by Margaret Chiu Greanias
Since 2020, I’ve been distracted. By the pandemic. By my kids being home twenty-four seven (hello distance learning!). By the election.
My creative energy, like my time, has been sapped. But one thing that invigorates me, even during times like these, is the promise of a new story idea. Yes, this is why I love Storystorm.
Today, instead of focusing outward for a source of inspiration, I’m focusing inward—on our own failed and discarded stories.
HUH?
If you’re like me, you have tens if not hundreds of partially written and even finished stories. These may range from stories that never left your computer (or notebook) all the way to stories that went on submission but were never acquired. They are stories that are still unfinished puzzles, stories that were never quite right, stories that weren’t marketable enough, stories that never found the right champion. They are the stories we shelved, never intending to read them again.
But WHAT IF one of these stories has:
- a character you love but just wasn’t in the right story?
- a side character that deserves a story of their own?
- a fantastic world that doesn’t shine because the others story elements didn’t work?
- a concept or problem that still resonates with you?
- a phrase, a metaphor, some dialogue, or a description—perhaps insignificant to the failed story—that could become the nugget of a new story?
- a story element, when woven together with other elements from other failed stories, that could be made into an entirely new story?
Just because a story didn’t work as a whole doesn’t mean it has no value. These stories are mineable. Elements from these stories could be the inspiration for something new, something fresh, something fantastic.
My picture book AMAH FARAWAY, publishing next year by Bloomsbury, began as a failed story. The central concept, one of the growing relationship between a girl and her long-distance grandmother and ancestral culture, is close to my heart. It’s the story of my own experience growing up with a grandmother who lived in a different country. Our necessarily infrequent visits always began with shyness and always ended with not wanting to say goodbye.
The failed story was called GRANDMA ROBOT. It involved a girl, her stand-in robot grandmother, and her actual grandmother who lived very far away. I wrote it, revised it, and re-wrote it many times. But I could never get it quite right (now I see why—another benefit of re-reading these long-filed away stories).
Several years later, I was determined to write a story in a format based on the poem “Lost Generation” by Jonathon Reed. Read forward, the poem has a pessimistic tone. But read in reverse (from bottom to top), the tone transforms. The effect is amazing, and I get chills whenever I read the poem.
My idea was to write a story using a similar format. The first half would be the forward read, and the second half would be the reverse read. I thought for months about what kind of story would fit this structure. Finally, I remembered the central concept behind GRANDMA ROBOT and…
AMAH FARAWAY was born.
A child gets to know her Taiwanese grandmother during an all-too-rare visit. AMAH FARAWAY is an intergenerational story in a unique format. In the first half of the story, Kylie keeps Amah at arm’s length. The story peaks in the middle with an invitation from Amah which Kylie accepts. After this, the story lines reverse, and their relationship transforms!
So, take another read through your failed yet mineable stories—there may be a promising story idea waiting to be discovered.
Margaret Chiu Greanias writes stories with heart for children. She is the author of MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS (illustrated by Lesley Breen Withrow) and the forthcoming AMAH FARAWAY (illustrated by Tracy Subisak). Even though she wrote her first terrifically terrible book at age 9, it wasn’t until age 46 that she became a published author. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, three children, and a fluffle of dust bunnies.
Visit her online at margaretgreanias.com, or on Twitter @margaretgreania, Instagram @margaretgreanias and Facebook.
Margaret is giving away a non-rhyming picture book and a copy of MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS from Running Press Kids.
Two separate winners will be randomly selected.
Leave one comment below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
637 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 20, 2021 at 8:06 am
Jamie Bills
Thank you for your insight! I look forward to mining my dead stories for small gems. 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 8:12 am
ranessadoucet
Thanks for sharing. I plan to look through old stories and dig a bit deeper for bits of gold!
January 20, 2021 at 8:13 am
Leslie Tayloe
Once I realized a story would just not work, I moved on to write another story. So, yes I have many stories that were not completed. I’m encouraged by your post. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 8:13 am
Julia
What a great idea! Thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 8:15 am
thecrowsmap
Margaret, thanks for your post. It’s fun to learn about how stories transform into something fresh and exciting. I look forward to reading your book.
Gail Hartman
January 20, 2021 at 8:15 am
Mitchell Linda
What? Read something from bottom to top? Just that idea alone gives me an idea. Thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 7:19 pm
margaretgreanias
Oh yay! Good luck with your new idea!
January 20, 2021 at 8:16 am
michelemeleen
This is a great idea! Can’t wait to mine the notebooks😁
January 20, 2021 at 8:16 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
This sounds wonderful!
January 20, 2021 at 8:17 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
What a terrific idea!
January 20, 2021 at 8:19 am
Deb Sullivan
Great suggestion Margaret-its inspiring to think all that brainstorming from the past might be put to good use!
January 20, 2021 at 7:20 pm
margaretgreanias
YES! You did the creative work, so look for the gems.
January 20, 2021 at 8:19 am
steveheron
Thank you Margaret. It has never occurred to me to call any of my stories “failed stories” – ‘homeless’ yes, ‘evolving’ yes, ‘to be continued’ yes.
January 20, 2021 at 8:20 am
Mark Bentz
Hi Margaret, Thank you for this post. A reminder of the many stories that I’ve written. Time to take a look. See what I can do to rewrite a few, or more.
January 20, 2021 at 8:20 am
talararuth
I really want to read your story now! Thanks for describing the process. Gonna dig into my discard pile of stories again… my story orphanage & see what’s there.
January 20, 2021 at 8:21 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for reminding us to revisit our discarded stories, Margaret. Fresh eyes on a stale story can do wonders. Your newest book sounds charming!
January 20, 2021 at 8:22 am
Nancy Colle
Wow, thanks. I’ve got a box full of not-so-great ideas that I need to rediscover. Can’t wait to get started. Thank you again:)
January 20, 2021 at 8:22 am
Julie Maria Harris
Thank you for your ideas and inspiration. I will have to look back into the archives!
January 20, 2021 at 8:24 am
Nadine Poper
YES! This is exactly what I was thinking as I woke up this morning. I have stories that fit the WHAT IFs you mention. AMAH FARAWAY sounds amazing. I will look up the poem “Lost Generation”. Thank you so much.
January 20, 2021 at 7:22 pm
margaretgreanias
Hooray! Hope you find some gems in those stories.
January 20, 2021 at 8:25 am
Amy Houts
What a creative idea! I love it! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 20, 2021 at 8:27 am
Kelly Jaques
Love this post, Margaret! Thanks for the great advice!
January 20, 2021 at 8:29 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
This is a great poster with a great idea thank you so much! I have so many old manuscripts I need to dust off and go through!
January 20, 2021 at 8:30 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
This is a great poster with a great idea thank you so much! I have so many old manuscripts I need to dust off and go through! 😁
January 20, 2021 at 8:31 am
Susan Halko
Congrats on Amah Faraway—it sounds so cool!! Thanks, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 8:32 am
claireflewis
I love this idea of getting new ideas from discarded or failed stories!
January 20, 2021 at 8:34 am
Jo Jo Harder
Very encouraging post! Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 8:35 am
goodtimegreatstory
Thank you, Margaret! I am inspired by your ideas and your life lesson in persistence. Good luck with your new book!
January 20, 2021 at 8:35 am
Becky Falkum
Margaret, thank you. I never find myself quite able to discard old stories altogether. This gives them new purpose!
January 20, 2021 at 8:38 am
Alice Fulgione
I can’t wait to read through my old stories! Perhaps I’ll find some hidden gems that I can rework into treasures.
January 20, 2021 at 8:40 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Hi Margaret, looking forward to reading your new book and to re-imagining old manuscripts!
January 20, 2021 at 8:44 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Great post, Margaret! I had just started reworking an old story and this inspiration was just what I needed! Thank you!
January 22, 2021 at 1:28 am
margaretgreanias
Hooray! Good luck with the reworking!
January 20, 2021 at 8:45 am
ptnozell
Great advice to read through those failed stories & look for gems to repurpose. Can’t wait to read Amah Faraway.
January 20, 2021 at 8:48 am
Beth Charles
Such great advice. Thanks for sharing. This comes at the perfect time when I, too, am feeling creatively drained by current events.
January 20, 2021 at 8:49 am
Artsybarncat
This was inspirational! Our discarded words are useful and can be reborn! Loved your post! Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 8:51 am
RebeccaTheWriter
Thank you for this post! I definitely am going to go through all my old files now. For sure there must be SOMETHING in the pages and pages and pages of former stories that I can transform into something new! Thanks for the idea!
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
January 20, 2021 at 8:54 am
kiwijenny
This is such sage advice. Congratulations. I loved this post. I want to get Amah Faraway.
January 20, 2021 at 8:54 am
HelenAddyman
Failed stories can definitely be stepping stones to better stories. Here’s hoping we can all mine our discard pile for nuggets of gold!
January 20, 2021 at 8:56 am
MINDY MEYER
AMAH FARAWAY sounds like a wonderful story. I’m looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the tip! I have several stories half and fully written to revisit.
January 20, 2021 at 9:00 am
ajchannis
Whilst I’ve not picked a character from one story and dropped them in another, which I love the idea of, I have revisited old, dead, ideas and breathed new life in to them.
I’m going to have a dig through my slush pile at the weekend and see what other Phoenix I can raise from the multiple ashes of that virtual bonfire.
And that has started the familiar itch of an idea already.
Thanks for the sparks.
Ajchski.
January 20, 2021 at 9:00 am
saintamovin
Thank you Margaret 😊
January 20, 2021 at 9:02 am
lynjekowsky
What an inspirational idea – writing from top to bottom then bottom to top. I’m looking forward to reading Amah Faraway.
January 20, 2021 at 9:03 am
Marla Yablon
What a great idea! Now I have to go digging.
January 20, 2021 at 9:03 am
josetteabruzzini
Your story sounds magical and I can’t wait to read it! And thank you for the suggestion to “:rethink” those dead-in-the-water stories. Revisiting them could keep me busy for a while!
January 20, 2021 at 9:07 am
Pat Trattles
Great idea. i have an entire drawer full of failed stories just waiting to be mined. Thanks for the tiip.
January 20, 2021 at 9:09 am
marshaelyn
Margaret, thank you for showing us how to transform “failed” stories into “future” ones. Look out dust bunnies! They’ll have to hop to new homes as I sweep through my “failed” stories and ideas. Your own journey is encouraging, Margaret. (I like using your name. It was my mother’s.) Your path to publishing reminds us to persevere and stay passionate about our stories, whether they’re tucked in a drawer, scribbled on a card, or stuck in our imagination. Sending gratitude for your ideas, and energy and inspiration for your continued success…
January 22, 2021 at 1:30 am
margaretgreanias
Thank you so much! Wishing you much success too!
January 20, 2021 at 9:09 am
Tonnye Fletcher
I love hearing how you transformed an old story idea and a poetic inspiration to create something refreshing and new about a topic that is so important to you! So wonderful! I had a great and close relationship with my grandma that lived near, but my other grandma lived 3 hours away, and even that 3 hours made such a difference. I can only imagine how hard it would be to live sooo far from a grandma. . .Good luck with continued success! I have a definite idea from an old book I want to play with! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22, 2021 at 1:32 am
margaretgreanias
Thank you! Best of luck with your old/new idea!
January 20, 2021 at 9:10 am
Sarah Lynne John
I love digging through old ideas and looking for new sparks! Thanks for the motivation!
January 20, 2021 at 9:12 am
Judie
Thanks for reminder not to throw the baby out with the bath water!
January 20, 2021 at 9:13 am
pathaap
I have treasure of failed stories to choose from! Thanks for the nudge to give them a second chance!
January 20, 2021 at 9:14 am
Judie
Thanks for the reminder that story nuggets can be gold!
January 20, 2021 at 9:18 am
Erin Rew
I believe a story never really dies. With time and reworking, It’s reborn into a new one.
January 20, 2021 at 9:19 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Margaret–You’ve inspired me to take a re-look at my old manuscripts.
January 20, 2021 at 9:21 am
Janet Krauthamer
I’ve been revisiting old themes and story bits to revive and transform- thanks for the acknowledgement that this is a valid way to generate new ideas for StoryStorm! I’d love to read Amah Faraway. I’m so curious about how your lines reverse in the second half. Congratulations!
January 20, 2021 at 9:22 am
Jennifer Weisse
Wonderful advice. Thank you for sharing your insights. Your book sounds so lovely!
January 20, 2021 at 9:23 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Inspiring post! Thank you, Margaret. I like your specific suggestions for revitalizing an old idea or story. I enjoyed MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS and look forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY.
January 20, 2021 at 9:26 am
ssspice
I found this to be the most useful post so far. It evoked a few ideas a d your processes resonated. Thanks so much!
January 20, 2021 at 9:31 am
Elyse Trevers
You’ve given my failed stories new life! Now I just have to find them. Thank you
January 20, 2021 at 9:31 am
stiefelchana
Happy Inauguration Day! This is a keeper! Thank you Margaret. I can’t wait to read AMAH FARAWAY. My grandmother also lived far away. So relatable. Loved learning about your process. Off to dig through my old stories.
January 22, 2021 at 1:33 am
margaretgreanias
Happy mining, Chana!
January 20, 2021 at 9:32 am
pollyrenner
Yay! I love that you made an old story new again, and sold it! Congrats!!
January 20, 2021 at 9:33 am
Susan Drew
Great reminder to go back to our old ideas and stories and see what can work. And I love the idea of your book, going backward to go forward. Lots of ideas to work with today. Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 9:35 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Awesome advice! Will go see what I can find!
January 20, 2021 at 9:37 am
M.R.
I have tons of “not ready to wake up yet” stories, snoozing in cardboard boxes and on flash drives. One of my storystorm ideas from a few days ago is a backwards story that I haven’t been able to get out of bed, so I’m intrigued to see other examples. Thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 9:37 am
Dee Knabb
I love your post, Margaret. I certainly have lots to work with and will try these helpful suggestions.
January 20, 2021 at 9:47 am
tasha woodson
oooooh… I’m so curious to see this split structure. swapping components to complete puzzles is something I have considered – from those “dead” stories. thanks for your insight and can’t wait to read Amah Faraway!
January 20, 2021 at 9:50 am
sherry fellores
Margaret, I love the idea of mining old ideas for new stories! I can’t wait to read you new book!
January 20, 2021 at 9:51 am
Jay
Thanks for the reminder to go back over old stories. Congratulations on your forthcoming book.
January 20, 2021 at 9:55 am
Catherine
I love the idea of playing with old ideas and trying to put an old character into a new story – thank you for the inspiration Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 9:57 am
Patricia J Holloway
Can’t wait to read the book! Thank you for sharing your process, it’s really interesting.
January 20, 2021 at 9:59 am
Louann Brown
You channeled my thinking…I have a file drawer filled with failed ms, mostly with characters I loved but plots that were weak or missing. I have a plan to bring them out and read with new eyes. Thanks for the reminder!
January 20, 2021 at 9:59 am
dinahodara
Margaret, your bio inspired me! I’m looking at 43 at the end of the month and have been writing for years. Maybe this will be my year to get an agent and sell some stories! I wish you continued success!
January 22, 2021 at 1:35 am
margaretgreanias
You are never too old to get published! I wish you much success!
January 20, 2021 at 10:01 am
Faygie Holt
I never thought about revisiting a failed idea to mine for new story ideas. Thanks Margaret, this was a great post.
January 20, 2021 at 10:02 am
Yvonne Ng
Wonderful advice!
January 20, 2021 at 10:02 am
calliebdean
This is so encouraging! Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 10:03 am
Jessica Coupé
Thank you! Will mine old stories and ideas.
January 20, 2021 at 10:06 am
kathalsey
Congrats on this fab book, Margaret! It’s your turn to shine. I love mining my “failed” stories for what I can use elsewhere.
January 20, 2021 at 10:07 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Thank you for some more optimism. Your post cheered me up!
January 20, 2021 at 10:11 am
Kimberly Marcus
What a lovely post! Great idea and thank you for it. Can’t wait to read Amah – sounds really good!!
January 20, 2021 at 10:12 am
Kelly Vavala
Great post! We all have a lot of those unfinished stories or those characters waiting to be written about! Thank you for sharing your journey! Wish you much success!
January 20, 2021 at 10:13 am
KATHLEEN WILFORD
What a fascinating concept! Thank you, Margaret.
January 20, 2021 at 10:15 am
nataliecohn0258
Margaret what a great Idea to take those old rustic stories and pull from them something new.
January 20, 2021 at 10:16 am
Writer on the run
What great food for thought! Dusting off those archived stories that still nag at me sounds like a must do! I have two in mind already! Thanks Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 10:17 am
marynadoughty
Thank you for the inspiration to check my old stories to see if they can be revived. 🙂
-Maryna Doughty
January 20, 2021 at 10:18 am
Leah Moser
Loved hearing your writing process and experience. Thank you for the post!
January 20, 2021 at 10:20 am
Joan Longstaff
So many unfinished or unloved (by others) stories … I periodically try to tweak them, but your idea of mining them and taking elements from them to fuel a new story is something I’m definitely going to try. Thank you for sharing and Amah Faraway sounds wonderful – I hope it goes well!
January 20, 2021 at 10:25 am
Megan Whitaker
I’ve been mining my file folders too. I’ve found a couple to revise and with new eyes and fresh ears, I think I’ve made them better. Thanks for the post and reminder!
January 20, 2021 at 10:25 am
Meli Glickman
I love this post so much, Margaret! You’re such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 10:26 am
mlflannigan
Good suggestions – thank you for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 10:27 am
Tanya Konerman
Yes! A little from here, a little from there, and viola! Something new. Great idea. And I am looking forward to reading your story with it’s unusual and interesting formatting!
January 20, 2021 at 10:28 am
Teresa Daffern
Thank you, so much, Margaret, for showing that failed stories do deserve another chance. I suppose, as many chances as we are willing to give them! And your list of ideas for how to rework these failed stories is genius.
January 20, 2021 at 10:29 am
DaNeil Olson
Excellent post – I have a failed story I’m revisiting today! Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 10:30 am
Tania
Fabulous!
January 20, 2021 at 10:32 am
Susan Jobsky
Stories from the shelf in my closet! I have a few! Only today, they are packed in boxes in my storage unit. These stories have moved with me many times and probably have a story to tell about the moves they’ve made. Time to clean the storage unit and bring those stories to life.
January 20, 2021 at 10:34 am
Christy Mihaly
Congratulations, Margaret! And I loved hearing how you developed the idea of AMAH FARAWAY. Can’t wait to read this book!
January 22, 2021 at 1:37 am
margaretgreanias
Thanks Chris! Congrats on all your successes these past couple of years!
January 20, 2021 at 10:35 am
Kathy Chalas
Your own account of successful “story mining” serves as inspiration! Good luck with your book – it sounds amazing!
January 20, 2021 at 10:39 am
Elizabeth Muster
Your bio also encourages me to never give up. I wrote my “first” picture book at age 7, and now I’m 41…but still working on achieving my publishing goal.
January 22, 2021 at 1:38 am
margaretgreanias
You are never too old to get published. Keep at it. I wish you much success.
January 20, 2021 at 10:40 am
Linda Schueler
I can’t wait to read your book! I can totally relate, as I had a long distance grandmother.
Great idea to mine failed stories.
January 20, 2021 at 10:43 am
curryelizabeth
Great idea to mine old stories. Looking forward to reading your latest book. Congratulations on your success!
January 20, 2021 at 10:44 am
Laurie Bouck
This is a great idea! I have a story I need to look at again from a few years ago. Thanks for sharing this inspirational post!
January 20, 2021 at 10:45 am
paulajbecker
An old story becomes a new! Good idea to go back through old ideas. Congrats on your book!
January 20, 2021 at 10:50 am
Aimee Haburjak
AMAH, FARAWAY sounds fascinating! I love the structure idea. I cannot wait to read it! Also, a big Maximilian fan here☺️ Encouraged and excited that even though stories can be tucked away, we could be mining aspects of them for something new.
January 20, 2021 at 10:50 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Margaret, for an opportunity to look back in order to move forward. I am looking forward to the journey.
January 20, 2021 at 10:50 am
kswemba
Oh those dusty WIPs and stories I’ve loved but have never quite found the right way to make them shine, I love the idea of finding something unforgettable in a previous story and reworking it to help it find its right home so to speak. I think it’s true that there are elements in each of ours stories we love, but may not have been the right fit. I have a few that are sitting in the back of my mind and waiting til inspiration takes them in the right direction. Thank you for sharing your story and congrats on your new book!!!
January 20, 2021 at 10:53 am
Laura Bower
Thank you Margaret! Love the idea of going back to a story (not to use it in its entirety but to pull out a gem or nugget and spin off from there!) We love MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS in our house! And AMAH, FARAWAY sounds beautiful. Congratulations!
January 20, 2021 at 10:54 am
LUCRETIA S.
Margaret–Thanks for a wonderful post and reminder to revisit our dusty, discarded manuscripts for any aspects “that could become the nugget of a new story.” Love it!
I, too, grew up with one grandmother who lived in a different country and another who lived three hours away. I’m so looking forward to reading AMAH FARAWY–Congratulations on breathing new life into a story that I’m certain that the story will resonate strongly with me and many others!
January 20, 2021 at 10:54 am
pbbeckyk
Thank you for sharing your story! The journey of AMAH FARAWAY is both clever and inspirational. No doubt, this book will feel real to so many children and grandparents. Congratulations!
January 20, 2021 at 10:58 am
Linda Hofke
The idea of stories being “mineable” is great. Just because we don’t get everything right in an unpolished draft doesn’t mean we can’t pull out what is good and start anew. Thanks for the reminder.
And congratulations on AMAH FARAWAY. This book sounds unique and I can’t wait to read it. I am always in awe of poets who write good inverted poems. They aren’t easy. Since one inspired your book, it piques my interest.
January 20, 2021 at 10:58 am
cynthiahm
Thanks for giving hope for failed stories! I have a folder full of drafts that never really made it past the first phase that could be reworked into something fresh. Your new book sounds lovely.
January 20, 2021 at 10:59 am
TerriMichels
Thank you for your post and sharing your ideas.
January 20, 2021 at 10:59 am
Susan Eyerman
Mining for nuggets of gold in our manuscripts is an idea that shines. Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 11:00 am
Lauren Hidalgo
I know that poem! Amazing structure! Cannot wait to read Amah Faraway.
January 20, 2021 at 11:00 am
Darcee A. Freier
What an interesting concept. I’m going to read the poem you suggested and look forward to your upcoming book. Congrats!
January 20, 2021 at 11:01 am
bookthreader
I had to look up the poem. It’s amazing the way it works both ways. Your book sounds lovely. Will check that out too!
Moni
January 20, 2021 at 11:02 am
Alicia Meyers
Love this idea, thanks for sharing!!
January 20, 2021 at 11:02 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
I definitely need to look back at past StoryStorm ideas for dead or not fully formed concepts to see what’s there for me to work on.
January 20, 2021 at 11:03 am
readmybook2002
What a great way to look at failed stories; piece them together to create a new one. Thank You.
January 20, 2021 at 11:03 am
Rona Shirdan
Great idea! Thanks for your post.
January 20, 2021 at 11:05 am
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi Margaret! I’ve been on a similar journey. I just finished polishing a PB ms, combining a failed PB with a new character and theme. Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 11:06 am
Cathy McDonnell
Thank you, I have so many half stories that I just can’t forget about so I’m excited to take another look. I love the sound of Amah Faraway!
January 20, 2021 at 11:06 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you, Margaret. Loved your post! I’m off to look at old manuscripts. 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 11:06 am
Kay
Lots of unfinished stories I plan on working on. Thanks for sharing
January 20, 2021 at 11:07 am
Carole Calladine
Thank you for sharing your story of what to do with those stories abandoned in the drawers.
January 20, 2021 at 11:07 am
Catherine Lee
I like the idea of revisiting and mining for new story ideas! Thanks for the inspiring post today!
January 20, 2021 at 11:07 am
bevbaird
Congrats on your story – loved hearing how it developed. Stories are mineable – great concept, great inspiration to go hunting through my stories. Thank you
January 20, 2021 at 11:10 am
Sara Ackerman
I love this uplifting message. I know some of my failed stories are garbage, but I have hope that some in there are just “not yets.” Great post!
January 20, 2021 at 11:10 am
Jennifer Rathe
Such wonderful advice! I’m even more excited to dig into old stories!
January 20, 2021 at 11:15 am
Susan Cabael
As attached as we may become to our stories, learning to grab the sparkly nuggets among the muddy parts is such an important lesson for writers to learn. Time to mine and take what works!
Can’t wait for AMAH FARAWAY, a brilliant format for a story that shares Taiwanese culture and such heart.
January 20, 2021 at 11:19 am
authorlaurablog
So many old drafts and ideas to revisit! Thanks, Margaret
January 20, 2021 at 11:22 am
Kirsti Call
Fantastic post, Margaret. I love dusting off my old drafts!
January 20, 2021 at 11:22 am
Jessica Swaim
Margaret, what good advice!
Intriguing history of Amah Faraway! Congrats, I can’t wait to read it!
January 20, 2021 at 11:22 am
Monica A. Harris
I love this idea of dusting off some of those stories that aren’t quite right. Pull out a character, change the setting, try it with rhyme or poetic voice….anything is possible! Great idea of looking at the ‘misfit toys’ and finding a new use for them. 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 11:22 am
katiemillsgiorgio
Great suggestions…thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 11:23 am
rozanark
So clever, I want to read your story! Have always wanted to do that but been putting it off, thanks for the inspiration!
January 20, 2021 at 11:25 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Great post! Mom is smirking and snorking about this idea because of course she has NO SHORTAGE of awful stories in her computer. She could probably get 6,000 ideas from those duds. Paws crossed that one of them is about me!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 20, 2021 at 11:25 am
Jessica Swaim
Margaret, what good advice!
I’ve reworked several old stories
lately and I love giving them (and me) a second chance. Intriguing history behind Amah Faraway. I look forward to reading it. Thank you and congrats!
January 20, 2021 at 11:26 am
Cinzia V.
Thanks for your post! I love the idea of mining rejects, and can’t wait to read your book!
January 20, 2021 at 11:27 am
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the great post.
January 20, 2021 at 11:27 am
martyfindley
I love this idea! I plan to take a character from a seasonal story and build another story around her. I love the character but the season limits it. Thanks for the idea. I would love to read your book about the little girl and her grandmother!
January 20, 2021 at 11:28 am
kimpfenn
Love this post, Margaret! Really looking forward to adding Amah Faraway to my bookshelf!
January 20, 2021 at 11:28 am
silentkdesign
I have SO many half finished stories! Today I’m going to look through my google docs folder and write down a new way to use an old idea.
January 20, 2021 at 11:30 am
Andrew Hacket
This is such a great idea to salvage favorite parts or characters from those old stories.
January 20, 2021 at 11:30 am
Abby Wooldridge
Thank you so much for this post, Margaret! What hope you give all of us for all those shelved stories. They are mineable! Thank you for sharing this encouragement. And congratulations on AMAH FARAWAY! It sounds like a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. ❤
January 20, 2021 at 11:31 am
Shanna Silva
great idea to mine the dusty shelves for inspirational nuggets
January 20, 2021 at 11:32 am
Jessica Potts
This story sounds so amazing!!
January 20, 2021 at 11:37 am
Sarah Stuart
Fantastic idea! I’m going to start searching in my abandoned story pile. Looking forward to reading your books.
January 20, 2021 at 11:37 am
suumac
Margaret – thank you for this great reminder to mine what is right at hand! So many orphaned ideas and stories just sitting in my files waiting for a little attention and fresh eyes! And really looking forward to reading your new book – congratulations!!
January 20, 2021 at 11:38 am
Jennifer Skene
I’ll have a good look through old stories; thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 11:39 am
Ellen Bari
Thank you Margaret for that wonderful suggestion. I know just the manuscript I am going to revisit today!
January 20, 2021 at 11:41 am
Sarah Meade
Looking forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY. I love grandmother stories, and this one sounds delightful. Thanks for this inspiring post, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 11:43 am
Cortney Benvenuto
I needed this today! Thanks so much for the inspiration! 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 11:43 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you Margaret, I have a whole pile of stories I can revisit. Can’t wait to read AMAH FARAWAY.
January 20, 2021 at 11:44 am
Janice Woods
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 11:45 am
Bethanny Parker
Amah Faraway sounds like a very interesting story. Good luck to you.
January 20, 2021 at 11:47 am
CindyC
Thanks Margaret. This is a great suggestion of mining older, unsuccessful manuscripts and ideas.
January 20, 2021 at 11:47 am
Cheryl Johnson
Love the suggestion of mining old stories! Can’t wait to read your new book!
January 20, 2021 at 11:48 am
Daryl Gottier
Oh what wonderful suggestions. Today will be spent looking through my old documents!
January 20, 2021 at 11:49 am
yvonne pearson
I’m glad you were able to connect with your grandma.
January 20, 2021 at 11:49 am
Jessica Stremer
I love the idea of pulling something from a shelved story and experimenting with something new!
January 20, 2021 at 11:49 am
Gail Hedrick
Wow, on several levels! First, for the great nudge to re-visit prior work and doing it with a purpose which you describe so helpfully. And, the concept of reading verse in ‘reverse’ – not sure if my brain works that way, but what a great exercise to try! Congrats on Ahmah….
January 20, 2021 at 11:57 am
Fern Glazer
Thank you for this. It’s a good reminder to find the good in everything!
January 20, 2021 at 11:58 am
Annie War
Amha Faraway sounds very creative and original.
January 20, 2021 at 11:58 am
sareenmclay
Thank you, what a great idea!
January 20, 2021 at 12:01 pm
Sue Heavenrich
I have a HUGE box of failed tales… and have been thinking about doing this very thing. Thanks for the inspiring post!
January 20, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Heather Stigall
Great ideas! I never throw out my failed stories just in case I can use something from them. Time to mine some stories I put in a “drawer” long ago. Thanks for the tips!
January 20, 2021 at 12:10 pm
rosecappelli
What a great idea to mine old manuscripts and rethink ideas! Thanks for sharing. The format of your new book sounds very interesting and I’m looking forward to reading it.
January 20, 2021 at 12:11 pm
8catpaws
“Lost Generation”–what a cool poem. Thanks for introducing it. Can’t wait to see AMAH FARAWAY!
January 20, 2021 at 12:17 pm
danielledufayet
Such a great post -Love Maximillian Villainous and I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway -congrats and thanks for the helpful tips!
January 20, 2021 at 12:18 pm
jenabenton
I love this idea. Time to visit my failed stories!
January 20, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Marlena Leach
Thank you for this inspiration. I am also looking for ways to “see” something in my old stowed away work.
January 20, 2021 at 12:25 pm
claudia sloan
Thank you! I’ll have to find that poem now 🙂 But above all thanks for the spark, who knows what we may find in our filed-away stories!
January 20, 2021 at 12:26 pm
aidantalkin
Love the sound of your newest book, epic18er!! Was just thinking of delving into a discarded tale in which a rejecting editor said, “but I’d love to read something where that secondary character had her own story!” Also check out Owl Sees Owl for another mirror structure pb, it’s lovely.
January 20, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Lydia Lukidis
What a great idea! Might be some gold in there after all….
January 20, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Dawn Young
❤️I love this idea!❤️
January 20, 2021 at 12:36 pm
kmajor2013
Hi Margaret,
It’s your old critique partner! So happy for your success. This post is a great reminder that those old Storystorm idea lists and previous unpublished work are a gold mine waiting to be discovered! Thanks.
January 23, 2021 at 1:56 am
margaretgreanias
Hi Ken! Good to see you here!
January 20, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Rebster
Nothing is ever wasted. Great advice to revisit our ideas that haven’t yet taken off. Sometimes we need to come at them with fresh eyes and/or a fresh take. Thanks for the inspiration, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Suzanne Lewis
Using pickaxe power today to mine stories for gems and jewels in my cave of Stories Yet to Be! Thanks for the reminder to tap the material we’ve already created for inspiration, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 12:47 pm
JEN Garrett
My failed stories swirl around my brain like a water barrel of apples. Some bob to the surface, and I wonder, ‘Hey, can I do something with that?’
The trick is to take my hands from behind my back and grab it. (Is that cheating?)
January 20, 2021 at 12:47 pm
debobrienbookscom
One of the things I love about Story Storm is learning the different approaches writers use in coming up with new stories. Who would ever think to write a story this way. I need to read AMAH FARAWAY to see exactly what Margaret is talking about. Thank you for this blog.
January 20, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for your post today. I need to revisit several stories with a grandmother involved and see what comes of it. I am going through all my story drafts to develop the character sketch and plot spine to revise. Thanks.
January 20, 2021 at 12:55 pm
kskeesling
I love the idea of a reverse read and using poems and old stories for inspiration. Plus I love that you used fluffle in your bio!
January 20, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Cathy Ogren
A great new approach to rewriting a failed story. Thanks for sharing, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 1:02 pm
clearywriter
Very nice idea to use something that did work from something that didn’t work. Thanks.
January 20, 2021 at 1:10 pm
rindabeach
I love embracing failure and looking for the silver lining. Thank you for showing your failure/success story.
January 20, 2021 at 1:18 pm
susan
I love the idea of reverse writing – Mirror, Mirror has been a favorite. I can’t wait to see your newest Amah Faraway!
January 20, 2021 at 1:26 pm
gattodesign
Thanks for the blog. So many written stories, ideas, illustrations of story ideas, last year I had 2 I specifically pulled out and continued writing. I have a few I really like so far this year. Now to take that time, that we all have now and put it to something useful. Make it happen! Thanks Margaret.
January 20, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Anita Banks
Wonderful idea!
January 20, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Lisa
I have a whole notebook of unfinished stories, mostly due to my inner critic shutting them down. This post has inspired me to take a second look. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Aimee Satterlee
This post is definitely relatable! We all have some stories in our files that aren’t working for some reason. This is a great way to mine for gems in each!
January 20, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for the great idea, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Amy Grover
Thank you, Margaret! I love hearing the story of how a story came to be, and it’s a good reminder to look to old stories for possibilities.
January 20, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Angie
Wonderful idea to mine old tragedies! Thank you! And best wishes!
January 20, 2021 at 1:43 pm
Marcie Mahuta
Great idea! I’m going to check my old stories for Pearl’s. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
Funny you should suggest mining failed stories – that’s exactly what I just did with a story I wrote 10 years ago and was foolish enough to query. Silly me. I think your new book sounds fascinating and unique. Would love to read it. Thanks for the post.
January 20, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thanks. So true.
January 20, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Shawna J. C. Tenney
Thanks for the great post and the reminder that there may be hidden gems in failed stories!
January 20, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Kathryn Cunningham
What a great way to fail forward! Thanks for the wisdom and help.
January 20, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
What a great post, Margaret! You inspired me to go back to a failed story and find some nuggets to mine. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Becky Ross Michael
This is a great reminder!
January 20, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Amanda
Love the concept of your new book! The forward/backward poem idea is so cool. My daughter had to write one for school & now I think I’ll write one too!
January 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
This approach to shelved stories make a lot more sense that what I was doing. Instead of trying, again & again, & again, to make the shelved story work, taking the best portion of it and combining it with another shelved would probably produce a better story. Thanks for the suggestions!
January 20, 2021 at 2:03 pm
Maria Altizer
Thank you for the encouragement to revisit past ideas. I’m sure there will be something there that just needed to be looked at with fresh eyes. I look forward to reading your new book.
January 20, 2021 at 2:04 pm
Hank Dallago
Thank you Margaret for reminding us to mine our failed stories. It is one of my goals to accomplish this year and your advice and insight reinforced my intentions.
January 20, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Krysta Zeiset
Your new book sounds fantastic and I love the title! I agree that the promise of a new story idea really IS invigorating. StoryStorm has genuinely reawakened my mid-pandemic/mid-homeschooling mayhem gusto for writing… per your suggestion I’m off to dig through some old journals!
January 20, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
It’s so helpful to see your process of combining stories, and I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway. And thanks for sharing that poem! I have many “failed ideas/failed stories” I can mine from, and I look forward to revisiting them!
January 20, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Great ideas, Margaret, thank you! I will revisit that shelf of failed attempts. 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 2:12 pm
karynellis
I like to think of all the incomplete and failed creations as peelings for the compost bin. Sure to nourish future growth. Thanks for the inspiring post!
January 20, 2021 at 2:14 pm
Joyce
Amah Faraway sounds wonderful and just right in that way things do only after the ah-ha moment. Thanks for giving us hope that we can find gold in those stories that still resonate with us!
January 20, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Gail Aherne
Margaret, thank you for the great ideas! I’m looking forward to finding some lost nuggets😊
January 20, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Sarah SarahH
Wow Margaret! I can’t wait to read your Amah book! A whole year to wait?!
Thanks for sharing that poem with us- I can totally see how that idea would work in a story about visiting someone you love that you don’t get to see very often. So clever!
January 20, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Cristina Raymer
Thank you so much for this advice! I’m now inspired to go through some old stories!
January 20, 2021 at 2:24 pm
authoraileenstewart
From time to time I revisit old discarded stories as well. Thanks for joining Story Storm!
January 20, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Marilyn Wolpin
Very interesting concept. You inspire me to go back and look at my “FAILED STORIES.” Thank you for your inspiration!
January 20, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Thank you for giving me hope for a story I have been “remining”. You validated what I am trying to do. Peace, Alicia
January 20, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Brenda Flowers
Thank you, Margaret, for the motivation to review my journals and files for story ideas. It will be like going on a treasure hunt.
Congratulations on your success as a picture book author!
January 20, 2021 at 2:37 pm
Kimberly Hutmacher
Yes! Nothing is ever wasted. Bits and piecs of what on thinks as trash can later become treasure.
January 20, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Joni Nemeth
Excited to read this one – I’ve always thought that was such an interesting form of poetry/storytelling.
January 20, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Your post gives me inspiration to revisit some of my earlier manuscripts. Love how you found the gem in your story and polished it to success!
January 20, 2021 at 2:42 pm
andynarwhal
I am always haunted by the stories I revised and revised and revised but could never get right (or went on sub on didn’t sell). Thanks for some advice on saving these abandoned dreams.
January 20, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you for the post—It’s wonderful to think of all the kernels of stories that might be dusted off and uncovered in old work! Congratulations on AMAH FARAWAY—looking forward to reading it.
January 20, 2021 at 2:44 pm
donnacangelosi
Such a helpful post, Margaret! I’m already happy thinking about mining old stories for new ideas. Your book sounds beautiful! Congratulations!
January 20, 2021 at 2:47 pm
rosihollinbeck
Good idea. A trip to the island of misfit stories may be very productive. Thanks for the post.
January 20, 2021 at 2:53 pm
danielle hammelef
I never thought about going back to “mine” my old work, especially to find a nugget that could turn into something better if taken in a different direction.
January 20, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Melisa Wrex
There have to be nuggets and gems in there somewhere, right? *digging* Great idea, thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 2:58 pm
jbbower
Thanks for your encouraging post Margaret. A notebook of failed ideas might just contain a winner!
January 20, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Julia A Mills
Great encouraging idea!
January 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm
Joy Wieder
I’ve been mining my old stories recently so this post resonated with me. I hope one of them can be retooled to work!
January 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm
Myra Sanderrman
I actually had looked through old, cast-off stories, but discarded them whole. Now, I will look again for a character, a turn of phrase and idea buried in one of those stories. Thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Great advice, Margaret, and congrats on your upcoming book!
January 20, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Sharon Williams
Thanks, Margaret. It’s inspiring to hear your success in reworking a manuscript that was close to your heart!
January 20, 2021 at 3:10 pm
Aundra Tomlins
You are so right. There are so many flop stories that could just use a little love and maybe after the time away you, as the writer, can see how to make the right kind of SPLASH!
January 20, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Tracy Hora
Your new story sounds amazing! And I love Maximillian. I’ve been thinking about all my unfinished puzzles in the drawer…maybe it’s time to pull them out. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 3:15 pm
janicekayalexander
Hello Margaret, I would ALSO love to win a copy of your first terrifically terrible book!
January 20, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Charlotte Offsay
What a lovely way to breathe new life into an old spark!
January 20, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Lane Arnold
Brilliant…creative…thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Linda Sakai
i’m going through an old…really old story right now trying to reframe it with a stronger story arc. Thanks for reminding us it can be done!
January 20, 2021 at 3:23 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Yes, time for a visit to my unfinished stories especially those that were early in my process. Congrats on your new intergenerational story that sounds like sweet storytelling.
January 20, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Janice Kay Alexander
Margaret, I would ALSO love to win a copy of your first terrifically terrible book.
January 20, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Emily Bertholf
I love this post, Margaret. I call my “failed” pile the compost file because I believe a truly good idea never truly fades but blooms when the right conditions are ready. Can’t wait to read your new book and see its structure in action.
January 20, 2021 at 7:43 pm
margaretgreanias
I searched (unsuccessfully) for the right metaphor, but compost file might just be it! Good luck with your riding an idea that blooms!
January 20, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Reading a poem in reverse–now there’s something I need to try! Thanks for sharing that great idea plus the reminder to dust off those stories that didn’t previously work.
January 20, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Amy Harding
I think this is just the message of finding hope from our past that we needed today. Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 3:39 pm
chardixon47
Thank you Margaret for this insightful and inspiring post. I have many mss which are waiting in the failed pile! I have a new focus!
January 20, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Jennifer
Thanks for the inspiration — makes me think of the idea that one person’s trash is another person’s trash. One story that didn’t work can be the basis for another that does! Good reminder. 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 3:45 pm
mariemessinger
Grandmothers are such wonderful inspirers!
January 20, 2021 at 3:47 pm
roberta abussi
thank you for this post. I am fairly new to this world and I have only one manuscript, the very first one I wrote, that I decided to shelf and many many more ideas that never made it…until now! Even though I did love all of them, I see now that they were not working. But thanks to your suggestion and this inspiring post, I’ll go back to them and see what becomes what 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 3:47 pm
boardmancamera
How did you read my mind?!! I have a shelved, failed story that just began asking me to look at it again. Your encouragement is exactly what I needed! I will make this my top priority, and I am grateful for your words. I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway, to devour this new approach. Thank you! Bless you!
January 20, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Mel H.
All my story ideas currently feel like puzzles just waiting to be put together. Thank you for your encouraging post.
January 20, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Cassie Bentley
What a great idea. You’re right I have bunches of undeveloped stories and stories that can be restructured and made better. Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 3:51 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Like others, I have a notebook full of wonderful, failed ideas. It’s empowering to think about transforming these into something wonderful and new, building on the best of the idea and evolving it into a new story.
January 20, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you Margaret for “permission” and encouragement to go back to failed ideas or manuscripts. I have been doing
StoryStorm for 3 years and have lots of ideas written down that need to be given a chance, or at least a reading one more time.
January 20, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Karin Larson
What a wonderful post and terrific idea, thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 4:01 pm
betlw
I’m so glad that someone else feels the way I do about this whole lock-down thing, Margaret. I’ve also had trouble coming up with new ideas, any ideas. I love your suggestion to revisit those hidden away “failed” stories. You’ve inspired me to take a new look at my own “slush” pile and reevaluate each one for possibilities. Thanks for a great post!
January 20, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Angie Isaacs
I went back through my manuscripts and found three I want to take another stab at. Thanks for sharing! Angie Isaacs
January 20, 2021 at 4:08 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you, Margaret, for reminding me to look at my past stories for ways to weave a new one. Great suggestion. Congrats on your latest book!
January 20, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
So excited for AMAH FARAWAYand inspired by your clever polishing of hidden gems and nuggets Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 4:18 pm
matthewlasley
I love looking back over story ideas to come with new ideas. Thinking about this character or that idea or changing the setting. Sometimes a small character becomes the main character of their own story!
January 20, 2021 at 4:21 pm
sharon lillie
hanks for the ideas
January 20, 2021 at 4:22 pm
amckelle
I love the format you chose for AMAH FARAWAY and I look forward to reading it. Thanks for the good advice to find the good elements in our shelves stories to see what can be the seed to something new and wonderful! I’m off to try!
January 20, 2021 at 4:26 pm
meganu
Thank you—this is the push I needed to resurrect an old idea.
January 20, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Mary York
Margaret, I’m going to do just that with a pb that kept getting rejected, yet I knew there was something in it. So, I’ll take it and twist it around and read it backwards and, who know?
January 20, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Sandy Perlic
Margaret, I’m so impressed that you pulled off the challenging task you set for yourself. But, of course, that’s one of the things I love about writing–is having an ambitious idea and fitting all the parts of it together to make a captivating story. I admit I do not revisit my story fails…but I think you’ve inspired me to do just that.
January 20, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Laura Clement
I also love revisiting failed stories, some of those characters are keepers. Sometimes a refrain is a keeper. Love this post. Thank you for sharing.
January 20, 2021 at 4:33 pm
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing
January 20, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Robin Bailey
Thank you for sharing with us. My wheels are turning and I am thinking about my notebooks of ideas and file folders of MS that didn’t ever bloom. I am going to put on my hard hat and do some mining. 🙂 I look forward to your new book! It sounds lovely.
January 20, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Joni Hay Patras
Thanks, Margaret, for your inspirational post! I’m going to talk a look at some of my previous manuscripts. I already have an idea in my mind to start a new one based off a character.
January 20, 2021 at 4:42 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I’m intrigued by your “reverse” story AMAH FARAWAY. I’ve written reverso poems using single-word lines but have never tried using longer phrases/sentences. Hmmm . . . something to think about.
January 20, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Lori Dubbin
Mining the failed and filed today. Such a good idea. Your post is full of inspiring tips and your new book sounds like it’s full of heart!
January 20, 2021 at 4:47 pm
Emma Wood
Great ideas here. Love the sound of your new book!
January 20, 2021 at 4:51 pm
kiralee strong
Thank you, this is just the inspiration I need. Too many stories left and forgotten.
January 20, 2021 at 4:53 pm
marty
Congrats on your latest book and thanks for letting us see how those old ideas can be made new again.
January 20, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Kristy Nuttall
Oh my goodness, yes!!!! I love the idea of mining old stories and discovering that sparkly gem within them that still wants to become a viable story. I really appreciate this inspiration. I’m going to mine through some of my old drafts today!
January 20, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Armineh Manookian
Margaret, thank you for your encouragement and wisdom in reminding us that the very thing we’re looking for could be right under our noses (tucked away in an old drawer). Can’t wait to read AMAH FARAWAY-sounds like a heartfelt story with a very unique structure.
January 20, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
AMAH FARAWAY sounds amazing! Thanks for the vote of confidence that picture book successes are hiding in my files.
January 20, 2021 at 5:00 pm
kirstenbockblog
Ooh, I love that idea! I also love your concept for Amah. I look forward to reading it.
January 20, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Deborah Foster
I love this idea. I’m off to mine for ideas and read that poem!
January 20, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
I’m looking at my notes right now, thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 5:13 pm
mariearden
Grandmothers should have at least one story of their own. 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Amah Faraway sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 20, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Cindy S
Another great Story Storm tip.
January 20, 2021 at 5:15 pm
jenfierjasinski
I can’t wait to read you story and study the intriguing structure! Thanks for sharing.
January 20, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Janie Reinart
AMAH FARAWAY Sounds lovely. Great plan to look in that drawer of old ms. 😊
January 20, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Penelope McNally
Great idea to mine shelved mss. I know there are nuggets among them. Looking forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY!
January 20, 2021 at 5:25 pm
lisakhan9
Great Post! Thank you for the encouragement 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Cassy Polimeni
This is such a wonderful idea. Love the sound of Amah Faraway too – will be sure to hunt it down!
January 20, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Amy H
Wow—what an amazing idea/format. Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 20, 2021 at 5:33 pm
David McMullin
Fantastic post, Margaret. I have plenty to choose from.
January 20, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
Wow! Your story and the way it is told sound amazing. Congratulations on figuring out how to tell about your relationship with your far away grandma!
January 20, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for the reminder to mine our old, discarded drafts for potential gems! And I love the sound of your upcoming PB; what a unique and fantastic structure!
January 20, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Sarah Tobias
This is great. There are characters that have snippets and really want to find their story.
Thank you for the reminder.
January 20, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Beatrice Brown
Hi-ho, hi-ho. It’s of to work I go. Time to mine my failed stories for precious gems. Thanks for the unique boost.
January 20, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Catherine Brewer
Great article, thank you for sharing Margaret.
January 20, 2021 at 5:39 pm
YauMei Chiang
Reverse reading makes the story amazing. Sounds interesting and would love to read it to find out how it happens. Thank you, Margaret.
January 20, 2021 at 5:41 pm
Cynthia Mochowski
Reflection and introspection. I love it. Your post reminded me of the Japanese tradition of weaving gold throughout something that’s broken. I could google to get the word, but sometimes the meaning is enough. Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 7:51 pm
margaretgreanias
Yes, I have heard of that and it’s an intriguing idea. The repairs and imperfections make the objects uniquely beautiful. I looked it up and it’s called kintsugi. Thanks for reminding me of this.
January 20, 2021 at 5:48 pm
Debra Katz
That is a great suggestion – I have lots of stories to look back on and consider reworking.
January 20, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Katie Brandyberry
Love this idea – I am definitely accumulating a backlog of “failed” stories! Also so interested in the reverse reading!
January 20, 2021 at 5:54 pm
FrannyG
I’ve just pulled a story I wrote years ago back out of the failed story pile. Amazing how a bit of time allows you to see what didn’t work. Hoping I can make it better this time round. Thanks for your post Margaret.
January 20, 2021 at 5:54 pm
marty
Hi Margaret, Those thumbnails are so adorable! I have a plethora of failed stories, enough that I could try some combining, for sure! Thank you for the reminder that you can return to them and come up with something brand new and more marketable. Looking forward to reading AMAH AWAY.
Tara, you’re a wonderful generator of ideas as well as writing community connections! Thanks so much for Storystorm month!
January 20, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Heather Rowley
What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 6:06 pm
Alicia Z. Klepeis
This makes me want to go back to the manuscripts that were rejected and see what I can mine. Thanks for the suggestions!
January 20, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Jan Milusich
Great idea Margaret! I’m looking forward to reading Amah Away. I’m also going to read The Lost Generation right away. I’ve never read it. Thanks for the post.
January 20, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Sheri Dillard
Thank you for this wonderful post, Margaret! And thanks for sharing that poem. (I’ve been inspired by more than one poem today! 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading your new picture book, too! It sounds wonderful! Congratulations!
January 20, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Laurel Santini
Cool to read how Grandma Robot became Amah Faraway.
January 20, 2021 at 6:28 pm
Renee Choy
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to read your book!
January 20, 2021 at 6:28 pm
tinefg
Wonderful advice Margaret… and timely. This month, inspired by an exercise suggested by a Story Storm guest blogger, I was reminded of a “throw away” story from years ago. This week I resurrected it, did some excavating, and (with any luck) will be sharing it with my critique group tonight. Thank you for reassuring us that there is always something to be gained from writing, no matter how far off the mark it may be.
January 20, 2021 at 6:33 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks for this idea, Margaret! I have lots of failed stories to choose from.
January 20, 2021 at 6:34 pm
storiesbythesea
Mining old journals for ideas, language, and other gems is on my to do list. Thank you for sharing your mining success.
January 20, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Jennifer Blanck
Wow–what a creative approach. I can’t wait to read your book. I appreciate your encouragement to look at our failed stories. Something obviously sparked our imagination to write them, so hopefully we can keep the flame alive one way or another–whether in another story or not.
January 20, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Sara Trofa
Thank you Margaret! I can’t wait to read AMAH FARAWAY.
January 20, 2021 at 6:47 pm
Dannielle Viera
I love the idea of mining old manuscripts for new literary gems. Thanks, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 6:47 pm
Shannon Fossett
Thank you for sharing! I like the idea of other stories and ideas being “mineable.” I can’t wait to go look for some treasure!
January 20, 2021 at 6:49 pm
lavern15
That’s awesome Margaret. I visited Taiwan right before the pandemic and loved it. Can’t wait to read your forthcoming book. Thanks for reminding us we all have mineable stories.
January 20, 2021 at 6:58 pm
beckylevine
Awesome post, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 7:05 pm
Naomi Gruer
Thanks for the suggestion to take a fresh look at previous work. I’ve got lots of files ready to mine.
January 20, 2021 at 7:06 pm
Melissa H. Mwai
Great post! Thank you for keeping it real with The pandemic and how creativity can be hard to maintain! Looking at old stories reminds you of ideas you loved.
January 20, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Meldaarts
I like to spend the 1st of February going through that year’s story storm and past ideas to see if I have any forgotten gems!
January 20, 2021 at 7:11 pm
mona861
mmmmm…rise up from the dead! Great idea. Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 7:11 pm
sharon lane holm
We all know about the elephant in the room- I have an elephant in the drawer complex. Many elephants in the drawer. I am in the process of reviewing them, one I “wrote” in 2003, is now seeing the light and is being submitted-in 2021!
January 20, 2021 at 7:54 pm
margaretgreanias
Awesome! Best of luck with it!
January 20, 2021 at 7:11 pm
Barbara Senenman
I do have plenty of stories tucked away in a file cabinet. I should pull them out and see which ones still pique my interest and see about reworking. Thank you for the suggeston.
January 20, 2021 at 7:14 pm
marianariosr
Thanks so much! I am definitely going back to those stories that have not been and see what I can save and transform into something else. Thanks for sharing this perspective. I’d love to read your book.
January 20, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for this post, and new hope for all those unfinished stories with elements to recycle!
January 20, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Maria Marshall
Margaret, this is definitely an idea for this year. This summer, when I was struggling, I played around with a minor character and found it’s story. I hadn’t thought about that as a specific tool for finding ideas. Here’s to mining that cabinet of “misfit stories.”
January 20, 2021 at 7:16 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Great advice to help bring a new perspective and new life to manuscripts that have been filed away. Thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 7:18 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Thank you for this insight – I’m excited for your new book – I think we need more grandmother stories. Also intrigued to see the forward/backward you describe. Congratulations and here’s to dust bunnies.
January 20, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Patricia Franz
What a great idea! Definitely will put this one in my tool box. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 7:21 pm
Lizzie Maxwell
What a great idea to write forward and backward or backward and forward. I have so many ideas not yet cultivated and I will go back and look at them! Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 7:23 pm
janetfrencksheets
I’ve got lots of failed stories to choose from, sadly. Each one broke my heart a bit. It would be wonderful to find a way to reuse the best elements!
January 20, 2021 at 7:27 pm
LaurenKerstein
Wow! I can’t wait to read AMAH FARAWAY! What a wonderful story format, and concept. I love these terrific thoughts and questions. I will apply them to all of those stories collecting dust in my proverbial drawer.
January 20, 2021 at 7:34 pm
tinamcho
Great idea, Margaret! Congrats on your forthcoming book. I can’t wait to read it!
January 20, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Jenny Boyd
Looking forward to checking out Amah Faraway. I’m intrigued by the concept and am curious to see it in action.
January 20, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
Thanks. I have a couple stories that need to revisited. I hope that I have the strength and courage you did to come up a wonderful story.
January 20, 2021 at 8:02 pm
Emily R. Keener
Thank you for this post!
January 20, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Arlene Schenker
Great idea to mine old stories, Margaret. And the format for your new book sounds awesome. Can’t wait to read it.
January 20, 2021 at 8:17 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for this great approach! – Lynn Street
January 20, 2021 at 8:21 pm
writeremmcbride
Margaret, going back to find the parts of stories that may work in new ways is a great idea! I love your structure of your new book, and I look forward to reading it. Thank you for this encouraging post!
January 20, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Good luck with AMAH FARAWAY! Love hearing the inspiration behind it, how you transformed a story that didn’t work into one that did with a new structure. Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 8:37 pm
Trine Grillo
I love this, Margaret. There are definitely pieces of my old and unused stories that have gems I would rather mine than lose.
January 20, 2021 at 8:39 pm
Betsy
Margaret, your story sounds amazing! I can’t wait to read and Jonathan Reed’s poem. Thanks for your inspiration!
January 20, 2021 at 8:44 pm
Lori Sheroan
I am intrigued and hopeful. Perhaps some remnants of abandoned stories can be stitched into a brand new tale.
January 20, 2021 at 8:44 pm
Sarah Kilfoil
This is a great tip! And one I feel encouraged to try right away. Because I’m starting with existing, albeit not-so-great manuscripts, I won’t have to create from scratch, helpful in a pandemic!
January 20, 2021 at 8:46 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for the reminder that failed stories may still contain some treasure we can use!
January 20, 2021 at 8:56 pm
Christine M Irvin
Since the election is over, I feel renewed interest in my writing (aside from the many book reviews I write). I have plenty of ideas that have not been fleshed out at all, and also plenty of stories that have been written and not sold. I guess it’s time to dust off those manuscripts, give them a new read, and see if there’s anything mineable to work with.
January 20, 2021 at 9:16 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks for your post. It’s great when you can find an old story and rework it for another project.
January 20, 2021 at 9:17 pm
CHRISTINE GRAHAM
Thanks for the inspiration. I’m thinking through old stories for new angles now.
January 20, 2021 at 9:18 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Wow, like a reverso but in prose. Cool! Thanks for the inspiration to dig back through some of my many (MANY) failed manuscripts!
January 20, 2021 at 9:27 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
Love this idea! I had started a rework of a failed story from an idea that I got from another Storystorm idea. This confirmed that I’m on the right track. Now I can’t wait to re-read some of my other failed stories to see what might be hiding there.
January 20, 2021 at 9:28 pm
melissamiles1
I love this so much! I actually do have plenty of stories that need to be revisited. Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 9:35 pm
Jen Helwig
Thanks for the advice. I love the idea of mining old stories! Congratulations on Amah Faraway! Can’t wait to check it out.
January 20, 2021 at 9:36 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Margaret! I will now go back through my old stories and try to find some new kernels of fun to work with! I can’t wait to buy a copy of AMAH FARAWAY!
January 20, 2021 at 9:36 pm
Beth Elliott
Great recommendations and inspiration. Merci beaucoup!
January 20, 2021 at 9:41 pm
Kris H
Great idea. Thank you
January 20, 2021 at 9:51 pm
ingridboydston
What a relief! I have such a hard time saying goodbye to my old stories. Now I feel like they are like old houses, ready to flip! 😊 Or at least that I can take parts to use in fixing up other stories. Thanks. I look forward to reading Amah Faraway. It sounds just beautiful!
January 20, 2021 at 9:51 pm
ellenramsey
Wow! What an amazing story of a way to rework an old manuscript. I love the idea of a “story in reverse.” Look forward to reading this book.
January 20, 2021 at 9:59 pm
jimchaize1
Your post has me planning to do some mining tomorrow. Thanks, Margaret.
January 20, 2021 at 10:14 pm
Jennifer Phillips
So many parked ideas. I love the suggestion of relooking at these with fresh eyes. Thanks!
January 20, 2021 at 10:14 pm
EmmieRWerner
❤️❤️
January 20, 2021 at 10:18 pm
Tara Cerven
Great read, thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 10:22 pm
DANIELLE GOOBIE
This has made me rethink some of my shelved stories. Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2021 at 10:24 pm
seschipper
Thank you so much, Margaret! You have certainly provided us with great advice! Congratulations as well! 🙂
January 20, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
Thank you for your post. A great reminder that if a story doesn’t work as “is” that it’s okay to pull pieces from it and create something new.
January 20, 2021 at 10:32 pm
ramonapersaudwrites
I’m often afraid that I’ll cringe when I go back and reread “old” manuscripts (like journals) but I’ll suck it up…maybe I’ll find something usable. Thank you for the reframe.
January 20, 2021 at 10:39 pm
Susan Wroble
Love this! So many incredible lessons in this post — not just the mining failed stories, but the work to match a structure with just the right idea. Can’t wait to read this one.
January 20, 2021 at 10:52 pm
JillDanaBooks
Great advice! Thank you. I look forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY. 🙂 Jill Dana
January 20, 2021 at 10:58 pm
romontanaro
Thank you 🙏. Mineable. I love the way you broke this down. All the best! Thanks, Rosanna
January 20, 2021 at 11:00 pm
Sara Fajardo
Thank you for the inspiration.
January 20, 2021 at 11:05 pm
Sheri Graubert
What a great idea for Amah Faraway! I cannot wait to read it. And I love being reminded of the the stories that didn’t quite make it. So true!! Thank you so much, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 11:08 pm
Eileen Mayo
I have tons of stories that are half done. What a great idea to revisit them. Thanks for the inspiration,and congratulations on the new book!
January 20, 2021 at 11:20 pm
Rebecca Arent-Draper
Thank you, Margaret! I have many half finished/wasn’t up to snuff stories that I will now revisit! (I, too, identify with being sapped out creatively for 2020) ❤️
January 20, 2021 at 11:22 pm
nltbookspenchocolatedogs
MARGARET: I LOVE the idea of going back to the stories that “once upon a time” held so much promise–and giving them another chance (or HOPING they’ll take another chance on US!). From personal experience, I know putting a story aside, and then coming back to it with fresh eyes, allows me to FINALLY see the story clearly. THANK YOU for the inspiration to NEVER give up on ANY of our story ideas and DREAMS! There TRULY is a reason a lot of the bloggers for StoryStorm have recommended writing down EVERY idea that comes our way–no matter how bizarre they might seem. You just NEVER know when a story will emerge–much like a phoenix rising from the ashes. THANK YOU!!!
January 20, 2021 at 11:22 pm
Sharon Coffey
Margaret, I will be looking through some of my old stories ( some which you critiqued way back when). So happy for your success, my friend. Much love 💕.
January 20, 2021 at 11:25 pm
Shaunda Wenger
Thank you, Margaret. I love the idea of revisiting old stories and approaching them from a completely different perspective! I already have ideas about re-looking at a favorite classic poem through a new lens of reading it backwards and seeing where it leads. Congratulations on your new book. Relationships with grandparents are so special.
January 20, 2021 at 11:34 pm
angiecal76
You raise such valuable points especially the idea of utilizing parts of “failed” stories and repurposing parts of them. I’ll have to dig up a few and merrily go mining. Thank you, Margaret!
January 20, 2021 at 11:38 pm
Buffy Silverman
Amah Faraway sounds magical–congratulations, and thanks for the good idea of mining old ideas.
January 20, 2021 at 11:39 pm
katieschon
Excited to read the new book and also look up that poem. 🙂 Thank you!
January 20, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Judith Snyder
There is a golden nugget in each failed story that still wants to be born. I think it will be fun to revisit those ideas and to see if we can dress them differently. Thanks for the idea.
January 20, 2021 at 11:52 pm
Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks)
That format is so clever! I want to check out your book and see if I can try that for myself. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 20, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Margaret, this is such an inspiring post! Thank you. I need a lot of fingers to count all my failed stories. I will check my mine! Much success with your stories.
January 21, 2021 at 12:03 am
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Nice. A productive day of ideas thanks to this post! Wonderful.
January 21, 2021 at 12:04 am
dazzlengsy
Amah Faraway sounds brilliant! Thank you for teaching us to be resourceful with our ideas, Margaret!
January 21, 2021 at 12:14 am
Lori Gibson
Thank you for sharing this idea!
January 21, 2021 at 12:26 am
Lisa Kingsford
Great idea. I have pieces of stories I couldn’t bear to part with, so they just hang out waiting to be part of a new story. Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 12:29 am
ruthwilson48
This is the encouragement I needed! Thanks, Margaret!
January 21, 2021 at 12:32 am
Virginia Rinkel
So encouraged by your ideas here. I will relook at some of my stories also and check out those failed stories for new twists I’ll think of in a new way.
January 21, 2021 at 12:32 am
Renata Wurster
Great reminder to look for the inspiration already within our own ideas!
January 21, 2021 at 12:39 am
brittanypomales
I have a few stories fit for mining. Thanks for the post!
January 21, 2021 at 12:40 am
Melissa Warren
It is such a great idea to go back and reread and use bits of stories, especially if it is something that is true to your heart.
January 21, 2021 at 12:41 am
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
I have dozens of failed stories. In fact, all my picture book manuscripts are failed stories. I should go back into my folder and see if there are any that I can recast and try again.
January 21, 2021 at 12:47 am
Rebekah Lowell
Thank you for sharing. Just looked up that poem and shared it with my kiddos. What a challenge to try to write something like that!
January 21, 2021 at 1:16 am
@carriecookhere Carrie Cook
Thanks for sharing! So excited for you to have another book coming out.
January 21, 2021 at 1:17 am
Susan Klaren
I love the brilliance of this! Thank you.
January 21, 2021 at 1:18 am
AlisonMarcotte
Thank you for the inspiration! I have so many failed stories that still have some kind of spark that makes me not want to give up on them. I just need to take those nuggets (side characters, settings, story structure, etc.) and see where they go when they are on their own! Thanks again.
January 21, 2021 at 1:23 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you for giving us this idea of going back to story ideas half started, tucked away and forgotten!
January 21, 2021 at 1:29 am
claireannette1
Your new book sounds beautiful! I am so glad you were able to take your old idea and make it new. You’ve inspired me to go back through my idea file and see if there’s anything I can use.
January 21, 2021 at 1:43 am
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
This is a great idea. Thanks for the tip.
January 21, 2021 at 1:51 am
Kaye Baillie
Your new book sound lovely, Margaret with a unique structure. I can’t wait to read it.
January 21, 2021 at 1:55 am
Roberta Gibson
Lost Generation is amazing. Thank you for mentioning it.
January 21, 2021 at 2:19 am
darshanakhiani
Fantastic post dear friend!
January 21, 2021 at 3:06 am
marnijlo
I love how you took the structure of a poem and used that to rework a story from your heart. Your persistence paid off! Congratulations on your upcoming book. I look forward to reading it.
January 21, 2021 at 3:20 am
Artelle Lenthall
I love your final concept. Congratulations and thabk you for sharing about mining failed stories 🙂
January 21, 2021 at 3:20 am
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you for reminding us to revisit our stories that have been filed away and forgotten about. I think if they were good enough to have been created then we just need to breathe new life into them. I’m happy for you that this worked for you.
January 21, 2021 at 3:25 am
Sharon E. Langley
Thank you. I like the idea of thinking about old stories again…they’re not failed, they’ve been incubating until just the right time.
January 21, 2021 at 3:35 am
ecmoran
Hi Margaret, Great blog post! I love how the poem form by Jonathan Reed helped you generate a new way of revising a “failed” story. Thanks for the tip! =)
January 21, 2021 at 4:19 am
babybluesnowflake
Thank you for this wonderful post. I have piles of stories that didn’t quite work. I get stuck, because I feel it is not quite right and then forget about them. Thank goodness they are somewhere on the hard disk and in notebooks. It is nice to know that I need not give them up completely but can give them another chance when their time has come to dissect the story for its nuggets and redirect it into something wonderful.
January 21, 2021 at 5:14 am
Aly Kenna
Thank you Margaret, for reminding us to mine for our lost gems. It is good practice to keep old versions of manuscripts and this is the reason why. Your new book sounds incredible. Good luck.
January 21, 2021 at 5:37 am
58chilihed13
From a Margaret to you, Margaret thank you! I have THOUSANDS of bits and pieces I know are working and now hope that one day they will be finished or joined together for something better and new! Whoo hoo!
January 21, 2021 at 5:46 am
Krissy
Great post! I love the way some forgotten stories can be “recycled” in such a unique way! Amah Faraway sounds great!
January 21, 2021 at 6:10 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Thank you!
January 21, 2021 at 6:47 am
Freda Lewkowicz
It’s great to know there’s still hope for all those unwanted, “It’s not a perfect fit for my list but maybe another agent…..” manuscripts. Thank you.
January 21, 2021 at 7:48 am
Andrea Mack
Thank you, Margaret! Such a great idea to work with an element of a failed story and turn it into something new. I also love how you experimented with a new story structure. Looking forward to reading your new book when it comes out!
January 21, 2021 at 8:24 am
acottykid
Thank you for sharing.
January 21, 2021 at 8:28 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Great tip, Margaret! Your book sounds charming, and I look forward to reading it. Now–I’m going to get my pick and shovel to see if I can find some gold nuggets among the rubble. Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 8:56 am
Michele Helsel
This is a really fresh idea. And thank you for introducing me to this poem.
January 21, 2021 at 9:19 am
Patricia Alcaro
Brilliant suggestion to focus on some of my failed and discarded stories! Thank you, Margaret!
January 21, 2021 at 9:25 am
brilliantviewpoint
This was a WONDERFUL book idea. It immediately touched my heart and brought back memories. My grandmother lived in Italy, I lived in America, I wasn’t able to visit her until I was in the 8th grade and then there was the language barrier. Back then we didn’t have Google translator. Thank you for writing a book that will resonate with many of us!! I look forward to reading it.
January 21, 2021 at 9:45 am
Lynn Baldwin
As someone with a many “failed” stores, I love this! Thank you.
January 21, 2021 at 9:46 am
Elizabeth Metz
Yes yes YES! I just did this on some discarded stories. I found one from years ago that was not working because, honestly, it had very little plot. But the voice was beautiful. One of my Storystorm ideas from last week could be told in a similar voice… possibly even recycling some specific lines. Nothing is wasted! Thank you, Margaret!
January 21, 2021 at 9:51 am
Tanja Bauerle
Guess what I’m doing today? Pulling out some old dusty manuscripts and weaving them into something new. Thank you for the push. Tanja
January 21, 2021 at 9:55 am
maureenegan
Putting on my miner’s helmet and going in!
January 21, 2021 at 10:01 am
hmkingman
Mining, moving forward to go backward or visa versa… thought provoking.
January 21, 2021 at 10:03 am
nrompella
Your book sounds fabulous. Great idea to recycle and repurpose. 🙂
January 21, 2021 at 10:09 am
clairebobrow
This post – at least the first part – is the story of my writing career so far. I have dozens and dozens of stories that have good bits, even great bits, but just don’t work as a finished whole. I love the inspiration you found in the poem. Now I’m inspired to go back and mine my stories. Thank you, Margaret!
January 21, 2021 at 10:09 am
Joyce Uglow
This notion of the failed story resonates with me. However, I will persist. I’m actually in the middle of doing what you suggested. I’m grateful for your prompt to look at moving characters to other stories. Thank you!
January 21, 2021 at 10:26 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for this post! I loved learning about how your book came about from a “failed” story. There are so many things we can learn or glean from our discarded ideas and stories. Thank you for a great post!
January 21, 2021 at 10:36 am
Cedar Pruitt
I’ve been distracted too! Thanks. I have so many failed stories…it’s overwhelming to even try to organize the ideas. But I know I need to do it. I miss so many of my characters and wish I could get them in a proper story.
January 21, 2021 at 11:17 am
Joan Swanson
Thank you for your advise on a secondary character. I have one that many of my critique partners fell in love with so I decided he needed a story too. Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 11:19 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
I recently did this with a story I wrote in 2015. It was amazing to see not only my own development as a writer but also a fresh view on the story. Now, I have a much better version that is ready to go out on submission. Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 11:26 am
Hélène Sabourin
It’s always good to revisit old ideas. I also like your thought process and a long distance relationship is something many children can relate to.
Good job coming up with this.
January 21, 2021 at 11:30 am
nicolesalterbraun
Oh boy, do I ever have the failed stories pile. I need to get out of my head and see if the characters belong in another story. Thank you
January 21, 2021 at 11:55 am
Mary Zychowicz
Lovely post! This sparked a new idea for me. Thank you. I love intergenerational stories. I’m a “faraway” Grammy myself and I know my grandchildren would relate to your story. I think those generational connections are so enriching to both the children and the adults who are able to have that. I look forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY.
January 21, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Kathleen
Thank you for an inspiring and moving post. I often revisit old work with an eye toward finding a different angle. Your post provides encouragement for continuing to travel down this path.
January 21, 2021 at 12:05 pm
allyenz
First, thank you for introducing me to Lost Generation – I am going to look it up right now. Sounds fascinating! Your story line for Maximillian Villainous sounds absolutely delightful, and the illustrations are a blast. (Your calendar image above inspired me to follow the link to your website and another link to Lesley’s “how to draw Max” video. And I’ve already drawn Max and Bart . . .all in the span of about 20 minutes since reading your post. . . Adult ADD-blessing or curse?) Thank you for such an inspirational post! Going to revisit those scrapped ideas!
January 23, 2021 at 2:01 am
margaretgreanias
You’re welcome! Happy mining and thanks for visiting Max and the “how to draw” video!
January 21, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Kathleen B.
Thank you for an inspiring and moving post. I often revisit old work with an eye toward finding a different angle. Your post provides encouragement to continue on this path.
January 21, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Susan Schade
Thank you! This really spoke to me. You have given me new inspiration to dig into those drops of ideas and discarded stories. Congratulations on your book!
January 21, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Dawn M.
I can relate to being distracted. Thanks for your tips.
January 21, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Valarie Giogas
This story sounds wonderful. I cannot wait to read it.
January 21, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Jose Cruz
A very interesting format! I just read Reed’s poem now. (Reed read’s poem?) It put me in my mind–of all things–a sequence from Alan Moore’s WATCHMEN: each half of the particular storyline reflects the other, so that the very last panel mirrors the very first, and so on, until they meet in the very middle in a shared spread. I love that kind of creative tinkering. Not only does the message itself convey meaning, but so does the medium. Thank you for sharing!
January 21, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Katie Schwartz
Thank you for your encouragement to bring out any older attempts, that we may not even feel like looking at after awhile! I am planning to do this!
January 21, 2021 at 12:38 pm
teacherwriteracker
Your book sounds so cool! I also have loads of stories to mine from.
January 21, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Judy Sobanski
Thanks for the tips! I have a drawer full of “misfit” stories that I will mine for nuggets of inspirations!
January 21, 2021 at 12:45 pm
andreesantini
Oh yes, boxes and files full, what a great way to go back through them and mine the gems. Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for this inspiring post. Some of my past story storm ideas have popped into my brain this story storm, and it’s felt a bit like “cheating” to count them. What I haven’t yet done is put those story ideas through some of the follow-up questions you suggest for failed stories, and that’s a great approach to help me more fully reconsider these story ideas. Much appreciated!
January 21, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
Thanks for sharing and for the push to go back and review. It’s a good reminder. There were pieces I started last Storystorm , that I wish I could have developed further, but didn’t know where to go w/it as I got further in. I guess that is ok in SS rule book? I am interested in your story and your relationship with your Amah. I too would love to read it. Good luck. Stay well all.
January 21, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Bhandi
I mix and match stories all the time! That’s how I got two of my submission ready manuscripts! It’s a great way of finding new material too. Don’t throw away all the bad stories!!
January 21, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Rebecca E Guzinski
This post is both relatable and refreshing!
January 21, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I haven’t read some of those old stories in a long time. Thanks to your post, I’m taking a look at some of the oldest ones and finding what inspired me about them in the first place.
January 21, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
Thank you for your inspirational post, Margaret! I’m off to sift through my shelved stories now!
January 21, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Poupette
Fabulous post –thanks! I too have a grandmother story that needs a happier tone (she killed herself), and, thanks to your AMAH FARAWAY example, an idea’s evolving… (I’ll dredge out others next!)
January 21, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Julia Lyon
This gives me hope for some of my thrown-away ideas! And I like the idea of transferring one idea into something else – something I had not considered before.
January 21, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Meg
This is so encouraging to take another look at stories and see them in a different light!
January 21, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Cindy
I just read the poem “Lost Generation” and it is amazing. Thank you for recommending it.
January 21, 2021 at 2:05 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
So many little nuggets to go back and explore. Thanks for the great inspiration!
January 21, 2021 at 2:09 pm
paulabpuckett
Looking through those old notebooks is like looking at photos of long ago friends. Thank you for the suggestion to revisit.
January 21, 2021 at 2:14 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for reminding us to look back. I will also need to read “Lost Generation” as well as your book.
January 21, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Janet Johnson
What a great concept for a story! I’ll definitely have to look back at old stories. 🙂
January 21, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I love this concept of mining old, failed stories. There’s no end to them in my hard copy files and my online files. Thanks for the reminder! And I love the spark you received by reading a poem in reverse.
January 21, 2021 at 2:32 pm
susanzonca
What a great idea! Story recycling!
January 21, 2021 at 2:43 pm
Jana Mattern
I love this. Amah Faraway sounds wonderful!
January 21, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Heather Kinser
Margaret, AMAH FARAWAY sounds brilliant. I am expecting to be blown-away by it. Sitting here in awe of that concept and format. Thanks for today’s inspiring post.
January 21, 2021 at 2:59 pm
libbydemmon
I love this! I’m off to my shelved notebooks to see what I can mine!
January 21, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Amy Fae
This is such a great idea, and even your bio is inspiring to me!
January 21, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Margaret, so happy you were able to transform your grandmother story! Can’t wait to read it.
January 21, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Karen Pickrell
I remember hearing you share AMAH FARAWAY at a round table critique with Rubin Pfeffer at the SCBWI LA conference! What a beautiful story! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it in print!
January 21, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I’ve also been working on a forward and backwards story! The are HARD to write. But, like a puzzle, fun to solve. Your story sounds very sweet!
January 21, 2021 at 3:50 pm
chcaro
As a second-generation Chinese American, the story of AMAH FARAWAY totally resonates with me. Super excited to read it when it comes out. Also, I’m excited to try the idea of a forwards/backwards story. Thanks for the idea.
January 21, 2021 at 3:59 pm
Masha Sapron
I hadn’t read the lost generation before. I read it and it so cool! I love that your inspiration came from that! Look forward to reading Amah Faraway.
January 21, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Jennifer Raudenbush
These are great ideas. Thank you!
January 21, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Cindy Johnson
I love your idea of mining old, dead stories for new ideas! And I loved Maximillian Villainous! Can hardly wait to read Amah Faraway!
January 21, 2021 at 4:48 pm
Micki Ginsberg
You are so right… we shouldn’t give up on our “babies.”I want to read your book and see how you managed that interesting format.
January 21, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Joannie Duris
Loved your journey from the failed GRANDMA ROBOT to AMAH FARAWAY, and hearing how a poem and its format helped give you the new direction. Congratulations! Your list of “What If” questions is a perfect way to rediscover those nuggets in our failed stories that just need to find the right home in a different story.
January 21, 2021 at 5:36 pm
brontebrown2
Find what you loved or that initial inspiration and revisit or create a whole new story and don’t make it complicated.
January 21, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thanks for the inspiration. I was just pondering a manuscript I shelved a year ago. Think I will have another peek at it!
January 21, 2021 at 5:55 pm
aliciaminor
I sense drama. I am glad that you re-visited old ideas and it worked. Congrats and I look forward to read Amah Faraway. happy new year.
January 21, 2021 at 5:56 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Thank you, Margaret. I have all of my darlings filed away and have hope that some of them will find an exciting new possibility one day.
January 21, 2021 at 5:58 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Margaret, for helping me see outside the box!
January 21, 2021 at 5:59 pm
Helen Lysicatos
This is a really great way to mine for some new ideas, thank you for sharing it.
January 21, 2021 at 6:03 pm
Stephen S. Martin
There’s Gold in them there Stories !
January 21, 2021 at 6:10 pm
goodreadswithronna
I’m so intrigued by your picture book, Margaret! I love how you returned to the manuscript that called to you over the years and found a meaningful new way to approach it. I have at least two that gnaw at me, but I may still need more distance from them. Congratulations!
January 21, 2021 at 6:19 pm
susaninez0905
Wonderful advice! I will dig into my old files and see what awaits. 🙂
January 21, 2021 at 6:23 pm
Christine Pinto
Great advice. I’m looking back at my previous Storystorm ideas. Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 6:58 pm
Michele Rietz
Thank you for this idea! I have plenty of manuscripts sitting on my computer or in my notebook! Congratulations on your new book!!
January 21, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
I recently made a list of stories to potentially revisit. It’s so nice to have a backup for when new ideas aren’t coming.
January 21, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Janet Halfmann
Will definitely have to revisit my unfinished stories. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 21, 2021 at 7:25 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
Ooh, can’t wait to dust some old stories off and begin the treasure hunt! Thank you, Margaret!
January 21, 2021 at 7:56 pm
John McGranaghan
So true, and so refreshing to hear about successful failed stories. It brings hope to so many of them sitting in my files. Thanks
January 21, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Megan M.
Wow! The concept for AMAH FARAWAY sounds amazing! I’ll definitely be looking for it when it comes out.
January 21, 2021 at 9:04 pm
Stephanie Jones
Thank you for this inspiration! I used to think I’d never have partial, buried stories or story ideas, but programs like storystorm get so many ideas flowing! I especially appreciate learning about the Jonathan Read poem- powerful!!
January 21, 2021 at 9:13 pm
Janet Smart
Thanks, I think I need to go look at my long list of stories I’ve written.
January 21, 2021 at 9:44 pm
iefaber
I have a big “fail” pile. Thanks for normalizing this for all of us.
January 21, 2021 at 9:48 pm
paulaobering
Thanks for the advice. I definitely have some gems in the rough that I still love. Time to re-visit!
January 21, 2021 at 10:10 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for the inspiration!s
January 21, 2021 at 10:25 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
MARGARET: I LOVE the idea of going back to the stories that “once upon a time” held so much promise–and giving them another chance (or HOPING they’ll take another chance on US!). From personal experience, I know putting a story aside, and then coming back to it with fresh eyes, allows me to FINALLY see the story clearly. THANK YOU for the inspiration to NEVER give up on ANY of our story ideas and DREAMS! There TRULY is a reason a lot of the bloggers for StoryStorm have recommended writing down EVERY idea that comes our way–no matter how bizarre they might seem. You just NEVER know when a story will emerge–much like a phoenix rising from the ashes. THANK YOU!!! {PS: I posted this comment yesterday, and it showed that I sent it; but when I checked today, it wasn’t there.}
January 21, 2021 at 10:38 pm
dedra davis
Oh, what a great story and format! Congratulations! I have many stories half baked and burnt! I need to try to recook them! Thanks!
January 21, 2021 at 10:39 pm
Michelle Losardo
Ah! Breathing new life into failed stories – LOVE this!
January 21, 2021 at 10:50 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Love hearing how you transformed your own “failed” story into something so special! Congrats!
January 21, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Loralee Petersen
This is a great idea! I love re-working stories, keeping bits and discarding others, combining ideas and so on. Great post! Thank you.
January 21, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Natasha Garnett
Thanks, Margaret, for the reminder that there are dozens of Storystorm ideas languishing in my files. Time to mine.
January 21, 2021 at 11:30 pm
Cathleen Collins
I have a character in a failed but beloved book that I hope someday is revitalized!
January 22, 2021 at 12:57 am
Toni Weeks
Such great advice. A new perspective works wonders. Thank you!
January 22, 2021 at 1:47 am
writersideup
Wow, Margaret, what a fresh way to tell a story! Just fantastic 🙂 And you’re right…you never know what will come from seeing old stories with new eyes. Thank you 😀
January 22, 2021 at 4:21 am
Terri Sabol
Mining old stories to find something new is brilliant! Thanks for sharing, Margaret! (which is my grandmother’s name)
January 22, 2021 at 6:42 am
mbhmaine
This is wonderful advice, akin to “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” I’d never thought to apply that approach to my writing and love the idea of mining through old or partial stories for compelling “gems” and bits and pieces that might just cobble together into something new. Thanks!
January 22, 2021 at 7:23 am
Marzieh Abbas
Thanks for being so raw and positive! This is genius- you story sounds so intriguing! I can’t wait for it
January 22, 2021 at 8:05 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Mining my old stories is something I haven’t done in a while and thanks so much for the inspiration. Great ideas Margaret.
January 22, 2021 at 8:47 am
Kristen Tipman
Thanks for your post! I really like the idea of mining for ideas in old drafts.
January 22, 2021 at 9:53 am
Megan Litwin
Love this idea of finding something “new” from something “old”! And I absolutely loved hearing how your grandmother story came together – it sounds like you found just the right way to tell it.
January 22, 2021 at 10:24 am
Brinton Culp
Mining older items is on my to-do list today. I love how you were able to take a challenge to work on a certain concept and use something meaningful to you that just hadn’t found the right format yet to turn it into your picture book!
January 22, 2021 at 10:46 am
bgonsar
There’s a wealth of ideas in the discarded pile. Glad you were able to make it work with yours! Thanks for sharing Margaret.
January 22, 2021 at 11:01 am
Kristin Sawyer
Thank you for the reminder that no effort is ever wasted, nothing we create is ever trash. I look forward to reading Amah Faraway.
January 22, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Angela De Groot
Love your calendar of distraction. Thanks for encouraging us to go digging in our abandoned stories. I’m excited to see where this exercise leads.
January 22, 2021 at 12:39 pm
JC
I love this. What a great way to search for some inspiration, thank you!
January 22, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Margaret! I look forward to reading your book AMAH FARAWAY.
Thank you for for sharing the idea of a forward read followed by a reverse read.
Suzy Leopold
January 22, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
Inspiring! I love revisiting older stories for possibilities! AMA FARAWAY is def. on my TBR list! ♥
January 22, 2021 at 1:43 pm
Lisa Riddiough
I actually love reading my old stories that have been sitting in my computer forever – sometimes I am amazed at what I find. Thank you for this reminder.
January 22, 2021 at 2:10 pm
SSR Bea
Thanks for the reminder that there may gold in old ideas.
January 22, 2021 at 2:19 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
Thanks Margaret! This is the inspiration I need to revive old stories!
January 22, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Maria Oka
I love this and Amah Faraway sounds so beautiful! There are certain characters or concepts that I keep coming back to because I am convinced that they have some merit, even if I haven’t told their story right yet!
January 22, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig)
Great idea! Can’t wait to read this book.
January 22, 2021 at 3:13 pm
kaitlinsikeswrites
This book sounds so fun- it’s like those poems that you can read either way! I’ve been thinking of digging out some old stories that “don’t work” and seeing what I can do with them. Thanks for the push.
January 22, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Pamela Haskin
What a fun way to tell a story. Both my grandmothers lived in the same small town I grew up in. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you to live so faraway from you amah. Thanks for sharing with us, and thanks for a chance to win your books.
January 22, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
Great post! I pulled out a story that just didn’t work to think of a new angle- and I think I’m onto something!
January 22, 2021 at 4:32 pm
syorkeviney
To hear your process helps us so much! As I begin this journey I take solace in that fact that it is a long, wonderful and surprising path.
January 22, 2021 at 4:34 pm
writeknit
Thank you for the fabulous idea of dusting off those old manuscripts. I’m on the way to get the swiffer right now! 🙂
January 22, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Beth Stilborn
Thank you for this post, Margaret! I must put a headlamp on and go mining for gold in the Cast-Off-Story Mountains.
January 22, 2021 at 6:03 pm
Patti Ranson
I just read Lost Generations by Jonathon Reed, both forwards and backward. What a beautiful piece of writing I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway:)
Great post!
January 22, 2021 at 7:55 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you for the reminder to revisit past stories that did not get published. I think the various ways that you have suggested that we could breathe new life into these books could definitely prove fruitful. Thanks for all the great tips!
January 22, 2021 at 11:08 pm
rhumba20
Thank you for the inspiring post Margaret! Congratulations on AMAH FARAWAY. I look forward to reading it!
Anna Levin
January 23, 2021 at 1:38 am
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
I love this reminder to mine our own zombie stories for elements that we could use to create new stories. Thank you so much, Margaret!
January 23, 2021 at 2:10 am
Marci Whitehurst
Great idea with failed stories. It gives some hope for when we have to put one away for awhile. Thanks for sharing, Margaret.
January 23, 2021 at 9:33 am
Kathy Crable
What a great idea for new stories! Thanks so much!
January 23, 2021 at 11:21 am
yangmommy
I’m going to have to check out that poem, Margaret! Thx for sharing :& best w/ book baby #2! 🙂
January 23, 2021 at 11:37 am
Katie L. Carroll
What a cool concept for a story!
January 23, 2021 at 12:34 pm
muskoshe
Thank you for the encouragement to be inspired by the “ones that got away”.
January 23, 2021 at 12:57 pm
topangamaria
It’s like making something delicious out of leftovers.
January 23, 2021 at 1:07 pm
Cheryl L Kula
Everyone has that forgotten pile of ideas.
January 23, 2021 at 1:18 pm
heatherbell37
Wow I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway. That sounds brilliant. Love the idea of saving elements of failed stories and just trying to find where they best fit. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Susie Sawyer
Margaret, I loved your post and the suggestion to revisit our “abandoned” stories to mine for gems! I also admire you for tackling such a (seemingly) difficult format with AMAH FARAWAY. I can’t wait to read it! Thank you so much for this post.
January 23, 2021 at 1:37 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Congratulations on Amah Faraway! Thank you for your post, love your advice!
January 23, 2021 at 2:04 pm
cravevsworld
Effective approach at recycling old stories. Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Val McC
Perfect reminder that the stories we set aside can be reworked with new ideas, energy and enthusiasm. Thanks for the push, Margaret!
January 23, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Lynn Alpert
Great idea! I will read my old ideas and stories with a different lens.
January 23, 2021 at 4:23 pm
Mark Ceilley
I think this is a great idea! I’m going to revisit my other stories and see if I can mine a character, idea, phrase, or some nugget and come up with another story idea. Thank you!
January 23, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Mining old stories sounds like an excellent idea. I was writing the other day for the PB Critique Train and wrote the story from an idea I had in 2018! Congrats on getting published at 46.
January 23, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Joy Pitcairn
Great ideas! I loved reading about AMAH FARAWAY!
January 23, 2021 at 7:29 pm
Kellie
I totally get what you mean when you talk about mining ‘failed’ stories. I too had a concept that I knew there was a story for, but I couldn’t make it work … until one day, I did. I’m still working on it – but it has legs now, finally. Thank you for your inspirational post about what can happen if you persist.
January 23, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Brenda Whitehead (@BrendaW_Prof)
So true…I’m far too quick to abandon stories / characters that didn’t work in the timeline I wanted them to, when there is likely so much there to mine. Thanks for this reminder!
January 23, 2021 at 8:08 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the inspiration to dust off some ideas from the past.
January 24, 2021 at 7:47 am
Blair Ortman
Going to look at my old manuscripts. Thank you!
January 24, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
Thank you for making me think of my Frog, stuck in a book, going nowhere fast. Lol
January 24, 2021 at 3:13 pm
claudine108
Margaret- I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway! It sounds like an amazing book! Congratulations!
January 24, 2021 at 4:32 pm
Hollie Wolverton
Time to go mining! Can’t wait to see what I unearth!
January 24, 2021 at 4:33 pm
Wendy
So excited to see you here, Margaret! Fantastic advice (you know how many stories I have languishing). I obviously already have your wonderful debut book but can’t wait to see Amah!
January 24, 2021 at 5:53 pm
Heather Kelso
Congratulations on your book!
Thank you for the inspiration to look through my old stories for gems.
January 24, 2021 at 6:10 pm
Debbie Meyer
I totally relate to your Amah Faraway story. My mom was French and we went to France maybe 5 times in my whole life. I loved my Grandpa even though we couldn’t speak the same language – he tried with some little words he had learned from GI’s in Paris. I would always be shy at first and cried all the way to the airport when it was time to go.
January 24, 2021 at 6:35 pm
triciacandy
Thank you, Margaret! And I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway!
January 24, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Dina Ticas
Your Amah story sounds wonderful. (I grew up calling my mom this, until the greater culture around me hit me with a peppering of questions about it and left me feeling embarrassed.) I let them go a while ago now 😉 .
January 24, 2021 at 6:52 pm
TL Fales
I definitely have a few ideas I’d like to revisit, but I’m afraid the problem was that they weren’t actually picture books.
January 24, 2021 at 7:06 pm
rgstones
It’s time to dig through my old files. Thanks for the inspiration. Can’t wait to read Amah Faraway.
January 24, 2021 at 9:19 pm
mandyyokim
Wow! Thank you, Margaret. I love the creative idea for your book and you’ve inspired me to look back over some of my old stories.
January 24, 2021 at 9:21 pm
Lauri Meyers
Love a rescue story!
January 24, 2021 at 9:21 pm
Michelle F Kashinsky
Thank you! You post really spoke to me. Time to look in the folder of forgotten manuscripts and pull on the gems within them. Really beautiful, thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 1:40 am
Karen Greenwald
What a great post to read after taking Heather Montgomery’s fact flinging class–discussing format and structure. Can’t wait to read your book! Congrats!
January 25, 2021 at 5:06 am
sylviaichen
AMAH FARAWAY sounds amazing, can’t wait to see how you did the reversible lines. Congrats!
January 25, 2021 at 8:44 am
Jen Lynn Bailey
You’ve given me hope for all those stories in my drawer…
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 am
ejessmurray
Thank you, Margaret! I loved the insight into your process for what became AMAH FARAWAY.
January 25, 2021 at 11:35 am
Kelly Conroy
I can’t wait to read AMAH FARAWAY! I already know it will give me happy chills.
January 25, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Penny Merritt
Your book sounds lovely! I’ve got a few shelved manuscripts as well. I love the character but haven’t been able to bring him to life. Maybe he just needs a new storyline!
January 25, 2021 at 3:09 pm
jessica shaw
Every year, Storystorm reminds me to look back through my ideas from previous years (thanks, Tara!). I always find some ideas to twist and mold into new (better!) ones. Your advice is a great reminder to periodically look back through our forgotten files. Thanks, Margaret! And congratulations on Amah Faraway. I look forward to reading it.
January 25, 2021 at 4:00 pm
suzannepoulterharris
I love this idea to mine failed stories. I have quite a few old ones that could benefit from a clever repurposing.
January 25, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
I have many failed stories. MANY. So, I guess the good news is, I have many bits and pieces to sort through for the good stuff. Thanks. 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Karen Conley Chun
I too have many stories that are not yet full concepts and are in a drawer. Time to make regular visits! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Ellen Leventhal
This is such a great idea. I have a story that is close to my heart, but after years, I see that it doesn’t work. However, the characters may find a new home in a different story. Thanks for the encouragement and congrats on your new book!
January 25, 2021 at 7:22 pm
erintsiska
Ooooooh I can’t wait to read Amah Faraway, what a cool concept!
January 25, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Stephanie Lau
Aw, I definitely connect with the concept of Amah Faraway! Looking forward to reading it.
January 25, 2021 at 11:54 pm
susanfilkins
Thank you for your interesting post!
January 26, 2021 at 2:40 am
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
How lovely! And I can’t wait to read your new book! Sounds so intriguing.
January 26, 2021 at 2:44 am
Gaby
Margaret, I love the idea of using a side character, and create a new story. Thanks!!!
January 26, 2021 at 9:35 am
Anita Banks
Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 11:02 am
Christine @ Goodjelly
Thanks, Margaret. Love the suggestion and the Reed poem. ❤
January 26, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Nina Nolan
Thank you for your post! And for reminding us that a story that didn’t work in one form might work in another form.
January 26, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Julie Reich
It’s so interesting to read how this process worked for you. I have a bunch of dusty stories waiting to be revisited.
January 26, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Kathy Berman
You’re right Margaret, there’s nothing like digging into failed stories, it’s bound to spark more ideas in refining our stories.
January 26, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Renee Neubauer
Thanks for sharing you story and ideas! I definitely have some filed-away stories that still call to me.
January 27, 2021 at 12:56 pm
kidlitgail
Margaret, while I was reading your post, two little sections from failed stories wiggled in my brain. I went back to them and VOILA, a picture book and a MG storyline appeared. Thanks for reminding us to dust off those former stories and revamp them!
January 27, 2021 at 4:17 pm
jeanjames926
I really enjoyed this post! Thank you Margaret.
January 27, 2021 at 7:49 pm
Bill Canterbury
Helpful advice here!
January 27, 2021 at 8:39 pm
jennyb_writes
Boy did I need to read this. I’ve been short on new ideas but have MORE than enough half complete ideas I’ve shoved aside. Time to pull those out and dig back in. Thank you!
January 28, 2021 at 6:45 am
srkckass
Thank you for your suggestions. I loved your pictograph of 2020, I think that pretty much sums up the whole year.
January 28, 2021 at 8:57 am
Betsy Devany
This post, it is exactly what I needed. Thank you!
January 28, 2021 at 10:25 am
Naana Amissah
Thank you, Margaret, never thought of reading a story from the bottom up. Great points to look at failed stories and mine them.
January 28, 2021 at 10:59 am
Babs Ostapina
I knew recycling was good, Margaret, but hadn’t thought of it for writing… thanks for the insight! And congrats on Amah!
January 28, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Brenda Grant Lower
Thank you! That’s helped me refine a couple ideas, re-think so others!
January 28, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Judy Bryan
Reading Lost Generation forward and backward gives me chills, too. What an intriguing format for a pb. I’m really looking forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY!
January 28, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Caren
When I’m stuck for a new idea, I do pull out my old ones. Usually the ones I wrote when I was a new writer and didn’t know what I didn’t know.
January 28, 2021 at 9:40 pm
Stacey Corrigan
Love this idea. Thanks for the reminder!
January 28, 2021 at 9:43 pm
Debbi G
Great inspiration! Thanks for your idea of mining details from failed stories.
January 28, 2021 at 10:54 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
Super ideas
January 29, 2021 at 3:52 pm
Judy Palermo
I could hardly finish the post — I so want to dive into my discard pile!
January 29, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Kimberly Wilson
Thanks for inspiring me to dig out my old stories! I definitely have some characters I’d love to pull into a new storyline!
January 29, 2021 at 10:35 pm
Amelia Shearer
Your description of the distraction of 2020 hit close to home. Thanks for some insights which inspire me to keep re-focusing in spite of whatever chaos will come next!
January 30, 2021 at 5:00 am
kelliejanebyrnes
Thanks for sharing – so interesting to hear how your new picture book came to be!
January 30, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Gives me a whole new lens to look at my not-yet-published stories through. Thanks! I look forward to reading Amah Farawy.
January 30, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Anna Brooks
Oh my gosh, I’m getting teary eyed just picturing Amah FarAway. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 30, 2021 at 4:52 pm
dlapmandi
A very unique concept. Thanks for the post.
January 30, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Aimee R Larke
Thank you so much for this post. I came away with so many new ideas and rediscovered some old ones by looking through my ideas list!
January 30, 2021 at 10:16 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I love looking back through my Storystorm ideas from years ago. Thank you for reminding me I should be doing this more often!
January 30, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Ave Maria Cross
The only thing that is constant is change. Write differently — thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2021 at 11:30 pm
doreenrobinson
I love the idea that a character I’ve written about might be in the wrong story! Time to go look at those failed stories!
January 31, 2021 at 12:00 am
Yehudit Sarah
I love the idea of mining stories we have discarded, or that failed, or that weren’t quite right at the time. Thanks for sharing this inspiration. I look forward to reading your story.
January 31, 2021 at 11:11 am
ssspice
Great idea
January 31, 2021 at 3:25 pm
Amy M. Miller
Thank you for the inspiration! Just figured out a new conflict for an old story and I’m excited. Yay!!
January 31, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thank you, Margaret!!!
January 31, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Mary Worley
This is fun to consider. I wonder what I’ll find in some of those early stories. Thanks for the idea!
January 31, 2021 at 7:51 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing your great idea of finding treasure in an older story.
January 31, 2021 at 8:23 pm
Jen Walsh Hawks
What a great idea! I am looking forward to reading your new book!
February 1, 2021 at 12:14 am
Amy Newbold
I love the idea of checking failed stories for an idea that can be transformed into something new. Thanks for sharing your process.
February 1, 2021 at 12:53 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
Oh, I have the feeling I’m going to do a lot of mining in my long-abandoned manuscripts this year. StoryStorm posts this month have given me so many ideas for how to revive these pieces!
February 1, 2021 at 8:27 am
Lisa L Furness
Hi Margaret! I have wondered about writing something in reverse, but haven’t quite figured out how to do it yet. I’m inspired by your post and can’t wait to read your new story!
February 1, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
So many failed stories 😀
February 1, 2021 at 3:23 pm
Audrey
🙂 Thank you for this!
February 1, 2021 at 10:49 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for this idea! Going into the vault…
February 2, 2021 at 1:36 pm
Lynne Marie
Love your book and all this fabulous advice! Sharing with Rate Your Story Members ❤ Thank you!
February 3, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Tasha Hilderman
The Aug, Sept, Oct illustrations😂 This is a great idea as when I flip through old notebooks I will still be interested in some of the concepts but not sure how to go about using them. Maybe reframing like this will come up with a winner! Thanks!
February 3, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Shar
I loved hearing how you transformed something that wasn’t working into something new and unique! And I love seeing that some stories just take time.
February 5, 2021 at 11:07 am
Dea Brayden
Really looking forward to reading AMAH FARAWAY. Thanks for sharing your process.
February 5, 2021 at 9:40 pm
KASteed
Love your illustrations.
February 6, 2021 at 12:44 am
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Oh my… going back is sometimes so cringe-worthy. But you are right… Maybe wine will help.