by Danielle Joseph
When I started thinking about writing this blog post, I realized that I’ve been gathering ideas for most of my life. Thoughts took me back to my bedroom with the blue carpet outside of Boston, where I’d sit with my sister or a friend and try to figure out what to play. We’d individually come up with a bunch of ideas, write them on little scraps of paper, ball them up, and then stick them in a clay bowl that I’d made in art class. Some top ideas: play house, camping, act out tv commercials and school. Sometimes, when we’d finally decided what to play, a friend’s mom would arrive to pick her up or my mom would yell, “Come set the table!” That was the worst!
When I got older, I continued to collect ideas. In sixth grade, a friend and I threw all sorts of ideas into the bowl on where we should sleep that night for our sleepover because beds would be too boring. The bathtub was the winning idea, but my mom quickly vetoed that, and we ended up with choice number two, my closet. It was cramped, so eventually the beds won out. But it was a lot of fun imagining what it would be like to sleep in some of the odd places that had made the list.
It took me a long time to realize that the gathering of ideas was a game in itself! Then fast-forward to when I taught middle school for a few years after college. I’d come up with a whole bunch of story ideas, throw them into a bowl and tell the students to pick out two ideas and incorporate them into their stories. We always had a blast with this, and the students were so creative.
For my own work writing novels, I keep different files of ideas on my computer, but when I began writing picture books, I found that lists were really helpful too. Since I love to procrastinate, I start with a pre-brainstorm list. It helps to get the ideas flowing and bonus, you don’t have to commit to anything just yet. You can answer any types of questions when you create your pre-brainstorm lists, but here are some suggestions. And you should keep it as a running list, so you can always refer back to it.
Pre-Brainstorm (Create an idea list), jot down:
- Things you like
- Specifics that relate to you
- Hobbies
- Your culture
- Upbringing
- Family life
- Character traits
- Major life events
- Minor events that stick with you
Once you’re done with the list, you are ready to start brainstorming! I call this the hook-up phase and from here you pick two topic ideas from your pre-brainstorm list that you want to further explore, hook-up. When I wrote my picture book, I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP about a boy in Haiti who dreams of riding the Tap Tap bus, I chose location (I love to travel and have lived in a few different cities) and transportation (I’ve collected a few types of toy cars over the years, starting with a handmade wooden one that was given to me as a baby by my dad’s friend).
The Hook-Up (Unification of Ideas)
LOCATION…TRANSPORTATION
Cape Town…Cable Car
Florida…Bicycle
Haiti…Tap Tap bus
London…Double-decker bus
Boston…Subway
Once you pick an item from column one that corresponds with column two, you are ready to brainstorm!
Brainstorm
Again, this can be done in a list format. Just write down anything you think could possibly happen in your story from the mundane to the wacky! And if some of the items don’t make it to this story, add them back to your main idea list and you may use them another time.
Story Grab Bag
Keep all these ideas as a running list. They will go into your story grab bag. You just never know when you might need a new story idea or an idea for a plot thread and when you do, you can look through your lists or your bag or bowl and see where your next match comes form. Sometimes you have a good idea going, but your plot is too thin, so you can pull an idea from your Pre-Brainstorm List.
I hope this gets you generating even more ideas this month and beyond! Happy Brainstorming!
Danielle Joseph is the author of the newly released middle-grade novel Sydney A. Frankel’s Summer Mix-Up and the 2021 CBC Notable Social Studies picture book; I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP. She also has written three young adult novels Shrinking Violet, Indigo Blues, and Pure Red. Shrinking Violet was adapted into the 2012 Disney Channel movie, Radio Rebel. Danielle has a BFA in Creative Writing and an MA in Marketing Communications and Advertising, both from Emerson College. She’s a former middle school creative writing teacher and has been teaching writing workshops for over fifteen years. Danielle was born in Cape Town, South Africa and currently lives in Maryland. Her picture book biography, RUTH FIRST NEVER BACK DOWN debuts Fall 2023 from Lerner. Visit her at daniellejoseph.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @daniellejoseph1.
Danielle giving away one signed copy of I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP and a second prize of a 30-minute consultation where I can answer any writing or industry questions or talk about story ideas. These are two separate prizes!
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.
646 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 16, 2022 at 8:15 am
CB Jarapa
What a clever idea! I think I’m going to do just that when I’m having writer’s block 😁
January 17, 2022 at 6:52 pm
Kelly Perkins
Generating my brainstorming ideas as I am prepping dinner :o)
Your ideas are great! Thank for sharing with us :o)
January 16, 2022 at 8:15 am
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
I love this exercise! I’m trying right now.
January 16, 2022 at 8:20 am
thecrowsmap
Danielle, I’m going to start making lists:) Thanks for the tips. I Want to Ride the Tap Tap looks delightful.
Gail Hartman
January 16, 2022 at 8:20 am
Colleen Dabney
Looks great!
January 16, 2022 at 8:24 am
Ann
Made me laugh to read about your revelation that the brainstorm was the game. I just realized that the set-up for our characters, the place were we negotiated how and why we were going to act the way we did, was a game that my friend and I played all summer long. Huh. We never did really act it out.
This is interesting.
Thanks for your post, lots to think about.
January 16, 2022 at 8:27 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Danielle for the brainstorming inspiration!
January 16, 2022 at 8:27 am
loricevans
This is so helpful. I love the concrete suggestions. Mining our own lives makes brainstorming a bit easier. Now I’ll have to see what I can remember – sometimes my brain feels like a sieve. Happy to be sitting down and brainstorming right after reading your post. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 8:30 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Terrific tips, Danielle – logical and fun too! Thanks for sharing (and for offering two generous prizes!)
January 16, 2022 at 8:33 am
goodtimegreatstory
Thank you, Danielle! You really took me back to my childhood in your description of deciding what to play. Seems like the deciding and dreaming was always longer than the actual playing…and often more fun.
January 16, 2022 at 8:33 am
rbkrackeler
Thanks for the inspiration!! Reading this post I was reminded of my own childhood and the “what to play” brainstorming I did as well!
January 16, 2022 at 8:34 am
Jocelyn Rish
Love the idea of a Pre-Brainstorm – brainstorming to get the real brainstorm really storming!
January 16, 2022 at 8:40 am
kiwijenny
Wow you not only gave me ideas for picture books but for my classroom too. I love unique ways kids play. This was a great way to tap tap into our inner child. Thanks Danielle.
January 16, 2022 at 8:40 am
David McMullin
Thank you, Danielle. that pre-brainstorm list is great for finding ideas.
January 16, 2022 at 8:43 am
cbloomy
Your story about planning what to play with your friends snapped my brain to attention! I need to run and make my list!
January 16, 2022 at 8:47 am
Vanessa Konoval
I love the photo of the clay bowl ! So cool!
January 16, 2022 at 8:52 am
Phyllis Mignard
Inspiring ideas — love reading about your childhood start. Thanks for sharing
January 16, 2022 at 8:55 am
Marsha Weiner
when the Tap Tap rides backwards, does it go Pat Pat? If that bowl could talk … Oh! it obviously does!
January 16, 2022 at 8:55 am
Laura Rackham
What an obvious thing- list things you like! I’ve forgotten the importance of that.
January 16, 2022 at 9:01 am
Suzanne Lewis
Thanks for your really detailed tips to generate story ideas, Danielle. Super helpful together with your organized running list approach!
January 16, 2022 at 9:03 am
Lynn McCracken
Thank you for list ideas. I had lived in many places. I think I will start with those places and think about the types of transportation there. It should be a fun day!
January 16, 2022 at 9:03 am
lynjekowsky
Thank you so much or this inspiration. I remember the “what to play” brainstorming with my childhood friends.
January 16, 2022 at 9:10 am
Michelle Dragalin
I like those suggestion. I will write them down on my list.
January 16, 2022 at 9:10 am
Sarah Stuart
Great post! Thank you for sharing this idea.
January 16, 2022 at 9:12 am
Alice Fulgione
Thanks for all your helpful ideas! Love your clay bowl! I was also a teacher & children do love to brainstorm storytelling ideas. Adults like brainstorming games too!
January 16, 2022 at 9:13 am
Jennifer Vose
I love the whole idea of mixing-and-matching ideas from a brainstorm list of ideas. Sometimes there are such interesting, surprising connections that make for great stories!
January 16, 2022 at 9:14 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
I love that you still have that bowl from your childhood!! The pre-brainstorm idea is genius as well! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 9:15 am
rebeccacolby
Starting my Story Grab Bag today! Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 9:15 am
lavern15
This is such a great idea, Danielle! I’ve been putting ideas in the computer but I think a tangible and a more eye catching captivating list such as a bag will remind you of your ideas. Thanks for the tips and I can’t wait to read your books!
January 16, 2022 at 9:16 am
Lauren Barbieri
Great post—thank you! Lists are wonderful and I love the spontaneity of that idea bowl!
January 16, 2022 at 9:17 am
srkckass
Thanks for the suggestions. I think you could be a Storystorm rockstar!
January 16, 2022 at 9:17 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Love the bowl of ideas. Thank you, Danielle, for giving us helpful ways to generate our own ideas. Congratulations on all your books!
January 16, 2022 at 9:20 am
Ellen
Thanks for the great inspiration! The process of generating the lists and specifically the combination of location and transportation really struck a chord with me.
January 16, 2022 at 9:23 am
Janie Reinart
Danielle, Great post. Love supersizing ideas in a combo.❤️
January 16, 2022 at 9:23 am
lizricewrites
I love the pre-brainstorm list idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 16, 2022 at 9:24 am
Janna MacLean
Great brainstorming ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 9:27 am
anchance
I plan to make an idea grab bag today! Thanks for the tips!
January 16, 2022 at 9:27 am
Andrea Mack
Love the idea of creating a story grab bag! I think I’ll make one to inspire a little warm up writing every day and see where that takes me!
January 16, 2022 at 9:28 am
Juliana Jones
Terrific ideas, Danielle! I’m be penning my lists while winter storm Izzy covers us with a foot of snow.
January 16, 2022 at 9:28 am
Maria
Your idea bowl and the story grab bag are awesome! I’m a list kinda gal too, so I totally relate to that 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 9:39 am
annmdk
Nice!
January 16, 2022 at 9:39 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for sharing all the ways you mix it up to make a story!
January 16, 2022 at 9:39 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Love this! Some interesting options would come out of this
January 16, 2022 at 9:39 am
Stefanie Hohl
Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 9:40 am
Melanie Rowsell-Docherty
I think I’ve found a purpose for my new notebook! Lists lists lists! Thanks for your inspiration.
January 16, 2022 at 9:40 am
michelemeleen
Love the pre-brainstorm list! That’s done hing I’ve never done before, thanks for the idea.
January 16, 2022 at 9:41 am
debbiearnn
You make it sound so easy, so I’ll give it a try!
January 16, 2022 at 9:41 am
Joy Pitcairn
I love hearing where ideas come from! Thank you for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 9:44 am
Sallye O'Rourke
I’m definitely a list person, will now try it as you suggest.
January 16, 2022 at 9:45 am
annier1996
Danielle, unique pre-brainstorming suggestions! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 16, 2022 at 9:45 am
ptnozell
Love these idea-generating strategies! Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 9:45 am
Linda Staszak
Great ways to find ideas–thanks! And I love your bowl.
January 16, 2022 at 9:46 am
Mary Warth
Thanks Danielle, for a fresh approach to brainstorming!
January 16, 2022 at 9:47 am
Midge Smith
I am a list maker, so this really spoke to me. Thank you for this inspiring post, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 9:48 am
sherry fellores
A pre-brainstorming list…I love it!
January 16, 2022 at 9:50 am
kathalsey
Excellent post with actionable ways to generate stories and ideas. I can tell you were an excellent teacher! Here’s to ideas! Ty, Danielle. Love that you still have your idea bowl!
January 16, 2022 at 9:50 am
angkunkel
Lists feel so manageable! Thank you for the inspiration, Danielle.
January 16, 2022 at 9:52 am
rozanark
Thank you for this really cool idea!
January 16, 2022 at 9:54 am
Beverly Smith
I love lists and sleeping in the closet sounds fun:) I have a bowl that will do nicely for drawing ideas from too. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 9:54 am
rosecappelli
Going to start a pre- brainstorm list today! Great ideas. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 9:55 am
Cathy Lentes
I love lists! And locations. Motivating mashup ideas.
Great post!
January 16, 2022 at 9:57 am
Becki Kidd
Love that you still have this wonderful bowl. The setup of our activity was always what dragged us down time-wise. We never had time to play, before we had to take it all down.
January 16, 2022 at 9:57 am
kurtzmom548513
Danielle’s different levels of brainstorming will be very helpful to me and many others. When I try to brainstorm I often have trouble geffing started. Her pre-brainstorming technique will certainly help with that! Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 9:58 am
TheHugBooks (@Hug_Books)
Going to start a jar of all the crazy things my kids say. I always think, “that’s a story waiting to happen”, then forget what they said later that day.
January 16, 2022 at 10:00 am
Joyce Uglow
Such wonderful idea generators!
January 16, 2022 at 10:01 am
Tanya Konerman
This is an interesting way to find things I already know about and I’m already interested in. Connecting them sounds fun and fruitful!
January 16, 2022 at 10:01 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Thank you for the brainstorming idea!
January 16, 2022 at 10:02 am
kmajor2013
Great post for generating story ideas. Danielle! Thanks for sharing your process!
January 16, 2022 at 10:03 am
Jayne Toman
Sleeping in a a closet is way cooler than a bed! Thanks for the great post, and looking forward to reading your PB next year. Congrats!
January 16, 2022 at 10:03 am
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Thanks for the inspiration, Danielle. I love lists. And lists of lists!
January 16, 2022 at 10:04 am
René Bartos
Great ideas. I think I am going to start my own idea jar. Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 10:05 am
Sandy Gold
The What Shall We Play exercise reminded me of the way I played and then the way my own children played. My mind is now racing…. Thanks!!
January 16, 2022 at 10:05 am
Rita Antoinette Borg
Yes, though ideas are not copyrighted, they are precious and must be held in a secret place for forever, and ever and ever
January 16, 2022 at 10:06 am
Kate Anderson
Ha! Sleeping in the closet, eh?
I found my little sister asleep in the closet once- she fell asleep saying her prayers in there.
Thanks for the ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 10:08 am
Christina Shawn
Thank you! Brainstorming is pretty fun!
January 16, 2022 at 10:10 am
bgonsar
That’s great you gave your students that same idea. Thanks for giving it to us.
January 16, 2022 at 10:11 am
Rosalind Malin
Yes! And Storystorm is one big idea jar!
January 16, 2022 at 10:12 am
pathaap
Great advice, Danielle! Thanks for helping to get my ideas flowing.
January 16, 2022 at 10:13 am
Ashley Nicole Parker
Magic hat of ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 10:13 am
Rachelle Burk
These are awesome ideas! Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 10:15 am
Alexis
Thank you for this excellent exercise!
January 16, 2022 at 10:17 am
Alison McGauley
Great post, Danielle! I love the idea of the “hook-up”. I can’t wait to read I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP!
January 16, 2022 at 10:17 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
I love the idea of the story grab bag just as a writing exercise/challenge, even if it doesn’t result in a picture book. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 10:18 am
geigerlin
Even our daily to-do list may have some hidden story ideas. Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 10:18 am
Shelley Isaacson
Love this. Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 10:19 am
Donna Rossman
Thank you for sharing your process. Love your idea generating techniques. Looking forward to reading I Want To Ride The Tap Tap!
January 16, 2022 at 10:22 am
Cedar Pruitt
What a beautiful cover. Thanks for the post!
January 16, 2022 at 10:22 am
savoringeverymoment
What a fun brainstorm idea!
January 16, 2022 at 10:24 am
Shanna Silva
Love the idea of formalizing this running list in my head into a usable reference.
January 16, 2022 at 10:24 am
Laura K Bower
Thank you Danielle! I love the story grab bag – it sounds so magical and can’t wait to see if it leads me to some magical ideas! Congratulations on your PB and middle grade and YA books!!
January 16, 2022 at 10:25 am
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for the inspiration.
January 16, 2022 at 10:25 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thanks, Ruth, for the terrific brainstorming ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 10:26 am
Leah Moser
Thank you for this brainstorming activity!
January 16, 2022 at 10:28 am
Linda
Oh, pre-brainstorm! Great idea!
January 16, 2022 at 10:29 am
lmconnors
Great ideas about ideas! Thank you. 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 10:40 am
Emily Bertholf
Oh — I remember that agony of finally deciding what to play and getting set up just in time to be called to go! But this also reminds me that brainstorming and idea gathering is not only part of the process and work, but probably the most important, productive part. And I love your idea bowl.
January 16, 2022 at 10:41 am
kimpfenn
Great tips about pre-brainstorming and the hook-up. Love how it leads to generating more ideas.
January 16, 2022 at 10:42 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Thank you Danielle. I love your way of thinking and how to generate ideas. I’m definitely going to try this way.
January 16, 2022 at 10:43 am
Monica Acker
This is so fun! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 10:45 am
Hannah Roy LaGrone
So practical, thank you!!
January 16, 2022 at 10:49 am
trunkythetree
I slept in the bathtub on holiday once as I was sharing a room with my parents and my son – definitely not recommended but love the idea of making corresponding lists
January 16, 2022 at 10:50 am
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for the brainstorming tips. I will try them!
January 16, 2022 at 10:54 am
cathystenquist
Great detailed information! Thank you so much, Danielle. I often chuckle at the funny things my granddaughters say. I need to write them down! I am ging to try your brainstorming list too. Brilliant.
January 16, 2022 at 10:54 am
Lynne Marie
What a beautiful book! And thanks so much for sharing these methods 🙂 Wishing you all the best. Lynne Marie
January 16, 2022 at 10:55 am
Polly Renner
Wow, Danielle! You were made for storystorm! Thank you for your post; )
January 16, 2022 at 10:58 am
karenrafeedie
Story idea grab bag (or bowl). I love it!!!
January 16, 2022 at 11:01 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Danielle, for sharing your inspirational ideas. I love your idea bowls. You and your friends must have created some great adventures.
January 16, 2022 at 11:02 am
Leah Marks
Love the pre-brainstorm list. Thanks
January 16, 2022 at 11:02 am
Nadine Poper
Your list method works well with students. I had students makes lists that I posted around the room. Then take an idea from one list, walk to the next list and jot down another part of the story, walk to the next list, add to the story, and keep going a few rounds. They loved it and felt like they were writers without the pressure of writing a whole story on their own. Thanks for the advice.
January 16, 2022 at 11:03 am
mdk45
I like your idea of making finding ideas a game. You shared great tips, Danielle. Congrats on your book.
January 16, 2022 at 11:04 am
Heidi Chupp
This is awesome; thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 11:04 am
Tara Cho
Such a great idea. I am a procrastinator, too, so always looking for ways to eliminate that blank-screen anxiety and get myself to just sit, focus, and start. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 11:04 am
Shirley fadden
So true figuring out what to do was an activity in itself! Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 11:05 am
wordwritermo
“They” always say, write what you know. And today, you are “they!” And you can honestly say in that query letter why you are the best person to write this story because who could have plucked those two ideas from your brain better than you?
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 16, 2022 at 11:07 am
Mary McClellan
Love this. Added to my (ongoing) list yesterday!
January 16, 2022 at 11:08 am
Samantha Gassman
I love this idea of a grab bag! Another category I’ve been jotting down is: problems kids face, and I write down everything from the smallest struggle (putting on a shirt) to the biggies (jealous of a sibling). Thanks for these great ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 11:11 am
Catherine
Thank you for sharing great ways of generating ideas Danielle. I particularly love the photo of the pot of ideas. Congratulations on your books!
January 16, 2022 at 11:17 am
mbtgroupcb
Very clever! I will have to try! Thank you! Marianne
January 16, 2022 at 11:18 am
Amanda
I love your little bowl! That’s so fun that you’ve saved it for all of these years and I can imagine it provides motivation for you to see your young art!
January 16, 2022 at 11:18 am
ldodson100
What a great brain-storming of ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 11:18 am
Janice Woods
Love these ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 11:18 am
Kris Tarantino
Great brainstorming idea generator!
January 16, 2022 at 11:22 am
nycbgriffin
Great exercise. I had to stop mid-read and jot down an idea already. I love your idea bowl!
January 16, 2022 at 11:25 am
saintamovin
Thank you Danielle 😊
January 16, 2022 at 11:27 am
Leslie Santamaria
Grab bags are so exciting. I never thought to make a “grab bag” of story ideas. Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 11:29 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Thanks for the great ideas to generate a story. Congrats!
January 16, 2022 at 11:33 am
Tonnye Fletcher
So many great tips! Thanks for sharing! Lots of my manuscripts are based on childhood experiences, and I’ve started this list of things I love, enjoy, am good at, etc. I think I need to revisit it and centralize it to keep it accessible. Your book looks wonderful! Best of luck!
January 16, 2022 at 11:36 am
Nancy Ramsey
Great way to start the day! Thanks for your advice!
January 16, 2022 at 11:37 am
tinamcho
How neat you still have your clay pot! I’ll try this list making next time I’m stuck! Thanks.
January 16, 2022 at 11:37 am
N. Alison Colle
Can’t wait to make Pre-brainstorm lists! Thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 11:38 am
Katie Schwartz
Your post was perfect for me to read this Sunday morning! Or, of course, it would be great to read anytime, but it is a wonderful way to start my day. Going to do this after I let my dogs out, and they come in and settle down…Thank you very much!
January 16, 2022 at 11:39 am
Annelouise Mahoney
Thank you, Danielle. This is such a great post about generating ideas. Super fun and helpful. Congratulations on your book, I Want To Ride The Tao Tap. It looks fun, and charming too.
January 16, 2022 at 11:41 am
Jessica Swaim
What fun ideas, Danielle! And I love the idea bowl.
January 16, 2022 at 11:43 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
This reminds me I have at least one of those writing activity kits that have some brainstorming prompts that I should give a try.
January 16, 2022 at 11:46 am
dedradavis03
I love all your ideas and tops, and I also love the window you gave us into your childhood. Thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 11:46 am
Penelope McNally
I love the idea of creating a pre-brainstorming list! You’ve given us a lot to go on, thank you! And I love your idea bowl, so great you kept it 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 11:47 am
Dianne Borowski
I plan on celebrating Super Bowl Sunday this year filling my own super bowl with lots of ideas while keeping an eye on the game.
January 16, 2022 at 11:48 am
Jennifer Roman
This is great! Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 11:48 am
authoraileenstewart
Love that you always collected ideas and it was a game when you were younger. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 11:53 am
Laurie L. Warchol
Congratulations on this unique spin on transportation. I can’t wait to read it!
January 16, 2022 at 11:54 am
karenlee
Thanks for this very concrete and approachable idea! I will put it in my basket so when I feel dry, I will have something fun to try again!
January 16, 2022 at 11:55 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Danielle, for sharing your ideas for inspiration.
I especially like the grab bag idea for writers and student writers.
Suzy Leopold
January 16, 2022 at 11:56 am
lsheroan
I love lists, and I’m intrigued by “minor events that stick with you.” I’m going to start there. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 11:57 am
Sarah Lontine
So many helpful suggestions for generating story ideas! Thank you!!
January 16, 2022 at 11:58 am
Jennifer Phillips
This is a wonderful story idea technique I sometimes use as well. Love that you still have your childhood idea bowl. Congratulations on your books!
January 16, 2022 at 11:58 am
Liesl Couperthwaite
I love this. It is what I do a great deal, like going to a wedding and suddenly thinking of how much fun it would be for a 6yr old who is going to be a flower girl, etc.
January 16, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Linda Bozzo
I love lists! I like how you matched transportation to locations.
January 16, 2022 at 12:09 pm
mlyablonaolcom
Pre-brainstorming! What a great idea for getting unstuck!
January 16, 2022 at 12:12 pm
mommamoocow
I love your idea bowl! Thank you for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Kim A Larson
The grab bag idea is so fun! Love your bowl, too. I’m ready to start my lists! Thanks, Danielle, and congrats on your book, too!
January 16, 2022 at 12:15 pm
Stephanie Owen
Thank you for the list of ideas to generate lists of ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Judith Wright Aplin
I’m making some lists today…..great idea for mining possible stories:)
January 16, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Erica Jensen Shiflet
I’m fairly good about lists but have usually treated the items as standalone. I like the challenge of trying to pair them up! Thanks for the tips!
January 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Love the story-bowl! I toss papers-with-words into a tin can. And then I forget to shake and take…
January 16, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Diane Mittler
Your list making resonates with me. The hook up is a wonderful idea to expand one idea into a new space! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 12:23 pm
marty
Thank you, Danielle. That pottery bowl for slips of paper from your childhood is such a keepsake. I needed the reminder that making it personal is the sweet spot for writing ideas. You’ve provided a nice exhaustive list to add to periodically. Thanks for the generous prize and for posting during Storystorm 2022. Thank you, Tara, for inviting Danielle to post!
January 16, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
Great suggestions. Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 12:25 pm
beckylevine
Fantastic post! Just what I needed to get me started today.
January 16, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Poupette
Wonderful practical exercise –thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 12:35 pm
Ellie Langford
Danielle, You really got the wheels turning in my brain. Thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Steena Hernandez
I love the pre-brainstorm and hook-up suggestions, even before brainstorimg begins! Thanks for this helpful post!
January 16, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Writer on the run
Thanks Danielle! Writing down ideas on scraps of paper(only to lose them or be unable to read what I wrote) was my main way of collecting ideas the first few years I wrote- I am more organized now but making lists that can be ongoing and using a story bowl are great suggestions!
January 16, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Barbara Senenman
Wow! Great ways to generate new ideas! Thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 12:40 pm
danielledufayet
From one Danielle to another -great post that gets the juices going. Thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 16, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Jan Milusich
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 16, 2022 at 12:43 pm
pinupcinema
What a fun article! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation!
January 16, 2022 at 12:45 pm
@DekkerMeagan
I used to have fun voting on the ideas of things to do I’d generate with my friends! (Sometimes until it was time to go!) I love lists! Thank you for these fresh ideas.
January 16, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Lists before the lists…awesome!! Now I know I belong here!! 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
DANIELLE: I LOVE that you still have your little clay Generating Ideas bowl from your childhood! I can imagine it sitting on your writing desk, INSPIRING you to keep generating those GREAT story ideas! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to help us do the same!!!
January 16, 2022 at 12:51 pm
claudine108
Great practical idea, Danielle! Congratulations on your success!
January 16, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Paul Brassard
Thanks for your excellent post, Danielle. In another life, I worked with businesses to help them become more creative problem solvers, from new product development to process improvement. The whole idea of creating new ideas from random connections was part of what we facilitated. For whatever reason, I had forgotten the ingenuity that springs from such unexpected linkages — until your post! Thank you for reminding me…
January 16, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Bethanny Parker
Good ideas for generating story ideas. I’ve never heard of the tap tap bus before.
January 16, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Kelly Vavala
Great Article! I love making lists and this certainly gives me a lot to think about. Combing the lists also is a great idea! I Want To Ride The Tap Tap Bus sounds like a wonderful story and I wish you the best with this!
January 16, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Mara K Lansky
❤ Brainstorming and lists!
January 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Katie Marie
Thanks for the great post!
January 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Tracy Schuldt Helixon
Thank you for the pre-brainstorm idea! Love it!
January 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
SCody
What a fun way to take some personal ideas and connect and expand on them!
January 16, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Mara K Lansky
Love brainstorming and lists
January 16, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Mary
Danielle, Loved your “imagination games” when you were young! I’m going to start my lists based on your post.
January 16, 2022 at 1:02 pm
mariearden
Thanks for reminding me about the power of lists. I did this in a Kate Messner webinar in 2020 and hadn’t used it in over a year, so glad to think of it again.
January 16, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Robyn McGrath
Great ideas! Thank you
January 16, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Suzy Grossman
Great idea. Surely I can write lists if nothing else. Loving the mix and match …
January 16, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Maria Altizer
Thank you! I now have oodles of ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Tory
I love the idea of the TAP TAP. I can’t wait to read the story.
January 16, 2022 at 1:11 pm
kirstenbockblog
Great ideas! I am a list maker at heart, so this will be perfect for me!
January 16, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Judy Sobanski
Thanks for sharing your use of pre-brainstorm ideas which you then expand on with other ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Kimberly Wilson
A story grab bag! I feel a craft project is in my future. Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Danielle, for the LIST tips! I love lists, but often lose track and you’ve given me a way to turn them into something!
January 16, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Jeanette
What a great idea for brainstorming. Thanks for the tip
January 16, 2022 at 1:20 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great idea! Thanks
January 16, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Charlotte Offsay
Great post!
January 16, 2022 at 1:22 pm
jbbower
A pre-brainstorm. I like that idea! Thanks for the great post!
January 16, 2022 at 1:24 pm
kbottagaro
I like the idea of approaching brainstorming from the POV of it being a game – maybe it will take some pressure off of the idea-generation process.
January 16, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you sharing your approach, Danielle–what a wonderful way to create
an on-going idea generation “bank.” I am already a list-maker, now I need to add this way to brainstorm to my list of lists! I laughed out loud when with your revelation that “the gathering of ideas was a game in itself!
January 16, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I especially love the ideas of a pre-brainstorm plus the hook-up. Really helpful post. Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 1:25 pm
serenagingoldallen
I love the idea of hooking up two ideas while brainstorming! Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
I love your actual bowl (that sounds like a picture book to me!) . . . and now a way for me to combine my lists.
January 16, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Lauren Harris
Thanks for the story-ideas idea! I love the clay bowl, too. So fun you still have it!
January 16, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Julie Reich
Ha! I had the same experience with my best friend in childhood: spending a lot of time on setting up our game and very little actually doing it. And then mom coming to pick me up!
January 16, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Wonderful post. Thank you so much and congratulations on your books!
January 16, 2022 at 1:33 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you, Danielle, for sharing these wonderful ideas. You were preparing for StoryStorm from an early age based on how you made constant lists.
January 16, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Fiona Forster
I would agree that your clay idea bowl is a story in itself! So many great ideas around us – and it’s all about pairing them up! Thanks for a great post!
January 16, 2022 at 1:35 pm
paulajbecker
I like this grab-bag idea! Thanks for taking the time to share this with all of us, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Thanks so much, Danielle! This is great. I remember doing something similar with my friends. I need to get back to doing it! Congrats on all your success!
January 16, 2022 at 1:37 pm
jilltatara
I am SO HAPPY that you still have that clay idea bowl! This is a very helpful post. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 1:38 pm
DaNeil A Olson
Your grab-bag idea is amazing! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 16, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Lisa L Furness
So many great ideas in this post!
January 16, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Charlotte Marie Gunnufson
I love the idea of the pre-brainstorming phase where ideas are linked!
January 16, 2022 at 1:48 pm
Deb McGarvey
Love these ideas – thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 1:48 pm
aidantalkin
Oh I am a LOVER of the random drawing of words to spark ideas! (My first book was inspired by a title created when using that technique!)
January 16, 2022 at 1:50 pm
kskeesling
I love the double list hook-up idea. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Deb McGarvey
Great ideas – thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Tara Cerven
I’ve never done anything like this but it’s so easy and fun. It can even become a fun family game….and you never know when a story idea can sprout from it. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 1:57 pm
kidlitgail
I used a similar idea for story writing with my 4th graders. We had an index card box with 3 sections and 3 different color cards. Who (character), WHAT (action/activity), WHERE (location or setting). There were some fabulous stories that emerged! Thanks for your process, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Tanja Bauerle
I love your idea bowl. Thank you for sharing. I’m getting busy making lists. 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 2:03 pm
Shannon LaPuma
Thank you for your ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 2:05 pm
thedayswehold
How clever! I can’t wait to make a story grab bag!
January 16, 2022 at 2:06 pm
Alexandra
So many good ideas for how to get the ideas flowing! Lists are my love language lol
January 16, 2022 at 2:07 pm
donnacangelosi
Wonderful post, Danielle! Thank you for sharing your tricks for finding and mixing up story ideas.
January 16, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Pat
Thanks Danielle, I used to teach middle school and did a similar exercise for generating writing ideas. Now I’m going to do my pre-brainstorm ideas list.
January 16, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you, for the great inspiration. I love the idea of using lists.
January 16, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
What a fun way to come up with ideas! Thanks for sharing your technique!
January 16, 2022 at 2:19 pm
bevbaird
I can just imagine the hundreds of ideas you (and we for that matter!) have generated over the years. Fantastic post – thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 2:19 pm
NC Karuzis
Simple but effective kick-starters – and fun, too. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 2:20 pm
melissamiles1
I love that you collected (literally on paper) ideas as a kid and even have the pictures to prove it! Thanks for the great post!
January 16, 2022 at 2:22 pm
sareenmclay
Thanks! Very helpful post and I love your wee clay pot.
January 16, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Eva NMN Felder
Thank you for your post Danielle. The concept of Pre-Brainstorm and the Hook-Up is new to me, I will start using it.
Seeing your laminated first stories reminds me of the millions of stories my Pre-school students created throughout the years. Blessed laminating machines!
I love your parents considering that your author career started when leaving “I hate you notes” taped all over the house when you were upset with them.
May all writers’ Story Grab Bags be always full!
I am fascinated with the Tap Tap Buses, so unique and colorful. Thank you for explaining the origin of their names. Very interesting the use of Haiti Creole in your book.
The illustrations are magnificent!
Bon Bagay Danielle, keep on writing!
January 16, 2022 at 2:25 pm
heathercmorris
Great ideas here! thank you, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Love your photo of your ideas bowl! Thanks for sharing that and your tips for coming up with ideas. They all sound fun!
January 16, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Krissy
I love making lists! Will definitely try this! Great post, thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Marianna Sacra
Very useful, thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 2:28 pm
Jasmine Ann Smith
I’m brainstorming already! Thanks for the ideas 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 2:29 pm
Debra Collins
Turn a list into a grab bag – great idea!
January 16, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
I totally agree with these methods. Thanks for advice. Love the cover of your book. I look forward to reading it.
January 16, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Joan Swanson
Thank you for the lists ideas. I kind of saw something similar to this a couple of years ago on PiBoIdMo. It works great!
January 16, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Donna Marx
LOVE the combining aspect of your process. Thanks so much!
January 16, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Cheryl Simon
I love lists!!! Thank you for this great suggestion!
January 16, 2022 at 3:01 pm
Susan Eyerman
OOHH – brainstorming soup!
January 16, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Sarah Meade
I love lists too! So helpful as a writer. Thanks for sharing your tips! Great post!
January 16, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Mary Nelson
Ohhhhh! I’m a list maker, so this sounds perfect for me. I’m starting right now….
January 16, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Patricia Oppenheim
Thanks for all the brainstorming ideas. I have a handmade wooden bowl ready to receive them!
January 16, 2022 at 3:18 pm
Catherine Friess
What a great post! I love the idea of a ‘Story Grab Bag’ – thanks Danielle :o)
January 16, 2022 at 3:19 pm
Deborah Ishii
I’ve always been a list maker, too. My sister and I used to write down our ideas for games, drawings and stories and then we’d create! Using lists as pre-brainstorming is a great idea! Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Deborah Foster
Oh, I love lists! What a wonderful way to generate ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Lisa Billa
Love these ideas, and the idea bowl- thanks for sharing! Off to make some lists…
January 16, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Margot Williams
Thank you for the list ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Danielle Hammelef
I love how your idea collecting started as a find childhood memory. Great idea for finding ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
What a fun approach!
January 16, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Susan Jobsky
Keep a running list. Is my list running or walking? Either way it reminds me to let my mind roam, to experience the joys of thought travel, and to exercise the creative spirit inside of me.
January 16, 2022 at 3:36 pm
wordnerd153
Your post already sparked an idea, so thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Heather Stigall
Thanks for the ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Nancy Furstinger
Such a colorful pb–and thanks for the brainstorming list! Time to mine childhood memories:-)
January 16, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Meredith Fraser
I too, would love to ride the Tap Tap Bus!
Congratulations on a very energetic looking book. Thank you for your brainstorming lists as well!
January 16, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Kate
Danielle, your post took me back in time to those endless discussions of what to play! Love making the connection. Congrats on an amazing career!
January 16, 2022 at 3:53 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the fun and inspiring exercise!
January 16, 2022 at 4:04 pm
Stephanie S
I love the idea of a story grab bag! I also like the idea of linking 2 ideas to begin brainstorming a story. Thank you for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 4:06 pm
nrompella
I love that you still have your bowl! Thanks for the exercise.
January 16, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
What to play! I remember those times. Thanks for the brainstorming exercise.
January 16, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Danielle! I am a big maker of lists, and I often brainstorm first. Now I will definitely use those skills to help write picture books! Thank you for the ideas! And, I think it is so cute that you included a picture of your adorable, little bowl! ❤ xox Jen
January 16, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Charles Trevino
Thank you for the exercise.
Now I want to ride theTap Tap.
January 16, 2022 at 4:24 pm
8catpaws
You helped me TAP TAP my BRAIN for ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Andi Chitty
I’m a list lover, so this definitely speaks to me!
Thanks for sharing, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 4:25 pm
triciahinely
That was an encouraging and practical post. I enjoyed seeing the process of your childhood imagination blossoming into your grown up job! It reminds us how important play is. Thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Chayala Nachum
Now I really want to ride the Tap Tap! Thanks Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 4:31 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Great post, Danielle! Thanks for the tips and congrats on your new book. BTW, my kids (and I,lol) loved Radio Rebel!
January 16, 2022 at 4:33 pm
Cindy S
Thanks for the tip.
January 16, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Cassy P
This is such a great way to generate ideas – so many possibilities! Love hearing the origin story of I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP. Reminds me a bit of dala dalas in Zanzibar 🌈 🚌
January 16, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Andrea Yomtob
Fantastic ideas – thank you for the post!
January 16, 2022 at 4:48 pm
lindakaychavezbooks
Thanks, these are helpful ideas! Can’t wait to get going on my “pre-brainstorm” list!!
January 16, 2022 at 4:51 pm
@FableFiddler (kellie)
Thanks for these great tips.
January 16, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Cristina Chan
I love to make lists. Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Super helpful, thanks for the great idea tips!
January 16, 2022 at 5:06 pm
thelogonauts
Thanks! Definitely stealing this for fifth grade too …
January 16, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Joy Wieder
Hi Danielle! I love the idea of a pre-brainstorm book.
January 16, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Sarah Tobias
I loved playing camping when I was little. I also love lists and homemade bowls. You post sparked three childhood memories. My list continues to grow.
January 16, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Sheri Radovich
I loved your story bowl or game choice bowl. I thought of linking the words from location and transportation and then some silly word lists to add on like snort, nose whistle, borough, gesundheit. And I was off to the races with a new story idea. Thanks
January 16, 2022 at 5:21 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Danielle, for these brain-storming tips!
January 16, 2022 at 5:22 pm
keenanj17
I love your idea of collecting ideas and making lists. Thinking of possible story ideas and writing them down for this project has gotten me out of the writing doldrums brought on by the pandemic.
January 16, 2022 at 5:27 pm
Rebecca Ralfe
Great ideas
January 16, 2022 at 5:27 pm
sarahsteinberg
I love this idea. Sometimes randomly selected concepts take me in a whole different direction!!
January 16, 2022 at 5:29 pm
katrinadreamer
The pre-brainstorm list is awesome. I see myself using that often. And then the connectors too. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 5:34 pm
chaunceyelephant
Fun suggestions! Definitely going to try this!
January 16, 2022 at 5:39 pm
chrisynthia
Lists are my thing! They are all over the place.
January 16, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much! After trying this method, I have a story idea that I’m excited about–thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 5:45 pm
Shannon Fossett
I am a list person, but your hook-up ideas is helpful! PS – my mom and I went on vacation for her 70th birthday and we chose the destination by putting ideas in a bowl and picked one. It was New York!!! 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 5:46 pm
claireannette1
I’m a list maker and it like your idea of putting idea lists together. Thanks for a great post and congratulations on I Want to Ride the Tap Tap.
January 16, 2022 at 5:46 pm
marty bellis
Love making lists. And your story about the bowl full of ideas you and your friends created is great. Thanks for sharing this fun writing tool with us.
January 16, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Diane M
Lists can be so helpful and your twist on listing making is great. Also love how you used a bowl of ideas from childhood and on into your adult life.
January 16, 2022 at 5:53 pm
Jenn Olsen
Love these brainstorming ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Dea Brayden
Thanks for this mash-up idea. Looking forward to reading I Want to Ride the Tap Tap. Congrats!
January 16, 2022 at 5:59 pm
Jill Lambert
I love making lists, so your post was right up my alley. You’ve inspired me to go back through my old ones and consolidate them. Thank you, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 6:03 pm
TL Fales
I’m looking for layers to add to several of my ideas. I like the idea of mining these lists for layers.
January 16, 2022 at 6:07 pm
AC Perry
I had blue carpet in my childhood bedroom too:) Thanks for the post!
January 16, 2022 at 6:11 pm
jhall2018
So fun! I have an Ideas Jar full of ideas for everything (inc. non-writing). I should make a separate Writing Ideas Jar with some of your pre-brainstorming suggestions and then play with the Hook-Up step. Thx!
January 16, 2022 at 6:12 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Great suggestions…thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 6:17 pm
Kaye Baillie
Looking forward to making some lists. Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 6:19 pm
martyfindley
I love these ideas for brainstorming. I’m going to get my Pre-K classes to help me generate ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 6:21 pm
dragonmintcallisto52281
I like to read how other writers organize their wonderful ideas. I have a doc that’s 50 pages long and has no organizational schemata whatsoever!
January 16, 2022 at 6:21 pm
Lou Aamodt
I’m a list maker, too, but I like the extra step of throwing ideas in a pot and mixing two of them. Very imaginative and tactile.
January 16, 2022 at 6:26 pm
stephaniemstories
Great ideas. Lists are so handy.
January 16, 2022 at 6:34 pm
ingridboydston
I ❤️ Lists❣️ I have lists of lists, I’m not kidding. Just reading your memories stirred several of mine, thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Carole Marie
Thank you for the tips!
January 16, 2022 at 6:38 pm
Marie Chan
Thank you for sharing your process of how you came up with writing the book, I Want to Ride the Tap Tap. Love your book! These are great ideas on how to brainstorm using words from different categories and lists.
January 16, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Annie Guerra
Very interesting ways to generate ideas. Annie Guerra
January 16, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
I like the idea of actually cutting up some of the various lists I keep and picking a few ideas out of a bowl. Creative thinking is bound to follow! Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Cassie Bentley
I love the pot of ideas you drew from. I want to make one for my Storystorm ideas. Pulling two or three random ideas out and making a story would be fun.
January 16, 2022 at 6:53 pm
greengirlblueplanet
Great exercise!
January 16, 2022 at 6:55 pm
Brandy Dixon
Great, practical ideas!
January 16, 2022 at 7:00 pm
sharonkdal
Oh my stars I am also such a procrastinator! Thanks for this practical help!
January 16, 2022 at 7:01 pm
imeldauk
Wow this will definitely keep me busy. Thank you 😊
January 16, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Brittney
Where were you when I was in middle school!? You make writing fun. Thanks so much!
January 16, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Yvette Pais
I love this exercise, thank you for the suggestion!
January 16, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Tamisha Williams
I appreciate these categories for the pre-brainstorm list. I can see it helping me be generative. Thank you
January 16, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Sara Ackerman
I love the “minor events that stick with you” suggestion, because they often stick with us for a reason, a reason that is worth a story!
January 16, 2022 at 7:18 pm
H. Abigail Perry
I love this strategy for when one is feeling stuck on what to write about!
January 16, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Jane Baskwill
Collecting your ideas and ‘playing’ with them is a great habit to get into for writers of all ages. Can’t wait to read the Tap, Tap Bus!
January 16, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Becky Shillington
I like this idea of having a pre-brainstorming list. Thank you, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Eileen Mayo
This sounds like such a fun way to generate new ideas! Love it. Congratulations on the new book!
January 16, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Savannah Rogers
Oh, I’m so glad to have another great excuse to procrastinate, ha ha! Thank you for these excellent ideas! Your Tap Tap book looks wonderful and so vibrant.
January 16, 2022 at 7:47 pm
Kathryn Powell
Great ideas. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 7:48 pm
writeremmcbride
I’ve been carrying a small notebook AND using the notes section on my phone all day! This is a very helpful post for combining and layering plot ideas. You bring to mind the wonderful habits I recall from the small neighborhood in which I grew up: making up our own games, establishing make believe communities, building things…such fun! Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 7:48 pm
Bonnie Kelso
These are great prompts! Thank you, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 7:49 pm
matthewlasley
Templates and lists are a great idea. I do something similar, just not all at once. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 8:01 pm
hfr2006
I have a few stories with thin plot lines….should be interesting trying this technique to them! Can’t wait!
January 16, 2022 at 8:06 pm
Julie Murphy
I can’t get by without my ideas list! Thank you for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 8:13 pm
heidikyates
I love these ideas, Danielle! Thank you so much for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 8:15 pm
Sarah K. Rose
Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 8:18 pm
EmmieRWerner
Great ideas❤️
January 16, 2022 at 8:25 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Thanks, Danielle!
January 16, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
I love the exercises you shared and I especially love that we got to see the actual bowl!! That’s inspiring!
January 16, 2022 at 8:30 pm
Deslie English
Ah. Your bowl made me smile. You were so organized. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 8:36 pm
steveheron
Great ideas for triggering ideas
January 16, 2022 at 8:38 pm
rosihollinbeck
Fun post with excellent suggestions. Thanks!
January 16, 2022 at 8:44 pm
allisonrozo
Awesome advice and I love your idea bowl! Precious!
January 16, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Marlene Wurfel
Love this.
January 16, 2022 at 9:09 pm
Beth Elliott
I love the idea of pre-brainstorming – I’ve never heard this word before but it makes me think of mind mapping. Thank you for your post!
January 16, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Trine Grillo
I would have liked being your friend in elementary school!
January 16, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Julia Lyon
Love the idea of ideas in a jar. I’ve done that with my kids but it never occurred to me to do it with my writing. Thanks for the suggestion!
January 16, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Christine M Irvin
I am already a list maker, so this post speaks to me!
January 16, 2022 at 9:26 pm
writersideup
Danielle, you’ve convinced us that life is a “bowl” of ideas 😉 Lovin’ that adorable bowl too! Thank you 😀
January 16, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Trenise Ferreira
I love these tips so much! Very helpful to encourage outside the box thinking as well as to think about the things we love in a different way.
January 16, 2022 at 9:32 pm
Claudia Sloan
Thank you! I’ll have to give this a try 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 9:38 pm
cbcole
I’m a big list maker & this brainstorming and combining topics from two different lists is a great idea.
January 16, 2022 at 9:46 pm
bookfish1
Neat approach. Love the idea of the sleepover in the bathtub. Sound like a potential story. Thanks
January 16, 2022 at 9:47 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
I really need to sit done and draw from my own experiences more often. Thanks for the reminder!
January 16, 2022 at 9:53 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I love all of the clever titles in today’s picture books. Hope to add my own one day soon!
January 16, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
I adore making lists, so this idea generator concept works great for me! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2022 at 9:59 pm
jesseannabornemann
As a grant writer (my day job), I’m all about structure, so I appreciate your concrete suggestions! Also, my husband went to Emerson—he wanted to be a radio DJ but wound up in healthcare. 🙂 Congrats on your many successes!
January 16, 2022 at 10:00 pm
Yaa
Thank you for your tips of overcoming procrastination.
January 16, 2022 at 10:03 pm
girlscout72091
Love hearing about new ways to brainstorm ideas. Thanks for all the inspiration!
January 16, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great post! What stuck with me was the part about writing down anything, from the mundane to the whacky…I need to take more risks with that… Leave the judgement at the door. Thank you!!!
January 16, 2022 at 10:16 pm
seschipper
Loved this post! It is always a great idea to brainstorm…and write down your ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 10:24 pm
Aly Kenna
Love the idea about maintaining a running list of brainstorm ideas. My lists are scattered all over the place. Time to bring them back together in one place.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 10:29 pm
Ava Chinn
Thank you for sharing your brainstorming techniques! Love hearing about how creative you already were as a child and continue to be!
January 16, 2022 at 10:30 pm
avayeechinn
Thank you for sharing your brainstorming techniques! Love hearing about how creative you already were as a child and continue to be!
January 16, 2022 at 10:39 pm
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
Sunday, day 17. Did not receive any material for Storystorm today. Is there a problem? Dianne Borowski
January 16, 2022 at 10:43 pm
allthingscreativeequal
Being reminded of ways we decided what to play as kids was very helpful here. Brainstorming lists. Excellent. Thank you.
January 16, 2022 at 10:48 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Lists! I love lists. Thanks for new ideas on how to come up with ideas …with a list!
January 16, 2022 at 10:49 pm
susanzonca
This reminds me of my story candy dish. I need to draw two, however, and try linking them. Great idea.
January 16, 2022 at 10:49 pm
Lonna Hill
That clay pot looks so similar to the one I have on my desk! Thanks for a great post!
January 16, 2022 at 10:52 pm
Elizabeth W Saba
Thanks for the reminder to go to the well:).
January 16, 2022 at 10:54 pm
Buffy Silverman
Great fun hooking up these ideas–thanks for the list suggestions!
January 16, 2022 at 10:54 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I love the vibrant colors in your picture book cover! Thank you for a great post!
Donna L Martin
January 16, 2022 at 10:56 pm
authorlaurablog
Thanks for this fun exercise. I’ve been talking about things from childhood a lot this weekend so I’m ready to run with this brainstorm.
January 16, 2022 at 10:56 pm
amievc
I love brainstorming and collecting lists, too. Looking for fun combinations (The hook up) is a great idea!
January 16, 2022 at 10:59 pm
Maripat Metcalf
We all have that bowl from elementary art class! What a great use.
January 16, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Jojo Kasala
Thank you for sharing the picture of your clay jar. Also, I love your clear, succinct suggestions and will most definitely use them.
January 16, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Marcia Dalphin Williams
Thanks Danielle for your post. I had picture book writing and illustrating seasons when teaching fourth graders. We placed the names of favorite animals in a clay pot and they picked their subjects. This reminds me of that.
January 16, 2022 at 11:31 pm
AngelaTurner
I look forward to trying the ideas you shared here
January 16, 2022 at 11:31 pm
Jennie H
I love making lists! Love the hooking of ideas. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 11:33 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Now my mind is reeling!!!
January 16, 2022 at 11:41 pm
Marci Whitehurst
I love making lists & the idea of putting 2 ideas together. Thanks! And congrats on your many books!
January 16, 2022 at 11:46 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Love these ways to come up with ideas and plots, love the diversity of your books, and also can’t wait to make some lists! 🙂
January 16, 2022 at 11:52 pm
tinefg
Thank you Danielle, I love this way to connect random childhood memories. Starting my pre brainstorm list right now!
January 17, 2022 at 12:12 am
Diana Marie Linton
Thank you for your advice. I find that I often go back to my childhood memories and the specifics. They help me get the most emotion out of things, but putting it all together is when I run into troubles. Having a grab bag of ideas is a great practice!
January 17, 2022 at 12:41 am
libbydemmon
I love the idea of a pre-brainstorming list. And what sweet memories of making slips of ideas for games and sleepovers. Thanks for sharing with us.
January 17, 2022 at 12:48 am
Elena Horne
That little idea bowl is amazing.
January 17, 2022 at 1:08 am
Gaby
Danielle you are doing what you love, and how lucky your students are. I will read again and again your post. I enjoyed your stories when you were a child and I could travel to my childhood and got my stories too. Thanks!!!
January 17, 2022 at 1:14 am
Megan S
Just got a new notebook, I’ll try this out!
January 17, 2022 at 1:14 am
viviankirkfield
Lists! Lists! My kingdom for a list! I love lists, Danielle…but don’t usually think of using them to come up with ideas for a story. Thanks for encouraging me to do that!
January 17, 2022 at 1:19 am
Peggy Dobbs
Thanks for some fun ways to brainstorm ideas!
January 17, 2022 at 1:44 am
wyszguy
Great ideas! Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 1:50 am
Danni Schloss
Love your twist on the list strategy! Thank you for sharing!
January 17, 2022 at 1:55 am
Sally McClure
I love this idea! I need to start some lists!
January 17, 2022 at 2:27 am
Cinzia
This is a great way to generate ideas. Lists are my favorite. This has primed my idea pump. Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 2:48 am
Jess Burbank (@jburbank)
The sleeping-in-the-closet example was perfect. It brings me back to that buzzy kid feeling of sleeping in anything other than a bed. That’s the feeling to capture! Thanks!
January 17, 2022 at 2:49 am
Rita
Thanks Danielle. A few times I have started some mind maps about things I’m interested in etc but I don’t keep track of them and then they disappear! Thanks for getting me organised with a designated spot, and organising these thoughts into lists. I look forward to mashing them together!
January 17, 2022 at 3:10 am
Linda Sakai
Some fun ways to brainstorm. Thank you for putting them out there!
January 17, 2022 at 3:15 am
Armineh Manookian
This brainstorming idea will be so helpful. Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 3:54 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Ouuuu, I love this idea! Will definitely start getting my list together!
January 17, 2022 at 5:14 am
cath jones
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
January 17, 2022 at 6:44 am
stiefelchana
Great ideas! Thank you, Danielle!
January 17, 2022 at 6:50 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the list-making ideas!
January 17, 2022 at 7:33 am
Ana Archi
Tap tap …into story brain storming
January 17, 2022 at 8:05 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
I had to stop reading this a few times to jot down ideas. Thanks so much, Danielle. 🙂
January 17, 2022 at 8:10 am
Jeanne Cherney
I can do this one!
January 17, 2022 at 9:31 am
Lindsey Aduskevich (@LAduskevich)
Wow, Danielle! What a terrific way to generate ideas. I am looking forward to doing this one. Thank you so much! Your book looks and sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read it with my girls.
January 17, 2022 at 9:39 am
Susan Claus
I hope the anecdote about the sleepover in the closet makes it into one of your books!
January 17, 2022 at 9:44 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for your post. Love the idea of a story grab bag!
January 17, 2022 at 9:45 am
Keri Collins Lewis
The specificity of your memories & this post make me smile!! I love that you still have the bowl!
January 17, 2022 at 9:58 am
Karin Larson
This was a very inspiring and informational post, thank you! Love this way of thinking of generating ideas.
January 17, 2022 at 10:00 am
Sydnie Kleinhenz
Wonderful story-starting ideas! Thank you.
January 17, 2022 at 10:00 am
ramonapersaudwrites
Loving all the brainstorming techniques.
January 17, 2022 at 10:07 am
jms5880
Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas with us today.
January 17, 2022 at 10:13 am
romontanaro
Thank you Danielle and Tara for the blog post. Love the idea of a Story Grab Bag! Thanks, Rosanna
January 17, 2022 at 10:14 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you for your brainstorming ideas, Danielle. How fun to see your list and that you settled on Haiti — Tap Tap bus. I absolutely love the cover!
January 17, 2022 at 10:17 am
andreesantini
Thanks for the great ideas for not only brainstorming but organizing ideas and having them handy in a grab bag for the next time.
January 17, 2022 at 10:18 am
fspoesy
I think there’s a book idea in that idea bowl! Great post. Thanks Danielle.
January 17, 2022 at 10:26 am
growingbookbybook
I love these ideas. This will be fun to try.
January 17, 2022 at 10:31 am
Kim Nolan
Thank you for the great brainstorming ideas!
January 17, 2022 at 10:50 am
Kristy Nuttall
Marvelous! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas!!
January 17, 2022 at 10:56 am
mona861
What great ideas! I’m a idea jotter, crumbled papers, sticky notes, wherever. However have never been a bowl-er, that’s why my brainstorms come ups missing. Thank you, Danielle. And, I love the vivid Tap Tap cover.
January 17, 2022 at 11:00 am
marshaelyn
Danielle, Your suggested items from “Drawing on My Well” are set in pencil on one of my STORYSTORM 2022 index cards. I’ll be sure to dip into that well throughout this year. Your upcoming book title is a charmer, suggesting a fun adventure story for readers. Your clay pinch-pot is adorable! Aren’t you grateful to have saved this treasure? Sending you buckets of inspiration for your continued success…
January 17, 2022 at 11:26 am
Daryl Gottier
I’m having such fun mashing up items from my idea list. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2022 at 11:27 am
Megan Whitaker
Community transport in a foreign country is always a great idea. It gets you where you want to go-most times. You meet new people-always! And you’ll never ever complain about transportation in the US ever again.
January 17, 2022 at 11:30 am
Megan Whitaker
Public transport in a foreign country is always a great idea. You get to where you’re going-most times. You meet new people-always! And you’ll have a story to tell when you get off!
January 17, 2022 at 11:34 am
littleredstoryshed
Great post, Danielle. Thank you.
January 17, 2022 at 11:37 am
Jenny Boyd
I love the idea of your idea bowl when you were a kid. You were destined to become a writer. Intriguing title of your new book, too. Looking forward to seeing it.
January 17, 2022 at 11:38 am
Charles Richardson
I love the idea of brainstorming a list and then combining two topics together. Definitely gives ideas more depth.
January 17, 2022 at 11:40 am
Darcee Freier
Lists keep coming up. Perhaps I need to write more lists? Short. Concise. To the point. Thanks.
January 17, 2022 at 11:47 am
Jane Martin
Pre-brainstorming. Love it! Gonna give it a try.
January 17, 2022 at 11:49 am
Janet Smart
Thanks so much for the post and your tips. I love writing, but I need all the help I can get.
January 17, 2022 at 11:58 am
Celeste Turner
The unification of ideas is something I need to do more of with my ideas.
Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Susan Lorene
I love the title I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP. So much fun to say.
January 17, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Jess Freeman
I already have lists, but I adore the idea bowl! I believe I will start one at once 😄
January 17, 2022 at 1:01 pm
cravevsworld
Great strategies. Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Nothing like a heaping bowl of ideas to get you started in the morning!
January 17, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
Your clay bowl of ideas could be a picture book in itself!
January 17, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Ana Archi
Love the concept of pre-brainstorming and building a collection of ideas. Really helps to see it as keep things in a plastic free flowing state.
January 17, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Susan Contreras
Thank you, you have given my love a lists a revamp!
January 17, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Mark Ceilley
I like the idea list. I like how you can match up ideas from other lists.
Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Helen Lys
This is a fun idea! Can’t wait to get started on it!
January 17, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Judy Bradbury
Thanks for a very specific and well-laid out plan to sort through our ideas and hook up!
January 17, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Traci Huahn
Love the “hook-up” of ideas! And I just might have to try a brainstorming session where I use the little pinch pot I made as a kid as part of my process. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2022 at 2:44 pm
carlislemalone
The hook-up ideas are awesome!!
January 17, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Clement, Laura
I’ll be making lists today. Great post.
January 17, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Hook ups! Love it!
January 17, 2022 at 3:08 pm
Marlena Leach
I can’t wait to read your book and see how you came up with this story idea/plot that you explained in your post. Thank you for this creative lesson!
January 17, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Ivanka
Fantastic way of generating ideas you can relate to. I love this aproach to brainstorming and can’t wait to try it.
January 17, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Elayne
Interesting! I’ve never thought to brainstorm this way. Always good to have another tool to try out. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Great, useable ideas! Thank you, Danielle.
January 17, 2022 at 4:20 pm
kdgwrites
Always a day late but still in. I like the idea of different types of lists. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
January 17, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Tootie Nienow
Your ideas make brainstorming fun!
January 17, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Michelle Losardo
Danielle, your post brings me back to all the make believe games I played with friends and by myself when friends weren’t around. Such a trove of story ideas! Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Molly Ippolito
This is a wonderful idea! Can’t wait to give it a try!
January 17, 2022 at 4:56 pm
Linda Hofke
Great ideas. Thanks!
January 17, 2022 at 5:09 pm
staceygustafson
Your suggestions just planted a new idea. Thanks!
January 17, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Very practical suggestions. Thank you.
January 17, 2022 at 5:26 pm
Ann M Page
Danielle,
I love this step-by-step approach to brainstorming. Sometimes narrowing things down to specific topics makes it easier to come up with ideas. Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to read your book.
January 17, 2022 at 5:32 pm
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
I love the synchrony! Presently in a local to home hotel – a vacate-ion from flooding pipes in half our building. And I just made a long post of so many of the many many more places I’ve lived or slept – 1 day or years. I was already thinking – I bet there is a PB in here.. or other story.
Your specifics are what makes this spark for me. Many other times I’ve heard – and just said myself in CG – to choose 2 ideas to make a picture that tells a new story – or write one of course.
But your examples stirred up many memories, not just imagination. I find the best and most engaging stories to read – are those that are engaging to write. with a base in what we know, what is likely new to many kids, what was felt and how it sparks action or imagination…. that may stretch the story even further… and kids’ own pondering of writing, drawing, painting, or life travels and planning. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2022 at 5:35 pm
deniseaengle
I love this unification of ideas!!
January 17, 2022 at 5:41 pm
kbrandyberry
Sleeping in the closet is way more fun that in a bed! At least the idea of it is… ! Thanks for the great suggestions – love the concept of pre-brainstorm!
January 17, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Kellie
Love this – the idea of a story grab bag is brilliant.
January 17, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Anne Appert
This is a great approach for creating lists that lead to story ideas. Thank you for your post!
January 17, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I love the idea of a pre-brainstorm list. It takes the pressure off. Thanks!
January 17, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Joyce Schriebman
One from column A/One from column B/Grab a piece of paper/It’s a kidlit mystery! Thanks for this fun list of ideas!
January 17, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Great Ideas!! Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 6:25 pm
yangmommy
Love that you still have your idea bowl from childhood! Thanks for some terrific idea-generators!
January 17, 2022 at 6:29 pm
S. K. Wenger
Thanks, Danielle! I love the idea of mash-up up two topics from lists of categories of personal interest. congratulations on your book! It sounds adorable!
January 17, 2022 at 6:35 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
I love that. Thank you.
January 17, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Haley Thomas
Love the idea of the pre-brainstorm!
January 17, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Summer Hinderer
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2022 at 6:41 pm
roberta abussi
Thank you, Danielle. The mash-up sounds fun!
January 17, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Michele Rietz
Thank you, Danielle. It’s always such a bummer when the mom comes to pick up your friend. 😉
I appreciate your steps to generate ideas. I’ll see what I can come up with and what happens when some of them “hook-up”.
Congrats on your picture books.
January 17, 2022 at 7:01 pm
Karen Lawler
I too have lived in a number of places and friends came and went but the ideas of these lists has brought a lot of those memories back! Thank You 🙂
January 17, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Maria Marshall
Such a great idea. Thanks for the idea of “pre-brainstorm” lists.
January 17, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Brandon Rodriguez
When I was younger, my friends, brother and I would also come up with lists of ideas for play time and sleepovers and all. I feel that most kids do. We never used a bowl or anything, but I think that would have lent itself into the fun times that happened. Thanks for bringing up nostalgic memories of youth.
January 17, 2022 at 7:26 pm
marybeningo
I started making lists from a few posts ago, but you gave me some more category ideas to add to! Thank you!
January 17, 2022 at 7:39 pm
mariamarianayagam
I love the double list idea. Thanks for sharing!!
January 17, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Joanne Roberts
I’ve never included my travels before because they fall outside my cultural background. I’ll have to explore that today. Thanks
January 17, 2022 at 7:59 pm
Connie Van Horn
Thought of at least one story idea while reading your post for generating ideas!! Thank you!!
January 17, 2022 at 8:27 pm
Jaime Petrucci
I love the idea of putting your ideas in a bowl to come back to if you’re stuck! Great tips.
January 17, 2022 at 9:13 pm
Rochelle Y Melander
I love mash-ups!
January 17, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Alexis_Bookdragon
Love the idea of bringing ideas together.
January 17, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Karen Chun
I really like that list are themselves a game unto themselves. The connections part is organic. Great inspiration.
January 17, 2022 at 9:27 pm
Andrea MacDonald
Hi Danielle. Nice to see you parlay some of your greatest passions into stories for young readers. Thank you for introducing a very systematic approach to idea generation.
January 17, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Amy Mucci
Love that you did that activity with your students— how cool!
January 17, 2022 at 10:14 pm
Robin Martin
Great ideas. Ty
January 17, 2022 at 10:33 pm
kathydoherty1
Thank you for the fun and uplifting post!
January 17, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Laurie Seaford
Thank you for such a simple, non-intimidating idea!
January 17, 2022 at 10:54 pm
horsewriterlady
These are great ideas! Thank you for sharing them! These will be helpful in coming up with our own.
January 17, 2022 at 11:01 pm
Chelle Martin
This reminds me of a plotting book for novels. You combined things from a few columns to make a story. The possibilities were endless. Thanks for sharing.
January 17, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Danielle, for the list of questions to help create the pre-brainstorming idea list and for the hook-up and the brainstorming tips. I love the idea of a story grab bag. these will all prove very useful.
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 17, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Crystal ES
Thank you for this post. Really like the pre-brainstorm list strategy!
January 17, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Linda Silvestri
What a great idea to have a pre-brainstorming list to help ease into brainstorming, which can sometimes be intimidating. I also love your wee idea bowl from childhood. A sweet way to connect to your inner child.
January 18, 2022 at 12:17 am
M.A. Cortez
Great post. I love making lists so this exercise for generating ideas is perfect for me. Thank you sharing.
January 18, 2022 at 12:24 am
katemccarrollmoore
Oh my goodness – what a fun post. I love making lists.
January 18, 2022 at 1:29 am
Renata Wurster
Besides writing PBs, I also paint (mostly abstract) and have a similar strategy for painting – cards that have strategies/certain lines to add to a painting on them that I can randomly draw for inspiration. I like the idea of doing something similar for generating PB ideas. Adds more fun too!
January 18, 2022 at 1:40 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for sharing this post! I love how you and your friends collected ideas for what to play. How fun.
January 18, 2022 at 1:49 am
Amy Leskowski
This is so practical! Thank you!
January 18, 2022 at 3:17 am
Lisa Kingsford
I love that you still have your clay bowl! Thanks for the ideas.
January 18, 2022 at 6:11 am
linafeli
Great idea bowl! Need to catch a spoon!
January 18, 2022 at 8:15 am
Hanna Geshelin
Terrific idea!
January 18, 2022 at 8:46 am
Leila Boukarim
Super cool technique! I love it!
January 18, 2022 at 9:07 am
Jennifer Weisse
Thank you for the great ideas! Your post brought me back, as my friends and I used to act out TV commercials too! I love how you generated play ideas as a child, and that evolved into your writing!
January 18, 2022 at 9:36 am
Michelle Steinberg
Thanks for these helpful suggestions. I have a title and main character who did not work out for a Picture Book I wrote, so I put them back into my writing ideas for a different story yet to be written.
January 18, 2022 at 10:25 am
susaninez0905
This is a great post. I love the story grab bag idea – so fun. Thanks for sharing.
January 18, 2022 at 10:39 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
This is a great idea! Off to find a fun container for my own grab bag…
January 18, 2022 at 10:59 am
Rebekah
Such smart ideas thanks!
January 18, 2022 at 11:14 am
Jennifer Rathe
Love the photo of your clay dish full of ideas along with great brainstorming suggestions. Thanks
January 18, 2022 at 11:37 am
Elizabeth
What a great idea to brain storm ideas and then write them down and put them into a container. Then pick one or two and think about any connection between the two words.Think about the two words and come up with a story idea from the two words. Use words from things you like, that relate to yoy, hobbies, your culture, upbringing, family life, character traits, major life events, minor event that stick with you, etc. Write down anything you think could be in your story. Keep your lists for future reference. .
January 18, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Angie
I like the idea of pre-brainstorming! I might enjoy “getting ready to write” quite a bit…(procrastinating!). Great list of topics to brainstorm. Thanks so much!
January 18, 2022 at 12:51 pm
robincurrie1
I love riding on the top of anything! Thanks for sharing your brainstorming ideas – lists are the best!
January 18, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Apryl Lee
This is such a great exercise!
January 18, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Some great ideas – thank you! 💗
January 18, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Kassy Keppol
Lists are fun.
January 18, 2022 at 1:11 pm
georgeandjohanna
I love this way of thinking about things – thank you!
Johanna Peyton
January 18, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Gabi Snyder
I love writing lists, too! Thanks for sharing your clever pre-brainstorming suggestions, Danielle!
January 18, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Judy Bryan
I had fun doing this exercise and liked how my pre-brainstorm list morphed into full brainstorming! No matter how wacky it was, I wrote it down and had a good laugh. Thank you!!
January 18, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Louann Brown
Thanks for sharing your brainstorming process. Can’t wait to try it! Sounds like great fun.
January 18, 2022 at 3:31 pm
claireannette1
There’s nothing better than a good list – especially as a source of story ideas. Thanks for an inspiring post.
January 18, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Charlene Avery
Thank you, many fun ideas!! Take care!
January 18, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Dawn Mitchell
Thanks for the pre-brainstorm list suggestion.
January 18, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Lisa Gaines
What fun ideas for ideas! Thank you!
January 18, 2022 at 4:52 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Fellow list-maker here!
January 18, 2022 at 5:05 pm
arndt4writing
I can’t wait to try this! Thank you!
January 18, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Danielle! I love these suggestions – I already got an idea! 🙂
January 18, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Danielle. Love your suggestion of a running list of ideas. Then just hook-up (or mash-up) two topics and see where that goes. Endless possibilities. A brainstorming game for sure!
January 18, 2022 at 5:41 pm
allyenz
The gathering of ideas IS so much fun, I realize I do it all the time. Pre-brainstorming and the list match up is also a helpful way to get myself back into ‘what did I like as a kid?’ So many of the same things you listed! I also loved using the typewriter, and would type up menus when we played restaurant.
January 18, 2022 at 5:42 pm
lorisherritt
The gears are turning! Thank you for sharing these building blocks to success. I just spent the weekend with my younger brother and I was asking him what he remembered from where we grew up. He started with the backyard and the swing set that was there, then went on to tell about the adventures he had on that small strip of fenced in suburban lawn through the years. Our conversations and your post combined have inspired me to dip into my ‘well’. Thank you!
January 18, 2022 at 7:16 pm
Jud Ward
Oooh, I like this! I’d hit an idea drought but this hook-up thing got me thinking in a new, fun way. Thanks.
January 18, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP looks like a fun, tap your toe kind of picture book. Thanks for sharing!
January 18, 2022 at 9:43 pm
Lisa M. Horn
Thanks, Danielle. I live my life by lists so why not a list of my brainstorm ideas! Love it!!
January 18, 2022 at 10:23 pm
Saba Negash
This is a great tip! Thank you for sharing. I love idea of an idea grab bag!
January 18, 2022 at 10:51 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Great brainstorming ideas! I’m all about lists, so this totally is my jam. Thanks so much!
January 18, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you for your post!
January 18, 2022 at 11:30 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
From the titles alone, your books and ideas shine from creativity! Thanks for sharing, Danielle Joseph!
January 19, 2022 at 1:39 am
tasha woodson
what a great way to generate story ideas! thank you for sharing.
January 19, 2022 at 7:40 am
Tamara Rittershaus
Busy making lists! I hope some of these ideas make it into story form!
January 19, 2022 at 8:03 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing your process for pre brain storming. I am inspired.
January 19, 2022 at 8:04 am
hansenjc13
I love the idea of the grab bag. I need to take my kids’ clay pots off the shelf and put them to use.
January 19, 2022 at 8:05 am
Audrey Perrott
I love the “words on paper” method, and your handmade bowl is giving me nostalgia for the purple and pink one I made in elementary school! Thank you for sharing your “pre-brainstorm” method — I’ve never thought of it that way, and I love it!
January 19, 2022 at 10:13 am
Jennifer Kennedy
Thanks so much for the ideas! I like using my topic list as a kind of grab bag to see what unexpected combo sparks something
January 19, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Searra Simpson
I love the idea of a pre-brainstorm! Thanks!
January 19, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Angela H. Dale
cool idea – I’m not great at brainstorming, so I’ll have to try this.
January 19, 2022 at 12:13 pm
mwolpin
Thanks for your post, Danielle. Great idea: pick one from column A and one from column B, apply imagination and viola – a story is born.
January 19, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Brinton Culp
So cool you still have the idea bowl! There may be a story there. Thanks for the fun activity to get my brain in gear!
January 19, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
I often use my experiences to create stories, and I’ve made similar lists, but I’ve never thought of it quite this way. Thanks for giving me a new way to come up with excellent story ideas. I definitely think this one will be helpful for the long haul!
January 19, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Abby Nicole Wooldridge
These are awesome ideas for getting ideas, Danielle! Thank you for sharing! I love the story grab bag and idea hook-ups. My son has a bowl just like that from his art class. I may be asking him if I can borrow it! ❤
January 19, 2022 at 1:01 pm
jerrybar
What a great way to get the creative juices flowing. Thank you.
January 19, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Mary Zychowicz
Great brainstorming ideas! Thank you for sharing. I love these kinds of exercises. I look forward to reading your picture book.
January 19, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
Wow, this is quite a system for generating story ideas! Thanks.
January 19, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Jane Dippold (@janedippold)
Thanks for the great tips on combining ideas to generate new!
January 19, 2022 at 5:06 pm
Tammi Beck
Thank you for your time! Best
January 19, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Jessica Milo
I love this idea of creating a pre-brainstorm list and then picking 2 topic ideas you want to further explore and using the “hook up phase” to brainstorm! I will try this! Thank you, Danielle!
January 19, 2022 at 5:33 pm
streetlynn
Love the list idea!
January 19, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I love lists so much!! And “permission” to make them makes me happy! Thanks!
January 19, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Julie Durr
I love lists but once I make them I sometimes forget to go back to them but what a fun idea for getting story ideas. Thank you!
January 19, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Jane Francis
Thank you for writing about brainstorming lists to spark ideas. Might be what I just need to get back on track.
January 20, 2022 at 12:42 am
Judith Snyder
Very creative activity and one that can generate many ideas. Thanks.
January 20, 2022 at 2:17 am
Kim
I love the idea of putting them in a bowl – all the freedom to generate without having to commit to one idea. Thank you!
January 20, 2022 at 2:55 am
Rena Joy
This is a great idea!
January 20, 2022 at 10:00 am
Angela De Groot
Thanks for sharing your process for filling our idea wells.
January 20, 2022 at 10:06 am
Anita M Banks
How exciting–I’ve been to Haiti and have seen the tap-taps!
January 20, 2022 at 10:28 am
Elizabeth James
Oh, I love this! I went on a mission trip to Haiti so this touches my heart! Would especially love the Zoom call to chat more!!
January 20, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Jolie Stekly
Love this tap back into childhood and idea generation as play. 🙂
January 20, 2022 at 3:26 pm
annettepimentel
I love your idea bowl!
January 20, 2022 at 4:48 pm
jensubra
These ideas sound very helpful and especially when my brain has stalled out! Thanks!
January 20, 2022 at 7:19 pm
rindabeach
I copied your pre-brainstorm and location list. It’s a great way to find a story idea, and I also think it could help me find my way through the middle of a story…that’s when I always get saggy 😦
January 20, 2022 at 7:20 pm
cinzialverde
This is such a fun idea! Thanks for the suggestions
January 20, 2022 at 8:24 pm
Caren Cantrell
I hadn’t heard about pre-brainstorming. Makes perfect sense and a lot less pressure.
January 20, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I want my own little clay cup!! Looking around the house for something I can repurpose…
January 21, 2022 at 12:26 am
Charlotte Glaze
I remember making lots of lists as a child, too… and still now. Thank you, I finally made that list of childhood memories I’ve meant to make for a long time.
January 21, 2022 at 2:15 am
Marzieh Abbas
Your ideas are great! I’m going to create my own version of the grab bag 🙂 Love your Tap Tap story! Such a satisfying ending!
January 21, 2022 at 3:43 am
Huyen
Fun way to choose a story idea- it’s like pulling ideas out of a hat! Thanks for sharing this method of generating ideas
January 21, 2022 at 9:46 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Thanks for these great ideas! And your childhood memories remind me some of mine. Great ideas there. Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Susie Sawyer
I’ve always loved making lists – starting with a list of lists is a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration in this helpful post, Danielle!
January 21, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Susan Luchetta
Thanks for the inspiration. I love making lists about anything and everything, but never thought to create an idea list for stories!
January 21, 2022 at 4:07 pm
ashleehashman
I love lists! Thanks for giving us a peek into your inspiration and brainstorming process!
January 21, 2022 at 5:44 pm
writeknit
Lists are my thing – I’m on the hunt in my house to find an appropriate vessel to stash my ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 21, 2022 at 6:36 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Love your “hook-up” idea to generate ideas. Will try it. Thank you, Danielle!
January 21, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Susan Schade
I love brainstorming exercises! And I’m excited to find a perfect “idea bowl” to store the ideas in. Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 9:08 pm
debbiemoeller
I can use those tips! Thanks for the post.
January 21, 2022 at 11:48 pm
gayleenrabakukk
Thank you! Love the brainstorming list strategy.
January 22, 2022 at 4:29 am
sharongiltrow
I love the story grab bag idea
January 22, 2022 at 8:15 am
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Thanks for the tips!
January 22, 2022 at 1:42 pm
supermario6
Hook-ups! Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 4:40 pm
Debbie Meneses
Danielle,
I think after my brainstorming, I will use a web diagram to add bubbles of interesting events. As the interesting events bubbles increase, a plot might surface. Thank you for your example list.
January 22, 2022 at 6:57 pm
Liz Godfrey
Thanks, Danielle! Great ideas to help me break out the creativity! Lists, linking, grab bag – fabulous!
January 22, 2022 at 7:17 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Very cool, thanks Danielle! And can’t wait to read I WANT TO RIDE THE TAP TAP!!
January 22, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Kris H
Thank you for the great ideas.
January 22, 2022 at 10:09 pm
Jaymie Dean
Thank you….i love the idea of The Hook-Up and brainstorming ways to Unify the Ideas
January 22, 2022 at 10:30 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Catching up, but what a great, practical post. Thank you and excited for your book!
January 23, 2022 at 12:42 am
Kate Rietema
Thanks Danielle
January 23, 2022 at 12:49 am
syorkeviney
I love the put-togetherness of the ideas here…I think I will play with this! Thanks so much!
January 23, 2022 at 2:59 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Love the story grab bag!
January 23, 2022 at 10:34 am
mimisheawrites
Great ideas to expand my own working list!
January 23, 2022 at 10:58 am
Susanne Whitehouse
I like the “Pre-Brainstorm”!
January 23, 2022 at 11:20 am
KATHY Z.PRICE
My ideas are all over the place–thanks for not only the suggestion to organize within this Storystorm, but you show us how-to. —brilliant! Thanks
January 23, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Susan Twiggs
Love your hook up idea to put two brainstorming ideas together!
January 23, 2022 at 10:19 pm
hcvagley
Pre brainstorm??? So cool! Thank you, Danielle.
January 23, 2022 at 11:06 pm
calliebdean
I love the pre-brainstorming idea! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 11:23 pm
Dani Duck
Thank you for the ideas on how to take my ideas to a book. I’ve got so many ideas, and I really need to make them into something! Also, love your name!
January 24, 2022 at 2:20 am
Shan
What magical combinations!
January 24, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Great ideas. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Abraham Schroeder
I love the big bowl of ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 8:25 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Danielle, I love the idea of creating a story grab bag to have ready for whenever you need it. Making lists now! Thanks.
January 24, 2022 at 11:27 pm
Samantha Rosa
Love this idea!
January 25, 2022 at 8:58 am
topangamaria
Beds are too boring = what a lovely funny memory. Great list ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 9:17 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
I’ve got a list going, now going to listen to Liszt.
January 25, 2022 at 10:34 am
JC
Story grab bag, what a great idea, thanks for your post!
January 25, 2022 at 10:50 am
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
Fun idea/exercise.
January 25, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Brian Burak
The grab bag is such a fun idea. I love it. Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 12:28 am
Mary Beth Rice
Great post. Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Megan McNamara
I love the idea of a pre-brainstorm brainstorm. It does help to take the pressure off!
January 26, 2022 at 7:18 pm
goodreadswithronna
All good ways to get the creativity flowing! The story grab bag is similar to something I’ve done with the SCBWI-LA Pasadena Mingle. The stories that have come out of it have been such fun
January 26, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Amanda
I love how your little bowl has evolved and grown (along with you) over the years to serve the single purpose of idea generation though for a variety of reasons. It seems to be a cherished possession that has served you well over the years! And that gives me and idea-a few actually.
January 27, 2022 at 11:21 am
Lauri Meyers
Love the way making lists kinda tricks you into plot writing without the stress that finding the right plot normally involves .
January 27, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Nice mix of memories! I got an idea already! Thanks.
January 27, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Nice mix of memories! I got an idea already! Thanks.
January 27, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
That little bowl is certainly a treasure. Thank you for the creative inspiration to generate new story ideas, Danielle! 🙂
January 27, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Aimee Jenkins
love, love these ideas! will be fun to play a version with my 8 year old and do some silly story-telling.
January 28, 2022 at 2:16 pm
angiecal76
I just love that little handmade bowl of yours that held the crumbled papers of potential activities you’d partake in for that day. So sweet!
January 28, 2022 at 11:18 pm
Stephanie Lau
What a colorful cover! Thanks for your post!
January 29, 2022 at 9:05 am
Andrea
Thank you, this post has already sparked a few new ideas.
January 29, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Melissa Hastings
I love the idea of keeping ideas in a jar (and thought about the fortunes we read about in an earlier post). I also have five location/transportation combos on my list to explore. Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 3:42 pm
susan gruidel
it’s so funny how the mind works. as i was reading your suggestions, an idea came back to me from who knows how long ago, one i hadn’t written down, but just popped into my head. thank you!!
January 29, 2022 at 4:51 pm
LaurenKerstein
I just loved seeing a picture of your idea bowl! What a great post.
January 29, 2022 at 8:25 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for inspiring me to keep running list of ideas and tidbits of all kinds.
January 29, 2022 at 11:23 pm
riverwoods21
Looking forward to reading your MG Novel. Congrats on Tap Tap. It is so colorful and creative.
January 30, 2022 at 11:49 am
Angie Isaacs
Thanks for the post!
January 30, 2022 at 1:14 pm
jmcegan
Helpful to organize, narrow down and focus on ideas. Thanks!
January 30, 2022 at 4:16 pm
Yaa
Thank you for the brainstorming ideas.
January 30, 2022 at 8:41 pm
Mina
Great post 🙂 Thank you for sharing Danielle 🙂
January 30, 2022 at 9:37 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for the ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 9:03 am
Lucy Staugler
Danielle, Grab bag list of ideas!! Yes! Great post!
Thank you,
Lucy Staugler
January 31, 2022 at 10:44 am
Dillard Sheri
Great post! Thanks, Danielle!
January 31, 2022 at 12:26 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Gathering ideas is a game in itself. So true! Thank you for an inspirational post.
January 31, 2022 at 4:27 pm
flinn321
always love a good pre-brainstorm session. thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 4:57 pm
Terri Sabol
Pre-brainstorm, Hook-up, Brainstorm, and Story Grab Bag… So many good ideas. Thanks for sharing, Danielle!
January 31, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Meghan Downs
I love making lists, so this is such a helpful exercise for me! Thank you!!
January 31, 2022 at 7:07 pm
matike2209
I love the story bowl idea! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 7:14 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for sharing your process! Very inspirational!
January 31, 2022 at 10:13 pm
Nazanin Ford
This is the kind of thing I need for those days when I can’t think of anything I want to work on. Thanks for a great idea!
January 31, 2022 at 10:13 pm
angelapadron
Thanks for this inspirational post Danielle!
January 31, 2022 at 10:30 pm
Devyn
Such an interesting exercise! Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Anna Brooks
I love a great process! Thank you for laying out the steps to keep an idea well flowing.
January 31, 2022 at 11:41 pm
Jennifer Broedel
Making a list is such a quick and manageable step- we can do it anywhere, and produce useful ideas! Thanks for the tip.
January 31, 2022 at 11:46 pm
Kristin Sawyer
The pre-brainstorm…it takes away the pressure of “I MUST brainstorm now!” and “I HAVE to come up with ideas.”
February 1, 2022 at 7:41 am
Azra Rahim
Thank you for the pre-brainstorm list.
February 1, 2022 at 4:22 pm
kaitlinsikeswrites
Thanks for sharing!
February 1, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Jennifer Hunt
How interesting! Keeping a grab bag/bowl of lists/ideas to pull from. So neat to hear you’ve been doing it since childhood.
February 1, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Sylvia Chen
Oooh, great to try for brainstorming. Thank you!
February 4, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Janel Caverly
I love lists. Thanks for the nudge. I’ll add this reminder on my list!
February 6, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Anne Young
This was a fun exercise. Thank you, Danielle.
February 7, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Archaa S
The pre-brainstorm list is great!