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Storystorm 2022 Day 5: Benson Shum Asks Questions

January 5, 2022 8:00 am

by Benson Shum

There are many ways to generate ideas. For me, sometimes it starts with an illustration. Sometimes it starts with a word, a line or a thought. Let’s start with the first. Whether you’re creating the illustration or have a painting that calls to you, there is almost always a story in it. If there isn’t, let’s create one. Start to ask questions. Think about every detail in the illustration.

• What emotion does the painting give you?
• Is there something interesting about the color palette?
• How is the character posed?
• What is their expression?
• What situation are they in?
• How are they feeling? and why? What are they wearing? Or not wearing?
• Could this give insight into who they are?
• Is there an environment? What does it tell us? where does it set the character in? Forest? A city? Is it a bustling city? or a slower paced location?
• Could there be a possible conflict?
• Conflict with their surroundings?
• Conflict with self?
• Conflict with another character?

Hopefully by the end, you will get a basis of WHO this character is, WHERE they’re from, WHAT is the possible problem and WHY. If not, that’s ok! We’ll try again, maybe we could add a character to it? Or look at the painting a different way. Maytbe place the character in a different environment. Create conflict. And start with the questions again!

If we were to start with a word, a line or a thought. I’ll use the example from my book ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU. If you don’t know what a kaiju is, kaiju is a Japanese term for “giant monster” like Godzilla or King Kong. I’m a big fan of King Kong, Godzilla, huge robots, giant monsters in general that tower over cities. So I wanted to take a twist on it. And started to ask “What if” questions. The thought or line for this story was “What if not all kaiju want to destroy?” That was the seed of the story.

• What if Anzu comes from a family legacy of destroyers?
• What if Anzu was different?
• What if Anzu’s superpower wasn’t like his families?
• What if Anzu’s power was kindness and gentleness?
• How does that make Anzu feel?
• How does that make his family feel?
• What happens when his family finds out?

These are some of the exercises I use when trying to come up with story ideas. Even if the idea or solution doesn’t make complete sense, jot it down. You can always delete/erase it. But what it does do is get the idea out of your head and onto paper, which leaves more room for new ideas. Thank you for listening to me ramble! I hope it was helpful!

Benson Shum is a children’s book Author/Illustrator and Disney Animator. He uses watercolor, ink and digital tools to create his illustrations. Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Frozen 2, Raya & the Last Dragon and Encanto. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Benson now lives in Los Angeles, California. Follow him online at bensonshum.com, and on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook as bshum79.

Benson is giving away a copy of ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU, an art print, and stickers to one random winner.

Leave one comment below to enter.

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

Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2022

Tags: Anzu and the Great Kaiju, Benson Shum

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815 Responses to “Storystorm 2022 Day 5: Benson Shum Asks Questions”

1. Great questions. Cute illustration.

   By Eileen Saunders on January 5, 2022 at 8:08 am

   1. Thank you for the great tips! Anzu the Great Kaiju sounds like the kind of book I’d like to read with my nephew 😃

      By CB Jarapa on January 5, 2022 at 10:30 am

      1. These are great tips and I’m loving the illustration!

         By erinquill8 on January 6, 2022 at 10:44 am

2. I am loving the kaiju

   By Finding Damo on January 5, 2022 at 8:09 am

3. I love what you said about writing it down even if it doesn’t make sense. I shy away from that and then later can’t remember it when I’m ready to flesh it out.

   By Sally McClure on January 5, 2022 at 8:09 am

   1. Great list of questions!

      By catpledger on January 5, 2022 at 11:05 pm

4. First of all I love the pew pew pew illustration! And secondly my daughter is enamored with the fact that you help create the the Frozen images (and encato). I think I’m going to get out my watercolors and paint and illustration and put the character in different settings just like you just described. Thank you!!!

   By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 5, 2022 at 8:12 am

5. I enjoyed how he stated that you can work on developing a story idea from a single illustration. That is how many of my stories begin, with the art, and working from there. Wonderful read, very helpful!

   By Lisa M. Griffin, Illustrator 💖 (@LisaMGriffinArt) on January 5, 2022 at 8:12 am

6. Thanks, Benson. Love the questions! And can’t wait to meet Anzu.

   By cinzialverde on January 5, 2022 at 8:13 am

7. What if questions are great story generators! Thanks for sharing.

   By Yvonne Ng on January 5, 2022 at 8:13 am

8. Thanks for sharing these strategies to generate ideas. Anzu is so sweet, and I loved the premise of your book.

   By marianariosr on January 5, 2022 at 8:14 am

9. Benson, I’m definitely going to try this. I look forward to reading your book.
   Gail Hartman

   By thecrowsmap on January 5, 2022 at 8:15 am

10. I really like the aspect of asking questions to get your ideas rolling. You presented a plethora of questions to get me started. Thank you Benson!! And love the illustrations! Keep up the great work!

    By lavern15 on January 5, 2022 at 8:16 am

11. I love this list of questions! As a writer, I could also challenge myself to ask these questions about an existing illustration in a picture book (to create a new interpretation). I also recently discovered this site with illustration images that could inspire ideas (it’s for kids but adults could use it too), https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/. So many possibilities for these great questions! Thanks for sharing!

    By Andrea Mack on January 5, 2022 at 8:18 am

12. I love the what-if questions.

    By Amy Leskowski on January 5, 2022 at 8:20 am

13. The questions made me think about my ideas from a different perspective which might spawn more ideas. So, thank you for that!

    By Brigita O on January 5, 2022 at 8:20 am

14. I love the idea of using artwork as a first inspiration for stories. Thank you for all the practical questions to start asking when forming story ideas!

    By Meghan Downs on January 5, 2022 at 8:22 am

15. This post and these questions are great! Thank you for sharing your strategies/tips with us. Also, Anzu is adorable!

    By Alexandra Alessandri on January 5, 2022 at 8:22 am

16. Great questions can lead to interesting answers.

    By Joyce Uglow on January 5, 2022 at 8:23 am

17. Love these reflection questions to support with the development of an idea.

    By Rebecca McMurdie on January 5, 2022 at 8:23 am

18. Great questions! I like your idea of starting with the picture. I find such cute ones on Instagram, now I know what to do with them!

    By susandrewwrites on January 5, 2022 at 8:23 am

19. I love this! I often just have illustrations and wonder if they could be a story. I’ll start asking them questions and writing them down to see where it goes!

    By SCody on January 5, 2022 at 8:23 am

20. I LOVE your illustrations!! Fun, whimsical, inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us.

    By katelynchwrites on January 5, 2022 at 8:24 am

21. Thank you for sharing your process and art. I look forward to meeting ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU!

    By Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 5, 2022 at 8:24 am

22. I love the concept of this book!

    By GP Bell on January 5, 2022 at 8:26 am

23. Benson, thank you for your advice. Your illustrations are adorable and I cannot wait to start asking questions.

    By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 5, 2022 at 8:27 am

24. Great post—thank you! The timing was perfect for me, as my most recent idea has grown out of a painting.

    By Lauren Barbieri on January 5, 2022 at 8:29 am

25. As a non-artist, I don’t typically think to start with pictures, but that might be a great way to get outside the box ideas! Thanks

    By michelemeleen on January 5, 2022 at 8:33 am

26. I love the picture of Anzu with the “pew pew pew” words around him, and the line you wrote for it. The art is beautiful and makes me want to read more. Thank you for the ideas!

    By anchance on January 5, 2022 at 8:33 am

27. I pre-ordered your book ages ago and can’t wait for my copy! Also, I love how these questions helped me tease out an idea from the Day 2 — ah, the joy of #StoryStorm!!

    By Audrey Perrott on January 5, 2022 at 8:34 am

28. Anzu is adorable. Thanks for this!

    By maureenegan on January 5, 2022 at 8:36 am

29. So helpful! Thank You! I am going to use your questions and examples to spark ideas – by studying the painting Two Sisters [On the Terrace] by Renoir

    By lizricewrites on January 5, 2022 at 8:38 am

30. Your “rambling” was extremely helpful, Benson! And great reminder that you can always delete…just getting ideas on paper is key. Thanks for sharing!

    By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 5, 2022 at 8:41 am

31. Thank you for the creativity bumps! Love your style!

    By Sonia Morris on January 5, 2022 at 8:43 am

32. The questions you pose will no doubt generate lots of ideas. Thank you, Benson! My kids and I have enjoyed the movies you worked on. I’m excited to check out ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU.

    By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 5, 2022 at 8:45 am

33. Thank you for the great suggestions! I’m not an illustrator but I love art and it often speaks to me.

    By Alice Fulgione on January 5, 2022 at 8:47 am

34. Even though I don’t illustrate, I always have images in my head. I think jotting down a list of WHAT IFS may be incredibly helpful to uncovering layers of a story. Thank you, Benson!

    By Andria Rosenbaum on January 5, 2022 at 8:51 am

35. I love Anzu! Thank you for sharing your process, Benson. Appreciate all your suggestions.

    By Donna Rossman on January 5, 2022 at 8:53 am

36. Writing it all down! Great idea. Thank you and congrats on your book.

    By lmconnors on January 5, 2022 at 8:55 am

37. The 5 Ws and How work so well, and the key that unlocks the story is that WHAT IF! Super helpful post! Thank you for sharing!

    By Ceil Than on January 5, 2022 at 8:55 am

38. The idea of pushing more and more with the “what if” questions was really helpful for me. Thank you!

    By Erica Jensen Shiflet on January 5, 2022 at 8:56 am

39. Great ideas! Looking forward to your book release this month!

    By mapollonio5 on January 5, 2022 at 9:00 am

40. Love this perspective, Benson. I got an idea right away! Thank you!

    By pmv2452 on January 5, 2022 at 9:01 am

41. Great questions! Thank you!

    By Joy Pitcairn on January 5, 2022 at 9:01 am

42. Great questions! Thank you!

    By Joy Pitcairn on January 5, 2022 at 9:01 am

43. Aww, thank you for sharing Anzu with us! 🙂

    By Sheri Dillard on January 5, 2022 at 9:02 am

    1. The idea of starting with an illustration and the questions you presented are super helpful. I am going to revisit the work of my favorite artists and personal photographs that are dear to me to spark inspiration.

       By Katie Marie on January 5, 2022 at 4:02 pm

44. Love this idea of responding to images. Earlier this year, after creating a series of illustrations, I attempted to write some microstories for each one. It was fun. If you are curious, you can find them at bit.ly/twit2book.

    By pauseability on January 5, 2022 at 9:02 am

45. Your ideas were very inspirational, thanks! And your character looks huggable. Any plush toy in the works?

    By Juliana Jones on January 5, 2022 at 9:03 am

46. It took me a bit to read past the first paragraph because i am besotted by Anzu! I just want to cuddle that monster! So you can see, your opening illo definitely exuded a positive response 🙂

    By yangmommy on January 5, 2022 at 9:03 am

47. Thank you, Ben! I love your drop down menu after the question of the MC being in conflict! With their surroundings, self, another character? Thanks, too, for the work you do bringing animated film into being. Looking forward to reading your Ferdinand the Bull-esque ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU! It sounds like a classic.

    By marty on January 5, 2022 at 9:05 am

    1. Oh dear, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to call you Ben! Mr. Shum, or Benson would have been way more appropriate.

       By marty on January 5, 2022 at 9:42 am

48. Appreciate how the questions help to flesh out the concept, especially all the what-ifs. Thanks for sharing your creative process, Benson.

    By Natalia Paruzel-Gibson on January 5, 2022 at 9:06 am

49. Can’t wait to get my hands on your book! Love your “what if…” questions. Thanks for the post!

    By wordnerd153 on January 5, 2022 at 9:07 am

50. Thank you! It’s wonderful to hear from an illustrators perspective.

    By Joy Wieder on January 5, 2022 at 9:09 am

51. I love coming up with the unexpected. Your monster is adorable. “what if?” always leads to fun.

    By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 5, 2022 at 9:10 am

52. This is a great reminder for me to find inspiration through pictures and illustrations. Thank you!

    By Christina Shawn on January 5, 2022 at 9:12 am

53. What a delightful MC! Great idea for a twist to the unexpected.

    By Marla on January 5, 2022 at 9:12 am

54. Thanks for bringing us KAIJU, there’s one on my block right now…sorry I gotta go…

    By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 5, 2022 at 9:13 am

55. Cute little “monster”!

    By Brandy Dixon on January 5, 2022 at 9:14 am

56. Great idea to start with an illustration! I am not an illustrator but often see pictures or drawings that inspire me! Loved his guiding questions! Thank you!

    By kurtzmom548513 on January 5, 2022 at 9:15 am

57. Super cute illustrations!

    By sweetspontaneous on January 5, 2022 at 9:16 am

58. Thank you for breaking this down into these simple steps. Your character is really adorable!

    By Debi Novotny on January 5, 2022 at 9:18 am

59. Thanks so much for sharing your process, Benson! It’s so helpful to be encouraged with questions that inspire details calling out to be part of a story. Your picture book sounds charming and its theme of Be Who You Are is such an important message to share!

    By Suzanne Lewis on January 5, 2022 at 9:18 am

60. Thank you! Anzu is a great character:)

    By flinn321 on January 5, 2022 at 9:18 am

61. Great post! Thanks for guest blogging!!

    By Vanessa Konoval on January 5, 2022 at 9:19 am

62. I loved this post. I’m pretty good at the ‘what if’ questions, but tend to overlook rephrasing them to get at a different angle. Thanks for the reminder. Love the illustration.

    By Teresa Beeman on January 5, 2022 at 9:22 am

63. As a writer who always starts a story with words, I love the idea of starting with an illustration.

    By Kathy Kelly on January 5, 2022 at 9:23 am

64. Asking questions is a great way to dig deeper to discover more about an idea. Thank you for this tip, Benson!

    By kswemba on January 5, 2022 at 9:23 am

65. Great questions! Thanks for sharing!

    By Robyn McGrath on January 5, 2022 at 9:24 am

66. I typically begin with a story and then sketch but I am intrigued by this approach and these questions help me dig deeper into my existing characters too! Thank you.

    By greengirlblueplanet on January 5, 2022 at 9:25 am

67. Great advice! I love the idea of asking questions BEFORE I get started, haha! As a pantser, I rarely do this!

    By brennajeanneret on January 5, 2022 at 9:27 am

68. Great questions! Curiosity may kill the cat, but it’s creative food for writers. Thanks for sharing your process, these questions, and your work!

    By Jane Heitman Healy on January 5, 2022 at 9:27 am

69. Great post – and great questions! When I teach poetry to students, I always tell them the most important part in the entire process isn’t the writing – it’s understanding your subject and how you want to approach it. And you can only do that by asking questions.

    By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 5, 2022 at 9:28 am

70. I like the idea of getting all the ideas out, no matter if they make sense or not. I often get bogged down with ideas, which I see now actually blocks new ideas. Thanks for the insight!

    By Lisa P. on January 5, 2022 at 9:28 am

71. Thank you for this, Benson. I have this strategy on my list for the month…I just need to find some quiet time with a cup of coffee to immerse myself in some artwork and enjoy the creative process!

    By Jennifer Phillips on January 5, 2022 at 9:28 am

72. I’m going to open a picture book to a random page and apply your questions. I can’t wait to see if it sparks any ideas. Thank you!

    By Tara Cerven on January 5, 2022 at 9:28 am

73. I’ve definitely been inspired by a few paintings to create new stories – but one this list of what if questions to use … will definitely be using these. Thank you Benson!

    By Joan Longstaff on January 5, 2022 at 9:29 am

74. What a wonderful take on kaiju. Thanks for the ideas

    By Jacqueline Johnson on January 5, 2022 at 9:30 am

75. Thanks for writing . Anzu looks adorable, I love the pew pew pew drawing

    By Sharon Lillie on January 5, 2022 at 9:30 am

76. Fun idea, thanks!

    By Jessica Coupé on January 5, 2022 at 9:32 am

77. Well done . . . I had a sweet ‘awe-moment’ the second I saw the illustration of Kaiju (a monster!).

    By Jill Purtee (P. J.) on January 5, 2022 at 9:33 am

78. Anzu is simply adorable, and I love how your “What if” questions brought his character to life. Thank you, Benson!

    By Midge Smith on January 5, 2022 at 9:34 am

79. Love Kaiju, Benson! And great advice on how to get ideas flowing.

    By pathaap on January 5, 2022 at 9:34 am

80. thank you. I find the what if questions very enlightening as I am trying to come up with ideas! Thanks for sharing your thinking with us.

    By Debi Boccanfuso on January 5, 2022 at 9:38 am

81. What a fun idea!

    By Rochelle Y Melander on January 5, 2022 at 9:40 am

82. “What if” questions AND write it down so you can make room for more ideas!! Thank you for sharing your expertise!

    By triciahinely on January 5, 2022 at 9:40 am

83. Thank you Benson! There was no rambling, only excellent advice!

    By Laurie Stewart Fortier on January 5, 2022 at 9:42 am

84. Thank you for the insightful post! I love how you say, “even if an idea/solution doesn’t make complete sense, jot it down.” Excited to try these pro tips!:)

    By Steena Hernandez on January 5, 2022 at 9:42 am

85. I’m going to have to take a closer look at my doodles! Thanks Benson!

    By fspoesy on January 5, 2022 at 9:43 am

86. Oh my gosh–Anzu is freaking adorable! Thanks for the ramble–love hearing process thoughts from illustrators.

    By Laura Purdie Salas on January 5, 2022 at 9:44 am

87. I love the twist on superpowers! Asking ever more “what if?” questions helps me dig through initial ideas into deeper ones. Thank you!

    By Keri on January 5, 2022 at 9:44 am

88. What a great set of questions to ask! Thank you for sharing.

    By Jay on January 5, 2022 at 9:45 am

89. Fantastic fact-finder for discovering a new character and story! Thank you Benson!

    By allisonrozo on January 5, 2022 at 9:45 am

90. A unique approach to generating ideas. Thanks, Benson!

    By annier1996 on January 5, 2022 at 9:46 am

91. Who couldn’t love Anzu, how adorable! The great “What if’s,” take your writing to a whole new level 🙂

    By Joan Swanson on January 5, 2022 at 9:46 am

92. I love characters like Anzu! Can’t wait to read. 🙂

    By Laura Renauld on January 5, 2022 at 9:46 am

93. Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing your thought process!

    By debbiearnn on January 5, 2022 at 9:47 am

94. Loved your very helpful lists of questions! Thank you!

    By jilltatara on January 5, 2022 at 9:47 am

95. Thank you so much Benson! I could marinate in these questions for a good long while. 🙂

    By Heidi Chupp on January 5, 2022 at 9:48 am

96. what a delightful turn on a monster story. Your art is very expressive! Thank you for the post.

    By ralucasirbu on January 5, 2022 at 9:48 am

97. I love this! Thanks for your post ~ it’s inspiring! And, the questions you ask about Anzu at the end of the post make my heart flutter with their gentleness.

    By karynellis on January 5, 2022 at 9:52 am

98. Even though not an illustrator, I can be inspired by art or a photo and use the same technique! I also enjoy the “What If” way of generating a story. TY, Benson. Congrats on ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU!

    By kathalsey on January 5, 2022 at 9:52 am

99. This is a great exercise and I love Anzu’s story! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    By Leigh Anne Carter on January 5, 2022 at 9:52 am

100. New fan!

     By Angie Baker on January 5, 2022 at 9:54 am

101. Thank you! Love your Andy character!

     By Kevin Treaccar on January 5, 2022 at 9:54 am

102. What a fun prompt. Illustrations and art are great sources of inspiration!

     By Jenny E. on January 5, 2022 at 9:59 am

103. Thank you! Another day and another avenue of thought to pursue. So many ideas! I have whirlwind in my head.

     By Susan Jobsky on January 5, 2022 at 10:00 am

104. Thank you for this post! I love the idea of being inspired by art and asking “what if” questions.

     By Adrea on January 5, 2022 at 10:00 am

105. I love asking “what if?” questions about my characters. Great idea starters here!

     By Stephanie Rondeau on January 5, 2022 at 10:00 am

106. Great post, Benson! Anju is absolutely adorable. Thank you for sharing your process for breathing life into him and his story.

     By Lucretia Schafroth on January 5, 2022 at 10:01 am

107. I love asking “what if” questions about my characters. Great idea starters here!

     By Stephanie Rondeau on January 5, 2022 at 10:01 am

108. Benson, I love this idea and all of the thought prompts. I have hundreds of figures (I am a therapist and I use sandtray therapy which uses figures placed in sand) that I can use for this storystorm!

     By Debra McJimsey on January 5, 2022 at 10:02 am

109. I love using “what if” questions for my characters!

     By Stephanie Rondeau on January 5, 2022 at 10:03 am

110. Thanks for taking us through your creative brainstorming process!

     By John McGranaghan on January 5, 2022 at 10:03 am

111. I love using “what if” questions for my characters! Great idea starters here.

     By Stephanie Rondeau on January 5, 2022 at 10:04 am

112. Thank you for sharing your creative process. What a great character!

     By Tara Cho on January 5, 2022 at 10:05 am

113. Benson, thank you for sharing your process. Great ideas. Love the idea of making room for new ideas.

     By Janie Reinart (@smile73777) on January 5, 2022 at 10:08 am

114. Anzu is too adorable – love him!

     By Jocelyn Rish on January 5, 2022 at 10:09 am

115. Great idea (the question generator), Benson. Thank you for sharing!

     By paulajbecker on January 5, 2022 at 10:09 am

116. This was great! Thanks for the awesome list of questions, Benson!

     By Genevieve Gorback on January 5, 2022 at 10:14 am

117. Great way to get a story idea. Thanks for sharing!

     By Rona Shirdan on January 5, 2022 at 10:14 am

118. Anzu is adorable!

     By Susan Lorene on January 5, 2022 at 10:15 am

119. Such beautiful illustrations and great ideas for developing a character

     By Jessica on January 5, 2022 at 10:15 am

120. Anzu sounds like an interesting character.

     By Bethanny Parker on January 5, 2022 at 10:17 am

121. Wonderful, thought-provoking questions! Thank you!

     By Lynn McCracken on January 5, 2022 at 10:18 am

122. I love Anzu! What a wonderful “monster.” And, I love the idea of asking “what if” for everything. Thanks!

     By jbbower on January 5, 2022 at 10:19 am

123. Thanks, Benson! I just used your method with a photo on my desk calendar, and I came up with an idea I’m excited about!

     By Jacqueline Adams on January 5, 2022 at 10:19 am

124. What an adorable monster. I like what you’ve done with perspective, visual and otherwise. I’m looking forward to reading your book.

     By Joyce Frank on January 5, 2022 at 10:20 am

125. This is helpful! Great questions! Thanks very much!

     By Nancy Ramsey on January 5, 2022 at 10:21 am

126. I think I’m going to have to go through my illustrations! I always have an idea when I create them but I haven’t gone beyond that scene to finish the story. Now I will. Thanks for the tip!

     By Louann Brown on January 5, 2022 at 10:22 am

127. What a cute Kaiju. Thanks for the ideas.

     By andreesantini on January 5, 2022 at 10:23 am

128. I love that “PEW, PEW, PEW” illustration. So adorable. It tells me just about everything I need to know about love your little monster and makes me love it. That’s a great gift.

     By Marilyn R Garcia on January 5, 2022 at 10:25 am

129. Thanks, Benson. I enjoy interrogating paintings and photographs-my own and other people’s–as a way of starting a story or scene. I like think about what the environment might smell like or sound like–physical details that the visual representation (painting or photo) wouldn’t necessarily give.

     By David Bernardy on January 5, 2022 at 10:26 am

130. Wonderful, thought-provoking questions. Thank you!

     By Lynn McvCracken on January 5, 2022 at 10:26 am

131. What if?! Keep asking this!

     By Sallye O'Rourke on January 5, 2022 at 10:28 am

132. Thank you for such wonderful ideas. I will be looking at artwork differently from now on. Anzu is going to be my inspiration to do so and often. 🙂

     By susaninez0905 on January 5, 2022 at 10:28 am

133. I like your lists of questions very much. I like the idea of meeting this new friend – an illustrated character – and asking ‘Who are you?’ which your questions enable me to do. Thank you, what a joy to read your thoughts and see your intriguing and beautiful – and funny! – pictures.
     Aprilclare 🌱

     By Aprilclare on January 5, 2022 at 10:29 am

134. What a FUN character you have created. The questions are so basic yet I usually forget to ask them…or write them down. Thank you for the reminder and I’ll continue questioning.. 🙂

     By Karen Lawler on January 5, 2022 at 10:30 am

135. Thank you for the inspiration!

     By Kathryn Powell on January 5, 2022 at 10:32 am

136. Thank you for the reminder to get the ideas out of our heads to make room for others.

     By Melissa Hastings on January 5, 2022 at 10:33 am

137. I like the idea of fleshing out the character even if those thoughts don’t become part of the story, it kind of helps to create a backstory for the rest of the characters (seen and unseen).

     By Michelle Dragalin on January 5, 2022 at 10:33 am

138. Always interesting to hear an illustrator’s perspective. Thank you for sharing!

     By Sara Ackerman on January 5, 2022 at 10:35 am

139. Love your illustrations!
     Thank you for such a thought provoking post.

     By N. Alison Colle on January 5, 2022 at 10:35 am

140. Art is one of my favorite idea-generators. Thanks for the excellent questions! I love your cheerful illustrations.

     By Gabriele on January 5, 2022 at 10:36 am

141. Your illustrations are beautiful. The idea of “What if” has so many possibilities!

     By marybeningo on January 5, 2022 at 10:36 am

142. Thank you so much for sharing your process. I love the questions. Very inspiring post.

     By Antje on January 5, 2022 at 10:37 am

143. Thank you for the reminder to get the ideas out of our heads to make room for new ideas.

     By Melissa Hastings on January 5, 2022 at 10:37 am

144. I love this exercise! It’s one I’ve done with students often. That’s for the reminder of how useful it can be!

     By Apryl on January 5, 2022 at 10:39 am

145. I love this exercise! It’s one I’ve done with students often. That’s for the reminder of how useful it can be!

     By Apryl on January 5, 2022 at 10:39 am

146. Think I’ll do this with some of my daughter’s art. Thanks!

     By Ryan Roberts on January 5, 2022 at 10:39 am

147. Questions are so powerful aren’t they? The mind is programed to come up with solutions, so the simple act of posing a question gets me spinning. Now I’m off to mine my illustration portfolio for ideas!

     By ellen seal ❄️ (@ellenseal_art) on January 5, 2022 at 10:40 am

148. Thank you, Benson, for sharing your writing ideas, Anzu, and providing so many questions. What a special treat to start today.

     By judyrubin13 on January 5, 2022 at 10:40 am

149. I learned about this last year and had a lit of fun with it. Great idea!

     By Hanna Geshelin on January 5, 2022 at 10:42 am

150. Benson, such a cute book! My grandkids will love this. “What if” questions are racing in my mind right now.
     Thank-you!
     Lucy Staugler

     By Lucy Staugler on January 5, 2022 at 10:42 am

151. Anzu looks like a great, lovely, fun character. Annie Guerra

     By Annie Guerra on January 5, 2022 at 10:42 am

152. Always what if….

     Jill Stuck

     By jillcstuck on January 5, 2022 at 10:45 am

153. Loved seeing the watercolor of Anzu and his tiny friend. Heartening to know that the cool kids still use “analog” art supplies!

     By Susan Claus on January 5, 2022 at 10:50 am

154. I often get ideas from doodling first with nothing in mind. Just a free draw that turns into a free write. It’s a great way to find some unexpected nuggets. But that list of questions you wrote is a so much more organized and could lead to an unexpected idea that’s more fleshed out. So helpful!

     By Hollie Michaels on January 5, 2022 at 10:51 am

155. Thanks so much for this list, I will be keeping it for future brainstorming and revisions!

     By jenfierjasinski on January 5, 2022 at 10:53 am

156. BENSON: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to ask questions in order to find not only the answers, but the hidden stories. I also appreciate your WISDOM to get our ideas down on paper (whether they make sense or not), so we can free-up space for MORE ideas in our heads–and hearts!!! THANK YOU!!! I LOVE your work!!!!

     By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 5, 2022 at 10:54 am

157. I LOVE Big Hero 6! I am now looking around my house at artwork, wondering “What If…” Thanks for the blog post and ideas!

     By M.R. Street on January 5, 2022 at 10:55 am

158. Thanks for such a great post, Benson! These questions are great ways to get ideas, and I fully agree with you: get those ideas out of your head and onto the paper so you have room for more. I can’t wait to read Anzu’s story! 🙂

     By Abby Wooldridge on January 5, 2022 at 10:55 am

159. I adore this post. I use artwork a LOT for story ideas. I love your list of questions. Thank you so much!

     By Linda Mitchell on January 5, 2022 at 10:55 am

160. We love kaijus in our house!! Go Anzu!!

     By heathercmorris on January 5, 2022 at 10:56 am

161. Love the questions! Thank you for the inspiration.

     By DaNeil Olson on January 5, 2022 at 10:57 am

162. I’m more of a visual thinker, so I appreciate your ideas about how to begin with an image to generate story possibilities. Thank you Benson! (I am now going to get a copy of Anzu the Great Kaiju.)

     By Teresa Daffern on January 5, 2022 at 10:59 am

163. great list of questions!

     By Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede) on January 5, 2022 at 10:59 am

164. Thank you, Benson! These are great exercises!

     By triciacandy on January 5, 2022 at 11:00 am

165. Great tips. I think asking questions often inspires us to take our stories in unexpected directions.

     By Janna DeYoung on January 5, 2022 at 11:01 am

166. Fantastic illustrations and sounds like a fab story. My sons are obsessed with unusual super powers at the moment. I’m not an illustrator but looking forward to trying to develop plots from a character drawing.

     By Gemma Bushell on January 5, 2022 at 11:01 am

167. Love your illustrations. Thanks for the great ideas.

     By Cindy on January 5, 2022 at 11:01 am

168. I needed this tip and inspiration so much!! Thank you for your wisdom.

     By Mary Helen Epps on January 5, 2022 at 11:07 am

169. Fantastic post! Thank you for sharing!

     By Janice Woods on January 5, 2022 at 11:08 am

170. Anzu has little spines down his back… Or are they wings? Can he fly? How does that make him feel? How does his family react?
     Thanks for pulling our attention to the details of an illustration to generate ideas!

     By 8catpaws on January 5, 2022 at 11:13 am

171. Great questions! P.S. from this post, Anzu reminds me of Ferdinand the Bull, who I adore.

     By Anita Palmeri Overgaard on January 5, 2022 at 11:17 am

172. I will try checking some pictures and images about topics I want to write to see if it can give me some great ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.

     By asiqueira1307 on January 5, 2022 at 11:17 am

173. Thanks for the tips on how to question an image to bring out a story!

     By Melanie Ellsworth on January 5, 2022 at 11:18 am

174. This list of questions is fantastic! Thanks, Benson!

     By Kimberly Wilson on January 5, 2022 at 11:19 am

175. Nice reminder to think of the “what if” questions!

     By laurelneme on January 5, 2022 at 11:19 am

176. Creating characters that we get to know through imagery is a huge help to finding the story. Thanks for your post!

     By Kate on January 5, 2022 at 11:20 am

177. “What ifs” are great tools!

     By Mara K Lansky on January 5, 2022 at 11:20 am

178. Thanks for sharing. The more we know about a character, the deeper we can dive into problems and build multiple layers. I love using pictures to get the creative juices flowing in my first grade class. It is amazing how many different stories can come from the same picture.

     By matthewlasley on January 5, 2022 at 11:20 am

179. Thank you for sharing your fabulous list of questions, Benson!

     By heidikyates on January 5, 2022 at 11:21 am

180. Thank you for the list of questions to spark ideas! I can’t wait to read your book!

     By Diane O'Neill on January 5, 2022 at 11:21 am

181. Art is a great way to generate ideas. Thanks for the post!

     By curryelizabeth on January 5, 2022 at 11:22 am

182. I love the list of questions for rounding out a character. Awesome!

     By carlislemalone on January 5, 2022 at 11:22 am

183. I’ve never heard of a kaiju but now I have so many questions about them. Great post!

     By Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth) on January 5, 2022 at 11:23 am

184. Thank you! This is such an inspirational post, I had a few ideas brewing before I even finished reading it! I can’t wait to read this book!

     By tracivw on January 5, 2022 at 11:24 am

185. I really love this post so much. As a teacher, I love to point things out to my students but truth be told, I appreciate Storystorm and authors on Twitter because I feel that it challenges me to teach my kids to look closely at subtle hints that tell us more about the story or characters….my kids now look for “treasures” in the book jacket, paper, pictures that tell us more! It helps us craft and think differently about what we are crafting when we write as a class. Teachers need these ideas and I personally thank you for sharing these lessons because it helps me grow so I can better serve my students.

     By Martha Vandivier on January 5, 2022 at 11:24 am

186. Thank you for this useful list of questions. I know they will be helpful when idea generating this month. Cheers!

     By rebeccacolby on January 5, 2022 at 11:24 am

187. Thank you! Just what I needed to start my brainstorming this morning!

     By beckylevine on January 5, 2022 at 11:25 am

188. What a great way to start brainstorming! Thank you.

     By Helen Lys on January 5, 2022 at 11:27 am

189. I love the questions that help develop an idea into a story or not. Thank you.

     By Cassie Bentley on January 5, 2022 at 11:28 am

190. I can’t wait to try this out! Thanks so much!

     By arndt4writing on January 5, 2022 at 11:29 am

191. Thank you for these great ideas and list of questions!

     By Viviane Elbee on January 5, 2022 at 11:29 am

192. I love looking at pictures, photos and paintings and imagining the stories behind them. Your questions provide an organizational framework that allows me to creatively explore my ideas. Thank you.

     By Deborah Ishii on January 5, 2022 at 11:30 am

193. Sweet story! Thank you for the inspo!

     By Crystal ES on January 5, 2022 at 11:30 am

194. Those questions are so valuable in getting ideas generated! Thank you!

     By thedayswehold on January 5, 2022 at 11:35 am

195. This sounds like such a fun activity!!

     By hfr2006 on January 5, 2022 at 11:37 am

196. So excited to read this one–love the title treatment. Congratulations on your book!

     By Jen Arena on January 5, 2022 at 11:38 am

197. Anzu is SO adorable!!!

     By Jessica Potts on January 5, 2022 at 11:38 am

198. Thanks Anzu!

     By Kathy Z Price on January 5, 2022 at 11:40 am

199. I love your Anzu :). so adorable. Great questions to ask while creating. Thank you for sharing.

     By MaryLee Flannigan on January 5, 2022 at 11:42 am

200. Thanks for the post! Your book looks like a lot of fun.

     By Sarah Meade on January 5, 2022 at 11:42 am

201. Thanks for a peek into your creative process, and for the great idea-generating exercise!

     By maryraebel on January 5, 2022 at 11:43 am

202. Thank you for the great tip. Time to take out a sketch pad

     By Jeanette on January 5, 2022 at 11:43 am

203. Thank you for your suggestions. Helpful starter questions to work from.

     By NC Karuzis on January 5, 2022 at 11:44 am

204. I love collecting pictures. Never thought to to ask these questions to round out a character. A great inspiration. Love Anzu.

     By lynjekowsky on January 5, 2022 at 11:46 am

205. Wow, asking questions like that certainly give one an excellent base to work on. It makes the character more real.

     By Liesl Couperthwaite on January 5, 2022 at 11:46 am

206. I love the concept of your book and Anzu sounds like such a lovable character. I need this book!

     By ranessadoucet on January 5, 2022 at 11:47 am

207. As an author only, I hadn’t thought to start from art. This was really helpful! Thank you!

     By Jayne TOMAN on January 5, 2022 at 11:48 am

208. BIG. MONSTER. Scareeeee. Not so much. Too cute for that. Love the yellow hue.

     By Matt Tesoriero on January 5, 2022 at 11:50 am

209. Thank you for the ideas and inspirations!

     By Julie Durr on January 5, 2022 at 11:52 am

210. So cute!

     By Kassy Keppol on January 5, 2022 at 11:53 am

211. A picture is worth a 1,000 words – or maybe we should say ideas! Thanks for sharing your super-helpful idea-generating process, Benson!

     By ptnozell on January 5, 2022 at 11:54 am

212. Great list of questions to ask! Love the prompt! Thank you!

     By Angie on January 5, 2022 at 11:54 am

213. Thanks for reminding us that asking a set of questions can lead us to many different directions. I love Anzu already!

     By Amy Bradshaw on January 5, 2022 at 11:57 am

214. Loved how you developed your character and how your book evolved. Wonderful questions to use to brainstorm. Thanks for this inspiration.

     By bevbaird on January 5, 2022 at 11:57 am

215. This is a great strategy for getting more specificity in your story!

     By Megan S on January 5, 2022 at 11:58 am

216. Very helpful post Benson! Always a joy to see your work on Instagram as well! Thank you 🙂

     By Andrea Yomtob on January 5, 2022 at 11:58 am

217. ANZU is adorable! Thanks for sharing your thought process.

     By kathydoherty1 on January 5, 2022 at 11:59 am

218. Thank you for the reminder to develop a chain of questions, a barrage of thoughts.

     By Deslie English on January 5, 2022 at 11:59 am

219. I will definitely try this visual method of generating ideas and characters. As a visual learner, I love how the different components of an illustration/picture/graph/visual can convey a wide array of ideas and emotions. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of ANZU. Pew! Pew! Pew!

     By Maria on January 5, 2022 at 11:59 am

220. I just love these Storystorm ‘sessions.’ Thank you so much! Sincerely, Pamela Mones

     On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 7:01 AM Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) wrote:

     > Tara Lazar posted: “by Benson Shum There are many ways to generate ideas. > For me, sometimes it starts with an illustration. Sometimes it starts with > a word, a line or a thought. Let’s start with the first. Whether you’re > creating the illustration or have a painting that c” >

     By Pamela Line on January 5, 2022 at 11:59 am

221. Thank you for the suggestion! I just got my idea for today.

     By Stephanie Gibeault on January 5, 2022 at 11:59 am

222. Who, what, where why..define your character. Then ask, ‘what if’ questions.
     The ‘what ifs’ build drama, differences arise and set up a dilemma. Got it.

     By brontebrown2 on January 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm

223. Thanks Benson – the best kind of ramble! Love words, love images can’t wait to discover my character, plot, story behind the questions!

     By sue macartney on January 5, 2022 at 12:03 pm

224. In school, one of our writing assignments was to start with an image and create a poem from it. This post is an excellent reminder of this exercise to generate ideas. Thank you!

     By Danielle Hammelef on January 5, 2022 at 12:03 pm

225. Love the illustrations and story questions. Thanks, Benson!

     By Deborah on January 5, 2022 at 12:06 pm

226. Thanks, Benson! I have several characters whose stories I haven’t figured out. Now, I’m going to go into a deep dive on each one.

     By karammitchell on January 5, 2022 at 12:07 pm

227. Character motivation is always so important to identify – thanks for sharing your process.

     By Matthew Watson on January 5, 2022 at 12:09 pm

228. What great ideas! This way of getting ideas onto paper really spoke to me personally. Thank you!

     By Stephanie S on January 5, 2022 at 12:11 pm

229. I love how colorful your illustrations are. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to seeing the characters you create in the future.

     By Dana Burkhalter on January 5, 2022 at 12:12 pm

230. Wow! These questions are great for character development! I literally copy/pasted the questions from this blog post and answered them about my newest idea…I found it super helpful! Thanks so much for sharing!

     By Molly Ippolito on January 5, 2022 at 12:12 pm

231. What an adorable illustration! And some great questions to consider.

     By kirstenbockblog on January 5, 2022 at 12:13 pm

232. Great tips and Anzu sounds like a wonderful story. Thank you!

     By Deb McGarvey on January 5, 2022 at 12:14 pm

233. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us. I think I’m in love with ANZU!

     By Cinzia on January 5, 2022 at 12:18 pm

234. Great post — and Anzu is so cute!

     By Renee Carter Hall on January 5, 2022 at 12:22 pm

235. Thanks, Benson! Love all the questions! Can’t wait to read Anzu the Great Kaiju!

     By Candace Spizzirri on January 5, 2022 at 12:25 pm

236. Love your drawings! And you’ve given me something to thinks about.

     By Janet Smart on January 5, 2022 at 12:26 pm

237. Thanks for this. As a “words” person, it’s really helpful to think about ways to tap into images to bring story/character/setting details and ideas.

     By Dawn Prochovnic on January 5, 2022 at 12:26 pm

238. Anzu is darling! Who wouldn’t love him?! Thanks for sharing your process. I’m going to apply the list of questions to my next idea and see what happens.

     By marty bellis on January 5, 2022 at 12:28 pm

239. “What if…” is a question I usually try to deflect from my anxiety-prone daughter’s brain. But I like the idea of using it to spark ideas. Thanks!

     By laureannawrites on January 5, 2022 at 12:29 pm

240. Benson, this was the most stimulating post so far and really started my creative ideas. I love “what if” questions and to turn something on its ear.
     You really got my mind popping with possibilities. Thank you.

     By Sheri Radovich on January 5, 2022 at 12:30 pm

241. What a great post about character development! Thanks for sharing!!!

     By JoLynne Ricker Whalen on January 5, 2022 at 12:34 pm

242. Thanks for getting my ideas popping today with your creative ideas to keep me creating. I loved your questions to ask my m.c. and to structure my next story. Thank you Benson.

     By Sheri Radovich on January 5, 2022 at 12:35 pm

243. Thanks Ben for the post and the giveaway. I love these questions!

     By Elizabeth Saba on January 5, 2022 at 12:36 pm

244. Thanks for this helpful post, and for putting a kinder, gentler monster into the world. Definitely need more of those these days! I love all the questions.

     By allyenz on January 5, 2022 at 12:38 pm

245. What an adorable main character! Time to start thinking of some great “what ifs”.

     By Daryl Gottier on January 5, 2022 at 12:40 pm

246. Love Anzu! So kawaii! Thanks for sharing your process.

     By rozanark on January 5, 2022 at 12:40 pm

247. I love using illustrations for inspiration and you have given me even more ways to do that! Thank you! Your book looks adorable 🙂

     By Margaret Aitken on January 5, 2022 at 12:43 pm

248. Thanks for the tips!

     By Cheryl Johnson on January 5, 2022 at 12:43 pm

249. I love seeing you here, Benson! Thanks for sharing about your process for creating the story of your adorable Anzu!

     By JaNayBW on January 5, 2022 at 12:43 pm

250. This is a great way to start a story about a character. I have done this with trees that look like they have faces while walking with my children when they were young and now with my grandchildren. Oral storytelling got them to use their imaginations.

     By Debora Ferrier on January 5, 2022 at 12:45 pm

251. Great idea! I love hearing your inspirations Benson. =)

     By jenabenton on January 5, 2022 at 12:46 pm

252. Thanks, Ben! I love the idea of a character’s nature not being like the rest of his people! Your illustrations are amazing!
     Thank you also, for the suggestions to ask questions. I appreciate another tool to get stories out of my head and on to the paper!

     By Michele Rietz on January 5, 2022 at 12:47 pm

253. Thank you Benson 😊

     By Olivia Rehfield on January 5, 2022 at 12:51 pm

254. I can’t get over the Pew, Pew, Pew. LOL!!!! I love your focused questions for a picture prompt. Thanks!

     By nrompella on January 5, 2022 at 12:54 pm

255. I’m typically a person who thinks of situations (rather than characters) first, so this focused exercise on character development is particularly helpful and not something I immediately do naturally. Thank you for sharing!

     By Elayne on January 5, 2022 at 12:57 pm

256. Good tips! Thanks, Benson!

     By ruthwilson48 on January 5, 2022 at 12:58 pm

257. Asking “what if” is always such a great starting point that I often forget to use! Thanks!

     By Laura on January 5, 2022 at 12:58 pm

258. Thanks for the great tip of looking to art first and asking questions! Also great idea to start with movies or icons that you love!

     By kskeesling on January 5, 2022 at 12:59 pm

259. Thank you for your time! Very helpful information. Best, Tammi Beck

     By Tammi Beck on January 5, 2022 at 1:04 pm

260. Great reminder to ask questions and dig deep. So helpful to hear about your inspirations, thank you.

     By Penelope McNally on January 5, 2022 at 1:05 pm

261. I’m often inspired by images, but didn’t know the right questions to ask myself to get from an image to a story. This was a great post!!

     By Sasha McBrayer on January 5, 2022 at 1:06 pm

262. Questions certainly get the juices flowing -great ideas! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

     By danielledufayet on January 5, 2022 at 1:07 pm

263. Thanks Benson for helping me leave room for story ideas!

     By Jany Campana on January 5, 2022 at 1:08 pm

264. Such a delight seeing your illustrations and hearing about your process, Benson! Thank you!

     By amievc on January 5, 2022 at 1:09 pm

265. Love Anzu. Thank you for sharing part of your process.

     By Susan Gruidel on January 5, 2022 at 1:09 pm

266. I love this idea. Photos and illustrations seem like a GREAT place to get new ideas for stories.

     By Linda Kay Chavez on January 5, 2022 at 1:11 pm

267. I love this idea! Studying photos and illustrations for story ideas makes so much sense to me.

     By lindakaychavezbooks on January 5, 2022 at 1:12 pm

268. Thank you so much for sharing this post! I really like the idea of looking at illustrations and asking questions–the what if questions seem to be the best!

     By Kristy Nuttall on January 5, 2022 at 1:13 pm

269. Thank you, Benson! What a helpful post and congratulations on your new book! Anzu is adorable!

     By Shirley Ng-Benitez on January 5, 2022 at 1:13 pm

270. I love the idea of adding to or changing an image to dig deeper for story ideas. Creative gold!

     By Emily Bertholf on January 5, 2022 at 1:16 pm

271. I love these illustrations. Ideas come from anywhere and definitely inspire our characters. I will definitely make a note on how to continue ton inspire and cone up with better and bolder ideas.

     By Thelia Hutchinson on January 5, 2022 at 1:17 pm

272. Your illustrations are adorable! Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Tootie Nienow on January 5, 2022 at 1:17 pm

273. Thanks, Benson for a terrific idea! So fun to imagine an entire story from a single illustration. I love doing this by scrolling through Instagram and looking at all the kidlit art. Congratulations on the new book!

     By Eileen Mayo on January 5, 2022 at 1:19 pm

274. Great questions.

     By Angel Gantnier on January 5, 2022 at 1:19 pm

275. I often surprise myself with what I think about when looking at an illustration. Thank you!

     By Jasmine Ann Smith on January 5, 2022 at 1:21 pm

276. Love your illustrations! Questions are great for focusing! Thanks!

     By Diane Mittler on January 5, 2022 at 1:22 pm

277. On my kitchen table is a daily art calendar. Today’s selection is a painting by Kazimir Malevich (haven’t a clue who he was) But his piece is title Morning in the Village After Snowstorm, painted in a cubist style. It evokes many questions as to what is happening in it. The two figures, backs turned to the viewer, are carrying pails, down a snowy street. Hmm…definitely a story there!

     By Marie Prins on January 5, 2022 at 1:24 pm

278. Fantastic post! I love your rambles!!

     By Tara Shiroff on January 5, 2022 at 1:24 pm

279. PEW PEW PEW! Anzu is so cute!

     By Stephanie Lau on January 5, 2022 at 1:25 pm

280. I love this exercise! I often use photos for brainstorming in a general way, but the specific questions here are fantastic. Thanks!

     By jhall2018 on January 5, 2022 at 1:25 pm

281. Thanks Benson! You helped remind me to spend more time with ideas and letting them percolate, asking questions to lead me to the story. Much appreciated!

     By Writer on the run on January 5, 2022 at 1:26 pm

282. Love this! I get inspiration from pictures as well. Great questions! Very helpful. I appreciate the tips!

     By Becky Walker on January 5, 2022 at 1:27 pm

283. Benson, your illustrations pull at the heartstrings! Thank you for your tips and great questions for us to consider.

     By Armineh Manookian on January 5, 2022 at 1:28 pm

284. Great questions and super art! Thank you for this post, Benson!

     By Judy Y on January 5, 2022 at 1:30 pm

285. I can’t wait to read this book about a different kind of Kaiju! Anju has such a kind, sweet face! I am a sucker for the magic and sweetness of Disney too so it would be doubly cool to win a prize from an author/illustrator/Disney illustrator!

     By Amanda on January 5, 2022 at 1:30 pm

286. Thank you, Benson, for sharing your process. Love the questions and your book sounds awesome. Congrats.

     By authordebradaugherty on January 5, 2022 at 1:31 pm

287. I follow Benson on Instagram, and I love his artwork. I also love these “what if” questions!

     By dedra davis on January 5, 2022 at 1:31 pm

288. Anzu is adorable. And I love the idea of exploring an illustration and mining a story. Thanks!

     By Jen Carmichael on January 5, 2022 at 1:32 pm

289. Great questions! Thank you. On another note, my children and I just saw Encanto and we LOVE it!

     By Leah Moser on January 5, 2022 at 1:33 pm

290. Benson, I like your strategy of jotting down “what if” and “how” questions. Seems like a great way to gain momentum once you’ve generated an idea (even a tiny idea!). Also, I want to give Anzu a hug!

     By jesseannabornemann on January 5, 2022 at 1:33 pm

291. Benson, I enjoyed your post! Even mid-read you had me thinking about a character I’d shelved some time ago. My character, my muse and I thank you!

     By Lori Mozdzierz on January 5, 2022 at 1:33 pm

292. I ask questions for a living (and am lucky to be able to do it) and it is always the door to new stories

     By ljh22o on January 5, 2022 at 1:33 pm

293. Thank you, Benson. You’ve reminded me that my very first picture book idea started with a picture!

     By Claire Blumenfeld on January 5, 2022 at 1:35 pm

294. Thank you! Love this post.

     By Sandy Belford on January 5, 2022 at 1:35 pm

295. Thank you for sharing your process with us! I love these questions and now I have more great ideas for my own idea-generation.

     By Amy Center Cory on January 5, 2022 at 1:35 pm

296. Great to hear from the illustrator’s perspective. Thank you.

     By R.G. Spaulding on January 5, 2022 at 1:36 pm

297. Thanks for sharing the great list of thought-provoking questions, Benson, and congrats on your book!

     By Teresa Rodrigues on January 5, 2022 at 1:38 pm

298. I love you how just keep asking questions until the story starts to form. I look forward to trying this out this week! Thank you!

     By amckelle on January 5, 2022 at 1:38 pm

299. What if things were different? Always a good way to get the imagination started. Thank you!

     By AC Perry on January 5, 2022 at 1:39 pm

300. This sparks an idea I have about a particular cryptid…I’ll be back to work through those questions. Thanks!

     By katrinadreamer on January 5, 2022 at 1:40 pm

301. You tease a story from a drawing…and you’ve given me an epiphany. I love drawing because creatures gallop out at you…Whoah! I’m getting an incredible idea…love your work. Hugs

     By kiwijenny on January 5, 2022 at 1:42 pm

302. I love the idea of asking questions. It really helps us dig deeper. Thank you!

     By Cristina Chan on January 5, 2022 at 1:42 pm

303. That “Pew Pew Pew” illustration is adorable!

     By Rachel Hamby on January 5, 2022 at 1:42 pm

304. As an author-illustrator I appreciate this so much. My two ready-to-sub books both came from an image I got stuck in my head so I feel very validated in my process 🙂

     By sarahsteinberg on January 5, 2022 at 1:43 pm

305. Anzu is such a love! Thank you for the great ideas today!

     By Susan Eyerman on January 5, 2022 at 1:44 pm

306. Great questions to ask ourselves! Thank you!

     By mariamarianayagam on January 5, 2022 at 1:47 pm

307. Thank you, Benson! Your post/ideas were very helpful. Your book looks wonderful, too. Congrats!

     By Kim A Larson on January 5, 2022 at 1:49 pm

308. I love using “what if” questions to generate ideas. And Anzu is a compelling (and cute) character! Thanks!

     By Gabi Snyder on January 5, 2022 at 1:49 pm

309. I love your post! Pew pew pew! So adorable!! Thank you for your ideas on ideas.

     By Kimberly Marcus on January 5, 2022 at 1:50 pm

310. Hello Benson, congratulations on your new book!! Love the character! Thank you for these great ideas. They help me to put them in action for my next picture book. 🙂

     By Yvette Pais on January 5, 2022 at 1:52 pm

311. Love your thinking process, Benson! Looking forward to donning my reporter’s hat again and taking an investigative approach here. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

     By Andrea MacDonald on January 5, 2022 at 1:52 pm

312. Thank you for the great questions to ask ourselves to get a story rolling!

     By jessicadunnagan on January 5, 2022 at 1:53 pm

313. Anzu reminds me of Ferndinand the Bull!

     By Rosalind Malin on January 5, 2022 at 1:53 pm

314. Love the information! Questions are going in my notebook.

     By Vickie R McEntire on January 5, 2022 at 1:54 pm

315. Does his family sing “We don’t talk about Anzu…”
     Thanks so much for the tip!

     By Brittney on January 5, 2022 at 1:56 pm

316. Great information. I think the hardest part of writing a story is coming up with an idea. I have a lot of ideas but many never turn into a story. Your article will help me possibly get some of the ideas on paper! Best wishes in 2022.

     By Leslie Eva Tayloe on January 5, 2022 at 1:58 pm

317. Thanks for your inspiration!

     By Margie Markarian on January 5, 2022 at 2:00 pm

318. Starting off today with a side of illustrative inspiration.

     By Shilpa on January 5, 2022 at 2:02 pm

319. I for reals collect stickers and post cards that inspire me to write interesting PB plots!

     By Kimberly Grace on January 5, 2022 at 2:02 pm

320. Questions are my favorite jumping off place! Perfect for any kind of writing or drawing or exploring…

     By Sue Heavenrich on January 5, 2022 at 2:10 pm

321. Thank you for these awesome tips! Usually my ideas come in written or verbal form, but I just “drew” some ideas and it was great! Thank you!

     By Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt) on January 5, 2022 at 2:12 pm

322. Great visual-stimulation tip –thanks!

     By Poupette on January 5, 2022 at 2:15 pm

323. I love the idea of generating ideas from art. Thanks!

     By Jennifer Roman on January 5, 2022 at 2:15 pm

324. This is wonderful. You reminded me how important it is to keep those questions about characters going in your mind. Writing them down is so helpful for keeping the ideas flowing. Thank you for your post, Benson!

     By Lindsey Aduskevich (@LAduskevich) on January 5, 2022 at 2:16 pm

325. I love this.
     I get a lot of ideas from art and love your what if? Why? Approach.

     Anzu looks great.

     By ajchannis on January 5, 2022 at 2:17 pm

326. Thanks for the list of great questions! I think the more you ask, the more the story takes shape. Wonderful inspiration!

     By rosecappelli on January 5, 2022 at 2:17 pm

327. Love the art–can’t wait to read this with my kids!

     By jamiethebookie on January 5, 2022 at 2:19 pm

328. Thought provoking and inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

     By savoringeverymoment on January 5, 2022 at 2:21 pm

329. Good ideas here. Thanks!

     By Cathy Lentes on January 5, 2022 at 2:21 pm

330. Great questions and great tips. Thanks, Benson

     By Laura De La Cruz on January 5, 2022 at 2:21 pm

331. Such great questions to ask. And I love the encouragement to write down ideas even if they don’t make sense. Who knows what might end up working!

     By savoringeverymoment on January 5, 2022 at 2:23 pm

332. I like the idea of starting with a photo or illustration to spark ideas and narratives. For non-illustrators like myself, the approach has an interesting circular quality for picture books- starting with an image to spark a story that will hopefully spark great illustrations.

     By David Filmore on January 5, 2022 at 2:24 pm

333. thank you! love your work –

     By Min on January 5, 2022 at 2:26 pm

334. Great set of questions to ponder! Thanks!

     By Christine Pinto on January 5, 2022 at 2:27 pm

335. Great post…thank you!

     By katiemillsgiorgio on January 5, 2022 at 2:29 pm

336. Great questions! Thank you.

     By Buffy Silverman on January 5, 2022 at 2:29 pm

337. Okay! Thanks to you and your generous post, I now have a new story idea. Next step: Open a blank Word doc and start putting down thoughts!

     By Mary Lou Johnson on January 5, 2022 at 2:29 pm

338. I grew up watching Godzilla (and Ultra Man…anyone remember him?) so Anzu the Great Kaiju would be a delight to read. I will try your advice- asking questions to get more of a story. It really helps flesh it out! I’m wondering how I’ve ever been able to write songs before learning so many author/editor writing tricks and tips. You all have raised the bar for me, but I’m up for the challenge. Benson, you know I love your Art. Seeing it in a book of your heart would be awesome. Happy New Year, congrats to all involved with the new book, and stay well everyone!✌🏼🎶🎨📚🌻😷

     By Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC on January 5, 2022 at 2:30 pm

339. great insights and process – thanks so much!

     By Karen Gebbia on January 5, 2022 at 2:33 pm

340. Love the What-If questions. Thank you for this insight.

     By Jennie H on January 5, 2022 at 2:33 pm

341. I love the questioning approach to help learn more about what the storyline is.

     By Jenny Boyd on January 5, 2022 at 2:37 pm

342. Thank you for this post! I love the idea of asking all the the questions to figure out the story. Thanks for sharing.

     By Ashley Bankhead on January 5, 2022 at 2:41 pm

343. Great questions to ask to move your story along! Thanks for sharing.

     By Cathy Stefanec Ogren on January 5, 2022 at 2:43 pm

344. Your Anzu is adorable. 🙂 Thank you for a great post.

     By Tanja Bauerle on January 5, 2022 at 2:44 pm

345. Anzu is adorable! I love that list of questions to ask about a picture!

     By Sarah Lontine on January 5, 2022 at 2:45 pm

346. Love the flipping of expectations especially for kaiju, Benson! I love Godzilla and King Kong and have illustrated my own kaiju since I was a kid. Can’t wait to see Anzu on the shelves!

     By Adriana Hernández Bergstrom (@adriprints) on January 5, 2022 at 2:46 pm

347. This is beautiful. Thank you.

     By Sheri Graubert on January 5, 2022 at 2:48 pm

348. Thanks for your questions. I’ll be using them, for sure!

     By Shari Della Penna on January 5, 2022 at 2:51 pm

349. Benson, you leave inspiration and encouragement everywhere you go. : ) Congratulations on, Anzu The Great Kaiju. It’s wonderful. Thank you for this post and all the what if questions to get story ideas flowing. Cheers to you!

     By Annelouise Mahoney on January 5, 2022 at 2:52 pm

350. Excellent food for thought. Thank you!

     By https://katiewalsh.blog/ on January 5, 2022 at 2:53 pm

351. Thank you for the details and questions. Sometimes I forget to ask myself questions about my character. I fly by the seat of my pants way too often. Now my next character has lots of questions to answer before his story begins.

     By kdgwrites on January 5, 2022 at 2:54 pm

352. Thanks for the ideas about ideas.

     By Christine Graham on January 5, 2022 at 2:55 pm

353. I love Anzio, can’t wait to read your book. As an illustrator, I always start with a character who just keeps popping into my mind. I put him/her in an interesting situation and see how he/she reacts. That’s just the way my mind works. Thank you.

     By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 5, 2022 at 2:56 pm

354. Great questions to consider! Thanks!! And congrats!

     By Marci Whitehurst on January 5, 2022 at 2:57 pm

355. Thank you for reminding me about the power of an illustration.

     By Jennifer on January 5, 2022 at 3:01 pm

356. Ironically, I’ve started keeping a file of paintings I feel might be a potential book. This is great validation.

     By Caren Cantrell on January 5, 2022 at 3:01 pm

357. Hi Benson! Thanks for detailing your process. Really enjoyed reading your thoughts.

     By K. Yin on January 5, 2022 at 3:05 pm

358. Thank you for sharing these questions and insights for coming up with new ideas! Anzu is beyond adorable!

     By donnacangelosi on January 5, 2022 at 3:08 pm

359. Luuuv yr illos! Thanks for the thoughtful advice.

     By Beth Auman on January 5, 2022 at 3:10 pm

360. It’s really important to get those ideas out of your head and into paper. Your reminder about being able to erase or delete it later is a reminder for us that we shouldn’t self-censor

     By Elyse Trevers on January 5, 2022 at 3:10 pm

361. Anzu is like a little ball of sunshine. So adorable! I love writing down questions and allowing them to process over time.

     By Sarah Tobias on January 5, 2022 at 3:11 pm

362. Anzu is adorable! Thank you for sharing the questions that sparked his story.

     By Carrie Tillotson on January 5, 2022 at 3:16 pm

363. Thanks, Benson, for your insight! I love the series of What If questions!

     By Polly Renner on January 5, 2022 at 3:17 pm

364. Thank you, Benson. I am excited to look for art and then find the hidden stories inside! You have also inspired me to create my own illustrations and to start a story from there! I think it’s time to play with the new art supplies I got for Christmas!! – xox Jen

     By Jennifer Bukovec on January 5, 2022 at 3:21 pm

365. Great questions to dig deeper into the story behind the picture!

     By Monica Acker on January 5, 2022 at 3:23 pm

366. Thank you, Benson, for all the questions related to pictures of words. These will all be great prompts to help me create story ideas. And best wishes on your continued successes! I look forward to reading your books.

     By Jeannette Suhr on January 5, 2022 at 3:29 pm

367. Great questions that will definitely help with drafting new ideas!! Also, the art in Anzu is beautiful! Can’t wait to have my own copy!

     By Jessica Milo (she/her) (@JessicaMMilo) on January 5, 2022 at 3:31 pm

368. Questioning everything and anything in your illustration is a great way to develop ideas for a picture book. Great article Benson! Thank you

     By Catherine on January 5, 2022 at 3:36 pm

369. I LOVE this! I am an illustrator (wanna be) as well, and this makes so much sense!

     By Mary Nelson on January 5, 2022 at 3:40 pm

370. I know many people who work this way and like your list of questions very much. The book looks adorable! Thank you for this insight.

     By Tina Hoggatt (@tinahoggatt) on January 5, 2022 at 3:42 pm

371. How wonderful to work for Disney! Enjoy your work Thank you!

     By Dianne Borowski on January 5, 2022 at 3:44 pm

372. Being an animator must be one of the best job in the world. Seeing what you create come to life and knowing that it will touch other people’s lives. I admire what you do.

     By Hélène Sabourin on January 5, 2022 at 3:45 pm

373. Great ideas for generating ideas! Thanks for sharing with us!
     Rebecca Gardyn Levington

     By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 5, 2022 at 3:45 pm

374. “Even if the idea or solution doesn’t make complete sense, jot it down. You can always delete/erase it.” Love it. You can’t edit a blank page!

     By Joyce Schriebman on January 5, 2022 at 3:46 pm

375. Thank you, I love your book idea and illustrations. I’ll be looking out to get a copy. Thanks for the questions too.

     By sareenmclay on January 5, 2022 at 3:51 pm

376. Thanks, Benson! I like the idea of clearing room in the brain for more ideas by writing any and all ideas down.

     By Mandy Yokim on January 5, 2022 at 3:56 pm

377. Thank you! Loved if you don’t know the who why where questions that’s ok!! Try again! Looking at it differently!! Look forward to reading this book!!

     By Connie Van Horn on January 5, 2022 at 3:57 pm

378. Thank you, Benson! I LOVE “What if” questions! Along these lines, several of my MSs have been inspired by my very young grandkids asking “Why?”

     By Debra Collins on January 5, 2022 at 3:58 pm

379. This was such a helpful post! So many great prompts and I loved how it progressed with more “information”. As a fellow Vancouverite I am so proud of your accomplishments

     By Reed Hilton-Eddy on January 5, 2022 at 3:59 pm

380. Love this! I work the same way. Most of my stories start with an illustration as well. I look forward to reading your book!

     By Kim Nolan on January 5, 2022 at 4:00 pm

381. Great post, Benson! This reminder is SO HELPFUL: to write down ideas even if they are bad, so to make room for more (better) ideas. And great list of questions too. Thank you!

     By Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner) on January 5, 2022 at 4:01 pm

382. Awww….Anzu is adorable

     By nicolesalterbraun on January 5, 2022 at 4:02 pm

383. Great questions. They will help as I revisit my WIP.

     By Bea Brown on January 5, 2022 at 4:04 pm

384. This is so cute! I love kaiju (especially Godzilla) I need to check this out.

     By Elena Horne on January 5, 2022 at 4:11 pm

385. I love the idea of creating a story from a picture. This is a method I use somewhat frequently and am happy to see that I am not the only one who likes to use pictures as an anchor point for a story!

     By Deavon Clement on January 5, 2022 at 4:11 pm

386. Thank you for the reminder Benson! In grade school I loved the “story starter” box of images we had in the classroom… looks like I’ll be starting a box of my own.

     By tinefg on January 5, 2022 at 4:22 pm

387. Great questions, and thanks for sharing Anzu’s story!

     By Lisa Billa on January 5, 2022 at 4:32 pm

388. Your color choices are inspiring. Your questions are creating storms in my head…thank you!
     Peace, Alicia

     By Alicia S. Gagno on January 5, 2022 at 4:33 pm

389. Anzu is charming! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on finding ideas by asking questions when you see a picture or photo.

     By Judy Sobanski on January 5, 2022 at 4:33 pm

390. You made me look at some of my daughter’s illustrations and wonder: what story do they tell?

     By Julia Lyon on January 5, 2022 at 4:35 pm

391. I have been stuck with a book for a couple of years. I will totally start saking these questions to move it along! Thank you

     By Jojo Kasala on January 5, 2022 at 4:36 pm

392. Can’t wait to check out Anzu! Adorable and important! Thanks for sharing these ideas and encouragement to ask all the questions.

     By Dena Davis on January 5, 2022 at 4:39 pm

393. I’m usually not too strong on setting, but I thought of two landscape pictures that always draw me in. Now I’ll have to start asking them some questions about what is going on just over that hill. Thanks for the inspiration.

     By TL Fales on January 5, 2022 at 4:41 pm

394. Thank you for sharing!

     By Amy Farris on January 5, 2022 at 4:44 pm

395. Fantastic post and ideas, thank you!

     By Audrey Day-Williams on January 5, 2022 at 4:49 pm

396. An update is so cute and lovable. And asking questions is a great way to generate ideas. Thanks for sharing.

     By carolynleillustrations on January 5, 2022 at 4:51 pm

397. Anzu is adorable! Thanks so much for sharing your idea process with us, Ben. 🙂

     By Mindy Alyse Weiss on January 5, 2022 at 4:54 pm

398. Hi Benson, Thanks for the post. Was Anzu The Great Kaiju also published in Japanese? My friend’s granddaughter is learning to read and might enjoy your book. She lives in Japan.

     By Sherry Smith on January 5, 2022 at 4:56 pm

399. What if…this simple questions opens so many doors and windows to creativity! Now I have a new love for kaijus!

     By lorisherritt on January 5, 2022 at 4:59 pm

400. Anzu is adorable! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!

     By Kathy Watson on January 5, 2022 at 5:00 pm

401. Anzu is so cute! Thank you for all the tips. I definitely want to start paying more attention to illustrations. I love how illustrators leave Easter Eggs in books. Michelle Nelson-Schmidt has explained some of hers on during her storytimes.

     By Amanda Malek-Ahmadi on January 5, 2022 at 5:09 pm

402. Adding ANZU to my library list. Thanks for your great post, Benson. Questions lead to questions lead to questions. And the more ideas we jot down to get them out of our heads (no matter how silly), the more we have room for NEW ideas. You never know which one will be the true gem.

     By Joannie Duris on January 5, 2022 at 5:11 pm

403. Thank you for the ideas and inspiration!

     By karinlarson on January 5, 2022 at 5:11 pm

404. Wow-you inspired me in the first paragraph! So excited to pursue my new idea-thank you! Congrats on your book:)

     By Karen Greenwald on January 5, 2022 at 5:14 pm

405. My favorite words: “what if?” Thanks for the questions.
     Love Anzu…especially Pew, Pew Pew 🙂

     By Sue Cottrill (@secottrill) on January 5, 2022 at 5:22 pm

406. I love Anzu! And thank you for the reminder to let one “what if” question lead to the next, to the next, to the next…

     By Jess Burbank (@jburbank) on January 5, 2022 at 5:31 pm

407. Thank you for letting us in on your thought process. Loved this post!

     By mariannasacra on January 5, 2022 at 5:35 pm

408. Love the start-with-a-picture idea. There is no shortage of inspiring pictures on Pinterest and Google Images. Heading over to take a look. Thanks.

     By Genevieve Petrillo on January 5, 2022 at 5:39 pm

409. Great list of questions to think about the back story of a main character. Thanks for sharing!

     By Marie Chan on January 5, 2022 at 5:45 pm

410. This looks like such a great book! I’m adding it to my reading list.

     By Stephanie Owen on January 5, 2022 at 5:48 pm

411. What a great list of questions to consider when brainstorming! Thank you, Benson. Looking forward to your new book!

     By Aimee Satterlee on January 5, 2022 at 5:48 pm

412. Benson, I like how you twisted a common theme to a more positive one. Sounds like a good foundation for a compelling story.

     By Ellie Langford on January 5, 2022 at 5:50 pm

413. If that was rambling, I’m grateful for it; it helped me!

     By JEN Garrett on January 5, 2022 at 5:51 pm

414. great questions! Thank you!

     By Heather Stigall on January 5, 2022 at 5:55 pm

415. I will review my illustrations of characters and see if there is a good story in them. Your list of questions to ask myself about my character illustrations will be very helpful in revising my work. Thanks!

     By Marlena Leach on January 5, 2022 at 5:56 pm

416. Anzu is adorable and I can wait to read his story!
     I enjoyed your “rambles” and will put those ideas in my writer’s toolbox. Thank you for sharing your process.

     By Mary Zychowicz on January 5, 2022 at 5:57 pm

417. I love the idea of using visuals to brainstorm ideas. Your illustrations are adorable! Thanks for sharing.

     By Pamela Brunskill (@PamelaBrunskill) on January 5, 2022 at 5:58 pm

418. Great advice, Benson!

     By brittanypomales on January 5, 2022 at 5:59 pm

419. Some really great questions. Thank you!

     By Clement, Laura on January 5, 2022 at 6:01 pm

420. I fell in love with that little Anzu from the first look! I’m taking up your great suggestion and look for a picture to dream about. Thanks, Benson!

     By Mary on January 5, 2022 at 6:03 pm

421. Time to ask some questions and inspire some storylines! Thanks for the ideas!

     By Keeping the Me in Mommy on January 5, 2022 at 6:05 pm

422. Benson, THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS stuck with me like glue. Congrats on your new book, ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU. I’m looking forward to its release! Thank you for the writing tips.

     By chardixon47 on January 5, 2022 at 6:05 pm

423. Thank you for the fresh perspective!

     By Shannon LaPuma on January 5, 2022 at 6:08 pm

424. Do you have a favorite thing to illustrate?

     By Bella Haeusel on January 5, 2022 at 6:10 pm

425. Great illustration.

     By Charles Norris on January 5, 2022 at 6:14 pm

426. Thanks for the tips Benson!

     By kaleegwarjanski on January 5, 2022 at 6:15 pm

427. Thank you for the great questions!

     By Mary Warth on January 5, 2022 at 6:15 pm

428. Your questions could serve as a template for other artists as they develop characters and stories.

     By Maureen Dowdell on January 5, 2022 at 6:20 pm

429. Oh my gosh. So cute that Kaiju. I appreciate the questions. It reminds of me of a technique from The Right Question Institute. To ask as many questions as you can so you get in the habit of generating questions. Thank you.

     By cmochowski on January 5, 2022 at 6:20 pm

430. I didn’t know the term Kaiju but I sure do love big monsters, too, Benson! One of my favorite games is “King of New York.” If you haven’t played it you should give it a try. Players are each a big monster and you are duking it out to see who gets to destroy the most stuff and take over the city. I like to pretend I am the monster when I play, and make lots of noises on my turn. I might drive my family/friends crazy, but roleplaying is half the fun. Your Anzu illustrations are adorable and that shade of yellow is so warm and friendly and happy. Oh yeah, the questions are also a great idea and though I don’t draw well, I will take some existing illustrations and give your What If brainstorming idea a try. Thank you for sharing!

     By loricevans on January 5, 2022 at 6:24 pm

431. Oh! I love the idea of a Kaiju. Thanks for sharing!

     By Sue on January 5, 2022 at 6:24 pm

432. What If that great idea becomes a Bestseller?

     By Stephen S. Martin on January 5, 2022 at 6:25 pm

433. Thanks for sharing so many starter ideas. I’ll try a few questions on my next character.

     By mona861 on January 5, 2022 at 6:25 pm

434. Thank you for sharing!

     By Susanne Whitehouse on January 5, 2022 at 6:27 pm

435. Such colorful artwork. I like the idea of creating an entire story from looking at one piece of art!

     By Mary Beth Rice on January 5, 2022 at 6:28 pm

436. Thank for sharing!

     By Susanne Whitehouse on January 5, 2022 at 6:28 pm

437. Thankyou Benson. Some great ways to dive into character.

     By Kaye Baillie on January 5, 2022 at 6:31 pm

438. I love writing down ideas to make room for more!

     By lsheroan on January 5, 2022 at 6:31 pm

439. Love that idea of using an illustration to get ideas.

     By Barbara Senenman on January 5, 2022 at 6:32 pm

440. I appreciate both the practicality of your suggestions here AND the spirit of play you bring to the process.

     By nycbgriffin on January 5, 2022 at 6:39 pm

441. I am great at asking questions, not so much writing them all down. Thank you for the constructive suggestion!

     By ingridboydston on January 5, 2022 at 6:41 pm

442. Great advice. I love the illustrations. Thank you for the inspiration.

     By Rae Harkness on January 5, 2022 at 6:50 pm

443. I like your starting point of asking “what if”. My additional takeaway is to take an idea or concept and turn it on its head.

     By Charles Richardson on January 5, 2022 at 6:50 pm

444. Love this! When I do author visits, I talk with the students about asking “what if” as a way to come up with ideas for their own stories. It was so fun to see that concept reinforced here!

     By Tracy Helixon on January 5, 2022 at 6:51 pm

445. Love this list of questions, and can’t wait to try them with some of the random images I bookmark for inspiration. Thank you, Benson!

     By angkunkel on January 5, 2022 at 6:54 pm

446. Great suggestion for coming up with ideas. Anzu is so cute!

     By stephaniemstories on January 5, 2022 at 7:05 pm

447. Yeah … Anzu is cute. Great ideas.

     By steveheron on January 5, 2022 at 7:05 pm

448. Great ideas to spark creative ideas – thanks!

     By Shelly Hawley-Yan on January 5, 2022 at 7:10 pm

449. I’ve never tried finding inspiration in a picture – I’m looking forward to it!

     By Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com) on January 5, 2022 at 7:17 pm

450. How awesome to be a Disney Animator and also create projects for yourself!
     Your brainstorming ideas will challenge me to go deeper into my imagination.
     Thank you 👏🏼👏🏼

     By Meredith Fraser on January 5, 2022 at 7:28 pm

451. Love the artwork! Thanks for the helpful ideas.

     By Haley Thomas on January 5, 2022 at 7:31 pm

452. Such a fun illustration–I can tell you’re an animator! I’ll be using your brainstorming techniques.

     By Nancy Furstinger on January 5, 2022 at 7:32 pm

453. Thanks for a great post…I love this technique of asking questions. Your illustrations are brilliant! Congratulations!

     By Melissa Stoller on January 5, 2022 at 7:41 pm

454. Thanks for sharing – great perspective!

     By faithkaz on January 5, 2022 at 7:42 pm

455. Thank you for a great post!
     Anzu is such a cute character he keeps making me smile!!

     By Chayala Nachum on January 5, 2022 at 7:48 pm

456. This reminds me I should doodle more.

     By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 5, 2022 at 8:01 pm

457. great questions. Thanks for sharing..

     By Linda Hofke on January 5, 2022 at 8:01 pm

458. Excellent tips! I am printing and hanging these right in front of my nose so I will never forget 😀

     By Naja (@NajaAparico) on January 5, 2022 at 8:10 pm

459. Had not thought of using an illustration as a springboard. Will keep my eyes peeled. Using a photo would lend itself well to this idea, too, I think. Thanks!

     By Donna Marx on January 5, 2022 at 8:12 pm

460. Thanks for all the great questions. A favorite idea generator for me is looking through #kidlitart on Insta. So many book ideas have come about because of a picture.

     By Aimee Jenkins on January 5, 2022 at 8:29 pm

461. Benson: Thank you for introducing me to the amazing Anzu!

     The list of questions you included in your rambles is outstanding.

     Suzy Leopold

     By Prairie Garden Girl on January 5, 2022 at 8:31 pm

462. What a great blog! Thanks Benson!

     By Jessica Hinrichs on January 5, 2022 at 8:33 pm

463. Great suggestions, Benson. And I love Anzu! What a great premise. Thanks.

     By Maria Marshall on January 5, 2022 at 8:41 pm

464. Very helpful post! Thanks for the thoughtful list of questions to ask when using an image as a prompt.

     By Lonna Hill on January 5, 2022 at 8:42 pm

465. Thank you so much, Benson! Such great ideas!

     By claudine108 on January 5, 2022 at 8:45 pm

466. It seems one question sparks another. Thank you for zooming in on this.

     By geigerlin on January 5, 2022 at 8:50 pm

467. Thank you for sharing your ways of questioning. It is a really useful tool that will definitely support me now and in the future I’m sure!

     By Nancy Rubin Fahmy on January 5, 2022 at 8:52 pm

468. Great post–thanks!

     By K Orr on January 5, 2022 at 8:53 pm

469. Great thoughts and ideas! I especially like the “what if” questions. Artwork is amazing! Thank you! 🙂

     By seschipper on January 5, 2022 at 8:57 pm

470. So cute!

     By Ashley Kirkland on January 5, 2022 at 9:04 pm

471. Pictures definitely spark creativity for me!

     By Candy Isom on January 5, 2022 at 9:05 pm

472. Thanks for sharing your process, and congrats on your book!

     By Julie Reich on January 5, 2022 at 9:12 pm

473. Great post. Thank you!

     By René Bartos (@rebpedmom) on January 5, 2022 at 9:15 pm

474. For me the nugget in this post is, “Even if the idea or solution doesn’t make complete sense, jot it down. You can always delete/erase it. But what it does do is get the idea out of your head and onto paper, which leaves more room for new ideas.” Thanks for sharing, Benson.

     By Judy Bradbury on January 5, 2022 at 9:18 pm

475. These are great tips and questions to generate ideas. Thank you!

     By Jennifer Weisse on January 5, 2022 at 9:19 pm

476. Wonderful list of questions to think about. Thank you!

     By Becki Kidd on January 5, 2022 at 9:20 pm

477. Thank you for the helpful questions and what-ifs.

     By Margot Williams on January 5, 2022 at 9:20 pm

478. What a great way to find ideas! Love your illustrations!

     By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 5, 2022 at 9:20 pm

479. Thanks for your post- looking forward to giving it a try. Your book looks absolutely adorable!

     By Lindsay Bartlett on January 5, 2022 at 9:22 pm

480. Love these ideas!
     Thanks for sharing them!

     By Marcia Berneger on January 5, 2022 at 9:23 pm

481. Yes, I love asking why.

     By Rena on January 5, 2022 at 9:26 pm

482. Love asking “what if” about everything. Great ideas!

     By Josie Gawlowski on January 5, 2022 at 9:26 pm

483. Thanks for the ideas!

     By Vanessa Hancock (@HancockVanessa) on January 5, 2022 at 9:29 pm

484. Benson, Thank you for your ideas! As a writer, I think it is important to really think about the characters and their environment and how you imagine them. Even if we aren’t drawing them ourselves (!), we will know our characters better by asking the questions you mention in your post. Thank you!

     By writeremmcbride on January 5, 2022 at 9:42 pm

485. I love your work — so adorable! And what a treat to get an inside look at your process, Benson. Thanks so much for sharing!

     By ChangH on January 5, 2022 at 9:43 pm

486. Thank you for your post, I’ll practice by using both images and words…and see what happens 🙂

     By roberta abussi on January 5, 2022 at 9:45 pm

487. What are they wearing? Or not wearing? I like that. It’s fun to pose questions and then dream up answers. And see where they lead…

     By Natasha Garnett on January 5, 2022 at 9:47 pm

488. Love this idea of thinking about each of the questions asked

     By Kassandra mckown on January 5, 2022 at 10:05 pm

489. Thank you, Benson. Anzu is adorable. I love your character searching questions and I will give them a try.

     By Bonnie Kelso on January 5, 2022 at 10:08 pm

490. Thanks for sharing! Great ideas.

     By Sarah K. Rose on January 5, 2022 at 10:08 pm

491. Great way to approach a story, Benson. I’m used to writing nonfiction pb bios…where I usually don’t have to dream up answers. But I think asking these questions will definitely help me craft new fiction stories – something I really want to do! Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring post!

     By viviankirkfield on January 5, 2022 at 10:09 pm

492. Hi Benson, I love those “what if?” questions. Very helpful and fun!
     Thanks! Rebekah

     By 🍃 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌾 (@RebekahLowell) on January 5, 2022 at 10:11 pm

493. Great idea to come up with a story from an illustration. Thank you!

     By tinamcho on January 5, 2022 at 10:16 pm

494. I loved your ideas and the questions! Thanks for sharing!

     By Tonya K. Grant on January 5, 2022 at 10:20 pm

495. Love the list of questions. Very helpful. Thanks for the great post!

     By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 5, 2022 at 10:20 pm

496. Thank you for the inspiration!

     By 🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites) on January 5, 2022 at 10:22 pm

497. Your post so insightful! I like how you helped us to think like an illustrator. Thanks.

     By Jen K. on January 5, 2022 at 10:25 pm

498. Wow! How talented!

     By supermario6 on January 5, 2022 at 10:34 pm

499. OH, my! This book is simply adorable! I don’t think I can wait… *thumbs through and notices that it comes out next week! CONGRATULATIONS on this new release into the world! We are a Kaiju-loving family and I love your inspiration and idea. Thanks for sharing!

     By Juliann Caveny on January 5, 2022 at 10:37 pm

500. Such a great way to create ideas and also important points of what a great story truly needs. Thanks for the super advice!

     By girlscout72091 on January 5, 2022 at 10:42 pm

501. Such great questions to ask! Love this perspective on illustrations! Thank you!

     By deniseaengle on January 5, 2022 at 10:48 pm

502. Sunny, positive

     By Carolyn Overcash on January 5, 2022 at 10:52 pm

503. Thank you!

     By Susan Contreras on January 5, 2022 at 10:57 pm

504. I love this color palette. Gorgeous illustrations and great questions to ask when developing a story idea. Thank you!

     By candicewolff on January 5, 2022 at 11:04 pm

505. Anzu is adorable. I look forward to learning how he deals with being different than his family.

     By Claire A. B. Freeland on January 5, 2022 at 11:06 pm

506. Asking questions about a picture or photo is a good way to come up with an idea. I love thinking about what is happening in a photo or picture. I like the you go into. Great post!

     By Elizabeth Westra on January 5, 2022 at 11:07 pm

507. I love your list of questions! Such a great way to find/start a story!

     By Vashti Verbowski on January 5, 2022 at 11:10 pm

508. Illustrations always make great prompts. Drawing a character in mind helps develop the character as well.

     By Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) on January 5, 2022 at 11:16 pm

509. Thanks for the writing tip Benson. I regularly ask my students about their wonderings as we read. There have been times I’ve used props such as pictures to help students craft some of those wonderings into a work of fiction. Somewhere along the line I neglected to apply this strategy to my writing process. Reading your message just made so much sense!

     By kimfennema on January 5, 2022 at 11:17 pm

510. Now my brain is swimming with images of Kailua and it is bedtime! Who knows what dreams may come? Fun! Thanks for sharing your process with us. It is sure to generate ideas for me tonight.

     By carmelamccainsimmons on January 5, 2022 at 11:20 pm

     1. *Kaiju autocorrect needs to learn this word too.😅

        By carmelamccainsimmons on January 5, 2022 at 11:23 pm

511. Thank you so much Benson! I really appreciate hearing your thought process as an author and illustrator! Your post has inspired me to think deeper about the images that strike a chord in my heart. Congratulations on
     Anzu – what an adorable character/story premise!

     By Laura K Bower on January 5, 2022 at 11:29 pm

512. The art is beautiful Benson.

     By bgonsar on January 5, 2022 at 11:35 pm

513. This is very cute!

     By imeldauk on January 5, 2022 at 11:35 pm

514. I love the character and the prompts. I feel I want to get to know him better

     By imeldauk on January 5, 2022 at 11:40 pm

515. Great ideas and questions! Your work is lovely. Also, my family watched Encanto this week and it has taken over my kids’ worldview! Thanks for the contributions you’ve made!

     By libbydemmon on January 5, 2022 at 11:44 pm

516. Thank you Benson for these questions! They are so helpful.

     By Janet AlJunaidi on January 5, 2022 at 11:52 pm

517. Thank you for the list of suggestions, Benson. Today is my 70th birthday and I love hearing how other writers and artists work.

     By Cheryl Cuttineau on January 5, 2022 at 11:55 pm

518. The juxtapose between giant and gentle is very intriguing. Love to read the kaiju book.

     By Gela Kalaitzidis on January 5, 2022 at 11:59 pm

519. Thank you, Benson. I really like the idea of starting with an illustration and being curious about it. Many good questions. Rather like participating in an investigation.

     By susanzonca on January 6, 2022 at 12:04 am

520. Benson, I think your twist on the Kaiju legend is awesome.

     By Charles Burress on January 6, 2022 at 12:04 am

521. Thanks, Benson. Your illustrations are fun!

     By Trine Grillo on January 6, 2022 at 12:20 am

522. Benson, you have given me a great way to start thinking and playing with story starts, especially on those days when I feel stuck! Thank you!

     By Pauline Cleary on January 6, 2022 at 12:20 am

523. Anzu looks adorable! Looking forward to reading this book.

     By Elizabeth Kalasinsky on January 6, 2022 at 12:24 am

524. Asking questions is a wonderful way to get the wheels sinning. Thanks!

     By Kathy Mazurowski on January 6, 2022 at 12:28 am

525. Wonderful suggestions and an inspirational post. Thanks for this.

     By rosihollinbeck on January 6, 2022 at 1:00 am

526. I love all of the questions you ask, both to analyze a painting, and also to flesh out an idea. Thank you!

     By LaurenKerstein on January 6, 2022 at 1:52 am

527. Excellent tips. Thanks.

     By mikahlamornay on January 6, 2022 at 1:53 am

528. I was happy immediately reading the super power was kindness! I suspect there are more kids out there who will feel the same way. I was guessing the problem was going to be size, and this was a delightful shift – just like the shift the world needs and kindness brings! Thanks for sharing your process.

     By bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing on January 6, 2022 at 1:56 am

529. I have a puppy named Kaju. I was at the dog park and when I called Kaju to me, a person standing next to me was shocked that I had named my puppy, “monster”. Kaju in Urdu/Hindi means cashew nut. Lol!

     By Azra Rahim on January 6, 2022 at 1:59 am

530. Wow! Such a great way to come up with ideas. I love the questions. Maybe you could pretend to interview the character and ask them these questions! Helpful post, thanks!

     By Jeanette Stampone on January 6, 2022 at 1:59 am

531. Love this character – a cuddly kaiju is everything I could ever want. Thanks for the writing prompt to do a deep dive into character!

     By Jen Gubicza on January 6, 2022 at 2:02 am

532. Thanks for the great article.

     By Alia Khaled on January 6, 2022 at 2:09 am

533. Super cute, lots of good things to think about!

     By Abraham Schroeder on January 6, 2022 at 2:24 am

534. Great tips and character!

     By Erica on January 6, 2022 at 2:52 am

535. I love your illustrations, Benson! Such great advice to find stories in what we see in the world and not just what we hear.

     By Chiara Beth Colombi (@ChiaraBColombi) on January 6, 2022 at 2:52 am

536. Love your illustrations and thank you for your inspiration.

     By Eva H. on January 6, 2022 at 3:23 am

537. Wow, thank you so much, Benson. I went back through some watercolour pieces and chose a painting of a cat by the side of the road. I wouldn’t have normally thought to use as a prompt, as it doesn’t feel like picture book material, but using these questions I was able to develop a whole load of possibilities! Cheers for the ideas!

     By Rita Jane on January 6, 2022 at 3:46 am

538. Being an illustrator, I love the idea of using the art as a stepping stone for possible future stories. Always look into the art and keep creating stories from it is always a fun way to get creative juices flowing.

     By Brandon Rodriguez on January 6, 2022 at 4:03 am

539. There are no stupid questions!

     By Jane Martin on January 6, 2022 at 5:35 am

540. I grew up on Godzilla movies, so the e thought of switching it up for kids with a kaiju meant for kindness is so fun! Great brainstorming ideas too!

     By Tanya Konerman on January 6, 2022 at 5:37 am

541. I love the concept for your book! Thanks for sharing some of your idea generating process.

     By PuddleReader on January 6, 2022 at 6:53 am

542. Thank you for being a part of SS!! I often look at a pic and try to imagine a story within in. But I often would get stuck. Your post gives me a new way to process those thoughts! Thx! Your Kaiju is so fun looking by the way!

     By Kim Gutierrez on January 6, 2022 at 6:55 am

543. Neat idea. I’m a photographer so I’m going to try this with my recent batch of shots.

     By ramonapersaudwrites on January 6, 2022 at 6:58 am

544. Great post! Love your illustrations!

     By Krissy on January 6, 2022 at 7:13 am

545. Thank you for the tips!

     By Freda Lewkowicz on January 6, 2022 at 7:15 am

546. Thank you for introducing us to sweet Anzu! Books that highlight kindness are always my favorites and your kaiju is adorable.

     By pbbeckyk on January 6, 2022 at 8:06 am

547. Great ideas and questions! Thank you!

     By calliebdean on January 6, 2022 at 8:29 am

548. Amazing illustrations. Anzu’s conflict is really relatable too.

     By Brad Weinberg on January 6, 2022 at 8:30 am

549. I love your process, and your book looks amazing! My son saw the cover and demanded we buy it immediately. We’re both eagerly waiting for its release!

     By Leila Boukarim on January 6, 2022 at 8:36 am

550. So important to write the idea anyway—even if it doesn’t make total sense. You never know what it might inspire!

     By Christina Frigo on January 6, 2022 at 8:40 am

551. Listening to you ‘ramble’ was super helpful. I am excited to incorporate your advice.

     By allthingscreativeequal on January 6, 2022 at 8:46 am

552. I loved this post! All those questions I asked as a kid weren’t pointless after all. I need to channel my inner-child again! Thanks for the reminder.

     By melissamiles1 on January 6, 2022 at 9:00 am

553. Thank you for all of these idea-generating questions! Great post 🙂

     By Alison McGauley on January 6, 2022 at 9:12 am

554. Love this brainstorming idea. And it can be used for a chapter book or middle grade book.

     By Sally Lotz is Querying Middle Grade (@SallyJLotz) on January 6, 2022 at 9:20 am

555. What a fun backstory for your path to publication! The questions are great tips too!

     By kimpfenn on January 6, 2022 at 9:23 am

556. Thank you!

     By Kate Rietema on January 6, 2022 at 9:31 am

557. Love this in so many ways! What a great character and adaptation! Best of luck to you!

     By Lynne Marie on January 6, 2022 at 9:32 am

558. Definitely helpful! Thank you for sharing!!

     By Hollie Wolverton on January 6, 2022 at 9:41 am

559. This is fun, Benson. It’s easy to love your characters. Thank you for sharing such helpful tips.

     By mdk45 on January 6, 2022 at 9:53 am

560. Beautiful artwork! And I love this notion of asking questions while looking at art, and looking for the story within. Thank you!!

     By Megan Litwin on January 6, 2022 at 10:01 am

561. Great story questions for an image. And love Anzu!

     By Susan Korchak on January 6, 2022 at 10:11 am

562. Awe, my favorite illustration is him in the meadow smelling the flowers. Super cute! Great thoughts! Thank you

     By Megan Whitaker on January 6, 2022 at 10:14 am

563. I love this strategy! It will help me go beyond the obvious when dreaming up characters and plot lines.

     By Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick) on January 6, 2022 at 10:22 am

564. These are great tips and I’m loving the illustration!

     By erinquill8 on January 6, 2022 at 10:45 am

565. Anzu is lovely!

     By Poppy Wrote P on January 6, 2022 at 11:16 am

566. Love hearing about your process. Thanks!

     By Shirley fadden on January 6, 2022 at 11:18 am

567. Wonderful tips!

     By Anita M Banks on January 6, 2022 at 11:20 am

568. This was great! I never thought of questioning my character to inspire my writing. Thank you.

     By authorjanetparkinsonbryce on January 6, 2022 at 11:22 am

569. What a great brainstorming exercise! Thank you!

     By Susan Schade on January 6, 2022 at 11:37 am

570. I’ve jotted down your list and will do the exercises to see what I come up with. I can’t wait to start doodling or writing, whichever comes first. Thank you so much! Kaiju is really cute.

     By eleanorannpeterson on January 6, 2022 at 11:40 am

571. Thank you, Benson! I like the idea of getting the idea out of my head to make room for more. Such good ways to get the story started from a painting and an idea. Now, off to get started!

     By Beverly Smith on January 6, 2022 at 11:45 am

572. Pew pew pew! Just dying of cuteness over here. Love the idea of starting with a simple “What if?” and following all the little consequential threads that form.

     By Amy Tsao on January 6, 2022 at 11:46 am

573. … flowers! cracked me up. Great tips and insightful process

     By Ben on January 6, 2022 at 11:49 am

574. Love these illustrations and thank you for sharing! Simply asking questions makes so much sense.

     By heatherbell37 on January 6, 2022 at 12:00 pm

575. Love the flower love! Awww!
     This has me thinking about how an image speaks without words
     yet can show history, relationship, desire, fear, hope, what’s about to happen–all questions to ask to find the story of a moment. Love this game!
     I also wonder how much we “speak and listen” nonverbally every day….
     Thanks for the good thinking!

     By Charlotte Sullivan Wild on January 6, 2022 at 12:50 pm

576. I love the idea of starting with an illustration or a painting, even if it’s not a drawing I made. Thanks!

     By hansenjc13 on January 6, 2022 at 12:50 pm

577. Thanks for the advice to ask, “What If?” I wrote a new picture Book manuscript after asking this simple question.

     By michellesteinberg14849dcf0b on January 6, 2022 at 12:58 pm

578. Benson, your “Ask Questions” brainstorming method is clever and generates practical possibilities for storytelling at its best. Thank you! Sending you a barrel of ????? to inspire your continued success.

     By marshaelyn on January 6, 2022 at 1:08 pm

579. The “what ifs” are great questions to stimulate a story.

     By lee77094 on January 6, 2022 at 1:26 pm

580. Asking questions seems like an effective way to do story prompts and see if it does have any hooks. Thanks for sharing Benson! I will try this!

     By mbtgroupcb on January 6, 2022 at 1:29 pm

581. Your art makes me immediately like Anzu! Thanks for tuning us writers more into illustrations as a way to begin.

     By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on January 6, 2022 at 1:40 pm

582. That’s the cutest monster I’ve ever seen! Thanks for the post Benson!

     By Lynn Alpert on January 6, 2022 at 1:54 pm

583. I like this idea, because art often makes me feel all kinds of sparky things in the story part of my brain. But I also worry about taking too much from someone’s original art. So I like the questions along with the changes. Thank you!

     By Holly on January 6, 2022 at 2:30 pm

584. What a fun and creative exercise, thank you!

     By Charlotte Offsay on January 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm

585. Love your painting of Anzu. It makes me happy.

     By Darcee Freier on January 6, 2022 at 3:05 pm

586. Thanks for this inspiring post and the great list of “what if” questions!

     By Traci Huahn on January 6, 2022 at 3:12 pm

587. Thank you!

     By susanpbednargmailcom on January 6, 2022 at 3:14 pm

588. So excited to have learned the word “Kaiju.” Thank you for this post.

     By audiencedog on January 6, 2022 at 3:34 pm

589. I love this list of questions, and Anzu looks like an adorable character!

     By katiefischerwrites on January 6, 2022 at 3:36 pm

590. What if questions are the answers to the world’s great mysteries. Thanks for reminding us to ask them of our characters!

     By Shelley Isaacson on January 6, 2022 at 3:47 pm

591. Thank you for your wonderful post. Asking questions is a great way to develop ideas!

     By kaziemann on January 6, 2022 at 4:19 pm

592. For some reason, this didn’t show up in my in-box until today. So glad it finally came, as the suggestions are super! Can”t wait to get started as soon as I post this!

     By boardmancamera on January 6, 2022 at 4:21 pm

593. Love this idea, thank you for sharing!

     By Laurie Bouck on January 6, 2022 at 4:25 pm

594. I love this idea, thank you for sharing!

     By Laurie Bouck on January 6, 2022 at 4:30 pm

595. Great suggestions to use illustrations or words to spark a story, The followup questions really help to drill down into the details and spur the plot forward. Thank you for a wonderful post, Benson!

     By Jill Lambert on January 6, 2022 at 4:58 pm

596. Great exercise ✅
     Kind emotions from

     A Kind KAIJU

     By Charles Trevino on January 6, 2022 at 5:08 pm

597. Asking questions and brainstorming answers is a great story generation technique. Thank you.

     By charlottejo on January 6, 2022 at 5:25 pm

598. Very colorful and sweet illustrations. Entering the story through emotions is a great way to connect with readers.

     By Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth) on January 6, 2022 at 5:38 pm

599. I love these illustrations! And thanks so much for sharing your process. I think asking these questions about my characters will be very helpful in story development.

     By Amy Newbold on January 6, 2022 at 5:38 pm

600. Yes! this is a great way to get ideas. It’s almost like interviewing the character to learn more about them. 🙂

     By Saba Negash on January 6, 2022 at 5:40 pm

601. Thank you for sharing your process. Yes it was very helpful. I like to draw in my storystorm idea book. It almost always leads to ideas, usually totally unrelated to what I’m drawing.

     By aturner513 on January 6, 2022 at 6:42 pm

602. Thank you, Benson! I’m starting a list of questions right now!

     By David McMullin on January 6, 2022 at 6:46 pm

603. Thanks you Benson for sharing your writing ideas and your Art with us. So cool that the 2 syllables in your name have the same meaning in two languages. I am impressed by all the films in which you created Animation. Reading your wonderful lists I realized that I keep mine in my head and with time many get lost. I will start following your advice and discipline myself to write them down and form a treasure chest of ideas to dive in and ask “what if” it might lead me to the road I need. Keep creating awesome art and stories!

     By Eva NMN Felder on January 6, 2022 at 7:06 pm

604. Thanks Benson for your tips!

     By Diane Kress Hower on January 6, 2022 at 8:19 pm

605. Thank you Benson for giving your advice.

     By Nadine Poper on January 6, 2022 at 8:22 pm

606. Great advice – thanks for sharing

     By angelapadron on January 6, 2022 at 8:26 pm

607. Wow! So much food for thought here.

     By authorlaurablog on January 6, 2022 at 8:42 pm

608. Wonderful strategies to try out. Thanks so much!

     By Andrew Hacket on January 6, 2022 at 8:47 pm

609. I love the idea of thinking through all the aspects of a character…even if it doesn’t make it into the book, just thinking about it makes the characters full and come to life! I love your take on the gentle giant!
     Thank you for sharing your process!

     By Kerri hardy on January 6, 2022 at 8:48 pm

610. Anzu is an adorable character! I look forward to reading your book. And thanks for a great list of questions to consider.

     By Peggy Dobbs on January 6, 2022 at 8:56 pm

611. You were not rambling at all. Thank you for the great brainstorming ideas.

     By Judy Cooper on January 6, 2022 at 9:42 pm

612. I really had fun with this idea and my questions led to other ideas. Thanks! Your book looks like so much fun.

     By claireannette1 on January 6, 2022 at 9:49 pm

613. The questions are quite helpful, thank you!

     By Claudia Sloan on January 6, 2022 at 10:22 pm

614. Oooooo, so many crumbs to follow from your sharing, thank you! You helped me make my middle grade characters deeper and more inter-related from your questions, thank you! I’m enjoying your instagram posts too. Thank you for all the awesome work you share with the world!

     By Charlene Avery on January 6, 2022 at 10:49 pm

615. Love your style! And asking questions is great advice

     By Amy Mucci on January 6, 2022 at 11:00 pm

616. I appreciated your creative ideas!

     By Micki Ginsberg on January 6, 2022 at 11:34 pm

617. Lots of great fodder here, and most of all thank-you for helping me realize no idea is off-limits if I’m passionate about it. Got some excellent ideas today!

     By Joanne Roberts on January 6, 2022 at 11:45 pm

618. Great idea to question, question, question! Thank you.

     By Dea Brayden on January 7, 2022 at 12:04 am

619. Oh my goodness this is the cutest ever! I think this is great to keep in mind, because I tend to process thoughts and ideas realllly quickly, but remembers to pause to develop the character so that readers can better follow along. Good idea!

     By bmcraven2008 on January 7, 2022 at 12:33 am

620. I loved your illustration and can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for the great questions.

     By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 7, 2022 at 12:37 am

621. Love it! And your monster is adorable!

     By wyszguy on January 7, 2022 at 1:51 am

622. Yes, a visual lead in! I like that as a jump start to story-making.

     By Huyen on January 7, 2022 at 2:03 am

623. This book comes out next week! I’ll look for it at my local library!

     By Megan McNamara on January 7, 2022 at 2:03 am

624. Great post, thanks.

     By Lindsay Brayden Ellis on January 7, 2022 at 2:57 am

625. Thank you for great tips and all the cuteness in this post. Love the pew ! pew ! pew !

     By Susie on January 7, 2022 at 8:44 am

626. I love being inspired by picture book illustrations.

     By stepheniehovland on January 7, 2022 at 8:46 am

627. Great questions to ask myself if I get stuck in any part of a story.

     By mimisheawrites on January 7, 2022 at 9:32 am

628. I love this idea. I read half your article, went and applied it to one of my story ideas, had a great brainstorm, and came back to finish your article. 🙂 Thank you!

     By Jamie Bills on January 7, 2022 at 10:24 am

629. Thank you!!

     By Alexis on January 7, 2022 at 10:30 am

630. Great tips on really developing characters in a full, robust way. Cute monster!

     By Vicky on January 7, 2022 at 11:01 am

631. Love what you said: “get the idea out of your head and onto paper, which leaves more room for new ideas.” Great advice. Thank you.

     By Roxanne Troup on January 7, 2022 at 11:43 am

632. Your book looks fantastic, Benson! Great questions too

     By aidantalkin on January 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

633. I’m a huge fan of thought starter questions. Thank you so much for these! –Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)

     By wordwritermo on January 7, 2022 at 12:21 pm

634. Thanks, Benson. I love image/art/photo prompts. And asking What if questions.

     By Angela De Groot on January 7, 2022 at 12:35 pm

635. I am always inspired by drawings, and now I know to go one step further and ask more questions about it to see what kind of story it could inspire too. Thanks!

     By Sandra Wilson on January 7, 2022 at 12:37 pm

636. Great questions to ask! Thanks for sharing your process, Benson!

     By joanapastro on January 7, 2022 at 12:43 pm

637. The “What if” game is a great way to get you out of that writers block. I find it helpful when revising if the story is just not working. Thanks!

     By cathystenquist on January 7, 2022 at 12:51 pm

638. Such awesome questions and prompts – thank you Benson!

     By Brian Burak on January 7, 2022 at 12:58 pm

639. Thank you for sharing your inspiration and beautiful illustrations! Im having the best time as a first timer!

     By Sara Culpepper on January 7, 2022 at 1:15 pm

640. This is my favorite way to come up with story ideas. Thanks for the post, Benson!

     By Anne Appert on January 7, 2022 at 1:30 pm

641. Thank you for this. I like the idea of looking at characters and building out from there.

     By Maria Altizer on January 7, 2022 at 1:37 pm

642. I don’t often look at art for inspiration for a kid’s book, but I do get ideas in word pieces. So your list of questions to ask the main character is a great way to spark creativity. Thank you for your post, Benson.

     By mwolpin on January 7, 2022 at 2:20 pm

643. Thank you for posting! I appreciate your ideas.

     By sandrabyrdlawson on January 7, 2022 at 3:33 pm

644. A picture’s worth a thousand words! Thanks for an idea to look back at my photos.

     By rindabeach on January 7, 2022 at 3:43 pm

645. Thank you for a great list of questions as a way to develop a story.

     By Bettie Boswell on January 7, 2022 at 4:19 pm

646. I love the idea of looking at an illustration as a jumping off point. And that you use a word form another language is great for kids. Thaks for your ideas!

     By chaunceyelephant on January 7, 2022 at 5:28 pm

647. I love posts that get writers to think more visually. Thank you!

     By Sarah Heaton on January 7, 2022 at 5:52 pm

648. I am always pushing my students to ask deeper questions, so I love this as a way to dive into creativity!

     By Nazanin Ford on January 7, 2022 at 5:52 pm

649. Thanks for the great ideas Benson! I love the questions. There’s definitely some good questions to ponder when looking at some art, or a word, a beginning line, an idea.

     By Erik Ammon on January 7, 2022 at 7:29 pm

650. Great questions! They really pushed me to think more deeply about each idea.

     By Dannielle Viera on January 7, 2022 at 8:31 pm

651. Thanks, Benson! Your tips have inspired me to think outside my box of main characters I typically write about! Looking forward to reading your newest book!

     By Liz Godfrey on January 7, 2022 at 10:20 pm

652. I love your “what if”s Benson! Makes me think I should be asking that question a lot more often 🙂

     By Stephanie D Jones on January 7, 2022 at 10:22 pm

653. What fantastic activities to generate story ideas. Inspirational!

     By Karen Chun on January 7, 2022 at 11:49 pm

654. This is very helpful. This is definitely a step I skipped last year, so all those ideas just languish.

     By Savannah Rogers on January 8, 2022 at 5:39 am

655. What a cute story. Thank you for reminding me of this strategy. It’s amazing what we forget.

     By Kellie on January 8, 2022 at 7:25 am

656. Truly inspiring advice! Thank you.

     By Patricia Alcaro on January 8, 2022 at 7:55 am

657. These are great questions! Thank you!

     By Cristina Raymer on January 8, 2022 at 8:29 am

658. This is frequently something that I do. I love asking the “what if” questions! Your character Anzu is adorable!

     By Deborah Foster on January 8, 2022 at 8:52 am

659. Love the questions. And your response to big monsters. Anzu looks so adorable.
     I’m going to use your list. Thank you!!

     By Ellen on January 8, 2022 at 8:55 am

660. Love the what if character-centric questions. Thank you!

     By cravevsworld on January 8, 2022 at 10:09 am

661. Absolutely adorable! Love it

     By Molli Ehlert on January 8, 2022 at 10:54 am

662. Thank you! You made me realize a picture is worth a thousand words, or a dozen questions that could kickstart a story!

     By Janel Caverly on January 8, 2022 at 10:59 am

663. Anzu is just the cutest and I love his name and what he stands up for! Thank you for the inspirational post! What a dream job…Animator for Disney! Great for you! I wish you an abundance of success!

     By Kelly Vavala on January 8, 2022 at 11:04 am

664. Anzu is so cute. Love your tips

     By Nina Creativercorner on January 8, 2022 at 11:30 am

665. These are such great questions to ask ourselves – thanks Benson :o)

     By Catherine on January 8, 2022 at 11:47 am

666. Love this post. Lots of ideas came up!

     By Samantha Rosa on January 8, 2022 at 11:53 am

667. Awesome Advice!

     By Matt Sides on January 8, 2022 at 12:07 pm

668. Thanks for your great suggestions!

     By Leanne on January 8, 2022 at 12:13 pm

     1. Your suggestions really get the ideas flowing! I love your illustrations too! Thank you!

        By Patricia J Holloway on January 8, 2022 at 1:05 pm

669. Really great advice! Love the way questions help us analyze something of interest. Thanks for sharing!

     By Lindsay Moretti on January 8, 2022 at 12:47 pm

670. Great questions. Love the illustrations.

     By Dianne on January 8, 2022 at 12:53 pm

671. Thank you for sharing! I got an idea just from your story idea! I love it when that happens!! 🙂

     By Shannon Fossett on January 8, 2022 at 1:14 pm

672. This advice and the wonderful list of questions will help me focus, rather than dither around! Thank you!

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 8, 2022 at 1:32 pm

673. I love the suggestion of starting over for inspiration if nothing comes the first time and working from a new perspective. Lots of potential for creative ideas! Thank you!

     By Brinton Culp on January 8, 2022 at 2:23 pm

674. I have never heard of a Kaiju! I love seeing fellow Canadian’s succeed! Congratulations on your book!

     By Beth Elliott on January 8, 2022 at 3:27 pm

675. Asking questions is a great way to find answers.

     By Jan Milusich on January 8, 2022 at 4:13 pm

676. Great brainstorming exercise, thanks!

     By Angela H. Dale on January 8, 2022 at 4:47 pm

677. Love the idea of asking questions, and considering a visual. I usually have a mental picture of my characters, so I can definitely do this even though I can’t draw. Thanks for the post.

     By debbiemoeller on January 8, 2022 at 5:05 pm

678. Great questions to ask! Congratulations on ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU ~ love your artwork!!

     By Judy Bryan on January 8, 2022 at 5:48 pm

679. These detailed questions are helpful. Thank you.

     By The World Is My Cuttlefish on January 8, 2022 at 5:57 pm

680. Great questions!

     By annettepimentel on January 8, 2022 at 6:01 pm

681. I love the set of questions. They work for writers as well as illustrators. Thank you for the post!

     By Kathryn Hagen on January 8, 2022 at 6:12 pm

682. Love this post! I visited our local at museum over the holidays and took a bunch of pictures of paintings that drew me in…so I’m going back and mining them for ideas. 💛

     By Jessica Fries-Gaither on January 8, 2022 at 6:17 pm

683. Good reminder to use pictures as prompts. Such a good source of story inspiration. Thanks for yr post

     By cath jones on January 8, 2022 at 6:53 pm

684. Great sets of questions to ask oneself when brainstorming. Thanks!!

     By serenagingoldallen on January 8, 2022 at 6:55 pm

685. I like a rambler, looks like it’s stood you in good stead — and sometimes letting yourself ramble is the best way to get the ideas to flow.

     By FrannyG on January 8, 2022 at 8:09 pm

686. I will start asking more questions. Thanks, Benson.

     By jimchaize1 on January 8, 2022 at 8:39 pm

687. Enjoyed your illos. thanks.

     By reluctantspy on January 8, 2022 at 9:13 pm

688. Love your illustrations!

     By mariannasacra on January 8, 2022 at 9:28 pm

689. Thank you, Benson! A work of art can mean so many different things to people and can certainly inspire stories.

     By Michelle Losardo on January 8, 2022 at 10:24 pm

690. Great ideas for generating stories, Benson! Will try some of those going forward. Thanks!

     By kmajor2013 on January 8, 2022 at 10:46 pm

691. Love these questions that you ask and your characters :-).

     By sharongiltrow on January 8, 2022 at 11:36 pm

692. Awesome!

     By Tay Berryhill on January 8, 2022 at 11:53 pm

693. It’s funny that you mention finding a story idea in a painting. I just did that when a painting in a doctor’s office caught my eye.

     By Chelle Martin on January 9, 2022 at 12:01 am

694. Starting with inspiration from a painting is a great concept – what happened here ? Or – what COULD happen here? Thank you.

     By Patricia B. Ellson on January 9, 2022 at 1:01 am

695. Great questions to explore.

     By topangamaria on January 9, 2022 at 1:14 am

696. It’s always interesting to hear an illustrator’s perspective. Thank you!

     By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 9, 2022 at 2:03 am

697. I need to get to the art gallery and start asking questions!

     By sharonkdal on January 9, 2022 at 3:12 am

698. Love the WHAT IF questions! Thank you!

     By Michelle Kashinsky on January 9, 2022 at 3:59 am

699. Short and sweet advice. I love your art style. Keep up the great work!

     By srkckass on January 9, 2022 at 10:30 am

700. this is so helpful for my character development!

     By erica chace on January 9, 2022 at 10:53 am

701. Thank you for sharing such a tangible thought process for brainstorming the character’s motivations, desires, and fears….thank you!

     By Debi Boccanfuso on January 9, 2022 at 11:48 am

702. This is great advice! Thank you!

     By ANNETTE MARTIN on January 9, 2022 at 2:54 pm

703. Such a cute Kaiju Giant Monster. I have a manuscript for a Monster Salon. I am trying to draw cute monsters too. Love your model drawings.

     By Debbie Meneses on January 9, 2022 at 4:06 pm

704. Thanks for the fabulous idea tips! Looking forward to reading more about Anzu, this is such a great twist.

     By Carolyn Kraft on January 9, 2022 at 4:28 pm

705. I appreciate the reminder to get curious about things we’re seeing, asking questions as a source of inspiration.

     By Tamisha Williams on January 9, 2022 at 4:38 pm

706. The power of What if’s. Love it!

     By Michele Helsel on January 9, 2022 at 5:32 pm

707. I love the idea of asking questions about an illustration to get to a story idea. And I can’t wait to check out your book–if the story is as delightful as your character, I’m sure it will be a winner. Thank you!

     By Sandy Perlic on January 9, 2022 at 6:11 pm

708. love all these questions. can’t wait to read your book. what if it’s successful!!!

     By setwiggs on January 9, 2022 at 8:31 pm

709. I love this 🙂 Thank you for your ideas and inspiration!

     By Kelly Perkkns on January 9, 2022 at 8:49 pm

710. Your brainstorming questions will be so useful in my creative process. Also, I appreciate your advice to write down ideas that don’t necessarily make sense – that will help open some creative doors that my left brain probably doesn’t allow me to typically access.

     By kbottagaro on January 9, 2022 at 8:51 pm

711. Thanks for this list of questions as a starting point for a story!

     By streetlynn on January 9, 2022 at 10:40 pm

712. Anzu is super adorable—and brings to mind Ferdinand, one of my favorite characters in the books of my childhood. Thanks for giving us these jumping off questions!

     By Susan Wroble on January 9, 2022 at 10:56 pm

713. Great questions we just never ask… Thank you, Benson!

     By Lina Feli (@lina_feli1) on January 10, 2022 at 4:07 am

714. Thanks for some great suggestions! Since I am visually impaired and pictures/illustrations aren’t something I, myself, can really appreciate, I’m working with the idea of asking questions about a piece of music – something I’m not sure I would have considered without reading day 5’s prompts! Love it!

     By Jennifer Vose on January 10, 2022 at 7:24 am

715. As a middle school teacher, I am fielding “what if” questions on a regular basis. I’ll have to start asking them myself.

     By JannyLynn on January 10, 2022 at 9:44 am

716. I love thinking of all the questions rather than focusing on “answers” — thank
     you!

     By Judy Palermo on January 10, 2022 at 9:55 am

717. Curiosity is key! Thanks for sharing these tips and love your drawings!!

     By adavis6385 on January 10, 2022 at 9:55 am

718. Great idea! I always ask “What if?”, but now I am going to do it with pictures as well as just ideas from my head. Thank you!

     By Ellen Leventhal on January 10, 2022 at 10:57 am

719. I tried this concept on one of my illustrations & have so many better ideas now about my character- so helpful!

     By Rebekah on January 10, 2022 at 11:26 am

720. Oh my goodness, Anzu is adorable! Thank you for helping us (writers) remember to stop and focus on illustrations as well. So many ideas can be drawn from a single illustration! Yours, by the way, are WONDERFUL!!

     By Susie Sawyer on January 10, 2022 at 12:30 pm

721. Thank you for the reminder to look at an illustration or doodle that intrigues and wonder about it.

     By Barbara Senenman on January 10, 2022 at 1:30 pm

722. I’ve been struggling to come up with creative writing ideas and appreciate the reminder-ask the simple question, What if? This, and giving myself permission to begin again if an idea isn’t working. Thanks.

     By Sandra Nichols on January 10, 2022 at 1:59 pm

723. Started collecting Notice/Wonder pictures for my first-graders but weren’t sure how to build discussion around them. These questions are perfect! Also, love seeing how Disney Animators work 🙂

     By Susanne and Colton on January 10, 2022 at 2:04 pm

724. My entire young adult fantasy novel idea came from a random “ghost ship” painting I stumbled across one day back in 2015. One look at that painting and the entire story of LUNADAR: Homeward Bound unraveled like I was watching a movie play out in my head. Basically, all I needed to do was write my thoughts down and the first draft was completed.

     Great post!

     Donna L Martin

     By storycatcherpublishing on January 10, 2022 at 2:10 pm

725. Great suggestions. Ask questions about the main character and take time to consider the “what ifs?” when the character is different than expected. Thanks!

     By paulabpuckett on January 10, 2022 at 3:20 pm

726. Being an illustrator I tend to think pretty visually, so I can really relate to this exercise. Thanks for the post and I just love your style and I love Anzu!

     By Linda Silvestri on January 10, 2022 at 4:31 pm

727. Love the “what if” prompt. Also happy to have found a book to recommend my little cousin who is obsessed with Godzilla. This is so cute!

     By Hannah Roy LaGrone on January 10, 2022 at 6:37 pm

728. Thank you for sharing this exercise with us 🙂

     By Emily Asaro on January 10, 2022 at 7:56 pm

729. I really love the What if questions! I’m excited to try this out! Thank you!

     By Jen Walsh on January 10, 2022 at 8:18 pm

730. Anzu is a real cutie. Can’t wait to read about him! Great suggestions, too.

     By angiecal76 on January 10, 2022 at 8:20 pm

731. Now I know what a Kaiju is and I have another way of creating ideas. Thanks!

     By Christine M Irvin on January 10, 2022 at 8:51 pm

732. Great post, Benson! Congratulations on Anzu! 💛

     By littleredstoryshed on January 11, 2022 at 6:27 am

733. Not being an illustrator this is great advice and is making me use pictures and illustrations in a whole new way! Thank you

     By PoppyCornfield on January 11, 2022 at 6:54 am

734. your illustrations are adorable. Thanks for the tips!

     By Marzieh Abbas on January 11, 2022 at 8:28 am

735. Asking questions of sketches helps to create a stronger story! Thanks for sharing and congrats on Anzu!

     By Jane Dippold (@janedippold) on January 11, 2022 at 11:55 am

736. The simplest suggestions are often the best. Asking questions opens the mind. Thank you! And I copied down your tip: “Even if the idea or solution doesn’t make complete sense, jot it down.”

     By Laurie Seaford on January 11, 2022 at 3:46 pm

737. Thank you for distilling the process to find out the basis for the story 🙂

     By writeknit on January 11, 2022 at 4:05 pm

738. “Even if the idea or solution doesn’t make complete sense, jot it down.”

     By Joyce Schriebman on January 11, 2022 at 4:09 pm

739. Such a fun book!

     By Sue (Susan Uhlig) (she/her) (@susanuhlig) on January 11, 2022 at 5:00 pm

740. I looked over “I and the Village” by Chagall when I did the exercise. It was a lot of fun thinking about a story from that painting. Thanks for the great advice!

     By Diana Marie Linton on January 11, 2022 at 6:34 pm

741. Thank you Benson. Never stop asking questions 🙂

     By Aly Kenna on January 11, 2022 at 10:22 pm

742. Love these questions and the illustrations. Can’t wait to read this book!

     By kbrandyberry on January 12, 2022 at 12:21 am

743. Great advice, thank you!

     By JC on January 12, 2022 at 11:29 am

744. Great advice! I’ve started a new check list — thanks for sharing

     By Phyllis Mignard on January 12, 2022 at 12:32 pm

745. Great list of questions! Thanks!

     By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 12, 2022 at 1:04 pm

746. thank you for the great advice, benson – and WHAT a character, i can’t wait to read about anzu!!!!

     By cristina ergunay on January 12, 2022 at 2:02 pm

747. love this series of questions for finding out more about a character.

     By Lauri Meyers on January 12, 2022 at 2:05 pm

748. Anzu is precious! He is my kind of kaiju! :-). I’m no artist, but I love using art as a jumping off point for stories — and phrases/words, too! These questions will be super-helpful as we generate lots of great ideas! Thank you so much!

     By Tonnye Fletcher on January 12, 2022 at 6:44 pm

749. Thank you, Benson, for your list of questions for how to create an idea from a picture. Btw, Anzu is adorable!

     By Debbie Austin on January 13, 2022 at 9:31 am

750. I love Anzu already! Thanks for the insight.

     By Gabriella Aldeman on January 13, 2022 at 11:12 am

751. Great questions! I think I might find a few ideas from this post. Thanks! And Anzu looks adorable,

     By suzannepoulterharris on January 13, 2022 at 12:52 pm

752. These are great questions! I think I’ll use them on some MS’s I’m stuck on

     By kaitlinsikeswrites on January 13, 2022 at 1:06 pm

753. OK, knowing nothing of the language, the “sound” of “kaiju” is more friendly, right? LOVE this, Ben 😀 ❤ Thank you!

     By writersideup on January 13, 2022 at 11:08 pm

754. An awesome ramble. Over 750 comments worth! 🙂

     By Ellen Slanczka on January 14, 2022 at 8:35 am

755. Wonderful list of questions. Thank you!

     By 🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites) on January 14, 2022 at 9:07 am

756. Thank you for the great tips for developing your story!!!

     By Julia on January 14, 2022 at 11:18 am

757. these illustrations are so beautifully childlike and precious

     By Rita Antoinette Borg on January 14, 2022 at 11:50 am

758. Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Krista Maxwell on January 14, 2022 at 11:59 am

759. Wonderful ramblings, Benson! ; ) Even if I’m not an illustrator, I think it’s a great idea to sit with the character and imagine their stance and movement and how they carry themselves in the world. Love the list of questions to reflect on!

     By Krysta Zeiset on January 14, 2022 at 4:51 pm

760. Great advice, Ben. My son is the “what if” king – lol! Anzu seems adorable — can’t wait to read the book. Thanks!

     By amyrsinn on January 14, 2022 at 5:19 pm

761. I really love this set of questions to use when looking at art. I may take them to a museum or use them when looking in a magazine! Thanks for this fun idea for story generation. I’m looking forward to checking out Anzu the great Kaiju.

     By Kelly Rice Schmitt on January 15, 2022 at 2:59 pm

762. I love the direction “what ifs” can take me and I often forget to use that as a tool. Thank you for the reminder!

     By Leah Kessler on January 15, 2022 at 5:32 pm

763. This set of questions really brings a lot of different things to mind than my usual set. Thanks so much for sharing. I think Anzu is a great character and can’t wait to read the book!

     By Heather Lee on January 15, 2022 at 6:31 pm

764. Our grandson loves monsters of all kinds. I need to look at some monster images and ask lots of questions to see what stories might percolate. Thanks for the inspiration.

     By Janet Halfmann on January 15, 2022 at 7:03 pm

765. This is awesome! As an illustrator, I feel like this has definitely given me a whole new perspective!! Thank you!

     By Acamy Schleikorn on January 16, 2022 at 1:10 am

766. Benson, thank you, this was a really fruitful prompt!

     By ejessmurray on January 16, 2022 at 10:20 am

767. THIS line of thinking right here is why aspiring-writer child me was obsessed with Chris Van Allsburg’s The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Thank you, Benson. And I just put in a library request for Anzu, can’t wait to read it!

     By Elizabeth Metz on January 16, 2022 at 11:39 am

768. Looking forward to reading Anzu’s story.

     By Jolie Stekly on January 16, 2022 at 12:05 pm

769. Thank you for the ramble! These questions are great to get my brain juices flowing. And never was there a cuter little monster.

     By chrisynthia on January 16, 2022 at 1:12 pm

770. I appreciate how your questions include considering the feelings. After all, connecting with emotions is truly the heart of all stories.

     By Susan Cabael on January 16, 2022 at 5:08 pm

771. Thanks, Benson! Great nudge to make space for new ideas.

     By Lindsay Brayden Ellis on January 16, 2022 at 6:29 pm

772. Anzu is honored to meet the King. You know when you meet a person you look up. You feel like is this even real? It feels surreal. What I find interesting about the color palette is the color of Anzu’s back. There are leaves on Anzu’s back. Anzu is bowing down to the King. Anzu and the King are very happy to meet each other. The painting does not tell me what situation they are in, but I can say that maybe they met in the palace or forest. If Anzu came from a family of destroyers, then he would ruin everything he lay his hands on. Then he would be gentler with other animals. Anzu’s family be worried that he is not like them. The small animals in the forest will not be afraid of Anzu. Anzu would feel happy. His family will be disappointed in him because he is different. His family will think that Anzu is weird.

     By Yaa on January 16, 2022 at 6:53 pm

773. As someone with an art history minor, I love your guiding questions about art!

     By H. Abigail Perry on January 16, 2022 at 7:44 pm

774. Love this story.

     By Dina Towbin on January 16, 2022 at 7:51 pm

775. This book looks adorable.

     By Alexis_Bookdragon on January 16, 2022 at 11:32 pm

776. I really enjoyed this post! Thank you!

     By maryvanderplas on January 17, 2022 at 5:49 pm

777. This inspired me to look at Kaylani Juanita’s character drawings! I love her work!

     By Archaa on January 17, 2022 at 9:24 pm

778. Great reminders! I loved reading all the questions you asked about Anzu.

     By Janet Johnson on January 18, 2022 at 2:16 pm

779. This was VERY helpful, Benson. Excellent food for thought.

     By goodreadswithronna on January 18, 2022 at 11:01 pm

780. Looks like a fun book! Congrats!

     By Mary Ann Blair on January 19, 2022 at 2:23 am

781. Your questions really define a character–good to do for any book!

     By scienceewriter on January 19, 2022 at 9:15 am

782. Great questions!

     By Bettie Boswell on January 19, 2022 at 11:55 am

783. I love the adorable Anzu character gently reminding us to ask ‘what if’ questions! Thank you for the wonderful tip and a sneak peak into the comical story.

     By Meena on January 20, 2022 at 6:29 pm

784. Thank you for this wonderful idea!

     By Rebecca Guzinski on January 21, 2022 at 1:22 pm

785. I’m not an artist or illustrator (or even much of a sketcher), but I love being inspired by other people’s paintings and drawings. Looking forward to reading about Anzu!

     By Anna Brooks on January 23, 2022 at 1:25 am

786. Thank you for sharing. This is a great list of questions, and I love the sound of Anzu! The picture of him appreciating the smell of the flower speaks a thousand words all by itself.

     By Andrea on January 23, 2022 at 1:52 am

787. This is really fun! I like the idea of coming up with an illustration and having it tell me it’s story rather than the other way around!

     By Dani Duck on January 23, 2022 at 2:16 am

788. Love the character!

     By Kris H on January 23, 2022 at 2:38 am

789. This is a great way to generate character-driven ideas. I love the look of your book!

     By Emma Wood on January 23, 2022 at 6:48 am

790. I love this! It’s a great guide to digging into visual writing prompts and one that I’ll use again and again. Thank you!
     ~ Robin Perkins

     By andromeda515 on January 23, 2022 at 10:54 am

791. Thank you–so much to think about!

     By KATHY Z PRICE on January 23, 2022 at 12:39 pm

792. Asking questions is SO important! I’ve learned over the years that the questions are often more important than the answers. When we stop asking questions, we stop learning and growing…And so I’ve come to appreciate, to welcome, even encourage the ever dreaded “WHY” of a young child!

     By Amanda on January 25, 2022 at 8:29 am

793. Great ideas! Thanks

     By Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia) on January 25, 2022 at 9:33 am

794. oh, these question prompts are awesome for brainstorming and character development, thank you so much! And *love* ANZU THE GREAT KAIJU!

     By Sylvia Chen on January 25, 2022 at 3:45 pm

795. It was fun to see your thought process as you worked through your story. I will use your questions.

     By Lisa Kingsford on January 25, 2022 at 7:00 pm

796. Love your idea and the list of helpful questions is perfect for a manuscript I wrote.

     By Penny Taub on January 29, 2022 at 5:29 pm

797. Great post, Benson! Love your new book. Can’t decide if Sloth or Anzu is cuter! A tie!

     By kirstenpendreigh on January 30, 2022 at 2:08 pm

798. Thank you! I love your art

     By Jennifer on January 30, 2022 at 2:59 pm

799. Great ideas Benson! Looking forward to your book release this month 🙂

     By Mina on January 30, 2022 at 8:59 pm

800. Great starter idea to ask “what if” questions about my characters.

     By Ana Archi on January 31, 2022 at 12:37 pm

801. Anzu is adorable! Thank you for sharing Benson.

     By nataliemoralesbooks on January 31, 2022 at 5:44 pm

802. Thank you for sharing your great tips!

     By matike2209 on January 31, 2022 at 7:30 pm

803. Thanks for giving us a look into your thinking process behind your book!

     By Zach Roush on January 31, 2022 at 10:29 pm

804. Anzu is adorable, and his conflict is perfectly relatable! Thanks for sharing a bit of your process and inspiration.

     By Jennifer Broedel on January 31, 2022 at 10:41 pm

805. Exploring art and its possible meanings and inspirations and what it evokes is my jam! Love this post and will be extending my art adoration into writing inspiration. Thank you.

     By Kristin Sawyer on February 1, 2022 at 12:56 am

806. Thanks for sharing, Benson!

     By Terri Sabol on February 1, 2022 at 2:21 am

807. I’ve been thinking frequently of this post as my photos from art museums scroll through as screensavers. Your questions make me think of them in a different way.

     By Anne Young on February 1, 2022 at 3:03 pm

808. Thank you for the list of great questions to get me started writing!

     By Jennifer Hunt on February 1, 2022 at 6:10 pm

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