by Serena Gingold Allen
I have a secret. But in the interest of inspiration, I’ll share it with you. I used to dislike board books. Which isn’t really a big deal except for the fact that, it turns out, I’m a board book author. I used to think that board books were lame. After my first child was born, I found that my husband also didn’t like board books (I think we must have just had a poor collection of them). But there we were, knee deep in diapers and board books we didn’t like. It finally occurred to me that since I was a children’s book writer, I could write one. I asked my husband what he would like in a board book. He said something like, “I want a book that has more than one word per page, isn’t boring, and is fun to read aloud. Oh, and if I learned something new, that would be great too.”
I had exactly zero ideas. But I didn’t forget what he said. Some time passed. Then one night, I was awake breastfeeding and I found myself morosely thinking, “I’m the only person awake in the whole world.” Then I thought, “Well, who else is awake right now?” I started imagining all these nocturnal animals romping around the neighborhood having fun. And then a rhyming couplet popped into my mind (which was really weird because I had never written in rhyme before).
This idea quickly took shape and the couplet became the opening lines of MOONLIGHT PRANCE. Revisions flowed and a few months later, I submitted Moonlight Prance to a handful of publishers. It was plucked from the slush pile at Chronicle Books by my editor, Ariel Richardson. She not only wanted to acquire it, but offered me the opportunity to write a companion title. She wanted another book with movement, but this time with a daytime setting and a spring-y feel.
I had absolutely no idea what to write, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. Also, the idea of writing in rhyme again was daunting because I still didn’t consider myself to be a rhymer. I had made it work once by having a pretty good ear for listening, but I wasn’t sure I could do it again. I was overcome by feelings of self-doubt. I knew I needed to teach myself more about rhyming, rhythm, and meter. And I needed some inspiration. I remembered how I started MOONLIGHT PRANCE with the idea of writing a book for my husband to enjoy and I thought, What if I write this one to entertain my son?
From the time my son learned to crawl, he made a beeline to his bookcase every day upon waking. A lot of the books we had were bedtime books, but we didn’t have any books about mornings. That’s when I knew I wanted SUNRISE DANCE to not just take place during the day, but first thing in the morning. I wanted more fun words to express movement and settled on a dance theme. It took a lot of revisions, but with my editor’s feedback and direction, I eventually wrote a version that we both liked.
Since writing my debut books five years ago, I’ve read hundreds of board books and I now have a huge appreciation for the genre. It’s hard to imagine that I used to dislike board books. Being inspired allowed me to write in a style and genre that I never would have otherwise. I’ve shared all this with you in the hope that you’ll be inspired to try writing something outside your comfort zone. Be courageous and you might discover something new about yourself and your writing.
Maybe you’re thinking, Thanks for sharing your story, but where can I find my next idea? I too appreciate the Storystorm posts that include a practical aspect, but I wasn’t sure what advice to give when I began this post. For some reason I grabbed my dictionary to look up the definition of “inspiration.” But as I started flipping through, I remembered this thing that my best friend and I used to do when we talked on the phone in high school. We’d each open our dictionary and take turns trying to read every word on the page as if it were part of a story. This memory made me giggle (life before text messages and social media sure was different). So I opened to a random page and starting reading. When I got to the word “jumble” I stopped. It made me think of this game that my son plays with his grandma and BAM! I had a new idea for a story.
So here’s my challenge for you: open up your dictionary and choose a random page. Scan until a word captures your attention and then let your mind go. Write down anything that pops into your head and maybe, just maybe, your next idea for a story will be staring up at you.
Serena Gingold Allen is the author of MOONLIGHT PRANCE and SUNRISE DANCE (Chronicle Books, April 2022), both novelty board books about wild animals. Growing up in the foothills outside of Yosemite, Serena spent her childhood observing the natural world. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, but she still spends a lot of time in the great outdoors hiking and rock climbing with her husband and their two children. Visit her at serenagingoldallen.com and follow her on Instagram @serenagingoldallen and Twitter @serenagingold.
Serena in giving away a copy of MOONLIGHT PRANCE to one winner and a copy of SUNRISE DANCE to a separate winner once they become available (release date is set for April 5, 2022).
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.
639 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 22, 2022 at 8:09 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Awww I’m amazed your brain to could do that in a nighttime feed! It is a special time but mine were I bit sleepier. Thanks for a fresh perspective on board books. Yours look lovely.
Dictionary games – heck why not!
January 22, 2022 at 8:09 am
srkckass
Thanks so much for your post. I found when I had babies at home I had a million ideas and no time or energy to do anything about it. It sounds like you came up with some great board books, congratulations.
January 22, 2022 at 8:10 am
Jessica Potts
These board books sound adorable!
January 22, 2022 at 8:13 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Congratulations and thank you for the Post Serena! I used to get ideas while feeding my babies too! Something about the brain being so tired and the task being fairly brainless… Just seems like the perfect time for my right side of the brain to take over! now I said bring too many times in this post!
January 22, 2022 at 8:15 am
thecrowsmap
Serena, I’m headed to my bookshelf to dust off my dictionary. Congratulations on your books!
Gail Hartman
January 22, 2022 at 8:17 am
melissamiles1
Wonderful idea! I love how perfectly the companion book works with the original! Thanks for the practical advice. 😉
January 22, 2022 at 8:18 am
sullyweston
Fun challenge, Serena! The dictionary is great inspiration – thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Natalia Paruzel-Gibson
Wonderfully raw and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your writing journey, Serena! Appreciate your dictionary suggestion too!
January 22, 2022 at 8:18 am
Andrea Mack
What fun ways to use a dictionary! Thanks for the inspiration. Made me think of a Wordle challenge (for those who play): write a story with all the words you used in your daily Wordle. Off to hunt down my dictionary!
January 22, 2022 at 8:20 am
rebeccacolby
Loved your ideas/books! I thought the same about board books for many years. Thanks also for the inspiration. Dictionary at the ready…
January 22, 2022 at 8:20 am
mona861
What a lovely book you created in the darkness of night. And thanks for the challenge. What word will be a story prompt today. Congratulations on your latest book to be released.
January 22, 2022 at 8:21 am
Chelsea
Your books are stunning. It definitely inspires me to think out of the box for my picture books and not be confined by process!
January 22, 2022 at 8:25 am
Lauren Barbieri
Great story, and what a fun dictionary activity! Thanks for the post. Congratulations on your upcoming work!
January 22, 2022 at 8:26 am
Suzy Grossman
Oh yes….middle of the night inspirations…great use of that time
January 22, 2022 at 8:29 am
Laura Rackham
What a wonderful way to break a “stall” moment for ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 8:30 am
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
I love the way your idea sparked from entertaining specific people in your life. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your process. I’m off to play with words!
January 22, 2022 at 8:31 am
Lynn McCracken
Love the titles of your books! They have energy on their own. Congratulations!
January 22, 2022 at 8:34 am
allthingscreativeequal
I love how you followed the thread from not liking board books to writing two of them by stepping outside your comfort zone. I’m inspired to step out as well. Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 8:34 am
SCody
I have a toddler that loves loves books but also doesn’t love boring board books. We need more quality books for our tiny ones to read! I’m working on one now and I loved reading your post because I can’t seem to find much about writing them except “you don’t make much money on them so….” I’m going to preorder yours! Yay!
January 22, 2022 at 8:36 am
Annie Guerra
I liked the idea of using an old fashioned dictionary. Annie Guerra
January 22, 2022 at 8:36 am
Abby Wooldridge
What a fun idea to read the words in the dictionary like they’re a story. I’ll have to try that! Thank you for sharing your publishing journey with us, and congratulations on your books! They are beautiful! ❤
January 22, 2022 at 8:36 am
Brigita O
Your board books are gorgeous!
You reminded me of when i was trying to come up with a story as a child by including every picture in my colouring book. Feels a bit like what you and your friend were doing with the dictionary.
January 22, 2022 at 8:43 am
Patricia Franz
Love your honesty, Serena! It’s so refreshing to hear an author admit they didn’t like it know about something. I have yet to find a board book I LOVE (though the art in MOONLIGHT PRANCE could be the one that changes my mind)!
January 22, 2022 at 8:45 am
gayleckrause
Serena: Great inspiration idea and what a wonderful path to publication story. 😊
January 22, 2022 at 8:48 am
Alice Fulgione
I never thought to use the dictionary for inspiration but I agree that sometimes even one word can get my creative juices flowing. Sometimes word games can also be used to inspire story ideas. Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 8:48 am
Finding Damo
Lovely idea. Now to find a dictionary
January 22, 2022 at 8:53 am
mdk45
What a fun inspiration story, Serena. Your books look and sound yummy.
January 22, 2022 at 8:54 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Serena for inspiring me to pick up a dictionary and point!!!
January 22, 2022 at 8:54 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love the story behind your stories, Serena! I’ve been thinking about trying board books. You’ve inspired me. (To read from the dictionary, too = motivation and fun!)
January 22, 2022 at 9:03 am
kimpfenn
Loved the backstory of your books and the dictionary idea!
January 22, 2022 at 9:04 am
Donna Rossman
I have that same dictionary. Mine is a little worse for wear, lol. What a great idea – flip through the dictionary and find inspiration. Thank you for sharing your process!
January 22, 2022 at 9:06 am
Catherine
This was a great article Serena, I love how the idea just clicked for you while in the moments: evening and daytime. Now I’m off to pop open the dictionary! Congratulations on your fun board books!
January 22, 2022 at 9:06 am
Linda Kay Chavez
Congrats on your books! I’m pre-ordering. They look fantastic. Love hearing about the random way your ideas hit! I’ll definitely be trying the dictionary exercise. Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 9:06 am
Monica Acker
What a fun game to get ideas flowing!
January 22, 2022 at 9:07 am
bgonsar
Loved reading about your journey Serena
January 22, 2022 at 9:15 am
anchance
I love the dictionary idea! I’m excited to start on that right away. Thank you and congratulations!
January 22, 2022 at 9:16 am
Jaime Petrucci
Very inspiring post, thank you Serena. I love the idea of opening up the dictionary for inspiration as well!
January 22, 2022 at 9:19 am
Midge Smith
This was so great, Serena! Thanks for sharing your journey!
January 22, 2022 at 9:21 am
Lisa L Furness
I love waking up to Storystorm! I’ll have to borrow a dictionary from the library because I do not have a physical one in this age of cell phones and PC’s. And its packed in a box somewhere in storage. But I could try using my Emotion Thesaurus for this exercise.
January 22, 2022 at 9:25 am
Cathy Lentes
Serena, your board books look delightful. And I love the stories behind them. I will never give up my dictionaries. Yes, I use apps for a quick spelling check, but for discovery and diving deep into words nothing beats a big ole bound dictionary or thesaurus.
January 22, 2022 at 9:25 am
Kimberly Marcus
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing yours inspiration and journey!
January 22, 2022 at 9:31 am
rosecappelli
Fun idea! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your books.
January 22, 2022 at 9:32 am
Angela Verges
Serena, thank you for sharing this idea with us. I’ll have to blow the dust off my dictionary and get started creating (-:
January 22, 2022 at 9:40 am
kiwijenny
Wow this is great. I’m hunting for my dictionary right now. Serena you are delightfully old school.
January 22, 2022 at 9:40 am
Suzanne Lewis
The dictionary! I’ve used it in the past and want to thank you for reminding me to pull it our again. Congratulations on your board books, Serena!
January 22, 2022 at 9:45 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Thank you. That is definitely a different approach. Maybe even a thesaurus can be beneficial as well.
January 22, 2022 at 9:46 am
sweetspontaneous
LOVED this!
January 22, 2022 at 9:46 am
Rebecca McMurdie
I love these board book concepts! And it’s interesting and inspiring to know that you used to hate board books. Maybe they means one day I’ll love rhyming?
January 22, 2022 at 9:46 am
ramonapersaudwrites
I feel like I write the same thing on every post…SUCH a great idea!! I’m also going to try this with my students (elementary and upper middle).
January 22, 2022 at 9:48 am
Joyce Uglow
Word lovers unite! Maybe even at night. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 9:48 am
Tara Cerven
Your books are beautiful and I LOVE the idea of using the dictionary. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 9:49 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
And there are sooo many great board books out there now, including your own! Way to step out of your comfort zone.
Thanks for the suggestion to use a dictionary – now to go buy one!! LOL. With the internet at my fingertips, I haven’t invested in one for a while.
January 22, 2022 at 9:53 am
pathaap
Your stories look wonderful, Serena. And I love how you came about writing them. I’m heading to my dictionary now to find my next idea. Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 9:54 am
rbkrackeler
I’m running to go get my dictionary now! Thank you ❤️
January 22, 2022 at 9:57 am
stephaniemstories
Your board books look beautiful. Thanks for the dictionary/word lookup suggestion. I just did a random word generator and this sparked a couple of ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 9:58 am
greengirlblueplanet
Those board books look beautiful!! The artwork is so soft and delightful. Definitely will pickup for my little girls. Love that you mention the dictionary. I have a pocket one but now I am really missing the big ones!! Are they even printed large anymore??
January 22, 2022 at 10:00 am
sareenmclay
Your books look so lovely! I’m sure they’re a joy to read.
Thank you, what a great reminder – I do love looking through a dictionary and I have to confess I love ones for children with all the pictures too!
January 22, 2022 at 10:00 am
lmconnors
Fun! And your books look great. Congrats!
January 22, 2022 at 10:04 am
Rachelle Burk
This post has just given me an idea of how to change an existing manuscript… Can’t wait to work on it!
January 22, 2022 at 10:05 am
Maria B.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful books! They look amazing. I can’t wait to try your dictionary trick!
January 22, 2022 at 10:05 am
Terri Epstein
I love this story, Serena. I’ve had an idea for a board book project that’s been sitting in “the files” since my kids were babies. You’ve inspired me to pull it out and get to work. And maybe I’ll pull out their old Simms Taback favorites, chewed on and dog eared, but so loved, from over 30 years ago for extra inspiration!! Thanks!!
January 22, 2022 at 10:07 am
Virginia Neil
I wish I had been one of your friends growing up. What a great game.
January 22, 2022 at 10:10 am
Aimee Satterlee
Congratulations on your beautiful books! Getting chosen from the slush is amazing! The dictionary trick is a wonderful idea! Thanks, Serena!
January 22, 2022 at 10:12 am
Katie Frawley
I just sent my daughter off in search of our children’s dictionary. I love this suggestion! Congrats on your books! They look fabulous!
January 22, 2022 at 10:12 am
Louann Brown
One of my favorite tools is a palm-sized spelling dictionary. No definitions just page after page of words. I use it all the time. Thanks for the shout out to dictionaries!
January 22, 2022 at 10:15 am
Samantha Cleaver
Love the dictionary idea! Heading to my bookshelf for the ol’ Webster right now.
January 22, 2022 at 10:18 am
wordnerd153
Great timing – I just wrote a rhyming board book manuscript yesterday! I’m glad you were able to find some board books you love. My daughter is 5 and we still read her Boynton, Parr and Patricelli board books 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 10:18 am
Penelope McNally
I love your story! Thanks for sharing, and I’ll be taking out my dictionary soon…you never know when/where inspiration will strike! Congratulations on your lovely board books.
January 22, 2022 at 10:23 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
Somehow I don’t own a paper dictionary (gasp – how can I call myself a writer?) so I used a random word generator on my phone. Fun idea!
January 22, 2022 at 10:24 am
lynjekowsky
Moonlight Prance and Sunrise Dance will be perfect for my grandchildren. On my way to my dictionary. Thank you for this inspiration.
January 22, 2022 at 10:26 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
I need to read more board books . . . especially yours!
January 22, 2022 at 10:31 am
annier1996
Love the dictionary idea! And congratulations on your forthcoming board books!
January 22, 2022 at 10:32 am
Hannah Roy LaGrone
I love this so much!!! I have a 7 month old and luckily we have a lot of amazing board books but there’s also some booooring ones out there. I would love to write him some books of my own. Also my husband said the same thing about there not being any books about waking up and one million about going to bed! I’m gonna HAVE to get these. 😍😍 hey maybe I’ll win one!
Gonna have to find a hard copy dictionary too 😂 idk how to browse the app
January 22, 2022 at 10:33 am
Sheri Radovich
I have never looked at board books except passing in a store and moving on. I like the dictionary idea and will stop in the library and look into board books.
January 22, 2022 at 10:35 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
It seems to me that board book manuscripts (and concepts) are better sold to agents and publishers when it can be a series.
January 22, 2022 at 10:36 am
lizluvselephants
I feel like I have been waiting forever for these books to be published! 🙂 So glad to be in the 2022 calendar – and they are not far away. Lovely post. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 10:38 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you, Serena! I can’t wait to read Moonlight Prance and Sunrise Dance. They look adorable! I’m going to go grab my dictionary. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 10:40 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you, Serena! Your board books look so fun and engaging! I just picked up my dictionary and my word is “jewelweed.” It’s another word for impatiens. I had no idea. It’s got me thinking…
January 22, 2022 at 10:41 am
savoringeverymoment
Loved learning the story behind the stories. Can’t wait to read them myself! Now I’m off to “scroll” thru the dictionary 😁
January 22, 2022 at 10:43 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks so much and your books are beautiful!!
January 22, 2022 at 10:43 am
Evelyn Dietz
Can’t wait to read these lovely board books!
January 22, 2022 at 10:43 am
Ellen
Great actionable inspiration! Thank you. And congrats on the new books. I love the idea for each one!
January 22, 2022 at 10:45 am
kurtzmom548513
I loved reading about Serena’s board book ideas and the dictionary challenge! Can’t wait to trg it! Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 10:45 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Congratulations on your board books. I can’t wait to read them. I’ve never tried to write a board book, may now is the time to try.
January 22, 2022 at 10:48 am
triciahinely
Ok, dictionary is a great practical tip. I opened up my Webster’s Illustrated Dictionary from elementary school, copyright 1956. This will be a fun exercise. However your bonus tip is really good too. You asked your husband what would he like to read. Brilliant! I have 7 grandchildren I can ask. What a gold mine! Thank you so much. Your books illustrations are lovely too.
January 22, 2022 at 10:50 am
mommamoocow
I love the way Moonlight Prance was born.
January 22, 2022 at 10:51 am
sunflowerscribe
Wow! Your books are absolutely stunning, Serena! I spent many summed during childhood in Yosemite and look forward to bringing my girls!! And I am going to try your dictionary idea today! Maybe I will have my kids each pick a word for me!
January 22, 2022 at 10:52 am
tinamcho
I enjoyed learning about the story of your board books. Congrats! I’ll look for my dictionary! Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 10:54 am
Angel Gantnier
Awesome idea =)
January 22, 2022 at 10:56 am
TheHugBooks (@Hug_Books)
A morning book! I love mornings! What a great idea. Thank you. Now to find the dictionary!
January 22, 2022 at 10:57 am
Charles Trevino
Nice journey.
Dictionary — Here I come!
January 22, 2022 at 10:58 am
Christina Shawn
Serena, I love learning more about your inspiration and process for these beautiful books! What a wonderful article!
January 22, 2022 at 10:58 am
Janice Woods
Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 11:05 am
Becki Kidd
Wow~Thanks for sharing the dictionary idea, Serena all it takes is a word to spark an idea.
January 22, 2022 at 11:07 am
Tory
What great inspiration! Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 11:13 am
Janet Smart
Sounds like a plan! I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the post.
January 22, 2022 at 11:18 am
heidikyates
Thank you for sharing, Serena! Your books are lovely!
January 22, 2022 at 11:19 am
Traci
Love how you came up with MOONLIGHT PRANCE! Thanks for the inspiration…grabbing my dictionary now!
January 22, 2022 at 11:20 am
maureenegan
Love your lines!
January 22, 2022 at 11:21 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Your text and Teagan’s illustrations make a dynamite board book pairing! Congratulations!
January 22, 2022 at 11:22 am
Cheryl Simon
Congrats on your board books! Thanks for your inspiring post.
January 22, 2022 at 11:25 am
lauriekaiserwrites
Love both of the titles and would definitely have gravitated toward them when my kids were little. So charming! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 22, 2022 at 11:26 am
Marcia Parks
There are board books and then there are bored books. I agree that they can be awesome, but am not a fan of “adultish” stories retold in board book format. This post was a delightful signpost for a good way to go.
January 22, 2022 at 11:28 am
Susan Jobsky
Thank you for sharing your secret, and for the tip for inspiration. You’ve given me an idea and I need to jot it down before it flies away!
January 22, 2022 at 11:28 am
Michele Helsel
Aw, yeah! I love your journey. And I love your idea. Now I’ve got to find a dictionary! Looking forward to hearing your new board book!
January 22, 2022 at 11:29 am
Lisa Gaines
I love your book! I’ve always wanted to try a board book & haven’t had the confidence. I’m going to work on one anyway. 😛 Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 11:29 am
Lindsey Aduskevich (@LAduskevich)
Serena, your board books look darling!! I’m chuckling at your note about how different life was before social media. Whenever we asked our dad a question about a word he would pull out the big red dictionary and have us look it up. Now, in order to do your inspiration activity, I have to go to my dad’s to get my hands on a dictionary. LOL! Time to buy my own. Love the idea by the way.
January 22, 2022 at 11:29 am
bevbaird
Loved your story about the inspiration behind both your books. What a fun exercise you’ve provided. Off to open my dictionary for some inspiration of my own!
January 22, 2022 at 11:30 am
Jane Martin
I know I have a dictionary I just don’t know where it is! Off to look for it. Thanks so much.
January 22, 2022 at 11:31 am
Paul Brassard
Thank you for your inspiring post, Serena! I, too, have toyed with the idea of writing a board book. After all, they are often a child’s first exposure to the wonderful world of words and stories. And the dictionary thing… awesome!
January 22, 2022 at 11:32 am
N. Alison Colle
Wonderful post! Very down to earth. Thank you so much.
January 22, 2022 at 11:34 am
Sallye O'Rourke
I’m feeling inspired, thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 11:34 am
saintamovin
Thank you Serena😊
January 22, 2022 at 11:36 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Serena, for sharing your board book journey. What a special treat for young readers and listeners.
January 22, 2022 at 11:37 am
Karen Nespoli
Thank you for this wonderful inspiration. I too never gave much thought to board books, but their popularity is growing. I have a 5 month old granddaughter who would love your books!
January 22, 2022 at 11:39 am
René Bartos
Thank you for your inspiring post and congrats on your new books. I look forward to reading and sharing them!
January 22, 2022 at 11:43 am
Kylie Burns kysblog1
What a wonderful way to receive inspiration…motherhood! Children inspiring books for children is just how it should be. I appreciate when you say you didn’t want to miss an opportunity – sometimes it’s so frightening to say yes, but it’s the only way to learn. Loved this post, Serena. Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 11:47 am
wordwritermo
I’d love to win a copy of either of your books. Thank you! And yes! Sometimes it just takes one word to spark the idea…hello #vss365!
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 22, 2022 at 11:47 am
marshaelyn
Serena, your unique journey into authoring board books makes me smile. We never know when the “writing spark” lights; how special that it happened while breastfeeding your baby. Thank you for sharing this inspirational post. Sending you lots of energy and encouragement for your continued success….
January 22, 2022 at 11:52 am
susanpbednargmailcom
Thank you, that was inspiring!!
January 22, 2022 at 11:57 am
Sarah Heaton
I adore your dictionary game. I can’t wait to play!
January 22, 2022 at 11:57 am
jenabenton
These books look absolutely delightful! Thank you for the post.
January 22, 2022 at 11:59 am
Krissy
Awesome post! I love your board book adventure! How I’d love to win a copy of your books!
Thanks for the dictionary advice! Sounds like a fun exercise!
January 22, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Kim A Larson
Serena, congratulations on your two books! They look adorable! Thanks for sharing your insights!
January 22, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Shannon LaPuma
Congratulations on your upcoming books, Serena! Thanks for the inspiring post.
January 22, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Armineh Manookian
Love the surprising ways ideas come to us. Thank you, Serena, for the great tip!
January 22, 2022 at 12:09 pm
thedayswehold
I started my author journey while I was breastfeeding in the middle of the night so I super appreciate this post! Also by chance, I have a dictionary sitting next to me right now. I wonder what stories I’ll find in there…
January 22, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Linda
Thanks for the inspiration and tip about using the dictionary!
January 22, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Polly Renner
Thanks Serena! I have always liked board books, so I must have had a better collection – ha ha! And I can’t wait to read your board books, too! Congrats and thanks for my daily inspiration.
January 22, 2022 at 12:14 pm
cindyjohnson2013
Great idea! And your books look lovely!
January 22, 2022 at 12:16 pm
tracivw
Both books look delightful!! Thanks for the inspiration this morning, Serena.
January 22, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Susan Twiggs
Love your anecdote. I will try the dictionary prompts. Easy and fun!
January 22, 2022 at 12:24 pm
sarieran
Thanks for this post and for the inspiration to write something new, outside our comfort zone. I am an illustrator, writing and illustating my first chapter book, so your post is very encouraging for me.
January 22, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Maria Altizer
Your books sound like fun reads. Now I have some dictionary flipping to do. Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 12:27 pm
nrompella
Wow! So neat that the titles of the two books also rhyme! You make me want little ones again (well…) Thanks for the great post.
January 22, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Clement, Laura
Reaching for my dictionary now.
Great post!
January 22, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Maria
What a fruitful nighttime feeding session! I just remember falling asleep while feeding my babies, LOL! Your board books look beautiful! I can’t wait to read them.
January 22, 2022 at 12:29 pm
marty
Love the journey you’ve shared, Serena! The reasons for writing, the borad books you and your husband hated, the trepidation at a second book to write, and the dictionary phone game! I love the idea of reading a page and letting a word surface as an idea. Word preference and word energy is so personal! Thank you for posting! Tara, thanks so much for inviting Serena to share her journey and offer us a way to come up with a new idea to write about.
January 22, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Serena, for sharing your thoughts.
Time to grab a dictionary.
Suzy Leopold
January 22, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Katie Marie
Thanks for the great challenge!
January 22, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Michelle L.
These books both look amazing! Going to try out the dictionary idea right now. Thank you Serena!
January 22, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
Thank you for sharing Serena! I can’t wait til April…two books that will definitely be in future baby gift bags (maybe for my grandma friends too) 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Annelouise Mahoney
Hi Serena. Congratulations on MOONLIGHT PRANCE, and, SUNRISE DANCE. They look beautiful! Also, thank you for your brainstorming challenge. You can never tell what may inspire a story, and I never thought to start with a single word before. I appreciate your advice.
January 22, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Erica Jensen Shiflet
This was really helpful to me–thank you! I appreciate you sharing your own story idea process and also providing a practical exercise to help us get to the Storystorm finish line–thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
What a lovely and helpful post. Congratulations on your books!
January 22, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Janna MacLean
Thanks for that post! Beautiful illustrations in your board books!
January 22, 2022 at 12:39 pm
karenrafeedie
I love this idea!!! And, I have the same well-worn physical dictionary as you. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Steena Hernandez
Great post! Thank you for sharing your experiences! And I can’t wait to try the dictionary suggestion!
January 22, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Susie
Congratulations on your books ! The illustrations look gorgeous. Thank you for great post, sharing your story and your writing tip.
January 22, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Jan Milusich
Thank you for sharing your book journey, Serena. I’m getting my dictionary out right after I post this message.
January 22, 2022 at 12:48 pm
sue macartney
Love words and the magic of dictionaries – thanks for this fun prompt and for sharing your journey to two really delightful looking board books – congratulations and looking forward to reading them!
January 22, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Pam
Great idea for inspiration. Preschoolers love to have a basket of board books in the reading area to read to themselves, having memorized the text. I will be sure to add yours. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 12:56 pm
donnacangelosi
I love board books and always wanted to write one. Thanks for the inspiration! Looking forward to reading your beautiful books!
January 22, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for sharing how your book came to be! Congratulations!
January 22, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Jessica Swaim
Thanks for sharing the evolution of your beautiful board books and for the writing tip — sounds like you and your friend invented a fun dictionary game!
January 22, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Jasmine Smith
I love hearing that you had such a great idea for a board book. I have so many I love and think they are a bit overlooked.
January 22, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Chelle Martin
I agree about board books being too “boring”. Sounds like you found a way to make them fun. I’d love to read both of your books. Good luck with your writing! Thanks for sharing.
January 22, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Stephanie S
Thanks you for the fun dictionary idea! I love that you left us with a suggestion to find story ideas! I can’t wait to try it out!
January 22, 2022 at 1:03 pm
andreesantini
Your books look awesome. And thanks for the dictionary suggestion. I was too lazy to walk upstairs to get mine, so found an online random word generator (https://randomwordgenerator.com/ you can tell it if you want nouns, verbs, etc). I just made a list of some of the words that popped up and am off now to see if any ideas pop from them.
January 22, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
Congratulations on your delightful-looking board books! And thank you for the fun dictionary game. It’s already helped!
January 22, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Poupette
Thanks for the reminder that dictionaries are goldmines, and for encouraging me to write outside my non-rhyming PB comfort zone. Congratulations for your cute board books!
January 22, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Deborah Ishii
I actually love board books and yours look amazing. Using a dictionary to stimulate new ideas sounds intriguing. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22, 2022 at 1:11 pm
kskeesling
Wow! I can’t believe you wrote 2 books in rhyme just based off of listening for it. I love the challenge to write out of our comfort zones. Congratulations on your books!
January 22, 2022 at 1:12 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
So fun! Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Ellen Leventhal
What a fun post! My friends and I used to fill up pages with random words and exchange them. Then we had to pick one word to write a story around. It was fun, and I think I’ll do that again. Only with just me. Thanks for sparking that long lost idea!
January 22, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
What a great post! Your books are darling … and I’d say you definitely figured out how to rhyme! Thanks also for the dictionary trick. I had a goal to read the entire dictionary when I was a kid … I had forgotten about that until now. Thanks for the memory jog!
January 22, 2022 at 1:17 pm
ellen seal ❄️ (@ellenseal_art)
Oh man. I’ll definitely be picking up a copy of both books ASAP! Cute rhymes? Lifty flappy things for my 1yr old to grab? My muse Teagan White’s adorable illustrations? Yaaaas! Love it. Congrats on your fabulous new books and thanks for the bonus dictionary inspo!
January 22, 2022 at 1:19 pm
nycbgriffin
I have had the same thought as you’ve shared about board books. I clearly need to reconsider! Thanks for the great post.
January 22, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Off to hang out with ole Webster! Thanks for the idea. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Michelle Dragalin
HI, I feel the same way about the board book as the author’s husband. I did get some, but mostly my daughter chewed on them and she liked the pictures. I never thought of board books as a genre. I will have to revise my thought on them and explore this genre. I do use the dictionary trick, but thanks for reminding me about it.
January 22, 2022 at 1:30 pm
matthewlasley
That is an interesting idea. I do love unique words or intriguing ones.
January 22, 2022 at 1:33 pm
karenlee
I love board books! Congrats on breaking into that market. I can’t wait to read yours!
January 22, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
SERENA: HOW IS IT POSSIBLE that your Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary looks JUST as BATTERED and BRUISED as mine!!!???!!! SERIOUSLY, THEY COULD BE TWINS!!! I guess it must be a sign of TRUE WORD NERDS!!! I LOVE your dictionary tip and challenge. I CAN’T WAIT to give it a try! THANK YOU for the reminder that we can find INSPIRATION in a “mere” word–that ONE little word can OPEN WHOLE NEW WORLDS!
January 22, 2022 at 1:39 pm
martyfindley
I love this idea with the dictionary. I have been toying with the idea of trying a Board Book. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22, 2022 at 1:39 pm
writeknit
First of all, I cannot wait to get Moonlight Dance and Sunrise Dance for my two new grandsons. I’ve been reading to their older brothers for years and agree with your husband, board books should not be bored books. Thanks for the dictionary idea as well, I’m heading for my bookshelf to find some new words.
January 22, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Sara Ackerman
Thanks for sharing how you came to be a board book author! As someone who has often felt that I just don’t like board books (while fully realizing, I may have just not had great ones in my collection), I find this very interesting and exciting.
January 22, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Danielle Hammelef
I remember breastfeeding late at night and watching the neighbors’ lights wink out and feeling like I was the only one awake. To be honest, I’m going to have to use an online dictionary as we no longer have paper reference books. This idea sounds fun to try.
January 22, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Pamela Brunskill
Congrats on your board books (and previous publications), and thanks so much for sharing the inspiration behind the stories! I really enjoy hearing how others get their ideas and how they turn into reality. Thanks also for the dictionary suggestion. I’m going to try that now. 😊
January 22, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Mary Nelson
Sadly, I no longer have a dictionary. Or an encyclopedia. Progress is not necessarily our friend.
January 22, 2022 at 1:54 pm
rebeccaupjohn
I love that you wrote a board book with your husband in mind and that you trusted what came to you: a couplet in the middle of the night while nursing your baby. Some times we get ideas but don’t follow them through. Thank you for sharing your process and the dictionary ideas. It’s validation and encouragement for catching a spark following it to see where it goes.
January 22, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Matt Tesoriero
I like random. See where it takes me!
January 22, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Kate
Great post, Serena! Our family comes from a long line of board book critics. Not sure why, maybe like your husband, we were wanting more. Since my grandson arrived on the scene, and LOVES his board books, I’m excited to read Moonlight Prance and Sunrise Dance with him this spring.
January 22, 2022 at 2:02 pm
authordebradaugherty
You have a wise husband, Selena. His perception of a good board book jump started your career. I love the dictionary idea. I randomly opened my dictionary to W words. I need to write a story about a wizard or a woodchuck. LOL
January 22, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Melanie Rowsell-Docherty
What great advice! I too find myself passing by the board books. I’ll stop and give them more time from now on. In the mean time I’m off to consult my dictionary!
January 22, 2022 at 2:09 pm
Tanya Konerman
For being a writer who loves words, I’d never thought to open the dictionary and actually, you know, LOOK AT WORDS, for ideas! Sounds so simple yet it’s a great idea…thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 2:09 pm
danielledufayet
Love your books! Dancing and prancing -how wonderful. Thank you for writing great board books, because I agree -not many of them are great. Congrats!
January 22, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Laura Bower
Thank you Serena! I love hearing about your journey and also love that you sought to create something that you weren’t finding (your books look beautiful!)! What a great idea to pick a word on a dictionary page for my next Storystorm idea! I played a dictionary with my siblings growing up that was one of our favorites! (things WERE much simpler before all this tech we have now 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Jojo Kasala
what a wonderful idea with the dictionary! Will try that for sure. Thanks so much.
January 22, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Your board books look like so much fun for youngsters and parents!
January 22, 2022 at 2:19 pm
Cinzia
My 1980 Oxford American yielded up the last M page. My inspiration — I could write about a mystical, mysterious, mynah who is myopic! P.S. Thrift stores have many dictionaries for those without.
January 22, 2022 at 2:20 pm
kathalsey
Serena Gingold Allen, congrats on MOONLIGHT PRANCE, SUNRISE DANCE and being picked up by Chronicle and working with Ariel Richardson! I like to read the dictionary and I’ve stretched my write muscles to write my 1st chapter book. Ty for this advice.
January 22, 2022 at 2:21 pm
K. Yin
Hi Serena! I love any excuse to crack open a dictionary. Congrats!
January 22, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Lisa Billa
I felt the same way about many board books but look forward to seeing and gifting these! Great ideas, lovely words, and the art is beautiful. Congratulations!
January 22, 2022 at 2:28 pm
Heidi Chupp
I love this so much, Serena! Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Kelly Vavala
You’re books sound beautiful and I love how you created them keeping your husband and son in mind! The other part of your post I truly got a kick out of is when you shared how you and your girlfriend picked pages out of the dictionary and how the thought came back to you and you used it today! What fun! Thank you for the new found inspiration! I wish you much success
January 22, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Dena Davis
Best wishes on your debut board books! I look forward to reading them and to diving into a dictionary for inspiration!
January 22, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Phyllis Mignard
I absolutely LOVE your board book, MOONLIGHT PRANCE! Thanks so much for sharing its inspiration start.
January 22, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you so much for this post! It was very inspiring! I love learning about how you got your ideas for each book. I also love the idea of finding random words in the dictionary. Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 2:44 pm
jbbower
I haven’t picked up a dictionary in years! I think its time to pull mine off the shelf. Thanks for a great idea!
January 22, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Bored with Board Books – Never!
January 22, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Sue Heavenrich
A dictionary game! how fun! And what wonderful board books you’ve made… can’t wait to see them!
January 22, 2022 at 2:50 pm
ldodson100
I tried this and opened the dictionary to a random page. Made me smile at the story possibilities among the word choices. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Julie Reich
I love using the dictionary as inspiration, and I’m game to write outside my comfort zone. Thanks and congrats on your upcoming books!
January 22, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Dianne Borowski
Moonlight Prance and Sunlight Dance……you’re really into rhyming! Was it just a fluke or did you plan the book titles to rhyme? I am now thinking of words that rhyme and can be used as a title. Maybe Chasing Stars
and Meteor from Mars.
January 22, 2022 at 3:02 pm
Jenny Boyd
Congratulations on your upcoming book. Both these book ideas are adorable. (I’m a big fan of nature/animals.)
January 22, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Jennifer Phillips
A wonderful story of how your books came to fruition and suggestion for ways to use our dictionaries for inspiration. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 3:03 pm
jesseannabornemann
Serena, your board books look charming! I wrote a collection of 20 rhyming poems while nursing my now almost 2-year-old back in early 2020. (She nursed a LOT as a newborn, obviously!) I still haven’t submitted the poems anywhere, but maybe I’ll take this as a sign that I should!
January 22, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Congratulations on your board books! I can tell I will love them. Now to open a dictionary in my web browser…
January 22, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Lori
My daughter would of loved these books when she was little! Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 3:08 pm
KIM NOLAN
I love the whole concept of a wake-up story! What a brilliant idea.
January 22, 2022 at 3:10 pm
geigerlin
No dictionary here, but I’ll spend some time with my thesaurus. Great idea, Serena!
January 22, 2022 at 3:13 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing the story about your source of inspiration for your two board books and congratulations on your double debuts. I love the idea of using the dictionary activity for inspiration! Thanks for the post, Serena.
January 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm
keenanj17
I am excited about reading your books. I write for MG and YA, but you have inspired me to think about writing a PB.
January 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm
keenanj17
I am excited about reading your books. I write for MG and YA, but you have inspired me to think about writing a PB.
January 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm
Kris H.
Thank you for sharing! I loved that you wrote your books for someone specific and your ideas regarding dictionaries.
January 22, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Deslie English
You did such a careful job of letting us into your thought process, Serena. Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Jennie H.
It’s amazing how one word can spark ideas! Thank you for sharing your journey.
January 22, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Diana Marie Linton
I really enjoyed reading this post and hearing about what you and your best friend would do while on the phone! I am looking forward to cracking open a real physical dictionary today!
January 22, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Jeanne Cherney
Going to grab my dictionary
January 22, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Catherine Friess
Your books look fabulous Serena!
I love the dictionary idea – thank you for the inspiration 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Angela H. Dale
As a word nerd, I love this one! Thesaurus would work too.
January 22, 2022 at 3:41 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Now that’s what I call making the best of your breastfeeding middle-of-the-night feedings! So inspiring that you were brave enough to take a crack at a different genre and rhyme. Love the dictionary idea. Thanks for the great post!
January 22, 2022 at 3:42 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
These look adorable! I not only want to buy them for my grandson, but for my library’s boardbook collection. Congratulations!
January 22, 2022 at 3:43 pm
Charlene Avery
Thank you Serena! Your books are delightful and intriguing, I can’t wait to read the entire books. Your story shared above is intriguing too, as is your challenge to us. I’ve already got a 1/2 page of words and things to explore! Best wishes and take care!
January 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
What lovely board books! I can’t wait to see them live and in person! Speaking of live and in-person, I’d love to connect with you for @PBJamz to discuss the musical connections of your board books! Since I used to read the dictionary out loud to our house guests (Yes, apparently, I WAS that precocious child), this seems like the perfect exercise for me! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 2:40 pm
serenagingoldallen
Thank you! You can reach me at serenagingoldallen@yahoo.com 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
This sounds so much like how we were when we had our daughter, longing for longer board books, but then also learning to appreciate the wide array published today. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and congratulations on your publications!
January 22, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Fern Glazer
Thank you for sharing this delightful — and helpful — story. When my first child was born I was the first among friends to have a baby and the nights were scary and lonely. When I finally met other moms, one told me to just imagine the mothers all around the world sitting in the dark with their babies just like you; after that I felt a lot less alone. I bet I would have felt the same way reading your books. Now, off to find some inspiration in my dictionary!
January 22, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Serena, I think you actually gave two ways to find ideas. 1) those everyday activities and thoughts that are great story ideas, and 2) the dictionary exercise is an awesome idea. I’m looking forward to your board book releases!
January 22, 2022 at 3:59 pm
claudia sloan
Great story, thanks! Both of your books look lovely! I’ll try that tip with my Webster’s and see where it takes me 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Shannon Fossett
I loved your memory of feeling like you were the only one up in the middle of night with your little one. I had that same feeling so often…even more fun is how you turned it into a book! Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 4:03 pm
debbiearnn
I knew there was a reason to keep that dictionary when we moved! Thanks for the creative idea!
January 22, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great thoughts! Your books look wonderful—captivating titles & covers, too! Congrats!
January 22, 2022 at 4:14 pm
chaunceyelephant
Thanks for the inspiration – rhymes and dictionaries – two of my favorite things!
January 22, 2022 at 4:17 pm
Diane M
Poetry always scared me. Thanks to your inspiration I may need to step out of my comfort zone and try writing a story in verse. Also love the dictionary idea. Thanks.
January 22, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Becky Wentworth
I never think of board books as a specific genre but they really are. Beautiful books!
January 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm
Mark E Ceilley
I liked reading about your board book inspirations. I also liked the dictionary idea. I did that immediately after I read your post and I was able to come up with a story idea right away. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Cassie Bentley
What a great idea to go to a page in the dictionary. My grandmother used to play the “jumbles” in the newspaper. She had to wait for the next day’s paper to get the answer if she was stumped, which wasn’t very often.
I know who Ariel is from taking Arree Chung’s Storyteller classes. So fun.
Thank you for the inspiration.
January 22, 2022 at 4:37 pm
Peggy Dobbs
What a great way to use the dictionary! And your board books look adorable. I especially like the interactive tabs you’ve included. They add a fun reading surprise. Thanks for the many wonderful ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Deb Lund
Want a book that’s even better than a dictionary for ideas? ABSURD WORDS, by our own Tara Lazar!!!
January 22, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Kellie
I love hearing where authors get their inspiration from so thank you for sharing yours. Love the dictionary idea too.
January 22, 2022 at 4:48 pm
Linda Staszak
I love stories about how books came to be. Thanks for an interesting post.
January 22, 2022 at 4:49 pm
David McMullin
I am inspired to be daring. Thank you, Serena!
January 22, 2022 at 4:51 pm
Jennifer Weisse
This is such a fun challenge, that I am excited to try! Thank you for sharing your journey and sources of inspiration. Your books look wonderful!
January 22, 2022 at 4:51 pm
lsheroan
This sounds fun!
January 22, 2022 at 4:57 pm
rozanark
Wonderful idea and congratulations! Thanks for sharing that with us!
January 22, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for the inspiring post, Serena. I think writing outside your comfort zone can be super productive and I also love your dictionary challenge.
January 22, 2022 at 5:06 pm
Kimberly Wilson
Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration, Serena! I’m off to open my dictionary––such a fun idea!
January 22, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Judy Bradbury
I enjoyed hearing about your journey to publication, and I was charmed by your suggestion for sparking an idea. Thanks for a delightful post. Best wishes for continued success.
January 22, 2022 at 5:10 pm
Christine Graham
Oh! This is an old friend of a suggestion, just like my old friend Webster’s, which is exactly the one in the photo. Thanks for the post.
January 22, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for your fun post and the great ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 5:17 pm
8catpaws
Point to words in a dictionary: Macaroni…machine…magic… Interesting to think how the words can turn into a story…
January 22, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Kristen Indahl
These books look gorgeous, congrats! And thanks for the great dictionary tip!
January 22, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Leslie Degnan
Loved your husband’s description of what makes a good board book! Very inspiring post.
January 22, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Such a lovely post! You have elevated the world of board books with your two. Thanks so much for the dictionary idea.
January 22, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Saba Negash
I’m off to grab my dictionary!!! As a toddler teacher, I appreciate the durability of board books but really want to see more books that captures my students attention and keeps it! I need to find your books and include them to our class library. Thank you for sharing your story!!
January 22, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Linda Hofke
Thanks for sharing your journey.
January 22, 2022 at 5:23 pm
Buffy Silverman
Going to grab my dictionary. Congrats on your double success!
January 22, 2022 at 5:29 pm
Mary
Serena, what a great idea. With dictionary in hand, I’m going to flip it open to any page and see what captures my eye! Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Linda Sakai
Love the idea of using the dictionary for inspiration. Great story of your evolving writer-self. Thanks.
January 22, 2022 at 5:37 pm
JEN Garrett
An BAM! two more ideas after reading this post. As for inspiring StoryStormers everywhere? I think Mission Accomplished!
January 22, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Serena, for the tip about using the dictionary. I will have to try that. And thank you for sharing your journey!
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing!
January 22, 2022 at 5:40 pm
lizricewrites
Thanks for the challenge and the inspiring post about your board book writing journey
January 22, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Donna Marx
Sometimes the obvious is right in front of us! Thanks so much for pointing that out.
January 22, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Elena Horne
I too have felt like I’m the only awake creature during night feeds!
Also, the illustrations in these books look gorgeous.
January 22, 2022 at 5:42 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Serena, for this tip. I’m always in my dictionary, but never thought to grab a word for an idea. I’m looking forward to reading your board books!
January 22, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Sharon Lillie
dictionaries are wonderful resources. Thanks for sharing
January 22, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Eileen Mayo
What a fun idea to randomly open the dictionary for inspiration! The illustrations in your books are adorable.
January 22, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Bethanny Parker
Congrats on your board books. I love the interactive pull tabs.
January 22, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Leigh Anne Carter
Hooray for board books! Thanks for sharing, Serena!
January 22, 2022 at 5:59 pm
Connie Van Horn
Love the dictionary idea!! Can’t wait to read your board books!!
January 22, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Alison McGauley
Thanks, Serena! I loved hearing about your journey with board books.
January 22, 2022 at 6:10 pm
loricevans
What a lovely journey from your experiences to your books. Board books can be awesome! The dictionary idea sounds great. When I moved over the ocean 6 years ago I had to ditch so much to travel light! Most of my cookbooks and things like dictionaries went bc I could find the info online. I wonder if I can also make it work with an online dictionary? I will give it a try! Thanks for the ideas.
January 22, 2022 at 6:20 pm
Carol Porter
I am grabbing my dictionary now! What a great idea to get the creativity flowing.
January 22, 2022 at 6:20 pm
susaninez0905
Thank you for a great post! Trying outside of your comfort zone is a great idea, you never know what you might find. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 6:21 pm
DaNeil A Olson
Thank you for sharing your process and insights!
January 22, 2022 at 6:37 pm
tinefg
Thank you Serena, and congratulations on your upcoming board book releases! I remember that feeling of being the only person awake during a 3 am feeding (I used to look for lights in neighbor’s windows). These books sound wonderful.
January 22, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Julie Murphy
I love hearing the story behind the story, and yours was very interesting and inspiring. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 6:49 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
So happy for you and excited for two new beautiful board books to come into the world. I love that your manuscript was plucked out of the slush pile!
January 22, 2022 at 6:53 pm
Leah Moser
What a great post! Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 6:53 pm
Sharon Cofey
Serena, congrats on your two books. Love books that have rhythm and movement to them. Thank you for sharing.
January 22, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Dannielle Viera
Your two board books look lovely – and appealing for both child and parent!
January 22, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for a great post and your invitation to open the dictionary. I remember doing that as a kid too! And it’s still fun today.
January 22, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Dannielle Viera
Your two board books look lovely – and appealing to both child and adult!
January 22, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Chiara Beth Colombi (@ChiaraBColombi)
Love this idea! Going to try it out with my new copy of Absurd Words. 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 7:07 pm
seschipper
Love your Dictionary idea, Serena! Great Post! Congratulations, your Board Books sound amazing!! 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 7:08 pm
Janie Reinart
Thank you for the dictionary page idea❤️
January 22, 2022 at 7:10 pm
Shelley Isaacson
I love board books, but never thought of writing one. Hmmm…
January 22, 2022 at 7:16 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
In fifth grade, we had to copy pages of the dictionary during recess for talking in class. If only I had saved my pages, I’d have the entire dictionary in my own writing! This idea really resonated with me and thank you for a practical exercise.
January 22, 2022 at 7:23 pm
Rebecca Ralfe
Beautiful story, thanks for sharing.
January 22, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Leah Marks
Thank you for reinforcing the idea that inspiration can come at the most unusual times and places.
January 22, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
After writing fiction for a million years, I decided to try nonfiction for a change of pace. Surprise! (NO SURPRISE) I sucked at it, and I hated it. So yeah. Maybe board books (or ANY other genre) would’ve been the way to go. Anyway, sweet post. Lots of good ideas and inspiration here. I need a dictionary…..
January 22, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Charlotte Offsay
I love the looks of both your books! Congrats!
January 22, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Jennifer Kennedy
Thanks so much for sharing your story and for the idea of opening a dictionary and seeing what inspires you! Inspiration can come from so many sources.
January 22, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Yaa
Thank you for telling us about your writing experience and how you went from not liking board books to liking board books.
January 22, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
What a great post. Thanks for the tip!
January 22, 2022 at 7:45 pm
girlscout72091
I love everything about this because it’s all about inspiration that just pops inside your head. Love getting ideas from everyday life without planning things out. Look forward to reading your board books!
January 22, 2022 at 7:48 pm
Keri Collins Lewis
I love giving board books as baby gifts & can’t wait to see yours! The bad ones are awful but the good ones are really magical! Now to find a paper dictionary…
January 22, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Noelle McBride
Thanks for the inspiration! My huge dictionary will keep me busy for the whole year!
January 22, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Susan Eyerman
Wonderful advice to go back to basics. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Danni Schloss
Lovely, personalized post and prompt! I adore the aesthetic of your board books and my kids love rhyme. Going to have to add these to our collection!
January 22, 2022 at 7:57 pm
PATRICIA OPPENHEIM
I am off to find a dictionary to flip through and discover a word for inspiration. Thanks for the creative idea!
January 22, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Aly Kenna
Thanks for the dictionary challenge Serena. Your books look great. Definitely up for writing outside my comfort zone.
January 22, 2022 at 7:59 pm
Joy Wieder
I’m trying to write my first board book now! I’m not sure I even have a dictionary anymore since I’m always on my computer and use dictionary.com
January 22, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Susan Cabael
I think finding a physical dictionary might be the most challenging part of your advice, hahaha!
January 22, 2022 at 8:04 pm
Robyn McGrath
What beautiful books! My goal is to write something I don’t like to read and see where that takes me.
January 22, 2022 at 8:07 pm
kdgwrites
I too am an avid board book reader. Three grand kids. Your idea of the dictionary is unique, makes me think of the unique words made up by littles. I appreciate your sharing your ideas. Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for sharing! I like the cover art and concepts of your board books.
January 22, 2022 at 8:14 pm
Kris Tarantino
I’m not a good rhymer, but I’ll be dusting off my old dictionary for sure!
January 22, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Marcia Williams
Thanks Serena. What a great idea to open up a dictionary page and peruse the words for inspiration. I’ll try it. I think board books are so important as kids can flip the pages themselves without fear of hurting the pages. Our grandkids love them.
January 22, 2022 at 8:20 pm
Christine M Irvin
Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Amanda
I love the idea of a first thing in the morning book! We need more of those!
January 22, 2022 at 8:24 pm
Sarah Meade
Thanks for sharing your story! I look forward to reading both of these books. They look delightful!
January 22, 2022 at 8:26 pm
authorlaurablog
I actually LOVE board books, and how beautifully sparse language can tell a whole story. Congratulations on yours and thanks for the dictionary idea.
January 22, 2022 at 8:31 pm
claudine108
Serena, thank you for your inspirational post! I love it! Congratulations on your success!
January 22, 2022 at 8:32 pm
viviankirkfield
Love that your inspiration came from not finding board books you liked. Love that you turned to the dictionary for word inspiration. And I love that you have two books coming out! Congratulations!!!
January 22, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Elyse Trevers
Thank you for sharing your ideas on the post. Good luck with the new book
January 22, 2022 at 8:42 pm
goodtimegreatstory
Thanks, Serena! I love that you and your friends also had ridiculous pre-internet fun like we did. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful new board books this Spring!
January 22, 2022 at 8:42 pm
Marcia Berneger
I love board books! So does my 14 month old grandson. Looking forward to your books to add to our collection.
January 22, 2022 at 8:50 pm
Nadia Salomon
Love this share Serena! Can’t wait to share what words I land on!! Can’t wait for your board books to be out! Thank you for this inspirational post.
January 22, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Kay
Great idea
January 22, 2022 at 8:57 pm
rosihollinbeck
I do love words, and this is an idea that sounds like it might work for me. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 22, 2022 at 8:59 pm
@laureannawrites
Two thoughts: YES board books should be awesome. Adults have to read them too!
Second: Dictionary? I can’t remember the last time I owned one! Maybe pre-Google? Yikes!!!
January 22, 2022 at 9:13 pm
Debbie Meneses
Serena, What a charming story idea, getting your book published lets you share it with other families. I bet you a great mom too. Congratulations for the magic you’re bringing to other families reading your board books with busy things to boot.
January 22, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Stephanie Owen
Your board books are so cute!
January 22, 2022 at 9:27 pm
Chayala Nachum
Love this, and those board books look adorable!
January 22, 2022 at 9:30 pm
Barbara Senenman
I absolutely LOVE this dictionary idea! Thank you and congratulations on your board books.
January 22, 2022 at 9:33 pm
kathydoherty1
Your companion books are lovely!
January 22, 2022 at 9:48 pm
gpbellbooks
Beautiful books! Great idea for finding ideas.
January 22, 2022 at 9:50 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Fun exercise! Thank you, Serena. Your books look adorable!
January 22, 2022 at 9:55 pm
kirstenbockblog
Your books look adorable! And I love the idea that you wrote a book that would be fun for your husband to read. That is part of the goal, right? It has to be enjoyable to read out loud.
January 22, 2022 at 10:02 pm
marty bellis
Beautiful board books. They look, and sound, adorable. Congrats to you!
January 22, 2022 at 10:08 pm
shirley301
Your board books are adorable. Thanks for the writing tip.
January 22, 2022 at 10:08 pm
stiefelchana
Love your board books! Opening the dictionary now. 🙂 So much inspiration.
January 22, 2022 at 10:17 pm
Yvette Pais
Thank you Serena, I love the dictionary idea. Great post!
January 22, 2022 at 10:30 pm
Kaye Baillie
Your books looks beautiful, Serena. What a terrific backstory. I have never written a board book but you’ve inspired me. Now, where’s that dictionary.
January 22, 2022 at 10:30 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Can’t wait to open up a dictionary today! There must be a random word picker online too! 🙂
January 22, 2022 at 10:31 pm
Brandy Dixon
Great ideas! And those books look super cute! I too have grown an appreciation for board books, mainly through reading them with my son. (Plus, they hold up better for a rambunctious toddler!)
January 22, 2022 at 10:32 pm
Amy Newbold
These books are beautiful! And now I’m going to look through a dictionary page. Thanks for this idea.
January 22, 2022 at 10:35 pm
Natasha Garnett
Congratulations, Serena, on your clever and adorable and informative board books! The sweet wildlife illustrations look perfectly paired with your rhyming text.
January 22, 2022 at 10:41 pm
cbcole
Congratulations Serena on your two books. I love the idea of finding ideas on the pages of a dictionary. I’m going to try that tonight.
January 22, 2022 at 10:48 pm
Dea Brayden
And to think I almost donated ours recently! Glad to give our dictionary a new purpose in life! Thank you, Serena.
January 22, 2022 at 10:52 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for the post. I enjoyed your story and appreciate the encouraging words to write outside yoru comfort zone.
January 22, 2022 at 10:54 pm
steveheron
Love your inspiration and progression.
January 22, 2022 at 11:20 pm
Ellie Langford
Couldn’t find a dictionary, I use the computer, so I grabbed my Thesaurus instead. It worked, Serena. Thanks!
January 22, 2022 at 11:24 pm
Shan
Companion books sound like a super idea. With rhyming titles!
January 22, 2022 at 11:30 pm
littleseedsread
Your board books are captivating and I love the idea of using the dictionary for inspiration. Thanks for sharing this tip!
January 22, 2022 at 11:32 pm
Judy Sobanski
I love that you decided to write board books even though they were outside of your comfort zone. Great suggestion to look through a dictionary!
January 22, 2022 at 11:33 pm
Patricia J Holloway
Congratulations on your adorable books. Thank you for the fun idea using dictionaries! I have a small collection of old dictionaries that I enjoy perusing but I had not thought about digging for story ideas!
January 22, 2022 at 11:36 pm
Marie Chan
Beautiful board books! Thanks for encouraging us to go out of our comfort zone and write in a different genre.
January 22, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Sue Cottrill (@secottrill)
Congrats on your books, they look lovely! And I love the dictionary idea!!
January 22, 2022 at 11:42 pm
Heather Stigall
Thanks for encouraging us to try something new and for the writing challenge! Your books look lovely & I’m looking forward to reading them.
January 22, 2022 at 11:44 pm
Trine Grillo
I love this dictionary challenge!
January 22, 2022 at 11:53 pm
Dee Crick
Congratulations! I have a product and marketing background so I love how you started on some customer insight before writing a book. I love your dictionary word idea too. I can’t wait to read your books. Thank you.
January 22, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Julia Lyon
What I really loved about this post is that my dictionary looks exactly like yours! Although, I admit, I’m often using my dictionary online.
January 22, 2022 at 11:58 pm
Tootie Nienow
I love your post! I am so inspired. Now I need to do buy a dictionary. Haha
January 22, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Alexis
Will be requesting these adorable books from our library!
January 23, 2022 at 12:01 am
betlw
I love your story about how you came to write your first book. Getting an inspiration while nursing your son. Thanks for the prod to try something new that you haven’t done before. I’m going to try that dictionary trick tomorrow and see what I come up with. Do yoou think it would work with the thesaauarus? It’s worth a try!
January 23, 2022 at 12:01 am
Jeanette
What a great idea , thanks for the tip
January 23, 2022 at 12:19 am
katiefischerwrites
My kids also love to make up games around the dictionary, it’s such a fantastic resource. Congrats on your new books!
January 23, 2022 at 12:19 am
Amy Mucci
What a cool idea! I love being inspired by words! My words was some scientific term so I may try a new one tomorrow 😂
January 23, 2022 at 12:24 am
susanzonca
Serena, I really like the idea of being inspired by a word from a random dictionary page. Your board books look beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story.
January 23, 2022 at 12:25 am
Sharon Eberhardt
Great post! I love the idea of looking in a dictionary when stuck
January 23, 2022 at 12:29 am
Kate Rietema
Snatched from the slush pile! That’s pretty incredible—thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 12:36 am
Margot Williams
Thank You!
January 23, 2022 at 1:09 am
syorkeviney
I love, love, love, love, love this!!! I love dictionaries, I love board books! Thank you so much!
January 23, 2022 at 1:31 am
sharongiltrow
Love the dictionary idea and that you write board books :-).
January 23, 2022 at 1:36 am
CB Jarapa
Great idea about the dictionary! 😁
January 23, 2022 at 2:17 am
kbottagaro
I have always loved words and dictionaries. Congratulations on finding your path to publication – your books look beautiful!
January 23, 2022 at 2:22 am
Chantelle Thorne
Love, love, LOVE the illustrations for Moonlight Prance and Sunrise Dance. They’re absolutely GORGEOUS!!
January 23, 2022 at 2:50 am
Lonna Hill
Congrats on your upcoming books! I can’t wait to read them!
January 23, 2022 at 3:11 am
wyszguy
They sound like lovely books – thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 3:18 am
aturner513
I love your idea to use the dictionary to find ideas. I will definitely give it a try
January 23, 2022 at 5:22 am
Liesl Couperthwaite
Great Idea Serina with the dictionary. I love words and have just hit on a very good idea…thanks
January 23, 2022 at 5:33 am
Brandon Rodriguez
We always hear write for yourself. This just proves that using a conversation with your husband about something you don’t like with the board books turns into something that you wrote for your own pleasure.
Taking a moment to think about what can make you enjoy the story you want to write will help show the passion in your writing.
I love using dictionaries as a way to get inspired for creative ideas for art,but I think now it’s time to use it for writing. Thanks
January 23, 2022 at 7:17 am
Emma Wood
I adore board books, and yours looks beautiful! Love the dictionary prompt idea as well.
January 23, 2022 at 7:32 am
Colleen Dabney
My mind is dancing! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 7:33 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the dictionary inspiration activity.
January 23, 2022 at 8:10 am
Meldaarts
I like the idea of writing in a genre you haven’t before or didn’t care for. I don’t like early readers so maybe I should write my own?
January 23, 2022 at 8:45 am
Nadine Poper
Your board books look GORGEOUS Serina. Now onto that dictionary for an idea. Thanks.
January 23, 2022 at 9:35 am
Lynne Marie
What a beautiful book and a fun story behind the story. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 9:54 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Congratulations, Serena. Your books look lovely :-)!
January 23, 2022 at 10:18 am
Hélène Sabourin
Great story!
I like how not liking something turned into making it better.
January 23, 2022 at 10:21 am
KATHY Z PRICE
Love the dictionary! and the space between night and day. Great post-thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 10:25 am
mlyablonaolcom
I always used to make up an impromptu story for my students while dictating their spelling tests!
January 23, 2022 at 10:29 am
Shirley fadden
What beautiful and sweet board books and I love the dictionary thumping. Thanks.
January 23, 2022 at 10:42 am
marty
You’ve sparked in me, Chana, the memory of the books I didn’t see as a child. Now I need to think about what story ideas of mine might rectify that. Thank you for helping us with so many truly amazing picture book examples. I can’t wait to get my hands on your book and theirs. Thank you, Tara, for inviting Chana to blog with 2022 Storystormers.
January 23, 2022 at 11:04 am
beckylevine
I’m like you were–I rarely but picture books for newborn gifts, but I made an exception for a recent friend’s baby. It took a little searching, but found a couple that were wonderful. And I’m going to add yours to my list of books-to-give. They look so lovely!
And thanks for a new way to play with finding ideas. I’m going to go after my next few with my dictionary.
January 23, 2022 at 11:07 am
Norma
Fantastic resource for inspiration!
January 23, 2022 at 11:14 am
Cindy S
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 11:32 am
ritaborg
I would love to write a board book.
January 23, 2022 at 11:39 am
ritaborg
Board Books are great to write
January 23, 2022 at 11:44 am
Susan Wollison
I will definitely check out your board books as I too have never really appreciated them.
January 23, 2022 at 11:48 am
Ryan Roberts
These board books look so cute! And love the idea of going through a dictionary until a word inspires you. Thanks for the practical tip!
January 23, 2022 at 11:56 am
Darcee Freier
What beautiful board books! And I love the interactive elements. Thanks for sharing the inside story with us.
January 23, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
Serena!!! You are a queen!!!!!
January 23, 2022 at 12:52 pm
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
What gorgeous books!
January 23, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Abigail Perry
As a mother who has watched her toddlers grow their vocabulary through board books, I am a huge fan of board books!
January 23, 2022 at 1:08 pm
heathercmorris
Love the dictionary idea!!
January 23, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Writer on the run
I have always stayed away from the board book genre because, like your husband, they seemed simplistic and somewhat boring- for babies. But your post, along with some recent webinars, has opened my eyes and ears to new possibilities. Thanks for the inspiration and the story starter suggestion!
January 23, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Karen Lawler
I am always amazed how people get their ideas but you are the first one, I know, that was nursing in the middle of the night and got this terrific and beautiful idea! Congratulations and now that, as a granny, I’m not nursing anymore….. I’ll open my trusty DICTIONARY and let the ideas flowwww!
THANK YOU FOR THE WORDS! 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Helen Lys
Thank you for the lovely and inspiring post!
January 23, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Jane Baskwill
Serena, your debut books look wonderful. I love the idea of “reading” the dictionary and I think there are kids out there who will still have fun with it – even in this day and age:) Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Serena, Thank you for describing your journey to board books. You’ve made me think I should try them. Then a dictionary idea to try. Thank you and congratulations on your books!
January 23, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Laurie Seaford
Your board books sound adorable–just right for my new grandbaby-to-be! I’m eager to give your idea a try!
January 23, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Great ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 3:18 pm
avayeechinn
I love board books with a story rather than one word, so thank you for providing them and your inspiration!
January 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Brittney
Congratulations on your new books! And thanks for the inspiration.
January 23, 2022 at 3:38 pm
jhall2018
Your BBs look relaxing and lovely. Thank you for sharing your journey and for the brainstorming idea!
January 23, 2022 at 3:39 pm
Brittney
Congratulations on your board books! Looking forward to reading them.
January 23, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration and ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 4:01 pm
Jay
Congratulations on your books and thank you for the genius dictionary idea!
January 23, 2022 at 4:20 pm
tasha woodson
I think we might have read the same board books. so great you could turn that around! can’t wait to try the random dictionary trick,, thanks!
January 23, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Maria Marshall
Serena, Congrats on your Board Books! They look amazing. What a fun bit of practical advice, too. Thank you.
January 23, 2022 at 4:48 pm
yangmommy
Isn’t it wonderful how some stories ideas just happen?! For me, my best friend & I would send each other secret notes using the thesaurus. The odder the better, LOL! Hmm, maybe I’ll go dust that off & see what happens…. 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 5:02 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Congrats on your board books! I love the suggestion of using the dictionary as inspiration – thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Sandy Perlic
I LOVE the cover for Moonlight Prance–can’t wait to read the whole book! And I’ve never thought of turning to my dictionary for inspiration, but think that idea is brilliant. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 5:53 pm
Lynn Alpert
These books look fun! I love the dictionary idea. I’m going to try it!
January 23, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the inspiration and tips!
January 23, 2022 at 5:59 pm
nicolesalterbraun
I agree w/ your husband. One word on the page is often boring. Never thought about the dictionary trick. THanks
January 23, 2022 at 6:07 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you Serena for sharing your inspiration. I have that same dictionary and will get it out immediately!
Congratulations on your board books. Such cute ideas!
January 23, 2022 at 6:14 pm
paulajbecker
I love the dictionary idea, Serena! And thank you for sharing your fascinating adventure in writing board books!
January 23, 2022 at 6:14 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
That dictionary activity did give me a very unexpected idea, not in my usual genre. Thanks, Serena, and congratulations on your lovely board books!
January 23, 2022 at 6:20 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Great idea! Congratulations on your books!
January 23, 2022 at 6:20 pm
Jill Lambert
Thank you for pushing us to try other writing formats and love the dictionary game!
January 23, 2022 at 6:23 pm
cathystenquist
Ooohhh! I love the dictionary idea! Maybe even a children’s dictionary. Thanks for telling us the story behind your stories!
January 23, 2022 at 6:58 pm
rindabeach
Never thought of dictionary, and I’m a little afraid. Maybe that’s a reason to try it. I’ve been intrigued with board books since my granddaughter was born. To write one . . . super scary, but so intriguing!
January 23, 2022 at 6:58 pm
hfr2006
Oh good! This gives me hope – I too, have never written in rhyme before and one night as I was trying to sleep a rhyming stanza came to mind and I haven’t been brave enough yet to do anything with it. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 23, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Karin Larson
This was such a great post and idea, thank you. Your books sound delightful. Congratulations on your success. I love board books and rhyme and will try your dictionary idea.
January 23, 2022 at 7:09 pm
writeremmcbride
So good to hear of successes with Board Books! Your books are wonderful, and the rhyme is perfect! Thank you for the inspiring post. I especially liked the encouragement to write outside of your comfort zone. Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 8:01 pm
writersideup
I agree that fishing for words in the dictionary should be made a habit! I have other books I look for words in too 🙂 Great post!
January 23, 2022 at 8:23 pm
Elayne
So interesting to hear about the board book genre. Thank you so much for sharing your author journey!
January 23, 2022 at 8:32 pm
Megan Whitaker
My husband had the same complaint about all kids books. By the time he said he’d read to them, they read on their own but still liked me reading to them and I enjoyed it! Congrats on your books!
January 23, 2022 at 8:38 pm
debjohnson21
I adore board books and enjoyed your post. The books are gorgeous and I am looking forward to adding both to my library 😀 The Dictionary idea is one that I use often, along with a Thesaurus. I use the online versions but the hubs says he has an actual copy of the dictionary for me to use!
January 23, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I didn’t understand board books either until the last 5 years. I love them now and have written a few. Yours look SO lovely!!
January 23, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Summer Hinderer (@butterflii410)
Very inspiring! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 9:06 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
A slush pile success story! I love hearing about those. Congratulations.
January 23, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Tamisha Williams
My first thought was, do I have a dictionary lol.
Interested in picking up some board books soon!
January 23, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Liz Godfrey
I saw a webinar in the last year about picture books. With your passion and suggestions, I am newly inspired. What a wonderful genre. Thanks, Serena!
January 23, 2022 at 10:09 pm
semorber80
Can’t wait to read these! We adore board books in our home because of all the sweet memories attached to them, but you are correct – there are a LOT of not so great ones out there.
January 23, 2022 at 10:17 pm
Wilma Krause Brucker
Cute idea about animals prancing around at night.
January 23, 2022 at 11:12 pm
Tracy Schuldt Helixon
What a fun way to find inspiration! Thank you.
January 23, 2022 at 11:16 pm
calliebdean
These books look so fun! Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2022 at 11:37 pm
gayleenrabakukk
Thanks for the dictionary exercise! and I can’t wait to read these board books to my granddaughter 🙂
January 23, 2022 at 11:37 pm
Dani Duck
It’s so easy to judge a book by it’s genre and age group isn’t it? I’m so glad you found board books, because they are wonderful and there are so many great ones out there! Also thanks for the prompt.
January 23, 2022 at 11:40 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Thanks for sharing the exciting birth of your first board books!
January 24, 2022 at 12:24 am
Sarah Lontine
Your books sound lovely! I didn’t think I was much of a board book fan either (too many cheesy “I love you” books and boring first word books) but I’ve found several now that I truly love!
January 24, 2022 at 12:38 am
kbrandyberry
Great post! Your new books sound lovely. Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 12:56 am
Hanna Bandes Geshelin
Did you know the book _Sleepy River_ when you were young? Yours remind me of it.
January 24, 2022 at 3:05 am
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Serena! Your personal story about how you grew to imagine and develop your stories is inspiring! I love the dictionary game idea! I am super excited to try it and see what stories it sparks! Congratulations on your books! Xox Jen
January 24, 2022 at 7:31 am
Charles Richardson
I love the dictionary idea. Thanks for sharing your journey.
January 24, 2022 at 7:53 am
Lindsay Moretti
Thank you for sharing your story! Congratulations on your board books – I am inspired to write something outside of my comfort zone. Love the dictionary idea!
January 24, 2022 at 8:46 am
Leila Boukarim
Wow! I did it! Instant idea! This is fantastic and I’m so grateful… I’m going to do this more!
January 24, 2022 at 8:59 am
Rochelle Y Melander
Such an inspiring story!
January 24, 2022 at 9:09 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Thank you! I have thought about board books, but never considered it seriously…I need to go take a look at some at the library! Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 9:21 am
Mary Zychowicz
I love this post! Thank you for sharing your inspiration. I love the game you played with your friend. How fun! I have that exact edition of Websters. I’m going to pull it out, blow the dust off and read! Your books look adorable.
January 24, 2022 at 9:25 am
Sally McClure
Lovely idea!
January 24, 2022 at 9:49 am
Audrey Perrott
Thank you, Serena, for the inspiration AND the practical exercise!
January 24, 2022 at 9:50 am
Joan Swanson
Thank you for the dictionary idea. With auto correct and other grammar programs for computers, it seems that the desk dictionary is just collecting dust. What a great new way to use them 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 10:40 am
Poppy Wrote P
I giggled reading how she started out not liking board books and then wrote two great ones!
January 24, 2022 at 10:42 am
Rebekah
Adorable stories- congrats!
January 24, 2022 at 11:08 am
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Thank you for your dictionary inspiration, Serena! Gorgeous books and congratulations on your upcoming release!
January 24, 2022 at 11:09 am
Susan Lorene
Headed to my dictionary now.
January 24, 2022 at 11:16 am
mariemanleytucker
Thank you:)
January 24, 2022 at 11:37 am
streetlynn
Lovely books! Thanks for sharing your process!
January 24, 2022 at 11:43 am
Elizabeth W Saba
Great post and I love the titles and premise of your board books!
January 24, 2022 at 11:44 am
georgeandjohanna
Merriam-Webster, here I come!
Johanna Peyton
January 24, 2022 at 11:46 am
aidantalkin
I’ve just submitted my first board books, a genre I’ve never published in before, and love playing with fun-to-read-language. Teagan White has done a wonderful job with your manuscript!
January 24, 2022 at 11:46 am
michelerietz
Thanks, Serena! Your board books look so fun!
I used to be on the phone a lot in my teenage years but I can’t say I ever read the dictionary with any of my friends! Who knew what I was missing out on? I do love the dictionary now! Thanks for helping us with one more way to mine picture book ideas…
January 24, 2022 at 11:56 am
Angela De Groot
Serena, thanks for sharing the inspiration behind your upcoming board books. I’m looking forward to reading them. I love a practical tip or writing exercise to stimulate ideas. I’ll give the Dictionary a try.
January 24, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
What a beautiful idea for the book. Those middle of the night wakings with littles can be brutal. Can’t wait to see what word pops out at me from my dictionary!
January 24, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Nancy Furstinger
So true about most board books being one-word boring…sounds like yours broke the mold. Congrats!
January 24, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Deb McGarvey
Thanks for this! A fun idea to open the dictionary and see what grabs us. But also a great reminder to get outside our comfort zones.
January 24, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Eva NMN Felder
I am looking at my bookcase, two shelves filled with 16 dictionaries in several languages, just sitting there asking for somebody to open them. Since I started Googling everything, I have not touched them. I will definitely take up your challenge, looking for that story idea staring at me.
Thank you for sharing your writing journey with us. Maybe if I step into your shoes, I will find the road to my own story.
As I consider that breastfeeding is way more than just feeding milk to a baby, I started thinking if your child will end up working with animals.
“Try writing something outside your comfort zone” is an excellent advice.
Your books are so beautiful, I can just see happy kids pushing and pulling the tabs.
January 24, 2022 at 1:33 pm
marybeningo
I love your board books that you shared! I like the idea of having a book to read to kids right when they wake up in the morning! There are so many night time books out there but I don’t know too many morning books. Thank you! I’ll have to look through my dictionary now…
January 24, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Jessica Milo
Wow, this is a great idea to find a story idea!! Never would’ve thought that perusing my dictionary could spark some inspiration and possibly give me a story idea!! I will try this, thank you, Serena!
January 24, 2022 at 1:48 pm
Anne Appert
I really love this suggestion for how to encourage ideas. I even got an idea just based on the idea of using a dictionary for inspiration. Ha! Thank you for your post.
January 24, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Kassy Keppol
I am hunting for the dictionary now. (My daughter collects them, so I will be raiding her room.)
January 24, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Jennifer Rathe
I look forward to reading these board books. I like the dictionary for inspiration too
January 24, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Abraham Schroeder
Love reading the dictionary, full of inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Loved hearing about your books and the dictionary idea!
January 24, 2022 at 2:25 pm
susan contreras
Thank you for pointing out we need to step out of our comfort zones.
January 24, 2022 at 2:36 pm
jensubra
Your books look both lovely and entertaining! Thanks for the idea spark, too!
January 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Holly
What a great idea. I have always loved dictionaries and words, but never thought to use them this way.
January 24, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Jennifer Roman
Loved hearing about your ideas and thanks for the motivation to keep sending to slushpiles!
January 24, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Beverly Smith
I remember those nights being up with a little one. So great that you found inspiration in the midst of exhaustion. Congratulations on your fun board books!
January 24, 2022 at 3:02 pm
Kaela Parkhouse
I also was bored out of my mind by the board book collection I had when my child was young. I love your additions to the genre!
January 24, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Ann M Page
Serena,
I love the idea for a morning sunrise book. You’re right–they’re all bedtime stories. Thanks for inspiring me today. Can’t wait to read your books!
January 24, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Emily Bertholf
I think you tapped into something here. I also disliked board books until I worked at a children’s library. Then I discovered a lot of great ones. I think board books are making a recent renaissance, I love the artwork and premise of your books. Congratulations and thank you this post.
January 24, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
Oh these two books look delightful! I’ve only attempted to write one board book, but maybe I should give it more thought.
January 24, 2022 at 4:30 pm
NC Karuzis
Fun idea. I’ll try it! Thank you.
January 24, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Anita M Banks
This sounds like fun…who else but picture book writers would consider reading a dictionary! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Marilyn Wolpin (@MNW51)
Thanks for your post, Serena. I love reading about how your stories were born. You are right, board books are difficult to write but they can be wonderful and I’ll be looking for yours.
January 24, 2022 at 6:14 pm
TL Fales
I had a similar experience. I read a publisher’s call for a type of book I don’t like on a subject I do like. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so in the end I had to try it. The publisher didn’t pick it up, but I haven’t given up on the idea yet.
January 24, 2022 at 6:46 pm
mariearden
Your board books look adorable. Sure wish I had grandkids to read them to. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can find an old-fashioned dictionary. They’re not around either, lol.
January 24, 2022 at 8:08 pm
AC Perry
Your books look adorable; I can’t wait to check them out!
January 24, 2022 at 8:27 pm
Melissa Stoller
I love the story behind your story…and I’m opening a dictionary right now!
January 24, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Serena, What a joy to hear how your board books were born! Thanks for the dictionary tip. Time to open up a page.
January 24, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Laurie L. Warchol
I stIll use that same dictionary. Congrats on your new,books.
January 24, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Megan Litwin
I leave a giant dictionary out just for my kiddos to randomly look at words…yet somehow never thought of doing it myself. Can’t wait to change that! And congrats on such beautiful board books too!
January 24, 2022 at 9:46 pm
chrisynthia
Fun exercise. I’m gonna attempt it with an encyclopedia.
January 24, 2022 at 10:54 pm
sharonkdal
Your books are adorable. I’ve never really thought about board books! Love the dictionary idea too. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Samantha Rosa
Love this exercise. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 12:13 am
sandrabyrdlawson
Thanks for sharing your ideas. I look forward to exploring the dictionary!
January 25, 2022 at 2:04 am
Kristy Nuttall
Your books look marvelous! And I like your dictionary idea. I just discovered: https://randomwordgenerator.com/–a fun way to get a random word to start writing with as well.
January 25, 2022 at 9:27 am
Brian Burak
I love the dictionary idea. SO fun. Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 10:02 am
triciacandy
Can’t wait for these books! And I love the dictionary idea!
January 25, 2022 at 10:13 am
Genevieve Gorback
This was great! Thanks for the inspiration, Serena and Tara!
January 25, 2022 at 11:04 am
Cristina Chan
I can totally relate to feeling like you are the only one awake while nursing! Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 11:33 am
allyenz
What a delight to read about your good fortune of being plucked from the slush pile! And lucky you, to work with Ariel. The dictionary idea is one I am going to use! Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 11:35 am
libbydemmon
Congratulations on your beautiful board books!! I can’t tell what edition your dictionary is, but I have the same cloth-bound, worn and worthy copy on my shelf!
January 25, 2022 at 11:59 am
joanapastro
I think your husband said it perfectly and I’ll remember it as I revise my board books. Love using the dictionary for generating ideas too!
Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 12:05 pm
jillcstuck
do people still have dictionaries in their homes?
January 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
I got an idea, thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Angie
I loved reading your story to publication! And your husband’s input is very valuable! I’ll have to go dig out my dictionary. It’s in my writing shed, out in the cold cold air, but it’s worth it. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for your post!
January 25, 2022 at 1:25 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I’ve always enjoyed reading board books to my son when he was a toddler but as a children’s book author, I find it’s not in my wheelhouse to write them myself so kudos to you for figuring out the secret to a good board book story!
Great post!
Donna L Martin
January 25, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Marzieh Abbas
wow! I love how creative moms are! Thanks for the practical tips 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 1:58 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
LOVE the look of these books! Also love the idea of opening the dictionary and letting words pop – you never know where a random thought will lead but it’s usually something the universe is telling you to pay attention to.
January 25, 2022 at 2:26 pm
jimchaize1
I am going to do your dictionary word/story idea today. Thanks, Serena.
January 25, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Charlotte Glaze
Thanks! Your books look so sweet.
January 25, 2022 at 5:04 pm
claireannette1
Your new books look delightful, Serena. I appreciate your advice to write outside of our comfort zones and the dictionary suggestion. Thanks for this post!
January 25, 2022 at 5:25 pm
McKelle Anderson
Ooh, I’m loving this dictionary idea! Off to give it a try. Lovely post. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 6:03 pm
Susan Schade
Congratulations on your books and thank you for the brainstorming idea!
January 25, 2022 at 6:59 pm
annaluntbooks
I’ve been there, thinking I’m the only one awake in the middle of the night feeding a baby. Your books like beautiful and I’m excited to read them! Teagan White is one of my favorite illustrators!
January 25, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Molly Ippolito
Your board books look absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing what led you to try your hand at writing a whole new genre…super inspiring!
January 25, 2022 at 11:44 pm
Stephanie Wildman
I love the origin story for your books and I love dictionaries! Thank you and congratulations.
January 25, 2022 at 11:53 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Love this post! And happy you made a book for your husband AND your son!
January 26, 2022 at 12:50 am
Joannie Duris
Congratulations on your debut board books, Serena! I love your inspiration behind writing them. And so true–you never know when a new story idea might be staring at you.
January 26, 2022 at 1:18 am
Katherine Godfrey
Serena, your books look lovely! Moonlight Prance…..so clever!
January 26, 2022 at 1:22 am
Mary Beth Rice
Cannot wait to read both of these books!
January 26, 2022 at 3:18 am
Dee Crick
These books look BEAUTIFUL. Plus like your husband, I too like books that are fun to read aloud where I can lean something. I’ll the dictionary again this week 🙂
January 26, 2022 at 6:00 am
Tamara Rittershaus
Your books look lovely! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I honestly don’t have a dictionary. We move a lot so I use online dictionaries. But I’ll think of a way to turn this idea into inspiration.
January 26, 2022 at 6:54 am
Kim Gutierrez
Your post so resonated with me. My first ideas seem more like board books which made me want to discard them. But they keep coming back to me and are a strong vision. Maybe I’m a board book writer too??!! (I do love and have kept a hidden stack of them now that my kids are older!). Happy writing and reading. Thx!
January 26, 2022 at 9:21 am
topangamaria
Lovely art to go along with your lovely titles, look like beautiful books.
January 26, 2022 at 9:56 am
scienceewriter
I LOVE your idea of scanning a dictionary page for ideas! I also LOVE your books!
January 26, 2022 at 10:50 am
ranessadoucet
These books look so beautiful! I can’t wait to read them. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2022 at 11:39 am
Viviane Elbee
Thank you for sharing about the inspiration behind your board books. They sound adorable and I can’t wait to read them!
January 26, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Judith Snyder
Wow, I got 2 great ideas in minutes. This idea generator is a keeper. Thanks
January 26, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I love both the inspiration and the ideas here – anything, from a word to a moment to a memory, can be inspiration!
January 26, 2022 at 2:19 pm
mariamarianayagam
Your books look gorgeous! Excited to read them.
January 26, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Kim
I love that inspiration! I picked up the word “earworm” from my kids last week, and now I’m thinking… is there a story here? Thank you!
January 26, 2022 at 3:07 pm
hannahannkrueger
*goes to buy a physical copy of the dictionary*
January 26, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Jolie Stekly
Hooray for board books!
January 26, 2022 at 3:39 pm
Sandie
Being a new grandmother I am having trouble finding board books I like, I love the idea of both of yours. Excited to read them.
January 26, 2022 at 4:34 pm
michellesteinberg14849dcf0b
Thanks for sharing your process, Serena.
January 26, 2022 at 7:53 pm
supermario6
Board books are amazing!
January 26, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Karan Greene
Your board books sound like fun!
January 26, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Beth Elliott
Great advice – my dictionary is at the ready since the Wordle fad began so I’m all set!
January 26, 2022 at 10:27 pm
Brinton Culp
I love that you took the challenge to make a book that would be wonderful for tiny tots and parents alike. And thanks for the fun dictionary challenge!
January 26, 2022 at 11:14 pm
Kristin Sawyer
I love the dictionary challenge! And I’m so looking forward to reading Moonlight Prance and Sunlight Dance after they are released into the world.
January 27, 2022 at 1:35 am
Joanne Roberts
Thanks. I got two ideas I love today. Also I love dictionaries. And lastly, I love board books (but had the same problems as you early on as a parent.) Congratulations!
January 27, 2022 at 2:45 am
Lisa Kingsford
I love your ideas! Your game with your friend reminded me of a game I created as a 3rd grader. I wrote a story while using each vocabulary word in a sentence.
January 27, 2022 at 10:26 am
Renata Wurster
It’s so true that words themselves can spark inspiration!
January 27, 2022 at 11:15 am
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
Great suggestions for sparking ideas. Thanks!
January 27, 2022 at 11:36 am
Julie Durr
I know someone who collects dictionaries and together we enjoyed word games…thanks for the memory!
January 27, 2022 at 11:56 am
Tammi Beck
Thank you for your suggestions and time! ☺️ Best
January 27, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Sydnie Kleinhenz
Congratulations on the board book success. I love words and looking up their meaning. I’ll try the dictionary angle for inspiration. Thanks.
January 27, 2022 at 1:10 pm
midfreeman
I can totally relate. Thanks for opening my eyes!
January 27, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Marlena Leach
Great way to get inspired! Thanks for sharing. Congrats on your board books. I am looking forward to reading them.
January 27, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Aimee Jenkins
Great suggestion!! The board books look lovely. Congrats!
January 27, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Haley Thomas
Can’t wait to read both of those wonderful board books to my own kiddos–I love reading books that connect with our schedule or the time of day.
January 27, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Diane O'Neill
Your books sound wonderful–I can’t wait to read them! Thanks for suggesting the dictionary–I just opened to a random page and discovered a quirky idea 🙂 Thanks so much!!
January 27, 2022 at 8:07 pm
kathryn hagen
Your books seem to have taken the BB genre to a new level. Eager to read them!
January 27, 2022 at 8:41 pm
Amanda
What’s a Dictionary?!? 🙂 I was one of those kids that liked to pick up a dictionary now and then to read, especially my french-english dictionary when I first started learning, I thought was so fascinating…Now, I’m in a more nomadic stage of life, so alot of my stuff is in storage, but I do still love to look up words online: dictionary.com and thesaurus.com have become good friends of mine!–though it is quite saddening not to have that physical copy to peruse, it’s such a different and more rewarding experience…
Whenever I have to write a speech/essay/opinion or persuasive piece of some sort, etc… I ALWAYS look up words related to the feeling I’m trying to get across and that usually leads me down a rabbit hole exploring more and more words-sometimes I come out on the other end with something different entirely. Thank you for this post, truly an inspiration. And I’m so excited for this challenge!
January 27, 2022 at 10:37 pm
Michelle Losardo
Thank you, Serena, for your post. The photo of the dictionary made me smile. I looked through the same one as a child.
January 28, 2022 at 8:56 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I’m off to check out my dictionary.
January 28, 2022 at 9:18 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Kindred Spirits: we own the same battered, timeworn edition of the WNCD. My random word is GROSS.
January 28, 2022 at 9:30 am
hansenjc13
Thank you for your fun post. I am so looking forward to reading your “twin” board books in April!
January 28, 2022 at 10:34 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
These both look beautiful! I can’t wait to read them.
January 28, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Susie Sawyer
Thank you, Serena! I will definitely dig out my dictionary and try your suggestion! And congratulations on your aDORable board books!
January 28, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Lauri Meyers
Your board books are gorgeous!
January 28, 2022 at 2:41 pm
colleenrkosinski
I’m going to try the dictionary challenge!
January 28, 2022 at 5:16 pm
brittanypomales
Oh, I’m all about this tip. I will need to add it to my bag of tricks.
January 28, 2022 at 5:46 pm
goodreadswithronna
Such an uplifting post. I have always adored novelty board books and yours look so lovely. Congrats.
January 28, 2022 at 6:19 pm
kmajor2013
I enjoyed reading your post. I have been using my dictionary to generate ideas and plan to try your suggested exercise. Thanks.
January 28, 2022 at 7:10 pm
Tamara Ann Alba
The dictionary idea is fabulous! It’s something I don’t think I ever would have thought of on my own.
January 28, 2022 at 10:06 pm
S. K. Wenger
Thank you so much! I was inspired by remembering a word writing game my friends and I would play in school. A whole story has bloomed in my mind…. now to capture that first draft on the page.
January 28, 2022 at 10:40 pm
lorisherritt
I love the allure of poetry to draw in our youngest readers and those who read to them.
January 29, 2022 at 12:08 am
Stephanie Lau
Serena: as another mom, I definitely identified with the part about being awake late at night
January 29, 2022 at 2:00 am
Pauline Cleary
Great idea Serena! Will add to my writing inspiration book!
January 29, 2022 at 7:16 am
Mina
What a great idea 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2022 at 9:52 am
Andrea
Your books look amazing. Thank you for the ideas, too. I love the idea of flipping through the dictionary and a random word taking me on a journey.
January 29, 2022 at 10:54 am
Lucy Staugler
Serena, dictionary open and read to go!!!
Thank you!
Lucy Staugler
January 29, 2022 at 11:24 am
mimisheawrites
Random words often inspire me.
January 29, 2022 at 3:02 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
I am a huge fan of board books and hope to publish one someday. A dictionary is a fascinating tool that we as writers should still use despite technology at our fingertips.
January 29, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Love what you’re doing for board books, Serena! Can’t wait to check yours out.
I… actually don’t think I own a dictionary, so instead I found my way to Merriam Webster online, discovered they have a bunch of word games, played a few, and (WHAT?!!!) came away with a book idea. You’re a dang genius, is my point.
January 29, 2022 at 4:14 pm
susan gruidel
brilliant and simple. thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 6:01 pm
Nina Creativercorner
Oh wow! Great idea! Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 6:29 pm
deniseaengle
I love the ideas in your two companion books!! And I also love the idea of opening a dictionary to a random page for ideas!!
January 30, 2022 at 12:50 am
Patricia B. Ellson
Your books look wonderful! I recently read an article warning children’s authors away from writing board books —- but your piece has inspired me to give it a try!
January 30, 2022 at 3:07 am
LaurenKerstein
Your board books sound wonderful. I love the dictionary idea! Thank you.
January 30, 2022 at 4:42 am
rosainkpen
Your board books look and sound wonderful! Thanks for sharing your story and your ideas.
January 30, 2022 at 4:50 am
linafeli
Thanks for sharing! Your rhyme is beautuful!
January 30, 2022 at 9:44 am
Susanne Whitehouse
Board books CAN be beautiful!
January 30, 2022 at 11:06 am
adavis6385
Serena, your books look beautiful! Thank you for sharing your journey and a fun exercise to get our ideas flowing! With a newborn in our house, your books look like the perfect addition to our home library!
January 30, 2022 at 1:16 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Congrats on your books, Serena, they look beautiful!
January 30, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
I look forward to checking out your books. They’re beautiful. Congrats on your success. I’m going to grab my dictionary!
January 30, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Sooo excited to read your board books! Thanks for sharing your inspiration.
January 30, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Melissa Hastings
Thank you for your words of wisdom!
January 30, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Zoraida Rivera
You were brave! And your words inspired some beautiful illustrations. Congratulations.
January 30, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Jennifer
These board books look so beautiful and whimsical. Thanks for sharing!
January 30, 2022 at 7:02 pm
riverwoods21
Congratulations. Both books sound great for little ones and their parents.
January 30, 2022 at 8:41 pm
lee77094
Thank you for the inspiring post.
January 30, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for sharing your story.
January 31, 2022 at 11:36 am
Ana Archi
I just harvested a few idea sparks from a dictionary.
January 31, 2022 at 12:56 pm
annettepimentel
I’m inspired that you managed to make rhyming work!
January 31, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Terri Sabol
I LOVE this dictionary challenge. Thanks for sharing, Serena!
January 31, 2022 at 4:14 pm
flinn321
your board books are adorable! Thanks for the dictionary inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 4:51 pm
Judy Bryan
Slush pile success – congratulations!!! I’m looking forward to reading your books! Going to get my dictionary now…thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Meghan Downs
These books like amazing! I can’t wait for them to be released!
January 31, 2022 at 6:54 pm
matike2209
Thank you for sharing your story with us! Very inspiring.
January 31, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Teresa Traver
I bet a lot of kidlit writers come to kidlit because of reading to their children and thinking “I could write a book like this!” Little do we know how hard it will be!
January 31, 2022 at 7:33 pm
Acamy Schleikorn
I haven’t looked at my dictionary in years… I guess it’s time to dust the dirt off of it. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Sheri Dillard
Hi Serena! Thanks for sharing the story behind your new stories! 🙂 And thanks for the dictionary tip, too!
January 31, 2022 at 9:17 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Serena, I loved reading the dictionary when I was a kid! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 9:48 pm
ingridboydston
Lol I still I remember the picture book I read that sent me to my desk thinking “Even I can do better than this!” Sometimes you need to rise to the challenge. Thanks for sharing your inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Nazanin Ford
I love this! Now…to find my dictionary!
January 31, 2022 at 10:07 pm
angelapadron
Gorgeous illustrations! Great post.
January 31, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Megan McNamara
I recently asked for board book recommendations on Twitter and got great ones. I am excited to add these to my list!
January 31, 2022 at 10:28 pm
cristina ergunay
looking forward to reading these titles! ty for sharing your inspirations!
January 31, 2022 at 10:41 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for the inspiration! I used to love looking at strange, new words in the dictionary when I was a child. I love how this now can be a tool I had not considered.
January 31, 2022 at 11:25 pm
Devyn
I remember thinking the same thing up late at night with my son. Thanks for sharing!
February 1, 2022 at 12:08 am
Jennifer Broedel
Thanks for the dictionary prompt- I love the “randomness” potential there. It’ll be sure to produce some fresh ideas!
February 1, 2022 at 12:25 am
Anna Brooks
Thank you for the dictionary idea. What a fantastic way to get inspired to write by the words themselves!
February 1, 2022 at 12:45 am
Jocelyn Rish
It took stepping out of my comfort zone to write nonfiction to land my agent and book deal, so I’m a huge proponent of trying new, unlikely things!
February 1, 2022 at 9:18 am
Azra Rahim
Thank you for this lovely post.
February 1, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Jennifer Hunt
I just love hearing the backstory to what inspired a story. “Am I the only one in the universe awake right now.”
February 1, 2022 at 2:20 pm
suzannepoulterharris
This is an interesting take. I plan to read through my old collection of board books and think about what’s missing or what I could improve on. Thanks!
February 1, 2022 at 7:34 pm
Dianne
Oh my. I love your two books. You’ve inspired me to try board books. And I love the tips from your hubby. Thanks for sharing.
February 1, 2022 at 11:23 pm
jessica shaw
Both of these board books are beautiful, Tara. Fun challenge, too!
February 2, 2022 at 9:25 pm
angiecal76
Love BOTH titles of your board books. Congrats and thank you for your inspirational post!
February 2, 2022 at 9:51 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
Beautiful companion books! Also, I feel like Teagan’s work is perfect for them. Amazing. Thank you for sharing!
February 3, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Sylvia Chen
Ohhhh I LOVE the idea to brainstorm from a dictionary. Thank you!!
February 3, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
I love how you got your inspiration and I also love the idea of the dictionary!
February 5, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Janel Caverly
Great idea to have the “audience” in mind to help inspire a story!
February 6, 2022 at 3:01 pm
Anne Young
I loved reading the dictionary as a child. And that reminds me of an idea I did with my classmates. Might be a story in it. Thanks, Serena.
Your books are beautiful.
February 6, 2022 at 3:41 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for your inspiration. Going to grab my dictionary now.
January 22, 2023 at 10:13 am
Lorraine
I love board books and dictionaries. Your words “dragonflies dance… Sparrows spin…” Full of energy – yet soothing. Fantastic!