by Angela Burke Kunkel
In “Steal Like an Artist: Ten Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative,” Austin Kleon writes:
“The best way to get over a creative block is simply to place
some constraints on yourself.
It seems contradictory, but when it comes to creative work,
limitations mean freedom.”
Or, for those author-illustrators or art buffs out there, consider this quote from artist David Hockney:
“Limitations are really good for you.
They are a stimulant.
If you were told to make a drawing of a tulip
using five lines,
or one using a hundred,
you’d be more inventive with the five.”
(While you’re at it, do a Google image search of Hockney’s own tulip drawings. You’ll see everything from paintings from the 70s and 80s to recent iPad sketches. Notice how they’re all different. And notice that this man is in his 80s and still imposing creative challenges on himself.)
My second published picture book, PENGUIN JOURNEY (Abrams Appleseed, October 2021), started as just this type of exercise. I tend to write really long first drafts, over a thousand words, in order to figure out what I need to say. And, in the midst of cutting (so much cutting), I wondered one day: what if I could write a complete picture book draft, arc and all, in under a hundred words? I happened to be thinking about penguins, and a little phrase popped into my head: “waddle waddle.” It was fun to say. But was it a story?
Well, at my desk one day, I wrote a draft repeating the phrase “waddle waddle” as a lone Emperor penguin arrives at their breeding ground, meets a mate, cares for their egg, and copes with the harsh conditions of Antarctic winter. All in . . . 69 words.
My agent and I decided to go on submission with the story, and Meredith Mundy at Abrams Appleseed wrote back with a request: Could I drop the repeated “waddle waddle,” keep the the original spare language and rewrite the concept . . . in rhyme? Revising and resubmitting to Meredith presented yet another set of creative challenges! I had a hard time letting go of “waddle waddle,” and I had never written in rhyme before. But, with Meredith’s careful editorial eye, the story’s new opening lines unfolded:
Packed snow.
Moon glow.
Windblown.
All alone.
They also made room for illustrator Catherine Odell’s beautiful mixed media art. But neither would exist without just sitting down one morning and playing with self-imposed limitations.
For today’s Storystorm, I challenge you to let those ideas flow, but with constraints. What are your tendencies, and how could you do the opposite? In other words, what creative limitations can you impose on yourself? In the idea-generating phase, this may mean stretching your brain in another direction. Do you usually start with character? How about generating an idea that starts with setting instead? Or are you a rhymer whose drafts begin with a couplet? Can you write those few lines sticking with prose (or vice versa)? Or open to a page in the dictionary, or the nearest book, and place a finger on a word at random— where can you go from there? What ideas come up for you?
Sometimes, just sometimes, the habit of letting ideas come without judgement is just a little too open. Or the ideas begin to repeat. If you find this is the case, build a cage of your own making—then see how to break out of it. You just might like what you come up with as you plot your escape.
Angela Burke Kunkel is the author of PENGUIN JOURNEY (Abrams Appleseed, October 2021) as well as DIGGING FOR WORDS: JOSÉ ALBERTO GUTIÉRREZ AND THE LIBRARY HE BUILT (Random House/Schwartz & Wade, 2020). After soaking up the sun in the Southwest for a number of years, she now lives in Vermont with her family, two dogs, a guinea pig and a rapidly-growing bearded dragon (really, it’s rather alarming). Angela works as a school librarian and is a former English Language Arts teacher. Visit her at angelakunkel.com, on Twitter @angkunkel and Instagram @angkunkel.
Angela is giving away a picture book critique to one Storystorm participant.
Leave one comment below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
645 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 25, 2021 at 10:18 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Oh, my, Angela! What a creative challenge you got from yourself and then your editor! And you did it! You set a great example for us. Much continued success to you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:19 am
ryanrobertsauthor
great advice!
January 25, 2021 at 10:20 am
Joyce Uglow
Angela, I am now plotting how to escape the constraints of my inner critic. The floodgate is opening!
January 25, 2021 at 10:20 am
stiefelchana
“Build a cage of your own making…then break out!” Terrifying yet brilliant. I’ll give it a try. Congrats on your penguin book, Angela. Sounds wonderful!
January 25, 2021 at 10:21 am
chersugarlee
Great story generating ideas! Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 10:21 am
Mark Bentz
Hi Angela,
I really like how you rewrote, Penguin Journey.
Will definitely look for the book. Congratulations!
Great post, thank you.
Mark
January 25, 2021 at 10:21 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
I agree wholeheartedly, Angela! I tell students all the time that if I was told to write a poem about the night sky it would probably take me weeks to nail down an idea – but if you tell me to write a poem about the star Betelgeuse in Orion’s left shoulder, well, that I can do! (I suppose this is why I have an affinity for classic, structured verse!)
January 25, 2021 at 10:22 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Thanks for these suggestions!
January 25, 2021 at 10:23 am
Marla Yablon
Angela, I love words and I know that I use a lot of them. I think I’ll take you up on your challenge! Can’t wait to read your penguin book!
January 25, 2021 at 10:23 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
What an excellent challenge, Angela! Thank you! I sincerely enjoyed DIGGING FOR WORDS and look forward to reading PENGUIN JOURNEY.
January 25, 2021 at 10:24 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
This is a great idea thank you so much Angela! I’m going to brainstorm on my drive home!
January 25, 2021 at 10:25 am
Meli Glickman
What wonderful words. Thanks so much for sharing your insights!
January 25, 2021 at 10:25 am
pollyrenner
Wow- constraints? So funny to consider doing the opposite!
i will give it a try! Congrats on your newest book, too:>
January 25, 2021 at 10:26 am
Kim Nolan
Thank you for these great ideas, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 10:27 am
Joan Swanson
I’ve never tried rhyming which is very hard to accomplish well, but will try word play instead. Thank you for the suggestion 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 10:28 am
daniellesharkan
Great ideas, can’t wait to get started!
January 25, 2021 at 10:29 am
pathaap
Great ideas, Angela. I’m up for the challenge. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 10:29 am
Julie Maria Harris
Thank you for this idea to add to my bag of tricks!
January 25, 2021 at 10:29 am
Karin Larson
Terrific suggestions, thank you! PENGUIN JOURNEY sounds wonderful, congrats!
January 25, 2021 at 10:30 am
Jane Mackenzie
I loved this post Angela. I always feel at my most creative within a framework but wondered if it meant my ideas weren’t creative enough. What you’ve said here makes a lot of sense, so thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 10:30 am
Paige
Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:31 am
Colleen Muske
What a fun story about the writing of your book. I’m terrified of rhyme.
January 25, 2021 at 10:32 am
Amy Houts
Love your rhymes! Thanks for telling about your process. I agree! When I write on assignment with lots of limitations, I feel very creative.
January 25, 2021 at 10:32 am
Christina Shawn
You have inspired me! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:32 am
Cynthia Mochowski
This is a great challenge. Boundaries are so good for eliminating mental clutter. If you only have so much time and space you’re going to focus on what matters. Love this.
January 25, 2021 at 10:33 am
ejessmurray
Thanks, Angela! I was just thinking about something similar – my drafts almost always come in right @ the ol’ 500 words – could I challenge myself to do a whole MS draft in no more than 400…? Thanks for the insightful example re PENGUIN JOURNEY. The bit you shared is gorgeous.
January 25, 2021 at 10:33 am
Catherine Lee
Great advice on flipping the script to break blocks! Thank you!!!
January 25, 2021 at 10:33 am
amydunjey
Great tips for breaking out of old patterns.
January 25, 2021 at 10:35 am
Rebster
A challenging exercise–but I love a good challenge. Thank you for this inspiration, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 10:37 am
Jasmine Smith
I absolutely work best under a deadline too. If something is due, I’ll get it to you. If I have tons of time…my brain wanders. I like the idea of setting yourself constraints to mimic something like this. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 10:39 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Thanks for sharing how you plotted your escape, Angela. It’s very inspiring!
January 25, 2021 at 10:39 am
Ann Harrell
I love this strategy and really enjoyed reading the “back story” of your book.
January 25, 2021 at 10:40 am
maureenegan
I’m an underwriter, so I like this!
January 25, 2021 at 10:40 am
DaNeil Olson
Excellent suggestion – challenge accepted! Thank you
January 25, 2021 at 10:40 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Meredith is fantastic to work with – can’t wait to read PENGUIN JOURNEY!
January 25, 2021 at 10:41 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the great advice!
January 25, 2021 at 10:44 am
betlw
Angela, that’s a hard one, because, like you, my first drafts usually run long and then I cut them down to size. It will be quite a challenge, but I’ll try it. I’ll also try starting with a form I usually don’t write in like rhyme. Great post!
January 25, 2021 at 10:45 am
Leah Moser
Thank you for the advice!
January 25, 2021 at 10:45 am
marynadoughty
I love the idea of a limited word count. That always makes me so much more intentional with my word choice. Thank you for the tips, Angela!
-Maryna Doughty
January 25, 2021 at 10:48 am
Catherine
Thank you for the challenge Angela! Penguin Journey sounds really cute – congratulations!
January 25, 2021 at 10:48 am
Stacey Corrigan
I love the idea of challenging yourself to write stories in different forms and styles that you are accustomed to.
January 25, 2021 at 10:51 am
claireflewis
This is so true – great advice! It’s one reason I love entering competitions as you often have to write to a written or visual prompt, which really makes you start to think creatively.
January 25, 2021 at 10:51 am
Susan
I love this idea. So helpful in moving past the “alone with all that can happen” stage of first drafts.
January 25, 2021 at 10:52 am
mariemessinger
This sounds like very good advice! Thank you!!
January 25, 2021 at 10:52 am
Jenny Morales
Congrats on Penguin Journey! I LOVE your book, Digging for Words, and I look forward to reading your new one. Thank you for the very helpful advice. I’m going to put some constraints on myself and see what happens!
January 25, 2021 at 10:52 am
heatherbell37
Love this challenge! A blank page is always the hardest, so I love your idea of setting up limitations. Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 10:52 am
triciacandy
This exercise was exactly what I needed today! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:53 am
Lori Dubbin
What a great exercise, Angela. I wouldn’t have thought to use constraints without your post. It made me think of how winemakers pile rocks on vine roots in order to produce a better wine.
January 25, 2021 at 10:53 am
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 25, 2021 at 10:54 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Totally agree that limitations push you to be more creative. Thanks for the reminder!
January 25, 2021 at 10:55 am
Lucretia S.
Thanks for sharing your creative challenges and approaches for breaking out of the cage, Angela. Congratulations on Penguin Journey! I’m looking forward to reading it.
January 25, 2021 at 10:55 am
Linda KulpTrout
Congratulations on your new book, Angela! I can’t wait to try this strategy.
January 25, 2021 at 10:55 am
Jessica Hinrichs
Great perspective! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:55 am
Janet Krauthamer
This is such a helpful strategy- thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 10:55 am
Susan Claus
This makes sense. If the answer to “What is Art?” is “Selection”, then adding constraints narrows the focus of what can be selected.
January 25, 2021 at 10:56 am
Lori Gibson
Very helpful ideas! Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 10:56 am
Linda KulpTrout
Congratulations on your new book, Angela! I can’t wait to try this strategy. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:56 am
Martha Moore
A comment in less than 10 words? Yes. THANKS!
January 25, 2021 at 10:56 am
thecrowsmap
This is a wonderful challenge. Thank you and congratulations on Penguin Journey.
Gail Hartman
January 25, 2021 at 10:59 am
Valarie Giogas
Great idea. This is now my to do when I sit to write later. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 10:59 am
Rose Cappelli
Thanks for much for sharing your ideas and for the challenge! I often find I work better within limitations – number of words, structure, etc. It’s fun to try!
January 25, 2021 at 11:01 am
Kim Erickson
Great post!
January 25, 2021 at 11:01 am
asiqueira1307
Great idea. I will try the dictionary one and fewer words.
January 25, 2021 at 11:03 am
Meg
This is a fun way to reimagine writing a story – great suggestion!
January 25, 2021 at 11:04 am
Aimee Haburjak
I’ll lean into the comfort of limitations today! Thank you. Great post.
January 25, 2021 at 11:05 am
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for the suggestion.
January 25, 2021 at 11:06 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Angela, for sharing your writing with limitations exercise. I look forward to experimenting with your suggestions today.
January 25, 2021 at 11:06 am
lynjekowsky
Will put my finger on a word in a book and go from there. Great idea.
January 25, 2021 at 11:07 am
Lori Shapiro
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Quite inventive to think about restraints-I’ll have to try that. And, after work I’m going home to open the dictionary and see where my finger lands!! Thanks again!
January 25, 2021 at 11:08 am
Judy Sobanski
Limitations can be freeing! I’m going to try this! Thanks for the great suggestions!
January 25, 2021 at 11:11 am
Susan Cabael
It truly is freeing to try something opposite of your norm. I love the growth it brings to my craft.
January 25, 2021 at 11:15 am
Melissa Trempe is querying (@melissa_trempe)
Penguin Journey sounds adorable! I write in prose, but I love brief rhyme and have it on my To Try This Year list. I’d love a critique!
January 25, 2021 at 11:17 am
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you Angela and Tara, 50 Precious Words challenge helped me create a story- which I am now expanding. Thank you for all the suggestions about limits. I’m going to try them all!! Even rhyming!
January 25, 2021 at 11:18 am
Eileen Ross
Wonderful post! Something I never considered doing before. Gonna definitely give it a try!
January 25, 2021 at 11:18 am
Sarah Tobias
This is great. I was recently tasked with painting from a limited palette and it focuses the mind. It also made me think about how much more I can simplify the piece.
January 25, 2021 at 11:20 am
katiemillsgiorgio
Thank you for these suggestions!
January 25, 2021 at 11:20 am
suumac
Congratulations on Penguin’s Journey – it sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing today’s inspiring approach to idea generation – off to set limits and build some cages!:)
January 25, 2021 at 11:22 am
Artsybarncat
Fantastic ideas! I have Austin Kleon’s book too! I haven’t ever tried placing limitation on my story development before… but ironically
I do that with my art and illustrations!! I will definitely have to try that out— so many cool ways to get tired brains up and running! Thank you for your advice!
January 25, 2021 at 11:22 am
Janie Reinart
Angela,
Beautiful words for your new book❤️
Thanks for the post.
January 25, 2021 at 11:22 am
Jennifer Rathe
Thank you for your advice! I need to go grab a dictionary!
January 25, 2021 at 11:23 am
Teresa Daffern
I thank you for this, Angela. The way a person’s creativity can be nurtured are numerous. I am eager to try some self-imposed boundaries and see what comes of it.
January 25, 2021 at 11:24 am
kmajor2013
I like creative challenges so this post makes a lot of sense to me, Angela! I like the idea of picking out a random word out of the dictionary as a starting point. That’s how I’m going to generate my idea today. Here goes! Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 11:25 am
Datta Prabhu
Thanks angela 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 11:26 am
Hollie Wolverton
Great ideas on how to challenge ourselves! Thank you!!
January 25, 2021 at 11:27 am
Michelle Losardo
Angela, your idea of working within limitations is so inspiring! It is true that we are most creative when being asked to stay between the lines and ask ourselves, “How can I still express my individuality?”
January 25, 2021 at 11:27 am
Krista Harrington
Angela, thank you for the great suggestions. I love the idea of randomly picking a word from the dictionary! Now…I just have to find mine:)
January 25, 2021 at 11:28 am
Nancy Furstinger
Amazing transformation of a ms–kudos and I’m looking forward to reading Penguin’s Journey!
January 25, 2021 at 11:28 am
PATRICIA J FRANZ
THANK YOU Angela, for encouraging us to “build a cage… and then break out” — another reminder that we are often in cages that we ourselves created and we do in fact have the freedom to climb out of them. I’m definitely going to try the long draft/then cut the fluff option. I get caught up in self-editing while I write and that can snuff the life out of my creativity like a wind gust!
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 am
Carole Shelton
Great tips, thank you Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 am
Corlie Aldrich
I would have had a hard time giving up the words “waddle waddle” too! I love penguins and that’s the first thing I imagine when hearing those words. I am sure that you’re book turned out terrific without them though. Congratulations on your book!!!!
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 am
Joanne Roberts
This was very helpful, especially when I started brainstorming about my tendencies and process and what the opposite approach would be. thanks
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 am
bookthreader
Thanks for this post. I needed to hear this today!
Moni
January 25, 2021 at 11:30 am
Suzanne Lewis
Build a cage and ideas will come! I love this! Thanks for sharing how you so successfully used this approach, Angela! Your opening lines of Penguin Journey are gorgeous and so evocative. Congratulations!
January 25, 2021 at 11:30 am
Cathy Lentes
I love this idea, and use it with poetry all the time especially when I get stuck.
January 25, 2021 at 11:31 am
Angela De Groot
Brilliant post! And so true – sometimes too much freedom limits your creativity. Thanks for sharing how Penguin Journey came about.
January 25, 2021 at 11:32 am
Jennifer Lowe
Angela, thank you! I have a current manuscript I plan to rewrite with your advice. And I think I’ll dig out the dictionary today for my StoryStorm idea. Congratulations on Penguin Journey, my kids and I look forward to reading it!
January 25, 2021 at 11:33 am
Janice Woods
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 11:34 am
Tara Cerven
Great tips here, thank you!!
January 25, 2021 at 11:35 am
Heather Rowley
Such great suggestions! Thank you so much!
January 25, 2021 at 11:37 am
jilltatara
Such a great post. It’s so true about limitations being a spark for creativity. Thank you! (and I can’t wait to read your book about penguins!)
January 25, 2021 at 11:37 am
Maria Oka
Oh, I love this idea of limitations and trying the opposite of what you usually do! And my goodness, the first lines of your new PB are just beautiful. Congratulations!
January 25, 2021 at 11:39 am
Susan Wroble
This post really resonated with me — I love working within constraints, but they are usually externally imposed, and this reminded me that I could impose my own. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 11:43 am
jstremer
Loved everything about this post! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
January 25, 2021 at 11:44 am
saintamovin
Thank you Angela 😊
January 25, 2021 at 11:46 am
Writer on the run
Love your suggestions Angela. Sometimes the “wide open” is just too smothering when it comes to an actual idea.
January 25, 2021 at 11:48 am
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Great challenge for this
long winded storyteller. Thank you!
Peace, Alicia
January 25, 2021 at 11:49 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you, Angela, for the inspiration! Great post.
January 25, 2021 at 11:50 am
sareenmclay
Great idea, thank you. I’m going to give this a go.
January 25, 2021 at 11:50 am
Joan Longstaff
Have already tried one of your suggestions and it definitely sparked some ideas so thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 11:51 am
danielledufayet
I like this idea and I’m going to try it out -thank you for the tip and congrats!
January 25, 2021 at 11:52 am
Cristina Raymer
Thank you so much for sharing how your idea started for PENGUIN JOURNEY and the process involved for publication. It’s really inspiring. I love your advice for generating ideas. I will be pointing to words in a book today and am looking forward to seeing what ideas come from it!
January 25, 2021 at 11:52 am
Shannon Hitchcock (@ShanonHitchcock)
Both your books sound amazing. Good luck with Vermont winters!
January 25, 2021 at 11:52 am
crdram12
Thank you. I love working with limitations but rarely impose them on myself. Great idea.
January 25, 2021 at 11:56 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
“Build a cage of your own making…” Great advice!! I love it and have a revision idea form this post!! So helpful, thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 11:57 am
Tanya Konerman
Great post, came at a great time as I am brainstorming on a new idea and it feels TOO BIG. Love the idea of starting with setting!
January 25, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Joyce
Thanks for the reminder. I was always amazed at what I could write in a few minutes in an on-the-spot exercise.
January 25, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Genevieve Gorback
I would have a hard time getting rid of “waddle waddle,” too! 🙂 It was so much fun reading about your process for writing PENGUIN JOURNEY! Thank you for sharing with us!
January 25, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Denise Seidman
Wow, Angela this has opened my eyes. I have heard that limitations spark creativity but didn’t really understand it until I read how you did. I don’t know if I can write in rhyme yet but maybe I should give it a try.
January 25, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Two words: Thanks, Angela.
January 25, 2021 at 12:05 pm
clairebobrow
Oooh – I love this suggestion! Imposing limitations is a brilliant way to come up with something fresh. Thank you, Angela, and congrats on your book!!
January 25, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Fantastic thought exercise!
January 25, 2021 at 12:07 pm
tootienienow
Thank you for your motivating message. I’m going to give it a try today! P.S. I am a school librarian as well.
January 25, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Jennifer Skene
I love your ideas, thanks.
January 25, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Karen
Hi Angela. This is a wonderful reminder. Another constraint is time. I challenge myself to come up with an idea in 20 minutes. Or while I’m driving home from the grocery store. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
This is a very interesting concept. I plan on trying it. Thanks.
January 25, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Roberta Gibson
David Hockney’s tulips are truly inspiring. Writing to a prompt is a constraint that has helped me in the past, I can’t wait to try the ones you suggest.
January 25, 2021 at 12:11 pm
M.A. Cortez
This is a great post. I seem to do better with story ideas when writing for contests with restrictions. I guess the restraints give me the challange I need.Thank you for your insight.
January 25, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Catherine Brewer
Great challenge Angela! Thank you
January 25, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Lauren Barbieri
I love the idea of using constraints to free up creativity! Thank you for the post.
January 25, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Cheryl
This is why I like story prompts — the limitations actually help me to get started rather than just staring at a blank wall.
January 25, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Shelley Isaacson
Letting go is so hard! I love this idea, as someone who writes long and then cuts, I think I’ll try this this week. Aim for 100 words or less! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Elizabeth Saba
I love this post. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 25, 2021 at 12:20 pm
catherine owen
To lose the waddle waddle was to gain! I’m going to think about this a lot.
January 25, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Jessica Potts
Can’t wait for the penguins!
January 25, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thank you for the post. It was really inspiring.
January 25, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Monica A. Harris
Brilliant idea! Too much room to ‘waddle waddle’ can get you lost! 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Annie War
This is so true. When I would write form poetry the constrains made me stretch my creativity. Thank you for sharing this wisdom.
January 25, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Susan Drew
Your journey was so interesting. Take your book and totally change it. And you did.
January 25, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Kathleen B.
I love this post! Setting limitations is an inventive way of approaching creativity. I can’t wait to read Penguin Journey!
January 25, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Kathleen B.
I love this post! Setting limitations is an inventive way to approach creativity. I look forward to reading Penguin Journey!
January 25, 2021 at 12:28 pm
claudia sloan
Thank you for sharing, it was very interesting to see the transformation of those 69 words going into rhyme!
January 25, 2021 at 12:29 pm
David McMullin
Thanks, Angela. Fantastic story and fantastic ideas.
January 25, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Patricia J Holloway
Wow, that was amazing! Congratulations! I think I do need those limitations! Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 12:32 pm
nataliecohn0258
Thank you Angela for this creative idea.
January 25, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Roxanne Troup
Thank you. Love this idea…off to give it a try.
January 25, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Eileen Mayo
What a fun exercise! I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for the great blog post!
January 25, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Hélène Sabourin
I like the process leading to your penguin book
January 25, 2021 at 12:34 pm
jenabenton
Great idea Angela! And a couple new creative books and people to learn about too! ❤️
January 25, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Sarah Meade
Great ideas and tips. Thanks, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Jo Martin
Great idea Angela, this makes perfect sense! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
I like the idea of setting restraints. It is sort of what happens with a student who procrastinates, but works well under pressure. The time constraint causes him or her to be much more productive. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Jan Milusich
Thanks for sharing your unique perspective, Angela
January 25, 2021 at 12:36 pm
Deb Sullivan
Great insights Angela – creative limitations make a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Sharon Williams
Great post! Thank you for inspiring our creativity with these ideas.
January 25, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Love this idea of the constraints. Congrats on your Penguin Journey book!
January 25, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Melisa Wrex
Blue sky thinking has its place, but you’re oh, so right about having to go full Maguyver/Tim Gunn “Make it work, people!”
January 25, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Angie
Exactly! I always do better when I have a deadline (a boundary). Love the idea of brainstorming in the same way. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 12:44 pm
danielle hammelef
I like this idea and am going to open a dictionary right now.
January 25, 2021 at 12:44 pm
TerriMichels
I love writing picture books because of the limitation of words. Each has to be selected as a perfect jewel. Excellent job done here, Angela.
January 25, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Marilyn Wolpin
Angela, Excellent ideas. George Harrison once opened a book and pointed to a spot on it. He consequently wrote While My Guitar Gently Weeps. If it worked for him, it can work for any of us. I love penguins and am looking forward to reading your newest book. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 25, 2021 at 12:45 pm
chardixon47
Challenge accepted Angela! I’m that wordy person! I will work to constrain my verbosity! Congrats on your forthcoming book!
January 25, 2021 at 12:47 pm
kskeesling
I love the idea of creating limits like an “escape the room” for your writing! Can’t wait to try this out today. Congratulations on conquering your book and thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 12:48 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Thank you for the great tips, Angela! I came up with an idea using your dictionary suggestion! Thanks again and congrats on your upcoming book. 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Jany Campana
Thanks Angela, I’m opening my dictionary!
January 25, 2021 at 12:50 pm
kimpfenn
Awesome challenge! Thanks for the inspiration
January 25, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Sue
Great ideas! I love waddle, waddle. Can’t wait for the bearded dragon story!
January 25, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Hank Dallago
Sometimes my metaphorical cage is to work on home projects while my mind percolates on an idea, then limit myself to only two or three hours to write down as many of the details I have about a new concept or developed story and see what I come up with. Thanks for the insight, Angela.
January 25, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Mia Geiger
Thank you for this inspiring post! It was interesting to get a peek into how your new book evolved! Best wishes with your new book!
January 25, 2021 at 12:53 pm
bonzerb
I love this post and that you included Hockney! Thanks Angela.
January 25, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Michelle Cusolito
Angela, I LOVE the opening of your new book! (Tara, please leave me out of the drawing. Let it go to a new writer).
January 25, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Brenda Flowers
“Limitations are really good for us…” I’m contemplating how that has been true in my life, not only in my picture book writing journey. Thank you, Angela, for challenging me to create from a position of limitation.
January 25, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Jessica Swaim
Great advice, Angela! I can’t wait to see Penguin Journey. Thanks for sharing the journey behind it.
January 25, 2021 at 1:05 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great idea. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
What an interesting idea… Thanks.
January 25, 2021 at 1:07 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
What an interesting idea… I’ll try it!
January 25, 2021 at 1:08 pm
CHRISTINE GRAHAM
Great ideas. thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 1:11 pm
NC Karuzis
Thank you for permission to do something different while still working with constraints.
January 25, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Joni Nemeth
Great quote – thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Tracy Hora
Super post! I love the idea of putting limitations on myself. I actually JUST did this, and you’ve given me even more ideas for different directions to try now. Thank you! And, congratulations!
January 25, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Thank you Angela. Your post got me thinking – job well done!!
January 25, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Dawn Young
💛Angela, thanks for the great ideas. I need to step out of my comfort zone.💛
January 25, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Maria Altizer
These are great ideas to challenge myself. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Creative limitations! Thank you, Angela, for the challenge. I will take you up on it.
I am delighted to be introduced to David Hockney, author & illustrator.
Suzy Leopold
January 25, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Kay
Thanks for sharing
January 25, 2021 at 1:18 pm
kirstenbockblog
Great idea, Angela! It seems so counterintuitive, but it really does help.
January 25, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Creative limitations! Thank you, Angela! I am up to the challenge.
I am delighted to be introduced to author, illustrator David Hockney.
Suzy Leopold
January 25, 2021 at 1:18 pm
Julia Lyon
Normally I write long, but in my latest manuscript I’ve written short. Too short, I feared — but your words give me hope. And I know sometimes my kids want to hear less not more.
January 25, 2021 at 1:23 pm
marsha weiner
Honestly, could just be where my head is at this morning… recovering from these past few weeks as a citizen.. but this STORYSTORM really resonnated with me… also, it reminds me of things I tell my clients BUT HAVE NEVER HONESTLY APPLIED TO MYSELF
thank you
January 25, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Penny Merritt
I like the idea of limitations/constraints. They do feel freeing!
January 25, 2021 at 1:28 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Thanks for the interesting blog. It does seem counter-intuitive but adds another dimension to the creative process.
January 25, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Marlena Leach
Wonderful inspiration. I like the idea of limiting myself. Feels like a stress reliever. As I get ready to write, I will think, “limitation approach”. Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Nancy Colle
Fabulous! Never thought of adding constraints.
It’s like putting yourself in a box. I will definitely give it a try.
Thank you:)
January 25, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Alice Fulgione
Thanks for your suggestion to build my own creativity cage!
January 25, 2021 at 1:31 pm
andynarwhal
This was a hard one for me. I can’t really think of any themes/motifs in my writing. They kind of bounce all over the place. But they all have characters. What about a story without any characters?…
January 25, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Lauren Hidalgo
I love Austin Kleon’s works too. Great idea!
January 25, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Cathy Ogren
Great tips! I must try your way of thinking. Thanks for the post, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 1:35 pm
michelemeleen
I love this idea! Can’t wait to build a cage, then break it. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2021 at 1:37 pm
Cheryl Johnson
I like the idea of building a cage and then breaking out of it.
January 25, 2021 at 1:37 pm
bgonsar
Really smart advice. Thanks Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Sheri Radovich
I tried writing a rhyming poem in 50 words or less about one subject. It won’t be sent to Vivian Kirkfield but it was a challenge. I am thinking about cutting words but thinking about the illustration potential as well. And I learned my limitations include rhyme schemes and overwriting stories.
January 25, 2021 at 1:47 pm
Peggy Dobbs
I look forward to trying this strategy. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Great ideas, Angela! Thank you. Time to build a cage. 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Kirsti Call
Thanks for a great post!!!
January 25, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Mary York
Angela, I love your example of your penguin story. While it seems counterintuitive, I’ll give this a try! Of course, less is often more!
January 25, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Susan VandeWeghe
Love the word constraint. My first thought was something about puppets. But that is a giant subject. After going through all the different types, I settles on the simplest, finger puppets. Now I have a first draft that will be a fun story to illustrate.
January 25, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
As someone who is overwhelmed by the blank canvas, constraint is the thing for me.
January 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm
iefaber
oh I like the idea of thinking of setting first. I tend to go with either character or situation. At least I think I do. Thanks for the tip!
January 25, 2021 at 2:02 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
” . . . build a cage of your own making—then see how to break out of it. ” Those words create some interesting pictures in my mind. Hmm . . .
January 25, 2021 at 2:02 pm
martyfindley
I think this is true. Some of my best writing comes from contests where the word count is very limited. (I tend to be wordy.)
January 25, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Katie Williams
I never would have thought of this on my own, the idea of setting constraints to see where it leads you! Thank you so much for sharing your process!
January 25, 2021 at 2:03 pm
writeknit
Brilliant! Deadlines and constraints will force me to get the words on the page. Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Corey
Great post! I agree that restricting ourselves may be freeing!
January 25, 2021 at 2:10 pm
marshaelyn
Angela, You’ve provided us with a twist on the word “constraints.” All too often I create an endless list of ideas that stay filed away. I’m excited to try building a “cage” and simplify my list, making it more manageable to motivate me into flushing out stories. Sending you inspiration and energy for your continued success…
January 25, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Laura Bower
Hi, Angela! I love hearing about the transformation of your Penguin story and how it began with a phrase! I also love the idea of setting constraints to encourage creativity. I find that this method really works!
January 25, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Rathi
Thanks for the great advice!
January 25, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Joyce
I love what these constraints did for your story, Angela. And kudos to Meredith Mundy for taking the story from cute to lyrical. Sounds magnificent!
January 25, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Bennett Dixon
I tried picking a word at random out of the dictionary and landed on anti-establishmentarianism. This picture book MS is going to be a hoot.
January 25, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Stacey Byer
I love this idea of imposing creative limitations! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 2:17 pm
deirdreprischmann
Intriguing idea!
January 25, 2021 at 2:18 pm
Laura rackham
I love the use of limitations whether it’s with the words or the illustrations
January 25, 2021 at 2:21 pm
JEN Garrett
Putting limitations on my writer weak points is a great way to work on being a better writer! Thanks for the inspiration. I’m off to build a world (can you guess my weak point?) 😉
January 25, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
This line really stuck with me: build a cage of your own making—then see how to break out of it. Thanks for your ideas.
January 25, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
I love the information from your penguin story. It helps further formulate a story in my mind–from an idea I got doing StoryStorm! Thanks.
January 25, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Shawna J. C. Tenney
I love the idea using limitations and restraints and come up with something new. It is true and ideas start repeating after a while if we don’t change something up! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 2:29 pm
lavern15
Thank you Angela for your insight!
January 25, 2021 at 2:29 pm
kathalsey
Love constraints and deadlines as an ADD writer. Ty,
January 25, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Christine Pinto
These are great ideas for pondering. I love “build a cage of your own making”!
January 25, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Brian Burak
What a fascinating idea?! I hadn’t considered self-imposed restrictions before. Great exercise. Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Imposing structure and restrictions can absolutely free us up. I tried the random dictionary word and got a story idea right away. And I’m rethinking a way to approach one of my manuscripts. Great activity, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Love the dictionary idea! Congrats on your newest book!
January 25, 2021 at 2:34 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Oh, I love this, Angela. Bring on the constraints. note: it doesn’t work with m&ms I’ve found…
January 25, 2021 at 2:42 pm
dedra davis
I love waddle waddle! I bet that was hard to let go of, but I also bet your book will be beautiful and perfect! And you can still say waddle waddle! Thanks for this limitation tip!
January 25, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! Thanks, Angela! I’m off to take notes on a new idea… 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 2:48 pm
Sharon Lillie
I too, love penguins.
January 25, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Janet Johnson
I love the idea of constraints!
January 25, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Jeannie Santucci
Thank you for this idea of imposing limitations on myself! I’m trying this tonight!!
January 25, 2021 at 2:51 pm
gattodesign
I agree 100,000 % constraints are definitely necessary at times! I find I can do any illustration I want to do, sometimes, I can not even think of what to do. Thank You!
January 25, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Thank you for this inspiring and thoughtful post. I’m looking forward to reading PENGUIN JOURNEY.
January 25, 2021 at 2:59 pm
Ink Bottle Studio
This has been my favorite Storystorm post this year! Thanks for the great challenge!
January 25, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
It is so much easier to begin when there are some boundaries. Thank you for your post and inspiration, and congrats on Penguin Journey!
January 25, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Pamela Haskin
Angela, what a fun way to generate ideas! I think this will work for me. Thanks so much for sharing with us and for a chance to win a copy of your book.
January 25, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Jud Ward
This is really freeing!
January 25, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Carole Calladine
Love your post and example. Bet there’s another story for Waddle Waddle. It is fun to say. Thanks for sharing. Lots to learn here.
January 25, 2021 at 3:16 pm
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
This is so true. I response VERY well to limitations. Thanks Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 3:17 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks, interesting ideas! Might try constraints on words and time and see what happens. I look forward to seeing Penguin Journey!
January 25, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Penelope McNally
I love this idea of constraints! I too, usually start out writing waaay too much and then cut, cut, cut. I’m really looking forward to trying this out! Thanks for this great post.
January 25, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Thanks for this post, Angela! There is so much truth to this approach! When I was “stuck” creatively in 2020, participating in contests with themes and word limits really helped me. I will definitely continue using this strategy in 2021. Thank you for the suggestion! 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Tanja Bauerle
I love the idea that you built a story around the words “waddle, waddle.” T
January 25, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Michele Rietz
From a fellow wordy author to another, thank you for these ideas. I ALWAYS need suggestions of how to break out of my routines! 🙂 Thank you for these ideas!
January 25, 2021 at 3:30 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thank you for sharing these ideas, bumpers are often just what I need to keep the ball rolling and out of the gutter. Challenge accepted!
Thank you also for sharing your revision story, it’s always encouraging to know we all need to cut our darlings sometimes for a stronger result.
January 25, 2021 at 3:33 pm
Gail Aherne
Thank you, Angela, for the terrific post! Hard to do-but a good push for me to finish up the last few days of Storystorm. Congratulations on your newest book.
January 25, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Lisa Oppenheim
I love constraints in the creative process. They open so many doors… thanks for the reminder!!
January 25, 2021 at 3:34 pm
romontanaro
Excellent challenges, Angela. Thank you. Congratulations on your success. My daughter and I loved Digging for Words. Thanks again Tara. Rosanna
January 25, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks for the idea on adding constraints. I loved the metaphor of building our own cage, to then break free!
January 25, 2021 at 3:48 pm
junegraham
Limitations are also useful timewise as well (to an extent). If I think I have all the time in the world, I don’t concentrate so well or make the decisions I need to make about cutting etc
January 25, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Gabi Snyder
I’m excited to try out some limitations. Great advice, Angela! And I loved reading about your journey with PENGUIN JOURNEY. Can’t wait to read it!
January 25, 2021 at 3:52 pm
Anne C. Bromley
How amazing that “waddle, waddle” evolved into a wonderful story! I like the idea of constraints to jumpstart creativity.
January 25, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Pat Trattles
What a great idea! Can’t wait to try it.
January 25, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Maria
I loved your idea of picking a random book and selecting a word. I tried it for myself and what a journey it took me on! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:00 pm
Dan Marvin
I love this advice. And I love the challenge of constraints. Thanks Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Emily Chibwana
I love the idea of self imposed restraint. It works in my art, too. I often tell myself I’m going to do a painting entirely in green, or blue. It never finishes up that way, but it gets me started!
January 25, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Such true advice! I find both for myself and for my students, whenever there is a constraint, a final piece becomes easier and often more intriguing! It becomes a manageable challenge! Thanks for sharing, and congrats on your books (and sorry you had to let go of “waddle waddle”–it is fun to say, though it sounds like you’re happy with the result)!
January 25, 2021 at 4:05 pm
allyenz
Thanks for sharing the interesting story of how Penguin Journey evolved. I love Austin Kleon’s books on how to make art, and appreciate the reminder about CONSTRAINTS and limitations! I need them! Your four spare lines you shared are inspiring me to take a stab at that style. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:05 pm
lisakhan9
Thank you for your blog today. Absolutely fantastic! Definitely a spin in the works! Love it, thank you for opening up my mind to a new way of thinking. Best wishes 🤗🌼
January 25, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Beatrice Brown
I need a break from my norm. Thanks for these ideas. When the constraints push back, perhaps they will become a part of my next story.
Im adding Penguin Journey to my October/November TBR list.
January 25, 2021 at 4:07 pm
Susan Schade
I will absolutely try this! Challenge on! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:07 pm
marty
Oh how I love your words in DIGGING FOR WORDS, Angela! But it’s this line that I can’t believe right now—”build a cage of your own making—then see how to break out of it. You just might like what you come up with as you plot your escape.” It is so true that constraints are a key way to break free. I go to this wonderful Friday Art Club in Instagram that has us draw for two minutes, five minutes, 15 minutes. It always ends with a ten second animal! Ten seconds! And believe it or not, it’s the lion I made in ten seconds that I’m really happy with. I LOVE your post today! Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to seeing your penguin book. It sounds utterly delightful.
Tara, you are a dynamic, giving, and talented woman. Thanks for being you.
January 25, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Debbi G
Great advice/ideas. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:10 pm
Fern Glazer
I love constraints—usually in the form of a deadline. This is a bee approach for, but can’t wait to try it. Waddle, waddle!
January 25, 2021 at 4:13 pm
Amy Cory
Thank you, Angela! What a creative way to think about generating ideas! I love hearing about your personal experiences.
January 25, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Lisa
Thanks for sharing that you had to rewrite your penguin story and how that challenged you. I have such a hard time letting ideas come without judgment. I feel inspired to let some of that judgment go now 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 4:17 pm
readmybook2002
Thank you for the inspiration of going slow and less is more for your creativity.
January 25, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Andrew Syers
This has been the best advice so far in Story Storm. The contraints release you from writer’s block.
January 25, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Janet Halfmann
Definitely going to try this “limitations” idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2021 at 4:20 pm
Elyse Trevers
Makes so much sense. Create some limitations. Actually as PB writers we are trying keep the words down. But it would be interesting to set a word goal to see what happens.
January 25, 2021 at 4:22 pm
erintsiska
Can’t wait to read Penguin Journey! Thank you for this idea, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 4:22 pm
Suzanne Alexander
What excellent suggestions! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 25, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Kerry
Love the sound of your penguin story. Can’t wait to read it.
Kerry
January 25, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Cassie Bentley
What a way to expand creativity, by setting limits! Great idea. Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 4:33 pm
Linda Bozzo
I love this idea. I can’t wait to try it. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Kris H
What an interesting idea! Thank you
January 25, 2021 at 4:36 pm
Sara Ackerman
Great advice! It’s so interesting to think about our tendencies as writers and how to go beyond or around them.
January 25, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I think Mom would do well to limit herself to 100 words. That would be a fun challenge. Most days, she says, “I told you a hundred times to stop that naughty behavior.” So, yeah. She’s not much with the numbers, but she gets what 100 means… Thanks, Angela!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 25, 2021 at 4:38 pm
janetfrencksheets
I think I’m a kindred spirit — I write long, and would definitely build a story around “waddle waddle.” I hope you get to use that phrase in a different manuscript. It sounds like Penguin Journey turned out beautifully, though. I’ll check it out.
January 25, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks for sharing penguin’s waddling journey to PENGUIN JOURNEY. You had multiple cages to break out of to escape to the final product. Congratulations! And thank you for all the concrete suggestions for building our own cages.
January 25, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Keren Dibbens-Wyatt
Thank you, this is great advice.
January 25, 2021 at 4:46 pm
tinefg
What an excellent idea! Maybe I’ll make a list of constraints and keep them in a jar on my desk… hmmm, maybe a constraint a day will keep writer’s block at bay? 😉 Thank you Angela
January 25, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Emily Durant
Great post, Angela! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 4:59 pm
georgeandjohanna
Thank you for this post – exactly what I needed to jumpstart me this monday!
January 25, 2021 at 5:00 pm
Patricia
So true! This is why I enter writing contests. Sometimes the guideline limitations for various writing contests serve to focus my creativity. This is also why I prefer rhyming poetry!
January 25, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
Love deadlines and constraints, thanks
January 25, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks for your post. Good luck with your book.
January 25, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Brandy Dixon
Great idea! I always love a new challenge.
January 25, 2021 at 5:08 pm
boardmancamera
Yes! I love this idea, as it helps me focus. Otherwise, I am finding I don’t get things done. I will try your suggestions over and over again. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Angela! I have found that limitations really do inspire creativity. Great way to start the week!
January 25, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Sherri
Wonderful idea. I always write too much.
January 25, 2021 at 5:12 pm
FrannyG
Mmm limitations, I like it. I usually write best to the wire, so I’m
going to try some new constraints.
January 25, 2021 at 5:18 pm
authorlaurablog
This is great advice! Thanks so much and undying gratitude to Tara Lazar for all of these amazing guest posts.
January 25, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Cassy Polimeni
So much synchronicity in this post! Was just discussing constraints and creativity length in a writing group yesterday. I went to see Hockney’s exhibition when it came to Melbourne awhile back and really enjoyed it. And I LOVED Digging for Words, Angela – such a beautiful story. Thanks for these tips. Am inspired to get started on this rainy day in Melbs 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 5:25 pm
🇵🇪Sara Fajardo🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
I love this! Another author guilty of being overly wordy… this resonates so much!
January 25, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Kaye Baillie
I love this idea of constraints and your penguin book sounds amazing! Also writing 1,000 words then cutting is also excellent. Thankyou.
January 25, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
I enjoyed looking at Hockney’s tulips and appreciated the reminder about Austin Kleon. I have to go back and read his book. Setting parameters creates a mental sandbox that encourages play. Thank you for your inspiring post, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Heather Stigall
nice idea! Today I’m going to give myself the constraint of generating an idea from just one word
January 25, 2021 at 5:30 pm
jessica shaw
Interesting how a story idea that started with Waddle Waddle wound up being acquired sans the Waddle. Congratulations on Penguin Journey!!
January 25, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Nice job with the opening lines of PENGUIN JOURNEY. I love to write concise, meaningful lines.
January 25, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Rozana Rajkumari
I agree wholeheartedly, the mind needs to focus on something narrower. Thanks so much for the tips and challenge, love it!
January 25, 2021 at 5:37 pm
tasha woodson
I can see this really getting those creative juices flowing. reminds me of frank Zappa… thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 5:42 pm
tinamcho
Thanks for sharing your journey on your book. Congrats! I’ll think about it!
January 25, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Linda Schueler
Great idea! I find that often my most unique stories come with constraints.
January 25, 2021 at 5:48 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you, Angela, for sharing your writing process. I loved how you tried something new when writing Penguin Journey, and then had to redo it in rhyme. That was quite a challenge. I promise to challenge myself this year and to keep trying something new.
January 25, 2021 at 5:48 pm
Jennifer Angel
Love the idea of constraints!
January 25, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
So glad to see requests for rhyme.
January 25, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you for the challenge. Good lucks with your new book.
January 25, 2021 at 5:59 pm
sonjaglad
Thank you, Angela, for sharing your process!
January 25, 2021 at 6:04 pm
Buffy Silverman
Hooray for constraints–thanks for the suggestion!
January 25, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Elizabeth Masterman
I love this idea! Well, I hate it, because I know it will challenge me, but I can really see how it would be beneficial. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 6:08 pm
Susan Jobsky
I tend to be a pantser, so I could try outlining for a change. I also write in generalities first, creating long drafts which I hone as I whittle away the extraneous to get to the crux of the story. Outline from a specific idea; it will be interesting to see the first draft after doing so.
January 25, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Cathy McDonnell
Thank you Angela- such an interesting take on being creative. I will have to try that!
January 25, 2021 at 6:17 pm
rindabeach
Thanks for sharing your journey, especially the waddle one. I’ve gotten hooked on words that help me tell a story, but had to let them go to move the story on. Thanks for sharing your journey.
January 25, 2021 at 6:22 pm
cindyjohnson2013
The opening lines of PENGUIN JOURNEY are absolutely lovely. What a great idea to use constraints! When I have a wide-open choice, it leads to indecision as I try to find the perfect option. I’ll try this!
January 25, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
I completely agree with your assessment of writing constraints! Too many choices can be overwhelming sometimes. Plus, writing constraints can also push you to be even more thoughtful in the writing process, helping every word to be important and meaningful.
January 25, 2021 at 6:23 pm
Poupette
This is so true! Thanks for the reminder to impose limitations for creativity.
January 25, 2021 at 6:23 pm
htaylorwrites
I love this idea, thank you! It makes me think of the way some writers (myself included) find it easier to revise than to draft. Sometimes you just need a starting place.
January 25, 2021 at 6:26 pm
Garnett Natasha
I have been very much wed to the idea of starting with a first line and ending with a last line. So my constraint is to start with the last line.
And so she did.
January 25, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Ponder this – A picture is worth a thousand words so how can we keep the word count below five hundred?
January 25, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Jayne Wilson
Oh I loved that! You made me step out of my comfort zone. I’m a rhymer so it felt a bit strange at first but then felt really good. Thank you for that! ❤️
January 25, 2021 at 6:34 pm
nrompella
Great quotes. As a person who builds around a character, I will challenge myself to beginning with a setting.
January 25, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Robin Wiesneth
Great idea! I’m going to try the 100-word limit on my next project.
January 25, 2021 at 6:36 pm
bevbaird
Thanks Angela for this inspiring post. Constraints to help us challenge our idea. Love it.
January 25, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Aundra- Writing & Teaching & Parenting (@JasperSammyand)
I love this idea. I think pushing yourself and asking those questions to put you on your head is great. I think I’m also going to try it with my character and ask them what they’d do and then do the opposite. See if my shy Garbage truck wants to be brave and what needs to happen for him to feel brave enough to do XYZ… Thanks for the inspiration.
January 25, 2021 at 6:40 pm
Carlie Cornell
Lifelong outside the box thinker here. Most of the time I don’t even know there’s a box I was supposed to be in. But I’m with you. Sometimes drawing a box makes my creative juices flow.
January 25, 2021 at 6:45 pm
susaninez0905
Thanks for the ideas! 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 6:51 pm
lisanevada
“plot your escape”–ha, ha, I love it. But great idea. I think I’ll trap myself into a story with no dialogue…
January 25, 2021 at 6:59 pm
Linda Hofke
Great post. I like how you challenged yourself, succeeded with a 69-word story and then found yourself challenged again by the needs of the editor. But you did it! And in rhyme!! So inspirational.
thanks for sharing your journey, Angela, and congratulations on Penguins Journey.
January 25, 2021 at 7:07 pm
amomnextdoor
I’m sure you’ll find a home for “waddle waddle.” It IS fun to say.
January 25, 2021 at 7:12 pm
John McGranaghan
Glad to hear you mention writing long first drafts followed by intensive cutting. Thanks
January 25, 2021 at 7:12 pm
goodreadswithronna
Thanks for this excellent food for thought. Limitations! If I’m good with deadlines maybe I can be good with limitations, too, just never considered them! I love the lyricism of your opening line in your new pb, so evocative.
January 25, 2021 at 7:16 pm
mariamd542
Great advice! (As an aside, I don’t know what I’d do if an editor asked for rhyme, I’d probably try to negotiate meter as a compromise 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 7:20 pm
Megan M.
I’ve never tried writing a book in under 100 words, though I do have one that’s just under 200. And I like choosing a random word from the dictionary! Now where did I put that thing?
January 25, 2021 at 7:25 pm
andreesantini
Great ideas, thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 7:28 pm
chaunceyelephant
Appreciate the sharing and idea starters.
January 25, 2021 at 7:28 pm
YauMei Chiang
Congratulations and thank you, Angela. Yes, got to have limits in place, unlimited (infinity) can cause inaction.
January 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Jessica Fries-Gaither
Angela, these lines really resonated with me: “If you find this is the case, build a cage of your own making—then see how to break out of it. You just might like what you come up with as you plot your escape.”
Now to figure out a cage for myself!
January 25, 2021 at 7:31 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thanks for the idea❤️❤️
January 25, 2021 at 7:31 pm
Laurel Santini
That was fun!
January 25, 2021 at 7:35 pm
Katie Brandyberry
Thanks for sharing! Love this idea. Also – it must have been so hard to get rid of “waddle waddle” – it is so fun to say out loud!
January 25, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Janet Smart
This idea sounds good. I’ll give it a try. I like “Waddle Waddle,” too.
January 25, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Sarah Lynne John
Great example! I’ve found I flourish with constraints as well!
January 25, 2021 at 7:54 pm
mbhmaine
What an interesting post! I’m intrigued with the idea of imposing some limits. I find I’m forced to be more creative when writing a poem in a particularly demanding form. Why not try this with a picture book? On another note, I’ve been struck by the number of times throughout this month that the phrase that sparked the idea or started the writing process often isn’t in the finished product.
January 25, 2021 at 7:56 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Your suggestion maybe just the constraint I need to force myself into a better writing space! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 7:56 pm
Marci Whitehurst
A positive way to look at limitations!! Thanks for sharing! Congrats on your books!
January 25, 2021 at 7:57 pm
mommamoocow
Thank you for the guidelines to try. “Waddle waddle” might still be in a future book for you!
January 25, 2021 at 8:01 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I absolutely love this idea!
January 25, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Betsy
Thank. you Angela! I love the book, Steal LIke An Artist! So your ideas really appealed to me! I’ll try it! And looking forward to reading your books.
January 25, 2021 at 8:07 pm
Lori Sheroan
These ideas made me THINK about my idea-generating process…what’s working and what’s not. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Brave rave. You gave. No blanks. Our thanks.
January 25, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Tricia Thatcher
Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 8:20 pm
Mitchell Linda
wow. 69 words. I’m impressed and intrigued and going to try something new. thanks.
January 25, 2021 at 8:21 pm
Susan Latta
Great post. I may try the super short story limitation, thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 8:21 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
Narrowing down the possibilities can help in opening up your mind, it can feel counter intuitive but sometimes I feel the most free with an assignment of some kind!
January 25, 2021 at 8:29 pm
rosihollinbeck
Wow. 69 words. I will be looking for Penguin Journey. Thanks for a fun post with some good ideas.
January 25, 2021 at 8:39 pm
Armineh Manookian
Thank you, Angela! Less is definitely more in terms of the quality and impact of our words.
January 25, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you, Angela! 69 words! Inspired to try that–
January 25, 2021 at 8:54 pm
Brinton Culp
Thanks for the illustration of the tulips! I do appreciate limitations that I can break if needed. And once again, I just have to say how much I love Digging for Words and what a great inspirational book it was for my classes to kick off the new year!
January 25, 2021 at 8:58 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love this advice and hearing how it worked for you. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 9:01 pm
A Brewer
I love this art of the creative spirit! You gave a simply perfect practice to challenge the free side and hone in on something new using techniques we get choose. Can’t wait to see your penguin story.
January 25, 2021 at 9:25 pm
claudine108
Congratulations on your success, Angela! This is great advice! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 9:26 pm
Stephanie Lau
Waddle waddle! Thanks for the reminder to challenge ourselves sometimes. Constraints DO make for interesting brainstorming material.
January 25, 2021 at 9:30 pm
Jeannette Suhr
I love a challenge and I will try to write with some constraints as you have suggested. And thank you for sharing your experience writing Penguin Journey. I will add this book to my must read list.
January 25, 2021 at 9:30 pm
paulajbecker
I like that, limiting oneself. Thanks for sharing, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 9:42 pm
Dina Ticas
Anything self imposed anything (diet/exercise/social media ban) can turn out to be difficult but oh, so worth it. Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 9:43 pm
karynellis
Thanks for your post! This one really resonates with me.
January 25, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Terri Sabol
So how many words did the final end up being? Thanks for sharing, Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 9:51 pm
jbbower
Thanks for an inspiring post Angela! This is great advice!
January 25, 2021 at 9:56 pm
Heather Kelso
Thanks for the tips on creating ideas.
Congratulations on your penguin book!
January 25, 2021 at 9:57 pm
Sara Trofa
Great opening lines, Angela! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2021 at 9:57 pm
Jennifer
Thank you for your insight. This will be a challenging exercise. Looking forward to it. Your new book sounds wonderful!
January 25, 2021 at 9:58 pm
matthewlasley
Changes in routine can create new ones….maybe I will try it.
January 25, 2021 at 9:58 pm
Jennifer Blanck
I like the challenge of “a cage of your own making.” Thanks for offering the idea!
January 25, 2021 at 9:59 pm
roberta abussi
Thank you for this post. We always hear that we have to let our imagination go, no constraints… but you are giving us a new take on how to generate new and exciting ideas and I can’t wait to sit down and build up a little “cage” for them 🙂
January 25, 2021 at 10:10 pm
Amy Grover
Thank you Angela! I love the assonance in the opening lines of your new book. Beautiful and inspiring!
January 25, 2021 at 10:11 pm
writersideup
Fantastic post, Angela. Who immediately came to mind was Dr. Seuss and his 50-word limit to create THE CAT IN THE HAT and look what came of that constraint! ❤
January 25, 2021 at 10:26 pm
authoraileenstewart
It’s always interesting to see peoples methods. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2021 at 10:27 pm
Kathryn Cunningham
This is a great idea, thanks so much!
January 25, 2021 at 10:37 pm
Lydia Lukidis
I would have never thought of constraints like that, so interesting!
January 25, 2021 at 10:45 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Definitely a valuable creativity technique. I love your examples and how you rose to the new challenge when it was presented. Congratulations on your new book! And thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2021 at 10:46 pm
Brittney
Build a cage of my own making? I like it! What a great exercise. Thank you Angela!
January 25, 2021 at 10:51 pm
Kimiko Wadriski
This exercise in limitations is going to be an invigorating challenge – one that has been sorely needed for me. Off to think outside of my cage! Thanks for the inspiration tonight!
January 25, 2021 at 10:51 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
I love writing in rhyme. I am trying expand my horizons and write in prose. Maybe a different angle to the story. Thank you.
January 25, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Julia
What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing.
January 25, 2021 at 10:56 pm
writeremmcbride
Angela, your post was very helpful! “Build a cage of your own making—-then see how to break out of it.” That is a perfect suggestion for results and for transferring control back to the writer/artist! I loved Kleon’s “Steal Like an Artist,” as well as Kim Stafford’s “Meditations and Poems for Writers” – both very encouraging. I think Shutta Crum mentioned setting constraints for herself with her wonderful one-word (!) book, “Mine!” You have a great idea here! Thank you again!
January 25, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Megan Whitaker
Whenever I wonder if I’m going to make it to the end of the month, I surprise myself and come up with one or two ideas. I’ll have to check out your penguin book. Our first grade always does a unit on penguins every year. Thank you for your post!
January 25, 2021 at 11:03 pm
susanfilkins
Waddle, waddle! Thank you for your post! Some good ideas for sure.
January 25, 2021 at 11:03 pm
R.L.S. Hoff
This was a great idea that took me in some new directions. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 11:05 pm
mariamarianayagam
Love this idea! Thank you!
January 25, 2021 at 11:06 pm
Linda Sakai
Thanks for the share. I’m going to take another look at constraints that will set me free!
January 25, 2021 at 11:19 pm
Maria Marshall
Great post. Thanks for the challenge. Here’s to seeing what comes of using a new constraint.
January 25, 2021 at 11:25 pm
Charlotte Offsay
This is just my kind of exercise, love this, thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Thank you Cindy and congratulations on Penguin Journey😀
January 25, 2021 at 11:34 pm
Nancy Vona
I loved reading the origin story for Penguin Journey! Thank you for your insights.
January 25, 2021 at 11:35 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
I love the idea of constraining our options as a brainstorming activity. I’m trying it right now. Thanks!
January 25, 2021 at 11:36 pm
Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks)
This is so great! Thanks for the tips and inspiration!
January 25, 2021 at 11:43 pm
JillDanaBooks
Thanks so much! This is very helpful! 🙂 Jill Dana
January 25, 2021 at 11:54 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Contests are helpful for me because of word count limit or specific theme. This is great advice to think of starting point for a story outside of what we usually do.
January 25, 2021 at 11:56 pm
jenlinville2021
Love this idea: freedom within bounds. I’ll have to challenge myself a bit more. Thanks for your post! And your opening lines to PENGUIN JOURNEY are beautiful!
January 25, 2021 at 11:57 pm
Elise Katz
Interesting advice in your article. I would love to receive this book.
January 26, 2021 at 12:01 am
ingridboydston
I don’t know if you are aware of this- your post came out on the same day as Susanna Hill’s Valentiny contest! Guidelines require writing a story about the theme (with an arc!) that is kid friendly- all in 214 words! This, the Halloweensie Contest (similar in nature but only 100 words allowed!) and Vivian Kirkfields #50 Precious Words contests are some of my favorite writing challenges for just this reason. I have a cache of (very short) stories thanks to following this exact same advice. You are obviously on to something!
January 26, 2021 at 12:09 am
Erika Suckow
Thanks for your advice. You second to last paragraph resonates with me a lot. I am a creature of habit and routine. Therefore, thinking about my creative process, and doing the opposite will definitely be a road worth exploring.
January 26, 2021 at 12:10 am
Cathleen Collins
Amazing how engineering is so similar to the arts. Constraints, boundary conditions, and assumptions often force you into a solution….much like you describe constraints developing a story. I needed to read this today! Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 12:14 am
Heather Gallagher
Great advice – thanks!
January 26, 2021 at 12:17 am
Cindy S
This will be interesting to try. Thanks for the idea.
January 26, 2021 at 12:18 am
Jenny Boyd
What a motivating post! Congratulations, too, on your new book. Very cool back story about how it came to be.
January 26, 2021 at 12:32 am
wyszguy
I love it! Thanks for the advice! P.S. I really love penguins, too.
January 26, 2021 at 12:46 am
Sharon Coffey
Angela, what a unique spin on the age-old brainstorming idea. Now that’s thinking “inside the box” with boundaries. Thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 1:09 am
Christine M Irvin
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2021 at 1:16 am
ruthwilson48
Looking forward to trying this out! Thanks, Angela!
January 26, 2021 at 1:17 am
PATRICIA OPPENHEIM
Love the idea of going from excess to minimal. Great way to expand the creative instincts
January 26, 2021 at 1:19 am
Lisa Kingsford
Fences allow you to build upward instead of meandering down the street. I love what constraints do for my creativity! Congrats on Penguin Journey. It sounds beautiful.
January 26, 2021 at 1:37 am
Shaunda Wenger
Love this approach! Thanks so much,Angela! Congratulations on your new book!
January 26, 2021 at 1:39 am
Renata Wurster
Using limitations to set yourself free – love it!
January 26, 2021 at 2:12 am
Susan J. Klaren
Great info!
Brain flow.
Mind blown.
Not alone.
January 26, 2021 at 3:01 am
dazzlengsy
Thank you Angela! This is a great solution to the ‘staring at a blank page’ dilemma.
January 26, 2021 at 3:13 am
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing
January 26, 2021 at 3:17 am
@carriecookhere Carrie Cook
Your post reminds me that true artistry can come forward when you dare to try something different. Thanks!
January 26, 2021 at 3:30 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
ANGELA: I, too, am one of those people who writes a BAZILLION words, and then painfully cuts, cuts, CUTS AWAY! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to challenge myself by setting limitations. This is TRULY the MOST UNIQUE post! In our chosen fields, we’re constantly being told to NOT set boundaries–to go above and beyond. But here, you’ve given us MORE FREEDOM by learning the IMPORTANCE of setting some limitations. THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION!!! Now, perhaps I can try my hand at writing something that focuses more on the illustrations, MAKING myself HAVE TO use fewer words in the process. I CAN’T WAIT to see where this takes me! I’m SCARED AND EXCITED ALL AT ONCE!!! 😉
January 26, 2021 at 3:37 am
Hanna Geshelin
I love this counterintuitive idea and will definitely use it.
January 26, 2021 at 3:40 am
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
Thanks for so many great ideas in so few words! You are true to your theme. I just generated 6 ideas using a random word generator. They might not all be good, but one in there might be …
I am going to also sit down and identify all my stories, whether they began with character, or setting, were in rhyme or prose, or both…
I know I’ve done varied.. but finding my pattern might help me stir the pot again.
January 26, 2021 at 4:04 am
Sharon E. Langley
Thank you. It seems like being flexible was also important in your success.
January 26, 2021 at 4:06 am
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
How wonderful! I took part in Susanna Hill’s writing contest last year and it challenged me in exactly the same way. I had so much fun doing it and you’ve inspired me to do it more. Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 5:07 am
steveheron
Self constraint – now that’s an interesting idea. Picture Books already have a restraint, so adding more is a challenge.
January 26, 2021 at 6:22 am
Lydia Loeber
Thank you Angela for your helpful post. It’s so easy to get into a rut, but so much harder to get out of it again.
January 26, 2021 at 7:38 am
mona861
Thanks for this post, Angela. Self constraint? I’ll try!
January 26, 2021 at 7:47 am
Jamie Bills
I love this idea and think it will be very fun to implement. Thanks for your article!
January 26, 2021 at 8:33 am
Jessica Coupé
Great idea! Will be interesting to try!
January 26, 2021 at 8:56 am
Julia A Mills
I always work well with “assignments” . It takes me right back to grade school and wanting to get an “A”.
January 26, 2021 at 9:09 am
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Constraints are the BEST! It’s why I love writing contests and challenges. I participate in a poem-a-week challenge that does exactly what you describe. A word is chosen at random and we need to create a poem around it, using that word as part of a rhyme pair. It’s AMAZING what the brain will come up with when it has such a constraint. 4 out of the last 5 PB manuscripts I’ve written have come from this method. Congrats on your latest book! Sounds adorable! Will definitely check it out!
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
January 26, 2021 at 9:11 am
Anita Banks
What a wonderful challenge.
January 26, 2021 at 9:14 am
Nicole Loos Miller
Great post about how structure/limitations can add so much support in the creative process! One reason I love writing contests/challenges (like Susanna Leonard Hill’s upcoming Valentiny contest!). Sometimes I forget this can be done without a contest to write for 🙂 Thank you so much, Angela!
January 26, 2021 at 9:17 am
pbbeckyk
Thank you for sharing this fantastic perspective on creativity! My first drafts are always too long as well, and I end up surprised by what I create with constraints. Hooray for writing challenges!
January 26, 2021 at 9:18 am
sherry fellores
Great post, Angela! I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself. I adored DIGGING FOR WORDS. Looking forward to reading your future books!
January 26, 2021 at 9:23 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you sharing this limitation concept. It is something I will have to try!
January 26, 2021 at 9:25 am
ptnozell
Constrained creativity – love it! Maybe it’s why I love participating in writing challenges with set word counts, themes, and sometimes even must-use words. Thanks for the insightful post!
January 26, 2021 at 9:46 am
Jay
I love the concept of constrained creativity! Thank you for the prompt.
January 26, 2021 at 9:49 am
Debra Katz
I love the idea of working with constraints. I gives me a jumping off point. I will try varying constraints, as the author suggested.
January 26, 2021 at 10:14 am
jms5880
Great advice. Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2021 at 10:24 am
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for the advice!
January 26, 2021 at 10:35 am
Cedar Pruitt
I love it. Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 10:38 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
This made me think… how do my ideas usually start? Hmmm. While I figure that out I’m going to try to start using the ways you shared. Thanks!
January 26, 2021 at 11:07 am
freda lewkowicz
Thank you for the fresh look at constraints.
January 26, 2021 at 11:25 am
curryelizabeth
Great tips! Thanks so much. And congratulations!!
January 26, 2021 at 11:38 am
Barbara Senenman
Intimidating but intriguing! You’d already gotten me started. I usually start with character, but perhaps a setting! Thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 11:39 am
beckylevine
This is one of the things I love most about writing picture books–the constraints. They’re challenging (and tough!), but I feel like they keep me from feeling nearly as lost as I did when I was trying to write novels. 💖
January 26, 2021 at 11:44 am
Arlene Schenker
Interesting idea, Angela. I’ll give it a try. Thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 11:53 am
Christine @ Goodjelly
Thanks, Angela. Creative constraints seem to make the blank page a little less blank for me. ❤
January 26, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Karen Gebbia
thank you! definitely an interesting and valuable approach to shake up the norm!
January 26, 2021 at 12:02 pm
HelenAddyman
Ooh, I like the idea of constraints helping creativity. It sounds counter-intuitive, but I think it would work for me. Thanks!
January 26, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Laurel Goodluck
This worked for me with a recent SCBWI regional party activity. 12 lines for drawing and/or 12 word poem for a child and I won, but I really had to think differently. I also loved you took on the challenge of your editor’s requests and this resulted in a published book. Congrats!
January 26, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Shannon Fossett
Thank you for the ideas! Going to try boxing myself in a little to see if I can break out!
January 26, 2021 at 12:42 pm
marty
As a way-too-wordy writer, I’m impressed you got an entire manuscript in 69 words. That’s my challenge for today. Thanks for sharing how Penguin Journey developed. I, too, love ‘waddle waddle.’ Hope you find another story for it!
January 26, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Kristin Sawyer
I love the brilliantly counterintuitive thinking of boundaries providing unlimited freedom. Can’t wait to try it! Thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 12:58 pm
Cindy Jeklin
Very impressive strategy. I am going to have to try this! Many thanks.
January 26, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Lauri Meyers
Deadlines and themes of contests always get me going faster than just the blank page of a new picture book.
January 26, 2021 at 2:05 pm
Mary-Claire
There are really helpful ideas in your post – thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 2:07 pm
brittanypomales
Love the idea of finding your writing habits and doing the opposite. Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 2:21 pm
angie9091
Thanks for the post! Angie Isaacs
January 26, 2021 at 2:24 pm
sharon lane holm
Will be an interesting concept for me to start in a different direction from my usual. I am the worst in judging my own work. Need to stop listening to that! Thank you
January 26, 2021 at 2:25 pm
aidantalkin
Love this constraint challenge. As an author-illustrator I’ve often found imposing limitations on my drawing (like starting with someone’s random squiggle) brings me somewhere I would never have explored if given the freedom of a blank white page! Same for writing!
January 26, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Great strategy for getting unstuck.
Thanks!!!
January 26, 2021 at 2:32 pm
rgstones
This is one of my favorite posts of the month. Limitations really are a stimulant. This sparked a few ideas. Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Naomi Gruer
Thanks for sharing how a phrase turned into a concept and into a book!
January 26, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Thank you for such an inspiring post! Congratulations on your books!!
January 26, 2021 at 3:08 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Thank you, Angela, for the examples and the suggestions. This information really helped me generate some ideas. 🙂 — Kim
January 26, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Dawn M.
Great suggestions. Thanks for sharing.
January 26, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Sondra Z
I strongly agree that a blank page without any constraints is far more daunting. Thanks for encouraging limits as a way to increase output.
January 26, 2021 at 3:29 pm
JC
Thats a great idea!I can’t wait to get started, thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Trine Grillo
Thank you. I tend to write too sparsely. I will try the opposite and write something way to long and then cut.
January 26, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Deborah W. Trotter
As this month progresses, it continues to be fascinating to learn how other authors create. Thanks for your take. It makes sense.
January 26, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Julie Reich
I used to think it was counterintuitive for creative people to set limits for themselves, but it actually forces you to be even more creative. Thanks for sharing your success story!
January 26, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Angela! I love your idea of imposing creative challenges and limitations. Best of luck with your upcoming book!
January 26, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Jen Helwig
I love the idea of placing limitations! Can’t wait to come up with a creative way to try it out. Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Kaye Wright
Doing the opposite of what I normally do. I’m up for the challenge!
January 26, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Amy Fae
Many years ago, I loved writing in lyrical verse – the limitations of having to fit a rhyme-and-meter scheme were also liberating, as you say. I love the idea of trying this for writing a picture book or story as well. Thank you, Angela!
January 26, 2021 at 5:39 pm
shirley301
What a creative approach. Thanks for sharing.
January 26, 2021 at 6:00 pm
susanzonca
Angela, this is so helpful. I love so many words that I often have a hard time limiting myself. Here’s to trying new techniques to generate ideas.
January 26, 2021 at 6:03 pm
Sarah Stuart
Great idea! I’m terrible at limiting my first draft of words. I’m going to try this strategy. Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
This advice is truly novel. “Build a cage of your own making then see how to break out of it”… I can find at least at least ten stories from that one sentence. Thank you. 🙂
January 26, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Kelly Conroy
Thanks for participating!! Congratulations on your latest book!
January 26, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Andrea Mack
I love the suggestion of creating constraints to inspire new ideas. Working on problems or a new way of seeing things always makes me more creative!
January 26, 2021 at 7:29 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Great post. Thanks for the inspiration, Angela.
January 26, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Michele Helsel
Super cool suggestion. Thank you!
January 26, 2021 at 7:48 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for this suggestion! Lynn Street
January 26, 2021 at 8:02 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks for the post! I look forward to reading your latest book.
January 26, 2021 at 8:33 pm
Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig)
Helpful post.
January 26, 2021 at 8:54 pm
jensubra
Love this suggestion, Angela. I’ll be eager to read your new book!
January 26, 2021 at 9:21 pm
jjarson1
Thanks for your post!
January 26, 2021 at 10:04 pm
Robin Bailey
Goodness I love this post so much. Thank you for writing it! Every word resonates, challenges and inspires me. I can’t wait to set some new constraints and play on the pager. Thank you for this post, Angela!
January 26, 2021 at 11:02 pm
Meredith Fraser
I am going to get a dictionary right now and let my finger waddle!! Great idea and thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Loved reading your post! Thank you.
January 26, 2021 at 11:32 pm
Melissa Warren
I like the idea of doing the opposite of your natural tendencies. I have only been writing for about 10 months and I have 2 possible book manuscripts but they are very different. I definitely tend to be wordy. Thanks for the advice.
January 26, 2021 at 11:39 pm
sharonkdal
Yay…another justification for my growing dictionary collection!
January 27, 2021 at 12:01 am
Rebekah Lowell
Hi Angela, I love STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST and all the Austin Kleon books. Thanks for a great post!
January 27, 2021 at 1:27 am
manuscriptmechanic
So smart to challenge yourself, both with word count and rhyming. I can’t wait to read your book!
January 27, 2021 at 1:48 am
Kathy Crable
What great advice! Thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 2:41 am
storiesbythesea
Thank you for sharing your personal journey with your penguin book. Can’t wait to read Digging for Words.
January 27, 2021 at 2:45 am
Heather Kinser
Outstanding post. Thank you for the insights (and tulips).
January 27, 2021 at 6:49 am
Marzieh Abbas
wow. just wow!
January 27, 2021 at 7:27 am
cravevsworld
LOVE this idea generating approach! Thank you so much for sharing.
January 27, 2021 at 8:47 am
ofmariaantonia
What a good idea. Thanks for this post!
January 27, 2021 at 9:46 am
calliebdean
This is actually what I like about writing in rhyme (even though I don’t write in rhyme very often!): just like with word counts, the limits imposed by rhyme and meter give me a clear focus.
January 27, 2021 at 10:53 am
donnacangelosi
Thank you so much, Angela! I LOVE this idea! Your book sounds adorable and I can’t wait to read it.
January 27, 2021 at 10:54 am
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the reminder to give yourself fun exercises to spice it up.
January 27, 2021 at 11:24 am
Val McC
“how could you do the opposite” — what a perfect challenge. Thanks, Angela!
January 27, 2021 at 11:35 am
CindyC
Great post, Angela! I love your suggestions for getting us out of our comfort zones. It’s constraints vs. comforts.
January 27, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Joy Wieder
What an interesting exercise. I wouldn’t have thought to set limits to be more creative!
January 27, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Tania
FABULOUS!
January 27, 2021 at 12:33 pm
58chilihed13
I am always struggling to “make it short!” Thanks for this!
January 27, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Laura N. Clement
Limits totally help. Great read. Thank you.
January 27, 2021 at 1:08 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Brilliant. Exactly what I need to hear today. Thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 1:25 pm
rhumba20
Love this concept! Thank you Angela!
Anna Levin
January 27, 2021 at 1:54 pm
annettepimentel
I loved Digging for Words and look forward to Penguin Journey!
January 27, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Coral Jenrette
Great advice, thank you! Also fascinating to see how the text of your story changed.
January 27, 2021 at 2:07 pm
paulabpuckett
Ahhhh…but the knowing where to cut? That’s where the “rub” will be, right? Thanks for the inspiration.
January 27, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Susan Niemann
Love the quote, “Limitation means freedom.”
January 27, 2021 at 3:03 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a terrific challenge! I love this: “…build a cage of your own making—then see how to break out of it. You just might like what you come up with as you plot your escape.”
January 27, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Wendy Greenley
Maybe this is why contests are such idea sparkers?! I’m on board, Angela. Thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Joni Hay Patras
Hi Angela! I needed to hear your words of advice today. Can’t wait to read your books. Thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 4:07 pm
patti ranson
Letting ideas come without judgment is not just hard but sometimes deflating- Great idea but now what?
The cage image works well – capture just part of the idea, not the whole forest surrounding it! Thank you, Angela:)
January 27, 2021 at 4:19 pm
libbydemmon
Great insights! Poetic forms can be freeing in much the same way.
January 27, 2021 at 5:15 pm
paulaobering
Thanks for sharing! Love the perspective.
January 27, 2021 at 6:05 pm
Sheri
Like the exercise I did at a workshop where we were given a topic and asked to brainstorm vocabulary relating to it. All these words went up on a whiteboard – over 100 of them – and then we were asked to write on that topic without using any of those words! We had to get very creative.
January 27, 2021 at 6:06 pm
stacey miller
I love the thought of approaching your writing and stories from different angles. Thank you!
January 27, 2021 at 6:13 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Oh, I love your idea of creative limitations. I’m definitely going to try this.
January 27, 2021 at 6:38 pm
mariearden
Hockney as an inspiration for writing – great idea!
January 27, 2021 at 7:07 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
Love following the process of this story… “stretching the brain” and being open to the flow of the Universe is the path of really good books. ♥
January 27, 2021 at 7:12 pm
kidlitgail
Get rid of your favorite words AND try to rhyme???? Whoa… not sure I could do that! Good job!!
January 27, 2021 at 7:43 pm
Jennifer
Such a smart approach — thanks for the inspiration!
January 27, 2021 at 7:45 pm
Bill Canterbury
Helpful advice here!
January 27, 2021 at 9:06 pm
Mark Ceilley
Thank you for your inspiring post! I liked the challenges you mentioned for creating story ideas.
January 27, 2021 at 10:01 pm
marykatesmithdespres
Angela! I was just talking about your 1st book with a mutual friend of ours (Elise) and saying how I remember reading about it during StoryStorm and now here you are again! Thank you for this great advice. I am always helped along by a constraint!
January 27, 2021 at 10:15 pm
claireannette1
Your penguin book sounds wonderful. Thank you for your ideas to use creative limitations
January 27, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Sarah Skolfield
This advice resonates with me! I have done something like this before but didn’t consider it an exercise I should continue. Now I am definitely going to look at other ways to challenge myself.
January 27, 2021 at 11:16 pm
Beth Elliott
Neat idea to try with my brainstorming and writing – thank you, Angela!
January 27, 2021 at 11:43 pm
Karen Pickrell
Great idea! Limitations is why I love writing contests like Fall Writing Frenzy or Halloweensie.
January 27, 2021 at 11:58 pm
Judith Snyder
Interesting technique and one worth trying. Thanks
January 28, 2021 at 12:25 am
Jose Cruz
Something I used to hate as a kid was when we had prompts for writing exercises. I wanted to let my creative ideas flow without having the expectation of some boring prompt holding me down. But it wasn’t too long before I had a shift in perspective, right around the end of elementary school. I started looking forward to the prompts because I saw them for what they really were: a challenge to test the mettle of my imagination. Maybe they were too vague, or encouraging a certain type of response that I wasn’t interested in. How could I change that? How could I have fun with it and make it mine? These days, I meet prompts and guidelines with arms wide open (under the sunlight).
January 28, 2021 at 2:03 am
Stephanie D Jones
Thanks Angela, for illustrating the ideas of constraints and “cages” – I’m excited to try some!
January 28, 2021 at 3:13 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you for sharing this writing challenge, Angela!
January 28, 2021 at 9:41 am
Zoraida Rivera
Thanks, Angela, for giving me a new perspective. I do use refrain, like freewriting for ten minutes. But had not thought of using it in other ways.
January 28, 2021 at 9:42 am
babybluesnowflake
Just reading the two quotes about limiting oneself and constraints in creative work felt liberating, thank you Angela!
January 28, 2021 at 10:34 am
Misty Morris
I’ve been working through prompts. This is helpful! Thank you so much for participating!
January 28, 2021 at 11:01 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
A neat concept you have here, and one to ponder. Maybe you can use “waddle, waddle” somewhere else. It is FUN to say.
January 28, 2021 at 11:27 am
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for that inspiring post!
January 28, 2021 at 11:49 am
acottykid
Thank you for sharing.
January 28, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Babs Ostapina
Interesting, Angela… box yourself in, and then blow out the walls. Thanks!
January 28, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Brenda Grant Lower
Ooooh! Break free of the cage of your own making!
January 28, 2021 at 2:03 pm
Nichole Bowers
Hi Angela! I believe limitations are great for creativity. Limitations push us out of our comfort zone and that’s when the growing really begins. Sometimes, being too free with our thoughts and words can hold us back from getting anything done. There are too many possibilities as far as the direction to take your story. Thank you for your insight. So much helpful information!
January 28, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Amy H
This really speaks to me–i need structure! Thank you Angela!
January 28, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Mary Zychowicz
One more wonderful way to find ideas! This year’s Storystorm has been one of the most inspiring and your post just added one more idea to the mix. I think this is a great concept! Thanks you for sharing this.
January 28, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Oh my goodness, Angela. If an editor wanted me to rhyme, I would be so completely out of my depth. Wow. Way to go and push yourself. I guess you never know what you can do until you try, right? Thanks for the inspiration!
January 28, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Katie L. Carroll
I love the idea of putting constraints on brainstorming.
January 28, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Deborah Foster
Thank you for the wonderful idea Angela!
January 28, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Karen Conley Chun
You are inspirational with your flexibility and creativity. Your constraint writing exercise is fantastic. Thanks!
January 28, 2021 at 4:01 pm
LAURA BARENS
Thank you for the inspiration. Now if I can just stop rhyming!
January 28, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Judy Bryan
Placing your own constraints and then plotting your escape is a great exercise! I’m currently trying to cut my current WIP in half. Thank you, Angela!
January 28, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Aimee Larke
Thank you for this post and sharing.
January 28, 2021 at 6:51 pm
amyrsinn
I love imposing limitations. Thanks for the post!
January 28, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Caren
Great idea of opening the dictionary or a random book and pointing to a word to start a story.
January 28, 2021 at 7:40 pm
clairebobrow
Love the limitations idea, which is akin to doing flash fiction challenges. It forces you to be inventive! Also, thanks for the David Hockney quote and images – he’s a huge source of inspiration to me, not only for his work, but for continuing to experiment as he ages. Thanks for a wonderful post, Angela!
January 28, 2021 at 7:47 pm
TL Fales
Now I have to consider what my patterns are so that I can limit them.
January 28, 2021 at 8:17 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much! I agree that creative limitations have power–thanks for the reminder! I’m going to go to the dictionary now and see which words I find and where it leads! Thanks!
January 28, 2021 at 8:40 pm
Susannah Crispe
This is such a good post thank you! I also tend to write double my intended word count and have to cut cut cut. I can’t wait to try this limitation idea.
January 28, 2021 at 8:54 pm
Tonnye W. Fletcher
PENGUIN JOURNEY sounds great! And these tips using structure and confines are really helpful! They helped me generate 2 new ideas! Thanks for the inspiration! Good luck on your own writing journey!
January 28, 2021 at 10:48 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
Constraints I understand!
January 29, 2021 at 1:21 am
topangamaria
Quotes from Austin Kleon & David Hockney got my attention from the get go. Your journey with Penguin Journey is inspirational. Constraints are good.
January 29, 2021 at 7:41 am
BethN
Your spare opening lines show how evocative even just a few words can be when they are the right ones. Quality over quantity, and a good reminder about the way limits can lead to something new.
January 29, 2021 at 7:56 am
Meaghan Br
I LOVE the waddle, waddle line! I can just picture a cute little penguin waddling 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 12:36 pm
melissamiles1
This is great! I struggle with word count all the time. 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Patricia Alcaro
I love the idea of letting ideas come without judgement and then plotting an escape. Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 1:41 pm
syorkeviney
I have connected with what you said and who you are on so many levels. This is the way I work…. sort of disheveled… sort of pick a form… sort of find a theme… sort of meet a deadline and it flows! I am a teacher, a doctor of education, a creativity prof, a writer and a beginning illustrator. See…. a disheveled mess, but somehow it all works! Thanks for the affirmations!
January 29, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Susie Sawyer
My first drafts are often about twice as long as they need to be, and I swear I’m trying to be conservative when I write them. I LOVE sparse rhyme, and have a couple of my own. Thank you for this idea of building ourselves a cage and then figuring out how to break out of it!
January 29, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Kimberly Wilson
I’m definitely going to have to challenge myself and try this!
January 29, 2021 at 4:06 pm
kaitlinsikeswrites
I think about this often! How limitations inspire us…I get overwhelmed without them.
January 29, 2021 at 4:21 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Wow, what you can do with limitations. Congratulations on your ways of thinking and your new book coming out.
January 29, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Masha Sapron
My creative juices are flowing! How great!
January 29, 2021 at 6:53 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Fantastic prompt for the day. I adored this, and 2 days later and still adding to the word bank for fun ideas.
January 30, 2021 at 3:33 am
rjtraxel
Interesting twist on brainstorming.
January 30, 2021 at 5:13 am
kelliejanebyrnes
I needed this reminder about the power of constraints right now. Thank you!!
January 30, 2021 at 7:03 am
Dee Knabb
This is exactly what I needed to work on sparse text. Thank you, Angela.
January 30, 2021 at 8:31 am
Joy Pitcairn
I love this reminder. Thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 9:48 am
Beth Charles
Great advice. I do find my ideas flow when I look at things from a different perspective. Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 11:00 am
Kari Gonzalez
I love a challenge. What a great way to try out something new. The teenager in me wants to rebel, but the mom in me thinks imposing limitations is a cool idea to try something new! Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2021 at 11:35 am
Elizabeth Metz
Oh, absolutely! A wide open page or brain or space can be suffocating. I definitely thrive better with a little bit of fencing. 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 11:40 am
Kristy Nuttall
Wow! I never thought about limitations this way, but it’s so true!
January 30, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Such an interesting idea! I’m going to take one of my manuscripts and limit the way I want to say it to see if it helps me hone in on the heart of the story. Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Anna Brooks
Those are beautiful opening lines! It never ceases to amaze me how much emotion and information can be packed into such sparse text.
January 30, 2021 at 12:42 pm
teacherwriteracker
Yes! This is great. Build the cage to break free. Cool exercise. Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Bonnie Auslander
I love constraints! (My constraint was my comment had to be only 3 words!)
January 30, 2021 at 1:32 pm
colleenrkosinski
Nice exercise.
January 30, 2021 at 4:33 pm
AlisonMarcotte
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 30, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Renée Neubauer
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2021 at 5:46 pm
dlapmandi
A great look at constraints. Thank you for the post.
January 30, 2021 at 5:53 pm
Kelly Vavala
I love this idea…I write like I talk, which is a lot! We need to change this! Thank you for the challenge! Great post!
January 30, 2021 at 8:38 pm
Amy M. Miller
Angela, no joke, just bought Digging For Words TODAY! I wholeheartedly agree with you about creativity blossoming under constraint. I’ve played with constraints in my grown-up writing (essays love constraints.), but not with kid-lit. I’m dying to experiment! Congratulations on Penguin Journey.
January 30, 2021 at 9:55 pm
jennyb_writes
This is a great idea! Thank you so much for your insight.
January 30, 2021 at 9:57 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Your post has inspired me to work in a new way. Thank you for gifting us with new ideas to inspire creativity.
January 30, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Gaby
Angela, I like the idea to play with our self-imposed limitations in our daily basics. Congrats for your book “Penguin Journey”I wish I could read this year.
January 30, 2021 at 10:39 pm
Amelia Shearer
This is a great reminder of the power of constraint! I’ve seen it be true whenever I’ve participated in Madness Poetry, and need to put it in practice more regularly. Thank you for your insight!
January 30, 2021 at 10:43 pm
Ave Maria Cross
Imposing creative limitations and deadlines work well for me — thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2021 at 10:53 pm
kristenrashid
Great approach! And beautiful opening lines for PENGUIN JOURNEY!!
January 31, 2021 at 8:44 am
Betsy Devany
I love this idea! Restricting but freeing. Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 9:06 am
Lisa L Furness
Finding ideas without judgment and setting creative limitations before you start writing is a great exercise to try! Thank you, Angela.
January 31, 2021 at 9:13 am
doreenrobinson
This is such empowering advice – set limitations! Wow – I would never have thought of this, but I’ll be trying this for sure.
January 31, 2021 at 9:25 am
littleredstoryshed
I so relate to this post, Angela! I love writing spare rhyme. Look forward to finding your book.
January 31, 2021 at 9:38 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Can’t wait to see your Penguin Journey. That snippet is exquisite!
January 31, 2021 at 11:43 am
jimchaize1
I am definitely going to try your “point to a word in the dictionary” idea. Thanks, Angela.
January 31, 2021 at 1:27 pm
Kathy Berman
What a great tip! Thanks for sharing David Hockney’s quote. Inspiring!
January 31, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Debbie Meyer
I had a critique group once that would give assignments like that every once in a while. It’s good to challenge yourself – you might find some hidden talents & gems!
January 31, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Lou Aamodt
This is a fun approach I’m going to try. BTW, I just reluctantly returned DIGGING FOR WORDS to the library. Loved it!
January 31, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Yehudit Sarah
Angela, thanks for your idea to impose some constraints. I feel the opening in that. Your writing sounds so poetic!
January 31, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Thank you and great tip!
January 31, 2021 at 4:10 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thanks so much, Angela!
January 31, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️✍️🖖😃 (@AnneLeBlanc2)
I am waiting for Digging for Words from our public library! I love the idea of some constraints – it is kind of like haiku with the syllable count – it forces you to choose the best words.
January 31, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Naria Gaarder
Your advice on limitations for writing tp become more creative is one I haven’t come across, but I have experienced it for sure during my art class days! It’s interesting how the mind operates when you’re only allowed to work with certain parameters.
January 31, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Judy Palermo
Thanks, Angela. This is a fabulous idea.
January 31, 2021 at 9:00 pm
Lisa Clewner
In awe of your editing and revision bravery!
January 31, 2021 at 9:46 pm
Jen Walsh Hawks
Your story sounds beautiful! I look forward to reading it.
January 31, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Mary Worley
Penguin Journey sounds lovely. It’s interesting how the revision process works. I do like the idea of doing the opposite of my tendencies. Sounds promising.
January 31, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
Thank you so much for the challenge to write against our tendencies, Angela!
February 1, 2021 at 1:11 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
It’s funny, but sometimes I find comfort and structure when I start a draft under conditions like a rule-laden writing contest or with a shortened rhyme scheme. Some of my favorite rhymers have come from conditions like that!
February 1, 2021 at 2:48 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
Great idea! Thank you!
February 1, 2021 at 8:20 am
srkckass
These are great suggestions. Thanks!
February 1, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
Thanks for the prompt!
February 1, 2021 at 2:05 pm
jeanjames926
Great suggestions. Thanks Angela!
February 1, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Audrey
“Build a cage and then find a way to break out of it.” I love that!
February 1, 2021 at 6:24 pm
angiecal76
Loved your suggestions, Angela. Very helpful indeed!
February 1, 2021 at 10:44 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for the ideas and inspiration!
February 2, 2021 at 1:41 pm
Lynne Marie
Thank you so very much for sharing your inspiration, Angela! Best of luck with your book.
February 2, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Meghan B
I love the concept of imposing limitations – on lots of areas of life. It’s very freeing. Thanks!
February 2, 2021 at 9:15 pm
mandyyokim
Thanks, Angela! It’s intriguing to think of freedom coming more freely through limitations. 🤔
February 3, 2021 at 12:09 am
Karan Greene
Great post! It’s intriguing to think you can break out of a rut by imposing limitations on yourself. Thank you!!
February 5, 2021 at 6:05 am
sylviaichen
Oh! Will need to try this sometime, thank you for the great suggestions!
February 5, 2021 at 7:31 pm
Dea Brayden
Love this: What are your tendencies, and how could you do the opposite? Thank you!
February 5, 2021 at 9:47 pm
KASteed
Really helpful post. Thanks!
February 6, 2021 at 12:22 am
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Limits definitely help me focus. Always a good reminder.
February 17, 2021 at 9:55 pm
lorisherritt
Thanks for sharing your process and how you adapted!