January 2, 2023 8:00 am
by Mirka Hokkanen
Now that the holiday season is over, it is time to get off the couch, stretch and get those idea-generating muscles warmed up again. Let’s get ready to rumble with Storystorm 2023!
Today I’m sharing about how Storystorm helped me on my journey to becoming a published author, and my recipe for generating irresistible tetris-pizza-supreme books. I hope that my story inspires you to show up every day for the next month, flex your idea-generating muscles, and write down those ideas, no matter how good or bad, because you never know where the next idea might lead you.
Roughly seven years ago I started on a journey to become a picture book illustrator. I spent my time soaking up everything I could about picture books and the publishing industry; reading, going to classes/webinars/conferences, joining SCBWI, meeting with peers and critique group(s), and even getting agent representation. Things were going great by all measures, but it still felt like actual illustration work was impossible to come by. My work was good, but never the best in the room, so I felt like someone else was always going to get picked over me.
As I learned more about the industry, I figured that if I could write stories, it would be a shorter path to publication. But that was a major roadblock for someone who never understood creative writing or book reports in school, and always teetered on the brink of failing assignments. Rather than write, I drew as a teenager, and my mom kept telling me that I should create comics and make that into a career. Great idea, if I could only come up with a viable plot! I tried a few times, but never got past the middle. Eventually my little sister cut pages I’d started into confetti and I gave up. By the end of middle school, I had lost my will to read and write all together, and just wanted to make art and ride horses.
Fast forward about 20 years, and 2 young kids later, I knew if I wanted to make it in publishing, I should probably figure out how to write. So I took some more classes and wrote and illustrated several stories… and let me tell you, they turned out fantastic!
Just kidding—my stories were terrible, because I didn’t have good ideas. But I kept trying because I had a burning desire to publish work that would bring joy to readers like I’d felt reading with my own kids. Then I heard of something called PiBoIdMo, and thought it couldn’t hurt (even if I couldn’t pronounce it). I made it through the month and had 30 ideas. They weren’t the greatest, I was a skeptic, but that was still 30 more ideas than I had the month before. Done is better than perfection!
I showed up for PiBoIdMo, now Storystorm, every year and packed those ideas in. I read the posts and some resonated with me more than others. As time went on, I noticed that ideas started trickling in on their own. What started out flowing like dry oatmeal, started to ooze like syrup from the cracks of my life, until the dams broke open. Ideas jumped at me from all over the place, from things I saw online, in my life, in books, etc.
And now we get to the juicy part: What I didn’t realize at first, when doing the prompts, was that I was starting to use my idea generating muscles. And like with all muscles, when you use them, they get bigger and more developed, and easier to use.
Mechanical became organic, and I figured out how my brain likes to generate ideas and what makes it tick. So if trying to generate ideas gives you a cold sweat, I want to encourage you to stick with it. Exercise and nurture those muscles, because when you get them built and warmed up, they are a gift that keeps on giving.
As a second half to generating ideas, I encourage you to read prolifically in the genre for which you are writing. It’s kind of like the protein drink that helps those muscles grow stronger.
This year is special for me, as I am not only debuting one, but three books that I have written (and illustrated) and I wanted to share how the idea for the first book came to be. It came on a Storystorm month, during which I am always really busy turning things around in my head and more sensitive than usual to prompts bubbling up in life. We were living in Hawaii, where coconuts grow on every street corner. For me as a girl who grew up in Finland, that was pretty exotic, and I would often hum a tune from my childhood that told the story of a guy wrecking his house trying to crack a coconut.
I thought that it would be a pretty funny idea for a picture book, and then used my skills learned in Storystorm, to develop the idea further.
I would describe the way I develop ideas as “pizza tetris”. I start with the main theme or frame for the book, like “impossible-to-crack coconut,” which is like the frame for different-shaped pieces. Then I start fitting pieces in and out of the frame to see which ones fit the best. I often first think about how to turn an idea upside down, and if I can’t think of anything good, then I toss that idea and start shuffling unexpected locations and characters in and out of the frame to see what looks interesting. Once those are figured, and you have a frame of pieces that fit, that’s like having a pizza base and tomato sauce, but then we need toppings.
For toppings, I jot down anything that can add extra layers and depth into the story: possible plot points, scenes or lines that I want to add in, additional themes or concepts, target audience, class curriculum tie-ins, etc. At the end, my goal is to have a delicious, well balanced, tetris-pizza-supreme, that is irresistible to editors, educators, parents and most importantly, we all know who loves pizza the most, kids!
So to illustrate: My completed coconut-tetris-pizza supreme consists of two bickering gnomes and an impossible-to-crack coconut as the base, and then a forest backdrop, a surprise character reveal, friendship, trying again after failure, creativity, early readers as target audience, rising graphic novel format, a heap of humor to top it off, and a side order of sequel ideas.
And it worked! MOSSY AND TWEED: CRAZY FOR COCONUTS was sold in a two-book deal, with the first book releasing on January 10th, and the sequel coming out later this year! I am so excited to bring these books out into the world, and hope they will inspire kids to pick up a book and learn to read.
Thank you so much for going on this journey with me. I hope that you keep showing up and working those muscles!
Mirka Hokkanen is an author and illustrator who cannot think of 7 impossible things before breakfast. She generates ideas much better after a pitcher of tea. Her best ideas wait for her in the worst times of the day; usually when driving or right as she is falling asleep. When not writing or illustrating, Mirka likes to relax at home with her three young kids. Mirka is also a teacher on Skillshare, a licensing illustrator and a printmaker. Find her online at Mirkah.com.
Mirka is giving away a copy of MOSSY AND TWEED plus a picture book critique to one lucky 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: Mirka Hokkanen, MOSSY AND TWEED
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Such a fun and informative read. Congrats and thanks, Mirka.
By Kelly Hibbert on January 2, 2023 at 8:13 am
Reading in the genre for which you are writing is “kind of like the protein drink” — so true! Thanks for sharing your story.
By amandashayne on January 3, 2023 at 12:20 am
Congratulations on your book! I loved reading how you put ideas together.
By Nancy Riley on January 4, 2023 at 9:12 pm
Mossy and Tweed sound like so much fun. Congratulations!
By catpledger on January 3, 2023 at 1:57 am
Mirka, congratulations on your books and sticking with it. Thank you for describing your progress for developing an idea. Mossy and Tweed look delightful:)
Gail Hartman
By thecrowsmap on January 2, 2023 at 8:14 am
Today’s post really resonates with a thought I had yesterday about this challenge! I set out to look for one thing that could turn into an idea in my day, and soon realized that mindset ended up feeling like I had turned on a faucet! Way more than 1 idea poured out throughout the day! I’m looking forward to going through today, and the rest of this month, with this continuing Storystorm mindset! Thank you!
By Heather Skinner on January 2, 2023 at 8:18 am
Very inspiring! Congratulations on a 2-book-deal!
By Catrine Kyster on January 2, 2023 at 9:02 am
I loved hearing your story. PiBoIdMo and now Storystorm has helped so many story sparks get captured and the best ones turned into books. I’m looking forward to reading yours!
By Mindy Alyse Weiss on January 2, 2023 at 8:20 am
Thanks so much for sharing your journey and congratulations on your success! Pizza tetris, huh? Now that’s an image that will stay with me 🙂 Thanks for an inspiring post!
By mbhmaine on January 2, 2023 at 8:22 am
Me too! Pizza Tetris?!?!
By Aundra Tomlins on January 3, 2023 at 2:47 pm
Yay! Muscles! Yay!
By Jany Campana on January 2, 2023 at 8:24 am
I love reading stories about perseverance! Congratulations! -Brandy Bellittera (Inkedauthor31)
By thetattooedwriter31 on January 2, 2023 at 5:20 pm
Thank you for sharing your story of persistence. Congrats on your 2 book deal. 😃
By gayleckrause on January 2, 2023 at 8:24 am
Great post Mirka! Mossy, and Tweed look like a couple of funny coconuts. Congratulations on your book deal!!
By Mark Bentz on January 2, 2023 at 8:28 am
What a great story of persistence. Congrats on your success and your two book deal.
By gayleckrause on January 2, 2023 at 8:30 am
Thanks for sharing! I tried Googling rising graphic novel format, because it’s unfamiliar to me as a term. I couldn’t find anything. I’m not sure if you’ll be replying to any of these comments, but I’d love to read how you might elaborate on that.
By nycbgriffin on January 2, 2023 at 8:32 am
What I meant by that was that graphic novels are a genre of books that are increasing in popularity in the last years.
By Mirka Hokkanen on January 2, 2023 at 9:28 pm
I love Rodney so you caught my attention right off:) Your hard work and persistence paid off for you. Best wishes to you and congrats on your success.
By leslieevatayloe on January 2, 2023 at 8:34 am
I like the concept of a framing idea then layering in the pizza components.. I have the ideas, it’s the layering in and fitting in the pieces that I get stuck at… I know, I know… that’s where the work comes in! Thank you!
By Debi Boccanfuso on January 2, 2023 at 8:36 am
So inspiring and encouraging! Thank you Mirka! And congratulations with your books!
By Romina on January 2, 2023 at 11:11 am
I loved hearing your story and looking through your portfolio! Thank you for sharing!
By Joy on January 2, 2023 at 8:37 am
I LOVE Pizza Tetris!! It’s brilliant!! Congrats on Crazy fir Coconuts! It sounds crazy fun
By Ann on January 2, 2023 at 8:39 am
Congrats! Very exciting! Can’t wait to meet Mossy and Tweed!
By Sayurikuri on January 2, 2023 at 8:39 am
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story.
By Linda B on January 2, 2023 at 8:40 am
Thanks for sharing your story! It’s given me a whole new perspective.
By Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf on January 2, 2023 at 8:42 am
Your characters look like a fun pair! Congratulation on you success and thanks for sharing your ideas.
By rosecappelli on January 2, 2023 at 8:44 am
Can’t wait to read your book. I love the idea about trying to crack a coconut. I am also an avid ice tea drinker.
By Laura Bellina on January 2, 2023 at 8:44 am
Thanks for sharing and best of success with your books!
By Deb on January 2, 2023 at 8:46 am
Thanks for sharing!
By Stefanie Hohl on January 2, 2023 at 8:46 am
Great post- best explanation of layering I have ever heard- I will give this a try for sure!
By Writer on the run on January 2, 2023 at 8:47 am
Thanks so much for sharing your writing experience and Congratulations on your book deals! Pizza tetris is a visual that will stay with me. Thank you for an inspiring post!
By Karen Nespoli on January 2, 2023 at 8:51 am
Great metaphor! I toss away many pb premises because I can’t find just the right Tetris pieces to fit into place. Congratulations on your two book deal!
By Laura Purdie Salas on January 2, 2023 at 8:55 am
Hey Mirka!
First off, a BIG CONGRATULATIONS for your books being published this year! That is an incredible feat for anyone in the field and it is incredibly rewarding to see your work come to fruition after many years learning, working and repeat.
I think the biggest take away is perseverance and believing in yourself. There’s room for everybody and by working on ourselves and our abilities as writers/illustrators then we can only go up from here.
Thank you again for sharing your journey with us and I hope you have a wonderful year ahead!
Day 2 idea down.
Cynthia x
By Cynthia Ning on January 2, 2023 at 8:55 am
These books sound delightful! Love the notion of holding onto the core idea and letting possible pieces drift in and out of the frame until they come together to make a whole! Thanks for this inspiration!
By lizluvselephants on January 2, 2023 at 8:56 am
These books sounds delightful. Love the idea of a core idea and allowing pieces to drift in and out until they make a whole. Thanks for the inspiration!
By lizluvselephants on January 2, 2023 at 8:58 am
Congratulations Mirka!
What a great read, thank you!
By Jenny Alvarado on January 2, 2023 at 8:58 am
Congratulations on your crazy-coconut-idea-turned-real-story! It sounds fun! 🙂
By M.R. on January 2, 2023 at 9:00 am
Suddenly I have a craving for coconuts. Gotta go get a hammer, be right back…
By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 2, 2023 at 9:01 am
Congratulations on your upcoming books! Thanks for sharing your process.
By amyhouts on January 2, 2023 at 9:02 am
Finland to Hawaii?! That’s quite some something. And thanks for the fun song, too! Good luck with your book…
By julietclarebell on January 2, 2023 at 9:06 am
Pizza tetris! Love it!
By Jane Martin on January 2, 2023 at 9:06 am
Congratulations on your debut & thanks for sharing in a memorable way.
By Lenora Biemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 2, 2023 at 9:08 am
That was an awesome post thank you so much, Mirka. I totally agree with the muscle thing. Happy creating!
By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 2, 2023 at 9:09 am
Mossy and Tweed looks awesome! Thank you for your tips and advice. Congratulations on your successes!
By anchance on January 2, 2023 at 9:09 am
Thanks for helping us exercise our brainstorming muscles and for making me terribly hungry. I’m going to go think of some good ideas of pizza and a Pina Colada. 🙂 Seriously, thank you for helping us see how to take a idea and twist and turn it around to see if it is a strong enough idea to turn into a story. Congrats on the book deal! That’s fantastic!
By Maria Bostian on January 2, 2023 at 9:11 am
First off, congrats on the book deal! And second, I love the pizza-tetras analogy. Layering and fitting things together was super helpful. I’m playing now with my idea from yesterday, using this technique. Can’t wait to read your books.
By ramonapersaudwrites on January 2, 2023 at 9:11 am
🍕 📚 ❤️ love the pizza analogy and the muscle metaphor 💪🏼
By Melissa Rafson Friedman on January 2, 2023 at 9:13 am
Congrats on the book deal! Love the pizza tetris analogy; trying this now with my idea from yesterday, which was generated from a post on Instagram. Connecting all the dots!!
By ramonapersaudwrites on January 2, 2023 at 9:14 am
Pizza-Tetris is such a good way to think about this!
By Sky on January 2, 2023 at 9:16 am
CRAZY FOR COCONUTS…..What a great title, and I wrote this down from your post: “idea generating muscles… when you use them, they get bigger and more developed, and easier to use.”
By Pat on January 2, 2023 at 9:16 am
Bravo Tara!
Many thanks
Giselle
By Giselle on January 2, 2023 at 9:16 am
I loved reading about how you ended up becoming a writer-illustrator and how coconuts led to your book! I’m going to try your strategy of listing all the possible ways to add layers to my initial ideas.
By Andrea Mack on January 2, 2023 at 9:17 am
I love the imagery the tetras-pizza put in my mind for expanding on ideas. Sometimes you have to wait patiently for the best idea to fit.
By Chris on January 2, 2023 at 9:19 am
As a fellow coconut admirer, this book sounds fabulous! I would love to share it with my students! Hearing about your thought process is so helpful and reassuring. Thank you for sharing!
By Jane Smith on January 2, 2023 at 9:20 am
I hope your students fall in love with it. I have a pack of activity sheets, with some math and story structure pages, that I’ll be posting on my site this week that might be useful in a classroom too. Theyll be up at mirkah.com/books
By Mirka H on January 2, 2023 at 9:34 pm
CRAZY FOR COCONUTS ….. What a great title! I’m hanging on to your comments about idea generating muscles: the more you use them, the bigger and stronger they become.
By Pat on January 2, 2023 at 9:20 am
Thank you, Tara. This is my first Storystorm. I can’t wait to begin generating loads of ideas.
By abbygatenby on January 2, 2023 at 9:22 am
I can’t wait to check out Mossy and Tweed! Thanks for sharing your journey and how to look at an idea in a lot of different ways, then add toppings.
By Jamie Bills on January 2, 2023 at 9:22 am
Congrats and thanks for sharing your journey:) I can’t wait to read your books. Who doesn’t love a story idea made like pizza… so yummy!
By Beth Holladay on January 2, 2023 at 9:23 am
There are so many reasons to give up this dream. Kids everywhere are going to be happy you kept chasing yours. Congratulations, Mirka!
By Andria Rosenbaum on January 2, 2023 at 9:23 am
Congratulations on your upcoming books! I like the idea of thinking/plotting in layers.
By Rona Shirdan on January 2, 2023 at 9:25 am
I loved reading your path. I especially loved how long it took you because it helps me think my path might eventually lead me there too. ❤
By Karrie on January 2, 2023 at 9:25 am
Loved reading about your journey! Congratulations on your debuts!!!
By Laurie Carmody on January 2, 2023 at 9:25 am
In 2023, I will be using my idea generating muscles more! Thank you, Mirka!
By Susanne Whitehouse on January 2, 2023 at 9:25 am
Inspiring words to work those muscles – can’t wait for my early morning workout – thanks for sharing Mirka!
By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 2, 2023 at 9:26 am
Thanks so much, Mirka, for sharing your ideas! I think we can all use that helpful reminder to keep track of ALL ideas (even the ones that don’t seem so good at first) – because you just never know what might come of them! Suppose you dismissed your coconut idea too soon? Mossy and Tweed would never have been born! Such cute names for characters by the way. Best of luck with both of these releases!
By Jennifer Vose on January 2, 2023 at 9:26 am
I had an epiphany reading your post. I’ll never get great story ideas if I allow too many breaks from creative writing and idea generation. All that corporate blabla I edit daily is mind-numbing and dulling my creativity. And while I have a similar background story to tell as you do—mine hasn’t got that wonderful happy ending yet. I’ve been struggling to find out my magic formula for success. And your words of wisdom may just have been the right amount of force I needed to crack open that coconut of a riddle. 😀 So, no matter how much corporate dullness I must process to make a living, I should make creative writing as regular an exercise as someone going to the gym to body build—as much as it takes to get ideas waterfalling out of me. If I don’t do that, my goal of getting published will hardly ever be met. Thanks for the inspo, Mirka.
By Monique Lavanya Waechter on January 2, 2023 at 9:35 am
So glad its inspirational for you! Ive been a mom to small kids for over a decade, and the amound of dishes, laundry and metawork can be very mind numbing too, and leave no energy for creativity. My best advice is be consistent, even 10mins at night, even if youre tired, and on top of turning ideas around in your head, read a lot of PB for research to see what has been successful.
By Mirka H on January 2, 2023 at 9:39 pm
I love your process of creating a book by pizza. Congrats on each book this year. Thank You.
By readmybook2002 on January 2, 2023 at 9:35 am
Congratulations! And thank you, your story is very inspiring. I’m excited to read your books, they look funny!
By Sheila Keegan on January 2, 2023 at 9:38 am
Thanks for sharing. I am new to this craft and reading the journey of other writers gives me inspiration. Congrats on the new books.
By jbdedwardscomcastnet on January 2, 2023 at 9:42 am
Congrats on your books; what a fun idea! This way of generating ideas seems so much less intimidating. What a great way to start Storystorm!
By Lisa on January 2, 2023 at 9:43 am
This is awesome! Thanks!
By janet_christensen@msn.com on January 2, 2023 at 9:43 am
I love the title of your book, so cute. Thank you!
By jasmithwriter on January 2, 2023 at 9:44 am
Here’s to cracking that impossible to crack coconut of an idea so fabulous, it almost writes itself … and you are so right about exercising that idea muscle … the more work you put in, the stronger it is! It’s so easy to forget and let other things swamp that creative time and the real trick is not to let that happen!
By Joan Longstaff on January 2, 2023 at 9:44 am
I love the analogy of Pizza Tetris for building a story. I am so gonna think of all my evolving stories like this…
By Azra on January 2, 2023 at 9:45 am
Keep flexing those idea-generating muscles! Thanks for the reminder and congrats on your books!
By Lisa L Furness on January 2, 2023 at 9:45 am
Thank you Mirka for sharing your writing process and its history. This is so encouraging! Now I’m excited to generate some pizza of my own!
By juliejelliebean on January 2, 2023 at 9:45 am
Thank you Mirka for sharing your writing process and its history. This is so encouraging! Now I’m excited to generate some pizza of my own!
By juliejelliebean on January 2, 2023 at 9:45 am
Tetris pizza is a great idea! I will be looking for toppings and crust the next few weeks! Congratulations on the books!
By Kelly D. Roberts on January 2, 2023 at 9:46 am
This is the perfect analogy to capture the random complexity of synthesizing a plethora of inspiration and intentions and distilling it into a simple-yet-beautiful work of picture book art. Thank you!
By Emily Gilliam on January 2, 2023 at 9:46 am
What a great post. Thank you. Today I will start my pizza base and if I’m lucky, a few toppings will be added. Oh, and I’m singing what I remember of the English version of-“I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts. There they are all standing in a row. Big ones. Small ones. Some as big as your head…..” Congratulations on your Mossy and Tweed book deal. The “dough” is rising in my head. Now to put it on paper!
By mona861 on January 2, 2023 at 9:48 am
Thank you for sharing your story!
By afraclose on January 2, 2023 at 9:48 am
The impossible to crack coconut! I feel it’s what I have in my first story. I know the idea is a good one and the main character is lovable, approachable, and relatable, especially to kids. But I can’t seem to crack the that outer shell of hooks and page turns. I can’t seem to fit the balance of narration and action into the framework of picture book. Maybe I’m trying too hard to write the book perfectly. Perhaps I should simply tell the story. Your story made me think; the nodes of my brain are tingling.
By Susan Jobsky on January 2, 2023 at 9:48 am
Do you read and study PB’s? That might be a piece youre missing. Use the library and read a lot of recently pubbed books, and make notes on story structure and plot points. Maybe you can find inspiration on how some else has cracked where you are stuck. Sometimes the right answer hits you when you least expect it!
By Mirka H on January 2, 2023 at 9:44 pm
Loved reading your story!! Thank you for sharing this and congratulations on your books!!!
By Connie Van Horn on January 2, 2023 at 9:49 am
Thanks so much for sharing your method of developing your ideas into stories that work! And congratulations on your books coming out this year!
By Cindy Johnson on January 2, 2023 at 9:51 am
Thank you, Mirka, for providing me with laughter and wit as the sun rises here in southwest Kansas. My “idea-generating muscles” workout stories best in the morning (sometimes starting at 3:00 AM). So…when I tell myself, to “get up and get crackin,” I’ll be reminded of you and your perseverance. Plus, I LOVE pizza, so the metaphor is a delicious way to brainstorm. Sending you energy and inspiration for your continued success…
By marshaelyn on January 2, 2023 at 9:52 am
I want to try my hand at a Tetris pizza! Thanks for sharing!
By https://katiewalsh.blog/ on January 2, 2023 at 9:52 am
I like the idea of pizza and using that analogy for generating story ideas! Thank you!
By Mark Ceilley on January 2, 2023 at 9:53 am
Loved your description of dry oatmeal turning to oozing syrup coming through the cracks before the dams broke open! Thanks for sharing such an awesome post!
By Abby Wooldridge on January 2, 2023 at 9:53 am
Love this post! Tetris pizza is genius. And ding…just like that, my first idea of 2023 just popped into my head. Thank you!
By stiefelchana on January 2, 2023 at 9:54 am
This post made me laugh out loud! Congrats!
By Kimberly MR Gutierrez on January 2, 2023 at 9:57 am
I love the pizza idea!
Congratulations on your debut book Mirka 🙂
By Catherine Friess on January 2, 2023 at 9:57 am
Thanks for the inspiration!
By Kathi Morrison-Taylor on January 2, 2023 at 10:00 am
I loved reading this. Tetris pizza-what a great way to think about generating ideas! Congrats on your debuts!
By Cheryl Simon (@cmsimon18) on January 2, 2023 at 10:01 am
Pizza-Tetris!! That is a new one. I love the idea that reading in a genre is like the protein drink for idea-generating muscles. Thanks for sharing!
By libbydemmon on January 2, 2023 at 10:01 am
It can take time, talent, and skill to crack a coconut and possibly more to perfect a pizza. Even so, I’m game! Mirka, MOSSY AND TWEED look like my kind of fun. Congratulations on the two book deal!
By Joyce Uglow on January 2, 2023 at 10:02 am
Thank you, Mirka!
By Melissa McDaniel on January 2, 2023 at 10:02 am
Woot! Debuting three books as an author-illustrator is amazing! Thank you for this framework, Mirka!
By kathalsey on January 2, 2023 at 10:02 am
I love the tenacity you describe in keeping on your creative path. We just have to keep flexing the idea muscles that will keep the imagination flowing. One is often tempted to give up, but you have shown that success is possible if belief in our message and determination are alive.
By Regina Montana on January 2, 2023 at 10:03 am
I loved seeing how your ideas come to life. I look forward to reading your book. Congrats!
By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 2, 2023 at 10:05 am
Thank you for the memes to stimulate ideas. The ideas for crazy for . . . Brought lots of ideas out,my writing in school was terrible and the ideas weren’t good either. But listening to kids conversations helped me think of twists on their ideas and your brainstorming opened up my mind to new story ideas. Thank you
By Sheri Rad on January 2, 2023 at 10:06 am
Mossy and Tweed are adorable. Thank you for being so candid about your struggles, as finding a process to flush out ideas presents a challenge for me. I seem to get stuck midway also.
By Sarah Phillips-Horel on January 2, 2023 at 10:09 am
Thank you for not only showing your victories, but also showing the struggles along the way. It inspires me to press on and pursue this.
By mightyoaks3 on January 2, 2023 at 10:09 am
I can’t wait to play pizza-tetris! Thank you! And congrats on your debut 🎉🎉
By Becca McMurdie on January 2, 2023 at 10:09 am
I agree with Mirka! Everything is better after tea, or with tea, but never before tea.
Inspiration is in short supply this morning as I’m sick with Covid, but tea is keeping me upright for now. And I’m reading along. So that’s something. Who knows, my sick brain may come up with a story yet…and I bet there will be tea, or a coconut, in it.
By Cathy Lentes on January 2, 2023 at 10:10 am
Congratulations, Mirka! Looking forward to reading Mossy and Tweed. Sounds like a book/series my kids will love! The pizza-tetris method for generating ideas is great. I’ll definitely be referring back to your post! Thanks so much!
By Dara Henry on January 2, 2023 at 10:11 am
Wow Mirka! Congratulations on your three-book success! I love the idea of likening creating ideas to pizza making. Time to get that dough rising!
Thank you!
By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 2, 2023 at 10:13 am
Mossy and Tweed: Crazy for Coconuts sounds and looks so funny. Congratulations on the two-book deal!
It’s funny, but I’m a writer who can draw a bit in pencil. Well, at least I used to draw when I was a teenager. Since I didn’t develop that muscle, I need to take classes. One of my long term goals is to take illustration classes, so maybe I can become an author-illustrator.
Thank you for the cool post!
By Yolimari Garcia on January 2, 2023 at 10:14 am
Congrats Mirka! I loved seeing this story take shape over the last two years and I can’t wait to get a real copy and see it in print form. Nice touch with the pizza tetris 🙂
By Brian Gonsar on January 2, 2023 at 10:15 am
Can’t wait to read your new early reader series!
By wordnerd153 on January 2, 2023 at 10:15 am
Wow, your method of developing an idea into a book is fantastic! I’ll have to give it a try. Congratulations on the adorable Mossy and Tweed!
By Juli Jones on January 2, 2023 at 10:16 am
Thanks, Mirka! I love the way you think about creating stories.
By Melissa Koosmann on January 2, 2023 at 10:18 am
I love the concept of “idea-generating muscles” and the more you flex them the stronger they become! Thank you for this great read, and best of luck with your books!
By Tara Cerven on January 2, 2023 at 10:18 am
Wow, Mirka! I love this. Flexing those creative muscles is the best advice. The more you do it, the bigger those muscles get. Thank you for the push back into another creative year and congratulations on your fantastic book, MOSSY AND TWEED, CRAZY FOR COCONUTS. It looks wonderful.
By Lindsey Aduskevich on January 2, 2023 at 10:19 am
Mirka, thanks for the inspiration!
By Jessica Coupé on January 2, 2023 at 10:19 am
Thanks for sharing, Mirka! I love the pizza tetris idea. And congratulations to you!!! Your books look super fun!
By alanadevito on January 2, 2023 at 10:19 am
Thanks for sharing your process. Very inspiring! Congrats on the 2 book deal!
By Joy Wieder on January 2, 2023 at 10:20 am
Beautiful artwork and great ideas for creating books! Thanks for sharing!
By srkckass on January 2, 2023 at 10:20 am
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mirka.
I look forward to reading about Mossy & Tweed.
Suzy Leopold
By Prairie Garden Girl on January 2, 2023 at 10:23 am
I can not generate ideas after breakfast, thus I get up early to generate ideas not to exercise like I should!
By Jeanne Cherney on January 2, 2023 at 10:24 am
Mirka, I love hearing about your process. What a clever idea! I am inspired to think about weird songs from my childhood that might make a fun picture book.
By margaretsmn on January 2, 2023 at 10:25 am
Oh my gosh such a fun creative process – and such adorable gnomes! Thank you for sharing your ideas ! And congratulations on the books!
By Karen Gebbia on January 2, 2023 at 10:26 am
Thanks. May my oatmeal turn into syrup.
By steveheron on January 2, 2023 at 10:29 am
Wonderful article! Pizza always gets my ideas going.
By Julia Mills on January 2, 2023 at 10:32 am
Congrats on your upcoming books they sound so fun and playful!
By kerisagreene on January 2, 2023 at 10:34 am
I love the pizza analogy! Thanks for sharing
By Lindsey Hobson on January 2, 2023 at 10:36 am
I love these character’s names! Can’t wait go read.
By Mackinzie Rekers on January 2, 2023 at 10:37 am
Congratulations on the three upcoming books, Mirka! Tetris pizza puzzle sounds like an entertaining way to make stories!
By Adriana Bergstrom on January 2, 2023 at 10:38 am
Love how you compared the reading we do to our protein drink! Congratulations on your books!
By millerritam on January 2, 2023 at 10:39 am
I can’t wait to meet Mossy and Tweed. Your coconut story reminded me of my husband trying to break one open by slamming it in the a a bridge piling on a beach on Kauai. I think he may have gotten more hurt than the coconut.
Thanks for sharing your process if growth. It alone is inspiring.
By sarahpeacetobias on January 2, 2023 at 10:41 am
Mirka, Congratulations on Mossy and Tweed hitting the shelves ❤️ Thank you for sharing your journey.
By Janie Reinart on January 2, 2023 at 10:43 am
This is so wonderful on many levels for me. I was trying to think of a good mentor text for my story, read this article, and Boom! Here it is! Can’t wait to get a copy of this. Thanks for your wonderful insights into this perilous journey. Yet each step, for sure, is so worth it! I love every dip in the ride.
By girlscout72091 on January 2, 2023 at 10:44 am
Mossy and Tweed looks delightful. Congratulations! And thank you for the great post. I love the idea of making a tetris pizza!
By Karin Larson on January 2, 2023 at 10:45 am
The Tetris concept really resonated with me! Thanks for the inspiration!
By laureannawrites on January 2, 2023 at 10:45 am
Tetris & Pizza!! I can’t wait to play around with this idea!!
By lizricewrites on January 2, 2023 at 10:45 am
Mossy and Tweed are great names – can’t wait to read their story. Love the pizza/tetris idea generating method!
By cynthiahm on January 2, 2023 at 10:46 am
Great advice and encouragement this morning. Love the pizza-tetris concept!
By Diane Mittler on January 2, 2023 at 10:47 am
Excited for your books, Mirka! Thanks for the inspiration today. 🙂
By ryanrobertsauthor on January 2, 2023 at 10:47 am
What I really like about this post is how it stresses the learning process. It doesn’t just take time and effort to learn to write; it takes time and effort to learn to generate ideas. Great point!
By Teresa Traver on January 2, 2023 at 10:47 am
I took two of my stories from PiBoIdMo and combined them to make one story. They were slight on their own. Anyway that combination was published in a mag story.
By Joy Moore on January 2, 2023 at 10:47 am
Thank you for sharing!!!
By mlflannigan on January 2, 2023 at 10:47 am
The thought of exercising my idea-generating muscles is inspiring. Your advice on how to develop ideas is concrete and useful. I took notes!
By Sarah Skolfield on January 2, 2023 at 10:50 am
What a fun strategy! Thanks for the post, Mirka!
By rebeccacolby on January 2, 2023 at 10:50 am
I love how ideas feed off of one another! Your books sound so fun and I can’t wait to get my hands on them! Congratulations, Mirka!
By Kelley Smith on January 2, 2023 at 10:50 am
Love your perseverance from childhood on. Best Wishes on your new books coming out.
By Becki Kidd on January 2, 2023 at 10:51 am
Congratulations on your book release. And kudos to using our idea-generating muscles!
By geigerlin on January 2, 2023 at 10:53 am
Such a fun read! 🙂 And congratulations on your books.
By erinquill8 on January 2, 2023 at 10:53 am
I LOVE COCONUTS. I think my goofy 4 year old class would love your books. Thank you for sticking to it and not giving up. I needed that
By kiwijenny on January 2, 2023 at 10:54 am
Congratulatins Mirka on turning your idea into a published book. I appreciated your writing strategy and plan to give it a try.
By Jane Baskwill on January 2, 2023 at 10:55 am
Great post!I especially like your suggestion to snuffy characters & plot screams into the basic frame of the story. Can’t wait to read your books!
By Alice Fulgione on January 2, 2023 at 10:55 am
Thank you, Mirka. I look forward to reading your books!
By Kim Nolan on January 2, 2023 at 10:55 am
Mirka, thanks for sharing your journey with us, and congratulations on the books!
By Tanya on January 2, 2023 at 10:56 am
If your goal was to inspire us, Mirka, it worked! Thank for this helpful and funny blog. And congratulations on Mossy and Tweed. It sounds wonderful!
By pathaap on January 2, 2023 at 10:57 am
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. Its so easy to become discouraged but you persevered! Great encouraging example.
By Phyllis on January 2, 2023 at 10:57 am
I love gnomes. I love pizza. And I love alliteration. Crazy for Coconuts just went on my To Read in 2023 list. Thanks for sharing your process and encouraging us to use our idea-generating muscles.
By Debbie Austin on January 2, 2023 at 10:57 am
Thank you Mikka! I’m going to incorporate your pizza Tetris approach this year in Storystorm!
By Patricia Franz on January 2, 2023 at 10:57 am
Great post. LOL. My ideas are sometimes hard to crack like a coconut! Congratulations on MOSSY AND TWEED. 🙂
By karenrafeedie on January 2, 2023 at 11:01 am
I look forward to reading your coconut-Tetris-pizza supreme book, Mossy and Tweed. It sounds like fun! Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your journey with us.
By Lynn McCracken on January 2, 2023 at 11:04 am
Great post! I love the image of the bickering gnomes and the impossible-to-crack coconut as the Tetris base.
By beckylevine on January 2, 2023 at 11:06 am
Sounds like you’ve cracked a winning recipe! Thanks for the inspiring read.
By wordhouse123 on January 2, 2023 at 11:09 am
Mirka, thank you for the post. The book looks delightful. Looking forward to the publication. Looks prone to the success of the Hilda series. Nicely done.
By ralucasirbu on January 2, 2023 at 11:10 am
Thank you for the post.
By Gregory E Bray on January 2, 2023 at 11:11 am
I loved reading about your journey. A wonderful story in itself. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
By Teresa Daffern on January 2, 2023 at 11:12 am
This is a good reminder that the muscles don’t work until you flex them!
By Apryl Lee on January 2, 2023 at 11:14 am
Congratulations on your success! I enjoyed reading about your inspiration and your journey!
By Linda KulpTrout on January 2, 2023 at 11:15 am
This a good reminder that it takes time to develop that muscle!
By Apryl Lee on January 2, 2023 at 11:16 am
Great approach to writing a story!
By joanwaites on January 2, 2023 at 11:17 am
Fantastic post and so true about stretching your imagination muscles. Your book looks amazing
By trunkythetree on January 2, 2023 at 11:17 am
This sounds so fun! Can’t wait to read!
By meghandowns on January 2, 2023 at 11:19 am
Thanks for sharing your journey! I can’t wait to read your book!
By Lynn Baldwin on January 2, 2023 at 11:19 am
Inspiring. I like the puzzle/Tetris idea!
By Rochelle Y Melander on January 2, 2023 at 11:19 am
I often have trouble turning my ideas into viable stories. Thanks for the nudge. I remember seeing your portfolio and drooling, so I’m definitely looking forward to your upcoming book release. Congratulations!
By Joanne Roberts on January 2, 2023 at 11:21 am
Thanks for sharing your pizza-tetris method! What a fun way to make sure you have a standout idea. Congrats on your 3 books launching! Mossy and Tweed looks so fun!
By Kari Gonzalez on January 2, 2023 at 11:23 am
Pizza tetris is a great process, thank you for sharing!
By Amanda on January 2, 2023 at 11:24 am
building the Pizza is a great way to think of it. Thank you for sharing your process.
By Cait Darfler (@CaitDarfler) on January 2, 2023 at 11:26 am
Thank you for sharing your process!
By Shanie Cooper on January 2, 2023 at 11:26 am
Thank you for sharing your process. Congratulations on your new books coming this year.
By Dayne Sislen on January 2, 2023 at 11:29 am
Thank for sharing your journey with us. I especially appreciate the frame imagery and moving things in and out of it.
By susanzonca on January 2, 2023 at 11:30 am
I enjoyed hearing about your journey to being published.
By mommamoocow on January 2, 2023 at 11:30 am
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, Mirka! I love how coconuts and pizza fit in.
By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 2, 2023 at 11:32 am
I have a soft spot for Nordic culture and I definitely can’t wait for your book to be out of the oven and ready for pick up or delivery
By Hélène Sabourin on January 2, 2023 at 11:33 am
Congratulations, Mirka! Thank you for sharing your process with us. I loved that you turned your art into writing, when you thought you couldn’t. Very inspiring.
By Nancy Ferguson on January 2, 2023 at 11:34 am
Thanks for the encouragement and congratulations on your books!
By Jennifer Roman on January 2, 2023 at 11:35 am
Thank you for sharing your process! Congrats on your upcoming releases!
By Helen Lysicatos on January 2, 2023 at 11:37 am
I’m a big fan of making pizzas and playing tetris so I’m very excited to try this method! Also very excited for all your books coming out 🙂
By Michelle L. on January 2, 2023 at 11:38 am
Congratulations on publishing and also for the encouragement to keep going!
By Elizabeth Wilcox Saba on January 2, 2023 at 11:38 am
Wow, Mirka, this was great. I appreciate (and learn from) your persistence and am thrilled for you that you have not one but two books coming out this year! Congratulations!
By Linda Kay Chavez on January 2, 2023 at 11:39 am
And now I’m in the mood for Hawaiian pizza. Great post! Thank you, Mirka!
By blairmoorebooks on January 2, 2023 at 11:39 am
Thanks for sharing your process, even if brainstorming will now make me hungry. 😁 Congrats on the books!
By Russell Wolff on January 2, 2023 at 11:39 am
Congrats on your exciting 2023 and all the work that went into it!
By maureenegan on January 2, 2023 at 11:41 am
Love all the ways you twist your ideas. Thanks for sharing
By Virginia Neil on January 2, 2023 at 11:43 am
I love the idea of two silly gnomes trying to crack a coconut! I also liked your technique for building a story like putting toppings on a pizza.
By martyfindley on January 2, 2023 at 11:43 am
Congrats! I also come up with many of my ideas while trying to fall asleep!
By colleenrkosinski on January 2, 2023 at 11:44 am
Congrats on the books and I look forward to reading your books! Thank you for sharing your story of persistence and belief in your dreams.
By Lisa Trank on January 2, 2023 at 11:44 am
Thank you for your inspirational post! 💪
By Anne-Margreet on January 2, 2023 at 11:45 am
I cam’t wait to read this one!
By mitchpramirez on January 2, 2023 at 11:46 am
Congratulations on your books =)
By Angel Gantnier on January 2, 2023 at 11:47 am
What a great idea to take a story from your culture and turn it into a modern day series!
By Carrie McCullough on January 2, 2023 at 11:48 am
Can’t wait to read this one! Congrats!
By mitchpramirez on January 2, 2023 at 11:50 am
I love this pizza-tetris idea, and will definitely be trying it!
By Sadaf on January 2, 2023 at 11:52 am
I like your advice on structuring the story! Taking an idea and turning it into a full blown story! I think I will give this approach a try!
By Bridgitte Rodguez on January 2, 2023 at 11:52 am
It is very true that the more you use your brain/muscles the easier it is to use them! When I am consistently creative I find that ideas flow much much quicker and with more ease and plots fall into place without as much work. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day!
By sburdorf on January 2, 2023 at 11:54 am
Thanks for sparking my idea-generating muscle this morning. Congratulations on your two-book deal!
By cbloomy on January 2, 2023 at 11:57 am
Love this Mirka! Congratulations on the new books.
By Deb McJimsey on January 2, 2023 at 11:57 am
Thank you for the encouragement–the idea of writing muscles that need to be strengthen and used with the hopes that one day I’ll be ready to “compete” is excellent. I like the idea of adding layers and need to keep this in mind while brainstorming and drafting.
By Danielle Hammelef on January 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Love a good tweed reference!
By Allison Green on January 2, 2023 at 12:01 pm
This story really spoke to me. Thank you for sharing!
By midfreeman on January 2, 2023 at 12:01 pm
A Tetris-pizza-supreme! Love it!
By Maria Altizer on January 2, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Love the tetris-pizza analogy. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on the forthcoming books!
By imaginationsoup on January 2, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Thanks for sharing your story, Mirka! This gnome story looks very cute. I like your pizza tetris strategy.
By tinamcho on January 2, 2023 at 12:08 pm
Congratulations on your two book deal. January 10 is almost here! I like how you came up with the idea for the book(s). You saw something so common in Hawaii, and turned it into a fun book! Your “pizza tetris” reminds me of when my mom would quilt. She would look for the right colors, patterns… and was meticulous about all corners and points matching to perfection. Somehow whatever she made always had pizzazz. That was her using her brain/muscles to get it perfect. We need to develop our brain/muscles and constantly be on the look out for how to make the story come to life! Thank you for sharing your story!
By Suzy Z on January 2, 2023 at 12:08 pm
What a cool, spark-y reframe of how to come up with ideas! Great advice. Thanks for writing, Mirka!!
By Vanessa Konoval on January 2, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Thanks for sharing and Congrats!
By gpbellbooks on January 2, 2023 at 12:12 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. Mossy and Tweed looks adorable!The song made me laugh and now it is stuck in my head.
By Katie Marie on January 2, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Loved hearing your story. I can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed!
By aturner513 on January 2, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Love this pizza tetris method! Congratulations on your debuts and thank you for sharing your experience!
By mariamarianayagam on January 2, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Congratulations on your books. Embrace all your publication experiences! Thanks for your inspiring practical advice.
By Susan on January 2, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your writing and illustrating journey. What a magnificent venture.
By judyrubin13 on January 2, 2023 at 12:15 pm
I loved hearing how you worked through your idea. Can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed
By aturner513 on January 2, 2023 at 12:19 pm
Oh my gosh! Love your profile pic. Thanks for sharing your process
By nicolesalterbraun on January 2, 2023 at 12:19 pm
Thanks Mirka. Love the idea of developing our “idea-generating muscles” and the suggestion to read prolifically in the genre in which we are writing – “like the protein drink that helps muscles grow stronger.” Your tetris pizza making analogy really helps. I do have a “Pizza base and some tomato sauce”. Now I see I can play with the toppings. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
By Yehudit Sarah on January 2, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Ha! Love the ideas of both a picture Tetris to figure out plot and building a pizza to add the layers. Congratulations on your three books that’s exciting!!
By kimpfenn on January 2, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Great ideas and congrats!!
By Michelle Kashinsky on January 2, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Congratulations Mirka, this looks like such a fun book! Thanks for sharing your creative process.
By andreesantini on January 2, 2023 at 12:22 pm
Thank you, Mirka. Your journey to success proves keeping your skills enriched with learning and staying dedicated to your craft will get you published. Congratulations!
By Marlena Leach on January 2, 2023 at 12:23 pm
Rachael Cunha
By Rachael Cunha on January 2, 2023 at 12:23 pm
Congrats on your 3 books this year—enjoy the launches & promotion!
By Susan Cabael on January 2, 2023 at 12:24 pm
I’ve written several stories but I don’t follow through. I was in an abusive relationship for too many years. That voice keeps returning. You’re too stupid, you’re a failure and the ever so popular you’re nothing without me. It’s taking me a long time to rebuild my life, self confidence, love of writing and courage. I’m hoping if I stick with it I can break these chains. Thank you for that opportunity. 😊
By Darby on January 2, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Hi, Mirka! I really like your sense of humor. MOSSY AND TWEED: CRAZY FOR COCONUTS looks fun.
By Manju Beth Howard 🌻 (@ManjuBeth) on January 2, 2023 at 12:28 pm
It’s coconut cracking time! Congratulations on your books and thank for this fun and inspiring post.
By claireannette1 on January 2, 2023 at 12:29 pm
Congratulations on your two-book DEAL!! WOW! That is amazing. Persistence. Patience. I love these characters and the Coconuts. I can already hear my grandson’s belly laughs. Love your pizza-Tetris- supreme technique.
By Penny on January 2, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Who wore it better? Mossy and Tweed, or Mirka? Thanks for sharing a slice of your Coconut Tetris Pizza! Congratulations on your three books!
By Lynne Marie on January 2, 2023 at 12:30 pm
I’ve written several stories but I don’t follow through. I was
By Darby on January 2, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Happy StoryStorm Day 2, everyone!!
By jenanyong on January 2, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Congratulations on your new books, Mirka.
I liked hearing about your story process and it DID give me a good story idea to build on.
By Linda Hofke on January 2, 2023 at 12:35 pm
It was encouraging to read your process and I’m pretty sure we could be friends because of how well you showed your emotions with those hand picked GIFs!
By triciahinely on January 2, 2023 at 12:37 pm
I love the idea of piecing together story ideas like puzzle pieces. I enjoy doing puzzles, so this is an easy concept. Your new book sounds so fun! I’d love to share it with my grandkids.
By lp1959hunt on January 2, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Such a fun story!! Thanks for sharing your journey
By Valerie on January 2, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Great post! Congratulations on your book deal. Let them eat pizza! Thanks for the inspiration and a new way of thinking about brainstorming new ideas! I’m off to make some awesome pizza!
By Traci Van Wagoner on January 2, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Thank you, Mirka, and congratulations on your books this year! Love the visual of pizza-tetris.
By Armineh Manookian on January 2, 2023 at 12:40 pm
I already love the book just based on the character names 🙂 And yes, we all need to build up our stories so that they’re multi-layered and serve many audiences, from the agent to the reader to the possible teacher. Going to use that tip right now with my current WIP. Thank you & here’s to coconuts!
By yangmommy on January 2, 2023 at 12:41 pm
I love the idea of playing pizza Tetris with my stories, and MOSSY AND TWEED sounds (and looks) amazing! Congratulations and thank you, Mirka! ❤
By Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez on January 2, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Congratulation, Mirka! Thanks for sharing your process!
By Sara Trofa on January 2, 2023 at 12:42 pm
What funny memes! Interesting process and so glad you stuck with it -congrats!
By danielledufayet on January 2, 2023 at 12:45 pm
I like this tetris idea a lot! Thanks for sharing it!
By LLStauffer on January 2, 2023 at 12:46 pm
~dusts off cobwebs~
~oils gears~
~kicks with foot~
~crosses fingers~
By jill on January 2, 2023 at 12:47 pm
Looking forward to your book release!. Thanks for sharing your writing process!!!
By JoLynne Ricker Whalen on January 2, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Love your pizza-Tetris analogy!
By Pamela Morgan on January 2, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Like syrup! You inspired me to not one, but TWO ideas today. Thank you! Thank you!
By bereccawrites on January 2, 2023 at 12:52 pm
Building upon an idea is something I’m going to do now BEFORE I start writing a story. I may not use them all but at least I’ll have options to play with. Thanks for the helpful post! Congratulations on your books,
By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 2, 2023 at 12:55 pm
That’s one of the best author photos I’ve ever seen.
By rachelgrodsky on January 2, 2023 at 12:56 pm
this was such a fun post, thank you! I’ve had a bare bones (I guess pizza and sauce) idea hanging around for awhile that I love but need more substance too. Using that today to experiment with your method! thanks!
By Bethany Brown on January 2, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Thank you for sharing.
By jms5880 on January 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Thank you Mirka for your fabulous advice..and congratulations on your author/illustrator books this year! 👏👏👏
By Shirley on January 2, 2023 at 1:01 pm
I love thinking of this as building muscle. I was so surprised when the ideas started flowing last year when I tried Storystorm for the first time. I’d love to take that magic with me when the month is over.
By azmh on January 2, 2023 at 1:01 pm
Love the idea of pizza Tetris and can’t wait to check out the books! Thank you for sharing and happy new year!
By Katie Williams on January 2, 2023 at 1:02 pm
I Love your personal story, your journey to becoming an author-illustrator and can’t wait to read your debut books. ❤️ Thank you for sharing your idea generating thoughts & inspiration.
By Annelouise Mahoney on January 2, 2023 at 1:03 pm
What a journey — and mining our childhood wonders is the inspiration that so often works. Thanks for sharing and inspiring
By Val McCammon on January 2, 2023 at 1:08 pm
Wonderful advice! And pizza-that should help me remember! Congrats on your new book coming out! Thank you!
By Angie on January 2, 2023 at 1:09 pm
What a fun source of inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
By Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) on January 2, 2023 at 1:10 pm
Fantastic Post!
By Gregory Barrington on January 2, 2023 at 1:10 pm
Mirka,
I love your story and can totally identify with it since it took me 14 years to complete my first picture book. So often we hear about story mapping, and outlining and the only way or best method to write, but my technique is much the same as yours. This gives me confirmation that there is no one way to develop a story and that it doesn’t have to be done a certain way. Two things speak to me out of this article: First: We need to develop a story the way it works for us and whatever way that is – is OK. Second: It doesn’t matter how long the journey, as long as you get there and do it. Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings and best wishes for 2023 and your 3 new books.
Roxanne Drury, Author
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By Miss Roxanne on January 2, 2023 at 1:12 pm
Thank you for the tips!
By Pam Beres on January 2, 2023 at 1:12 pm
Love the tetris pizza idea, and congratulations on your book deal! 🙂
By mlyablonaolcom on January 2, 2023 at 1:13 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey! Pizza Tetris is a great way to remember elements needed! Can’t wait to read MOSSY AND TWEED: CRAZY FOR COCONUTS! Congratulations on your two book deal! 😊
By Donna Rossman on January 2, 2023 at 1:14 pm
Thanks for sharing your story and idea-generating process …and congratulations on your books! They look a lot of fun! 🙂
By claudia sloan on January 2, 2023 at 1:14 pm
Thank you so much. It’s time I start exercising my idea muscles! Your books look great, congrats!!
By Daryl Gottier on January 2, 2023 at 1:15 pm
Thank you, Mirka! I have been mulling around the idea of setting aside time exclusively for idea development; you’ve given us a wonderful (and delicious 🙂 ) template!
By Heidi Chupp on January 2, 2023 at 1:15 pm
Childhood wonders are such a great place to get story ideas — thanks for sharing your journey and inspiration, Mirka!
By Val McCammon on January 2, 2023 at 1:16 pm
Love the concept of Pizza-Tetris! I appreciate you sharing your process and journey, thank you!
By Jill Friestad-Tate on January 2, 2023 at 1:17 pm
Interesting way to develop a graphic novel, thank you, but I’ve been wondering what tells one if an idea is better suited as a graphic novel, PB, or chapter book?
By Poupette on January 2, 2023 at 1:20 pm
“Done is better than perfection.” Those words should be my motto for 2023! Thanks and congratulations on your new books.
By Buffy Silverman on January 2, 2023 at 1:20 pm
Great post, Mirka! Thank you for giving us a peek at your writing journey. Pizza tetris?? It’s perfect!! I love pizza… and playing Tetris!! It’s one of the few computer games that I am actually good at. I also loved your description of ideas as dry oatmeal trickling in then turning into oozing syrup coming through the cracks before the dam busts open!
I used to toss away material that didn’t fit into what I was writing… but now I keep everything in my WIP Scrap Folder… descriptions of characters that didn’t work out, odd ball sentences, paragraphs cut from other stories etc. etc. I keep all of my Storystorm ideas in another folder and add the new ones to it each year. I label each of them by their genres and will go back and expand on them filling in the main characters, settings, conflict, and have quite a few of them that I’ve written manuscripts for as I turn my Storystorm ideas into rough drafts for 12 x 12. They are the perfect fit… get the ideas during Storystom… then flesh them out and write the story during 12 x 12… even submitting a few of them to agents.
By Sharon A Putnam on January 2, 2023 at 1:22 pm
Mahalo nui for sharing your journey and ideas! Congratulations!
By kskeesling on January 2, 2023 at 1:22 pm
I loved pointing out that generating ideas builds that “muscle”! It makes so much sense! The pizza example works for me too — I think my stories need more pepperoni! Knowing what’s missing and what to add is a great tool. Thanks for sharing your process and congratulations on your new books!
By Carolyne R. on January 2, 2023 at 1:23 pm
So enjoyed your journey to publication and your advice. Thanks – and congratulations.
By bevbaird on January 2, 2023 at 1:23 pm
Who doesn’t love pizza!?! Thanks for sharing the tasty analogy and your story. Congratulations on your success!
By Jennifer on January 2, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Congratulations on you upcoming books, Mirka! Such a fun analogy on how to build an idea into a delicious picture book.
By Joannie Duris on January 2, 2023 at 1:25 pm
Love to hear about successes!
By Jojo Kasala on January 2, 2023 at 1:25 pm
Thanks for sharing!
By Charlotte Glaze on January 2, 2023 at 1:28 pm
I laughed out loud as soon as I read “two bickering gnomes and an impossible-to-crack coconut.” I can only imagine the fun young children will have with this story. I love the pizza/tetris analogy. I will try to adapt this to my own writing as I revisit my old manuscripts and conjure up new ideas. Thanks so much and congratulations. -Lori Laniewski
By ljtouche on January 2, 2023 at 1:28 pm
What a great post! I can’t wait to check out your book with my kiddos this month.
By AT Reynard on January 2, 2023 at 1:29 pm
What a fabulous cover, Mirka! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
By Leslie Santamaria on January 2, 2023 at 1:30 pm
This a great article and inspiration. This will give me the motivation to move ahead.
By Pamela S Swanson on January 2, 2023 at 1:30 pm
I love your analogies. Storystorm does feel like working out idea muscles and then like working out ideas.
By Christine Graham on January 2, 2023 at 1:31 pm
Thanks, Mirka. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
By Julie Reich on January 2, 2023 at 1:37 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for your inspiring post. And Mossy and Tweed looks like such a fun book!
By Stefanie Raszler on January 2, 2023 at 1:42 pm
I’m ready to make that pizza! Thanks, Mirka! Congrats on your book series. It looks adorable.
By Bonnie Kelso on January 2, 2023 at 1:42 pm
I adored reading about your journey! So many congratulations on the series!!!
By carlislemalone on January 2, 2023 at 1:43 pm
Thank you for sharing how you layer your stories!
By christym1234 on January 2, 2023 at 1:43 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your joirney. I love the visual description of how you move ideas around.
By Karen on January 2, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming books! Thank you for sharing your process. It’s always nice to hear how others come up with ideas.
By Mary Zychowicz on January 2, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Thanks for the encouragement! Your story looks so fun.
By McCourt Thomas on January 2, 2023 at 1:45 pm
OMG, that sounds like a fantastic way to delve deeper into your ideas, as I sit here eating pizza playing Block Puzzle- a Tetris type game…
Congratulations on your upcoming books, and for keeping working towards your goal, and never giving up!
By Erik Ammon on January 2, 2023 at 1:49 pm
Thank you, these tips were really helpful. I wrote them down as reminders when I go over the ideas I generate this year.
By Mary Ann Cortez on January 2, 2023 at 1:50 pm
Mossy and Tweed look absolutely adorable!
By kirstenbockblog on January 2, 2023 at 1:53 pm
You’re making me hungry for pizza! I don’t have too much trouble with initial ideas, but I’m still learning about the process. I’m also more of an artist than a writer. I like the pizza metaphor for putting together a book.
By Martha E Hollenhorst on January 2, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Thanks for sharing your process, Mirka. Your stories are full of layers so kids are sure to adore them!
By Alison McGauley (@AlisonMcgauley) on January 2, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Congratulations Mirka! It is always exciting to see people you know succeeding!
Thank you for sharing your ideas and your process.
We’ll have to get you to Alaska so your gnomes can visit Nome. LOL
By matthewlasley on January 2, 2023 at 1:56 pm
Love your clever Tetris pizza concept!
By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 2, 2023 at 1:59 pm
Congratulations and thanks for sharing. Always interesting and helpful to see how a story has evolved.
By Doreen Tango Hampton on January 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Love this post—so much resonated. 🙂 Love this analogy and taking the step to add toppings. Thanks Tara and Mirka! Look forward to reading your books!
By romontanaro on January 2, 2023 at 2:01 pm
I want to write and illustrate a graphic novel for kids too!
By Emily on January 2, 2023 at 2:01 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your writing process. You’ve shown that perseverance leads to success. Congrats on your two-book deal. I love the title, CRAZY FOR CONCONUTS.
By authordebradaugherty on January 2, 2023 at 2:02 pm
So inspiring! Thank you!!
By taracho4 on January 2, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Love your characters Mossy and Tweed! Congrats! Good idea to think of classroom tie-ins. Thank you!
By Jane Dippold on January 2, 2023 at 2:08 pm
Thanks for the inspiration Mirka and congrats on your graphic early readers for kids.
By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 2, 2023 at 2:08 pm
Very nice, visual, attention-grabbing metaphor for developing your story ideas…I like it!
By Annie Guerra on January 2, 2023 at 2:09 pm
Yay! Congratulations Mirka on the books and the great metaphor here. 😊❤️
By jenabenton on January 2, 2023 at 2:14 pm
Hi Mirka, thanks for the inspiration. That makes me think about when we were living in Costa Rica, and what ideas I could mine from there.
By Katherine Rea on January 2, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for the inspiration! Congrats on your books!
By Larissa Elliott on January 2, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Love the idea of tetris pizza supreme! Thanks for sharing this new perspective. Maybe moving toppings and trying different sauces will help turn some of my “bad” ideas into something edible. Congratulations on Mossy and Tweed!
By heatherbell37 on January 2, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Congratulations on your book deals! And thank-you for this post. In Tara’s post yesterday, an idea popped into my head, or rather an image. Your post is helping me flesh it out a bit more by seeing what fits in the frame of it.
By mariearden on January 2, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Fantastic! Congrats to you for persevering long enough to reach your goals. I can’t wait to read your debut 🙂
By ellen seal on January 2, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Congratulations on your debut!! That book looks incredible, can’t wait to read it! Thank you for the inspiration!
By rozanark on January 2, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Thank you for sharing your process. It was so helpful! Congratulations on your book deals, Mirka. Can’t wait to read them!
By Kim A Larson on January 2, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Love this method, thank you so much for sharing!
By sarahadlerclaxton on January 2, 2023 at 2:28 pm
This was so inspiring. I find it hard to believe you struggled to write because this piece was so well written! 😀 Can’t wait to read this story–it sounds hilarious!!!
By Margaret Aitken on January 2, 2023 at 2:31 pm
What great advice on developing story. Thank you.
By Susan Contreras on January 2, 2023 at 2:31 pm
Oh my goodness, this was so motivating to read. I loved the tone and style of your personal story, and appreciate all the helpful advice. Cheers, thanks! Can’t wait to read your book, looks amazing. Congrats.
By Caitlin on January 2, 2023 at 2:33 pm
Such great encouragement! Thanks for sharing.
By michelemeleen on January 2, 2023 at 2:34 pm
Thanks for the excellent visual of Tetris Pizza. Once you have an idea that works it’s important to add “toppings” to flesh it out to form a complete story that’s ready to serve to readers. Thanks for sharing!
By Royal Baysinger (@RoyalBaysinger) on January 2, 2023 at 2:36 pm
Thank you for sharing your process with us. Pizza Tetris is definitely something I have not heard about before 🙂 Congrats on your book deals as well!
By Ryann Jones on January 2, 2023 at 2:36 pm
I’ve always thought of story development like building out the layers of an onion, but Pizza Tetris sounds tastier. Here’s to adventures, where they lead, however they taste!
By rindabeach on January 2, 2023 at 2:38 pm
Thank you for the inspiration.
By freda lewkowicz on January 2, 2023 at 2:39 pm
Pizza it will be! Or I hope so anyway- thanks for sharing your tip
By Jamie Donahoe on January 2, 2023 at 2:39 pm
Mossy and Tweed sound like a fun pair! Thanks for sharing your Tetris Pizza idea, Mirka!
By suzanbh on January 2, 2023 at 2:41 pm
Hi Mirka! Thanks for this fun post. MOSSY AND TWEED looks adorable and super original. I enjoyed reading about how you developed the concept and added layers, like pizza.
By Claire A. B. Freeland on January 2, 2023 at 2:44 pm
It’s hard to believe you struggled to write, Mirka. Pizza Tetris is a clever way to build a story. MOSSY AND TWEED has my attention!
By mdk45 on January 2, 2023 at 2:49 pm
Congratulations on your new book!
By Brenda Huante on January 2, 2023 at 2:50 pm
Very inspiring journey from a fellow Storystormer and SA member! Congrats on Mossy and Tweed!
By greengirlblueplanet on January 2, 2023 at 2:50 pm
I love the idea of “idea generating muscles”, it’s so true! Love hearing about your journey, thanks for sharing!
By catchandi on January 2, 2023 at 2:54 pm
What a great post, Mirka! I love the pizza analogy — and I’ll bet that’s a big hit at school visits, too!
By Dawn Prochovnic on January 2, 2023 at 2:54 pm
Mirka,
Congratulations on your publishing success! Ever thought of putting your wonderful picture book process and how you came to develop it into a picture book of its own? Would be great, I think. I know I will be trying it out on my next PB project…
By Paul Brassard on January 2, 2023 at 2:56 pm
Thanks Paul! I am planning a series of PB classes for Skillshare for 2023, and will probably have them available as individual affordable classes on Gumroad too.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 7:45 am
I love the concept of building my “idea generating muscles”. Thank you for your inspirational story. Congrats on your new books!
By Laurie Seaford on January 2, 2023 at 2:57 pm
Thanks for an inspiring post Mirka and congratulations on your success!!
By jbbower on January 2, 2023 at 2:58 pm
Congrats! I’ll have to remember the pizza-tetris analogy next time I work on a new idea.
By darshanakhiani on January 2, 2023 at 2:58 pm
Love your approach to layering, Mirka. Have a successful 2023.
By Ellie Langford on January 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Thanks for sharing your process!
By streetlynn on January 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm
I love your “pizza tetris” way of thinking!
By Cathy Stefanec Ogren on January 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Congrats on the book deals, and thanks for sharing your creative insights! Looking forward to Mossy & Tweed becoming well-gnome characters found in many bookshops!🥥
By MichaelAuthorHenriksen on January 2, 2023 at 3:01 pm
Congratulations! What a great pizza-tetris analogy.
By Mary Warth on January 2, 2023 at 3:04 pm
I love your process for putting a story together! I will give it a try.
By Vickie on January 2, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Mirka, this book sounds amazing! Thanks for inspiring some pizza Tetris!
By Monica Acker on January 2, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Thanks for sharing your journey, Mirka, and congratulations on your forthcoming books. Mossy & Tweed sound awesome!
By Joyce on January 2, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Congratulations on your debut books coming out this year. Your “pizza tetris” is a great way to idea storm!!
By Jennie H on January 2, 2023 at 3:13 pm
A genius idea on how to create stories with cultural magic/twist/humor.
By nlcardenas on January 2, 2023 at 3:14 pm
pizza Tetris, what a fun way to think about idea generation
By 🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 is wrestling with words (@safajarwrites) on January 2, 2023 at 3:15 pm
Three books! I love this pizza tetris idea. And it’s true – the more we flex our writing muscles, the better we get.
By Kamalani Hurley on January 2, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Your post gives me a lot to think about. Thanks for sharing your process! Can’t wait to read your books! Your first book debuts on my birthday! Yay!
By bucherwurm65 on January 2, 2023 at 3:17 pm
Congrats on the books 🙂
By Carmen on January 2, 2023 at 3:17 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey! Congrats on the debut books!
By Leah Moser on January 2, 2023 at 3:19 pm
Your post gives me much to think about. Thank you for sharing your journey. Mossy & Tweed debuts on my birthday! Yay! Can’t wait to read your books.
By bucherwurm65 on January 2, 2023 at 3:21 pm
You’ve inspired me with coconuts. I grew up with a coconut tree in my front yard.
By R.G. Spaulding on January 2, 2023 at 3:23 pm
Thanks for sharing, Mirka! I love any “Food inspired” brainstorming. 🙂 Now I want pizza but also have a few ideas churning. Thank you!
By Ellen Leventhal on January 2, 2023 at 3:25 pm
interesting process, thanks!
By Sallye O'Rourke on January 2, 2023 at 3:27 pm
Thank you, Mirka. I can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed.
By doristone on January 2, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Congratulations on your publishing success! I look forward to reading your books. Thanks for sharing your process!
By Peggy Dobbs on January 2, 2023 at 3:34 pm
This is awesome! Congrats on your book deals! I love how you mixed the two different worlds from your life together in a fabulous Tetris pizza story!
By Shawna Tenney on January 2, 2023 at 3:41 pm
Thank you for sharing your process. Love the logo you created for this year’s Storystorm!
By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on January 2, 2023 at 3:41 pm
Tetris pizza! Love it, Mirka!
By karammitchell on January 2, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Congrats! So inspiring to see perseverance pay off –
By Kimberly Laura on January 2, 2023 at 3:43 pm
I love learning new ways to organize and plan stories. This pizza process is going to be the next one I try! Thank you!
By Barbara Farland on January 2, 2023 at 3:44 pm
Thanks for the inspiration. I like the idea of the pizza tetris and moving ideas in and out. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the books!
By Bevin Rolfs Spencer on January 2, 2023 at 3:46 pm
I LOVE the way you describe your creative process! I relate. Congratulations on your book. I truly appreciated your honesty when describing your story to publication . You are such an inspiration!
By Sheri Graubert on January 2, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Thanks for sharing your idea creation technique.
By Judith Snyder on January 2, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Here’s praying for oatmeal to turn into syrup! Thank you for the awesome motivation.
By Angie B. on January 2, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Your writing process is inspiring, Mirka. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on your upcoming books! Mossy and Tweed sounds like a fun series for readers.
jshemtob50@gmail.com http://www.judyshemtobauthor.com
By Judy Abelove Shemtob on January 2, 2023 at 3:50 pm
Thanks for sharing your story. I do like Nordic characters.
By ET Charles on January 2, 2023 at 3:51 pm
Sounds like you came up with the perfect combination of tetris pieces for TWO amazing stories! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration. Can’t wait to discover those books in the wild!
By Jennifer Mills Barnes on January 2, 2023 at 3:56 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming book, Mirka! Looking forward to reading them! I appreciate the way you brainstorm layers!
By Liz Godfrey on January 2, 2023 at 3:57 pm
Dear Mirka,
Thank you for sharing your evolution (;-) story. I have been trying to write for seven years without finding the plotline I am looking for. So this year, I want to focus more on the illustrations and see where that takes me. Here’s to 30 ideas sketched. I honestly just thought of drawing my ideas due to your post.
Best regards,
Jo
By Jo Raderstorf on January 2, 2023 at 3:58 pm
I’m glad it was helpful! You go with the way your brain naturally likes to generate ideas, and let things evolve from there. And don’t forget to do a lot of reading too!
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 7:50 am
Love it. Going nutty for Tetris pizza!
By Ana Archi on January 2, 2023 at 3:58 pm
I absolutely LOVE the pizza building analogy. This is going to help me tremendously as I develop new ideas this year. Good luck with your continued success!
By Donna Marx on January 2, 2023 at 3:58 pm
Thank you for your post Mirka. Very inspirational and motivating. Congratulations on Mossy and Tweed Crazy for Coconuts! Happy New Year! 😊
By CatherineBrewer on January 2, 2023 at 3:59 pm
Your post is very motivating. Thank you. I can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed!
By valerieschultz023gmailcom on January 2, 2023 at 4:01 pm
Thank you for sharing your process! So helpful. Last year was my first SS and I have a book of ideas that I haven’t done much with — now I have some thoughts on how to take them further!
By Fern Glazer on January 2, 2023 at 4:05 pm
It took me about three years of Storystorm to really figure out what the heck I was doing! So just do your best, and keep coming back, and using those muscles.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 7:54 am
Thanks for sharing and congrats on publication of your books!
By Cindy S. on January 2, 2023 at 4:06 pm
Congratulations on your success and thanks for the inspirational post. Looking forward to your forthcoming books!
By Marilyn Wolpin on January 2, 2023 at 4:09 pm
Absolutely love the pizza analogy!
By jumpbaby on January 2, 2023 at 4:10 pm
I love hearing how it goes from chaos to dream come true. – Mikki
By MikAdventures on January 2, 2023 at 4:11 pm
I love the coconut-pizza tetris forest gnomes! What fun to read your story about a story. Congrats & I can’t wait to meet Mossy and Tweed.
By Sue Heavenrich on January 2, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Thank you, Mirka. What a great journey you made to make your dream come true.
By Arlene Schenker on January 2, 2023 at 4:16 pm
Love all the food analogies here! Great tip about not stressing of ideas don’t flow. With Storystorm I find some days I’ll get 2-3 ideas and others nothing. Congrats on your books!
By takingcareof4 on January 2, 2023 at 4:18 pm
Congratulations, Mirka, on your books coming out, I love the coconut idea! That’s such good advice on the pizza structure. One thing that I want to try is if I want to develop an idea further, to start up a “pizza” notebook, where I write down all the parts of and toppings to my idea, as well as draw sketches. I’m having a similar experience to STORYSTORM too, where I loved ideas, but needed a structure and a rhyme and reason to them!!
By Sophie Furman on January 2, 2023 at 4:19 pm
Thanks for sharing your process! I love the idea of adding “toppings” to the story.
By Jacqueline Adams on January 2, 2023 at 4:20 pm
What a fun and useful method! Thanks for an inspiring post, and congratulations on our upcoming books. I look forward to reading!
By Lisa Billa on January 2, 2023 at 4:21 pm
Can’t wait to check out Mossy and Tweed! Thanks for sharing your process!
By Allison Strick (she/her) (@ByAllisonStrick) on January 2, 2023 at 4:22 pm
Congrats on your books! Mossy and Tweed look adorable.
By Elizabeth Kalasinsky on January 2, 2023 at 4:22 pm
Love hearing about your journey and a huge congratulations on your debutes!!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
By allisonrozo on January 2, 2023 at 4:23 pm
Mirka, such a fun way to think about constructing a PB. Thanks for spurring a couple of ideas today! Congrats on Mossy and Tweed!
By Maria Marshall on January 2, 2023 at 4:23 pm
I love the analogy. Thanks for sharing!
By nrompella on January 2, 2023 at 4:24 pm
Ahh, this description of how you generate ideas in your tetris pizza way is one of the first that has really resonated with me! I have tried lots of ideas from here and elsewhere but reading your description, I really thought: yes! That could work for me! I can’t wait (and won’t!) to give it a try! Congratulations on your books! They look great!
By Amanda on January 2, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Yay! So excited for you! Hope you come up with a heap of new ideas that keep n coming long after January is over.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 7:53 am
Done is better than perfection…just what I needed to hear! I’m going to smash those coconuts, build my muscles, and make some messy fun! And hopefully end up with a pizza! Thanks Mirka for an inspiring post. And your gnome graphic novel series looks so much fun. Congratulations!
By sharonkdal on January 2, 2023 at 4:26 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your process! And congrats on Mossy and Tweed! Sounds adorable–
By Midge Smith on January 2, 2023 at 4:33 pm
Thank you ever so much for your post this morning. It was lovely to read & gave me lots of hope! You’re a treasure! ❤️
By Jayne Wilson on January 2, 2023 at 4:42 pm
Crazy for Coconuts looks like an idea worth waiting for! You clearly got the hang of the idea-generating process, since a sequel’s on the way. Congratulations!
By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 2, 2023 at 4:42 pm
I love the analogy to exercise! I’m also a firm believer that we get better at whatever we devote time to practicing. Great post and congrats on the book releases!!
By melissamiles1 on January 2, 2023 at 4:43 pm
I so related to your “never the best in the room” quote and will use ot to remind me to just keep going until I am! Love your tetris-pizza-supreme method!
By Anne Reilly on January 2, 2023 at 4:45 pm
Congratulations, Mirka, and thank you for your inspiration!
By SJ Kinahan on January 2, 2023 at 4:47 pm
Pizza tetris- love it! Congrats on your books! Can’t wait to check them out.
By Aimee Larke on January 2, 2023 at 4:49 pm
Sounds like you ‘cracked’ the code to successfully publishing a book: perseverance! Congrats to you!
By Leah Marks on January 2, 2023 at 5:01 pm
Who doesn’t love pizza?!?!!?? Let’s get cooking!
By hannahannkrueger on January 2, 2023 at 5:04 pm
Hej Mirka! One of your characters wears a sweater similar to Charlie Brown’s sweater drawn by Charles Schultz in his Peanuts cartoons. Congratulations and best of luck with your books.
By Sherry Smith on January 2, 2023 at 5:04 pm
I loved reading how you shift ideas in and out of a frame!
By EmilyKeifer on January 2, 2023 at 5:05 pm
Thanks, Mirka. Your thoughts about how it became easier to generate ideas reminded me of the process for turning a behavior into a habit. If we aren’t willing to put in the time, and fight the frustrations or doubts, the habit won’t form. I appreciated reading about your process from start to today. Congrats on your book deal! I’m eager to see each title.
By Tamara Riva on January 2, 2023 at 5:07 pm
Love hearing about your publishing journey, starting as an Illustrator then a writer. Congratulations on your success thus far!
By Lauri Fortino on January 2, 2023 at 5:17 pm
Mirka, I like the pizza building metaphor. It makes sense and will remind me to add those very important layers. Congrats on your series. So exciting!
By marty bellis on January 2, 2023 at 5:22 pm
I LOVE the pizza layers idea!
By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 2, 2023 at 5:23 pm
This was just the post I needed today. I really need to exercise my idea-generating muscles more this year (I was in an idea slump last year), so I love your encouragement. Thanks for the Tetris-pizza metaphor and congrats on your book!
By heatherstigall on January 2, 2023 at 5:23 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your journey and your creative process of creating a pizza tetris for a book. Your tips will be very helpful as I write my next draft. I’m looking forward to reading Mossy and Ted’s adventures.
By Jeannette Teresa Suhr on January 2, 2023 at 5:25 pm
Exploring for ideas in “unlikely places” sounds like a good recipe for a story idea.
By Dottie Lee on January 2, 2023 at 5:25 pm
Very interesting idea : )
By Susan Wollison on January 2, 2023 at 5:26 pm
Congratulations on your three debut books! And thanks for your inspiring post.
By maryraebel on January 2, 2023 at 5:26 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your journey and your “pizza tetris” writing process. It will be very useful as I write my next draft. Best wishes for continued sucess!
By Jeannette Suhr on January 2, 2023 at 5:27 pm
I was once advised to add layers to my manuscript and it made it so much better. Mossy and Tweed sound like great characters, can’t wait to read about them!
By Melissa Chupp on January 2, 2023 at 5:28 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey, very interesting to read! best wishes for your future publications!
By katy on January 2, 2023 at 5:28 pm
Thank you for sharing your story idea journey, Mirka!
By Jan Milusich on January 2, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Way to go Mirka! Thank you for sharing some of the details of your journey. It’s both inspiring and challenging!
By Brittney Jett on January 2, 2023 at 5:36 pm
There’s Moss and Tweed, looking for me
Said the Coconut high up in the coconut tree…
But before those two reach their homes
I’ll jump on their heads ’cause I’m crazy for gnomes!
By 8catpaws on January 2, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Mirka. And congratulations on your 2-book deal.
By Kellie Nissen on January 2, 2023 at 5:37 pm
Your saying “my work was good, but…” really resonated with me. Your process is so interesting and yes we have to give ourselves room to play and be consistent. Thank you!
By kmblasi on January 2, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Thanks for the inspiration, Mirka! I can’t wait to try “pizza tetris,” and add those toppings/layers. Congratulations on your books!
By Steena Hernandez on January 2, 2023 at 5:39 pm
This really resonates (as someone who can generate ideas or characters but struggles with plot/conflict!) Congrats on the books!
By Jenn on January 2, 2023 at 5:41 pm
What a great story/ journey Mirka! Congratulations on the 2 book deal! I needed this inspiration today.
By Melissa Escobar on January 2, 2023 at 5:41 pm
I definitely relate to this 🙂 🙂
By marzkim on January 2, 2023 at 5:45 pm
“Mechanical becomes organic…” This vision brings me so much hope!
By Amy on January 2, 2023 at 5:46 pm
What an interesting way to think about fitting all the little pieces together like a game of Tetris! And who doesn’t like pizza! Super congrats on the books 🙂
By Maria Antonia on January 2, 2023 at 5:49 pm
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your inspirational journey!
By Gretchen Huesmann on January 2, 2023 at 5:50 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey! Very interesting process.
By ktlicense - Kris Tarantino on January 2, 2023 at 5:51 pm
Congrats on your journey! Very interesting process.
By ktlicense - Kris Tarantino on January 2, 2023 at 5:53 pm
I loved reading your journey as a picture book author. Congratulations on your success, Mirka – not just one picture book but three!! How exciting!
By Pamela Harrison on January 2, 2023 at 5:54 pm
What a great title! Loving the idea too! Can’t wait to read!
By Jennifer Hunt on January 2, 2023 at 5:55 pm
Wow, I so want to read this book, even though I hate coconuts. Thanks for sharing your inspiration process.
By asiqueira1307 on January 2, 2023 at 5:57 pm
I love the pizza metaphor…I think my dough needs some more toppings, though!
By Sara Ackerman on January 2, 2023 at 5:56 pm
Wow, I so want to read this book, even though I hate coconuts. Thanks for sharing your inspiration process.
By asiqueira1307 on January 2, 2023 at 5:57 pm
Love it!
By Andrea Yomtob on January 2, 2023 at 6:02 pm
Coconuts and pizza! What a great combination! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! I’d love to read your book 🙂
By ⚡️Sharon Korzelius ⚡️🐢 (@SharonKorzelius) on January 2, 2023 at 6:02 pm
This is great, Mirka – thank you! I love reading about your process, and this book series sounds wonderful! I’m always relieved to hear that someone else comes up with ideas while trying to fall asleep.
By Amy Center Cory on January 2, 2023 at 6:08 pm
This is great, Mirka – thank you! I love hearing about your process, and this book series sounds amazing! I’m always relieved to hear that someone else comes up with ideas while trying to fall asleep.
By Amy Center Cory on January 2, 2023 at 6:09 pm
Mirka, this is all so wonderful! Congratulations on 3 books coming out in one year. I see how many comments there are so I’m not sure you’ll read this but I had a wonderful visit and the NY Aquarium in December and when I saw the otters I thought of your art in the book you and Vivian created in 2019 when we first met. Thank you for the pizza metaphor of adding layers and looking at the different story elements from different angles.
By authorlaurablog on January 2, 2023 at 6:13 pm
Hi Laura! I am reading all the comments and so glad it seems to have sparked lots of new ideas! Four Otters will always have a special place in my heart, and I am glad it keeps chugging along and popping up in conversations still.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 8:00 am
Thanks for sharing your process!
By Dannielle Viera on January 2, 2023 at 6:14 pm
Ahhh, the much heard of but never read about perfect pizza-tetris-method. Thanks, Mirka.
By jimchaize1 on January 2, 2023 at 6:21 pm
Congrats Mirka and what a great story. I like the idea of strengthening those storymaking muscles.
By Christine Letizia on January 2, 2023 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for sharing your process, Mirka. Congrats on your upcoming releases!
By Teresa Rodrigues on January 2, 2023 at 6:32 pm
Very insightful and much appreciated, Mirka! Congratulations!
By juliehamptonc228d7b913 on January 2, 2023 at 6:37 pm
I love how you’ve created such fresh and fun characters, Mirka! Congratulations and I will request that our library order ‘Mossy and Tweed’. Your story about how you got to this point is so interesting and relatable. Great advice thankyou.
By Kaye Baillie on January 2, 2023 at 6:46 pm
Mirka, I love how you never gave up on your dream of being a picture book author/illustrator and you kept going til you made it happen. And your coconut idea is genius!
By Sharlin Craig on January 2, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Haha! Can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed!!
By brennajeanneret on January 2, 2023 at 6:54 pm
What a great story and story of your process too! I love the analogy of Tetris pizza. . . . Congratulations on the books you have coming out, and thanks for inspiring us for Day 2 of StoryStorm!
By Tonnye Fletcher on January 2, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Loving Storystorm’s start this year. And who doesn’t love pizza? We’re making it tonight. Let the ideas begin!
-Melisa Wrex
By wordwritermo on January 2, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Mossy and Tweed looks like so much fun! I’ve put it on my to-read list.
By Leah Kessler on January 2, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Mirka, Congrats!!
The tetris pizza made me think of creating word maps/Mindmaps for the writing and then actually illustrating a pizza with the words that resonate more 🙂
Thanks for the post.
By Desi V on January 2, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Your post gives me hope.
By Diane McBee on January 2, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Love your style in illustrations! Thank you for the great post Mirka!
By Alia Khaled on January 2, 2023 at 7:05 pm
great post Mirka. I definitely got close to breaking my house trying to crack a coconut. I learned my lesson and buy already prepared coconut chunks now! I believe I broke a drill in the process!
By KatyTanis on January 2, 2023 at 7:06 pm
OMG 😆 thats classic! We’ve had a few scrapes trying to open some found in the wild too!
By Mirka on January 3, 2023 at 6:47 am
I like the idea of putting several things into your story, then figuring which one works best by taking out and adding other characters and settings, plots, etc. Thank you for the idea! 🙂
By Joan Swanson on January 2, 2023 at 7:16 pm
Thank you for this post. Inspiring and offering good tips to keep going. I am so intrigued by your Mossy and Tweed. What fun it will be to read!
By Pam Gelman on January 2, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for this inspiring post! Congratulations on your upcoming books.
By Candace Spizzirri on January 2, 2023 at 7:22 pm
I love your analogies and the fact that you DIDN’T GIVE UP. Yay, you!
By Cindy Williams Schrauben on January 2, 2023 at 7:23 pm
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story Mirka, and here’s to a sumptuous towering “everything pizza” of ideas during Storystorm 2023. Congratulations on your forthcoming books too.
By Kate Morgan on January 2, 2023 at 7:23 pm
Thanks so much for sharing the journey of Mossy and Tweed with us, Mirka! Thank you also for being so real with us about your ups and downs. The way in which you decided to strap in and get the job done is inspirational. Best of luck with your upcoming debuts and, no doubt, many more!
By pbbeckyk on January 2, 2023 at 7:25 pm
As someone for whom more is always better (especially on pizzas), this analogy challenged me to dig deeper and add more “toppings”!
By Laurel Santini on January 2, 2023 at 7:25 pm
Interesting metaphor! Congratulations on the books and thanks for sharing!
By Jessica Fries-Gaither on January 2, 2023 at 7:26 pm
I have been in such a rut lately! Loved this post.
By Hannah Roy LaGrone on January 2, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Thanks for the reminder that I can figure out how my brain likes to generate ideas. I’ve been thinking about that a lot today!
By Cynthia on January 2, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Kudos for staying the course!
By Charles Trevino on January 2, 2023 at 7:35 pm
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing and congratulations, Mirka!
By Janice Woods on January 2, 2023 at 7:36 pm
Congratulations on your book deals! Thanks for sharing your publishing journey with all of us. Mossy and Tweed sounds like an excellent read! Can’t wait to pick up a copy!
By Jen Gubicza on January 2, 2023 at 7:41 pm
Thank you for sharing your idea process. And I’m looking forward to “Mossy and Tweed’s” debut.
By Sarah Kilfoil on January 2, 2023 at 7:42 pm
I love a pizza with everything (except anchovies)and now I am hungry.
By Stephen S. Martin on January 2, 2023 at 7:47 pm
Thanks for sharing your Tetris-Pizza idea – great analogy and something I can really sink my teeth into! 🙂
By wyszguy on January 2, 2023 at 7:51 pm
Thanks for sharing your pizza tetris analogy.
By deniseganley on January 2, 2023 at 7:51 pm
Congrats, Mirka, on your upcoming books! And thanks for the tip that generating ideas gets easier as we build those muscles.
By Amy Newbold on January 2, 2023 at 7:53 pm
I love this blog post! Thank you. 🙂 Also, please… gnomes?! SOOO CUTE. I can’t wait to read your book!
By Laura on January 2, 2023 at 7:53 pm
I like thinking of it as a tetris puzzle where the pieces need to fit!
By supermario6 on January 2, 2023 at 7:54 pm
I really loved the concept of building the “idea generating muscles” and nurturing that skill. Thank you!
By Susan Wroble on January 2, 2023 at 7:54 pm
Thank you for sharing your story & offering great advice. Congratulations on your upcoming books…they sound great!
By Jennifer Weisse on January 2, 2023 at 7:58 pm
I like how you look at all the “what ifs” surrounding your initial idea – generating even more fun ideas!
By Diane M. on January 2, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Yay for you! Congrats on your new books!
By Bethanny Parker on January 2, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Love your style! thanks for the inspiration! I look forward to reading the books!!
By Betsy on January 2, 2023 at 8:01 pm
Congratulations on your books, and thank you for the encouragement!
By Jennifer Kennedy on January 2, 2023 at 8:02 pm
Mirka, thank you for sharing your story. It’s so encouraging! Best wishes on your double debut—
Chris
By crbwriter on January 2, 2023 at 8:03 pm
Congratulations on your success. Appreciate your post and muscle anaolgy. Was curious to know what courses you took that were helful in your journey. Look forward to reading yoru books
By bookfish1 on January 2, 2023 at 8:04 pm
For writing I took classes at Storyteller Academy, and then all the SCBWI webinars and conferences that I could afford.
For illustration, same as above and then SVSlearn classes. SCBWI has some fantastic regional events that have been a goldmine for knowledge for me over the years. You have to do some digging every few months to see all the new programming coming up in regions, but Ive listened to some great presentations from industry professionals from all sides of publishing.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 6:43 am
For writing I took classes at Storyteller Academy, and then all the SCBWI webinars and conferences that I could afford.
For illustration, same as above and then SVSlearn classes. SCBWI has some fantastic regional events that have been a goldmine for knowledge for me over the years. You have to do some digging every few months to see all the new programming coming up in regions, but Ive listened to some great presentations from industry professionals from all sides of publishing.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 6:43 am
Congratulations! What a fun premise for a story. Thank you for sharing this part of your writing process. So encouraging!
By tracyschuldthelixon on January 2, 2023 at 8:08 pm
Mirka, what a great way to help all of us visualize story building with comparing it to making a pizza.
Can’t wait to meet your cute gnomes!
Thank you,
Lucy
By Lucy Staugler on January 2, 2023 at 8:12 pm
Thanks for taking us through your process. You give us hope!
By Trine Grillo on January 2, 2023 at 8:12 pm
You had me at pizza!
By lsheroan on January 2, 2023 at 8:14 pm
Graphic novel format for early readers is a great idea!
By Terry Hojnacki on January 2, 2023 at 8:17 pm
Thank you for sharing this, Mirka! And congratulations on your books!
By Anya Kopotilova on January 2, 2023 at 8:32 pm
Congratulations on your books
By stephaniemstories on January 2, 2023 at 8:33 pm
Love the pizza analogy. Congratulations Mirka!
By Sharon Jackson on January 2, 2023 at 8:33 pm
So excited to read your books – 2-book deal, woohoo!!! Pizza-tetris, haha – love it! 🙂
By Danna Zeiger on January 2, 2023 at 8:44 pm
Your encouragement was just what I needed today. Thanks so much and congratulations on your debut!
By carmelamccainsimmons on January 2, 2023 at 8:58 pm
Mirla, your encouragement is just what I needed today! Thanks and congratulations on your debut!
By carmelamccainsimmons on January 2, 2023 at 9:00 pm
Sorry about the typo and somehow I managed to post, didn’t see my post, and reposted!
By carmelamccainsimmons on January 2, 2023 at 9:02 pm
I look forward to trying to make a tetris pizza. Congrats on your book.
By Bettie Boswell on January 2, 2023 at 9:06 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for the inspiring post! Congratulations on your debuts, Mossy and Tweed sound delightful!
By Jennifer Lowe on January 2, 2023 at 9:08 pm
Thank you for your inspiring post.
By sandrabyrdlawson on January 2, 2023 at 9:09 pm
Great post! I loved reading about your journey, Mirka. Congratulations on your upcoming books. I look forward to reading them with my little ones!
By Sarah Meade on January 2, 2023 at 9:13 pm
I also cannot think of 7 impossible things before breakfast. I can barely think! A conversation? No way!
By J. Brianne Jahn on January 2, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Carol Cole – I love the idea of “pizza tetris” of building story through different layers.
By cbcole on January 2, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Carol Cole I love the idea of “pizza tetris”. Buiding a story with different layers.
By Carol Cole on January 2, 2023 at 9:19 pm
Perseverance and hard work are the key to success. And also a little fun! 🙂 Congrats on your 2-book deal.
By roberta abussi on January 2, 2023 at 9:21 pm
Mirka – Congratulations on your 2023 releases! And thanks for all the smiles that came today with your entertaining post – adding “pizza making” to my idea generation techniques!
By sue macartney on January 2, 2023 at 9:22 pm
I’m now craving pizza, thank you! But I’m also eager to get to jotting down today’s idea, which I have not managed to find the time for all day. Thanks for the bedtime inspiration!
By Amy Moore on January 2, 2023 at 9:26 pm
Congrats on your debuts, Mirka! Looking forward to digging into some tetris pizza!
By Meghan Burch on January 2, 2023 at 9:31 pm
that looks hilarious!
By BirdinaCage on January 2, 2023 at 9:33 pm
Carol Cole I love the idea of “pizza tetris”. Buiding a story with different layers.
By cbcole on January 2, 2023 at 9:34 pm
My comment didn’t go through until I posted it again & now there are 2 – Having trouble with posting – I only meant one.
By cbcole on January 2, 2023 at 9:37 pm
A two-book deal…that is amazing! Congratulations!!! It looks like a super fun idea, and I look forward to reading them.
By kathleenannajacobs on January 2, 2023 at 9:41 pm
Wow! Congratulations! So much fun.
By curryelizabeth on January 2, 2023 at 9:43 pm
So true about the gift that keeps on giving and your book is gorgeous. Congrats!
By Shirley fadden on January 2, 2023 at 9:50 pm
Your book is gorgeous and it’s so true about the gift that keeps on giving. Congrats
By Shirley fadden on January 2, 2023 at 9:52 pm
Thank you for the inspirational post. I love to read about how other peoples brains work.
By Christine March on January 2, 2023 at 9:55 pm
Your book looks terrific! Congratulation on your debut PB!
By kevanjatt on January 2, 2023 at 9:55 pm
Love this analogy! Time to mix and match. 🍕
By thelogonauts on January 2, 2023 at 9:59 pm
Thanks for the pizza-tetris tip! Love this idea.
By Hollie Wolverton on January 2, 2023 at 10:00 pm
Persistance and flexibility pay off.
By Debra on January 2, 2023 at 10:09 pm
Wise words, Mirka. Gotta work those muscles! Congrats on your two book deal!
By angiecal76 on January 2, 2023 at 10:17 pm
Congratulations, Mirka! Thank you for sharing your journey and supremely fun tetris-pizza process!
By Daniella Kaufman on January 2, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Congratulations on your new book and the upcoming sequel! Thank you so much!
By cyndiwojo on January 2, 2023 at 10:32 pm
I love the idea of moving story elements around like tetris pieces.
By morningperson2012 on January 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
Loved the idea behind your book series. Can’t wait to read them!
By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
What a treasure-trove of awesome and practical idea-generating advice! Thanks for sharing!
By AD Kemp on January 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
Yay you! I love your determination and persistence! Congratulations!
By Michele Helsel on January 2, 2023 at 10:34 pm
Mirka, I do love pizza. I also love new ways to generate ideas. Thanks for this!
By Ashley Franklin on January 2, 2023 at 10:38 pm
Mirka, this is SUCH a fresh idea, it’s impossible NOT to love it. I mean–gnomes! How cool would it be if THEY trended? 😀
By writersideup on January 2, 2023 at 10:43 pm
I love hearing your story. Congratulations!
By David McMullin on January 2, 2023 at 10:47 pm
Thank you Mirka! I love all your tips on generating ideas. Also looking forward to reading MOSSY & TWEED!
By Jaime Petrucci on January 2, 2023 at 10:50 pm
Thank you for the extra encouragement to stick with it!
By debjohnson21 on January 2, 2023 at 10:52 pm
I like the idea of putting a story together like a pizza! Thanks for the inspiration! You book looks super cute and original!
By KathyCrable on January 2, 2023 at 10:53 pm
Congratulations on your book deals! What a fun post to read…I especially loved the comparison of the flow of ideas to oatmeal and syrup. Good reminders to keep exercising our writing muscles
By hansenjc13 on January 2, 2023 at 11:17 pm
Now you’ve got me hungry for pizza! 😉 Happy Storystorming 🙂
By JEN Garrett on January 2, 2023 at 11:18 pm
Thank you very much for your great post 🙂
By Nadia Forrest on January 2, 2023 at 11:18 pm
Love the pizza Tetris concept!! Congratulations on your books! Can’t wait to head to the writing gym and flex my muscles 😉
By Laura Bower on January 2, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Love your story. You’re passing along your inspiration.
By Linda Sakai on January 2, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Congratulations on your books! I love your accompanying photo, too.
By Jenny Boyd on January 2, 2023 at 11:24 pm
I love the tetris pizza idea! I agree that once you start looking for story ideas – they show up everywhere! I can’t wait to read your book!
By Anne LeBlanc 🇨🇦❤️📚libraries✍️🎤💃⛏️😊🖖StarWars (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 2, 2023 at 11:27 pm
Love the idea of your pizza tetris 🙂 Congratulations on your 2 book deal
By Melissa Gijsbers on January 2, 2023 at 11:27 pm
Love this concept! And gnomes, what’s not to love 🤣 also did you find that the “reader” type writing was restrictive? Can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed!
By Neha Thakkar on January 2, 2023 at 11:28 pm
I don’t see it as restrictive. The story was originally written with more vivacious language, but we simplified it a lot with my editor to fit it into the early reader category. I was fine with it, because my intention had been to make it for K-2nd grade kids learning to read. In general when I start figuring out the plot and rough visuals for a book, I already have a reader in mind (usually myself and my kids at a specific age) and then when it comes down to writing, I keep it at that level that I’m already imagining it for.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 8:10 am
What a fun book! And thank you, Mirka, for the memorable writing tip!
By Kathleen Clark on January 2, 2023 at 11:34 pm
Great analogy…lots of times my stories end up being like a pickle and pineapple pizza…instead of anything close to supreme. haha! I suppose that’s why we keep moving around the pieces until everything is delicious! Thanks!
By debbiearnn on January 2, 2023 at 11:34 pm
Can’t wait to read Mossy and Tweed! I just put in a request for my library to buy it. Congrats on your book sales and thanks for the post!
By rgstones on January 2, 2023 at 11:35 pm
I love how inspiration finds you in the most inconvient of times.
By Jessica Hedaria on January 2, 2023 at 11:35 pm
Pizza-Tetris is quite the concept. Never really thought about my process as a phrase, though definitely felt some connection to yours. Is there any advice you have for someone on the other side of the talent sphere i.e. a decent artist, but someone who needs to grow in it, while words come a bit more naturally?
By Bella Haeusel on January 2, 2023 at 11:36 pm
I think it’s much the same as for writing, read a lot for research (I have a Simply 7 blog post with Jena Benton later this month where I dwell a bit more on this tip), and then practice practice practice illustrating. Great practice is to pick any folk tale if you don’t have any ready stories your self yet, and then design and sketch it out as a picture book, practicing page turns, layout etc. And then make a few of the illustrations into full color. Doing that 3-4 times is a lot of work, but you will learn a lot in the process. And then get into a critique group to get feedback on what you have done (or find a mentor). Sometimes it’s hard to see where to improve when looking at your own work.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 8:16 am
This was so fun to read! Thanks for the encouragement of using our muscles!
By Amy Mucci on January 2, 2023 at 11:39 pm
Congratulations, Mirka! I can’t wait to read the Mossy and Tweet books.
By Naja Lund Aparico on January 2, 2023 at 11:40 pm
This is a cool way to think about idea generation… Mossy and Tweed are so so cute — congratulations on the books! What an exciting year!
By Marta Costello on January 2, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Thank you for this great post! I am also crazy for coconuts, so I need to read this book ASAP!
By Ashley Bankhead on January 2, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Thanks for sharing your coconutty journey with us!!
By Marcia Berneger on January 2, 2023 at 11:45 pm
Noting this book for my sons (congrats!!) and a new idea for the day…
By Kaitlin Hedberg on January 2, 2023 at 11:48 pm
I love pizza and Tetris, but I confess I hadn’t put them together. So I like your approach. Thanks you and congrats on your book, too.
By Stephanie Wildman on January 2, 2023 at 11:50 pm
Thank you Mirka😊
By saintamovin on January 2, 2023 at 11:50 pm
That is a very inspiring story! The book looks perfectly adorable. Can’t wait to read it.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on January 2, 2023 at 11:51 pm
Thank you for sharing your personal
journey to publication and giving us hope not to give up.
By pjaegly on January 2, 2023 at 11:54 pm
Cracking coconuts is a workout! Thanks for the story building tips!
By Jennifer Shipkowski on January 2, 2023 at 11:54 pm
Great background regarding how your writing career began! Looking forward to reading your debut book and all that follow! 🙂
By seschipper on January 3, 2023 at 12:01 am
Thank you Mirka! Pizza. Tetris. Coconuts. I loved learning about your process…now on to jigsaw a few of my own ideas. Thanks again!
By Sharon Langley on January 3, 2023 at 12:04 am
Love the insight into your process! Great post! 🙂
By Emily Ramquist on January 3, 2023 at 12:07 am
I love this! I need to be better at just writing down every and all ideas, related or not. I like the idea of making ideas and creativity a muscle. Just have to practice!
By Kaylee Schmutz on January 3, 2023 at 12:10 am
Thank you for this new brainstorming technique (and a craving for pizza)! Congrats on your book deal!
By M. Fuller-Morris on January 3, 2023 at 12:13 am
Very cool tetris process. And Mossy & Tweed look like a hoot–excited to check them out!
By Brinton Culp on January 3, 2023 at 12:15 am
So cool. Congrats on your two-book deal!
By Musings of a Hummingbird on January 3, 2023 at 12:18 am
Congrats on your two books! Thanks for sharing the encouragement!
By Keeping the Me in Mommy on January 3, 2023 at 12:21 am
Thank you, Mirka. You are an inspiration, and I love the Tetris Pizza strategy for developing a story. So clever!
By littleseedsread on January 3, 2023 at 12:24 am
How fun! Thanks for sharing!
By katiemillsgiorgio on January 3, 2023 at 12:24 am
Congrats on your publications. Pizza, coconuts, and ideas – clever and fun post!
By Lorraine on January 3, 2023 at 12:32 am
Tetris + pizza = story brainstorming–sounds like a great approach to try! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your PB book debut, Mirka!
By Lucretia Schafroth on January 3, 2023 at 12:35 am
Congratulations on your success! Thank you for the inspiration!
By claudine108 on January 3, 2023 at 12:42 am
Thanks for the opportunity and what a read. Got to keep going!
By sabrinashah84 on January 3, 2023 at 12:52 am
Hi Mirka,
I love your analogy of idea generating muscles and the fact that the more time and effort you put into generating ideas the easier they come to you. I love the encouragement that you have to start somewhere and keep at it till you’re successful. How you came about with the idea of coconuts is priceless. Thanks for sharing!
By Helen Hodge on January 3, 2023 at 12:54 am
Hi Mirka, I loved hearing about your publication journey via Story Storm and flexing that idea generation muscle.
By Prue Carter on January 3, 2023 at 1:01 am
Gnomes and coconuts! Love it! Thank you for sharing your thought process: it was very helpful!
By suzanna leigh on January 3, 2023 at 1:02 am
Mirka – you already know I find you simply amazing at analyzing, figuring out things, organizing and explaining – but these metaphorical examples are the super topping for the pizza!
Excited to see the progress you’ve made in what to me seems a short time. So glad to see you sharing in Storystorm!
By bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing on January 3, 2023 at 1:04 am
What a wonderful read and idea generator!
By Ari B on January 3, 2023 at 1:11 am
Thank you for sharing your fun Tetris-pizza idea, Mirka! I love it!
By Heidi Yates on January 3, 2023 at 1:17 am
I like the pizza analogy! Congrats on your book releases this year.
By Mandy Yokim on January 3, 2023 at 1:20 am
Thanks for sharing your encouraging story of persevering in picture book writing and illustration.
By Marie Chan on January 3, 2023 at 1:40 am
Thanks Mirka! Love the pizza tetris concept!
By Rebecca Grant on January 3, 2023 at 2:04 am
Thanks for sharing! Great metaphor for story crafting. Congratulations!!!
By danyavasquezdavid on January 3, 2023 at 2:14 am
Pizza-tetris-supreme for the win! Love it
By Stephanie D Jones on January 3, 2023 at 2:25 am
Thank you so much for sharing your process –> super useful! And congrats on your debut!!
By jnorland on January 3, 2023 at 2:29 am
I have a special place in my heart for you, Mirka…the illustrations you did for Four Otters Toboggan still melt my heart! And I’m so thrilled for all the good things that are happening in your writing and illustrating life. I can’t wait for Mossy and Tweed!!!
By viviankirkfield on January 3, 2023 at 2:39 am
Otters holds a special place in my heart too! Like a firstborn that I’m so proud of. And I got to meet you through it and you have become a mentor and cheerleader through all my ups and downs. (If I remember correctly, we even had a zoom call over this book a long time ago.) Love you so much Vivian!
By Mirka on January 3, 2023 at 8:21 am
Your Tetris idea explanation is very helpful and so clever! Your books sound super fun. Congratulations!!!!
By Savannah Rogers on January 3, 2023 at 2:39 am
ohmygosh! I agree with absolutely everything you said! The more you use your idea-generating muscle the more ideas you get. Well-balanced pizza is VERY important!
By Elle Carlin on January 3, 2023 at 3:31 am
Sorry! Posted on the wrong spot so reposted.
By Elle Carlin on January 3, 2023 at 3:32 am
Ohmygosh! I agree with everything you said. There is an idea-generating-muscle and the more you use it the more ideas you get. And having a well balanced pizza is VERY important. 😬 playing with ideas will always make stories better. I have a writing friend who always encourages to think of at least 7 ways to write it because the 7th plus answer will give you original takes on what may be a stereotypical idea.
By Elle Carlin on January 3, 2023 at 3:27 am
Oh my gosh, your imagination shines through. Thank you for giving me a new angle.
By Kathleen on January 3, 2023 at 3:27 am
So fantastic to read your story & be inspired!
By A Crafty Arab on January 3, 2023 at 3:39 am
This looks like fun!
By Jennifer Skene on January 3, 2023 at 4:12 am
Thank you for sharing your journey! Your comment about idea generating muscles resonated with me, as I’m a new writer participating in my first Storystorm.
By Ashley on January 3, 2023 at 4:27 am
Mirka: I LOVE your recipe for coming up with FUN and IMAGINATIVE stories by combining lots of CREATIVE ingredients. I’d come to your house for dinner ANY time! 😉 And I LOVE your artwork, ESPECIALLY the ADORABLE illustration you created for STORYSTORM this year. LOVE IT!!! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION!!!
By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 3, 2023 at 4:32 am
I love the pizza Tetris idea!! I think this is actually going to help me develop an idea I came up with last year!!
By Acamy Schleikorn on January 3, 2023 at 4:50 am
“Pizza Tetris” – I love it! I’ve already come up with my base and one topping 🙂
By Melissa-Jane Nguyen on January 3, 2023 at 5:57 am
Congratulations on your books! Thank you for such an interesting blogpost.
By sareenmclay on January 3, 2023 at 6:24 am
Thank you for this post, Mirka! I love the pizza-Tetris-supreme method of puzzling and layering story ideas together.
By angkunkel on January 3, 2023 at 7:01 am
I sometimes feel like giving up, especially now with two young kiddos. I don’t think my brain will allow me to though. Thank you for the inspiration!
By Bhandi on January 3, 2023 at 7:13 am
The pizza Tetris approach is a great idea – thank you. Congratulations on your forthcoming books!
By Jay on January 3, 2023 at 7:59 am
It is encouraging to read that you invested seven years into learning the picture book industry. I am not sure I have that long, but I guess it is the journey rather than the destination that is the reward…apparently!
By jamarisinclair on January 3, 2023 at 8:07 am
I learned from one of the first classes that I took from Storyteller Academy, that a realistic goal when starting on this journey to publication is to expect 5 years to learn the craft and to sign that first book deal, and then it takes about 2 years for the first book to come out. I’m the perfect textbook case and am lucky enough to have signed deals for 6 author-illustrated books so far! When it finally rained it poured.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 8:29 am
This sounds delightful!
By Adam Blackman on January 3, 2023 at 8:40 am
Congrats on your new book!
By Andrea Denish on January 3, 2023 at 8:55 am
Thanks for sharing your story.
By Krista Maxwell on January 3, 2023 at 8:55 am
Love hearing about your process, Mirka! Thanks and congrats on your book deal.
By elisederstine on January 3, 2023 at 8:57 am
I’m not alone! Reading your journey to being published gives me hope. There is so much to learn about the process to being published, I’m at year 3 on my quest and foraging ahead. Excellent names Mossy and Tweed and great funky theme, congrats on your publishing success!!!
By alambertallen on January 3, 2023 at 9:15 am
Ha! This is brilliant. Can’t wait to read your books!
By phaeabooks on January 3, 2023 at 9:50 am
Love the pizza Tetris model. Great tips. Thank you so much.
By Brian Burak on January 3, 2023 at 10:03 am
Thanks for sharing your story of persistence and strategy!
By Jennifer Phillips on January 3, 2023 at 10:06 am
I love the tetris idea. Thanks for the article!
By Gabriella Aldeman on January 3, 2023 at 10:07 am
I think Tetris Pizza is my new favorite pizza flavor! Thanks for the backstory to Mossy and Tweed!
By Rebecca Van Slyke on January 3, 2023 at 10:13 am
Wonderful way to think about it. Only way to improve the writing muscles is to keep using them. Should be my mantra as I don’t use those muscles as much as I should. Thank you!
By Susan Gruidel on January 3, 2023 at 10:20 am
Thank you so much for sharing. You gave us an extra large supreme pizza with lots of toppings for idea generation! I’m looking forward to reading your books.
By Janel Caverly on January 3, 2023 at 10:33 am
I love reading about how things came to be. Very interesting–thanks!
By Linda Staszak on January 3, 2023 at 10:37 am
Thanks for sharing your process. And now I want pizza!
By Lynn Alpert on January 3, 2023 at 10:38 am
I love pizza and this idea generation method!!
By ashleehashman on January 3, 2023 at 10:39 am
Love all the “pizza” toppings. I’m going to try this!
By Laura Renauld on January 3, 2023 at 10:41 am
Love the metaphor of the picture frame and the pizza toppings! Thanks, Mirka – and congrats on your debuts!!
By clairebobrow on January 3, 2023 at 10:53 am
Thanks for sharing and HUGE CONGRATS on your books coming out this year! I can’t wait to check them out.
By Audrey Day-Williams on January 3, 2023 at 11:39 am
Oh Goodness Mirka! You had me guessing about tetris pizza all the way to the end. Love how you tied all the pieces together on this and CONGRATULATIONS on your double book deal!
By Nadia Salomon on January 3, 2023 at 11:51 am
I am a true lover of Tetris (and pizza), so hearing this process resonates! Thank you for your story. Congrats on your book deals!
By Annette Martin on January 3, 2023 at 11:56 am
Love those food metaphors!
By Sandy Lowe on January 3, 2023 at 11:57 am
Your explanation of your process was so much fun to read – I’m sure your books are, too. Thank you for sharing your journey!
By chaunceyelephant on January 3, 2023 at 12:09 pm
How fun! I started with writing and am now moving into illustration as well!
By Sandra Wilson on January 3, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Thanks for sharing. Congratulations.
By Chelle on January 3, 2023 at 12:11 pm
What an original story idea! I can’t wait to read the book! Thanks for sharing your writing journey and idea-generating process with us.
By Ann Page on January 3, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Love the idea of Tetris Pizza! Mossy and Tweed looks so good! Thanks, Mirka!
By Aimee Satterlee on January 3, 2023 at 12:24 pm
So much fun, I love it!
By Julie G on January 3, 2023 at 12:25 pm
Mirka, as an admirer of the Gnome Liberation Front and a coconut harvester (kidding) I already love this book! You must be ready to pop an umbrella into a coconut drink to celebrate your book birthday! I’m a reading specialist and always thrilled when fun new easy readers come on the scene. I have just the readers in mind for your books. So happy for you–and them!
By Gretchen McLellan on January 3, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Thank you Gretchen! I will also have some free activity sheets to go with the books; mazes, coloring pages, scissor skills, math and story elements. I’ll have them up by the end of the week on my website at mirkah.com/books if you want to download for your students.
By Mirka H on January 3, 2023 at 11:39 pm
Super cute idea! Thanks for sharing how the pieces came together for you.
By Sarah Lynne John on January 3, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Wow! Tetris-pizza-supreme: I’ll remember that idea! Thanks for sharing, Mirka!
By Jen Subra on January 3, 2023 at 12:56 pm
What a fun idea: an impossible to break open coconut and gnomes! Can’t wait to read the book. And, I can’t wait to try out some tetris-pizza-supreme ideas. Congrats! And thank you!
By Darcee A Freier on January 3, 2023 at 1:14 pm
Love this take on searching for ideas!
By dedradavis on January 3, 2023 at 1:37 pm
Thank you for sharing
By Kassy Keppol on January 3, 2023 at 1:39 pm
You are right… everyone loves pizza, especially kids!! What a great way to describe the idea generation process.
You’re book looks so interesting. Can’t wait to read it to my grands!!
Congratulations
By Meredith Fraser on January 3, 2023 at 1:40 pm
You are right… everyone loves pizza, especially kids!! What a great way to describe the idea generation process.
You’re book looks so interesting. Can’t wait to read it to my grands!!
Congratulations
By Meredith Fraser on January 3, 2023 at 1:40 pm
What a fun idea! Thanks so much for sharing your process.
By Eileen Mayo on January 3, 2023 at 1:45 pm
You are so right, everyone loves pizza…especially kids!
What an interesting way to describe the idea generating process.
You’re book looks so inviting. Can’t wait to read to my grands.
Congratulations
By Meredith Fraser on January 3, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Congratulations on your two-book Mossy and Tweed deal! I can’t wait to read them! Thanks for sharing your journey and how Storystorm helped you realize your dream!
By Judy Sobanski on January 3, 2023 at 1:57 pm
I love the idea of finding more ways to add creative and surprising layers!
By Cheryl MacAller on January 3, 2023 at 1:59 pm
I love that idea of idea-generating muscles getting stronger with use. Thanks for the encouragement!
By Sara Matson on January 3, 2023 at 2:01 pm
What a journey. Thank for sticking with it so we can read your books. I cannot wait to read your books and eat pizza.
By Cassie Bentley on January 3, 2023 at 2:01 pm
Loved reading your post! Thanks for sharing your journey to publication! Congratulations on your Mossy and Tweed deal!
By nowthattherestime281137688 on January 3, 2023 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey. You had me at pizza! Congratulations on your debut books!
By Penelope McNally on January 3, 2023 at 2:16 pm
Congratulations, Mirka! Thanks for sharing your pizza-tetris technique — relatable and doable. –Kim Peterson
By naturewalkwithgod on January 3, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Amazing how you brought the story together Mirka! Thank you for inspiring.
By Parvati Patil on January 3, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Thank you for the method of taking your ideas farther (or is that further). Congratulations on your book deals.
By Barbara Senenman on January 3, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Thanks for these ideas. I really loved how you illustrated your essay with memes!
By jodelle55 on January 3, 2023 at 2:29 pm
I have to re read this post especially the part of the pizza idea. Im sureit will make sense for me soon. Thanks for sharing
By Rita Antoinette Borg on January 3, 2023 at 2:40 pm
The perseverance! The pizza! The cobbling together of multiple ideas! Side note: I think Mirka has an entire PB inside the title of tetris-pizza-supreme. 🙂
By abby mumford on January 3, 2023 at 2:45 pm
I need a pitcher of tea too!
By Aundra Tomlins on January 3, 2023 at 2:46 pm
Thanks for another piece in the pizza puzzle!
By Nicole Magistro on January 3, 2023 at 2:53 pm
Coconuts are hysterical.
By Kim Parfitt on January 3, 2023 at 3:00 pm
I love hearing about someone’s direct success out of a story storm idea! It gives me hope that one day one of my ideas from SS will be in print too. Congrats on your two book deal. I look forward to reading your books once they are out in the world!
By Sarah Blotevogel on January 3, 2023 at 3:04 pm
Sounds like a funny story, Mirka! Congrats!
By Ashley Karges on January 3, 2023 at 3:08 pm
What a great way to crack into story ideas!
By Kathleen Gauer on January 3, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Have patience and stick to it … 2 big thoughts I am walking away with after reading your blog. Thank you
By Joan Kassmann on January 3, 2023 at 3:38 pm
Now I’m getting hungry!! Nice post about stretching your idea muscles! Love that imagery!
By laurelneme on January 3, 2023 at 3:45 pm
thanks for the inspiration! and congratulations!
By kaleegwarjanski on January 3, 2023 at 3:46 pm
Thanks for your inspiration today! Btw, it’s impossible for a fly to swallow an elephant. Or is it?
By Robin Martin on January 3, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Thanks so much for inspiring me. I need to check my manuscripts and see how I can add some toppings to them.
By Janet Smart on January 3, 2023 at 3:57 pm
What a fun and intriguing way to think about developing ideas! Love the pizza metaphor, and adding your “toppings”. Also, congrats on MOSSY AND TWEED! It looks so cute and like a blast to read! 🙂
By Jessica Milo on January 3, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Congratulation!
By Vanessa Hancock (@HancockVanessa) on January 3, 2023 at 4:12 pm
That story looks so fun!
By juliannahelt on January 3, 2023 at 4:31 pm
What a great way to generate ideas! I look forward to reading your book. Such a fun idea!
By juliannahelt on January 3, 2023 at 4:34 pm
I am going to try the pizza tetris! Thanks!
By Shannon LaPuma on January 3, 2023 at 4:40 pm
Thanks so much for sharing and congratulations on your books! All the best!
By marianariosr on January 3, 2023 at 4:54 pm
What an interesting journey, Mirka! Thank you for sharing it… and those GIFs added a a lot of humor too. 🙂
By Michelle on January 3, 2023 at 4:56 pm
I love the analogy–you’re making me hungry!
Congratulations on your Mossy & Tweed books!! Yay!
By cnparch on January 3, 2023 at 5:16 pm
Mossy and Tweed looks awesome. So cool to hear how Storystorm helped you so much. Congratulations!!
By sylviaichen on January 3, 2023 at 6:03 pm
What a great year 2023 will be for you! Congratulations!
By Wendy Greenley on January 3, 2023 at 6:19 pm
Thanks for sharing your writing/illustrating journey. I look forward to seeing Mossy and Tweed this year.
By michellesteinberg on January 3, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Great post Mirka! Thanks for sharing your story and congrats!
By René Bartos on January 3, 2023 at 6:50 pm
Thank you for the pizza analogy!
By smallforbig on January 3, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey–how encouraging to all of us to keep going! Congrats on your forthcoming books–how fun to hear the back story of how the ideas came about!
By Marci Whitehurst on January 3, 2023 at 6:58 pm
Mirka, I was sold the minute I saw the names, Mossy and Tweed. Great!!
By Mary on January 3, 2023 at 6:58 pm
Congrats on your two-book deal. Thanks for sharing your publishing journey.
By shirley301 on January 3, 2023 at 7:08 pm
What an amazingly unique story idea! Congrats on your debuts this year. I like the idea of adding pizza toppings rather than ‘story hooks.’
By Louise M. Aamodt on January 3, 2023 at 7:12 pm
Thank you for sharing about your publishing journey!
By Haley Thomas on January 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Congratulations, Mirka. Two books in 2023! Wheeee!
I like PBs with 2 names in the title. You know there’s a special relationship there. And CRAZY FOR COCONUTS- my curiosity is definitely piqued.
By Natasha on January 3, 2023 at 7:40 pm
My work was good, but never the best in the room….
Accurate capture of likely universal experience
By calepage on January 3, 2023 at 7:49 pm
Mossy and Tweed looks like loads of fun! Mention of a surprise character reveal already has me wondering what it could be. . . hmmmm. . . I love your goal of making irresistable picture books. 🙂
By allyenz on January 3, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Thanks for sharing and the encouragement!
By Jennifer on January 3, 2023 at 8:01 pm
This was really lovely. Thank you.
By Kaela Parkhouse on January 3, 2023 at 8:09 pm
Thank you for posting your recipe for success building of your fun picture book.
By Susan Eyerman on January 3, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Love this!
By Lisa Clewner-Newman on January 3, 2023 at 8:26 pm
Hi Mirka – thanks for a wonderful post! I am so excited about your upcoming THREE books! Congratulations! And I will definitely be flexing my idea muscles this month!
By Melissa Stoller on January 3, 2023 at 9:09 pm
Thanks, Mirka! I love the “pizza-tetris” analogy!
By Gabi Snyder on January 3, 2023 at 9:11 pm
I really like your process! Thank you for sharing. And congratulations on Mossy and Tweed: Crazy for Coconuts. I can’t wait to check it out!
By jenwritespbs on January 3, 2023 at 9:13 pm
Wow! Talk about toppings!
By jenfierjasinski on January 3, 2023 at 9:38 pm
Love hearing about your process and the bold steps you took to see your dream to completion.
By Amy Benoit on January 3, 2023 at 9:42 pm
Congrats on your books! I really need to start flexing my muscles to get myself motivated, thanks for your post!
By JC on January 3, 2023 at 9:43 pm
I love how you incorporated gnomes! They are so popular right now!
By Heather Crespin on January 3, 2023 at 9:49 pm
Yes, that is such a coincidence (or is it?), since I came up with the idea long before gnomes became popular. Maybe I was just ahead of the times with my fascination with them.
By Mirka H on January 4, 2023 at 8:47 am
I laughed out loud so many times while reading this article. Plus, your bio that goes with it is hilarious. Can’t wait to read your new books! I bet Mossy and Tweed are side-splitters!
By rosiesartventures on January 3, 2023 at 9:51 pm
Congratulations, Mirka! You put the hard work in and it has paid off! I’m so proud of you and very inspired to get to work too. Thank you.
By Debbie Meyer on January 3, 2023 at 10:26 pm
Thank you for sharing!
By denitajohnson on January 3, 2023 at 10:47 pm
Thanks for the great read about your process! Looking forward to reading your books.
By ritariebelmitchell on January 3, 2023 at 10:56 pm
Mossy and Tweed looks so cute! Thanks for sharing your muscle building practice with us.
By Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri on January 3, 2023 at 11:14 pm
What a great way to look at putting a book idea together. Thank you for the insight!
By Deb on January 3, 2023 at 11:15 pm
I love the pizza analogy for putting a story together. Thanks for sharing, and your book looks adorable. Congratulations!
By Debi Novotny on January 3, 2023 at 11:32 pm
What an encouraging and inspiring journey, Mirka! Congratulations on your books!
By Sara Petersohn on January 3, 2023 at 11:56 pm
Congratulations Mirka and Mossy and Tweed, and thank you for the push to just keep working and the ideas will come!
By tinefg on January 3, 2023 at 11:57 pm
Thank you for sharing your writing process. How did you dream up that tantalizing title, Mossy and Tweed?! Love it.
By staceygustafson on January 3, 2023 at 11:59 pm
I brainstormed as many names as I could think of that might fit a gnome and wrote all of them on a piece of paper. I tried to think of forest themed and earthy names and also had a list of personality traits for each character and tried to think of descriptive names for each. Once I had it narrowed down to a few favorites, I asked around in my critique groups what resonated with them to see if it was along the same lines of what I was thinking. I’m happy with the names I picked, the duo has really grown on me in the last few years. 🙂
By Mirka H on January 4, 2023 at 8:44 am
This book sounds funny. Who isn’t crazy for coconuts! Thanks.
By Thelia Hutchinson on January 4, 2023 at 12:05 am
Thank you for sharing your own story on the path to being an author and illustrator! Very inspirational!
By Martha Arendt on January 4, 2023 at 12:17 am
Thank you Mirka for sharing and breaking down this really helpful way that you generate ideas!
By Angela Martinelli on January 4, 2023 at 12:26 am
Thanks for the inspiration, Mike’s, and congratulations on your three books!!
By Susie Sawyer on January 4, 2023 at 12:48 am
I’ve done one of her Skillshare classes! Fantastic news about your successes!
By Megan Whitaker on January 4, 2023 at 1:28 am
Thanks Mirka 🙂
By Artelle Lenthall on January 4, 2023 at 1:29 am
Love seeing how story storm brings books to
Life.
By JL on January 4, 2023 at 2:28 am
Mirka, your process steps and pizza analogy were extremely helpful for a fellow left and right brain, writer/artist. Thanks. A fun read.
By Patricia Tiffany Morris on January 4, 2023 at 4:03 am
Congrats on such a successful pizza-tetris, Mirka! Can’t wait to read it (and the sequels)!
By Rita Jane on January 4, 2023 at 4:49 am
Mirka, thank you for your post. I am looking forward to trying your Tetris Pizza idea to give my manuscripts a more layered effect.
By Rhonda Whitaker on January 4, 2023 at 9:44 am
Thank you for sharing your journey! I cannot wait to read Mossy and Tweed with my daughter!
By christinashawnbooks on January 4, 2023 at 9:58 am
Love the rising GN format!
By stacyallen on January 4, 2023 at 10:46 am
I really love that you gave yourself room to play around with your story pieces – sometimes we get so stuck thinking a story should BE a certain way – loosing up on ourselves seems like a perfect opportunity to let creativity in.
By musingmommumble on January 4, 2023 at 11:36 am
I will enjoy Mossy and Tweed as I await your tetris-pizza picture book! I would think those pie-slice shapes would be significantly harder to fit together, but I have no doubt you can do it!
By JenFW on January 4, 2023 at 11:40 am
Thank you for sharing your journey. I look forward to reading Mossy and Tweed! It looks terrific!
By Viviane Elbee on January 4, 2023 at 11:47 am
This is really helpful. Through a simple framework of topic, give it an engaging twist, then make it meaningful, you ensure that your books are fresh, engaging, and have depth. Thanks for the tip!
By msaraiva004 on January 4, 2023 at 11:56 am
Writing and generating ideas are definitely muscles we need to exercise.
By Michelle Cusolito on January 4, 2023 at 12:09 pm
I love that you made a story out of a song from your childhood!
By Susan Luchetta on January 4, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Thank you for sharing your process. I definitely relate to the ideas flowing when driving or trying to fall asleep! Looking forward to getting to know Mossy and Tweed.
By Lauren Barbieri on January 4, 2023 at 1:39 pm
Congratulations on Mossy and Tweed! Thank you for sharing your story.
By Chandra Mayer on January 4, 2023 at 1:43 pm
Upside down! Thanks for the good ideas on good ideas.
By Deslie English on January 4, 2023 at 3:02 pm
The pizza idea is now stuck in my head… Thank you 🙂
By Karen Lawler on January 4, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Once on vacation in Hawaii my son became obsessed with a coconut he had found. The guy by the side of the road would only sell us a new coconut that he would open, but he wouldn’t open my son’s coconut. We took it home to california, it grew moldy so I threw it in the redwood forest….
By alixandra13 on January 4, 2023 at 3:16 pm
This post was both delightful to read, and inspiring. My creative muscles started to atrophy over the holidays, but it’s time to get back in shape! Thank you!
By amckelle on January 4, 2023 at 3:30 pm
It’s interesting how coconuts can turn into a picture book idea. I like how you described your layering- pizza Tetris.
By Adriana Gutierrez on January 4, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Thanks for the advice! Congrats on your book deals!
By Jennifer Lu on January 4, 2023 at 4:15 pm
What a fun book concept! Thanks for sharing!
By Annemarie Riley Guertin on January 4, 2023 at 4:29 pm
Great advice, and that song is outstanding
By Ben Jeder on January 4, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Interesting thought process for story ideas. I loved the meme of the cat and child. That usually how ideas seem to hit me. And I agree—driving is always the best time to be attacked by ideas or the perfect way to phrase a particular sentence. Never when I’m sitting with my fingers on the keyboard, ready to type.
By elizabethdaghfal on January 4, 2023 at 4:53 pm
I love Tetris and puzzles and pizza so this post had it all. I really like this idea of the idea as the frame of a puzzle the.man turning pieces around to see what will fit
By Lauri Meyers on January 4, 2023 at 4:53 pm
Delightful hodge-podging. Thanks for the approach.
By Carlie Cornell on January 4, 2023 at 5:06 pm
Inspired by the idea of exercising the creative idea muscle! It works! 💪🏼
By vlwilke on January 4, 2023 at 5:38 pm
Thank you for sharing your tetris-pizza-supreme technique with us. I can’t wait to try it.
Congratulations on your forthcoming picture books! 🙂
By michelerietz on January 4, 2023 at 5:42 pm
Such a delightful post! Thanks!
By Kathy Doherty on January 4, 2023 at 5:57 pm
Mirka – First of all, the .gif game on this post was ON POINT. But even without the (hilarious!) .gifs, I enjoyed reading about your journey and your upcoming (THREE!) books! Congrats on your hard work paying off and happy 2023!
By Elayne on January 4, 2023 at 6:04 pm
Thank you! Excited for this challenge and grateful to hear your story to publishing.
By J. Read on January 4, 2023 at 6:19 pm
Congratulations on your book deals!!
By Pradeep Velugubantla on January 4, 2023 at 6:30 pm
I love the pizza analogy. Your book looks adorable! Congrats!
By Becky Suzanne Walker on January 4, 2023 at 6:43 pm
Mirka! It’s been so fun to see you bloom and make it into the crazy successful creative that you are. Fun post.
By Clement, Laura on January 4, 2023 at 6:49 pm
I love the idea of creating a story like a pizza: first creating the crust and sauce and then adding all kinds of “topping” layers.
By Janet Halfmann on January 4, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Love the pizza analogy!
By Lori Mozdzierz on January 4, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Excited to try the layers in my own stories!
By Christine Ottaviano Shestak on January 4, 2023 at 8:24 pm
I love this practical advice to keep learning, growing, and working toward publication!
By Melissa Hastings on January 4, 2023 at 8:38 pm
WOW MIRKA! This is so inspiring. I enjoyed hearing your journey and am so excited you have 3 books coming out this year.
By Alexis_Bookdragon on January 4, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Tetris, being the only video game I can beat other people on, speaks to me. Level 15 is my record. Thx for this post!
By Deena on January 4, 2023 at 10:00 pm
What a wonderful analogy for creativity and so thorough! Thank you for sharing your journey and for providing such a unique framework for a story. I look forward to reading your books and congrats on your 3-book debut—just WOW!
By Terry Talley on January 4, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Congratulations, Mirka! This sounds like a perfect concept for an early reader. One of my daughter’s favorite words at that age was coconut!
By Suzanne Poulter Harris on January 4, 2023 at 10:45 pm
Petris Pizza Supreme lol
By Strephanie Farrow on January 4, 2023 at 11:15 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming book, Mirka! Thanks for sharing your experiences and process. This was a fun read!
By GOades-Sese on January 4, 2023 at 11:33 pm
You are really cooking!
By lisarowefraustino on January 4, 2023 at 11:33 pm
Congratulations on your upcoming books, Mirka! What a great concept for early readers!
By Astrid Kamalyan on January 4, 2023 at 11:43 pm
Thank you for sharing.
By Laura W. on January 4, 2023 at 11:58 pm
Congratulations!
Thank you for the reminder that sometimes having an idea is hard.
By Kris Hamblin on January 5, 2023 at 12:12 am
Congratulations. I cant wait to get my hands o the coconut book
By madhu on January 5, 2023 at 12:42 am
Wow – your ideas are great. And congrats on your 3 books coming out. That’s awesome.
Cindy
By CindyC on January 5, 2023 at 12:53 am
Impossible-to-crack coconut led to a winning story! Congrats!
By Dena Davis on January 5, 2023 at 2:12 am
What a delicious recipe. Love how crazy worked for you. Sounds so fun.
By topangamaria on January 5, 2023 at 5:26 am
Congrats on your books and love the pizza idea!
By Janet AlJunaidi on January 5, 2023 at 6:09 am
Thanks for sharing. Your story is very inspiring!
By Huong on January 5, 2023 at 6:46 am
Three books coming out this year… how amazing is that?! For me, ideas most often come during dinner time when I talk silly with my kids, but the fully formed stories usually come very early in the morning, so I have to get warmly dressed, brew a pot of coffee and write it down quickly, just like I did this morning. I already have two full stories written in January! And it’s only 5th!
By Author Anna Maledon on January 5, 2023 at 7:30 am
Congratulations, Mirka – one’s first book is always super-special!
By Matt Forrest Esenwine on January 5, 2023 at 8:30 am
Congratulations. I am inspired by ‘things we see .”
By Juliette on January 5, 2023 at 8:55 am
Thanks for sharing your creative process and inspiring us to Tetris-pizza create too! Crazy for Coconuts…what a clever idea!
By Suzanne Lewis on January 5, 2023 at 9:10 am
I loved the part where you said “mechanical became organic,” because that’s exactly how I feel in the middle of each Storystorm, where I’ve flexed my ideation muscle enough that it suddenly feels natural again! Thank you for this great article!!
By Genevieve Gorback on January 5, 2023 at 9:38 am
I filled a whole page with pizza toppings for this one
By brendad101 on January 5, 2023 at 9:41 am
Day 2 was the last email I received about the Storystorm daily blogs. I tried to unsubscribe from receiving the comment emails, but perhaps I clicked the wrong box. Can I be added back in so I get the daily blogs, please. Missroxanne.ca@gmail.com. Thanks.
Roxanne
>
By Miss Roxanne on January 5, 2023 at 11:14 am
I like the idea of the process you use – by continuing to add things. Thank you for the ideas!
By schellijo on January 5, 2023 at 12:18 pm
So inspiring….interesting way to build a story …yum!
By Suzy Grossman on January 5, 2023 at 12:26 pm
Thanks for the inspiration!
By Heather Elizabeth on January 5, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Enjoyed the pizza analogy. Congratulations!
By Dawn M. on January 5, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Congratulations on the new series, Mirka! And thank you for this inspirational story of how you got there!
By Lyn Miller-Lachmann on January 5, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Thank you for giving my brain such a great workout! I have many ideas but using your tetris-like puzzle approach allowed me to try connecting them together!
By Deborah Ishii on January 5, 2023 at 12:52 pm
Mirka, kittos! Now I’m thinking of the song “piennen piennen vehturi amulla kerran” (I’m sure I have that wrong) kun olin vaihto oppilas (liian paljon sitten). Thanks for your inspirational insights for ideat! 🙂
By Echo Roben on January 5, 2023 at 1:22 pm
I love the impossible to break coconut! What a cute book. So glad you persisted in telling your story and sharing your illustrations with the world!
By jessaroux on January 5, 2023 at 1:41 pm
Tetris is the only video game I’m good at. Thanks for helping put the pieces together!
By Amanda Perry on January 5, 2023 at 1:50 pm
Boy, I sure can relate to only wanting to draw and ride horses when I was younger. Congratulations on persevering.
By tanjabauerle on January 5, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Your out of the par idea shows that even the craziest problem can become a successful book. Uncrackable coconuts!
By cathystenquist on January 5, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Mirka–What a great pizza you made in Craze for Coconuts. The layers make it! thank you for this.
By Arlene Schenker on January 5, 2023 at 2:26 pm
Stories are like pizzas! Thanks for sharing your experience and I’ll keep flexing my idea generating muscles!
By Melissa Trempe on January 5, 2023 at 3:04 pm
@Mirka Hokkanen, I think I remember some of your work in classes. It’s encouraging to see your books in print. Will look them up and hope to get copies. Thanks for sharing!
By Cindy Leopold-Ritsko on January 5, 2023 at 3:13 pm
Thank you, Mirka! Your coconut book sounds so fun and wacky!
By Amy Grover on January 5, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Thank you, Mirka! Your coconut book sounds so fun and wacky!
By Amy Grover on January 5, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Delicious puzzle of an idea generator!
By cravevsworld on January 5, 2023 at 3:31 pm
What a fun journey. Thanks for sharing.
By Antoinette Truglio Martin on January 5, 2023 at 3:53 pm
Mirka exercising my story generating muscles is about the only exercise I like – or do! ; ) Thx for the irreverence of it all. And congratulations on all your exciting book birthdays coming up this year.
By toni miller on January 5, 2023 at 4:13 pm
I love the idea of trying out different unexpected locations and characters!
By tharvey on January 5, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Love this idea! I’m going to try out placing different things into my view to see what story ideas I can come up with!
By Deborah Foster on January 5, 2023 at 5:24 pm
This is great! Thank you for sharing!
By Anita Palmeri Overgaard on January 5, 2023 at 5:50 pm
Now thats the kind of pizza I can get behind! (I’m lactose intolerant 🙂 Thank you for the explanation and ideas. Mazel Tov on your books!
By Kimberly Marcus on January 5, 2023 at 6:20 pm
I love the concept of mixing and matching ideas until they fit. Off to try it!
By Megan McNamara on January 5, 2023 at 6:47 pm
Boy, are we ever glad “PiBoIdMo” (what a mouthful!) became Storystorm. Loved this: “add extra layers and depth into the story…irresistible to editors, educators, parents, and…kids.” Excellent tip. Thank you.
By Danette on January 5, 2023 at 6:51 pm
Inspiring to hear how your determination over time paid off! Congrats!
By Mary Ann Blair on January 5, 2023 at 7:26 pm
Thank you for your encouragement! I’ll stick it out to the end.
By Jennifer Weingardt on January 5, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Gnome matter how hard I try… 🙂
By hcvagley on January 5, 2023 at 8:09 pm
You are super funny! Thanks for sharing and inspiring us to persevere to our goals. Congrats!
By Jodie Sadowsky on January 5, 2023 at 8:14 pm
Taking htings in and out of the frame is a great way to think about a story. Thank you.
By Anne Young on January 5, 2023 at 9:08 pm
Love the pizza analogy!
By Christina Dankert on January 5, 2023 at 9:25 pm
Loved hearing about your journey, congratulations!
By ammwrite3 on January 5, 2023 at 9:47 pm
As a music lover, I liked the idea of getting ideas from songs. Thanks for the insight on your process, too.
By mightyoaks3 on January 5, 2023 at 9:50 pm
Thanks so much for the inspiration and encouragement!
By Diane O'Neill on January 5, 2023 at 10:30 pm
Dear Mirka, So good to hear how you work. As well as being a fabulous artist and printmaker, sharing your writing process has been so helpful (and somewhat delicious too!) When I heard the song.. I remembered the tune in English …. “I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts!” Congrats on the books this year!
By syorkeviney on January 5, 2023 at 11:37 pm
Love this inspiration! Grateful!
By Mary Beth Rice on January 5, 2023 at 11:46 pm
Thank you, Mirka!
By Mary Beth Rice on January 5, 2023 at 11:52 pm
Mirka, I appreciate hearing about your approach. Layering stories is something I really enjoy, however it has been hard to communicate those layers in a quick pitch! Now I need to figure out how to make that work! Congratulations on your two-book deal!
By Elizabeth McBride on January 6, 2023 at 12:10 am
Thank you for sharing your journey in this fun and inspirational post! And congratulations on all your writing success!
By Susie Sawyer on January 6, 2023 at 12:18 am
Congrats on the book deals!
By Lisa Kingsford on January 6, 2023 at 1:18 am
I think I need to add some layers to my pizza — thank you for the tip. I look forward to reading your book when it comes out!
By Tanya Svec on January 6, 2023 at 1:58 am
I love how you add depth to your stories. Your books look adorable.
By Sharon Giltrow on January 6, 2023 at 3:33 am
Thank you Mirka.
By Nadine Poper on January 6, 2023 at 6:44 am
Loved this and what a journey you had!! Congrats and I love coconuts. 🙂
By effiekoliopoulos on January 6, 2023 at 10:20 am
So much good stuff here! Thanks!
By Karan Greene on January 6, 2023 at 1:41 pm
Love this explanation of layering! What a great way to make sure your story has multiple hooks…
By mhberg on January 6, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Thank you for sharing your process so honestly. Congratulations on all your success.
By Johanna Peyton on January 6, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Oh, what fun! This sounds like a wonderful combination of ideas to build a book. Thanks for sharing.
By Paula Puckett on January 6, 2023 at 4:19 pm
Mirka, I love your inspiration behind Mossy & Tweed.
By Raelene Van Horn on January 6, 2023 at 5:12 pm
This is all so awesome. Thank you so much for sharing and congrats on all your success!
By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on January 6, 2023 at 5:24 pm
Thanks for sharing your process! As an author-illustrator myself, I love hearing how other ‘illustrauthors’ create the whole package!
By Emmeline Forrestal on January 6, 2023 at 6:17 pm
Well you had me at Pizza!! Thanks for sharing your process.
By paulaobering on January 6, 2023 at 6:19 pm
Congratulations on your three upcoming releases! My first time trying this story idea generator and I am excited to see where these daily posts will take me!
By Shannon on January 6, 2023 at 7:49 pm
Love the analogy of idea-generating muscles getting bigger and more developed the more you use them. Also the protein drink of reading prolifically in the genre you want to write in. That and the pizza-tetris approach have me very inspired! Thank you, Mirka, for the great post!
By Linda Silvestri on January 6, 2023 at 8:11 pm
So fun to read. Thank you!
By jennaejo on January 6, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Congrats on your book!! This was such a fun read… “Tetris-pizza-supreme”?! Yes please, I’m hooked 😉
By jmoudahi on January 6, 2023 at 9:34 pm
Thanks for the inspiration, Mirka! I can relate to many things about your journey. Huge congrats on your success!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 6, 2023 at 10:07 pm
Yummylicious 🤤
By dog welfare on January 6, 2023 at 11:54 pm
Today I tried mixing two ideas that might not go together and it was a lot of fun!
By Laura Tennisco on January 7, 2023 at 1:06 am
Attempt #2 to signup for 2023 season.
By hummingbird13 on January 7, 2023 at 4:21 am
Hilarious and inspiring…thanks for sharing your method and story, Mirka!
By Teresa 何 Robeson on January 7, 2023 at 10:41 am
Congrats on the debut!
Pizza tetris supreme sounds delicious! And coconuts! And gnomes!
By marias62 on January 7, 2023 at 11:38 am
This is great!
By Melissa Lettis on January 7, 2023 at 12:50 pm
I loved your analogies of flexing muscles and protein drinks! I look forward to reading your coconut book!!
By Shannon Fossett on January 7, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Congrats on your book(s)!
It’s funny, I came the other way: started as a writer but started illustrating along the journey. Glad to see you made it!
By Stephanie Lau on January 7, 2023 at 4:16 pm
Congratulations on your books! And thank you for sharing about your pizza/tetris idea generating process!!
By Nicole Loos Miller on January 7, 2023 at 4:45 pm
Hungry for pizza from this post, thanks so much for the tips.
By amacneill1 on January 7, 2023 at 5:56 pm
I appreciated hearing about your journey to publication. Congrats on the three books coming out! How exciting!
By Jenny Morales on January 7, 2023 at 7:22 pm
Thanks for sharing and congrats on your debut!
By shspfan on January 7, 2023 at 7:27 pm
This was a delight to read. Ali
By Ali V. on January 7, 2023 at 8:04 pm
I loved reading how you put ideas together! Looking forward to reading your books. Congratulations!
By donnacangelosi on January 7, 2023 at 8:10 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for your insight. Mossy and Tweed Looks amazing!
By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 7, 2023 at 9:48 pm
Great analogy! Thank you.
By Dea Brayden on January 7, 2023 at 10:29 pm
Thank you for sharing!
By 🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell) on January 7, 2023 at 10:36 pm
Trying to make that pizza with one of my wip ideas. Thanks, Mirka.
By Zoraida Rivera on January 7, 2023 at 10:50 pm
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
By Aimee Hiura on January 8, 2023 at 1:44 am
Hi Mirka – Good to see a PiBoIdMo alum get those ideas published! Gives me hope 🙂 Thank you for the post – loved it! Loni
By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on January 8, 2023 at 11:09 am
Your perseverance is inspiring! Looking forward to reading Mossy and Tweed Crazy For Coconuts. I love coconuts and know first-hand how tough they are to crack!! Congratulations!
By Judy Bryan on January 8, 2023 at 11:52 am
This is great advice. I feel my brain expanding now 😁 thank you xx
By Jeanette on January 8, 2023 at 12:06 pm
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your story. After one week of my first Storystorm, I can already relate to being “more sensitive than usual to prompts bubbling up in life.”
By Sasha on January 8, 2023 at 12:15 pm
Congratulations on your success! Thanks for sharing.
By Debbie Moeller on January 8, 2023 at 12:45 pm
I love your equation of picture books=protein drinks. Now I feel creatively strong.
By karenhenryclark on January 8, 2023 at 1:51 pm
Well, if nothing else, this post prompted me to look up if there was still any way to play Tetris in this, the year 2023– and it turns out there is and I am terrible at it!
Seriously, though, I am a huge fan of the “jam things together, see what takes” approach to filling out a story with ideas. I’m so glad it worked for you, Mirka! Thank you for sharing your story!
By Elizabeth Metz on January 8, 2023 at 5:09 pm
Gnomes with pointy hats in woods are my cup of tea! Thanks for sharing Mirka.
By Franny G on January 8, 2023 at 6:15 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I enjoyed your pizza analogy. Congratulations on your debut books.
By Sherri on January 9, 2023 at 1:32 am
I can’t wait to read Crazy for Coconuts!
By Allison Fleischman on January 9, 2023 at 1:51 am
Your story is inspiring! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your debut!
By Erica Jensen Shiflet on January 9, 2023 at 8:49 am
I love this idea – am so trying it out!
By BeckyHx on January 9, 2023 at 10:29 am
Very cool!
By Margaret Lea on January 9, 2023 at 10:55 am
Your description of how you put gnomes and cocunuts together is inspiring Thanks.
By Jennifer Rathe on January 9, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Have some lists of locations and characters going…looking forward to some fun mash-ups, pizza style!
By Ana Kelly on January 9, 2023 at 1:41 pm
Oh course! Can’t forget the picture book layers.
By brittanypomales on January 9, 2023 at 1:51 pm
Thanks for a great explanation of the process you go through. Who can resist a delicious pizza? Not me. Congratulations on your new books, I can’t wait to read them. 🙂
By susaninez0905 on January 9, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Oh my oh my—how cute and brilliant!!
By deniseaengle on January 9, 2023 at 3:21 pm
Thank you very much! I appreciate your mixing of ideas – – a Swedish Chef kind of approach, knowing that it will all come together 🙂
By Patti Ranson (@RansonPatti) on January 9, 2023 at 4:43 pm
Thanks for sharing your writing process!
By Michelle Steinberg on January 9, 2023 at 5:13 pm
Mirka, I am so excited to read Mossy and Tweed. Thanks for sharing your Tetris Pizza Supreme creative process.
By Angela De Groot on January 9, 2023 at 6:33 pm
Hi Mirka, loved your post. Your coconut books look like so much fun. I can’t wait to read them. Not surprising you signed a 2-book deal. Such a wonderful concept. I am sure you will be writing more installments before too long. Good luck 🙂
By Aly Kenna on January 9, 2023 at 10:44 pm
Anything about gnomes is bound to be good! Lucky you to have lived in Finland…. it’s on my “bucket list”
By Colleen Dabney on January 10, 2023 at 5:07 am
Pizza tetris! Great analogy
By Ali Oxtoby on January 10, 2023 at 7:57 am
Love this line: “I was starting to use my idea generating muscles. And like with all muscles, when you use them, they get bigger and more developed, and easier to use.” I’m ready for my idea generating muscles to grow!
By Bri Lawyer on January 10, 2023 at 1:02 pm
This book sounds so fun!
By Sue (Susan Uhlig) (she/her) (@susanuhlig) on January 10, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Mirka–your post was not only inspiring, but made me laugh! Love the idea of pizza tetris. Thanks so much!
By Kristi Mahoney on January 10, 2023 at 2:37 pm
Love the way you explained it as pizza tetris! It helps something click inside my brain. Also, thank you for sharing the struggles you went through. I am using this Storystorm (my first) to get my butt in gear and write everyday, even if it is bad, to help develop my muscles.
By Loretta Schrader on January 10, 2023 at 5:46 pm
I love to read other people’s stories about what may trigger an idea!
By rafaelmacho on January 10, 2023 at 6:08 pm
My favorite part of this, ” So I took some more classes and wrote and illustrated several stories… and let me tell you, they turned out fantastic!
Just kidding—my stories were terrible, because I didn’t have good ideas. I laughed probably too hard about this. I wish it were that easy. Thanks for a great post, Mirka!
By Dani Duck on January 10, 2023 at 8:04 pm
Hello Mirka, I totally loved the way you metaphorically expressed your writing journey. Truly inspiring how you turned your weakness into a strength! Congratulations on Cracking multiple Book deals.
By Suhasini Gupta (@TheSusanKam) on January 10, 2023 at 10:26 pm
I love the idea for your book with the coconuts! Very interesting and unique. Great ideas here!
By marybeningo on January 11, 2023 at 12:56 am
I love tetris! I love pizza! and I love your post! the part about fitting in different aspects of the story into a frame and then layering – it’s so helpful & explains so clearly what I need to do with some of my ideas to help them grow.
By jilltatara on January 11, 2023 at 2:05 am
I love the pizza tetris concept and the way you envision the layers versus the base. Thank you! I can’t wait to read about Mossy and Tweed’s adventures!
By LaurenKerstein on January 11, 2023 at 11:05 am
This was a really helpful post for those of us who had similar episodes of failing in our childhood (I got a D in Creative Writing) and still won’t let that stop us from trying to achieve our dream. Thank you!
By Devin Stetson on January 11, 2023 at 10:32 pm
I truly enjoyed this post. My dilemma is the opposite. I write and would love to learn to illustrate my own stories. Thanks for sharing your journey.
By Patricia Alcaro on January 12, 2023 at 11:32 am
Wow, Mirka! That’s a great journey to publication. Thanks for the reminder to flex my reading and writing muscles on a daily basis. The pizza tetris is an interesting approach as well.
By Rebecca Guzinski on January 12, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Thank you, Mirka for sharing your idea generating strategy. I love the pizza analogy of tossing around an idea if it doesn’t work and adding toppings of unexpected locations and characters. Great stuff! Congrats on your debuts!!!
By Sara Weingartner on January 12, 2023 at 10:48 pm
Thanks for sharing your process, especially with such a creative description.
By Nancy Kotkin on January 13, 2023 at 2:21 am
Reading prolifically in your genre is such good advice! And I really appreciate you taking the take to share your creative process with us.
By Kristy Roser Nuttall on January 13, 2023 at 10:31 am
Thanks for your post Mirka! Thanks for the inspiration.
By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 13, 2023 at 11:14 am
Congrats on your books. Thanks for sharing your journey and tetris-pizza idea.
By Debbi G on January 13, 2023 at 2:02 pm
Entertaining, informative, and inspirational — thank you!!
By JF Hall Writes on January 14, 2023 at 10:58 pm
Great story and congratulations on your two-book deal!
By Christine M Irvin on January 15, 2023 at 8:28 pm
I’ll never think of pizza toppings the same again! Here’s to many toppings/doorways/layers and the great pizza metaphor which will forever stay with me.
By Beth Elliott on January 16, 2023 at 7:34 am
Thanks so much, Mirka!
By Melissa McDaniel on January 16, 2023 at 9:32 am
Thanks, Mirka! I loved hearing your story of determination. Congratulations on your books. I love your illustrations.
By Lisa M. Horn on January 16, 2023 at 9:48 pm
Pizza Tetris resonated with me a bunch. Thanks!
By Stacey Lynn Corrigan on January 16, 2023 at 10:44 pm
Dear Mirka,
Thank you for taking us on a journey of your perseverance.
The pizza tetris analogy is so visual, fitting and layering.
Although I did not understand the words, the music of the song is very catchy.
I love your portfolio.
Congratulations on your two books success!
By Eva Felder on January 17, 2023 at 5:33 am
Great post thanks for sharing
By Angela Padron on January 17, 2023 at 8:09 am
Love the layers!
By tharvey on January 17, 2023 at 2:27 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey.
By Susan F Good on January 17, 2023 at 4:13 pm
Love the pizza analogy. It gives me an idea for an engaging/creative activity for teaching idea generation in writing and storytelling–not a story idea per se, but an idea nonetheless. Thank you so much for sharing.
By Amanda on January 18, 2023 at 12:56 am
Oh my goodness! Your story sounds hysterical! I can just imagine two gnomes running around trying to figure out how to crack that coconut! Looking forward to reading this series. Congrats on your two-book deal!
By Michelle S Kennedy on January 18, 2023 at 1:13 pm
Congratulations on your forthcoming books! How exciting, and a great credit to you and your persistence over the years. Thanks for the insight into your process.
By Scott Wolf on January 18, 2023 at 3:39 pm
I am inspired to build up my ‘idea generating muscles’!
By catlady45 on January 18, 2023 at 5:52 pm
Thank you for the funny post and reminder that I need to READ THE GENRE!
By Krys Plate on January 19, 2023 at 10:00 am
I absolutely love the pizza tetris method and can’t wait to try it!
By Paula VE on January 19, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Thanks for sharing your journey with us! It’s encouraging to hear that other folks also throw a bunch of things at the wall to see what sticks.
By Deb McGarvey on January 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm
Congratulations on your three-book year! I look forward to all of my own upcoming “workouts”!
By Kristin Sawyer on January 22, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Marks,Congratulations onyour upcoming books! A couple of gnomes, pizza and Tetris is quite a recipe! Thanks for the inspiration to turn things every which way to find a winning comb
By Jane Heitman Healy on January 22, 2023 at 10:15 pm
What yummy ideas!
By rosiesartventures on January 23, 2023 at 11:43 am
Congratulations on your 2 book deal! I love hearing from author-illustrators. It is interesting to learn about your process.
By kristinscollins on January 24, 2023 at 1:11 am
Love the pizza analogy. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on your debut and second book coming out soon!
By ptnozell on January 24, 2023 at 5:54 pm
What a great story! Thanks.
By Judy Palermo on January 24, 2023 at 6:43 pm
I love the idea of pizza tetris! Fun, playful, and easy to remember. And congratulations on your upcoming books, I look forward to reading them!
By Katie Berner on January 26, 2023 at 12:05 am
Thank you, Mirka, for sharing your writing journey here. This is the messiest hardcopy of all 22 of the author’s posts I’ve read so far. My margins are full of ‘me toos’. It’s wonderful! Congratulations on a trifecta of publishing debuts.
By madisu2021 on January 29, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Thanks so much! Glad it was inspiring!
By Mirka h on January 31, 2023 at 9:37 am
First, congratulations! I love how the early reader graphic novel idea came to you. And a two-book deal to boot! Most of all, thanks for the pizza metaphor. You had me at toppings!
By goodreadswithronna on January 29, 2023 at 8:53 pm
I love the idea of us all growing our “idea generating muscles” – thank you Mirka for this quirky post which made me smile. Now I’m hungry for pizza!
By Laura Wippell on January 30, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for such a great article! And, I love your illustration style!!
By Corey King on January 31, 2023 at 8:07 pm
Thank you for this 🙂 Kamilla Milligan, Writer (she/her) kamillamilligan.com
By KamillaM on January 31, 2023 at 10:44 pm
Congratulations on your success! And thanks for the insight. Love it.
By cinzialverde on February 1, 2023 at 11:19 am
Right there with ya. Can’t seem to figure out how to be an illustrator and makes stories happen. One day…
By mariemanleytucker on February 1, 2023 at 6:18 pm
Pizza tetris sounds delici– I mean, like a helpful technique. 😄
By Jocelyn Rish on February 3, 2023 at 11:51 pm
This was a laugh out loud post! Crazy For Coconuts sounds like a great story and the Mossy and Tweed books sound like fun! I can’t wait to see what adventures or should I say mischievous acts they get into! Thank you for sharing this great post and congratulations on your success!
By Kelly Vavala on February 7, 2023 at 12:22 pm