2021 8:00 am

by your Storystorm hostess, Tara Lazar

I listened to the Hidden Brain podcast last night, all about habits—how to develop good ones, how to lose bad ones. Aha, I thought, Storystorm is all about making story ideation a habit! How serendipitous!

The episode revealed that the less “friction” there is surrounding an activity, the more you’re likely to do the task and eventually make it habitual. And when it’s habitual, you don’t have to think about it. You don’t need to make a decision to do it, you just do. There’s no thinking. It’s automatic.

“Friction” means the things that make doing something more difficult. If the gym is too far away, you won’t go regularly. Too much friction. Lessening—or even eliminating—friction is the key to forming a habit. Want to jog every morning? Getting up early is a hassle. What lessens the rub? Sleeping in your workout clothes. Wake up and go!

In 2021, you want to make forming new story ideas a habit. Why? Picture books are a numbers game. They’re notoriously difficult to sell. The more ideas you have, the more potential manuscripts you write, the more the odds tilt in your favor.

Plus, not every idea is a good enough for a story. Some are awful. Case in point, an idea I have in my 2020 pile: “Bobby Bubble Wrap”. What the heck???

You need to push past the terrible ideas to get to the good ones. If “Bobby” had been my only idea in 2020, I would be in trouble career-wise. Luckily, it was one of 100. Out of that 100, I wrote a dozen and eight went on submission.

So let’s talk about friction. What’s stopping you from daily idea generation? The reason most people forget an idea is because they don’t write it down. If we want to create less friction here, have everything you need ready and accessible. I now keep my ideas in the “Notes” app on my phone. My phone is always with me (it became a habit when my kids got them), so it’s easily accessible. Moreover, my notes are saved to the cloud, so they’re there for eternity. Or as long as my wi-fi works.

Don’t like the phone? Carry a pen and small notebook. Or at least carry a pen. There’s always space to write on your palm. Don’t forget “Aqua Notes” in the shower, too. Put paper all over the house! (Just don’t forget to consolidate it into one place or one file. Make it a habit to do every night before bed!)

Is this too much friction? Or piggybacking?

The next tip is called “piggybacking”. Think about your day. What habits do you already have? Do you enjoy a morning cuppa? Start a new habit by tacking it onto an existing habit. When you sit down with your tea, read the blog, start daydreaming, get a new idea, write it down.

I’ve found that there’s no regular time of day for me to get a new idea, it just comes randomly. But that’s because I’ve become more attuned to what’s happening around me. My senses are sharper; I’ve been practicing story ideation for a long time. It’s second-nature. I don’t have to force myself to think of something. I overhear my kids talking, I watch a show, I read an article and BAM—an amorphous blob begins to take shape.

This is the goal. Standing in the storm with an umbrella means you’re more likely to get struck by lightning.

I highly recommend this Hidden Brain episode, and the entire podcast in general. Listening is one of my habits!

Drawing by Laurie Keller

Tara Lazar is a picture book author and the founder of Storystorm, now in its 13th year. Register for the challenge here, thru January 7th. If you can, please purchase Storystorm SWAG—all proceeds ($4 per item) will be donated to hunger charity Blessings in a Backpack.

Follow Tara on Twitter @taralazar, Instagram @taralaser and TikTok (new!) @taralazarbooks. Most of all, have a creative start to 2021!

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: Storystorm 2021

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628 Responses to “Storystorm 2021 Day 1: She’s Gotta Habit”

1. What a great post to kick-off Storystorm 2021! Thanks, Tara.
   Gail Hartman

   By thecrowsmap on January 1, 2021 at 8:16 am

   1. “ Standing in the storm with an umbrella means you’re more likely to get struck by lightning.”

      Love this so much, and adding it to my #StoryStorm notebook so I’m not starting on a blank page. That’s definitely a source of friction for me at times!

      By Jessica Fries-Gaither on January 1, 2021 at 10:55 am

   2. Hi Gail! Happy Storystorming!

      By Jessica Fries-Gaither on January 1, 2021 at 10:56 am

      1. What a great post, Tara! This is actually applicable to all facets of life not just PB writing. This will be my mantra for 2021: “Good habits need to be developed and bad habits need to be eliminated.

         By Denise Seidman on January 1, 2021 at 8:42 pm

   3. I look forward to try this new activity in a new January!

      By DeeDee Johnson on January 1, 2021 at 8:43 pm

   4. Woohoo excited to be here for the first time this year!

      By Erika on January 3, 2021 at 1:40 pm

2. Love this post, Tara!
   I imagine you as the superhero, THE STORY IDEATOR!
   With a sharpened pencil-spear, a notepad shield, and a happy, little cloud as your sidekick. ❤

   By carencreateschildrensbooks on January 1, 2021 at 8:17 am

   1. Thank you for a great start. I never realized that all the changes I made to my life in the last year are in actuality, habits. I look forward to adding more positive habits in my life!

      Plus two story ideas today!!! 😊 📚⛈💡

      By Catherine Lee on January 1, 2021 at 12:24 pm

3. Thanks for inspiring an “amorphous blob”, Tara!

   By Cathy L. Murphy on January 1, 2021 at 8:17 am

4. A great idea to reduce friction and a great start to Storystorm.

   By Jay on January 1, 2021 at 8:17 am

   1. It really is all about being attuned to events happening around it. Making a habit of writing down those snippets is genius!

      By Patricia Holloway on January 1, 2021 at 11:31 am

5. An inspiring start to the month and year! Forming these habits are so useful and I like the idea of ‘piggybacking’ to ensure they stick. Thanks, Tara!

   By Rebster on January 1, 2021 at 8:29 am

6. I love Hidden Brain, too! Such interesting research. Thanks, Tara!

   By Amy Houts on January 1, 2021 at 8:43 am

7. Brilliant post to start the year with!

   By clarehelenwelsh on January 1, 2021 at 8:46 am

8. Love the piggybacking tip. From now on I will bring a small pad and pen on my daily hikes with my dog. Happy New Year!

   By Betsy Devany on January 1, 2021 at 8:49 am

9. Interesting topic for the first day of Storystorm.

   This morning when I was drinking my cuppa tea, I watched a random creative YouTube video while my cute little Frenchie rested on my lap. I thought about how it was the first day of 2021 and how Storystrom had just begun while watching the video. I saw a mug that tickled my brain and had me thinking about a story. But, I did not write it down. Had it not been for this post here, I might have even forgotten about it.

   I realise that I am not well organised and this is the type of “friction” that keeps me from getting the things I want to do in a day done. Like writing, illustrating, jotting down ideas, sitting and developing a story a bit further, etc.

   Thanks for bringing this to my attention. In order to succeed with everything I wish to accomplish this year—starting with Storystorm—I must get organised to maintain a healthy amount of discipline.

   Wonderful and such a helpful post to kick off Storystorm! Thank you, Tara!

   By babybluesnowflake on January 1, 2021 at 8:52 am

10. Thank you, I’ve learnt that routine is the only way I get anything done and tagging on story idea generation to a familiar routine sounds a great plan. It’s so helpful to hear about the numbers game too. Happy New Year, here’s to lots of ideas for everyone. I think I’ll check out the podcast too – I love a recommendation!

    By sareenmclay on January 1, 2021 at 8:52 am

11. I do get a lot of ideas and thinking done in those few quiet moments in the morning with my one coffee of the day…just need to be sure my notebook is handy! Thanks for the podcast recommendation!

    By Andrea Mack on January 1, 2021 at 8:52 am

12. Like the daily ideas, making that a goal with my little notebook in hand!

    By kelbelroberts on January 1, 2021 at 8:55 am

13. Perfect post to kick this off! Love it!

    By Hollie Wolverton on January 1, 2021 at 8:56 am

14. Aannd we’re off! Here’s to new habits! Thanks, Tara!

    By Jane Heitman Healy on January 1, 2021 at 8:59 am

15. Reblogged this on Helen Ishmurzin and commented:
    Storystorm 2021 is underway!!

    By helenishmurzin on January 1, 2021 at 8:59 am

16. Way to start a new year!!!

    By Laura on January 1, 2021 at 9:03 am

17. Great post to start off StoryStorm 2021.

    By Mark Bentz on January 1, 2021 at 9:05 am

18. Thanks Tara

    Needed that today.

    XX

    ________________________________

    By Lorraine Cooper on January 1, 2021 at 9:07 am

19. My husband bought me a magnetic white board for Christmas my #storystorm has started and is now a constant reminder love it and this blog! Inspiring… thank you Tara x

    By Nicola Baldwin on January 1, 2021 at 9:09 am

20. Thank you !I have been waiting to tart this

    By jeanne cherney on January 1, 2021 at 9:13 am

21. Thanks for the inspiration – I’ve made a start!

    By Lorraine Dancer on January 1, 2021 at 9:19 am

22. Thanks, love the idea of eliminating friction!

    By andreesantini on January 1, 2021 at 9:20 am

23. I can’t wait to get started! Thanks for the podcast recommendation!

    By Sara Ackerman on January 1, 2021 at 9:20 am

24. So excited to get started this year. Thanks for the boost to help us all dive in, Tara.

    By Dee Knabb on January 1, 2021 at 9:22 am

25. Love the cuppa idea!

    By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 1, 2021 at 9:25 am

    1. I know! I already have the habit of browsing on my phone while having coffee. Now to switch out the phone and work on the ideas.

       By Melissa H. Mwai on January 1, 2021 at 10:28 pm

26. This post is such a great kickoff! I’m ready to up my story ideation habits (and maybe exercise).

    By teacherwriteracker on January 1, 2021 at 9:28 am

    1. Happy New Year and thank you for the post!

       By Lauren Barbieri on January 1, 2021 at 2:32 pm

27. […] Then join Tara Lazar’s Storystorm, which kicks off today with an inspirational post about getting into the habit of generating story ideas! For more information and to sign up, click […]

    By Storystorm 2021 is Underway! – Helen Ishmurzin on January 1, 2021 at 9:28 am

28. And off we go! So pleased Storystorm is here to help kick start 2021. New ideas, here I come …

    By Joan Longstaff on January 1, 2021 at 9:29 am

29. Love it!!

    By Nancy Tupper Ling on January 1, 2021 at 9:31 am

30. Hooray for habits! I’m so excited about the start of this year’s Storystorm: may the ideas flow, flow, and then flow some more!

    By Meli Glickman on January 1, 2021 at 9:32 am

31. Here we go! Thanks for this kick-off post!

    By Kristen Tipman on January 1, 2021 at 9:33 am

32. Great podcast, great post. Looking forward to this whole month!

    By bgonsar on January 1, 2021 at 9:33 am

33. I loved your post, Tara, & I certainly will try to push that annoying friction out of the way so I can make writing down my story ideas a daily habit. Thanks for the work you put into Storystorm & Happy 2021!

    By Alice Fulgione on January 1, 2021 at 9:45 am

34. Can’t wait to kick off the year with this today. I think the notes app is a perfect place to put these!

    By silentkdesign on January 1, 2021 at 9:47 am

35. I use Notes on my phone for ideas most of the time too, for the same reason: it’s handy. But I also use a notebook when I can. There’s something to be said about pen and paper. It’s part of the bond that a lot of writers have with their craft. When no friction exists, my journals are my go-to.

    By jenlinville2021 on January 1, 2021 at 9:52 am

    1. Story Storm 2021, here we come! Thanks for this, Tara!

       By jenlinville2021 on January 1, 2021 at 9:55 am

36. Great post, Tara!! I certainly will try to push the annoying friction out of the way so daily story idea writing becomes a habit.

    By Alice Fulgione on January 1, 2021 at 9:53 am

37. This is a great post. We are lucky enough to have a hottub, and most mornings, I roll out of bed and into that.tub. EVERY morning when it’s cold. Last year, I “piggybacked” my idea time onto the hottub. Because you’re three hours ahead of me out here in California, your posts were available by the time I woke up. I read the post, then used my hottub time to get my idea. It worked beautifully-I’m doing it again this year.

    Thanks for scheduling Storystorm in the winter AND for living in another time zone, Tara. 💖

    By beckylevine on January 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

38. Thanks Tara for this fantastic 1st post. I have made lots of notes about habits and friction :-). I piggyback my ideas onto my daily walk.

    By sharongiltrow on January 1, 2021 at 10:00 am

39. I keep my notes in the notes app too! Glad to know I’m not the only one attached to my phone like this!

    By L.Nabih on January 1, 2021 at 10:02 am

40. Tara, thank you for Storystorm. Love “less friction” the more it becomes automatic ❤️ Love starting the new year this way. 😊

    By Janie Reinart on January 1, 2021 at 10:02 am

41. Off and racing. Storystorm 2021. I have my umbrella up. The more indies you have … the more the odds tilt in your favour.

    By Steve Heron on January 1, 2021 at 10:05 am

42. Oh, wow, just what I needed this AM. Tara you are in tune to the universe this Jan. 1. 2021. I need some new habits so this will help. And a new Idea came to me this AM while watching my dog just “be.”
    You have trained me for story ideation over the years. Big thanks.

    By kathalsey on January 1, 2021 at 10:06 am

43. Some ideas strike in the middle of night–I have a notebook + light-up pen on my nightstand. How they appear in the morning is “another story”!

    By Nancy Furstinger on January 1, 2021 at 10:07 am

44. What a great way to start Storystorm, Tara!

    By Sue Thoms on January 1, 2021 at 10:08 am

45. BIG THANKS for the Hidden Brain episode. I’ve become absolutely addicted to podcasts. I love learning. Best of luck to all the stormers!

    By Mitchell Linda on January 1, 2021 at 10:08 am

46. Thanks, Tara!

    By Suz Halko on January 1, 2021 at 10:09 am

47. I love the phrase “story ideation.” Time to put it into practice!

    By faygie1 on January 1, 2021 at 10:12 am

48. Friction is exactly the small stuff that threatens to stop me in my tracks. Your suggestions around it are very helpful too! Thanks for this post!

    By Stacey Corrigan on January 1, 2021 at 10:12 am

49. Thanks for getting us started! Great motivation!

    By amshahen1 on January 1, 2021 at 10:20 am

50. Thank you for my favorite picture book activity, Tara! I look forward to Storystorm every year and have a treasure trove of notes from which all of my manuscripts have developed. Love The Hidden Brain, but I’m notoriously bad at new habits. Time to change that. Happy New Year 🎆

    By Amy M. Miller on January 1, 2021 at 10:25 am

51. I use the notes on my phone too when I’m not near my computer or paper. I will definitely listen to the hidden brain. 2021 here we come!

    By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 1, 2021 at 10:28 am

52. After the 2020 we’ve experienced your blog is a breath of fresh air for a fresh start. Thanks

    By Laurie Knowlton on January 1, 2021 at 10:28 am

53. Thanks for the perfect way to kick off the new year, Tara. ..making writing and generating ideas an everyday habit. My ideas come randomly too and are all over the place. Time to consolidate.
    Happy New Year!

    By Jeannie Whelan Santucci on January 1, 2021 at 10:29 am

54. Eliminating “friction” is my takeaway. My best productivity happens in the early hours (when the whole world is still fast asleep- including my kiddos). 5:30am is when I feel like I harness the powers of the Universe! Friction… can be the red wine the night before.

    By Liz Ski Healey on January 1, 2021 at 10:29 am

55. That’s just how I am going to jump out of bed from now on! The coffee and note part 🙂

    By Kate Carroll on January 1, 2021 at 10:30 am

56. Great way to start the new year – with pen and paper, or phone, in hand.

    By Debra Katz on January 1, 2021 at 10:34 am

57. Great post to kick off StoryStorm! My 10 yo and I are brainstorming ways to get rid of all the static-y friction holding us back from our best, writerly/creative selves!

    By candicemarleyconner on January 1, 2021 at 10:34 am

58. Thanks, Tara! Here’s to building new habits, and flowing ideas in 2021.

    By Cathy Lentes on January 1, 2021 at 10:40 am

59. About to listen to the podcast. Reducing the friction makes so much sense – that’s why we have exercise equipment in the basement. Thanks Tara!

    By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 1, 2021 at 10:41 am

60. And we’re off. Great post,Tara!

    By David McMullin on January 1, 2021 at 10:41 am

61. Great post to get us started!

    By lizricewrites on January 1, 2021 at 10:41 am

62. Somewhere down the road, I’d lost this habit, and after reading your post I’m inspired to be back again. Thank you!

    By Harshita Jerath on January 1, 2021 at 10:42 am

63. Love this first post, Tara! Happy new year! Here’s to new beginnings & less friction!

    By stiefelchana on January 1, 2021 at 10:48 am

64. Great post – I definitely need to work on better writer habits this year!!

    By Janet Slingerland Hammond on January 1, 2021 at 10:49 am

65. Great inspiration! I love the idea of reducing friction in all parts of my life. Ohh…a blob of an idea just came to me! (Still VERY blobby!)

    By Ellen Leventhal on January 1, 2021 at 10:50 am

66. Happy New Year! I’m a fan of the Hidden Brain podcast and I remember the one on habits. PB concepts pop into my head more often when I’m tuning into my world instead of keeping my head down and plowing through life.

    By Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 1, 2021 at 10:51 am

67. I love this, once activated the creative tap keeps flowing. Great way to kickoff Storystorm!

    By Rozana Rajkumari on January 1, 2021 at 10:51 am

68. Ack! I don’t think my comment posted, but I’m ready to start this year. Let’s reform old good habits and despite the explosions (friction) around us. It feels good to be back in Storystorm!

    By shannonstocker on January 1, 2021 at 10:52 am

69. Day One – yay! Love the post and have a new story idea that I keep adding to and feel excited about! Check and check on first day of the New Year!

    By Vera Lisa Smetzer on January 1, 2021 at 10:55 am

70. Yay. Frictionless and feeling more slippery after reading this post. Could it be I’m in jammies and wearing slippers?! I loved the ideas. I have my coffee my Storystrom curses auto correct journal and calligraphy pen by my side. Hmmm hearse hoping I don’t dip said pen in coffee to write. Hearse…lol maybe a story about a demon auto correct messing up a story..hmmmmm first idea of the year!

    By kiwijenny on January 1, 2021 at 11:01 am

71. Awesome start to Storystorm!

    By Linda Schueler on January 1, 2021 at 11:03 am

72. What a perfect way to start the morning and to start the year! I love using my notes app as well, so heading there now to jot down my very first idea of 2021! Woo hoo!

    By Maria Oka on January 1, 2021 at 11:04 am

73. Fantastic suggestions. Eager to start filling up a page in my notes app.

    By Andrea Denish on January 1, 2021 at 11:04 am

74. Are there actual people who don’t like their phone? We don’t know any of them. Mom loves her phone. I mean, if her phone and I both fell overboard…. Ugh. I don’t even want to think about it.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

    By Genevieve Petrillo on January 1, 2021 at 11:04 am

75. Thank you for the inspirational start of Storystorm. Pen and paper in hand, I am ready for a productive month.

    By judyrubin13 on January 1, 2021 at 11:07 am

76. Thank you for kicking off the month, Tara! I’m excited to return to good, idea-generating habits in 2021.

    By Angela Burke Kunkel (@angkunkel) on January 1, 2021 at 11:07 am

77. Ah, a nice fresh new year. Love “Tara Eclair “.

    By Nancy Colle on January 1, 2021 at 11:09 am

78. What a terrific post to start off the new year! Great reminder to listen to and write down ideas that can so easily slip away. Thanks, Tara! Looking forward to a creative month!

    By Kath Carroll on January 1, 2021 at 11:11 am

79. My new favorite equation: less friction = more fiction. Thanks for an inspiring kick-off, Tara!

    By clairebobrow on January 1, 2021 at 11:14 am

80. Thank you Tara! Great way to start the month and the new year. I love Hidden Brain!

    By Mary Warth on January 1, 2021 at 11:15 am

81. Thank you Tara! Happy New Year!

    By Jessica Potts on January 1, 2021 at 11:16 am

82. Open eyes + open eyes (always and forever) = story ideation habit. Thank you, Tara, for your great suggestions on how to make this happen!

    By Suzanne Lewis on January 1, 2021 at 11:16 am

83. Thanks for this podcast! Perfect for Day One of Storystorm and day one of the new year.😄

    By Kathi Morrison-Taylor on January 1, 2021 at 11:17 am

84. I like the confirmation book ideas are a game of numbers. This habit of going to Storystorm every day will bring hope to this new year. Thank You

    By readmybook2002 on January 1, 2021 at 11:17 am

85. My ideas journal now has a page for friction and another for habits/collecting. Thanks much. Here’s to 2021 – a year that’s bound to be fun.

    By Joyce Uglow on January 1, 2021 at 11:18 am

86. Such a relevant post, Tara…for writing and beyond. Perfect way to kick off the new year. Thanks for sharing!

    By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 1, 2021 at 11:21 am

87. Hidden Brain is an excellent podcast. The habit episode was excellent, I listened to it while making dinner a few days ago.
    If anyone can make a story about Bobby Bubble Wrap, it would be you Tara Eclair.

    By Sarah Tobias on January 1, 2021 at 11:21 am

88. I like the idea of reducing friction through piggybacking… like trying to draw (or stretch or whathaveyou) while waiting the six minutes for coffee to actually make… percoffee drawing has no expectation. it’s just the hand on the page. It’ll be fun to see what happens in six minutes,…

    By David Bernardy on January 1, 2021 at 11:25 am

89. Thanks for a great start!

    By Doreen E. Lepore on January 1, 2021 at 11:29 am

90. Sometimes you have to kiss a bunch of frogs to get a prince of an idea. Thank you for sharing.

    By jms5880 on January 1, 2021 at 11:33 am

91. Very interesting read and developing food habits with writing is one of my goals this year.

    By tdjw on January 1, 2021 at 11:34 am

92. 100 ideas… and then 8 books out on submission… I need to write down more ideas! Thanks for the kick start to a new year.

    By susandrewwrites on January 1, 2021 at 11:34 am

93. Yay! Thanks for getting us started, Tara! 🙂

    By Sheri Dillard on January 1, 2021 at 11:35 am

94. Happy 2021 and Good Morning! I have notes by my bed and wrote down a new idea when I woke up!

    By Kimberly Marcus on January 1, 2021 at 11:36 am

95. I love a new podcast! Will listen today! Cheers to 2021!

    By Stef Wade (@Stef_Wade) on January 1, 2021 at 11:39 am

96. How cool is it that if you take the “r” (for reduce) out of friction, you get fiction! Thanks for these helpful idea generating habits, Tara.

    By Lori Dubbin on January 1, 2021 at 11:40 am

97. I love the tip about piggybacking! I will definitely try to do that to form a new habit. Thank you for a great post! And Happy New Year!
    -Maryna Doughty

    By marynadoughty on January 1, 2021 at 11:43 am

98. I keep a running idea list document on my computer. Thank you for hosting this every year and helping us to stick to our habit!

    By Kimberly Hutmacher on January 1, 2021 at 11:44 am

99. Sounds like a fantastic podcast. Thanks for the link! What a perfect post to start out the month and the new year! Thanks Tara!

    By Debra Shumaker on January 1, 2021 at 11:45 am

100. I know what I’ll be piggybacking on this month– Storystorm posts! Thanks for this great challenge, Tara, and all you do for our kidlit community.

     By Nancy Churnin on January 1, 2021 at 11:49 am

101. Thanks, Tara. Love the idea of reducing the friction to create a new and wanted habit. And, thanks for hosting Story Storm every year to get help my intention to write strong stories more fun and accessible to me. .

     By Carole Calladine on January 1, 2021 at 11:52 am

102. Already feeling so much better about the year and the possibilities for writing. Thank you Storystorm!

     By Susan Contreras on January 1, 2021 at 11:54 am

103. Ahh, first day of Storystorm. Always exciting. Checking out the podcast and revving up my notebook. Your comment that this is a numbers game is my favorite takeaway from today. Writing many many manuscripts is the only way to get to those few Really Great Stories that we all hope to see published. Thanks so much, Tara, for all the inspiration you provide!

     By marty on January 1, 2021 at 11:56 am

104. I love this idea — it’s a winner. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us all. BTW I read the blog as I enjoyed my (second) cup of coffee. Up since 6 AM and it’s already one of those day. But noodled and scribbled down my idea 🙂

     By Lynne Marie on January 1, 2021 at 11:57 am

105. Signing up–Natalie Ziarnik. And your first post is spectacular–inspiring but doable!

     By Natalie Ziarnik on January 1, 2021 at 11:57 am

106. A great post to kick off StoryStorm and the new year! Thanks for podcast recommendation too 😀

     By Penelope McNally on January 1, 2021 at 11:59 am

107. I am pumped! Also excited to learn about a new podcast. Might spark an idea or two.

     By Bhandi on January 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm

108. I’m thrilled to be Storystorming again this year!

     By Lori Sheroan on January 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm

109. Great post to start things off, Tara!

     By tpierce on January 1, 2021 at 12:01 pm

110. This is what I needed this morning! Thank you!!!

     By Julie Mondi on January 1, 2021 at 12:01 pm

111. I’ve never heard of the Hidden Brain podcast. (I thought you were talking about my head) Thank you!

     By Wendy Greenley on January 1, 2021 at 12:05 pm

112. Love it! Happy New Year to all!!!

     By Lisa Riddiough on January 1, 2021 at 12:06 pm

113. Great idea on piggybacking. Going to try this for storystorm this year – with that first cuppa coffee, brainstorm an idea!

     By Alicia on January 1, 2021 at 12:07 pm

114. SMOOTH suggestions. Thanks.

     By topangamaria on January 1, 2021 at 12:08 pm

115. Great opening post!!! Excited to Storystorm!

     By Tracy Hora on January 1, 2021 at 12:08 pm

116. Here’s to a year of less friction! Thank you for this opportunity to get the year started off right!

     By Jennifer Blanck on January 1, 2021 at 12:08 pm

117. And We Are Off and Running

     By Stephen S. Martin on January 1, 2021 at 12:09 pm

118. As a creature of habit, this sings to me, but you made it even better as a habit with a purpose! Thanks for a great start….

     By Gail Hedrick on January 1, 2021 at 12:10 pm

119. A truly helpful post and thought for the new year. Thanks Tara!

     By bonzerb on January 1, 2021 at 12:13 pm

120. Love this post! I do too have a notepad on my phone and sometimes I use the voice recorder, especially when ideas come when I’m driving.

     By MARIANA LLANOS on January 1, 2021 at 12:16 pm

121. Fabulous kickoff Tara! Just the happy, hopeful and encouraging start I needed to start the new year!

     By suumac on January 1, 2021 at 12:18 pm

122. Already got an idea. 2021 is off to a good start.

     By Sarah Skolfield (@SarahSkolfield) on January 1, 2021 at 12:19 pm

123. Great post. Happy New Year, Tara!

     By Michael Sussman on January 1, 2021 at 12:19 pm

124. Fabulous kickoff Tara! Just the funny, hopeful, encouraging post I needed to start off this new year!

     By Susan Macartney on January 1, 2021 at 12:21 pm

125. This is great!

     By Kristen Donohue on January 1, 2021 at 12:21 pm

126. I keep all my ideas on one of those marble notebook my kids used for journaling. Then I switch colors each year!

     By Joan Swanon on January 1, 2021 at 12:22 pm

127. I liked the idea of being open to get ideas from everything through my day. I just need to pay more attention. Thanks!

     By Mariana Rios on January 1, 2021 at 12:24 pm

128. What a wonderful idea, and a great start to StoryStorm! I don’t write picture books, but I’ve always found these posts to be useful starting points for idea generation and fill a page in my notebook with (seemingly) random ideas every day in January because of it. I’m hoping to keep that habit up as the year goes on.

     By Paul Carroll on January 1, 2021 at 12:25 pm

129. The perfect post to get me started. Thanks, Tara! Happy 2021!

     By Gail Aherne on January 1, 2021 at 12:27 pm

130. Happy New Year!! Great ideas for forming a habit! I found myself more in tune to ideas by the end of Jan last year and carried that through a little into the rest of the year, but would like to work on that more in 2021! (I also make notes on Google docs on my phone)

     By Lindsey Hobson on January 1, 2021 at 12:30 pm

131. Making things easier for yourself and reducing friction. Yes! That is what I need to do. Thanks for this great post to launch Storystorm. I’m excited to give a fresh jump start to my creativity and boost and reinforce my writing habit again.

     By tracivw on January 1, 2021 at 12:30 pm

132. Less friction, more story ideation. Going to write that on a sticky note!

     By Susan on January 1, 2021 at 12:30 pm

133. My new habit is to check for a StoryStorm email in the morning. What an inspiring way to start the day.

     By Roberta Gibson on January 1, 2021 at 12:33 pm

134. Thanks for this! Yes- this next year is all about building habits!!

     By ryanrobertsauthor on January 1, 2021 at 12:34 pm

135. Happy StoryStorm! Thanks, Tara!!

     By Vanessa Hancock (@HancockVanessa) on January 1, 2021 at 12:34 pm

136. A great post to start our new Storystorm year! You had me picturing Yoda with “you just do”. Thanks, Tara.

     By jimchaize1 on January 1, 2021 at 12:37 pm

137. Hello 2021 & fellow StoryStormers!! The concept of friction & habits is fascinating, Tara–thanks for sharing that & the podcast! And an even bigger thanks for the puppy in the mug meme–can’t get enough of that yawn! 🙂

     By yangmommy on January 1, 2021 at 12:40 pm

138. I’m listing my 30 ideas in the shape of a staircase. Hoping they get better the higher we climb!

     By Andria Rosenbaum on January 1, 2021 at 12:40 pm

     1. What a great idea!

        By Nancy Ferguson on January 1, 2021 at 12:42 pm

139. I’m looking forward to a year of creativity. Today is a great day for new habits. Even better, you used the word serendipitous. That is one of my favorite words!

     By Tiffany Painter on January 1, 2021 at 12:41 pm

140. what a great post to start us off! Piggy backing- I do it for stretches while the coffee is brewing, journaling with coffee…now Story storm! I will have my folder ready to go with my journal and do the story ideation FIRST! Thank you .

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 1, 2021 at 12:41 pm

141. Starting the year off with a bang! I never thought that creating ideas should be a habit. That you for that pearl of wisdom. What an incredible gift to start the year with! T

     By Tanja Bauerle on January 1, 2021 at 12:42 pm

142. Great idea to start the new year, thank you!

     By Jill Friestad-Tate on January 1, 2021 at 12:43 pm

143. I’m trying to couple StoryStorm with Morning Pages- at least for this month. Day One was a success, at least.

     By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 1, 2021 at 12:44 pm

144. I’m a big fan of Hidden Brain podcast and Storystorm! Thanks for starting the new year off right, Tara!

     By Kelly Jaques on January 1, 2021 at 12:45 pm

145. What a perfect way to begin Storystorm! I always have a cuppa (then feed the cats, feed the child) so adding write down a story idea to this ritual shouldn’t add any friction at all. Thanks for the terrific idea!

     By heatherbell37 on January 1, 2021 at 12:46 pm

146. Thank you, Tara! So happy to be joining Storystorm again – it’s always such an inspiration!

     By Carrie Tillotson on January 1, 2021 at 12:47 pm

147. Just signed up for the podcast. Thanks!

     By Susan on January 1, 2021 at 12:49 pm

148. Excited to be here and to make my storystorming a habit!! Happy New Year and happy writing everyone!

     By Charlotte Offsay on January 1, 2021 at 12:53 pm

149. Happy New Year Everyone 🥳 Looking forward to Storystorm 2021!

     By StephMWard on January 1, 2021 at 1:00 pm

150. Thanks for validating ‘notes’ on the phone and the reminder consolidation is key if I’ve gone off road with sticky notes, notepads and random paper! New habit in the making. So appreciate you, Tara and Storystorm.

     By Aimee Haburjak on January 1, 2021 at 1:01 pm

151. Thank you, Tara. Great post to start the year!

     By Rona Shirdan on January 1, 2021 at 1:06 pm

152. Thanks for the inspiration! Happy New Year!

     By sharonksolomon on January 1, 2021 at 1:07 pm

153. Love it! Already feeling the motivational vibes… It’s Stormytime⚡Let’s go! ⛈🌈

     By Leigh Therriault on January 1, 2021 at 1:11 pm

154. Coffee ideation. Love it!

     By Joyce on January 1, 2021 at 1:11 pm

155. Habits that lead to creative thought invite us into a curious world. This will be a delightful month.

     By Judith Snyder on January 1, 2021 at 1:12 pm

156. Thank you for the podcast recommendation. I’ve got a 40-45 minute one way commute each day, so I’m always looking for a good podcast to stick in my rotation.
     Friction is so true, as is piggybacking. It’s neat when names to things pop-up. I totally piggy back my hero’s journey journaling every morning with my coffee and breakfast. As well as coffee with anything else 🙂
     Thank you for the great start!

     By Erik Ammon on January 1, 2021 at 1:13 pm

157. Hahaha. I love the idea of sleeping with your workout clothes. I don’t think I will be using this one, but it is hilarious.

     By asiqueira1307 on January 1, 2021 at 1:14 pm

158. Thank you, Tara. The idea of eliminating the friction to cultivate strong habits is an empowering way to kick off Storystorm, and an inspiring start to a 2021 writing journey! ❤️

     By Annelouise Mahoney on January 1, 2021 at 1:17 pm

159. Thanks Tara – just the practical boost I needed for moving into the new year.

     By Angela H. Dale on January 1, 2021 at 1:17 pm

160. Great post for the start of Storystorm and the new year. Thanks Tara!

     By Roxanne Troup on January 1, 2021 at 1:17 pm

161. Thank you for the podcast, Tara!

     By Sara Trofa on January 1, 2021 at 1:19 pm

162. “You need to push past the terrible ideas to get to the good ones.” I love this post, Tara! Thank you for the inspiration.

     By heidikyates on January 1, 2021 at 1:20 pm

163. Perfect post to kick off a new year of brainstorming (and writing down the ideas!!!). I have some real doozies from last year…what WAS I thinking? LOL. But some great ones as well. Happy New Year!

     By Angie on January 1, 2021 at 1:23 pm

164. I’m excited for Storystorm this year and the community that grows every year with this challenge. Thanks for keeping the storm going, Tara!

     By Carrie Finison on January 1, 2021 at 1:24 pm

165. I excited to start my second year participating in Storystorm! Tara, thanks for making this possible.

     By twinboyproductions on January 1, 2021 at 1:25 pm

166. Friction! Numbers game! So many great things to mull over this morning. Thanks Tara!

     By Liz Lehnhof on January 1, 2021 at 1:27 pm

167. What a great post to start the new year! Thanks so much, Tara!

     By Elizabeth Brown on January 1, 2021 at 1:32 pm

168. Inspired and ready to prep so I can get the ideas started! And so checking out aqua notes!

     By Jennifer Hunt on January 1, 2021 at 1:33 pm

169. What a timely topic! I’m going to check out the podcast and start attaching my daily writing to my cup of tea in the morning. It’s something I always do, so I just need to do it with my notebook at hand. Thanks for the great idea. Idea #1 is now in my book!

     By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 1, 2021 at 1:34 pm

170. Happy Day 1, all!

     By brittanypomales on January 1, 2021 at 1:35 pm

171. Inspired start, Tara! Thanks for pulling this together every year and always being so supportive!

     By kimpfenn on January 1, 2021 at 1:35 pm

172. I’m definitely a paper and pen person. There’s something about writing ideas onto paper that I find satisfactory.

     By danielle hammelef on January 1, 2021 at 1:37 pm

173. Way to kick off Storystorm 2021, Tara! Here’s to frictionless idea generation!🍷🍷☕☕

     By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 1, 2021 at 1:41 pm

174. I’m so excited to kick off 2021 with Storystorm! Love the idea of decreasing the friction to make good habits. Piggybacking too! Good stuff. I’m looking forward to checking out the Hidden Brain podcast as well. Thank you so much, Tara!

     By Sarah Meade on January 1, 2021 at 1:42 pm

175. This reminded me of an excellent audiobook l listened to at the start of last year, ATOMIC HABITS. Thanks for the reminder, Tara!

     By candicewolff on January 1, 2021 at 1:44 pm

176. I don’t listen to podcasts or audiobooks consistently (my brain doesn’t focus as well on audio anything unless I’m doing something like folding laundry or maybe walking the dog, sadly) but I’m always looking for help on developing wanted habits!

     By Jenn on January 1, 2021 at 1:45 pm

177. What a great way to start off StoryStorm 2021! I’m always misplacing my ideas journal or it’s in another room when an idea comes. The notes function on the phone is brilliant! And consolidating at the end of the day! Making this a habit starting today, thank you!

     By Michelle Kashinsky on January 1, 2021 at 1:49 pm

178. Here’s to piggybacking on to my morning routine of checking email/social media. Thank YOU!

     By rindabeach on January 1, 2021 at 1:59 pm

179. Thanks, Tara, for this enlightening blog. My ideas come to me late at night, and if I don’t jot them down right away, I tend to forget them. Instead of hopping out of bed each time, I’m going to leave a notebook and pen on muy night stand. Here’s to 2021, and new habits!

     By authordebradaugherty on January 1, 2021 at 2:02 pm

180. Lovely opening post… spot on and generous, proof of your usual thoughtful self towards us readers.

     By Poupette on January 1, 2021 at 2:05 pm

181. Great way to sum it all up! When there’s friction you’re less likely to do something. You’re absolutely correct! Thanks for the reminder!

     By lavern15 on January 1, 2021 at 2:09 pm

182. Great post for the first day! Daily story ideas are a good habit to have!

     By Cathy Ogren on January 1, 2021 at 2:09 pm

183. Happy New Year and happy storystorming! Great advice to start the moth. Thank you Tara

     By bevbaird on January 1, 2021 at 2:13 pm

184. Nice. Jotted down two ideas while reading this post.

     By colleenrkosinski on January 1, 2021 at 2:13 pm

185. I have to admit that this last year sucked all the creativity out of me, so I look forward to the hard reset with StoryStorm2021 so that I can get off to a good start.

     By matthewlasley on January 1, 2021 at 2:13 pm

186. I love the idea of piggybacking a habit onto another! Thanks, Tara for the great start off for Storystorm 2021!

     By Judy Sobanski on January 1, 2021 at 2:15 pm

187. New beginnings, New habits. 2021, let’s go!

     By Mary A Zychowicz on January 1, 2021 at 2:17 pm

188. So ready to begin!

     By Mary Zychowicz on January 1, 2021 at 2:18 pm

189. Terrific post to kick off the month and new year, Tara. Thank you!

     By Karin Larson on January 1, 2021 at 2:20 pm

190. Great way to start the storm! Thanks Tara.

     By CindyC on January 1, 2021 at 2:23 pm

191. Love this first post! Motivated!

     By Stacey Byer on January 1, 2021 at 2:23 pm

192. Makes me think of the lightning patch Roy Hobbs’s teammates wore in The Natural! Lightning patches for everyone!

     By wfedan on January 1, 2021 at 2:26 pm

193. I love podcasts – thanks for the suggestion of Hidden Brain! Happy New Year 🎉 🎉

     By mandyyokim on January 1, 2021 at 2:28 pm

194. Great post, Tara! Thank you for doing this challenge!

     By Kirsti Call on January 1, 2021 at 2:29 pm

195. Excellent beginning to an exciting new month and year! Thanks, Tara!

     By Becky Ross Michael on January 1, 2021 at 2:40 pm

196. I look forward to making 2021 a year of ideas, not just January but all year round.

     By Bethanny Parker on January 1, 2021 at 2:45 pm

197. Great starter, thanks Tara.

     By Kiralee on January 1, 2021 at 2:49 pm

198. Tara Eclair
     You are extraordinaire!
     Thank you!

     By marty on January 1, 2021 at 2:51 pm

199. What a great article to get me motivated to keep a list of ideas!

     By kathydoherty1 on January 1, 2021 at 2:52 pm

200. Thanks for StoryStorm 2021, Tara 🙂

     By Rene` Diane Aube ~ Children's Author on January 1, 2021 at 2:56 pm

201. What a great post to kick off the new year, Tara! Thank you for the reminder to pay attention to every day sights and sounds. Here’s to new habits in 2021!

     By donnacangelosi on January 1, 2021 at 3:03 pm

202. I was snow shoeing the other day and stopped to voice record an idea! I’m so excited about participating in StoryStorm and generating more ideas! Happy New Year!

     By Lynn Baldwin on January 1, 2021 at 3:10 pm

203. Tara, thank you for Storystorm. Although I am always on the lookout for ideas, this month provides a wonderful focus on the process and the daily posts offer amazing inspiration.

     By Peggy Dobbs on January 1, 2021 at 3:15 pm

204. Whoa – 8 of 12 went on submission – wow!
     No worries Bobby Bubble Wrap, you might ‘pop’ into another story soon!

     By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 1, 2021 at 3:16 pm

205. Got my notebook ready! Looking forward to a great month of storystorming!

     By suzannepoulterharris on January 1, 2021 at 3:16 pm

206. What an amazing first day. Great article to get the creative juices flowing.

     By Andrew Fairchild on January 1, 2021 at 3:18 pm

207. Great beginning blog! I totally identify with putting things I don’t “feel” like doing off — so now I just have to figure out a way to get around the friction! Fortunately, Story Storm is fun, so for the next thirty days, I’m “frictionless” in this part of my life!! Thanks.

     By Carolyne Lizabeth Ruck on January 1, 2021 at 3:25 pm

208. Great kick-off post, Tara! ☺️

     By Janice Woods on January 1, 2021 at 3:26 pm

209. Thanks! Need to remember to consolidate ideas. Mine are in several places.

     By Melissa Chupp on January 1, 2021 at 3:28 pm

210. I want that owl to sit on my pen. That’s all I need.

     By Natasha Garnett on January 1, 2021 at 3:35 pm

211. Tara, such a great way to start this year’s Storystorm! Bobby Bubble Wrap – hhmmm? I bet he appears somewhere, sometime, somehow in one of your next books. Thanks for all you do to put this whole Storystorm together. I really appreciate it.

     By Pamela Haskin on January 1, 2021 at 3:38 pm

212. Great way to start this off, Tara! Love the whole “friction” thing…it’s SO true! ❤

     By writersideup on January 1, 2021 at 3:38 pm

213. Great first post for this year’s storystorm, Tara.
     I, too, keep ideas in a file on my phone. I also have a notebook to put them in.

     By Linda Hofke on January 1, 2021 at 3:38 pm

214. Hidden Brain is one of my favorite podcasts and I LOVED that episode when I heard it last year. Definitely going to revisit it! Can’t wait to get started with StoryStorm. Thank you for all you do to keep us inspired and motivated!!

     By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 1, 2021 at 3:41 pm

215. Here’s to less friction in 2021. 😉

     By Michelle Cusolito on January 1, 2021 at 3:41 pm

216. Love this idea because i sometimes find writing so hard to do but the tips offered are new to me….and to be better, you gotta try, explore, and grow!

     By Mrs. Vandivier on January 1, 2021 at 3:44 pm

217. Thank you for your advice and inspiration! I’ll check out the podcast too! Happy New Year!

     By Nancy Ramsey on January 1, 2021 at 3:45 pm

218. Wonderful Tips – Thank you.

     By Darlene Koppel on January 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

219. Love the notes suggestion! I tend to email myself ideas and it makes for a stressful, messy inbox. Excited to listen to the podcast ep, too!

     By Ashley Chalmers on January 1, 2021 at 3:54 pm

220. Finding inspiration within a storm!!!! 💙☔📚

     By norasart on January 1, 2021 at 3:58 pm

221. Hidden Brain is a great podcast. Happy creative 2021! I’m off to do some piggybacking!

     By Laura Renauld on January 1, 2021 at 3:58 pm

222. New Year…new ideas. Or time to start dusting off some of the old ones. Need to re-imagine & rework the stuff that has potential and move away from the “What was I thinking?” ideas. Thanks for the motivation & continued inspiration. It’s sorely needed now more than ever.

     By Doreen Tango Hampton on January 1, 2021 at 3:59 pm

223. Excited to be a part of Storystorm 2021. Your blogposts are very informative and encouraging, Tara!

     By flowersbrendagmailcom on January 1, 2021 at 4:02 pm

224. I love using Google Docs for my idea list. I even have separate lists for each of my kids’ quotes when they say something adorable or funny. My middle child could easily spark the next Ramona-like character. Haha.

     By Aimee Satterlee on January 1, 2021 at 4:02 pm

225. These are great tips, thank you. I need to use my phone more for jotting down story ideas.

     By Renner Writes (@barbararenner) on January 1, 2021 at 4:03 pm

226. Thank you Tara! Great tips and thanks for the podcast recommendation! Happy Writing Everyone! 🙂 Jill Dana

     By JillDanaBooks on January 1, 2021 at 4:05 pm

227. Very excited to participate in Storystorm again this year. Thank you, Tara, for the very helpful tips you share in your posts to help writers on their journeys to publication.

     By flowersbrendagmailcom on January 1, 2021 at 4:05 pm

228. Piggybacking – AH-HA! Now there is an idea whose time has come. YES! I love that, Tara…I have a cup of tea when I wake up in the morning…or whenever it is that I wake up depending on what time I’ve gone to bed the night before. Last night, I went to bed at 3:47am, not because it was New Year’s Eve but because I just got hooked on ANNE With an E from Netflicks and it’s hard to press stop on the remote.
     I will be making piggybacking a new habit…grabbing paper and pen along with my cuppa.
     Love this challenge, Tara…and I’m excited to be up tomorrow, sharing my post…but you are definitely a hard act to follow!!!!

     By viviankirkfield on January 1, 2021 at 4:15 pm

229. Love it! I wrote a few down already. Thanks for the inspiration, Tara!

     By Dana Marie Miroballi on January 1, 2021 at 4:16 pm

230. Thanks Tara. This post has got me motivated!

     By Sandhya Rose on January 1, 2021 at 4:17 pm

231. I’m so excited to do Storystorm again! I have plenty of spare notebooks hanging around. I’ll put one to good use this month!
     Happy New Year and happy idea collecting everyone!!

     By Michele Rietz on January 1, 2021 at 4:17 pm

232. I love this! I’ve started reading Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg and implementing new tiny habits. And it’s really working. This is exactly the same type of idea—removing impediments and hooking a new habit to something that’s already a habit. Can’t wait to create my “new ideas” tiny habits!

     By Anna Brooks on January 1, 2021 at 4:18 pm

233. Tara, Thank you for the inspiration… as always! Back to school on the 4th, going to work on getting as many of my 6th graders on board as possible! Thinking of a combination of writing prompts and story ideas as their challenge. 🤩

     By Jennette Mutolo on January 1, 2021 at 4:20 pm

234. I love this 1st post, Tara. The energy of Jan. 1 feels so unique and powerful to me, so I’m thinking about which elements I can piggyback with the rest of the month and beyond. Seeing each day feeling new and creative. Great reminder about the phone notes!
     A very happy new year to you!

     By Bronte Colbert on January 1, 2021 at 4:24 pm

235. Perfect post for the first day. Love the idea of piggybacking habits to get yourself into the routine of doing a new one!

     By Shaunda Wenger on January 1, 2021 at 4:27 pm

236. I do the same, but use the “Keep” app for both ideas and character details. I also send myself when I get an idea and file them in a folder marked “story ideas”. When I used to use paper, I’d just lose the notes. (I should listen to the Hidden Brain podcast–maybe it’ll give me a hint as to where I left mine)

     By Rachelle Burk on January 1, 2021 at 4:27 pm

237. Good reminders! Love the Tara Eclair!

     By ciaraoneal on January 1, 2021 at 4:29 pm

238. Sounds like a great podcast, and I love the first gif! Off to think of story ideas to start the new year. Happy New Year, Tara!

     By sruble on January 1, 2021 at 4:33 pm

239. Thanks, Tara. I love today’s post. Piggybacking my habits has been a great tool for me in past years. I have to say that when I started my first PiBoIdMo in 2012 I thought of it as an activity. I decided to add it to my annual routine and also periodically do other types of monthly idea challenges. But I never dreamed it would transform my life. As you say, after working on idea-generation repeatedly for years, not only have I generated hundreds of ideas, the habit has become engrained. I don’t even keep track of the number of ideas per year anymore, because it is simply a natural part of my daily thought life. So thank-you to you and to all the contributors over the years. And to this year’s newbies, put in the time because it won’t always be this much of a struggle…someday it will be a habit!

     By Joanne Roberts on January 1, 2021 at 4:33 pm

240. Great post to start off story storm and the year ahead. I’m looking forward to what’s to come. Thanks

     By bookfish1 on January 1, 2021 at 4:34 pm

241. I have been using the Notes app on my phone for middle of the night ideas. I also need to take more photos for inspiration and put them in the notes or use the voice memo app on my Apple watch when I’m out for a walk.No excuse for friction with all these tools! Happy New Year everyone, and thank you,Tara, for an inspiring first post!

     By Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert) on January 1, 2021 at 4:37 pm

242. Inspiration in the post and the following comments. Also, love the Hidden Brain episode. Thank you

     By Susan Eyerman on January 1, 2021 at 4:44 pm

243. great way to kick off a storm of story ideas!

     By Sue Heavenrich on January 1, 2021 at 4:45 pm

244. Writing down story ideas is going to become a habit for me.

     By Kay on January 1, 2021 at 4:45 pm

245. Great pointers for keeping the ideas flowing (and keeping track of them). This year I’m hoping to start a new habit of writing a poem every day — I think I’ll piggyback on the coffee idea … coffee + poem + new ideas!

     By Christy Mihaly on January 1, 2021 at 4:47 pm

246. Get in the habit of butt in chair write!

     By TerriMichels on January 1, 2021 at 4:48 pm

247. You nailed me! I get an idea and convince myself that I will remember it…not… Thanks for the bad habit reminder.

     By Patricia Alcaro on January 1, 2021 at 4:48 pm

248. Thank you, Tara! It’s good to be reminded of the basics.

     By Anne C. Bromley on January 1, 2021 at 4:49 pm

249. Great advice – pondering the sleeping in my workout clothes-never thought of that!

     By mlflannigan on January 1, 2021 at 4:49 pm

250. Ready to start!

     By Janet Smart on January 1, 2021 at 4:53 pm

251. After a non-writing year, I’m hoping StoryStorm will kick start me into gear again. Thanks, Tara!

     By Amelia Shearer on January 1, 2021 at 4:53 pm

252. What a great way to start the new year…right in the middle of a ‘Storm! So I get up way too early, get the wood fire burning, then sit for my cuppa. That’s where I’m about to mix up my morning routine (habit) -starting tomorrow. I usually jump right over to Words with Friends and play the game. Tomorrow I will start a new habit…promise! I’ll read Storystorm blog for inspiration and maybe another one or two, then I’ll write a new story idea or two. You’ve inspired me!!! Thank you.

     By mona861 on January 1, 2021 at 4:55 pm

253. Yay! It’s here. Always grateful for your inspiration and #kidlit knowledge, Tara.

     By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 1, 2021 at 5:00 pm

254. Well, I got out my notebook and pen to record ideas. Then, I read this post, put my notebook away, and opened the notes app on my phone. Something simple that makes oh-so-much sense. Happy StoryStorming everyone!!

     By Lindsay Maeve on January 1, 2021 at 5:01 pm

255. I LOVE my Aqua Notes! I get so many ideas, even full sentences when I’m all wet! lol. That said, I also love to stand in a storm with an umbrella…maybe I should rethink that one! I LOVE STORYSTORM!! My first was so pressure-filled…Gotta hit the quota! But now, it’s my favorite time of the year. It IS such a friction-free creative time for me. Thank you for bringing it to us! xoxo

     By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 1, 2021 at 5:03 pm

256. Thanks for a strong start to a month of StoryStorming, Tara! I love the idea of piggybacking and I definitely need Aqua Notes to capture the shower thoughts.

     By Gabi Snyder on January 1, 2021 at 5:06 pm

257. Thank you for the inspiring post, Tara!

     By Mia Geiger on January 1, 2021 at 5:08 pm

258. Thanks, Tara! Perfect way to start!

     By triciacandy on January 1, 2021 at 5:09 pm

259. So much great stuff here. Love Hidden Brain. Love the idea of tagging a new habit onto an existing one. Thank you! Here we come 2021! Ready? Set? Write!

     By Dea Brayden on January 1, 2021 at 5:10 pm

260. I’ve read that it takes the average person 66 days to form a habit, so by participating in Story Storm I’ll be half way there! Onward

     By Cindy S. on January 1, 2021 at 5:13 pm

261. Thank you!

     By moviemommie on January 1, 2021 at 5:16 pm

262. Aqua notes! Very cool!

     By hmkingman on January 1, 2021 at 5:22 pm

263. I decided to track my story ideas in Evernote with some templates. Hopefully that will make things more searchable!

     By Melissa H. Mwai on January 1, 2021 at 5:28 pm

264. I appreciate your insight, ideas, and realness! Your post make a difference to me!

     By Heather Rowley on January 1, 2021 at 5:33 pm

265. Great post to kick off Storystorm, Tara! I love your idea of using the Notes app on my phone – first idea, done!

     By pathaap on January 1, 2021 at 5:36 pm

266. A perfect post for today because most New Years resolutions people make are really just habits they want to develop. Great tips!

     By Kristin Wauson on January 1, 2021 at 5:40 pm

267. Serendipitously, I’ve just been getting into podcasts 😀

     By Heather Gallagher on January 1, 2021 at 5:40 pm

268. I love the piggybacking idea. Thanks Tara!

     By Christine Pinto on January 1, 2021 at 5:43 pm

269. What a wonderful way to kick off the year! Thanks!

     By Daryl Gottier on January 1, 2021 at 5:43 pm

270. I love serendipity! My word for the new year is “Intention.” Trying to move from “auto-pilot” to more conscious decision making. Then along comes your blog and the podcast, and I just smiled and shook my head. Serendipity. SO glad to be a part of this month with you.

     By pksutton01 on January 1, 2021 at 5:45 pm

271. Great info as usual. I always start the year with a fresh notebook dedicated to Story Storm. Good habits are so important. That’s why we start the new year off with Story Storm!!

     By debobrienbookscom on January 1, 2021 at 5:45 pm

272. Great tips, Tara! I like the piggy-backing on an existing habit.

     By tinamcho on January 1, 2021 at 5:57 pm

273. This was the perfect read to start the New Year and the Hidden Brain podcast was excellent. Thanks!

     By Shirley Timberlake Fadden on January 1, 2021 at 5:59 pm

274. This is a great post to start the new year! Thank you!

     By Linda KulpTrout on January 1, 2021 at 6:02 pm

275. This is a great post to start the new year! Thank you!

     By Linda KulpTrout on January 1, 2021 at 6:03 pm

276. Excellent post! Thanks so much!

     By Mary Jane on January 1, 2021 at 6:04 pm

277. Wow!!! Thanks Tara…

     By saintamovin on January 1, 2021 at 6:06 pm

278. Thanks for a great post! Must find Aqua Notes!

     By Lisa Billa on January 1, 2021 at 6:13 pm

279. Excited about Storystorm 2021! Thanks for introducing Hidden Brain, Aqua Notes, stacking behaviors +, Tara Lazar. Anything to make the process of writing easier! Tremendous info on building habits! Hoping to see irresistible staircases!

     By Judy Shemtob on January 1, 2021 at 6:16 pm

280. Yes, indeed! I hear things all the time and when I don’t write them down, I forget them and then give myself a good talking to.

     By Keila Dawson on January 1, 2021 at 6:16 pm

281. Thanks, Tara, for the great start to Storystorm. I just finished listening to the Hidden Brain podcast–lots of great science and examples for breaking and creating habits. I love the idea of piggybacking and slipping that new habit in with an old.

     By Joannie Duris on January 1, 2021 at 6:20 pm

282. When I look back at my ideas I often have no recollection of having come up with them! Capturing them on the spot is key. Great kick-off! Thank you!

     By Angie Goldsmith on January 1, 2021 at 6:23 pm

283. Thanks for exciting start to the new year! Good reminder to have pen and paper at the ready!

     By danielledufayet on January 1, 2021 at 6:25 pm

284. Thanks, Tara! Happy new year.

     By Lori Alexander on January 1, 2021 at 6:26 pm

285. Great tips, as usual, Tara! I know I need to write down my ideas as I have them, so I keep my phone handy as well as pen & paper. I like the piggybacking idea too!

     By Heather Stigall on January 1, 2021 at 6:26 pm

286. Thanks, Tara. I write down a lot of story ideas on little slips of paper and often forget to collect and file. I know your trick of putting them into your phone and I’m going to start doing that now too!

     By Arlene Schenker on January 1, 2021 at 6:28 pm

287. Tara, great kickoff! “Make story ideation a habit✔️ “ On my 2021 Goal List!💪
     Thanks for all you do for the writing community!

     By Lucy Staugler on January 1, 2021 at 6:30 pm

288. Thanks, Tara! Aiming for less friction, more good habits this year!

     By Carrie Charley Brown on January 1, 2021 at 6:35 pm

289. This is so good. Getting into a habit is what I needed to hear. One terrible habit I got into during 2020 was the inability to move forward. I feel like I gave up on everything. Time to move forward.
     I also appreciate the idea that not every idea will be a seller but the odds are better when there is more to choose from.

     By muskoshe on January 1, 2021 at 6:35 pm

290. Thanks for keeping this and all of us on track.

     By Debbie Mickelson on January 1, 2021 at 6:39 pm

291. These tips for good habits are exactly what I needed on day 1. Starting now. Thanks!

     By Brinton Culp on January 1, 2021 at 6:40 pm

292. Great way to start the year. Thanks!

     By Christine @ Goodjelly on January 1, 2021 at 6:45 pm

293. I love pocket size notebooks and pencils but I need to be better about consolidating my ideas in one place. That’s the habit I’m going to try to develop. Thanks for the hidden brain episode suggestion.

     By claireannette1 on January 1, 2021 at 6:48 pm

294. Fantastic start. I need to make writing my ideas down a habit–like cleaning my teeth. Thank you!

     By sharonkdal on January 1, 2021 at 6:49 pm

295. Love the cartchy title..”She’s Gotta Habit”! I keep my journal front and center on my desk, I also found my note section on the phone helps if my journal is not nearby!
     Time to start eliminating friction too !!
     As always thanks for all of the inspiration! Hooray for Storystorm! 🙂

     By seschipper on January 1, 2021 at 7:01 pm

296. Definitely could use this strategy for more things in my life than just writing, LOL. Ready. Set. Go!

     By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 1, 2021 at 7:05 pm

297. Such a great post! Thank you for this!

     By Dara Henry on January 1, 2021 at 7:09 pm

298. I listened to the podcast on my walk today in the snow! I always write notes everywhere so this was a validation for me. My Google Keep also links right to my drive so it is super easy to use.

     By TammyB on January 1, 2021 at 7:12 pm

299. “BAM—an amorphous blob begins to take shape.” You so captured my attention with this post! Those ideas come at the strangest of times and frequently stay in the blob. I definitely need to develop a “gotta habit!” Thank you for STORYSTORM and getting my brain tinker on a positive track to writing those ideas down!

     By chardixon47 on January 1, 2021 at 7:14 pm

300. “ Standing in the storm with an umbrella means you’re more likely to get struck by lightning.”. Okay I am out here now with all of you in the eye of Storystorm, excited because I know that what Tara & the podcast are talking about is true;the habits, the discipline, and how just writing (illustrating) anything is the key to pushing through, and/or reducing friction. I have a few new notebooks ready on all levels of my home, ready for when the ideas strike,in addition to the daily sit down and write “without judgement.” This year I’m more focused & instead of nervous I am PSCHED! Thanks for all the hard work and organization Tara. I’m off to a great start… Storystorm 2021:The Musical Edition.✌🏼📚🎶

     By Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC on January 1, 2021 at 7:15 pm

     1. PSYCHED!

        By Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC on January 1, 2021 at 7:19 pm

301. What an inspiring post! I have some blank notebooks sitting on my desk now, so one of them will be dedicated to Storystorm ideas.

     By Lyn Miller-Lachmann on January 1, 2021 at 7:17 pm

302. Thanks Tara! Recommitting to reducing friction and piggybacking habits.

     By Jessica Coupé on January 1, 2021 at 7:21 pm

303. Habits are so importante. Great topic to start with. I develop habitsnby setting goals. Storystorm is a great example: The goal is to write down our ideas for 30 days and check them to discover the gems. Happy gem searching!

     By Zoraida Rivera on January 1, 2021 at 7:28 pm

304. Thanks for the inspiration and reminders!

     By Diane O'Neill on January 1, 2021 at 7:29 pm

305. I use Notes app on phone and also Voice memos app on phone. Instead of your fingers doing the walking, your mouth does the talking.

     By Sharon Coffey on January 1, 2021 at 7:33 pm

306. Thank you for the podcast recommendation! Storystorm is my favorite!

     By Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri on January 1, 2021 at 7:40 pm

307. Great ideas – hope I can put them into practice more often! Thank you and Happy New Year!

     By Vicki Wilke on January 1, 2021 at 7:47 pm

308. What a great time to start a new habit that is good for me. Thanks for the advice!

     By JC on January 1, 2021 at 7:49 pm

309. Great blog! My daughter who lives overseas just gave me a subject suggestion for a story, and I then realized this is day 1 of Storystorm. I need to form the new habit of reviewing my ideas- not just writing them down- I need to circle and ruminate. Thanks Tara!

     By Writer on the run on January 1, 2021 at 7:51 pm

310. Glad to be doing this again Tara, have definitely got out of the habit of idea creation since last January.

     By FrannyG on January 1, 2021 at 7:55 pm

311. Such great advice! Thanks, Tara!

     By ruthwilson48 on January 1, 2021 at 7:55 pm

312. Great Blog! My daughter gave me a story subject idea today and I remembered it was Day 1 of Storystorm! Need to make a habit of collecting ideas systematically and circling back and ruminating about them. Thanks Tara!

     By Writer on the run on January 1, 2021 at 7:55 pm

313. A great way to write up a storm . . . a StoryStorm! Thanks, Tara!

     By Nancy Riley on January 1, 2021 at 7:59 pm

314. I’m going to make a habit of using Notes on my iphone to jot down ideas. Thanks for the idea, Tara.

     By carolynleillustrations on January 1, 2021 at 8:04 pm

315. Great advice. Thanks!

     By Sara Matson on January 1, 2021 at 8:13 pm

316. Yes! The Notes feature on my phone holds so many snippets and ideas…definitely need to consolidate them!

     By Tanya Konerman on January 1, 2021 at 8:16 pm

317. I keep a notebook of ideas. I also keep Story Storm files on my laptop. They’re handy to refer back to, and I have written stories from them.

     By Chelle Martin on January 1, 2021 at 8:16 pm

318. I wrote down 3 ideas today inspired by my toddler. One came from picking up Christmas toys.

     By Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon) on January 1, 2021 at 8:19 pm

319. Oh my golly! That puppy in the mug is adorable! I am so happy to be starting off the new year cultivating a story ideation habit. Tara, thanks for helping to get me hooked.

     By Angela De Groot on January 1, 2021 at 8:20 pm

320. Ohhh, so my excuses are called friction. Good to know! Great post. Thanks Tara! Maybe this will help with my exercising too!

     By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 1, 2021 at 8:24 pm

321. Story ideation — love that term!

     By darshanakhiani on January 1, 2021 at 8:25 pm

322. Absolutely agree! For me, it’s about schedules. I’m a teacher so I stick pretty close to a tight schedule. The random trips and activities “outside” of my schedule are really where the ideas happen. The “writing” schedule is what helps me glue the ideas down. 😉

     By Juliann Caveny on January 1, 2021 at 8:30 pm

323. Great post to kick off Storystorm! Each time I’ve participated, this has been one of January’s highlights for me.

     By Jenny Boyd on January 1, 2021 at 8:37 pm

324. What a great post, Tara! This is actually applicable to all facets of life not just PB writing. This will be my mantra for 2021: “Good habits need to be developed and bad habits need to be eliminated.

     By Denise Seidman on January 1, 2021 at 8:42 pm

325. My umbrella is ready!

     By kaleegwarjanski on January 1, 2021 at 8:42 pm

326. Thank you for getting 2021 off to a great start!

     By Sarah on January 1, 2021 at 8:49 pm

327. Excellent post to kick off Storystorm and 2021! Appreciate all you do and the podcast recommendation.

     By DaNeil Olson on January 1, 2021 at 8:53 pm

328. I love the suggestion to couple ideation with something we already do. Every morning must start with a cup of coffee and now I will use that time to write down at least one story idea.

     By pjaegly on January 1, 2021 at 8:59 pm

329. Got my first plotline. Now to start thinking of one for tomorrow.

     By chrismch1 on January 1, 2021 at 9:22 pm

330. Yes, forming habits are so important! Now that I’m finally settled in my new house, I am working on reigniting my writing habits! Happy to be Storystorming again!

     By authorlaurablog on January 1, 2021 at 9:25 pm

331. I just peeked into the living room and took a few minutes to listen to the conversation between my 6-year old and 3-year old. Story idea #1 is in the books!

     By Stephanie Fitzpatrick on January 1, 2021 at 9:28 pm

332. Excellent post! Awesome idea about piggybacking, and so so true about friction!
     I created an xcel spreadsheet which I am planning to update piggybacking from checking email habit 🙂 for all the ideas I will hopefully be coming up with

     By Anya on January 1, 2021 at 9:28 pm

333. Thank you again for hosting storystorm! Can’t wait to listen to the podcast, thanks for the recommendation.

     By Helen Lysicatos on January 1, 2021 at 9:39 pm

334. LIstened to the podcast and then sat down and tried to figure out my habits. The instruction to reduce friction is an excellent one.

     By Sharon Lillie on January 1, 2021 at 9:43 pm

335. Inspiring start post! Love it! I’m thinking about my routine and how to include the “ideation time”in that…. but i already take nots on my sketchbook or any paper i find… because if i don’t write down the idea, i forget that easily.. specially being like Dory hahaha 🙂 Thank you for the advice!

     By Juliana Motzko on January 1, 2021 at 9:55 pm

336. Tara, Happy New Year! Great to be a part of Storystorm again!

     By Amy Bradshaw on January 1, 2021 at 9:55 pm

337. Thank you, Tara! And thank you sooo much for helping me kick off my year each January!!! I can count on you and Storystorm to get my creative juices in high gear.

     By Virginia Manning on January 1, 2021 at 10:07 pm

338. I souring start to 2021 Storystorm! Time to brush away the friction and continue with some great writing habits. Thanks, Tara!

     By Melissa Stoller on January 1, 2021 at 10:08 pm

     1. Whoops meant “An inspiring start . . . “ 💖📚💥

        By Melissa Stoller on January 1, 2021 at 10:11 pm

339. I love picking a new idea journal

     By Lisa Clewner on January 1, 2021 at 10:10 pm

340. I like the idea of tacking on a would-be habit to another habit. I’ve begun to do that to help better plan my time, but slacked off in the last couple of weeks. This reminder will help me do that tonight!

     By Lisa Rogers on January 1, 2021 at 10:14 pm

341. Thank you for the push! I had 3 ideas today, and will definitely be starting a notepad in my phone

     By thefringe2016 on January 1, 2021 at 10:17 pm

342. I have slowly added lettering to my daily habit of tea in the morning. It should be easy to use my lettering time to write my ideas down. Thanks for the podcast suggestion!

     By Misty Morris on January 1, 2021 at 10:23 pm

343. I love the idea of it being a habit. I go in spurts of generating tons and not thinking of ideas, but a habit is more productive!!

     By Amy Leskowski on January 1, 2021 at 10:24 pm

344. This post. These are things I need to do. I’m going to start doing them now, today.

     By Angela Turner on January 1, 2021 at 10:25 pm

345. I definitely keep note pads and pens near me, I even have one at work. But I do I like the idea of using my phone to keep notes as well.

     By Saba Negash on January 1, 2021 at 10:30 pm

346. Great ideas for a beginner.

     By Lori Gibson on January 1, 2021 at 10:30 pm

     1. Good job!

        By susanfilkins on January 2, 2021 at 12:30 am

347. Even while working a 12 hour shift on a Covid unit today, I managed to come up with an idea on my lunch break. It’s not a good idea, but an idea nonetheless. Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Colleen Muske on January 1, 2021 at 10:31 pm

348. I love that to create a new habit you need to consistently do it for 30 straight days. Excited to start this new habit.

     By Kathleen Lowry on January 1, 2021 at 10:31 pm

349. Thanks for a great start. Looking forward to learning a lot this month!

     By joanwaites on January 1, 2021 at 10:31 pm

350. My first year participating and a great first post… enjoy the idea of “piggybacking”. So excited for this month

     By Krista Legge on January 1, 2021 at 10:34 pm

351. Thank you Tara. What an amazing post to kick us all off. Recognising the friction is a huge part of it, I think. Looking forward to this month.

     By Kellie on January 1, 2021 at 10:48 pm

352. Woke up to a dead phone. Lemons out of lemonade: that’s forced time away from social media distractions today to make sure I start the year with writing. Well timed, Storystorm!

     By Jennifer Stoner on January 1, 2021 at 10:55 pm

353. What a great post to kick this off! Yes, to the notes app! I also LOVE this “piggybacking” idea. Grateful for the inspiration!

     By Jennifer on January 1, 2021 at 10:55 pm

354. Great first post!
     Writing down my first idea of 2021 now!

     By Pam Berk Brunskill on January 1, 2021 at 10:58 pm

355. Thank you, Tara. I love the idea of making creative endeavors habits. It takes the preciousness and need for perfection away. Now, I need to weed out all the friction that has put creativity to a standstill.

     By krbatti on January 1, 2021 at 10:58 pm

356. So excited to begin – best way to start the year! Thank you, Tara ❤

     By Emma Wood on January 1, 2021 at 11:02 pm

357. I love hidden brain! I must have missed yesterday’s episode. I look forward to catching later.

     Great post! Keep them coming!

     By Laura N. Clement on January 1, 2021 at 11:07 pm

358. I look forward to Storystorm each year! I love your “Bobby Bubblewrap idea.” I peeked back my old idea notebooks a few days ago. I found a few ideas that made me shake my head & laugh. Piggybacking is a great idea! Now, to find an assistant owl! Thanks Tara for a great post & the perfect way to start 2021!

     By Maria Marshall on January 1, 2021 at 11:16 pm

359. H abits
     A lone
     B uild
     I maginative
     T raits

     By Oleen on January 1, 2021 at 11:24 pm

360. I am looking forward to being inspired all of January. Loved more ideas=more manuscripts=better odds! Thanks!

     By Elizabeth Duncan on January 1, 2021 at 11:33 pm

361. New habit…make creative time in the morning and try to come up with a new idea each day.

     By Melissa Warren on January 1, 2021 at 11:43 pm

362. I had listened to that episode once before and this post was a great reminder to be intentional each day. Idea #1 is in the books!

     By jstremer on January 1, 2021 at 11:53 pm

363. 100 ideas in one year! I’m blown away!

     By vijikc on January 1, 2021 at 11:53 pm

364. Story storm is one of my favorite habits!

     By ingridboydston on January 2, 2021 at 12:03 am

365. TARA: GREAT post to start us off on the right FEET! Hopefully all of us are wearing our “wellies” (boots), an extra-warm coat, and are not just carrying an umbrella–we’ll have it OPEN and at the ready for our STORYSTORMING to begin!!! THANK YOU for continuing to do this WONDERFUL month of inspiration every year! It TRULY does wake-up my imagination and get my idea antennae out on the alert. I REALLY APPRECIATE your topic for today’s post, because routine is the #1 issue I have with writing. THANK YOU for the WONDERFUL ideas, especially the owl handwarmer and morning cuppa puppy. TRULY INSPIRED!!! HE!

     By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 2, 2021 at 12:15 am

366. Thanks for an inspirational post. I especially like the idea of piggybacking. By the way, I did register for this but did not receive an email with this post. I had to go searching for it. Did I do something wrong?

     By rosihollinbeck on January 2, 2021 at 12:16 am

367. Thank you for the StoryStorm encouragement… let’s do this!

     By Charles Trevino on January 2, 2021 at 12:22 am

368. Great start, Tara!! However, I didn’t receive an email today. I filled out the comment to sign up!?

     By dedradavis03 on January 2, 2021 at 12:24 am

369. Love the habit blog to start off! Friction is a good concept to think about!

     By susanfilkins on January 2, 2021 at 12:27 am

370. A great reminder to make habits easier to form by making less resistance. Thanks for reminding me to buy an aqua notebook. I’ve been meaning to for a while now. I always come up with great ideas in the shower!

     By Shawna J. C. Tenney on January 2, 2021 at 12:28 am

371. Now that was a great “kick off” post and very valuable advice! We can’t afford to wait for the creative moment to move us. It has to be a routine.

     By angiecal76 on January 2, 2021 at 12:28 am

372. Thanks for reinforcing the ideas I’ve heard from other “habit professionals”! Can’t wait to get started!

     By wyszguy on January 2, 2021 at 12:33 am

373. Excited to start new habits!

     By Renata Wurster on January 2, 2021 at 12:37 am

374. Great tips for making ideas habits!

     By Teresa Traver on January 2, 2021 at 1:01 am

375. Love this post, such great perspective and so helpful to figure out how to make a habit of new story ideas. Thank you!

     By Sylvia Chen on January 2, 2021 at 1:19 am

376. Good idea to think of ideas with my morning coffee!

     By Michele Helsel on January 2, 2021 at 1:27 am

377. My partner and I are both writers and we’re doing the storystorm together. After reading today’s post and having a cup of tea, I actually documented five ideas (I usually don’t think to document until it’s too late and the idea has disappeared). I’m looking forward to making creative, iterative ideation a habitual process!

     By Stephanie Goss on January 2, 2021 at 1:31 am

378. Interesting way to start our journey!

     By susanfilkins on January 2, 2021 at 1:31 am

379. Great kick-off post and I love Hidden Brain podcast! Thanks, Tara!!

     By Audrey Day-Williams on January 2, 2021 at 1:38 am

380. Thanks for the tips, Tara! Things use to come to me waiting in the school pick up line. I hadn’t realized how much time I spent waiting until everything went virtual. Looking forward to checking out the Hidden Brain podcast.

     By Erin on January 2, 2021 at 1:39 am

381. Thanks, Tara, I am glad I decided to participate. My first time doing Storystorm. I really did come up with a decent idea today.

     By R.G. Spaulding on January 2, 2021 at 2:04 am

382. I like the idea of reducing friction. I’d never thought of it that way. I keep a notebook with me at all times and I often use post its for ideas, too. I think this STORYSTORM is going to help me reduce the friction in manuscript drafting/polishing. Thanks. I’ll check out the podcast, too.

     By Sharon E. Langley on January 2, 2021 at 2:15 am

383. I love seeing so many familiar names in the comments. I feel like we’re all on a journey together, even if some of us are new to writing and others have already published award-winning books.

     By Janet Frenck Sheets (@JanetFSheets) on January 2, 2021 at 2:23 am

384. I love Hidden Brain and your post!

     By mommamoocow on January 2, 2021 at 3:02 am

385. Great habit to write it down and start in the morning.. I enjoyed the podcast on habit

     By Naana Amissah on January 2, 2021 at 3:02 am

386. What a great start to the challenge. Huzzah!

     By JEN Garrett on January 2, 2021 at 3:18 am

387. Love this post! Great points about habits – keep it simple and piggyback on things you are already doing.

     By Kelly Nott on January 2, 2021 at 3:48 am

388. This makes so much sense. I’m so ready for this after a horrible year that completely debilitated my creative abilities.

     By Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids on January 2, 2021 at 3:49 am

389. So true about the friction. I am placing my idea notebook by my bedside with a pen on top of it before I go to bed, and clearing space for it, so there won’t be any “friction” when I go to reach for it. I am looking forward to this month!

     By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 2, 2021 at 3:57 am

390. I have to learn to leave notes somehow as I hurtle down the highway at 100.

     By jacquesartandbooks on January 2, 2021 at 4:18 am

391. Registered

     By Anne Hendricks Childress on January 2, 2021 at 4:23 am

392. Yay! So excited to be here! Story Storm has definitely opened my mind to all the random ideas that come into my field of vision.

     By Mirka Hokkanen on January 2, 2021 at 5:36 am

393. This is so helpful. Thank you.

     By Freda Lewkowicz on January 2, 2021 at 5:57 am

394. Thanks for your simple but profound tip to write ideas down and gather them in one place. Your second step is the one I need to work on.

     By Shari Della Penna on January 2, 2021 at 6:18 am

395. Thanks so much for Storystorm and for starting off the blog posts, Tara. I look forward to this every year!

     It’s amazing that once I start actively looking for new ideas, they appear more and more, sometimes they even flood in. I can’t wait to see all the gems that pop up this year.

     By Mindy Alyse Weiss on January 2, 2021 at 6:38 am

396. Yes! Thank you:)

     Anna Levin

     By rhumba20 on January 2, 2021 at 7:08 am

397. Your surroundings . . . Where crazy good ideas can be born!

     By Lori Mozdzierz on January 2, 2021 at 7:08 am

398. Ever notice, though, that the ideas come when you’re elbow up in dishes or some other activity that makes it tough to write things down? :’)

     *Coffee first thing in the morning. For me that’s a perfect one to piggy back with!

     By karynellis on January 2, 2021 at 8:49 am

399. I love the term “story ideation” – it really is a thing a writer has to DO with intention, creating deliberate habits and paying attention in specific ways so that inspiration has a chance to “strike”! Can’t wait to see what lightning I get struck by during this year’s StoryStorm 🙂

     By Carrie Kruck on January 2, 2021 at 8:50 am

400. I’m pumped to be here for another year of StoryStorm! Thank you for continuing to do this!

     By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 2, 2021 at 9:16 am

401. Hoping to start good writing habits in 2021

     Annie War

     By Annie War on January 2, 2021 at 9:34 am

402. Here’s to forming new habits!

     By Beth Charles on January 2, 2021 at 9:35 am

403. A day late to the game, but I’m super pumped about this! I’m reading big magic and this goes hand-in-hand. I woke up with a question in my mind today and this post just reminded me to write it down…who knows where that question may lead!

     By kaitlinsikeswrites on January 2, 2021 at 9:36 am

404. Thanks for beginning Storystorm with the topic of habits and recommended podcast. I find the subject very interesting. I read “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg which opened my eyes about the science behind habits. Here is to a year of good habit forming for all!

     By Johna Nicole Rossetti on January 2, 2021 at 9:44 am

405. Great inspiration from the get-go, Tara! And thanks, too, for mentioning the bubble wrap idea. It made me laugh. Good luck with the manuscripts that made it onto submission!

     By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 2, 2021 at 9:50 am

406. I love the idea of working on my writerly habits. I’m especially intrigued by reducing friction and piggybacking. Thanks for the link to the podcast and for the opportunity to participate in Story Storm.

     By mbhmaine on January 2, 2021 at 10:08 am

407. Wonderful kickoff!

     By Anita Banks on January 2, 2021 at 10:20 am

408. Adding this podcast to my list ASAP! And I love the phrasing of “reducing friction”– make it easier to get to and you’re more likely to make it a habit!

     By asfperrott on January 2, 2021 at 10:21 am

409. I started my list on my phone – so simple, so brilliant. Thanks Tara!

     By Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede) on January 2, 2021 at 10:22 am

410. Love the Tara Eclair drawing! Excited to get started this month 🙂

     By Alexis on January 2, 2021 at 10:45 am

411. Thanks for an inspiring post Tara! Looking forward to this year’s Storystorm!!

     By jbbower on January 2, 2021 at 10:46 am

412. Thank you, Tara! I’ve been so looking forward to this year’s Storystorm! Yippee! Cheers to 31 ideas everyone and establishing good habits in 2021!!!
     🥂❤️

     By Candace Spizzirri on January 2, 2021 at 10:51 am

413. I’m saving this post for the visuals! 😆 Thank for the podcast recommendation. I haven’t listened to that episode yet!

     By bookthreader on January 2, 2021 at 11:02 am

414. That title is everything! Iove the art of ideation. Members of Every critique group I’m in are participating in this wonderful challenge. I canNOT wait to see what we all come up with. Thank you so much for this.

     By pamelacourtney on January 2, 2021 at 11:04 am

415. Thanks, Tara! The talk about “friction” is so applicable to me! I have to keep my ideation simple!

     By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 2, 2021 at 11:05 am

416. Thank you for setting this up! It’s such a wonderful way to build a positive habit. I have 15 new ideas written down so far since yesterday. : )

     By Dana Marie Miroballi on January 2, 2021 at 11:06 am

417. Great post to kick off the year! Thanks Tara!

     By curryelizabeth on January 2, 2021 at 11:11 am

418. Thanks for the podcast link. I love Hidden Brain too. I’ll check it out.

     By Johnell DeWitt on January 2, 2021 at 11:12 am

419. Great post Tara! Become more attuned to what’s happening around you! Habitual! That’s the key! Thank you!

     By Kelly Vavala on January 2, 2021 at 11:17 am

420. Great start to the new year. Thanks Tara!

     By authoraileenstewart on January 2, 2021 at 11:24 am

421. Thanks — always love finding a new way to look at things. 😊

     By Jennifer on January 2, 2021 at 11:30 am

422. Thanks for the tips- especially the waterproof notebook!

     By Jenny Read Stout on January 2, 2021 at 11:31 am

423. I’m always looking for ways to form new habits. Thanks Tara!

     By Teresa Daffern on January 2, 2021 at 11:36 am

424. Waterproof notebooks? I am there! Cheers to a new year and Storystorm 2021!

     By Laurel Goodluck on January 2, 2021 at 11:47 am

425. Thanks Tara, your post was very timely. I’ve been reading a lot about habit lately. I’m going into the new year, hoping to replace some of my old (not so good habits) for good ones in 2021.

     By Mary Ann Cortez on January 2, 2021 at 11:52 am

426. Tara, great tips! I’m going to “piggy-back” each morning with my cuppa Jo!

     By Mary York on January 2, 2021 at 11:53 am

427. We’ve got to make writing into a habit! That’s all there is to it! May this year brings us all into the habit of writing. Happy new year!

     By aliciaminor on January 2, 2021 at 11:58 am

428. Great post about eliminating the “friction” from our busy lives to clear the way for better writing habits. Happy New Year Tara!

     By Lisa L Furness on January 2, 2021 at 12:26 pm

429. Great way to start the New Year–develop GOOD Habits!

     By dorothywiese on January 2, 2021 at 12:41 pm

430. Tea in hand..ready to piggyback!

     By Heather Elizabeth on January 2, 2021 at 12:45 pm

431. Thank you for your encouraging story. Keep up your interesting writing.

     By dorothywiese on January 2, 2021 at 12:51 pm

432. Since one of my cats likes to munch on paper, I’ve found it best to keep my story ideas in a WORD file!

     By 8catpaws on January 2, 2021 at 12:53 pm

433. This is so true about friction. (I do try to sleep in my workout socks for the next morning and having my workout clothes ready to go.) I also find it helpful for writing I don’t want to do to break it into chunks: before I go do something fun, at least open the file so it’s ready on my computer or have the article to do for research sitting ready on my desk. So, for me, it’s also accessibility–which, scrolling back up, I see you also used this word. 🙂 And I do have AquaNotes. One of the best gifts I received a couple of years ago.

     By nrompella on January 2, 2021 at 12:53 pm

434. Gah! I love Hidden Brian and also bobby bubble wrap sounds fantastic, I have an odd pillow one that I really want to figure out, too 😉 I hope your 8 subs went/are going well and thanks so much for all your inspiration

     By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on January 2, 2021 at 1:07 pm

435. What a great way to start StormStorm!

     By Robin Wiesneth on January 2, 2021 at 1:07 pm

436. What a wonderful initial post! Here’s to healthy creative habits!
     (Also, I watched that girl flip in bed at least ten times.)

     By jenfierjasinski on January 2, 2021 at 1:20 pm

437. Thanks for getting us started, Tara. Participating in StoryStorm is one of my cherished habits!

     By Melanie Ellsworth on January 2, 2021 at 1:30 pm

438. Hi, Sorry to bother you, but I registered, received Day 1, commented, but today it’s 12:32 p.m. EST, and no Day 2. This happened some last year, so will give it a day or two to shake things out….And, just go read it on your site. Best, Gail

     Gail Hedrick Author http://www.gailehedrick.com Home (941) 746-9703 Cell     (941) 720-5471 ****** The Scent of Something Sneaky (Tumblehome Books, 2015) Something Stinks! (Tumblehome Books, 2013 NSTA/CBC Outstanding  Science Trade Book)

     By gmom67 on January 2, 2021 at 1:34 pm

439. So many good ideas about how to capture ideas! I love the app Evernote for storing my ideas. I also love writing down quotes from my boys. They really do say the most hilarious profound things.

     By Kristy Nuttall on January 2, 2021 at 1:43 pm

440. Looking at habits — good and bad are real eye openers. My husband always changes his clothes to suit the occasion. Home from work: change clothes. Work on inside tasks: change clothes. Work on outside tasks: change clothes. After so many years, I finally asked, Why? My engineer husband said, “When I have a set task, I dress accordingly and when I’m done, then I go back to regular clothes and there is complete closure.” WTF! Maybe I need to change into writer’s clothes or put on a special scarf to signal my writing time.

     By Kris Bybee-Finley on January 2, 2021 at 2:04 pm

441. Cheers to healthy habits and fun ones like coming up with story ideas!

     By Lindsay Leslie on January 2, 2021 at 2:08 pm

442. I’m so excited about another year or Storystorm. I look forward to Januarty starting February 1st! Thanks, Tara!

     By karammitchell on January 2, 2021 at 2:08 pm

443. Just got a habit!

     By Babs Ostapina on January 2, 2021 at 2:23 pm

444. Love the Hidden Brain podcasts. Never associated one with writing picture books, until now. Thanks.

     By Rita on January 2, 2021 at 2:44 pm

445. i’ll check out the Hidden brain podcast. my word press account is not working. my comment for day 2 they say is a duplicate when it’s not!
     Frustrating.

     By setwiggs on January 2, 2021 at 3:04 pm

446. So excited for StoryStorm!

     By Carrie Williford (@carrietimes) on January 2, 2021 at 3:04 pm

447. Love tuning into these posts and sometimes get ideas from just reading these. Diane Tulloch.

     By Diane Tulloch on January 2, 2021 at 3:07 pm

448. This is such a great “getting-started with the right mindset” post. Thanks so much for this, Tara (and for reminding me that a heap of ideas leads to a smaller heap manuscripts (if you write them…) And that a heap of written/revised manuscripts leads to a subset of manuscripts that are suitable to go out on submission. And that it is these submissions that lead to eventual contract offers. Happy New Year to you! I just ordered a journal from your merch site. Thank you for using your platform to raise funds for children in need.

     By Dawn Prochovnic on January 2, 2021 at 3:18 pm

449. I have Wonderful Words notebook and one for PB ideas!

     By Trine Grillo on January 2, 2021 at 3:44 pm

450. This post was awesome! It really made me rethink my habits, and how I can create more time for writing. I also loved your idea of piggybacking. I think I can fit in way more time for writing by piggybacking onto other things I do throughout the day. Thanks again for this awesome contest, and for sharing so many great things with all of us writers. The kid lit community is full of such generous people.

     By Ashley Bankhead on January 2, 2021 at 3:49 pm

451. Thank you for another inspiring start to the year!

     By Bettie Boswell on January 2, 2021 at 3:52 pm

452. thank you-I think I have figured out how this works. habits, lots of them!

     By sharon lane holm on January 2, 2021 at 4:13 pm

453. Here’s to 2021🎉 Storystorm

     By Kathy Mazurowski on January 2, 2021 at 4:28 pm

454. Time for ideas and inspiration. Thank you, Tara.

     Suzy Leopold

     By Prairie Garden Girl on January 2, 2021 at 4:30 pm

455. I’m going to have to try that wearing my running clothes to bed bit … Trello ideas board up and running! Someone posted a fun graphic organizer I look forward to trying, too.

     By Christina Dendy on January 2, 2021 at 4:38 pm

456. Great kickoff to starting off the new year with good habits. Thanks!

     By rgstones on January 2, 2021 at 4:53 pm

457. What other tools/apps do people use to store their ideas. I’ve been hearing really good things lately about Notion as an overall organisational tool.

     By Renaissance Renee on January 2, 2021 at 4:53 pm

458. Yay for ideas and habits! Thanks for sharing!

     By Marci Whitehurst on January 2, 2021 at 5:37 pm

459. Going to fill up my phone notes with lots of ideas this year!

     By Deborah Neuenschwander (@Deborah_Writing) on January 2, 2021 at 6:11 pm

460. Love your photos!

     By chrisynthia on January 2, 2021 at 6:13 pm

461. Wonderful start to the New Year!

     By jeanjames926 on January 2, 2021 at 6:34 pm

462. Love the idea of eliminating friction! Thanks Tara for making January a month filled with inspiration and creativity!

     By Laura Bower on January 2, 2021 at 6:52 pm

463. Fancy ideas! Thanks for the tips and congrats on 100 ideas! That is something. Happy New Year!

     By Rebekah Lowell on January 2, 2021 at 6:52 pm

464. Thank you for recommending the Hidden Brain episode. Lots to think about and helpful. Habits. Rewards. Looking for the friction. Good stuff. Thanks for that and for this entire opportunity!

     By Nancy Barton on January 2, 2021 at 7:26 pm

465. Thank you for bringing Hidden Brain to our attention. Great way to kick off New Year. Looking forward to 31 days of Storystorming 🙂

     By Aly Kenna on January 2, 2021 at 7:57 pm

466. Thanks for your encouragement. Late getting started!

     By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 2, 2021 at 9:14 pm

467. Well said! Loved the insight (many projects at once) to help uncode the game!

     By cravevsworld on January 2, 2021 at 10:15 pm

468. Hurrah for Storystorm! I loved your encouraging words for making brainstorming and writing ideas down part of a daily habit. I never thought of piggybacking them with another activity.

     By Eileen Mayo on January 2, 2021 at 10:18 pm

469. This is such a happy kick-in-the-pants thing for me! 2021 muses, here we come!

     By Elizabeth on January 2, 2021 at 10:30 pm

470. Such a great kick off! I have gotten into the habit of keeping having my phone nearby and e-mailing myself story ideas. Here’s to happy storming!

     By tinefg on January 2, 2021 at 11:10 pm

471. Thank you, Tara! This reminds me of James Clear’s Atomic Habits, only for picture book ideas!

     By Myrna Foster on January 3, 2021 at 12:46 am

472. Great post!

     By Julie Reich on January 3, 2021 at 12:55 am

473. Reduce Friction is now number one on the to do list.

     By Robin Perkins on January 3, 2021 at 1:03 am

474. Listening is one of the best habits of all! Thanks, Tara! Added that podcast to my list!

     By adavis6385 on January 3, 2021 at 1:46 am

475. This is excellent advice, thank you so much!

     By stacey miller on January 3, 2021 at 4:05 am

476. Great post to start off Storystorm 2021! Thank you for the inspiration.

     By Jo Jo Harder on January 3, 2021 at 5:24 am

477. What a great pep talk! Thanks Tara, I needed that!

     By littleredstoryshed on January 3, 2021 at 6:33 am

478. Love the idea of tacking on an ideas brainstorm to an existing habit, e.g. morning cup of coffee! I already make notes everywhere I go on my phone, notebook, palm of my hand, or assorted scraps of paper!

     By claireflewis on January 3, 2021 at 8:05 am

479. Jumping in a couple of days late. Great idea of piggybacking habits. I’ll add it to my list!

     By Louann Brown on January 3, 2021 at 9:28 am

480. This is motivating. I am excited. Thank you! And I had no idea there was waterproof paper!

     By Christina Shawn on January 3, 2021 at 10:50 am

481. Perfect kick off! Thank you!

     By susan schade on January 3, 2021 at 11:54 am

482. Inspirational! Glad to be here again. Micki

     By Micki Ginsberg on January 3, 2021 at 1:05 pm

483. Perfect way to start the process… by removing the hurdles that may impede us!

     By aidantalkin on January 3, 2021 at 1:39 pm

484. Tara, thanks for helping us with story ideas for a year of writing!

     By Cheryl Johnson on January 3, 2021 at 1:46 pm

485. Great, thanks!

     By kellyeohlert on January 3, 2021 at 1:50 pm

486. Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Cortney Benvenuto on January 3, 2021 at 2:49 pm

487. Thank you, Tara, for Storystorm again this year! It’s challenging but doable–even with at-home schooling.

     By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on January 3, 2021 at 2:56 pm

488. Thank you for Storystorm 2021. What a great way to begin the year!

     By paulabpuckett on January 3, 2021 at 4:35 pm

489. Ooh, thank you for The Hidden Brain suggestion. Just listened. Great suggestion.

     By Susan on January 3, 2021 at 4:46 pm

490. Yes, a good year ahead. Thanks for the Hidden Brain suggestion. Love that one.

     By Virginia Rinkel on January 3, 2021 at 5:35 pm

491. Thankyou for Storystorm and your post. I had a little chuckle, I am a behind with the blogs, and decided to read it today with my morning cuppa. Haha A good thing to do before the day runs away with me.

     By brendamay28 on January 3, 2021 at 6:03 pm

492. Hoping the Story Storm bug strikes every day this month!

     By Rebecca E Guzinski on January 3, 2021 at 6:03 pm

493. Great idea. I have some of my best ones when I’m curling my hair of all things. Just need to put my sticky notes closer. Lol. Always thinking of new ideas and I have loved 12×12 for 2 years. But you are so right. Keeping up the flow is the best way to get where we all want to be. Published and agented. ❤❤❤❤ Thank you for being an inspiration.

     By sloanejacobs on January 3, 2021 at 6:07 pm

494. Thanks Tara! I was just listening to that episode and finished after reading your post! Thanks for everything!

     By thezenmama on January 3, 2021 at 6:15 pm

495. 100 ideas down to 12 down to 8. I love learning stats.Thanks, Tara!

     By Kaye Baillie on January 3, 2021 at 7:13 pm

496. Thank you for StoryStorm, Tara! I met you at last year’s SCBWI FL conference. You are such a breath of fresh air. I have been dealing with chronic fatigue. It is so frustrating bc my heart wants to work all day, but my body won’t right now. I read your post on MS today bc I remember you talking about it at the conference. It was a great comfort. #adapt ❤

     By KRISTI BARTHOLOMEW on January 3, 2021 at 7:21 pm

497. Tara, I agree. Noticing and setting the stage for our own “triggers” means we can establish the internal and/or external conditions conducive for our own creativity.

     By writeremmcbride on January 3, 2021 at 7:40 pm

498. I just heard a similar talk about “friction” on NPR – that the less friction involved in an action/activity, the more likely it can become a habit.
     Thank you Tara!

     By Janet AlJunaidi on January 3, 2021 at 8:01 pm

499. Tara, thank you for inspiring us once again this year! I love the concept of “piggybacking.”

     By susanzonca on January 3, 2021 at 8:09 pm

500. Thanks for the idea of piggybacking. And the podcast – I,m going to check it out.

     By Lynn Alpert on January 3, 2021 at 8:41 pm

501. Such a perfect way to start the new year. I definitely need to shed my BAD habits. Thanks for the podcast recommendation Tara!

     By Kathy Berman on January 3, 2021 at 8:42 pm

502. Hi Tara, I’m not seeing the emails for day two and three. I did register and I know you’re super busy. I miss my posts though, I hope you can help. Thank you Theresa Nielsen

     Sent from my iPad

     >

     By theresastales on January 3, 2021 at 10:11 pm

503. Excellent way to start! I’m so happy to be here, Tara! Thank you!

     By boygirlparty on January 3, 2021 at 10:25 pm

504. So ready to get back in the listening and ideation frame of mind!

     By Meghan Burch on January 3, 2021 at 10:28 pm

505. I will try your suggestions Tara. The piggyback sounds like a great one for me. Bobby Bubble Wrap made me smile. I think he sounds fun! ☀️

     By Rhonda Whitaker on January 3, 2021 at 10:47 pm

506. Definitely checking out the podcast! Great post to start of Storystorm!

     By Summer Hinderer on January 3, 2021 at 11:02 pm

507. I can’t wait to check out the podcast! Storystorm has definitely become a yearly habit for me, and I love starting my year off with the practice of generating lots of ideas. Thanks so much, Tara!!

     By Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez on January 3, 2021 at 11:40 pm

508. “Friction.” I’d never thought of it that way before, but that descriptor makes perfect sense. And of course any amount of friction will immediately flick the “excuses” switch: the computer is in the other room, I don’t know if I’m feeling up to writing after putting the kids to bed, my idea is dumb anyway, etc. I like the idea of finding ways to make creating feel like a natural part of the routine rather than something special that time must be carved out for like a vacation.

     By Jose Cruz on January 4, 2021 at 12:01 am

509. Thank you for Storystorm. Very excited to begin

     By KASteed on January 4, 2021 at 12:17 am

510. So excited to being the journey!!!

     By Lydia Lukidis on January 4, 2021 at 12:47 am

511. Hurray for habits!

     By lanearnold on January 4, 2021 at 2:53 am

512. I look forward to Storystorm every year. Here’s to developing good habits and getting rid of the bad! Thank you, Tara!!

     By Judy Bryan on January 4, 2021 at 4:44 am

513. Good ideas. I’ve lost many ideas by not jotting them down.

     By Ellie Langford on January 4, 2021 at 8:39 am

514. Thanks for the encouragement!

     By Krista Maxwell on January 4, 2021 at 9:43 am

515. I love that you use the NOTES section of your phone – that’s what I’ve been doing for a few years now – I take it with me everywhere, because story ideas are everywhere!

     By doreenrobinson on January 4, 2021 at 9:46 am

516. This is really great, Tara! Thank you!

     By Midge Ballou Smith on January 4, 2021 at 10:08 am

517. Studies have shown that it takes at least 20 days for a habit to form – perhaps StoryStorm will be the 31 to really make it stick!

     By Monica A. Harris on January 4, 2021 at 10:42 am

518. This is such a great way to kick things off! (I wrote down the Hidden Brain podcast on the post-it pad I keep with me so I won’t forget to check it out.) Thanks!

     By kristindudish on January 4, 2021 at 10:58 am

519. Tara, you’re absolutely right. Thanks so much for creating storystorm. The daily posts remind me of the different learning styles- different things work for different people. And, I love that each post will resonate with writers in a different way. So inspiring.

     By Sarah SarahH on January 4, 2021 at 11:34 am

520. Thanks for the podcast tip and the post Tara!

     By Elizabeth Saba on January 4, 2021 at 11:43 am

521. Thank you, Tara – As I was scrolling through the post, my kiddo said, “Hey, there’s 7 Ate 9!” I’m really beginning to understand the #s game aspect of PB writing, and, in a way, it’s exciting. Yes to piggybacking, too…Thanks for organizing this month of posts and prompts.

     By ejessmurray on January 4, 2021 at 12:00 pm

522. Thank you for organizing story storm and reminding us to write all the ideas down!

     By Viviane on January 4, 2021 at 12:51 pm

523. (I thought I had commented, but cannot find it…)Thank you for the podcast suggestion. It was my first time listening to a podcast. I was quite pleased and thank you for such a change for me. Thank you, too, Tara for organizing this Story storm.

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 4, 2021 at 12:57 pm

524. What a great way to start Storystorm! I think participating in this challenge every year has definitely made idea brainstorming a habit for me! Now I just need to develop the habit of gathering them daily into one space.

     By Anne Appert on January 4, 2021 at 1:01 pm

525. Thanks, Tara, I’m raring to go!

     By tootienienow on January 4, 2021 at 2:17 pm

526. I didn’t realize the comments section was here until now. I’m such a social media introvert/ignoramus!
     Thanks for the great kickoff–my head is already being flooded with ideas!

     By boardmancamera on January 4, 2021 at 2:39 pm

527. Yes! Perfect way to start this month.

     By kirstenbockblog on January 4, 2021 at 2:42 pm

528. Oh how true about habits — I’m ready to go for 2021 Storystorm and made it a “habit” to watch for ideas and make note of them all day!

     By Val McC on January 4, 2021 at 3:44 pm

529. This was a great podcast! I’ve signed up now, I enjoyed it so much. So interesting! Let’s all form some GOOD habits, and make ’em stick!

     By Susie Sawyer on January 4, 2021 at 4:38 pm

530. I’ve been known to email book ideas to myself.

     By Angie Isaacs on January 4, 2021 at 5:15 pm

531. I like the idea of making it a habit and tying it to something you do every day anyway – like making the beds – plenty of time for ideas to flow there.

     By Caren on January 4, 2021 at 5:28 pm

532. Great info and great way to reduce the friction! Thanks for your thoughts!

     By Karen Greenwald on January 4, 2021 at 5:33 pm

533. Love the Gifs.

     By Joyce on January 4, 2021 at 7:32 pm

534. I don’t drink coffee in the morning but I do daydream and I usually forget the paper and pencil. I will do that now 🙂

     By Karen Lawler on January 4, 2021 at 10:36 pm

535. I listened to the Hidden Brain podcast episode you recommended…so great! Thank you!

     By Cathleen Collins on January 4, 2021 at 10:49 pm

536. Getting rid of friction, developing good habits and ‘writing’ story ideas down is the way to go! I’m on it! Thanks Tara; love STORYSTORM!

     By Ave Maria Cross on January 4, 2021 at 11:41 pm

537. What a great kickoff for Storystorm! Thanks, Tara!

     By Sandy Perlic on January 5, 2021 at 12:55 am

538. Habits- bad v good – I like to think of them as ruts v grooves!

     By DEEK on January 5, 2021 at 8:46 am

539. Thank you Tara for the great kickoff!

     By Diane Kress Hower on January 5, 2021 at 10:00 am

540. Thanks Tara!
     I can’t stop watching the “sleeping in your work-out clothes” gif! Wow!

     By Amy Grover on January 5, 2021 at 2:21 pm

541. Thanks for the constant inspiration and encouragement!

     By Kelly Conroy on January 5, 2021 at 2:31 pm

542. Can’t get that image of Bobby Bubble Wrap out of my brain. It may be habit-forming! Thanks for an inspiring post. Happy New Year!

     By ptnozell on January 5, 2021 at 3:45 pm

543. Great post to kick off this year’s Storystorm,Tara. I can really relate to the concept of forming habits, especially good ones, by reducing friction.

     Thank you for orchestrating another wonderful month of inspirational and creative insights for generating story ideas. Now I’m going to listen to that podcast!

     By Lucretia S. on January 5, 2021 at 3:53 pm

544. Time to re-energize and reduce friction. Thanks for a great post at the start of this year’s ‘storm’! 🙂

     By susaninez0905 on January 5, 2021 at 4:27 pm

545. Thank you for this fabulous kick-off post! I love this: “Bobby Bubble Wrap”
     I so wonder what was going through your mind at that moment! 🙂

     By LaurenKerstein on January 5, 2021 at 5:02 pm

546. Loving the start to the STORM! Thanks, Tara!

     By Julie Augensen-Rand on January 5, 2021 at 5:43 pm

547. Tara,

     I’ve found the best way to eliminate friction in my writing is to just yell “OUT RRRR”. That just leaves fiction, which is the primary focus in my children’s writing.:)

     Ken

     By kmajor2013 on January 6, 2021 at 1:06 am

548. Starting late this year! January’s been crazy so far! Loved this post, and at my WW meeting yesterday, the topic was all about friction (what keeps you from good habits) and fuel (what makes those good habits easier). Going to do some thinking about eliminating friction in my writing habits.Thank you:>)

     By Laura Purdie Salas on January 6, 2021 at 8:22 am

549. love Hidden Brain – and thanks for the tip about the Aqua paper!! Happy new year!

     By Jen Lynn Bailey on January 6, 2021 at 9:20 am

550. Reduce the friction! Such a simple, and brilliant, start to our year. Thanks!

     By Susan Wroble on January 6, 2021 at 9:41 am

551. Thank you, Tara! You’re the best! You give so much. Hope you have a fabulous 2021!

     By erintsiska on January 6, 2021 at 11:44 am

552. She’s gotta habit! I loved that episode of Hidden Brain too. Thanks, Tara!

     By Kari (🚗+E) Lavelle (@KariALavelle) on January 6, 2021 at 1:16 pm

553. I love the idea of tracking habits. I truly have never thought about it. Thanks for the post.
     Debbie Allmand

     By dlapmandi on January 6, 2021 at 2:23 pm

554. A friction less world would be nice, no wait, we need some. I love the idea of reducing friction when it comes to writing. I started with my pen choice. Idea generation makes it easier to grab one and go with it.
     Thank you Tara.

     By Cassie Bentley on January 6, 2021 at 3:06 pm

555. I need every bit of this! I’ve felt so disorganized for months now. Time for focus and some kind of “system” to track ideas. Thank you!

     By melissamiles1 on January 6, 2021 at 5:27 pm

556. Thank you Tara for Story Storm❤️❤️

     By EmmieRWerner on January 6, 2021 at 7:04 pm

557. Tara – I sometimes wonder if my brain still works – thanks for Storystorm and getting by brain functioning again.

     By Diane on January 7, 2021 at 12:40 am

558. A great kick off post to my 4th year of Storystorm! Thanks, Tara!

     By Terri Sabol on January 7, 2021 at 1:24 am

559. (1) I love Hidden Brain (2) I am distressed that Bobby Bubble Wrap went nowhere (3) I have experienced this–that being more creative makes you more creative–a virtuous circle. Thanks!

     By audiencedog on January 7, 2021 at 12:05 pm

560. Arriving late to the game, but I had already begun jotting ideas. I need Story Storm most especially this year!

     By Shereen on January 7, 2021 at 2:46 pm

561. Love this post, Tara! Can’t wait to listen to the Hidden Brain podcast! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

     By Abby Wooldridge on January 7, 2021 at 3:50 pm

562. I just reorganize my night stand drawer and I only have 1 magazine, many pens and papers.

     By Gaby on January 8, 2021 at 1:21 am

563. Love this

     By drawingablank6 on January 8, 2021 at 3:12 am

564. Getting started late but looking forward to this all month long. Thank you!

     By E D Stewart on January 8, 2021 at 5:11 pm

565. Thank you for helping us make a habit of capturing our story ideas! I love the “notes” app on my phone, too.

     By Karen Pickrell on January 8, 2021 at 5:24 pm

566. My first day & this post is just what I needed. Being aware, jotting ideas down, and turning it into a habit.

     By Cass C on January 8, 2021 at 6:34 pm

567. I went back through these because I never commented. I love the tip about “piggybacking”. Many times I have an idea while watching TV or scanning the internet. I don’t write them down and loose them. I’m going to have a notebook near my couch and in my car for those fleeting thoughts. Thank you.

     By Marge Gower on January 8, 2021 at 8:59 pm

568. Yay Tara and Story Storm 2021! I am ready for this! Err, well, maybe not, I’m just now commenting and it’s Jan. 8 . . . But I am going to reduce friction and piggyback, starting right now. Love both ideas, going to write them down on my pillow!

     By Katie Schwartz on January 9, 2021 at 2:28 am

569. I hadn’t heard of the hidden brain podcast, thanks Tara! I feel motivated, ready to dig in and have some great inspiration. Thank you so much for hosting!!!

     By Kari Gonzalez on January 9, 2021 at 11:15 am

570. So true about less friction!! I also use my phone to record my story ideas– I like Evernote! 🙂

     By elisainnyc on January 9, 2021 at 11:41 am

571. I’m going to listen to that podcast episode. Thanks for sharing. I also love the insight into your writing life… 100 ideas, 12 written, 8 submitted. Thanks, Tara!

     By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 9, 2021 at 11:46 am

572. I’m going to listen to the podcast. Appreciate you sharing. I also love the insight into your writing life… 100 ideas, 12 written, 8 submitted. Thanks, Tara!

     By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 9, 2021 at 11:50 am

573. Writing is a habit, but writing down the things that inspire my stories in one place, and the minute I have the thought is not. I will make it a habit from this point forward.

     By Susan Jobsky on January 9, 2021 at 12:52 pm

574. I’m looking forward to hearing the Hidden Brain podcast. Thank you for recommending it. And piggyback for me will work when I take a break for tea or nuts or yogurt. Great idea!

     By Jeannette Suhr on January 9, 2021 at 3:05 pm

575. Love the piggybacking idea. Trying to decide which habit to attach the new one to.

     By Susan Cabael on January 10, 2021 at 4:21 pm

576. I just realized I need to comment on each blog post. So. here is mine. I adore the idea of friction. Habit forming brainstoming sessions!

     By Patricia Tiffany Morris on January 10, 2021 at 6:30 pm

     1. The original post was created with the account Life Journey Adventures 247 on the sign up post. I apologize for correcting my wordpress avatar after the contest began. From now on it will be Patricia Tiffany Morris aka Pat Tiffany Inks.

        By Patricia Tiffany Morris on January 10, 2021 at 6:57 pm

577. Hidden Brain is awesome!

     By Lindsay Brayden Ellis on January 11, 2021 at 12:15 am

578. Cool!

     By lanearnold on January 11, 2021 at 10:54 am

579. Great advice, Tara! Thanks for the podcast suggestion! 🙂

     By Becky Shillington on January 11, 2021 at 1:19 pm

580. Hidden Brain podcast sounds perfect! Never thought about friction. New perspective. Just love Storystorm!

     By deniseaengle on January 11, 2021 at 4:24 pm

581. And we are off….. thanks for the push!!!!

     By syorkeviney on January 11, 2021 at 4:28 pm

582. I usually have my cell phone with me at all times. If I get an idea, I don’t make a note of it with a note app of any kind; rather, I send myself an email with the idea. Then, I can just open that email, copy my idea, and paste it into my file. Easy, peasy!

     By Christine M Irvin on January 11, 2021 at 6:43 pm

583. Thanks for all the inspiration, Tara! I’m going to start working on my next PB, “BAM — the Amorphous Blob.” 😉

     By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 11, 2021 at 8:04 pm

584. I have terrrrrrible habits. Love the idea of piggybacking. need to break the habit of tea & phone in the morning and change to tea and journal.

     By Lauri Meyers on January 11, 2021 at 10:32 pm

585. Thanks for the inspiration, Tara! I use the Notes section on my phone also:)

     By jessica shaw on January 12, 2021 at 11:30 am

586. I’m late to the game, but here nonetheless! This is a great start to Storystorm, and I’ve got a fresh notebook to hold ideas, and think I’ll swap my lunch habit of working through lunch to compiling ideas into the notebook instead.

     By jennyb_writes on January 12, 2021 at 12:23 pm

587. Yes—as I just catch up now on the blogs, I’m going to try to read it during my morning coffee—before my student arrives.🤞

     By Amy H on January 12, 2021 at 5:35 pm

588. This is so true! My goal is to piggyback my writing habit with morning yoga–after I’ve stretched my body out, I can stretch my mind out with writing! Thanks for all of the tips!

     By Kristy Nuttall on January 13, 2021 at 9:53 am

589. FABULOUS!

     By Tania on January 13, 2021 at 5:12 pm

590. It is easy to do this during the month but afterwards it begins to become more difficult to find the time. We should find the time to do for ourselves. Thanks for the post.

     By dlapmandi on January 14, 2021 at 11:33 am

591. Thanks for the idea of piggybacking, Tara. Putting two enjoyable tasks together will help me relax and get the ideas flowing. I like to use the Notes section on my phone too. I also think of ideas when I’m out for a walk and record them into an email to send myself or just record as a taped conversation. That’s what I do when the juices are already flowing into a full story. Thank you for your idea and for Storystorm! I love it every year!

     By Susan Orton on January 14, 2021 at 7:51 pm

592. The podcast was great! Thank you for sharing that. I also like the piggyback idea. Never heard of doing that before and it makes so much sense!

     By Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned) on January 14, 2021 at 9:58 pm

593. Storystorm always brings sunshine to my January! (And that’s saying something near Chicago!). Thank you, Tara!

     By Nicole Loos Miller on January 16, 2021 at 9:20 pm

594. I’ve been wanting to get into listening to podcasts…I will start with this episode of Hidden Brain. Thanks, Tara!

     By Susanne Whitehouse on January 17, 2021 at 11:13 am

595. Got my umbrella ☔ be and ready by to go!

     By Karen Chun on January 18, 2021 at 5:41 am

596. Making Aqua Notes in the shower is a brilliant idea. I get lots of inspiration in the shower and the bath but never write anything down – thank you for the link!

     By Catherine on January 18, 2021 at 7:24 am

597. Great way to kick things off– new year, new habits & intentions! 100% agree that ideas come easier when you create the environment for them. Thank you!

     By treuting on January 18, 2021 at 3:40 pm

598. What fun ways to take notes!

     By Bettie Boswell on January 18, 2021 at 3:49 pm

599. Another year of the brilliant Storystorm, woohoo! Thank you!

     By kelliejanebyrnes on January 19, 2021 at 8:47 pm

600. Great tips! Thanks Tara. I’m late to the party, because life, but I’m so glad to finally be here!

     By Deb McGarvey on January 20, 2021 at 7:52 pm

601. As I was reading I immediately thought of a way I could piggyback on another habit. And then you mentioned it a few sentences later. I love when that happens.

     By Dina Ticas on January 20, 2021 at 10:05 pm

602. Thanks, Tara! I really like your friction point. Who knew there was such an interesting word for what I do daily for so many things! But I especially like the piggybacking idea to form new habits. Now that I don’t have to drink my tea and doom scroll each morning since 1/20 I can start using the time to think, dream, and jot down ideas.

     By goodreadswithronna on January 21, 2021 at 7:29 pm

603. So, my first entry in my Storystorm notebook is “standing in the rain with an umbrella”. No idea what I will do with that, but doesn’t it already tell a story? Sort of?

     By Marilyn R Garcia on January 22, 2021 at 2:33 pm

604. Ham and Cheese are best friends. Hey — I’m off and running!

     By Bill Canterbury on January 27, 2021 at 8:06 pm

605. Starting a new habit it hard until it isn’t

     By Karen L Ledbetter on January 28, 2021 at 11:14 pm

606. I need to listen to that podcast––thank you for this!

     By Kimberly Wilson on January 30, 2021 at 11:52 am

607. Tara, this is my first year participating in StoryStorm and I am hooked! I didn’t realize how many ideas eluded me until I began writing them in my idea notebook! Now, they flow like magic! Thank you!

     By Michelle H. Losardo on January 30, 2021 at 11:15 pm

608. Thank you! I love that podcast, too!

     By Melissa McDaniel on January 31, 2021 at 1:27 pm

609. I too get so many ideas while listening to podcasts, especially about the Children’s Book industry! Love listening to interviews with authors and illustrators especially. I really liked your reiteration of how ideas is a numbers game and how you have to push past the bad ideas to get to the good ideas. Also liked the “piggybacking” of good habits to existing habits. Always such good advice and insight, Tara. Can’t believe you have done StoryStorm for 13 years! And this year is fresh and exciting as ever. I don’t know how you do it!

     By Jen Wright on January 31, 2021 at 10:37 pm

610. I’ve so enjoyed re-forming my idea-jotting habit this month! It feels great to review the month’s worth of ideas I’ve logged in my notes app, and to sort through them, starring those that have the most story potential! Thanks to StoryStorm, I’m back in the habit!

     By Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor) on January 31, 2021 at 11:09 pm

611. The Notes app is a life-saver!

     By Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated) on February 1, 2021 at 2:21 pm

612. Thanks, Tara, for the encouragement and for hosting StoryStorm!

     By kmshelley on February 1, 2021 at 11:13 pm

613. So excited! What an innovative way to induce creativity!

     By mornagersho on January 3, 2023 at 9:30 am

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