Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)

Home | Pages | Archives

Storystorm 2021 Day 14: Lauren Kerstein Follows the Yellow Brick Road

January 14, 2021 8:00 am

by Lauren Kerstein

We’re off to see the Wizard! The Wizard of story ideas…

Often, when I begin exploring an idea, my journey leads to LOTS of new ideas. Grab a notebook and let’s go! Let me show you what I mean.

Step One: THE SPARK

Let’s start with a concrete idea.

Here’s one: Squirrel loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but his brother is allergic so he can’t eat them. Ever!

Step Two: WORD BANK WONDER

Let’s create a word bank of words we might use in this story:

Step 3: FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Let’s pick a few of the words we added to our word bank and follow that lovely Yellow Brick Road. What other ideas might we discover?

Step 4: CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

Let’s celebrate. We just generated a whole list of new ideas by following the Yellow Brick Road. WOO HOO!

Step 5: RECORD IT OR WEEP

Now, spend some time fleshing out a few of those ideas before you lose them. You can write in your notebook or on blank paper. You can use the Storystorm template I created. Or you can do both. I fill out as much of my template as I can. Then, if I’m really inspired by an idea, I write notes, notes, and more notes in a journal dedicated to this new book idea.

ADDED BONUS: The other thing to keep in mind is that following the Yellow Brick Road not only leads to new ideas, it can also help you add layers to your manuscript. And as we all know, layers are a very good thing. In my picture book HOME FOR A WHILE (Illustrated by Natalia Moore/Magination Press/ February 2, 2021), I incorporated many different layers: foster care, finding your strengths, and emotion regulation/coping strategies. These layers clicked into place as I followed the Yellow Brick Road and really explored the heart of Calvin’s story. I can’t wait for you to meet him!

So, GO FORTH and conquer, and follow the Yellow Brick Road. You just never know where it might lead!

Lauren Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who currently lives in Colorado with her husband, their two dragons…er, daughters, and their rescue dog. Lauren is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series (Illustrated by Nate Wragg/Two Lions). Her latest picture book, HOME FOR A WHILE (Illustrated by Natalia Moore/Magination Press) moves into shelves February 2, 2021. Lauren also writes books in her field. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique business, and is a long-time member of 12×12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. You can visit her at LaurenKerstein.net, and follow her on Twitter @LaurenKerstein, Instagram @LaurenKerstein and Facebook.

Lauren is giving away a picture book critique and a copy of HOME FOR A WHILE.

Two separate winners will be randomly chosen.

Leave one comment below to enter.

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.

Share this:

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: Picture Books, Storystorm 2021

Tags:

724 Responses to “Storystorm 2021 Day 14: Lauren Kerstein Follows the Yellow Brick Road”

  1. This is such a great idea for building upon story Sparks! Thank you!!!

    By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 14, 2021 at 8:06 am

  2. Great advice, Lauren! The word bank and building off of other ideas like bricks so really practical!

    By Melissa H. Mwai on January 14, 2021 at 8:07 am

  3. Thank you Lauren. I like the list idea. Many more books can come from that. Such a big help. Congratulations on your books. Looking forward to reading them.

    By Mark Bentz on January 14, 2021 at 8:09 am

  4. Your template looks like it will be really helpful! Thank you!

    By Julia on January 14, 2021 at 8:09 am

  5. Thank you so much for this post! I love your template idea and how to add layers to a story!

    By Cristina Raymer on January 14, 2021 at 8:10 am

  6. Thank you!

    By jjarson1 on January 14, 2021 at 8:11 am

  7. Wow! Very valuable information. Im printing out for my file. Thank you!

    By Leslie Tayloe on January 14, 2021 at 8:12 am

  8. I love the word bank suggestion. Doing this not only fleshes out a story idea but often generates new ideas for other stories. Thanks for your post.

    By Louann Brown on January 14, 2021 at 8:13 am

  9. Congrats Lauren! Now I’m singing “Follow follow follow follow….!” Love HOME FOR A WHILE!

    By stiefelchana on January 14, 2021 at 8:13 am

  10. Wow! Great comments. Very valuable information. Saving these comments!

    By Leslie Tayloe on January 14, 2021 at 8:14 am

  11. This message exercise is fab! And as you say, it has the potential to help one to build layers into their story. Thanks, Lauren!

    By Rebster on January 14, 2021 at 8:14 am

  12. Great ideas and thanks for the link to the templates!

    By Jess on January 14, 2021 at 8:19 am

  13. I really never use a formal idea formation process, but I feel like following these steps (maybe with my son?) could be really fun! Thanks for sharing.

    By michelemeleen on January 14, 2021 at 8:23 am

  14. Thank you Lauren!

    By MaryLee Flannigan on January 14, 2021 at 8:23 am

  15. I like your yellow brick road analogy! Congratulations on your new book!

    By Amy Houts on January 14, 2021 at 8:24 am

  16. Neat post! Thank you for the practical story-generating advice. Trying it now!

    By Sara Ackerman on January 14, 2021 at 8:25 am

  17. Thanks, Lauren, for your brainstorming technique and also for the templates on your website. So valuable!!

    By Lisa Oppenheim on January 14, 2021 at 8:26 am

  18. I LOVE this process! I think this will work for me. 😊

    By mjmeyer06 on January 14, 2021 at 8:26 am

  19. so much gold on this yellow brick road of ideas! thanks for sharing!

    By Sallye O'Rourke on January 14, 2021 at 8:27 am

  20. Love the word bank idea! Thanks Lauren!

    By Jessica Hinrichs on January 14, 2021 at 8:29 am

  21. Creative idea. Thanks for sharing.

    By Judie on January 14, 2021 at 8:30 am

  22. It’s always interesting and helpful to see an accomplished picture book author’s story creation process. Thanks so much for sharing yours, Lauren!

    By Suzanne Lewis on January 14, 2021 at 8:30 am

  23. I love your word bank idea! I’m always looking for idea that will help with adding layers.

    By Andrea Mack on January 14, 2021 at 8:33 am

  24. Thanks for your suggestions using word bank and follow the yellow brick road…it turned on a light bulb. Kathy

    By Kathy on January 14, 2021 at 8:33 am

  25. Thanks for this. I love the word bank wonder and following the yellow brick road.

    By kiwijenny on January 14, 2021 at 8:35 am

  26. Thank you Lauren for this post- I love the idea of following an idea down all sorts of paths, and being open to inviting a whole other menagerie of ideas. Wonderful.

    By karamarsee8716 on January 14, 2021 at 8:36 am

  27. Thank you for sharing your step-by-step process and guiding us down the yellow brick road! I’m looking forward to increasing the number of my ideas with this approach.

    By Jennifer Blanck on January 14, 2021 at 8:40 am

  28. Thanks Lauren-I’m following The Yellow Brick Road!

    By Jany Campana on January 14, 2021 at 8:40 am

  29. Congratulations on your book, Lauren! I like this process.
    Gail Hartman

    By thecrowsmap on January 14, 2021 at 8:41 am

  30. Great tips! I especially appreciate the advice about adding layers to our stories. Thanks for sharing!

    By Meli Glickman on January 14, 2021 at 8:41 am

  31. Wow! What a fabulous post, Lauren! Totally resonated with me. I especially like the way that you use your approach to add layers to your stories. Thank you!!
    Congratulations on your newest PB. Looking forward to reading it.

    By Lucretia S. on January 14, 2021 at 8:45 am

  32. Great strategy and helpful tips. Thank you!

    By Ann Harrell on January 14, 2021 at 8:46 am

  33. Fleshing out ideas like we’re following the Yellow Brick Road is a clever and helpful tool. Thanks, Lauren! I’m excited to read HOME FOR A WHILE.

    By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 14, 2021 at 8:46 am

  34. First of all, I love your “yellow brick road” analogy! (The Wizard of Oz was such a magical movie and experience for me as a child…I lived in the pre-VCR, pre-DVR, pre-Netflix–era and remember fondly how The Wizard of Oz was shown only ONCE a year on TV. It was always something to look forward to! But I digress…. lol). Thank you for this great tool for brainstorming!! I will definitely try it out!
    Rebecca Gardyn Levington

    By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 14, 2021 at 8:48 am

  35. Brilliant! I love this systematic approach!
    Thanks for sharing!

    By Emily Chibwana on January 14, 2021 at 8:50 am

  36. Thank you for showing how you generate ideas or layers for a book. I never thought you could get so many ideas out of what I would have thought of as just one idea. Need to try this with some of my own ideas.

    By junegraham on January 14, 2021 at 8:51 am

  37. Great advice, thank you! I always do wordbanks for poetry but hadn’t really thought about it for my picture books!

    By Hannah on January 14, 2021 at 8:52 am

  38. Excellent advice here- thank you!

    By Tara Cerven on January 14, 2021 at 8:54 am

  39. Great idea! Thanks, Lauren.

    By kirstenbockblog on January 14, 2021 at 8:58 am

  40. Great post! I especially liked the word bank idea.

    By Alice Fulgione on January 14, 2021 at 8:59 am

  41. Your ideas to stretch out the topic are great! Love it!!!

    By kelbelroberts on January 14, 2021 at 9:00 am

  42. Putting my ruby slippers on and skipping along to find the magic! Thanks for the inspiration, Lauren.

    By Cathy L. Murphy on January 14, 2021 at 9:00 am

  43. This is such an awesome way to develop story ideas – thank you so much Lauren!

    By Catherine on January 14, 2021 at 9:01 am

  44. Love these ideas! I think I’ll try them out today!
    Thank you!!

    By Artsybarncat on January 14, 2021 at 9:02 am

  45. The Word Bank exercise is Golden! This is a great post and your website was helpful too! Thank you, Lauren.

    By Mary Beth Rice on January 14, 2021 at 9:02 am

  46. Thank you Lauren! What a fun way to generate ideas. I’m going to grab my coffee and get started!

    By Susan Drew on January 14, 2021 at 9:04 am

  47. The word bank + question is a wonderful way to brainstorm new ideas. Thank you!

    By Joyce Uglow on January 14, 2021 at 9:04 am

  48. Word bank to spur on new roads!!! Genius. Thanks Lauren. Down the road I go. Toto too!

    By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 14, 2021 at 9:05 am

  49. Love your yellow brick road idea. Definitely going to try it!

    By Elana on January 14, 2021 at 9:05 am

  50. Thank you Lauren, for leading us down the yellow brick road to find ideas, using the word bank.

    By Naana Amissah on January 14, 2021 at 9:07 am

  51. This is a fantastic idea! I am definitely going to use this strategy not only for myself, but with my high school English classes. Thank you so much.

    By Cynthia Mochowski on January 14, 2021 at 9:08 am

  52. This post is a keeper! I love the idea generation of the yellow brick road! Thank you.

    By Mitchell Linda on January 14, 2021 at 9:12 am

  53. Such a concrete way to make ideas follow the road we create! Ty, Lauren. Your new book sounds amazing and so needed.

    By kathalsey on January 14, 2021 at 9:12 am

  54. Love these ideas – thanks for sharing Lauren.

    By Meaghan Br on January 14, 2021 at 9:13 am

  55. Thank you for this helpful template and your wise words. I feel you have really hit on the heart of how to take the seed of an idea and grow it into a garden.

    By Maria Bursey on January 14, 2021 at 9:13 am

  56. Such a great idea!! I always think a story needs to profoundly come to me, but sometimes just writing down things you know can lead you down an interesting road you would have never gone down. Thanks for the morning motivation!

    By silentkdesign on January 14, 2021 at 9:15 am

  57. Thank you for sharing this very helpful post about how you generate and expand upon ideas. Very interesting and inspiring, Lauren! Best wishes with your new book!

    By Mia Geiger on January 14, 2021 at 9:16 am

  58. But how does a squirrel show emotion? Great questions to ask oneself.
    AMAZING gold mine of templates. How generous.

    By topangamaria on January 14, 2021 at 9:18 am

  59. Can’t wait to try this idea and follow my own yellow brick road. Thank you for sharing this idea.

    By Elizabeth Moore on January 14, 2021 at 9:19 am

  60. The related word bank idea is brilliant and I can’t wait to try it! Also looking forward to reading HOME FOR A WHILE. (Although I think my favorite part of this post might be your typewriter pen holder!)

    By Janet Krauthamer on January 14, 2021 at 9:19 am

    1. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!

      By Janet Krauthamer on January 14, 2021 at 9:21 am

  61. I like this, generating ideas from an idea. I see a network of pathways and lots of choices, directions to go in. Thanks!

    By catherine owen on January 14, 2021 at 9:20 am

  62. The template is great- I need to follow up on story ideas and spend some time growing those ideas before the story seed fades and dies. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

    By Writer on the run on January 14, 2021 at 9:24 am

  63. Your framework for generating depth with your ideas is actionable. Good stuff.

    By Charles Richardson on January 14, 2021 at 9:26 am

  64. Thanks for a great post, Kersten! I love your idea of creating a word bank then ‘following the yellow brick road’ and I’m going to try it!

    By claireflewis on January 14, 2021 at 9:28 am

    1. Sorry, I meant Lauren not Kersten!! Apologies!

      By claireflewis on January 14, 2021 at 9:33 am

  65. What a terrific template! I can’t wait to give this a try to discover new ideas or add layers to one idea!

    By Jessica Fries-Gaither on January 14, 2021 at 9:29 am

  66. Thank you Lauren!!! I’ve to your website and downloaded your template! And love the Yellow Brick Road research! Thanks fir the inspiration!!

    By Betsy on January 14, 2021 at 9:29 am

  67. Love the Storystorm template. Great story generating ideas. Thank you!

    By Susan on January 14, 2021 at 9:29 am

  68. Oooh, this is a good one too! So many new ways to generate ideas in just one blog. The hits just keep coming. I question everything else in my life, why not this?

    Thank you!

    By Melisa Wrex on January 14, 2021 at 9:31 am

  69. Oh, I love this idea!!!

    By Deborah Foster on January 14, 2021 at 9:33 am

  70. Fleshing out a story via the yellow brick road is such a helpful way for me to write. Thank you!

    By Sarah Kilfoil on January 14, 2021 at 9:36 am

  71. I love this approach to coming up with ideas, Lauren! Can’t wait to get going!

    By pathaap on January 14, 2021 at 9:37 am

  72. I love all this advice! I especially loved your word bank and seeing how it generates ideas. Thanks for sharing. I cant wait to read about Calvin!

    By Beth Charles on January 14, 2021 at 9:37 am

  73. Thank you for sharing these ideas and templates! I love this recipe for getting started–write down a concrete idea, create a wordbank, and follow the yellow brick road by creating a list of key questions and concepts from your most promising words in the wordbank. Genius!

    By Kristy Nuttall on January 14, 2021 at 9:38 am

  74. Very helpful Thanks for the template, Lauren!

    By paulajbecker on January 14, 2021 at 9:38 am

  75. Oh my gosh! I love this idea!! I sorta do it already- but to do it purposefully… WOW!!! Thank you!

    By Tracy Hora on January 14, 2021 at 9:43 am

  76. That’s a great way to make one spark come alive! I’ve never built a story like this. I’ll have to take a look at some past Storystorm ideas and see what happens. Thank you and Congrats!

    By Megan Whitaker on January 14, 2021 at 9:44 am

  77. Love this post on how to take an idea and develop it different ways! Thanks Lauren and Congratulations on your new book—Home For A While. Looking forward to reading it!

    By kimpfenn on January 14, 2021 at 9:46 am

  78. The template seems very helpful with the ideas I want to explore further!

    By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 14, 2021 at 9:46 am

  79. I love that — Follow the Yellow Brick Road! Great way to generate more ideas from the initial idea!!Thank you!

    By Liz Rice on January 14, 2021 at 9:46 am

  80. I love the theme that keeps returning in these posts: Brainstorm, ask questions, and let your imagination lead the way. Thanks for sharing your process!

    By Jessica Stremer on January 14, 2021 at 9:47 am

  81. Thanks for the great ideas! It’s fun when ideas keep popping up! Looking forward to reading your book.

    By rosecappelli on January 14, 2021 at 9:50 am

  82. Well, that was helpful! I love posts that show me new ways to discover possibilities along the writerly path.Thanks!

    By Cathy Lentes on January 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

  83. Your post is so helpful! I’m definitely going to try it. And you book looks adorable, I’m going to have to check it out. Thanks for the inspiration!

    By Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks) on January 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

  84. This is great! Adding layers to my manuscripts is definitely something I need to do.

    By Erin Rew on January 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

  85. Thanks! A great, practical exercise for generating ideas!

    By ryanrobertsauthor on January 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

  86. Thank you for the specific ideas on developing layers and idea generation. Wonderful!

    By Susan Latta on January 14, 2021 at 9:53 am

  87. Thank you Lauren 😊

    By saintamovin on January 14, 2021 at 9:53 am

  88. This is great. I just shared a made up outline with my crit group for making sure we get everything into the story. And I did include word bank. However, I didn’t think any further than to create a list of words for the particular story I’m working on. This post opens up a whole new way to use the bank. Wow! Thank you, thank you, for helping me color outside of the lines!

    By mona861 on January 14, 2021 at 9:54 am

  89. A word bank for each story?! What a brilliant idea – cannot believe I’ve never done that. A bank of key words and phrases would be so helpful!! Thank you Lauren:>

    By pollyrenner on January 14, 2021 at 9:54 am

  90. Great ideas!

    By Stefanie Hohl on January 14, 2021 at 9:55 am

  91. This idea is golden! Thanks for the templates and tips!

    By lavern15 on January 14, 2021 at 9:56 am

  92. What a clever way of generating story ideas. Thank you!

    By Sara Fajardo on January 14, 2021 at 9:56 am

  93. What a great idea- I’m going to try this today! Thank you!

    By Emily Durant on January 14, 2021 at 9:57 am

  94. This is helpful advice. Thanks!

    By Yvonne Ng on January 14, 2021 at 9:59 am

  95. A better way to brainstorm! Love it!

    By Kathy Crable on January 14, 2021 at 9:59 am

  96. Thank you for the great ideas I love your word bank wonder and I’m ready to try it out.

    By nataliecohn0258 on January 14, 2021 at 10:01 am

  97. Love the yellow brick road analogy. Great ideas for story storming. Thank you!

    By Kelly Darke on January 14, 2021 at 10:04 am

  98. Thank you for helping us dig deeper when we come up with our new ideas. Great suggestions!

    By Carmela McCain Simmons on January 14, 2021 at 10:05 am

  99. Great ideas! Thank you.

    By Lynn Baldwin on January 14, 2021 at 10:07 am

  100. Any tip involving the Wizard of Oz is a keeper! Great advice – thanks for sharing!

    By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 14, 2021 at 10:07 am

  101. Lauren, I love the idea of using this technique to add layers. Your YBR’s are so different from each other, but I love how each one could be worked in with another for a story. To borrow from another classic story, yellow brick roads could be a real rabbit hole to get lost in!

    By Sarah SarahH on January 14, 2021 at 10:08 am

  102. I like the idea of the Word Bank, then expanding each idea to expand and add layers. Gonna try this today with a new idea!

    By Tanya Konerman on January 14, 2021 at 10:09 am

  103. Such a concrete path to creating and generating ideas. Thank you!!

    By Debi Boccanfuso on January 14, 2021 at 10:09 am

  104. This is fascinating. I’ve never thought about playing with the initial idea in this way… I will now!

    By beckylevine on January 14, 2021 at 10:09 am

  105. Thank you so much for taking us through your process. Great ideas to try!

    By Julie Maria Harris on January 14, 2021 at 10:11 am

  106. Thank you Lauren, I like how following the yellow brick road adds so many layers to a story. 🎵I’m off to create my most wonderful story of all 🎵 😊

    By Cathy McDonnell on January 14, 2021 at 10:11 am

  107. I love this method! Great idea. Thank you for sharing. T

    By Tanja Bauerle on January 14, 2021 at 10:13 am

  108. Interesting approach – thanks for sharing

    By steveheron on January 14, 2021 at 10:14 am

  109. Ooh, I’ll have to check out HOME FOR A WHILE.
    Thank you!

    By Nancy Colle on January 14, 2021 at 10:14 am

  110. Thanks for the ideas and templates! Very useful.

    By Jessica Coupé on January 14, 2021 at 10:15 am

  111. Love everything about this post: The Wizard of Oz, tangible tips, and a take-away template. And an A+ for your pen/pencil holder! Congrats on your upcoming book birthday!

    By Shelley Isaacson on January 14, 2021 at 10:15 am

  112. Thanks so much for sharing your process, love the word bank.

    By Rozana Rajkumari on January 14, 2021 at 10:18 am

  113. Wow – what a great article! Love the OZ imagery.

    By Robin CUrrie on January 14, 2021 at 10:20 am

  114. Thank you for sharing and for the great ideas.

    By jms5880 on January 14, 2021 at 10:22 am

  115. This is a brilliant process that I will return to again and again! Thanks, Lauren!

    By Jane Heitman Healy on January 14, 2021 at 10:24 am

  116. Thank you, Lauren. The Word Bank alone is a great story starter!

    By Bennett Dixon on January 14, 2021 at 10:25 am

  117. I love the idea of a Word Bank. Thank you for a wonderful post with great ideas.

    By Jay on January 14, 2021 at 10:26 am

  118. What a great way to organize thoughts and ideas! Thanks for sharing!

    By Krista Maxwell on January 14, 2021 at 10:26 am

  119. This pairs well with yesterday’s post. Thanks!

    By nrompella on January 14, 2021 at 10:26 am

  120. Fabulous post! I love the idea of writing a list of words you could possibly use and then what do those words make you think/wonder.

    By Barbara Senenman on January 14, 2021 at 10:27 am

  121. Thank you Lauren! I will give that yellow brick road a try!

    By Catherine Lee on January 14, 2021 at 10:27 am

  122. Thank you for the post! I will definitely try this method out.

    By Leah Moser on January 14, 2021 at 10:29 am

  123. Great idea! It all stems from asking questions, right? I love your Home for a While concept!!

    By Sarah Lynne John on January 14, 2021 at 10:29 am

  124. Lauren!!! You had me at “Yellow Brick Road,” but when I checked out your templates, I actually got goosebumps! We are “list/chart/organizing” sisters from another Mister! I LOVE that there were a few I hadn’t yet thought of and am ecSTATic! This post actually PAVES the Yellow Brick Road to a completed book. Thank you SOOoooo much 😀 ❤

    By writersideup on January 14, 2021 at 10:31 am

  125. I really enjoyed your posting … although I can’t get the tune out of my head now! If I had ruby red slippers to click, I’d be doing right now. Thank you for sharing.

    By Joan Longstaff on January 14, 2021 at 10:32 am

  126. This is great. I love the list but I love seeing the next step in the process. Sometimes I don’t push further when I should. Thanks for letting us see this process.

    By Mrs. Vandivier on January 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

  127. Wonderful word banks AND an Elmo GIF – perfection Lauren!

    By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 14, 2021 at 10:36 am

  128. Excellent post, Lauren!

    By Michael Sussman on January 14, 2021 at 10:36 am

  129. Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

    By Janice Woods on January 14, 2021 at 10:36 am

  130. Very concrete, helpful suggestions. Thank you!!

    By Valarie Giogas on January 14, 2021 at 10:39 am

  131. Wow! It’s nice to see others have a brain that goes in several directions at once. 🙂

    By Monica A. Harris on January 14, 2021 at 10:40 am

  132. Thank you for your templates!

    By amomnextdoor on January 14, 2021 at 10:42 am

  133. I’m not much of a list maker; I write them, grocery lists, chore lists, fun things to do lists, but them I forget to take my list to the store, or get off track and don’t get back on, or forget where I put my list. However, I just might be successful with these word lists because the two lists work together much like a prep assignment for a research paper. I’ll give this activity a shot and see where it leads me.

    By Susan Jobsky on January 14, 2021 at 10:42 am

  134. Great suggestions for not only generating ideas, but adding depth to those you have! Thanks!

    By Marla Yablon on January 14, 2021 at 10:43 am

  135. What a great word bank method! Thank you for the post. Looking forward to reading HOOME FOR A WHILE.

    By Lauren Barbieri on January 14, 2021 at 10:46 am

  136. I’ll take a trip on that yellow brick road, thanks.

    By Jennifer Skene on January 14, 2021 at 10:48 am

  137. Love this Yellow brick road idea. It’s about opening up to many possibilities not just following the trail of one story.

    By Sarah Tobias on January 14, 2021 at 10:49 am

  138. Thank you for the template and the trip on the yellow brick road. Congratulations on your new book. I can’t wait to read it!

    By Linda KulpTrout on January 14, 2021 at 10:51 am

  139. Great post! Love your steps to gathering more ideas and fleshing out the ones we have. Thank you

    By bevbaird on January 14, 2021 at 10:52 am

  140. Thanks for your template and good ideas. I’m anxious to read your new book when it comes out!

    By martyfindley on January 14, 2021 at 10:55 am

  141. thank you. A new way for me to get more depth into my characters and story. Got to try this method.

    By sharon lane holm on January 14, 2021 at 10:55 am

  142. An amazing way to find more ideas and layers to your PB. Thanks.

    By asiqueira1307 on January 14, 2021 at 10:56 am

  143. Thank you!

    By Kathy Mazurowski on January 14, 2021 at 10:56 am

  144. Thanks for the post.

    By Gregory E Bray on January 14, 2021 at 10:58 am

  145. Thanks, Lauren! You’ve got me putting on my ruby slippers …

    By Jessica Swaim on January 14, 2021 at 10:58 am

  146. So happy to travel the Yellow Brick Road with you, my friend and CP. May your path always be paved with gold. Lynne Marie

    By Lynne Marie on January 14, 2021 at 10:58 am

  147. Thank you for your template and great ideas. I’m anxious to read your new book when it comes out!

    By martyfindley on January 14, 2021 at 10:58 am

  148. Thank you for sharing your process with us! I’ll have to try following the yellow brick road! 😀

    By Laurie Bouck on January 14, 2021 at 11:01 am

  149. Thank you for this! Very practical and inspiring.

    By Sara Habte on January 14, 2021 at 11:02 am

  150. Three of the icons on my computer screen are screen shots of words – obsolete words, funny words and words kids love. Many ideas have started with just one word! Thanks for the post.

    By Doreen Tango Hampton on January 14, 2021 at 11:05 am

  151. I LOVE the idea of making a word bank then following the yellow brick road. Thank you!

    By kswemba on January 14, 2021 at 11:06 am

  152. A great strategy! Thanks for your post!

    By jenlinville2021 on January 14, 2021 at 11:08 am

  153. This process is FABULOUS. Thanks so much for sharing.

    By Mackinzie Rekers on January 14, 2021 at 11:08 am

  154. I love that idea of going down the yellow brick road and I have a soft spot for squirrels. Great post!

    By Hélène Sabourin on January 14, 2021 at 11:09 am

  155. Great points and the Storystorm template is really useful – thank you!

    By Meg on January 14, 2021 at 11:10 am

  156. Lauren always gives such great advice! Thank you!!

    By Hollie Wolverton on January 14, 2021 at 11:13 am

  157. Absolutely love the Yellow Brick Road analogy! And boy, does that happen. Can’t wait to read your new book.

    By Cheryl Johnson on January 14, 2021 at 11:14 am

    1. Also, I love your typewriter pencil/pen cup holder! I have the same one.

      By Cheryl Johnson on January 14, 2021 at 11:50 am

  158. Thank you, Lauren! Your strategies and Storystorm template are invaluable.

    By Armineh Manookian on January 14, 2021 at 11:18 am

  159. Very logical and specific ideas–thank you so much!

    By R M Miller on January 14, 2021 at 11:20 am

  160. Thank you, Lauren, the leading us to the Yellow Brick Road for today’s writing adventure.

    By judyrubin13 on January 14, 2021 at 11:21 am

  161. I can’t wait to use this method this weekend; thanks so much! And you can’t beat a ‘Wizard of Oz’ reference; love it!

    By Lisa P. on January 14, 2021 at 11:23 am

  162. Thanks for the great tips, Lauren!

    By Carole Shelton on January 14, 2021 at 11:24 am

  163. What a great concept. Thank you for sharing the templates on your author website. I will follow the yellow brick road from now on.

    By readmybook2002 on January 14, 2021 at 11:25 am

  164. Such an interesting post! Looking at your Storystorm template I discovered the exploding sandwich : > Thanks, Lauren!

    By Sara Trofa on January 14, 2021 at 11:27 am

  165. Making a list is your basket of apples. Sometimes you chew on an idea, sometimes you mull over it, and some ideas are just bad apples, but that is for you to decide. So make a list and get started.

    By brontebrown2 on January 14, 2021 at 11:30 am

  166. I’m all for the layers! Thank you for the inspiration and the template too!

    By sareenmclay on January 14, 2021 at 11:30 am

  167. Thank you for your word bank process. Can’t wait to try to develop a picture book manuscript with lists!

    By Joan Swanson on January 14, 2021 at 11:31 am

  168. Lauren,
    Love your strategies. Thank you for templates❤️

    By Janie Reinart on January 14, 2021 at 11:31 am

  169. I will surely follow this process and see where this lead me to. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading Home for a while. happy new year.

    By aliciaminor on January 14, 2021 at 11:34 am

  170. Thank you for the advice! I love hearing about the different ways that authors develop their stories and the tools they use to make characters complex and interesting. Can’t wait to read this book!

    By Michelle Peterson on January 14, 2021 at 11:34 am

  171. I’ve never done a word bank before. But I’m very intrigued because I do love words! Also, thank you for the templates!

    By Megan M. on January 14, 2021 at 11:34 am

  172. I love that one of your goals is to “embrace feedback.” That encouragement alone is worth the price of admission! Thanks and congrats on your upcoming book!

    By Darcee A. Freier on January 14, 2021 at 11:35 am

  173. Great suggestions…thanks for sharing!

    By katiemillsgiorgio on January 14, 2021 at 11:35 am

  174. The layering idea is splendid. The best picture books are always about more than they’re “about”.

    By Susan Claus on January 14, 2021 at 11:36 am

  175. I love the word bank/yellow brick road idea. That’s a great story-starter tip!

    By Kathleen on January 14, 2021 at 11:36 am

  176. I love your step by step tips for developing a story, especially the word bank. Thank you so much for the link to your templates – they are gold, and I’ll be able to use everyone one of them.

    By Renner Writes (@barbararenner) on January 14, 2021 at 11:37 am

    1. Oops, disregard the “everyone one” typo.

      By Renner Writes (@barbararenner) on January 14, 2021 at 11:39 am

  177. Your template is intense in a fabulous way. I love and can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing!!

    By Keeping the Me in Mommy on January 14, 2021 at 11:38 am

  178. Love this method! Thank you for sharing and for the template!

    By Cortney Benvenuto on January 14, 2021 at 11:39 am

  179. Very interesting way as to how to get an idea growing. Thank you!

    By Laurie Knowlton on January 14, 2021 at 11:40 am

  180. I am going to use my idea from yesterday and crank out a word bank. You’re such a smarty!!!

    By Katie Frawley on January 14, 2021 at 11:44 am

  181. These are wonderful! I’m adding your templates to my toolbox. Thank you!!!

    By Andrea Denish on January 14, 2021 at 11:46 am

  182. These list ideas are fabulous. Thank you!

    By triciacandy on January 14, 2021 at 11:48 am

  183. Congratulations, Lauren, on Home for a While. And thanks for reminder to add layers to story.

    By Garnett Natasha on January 14, 2021 at 11:49 am

  184. Not only a great process but one that’s fun and packed with spin off ideas. Thanks, Lauren. I love it.

    By Dee Knabb on January 14, 2021 at 11:50 am

  185. I like the word bank wonder idea – Thank you.

    By blancamanzanilla on January 14, 2021 at 11:50 am

  186. Your word bank idea is excellent and a great way for me to add to my writing treasure of ideas.

    By danielle hammelef on January 14, 2021 at 11:51 am

  187. I love this idea, because it can be applied to picture books and MG alike! Hope to win a critique of my picture book and read HOME FOR A WHILE. Thanks so much, Lauren and Tara!

    By melissaroske on January 14, 2021 at 11:52 am

  188. Oh, I love the yellow brick road idea! Fabulous.

    By Maria Oka on January 14, 2021 at 11:52 am

  189. Hi, Lauren! I love the Yellow Brick Road approach. It is really helpful to see it listed out this way. Congratulations on your new book!

    By Laura Bower on January 14, 2021 at 11:53 am

  190. Thank you Lauren. Great post.

    By Elizabeth Saba on January 14, 2021 at 11:56 am

  191. Love the word bank idea. So many ideas came from one idea! Cool! Can’t wait to try it!

    By Jennifer Rathe on January 14, 2021 at 11:57 am

  192. Lauren – thank you for this great, ideation-inspiring little roadmap! Off to see the wizard!:)

    By suumac on January 14, 2021 at 11:59 am

  193. Working the word bank. I love this idea.
    Sue

    By Susan Twiggs on January 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm

  194. Never know sometimes where the story is going to take us.

    By Cheryl on January 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm

  195. Great idea!

    By mooseeggproductions on January 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm

  196. Lauren,
    Love your idea.
    Sue

    By Susan Twiggs on January 14, 2021 at 12:01 pm

  197. Great way to spark and journey with ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    By Carole Calladine on January 14, 2021 at 12:03 pm

  198. You are an idea wizard! Thanks for sharing your steps on the Yellow Brick Road. So fun and so clever!

    By Angela De Groot on January 14, 2021 at 12:03 pm

  199. Reminds me of those word webs we used to complete in school–only much more pleasant because who likes spiders?!

    By Roxanne Troup on January 14, 2021 at 12:03 pm

  200. Thanks for sharing.

    By Chelle Martin on January 14, 2021 at 12:04 pm

  201. Great insight and I love the Wizard of Oz analogy! Thank you.

    By mariamarianayagam on January 14, 2021 at 12:05 pm

  202. Thank you for that road map.

    By mommamoocow on January 14, 2021 at 12:07 pm

  203. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your new book – can’t wait to see it!

    By claudia sloan on January 14, 2021 at 12:07 pm

  204. I read this after having created a word list, something I often do while ideating. I usually use that list to help jumpstart the story or come up with a title. Thanks to you, I’ve got another step to explore, following the yellow brick road. Love it!

    By Fern Glazer on January 14, 2021 at 12:07 pm

  205. Thank you for your insights. Love it!

    By SSR Bea on January 14, 2021 at 12:07 pm

  206. Great idea on how to get lots of ideas from one idea!!

    By Jessica Potts on January 14, 2021 at 12:08 pm

  207. This idea really resonates with me. I’m starting to find that word banks can be helpful at all stages of the writing process: brainstorming, writing, and revising! Thank you!

    By calliebdean on January 14, 2021 at 12:09 pm

  208. Excited to try this strategy!! Thank you 💛

    By Tricia Thatcher on January 14, 2021 at 12:10 pm

  209. Your Storystorm template and how-to-use it ideas arrived just in time today for developing an idea that is on my Storystorm list. Thank-you.

    By mariearden on January 14, 2021 at 12:10 pm

  210. Thank you, love the templates!

    By Kassy Keppol on January 14, 2021 at 12:16 pm

  211. I am going to go try to think of a concept and get started on my brainstorming right now – in my handy dandy Storystorm journal that JUST arrived!!

    By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 14, 2021 at 12:18 pm

  212. I think this is a very helpful way of developing the story ideas brainstormed during this month. I hope to use this strategy to help me advance my writing.

    By Annie War on January 14, 2021 at 12:18 pm

  213. So much great info packed into this post. And the template! That is so incredibly useful. Thank you, Lauren, and congrats on your book!!

    By clairebobrow on January 14, 2021 at 12:19 pm

  214. This is a really interesting exercise that I’m going to try right now.

    By ljh22o on January 14, 2021 at 12:19 pm

  215. Love this idea of branching off one main idea. This is really cool, thank you for sharing!

    By heatherbell37 on January 14, 2021 at 12:21 pm

  216. Some good ideas here.

    By Cindy S on January 14, 2021 at 12:22 pm

  217. Thanks for the helpful tips 🙂

    By Beth Holladay on January 14, 2021 at 12:23 pm

  218. I am going to have to incorporate the word bank with my students. I like the Yellow Brick Road idea. In my class we call it the world of wonder, as in, I wonder….

    By matthewlasley on January 14, 2021 at 12:23 pm

  219. Love this post, Lauren! Thanks for the template!

    By Kelly Jaques on January 14, 2021 at 12:24 pm

  220. The Yellow Brick Road makes gathering ideas sound so easy! Thank you.

    By tinamcho on January 14, 2021 at 12:24 pm

  221. Thanks Lauren, I look forward to the new PB! Record or weep is great advice, don’t discount ideas.

    By bonzerb on January 14, 2021 at 12:24 pm

  222. I love the idea of using the spark to generate more ideas. Thank you! Congratulations on your upcoming book. I look forward to reading it.

    By Maria Altizer on January 14, 2021 at 12:26 pm

  223. I love the idea of a whole notebook for one story to keep it all organized. Thanks!

    By kskeesling on January 14, 2021 at 12:29 pm

  224. Wonderful, concrete ways to take those sparks further. Fabulous templates. And your book looks so beautiful. Thank you, Lauren!

    By Joyce on January 14, 2021 at 12:30 pm

  225. Ahh, more lists to fuel the fire of creativity. Thank you! I’ll be honest though: reading this post, I felt a certain stubbornness stir up in me. “A word bank? But didn’t I already write all the words I need in the actual story itself?” But I swallowed my artistic pride and applied this exercise to the MS I’m currently working on. And you know what? There’s a particular magic to jotting down an idea or a detail that you had only alluded to or thought of in your head previously. Even though I *knew*, on some level, that my MS had to do with generosity and trying new things, among other subjects, actually typing those words out solidified the concept that much more for me. It’s like that ancient belief that knowing the name of something gives you power over it. Well, writing down the name of the idea that I was trying to communicate made me feel that much more empowered by it. Just having that “tactile” list for me to refer back to has already helped bring certain things into sharper focus. Thank you again!

    By Jose Cruz on January 14, 2021 at 12:31 pm

  226. What a great technique for turning one idea into several.

    By Bethanny Parker on January 14, 2021 at 12:32 pm

  227. Great suggestions. I would love to read your upcoming book and meet Calvin. We need more books about kids in these kind of situations!
    In the meantime, I hope to follow your yellow brick road. 🙂

    By lauriekaiserwrites on January 14, 2021 at 12:33 pm

  228. Yellow Brick Road: Why are they yellow? How to they get the gold/yellow paint? Who’s responsible for cleaning it?

    By andynarwhal on January 14, 2021 at 12:33 pm

  229. I love the idea of a word bank to kick off the trip down the yellow brick road. Thanks for sharing!

    By Daryl Gottier on January 14, 2021 at 12:35 pm

  230. Thank you Lauren. Your website is full of ideas and templates to use when writing. I like this yellow brick road idea and hopefully if I stick with squirrels there won’t be a million of them out there in a few months. I watched two this fall gathering pinecones and taking to a nest for winter but I didn’t have a story idea till now.

    By Sheri Radovich on January 14, 2021 at 12:35 pm

  231. After reading your incredible post, I realized that when I create a mind map for my story idea I’m really generating a word bank. Then adding layers by asking deeper questions? That’s gold! I’m going to do this with all the ideas I’ve jotted down this month. Thank you.

    By Roberta Gibson on January 14, 2021 at 12:37 pm

  232. That was so helpful – thanks!

    By Robin Wiesneth on January 14, 2021 at 12:41 pm

  233. Thank you so much for such practical, implementable ways to move our story storm ideas into the next level of story development.

    By Dawn Prochovnic on January 14, 2021 at 12:41 pm

  234. Love the templates on your website! Thanks for suggesting the word bank idea. I’ve seen it mentioned before, but never actually put it into practice. Now I’m fired up to try it!

    By marty on January 14, 2021 at 12:43 pm

  235. I love your Storystorm template, Lauren! Thanks for sharing that with us!
    -Maryna Doughty

    By marynadoughty on January 14, 2021 at 12:45 pm

  236. I love the yellow brick road strategy – thank you!

    By Emily R. Keener on January 14, 2021 at 12:46 pm

  237. From one former Jersey Girl to another, thanks so much, Lauren! I love all your ideas, and of course, HOME FOR A WHILE is an amazing story! Thanks, Lauren and Tara!

    By Ellen Leventhal on January 14, 2021 at 12:49 pm

  238. Thanks, Lauren, for the Storystorm template. I loved your word bank idea, and your description on how to follow the Yellow Brick Road. This was a great post.

    By authordebradaugherty on January 14, 2021 at 12:50 pm

  239. At first I was skeptical of your word bank idea, but then I saw where it could lead. Idea generator! Will definitely try it. Thank you!

    By Julia Lyon on January 14, 2021 at 12:52 pm

  240. Thanks Lauren, I will try the word bank and yellow brick road ideas, and will also check out your templates. This post was a wealth of inspiration!

    By andreesantini on January 14, 2021 at 12:52 pm

  241. I love the layering focus – thank you!

    By Patti Ranson on January 14, 2021 at 12:53 pm

  242. I love seeing how other people build their stories, fantastic. And what a neat template you provide to dive deeper into our story sparks, thanks!

    By aidantalkin on January 14, 2021 at 12:54 pm

  243. I love that you have a creative process. Even better, you named it the Yellow Brick Road!! This post is a keeper! Thanks for sharing!!

    By Sue on January 14, 2021 at 12:54 pm

  244. Such a helpful post -one can never go wrong following the yellow brick road! Thank you and congrats!

    By danielledufayet on January 14, 2021 at 12:57 pm

  245. Great ideas and reminders! I used word banks with my students but for some reason never thought to use them in my own writing!

    By Becky Ross Michael on January 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm

  246. Lauren, I love your ideas for following the yellow brick road! Thanks for sharing!

    By Cathy Ogren on January 14, 2021 at 1:01 pm

  247. I’ve never tried using a word bank before. I can’t wait to put it to use!

    By Krysta Zeiset on January 14, 2021 at 1:01 pm

  248. Such a clever idea and makes so much sense I can’t believe I have never done it like this before. Thank you for sharing 😁

    By Lydia Loeber on January 14, 2021 at 1:02 pm

  249. Lauren – from one “Jersey” girl to another, thank you for your inspiration. I had a story idea this morning and I’m trying out your method. Thank you!

    By annette schottenfeld on January 14, 2021 at 1:04 pm

  250. Thanks for the helpful post – I can already tell this is going to help with…SPARKS! Love the word bank idea. Also thanks for the link to your Story Storm template. I’m looking forward to reading Home For A While!

    By Penelope McNally on January 14, 2021 at 1:05 pm

  251. Great post – and the link to the author’s storystorm template provides even more great information. Thank you!

    By Debra Katz on January 14, 2021 at 1:08 pm

  252. Thank you for the great post Lauren! I can’t wait to read your new book. I’m also a mental health therapist and writer, so very anxious to see how you tackled the topic of foster care, etc.

    By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 14, 2021 at 1:09 pm

  253. Another great reason to follow the yellow brook road. Thanks for the inspiration, Lauren.

    By Susan on January 14, 2021 at 1:09 pm

  254. This was a profitable exercise and a new way of looking at things during the idea stage. Thank-you. (I love the ideas I generated through your YBR activity!!!!!!!)

    By Joanne Roberts on January 14, 2021 at 1:19 pm

  255. Love the word bank idea. I’ve never tried that. Thanks for joining Story Storm!

    By authoraileenstewart on January 14, 2021 at 1:19 pm

  256. What a great post! I love the peanut-butter-and-jelly-eating squirrel. So many story ideas from one. This will be a very productive strategy to use. Thank you!

    By Peggy Dobbs on January 14, 2021 at 1:22 pm

  257. Lauren, thanks for the templates. I’m excited to play with my idea nuggets.

    By ramonapersaudwrites on January 14, 2021 at 1:22 pm

  258. Love this strategy! It’s just perfect for exploring that yellow brick road. Thank you! Congrats on your new book!

    By Angie on January 14, 2021 at 1:22 pm

  259. Lauren! You combined two of my favorite things: ideas and lists. Thank you! 🙂

    By Mary Jo Wagner on January 14, 2021 at 1:22 pm

  260. Great storystorm exercise ! Love the storystorm mug too!!! great post. I will try to follow the yellow brick road!

    By Krissy on January 14, 2021 at 1:23 pm

  261. Word banks are fun. Great ideas, thanks. But now I’ve got “follow the yellow brick road” earworming its way through my brain!

    By Sue Heavenrich on January 14, 2021 at 1:25 pm

  262. This post came at such a perfect time! I was brainstorming for a new manuscript I’ve thought about writing a dozen times. Your strategy is already helping me get the creative juices flowing. Thank you! And, I second Mary Jo. Ideas + lists = <3!!!

    By jacquelineflesher on January 14, 2021 at 1:26 pm

  263. Great strategy!

    By Michelle Ramirez on January 14, 2021 at 1:30 pm

  264. such a wonderful way to organize all those random Roman candles shooting off in my head. thank you for sharing!

    By tasha woodson on January 14, 2021 at 1:31 pm

  265. Lauren, thanks for a very helpful post. I will be referring back to it and to the template. Your writing goals are so important! I look forward to reading HOME FOR A WHILE and sharing it with a young man we fostered when he was a teen so he may in turn share it with his young family.

    By Brenda Flowers on January 14, 2021 at 1:32 pm

  266. Thanks for sharing your template. I like lists, too. And the word bank is a great way to spark new ideas.

    By Sarah Skolfield on January 14, 2021 at 1:34 pm

  267. Lauren,

    Thank you for this unique approach to building a story while generating new ideas! And…those templates on your website are mind blowing!! They’re wonderful and so very helpful. Thank you for sharing your ideas and wisdom with us!

    By Lori Shapiro on January 14, 2021 at 1:37 pm

  268. Thanks for an inspiring post, Lauren! I’m definitely going to use the word bank idea and template.

    By Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert) on January 14, 2021 at 1:37 pm

  269. I made my list ( checked it twice-oops -different song). Lots of cool ideas. Nice different approach

    By Elyse Trevers on January 14, 2021 at 1:43 pm

  270. OMG! Your templates are amazing. Thank you for sharing. I love the idea that a word can be your inspiration and you just “follow the yellow brick road” to the exploding sandwich! That sounds like a picture book all on its own!

    By Aundra Tomlins on January 14, 2021 at 1:46 pm

  271. Thank you for sharing your tools for success! Those templates on your web site are most helpful!

    By Amy Bradshaw (@arkamyb) on January 14, 2021 at 1:47 pm

  272. Thank you Lauren and Tara!
    Such great examples of one form of inspiration leading to another- very creative processes to help- thanks!
    You book sounds wonderful to help kids and adults!
    Take care and Happy new year to you both! Tina

    By Tina on January 14, 2021 at 1:47 pm

  273. I love this template! Thanks for sharing this method and for your amazing talents!

    By Heather Rowley on January 14, 2021 at 1:48 pm

  274. Love this idea. It’s really actionable!

    By paulaobering on January 14, 2021 at 1:50 pm

  275. I like this follow the yellow brick road method. I can see it generating lots of ideas. Thanks!

    By Shannon Hitchcock (@ShanonHitchcock) on January 14, 2021 at 1:51 pm

  276. I enjoyed your post, Lauren. Using word banks is a great way to generate story ideas and layers, for sure.Thanks.

    By kmajor2013 on January 14, 2021 at 1:52 pm

  277. This is gold! Thank you for your advice!

    By Kaye Wright on January 14, 2021 at 1:52 pm

  278. Love the word bank and all of the good story starters that it produced. Great idea!

    By Kimberly Hutmacher on January 14, 2021 at 1:53 pm

  279. What a great post! Love the idea of following idea where ever they lead. No telling what fun places we might go. Thanks for sharing.

    By Pamela Haskin on January 14, 2021 at 1:53 pm

  280. Thank you, Lauren! This is an amazing way to generate ideas and I can’t wait to try it!

    By Amy Cory on January 14, 2021 at 1:54 pm

  281. I love the idea of following the yellow brick road! Thanks also for your template, Lauren!

    By Aimee Satterlee on January 14, 2021 at 1:57 pm

  282. Love this concept, Lauren. A great way to dig deeper! Congratulations!

    By tpierce on January 14, 2021 at 2:01 pm

  283. Great template, and a great way to generate even more ideas!

    By Lydia Lukidis on January 14, 2021 at 2:01 pm

  284. Great tip for ideation! Also – as an adoptive mom I love having foster care as a theme. Showing kids all the different paths to family is wonderful.

    By cpellettiere on January 14, 2021 at 2:02 pm

  285. I love the yellow brick road! Can’t wait to see where it leads today!

    By Michele Ziemke on January 14, 2021 at 2:04 pm

  286. Who knew following the Yellow Brick Road could be part of my search for new ideas.

    By rindabeach on January 14, 2021 at 2:04 pm

  287. I can’t wait to try the Word Bank idea!

    By Lori Sheroan on January 14, 2021 at 2:05 pm

  288. Thanks! I like the idea of taking one concept and asking questions. It feels scientific.

    By Dream Read Wonder on January 14, 2021 at 2:07 pm

  289. Thank you for sharing these steps!

    By Elizabeth Muster on January 14, 2021 at 2:09 pm

  290. Great tips on diving deeper to see different possibilities of where your ideas can go! Thanks Lauren and congratulations!

    By curryelizabeth on January 14, 2021 at 2:09 pm

  291. Wow. Thanks for sharing your numerous templates on your website. And who doesn’t giggle 🙂 when Elmo dances! Peace, A

    By Alicia Shawn Gagnon on January 14, 2021 at 2:09 pm

  292. “The other thing to keep in mind is that following the Yellow Brick Road not only leads to new ideas, it can also help you add layers to your manuscript.” Thanks for that reminder!

    By Claire A. B. Freeland on January 14, 2021 at 2:17 pm

  293. Taking ideas farther down the yellow brick road is a great way to flesh them out to see what works!

    By Judy Sobanski on January 14, 2021 at 2:19 pm

  294. Lauren, what a great way to move forward with ideas.Thanks!

    By David McMullin on January 14, 2021 at 2:20 pm

  295. Thanks for your awesome post. I love the Word Bank approach. Will definitely try. Congrats on your upcoming book!

    By Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner) on January 14, 2021 at 2:20 pm

  296. Lauren, I loved your example of the Yellow Brick Road and will use that to flush-out the golden nuggets of choice words to be used in my stories. Thanks a bunch!

    By Hank Dallago on January 14, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    1. Thanks for the yellow brick road approach to writing stories.

      By Rebecca E Guzinski on January 14, 2021 at 2:32 pm

  297. This is such a great idea! I do a word bank with associated words for all my stories, but that is to put those words IN my story. I never thought about using a word bank to go in different directions with story inspiration! Thank you!!

    By dedra davis on January 14, 2021 at 2:27 pm

  298. This is brilliant, Lauren! Love the Word Bank idea. And thanks for generously sharing your templates. Congrats on your new PB.

    By Babs Ostapina on January 14, 2021 at 2:31 pm

  299. I’m looking forward to reading Home for Awhile.

    By yvonne pearson on January 14, 2021 at 2:33 pm

  300. I love your stepwise process. I’m definitely going to try out your word bank and yellow brick road. Thanks so much!

    By srkckass on January 14, 2021 at 2:36 pm

  301. What a fabulous exercise for moving forward after that
    initial SPARK –thanks!

    By Poupette on January 14, 2021 at 2:41 pm

  302. Lauren,
    The Yellow Brick Road is genius. Did you come up with that? I am excited to incorporate that ASAP. Thank you for sharing this awesome way to generate ideas.

    By Sharon Coffey on January 14, 2021 at 2:41 pm

  303. Your template is amazing. Thank you!

    By annettepimentel on January 14, 2021 at 2:43 pm

  304. Lauren, your step-by-step brainstorming path will help focus our imaginations. As we “storystorm,” sometimes creativity sparks like sparklers. Ideas light up and fizzle out before we’re able to flush out a solid idea. I appreciate your work in designing the Storystorm template. I’ve downloaded and printed copies as I get set to stir up ideas. Bravo for your upcoming books! Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued journey…

    By marshaelyn on January 14, 2021 at 2:45 pm

  305. Great step-by-step inspiration! And thanks for the templates, Lauren.

    By CindyC on January 14, 2021 at 2:49 pm

  306. Thank you, Lauren, for the suggestion of the word bank and then taking those words to follow the Yellow Brick Road into story ideas. I look forward to trying this out.

    By Suzanne Alexander on January 14, 2021 at 2:51 pm

  307. I absolutely love the WORD BANK WONDER, great idea! Thank you Lauren!

    By Catherine Brewer on January 14, 2021 at 2:51 pm

  308. What a great set of tools to use in fleshing out an idea for a picture book. I’ve never tried this and have never seen it. Thank you for the example of showing how it’s applied.

    By Shaunda Wenger on January 14, 2021 at 2:52 pm

  309. I love the concept of brainstorming off of a word bank!

    By katiefischerwrites on January 14, 2021 at 2:53 pm

  310. great idea about building a story. So glad someone who is a social worker wrote a PB about a foster child.

    By Sherry Smith on January 14, 2021 at 2:55 pm

  311. As I read your post, ideas started flowing. Great strategy. Need to run! Gotta catch up with my ideas on the yellow brick road. Toodles.

    By Beatrice Brown on January 14, 2021 at 2:57 pm

  312. Lauren, thanks for sharing your approach and for the templates. Congrats on your new book– I love Magination Books! (My background is in school counseling.)

    By Joni Hay Patras on January 14, 2021 at 2:58 pm

  313. I like how you started with one idea and then branched out into many different ideas and then kept going. This is an great technique for brainstorming before picking an idea to flesh out. I love it. Thank, Lauren.

    By Linda Hofke on January 14, 2021 at 3:03 pm

  314. Interesting! I will give it a shot.

    By gmv246 on January 14, 2021 at 3:08 pm

  315. I love how you came up with such good questions just from your word bank. Your new book, Home for a While, sounds wonderful, as I have not seen many picture books addressing coping skills for kids while in foster care. As an adoptive mom, I am eager to share your book with the families in my post-adoption and foster care support group. Thank you for writing it!

    By Marie on January 14, 2021 at 3:08 pm

  316. Love that idea of adding layers. Feelings can be complicated.

    By Amanda on January 14, 2021 at 3:09 pm

  317. Lauren, you are the wonderful wizard of ideas! Great post that took me to unique thoughts for some of my projects. Thanks for the inspiration.

    By Kate Carroll on January 14, 2021 at 3:12 pm

  318. Love your Yellow Brick Road approach! So many metaphors for the idea-generation process. And now I must say that I’ll have an earworm for the rest of the day, LOL.

    By Jilanne Hoffmann on January 14, 2021 at 3:15 pm

  319. Love this concrete format for adding layers to a story–very helpful!

    By jensubra on January 14, 2021 at 3:15 pm

  320. Who put the ape in apricot? What has he got that I ain’t got? Seriously, this is a fun brainstorming approach–thank you!

    By BONNIE AUSLANDER on January 14, 2021 at 3:17 pm

  321. I love this process. Thank you Lauren!

    By Brian Yanish on January 14, 2021 at 3:29 pm

  322. What a great way to build on ideas!

    By Cindy on January 14, 2021 at 3:32 pm

  323. Great advice, thank you for the fantastic post! ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ can’t wait 🤗 best wishes x

    By lisakhan9 on January 14, 2021 at 3:37 pm

  324. I love the way you’ve put this. It’s such a helpful way to organize ideas while hunting for stories. Thank you!

    By Faith Pray on January 14, 2021 at 3:39 pm

  325. I love this fun way to generate ideas! I’m going to try the word bank with my newest idea. Thank Lauren!

    By Eileen Mayo on January 14, 2021 at 3:45 pm

  326. Wow, thank you, Lauren! You just shared yet another fantastic method—the yellow-brick-road method—for harvesting story ideas!

    By babybluesnowflake on January 14, 2021 at 3:46 pm

  327. Thank you Lauren! Great advice!

    By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 14, 2021 at 3:52 pm

  328. I love that your yellow brick road went to squirrels. I like squirrels. Once when I tried to catch one, I realized that doggies can’t climb trees. #imaginethat

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

    By Genevieve Petrillo on January 14, 2021 at 3:54 pm

  329. Thank you, Lauren. I love the word bank idea! Good suggestions.

    By Anne C. Bromley on January 14, 2021 at 3:57 pm

  330. Thanks for taking us along on the Yellow Brick Road, and for your awesome Storystorm template!

    By Carrie Tillotson on January 14, 2021 at 3:58 pm

  331. Thanks for your thoughts. I think your templates are great. Thanks for sharing!

    By Amy H on January 14, 2021 at 3:59 pm

  332. Can’t wait to try this technique- and grab a copy of your book. I have nephews adopted out of foster care.

    By Lydia Leimbach on January 14, 2021 at 3:59 pm

  333. Thanks, Lauren! I appreciate the example of how one idea can expand into many!

    By Amy Grover on January 14, 2021 at 4:01 pm

  334. Thank you Lauren. I really like the template idea and will indeed take a trip along the yellow brick road!

    By jbbower on January 14, 2021 at 4:04 pm

  335. Thanks for the great advice. I enjoyed looking at your website and appreciated the template.

    By Elizabeth Duncan on January 14, 2021 at 4:10 pm

  336. I love this method of generating ideas! And congrats on your new book. It sounds wonderful!

    By Jana Mattern on January 14, 2021 at 4:10 pm

  337. Lauren, you’re a wiz at fleshing out story ideas. Thank you for showing how you add layers, for your Storystorm template, and for your beautiful new book, Home for a While ❤

    By Lori Dubbin on January 14, 2021 at 4:11 pm

  338. I love this idea. I do use the template. I feel like I have accomplished something when I follow through with a method and end up with a fabulous idea to put in my stash. Thank, Lauren.

    By Marlena Leach on January 14, 2021 at 4:11 pm

  339. This is a fantastic idea!! Thanks and I’m off to see the wizard!

    By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 14, 2021 at 4:12 pm

  340. OMGOODNESS The Yellow Brock Road is an amazing strategy! Thank you for sharing this. Best of luck with your new book launching.

    By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 14, 2021 at 4:12 pm

  341. Love these concrete ideas on how to generate plots and take them wherever the road leads! Thank you for sharing your process : )

    By Katie Williams on January 14, 2021 at 4:15 pm

  342. What a timely story! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it! Thank you for sharing your steps for creating story ideas!

    By Karen Pickrell on January 14, 2021 at 4:25 pm

  343. Thank you for sharing this. A wonderful way to let your ideas flow and find your groove. 🙂

    By susaninez0905 on January 14, 2021 at 4:25 pm

  344. Thank you, Lauren! I can’t wait to make my own way along the yellow brick road! 🙂

    By Bonnie Kelso on January 14, 2021 at 4:27 pm

  345. I love the step by step instructions on how to follow the yellow brick road, and thank you for providing such great writing resources on your website!

    By Debi Novotny on January 14, 2021 at 4:29 pm

  346. Oooh, word banks. What a great idea. Thank you, Lauren.

    By debobrienbookscom on January 14, 2021 at 4:30 pm

  347. I’m excited to try this yellow brick road strategy and see where my initial idea might take me. And I can’t wait for your upcoming book. We adopted our little boy through Foster Care and your book sounds so meaningful. Thank you!

    By amckelle on January 14, 2021 at 4:31 pm

  348. Thank you, a great way to let your mind wander and find new direction.

    By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 14, 2021 at 4:32 pm

  349. I love creating word banks, so this way of generating ideas sounds really fun! Thank you.

    By Janet Sheets on January 14, 2021 at 4:32 pm

  350. Never have I thought of creating a word bank before I write … that suggestion alone makes this post gold for me (then there’s your other suggestions – and the template). Thank you so much.

    By Kellie on January 14, 2021 at 4:34 pm

  351. Thank you Lauren. I appreciate your advice. I know that every idea may not be a story, every idea deserves a chance. You never know.

    By Thelia Hutchinson on January 14, 2021 at 4:36 pm

  352. Oh great Empress of Templates Lauren, I want to thank you for giving us the royal treatment! Looking at the blank templates on your blog post is an amazing journey into the ways you get ready to write a picture book. It’s inspirational, not to mention just plain fun to check them out. There are ways to define character, directions to take the plot, and prompts to help with decision making while brainstorming. I love that picture book author support tracking page! Genius! Thank you so much for generously offering these frameworks. Happy book-to-be in February!

    By marty on January 14, 2021 at 4:44 pm

  353. I love this “yellow brick road” idea. I think it is one I can really use to keep my brain going in the right direction. I find walking a great way to think through my ideas, but living in Buffalo, pretty much takes that away from me for the winter. I think this might be just what I need.

    By Carol Porter- Porter on January 14, 2021 at 4:51 pm

  354. Thanks for the inspiration, Lauren! I checked out your website and found a few other gems. Thanks!

    By Laura De La Cruz on January 14, 2021 at 5:00 pm

  355. Love word banks! Thanks for sharing!

    By Rebekah Lowell on January 14, 2021 at 5:04 pm

  356. Great tips! Thank you!

    By Heather Stigall on January 14, 2021 at 5:05 pm

  357. Thanks for sharing!

    By Dawn M. on January 14, 2021 at 5:13 pm

  358. Great “steps” to take down that yellow brick road! Thanks so much, Lauren. Congrats on another fantastic-sounding book!

    By Karen Greenwald on January 14, 2021 at 5:14 pm

  359. Oooh, amazing suggestions! Thank you.

    By DaNeil Olson on January 14, 2021 at 5:15 pm

  360. Thanks for a great post! I love the example of how one idea branches into many more. I’m looking forward to your new book- as a social worker I’ve worked with many kids in foster care, and there’s such a need for this!

    By Lisa Billa on January 14, 2021 at 5:15 pm

  361. Thanks Lauren for the next level of brainstorming lists! Congratulations on your book, it sounds great.

    By Mary Warth on January 14, 2021 at 5:15 pm

  362. Love this column. It is a keeper!!! Thank you

    By Susan Eyerman on January 14, 2021 at 5:16 pm

  363. Lauren, I love this way of coming up with story ideas! Thanks!

    By Susan Ahearn-Pierce on January 14, 2021 at 5:17 pm

  364. Love this post and the concept of following the yellow brick road. Thank you, Lauren!

    By Sarah Meade on January 14, 2021 at 5:19 pm

  365. What a great idea. I love the thought process – going to give this a try today.

    By NC Karuzis on January 14, 2021 at 5:20 pm

  366. What a fun theme and way to generate ideas! Thanks for this tool!

    By boardmancamera on January 14, 2021 at 5:21 pm

  367. Thank you, Lauren! Your Storystorm template is amazing. And so is your idea for a word bank. I can’t wait to try them out!

    By Stephanie Gibeault on January 14, 2021 at 5:22 pm

  368. An idea can go in so many directions. Thanks for leading us down the yellow brick road.

    By claireannette1 on January 14, 2021 at 5:22 pm

  369. My Word Bank is earning interest every day.

    By Stephen S. Martin on January 14, 2021 at 5:28 pm

  370. Thank you for sharing.

    By savannahpalma on January 14, 2021 at 5:28 pm

  371. I’m going to try your ideas 🙂 .

    By Jennifer Raudenbush on January 14, 2021 at 5:28 pm

  372. Thank you! I am going to try your word bank suggestion. Great idea! Congrats on your new book!

    By Mary Ann Blair on January 14, 2021 at 5:31 pm

  373. I love the idea of following the yellow brick road of ideas. Thanks!

    By Melissa Koch on January 14, 2021 at 5:31 pm

  374. Thank you for sharing your template and many helpful suggestions.

    By Kristin Sawyer on January 14, 2021 at 5:32 pm

  375. Love it! A simple, yet effective exercise. Thanks!

    By Brandy Dixon on January 14, 2021 at 5:33 pm

  376. Congratulations Lauren! What a fun post following you down the yellow brick road to ideas and layers! I’m looking forward to reading your story 🙂

    By chardixon47 on January 14, 2021 at 5:33 pm

  377. I love the Wizard of Oz and love that you tied it into idea creation/exploration! Thanks for the steps and congrats on your new story. 🙂

    By Michele Rietz on January 14, 2021 at 5:39 pm

  378. I am a Child Psychologist and also interested in picture books dealing with emotions and social skills. Thanks for the tips to help generate ideas!

    By PATRICIA OPPENHEIM on January 14, 2021 at 5:42 pm

  379. Congratulations on your latest books and thanks for the inspiration. Special thanks for all the templates on your website – what a treasure trove. See you on twitter.

    By Stephanie Wildman on January 14, 2021 at 5:43 pm

  380. Lauren, this is such a great way to look for/find layers within an idea. Such a great template, too. Thank for such a great post and an avalanche of ideas today! Can’t wait to meet Calvin!

    By Maria Marshall on January 14, 2021 at 5:45 pm

  381. Wow, look how many more ideas you were able to come up with using this exercise! I love this method- thanks for sharing it. Congratulations on your new book!

    By Jen Helwig on January 14, 2021 at 5:50 pm

  382. I love the yellow brick road approach! Thanks for sharing, Lauren!

    By sherry fellores on January 14, 2021 at 5:54 pm

  383. FABULOUS!

    By Tania on January 14, 2021 at 5:55 pm

  384. I am so going to follow the Yellow Brick Road. I might even sing while I’m doing it. Can’t wait to read your books even if I don’t win one! Thanks for the template(s). (I went to your website and grabbed a few more.)

    By Marilyn Wolpin on January 14, 2021 at 6:06 pm

  385. So interesting and a great way to generate multiple story ideas. Thank you!

    By Jennifer Weisse on January 14, 2021 at 6:08 pm

  386. Thank you Lauren, loved the Yellow Brick road approach. It’s something I have to remind myself to do sometimes especially when I see a deadline looming. Great templates too. Thank you for sharing them.

    By Aly Kenna on January 14, 2021 at 6:12 pm

  387. Thanks for sharing your darling process! I’m excited to meet Calvin (and congratulations!).

    By LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 14, 2021 at 6:16 pm

  388. Thanks so much!

    By Laurel Santini on January 14, 2021 at 6:22 pm

  389. Great exercise. Thanks!

    By Linda Schueler on January 14, 2021 at 6:27 pm

  390. Great idea thanks for sharing

    By Kay on January 14, 2021 at 6:29 pm

  391. Love this!! Thanks!

    By Jessica Pilarski on January 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm

  392. So much fun to see how one idea leads to another idea and then another and another and another! Thanks!

    By Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on January 14, 2021 at 6:33 pm

  393. I love the road analogy with one idea leading to another. And your StoryStorm template is fabulous — thank you!

    By Gabi Snyder on January 14, 2021 at 6:34 pm

  394. Lauren, I like the idea of the yellow brick road for Story Storm. Thank you.

    By YauMei Chiang on January 14, 2021 at 6:35 pm

  395. Thanks for the specific process to generate ideas!

    By Jill Friestad-Tate on January 14, 2021 at 6:46 pm

  396. Love your word bank!!!! In a nonfiction pb writing class, the teacher always emphasized the importance of those special words that can add so much to the flavor of the story. And I’m adding your word bank idea to my picture book toolbox. Thank you for a great post!!!!

    By viviankirkfield on January 14, 2021 at 6:47 pm

  397. The Yellow Brick Road concept for generating ideas is excellent! Thanks, Lauren!

    By Dannielle Viera on January 14, 2021 at 6:47 pm

  398. Thanks for sharing your idea-generating process, Lauren. I am so excited to read your book, Home for a While – a much needed picture book!

    By Melanie Ellsworth on January 14, 2021 at 6:56 pm

  399. Ta ta! I’m off to see the wizard!!

    By Christine M Irvin on January 14, 2021 at 6:58 pm

  400. Hey, wait that’s how I do it!
    Scarecrow? Lion? Gasp – Dorothy is that YOU?

    By JEN Garrett on January 14, 2021 at 7:03 pm

  401. Great process, Lauren! Thanks for sharing.

    By Rona Shirdan on January 14, 2021 at 7:04 pm

  402. I love the idea of using the YBR to add layers! Congrats on Home for a While!

    By lisanevada on January 14, 2021 at 7:07 pm

  403. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Thanks for this!

    By maureenegan on January 14, 2021 at 7:08 pm

  404. Love this post, thanks so much. Terrific advice!

    By Karin Larson on January 14, 2021 at 7:09 pm

  405. I love this Yellow Brick Road approach to fleshing out ideas, Lauren. Thank you! Also, I appreciate the template to help me get it all down on paper and out of my head.

    By mandyyokim on January 14, 2021 at 7:09 pm

  406. OMG–LOVE all of your templates on your site! Thanks for sharing. Congrats on your publications, and good luck on your upcoming book launches!

    By Pamela Brunskill on January 14, 2021 at 7:15 pm

  407. Love this idea generation exercise! Thank you and can’t wait to get my copy of Home for A While!!

    By Charlotte Offsay on January 14, 2021 at 7:18 pm

  408. I love the yellow brick road!! It gives a form to stream of consciousness and is such a great idea generator!!

    By Stephanie Jones on January 14, 2021 at 7:22 pm

  409. Thank you for sharing the great advice, Lauren!

    By heidikyates on January 14, 2021 at 7:24 pm

  410. Love that you “keep Dragons” I love dragons…the ones in my head, heart and home are many and mighty and meek and mild and fine and wild…Thanks!

    By 58chilihed13 on January 14, 2021 at 7:26 pm

  411. Thank you for sharing! I’m excited to wander down the yellow brick road and your website with all of the templates is a huge bonus! Thanks again!

    By Shannon Fossett on January 14, 2021 at 7:30 pm

  412. Thanks so much for sharing this story generating idea and all the resources on your website. I love how your Rosie & Charlie books take universal kid centered themes and put a new twist on them. Can’t wait to read your new book.

    By John McGranaghan on January 14, 2021 at 7:34 pm

  413. Thanks Lauren! It is so true how one idea can spark so many more. The templates you linked are incredibly helpful as well!

    By Michelle Losardo on January 14, 2021 at 7:42 pm

  414. Yay, Lauren! Your book is lovely.

    By kathydoherty1 on January 14, 2021 at 7:42 pm

  415. I love your Yellow Brick Road theory and the fact that you have a notebook JUST for fleshing out new ideas. I’m going to do the same. Currently I have notes for ideas sprinkled in with conference/webinar notebooks. Thanks for the tips!

    By Melissa Trempe is querying (@melissa_trempe) on January 14, 2021 at 7:44 pm

  416. Thanks for the yellow brick road analogy, and congratulations on your book! Lynn Street

    By streetlynn on January 14, 2021 at 7:56 pm

  417. Wonderful strategy! Thank you. I’m going to try it out right away.

    By Sarah Stuart on January 14, 2021 at 8:02 pm

  418. I love the idea of following the yellow brick road to find out more about a spark and the direction it could take. Thank you for the templates and sound writing advice.

    By Mel H. on January 14, 2021 at 8:08 pm

  419. Great suggestions and strategies! Thank you for sharing them!

    By Lyn Miller-Lachmann on January 14, 2021 at 8:08 pm

  420. What a timely book! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your steps for finding story ideas.

    By Karen Pickrell on January 14, 2021 at 8:13 pm

  421. Layers in the story are very important! Thank you for mentioning that, Lauren! Your templates are very helpful and a generous thing for you to offer. Thank you!

    By writeremmcbride on January 14, 2021 at 8:22 pm

  422. Thanks for the fantastic post, Lauren! It is incredibly helpful. I appreciate the template links and, of course, Once a Jersey Girl, Always a Jersey Girl!

    By Gail Aherne on January 14, 2021 at 8:22 pm

  423. I see lists and templates in my dreams, so your resources are an inspiration! I look forward to your important book, congrats!

    By Laurel Goodluck on January 14, 2021 at 8:24 pm

  424. Thanks for the great advice! I can’t wait to meet Calvin. Good luck!

    By Rathi on January 14, 2021 at 8:28 pm

  425. Thanks so much for sharing this strategy! I love it–spark, word bank wonder, yellow brick road. I’m excited to try it! Thank you!

    By Diane O'Neill on January 14, 2021 at 8:39 pm

  426. I love this! Such a great brainstorming technique. Thanks for sharing. I’m off the follow the yellow brick road! 🙂

    By Kristen Tipman on January 14, 2021 at 8:47 pm

  427. Thank you for sharing this creative process for delving into an idea! Also the templates you have shares are super helpful!

    By Patricia Holloway on January 14, 2021 at 8:48 pm

  428. Thank you for your tips on generating new story ideas. I can’t wait to read your latest book (Calvin is adorable).

    By angiecal76 on January 14, 2021 at 8:52 pm

  429. Thank you for the inspiration and examples! I can’t wait to use the storystorm template.

    By EllenB on January 14, 2021 at 8:53 pm

  430. Love this idea of generating story ideas. Thanks, Lauren.

    By Kaye Baillie on January 14, 2021 at 8:53 pm

  431. Lauren, Can’t wait to read your latest book. THANK YOU for the templates!

    By Mary York on January 14, 2021 at 8:54 pm

  432. I love the yellow brick road idea and the word Bank. Thanks for the ideas!

    By Melissa Warren on January 14, 2021 at 8:57 pm

  433. Thank you for your inspiration for writing and tips! Congrats on your new book! I can’t wait to read it!

    By horsewriterlady on January 14, 2021 at 8:57 pm

  434. This is so helpful for someone just starring out. Thank you!

    By Lori Gibson on January 14, 2021 at 9:05 pm

  435. Hi Lauren, Fun post! I look forward to reading your new PB.

    By Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 14, 2021 at 9:08 pm

  436. I hadn’t thought of coming up with the words before I began writing. This is a great way to brainstorm. Thanks!

    By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 14, 2021 at 9:17 pm

  437. I really like your word bank . It’s nonpressureful (made up word) and can really spark myriad new ideas. Thank you.

    By goodreadswithronna on January 14, 2021 at 9:17 pm

  438. Love the yellow brick road metaphor! I’m on it!

    By Jan Milusich on January 14, 2021 at 9:19 pm

  439. Thanks Laura, for the template and practical way to build layers, brick by brick. I look forward to reading your books!

    By @taotalley on January 14, 2021 at 9:29 pm

  440. Thank you for sharing.

    By acottykid on January 14, 2021 at 9:29 pm

  441. Thanks for the template. It seems like it will be very helpful. Thanks for an inspiring post. Nice to see you here.

    By rosihollinbeck on January 14, 2021 at 9:43 pm

  442. This is wonderful! ❤

    By Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned) on January 14, 2021 at 9:44 pm

  443. Yellow brick road is a lovely mental exercise! Thank you, Lauren. Excited to try it!

    By dazzlengsy on January 14, 2021 at 9:47 pm

  444. What a great way to develop ideas. Thanks for your post.

    By Shirley on January 14, 2021 at 9:50 pm

  445. Thank you for the ideas for organizing.

    By Kris H on January 14, 2021 at 9:52 pm

  446. Thank you for the templates.

    By Kris H on January 14, 2021 at 9:53 pm

  447. These are good writing activities that I HAVEN”T DONE YET and need to waaaaah

    By Bhandi on January 14, 2021 at 9:59 pm

  448. I love The Wizard of Oz, so thanks for linking your really helpful writing suggestions to the the yellow brick road. 🙂

    By Deborah W. Trotter on January 14, 2021 at 10:02 pm

  449. Great model and template. Thanks for sharing the resources! Clicking my heels together and diving into brainstorm mode…

    By jenfierjasinski on January 14, 2021 at 10:06 pm

  450. This might be my favorite idea yet. Simple and elegant. A great idea creator. Thank you!!

    By Brian Burak on January 14, 2021 at 10:12 pm

  451. Love this! I never thought of brainstorming quite in this way. 🙂 (Bonus: You can sing the song while you’re making your list.)

    By ofmariaantonia on January 14, 2021 at 10:15 pm

  452. Great post! I’d write more, but I’m off to see the wizard!

    By writeknit on January 14, 2021 at 10:17 pm

  453. Follow, follow, follow, follow… to whatever ideas it may lead you to. Loved the idea of using these lead for both adding layers to the story AND for inspiration for new stories. Thanks!

    By Susan Wroble on January 14, 2021 at 10:19 pm

  454. ❤️ touch children’s hearts!

    By EmmieRWerner on January 14, 2021 at 10:19 pm

  455. This was so helpful–thank you! I followed the Yellow Brick Road today and got a bunch of new ideas!

    By crdram12 on January 14, 2021 at 10:22 pm

  456. This is great, thank you! I can’t wait to try following the yellow brick road!

    By Lindsey Hobson on January 14, 2021 at 10:27 pm

  457. Thank you for this post. This is a new and fresh take on brainstorming, that I have never considered before. I am used to lists…tons of lists (which I still like) and branching out from those lists to create new ones until I find THE idea…but I will definitely try this new way and see where it takes me 🙂

    By roberta abussi on January 14, 2021 at 10:29 pm

  458. Love it! Definitely going to try this technique!

    By nicolesalterbraun on January 14, 2021 at 10:35 pm

  459. Lauren,
    Thank you for the great suggestions. I can’t wait to read your new book,
    Home For a While!

    By Krista Harrington on January 14, 2021 at 10:37 pm

  460. If I only had a brain . . . Oops, wrong song!😜 Guess I took a detour but maybe that’s just another way to explore my yellow brick road????

    By LeeAnn Rizzuti on January 14, 2021 at 10:39 pm

  461. Thank you!

    By Nadine Poper on January 14, 2021 at 10:50 pm

  462. Love your creativity combined with a structured approach. And appreciate you sharing your template!

    By Jennifer Phillips on January 14, 2021 at 10:54 pm

  463. Thanks for sharing your process!

    By Diane Kress Hower on January 14, 2021 at 11:03 pm

  464. I will try to follow that yellow brick road, but I have to admit I’m likely to end up taking a nap in the poppy fields. But that might lead to some good ideas too. Thanks for the inspiration!

    By Brinton Culp on January 14, 2021 at 11:03 pm

  465. Great sparks–thank you!

    By Buffy Silverman on January 14, 2021 at 11:07 pm

  466. Thanks for the new strategy!

    By Ashley Congdon (@AshleySierra06) on January 14, 2021 at 11:17 pm

  467. Yes! I totally do this and then feel bad for doing it because I “wasted” the tome I was “supposed to be writing” Ha! Thanks for the encouragement and the validation!

    By Lindsey on January 14, 2021 at 11:19 pm

  468. Thanks so much Lauren. These are excellent tips. Looking forward to trying them out.

    By Cindy Jeklin on January 14, 2021 at 11:24 pm

  469. LAUREN: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION! Going step-by-step through the exercise you provided, I feel like you took us each by the hand and walked with us down that Yellow Brick Road. THANK YOU for showing us the way! I also appreciate the reminder to look for multiple layers of each these GOLDEN roads. WOW! SO MANY POSSIBILITIES AWAIT US on our journey of discovering the HEART of each of our stories! I CAN’T WAIT to take the hand of each of my readers, to lead them along the Yellow Brick Roads of my creation, TOO! LOVE IT!!! THANK YOU!!! I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to meeting Calvin in “Home for a While.” THANK YOU for bringing awareness to the important topic of foster care. And THANK YOU for being our guide along the Yellow Brick Road—OH, and for getting a CERTAIN song STUCK in my head! HE!HE!HE!

    By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 14, 2021 at 11:33 pm

  470. Brilliant idea!! Thank you! Must put a shower friendly note pad in ASAP! 🙂

    By storiesbythesea on January 14, 2021 at 11:36 pm

  471. Lauren, I loved your Yellow Brick Road way of getting new ideas. I can’t wait to give it a try. Now I’ll go through your post again and come up with some new ideas. I have a special place on my computer for them. Great post!

    By betlw on January 14, 2021 at 11:54 pm

  472. Thank you Lauren! Following the yellow brick road sounds like a great adventure —

    By tinefg on January 14, 2021 at 11:59 pm

  473. Interesting way to make connections in stories. The hardest thing, to get that concrete idea. That critic stops my hand!

    By Zoraida Rivera on January 15, 2021 at 12:03 am

  474. This technique of brainstorming is genius!! Thank you!

    By Brittney on January 15, 2021 at 12:03 am

  475. I love the idea of following the yellow brick road!

    By Joy Wieder on January 15, 2021 at 12:04 am

  476. Fantastic! Very helpful post! and your templates are a-ma-zing! Thank you so much!

    By jilltatara on January 15, 2021 at 12:23 am

  477. Congratulations on your new book and thanks for the ideas!

    By Janet Smart on January 15, 2021 at 12:24 am

  478. This reminds me of the Six Thinking Hats ideation strategy. Thank you!

    By Cathleen Collins on January 15, 2021 at 12:28 am

  479. Thank you so much for this inspiring post and the template.

    By Mary Jane on January 15, 2021 at 12:32 am

  480. Wow, great exercises! Thank you! 🙂 Jill Dana

    By JillDanaBooks on January 15, 2021 at 12:37 am

  481. Laure, what a great post! Looking forward to your new book.

    By authorlaurablog on January 15, 2021 at 12:41 am

  482. I can’t wait to Follow the Yellow Brick Road. Thanks for the slew of ideas rolled into one. Brilliant!

    By Jenny Boyd on January 15, 2021 at 1:00 am

  483. Such a simple yet powerful concept.

    By Jen on January 15, 2021 at 1:06 am

  484. Such great advice! Follow the Yellow Brick Road! Thanks, Lauren!!

    By Marci Whitehurst on January 15, 2021 at 1:25 am

  485. Thank you Laura, I am having visions of coming up with ideas, and then going forward in an organized way, referring to your template! Something new for me, LOL, but much needed! And will be looking for your book release!

    By Katie Schwartz on January 15, 2021 at 1:44 am

  486. Your Yellow Brick Road tool has already proven beneficial to me. Thanks for sharing it! By the way, I’m a Jersey girl, too, and I’ve been living in Colorado for over 30 years. Once you’re here, you never want to leave.

    By Jeannette Suhr on January 15, 2021 at 1:49 am

  487. What a fun tool to use for developing ideas! I often start with an idea and then struggle with where I want to take it. I’m excited to try this out!

    By serenagingoldallen on January 15, 2021 at 1:53 am

  488. I like the idea of a word bank–think of words that could be in a story before thinking of the plot…

    By 8catpaws on January 15, 2021 at 2:02 am

  489. What a fun strategy! 🌸

    Moni

    By bookthreader on January 15, 2021 at 2:04 am

  490. Loved today’s post. Thanks Lauren.

    By rosainkpen on January 15, 2021 at 2:22 am

  491. Love this idea! Thanks!!

    By elementaryartists on January 15, 2021 at 2:27 am

  492. Thanks—I got a great idea to add to my list while reading this.

    By Marcia Berneger on January 15, 2021 at 2:27 am

  493. Thank you, this helps!

    By mariamd542 on January 15, 2021 at 2:29 am

  494. This is such helpful advice! Thanks, Lauren!

    By ruthwilson48 on January 15, 2021 at 2:44 am

  495. Lauren you gave me the most beautiful idea ever! A book for children who aren’t able to live with their parents because it isn’t safe for them. I would have never thought about an idea like that yet I’ve taught a little angel last year who is in this situation & will be getting 2 more angels this year in my class. When I was reading your post & not even doing the exercises you sparked off something inside me. God bless you & thank you! Now I’ll go & do your exercises. Have the loveliest day! ❤️

    By Jayne Wilson on January 15, 2021 at 2:53 am

  496. Your analogy for our writing journey is a magical mix of everyday ideas with a creative twist. I also love the idea how this thinking can add layers to a story. This idea is a keeper. Thanks.

    By Judith Snyder on January 15, 2021 at 2:55 am

  497. Thank you!

    By Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn on January 15, 2021 at 3:47 am

  498. Thanks for sharing your templates with us! I struggle on the organization side once my mss are written, so I’m bookmarking your agent template for sure! 🙂

    By Amelia Shearer on January 15, 2021 at 6:03 am

  499. I LOVE this strategy. It’s simple, clear, and powerful! Thank you!

    By Blair Ortman on January 15, 2021 at 6:44 am

  500. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz! I love that your process follows the Yellow Brick Road. I relate to Dorothy with my writing. “She had to learn it for herself” that she could write.. with a little help from some new friends ( wonderful mentors and colleagues). Thanks for sharing this wonderful process.

    By Lisa M. Horn on January 15, 2021 at 7:30 am

  501. Fleshing out the good ideas is great advice. Thank you.

    By Patricia Alcaro on January 15, 2021 at 7:40 am

  502. What a wonderful writing idea! Thank you, Lauren for sharing this with us. Can’t wait to give it try!

    By Karen N on January 15, 2021 at 8:33 am

  503. What if.. we follow the yellow tick or yellow thick or yellow stick roads? Turns out the original brick road has all sorts of side paths. Thanks for the push start, Lauren!

    By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 15, 2021 at 9:02 am

  504. Whenever I make word lists, they are incredibly helpful. Thanks for the reminder! Hopefully it will help me with a MS I am puzzling over. Also huge thanks for the templates and the link to the exploding sandwich.

    By kaitlinsikeswrites on January 15, 2021 at 9:31 am

  505. I love this post! Thank you so much for the link to your templates and for your generous prizes. I’m never going to see squirrels in quite the same way, either. Lol. Sounds like a fun story idea to me!

    By melissamiles1 on January 15, 2021 at 9:43 am

  506. What an awesome post! Thank you so much for the concrete idea-generating strategy. It’s super helpful!

    By Jenny Morales on January 15, 2021 at 9:51 am

  507. This is absolutely AMAZING!! Thank you, Lauren!!

    By Lisa (Elisabeth) Aikins on January 15, 2021 at 9:53 am

  508. Love this post!!!

    By Kirsti Call on January 15, 2021 at 10:17 am

  509. You made it so easy! Thanks.

    By Johnell DeWitt on January 15, 2021 at 10:27 am

  510. Such a concrete way to get started! Thanks for your post.

    By JC on January 15, 2021 at 10:28 am

  511. Hi Lauren,
    Great strategy for developing ideas and spring boarding into others!! Thank you
    From another Jersey Girl
    Jeannie Santucci

    By Jeannie Santucci on January 15, 2021 at 10:32 am

  512. Great idea for brainstorming and creating! Thank you.

    By Mary Zychowicz on January 15, 2021 at 10:32 am

  513. Thank you for this fun and helpful brainstorming structure!

    By Christina Shawn on January 15, 2021 at 10:44 am

  514. Looking forward to working with this process. Txalot.

    By lois1952 on January 15, 2021 at 10:45 am

  515. Thank you! That word bank really does generate a ton of deeper ideas!

    By triciacandy on January 15, 2021 at 10:56 am

  516. Love this exercise and the templates! Thank you for sharing! C.

    By Christina Dendy Gaspar on January 15, 2021 at 10:56 am

  517. Thank you Lauren. I am going to try this process for all those ideas that stopped at the foot of the road. Wonderful inspiration!

    By Teresa Daffern on January 15, 2021 at 10:59 am

  518. Layers… layers and more layers… layers of different textures, layers of different challenges, layers of different conflicts.. layers Princess and the Pea
    thank you

    By marsha weiner on January 15, 2021 at 11:03 am

  519. I’m a list girl, so this is right up my alley, er yellow-brick road. Thanks for sharing your process!

    By Karen on January 15, 2021 at 11:05 am

  520. Thanks for this idea. I love the Wizard of Oz so it makes sense to me.

    By Keren Dibbens-Wyatt on January 15, 2021 at 11:15 am

  521. Thank you for this post but most importantly thank you for writing a book about foster care. I work with a nonprofit in Austin serving children that need to hear this book. I can’t wait to buy it. Thank you.

    By georgeandjohanna on January 15, 2021 at 11:23 am

  522. Thank you, Lauren. Time to follow the Yellow Brick Road!

    Suzy Leopold

    By Prairie Garden Girl on January 15, 2021 at 11:27 am

  523. Such a great idea! And so doable even if I have just a spark.

    By susanzonca on January 15, 2021 at 11:29 am

  524. This is going on my desk. I need more yellow brick roads to follow. Thank for this inspiring post.

    By Aimee Haburjak on January 15, 2021 at 11:33 am

  525. Thank you for sparking lots of ideas and for all the templates.

    By Freda Lewkowicz on January 15, 2021 at 11:34 am

  526. Your word bank wonder will be a game changer!

    By Susan Cabael on January 15, 2021 at 11:42 am

  527. Love this! A yellow brick road paved with questions. I can’t wait to try out this exercise.

    By brittanypomales on January 15, 2021 at 11:46 am

  528. Thanks, Lauren. Love the process and the templates. ❤

    By Christine @ Goodjelly on January 15, 2021 at 11:52 am

  529. This is fantastic. Doing this right now. Thanks so much Lauren and wish you continued success.
    Rosanna

    By romontanaro on January 15, 2021 at 12:01 pm

  530. I love word banks! Thanks for this idea to apply a series of questions to them. It will definitely create new avenues for exploring even more ideas.

    By Sondra Z on January 15, 2021 at 12:03 pm

  531. This is such a great idea generator! And I love that it can help create layers to ms, too. Thanks so much for the post!

    By Renée Neubauer on January 15, 2021 at 12:09 pm

  532. Very cool idea, thank you, Lauren!

    By ejessmurray on January 15, 2021 at 12:16 pm

  533. I love making word lists too – but now I’m excited to use those lists as springboards down all different paths! Genius. Thanks for all the great resources in this post!

    By Megan Litwin on January 15, 2021 at 12:26 pm

  534. I’m off to see the story-generating Wizard!

    By teacherwriteracker on January 15, 2021 at 12:39 pm

  535. This post is packed with good ideas on generating ideas! Thank you!

    By Michele Helsel on January 15, 2021 at 12:43 pm

  536. I enjoyed your valuable post and will put it to immediate use. Thanks, Lauren!

    By Micki Ginsberg on January 15, 2021 at 1:03 pm

  537. My plan for my next writing session is to follow the yellow brick road with my work in progress. Thanks!

    By Jacqueline Adams on January 15, 2021 at 1:04 pm

  538. Love all these ideas, especially the word bank! Thanks so much, Lauren!

    By donnacangelosi on January 15, 2021 at 1:30 pm

  539. Thanks for sharing a great idea.

    By CHRISTINE GRAHAM on January 15, 2021 at 1:33 pm

  540. I like your process, and your book looks adorable. Can’t wait to read it.

    By M.A. Cortez on January 15, 2021 at 1:57 pm

  541. What an interesting exercise! I love how it can branch off into so many possibilities.

    By Carrie Williford (@carrietimes) on January 15, 2021 at 2:14 pm

  542. Thanks, Lauren, for sharing your process! This is so helpful.

    By Amy Newbold on January 15, 2021 at 2:21 pm

  543. Great exercise for generating new ideas!

    By Susan Waide on January 15, 2021 at 2:36 pm

  544. Love the word bank and will definitely use it! Thanks.

    By Judy Palermo on January 15, 2021 at 2:38 pm

  545. Thanks for all the ideas. It’s always helpful to peek into the process that guides another writer.

    By Louise Aamodt on January 15, 2021 at 2:40 pm

  546. Love the mini typewriter and thank you for the ideas!

    By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on January 15, 2021 at 2:41 pm

  547. I use a word bank so I can’t wait to add the Yellow Brick Road. Thanks for all of your ideas and templates.

    By Linda Bozzo on January 15, 2021 at 2:46 pm

  548. This is fun, so creative and imaginative. I’m going to use this when I feel stuck! What a fun find your templates are, too. Thank you!

    By Beth Elliott on January 15, 2021 at 3:08 pm

  549. I’ve started my word bank! Great idea!

    By Vanessa Hancock (@HancockVanessa) on January 15, 2021 at 3:12 pm

  550. I’m a huge Wizard of Oz fan, so I love the yellow brick road analogy! Lots of great tips for generating ideas! Thank you, Lauren!

    By Tonnye W. Fletcher on January 15, 2021 at 3:22 pm

  551. I love the idea of a word bank. Thank you!

    By rgstones on January 15, 2021 at 3:43 pm

  552. Thank you for sharing! Angie Isaacs

    By angie9091 on January 15, 2021 at 4:04 pm

  553. MIND BLOWN! This is such a phenomenal exercise. Sometimes I find that a story that I want to write is already out in the world. I will use this word bank idea to see what other stories can work!

    By Laurie Carmody on January 15, 2021 at 4:06 pm

  554. Great way to generate ideas or new perspectives. Thanks so much for Sharing!

    By Nancy Riley on January 15, 2021 at 4:11 pm

  555. I should get into the habit of doing a word bank. Thank you!

    By Jen MacGregor on January 15, 2021 at 4:28 pm

  556. I LOVED the yellow brick road list! 🙂 such a great idea. 😀

    By Lauren Hidalgo on January 15, 2021 at 4:40 pm

  557. Love to look for words…wacky ones! Thanks for the inspiration!

    By gattodesign on January 15, 2021 at 5:33 pm

  558. Your words are inspiration to me. Thank you.

    By Virginia Rinkel on January 15, 2021 at 6:14 pm

  559. Great way to brainstorm an idea! And thanks for the Template!

    By Shawna J. C. Tenney on January 15, 2021 at 6:27 pm

  560. Wow these are great ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!

    By Renee Choy on January 15, 2021 at 6:31 pm

  561. Thank you for sharing this helpful process. It is a great next step for generating ideas from a spark! Looking forward to reading your new book.

    By marnijlo on January 15, 2021 at 6:42 pm

  562. I will definitely be following the Yellow Brick Road with my ideas.

    By Katie L. Carroll on January 15, 2021 at 6:52 pm

  563. Thanks for your reminders about layers, Lauren-and for your templates.

    By Arlene Schenker on January 15, 2021 at 6:55 pm

  564. Thank you Lauren, I absolutely love the way you have broken down this process. It’s incredibly attainable! THANK YOU 🙂

    By Amanda Lieber on January 15, 2021 at 7:01 pm

  565. Wow! One idea can turn into many this way. Thank you!

    By ingridboydston on January 15, 2021 at 7:02 pm

  566. Thank you Lauren, I just love the way you have broken this process down, it’s incredibly attainable! Onwards to the Emerald City 😉

    By Amanda Lieber on January 15, 2021 at 7:04 pm

  567. This is such actionable advice – thank you. And I hope it’s okay, I’m adopting your writing goals: Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.

    By Angela H. Dale on January 15, 2021 at 7:29 pm

  568. Thanks, Lauren! I love a step-by-step list!

    By Amy Harding on January 15, 2021 at 7:48 pm

  569. What an interesting creative process — great advice. Your ‘word bank wonder list’ really speaks to me, no pun intended. Thanks for sharing.

    By Ave Maria Cross on January 15, 2021 at 7:58 pm

  570. Thank you for tying the yellow brick road to extending my thinking about my ideas/stories. Really nice way to think about it. Thanks again.

    By Kimberly Marcus on January 15, 2021 at 8:21 pm

  571. Thanks so much for the suggestions and for the worksheet to flesh out my ideas.

    By Teresa Fales on January 15, 2021 at 8:42 pm

  572. These are wonderful, concrete ways to generate story ideas!
    Thank you!

    By Mark Ceilley on January 15, 2021 at 9:10 pm

  573. This is a great way to sow and grow ideas! Thanks, Lauren!

    By Amy Fae on January 15, 2021 at 9:31 pm

  574. Rejection Bingo Card! Hilarious!
    Thanks for the post!

    By susanfilkins on January 15, 2021 at 9:33 pm

  575. whoa! What a cool idea generator! Bravo!

    By Masha Sapron on January 15, 2021 at 9:37 pm

  576. Great idea!
    I just previewed HOME FOR A WHILE on Edelweiss. It looks so lovely, and I have many friends who foster. I plan to recommend it to them!

    By Joy Pitcairn on January 15, 2021 at 10:30 pm

  577. This is a bookmark-able Storystorm post if I ever saw one. Think I’ll try this brainstorming exercise this weekend!

    By Elizabeth Metz on January 15, 2021 at 10:44 pm

  578. Thanks, Lauren. Great ideas!

    By Shannon Howarth Nelsen on January 16, 2021 at 12:12 am

  579. Thanks for the inspiring post… I’m now searching for a lion, scarecrow, and tinman (a dog in a bike basket would be nice too, but can’t be too greedy) to accompany me on this journey!

    By cravevsworld on January 16, 2021 at 1:21 am

  580. Really great advice, and I loved the templates. Thank you.

    By Sherri on January 16, 2021 at 1:30 am

  581. What a great way to spark ideas and add layers to a story. I will definitely be trying this out. Thanks so much for sharing!

    By mbhmaine on January 16, 2021 at 6:58 am

  582. Kudos to a word bank idea! Definitely going to incorporate that into my writing. Thx so much, Lauren!

    By yangmommy on January 16, 2021 at 9:21 am

  583. This is so helpful. Love the idea of the yellow brick road and all of its twists and turns.

    By Sherri Jones Rivers on January 16, 2021 at 9:26 am

  584. A great peek behind the curtain. Lots of helpful levers back there!

    By Cheryl Keely on January 16, 2021 at 9:27 am

  585. Love this post and your templates!

    By laurelneme on January 16, 2021 at 12:53 pm

  586. i love this route! thanks so much for sharing

    By Marzieh Abbas on January 16, 2021 at 12:53 pm

  587. Thank you for this inspiring post!

    By Shirley Ng-Benitez on January 16, 2021 at 12:55 pm

  588. Amazing technique to generate new ideas! Thank you

    By vijikc on January 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm

  589. This is a much needed story. Not only the fostering part, the part about discovering your strengths, and especially emotional regulation.
    Thank you for sharing your process of developing ideas and making them into stories.

    By Cassie Bentley on January 16, 2021 at 1:05 pm

  590. Big sigh. Why didn’t I write down that fabulous idea I had when I first read this post? Lesson learned. Will I change my ‘I’ll remember that’ habit?!

    By Martha Moore on January 16, 2021 at 1:12 pm

  591. I love this plan and want to share it with my students!

    By Trine Grillo on January 16, 2021 at 1:20 pm

  592. I love this idea for coming up with new ideas! Thanks for sharing!

    By JoLynne Ricker Whalen on January 16, 2021 at 1:58 pm

  593. Lauren – thanks for a great post! I love your idea of using words in your word bank to help flesh out new ideas. Can’t wait to get a copy of HOME FOR A WHILE!

    By Melissa Stoller on January 16, 2021 at 3:08 pm

  594. Thanks, Lauren! I loved your concrete example of how a word bank can become a road map for a wealth of new ideas. I also love how it can add layers to your story–something that can give it multiple hooks for a broader audience. A big sell for agents and editors!

    By Joannie Duris on January 16, 2021 at 3:22 pm

  595. I love the idea of making a word bank to use as a starting point for the magical yellow brick road. Also, the typewriter pencil cup!!

    By libbydemmon on January 16, 2021 at 3:31 pm

  596. Love this! Word banks are so helpful.

    By kirsten218 on January 16, 2021 at 3:48 pm

  597. Your template is fantastic! So much information distilled into one place. Thanks, Lauren!

    By Wendy on January 16, 2021 at 5:04 pm

  598. Great tips and tools for harnessing creativity and organising our ideas. Thanks!

    By FrannyG on January 16, 2021 at 6:28 pm

  599. I’m not sure I could cope with this approach, I’m already a bit overwhelmed by my long list of ideas! Thank you for sharing your method!

    By Elizabeth Masterman on January 16, 2021 at 6:41 pm

  600. Thank you for the post! I plan on following the yellow brick road all weekend to brainstorm ideas.

    By Heather Kelso on January 16, 2021 at 7:06 pm

  601. Great tips! I’m very interested in adding layers in my stories.

    By Deek on January 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm

  602. This is how I work my manuscripts! It really does spark the ideas. Congratulations on Home for A While. It sounds like a much needed book.

    By Lisa Kingsford on January 16, 2021 at 7:49 pm

  603. Loving this idea generating technique!

    By Helen Lysicatos on January 16, 2021 at 8:03 pm

  604. Ooh, thanks for sharing! I create word banks during my first revision of a manuscript but never thought of using it as a way to brainstorm!

    By Nicole Loos Miller on January 16, 2021 at 9:02 pm

  605. I love all these ideas! I can really adapt them for my students too! Thank you so much!

    By Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️✍️🖖😃 (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 16, 2021 at 9:44 pm

  606. I really enjoyed this idea! It is a great way to stretch out my story.

    By authorjanetparkinsonbryce on January 16, 2021 at 9:46 pm

  607. Great post and your resources and incite are always amazingly helpful and appreciated!

    By Aimee Larke on January 16, 2021 at 10:03 pm

  608. Ooh, I love the idea of a word bank for a particular story, and then following tangents from your word bank to see what else sparks. This is an idea I will use! Thanks, Lauren!

    By Sandy Perlic on January 17, 2021 at 12:45 am

  609. Thank you so much! What a great suggestion!

    By wyszguy on January 17, 2021 at 1:07 am

  610. HOME FOR A WHILE sounds like such a sweet story.

    By alyssa_reynoso_morris on January 17, 2021 at 1:25 am

  611. Thank you for putting this into a simple checklist and sharing with us!
    Great way to remember each and every time to hit all the marks on one’s MS.

    By bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing on January 17, 2021 at 2:07 am

  612. Lauren, I love the idea of creating a word bank to flesh out ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!

    By ptnozell on January 17, 2021 at 8:17 am

  613. Thank you, Lauren! Great post!

    By Midge Ballou Smith on January 17, 2021 at 9:28 am

  614. Hi Lauren, what a treasure to have just discovered you and your inspirational ideas and website! I just signed up to follow your wordpress site, and will definitely be checking out all those resources on your website.

    I will also be looking for your book on emotional regulation strategies for adolescents–needing that these days with as a mom of an energetic, emotive and sensitive 13 year old!!

    By allyenz on January 17, 2021 at 10:15 am

  615. Wow–what an awesome post, Lauren! I love your word bank idea–and the idea to follow those words down the yellow brick road! Can’t wait to try this! Thanks so much for this suggestion! 🙂

    By Abby Wooldridge on January 17, 2021 at 10:24 am

  616. I LOVE this strategy! This helps so much in creating ideas!!!

    By Laura on January 17, 2021 at 10:54 am

  617. I love the way you made this concept sound fun…just follow the yellow brick road!

    By Julia A Mills on January 17, 2021 at 11:23 am

  618. Great post. I can’t wait to use the templates. Thanks!

    By Pam Jones-Nill on January 17, 2021 at 1:20 pm

  619. Thank you Lauren! Congratulations on your new book!!!

    By rhumba20 on January 17, 2021 at 2:29 pm

  620. Thanks

    By Joyce on January 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm

  621. Interesting…. I look forward to trying out this approach!

    By syorkeviney on January 17, 2021 at 4:21 pm

  622. Thanks for your post Lauren. I usually do make a word bank for my story, but I never used it as a springboard for more ideas. Fantastic.

    By Kathy Berman on January 17, 2021 at 5:09 pm

  623. I’m planning to Follow the Yellow Brick Road. Thanks, Lauren.

    By jimchaize1 on January 17, 2021 at 7:17 pm

  624. Thanks for the reminder to fill up a word bank. Sometimes I get so lost in the idea that I forget that the words I use to tell the story have stories of their own. Fun to explore.

    By Christine Pinto on January 17, 2021 at 8:26 pm

  625. This is a different approach- love the word bank and letting it lead you to ideas. Takes away a lot of the blank page scariness!

    By Lauri Meyers on January 17, 2021 at 8:41 pm

  626. This was really inspiring, and I love the quote on your website by Shannon Hale, “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that layer I can build sand castles.” This is magical. Thank you!

    By Michelle Kashinsky on January 17, 2021 at 11:35 pm

  627. Fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

    By Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids on January 18, 2021 at 1:35 am

  628. Such a great idea to get creativity flowing. Thank you!

    By sharonkdal on January 18, 2021 at 2:28 am

  629. I love finding as many associations as I can for a word that might represent a central symbol or concept.
    For example, what do I know about stars? What do they make me think of?
    Balls of flaming gas
    Suns
    Outer space
    Ship navigation
    Constellations, with classical associations
    Star gazing
    Shooting stars, wishing
    The Christmas star, prophesy
    … and the list goes on

    This can help me think about which way I might want to take my story.

    By Sheri on January 18, 2021 at 5:34 am

  630. Love your word bank idea—thank you!

    By Susan Halko on January 18, 2021 at 9:29 am

  631. I love your suggestions on how to use a word bank and then generate ideas from each word.

    By Nancy Vona on January 18, 2021 at 9:43 am

  632. Thank you for the writing exercise! Follow the road to new ideas!

    By Susan Schade on January 18, 2021 at 12:20 pm

  633. Whoa, thank you so much, Lauren! I will definitely be using this process, and your templates are fantastic! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    By Susie Sawyer on January 18, 2021 at 1:36 pm

  634. Thank you, Lauren. I love the word bank!!

    By Lisa Riddiough on January 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm

  635. Great post and analogy. Thanks Lauren!

    By jeanjames926 on January 18, 2021 at 2:22 pm

  636. What a great way to spark ideas. I’m definitely trying this!

    By Janet Halfmann on January 18, 2021 at 2:43 pm

  637. What a great blog post! Thank you for wonderful ideas. Definitely going to incorporate.

    By muskoshe on January 18, 2021 at 2:56 pm

  638. Great way to use word lists by using one of my favorite childhood musicals for inspiration!

    By Bettie Boswell on January 18, 2021 at 3:23 pm

  639. This is a fantastic exercise! I’m sure I will use over and over again. Thank you!

    By jennyb_writes on January 18, 2021 at 5:34 pm

  640. I love this exercise – duh, why didn’t I think of that!

    By Caren on January 18, 2021 at 6:56 pm

  641. Thanks for the valuable tips and the template, too! Great exercise to go through for exploring story ideas!

    By Jennifer on January 18, 2021 at 7:12 pm

  642. How Fabulous! Thanks you so Kindly.

    By Patricia Tiffany Morris on January 18, 2021 at 9:14 pm

  643. Great exercise. Thank you!

    By Lynn Alpert on January 18, 2021 at 9:17 pm

  644. I love the word bank and yellow brick road brainstorm strategies! Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to try it out.

    By Amy M. Miller on January 18, 2021 at 10:38 pm

  645. I love this idea and plan to “follow the yellow brick road” – what a game changer!

    By doreenrobinson on January 18, 2021 at 11:28 pm

  646. Great way to brainstorm, especially that last nugget of how this can also add layers to an existing WIP! Thanks, Lauren!

    By Val McC on January 19, 2021 at 10:22 am

  647. Love it!

    By Anita Banks on January 19, 2021 at 11:31 am

  648. Thank you for the very concrete steps! That is so helpful!

    By Megan Howe on January 19, 2021 at 2:53 pm

  649. Did I really just come up with 14 different story ideas in MINUTES from this prompt? Holy moly. Thank you!

    By boygirlparty on January 19, 2021 at 2:56 pm

  650. great visual idea

    By Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig) on January 19, 2021 at 3:07 pm

  651. Awesome! And fun! I sometimes get ideas from what I see as titles. I keep a notebook of titles that is sometimes my Step 2 then that trip down that wonderful Step 3 to get to Step 4. 🙂

    By Vera Lisa Smetzer on January 19, 2021 at 3:43 pm

  652. Love the word bank idea. I am going to use that tonight.

    By Stacey Corrigan on January 19, 2021 at 4:30 pm

  653. Great post — loved the suggestions for how to get more ideas out and onto the page!

    By Alicia Z. Klepeis on January 19, 2021 at 5:15 pm

  654. Love the idea of word bank collection to generate ideas and will certainly give it a try. Thanks!

    By paulabpuckett on January 19, 2021 at 5:40 pm

  655. OOOO, fun ideas. Thank you.

    By Laura Clement on January 19, 2021 at 5:57 pm

  656. Great ideas! Thanks!

    By Karan Greene on January 19, 2021 at 8:40 pm

  657. I love word banks! I’ll definitely try this approach.

    By Julie Reich on January 19, 2021 at 10:06 pm

  658. Lauren,
    Thank you so much for all your helpful tips. I am looking forward to reading Home for a While. Just speaks to my heart.
    Great job!
    CKLange

    By CKLANGE on January 19, 2021 at 10:36 pm

  659. The word bank is a great idea. I also like to take a word and think of it’s opposite to help while brainstorming.

    By Meredith Fraser on January 19, 2021 at 11:24 pm

  660. I haven’t tried a word bank. Thanks!

    By KASteed on January 19, 2021 at 11:29 pm

  661. The word bank is a fantastic idea – eager to try this! Thanks for the great post!

    By Katie Brandyberry on January 19, 2021 at 11:51 pm

  662. Wonderful concept of how to generate new ideas. I can’t wait to try the process.

    By Karen Chun on January 20, 2021 at 2:15 am

  663. Thanks for sharing a great guide to more productive brainstorming!

    By Carrie Cook @carriecookhere on January 21, 2021 at 1:39 am

  664. LOVE the Storystorm template! Can’t wait to try it out!

    By Devin Leatherman (@cr8tiveendevors) on January 21, 2021 at 5:30 am

  665. Very clear steps and great downloadable. Thank you, Lauren! I look forward to reading your new book.

    By Terri Sabol on January 21, 2021 at 5:54 am

  666. Thanks for this fantastic way to take brainstorming farther!

    By jill on January 21, 2021 at 10:06 am

  667. Your form is FABULOUS! Thanks for sharing and for the Yellow Brick Road prompt. I think your post is really going to help me dig deeper! Thank you.

    By Kelly Conroy on January 21, 2021 at 4:22 pm

  668. What a fun way to brainstorm! Now I’m humming the song from the movie! Oh, and thanks for the template, too.

    By kidlitgail on January 21, 2021 at 8:27 pm

  669. Can’t wait to read about Calvin! And I’m so thankful to see your idea-generating process in action. Oh, and the templates! Oh my! Thank you!

    By Toni Weeks on January 22, 2021 at 12:08 am

  670. Thank you for this post, a really interesting approach and helpful template to help bring these ideas to life! And I can’t wait to read your new book with my kids, it sounds like just what we need right about now!

    By Jenna on January 22, 2021 at 1:48 am

  671. Lauren, thank you for your post and the link that led to all your wonderful forms. I downloaded several to put to use. –Kim

    By naturewalkwithgod on January 22, 2021 at 10:31 am

  672. Thank you for sharing the steps you take for finding story ideas.

    By Karen Pickrell on January 22, 2021 at 1:52 pm

  673. I am currently coveting your that typewriter pen holder!

    By Stephanie Lau on January 22, 2021 at 3:43 pm

  674. I’m excited to use this story idea exercise! I also love that it adds layers to the manuscript.

    By AlisonMarcotte on January 22, 2021 at 10:07 pm

  675. Love it, thanks!

    By Artelle Lenthall on January 23, 2021 at 1:14 am

  676. Lauren, this is such a helpful post–I’m excited to try your Yellow Brick Road exercise, and your template worksheet is amazing! Thank you!

    By Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez on January 23, 2021 at 1:59 am

  677. I love this idea – such a clever one. I’m definitely going to try it ASAP!

    By kelliejanebyrnes on January 23, 2021 at 7:56 am

  678. Thank you for these helpful tips, Lauren, and for the Storystorm Template!!

    By Judy Bryan on January 23, 2021 at 12:54 pm

  679. So simple and effective! Thank you Lauren, for making me feel like my rabbit holes and crazy internet searches are actually…um…reasearch!

    By erintsiska on January 23, 2021 at 1:41 pm

  680. Thanks for sharing, Lauren, your template is a game changer! Off to find my yellow-brick road…

    By Brenda Whitehead (@BrendaW_Prof) on January 23, 2021 at 6:59 pm

  681. This is such a great way to not only generate more ideas but also put some meat onto the bones of ideas that have already presented themselves. Thank you!

    By Dina Ticas on January 23, 2021 at 11:51 pm

  682. Thank you so much for the inspiring post! And I’m so looking forward to checking out HOME FOR A WHILE.

    By Anna Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 12:57 am

  683. Great idea to do a word bank and flesh it out. Thanks!

    By Jud on January 24, 2021 at 1:04 am

  684. I love this idea of branching out and generating lots of ideas.

    By Julie Augensen-Rand on January 24, 2021 at 11:18 am

  685. Thanks for this post. Great idea, and I love your storystorm template! I can’t wait to read HOME FOR A WHILE

    By Cinzia V. on January 24, 2021 at 1:59 pm

  686. LOVE the idea of ideas generating ideas and not being linear. Thank you for this process.

    By iefaber on January 24, 2021 at 2:44 pm

  687. Great ideas, Lauren! Thank you for your help.

    By Debbie Meyer on January 24, 2021 at 7:06 pm

  688. Your process is exactly the process I use when I write poetry from a prompt. Glad to know it works for stories just as easily. Thanks! 🙂

    By Marilyn R Garcia on January 24, 2021 at 8:16 pm

  689. Such a great idea: brainstorming through word associations, and then using that for layering too, wow, thank you for sharing this!

    By sylviaichen on January 25, 2021 at 4:46 am

  690. Thanks for sharing how you expand on a simple idea to generate so many different possibilities.

    By Jen Lynn Bailey on January 25, 2021 at 8:24 am

  691. Can’t wait for Home For A While to come out. Thanks for all your wonderful advice!

    By Betsy Devany on January 25, 2021 at 10:56 am

  692. Love your process and your templates! Thanks for sharing.

    By Suzanne Poulter Harris on January 25, 2021 at 11:02 am

  693. Thank you for your post! I liked the way the yellow brick road could generate ideas for layers for the current work in progress and/or ideas for different stories.

    By Nina Nolan on January 25, 2021 at 5:05 pm

  694. I so appreciate all the ideas for generating new ideas! Thank you!

    By Misty Morris on January 26, 2021 at 10:13 am

  695. Great idea! Thank you!

    By Alycia Darilek on January 27, 2021 at 10:22 am

  696. Helpful advice here!

    By Bill Canterbury on January 27, 2021 at 7:52 pm

  697. Such a great way to enrich the process! Thanks so much for sharing!

    By Brenda Grant Lower on January 28, 2021 at 1:54 pm

  698. Along the yellow brick road

    By Karen L Ledbetter on January 28, 2021 at 11:00 pm

  699. I love this framework for brainstorming! Thank you!

    By thedandelionzoo on January 29, 2021 at 11:32 pm

  700. Can’t wait to read Home For A While!

    By Lisa L Furness on January 30, 2021 at 8:43 am

  701. I have a wordbank for every manuscript––probably my favorite part of brainstorming! I love your idea to take those words and expand on them (down the yellow brick road!). Thank you!

    By Kimberly Wilson on January 30, 2021 at 9:57 am

  702. I have created wordbanks for my day job as a copywriter, but oddly have never considered doing so for my pbs. Well, gosh, what a novel idea! Thank you, Lauren!

    By Audrey on January 30, 2021 at 10:26 am

  703. Really like this technique and all the resources you offer. Thanks so much!

    By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 30, 2021 at 1:23 pm

  704. Love the detailed step by step to developing a picture book idea. Thanks for the post.

    By dlapmandi on January 30, 2021 at 3:46 pm

  705. Thank you for sharing your template!

    By Susan Niemann on January 30, 2021 at 5:05 pm

  706. I’ve never done a word bank. Good idea!

    By colleenrkosinski on January 30, 2021 at 5:53 pm

  707. I like this idea for discovering layers. Thanks for all of your templates, too! Looking forward to your new book.

    By Mary Worley on January 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm

  708. Oh, wow, I think I’m going to get a lot of ideas from this! Thank you!! 🙂

    By Sheri Dillard on January 30, 2021 at 6:25 pm

  709. Super helpful exercise! Thanks!

    By kristenrashid on January 30, 2021 at 10:38 pm

  710. Thanks, Lauren!

    By Melissa McDaniel on January 31, 2021 at 3:47 pm

  711. Thanks for sharing your yellow brick road.

    By Debbi G on January 31, 2021 at 7:03 pm

  712. I really loved this activity! I can’t wait to work on it some more. Thank you for sharing your template also. Looking forward to meeting Calvin in your book!

    By Jen Walsh Hawks on January 31, 2021 at 7:40 pm

  713. OOOO, I LOVE making word banks! Such a great idea for drafting- Thanks, Lauren!

    By Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor) on February 1, 2021 at 12:36 am

  714. Recording is SO important!

    By Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated) on February 1, 2021 at 2:08 pm

  715. Thanks for a very helpful post!

    By kmshelley on February 1, 2021 at 10:57 pm

  716. Thanks for the inspiring post.

    By Naomi Gruer on February 2, 2021 at 1:20 pm

  717. Really inspiring post! Thank you for sharing!

    By Kelly Vavala on February 4, 2021 at 11:18 am

  718. Love word banking a spark and then digging deeper. Great post.

    By Dea Brayden on February 4, 2021 at 7:49 pm

  719. Thank you!

    By Lindsay Brayden Ellis on February 6, 2021 at 1:01 am

Leave a Reply

Mobile Site | Full Site

Get a free blog at WordPress.com Theme: WordPress Mobile Edition by Alex King.