by Amanda Davis
Hello fellow Storystormers! It’s Day 29, and we’re nearing the end of the challenge-a sad but wondrous thing. Give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far. Hurrah! I hope your well is brimming with at least 28 new ideas from the fabulous posts we’ve read and that you’re raring to go with your writing. So much inspiration! I’m excited to be here as a guest blogger and to help us close out the final days of the challenge. Storystorm holds a special place in my heart as it helped me focus in on developing the manuscript that later became my debut picture book, 30,000 STITCHES. Thanks, Tara!
Now, onto my post!
I’m a very action-oriented person and love when I find new writing or drawing challenges that I can apply to my practice to help me churn out new ideas or work. This is one of the many reasons I love participating in Storystorm each year! For this post, I wanted to share one of my own challenges that I created called, Haiku From Two. I crafted this challenge last year to help me get through the pandemic and needed something to keep me feeling inspired to create, read, and connect. I hope that you find it useful in your own creative practice as well!
WHAT IS HAIKU FROM TWO?
Haiku from Two started out as a 30-Day Challenge on social media.
The premise is:
- Randomly select two words from the current book you’re reading.
- Write a haiku* using those two words.
- Post your haiku on social media with the #HaikuFromTwo.
* a haiku is a three-line poem- five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third (5-7-5).
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY HAIKU FROM TWO EXPERIENCE:
READING: I don’t know about you, but I tend to have a large stack of ‘to be read’ books hanging around the house. I stare at them, feeling guilty that I haven’t made the time to dive in. When the pandemic hit, I figured that was a great time to whittle down the pile. I hoped the challenge of completing a haiku from each book would push me to keep reading, and it did just that!
WRITING: If you’re looking for a simple activity that can keep you writing, I found this was the trick for me! Some days were challenging, but it forced me to keep those creative juices flowing, which in turn helped me when I shifted gears to my picture book manuscripts, too!
CONNECTION: From authors, to editors, to cover artists, down to the book designers, whenever I would finish my Haiku From Two, I would photograph it and post on Instagram and Twitter, tagging all those involved in making the book. It was a great way to connect with others in the industry. Through the challenge, I’ve made some new online friends, and even e-chatted with authors such as, Ruth Behar. As I would search for the right people to tag in each post, it reminded me that it takes a village to bring our book babies into the world!
INSPIRATION: The reason we are all here, inspiration! These small haikus have the potential to turn into BIG ideas! I now have the option to develop these haikus further and use them as inspiration for new characters, settings, and themes. More on that below.
ALTERNATIVES: Let’s face it, writing/art challenges can be hard to commit to, so here are some ways you can alter the Haiku From Two activity to best suit your mood and needs.
In-between books? Don’t fret! Instead, use an old book from the shelf or maybe an article you read online. You can even use two words from your favorite song. A magazine or even a dictionary will do. Basically, anything that has words can work!
If you’re not into poetry, no worries! Scratch the syllables and make up a random sentence instead. Perhaps that sentence then becomes the first line of your new picture book manuscript or gives you an idea for some new characters in your story. For example, I’ve been playing around with developing the idea of “Flashlight Ghosts”.
These two words came from the haiku I developed from ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia. I’m not sure what or where yet but Flashlight Ghosts sure sound like interesting characters 🙂 Not to mention I had Rita herself playing along for this one, too!
If you consider yourself an artist as well, after you develop your haiku, you can illustrate it, too! I enjoyed this approach with the haiku I created for COME ON, RAIN, a picture book by Karen Hesse and John J. Muth. My two words were Hot and Air, which made me think of flying high in a hot air balloon.
Now, a new story about a hot air balloon adventure is waiting to be explored!
SIDE NOTE: Don’t put pressure on yourself to create every day! I initially began this challenge in March of 2020 with Lynda Mullaley Hunt’s FISH IN A TREE and intended to do a Haiku From Two each day for 30 consecutive days, but then…life happened…amidst a pandemic nonetheless.
Six months later, I finally reached my Day 30 in September with ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE.
It took longer than I’d expected, but in the end, I read twelve new amazing books and now have a jar full of potential new story ideas and inspiration!
Even though I reached my 30 days, I’m continuing to partake in the Haiku From Two challenge. I hope you will join me! If you decide to take on the challenge in 2021, see below for the official rules. And remember, no pressure to complete the 30 days. Instead, think of this as another tool in your creative arsenal ready and waiting for the next time you’re in need of a muse.
So, as I close us out of Day 29, I challenge you to a Haiku From Two! Grab a book, randomly choose two words, and form a haiku! Voilá! Your next story idea awaits! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @amandadavis_art or Twitter @amandadavisart, and use #haikufromtwo to play along!
In case you’re interested, here is my Haiku From Two reading list:
FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia
THE BFG by Roald Dahl (I was in a throwback mood)
THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY by Gabrielle Zevin
A DOG’S WAY HOME by W. Bruce Cameron
LUCKY BROKEN GIRL by Ruth Behar
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon
AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed
THE POET X by Elizabeth Acevedo
THERE, THERE by Tommy Orange
ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE by George M. Johnson
BROWN GIRL DREAMING by Jacqueline Woodson
One last note: today is also Multicultural Children’s Book Day! Follow along at #ReadYourWorld to help celebrate and raise awareness around kid’s books that celebrate diversity and help these books get into more classroom and libraries!
Happy haikuing y’all!
Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. After losing her father at the age of twelve, Amanda turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became her voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell her story. She was thus inspired to teach art and pursue her passion for writing and illustrating children’s books. Through her work, Amanda empowers younger generations to tell their own stories and offers children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her partner and rescue pup, Cora.
Her debut creative nonfiction picture book, 30,000 STITCHES, hits stores May 4, 2021 with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group, and her poetry and illustrations can be found in the Writers’ Loft new anthology, FRIENDS & ANEMONES: OCEAN POEMS FOR CHILDREN (November, 2020). Amanda is represented by Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency.
To connect with Amanda and learn more about her work, visit her online at amandadavisart.com, Twitter @amandadavisart Instagram @amandadavis_art and Facebook.
Amanda is offering a 30-minute Zoom meeting to chat about a specific story or anything else kid-lit related OR for our educator and librarian friends, Amanda would like to offer a FREE 20-minute virtual classroom visit.
Leave one comment below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
539 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 29, 2021 at 11:59 am
Tara Cerven
I have alot of picture books floating around my house and I’m going to try this. It seems intimidating to me, but what do I have to lose by trying?? Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 12:07 pm
adavis6385
Yes! Go for it, Tara 🙂 Thanks for reading and hope you have fun with the challenge!
January 29, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Catherine Lee
Creating a haiku is such a good brain workout! Thanks for the post!
January 29, 2021 at 12:10 pm
adavis6385
No problem! I completely agree! It definitely gave my brain a workout. Sometimes the haikus came easily and sometimes they were a struggle. Fun nonetheless!
January 29, 2021 at 12:01 pm
Sharon E. Langley
What a great idea. I haven’t thought of haiku in a while. It might be just the thing to restart my creative flow. Thanks.
January 29, 2021 at 12:10 pm
adavis6385
Hi Sharon! I hope it does the trick for you! Thanks for reading!
January 29, 2021 at 12:04 pm
andynarwhal
Act Digitally
When we are all stuck at home
Friends come through a screen
January 29, 2021 at 12:13 pm
adavis6385
AMAZING! I love this, Andy! So timely and relatable. Glad to have my online community that I can connect with through the screen. I can definitely see a deeper story forming from your haiku. Thanks for sharing and participating! Hurrah!
January 29, 2021 at 12:05 pm
suumac
What a wonderfully fresh and innovative way to keep our creative juices flowing – Amanda thanks for this lovely share!
January 29, 2021 at 12:14 pm
adavis6385
Yay! Glad you enjoyed reading and happy to share! Hope it sparks some ideas for you!
January 29, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Leslie Santamaria
What an intriguing strategy! Thank you, Amanda.
January 29, 2021 at 12:14 pm
adavis6385
Anytime, Leslie! 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
This might just be my favorite exercise of Storystorm!!! I write Haiku and have submitted some to various contests over the years. I am excited to join in on the fun of the HaikuFromTwo challenge! I never considered using them to expand into a PB story. Mind blown!!! Thank you. ❤
January 29, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Lydia Loeber
I’ve never tried writing a haiku before but I love the idea of focusing on particular words of a text
January 29, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Love the Haiku From Two idea; thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 12:06 pm
danielledufayet
I love haikus! They make great picture books. Thanks for this fun and inspiring post and congrats!
January 29, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Sue Heavenrich
I love, love, love this idea! Thanks for the kick-start to get the idea-generating machine up and going.
January 29, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Mark Bentz
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for this post. Very helpful.
January 29, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Cynthia Mochowski
This is such a fun idea. I want to try this in my classroom. Maybe they could write a haiku about a character or reflect on the author? And the pictures with the lines is such a good idea. Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 12:09 pm
CindyC
Thanks Amanda! What a great idea. And thank you for showing examples along with your #haikufromtwo journey.
January 29, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Valarie Giogas
What a great idea. I love new, concrete ways to generate new ideas. I’m tucking this one away for a rainy day. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Shelley Isaacson
Love this idea of jumbling words from two stories to create something new, even if it’s not a haiku!
January 29, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Heather Stigall
clever idea! Time to grab a book & choose 2 words. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Deborah Williams
Love your suggestion!
Haiku from two–beginning,
ideas rain down now.
January 29, 2021 at 12:11 pm
FrannyG
This is a great idea — something that can be done fairly quickly, to stay creative, dipping into my huge TBR pile, and taking nuggets to turn into Haikus. Love it!
January 29, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Julia
What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Melissa H. Mwai
[Runs to randomly pick up a book] I can’t wait to try this!
January 29, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Cool suggestion, Amanda. Thanks for the inspiration! Congrats on your new book!
January 29, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Joan Longstaff
I have just written my first, ever haiku taking two words (heart and alone) from I’m Sticking With You by Smriti Halls and Steve Small. I’m not quite brave enough to post it yet, but this could be the start of a new journey for me. Thank you so much for posting this prompt, I love it.
January 29, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Genevieve Gorback
I looove the idea of #haikufromtwo! What a fun/easy/quick/inspiring exercise! Thanks, Amanda!!! So excited for 30,000 STITCHES!
January 29, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
This sounds like fun! I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion, Amanda, and congrats on your upcoming book!
January 29, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Beth Charles
What a fun idea. Thanks for this bit of inspiration.
January 29, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Cathy McDonnell
I enjoyed reading your blog. Such an interesting creative approach. Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Sheri Radovich
Wow, I haven’t done Haiku since college. I’ll have to really clear my mind of all the news and other things going on and try one. Thanks for sharing yours so I have a model to look back at.
January 29, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Maria Oka
What a great exercise! I am excited to try this.
January 29, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Tanya Konerman
What a fun way to get my creative juices flowing. And a way to find inspiration in new places.
January 29, 2021 at 12:16 pm
Jessica Potts
How fun!!
January 29, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Jenny Morales
Cool idea! It sounds like a great exercise in creativity.
January 29, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
This is a marvelous, (and completely-new-me) idea! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to give it a try!
January 29, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Cedar Pruitt
What an awesome fun exercise! My 8yo wanted us to do this with an “I Can Hez Chezburger” book (sigh) so for “kittens” and “eggz” we wrote
The ceiling is white
Kitten drops fur everywhere
The chickens lay eggz
Though it’s obviously genius, first we wrote a different one to establish the rules of haiku:
Pearl on couch, fire burns.
Cold chickens in sunny yard
It’s an ice-blue day
There’s nowhere to go but up! Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Jany Campana
Amanda, Thank you so much for the two word Haiku inspiration!
January 29, 2021 at 12:18 pm
Mackinzie Rekers
I love this Amanda! Thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Karen L Ledbetter
Thinking about words and their connection is always fun!
January 29, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Janet Krauthamer
This is such a fun idea! I will definitely give it a try- thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 12:21 pm
kimpfenn
I love this so much! What a great way to get juices flowing! Also I love Amanda’s website!
January 29, 2021 at 12:22 pm
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 29, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Cassie Bentley
What a great idea. I write haiku but never thought about grabbing two words to get it flowing. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 29, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Amy Cory
Thank you so much, Amanda. I think this is my new favorite “get the creative juices flowing” activity! Amazing!
January 29, 2021 at 12:25 pm
kelbelroberts
Thanks for sharing-have a great weekend!
January 29, 2021 at 12:25 pm
PATRICIA J FRANZ
Thank you, Amanda Davis! You just inspired my post-StoryStorm 30-day challenge: Take each of my StorySparks and commit to a haiku on one of them for the month of Feb! That is manageable!!
January 29, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Cathy Lentes
Well, this just may be my favorite idea yet! Of course, I’m a poet, so no surprise that this prompt gets me excited. Thank you for Haiku from Two. Brilliant.
January 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the wonderful change of pace!
January 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm
mariemessinger
A great idea!
May it help me this weekend
Gotta write that book!
January 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm
maureenegan
Fabulous post! Can’t wait to jump in with #haikufromtwo !
January 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Lori Dubbin
From two words in your post:
CHALLENGE & MUSE
Thanks for this CHALLENGE —
Any thirty days will do
With books as our MUSE.
January 29, 2021 at 12:29 pm
mariemessinger
A great idea
May it help me this weekend
Gotta write that book
January 29, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the great writing exercise!
January 29, 2021 at 12:31 pm
rozanark
Ooh, I love this! I’m definitely going to try, it’s like a storyline but in Haiku. Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Fun! I think I’ve seen people do this.
January 29, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Writer on the run
Amanda- how did you know about my pile of books?! This would be a great motivator to pare down that pile. Thanks for the idea and the invitation for #haikufromtwo!
January 29, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Jessica Fries-Gaither
How FUN!
January 29, 2021 at 12:33 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Amanda, for your inspiring post. Brilliant. I love the idea of incorporating Haiku From Two in my writing.
January 29, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Linda Schueler
This is so cool! Challenge accepted!
January 29, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Jessica Swaim
Well, what fun is this! Thank you, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Annie War
I love haikus. It is such a sparse and open form. The limitations make every word count so these words tend to be concrete, vivid, evocative, and appeal to the 5 senses.
January 29, 2021 at 12:37 pm
David McMullin
These are fantastic, Amanda. I love this idea.
January 29, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Katie Schwartz
Love this! I remember writing some haiku back in an English class in HS, but not since then, so it’s been a long time 🙄! I am excited to try this! Thank you Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Sara Ackerman
I love poetry challenges and I hadn’t seen this one before! Thank you! I saw a post with your book cover yesterday. It looks gorgeous!
January 29, 2021 at 12:40 pm
nataliecohn0258
II Ed your idea about two word haiku and taking the two word from a book your reading now.
January 29, 2021 at 12:40 pm
tasha woodson
what a great challenge! definitely something not too, too intimidating…thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Colleen Owen Murphy
What a great challenge. I love how you ended up making so many connections as a result of your posts, but what I like most is your jar. Kind of like that cookie jar you always have on your counter – full of goodies. Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 12:41 pm
Lucretia S.
I love the idea of Haiku from Two! Thank you for sharing your source of creative inspiration, Amanda. I can’t wait to try it out. Congratulations on your debut picture book–I’m looking forward to reading 30,000 STITCHES!
January 29, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Colleen Muske
Great ideas for generating stories. And a great prize!
January 29, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
H–A–I–K–U.
Shapes our thoughts so carefully.
Talents may flow now.
January 29, 2021 at 12:47 pm
andreesantini
This is brilliant, thanks so much for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Roberta Gibson
What an inspiring challenge. I see potential for it to grow in many different directions. Congratulations on your picture book about the restoration of that very special flag.
January 29, 2021 at 12:48 pm
melissamiles1
I hadn’t heard of this challenge before. Thanks for throwing it out there for us to try!
January 29, 2021 at 12:50 pm
rhumba20
Great idea Amanda! Thank you!!!!
January 29, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
This is awesome! I’m working on it right now!
January 29, 2021 at 12:53 pm
jbbower
I love this idea Amanda! Thanks for the inspiring post! I’m now on the hunt to find my own cache of interesting words!
January 29, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Tracy Hora
This seems really fun! And I love your jar of ideas! Thanks for sharing@
January 29, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Cathy Ogren
I love the Haiku FromTwo Challenge! Great idea!
January 29, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
What a brilliant idea for a challenge Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Kate Carroll
I can feel the gravitational pull with this exercise! Unique, challenging and doable! Thanks for inspiring us as we near the end of this amazing journey.
January 29, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
What a clever idea and the challenge sounds fun. Thank you, Amanda! And congratulations on your debut 30,000 STITCHES!
January 29, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Caren
Thanks for the great idea! Definitely going to try this.
January 29, 2021 at 12:58 pm
pollyrenner
Wow Amanda! Thank you for your beautiful post today:>
January 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm
Laura Bower
Wow, Amanda – Your haiku challenge is amazing! I love poetry and what a creative way to build powerful poems out of powerful words. Thanks for your inspiring post and congratulations on your beautiful new book – can’t wait to read it!
January 29, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
This idea is brilliant. I love poetry, never feel like I have enough time to write it, but am always looking for new ways to slip it into my life. To combine daily poetry with idea generation – amazing. Thank you so much! 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Janice Woods
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Amy H
Amanda–I love this idea. Going to give it a whirl! Thx!
January 29, 2021 at 1:06 pm
blancamanzanilla
Here I go…Fang and Golden
January 29, 2021 at 1:07 pm
sareenmclay
Wow! I love this, it’s like ‘found poetry’ taken to a new level! I love this on so many levels; reading new books, creating poetry and ideas, sharing the original books with others, all very inspiring. Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Brenda Flowers
Thank you, Amanda, for introducing me to a creative way to be inspired. I am going to explore ideas using your “ Haiku from Two” challenge approach.
Congratulations on your success as a picture book author and inspirational writer.
January 29, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Marilyn Wolpin
A few months ago I challenged myself to write a haiku a day about the pandemic. Not all ended up being about the pandemic but I wrote quite a few. The technique you suggest actually gives a jumping off point. I find I am not reading many “grown-up” books these days so my words may all come from picture books. Haiku heaven here I come! Thanks for the inspiration and can’t wait to see your debut PB: 30,000 Stitches!
January 29, 2021 at 1:11 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I love writing haiku and have been considering trying to write one dai!y to help free up my muse who took a hard hit from this pandemic way of life. Your Take Two post has given me even more incentive. Thanks, Amanda.
January 29, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
What a fun idea. I’ve been writing haiku every day since April first, (usually about what I see out my window) , but now Ill use words in books!
January 29, 2021 at 1:15 pm
Stacey Corrigan
I’m in! Neat idea.
January 29, 2021 at 1:15 pm
marty
What a fantastic idea! I can’t wait to try it. Love challenges and poetry and the idea of garnering new ideas from books I love reading. Thanks so much.
January 29, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Joan Swanson
Haiku from 2 is and interesting concept. I think I will take on that challenge. Thank you for the idea 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 1:16 pm
catherine owen
Oh gosh. I’m going to try this at least once. Wish I had a typewriter tho …
January 29, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Marla Yablon
Love and write Haiku, but never thought to use it as a launch for picture books! Also love your idea for expanding the inspirations of my Haiku. You’ll see something from me soon.
January 29, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Angie
I love haiku! I’ve been writing haiku to go with photos I’ve taken. I’ve even started compiling them into a book…but no idea where to go or what to do with them. Love your challenge!
January 29, 2021 at 1:21 pm
martyfindley
I love this idea! I’ve always thought Haiku was a fun form. Thanks for the idea.
January 29, 2021 at 1:21 pm
LAURA Barens
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Shawna J. C. Tenney
This is a great idea to get the ideas flowing. I like how you included writing a sentence or sketching it out too. Thanks for the great post!
January 29, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
Beautiful examples! Thanks for this idea.
January 29, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Arlene Schenker
5-7-5. I’m on it! Thanks, Amanda
January 29, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Trine Grillo
I love Haiku and wrote a few during Lockdown 2020. This is a great challenge. You will hear from me, for sure!
January 29, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Daryl Gottier
I love this idea. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 1:39 pm
calliebdean
This is a great concrete prompt! Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 1:42 pm
angie9091
What fun! Thanks for sharing! Angie Isaacs
January 29, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for the suggestion and the great reading list!
January 29, 2021 at 1:44 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thanks Amanda for the useful and do-able haiku activity.
January 29, 2021 at 1:44 pm
babybluesnowflake
This is such an awesome non-linear yet structured approach! I love it! Thank you, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 1:46 pm
Rona Shirdan
Wonderful and fun! I’ll have to try it.
January 29, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Janet Johnson
Just tried this, and it definitely pushes my brain to think differently. Thank you for sharing such a fun creative exercise!
January 29, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Linda Hofke
Great post.
I took two of your word in this post (stitches and fireflies) and tried writing a haiku.
summer quilting–
fireflies sew yellow stitches
through the dark
Thanks for the inspiration and congrats on your new book!
January 29, 2021 at 1:53 pm
crdram12
Love this idea, thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Rebster
Love this challenge! Thank you, Amanda! I’ve been wanting to write a book in haiku and this might just give me that inspiration. Cheers!
January 29, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Brilliant! Love this exercise!
January 29, 2021 at 1:57 pm
authordebradaugherty
I love your Haiku from Two. Great way to get the creative juices flowing. My two words are ranch and calves. The ranch in Winter, Bears witness to many births, Calves wail for their milk.
January 29, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Sarah Lynne John
Did you type your haikus on a typewriter? So fun! I love how they look in the jar—a jar full of potential!
January 29, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Carole Calladine
Love this challenge. I can come up with two words. What fun! Thanks Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 2:01 pm
Poupette
Thanks for your well explained, superbly illustrated haiku post:
Amazing prompt –yes!
For non-POETRY buff, too
Will try and try MORE!
January 29, 2021 at 2:02 pm
mona861
I didn’t even finish the entire post when I grabbed two words and jotted this-
Laughing crowd applauds
When my sister tells a joke
She will be a star.
Love this post. Will be a Haiku maniac all afternoon!
Thanks
January 29, 2021 at 2:04 pm
syorkeviney
Poetry has always been my go to place. It lifts me up and grounds me. It rips my heart out and inspires me. I will take time to work with and through what you have shared….. thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 2:05 pm
Sarah Meade
Love Haiku from Two and looking forward to writing some haikus. Thanks for the inspiration, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Pam Jones-Nill
Great exercise, thanks for the post.
January 29, 2021 at 2:07 pm
curryelizabeth
What a great idea. I read and often write poetry every day as a warm up to get my brain in writing mode. I’ll add this technique in. Fun! Thanks for the post.
January 29, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Heather Rowley
Love your idea so much! Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Susan J. Klaren
Japanese poem
Sublimely simple to read
But so hard to write
Thank you! So fun.
January 29, 2021 at 2:13 pm
mariearden
This HaikuFromTwo challenge dovetails nicely with Angela Burke Kunkel’s Storystorm challenge about limitations that inspire, plus with Jane Yolen’s poetry writing exercise she uses to start her day. Whether or not the haiku morphs into a story, it will certainly help one’s creative juices to flow.
January 29, 2021 at 2:14 pm
Penny Merritt
Very creative idea! Though out of my comfort zone, I’ll give it a try.
January 29, 2021 at 2:15 pm
ejessmurray
Super fun, thanks for sharing all of this!
January 29, 2021 at 2:18 pm
Valerie Bolling
You’re amazing, Amanda! So much happening in your writing life! I love your idea from Haiku for Two. You’ve also got a great stack of books that inspired you.
January 29, 2021 at 2:19 pm
clairebobrow
Can’t wait to try Haiku From Two! What a fun idea to get the juices flowing. Thanks, Amanda, and congrats on 30,000 Stitches!
January 29, 2021 at 2:20 pm
Bethanny Parker
What a fun challenge. I love writing haikus.
January 29, 2021 at 2:22 pm
paulajbecker
Mmm! I like this exercise! Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Haiku From Two sounds like a great brain exercise! Your haiku poetry was beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 2:23 pm
thecrowsmap
I love this new challenge! Congratulations on 30,000 Stitches.
Gail Hartman
January 29, 2021 at 2:25 pm
deirdreprischmann
Super interesting idea!
January 29, 2021 at 2:26 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
I love poetry and challenges (I did a similar challenge in April and wrote 30 rhyming poems in 30 days — it was SO helpful to keep my creative flame alight!) Thanks for this idea! Love it!
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
January 29, 2021 at 2:32 pm
yvonne pearson
Very fun idea.
January 29, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Your post inspires me
to delve into my bookshelf.
What poems await?
January 29, 2021 at 2:33 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
LOVE this idea. What a great thing to do first thing in the morning to jumpstart your writing for the day! Can’t wait to try it.
January 29, 2021 at 2:36 pm
nrompella
Ohhh…I love this idea! And am enjoying everyone’s post on #haikufromtwo. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Deb Lund
Love this! I often write haikus, sometimes interspersing them with prose, a haibun of sorts, which would make a great format for a picture book. I think I’ll try a few! I read all these posts, and then they take on new lives in my brain. Thank you, Amanda & Tara!
January 29, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Sarah Tobias
I LOVE this. Haikus are often a go to place to reinvigorate or focus my mind. Can’t wait to try out Haiku from Two.
January 29, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Amanda! This is brilliant and I am going to try this idea! Looking forward to your upcoming book!
January 29, 2021 at 2:42 pm
Melisa Wrex
I have no words for how much I love this. Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 2:43 pm
Joyce
What a wealth of creativity and a treasure trove of books to read. Thank you, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Elizabeth Muster
As a writer and a librarian I absolutely LOVE this! I think I’m going to use it as a lesson in April for poetry month. I’m currently reading the Newbery-winning When You Trap a Tiger, and I couldn’t just pick two words. So not only was mine a #haikufromtwo but it was also a found poem from just two pages.
January 29, 2021 at 2:46 pm
Vera Lisa Smetzer
I adore haiku and when I feel blocked at all creatively – this is always my way in again. Love reading the ideas for further exploration of this form for PBs. Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 2:48 pm
boardmancamera
I Iove this, too! I am not a social media maven, but I am IN and will figure out the details as I go. 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 2:50 pm
claudia sloan
Thank you for sharing and congrats on your new book!!! I’ve never done a Haiku so will definitely give it a shot 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 2:51 pm
mjmeyer06
Love, love, love this idea. Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 2:51 pm
Tanja Bauerle
I love the idea of using Haikus to build a story. What a great way to stretch the brain in a different direction. Thank you for sharing. T
January 29, 2021 at 2:51 pm
kirstenbockblog
What a fabulous challenge! I can’t wait to try it!
January 29, 2021 at 2:52 pm
pathaap
What a great, and different, approach to coming up with new ideas. Thanks, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 2:53 pm
bevbaird
Love this idea. Haven’t written haikus in a long while – but will definitely try this challenge. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 29, 2021 at 2:54 pm
authoraileenstewart
What an interesting idea. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Lisa Billa
Fun way to get started- thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 3:02 pm
JillDanaBooks
What a cool idea! Thank you! 🙂 Jill Dana
January 29, 2021 at 3:03 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
So inspiring. Thank you for sharing the Haiku from Two technique. I will definitely be trying this!
January 29, 2021 at 3:03 pm
EllenB
I love the way you have stretched the words you are using each time, when you use them in the haiku. Thanks for inspiring post.
January 29, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Karen Greenwald
What a fun challenge! Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Natasha Garnett
Amanda, thank you. What a great way to give nods and recognition to an author you’ve read. And you get a story idea.
January 29, 2021 at 3:04 pm
Sue
What a clever and easy way to get those creative juices flowing. Thanks Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I love this idea! It’s a great way to connect a new story with one that’s been published. Thanks for the tip! I only wish I could illustrate, too, but I guess I’ll settle for using the book as backdrop. Cheers!
January 29, 2021 at 3:10 pm
Karin Larson
What a fun idea! Thanks for the inspiration and suggestion.
January 29, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Kirsti Call
Such a fun idea!!!
January 29, 2021 at 3:12 pm
Cindy S.
This is so timely! My critique group was just talking about Haiku during our zoom meeting this past Thursday. Your idea is terrific! Thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 3:12 pm
ptnozell
What a clever way to flex those writing muscles. Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Kimberly Wilson
What a creative idea! I’m definitely going to try this!
January 29, 2021 at 3:21 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you, Amanda! This will definitely keep the juices flowing!
January 29, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Laura
This got me way too excited for a fun and workable committment!
January 29, 2021 at 3:29 pm
kiralee strong
What a wonderful fresh approach! I’m so excited to do this, thanks for sharing.?
January 29, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Susan Drew
Thank you for your post
It really got me going
Out to write a book
January 29, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
Thank you Amanda. This is definitely a different look at how to come up with a story.
January 29, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Elizabeth Masterman
I love this idea, I love methods that start from something tangible, rather than starting at an empty page. Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 3:41 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Rose – soar
Rose petals rain down
Filling air with springtime scent
And my spirits soar
Written on a very cold winter day.
Thanks, Amanda. looking forward to 30,000 STITCHES
January 29, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Armineh Manookian
Thank you, Amanda! I’ve never written a haiku before, but I’m going to give it a try.
January 29, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
The one with the hot air balloon is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 3:43 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Wow! What a wonderful idea! I’m totally going to be haikuing this weekend!! Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 3:43 pm
Katie L. Carroll
Fun challenge!
January 29, 2021 at 3:46 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Thank you for sharing this technique. Sounds like so much fun! And, a great trick to get ourselves to read more books! Looking forward to reading 30,000 Stitches.
January 29, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Amanda
I love haiku! This is totally up my alley. Thanks for inspiration!
January 29, 2021 at 3:49 pm
karynellis
This is a gorgeous idea. Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks, Amanda. Haiku is an interesting form of poetry. It’s short, so it looks so simple, but so are picture books. There’s more going on than meets the eye.
January 29, 2021 at 3:51 pm
Kris H
Interesting challenge. I am going to try it.
January 29, 2021 at 3:52 pm
8catpaws
Here’s a Haiku from Two with words from your post:
Seeing the final
Day of Storystorm coming
I love my ideas!
January 29, 2021 at 3:55 pm
Julie Maria Harris
Thank you for the idea and another project to look forward to tackling!
January 29, 2021 at 3:56 pm
jenfierjasinski
What a fun, fresh idea! And a perfect excuse to keep growing my TBR list. Thanks, Amanda. Looking forward to reading 30,000 STITCHES!
January 29, 2021 at 3:56 pm
Pat Trattles
Thank you Amanda.
I’ll try your Haiku for Two
Such fun it inspires
January 29, 2021 at 3:58 pm
Deb Sullian
Fabulous way to keep the creative juices flowing, Amanda – thanks for sharing (and for offering extremely generous prizes, that anyone would be thrilled to win). Congrats again on 30,000 Stiches!
January 29, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Catherine Brewer
Thank you Amanda for the great strategy!
January 29, 2021 at 4:02 pm
bookthreader
I need to try this! Your haikus are amazing, Amanda!! ❤️
January 29, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Susie Sawyer
Thanks Amanda! This is a great idea! Similarly, I’ve had my kids write words on index cards that I keep in a box. Many times, I’ve gone to them and pulled out two or three to combine for inspiration. Some of the combinations seem totally unrelated at first, but if you quiet your internal editor, you can come up with some great ideas!
January 29, 2021 at 4:07 pm
Christine @ Goodjelly
Thanks, Amanda. I love haikus. And reading. So . . . score! 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 4:15 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Haiku From Two sounds like a fun activity I can do! Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Cindy Mackey
Amanda, I love a challenge! This sounds fun and do-able. Especially if it doesn’t need to be 30 consecutive days.
January 29, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Christine M Irvin
Hmmmm….I’ll have to give Haiku from Two a shot. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 4:23 pm
michelemeleen
I have never heard this tactic before, but love it! Thanks for the great idea.
January 29, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Debra Katz
This sounds like a fun and challenging exercise to try. I am always reading something….
January 29, 2021 at 4:28 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you. This is a fun way to keep writing.
January 29, 2021 at 4:34 pm
rosecappelli
Thanks for this great idea, Amanda! I love writing poetry and this is a great way to discover a hidden gem.
January 29, 2021 at 4:35 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
What a lovely challenge! I have my pile of TBR books waiting.Thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Lauren Barbieri
What a great challenge—thank you for the post. The number of ways creativity builds on itself never cease to amaze me! Congratulations on your upcoming book!
January 29, 2021 at 4:38 pm
kidlitgail
Amanda, what a lovely and refreshing post! Poet is not my strength, but you have inspired me to try some haiku with two words from my recent manuscript! Or maybe about my guide dog. Ideas are endless!
January 29, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Amy Houts
Amanda, So fun to see your post here after especially after receiving your Twitter message. Thank you for introducing me to Haiku From Two. I hadn’t heard of it. Interesting! Congratulations on your book!
January 29, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Patricia Alcaro
A fun challenge!
January 29, 2021 at 4:48 pm
romontanaro
AMANDA!!!! Yay! I love seeing you on here. I love this and can’t wait to try. Congratulations to you. Wish you continued success! Thank you Tara.
January 29, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Lynn Baldwin
What a unique idea! Thank you.
January 29, 2021 at 4:52 pm
Stephanie Fitzpatrick
Thank you!!! I just did this exercise for the subject of my PB bio – just what I needed to push me back into my revisions!
January 29, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Cassy Polimeni
Love this, thanks Amanda! Great to have another inspiring challenge twinkling on the horizon as this one wraps up.
Here, let me try:
Take the pressure off
You will be amazed what comes
Just sit down and start
January 29, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Sara Habte
I LOVE what you suggested. Thank you!!!
January 29, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Love this idea. Thanks you! And congrats on your book!
January 29, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Cathy L. Murphy
This is an intriguing exercise. I’m going to give it a try. Thank you, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Sara Matson
I LOVE this idea. Thanks for sharing it!
January 29, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Mary McClellan
Amanda, what a great idea! I’m definitely going to try this. And I’m going to start with my unread stack of books. 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 5:17 pm
marty
HI Amanda – fellow Sea And Anemones author illustrator, Thank you for posting about the Haiku From Two initiative. It sounds like so much fun.
I’m looking forward to reading 30,000 Stitches!
Thank you, Tara, for a warm (and friendly) January challenge.
January 29, 2021 at 5:17 pm
Mary Warth
Amanda- your poems are beautiful! This is such a fun idea. And I have a big stack that I’m am trying to tackle.
January 29, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Five10forty-nine
Amanda, it’s cool to think of haiku! I, too, have a stack of books, that I will go through.
January 29, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Linda Bozzo
I love this exercise. I’m always looking for a warm up before I dive into my writing project for the day.
January 29, 2021 at 5:29 pm
marynadoughty
This is a very creative way to read and write! Thanks for sharing Amanda!
-Maryna Doughty
January 29, 2021 at 5:30 pm
A Brewer
This is such a fun twist with Haiku! And this is a super lesson on the go for a substitute teacher! Thank you! I can’t wait to try it myself and in the classroom.
January 29, 2021 at 5:38 pm
Susan Jobsky
Haiku is one of my favorite poetry styles. I don’t write them often enough. Thank you for the inspiration and the invite.
January 29, 2021 at 5:44 pm
Aly Kenna
Thanks Amanda, A haiku from two sounds fun and the target 30 from 30 without the pressure of 30 days do-able. I started a haiku challenge last year and got to about ten days before life got in the way. I will try again this year… it doesn’t matter if it takes more than 30 days – so no pressure. Thank you for the challenge 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 5:48 pm
Cindy Johnson
What a wonderful idea! Thank you for a wonderful post!
January 29, 2021 at 5:52 pm
TerriMichels
Thanks great haiku post
Here I sit pen ready set go
Creative sap flow
January 29, 2021 at 5:54 pm
jstremer
This is such a fun idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Meg
I enjoyed your haiku creations and I’m going to try this starting today!
January 29, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Gabi Snyder
What a fun and inspiring challenge! Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Jennifer Rathe
I’m excited to try this. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 6:01 pm
paulabpuckett
Great ideas and filled with challenges. Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 6:10 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Writing, So much Fun
I am so glad it is done
Show me the Money.
January 29, 2021 at 6:11 pm
Lisa L Furness
Wonderful post full of inspiration, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Hank Dallago
Haiku From Two is a fantastic idea to generate ideas and lines for a PB. I also started writing Tanka’s and Lune’s during the pandemic to keep the creative juices flowing. Time to go back and mine those resources for PB ideas. Thank you Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 6:16 pm
tinefg
Amanda, I cannot tell you how much I love this idea. I am a word puzzler through and through, and this feels like the ultimate puzzle, with a huge payoff of great new story inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 6:16 pm
Andrea Mack
This sounds like a fun challenge! Thank you for sharing your wonderful examples of haiku.
January 29, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Lori Sheroan
This is wonderful-can’t wait to try it!
January 29, 2021 at 6:20 pm
Fern Glazer
This was super fun and inspiring. I approached it as a plot exercise–writing a line each for beginning, middle and end.
January 29, 2021 at 6:20 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for this unique idea and for sharing a new way to connect with authors and readers! – Lynn Street
January 29, 2021 at 6:32 pm
Tonnye W. Fletcher
I love writing haiku and I’m interested to see if they might develop into a story of their own — never really considered that before. . . hmmmm. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
January 29, 2021 at 6:37 pm
Heather Gallagher
Such a cool idea!
January 29, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Jan Milusich
Thank you for your creative suggestion Amanda. I’ve written my first haiku because of it. I don’t think it’ll be my last!
January 29, 2021 at 6:47 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
I love writing Haiku! Your Haiku From Two challenge is perfect for me. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 6:49 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Amanda 😊
January 29, 2021 at 6:57 pm
Pamela Brunskill
#HaikuFromTwo seems like a fabulous way to keep going when not feeling very motivated. Thanks for sharing your books and examples, and congrats on 30,000 STITCHES!
January 29, 2021 at 6:58 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks for sharing this Haiku challenge!
January 29, 2021 at 7:01 pm
Jayne Wilson
Thank you ever so much for that. I’m a rhyme & I adore poetry so this post was just delightful for me! I’m challenging myself to do a haiku for each of the picture books I read to my class. Your post soothed my soul & felt so good. Thank you! ❤️
January 29, 2021 at 7:03 pm
JEN Garrett
Wow, I love your list of books! I’ve read most of them, but now I have a few more to add to my TBR.
January 29, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Such a fun idea, Amanda! I can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you! 🙂
January 29, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Just love this idea! Thank you, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 7:18 pm
Kaye Wright
Off to try this out! Thanks for the advice.
January 29, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thank you for such a fun- filled exercise!
January 29, 2021 at 7:21 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
What a fantastic way to crate ideas! I’m on this like bees on honey! Thank you
January 29, 2021 at 7:26 pm
chardixon47
Amanda–you stirred the juices! Congrats on 30,000 STITCHES!
Deeper runs the thought.
Random Haiku comes to mind.
Thank you for your post!
January 29, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
How marvelous. Have you heard of Auroras & Blossoms new poetry form called Kindku and Sixtu? one of them uses found words from literature. Cendrine does not write for children, but she would love this idea. Thanks.
January 29, 2021 at 7:32 pm
mariamarianayagam
What a fascinating idea and such a great way to keep the creative juices flowing. Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 7:34 pm
tinamcho
I love haiku. Thanks for sharing about this challenge!
January 29, 2021 at 7:37 pm
Laurie Knowlton
Unique way to get my mind thinking. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 7:39 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a fun challenge! I am quite intrigued! Thank you for showing us some of your beautiful examples! Oh, and this is so true, “…it reminded me that it takes a village to bring our book babies into the world!” It takes a village, indeed!
January 29, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Joni Nemeth
Interesting way to pair (sometimes) unconnected ideas.
January 29, 2021 at 7:46 pm
Nancy Colle
What a fun challenge. Love poetry!
Thank you:)
January 29, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for the idea–I’m going to try the challenge! Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Kay
Amanda, thank you for your wonderful idea for a haiku from two. I’m very curious about your book 30,000 stitches as well. I am not a Twitter or Instagram person but I think I will do the haikus and put them in a jar. For some reason I like that idea.
January 29, 2021 at 7:59 pm
EmmieRWerner
Whew that’s a challenge ❤️
January 29, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you for sharing this amazing challenge, Amanda. Time to write a Haiku poem.
Suzy Leopold
January 29, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Kaye Baillie
Thanks for prompting me to try haiku. Love your examples.
January 29, 2021 at 8:07 pm
brittanypomales
It has been an EXTREMELY long time since I’ve written a haiku. Might be just the thing to shake things up. Thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 8:10 pm
Jennifer Blanck
I love the Haiku from Two idea and hope to participate a little. Your haikus were fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thanks for the Haiku challenge and for sharing all of these wonderful books. Will definitely add them to my reading list.
January 29, 2021 at 8:18 pm
steveheron
Great idea Amanda.
Haiku poems are cool.
Words written creatively.
Five, seven and five.
January 29, 2021 at 8:18 pm
authorlaurablog
I love this idea. I write haiku often – usually inspired by my photography.
This is a fun new exercise.
January 29, 2021 at 8:19 pm
Kathryn Cunningham
This is such a fun idea! I can’t wait to try it out.
January 29, 2021 at 8:24 pm
Jessica Coupé
Great idea, thanks!
January 29, 2021 at 8:28 pm
mbhmaine
What a great idea to add to my toolbox of prompts. Thanks so much for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Megan M.
These haikus are so beautiful! I do want to try one!
January 29, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Lynn Alpert
This is a fun exercise!
January 29, 2021 at 8:39 pm
Lori Gibson
Great post! Thank you!
January 29, 2021 at 8:58 pm
Kimberly Marcus
How fun! I love poetry, I love reading – two great things that go great together!! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2021 at 9:02 pm
janetfrencksheets
A book about Flashlight Ghosts would be terrific!
January 29, 2021 at 9:03 pm
kathalsey
Wow. I adore haiku and love this exercise you created for us. Ty, Amanda.
January 29, 2021 at 9:10 pm
YauMei Chiang
Here’s my Haiku with Story & Storm
Amanda, thank you
Juices flow for Story Storm
with Haiku for two
-YauMei Chiang
January 29, 2021 at 9:23 pm
paulaobering
Love Haiku — great exercise! Thank you!!
January 29, 2021 at 9:23 pm
dazzlengsy
Your haikus are wonderful and I can’t wait to try this exercise! Reminds me of what a teacher once told me: Creativity is putting two things that don’t really belong together and making something new. Thank you for this challenge, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 9:30 pm
Tonya Grant
Thanks, Amanda for the wonderful ideas! Poetry – #HaikuFromTwo – I am so IN!
January 29, 2021 at 9:33 pm
readmybook2002
Thank you Amanda for your explanation and great exercise.
January 29, 2021 at 9:43 pm
Buffy Silverman
Fun prompt–my haiku is written!
January 29, 2021 at 10:03 pm
Amy M. Miller
I love this idea. Just took a collage writing and art class and wrote a haiku in the process. I’m in the mood for more so your post, Amanda, hit at the perfect time. Thanks for the inspiration (as always)!
January 29, 2021 at 10:13 pm
Darcee A. Freier
What a fun idea. I’ll have to try a HaikuFromTwo. I’m looking forward to reading 30,000 Stitches. Congrats!
January 29, 2021 at 10:16 pm
matthewlasley
I have found that finding writing challenges helps me step out of my comfort zone or explore my comfort zone a little more completely. I love the challenges and the accountability, even if I never share my story, because I have written to a form. It is then great to see how others also write under the same form and see how different my thinking is, or how it is sometimes the same.
January 29, 2021 at 10:22 pm
Shaunda Wenger
Love this idea of Haiku from Two. I’ve always been intimidated by the art of Haiku, but I think I might join you and give it a whirl. Congratulations on your new book!
January 29, 2021 at 10:23 pm
sallie wolf
I love the reading list. I’ve read about 5 of them. Working my way towards several others. Haiku is such a natural way to respond to nature I find it popping up in my journal weekly, if not daily. Looking forward to the Flashlight Ghosts when you write it.
January 29, 2021 at 10:34 pm
betlw
I love Haiku, reading and writing them. This sounds like a fun exercise. I haven’t read any books in the last few weeks, because my kindle is dead, but now I have a new one and can get back to reading. Then I’ll try this Haiku from Two ASAP. Thanks for the great exercise, Amanda. Terrific post!
January 29, 2021 at 10:37 pm
Kathiann Weatherbee (@WeatherbeeBooks)
This is so great! Sounds like fun, I’m definitely going to try this. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2021 at 10:38 pm
Sara Trofa
Thank you, Amanda!
January 29, 2021 at 10:43 pm
Beatrice Brown
Can hardly wait to try haiku. Thank you for sharing.
January 29, 2021 at 10:47 pm
Jenny Boyd
Brilliant! I love the idea of the Haiku from Two challenge. I have recently found myself writing a few haiku poems, so this post was extra-timely in that regard. Thanks for the prompt and fun/creative idea.
January 29, 2021 at 10:48 pm
Joyce Uglow
Congratulations on your upcoming picture book. Here’s to two!
January 29, 2021 at 10:51 pm
Brandy Dixon
Here’s my Haiku for Two from this post:
FISH HOPE
What do fish hope for?
A world beyond the water?
Or are they content?
January 29, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Joyce Uglow
Thanks for the inspiration,
January 29, 2021 at 11:11 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Hmmm…I just may have to try this
January 29, 2021 at 11:14 pm
roberta abussi
When i saw Haiku, I was sad for a second…rhymes and poetry are not my forte….but then you mentioned that we could write random sentence…and I was happy again! Than you for this post, I came up with 4 Haiku-not haiku 🙂 and it feels amazing!!!!
January 29, 2021 at 11:53 pm
Martha F. Moore
Perfect timing. Our PB writers group just talked about haiku on Tuesday!
January 29, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Anna Brooks
I love this idea! Not only am I thinking about story ideas, but it nudged me to get back to reading the towering pile beside my bed. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 29, 2021 at 11:57 pm
Karen Conley Chun
I loved and created a haiku. Probably an idea for a middle school book but fun and thought-provoking! Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2021 at 11:58 pm
Gail Aherne
Amanda, thank you for the challenge and guidance. I’m looking forward to creating my Haiku from my 12th-grade son’s reading assignment- GN “The Complete Persepolis” – and today’s read aloud with my students -“The Good Egg.”😊
January 30, 2021 at 12:08 am
amomnextdoor
Amazing idea and great book list! Thank you.
January 30, 2021 at 12:18 am
Eileen Mayo
What a fun challenge! Thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2021 at 12:26 am
Dina Ticas
Oh, this was so good. I am not a poet at heart, so I was relieved when you said I could make random sentences instead. I’m good at random. And, I’m inspired by music and lyrics, so now I’m excited to try this approach.
January 30, 2021 at 12:27 am
Sharon Coffey
Amanda, thank you for this creative idea. Here’s my haiku. (kids, sky)
KIDS
Kids are uplifting.
They can change a dreary mood.
Kids are pure sunshine!
January 30, 2021 at 12:28 am
savannahpalma
Thank you for sharing
January 30, 2021 at 12:53 am
Megan Whitaker
Wow! That is definitely a challenge! Congrats on your debut and thanks for the post!
January 30, 2021 at 1:08 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 1:15 am
seschipper
Great post! I love this challenge to write a Haiku.
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading “30,000 Stitches”. ((I also read your interview on Twitter with Brian! ) 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 1:24 am
Maria Marshall
This is such a fun challenge Amanda! Thanks. I’ll have to see if I can come up with something.
January 30, 2021 at 1:38 am
Judith Snyder
I really like this idea, and the challenge to continue throughout the year. Thank you.
January 30, 2021 at 1:43 am
Michele Rietz
Thanks Amanda. I love to read haiku, and I love to dabble in creating them as well. It may take me all year, but I’m going to join the challenge! 🙂 Congrats on “30,000 Stitches”.
January 30, 2021 at 1:53 am
Marci Whitehurst
Cool idea generator! Thanks, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 2:06 am
Laken Slate
What a creative idea! I can’t wait to try this:)
January 30, 2021 at 2:21 am
Jillian Schmidt
What a great challenge! I love this idea and the creative ways you shared your poems.
January 30, 2021 at 2:27 am
Aimee Haburjak
Super post! I’ve never heard of this prompt and it sounds delightful. Thank you.
January 30, 2021 at 2:48 am
Cindy Jeklin
What a fun idea. Can’t wait to try it out and see what happens. Thank you.
January 30, 2021 at 3:20 am
rjtraxel
What a fun challenge!
January 30, 2021 at 3:26 am
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
What a fun idea. Thanks for the tip!
January 30, 2021 at 3:28 am
Terri Sabol
What a fun social media challenge! I love the idea of connecting the haiku with all of the creators in the original book. Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 3:42 am
Meli Glickman
What a great way to blend multiple talents and to be inspired to write in extra creative ways!
January 30, 2021 at 4:28 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
AMANDA: I LOVE this GREAT idea!!! THANK YOU for INSPIRING us with such a unique writing exercise. I LOVE that you “crafted this challenge last year to help [you] get through the pandemic and needed something to keep [you] feeling inspired to create, read, and connect.” I KNOW WE CAN ALL USE SOME OF THAT!!! I CAN’T WAIT to give it a go! It was also BEAUTIFUL to see the process step-by-step! Your honesty in sharing that your original goal was to do this daily for 30 days, but ended up taking 6 months to complete, is TRULY APPRECIATED!!! We tend to be TOO hard on ourselves. THANK YOU for showing that it’s important to just KEEP ON WRITING ON–NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES!!!
January 30, 2021 at 4:45 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a clever, unusual and incredibly inspiring new muse you’ve gifted us! I’m going to craft a haiku today and try to make it an ongoing practice. Thanks so much, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 5:23 am
kelliejanebyrnes
I love this haiku idea! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to giving this a go myself!
January 30, 2021 at 5:30 am
Becky H
I’m in! My first words are WEIRD SNOOZES taken from The Great Chocoplot by Chris Callaghan
January 30, 2021 at 5:43 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
The HaikufromTwo sounds like a fun challenge. I think I will try it. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 30, 2021 at 6:46 am
Dee Knabb
This sounds fun, Amanda. Thanks for sharing. I’d not heard of this before. Will definitely try it.
January 30, 2021 at 7:59 am
Louann Brown
Great idea. Sounds like such fun! I’ll give it a whirl.
January 30, 2021 at 8:14 am
Cheryl Johnson
Love this! Very fun, creative and inspiring!
January 30, 2021 at 8:19 am
Joy Wieder
I love the idea of a haiku challenge as a way to get through my reading list! My art was in the Friends & Anemones anthology also.
January 30, 2021 at 9:05 am
Mitchell Linda
A wonderful idea! I write haiku often–it feels like cheating to me, not because it’s easy but because it’s so fun. It’s like a word puzzle to me with the syllable counts. I love it!
January 30, 2021 at 9:20 am
58chilihed13
Love the haiku challenge, short and sweet!
January 30, 2021 at 9:25 am
Nicole Loos Miller
Eek! Counting syllables! This sounds like a fun challenge despite that 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 9:31 am
kmajor2013
Great strategy for generating story ideas…who knew….Haiku from Two? I love poetry so this is up my alley. Thanks for this great post, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 9:38 am
Suzanne Poulter Harris
Thanks for sharing this challenge! What a great way to get the creative juices flowing.
January 30, 2021 at 9:47 am
Michele Helsel
Truly unique idea. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 30, 2021 at 9:55 am
Laura Purdie Salas
This is my FAVORITE kind of post. A simple idea to kickstarting some ideas–and a fun activity to boot! Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 9:58 am
Hollie Wolverton
What a fun idea to get creativity flowing. Love it! Just asked my kid for 2 random words, got “video games” and “superpowers.” Challenge accepted!
January 30, 2021 at 10:00 am
Nadine Poper
What a fun idea generator. Thank you for the haiku from two idea!
January 30, 2021 at 10:05 am
Sheri Dillard
Love this! Thank you! 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 10:13 am
Kari Gonzalez
Amanda, I love this no-pressure creative way to write everyday, and of course come up with fantastic story ideas with a low word count commitment! Thank you for sharing!
January 30, 2021 at 10:34 am
Babs Ostapina
I love this idea, Amanda! Haiku has gotten its grips on me, too, lately, but I never thought of it as a story starter. Thanks! And congrats on your books!
January 30, 2021 at 10:45 am
Jasmine Smith
I used to carry around a teensy little notebook to write random haikus in, but I haven’t done it in forever. This sounds like fun! Off to find a book!
January 30, 2021 at 10:54 am
Catherine
I haven’t written a haiku since I was at school but I’m inspired now – this sounds like a really fun challenge. Thanks Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 11:02 am
Joannie Duris
Congratulations Amanda, on your upcoming debut! I’ll be on the lookout for a local, virtual launch event. And your haiku challenge is a perfect way to start each day. When I saw in your bio that you are a fellow contributor to the Writers’ Loft anthology, FRIENDS & ANEMONES, I had to grab my copy to check out your art and poem again. Your art shows your range: from a luminous deep seascape to a a playful family of narwhals. And your sea glass poem evoked a sense of calm for me. Thanks for a great post!
January 30, 2021 at 11:09 am
Jane Heitman Healy
What a fun idea jumpstart! It’s amazing what you can do with 17 syllables and what they might grow into! Thanks, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 11:18 am
Cathleen Collins
Amazing! I love this challenge!
January 30, 2021 at 11:22 am
Brinton Culp
So wonderful to play with words! Thank you for the inspiration. And great list of books!
January 30, 2021 at 11:22 am
Kristy Nuttall
I really like the idea of using haikus as a form of story inspiration! Here’s my Calvin and Hobbes inspired haiku:
I’m wondering now
If you’re going to pounce me
A crouching tiger awaits
January 30, 2021 at 11:23 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Great idea, Amanda – I’ll need to try this over the weekend!
January 30, 2021 at 11:32 am
Bennett Dixon
HOUR by HOUR we step
Up the STAIRS of our lifetimes
Till we reach the sky
Thanks for this new twist, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 11:41 am
Janie Reinart
Love your challenge and how you present your creation ❤️
January 30, 2021 at 11:46 am
marshaelyn
Amanda, I like the way you stretch your creativity and dig into ideas through the simplistic, sensory haiku. Connecting two random words into a concept is a fun, challenging way to brainstorm AND practice our writing at the same time. Thanks for the energy and heart behind your words.
January 30, 2021 at 11:53 am
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
SOMEBODY’S ashes,
SPRINKLED across the ocean.
Peaceful place to rest.
(In honor of my sweet father-in-law. Inspired by Dream Big by Ian Falconer and The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss)
Thank you! Peace, Alicia
January 30, 2021 at 11:59 am
cravevsworld
Great post. Thank you sharing!
January 30, 2021 at 12:02 pm
jms5880
Such a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing.
Such a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing.
January 30, 2021 at 12:05 pm
aliciaminor
I love haikus, a fun way to write poetically. In this time of pandemic, writing haikus helps to unwind, forget, relax. Just write. Thanks Amanda. God bless.
January 30, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Teresa Daffern
Wow. Who knew the power, laying in wait with 2 words? I’m glad I do now. Thank you Amanda.
January 30, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Julia A Mills
This is a great challenge! Thanks
January 30, 2021 at 12:14 pm
writeremmcbride
Written WORDS are gifts;
morsels of life for STRANGERS
who make them their own.
Thank you so much, Amanda! What a great idea and prompt!
January 30, 2021 at 12:34 pm
libbydemmon
SHAR-PEI’S new breakfast
RECEIVING love and flavor
filled-up bowl and heart
(Currently reading How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend)
January 30, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Thanks for the super
inspirational challenge
to keep me writing!
I’m in!
January 30, 2021 at 12:59 pm
Susan Twiggs
What a cool idea. I’ll try it 2day. #haiku from 2.
January 30, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Bonnie Auslander
I’m a poet (for adults) and love all these tricks! I would add that lunes are a great form to consider (which counts words instead of syllables) as a wonderful variation to the haiku form. Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Ellen Leventhal
I’ve never heard of the Haiku from Two challenge! Sounds great! I used to have my students do something like this in our Haiku Challenge, but I never thought about using it as a spark for a story. Thanks so much! Love thiss!
January 30, 2021 at 1:10 pm
aidantalkin
Secret Stop. Beautiful! Can’t wait to jump into haikus this morning!
January 30, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Wow, this is a great idea and much harder than it sounds! Taking one word apiece from the first and last page of one of my favorite childhood middle grade novels, Anne Lindbergh’s Three Lives to Live (sister + garden):
Sprouts from one garden
Grow up and away, but still–
Sisters in the sun.
January 30, 2021 at 1:12 pm
goodreadswithronna
I am in awe of your energy and enthusiasm, Amanda! I love this idea to get those stagnant creative juices flowing. Thank you. 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 1:17 pm
colleenrkosinski
Fun challenge!
January 30, 2021 at 1:38 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Such an interesting and fun idea. Very different for me. Looking forward to trying this. Thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 1:41 pm
Marlena Leach
Love the idea of the Haiku Two. Can’t wait to use this challenge! Thanks for sharing, Amanda.
January 30, 2021 at 2:07 pm
donnacangelosi
This is an exciting challenge–very new for me! Thank you so much! Looking forward to reading 30,000 STITCHES.
January 30, 2021 at 2:08 pm
beckylevine
I love this. It’s definitely going on my list of ways to play/seek ideas.
January 30, 2021 at 2:09 pm
rindabeach
Haiku, I could do, maybe. Rhyme – no never!
January 30, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Laura N. Clement
Fun! Thank you.
January 30, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Laura Clement
Fun! Thank you.
January 30, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Lynne Marie
Oh, my goodness! LOVE this. Thank you so very much for sharing.
January 30, 2021 at 3:14 pm
jensubra
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea and am going to start today! Thanks, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 3:17 pm
Alice Fulgione
I used to teach my students how to write Haiku poems but I never thought about using Haiku words and poems to stimulate story ideas. I’ll certainly give this method a try!
January 30, 2021 at 3:26 pm
marnijlo
I love a good challenge to get my brain stretching in new directions. Thank you for sharing this idea and I look forward to reading your new book!
January 30, 2021 at 3:30 pm
tracivw
This is such a great exercise. I forgot how fun writing haiku is. Thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 3:31 pm
Kelly Vavala
I really like this! It sounds like a lot of fun! Haven’t written a Haiku since English class but I’d love to give it a try again! Thank you for sharing! Love your inspiration it’s catchy!
January 30, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Sarah Skolfield
Poetry is very far out of my comfort zone but this exercise might be doable for me. And it I can see how it would spark creativity. Thank you for sharing and congrats on your debut PB!
January 30, 2021 at 3:43 pm
boygirlparty
I love the haiku practice you started! and the way they look all typewritten together in a jar. what a creative idea!
January 30, 2021 at 3:43 pm
Freda Lewkowicz
This is an amazing post. I have to go back and reread it.
January 30, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Never thought of doing up haikus like this before. Thanks!
January 30, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Julie Reich
What a clever idea! Very cool that you got Rita Williams-Garcia involved too.
January 30, 2021 at 4:25 pm
kiwijenny
Haiku cool I like this idea. It’s so random.
January 30, 2021 at 4:27 pm
jenlinville2021
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Dawn Young
💛Amanda, Can’t wait to try haiku for two! Great idea.💛
January 30, 2021 at 4:48 pm
bonzerb
Such a cool idea, thanks Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Judy Sobanski
I love how reading a book and writing the haiku based on two words can spark an idea! Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2021 at 5:21 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks you for all the clever ideas!
January 30, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Coral Jenrette
What a wonderful idea — love this!
January 30, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Susan Cabael
Your haiku creations are beautiful and I love how they’re inspired by other books. Quite a challenge, and one that I love for so many reasons. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 30, 2021 at 6:22 pm
Shannon Fossett
Thank you for sharing! I was inspired! I did one right away before I even commented here! Thanks for the quick creative inspiration to get ideas flowing!
January 30, 2021 at 6:23 pm
Mary Zychowicz
Great idea! Thank you for sharing this.
January 30, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for the inspiration, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 6:36 pm
AlisonMarcotte
I’m definitely going to try this to generate more story ideas! Thanks for the great post — proud to be in the 21 For the Books debut group with you!
January 30, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Lauri Meyers
Haiku from Two is so random! And I love it for that. Look at the beautiful poems and art that came from two words. I definitely want to play along.
January 30, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Judy Bryan
What a great exercise! Thank you, Amanda. Congrats on 30,000 STITCHES. I’m looking forward to reading it!
January 30, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Val McC
I love haikus so choosing 2 words and creating is an excellent exercise — thanks, Amanda!
January 30, 2021 at 7:25 pm
Abby Wooldridge
I LOVE this post, Amanda! I love Haiku and am always thankful for the creativity it inspires. What a cool idea to use two words from a book to write one. I saw in a 12×12 post last year a quote from Julie Rowan-Zoch. She said, “Poetry opens a mind-window painted shut.” I love it! I started #52Haiku last year with the goal of writing at least one Haiku per week. I did fairly well in January and February, but then March happened, and there went that… I’ve started again this year though, and I can’t wait to try some Haiku From Two, too! Thank you so much for this inspiration! 🙂
January 30, 2021 at 7:47 pm
Jill Friestad-Tate
Wow! What a wealth of information and ideas in this post, thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 9:05 pm
Laurel Goodluck
I heard Jane Yolen speak and she begins her days with a poem. I have tried this warm up exercise a great way to start my writing days. I love your process with Haiku’s. Thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 9:33 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I am amazed at all of the creative ideas out there that can help us with writing ideas. Thank you for sharing your haiku ideas.
January 30, 2021 at 9:50 pm
Michelle H. Losardo
Amanda, I can’t wait to read 30,000 STITCHES and begin the Haiku for Two Challenge! What a wonderful inspirational activity and way to connect with fellow creatives!
January 30, 2021 at 9:51 pm
Peggy Dobbs
This is quite an inspiring post! Thank you. And I look forward to reading 30,000 Stitches. It sounds like such a wonderful story.
January 30, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Ave Maria Cross
I love writing haikus! Yes, they can turn into bigger ideas — how creative. Thanks for sharing your creative process.
January 30, 2021 at 11:04 pm
Sallye O'Rourke
inspiring! thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 11:18 pm
Kimiko Wadriski
I was a bit late to this post – but I had a BLAST at the Multicultural Children’s Book Day! And I’m beyond grateful to come back to this post. Your haiku challenge is definitely one that I will be taking on in February as a personal push to get back into poetry in short snips. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 11:35 pm
Sheri Graubert
Smart ideas spark thoughts
Head full and to the toes full
Story stormed green shoots
Thank you!
January 30, 2021 at 11:48 pm
writersideup
Amanda, I’m SUCH a fan of haikus, but never heard of the challenge. It’s a great way to spark ideas. I’m thinking it might be cool to close your eyes and bring your finger down to see what words you choose 😉 Great post!
January 31, 2021 at 12:01 am
Patricia J Holloway
I love haikus and I adore your challenge! Thank you so much. Congratulations on your interesting books!
January 31, 2021 at 12:08 am
jilltatara
Such a fantastic post! Thank you! I’m totally going to start haikuing it up!
January 31, 2021 at 12:33 am
Gaby
Amanda belong to Storystorm 2021 as a group of learners, and growing together is great!!! Doing Haiku will keep me connect with my writing process the rest of the year 2021, Thanks!!!
January 31, 2021 at 12:42 am
Nancy Vona
Congratulations on the upcoming publication of your picture book!
January 31, 2021 at 1:13 am
Renner Writes (@barbararenner)
What a great post, thank you. I’d love to take part in the Haiku challenge. I’m reading “The Friday Night Knitting Club.” Here are my words: sketching & ripping.
Sketching the sunset
Colors of yellow and orange
Sun ripping through blue.
January 31, 2021 at 2:03 am
storiesbythesea
Love this haiku challenge!!
January 31, 2021 at 2:53 am
ingridboydston
My daughter and I love to ply the game Haiku You. This is right up my alley. Thanks Amanda! Maybe I’ll start w a 30,000 stitches haiku!
January 31, 2021 at 5:35 am
Misty Morris
My daughter’s teacher taught her (and myself) the trick of counting your chin movements. This was such a fun challenge. I’ll try and post some on Instagram!
January 31, 2021 at 6:32 am
Shanie Cooper
I am so not a poetry writer, but I tried this with 2 books I’m reading (Age of Auroras by Shari L. Tapscott and The Return of Sherlock Holmes) and got 2 haikus, and 2 book ideas, out of it (Medicine Games and Steel Lunch). Thank you for this fantastic inspiration tool!
January 31, 2021 at 7:31 am
🇵🇪Sara Fajardo🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
What a wonderful way to find inspiration and create new works from the books we read. Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 8:14 am
JC
Such a wonderful way to get started, thank you for this !
January 31, 2021 at 8:23 am
Betsy Devany
Love this challenge! Thank you for your wonderful post and inspiration!
January 31, 2021 at 8:27 am
Cheryl Kula
I just taught my daughter haiku. I may try this exercise with her for homeschool.
January 31, 2021 at 8:51 am
Kimberly Lee (@kimlsywrites)
What a wonderful exercise! Thank you, Amanda 🙂
January 31, 2021 at 9:00 am
littleredstoryshed
I absolutely LOVE this idea, Amanda! Thank you for introducing me to #HaikuForTwo
January 31, 2021 at 9:22 am
DaNeil Olson
Love, love, love this idea! Thank you.
January 31, 2021 at 9:48 am
Naana Amissah
Thanks. Amanda, lots of nuggets for inspiration to find ways to create stories. I will be looking for those two words in everything I see now and writing Haikus for Two.
January 31, 2021 at 9:49 am
doreenrobinson
What an intriguing, interesting and inspiring activity! I love this concept.
January 31, 2021 at 10:17 am
yangmommy
I tend to shy away from Haiku but maybe that’s the exact reason I should explore it! And great reading list, btw!
January 31, 2021 at 10:28 am
erintsiska
So inspiring, Amanda! Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 10:55 am
Becky Falkum
As someone who struggles to come up with unique ideas for stories, I absolutely love the Haiku from Two exercise. Thank you!!
January 31, 2021 at 11:09 am
ssspice
Well my haiku skills need some work but I love this concept. Thus exercise definitely pushed my brain in a new direction.
January 31, 2021 at 11:43 am
Artsybarncat
Wow!! Such a fun creative approach!
Love and can’t wait to try this!!
January 31, 2021 at 12:01 pm
writeknit
Your post is downright fun! I’m not a poet, but I can do a Haiku. Thanks for the great tips.
January 31, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Megan Litwin
LOVE this idea, Amanda…and love your wide-ranging creativity! What speaks to me most is the idea of really honing in on specific words while reading, which I tend to do. But I never thought of then creating something new with those words! I’ll have to give this a try…
January 31, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Michele Ziemke
What a fun activity, Amanda! I’m going to challenge myself to this for every picture book I read this year! ❤️❤️❤️
January 31, 2021 at 12:14 pm
jimchaize1
I will give this a try. Thanks, Amanda.
January 31, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Amy Fae
I love this idea! thank you so much, Amanda!
January 31, 2021 at 12:18 pm
heatherbell37
Love this concept for keeping ideas flowing! I’ve never really tried Haiku before, but there’s never a better time than now 🙂
January 31, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Love this, Amanda! It’ll help me engage with my own “to-be-read” pile, and haiku always gets my creative energy flowing.
January 31, 2021 at 12:24 pm
susaninez0905
What a great idea! I am going to give it a go. Thanks Amanda. 🙂
January 31, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Susan Schade
This is such an interesting way to brainstorm and generate new ideas. I can’t wait to try it-Thank you!!
January 31, 2021 at 12:49 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher 🇨🇦📚❤️✍️🖖😃 (@AnneLeBlanc2)
I LOVE it when reading and writing can go together – both as a teacher and as a reader and writer! One inspires the other. Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 12:57 pm
Zoraida Rivera
I love poetry so I will, definitely, try this. Great reading list! Best with your book.
January 31, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Joy Pitcairn
Really interesting way to generate ideas! I’ll have to try it. Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Wendy
This post got me all tingly! Such a great idea, Amanda! Thanks for sharing it with us.
January 31, 2021 at 2:44 pm
Adriana Bergstrom
Harnessing haiku
to refresh storytelling
makes a lot of sense
January 31, 2021 at 3:18 pm
jennyb_writes
This is going to be so fun! I’ve been rereading all the newbery and caldecott winners.
January 31, 2021 at 3:30 pm
Heather Kelso
Congratulations on your upcoming picture book.
Thank you for the idea, off to read and grab two words for a Haiku.
January 31, 2021 at 4:15 pm
bgonsar
Great prompt Amanda!
January 31, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Melissa McDaniel
So many beautiful words! Thanks, Amanda!
January 31, 2021 at 4:26 pm
sloanejacobs
Love this idea! Going to have to give it a try. Thanks for the great prompt! Congrats on your upcoming release!
January 31, 2021 at 4:27 pm
annmdk
Very clever!
January 31, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Deborah W. Trotter
I love your haikus. I dabble in them, too, and your suggestion is brilliant!
January 31, 2021 at 5:22 pm
January 2021 Bookish Resolutions Wrap-up | Shoe's Seeds & Stories
[…] I love this idea of taking two words from the current book that you are reading and creating a haiku poem from it. You can read more about it in this Storystorm post. […]
January 31, 2021 at 5:23 pm
dlapmandi
Haiku scares me to death but you make sound something everyone can do. Thanks for the post.
January 31, 2021 at 5:36 pm
claireannette1
I love creative challenges and I love haiku so this is a great suggestion for me. Congratulations on your upcoming book.
January 31, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Renata Wurster
I love the 30 days of Haikus! A good challenge to take on!
January 31, 2021 at 5:52 pm
junegraham
I’m not good at poetry but a haiku sounds almost manageable. Like the idea of the random words for inspiration
January 31, 2021 at 5:53 pm
junegraham
I like the idea of the random words for inspiration
January 31, 2021 at 5:54 pm
triciacandy
This is such an amazing exercise! Oh, my. I haven’t written a haiku since high school. Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 6:12 pm
Kristin Sawyer
I love this! Can’t wait to try. Thank you!
January 31, 2021 at 6:32 pm
@carriecookhere Carrie Cook
Sounds fun. My kids may want to do this with me!
January 31, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for this great idea. I follow you on Twitter so I will be anxious to see the results.
January 31, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Angela De Groot
Okay, I stink at writing haiku but this is such a fun exercise that I’m gonna do it. Using picture books from my towering To Be Read pile. Thanks, Amanda. I’m going to tag you on Twitter – hope you aren’t sorry 🙂
January 31, 2021 at 7:25 pm
rosihollinbeck
What fun ideas
Born from these activities
To help my writing.
Thanks for the post!
January 31, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Masha Sapron
this is great! I text haiku’s to my friends about our periods, husbands or birthday cake lol. Have not thought of making them public but love the idea of pulling words from books to inspre!
January 31, 2021 at 7:36 pm
teacherwriteracker
What a clever challenge you set for yourself! I hope I can rise to create one.
January 31, 2021 at 7:44 pm
Bettie Boswell
This such a fun idea! Thanks for the challenge.
January 31, 2021 at 8:12 pm
Bhandi
I’m totally going to do this on instagram!
January 31, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Anita Banks
How fun!
January 31, 2021 at 10:02 pm
Jen Walsh Hawks
This sounds fun! Thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2021 at 10:59 pm
Mary Worley
This is a fun twist on haiku.
January 31, 2021 at 11:26 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
What a great way to write creatively, promote other books and authors, and connect on social media! I love it! Thanks so much, Amanda!
January 31, 2021 at 11:46 pm
Rebekah Lowell
This is my favorite thing. So wonderful, Amanda! Can’t wait to try this! Thank you for sharing. ❤
February 1, 2021 at 1:02 am
susanzonca
Amanda, what a great idea. Starting small and manageable. It gets us reading and writing. Thanks for sharing.
February 1, 2021 at 1:20 am
KRISTI BARTHOLOMEW
Fun idea, Amanda! I picked up a picture book that was randomly on my desk *random words* ROAD and PARTY… hmmm- fun idea to work into haiku. Also- I like the idea of using this for a sketch prompt! Thanks
February 1, 2021 at 1:29 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
Gahhhh, I adore a good haiku! When we feel stuck, they can do wonders to get our creative juices flowing again!
Words, ensnared, stopped up.
Dripping, trickles, spilling out.
Pour forth. Freely flow.
February 1, 2021 at 1:54 am
Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids
What a fantastic idea, and what a talented haiku writer you are! I’m definitely giving this a try!
February 1, 2021 at 3:31 am
Rachel S. Hobbs Gunn
That was interesting, thank you!
February 1, 2021 at 3:42 am
Jennifer
I like this idea! Thanks for sharing!
February 1, 2021 at 7:05 am
Melissa Trempe is writing (@melissa_trempe)
I love haiku! I miss teaching poetry! Thanks for all the great inspiration!
February 1, 2021 at 7:41 am
naturewalkwithgod
One of my Storystorm ideas is to play with haiku in a picture book, and your post talks about that very thing. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing this challenge. While I won’t be participating officially, pulling books from the TBR pile should help me immensely both whittle the reading pile and develop haiku ideas. What fun! –Kim
February 1, 2021 at 11:17 am
Kathy Berman
This sounds very interesting! I’m definitely going to try this. Something different for me. Thanks.
February 1, 2021 at 11:27 am
Brenda Grant Lower
Love it! One of my others ideas just became a haiku!
February 1, 2021 at 11:35 am
kirsten218
Thank you for this! Love this challenge you created!
February 1, 2021 at 11:50 am
Dawn M.
Great idea. Thank you for sharing!
February 1, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
Thanks for this amazing creative exercise.
February 1, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Jen (aka RandomlyGenerated)
Love that challenge
February 1, 2021 at 2:09 pm
sharon lane holm
interesting concept! I haven’t felt comfortable writing any sort poetry. Will have to give this direction a try.
February 1, 2021 at 2:27 pm
allyenz
Thanks for the fun idea! I love writing with constraints, and Haiku is perfect for that. I will be choosing words from EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE and posting with the hashtag!
February 1, 2021 at 2:36 pm
Heather Kinser
I do love a haiku challenge! Will look yours up. But…I’ve never checked to see if a PB idea might sprout from a haiku. Time to try this!
February 1, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Judy Palermo
I love this! What a great way to get the brain percolating with ideas!
February 1, 2021 at 5:13 pm
syorkeviney
Haiku, song of our souls,
A challenge set to be met.
Rises within us.
February 1, 2021 at 6:20 pm
angiecal76
Never considered using haiku like you have. I think it’s an awesome suggestion! Thank you.
February 1, 2021 at 6:44 pm
Katie Williams
I used to write Haiku as a child, and what a great way to get back into it! Thank you so much : )
February 1, 2021 at 7:21 pm
Alicia Z. Klepeis
Looking forward to trying some haiku. Thank you for the suggestion and for making the task seem less daunting!
February 1, 2021 at 7:25 pm
Nina Nolan
Wow. What a creative idea. Congratulations on finishing it. And thank you for sharing it. 🙂
February 1, 2021 at 7:49 pm
topangamaria
Great reminder of how cool haiku is and great way to play with words.
February 1, 2021 at 10:34 pm
kmshelley
Thanks for this fun and inspiring post!
February 1, 2021 at 11:15 pm
jeanjames926
Great post. Thanks for the fun ideas.
February 1, 2021 at 11:28 pm
meghan burch
Great idea Amanda, Thank you!
February 1, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Beth Elliott
Great idea. I love your type written poems and the hot air balloon illustration.
February 2, 2021 at 8:28 am
Audrey
I am always up for a practical exercise to get the juices flowing. This is fantastic!
February 2, 2021 at 1:28 pm
Paula Cohen
.Amanda, What a wonderful post. I can’t WAIT to read your new book! The cover is just gorgeous!
February 2, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Karen Pickrell
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing this inspirational writing exercise!
February 2, 2021 at 8:38 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Great idea, thanks!
February 2, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Susan Wroble
I love this idea! What an inspiration!
February 2, 2021 at 11:49 pm
mandyyokim
Love this Haiku From Two idea – thanks for the inspiration, Amanda!
February 3, 2021 at 8:17 am
srkckass
Poetry is such a great training ground to for good writing because it trains you to think concisely and word usage. Thanks!
February 3, 2021 at 9:57 am
Cinzia V.
Hi Amanda, Love this post and this challenge! And funny enough, I have a haiku in Friends and Anemones. Can’t wait to see your writing.
February 3, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Thanks for introducing me to the Haiko for Two Challenge. It sounds like a great way to practice our creativity.
February 3, 2021 at 1:33 pm
Jocelyn Rish
*waves at fellow 21 for the Books member*
I love the idea of the Haiku from Two challenge. I did something similar years ago that I called 15 Minute Tweet Tales, where I’d pick an usual word and then give myself 15 minutes to write a story that fit in a single tweet. It kept me writing every day. I stopped when Twitter doubled the size of tweets because it ruined the challenge to have more room. Haiku from Two might me the fun alternative I need!
February 3, 2021 at 4:47 pm
Tasha Hilderman
This is such a fun idea! In high school a friend and I wrote a bunch of SPAM haikus for a challenge. They still live on the internet haha. Thanks for the post!
February 3, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Gaynor Andrews
What a great idea! I chose words from the titles ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and ‘Chicka Chicka Boom Boom for my haiku.
The winter wind howls
Boom! The purple shutters bang.
It’s a Wild Things night.
February 3, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Helen Lysicatos
This sounds like a fun and inspiring challenge! Can’t wait to give it a try! Thanks.
February 3, 2021 at 6:48 pm
Sue (Susan Uhlig) (@susanuhlig)
So great and inspiring.
February 4, 2021 at 7:20 am
Deb Adamson
Awesome inspiration!
February 4, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Amelia Shearer
This was a great activity to include my children in as well! Looking forward to using it again to kick start ideas. 🙂
February 4, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Yehudit Sarah
This is a fun and inspiring challenge. Thank you! I love how you can pack powerful ideas into this form, Love choosing the words.
February 5, 2021 at 6:26 am
sylviaichen
Wow, such a different way to create new story ideas, thank you!
February 5, 2021 at 7:59 pm
Dea Brayden
Truly impressive. Definitely will try this. Thank you very much .
February 5, 2021 at 9:52 pm
KASteed
Can’t wait to try this.
February 5, 2021 at 11:51 pm
Lindsay Brayden Ellis
I’m going to give it a go! I’m one part intimidated, and two parts excited.
February 8, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Kelly Conroy
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
February 12, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I did not expect to like this idea – but I love it! Thanks so much for sharing your book list too!