by Carole Lindstrom
The very first thing I want to begin by saying is that NO idea is a bad idea or a ridiculous idea. NONE. So put that thought out of your head immediately. Those ideas are gems and kernels of stories that can become stand-alone stories one day, or bits and smatterings of stories tomorrow. So, promise yourself, and me, before I go any further that you will keep EVERY idea you come up with!! Deal? Deal!!! I’m proud of you already!!
I want to spend some time talking to you about where I get my ideas and perhaps that will give you some thoughts or insights into places that you can mine for your ideas.
I want to add that ideas rarely come to me when I sit down to come up with story ideas, if that makes any sense. My best ideas usually come rushing at me when I’m in the middle of doing other things. But I always make sure I leave my mind open to letting in new ideas. And definitely keep a notebook with you or use your notebook app on your phone to write them down, because I can never remember them when I tell myself that I will. Get in the habit of writing them down as soon as soon as they flow into your brain.
To be honest, most of my ideas with reading the news and/or current events on social media. Seeing what is going on in the world almost always sparks my creative juices to flow.
And then I usually start asking the questions:
WHY? Why is that thing that way? Why did that happen? Why didn’t anyone do anything about it? Why did someone do something?
And/Or
HOW? How did that happen? How could no one have done anything about that? How did that thing do that?
And/Or
WHO? Who was involved? Who did it? Who did something about it? Who could have done something about it but didn’t?
I tend to be drawn to writing stories that deal with environmental or social issues. So, what gets the ideas really popping in my brain is reading the news. Any type of story about environmental or social injustices would certainly be something I would read. If that isn’t your thing, and even if it isn’t, read things that you are interested in. Follow blogs and Facebook people/places that represent things that you find important or interesting. Their posts often spur ideas in me, as well. Oftentimes I find that the articles spark further questions in my mind. Or I want the article to go deeper, ask deeper questions, pick away at the real issues. And that’s where I, or you, come in. With the questions.
My mom always used to tell me that I was always asking “WHY?” as a kid. It seems to have followed me throughout my life and has come in handy as an author. Especially an author for children. Because aren’t they also always asking “WHY?”
I hope you find this helpful in some way. Enjoy the process.
Aapiji go Miigwech, Carole
Carole Lindstrom is an Anishinaabe/Métis author, and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. She writes books for children and young adults. Her debut picture book, Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle, was published with Pemmican Publishers in 2013. Drops of Gratitude, is included in the anthology, Thank U: Poems of Gratitude, edited by Miranda Paul and Illustrated by Marlena Myles, (Lerner/Millbrook – Fall 2019). We Are Water Protectors, inspired by Standing Rock, and all Indigenous Peoples’ fight for clean water, illustrated by Michaela Goade, (Roaring Brook Press – March 2020). Circles, is included in the anthology, Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, (Heartdrum – Feb 2021). She is represented by Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Carole lives with her family in Maryland. Visit her online at carolelindstrom.com.
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618 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 4, 2021 at 8:05 am
Meli Glickman
You’re such an inspiration, Carole! I love your stories with messages about environmental causes, so keep writing powerful and meaningful books. In the meantime, thanks also for the advice about idea generation. All the best to you!
January 4, 2021 at 8:08 am
thecrowsmap
I can remember when I was very young my father telling me to not ask him why one more time—but I really haven’t stopped:) Thanks for these tips, Carole.
Gail Hartman
January 4, 2021 at 8:10 am
Jeanne Cherney
This is an excellent idea for me. I don’t know why but it maybe I should ask that question? I love the idea of questions.
January 4, 2021 at 8:11 am
Elyse Trevers
My grandchild always asks ‘how come?’
which inspired me to write about a child asking questions. You have shown me, I can use questions get my own inspiration. Thank you
January 4, 2021 at 8:13 am
Shelley Isaacson
Thanks Carole! My idea for today came from yesterday’s paper–digging into the why, how, and who! I’m routing for Water Protectors later this month!
January 4, 2021 at 8:14 am
Andrea Mack
My ideas often come when I’m doing anything BUT trying to come up with ideas! Thanks for reminding me to continue to ask questions!
January 4, 2021 at 8:16 am
Andrea Mack
P. S. I absolutely love We Are Water Protectors! Such a beautiful and important book.
January 4, 2021 at 10:55 am
Catherine Lee
I will strive to keep childlike curiosity in my mind. Being always curious means to me that you are always trying to learn. Thanks for the wonderful tips!
January 4, 2021 at 8:15 am
pathaap
I can relate to rarely getting an idea when you sit down to come up with a story idea and definitely writing one down as soon as you get it! Great advice!
January 4, 2021 at 8:16 am
readmybook2002
Love to see the right questions asked to begin the process. Thank you
January 4, 2021 at 8:18 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for reminding us that every story idea is worthy of keeping and sharing how you generate your ideas, Carole. The cover of WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS is stunning!
January 4, 2021 at 8:18 am
Meaghan Br
I agree, ideas usually come to me when I am out walking or doing the dishes, never when I sit down to ‘come up with ideas.’
January 4, 2021 at 8:18 am
Laura
Moms are our first best teachers. That yours taught you to ask “why” is a lifelong gift
January 4, 2021 at 8:20 am
Mackinzie Rekers
Wonderful Carole! Thank you for sharing your process for idea generating.
January 4, 2021 at 8:21 am
Jessica Swaim
I love everything about this post, Carole, especially the beginning, in which you empower us all. Many thanks!
January 4, 2021 at 8:22 am
Carrie Fannin
This was a great reminder to cultivate & maintain the curiosity we all had as kids. Thank you for sharing your process!
January 4, 2021 at 8:27 am
Tanya Konerman
This is exactly how I get many of my ideas…reading social media, news articles, even cartoons! And yes, definitely write them all down right away or they will flit and float away!
January 4, 2021 at 8:28 am
Kristen Tipman
Thank you for your post Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 8:28 am
steveheron
Thank you Carole, similar process to mine and I agree, no ideas are bad, you never know why they may lead to.
January 4, 2021 at 8:29 am
Stacey Corrigan
I find my ideas this way too. And you are right, ideas never come when you are ready for them. Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2021 at 8:30 am
Lisa L Furness
Another reason to keep those notebooks handy because ideas can come to you anytime and anywhere!
January 4, 2021 at 8:32 am
Judy Bryan
WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS is a beautiful book! And why-how-who are important questions to ask. Thank you for reminding us to mine our curiosity.
January 4, 2021 at 8:33 am
Sara Ackerman
Thank you for sharing your questions and process. “Who could have done something about it but didn’t?” especially resonates.
January 4, 2021 at 8:34 am
8catpaws
Gives me an idea to research whether a particular interest of mine has ever been written about for kids. Thanks!
January 4, 2021 at 8:34 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
Great tips, and thanks for sharing with us!
January 4, 2021 at 8:35 am
Rebster
Rather than turn solely to my own imagination today, I’ve turned to the news. And it did spark an idea! Thanks for the inspiration, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 8:37 am
michelemeleen
It’s so smart to think like a kid to mine ideas from adult life. As a mom to an 8-year-old, that why stage is far behind us and I remember it well! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2021 at 8:38 am
rosecappelli
Thanks for the inspiration, Carole. Questions are a great way to jump start an idea.
January 4, 2021 at 8:39 am
Jane Baskwill
I agree that all ideas should be collected. The challenge is making sure they are saved where you can find them again!
January 4, 2021 at 8:40 am
Krista Legge
Thank you for sharing this. My kids are always asking the “why” questions, which is where a lot of my inspiration comes from.
January 4, 2021 at 8:44 am
Betsy Devany
Thanks for giving us a peek into your process and your writing passions! I put a card with the word “WHY?” on my frig.
January 4, 2021 at 8:45 am
Laurel Goodluck
Good morning Carole… what a treat to wake up to your blog post this a.m. I won’t stop asking why!
January 4, 2021 at 8:48 am
Writer on the run
Thank you for sharing your story idea starters. I try to collect my ideas from various sources and save them in Evernote. 2021 seems like a good year to not just save ideas but pursue them.
January 4, 2021 at 8:48 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Asking questions when you read/see the news or current events is a great idea starter. I’d add two other questions I like to ask is “What if?” or “What next?”
January 4, 2021 at 8:49 am
sareenmclay
Thank you. I agree, it’s not always when sitting down that ideas come. I am learning to stop and give myself some time to think though and that is helping. I really like the idea of using the news, I signed up to a positive news app a while ago and find great articles there. Loved the questions and the reminder to ask, why?
January 4, 2021 at 8:50 am
Sarah Meade
Thanks for the post, Carole! My little ones and I enjoyed reading WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS.
January 4, 2021 at 8:50 am
Barbara Senenman
Reading the news or listening to the radio are great ways of getting ideas, even if they are purely fictional. Reading this post just gave me a nudge of an idea. Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 8:51 am
Ashley Chalmers
Thanks, Carole!! My daughter is currently very much in the “but WHY?” phase right now so I especially love this post. We also love We Are Water Protectors. Such a beautiful story!
January 4, 2021 at 8:52 am
58chilihed13
I love that you say no idea is a “bad” idea, because I have tons of scribbled bits and pieces in a file stack and some were deemed bad, but now I can honestly keep them! Thanks!
January 4, 2021 at 8:53 am
Amy Houts
Great questions! Important themes. Thanks!
January 4, 2021 at 8:55 am
marty
Thank you, Carole! You have inspired me to revisit a compelling news story that I was touched by as a possible picture book idea. I don’t think I mine, or maybe align, my reading of current events and social media enough and your post has prompted me to play closer attention to so-called ‘adult’ topics. Thank you for writing WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS. The world needs your writing.
January 4, 2021 at 8:55 am
kathalsey
Wado, Carole. I agree that I get ideas when I’m not looking for them. And news, pictures, things kids say inspire my ideas. Ty, too, for your list of questions.
January 4, 2021 at 8:55 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Great tips, Carole. Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 8:58 am
Michele M
Thank you for the tips, Carole! Looking forward to sharing WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS with my students.
January 4, 2021 at 8:58 am
Lynne Marie
I absolutely loved this book and chose it for my Judge’s Blurb for the Cybils Award! It’s at the bottom — best for last! http://www.cybils.com/2021/01/2020-finalists-fiction-picture-books.html?utm_source=Cybils+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=32739da108-Book_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f4f3f2b5b-32739da108-350069181
Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 8:59 am
Susan Drew
Thanks Carole! I agree with you – when I sit down to write my mind goes blank. I go outside, or I’m in the middle of something (usually not near a note pad!) and I suddenly get an idea.
January 4, 2021 at 9:01 am
lisakhan9
Thank you Carole. Great hearing about your journey. Very good tips. In my day job I look at things from an end to end perspective, asking the who, what ,why, when where , how, and it certainly helps teasing out the gaps within a process. Great to apply this to my writing! Thank u. Keep well. Lisa Khan
January 4, 2021 at 9:02 am
Cathy Lentes
Thanks, Carole, for your good advice from another Carole with an e. (My middle name.) Best to you in your writing.
January 4, 2021 at 9:10 am
talararuth
Inspiring post! I’m going to have to find your books for my students and my grandchildren. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 9:13 am
kelbelroberts
I think I am not used to writing ideas down and need to make it a habit! Thanks for the reminder!
January 4, 2021 at 9:19 am
Julia
Hi Carole, thank you for sharing how you come up with ideas! Always helpful to hear other people’s process!
January 4, 2021 at 9:21 am
kimpfenn
Love this post, Carole, and that any story started from a kernel of an idea that the author asked questions and dug deeper to build on.
January 4, 2021 at 9:22 am
kaitlinsikeswrites
My ideas never come to me when I’m LOOKING for them either. I just have to sort of be open and ready to catch them.
January 4, 2021 at 9:23 am
Kerry Ferguson (@kerryfer)
Thank you, Carole! Ideas are all around us…❤️
January 4, 2021 at 9:25 am
Gail Aherne
Thanks, Carole for today’s inspiration to find new ideas. I am excited to share “We Are Water Protectors” with my students.
January 4, 2021 at 9:26 am
Melisa Wrex
I always get told that I ask too many questions. Boo! There is no such thing, I say and now, here is my proof. Thank you for the validation and the inspiration.
January 4, 2021 at 9:32 am
Cheryl Keely
Inspiring. Ideas are everywhere we are.
January 4, 2021 at 9:33 am
Tonnye Fletcher
Excellent and empowering advice! I’ve gotten several ideas from scrolling Twitter or FB when people shared interesting news snippets. Current events and news stories are great places to mine ideas! Thanks for the reminder. I’ll be looking more closely for those hidden ideas in all my feeds 🙂
January 4, 2021 at 9:34 am
mona861
I think I’ll start asking the questions as soon as I find a nugget. That way, the idea will stay fresh. Thank you for reminding us to keep asking/investigating.
January 4, 2021 at 9:35 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thank you, Carole, for sharing your idea-gathering process. I too seek answers to generate a spark for stories. I love WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS and look forward to reading more work from you.
January 4, 2021 at 9:36 am
dovechocolatepandora3323
Valuable words of wisdom! Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 9:38 am
Annie Campbell
Everyday life leads to magical stories
January 4, 2021 at 9:39 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the tips!
January 4, 2021 at 9:44 am
Laura LaTour
I’m in. -Laura L.
January 4, 2021 at 9:44 am
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
Fantastic post, and you’ve inspired to write something down. Thank for this! And I absolutely love your book ❤️
January 4, 2021 at 9:45 am
Anita Palmeri Overgaard
I’ve been avoiding newspapers these past 9 months. Back to them for ideas!! Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 9:46 am
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks for the inspiration to ask questions and to write ideas down.
January 4, 2021 at 9:46 am
beckylevine
Thanks, Carol. This has got my brain coming at ideas from a new angle!
January 4, 2021 at 9:47 am
Kelly Vavala
It’s a deal! I love the comment about asking why! I have a good friend who laughs at me for always asking why! He says I sound like a little kid. Thank you for a great post!
January 4, 2021 at 9:48 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
So true that story ideas are all around us if we keep asking questions!
January 4, 2021 at 9:48 am
Joan Swanson
My kids did the same thing in asking me Why all the time. I’d answer and then came the why again. Thanks for the advise 🙂
January 4, 2021 at 9:50 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Carole for the post.
Great idea to ask questions first.
January 4, 2021 at 9:52 am
saintamovin
Thank you Carole very inspiring 😊
January 4, 2021 at 9:53 am
Tara Cerven
I love this. I’m definitely going to start prompting myself to ask WHY more often.
January 4, 2021 at 9:55 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Carole – You hit the nail on the head…so true! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2021 at 9:55 am
seschipper
Thanks, Carole! We always remind our students to ask questions…always!!! 🙂
January 4, 2021 at 9:56 am
Joyce Uglow
My stories, too, come from statements heard, lines read, and stories from family. I ask myself questions about whose story it is to tell, who has told it already, and/or where might mine fit. I do need to carry my idea journal with me, because superficial ideas can easily slip away. Research on a topic tends to solidify my ideas. I’m grateful for your writings.
January 4, 2021 at 10:00 am
lisanevada
Thanks for the no-bad-ideas concept. Very encouraging! From now on I will think of them as unfinished ideas.
January 4, 2021 at 10:01 am
Joan Longstaff
Keep being curious – it’s the only way we can keep growing and passing that on to another generation … how privileged! I really try to not self edit my ideas but find it hard. With your encouragement I must find a way to put my editor into a cupboard when I’m in idea mode! Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 10:02 am
lois1952
At author visits, when kids ask me where I get my ideas, I tell them ‘in the bathroom’. It’s true…. and yesterday got the solution to a problem with a current WIP while I was in the shower!
January 4, 2021 at 10:02 am
donnacangelosi
Great ideas, Carol! Thanks so much for sharing.
January 4, 2021 at 10:03 am
karynellis
Thank you for your post. You have reminded me to reconnect with the parts of myself that love asking questions about everything. For idea generation, and also for a healthier sense of agency in the my relationship to world events.
January 4, 2021 at 10:03 am
jms5880
Asking questions is a great place to start. Thank you for sharing.-
January 4, 2021 at 10:05 am
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for reminding us to always ask questions!
January 4, 2021 at 10:14 am
Marla Yablon
Thank you for your post. Remembering the “Why?” is the heart of what we do.
January 4, 2021 at 10:15 am
Kate Carroll
Thanks, Carol. Lots of my ideas sound exciting at first, but then I look at them later and wonder what I was thinking. But, if nothing else, they are the seeds that grow new ideas – and that is why I loved your opening thoughts.
January 4, 2021 at 10:16 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Thanks for the encouragement to keep all the ideas! Have a great day!
January 4, 2021 at 10:16 am
Nancy Colle
Yup, questions can be springboards
Thanks for this post!
January 4, 2021 at 10:23 am
Judy Palermo
And that’s exactly how two of my three StoryStorm ideas so far have come to me! Thanks for sharing your process!
January 4, 2021 at 10:24 am
sherry fellores
Great post! It’s so true that ideas are fleeting so we need to write them down on the spot or they’ll be gone!
January 4, 2021 at 10:24 am
Monique Chheda
Thank you for your wonderful blog post. I think you are spot on that the best ideas sometimes come when you least expect it, and often not when you sit down “to brainstorm brilliant ideas.”
January 4, 2021 at 10:24 am
Teresa Daffern
What great questions you ask! Thank you Carole. I will continue to question as well and to look for those story ideas as I do.
January 4, 2021 at 10:25 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Thanks for this inspiration today, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 10:25 am
Gesher
Great suggestions for allowing ideas to enter and nuturing them. My preK students love We are Water Protectors
January 4, 2021 at 10:26 am
Rhett Trull
Thanks, Carole! Also, your books look right up my alley. I’m happy to discover you today. So this feels like a win, raffle or not.
January 4, 2021 at 10:28 am
Adam Blackman
Thanks for this! I’m now asking myself why I have shied away from using the news. Worried about being too topical? How silly. Why not let it be a springboard!
January 4, 2021 at 10:29 am
stiefelchana
Such an important post. Thank you Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 10:31 am
Judie
Thanks for the reminder to capture ideas as they flow.
January 4, 2021 at 10:31 am
muskoshe
Carole, thank you for the encouragement and great thoughts.
January 4, 2021 at 10:32 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
CAROLE: Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? And I’m with you–ESPECIALLY “WHY?”!!! These are all questions we need to be asking each and every day–just like the children we write for! THANK YOU for your INSPIRING post!
January 4, 2021 at 10:33 am
Gail Atherley
Your encouragement and suggestions are appreciated. The topics you choose create social and environmental awareness in young children. Thank you for sharing that information in kid-friendly formats!
January 4, 2021 at 10:34 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Questions are always good story starters. I plan to be extra curious today. Thanks, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 10:34 am
Doreen Tango Hampton
There is no “correct” writing process. I put thoughts together for days before I sit down at my computer. Thanks for the tips.
January 4, 2021 at 10:38 am
Jenny Morales
Thank you, Carole. I needed to hear that there are no dumb story ideas. I definitely tend to get rid of many that I don’t deem good enough. I enjoyed your post, and I LOVE We Are Water Protectors.
January 4, 2021 at 10:40 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Thank you for this!
January 4, 2021 at 10:42 am
authorlaurablog
Another great post. I’m so inspired.
January 4, 2021 at 10:43 am
sharonksolomon
I always ask why, too. I love writing about social issues.
January 4, 2021 at 10:43 am
lois1952
Testing to check that my posts show up. I’d like to be eligible to win something this month!
January 4, 2021 at 10:44 am
Kellie DuBay Gillis
This is largely how my ideas come to me…curiosity! Thanks, Carole, for sharing your process and your stories!
January 4, 2021 at 10:46 am
Patti Ranson
Why? Why? Why? – perfect starting point!
January 4, 2021 at 10:46 am
Heather Elizabeth
I love your topics. Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 10:49 am
Ally Enz
Thank you for your post! Reading it awoke something in me–a feeling that engaging with other people’s ideas and experiencing them through my own unique lens, asking my own questions, is a legitimate way to have “original” ideas. I often see something wonderful and think “well, they already did it, so move on.” Your words inspire me to sit a bit longer and engage with the material. Xo
January 4, 2021 at 10:51 am
rudywg
Great suggestions. Thanks
January 4, 2021 at 10:52 am
thezenmama
Thank you Carole! Great tips! Looking forward to reading your books!
January 4, 2021 at 10:54 am
brontebrown2
I’m reminded again about keeping a notebook with me, especially by my bedside. I can’t tell how many ideas I have let slip away.
January 4, 2021 at 10:56 am
DaNeil Olson
Just what I needed this morning – thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 10:56 am
Audrey
How and Why are so important — thanks for the reminders and the encouragement!
January 4, 2021 at 11:06 am
Karin Larson
Thank you for the great post, Carole. Analyzing and asking questions helps tremendously. Thanks for the reminder.
January 4, 2021 at 11:07 am
Tanja Bauerle
Funny how our brains work. I can relate to finding inspiration and story ideas when I least expect it. Thank you for sharing. Tanja
January 4, 2021 at 11:07 am
Kathy Crable
Bravo!
January 4, 2021 at 11:08 am
Rozana Rajkumari
Reading always unlocks the best ideas! Thanks for this, I need to finish my pile of TBR books.
January 4, 2021 at 11:08 am
crdram12
Thank you for sharing your process, Carole. When I read social and environmental justice news, I struggle to translate it in a way that might be appealing to kids, so your work is a great model. Thanks.
January 4, 2021 at 11:12 am
Lindsay H. Metcalf 🎤🚜🔬📚 (@lindsayhmetcalf)
The news gives me a lot of ideas, too. The trick is convincing myself to stop reading and start writing. Thanks for the inspiration, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 11:14 am
pollyrenner
Hi Carole! Thank you so much for your insight and reminding us to ask all the WHY questions. You say there’s no bad ideas, but you haven’t seen my list – Ha Ha! Congrats on all your books!
January 4, 2021 at 11:15 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Good stories can begin with questions. Great stories can also leave the readers with questions. Your book, THE WATER PROTECTORS, spoke to my heart the way few PBs have. I found myself troubled by all sorts of questions about the black snake, its proponents, its builders, and other “snakes” like it. It is one of the few picture books I immediately shared with my husband. As I read it aloud to him, he also resonated with deep questions. Thank you for sharing your questions and inspiring ours.
January 4, 2021 at 11:15 am
Audrey Day-Williams
Thanks for sharing, Carole, and for writing the books you do!
January 4, 2021 at 11:16 am
Maria Oka
I love those three basic questions, and the idea of mining news articles of what is important to you. Thank you for your insight!
January 4, 2021 at 11:17 am
Cindy S
I agree that if you don’t write an idea down you’ll forget it. Thanks for your post.
January 4, 2021 at 11:17 am
Lynn Baldwin
Thanks for sharing, Carole. We are Water Protectors is such a powerful and lovely book.
January 4, 2021 at 11:17 am
Sally Suehler
Thanks, Carole! Often I come up with ideas that I feel are very promising. Only to go back 2 days later and find the same idea ridiculous and stupid. Hence I give up before I even start. I need to keep your post close to my heart.
January 4, 2021 at 11:21 am
kirsten218
Yes! Love the news as a source of ideas. It always leads to a bit of a Google spiral!
January 4, 2021 at 11:22 am
Jennifer Rathe
Oh wow! I couldn’t even finish reading the blog post initially – I had to stop and jot and idea in my Storystorm chart, which then morphed into a bigger idea already with combining some other quick notes I’d put in and I found myself taking out a full sheet of paper for jotting notes down on one of the wonderful sheets shared in the fb group for more on the idea before finishing your advice. Thanks so much! It’s only day four and I haven’t even felt in to it yet but can’t believe what I’ve been jotting down. Loving being a storystorm first timer!
January 4, 2021 at 11:22 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Carole, for sharing your writing inspirations. Finding answers to questions is a great way to begin.
January 4, 2021 at 11:24 am
Susan Claus
The Water Protectors was just mentioned yesterday on NPR. I can’t wait to read it, and also Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle. A wonderful title if ever there was one!
January 4, 2021 at 11:25 am
Naana Amissah
Thanks Carole, for encouraging to keep all ideas. Great post on the questions to ask while reading. This perks an interest in considering social and environmental issues.
January 4, 2021 at 11:27 am
Louann Brown
Copying those questions for future reference. Plan to visit your webpage and check out your books. They look amazing!
January 4, 2021 at 11:29 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Carole, for reminding us to always ask why.
January 4, 2021 at 11:31 am
Linda KulpTrout
Thank you for sharing the questions you ask yourself. The news is a great source for ideas!
January 4, 2021 at 11:33 am
Mrs. Vandivier
I appreciate the idea of keeping any and all ideas because you never know what they will springboard to….also, I often forget that those W questions are important tools for writing because we push often for so much more without thinking about them. Those W questions often help build ideas…
January 4, 2021 at 11:33 am
Darcee A. Freier
Carole, curiosity has been a lifelong trait with you. But me, I’ve said that my curiosity is underdeveloped. No more. Starting now I’m going to cultivate the why in my life. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 11:33 am
Aimee Haburjak
Thank you, Carole for the reminder of the wonder of ‘why’! And that no idea is a bad idea. Deal:)
January 4, 2021 at 11:34 am
ejessmurray
Thanks, Carole! What a beautiful cover for We Are Water Protectors, btw!
January 4, 2021 at 11:38 am
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Carole. I am asking “why?” every day! It is a great place to start.
January 4, 2021 at 11:38 am
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you Carole, always ask why? Have a wonderful 2021!
January 4, 2021 at 11:38 am
bevbaird
Thanks Carole for this inspiring post. A real reminder that there are stories everywhere and we must never lose the ability to question. Asking Why needs to be uppermost!
January 4, 2021 at 11:38 am
bookthreader
I have bits of paper with notes all over the house! Your books look amazing! Checking them out soon!
Moni
January 4, 2021 at 11:40 am
LAURA BARENS
Thank you for sharing. My ideas like to pop up in the middle of the night, so the notepad and pen by the bed is a must!
January 4, 2021 at 11:41 am
Joyce
Thank you, Carole. I’m looking forward to reading your beautiful books.
January 4, 2021 at 11:42 am
meganu
As a news junkie myself, this way of mining ideas from the stories of the day makes so much sense to me—thank you for your insights!
January 4, 2021 at 11:43 am
Susan Ahearn-Pierce
Thanks. Curiosity and the need to know why are always important for writers.
January 4, 2021 at 11:45 am
dorothywiese
Thank you Carole. Water is precious, and we all need to read your books.
January 4, 2021 at 11:45 am
aidantalkin
Thank you Carole, I love tapping into the world, and the big questions, for ideas. Water Protectors is sitting beside me… fantastic book! Can’t wait to read your next.
January 4, 2021 at 11:46 am
Carole Calladine
Thank you for sharing your process in digging deep for the why’s.
January 4, 2021 at 11:50 am
karammitchell
Asking, “Why, How, Who?” is so simple. But I’m going to start asking it about anything I find interesting. Thanks, Carol!
January 4, 2021 at 11:52 am
Valerie Bolling
Carole, Thank you for emphasizing that no idea is a bad idea. We never know what an idea can become! Like you, I’m interested in environmental and social justice issues, too, and would love the opportunity to chat with you … especially as I’m currently working on two such books (one historical fiction and one nonfiction).
January 4, 2021 at 11:54 am
curryelizabeth
Great idea for asking questions–I can see where that really hones in an idea. Thanks for the inspiration this morning!
January 4, 2021 at 11:54 am
Dee Johnson
Thanks for sharing your inquisitiveness with us and children.
January 4, 2021 at 11:59 am
Suzanne Lewis
Yes! All ideas ARE gems or kernels to shine and sprout! Thanks for encouraging us to honor and keep all pop-ups that come to mind. With your list of questions added to the mix, ideas can become great stories!
January 4, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks for sharing your creative process.
January 4, 2021 at 12:02 pm
bgonsar
Excellent ideas Carole. Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Heather Rowley
Thanks for your positive and inspirational post!
January 4, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Jessica Potts
Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2021 at 12:04 pm
auntieshell712
Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
I actually asked myself “what if?” to help jumpstart today’s idea.
January 4, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
When my daughter was 4 she continually asked “why?” about everything. Then my niece came along and did the same thing. I just jotted down a story idea. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 12:07 pm
michaelsussman310115541
Great post, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Janice Woods
Fantastic post, Carole! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Angie
I don’t always read/search social media/watch the news with questions in my mind. But I can see that the habit would be extremely useful! Thanks for your tips. Yay!
January 4, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Janie Reinart
Carole,
I just finished reading your beautiful book —We Are The Water Protectors. Thank you asking the questions and for this amazing story.
January 4, 2021 at 12:20 pm
babybluesnowflake
Another interesting angle on how to come up with story ideas. Thank you, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Alicia Curley
I love asking questions, too. I find asking WHY can be really helpful for revising as well!
January 4, 2021 at 12:23 pm
MARIANA LLANOS
Wonderful post!
January 4, 2021 at 12:25 pm
vijikc
Why? Who? What? Great ideas to think about. Thank you so much.
January 4, 2021 at 12:28 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you, Carole, for sharing your ideas process. Asking questions are a great way to come up with ideas. I, too, am always wondering, why? and why not?
January 4, 2021 at 12:29 pm
bonzerb
Great reminders to stay open and curious. Thanks Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 12:30 pm
aliciaminor
Life is full of questions and your why questions worked one day. Thank you and happy new year.
January 4, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Why, how and who are great places to begin! Thanks Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for the encouragement and the ideas! I also read social justice articles–thanks for the reminder to keep asking questions. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 12:34 pm
amanookian2014
I love the tip about keeping our minds open since ideas come rushing in when we’re busy doing other things. So true! Thank you, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for the tips. I hope your 2021 is filled with great ideas!
January 4, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks for sharing your idea-generating process, Carole. I loved We Are Water Protectors – such an amazing book.
January 4, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for the motivation, advice, and encouragement about ideas. Looking forward to finding out which questions to ask and what the answers might reveal in a story.
January 4, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Libby Demmon
I usually get so down when I read the news and current events. This is such a great way to turn that around into something productive and creative. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 12:38 pm
nrompella
Great questions to consider. Thanks!
January 4, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Marcie Mahuta
Thank you for the reminder not to throw any idea away & to look at the social issues we’re facing today. Excellent advice!
January 4, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Susan
Some great thoughts on idea generation. I love getting story ideas from current events, too. Thanks!
January 4, 2021 at 12:42 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for the inspiring post, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 12:44 pm
jbbower
I know exactly what you mean Carole! When I “try” to think; I can’t. Ideas come at the most inopportune times. Thanks for your post and for writing a book about the importance of clean water.
January 4, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you, Carole. These simple questions are powerful.
January 4, 2021 at 12:46 pm
AlisonMarcotte
Love this! I always find myself self-editing and judging my ideas before I even write them down; I need to remind myself to silence that inner critic and write down anything that inspires me. Thanks for the inspirational StoryStorm post!
January 4, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you for sharing your insight and process. Your passion is clear. I’m aiming for that.
January 4, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Viviane Elbee
Thank you for sharing your process. I absolutely love the book Water Protectors that you wrote.
January 4, 2021 at 12:50 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks so much. I love the idea of asking questions!
January 4, 2021 at 12:51 pm
pecrosby
Thank you, Carole! I use my Notes app often to jot down story ideas. Like you, they come more often at busy, rather than, quiet times. Thank you for those list of questions as well! Happy New Year!
January 4, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Elizabeth Moore
Thank you for reminding me to ask questions, like why. I seem to always start with a fact. Too much teaching sometimes.
January 4, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Melissa Warren
Thanks for the advice. I tend to avoid the news because I find it do depressing, but I love the idea of changing my perspective, and wondering why or asking questions to find out more.
January 4, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Great observation that “WHY?” Is the most amazing & frequent word for children ( & sometimes the most exhausting 🤪 for parents.)
Thank you! Peace, Alicia
January 4, 2021 at 12:54 pm
cdendy476
As a K-12 history writer, and empathize with the questions and the response to current events. My debut, coming out this year, was inspired by ongoing policy debates, but it’s very much a children’s read. Thank you so much for sharing some of your journey. We love Water Protectors!
January 4, 2021 at 12:55 pm
kathychalas
Thank you, Carole! It’s interesting that many of your story ideas come from the news. There has certainly been an abundance of crazy, strange, unusual, and life-altering events to inspire us all!
January 4, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Becky Ross Michael
I enjoyed learning about your process AND your books, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 12:56 pm
debobrienbookscom
What a great idea. I never thought of ASKING questions before. I think this will not only help me flesh out new ideas…it will help flush out the core of the story. Thanks, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 12:59 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Here’s to the “whys”inspired by curiosity!
January 4, 2021 at 12:59 pm
kskeesling
It’s so true about kids asking “why”! I love how you start from their mindset. Thanks for sharing
January 4, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Hélène Sabourin
Our connection to nature is so important. The environment is a top priority.
January 4, 2021 at 1:04 pm
lavern15
I always find it interesting when ideas just pop up in your head randomly. To me that is an idea speaking and saying, “Use me!” Thanks for your insight, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Christy Mihaly
Thanks for this, Carole. I love “We Are Water Protectors.” And I, too, get inspiration from the news … though that has been challenging during those periods when I can hardly stand to read what’s going on … I’m working on a couple of books about environmental issues now, though — such important stuff!
January 4, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
This was wonderful Carole, with great advice. I feel very aligned with this interview, as many of my social justice and environmental songs were direct results of reading or listening to the news, becoming involved, talking with experts and then letting my feelings spill out onto the pages and keyboard. I love the passion you show for justice for all in all walks of life. I would like to be entered in this drawing please, for the 30 minute consult. ✌🏼🌻
January 4, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Christy Mihaly
Thanks, Carole! I love “We Are Water Protectors!”
January 4, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Cheryl Kula
I think also writing about some of the unknowns in history is interesting. I was just learning last month about Bass Reeves – there are so many heroes and heroines or just sassy interesting people who want their story told.
January 4, 2021 at 1:11 pm
TammyB
I love a list of questions! It can help focus me so quickly! Thank you
January 4, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Deborah W. Trotter
WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS is beautiful.
January 4, 2021 at 1:15 pm
dedra davis
Great questions and tips. I love the word “why!”
January 4, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Anne Appert
Thank you for this inspiration. I love asking questions of an idea when it pops into my head, and you’ve given me more ideas of what direction these questions could go.
January 4, 2021 at 1:17 pm
marty
I agree, every idea is worth noting. We never know when it may prove useful. And asking questions makes total sense. Thanks for writing about the fight for clean water. This issue is one of my most passionate!
January 4, 2021 at 1:17 pm
TerriMichels
I learned how to ask WHY? from my kids! thank you for sharing your ideas!
January 4, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Cindy Jeklin
Thank you for sharing your tips – very helpful!
January 4, 2021 at 1:21 pm
bymaggiebrown
Time to go read some (fun) news! Thanks, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 1:23 pm
EllenB
Thank you for the tips and inspiration! And thank you for We Are Water Protectors. It is truly a magnificent book.
January 4, 2021 at 1:27 pm
mmoore747
So great! Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 1:27 pm
yangmommy
Thank you for the affirmation that no idea is a bad idea!! An idea is an idea…it’ what we do with it that makes it good/bad/indifferent 🙂
January 4, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank You
January 4, 2021 at 1:35 pm
danielledufayet
Love that there are no “bad” ideas -I agree, you never know what it can lead you to. Thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 4, 2021 at 1:36 pm
viviankirkfield
I love the WHY WHO HOW! Great questions that can lead to amazing discoveries! Thank you for stirring out imaginations and thanks for the tip about using the phone notes app…I really need to get in the ‘habit’ (as per Tara’s post for Day #1) of doing that. Great post, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 1:38 pm
Sheri Radovich
So interesting to see the stories Carole writes and has published. Always wanted to write about something I attended in the tribal areas nearby but learned not being of that culture prevented it. Thank you for sharing ideas that come to you and keeping them. My ideas file is bulging and I spent 2 days reading through them. I have to get to work now.
January 4, 2021 at 1:39 pm
@taotalley
Thank you for the “no bad idea” approval and sharing your approach on how to dig into what you truly care about. I have years-old ideas that spring from what moves me but haven’t moved to final drafts (yet). Thanks for the inspiration to keep digging deeper.
January 4, 2021 at 1:41 pm
darshanakhiani
Thank you for sharing! Yes the ideas come at the most inopportune moments sometimes. But it’s great that they come.
January 4, 2021 at 1:41 pm
martyfindley
Your books are beautiful! Just the covers make me want to read them. Also, your topics are so important. Your writing can really make a difference in this world! Thanjs for reminding me to always ask the important questions!
January 4, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Mary Jane
An inspiring post. Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Thanks so much! And I really love, “We are water protectors.”
January 4, 2021 at 1:45 pm
stacey miller
I love the ways in which you get ideas, Carole, and brilliant advice to write them down straight away. I am always forgetting my own.
January 4, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Asking “why”—a great way to look at life through a child’s eye.
January 4, 2021 at 1:46 pm
andynarwhal
A lovely post. My phone is often filled with random ideas. Reminded me of the picture book WHY by Adam Rex.
January 4, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Charlotte Offsay
THat you for sharing where your inspiration comes from! Love your curiosity!
January 4, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Laurel Santini
Thank for the reminder to ask questions.
January 4, 2021 at 1:51 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing the importance of every kernel of an idea! Lynn Street
January 4, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Amy Cory
Thank you, Carole! I appreciate the reminder to keep every idea, and your description of your own process is so inspiring.
January 4, 2021 at 1:58 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Your post is so timely for me, because I do read quite a bit news … so much so that I was thinking that maybe I would have to cut out that time of my day in order to achieve my creative writing goals, but you have given me a sneaky way to keep that part of my day by making it a PART OF my creative writing. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 1:59 pm
susan schade
You are right, ideas are all around. Thank you for the reminder to watch and listen for them.
January 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Virginia Rinkel
I’ve read “We Are Water Protectors” and love it. It’s design, overall changes in page view, and colors are so good. Thanks for posting that one.
January 4, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Roberta Gibson
Paying attention to your interests is good advice. We can get caught up in scrolling the news without registering what is important to us.
I will add to the accolades about “We Are Water Protectors.” It’s one I return to again and again. Kudos.
January 4, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Cheryl Johnson
I, also, am interested in writing about societal issues. I’m always thinking about how I could turn something I’m interested in into a picture book.
January 4, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Lauren Barbieri
Great post–I really appreciate the thought about following the questions. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 2:18 pm
Claire Bobrow
I always write my ideas down but don’t always take the time to ask what, why, how, or who. Thank you for that important reminder, Carole! ps – We Are Water Protectors is one of my absolute favorites from last year – or any year!
January 4, 2021 at 2:21 pm
paulaobering
Thank you for sharing!! The follow up questions are key!
January 4, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Poupette
When you seize an idea, how do your questions connect the dots into a PB? Do your answers help you imagine characters who in turn lead you to the story?
January 4, 2021 at 2:22 pm
emerly gueron
I’ve read the water protecters and it’s wonderful.
I have to read the other book listed.
I’ve been inspired and have come up with four ideas thus far in January.
What great fun!
January 4, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Lori Sheroan
My 7th graders and I sometimes have a “no answers day,” in which we just ask one question after another. I think I love that day more than they do!
January 4, 2021 at 2:26 pm
teacherwriteracker
Love those questions to spark ideas. Even the silliest ideas can start with a why or a how. – Monica Acker
January 4, 2021 at 2:27 pm
kirstenbockblog
Thank you so much for sharing, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Lori Dubbin
I’m glad I’ve kept my “bad” ideas in a file. Thanks for reminding us they have potential in the long run.
January 4, 2021 at 2:36 pm
boardmancamera
Love this! I often come up with ideas–but you’ve given the next step. Let’s hope I can make the leap! (And your encouragement at the very beginning, about all ideas being worthy, is so needed in my soul.)
January 4, 2021 at 2:37 pm
Cindy Kessler
I love that your stories come from current events! I read “Water Protectors” during Reforenmo last year, though, tbh, I don’t remember if it was on the list or just a a rabbit hole I fell through. Either way, I really enjoyed reading it!
January 4, 2021 at 2:39 pm
brittanypomales
Why is a very powerful question. Thanks for the post and inspiration!
January 4, 2021 at 2:42 pm
asiqueira1307
Thanks for the ideas on how to get ideas. It’s always useful to find other ways to get inspired.
January 4, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Thank you for sparking curiosity and wonder.
January 4, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Pam Jones-Nill
Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2021 at 2:48 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Question asking is a good model for kids to use in writing and investigating the world, too! Great tips! Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 2:54 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great ideas! I love stories about important issues. Bringing kids in on these issues at a young age can certainly change the world and make for a better future! Thank you Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 2:55 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thanks for the post and the encouragement to ask, ask, ask away!
January 4, 2021 at 2:55 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Thank you for writing about environmental issues. We Are Water Protectors is beautifully done, but also about an important topic for kids and adults to discuss and, hopefully, take to heart.
January 4, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Leah Moser
Great advice. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Cathy Ogren
Inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Virginia Manning
Thank you, Carole! Such sage advice! Read about and investigate the topics that tug at our heart! That is an excellent way to find a story idea!
January 4, 2021 at 3:06 pm
ayakhalil
thanks!! as a journalist who is always asking why, this reminds me to think of ideas for picture books as well!
January 4, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Bhandi
Best time to come up with story ideas for me is on a walk! Thank you for the tips!
January 4, 2021 at 3:07 pm
marianariosr
Thanks so much for sharing how you mine for ideas, Carole. I like what you mentioned about questioning what happens around us and also keeping an open mind to ideas that may seem silly or ridiculous. I will keep this in mind as I continue to go through the Storystorm this month.
January 4, 2021 at 3:09 pm
Janet Halfmann
I love reading the news. Now I can feel more like I’m “writing” while doing it. Liked your reminder to always write ideas down immediately.
January 4, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Michelle Cusolito
Love this! Our interests are slightly different from each other, but I use a very similar approach to finding ideas. Yesterday’s idea came from a news article.
January 4, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
I get ideas this way also and also keep them in my notes app or on in my calendar notebook. Thank you! Saturday’s idea came from current events!
January 4, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Laurie Carmody
The questions that you’ve posed in this post are going right next to my desk. Thank you so much for this peek into your process.
January 4, 2021 at 3:25 pm
kiwijenny
I was constantly asking why too. Thank you for saying every idea is valuable.
Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Thank you for this tip!
January 4, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Gabi Snyder
Hooray for asking “why”! Thanks for the inspiration, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Thanks, Carole. We all need to ask “why” more often in our lives.
January 4, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Annie War
I am also interested in social issues.
January 4, 2021 at 3:41 pm
andreesantini
I love your spirit and your inquisitiveness and how you’re using it to create awareness on such important topics!
January 4, 2021 at 3:48 pm
susanfilkins
Thank you for making a “deal” with me!
January 4, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Val McC
I love love love tearing stories out of my daily newspaper and the addition of why/how/who questions can help me move from a pile of clippings to pulling out the ones that have true PB story idea potential. Thanks, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 3:55 pm
Christine Pinto
A good reminder about finding story ideas in the midst of everything I’m reading these days that doesn’t always remind me of picture books.
January 4, 2021 at 3:56 pm
Summer Hinderer
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Catherine Brewer
This is such great advice. Thank you Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 4:07 pm
Judith Snyder
Thank you for your ideas. Writing about one’s passions makes for the best writing. I’ll keep that in mind as I brainstorm.
January 4, 2021 at 4:16 pm
kiralee strong
Thanks Carole, it’s so interesting hearing how people’s minds generate ideas.
January 4, 2021 at 4:22 pm
katherineadlam
This really inspired me this afternoon. I got a solid idea for a ms and have been thinking about how to approach it. Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Janet Sheets
We don’t have to feel guilty about checking social media anymore? Hooray! (Actually, a lot of the photos there really do spark fun ideas.) Thank you for sharing your process with us.
January 4, 2021 at 4:33 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2021 at 4:37 pm
mlflannigan
Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 4:40 pm
brendamay28
Thank you Carole for sharing how your mind works in relations to ideas. I love environmental books for my grandchildren. I will definitely be checking out yours.
January 4, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Carole, for your idea sparkers. How true that the best ideas happen when we aren’t pushing to find them. Something in the world around us will grab our attention, and not let go until we dig deeper to answer all those questions.
January 4, 2021 at 4:41 pm
mrsmouthy
Thanks for the idea, Carole. This is definitely not my usual way of finding ideas, so it will be good to get myself out of my own box and try something new.
January 4, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
I think this is a great idea. The part that I tend to miss is writing down each idea right away. I need to make more use of the notebook app on my phone because I have so many notes in so many different places it is nearly impossible to keep track of them all! Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 4:47 pm
Anita M Banks
Thank you for the post!
January 4, 2021 at 4:48 pm
kirstenealand
Thanks Carole, for the inspiration to dig deeper with questions 💛
January 4, 2021 at 4:49 pm
weatherbeefarm
Great article! I had a dud from the first day of story storm, but I’m going to hold onto it and see if I can fit my main concept into another story setting. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2021 at 4:50 pm
Patricia J Holloway
I love your writing and your books. Thank you for such great, but simple suggestions to ask questions. I’m so bad at it, I hate to be intrusive. But I plan to work on being more inquisitive!
January 4, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Susie Sawyer
Thank you so much, Carole! I think the more we practice keeping our minds open to ideas, the more ideas we find. I never get ideas when I sit down and try to seek them out. I’ve heard a lot more lately along the lines of, “Write what you’re passionate about” rather than “Write what you know” which was much more common when I started back in 2003-ish. Thanks again!!
January 4, 2021 at 4:57 pm
paulajbecker
Thanks for sharing your insight and how you go about writing, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thank you Carole for the reminder to keep our minds open!
January 4, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
I had to stop reading and write down an idea as I was reading this post! Thanks for the reminder that it is OK, and idea generating, to ask questions.
January 4, 2021 at 5:03 pm
paulastevenson7
Environmental issues really resonate with me as I live remotely in rural Australia,
January 4, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Sharon Lillie
I remember your book Girls Dance Boys Fiddle! I think it is in our public library. Thanks for the encouragement
January 4, 2021 at 5:07 pm
silentkdesign
My 2 year old has already started asking “why”, and it helps me to stop and thing “I don’t know why, let me look it up!”. Being curious is a great way to be a writer!
January 4, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Thank you Carole. I am pleased to learn about your earlier writing, which I didn’t know about. And thank you for the reminder – we need more questions – especially questioning “so-called” authority.
January 4, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Laura Bower
Thank you Carole! Your books are beautiful and important for future generations!
January 4, 2021 at 5:10 pm
mariemessinger
Thank you for these ideas!!
January 4, 2021 at 5:12 pm
L. Michelle Quraishi
I can’t wait for your next book!
January 4, 2021 at 5:15 pm
Babs Ostapina
You give me hope, Carole… my mother always said one day I’d get what was coming to me when I had a child who asked “why?” as much as I did. She was right, I got mine. I hope it brings me the success you’ve had!
January 4, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Pamela Brunskill
I also get ideas from reading the news! Thanks for sharing. It’s so important to write those ideas down immediately–too many times I’ve said I’ll write an idea down later and then forgotten it once I had my notebook.
January 4, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Sarah Tobias
I generally find my ideas in the shower, on a walk, or when I read an interesting article. I have a passion for nature and nature journalists try to understand the world without naming it, so they will complete the following, I notice, I wonder, and It reminds me of. Which reminds me of the thing that I thought about on my walk today. Shame on me for not writing it down. Thanks for jogging my memory. I always carry my mini-sketchbook and my phone on walks, I was at the end of my hike and was cold and then a friend and her dog arrived in the parks parking lot. It’s amazing how thoughts disappear in those conditions.
January 4, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Misty Morris
Thank you! I learned to have notebooks everywhere because I never remember the ideas later. And I love the notes app on my phone, it even lets you drop in photos so if by I see an article, I can screenshot it!
January 4, 2021 at 5:26 pm
pjaegly
I really enjoyed your post. I would love to know your process for taking complicated social and environmental issues and how you convert these important issues into entertaining children’s books.
January 4, 2021 at 5:26 pm
calliebdean
Yes! Right now I’m asking myself a lot of questions about origins: where did [fill in the blank] come from, who was the first to discover/use it, how did it change over time?
January 4, 2021 at 5:32 pm
chardixon47
Carole, I promise to keep my ideas in a notebook. Like you, I was always asking Mom, “why.” Oh, the looks I got 🙂 Thank you for the tips and inspiration!
January 4, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing your process!
January 4, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Great idea about mining for stories in the news. One of my story ideas came about hearing report while waiting at the doctor’s office. Later inspiration to write about the event hit when our boys were in the bathtub so I had to yell for my husband so I could go write down the words before they slipped away!
January 4, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Caren
I too get a lot of my ideas from listening to the news and reading social media. People are always posting interesting things.
January 4, 2021 at 5:39 pm
dodiebird
THANK YOU for generating some slow-moving brain matter into your world. This post was excellent.
January 4, 2021 at 5:39 pm
tinefg
What a great question, — Why? Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 5:44 pm
catherine owen
I want to promise I’ll keep every idea that I come up with. Thank you x
January 4, 2021 at 5:46 pm
YauMei Chiang
It’s so important to be aware of what’s happening around us and asking why, how, what would provide story ideas. Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 5:49 pm
authoraileenstewart
Asking why is how we learn!
January 4, 2021 at 5:51 pm
iefaber
Why don’t I keep an idea notebook? So simple and yet – ugh. Thanks for the reminder!!!
January 4, 2021 at 5:56 pm
David McMullin
Wonderful, Carole! I’ll keep the questions flowing.
January 4, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Rona Shirdan
I’m good at asking way too many questions. This is a great tip for me!
January 4, 2021 at 6:00 pm
flowersbrendagmailcom
Like you, Carole, I often have ideas rush to me when I’m in the middle of doing something else. Thank you for the reminder to take a few moments to write the ideas down. I appreciate your helpful comments too about asking questions. This post is full of helpful tips!
January 4, 2021 at 6:01 pm
rjtraxel
Yes! The shy question is so important!
January 4, 2021 at 6:01 pm
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 6:02 pm
flowersbrendagmailcom
This post is full of helpful tips for getting writing ideas. Thanks, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 6:03 pm
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing
January 4, 2021 at 6:06 pm
Karen Greenwald
That was super helpful, Carole! Thanks for your post!
January 4, 2021 at 6:09 pm
Sharon E. Langley
Thank you! You’ve awakened the reporter in me. Asking the Wh/H questions is a good reminder.
January 4, 2021 at 6:09 pm
JC
That was great advice, something I have to remind my self of, ” no idea is a bad idea or a ridiculous one!” Sometimes I second guess myself and let some ideas slide. From now on, Im just going to go with it!
January 4, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
Why or why not or who? Great storystorm starters. Thanks
January 4, 2021 at 6:13 pm
ruthwilson48
Thanks for sharing your process, Carole! I am similar in that ideas come to me when I am busy doing something else. I’m trying to get better at being aware when they do come and writing them down in the moment rather than waiting ’til later.
January 4, 2021 at 6:13 pm
Debi Boccanfuso
Awesome! Ideas come and go! I have to write them down!!! Another goal for 2021!
January 4, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Heather Gallagher
Yes – the news! Always a great source.
January 4, 2021 at 6:21 pm
Launch Staff
Thank you for the encouragement, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 6:29 pm
chrisynthia
Thank you for your post.
January 4, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Buffy Silverman
Great questions to ask–and hey, I just saw a twitter post that linked to a science news for kids story. It’s mulling in my brain, turning into today’s idea. Congrats on all the wonderful recognition for We are Water Protectors!
January 4, 2021 at 6:32 pm
loribeekman5874
Very cool source of ideas! Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 6:42 pm
mbhmaine
Thanks for reminding me of the power of questions!
January 4, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Great advice! Thank you!!
January 4, 2021 at 6:48 pm
andikate
Thank you–I am a big believer in holding on to ALL the ideas!
January 4, 2021 at 6:51 pm
mandyyokim
Thank you, Carole! I appreciate your wisdom thst no idea is a bad idea. It encourages me to write them all down because you.just.never.know!
January 4, 2021 at 6:51 pm
Kaye Wright
I tend to collect news stories that speak to me. Thank you for reminding me to look through them from time to time for ideas.
January 4, 2021 at 6:55 pm
Sarah Kilfoil
I love your idea of drawing inspiration from the world around you as you ask questions that go deeper. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your creative process!
January 4, 2021 at 6:56 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great article! Thank you Carole! I want to combine your questioning idea with yesterday’s idea generation strategy! Bam!
January 4, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Heather Stigall
awesome questions to ask! Thanks for the tips, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 6:58 pm
John McGranaghan
Carole, that’s so true when you said sitting down and trying to come with ideas doesn’t work. It like when some tells you not to think about something and you automatically start thinking about it. I appreciate your advice about understanding your interests as a generator for ideas.
January 4, 2021 at 7:25 pm
susanzonca
Thank you for the post, Carole. Developing curiosity about things that I am not normally interested often leads me to become interested. Barraging a concept or news item with questions is a great way to learn to dig for the fact structure (or lack of fact structure) beneath. Your suggestions encourage us all to be investigative reporters.
January 4, 2021 at 7:26 pm
Joyce
Thanks, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 7:27 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for your post! This is a great article with much to think and be curious about.
January 4, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Jany Campana
Thank you Carole, I will be looking everywhere for inspiration.
January 4, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Melissa
The writing is only worth it if we make meaning. Thank you for your insights
January 4, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Teresa Traver
“No idea is a bad idea.” That’s helpful to remember!
January 4, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Stacey Byer
My ideas always come to me in the middle of the night, so the notebook by my bedside is a definite must have!
January 4, 2021 at 7:44 pm
writeknit
I love your process! Thank you for sharing and sparking my interest in the way you are inspired.
January 4, 2021 at 7:47 pm
Stephanie Farrow
If I’d only been able to read the first sentence alone, it would have been worth it big time!
January 4, 2021 at 7:47 pm
Brian Burak
Why? It’s a perfect question. And using it as a thought exercise to try to come up with an idea today worked like a charm. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 7:57 pm
adavis6385
Curiosity is key!! Thanks for sharing, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 8:04 pm
Joy Pitcairn
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2021 at 8:07 pm
KateM
Thanks for the reminder that there are no bad ideas! Keeping all my ideas from now on!
January 4, 2021 at 8:21 pm
engridknight
Such a great post! Thank you, your post really spoke to me. Wishing you 🙏🏼 Many Blessings!
January 4, 2021 at 8:27 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you for sharing Carole. Stories about the environment are important, keep up the good work.
January 4, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Tracy Hora
Thanks for sharing on gathering ideas.
January 4, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Jan Milusich
I promise!
January 4, 2021 at 8:40 pm
Erika Suckow
Totally agree with you that best ideas come naturally versus sitting down and forcing them. I remember my two best story ideas coming to me 1) at the grocery store and 2) when I was driving home from school one day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
January 4, 2021 at 8:44 pm
marcusewert
Carole!
I work at a cool, strongly progressive, indie bookstore in the heart of SF- and wanted you to know what an honor and a thing of beauty it is to have WATER PROTECTORS crowning our kids’ book section!!!!
January 4, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Shaunda Wenger
Yes to ideas that come at the most appropriate of times! And yes to ideas that come at the most inconvenient ones, too, which for me, happens to be nearly all of them. 🙂 I love the idea of asking questions about the news we read. What a great way to think about how an event might be shared in a way for children to understand. Happy new year and writing to you, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 9:15 pm
cmochowski
I appreciate the reminder about how ideas don’t just appear when you sit in front of your notebook. Writing them as they appear is such a great way to be actively mindful. I really want stories for kids who are abused to know that they matter- truly matter – no matter what. Abusers and dysfunctional families aren’t going to buy self-help books so how can I sneak love letters into the prisons? (Also I really wanted *We Are Water Protectors* to be in a child’s hands so I bought it for a friend’s neighbor’s child.)
January 4, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Thank you for such an insightful post, and for your work.
January 4, 2021 at 9:23 pm
Patricia Alcaro
Asking our ideas, Why? How? Who? was very helpful.
January 4, 2021 at 9:25 pm
jimchaize1
Thanks, Carole. Your post definitely made me want to read your stories. And thanks for the reminder to always be ready to write down my ideas.
January 4, 2021 at 9:27 pm
Natasha Garnett
Thanks, Carole. News and current events are a great starting point, especially if you ask why? why? why? as a child would.
January 4, 2021 at 9:31 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing! Don’t throw out any idea!
January 4, 2021 at 9:31 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️✍️🖖😃 (@AnneLeBlanc2)
Great ideas! We need everyone asking questions. As I teacher, we can use this idea during discussions about current events and also how to fictionalize them into stories. Thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 9:33 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
There is a wealth of ideas just waiting for us in newspapers. The human interest stories in our local paper always has something that catches my interest. Thanks for reminding me to write them down, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 9:33 pm
Amy M. Miller
Thank you, Carole, for these great tips for brainstorming current events. I love your writing.
January 4, 2021 at 9:34 pm
Sue Heavenrich
We need to carry our “idea catchers” with us… or string them up where they can catch ideas as they drift through the air. How? I’m not sure, but I think string will work. Why? it works for spiders, right? Anyway – great post. Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 9:34 pm
tinamcho
I agree. The news is great fodder for ideas. Thanks, Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 9:41 pm
Jennifer Blanck
Thank you for sharing your questions. They’re such good starting points!
January 4, 2021 at 9:47 pm
Amanda Lieber
Thank you for your tips Carole. I love your opening paragraph, I read it to my 9 year son who has agreed to take on your advice.
January 4, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Heather Kelso
Having a curious mind is key for generating ideas. If we are wondering about the subject, others probably are as well.
Thank you for the reminder to ask lots of questions about the world around us. Congratulations on your book, the cover is lovely!
January 4, 2021 at 9:53 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Thanks for the insight, I”ll try using news to generate more ideas!
January 4, 2021 at 9:54 pm
Linda Schueler
You’re right: never throw any of your ideas away.
January 4, 2021 at 9:57 pm
Mary Warth
Thank you Carole. I appreciate the reminder of the the questions to ask. And to always have a place to write down ideas!
January 4, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Kelly Torres
Thank you for sharing your insights with us! I love learning about environmental issues and other current events, as well! There is so much truth to writing them down for future thought, consideration, and research, thank you!
January 4, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Adriana Bergstrom
I’m also one of those “why” inspired people. I think it leads to exploration and sometimes it’s non-fiction and sometimes it’s not! Love where it’s taken you and your words so far!
January 4, 2021 at 10:12 pm
Brinton Culp
Thank you for making beautiful and important books, and thank you for the true words that no idea is a bad idea.
January 4, 2021 at 10:19 pm
Eileen Mayo
Great advice! I find that I get my story ideas at night while I’m trying to sleep so now I keep a pen that lights up on a tablet next to my bed so I can write them down.
January 4, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Beth Elliott
If I hear that I should write down every idea once more . . . I’m finally going to start writing down every idea. Enough said! Thank you, Carole for this post!
January 4, 2021 at 10:36 pm
rosihollinbeck
Good advice here. I think all stories are answers to questions. Why? How? What if? These are good generators for story ideas. Thanks for the post.
January 4, 2021 at 10:45 pm
krbatti
I love that your childhood question of “why” still drives your today.
January 4, 2021 at 10:48 pm
matthewlasley
Curiosity is a huge element of being innovative, and that is what stories are. In turn, that is what editors are going to ask: Why does this need to be published? How am I going to market this? Who would read this? What if the story went this way?
I think of stories like a knotted up extension cord. You can clearly see both ends, but you have to start pulling and pushing and twisting. What if I….? How did that get like that? Why isn’t that working? But the result is the same. When you straighten out an extension cord, you get a great deal of satisfaction. It functions now. That is how you take your ideas and make them into something more, something that you can share.
January 4, 2021 at 10:52 pm
Karen Lawler
I LOVE the comment above mine by mattewlasley! Twist and stretch those ideas!!! I must work on that! Thanks 🙂
January 4, 2021 at 10:54 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for sharing your inspirations, and the reminder that questions lead to stories!
January 4, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Debra Katz
It is inspiring on many levels to read about an author who writes on important, contemporary issues for children.
January 4, 2021 at 11:03 pm
Ellen Leventhal
A big old “WHY?” led me to my latest WIP. Thanks for assuring me I am on the right path.
January 4, 2021 at 11:06 pm
hannahstark24
I love these probing questions and you sparked a story idea for me with this post. Thank you! ♥️
January 4, 2021 at 11:08 pm
Kris h
I love your use of the questions how and why in your process.
January 4, 2021 at 11:10 pm
Cathleen Collins
Thank you, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 11:11 pm
Beth Charles
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2021 at 11:11 pm
Nadine Poper
Thank you for taking the time to share with us Carole.
January 4, 2021 at 11:12 pm
glitzalicious
Excellent tips, thank you Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Thanks. Such important topics to write about. I love those topics, too. Wish you much success and look forward to knowing about future books.
January 4, 2021 at 11:17 pm
dazzlengsy
It was hard to reconcile the adult stress of today’s news with stories for children; but thank you for this push. It led to an unexpected but promising idea. ❤
January 4, 2021 at 11:22 pm
Katie L. Carroll
Always good advice to write things down right away. I have a little purple notebook I keep with me.
January 4, 2021 at 11:25 pm
Ave Maria Cross
Interesting ideas for gathering thoughts. And I agree with you with regard to keeping your mind open and jotting ideas down as soon as they come to you. Saving the environment and writing for kids about it is absolutely wonderful! Thank you.
January 4, 2021 at 11:34 pm
Kimberly Hutmacher
Great advice! I love science, and I’ve gotten several story ideas from reading news pieces on scientific topics.
January 4, 2021 at 11:36 pm
R.G. Spaulding
Thank you for the blog post, Carole. My inspiration for today’s story idea came from reading it.
January 4, 2021 at 11:37 pm
mooseeggproductions
Amazing advice!
January 4, 2021 at 11:39 pm
JillDanaBooks
Thank you for your great advice to ask questions and dig deeper to unveil new story ideas! 🙂 Jill Dana
January 4, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Trine Grillo
I’m inspired often by regular people doing attention-worthy things in the world around them.
January 4, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Sharon Coffey
Hi Carole,
Thank you for sharing your plethora of writing idea sources. Ideas are waiting out there for writers to grab onto them and bring them to life in print.
January 4, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Rebecca Arent-Draper
A Senior Editor once told me “it ALWAYS starts with a bad idea” and ever since then, I always write my ideas down…and here it is: You never know where these ideas will take you….and just like Carole says, “They (ideas) are like kernels” and if you add a little heat to them, they might “POP!” …and then you have your story!
January 4, 2021 at 11:47 pm
Cassy Polimeni
Sleep deprived and struggling for ideas today but excited to discover Carole’s work. My favourite PB manuscript I ever wrote (which is still doing the rounds) was inspired by a real life environmental initiative. It was something new for me but something I’d love to pursue more.
January 4, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for this wonderful post!
January 4, 2021 at 11:49 pm
writersideup
I can’t imagine LIFE without curiosity, let alone writing. Love the way you consciously go about it, Carole. Thank you! 😀
January 4, 2021 at 11:51 pm
jenlinville2021
Questioning what we encounter is a great way for us to focus our brains on helping kids to question the world around them as well. I love the line of questioning that you use in your process. I screenshot it for reference. 😁 Thanks, Carole!
January 4, 2021 at 11:52 pm
candicewolff
This actually helped me find a new angle for the idea I wrote down yesterday. Thank you, thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 12:02 am
jstremer
I too love finding inspiration in current events. Asking why something happened, and more importantly, what is the why behind the story I want to tell. Thanks for the helpful post!
January 5, 2021 at 12:04 am
M.M. Baker
In addition to current newspapers, archived newspapers from the past are GREAT story idea generators.
January 5, 2021 at 12:06 am
Kimberly Marcus
Great post! Thank you!!
January 5, 2021 at 12:14 am
sharongiltrow
Thank you for sharing how you get your ideas as well as what you do with them.
January 5, 2021 at 12:17 am
Kelly Nott
Great post
January 5, 2021 at 12:17 am
Robin Perkins
Thank you Carole! Interesting post with advice I’ll use.
January 5, 2021 at 12:21 am
Mary Zychowicz
This is such a good reminder of how children are so inquisitive and keep asking “why”. We, as writers can offer them answers. It sends us on a quest to find answers as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and inspiration.
January 5, 2021 at 12:30 am
Julie Reich
I appreciate the pep talk–I really needed it! I’m going to start asking questions!
January 5, 2021 at 12:41 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 12:45 am
lanearnold
Be always curious!
January 5, 2021 at 12:51 am
Kaye Baillie
It’s great to see books about social and environmental issues, Carole. And I love your latest book.
January 5, 2021 at 12:59 am
jeanjames926
Wonderful post. Love the idea of asking “why.” Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 1:09 am
storiesbythesea
Thank you! I needed to hear this! I hope to follow in your footsteps as a social justice writer.
January 5, 2021 at 1:13 am
sloanejacobs
That’s a great idea. I find my inspiration from the day to day events around me and very often at the bookstore where I work.
January 5, 2021 at 1:18 am
Lori Gibson
Live the idea of writing down ideas when you first think if them. I sometimes forget later in the day.
January 5, 2021 at 1:19 am
Lori Gibson
Love the idea of writing down ideas when you first think if them. I sometimes forget later in the day.
January 5, 2021 at 1:26 am
Abilasha
Thanks, for sharing 😍
January 5, 2021 at 1:57 am
Anna Brooks
I don’t always associate the seriousness of news and current events with ideas for picture books, so that’s a wonderful perspective to consider. Ideas truly can come from anywhere. And thank you for the reminder not to discount any new ideas. Sometimes that inner critic comes out even before the writing begins!
January 5, 2021 at 2:03 am
Brenda Grant Lower
I have to write down my ideas immediately, as well! Otherwise they go away very quickly!!!
Plus, I love the idea of taking inspiration from the world around us. Kids love books that reflect what they see in everyday life.
January 5, 2021 at 2:20 am
Jenn Belden
Great tips! I’ve learned to carry a notepad or write down ideas on my phone, since nothing stays on my head for long these days,
January 5, 2021 at 2:27 am
Marcia Berneger
I’m not sure I’m registered. Is there a way to check?
January 5, 2021 at 2:41 am
Keila Dawson
Yes, yes, yes. Pay attention to current events and question. I’ve been as curious as a kid learning things I did not learn in school!
January 5, 2021 at 3:09 am
Maria Marshall
Carole, I love your rule of keeping every idea. Sometimes even the craziest ideas (not enough alone) are really fun when combined with another wacky idea. Never stop asking WHY.
January 5, 2021 at 3:33 am
Kerry Gittins (@gittins_kerry)
Love this Carole. I have several PB’s on environmental issues on the go and these tips have been extremely useful!
January 5, 2021 at 4:19 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Great post, thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 6:23 am
Marzieh Abbas
Wonderful idea generator! Thanks Carole- we truly never should asking why!
January 5, 2021 at 7:46 am
Jane
This Story-storm might swirl up some inspiring ideas from the cooking pot of my mind.
January 5, 2021 at 8:58 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the ideas.
January 5, 2021 at 9:07 am
cravevsworld
Enjoyable post. Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 9:10 am
Denise Seidman
Thanks Carole, I was in the mindset that some of my story ideas weren’t good but I will stop that.
We should always be mindful of what’s going on around us and ask questions about it.
January 5, 2021 at 9:18 am
Jay
Great post. Thank you
January 5, 2021 at 9:21 am
Sara Fajardo
Thanks for the inspiration. Love where your questions have led you, the kidlit community is richer for it.
January 5, 2021 at 9:22 am
Jennifer Weisse
Great post. Interesting way to generate ideas. Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 10:38 am
Laura Renauld
Asking questions is such an important step in the writing process. Thanks for the tips!
January 5, 2021 at 10:38 am
Aimee Larke
I was known as the child that constantly asked “Why?” and I think this has helped me in coming up with ideas. Wonderful post. Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 10:41 am
moviemommie
Thank you. (FYI your writing is lovely. The water protectors story swept up so many beautiful feelings and conversations in my home!)
January 5, 2021 at 10:45 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Thanks for the inspiring blog post, Carole… I agree, asking questions is an amazing exercise for idea creation!
January 5, 2021 at 10:46 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the inspiration and your amazing books, Carole!
January 5, 2021 at 11:21 am
Lucretia S.
Lovely post, Carole. Thank you for reminding us to write about the things that most interest and engage us.
January 5, 2021 at 11:24 am
Carol Porter
I loved this. My father and I would spend the entire dinner quick firing questions and answers. I loved it. I am sure that helped lead me to my love of science and teaching. I hope to do the same in my books. I always told my students that they could ask me anything except my age or weight!
January 5, 2021 at 11:34 am
heatherbell37
Thank you for the list of questions. This really helps focus and the reminder to see life through child eyes ❤
January 5, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Kathy Berman
Thank you for focusing on such important issues in your books. I especially love We Are Water Protectors which is told in simple, beautiful language that kids can understand. And thanks for your suggestions.
January 5, 2021 at 12:09 pm
susan Twiggs
Carole,
I love The Water protector pB. why and why not are importanta questions. We can learn from the mistakes of history if we choose to read and speak of them.
I would love to speak with you about our writing.
January 5, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
Such wonderful tips, Carole! I appreciate your encouragement to ask questions!
January 5, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Michele Helsel
Who, what, when, where, why? Always ask questions. Good advice.
January 5, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
I wrote a PB when I came across a photo from a news station. Thanks for the tips.
January 5, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi Carole, Thanks for sharing your process. And I agree that ideas coming from doing not sitting.
January 5, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Stephanie Jones
I love asking “why?” And so do kids…it’s a great hook for story!
January 5, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
Those questions definitely help develop plot, even if the idea didn’t come from the news!
January 5, 2021 at 2:29 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Carole. I tend to dismiss ideas way too early.
January 5, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Jeanne Santucci
Asking questions is a great idea generator!
Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 3:05 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for an inspiring post, Carole. I love how asking WHY and other questions can lead to story ideas!
January 5, 2021 at 3:16 pm
jennifer Belden
Thank you, Carole! After last year’s Storystorm I’ve gotten better at using my notes app if I’m not near my desk so I don’t lose so many ideas!
January 5, 2021 at 3:20 pm
mginsberg10
Thanks for that insight into your writing process. Micki
January 5, 2021 at 3:43 pm
angie9091
Thanks for sharing!
January 5, 2021 at 3:53 pm
mginsberg10
Thank you for giving us a look into your writing process! Micki
January 5, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Meredith Fraser
I am also very involved with Nature and the environment. I second guess myself if a story idea is a fun, happy idea or will become too preachy as a manuscript. Thanks for the wisdom.
January 5, 2021 at 4:03 pm
rhumba20
Thank you Carole for this inspirational post!
Anna Levin
January 5, 2021 at 4:04 pm
Meredith Fraser
I too am very involved with Nature and the environment. I just try not to become too preachy and create fun, happy manuscripts. Thank you for your wisdom.
January 5, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Mary Ann Blair
I need a notebook next to my bed…oftentimes I will wake up with an idea. So this was a great reminder. Thanks!
January 5, 2021 at 4:27 pm
jensubra
Ideas from the news. . . this is something I need to do more of. Thanks for sharing, Carole.
January 5, 2021 at 4:32 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Great questions to think about. Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Jennifer
I’ve gotten a lot of ideas while seeing a movie in a theater — not always easy to make notes on the dark but I’ve tried!
Thanks for the tips!
January 5, 2021 at 4:42 pm
susaninez0905
Thank you for this suggestion. I love it. And reminding us to be like children asking why is spot on! 🙂
January 5, 2021 at 4:54 pm
angiecal76
Okay, Carole, I’m writing down every idea I can rummage even if they seem weird! Ya never know.
January 5, 2021 at 5:34 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Thanks for the tips, Carole. I need to use the “notes” app on my phone a lot more.
January 5, 2021 at 5:48 pm
regm55
I love your advice. I will write down more ideas as they come. My mother always said, “You’re never satisfied.” That could be a good thing since I want my stories to be the best they can be. I don’t believe I’m a perfectionist though. I have started to look for signs from the universe that I’m on the right path. Just now I saw that your guest blogger Carole is with the Turtle Mountain Band. My story is about a tortoise.
January 5, 2021 at 6:06 pm
mariamd542
Thanks Carole!
January 5, 2021 at 6:18 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Why do I do this? Because it is FUN, of course !
January 5, 2021 at 6:20 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
Thank you, Carole. I’ll have to start doing this. Sounds like some fun ideas are generated.
January 5, 2021 at 6:24 pm
claudine108
Carole, I am always asking questions of my students, but this is a great reminder to myself to ask questions while I am writing! Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 6:25 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
Thank you for your post and thought-provoking questions, Carole. I tend to gravitate to news about pets or wildlife for inspiration, so I’m on the trail of some promising ideas!
January 5, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Amy Fae
Thank you, Carole! This is also a good reminder to listen to when kids ask questions, even when it’s mine asking what seems like the same question over and over.
January 5, 2021 at 8:34 pm
Mark Ceilley
This is a good reminder for me because I have gotten story ideas from articles I’ve read in the newspaper. Your post helped me to make a stronger commitment to this practice and to pose questions. Thank you for this helpful way to generate story ideas.
January 5, 2021 at 8:59 pm
Juliana Motzko
Thank you so much for sharing! Precious questions!!
January 5, 2021 at 8:59 pm
nicolesalterbraun
I’ll have to read your Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle book. Love the title! And really enjoyed The Water Protectors
January 5, 2021 at 9:13 pm
writeremmcbride
Carole, I love your advice and reminder to Write Things Down (!), and your ratification of the “How? Why? Who?” questions I have been teased about all my life! Wanting to know how things work and why they work that way is finally heralded as a good thing! Thank you!
January 5, 2021 at 9:16 pm
Amelia Shearer
It was so exciting to see your Water Protectors book pop up on my screen for this post! We are temporarily homeschooling and did a unit before Thanksgiving on a deeper / hopefully more accurate understanding of Native American culture and influence and philosophies, and your book was one on our list for that unit 🙂 I struggle a bit as an author with being vastly interested in current events and social issues, but not knowing quite how to incorporate that passion into my writing for kids without becoming didactic or dry. Thank you for the renewed inspiration to continue mulling it over!
January 5, 2021 at 10:01 pm
Masha Sapron
Thanks for reminding me that no idea is bad! And love the way you mine the world for material! Thanks for sharing
January 5, 2021 at 10:26 pm
lorisherritt
Thank you for creating such wonderful resources for the change makers of tomorrow.
January 5, 2021 at 10:38 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Carole, for the reminder to keep an open mind for ideas that are all around. I love that your Mom said you always asked, “Why?”
Suzy Leopold
January 5, 2021 at 11:19 pm
Judy Shemtob
Your eleven questions are spot on. They provide a good framework to talk to anyone about the news and try to understand it in addition to conducting research about a book.
January 5, 2021 at 11:31 pm
Julie M. Evans
Thanks for a great post.
January 5, 2021 at 11:50 pm
topangamaria
Your questions are a great springboard.
January 5, 2021 at 11:55 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Thanks for an inspiring post. Using news and current events is a great springboard to ideas.
January 6, 2021 at 12:10 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Hi. It is true to jot down all ideas. I plan to do better.
January 6, 2021 at 12:18 am
Kelly Nott
Thank you! This is very inspiring.
January 6, 2021 at 12:20 am
amyrsinn
Hi Carole. Thanks for sharing and sparking the creativity!
January 6, 2021 at 12:23 am
Jennifer Phillips
Congratulations on your success and craft. And yes to those ideas rushing at you while in the middle of other things. They’re sneaky that way!
January 6, 2021 at 12:24 am
KASteed
Thanks Carol. Great questions.
January 6, 2021 at 12:27 am
Jen
Questions are always such great prompts.
January 6, 2021 at 12:40 am
Annelouise Mahoney
Thank you for your encouraging post, Carole. You’re very inspiring. I really love your advice to write down every idea, no idea is a bad idea, and to ask the questions:Who,What,How. so excellent, thank you.
January 6, 2021 at 12:50 am
Megan Whitaker
I listen to the news voraciously as well and one of my current favorite mss came to me during an NPR broadcast 3 years ago. I still think of the story as I drive around the roundabout…Congrats on your success!
January 6, 2021 at 1:43 am
Jose Cruz
It all starts with a question! I’ve been ruminating an idea for a narrative nonfiction book that popped into my head when I read a factoid that this particular subject was notable for being the worst in its field (a field that I generally have no interest in). I could have shrugged it off as a fun fact, but I kept coming back to it with the exact same type of questions you mentioned: why, how, what? I’m interested to see where the path takes me!
January 6, 2021 at 3:04 am
Jennifer LHB
I am a talker, and I am constantly asking questions! I have always been that way – wanting to learn as much as I can about any given thing. Thank you for your advice to tap into that part of me – and to start with the news and social media. I love the idea of taking discouraging things that are happening in the world and finding a way to teach children to change them or learn from them. I am really encouraged by this post! Thank you!! 🙂
January 6, 2021 at 6:49 am
srkckass
Thank you for the post. This is great!
January 6, 2021 at 8:27 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Why is the best question ever!
January 6, 2021 at 9:25 am
Shannon Howarth Nelsen
Water Protectors was one of my favorite books of the year. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing your inspiration.
January 6, 2021 at 9:31 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Carole, I am thrilled for your success. Never stop asking “why?” and thanks for encouraging us to do the same.
January 6, 2021 at 9:42 am
Christine @ Goodjelly
Thank you, Carole. Love this and loved learning Aapigi go miigwech. Right back at you. ❤
January 6, 2021 at 11:07 am
naturewalkwithgod
A good reminder that writers are readers and that good questions lead to intriguing answers! Dinadagohvhi, Carole. –Kim
January 6, 2021 at 11:11 am
lizricewrites
Thank you Carole, for your great tips and reminding us to ask the important questions!
January 6, 2021 at 11:42 am
erintsiska
Thank you for the inspiration, Carole.
January 6, 2021 at 11:55 am
Kerry Ferguson (@kerryfer)
love this.
January 6, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Angela De Groot
Thanks for reminding us to ask questions and to keep our minds open so ideas can come to us. My mind must be the most open to ideas when I’m washing me hair because that’s when they rush at me! I repeat the idea to myself as I rinse off and scramble for a pencil.
January 6, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Debra Bartsch
Thanks you Carole for your inspirational post today and for your wonderful authentic books for children. Ideas, ideas floating round in my head……..
January 6, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Debi Novotny
Thank you, Carol! These are great suggestions… keeping our inner child alive by asking ‘why?’ Is so important to storytelling!
January 6, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Cassie Bentley
Thank you Carole. I’m so glad you still ask questions and find answers for us and children.
January 6, 2021 at 4:10 pm
Meghan B
Thank for sharing this process!
January 6, 2021 at 4:42 pm
hdening
Thank you for the tips May we stay child-like and keep asking.
January 6, 2021 at 5:22 pm
melissamiles1
I needed to hear this! Definitely needed to hear that not all of my ideas are terrible. 🙂
January 6, 2021 at 5:32 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thank you Carole ❤️
January 6, 2021 at 6:47 pm
FrannyG
I was always asking why as a kid too. And still am. Thanks Carole.
January 6, 2021 at 7:52 pm
carrines yvette clifton
Carole this is getting interesting…why? I’m digging deeper and sparks of interest in writing a different style make me go…hmm
January 6, 2021 at 8:35 pm
Cinzia V.
I love this! Asking why is exactly what kids do – and we should as well. And then asking another why when we get the answer…
January 6, 2021 at 8:42 pm
ingridboydston
“Enjoy the process” Yes! Some of the best advice. Thank you!
January 7, 2021 at 12:35 am
Diane
Carole, I too am inspired by social issues and hope to inspire my young readers in ways that reach them without being didactic. Thanks for the good advice.
January 7, 2021 at 1:57 am
Terri Sabol
I agree to be better at writing down every idea, no matter my initial reaction. Thank you, Carole!
January 7, 2021 at 5:36 am
claireflewis
Such a great point – children are always asking ‘WHY?’, so children’s authors should too!
January 7, 2021 at 10:18 am
Susan Wroble
The most important question in the world! Thanks for incorporating it into StoryStorm. And I really appreciate the advice to write down all ideas, without self-censorship.
January 7, 2021 at 1:21 pm
kmajor2013
Great post, Carole! As a retired environmental engineer, I share your writing interests. I tend to gravitate towards nature and environmental issues. Why and What if are two questions I use to help with idea generation. Thanks.
January 7, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
I totally agree! Ideas are EVERYWHERE but if I don’t write them down, POOF! Gone as quickly as they came! The worst is when I’m half-asleep and I know I should get up to write it down, but I don’t. I always regret not doing it!
January 7, 2021 at 2:31 pm
CindyC
Thanks Carole for reminding us to enjoy the process.
January 7, 2021 at 2:34 pm
CK Lange
I love this!! Most helpful for the curious writer.
Thank you!
CKLange
January 7, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Thanks for the great post, Carole! You are so right–kids ask tons of questions, so we should, too! 🙂
January 7, 2021 at 4:21 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! Thanks, Carole!
January 7, 2021 at 9:39 pm
Linda Hofke
yes, ideas are everywhere.
Thanks for the reminder.
January 7, 2021 at 9:57 pm
LaurenKerstein
I really enjoyed your post, and the reminder to shush our inner critic when we worry about our ideas. No idea is a bad idea for sure!
January 7, 2021 at 11:43 pm
doreenrobinson
As a journalist, I love asking questions! And you’re right – there are no bad ideas (just like there are no stupid questions), but some ideas turn out to be better (for stories) than others.
January 8, 2021 at 2:13 am
Gaby
Carole, living in a small town in the mountains, reading the newspaper is a habit for us. I enjoy with simple stories, and connecting these stories with the “why” and “why don’t” is an interesting thing to do. Thanks
January 8, 2021 at 7:44 am
Dee Knabb
Great post, Carole. Asking questions is so important and thanks for the reminder to turn off the inner critic when we brainstorm.
January 8, 2021 at 11:58 am
Ally Enz
Carole, thank you for the reminder that our ideas don’t come out of thin air while we sit down to wait for them. I need to be looking for and consciously remembering stories everywhere I am . . i think it’s my natural inclination anyway, but writing them down in the moment will be my challenge.
January 8, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Deborah Foster
When I was younger I loved asking why! I will always remember the time I asked my dad why a motorcyclist was driving without a helmet and his response was “shall we turn around and go ask him!?” I was a shy kid so of course, I screamed “NO!” Thanks for the inspiration!
January 8, 2021 at 4:13 pm
Laura Clement
Thank you for giving every idea the potential to be great, even the rotten ones.
January 8, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Karen Pickrell
Great tip about getting into the habit of capturing our story ideas and writing them down. It’s fun to hear where you get your inspiration!
January 8, 2021 at 7:00 pm
artemisroehrig
Thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2021 at 7:12 pm
Deb Huard, Writer
Thank you.
January 9, 2021 at 12:09 am
Sherri
Thank you, Carol. My topics usually reflect what is happening around me. Many of my ideas usually come while I’m driving. It always seems to be when I’m in traffic or on a two-lane highway and can’t pull over.
January 9, 2021 at 9:08 am
E D Stewart
Fantastic advice. I remember reading that Suzanne Collins was flipping between channels, the news coverage of a military conflict, and a reality show, when she came up with the idea for the Hunger Games. This has stuck with me as I encounter story-worthy ideas in the world. There is surely no shortage of dramatic news these days!
January 9, 2021 at 11:57 am
Elizabeth Metz
Yessss to keeping all your ideas! One of my major exercises as I work through Storystorm each year is pulling out notebooks from all the other years I’ve participated and letting them swim together in my brain. My best idea last year came by smashing two ideas from two other years together. Thank you for this reminder, Carole!
January 9, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Susan Jobsky
My educational background is English literature, but I have also dabbled in journalism. Children are essentially journalists; they want to discover The Who, what, when, where, why, and how of the world around them. I want to help them answer their questions! Thank you for reminding me why I want to take this step and publish my stories!
January 9, 2021 at 3:17 pm
Jeannette Suhr
I am surprised at how many ideas come to me when I’m doing mindless things like chores. I always have paper or my iphone handy to record them. Also, I sometimes get ideas from reading the comics in the newspaper. I read We Are Water Protectors and I loved it! So many great lessons in that book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
January 9, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Potential in all we see and hear!
January 9, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Brenda Whitehead (@BrendaW_Prof)
Yes, it’s so important to ask questions! Thanks for sharing your inspiration, Carole!
January 9, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Kellie
Great post with terrific question suggestions. Thank you. I totally resonate with ‘getting ideas when you’re doing something else’ … my ideas usually come to me when my hands are wet!
January 9, 2021 at 9:34 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for reminding us that every idea should be written down.
January 10, 2021 at 4:13 am
Jo Jo Harder
Very inspiring! Thank you Carole for sharing your process for generating ideas. And yes, it’s a important to keep all your ideas.
January 10, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Wendy
I can’t wait to read where your next ideas take you! (I love We Are Water Protectors)
January 10, 2021 at 3:56 pm
M.A. Cortez
I LOVED The Water Protecters. It was so beautiful, and I look forward to reading Ancestor Approved. Keep bring us these books!
January 10, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Susan Cabael
I agree that news articles frequently spark ideas.
January 10, 2021 at 5:51 pm
Jen
I have not read We are Water Protectors yet, but it is on my list! The cover is stunningly beautiful!
January 10, 2021 at 7:03 pm
drawingablank6
It’s amazing what can spark ideas…. esp the everyday things!
January 10, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Thank you for the confidence and encouragement. Today’s prompt was made into a list of all of the ways we communicate. Thanks again.
January 11, 2021 at 12:19 am
Dea Brayden
Thank you, Carole! Love this – “those ideas are gems and kernels of stories that can become stand-alone stories one day, or bits and smatterings of stories tomorrow.”
January 11, 2021 at 12:21 am
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Off to go down the rabbit hole of following cool people/orgs. Wee!
January 11, 2021 at 10:52 am
lanearnold
Yes!
January 11, 2021 at 11:40 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Great post! Thank you, Carole!
January 11, 2021 at 2:14 pm
paulabpuckett
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
January 11, 2021 at 4:09 pm
syorkeviney
I’ve traveled the world and come back home and I witness the world with eyes that realize how small it is and just how precious it is, but unfortunately how we need to take better care of it.
January 11, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Lauri Meyers
Ahh, the power of why! It’s fun to learn, and even better when an idea gets sparked.
January 12, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Nina Nolan
Thank you for reminding us that since kids often ask why, asking why is a great way to “get on the same page” as our readers. 🙂
January 12, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Kelly Conroy
Why, how, who? Great advice and so easy to implement. Thank you!
January 14, 2021 at 12:20 pm
ptnozell
Asking why, how, and who – what a great way to mine news stories to generate story ideas.
January 14, 2021 at 12:28 pm
dlapmandi
Carole, I always find my ideas when I am cooking, showering, walking to get the mail. So glad others have this also. The questions to ask were more expansive than my typical WHAT IF! Thanks for the post.
January 14, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
Hi Carole- Yes! Asking questions is a great way to form a story! I LOVE this! What a help for going down a rabbit hole of ideas!
January 15, 2021 at 11:39 am
Amy H
Thank you for your inspiration!
January 16, 2021 at 12:37 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for the inspiration, Carole. You’re right–I always think I’ll remember a brilliant idea, but if I don’t write it down fairly quickly, I can lose it forever.
I also used to be stubborn about jotting down ideas that seem too silly–and my favorite PB draft from 2020 came from an idea so out there, I almost didn’t add it to my file. I’m so glad I did–and am glad you encouraged everyone to write down every idea.
January 16, 2021 at 3:47 am
Lisa Kingsford
It’s so true that ideas come much more often while we are out doing other things. Thank you for sharing what works for you!
January 16, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
You are a word warrior with heart, Carole, and the world is better and brighter for it! Thanks for sharing your question-asking strategy!
January 17, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Thanks for the insight in your process! “Why?” is the best question.
January 18, 2021 at 7:28 am
Catherine
I really should keep a notebook by my bed – some of my best ideas come in the middle of the night and I’m always convinced I’ll remember them!
January 18, 2021 at 11:52 am
Kristy Nuttall
Yes! It’s so important to ask questions and discover why. I love your suggestion of taking time to read things you’re interested in–what a wonderfual way to spark even more ideas!
January 18, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing your question process with us!
January 19, 2021 at 7:19 am
Artelle Lenthall
Thanks Carole,
I like to write issues stories too 🙂
January 19, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
Yes, news stories… some of them just won’t let go and I must find out more, asking those questions you mention of why, how and who. Environmental or social issues… this year has been full of both that have led to more and more research. A learning year on so many levels and def. weaving a way in to my writing. Interesting to learn abut where you find your ideas… thank you for even more possibilities!
January 19, 2021 at 8:45 pm
kelliejanebyrnes
Love those great question prompts!
January 21, 2021 at 12:23 am
Dina Ticas
As a teacher, I love the encouragement to ask questions.
January 22, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
Thank you for giving me permission to read the news for picture book material. Maybe that sounds silly, but Sometimes it seems like the advice writers get is to read, read, read what you want to write instead of read anything that fills your brain with ideas, inspiration, knowledge, and words. Also, I came up with two fantastic ideas from this post! 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 2:32 am
Sylvia Chen
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 25, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Carolyne Lizabeth Ruck
I really like the combination of questions you ask — and especially about environmental issues which are so important these days. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2021 at 8:02 pm
Bill Canterbury
Helpful advice here!
January 28, 2021 at 11:10 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
Your questions are an interesting way to get going
January 30, 2021 at 11:37 am
Kimberly Wilson
Thanks for sharing your process, Carole! Asking why, who, how––such a great way to develop a story out of a nugget of an idea!
January 30, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Mary Worley
Asking both why didn’t someone do something and why did they is really helpful. Also, the stories I always make time to read are probably good beginnings for picture book ideas. Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Coral Jenrette
Your book is beautiful and the message is so important — thanks for sharing your process.
January 30, 2021 at 10:03 pm
kristenrashid
Thanks for sharing your approach, Carole!
January 30, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Michelle H.Losardo
Carole, I so look forward to the arrival of my copy of WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS and reading it to my students! THANK YOU for the beautiful way you bring social and environmental issues into children’s consciousness and hearts!
January 31, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thank you and congrats on your beautiful book’s big win! 🙂
January 31, 2021 at 3:56 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
So many news stories are just waiting to be turned into picture books. Thanks for the reminder to ask good questions while reading the news. And congrats on your book’s HUGE win!!!
January 31, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
So many news stories are just waiting to be turned into picture books! Thanks for the reminder to ask good questions while reading the news. And congrats on your book’s HUGE win!!!
January 31, 2021 at 11:22 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
Thanks for the reminder to take even the smallest kernel of an idea, and ask delving questions to help it grow! I feel like pulling out my past StoryStorm logs and resurrecting a few half-baked ideas!
February 1, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
Ideas always come when you don’t have a pen nearby!
February 1, 2021 at 11:09 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2022 at 11:55 am
JYOTI RAJAN GOPAL
Keeping yourself open to all ideas – and being ready to jot them down! Or in my case, you record them into my phone to listen to later 🙂
January 4, 2022 at 10:36 pm
Rochelle Y Melander
Great ideas!
January 4, 2022 at 10:56 pm
Living Sattva
I love we are the water protectors! Thanks for sharing the process.
January 12, 2022 at 11:18 am
JC
Great ideas, thank you !