by Valerie Bolling
As adults, we sometimes forget what it’s like to be a kid. Being a kid is fun. You can be carefree, silly, and curious. You get to engage in a plethora of experiences for the first time.
Speaking of the first time, think of your first-time experiences. Like learning how to ride a bike. This is such an important milestone for children and the topic of my next book, TOGETHER WE RIDE, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita (Chronicle, April 2022), which features a girl learning how to ride a bike with the support of her father. When was the first time you rode a bike? What about the time you learned how to read, played with a new friend, traveled to a new place, or tried a new food?
The first time I tried chitterlings (pronounced chitlins by most), considered a delicacy by some, my grandmother and aunts eagerly watched for my reaction. I still remember the awful taste as I declared, “It tastes like what it smells like, and you know what it smells like.” I wonder if there might be a story hiding in this memory?
I didn’t enjoy those chitlins, but there were many things I did enjoy. What about you? What did you enjoy as a child? Did you enjoy dancing, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, building snowmen, or spending a day at the beach?
My best times were spent playing with my cousins and neighborhood friends. We did everything together – rode bikes, played school and house, and all sorts of games with a ball (catch, dodgeball, and kickball). We loved playing our games. We would play in the middle of my narrow one-way street, and I made up a chant to signal an oncoming car: “A car, a car, a C-A-R (spelled out).” That was our clue to move to the sidewalk until the car passed. My book, RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN, illustrated by Sabrena Khadija (Abrams, September 2022), was inspired by games I loved to play outdoors as a child. What were your favorite childhood games? Who did you play them with? What songs did you sing or create?
Creating things is so much fun as a child. Whether it’s making cakes in a sandbox, finger painting on a big piece of paper, or constructing a make-believe animal out of papier mâché (I made an elephant). Art is always fun for kids. That’s why the main character in my early reader series, ZOYA GLITTERS!, illustrated by Kai Robinson (Scholastic, May/July/November 2023), is a girl who loves to create art.
Letting one’s imagination run wild is the best. My favorite fantasy as a child was turning our large vegetable garden into a pool for the summertime and then having it magically transform into an ice skating rink in the winter, since swimming and skating were two of my favorite activities. What did you dream of or fantasize about as a child? I bet there’s a story somewhere.
Other story ideas:
- What’s something you learned as a child or wished you could’ve learned? Were there certain lessons you wanted to take, but your parents said no? What else did your parents say no to that you did anyway? A naughty story is always fun!
- What was funny to you as a kid? What’s funny to your kids? What gets them to belly-laugh? Chances are if it makes a kid laugh, it’ll be a winning story!
- What are questions you wanted answers to as a kid? What’s a funny question a kid has asked you? What if you provided a made-up answer to the question? That could make a funny story.
Channel your inner kid. All sorts of story ideas will emerge. You may even stumble on some memories that you’d forgotten. Memories that can become fodder for wonderful stories—stories that kids will want to read. What’s buried in your memories that could become a wonderful story for a young reader?
May you write stories that children, as well as the inner child in each of us, will enjoy. And, like a child, may you have fun doing it!
For further inspiration, read this post by Tara.
Valerie Bolling is the author of the 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite award-winning and CT Book Award finalist LET’S DANCE! Valerie has been an educator for almost 30 years. Since her book was released a week before the pandemic shutdown, she has been engaged in numerous virtual storytimes and author panels. Immersed in the writing community, Valerie is on the faculty at Westport Writers’ Workshop and a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, NCTE, and ILA. She is also a 2020 WNDB Mentee and a 2022 WNDB Mentor as well as a member of Black Creators HeadQuarters, The Brown Bookshelf and Highlights Foundation’s Amplify Black Stories, and 12X12 Picture Book Challenge. In addition, Valerie is a member of three co-marketing groups—Kid Lit in Color, Soaring 20s PBs, and PB Crew 22—and three picture book critique groups. Valerie has two books scheduled for release in 2022 (TOGETHER WE RIDE and RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN), five more slated for 2023 (TOGETHER WE SWIM, NEIGHBORHOOD JAM, and ZOYA GLITTERS!, a Scholastic early reader series), and one for 2024. Valerie and her husband live in Connecticut. Get all her links: linktr.ee/ValerieBolling.
Valerie is giving away a query critique, goal-setting meeting, or 20-minute phone chat—winner’s choice!
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.
649 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 21, 2022 at 8:05 am
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Thank you for those fun ideas and juicy prompts, Valerie. And congratulations on all of your books!
January 23, 2022 at 11:12 am
beckylevine
Such great suggestions–thank you! And Zoya Glitters! is going on my to-read list. I just wish I didn’t have to wait until 2023!
January 24, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Renée Neubauer
Such solid advice and great ideas to get the creative juices flowing.Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:06 am
Kimberly Marcus
Great ideas! Thank you.
January 21, 2022 at 8:08 am
Sharon Lillie
I have many happy memories of childhood as well, though not of learning to ride a bike. My sister’s method was to put me on the bike and push it towards the garage, yelling at me to steer and petal before I hit it. Thank you for your words of encouragement
January 26, 2022 at 3:17 pm
hannahannkrueger
Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:09 am
lindakaychavezbooks
My childhood self is alive and well, and your bulleted list of ideas gives me new ways to use that childhood self. Thank you! This was really useful.
January 21, 2022 at 8:10 am
Jany Campana
Thank you Valeria for inspiring my inner child to awaken!!!
January 21, 2022 at 8:10 am
lizluvselephants
This is a wonderful post! Linda Ashman in her book Nuts and Bolts had me doing a similar exercise with great results! Thank you Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 8:14 am
Lauren Barbieri
Childhood memories are the best! Thank you for the post. Looking forward to reading your upcoming work!
January 21, 2022 at 8:15 am
lynjekowsky
Valeria, thank you for inspiring me to dig further into my childhood memories.
January 21, 2022 at 8:16 am
authoraileenstewart
Great Ideas Ms. Valerie. And I’m so happy for all your recent successes. You Go Girl 💖
January 21, 2022 at 8:16 am
readmybook2002
Oh, how I remember the kickball in the streets and yelling out car (usually after I kick a big one & everything had to stop). Thank You.Love how you get ideas.
January 21, 2022 at 8:18 am
Laura Rackham
So fun to remember the fun!
January 21, 2022 at 8:20 am
heidikyates
Thank you for the prompts to help us channel our inner kid!
January 21, 2022 at 8:22 am
Kate Lynch
Valarie,
What wonderful kid memory inspiration you’ve given me!! I’m super excited to check out your books as well, congratulations!!
Thank you,
January 21, 2022 at 8:25 am
michelemeleen
Some of your childhood memories ring true for me and probably lots of readers!
January 21, 2022 at 8:28 am
Annie Guerra
Sounds like sage advice! Annie Guerra
January 21, 2022 at 8:28 am
annier1996
Mining childhood memories for story nuggets! Always a good idea. Thanks for sharing what sparked your stories, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 8:29 am
Rebecca McMurdie
Love the memory ideas. And CONGRATS on all your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 8:29 am
rebeccacolby
Love these ideas! Thank you! Thankfully, this child never grew up, so today’s idea generating should be easy. 😉
January 21, 2022 at 8:32 am
anchance
Trying to make my own children laugh is how I gauge if I have a great idea or not. Thanks for the tips!
January 21, 2022 at 8:34 am
hansenjc13
Great ideas for brainstorming! Thank you
January 21, 2022 at 8:36 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Valerie, thank you for all of this inspiration! As a nanny to my grandsons I am paying close attention to what they say and do.
January 21, 2022 at 8:37 am
thecrowsmap
Valerie, your books sound like fun. Thanks for a fun post.
Gail Hartman
January 21, 2022 at 8:41 am
Chelsea
Especially for those who have had dark seasons in their youth, it’s nice to be given permission to mine for goodness. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:44 am
Brigita O
Thanks for these inspiring thoughts!
January 21, 2022 at 8:44 am
Alice Fulgione
Childhood memories always can be transformed into great stories. Thanks for your wonderful suggestions!
January 21, 2022 at 8:46 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Mining childhood memories is a great suggestion. Thanks for all your ideas, Valerie! And congrats on all your success. I enjoyed LET’S DANCE! and can’t wait to read the rest.
January 21, 2022 at 8:48 am
savoringeverymoment
The cover art for your book coming out in April is precious! Can’t wait to read the story. And can’t wait to take a stroll down memory lane. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 8:48 am
Cathy Lentes
Thanks for reminding us to play as we write and write what we played. Congratulations on your many books!
January 21, 2022 at 8:50 am
Vanessa Konoval
These are excellent prompts. Thank you so much!
January 21, 2022 at 8:50 am
Marilyn Ostermiller
Valerie, I’m totally inspired by your suggestions to tap into our childhood memories. I plan to go through family albums today in hopes a memory there will remind me of long ago fun.
January 21, 2022 at 8:51 am
Jennifer Phillips
Thank you for this helpful exploration of mining those childhood memories and paying attention to the memories our children are creating now. And congratulations on your creative projects!
January 21, 2022 at 8:52 am
lsheroan
My mom had a funny song she sang that made my sister and me fall over laughing. I had not thought of that in years.
January 21, 2022 at 8:53 am
Leah Marks
One of my favorite memories is making a tent out of bedsheets in the forest behind my friend’s house. Thanks for a trip down memory lane.
January 21, 2022 at 8:53 am
sullyweston
Terrific tips, Valerie! Childhood memories are gold…And congrats on LET’S DANCE! Such a fun read!
January 21, 2022 at 8:54 am
Ellen
So many wonderful childhood inspirations! Thank you Valerie. And congratulations on all the upcoming books. Wow!
January 21, 2022 at 8:54 am
melissamiles1
Reading this post really makes me wish I’d kept some of those little diaries with the lock and key I filled as a kid. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 8:55 am
Sarah Tobias
Congratulations on all of your books. So exciting and they sound like so much fun.
Childhood Memories great fodder for stories.
January 21, 2022 at 8:56 am
allthingscreativeequal
I immediately thought of something I did that I was not supposed to do as a kid and started wondering… Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:56 am
mdk45
Terrific advice, Valerie. Those questions make great writing exercises. Thank you and congrats on your books.
January 21, 2022 at 8:57 am
wordnerd153
Your post already sparked an idea for a picture book! Thanks so much 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 8:58 am
Janna MacLean
Thanks. How cool to win a critique!
January 21, 2022 at 8:59 am
N. Alison Colle
Mining memories. A thought provoking post. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:59 am
Janice Woods
Great advice! Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 9:00 am
Tara Cerven
This article immediately made me think back fondly to some of my own childhood memories. I can definitely give some thought to what stories can come from those! Thank you.
January 21, 2022 at 9:01 am
Phyllis Mignard
Our grandmothers must have twins because mine played the same trick on me! Thanks so much for sharing—you have made my day!
January 21, 2022 at 9:01 am
Catherine
Great article Valerie! “Channel your inner child “. I agree. I have been teaching Visual Arts for over ten years and the ideas are endless when you interact and listen to children. Even “Acting ike a kid” is so much fun, it resonates memories of the child in you. Thank you and Congratulations on your books!
January 21, 2022 at 9:03 am
sullyweston
Terrific tips, Valerie. Childhood memories are gold…And congrats on LET’S DANCE! Such a fun read 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 9:06 am
Juliana Jones
Congrats on all those books coming out! Thanks for all the questions you asked. Events from my childhood are bubbling to the surface, eager for me to weave into stories!
January 21, 2022 at 9:08 am
Lynn McCracken
Thank you, Valerie! I felt your enthusiasm swimming in your words. Your childhood memories are much like mine. My neighborhood was full of children. We played outside everyday. Great memories!
January 21, 2022 at 9:09 am
Kristen Indahl
Great advice to channel your inner child. And this reminded me how I was the last kid on the block to figure out how to ride a bike, LOL. Looking forward to checking out your books!
January 21, 2022 at 9:10 am
Ann Harrell
Great post! Great reminder! Great memories to mine! Thank you, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 9:11 am
Lisa L Furness
Thank you for reminding us to mine those childhood memories with some great prompts, Valerie.
January 21, 2022 at 9:11 am
loricevans
Usually I think about my childhood and it feels rather misty. But for some reason, today, after reading your lovely post, I honed right in on a couple of memories that might have story promise. Thank you for taking the time to inspire others.
January 21, 2022 at 9:13 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for reminding us to write for the child within us all, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 9:14 am
ramonapersaudwrites
Thank you for the reminder about being a kid and simple things that elicited joy. Flashed back to the best ice cream ever!
January 21, 2022 at 9:14 am
bgonsar
Thanks for jogging my memory!
January 21, 2022 at 9:27 am
Gregory E Bray
Thank you for the post.
January 21, 2022 at 9:27 am
Suzanne Lewis
Wonderful story inspiration ticklers, Valerie! Congratulations on such a treasure chest of story book gems for children and adults alike!
January 21, 2022 at 9:28 am
kurtzmom548513
Thank you Valerie for so many ideas in one post! You gave so many suggestions for re-lating to kids and that is so important for picture book writers! I look forward to checking out your books and trying out some of these ideas. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 9:31 am
Leigh Anne Carter
Imagination and milestones really spoke to me–thank you for this post, Valerie! Love your books!
January 21, 2022 at 9:32 am
Lynne Marie
I love this kid-centered approach to writing children’s books. Thanks so much and best of luck!
January 21, 2022 at 9:33 am
rozanark
Thank you for transporting me to those carefree days!
January 21, 2022 at 9:33 am
carlislemalone
I love the idea of harnessing the inner child and memories in order to write PBs. Great post!!
January 21, 2022 at 9:34 am
Michelle Dragalin
As usual, I enjoyed the post. I especially like the questions and I am going to sit down and think about them and see what pops into my mind. I want to learn more about this blogger, because she is doing things I want to do when I grow up. Michelle
January 21, 2022 at 9:35 am
Midge Smith
Great post, Valerie! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 9:35 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Thank you Valerie. There are so many ideas that can stem from our childhood. It is definitely something to embrace and the ideas will flourish. I have definitely taken a ride on that memory train. I look forward to your upcoming works
January 21, 2022 at 9:35 am
irmelsa
Great inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 9:36 am
Maria
I daydreamed a lot as a kid, but definitely felt in a rush to grow up and be an adult to help my Asian immigrant parents. Thanks to my children, they are helping me channel my inner child and become more creative, joyful and be at peace. Thank you for your wonderful ideas. I can’t wait to get my hands on your books!
January 21, 2022 at 9:36 am
Kevin Treaccar
Awesome. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 9:38 am
triciahinely
Great brain stimulation! Not only is it fun to try to remember those carefree days but it does get some cobwebs cleaned out. Thank you for the enthusiastic encouragement!
January 21, 2022 at 9:39 am
Marzieh Abbas
thanks, Valerie, so many awesome books coming out soon! Yeay!
January 21, 2022 at 9:39 am
Megan Whitaker
Love the image of you and your friends chanting out CAR-super cute! Congratulations on your books!
January 21, 2022 at 9:40 am
pathaap
Valerie, this is wonderful! Your post brought make so many memories of games and adventures, as well as first-time experiences I had as a child. Thank you! Congratulations on your books!
January 21, 2022 at 9:42 am
Jane Martin
Great writing prompts! Can’t wait to channel my inner child.
January 21, 2022 at 9:44 am
Writer on the run
Valerie, your post sparked my memory of playing in the public neighborhood pool and inventing all sorts of underwater/ocean games- “Shark” “Mermaid” etc. Thanks for the idea starter1
January 21, 2022 at 9:45 am
ellen seal ❄️ (@ellenseal_art)
So prolific in such a short time! Amazing! Thanks for the inspiration, Valerie.
January 21, 2022 at 9:48 am
lizricewrites
Great tips for mining more story ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 9:48 am
Susie
Thank you for the reminder to visit our childhood and engage with our inner child. Wonderful advice !
January 21, 2022 at 9:48 am
kathalsey
My gosh, Valerie, dipping back into the fun times as a child is always entertaining. I did many of the same things you did. Right now I’m remembering times with my dad. TY for the nudge. And how DO you have time to do all you do and give back to the kid lit community? Ty.
January 21, 2022 at 9:50 am
Stephanie Rondeau
Thanks for inspiring me to dig into some wonderful memories this morning! I agree that memories can bring the best inspiration if you look hard enough.
January 21, 2022 at 9:51 am
Ana Archi
Love doing childhood on repeat!
January 21, 2022 at 9:52 am
Jay
Thanks, Valerie, for reminding us to dive into our childhood memories. Congratulations on your forthcoming books.
January 21, 2022 at 9:53 am
Angie B.
Wow! Thank you. I always wonder how useful my childhood memories are because today’s childhood is so different. This is a powerful reminder that many things in childhood are timeless.
January 21, 2022 at 9:53 am
Kate
Thanks for channeling our inner “kid” today, I’m remembering some wacky things we did as kids. Valerie! Congratulations on all f your success!
January 21, 2022 at 9:55 am
Fiona Forster
There are so many great questions in your post to activate those childhood memories! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 9:57 am
robincurrie1
My childhood was long ago but I watch my grandchildren (who are much more fun that the children!) to regain the magic.
January 21, 2022 at 10:02 am
Christina Shawn
Thank you for this! I will spend this morning reminiscing. Congratulations on all your book success!
January 21, 2022 at 10:02 am
Joan Longstaff
Delving into childhood joys, and fears, has given me two new ideas today. Thank you for the nudge to delve into that mine once again!
January 21, 2022 at 10:03 am
Lynn Baldwin
Great questions, Valerie. These helped me recall some funny childhood memories:-)
January 21, 2022 at 10:03 am
Sallye O'Rourke
Mining my memories, thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 10:04 am
Hollie Wolverton
I love mining childhood memories for ideas, and Valerie’s suggestions are great for going deeper and remembering not just what happened but what I wished happened or dreamed of happening, etc. Great post!
January 21, 2022 at 10:08 am
Donna Rossman
Congrats, Valerie, on all your upcoming books! And thank you for this fun and inspiring post. I found myself remembering all kinds of funny things from when my children were young as well as myself.
January 21, 2022 at 10:11 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
You are busier than ever Valerie! Congrats!
January 21, 2022 at 10:12 am
leslieevatayloe
Congrats on your success! Best wishes for 2022.
January 21, 2022 at 10:12 am
Heidi Chupp
Such helpful prompts to get the ideas flowing! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 10:14 am
Jennifer Kennedy
Thanks so much, Valerie! I found so many nuggets of ideas while thinking through these questions, and love that they can inspire all different types of books!
January 21, 2022 at 10:15 am
Alison McGauley
Thank you for this inspiring and playful post, Valerie! I will think about these questions to guide my brainstorming.
January 21, 2022 at 10:18 am
writersideup
Valerie, I couldn’t agree with you more 😀 Even the simplest childhood memories can be a seed! And when I was a kid in the Bronx, we played in the street often…I think that chant was common in the city. We used to say it, too, but didn’t use the “a” so it was “Car, car, C-A-R!” and we sang it 😀 Great post!
January 21, 2022 at 10:19 am
lmconnors
Thanks Valerie. I’m off to ponder my inner child.
January 21, 2022 at 10:21 am
Cindy S
I sure do miss being a kid!
January 21, 2022 at 10:23 am
Audrey Perrott
Valerie, these questions are triggering all kinds of memories for me, and I find myself especially drawn to the “naughty” stories. 😆 Thank you for sharing and congrats on all the upcoming releases!!
January 21, 2022 at 10:24 am
Maria B
Thank you, Valerie! I love all the questions you’ve put in this post. I think mining our own childhoods bring out the best story gems.
January 21, 2022 at 10:24 am
Joan Swanson
Memories of childhood, good or bad, are wonderful ways to spark an idea. Thank you.
January 21, 2022 at 10:24 am
Penelope McNally
Thanks for the ideas for inspiration, Valerie. There’s so much to mine from our childhoods; we just have to dig into our memories and the ideas will (hopefully) start flowing. Congratulations on your book successes!!
January 21, 2022 at 10:26 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
great reminders of ways to step into kids shoes on every day experiences that we might not see as big but yes they would be significant at the time
January 21, 2022 at 10:26 am
Peggy Dobbs
Channel your inner kid—love it! What wonderful memories! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 21, 2022 at 10:27 am
Karen Rafeedie
Great idea — our memories are uniquely ours – so all the better for generating an original idea. Thank you Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 10:27 am
JaNayBW
Congratulations on all your new titles, Valerie! Cant wait to get them and share them with my preschooler!
January 21, 2022 at 10:29 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I’m still a kid at heart. It’s not too hard to remember. Thank you.
January 21, 2022 at 10:29 am
DaNeil Olson
Excellent advice! Thank you. 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 10:30 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
Great inspiration to get the ideas flowing–thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 10:30 am
Steena Hernandez
Hi Valerie. I love the questions you suggest. Very helpful while exploring our inner child and unlocking memories. Thank you for sharing!
January 21, 2022 at 10:31 am
Sarah Olivo
Love the fact that the father is the one helping her ride her bike. Can’t wait to get it for my daughter. Thanks for the inspiring questions!
January 21, 2022 at 10:31 am
Louann Brown
Thanks for jarring my memory. My childhood memories are full of wonderful experiences. I was a lucky kid! Now to grab my notebook and start writing.
January 21, 2022 at 10:32 am
Deb McGarvey
Thank you for this post! Great ideas. I particularly like the idea of building on a fantasy; for those of us with less than idyllic childhoods, there may be more of those than happy memories. And memories don’t have to be happy to spark ideas.
January 21, 2022 at 10:32 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Thank you for some real tangible ideas and steps to take to create ideas for stories…you’ve already got my mind thinking back on some great days in the neighborhood! thank you
January 21, 2022 at 10:34 am
debbiearnn
Your post sparked some fun memories! Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 10:34 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thanks for sharing your vibrant childhood memories and sparking my own, Valerie. Time to mine my memory bank for inspiration using the questions you posed. Congratulations on your many upcoming books–looking forward to reading them!
January 21, 2022 at 10:35 am
Charles Richardson
Yeah! Outstanding blog. I love it when folks give practical ideas on how to think about things. Your suggestions made me think back to some of the “stupid” but fun things I used to do with my friends.
January 21, 2022 at 10:37 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you, Valerie! You really have me thinking about some of my firsts as a kid. Mining the memories!
January 21, 2022 at 10:39 am
paulajbecker
Thank you for sharing, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 10:41 am
nrompella
I got my idea (although more are sure to trickle in through the day! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 10:42 am
marty
So much kid joy in your work, Valerie! Thank you for the list of what’s coming soon or sooner or later. I will enjoy finding them on my TBR picture book pile. I never imagined as a kid how on earth my mother and grandmother could stitch clothes together. It was beyond me. They made it look so easy and they machine went so fast. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Thank you, Tara, for asking Valerie to post during Storystorm 2022!
January 21, 2022 at 10:45 am
Catherine Friess
I love the idea of using memories of childhood games to inspire stories – thank you Valerie :o)
January 21, 2022 at 10:46 am
kimpfenn
Silly memories, fun memories – thanks for reminding us to bring in some childhood fun!
January 21, 2022 at 10:50 am
arndt4writing
Great advice! I got two ideas reading your post. Thanks so much for sharing, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 10:51 am
Abby Wooldridge
Thank you for helping me remember some really fun childhood moments, Valerie! My sister and I loved playing ball games at my grandma’s house with all the neighborhood kids, and I’ve had so much fun teaching my kids some of those same games. I can’t wait to teach them your car chant, too. Congratulations on all your books and awards, and thank you so much for sharing your awesome advice with all of us! 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 10:51 am
Andrea Yomtob
Congratulations on all your upcoming book releases! It’s impressive to see how immersed you are in the kid lot world! Thanks for the great tips on pulling from childhood experiences – a few came to mind while reading your post!
January 21, 2022 at 10:52 am
JEN Garrett
Great post!
January 21, 2022 at 10:55 am
Mara K Lansky
Favorites and firsts!
January 21, 2022 at 11:04 am
maureenegan
Kickball and SPUD! So many great ideas here!
January 21, 2022 at 11:07 am
Stephanie Gibeault
Congratulations on all your books! And thank you for the reminder about all those childhood experiences that could turn into story ideas.
January 21, 2022 at 11:12 am
mona861
I don’t remember having so much fun as a child as I do with the fun and imagination I experienced raising my own children (as a teenage child), nieces and nephews. This is a great post bringing back so many fun memories. Thank you, Valerie and a big congratulations to you!
January 21, 2022 at 11:17 am
jilltatara
Wonderful post! Very helpful and inspiring! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 11:17 am
Diane O'Neill
Your books sound wonderful–I can’t wait to read them! Thanks for all the inspiration–I hadn’t even finished reading your post when I had an idea! Thank you!!
January 21, 2022 at 11:18 am
donnacangelosi
Thank you for sharing your fun childhood experiences, Valerie! Your post sparked several new ideas! Looking forward to reading your books!
January 21, 2022 at 11:19 am
Linda Staszak
Wonderful ideas Valerie–thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 11:19 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great post, thank you, Valerie. ☺️
January 21, 2022 at 11:19 am
sherritmercer
Thanks Valerie, your blog ignited childhood memories that I’d stored way—like learning to ride my bike, playing various “ball” games with the neighborhood kids and making doll clothes for my Barbie. Wonder how many people made those gooey chocolate cakes in their easy bake oven. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. But, I’m encouraged to share them. Awesome post.
January 21, 2022 at 11:19 am
Elizabeth W Saba
Thank you for your insight, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 11:20 am
Kate Anderson
Valerie, I love you book Let’s Dance. Can’t wait to read these new releases! Thank you for the creative tips and congratulations on your award.
January 21, 2022 at 11:24 am
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
Love this. My inner child did a lot of playing in the dirt so I’m sure there’s some story there.
January 21, 2022 at 11:29 am
rbkrackeler
I have so many fun memories of childhood-thanks for the reminder! And my dad was my bike riding teacher-my memory of him running behind me down the middle of our street while I pedaled is a vivid one for me. Can’t wait to read your book.
January 21, 2022 at 11:32 am
Andi Chitty
Sometimes I get so focused on my kids, I forget to really think about my own childhood experiences. Thanks for this reminder, Valerie! And congrats on your new and upcoming books!!
January 21, 2022 at 11:35 am
Cassie Bentley
This sparked an idea and a rough draft of a story. Thank you!!! Now to finish it.
January 21, 2022 at 11:41 am
Lisa Gaines
I love the thought of childhood memories sparking ideas. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 11:41 am
Claire A. B. Freeland
Thank you for reminding me that story ideas are close to home.
January 21, 2022 at 11:43 am
andreesantini
Valerie, thanks! You’ve shared so much to inspire us. I’m off to play with my inner child.
January 21, 2022 at 11:44 am
dedradavis03
Love this, Valerie. I’ve written several manuscripts involving memories from my childhood or my children’s. Memories are a goldmine! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 11:45 am
bookfish1
Thanks for the journey back to my childhood.
January 21, 2022 at 11:48 am
Anna-Lisa Sandstrum
Wow, this sparked some fond memories! Riding bikes, roller skating in the driveway, searching for colorful rocks…thank you for inspiring a quick trip back to childhood.
January 21, 2022 at 11:50 am
Ashley Nicole Parker
Paper mache was one of my favorite things to do as a kid!
January 21, 2022 at 11:52 am
Jeanette
Thank you for the brainstorming ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 11:55 am
Amy Bradshaw
Thanks for sharing your great ideas and memories from your childhood. Love hearing how they helped you create your books!
January 21, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Anita Palmeri Overgaard
So many memories. Just have to figure out their story potential. I’ll start by brainstorming these questions. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 12:02 pm
trunkythetree
Thank you for such an inspiring post and sharing your childhood memories with us
January 21, 2022 at 12:05 pm
AC Perry
Wow! You are on a roll! Congrats on all the upcoming book releases!
January 21, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Jennifer Frank
Thanks for the great ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Rochelle Y Melander
This brought back so many memories! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Leah Moser
Wonderful advice! Thank you for this post.
January 21, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Amy
I definitely have to check out Let’s Dance and Zoya Glitters! I think my kids might be the target demographic. 😄
January 21, 2022 at 12:11 pm
greengirlblueplanet
So many great writing/idea prompts! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Maria Altizer
There is so much story inspiration found in childhood memories. Thank you! Congratulations on all your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 12:17 pm
rosecappelli
Thanks for the walk down memory lane, Valerie, and for all of your fun ideas! And congratulations on all of your books – I’m looking forward to reading them!
January 21, 2022 at 12:17 pm
amievc
Thanks for sharing the inspiration for your fantastic books!
January 21, 2022 at 12:22 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Valerie, for sharing your childhood memories as a guide to writing stories. What a wonderful inspiration.
January 21, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Vickie R McEntire
Yes! Yes! Yes! Being a kid again is one of the best parts of writing children’s books. Very inspired by Valerie’s accomplishments.
January 21, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Thanks for this post! It’s time for me to channel my inner kid!
January 21, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you
January 21, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Joy Wieder
Congrats on all your upcoming books! I had a wonderful childhood, so lots of great memories to mine for kidlit gold 😉
January 21, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for the motivating and inspiring post, Valerie. My inner child is going bananas! Congrats on all of the book successes! It seems not long ago we were chatting about your initial path to publication story for my Birth Stories for Books blog series. It’s great to see so many more story paths opening up!
January 21, 2022 at 12:25 pm
kskeesling
Oh my goodness, 7 books coming out?! Congratulations! Teachers really do it all. I love how specific you get with your questions as prompts. Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Thank you for this wonderful post and congratulations on all of your books!
January 21, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Yolimari Garcia
I incorporate childhood memories into my stories. Thank you for this wonderful post!
January 21, 2022 at 12:33 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Valerie 😊
January 21, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Stacey Byer
Love this Valerie! I’m excited to make a list of childhood joys and experiences!
January 21, 2022 at 12:35 pm
Lori
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2022 at 12:38 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2022 at 12:38 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Valerie, for reminding me to dig deep into my childhood memories for PB ideas. Congrats on winning the Crystal Kite Award for Let’s Dance!
January 21, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Poupette
Great tips and impressive bio –thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Charlotte Offsay
I look forward to reading your beautiful book!
January 21, 2022 at 12:45 pm
aidantalkin
Thank you for great post… I just had a wonderful idea spark I need to go write!
January 21, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for the story ideas. I am excited to your new books when they come out.
January 21, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Norma
Your post made me recall some outlandish childhood moments!
January 21, 2022 at 12:54 pm
UJojo Kasala
I have been reminiscing of late about childhood games so this post is very timely. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Jennifer Vose
Wow, Valerie – I feel like this post alone could generate enough ideas to be like one-per-day for StoryStorm Challenge success! Thanks for inspiring me to think about so many childhood moments and mine them for story ideas. You asked some great questions, too, to get our wheels turning – so thank you! Congratulations on all of your exciting books coming out soon!
January 21, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for the great ideas =)
January 21, 2022 at 12:55 pm
marshaelyn
Valerie, what fun to unscramble my childhood memories and search for story ideas. I like your suggestion of “naughtiness,” a sure favorite for kids. I admire your immersion into the Kidlit Community. And congratulations on your Crystal Kite Award–quite an honor rewarding your hard work and perseverance. Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success…
January 21, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks so much, you really got the creative juices flowing. It’s so helpful to think of firsts other than the most popular ones like the first day of school.
January 21, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I’ve never tried chitlins and now I never will! I got an idea from that alone!! Thanks!!
January 21, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Yes, channeling the inner kid!! Brilliant! Great questions. Thanks & congrats!!
January 21, 2022 at 1:05 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Thanks for your great advice on tapping inspiration! And CONGRATS on all of your upcoming books!!
January 21, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh, thinking about our “firsts” is a great way to tap into true childhood feelings. I remember exactly where I was when I learned to ride a bike. Thank you for this inspirational post, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Thanks for sharing, Valerie! Memories are great ways to generate ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 1:14 pm
geigerlin
My best friend’s name during school years was Valerie. I’m now tapping into some of our antics and smiling. Thank You for dusting off those memories.
January 21, 2022 at 1:15 pm
claudia sloan
Congratulations on your success! Thank you for the prompts, I’ll spend some time on them to see where they take me 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Cinzia
Thanks for making me smile all the way through. A treasure trove of ideas awaits!
January 21, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for getting me to reach back to my childhood in the 1900s before 2000 and remembering what it was like: porch light signals and play without a lot of equipment and coloring on the t.v.
January 21, 2022 at 1:27 pm
bevbaird
What a great reminder to channel our inner child. Love your idea. Congrats on these wonderful books! Can’t wait to read them
January 21, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Sue Newton
Love this post! Hiding behind a door and jumping out at my sister was something I found hilarious when I was little! Mind you I still do it to this day, albeit in a more subtle way…hiding behind the door, saying nothing and just smiling as my husband opens the door, jumps and shrieks ‘grow up’ at me!
Here’s to never growing up and embracing the child within (Although jumping out at spouses is not something I would recommend!)
January 21, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ann M Page
LOL!
January 21, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Melissa Stoller
Valerie – I love everyone one of your amazing ideas. Thanks for a great post and I can’t wait for ALL your new books! Congratulations!
January 21, 2022 at 1:32 pm
tmvogel
Yes to unearthing our inner child and digging deep into personal experiences for inspiration! Thank you so much for your prompt.
January 21, 2022 at 1:33 pm
laurelneme
Great post, Valerie! Nice questions to get the brainstorming going!
January 21, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Valerie. You have my brain flying in many directions! And thanks for including the link to Tara’s list of things kids like.
January 21, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Sarah Lontine
I love how so many of your stories are inspired by your childhood! I can’t wait to read all of your new books! (By the way, my friend’s family totally turned their backyard into a skating rink, and it was magical.)
January 21, 2022 at 1:37 pm
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Love this! Thank you for sharing, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 1:37 pm
sareenmclay
Thank you, great questions here and I loved reading about your childhood games – it sounded great fun! Congratulations on your book!
January 21, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Trying to recapture a childlike sense of wonder is great for all aspects of life.
January 21, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Tory
Thanks for the post! It was a bike ride down memory lane for me….
January 21, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Lori Shapiro
Valerie, thank you for such a thought provoking post! Sounds like our childhood games were very similar! So fun to read about them and to think about all those questions you posed. Thanks again and I am looking forward to all those new books you have coming out. Congratulations on them!
January 21, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
VALERIE: You are SO RIGHT: “As adults, we sometimes forget what it’s like to be a kid.” How can we POSSIBLY think we can write for kids if aren’t thinking like them!!!?!!!–they’re our #1 audience! We have to TRULY engage with children, as well as the child within, in order to know how to write the stories they need. I LOVE your idea of interviewing our inner child in order to remember what it’s like to be a child–and in so doing, digging-up stories JUST WAITING to be told. THANK YOU for ALL of the INSPIRING questions to get our creative inner-kid to WAKE UP!!!
January 21, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Brittney
Congrats on your upcoming books! And thank you for the writing tips.
January 21, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Jessica Milo
Great post on finding your memories and drawing inspiration from them!! 🙂 I came up with an idea when I read the part “What if you gave a made-up answer to a question?” – Thank you for this post! Finding our inner child can be so inspirational and maybe even necessary for writing a great, fun story for kids!
January 21, 2022 at 1:49 pm
jbbower
What fun ideas! Thanks for a great post Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Margie Markarian
Great tips and congrats on all your books. (P.S. We used to chant, C-A-R, C-A-R stick your head in a mustard jar when cars interrupted our street play in a Boston neighborhood!)
January 21, 2022 at 2:01 pm
martyfindley
Thank you for this post. You reminded me of a childhood memory that I am tagging for a PB idea!
January 21, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Judy Bradbury
Enjoyed your idea prompts, Valerie. Thanks for sharing your memories with us! So many of my childhood memories include cousins, neighborhood friends, and playing with balls, too, and a few of those memories informed the Cayuga Island Kids series! Best wishes for continued success.
January 21, 2022 at 2:09 pm
Tammi Beck
Thank you for the tips, they were very helpful! Best
January 21, 2022 at 2:12 pm
hfr2006
Oh, this one is going to take some brain power! lol I have a had time recollecting 10 years ago, let alone childhood! But I’m sure you’re right – there has to be a story in there somewhere!
January 21, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for a fun post! Great ways to recapture what’s important to kids. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you, Valerie, for the abundance of great ideas! I plan on putting them to work.
January 21, 2022 at 2:14 pm
NC Karuzis
Thank you for nudging us to mine our memories, Valerie. And congratulations on all your upcoming book launches! Not sure where you find the time to write with your many commitments. You are an inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Amy Center Cory
Thanks, Valerie! I love these tips. You have so many fantastic books coming up soon – I can’t wait!
January 21, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Laurie Seaford
Great idea! And looking through photo albums may help trigger some of those memories. Thank you, Valerie.
January 21, 2022 at 2:15 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Valerie and Kaylani! Thank you, Valerie, for the tip to keep those childhood memories close–they are a well of ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Elizabeth Kalasinsky
Thanks for all the prompts; I can feel my wheels turning.
January 21, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Gabriella Aldeman
Wonderful post, Valerie! I needed to do some catching up on story ideas, and this is the perfect post for inspiration.
January 21, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Jennie H.
Love the reminder of looking inside to your inner child. Children are are truly magnificent. Their joy for life is contagious. I hope to capture that joy in picture books. Thank you for the idea prompts!!!
January 21, 2022 at 2:39 pm
PATRICIA OPPENHEIM
Remembering the joy of discovery that we experienced as children is essential to writing picture books. Thanks for exploring this in your blog!
January 21, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Jan Milusich
All great suggestions! Thanks, Valerie.
January 21, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Susan Jobsky
Sometimes I forget about my inner child. Grown up stuff seems to overshadow everything some days. Thanks for sharing and reminding me I have a kid in me who loves to come out and play!
January 21, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Laura Bower
Thanks for a great post Valerie! I love the idea of tapping into your inner child and how cool that you had a magical vegetable garden growing up! :-). My magical place was this beautiful weeping willow tree we had in our backyard. My wheels are turning! Congrats on all your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 2:52 pm
Molly Ippolito
Such a great point that childhood memories can encourage story ideas! Can’t wait to take a trip down memory lane…thanks so much for sharing!
January 21, 2022 at 2:57 pm
nycbgriffin
I got an idea from this, so THANK YOU! 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 2:57 pm
danielledufayet
Our inner child holds the key to our stories – thanks for the reminder and congrats!
January 21, 2022 at 2:59 pm
jesseannabornemann
Thanks for being so generous with story ideas, Valerie! Childhood memories are definitely great picture book fodder. Congratulations on your many upcoming releases (five in 2023! Wow!).
January 21, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Dena Davis
I love this post so much! Endless ideas when we mine our childhoods for ideas or have fun with our own children’s laughter and questions.
January 21, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Sarah Skolfield
Well, that worked. One idea in my Storystorm journal today! Thanks, Valerie.
January 21, 2022 at 3:11 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Thanks for the memory lane nudge. Hmm. So many great stories lurking in the spider web filled crevices of my brain! Thanks for the inspiration, Valerie!
January 21, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Tara Cho
I recalled a vivid memory while reading your post that I have to write down before I forget! I think I may be able to turn it into something. Thank you for these wonderful prompts!
January 21, 2022 at 3:21 pm
tasha woodson
whoa! so many things to think about from my childhood. I guess I need to (get to) stop adulting for a bit to tap into those memories. thanks for this post.
January 21, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Susan Eyerman
This is a post with fun in mind! Thank you.
January 21, 2022 at 3:26 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Great idea generator here–your car warning song immediately triggered a childhood memory that I wrote down before finishing reading this post.
January 21, 2022 at 3:32 pm
jhall2018
Valerie – Congrats on your upcoming books; I look forward reading them! Diving into “firsts” today – thanks for the fun suggestion. (And “It tastes like what it smells like, and you know what it smells like.” Hahaha!)
January 21, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Mary Nelson
I remember trying to dig a swimming pool with a trowel in our backyard (we lived in hot, dusty Tucson). There’s a story there!
January 21, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks, Valerie! Your post inspired some fun childhood memories, like summer evenings playing kick the can on our street.
January 21, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Mary Lou Johnson
Valerie–You are on the fast track, from mentee to mentor in 2 years to achieving multiple book deals already. You are a one-woman idea incubator! Bravo!!
January 21, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Karen Chun
Valerie, Thanks for the reminder to dig deep into childhood memories. Inspirational!
January 21, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Beverly Smith
I love the idea of delving into my “inner child”! There are so many stories there. Thank you Valerie and congrats on all your books!
January 21, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Childhood memories are a great way to come up with ideas. Congratulations on all of your books coming out!
January 21, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Great post, Valerie. I really need to find my inner kid – I’m sure we’d have fun together.
January 21, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Jennifer Rathe
Lovely advice. Might need to make some lists.
January 21, 2022 at 3:53 pm
Brandon
Using the activities from childhood memories as springboards for ideas and writing is a great fundamental way for authors. Having memories of creating games or songs, like for your car, c-a-r story.
January 21, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Alicia Meyers
So many amazing ideas Valerie!!! Bravo!!
January 21, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Cheryl Simon
This was so much fun! Thanks Valerie for wonderful ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 4:01 pm
Linda
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 4:01 pm
Margot Williams
Good questions for generating story ideas- thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Linda
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 21, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Sara Ackerman
Thank you for sharing, Valerie! Digging into those childhood memories reveals tons of story-worthy nuggets!
January 21, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Ann M Page
Valerie, What a treasure trove of ideas! Thank you for sharing your story inspiration with us. This is really going to help. 🙂 Best of luck with the many new books you have coming out!!
January 21, 2022 at 4:19 pm
tinefg
Thank You Valerie, and congratulations on all of your upcoming book releases! Oooh childhood memories, a great place to mine for ideas, and enjoy some nostalgia at the same time, excellent.
January 21, 2022 at 4:27 pm
mlyablonaolcom
Congratulations on all your new books! Childhood memories (and those of your children and grandchildren) are the best.
January 21, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Leah Kessler
I loved this post! It’s already nudged me to expand on an idea I jotted down a couple of months ago and I’m excited to get down to work on it soon.
January 21, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Kellie
Thank you Valerie – so many ideas running through my head right now after reading your post. Your books sound like serious fun! I’ll be checking them out.
January 21, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Paul Brassard
Wonderful post, Valerie! So what ever happened to those uninhibited, no-holds-barred kids we once were? If you fell off the bike, you hopped right back on. If we get rejected by a publisher, do we hop right back on until we find a publisher who sees our story like we do? Thanks to you, this kid is going to be doing some hopping!
January 21, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Stephanie Owen
Your childhood memories sound like so much fin!
January 21, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thank you for your post! I love reminiscing about my childhood. Even better if it sparks some story ideas. Next time I tromp down Memory Lane, I’ll be sure to have my notebook/pen with me.
January 21, 2022 at 4:45 pm
karinlarson
Great post, thank you! It is always good, and fun, to channel one’s inner child.
January 21, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Christine Graham
Love the cars-coming chant. My kids used to play a kind of tag that consisted of running to base every time a car came down the street.
January 21, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Pat Brown Books
Thanks for the inspiration Valerie! I hadn’t thought about learning to ride a bicycle for years; I’m remembering it fondly now. 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Buffy Silverman
Great suggestions to revisit all those childhood dreams! and congrats on all your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 4:52 pm
Afsheen
Thanks Valerie
First childhood experiences! Its mind blowing. Thankyou so very much of this creative idea.
January 21, 2022 at 4:55 pm
Celeste Turner
I don’t remember learning to ride a bike, but I do remember learning to ride a unicycle. Actually I never got off the fence 😀. All great ideas Valerie. Thanks.
January 21, 2022 at 4:59 pm
danielleshark
Love going down the memory lane for inspiration, thanks for the ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Eva NMN Felder
Thank you Valerie for such an uplifting post. I will have to take a long and detailed look at my childhood, to find many warm and exciting stories.
Your book LET’S DANCE , so cool, words moving to the rhythm of the dance.
Awesome explanation of each dance at the end of the book.
I would love to plunge in the pages of TOGETHER WE RIDE as I never had a bicycle nor learned how to ride one ( my kids don’t believe me)
Love your article CULTIVATING AGENCY IN STUDENTS WRITERS. All teachers should read it. “Tilling the Hand- Sowing the Seeds- Weeding what grows- Celebrating the Harvest.”
I am very curious about how can you manage to belong to such an amazing number of writing groups, write constantly, and keep dancing with your partner. I would appreciate if one day you address it.
Good luck with all your books!
January 21, 2022 at 5:11 pm
marty bellis
Your memories sparked a number of my own. It’s such fun to think back and remember the special moments in our childhoods. Congrats on ALL your upcoming books! Look forward to reading them.
January 21, 2022 at 5:21 pm
tharvey
A swimming pool/ice skating rink would be so much fun! But I don’t think it would work in Georgia, haha.
January 21, 2022 at 5:23 pm
David Filmore
Thanks for this. I really don’t delve into my specific childhood experiences or goals or missed opportunities enough.
January 21, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Jen Helwig
It’s so easy to forget about our inner child in a busy adult world. Thanks for the reminder to tap into that.
January 21, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Kim A Larson
Congratulations, Valerie! Thanks for sharing your ideas and questions that get the imagination going.
January 21, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Jess Burbank (@jburbank)
You’ve inspired me to go pull out some of the old photo albums. Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 5:34 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Great post! Thanks for the tips, Valerie, and congrats on your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 5:35 pm
8catpaws
Memories of walking in the woods with friends and picking up ordinary rocks that we were sure had secret meanings! Good reminder to reminisce!
January 21, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Heather Stigall
I’m definitely going to channel my childhood for today’s idea. Thanks for the prompts!
January 21, 2022 at 5:45 pm
dinatowbin
Wow! So many PBs coming out! Congratulations!
January 21, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the reminder to look to the inner child!
January 21, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Alexandra
This was such an inspiring and intuitive post, I was ready for a burst of ideas to follow. But it took hours of sitting with it before anything came bubbling up to the surface. Overcoming whatever blockage was there has been as powerful as getting to relive some of the momentous memories that popped up after. Thanks, Valerie, and congrats!!
January 21, 2022 at 5:58 pm
kidlitgail
Well, I’m putting on meditative music and will mine my memories!
January 21, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Donna Marx
Creating through the eyes of a child…yes!
January 21, 2022 at 6:02 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Writing stories children will enjoy…so simple and SO important to remember. You can tell you have years of experience with kids! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
January 21, 2022 at 6:05 pm
allisonrozo
Thank you Valerie! Funtastic advice to let our inner kid run wild! Thank you!!!
January 21, 2022 at 6:07 pm
Stephanie S
Thank you for a wonderful post! Childhood memories a a fabulous resource for book ideas.
January 21, 2022 at 6:09 pm
Diane M
Wow. You’ve been busy. Congrats on all your upcoming books. They sound like fun reads. Thanks for the reminder that some great story ideas are deep in our memories.
January 21, 2022 at 6:24 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I won’t grow up ! I won’t grow UP! I wanna stay a kid ! Iwanna stay a KID!
January 21, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Sue
Plethora is one of my favorite words. Congratulations!
January 21, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Ally Piper
Connecting with your inner child is so important as a author.
January 21, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Holly Vagley
Valerie, I recall your wonderful work from a CBA course. Big Congrats!!!
January 21, 2022 at 6:31 pm
Marlena Leach
Congrats on your books! Thanks for the prompt ideas. I do channel my inner kid and find a lot of humor that makes me laugh out loud!
January 21, 2022 at 6:36 pm
Rona Shirdan
Great post, Valerie! Time to channel my innner kid and pull from those memories. Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 6:41 pm
chaunceyelephant
I’m impressed with the number of your upcoming releases. Your inner child has been very fruitful!
January 21, 2022 at 6:52 pm
mariearden
Every time I think of watching, as a young child, snow melt flowing in my street gutter, I remember my wonder at its movement around all the obstacles on its way down the hill. Odd, but I love streams and the life in them to this day.
January 21, 2022 at 6:59 pm
jennahammondauthor
Kudus for all your wonderful upcoming books & publishing successes. Your writing style is warm & authentic.
January 21, 2022 at 7:18 pm
Julia Lyon
I love the idea of first-time books. My daughter just learned to ride her bike. I’ll look forward to showing her your book!
January 21, 2022 at 7:21 pm
kirstenbockblog
Wonderful ideas here! Thank you so much!
January 21, 2022 at 7:29 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you Valerie for reminding us to check in with our inner child every now and again. Congratulations on your publishing success.
January 21, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Yvette Pais
I love the cover of your new book, congratulations! Funny yesterday I was thinking in one of my childhood’s memory. Thanks for the prompt ideas 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Erika
Thanks for these great prompts!
January 21, 2022 at 7:47 pm
michelerietz
Thanks, Valerie! You have made me go DEEP into the recesses of my memory! 🙂 I already have at least one idea I could work with! 🙂
Congratulations on your MANY picture books now and in the future!
January 21, 2022 at 7:55 pm
steveheron
My inner child just wants to play
January 21, 2022 at 7:55 pm
steveheron
My inner child just wants to play
January 21, 2022 at 8:01 pm
tinamcho
Thank you, Valerie. Wow, congrats on all your upcoming books!
January 21, 2022 at 8:02 pm
Shan
As a child my sister and I spent lots of time with two neighbourhood girls. We sat in the treehouse, the dog kennel and the corn feed bin for the sheep. We told stories, put on plays, hid in the corn field. We rode bike, kept house in the cubby and played forts. We rode horses, we WERE horses, we made a haunted house full of booby traps for our dolls…
Those were the days.
January 21, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Sarah K. Rose
Thank you for sharing, Valerie. You’ve given me lots of ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Bethanny Parker
I always wanted to take gymnastics. I think I would have been good at it.
January 21, 2022 at 8:14 pm
srkckass
Awesome job and great concepts. Congratulations and thank you for the great advice!
January 21, 2022 at 8:17 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Great ideas! Thank you!!
January 21, 2022 at 8:18 pm
Laurel Santini
Thanks for the generative prompts!
January 21, 2022 at 8:34 pm
avayeechinn
I was just thinking I had run out of story ideas today, but your post sparked some! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:35 pm
avayeechinn
I was just thinking I had run out of story ideas today, but then your post sparked some! Thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Wilma Krause Brucker
We really do forget what it was like to be a kid, both the good and bad parts.
January 21, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Susan Twiggs
I love mining memories for stories. Thanks for reminding to look at my own life!
January 21, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Writing about things connected to my childhood allows me to live it again:)
January 21, 2022 at 8:57 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
It’s great to read your thoughts here Valerie. Nice too to be reminded of childhood games like 45 Scatter, SPUD, and 4 Square – or just playing cars and trucks in a big dirt pile. We zoomed down a road on sleds and hollered in a similar way about cars coming. Thank you for all.
January 21, 2022 at 9:03 pm
dragonmintcallisto52281
This is so great. I recently compiled a list of kid milestones. Losing a tooth. Making and losing a friend, etc.
January 21, 2022 at 9:08 pm
lorisherritt
We laughed at the sound or the mention when we were kids…and, well…still laugh as adults today (at least with my closest friends) at all of the unusual sounds our bodies can make. You know the ones…thanks for the inspiration and the reminder. Some things never change…kids today still find the same things hilarious!
January 21, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Thank you, Valerie for the great writing prompts! Can’t wait to dig into some of those memories!
January 21, 2022 at 9:19 pm
Deslie English
Thank you for organizing some childhood categories we can mine for ideas. I especially liked “First Time” When I read that, it was like a whole list of memories was waiting for me to recall them.
January 21, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Becki Kidd
Reading your post made me smile inside and out! Thank you.
January 21, 2022 at 9:40 pm
Amanda
I love these questions- they are great prompts, thank you!
January 21, 2022 at 9:47 pm
Amy Mucci
How fun! I love thinking about favorite childhood memories ♥️ So much inspiration there!
January 21, 2022 at 10:02 pm
kristenfouts
This reminded me so much of my favorite memories with my sister when I was a kid. Thanks for the trip down memory lane today.
January 21, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Lonna Hill
Great post and inspiration! Thanks!
January 21, 2022 at 10:18 pm
Natasha Garnett
Congratulations on all your books, Valerie. I have some hilarious childhood memories. Now, how to find the story…
January 21, 2022 at 10:19 pm
Kaye Baillie
Love reading about your latest book and book deals, Valerie. Thanks for the great post.
January 21, 2022 at 10:28 pm
roberta abussi
Such an inspirational post. Thank you, Valerie.
January 21, 2022 at 10:35 pm
SCody
So true that these little memories can be seeds for sweet stories!
January 21, 2022 at 10:36 pm
carolynleillustrations
Congrats on your upcoming publications, Valerie. I’m having fun remembering all the childhood firsts.
January 21, 2022 at 10:40 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Thank you, Valerie, for the sweet post and ideas! Congratulations on the books! 😀
January 21, 2022 at 10:47 pm
mlflannigan
Thanks for sharing!
January 21, 2022 at 11:00 pm
Polly Renner
Thank you Valerie!! I will search inside my old inner child for fresh 💡 💡 💡.
January 21, 2022 at 11:01 pm
Karen Lawler
My head just exploded when I started thinking about firsts in my childhood! I am one of 9 kids so the thoughts NEVER leave me!! Thank you for the reminder. 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 11:09 pm
sue macartney
Valerie – thanks for the reminder to embrace writing with the joy of a child and to dive into this perfect treasure trove of story possibilities!
January 21, 2022 at 11:23 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Thanks for sharing all these amazing prompts and questions to spark ideas. It has really gotten me thinking about my childhood memories… can’t wait to delve deeper! Congrats on all your upcoming books! 🙂
January 21, 2022 at 11:30 pm
Chelle Martin
Great memories. Sounds like we grew up in the same time of tag, riding bikes, and watching for cars. lol Do kids still do these things? Best of luck with your book!
January 21, 2022 at 11:33 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Congratulations on your books! Great tips for story ideas!
January 21, 2022 at 11:35 pm
Maria Marshall
Great post Valerie! Your upcoming books sound amazing. Good reminder to mine memories for childhood firsts. Thanks.
January 21, 2022 at 11:53 pm
Marie Chan
Love these ideas of using your first-time childhood experiences! I can relate as my husband and I are teaching my daughter to ride a bike. Look forward to reading your new books!
January 22, 2022 at 12:02 am
M.A. Cortez
I loved this post. I played with my cousins, all the time, we were never bored when we were together. Thank you for sparking such wonderful memories. Now, time to write a story!
January 22, 2022 at 12:08 am
gayleenrabakukk
Great post! I came up with half a dozen new ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 12:10 am
René Bartos
Thanks Valierie! Great post and congrats on your new books!
January 22, 2022 at 12:23 am
lavern15
Thanks Valerie for sharing such sweet memories and encouraging us to channel our inner kid! I remember chitterlings too!
January 22, 2022 at 12:36 am
cbcole
Great idea of using your own childhood experiences to find topics for a book.
January 22, 2022 at 12:38 am
Perky Smith
Thank you so much for reminding me to think back on my childhood. What fun!
January 22, 2022 at 12:39 am
Elena Horne
Thanks for the awesome post!
January 22, 2022 at 12:45 am
Danni Schloss
So many prompts! So many ideas! You had me reconnecting with some long forgotten childhood memories. Thank you for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 12:45 am
seschipper
Valerie, great post! Memories can certainly spark a treasure trove of delightful things! Thanks for sharing your memories! Congratulations, your upcoming books look amazing! 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 1:03 am
Tonnye Fletcher
Wow! Wow! Wow! First of all, what amazing prompts that really got my memories stirred up. I keep a little notebook full of childhood memories and feelings, but reading this reminded me of some I had not added — and additional ways to use the ones I had, so thank you, Valerie for great story fodder! Also, wow! wow! wow! Your writing success is on fire! Congratulations on the new books coming out! We need to work out a time to talk about LET’S DANCE for #PBJamz, and when NEIGHBORHOOD JAM gets closer, let’s get back together for that one, too! Both of them are a perfect fit! Congratulations on all the upcoming books, and thanks again, for a fabulous brainstorming session with this post! PS — I’m not a chitterling fan, either, but I sold my fair share at the grocery store where I worked as a teenager/young adult. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 1:11 am
Diana Marie Linton
I played the strangest games as a child that would shock most adults. Still I wonder if there is a way I can adapt the general concept of the ritualistic game while minimizing some of the more horror-like aspects!
January 22, 2022 at 1:13 am
Marcia Berneger
You just gave me three new story ideas!! Not first times for me, but first times for my little grandson. What must he be thinking! Thank you!!!
January 22, 2022 at 1:20 am
cravevsworld
The first time is the best time! Thank you, Valerie!
January 22, 2022 at 1:30 am
brittaniet01
I loved these ideas and they really got me brainstorming! Thanks for the help!
January 22, 2022 at 1:30 am
brittaniet01
I loved these ideas and they really got me brainstorming! Thanks for the help!
January 22, 2022 at 2:03 am
Dianne Borowski
Thanks for reminding me to get in touch with my inner child. I had a wild imagination as a child and still do. Some things never change. It’s time to unlock my box of memories.
January 22, 2022 at 2:40 am
Kim
I love this! something like riding a bike is something that appeals to so many, but each person has a uniquely personal connection to it. love it!
January 22, 2022 at 3:21 am
Cristina Chan
Thank you for the wonderful ideas and prompts!
January 22, 2022 at 3:26 am
Stephanie D Jones
Thanks Valerie! I am inspired to bring my childhood memories out to have fun and play!
January 22, 2022 at 3:56 am
Rita Jane
Oh gosh, Valerie. You reminded me of a cringe-y bike-riding experience with a friend who ALWAYS got the attention so I decided it was MY turn, and pretended I didn’t know how to ride a bike. (Omg. It totally backfired. 0/10 would recommend to a friend!) Could turn into a ridiculous story about mistaken ways of trying to get attention. Thanks for the idea!
January 22, 2022 at 4:43 am
rosihollinbeck
Digging a hole — to the middle of the earth, to China, to find a treasure, to bury your brother. Golly. So many ideas. Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 4:58 am
sharongiltrow
Great post and great prompts for motivating ideas :-).
January 22, 2022 at 5:54 am
Tanya Konerman
Oh my, this got me really remembering and although I definitely don’t remember learning to ride a bike, I do remember so many more cool things I’d forgotten! Great prompts!
January 22, 2022 at 7:03 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you. Lots of first experiences to think about!
January 22, 2022 at 7:15 am
CB Jarapa
Thank you for those story ideas! 😁
January 22, 2022 at 7:27 am
Colleen Dabney
I need to take your advice and delve into my clearest childhood memories. It will no doubt be fun!
January 22, 2022 at 7:49 am
Jeanne Cherney
Game on inner child
January 22, 2022 at 7:55 am
EmmieRWerner
❤️❤️❤️❤️thank you makes me remember great times
January 22, 2022 at 8:02 am
Tamisha Williams
There are always so many stories hidden within our memories!
January 22, 2022 at 8:07 am
Andrea Mack
Love these questions for jogging my memory! Thanks for an inspiring post!
January 22, 2022 at 8:49 am
@FableFiddler (kellie)
Thank you for the prompts. Looking at the world with “new” perspective always brings inspiration. Congratulations on your book.
January 22, 2022 at 9:00 am
Monica Acker
Lots to pull from here. Thanks for opening up memories with your questions!
January 22, 2022 at 9:42 am
stephaniemstories
Great advice to tap into our childhood memories.
January 22, 2022 at 9:57 am
Debra Collins
Great advice! My students and grandkids keep me playing, getting into that kid POV and sense of wonder.
January 22, 2022 at 10:19 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
There’s so much magic in memories! Thanks for the spark!
January 22, 2022 at 10:20 am
Aimee Satterlee
Great questions to get the old memories firing. Thanks, Valerie!
January 22, 2022 at 10:28 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
Childhood memories are easy . . . turning them into stories . . . that’s the hard part. Thanks.
January 22, 2022 at 11:22 am
j
Wow! Congratulations on all your books. Your chant about the car coming reminds me of what and friend and I chanted when we walked down the road to church on cold snowy nights.We’d say, It’s hot, it’s hot, it’s hot, hot, hot! Thanks for your post.
January 22, 2022 at 11:23 am
Lindsey Aduskevich (@LAduskevich)
Love this, Valerie! My favorite sentence: And, like a child, may you have fun doing it. So much gold here, Valerie.
January 22, 2022 at 11:54 am
Michele Helsel
Sounds like you had a fun childhood. I’ll be digging into mine now. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22, 2022 at 11:57 am
Shannon LaPuma
Thank you for reminding us to channelo our inner kid!
January 22, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
I tend to spend much time in the land of reminiscence and reflection–it is how I am wired.
Time to revisit my memories for some writing ideas. Thank you, Valerie.
Suzy Leopold
January 22, 2022 at 12:05 pm
thedayswehold
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 22, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Laura N. Clement
You had me at the word (one of my favorite) plethora. Lovely post.
January 22, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Annelouise Mahoney
Hi Valerie. Thank you for taking the time to write such an inspiring post. You’ve given us a lot of suggestions to get those ideas flowing. Congratulations on your books too! It’s encouraging to see your hard work and success.
January 22, 2022 at 12:50 pm
amomnextdoor
Your post was so inspiring I printed it up for my idea journal!
January 22, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Krissy
Great ideas! Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Great ideas, thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 1:30 pm
writeknit
Oh the sweet memories that flood back from childhood! Thank you for reminding me what a special time it was. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 1:31 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Congrats on your upcoming releases! Thanks for the advice to find our inner children (what fun!) and for the question prompts.
January 22, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Darcee Freier
Valerie, you sound like such a fun person to be around, and a fount of ideas, too. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm!
January 22, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Mark
Valerie, I was starting to have trouble coming up with #Storystorm ideas, until I read your blog post. Your ideas inspired me, and I have a whole new ‘stream,’ (or two) to swim in now when I want some fresh ideas!
Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Matt Tesoriero
Finding my inner child right now..Ommmmmm!
January 22, 2022 at 2:09 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
Thanks for sharing your advice about recalling childhood memories. And congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 22, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Faith Sweeney
I love the idea of childhood memories sparking an idea for a book. This was super helpful and has my brain buzzing!
January 22, 2022 at 2:44 pm
Julie Reich
I love reminiscing about the good parts of childhood! Congrats on all your upcoming books!
January 22, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Leslie Santamaria
This post really got some story ideas popping. Thanks, Valerie!
January 22, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Charlene Avery
Congratulations Valerie on all your deals and awesome accomplishments! You inspire me plus Let’s dance is wiggle and giggle inducing. I look forward to reading more of your books and cheering you on…wahoo!
January 22, 2022 at 3:09 pm
growingbookbybook
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Thank you for the encouragement to keep going with the ideas.
January 22, 2022 at 3:28 pm
Jaymie Dean
Thank you for all your prompting questions. I appreciate the prompts to tap into childhood memories that made an impact. Cant wait to read your book.
January 22, 2022 at 3:37 pm
kristiniebla
Thanks for this–due to growing up without gaslight, I can have a hard time thinking of my childhood as anything besides boring, irrelevant, or embarrassing, but following your questions and prompts came up with two stories ideas that just might be fun and worth sharing. Can’t wait to read your new books, meanwhile!
January 22, 2022 at 3:41 pm
Angela H. Dale
Great ideas, thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Channeling our childhood memories is a fun part of our jobs as writers and illustrators of kid’s books. Thanks for sharing this reminder, and congratulations on your publications!
January 22, 2022 at 3:49 pm
David McMullin
Excellent post, Valerie! Thanks so much.
January 22, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Shannon Fossett
Love your questions! Thanks for getting the wheels turning!
January 22, 2022 at 4:42 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Congratulations on your books! Thinking back on childhood memories is a wonderful way to generate ideas. Thank you for the advice and the questions to ask ourselves…all very helpful!
January 22, 2022 at 4:58 pm
writeremmcbride
Congratulations, Valerie! Thank you for so many wonderful questions to help get the ideas flowing! I grew up in a relatively small neighborhood and we made up games and shared practices constantly! Thank you for bringing back those memories!
January 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Such good advice. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Linda Hofke
Good post, Valerie. (and I love that car chant)
January 22, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Kimberly Wilson
Mining for ideas from childhood is so fun! Thanks for sharing your inspiration, Valerie!
January 22, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Saba Negash
You inspired me to jot down a fun childhood memory 🙂 whether or not it is story worthy, it will be fun to play around with this memory! Thank you for sharing your journey and tips.
January 22, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Valerie, for all of these wonderful suggestions on how to generate story ideas. I’m excited to spend time with these and see where they lead. I’m also looking forward to reading your books.
Happy New Year and I wish you the best for continued writing success.
January 22, 2022 at 6:13 pm
susaninez0905
Thank you for reminding us that our inner kid is just waiting for their opportunity to go have fun! Great post – I am getting wonderful ideas from it. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 6:55 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great idea to draw on your childhood. You reminded me of sweet and chaotic days at my Bubie’s house with all my cousins. I loved those noisy joyous times. Grateful for my dad’s large family of 10. Thanks, Valerie!
January 22, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Cindy Jeklin
Thanks for the excellent tips Valerie. Congratulations on all of your upcoming new books. Can’t wait to read them.
January 22, 2022 at 6:59 pm
Janie Reinart
What fun to find childhood memories ❤️
January 22, 2022 at 7:29 pm
viviankirkfield
I love that you encourage us to be kids and playful and remember those childhood days. Huge congrats, dear Valerie, on ALL of your upcoming books! Well done, my friend!
January 22, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Oh, I love the suggestion to think about “firsts.” Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Susan Cabael
Your questions are sparking lots of fun ideas for me!
January 22, 2022 at 7:46 pm
kdgwrites
Oh my gosh you are a very busy, and talented young lady! So back to my imagination I go.
January 22, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi Valerie! Thanks for sharing your memories. I’ve been sorting thorough old pictures – so many interesting memories.
January 22, 2022 at 8:02 pm
Keri Collins Lewis
Congrats on the many books you have coming out, & thanks for reminding me of learning to ride a bike!!
January 22, 2022 at 8:04 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Valerie, I think we would’ve been besties as children because I loved all those games, too! Such great ideas! Congrats on your books and thanks for a wonderfully inspiring post.
January 22, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Yaa
Thank you for sharing your childhood stories with us and congratulations on writing your new book.
January 22, 2022 at 8:06 pm
Kris H
I love the child’s view and story ideas. Thank you
January 22, 2022 at 8:11 pm
Kris Tarantino
Great inspiration and story ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Christine M Irvin
Thanks for sharing this post!
January 22, 2022 at 8:35 pm
claudine108
Valerie, thank hon for the reminder to think about our childhoods for inspiration! Congratulations on your success!
January 22, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Debbie Meneses
Kari, Your playful ideas are fun. Hmmm. Your discussion reminds me of games we played in my neighborhood. We had a Hunter/Gatherer Game. There were two teams. The Gathering team collected flags that were dispersed around the park by the Hunting team. The Hunting team’s mission was to tag the Gatherers and put them in jail. The Hunter team had a guard at the jail location (a specified tree). Once a Gatherer was caught, the points that came with the flags that Gatherer was holding got transferred to the Hunter team. Once all the flags were located and pulled, the round ends and the teams trade roles. After each team gets a turn to be each role, stage 2 of play begins. This meant that the the caught Gatherers at the Jail Tree still held on to any flags they held. Another still free Gatherer could tap the caught teammate to set them free, and the flags came with them. A was a bit more challenging for the jail guard player. We often played until our parents called us in for dinner.
January 22, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Susan Schade
“Let you imagination run wild” Thank you for the post! The ideas are climbing over each other!
January 22, 2022 at 9:39 pm
kathydoherty1
Congratulations, Valerie, on your book sales! You’re an inspiration!
January 22, 2022 at 10:07 pm
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
There’s something I always wanted to do as a child, but was afraid when the chance came. I drew a sketch about this, but no draft. Storystorm shares have now prodded me twice to revisit this. I have a long list but no draft yet. Seems I need to start writing.
January 22, 2022 at 10:26 pm
shirley301
Thanks for encouraging us to relive our childhood fun times. Great idea.
January 22, 2022 at 10:39 pm
Amy Newbold
Thanks for the reminder to tap into childhood memories and experiences.
January 22, 2022 at 10:42 pm
Dea Brayden
Looking forward to digging into these great questions! Thanks Valerie.
January 22, 2022 at 11:24 pm
wordwritermo
I appreciate the thought-starters. Excellent!
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 22, 2022 at 11:33 pm
Elizabeth
Valerie, your list of childhood memories brought some of mine to mind. I hope I can stretch my mind back that far. I l ove the questions you left us with to help us bring up our own memories. Terrific post! I’m eager to read your books.
January 22, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Trine Grillo
Thanks for the story prompts!
January 22, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Judy Sobanski
Childhood memories can be mined for lots of wonderful story ideas! Thanks, Valerie.
January 22, 2022 at 11:55 pm
Ellie Langford
Valerie, I think I’ll write a story about wishes. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 12:02 am
susanzonca
Valerie, thanks for sharing your memories. You gave many great prompts to get the creative kid-centric juices flowing.
January 23, 2022 at 12:14 am
katiefischerwrites
Thank you for the post, it really got my brain going – four ideas before I was done reading! I’m finally back on track with StoryStorm.
January 23, 2022 at 12:32 am
Kate Rietema
Thanks Valerie!
January 23, 2022 at 1:06 am
syorkeviney
Valerie, I have so many memories to mine in my childhood…. and hope to make a more concerted effort to get them down on paper! Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 1:49 am
aturner513
Your memories have awoken some of my memories. Hopefully there is a nugget for a story in those memories. Thank you
January 23, 2022 at 1:49 am
Trenise Ferreira
Thinking about my childhood intentionally has unearthed some gems of story ideas for me. thank you for this idea starter!
January 23, 2022 at 2:06 am
Chantelle Thorne
Wow!! What a line up of exciting books, Valerie! Congratulations 👏👍 And thanks for the idea prompts – something sprung immediately to mind and I’m sure other memories (aka ideas) will follow.
January 23, 2022 at 2:09 am
Haley Thomas
Thank you for the inspiration to revisit my childhood for new ideas.
January 23, 2022 at 2:10 am
kbottagaro
Yes! Tapping into the creativity we enjoyed as children can help us bring stories to life. I do love the creativity of arts & crafts!
January 23, 2022 at 2:20 am
Crystal ES
Thank you for this post, which is bursting with prompts to help us revisit & mine inspiration from our childhood experiences! I will also be noting my kiddos’ belly laughs:).
January 23, 2022 at 2:35 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Channeling your childhood!
January 23, 2022 at 2:36 am
kirsten ealand
Thanks Valerie, and wow, look at all your upcoming books 🤸🏽♀️🤸🏿♂️🤸🏽♀️ Congratulations!
January 23, 2022 at 3:06 am
wyszguy
Thank you, Valerie! Can’t wait to read Zoya Glitters!
January 23, 2022 at 8:39 am
Nadine Poper
Childhood memories are a treasure trove of ideas. Agree.
January 23, 2022 at 8:49 am
Shanie Cooper
This is so true- sometimes it is so easy to think that we have led “boring” lives and have nothing to wrote about, but you are right – every common situation and precious memory is fodder for a new story.
January 23, 2022 at 10:32 am
KATHY Z PRICE
Is there REALLY a blog post with Chitlins? Storystorm, you truly have arrived. KUDOS Valerie for re-enacting that blast from the past and congratulations on all your wonderful books. An ABUNDANCE of wonderful ideas, too.Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:39 am
jenfierjasinski
Can on all your upcoming titles, Valerie! I agree a naughty story is always fun.
January 23, 2022 at 11:03 am
Sondra Zalewski
Thank you, Valerie! While I’m often on board with not wanting to grow up, I need to spend more time reaching back to those childhood memories that brought me joy.
January 23, 2022 at 11:50 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Thank you! Got an idea while going through your list of questions!
January 23, 2022 at 11:54 am
reader65
Thank you. Thinking about what was funny or interesting to me as a child is an intriguing idea for developing story ideas—I even think this works for nonfiction.
January 23, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
I am feeling so childish now! Thank’s Valerie!!!!
January 23, 2022 at 12:19 pm
yangmommy
Being able to reconnect with you inner child & memories is so important, esp when we write/illustrate for this audience!
January 23, 2022 at 12:42 pm
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Childhood really is such a wonderful source of inspiration. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Abigail Perry
I love the idea of using first time experiences to brainstorm story ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Erik Ammon
Valerie, thanks for the great ideas! Oh there are some foods I could definitely write about, and added them to my StoryStorm list. Bike riding? Shoe tying? Lots that I remember and remember from my kids.
January 23, 2022 at 1:14 pm
katrinadreamer
I always love mining my childhood, and you have given us some great question prompts here. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Great questions to generate ideas. I have two! Thank you!!
January 23, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Helen Lys
Great post! I have a few ideas already! Congrats on your upcoming releases!
January 23, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Deborah Foster
When I was a kid I thought it would be cool to be a hairdresser. I tried out my skills on my barbie dolls. Turned out I was not cut out to be a hairdresser.
January 23, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thanks Valerie. Your childhood is a great place to mine for stories. Ah, kickball, I remember it well (and stick ball and kick the can!)
January 23, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thanks Valerie, I have a list already thanks to you! Bundling up for winter sledding popped into my head..the layers and layers of wool! I still itch thinking about them. Thanks for the boost.
January 23, 2022 at 2:59 pm
cinzialverde
Hi Valerie, Love all these ideas! Congrats on your books. Thanks for the post. Cindy
January 23, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information Valerie. Yes, thinking of childhood memories are one of my best sources of inspiration.
Congratulations on your books!
January 23, 2022 at 4:56 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Great questions, I already have a few ideas. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Natalia Paruzel-Gibson
Love the idea of stories hiding in childhood memories! Congrats on your upcoming book!
January 23, 2022 at 5:02 pm
staceygustafson
Channel your inner child. Great advice!!
January 23, 2022 at 5:50 pm
alanadevito
Great ideas, Valerie! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 6:08 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Good reminder. Sometimes I forget my inner child
January 23, 2022 at 6:18 pm
Jill Lambert
Thank you for a great post, Valerie! I often go back to my childhood for ideas, but have not looked at what I liked to create when I was a child.
January 23, 2022 at 6:18 pm
cathystenquist
Thanks for the great ideas Valerie, I am going to sit down and brainstorm about childhood memories tied into my senses. Congrats on the books!
January 23, 2022 at 6:19 pm
rindabeach
Thanks for reminding to embrace my inner child to reach today’s children!
January 23, 2022 at 6:36 pm
jmcegan
Reading your post gave me lots of great ideas. Thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Angela De Groot
Valerie, thanks for the memory mining prompts. And the reminder to be silly, curious, and carefree.
January 23, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Judith Snyder
These are great generators for many ideas. Thanks.
January 23, 2022 at 8:24 pm
Liz Godfrey
Wow! Thanks, Valerie! Great tips on how to never forget what it’s like to be a kid. I need these prompts!
January 23, 2022 at 8:52 pm
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
Thanks for the ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 11:17 pm
calliebdean
Thanks for these questions and prompts!! So many good idea-starters!
January 23, 2022 at 11:35 pm
Dani Duck
These are some absolutely wonderful prompts Valerie! I can’t wait to get out my idea book and write down a bunch of great ideas I get from your prompts!
January 23, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Tootie Nienow
Thanks for the reminder to mine our own childhood memories! I’m so excited for your new books.
January 24, 2022 at 12:41 am
kbrandyberry
Valerie – you rock! I loved hearing your childhood memories and reminiscing on mine. Thanks for the great post!
January 24, 2022 at 12:50 am
Hanna Geshelin
Thanks! Such a good reminder.
January 24, 2022 at 2:40 am
Elayne
Always nice to have some positive writing prompts – it’s so easy to get sidetracked by things that you remember being sad or fearful about. Thanks for sharing these.
January 24, 2022 at 2:57 am
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Valerie. It is such a great idea to think back to what it was like to be a child. All of your questions are good ways to spark my memory of being so little again. And, it is a wise piece of advice to think about what made us laugh as kids or what makes kids we know laugh now. I have a lot of reminiscing and writing to do!! Congratulations on all of your successes! Xox Jen
January 24, 2022 at 6:35 am
mimisheawrites
Great writing prompts!
January 24, 2022 at 8:30 am
Leila Boukarim
You gave me an idea! Thank you so much for the inspiration.
January 24, 2022 at 9:05 am
Mary Zychowicz
I love this post! Your suggestions to recall “firsts” is great. It’s hard to remember some things from childhood but once you start more and more memories come back to mine stories from. Your books sound like such fun and I think that’s really important for kids, especially these days!
Thank you for your post.
January 24, 2022 at 9:13 am
Kelly Vavala
What a wonderful idea to connect with our inner child! My writing partner and I say this all the time. He just wrote a story about this very thing! So many wonderful memories as a child and so many questions. Thank you for such an inspirational post. Your books sound amazing and I wish you much success with them! Looking forward to reading them all!
January 24, 2022 at 10:34 am
Rebekah
Thanks for the reminder to return to our childhood for inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 11:29 am
georgeandjohanna
Thank you so much – this helped me remember things from my childhood that I haven’t thought of in a long time.
Johanna Peyton
January 24, 2022 at 11:39 am
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing your inspirations!
January 24, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Angie
What a fun trip down memory lane! Some of us might have to travel further back (like me! LOL), but it is fun to dig around and see what might become a great picture book story. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Anne Appert
Thank you for the great list of questions to ask ourselves when revisiting our childhoods!
January 24, 2022 at 2:02 pm
Louise Aamodt
You conjured some distant memories. Now I’m wondering how to use them to spark possible NF books. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Thanks a bunch for the ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 2:08 pm
susan contreras
What fun memories you have helped me tap!
January 24, 2022 at 2:12 pm
jensubra
Thanks for all these great suggestions for mining my childhood memories! Where to even start?
January 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Joyce Schriebman
First times? Hmmm… How about the first time a story idea turns into a published book! 🙂 Terrific Ideas Valerie
January 24, 2022 at 2:43 pm
Jennifer Roman
Thank you! Great tips.
January 24, 2022 at 2:52 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Congrats on all your success! And sifting through childhood memories for a book idea is brilliant!
January 24, 2022 at 3:01 pm
TL Fales
Even if the memory itself doesn’t turn into a viable idea, it can be a great jumping off point to become something much better (storywise) than the original memory. Thanks for the example of ways to approach the memories.
January 24, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Emily Bertholf
I just want to tell you how much I love your book, Let’s Dance! It’s one of those books I wish I had as a child. Thank you for this inspiration to let our inner children run, ride, roll, leap, and sashay!
January 24, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Abraham Schroeder
Wonderful, thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 4:57 pm
Anita M Banks
Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Searra Simpson
Great article. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Marilyn Wolpin (@MNW51)
Thanks for the post, Valerie. I’m always plumbing my past for stories. Why this very weekend with family I probed my mother and sister for events I may have forgotten. Childhood is so long ago that I may need hypnosis! Looking forward to seeing your books in print!
January 24, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Thanks Valerie for the great tips!
January 24, 2022 at 6:02 pm
Ana Paula Fagundes
I read your guest post during my lunch time at work and came up with three more ideas! So, thank you, Valerie! And congrats on your recent book deals! Looking forward to reading them.
January 24, 2022 at 6:04 pm
claireannette1
I love your suggestions and questions, Valerie. We had a spy club spelled SPI – the I was for investigators but I can’t remember what the S and P stood for. We spied on neighborhood dogs which could make a pretty funny story.
January 24, 2022 at 8:37 pm
Aundra Tomlins
As an adult who is a writer for children, it is key to remember what the world looks like for kids. Their perspective, thoughts, and feelings. Thank you for the reminder.
January 24, 2022 at 8:51 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
You’ve asked some great q’s here that I can return to for further ideas. Thanks, Valerie, for reminding us of the joys of childhood
January 24, 2022 at 9:40 pm
chrisynthia
This is perfect. Can’t wait to see your books this year.
January 24, 2022 at 9:41 pm
chrisynthia
This is perfect. I can’t wait to read your new books.
January 24, 2022 at 9:56 pm
Shirley fadden
Congratulations on your books and thanks for the memories!
January 24, 2022 at 11:00 pm
sharonkdal
I’m going to start a notebook just for childhood memories–so I can jot them down as they come to me. Thank you for this important reminder!
January 25, 2022 at 12:05 am
Joanne Roberts
wow. congratulations. so much to look forward to! and thanks for the walk through our childhood memories
January 25, 2022 at 1:22 am
sacharya78
such great ideas! Love the walk through childhood suggestion
January 25, 2022 at 1:25 am
serenagingoldallen
Your books sounds great and I love how you’ve drawn upon your own childhood experiences!
January 25, 2022 at 1:56 am
Kristy Nuttall
Such great ideas! I love how your books are inspired by childhood experiences.
January 25, 2022 at 9:29 am
Brian Burak
I don’t mine my own life nearly enough. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 9:53 am
triciacandy
Thanks for this great post, Valerie! It’s fun to rifle through all of those fun memories of kids games!
January 25, 2022 at 10:05 am
Elizabeth James
Gah, I love this! I would love to do the chat with her and get more tips for turning those memories into stories!
January 25, 2022 at 10:38 am
Joy Pitcairn
I love thinking back on life as a kid. It was so magical and sparks so many stories.
January 25, 2022 at 11:27 am
libbydemmon
Yes! Kids are the experts at the creative life!
January 25, 2022 at 11:38 am
allyenz
What a great, simple question to ask: what makes (my) kids belly laugh? Or what made me laugh as a kid? And YES to anything with arts and crafts. Thanks for getting me thinking about these brainstorming ideas. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 11:40 am
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
Great ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 12:04 pm
joanapastro
Great post, Valerie! You never cease to amaze me! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Dawn Mitchell
Beautiful illustrations of the parent and the little girl riding her bike! Thanks for the ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for the post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:28 pm
storycatcherpublishing
My older sister and I both received brand new bikes from Santa one Christmas. On our first attempt to ride them, we managed to crash into each other and damage both bikes beyond repair. Needless to say, our mother was less than happy about that!
Great post!
Donna L Martin
January 25, 2022 at 1:41 pm
juliannahelt
Great ideas! Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
Congratulations on your book deals! They all sound amazing and I can’t wait to read them. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 1:58 pm
jimchaize1
Great advice! Thanks, Valerie. I’m going to give this a whirl today.
January 25, 2022 at 4:04 pm
Charlotte Glaze
I had to pause a second when you were asking about how it feels to try something new… and I remembered how scary it can be. It’s easy to forget how we felt as kids unless we put ourselves there again.
January 25, 2022 at 5:38 pm
amckelle
Thanks for this inspiring post. It helped me come up with two new ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Stephanie Wildman
wonderful questions. Thanks and congrats on your book.
January 25, 2022 at 6:53 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
Great ideas! Thank you so much!
January 25, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Chloe
Great tips! Congrats on your new book!
January 25, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Hi Valerie – I loved reading about your childhood memories and thinking about my own that are so similar, like playing ball in the street and having to interrupt the game for a C-A-R! 🙂 Thank you for your post!
January 26, 2022 at 12:00 am
Joannie Duris
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Valerie. And congratulations on your growing list of titles! So many first-time experiences that we can mine as milestones in any child’s life.
January 26, 2022 at 1:11 am
Katherine Godfrey
Valerie, I’m from Westport too! My head is spinning with ideas about what makes my 7yr old belly laugh! Thank you for reminding me to tune into that.
January 26, 2022 at 1:14 am
Mary Beth Rice
So many memories flooded in….all the firsts!
January 26, 2022 at 3:07 am
Dee Crick
WOW – So many thought provoking questions. I spent the evening going down memory lane with people because of this post and I wrote down some gems of insight. Thank you again and great to see so many titles coming out!
January 26, 2022 at 6:20 am
Tamara Rittershaus
You’ve got some great questions. What makes my kid belly laugh? Falling off the horse (his sister’s back). Is there a story in there? Maybe.
January 26, 2022 at 6:58 am
Kim Gutierrez
Your imagination sounds so fun! I would love to have been a friend of yours as a kid. Thx for thoughts and congrats on your book!
January 26, 2022 at 9:11 am
topangamaria
Deep dive to the inner child = FUN exploration !
January 26, 2022 at 10:39 am
Renata Wurster
Delving into childhood memories is such a fun way to remember our inner child – and relive some laughs at the same time. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2022 at 11:35 am
Viviane Elbee
Thank you for sharing how you found your ideas for your books!
January 26, 2022 at 2:14 pm
mariamarianayagam
I think you’re simply amazing, Valerie! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
January 26, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Jolie Stekly
Memories rediscovered. So much fun.
January 26, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Sandie
Revisiting childhood memories is a great idea. I grew up in the city and we played lots of games in the street. Congrats on all your books!
January 26, 2022 at 4:26 pm
michellesteinberg14849dcf0b
Thanks for the great writing advice to get inspiration from childhood. In my neighborhood, we played Freeze Tag for hours after school.
January 26, 2022 at 5:23 pm
thelogonauts
These are fabulous. Thank you so much Valerie! I’m enjoying thinking about my ideas of a humor as a kid … so silly!
January 26, 2022 at 7:45 pm
supermario6
Thanks for the great ideas!
January 26, 2022 at 9:52 pm
Amanda
Love the specific questions–A guide to get you really thinking and digging a little deeper to uncover those long lost treasures…the memories that come up you don’t even remember you remember (if that makes sense)
January 26, 2022 at 10:17 pm
Brinton Culp
Great ideas–and thanks for sharing Tara’s post too! And just wanted to say that Let’s Dance! is a fantastic book and I’m looking forward to reading your other books.
January 26, 2022 at 11:18 pm
Kristin Sawyer
Naughty stories! I love that.
January 26, 2022 at 11:50 pm
marybeningo
I often try to think of things from my childhood that made me happy and so many come to mind. But I also think of how my childhood may have been unique – I get lots of ideas from growing up as a farmer’s kid. Although I don’t farm myself, I appreciate those life lessons and they sure do inspire a lot of ideas! Thank you.
January 27, 2022 at 8:43 am
Laura
Amazing, thank-you!
January 27, 2022 at 11:40 am
Julie Durr
Oh my goodness….a particular first time came to mind almost immediately and I think I’m going to love trying to develop a story around this idea!! Thank you!
January 27, 2022 at 11:45 am
midfreeman
I love the last question you presented. Such a great idea!
January 27, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Aimee Jenkins
Congrats on your books and thank you for the post! I love pulling ideas from my childhood.
January 28, 2022 at 2:03 am
Bronte Colbert
Loved these great tips and idea-generating suggestions. Thank you!
January 28, 2022 at 8:58 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for your inspirational post!
January 28, 2022 at 9:53 am
naturewalkwithgod
I, too, longed for a pool and ice skating rink in the backyard. 🙂 Thank you, Valerie, for a terrific post and for bringing old memories to the surface. –Kim Peterson
January 28, 2022 at 10:36 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
Thank you for these suggestions!
January 28, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Lauri Meyers
Got my juices flowing with these questions!
January 28, 2022 at 2:38 pm
angiecal76
Okay, Valerie, you’ve got me curious. What do chitterlings smell like? LOL Thanks for all the great tips for generating ideas.
January 28, 2022 at 2:45 pm
colleenrkosinski
Great prompts!
January 28, 2022 at 3:23 pm
goodreadswithronna
You had me at “Being a kid is fun.” Thanks for the inspiration!
January 28, 2022 at 4:16 pm
Janet Halfmann
I agree that childhood memories can inspire great stories–as can the time spent with young grandkids. Thanks for the nudge to pay better attention!
January 28, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
Your questions are perfect to get the creative ideas flowing!
January 28, 2022 at 9:57 pm
S. K. Wenger
Thank you Valerie for these wonderful story ideas to chase down!
January 28, 2022 at 11:29 pm
Marlene Wurfel (@marlenewurfel)
It’s so easy to forget how monumentally important fun is to children. And how easy it comes to them!
January 28, 2022 at 11:34 pm
Stephanie Lau
Wow, congrats on all the books!!! How exciting 🙂
January 29, 2022 at 7:14 am
Mina
Thank you for sharing your advice and inspiration 🙂
January 29, 2022 at 9:44 am
Andrea
So many wonderful memories have been sparked by your post. Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Elizabeth Metz
One of my favorite things to do as a kid was set up “museums” in my living room– I’d gather all the items around the house that corresponded to a particular topic (Disney, baseball, gardens, The Wizard of Oz, etc etc etc) and set them out carefully with labels and give tours to my family and neighbors.
I’ve been trying to find a way into using this in a story for years. Maybe this is the year. Thanks for the inspiration, Valerie!
January 29, 2022 at 4:04 pm
susan gruidel
childhood memories always provide good “zings”. thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Judy Bryan
Great prompts to ponder! Congratulations on all your books, Valerie! I’m looking forward to reading them!!
January 29, 2022 at 6:35 pm
deniseaengle
Time to channel my inner kid!!
January 29, 2022 at 9:07 pm
ejessmurray
Thanks, Valerie! So many fun prompts!
January 29, 2022 at 11:08 pm
Stacey Corrigan
This post gave me 8 ideas! Thank you so much!
January 30, 2022 at 2:51 am
LaurenKerstein
This post really helped me generate ideas. Thank you!
January 30, 2022 at 4:45 am
linafeli
It’s true! We need to go back… Thank you!
January 30, 2022 at 9:24 am
Susanne Whitehouse
Congrats on all these amazing books!
January 30, 2022 at 11:09 am
adavis6385
Hi Valerie! Congratulations on your forthcoming titles! Yay! Thanks for for sharing your words of wisdom. I’m going to work on channeling my inner child for inspiration 🙂
January 30, 2022 at 1:17 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Great post, Valerie! Excited for all your new releases! You are on fire!!
January 30, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Cassie
Thanks for the post and opportunity.
January 30, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Lucy Staugler
Valerie, after these two very hard pandemic years, I needed to be reminded that being a kid should be a carefree, silly, and fun time! And, children need those types of books more than ever now!
Thank you!
Lucy Staugler
January 30, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Your books sounds amazing and I can’t wait to read them. Congratulations on your great success at picture book writing!
January 30, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
This was a tremendous source of inspiration – I generated several new ideas thanks to your prompts. Thank you so much – and congratulations on your success!
January 30, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Melissa Hastings
There are so many firsts to explore. Thank you!
January 30, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Wow, Valerie, so many books! Thanks for so many questions to think about. I never learned to ride a bike, but I wrote poetry and had pen pals.
January 30, 2022 at 6:54 pm
riverwoods21
Great Ideas to write what you know. Thanks. Good luck on your journey.
January 30, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for the inspiration.
January 30, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Thank you , this was great!! Really sparked some childhood memories!
January 31, 2022 at 5:13 am
Soul Healer 11.11
This post has inspired me to make list of likes and dislikes I had as a child.
Awesome food for my thought belly!
Thank you♡
January 31, 2022 at 12:06 pm
Clarissa B Evans
Thank you, Valerie. Thinking back to our own childhoods is a great way for my sister and me to get ideas for our stories.
January 31, 2022 at 12:29 pm
tarashiroff
Wonderful, actionable information! Thank you so much!
January 31, 2022 at 2:51 pm
caromundy
Thanks Valerie. Your post has sparked lots of fun ideas for me to work with.
January 31, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Megan McNamara
We also yelled “Car, car, C-A-R!” when I was a kid. Love it!
January 31, 2022 at 4:13 pm
Terri Sabol
First time experiences are important milestones. Thanks for sharing, Valerie!
January 31, 2022 at 4:15 pm
flinn321
great ideas. thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Terri Sabol
One step at a time has so many meanings. Thanks for sharing, Kari!
January 31, 2022 at 6:31 pm
Meghan Downs
So many fabulous ideas! Thank you so much!
January 31, 2022 at 6:57 pm
matike2209
Amazing ideas! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Acamy Schleikorn
This is awesome! I’ll definitely have to do some thinking about my childhood!
January 31, 2022 at 7:25 pm
Mary Malhotra
This post is powerful! I just added 5 ideas to my list 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Sheri Dillard
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Valerie! Fun! I took lots of notes while reading your post. Congrats on your upcoming books! 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Teresa Traver
Thank you for reminding me of so many wonderful childhood memories!
January 31, 2022 at 9:50 pm
ingridboydston
My childhood was soooo different from my daughter’s…Thanks for the food for thought!
January 31, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Nazanin Ford
Oh, this brought up so many memories! I feel like calling up my cousins and reminiscing about those summer days at their house. Thank you, Valerie!
January 31, 2022 at 10:09 pm
angelapadron
Great post thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 10:35 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Devyn
Thank you so much for sharing such great advice!
February 1, 2022 at 12:02 am
Jennifer Broedel
I got an idea while I was reading your tips, so your method is a sure-fire way to get inspired!
February 1, 2022 at 12:19 am
Anna Brooks
My ideas are already flowing! Thank you so much for the reminder to reconnect with our childhood self.
February 1, 2022 at 12:52 am
Jocelyn Rish
Sounds like our experiences trying chitlins were very similar. My grandma was so disappointed!
February 1, 2022 at 9:07 am
Azra Rahim
Thank you for your ideas about building community.
February 1, 2022 at 12:37 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Lots of good questions to mull over. Congratulations on the upcoming books!
February 1, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Jennifer Hunt
I enjoyed reading how rediscovering childhood memories led to your stories. Definitely a tool to try. Thank you.
February 1, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Enjoyed reading how rediscovering your childhood memories helped create your stories. Definitely a tool I can try.
February 2, 2022 at 9:47 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
Congratulations! So much to celebrate!
February 3, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Sylvia Chen
Wow, love hearing about your childhood inspiration behind your stories. Congrats, so awesome to see all your books coming out!
February 6, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Anne Young
First times – that’s a fruitful line of thought. Lots of other good starters here too. Thanks.
February 7, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Archaa S
I can’t wait to read Together We Ride!!!
January 21, 2023 at 11:30 am
Lorraine
Creating things and wild imagination – two of my favorite childhood memories. Thanks for the inspiration to be a kid again.