by Kimberly Wilson
In January 2019, I stared at the coin jug on our countertop through my Storystorm lens and wondered, could there be a story here? In my notes, I wrote Lucky Penny, A Penny’s Purpose, and…A PENNY’S WORTH, which became my 2022 debut picture book (Page Street Kids)!
The title evolved into a story about the importance of self-worth, told with a ton of punny humor and a pinch of money math. As you can see, this Storystorm gift Tara gives the kidlit community has been invaluable to me, and I’m excited to pay it forward this year by sharing some of my favorite ways to generate new ideas.
Idioms and Puns: Worth Their Weight in Gold
Pick a word or topic and google related idioms and puns. Then follow them down the internet rabbit hole. Make a list of all the word play that stands out as you go. If you’re lucky, you will find lines, a title, or even a theme for your next story! While writing about money, I listed every pun and idiom I could find on the topic. I even made some up! One of my favorite finds is the word “grand” because it means both “large” and “thousand,” and it worked perfectly with my story, A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM (Page Street Kids, 2023), about a dollar bill who finds living large may not be as one-derful as it seems.
Spend Some Time in the Shower
Lately, I’ve noticed shower power trending. Why? Because it works! If I had a nickel for every time I texted my critique partners, “I just got out of the shower and had an idea…,” I’d be rich! So, at some point today, I encourage you to grab your loofah and that pun or idiom you found and let the ideas flow until you’re pruny. An open mind + a hot shower = Storystorm ideas. And you can take that to the bank.
Critique Groups are Priceless
My CPs are the absolute best, and they’re always up for a brainstorm session. For a fun way to turn a word or phrase in your notebook into a full-blown idea, gather your writing friends, a posterboard, some markers, and a glass of wine (if you’re so inclined). Then take turns going around the table, or Zoom screen, and bounce ideas back and forth. Have fun with this, and remember, no idea is too silly!
Listening to Music Pays Off
Turn on your favorite tunes and listen to the lyrics! They just might spark an idea. It worked for me, and now I use this brainstorming tool ALL THE TIME. Backstory: Mark Hoffmann, the amazing illustrator for both of my forthcoming books, posted a reel on Instagram for another book he had coming out. I loved seeing his artistic process set to music and commented on his post. Moments later, he wrote back, said he planned to do a similar post for A PENNY’S WORTH, and asked if I knew any money songs. Of course, I did! So, I started listening to some old favorites, like If I Had a $1,000,000, by Barenaked Ladies, and Billionaire, by Travie McCoy. These songs were not quite right for Penny, but they inspired the sequel! Bonus: brainstorming to music can be done almost anywhere––in the car, at the park, or (for a double-dose of inspiration) in the shower. Cha-Ching!
I hope this post allows you to cash in on some cent-sational new ideas. Happy Storystorming!
Kimberly Wilson’s prized childhood possessions included a butterfly Trapper Keeper full of her stories, an overflowing bookshelf, and a pocket thesaurus. But it took many years (and a couple careers) before she pursued her dream of writing for children. A lover of puns and word play, Kimberly enjoys mixing humor, heart, and educational details into her writing. Her debut picture book, A PENNY’S WORTH (Page Street Kids) is illustrated by Mark Hoffmann and releases April 5, 2022, followed by the sequel, A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM, in 2023. Kimberly lives in North Carolina with her husband, two daughters, and their puppy. Follow her @authorkimwilson on Twitter, or @kimberlywilsonwrites on FB, Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn. Visit her website at kimberlywilsonwrites.com.
Kimberly is giving away a copy of A PENNY’S WORTH (upon its release).
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.
620 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 24, 2022 at 8:09 am
Lindsay Moretti
Fun ideas! Thank you for sharing your story.
January 24, 2022 at 8:11 am
thecrowsmap
Thank you for this punny idiom-filled post and congratulations!
Gail Hartman
January 24, 2022 at 8:11 am
creationsbymit
I love puns! But never thought to Google them!
January 24, 2022 at 8:12 am
lynjekowsky
Thank you for these inspirations. Never thought to google idioms and puns.
January 24, 2022 at 8:13 am
Tara Cerven
Something you wrote in this blog literally gave me a story idea! I also find that I have great ideas in the shower as well as driving. Thank you for these great tips!
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 am
Lauren Barbieri
I find music to be wonderful, especially while walking! Looking forward to to reading A PENNY’S WORTH.
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 am
kiwijenny
My favorite tee shirt reads Bad Puns Are How Eye Roll..I love this post. Hmmm wish my name was Penny not Jenny. Lol Thank you.
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 am
Hanna Geshelin
I guess if you’re in for a penny you may as well be in for a pound.
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 am
Beth Holladay
Hi Kimberly, thanks for this fun & inspiring post. I love puns, and hot showers, and music:) Congrats on your book – I can’t wait to read it!
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 am
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Yes, I get my best ideas showering, cooking, or merging onto the freeway. Thanks, Kimberly and congratulations on developing your ideas into some unique books.
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 am
Joyce Uglow
We got a bang for our buck with this post! 🙂 Your ideas sprouted some for me. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 8:17 am
savoringeverymoment
I had a giant coke bottle bank of pennies when I was a kid. Filled it up over more than a decade and finally cashed it in before leaving for college. Course can’t remember how much it was worth now, but it wasn’t much! I want to say, like, $20 😆 Wish I took a picture! Now my kids are ridiculously excited every time they find a penny. Your books sound so fun! Can’t wait to read them.
January 24, 2022 at 8:17 am
Catherine
Kimberly, if I could add my two cents this was a great article! So many ideas for inspiration. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 8:19 am
Brigita O
Thanks for this post. I love puns and plays on words.
January 24, 2022 at 8:21 am
robincurrie1
Great idea – and I love puns! Will watch for release!
January 24, 2022 at 8:22 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Congratulations on your two new books!! And thank you for the suggestions. I look forward to playing with them!
January 24, 2022 at 8:22 am
Writer on the run
Thanks Kimberly! Often I get an idea, but don’t follow through looking for related words, idioms and puns- this has kickstarted my brainstorming and I’m sure it will pay off!
January 24, 2022 at 8:23 am
Midge Smith
Such fun ideas! Thank you so much, Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 8:23 am
Kelly Vavala
I love all of the above! What a great post and what fun and humor! Great to wake up to! Very inspiring…going in the shower now(maybe I’ll put some music on) thank you! I wish you much success!
January 24, 2022 at 8:23 am
anchance
Such great ideas! Thanks a million 😉 and congratulations!
January 24, 2022 at 8:24 am
michelemeleen
Great brainstorming suggestions! Thanks for all the pun Lol.
January 24, 2022 at 8:26 am
Louann Brown
My creative brain goes into overdrive when I’m relaxing in the tub, or driving through the endless soybean & corn fields that fill acres of our county. Enjoyed your post. (Planning to explore some of my favorite tunes this week.) Thanks for your post.
January 24, 2022 at 8:26 am
Rebecca McMurdie
I love the idea of getting ideas from puns and idioms! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 8:29 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Kimberly for inspiring me to listen to the lyrics!!!
January 24, 2022 at 8:30 am
Evelyn C Dietz
Thanks for the ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 8:34 am
Alice Fulgione
Loved your punny post. I’d pay more than a penny for your thoughts.
January 24, 2022 at 8:34 am
Deb Sullivan
Fun post, Kimberly! Looking forward to a literary lather, a little later. Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 8:35 am
Suzanne Lewis
We struck it rich with your post, Kimberly! Thanks for al your valuable ides!
January 24, 2022 at 8:35 am
rebeccacolby
Puns are so much fun! I like to sit in the bath with my waterproof notebook to think about ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 12:44 am
beckylevine
Thanks for the suggestions!
January 24, 2022 at 8:37 am
SCody
Congratulations on your books!! How exciting that they came out of Storystorm! Thanks for sharing your inspirational moments!
January 24, 2022 at 8:37 am
KATHY Z PRICE
Congrats on your debut and thank you for sharing your ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 8:37 am
Ellen
Your post is worth a million! Thank you. And congrats on the news books!
January 24, 2022 at 8:38 am
Jennifer Vose
Ahhhh…..trapper keepers! Fond memories!
As I’ve mentioned previously, I find the shower to be the best think tank ever! When I was writing my dissertation, I took A LOT of showers!
I love the idea of using idioms as story ideas. I’ll have to think about this one……
Thanks so much, Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 8:40 am
Lynn McCracken
Thank you for your ideas on generating stories. Congratulations on your debut picture book. I look forward to reading it.
January 24, 2022 at 8:40 am
heidikyates
Thank you for sharing your fun wordplay ideas, Kimberly! Congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 8:41 am
Alexis
Great post!
January 24, 2022 at 8:41 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
Huge pun fan here, so I loved this one! I tend to wait for the puns to come rather than search them out, so this was great advice for me. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 8:42 am
Kathy Kelly
Your post was worth its weight in gold (or copper). Many thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 8:46 am
rosecappelli
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 8:47 am
Christopher Lepage
Cha-ching!!!!
I’m gonna cash in on these great ideas!!!!
January 24, 2022 at 8:52 am
Jennifer Phillips
Big fan of idioms and love hearing about your creative process. Congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 8:52 am
annier1996
Thanks for the inspiration, Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 8:53 am
Kate Anderson
What a fun and informative post. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 8:53 am
lavern15
I love puns and word play. I love those moments in the shower where I just get creative time to think too. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read your books! Thanks for your encouragement!
January 24, 2022 at 8:55 am
Ceil Than
When my daughters were young, we started a penny jar after reading “A Chair for My Mother.” Fantastic post! Congratulations! Nice to see so many debut writers participating in StoryStorm! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 8:58 am
Shirley fadden
Fab ideas and I love the idea of a book about a penny trying to find his self worth. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 9:01 am
Kate
A penny for your thoughts? You gave us a fortune in ideas. Thanks for the fun post. Congratulations on your success!
January 24, 2022 at 9:02 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
I love puns and idioms too! They most certainly get the wheels spinning. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your story!
January 24, 2022 at 9:04 am
kurtzmom548513
Thank you Kimberly for some valuable suggestions that just might pay out! I really like the idea of googling puns and idioms that go with a topic and the group brainstorming idea. Thanks so much! I look forward to your books!
January 24, 2022 at 9:04 am
Rochelle Y Melander
Love this!
January 24, 2022 at 9:04 am
Kate
A penny for your thoughts? You gave us a fortune in ideas. Congratulations on your success
January 24, 2022 at 9:05 am
Janie Reinart
Kimberly, your post—priceless ❤️
January 24, 2022 at 9:10 am
stiefelchana
Priceless post! Congrats on your funny, punny debuts. My 2024 PB BRAVO, AVOCADO also started with a pun. “Avocado had a big pit in her stomach.” 🙂 Off to brainstorm! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 9:11 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for giving us more tools for mining ideas.
Congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 9:11 am
Leigh Anne Carter
Love trying to turn puns into ideas, need to do more of that! Thank you for the post 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 9:15 am
Donna Rossman
Thanks, Kimberly for your fun priceless punny post! Congratulations on your upcoming books! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 9:16 am
Donna Rossman
Thanks, Kimberly for your fun priceless punny post! Congratulations on your upcoming books! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 9:16 am
Sally McClure
This is awesome! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 9:17 am
Andrea Mack
Oh, I always get ideas in the shower! Your books sound great!
January 24, 2022 at 9:18 am
jamhartman
Loved everything about this post. Thank you!!!
January 24, 2022 at 9:19 am
Janice Woods
Great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 9:22 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Tons of awesome suggestions, Kimberly! Thank you, and congrats on your books. I’m excited to check them out! (P.S. I also love puns and had beloved Trapper Keepers.)
January 24, 2022 at 9:25 am
Nadia Salomon
O.M.G. Kimberly! This post was priceless. “An open mind + a hot shower = Storystorm ideas. And you can take that to the bank.” And I’ll also have to go down the rabbit hole, because I think the universe is trying to tell me something…this is the second Storystorm post to lead me to the word, “GRAND”!
January 24, 2022 at 9:25 am
jenfierjasinski
These titles sound fantastic, congratulations and thanks for the post!
January 24, 2022 at 9:28 am
Sarah Heaton
Yes! Something about rushing water is very inspiring. Washing dishes also works. I also get ideas when listening to a crackling fire- even just one on YouTube!
January 24, 2022 at 9:30 am
pathaap
I love puns, especially when done well in picture books! Congratulations on your story, Kimberly.
January 24, 2022 at 9:30 am
andreesantini
Congratulations, and thanks, you gave me an idea!
January 24, 2022 at 9:32 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
I’m excited for your third career (but there may be some story ideas buried in the first two). I cannot wait to read your books!
January 24, 2022 at 9:32 am
leslieevatayloe
Wow! So funny. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes in 2022.
January 24, 2022 at 9:34 am
bgonsar
Lovely ideas Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 9:34 am
Debbie Austin
Thanks for the great brainstorming ideas, Kimberly! I love puns too and I’m off to google some words. Congratulations on your debut pb and the sequel.
January 24, 2022 at 9:35 am
Megan Whitaker
One of my favorite types of speech and often underused! Thanks for the reminder!
January 24, 2022 at 9:36 am
Becky Walker
I love these ideas! I do some of these already but I’m excited to try some of the others like listening to music lyrics! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 9:36 am
irmelsa
I actually created a comic making a pun of an idiom. Good ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 9:42 am
Laura Rackham
Pennies from heaven for sure!
January 24, 2022 at 9:50 am
Becky Shillington
Kim, your post is priceless! Thank you for sharing these ideas with us! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 9:51 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Great, practical tips! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 9:52 am
Dianne Borowski
Shower power, penny power, the power of the pun! So many great ideas. My favorite, I’ll call it musical magic, is priceless. Thanks so much!.
January 24, 2022 at 10:00 am
lmconnors
Your books look wonderful. Congratulations!
January 24, 2022 at 10:01 am
Joan Longstaff
Love a pun … am ready to have some fun and see where it takes me. Thanks for giving us permission to go down that internet rabbit hole!!!
January 24, 2022 at 10:02 am
wordwritermo
Shower time is PRICELESS! I solve problems, get new ideas…it’s amazing. Love the idea of going down the Google rabbit hole of puns and idioms. Thank you!
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 24, 2022 at 10:03 am
Cindy S
All great ideas! Thanks
January 24, 2022 at 10:05 am
Mary Zychowicz
Wow! Talk about layered texts; you’ve got it all going on. Puns, humor, idioms, heart and education! Kudos to you and thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 10:06 am
lizricewrites
Congratulations on your debut picture book! Thank you for the great idea- generating tips
January 24, 2022 at 10:11 am
Christina Shawn
I love hearing about where you find inspiration! And I agree – shower power is magical! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 10:11 am
Lynne Marie
Love the idea and the inspiration! How fun! Congratulations on this shiny new book!
January 24, 2022 at 10:11 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Kimberly, for sharing your idea and writing process. Your book sounds wonderful.
January 24, 2022 at 10:14 am
asiqueira1307
I love puns and idioms. I loved that idea of brainstorming with your CPs.
January 24, 2022 at 10:14 am
Nancy Ramsey
Great ideas! Congratulations on your books! I can’t wait to read them!
January 24, 2022 at 10:15 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
I LOVE puns! What an excellent idea! If nothing else I can giggle myself silly….
January 24, 2022 at 10:16 am
Teresa Rodrigues
I never thought of googling puns (and I google everything, lol). Thanks for sharing, Kimberly. Congrats on your upcoming books!
January 24, 2022 at 10:16 am
Wendi Silvano
Puns make great story ideas! Thanks for the reminder.
January 24, 2022 at 10:16 am
Lisa P
Puns definitely make kids giggle. Thanks for the ideas!!
January 24, 2022 at 10:16 am
Steena Hernandez
Wow! So awesome that your idea came from StoryStorm, and now you’re sharing your books with us today! Thank you so much for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 10:19 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Such great story names and ideas. I can’t wait to read them, especially now that I know the stories behind them. And all these tips are on the money! 🙂 Thank you!!
January 24, 2022 at 10:21 am
Jessica Coupé
Love these ideas, thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 10:24 am
Antje
Thank you for your inspiring post. It’s always great to hear how ideas developed into books. Congratulations on your two upcoming books!
January 24, 2022 at 10:28 am
Angela Jelf
Oooh yeah! Great post. I love a good pun!! Off for a shower.
January 24, 2022 at 10:28 am
Angie B.
My daughter and her math teacher are always having pun contests. I need to write these things down!
January 24, 2022 at 10:29 am
Audrey Perrott
As a copywriter in advertising, I LOVE a good pun, and yours are on the money! 😉
January 24, 2022 at 10:29 am
DaNeil Olson
Excellent ideas! Thank you for sharing.
January 24, 2022 at 10:29 am
Heidi Chupp
So fun, Kimberly! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 10:31 am
Poppy P Wrote
I enjoyed this.
January 24, 2022 at 10:31 am
Kaye Wright
Thank you for these grand ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 10:34 am
Kris Tarantino
I love punny humor! Congrats on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 10:34 am
Kris Tarantino
I love punny humor. Congrats on your books!!!
January 24, 2022 at 10:35 am
Kris Tarantino
I love punny humor! Congrats on your books!!!
January 24, 2022 at 10:36 am
JEN Garrett
Great suggestions!
January 24, 2022 at 10:36 am
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Wonderful suggestions, thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 10:41 am
Hannah Roy LaGrone
Love the puns! Thanks
January 24, 2022 at 10:41 am
Catherine J Lee
Now I need a water-safe way to Google in the shower! I do a lot of ruminating in there 😁 Thank you for the lovely post to help get the inspirational going!
January 24, 2022 at 10:41 am
Shanie Cooper
Great suggestions!
January 24, 2022 at 10:43 am
srkckass
Thanks for the great post. Now I have a great excuse for taking long showers – obviously I’m writing in there 😉.
January 24, 2022 at 10:43 am
Mary McClellan
Love, love, love this post. I, too, have done the search for expressions/themes/words and this reminds me I need to do it more often. And what writer doesn’t like a play on words? Good luck with your book. Can’t wait to read about Penny!
January 24, 2022 at 10:46 am
N. Alison Colle
Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 10:46 am
paulajbecker
A slew of ideas to generate ideas! Thank you, Kimberly! And congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 10:48 am
sareenmclay
Thank you! Really enjoyed reading your post, I too love a pun.
Congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 10:49 am
arndt4writing
Wow! What amazing ideas! I always get ideas in the shower too. Now I need to start listening to music while I shower. Congratulations on your books! I can’t wait to read them!
January 24, 2022 at 10:49 am
Linda
So many great brainstorming ideas here! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 10:52 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Thanks for sharing you wealth of knowledge These tips are golden!
January 24, 2022 at 10:53 am
Jennifer Kennedy
Thanks so much for sharing. I’ve gotten most of my story ideas in the shower…and they’re usually puns! Love the idea of brainstorming with a critique group
January 24, 2022 at 10:55 am
brontebrown2
Those are some Grand ideas! I wrote a story about my Grand in Haiku format. Grandbabies create a rite of passage for all parents to become-GRAND! Of course, Grand’s an alien. Thanks
January 24, 2022 at 10:55 am
Fiona Forster
Great tips! I love puns and word play. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 10:56 am
Maria
Thank you for sharing your two cents’! I’ve always wanted to write about financial literacy for kids. I will have to continue plugging away at it.
January 24, 2022 at 10:58 am
Lucretia Schafroth
I so enjoy puns and idioms but never thought to google them “down the rabbit hole.” Great ideas often arise in the shower and while in the car–the trick is to capture them before they evaporate or drive away! Thank you for these great reminders and tips, Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 10:58 am
nrompella
Thanks for your suggestion. I just came up with an idea related to a song.
January 24, 2022 at 11:00 am
Jennie H.
Love this post! My one ms I just finished up does just this. It started with a pun and turned into a pb. Hopefully it will bring giggles and a useful bathroom tip to young readers one day! Thank you for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 11:00 am
mdk45
Kimberly, thanks for sharing these ideas — they add up to lots of fun and a great idea or two.
January 24, 2022 at 11:02 am
Leila Boukarim
Wonderful tips! (<– ooh! Money pun!) Thank you so much!
January 24, 2022 at 11:04 am
allthingscreativeequal
Such awesome inspiration. The shower is my favorite place to solve all kinds of things. And I’ve never tired the puns and idioms idea and can’t wait to do so. Thanks so much!
January 24, 2022 at 11:04 am
karinlarson
Thank you for the terrific post. It triggered one of my most exciting ideas thus far mid way through reading. Thank you! The shower is always an idea time for me too.
January 24, 2022 at 11:05 am
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for the inspiration =)
January 24, 2022 at 11:06 am
kbottagaro
Congratulations on your PB debut! As a writer, it truly is satisfying to come up with a fun pun!
January 24, 2022 at 11:11 am
dmcbee
Cent-sational share! Thank you for motivating us with your ideas and encouragement.
January 24, 2022 at 11:11 am
susanpbednargmailcom
Thank you! I love puns too 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 11:16 am
Rachelle Burk
Puns are amazing in children’s books, as our host Tara well knows! Thanks for this post.
January 24, 2022 at 11:17 am
streetlynn
Thanks for the tips!
January 24, 2022 at 11:19 am
Cathy Lentes
Fun ideas for your books! Congratulations, and thanks for giving us a few ideas, also. I’m going to be singing that Barenaked Ladies song all day now…so darn catchy…🤑
January 24, 2022 at 11:20 am
jbbower
Oh my gosh. I just love how you found a story in a penny and a dollar; and, I really want to read about them! Thanks for these great ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 11:21 am
Jane Martin
I just took a shower and let the ideas flow! I love idioms, puns and world play so I really soaked this post in. Thanks
January 24, 2022 at 11:21 am
debbiearnn
Excited about this post! I found a punny idea from a news story I read about. Gonna see where it goes! Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 11:21 am
Lisa Gaines
What a brilliant idea from something right in front of you! How I am inspired to look around with new eyes. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 11:24 am
debbiearnn
Can’t wait to ready your punny books about money!
January 24, 2022 at 11:26 am
Patricia Vermillion
Thank you so much for your suggestions and comments. I have tons of sticky notes in front of me. Just watched the ALA awards!
January 24, 2022 at 11:27 am
Elizabeth W Saba
Thank you for this post! I have always loved change.
January 24, 2022 at 11:28 am
Eileen Mayo
What a fun idea! Your book sounds adorable.
January 24, 2022 at 11:29 am
Maria Altizer
Congratulations on your books, they sound like fun reads. Thank you for all the ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 11:31 am
Linda Hofke
YES! I can agree with every one of these tips.
Congrats on your books. They sound fun. I’ll check them out.
January 24, 2022 at 11:32 am
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Fun post! Thank you, Kimberly! And can’t wait to read your books.
January 24, 2022 at 11:33 am
Susan Jobsky
Thank you for sharing! Ideas can spring forth from the craziest things, or from the quietest moments. One never knows when, where, how, or by what one will be inspired. That’s a mouth full, and that’s a story idea!
January 24, 2022 at 11:41 am
David McMullin
Very fun. Thank you for the great advice, Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 11:41 am
Ellen Leventhal
So, I just got out of the shower and had the idea to go read my Storystorm post! And voila…you SAID getting ideas in the shower worked! Thanks for a great post!
January 24, 2022 at 11:42 am
maryraebel
You are speaking my language, Kimberly! I love idioms. And, yes, what is it about a shower? It’s magical!
January 24, 2022 at 11:43 am
Sue Heavenrich
I love how chump change sparked a story worth a million bucks! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 24, 2022 at 11:45 am
Jeanette
What a fun idea!
January 24, 2022 at 11:47 am
nycbgriffin
Just got started with a critique group in 12×12 yesterday. First time. Loved it!
January 24, 2022 at 11:48 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Great and simple suggestions to get the creative juices flowing!
January 24, 2022 at 11:49 am
Gretchen McLellan
Kimberly, your post is priceless! Infinite congrats on your coming debut. I am heads over tails in LOVE with your cover–you must be overjoyed, too! Enjoy all the change this book and its sequel will bring to your life! You can bank on them being great successes.
January 24, 2022 at 11:51 am
Annie Guerra
Love these ideas for brainstorming. Annie Guerra
January 24, 2022 at 11:52 am
Stephanie Gibeault
Thank you for your punny post! It was packed with brainstorming tips that I think will really pay off for me. And congratulations on your picture books!
January 24, 2022 at 11:52 am
ramonapersaudwrites
Great ideas. I bought aqua notes especially for all my shower inspirations.
January 24, 2022 at 11:53 am
polly renner
Thanks for sharing what inspires you to find ideas! I can’t wait to read your new books:>
January 24, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks so much for your inspiration!!
January 24, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Stephanie Owen
I can’t wait to read your monetary masterpieces!
January 24, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Kaela Parkhouse
I’m really excited about the concept of money books for kids! We’re all so weird about money, and it would be nice to talk about money with kids to make it more normal.
January 24, 2022 at 12:04 pm
georgeandjohanna
So fun – thank you
Johanna Peyton
January 24, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Mary
Congratulations, Kimberly, on your debut picture book! I’m about to go down the “rabbit hole” – sort of like Alice – and hope to pop out with a new pb idea!
January 24, 2022 at 12:05 pm
sue macartney
Love word play! Thanks for these idea generators and congratulations on your new books!
January 24, 2022 at 12:07 pm
aidantalkin
Love these ideas… have found the poetry in lyrics so inspirational of late! Also, Mark Hoffman’s work is awesome!
January 24, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Clement, Laura
I had an idea in the shower last night! Shower power is real. Fun ideas, thank you.
January 24, 2022 at 12:08 pm
ruthwilson48
Shower power is a very real thing! Thanks for the tips and reminders!
January 24, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Linda Staszak
Puns are the best! Thanks for a fun post.
January 24, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Leah Moser
Great advice. Your book looks so cute!
January 24, 2022 at 12:10 pm
claudia
Pretty cool stories behind your books! …And congratulations on your debut!
January 24, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Joy Wieder
Great ideas! I’m happy to pay you a penny for your thoughts, 😂
January 24, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Joy Wieder
Just got an idea inspired by your post – also penny related and idiom related. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for the wonderful post. I am really excited to read A Penny’s Worth!
January 24, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Shannon LaPuma
Love the ideas for your inspirations! Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 24, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Jojo Kasala
I can honestly state that I have done all those things but then never write things down…ugh. Going forward I will change that!
January 24, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Shan
Puns and idioms are my favourite for creating depth through double meaning and introducing humour. A great way to explore a theme.
January 24, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Sheri Radovich
Love the ideas if mixing humor and heart and educational details. I need to keep a notebook in the bathroom by the shower. I also thought of the phrase a penny for your thoughts, my critique partners need to brainstorm more.
January 24, 2022 at 12:22 pm
Jenny E.
These are such fun ideas! I’m starting up a playlist now to brainstorm. 😀
January 24, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Mary Nelson
Walking does it for me. I get so many ideas when I’m outside just ambling along. Now, if I could only remember them when I get home!
January 24, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Great ideas—puns and idioms are so fun! I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations!
January 24, 2022 at 12:28 pm
wordnerd153
Puns AND a BNL reference? Doesn’t get much better! Thanks for an entertaining and inspiring post!
January 24, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for the great post. Creative ideas are percolating!
January 24, 2022 at 12:31 pm
amievc
Tara Lazar’s blog is the perfect place to remind us of the power of puns! Can’t wait to read your books!
January 24, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Alison McGauley
Thanks for this fun and inspiring post! I’m a huge pun and idiom lover myself 😁
January 24, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
I love the ways people find inspiration. Puns and idioms are a great place to start!
January 24, 2022 at 12:38 pm
thedayswehold
What a fun story! I would love to read it!
January 24, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Congrats on your upcoming books! Thanks for the inspiring post – great suggestions!
January 24, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Poupette
I adore idioms, congratulations on devising a clever use of them! Now I’m inspired to resurrect my old ms….
January 24, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Bethanny Parker
“A Penny’s Worth” sounds like a fun book. Can’t wait to read it!
January 24, 2022 at 12:54 pm
kathalsey
Kimberly, I’m a sucker for puns and word play. Ty for the tip. Can’t wait to read your debut, A PENNY’S WORTH.
January 24, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
Fantastic suggestions, thank you! Congratulations on your upcoming books.
January 24, 2022 at 12:55 pm
rgstones
Clever titles and concepts! I’m excited to read your books. Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 12:56 pm
marybeningo
I’ve gotten a few of my ideas while taking a shower. I love the idea of brainstorming while listening to music. Music puts me in my happy place, and what better place to daydrean 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Deb McGarvey
Love the wordplay idea! I’m always looking for fun language to include and this internet search idea is a fun one.
January 24, 2022 at 12:58 pm
kmajor2013
Congrats on your recent success. I have been pursuing these types of ideas ever since I read 7 ATE 9 by Tara. Fun stuff!
January 24, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Christine Graham
Fun post! How did anybody have good ideas before showers were invented? Standing under waterfalls just wouldn’t be the same.
January 24, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Paul Brassard
Thanks for the post, Kimberly, and congratulations on you first two published picture books! Your ideas are anything but “all wet!” I guess I’m going to have to start showering…
January 24, 2022 at 1:10 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Love puns and word play! Can’t wait to read your books. Thanks for the great post!
January 24, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
The power of StoryStorm, showers, puns and the Internet! Go Google! and Go Kimberly! What an enjoyable post full of great ideas! Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us, and big congratulations on your upcoming books! Always good to see kidlit folks excel — especially fellow Carolina girls 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 1:18 pm
debjohnson21
I just love idioms and finding ideas in the shower. I also find ideas when driving and have exited the HWY to park and write them down…and have had the husband write them down for me, too! Thank you so much for sharing the inspirations behind your wonderful ideas
January 24, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing.
January 24, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Fantastic advice!! I have AQUA NOTES for those shower-time inspirations, and I have Googled idioms and puns for words! So, I will again today! Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Gabi Snyder
Congrats on your debut and its sequel, Kimberly! And thanks for the fantastic suggestions!
January 24, 2022 at 1:21 pm
heathercmorris
Love the shout out to “shower power”!! It’s FOR REAL! Your upcoming releases look so cute! Need to go practice my puns now. 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 1:31 pm
kimpfenn
Thank you for such a fun post!
January 24, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Phyllis Mignard
Love it! Thanks for sharing some great ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Becky Goodman
Thank you! My husband is constantly mixing up idioms, which inspires me to try out new ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 1:40 pm
jhall2018
I love puns and idioms! Thank you for the fun brainstorming exercise today!!
January 24, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Rona Shirdan
Shower time!!! Thanks for your post with great ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Leah Marks
Ain’t life ‘grand’ when it turns on a ‘dime’ after ‘pound’-ing the pavement for a good idea. ‘Frank’-ly, all of your ideas are ‘rial’-ly great. I now have a ‘yen’ to cook up some ideas for my ‘dinar’ or rather my computer.
January 24, 2022 at 1:46 pm
sarahsteinberg
Love working from a sticky phrase.
January 24, 2022 at 1:47 pm
Cheryl Simon
Thanks for the inspiration! I can’t wait to read your books!
January 24, 2022 at 1:48 pm
triciahinely
I noticed the shower power also. I thought it was just me! Nice to know I’m in good, professional company! Maybe I will finish my book after all. Thank you for the great pep talk for today! I’ll look forward to reading your money books.
January 24, 2022 at 1:49 pm
danielledufayet
Love your use of puns -always so fun and clever! Congrats!
January 24, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Brandon Rodriguez
I love these book ideas, especially being in education and trying to teach money to students who struggle with the concept of money. I’ll definitely have to look into these when they are released. I love the way you come up with ideas and take the time to run with them for additional thoughts. Thanks for your post.
January 24, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Janna MacLean
How cool. Great idea! Looking forward to checking your book out!
January 24, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Anne Appert
I love listening to music as part of my process and I can’t wait to do it more intentionally, searching for ideas. Thank you for your post!
January 24, 2022 at 2:04 pm
lsheroan
The shower is a magical thinking space!!!
January 24, 2022 at 2:05 pm
Michelle Dragalin
This reminded me how good it is to be part of a group. Michelle
January 24, 2022 at 2:05 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Kimberly: Thank you for sharing these valuable tips that money can’t buy.
Suzy Leopold
January 24, 2022 at 2:09 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Kimberly: Thank you for sharing valuable writing tips that money can’t buy.
Suzy Leopold
January 24, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Abraham Schroeder
Thank you for the ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Deborah Ishii
Puns and idioms are a great way to attract a captive audience! Everybody loves a good pun! I like your idea of googling for puns and idioms! Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Vickie R McEntire
I love your brainstorming ideas! And, I agree that critique groups are priceless.
January 24, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
KIMBERLY: We TRULY got our MONEY’S worth from today’s STORYSTORM post! THANK YOU for INSPIRING us to never dis-COUNT a good pun!!! I CAN’T WAIT to read your books! CONGRATS!!! PS: I SO LOVE the Ferris Bueller Flashback!!!
January 24, 2022 at 2:27 pm
kathydoherty1
Puns ae the spice of life!
January 24, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Jill Lambert
There’s a wealth of inspiration in your post, Kimberly! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks for sharing the brainstorming ideas! I look forward to your books- congratulations!
January 24, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Jennifer Roman
Can’t wait to read your books! Thank you for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Danielle Hammelef
I love word play and puns so this is one of my favorite idea generators yet of this month.
January 24, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Jasmine Ann Smith
It never occurred to me to just google “puns about x”. I’ve already got some great ones. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Jessica Milo
This was such a fun post to read!! Love your money puns so much haha! Your tips for brainstorming ideas are fun too and I will try them 🙂 thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Jennifer Rathe
The shower – yes! The best. I like the idea of seraching idoms an dpuns!
January 24, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love your brain storming ideas. I’ve never been good at puns, but I love them. So funny.
January 24, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Congrats on your new books! And also I loved the Ferris Bueller’s gif. 😉
January 24, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Sharon Eberhardt
Great ideas for brainstorming, it’s a good reminder of these everyday situations that can be fruitful. And so much fun!
January 24, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Chalres Burress
Thanks to Kimberly for her wonderful suggestion. I look forward to reading A PENNY’S WORTH
January 24, 2022 at 2:52 pm
Joyce Schriebman
I have write on/wipe off crayons in my shower for moments of inspiration. (Also to remember to add milk to the grocery list.) Ideas can disappear so quickly!
January 24, 2022 at 2:54 pm
Sallye O'Rourke
Love these tips and can’t wait to get my hands on your books.
January 24, 2022 at 2:54 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Great post thank you kimberly! And congratulations on your debut picture book!
January 24, 2022 at 2:56 pm
karenlee
Love your quick wit. My scientist hubby gets his ideas in the shower, too!
January 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Linda Sakai
My best ideas strike when I’m in the shower. Thanks for your punny words of wisdom and congrats on your forthcoming books!
January 24, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Sue Newton
My best ideas come from when I’m in the shower! Good to know I’m not the only one!
I love puns and idioms and the idea of googling them is something I’ve never thought of.
Thanks so much for this…Google is a’callin!
January 24, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
The shower is a great thinking place. I’m glad you didn’t say bath…. Eewww. Is that just me? #bacteriasoup
January 24, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Holly
My kiddo recently discovered the power of puns, and I can see her really enjoying that kind of storymaking. 🙂 Thank you for some great ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 3:09 pm
marty bellis
Your two books sound great. Puns and idioms always add fun and interest to a manuscript. Thanks for the ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Great post! It goes to show you that ideas are everywhere!
January 24, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Beverly Smith
Thanks, Kimberly for your cent-sational advice to spark creativity! Congrats on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 3:23 pm
saintamovin
Thank you Kimberly😊
January 24, 2022 at 3:30 pm
jensubra
Oh gosh, I just love punny stories! Looking forward to reading yours!
January 24, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Laura Bower
Congratulations Kimberly! I love that a Penny’s Worth was one of your Storystorm ideas and how it led to a 2nd book! I am a big fan of puns and word play too! Can’t wait to read them.
January 24, 2022 at 3:31 pm
bevbaird
Congratulations on your coming books. Loved your post – full of inspiring ideas to spark our imaginations. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Gabriella Aldeman
I love puns! This was such a fun post to read. Thank you for sharing your journey and ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Congratulations on your books, Kimberly! What a great idea to use word plays to spark ideas for a story.
January 24, 2022 at 3:41 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Love your ideas and love your name!
January 24, 2022 at 3:41 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Loved this post, Kimberly! I’m a sucker for puns and loved all your ideas for getting ideas! Thanks so much for sharing, and congratulations on your books! I can’t wait to read them! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 3:44 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Love your post and your name!
January 24, 2022 at 3:45 pm
dedradavis03
What a “gold mine” of ideas for inspiration! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Angela Verges
I love puns! Thanks for the ideas on ways to expand our thinking. Congratulations on your books.
January 24, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Donna Marx
LOVE word play. Thanks for this awesome post.
January 24, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Brittney
Kimberly I love this post! It’s fun and encouraging. Looking forward to reading your new books with my kiddos!
January 24, 2022 at 3:55 pm
mbtgroupcb
Great ideas! I will have to try your pun and idiom idea! AND the shower and song lyrics are where some of my ideas brew too:) Thanks for sharing these Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Elyse Trevers
I love using puns and they make a story fun for parents and children. thanks for sharing ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Carol Porter
I love the idea of googling puns and idioms. I am so going down that rabbit hole!
January 24, 2022 at 4:06 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Kimberly! I’m looking forward to reading your books! Thank you for the tips to put the fun in puns and idioms.
January 24, 2022 at 4:11 pm
kidlitgail
Some posts are a dime-a-dozen, but this one is worth a million! Such fun reading this, and now I’m thinking of songs to go along with my stories!
January 24, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Abigail Perry
I can’t wait to read your books!
January 24, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Tasha Woodson
ONEderful suggestions here, especially adding music to the mix. Eager to read your debut!
January 24, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Wendy Greenley
Your enthusiasm is infectious, Kimberly! I was feeling blah today, but not anymore! (and the music is playing ;))
January 24, 2022 at 4:31 pm
Margot Williams
Thank you for the tips!
January 24, 2022 at 4:35 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
What a great post about puns. Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Diane O'Neill
Your books sound wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration and tips!
January 24, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Anita M Banks
Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 4:39 pm
avayeechinn
Oh my,I feel showered with ideas now and I’m not even in the shower! Thank you for your inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 4:40 pm
Renée Neubauer
What a great idea to look down a list of puns until you find a story. Thank you!!
January 24, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Ava Chinn
Oh my, I’m showered with ideas now and I’m not even in the shower! Thank you for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Barbara Senenman
I love puns even the groan-worthy ones! Congrats on your books.
January 24, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Kristen Indahl
Big fan of idioms and puns – and of all your advice! Congrats on the books!
January 24, 2022 at 4:45 pm
chaunceyelephant
You and Tara (another word play queen) have a lot in common. Thanks for your advice. Your joie de vie comes through.
January 24, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Shannon Fossett
Puns are my favorite! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to checking out your books!
January 24, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Looking forward to reading your books! They sound so good. Thanks for the great tips!
January 24, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Joan Swanson
Great ideas. Kids just love humor. Thank you for giving us these ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Maria Marshall
Kimberly, I loved your ideas and you jump started a number of tantalizing ones for me. THANKS!
January 24, 2022 at 5:02 pm
Rebecca Ralfe
Sounds hilarious!!
January 24, 2022 at 5:03 pm
8catpaws
I took your advice and ran down an internet rabbit hole. It was so unexpectedly interesting I almost didn’t climb out! Now for those story ideas…
January 24, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
This is such a fun way to come up with ideas. Thanks for sharing your story behind your story. So interesting!
January 24, 2022 at 5:12 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Kimberly, for sharing your writing process. I love the idea of using puns for story ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 5:13 pm
Stephanie S
What a fun post! Thanks for sharing so many ways you use to get ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 5:23 pm
Ann M Page
What a fun, unique idea for a book (or two)! Looking forward to reading the penny book…and trying the shower brainstorm method.
January 24, 2022 at 5:25 pm
Cassie Bentley
Idioms, what a great idea, fun too. I also love going down the internet rabbit hole of research. Thank you for such fun ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 5:26 pm
mary warth
Thanks for sharing! I’m ready for some shower inspiration.
January 24, 2022 at 5:26 pm
Jessica Lusk
Thanks for all the great ideas!!
January 24, 2022 at 5:34 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Hey Kim! Thanks for all these awesome ideas. I do the same thing with idioms and puns — we are definitely kindred spirits! I CAN NOT WAIT to own this one and I’m so excited we are working together this year to launch our debut picture books via @KidLitCaravan! (shameless plug for all of us!) xoxo
January 24, 2022 at 5:37 pm
setwiggs
Kimberly,
i”m not naturally good with puns but I sure know how to take a long shower!
Sue
January 24, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Kaye Baillie
This is such a great post, Kimberly! I love your brainstorming ideas and congratulations on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 5:41 pm
NC Karuzis
I’m working on my list of puns and idioms. There’s got to be a story among them. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 24, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I enjoy using puns and idioms too. I just try to make sure that the sentence or concept works even when a child doesn’t recognize the wordplay.
January 24, 2022 at 5:53 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
I love idioms and taught them with gusto and great activities but never thought to use them as a springboard to an idea. Not only will I use this but share it with classes also.
January 24, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Elena Horne
I love puns and talking about money! Or at least how to budget it.
January 24, 2022 at 5:57 pm
rozanark
I do love a pun and idioms, thank you for this!
January 24, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Julia Lyon
Love your pun idea. Working on a book about elephants next and need to trumpet my ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 6:02 pm
fspoesy
Kimberly,
Pound for pound that was a Sterling post!
Euros truly,
F. S. Poesy
January 24, 2022 at 6:04 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun! Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Colleen Dabney
Got to find my Idiom book! Thanks
January 24, 2022 at 6:08 pm
Mara K Lansky
Yes, yes and YES!!!
January 24, 2022 at 6:09 pm
michelerietz
Thanks, Kimberly! Your books look VERY fun! I can’t wait until they come out. I have a whole list of idioms I’m going to look at today and see where I go!
Congratulations and thanks again.
January 24, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Thank you for such fun ideas. I never thought about listening to music to generate ideas, but will try that! Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 24, 2022 at 6:12 pm
Pamela Brunskill
What fun! My daughter loves puns. Congrats on your *two* punny books with soul!
January 24, 2022 at 6:14 pm
Dannielle Viera
Your ideas are right on the money! Haha!
January 24, 2022 at 6:19 pm
EmmieRWerner
❤️❤️❤️can’t wait to read it!
January 24, 2022 at 6:19 pm
Laurie Seaford
Your post left me smiling. (: Thank you for some great ideas, and congrats on your picture books!
January 24, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Sarah Meade
LOVED this fun post. Congratulations on both your cent-sational new books, Kimberly! I look forward to reading them.
January 24, 2022 at 6:31 pm
TL Fales
I’m about to go start the Mom Taxi service for the afternoon. I will have to pay closer attention to the songs on radio. Thanks for the ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 6:42 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Fun post, Kimberly! I still have my trapper-keeper, too! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Holly Vagley
Thanks, Tara, for sharing Kimberly’s wonderful tips!
January 24, 2022 at 6:47 pm
mona861
Love this post. I’m so envious of people who incorporate punny puns into their manuscripts. I thought I couldn’t but you reminded me that good ole’ Mrs Google might just help. Cant’ wait to get googling.Thank you.
January 24, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Cheers to “fun pun” party with the Critique group!
January 24, 2022 at 6:51 pm
K. Yin
Cool ideas. Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Christine M Irvin
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2022 at 6:52 pm
Sandy Perlic
Your stories sound so clever! Can’t wait to check them out.
January 24, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Great title! Thanks for sharing.
January 24, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Debi Boccanfuso
Thanks for sharing your ideas!! Great ideas to play with.
January 24, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Heather Stigall
I love looking up puns & idioms for story ideas, titles and lines. Thanks for the great tips!
January 24, 2022 at 7:11 pm
Roxanne Troup
How fun. Congratulations!
January 24, 2022 at 7:14 pm
martyfindley
Great ideas. I’m going to give it a try. I get a lot of ideas while driving or in bed in the middle of the night. I have had to pull over and find something to write on or get out of bed to jot the idea down. The times I didn’t I forgot what the idea was by the time I reached paper and pencil.
January 24, 2022 at 7:17 pm
loricevans
Great idea to take a word, google it, and look for puns and phrases! I’m gonna punch my keys until some spunky puns pour forth. Apparently Victor Hugo said “Puns are the droppings of soaring wits.” (Just googled it.) In that case, your wit is high-flying.😆 I love the music suggestion, too. Thanks for sharing some of your brainstorming secrets.
January 24, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Sondra Zalewski
Thank you for validating my desire to lanquish in the shower! Also very kind of you to allow that some internet rabbit holes can lead to good things. I’m inspired!
January 24, 2022 at 7:25 pm
Sara Ackerman
I love hearing about how this manuscript came to be. I think my very first Storystorm idea years ago was on a money-ish theme and it was one of my favorites. Maybe it’s time to dust it off!
January 24, 2022 at 7:28 pm
yangmommy
Congrats on your upcoming debut; you’re definitely taking that initial idea to the bank! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 7:31 pm
mlyablonaolcom
Such a great source of ideas! Google the puns and let them percolate in the shower!
January 24, 2022 at 7:46 pm
Yvette Pais
I love the humor on this post! Great ideas, thank you! Congratulations on your two book deals. Regards, Yvette
January 24, 2022 at 7:51 pm
AC Perry
Puns are so fun! Congrats on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 7:52 pm
Jessica Fries-Gaither
I love the puns and love this post! Can’t wait to read your debut!
January 24, 2022 at 7:59 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thanks, Kimberly, for sharing your story and your tips for generating ideas. I am excited to try them and I look forward to reading your books.
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 24, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Helen Lys
Really great post with lots of ways to generate ideas! Congrats on your upcoming releases!
January 24, 2022 at 8:02 pm
Marcia Williams
Thank you Kimberly. I love puns and idioms. It’s such a great idea to research these. Congratulations on your books.
January 24, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Stephen S. Martin
and as an Illustrator this advise is MONET IN THE BANK !
January 24, 2022 at 8:11 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
Sounds amazing. Again ideas come from anywhere. Thanks for yoy inspiration.
January 24, 2022 at 8:11 pm
staceygustafson
Great idea….listen to more music for ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 8:14 pm
Susan Eyerman
Thanks for the punny post!
January 24, 2022 at 8:16 pm
PATRICIA OPPENHEIM
I heard a great sentence today on a video that said “Driving, bathing, and walking” were the best ways to get story ideas. I guess that it works!
January 24, 2022 at 8:21 pm
kirstenbockblog
Wonderful! Your books sound priceless and thank you for sharing your two cents!
January 24, 2022 at 8:23 pm
Aly Kenna
Congratulations on your upcoming books and your money sequel. Thank you for sharing your inspiring ideas.
January 24, 2022 at 8:30 pm
roberta abussi
So much fun! Congratulations on your books, can’t wait to read them,
January 24, 2022 at 8:32 pm
syorkeviney
Wow Shower Power! Never heard of that! I am the early morning creative writer as soon as I get up… but now my showers will take on a new aspect.. Love the word play too, that’s my kind of writing!
January 24, 2022 at 8:37 pm
Diana Marie Linton
These are great ideas for getting the creative juices flowing. I only miss the Japanese bath houses as they allow for a longer soak than a typical shower or bath!
January 24, 2022 at 8:44 pm
geigerlin
Brainstorming with Critique group; wonderful idea.
January 24, 2022 at 8:44 pm
tinamcho
Yes, I get ideas in the shower, too. Congrats on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Linda Kay Chavez
Love your ideas and how you used a Story Storm entry to create your book! Thanks for sharing.
January 24, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Lonna Hill
Congrats on your upcoming book! And thanks for the brainstorming tricks!
January 24, 2022 at 9:03 pm
Chelle Martin
I agree about the shower. lol Thanks for your post and good luck with your books.
January 24, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Amanda
This is a fabulous strategy that I look forward to using!
January 24, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Puns and idioms are such fun. Thanks for reminding me! Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 24, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Becki Kidd
Sounds like your writing is adding up for you! Congrats.
January 24, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
What great brainstorming tips. Thanks!
January 24, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Lindsey Aduskevich (@LAduskevich)
Kimberly, this was a fun read! Thank you for all the ideas for brainstorming! Your book looks absolutely amazing!!
January 24, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Judy Bradbury
Love the energy in your post. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 9:27 pm
steveheron
A centsible post!
January 24, 2022 at 9:29 pm
writeremmcbride
Oh Kimberly! I loved reading books like your forthcoming titles with students at our school! The action is wonderful, but the wordplay caused us to consider and then, re-consider the ways we were thinking of the words and meaning in the stories! The kids were so proud of catching on to the puns and wordplay! It was not only fun, but so affirming to the students. Thank you for your wonderful suggestions and prompts, and for the joy you are bringing to kids through your writing!
January 24, 2022 at 9:31 pm
sharonkdal
Punny brainstorming! Love it! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 9:37 pm
Amy Mucci
I love puns too! And I agree I love brainstorming in the shower!
January 24, 2022 at 9:43 pm
marty
Way to go, Kimberly! You sell your first book and then there is a sequel that Page Street Kids can’t resist! I’m impressed! I love your tips. Thank you! And thanks, Tara, for inviting Kimberly to post in 2022 Storystorm.
January 24, 2022 at 9:45 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Thank you, Kimberly
January 24, 2022 at 9:49 pm
chrisynthia
Great post. Thank you
January 24, 2022 at 9:49 pm
Elizabeth
I love the ideas you gave for coming up with new story ideas. I’m lookiing forward to reading both your Penny and your dollar books.I’m excited to try all four of your ideas myself Love your post!.
January 24, 2022 at 9:49 pm
rosihollinbeck
Long pruney showers are a no-no here in drought-stricken California, but all these other ideas are great. Thanks for the post.
January 24, 2022 at 9:54 pm
kskeesling
Great concrete ideas! Now time to listen to music in the shower
January 24, 2022 at 9:55 pm
Afsheen
Omg
showers and music lyrics always work for me too.
Very happy to see sharing so boldly about taking pb inspiration. ( BACKSTAGE). THANKS Kimberly. I lived in Bahrain dont know if I am eligiable for give away in case I win but I would surly like to take a pb critique from someone like me.
January 24, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Marie Chan
Such a creative idea to take an idiom and make it into a picture book! Thanks for sharing.
January 24, 2022 at 10:13 pm
Monica Acker
Great ideas! I might need to make a WIP playlist!
January 24, 2022 at 10:24 pm
Alia K.
Critique groups are great!
January 24, 2022 at 10:31 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Congratulations on your book, and thank you for the punny idea suggestions! Movies work too, like Money Penny from James Bond!! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Trine Grillo
I’ll keep my eyes on my “StoryStorm Lens!”
January 24, 2022 at 10:58 pm
jesseannabornemann
So, I once challenged myself to listen to a bunch of Beatles songs, write down as many words from the lyrics as possible, and create poems out of a few of the words. I wound up submitting several of these music-inspired poems to magazines—and one was actually published in Spider! I totally agree that listening to music pays off (and I need to try it more often!). Also, I do my best brainstorming in the shower…and I love Barenaked Ladies. 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 10:59 pm
littleseedsread
Super ideas and I love idioms! Thanks for sharing these brainstorming tips.
January 24, 2022 at 11:00 pm
Cinzia
Makes perfect cents! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 24, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Congratulations on your upcoming books, Kimberly! I love the sense of play in your blog post. Good ideas!
January 24, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great practical advice! Thanks! And congrats on your books!
January 24, 2022 at 11:24 pm
Tamisha Williams
The idiom search was a win!
January 24, 2022 at 11:24 pm
Kate Rietema
Thanks for your blog post Kimberly!
January 24, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Liz Godfrey
Thankks, Kimberly. Your post is right up my alley and really bowled me over. How fun! 🙂
January 24, 2022 at 11:35 pm
Becky Wentworth
My family always played with words. I’ll have to use some of those games for story ideas. Also I agree—showers are inspirational!
January 24, 2022 at 11:36 pm
susanzonca
Kimberly, thank you for sharing such unique story generating ideas! Thank you.
January 24, 2022 at 11:44 pm
Saba Negash
fun ideas and I really want to read your book!!! It sounds hilarious!!
January 24, 2022 at 11:48 pm
cbcole
Great idea to google puns for words that you find interesting. Thanks for all the great info.
January 24, 2022 at 11:54 pm
pbbeckyk
Shower-storming! So many of my ideas emerge when I’m in the shower that I’ve been meaning to invest in markers I can use in there. Thanks for sharing such fantastic brainstorming strategies, Kimberly! Can’t wait to read A PENNY’S WORTH—It’s sure to be CENTsational!
January 25, 2022 at 12:21 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Puns! What a great way to come up with ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2022 at 12:22 am
sandrabyrdlawson
I look forward to reading your book! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
January 25, 2022 at 12:24 am
Debbie Meneses
Kimberly, Your Critique Partners willing to brainstorm with you on a “dime” sounds terrific. Thank you for sharing your story writing growth and awesome “change.” Best wishes with your new publications.
January 25, 2022 at 12:34 am
Leslie Van Zee
Pennies are such magical coins. A tiny bit in dollar value but almost priceless inspiration! You’ve inspired me to go back to an unfinished Lucky Penny story I had in the works last year and see if I can polish it up.
January 25, 2022 at 12:40 am
Dena Davis
Clever and fun ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 12:45 am
Kathryn Powell
Priceless!
January 25, 2022 at 12:45 am
beckylevine
Thanks for the suggestions!
January 25, 2022 at 12:53 am
writersideup
Great post, Kimberly! Internet rabbit holes CAN pay off (when you’re not just wasting time lol), and showers are a thing likely because they can generate negative ions! 😀
January 25, 2022 at 12:56 am
hfr2006
Thanks for a great post! I, myself, have been down that idiom/pun rabbit hole plenty of times and it’s always a great time! Can’t wait to read your books!
January 25, 2022 at 1:10 am
seschipper
What a “pun” post! Looking forward to reading your books! 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 1:39 am
serenagingoldallen
Your books sound funny and I love that they were inspired by Storystorm brainstorming!
January 25, 2022 at 1:43 am
debbiemoeller
Just last week made a list of several idioms, puns and multi meaning words that may lead to a story. This idea is always on my Storystorm list, but the story hasn’t emerged yet. I’m glad yours did! Congratulations on your upcoming books, and thanks for the great post.
January 25, 2022 at 2:03 am
Carrie Tillotson
Kim, I love your grand ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 2:15 am
wyszguy
Your stories sound great! Can’t wait for their releases!
January 25, 2022 at 2:18 am
Kristy Nuttall
I can’t wait to read your books! Thanks for all of the marvelous ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 2:20 am
Ashley Bankhead
This was a fantastic interview! I really want to read your books now! I love puns and word play. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 2:29 am
brittanypomales
Amazing post, Kimberly!
January 25, 2022 at 3:12 am
Marcia Berneger
You are so right about critique groups!! I treasure mine!
January 25, 2022 at 3:16 am
Azra Rahim
Thanks for the inspiring ideas 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 4:05 am
Catherine Friess
I often come out of the bath or shower with ideas or solutions to plot problems. Bath crayons are great for jotting them down before I forget them :o)
January 25, 2022 at 4:11 am
Alexandra Guest
Thanks for the inspo!
January 25, 2022 at 4:36 am
Huyen
Your hard-earned wisdom makes cents! 😉 Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 5:29 am
Krissy
Love this! I can’t wait to read a Penny’s Worth!
January 25, 2022 at 6:47 am
rbkrackeler
Fun, I love the pun generating idea! And I am a huge fan of shower inspiration 🚿
Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 6:56 am
Nadine Poper
Thanks Kimberly!
January 25, 2022 at 7:50 am
Keri Collins Lewis
This sounds like a great classroom library addition — layering in multiple themes. Congratulations!
January 25, 2022 at 7:58 am
Kevin Treaccar
Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 8:07 am
cinzialverde
Love your ideas and can’t wait to read your books! Thanks for the post.
January 25, 2022 at 8:20 am
Ruthie Kirk
From a fellow North Carolinian – I love the lighthearted lilt of your post.
January 25, 2022 at 8:29 am
Angela De Groot
Kimberly, this post is brilliant – a king’s ransom. Thanks for the tips. The shower has worked for me on many an occasion – an idea making an appearance just as I lather up my hair, then it’s a mad scramble to rinse, repeat, rinse, and get out of there to dry off (somewhat), find a pencil and jot that sucker down.
January 25, 2022 at 8:46 am
melissamiles1
I love these ideas! The art from these books is just as captivating as the premise. Who’d have thought money had the possibilities for storytelling? Not me! Thanks for the great ideas and congrats on the books!
January 25, 2022 at 8:57 am
writeaway48
Such great ideas for inspiration! Thank you for sharing. I will be looking at everything and saying to myself, there is a story in here somewhere.
January 25, 2022 at 9:24 am
Brian Burak
So many great ideas from this post. Thank you!!!
January 25, 2022 at 9:27 am
JannyLynn
These thoughts are worth way more than a penny! : )
Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 9:30 am
cravevsworld
Fun and inspirational. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 9:37 am
greengirlblueplanet
Money, money, money, mon-ay…mon-ay!
January 25, 2022 at 9:55 am
Charlotte Offsay
Love the sound of your books!
January 25, 2022 at 10:01 am
Elizabeth James
Oh! I love a good pun. I’d love to win a copy 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 10:11 am
Megan Litwin
Your punny post had me laughing – can’t wait for what I imagine is a very funny book! Congrats, and thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 10:11 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Congratulations on your books, Kimberly! Googling for musical idioms helped me write my picture book that came out last year – it really works!
January 25, 2022 at 10:13 am
Freda Lewkowicz
I love the puns! Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 10:16 am
susan contreras
I always enjoyed puns (Piers Anthony books) and love the idea of using them as a stepping off point. Thank you.
January 25, 2022 at 10:39 am
Kris Tarantino
Puns are super fun! Congrats on your punny books!!!
January 25, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ellie Langford
Kimberly – you are so creative! I decided to consider idioms and let my creative juices flow. An idea gushed right in. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 10:57 am
Melissa Stoller
Great post…I love all the puns and creative suggestions! Looking forward to your upcoming books!!!
January 25, 2022 at 11:17 am
joanapastro
I love your tips to generate ideas! Thanks so much for sharing. Congratulations!
January 25, 2022 at 11:20 am
Cristina Chan
Thank you for these wonderful ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 11:21 am
allyenz
Kimberly, thank you for the helpful suggestions! I love wordplay, and idioms, and you are making puns look fun!
January 25, 2022 at 11:23 am
Darcee Freier
What an uplifting story! And thanks for all the ideas. I’m off to try some….
January 25, 2022 at 11:31 am
Aimee Satterlee
Thanks for sharing your StoryStorm success story, Kim!
January 25, 2022 at 11:50 am
Juliana Jones
Shower Brainstorming- that’s a new one on me! I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for your help!
January 25, 2022 at 11:52 am
libbydemmon
Such fun ideas! Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Juliana Jones
Hi, Tara, I must say the blog posts have been outstanding this year!!!
This might sound dumb, but how can I find out what email I registered with this year for Story Storm? When I registered this year, I could have sworn I used my yahoo account, but your daily emails are coming into my hotmail account (I’ve been doing Story Storm every year, since it was PiBo etc.) When I started commenting on the posts this year, I used the yahoo email as my contact, then switched to the hotmail when I realized I was reading the posts in hotmail.
Anyway, I hope I’m not missing out on winning any prizes because of an email snafu, if one of the emails isn’t showing that I registered. Ok, enough said.
Thanks for all you do for us newbie picture books writers! Juliana Jones
________________________________
January 25, 2022 at 12:13 pm
susaninez0905
Thanks for a great post. I love the idea of running with puns and idioms to get the inspiration flowing! 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 12:23 pm
jillcstuck
I hope my ideas aren’t a dime a dozen.
January 25, 2022 at 12:36 pm
donnacangelosi
Thank you for this wonderful post, Kim! I just love how you found your idea in a money jar! I will never look at penny in the same way. I can’t wait for beautiful books!
January 25, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Meldaarts
I like puns although I’m not great at making them.
I also love drawing (and drawing on) my own money!
January 25, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Love hearing the journey of a story!
January 25, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
This is a terrific idea!
January 25, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for your ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 1:20 pm
storycatcherpublishing
What a fun idea for creating new story ideas…why hadn’t I thought of that before???
Great post!
Donna L Martin
January 25, 2022 at 1:31 pm
Marzieh Abbas
I love idioms and puns! So interesting to learn about how your ideas came about!
January 25, 2022 at 1:37 pm
amckelle
Fabulous post! And I can’t wait to read your punny penny book!
January 25, 2022 at 2:10 pm
Penelope McNally
I love this post! I too, find so much inspiration in song lyrics. Thanks for this fun post, and congratulations on your books!
January 25, 2022 at 2:28 pm
annaluntbooks
I love how you illustrate taking an idea further and letting it grow. Thanks!
January 25, 2022 at 2:55 pm
marshaelyn
Kimberly, Congratulations on A Penny’s Worth! Connecting the coin’s value, self-worth, and language is soooo clever. Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success….
January 25, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Debra Collins
I also love getting pensive with puns.
January 25, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Aimee Jenkins
Thank you so much! I love puns!
January 25, 2022 at 4:01 pm
cathystenquist
Thank you Kimberly and congrats on your books! I appreciate the idea to use my CG in a new way. Think I am going to offer to host a brainstorming session after Storystorm to flesh out some ideas. 🙂
January 25, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Robyn McGrath
Yay Kimberly!! What great idea. You’re so puny!
January 25, 2022 at 4:40 pm
Jay
Thank you Kimberly for sharing your ideas and congratulations on your book.
January 25, 2022 at 4:57 pm
Diane M
Congrats on your books. We need to be open to ideas all around us – listening to music often jogs a memory or helps create a mood in my writing.
January 25, 2022 at 5:25 pm
Susan Wollison
Great ideas : )
January 25, 2022 at 5:43 pm
tinefg
Thank you Kimberly, and congratulations on your up coming book releases! I love that one of your prized childhood possessions is a pocket thesaurus… Roget’s Thesaurus has been my favorite book since I was first introduced to it in 6th grade (yes I still have the copy I asked my Dad to buy for us back then too).
January 25, 2022 at 5:48 pm
claireannette1
Such great ways to find ideas. I’m listing puns and idioms about an idea I came up with while on a walk. Thanks for the suggestions.
January 25, 2022 at 6:03 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Congratulations on your book and thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s so true that ideas come from places like taking a shower. For me, it happens when I go for a long walk.
January 25, 2022 at 6:17 pm
Susan Schade
Thank you for the creative brainstorming ideas. I love books with good puns!
January 25, 2022 at 6:38 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Thanks for sharing your process in coming up with your ideas. Classroom teachers will love A PENNY’S WORTH. Congrats!
January 25, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Julie Reich
I can’t wait to read your forthcoming books! I love using puns in my writing too. Our esteemed host, Tara, is wonderful with punnery. Thanks for the fun ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Amy
Congratulations! It’s encouraging to see someone take their Story storm idea all the way to publication!
January 25, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Molly Ippolito
Really great advice! I always love a good pun and found myself googling puns for fun word play in many twitter writing contests. Thanks so much for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 7:43 pm
René Bartos
Congrats on your books! Thank you for sharing. Great ideas!
January 25, 2022 at 7:56 pm
bookfish1
Love the shower idea. It works for me.
January 25, 2022 at 8:04 pm
Natasha Garnett
Congratulations on your two upcoming PBs, Kimberly, and thanks for the post. Tara rounded up some great guests to help us not just weather this ‘Storm but conquer it!
January 25, 2022 at 8:29 pm
Charles Richardson
Thanks for the practical ideas. I love the “Pick a word or topic and google related idioms and puns. Then follow them down the internet rabbit hole” idea.
January 25, 2022 at 9:19 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Love your positivity and advice. Word plays are such fun and you never know where searching down a rabbit hole will take you!
January 25, 2022 at 9:51 pm
Michelle Losardo
Thank you for your post Kimberly! It’s so true how inspiration comes when you least expect it.
January 25, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Congrats on your upcoming publication, Kimberly!
January 26, 2022 at 12:03 am
Stephanie Wildman
Your books sound wonderful – can’t wait – congratulations.
January 26, 2022 at 12:32 am
Janet Smart
Thanks for the post. Penny for your thoughts!
January 26, 2022 at 12:57 am
kdgwrites
So fun, and so many great ideas. Can’t wait to meet with my critique group and share.
January 26, 2022 at 1:24 am
viviankirkfield
Thank you so much, Kimberly! Brainstorming in the shower and using google to bulk up my supply of idioms are great idea sparkers! Your new book looks amazing!!
January 26, 2022 at 1:36 am
Mary Beth Rice
Love!
January 26, 2022 at 2:24 am
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Kimberly. Your post really resonated with me in many ways. I wholeheartedly appreciate your puns and witty humor! I love the idea of following idioms and puns online and letting them lead me to story ideas. Music definitely inspires me, and I, too, love to sing in the shower! And, yes, I agree: a shower definitely helps my creativity also! Congratulations on your clever stories! Xox Jen
January 26, 2022 at 2:49 am
Dee Crick
I get gems in the shower too! I love the idiom reminder. I have bookmarked an idiom site as a reminder to use them more. Thank you for your post and introducing us to your books.
January 26, 2022 at 3:40 am
sharongiltrow
I love the idiom idea and I love my shower for ideas. Especially once I am immersed in my story.
January 26, 2022 at 5:17 am
Tamara Rittershaus
I just wrote down “Cash Cow.” Does one phrase count as a story idea?! hehe. Thanks for the post.
January 26, 2022 at 6:49 am
Kim Gutierrez
Those titles are grand! Congrats!
January 26, 2022 at 9:45 am
Meghan Downs
I love pun-y books!! Both of yours sound so fun. Thanks for all of the ideas!
January 26, 2022 at 10:00 am
Genevieve Gorback
Thanks for all of the wonderful idea-generating ideas!!
January 26, 2022 at 10:01 am
Susan Lorene
Great pbs you have coming out. Fun.
January 26, 2022 at 10:02 am
cindyjohnson2013
Love your idea about searching for puns and idioms! Thank you! Looking forward to reading!
January 26, 2022 at 10:29 am
jimchaize1
Some very solid strategies for finding story ideas. Thanks, Kimberly.
January 26, 2022 at 10:49 am
ranessadoucet
I love a good pun! I had so much fun googling all kinds of puns and idioms! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2022 at 12:43 pm
mariearden
Puns are instant fun. Searching back history for idioms takes time, but can reap very interesting results. I’d like to go down a few of those rabbit holes.
January 26, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Annelouise Mahoney
Such a fun post. Thank you for sharing your brainstorming tips and all the encouragement too! Congratulations on your forthcoming books, Kimberly. So much awesome!
January 26, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Judith Snyder
Your ideas will “change” the way I look at money and generate my own ideas. I love puns and so do kids. Hope your books are successful.
January 26, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Chayala Nachum
This was “one-derful”. Love the puns!
January 26, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Lynn Alpert
I did the exact same thing on my current WIP! Great minds….
January 26, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Kim
I love it! My kids are suckers for a good pun – and a book full of them is priceless!
January 26, 2022 at 2:25 pm
mariamarianayagam
Love the idea of brainstorming with critique partners. Also a huge fan of puns and idioms! Thanks for sharing!
January 26, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Erin Cleary (ClearyWriter)
Thank you for the many inspiring ideas!
January 26, 2022 at 2:41 pm
kbrandyberry
What a genius idea to write about the penny jar! Can’t wait to read the story. Thanks for the article and the great ideas!
January 26, 2022 at 2:56 pm
hannahannkrueger
Cha-Ching!
January 26, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Sandie
Love how you came up with the idea for your book. Great suggestions.
January 26, 2022 at 6:03 pm
shirley301
Thanks for your fun post.
January 26, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Kimberly, for sharing your debut book’s full journey from Storystorm idea, down the internet rabbit hole for research, and on to Page Street! Research isn’t just for facts. I’m glad you had pun.
January 26, 2022 at 7:02 pm
stephaniemstories
Thank you for sharing. I’m looking forward to reading your books. I am a believer in shower power!
January 26, 2022 at 8:12 pm
supermario6
Congratulations on your debut book!
January 26, 2022 at 8:17 pm
Angie
Now those ideas are money in the bank! Thanks so much! And congrats!
January 26, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Elayne
Oh, my goodness. The puns! By coin-cidence, they are my favorite kind of wordplay, too! Can’t wait to read your debut and congrats!
January 26, 2022 at 9:51 pm
Karen Chun
I love your idea of exploring puns. So much fun! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2022 at 10:01 pm
Beth Elliott
Your books sound unique, fun, AND educational. Congratulations!
January 26, 2022 at 10:54 pm
Kristin Sawyer
Congratulations on your upcoming debuts! I love puns and look forward to reading your books. Thanks for the ideas, too. Here’s to Shower Power!
January 26, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Wilma Krause Brucker
This is a very interesting idea regarding money. I’m looking forward to getting to read the book
January 27, 2022 at 12:00 am
katiefischerwrites
Fun ideas, I love “researching” and brainstorming puns as much as I like reading them. I look forward to reading your A Penny’s Worth when it comes out.
January 27, 2022 at 12:19 am
Janet AlJunaidi
Hi Kimberly,
I love puns and wordplay too! LOL on all your puns in the post!
January 27, 2022 at 1:56 am
Joanne Roberts
I definitely need to do more punny brainstorming…and google rabbit holes? I’m down for that!
January 27, 2022 at 3:15 am
Lisa Kingsford
Great ideas! Tally one more for getting inspiration in the shower.
January 27, 2022 at 3:21 am
Rena Joy
I love a good pun!
January 27, 2022 at 9:46 am
topangamaria
On the money, are your punny tales. Wild!
January 27, 2022 at 10:35 am
Renata Wurster
Fun ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2022 at 11:18 am
Julie Durr
Thank you! I love puns and music-both usually help me relax and create!
January 27, 2022 at 11:28 am
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
That post was priceless!
January 27, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Tammi Beck
Great ideas- thank you! ☺️ Best
January 27, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Sydnie Kleinhenz
I, too, am an avid punster. Seven days without a pun makes one week. (Seen on a t-shirt.) Thanks for the story ideas.
January 27, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Tanya Konerman
Having three daughters makes it impossible to brainstorm in the shower (no hot water!), but I love the idioms and puns idea! I can have so much fun with that one!
January 27, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Jolie Stekly
Shower power! Yes!
January 27, 2022 at 3:25 pm
Marlena Leach
Thanks for sharing your ways to find inspiration! I’m inspired!
January 27, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Leslie Norris
Great ideas!
January 27, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Heather Lee
I am a big fan of using music for inspiration. And puns are great! Thanks for the ideas!
January 27, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Haley Thomas
Love the idea of listening to music as inspiration.
January 27, 2022 at 8:01 pm
kathryn hagen
Music and hot showers, puns and idioms. I’m ready to create!
January 27, 2022 at 8:07 pm
Deborah Foster
Do you know how many ideas have come to me while driving back and forth to work!? And right before I go to sleep!? It’s amazing to hear so many ideas! I’m off to take a shower! lol
January 27, 2022 at 9:06 pm
Karen Lawler
“A penny saved is a penny earned” ha ha ha Thanks for the FUN ideas! btw… I always pick up pennies from the ground! 🙂
January 27, 2022 at 10:02 pm
Connie Van Horn
Love these ideas!! Congratulations on your books!! Cannot wait to read them!!
January 27, 2022 at 11:18 pm
Charlotte Glaze
I love it. Thanks!
January 28, 2022 at 12:30 am
Amanda
These books sound amazing, I’d love to read them!
January 28, 2022 at 8:51 am
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing. You certainly got your money’s worth from Story Storm!
January 28, 2022 at 10:07 am
audiencedog
AquaNotes for the shower–a must-have! Thank you!
January 28, 2022 at 10:20 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
Oh, I can’t wait to read this! I love a good pun.
January 28, 2022 at 10:34 am
Jan Milusich
I agree Kimberly, showers do have power!
January 28, 2022 at 2:35 pm
colleenrkosinski
Love puns!
January 28, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Coin-tastic post. (Okay still working on it)
January 28, 2022 at 3:53 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thanks for your ideas! I just finished a remodel on my shower so now I have the “perfect office”!!
Congratulations on your books. Can’t wait to read
January 28, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Lauri Meyers
What fun stories and Great tips for story ideaing!
January 28, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Michele Helsel
yay, yay, yay. Lots of great ideas!
January 28, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I’m inspired to play with silliness! And listen to music in the shower! Thanks, Kimberly!
January 28, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Jenny Boyd
A Penny’s Worth and A Dollar’s Grand Dream look so cute and fun. Nice, idea-generating prompts in your post, too.
January 28, 2022 at 7:08 pm
Tamara Ann Alba
Lol! Math and puns are two of my favorite things!
January 28, 2022 at 11:28 pm
lorisherritt
You have given me an easy way to tickle my punny bone and find new sources for stories!
January 29, 2022 at 12:14 am
Stephanie Lau
Congrats on your debut!
January 29, 2022 at 7:22 am
Mina
Can’t wait to read your book. 🙂 Thank you for your post, Kimberly!
January 29, 2022 at 9:25 am
Lucy Staugler
Kimberly, ohhhhh, my critique group has never done a brainstorming pun session…!!!! Using this idea ASAP!! Great post!
Thank you!
Lucy Staugler
January 29, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Andrea
Lots of great ideas here, thank you! And all the very best for your debut’s release!
January 29, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Brinton Culp
I am the person who always picks up a penny. They’re like ideas–when you find one you have to grab it. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 29, 2022 at 2:31 pm
writeknit
Thanks for reminding me that music can be very inspiring and fun!
January 29, 2022 at 4:24 pm
susan gruidel
love your shower power suggestion. i’m turning on the hot water now!
January 29, 2022 at 4:55 pm
Amy Newbold
Lots of wonderful ideas here. This post gave me some insights for using idioms. Congrats on your new book!
January 29, 2022 at 4:58 pm
S. K. Wenger
I love the fact that you promote what I thought of a a time waster, as an opportunity for story generator – the internet rabbit hole on the deep dark search for puns. I’m converted! Congratulations on two wonderful books generated from this process!
January 29, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Nina Creativercorner
Great idea! Love it! Thank you very much 🙏
January 29, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Nina Creativercorner
Love this idea! Thank you so much
January 29, 2022 at 6:18 pm
deniseaengle
Friends, poster board, markers, and a glass of wine. Great idea!!
January 29, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Tracy Schuldt Helixon
I did a Google search for a list of idioms, and it definitely sparked some ideas. Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 8:54 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
Kim, thanks so much for this spectacular post! Totally agree with the shower sparking ideas.
January 29, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Eva NMN Felder
I think that most of us at one point of our lives owned a coin jug. It takes somebody special to come up with a story inspired by it.
Kimberly, amazing how you played with idioms and puns. Idioms are fascinating, especially when English is not our first language. It takes some studying to understand their use and meanings.
Good luck with your coming books and the many to follow.
Thank you Kimberly for the many wonderful advices on your post, I will certainly use them.
January 30, 2022 at 12:06 am
Yaa
A Penny’s Worth reminds me of putting your money in a piggy bank.
January 30, 2022 at 4:55 am
linafeli
Great story! Thank you!
January 30, 2022 at 10:56 am
adavis6385
Congratulations on A PENNY’S WORTH and its sequel, Kimberly! I can’t wait to read! I completely relate to shower power ideas and finding inspiration in lyrics. So good! Thanks for sharing your insights!
January 30, 2022 at 1:16 pm
LaurenKerstein
Love this! The shower is definitely a fabulously inspiring place!
January 30, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Music makes so many great things happen – even ideas! Thank you for sharing and looking forward to reading your books!
January 30, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Critique partners are priceless and showers inspiring. I want to try music lyrics, next. Thanks, Kimberly.
January 30, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Noelle McBride
I adore listing idioms and puns for every one of my WIP, even if they don’t fit into the story – I just know those will be GOLD for any marketing, etc! Thanks for all the ideas!
January 30, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Susan Cabael
I too love idioms and puns for some spectacular story scenarios.
January 30, 2022 at 6:06 pm
Elizabeth Metz
As my Storystorm book for 2022 is littered with scraps and random titles rather than full-fledged ideas, I love the validation that such a cool book idea came from some light word association. Who knows where my weird word salad ideas from this month will lead? Thanks, Kimberly!
January 30, 2022 at 6:18 pm
Penny Schneider
Love your PENNY book, especially because my name is Penny! Music is always a great inspiration for me, my best illustrations and art always are inspired by good music playing in the background.
January 30, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
Never considered starting with puns…..FUN idea! Thank you.
January 30, 2022 at 7:10 pm
riverwoods21
Another Debut PB Author. That is awesome. Books are still being published. Congratulations.
January 30, 2022 at 8:20 pm
Dani Duck
HI Kimberly, great post! That first one about idioms and puns would be great for my husband. Thanks so much for all your great prompts!
January 30, 2022 at 8:33 pm
goodreadswithronna
Thank you, Kimberly. This post is definitely on the money!
January 30, 2022 at 9:09 pm
Krista Maxwell
Sounds like a great book! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2022 at 9:29 pm
claudine108
Wonderful idea to use idioms and puns to spark an idea! Congratulations on your success!
January 31, 2022 at 9:33 am
Melissa Hastings
Thank you for sharing the ideas from your collection.
January 31, 2022 at 11:25 am
Ana Archi
Shower Power!
January 31, 2022 at 12:43 pm
tarashiroff
Fab advice here! Thanks, Kimberly!!
January 31, 2022 at 12:59 pm
annettepimentel
Shower power!
January 31, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Terri Sabol
Thank you for all the tips. I actually have done the puns and idioms one.
January 31, 2022 at 4:05 pm
flinn321
headed to the shower! thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 4:29 pm
ritaborg
great tips, great money tips too
January 31, 2022 at 4:52 pm
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
I didn’t even realize I could google puns related to words – and I google all the time. Your prompt has me sliding down that rabbit hole… beginning with a site I found immediately with this page that explains how they are formed… so helpful! https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-puns.html
January 31, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Judy Bryan
Thank you for these great tips and suggestions, and congrats on your books! I’m looking forward to reading them!!
January 31, 2022 at 6:50 pm
matike2209
What great advice! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 7:24 pm
rindabeach
Who knew a simple penny could do so much?! My head immediately turned to time. It always fascinates me!
January 31, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Andrew Hacket
Love, love, love your use of puns! Looking forward to your books.
January 31, 2022 at 9:19 pm
Angela H. Dale
Puntastic Post – thanks Kimberly – brainstorming gold here!
January 31, 2022 at 9:41 pm
ingridboydston
This gives me shivers because I actually did this and have a manuscript in the works! It’s nice to know it worked for someone else all the way to publication!
January 31, 2022 at 9:41 pm
Nazanin Ford
Okay, this isn’t cheating because I love the post–but I LOVE your bio, Kimberly! Ah, the trapper keeper holds a fond place in my heart. Thank you for that as much as for the great ideas on using puns!
January 31, 2022 at 10:06 pm
angelapadron
Wouldn’t be anywhere without my critique group! Thanks for sharing.
January 31, 2022 at 10:53 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for the brilliant ideas!
February 1, 2022 at 12:26 am
Jocelyn Rish
The shower is the BEST for ideas – I even keep a waterproof notebook and pencil to capture them!
February 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Megan McNamara
I’ll be on the lookout for A PENNY’S WORTH. It sounds wonderful.
February 1, 2022 at 12:39 am
Anna Brooks
Thank you for the suggestions! I wholeheartedly agree about the magic of showers for ideas. Looking forward to A PENNY’S WORTH!
February 1, 2022 at 1:36 am
Jennifer Broedel
Oh my gosh, puns are golden! I’m fortunate to have many CPs who agree, and appreciate when I feature them in my work. Any time I review their pieces, I always chuckle at a well-placed pun!
February 1, 2022 at 4:03 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Love the idea of using idioms and puns!
February 1, 2022 at 9:13 am
Sheri Dillard
A penny-perfect post! Thanks, Kimberly! 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Susie Sawyer
First of all, your books sound wonderful!! Congratulations! And thanks so much for this fun post FULL of great ideas!
February 1, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Jennifer Hunt
“Cent”sational ways to generate ideas! 🙂 So excited for your book to come out!
February 1, 2022 at 7:32 pm
Dianne
Excellent ideas, Kimberly! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your debut book and sequel.
February 1, 2022 at 11:08 pm
Charlene Avery
Love these topics. I love the ideas that are churning away in my brain, thanks Kimberly Wilson! Best wishes with your debut, book releases and all your projects!
February 2, 2022 at 12:16 am
Azra Rahim
I love pbs with a sense of humor. Thank you for the shower/music inspiration tips 🙂
February 2, 2022 at 7:30 am
Kellie
Oh yes … the shower. The great idea generator. Also, washing the dishes. Anything where your hands are wet.
February 2, 2022 at 2:07 pm
suzannepoulterharris
I love playing with puns. Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations!
February 2, 2022 at 9:27 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I also love puns and word play. And the shower or driving are where most of my ideas come. Thanks for the fun post!
February 2, 2022 at 9:37 pm
angiecal76
Heading for the shower! Thanks for all your enthusiastic tips, Kimberly!
February 2, 2022 at 9:55 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
You just never know when an idea will strike! Congratulations!
February 4, 2022 at 2:38 am
Sylvia Chen
Oooh, love riffing off puns & idioms and totally agree on shower power for brainstorming. Thank you!
February 6, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for sharing your favorite ways for generating new ideas!
February 7, 2022 at 10:34 am
Anne Young
I have the idiom and pun pages for my topic word ready to go. Fun! Thanks.
February 10, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Dea Brayden
Thanks for sharing these great ideas! And you’re totally right about the shower!