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Storystorm 2023 Day 1: Tara Lazar Presses “Play”

January 1, 2023 8:00 am

by Tara Lazar

December 2022 will forever be known to me as “The Month of YouTube.”

In the afternoons, I’d settle into my comfy blue couch and flip on the Smart TV, which now lives and looms above my fireplace mantle. You can’t escape its Black Mirror pull.

At first, I watched videos of dog and cat rescues, my own adopted kitty Phoebe purring upon my lap. But then, the algorithm would serve up other items of interest, like tours of available New York City apartments, reviving the search from when our daughter moved this summer.

Cue the artsy stuff. Maybe NYC brought it forth.

I found videos on pottery throwing and watercolor painting, convinced I could do both with aplomb, but I resisted the urge to purchase a wheel and expensive sable brushes, knowing the experts just make it look easy.

Then I discovered a talented man who sculpts curvaceous, realistic animal figures out of wood and epoxy resin while wielding a chainsaw. He even conjured a majestic eagle out of Styrofoam and old bicycle tires (free from any repair shop, as the shop has to pay to recycle them).

Turning wood on a lathe also became a favorite watched pastime. (Relaxing in time-lapse!) Creators even epoxy colored pencils together to turn the whole kit and caboodle into kaleidoscopic jars and bowls that have leaped onto my wish list.

I’m a fan of mid-century modern design, so furniture restoration videos surfaced. I got a thrill when a battered Lane Acclaim coffee table was purchased at a thrift store for a few dollars, then repaired and refinished into the iconic 1960’s masterpiece it once was.

Thrifting finds is what perhaps led to the treasure-hunting videos. I located a rock hound who filmed the “green sand beach” in Hawaii. The sand is actually tiny gemstones, green peridot, that have eroded from the lava rock and compressed ash surrounding the beach in horizontal striations. Perfect geological conditions formed this fascinating phenomenon.

Photo via @viespinoza Instagram

All the way across the globe, in Scotland, a British mother-daughter team of mudlarks visited a similar beach where red garnets dot the black lava granules. The beach, however, isn’t red sand, for the gemstones are less plentiful and much more evasive. You slide your hand along the top layer of dark stones to spot a tiny crimson glint.

I know what you’re thinking—“what’s a mudlark?” I thought the same, so I visited their channel, Northern Mudlarks, to find out.

Back in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, mudlarks scavenged for items of value to resell. These items were embedded along the muddy banks of the River Thames, detritus buried from garbage dumped into the water. Mudlarking was an occupation for the poor and destitute, often orphans who lived in the streets and scrambled into the water whenever a passerby tossed a coin to tease them.

If your face is all screwed up in disgust, I beg you to reconsider. In modern times, mudlarks are amateur historians. The foreshore holds onto a plethora of secrets mudlarks unearth.

In Scotland, not only do mudlarks ramble along river banks, but they roam former bottle dumps that have grown decades of forests atop them, covering pressed glass and spongeware pottery with verdant landscape. With a few scoops of a shovel and a scrape of trowel, cobalt blue poison bottles featuring molded bands and the warning “not to be taken” reveal themselves. Heavy ceramic marmalade jars roll into view along with embossed bottles disclosing names of defunct Victorian companies who peddled strange elixirs and medicinal tinctures lost to time (and scientific sensibility). Metal jewelry like Albert chains, watch bezels, dress clips, brass rings and sterling silver Chatelaines mix within the mud and glass.

But my favorite mudlark find? No, not the gold sovereign. Frozen Charlottes!

Photo via Northern Mudlarks

Photo via Northern Mudlarks

Frozen Charlottes were small, inexpensive bisque porcelain dolls, molded in one piece, without articulated, movable limbs—sometimes referred to as “penny dolls” or “pudding dolls”.  (“Penny dolls” because of their modest cost; “pudding dolls” because they were baked into the Christmas pudding as a holiday treat to “unwrap”.)

They are truly the “needle in the haystack” discovery, some no bigger than a pinky finger. Occasionally a Frozen Charlotte still displays glazed pink cheeks, ruby lips, and raven hair—a glossed beauty starkly contrasting the dirt and rubble in which she was found.

But why is she named “Frozen Charlotte”? The 1843 poem A Corpse Going to a Ball by Seba Smith reveals the morbid (and yet slightly humorous?) answer.

And thus, “Frozen Charlotte” became my final picture book idea of 2022.

I completed a podcast interview with author Mel Rosenberg a few days ago where he mentioned that he doesn’t believe our conscious minds can fully understand from where we get ideas. I try to explain it like the 1980’s pop hit by The Fixx, “One Thing Leads to Another”.

Or, perhaps, one YouTube leads to another.

Some people are rattled by browsing privacy and online algorithms; I, instead, embrace them. They pique my curiosity, which in turn, leads to surprising discoveries and new story ideas. Instead of digging through decades of dirt, I’m digging through dozens of videos.

Today, idea hunters, press play—and play around.

Tara Lazar is giving away a fiction picture book critique to one lucky Storystorm winner.

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2023 participant and you have commented only once below.

Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2023

Tags: Frozen Charlottes, Tara Lazar

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1,014 Responses to “Storystorm 2023 Day 1: Tara Lazar Presses “Play””

1. Wow, those little dolls look SO cool. I’m looking forward to hearing more about their story! And since we are sharing youtube videos worth watching…check out this one about grand central vs. Penn that I enjoyed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL47OG70XLs

   By annmdk on January 1, 2023 at 8:08 am

   1. Day 1 is off to a fun start! This is great! Thank you!

      By Heather Skinner on January 1, 2023 at 6:59 pm

      1. Interesting how one things connects to others.

         By Desi on January 1, 2023 at 9:50 pm

   2. I love this idea! I love when ideas pop into my head when I am doing something completely random. And love those little dolls. I hope to get to read your story one day!

      By Amy Moore on January 1, 2023 at 10:26 pm

2. Ooh! Please write FROZEN CHARLOTTE! I love this idea of free associating for story ideas through YouTube or other algorithms. Thanks for starting us off, Tara!

   By stiefelchana on January 1, 2023 at 8:15 am

3. It never occurred to me to find inspiration on YouTube! Thanks for the entertaining tip!!!

   By Jany Campana on January 1, 2023 at 8:16 am

4. Thank you, Tara! What a great day 1 post! I’m excited to be participating again this year! ❤️

   By Candace Spizzirri on January 1, 2023 at 8:16 am

5. Yay–so excited for day 1 of Storystorm. Thanks for running this amazing challenge every year. I LOVE it, Tara.

   I never heard of Frozen Charlotte before. I hope your PB gets published!

   By Mindy Alyse Weiss on January 1, 2023 at 8:19 am

6. Wow! What an interesting path you’ve travelled on YouTube. It just shows how, with the right mindset, ideas are everywhere! Now really want to visit those treasure forests.

   By Andrea Mack on January 1, 2023 at 8:21 am

7. Tara, thank you for taking us on your YouTube journey. You found some gems:)
   Gail Hartman

   By thecrowsmap on January 1, 2023 at 8:22 am

8. A college friend of mine actually published a book of poetry called Frozen Charlotte, and I’ve been curious about these odd little characters ever since. I’d love to see how you turn them into a picture book.

   By Ilona Bray on January 1, 2023 at 8:23 am

9. What is absolutely funny (and weird) is that I was reading something today and there was a photo attached of a little girl holding a Frozen Charlotte in her hand. I kid you not. I didn’t know what it was until now. Great idea, Tara and a wonderful way to kick off this month. Thank you.

   By Kellie on January 1, 2023 at 8:25 am

   1. I encountered two Charlottes today and then I read your post about your Frozen Charlotte. DAY 1 off to a start.

      By catpledger on January 2, 2023 at 2:25 am

10. Nice homework today. I love overly sarcastic productions.
    Damian Perry

    By Finding Damo on January 1, 2023 at 8:27 am

11. I am absolutely ready to jump down the rabbit hole, thank you for a great start!

    By Emily Gilliam on January 1, 2023 at 8:29 am

12. As always, Tara, your sense of humor is intoxicating! This post made me laugh, and made me think. I’m not much of a YouTube watcher, but perhaps I should become one. I mean, after all, it’s research! Thanks for such a great kick off to Story Storm 2023!

    By Jennifer Vose on January 1, 2023 at 8:31 am

13. Love this way of rethinking the algorithm — as a way of leading to your next interest or obsession! Thank you Tara— so ready for Storystorm 2023!

    By angkunkel on January 1, 2023 at 8:31 am

14. What an excellent beginning for the Storystorm. Ideas are all around. When I was a kid, Frozen Charlotte was a nickname we gave to a frozen custard place Abbotts (special ice cream), in a suburb of Rochester, NY by Lake Ontario named Charlotte. We used to ask our parents, “Let’s go for a frozen charlotte.” all the time.

    By readmybook2002 on January 1, 2023 at 8:31 am

15. Happy New Year! 🥳

    By jill on January 1, 2023 at 8:34 am

16. Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing. I read that some families would put coins in their pudding. I’d rather eat my pudding than worry if I’m about to break a tooth on a doll or a coin. We celebrate Mardi Gras and I always set the cake on top of the baby so it’s easier to find and with less trips to the dentist.

    By Eileen Saunders on January 1, 2023 at 8:37 am

17. Ready to watch! Lovely idea! Happy new year everyone 🥂

    By annemargreetniemeijer on January 1, 2023 at 8:38 am

18. Ready to get my hands dirty, thanks Tara!

    By maureenegan on January 1, 2023 at 8:38 am

19. Ready to get my hands dirty, thanks Tara!

    By maureenegan on January 1, 2023 at 8:38 am

20. I love the idea of mudlarks and frozen Charlotte’s! Going to see what treasure the youtube algorithm brings me.

    By Jessica Coupé on January 1, 2023 at 8:40 am

21. Thanks for the thought provoking post.

    By lee77094 on January 1, 2023 at 8:40 am

22. Thank you Tara, for kicking off Storystorm with this entertaining and inspiring post! I hope your Frozen Charlotte makes it to the bookshelf one day. Happy New Year and happy writing!

    By Jennifer Lowe on January 1, 2023 at 8:44 am

23. OMG! I loved all of this! At first, I was like, where is this going? And then, Frozen Charlottes?! So cool! Thank you for sharing Tara! Ideas come from everywhere and I have to agree with Mel, I’m not sure we can always track down the source with our conscious minds but I’m happy to be along for the ride 🙂
    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

    By brennajeanneret on January 1, 2023 at 8:46 am

24. Great start to Storystorm, and a great reminder that our curiosity will always take us down a meandering path of potential story ideas…if we only dare to keep following it! Happy New Year!

    By calliebdean on January 1, 2023 at 8:47 am

25. How fun meandering about on YouTube turned out to be. Happy New Year.

    By Joanne B on January 1, 2023 at 8:49 am

26. As a potter, I love watching wheel throwing videos. YouTube is a great place to go to better your skills, and learn something new. Frozen Charlotte, so many possibilities Tara.
    Happy Creative New Year to all!

    By Mark Bentz on January 1, 2023 at 8:51 am

27. The research or fun watching rabbit hole is so fun and great way to ideas percolating in your head!!

    By Kelly Rice on January 1, 2023 at 8:51 am

28. Love your suggestions and especially love the little dolls! I’m so excited to begin writing down my story ideas! Maybe I’ll find inspiration on YouTube too!

    By Alice Fulgione on January 1, 2023 at 8:51 am

29. What an intriguing concept. I never heard of Frozen Charlottes. Thanks for sharing your TV research idea, and thank you for Storystorm. Ready to start the new year of writing. 😉

    By gayleckrause on January 1, 2023 at 8:52 am

30. I love how the video and/ or research rabbit hole can get our ideas percolating l!!

    By Kelly Rice on January 1, 2023 at 8:55 am

31. What a fun way to begin! You drew me in with Mudlarking and Frozen Charlotte. Using YouTube videos for inspiration is a great idea.
    Thank you Tara and Happy New Year!

    By Karen N on January 1, 2023 at 8:55 am

32. Wow, I love how the research and/or YouTube rabbit hole can get ideas percolating for us! Here’s to a great Storystorm 2023!

    By Kelly Rice on January 1, 2023 at 8:57 am

33. learned about mudlarks…had no idea, very cool!

    By 58chilihed13 on January 1, 2023 at 8:57 am

34. Thank you Tara. My first January picture book idea is foaming up to the surface.

    By kiwijenny on January 1, 2023 at 8:59 am

35. Good morning Tara! This post is an eye candy rabbit hole experience worth taking. I love the frozen Charlotte origins and poetic tale. Penny dolls to Pokemon! Every little person wants a pocket pal, imagined or real. We are mudlarkers rummaging for stories and story ideas throughout January because of you. Thank you! Happy picture book idea mudlarking!!! Hope ideas bubble up for you to enjoy draft after draft of the writing part. Cheers!

    By marty on January 1, 2023 at 9:01 am

36. Clicking random YouTube videos I think was how my husband found the channel primitive technology. It’s a guy out in the woods making huts and stuff out of the things he finds. He makes his own kiln and bricks out of the clay in the mud. It gave me an idea for one of the manuscripts I’m submitting to agents actually! 🙂 do this post is a great idea! From experience 🙂

    By Bhandi on January 1, 2023 at 9:01 am

37. Day 1!! Thank you for this, Tara. Loved your interview too, and learning about some of your early days! I love the rabbit holes for idea generation too. Here’s to a great start to the year. —Rosanna

    By romontanaro on January 1, 2023 at 9:02 am

38. Thanks. I love the green beach! And mudlarking.

    By reluctantspy on January 1, 2023 at 9:04 am

39. I too have fallen prey to the dark hole that is YouTube! So glad to know I’m not alone!

    By Jennifer on January 1, 2023 at 9:06 am

40. Love the language of mudlarks and frozen charlotte! Looking forward to going down my own rabbit hole searching for ideas online!

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    By murrelld on January 1, 2023 at 9:07 am

41. What a fun idea!

    By janet_christensen@msn.com on January 1, 2023 at 9:08 am

42. Thanks, Tara. Fun image choices, too!

    By Kathi Morrison-Taylor on January 1, 2023 at 9:11 am

43. I never thought of using YouTube for writing inspiration before, but my family heads down that rabbit hole daily watching videos of our various hobbies. I’ll definitely follow YouTube suggestions next time and see what ideas spark. Thanks, Tara!

    By Tabitha Sims on January 1, 2023 at 9:11 am

44. Thanks for sharing your idea Tara. So excited for another Storystorm!

    By srkckass on January 1, 2023 at 9:13 am

45. I learned so much just by reading this post! It’s so true that ideas are everywhere. I hope I get to read more about Frozen Charlotte after you write the book, Tara! Thanks for starting us off in a grand way.

    By rosecappelli on January 1, 2023 at 9:14 am

46. Thanks Tara, this was a fun read. I need to get myself to a peridot or garnet beach, who knew?

    By andreesantini on January 1, 2023 at 9:16 am

47. I love the idea of using YouTube for ideas! Great post!

    By Linda KulpTrout on January 1, 2023 at 9:20 am

48. Great idea! I spend lots of time following YouTube through segments of West Wing and Blind Auditions of America’s Got Talent! 🙂😎

    By lizricewrites on January 1, 2023 at 9:20 am

49. Mudlarks and Frozen Charlottes—love learning about their backgrounds!

    By Phyllis on January 1, 2023 at 9:22 am

    1. Great ideas. I loved this post

       By Giselle on January 2, 2023 at 9:25 am

50. I agree that the path we take to get to an idea could take many interesting twists and turns. Pressing play is a chance to take at the risk of being caught in a loop of unnecessary screen time. If it leads to the next great idea, then it makes it all worth it.

    By Hélène Sabourin on January 1, 2023 at 9:24 am

51. You just turned endless scrolling into a key part of the artistic process! I don’t have to feel guilty anymore! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Thanks!

    By Becca McMurdie on January 1, 2023 at 9:25 am

52. Looking forward to exploring ideas in this new year! Happy 2023!

    By Joy Pitcairn on January 1, 2023 at 9:26 am

53. Interesting, Tara! Looking forward to reading your frozen Charlotte book.

    By amyhouts on January 1, 2023 at 9:26 am

54. Great way to put the internet “rabbit hole” to good use!

    By Hollie Wolverton on January 1, 2023 at 9:32 am

55. One things leads to another and you never know what you might stumble upon. Love this 😊
    Happy New Year to all!

    By Tara Cerven on January 1, 2023 at 9:34 am

56. Mudlarks and Frozen Charlottes–love learning about these two new concepts. I sometimes browse titles on library and bookshop shelves as a way to get new ideas–as well as to find new books to read!

    By ellenramsey on January 1, 2023 at 9:35 am

57. What a fun and challenging idea. Use my mindless scrolling for good? OK!

    By Apryl Lee on January 1, 2023 at 9:35 am

58. What a great perspective! I enjoyed reading your post, and am interested in reading more about Frozen Charlotte! Happy New Year.

    By Debby Rosenfeld on January 1, 2023 at 9:35 am

59. I am with you, Tara. Some of my favorite content started as spam or clickbait. Happy New Year, friend!

    By Rachelle Burk on January 1, 2023 at 9:36 am

60. Frozen charlotte sounds amazing and creepy all at once. Cheers to the new year and all the possibilities.

    By SpeechVine on January 1, 2023 at 9:36 am

61. I have never thought to use YouTube for idea inspiration. What a great source of endless possibilities! Thank you for this, and thank you for the treasure trove that is Storystorm! Excited for my second year. May the ideas flow for all of us! Happy New Year!

    By anchance on January 1, 2023 at 9:39 am

62. Mudlark – an amazing word and an intriguing concept. I think I’m heading down a rabbit hole!

    By kyavorski on January 1, 2023 at 9:41 am

63. Can’t wait to read your Frozen Charlotte book! Thank you for this inspiration for finding new story ideas.

    By Kathleen Lowry (@lifeontamiami) on January 1, 2023 at 9:41 am

64. Thank you Tara for validating the YouTube black hole of ridiculous and yet fascinating all at once. Off to zone on YouTube looking for ideas abound

    By Reed Hilton-Eddy on January 1, 2023 at 9:43 am

65. Mudlarking! What a romantic name and hopeful adventure! Thank you for sharing your idea and inspiration with us.

    By elianny2015 on January 1, 2023 at 9:43 am

66. Frozen charlotte sounds like it would make an amazing and spooky tale. Cheers to a new year and new ideas.

    By SpeechVine on January 1, 2023 at 9:46 am

67. Finally … a justification for mindless video scrolling! Ideas are hiding everywhere!

    By Joan Kassmann on January 1, 2023 at 9:46 am

68. I really enjoyed learning about mudlarking!

    By Patricia on January 1, 2023 at 9:47 am

69. Love the way your mind works, Tara. And the way you write. Mudlarking might be this year’s sourdough!

    By Andria Rosenbaum on January 1, 2023 at 9:49 am

70. The internet, including YouTube, is a treasure trove of information – information that leads to ideas. I love the path your browsing took!

    By chaunceyelephant on January 1, 2023 at 9:51 am

71. Thank you for giving permission to browse the various forms of entertainment around us in order to “unearth” the gems of a story.

    By Becki Kidd on January 1, 2023 at 9:52 am

72. Happy 2023! And off we go! Thanks for the links and affirmation of my love for going into rabbit holes of all kinds. Here’s to a year filled with ideas that become stories and stories that become #PBs that fill kids’ hearts.

    By Joyce Uglow on January 1, 2023 at 9:52 am

73. Those little dolls do look like fun (but a little creepy?) treasures. I’m definitely curious what story you’re making from them!

    By Joni on January 1, 2023 at 9:52 am

74. Oh the places you’ll go…on YouTube!! Looking forward to more story ideas this month!

    By Patricia Franz on January 1, 2023 at 9:53 am

75. Wow, what a great way to start the new year! This was a fascinating read, Tara, thank you!

    By Kelly Jaques on January 1, 2023 at 9:55 am

76. Love those little dolls!

    By Sheila Keegan on January 1, 2023 at 9:59 am

77. Thank you! I always look forward to Storystorm. What a great way to start a new year! And I’ve already learned something–I thought frozen Charlotte was only a dessert we used to eat!

    By Linda Staszak on January 1, 2023 at 10:00 am

78. Brilliant words of inspiration to kick off the new year right – thanks Tara!

    By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 1, 2023 at 10:01 am

79. How interesting! Thank you, Tara!

    By Suz Halko on January 1, 2023 at 10:04 am

80. Ready for a month of exploration, fun and creativity!

    By Leah Marks on January 1, 2023 at 10:04 am

81. Ooh! I learned about mudlarking in The Lost Apothecary!

    An inspiring Day 1 post. I frequently get lost down a YouTube hole, I need to reframe it as idea generation!

    By Jenn on January 1, 2023 at 10:05 am

82. Thanks for getting things started Tara! Allowing inspiration to take its own road is surprising and fun. I loved following the YouTube road you laid out.

    By Mary Warth on January 1, 2023 at 10:05 am

83. Wow – I guess social media and streaming app algorithms can be advantageous to writers. Great idea Tara!

    By bgonsar on January 1, 2023 at 10:06 am

84. I usually write poetry, so I subscribe to multiple podcasts and poetry-a-day emails. I get ideas all the time. Maybe they will work for picture book ideas, too. Frozen Charlotte is fascinating and weird and just might work.

    By margaretsmn on January 1, 2023 at 10:08 am

85. This is fantastic, Tara! I have no idea what YouTube will serve up for me. Can’t wait to read about Charlotte!

    By karammitchell on January 1, 2023 at 10:13 am

86. Mudlarking and Frozen Charlotte – what a great way to start off a new Storystorm!

    By pathaap on January 1, 2023 at 10:14 am

87. Frozen Charlottes? Who knew?? Thanks for this fun idea-generating tip, and Happy New Year!

    By pbbeckyk on January 1, 2023 at 10:16 am

88. This was a very interesting idea. I too, believe that ideas can pop up from anywhere.

    By jodelle55 on January 1, 2023 at 10:17 am

89. Glad to be back with you Tara, and all the Storystormers. Mudlarking is fascinating and shares much with digging for story ideas. Sometimes the gem is quickly visible. Sometimes we have to dive in deeper, get our hands dirty, to find the prize.

    By Cathy Lentes on January 1, 2023 at 10:19 am

90. Congrats on discovering Frozen Charlottes, pottery, and mudlarking. There is so much to discover!

    By janel Caverly on January 1, 2023 at 10:19 am

91. Thank you Tara 😊

    By saintamovin on January 1, 2023 at 10:21 am

92. Love this idea!

    By kerisagreene on January 1, 2023 at 10:22 am

93. What an interesting way to find ideas. And restoring my faith in YouTube! It’s not all bad. Another take on buried treasure, although in this case “buried videos”.

    By Susan Gruidel on January 1, 2023 at 10:22 am

94. Love this idea, though limiting the amount of time spent going down rabbit holes on YouTube might be challenging!

    By kerisagreene on January 1, 2023 at 10:24 am

95. Interesting blog post. Thanks for sharing

    By Kay on January 1, 2023 at 10:24 am

96. The Frozen Charlottes are so cool! I love falling down YouTube rabbit holes, so happy to do a little of that today to find inspiration!

    By Sky on January 1, 2023 at 10:26 am

97. What a great way to kick us off Tara! Thank you!

    By Cheryl Simon (@cmsimon18) on January 1, 2023 at 10:27 am

98. Press play, and here we go! Embracing the fall down the rabbit hole … I love that. 😊

    By Heidi Chupp on January 1, 2023 at 10:31 am

99. Is this the first story prompt? When does Storystorm start? Thanks

    By jamarisinclair on January 1, 2023 at 10:33 am

100. So excited for the kickoff! I have recently found a mudlarking channel on YT, and love their videos too! It’s so fascinating.

     By Mirka Hokkanen on January 1, 2023 at 10:34 am

101. What a fantastic start to the New Year! I love this idea. Permission to persue YouTube, etc. in the name of creativity…I had not thought of that!

     By Sarah Skolfield on January 1, 2023 at 10:36 am

102. Sorry Tara,

     What do I do? What is the day 1 prompt and where do I post my writing idea? Thanks, Jane

     By jamarisinclair on January 1, 2023 at 10:36 am

     1. These posts are the daily prompts and you log your ideas privately. I collect mine in a notebook.

        By Jennifer B. Wright on January 1, 2023 at 10:54 am

        1. Hi, Jennifer, Thanks for your reply. Do I just respond to some topic from Tara’s post today as a prompt for my own idea, for example, ‘Mudlarks,’? Then I write my own idea for a story in my notebook based on this prompt. Sorry, I haven’t done this before! 😉

           By jamarisinclair on January 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

        2. Yes, Jamari! You can comment what interests you in that day’s post or just talk about your writing or passions. It’s a great community. Tara recommends keeping your story ideas to yourself though. I remember my first year and trying to figure it all out. You’ll do great. Welcome to our group!

           By Jennifer B. Wright on January 1, 2023 at 11:12 am

103. Thanks, Tara, for hosting StoryStorm. This post was all over the place full of your fun ideas and discoveries. YouTube?!?!? I’ve always approached it very directly with serious questions on how to fix things or, listen to read alouds. Because of you I’m looking outside of my usual box. Ready for new YouTube adventures. Let 2023 begin with exciting, new, brilliant ideas!

     By mona861 on January 1, 2023 at 10:37 am

104. Yes, let’s press PLAY and play! Happy January 1!

     By millerritam on January 1, 2023 at 10:37 am

105. The joy of YouTube… and now permission to go down that rabbit hole and find ideas … three already logged in less than half an hour. Boom! Thank you Tara.

     By Joan Longstaff on January 1, 2023 at 10:38 am

106. That’s such a fun tip! I find myself clicking from one tweet to another profile to another etc on Twitter for interesting tidbits, but I’ve never tried YouTube.

     Excited for a great month! Tara, thanks again for hosting and all the work you do to make this happen.

     By Heather Ray on January 1, 2023 at 10:42 am

107. Awesome idea! Happy New Year!

     By https://katiewalsh.blog/ on January 1, 2023 at 10:42 am

108. Looking forward to reading Frozen Charlotte someday! What a great way to start Storystorm 2023. Happy new year!

     By Janet Krauthamer on January 1, 2023 at 10:45 am

109. I just watched a YouTube video on how one idea leads to another! Perfect timing, Tara! Thanks for taking us down the rabbit hole of YouTube ideas. 🙂

     By Abby Wooldridge on January 1, 2023 at 10:46 am

110. My son is addicted to YouTube. Maybe he has summer ideas for me too. 🙂

     By Gregory E Bray on January 1, 2023 at 10:49 am

     1. Some ideas. Ugh autocorrect.

        By Gregory E Bray on January 1, 2023 at 10:49 am

111. Great reminder to nurture our curiosity.

     By Kelly Darke on January 1, 2023 at 10:49 am

112. I look forward to Story Storm every January!

     By cherielmeyers on January 1, 2023 at 10:51 am

113. And now I wonder if someone will hear the phrase “Frozen Charlotte,” which will then inspire a Storystorm idea of their own!

     By midfreeman on January 1, 2023 at 10:51 am

114. I love the mudlarking videos too! I plan to visit the Thames and try it out one day. I bet you’d also like urban explorers!

     By colleenrkosinski on January 1, 2023 at 10:51 am

115. What a great way to kick off STORYSTORM 2023! I have always been fascinated by archaeology and the idea of lost treasures. Didn’t quite realize that’s exactly what these (story) IDEAS are! Thank you, Tara. Storystorm is always my favorite way to start off the year. You bring so much joy to my Januarys! This is my fifth year participating!!

     By Jennifer B. Wright on January 1, 2023 at 10:51 am

116. Thank you, Tara, for organizing Storystorm again. I’m excited to get started. Happy New Year, everyone!

     By Melissa McDaniel on January 1, 2023 at 10:55 am

117. I LOVED this post! Thank you! and I learned about fifteen new things. I’m the same way about idea gathering. Curiosity and wonder are constant companions. And I love that old Fixx song! Great way to kick off the new year!

     By jilltatara on January 1, 2023 at 10:56 am

118. I love following the trails of my own curiosity!

     By jasmithwriter on January 1, 2023 at 10:57 am

119. Wonderful! I love going down rabbit holes. Now I have an excuse!

     By Lisa S Thompson on January 1, 2023 at 10:58 am

120. You’ve ignited my imagination just by following your journey. Well done, Curious One!

     By Kim A Larson on January 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

121. Love this! Thank you, Tara!

     By Midge Smith on January 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

122. YouTube is definitely a good way to find ideas. Great tip! Looking forward to more Storystorm fun. Happy New Year to all!

     By Rona Shirdan on January 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

123. I appreciate that ideas are often mysterious arrivals that come to us unconsciously. Thanks for sharing this labyrinthine idea experience!

     By Teresa Daffern on January 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

124. Free association is a wonderful source of inspiration! 🙂

     By mlyablonaolcom on January 1, 2023 at 11:02 am

125. A Mudlark is an Australian bird. Sometimes called Magpie Lark or Peewee. They are called mudlarks because they build their nest with mud.

     By steveheron on January 1, 2023 at 11:02 am

126. I love the winding path of story idea development. Sometimes when I double back I realize just how long the pieces have been coming together for. Thank you! So excited for Storystorm 2023!

     By christinashawnbooks on January 1, 2023 at 11:06 am

127. Very interesting about the Frozen Charlotte.
     Inspiration is all around.
     Happy New Year!

     By badwolf1625 on January 1, 2023 at 11:07 am

128. I’m excited for the start of StoryStorm! Also, this is the first time I’ve heard of a Frozen Charlotte, which is neat since I love learning new things.

     By erinquill8 on January 1, 2023 at 11:07 am

129. This is super cool! My current YouTube algorithm is showing me videos of cow hooves being cleaned and repaired! Not entirely sure how that came up, but it is oddly fascinating! Maybe there is a picture book in there somewhere!

     By Bridgitte Rodguez on January 1, 2023 at 11:07 am

130. I follow several mudlarking accounts on Twitter. I enjoy the threads where others jump in to help identify an item’s origin. Last week it was a porcelain shard showing a blue cat riding a bicycle!

     Happy Storystorming one and all – and thanks Tara!

     By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 1, 2023 at 11:09 am

131. I like the way the idea for Frozen Charlottes happened. I never thought of YouTube as a source for PB ideas.

     By authordebradaugherty on January 1, 2023 at 11:09 am

132. What a fascinating rabbit hole to go down! Thanks for taking us with you on the journey! Chainsaws and Mudlarks and Frozen Charlotte — oh my!

     By Lynne Marie on January 1, 2023 at 11:09 am

133. this idea inspired me and I was just about ready to not look up anything on Google or YouTube

     By Jeanne Cherney on January 1, 2023 at 11:10 am

134. Yay for the start of StoryStorm! Also, I’d never heard of a Frozen Charlotte before, which is neat since I love learning new things.

     By erinquill8 on January 1, 2023 at 11:11 am

135. Tara, thank you so much for organizing Story Storm again this year. It’s the perfect way to kick off the year!

     I enjoyed reading about your YouTube journey to finding a new story idea. It’s often so interesting how these story seeds take root!

     By Alison McGauley (@AlisonMcgauley) on January 1, 2023 at 11:12 am

136. This was an interesting way to find story ideas. I never thought of searching for ideas near water. I hope your frozen Charlotte comes out in picture book form. Reminds me of a dessert with Charlotte in it. Thank you for this great Storystorm feed every January.

     By Sheri Radovich on January 1, 2023 at 11:12 am

137. Happy New Year! Looking forward to a great Storystorm 2023!!

     By Andrea Yomtob on January 1, 2023 at 11:15 am

138. Oooh, I learned so many interesting things about the world from this post! Maybe those algorithms aren’t so bad (or a waste of time, LOL!) I hope you write a fantastic tale about Frozen Charlottes (which makes me want to make colcannon now). Happy 2023!

     By yangmommy on January 1, 2023 at 11:15 am

139. Yes! One idea leads to another… and another. Creativity is a beautiful thing morphing into something new when you least expect it! Thank you for sharing, Tara!

     By Melissa Trempe on January 1, 2023 at 11:16 am

140. I can’t wait to quit the busy and wallow in some recycling ideas time!

     By Laura on January 1, 2023 at 11:19 am

141. What a rich metaphor to kick off this year’s Storystorm!

     By Jessica Fries-Gaither on January 1, 2023 at 11:20 am

142. That is an interesting way of looking at algorithms! I am definitely going to watch some YouTube today and see where it takes me. Also, thank you for another year of StoryStorm! This is always a great time for me to replenish my idea well!

     By Alexis_Bookdragon on January 1, 2023 at 11:21 am

143. What an interesting rabbit hole to go down for ideas!

     By stefsenn77yahoocom on January 1, 2023 at 11:22 am

144. This is a perfect kick off! I am excited to see where YouTube takes me today. I also want to thank you for another year of StoryStorm! I always look forward to January!

     By Alexis Ennis on January 1, 2023 at 11:23 am

     1. Sorry I posted twice!

        By Alexis Ennis on January 1, 2023 at 11:23 am

145. I love this. Certainly, I have traveled the winding trail of an online rabbit hole, I have also done a bit of my wn mudlarking. We live near a river and have found some interesting bottles and a cool makeup case. One of our local forest preserves used to be a part of the County Poor Home. In 2020, I came across a cache of old glass, a few bones, and odds and ends. We believe that this was their dump. It lead to me making some chimes and writing a story about a man who lived at the poor house and is buried in the little cemetery.

     By sarahpeacetobias on January 1, 2023 at 11:26 am

146. May mudlarks abound in everyone’s Storystorm journey! And thanks for reminding me of The Fixx—haven’t heard that song in ages!

     By Susan Cabael on January 1, 2023 at 11:26 am

147. Happy 2023 Tara! Thanks for the reminder to experience all you can experience because you never know what may spark an idea for a book. I hadn’t heard about pudding dolls before. What an interesting topic!

     By Rhonda Whitaker on January 1, 2023 at 11:27 am

148. Popping in my airpods and having a lazy YouTube day. I think I’m going to start by watching sourdough starter videos. How something as simple as water and flour can nourish us for years! Thanks for this!

     By Lisa Trank on January 1, 2023 at 11:28 am

149. I love a good YouTube rabbit hole. I’ve watched a lot of hurdy-gurdy videos I never would have seen without the magic of the internet!

     By leahrosekessler on January 1, 2023 at 11:28 am

150. Thank you for the inspiration.

     By Freda Lewkowicz on January 1, 2023 at 11:28 am

151. I love this 🙂 I used to tell my art students that there is nothing new under the sun, meant to inspire them to freely be inspired by all that’s around them!

     By sarahadlerclaxton on January 1, 2023 at 11:29 am

152. Love dolls. So cool about the Frozen Charlottes!

     By Janie Reinart on January 1, 2023 at 11:31 am

153. What a fascinating rabbit hole dive, Tara. Made me excited to do the same!

     By joanapastro on January 1, 2023 at 11:34 am

154. What a great idea, Tara! This is going to be fun!! Going to press play and see what happens. Happy New Year!

     By Judy Bryan on January 1, 2023 at 11:34 am

155. I love this idea. Now, to find the time to watch the videos!! Considering football season is almost over, I might be able to watch videos instead? Happy New Year!!

     By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 1, 2023 at 11:36 am

156. What a fascinating rabbit hole. Made me excited to dive in too! Thanks!

     By joanapastro on January 1, 2023 at 11:36 am

157. Thanks for the great kick-off post! Here we go!

     By beckylevine on January 1, 2023 at 11:36 am

158. I enjoyed learning about Frozen Charlotte.

     By mommamoocow on January 1, 2023 at 11:36 am

159. Really excited to get started storystorming!

     By Julia Karr on January 1, 2023 at 11:39 am

160. Thank you for sharing your Frozen Charlotte idea. What a treasure, and what a memorable book it will become.

     By judyrubin13 on January 1, 2023 at 11:41 am

161. Wow! That’s certainly a mindset shift -from thinking YouTube is a waste of time to realizing it can be a treasure chest of ideas!

     By Lynn Baldwin on January 1, 2023 at 11:43 am

162. It’s great starting 2023 inspired by some fascinating stuff and a glimpse into how your mind works, Tara. Thank you!

     By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 1, 2023 at 11:44 am

163. The restoration link! That guy is a storyteller.

     By Stacy S. Jensen on January 1, 2023 at 11:45 am

164. I am really excited to be participating in Storystorm again this year! This event will always hold a special place in my heart. The idea for the story I co-authored with Glenda Armand titled ICE CREAM MAN: HOW AUGUSTUS JACKSON MADE A SWEET TREAT BETTER(to be released 1/17/2023) was born during a Storystorm brainstorming session.  Have a wonderful 2023!!

     Kim Freeman

     By kim4019994130 on January 1, 2023 at 11:46 am

165. What a perfect story to articulate where stories come from!

     By karenrafeedie on January 1, 2023 at 11:47 am

166. Frozen Charlottes are new to me–this sounds like a fascinating idea readers will love. I don’t watch YouTube much, except for recipes mostly, but might have to research them for interesting idea gems.

     By Danielle Hammelef on January 1, 2023 at 11:48 am

167. Thank you for the kick off article! Happy New Year!

     By Michelle Howell Miller on January 1, 2023 at 11:49 am

168. I recall “dusting” the penny dolls my mother had on display.

     By authorrkv on January 1, 2023 at 11:49 am

169. Great post to start off the month! So excited to get started!

     By Lindsey Hobson on January 1, 2023 at 11:50 am

170. Fascinating information about the Frozen Charlottes and Mudlarking! I first heard about Mudlarking when I read The Lost Apothecary this year.

     By hansenjc13 on January 1, 2023 at 11:50 am

171. What a great way to find ideas. I never thought of looking on YouTube. The Charlotte dolls are amazing!

     By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 1, 2023 at 11:51 am

172. Thank you, Tara!

     By Leah Moser on January 1, 2023 at 11:51 am

173. Can’t wait to press play on another year of Storystorm-thank you, Tara!

     By Sara Ackerman on January 1, 2023 at 11:54 am

174. Thank you, Tara. I’m excited to kick off my first StoryStorm!

     By Cait Darfler (@CaitDarfler) on January 1, 2023 at 11:57 am

175. I can’t tell if my comment posted or not, so here goes again…

     I loved reading about the Frozen Charlottes and Mudlarking! I first heard about Mudlarking when I read The Lost Apothecary earlier this year.

     By hansenjc13 on January 1, 2023 at 11:57 am

176. What a delightful tracing of inspiration. Climb on the inspiration train!

     By Joyce on January 1, 2023 at 11:57 am

177. I love it! One thing does indeed lead to another. Cheers to another StoryStorm!

     By Kari Lavelle on January 1, 2023 at 11:59 am

178. I loved this line of things that eventually led to your picture book idea, tracing back to its origin. With the added bonus of giving me free reign to “tube surf” in search of my next great idea. Thank you!

     By Cindy Johnson on January 1, 2023 at 12:00 pm

179. I love the treasure hunt and the frozen charlottes!! Thank you!

     By Michelle Kashinsky on January 1, 2023 at 12:02 pm

180. I do this often on hikes – never know where an observation will lead! Thanks for your inspiration. 🙂

     By laureannawrites on January 1, 2023 at 12:03 pm

181. As they say, one man’s junk, or in this case Frozen Charlotte, is another man’s treasure!!
     Ideas come from simply living if you let you mind embrace life!!
     Thank you for Day 1

     By Meredith Fraser on January 1, 2023 at 12:04 pm

182. I have a YouTube video I want to watch for my current draft, I’ll have to linger around and see what other videos are there. I have been watching thrill ride POV videos, cause I’m a chicken to go on them in real life!

     By stephaniemstories on January 1, 2023 at 12:05 pm

183. Larking about – for ideas! Thank you for kicking off the new year with such a fascinating post, Tara. Happy prospecting!

     By clairebobrow on January 1, 2023 at 12:06 pm

184. Thank you, Tara. I’m just off out for my first mindful walk of the year where I will let one thing lead to another and, I hope, come up with idea number 1. Thanks for the push!

     By julietclarebell on January 1, 2023 at 12:06 pm

185. I love that you can find inspiration anywhere. Happy New Year!

     By Carrie Sharkey Asner on January 1, 2023 at 12:08 pm

186. This is a great post to kick off Storystorm!

     By Katie Marie on January 1, 2023 at 12:08 pm

187. Thank you, Tara. I can’t wait to read your Frozen Charlotte book. I’m a YouTube fan myself, but I never thought of using it to uncover story ideas.

     By Julie Reich on January 1, 2023 at 12:09 pm

188. Excited to get started. Happy New Year all!

     By gattodesign on January 1, 2023 at 12:10 pm

189. Woohoo! I love Storystorm!

     By Sarah Lynne John on January 1, 2023 at 12:15 pm

190. This post is a glimpse into my always-wandering mind! I love seeing how your mind works and meanders, too. Looking forward to reading your new story!

     By kbrandyberry on January 1, 2023 at 12:15 pm

191. This is EXACTLY how my brain works, Tara!! One thing most certainly leads to another!!

     Stay curious, fellow writers!

     Happy New Year and Happy Storystorm!!

     By Genevieve Gorback on January 1, 2023 at 12:15 pm

192. I’m fascinated by the peridot beach, but do have a question about frozen charlottes: wouldn’t people break a tooth on these if they bit down on one in their pudding? At least King Cakes have plastic babies. All of this burying children in foods is unnerving! But interesting. I love your play process. Off to YouTube!

     By Amy M. Miller on January 1, 2023 at 12:16 pm

193. Love this inaugural Storystorm post! I, too, have fun going down search engine rabbit holes. When I start to feel like I’m getting “pegged” based on my searches, I like to mess with the algorithm and search for totally random things. Can’t wait to indulge my search impulses in the name of creativity and professional development!

     By Cid Fleming on January 1, 2023 at 12:17 pm

194. Looking forward to another year of Storystorm

     By 🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 is wrestling with words (@safajarwrites) on January 1, 2023 at 12:20 pm

195. I read a fun fiction book, THE LOST APOTHECARY, recently and it was about mudlarking (and murder!) You should check it out. Thx for the inspiration!

     By mitchpramirez on January 1, 2023 at 12:24 pm

196. Such a creative post! I love how a chain of YouTube videos inspired your idea of Frozen Charlottd. Thanks for sharing and for Storystorm. I’m really looking forward to it. PS. I also love watching dog and cat adoption videos.

     By marianariosr on January 1, 2023 at 12:25 pm

197. Those are cool-looking penny/pudding dolls. I find big tech algorithms concerning and I succumb to YouTube rabbit holes more times than I would like. But you’re right, once in a while, something fascinating comes up 🙂

     By marias62 on January 1, 2023 at 12:25 pm

     1. Inspiring post

        By Clarissa Evans on January 6, 2023 at 7:30 am

198. Reading this is a sensational way to start my day. Thank you.

     By Karen Henry Clark on January 1, 2023 at 12:29 pm

199. Well, it’s a cold, damp, foggy day here in Scotland. Just the kind of day to put the fire on and curl up with a good book but first, thanks to you, Tara, I’ll be opening my notebook to make a start on this year’s Storystorm ideas!

     By Sareen Mclay on January 1, 2023 at 12:31 pm

200. Our minds work in strange ways! Yours is clearly well-fed. (I think I would enjoy mudlarking!)

     By Wendy Greenley on January 1, 2023 at 12:31 pm

201. Inspiration, here I come! Thanks for hosting this incredible challenge, Tara!

     By Laura Renauld on January 1, 2023 at 12:34 pm

202. Snowed in here for day 1, I feel some winter-themed stories coming on!

     By Allison Green on January 1, 2023 at 12:35 pm

203. Lots to learn here!

     By Jennifer on January 1, 2023 at 12:36 pm

204. I loved hearing your series of events that led to your story idea! I’m off to watch some YouTube!

     By Maria Altizer on January 1, 2023 at 12:36 pm

205. This reminds me of the Radiolab where they explain how they come across ideas. There is so much to learn and discover!

     By mnstadnik on January 1, 2023 at 12:37 pm

206. What interesting topics! I’m looking forward to re-energizing my internal story generator with this year’s Storystorm. Great ideas to start!

     By McCourt Thomas on January 1, 2023 at 12:37 pm

207. Happy New Year everyone! I’ve never thought of YouTube as a source of story ideas. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for kicking off the month with a fun post.

     By melissamiles1 on January 1, 2023 at 12:38 pm

208. So cool to see how ideas are formed and track it backwards

     By Jaime Petrucci on January 1, 2023 at 12:38 pm

209. Off I go on a youtube treasure hunt! Thanks for hosting another year of Storystorm!

     By cbloomy on January 1, 2023 at 12:38 pm

210. Green sand and Charlottes excellent! Never heard of either. I call these interesting little finds nuggets. I write them in my little red ideas book until I have an aahaa moment (months later) that incorporates a nugget or five into a story. These I find on walks or biking but I’ll take a digital stroll today! Thanks Tara

     By alambertallen on January 1, 2023 at 12:40 pm

211. Love this Tara. Like Alice, getting sucked down the rabbithole, One idea after another hopefully this month. Loved the story about the frozen Charlottes and your interview. Thanks for hosting once again. Happy New Year as well. It’s going to be a great month and year!

     By bevbaird on January 1, 2023 at 12:41 pm

212. I had difficulty leaving a comment, so thank you for the option to respond to your email.

     What an interesting topic! I’m looking forward to my first year as a Story Stormer! 🙂

     >

     By christym1234 on January 1, 2023 at 12:42 pm

213. Looking forward to Storystorm 2023

     By Debra on January 1, 2023 at 12:49 pm

214. I watch YouTube videos to relax. I’ve learned about things I didn’t even know I wanted to know.

     By jms5880 on January 1, 2023 at 12:52 pm

215. I, too, get drawn in to the Youtube spiral and wonder, “how did I get here?” (a la Talking Heads). But it’s so FUN! Thanks for the inspo and hosting this great event for yet another year.

     By Melisa Wrex on January 1, 2023 at 12:52 pm

216. Fascinating story, Tara!

     By Arlene Schenker on January 1, 2023 at 12:53 pm

217. What fascinating finds! Love this invitation to let our minds and interests wander to see what we discover next. Happy New Year, Tara!

     By Armineh Manookian on January 1, 2023 at 12:54 pm

218. Interesting story. I am also having difficulty leaving comments so I can’t tell if I am actually registered or registered more than once!

     By Debra on January 1, 2023 at 12:56 pm

219. I watch random YouTube videos to relax. I’ve learned about things I didn’t know I wanted to know.

     By jms5880 on January 1, 2023 at 12:57 pm

220. Great post to kick off 2023!

     By kristenrashid on January 1, 2023 at 12:58 pm

221. I like the idea of reframing watching YouTube as inspiration gathering instead of wasting time. Thanks, Tara!

     By Mandy Yokim on January 1, 2023 at 12:59 pm

222. Those frozen Charlottes look fascinating!

     By Sadaf on January 1, 2023 at 1:01 pm

223. Inspiration extradinaire! I’m cueing up my next YouTube video now and seeing what nuggets are revealed. Thanks Tara!

     By geigerlin on January 1, 2023 at 1:01 pm

224. Such a great way to absorb inspiring ideas – thanks for sharing!

     By Christine Letizia on January 1, 2023 at 1:02 pm

225. I like this YouTube rabbit hole!

     By Yolimari Garcia on January 1, 2023 at 1:03 pm

226. Let the Storystorm begin! Wonderful way to start the challenge 🙂

     By Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner on January 1, 2023 at 1:03 pm

227. Love the idea of random association (that could be the name of my biography lol). Thanks for kicking us off!

     By Neha Thakkar on January 1, 2023 at 1:06 pm

228. Great post! Thank you, Tara! My own ‘mudlarking’ tends to happen on Google. The treasures are endless. 😉

     By Rebecca Colby on January 1, 2023 at 1:06 pm

229. Well, what a kick off! Thank you Tara!

     By Elizabeth Wilcox Saba on January 1, 2023 at 1:09 pm

230. Love to hear where others get their inspiration —it’s everywhere if you embrace it!

     By Fern Glazer on January 1, 2023 at 1:11 pm

231. Ha Ha! I laughed when you talked about the shovel in the dirt. I live in the country and where our chicken coop is located is where people dumped trash 90 years ago so I’m always finding bottles and “trinkets” in my backyard. Good on you to turn it into an idea!

     By Megan Whitaker on January 1, 2023 at 1:13 pm

232. Love this post, thank you Tara!

     By Julie on January 1, 2023 at 1:14 pm

233. Thank you for this post. Your idea sparked an idea for me! Happy New Year!

     By Maria Bursey on January 1, 2023 at 1:16 pm

234. YouTube to the rescue. Love it.

     By Ana Archi on January 1, 2023 at 1:18 pm

235. Hmm…never thought of watching YouTube for ideas. Thanks!

     By nicolesalterbraun on January 1, 2023 at 1:18 pm

236. Thanks for taking me on this you-tube journey with you! Kind of (almost) makes me want to enter into that realm and see where it takes me! I love the porcelain Charlottes and am curious about the book they’ve inspired!
     🥳 Happy New Year !

     By jennifercowanwriter on January 1, 2023 at 1:19 pm

237. Hello. Thank you for a fun article on the process. I love creating stories out of random ideas or strings of thought. Thank you and Happy New Year!

     By sburdorf on January 1, 2023 at 1:20 pm

238. Great idea

     By Matt Sides on January 1, 2023 at 1:22 pm

239. Fascinating. Love it.

     By ktlicense - Kris Tarantino on January 1, 2023 at 1:23 pm

240. Intriguing process! Great results! Thanks Tara!

     By Diane Kress Hower on January 1, 2023 at 1:23 pm

241. TARA: I, too, am a YOUTUBER. In fact, I HAVE to start EVERY DAY off with a cup of hot cocoa, whilst watching COPIOUS amounts of animal YouTube videos and Instagram pics. It’s become my therapy–a time to pause and laugh and sometimes cry. It’s what gets me through the rest of the day–the INSPIRING stories of others INSPIRING me to KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON! Like you, I have also found NUMEROUS story ideas through this medium. It’s a TREASURE TROVE, REALLY! Each story or picture a reminder that EVERYONE and EVERYTHING has a story. And as a writer, WHAT JOY to be able to unearth them and share them. THANK YOU for the CONTINUED INSPIRATION to do so, TARA!

     By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 1, 2023 at 1:24 pm

242. Fun blog. Time to get the mind wandering.

     By Judith Snyder on January 1, 2023 at 1:25 pm

243. I’ve scrolled social media for ideas, but not YouTube. Must try.

     By Alicia Salazar on January 1, 2023 at 1:28 pm

244. Wow, that was quite a ride! Thanks for sharing. Hoping for some YouTube browsing time this year.

     By libbydemmon on January 1, 2023 at 1:29 pm

245. From now on when I get caught in the time-suck of YouTube, I’ll instead think of it as research into a world of endless possibilities. Looking forward to a month of finding ideas in the most unexpected places! Thanks, Tara!

     By Erin Cleary (ClearyWriter) on January 1, 2023 at 1:34 pm

246. Love following bunny trails for inspiration!

     By Emily on January 1, 2023 at 1:35 pm

247. Such a great idea to wander and be inspired! Thank you for sharing!

     By Pam Gelman on January 1, 2023 at 1:37 pm

248. I never think of scrolling through YouTube videos but this seems like a good source of new ideas. Thanks, Tara.

     By Judy Abelove Shemtob on January 1, 2023 at 1:37 pm

249. Fabulous start to our idea-hunting month!

     By Leslie Santamaria on January 1, 2023 at 1:40 pm

250. My husband has recently taken to watching YouTube videos on the big TV. Maybe I should start paying more attention. Thanks for this idea–and for all of the hard work you do on Storystorm.

     By Jacqueline Adams on January 1, 2023 at 1:42 pm

251. Happy StoryStorm, everyone!

     By jenanyong on January 1, 2023 at 1:45 pm

252. Kicking off the new year strong!

     By Monica Acker on January 1, 2023 at 1:45 pm

253. I loved hearing about Frozen Charlotte and where your story idea originated. Thank you for sharing, Tara!

     By Heidi Yates on January 1, 2023 at 1:47 pm

254. Thanks for this post, Tara! Happy new year and yay for Storystorm which has always been so inspiring!👏

     By Shirley Ng-Benitez on January 1, 2023 at 1:49 pm

255. Frozen Charlotte – so interesting

     By jasminefang on January 1, 2023 at 1:50 pm

256. Really interesting post – thanks!

     By rachelgrodsky on January 1, 2023 at 1:50 pm

257. What a marvelous, inspired, forgotten gem of history! Can’t wait for the book!

     By Katherine Pew on January 1, 2023 at 1:50 pm

258. So happy to start 2023 off with Storystorm! If you haven’t watched Pottery Throwdown, Tara, definitely check it out 🙂 Sounds right up your alley.

     By wordnerd153 on January 1, 2023 at 1:53 pm

259. What fun! Celebrating the delightful discoveries of often-maligned browsing

     Thank you!

     By Karen Gebbia on January 1, 2023 at 1:53 pm

260. I love YouTubing too, and would love to be a digital mudlark (perhaps my new job title?? :))… Thank you for this amazing post! I hope that we read your Charlotte story one day, and your post was full of stories and remembered adventures too. It’s a very modern way to get ideas!! Just confirms the theory that ideas are everywhere! I love tchatchkis too, and the Charlotte dolls and bottles and such sound amazing for decor and plant vases. I would love to draw it all too!!

     By Sophie Furman on January 1, 2023 at 1:54 pm

261. Look forward to reading your story on Frozen Charlottes. Thanks for the post, Tara!

     By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 1, 2023 at 1:55 pm

262. I look forward to Storystorm every year and am so happy to read this post 🙂 Tara, if you haven’t watched it already, definitely check out The Great Pottery Throwdown. Sounds right up your alley.

     By wordnerd153 on January 1, 2023 at 1:55 pm

263. Thanks for sharing, Tara! There are tons of topics to explore on Youtube, and it seems you’ve uncovered some fascinating ideas there.

     By Lauri Fortino on January 1, 2023 at 1:56 pm

264. With foamy cream upon its top
     And pink ice cream beneath
     I’d rather think of “Frozen Charlotte” as this drink
     Than a damsel underground with a wreath!

     By 8catpaws on January 1, 2023 at 1:56 pm

265. Since the pandemic, I’ve noticed odd behavior of some of the animals coexisting on my property. This led to one Storystorm idea last year. A different odd animal leads my idea list today. Storystorm 2023, yeah! Thanks Tara!

     By Sherry Smith on January 1, 2023 at 1:57 pm

266. Other YouTube habits: extreme lawn mowing, saw milling lumber.

     By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 1, 2023 at 1:58 pm

267. Tara what an interesting and eclectic YouTube journey to get our creative juices flowing. Off to mine and mud lark for ideas!

     By sue macartney on January 1, 2023 at 2:01 pm

268. SO many avenues for ideas…had not thought of YouTube as one of those! Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Donna Marx on January 1, 2023 at 2:02 pm

269. YouTube and social media are great places to find ideas! I actually came up with a new idea while scolling this morning! Thanks for sharing!

     By jessaroux on January 1, 2023 at 2:03 pm

270. Tara, what I love about your exploration of YouTube is your curiosity. There’s a wide world of wonders to explore!

     By cynthiahm on January 1, 2023 at 2:03 pm

271. A dollop of whipped cream on top
     With pink berry ice cream beneath
     I’d rather think “Frozen Charlotte” is a drink
     Than a damsel underground with a wreath!

     By 8catpaws on January 1, 2023 at 2:06 pm

272. Wow! I loved this, Tara! What a way to get us excited for–well–everything! Your enthusiasm is infectious, and I look forward to a joyful journey with you this month and beyond. As a miniature-maniac, I adore your Frozen Charlotte discovery and can’t wait to read how you use the dolls in a book! This brings back my childhood yearning for a birthday with a doll in a cake gown. Wow! That just gave me an pb idea–got to go write!

     By Gretchen McLellan on January 1, 2023 at 2:06 pm

273. Ideas hit when we least expect them. It’s Jan 1st…let’s percolate!

     By Doreen Tango Hampton on January 1, 2023 at 2:08 pm

274. Great way to kickoff StoryStorm!! Thanks Tara.

     Cindy C

     By CindyC on January 1, 2023 at 2:09 pm

275. Great day one post! Mudlarks and Frozen Charlotte are so interesting. Can’t wait to search and see what I can find on this first day of the year! Thank you, Tara!

     By Steena Hernandez on January 1, 2023 at 2:10 pm

276. Wow, what a journey! I am definitely one for rabbit holes and it sounds like you went down a fascinating one. Cannot wait to see your Frozen Charlotte story! Happy New Year!!

     By greengirlblueplanet on January 1, 2023 at 2:11 pm

277. What a great start to Storystorm 2023! If you need me, I’ll be watching YouTube behind closed doors lest my children see me being such a hypocrite, haha!

     By Marta Costello on January 1, 2023 at 2:12 pm

278. Exploring online resources for stories is a great idea! Thanks Tara for the reminder. Those little Frozen Charlotte dolls are a wonderful glimpse into the past.

     By Ellie Langford on January 1, 2023 at 2:14 pm

279. Where digital paths can take us! Now I‘ve got a good excuse to browse through YouTube videos. Thank for this inspiring Storystorm kickoff.

     By Monique Lavanya Waechter on January 1, 2023 at 2:19 pm

280. The YouTube rabbit hole is not joke! I love that you’re using videos to fuel your creative ideas!

     By Andi Chitty on January 1, 2023 at 2:19 pm

281. Those look so cool, what a great PB idea!

     By Katie McLendon on January 1, 2023 at 2:21 pm

282. This was fascinating! I recently learned about mudlarks from a novel I read called October, October. I would highly recommend it!

     By Margaret Aitken on January 1, 2023 at 2:22 pm

283. I loved the 1843 poem about frozen Charlotte! Thanks for sharing how your experience on YouTube has led you to interesting and unusual PB ideas! I will certainly give it a go!

     By Kathy Kelly on January 1, 2023 at 2:23 pm

284. Just like Mudlarks don’t know where or what they will find, I don’t know where my ideas will come from. Sometimes my story ideas come from a word, a name or even a picture. When they do arrive, Oh the fun begins. Now to start StoryStorm 2023. 😍

     By Ali Earle Parker on January 1, 2023 at 2:23 pm

285. Thanks for the opportunity and idea!

     By Pamela S Swanson on January 1, 2023 at 2:26 pm

286. Love your segue-way ramblings here! I love reading and uncovering facts and interesting tidbits, so I was happy to go along on your journey. I think I could be a mudlark, hopefully not the impoverished kind, just the searching for random buried lost/hidden unusual items kind. Thank you for this super start to StoryStorm 2023!

     By Katie Schwartz on January 1, 2023 at 2:26 pm

287. Love this idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

     By Alia Khaled on January 1, 2023 at 2:26 pm

288. Very interesting. I’ll have to watch some YouTube videos today.

     By Bethanny Parker on January 1, 2023 at 2:27 pm

289. Love this. I always feel somewhat guilty when going down the rabbit hole of Youtube or the internet in general thanks to those algorithms. This gives me a reason to feel less guilty!

     By Jennifer Phillips on January 1, 2023 at 2:27 pm

290. I too look at Facebook and Youtube for inspiration. Well, not so much inspiration as I do for short term brain breaks, but I am amazed at what I find. For example, just this morning, when I woke up, as I sent out New Year’s greetings, I stumbled across a story that will become my first Storystorm idea!
     On a side note, my wife and I are going to the UK this summer and when my wife and I started to make our plans, we decided we wanted to go mudlarking! I love history and digging in the dirt and hope to find a unique “bit” of treasure to bring home!

     By matthewlasley on January 1, 2023 at 2:30 pm

291. Thanks for the post, Tara. I’ve heard about the mudlarks. YouTube is a rabbit hole of fascinating things for sure.

     By streetlynn on January 1, 2023 at 2:32 pm

292. Love the randomness of this idea and thanks for the vocabulary additions. Mudlarking and frozen Charlottes, duly noted. Instagram is usually a good source of random thoughts, mostly inspired by cute elephants.

     By ramonapersaudwrites on January 1, 2023 at 2:33 pm

293. Yes! One thing leads to another. We just have to feed our mind and then let it run free! Glad to be part of StoryStorm 2023.

     By maryraebel on January 1, 2023 at 2:33 pm

294. Thanks for this post, Tara! I’m super pumped for the challenge and of all of the creative possibilities. I now have my first idea down via YouTube exploration 🙂

     By Beth Holladay on January 1, 2023 at 2:35 pm

295. In the homeschooling circles, we say “Down the rabbit hole ” to describe that random learning path. It has always resulted in the deepest learning for my kids and me. Love the idea of using it for pb ideas!

     By Laurie Carmody on January 1, 2023 at 2:36 pm

296. Love the mudlarks, digging in the mud or garbage or thrift store for treasures. Yes, one thing can lead to another like in Alice in Wonderland. It is important when writing PPB to keeping digging to get to the gem.

     By penny taub on January 1, 2023 at 2:37 pm

297. Thanks for a great sendoff to Storystorm! I love the Frozen Charlotte idea and look forward to gleaning ideas from YouTube.

     By Jill Mabert on January 1, 2023 at 2:38 pm

298. I have written a couple of drafts based on an idea from watching videos. I have even studied art online wondering what is happening in a painting. If you have a major writer’s block, YouTube is full of wonderful inspirations. Happy Storystorm 2023!

     By Marlena Leach on January 1, 2023 at 2:38 pm

299. Oh man! I love the Frozen Charlotte story! What an intriguing poem. And I am now adding Mudlark and mudlarking(??) to my vernacular.

     By kevanjatt on January 1, 2023 at 2:40 pm

300. Sounds like the modern version of Alice in Wonerland’s down the rabbit hole. 😏 Only this time we control the outcome because we get to write ourselves out of any predicament we encounter. Great ideas!

     By lp1959hunt on January 1, 2023 at 2:43 pm

301. Wow! I loved following this train of thought that brought you to your idea!

     By EmilyKeifer on January 1, 2023 at 2:43 pm

302. That’s a lot of info. But yes ideas are inspired by so many things.

     By Chelle on January 1, 2023 at 2:47 pm

303. It is amazing where story ideas come from. From the fascination gotten from watching YouTube, to something seen or heard on a walk, to reading old postcards. We just have to be open to seeing the potential.

     By Barbara Senenman on January 1, 2023 at 2:48 pm

304. Looking for inspiration everywhere and those interlocking connections is great. Thanks,Tara!

     By Brian Burak on January 1, 2023 at 2:54 pm

305. Thank you, Tara, for Storystorm and for this first post. One thing leads to another, but for an idea to stick, it has to become a story you were meant to write. So, I’m super curious to see what you do with frozen Charlotte.

     By Claire A. B. Freeland on January 1, 2023 at 2:54 pm

306. I’ve only ever used YouTube for specifics, never exploration! Here we goooooooooooooo 🛸

     By hannahannkrueger on January 1, 2023 at 2:56 pm

307. Thank you, Tara, for convincing me that the threads I follow through reels ( most recently Guinea pigs fill my feed) and YouTube are not a colossal waste of time! Love your frozen Charlottes.

     By tinefg on January 1, 2023 at 2:57 pm

308. Tara, this post is nonpareil! What a start to 2023!

     By Judy Y on January 1, 2023 at 2:57 pm

309. I get a variety of YouTube videos on my Facebook page. I feel a little guilty watching them, but maybe I shouldn’t. You never know what can lead to inspiration. Thanks for including me in the challenge.

     By Martha Hollenhorst on January 1, 2023 at 3:02 pm

310. Just epic. I love the gold at the end of the rabbit hole.

     By Lenora Biemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 1, 2023 at 3:03 pm

311. How fascinating! I have never heard the term Mudlark before, but not I want to venture out and find treasures. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

     By tanjabauerle on January 1, 2023 at 3:05 pm

312. This is a great idea! Thank you tara! And thank you again for doing story storm! Happy New Year everyone!

     By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 1, 2023 at 3:09 pm

313. Love doing research on YouTube!

     By Norma on January 1, 2023 at 3:09 pm

314. I will be searching YouTube for ideas. I know they’re there.

     By jim chaize on January 1, 2023 at 3:11 pm

315. YouTube bunny trails leading to story ideas is genius! Thank you!

     By Jennie H on January 1, 2023 at 3:11 pm

316. Great reminder that ideas come from everywhere if we are open to them. Also, we should write what we are drawn to naturally. Thanks and Happy New Year!

     By Jill Friestad-Tate on January 1, 2023 at 3:14 pm

317. You’ve intrigued me, Tara. Now I’ve got to spend more time on YouTube! 🙂

     By Sara Matson on January 1, 2023 at 3:16 pm

318. Thanks for another year of Storystorm, Tara! I thought Frozen Charlotte was going to be a dessert. We watch a lot of YouTube here and the algorithms are fascinating. Also on other streaming services, “We think you might like” but that’s not a picture book.

     By authorlaurablog on January 1, 2023 at 3:17 pm

319. Wow, that was super interesting. This was a very good learning experience and very different. That was good poem, poor Charlotte.

     By Thelia Hutchinson on January 1, 2023 at 3:19 pm

320. Fascinating! Mudlarking seems tangential to two hobbies I was always fascinated by as a kid – rock tumbling & metal detecting. (Both of which I never actually tried… Santa would never give me the proper equipment for some reason)

     Anyways…I’m happy to be here! Thank you thank you

     By ellen seal on January 1, 2023 at 3:20 pm

321. Thanks for sharing, Tara. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who wanders down the rabbit hole, lol.

     By Teresa Rodrigues on January 1, 2023 at 3:21 pm

322. Thanks for the inspiration (and hosting this challenge)!

     By Hannah Roy LaGrone on January 1, 2023 at 3:25 pm

323. Thanks for posting, Tara. I’m excited for Storystorm. Just got a minute to myself for the first time in days and read your post. Hoping to open my brain up to new ideas today.

     By Melissa Koosmann on January 1, 2023 at 3:26 pm

324. Thank you, Tara. I enjoyed this post.

     By Lynn McCracken on January 1, 2023 at 3:27 pm

325. Having permission to wander through YouTube videos is a gift. I will never feel guilty about going on a path to discovery again. Thank you!
     Roberta Gibson

     By Roberta Gibson on January 1, 2023 at 3:30 pm

326. Of course, now I’m going to be watching mudlarking videos now! My daughter and I love to watch craft videos and reviews of toys. She also loves to watch prank videos (that I can’t stand). The idea of mudlarking and searching the beach for treasure sounds so fun, but not sure where I could do that in Iowa… now I need to research! Thanks for the tip, Tara!

     By Deborah Foster on January 1, 2023 at 3:31 pm

327. Yet another Rabbit Hole full of ideas !

     By Stephen S. Martin on January 1, 2023 at 3:32 pm

328. Thank you Tara. I am always amazed at where you can get inspiration from.. “Frozen Charlotte”, I know will be a wonderful story. Looking forward to Storystorm this year!

     By Helen Hodge on January 1, 2023 at 3:35 pm

329. I love the surface randomness of some of the links in these YouTube finds and how you let your interests fire your creativity!

     By Annie Guerra on January 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

330. Thanks for the terrific post and idea, Tara. Ideas are everywhere and so fun to explore many things to find them.

     By Karin Larson on January 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

331. Thank you Tara! Love it.

     By Kristen Blegen Bouyer on January 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

332. Great post to start this session! Thank you, Tara! And good luck with your PB!

     By Mia Geiger on January 1, 2023 at 3:41 pm

333. Loved following your journey and all the rabbit holes you went down. Cheers to a new year and new ideas

     By SpeechVine on January 1, 2023 at 3:41 pm

334. Happy New Year 🎉

     By Angel Gantnier on January 1, 2023 at 3:41 pm

335. Youtube is not my regular go-to, but this looks like fun! TY, Tara, for a new idea starter and Happy 2023.

     By kathalsey on January 1, 2023 at 3:42 pm

336. I hope this doesn’t get posted more than once. Not sure what’s happening but I’m having trouble commenting. Anyways, I just wanted to say Happy New Year! …and thanks for the tip – will try it!

     By claudia sloan on January 1, 2023 at 3:50 pm

337. Interesting journey through generation of ideas using YouTube.

     By Karen on January 1, 2023 at 3:51 pm

338. I understand about YouTube because one dance video leads to another and then lots of time goes away- I love exploring Atlas Obscura- the newsletter causes the same domino thought process for me! Thanks Tara!

     By Mary Rudzinski on January 1, 2023 at 3:52 pm

339. Thanks for your post. Like magic the ideas keep rolling in. Thinking of ways this idea can encourage young writers to generate ideas too.

     By Juliette on January 1, 2023 at 3:53 pm

340. Oh, Rabit Holes…. my favorite!

     By Claire Abel on January 1, 2023 at 3:55 pm

341. This proves that writers can find treasure anywhere! Thanks for getting us started Tara!

     By Joy Wieder on January 1, 2023 at 3:56 pm

342. Such a fun idea, Tara, thank you. I plan to start with videos of topics that interest me…and see where they lead me!

     By Jennifer Weisse on January 1, 2023 at 3:56 pm

343. I follow a Facebook group called “UK pottery sherds” (sic) where British mud lark era share their finds – I heard of Frozen Charlottes this way just last month. Hope you do write your Frozen Charlotte book… what a great idea. Thanks for the YouTube tip too. I’ve written down my first picturebook idea today. Here’s to many more.

     By Kate Morgan on January 1, 2023 at 3:59 pm

344. I hope I can mudlark some ideas from the day-to-day mud of my thoughts.

     By Susan Claus on January 1, 2023 at 4:01 pm

345. Here’s to treasure hunts . . . I love the hunt . . . even if I don’t find anything.

     By rindabeach on January 1, 2023 at 4:02 pm

346. Mentally pressing play on Storystorm. So excited!

     By Blair Moore on January 1, 2023 at 4:11 pm

347. What a great way to start 2023! Thank you, Tara.

     By kmblasi on January 1, 2023 at 4:13 pm

348. What a fun idea! I’m excited to see where this will take me.

     By Cristin on January 1, 2023 at 4:15 pm

349. I, too, have gone down the YouTube and reels rabbit holes and found myself fascinated with topics I’d never consciously research. Great place to mine for inspiration.

     By Shanna Silva on January 1, 2023 at 4:16 pm

350. An excuse to look at funny things? I love it! Cat videos, here I come.

     By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 1, 2023 at 4:20 pm

351. Love this! Pressing the random button on Wikipedia can lead to some interesting places too.

     By Amy Wung Tsao on January 1, 2023 at 4:21 pm

352. Love the history of frozen charlottes. Wishing you a wonderful new year!

     By authoraileenstewart on January 1, 2023 at 4:22 pm

353. What a fun, meandering road to new story ideas! Thanks, Tara!

     By Dawn Prochovnic on January 1, 2023 at 4:23 pm

354. Ha ha! I love this post. My hubby and I were just talking about Mudlarking the other day. We’re hoping to do it in the near future.

     By jenabenton on January 1, 2023 at 4:23 pm

355. Ideas from everywhere!

     By calepage on January 1, 2023 at 4:23 pm

356. Uncharted wanders into wonder.

     By Susan on January 1, 2023 at 4:25 pm

357. Love this use of YouTube!
     Ps The Frozen Chatlotte poem reminds me of The Little Matchstick Girl which haunts me to this day – early kids stuff was so dark! Looking forward to seeing what form your Frozen Charlotte story takes Tara.

     By Cassy P on January 1, 2023 at 4:25 pm

358. I too love Frozen Charlottes! Have a few recent ones from trips to England and France where they were baked into Noel cakes.

     By nancykkkkk on January 1, 2023 at 4:31 pm

359. Mary McCune

     By M. P. McCune on January 1, 2023 at 4:37 pm

360. I love the name Mudlarking. It sounds so much more dignified than grubbing in the river bottom or trash heap.

     By Dayne Sislen on January 1, 2023 at 4:39 pm

361. Key words to love from today’s post: “kaleidoscopic jars,” “peddled strange elixirs and medicinal tinctures” and “steampunk buddha” from the Frozen Charlotte poem website.

     By Diane Mittler on January 1, 2023 at 4:40 pm

362. I’m all about the green sand beach in Hawaii! What a fun collection of ideas to get us started. Yay, Storystorm.

     By marty bellis on January 1, 2023 at 4:43 pm

363. This will be fun to do with my daughter who can probably show me how to use YouTube better than I could figure on my own lol.

     By Melissa Rafson Friedman on January 1, 2023 at 4:45 pm

364. Great idea! I need to kick my kid off of his gamer YouTube stuff in a minute or so anyway! Have you ever seen those two guys in Cambodia dig pools by hand?!? It’s insanely cool. Thanks, Tara. Happy New Year!

     By Laura on January 1, 2023 at 4:46 pm

365. I’ve been following mudlarkers and beachcombers on Instagram for a while now – fascinating finds! Love the apartment tours idea – great for realistic story settings!

     By Anne Reilly on January 1, 2023 at 4:51 pm

366. Thank you, Tara! As my track coach, who loved to muddle cliches, used to say,”Food to think about!”

     By Anne C. Bromley on January 1, 2023 at 4:53 pm

367. Keeping your mind open, letting it wander and wonder, great ways to foster creativity!

     By carmelamccainsimmons on January 1, 2023 at 4:54 pm

368. Thanks for Storystorm, Tara! Love this push every year. Today I embraced my inner 4yo (since I have a real-life one to model) and kept asking “why?”

     – Katie

     By thelogonauts on January 1, 2023 at 4:57 pm

369. I am so excited to get going on this.
     We have it so easy nowadays!

     By rosiesartventures on January 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm

370. Letting your mind wander and wonder on fertile ground for finding ideas is fantastic! Thanks for doing this again and helping all of us see the peridots lying in plain sight around us!

     By carmelamccainsimmons on January 1, 2023 at 5:01 pm

371. Here’s to a great month of mudlarks scavenging for ideas. Thank you, Tara!

     By Buffy Silverman on January 1, 2023 at 5:02 pm

372. Thank you, Tara for giving me “permission” to go down the rabbit holes I have to drag myself out of. I HAVE gotten ideas, so not all is lost in the holes. Thanks for giving us all inspiration and ways to find it.

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 1, 2023 at 5:05 pm

373. And that’s exactly how I think too: down the rabbit hole until an idea sparks. Thank you, Tara, for another year of Storystorm! I appreciate it.

     By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on January 1, 2023 at 5:06 pm

374. Hi, Tara! Thanks for sharing what you dug up on the Northern Mudlarks. I have distant relatives in Scotland, so I really love learning about interesting people and places there. My first Storystorm idea is from a recent post in The Atlantic.

     By Manju Beth Howard 🌻 (@ManjuBeth) on January 1, 2023 at 5:07 pm

375. I often get caught in the YouTube rabbit hole. I start out looking at videos on writing then end up watching a video about something totally different. Well I am sure I will meet Alice somewhere on this trip.

     By Tunisia on January 1, 2023 at 5:08 pm

376. This is the deal I just made with myself: I will not allow my inner critic (named Brat Girl, by the way) to sit on my shoulder and belittle, sabotage, or “perfect” my ideas. I will flick her off each time I get that Brat Girl bellyache.

     By Karen Calloway on January 1, 2023 at 5:13 pm

377. I never thought about YouTube videos as inspiration for picture books, but LOVE this and you’re right, you never know where inspiration will come from. TY!

     By shoshanastopek on January 1, 2023 at 5:17 pm

378. LOL – I am always going down the Dodo hole with heroic animal videos (and my husband does this now!) so this exercise should be fun. You never know what you’ll find! Enjoyed reading this post!

     By Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on January 1, 2023 at 5:24 pm

379. My son has a metal detector. It’s ace. There needs to be a story about this!

     By Kate Peridot on January 1, 2023 at 5:26 pm

380. Ooooh! Can’t wait to hear all about those little dolls and how you used them in your picture book draft!!!

     By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 1, 2023 at 5:30 pm

381. Frozen Charlotte… love it. I like to say everything my son knows he knows from YouTube. My turn to follow his (and your) lead. Thanks you!

     By Shelley Isaacson on January 1, 2023 at 5:33 pm

382. What a fun way to explore and come up with ideas! I’m not a youtube fan, but maybe that should change. 🙂

     By womanwifemotherchild on January 1, 2023 at 5:34 pm

383. One of my works in progress was inspired by a video.

     By Linda Hofke on January 1, 2023 at 5:48 pm

384. Wow! Very interesting. Looks like I’ll need to add more time to my morning routine before writing.

     By leslieevatayloe on January 1, 2023 at 5:48 pm

385. I agree – you never know where one inspiration will lead you in the long run. All it takes it that little gem of curiosity and dedication to dig deeper.

     By Jen Sheckels on January 1, 2023 at 5:48 pm

386. Such a fun way to explore the world and “fall” down any numberr of rabbit holes. I love this strategy for unearthing ideas. And Frozen Charlottes as a PB is intriguing. Thanks, Tara!

     By Maria Marshall on January 1, 2023 at 5:50 pm

387. Thanks Tara,
     Living in the UK, I’ve mudlarked along the Thames but sadly never found anything as cool as a Frozen Charlotte!

     By jodieparachini on January 1, 2023 at 5:56 pm

388. Great idea. I watch my share of YouTube video, mostly of animals, babies crocheting. I will need to consciously look for writing related ideas.

     By Robin Schwartz on January 1, 2023 at 5:57 pm

389. Happy New Year!

     By Mark MacKay on January 1, 2023 at 5:57 pm

390. I love that amateur archeologists are “mudlarks”. We’ve actually got a bottle dump out back, and when the kids were young we dug around for “treasures”. unfortunately, it’s all mid-20th century.

     By Sue Heavenrich on January 1, 2023 at 5:59 pm

391. Got an idea that made me giggle. Thanks for inspiring me to try.

     By bereccawrites on January 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm

392. Tara, thank you for sharing. I used to feel guilty for going down the rabbit hole. I can’t believe i hadn’t thought of it from an idea generating perspective. Looking forward to checking out your podcast.

     By ljtouche on January 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm

393. Oh, Tara! You never fail to surprise, entertain and inspire. Your Mudlarking Homily is fascinating. I once read an historical fiction mystery centered on the very act of mudlarking. (The title escapes me.) Living in “dry” southwestern Kansas the last 20 years has limited my own larking in the muck…but growing up in Michigan took me on many mud adventures. As a child, when I wasn’t training tree frogs to somersault or teaching my stuffed animals to spell, I often discovered bottle caps and whatnots buried in the after-a-rainstorm muck. I look forward to digging up “Frozen-Charolettes” that will draft their way into stories for 2023. Thank you for creating this creative storm of inspiration for January. Sending you energy for your own adventures this year…

     By marshaelyn on January 1, 2023 at 6:08 pm

394. Thank you! Great idea!

     By AcamySchleikorn on January 1, 2023 at 6:09 pm

395. Thanks for giving me an excuse to play more on YouTube! Fun post.

     By Elizabeth Kalasinsky on January 1, 2023 at 6:10 pm

396. Great story, Tara! thank you.

     By Arlene Schenker on January 1, 2023 at 6:11 pm

397. What a great post to kick off Storystorm 2023! Thanks, Tara!

     By Becky Scharnhorst on January 1, 2023 at 6:13 pm

398. Wow! Frozen Charlottes are so neat! It feels good to consider YouTube rabbit holes “research” instead of procrastination!

     By M. Fuller-Morris on January 1, 2023 at 6:14 pm

399. Frozen Charlottes. What a fascinating start! IG and YouTube rabbit holes sometimes do bear intriguing results.

     By nycbgriffin on January 1, 2023 at 6:16 pm

400. I love the places following a rabbit hole online can take you! I have an Evernote folder FILLED of random interesting things I’ve found down those trips.

     By Sarah Maynard on January 1, 2023 at 6:21 pm

401. Haha I love this idea!

     By Stefanie Hohl on January 1, 2023 at 6:21 pm

402. The world is an amazing and wonderfully creative place to uncover fabulous secrets. I love the idea of digging into another’s pastime to mine creative picture book ideas. Time to start YouTubing!

     By Kari Gonzalez on January 1, 2023 at 6:21 pm

403. I absolutely love YouTube…for ideas and also for research – you can often find interviews or documentaries about the subjects of your manuscripts. Thank you so much for Storystorm, dear Tara…and for these story sparks!

     By viviankirkfield on January 1, 2023 at 6:27 pm

404. Thanks for the inspiration! Thanks, Tara! And thanks for hosting STORYSTORM!

     By Diane O'Neill on January 1, 2023 at 6:32 pm

405. I was going to recommend The Lost Apothecary for more Mudlarking fun, but it looks like someone beat me to it. Yeah for finding inspiration in unexpected places!

     By AT Reynard on January 1, 2023 at 6:35 pm

406. Thanks for permission to go down the YouTube rabbit hole!

     By Heather Stigall on January 1, 2023 at 6:37 pm

407. This was a fascinating way to kick off. Story storm Tara. I’ve always felt like the videos that show up or somewhat interesting, but kind of annoying. Now I’m more curious. Thank you for the great idea. Happy storming!

     By cathystenquist on January 1, 2023 at 6:39 pm

408. Love this, Tara. Perfect way to start Storystorm. I feel like ideas can come from unexpected places, and if we indulge in any YouTube rabbit hole hopping, you just freed us from guilt. Thanks 🙂

     By cinzialverde on January 1, 2023 at 6:47 pm

409. Thanks for the kick off post! I am currently in the bathtub with my new Christmas gift waterproof notepad and pen to start my storystorm 2023 journey! Here we go!!

     By Amanda on January 1, 2023 at 6:51 pm

410. Loved exploring these sites Tara especially the mudlarks—who knew?! Thanks for showing more ways to expand and pique my curiosity and inspiration!

     By kimpfenn on January 1, 2023 at 6:55 pm

411. Um this is amazing! I had not thought to use YouTube as a way to find a new PB idea. It was so fun to go through your thought process. And I have already come up with a new idea today thanks to this challenge! It is going to be a good month 🙂 Thanks for putting this together!

     By Ryann Jones on January 1, 2023 at 6:55 pm

412. This was so interesting, I’d never heard of Frozen Charlottes! How cool! I love a your e rabbithole, this really resonated with me. Off to dive in!

     By Nin C on January 1, 2023 at 6:56 pm

413. I’m also fascinated by mudlarking, and have eagerly devoured all of the videos on the @nicolawhitemudlark YouTube channel. The finds always spark a story idea!

     By Dannielle Viera on January 1, 2023 at 6:57 pm

414. Happy New Year!

     So, after reading this blog I think I might be an honorary Mudlark via yard sales. Mostly I hunt for things for my twelve grandchildren (all eight and under).

     Oh, the treasures I have found for them. And for the most part, these things somehow seem more thoughtful and meaningful than something store bought, or Amazon ordered!

     As a bonus, I catch glimpses into the lives of the sellers. I tuck these impressions away and sometimes they come out when I’m creating a new character/story.

     By kathleenannajacobs on January 1, 2023 at 6:59 pm

415. What a wonderful collection of inspirations! Thanks for sharing, and for hosting a great start to the year! And for justifying more digging into rabbit holes. 🙂

     By lisabilla on January 1, 2023 at 7:00 pm

416. Ooh! I can’t wait to fall into a YouTube rabbit hole (or go on an idea scavenger hunt) and see where I end up (along with all the cool videos along the way).

     By Jenny Boyd on January 1, 2023 at 7:02 pm

417. Fantastic beginning! I enjoy the idea of letting the rabbit hole happen 🙂 Thank you for the brilliant idea offshoots ❤

     By heatherbell37 on January 1, 2023 at 7:02 pm

418. I’ve never really ventured into the YouTube world – but it seems full of possibilities. Kind of like the world you so graciously create with StoryStorm.

     By Diane M. on January 1, 2023 at 7:03 pm

419. Yay. Thanks Tara. I’m off to hunt for treasure 🙂

     By Prue on January 1, 2023 at 7:03 pm

420. Now I’m obsessed with frozen Charlotte’s and mudlarks! Great post, Tara!

     By Kaye Baillie on January 1, 2023 at 7:07 pm

421. I often find books on the library website the same way, I start with a search and go down several rabbit holes and put many weird and wonderful books on hold! I have been obsessed with hockey of late – watching the IIHF World Juniors on TV. I found a book on female hockey leagues while cleaning out a box. All this led to my first few picture book ideas for January!.

     By Anne LeBlanc 🇨🇦❤️📚libraries✍️🎤💃⛏️😊🖖StarWars (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 1, 2023 at 7:10 pm

422. So true how ideas come!

     By Maria Antonia on January 1, 2023 at 7:16 pm

423. A few decades ago, my husband and I excavated a small dump along an inlet bank in Maine. We found many old bottles that still sit in our windows. I learned about mudlarks last month from Jonathan Auxier’s book Sweep, the Story of a Girl and her Monster. I like finding old things discarded in the woods around our house. So maybe I’m a mudlark of sorts? Probably, because I research and write about local historical happenings for my mid-grade novels. Perhaps this year, I’ll distill one of my discoveries into a picture book idea. It won’t take much mudlarking, I’m sure.

     By mariearden on January 1, 2023 at 7:18 pm

424. “Mudlarking” is still popular on the Thames in England. This mighty river is like a huge archaeological site. It’s amazing what has been found. I want to go back there and do this myself!

     By Pamela Harrison on January 1, 2023 at 7:23 pm

425. Awesome idea!

     By mlflannigan on January 1, 2023 at 7:28 pm

426. One thing leads to another, how so very true. Thanks for this fascinating post.

     By Poupette on January 1, 2023 at 7:33 pm

427. Thank you, Tara! Cool discoveries : ).

     By Sara Trofa on January 1, 2023 at 7:36 pm

428. I often find ideas in my Facebook news feed!

     By viji chary on January 1, 2023 at 7:39 pm

429. I often find ideas on my Facebook feed

     By viji chary on January 1, 2023 at 7:41 pm

430. Too bad Charlotte didn’t go to the green beach and rescue a cat to give her life more purpose. Thanks for the rabbit hole(s) and thank you for Storystorm!

     By Brinton Culp on January 1, 2023 at 7:44 pm

431. Great demonstration of creative thought in action! Thanks for a fun start.

     By Russell Wolff on January 1, 2023 at 7:48 pm

432. 2023, let’s go! – Mikki

     By MikAdventures on January 1, 2023 at 7:48 pm

433. Day one inspiration is a gem!

     By lsheroan on January 1, 2023 at 7:56 pm

434. Fascinating first day post, especially liked the notion of ideas seeping into and then out of our subconsciousness. Thanks

     By bookfish1 on January 1, 2023 at 7:58 pm

435. And I thought I was the only one who watched random videos. Now I will with a purpose. Even your story got me thinking about ideas right away. Thank you Tara!

     By kdgwrites on January 1, 2023 at 8:00 pm

436. I thought I was the only one who could be drawn into YT’s information vortex. Glad to know I’m not alone AND sometimes it leads to a great book idea. HNY 2023

     By Sharon Langley on January 1, 2023 at 8:02 pm

437. My family was just at that green beach in Sept. It is amazing, but a real hike to get there. I’d be interested in reading what you come up with using frozen Charlotte.

     By Cindy S. on January 1, 2023 at 8:02 pm

438. Interesting way ro explore the world. Bettie Boswell

     By Bettie Boswell on January 1, 2023 at 8:04 pm

439. I used to think of it as going down a YouTube rabbit hole, but it’s really going into a mine of ideas. Thanks for changing my perspective.

     By Daryl Gottier on January 1, 2023 at 8:07 pm

440. The Fixx video, though! Just when we have begun to believe that ‘surfing’ around YouTube might be a waste of time.

     By Trine Grillo on January 1, 2023 at 8:10 pm

441. I didn’t know about Frozen Charlottes—but I immediately went to King Cake! I’m so intrigued by your story idea. YouTube is a fine resource. Thanks for putting together all this inspiration.

     By crbwriter on January 1, 2023 at 8:12 pm

442. I am with you, rabbit holes are so fun and quite the learning experience. Glad to be part of Storystorm for the second year! Couldn’t wait for it to start. Blessings!

     By Roxanne Drury on January 1, 2023 at 8:13 pm

443. What a great first day of Storystorm! And some people say watching YouTube videos is just a waste of time : )

     By jbbower on January 1, 2023 at 8:16 pm

444. Gemstone beaches, pudding, and Mudlarking… fun and informative post! I’ll be pressing play and searching for ideas!

     By Lorraine on January 1, 2023 at 8:18 pm

445. Mudlarking on Youtube is a great way to hunt for idea treasure!

     By Larissa Elliott on January 1, 2023 at 8:18 pm

446. Thank you – this is so much food for thought! ‘Frozen Charlotte’ sounds like a dessert to me… 🙂

     By Deborah Frenkel Pohl on January 1, 2023 at 8:18 pm

447. First time “Story Stormer” here. Off to a great start. Thank you.

     By Kimberly E Johnson on January 1, 2023 at 8:19 pm

448. I used to “desert lark” in CA, finding old bottles and artifacts half buried in the sand. Great start to Storystorm–thanks, Tara!

     By lynnbmaccom on January 1, 2023 at 8:21 pm

449. Treasures are often found in the most unlikely places. YouTube? I’m ready! I love your reminder to play with ideas, your reminder that creativity is often visually stimulated.

     By Laurie Seaford on January 1, 2023 at 8:22 pm

450. Thank you, Tara, for StoryStorm 2023, and your discoveries on YouTube. I watch snippets of videos on twitter but I think I need to slow down and look for stories that are revealed among them.
     I generated two ideas while reading your post today. I am excited by the number of ideas that I will have noted before the month is through.

     By Jeannette Suhr on January 1, 2023 at 8:27 pm

451. I love these metaphors! Combining the “one-idea-leads-to-another” metaphor through Youtube and the idea of becoming a mudlark when sifting through seed ideas are good reminders as we begin this month of Storystorming! Let the storms begin!

     By Lynn M. Mondello on January 1, 2023 at 8:29 pm

452. Thank you, Tara, for Story Storm 2023! I’m excited about the number of story ideas that I will create before this month is over. I look at a number of snippets of videos on FaceBook but I think I will slow down and look for ideas within them.
     Two book ideas came to mind while I read your post today. Thanks for sparking creativity!

     By Jeannette Teresa Suhr on January 1, 2023 at 8:35 pm

453. This was so interesting! Thank you for the inspiration! Happy New Year!

     By claudine108 on January 1, 2023 at 8:40 pm

454. Mudlarking and rabbit-hole diving…that’s the life for me! Thanks Tara!

     By sharonkdal on January 1, 2023 at 8:40 pm

455. I’m also a lover of fossicking and foraging. Here’s to an abundance of ideas for everyone Storystorming their way into the new year.

     By Kelly Hibbert on January 1, 2023 at 8:42 pm

456. Such an interesting newsy beginning to Story Storm.

     By Linda Sakai on January 1, 2023 at 8:43 pm

457. I can’t wait to see what the month uncovers! Thanks for all you do for the kidlit world, Tara! (Loved your interview with Mel!)

     By Barbara Kimmel on January 1, 2023 at 8:43 pm

458. Mudlarks and pudding people. Wow. I love this!

     By lizziemaxwell42 on January 1, 2023 at 8:43 pm

459. This is a perfect StoryStorm kickoff! Something you can do everyday for the rest of the year. Thank you, Tara.

     By Angie B. on January 1, 2023 at 8:45 pm

460. Now I want to see the green sand beach. I love learning something new each time I join Storystorm. Thanks for all the great info Tara.

     By carolynleillustrations on January 1, 2023 at 8:51 pm

461. Way to kick this thing off! I found my first idea from a quote in New Year’s text message. If it weren’t Storystorm month, I might’ve ignored the nugget within that quote!

     By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 1, 2023 at 8:52 pm

462. So fascinating to follow the trails that lead us to our stories. I have never heard this poem before or heard of “Frozen Charlotte.” Finding something new delights me! Thank you for an excellent beginning to a new year!

     By susanzonca on January 1, 2023 at 9:01 pm

463. Mudlarking—fascinating and inspirational! Thanks!

     By Peggy Dobbs on January 1, 2023 at 9:05 pm

464. Great first post! So excited about this month! Looking forward to all the ideas.

     By Vanessa Hancock on January 1, 2023 at 9:06 pm

465. I never thought of using Youtube to help come up with ideas for writing. Since my hiatus from writing due to getting my education, I am excited to get back into it. The Frozen Charlotte is such an interesting subject. I am actually getting ready to use one of the ideas I had in the 2017 StoryStorm and start by drawing the character so see what ideas I can get for adventures.

     By Deb S on January 1, 2023 at 9:08 pm

466. What a fun post! Thank you for kicking the month off with such an interesting set of ideas to explore.

     By WriterTammy on January 1, 2023 at 9:10 pm

467. Yippee! Such a fun way to start! Great ideas for the new year.

     By girlscout72091 on January 1, 2023 at 9:20 pm

468. Wow, I am a total mudlarker but this is the first time I’ve heard the term. So cool! And I love the connection to where ideas flow in from.

     By Azmh on January 1, 2023 at 9:22 pm

469. It’s interesting what you can find on YouTube! 😊

     By cnparch on January 1, 2023 at 9:23 pm

470. I love love love a wikipedia or youtube hole! Thanks for sharing a look at your process 🙂

     By phaeabooks on January 1, 2023 at 9:23 pm

471. Thanks for sharing your perspective. So interesting. Now, everyone, first day to push through the BLANK. 🙂

     By danielledufayet on January 1, 2023 at 9:24 pm

472. So is beachcombing in the US the same as mudlarking in the UK? Another rabbit hole to explore! Hope everyone has a great month!

     By Dana Atnip on January 1, 2023 at 9:31 pm

473. I too love the internet algorithms. Are they up in my business? Sure. But at least I’m seeing stuff I’m interested in.

     By Carmen on January 1, 2023 at 9:32 pm

474. Here’s to mudlarking!

     By supermario6 on January 1, 2023 at 9:33 pm

475. There is much to write about and places for minds to pause. I certainly did not know of “frozen Charlottes” and yes, I did go hunting for more information on these odd dolls. Good luck to all who find them and happy Storystorming!

     By Tarja Nevala on January 1, 2023 at 9:34 pm

476. This was a neat post. I enjoy history, and YouTube surfing, tho admittedly it more often than not makes me forget what I came to YouTube to find! 😊

     By Tom Barrett on January 1, 2023 at 9:36 pm

477. Loved the Mudlarks story.
     (I’m going to try to make a “frozen Charlotte” out of clay…if it turns out, I will post it)
     Thanks so much!

     By rebeccaarentdraper on January 1, 2023 at 9:37 pm

478. This is a fun post. Frozen Charlotte would certainly capture my interest as a picture book!

     By Rosi Hollinbeck on January 1, 2023 at 9:40 pm

479. Yay for day 1!! I almost missed it and caught a post on Twitter, thank goodness!! Thank you again for hosting and may your YouTube viewing be forever fruitful!

     By Lindsey Aduskevich on January 1, 2023 at 9:42 pm

480. What a fun post! Frozen Charlotte would certainly capture my interest as a picture book.

     By Rosi Hollinbeck on January 1, 2023 at 9:43 pm

481. What a fun invitation into Storystorm 2023!

     By Jen Lynn Bailey on January 1, 2023 at 9:49 pm

482. Oh, the black hole of YouTube! Like Alice’s looking glass, we’re lured with promises of adventure and inspiration.

     By Gretchen Huesmann on January 1, 2023 at 9:51 pm

483. YouTube is great! I love the Mudlarks and frozen Charlottes. They are so interesting! Thanks for this fun peak into the past!

     By juliejelliebean on January 1, 2023 at 9:52 pm

484. I’ve definitely been on a YouTube spiral before! Haha

     By Amy Mucci on January 1, 2023 at 9:56 pm

485. Our entire family visits YouTube! Just like there’s been books written about everything, there’s also videos about everything. I’ve even got a channel on YouTube. Interesting post.

     By Janet Smart on January 1, 2023 at 9:59 pm

486. One thing leads to another…what a brilliant idea to begin the year with!

     By Stephanie D Jones on January 1, 2023 at 10:01 pm

487. A great excuse to watch dancing videos!

     By Laurel Santini on January 1, 2023 at 10:05 pm

488. Coming across random things is such a nice surprise to finding ideas.

     By Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) on January 1, 2023 at 10:06 pm

489. I’ve never heard of Frozen Charlottes – very interesting! Also, I would love to visit that beach someday…

     By marybeningo on January 1, 2023 at 10:06 pm

490. Pinterest has some of the same idea-producing power for me as YouTube does for you. Mudlarking <– Such a cool thing to learn about! Frozen Charlotte <– Ditto!

     By Barbara Farland on January 1, 2023 at 10:10 pm

491. I’ve never heard of Frozen Charlottes before! My You Tube treks usually involve musical theatre, but I’m very keen to take the road less travelled in search of great story ideas. 😊

     By Sue Scott on January 1, 2023 at 10:10 pm

492. I LOVE this! Frozen Charlottes! I read a book called “Mudlark” with my book club earlier this year – a woman mudlarker on the Thames in London. It is fascinating. Just as your Charlottes are. Cannot wait to read it. Yay! Storystorm has begun!

     By Sheri Graubert on January 1, 2023 at 10:11 pm

493. I love the quote from Mel Rosenberg that he doesn’t believe our conscious minds can fully understand from where we get ideas. Looking forward to getting many ideas this month.

     By cbcole on January 1, 2023 at 10:11 pm

494. Excited for this year’s Storystorm!

     By Jennifer on January 1, 2023 at 10:12 pm

495. I love that history and finds such as this make you feel more connected to the past. Thank you for sharing!

     By Kathleen Clark on January 1, 2023 at 10:14 pm

496. Grateful for the excuse to surf the web!

     By Melissa Chupp on January 1, 2023 at 10:15 pm

497. I love when falling down the rabbit hole leads to fascinating facts and surprising ideas I would never have found otherwise! It’s magic.

     By deniseganley on January 1, 2023 at 10:16 pm

498. I watch hair brushing ASMR YouTube videos to relax and fall asleep too. I will definitely add the turning wood to my playlist.

     By J. Brianne Jahn on January 1, 2023 at 10:17 pm

499. After listening to a gazillion “This American Life” stories today, the first day of 2023, one episode led to another. Great storytelling and inspiration! My favorites today were 782: Family Dig and 783: Kids These Days. Both hold intense stories told so beautifully. Does anyone have a favorite TAL episode to recommend?

     By Jo Raderstorf on January 1, 2023 at 10:17 pm

500. Youtube and I are very good friends for better or for worse—definitely a trove of ideas. Hooray for another year of Storystorm!

     By David McMullin on January 1, 2023 at 10:18 pm

501. Got my first idea 😊

     By Laura on January 1, 2023 at 10:20 pm

502. Carol A Cole I love the quote from Mel Rosenberg that he doesn’t believe our conscious minds can fully understand from where we get ideas. Looking forward to generating many ideas this month.

     By cbcole on January 1, 2023 at 10:20 pm

503. Tara, thank you for this thought-provoking post to kick off the new year. It’s given me a different view of YouTube and a new way to inspire creativity in my writing.

     By Ashley Wu on January 1, 2023 at 10:22 pm

504. I love this idea! I love when inspiration hits from somewhere random. And you’re right, it’s usually because one thing leads to another! Happy Storystorm!

     By Amy Moore on January 1, 2023 at 10:28 pm

505. I’m familiar with penny dolls and mudlarks, but I’ve never read A Corpse Going to a Ball. What a treat!!!

     By Joanne Roberts on January 1, 2023 at 10:31 pm

506. interesting way to find inspiration! now off to find mine 🙂

     By Jamie Krakover on January 1, 2023 at 10:34 pm

507. So much good stuff out there! Great tip, Tara! Thanks for posting!!

     By Vanessa Konoval on January 1, 2023 at 10:37 pm

508. Thank you! Thrilled to be off and running!

     By Kevin Treaccar on January 1, 2023 at 10:39 pm

509. I am not familiar with penny or pudding dolls or mudlarks. How fascinating and makes one wonder and appreciate the tip!

     By Deborah Showers-Kelly on January 1, 2023 at 10:43 pm

510. Wow, this post is full of things I knew so little about her find so interesting! I’m so excited that Storystorm has begun 😊

     By drdanna on January 1, 2023 at 10:43 pm

511. I’m looking forward to this treasure hunt for ideas!

     By martyfindley on January 1, 2023 at 10:48 pm

512. I love this!

     By Becky Lance on January 1, 2023 at 10:51 pm

513. Thank you for walking us thru your process. It was interesting to see you go from browsing youtube to harnessing a picture book idea.

     By Helen Lysicatos on January 1, 2023 at 10:53 pm

514. I’ve been fascinated with watching people create pottery on a wheel. Viewing the wood-turning on a lathe has a similar level of satisfaction. Since I haven’t tried either yet myself, I’m not sure which activity my hands would prefer. Both art forms fit with the “one thing leads to another” as a single touch with the fingers or tool can change the direction of what will form next.

     By Tamara Riva on January 1, 2023 at 10:55 pm

515. Yay first year doing this and it’s fabulous. Thanks so much. Entry day 1 in! 🤩🤩🤩

     By Sabrina Shah on January 1, 2023 at 10:55 pm

516. Oh, Tara, this was delightful! You made me laugh and this is so true to how story ideas come around to us. I look forward to reading your Frozen Charlotte story and in the meantime hope to go mudlarking!

     By littleseedsread on January 1, 2023 at 10:58 pm

517. Tara, great post to begin Storystorm 2023! 🙂

     By seschipper on January 1, 2023 at 10:59 pm

518. I’m doing a lot of research via YouTube videos for my historical verse novel in progress. Most of it involves using an ironing machine and other equipment in a mid-20th century commercial laundry. But banned performances play a big role in the story, so I’ve watched videos of underground musicians around the world and have some new favorite singers and bands. And maybe a picture book bio or compilation is in my future.

     By Lyn Miller-Lachmann on January 1, 2023 at 11:02 pm

519. I just crawled out of the rabbit hole, and I have ideas swirling around! Nothing cohesive yet, but lots of random thoughts that will hopefully become something. Thanks! Great idea!

     By Ellen Leventhal on January 1, 2023 at 11:06 pm

520. Fascinated by this. I’d be curious to know if there are any other toys with origin stories. Do you think you’d use mudlarks in a story?

     By Bella Haeusel on January 1, 2023 at 11:10 pm

521. Mudlarks! Frozen Charlottes! I’ve learned so much already and it is only Day 1! Looking forward to an amazing month of inspiration, smiles/laughs and creativity!

     By Laura Bower on January 1, 2023 at 11:10 pm

522. I love that anything can literally be a journey to a book idea! Can’t wait for another journey though Storystorm 2023!

     By Lisa Bratus on January 1, 2023 at 11:11 pm

523. Fascinated by this, thanks for sharing 🙂

     By Bella Haeusel on January 1, 2023 at 11:12 pm

524. Interesting post! Off to see where the algorithm takes me (hopefully one thing will lead to a gem). Thanks for the inspiration, Tara!

     By Daniella Kaufman on January 1, 2023 at 11:18 pm

525. I wasn’t quite sure where you were going until I read the phrase, “One Thing Leads to Another,” and that is exactly how my brain works. So excited to be going through Storystorm again! Thank you for keeping it going!

     By Vickie on January 1, 2023 at 11:19 pm

526. Thank you for doing Storystorm again! It really is a wonderful experience.

     By Vickie R McEntire on January 1, 2023 at 11:23 pm

527. I found out that the first YouTube video was made in 2005 and called “Me At the Zoo”. An ordinary moment became extraordinary. And maybe that’s where great stories live!! Found a young girl narrating a book someone else wrote with photos of kittens, sea otters holding hands, old Art Linkletter clips, a dance retrospective. So much humor. Thanks, Tara, for launching this journey.

     By Yehudit Sarah on January 1, 2023 at 11:25 pm

528. So much fun!

     By darshanakhiani on January 1, 2023 at 11:28 pm

529. My kids would love to add you as a witness to their case proving how YouTube is so educational!!! Love your description of watching the creating art videos – I love these too.

     By Jodie Sadowsky on January 1, 2023 at 11:30 pm

530. That tiny porcelain doll, “Frozen Charlottes” are so endearing. Thank you for kicking off Storystorm, I can’t wait to see where it leads us all. : )

     By Annelouise Mahoney on January 1, 2023 at 11:34 pm

531. Mudlarks and Frozen Charlottes! I had no idea! But I’m glad you did! YouTube, here I come!

     By Jane Heitman Healy on January 1, 2023 at 11:35 pm

532. Getting lost in the proverbial (modern) rabbit hole called YouTube. We all do that so often. I’ve mined ideas before and will continue to do the same. Thanks, Tara.

     By R.G. Spaulding on January 1, 2023 at 11:37 pm

533. OK, I’m kinda creeped out by the Frozen Charlottes, but I do admit that using YouTube for creativity is a good idea. I’ll admit it… I do the same with children’s cartoons. Not to copy storylines, characters, etc., but just for a quick idea.
     Thanks for a great idea for Day 1. What a way to start the new year.

     By Maria Bostian on January 1, 2023 at 11:40 pm

534. Oh- a good excuse to watch YouTube! Can’t wait to collect ideas.

     By claireannette1 on January 1, 2023 at 11:41 pm

535. The story/poem behind the frozen Charlotte dolls has ideas chasing each other in my head – the same reaction I had the first time I read “The Raven” by Poe. I’m heading to YouTube to see what story worthy ideas I can unearth.

     By Judy A Cheek on January 1, 2023 at 11:44 pm

536. I saw The Fixx in concert in October!
     (There wasn’t any pudding at their merch table, Doll. ☹️)

     By stevejankousky on January 1, 2023 at 11:46 pm

537. YouTube & Mudlarks & Frozen Charlottes…oh my! This sounds like the perfect excuse, I mean, reason to go deep down into the “rabbit hole” of IG videos, too! Indeed, one thing leads to another — I’m in!
     Thank you, Tara, for kicking off another great season of brainstorming inspiration!

     By Lucretia Schafroth on January 1, 2023 at 11:51 pm

538. The Fixx is awesome in concert :>) Which is another rabbit hole, I guess. I’m not much of a video watcher except for when I’m doing specific research. Will have to set aside some time for this exercise. Thanks, Tara!

     By Laura Purdie Salas on January 1, 2023 at 11:53 pm

539. Mudlarks are a great name.

     By Kim A Parfitt on January 1, 2023 at 11:56 pm

540. Wow, I love scrolling but it’s never purposeful. I use my “timed” scrolling as an inspiration.

     By sherritmercer on January 2, 2023 at 12:02 am

541. I get lost in the internet… full of great ideas… thanks. Happy 2023!

     By Debi on January 2, 2023 at 12:05 am

542. The best ideas always seem to come as my mind wanders when I fall asleep. One thing leads to another!

     By kaa12794 on January 2, 2023 at 12:09 am

543. Thank you so much for this post! I rarely have time to browse YouTube but today I jumped right in since it was a ‘writing exercise’ and came with zero guilt.

     By Melissa-Jane Nguyen on January 2, 2023 at 12:12 am

544. I love noodling on Youtube but it’s usually so risky because I can get so lost! haha. I can’t wait to jump in and browse with intention, haha!

     By Bethany Brown on January 2, 2023 at 12:13 am

545. Yay! There’s purpose today in my scrolling!! Thanks for sharing—what neat tidbits you found!!

     By Marci Whitehurst on January 2, 2023 at 12:13 am

546. Frozen Charlottes—what a great concept!!

     By Marcia Berneger on January 2, 2023 at 12:14 am

547. I’ve used YouTube to research 1890’s New York City for a story, but I never thought to use it to spark ideas. How fun! Thank you.

     By tracyschuldthelixon on January 2, 2023 at 12:22 am

548. I find my best ideas come when I am about to fall asleep and my mind is wandering… one thing leads to another!

     By kaa12794 on January 2, 2023 at 12:26 am

549. This is my first year of StoryStorm, and I loved this post. Also, maybe I’ll start turning wood as a hobby. So intoxicating.

     By Sally on January 2, 2023 at 12:28 am

550. I had never heard the name Frozen Charlotte! I got one once in my rosca, the Three Kings Day cake. We were in Mexico City. She was a he, and he was a baby, and his name was Jesus.

     By Garnett, Natasha on January 2, 2023 at 12:29 am

551. My goodness, what a great kick off you this year’s Storystorm, Tara! Thank you!

     By Janice Woods on January 2, 2023 at 12:30 am

552. Hey, Tara. I’ve never heard of Frozen Charlotte but know you will do justice to it as a PB. Thank you for kicking off Storystorm with your interesting post!

     By angiecal76 on January 2, 2023 at 12:36 am

553. Day 1 Super-excited! Love hearing about penny dolls as pudding surprises! Geraldine Oades-Sese

     By GOades-Sese on January 2, 2023 at 12:37 am

554. Hope to read that Frozen Charlotte-inspired story of yours one day! Thanks for an inspiration-packed kick off to the month.

     By Kaitlin Hedberg on January 2, 2023 at 12:44 am

555. I have a couple of those dolls from my mom and had no clue of their history. I love the windy video path which led to the dolls and your story idea. Hope to read the story soon. Thanks for sharing!

     By Darcee A Freier on January 2, 2023 at 12:53 am

556. Great post! Thank you Tara

     By René Bartos on January 2, 2023 at 12:57 am

557. Permission to watch endless YouTube videos! I love it!

     By Cynthia Wyszynski on January 2, 2023 at 1:00 am

558. Permission to watch endless YouTube videos! I love it!

     By wyszguy on January 2, 2023 at 1:01 am

559. SOOOO fascinating! I was thinking mudlarks would also be me, someone who enjoys thrift shops, yard sales, digging through stuff. You find the best stuff! Thanks for the clues about what to watch on YouTube!

     By Angie on January 2, 2023 at 1:04 am

560. I was debating whether to join StoryStorm this year because I had the silly fear that I have no more ideas but this exercise reminds me that I do so thank you Tara!

     By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 2, 2023 at 1:05 am

561. That was an adventure! Mudlarking sounds fascinating. I’d listened to a podcast about people needing permits and stuff with the Thames years ago and here it is again! Love the frozen Charlotte dolls.

     By Adriana Bergstrom on January 2, 2023 at 1:06 am

562. Inspiring!

     By Deb McJimsey on January 2, 2023 at 1:07 am

563. I too have been sucked into an endless spiral of interesting YouTube videos! What a great idea to use these videos to spark writing ideas and get your research started.

     By Alanna on January 2, 2023 at 1:07 am

564. Wow, never thought of YouTube to generate ideas. Thank you, Tara!

     By Musings of a Hummingbird on January 2, 2023 at 1:09 am

565. YouTube is a wonderful place for ideas. It can be so addicting!

     By Jennifer Shipkowski on January 2, 2023 at 1:14 am

566. I loved the imagery and details of your YouTube rabbit hole description. I don’t normally think of wandering the internet in such a positive light, but what a fun idea for an exercise!

     By Krysta Whittemore on January 2, 2023 at 1:21 am

567. I’m also a YouTube algorithm person… you never know what will come up. Often when I’m working, I put on some music and just let it run. I’ve discovered some amazing new to me artists as well as rediscovered some old favourites I’ve previously forgotten, as well as going down the odd rabbit hole with various topics

     By Melissa Gijsbers on January 2, 2023 at 1:24 am

568. Love this start to Storystorm!

     By Terry Hojnacki on January 2, 2023 at 1:31 am

569. What a great idea to make even better use of the algorithm!

     By Carrie Tillotson on January 2, 2023 at 2:25 am

570. Love your stream of conciousness exploring… I can totally relate!

     By Maureen Murphy Houser on January 2, 2023 at 2:44 am

571. Excited to participate again this year.

     By Judi M on January 2, 2023 at 2:45 am

572. One thing leads to another – simple, yet sharp.

     By ritu90419 on January 2, 2023 at 2:48 am

573. Tara, laughing about the mudlarking videos–I watch those, too! AND THE FIXX! Yesss!

     I also love watching (this is going to be a big one to admit) time-lapse power washing videos–houses, driveways, buildings…you name it. They are very calming. LOL.

     By Elayne on January 2, 2023 at 2:50 am

574. So azing how ideas spring from the most random things! Thanks Tara!

     By Ellie Huynh on January 2, 2023 at 2:54 am

575. Thank you for a great first post! Curiosity really does lead to surprising discoveries and new story ideas. It’s time to get curious.

     By Ashley Bankhead on January 2, 2023 at 3:02 am

576. Thanks for kicking us off with a silver lining of going down the rabbit hole. Ideas are everywhere!!

     By Cloudworks on January 2, 2023 at 3:25 am

577. Fascinating! Going down these YouTube rabbit holes is a guilty pleasure. Always something new to learn, but also always feel like I should be working on something else…

     By juliehamptonc228d7b913 on January 2, 2023 at 3:54 am

578. Excited for a New Year of Storystorm!!!

     By Nuno Alexandre Vieira on January 2, 2023 at 4:04 am

579. Youtube, Facebook, online newspapers, Google searches, library books, Netflix shows – especially from other countries…. each spiraling round and back, finding ever deeper knowledge needed to support the world… hours spent to find the nugget, or figure out if it can work in the way I’m envisioning.

     All of this often becomes just one line or picture in the 200 page GN I’m working on right now – and many PB dummies before this. Yet it feels unique believability grows in the bits of specificity gleaned.

     Yes yes yes to spiraling off into worlds or tidbits unknown.

     By bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing on January 2, 2023 at 4:13 am

580. What a fun way to get started!

     By Jane Martin on January 2, 2023 at 4:14 am

581. Thank you!

     By Shirley fadden on January 2, 2023 at 4:41 am

582. Woa. Super eerie and super intriguing. Very curious to see how you craft your awesome humor into this story! Dark and delicious? Or just absurd? Other? Thanks for sharing a bit about the genesis of your latest WIP!

     By danyavasquezdavid on January 2, 2023 at 5:04 am

583. I’d never heard of Frozen Charlotte’s before, so interesting! Guess I’m heading down the YouTube rabbit hole now! Thanks for the inspiration, great start to the month.

     By Rebecca Grant on January 2, 2023 at 5:16 am

584. Great idea, Tara. And so much fun. Thanks for your intriguing post and once again bringing us Storystorm!

     By mdk45 on January 2, 2023 at 6:47 am

585. Thanks for a great post to get us going, Tara. Youtube browsing is fun too.

     By mdk45 on January 2, 2023 at 6:52 am

586. I have to admit that I am not a TV person and when I do get in front of the TV , I tend to put on the same old drones. But when my kids invade for the holiday, I discover more shows I didn’t know existed. Squirrels forging through a table full of nuts, puppies napping, the yule log and kids dancing to cover music. Who knew!?

     By Antoinette Truglio Martin on January 2, 2023 at 7:10 am

587. This was a fascinating post and juxtaposes beautifully with what I’ve just been reading–Austin Kleon’s advice to share your process in “Show Your Work.” Thanks for the glimpse behind the scenes and for another year of Storystorm! (I feel like I just got a free pass to disappear into the rabbit hole! Whee!)

     By mbhmaine on January 2, 2023 at 7:27 am

588. Never thought about how YouTube could be used this way. Thanks! 

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     By debbiearnn on January 2, 2023 at 7:44 am

589. Yay! Storystorm Day #1 idea down.

     By Lori Mozdzierz on January 2, 2023 at 7:49 am

590. Ha ha ha. When I saw the title I thought Frozen Charlotte was a dessert! But what I learned about Frozen Chalottes was BETTER than dessert. Day 1 and we’ve begun. Very exciting!

     By Ann on January 2, 2023 at 7:50 am

591. I’m inspired!

     By Sallye O'Rourke on January 2, 2023 at 8:19 am

592. Love the idea of using YouTube to generate ideas and can’t wait to check out mudlarks when I go to Scotland.

     By Linda B on January 2, 2023 at 8:38 am

593. There is mudlarking in the Thames, too, and features in the great book, The Lost Apothecary (Penner).

     By lizluvselephants on January 2, 2023 at 8:50 am

594. What a sad and beautiful poem about Frozen Charlotte! I bet your PB will be beautiful as well (but maybe with a happier ending?).

     By M.R. on January 2, 2023 at 8:52 am

595. Thank you so much! I love this idea and think YouTube holds a world of captivating inspiration.

     By Jamie Bills on January 2, 2023 at 8:54 am

596. I love uncovering treasures that lead to stories. Thank you for this reminder.

     By jenweingardt on January 2, 2023 at 8:57 am

597. Hey Tara!

     Happy New Year! I am so excited to be part of Storystorm 2023!

     Your cat Phoebe is adorable! Yes, the YouTube binge (Alice in Wonderland Rabbit Hole) is real and you can go down so many paths that wind and cross all these things that peak your interest – Your post is proof of that!

     Day 1 idea has been noted.

     Hoping this year will be a safe, healthy and happy one filled with adventure.

     Cynthia x

     By Cynthia Ning on January 2, 2023 at 9:00 am

598. Thank you, Tara! So excited for storystorm. 😊

     By Sarah Mead on January 2, 2023 at 9:00 am

599. This makes me feel less guilty when I zone out on social media…I’m just looking for story ideas! Thanks, Tara!

     By Susanne Whitehouse on January 2, 2023 at 9:11 am

600. Thank you for this kick off post!!

     By Joanna Alexandra Norland on January 2, 2023 at 9:14 am

601. Love the term mudlarking. And surfing through Youtube videos for ideas!

     By Lisa L Furness on January 2, 2023 at 9:25 am

602. This is the modern-day equivalent of flipping through newspaper headlines, no? Go where your mind (technology) takes you. Thanks for sharing an important process!

     By Jane Smith on January 2, 2023 at 9:33 am

603. Watching videos is a great way to find story ideas. Thank you Tara!

     By Mark Ceilley on January 2, 2023 at 9:34 am

604. What a fabulous way to find ideas. The Frozen Charlotte story is fascinating 🙂

     By Catherine Friess on January 2, 2023 at 9:52 am

605. I love the thought of a tiny find into a big story.

     By Robin Currie on January 2, 2023 at 9:58 am

606. Thanks for sharing, Tara. Happy New Year, Everyone!

     By Dionnie Takahashi on January 2, 2023 at 10:09 am

607. Yes, one thing truly does lead to another! Time browsing and wondering and absorbing isn’t wasted time, though we can’t always see it as it’s happening. Happy New Year!

     By alanadevito on January 2, 2023 at 10:12 am

608. Your post brought back memories. My Mom had little ceramic dolls, but their arms and legs moved. I found two of them when going through old boxes.

     By jbdedwardscomcastnet on January 2, 2023 at 10:15 am

609. Youtube, mud-larking, and methodically being led to new ideas by algorithms. I can’t think of a better way to start Storystorm

     By doristone on January 2, 2023 at 10:25 am

610. Just call me Mudlarker Maria. Love to literally and figuratively forage for nuggets to treasure.

     By topangamaria on January 2, 2023 at 10:37 am

611. Oh my GOODness! Those frozen Charlottes are amazing! I wonder if King Cake babies came from them. Love the word “Mudlark” and finding those good ideas is very much like mudlarking. 🙂

     By ryanrobertsauthor on January 2, 2023 at 10:39 am

612. When you stated, “…the month of YouTube,” I thought it was due to stress, and to unwind a bit from day-to-day living. What a fascinating surprise as your story emerged. I am fascinated by the Frozen Charlotte dolls, and love that learning about this gave you a story idea. Happy New Year!

     By Suzy Z on January 2, 2023 at 10:44 am

613. Thank you, Tara. Fantastic thought-provoking post. Those Frozen Charlottes can spin lots of stories: from creepy to fairy godmothers.

     By ralucasirbu on January 2, 2023 at 10:45 am

614. Thank you for the encouragement to play around.

     Suzy Leopold

     By Prairie Garden Girl on January 2, 2023 at 10:46 am

615. Wow! As a Victorianist, I’m fascinated by those mudlark discoveries. I knew that tiny toys were put in Christmas puddings (like the baby in the king cakes in Louisiana), but I didn’t know the name “frozen charlotte.” Fascinating.

     By Teresa Traver on January 2, 2023 at 10:51 am

616. Love random adventures. Looking forward to what we all find not only out there, but within our writers’ souls.

     By cravevsworld on January 2, 2023 at 10:52 am

617. What a fun way to generate ideas! So it’s not wasting time after all! I’m so looking forward to the month of inspiration ahead.

     By Debbie Austin on January 2, 2023 at 11:00 am

618. Love that story inspiration can be found in unexpected places!

     By Meghan Downs on January 2, 2023 at 11:15 am

619. Such a fun way to find ideas!

     By Rochelle Y Melander on January 2, 2023 at 11:16 am

620. Thank you for validating my time wasting – er, CREATIVE- process.

     By Lisa Tolin on January 2, 2023 at 11:16 am

621. This is great. I usually beat myself up for doing this! Great way to turn it into inspiration!

     By Shanie Cooper on January 2, 2023 at 11:18 am

622. Great way to cultivate new ideas!

     By joanwaites on January 2, 2023 at 11:20 am

623. Any excuse to procrastinate but wonderful that you found such inspiration about frozen Charlotte

     By trunkythetree on January 2, 2023 at 11:22 am

624. I also often go down the research wormhole and find that I can’t stop searching once something piques my curiosity. Love the name “Frozen Charlotte”!

     By Jennifer Roman on January 2, 2023 at 11:25 am

625. Oh what a wonderful way to start Storystorm 2023! With YouTube, idea mining couldn’t be easier! Thank you, Tara, and happy mining to everyone!❤️

     By Susie Sawyer on January 2, 2023 at 11:25 am

626. An excuse to browse the internet and videos! I love it! Also, thanks for sharing your exploration chain. It always amazes me how I can start by looking up one thing and then end up somewhere completely different. Can’t wait to explore!

     By Amy Newbold on January 2, 2023 at 11:37 am

627. Such interesting info! I would love to go mudlarking!

     By kirstenbockblog on January 2, 2023 at 11:39 am

628. I love this journey through your thoughts to the idea. My kids often say- How did we start talking about this?- and we try to trace back our strange, meandering conversation to the beginning. 😂

     By Evelyn Day on January 2, 2023 at 11:42 am

629. Wow Tara! For all my youtubing I have yet to find a storygem like that! Thanks for sharing this unique place to be a mudlark for story ideas!

     By Nadia Salomon on January 2, 2023 at 11:52 am

630. I love YouTube, especially Ted Talks, and get inspired to explore all sorts of ideas there, but never thought of picture book ideas from them. Brilliant!

     By Leah on January 2, 2023 at 11:54 am

631. I’ve gotten some great ideas that way too. Thanks for sharing!

     By Renée Neubauer on January 2, 2023 at 11:55 am

632. This is a great piece. It got me thinking about where ideas come from. I understand that Mel Rosenberg thinks that stories and creative ideas come from the lizard brain. But I think my stories come from the whole brain-like music. Music is one of the only activities that lights up the whole brain. As a songwriter and author, I know an idea is good when I feel like my whole brain is on fire.

     By Risa Cohen on January 2, 2023 at 11:56 am

633. Thanks, Tara, for this great idea. I like hitting the You Tube home button & seeing what comes in my feed. I’ll scour for ideas.

     By tinamcho on January 2, 2023 at 11:59 am

634. I like your process, but I’m old school, I use the newspaper.

     By triciahinely on January 2, 2023 at 12:02 pm

635. What a ride on Day 1!

     By gpbellbooks on January 2, 2023 at 12:03 pm

636. Thank you for sharing all the mudlark stuff – made me think of Meadowlark Lemon and the Globetrotters and an idea for my MG!

     By Janet AlJunaidi on January 2, 2023 at 12:04 pm

637. Fun ride!

     By gpbellbooks on January 2, 2023 at 12:04 pm

638. What a wonderful, curiosity-piquing first post of Storystorm 2023! Love the Frozen Charlottes and fascinating details here. I just heard of mudlarking while reading The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell (a mudlarker’s find is the inciting incident). Thanks so much this inspiring post and for being such a stellar Storystorm host, Tara!

     By Sarah Meade on January 2, 2023 at 12:07 pm

639. Excited for another year full of opportunities! ~Brandy Bellittera (inkedauthor31)

     By thetattooedwriter31 on January 2, 2023 at 12:12 pm

640. Tara!! I’m mesmerized by this post and it gives the mind so many directions in which to go. The perfect start to the month! And, I’m now obsessed with the Frozen Charlotte story and have a Frozen Charlotte pendant on its way to me from Etsy. THANK YOU!!

     By lindakaychavezbooks on January 2, 2023 at 12:14 pm

641. Idea Scrolling sounds so much more pleasant than Doom Scrolling. Let’s give it a go and see what I come up with…

     By Erik Ammon on January 2, 2023 at 12:17 pm

642. I love your eclectic way of viewing into the new year Tara!

     By Raelene Van Horn on January 2, 2023 at 12:19 pm

643. Love how you captured the mind jumps of ideas!

     By laurelneme on January 2, 2023 at 12:21 pm

644. I totally agree with using YouTube for ideas. As a nonfiction nature writer I also love browsing OBS and National Geographic

     By aturner513 on January 2, 2023 at 12:21 pm

645. Rachael Cunha

     By Rachael Cunha on January 2, 2023 at 12:22 pm

646. Another great resource on where to find inspiring ideas! Looking forward to the Frozen Charlotte PB!!!

     By JoLynne Ricker Whalen on January 2, 2023 at 12:44 pm

647. I love this all so much, Tara, especially the mudlarks and the history of frozen Charlottes. I’ve used YouTube for research but not for sparking ideas, so I love this post–I’m going to press play! 🙂

     By Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez on January 2, 2023 at 12:49 pm

648. So many treasures to find as you go down a rabbit hole on the web. I read the Frozen Charlotte poem years ago, but I never knew about the figurines!

     By Heather Lee on January 2, 2023 at 12:53 pm

649. Thanks, Tara, for pointing us down the YouTube rabbit hole. Who knows what treasures are waiting to be discovered.

     By Joannie Duris on January 2, 2023 at 12:55 pm

650. What a wonderful and fun idea, Tara! Definitely going to let one thing lead to another and press play!

     By Donna Rossman on January 2, 2023 at 12:56 pm

651. Allowing ourselves to jump into the mental rabbit hole, even when inspired by YouTube, is so liberating! Good luck on Frozen Charlotte.

     By Louise M. Aamodt on January 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm

652. I love the exploration of one thing leading to another — who remembers that happening in the “card catalog” of days gone by when looking for one specific book led to a trove of other topics!

     By Val McCammon on January 2, 2023 at 1:02 pm

653. Instead of ‘Write what you know, write what you discover’. Love it!

     By Jojo Kasala on January 2, 2023 at 1:09 pm

654. Since I retired, especially since Covid YouTube has been the place to go and be entertained, now I can use the stories for inspiration. I loved learning about mudlarks.

     By authorjanetparkinsonbryce on January 2, 2023 at 1:10 pm

655. Write what you discover! Story ideas truly come from any place and every where!

     By debjohnson21 on January 2, 2023 at 1:12 pm

656. The amazing Julie Larios once gave me an assignment to “List places where your attention rests.” Very similar to this!

     By Rebecca Van Slyke on January 2, 2023 at 1:18 pm

657. Ah, yes! that juxtapositioning of ideas that sparks more ideas.

     By Christine Graham on January 2, 2023 at 1:21 pm

658. Thank you for another source to mine for ideas. Having lunch with a friend and listening to her tale of driving to school with her 4 sisters gave me numerous ideas.

     By Jane Hawkins on January 2, 2023 at 1:28 pm

659. Thanks for the ideas!

     By Charlotte Glaze on January 2, 2023 at 1:29 pm

660. OMG, I’ve been to that beach! The world is such an inspiring place. Can’t wait to see what comes up this month.

     By Bonnie Kelso on January 2, 2023 at 1:38 pm

661. What a great way to begin Storystorm 2023!! When I first started reading your post I wondered where you were heading especially seeing you started off with cat and dog rescues. I’ve watched a few Hope for Paws videos… but then when you added in pottery throwing, watercolor painting, and green beaches… I was like, huh??

     It’s true that ideas are everywhere, but I never thought about using YouTube for ideas… I have mainly used it for historical research on whatever period I’m writing about… I love the ones on historical cooking / recipes!

     Are you combining having your character being a Mudlark and finding Frozen Charlottes? I can’t wait to read the book! Happy New Year, Tara!!

     By Sharon A Putnam on January 2, 2023 at 1:38 pm

662. What a great idea! Thanks so much.

     By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 2, 2023 at 1:43 pm

663. Buried treasure on YouTube! Thanks for starting another year of Storystorm!

     By Jane Dippold on January 2, 2023 at 1:55 pm

664. I adore the idea of using YouTube for ideas! There are so many great videos on that platform. Thank you for sharing!

     By carlislemalone on January 2, 2023 at 1:55 pm

665. I’ve learned so much from this post. WOW! And those dolls! Thank you Tara, So informative and inciteful!

     By CatherineBrewer on January 2, 2023 at 1:56 pm

666. Deb Gruelle
     @DebGruelleAuthor

     I’m in again! Thanks for the inspiration, Tara! ❤️

     P.S. Frozen Charlottes immediately made me think of the plastic babies baked in King Cakes for Kings Day too.

     By Deb Gruelle on January 2, 2023 at 1:57 pm

667. Love this, thank you!!

     By taracho4 on January 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm

668. Our brain is an astonishing bank of ideas and stories. Thank you for the inspiration, Tara!

     By rozanark on January 2, 2023 at 2:15 pm

669. The frozen Charlotte fascinates me!

     By Susan Contreras on January 2, 2023 at 2:15 pm

670. Great kickoff, Tara. Looking forward to getting lost in YouTube, but with a new-found purpose! Fabulous idea! Thank you for StoryStorm!

     By Liz Godfrey on January 2, 2023 at 2:15 pm

671. Very cool to learn about Frozen Charlottes and mudlarks — both completely new to me!

     By Katherine Rea on January 2, 2023 at 2:22 pm

672. My daughter would have a ball with frozen charlottes. She loves characters and figurines and creates entire worlds and story lines- which if I am paying attention leads to many picture book ideas! Great post. Thank you!

     By Aimee Larke on January 2, 2023 at 2:23 pm

673. I love this whole rabbit hole idea, it’s a great way to get the creative wheels turning!

     By michelemeleen on January 2, 2023 at 2:23 pm

674. Thanks for hosting Storystorm! It’s my first year participating.

     By Jessica Yoon on January 2, 2023 at 2:24 pm

675. First time here and I’m inspired to become a mudlark for writing ideas. Thank you!

     By suzanbh on January 2, 2023 at 2:29 pm

676. Thanks for sharing a small part of your YouTube meanderings!

     By Royal Baysinger (@RoyalBaysinger) on January 2, 2023 at 2:31 pm

677. I love YouTube too but I’ve never considered how it can be used to spark new ideas and provide inspiration. Cool! Thanks for sharing your story.

     By Caitlin on January 2, 2023 at 2:31 pm

678. Fascinating! Thanks for a great start!

     By kathychalas on January 2, 2023 at 2:33 pm

679. I always feel a little guilty when I get lost in clicking on the videos- like I’m wasting time. Never thought of it as research!

     By valerieschultz on January 2, 2023 at 2:47 pm

680. I solemnly swear to play around on YouTube!

     By Megan McNamara on January 2, 2023 at 2:51 pm

681. I like your thoughts on where ideas come from. “One think leads to another.”

     By Cathy Stefanec Ogren on January 2, 2023 at 2:56 pm

682. Love this post! BTW that green olivine sand is volcanic and can be found in pockets here and there. That green beach is definitely photoshopped lol

     By Kamalani Hurley on January 2, 2023 at 3:14 pm

683. I love that surfing youtube videos is like a stream of consciousness, but you are learning new things! I need to try this!

     By Shawna Tenney on January 2, 2023 at 3:27 pm

684. Very excited to be participating this year for the first time. I love thinking about scroll time as inspiration!

     By sharib427 on January 2, 2023 at 3:42 pm

685. You Tube is a great idea! So informative. Enhances our creative spirits!

     By seahorsecoffeeelektra79018 on January 2, 2023 at 3:42 pm

686. Great way to begin the writing year! Thank you, Tara!

     By Lori Himmel on January 2, 2023 at 3:47 pm

687. You’ve got my mind humming tunes and wondering how your Frozen Charlottes will turn out! Now to discover some gems myself!

     By Jennifer Mills Barnes on January 2, 2023 at 3:48 pm

688. I love the colored pencil epoxy videos.

     By Carrie Williford (@carrietimes) on January 2, 2023 at 3:48 pm

689. Thanks for the inspiration to get us going in 2023!

     By jumpbaby on January 2, 2023 at 3:50 pm

690. Pudding Dolls! I want a Frozen Charlotte!

     By Kelly Bennett on January 2, 2023 at 3:55 pm

691. Thanks for the definition of mudlark and your story inspiration. Also many thanks for mentioning the green sand beach in Hawaii.

     By ET Charles on January 2, 2023 at 3:57 pm

692. I guess you can’t call it the boob-tube anymore! Sometimes even a random Jeopardy clue sparks an idea for me. Looking forward to your latest book!

     By Marilyn Wolpin on January 2, 2023 at 4:08 pm

693. Oh yay, now I don’t have to feel guilty for getting sucked into the algorithm–it’s RESEARCH now, haha!

     By Allison Strick (she/her) (@ByAllisonStrick) on January 2, 2023 at 4:12 pm

694. I find this so true. I think also letting your mind NOT have to find ideas but letting them come to you allows it to open up and let the good ones in.

     By nrompella on January 2, 2023 at 4:28 pm

695. Thanks, Tara. At last, I don’t have to feel bad about it!

     By SJ Kinahan on January 2, 2023 at 4:34 pm

696. One idea definitely leads to another, just like watching clouds floating by in the sky, connected but each one is different than the other.

     By Kathleen Gauer on January 2, 2023 at 4:46 pm

697. Wow! Thanks for the trip down the rabbit hole!

     By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 2, 2023 at 5:18 pm

698. Mudlarking is such a fun word! And I love the way you liken inspiration to “One Thing Leads to Another.”

     By Sarah Kilfoil on January 2, 2023 at 5:20 pm

699. Reading this triggered a story idea! Thanks!

     By wendythiessell on January 2, 2023 at 5:40 pm

700. I’m giving this a try!

     By Maritza Ruiz-Kim on January 2, 2023 at 5:41 pm

701. Fascinating nuggets of info–mudlarks and frozen Charlottes–I am gonna have to give your surfing through videos a try. You never know what treasure/idea I’ll find. Thanks for the tip. 🙂

     By Jennifer Hunt on January 2, 2023 at 6:02 pm

702. Thank you, Tara! I didn’t draft yesterday (company) but I worded out two great ideas! Thanks for putting this together 🙂

     By ⚡️Sharon Korzelius ⚡️🐢 (@SharonKorzelius) on January 2, 2023 at 6:04 pm

703. Thanks for such great inspiration, Tara! I always love to see what appears on my page during Storystorm.

     By Amy Center Cory on January 2, 2023 at 6:11 pm

704. I am now fascinated with the idea of these Penny Dolls, My name is also Penny! Thank you for your ongoing inspiration!

     By Penny Schneider on January 2, 2023 at 6:20 pm

705. I was intrigued to read about Frozen Charlottes and mudlarks. I love learning new things. Thanks so much.

     By Diane McBee on January 2, 2023 at 6:30 pm

706. YouTube yields lots of great ideas, as does StoryStorm! Thanks, Tara! Looking for another great season of brainstorming amazing ideas!

     By Tonnye Fletcher on January 2, 2023 at 6:39 pm

707. Yes to this! I love how inspiration can come from unexpected places and connections between ideas are everywhere. Thank you!

     By Jess Burbank (@jburbank) on January 2, 2023 at 6:42 pm

708. So nice to have “permission” to browse YouTube. I normally would feel like I’m not being productive, but I just browsed 3 videos under “inspiring videos” and they were amazing and full of ideas. Thank you!

     By Sharlin Craig on January 2, 2023 at 6:50 pm

709. Tara, Thanks for the official “permission” to browse YouTube for ideas without feeling like I’m wasting time. I browsed and found 3 inspiring videos already chock full of ideas!

     By Sharlin Craig on January 2, 2023 at 6:56 pm

710. Thank you approving of my internet rabbit holes of discovery 🙂

     By KatyTanis on January 2, 2023 at 6:59 pm

711. I love this idea and think it could lead to some great ideas! I just started with a “short’ and scrolled through. Who knew Ronald Reagan was such a jokester!

     By TonyaAnn on January 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm

712. Hi Tara, I too have 4 rescue cats. Anymore in this household, you could call me a crazy cat lady! What an interesting way to gather a plethora of ideas! Thank you:)

     By Joan Swanson on January 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm

713. Tara, Frozen Charlottes, mudlarks, UTube videos…my brain is already storming!!!
     Thanks sooo much for doing StoryStorm again! You rock!
     Lucy

     By Lucy Staugler on January 2, 2023 at 7:31 pm

714. Great way to kick off Storystorm! I had two ideas just reading this post before I even started watching YouTube videos like you suggested. Can’t wait to see what you do with Frozen Charlotte – I’m so intrigued!

     By Jen Gubicza on January 2, 2023 at 7:40 pm

715. And now I’m hoping you’ll do a YouTube watching party! Thanks for a great start to storystorm!

     By kskeesling on January 2, 2023 at 7:41 pm

716. It’s definitely too easy to go down the rabbit hole of YouTube. Great inspiration!

     By Rebecca Thill on January 2, 2023 at 7:41 pm

717. It’s definitely easy to go down the rabbit hole of YouTube. Great inspiration!

     By Rebecca Thill on January 2, 2023 at 7:42 pm

718. Such fun finds. I love the idea of letting myself going down the rabbit hole; it brings me great success in my other work. I’ll just need to set a timer to make sure I come out at some point! Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Jennifer Kennedy on January 2, 2023 at 7:54 pm

719. What a fun and interesting post! Thanks, Tara! And Happy Idea-hunting to you! 😊

     By Sheri Dillard on January 2, 2023 at 8:15 pm

720. Thanks for your post, I am always going down a rabbit whole and now, i am determined to find purpose in it!

     By JC on January 2, 2023 at 8:18 pm

721. I love the idea of Frozen Charlotte- I hope your idea is also a little morbid and slightly humorous. Sounds cool.

     By Searra Simpson on January 2, 2023 at 8:35 pm

722. Wow there’s a lot in here! Way to embrace the rabbit hole and amazing tool YouTube is!

     By jenfierjasinski on January 2, 2023 at 8:45 pm

723. I love this! Thanks, Tara!

     By curryelizabeth on January 2, 2023 at 8:47 pm

724. Frozen Charlotte – now that sounds like a great cocktail!! Or a rock band! 😉

     By Amy Benoit on January 2, 2023 at 8:53 pm

725. Idea hunters… I’m already loving it!! 🙂

     By roberta abussi on January 2, 2023 at 9:02 pm

726. Thank you, YouTube will become not only a watching experience but also a catching ideas experience.

     By denitajohnson on January 2, 2023 at 9:11 pm

727. Does the frozen Charlotte have any connection to the almond in the rice pudding that brings luck to the finder? It reminds me of this Scandinavian tradition in my husband’s family.
     Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Ann Page on January 2, 2023 at 9:11 pm

728. So many places to find ideas! Why not videos? Thanks for the inspiring post on the first day! Looking forward to more great advice for gathering ideas.

     By horsewriterlady on January 2, 2023 at 9:21 pm

729. researching is always good and youtube is like a goldmine, I usually try to find animation, i find it very inspiring.

     By BirdinaCage on January 2, 2023 at 9:28 pm

730. I don’t feel as bad about my own You Tube rabbit holing anymore. It’s research! Thanks, Tara

     By Meghan Burch on January 2, 2023 at 9:39 pm

731. Colleen, this book looks beautiful and touching 🙂 You mention the negativity against inanimate objects, them being a hard sell, but I also think of classics like THE LITTLE HOUSE and THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. When it’s done well, it is 😀 Congrats!!!

     By writersideup on January 2, 2023 at 9:58 pm

     1. Please ignore this comment…it was meant for the post on Colleen’s book and I was having issues logging in, then accidentally posted it here! You can delete these actually, Tara, if you see them 🙂

        By writersideup on January 2, 2023 at 10:01 pm

732. Oooooh, Tara…the YouTube rabbit hole! It’s SO easy to get caught up in them, just the way the TikTok links that also come up! You can definitely learn a LOT and find ideas galore 🙂 I WAS going to share this with my d-in-law for my granddaughter, Charlotte, till I got to the “morbid” factor lol Great post, of course, and here we go, Storystorm! ❤

     By writersideup on January 2, 2023 at 10:13 pm

733. I think I spend more time on Instagram than YouTube, but the rabbit hole is similar. It makes me feel less guilty about the time I spend on social media if my next great idea could be a click away.

     By Ashley Franklin on January 2, 2023 at 10:36 pm

734. I love trains of thought!

     By Michele Helsel on January 2, 2023 at 10:39 pm

735. Brilliant!

     By Kathy Crable on January 2, 2023 at 10:55 pm

736. Thanks Tara,
     I thiught a mud lark was a bird so I appreciate your history!

     By amyjobson on January 2, 2023 at 11:03 pm

737. I love these internet rabbit holes that lead to unique ideas! Thanks for the post.

     Ironically, last year I had a random memory of tiny dolls from the early 80s that we called “penny dolls.” However, the ones we had were monochromatic (pink-ish), about an inch and half tall, and were glued standing on a penny. I haven’t been able to find images of these ones in my searching. 😦 I hope you publish your book on Frozen Charlottes because I’d love to read it!

     By rgstones on January 2, 2023 at 11:23 pm

738. I love getting lost in google searches to find some little bits of gems to start an idea.

     By Naja Lund Aparico on January 2, 2023 at 11:30 pm

739. I had to go look at the Mudlarks and I was instantly hooked.

     By Jess Hedaria on January 2, 2023 at 11:37 pm

740. Tara, I love this unique way to generate new story ideas as well as learn interesting things in the process.

     By pjaegly on January 3, 2023 at 12:02 am

741. Thanks for sharing this fun and unique way to discover new things and generate new ideas!

     By amandashayne on January 3, 2023 at 12:14 am

742. I love falling down the youtube rabbit hole and now i feel a bit more justified in the good it can do:)

     By Keeping the Me in Mommy on January 3, 2023 at 12:16 am

743. We’re so fortunate to live in a time where we can satisfy our curiosity with a quick Google search or watching YouTube videos. I love where your curiosity took you in a month, and can’t wait to indulge mine a bit more this month.

     By Sandy Perlic on January 3, 2023 at 12:27 am

744. I never know when or how an idea will strike and I’ve never tried watching YouTube videos to spark ideas, so thank you for the tip. The dolls are so intriguing!

     By Angela Martinelli on January 3, 2023 at 12:52 am

745. I found an idea right away with this technique in off the wall way. I watched a video, but it was a word in a comment of one of the videos that made me think of a quote I have heard all my life and thought I knew but found a new play on it and suddenly aha there was the idea of what I am going to write about.

     By Ari B on January 3, 2023 at 1:16 am

746. I’ll never again feel guilty about binge-watching YouTube videos. What am I doing, you ask? Obviously, I’m working! 🙂

     By Michelle Houts on January 3, 2023 at 1:47 am

747. Hello.

     By Karen Luk on January 3, 2023 at 2:14 am

748. Fascinating! Did you actually take notes as you surfed along through the month, or were you able to recreate that interesting timeline after the fact? What fun!

     By Savannah Rogers on January 3, 2023 at 2:29 am

749. I love finding the most obscure picture book ideas by going down the white rabbit hole of research/YouTube. Great start to storystorm!

     By Elle Carlin on January 3, 2023 at 3:18 am

750. You’ve given me the courage to try the youtube rabbit hole!

     By Jay on January 3, 2023 at 8:01 am

751. You’ve given me the courage to enter the youtube rabbit hole!

     By Jay on January 3, 2023 at 8:03 am

752. This reminds me of scouring the beach for seashells. Didn’t know about all the other treasures out there – thanks for sparking my interest. Ideas are truly everywhere waiting to be unearthed.

     By Andrea Denish on January 3, 2023 at 8:46 am

753. The very definition of rabbit hole! Thanks, Tara.

     By elisederstine on January 3, 2023 at 8:51 am

754. Amazing where inspiration comes from. I guess I need to watch more Youtube with my kids!

     By Krista Maxwell on January 3, 2023 at 8:59 am

755. A great suggestion to explore Youtube videos! Inspiration can truly come from anywhere!

     By kurtzmom548513 on January 3, 2023 at 10:14 am

756. This is such a cool idea!

     By ashleehashman on January 3, 2023 at 10:37 am

757. I always teach that inspiration is all around us and one of our greatest storytelling skills is observation!

     By Sandra Wilson on January 3, 2023 at 11:06 am

758. LOVE this! Reminder that ideas are everywhere! Thank you! What a fun way to start the month!

     By Annette Martin on January 3, 2023 at 11:59 am

759. Ideas abound everywhere! –Kim Peterson

     By naturewalkwithgod on January 3, 2023 at 12:08 pm

760. I’m pretty sure you and I could easily watch Youtube together. FYI, I just read a novel called The Lost Apothecary (by Sarah Penner) where the plot begins with mudlarks and present-day London. You should check it out!

     By Jen Subra on January 3, 2023 at 12:14 pm

761. A great reason to get lost on YouTube! Thanks, Tara, for the inspiration and for Storystorm!

     By Aimee Satterlee on January 3, 2023 at 12:22 pm

762. Happy New Storystorm!! Love this idea adventure, Tara! Ideas form anywhere and everywhere! Even Youtube!

     By dedradavis03 on January 3, 2023 at 12:25 pm

763. I love this Tara. Jumping down the rabbit hole with you on this idea💕

     By Eileen Mayo on January 3, 2023 at 12:36 pm

764. What a great idea. I love finding stories in history. Here I go …

     By Becky Hamilton on January 3, 2023 at 1:34 pm

765. Here I go …

     By BeckyH x on January 3, 2023 at 1:36 pm

766. Looking up tiny dolls now.

     By Kassy Keppol on January 3, 2023 at 1:42 pm

767. I love the Charlotte dolls! Thanks for encouraging the use of YouTube or other video resources for research when so many others caution to be wary or avoid all together.

     By Judy Sobanski on January 3, 2023 at 1:47 pm

768. I cannot wait to read Frozen Charlotte! I’ve also added that green sand beach to my Travel To Do List. 🙂

     By Cheryl MacAller on January 3, 2023 at 1:51 pm

769. Love this idea! Plan to jump down the rabbit hole between loads of laundry and house cleaning! Hoping to find some great ideas! Thanks for an entertaining and informative post!

     By nowthattherestime281137688 on January 3, 2023 at 1:58 pm

770. Tara, the treasure hunter!

     By Parvati Patil on January 3, 2023 at 2:16 pm

771. Going down the rabbit hole of research on youtube and google. This is going to be a fun month. Thank you.

     By Cassie Bentley on January 3, 2023 at 2:19 pm

772. I love this idea – rabbit holes for the win!

     By Penelope McNally on January 3, 2023 at 2:20 pm

773. Going down the rabbit hole of research with Google and Youtube. What fun. Thanks.

     By Cassie Bentley on January 3, 2023 at 2:27 pm

774. This is my first storystorm and I can’t think of a better way to start than to embrace the internet rabbit holes… guess I better turn off incognito browsing!

     By abby mumford on January 3, 2023 at 2:43 pm

775. yes, but the trick is getting OFF of youtube in order to go write your fabulous ideas! Those videos definitely suck me right in and spit me out hours later. Thanks for a great start to Story Storm 2023!

     By Sarah Blotevogel on January 3, 2023 at 2:49 pm

776. Sparkling beaches, sparking story ideas! Thank you!

     By Nicole Magistro on January 3, 2023 at 2:50 pm

777. You never know what mud,muck and messiness can lead to. Luck be a lady this month!

     By Rita Antoinette Borg on January 3, 2023 at 2:50 pm

778. Thanks for the unconventional inspiration!

     By kaleegwarjanski on January 3, 2023 at 2:55 pm

779. The Frozen Charlottes – I love them!

     By Ashley J Karges on January 3, 2023 at 3:43 pm

780. I love Youtube and all the wonderful videos that pop up!! They can be so captivating and interesting, and lately, my hubby and I have been playing video games which has helped to give me ideas for PBs! Especially the video game It Takes Two – so creative and unique. Thanks for the inspiration, Tara!

     By Jessica Milo on January 3, 2023 at 3:48 pm

781. Love mudlarking. Did you know there are some places where it is illegal? Robin

     By Robin Martin on January 3, 2023 at 3:49 pm

782. Love mining for ideas on social media!

     By juliannahelt on January 3, 2023 at 3:49 pm

783. Inspiration is in so many places but is often hard to see.

     By Aundra Tomlins on January 3, 2023 at 4:02 pm

784. Fascinating! I look forward to reading your picture book about the Frozen Charlotte! Definitely would make a great Halloween story.

     By Suzanne Alexander on January 3, 2023 at 4:02 pm

785. Sherrijam

     By Sherri Jamerson on January 3, 2023 at 4:30 pm

786. Thank you, Tara, for offering Storystorm again!

     By Shannon LaPuma on January 3, 2023 at 4:41 pm

787. I love a but of sculpting. This could be something worth a shot

     By imeldauk on January 3, 2023 at 5:46 pm

788. So glad Storystorm is running again this year, thank you!

     By sylviaichen on January 3, 2023 at 5:51 pm

789. Thank you, Tara, for another year of Storystorm. Today’s post reminds me of the sweet, funny British show Dectectorists.

     By Michelle Steinberg on January 3, 2023 at 6:08 pm

790. Great idea to use Youtube as a part of research!

     By Haley Thomas on January 3, 2023 at 6:48 pm

791. Oh wow Id love an story about Frozen Charlottes, they’re adorable, and a little creepy!

     By smallforbig on January 3, 2023 at 6:52 pm

792. Thanks for suggesting another idea source. What a good beginning of Storystorm. It should be a fun month.

     By shirley301 on January 3, 2023 at 6:56 pm

793. Tara, Thank you for StoryStorm! I get really motivated to itch my imagination with this technique!

     By Mary on January 3, 2023 at 7:04 pm

794. Tara, I apologize if this is a second comment – but I waited and waited to see if my first comment went through – it appears not to have made it. However, I noticed that there are several “duplicates” so, oh well . . . Love Story Storm!!

     By Mary on January 3, 2023 at 7:16 pm

795. I’ve never heard of a frozen charlotte until now. Thanks for the post!

     By Kaela Parkhouse on January 3, 2023 at 7:57 pm

796. Great information on frozen Charlottes and Mudlarks. New name to drop to my granddaughter next time we search for beach glass. Thank you.

     By Susan Eyerman on January 3, 2023 at 8:17 pm

797. Tara – Thanks for STORYSTORM and for a wonderful start to the month…I will be scrolling through YOUTUBE with pen ready!

     By Melissa Stoller on January 3, 2023 at 8:25 pm

798. Love the phrase idea hunters!

     By Lisa Clewner-Newman on January 3, 2023 at 8:28 pm

799. Cheers to the New Year and another round of StoryStorm! Thank you, Tara!

     By jenwritespbs on January 3, 2023 at 8:37 pm

800. Thank you, Tara, for sharing some of the ideas you captured last month! This month is a gift to me each year. Thanks!

     By Deslie English on January 3, 2023 at 8:44 pm

801. So fun the serpentine paths and rabbit holes a bit of research can lead us down! Thanks, Tara!

     By Gabi Snyder on January 3, 2023 at 8:51 pm

802. What a great way to use the rabbit hole we sometimes find ourselves in watching videos.

     By Heather Crespin on January 3, 2023 at 9:52 pm

803. Alice and I have a lot in common. Thank you!

     By Susan Klaren on January 3, 2023 at 9:54 pm

804. Tara, I love you even more than before because you referenced The Fixx. ❤ 🙂 I love how your brain works.

     By Debbie Meyer on January 3, 2023 at 10:18 pm

805. I knew there was a reason I was scrolling through cute animal reels on instagram!

     By Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri on January 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm

806. This is good stuff! Thanks!

     By Debi Novotny on January 3, 2023 at 11:29 pm

807. Wow, you covered a lot of ground, Tara! Thanks for sharing your YouTube approach. It justifies much research!

     By Sara Petersohn on January 4, 2023 at 12:16 am

808. So glad I stumbled into Storystorm and excited to begin this journey! Thanks Tara!

     By Martha Arendt on January 4, 2023 at 12:22 am

809. One idea does lead to another Tara and thanks you’ve just given me 2!

     By Artelle Lenthall on January 4, 2023 at 1:13 am

810. Thank you, Tara. This is my 5th or 6th year doing StoryStorm. Part of the fun is prepping for it ahead of time. I’ll add YouTube to my “to dos.” 🙂

     By Bronte Colbert on January 4, 2023 at 1:28 am

811. Interesting idea to watch non-fiction video content to find story ideas. Patricia. Thanks again for organizing this event.

     By Patricia Tiffany Morris on January 4, 2023 at 3:52 am

812. Thanks for vindicating my guilty-pleasure of watching YouTube Shorts, Tara! Recently, I’ve had a lot of videos challenging passers-by to make the host smile/laugh. It was a wonderful starting point for an idea around sharing kindness

     By Rita Jane on January 4, 2023 at 4:47 am

813. I definitely watch lots of videos already… it’ll be interesting to do it from the angle of getting book ideas!

     By Jennifer Lu on January 4, 2023 at 6:08 am

814. The Frozen Charlottes are so interesting!

     About to journey into the YouTube rabbit hole…wish me luck and inspiration!

     By Becky Stretton on January 4, 2023 at 9:11 am

815. A great post to kick off the New Year. Thank you!

     By restobeth on January 4, 2023 at 9:20 am

816. Excited for the Frozen Charlottes story!

     By stacyallen on January 4, 2023 at 10:49 am

817. I love the podcast “Weirdest thing I’ve learned this week” they aren’t always kid friendly topics…but I’ve never thought about using a fact like this for a story! Thanks for the idea!

     By musingmommumble on January 4, 2023 at 11:29 am

818. What an interesting story! No wonder you’re a kick-ass author, Tara.

     By JenFW on January 4, 2023 at 11:43 am

819. I got three ideas just from reading your blog post! This is great! And thank you so much for organizing Storystorm.

     By Viviane Elbee on January 4, 2023 at 11:45 am

820. I so love this idea! I’m thinking of modifying to perusing for gifs or memes (home videos and scrolling can make me motion sick). Just got a new idea from a youtube video link you posted. Thanks!

     By msaraiva004 on January 4, 2023 at 11:59 am

821. YouTube is too much of a time suck for me, but I find lots of ideas on Instagram.

     By Michelle Cusolito on January 4, 2023 at 12:00 pm

822. Love this idea! I use YouTube a lot to show my daughter things I’m trying to describe but only pictures can do justice. There’s a lot of ideas that can come out of this!

     By Susan Luchetta on January 4, 2023 at 12:10 pm

823. Love the whole idea process!

     By Heather on January 4, 2023 at 1:18 pm

824. Wow–you have found some amazing stuff in your YouTube travels!

     By Lauren Barbieri on January 4, 2023 at 1:30 pm

825. Always wondered about mudlarks!

     By Ben Jeder on January 4, 2023 at 1:31 pm

826. I love this suggestion for mining story ideas. Thank you for the tip!

     By Chandra Mayer on January 4, 2023 at 1:39 pm

827. I have always been a thrifter and digger of mud! So glad it gave you a prize. 🙂

     By Karen Lawler on January 4, 2023 at 2:59 pm

828. It seems I am always finding a tiny pebble in my pocket from nature wanderings

     By alixandra13 on January 4, 2023 at 3:07 pm

829. How fun to hear your journey down the rabbit hole and how it led to a new story idea! Thank you Tara!

     By amckelle on January 4, 2023 at 3:21 pm

830. YouTube definitely can lead you in a million directions! My mom was a doll collector and I remember “Frozen Charlotte” dolls – but learning the history was very interesting.

     By vlwilke on January 4, 2023 at 3:56 pm

831. Thank you for putting Storystorm together. It’s really helping me come up with ideas. It’s very surprising to see what I end up with.

     By Adriana Gutierrez on January 4, 2023 at 4:06 pm

832. We writers do have a specific curious bone that just itches to find out new things.

     By Lauri Meyers on January 4, 2023 at 4:49 pm

833. We truly can get ideas anywhere, can’t we? Even the algorithm. Hmmm. All those cake decorating videos. Wonder what book character they could take me to.

     By elizabethdaghfal on January 4, 2023 at 4:59 pm

834. Oh, my. The hours I’ve lost “play”ing on YouTube! Now I have permission.

     By Carlie Cornell on January 4, 2023 at 5:07 pm

835. I love that you embrace the algorithms instead of being annoyed by them. Sadly, I’m annoyed! 😦
     Love the idea of one thing leading to another…

     By Michele Rietz on January 4, 2023 at 5:16 pm

836. Such an energizing post! Thank you!

     By Kathy Doherty on January 4, 2023 at 6:00 pm

837. YouTube has it all…and now I have permission to browse endlessly! It’s the modern-day microfiche in the “stacks” of the library, but MUCH easier!

     By Becky Walker on January 4, 2023 at 6:02 pm

838. Thank you, Tara!

     By Pradeep Velugubantla on January 4, 2023 at 6:27 pm

839. I love finding unique bits of information and following their trail. Thanks for the reminder to make the effort to do it more often.

     By Janet Halfmann on January 4, 2023 at 6:27 pm

840. Amazing!

     By J. Read on January 4, 2023 at 6:40 pm

841. OK, that was a fantastic way to start off Storystorm 2023, but of course, you would do something great and grand. Very fun and I can’t wait to see your new book!

     By Clement, Laura on January 4, 2023 at 6:45 pm

842. Off to another great start!

     By Lori Mozdzierz on January 4, 2023 at 7:17 pm

843. Wow! So interesting! Also reminds me that I’m happy that toys have evolved. 😀 Thanks for kicking this month off!

     By Kelly Conroy on January 4, 2023 at 8:08 pm

844. I love looking for story ideas all around me – some from the news and some while walking the doggos.

     By Christine Ottaviano Shestak on January 4, 2023 at 8:28 pm

845. I shall go Mudlarking for ideas!

     By Melissa Hastings on January 4, 2023 at 8:34 pm

846. What a nice kick off to Storystorm! I’ve been to the green sand beach on Hawaii. It is pretty cool. Thanks for all the inspiring thoughts

     By Nancy Riley on January 4, 2023 at 9:00 pm

847. This was totally me and my kid when we had covid. Mark Rober was the best thing we discovered on YouTube hands down. Thx for this post and hosting Storystorm!

     By Deena on January 4, 2023 at 10:02 pm

848. Now I want a Frozen Charlotte, too. To think it went from a morbid poem to “let’s throw this in the Christmas pudding for luck!”

     By Rachel S. on January 4, 2023 at 10:28 pm

849. What a treasure trove of fascinating facts, Tara! I hope to see your “Frozen Charlotte” idea in book form one day. Thanks for the tips on following those somewhat odd but irresistible links that do “lead to one thing after the other.”

     By Terry Talley on January 4, 2023 at 10:34 pm

850. What a fun, guilt-free way to kick off Storystorm! Thanks for the inspiration, Tara.

     By suzannepoulterharris on January 4, 2023 at 10:36 pm

851. I want very badly now to be a mudlark. There are abandoned mines and foundations from a early 1900’s mining settlement on my family’s land that I search with a metal detector—so I guess you could call me a soil-lark or a frustratingrootgettinginthewayofmytreasureslark, more appropriately. Anyway, I should most certainly write a children’s story about our beloved land and it’s fascinating history. Thank you!

     By Betsy Lehan on January 4, 2023 at 10:40 pm

852. Fun way to hunt ideas. That’s how I like to sing karaoke, too.

     By lisarowefraustino on January 4, 2023 at 11:42 pm

853. Thank you Tara!

     By Laura W. on January 4, 2023 at 11:48 pm

854. Very interesting. Thank you

     By Kris Hamblin on January 5, 2023 at 12:18 am

855. I want to read Frozen Charlotte! Thank you for sharing.

     By Madhu on January 5, 2023 at 1:07 am

856. Thanks! Excited to find out what Storystorm is all about!

     By Jan Zauzmer on January 5, 2023 at 1:31 am

857. Writing down the rabbit hole! I shall venture in. Thanks for the validation. 🙂

     By Dena on January 5, 2023 at 1:50 am

858. You found frozen Charlottes? Amazing!!!

     By Nadine Poper on January 5, 2023 at 6:20 am

859. What a great post, Tara! And the frozen Charlottes are fascinating. I love that you turned that into a book idea.

     By Author Anna Maledon on January 5, 2023 at 6:28 am

860. Indeed, one never knows from whence a great idea may be dug up! Fun post, Tara.

     By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 5, 2023 at 8:26 am

861. I was completely absorbed in your journey through the Land of YouTube and delighted with the Frozen Charlotte idea gem you discovered! Thanks for sharing this inspiration! Mind open, connections made!

     By Suzanne Lewis on January 5, 2023 at 8:52 am

862. What a fantastic YouTube journey! I’ve always thought of every individual’s algorithms as a sneak peek into their mind, but it never occurred to me to explore my own for inspiration.

     By Devyn on January 5, 2023 at 10:06 am

863. This is a totally new way of looking at youtube! I think I might have to check it out. Thank you!

     By jennyb_writes on January 5, 2023 at 11:56 am

864. This is a totally new way of thinking about youtube! Thank you.

     By jennyb_writes on January 5, 2023 at 11:57 am

865. As once having actually seen The Fixx, spent way too much time on YouTube, knows Nic Cage would like to play Capt. Nemo and that in my next life I want to be an Ancient Astronaut Theorist (yeah, a real profession on some cable channels)…I’d say I have a few ideas rolling around.

     By Toni Miller on January 5, 2023 at 12:06 pm

866. We never know what will spark a new idea. Green sand? Wow, beautiful!

     By Dawn M. on January 5, 2023 at 12:18 pm

867. Finally, someone just like me, thanks, Tara!

     By Heather Elizabeth on January 5, 2023 at 12:22 pm

868. So true how one thing leads to another. Thank you for the ideas. I am looking forward to all the ideas to come. Enjoyed reading the post. Thank you for doing Storystorm!

     By schellijo on January 5, 2023 at 12:22 pm

869. We must be twins, lol!

     By Heather Elizabeth on January 5, 2023 at 12:27 pm

870. Maybe being relaxed while our brains are gently triggered opens our creativity. Thanks

     By Suzy Grossman on January 5, 2023 at 12:34 pm

871. Thanks for validating my wanderings and wonderings on YouTube and deeper into the internet. I started today with your doll idea because dolls are an obsession for me and KAPOW!!! story ideas exploded!

     By Deborah Ishii on January 5, 2023 at 1:02 pm

872. Frozen charlottes – what a cool find!

     By Echo Roben on January 5, 2023 at 1:26 pm

873. I learned all sorts of interesting things today. Thanks for the enlightening read!

     By Amanda Perry on January 5, 2023 at 2:13 pm

874. Ha! This is how my brain works with or without youtube. Love Frozen Charlottes!

     By elisainnyc on January 5, 2023 at 2:25 pm

875. Great suggestion, Tara. Sit, back, relax, watch you tube and come up with a story idea!

     By Arlene Schenker on January 5, 2023 at 2:35 pm

876. Thanks, Tara! This topic connects with one of my Storystorm-generated ideas from last year in a serendipitous way! 🙂

     By Amy Grover on January 5, 2023 at 3:21 pm

877. Yes, where do we get our ideas? And can we ask them not to visit us at 2 or 3am when we should be asleep?

     By Henry Dallago on January 5, 2023 at 3:31 pm

878. Fantastic story Tara, it shows also that scrolling is a creative process :), but never underestimate a personal story.

     By Hanna Swanepoel on January 5, 2023 at 4:38 pm

879. It’s now on my bucket list to visit the green sand beach!

     By Cindy Montoya on January 5, 2023 at 4:46 pm

880. Great way to learn something new while searching for inspiration!

     By Anita Palmeri Overgaard on January 5, 2023 at 5:35 pm

881. Never thought to browse youtube like that. Thank you!

     By Kimberly Marcus on January 5, 2023 at 6:07 pm

882. Youtube is a lovely rabbit hole, isn’t it? Fun to read about all you uncovered!

     By Mary Ann Blair on January 5, 2023 at 7:21 pm

883. Mudlarks. Frozen Charlottes. StoryStorm is off to a fascinating start. “Press play and play around.” Love that!

     By Angela De Groot on January 5, 2023 at 8:33 pm

884. In a similar vein, I subscribe to companies that post interesting stories from around the world. So much richness!

     By Anne Young on January 5, 2023 at 9:06 pm

885. Permission to poke around on YouTube – I love it. Thanks for hosting and kicking off Storystorm!

     By Kristen Indahl on January 5, 2023 at 9:19 pm

886. This is my first Storystorm and I am so excited! Great kickoff. I had never hurt of Mudlarks – fascinating!

     By Christina Dankert on January 5, 2023 at 9:27 pm

887. Wow, I love “going down the rabbit hole “ in research and following my train of thinking with different connections too! Who knows where it will lead!

     By ammwrite3 on January 5, 2023 at 9:41 pm

888. One thing leads to another. Exactly how my brain works, but hadn’t considered using the internet like that.

     By Jennifer on January 5, 2023 at 9:46 pm

889. So grateful for Story Storm and your inspiration!

     By Mary Beth Rice on January 5, 2023 at 11:47 pm

890. Appreciate Story Storm so much!

     By Mary Beth Rice on January 5, 2023 at 11:52 pm

891. Oh Tara! Here we go! Love the ideas and your encouragement to look everywhere for them! Thank you so much for offering StoryStorm and for having so many fabulous posts to help us all make our writing a wonderfully enjoyable priority!

     By Elizabeth McBride on January 6, 2023 at 12:23 am

892. Tara, your ideas are both wonderful and inspiring! Thank you so much for offering StoryStorm to all of us!

     By Elizabeth McBride on January 6, 2023 at 12:28 am

893. My apologies for entering two comments! It appeared that the first entry did not go through, so I tried again and ended up with two once I logged in to WordPress! I couldn’t see the first one until the second went through! Sorry! But still, THANK YOU for offering StoryStorm! I look forward to it every year!

     Sincerely,

     Elizabeth McBride

     By writeremmcbride on January 6, 2023 at 12:31 am

894. Ready to get curious and find ideas… even on YouTube 🙂

     By Lisa Kingsford on January 6, 2023 at 1:21 am

895. What a brilliant title to weave in both your kicking off of the event and browsing YouTube. And who hasn’t marveled at the genius of the algorithms? 🙂 Thank you for setting this all up.

     By Tanya Svec on January 6, 2023 at 2:00 am

896. YouTube what a great place to mine for ideas 🙂

     By Sharon Giltrow on January 6, 2023 at 2:45 am

897. My friend has a brilliant produced and published play called Mudlarks. She got her idea while riding the tube or the bus – a few teenage boys jumped in, she over heard them, they seemed to be running from someone, it gave her an idea for the now successful play. Just being out and about with your ears open is a great way to find some inspiration too!

     By Hollie Michaels on January 6, 2023 at 8:31 am

898. That’s a pretty cool find! I agree with the author you interviewed. Sometimes I think ideas can come from things we watch/see, hear and through lived experience but other times I see it as more divine downloads and hits of inspiration

     By Effie Koliopoulos on January 6, 2023 at 9:01 am

899. Great post to start off thr year! Don’t know if my previous comment went through.. so reposting another.

     By effiekoliopoulos on January 6, 2023 at 10:22 am

900. Ideas really are everywhere!

     By Karan Greene on January 6, 2023 at 1:15 pm

901. Thank you Tara! Great idea–this, and Wikipedia browsing

     By Sasha on January 6, 2023 at 2:39 pm

902. Thank you, Tara, for taking me out of comment purgatory. And also for turning me on to the You Tube algorithm philosophy.

     By Danette on January 6, 2023 at 2:44 pm

903. Looking through Youtube is a great idea! But does anyone else think the Frozen Charlottes are a little creepy??

     By mhberg on January 6, 2023 at 3:18 pm

904. I love how you find inspiration everywhere!

     By dinatowbin on January 6, 2023 at 3:18 pm

905. Love this glimpse at where your mind takes you! Thank you!

     By Johanna Peyton on January 6, 2023 at 3:35 pm

906. Oh thank you, Tara, for not only hosting another round of Storystorm this year, but for also finding the JOY in mudlarking around.

     By Paula Puckett on January 6, 2023 at 4:03 pm

907. Thank you so much, Tara, for continuing your dedication to Storystorm and for the great post. I love the frozen Charlottes. As I was reading, I was thinking, what a great book idea! Then I saw that you agreed! I hope this story comes to fruition-I’ll be watching for it!

     By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 6, 2023 at 5:01 pm

908. What a good reminder to just relax and let our bored brains wander! It’s easy to get trapped into the ‘grindset mindset’ way of thinking, and to beat ourselves up if we aren’t being productive every single minute. Love this reminder!

     By Emmeline Forrestal on January 6, 2023 at 6:06 pm

909. Catching up on the first 6 days all at once. Already have a PB idea based on some recent internet rabbit holes I’ve traverses, thanks for the suggestion!!

     By paulaobering on January 6, 2023 at 6:06 pm

910. That was a fun post! Thanks for taking us on one of your YouTube journeys, the ultimate payoff being Frozen Charlotte! I can’t wait for the book, should you decide to write it. Also, thanks for the validating reason for going down the rabbit hole. Let the online mudlarking begin!

     By sketched out on January 6, 2023 at 6:11 pm

911. That was a fun post! Thanks for taking us on one of your YouTube journeys, the ultimate payoff being Frozen Charlotte! I can’t wait for the book, should you decide to write it. Also, thanks for the validating reason for going down the rabbit hole. Let the online mudlarking begin!

     By Linda Silvestri on January 6, 2023 at 6:13 pm

912. I have had ideas for stories pop into my head after scouring the internet too! Nice to know I’m not the only one. Great read thank you!

     By Shannon on January 6, 2023 at 7:51 pm

913. Gotta love youtube!

     By jennaejo on January 6, 2023 at 8:52 pm

914. I don’t know how you watch so many videos and still find time to write, Tara…LOL! But it’s fun way to get ideas.

     By Teresa 何 Robeson on January 7, 2023 at 10:45 am

915. Wonderful!

     By Melissa Lettis on January 7, 2023 at 12:48 pm

916. Permission to watch tv? i’M IN

     By Jennifer Rathe on January 7, 2023 at 1:45 pm

917. Love that you took us along through your rabbit holes of YouTube! Just shows ideas can be found anywhere!!

     By Shannon Fossett on January 7, 2023 at 2:58 pm

918. Whoa, had never seen those.

     By Stephanie Lau on January 7, 2023 at 4:12 pm

919. Love that you found a way for my procrastination feel productive!!!

     By Nicole Loos Miller on January 7, 2023 at 4:39 pm

920. Really looking forward to that s challenge this year, my first time doing it.

     By amacneill1 on January 7, 2023 at 6:00 pm

921. Great read! I love the idea of surfing for ideas on You Tube and will adapt to my own favorite rabbit hole….

     By shspfan on January 7, 2023 at 7:16 pm

922. I can get behind the idea of YouTube as inspiration!

     By Jenny Morales on January 7, 2023 at 7:17 pm

923. I use YouTube for research sometimes, but play…that word follows me around lately. I’ll keep it.

     By Zoraida Rivera on January 7, 2023 at 10:25 pm

924. Thanks for this inspiration. Thinking there’re ideas to be had from Tiktok too! Off I go to check!

     By Dea Brayden on January 7, 2023 at 10:31 pm

925. Those Charlotte dolls are amazing!

     By 🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell) on January 7, 2023 at 10:34 pm

926. Great idea!

     By Aimee Hiura on January 8, 2023 at 1:46 am

927. Love those gemstone beaches and the frozen Charlottes!

     By Emma on January 8, 2023 at 5:46 am

928. Tara, I absolutely love this post and it has inspired all sorts of ideas and interest. Thank you thank you thank you!

     By Franny G on January 8, 2023 at 10:00 am

929. Thank you for the post – it was a great read. I’ve heard of the Charlotte Dolls. Cool that you found a story within your research!

     By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on January 8, 2023 at 10:56 am

930. Great ideas thank you so much xx

     By Jeanette on January 8, 2023 at 12:04 pm

931. WOW! YouTube is another rabbit hole for me! But I have found great posts there that inspired story ideas, too! Thanks for the reminder.

     By Debbie Moeller on January 8, 2023 at 12:21 pm

932. What a fascinating and inspiring post. I love the positive spin on algorithms and look forward to your amazing brand of humor in your frozen Charlotte PB.

     By LaurenKerstein on January 8, 2023 at 3:50 pm

933. Oooh, what an interesting idea. I’ve been known to fall down Wikipedia rabbit holes myself. Might be something to pay attention to from here on out! I hope Frozen Charlotte evolves into something– such a fascinating thing.

     By Elizabeth Metz on January 8, 2023 at 4:33 pm

934. Love this idea so much! Might send myself down the YouTube rabbit hole to find new ideas. 🙂

     By Heather Riccio on January 8, 2023 at 7:26 pm

935. Embrace the algorithm! Thank you, Tara, for this little gem and the huge gift to the kidlit community that is Storystorm. Happy 2023!

     By dazzlengsy on January 8, 2023 at 10:22 pm

936. Such a fun way to come up with ideas, Tara! Thanks for another year of Storystorm!

     By donnacangelosi on January 8, 2023 at 10:37 pm

937. Great first day inspiration! Thank you so much, Tara!

     By Lisa M. Horn on January 8, 2023 at 10:39 pm

938. I’ve been mudlarking! I didn’t even know to look for Frozen Charlottes but I did find a mostly intact clay pipe. So much fun!

     By Allison Fleischman on January 9, 2023 at 1:55 am

939. Thank you for this fun post to kick us off! Every summer my family walks this trail that used to be a railroad. They love unearthing old railroad spikes and other hunks of metal–some with obvious purposes, others that remain a mystery. So I get the appeal of mudlarking!

     By Erica Jensen Shiflet on January 9, 2023 at 8:43 am

940. I have always wanted to try mudlarking.

     By Jenny E. on January 9, 2023 at 10:46 am

941. Thanks for doing this month!

     By Margaret Lea on January 9, 2023 at 10:49 am

942. I’ve never quilted…and probably won’t anytime soon…but YouTube has given me much to think about!!

     By Ana Kelly on January 9, 2023 at 1:40 pm

943. I am guilty of falling down a YouTube rabbit hole or two…or fifty. Great post, Tara!

     By brittanypomales on January 9, 2023 at 1:52 pm

944. What a great story. I love that the youtube rabbithole brought about inspiration from a totally unexpected place. Embrace the unexpected!

     By susaninez0905 on January 9, 2023 at 2:44 pm

945. Love, love, love, the wealth of ideas!

     By deniseaengle on January 9, 2023 at 3:15 pm

946. This got me thinking.

     By Kristie J Drake on January 9, 2023 at 5:02 pm

947. Loved this post. Justifies all the time I spend getting lost down rabbit holes or binge-watching Netflix. One idea definitely leads to another and you just never know where the next seed of an idea will come from. Thank you Tara. Looking forward to your new book.

     By Aly Kenna on January 9, 2023 at 10:27 pm

948. YouTube videos are a trove!! I allow myself to indulge as long as I have a pad of paper and pen at hand to record the odd idea!

     By Noelle McBride on January 9, 2023 at 10:31 pm

949. So interesting to learn about mudlarks and Frozen Charlotte! Love how one video or thought led to another for you. Thank you for a fun and inspirational post, Tara ❤️

     By Kim-Hoa on January 10, 2023 at 2:29 am

950. Idea hunters! I love it

     By Ali Oxtoby on January 10, 2023 at 3:58 am

951. I keep coming back to those Frozen Charlottes. There is a story seed starting to germinate 😁 mudlarking such fun.

     By Jeanette on January 10, 2023 at 4:31 am

952. Thanks for another year of Storystorm!

     By Kyle McBride on January 10, 2023 at 12:57 pm

953. Great start to Storystorm! (I somehow missed the part, where I need to comment after each one so I am going back and doing so.)

     By Bri Lawyer on January 10, 2023 at 12:59 pm

954. You are always an inspiration!

     By amomnextdoor on January 10, 2023 at 1:16 pm

955. What a great way to start! You really never know where ideas will come from. Thanks so much for the inspiring day 1 post, Tara. And for hosting such an awesome event!

     By Kristi Mahoney on January 10, 2023 at 2:32 pm

956. I had a brain fart when reading the rules and thought I could only comment on the set up. So I just I have some catching up to do with comments. For Day 1, my idea was inspired by Play.

     By Loretta Schrader on January 10, 2023 at 5:36 pm

957. Thank you for such an amazing post, Tara. I love the idea of looking at creative, interesting and historical videos to get ideas for stories!

     By Dani Duck on January 10, 2023 at 7:59 pm

958. Generating ideas by clicking random videos. How interesting and inspiring thought! Thanks, Tara for the StoryStorm.

     By Suhasini Gupta (@TheSusanKam) on January 10, 2023 at 10:05 pm

959. Thanks for the inspiration, Tara.

     By Suhasini Gupta on January 11, 2023 at 2:37 pm

960. Loved hearing about this! Amazing where YouTube can take you! Thank you for sharing!

     By Kelly Vavala on January 11, 2023 at 5:00 pm

961. I am always impressed by how the mind can work, wander, through the day.

     By Patricia Alcaro on January 12, 2023 at 11:21 am

962. Tara, I found this post fascinating. It offers a lot of food for thought especially in the world of creating ideas for stories. Thanks for creating and running Storystorm every year. It’s the perfect ways to gets creative ideas flowing!

     By Rebecca Guzinski on January 12, 2023 at 5:24 pm

963. The Green Beach sounds amazing. I must visit someday.

     By Nancy Kotkin on January 13, 2023 at 1:57 am

964. Love this post, Tara!

     By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 13, 2023 at 11:05 am

965. Thank you for shifting my mindset. It will make me feel less like I’m wasting time when I go down the rabbit hole and then discover how long I’ve been on my computer.

     By Debbi G on January 13, 2023 at 1:55 pm

966. I’m truly intrigued by your frozen Charlotte book idea. I’m so curious to see where you take it!

     By Hillary Homzie on January 13, 2023 at 8:23 pm

967. So interesting! Thank you for sharing the YouTube recommendation. I will approach how I use that platform in a whole new way now. And thank you for StoryStorm!!

     By JF Hall Writes on January 14, 2023 at 11:01 pm

968. I always love reading your posts, seeing your interviews, and all things TL. Can’t wait for your Charlotte book!

     By Beth Elliott on January 16, 2023 at 7:35 am

969. Thanks so much, Tara!

     By Melissa McDaniel on January 16, 2023 at 9:33 am

970. I love reading about the way you think. One idea connects to another. It is a great reminder to keep our minds open and get ready to go.

     By Stacey Lynn Corrigan on January 16, 2023 at 2:58 pm

971. I love this reminder to embrace and explore ideas!

     By Toni Weeks on January 17, 2023 at 2:17 am

972. Always a great post from you Tara – thanks so much for the inspiring posts

     By Angela Padron on January 17, 2023 at 8:15 am

973. Excited for another year of StoryStorm!

     By tharvey on January 17, 2023 at 2:28 pm

974. Thank you for your generosity!

     By Susan F Good on January 17, 2023 at 4:15 pm

975. Those figures are fascinating!

     By annmdk on January 18, 2023 at 10:39 am

976. I LOVE YouTube but never even thought to get story ideas from it! (Duh) Thank you for giving me another reason to watch YouTube. LOL

     By Michelle S Kennedy on January 18, 2023 at 1:07 pm

977. YouTube makes me feel guilty–like I’m not “working”. I like your broader, more inclusive approach to inspiration. 🙂

     By Scott Wolf on January 18, 2023 at 3:45 pm

978. I was on vacation and just now catching up on Storystorm. Am grateful for your leadership in this idea generating month, and I love the concept that “one thought leads to another.” Thanks, Tara!

     By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 18, 2023 at 4:04 pm

979. I love the idea of using Youtube for writing inspiration!

     By catlady45 on January 18, 2023 at 5:50 pm

980. SO many fun ideas in this post! Great Youtube idea especially!

     By Krys Ann Plate on January 19, 2023 at 9:58 am

981. Thank you for the inspiration! I’m ready to explore youtube…

     By Paula VE on January 19, 2023 at 6:40 pm

982. I love to read about your rabbit hole! Make me realize that I am not alone!

     By Rafael Macho on January 20, 2023 at 2:31 pm

983. This is great! Who knows what ideas might be waiting down the rabbit hole? And I appreciate the reminder that just following the path wherever it leads isn’t wasting time – at least not always.

     By Deb McGarvey on January 21, 2023 at 6:19 pm

984. I look forward to reading Frozen Charlotte, especially after reading the original poem. Thank you for sharing a path down the rabbit hole.

     By Kristin Sawyer on January 22, 2023 at 8:17 pm

985. Wow, I didn’t know you could find so many quirky things on YouTube!

     By kristinscollins on January 24, 2023 at 1:20 am

986. Thank you for giving me a little hope every time I go down a social media rabbit hole lol. I will now be more intentional while watching what some might consider garbage/wasted time lol. Gives me a new perspective when viewing things just for fun. Also I can’t wait to read Frozen Charlotte. Thank you for this amazing oppertunity. Love story storm:)

     By shyrelle on January 24, 2023 at 10:55 am

987. Mudlarking seems so exotic compared to dumpster diving. I can only imagine the treasures mudlarkers unearth.

     By ptnozell on January 24, 2023 at 1:06 pm

988. I love this, Tara. Sometimes it’s best to let your mind roam free!

     By Judy Palermo on January 24, 2023 at 6:35 pm

989. I love the idea of browsing because, to me, it feels also like daydreaming . . . or window shopping. Your journey through Youtube was fascinating! My favorite thing you suggested was to play around! we can all get so serious about things but children are often not as serious as we become. It feels good to dream and play!

     By Tess weaver on January 25, 2023 at 12:24 pm

990. Yes, I love rabbit holes! Mine are frequently of the Wikipedia variety, but YouTube sounds even more fun. Thanks for organizing StoryStorm, Tara!

     By Katie Berner on January 25, 2023 at 6:04 pm

991. Dear Tara
     When the Pandemic started, I had a little conversation with myself, and decided to start 3 new things in my life. One of them was watch everyday 3 (magic number) videos in You Tube (my current teacher) and learn something unfamiliar, on any subject on earth. It never occurred to me that it could generate Picture Books story ideas. Thank you so much for a great beginning of Storystorm 2023. You are an awesome provider of so many opportunities for mudlarking inspiration.
     Good luck with Frozen Charlotte!

     By Eva Felder on January 26, 2023 at 5:26 pm

992. The algorithm is so strange–Sometimes I don’t have ANY clue how it decides what to show me-it seems so random as it has ZERO connection to my everyday and yet, I find topics that fascinate and/or connect to something deep within. Of course, after I start clicking, it shows them more and more, but I often wonder where the initial suggestion comes from…

     By Amanda on January 28, 2023 at 2:54 pm

993. Here I am Tara, on Jan. 29, reading this post about day 1 of STORYSTORM 2023. I’ve learned this is available and valuable just by activating this black box. I realize I have 7 more posts to read and get busy practicing. Thanks so much for this eye-opening event. Love it!

     By madisu2021 on January 29, 2023 at 3:50 pm

994. Tara– I love all of your discoveries! And I love the joy of “wandering” through the internet and exploring where different intrigues might take me.

     By Tasha Hilderman on January 29, 2023 at 5:57 pm

995. Super post to kick off Storystorm! I’m a mudlarking fan too. I think it must have inspired the author of The Lost Apothecary Going down the YouTube video rabbit hole is a journey of discovery like no other. Here’s to furniture makeovers, Frozen Charlottes, and ideas waiting to be repurposed for picture books!

     By goodreadswithronna on January 29, 2023 at 8:18 pm

996. This reminds me of the phrase ‘from little things, big things grow’. Thank you Tara for this quirky reminder that time we enjoy wasting is not wasted time, it’s actually a fun way to generate story ideas!

     By Laura Wippell on January 30, 2023 at 2:48 pm

997. Thanks for this great start to the month! Kamilla Milligan, Writer (she/her) kamillamilligan.com

     By KamillaM on January 31, 2023 at 10:44 pm

998. I double-checked to see if my previous comment had posted, but I can’t find it anywhere. I wanted to make sure I had commented on each and every post. So, thanks for sharing this post!

     By Christine M. Irvin on February 1, 2023 at 5:34 pm

999. I so want to find some Frozen Charlottes now!

     By Keeping the Me in Mommy on February 3, 2023 at 1:48 am

1000. YouTube can be a scary rabbit hole, but it was fun “watching” your journey to your idea.

      By Jocelyn Rish on February 4, 2023 at 12:00 am

1001. Aww, yes, “One thing leads to another!” How freeing!

      By Jean Martin on February 5, 2023 at 7:58 pm

1002. Rabbit holes are where I live! Happy to see you all there!

      By Jen Breach on January 1, 2024 at 4:34 pm

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