by Diana Murray
It seems only natural to start writing a story as soon as you know the beginning. But since the beginning and the ending need to be connected, doesn’t it make sense to figure out the ending first? That way you’ll know what you’re moving toward. But you often can’t work out the ending till you know the middle! I don’t mean every single thing that happens in between. But just that exact middle point. The middle can consist of a “black moment” before a final solution, or it can be some other big turn of events. Even in plotless, lyrical concept books, there is almost always an arc of some kind, and the middle needs to pop.
I know, I know. This challenge is all about creating ideas. Aren’t I putting the cart before the horse? Well, the thing is, once you catch an idea and write it down, it kind of takes on a life of its own. It will start sparking other similar ideas. It might branch off into something new or it might rustle up a distant memory. Your mind might ask questions about your idea, or posit possible story directions. Write everything down! I like to collect ALL those musings and nestle them right under the ideas in my file. Ideas always generate more ideas and questions generate more questions! Use that to your advantage.
Anyway, lots of people out there are successful “pantsers”, but I personally find that having a plan is the most efficient way for me to work. Here are the first few stages I typically go through, from idea to first draft. I’ll use “Unicorn Day” as an example (with actual snippets from my original idea file). As you can see, my ideas often begin with a title.
I have an idea. I write it down, but I don’t dive in yet.
Dolphin Party?
This idea came to me after watching dolphins swim around in Orlando. I was thinking about how majestic and almost magical they seem.
I have lots of other ideas throughout the weeks, both related and random. I write them down, but don’t go further than that yet. (Some of them suck. Some are OK. Some are fun, but not marketable. Some feel too common. I don’t assess that until later. For now, at the early idea stage, I enjoy being wild and free! No idea is shunned at this phase.)
Dolphin Daze, Dolphin Day, Five Diving Dolphins, Dolphin Princess, Unicorns of the Sea
Under where? Underwear! – wordplay? make refrain?
Loose Tooth Blues (song)
Worm Race
Monkey Party? They go “bananas”.
Unicorn Party? Unicorn Day?
etc…
If I find that thoughts keep popping up regarding one of the ideas in particular, I go back to it, and jot down some notes. Perhaps a turn of phrase or a plot point will keep bubbling up. When the same idea keeps nagging at me day after day, I know it’s time to go deeper.
Unicorn Party? Unicorn Day? Describe magical party. “Only three rules”. “Must have fabulous ‘do”?
But what happens??? Maybe a horse comes by and he’s sad. They give him a horn? “Unicorn party! Unicorn party! Everyone’s invited!” Chant of some kind?
Maybe they need someone sensible and horse is the sensible one?
Maybe ALL the unicorns are actually horses? Or the main one? That’s the surprise–fake horn all along?
…(my ramblings continue for several pages)
Once the story starts coming out, I write notes in this sort of crazy, conversational stream of consciousness. Usually, a week or two goes by. Then the answer finally pops out:
The horse sneaks in with a fake horn. Paper horn tied on with string. Nobody knows…until it falls off during celebration.
And that’s my middle. How do I know? It just feels right. And a different person might find a different “middle” even if they start with the exact same title. But anyway, now that I’ve found it, I know where I’m going with the story and I can start fleshing things out more. I often do a rough outline with page numbers before switching to verse. By this time, I’m usually chomping at the bit! I start writing at a galloping pace till I get my first draft down.
When I plan things like this, my initial draft comes out more polished and I tend to have fewer revisions after I’m done. And since I write in rhyme, that’s especially beneficial! Until I figure out that “middle” or that “twist” (and by extension, the ending) I don’t have much to go on, and I risk writing something that meanders or feels slight.
Here are a few other examples of “middles” in my books:
- ONE SNOWY DAY (Sourcebooks): Two kids and a dog go on a snowy day adventure in this counting concept book. In the middle, the dog steals the snowman’s carrot nose.
- GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH (Tegen/HarperCollins): A messy witch loses an ingredient she needs to make pickle pie. In the middle, she’s forced to use her broom to sweep instead of fly.
- SUMMER COLOR (Little/Brown): In this color concept book, two kids go on a nature walk on a very hot summer day. In the middle, there is a sudden rainstorm, and a mad rush home.
- PIZZA PIG (Step-into-Reading/RandomHouse): A pig serves all his customers the perfect animal-specific pizzas in his shop. In the middle, a shy turtle refuses to eat, no matter what he tries.
Enjoy this early idea phase and write down EVERYTHING, without self-critiquing. Just let the ideas frolic in your mind. Soon, you will see which ideas keep nagging at you, and once you get that middle figured out, you’re off to the races! And with all that planning, you’ll have the reins firmly in hand.
For those who don’t know, it was during the very first Storystorm (PiBoIdMo 2009) that I came up with the manuscript that got me my agent. Since signing with her in 2012, I have sold 15 picture books and 2 early readers.
- Here is more about the idea-generating process I learned thanks to participating in Storystorm: https://taralazar.com/2010/07/06/piboidmo-success-story/
- And more tips for getting ideas for character-driven stories: https://taralazar.com/2014/11/22/piboidmo-day-22-diana-murray/
Diana Murray is the author of over a dozen books for children, including GOODNIGHT VEGGIES (HMH, March 2020), a Jr. Library Guild Selection; and UNICORN DAY (Sourcebooks, 2019), a National Indiebound Bestseller. Both of these books will be coming out in board book editions this April. Diana grew up in NYC and still lives nearby with her firefighter husband, two children, and a smarty-pants cockatiel named Bean. Visit her at dianamurray.com.
Diana is giving away one of her signed books (of your choice).
Leave one comment below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
668 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 16, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Julia
Hi Diana, thank you for sharing your process with us! Julia
January 16, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Cristina Raymer
Thanks for sharing! I recently realized that planning before writing definitely helps me and my level of stories, so I really enjoyed reading your planning process!
January 16, 2021 at 12:41 pm
TerriMichels
Amazing!
January 16, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Deb Sullivan
Excellent post, Diana – your middles are also terrific pitches! Thanks for walking us through the process – so helpful.
January 16, 2021 at 7:45 pm
Joy Pitcairn
Great ideas! Thanks, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Judie
Hoping the beginning, middle and end emerge through your inspiration. Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Amy Houts
Interesting process. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 12:43 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Thanks! Always need help with that murky middle!
January 16, 2021 at 12:44 pm
lailamurphy
This was a great post, very inspiring – thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 12:45 pm
lailamurphy
This was a great post, very inspiring. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 12:45 pm
rnewman504
Great post, Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 11:27 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Robin! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Heather Elizabeth
Thanks for sharing your process! So fun to read!!
January 16, 2021 at 12:46 pm
Lisa Varchol Perron
I loved reading about your process, Diana! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 12:46 pm
Debra Shumaker
Great advice. Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 12:47 pm
nataliecohn0258
Wow, Diana I loved your ideas about the middle. That is sometimes the hardest part to figure out. Thank you for all the good advice and I’m going to try it out.
January 16, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Diana, this is great advice; I read it twice. I think this idea will help with a rhyming counting book of mine that needs work.
January 17, 2021 at 11:28 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Sherri! Glad if you found it helpful!
January 16, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Leslie Tayloe
Great ideas. I usually start with the beginning of a story and then find an ending. I’ll try your idea! Thanks.
January 16, 2021 at 12:49 pm
danielledufayet
Love this post -so informative, fun and inspiring! Congrats on all your wonderful books!
January 16, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Lucretia S.
Thanks for sharing a very enlightening post about your process, Diana.
January 16, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Paisley Schade
Great post, love your journey and the twist on Unicorn Day.
January 16, 2021 at 12:49 pm
michelemeleen
I love hearing all the different processes writers have. It helps me figure out my best process. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 12:49 pm
laurelneme
Great ideas! Thanks, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Sue Heavenrich
I needed this! middles are hard for me … and I love hearing your creative middle-idea-generating process.
January 16, 2021 at 12:50 pm
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you, Diana! This is such a helpful post!
January 17, 2021 at 11:29 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Candace! Glad if you found it helpful!
January 16, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Cathy Ogren
Excellent ideas, Diana! I love all of the different writing tips I’m learning!
January 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm
anitacrawfordclark
Great take on solving the riddle of the middle. Your journey to the middle is a easy process anyone can apply. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Renee Choy
This is great advice! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 12:52 pm
writeknit
I loved your post. Thank you for sharing your process and giving me food for thought. Which I am pretty sure is chocolate. 🙂
January 17, 2021 at 11:29 pm
Diana Murray
Haha! Chocolate helps me think, too.
January 16, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Catherine Brewer
Amazing post! Love the BOOM moment! Thank you Diana.
January 16, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Barbara Senenman
Great post! Will have to look at my middles … of the stories that is. Don’t want to look at MY middle!
January 17, 2021 at 11:32 pm
Diana Murray
Haha! If only I could control my own middle more easily.
January 16, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Emily Bertholf
What an incredible journey you’ve had with Storystorm and your book collection! Very inspiring! And I love Unicorn Day. I work in a library and it’s very popular with children.
January 17, 2021 at 11:33 pm
Diana Murray
How nice to hear! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Elizabeth Moore
Just love how you go through the process, I often have rambling thoughts when it comes to an idea and now I know that I should go ahead and write them in.
January 17, 2021 at 11:35 pm
Diana Murray
Yeah, one of the benefits is that you don’t forget any tangents, even if you pick things up again the next day. And you can look at multiple thoughts at once (which is hard to do in your mind).
January 16, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Annie War
Very inspiring. I enjoyed the way the writing process is described.
January 16, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Penelope McNally
The riddle of the middle! Thanks for sharing your process – I’ll give it a try. Good advice!
January 16, 2021 at 12:57 pm
Janice Woods
Great advice! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Thanks for sharing your story generating idea!
January 16, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Your ideas/books are so much fun, Diana. Thanks for sharing your process of going from inspiration to story. Congrats on your success!
January 16, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Sharon Coffey
Diana,
I never in a million years thought about finding the middle first. Anxious to give it a try. Thank you for sharing.
January 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Joyce
Oh that neglected middle. You are so right! Thanks for sharing your process, Diana.
January 16, 2021 at 1:01 pm
martyfindley
Love your books! ❤️
Thanks for the good ideas!
January 16, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Kristen Tipman
Great post! Thanks for sharing! I love Unicorn Day. It’s a fav in my house. 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Tonya Grant
I love the idea of writing EVERYTHING down without self-critiquing. Hard to do. But excellent tip. Thanks Diana for sharing your ideas.
January 16, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for sharing a herd of great ideas and for all the clever puns along the way!
January 17, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Dawn! Thanks for stopping by. Those puns have a mind of their own!
January 16, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Audrey Day-Williams
Diana, what a great post! This especially hits, “write down EVERYTHING, without self-critiquing. Just let the ideas frolic in your mind…” Definitely need to work on not talking myself out of ideas before I’ve even given them a chance. Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Audrey! Thanks! Yeah, you wouldn’t believe some of the terrible ideas I have written down. But you never know. Sometimes they spark something else.
January 16, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Judith Snyder
Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas.
January 16, 2021 at 1:04 pm
srkckass
Thanks so much for your post. I enjoyed it. It’s a great reminder also not to critique yourself too much early on.
January 16, 2021 at 1:05 pm
betlw
Thanks, Diana, for including the email from your post for PiBoldMo Day back in 2014 about how to use character traits to come up with ideas. I’m eager to try it! I also like your advice not to jump right in when you get an idea but to let the idea simmer and stew a while to see what else comes along. Both terrific ideas. I’m sure I’ll come up with some great stuff using your hints. Great post!
January 16, 2021 at 1:06 pm
georgeandjohanna
Thank you. This has been one of the most practically helpful and inspiring posts for me thus far. I am very appreciative and can’t wait to read more of your work.
January 17, 2021 at 11:42 pm
Diana Murray
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Dream Read Wonder
I’m a panther, but I love your process and I’m definitely going to try it.
January 16, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Jany Campana
Diana, Thanks! You’ve got my thoughts popping!
January 16, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Thank you for this fabulous post, your suggestions are super helpful! Congratulations on your wonderful books.
January 16, 2021 at 1:11 pm
TammyB
Love this…so helpful
January 16, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Amy Bradshaw
The middle is always the toughest part for me. Maybe if I start there first it will solve that challenge. Thank you for helping us think differently.
January 16, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Beth Holladay
Thanks for sharing your process, Diana! Feeling creatively inspired!
January 16, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Melisa Wrex
That makes a whole bunch of sense! Thank you, I’ll add this to the toolkit. 😉
January 16, 2021 at 1:14 pm
marianariosr
Thanks for sharing your process for Unicorn Day! Such a great example, very clear and inspiring. This was such a good and helpful post!
January 16, 2021 at 1:16 pm
bjleepoet
love to hear your process, Diana! Fascinating! WOuld love to win one of your signed books!
January 17, 2021 at 11:43 pm
Diana Murray
Hi BJ! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
These, including the suggestions on how to develop a character-driven idea, are all quite helpful. I have never plotted about my story before starting with the rhyme, but I think that is something I will try! Thanks Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 1:16 pm
donnacangelosi
Thanks so much, Diana! I often have a hard time with the middle of my stories and will definitely be referring back to this post for ideas.
January 16, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Diana. What a pleasure to see inside the process of brain storming. I love the idea of capturing an ides that just won’t let go, but giving it time to leave!
January 16, 2021 at 1:18 pm
donnacangelosi
Thank you, Diana! I often have a hard time with the middle of my stories and will definitely be referring back to this post.
January 16, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Elyse Trevers
The middles are always sticky. ( like the Oreo crepe) but so important. Enjoyed this
January 16, 2021 at 1:19 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Very interesting to see how Dolphin Party morphed into Unicorn Day. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes peek!
January 16, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Mia Geiger
Fabulous post, Diana! I already want to read it again! (I also want to read Unicorn Day again. 🙂 )
Such great advice to think about. I struggle with the middle, so this is very inspiring. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this part of your process!
January 17, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Mia! So glad if you found it helpful! Yay!
January 16, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Melissa H. Mwai
Awesome advice – thinking about the middle of the book! I’m going to try that for some story ideas that have me asking what next.
January 16, 2021 at 1:20 pm
bonzerb
That makes a lot of sense, thanks Diana! I think I’m a linear thinker but a lot of times I do start with some moment, not the beginning. I’ll try to trust that as my starting place…
January 16, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Elyse Trevers
Good advice. Especially since I rarely think about the middle till I get there
January 16, 2021 at 1:21 pm
marty
Diana, always learn so much from your posts. This was like a master class on plot. Sooooo helpful! Thank you!! Can’t wait to read your two latest books. Fans of ALL of them 🙂
January 17, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Diana Murray
Wow! Thanks for the kind words! ❤
January 16, 2021 at 1:21 pm
Mark Bentz
Great post Diana. Thank you.
January 16, 2021 at 1:21 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
From one Messy Witch to another: Thank you!
I Googled “Pantser” and learned my new word for the day. Check!
Also, spot on ideas in your 2 additional links as well.
Peace, Alicia
January 16, 2021 at 1:22 pm
asiqueira1307
I love the advice. I do think the ideas marinate in our brains and hearts until TADA we have a better idea about the ending and the middle.
January 16, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Ashley Congdon (@AshleySierra06)
Thanks for sharing your process.
January 16, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Tara Cerven
Wow. I love love love this advice of writing down everything until I can feel what the middle should be. I’m definitely going to try this. Thank you!!
January 16, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Jessica Swaim
Hi, Diana, I’m a big fan of your books and of YOU! Thanks for this inspirational post!
January 17, 2021 at 11:47 pm
Diana Murray
Thanks Jessica! I love your books, too!
January 16, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Artsybarncat
Thank you for a great insight into your creative process! It’s crazy how our brains will take ideas and bounce them about until BOOM!! ❤️
January 17, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Diana Murray
It really is a funny thing. Especially when problems get solved in the middle of the night! The solutions just pop in there, seemingly out of nowhere.
January 16, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Janie Reinart
Diana,
Thank you for shouts your process. Congratulations on your success ❤️
January 16, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Jessica Hinrichs
Great post! Thanks for sharing your creative process!
January 16, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Brenda Flowers
Diana, it is very encouraging to know how your participation in the first Storystorm (Piboldmo) led to the development of a picture book story which in turn led to you acquiring an agent. Congratulations on your success as an author. Your specific examples, sharing the transformation of your ideas to story middles with quotations from several of your published picture books, were very helpful to me. Thanks so much!
January 16, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Krissy
Helpful tips! Unicorn Day sounds like a great story! Congratulations!
January 16, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love the concept of letting ideas frolic. So fun! Thank you.
January 16, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
My ideas are churning, thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Roxanne
Great idea!
January 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Linda Schueler
Thanks for letting us take a peek at your process.
January 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thanks for the inspiration.
January 16, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Cassie Bentley
I got an idea and can use your Goodnight Veggies as a mentor text to springboard my idea. Thank you.
January 16, 2021 at 1:37 pm
Angela H. Dale
Thanks for this – creating a list I can brainstorm around – title, beginning, end, AND middle / turn / darkest moment
January 16, 2021 at 1:37 pm
tasha woodson
I’m really digging this process, this gives me much more direction. thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 1:40 pm
ejessmurray
Thanks, Diana! This was really interesting. It’s making me think I need to focus a bit more on the middle than I tend to…
January 16, 2021 at 1:40 pm
kiwijenny
Thank you Diana. I LOVE your books. I’m going to this middle thing imiddleately…sorry I’m a pantser and a punster.
January 17, 2021 at 11:50 pm
Diana Murray
Thanks! Happy to meet another punster.
January 16, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Thanks, Diana! Congrats on all your success. This post definitely offers a new perspective on creating story arcs. I’ve never thought about middles first in a conscious way. I’m inspired!
January 16, 2021 at 1:47 pm
Jenny Morales
Lots of think about! Thank you for your thoughtful post, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Cindy Jeklin
This is such a great idea! Thanks so much for these amazing tips.
January 16, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Lori Dubbin
I love how you find your middle “and by extension, the ending.” Going to work on “popping” my middles more.
January 16, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Trine Grillo
This really does help to solve “the riddle of the middle!” Thank you.
January 16, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Beatrice Brown
Diana, thanks for the practical ideas. This is a new strategy to consider.
#keepwriting
January 16, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Gail Aherne
Diana, thank you for today’s post. Very helpful!
January 16, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for your thoughts and for concentrating on the beginning and the middle and then writing in a resolution or ending. A good basic structure and additional archive resources.
January 16, 2021 at 1:53 pm
tracivw
I love everything about this post. “Let the ideas frolic in your mind.” Perfect advice. Thanks for the inspiration this morning.
January 16, 2021 at 1:53 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing your process! I’m a plotter so this could work well for me! Lynn Street
January 16, 2021 at 1:55 pm
tinamcho
Thank you for these tips! My kindergartners love Unicorn Day!
January 17, 2021 at 11:51 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Tina! That’s so nice to hear! Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Beth Charles
I love your idea for finding the middle. It makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 1:56 pm
debobrienbookscom
Thank you, Diana, for sharing your process. It’s just like brainstorming. Write everything down. Do you use a separate notebook for each story you’re working on? Would love to know. Many thanks.
January 17, 2021 at 11:55 pm
Diana Murray
I type everything in GoogleDocs. I’m a very fast typer due to a class I took in high school. Most useful class ever! Anyway, I usually have one giant, long idea document. When one idea keeps bubbling up and starts really coming together, then I copy and paste it into a fresh new document with the manuscript title. I also color code things sometimes. So if I think something shows promise but isn’t quite there yet, I might color the text purple. Then, when I go back to my idea file one day, I’ll know there was something “cooking” in that section.
January 16, 2021 at 1:59 pm
tpierce
I think we have similar processes, Diana. Congratulations on all your successes!
January 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm
maureenegan
Lots of good stuff in here, Diane! Didn’t know about your Storystorm past!
January 17, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Diana Murray
Hi Maureen! Yes! Tara and I go way back. 😀
January 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Armineh Manookian
Wonderful tips, Diana, especially the process of giving our ideas time to grow and seeing which one(s) speak(s) to us most.
January 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Rona Shirdan
Enjoyed your post! I see the importance of planning an interesting middle to our stories. Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 2:01 pm
Roberta Gibson
“Just let the ideas frolic in your mind” is my new motto. Thank you for that phrase and also the concrete examples on how to deal with messy middles. Now off to frolic…
January 16, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Great process, love those books, too!
Thanks for sharing….
January 16, 2021 at 2:06 pm
8catpaws
I like imagining a character doing something funny, outlandish or surprising and THEN figuring out how she got there. And how she’ll wind up. The middle sparks the story. Good idea!
January 16, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Mitchell Linda
Love it! Someday, I actually need to go through all those quirky little bits I’ve ssquirreled away in my journals. Dolphin Dance….I love that!
January 17, 2021 at 11:57 pm
Diana Murray
I find it so fun to go through old idea files looking for new inspiration!
January 16, 2021 at 2:10 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Diana, for inspirations that prompt us to leap in the middle of our ideas
January 16, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Rebster
Loved seeing your process, Diana! I’m going to start writing everything that comes through my head down also. My problem is self-editing before I’ve even found my story. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 16, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Christina Shawn
Thank you for this step by step peek into your process. It is so helpful. Funny, but as I was reading, I thought, “I have read a book just like this.” Well, it was Unicorn Day 🤪. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 2:14 pm
jbbower
Such fun and cute ideas! Thanks for a great post Diana.
January 16, 2021 at 2:14 pm
pollyrenner
Congrats on all your books, and thanks for sharing your journey from idea to book! I love Unicorn Day:>
January 16, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Me looking for the middle of my story is rather like Grimelda looking for her pickle root!
Thanks for the ever-classic Diana Murray Storystorm/PiBoIdMo post!
January 18, 2021 at 12:01 am
Diana Murray
Hi Cathy! Haha!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, and who knows what else you’ll find while you’re looking!
January 16, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Sara Fajardo
Thanks for this practical approach to fleshing out an idea.
January 16, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Amy
I have been taking a course in picture book writing to help the young readers at my library (I work in the children’s department). This fits in perfectly with what I’ve just learned! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Sarah Stuart
Thank you for this glimpse into your process. Really appreciate your tips.
January 16, 2021 at 2:23 pm
bevbaird
Thanks Diana. Loved this glimpse into your creative process. Your phrase “let the ideas frolic in your mind” really resonated.
January 16, 2021 at 2:23 pm
boardmancamera
I love how aware you are of your process and how willing you are to share. Your concrete example is so helpful! If only it were as easy as you make it sound…..thank you!!
January 18, 2021 at 12:03 am
Diana Murray
Well, if it sounds easy, that’s only because I condensed everything into this post. LOL. I don’t think it’s easy. However…I do think it’s lots of fun! And if you’re having fun (even if it feels like hard work) then you’re headed in the right direction. 😀
January 16, 2021 at 2:27 pm
Meg
That really makes sense to developing a story – it brings everything together!
January 16, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Poupette
Unique approach, and yet another great Storystorm exercise. Thanks! Can’t wait to think middles next…
January 16, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Laura Bower
Hi, Diana! Thanks for the great post. I really connect with “writing everything down! as one thing can definitely lead to something else you might have never dreamed of in the first place. Congrats on all of your success!
January 16, 2021 at 2:30 pm
rozanark
Thanks for sharing your process and inspiring journey!
January 16, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
As a panster trying hard to become a plotter, I thank you for this post!
January 16, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
*pantser
January 18, 2021 at 12:04 am
Diana Murray
I think it’s OK to be a little bit of both, too!
January 16, 2021 at 2:35 pm
mommamoocow
I enjoyed hearing about your process.
January 16, 2021 at 2:39 pm
Liz Rice
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 16, 2021 at 2:41 pm
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing
January 16, 2021 at 2:42 pm
marty
Thank you, Diana! Meandering in a rhyming picture book is my personal specialization. It’s great to hear about your process. It seems prudent to jump ship from the panster side to the black moment seeker in an effort to find the arc first. I’m looking forward to reading your latest. Congratulations on your ongoing publishing success!
Thank you, too, Tara, for inviting the guests we all need to hear from to improve out craft as well as come up with 30 ideas.
January 16, 2021 at 2:42 pm
kmajor2013
I enjoyed your post very much, Diana. I’m a fan of Ned, The Knitting Pirate and the lyrical feel of your writing. I also enjoy writing in verse (It’s challenging, but fun). Thanks for sharing your process and those links!
January 16, 2021 at 2:42 pm
Debra Katz
It’s always interesting to read about an author’s creative process.
January 16, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Loved reading your ramblings. Thanks for sharing your process!
January 16, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Colleen Muske
I like the way you think! It’s usually the middle that stops an idea from being great.
January 16, 2021 at 2:45 pm
David McMullin
I love your process, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 2:45 pm
sareenmclay
Thank you, it’s so interesting to read about your creative process.
January 16, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Rebecca Arent-Draper
Thank you, Diana! I am going to start writing down all my “ramblings” (because I see now where they can take me!) This is great advice! Thx!
January 16, 2021 at 2:49 pm
thecrowsmap
As someone who often gets stuck in the middle, this is helpful advice. Unicorn Day sounds delightful!
Gail Hartman
January 16, 2021 at 2:52 pm
matthewlasley
Some of my ideas come from a problem. I might ask, “How did that happen?” or “why” or “when”. Sometimes its a “What if?” scenario.
I too am not a pantser, but I’m not an outliner either. I think of it as a trip. I have a map, I know where to start (though I often find later the start of the adventure may be somewhere along the journey), I have a destination in mind, a probable timeline and so many places to explore along the way.
January 18, 2021 at 12:07 am
Diana Murray
I think that’s a great way to think about it! You don’t want to meander aimlessly, but you don’t want to be closed to exciting twists and turns either.
January 16, 2021 at 2:53 pm
pathaap
Congratulations on your success, Diana! Thanks so much for the tips and the links. They are really helpful.
January 16, 2021 at 2:53 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you, Diana, for sharing your writing process. Unicorn Day sounds like a fun read. Congratulations on all your publications. Impressive.
January 16, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Susan Wroble
Loved the success story, and really appreciate the advice to “write everything down.” So often I think I will remember, and I don’t!
January 16, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Latasha
Thank you Diana. The middle can be very challenging for me. I appreciate your tips.
January 16, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Jessica Potts
Great post on figuring out the middle so you can get to the beginning and end!
January 16, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
This is the perfect post for me. A process to discover middles is just what I need! Thank you!!
January 16, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
I definitely like this idea and I have to remind myself to slow down and explore all the ideas that I’ve been having during this wonderful month!
January 16, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Aimee Haburjak
I’ve been stumbling on process of plotting/panster-ing and this post came at the perfect time. Thanks for sharing! Your stories are awesome, Diana✨
January 16, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Megan Hoyt
Such a great idea to make sure you know what your midpoint is going to be!
January 16, 2021 at 3:01 pm
catherine owen
This is a great post, the ‘in The middle’ really helps me. I’m off to read the other 2 useful links you added
January 16, 2021 at 3:02 pm
R.G. Spaulding
Thank you so much for sharing your process. It makes so much sense. What a good way to not let your stories meander all over the place and get lost!
January 16, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Darcee A. Freier
I love how everyone has their own process. Diana, thanks for sharing yours! I’m going to give it a try.
January 16, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Jessica Fries-Gaither
Interesting! I can see how pinpointing the middle is a huge help in writing the rest of the story!
January 16, 2021 at 3:08 pm
pbbeckyk
Catching a glimpse of another writer’s process is always so valuable. Thank you for sharing yours, and hooray for unicorn parties!
January 16, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Lindsey Hobson
Very interesting! I’ve never tried to find the exact middle. I can’t wait to try this!
January 16, 2021 at 3:09 pm
aidantalkin
Oh middles. Those rascally bridges that take an idea from mere spark to story! Thanks for reminder to prioritize them!
January 16, 2021 at 3:09 pm
Julie Maria Harris
Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse of your process! It helps so much to learn what everyone does as ai work to find my own.
January 16, 2021 at 3:10 pm
andynarwhal
Anyone who hasn’t checked out Ms.Murray’s earlier post , it’s got another great technique for generatating ideas.
January 16, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Fun post. We are on board with anything that includes unicorns. Mom and I love ideas that frolic in our minds. Frolicking is fun. Plus taking a nap is also fun.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 16, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Meli Glickman
Hooray for UNICORN DAY! And thanks also for sharing these helpful tips!
January 16, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Nancy Colle
Lovely! So glad you like to write in rhyme. We’re always told not to, and 2 of my manuscripts do.
Cheers to letting the ideas frolick:)
January 18, 2021 at 12:11 am
Diana Murray
Write what you love! Rhyme gets published all the time. It just gets a bad rap because poorly written rhyme is especially torturous to read. Also, when you write in rhyme, you have to learn about meter in addition to all the same things writers of prose have to learn (story arc, hooks, etc.) So sometimes it can be a longer learning curve.
January 16, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Shawna J. C. Tenney
I love this way of thinking about the middle for great ideas! Thanks for the awesome post!
January 16, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Garnett Natasha
Thank you, Diana. Helpful stuff on getting to the “middle.” Why let a Storystorm title or idea snippet languish? There’s work to be done.
January 16, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Diana, how helpful and fun it is to get inside your mind to see how you put stories together. My granddaughters and I love your books! Thanks for the tips.
January 18, 2021 at 12:11 am
Diana Murray
Hi Jane! I’m so happy to hear that! THanks!
January 16, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Melissa Stoller
Hi Diana – thanks for a great post! The middle of the story does need POP! Love UNICORN DAY and all your books!
January 18, 2021 at 12:12 am
Diana Murray
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much!!
January 16, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Yes, middles can be hard. You’ve got the opening and the end, but then what? Thanks for sharing your process and the snippets of middles from your other books.
January 16, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Carole Calladine
New way of thinking for me. Pop goes the middle. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Leah Moser
Thank you for the post!
January 16, 2021 at 3:30 pm
Marla Yablon
Love your process and your method for developing a character driven plot!
January 16, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Thank you for sharing your process with us. Very helpful!
January 16, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Janet Krauthamer
This is so helpful to hear your process. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Cathy L. Murphy
This is a great way to plan, Diana. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 16, 2021 at 3:37 pm
paulajbecker
Thanks, Diana! I appreciate the method you shared and your thoughts on how a story breaks down. : )
January 16, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Linda KulpTrout
I enjoyed this post! Great advice!
January 16, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Charlotte Offsay
My kids LOVE Unicorn day! Great post!
January 16, 2021 at 3:41 pm
Melissa Trempe is querying (@melissa_trempe)
Thank you for sharing how your ideas morph into stories! Fascinating how everyone does it a little differently!
January 16, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Sara Ackerman
Thanks for the inspiration! Paused mid-read to write a bunch of bad ideas down and may have landed on something pretty OK! It’s the magic of Storystorm 🙂
January 18, 2021 at 12:13 am
Diana Murray
Yay!! Ah, the magic! I can feel it in the air!
January 16, 2021 at 3:43 pm
libbydemmon
It’s so great to know that a PoBoIdMo/Storystorm idea got your fantastic success rolling!
January 16, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thank you for the inspiration! I like the idea of figuring out the middle early on. Right now, ideas are churning 🙂 Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Jennifer Blanck
Thank you for sharing your process. It was really interesting to read about your approach and see the past posts you referenced. Great tips!
January 16, 2021 at 3:47 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Diana, for your tips and advice to give the riddle in the middle its due consideration.
January 16, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Susan Eyerman
Writing the mysterious middle will be much easier using your method, Diana. Thank you.
January 16, 2021 at 3:49 pm
mariemessinger
Oh, my goodnes–I LOVE Goodnight Vegggies! (I’ve checked it out from the library more than a few times!) Such a great book–and so happy to hear your take on writing ideas!
January 18, 2021 at 12:14 am
Diana Murray
Hooray! That’s veggie nice to hear! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 3:51 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I am caught in the Middle and my candle is burning at both ends.
January 18, 2021 at 12:14 am
Diana Murray
LOL!
January 16, 2021 at 3:52 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
It reminds me of Peter Senge’s “begin with the end in mind”! Thanks.
January 16, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Cindy S
Thanks for this post. And also for the extra links.
January 16, 2021 at 3:57 pm
nrompella
Thanks with sharing your process. Your book sounds great!
January 16, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Buffy Silverman
“By this time, I’m usually chomping at the bit! I start writing at a galloping pace till I get my first draft down.” Ha, you can’t stop yourself! What I loved about the post is how you show the focus on all parts of a story before you begin writing rhymes–the plot drives the story.
January 18, 2021 at 12:16 am
Diana Murray
Hi Buffy! How did all those puns get in there??!! (I’m telling you, they just sneak in, and I can’t do anything about it)
January 16, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Shaunda Wenger
I love that this post about “middles” falls in the middle of the month, after many ideas have been percolating! Perfect timing! Thank you for sharing your ideas on how to rein some of those good ideas into a solid story.
January 16, 2021 at 4:00 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
That middle is definitely the hardest for me! Great ideas. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 4:02 pm
Suzanne Lewis
It’s always helpful to consider different approaches/processes to creating stories. Thanks so much for sharing yours, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
Pizza Pig and Unicorn Day are such fun reads! Thank you for sharing your process with us! Starting with the middle is a great idea that I will definitely be trying!
January 16, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Ah, the messy middle! These are great tips! Thank you, Diana and Tara!
January 16, 2021 at 4:06 pm
kirsten218
This was such a refreshing perspective! Don’t forget about the middle!
January 16, 2021 at 4:07 pm
annette schottenfeld
Diana, Thank you for sharing your process. I’m a planner too and appreciate a look into your method of crafting a story! 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 4:10 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Thanks for putting this flailing about into a different frame or perspective. If it’s part of the planned approach, it seems so much more allowable, generative, and purposeful, instead of a waste of time. Cheers!
January 18, 2021 at 12:17 am
Diana Murray
It’s true! Don’t try to stop the flailing. If you roll with it, it just might take you somewhere.
January 16, 2021 at 4:10 pm
mariearden
Ah, the middle where a twist occurs, that dramatic arc, befuddles my mind. Great ideas here for finding it. Thank-you.
January 16, 2021 at 4:18 pm
karynellis
As a longstanding pantser who has accumulated a ton of unfinished projects of all sorts and sizes, this is fantastic advice for me. I’m totally into try incorporating outlining (via brainstorming) into my process, maybe even go back to a few old ideas and see if I can find their middles and finish them.Thanks for the great post!
January 18, 2021 at 12:18 am
Diana Murray
I love getting inspiration from old ideas! So fun. Happy writing!
January 16, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Kellie
I’ve always been a pantser … have always said I like how the ideas happen during writing. But, you’re right, it takes a lot longer with more revisions. Definitely going to give this a go. And thank you for sharing the link to the other post as well.
January 16, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Shelley Isaacson
Pantsers and planners all have to traverse the murky middle eventually. Thanks for these tips!
January 16, 2021 at 4:24 pm
kathalsey
Diana, thanks for sharing. I can always get my beginning and ending to bookend or fit each other…but that saggy middle can elude me. This may help. Woot. My grand Rosie will love Unicorn Day.
January 16, 2021 at 4:27 pm
Kristen Indahl
Thanks so much for sharing your process, which is now starred in my notebook!
January 16, 2021 at 4:34 pm
clairebobrow
Ah, the dreaded middle. But somehow this post makes it seems less awful and more…fun?! Thank you, Diana – and congrats on Unicorn Day!
January 16, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
What a great idea. I think this will help me organize my ideas. It will also show me which ideas have what it takes to be a full story. Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Jennifer May
Great post! Thanks for sharing your process. Now I need to reexamine my middle/twist in more detail.
January 16, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Joannie Duris
I love your process of letting ideas frolic until you find a middle that pops, allowing you to then flesh out an idea. And a huge thank you, Diana, for sharing how you often do a rough outline with page numbers. What a great way to perfect a story arc for perfect page turns before you move on to a first draft.
January 16, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Stephanie Farrow
SIgh. Those muddy middles. Thanks for the inspiration and tips.
January 16, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Michele Ziemke
Starting in the middle makes perfect sense! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 4:43 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Thank you, Diana! I’m looking forward to tinkering with some middle-story ideas. 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Linda Hofke
thanks for sharing your process with us. It’s a good way to go about it.
Everyone always talks about how you need a good beginning to pull the reader in and about how the ending needs to be satisfying, but you are right–the middle is also very important. It’s that point of tension that helps make the ending seem even more amazing and fulfiling.
January 16, 2021 at 4:56 pm
Lisa Billa
So helpful, thank you! A fun way to make sure that beginnings have somewhere to go. And I’d still like to read about a dolphin party!
January 16, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Jennifer Rathe
Thanks! I’m a pantser, but I know I struggle with middles and endings because of this. Love the advie.
January 16, 2021 at 5:00 pm
ecmoran
Hi Diana, Thanks a lot for sharing your process for Unicorn Day. Your process reminds of the times that I’ve come up with the middle before writing my first draft. So, I guess that means I’m a “Plantser,” as well as, a “Pantser.” 😉 Great tips on preserving and organizing the ideas for the PB.
January 18, 2021 at 12:21 am
Diana Murray
Hi Edna! “Plantser”!! LOL. 😀
January 16, 2021 at 5:03 pm
Patricia J Holloway
Thank you for the great ideas. It’s time I tried the process of writing down everything and letting the idea percolate.
January 16, 2021 at 5:03 pm
Alice Fulgione
I am a planner when it comes to the rest of my life but perhaps, I should transfer more of my planning skills to my writing. I’ll certainly give it a try.
January 18, 2021 at 12:22 am
Diana Murray
Sheesh. I’m the opposite. Haha! Wish my non-writing life could be more organized.
January 16, 2021 at 5:04 pm
tinefg
Excellent tips Diana.. now to silence my self-critic so I can follow those musings to the end (gotta love following a meandering thought).
January 16, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Fern Glazer
Thanks for sharing this. This is similar to my process, but I’m not always consistent… until now!
January 16, 2021 at 5:17 pm
yangmommy
Ironically, a recent ms of mine came to me as the middle! Now I’m working out the driving incident (s) that get my mc to this point. A fun new way of creating!
January 16, 2021 at 5:21 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
I knew there had to be some method to your prolific madness! Lol. Thanks for sharing your secret sauce! 🙂
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
January 18, 2021 at 12:24 am
Diana Murray
Hi Rebecca! 😀 Yep, my secret sauce is maniacal, rambling notes. LOL.
January 16, 2021 at 5:22 pm
Claudia Vigil-Perez
This was a great post – thank you! I love this fun approach of starting right in the middle of the action.
January 16, 2021 at 5:24 pm
angiecal76
I love where your “stream of consciousness” has led you! Very helpful advice, Diana! Sometimes we have to ride the waves and just see where we land.
January 16, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Jan Milusich
I do something similar. Thank you for validating the process.
January 16, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Unicorn Day is such an adorable story! Thanks for sharing your process. It’s amazing how our minds can wander from one idea to the next.
January 16, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Diana! I think your strategy of figuring out the middle first will help me with some current PB drafts that are giving me trouble.
January 16, 2021 at 5:34 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Great post – thank you for sharing your process. It’s always fascinating to get a look at what works for other authors. 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 5:41 pm
Writer on the run
Diana, thanks for the suggestions and the inspiration. Your words and experience are very encouraging!
January 16, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Elana
Really useful process! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 5:43 pm
Julia Lyon
I love the idea of writing it ALL down – because I have a lot of slices of thoughts that go nowhere. Until they do.
January 16, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Lori Sheroan
I love the middle-in books and sandwich cookies!
January 16, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Judy Sobanski
I often struggle with the middle so your suggestion to figure the middle out first is very helpful!
January 16, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
This sounds a lot like my process. But I’m sure I’d benefit from the outline step which I usually skip and from a bit more focus on the middle – great tip!
January 16, 2021 at 5:57 pm
candicewolff
I think this is the primary reason I spend so much time revising because I know with the beginning and the end but don’t give as much consideration to knowing the middle before I get started.l
January 16, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Michele Rietz
Thank you, Diana! I find if I don’t write things down RIGHT AWAY, they leave my head and may or may not show up again! 😦 Love the reminder to write it ALL down! Congrats on your upcoming board books!
January 16, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Cassy Polimeni
Definitely relate and appreciate these tips! Stories where I only have a beginning never seem to go very far. I’m a bit in awe of pantsers, but I gotta plan 🤓
January 16, 2021 at 5:58 pm
Aundra Tomlins
I loved reading your process. It such a great thing to see. I also read your book and used it to theme my daughter’s birthday party last year! 🙂 It’s a great story. Thanks for sharing.
January 18, 2021 at 12:26 am
Diana Murray
Oh, how cool! Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
I do a good job of holding off on expanding story ideas until Storystorm is complete. Unfortunately, once I begin, I fall back on my pantser ways. I’m determined to mine the middles now, Diana. Thanks for an excellent post!
January 18, 2021 at 12:27 am
Diana Murray
Hi Jill! Well, you can always mix up a little plottin’ with a little pantsin’!
January 16, 2021 at 6:01 pm
kelbelroberts
I love 💘💘💘 your story process! Great ideas! Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 6:06 pm
Amy Newbold
Thanks for sharing how you develop your ideas. This was so helpful.
January 16, 2021 at 6:09 pm
ruthwilson48
Thanks for the advice, Diana. I always need a reminder to turn off my self-critiquing voice while brainstorming!
January 16, 2021 at 6:09 pm
rosihollinbeck
Ah, those pesky middles. This may be a good way to nail them. Thanks for the post.
January 16, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 16, 2021 at 6:20 pm
Christine M Irvin
Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Joyce Uglow
Goal: No more saggy middles!
January 16, 2021 at 6:23 pm
Tonnye W. Fletcher
Thanks for these great tips! Love UNICORN DAY! I often go through a similar brainstorming process in my head, but I’ll try writing down all those rambling thoughts and ideas next time. . . Congratulations and good luck on continued success!
January 18, 2021 at 12:28 am
Diana Murray
I find it really helpful! Then you can pick up where you left off the next day.
January 16, 2021 at 6:24 pm
Mark Ceilley
These are such helpful ideas! Writing the middle and the ending can be tough to do sometimes. Thank you for your post.
January 16, 2021 at 6:24 pm
JEN Garrett
Aw man, every time I think I do things differently, along comes another writer who does it almost like me! And THEN, some 100 other writers say, ‘that’s kind of like I do it.’
Guess I’m in good company. 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Kaye Baillie
I love reading real life examples of how a story came to be. I find that so helpful. Thankyou, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 6:32 pm
Elizabeth Masterman
A really novel approach, and I think it might suit me: your thought processes seem similar to mine. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 6:32 pm
katieschon
Love the post and love your verse! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 6:33 pm
Marzieh Abbas
Thanks for this fresh approach!
January 16, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you Diana for sharing your process and the additional links. Just goes to show you. When a story is truly ready to be written, it just falls into place.
January 16, 2021 at 6:41 pm
sharon lane holm
I have notes, post its, biz cards, scraps of paper with ideas etc. for every story.Because I will forget everything. Its still not so easy (yet) to get to a satisfying draft. Then again I censor myself
January 18, 2021 at 12:29 am
Diana Murray
That’s why I use one Google Doc for all my ideas. When I write things in notebooks or on scraps of paper, I lose them. Anyway, hope you can stop censoring yourself at that early stage. Just think of it as your little secret. 😀
January 16, 2021 at 6:51 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great post, Diana. Wising you continued #kidlit success!
January 16, 2021 at 6:55 pm
jenabenton
Yay! I love seeing the evolution of one of my favorite books of your’s Diana. And I cannot wait to read the sequel due out this Fall! ❤
January 18, 2021 at 12:30 am
Diana Murray
Hi Jena! Thanks so much! ❤
January 16, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Dannielle Viera
It’s wonderful to see the process of story creation. Thanks, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the tips! Looking for middles.
January 16, 2021 at 7:03 pm
mlflannigan
Diana – I am a huge fan!!! LOVE your stories so much❤️!!!
January 18, 2021 at 12:30 am
Diana Murray
Thanks so much!!! 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 7:05 pm
amckelle
Thanks Diana! I love hearing your process and my kids and I love Unicorn Day and Grimelda. I’m a pantser myself, and yes, I have quite a few started manuscripts that fizzled out right about that pointless middle point. I think that pantsing is my way of brainstorming and note making. But though the path is different, I completely agree that once you figure out the middle, and the way the story clicks into place that’s when story magic happens.
January 16, 2021 at 7:07 pm
Angela Jelf
Thank you Diana, this post has been incredibly helpful. Enjoyed reading the process from initial ideas to getting that brilliant ‘middle’ moment.
January 16, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Deek
Thank you for sharing your process. It’s so helpful to hear and see how others create!
January 16, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Shannon Fossett
It was really helpful to see your process first hand! Thank you for sharing!!
January 16, 2021 at 7:26 pm
paulaobering
Thanks for giving us insight into your process. Very helpful!
January 16, 2021 at 7:29 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
I love your inside out approach to writing picture books. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Janet Sheets
I’ve found that thinking longer before I actually start writing my story often means the writing itself goes faster. Thank you for sharing your process.
January 16, 2021 at 7:36 pm
JillDanaBooks
Thank you for these super helpful tips! UNICORN DAY looks and sounds adorable! 🙂 Jill Dana
January 16, 2021 at 7:39 pm
mona861
Ooooh, I needed this post today. Thank you for sharing your process in finding the middle ground.
January 16, 2021 at 7:44 pm
Sara Trofa
Fantastic post, Diana! Thank you for sharing.
January 16, 2021 at 7:48 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Thank you for all of the examples to make your process crystal clear. And thanks for the help with the messy middles. 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 7:48 pm
stiefelchana
Great post, Diana! Love learning about your process!
January 16, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for sharing your technique of piecing together the middle of a story first. I am going to try that, what a helpful idea.
Congratulations on our new book coming out soon.
January 16, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Jeannie Santucci
This is chock full of so many good things I don’t even know where to start! So I’ll just say thank you so much for taking the time to write it and share it, Diana!
January 18, 2021 at 12:32 am
Diana Murray
Hooray! So glad if you found it helpful.
January 16, 2021 at 8:05 pm
Laurel Santini
That was very helpful! Many thanks Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 8:09 pm
kimpfenn
Thank you Diana – loved this reminder to take your idea as far as possible and thanks for your other links too!
January 16, 2021 at 8:12 pm
YauMei Chiang
Thank you, Diana. I need to have more fun with my storystorm ideas.
January 16, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Diana, for sharing your process. I’m collecting all ideas and musings.
Suzy Leopold
January 16, 2021 at 8:16 pm
susanfilkins
Thank you for your post. I like the different idea of ending first!
January 16, 2021 at 8:18 pm
readmybook2002
Thank you for the “Middle” for the kernel of the idea. or should I say kernel of an idea, the middle, thank you.
January 16, 2021 at 8:23 pm
Lisa Kingsford
Very interesting to consider beginning with the middle. Thank you for sharing your experiences! I’m going to think about this and see where it takes me.
January 16, 2021 at 8:29 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Diana 😊
January 16, 2021 at 8:31 pm
58chilihed13
I am ready for a unicorn day! Thanks Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Jeanne Cherney
Thank you!!!
January 16, 2021 at 8:34 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
Great way of approaching an idea. I was rework some old ideas that have been gathering dust for awhile to see if I can find that missing spark in the middle.
January 16, 2021 at 8:35 pm
Myra Sanderman
I’m a planner, too. Thanks for your thoughts.
January 16, 2021 at 8:35 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi Diana! I enjoyed reading your middles. GRIMELDA THE VERY MESSY WITCH is still my favorite of your PBs.
January 18, 2021 at 12:32 am
Diana Murray
Thanks, Manju!
January 16, 2021 at 8:40 pm
Hank Dallago
Great advice, Diana. It was just what I needed to hear to work on all the ideas I’ve come up with so far in Storystorm 2021. Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 8:42 pm
Harshita Jerath
Hi Diana, Thank you for making me think about the middles, otherwise, it’s always the beginnings and the ends. I’ll try to have middle in my next story idea and see where it takes me.
January 16, 2021 at 8:43 pm
Lauren Barbieri
Thanks for sharing your process! I enjoyed hearing about how you developed the middle for UNICORN DAY.
January 16, 2021 at 8:54 pm
M.A. Cortez
Great tips!
January 16, 2021 at 8:56 pm
Maria Marshall
I am intrigued by this proceedure of working from the middle back. Congrats of your books, Diana and thanks for a great post.
January 16, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
I used this conversational question back-and-forth to outline a novel idea recently and LOVE the idea of applying that to PB! Thank you so much for this post, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 8:58 pm
Judy Y
Great post. Thank you, Diana!
January 16, 2021 at 8:59 pm
Ginny Neil
Such great ideas…now if someone could just help me find my idea book when one pops in my head.
January 18, 2021 at 12:34 am
Diana Murray
Try using your phone? I always keep everything digitally because I lose EVERYTHING. 😀
January 16, 2021 at 9:05 pm
Lori Gibson
Inspiring post! Thank you!
January 16, 2021 at 9:09 pm
writeremmcbride
Diana, you have really helped with your valid advice! I read your other posts from prior years, and your ideas on Character-driven stories are very helpful as well! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 9:09 pm
seschipper
Super suggestions, Diana!! I always love to hear from authors who found their success via Storystorm (PiBoIdMo) ! Thanks ! 🙂
January 16, 2021 at 9:13 pm
DaNeil Olson
I worked from the end to the beginning but I’ve never started in the middle. Thanks for the fabulous suggestion.
January 16, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you for sharing your plan for writing and the reminder to write everything down and to think of everything that relates to those ideas. I’m sure this will help me generate more ideas for PBs.
January 16, 2021 at 9:29 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️✍️🖖😃 (@AnneLeBlanc2)
This is great Diana! I love writing down whatever ideas you have. I can’t wait to turn this entry into a Google Slideshow for my students!
January 18, 2021 at 12:35 am
Diana Murray
How cool! Hope they have fun!
January 16, 2021 at 9:33 pm
Deborah W. Trotter
I’ve always thought I was doing in my head what you do on paper, but you are convincing me that writing things down is really the way to get the most out of your brain’s musings. Thanks!
January 18, 2021 at 12:38 am
Diana Murray
I really find it’s better to write it down. Because your brain basically has one thought at a time. You can’t hold a whole bunch of different thoughts in your mind at once. And what if you want to go back to some tangent you had earlier? Or what if you want to put it aside and start again in a day or a week? Makes it much easier.
January 16, 2021 at 9:36 pm
Susan Contreras
Thank you so much for sharing this clear explanation of “the middle”. I think this is going to really help!
January 16, 2021 at 9:42 pm
Kaye Wright
Thank you for your advice. I appreciate you taking the time to share!
January 16, 2021 at 9:47 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Interesting to read about your thought process and to see your cute book!
January 16, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Cathleen Collins
I’m constantly questioning if my method of ideation is “right or wrong” and this post just gave me such a confidence boost. Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 9:52 pm
Sarah Meade
I loved this post! Thanks so much for sharing your process, Diana. Congratulations on all your successes so far!
January 16, 2021 at 9:54 pm
Aimee Larke
Always getting stuck in the middle. Thanks for this post! Also, great older posts on coming up with ideas. Congrats on Unicorn Day!
January 16, 2021 at 9:59 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Admitted Pantser here. Will definitely try your technique cuz what I’m doing isn’t quite working….
January 16, 2021 at 10:03 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Diana, for sharing your process. Very, very interesting!
January 16, 2021 at 10:03 pm
Mrs. Vandivier
Thank you for sharing. I feel like every StoryStorm post is helping me grow this year…I have ideas but my goal this year was to develop an idea…push an idea….the ideas I am getting are so great!!!! Really helping me grow my story…
January 18, 2021 at 12:38 am
Diana Murray
Hooray!!! Keep up the momentum!
January 16, 2021 at 10:05 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 16, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Pamela Brunskill
So love your point about writing all the ideas down and seeing what keeps rising to the surface. I also like to plot and have an idea where a story is going before writing too much. Congrats on all your #kidlit success! Super happy for you. Thanks for sharing on #storystorm!
January 18, 2021 at 12:39 am
Diana Murray
Hi Pam! Thanks so much!
January 16, 2021 at 10:12 pm
Emily R. Keener
Thank you for sharing your method and Storystorm history with us!
January 16, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Sheri Graubert
Thank you so much, Diana! I’ve never thought about starting with the middle before. I truly appreciate you detailing your process. It is so helpful to be reminded of the importance of the ‘no judgement,’ free-flow part of the process. I cannot wait to read your books, and to read them to my kids. Thank you so much!!
January 16, 2021 at 10:30 pm
Bethanny Parker
You just gave me four new ideas! Thanks!
January 16, 2021 at 10:36 pm
Tracy Hora
Thank you sharing your process!! It spoke to me.
January 16, 2021 at 10:36 pm
DANIELLE GOOBIE
Thank you for your insight! You sparked some ideas for me!
January 16, 2021 at 10:38 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
DIANA: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION on how to make our middles “POP”! I am a writing tutor for a university, and I give my students the same advice about starting with the middle. This is especially helpful for those who struggle in figuring out their thesis. In the end, they can connect the dots, or follow “the breadcrumbs” to the end and the beginning, and it all comes together! I know a lot of professional writers write this way, too. It was especially helpful to see your step-by-step process. And THANK YOU SO MUCH for showing us that the dreams we imagine through Storystorm can ACTUALLY COME TRUE! That is an IMPRESSIVE track record! CONGRATS!!! I look forward to visiting the other links you provided for EVEN MORE INSPIRATION!!! THANK YOU!!! I CAN’T WAIT to get my hands on a copy of “Unicorn Day”!!! I’m LOVIN’ that unicorn-horse!!!
January 18, 2021 at 12:45 am
Diana Murray
Thank you, Natalie! That is so interesting! I didn’t know that was a common form of advice. And thanks for the unicorn love and all the kind words! 😀 I’ve gotten so much great inspiration from other PiBoIdMo/Storystorm posts. It’s definitely worth perusing the posts from previous years. I still re-read some of my favorite posts from time to time.
January 16, 2021 at 10:41 pm
Jenny Boyd
I find it so enlightening to see how other writers generate ideas and what the writing process looks like for them. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2021 at 10:41 pm
cravevsworld
My stories have definitely been missing a solid plot-moving middle, and I didn’t know it until now. Thank you soooo much for the sage advice!
January 16, 2021 at 10:48 pm
Dawn Young
❤️I am a pantser, I think your method is great! Will give it a try. Thanks❤️
January 16, 2021 at 10:49 pm
Amy Fae
This process makes so much sense to me that I will have to try it. Right now, I am trying to just generate ideas, lots of them sound like titles, and they tend to be followed by questions and other mini-ideas. Thank you so much for helping me to make sense of that all and to consider a new process! (Also, we just got Goodnight, Veggies and we love it.)
January 18, 2021 at 12:46 am
Diana Murray
Isn’t it fun how the ideas branch off and develop? And thanks for the veggie love!
January 16, 2021 at 10:52 pm
Linda Sakai
Thanks for sharing your planning process. Even as a pantser, I think this will be helpful.
January 16, 2021 at 10:54 pm
Katie Schwartz
Thank you for sharing your process! I definitely plan to put this in action ASAP, as I also write in rhyme, and having a plan, so as not to spend too much time on rhyming and lines that aren’t going to make it to the end, aren’t even needed, sounds wonderful to me! Thank you Diana for your post
January 18, 2021 at 12:47 am
Diana Murray
The outlining definitely made a big difference for me! It saves so much time. I think I could write a whole other post about that.
January 16, 2021 at 10:55 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Diana, you are really “on point”! Where’s my paper cone? I want to be a unicorn!
January 16, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Nancy Riley
Thanks for the fun tips. Being a pantser, I can have fun with the brainstorming.
January 16, 2021 at 11:03 pm
Sabah Negash
What a fun looking book! I’m similar in the way I kind of just write down my thoughts as I try to figure out the story. But now, I see that the middle is especially important to figure out in the beginning 😊 thank you for sharing your process.
January 16, 2021 at 11:07 pm
Lisa P.
Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your process; I will definitely try it!
January 16, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Megan M.
It makes sense that rhymers need outlines. I started a rhyming rough draft recently, but didn’t have a plan. Oops! So I’m off to make one!
January 16, 2021 at 11:22 pm
Susan Cabael
Your free flow process sounds like one I’d like to try—very promising.
January 16, 2021 at 11:26 pm
storiesbythesea
I recognize my process here! Thank you for the validation. 🙂 Now to find that middle!
January 16, 2021 at 11:38 pm
steveheron
Great blog. Love the idea of letting the ideas frolic in your mind
January 16, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
The main thing for me is to always have a pen and paper available. I need to do better. I always think
I remember, but I forget. Consistency is the key.
January 16, 2021 at 11:55 pm
heathercmorris
Thanks for sharing your free-form, stream of consciousness brainstorming for the middle of your stories! Great idea!
January 17, 2021 at 12:02 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love this–I struggle with endings, but maybe I need to be paying more attention to middles!
January 18, 2021 at 12:50 am
Diana Murray
Hi Laura! Endings are hard. Heck, so are middles! But yeah, sometimes I find that pinpointing the middle makes the ending seem a lot more obvious. (PS. I love your books!)
January 17, 2021 at 12:04 am
Melissa Warren
The unicorn day sounds so cute! Thanks for the idea to start with a personality trait and go from there.
January 17, 2021 at 12:05 am
Della Ferreri
It was fun reading your messy brainstorming ideas, Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 12:09 am
Jillian Schmidt
I definitely appreciate this advice about focusing earlier on the middle. Thanks for sharing your process and especially for including some of your brainstorming notes!
January 17, 2021 at 12:11 am
Kimberly Hutmacher
Love the idea of brainstorming the middle of the story.
January 17, 2021 at 12:19 am
alyssa_reynoso_morris
The three main tips I will walk away from: 1) write everything down, 2) if an idea keeps nagging you, go deeper, and 3) find the middle/twist and your beginning and ending will become more clear.
January 17, 2021 at 12:24 am
Bhandi
Is it bad that I just write at whatever point in the story? It really depends on what I’m animating out in my head at the time. Thank you for the post!
January 18, 2021 at 12:52 am
Diana Murray
Whatever works! And each story is different. Might try multiple approaches.
January 17, 2021 at 12:26 am
Heather Stigall
Thank you, Diana! I’m going to let the ideas flow!
January 17, 2021 at 12:29 am
Jose Cruz
Thanks for the peek into your creative process. I enjoyed reading your stream of consciousness notes—they struck a familiar note for me! It was really interesting to see how your initial idea—dolphins in Orlando—morphed into a seemingly completely different one: unicorns in a meadow. But the heart of the story is there in both: majestic creatures frolicking with wild abandon! The human mind works in mysterious ways…
January 18, 2021 at 12:56 am
Diana Murray
So true! Very mysterious. And of course, there are a lot of factors I didn’t point out in this post. Like the fact that I loved unicorns as a kid. So that affected my choice, as well. I also think that a touch of “magic” always makes things more fun and exaggerated.
January 17, 2021 at 12:41 am
jilltatara
fantastic! so much helpful information! Thank you! I used to be a pantser but I’ve moved firmly into the planner category.
January 17, 2021 at 12:54 am
Marie
Love your Unicorn Day book! I like how you shared your process of doing the rough outline with page numbers before switching to writing the rhyming verses. Great writing tips!
January 17, 2021 at 1:07 am
Sandy Perlic
Ah, I can really see the benefit of figuring out your middle before you start (especially in rhyme). Thanks for sharing your process!
January 17, 2021 at 1:28 am
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
Thank you for sharing your writing process. It sounds like something I’d like to try.
January 17, 2021 at 1:38 am
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks, Diana! I’m going to try your suggestion for a manuscript that is giving me trouble.
January 17, 2021 at 1:38 am
Karin Larson
Great post, thank you!
January 17, 2021 at 1:43 am
Teresa Daffern
I’ve always been more of a ‘pantser’, but you’ve convinced me to try your approach. Thank you Diana! And I love that you write in rhyme.
January 17, 2021 at 1:54 am
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
I admit it. I’m a pant-ser and pay for it. I use this process for generating ideas and getting the story going, and ending usually too. But you’ve made me really think about how to pinpoint a middle moment… not just the climax… but some pivot point. I’d like to find it faster… so this is definitely going to nag at me till I am better at it.
January 17, 2021 at 2:05 am
suumac
I love seeing how different authors approach their writing projects – thank you for sharing your process and encouraging us to remember the importance of “the middle”!
January 17, 2021 at 2:26 am
serenagingoldallen
I like this idea for structuring the story before you begin writing. I know I don’t spend enough time thinking before I dive in and I wind up wasting a lot of time. I’m going to try to be more disciplined and plan more before I start writing!
January 17, 2021 at 3:44 am
kiralee strong
This is great. I’ve always thought I was mire of a pantser, but I actually work pretty closely to your methods too. You have so many fun ideas! Thanks for sharing
January 17, 2021 at 4:39 am
Sharon E. Langley
Hilarious! I often think of titles and play around with them, too. Thanks,
January 17, 2021 at 4:41 am
Linda Bendor
This is so helpful! Not pantser but a far cry from sitting down to outline super early! Thanks for all the details – they really make your process come alive.
Linda
January 17, 2021 at 4:49 am
Tanya Konerman
Thank you for this great look into your process! Middles are my hardest of all. I like your free-flow brainstorming idea and it came at just the right time for my WIP!
January 17, 2021 at 6:03 am
Kathy Crable
Thanks for some new ideas!
January 17, 2021 at 6:37 am
Tara Girvan
Wow, great advice. I loved reading your journey of creativity. Thanks
January 17, 2021 at 7:10 am
acottykid
Thank you for sharing.
January 17, 2021 at 7:29 am
Deborah Foster
This is usually how my ideas are generated! I have gobs and gobs of notebooks around my house filled with ramblings! I can only imagine what someone would think if they picked one up and started reading…
January 17, 2021 at 7:37 am
Sharon Lillie
thanks for the motivation to get more organized with the process.
January 17, 2021 at 7:41 am
Lynne Marie
So happy to celebrate Unicorn Day! Wishing you all the best of success, my friend! XOXO
January 18, 2021 at 1:47 am
Diana Murray
Thank you, my friend! ❤
January 17, 2021 at 7:56 am
littleredstoryshed
Great process! Thank you for sharing, Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 8:18 am
Andrea Mack
I like your suggestion to think about something surprising or unexpected for the story middle. Great advice!
January 17, 2021 at 9:03 am
Maria Oka
Oh my gosh, I NEEDED this today! I am always so eager to start writing, and I usually know the end, but in PBs I have rarely figured out the middle, and it usually turns into a muddle. Thank you!
January 17, 2021 at 9:08 am
Mel H.
Thank you for the reminder to plan the middle (and the end). Unicorn party looks so fun! I would try sneaking in, too!
January 17, 2021 at 9:14 am
Sheri
I like the emphasis on the middle. As for the the endings, I sometimes choose to make mine like the punchline of a joke.
January 17, 2021 at 9:19 am
Catherine Lee
What a solid process! Thanks you for all the info! It gives me something different to try!
January 17, 2021 at 9:26 am
andreesantini
Thanks for sharing your process and your encouragement to not filter but keep letting the ideas come till you find the middle that pops.
January 17, 2021 at 9:34 am
Susan Drew
Great reminders to just do it! I usually start at the beginning too, but I like your suggestions. I’m going to try that. What would my book look like if started at the end? Hmmm…
January 17, 2021 at 9:40 am
Sheri
Ah yes, the middle. As for the endings, I sometimes choose to make mine like the punchline of a joke.
January 17, 2021 at 9:47 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you for sharing your process, Diana! Loved this!
January 17, 2021 at 9:58 am
Dee Knabb
Wow. Diana, this is a terrific peep into your process. I can see where it takes the story to fresh complications and surprises. Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2021 at 10:05 am
bookthreader
I love this post about figuring out the middle. That is the part I struggle with!
Moni
January 17, 2021 at 10:16 am
Hélène Sabourin
I really like your thought process. Great post!
January 17, 2021 at 10:22 am
Jennifer Skene
Interesting to think about middles.
January 17, 2021 at 10:37 am
brontebrown2
I have the middle and the end so I need to mull it over and find where to begin. The beginning isn’t always the beginning but the backstory. What is the first action to grab the reader’s attention/heart? -and begin there.
January 17, 2021 at 11:12 am
authorlauralavoie
Thanks for a great post, Diana! We’re big fans of Unicorn Day! 🙂
January 17, 2021 at 11:12 am
Kathryn Cunningham
Great post. Unicorn day sounds amazing!
January 17, 2021 at 11:18 am
Tanja Bauerle
Thank you for sharing your process. T
January 17, 2021 at 11:25 am
marynadoughty
That was so great getting to see your brainstorming process, Diana! Thank you for walking us through it and showing us how you came up with UNICORN DAY!
-Maryna Doughty
January 17, 2021 at 11:26 am
Julia A Mills
This is great advice. Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 11:32 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Great blog today! Very insightful. I even clicked on and read the two links at the bottom. Very helpful
January 17, 2021 at 11:32 am
Lynn Baldwin
This is such a helpful post and a great way to look at works in progress. Thank you, Diana.
January 17, 2021 at 11:36 am
Erin Rew
Can’t wait to try this method. I tend to be a pantser, but my stories always seem to fall a little flat.
January 17, 2021 at 11:40 am
Cheryl
This post works for any type of book, not just children’s books.
January 17, 2021 at 11:50 am
Bonnie Auslander
Nothing middling about this entry–thank you! I also love the insights about the middle from SAVE THE CAT WRITES A NOVEL.
January 17, 2021 at 11:53 am
chersugarlee
Great post thank you for all the ideas!
January 17, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Joan Longstaff
Feel like I’m a bit late to this Unicorn Party, but glad I dropped by – lovely bit of advice! Thank you for sharing.
January 17, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Shannon Hitchcock (@ShanonHitchcock)
Your post inspired what I think is my best idea yet! It was reading about that messy witch, Grimelda!
January 17, 2021 at 12:05 pm
FrannyG
Useful tips, thanks for sharing. I often race ahead instead of thinking/planning. I’m going to think more about my middles!
January 17, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Robin Wiesneth
Middles drive me MAD! Thanks for the tips.
January 17, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Sarah Tobias
Great ideas! I had to stop in the middle of reading to write down an idea. Most of all I like the free form thinking and realizing that all the little ideas can grow to a full fledged story.
January 17, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Michele Helsel
When I began to read the post and working through your brainstorming, I was thinking, “I’ve read a book like that already.” And it is because I’ve read Unicorn Day. Love your process!
January 18, 2021 at 1:51 am
Diana Murray
That’s great! Happy writing!
January 17, 2021 at 12:32 pm
curryelizabeth
Thank you for the great post and useful tips, Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 12:35 pm
HelenAddyman
This really struck a chord with me – I’ve tried to keep my Storystorm ideas “neat”, but they are followed up by wild tangents! I’m now embracing this fully 🙂 Unicorn Day looks joyous!
January 17, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Heather Rowley
Thanks for sharing your process! This is really helpful!
January 17, 2021 at 12:48 pm
beckylevine
Thank you–this post just added new details to one of my earlier ideas! 🙂
January 17, 2021 at 12:50 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Your process is an interesting one, Diana. Thanks for sharing it.
January 17, 2021 at 12:51 pm
susaninez0905
Great suggestions and inspiration. I think Dory the fish would agree – just keep writing!
January 17, 2021 at 1:01 pm
aliciaminor
I usually know the endings but that could change. It could lead to many turns. thanks Diane. Happy new year.
January 17, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Amy Grover
Thank you! I often write pages of rambling questions and thoughts related to an idea, and the process feels so messy! It’s validating to hear a published author talk about doing that!
January 17, 2021 at 1:15 pm
teacherwriteracker
Love peeling back the curtain and getting a look at your process. Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 1:21 pm
LAURA BARENS
Ahhh, that darn middle in writing! I feel the same as with my own middle (waistline)!! Thanks for the suggestions.
January 17, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Lynn Alpert
Starting from the middle is a very smart way of writing a story. Thank you for sharing your process.
January 17, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Diana! Middles can be messy. Your advice is very helpful!
January 17, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Brinton Culp
I love that your focus needs to go towards that mysterious middle. This is something I will put into practice. Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Cheryl Johnson
So good to hear the journey of specific stories, getting an agent, etc. Thanks you!
January 17, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Micki Ginsberg
I love how you have learned to trust your subconscious to come up with answers after writing down your ideas and letting them percolate. Think I’ll try it!
January 17, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Pamela Haskin
Diana, what a fun unicorn story! Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing with us. You’ve given me a new way to look at middles.
January 17, 2021 at 2:19 pm
rindabeach
The middle? Who knew! I loved the idea of Dolphin Party. Thanks for sharing the story of how it morphed into Unicorn Day!
January 17, 2021 at 2:43 pm
rhumba20
Loved reading your post about your process! Very inspiring. I see how rambling in writing can help with ideas:)
Anna Levin
January 17, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Susan Jobsky
I do tend to be a “pantser,” but that’s because most often a story comes to mind from beginning to end. I write it all out and go from there. I do have some topics jotted down to work with, wiggle through my brain, and weave into scenes, ideas waiting for the wow moment.
January 17, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Beth Stilborn
I’m sure I can transfer this idea into the writing of MG. Trick the murky middle by starting with it! Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 3:30 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Thank you for this piece! I write MG and YA and have tools for dealing with the saggy middle, but I haven’t yet unlocked the code for PBs.
January 17, 2021 at 3:35 pm
drdefauw
I can’t wait to buy Unicorn Day and Pizza Pig for my daughter.
January 17, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Corey Schwartz
Fantastic post, Diana!
January 18, 2021 at 2:00 am
Diana Murray
Hi Corey! Thank you!
January 17, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Kirsti Call
Great post, Diana! Thank you!
January 18, 2021 at 2:00 am
Diana Murray
Thanks Kirsti!
January 17, 2021 at 4:29 pm
syorkeviney
I, too, start in the middle! Loads of silly ideas, then synthesis to concept… thought I was crazy….now I know I’m not! Thank you!!!
January 18, 2021 at 2:01 am
Diana Murray
I’m glad it’s not just me!
January 17, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
I love the look into your process. Thanks, Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Diane Mittler
Still working to explore story creation as a planner or pantser. This provides a nice middle ground, to honor the planning but still leaving room from creativity! Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Nadine Poper
Thank you Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Jay
Loved reading your post. Thank you for your tips.
January 17, 2021 at 5:52 pm
jimchaize1
What an interesting post. As a confirmed pantser, I enjoyed learning about a whole different way of doing things. Who knows, maybe I will switch it up one of these days. Thanks, Diana.
January 17, 2021 at 6:02 pm
Sarah Lynne John
I love the idea of writing toward a twist or complication in the middle. Your success is inspiring and I’m grateful for a glimpse into your process!
January 17, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Aah, the middle. Thank you for shining this lights. Great idea to pay more attention here, before I storm off to write. congrats on your latest book.
January 17, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Megan Whitaker
I love looking back at my brainstorming page when I feel I’ve finished a manuscript. It seems as though only one of those things made it into the story but sometimes another story starts as a result. Congrats!
January 17, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks, Diana, for your post. I hardly ever outline. I usually work off an idea or a title, making just the beginning, or the ending. Your book looks cute! Can’t wait to read it.
January 17, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Louann Brown
What cute books! I’ll try your method….Keeping my fingers crossed that I end up with that elusive plot…that I often loose.
January 17, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Louann Brown
Lose…not loose. Egad.
January 17, 2021 at 6:51 pm
Stephanie D Jones
Thanks Diana – I’m definitely thinking about the middle his week – a different zag to my brainstorming!
January 17, 2021 at 6:58 pm
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for explaining how you brainstorm and craft the story.
January 17, 2021 at 7:07 pm
CindyC
Thanks for making us think about the middle (first!). Great post.
January 17, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Sara Matson
Thanks for this post, Diana. As someone who has difficulty developing ideas, it was really helpful to see your process.
January 17, 2021 at 7:11 pm
Pam Miller
Thank you for your painless recipe for writing the most fun children’s books.
January 17, 2021 at 7:32 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Very helpful examples and advice. Your story ideas are very fun and it’s nice to see how you brainstorm your way to find the idea that grabs hold. I’m also a fellow cockatiel lover. Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 7:33 pm
Summer Quigley
Bringing the middle to the forefront of my mind. Thanks for the the tip. Love the the Unicorn Day story BTW.
January 17, 2021 at 7:39 pm
karammitchell
Thanks, Diana! Starting in the middle is the absolute hardest for me. I will try this!
January 17, 2021 at 7:51 pm
sharonkdal
Love your process. Thanks for sharing it. Super helpful!
January 17, 2021 at 7:56 pm
JC
Im a planner as well! Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2021 at 8:09 pm
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for sharing your process. I love seeing how other author’s start with a seed of an idea and eventually it leads to something even better than what they started with by just letting the idea grow.
January 17, 2021 at 8:34 pm
Christine Pinto
Great, helpful ideas! Thanks Diana!
January 17, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Arlene Schenker
Thanks for sharing your “ramblings!” I like the idea of writing it all down.
January 17, 2021 at 8:47 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thank you❤️Great idea!
January 17, 2021 at 8:48 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great advice! Write everything down & look at the middle. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2021 at 9:48 pm
bookfish1
Appreciate you diving into the concept of the middle it was fascinating. Thanks
January 17, 2021 at 9:48 pm
jensubra
Love the freedom of your brainstorming step, Diane. And I’m going to work your “middle magic” with a manuscript I’ve been struggling with. Thanks!
January 17, 2021 at 9:51 pm
Eileen Mayo
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 17, 2021 at 10:06 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Great suggestions…thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2021 at 10:11 pm
Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks)
This is so great! I’m stuck on a story right now and I’m definitely going to try this! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2021 at 10:12 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Diana, you’ve given me plenty to think about and to work with. And a great way to cut work when I have so many ideas. Keep inspired and inspiring.
January 17, 2021 at 10:29 pm
Angie
Love considering the middle first! Thanks for your strategies and ideas!
January 17, 2021 at 11:24 pm
bgonsar
Very true – once you have that middle, you can build to and from it. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2021 at 11:31 pm
Gmv
Really interesting post. I tend to want to write everything first without really thinking of the middle. I got some new ideas, thank you.
January 17, 2021 at 11:34 pm
Amy Leskowski
Awesome! I’m a pantser but also always looking for different things to try and ways to improve my process. I’m curious if the middle for a typical three-attempt narrative arc is always in relatively the same spot?
January 17, 2021 at 11:44 pm
Joy Wieder
Loved learning about your process. It’s fun following an idea down all those rabbit holes!
January 18, 2021 at 12:07 am
Michelle Kashinsky
Cool concept of finding the middle!
January 18, 2021 at 12:11 am
Joanne Roberts
I love thinking up my twists and matching endings to beginnings, but thinking up the middle first? That’s new for me. I like it! Thanks
January 18, 2021 at 12:13 am
Tania
FABULOUS, DIANA!
January 18, 2021 at 12:36 am
Kris H
I love your process and idea for unicorn day!
January 18, 2021 at 12:56 am
Brittney
Thanks Diana! I loved what you said about “no self-critiquing” in the early stage of brainstorming.
January 18, 2021 at 1:08 am
Gaby
I was missing to write where the idea came from. Now that I know, I would named “Diary of my Ideas”. And start “This idea came to me after…….” Thank you so much for sharing with us your process.
January 18, 2021 at 1:44 am
Katie Williams
Love the advice about the middle and can’t wait to check out your books!
January 18, 2021 at 1:54 am
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
This is amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever written this way and I can’t wait to give it try. Thank you!
January 18, 2021 at 7:47 am
Meaghan Br
Such great advice. I especially love seeing examples of how your ideas progress. Thanks for sharing.
January 18, 2021 at 8:15 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Diana, my hero, my friend, thank you for always inspiring. And I loved the trip down memory lane with so many of your books😍 thanks Tara for bringing such wonderful inspiration to us all in Storystorm!
January 18, 2021 at 8:51 am
Catherine
This sounds like a great way to work on an idea without the pressure of a blank page in front of you – thank you Diana!
January 18, 2021 at 10:43 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks so much for sharing. I have some WIPs with muddy middles that will be getting some attention!
January 18, 2021 at 11:29 am
danielle hammelef
Thank you for the interview today. I always enjoy finding out how authors come up with meaningful stories.
January 18, 2021 at 11:32 am
melissamiles1
I love reading about your Story Storm success story! Great ideas. Thank you.
January 18, 2021 at 11:48 am
triciacandy
Thank so much! It really is helpful to think out the importance of the middle!
January 18, 2021 at 11:48 am
deirdreprischmann
This was really helpful – no one likes a saggy middle!
January 18, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Wonderful ideas and I LOVE that you solved the “riddle of the middle”! This is very helpful.
January 18, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Elizabeth Metz
This actually makes me want to take out some of my stories that are still in early stages, identify the middle point, and revise with that as my focus. But I LOVE the idea of starting there for new ideas. Seems like an excellent foundation. Thank you, Diana!
January 18, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Joni Nemeth
Thank you for sharing – HATE the muddy middle part! Have to trudge through it.
January 18, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Great ideas for writing the complete book. Thanks.
January 18, 2021 at 1:21 pm
allyenz
Hi Diana! Your suggestions are going to help me a great deal! My natural style is stream of consciousness writing and you definitely validated that process. I love the idea of not narrowing down and starting to write the frirst draft too soon, which I have a tendency to do. Thanks for the links to your other posts as well.. The character driven stories suggestions of personality trait + Conflicting goal is one I’ve heard before, but you laid it out in a way that makes me want to jump right in and start a list. THANK YOU!
January 18, 2021 at 1:30 pm
angie9091
Thanks for sharing! Angie Isaacs
January 18, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Diana, you are brilliant! Thank you for these ideas!
January 18, 2021 at 1:50 pm
ajstrahangmailcom
Very helpful article, Diana! Thank you so much!
January 18, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Susie Sawyer
Hey Diana!! As always, your words inspire me (as does your success!). This is SUCH good advice, at least for me – to have the oh-so-important middle idea in mind. Especially when writing in rhyme, it’s so easy to lose sight of the story arc. I will definitely be working harder on this! So good to “see” you again!
January 18, 2021 at 1:58 pm
annettepimentel
Surprising advice. Thanks!
January 18, 2021 at 2:05 pm
Johnell DeWitt
I’m awful at the middle, so this is great. Thank you!
January 18, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Wendy
I always think I know my ending–then I end up writing something else. Maybe another session of brainstorming before pen to paper will help. Congratulations on a dozen books! Yay!
January 18, 2021 at 3:03 pm
muskoshe
Thank you for sharing your process. What a great way to look at a story. I am going to try this with a ms I have in mind but have yet to figure out how to start. Maybe I just need to go to the middle.
January 18, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing your expertise in working with the middle. I often get lost in the middle of my stories and this will help.
January 18, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Ellen Pridmore
This was very helpful. Thanks, Diana, for sharing your process!
January 18, 2021 at 3:36 pm
sloanejacobs
That was great. I love your process. Planning does help. I love scribbling out ideas on a legal pad/notebook and then once something feels right, I start typing it out on the computer. Love that you are successful writing in rhyme and that you are in the picture book and early reader markets. Awesome and inspirational.
January 18, 2021 at 3:44 pm
mandyyokim
This was a great post – thanks, Diana! Love the reminder to let our ideas frolic in the first stage – so often, my editor brain comes in too early and snuffs out the fun!
January 18, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thank for the inspiration and congrats on all of your success!
January 18, 2021 at 3:59 pm
Abby Wooldridge
I loved your post, Diana! Thank you so much for sharing the solution to the riddle of the middle! 🙂
January 18, 2021 at 5:09 pm
claudia sloan
Thank you for sharing! The Unicorn Day looks so much fun!!!
January 18, 2021 at 5:29 pm
theresacocci
Thank you for sharing your process. I enjoy writing picture books for young readers and being a teacher, I am always asking myself what is the lesson learned. Now this will help me learn about the importance of the middle and getting to that lesson ath the end.
January 18, 2021 at 6:14 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for sharing your process, Diana! And Unicorn Day sounds amazing!
January 18, 2021 at 7:20 pm
goodreadswithronna
“Once you catch an idea and write it down, it kind of takes on a life of its own.” This really resonated with me.Thanks, Diana.
January 18, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Caren
Loved hearing your story and how you zoomed off in different directions before finally settling.
January 18, 2021 at 9:29 pm
Janet Halfmann
Hmmmm, will have to start brainstorming those “middles.”
January 18, 2021 at 9:35 pm
Babs Ostapina
Now there’s a new twist… start in the middle. I love the stream of consciousness idea. Thanks, Diana!
January 18, 2021 at 10:40 pm
heavenlyhashformoms
My daughter Carolyn wants to tell you that she likes your idea about the unicorns!
January 18, 2021 at 11:43 pm
writersideup
Diana, I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE your UNICORN DAY! It is SOOooo brilliant 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤ And seeing the way you work is wonderful. It's one of my favorite things: to see the process of successful creators 🙂 Thank you for this fantastic post ❤
January 18, 2021 at 11:45 pm
doreenrobinson
Your process is brilliant – not just plotting – but figuring out the middle makes so much sense. I love your books and admire your talent for writing in rhyme.
January 19, 2021 at 12:03 am
Susan Schade
I can’t wait to play around with this exercise! Thank you for sharing your process.
January 19, 2021 at 1:16 am
Renata Wurster
Oh my gosh! I love the concept of “Just let the ideas frolic”. So true – shutting out the inner critic and going to let my ideas have some fun:)
January 19, 2021 at 1:18 am
Patricia Tiffany Morris
I hadn’t thought of brainstorming the middle of the book. What about coming up with the climax and turning points like in fiction? great article.
January 19, 2021 at 1:43 am
Amanda
Thank you for your ideas & example of your process. So helpful!
January 19, 2021 at 8:19 am
ptnozell
Thanks so much for the reminder to focus on the middle plot points before rushing blindly into the writing stage, from a (hopefully) former pantser (whose ideas often appear first as titles)
January 19, 2021 at 10:17 am
Joan Swanson
Love your middles. Thanks for the advise.
January 19, 2021 at 10:24 am
Penny Merritt
Thank you for your insight!
January 19, 2021 at 11:04 am
Megan Litwin
Thank you, Diana! I am such a fan of your work and your lyrical voice, and so it was such a treat to see you peel back your process in this post. Writing in rhyme is a real skill, and one you make look easy. 🙂
January 19, 2021 at 11:22 am
Anita Banks
Thank you!
January 19, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you
January 19, 2021 at 12:50 pm
marshaelyn
Diana, How terrific to use the word “nagging” in a positive way! Your creative process is fun way to streamline our minds as we work to tell the best stories. I’m excited to try it. Maybe it’ll help lasso my gambling imagination. I tend to dive in with a draft before planning the “middle.” When snow falls in Kansas, I reach for your book, One Snowy Day, to enjoy once again. Your lyrical writing is a delight to read. Sending you continued inspiration for your storytelling….
January 19, 2021 at 12:51 pm
topangamaria
THANK YOU for a peek at the process of a compulsive writer.
January 19, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Janet Smart
Great ideas here. And congratulations on all of your books!
January 19, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Laurie Carmody
Writing down everything is so freeing! Thank you for a great post.
January 19, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Lauren Hidalgo
Thank you for this! I always get just a piece of a story and have lacked the process of developing the full idea! So very helpful 💜
January 19, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Rebekah Lowell
My storystorm notebook allows a full page for each idea, so if I have musings beyond the “idea” I can add to it. It helps to elaborate, otherwise a year from now I’ll see the idea and think “what did I even mean??”.
Thanks for a great post!
January 19, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Jennifer
Thanks for the great suggestions! 🙂
January 19, 2021 at 2:34 pm
rgstones
Thanks for sharing your process. Congrats on your success!
January 19, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Amy H
Thanks Diana! Middles are the trickiest so why not start there…a new perspective
January 19, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you Dianna. Love your post. Love your books.
January 19, 2021 at 3:17 pm
boygirlparty
Unicorn Day sounds so fun! Love that you’ve been doing Storystorm for all this time!
January 19, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
I took a look at my work in light of your “conversational stream of consciousness” comment and yes, that’s what I do. Tumbling of ideas. And it is the ONLY way I can get a decent middle of any story!!! I find that connecting middle is in that “stream” somewhere! LOL
January 19, 2021 at 3:41 pm
chcaro
This was very helpful! Thanks! My kids and I love Unicorn Day.
January 19, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Mary Ann Blair
I love this approach of working from the middle! Congrats on all your success!
January 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm
stacey miller
I love your process it’s so helpful!
January 19, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Alicia Z. Klepeis
Liked the idea of just getting ideas out without self-criticism. Thanks for the suggestions!
January 19, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Laura Clement
I love that you are giving the middle and the struggle that we writers find ourselves in with it, the crown for the day. Great ideas.
January 19, 2021 at 6:04 pm
paulabpuckett
Starting in the middle is the way to go, right? Sounds like a fun way to begin. Thanks.
January 19, 2021 at 6:19 pm
Masha Sapron
thank you for sharing your process in detail! very cool!
January 19, 2021 at 7:45 pm
claireflewis
This is a great approach to generating ideas – thanks for a very helpful post!
January 19, 2021 at 7:50 pm
andikate
I’ve never thought of writing this way–thank you!
January 19, 2021 at 8:05 pm
cmochowski
Love the text in the drawing. So pretty. Thank you for the suggestions and sharing.
January 19, 2021 at 9:09 pm
Alexis_Bookdragon
“Write down everything”. I love it. I am a note taker and a rambler, and I like to plan, so I think your advice is perfect for me. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 3:24 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
That was so interesting! Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 8:28 am
kaitlinsikeswrites
My daughter LOVED unicorn day. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 11:02 am
Kelly Vavala
Thank you for this great advice! I’m definitely a planner as well! Sometimes it’s a benefit and sometimes not as I often don’t write the story waiting for it all to make sense. I wish sometimes I just wrote it and it would all come together magically! Thank you for sharing your process!
January 20, 2021 at 12:32 pm
claireannette1
I often struggle with middles. Thankful for sharing how you plan and write down all of your ideas.
January 20, 2021 at 1:42 pm
jeanjames926
I always love reading the success stories from Storystorm! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 20, 2021 at 4:28 pm
Mary Zychowicz
What a great post! I’m always interested in other writer’s processes. This seems like a strategy that would work for me. I love your list of books. I’m getting on my library site right now to get them and check out their “middles”. Thank you for sharing this.
January 20, 2021 at 10:20 pm
ingridboydston
Hmm, the middle really is kind of a big deal. Thanks for the shift in perspective. 😃
January 21, 2021 at 5:31 am
Devin Leatherman (@cr8tiveendevors)
Fleshing out the middle of a story concept and letting it drive the development is such a great idea! Thanks for your process insights!
January 21, 2021 at 6:14 am
Terri Sabol
I like the freedom to write down everything, not just the initial idea, without self-critiquing. Thank you for sharing, Diana!
January 21, 2021 at 8:55 am
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you, Diana. Your blog triggered a revision idea for one of my manuscripts!
January 21, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Pam Jones-Nill
Middles are difficult for me as well, I don’t think I’ve ever approached a story with the middle in mind, beginning and ending yes – I’m going to try.
Thanks
January 21, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for your ideas and insight. Beginning tends to come easy. After that, is where the true fun begins.
January 21, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you for your post!
January 21, 2021 at 10:21 pm
lauriekaiserwrites
I love hearing about writers’ process, organizational style, etc., and yours is super helpful, especially for those of us who tend to muddle through the middle. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Terry Talley
As a former teacher, I remember how staff first set the end goal of a lesson/unit, then planned a sequence to acheive it…”outcome-based” is what they called it in the old days. Now I can see how beneficial it is for writing too. Thanks for this tip and for the multitude of resources. Congrats on your success that started with Storystorm. Very inspirational.
January 22, 2021 at 12:15 am
Toni Weeks
I’m now exceptionally inspired to find middles that don’t sag! Thank you for your post!
January 22, 2021 at 10:43 am
Kelly Conroy
I’ve never thought to start in the middle! I find that is the hardest part – thanks for the idea and Congratulations on all of you super fun books!!!
January 22, 2021 at 10:53 am
Val McC
I always worry about the beginning and end — what a great idea to figure out the middle! Thanks, Diana
January 22, 2021 at 11:03 am
Cinzia V.
Diana – Thank you. Your post was great. Last night when I couldn’t sleep (after dreaming about being chased by crocodiles), I thought of middles for my stories – both new and old. Although it didn’t help me fall back asleep, t really helped crystalize my thinking. Thanks!
January 22, 2021 at 11:30 am
Kristin Sawyer
Thank you for not only sharing, but also showing your process. I, too, write crazy lists and pages of scribbled fragments and phrases. I haven’t yet had the eureka of a Unicorn Day, but I look forward to it.
January 22, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Karen Pickrell
Great tip about not just writing down your story idea, but including all your musings and figuring out the story arc too. Thank you for sharing!
January 22, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Stephanie Lau
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 22, 2021 at 10:28 pm
AlisonMarcotte
Loved reading about your process!
January 22, 2021 at 11:21 pm
jessica shaw
Thanks, Diana! The middles can be tough! Each year during Storystorm, I find that many of my ideas flow from others. I appreciate you sharing your notes from Unicorn Day:)
January 23, 2021 at 1:50 am
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
Such great tips–thank you so much for sharing your process! I can’t wait to read UNICORN DAY!
January 23, 2021 at 1:05 pm
heatherbell37
Amazing tips! Thank you so much for sharing! Middles are always such a problem for me, so I love the idea of starting there.
January 23, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Patti Ranson
I love your answer, above, about colour coding a draft that is still percolating! My brain tends to house my ideas until they are partially formed. The middle seems to be the place to start a story;) I am going to use colour coding!
January 23, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Your tips were so great! Figuring out the middle first is a great way to not get stuck there!!!!! Thank you so much. It was also so lovely to hear that you wrtie concept books, but give them that twist. I have come to the realization that I am more of a concept book writer, but strive to add the twist or tell stories in another way.
January 23, 2021 at 3:59 pm
jennyb_writes
Thank you for the suggestion to ask ideas questions. I usually just dive right in trying to write and often end up discouraged. The suggestion to ask questions, and let the idea come back to you, is just what I needed to hear.
January 23, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Brenda Whitehead (@BrendaW_Prof)
I so struggle with the middle when I have an initial idea! Thanks for this reminder to really think it through before “pantsing” it, I know it will work out so much better that way. 🙂
January 24, 2021 at 1:34 am
Anna Brooks
Thank you so much for the advice! And the links to your earlier posts make it 3 for the price of 1! I’m already reworking some ideas trying to tackle that difficult middle, and the character-driven formula of personality trait + conflicting goal.
January 24, 2021 at 11:45 am
Julie Augensen-Rand
Your process what fun to see and it cracked me up. Thank you for sharing.
January 24, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Dina Ticas
As I was reading, I thought of multiple graphic organizers that I haven’t been using that might be helpful in organizing my ideas/thoughts. Thanks!
January 24, 2021 at 2:57 pm
iefaber
Starting in the middle makes so much sense to me. I’m feeling like this process will really work well for me specifically. I’m not very linear in my thinking in general. THANK YOU!
January 24, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Debbie Meyer
Great advice, Diana! I always struggle in the middle. Thank you!
January 24, 2021 at 8:59 pm
Lauri Meyers
Oh Diana, this felt like a breakthrough strategy to me. I have to try it a few times to see if my brain goes for it. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:53 am
sylviaichen
So helpful to hear how you work through your ideas and planning. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 11:24 am
suzannepoulterharris
This is such an inspirational post. Thank you for giving us a peek into your crazy, conversational stream of consciousness.
January 25, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
I really love this post – I can be a panster when I am digging around for ideas and then I can be a plotter when I get serious about which story I want to tell. And finding the middle first – I never heard that advice before and it makes such great sense to me. That gives me an idea…
January 25, 2021 at 4:33 pm
erintsiska
My son and I love your books, Diana. Thanks for sharing your process. The middle is always tough for me!
January 25, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Nina Nolan
Thank you for your post! And for reminding us that conversational stream of consciousness can be part of the planning process (even if we might feel a little crazy). 🙂
January 26, 2021 at 9:56 am
Christine @ Goodjelly
Thanks, Diana. Your method reminded me of a writing book I read recently ( a recommendation from a class with Chris Tebbetts and Erin Dionne) called “Write Your Novel from The Middle” by James Scott Bell. It’s a great approach for novels, too. Yay!
January 26, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Naomi Gruer
Great reminder to focus on the middle and outline with page numbers!
January 26, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Judy Palermo
Thanks, Diana. Super inspiring and helpful.
January 27, 2021 at 7:34 am
Blair Ortman
This was an excellent read! Thank you so much!
January 27, 2021 at 1:40 pm
LaurenKerstein
Fabulous post, Diana! Thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 5:15 pm
Karen Greenwald
Love this approach! Thanks, Diana!
January 27, 2021 at 9:06 pm
Laura Renauld
Frolicking ideas, wild and free! Yes, please. 🙂
January 28, 2021 at 8:36 am
Betsy Devany
Love, love this post! So inspiring and fun!
January 28, 2021 at 9:20 am
Sheri Dillard
Great post! Thanks, Diana! 🙂
January 28, 2021 at 1:46 pm
Brenda Grant Lower
I love “Unicorn day”! This sparks several ideas! Thank you!
January 28, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Ave Maria Cross
Love what you do during the early idea stage! After I come up with a title (or not) I’m going to figure out the middle first for a change and move on from there. Thanks for sharing, Diana
January 28, 2021 at 6:29 pm
Judy Bryan
Thank you for sharing your process, Diana. I like that you let an idea percolate until you find the middle before you start writing. Brilliant!
January 28, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
Great approach!
January 29, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Kimberly Wilson
Start with the middle––I’m definitely going to try this! Thank you, Diana!
January 29, 2021 at 11:46 pm
thedandelionzoo
Great ideas! Thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 2:49 pm
Kristy Nuttall
Great post! I like how you said, ” Ideas always generate more ideas and questions generate more questions! Use that to your advantage.” Thanks for sharing your process and inspiration!! Congrats on your fantastic books too!
January 30, 2021 at 4:10 pm
dlapmandi
Really enjoyed your post about starting in the middle. Great post. Thanks.
January 30, 2021 at 5:47 pm
colleenrkosinski
Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Lisa L Furness
I can relate to the crazy, conversational stream of consciousness needed to get to the middle! Thanks for the inspiration, Diana!
January 31, 2021 at 4:02 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thanks, Diana!
January 31, 2021 at 5:06 pm
Mary Worley
Thanks! I’m going to try this approach.
January 31, 2021 at 7:58 pm
Jen Walsh Hawks
Thank you for sharing with examples! It’s so helpful to see your process unfold.
February 1, 2021 at 12:43 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
I’ve found in the last couple of years that my ideas are almost never written without a stream of questions to follow. Love this wandering approach- it leads to great things!
February 1, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Audrey
I have never been much of a plotter for picture books, but your post makes me want to try it. Thank you!
February 1, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
Love this method!
February 1, 2021 at 9:44 pm
KASteed
Very helpful
February 1, 2021 at 10:54 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for this great idea!
February 2, 2021 at 4:56 pm
kaleegwarjanski
We LOVE Unicorn Day!
February 4, 2021 at 8:54 pm
Julie Reich
Middles always give me trouble. Thanks for the post!
February 4, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Dea Brayden
Thanks for sharing. Great way to pull together a draft before the rhyming begins!
February 6, 2021 at 12:59 am
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Middles are soo hard. Thanks for the tips.
February 8, 2021 at 10:52 am
Juliana Motzko
Love to know how this lovely book become to life! It’s amazing and inspiring! thanks for sharing!
February 17, 2021 at 8:57 pm
lorisherritt
Thanks for sharing your process! It was reassuring to know that as much goes in inside of your head as it does in mine! Love Unicorn Day!