by Samantha Berger
Storystormers, StorystormTroopers, Team Tara—
whatever you choose to call yourself—guess what?
It’s the end of the month and YOU DID IT.
Standing O, big bravo, red roses throw!
Take a bow, because it is January 31st, and YOU ARE HERE.
Insert applause here __________________!
And here____________!
By now, you’ve read a post a day and seen all kinds of ways folks find inspiration. And I’ve read ‘em too – ain’t it $!#?* cool? Inspiration is everywhere. Those posts were filled with all kinds of helpful hints and tricks to try. It was, well, INSPIRING!
And NOW…
(drumroll, please)
it’s *your* turn!
Because wherever you are in your writing journey, your ideas and your process, and the way YOU get inspired, are truly important.
And today, I’d like to shine the light on THAT.
So—I’d like to invite you to play a game I play with my friend Desmond.
We’ve been playing it since he was about five years old, and we STILL play it today, ten years later (even though NOW he’s a teenager with a black belt in Karate and a doctorate in sarcasm).
It helps both of us set our brains to STORM mode, and express ourselves without overthinking.
It’s a game called 21 Questions (so it doesn’t get confused with 20 Questions).
Here’s how you play:
I ask 21 open-ended questions and you say the *very first thing* that comes into your head.
- There are no stakes.
- There are no mistakes.
- There are no right answers.
- There are no wrong answers.
- You can change your mind.
- You can play again tomorrow.
- You can have totally different answers.
This is just an exercise to let your brain storm, your ideas flow, and see who you are at this particular moment in time (*an awesome writer with great ideas. Shablam!)
Ready? Let’s go.
- If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing?
- What is the BEST Halloween candy?
- If you made a time capsule today, what’s one thing you would put inside?
- If you could meet anyone, real or fictitious, who would you pick?
- If you could get paid to do ANYTHING AT ALL what thing would you pick?
- What is your earliest memory?
- If you could throw any kind of theme party, which one would you pick?
- If you could switch places with another person for one day, who would you pick?
- When is it important to tell someone the truth, even if it hurts their feelings?
- What was one of your most memorable dreams?
- What’s your superhero name?
- If you got paid to study anything for four years, what would you most want to learn?
- What would you NEVER do on a dare?
- If you found a genie in a bottle and got one wish (which couldn’t be for more wishes) what would you wish?
- If you woke up and had a friendly pet monster, what would you name them?
- If you woke up tomorrow and could be an instant EXPERT at something—what thing would you pick
- What thing is totally unfair?
- If you could invent anything—what would it be?
- What’s the grossest thing you ever did?
- When is it time to stand up for someone else?
- If you wrote a book that was coming out tomorrow, what would you call it?
GOOD JOB!
Play it again and again, and see where it takes you, and what it inspires within!
Storystormkateers, I have only one thing left to say here—a mantra, if you will—
Yay for YOU in 2022! (*my kinda rhyme)
I’ll be rooting and cheering for you, every day of the year.
Samantha Berger is the award-winning author of over 80 books for young readers, including WHAT IF… (illus by Mike Curato), ROCK WHAT YA GOT (illus by Kerascoet), CRANKENSTEIN, A CRANKENSTEIN VALENTINE, and TRICK OR TREAT, CRANKENSTEIN (illus by Dan Santat).
She is also a three-time Emmy nominated television writer, previous Editorial Director of Nickelodeon for 12 years, and currently writes for many branches of Sesame Street. Samantha lives in sunny Santa Monica with her Dingo-Chihuahua rescue dog Polly Pocket, who is a daily reminder of resilience and the power of love.
Play along online at samanthaberger.com, Twitter @bergerbooks, Instagram @samanthabergerauthor, and Facebook.
Leave a comment with one of your 21 answers, or favorite questions, or basically, anything at all. I will be giving away a signed copy of my book WHAT IF…
…illustrated by Mike Curato, all about the power of creativity to triumph over ANYTHING.
And as always, the deepest of bows (ow, my back) and greatest of gratitudes to the Queen of Kindness, Tara Lazar, for making this happen AGAIN, and for such a stellar charity (Blessings in a Backpack). Mwwwah!
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.
665 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 31, 2022 at 8:07 am
thecrowsmap
Samantha, thank you for the game. I’m sure it will generate ideas. And thanks, Tara. Congratulations to all you Story Stormers out there!
Gail Hartman
January 31, 2022 at 12:07 pm
dora
Being an Indie author means you need to be a multi-tasker. I write my books and initially edited them also. I learnt to design decent covers and also some marketing basics. But, gathering reviews was very time consuming and draining. After being rejected by a number of bloggers who just put my book in their waitlist, I was referred to https://usbookreviews.com by a friend. They help me with gathering reviews for my book and also a boost to my marketing efforts with their complimentary ebook promotion. I am slowly building an audience who likes to read my books and feel like I made the right decision becoming an Indie author.
January 31, 2022 at 8:12 am
lsheroan
Loved these 21 questions and plan to share them with my 7th grade writers today! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 8:12 am
michelemeleen
My most memorable dream comes from childhood – I lived in an orange that was a castle with orange juice fountains squirting out the sides.
January 31, 2022 at 8:14 am
linafeli
Word-generating games are bliss! Thank you, Samantha, and of course, Tara!
January 31, 2022 at 8:14 am
Susie
thank you for fun game ! Cape – that is my answer to question # 1. 😉
January 31, 2022 at 8:15 am
Mark Ceilley
# 18-A pill you’d take that would get rid of any cancer. Thank you Tara for Storystorm and for all the inspiring posts this month!
January 31, 2022 at 8:15 am
Mary Munson
Tara thank you for all of this! You are amazing what you give to the writing community!
January 31, 2022 at 8:15 am
leslieevatayloe
What would I want to be an expert in? Techo stuff. I’m terrible at computer work. It took me 4 months to complete my website on WordPress. Thank you for the last post! I’ll keep your post and continually try to answer all of the answers. Best wishes in 2022!
January 31, 2022 at 8:16 am
martyfindley
#16 Answer: I would choose to be an expert on writing amazing books for children of course!
January 31, 2022 at 8:18 am
Lynn Baldwin
Love it! The BEST Halloween candy is dark chocolate PB cups, which people don’t usually give out.
January 31, 2022 at 8:18 am
Andrea Mack
Thanks for a lot of fun! I’m going to invite Buttons, the friendly monster under the bed, to a game night where we snack on Twizzlers and dream up picture book ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 8:18 am
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Definitely going to use these questions with my kiddos on our next road trip! Favorite Halloween candy? Jelly Belly jelly beans.
January 31, 2022 at 8:18 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Well – wow wee have not played that game in years and chuckled at myself at some of my answers!
January 31, 2022 at 8:18 am
Deborah Foster
Yay! Thank you for the game, Samantha! That was fun! This year I ended up with a total of 44 ideas! I’ve written some into manuscripts already and I can’t wait to share them with my critique group! Thank you Tara for an amazing year!
January 31, 2022 at 8:19 am
lLinda Kay Chavez
Thank you for the fun exercise, Samantha! Thank you, Tara, for hosting StoryStorm! Good Luck to all StoryStormers! My mind is buzzing. I bet yours are too!!
January 31, 2022 at 8:20 am
Evelyn Dietz
Fun questions to keep our imaginations sparkling!
January 31, 2022 at 8:21 am
Brigita O
My action figure would be wearing a green cape (and I don’t even like green!). A great exercise to get inspired. Thanks for sharing this, thanks to Tara for organising StoryStorm and everyone else for their posts and ideas. I had a lot of fun!
January 31, 2022 at 8:21 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
I have not played that game in years and I chuckle at some of my answers!
Some got too practical! “A super hero outfit must be comfortable, slimming and machine washable”
January 31, 2022 at 8:23 am
Joyce Uglow
Question 21: If you wrote a book that was coming out tomorrow, what would you call it? IDEA QUEEN
Thank you, Tara, Idea Queen! January may be cold in some parts of the world, but you and your Storystorm friends fire us up with idea-generating heat.
January 31, 2022 at 8:23 am
sharongiltrow
Answer to question one a utility belt :-).
January 31, 2022 at 8:23 am
CB Jarapa
I’d love to get paid by doing nothing haha. Thank you for the advice! And Tara, thank you for making Storystorm possible. I had such a blast! 😁
January 31, 2022 at 8:24 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
What a great list of questions. I have saved them to my resource file to play with any time I want. Best Halloween candy used to be Baby Ruths to me, but it is funny how tastes change over time. Maybe Almond Joy?
Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 8:26 am
Audrey
Answer to #1, what my action figure would be wearing: A swimsuit cape.
January 31, 2022 at 8:27 am
anchance
I love this! And I can’t believe Storystorm is over! What a wonderful month of creativity it has been. Thank you to everyone involved. It helped me see that I do have many ideas waiting to pop out of my head at random times. And my answer to question one is “my action figure would be wearing a pug shirt.” 😅
January 31, 2022 at 8:28 am
lizricewrites
Thanks, Samantha! 10. One of my most memorable dreams – riding a rollercoaster with my brother – it was just us.
January 31, 2022 at 8:29 am
Lauren Barbieri
My first, quick read of these questions gave me a story idea right off the bat! Thank you for the post.
January 31, 2022 at 8:31 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Ooh, as soon as I saw how the game works, I stopped reading. Heading over to my writing file right now to finish reading and playing and *trying* not to carefully overthink every answer. Thank you! I only read #1, but the first thing that came to mind for my action figure is me hiking in the mountains, knitting something awesome that’s trailing out behind me. Strange.
January 31, 2022 at 8:32 am
rosecappelli
Thank you for this fun exercise, sure to generate lots of ideas.My pet monster, Mr. Bubbles, agrees.
January 31, 2022 at 8:34 am
mdk45md
Thanks, Samantha! Love the 21 questions game. It’s a perfect wrap up to a month of inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 8:35 am
Lynn McCracken
Thank you to everybody who posted a blog this month. You have been an inspiration for generating many story ideas. My notebook is smiling and my heart is full. I look forward to pondering the 21 questions, Samantha. I am sure there is a treasure trove there.
January 31, 2022 at 8:36 am
Tara Cerven
I LOVE the question about when to defend someone else and it ties in beautifully with one of my Storystorm ideas from earlier in the month. Thank you!
And a HUGE thank you to Tara and all of the guest bloggers. This has been amazing 😍
January 31, 2022 at 8:36 am
Joyce Schriebman
21 Questions leads down such a rabbit hole of ideas! All these writers channeling Alice! Thanks for the trip…
January 31, 2022 at 8:36 am
Chelsea
What an honor it’s been learning from all of you amazing creators. I appreciate you endlessly. ❤️ If I could meet ANYONE real or fictitious I’d like to meet the main character of my speculative fiction, Dex.
January 31, 2022 at 8:36 am
Jennifer Phillips
YAY for all of you in ’22. (And we can plan ahead with a YAY for me in ’23.) Love your energy and the 21 questions. Time to storm….thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 9:21 am
Joyce Uglow
What a celebration there will be in ’23! Congrats, Jennifer
January 31, 2022 at 8:37 am
samanthabremekamp
You’ll appreciate this fellow Sam. My superhero is name S.A.M. (Super Activated Machine) which was created for a movie my brother wrote and directed with his friends and myself about the main superhero character and title of the movie “Waterboy.” Way before before and unrelated to Sandler btw. I was maybe 5-7? I chose my superhero “weapon” a spoon, which to this day I still think is hilarious. I was the sidekick-borg (just made that up) to Waterboy.
January 31, 2022 at 8:38 am
Sydnie Kleinhenz
Cool questions! One of my answers: “Truth is affirmative.” (Mary Baker Eddy) So, it’s always possible and good to tell a truth.
January 31, 2022 at 8:39 am
Kathy Kelly
Well, that was quite a workout! Thank you, Samantha! I already have a few new ideas kicking around.
January 31, 2022 at 8:43 am
savoringeverymoment
10. Had a dream when I was a kid that I was being chased through the woods by someone with a balloon full of deflated balloons and my weapon was a rake that shot press-on nails. I wrote it down in detail because it was so strange.
Thank you for an inspirational game!
And thank you, Tara, for an inspirational month!
January 31, 2022 at 8:43 am
Alice Fulgione
Love your game! I’ve have to add that game to my routine. Thanks for the post! I’ve loved the Storystorm posts! Thank you Tara!!!
January 31, 2022 at 8:44 am
Dionna
Great game!
January 31, 2022 at 8:44 am
pathaap
Can’t wait to play this game, Samantha! Such a great idea. Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 8:45 am
Samantha
Fellow Sam you will appreciate this. My super hero name, dubbed back in childhood: S.A.M. (Super Activated Machine) created for my brother’s film debut, Waterboy (waaaay before Sandler.) He wrote and directed it with his friends and myself who starred in it. Main character Waterboy is a superhero who…. turned into water. Best scene with zero special effects crew, Waterboy trapped in a giant nautical rope and in a blink water seeps out and he reforms to fight evil. I was maybe 5 or 7. I got to choose my special prop “weopon” of justice, a spoon. Still makes me laugh to this day. You rock! And inspire me everyday.
January 31, 2022 at 8:45 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
Fun! I can see myself revisiting this time and time again and seeing what other questions I can come up with to add to the list. My nice fuzzy monster would be named Snuggy. Thanks to you (and Desmond) for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 8:46 am
Karen Nespoli
What a fun, challenging and engaging way to end
#StoryStorm. I love games and especially those that make me think a little outside the box. I am keeping this list! Thank you Samantha and to all of the authors who provided some great food for thought. Tara thank you for inviting us along gor the ride.
January 31, 2022 at 8:46 am
Eileen Saunders
Cool questions. Quite thought provoking.
January 31, 2022 at 8:50 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thanks for the fun questions to get our ideas flowing, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 8:51 am
jenfierjasinski
Party theme- sprinkles. May have to happen.
January 31, 2022 at 8:52 am
Phyllis Mignard
Love your game and I love participating in Storystorm! Thanks so much for organizing.
January 31, 2022 at 8:52 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Samantha for the inspiring Game of 21!!!
January 31, 2022 at 8:54 am
Elyse Trevers
I absolutely loved doing this and was surprised at how quickly I came up with my answers. Next round I will eat my corn candy and answer the questions again. Can’t wait to read your book!
January 31, 2022 at 8:56 am
Sarah Tobias
#4. Thursday Next.
Thanks for the xheers and list of questions.
January 31, 2022 at 8:59 am
Midge Smith
This was a fun read! Thanks so much, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 8:59 am
Penelope McNally
Love these questions, really got me thinking. #5 coming up with crayon color names – I would kill it at that job! Thanks for the encouraging post!
January 31, 2022 at 8:59 am
Lynn
#20 When is it time to stand up for someone else???
Whenever that person is unable to stand for him/herself!!!
January 31, 2022 at 9:01 am
Juliana Jones
This was so fun to play over breakfast, thanks! My answer to number 21: Mushy Cereal. Too obvious? 🤔
January 31, 2022 at 9:04 am
streetlynn
Thanks for the brainstorming game!
January 31, 2022 at 9:05 am
Azra Rahim
I loved playing the game. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 9:06 am
talararuth
Love this game! Going to try on on my grandkids next weekend! Thanks for all the inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 9:07 am
annier1996
Thanks for the inspiration (and the 21 questions!), Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 9:07 am
maureenegan
Can I get paid to play Wordle? Thanks for all this!
January 31, 2022 at 9:08 am
kathalsey
My superhero Name is INFOWOMAN, former school librarian. Great questions for a variety of reasons! TY Samantha and Tara for all the inspiration! Huzzah, 33 ideas at this point.
January 31, 2022 at 9:10 am
KATHY Z PRICE
Thanks for the post.
January 31, 2022 at 9:10 am
Susanne Leach
I’d love to meet and spend the day with Anne of Green Gables.
So many motivational posts this month! Love Storystorm 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 9:11 am
wordnerd153
Wondering if eating cookie dough all day while reading is a paying gig. Great questions!
January 31, 2022 at 9:13 am
Janice Woods
Great questions! Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 9:13 am
Alexis
Love these questions! We’re playing over breakfast!
January 31, 2022 at 9:14 am
cindyjohnson2013
What a great ending to this wonderful month! Almost enough new ideas to fill next month! Thank you! And Thanks to Tara for another great year!
January 31, 2022 at 9:15 am
fspoesy
Woohooo! We did it! Congrats to all on taking that first and arguably most important step in the creative process!
January 31, 2022 at 9:17 am
Patricia Vermillion
If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing? PEARLS
What is the BEST Halloween candy? CHOCOLATE CANDY CORN
January 31, 2022 at 9:18 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks so much for helping us generate a flock of ideas.
Now, it’s time to let them fly!
January 31, 2022 at 9:19 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
Too much fun! I’ll be saving these questions to play again and again–love the idea that someday (maybe even tomorrow) I’ll have different answers.
January 31, 2022 at 9:19 am
Suzanne Lewis
Love the energy and encouragement in your post Samantha! Thank you! My answer to question #12 – I would study archeology. Never too late!
January 31, 2022 at 9:20 am
debbiearnn
If I were an action figure, I’d wear spandex that gave me particularly amazing calves. Also, I believe I’d want a cape…not for flying purposes, but for looking amazing from the front only. If you’re looking at me, I want to see you doing it. 😂
January 31, 2022 at 9:20 am
Jennifer Weisse
Thank you for a great post…so fun! My answer to #2, best Halloween candy = Kit Kats!
January 31, 2022 at 9:21 am
ramonapersaudwrites
Another amazing wrap to Storystorm. My action figure would be wearing cute high heels as she ate chocolate and chatted with her grandparents; after that they would all head to a masquerade ball.
January 31, 2022 at 9:23 am
bgonsar
Excellent brain exercise! Thanks for sharing and closing out this wonderful month.
January 31, 2022 at 9:25 am
cbloomy
snow pants!
January 31, 2022 at 9:25 am
N. Alison Colle
Thank you for sharing.
January 31, 2022 at 9:27 am
Allie Burke
I love What If and this post, thank you! If I could get paid to do anything at all it would be to wrap presents 🎁
January 31, 2022 at 9:27 am
Shirley fadden
I stepped on a dead frog in my bare feet when I was little and that was pretty gross. Thanks for the fun questionnaire!
January 31, 2022 at 9:29 am
kurtzmom548513
This has been the best month. I loved it and have lots of ideas! Thanks Tara! This was my first time.I will definitely be back! Samantha-loved the 21 questions-my favorite was if you could gdt paid to do anything, what would it be! I said eating chocolate and could imagine a story where too much of a good thing is just that! Thanks so much!
January 31, 2022 at 9:29 am
Deb Sullivan
Totally fun post, Samantha! I loved playing (and look forward to borrowing some questions for dinner fun too 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 9:29 am
authoraileenstewart
If you could get paid to do ANYTHING AT ALL what thing would you pick? I’d sell upcycled treasures and antiques out of a barn! Thanks for sharing you idea game.
January 31, 2022 at 9:29 am
Krista Maxwell
Best Halloween candy – Reese’s PB Cups!
January 31, 2022 at 9:30 am
thedayswehold
I just named my friendly pet monster Fuzzbuzz. Thank you for the inspirations today!
January 31, 2022 at 9:30 am
Steena Hernandez
What a great way to end this amazing month! I love the 21 questions game, and can’t wait to play this! Thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 9:34 am
Joan Swanson
Love the open ended questions. It will generate many ideas both now and in the future! Thank you 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 9:38 am
Susan Eyerman
Great post and challenge. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 9:38 am
Annelouise Mahoney
Samantha, thank you for the encouragement. Such a fun way to close the month of inspiration. Tara, thank you for hosting Storystorm year after year and sharing with all of us. It’s awesome. (╹◡╹)
January 31, 2022 at 9:39 am
keenanj17
I would be a movie actress.
January 31, 2022 at 9:41 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you, Sam, for sharing this fun game that can be played whenever inspiration is needed! What a treasure trove for ideas! Thank you, Tara for Storystorm and all the other contributors for all the inspiring posts this month!
January 31, 2022 at 9:41 am
Beth Elliott
If you could get paid to do ANYTHING AT ALL what thing would you pick? –> To collaborate with creative writers all day!
January 31, 2022 at 9:41 am
Laura Rackham
A pet monster named Jelli? You’ve got me thinking.
January 31, 2022 at 9:45 am
Yolimari Garcia
If you made a time capsule today, what’s one thing you would put inside?
I would put pictures inside.
If you woke up tomorrow and could be an instant EXPERT at something—what thing would you pick?
Several languages.
If you could get paid to do ANYTHING AT ALL what thing would you pick?
Write books.
Thanks for the fun post!
January 31, 2022 at 9:45 am
saintamovin
Thank you Samantha😊
January 31, 2022 at 9:47 am
Mary Warth
Thank you! I love- What is your earliest memory? I will be using it in class as a sketchbook prompt!!
January 31, 2022 at 9:50 am
Aimee Satterlee
We made it! What a great post to end StoryStorm on. Love the 21 questions! Thanks, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 9:51 am
Leslie Piotrowski
I would love to be Martin Luther King for a day.
January 31, 2022 at 9:51 am
Donna Rossman
1. If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing? — First, my hair would be in a big Donna Summer/ Barbra Streisand style perm from the Wet album cover. Then, I’d have on a black turtleneck and black leather pants — the 70s rule!
2. What is the BEST Halloween candy? — strawberry licorice of course 🙂
Thank you for such a fun and thought-provoking post!
January 31, 2022 at 9:51 am
Ann Harrell
If I wrote a book that was coming out tomorrow, it would be titled, Thank You, Storystorm and I would dedicate it to Tara Lazar! And thank you, Samantha, for a terrific post!
January 31, 2022 at 9:52 am
lmconnors
My most memorable dream was a recurring one in which I was sneaking up my grandma’s staircase, except in real life her staircase was straight and this one curved. One day I was touring a home and there was a back staircase that curved. I bought that house and haven’t had the dream since! Thank you for this fun exercise!
January 31, 2022 at 9:53 am
Rochelle Y Melander
And now I can write through most of February! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 9:53 am
Stephanie Gibeault
What a fun and encouraging post, Samantha. Thank you! Answer 21 was Tiny Tinkle.🤣 I have no idea where that came from, but I’m sure that was the point!
January 31, 2022 at 9:54 am
Tara Cho
This is a fantastic game. So for #15 I would name my pet monster “Mars Rover”
January 31, 2022 at 9:54 am
Charlotte Glaze
Thanks for the fun game!
January 31, 2022 at 9:54 am
rebeccacolby
Great questions here to spark ideas! I love the list. Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 9:55 am
Gayle
I have loved every single day of Storystorm. Thank you so much to everyone for the time they have taken to inspire us all. ❤️🎉🙏😊 xx
January 31, 2022 at 9:55 am
Writer on the run
#1 If I were an action figure what would I be wearing? Hiking pants that can make me invisible! Thanks for a great post!
January 31, 2022 at 9:56 am
laureannawrites
Anne of Green Gables! I’d love to meet her and just enjoy the world for a while. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 9:57 am
Tanya Konerman
I am trying so hard to choose between the grossest things I ever did LOL. But truly, they’re pretty mild, so I may need to use my imagination a bit here for story ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 9:58 am
Leah Moser
Great questions for a writing prompt! Thank you for this post!
January 31, 2022 at 10:00 am
Angel Gantnier
Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 10:02 am
Perky Smith-Hagadone
I love this idea! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 10:03 am
robincurrie1
Fun conversation starters with kids, too! Thanks for the creative list.
January 31, 2022 at 10:04 am
Wendi Silvano
Thanks again for a wonderful month!
January 31, 2022 at 10:04 am
Linda Staszak
What a month! Thank you Tara and everyone who wrote the inspiring posts.
January 31, 2022 at 10:05 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Thank you for the questions! Can’t wait to see what shakes out.
January 31, 2022 at 10:09 am
judyrubin13
Thank you for your great post. If I could learn anything for four years, I would choose languages.
January 31, 2022 at 10:13 am
Connie Van Horn
Thank you for your post!! Best Halloween candy…mallow cups!!
January 31, 2022 at 10:14 am
writersideup
What a fantastic list of questions, Samantha 🙂 They can be eye-opening and some of them are REALLY profound! Thank you 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 10:16 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the post! “If you could get paid to do ANYTHING AT ALL what thing would you pick?” Reading–I’d be rich!
January 31, 2022 at 10:17 am
Janie Reinart
Samantha,
What fun! If we can’t play-what’s the point🥰
Thank you for the great post!
January 31, 2022 at 10:19 am
Stephanie Owen
Most of my answers pertained to writing, or playing the piano. hmmmm. I don’t know what to do with that, but let the brainstorm begin!
January 31, 2022 at 10:19 am
Kimberly Marcus
Super fun questions to start the day! Thank you!! Kudos to you in 2022! And thank you to Tara for another great Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 10:21 am
Charlotte Offsay
How fun! Can I get paid for eating chocolate LOL?!
January 31, 2022 at 10:21 am
Jane Heitman Healy
What a wonderful month it’s been! I have 40 ideas, and the day is still young. Thank you to the fabulous Tara Lazar and all of the bloggers who helped me get there! I’m putting these questions on repeat, Samantha. What would superhero me wear? a sweatshirt and jeans 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 10:21 am
Joan Longstaff
A great post to end the month on – made me think and laugh, double bubble! Answer to question 1, what my action figure would be wearing: Slippers! (Maybe I haven’t quite got the hang of action figures as yet!) Thank you fro the post!
January 31, 2022 at 10:22 am
karinlarson
What a fun set of questions, thanks for sharing. Great way to think! Thank you, Tara, for another wonderful Storystorm!!
January 31, 2022 at 10:23 am
triciahinely
That was fun and sometimes hard. I would name my good pet monster Petronella. I never met her, but she was my college roommates grandmother. It has such pizzaz. Thank you for an outstanding grand finale!
January 31, 2022 at 10:25 am
Mary E. Cronin
Best Halloween candy, hands-down… BABY RUTH! Thanks for an inspiring and fun post to end this AMAZING month of inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 10:29 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love this high-energy post to end this fabulous month! Even got two ideas from it. I’d throw a James Bond theme party! Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 10:30 am
Jennifer Kennedy
I would never eat bugs on a dare…but apparently I would like to be an expert in entomology (must have had bugs on the brain!). Thanks for the fun game to get the juices flowing!
January 31, 2022 at 10:30 am
Cheryl Simon
Yay! This was so much fun. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 10:31 am
stiefelchana
Yay for YOU in 2022! You brought me to the finish line. Thank you, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 10:32 am
Abraham Schroeder
Great game, thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 10:32 am
Louann Brown
Copying the questions to take to my critique group. What fun! This year’s posts have been a delight and yours was the cherry on top!
January 31, 2022 at 10:33 am
Jessica Lusk
I once had a dream an alien spaceship stopped over me and I was surrounded by yodelers from the alps. It has been 25 years and it’s still one of the most memorable.
Thanks for an amazing month and so much inspiration! This has been a wonderful experience.
January 31, 2022 at 10:37 am
Nina Creativercorner
Love this game! #12: I would study art/illustration 🤗 thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 10:39 am
Jennifer Roman
Love #16…so many answers for that one! Thank you
January 31, 2022 at 10:40 am
Ana Archi
Love these questions…to get ideas to flow
January 31, 2022 at 10:44 am
Kris Tarantino
Love the questions! Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 10:45 am
Debbie Meneses
Question 15 says:
If you woke up and had a friendly pet monster, what would you name them?
I would name the pet monster, Stranger. Then realize as I interacted and exchanged thoughts with this monster that they’re the best stranger I have ever yet met. Stranger has three heads and the heads have different perspectives. One is quite selfish, another quite mature and mindful of others, the third in the middle waits to hear what the other two heads have to feel and say, then makes a good choice for all sorts of interactive play.
January 31, 2022 at 10:47 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
This is a great way to get the brain moving. #2 Candy corn, of course- eat with hot tea!
January 31, 2022 at 10:48 am
Lisa
Best Halloween candy=Reese’s pumpkin shaped peanut butter cups! Fun activity. Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 10:48 am
Heather Stigall
Sounds like a fun game! Thanks for the 21 questions.
January 31, 2022 at 10:50 am
Leah Marks
Time capsule: A picture of my family and friends with a note from each of them.
January 31, 2022 at 10:51 am
Annie Guerra
The last StoryStorm of 2022. I am sad! Annie Guerra
January 31, 2022 at 10:51 am
brontebrown2
Woohoo, I did it and love the 21 question game.
January 31, 2022 at 10:51 am
chaunceyelephant
Best Halloween candy: mini Mounds! Thanks for your enthuusiasm and fun brainstorming ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 10:52 am
Elizabeth W Saba
Thanks Samantha! I think about you and what you are up to. Great post. Thanks Tara. It has been a busy January!
January 31, 2022 at 10:53 am
heathercmorris
Thank you Samantha! Best Halloween candy = Reese’s peanut butter cups! Mmmm… I’ll be mining your questions for inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 10:53 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
One of my answers . . . Gigglebox. Gotta be a fun (funny) story. Thank you for the prompt.
January 31, 2022 at 10:53 am
Dawn Mitchell
I would throw an 80’s themed party!
January 31, 2022 at 10:53 am
Jennifer Vose
This was such a fun exercise, Samantha! Thank you! A few of them, well, I didn’t even want to type my answer! (hahahaha!). I’m sure there are some story ideas in my list!
January 31, 2022 at 10:57 am
kidlitgail
Question 18, I would invent a machine reverse global warming. (This time around I had many serious answers–must be a contemplative day.
January 31, 2022 at 10:58 am
Cindy S
What a great post to end another terrific Storystorm adventure. Thanks Samantha, and thanks Tara for all the hard work you put into making this event happen!
January 31, 2022 at 10:59 am
Mary
Samantha, what FUN! Question 15: Kerfuffle!
The next time I’m stuck, I’ll play 21 Questions.
January 31, 2022 at 11:00 am
Constance Lombardo
Thank you for the amazing post and super fun game and your dog is adorable!! My superhero name would be something my fellow HS newspaper staff gave me as a byline for an April Fool issue: Constant Bombardment. Of course they were teasing me, but I like it!
January 31, 2022 at 11:03 am
Constance Lombardo
And thank you, Tara, for an amazing month of inspirational posts and camaraderie!!
January 31, 2022 at 11:01 am
DaNeil Olson
What fun! Thank you 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 11:01 am
kbottagaro
Intriguing questions…If I got paid to study something, I would love to study art. I have vivid pictures in my head when I write and wish that I could illustrate my own texts.
January 31, 2022 at 11:02 am
blueangel496
Biddy is my superhero name, because that is what my grandchildren make me feel like. The questions were awesome. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:02 am
Helen Lys
Well that was fun! That was a great way to start the day! Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 11:04 am
Debi Novotny
I would NEVER eat a cockroach, and my friendly pet monster would be called Fang! This was fun, thank you 😊!
January 31, 2022 at 11:05 am
Audrey Perrott
Oh my, that was a blast! And now I’m so curious what others wrote down, too, and if my answers will change much next month or years from now. Thank you for this incredible StoryStorm finale, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 11:09 am
Gabriella Aldeman
Now I want someone to pay for me to go on historic field trips around the world for four year. My bags are packed!
January 31, 2022 at 11:09 am
Nancy Furstinger
I’d wish for no more homeless animals (I volunteer @ a shelter)…and what an adorable mix Polly Pocket is!
January 31, 2022 at 11:10 am
Ceil Than
Yay for you in 2022 — Tara and all the contributors and participants in Story Storm! Thanks to all for an inspiring and supportive time!
January 31, 2022 at 11:11 am
Joanne Roberts
My alter ego is Mighty Writer (which I kind of like). And I definitely wear a cape. Thanks. This was more inspiring than I thought possible.
January 31, 2022 at 11:11 am
andreesantini
I would wish for world peace, for every person in the world and every nation. Thanks, genie!
January 31, 2022 at 11:11 am
Amy Leskowski
What a great list! Thank you!!! Perfect way to end Storystorm 2022.
January 31, 2022 at 11:11 am
lavern15
One of my most memorable dreams was when I dreamt about numbers.When I told my dad about the numbers (because he likes to play the lottery), he looked it up online and found that my numbers came out EXACTLY how I had dreamt them. I was mortified LOL Thanks so much for this exercise. It was fun!
January 31, 2022 at 11:12 am
Jane Martin
What thing is totally unfair? That not everyone can win a fabulous prize in Storystorm. Just kidding! By participating, we are all winners!
January 31, 2022 at 11:16 am
Rebecca McMurdie
Sooooo I started playing the game wrong, and started listing the first thing that came into my head when you were still bulleting the rules “There are no stakes….There are no mistakes….” Also an idea producing activity! You all should try it!
January 31, 2022 at 12:54 pm
jhall2018
I did too, haha!!
January 31, 2022 at 11:17 am
Peggy Dobbs
What a wonderful list of questions—certainly the ideas will flow as I eat my M&M’s! Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 11:17 am
Angie
Awesome! Love the questions! Thank you, Samantha! Yay Storystormkateers!
January 31, 2022 at 11:19 am
Daryl Gottier
I love the list of questions. I can’t wait to brainstorm….and to ask them of my kids!
January 31, 2022 at 11:19 am
bookfish1
Love the 21 questions – I would meet Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Great post, love the comment, a Doctorate in sarcasm
January 31, 2022 at 11:20 am
Candace Spizzirri
Thank you, Samantha! What a great post to end Storystorm! Love the 20 questions game!
January 31, 2022 at 11:22 am
Hélène Sabourin
Fun game
January 31, 2022 at 11:23 am
donnacangelosi
Thank you, Samantha! These questions have me thinking!
January 31, 2022 at 11:24 am
Rebecca Guzinski
Samantha, I’m sure you’ve heard of a grand entrance but this was a grand exit to Storystorm. I needed these questions today and answered each one in my head. Those answers clarified so many things for me and will help push me in the right direction, as a writer. Thank you so much, Samantha! Thank you also to Tara, Queen of Storystorm! 🙂 ❤
January 31, 2022 at 11:24 am
heidikyates
Thank you for the game, Samantha! It’s a great list of questions!
January 31, 2022 at 11:26 am
Thelia Hutchinson
What I’d never do on a dare— is kiss a frog. Those questions were awesome. Thanks for your insight.
January 31, 2022 at 11:26 am
kimpfenn
#9 when giving a critique — thank you for the fun questions and thank you, Tara, for another incredible month!
January 31, 2022 at 11:27 am
Beverly Smith
If I had a book coming out tomorrow, I’d call it Amazing, Incredible, or Some Dreams Really Do Come True:) And Sesame Street is the best!! Hi to Polly Pocket❤️ Thanks, Samantha! And Tara, this has been my first time to do Storystorm and January will never be the same. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:29 am
ralucasirbu
This is fun, Samantha. Some interesting convergences from the answers. Thank you for creating an exit with a BANG!
Tara, thank you for hosting this very wonderful activity
January 31, 2022 at 11:29 am
Claire A. B. Freeland
Thanks for the fun questions! Thanks for Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 11:30 am
jilltatara
My superhero name? Worst Case Scenario Girl. What would my book coming out tomorrow be called? A Miracle. Thank you, Samantha, for this very fun post!
January 31, 2022 at 11:30 am
paulajbecker
Thank you for the game, Samantha! Let’s go, 2022!
January 31, 2022 at 11:31 am
Arlene Schenker
This was a fantasic exercise, Samantha! thank you. I surprised myself by coming up with answers instantly even though a lot of them were totally out-of -character for me! I’ll do it again tomorrow and see what happens. (What I’d never do on a dare is surf–and that is totally IN character for me. I’m scare of going in deep water in the ocean) Tara, thanks again for Storystorm and for all you do for kid lit writers!
January 31, 2022 at 11:33 am
Crystal ES
20 questions is a great way to start “storming” — thank you for the tip as well as for helping us to celebrate this month! Congrats to my fellow StoryStormers!👍🏽🙌🏽✌🏽
January 31, 2022 at 11:33 am
susan gruidel
#18 – a machine to make a different delicious dinner every night!
Thank you for these questions. I answered both seriously and silly-ly.
Sad this is over. Now I have to inspire myself. Yikes.
January 31, 2022 at 11:38 am
Lisa Gaines
The questions are such a fun idea! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:40 am
marshaelyn
Samantha! I bow to your “21-Questions” brainstorming challenge game. A fun, spontaneous, and productive method to spark story ideas. It loosens up the old noodle while smacking away the Judgement Devil from our shoulder. Two of your picture books are favorites that gather no dust on my shelves for I read them frequently to remind myself about good storytelling. ROCK WHAT YA GOT and WHAT IF are wonderful reads when I need encouragement. Thank you for being such a spark for us and for taking time to write this profound post. Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success….
January 31, 2022 at 11:40 am
Jennifer Rathe
My monster would be called Freely…Thanks for the questions. I’ve got a few ideas to add!
January 31, 2022 at 11:41 am
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for the fun game and for a fun month!
January 31, 2022 at 11:42 am
Bethanny Parker
If I could become an instant expert in anything, I would become an expert at making money.
January 31, 2022 at 11:42 am
Amanda
I’m pretty afraid of (falling from) heights but I’ve tried my hand at cliff jumping (well Rock-jumping) it wasn’t much more than 30 ft I don’t believe…I’ve ridden a zip-line about 50 ft up I think. And I’ve always thought it would be cool to go sky diving, though as I grow older, I start to be more and more reluctant-but one thing I’ve always said I would NEVER do is bungee jump.
January 31, 2022 at 11:43 am
lee77094
An interesting mindfulness exercise! Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 11:44 am
Tootie Nienow
Thank you for the questions, I will keep them close by.
January 31, 2022 at 11:45 am
Linda
I love the questions! Thank you, Samantha for this inspiring post!
January 31, 2022 at 11:45 am
David McMullin
What a fun way to end the month. Thank you, Samantha.
January 31, 2022 at 11:45 am
Rebekah
If I could meet anyone it’d be Jane Austen – I’d love to talk with her about writing! cheers 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 11:46 am
Katie Frawley
The best halloween candy is Butterfinger, before they changed the recipe and ruined it. (Duh.)
January 31, 2022 at 11:47 am
cravevsworld
My monster would be called Giggles.
Awesome post. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:47 am
Clarissa B Evans
I enjoyed the series of blog posts and ending with the 21 questions was a great idea. My favorite question had me think of my earliest memory. The question brought back flashbacks of interactions with my parents when I was a very young child.
January 31, 2022 at 11:49 am
Marcia Parks
That was fun! I really tried to go with whatever popped into my head, so quite surprising, actually. Question #1 If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing? Answer: A kimono. ???
January 31, 2022 at 11:50 am
Debi Boccanfuso
Thank you for this…and all the great posts this month!! It is now time for me to dig in and really flesh out some great sparks that need to be nurtured! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:51 am
Clement, Laura
Those are some fun questions! Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 11:53 am
Soul Healer 11.11
Oh no.. It aint Goodbye farewell or Bon Voyage its a new beginning that we can all celebrate as we are storystorm stormers!
Yay!! Thanks so much for this post..
Looking forward to make my pledge..
Thank you Samantha
& Thank you Tara.. 💋💋💋💋
21.The book would be called:
Dancing in the Rain!
January 31, 2022 at 11:57 am
Lucy Staugler
Samantha, what a perfect, inspirational ending to StoryStorm!! Love the 21 questions!
Keep spreading your magic!
Thank you,
Lucy Staugler
January 31, 2022 at 11:57 am
Jen Sheckels
Thank you so much. This was a fun way to cap off the 30 brand new ideas vying for my attention – with a few more! And anything chocolate that made it into my Halloween candy bag was the best. Real chocolate though … not the white kind. 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 11:58 am
kevanjatt
Great list of questions! Some fun, some cringe inducing—which I can use, too! Earliest memory: about 4, in bed, in my room, isolated with the mumps. And given a board game. Again, isolated, alone, by myself, in my room…a board game.
January 31, 2022 at 11:58 am
greengirlblueplanet
Thank you!! #14 my one wish would be for all children to come from happy, healthy, and supportive homes
January 31, 2022 at 12:00 pm
mapollonio5
So so fun!
#8 who would I switch places with for a day .
My five year old, to experience his day in school, at home, how his brain works on a bazillion things at once.
January 31, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
This list of questions are so fun. I’m going to try it today with my kids. Thank you. My super hero out fit today would be a down jacket, insulated leggings and ear muffs.
January 31, 2022 at 12:01 pm
scienceewriter
I love your list and plan to save it! If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing? An apron that turns into a cape for flight!
January 31, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Shanie Cooper
Wow, these questions were great! And I even got a story idea out of it! Thanks for a great post.
January 31, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Polly Renner
I LOVE, LOVE your 21 questions and will be printing them off for my own use with my kids. Thanks for sharing this, Samantha: )
January 31, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Antje
I loved the 21 questions! Did it with my husband this morning and got three pretty cool ideas to explore. Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Stephanie S
What a wonderful final post for this amazing month of ideas! It’s been a fantastic journey of ideas gathering! I can’t wait to begin to use some of these ideas to work on stories.
January 31, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Shanna Silva
Love brain stimulation of 21 questions. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 12:06 pm
mommamoocow
Best Halloween candy is anything chocolate.
January 31, 2022 at 12:06 pm
Brian Burak
This game is so fun. We will be playing this game in my family for years, I can already tell. Not to mention writing out own new questions. Thank you so much!
January 31, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Susan Claus
“If you could get paid to do anything…” I was delighted to discover that my answer was still my current job- being a children’s librarian! “What would you never do on a dare” Bungee jumping. [shudder]
January 31, 2022 at 12:09 pm
sue macartney
Wonderful way to wrap up another fabulous Storystorm year!! Thank you for sending us off with even more ways to generate ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for the inspiration and fun post. I got so many new ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Wendy Greenley
I would never sky dive (I know, that means I need a character to face their fears–but me, NOPE!).
January 31, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Joy Wieder
That was fun! My friendly pet monster would be named Beanie and my book coming out would be called TA-DAH! Maybe I should write a book about a friendly pet monster named Beanie titled TA-DAH! 😉
January 31, 2022 at 12:15 pm
Kristy Nuttall
What a fabulous post with such a fun activity!!! Thank you for sending us off with a huge creativity boost!
January 31, 2022 at 12:15 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
This is such a great post and advice, thank you so much Samantha and congratulations on all of your wonderful books!
January 31, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Elena Horne
The best Halloween candy are mini Kit Kat’s! I may or may not claim a few as the “mommy tax” after trick or treating.
January 31, 2022 at 12:16 pm
libbydemmon
#5. Sleeping. Because then I’d be free to do whatever I want in my waking hours.
Cheers to everyone for a month of creativity and inspiration!!
January 31, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Debbi G
Thank you for these questions—a good variety—some like the Halloween candy had quick responses–others take more reflection.
January 31, 2022 at 12:20 pm
bevbaird
This was the perfect ending to a perfect month of inspiration! You’ve given us almost another month of ideas to take forward. Thank you for such a fun, inspiring post.
January 31, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Elenore Byrne
Thanks Samantha, that was such a fun activity! My kids and I just brainstormed a wacky list of ideas, words and phrases.
January 31, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Great idea! Thanks. Why didn’t I think of this? (Question number one! LOL) Off to write 20 more.
January 31, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Kathryn Powell
I’ve always been a storystormer. It keeps me up, distracts me, forces me to take notes in the bathtub or at work, drives my friends & family crazy. Sooo it’s been extra nice to storm ideas with so many others, under the guidance of Tara and the guest authors. Thank you for providing this place, this month, this encouragement, this affirmation. I am very grateful.
January 31, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
I was surprised by some of the answers I gave.
Congrats, StoryStormers!
January 31, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Hannah Roy LaGrone
Fun questions! Love Polly Pocket’s name 💜
January 31, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Becky Wentworth
I loved this brainstorming—really got me thinking and gave me some ideas. If I could be an expert at something it would be singing. I love to sing but my voice has other ideas which has given me a story idea! Awesome!!
January 31, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for the inspiration, Samantha! I love the questions.
January 31, 2022 at 12:30 pm
susaninez0905
If I could switch places for a day – I’d trade with an astronaut! That’d be awesome, and I’d bring KitKat’s the best Halloween candy…. 🙂 Thanks for a great post.
January 31, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Ann
What a great way to start the year! Thanks to all the bloggers for their great prompts. I easily got an idea a day.
This 21 questions is a nice way to wrap it up in preparation to move forward with vigor!!!
Thanks Samantha, I am sure I will play this many times again and if I could be an expert at anything I would be a tech wizard so I wouldn’t need to think about HOW to do it.
Thanks
January 31, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Your questions have really got me thinking!
January 31, 2022 at 12:36 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Great questions…love them all. Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Carol Porter
I was seriously stumped by some of these questions. Yikes! It has me thinking for sure. Always a good thing.
January 31, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Cathy Lentes
Thanks for the questions!
My earliest memory is of a game of hide-n-seek gone wrong.
Maybe there is a PB there.
January 31, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Maria
Thank you Samantha for the fascinating 21 questions! If I were a superhero, I would be wearing pajamas and my name would be Super Sleeper!
Thank you Tara for this year’s Story Storm, my first and most definitely not my last ❤
January 31, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Christine Graham
Fun questions! But I really want to tell you that Polly Pocket is an amazing dog name.
January 31, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Angela De Groot
Fun game! And yes, the posts were AWESOME. Another fantastic StoryStorm month. Now to start sifting through my ideas for a new pb to draft.
January 31, 2022 at 12:45 pm
nrompella
Thanks for the fun questions. Jane Goodall snuck in there as multiple answers for me. 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Meena
Love the 21 questions game – here’s one to add for the transition from 20 to 22 – 2022! If you could be helpful to someone, what would that look like? Thank you for the wonderful tip wrapping our month-long Storystorm journey!
January 31, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Mara K Lansky
Art!
January 31, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks, Samantha, for such a great, idea-generating post that can be used again and again. And thanks (kind-of!) for reminding of the terrifying dream I had as a child of a scary-scientist character on a puzzle I had put together coming to life. Yikes! Thanks also to Tara for hosting this creative bonanza year after year!
January 31, 2022 at 12:53 pm
jhall2018
I was so ready to go that my “*very first thing* that comes into your head” was an answer to the statement: “There are no stakes.” 😆 Haha! I even I got an idea from that before I answered the real 21 Questions. Fun brainstorming day – thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Lindsey Aduskevich
These questions are so much fun! One of my earliest memories is the sandbox at preschool. There was a toy dinosaur with an open mouth and hollow on the inside. I loved scooping sand in his mouth and pouring it out. Thanks for this awesome post!
January 31, 2022 at 12:56 pm
wordwritermo
#13 What would you never do on a dare?
Tickle a shark’s tongue with my finger.
Thank you for these questions, they’re wonderful!
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 31, 2022 at 1:00 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
Great questions and not so easy to answer! Thanks for sharing! And thanks Tara for another great Storystorm!!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Jojo Kasala
#17-Hungry children is totally unfair. I loved your 21 questions. Peace!
January 31, 2022 at 1:03 pm
geigerlin
Thank You, Samantha. What surprise would you like to wake up to in the morning? Hmmm…
January 31, 2022 at 1:07 pm
kiwijenny
I’ve played 21 questions…yes…I’m weird my pet monster’s name is Petal
January 31, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Sara Ackerman
Great questions and such a fun way to end the month!
January 31, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Jolie Stekly
Sam!!! What a treat to see you here on this final day. It was my first time being a true participant. And perhaps controversial, I think candy corn is pretty great. 😘
January 31, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Kim A Larson
Love your questions! I’d be a superhero in slippers and a robe. Quite the disguise. Thanks for sharing : )
January 31, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Sara Weingartner (@SJWeingartner)
Your 21 questions really made me think! Going to tuck these away and take your advice to do again later. My kids hate my fav Halloween candy choice, but Butterfinger all the way!
January 31, 2022 at 1:10 pm
stephaniemstories
Thanks for the question prompt. I have one idea spark. Not my superhero name though…from one of those quizzes mine is Thunder Lord the Warrior of the Seven.
January 31, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Janet Halfmann
My best Halloween candy is dark chocolate Mounds!
January 31, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Lynne Marie
Such a fun exercise. Thanks for sharing!!! Wishing you all the best!
January 31, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Dee Crick
Great questions. My favorite question was the title of my next book – it made me write down a concept I didn’t even consciously realize was floating in my head. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
My immediate answer to #1 was a giant sweater. And candy corn is always the queen of Halloween.
January 31, 2022 at 1:15 pm
claudia sloan
BEST halloween candy: Godiva dark chocolate granache hearts! Thanks for the game and cheers! 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Heidi Chupp
Thank you Samantha; this was so much fun! Signed, Bliss the Superheroine (who wears a tiered tie-dye skirt of course) 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 1:16 pm
karenlee
Question 8: I would switch places with my son and climb Mt. Everest!
January 31, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Marlena Leach
My dream of a giant with a bald head, huge gold earring in one ear, and a curved sword (he looked like Mr. Clean) was chasing me down my street as I was running to my aunt’s house.When my aunt opened the door, I woke up. I was about ten years old. Thanks, Samantha for this exercise. As I read through your list, my head exploded with ideas. Thanks, Tara, for a wonderful month filled with wonderful storystorming ideas from awesome guests! Oh, on a dare, I would never eat a worm! Just saying…
January 31, 2022 at 1:17 pm
annettepimentel
#2: Snickers
January 31, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Gretchen McLellan
Samantha, what a great list of questions. We can use them to get to know our characters better too! Thanks for all your enthusiasm and spunk–you were the perfect person for a celebration post on the last day of Storystorm 2022! Can’t wait to read your books!
January 31, 2022 at 1:18 pm
writeaway48
It’s time to stick up for someone else when they can’t stick up for themselves. Thank you for the 21 questions, I got a few story titles and ideas from this activity. StoryStormTrooper Extraordinaire!
January 31, 2022 at 1:18 pm
tinefg
Thank You Samantha, what fun (not to mention idea cranking)! My earliest memory? Sliding down a metal slide into a pile of wet, packed leaves, not at my own home… my sister was still a baby, so I was probably 3?
January 31, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Poupette
Fabulous idea prompt, thanks Samantha! Loved reading everyone’s comments too, so thanks to all and thanks especially to Tara. #13? Stuff my brother convinced me to do for him as kids (too ugh and lethal, but might generate story). Anyone looking for critique partners, please feel free to contact me sans attached manuscript….
January 31, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for a great end to Storystorm!
I would put inside a time capsule the most recent family photograph, and on the back of the picture I’d write something about each person and what we were all doing the day it was taken.
January 31, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing this inspirational game.
January 31, 2022 at 1:23 pm
jensubra
2. Snickers 4. Frodo 15. Hugo Thanks for a fun and thought-provoking list! Thanks again, Tara, for a pocketful of promising picture book ideas! Yay for me in 2022!
January 31, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Sharon Lillie
last day, thanks for the inspiring words, but I gotta go write a last story, quick!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:26 pm
aidantalkin
What fun questions! SO many ideas this month – can’t wait for Focus February (where I try to boil concepts down to enticing pitches, and then work up my favourites!) I’d most like to have a lunch with Dev Petty and Mike Boldt – what fun!! Both have been so inspirational in my career
January 31, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Jennie H
I would be wearing Sweatpants f they made an action figure of me. Thank you for these wonderful questions!
January 31, 2022 at 1:33 pm
marsha weiner
LOVE the game! Will make a deck of cards, shuffle and draw!
AND… THANK YOU TARA! This was my second year storming.. first year felt like a dare.. this felt like a dance. THANK YOU.
FELLOW STORMERS: Wishing all a productive, rewarding and inspiring year. Marsha
January 31, 2022 at 1:33 pm
M.A. Cortez
Great post fun game
# 15 If you woke up and had a friendly pet monster, what would you name them? Malcom
January 31, 2022 at 1:35 pm
8catpaws
Action figure attire? Definitely pajamas and fluffy slippers with googly eyeballs
January 31, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Samantha G
I don’t know about ever, but the grossest thing I did in the last 2 hours was to strip my 17-month-old out of her diaper blow out clothes and stick her in the bathtub. 🤢
These are great questions! Thank you
January 31, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
SAMANTHA: THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to KEEP ON BEING INSPIRED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR by setting our brains on “STORM mode” for some MAJOR brainSTORMING FUN! I LOVE THIS!!! Here we are at the end of STORYSTORM, and yet, your questions have made my brain STORM with EVEN MORE ideas!!! THANK YOU for showing us that EVEN “a teenager with . . . a doctorate in sarcasm” can KEEP BEING INSPIRED!!! I’m a HUGE FAN of your FABULOUS books and your ADORABLE rescue dog, Polly Pocket! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to KEEP ON STORMING ON!!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Melissa Hastings
Woah! I loved that exercise! It’s our time to SHINE! Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 1:39 pm
ruthwilson48
What a great idea! Games always help me get the blood flowing.
January 31, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Hanna Geshelin
Fascinating questions! Thanks!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:42 pm
tarashiroff
This was such a wonderful experience. Thank you!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:42 pm
katecole9yahoocom
Thanks! This is a great post.
January 31, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Mary Beth Rice
I would never jump out of an airplane on a dare. Action Figure attire: Soft flannel PJS with a bright print of sorts, my slipper shoes and some really cool shades!
January 31, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Will give this a try today! Thanks very much!!
January 31, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Thank you for the perfect post for the last day of Storystorm! My pick for Halloween candy is Skittles.
January 31, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Sue Cottrill (@secottrill)
That was fun!!! Thanks. “Woofle.”
January 31, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Judy Sobanski
Great questions to start the thinking and creative process! My most memorable dream was one with my mom not long after she passed away. She smiled and told me she was okay and happy. It was truly a gift to me.
January 31, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Linda Bozzo
Thank you for the game. If I were a superhero I would definitely be wearing something purple with lots of sequins and a cape.
January 31, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Krissy
Such a fun exercise! What would my action figure be wearing? A tulle skirt, t shirt, jean jacket, sneakers and an oh so cool bandana! 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 1:57 pm
Alexandra
Earliest memory – holding a giant baby doll that I was allowed to name anything I wanted after my name choice for my younger brother was solidly rejected
January 31, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Kim
In kindergarten I was pretty sure I was going to start a circus. Thanks for bringing that memory back!
January 31, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Angie B.
9. You have something in your teeth. I will miss Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 2:02 pm
Judy Bradbury
If you made a time capsule today, what’s one thing you would put inside?
My tap shoes. Thanks, Samantha!
Tara, thanks for a terrific month of posts. Awesome!
Best wishes to all Storystormers 2022!
January 31, 2022 at 2:02 pm
Brittney
What would I never do on a dare? Put someone’s dentures in my mouth. Yuck!!
Thanks so much for the fun game and ALL the encouragement. Thank you Tara for making this happen!
January 31, 2022 at 2:05 pm
danielledufayet
Such great questions and what a fun game to generate ideas -thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 31, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Bonnie Kelso
Great questions! I can’t wait to explore these. Thank you, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Nicole Loos Miller
Great list. The one that popped out to me the most was #9. I think it’s important to tell someone the truth, even if it will hurt their feelings at first if it will keep them from bigger hurts down the road.
January 31, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Debra Collins
The best Halloween candy? Chocolate! And whatever you like, make sure to give that out, so if there’s any left, YOU”VE got a treat.
January 31, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Stefanie Hohl
Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks for the questions and the inspiration! (Of course the best Halloween candy is candy corn 🙂 Thank so much for the encouragement, and thanks, Tara, for organizing this amazing challenge!
January 31, 2022 at 2:17 pm
E T Charles
Thanks so much for the game!
January 31, 2022 at 2:18 pm
kathryn hagen
Q: If you got paid to study anything for four years, what would you most want to learn?
A: Linguistics (who knew?)
Thank you. Samantha, for an idea-generating post! I’ve gotten three new ideas in five minutes. And THANK YOU to our fearless leader, Tara!!!
January 31, 2022 at 2:19 pm
storycatcherpublishing
The “what if” game is always a great one to play for story ideas. I’ve also bought a couple of story idea cards and dice from Amazon to help set off a spark of new ideas.
Great post!
Donna L Martin
January 31, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Julia Lyon
You’ve just made me realize how much I wish I could wake up and make myself homemade croissants! I must be hungry.
January 31, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Sondra Zalewski
Great set of ?s—the one that’s taken me 50 years to figure out is what I would do if paid to do anything… write children’s books. One day it may even come true. Dare to dream!
January 31, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Natasha Garnett
Totally unfair: Inequality
Grossest thing: Ha ha, I knew the answer immediately but I’ve only ever told one person.
I enjoyed the post. Thank you, Samantha.
January 31, 2022 at 2:22 pm
kathryn hagen
Q: If you got paid to study anything for four years, what would you most want to learn?
A: Linguistics (Who knew?)
Thank you, Samantha, for an idea-generatign post–I’ve added three new ideas in five minutes. And THANK YOU to our fearless leader, Tara!!
January 31, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
A teenager with “a doctorate in sarcasm”!! Haha SO true!
You are all invited to my Party. #7 Theme is Laughter! (It is the best medicine.)
January 31, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Stephanie Rondeau
I couldn’t love this more!! Playing 21 Questions with myself while my son naps. Inspiration abounds!
January 31, 2022 at 2:25 pm
michelerietz
I love a game with no right or wrong answers!
What would an action figure of me be wearing? Yoga clothes 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Natalia Paruzel-Gibson
Wow! What a great list of questions to end such a fantastic month of writing prompts. Nothing but grateful for it all!
January 31, 2022 at 2:32 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a fabulous way to end the month! Thank you! I snort-laughed when I read this: “(even though NOW he’s a teenager with a black belt in Karate and a doctorate in sarcasm).”
January 31, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Jaime
Thank you Samantha! I love these questions.
January 31, 2022 at 2:43 pm
marty
Thank you, Samantha! Kermit is my all time favorite so the GIF of him cheering was such a wonderful way to open the celebration of day 31 of Storystorm. My answers to the questions surprised me, in some instances, so very effective in spurring new ideas. Thank you, Tara, for inviting Samantha to post .
January 31, 2022 at 2:45 pm
laurelneme
What a fun list of questions! And I’ll come up with different answers every time I look at them.
January 31, 2022 at 2:46 pm
amievc
The fun! The possibilities! The ideas! Thank you ❤
January 31, 2022 at 2:46 pm
mimisheawrites
There are too many to choose from. Thank you for so many thought-provoking ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Deborah Ishii
That was so much fun! I love, love, love word games and question and answer games! The superhero questions really got me thinking of a totally new story idea that would tie into many of my current projects yet could stand on it’s own. I can’t tell you everything but maybe you’ll find out one day in a newly published storybook! Thanks for the fun last day! Thanks also to Tara for this wonderful month! I have so many ideas!💗💗💗
January 31, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
#19 – The grossest thing I ever did was to clean apartments after college students moved out! Totally disgusting! Loved the questions. Thanks for sharing.
January 31, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Cristina Chan
Love this game! If I had a friendly pet monster I would name him Larry.
January 31, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Lisa Billa
Thanks, these are fun and I see a few story ideas already! Great finish to Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Alison McGauley
#1 – a sweater … I’m Canadian and always cold!
Thanks for the ideas and the amazing finale to storystorm 2022!
January 31, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Kaela Parkhouse
Best Halloween candy: smarties! So sugary and crunchy
January 31, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Abby Wooldridge
What a fun way to generate ideas–and turn off my inner editor! Thank you so much for the inspiration, Samantha! And thank you for another fantastic Storystorm, Tara!
January 31, 2022 at 2:57 pm
flinn321
What a great list of questions! I’m going to have to copy and paste these to come back to again and again. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Cinzia
What fun! Candy corn for Halloween, and it could double for my superhero name. LOL! A treasure trove of idea material in these questions. Thank you so much.
January 31, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Megan Litwin
Q4: (If you could get paid to do ANYTHING AT ALL what thing would you pick?) My answer: WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS! (Which is, of course, amazing to think about!!)
Such a great final post here to celebrate all things Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 3:02 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
What a great activity Samantha. Thanks so much for posting. I did copy these to a word doc. to look at again. My best Halloween candy is candy corn – all the different flavors and colors of sugar with chocolate thrown in. Dreams do come true…Right?
January 31, 2022 at 3:03 pm
marty bellis
I’m keeping these questions to use again and again. Thanks,Samantha. And THANKS, Tara, for another fantastic month!
January 31, 2022 at 3:04 pm
mariearden
#16 – If I woke up and could adjust my binoculars instantly to see the rare bird in the tree before it flew away, I would be ecstatic. 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 3:10 pm
Holly
I’d love to get paid to spread all kinds of watercolor paint colors on all kinds of paper.
January 31, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Marie Chan
Thanks for sharing such a fun list of questions that helps me brainstorm new ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 3:14 pm
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Thanks for the great questions, Samantha! I had fun with that. I think this is a good set to interview my 9 year old with once a year. 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 3:17 pm
hfr2006
This was my first time doing Storystorm!! Thank you Samantha for a great post and THANK YOU TARA for such an inspiring month!
January 31, 2022 at 3:18 pm
Margot Williams
My earliest memory is sitting on the kitchen table eating cherries from the plastic green basket.
Thank you for this fun list of ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Great questions. Thing to study for 4 years …. ooh, a toss-up. Forensic science would be cool.
January 31, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
We love your books! Thanks for this funny ending to a great January with the Stormers.
January 31, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Mary Zychowicz
Fun exercise! So many favorite questions but the one I enjoyed was coming up with a name for my new pet monster! Oh Muggles, I love you already! Thanks for the fun ending to a fun and challenging month!
January 31, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Maria Altizer
Thank you for a great way to get the juices flowing!
January 31, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Charles Richardson
Thanks for an informative month.
January 31, 2022 at 3:39 pm
Naja L. Aparico
Great tip about keeping your mind open for clues everywhere. It was as whirlwind of a month. I had 29 wonderful ideas and one finished draft. Phew.
January 31, 2022 at 3:43 pm
Julie Durr
Loved this post! Came up with a few ideas that are rough but exciting! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Danielle Hammelef
This was super fun! My pet monster’s name would be Walter.
January 31, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Cindy Montoya
18. If you could invent anything—what would it be? A house cleaning robot.
January 31, 2022 at 3:53 pm
Cindy Montoya
If you could invent anything—what would it be? A house cleaning robot.
January 31, 2022 at 3:54 pm
allyenz
Thanks for the fun questions, a great way to end the month of brainstorming, without having to have it end. Just thinking of costumes and candy has me feeling like writing a story. . . .
January 31, 2022 at 4:01 pm
Dianne Borowski
I did it! I can’t believe it! 21 questions was harder than I thought it would! It’s been a glorious experience! Thanks to all who made this project perfect.
January 31, 2022 at 4:03 pm
ritaborg
I have played this all my life, 21 that is. Thanks for such a great month
January 31, 2022 at 4:04 pm
jesseannabornemann
This is fantastic! Thanks Samantha (and, of course, Tara)! This was my first Storystorm experience, and I wasn’t sure I had two ideas brewing in my brain, let alone 30. My notepad (well, iPhone Notes) is now full, and I’m looking forward to developing at least one PB manuscript. (I have exclusively written rhyming poetry to-date, but I am ready for a new challenge!)
Hmmm…the grossest thing I’ve ever done. When my son was 3 or 4, I shimmied under the locked door of a public restroom to rescue him, after he found he couldn’t get out. I don’t think my hands will ever feel completely clean again.
January 31, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Patricia Oppenheim
I would switch places with Michele Obama for a day. She is a hero of mine.
I plan to use these questions with my adult son next Christmas. His present to me every year is one day to ask him any questions I want and to spend the entire day together.
Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Samantha
The best Halloween candy (and I know this may be an unpopular call with some, but I also know there are many who will cheer me on) are peanut butter kisses–the little peanut butter taffies in the black and orange wax wrappers. Nom nom! Some day I will write a story with peanut butter kisses at the center!
January 31, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Catherine
If you could switch places with another person for a day who would you pick? Wow I’m still pondering this answer. Such a great article Samantha, with motivating thought- provoking questions. I love the game. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your books.
January 31, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Meghan Downs
Love these questions! Such a fun post to end the month with!
January 31, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Dena Davis
Favorite answers: cashmere and elderberries
January 31, 2022 at 4:23 pm
cassiazaven
What would you never do on a dare? I guess that has to be skydiving.
January 31, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Margie Markarian
Great final entry for Storystorm 2022! Thanks, Samantha
January 31, 2022 at 4:27 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
Such a wonderful way to end this month with 21 new ideas! Thank you Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 4:27 pm
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
I tried to be spontaneous. In doing so I chose to meet Snoopy – with no idea at all why. But when I think now about it, Snoopy was a cool and adventurous dude of a dog. He was also witty, sophisticated, sarcastic, loving, psychologically adept, a fighter for world peace, able to control his life, a writer of deep thoughts, a friend to small birds, and he loved to dance!
I knew these things, but never really sat around to think about them all together. I think I and Snoopy have a lot in common, but I still have things to learn from him. I just began thinking where would we meet, and seeing in my mind that he is also a connoisseur of fine restaurants. Perhaps he would fly me to Paris, wearing his cape and mustache translate for me to the maitre de.
I am definitely going to explore allowing my subconscious to offer me more suggestions and instead of questioning the thoughts, see the abundance of relationships to the answer.
January 31, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Maria Marshall
That was fun. Especially if you do it twice, with the second time restricted to being silly. Invention – Super Soaker Planet Cooler. Thanks Samantha for the questions and inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Eva NMN Felder
This is my first time in Storystorm and you are right Samantha, INSPIRATION is everywhere. Your game of questions is fantastic.
Memorable dreams?
1.-Write Picture books (I started on January 18, 2021)
2.-Go Skydiving like Vivian Kirkfield (once I dare)
3.-Ride a bicycle (still a dream)
Thanks for a wonderful and inspiring post
January 31, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Rachelle Burk
15. I would name my monster Fomo. I’d never let it miss out on ANYTHING.
January 31, 2022 at 4:36 pm
chardixon47
WOW! Love the list of 21 questions and your tips. I have to admit that question 2 stuck to me like–a Baby Ruth candy bar! I’m keeping this list to prompt me into action. Thank you, Samantha.
January 31, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Christine M Irvin
Thanks for a great month of great posts!
January 31, 2022 at 4:40 pm
goodreadswithronna
One of my earliest memories would have to be looking in my old dresser for my pink Bakelite hairbrush with black bristles. Hadn’t thought about that hairbrush in years! Thanks for sharing your terrific 21 Questions exercise.
January 31, 2022 at 4:43 pm
seschipper
Wow! Great post for Day 31! Thank you, Samantha! If I could study anything for 4 years it would be learning new languages and brushing up on the ones I have studied!
Thank you, Tara, You are absolutely amazing. Thank you for all of the inspiration you continually provide!
Hope everyone enjoyed “Storystorming”! 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 4:44 pm
srkckass
Question 4: Real – Leonardo Da Vinci or Chris Cornell, Fictional – Professor Dumbledore.
January 31, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Jenny Boyd
This post was the perfect way to wrap up StoryStorm. Great questions! I’ll keep them handy for when I need a creativity nudge.
January 31, 2022 at 4:47 pm
McKelle Anderson
The book title I spurted out was “You Bet I did!” Guess I’ll have to figure out what book that could be. Thanks for the fun exercise!
January 31, 2022 at 4:48 pm
mlyablonaolcom
My earliest memory is of chasing an orange kitten under a house, and that just gave me an idea for a story!
January 31, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Paul Brassard
Great questions, Samantha! Sounds a bit corny, but if I were an action figure I would be Mr. Nice. I would be known for strolling through cities and towns, great and small, simply greeting people and saying nice things about them. I’d be wearing slippers, jeans, and a comfortable sweater. Embroidered in large capital letters on my sweater would be: I Y C S S N A S T D S A A A ! (Thanks, Mom!)
January 31, 2022 at 4:54 pm
gayleenrabakukk
Thank you! Love these 21 questions and now my notebook is full of new ideas to write about!
January 31, 2022 at 4:58 pm
Marilyn R Garcia
I love these questions and I appreciate this simple way to get my brain unstuck. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 4:58 pm
Paul Brassard
BTW, Tara, thank you for this great StoryStorm season… I did it! One new story idea a day for the whole month (and more)!
January 31, 2022 at 5:01 pm
arndt4writing
Fun questions! Your book looks so special. I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for your post. It’s day 31! We did it, friends! Thank you so much, Tara!
January 31, 2022 at 5:02 pm
JB Wright
How fun to complete a questionnaire (!!!) and I can see how it would get you in that “flow state” perfect for StoryStorming out all your ideas. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for sharing your wealth of expertise with us. This was a great post!
January 31, 2022 at 5:06 pm
cinzialverde
Thank you Samantha! Loved this. And I am definitely going to invent a snowblower version of the roomba someday.
January 31, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Jay
Great post, full of inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
January 31, 2022 at 5:12 pm
ivankadimitrova
What a great game to get the creative juices flowing! Thank yuou so much for sharing.
January 31, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Patti Ranson
If I woke up and had a pet monster, I’d first make it brush its teeth then I’d name it Fluffy (I get to assume he has lots of hair, right?)
Thank you Samantha:)
January 31, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Amy Newbold
Fun questions! I’d study archaeology (#12). Thanks for a great Day 31 post.
January 31, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Sue
I love playing “What If…”. I love asking kids what is their super power. Many don’t realize they have a super power. Tara, I am sorry to see this come to an end and what an ending!! Thanks to all!
January 31, 2022 at 5:23 pm
Rebecca Ralfe
My pet monster would be called Berg.
January 31, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Judith Snyder
I have always wanted to meet Jane Yolen, but I would also like to hear her tell a story or two. She has been my “mentor text” since the 80s when writing folklore was fashionable. (Loved the 21 Questions–came up with multiple story ideas and themes.) Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 5:31 pm
mona861
I talked to you, out loud, while answering the questions. What a great prompt game or get to know your character game. Thank you. And I’m so sad this is the last day of StoryStorm. Thanks to Tara Lazar for sliding us right into a new year with all the many featured guests and their helpful writing ideas and twists.
January 31, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Thanks for the list of questions, Samantha, Twix is definitely the best Halloween candy!
Huge thanks, Tara, for hosting Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Samantha, for a post full of inspiration – sure to get us to 30 ideas and beyond!
January 31, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Matt Tesoriero
First thing that comes to my mind is WAHOO! WE DID IT! WE REALLY DID IT! Phew. I fell better now.
January 31, 2022 at 5:36 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
Love the brainstorming game! I would NEVER jump out of an airplane on a dare!
January 31, 2022 at 5:36 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Samantha, for asking 21 questions. Some may have inspired a PB idea. StoryStorm ended with a great post.
January 31, 2022 at 5:36 pm
Stephanie D Jones
yes! I’m ready to play! Thanks, Samantha.
January 31, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you Samantha for the fun post! Definitely got me thinking. Wonderful way to close out Storystorm for another year. Felt like a barrage of fireworks going off 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 5:39 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Thanks for the list of inspiring questions, they’re awesome! And a big thanks to Tara for hosting StoryStorm!
January 31, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Jan Milusich
Thanks for the enthusiastic encouragement Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Abigail Perry
Love these questions!
January 31, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Samantha, for your 21 Questions exercise. I enjoyed completing it and look forward to revisiting it maybe every three months. I also look forward to reading your books.
Happy New Year and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 31, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Thanks so much for your entertaining and thought provoking questions, Samantha Berger. Hershey’s dark bitter sweet chocolate has to be the best Halloween candy but when I thought about answerinh the questions a second time, I picked Hershey’s Almond Joy bars!
January 31, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Hilary Margitich
Love this so much! I would never jump from a high height on a dare. I am just too old for that now and I value all of my bones and ligaments.
January 31, 2022 at 5:59 pm
Buffy Silverman
Fun exercise. Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 6:01 pm
viviankirkfield
Love the questions, Samantha…and love your What If? book…I already have my own copy.
Favorite Halloween candy…ha…I love them all…but the favorite has to be KitKat bar.
January 31, 2022 at 6:02 pm
girlscout72091
Thanks for this wonderful list of ideas! You are a superstar. Thanks for helping us believe we are too.
January 31, 2022 at 6:03 pm
Sally McClure
That was fun! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Dannielle Viera
What if … I won this prize? That would be amazing!
January 31, 2022 at 6:07 pm
Elizabeth Kalasinsky
What fun questions! Thanks for this post.
January 31, 2022 at 6:10 pm
TL Fales
Best Halloween candy? Chocolate. Chocolate is always the answer.
January 31, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Penny Schneider
Best Halloween candy, peanut m&ms!
January 31, 2022 at 6:24 pm
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
Great idea!
January 31, 2022 at 6:26 pm
Teresa Traver
If they made an action figure of me, it would for sure be wearing sweat pants and a baggie tshirt.
January 31, 2022 at 6:34 pm
AC Perry
My pet monster would be named Roxie. Also, I might adopt the name Storystormtrooper. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 6:35 pm
Susan Wollison
If I was having a book come out tomorrow I’d call it “Please please like me.”
January 31, 2022 at 6:35 pm
cbcole
Love your 21 questions. Favorite Halloween candy is Midnight Milky Ways.
January 31, 2022 at 6:37 pm
matike2209
What a fun post! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Elayne
Wow, this month really flew by! Thank you for giving me both the excuse and motivation to actively work on brainstorming story ideas, instead of just doing the ad-hoc mess notations on whatever that I normally do. Loved this whole process and am looking forward to putting some of these bad gals to use!
January 31, 2022 at 6:57 pm
Julie Murphy
Yippee! We did it! Thanks for this fun post, thanks to Tara for running the whole shebang, and thanks to all contributors. Hey, thanks to us too for making a cool Storystorm community. Happy writing in 2002, everyone. 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 6:59 pm
Julie Murphy
Typo! 🙂 I meant 2022 of course!
January 31, 2022 at 7:02 pm
Tammi Beck
Yay! Thank you for the ideas and your time. 🙏🏻 Good luck to you too! Best
January 31, 2022 at 7:04 pm
kdgwrites
Awesome!. Yes I did answer all the questions. Which did leave me to a great idea. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 7:04 pm
Lonna Hill
What a fun game! Congrats, everyone, for finishing StoryStorm 2022!
January 31, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great questions! I love them and they generated some good ideas. Thank you! Congrats on all your books.
January 31, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Deslie English
I am impressed by your ability to create a high energy post of the game 21 questions. I am smiling and feel inspired to create my own list of questions.
January 31, 2022 at 7:06 pm
nycbgriffin
Thanks for a great and inspiring month. If I could, I’d give you a pack of Swedish Fish, the best Halloween Candy.
January 31, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Anna Brooks
Best Halloween candy—Mounds! Dark chocolate? Yum! Coconut? Yum! Likely to be ignore by children so it’s easy to steal, and no one else eats from the package you got “for trick or treaters”? Win-win! Thank you for the inspiring questions!
January 31, 2022 at 7:12 pm
John I.
What thing is totally unfair? That 9 was impersonating 6 and said that 7 8 him!!
January 31, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Janna MacLean
I’m going to play 21 questions with each of my daughter’s and my husband and see where that takes me. Thanks!!
January 31, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Pamela Brunskill
What a fun game and fabulous post to end Storystorm 2022. Thanks for the brainstorming ideas. Congrats on all your publications!
January 31, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Awesome list thank you so much!
January 31, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Jessica Milo
#7: If you could throw any kind of theme party, which one would you pick?
Harry Potter themed party, for sure!
Lovely post and great questions!! Thank you Tara for this incredibly fun month of Storystorm and to Samantha for her post!! ❤
January 31, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Chelle Martin
Best Halloween candy – Ghirardelli, Lindt or Godiva chocolate
January 31, 2022 at 7:33 pm
Renata Wurster
Fun game! I think I’ll try it with my kids too:)
January 31, 2022 at 7:34 pm
semorber80
Samantha, this is a fantastic exercise!
Favorite questions:
4–Maya Angelou or Brené Brown
5–Create!
10–keep losing teeth
11–Badass & Braveheart
21–Set Up To Heal
January 31, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Meredith Fraser
#15….definitely name him Wilber. Half elephant, half kangaroo and bright pink with yellow tail and rainbow legs. He and I would go everywhere helping any animal in need of assistance.
Thank you for sharing today.
Huge thank you to Tara for this whole month!
January 31, 2022 at 7:36 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
#3 In my time capsule, I’d put my best story ideas so I can see which ones make it to a published story!
January 31, 2022 at 7:38 pm
imeldauk
Tada!
January 31, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Diana Marie Linton
If you woke up tomorrow and could be an instant EXPERT at something—what thing would you pick >> I think dancing! I know the visual arts can come back to me by doing the work, but I would love to have that natural rhythm and ability to express through the movement of dance!
January 31, 2022 at 7:39 pm
Diana Marie Linton
If you woke up tomorrow and could be an instant EXPERT at something—what thing would you pick >> Dance!
January 31, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Megan Whitaker
I would never ever skydive. I can’t imagine jumping out of a perfectly good plane. Great list of questions!
January 31, 2022 at 7:43 pm
Andi Chitty
What fun questions, thank you Samantha!! So many ideas flowing!
January 31, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Diane M
Great way to end a good month of generating idea storms. I love a good question and you provided some good ones. Thanks Samantha.
And Thanks Tara – for another great January of writerly comaraderie generating kid lit ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 7:46 pm
Amanda
Thanks for the fun game to get us writing!
January 31, 2022 at 7:46 pm
Janet Smart
Thanks, you gave me my last idea!
January 31, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Charles Burress
4. If you could meet anyone, real or fictitious, who would you pick? My muse! I keep hoping she/he will pay a visit some day.
January 31, 2022 at 7:59 pm
Traci Huahn
What a great set of questions – this was so fun!! So hard to pick which one to share, but I’ll choose #18-If you could invent anything–what would it be? I’d invent a machine that would allow people to stand in the shoes of another person for a day, to truly experience and learn empathy. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Sheri Radovich
I played the game and I am stumped on many of them. Thanks for offering so many ways to inspire my thinking about new ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 8:14 pm
claudine108
I love the 21 question idea! Great to use in my classroom too!
January 31, 2022 at 8:15 pm
Lynn Becker
Favorite Halloween candy–mini Milky Ways, best frozen! Other questions are more difficult :–)
January 31, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Tonya K. Grant
WOW! Amazing post! I LOVE the questions. Question #7 – I would create a mystery themed dinner party. Hmmm. Maybe for my next birthday.
January 31, 2022 at 8:25 pm
Yvette Pais
Samantha, this game is so much fun! Thank you for sharing it with us. I just love it! Regards, Yvette
January 31, 2022 at 8:31 pm
avayeechinn
If I could get paid to do anything, it would be to READ (and that’s anything from nutrition facts on the back of the gummi bear packaging to social media to books!) What a fun post to end StoryStorm!
January 31, 2022 at 8:32 pm
writeremmcbride
Well, Samantha! What a wonderful finish to this amazing month of inspiration! I have ALWAYS wanted to invent something – something like an elaborate confluence of domino reactions that could travel from inside the house upstairs, out to the backyard down below! It would probably not be practical, but deliver wonderful little floating prizes that would parachute off the end of the final launch. Yes! What fun! Thank you for the list of questions – story-starters all!
January 31, 2022 at 8:32 pm
Colleen Dabney
Very uplifting! Your words are energy!
January 31, 2022 at 8:39 pm
chrisynthia
I would totally be wearing a house robe and slippers in my action figure. Those are comfy clothes. Thanks for a wonderful last day post.
January 31, 2022 at 8:42 pm
Sarah Meade
That was fun! Thanks for this post, Samantha! And thanks, Tara, for another super Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Carrie Tillotson
What great questions! Thank you, Samantha.
January 31, 2022 at 8:51 pm
Lorraine Marwood
Loved the prompts, I often free write with them, and see what comes- such a pleasure to take part in this Storystorm, we all need ideas and determination. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Allyson
THANK YOU! I have new ideas, new strategies and a few promising titles. This was my first experience with story storm and a refreshing one for sure. 30 bullets and 30 possibilities.
January 31, 2022 at 8:58 pm
Becki Kidd
Baby Ruth is my favorite Halloween Candy. It’s chocolatey, chewy, and nuts give it a little crunch. Thanks for the 21-questions.
January 31, 2022 at 8:58 pm
Sarah Lontine
Fun, I will play with my family tonight! If I could get paid to do anything, it would definitely be reading books. Not reviewing or critiquing them, just reading them. And maybe discussing them over lunch with other book-loving souls. 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Leslie Santamaria
#14. I’d wish for huge book contracts for all Storystormers! Thank you, Samantha.
January 31, 2022 at 9:05 pm
Tracy Schuldt Helixon
1. A turtleneck. (It’s winter in Wisconsin, and I am always cold.)
Thank you so much for these fun ideas!
January 31, 2022 at 9:07 pm
tinamcho
Fun questions. Thank you, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 9:09 pm
rindabeach
I’m a retired teacher, and I LOVE questions! I copied and pasted your idea for later. Here’s to later!
January 31, 2022 at 9:10 pm
Susan Contreras
I’m so excited to take my ideas and run!
January 31, 2022 at 9:10 pm
ingridboydston
I admit it, I skimmed the questions so I can play it later with my resident former 5 year old! I can’t wait for the fun, and hopefully, the inspirations! Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
Yay, thank you so much, Samantha, what a way to end Storystorm! So many ideas, and my favorite questions were of course the superhero ones. Good luck to everyone with their books, and I’m so happy that now I have pages and pages of ideas and stories! 🙂
January 31, 2022 at 9:13 pm
Jeanne Cherney
Forest ranger
January 31, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for your list of questions. I have several answers for most of them, except #14. I know the one thing I would wish for.
January 31, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Andrea MacDonald
Nice wrap-up, Samantha! Rockets are unquestionably the best Halloween candy invented, although I thought a little birdie told me they weren’t so much a thing in the US. Happy Trails.
January 31, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Cassie Bentley
I love the list of questions and see how as you change the answers can change. Great list to compare answers year to year. Thank you.
January 31, 2022 at 9:31 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
The answer to one of the questions is: A picture of my dog. Guess which one.
January 31, 2022 at 9:31 pm
setwiggs
My first memory is at the Ice Capades in Detroit. The skaters and their costumes were amazing. It is time to stand up for someone when they can’t stand up for themselves. sometimes it may mean distracting a parent who’s had a frustrating day.
sue
January 31, 2022 at 9:33 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you for the final Storystorm post, Samantha.
Suzy Leopold
January 31, 2022 at 9:36 pm
kskeesling
What a fun game! My kiddo would love this! Thanks for the good fun, way to go out on a high note!
January 31, 2022 at 9:37 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Fun exercise! Thx
January 31, 2022 at 9:43 pm
Penny Taub
What a fun game. My kids will love this! Thank you. I love 3 Musketeers Bars are the best.
January 31, 2022 at 9:44 pm
kirstenbockblog
Yay for 2022! If I could invent anything, it would be a robot that gets my kids ready for school in the morning. Maybe they would listen to it!
January 31, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Trine Grillo
I love, love, love these questions!! Thanks for the game!
January 31, 2022 at 10:00 pm
Charles Trevino
I vote for Polly Pocket to be in a Picture Book!
January 31, 2022 at 10:02 pm
Wilma Krause Brucker
What thing is totally unfair.Answer: That good young people get incurable diseases and die.
January 31, 2022 at 10:02 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
If I could meet anyone: Joan of Arc.
January 31, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Kaye Baillie
Thanks for the final post, Samantha. So glad Tara keeps Storystorm going each year. Time to look at my 21 answers and see what I like.
January 31, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
So much fun! I love 21 Questions – what a great way to get the juices flowing. Thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 10:14 pm
Mary Wagley Copp
Love everything about this post. Favorite Halloween candy: thin mints!!
January 31, 2022 at 10:16 pm
jbbower
I love this! Thanks for this fun and inspirational post. I say hooray for 2022 too! And, if I could wish for anything, I would wish for peace, health and happiness for everyone! Best of luck to all you Storystormers!!
January 31, 2022 at 10:19 pm
angelapadron
Thanks for this post – really got me thinking.
January 31, 2022 at 10:21 pm
Nazanin Ford
A great way to end the month! I have really enjoyed this challenge (my first year doing it!) and it has truly been a great start to my writing year. Thank you for ideas to last me all of 2022. (I love all the questions!!)
January 31, 2022 at 10:26 pm
steveheron
Yay! Nailed! Done and dusted. Thanks for all the inspiration.
January 31, 2022 at 10:31 pm
cristina ergunay
ty, samantha! best halloween candy – twizzlers. without a doubt.
January 31, 2022 at 10:45 pm
rosihollinbeck
Interesting questions. Fun game. And what a terrific month it has been. Thanks for a great finish.
January 31, 2022 at 10:53 pm
shirley301
Thanks for a great finish and fun way to generate ideas.
January 31, 2022 at 10:59 pm
susanzonca
What a fun game! Totally going to try this with the fam! In answer to question #21 “Finally, it’s THAT day!” Samantha, thank you for sharing a unique way to get the creative juices flowing on day 31! Bravo!
January 31, 2022 at 11:01 pm
calepage
11: Dad
Thanks for a great post!
January 31, 2022 at 11:05 pm
claireannette1
Fun questions and the perfect post to end Storystorm 2022!
I made a copy of the questions – guess what we’ll playing at the dinner table tonight.
January 31, 2022 at 11:08 pm
Brinton Culp
Oh my goodness, what a fun way to end Storystorm! Thanks for the great post! Yay!
January 31, 2022 at 11:09 pm
syorkeviney
I’ll wear a sloppy sweater as I feast on PB cups, and encapsulate my legal pads of loads of silly stuff. If I could see my gram right now, I know just what she’ll say, “Go see the world, do what you love, create new things and play.” Many thanks for this final challenge which allowed me to a little look back and a little dream forward. Many thanks for the daily inspiration, Tara and friends. Last year was my first deep dive into the craft of writing and, this year I will dedicate to silly and surprising ideas. I am so thankful for this supportive community.
January 31, 2022 at 11:10 pm
SCody
What a fun way to bring it all back around! I love this! I must admit that my answers this evening were mostly from my that-was-a-super-exhausting day perspective (my superhero costume would be sweatpants and dangly earrings… ummmmm??!!). I’ll definitely play again and see where my mind takes me. Thanks for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 11:17 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Love this so much! Thank you so much for stopping by and for this great brainstorming exercise!
January 31, 2022 at 11:18 pm
Shannon LaPuma
Peanut Butter Cups!
January 31, 2022 at 11:21 pm
kristiniebla
So now I want to write a story about a monster named Buzzy Foo…thank you for the refreshable game, Samantha (we are huge fans of Crankenstein) and Tara for the whole month!
January 31, 2022 at 11:25 pm
Danni Schloss
Earliest memory? The first time I was allowed to walk by myself (while my mom watched) to my friend’s house next door. Thought I was the COOLEST. Great question list to spark ideas and conversation. Thank you for a fun finale!
January 31, 2022 at 11:26 pm
Devyn
Such a fun game! Thank you for sharing this and for Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 11:29 pm
Jocelyn Rish
These are some fantastically inspiring questions! And a Dingo-Chihuahua mix might just be the coolest mutt I’ve heard of!
January 31, 2022 at 11:30 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
This was so much fun! Earliest memory – finger painting with my Mom. Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 11:33 pm
Elizabeth Metz
My earliest memory (I… think? It’s possible this is a manufactured memory…) is eating cookies instead of healthy food in the hospital cafeteria when my sister was born, because Mom was a little too busy to object.
Thanks for wrapping us up on an inspiring note, Samantha!
January 31, 2022 at 11:34 pm
Viviane Elbee
These questions were so much fun! Best Halloween candy – fancy chocolate
January 31, 2022 at 11:35 pm
Susan Cabael
Teleportation!
January 31, 2022 at 11:37 pm
Lisa M. Horn
Best Halloween candy- Twix bars
Thank you so much! You had my attention with the Muppets! Love them! Your 21 questions game is fantastic! The ideas are churning already.
January 31, 2022 at 11:37 pm
Amy Mucci
We asks questions like this all the time at school! So fun and great to hear what students say
January 31, 2022 at 11:40 pm
JEN Garrett
First thing that popped into my head on the real or fictitious person I would want to meet was Anne of Green Gables. (But really I just want to visit Prince Edward Island in real life)
Fun Exercise, and the perfect post for the last day!
January 31, 2022 at 11:44 pm
Alia K.
Fun Q’s! I’d name my monster Monica after a story I’ve written.
January 31, 2022 at 11:44 pm
calliebdean
At first I read “There are no stakes” as “There are no SNAKES.” And that became its own story idea! But to answer one of the questions —my most memorable dream was about a walrus flying a plane. (And there’s another idea! Thank you!)
January 31, 2022 at 11:46 pm
Marcia Berneger
Question #4 Almost all my life I’ve wanted to meet Paul McCartney. He would definitely be my number one choice.
January 31, 2022 at 11:48 pm
dedra davis
That was fun, and I would meet Dolly Parton because I’m a board member of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Waco!! I’ll miss you tomorrow, Storystorm!
January 31, 2022 at 11:50 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Great list for inspiration!
January 31, 2022 at 11:50 pm
Chayala Nachum
My answer to #16: languages!
Thank you for this amazing post and for an amazing #storystorm!!!!
January 31, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Shan
Have you heard of Duolingo? Free, structured and motivational. With lots of languages to choose from. All you need is time…
January 31, 2022 at 11:51 pm
Sandy Perlic
What a nice way to wrap up this year’s posts! Thanks for the prompts.
January 31, 2022 at 11:55 pm
Shan
If I could invent anything it would be an electronic personal assistant to help me with all my other electronic personal assistants, like my iPhone, iPad, social media etc.. A sort of meta-PA. No delays, no complaints and no mistakes.
January 31, 2022 at 11:58 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
If I could get paid to do anything, it would be either reading, writing, or music, which tells me I’m on just the right path and to stick to it! Lots of great insights and ideas from this list, and this amazing month of StoryStorming! Thank you Tara and all the contributors! We’re ready to storm into 2022 thanks to all of you!
February 1, 2022 at 12:07 am
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Thanks for the motivation! What is the BEST Halloween candy?
Kit Kat!
February 1, 2022 at 12:10 am
Yaa
#5- I would appear in Billlie and NCT music videos.
February 1, 2022 at 12:13 am
Linda Sakai
#4: I would like to meet Jesus and Abraham Lincoln. Great prompts and a wonderful StoryStorm!
February 1, 2022 at 12:15 am
Kathy Crable
Thanks Samantha for a whole lotta fun today!
February 1, 2022 at 12:22 am
Laurie Seaford
My pet monster name–Pepper. I have no idea why, but you know he must spice up things. That’s the beauty of your questions. They elicit interesting responses. Thank you, Samantha.
February 1, 2022 at 12:23 am
Kate
Love this finale! Helps to keep the creativity going with this new game!
Brilliant.
February 1, 2022 at 12:28 am
Susan Jobsky
My action figure will be wearing leggings, a baggy t-shirt, and athletic shoes, comfortable clothes. My brain doesn’t work when my clothes are uncomfortable.
February 1, 2022 at 12:55 am
Susan Schade
Way to finish the Storystorm challenge and keep the brainstorm going! Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 12:59 am
Celeste Turner
Samantha I want to send a shout out to you for 80 BOOKS. That for me is inspirational and the question game was a bonus. Thanks for sharing.
February 1, 2022 at 1:00 am
Haley Thomas
Love all the questions–thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 1:00 am
Liesl Couperthwaite
Question 13, the DARE… That was easy to answer but it could be an idea for a story. I have a horror of Bungi Jumping. Thanks for all the tips. I have kept all the posts and will refer back to them when needing inspiration.
February 1, 2022 at 1:14 am
roberta abussi
This post felt as good as a therapy session. I didn’t think, I only answered, and I loved it!
Question 7: If you could throw any kind of theme party, which one would you pick? I would pick Mary Poppins. She has been a very important part of my childhood.
February 1, 2022 at 1:22 am
Trenise Ferreira
Love this idea of gameify-Ing idea creation!
PS as a child of what I think of as the golden age of Nickelodeon, thank you so, so much for being a part of bringing some of my favorite shows to life!
February 1, 2022 at 1:27 am
Mary Nelson
Thank you all for Storystorm! I have a lot of work to do now….
Candy Corn rules!
February 1, 2022 at 1:33 am
JaNayBW
Fun questions!
Thanks for sharing!
February 1, 2022 at 1:42 am
wyszguy
Great prompts! Thanks!
February 1, 2022 at 1:48 am
Savannah Rogers
How fun that you and your friend have played this game so long!! These are great questions. Can’t wait to try it out, and to read your books! Thank you.
February 1, 2022 at 1:58 am
Krysta Zeiset
I loved playing your game so much! You write with so much wit… and who can resist a post that starts out with a Kermit gif?! ❤️ Have a great 2022 as well!
February 1, 2022 at 2:02 am
Jennifer Broedel
This game is so energizing! I feel like it would be useful as a monthly exercise, to generate drafts all year long!
February 1, 2022 at 2:39 am
Chiara Beth Colombi (@ChiaraBColombi)
If I could switch places with one person for a day, I would switch places with my husband so I can understand him even more deeply than I already do. Corny? Perhaps. Honest? That, too. 🙂 Thanks for this great post!
February 1, 2022 at 2:41 am
Denise Engle
I loved playing that game!!!
February 1, 2022 at 3:00 am
Megan McNamara
1) My action figure would be wearing glasses! (Also, I love the book WHAT IF…)
February 1, 2022 at 3:08 am
Terri Sabol
1. If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing? Boxing gloves
February 1, 2022 at 3:14 am
Kassy Keppol
If you woke up and had a friendly pet monster, what would you name them?
Algernon
February 1, 2022 at 3:19 am
Brandon Rodriguez
I loved your questions. Definitely going to answer them every couple of weeks/months to see if any have changed. As for question #7, I would have a dungeons and dragons themed party, where everyone has to dress up like their character, while going through an adventure in a dungeon with rooms like a haunted house or escape room.
Thanks for hosting this month of fun idea generators. I’m so glad I heard about it.
February 1, 2022 at 3:20 am
Brandon Rodriguez
That last part was for Tara. But thanks for giving us the last day’s worth of ideas.
February 1, 2022 at 3:47 am
Mary Malhotra
Thanks for the post, Samanths!! and thank you for all the trermendous inspiration you pulled together again this year, Tara!
If they made an action figure of me, it would be wearing glasses. None of this Clark-Kent-taking-them-off-to-be-a-hero! I do my most heroic stuff while wearing glasses.
February 1, 2022 at 3:50 am
rozanark
Fab exercise to unlock the brain, thank you for this!
February 1, 2022 at 5:07 am
Finding Damo
My famous real or fake person I wanted to meet was a genie, which meant that when I ask them for a wish it would be to have a publisher pick up one of my books.
February 1, 2022 at 5:08 am
Jennifer
#3 If you made a time capsule today, what’s one thing you would put inside?
An old finished sketchbook. It’s filled with my ideas, thoughts, frustrations, drawings and truly captures what I was like at one point in my life.
Thanks for the fun questions 🙂
And thanks to Tara as well! This was my first Storystorm and I enjoyed it so much. I actually drafted a little story out of this month, was not expecting that. Will definitely join again next year
February 1, 2022 at 5:09 am
sareenmclay
Thanks, that was great fun! I’ve never put myself and ‘superhero’ in the same sentence so that was interesting! Love your positivity!
February 1, 2022 at 5:15 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Ouuuu, I’ll have to try this exercise out sometime. Thank you for the practical game and way to think through possible ideas!
February 1, 2022 at 5:55 am
Joellen Raderstorf
Fricken awesome list, Samantha! Makes me want to be friends with Desmond too!
#1 Rainbow 🌈 polka dots
#2 Definitely 100 Grand bars
#18 Love bombs!
February 1, 2022 at 6:46 am
Sue Newton
Question 18 – what would you invent? I put an eco friendly nappy disposal unit! God knows where that came from – my babies are 20 and 25!
Thanks so much Samantha for such a fun post!
February 1, 2022 at 6:56 am
Nadine Poper
These 21 questions are an amazing idea generator to be used over again. Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 7:01 am
Leila Boukarim
What a perfect way to end Storystorm! Such a fun and inspiring game!
February 1, 2022 at 7:18 am
Tamara Rittershaus
My friendly monster would be Buzz. Or Fuzz. Or Fuzzy Buzz. I can’t wait to play 21 Questions with my Little Ones, because I feel like their answers would be far more inspiring than mine!
February 1, 2022 at 7:37 am
readmybook2002
Thank you for everyone’s wisdom for another GREAT Storystorm. Thank you Tara.
February 1, 2022 at 7:40 am
Lori
#2. Chocolate 🙌 Great post! Thanks for the fun idea to do with my daughter!
February 1, 2022 at 7:56 am
Lindsay Moretti
Such a fun way to end Storystorm! Thank you for all the inspiration to kick off 2022.
February 1, 2022 at 7:57 am
René Bartos
Great post! I love the 21 question idea. Thanks!
February 1, 2022 at 8:52 am
Sarah
The best halloween candy is chocolate! Thanks for the post. It got me thinking!
February 1, 2022 at 9:02 am
Laura Bower
Thank you Samantha! I can’t wait to play 21 questions. I am inspired (and the Muppet gifs are making me happy!) Congratulations on What If… It looks beautiful!
February 1, 2022 at 9:08 am
Lisa Healy
This game is so much fun!
Here’s my response to the question, “If you could throw any kind of theme party, which one would you pick?”
I would throw a book launch party!👏🏻
February 1, 2022 at 9:18 am
Anita M Banks
My monster, Ed and I would go on a road trip.
February 1, 2022 at 9:59 am
Lisa Kingsford
My action figure would wear a long (yet bicycle-friendly) flowing skirt and a Renaissance-era hooded cape. This is fun! 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 10:12 am
melissamiles1
Great exercise!
February 1, 2022 at 10:18 am
topangamaria
Quite the curious grand finale with your 21 Question Mind Probe. #20) When is it time to stand up = NOW. #4) Who y’wanna meet = Abe Lincoln…
February 1, 2022 at 10:26 am
Susan Lorene
Where does a leaf go when picked up by the wind?
February 1, 2022 at 10:49 am
marybeningo
Wooooo I loved this 21 questions! Very inspirational – this might be my new go to for idea generators :). Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 11:03 am
Michelle Steinberg
#7. I would host an “Office” theme party based on the t.v. series (British or U.S.). Thanks for the questions to get the brain stormin”.
February 1, 2022 at 11:04 am
Aimee Jenkins
8. My 8 year old son. I would love to experience the world through his eyes.
February 1, 2022 at 11:07 am
Beauty Out Of Ashes
Yay we made it again!! I am seeing the world anew all over again through the eyes of my grands and writing down all the cute and wise things they say!
February 1, 2022 at 11:13 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
What a fun post!!
#15. My friendly pet monster would be called “Clawed.”
February 1, 2022 at 11:39 am
Rita Jane
Aw, thank you, Samantha. That was so fun to play! And you reminded me of this TERRIFYING dream that I had as a farm kid, in which the most enormous bull would be chasing me down, so I’d go to hide in our (suddenly multi-storey) house and I’d think I was safe until his huge eye, as big as the window, would suddenly appear through the pane. Ahhhhhh! EVERYBODY RUN!!
February 1, 2022 at 11:58 am
Monica Acker
A day late but two ideas blossomed from the list. Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Cheryl Johnson
No way would I go into a creepy haunted house on a dare.
February 1, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Marilyn Wolpin (@MNW51)
Samantha, thanks for your post. 12. Architecture. Thanks for the idea stimulator though I found many of those questions very hard to answer. I’ll be looking for your books. Thanks again.
February 1, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Linda Hofke
I played this with my daughter and she gave a really good answer to number 14 that gave me an idea. 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 12:39 pm
georgeandjohanna
THIS was so fun! What a perfect way to end a very inspiring month.
Johanna Peyton
February 1, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Jennifer Hunt
What a fantastic brainstorm exercise to get my ideas flowing!
February 1, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Thanks for your list. I’m printing it out!
February 1, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Darcee Freier
If I could get paid for ANYTHING, I would be so excited to be paid for my writing. LOL!
February 1, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Gabi Snyder
This was such a fun exercise. Thanks, Samantha! And the first super hero name that popped into my head was “Maybe Gabi” (rhymes).
February 1, 2022 at 1:17 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
No possible way would I jump out of an airplane!
February 1, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Cinzia
Storystorm was amazing. What a fun January! I actually looked forward to getting up each morning to find my inspiration and fire up my idea muscles. It worked. A range of picture book nuggets are inscribed in my journal and await coming to life. Thank you to Tara and all the contributors.
February 1, 2022 at 1:42 pm
serenagingoldallen
Best Halloween candy: Milky Way Dark
Fun post!!!
February 1, 2022 at 1:54 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Samantha for this! So much fun! and GREAT questions! My friendly pet monster: Shy Guy
February 1, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Heather Lee
My action figure would be wearing scrubs! Thanks for such a fun post!
February 1, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Bronte Colbert
Love the Game! Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 2:21 pm
debbiemoeller
What a fun game! I’ll definitely do this again and share with my CPs. My action figure would be wearing a blue bodysuit, red spandex pants, purple cape, a tiara, sparkly sneakers and cool techno utility belt. This is a much younger version of myself of course.
February 1, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Sheri Dillard
Aww, so fun! I’m a preschool librarian, and one of my preschoolers told me that I should pronounce my name “Ms. Shhh-eri.” I loved it! I think it’s a perfect superhero name. 🙂
February 1, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This was such a fun post! I love the 21 questions game. I want to play this game with my kids. Thanks for sharing.
February 1, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Deb McGarvey
Great questions! I’ll definitely use these again. And I came up with some fun ideas. Thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Jill Lambert
Your game was eye-opening, Samantha and I look forward to applying some of those answers to my writing. Thank you for a perfect post to end Storystorm!
February 1, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Sandie
Fun game and post. Thank you. Pet monster – Bella Mozzarella
February 1, 2022 at 5:10 pm
Lauri Meyers
That was fun! Also, What is totally unfair? PARENTING was what blurted out of my pen. I stand by it. This job is hard!
February 1, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Michele Helsel
What a fun game!
February 1, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Angela H. Dale
So many questions – love it. Questions really are the ultimate brainstorming tool.
February 1, 2022 at 5:35 pm
Melissa Stoller
That was fun! Great post for the last day. If I could be an expert on anything, I would pick space study. That will probably be something different tomorrow LOL!
February 1, 2022 at 5:50 pm
kathydoherty1
My favorite Halloween candy is TWIX. [Answer to question #2]
February 1, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Kris H
Love the questions!
February 1, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Kris H
I love the questions!
February 1, 2022 at 7:02 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Question 21 – “It’s About Time!”
February 1, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Molly Ippolito
Can’t go wrong with a brainstorming game! Love this idea..thanks so much for sharing!
February 1, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Judy Bryan
What a fun way to end Storystorm! Lots of funny answers popped into my head. Some I can’t share, lol. Thank you, Samantha! And a big thanks to Tara for another great month of Storystorm!!!
February 1, 2022 at 8:30 pm
littleseedsread
Fun questions! If I was dared to, I would NEVER EVER stick my hand into a hole in a tree, or a hole in the ground.
February 1, 2022 at 9:48 pm
Erik Ammon
I love those questions! I went with the first:
If they made an action figure of you, what would it be wearing? Jeans, a hoodie, and a baseball hat.
February 1, 2022 at 11:53 pm
Liz Godfrey
Thanks for the super set of questions! What is your earliest memory? Watching Wizard of Oz at age four. I am forever scarred but reslient.
February 2, 2022 at 12:12 am
Saba Negash
FUN!!!
17. What thing is totally unfair?
It is totally unfair that it is easy to gain weight but hard to lose it!
February 2, 2022 at 1:02 am
Charlene Avery
What if…I got tons of ideas and wild words from 21 questions…yahoo ideas! Thanks Samantha! Take care.
February 2, 2022 at 1:53 am
Huyen
Fun-Thanks! And I like the rhyme time too!
February 2, 2022 at 4:29 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks so much for this inspiring post. The earliest childhood memory kept racing from one early memory (at age 2) to all kinds of memories–good, bad, funny, and scary ones.
February 2, 2022 at 6:24 am
Freda Lewkowicz
These are great questions. Thank you.
February 2, 2022 at 7:01 am
M.R.Street
Love your list! The grossest thing I ever did was Mudfest at University of Florida. It was SO. MUCH. FUN! Also, I think your dingo-chihuahua might actually be a Carolina Dog. She’s super cute! 🙂
February 2, 2022 at 7:07 am
Kellie
I have no idea why, but if I woke up and discovered a friendly monster had adopted me, I’d call him Scuffles. It popped in my head and wouldn’t pop out. I love these questions. Thank you so much.
February 2, 2022 at 11:35 am
Susie Sawyer
Yay, Samantha!! Anytime I see words written by you I stop and read and laugh and always end up feeling better for it. This post is no exception – I LOVE your 21 questions! I plan to ask them of lots of people, to get even more fun ideas! You’re the best – congratulations on being so wonderful. 🙂
February 2, 2022 at 12:46 pm
writeknit
What a fabulous caboose for the Story Storm train of thoughts! I love your game and questions (yep, my printer is spitting them out right now). My 10 year old cousin, whom I’ve told crazy stories to since she was a toddler ,will LOVE to play and brainstorm with me. Thank you. 🙂
February 2, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
If they made an action figure of me, I’d be wearing a dress with my the covers of books all over it. It would be flattering, of course, and worn with the perfect boot!
February 2, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Antoinette Truglio Martin
I discovered Story Story a week or so ago. What a fantastic challenge. I anticipate joining in next year!
February 2, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Shannon Fossett
Fun, fun, fun! We do family dinner questions each night…I’m going to add some of these to the list! Thanks for sharing!
February 2, 2022 at 8:05 pm
supermario6
I would be Wonder Woman. complete with tight fitting outfit!
February 2, 2022 at 8:41 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Interesting questions; thanks!
February 2, 2022 at 8:42 pm
sharonkdal
I love that I get different answers each time I look at these questions! Thank you!
February 2, 2022 at 10:12 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
My creative homeschooling kiddos will love that game. I copied/pasted for them. Thank you!
February 2, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Karen Lawler
I answered ALL your questions and actually laughed out loud to myself! The answer to # 1 was a bikini !!! I looked good back in the day!! Thanks for the FUN and I am going to try these with my grandkiddies!!! 🙂
February 2, 2022 at 11:34 pm
Ann M Page
Hello from Fix-It Girl! Thanks for the fun post and thought-provoking questions!
February 2, 2022 at 11:55 pm
kbrandyberry
Thanks for the great post and awesome list of 21 questions! My pet monster would be Goobey. No idea where that came from but I’m liking it!
February 3, 2022 at 12:40 am
Stephanie Wildman
My action figure is suited up for yoga (modestly, in long sleeves and full-length yoga pants. Earliest memory, running down a path with fields of high green plants on either side (I had to be under 3 because it came out at a beach. Love the list of questions. Congrats on all of your books. Thank you.
February 3, 2022 at 7:09 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
Well, that brought up some interesting answers! Ha ha. Thanks for the post.
February 3, 2022 at 7:50 am
jimchaize1
Thanks, Samantha. I’d be an expert ventriloquist. Fun.
February 3, 2022 at 9:54 am
Sallye O'Rourke
love these questions!
February 3, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Donna Marx
Thank you for this list of amazing questions to get the ideas flowing!
February 3, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Samantha, for this fun list of questions. I agree with an earlier comment, that they can also be useful to ask our main characters to flesh out their world. (Although I have dibs on the Snickers.) Congratulations on your ongoing writing successes! And thank you Tara for all the behind-the-scenes work you do to organize and host this inspiring event. You rock!
February 4, 2022 at 1:12 am
kmajor2013
Clever list of story generating questions. I guess ” What is your earliest memory” question has got me thinking. Still downloading my thoughts on it though. Thanks for this helpful and funny post.
February 4, 2022 at 3:47 am
Sylvia Chen
wow, loved going through the 21 questions. Thank you!
February 4, 2022 at 7:28 am
yangmommy
Love the questions because we can refer to them again & again! And love your pup’s name too🐶
February 4, 2022 at 11:55 am
Angela Padron
If I could invent anything, would invent a new way to do mammograms!
February 4, 2022 at 7:57 pm
S. K. Wenger
Hands down, without a doubt, I ALWAYS follow the instructions wrong. And so, I started responding/answering the statements, which I guess were there to encourage us, and were not intended to be questions. (Thus, the lack of the question mark on them?). So for the first, There are no stakes….. I wrote: steaks. And for There are no mistakes . . . I wrote: Good! LOL. Yes, the fires are burning bright here! With Good Steaks. 🙂
February 5, 2022 at 4:57 pm
Leigh Anne Carter
This was delightful, thank you, Samantha!
February 5, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I played the 21 questions game and got some ideas out of it! Thank you for sharing your energy!
February 6, 2022 at 6:06 pm
lorisherritt
So impressed by your body of work and by your child like enthusiasm and sense of fun! What a way to end Storystorm!
February 6, 2022 at 6:57 pm
angiecal76
Loved all your fun ideas, Samantha, especially your 21 questions!
February 7, 2022 at 12:25 am
Nadia Salomon
What an awesome game. Loved the questions. I think I even surprised myself and walked away with a couple of story ideas from this…Maybe, this is where my “GRAND” idea will come from! Thank you!
February 7, 2022 at 10:56 am
triciacandy
Thank you so much! I love this game!
February 7, 2022 at 11:12 am
Debbie Meneses
Question # 6 asks, What is your earliest memory? I remember a heavy rainstorm while living in Japan. My mother and I lived several blocks from my Aunt Kiku’s neighborhood home and store. My mother decided for the two of us to walk home. Mama decided to wrap me in a blanket and carry me so that I would get less wet. I felt so protected by her in that few minutes. I remember that and when I told her this memory, Mama was surprised.
Cheers to all the StoryStormers that made it through all the January days. I am feeling accomplished that I made it through to the end as well.
February 7, 2022 at 11:12 am
Debbie Meneses
Question # 6 asks, What is your earliest memory? I remember a heavy rainstorm while living in Japan. My mother and I lived several blocks from my Aunt Kiku’s neighborhood home and store. My mother decided for the two of us to walk home. Mama decided to wrap me in a blanket and carry me so that I would get less wet. I felt so protected by her in that few minutes. I remember that and when I told her this memory, Mama was surprised.
Cheers to all the StoryStormers that made it through all the January days. I am feeling accomplished that I made it through to the end as well.
February 7, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Anne Young
My action figure is dressed in something involving pink (and other bright colours), spots and wings. Fun game.
February 7, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Archaa S
Had so much fun with this prompt!
February 11, 2022 at 10:31 pm
Kelly Vavala
If I could meet anyone in the world it would be Walt Disney! Thank you Tara!