by Marzieh Abbas
I have been kicking off every new year (since the past three years) with awesome Storystorm blog posts! I’m happy to report, at least three of my upcoming picture books began as idea that were sparked from January blog posts! I’m super excited to be a guest blogger today. Let’s get right to it!
You’ve probably heard: “Write what you know” several times, as have I. But when I sit to write what I know, I usually draw a blank. That’s when I dip into my memories, especially photographs from my childhood and my phone’s gallery. Childhood memories are great for recalling important milestones, but everyday clicks of things which seem interesting to me and for pictures of my kids doing fun and silly stuff also bring many story possibilities.
Let’s start with childhood memories: thankfully, I wasn’t the last of four siblings, so my parents took loads of pictures of me as a child (my youngest sister has all of five pictures of her toddler years…lollll). Sometimes I open up those albums and think about all the fun we had and all the lovely memories we made. Sometimes a picture will remind me of a mood or what a specific location made me feel. It’s a springboard for more memories; even those not captured in those albums. There’s fun moments and not-so-fun moments, all great for story ideas!
A picture I came across a few years ago when my mom was cleaning out her storeroom. It had one of us sisters wrapped in a dupatta, an oversized South-Asian scarf, that had been tied like a sari. It was from the time we were visiting Karachi to see my Dadi, my grandma. She always wore saris and loved to dress us girls up in pseudo-saris, using fancy dupattas. She was a quirky grandparent who was married off at 16 and widowed at 28. She, herself, was a treasure trove of stories. A few years ago she passed away. My father, the youngest of three sons, had moved back to Pakistan to be with her in her last years. A few weeks after she passed, we noticed my dad had been sleeping with her dupatta tucked beside his pillow. He had asked my mother never to wash it, as it held her scent and helped hold her memory close.
Not only did this stay with me for a long time, it was the spark of an idea for my debut picture book, A DUPATTA IS… which releases on April 11th this year (published by Feiwel & Friends and illustrated by the super-talented Anu Chouhan).
It also made me think of all the memories that I can tap into by using a particular scent as a clue. Sometimes a waft of cinnamon will remind me of the home remedies my mother made for us when we had a flu. And then I’ll think about other connected memories– comforting vibes, or the panic I’d experience about a test I’d miss if I had to stay home due to a flu. Once Anu started sharing the illustrations, her settings, inspired by her own childhood with her grandma, resembled my own Dadi’s home, right down to the bangle stand and wooden cupboard, and subsequently brought in a flood of memories.
I encourage you to flip through your childhood memories. Does a particular picture remind you of a place or setting that evoked a feeling? Could that mood, or feeling possibly take center stage for a story. Maybe a picture in an old house would remind you of a nosy neighbor or a neighborhood friend you’ve long forgotten. Think about the sounds that you heard in that neighborhood, or the secret stash of your candies you hoped your sibling would never find. These may not be ideas in themselves, but it’s always great to jot these down for later; they may inspire a character quirk for a side character, or a specific detail for your current WIP.
Now coming to my phone gallery photos. I usually take pictures of unusual things I spot as I drive through my city, Karachi, or roam the bazaars. I also click a load of food and produce pictures. Sometimes I transfer photos and videos to an album that I’ve labeled “Story Prompts.”
When I had initially gotten married, my mother-in-law taught me lots of her secret recipes. I loved to cook and getting introduced to so many new recipes, while learning of new customs, was great. One of those recipes was a samosa stuffed with coconut shavings, sugar, cardamom, and lots of crushed nuts.
I had only ever eaten savory samosas. I recreated the sweet samosas many times. Many years down the line it was the story spark for my upcoming AWE-SAMOSAS! book that releases in 2024 (published by HarperCollins and illustrated in the most beautiful, warm hues by Bhagya Madanasinghe.)
My memories are a constant source of inspiration, and I’m sure yours are, or will be, too!
Raised between the bustling cities of Dubai, U.A.E and Karachi, Pakistan, Marzieh Abbas loves traveling, reading and samosas. She is a member of SCBWI, 12×12, and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab, Children’s Book Academy, and Storyteller Academy. She is active on Twitter where she continues to form connections with the Writing Community, runs a kidlit review group on Facebook and blogs about her author journey and life in Pakistan on Instagram. You can find out more about her at MarziehAbbas.com and follow her on Twitter @MarziehAbbas and Instagram @marziehabbas_author.
Marzieh is giving away a picture book critique (under 650-word fiction and non-rhyming manuscript).
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2023 participant and you have commented only once on today’s blog post. ↓
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
601 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 25, 2023 at 8:06 am
sburdorf
Photos are always a great inspiration for me. Thank you for another informative post. Have a great day.
January 25, 2023 at 8:09 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Love those snapshots from your past. I think I might have to use photos of my children since I have only one photo from when I was a child. But have tons of my daughters!
January 25, 2023 at 8:10 am
58chilihed13
loved this! Hope you share the sweet samosa recipe in the new book, when it is available for pre-order, I hope to find it! Thanks for the inspirations!
January 25, 2023 at 8:10 am
Sayurikuri
Thank you so much! Read this first thing this morning and thanks to your lovely post about mining memories, already logged two ideas for stories related to my biracial identity and upbringing! Thank you 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 8:11 am
Alice Fulgione
I loved your suggestion to use pictures to spark story ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 8:11 am
thecrowsmap
Marzieh,
Thanks for these great tips and congratulations on your books! This is motivation to go through boxes of photos.
Gail Hartman
January 25, 2023 at 8:16 am
Eileen Saunders
Looking at old photos is always fun.
January 25, 2023 at 8:17 am
Ana Archi
Love the examples of how you use pictures to invoke memories to spark an idea. Thanks.
January 25, 2023 at 8:17 am
kiwijenny
I love this post. I’m going to make an album called story prompts..awe samosas…cool I sleep with my husbands shirt when he is away.
January 25, 2023 at 8:18 am
Kathryn LeRoy
I have tons of photographs from my childhood, and that of my children. Surely, I can find tons of story ideas! Thank you.
January 25, 2023 at 8:18 am
readmybook2002
Love the photos, especially the red nose ones. Pictures will spark a creative soul and ideas spring forth from them. Thank You
January 25, 2023 at 8:20 am
Lrheffner
Thank you for sharing your process with us! It’s a cinnamon scent for me too! It sparks memories of my Nana. She passed when I was 11 and so many different smells make me think of her. Fresh cut grass. Flowers. Musty garage. Cinnamon. Mmmm.
January 25, 2023 at 8:22 am
ET Charles
Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 8:23 am
Andrea Mack
I love the idea of generating story ideas from memories and photos. I’m going to challenge myself to also try it with those photo memories my phone insists on showing me.
January 25, 2023 at 8:24 am
kerisagreene
Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 25, 2023 at 8:25 am
michelemeleen
I love the idea of having a folder just for random photos!
January 25, 2023 at 8:26 am
Emily Gilliam
I love the idea of combining past and present photos in storywriting, thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 8:27 am
ramonapersaudwrites
Yes! Love the photos as story starter ideas. Love the idea of scents as well. Thanks Marzieh!
January 25, 2023 at 8:28 am
Mark Ceilley
Your post makes me go down memory lane thinking of my childhood. I will continue reliving my memories for stories. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 8:29 am
Russell Wolff
I love the prompt of revisiting old photos for inspiration. It’s also interesting how different our old photos are from the ones we take today without the constraints of film. What does the sheer number of photos we now have mean for how we think about our memories? But I digress. Thanks for the excellent post!
January 25, 2023 at 8:32 am
gayleckrause
Great advice. Childhood pictures are a bountiful source of ideas. Thanks for reminding me.
January 25, 2023 at 8:35 am
Colleen Dabney
Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas! Very inspirational!
January 25, 2023 at 8:35 am
Carrie McCullough
Love the idea of a digital photo album of story ideas! I have an album on my phone titled “Cool Things To Draw”, but it never dawned on me to have a companion photo album of “Cool Things To Write”! My wring ideas are written on my notes app. Looking forward to trying your suggestion!
January 25, 2023 at 8:41 am
Lynn
I love the idea of having folder of photos for story idea…..memories from my childhood or everyday life
January 25, 2023 at 8:41 am
tinamcho
Love how you used your memories for these story ideas. Congrats on your books!
January 25, 2023 at 8:44 am
M.R.
Hi, Marzieh! I was thrilled to see you as a guest blogger today, and to read your inspirational tip. I want to read both of your books! Big hugs! 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 8:44 am
mdk45
Browsing old photos is a fabulous tip, Marzieh. I’ll check out mine and my children’s. Thanks
January 25, 2023 at 8:44 am
Tara Cerven
Childhood memories are a gold mine. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 8:45 am
Evelyn Day
I love the idea of having a story prompts album on your phone!
January 25, 2023 at 8:47 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Super tips, Marzieh – I’ve overlooked the power of “smell” when walking down memory lane – powerful stuff! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 8:48 am
Charlotte Glaze
I love looking at old photos to spark memories because for some reason my memories of childhood are not very clear without some trigger, like a photo.
January 25, 2023 at 8:50 am
Lauren
All great, easy to do ideas, thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 8:53 am
amyhouts
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to think about my memories and look through photo albums today. Congratulations on your books! They sound wonderful!
January 25, 2023 at 8:53 am
Ruthie Kirk
That story of your dad sleeping with his mother’s dupatta will stay with me. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 8:53 am
anchance
Great ideas! Thank you and congratulations! About to look through my old pictures now 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 8:54 am
Melissa Miles
Great ideas, and your book sounds so good! Thanks for sharing your process with us.
January 25, 2023 at 8:55 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the wonderful ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 8:56 am
Catherine Friess
I love the idea of using memories and quirky pictures on my phone to inspire me – thanks Marzieh 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 8:56 am
Melissa Rafson Friedman
I love the idea of having a photo album for pictures of story ideas!! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 8:58 am
erinquill8
I loved your photos of the past and ideas on how to turn those memories into stories. 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 8:59 am
lynjekowsky
I delve into my memories for inspiration. You have inspired me to go back to childhood photos and explore senses. Thank you.
January 25, 2023 at 8:59 am
Royal Baysinger (@RoyalBaysinger)
Thank you for sharing your success stories of mining your childhood for ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 9:01 am
Joyce Uglow
I brought a lifetime of memories and treasures home with me when I cleaned out my parents’ home. 🍀💕
January 25, 2023 at 9:01 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for sharing your story behind the story, Marzieh.
January 25, 2023 at 9:01 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you, Marzieh, for posting. I like how you went back in your life and came up with these story ideas. Makes me think. Congratulations on your books!
Mark
January 25, 2023 at 9:04 am
Jany Campana
Here’s to searching memories!!!
January 25, 2023 at 9:04 am
Laura Wippell
Now I want to try sweet samosas! They sound delicious. Congrats on your upcoming picture books Marzieh, and thank you for the inspiration. I’ll be pulling out some old photo albums after reading this post.
January 25, 2023 at 9:06 am
brennajeanneret
Great reminder to mine my memories! And sweet samosas?! Yes, please!
January 25, 2023 at 9:07 am
Kelly Hibbert
Sometimes I do the reverse – I write things and wonder where on earth that idea came from. More often than not, it can be directly linked to a childhood memory. Thanks to you, Marzieh, for reminding me to look within and write what I know.
January 25, 2023 at 9:11 am
Lisa Trank
Food and clothing really do activate our imaginations. I keep one of my late dad’s sweater vests in a drawer and every time I see it, it makes me smile. Thank you for this rich post.
January 25, 2023 at 9:14 am
Barbara Farland
I have a pile of old photos that need to be organized and archived. This post is my motivator to get to work!
January 25, 2023 at 9:15 am
Maria Antonia
Memories are a great source, aren’t they?
January 25, 2023 at 9:16 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
I absolutely love this idea. We took those photos (or had someone else take them) for a reason–because there was a nugget of emotion or interest that we wanted to save forever. That makes photos such an obvious place to mine for story ideas. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:20 am
rosiesartventures
I use photos as references for paintings. Why not for stories as well?! Thanks for the idea!
January 25, 2023 at 9:21 am
Elizabeth Wilcox Saba
Love these idea generators! Thank you.
January 25, 2023 at 9:23 am
wordnerd153
Thanks to your post, I already have an idea based on childhood trips to beaches in Mexico. Hooray! Love the idea of keeping a story prompt album on my phone. Great tips all around 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 9:23 am
Margaret Lea
Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 9:24 am
Jennifer
Thank you for this! Photos are a great source to trigger memories and emotions, as well as just fun to look at.
January 25, 2023 at 9:24 am
Lauren Barbieri
This is great advice—thank you! Congratulations on your upcoming books. They sound wonderful!
January 25, 2023 at 9:24 am
Karen Nespoli
Thank you for this inspiring post. Childhood memories are full of great story ideas, even the ones that were less than perfect. Congratulations on your beautiful books.
January 25, 2023 at 9:25 am
pathaap
Thanks for the great post, Marzieh. Photos are great ways of sparking memories!
January 25, 2023 at 9:26 am
cindyjohnson2013
I love the suggestion of mining old photographs for ideas! Your books look wonderful-looking forward to reading them!
January 25, 2023 at 9:27 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love seeing your photos and learning about your past, Marzieh. Congratulations on your books! I’ll have to take a trip down memory lane.
January 25, 2023 at 9:28 am
Azmh
Thank you for this! I love the connection back to childhood through pictures and the senses. It’s amazing how they can spark a flood of memories.
January 25, 2023 at 9:29 am
Laura Baukol
I love the way you’ve used pictures and memories to spark stories. Picking out fun details and emotions from the memories is a great idea for story inspiration. Thank you!
And I’ve never had a sweet samosa but it sounds AMAZING!
January 25, 2023 at 9:29 am
Debbie Austin
Your post is so full of color! And something you said sparked an idea for today. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:31 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
I love childhood memories. Thanks for the reminder.
January 25, 2023 at 9:34 am
Leah Moser
Thank you so much for your post!
January 25, 2023 at 9:34 am
Patricia J. Franz: Published poet & kidlit author (@patriciajfranz1)
Yes! Finally something important I can do with all those pictures of weird signs stored on my phone! Inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 9:34 am
andreesantini
Ooh those awesamosas sound good! Thanks for sharing your photo mining inspiration.
January 25, 2023 at 9:37 am
karenrafeedie
What a great post — filled like a samosa with inspiring ideas! I especially love the phone story album! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:39 am
maureenegan
Thanks for the memories!
January 25, 2023 at 9:39 am
martyfindley
I have so many memories that could become picture books. Thanks for reminding me where to look!
January 25, 2023 at 9:40 am
robincurrie1
Such lovely books! Thank you for sharing your memories and culture.
January 25, 2023 at 9:40 am
Susan Cabael
Love the idea of having a story prompt album in my phone.
January 25, 2023 at 9:41 am
Sandy Lowe
Love these memory inspirations! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:41 am
hansenjc13
Time to dig up my childhood photo albums! I like the idea of creating a phone album just for story ideas. What a sweet story about your father. Thank you for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 9:42 am
jbdedwardscomcastnet
Thank you for sharing. Looking at old pictures is a great tip for generating ideas. Loved the title of your new book Awe-Samosas.
January 25, 2023 at 9:43 am
jenanyong
Love how you’ve woven your culture and memories into your writing. Beautiful post with helpful ideas! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:43 am
Heidi Chupp
Sweet samosas?? With cardamom?? Mind blown! Thank you, Marzieh, for this great reminder to find treasures in my own unique story.
January 25, 2023 at 9:46 am
Jan Peck
I love how you use photos for memory prompts! And include sweet smells of love for a parent.
January 25, 2023 at 9:47 am
Denise Seidman
Thanks, Marzieh! I really like your idea of having a photo gallery of story prompts. We all have memories, so why not use them!
January 25, 2023 at 9:49 am
Leslie Piotrowski
I can so relate to what you mentioned about the sense of smell. Smells can conjure up so many memories for me. It’s not just the memories, but I can also feel the emotions connected with the smell—joy, heartache, etc. Thank you for your inspiring blog.
January 25, 2023 at 9:49 am
Laura
Looking back to carry it forward. Perfect!
January 25, 2023 at 9:50 am
ConstanceL
What a wonderful idea! I will certainly be looking through my photo albums for inspiration – thank you!!
January 25, 2023 at 9:51 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thanks for the wonderful reminder to look at old family photos to spark story ideas, Marzieh. For me, particular smells are the best for awaking specific childhood memories. Now, I must be more focused on capturing those moments to tap into the inspiration that’s ignited! Congratulations on your upcoming PB debut!
January 25, 2023 at 9:53 am
Leslie Eva Tayloe
Thanks for sharing! Best wishes in 2023.
January 25, 2023 at 9:53 am
donnacangelosi
I loved your suggestion to use childhood photos to spark inspiration and story ideas! Thank you!
Reply
January 25, 2023 at 9:54 am
brendad101
Thanks for this. I used my late mum’s recipe box as inspiration and wrote a short piece on ‘hot chocolate pudding’!
January 25, 2023 at 9:55 am
mlyablonaolcom
I just thought of a picture of myself sitting on a rock in the middle of a stream looking at a salamander. My Storystorm idea for today! Thanks 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 9:56 am
Michelle Cusolito
I have a similar folder in my phone. I also screen grab things from Instagram that inspire ideas (I make sure to capture who posted it so I can credit later, if needed).
Also: I’ve never had sweet samosas. They sound yummy!
January 25, 2023 at 9:57 am
rosecappelli
Great suggestions! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:58 am
Heather Skinner
Thank you for sharing about your memories and photos and how they sparked your beautiful stories! I am buried in so many unorganized digital photos, and I keep adding to them! So when I finally get to organize them like I mean to, I am looking forward to also using them as inspiration along the way because of your post!
January 25, 2023 at 9:59 am
Megan Whitaker
Your sweet samosa story reminds me of the first time I had sweet tamales! I had no idea such a thing existed and it was lovely! Congratulations!
January 25, 2023 at 10:00 am
Linda B
Love this and will be looking at old photos today that will hopefully spark some memories. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 10:04 am
Martha Hollenhorst
Thank you for reminding us that small moments from our lives can spark good ideas for picture books.
January 25, 2023 at 10:08 am
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for the inspiration =)
January 25, 2023 at 10:11 am
Midge Smith
I just loved this post so much! Congrats on your books, and thank you for sharing, Marzieh!
January 25, 2023 at 10:12 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for reminding me of the stories to be found in small moments.
January 25, 2023 at 10:13 am
Jan Zauzmer
Thanks for inspiring trips down memory lane!
January 25, 2023 at 10:14 am
Joan Longstaff
Tapping into those childhood memories – the sights and scents that trigger memories is very powerful. I can really relate to this posting as my Mum passed away recently and I am keeping her favourite scarf under my pillow! Thank you for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 10:15 am
Jan Zauzmer
Thanks for inspiring us to take trips down memory lane!
January 25, 2023 at 10:17 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Sweet and savory inspirations – perfection! Congrats on your books!
January 25, 2023 at 10:18 am
kurtzmom548513
Marzieh’s suggestions were spot on! Who doesn’t have tons of pictures in their phone or those of us that are older, albums full? So many times I don’t revisit the pictures and memories within so that is a great tip. I also liked the idea of memorable scents as story inspiration. There are several that immediately came to me with that suggestion! Thanks for a great post! Look forward to your books!
January 25, 2023 at 10:20 am
Janice Woods
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 10:20 am
nancykkkkk
During a recent writing conference, the presenter told us to write a story about a car that meant something to us. I remembered Dad’s 1953 2-tone gray Chevy and wrote an entire story about our adventures in it. Thanks for this post.
January 25, 2023 at 10:21 am
Sara Weingartner
Thank you for the wonderful brainstorming tip, Marzieh! I tap into my memories often, but rarely go back to photos. I will do this now! Congrats on your debut!!!!!!
January 25, 2023 at 10:23 am
jnorland
What wonderful story prompts! My dad advised me to photograph my kids every day, and now that they are all grown up, i have a wonderful treasure trove of odd, quirky every day moments to revisit. You’ve inspired me!!! I can’t wait to read Awe-samosas! xx
January 25, 2023 at 10:23 am
marty
Hi Marzieh, What a treasure trove of ideas. I love the plan to put visual story prompts into an album. I love samosas too! I’ve only made savory ones. I can just imagine how delicious the nut-filled ones would be. Can’t wait to read AWE-SAMOSAS. What a fabulous title! Congratulations on your picture book success now and what is sure to come, Marzieh. Thank you, Tara, for another awesome guest this January. It’s been a great storm!
January 25, 2023 at 10:24 am
SHARON LANGLEY
Thank you for this reminder. I love browsing photos for inspiration.
January 25, 2023 at 10:27 am
Diane Mittler
I love revisiting earlier times in my life through the writing down glimpses of memory. It’s amazing how those tidbits find their way into my stories. Thanks for your encouragement to spend time in the past today.
January 25, 2023 at 10:27 am
Lynn McCracken
Sweet samosas sound like heaven! I have never had anything but savory ones. Thanks for sharing your story prompts. I also like to watch old 8mm films my dad took of us. I had them digitized a few years ago. They bring back many memories. I should watch them today.
January 25, 2023 at 10:29 am
millerritam
My own photos as writing prompts?! Great idea! Thanks for your thoughts. And now, I’m craving samosas…
January 25, 2023 at 10:29 am
danielledufayet
Thanks for an inspiring post and for the reminder to look back on memories. We often forget how valuable they are for ideas. Congrats on all your wonderful books!
January 25, 2023 at 10:33 am
Joan Swanson
Memories of childhood are many especially when you are one of 6 kids. You certainly had to be creative in play since there wasn’t much money. such good memories! Thank you 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 10:36 am
joanschoettler
Inspirations are all around. Add memories and creativity and pen to paper…voila…a story!
January 25, 2023 at 10:37 am
Doreen Tango Hampton
Our camera rolls are priceless. Your post “prompted” me to go back through mine. Excellent suggestion.
January 25, 2023 at 10:41 am
Carie Juettner
What a beautiful story about your father and grandmother. I just put “A Dupatta Is” on my Goodreads to-read list!
January 25, 2023 at 10:41 am
Gregory E Bray
Great post. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 10:41 am
Leah Marks
Your blog took us on a journey through the 5 senses. Sight through childhood photos. Smell through the scent of Dadi’s dupatta. Sounds of your neighborhood, Karachi, as you take photos. The touch and taste of a warm samosa. Inspirational! Thanks.
January 25, 2023 at 10:42 am
chelseasworldofbooks
Wonderful hearing about your childhood memories and inspiration, Marzieh. Thank you for sharing. And I love your “story prompts” album idea.
January 25, 2023 at 10:44 am
kimpfenn
Love the tips to look back on memories. As a parent and grandparent it’s been fun to think not only of my childhood but my children’s and grandchildren’s as well.
January 25, 2023 at 10:44 am
Angie B.
Now I’m excited to get out my old photo albums! And, now I’m hungry for samosas!
January 25, 2023 at 10:45 am
writersideup
Marzieh, first—how cute were YOU! ❤ And the beauty of your area of the world makes for VERY colorful memories, for sure 🙂 I've never taken the time to dip into the old photo albums specifically for story ideas, but I'm going to! I think I'll easily be able to finish my Storystorm idea list EASily by doing that 😀 Thanks! Congrats on your books and isn't it WONderful how the reach of Storystorm, 12 x 12 and the SCBWI is worldwide ❤
January 25, 2023 at 10:46 am
Sandra Wilson
I loved the story behind the Home for Unusual Children series as he found very old photographs and created characters from them – photos are definitely so inspiring!
January 25, 2023 at 10:46 am
Becki Kidd
Love seeing your picture inspirations. I, too, thrive on doing this. It sparks so many ideas-emotions-memories.
January 25, 2023 at 10:46 am
jpeters6248
Thank you for all your wonderful ideas. I look forward to going through old photos and seeing what ideas are sparked.
January 25, 2023 at 10:50 am
Lorraine
With my (adult) daughter’s birthday on the horizon, I’ve been digging through her childhood pictures. Yes, lots of silly ideas popped up! Congrats on your book releases!
January 25, 2023 at 10:52 am
Anne-Margreet
Love the idea’s and advice!
January 25, 2023 at 10:56 am
Jennifer Skene
Lovely ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 10:56 am
effiekoliopoulos
Loved this article today and those sweet samosas look amazing! One of my best friends is Indian & culturally it reminds me of my own. I’m working on a PB about my families restaurant and other cultural stories. Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your process and life experiences.
January 25, 2023 at 10:57 am
Rachelle Burk
My very first book (Treehouse in a Storm, 2009) was based on a childhood memory of living through a hurricane!
January 25, 2023 at 10:59 am
Brittney Jett
How inspiring! Thank you Marzieh.
January 25, 2023 at 10:59 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Congrats on your books! As the 4th of 4 kids, I have few photos to mine :>)
January 25, 2023 at 11:00 am
JL
Thank you for sharing your process. I love the idea of photos saved for story prompts. Brilliant!
January 25, 2023 at 11:02 am
Azra Rahim
Always Inspiring, Marzieh. Mashallah 🤩
January 25, 2023 at 11:04 am
Rebecca Guzinski
Love the story prompt photo idea. Childhood memories is a great starting point for a story idea. I can’t wait to read your books!
January 25, 2023 at 11:05 am
Ilona Bray
Hmm, I’d rather look at your charming childhood pictures than mine! Thanks for inviting us into your world.
January 25, 2023 at 11:07 am
Katherine Pew
Such a wonderful, warm, generous, and inspiring post! Thank you, Marzieh!!
January 25, 2023 at 11:11 am
geigerlin
Our memories are the stories only we can tell! Thank You, Marzieh!
January 25, 2023 at 11:11 am
Linda KulpTrout
I love looking back at childhood photos. I don’t have many, so each one is precious. Thank you for the reminder that memories can spark wonderful ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 11:13 am
Karin Larson
Thank you for the inspiring post and for sharing your story. Memories are the best! Thank you for the reminder.
January 25, 2023 at 11:13 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Thank you!! Perhaps it’s time for my to look at older pictures from when I was a child!!
January 25, 2023 at 11:14 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Marzieh, for sharing your childhood memories and your journey to creating picture books from those wonderful memories.
January 25, 2023 at 11:17 am
Gabriella Aldeman
I always take pics of “story prompts” too, but mine get lost in camera roll limbo… Why hadn’t I thought of organizing them into an album?
January 25, 2023 at 11:18 am
kirstenbockblog
Yum, those samosas look delicious! Thanks for sharing your memories and your ideas with us.
January 25, 2023 at 11:23 am
Joyce
I love seeing the transformation from spark of an idea to fully-realized picture book. Your books sound lovely, Marziah. Congratulations! I look forward to reading them.
January 25, 2023 at 11:23 am
jmoudahi
What a great idea to start a an album for story prompts! I love that.
January 25, 2023 at 11:26 am
Teresa Rodrigues
Thank you for sharing this sweet post and congrats on your upcoming books, Marzieh!
January 25, 2023 at 11:27 am
Annette Martin
Love the idea of using pictures to recapture possible possibilities. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 11:27 am
lavern15
The picture album story prompts is a great idea! Thanks for your pearls of wisdom and congrats on your books!
January 25, 2023 at 11:30 am
heatherstigall
I have lots of old photos to comb through–this will be a fun exercise to try. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 11:33 am
Janet Smart
The very first PB manuscript that I wrote was about my memories picking blackberries with my grandma, mom and aunt. I’ve changed that PB many times. Maybe someday it will get published.Thanks for your ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 11:35 am
Sharon A Putnam
Great post, Marzieh! Thank you for giving us a peek at your writing process and for reminding us that old photos and certain smells can be a spark for story ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 11:35 am
Jessica Fries-Gaither
I love looking at old family photos, but I’ve not thought to mine them for story ideas. Great post!
January 25, 2023 at 11:36 am
iartbygina
Thank you for such inspirational ideas! Congrats on your books! Awe-samosas is such a great and creative title!😂👍
January 25, 2023 at 11:37 am
triciahinely
Great reminder. How fun is that to look at family photos and call it my “work”? thank you
January 25, 2023 at 11:37 am
triciahinely
Great reminder. How fun is that to look at family photos and call it my “work”? thank you
January 25, 2023 at 11:38 am
elisederstine
So helpful, thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 11:39 am
Janie Reinart
Marzieh congrats on your book babies. Enjoyed your post.
January 25, 2023 at 11:41 am
Christine Ottaviano Shestak
What wonderful memories!
January 25, 2023 at 11:41 am
margaretsmn
Sometimes, I feel like my childhood memories are so long ago and uninteresting. Your post reminded me that even the scent of a scarf can be a spark to get a story going. Thanks!
January 25, 2023 at 11:46 am
Donna Rossman
Your photos are lovely, Marzieh. Such a warm, inspiring post!
January 25, 2023 at 11:47 am
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Congratulations on your upcoming picture books and thank you for this post!
January 25, 2023 at 11:48 am
Kristi Mahoney
I love looking through old photographs and this is a great idea for sparking new ideas. Your books sound fabulous–I can’t wait to read them! Thanks so much, Marzieh!
January 25, 2023 at 11:50 am
Melissa L Lettis
Such great memories! I’ll have to look through the photo albums next time I visit family 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 11:52 am
Heidi Yates
Great post! I love how you get inspiration from the past. Thank you for sharing, Marzieh!
January 25, 2023 at 11:52 am
laureannawrites
Ooo! You just sparked an idea for me! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 11:54 am
Armineh Manookian
Scents take me unexpectedly back to some great memories. Thank you for this post, Marzieh. Just got a story idea!
January 25, 2023 at 11:56 am
Patti Ranson (@RansonPatti)
Ahh, the smells of memories:) I hadn’t pulled those in, and I love the ideas they conjure up! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 11:56 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
As a YaYa, I now have four generations of photos to mine for ideas (which I do!). From my parents to my grands. And writing this I got an idea! Thank you! Beautiful books!!
January 25, 2023 at 11:58 am
Sarah Blotevogel
What a great idea, thank you! I think I might need to take a week off of work to get through all the childhood albums my mother has saved 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 11:58 am
Penny Taub
Congratulations on your Debut PB. Both books sound fun and will spread cultural awareness. I also love taking photos and organize them in files for inspiration.
January 25, 2023 at 12:00 pm
claudia sloan
Your books look beautiful – congratulations!!! Loved your childhood pictures too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for sharing your story. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 25, 2023 at 12:02 pm
jumpbaby
Love the idea of photo prompts and creating an album for them!
~ Cheryl Johnson
January 25, 2023 at 12:06 pm
michellesteinberg
Wonderful post about sights, smells, sounds, etc. of childhood memories! Now I need that samosa recipe!
January 25, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Kim A Larson
The childhood memories are flowing already! Thanks for sharing this insight!
January 25, 2023 at 12:09 pm
jbbower
Thank you Marzieh. This is a great idea and a great “excuse” to take time out and look through the family albums! Congratulations on your new book!
January 25, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Sara Ackerman
Thank you for sharing your memories and photos. The samosas look delicious!
January 25, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Maria Altizer
So many story ideas some from my childhood. Thank you for this post!
January 25, 2023 at 12:13 pm
rebeccacolby
Time to look through some of my own photos. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 12:16 pm
lillyarts
I loved your reminder of pictures to inspire ideas, that was so fun! Your book looks so great, love the cover art and idea of smells!!
January 25, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Emmeline Forrestal
Having a separate photo album for story prompt images is a great idea! Thank you! (and ps, now I’m hungry for samosas!)
January 25, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Kathy Doherty
Thank you for the inspiration to look through old photos. I have tons of them!
January 25, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Joy Wieder
I love the idea of a story prompt photo album! I’m starting one today!
January 25, 2023 at 12:19 pm
sue macartney
Marzieh congratulations on your new releases and thank you for reminding us to mine for ideas in the magical memory lane of photos!
January 25, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Kathy Doherty
Thank you for the inspiration to go through old photos. I have tons of them!
January 25, 2023 at 12:23 pm
clairebobrow
What a lovely post! Mouth-watering, too. I can almost smell those samosas…Thank you, Marzieh, and congrats on your books!
January 25, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Great idea. I was reminded of this prompt to mine memories and experiences when I read the recent picture book This is Not My Home which is about reverse immigration. I did something similar but I never thought to even write about it since I felt it would have been too niche.
January 25, 2023 at 12:29 pm
msaraiva004
Well, you had me emotional just reading your post, so I can only imagine the emotional response I’ll get reading your books! Beautiful. I love the idea of mining photos for story ideas. It sounds like a natural way to find a story with a lot of heart.
January 25, 2023 at 12:32 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
Thanks for sharing your childhood photos! I’m glad they gave you great ideas for your beautiful books!!!
January 25, 2023 at 12:33 pm
gattodesign
Thank you. Beautiful book. Memories are a great way to get inspired.
January 25, 2023 at 12:38 pm
Mary Ann Blair
I hadn’t ever thought about digging through old photo albums for inspiration. Great tip. Thank you! Congrats on your upcoming book releases!
January 25, 2023 at 12:41 pm
lisarowefraustino
If only I could find those old pictures in a box somewhere waiting to be organized….
January 25, 2023 at 12:42 pm
marshaelyn
Marzieh, “Wafting scents” truly do tap into childhood memories. For me, whenever I sniff the moist steam rising from an iron (a rarity these days), I “see” my mom ironing my white, frilly blouses. I recall the feeling of being home and loved immediately. How lovely to honor your Dadi with such a delightful-sounding picture book. Your heart must be full. Sending you inspiration for your continued success…
January 25, 2023 at 12:46 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Fun idea generator today–I have photo albums from my childhood downstairs.
January 25, 2023 at 12:46 pm
Author Anna Maledon
Great post, Marzieh. Congrats on your upcoming books. That cover is delicious!
January 25, 2023 at 12:47 pm
Colleen
Marzieh, Thank you so much for these “sensible” ideas”! And I can’t wait to read your Dupatta story…Love its origin!
January 25, 2023 at 12:47 pm
Alison McGauley
I love the idea of looking through old photographs, and also of taking new photographs for story prompts. Thank you so much!
January 25, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Jan Milusich
Thank you for the ideas Marzieh! I will try each of them starting with looking through old photos.
January 25, 2023 at 12:49 pm
marty bellis
I love the idea of collecting photos for story prompts. And all those childhood memories! Oh my. Time to get out the scrapbooks. It was delightful hearing about some of your early memories. All the best!
January 25, 2023 at 12:50 pm
Christine Graham
Great post! It did make me hungry, though
January 25, 2023 at 12:50 pm
greengirlblueplanet
Great ideas, thank you!!
January 25, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Terry Talley
Thank you, Marzieh, for sharing how you use photos to prompt story ideas. I especially like the idea of organizing phone pictures into story prompts. Congratulations on your DUPATTA IS…debut!
January 25, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Arlene Schenker
Thanks for these ideas, Marzieh. good luck with your debut picture book. It looks beautiful.
January 25, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Rozana Rajkumari
I love that! I am currently visiting my parents and will mine some memories 🙂 Congratulations on your gorgeous books!
January 25, 2023 at 12:57 pm
Gabi Snyder
I have a box of childhood photos to sort through. I love the idea of mining memories as I sort. Thank you, Marzieh, for the inspiration. And those sweet samosas look delicious. Congrats on your lovely books!
January 25, 2023 at 12:59 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for reminding me of memories of growing up and the scents and special foods I had forgotten. I have tried Samosas at Trader Joe’s but they aren’t the yummy dessert kind you described. Can’t wait to bring up a list of memories from childhood and goodies we had then.
January 25, 2023 at 1:02 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thank you for your ideas and memories especially of grandparents and favorite desserts. I love the savory samosas I can get at the store. Nothing comes close to the dessert type you mentioned.
January 25, 2023 at 1:04 pm
Lauri Fortino
Thanks for giving us a glimpse into the way you get story ideas. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 25, 2023 at 1:07 pm
Maria Johnson
What an excellent post and so hopeful for someone who is in her first year of Storystorm. I feel so inspired! You’ve made me wonder about using a feeling from my childhood as a story idea. I have two in mind, but I’m not sure where to go next. One involves excitement around sunset because it reminds me of going into the city (San Francisco) when I was kid for a ballet or theatre performance or restaurant. The other is the emotional energy I feel when dancing in a large group. There are several memories around this for me, but I can’t figure out why it impacts me so much. Hopefully some old photos and more January Story-brain-storms will help. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 1:08 pm
Amy Harding
I’m starting a photo story prompt folder right now 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 1:10 pm
James Adams
I love the idea of using childhood memories to inspire new stories.
January 25, 2023 at 1:12 pm
Sadaf
Love your post, Marzieh! The part about using scents to evoke memories especially resonated with me. I also can’t wait to read A DUPATTA IS (because a dupatta is so many things for me and I want to share in that love.) ❤️
January 25, 2023 at 1:16 pm
jennaejo
Mining memories is my favorite way to get story ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 1:18 pm
jennifercowanwriter
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! I’m going to go dig up my childhood photos today 🙂
All my best,
Jennifer
January 25, 2023 at 1:20 pm
Deborah Ishii
Thank you for sharing your story memories and how they are often sparked by childhood photographs. I love looking through old family albums and remembering or creating the stories behind them. Making a folder of photos to use as story prompts is a great idea, too.
January 25, 2023 at 1:20 pm
Kamalani Hurley
These story prompts are wonderful. So many of my favorite memories revolve around food. Thank you for a wonderful post!
January 25, 2023 at 1:23 pm
Ellie Langford
Love the reminder for sensory input and recipes which stir sensory memories. Thanks for sharing, Marzieh.
January 25, 2023 at 1:25 pm
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for the excellent post.
January 25, 2023 at 1:29 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for sharing, memories are such a treasure trove!
January 25, 2023 at 1:29 pm
libbydemmon
Ooh, I’m starting a “Story Prompts” folder in my phone right now! Thanks for the idea!
January 25, 2023 at 1:36 pm
Rochelle Y Melander
I love reading about your life!
January 25, 2023 at 1:37 pm
Eva Felder
Dear Marzieh
First time I hear about sweet samosas, I certainly will have to give it a try.
Thanks for such a warm and loving post, inspired by pictures and scents to spark story ideas.
I love the cover of A Dupatta Is… the freedom of the swing, the flowing of the dupatta, the look in the girl’s eyes. Anu Chouhan, great illustrations!
The backmatter will help kids and adults better understand the essence of this beautiful symbol.
January 25, 2023 at 1:39 pm
abby mumford
Ooh, I love the idea to put the random, daily photos (and big meaningful family photos) in a collection called “story ideas.” I’m definitely going to try this. Thanks! And congrats on your debut! Can’t wait to read it.
January 25, 2023 at 1:40 pm
Jennifer Mills Barnes
You’ve certainly got me thinking through your post on pictures and picture galleries! Thank you for sharing all the pictures, the smells, and the inspiration. And congratulations on the new book!
January 25, 2023 at 1:42 pm
Jess
Thank you for sharing. Memories are a great source of inspiration.
January 25, 2023 at 1:43 pm
valerieschultz023gmailcom
Congratulations on your upcoming books! They sound so warm and inviting. Can’t wait to read them and learn about your culture.
January 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Maria Bostian
Thankyou for sharing these ideas today. I love the idea of having a folder for photos. I take plenty, but I don’t have a good system for accessing them. Thanks again!
January 25, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Danya Vasquez David
Thanks Marzieh! We have a tonne in common with regards to our sources of inspiration. I also mine old childhood photos, and little glimpses bring me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, with all the spices and stories. Your book looks beautiful- keeping my eye out for it!
January 25, 2023 at 1:52 pm
JF Hall Writes
A picture’s worth a thousand words – which is too long for a PB but can certainly inspire one (or more!). I love this – thank you!! And using scents as inspiration? Man, do the memories come flooding back when I happen upon the perfect aroma. Also, the sweet samosa you described sounds amazing! Congratulations on your upcoming books – they both sound wonderful.
January 25, 2023 at 1:52 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
Marzieh: THANK YOU for the reminder that we need to be in-touch with our inner-kid (by mining those childhood memories!), so we can write for kids today–and the child still living within each of us.
January 25, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Jeanette
Wonderful. Reading your blog reminded me of smells in my childhood AND stories told by my Grandmother who caused great fear of sleeping in one particular room because of ‘the thing that came through the window at night!!’ ha ha, thank you for helping me remember xx
January 25, 2023 at 1:58 pm
andynarwhal
First off, sweet samosas? Mind blown.
Also, love the kids photos. There’s something so powerful about the fleeting moments of childhood frozen in time. Seems a fertile area to look for ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Olivia Fisher
Oh man, your post makes me want to drag out old photos and home videos from when I was a child. I have recently been working on converting all of our video tapes from childhood into digital files, and reexpereincing childhood is definitely a good place for storybook ideas, haha.
January 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
My Grandma was the best cook and baker in our family. The memories of delicious pies cooling by the window in her sky blue kitchen always make me smile. Thanks for all your great ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 2:02 pm
bevbaird
Congratulations on your books! Thank you for the inspirations – mining our memories and pictures. Loved your photos!
January 25, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Cathy Lentes
So many memories to draw upon. Thank you for reminding me to consider scent.
January 25, 2023 at 2:07 pm
Connie Jameson
Such an interesting post with many great ideas and examples. Congratulations on your book.
January 25, 2023 at 2:08 pm
kellyclasenwriter
Excellent visual examples. It’s a nice reminder for me to document, via photos, loveliness outside of my family life/hobbies.
January 25, 2023 at 2:09 pm
Marlena Leach
I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing your process. I bet my family photos a holding a few PB ideas! Congrats on your new book!
January 25, 2023 at 2:10 pm
suzanbh
Your post is full of sooo many good ideas! I love the idea of a “story prompt” album — I’m going to start on that right away. Congratulations on your upcoming book, AWE-SAMOSAS! (Love the wordplay in that title) Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 2:11 pm
Amanda
Yum! Those sweet samosas look delicious! Thank you for the great ideas- your visual story ideas archive of pictures is a great one!
January 25, 2023 at 2:21 pm
Sallye O'Rourke
You’ve inspired me to peruse childhood photos!
January 25, 2023 at 2:22 pm
Dawn M.
Thanks for sharing. Great pictures.
January 25, 2023 at 2:22 pm
kathleenannajacobs
The art in your upcoming picture book looks amazing. Thank you for the great tips!
January 25, 2023 at 2:23 pm
Suzy Grossman
I take pix of random inspiring sightings to wake my imagination too. Thanks for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 2:24 pm
cbcole
I’ve actually been going through old photos to see which ones I want to keep. Now, I’ll go through them looking for story ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 2:27 pm
mightyoaks3
I enjoy looking at photos. What a great way to gather ideas! I’ll have to remember to take photos of unusual items while out.
January 25, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Jane Martin
Now I know what I’ll be doing the next time I’m at my mom’s house. Dusting off those old photo albums! Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 2:31 pm
Alia K.
I like the part about the samosas! I have thought about writing food books too, but they make me hungry.
January 25, 2023 at 2:42 pm
Katherine Rea
I’d never heard of a sweet samosa until today — and now I HAVE to get my hands on one.
January 25, 2023 at 2:48 pm
michelerietz
Thank you, Marzieh. I am laughing because my youngest sibling has about 3 pictures of her childhood. 🙂 She and your sister could compare stories.
I am always amazed at how a smell can bring a memory right back.
Congratulations on your forthcoming picture books.
January 25, 2023 at 2:48 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Your post already has sparked an idea for a picture book. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 25, 2023 at 3:01 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Great idea to take those photos that seem like maybe there’s something there and group them for later review. Congratulations on DUPATTA. I look foward to reading it!
January 25, 2023 at 3:02 pm
Diane McBee
Love the idea of keeping a photo journal to spark story ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 3:06 pm
Donna Marx
I have so many childhood memories, but how many more would be sparked by looking at old pictures? Thanks for the inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 3:14 pm
catlady45
Memories and photos…we all have those. Thank you for the inspiration. The samosas look delicious!
January 25, 2023 at 3:18 pm
Beth Holladay
I’m a big samosa lover too! Can’t wait to read your new book. Thanks for this wonderful post:)
All the best,
Beth
January 25, 2023 at 3:19 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Awww. I love that. What sweet memories!
January 25, 2023 at 3:22 pm
Linda Hofke
As the youngest of five, I have few photos from my childhood. But I do remember things. And one of those memories just might be a good topic for a story. Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations on your book. I can’t wait to read A Dupatta is…
January 25, 2023 at 3:26 pm
amckelle
Thank you for this lovely post. I actually had an idea spring just from your mention of childhood neighbors and I’m excited to see what other ideas can form when I look through childhood photos.
January 25, 2023 at 3:29 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
It is extra special that your debut picture book, and the next one, were inspired by precious memories. Thank you for the reminder to use photos to spark new ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 3:33 pm
badwolf1625
Love reading about family memories.
January 25, 2023 at 3:35 pm
beckylevine
Lovely memories and a great post. Thanks!
January 25, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Jessica Milo
This reminds me to look through my childhood photos as well as my phone gallery to look for story ideas! Mining for memories is so inspiring and fun. Thanks for sharing, Marzieh, and can’t wait to read your upcoming books!!
January 25, 2023 at 3:45 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Your post gave me a story idea! Thank you for the inspiration and good luck with your beautiful upcoming titles.
January 25, 2023 at 3:46 pm
Amanda Z
Thanks for the post! Those samosas sound delicious!
January 25, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Memories are a great way to find ideas. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 3:55 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
What a treasure of memories. The one about your father left me in tears. I have a phone recording of my mother and father singing happy birthday to me that I hold dear. And now I really want to go through old photos and recipes. Thank you, Marzieh, for sharing your memories and what sparks your writing!
January 25, 2023 at 4:02 pm
Amy Center Cory
These are wonderful ideas, Marzieh! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration and your stories with us.
January 25, 2023 at 4:02 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
Oh, the memories! Yes, these are often the biggest inspiration for the stories I write as well! Thanks so much for the nudge that brought up even more memories for story fodder! Best wishes on all of your memory stories!
January 25, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing. I would like to try the samosas.
January 25, 2023 at 4:14 pm
midfreeman
love the idea about creating a photo folder. thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 4:14 pm
ellen seal
Love it! It’s awesome to see all the successes that you have grown from Storystorm. Congratulations!
January 25, 2023 at 4:20 pm
madhu
What a wonderful idea to use old photos as sources of inspiration. Are sweet samosas similar to mawa kachori’s? I loved those growing up.
January 25, 2023 at 4:22 pm
Kimberky Yavorski
Sweet samosas! Sounds wonderful!
January 25, 2023 at 4:26 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
This is fantastic! Such great ideas to look in old photo albums for ideas. And I LOVE the title “AweSAMOSAS!!!” So great! Can’t wait to read your books! 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 4:36 pm
Allison Fleischman
Smells can contain so many memories! Thank you for the inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 4:38 pm
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Lovely memories thanks for sharing
January 25, 2023 at 4:40 pm
Linda Sakai
Just reading your blog post brought some of my own memories to the surface. Thank you for sharing yours.
January 25, 2023 at 4:41 pm
Michelle S Kennedy
Thank you for inspiring us with your memories! Wishing you sweet success with the release of your new books!
January 25, 2023 at 4:42 pm
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Great idea! Go back to old pictures
January 25, 2023 at 4:53 pm
kristinscollins
These are great ideas! I love that with technology we can learn from each other even if we are on opposite sides of the world. Congratulations on your upcoming. books! Now I am off to look at some photo albums. 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 4:58 pm
Allison Green
I love the idea of starting a story from a feeling.
January 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Elizabeth McBride
Thank you, Marzieh! Holidays certainly bring up memories of customary things we used to do as a family. As we head into the New Year, I will keep that lens on the events and seasons! Thank you for your recommendations!
January 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Robin Martin
Thanks for this. It’s sparking ideas as I read
January 25, 2023 at 5:06 pm
Heather Dawn Torres
Great ideas! Can’t wait to go through my camera roll and see what story ideas it sparks. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 5:08 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
It must be true–a picture is worth a thousand words. Or maybe a picture gives you a thousand words. Thanks for the inspiration, and congrats on your success!
January 25, 2023 at 5:09 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Thank you for these ideas, Marzieh, and best wishes on your upcoming books!
January 25, 2023 at 5:14 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Love the idea of snapping pictures of interesting things as you go about life and then using them later for story starters! Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 5:14 pm
Sally Hoch
These stories sound lovely. Can’t wait to read. Thanks for sharing. Love the idea of using pictures and saving pictures for future ideas.
January 25, 2023 at 5:24 pm
Lisa Atkinson
I love the suggestion to mine memories by flipping through photos from your childhood. And to keep a current day album of ideas on your phone. Thank you for the great inspiration!
January 25, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Amanda Perry
Thank you for your post and congrats on your upcoming books. Can’t wait to check them out!
January 25, 2023 at 5:38 pm
Loretta Schrader
Love your idea of saving photos in a file as story prompts. Your background story was also very heartwarming!
January 25, 2023 at 5:41 pm
Amita Snyder
I love samosas! I can’t wait to read your upcoming book.
January 25, 2023 at 5:43 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great idea to look through photos & to keep photos for possible stories. Thanks for sharing. Congrats on your book!!
January 25, 2023 at 5:44 pm
Shawna Tenney
I love reading about your childhood memories, and how they inspired your stories. Congratulations on your books that are coming out soon! And thanks for the inpiration!
January 25, 2023 at 5:51 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing your process and your photo ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 5:53 pm
Lenora Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Great suggestions that sparked some ideas for me. Thanks and congratulations!
January 25, 2023 at 5:59 pm
Lauri Meyers
Such lovely memories that you’ve been able to keep forever in your picture books. (Also sick burn on your youngest sibling!)
January 25, 2023 at 5:59 pm
mona861
I’m going to look at all the pictures I’ve taken. Thanks for posting. And thank you for sharing the tender memory of you father sleeping with his mother’s dupata. Precious!
January 25, 2023 at 6:14 pm
lindakaychavezbooks
Love this idea of looking through our family photos for ideas and memories that can spark stories. I enjoyed hearing about your family traditions. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 6:18 pm
Katie Berner
Congratulations on your upcoming books! And thanks for the reminder to walk down memory lane. I love the idea of moving certain photos to a Story Prompts album. Genius!
January 25, 2023 at 6:19 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thank you for this inspiring post, Marzieh. Time to dig out my old photos!
January 25, 2023 at 6:22 pm
Pamela Harrison
Mining your childhood memories is such a great tip. I’m going to go through old photos of the past for the gems that are there. Congratulations on your new book!
January 25, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Cheryl Simon
I can’t wait to dive into old photo albums. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Nadia Forrest
Thank you Marzieh, I enjoyed the glimpse into your childhood. Looking forward to visiting my parents and getting out our old photo albums.
January 25, 2023 at 6:33 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thank you Marzieh. I love your photo food story prompts. There’s nothing like popcorn and donuts. These make me think of my grandmother too. I look forward to reading your stories.
January 25, 2023 at 6:35 pm
Jeanne Cherney
this inspires me and gets me hungry
January 25, 2023 at 6:37 pm
Christine Letizia
Thank you for the great suggestions of diving into our memories and photos. Those sweet samosas looked amazing!
January 25, 2023 at 6:40 pm
Shannon Fossett
I love your “story prompts” picture album! Great idea!!!
January 25, 2023 at 6:44 pm
Dannielle Viera
Old photos are fabulous for sparking ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 6:46 pm
Kellie
Sorry – but I’m now stuck on those sweet samosas. I can’t stop thinking about those … but … they do take me back to my Nanna’s sweet baked rice. Thank you Marzieh. Fabulous post.
January 25, 2023 at 6:47 pm
mhberg
This post reminds me that every memory can be the spark for a character or story!
January 25, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Franny G
Thank you Marzieh, that gave me several ideas while reading your post — and I desperately want one of those sweet samosas right now!!
January 25, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Franny G
Thanks Marzieh, that sparked several ideas while reading your post — and I want a sweet samosa right now!!
January 25, 2023 at 7:06 pm
Vanessa
I appreciate and enjoy learning about different cultures. Looking forward to reading your books.
January 25, 2023 at 7:11 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
I really like the idea of the story prompts album in your photos. Thanks for the post.
January 25, 2023 at 7:17 pm
Liz Godfrey
Thank you for the inspiration, Marzieh! Recalling senses in conjunction with memories is especially powerful! By the way, growing up I had the same doll in one of your pictures! Love.
January 25, 2023 at 7:30 pm
EmmieRWerner
Wonderful memories ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 25, 2023 at 7:32 pm
Andrea Yomtob
Thank you for sharing! And congrats on your books.
January 25, 2023 at 7:39 pm
Anne LeBlanc 🇨🇦😊❤️📚libraries✍️🎤🕺⛏️Go Leafs! (@AnneLeBlanc2)
Pictures really can be worth a thousand words (or however long a picture book is). Thanks for the great idea. Congratulations on your upcoming books!
January 25, 2023 at 7:41 pm
Christina Dankert
Excellent suggestions and it is so inspiring to hear that several of your books began in Storystorm!
January 25, 2023 at 7:58 pm
Laurel Santini
My grandma’s dresser and cosmetics were always so attractive to me. She had a picture Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler tucked into her mirror. “Is that you and Grampy?” I once asked. She had a good chuckle.
January 25, 2023 at 8:06 pm
Christy Matthes
Thank you for the inspiring ideas! Mining memories is a great way to brainstorm potential stories.
January 25, 2023 at 8:12 pm
ungracefulwanderer
So beautiful! I love that these memories can live on, shared on the pages for millions to read. I need to go back through my photo albums and see what memories are waiting to live on in story. Thank you.
January 25, 2023 at 8:14 pm
David McMullin
Such great ideas, Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 8:14 pm
Writer on the run
Thanks for the ideas! Yes, smells and photos- I now have inspiration to dig back into childhood!
January 25, 2023 at 8:17 pm
Chelle Martin
Some really good memories. Isn’t it funny how scent plays such a part of memory? Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 8:20 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!
January 25, 2023 at 8:21 pm
staceygustafson
What an excellent idea! I’ll be scanning old photos for inspiration.
January 25, 2023 at 8:21 pm
stephaniemstories
Congrats on all your books. Your post made me think of some vacation photos that I always found odd, now to think of a accompanying story.
January 25, 2023 at 8:24 pm
Laurie Seaford
Creating a phone file for story prompts is genious! Thank you. Congratulations on your new books. (:
January 25, 2023 at 8:34 pm
lsheroan
Thank you! I also love igniting memories by looking at family pictures.
January 25, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I love to mine memories, but hadn’t thought so much about smells and other senses besides sight. Time to do some remembering!
January 25, 2023 at 8:47 pm
CatherineBrewer
Thank you Marzieh, after reading your inspiring post, I immediately thought of the old saying “A picture speaks a thousand words” and in this case, photographs! Congratulations on your books!
January 25, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Kristie J Drake
Old photos definitely bring back memories. I hope some of mine will inspire a picture book.
January 25, 2023 at 8:52 pm
Julie Reich
What a lovely post. Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:04 pm
Kay
Yes memories are a good source of inspiration
January 25, 2023 at 9:08 pm
Cindy S
Good luck with your upcoming book releases.
January 25, 2023 at 9:09 pm
Barbara Senenman
Congratulations on your upcoming books. As I have been cleaning out some boxes and coming across photo albums, this post comes at the perfect time. I have to see which holds the most emotions and ask myself why. Then see if a story comes out of it.
Also, those coconut samosas sound wonderful!
January 25, 2023 at 9:20 pm
Paula VE
I love the idea of looking at old photos for ideas—thanks!
January 25, 2023 at 9:24 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Marzieh, for sharing memories of your life and how events and pictures have helped you create stories. I am blessed that my father took many pictures of our family and that I have kept them alive through albums and sharing with many relatives.
I love learning from writers in other countries, I look forward to reading your books and I wish you continued success with your writing.
January 25, 2023 at 9:30 pm
Devin Stetson
Great ideas, Marzieh, both to mine childhood pictures and to make a story prompt board. Why have I never done that? Thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 9:33 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Love your particular memories and how these turned into stories. Congratulations and thank you for the prompt. And I want those sweet samosas. Yum.
January 25, 2023 at 9:37 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you for sharing your memories and photographs. Good luck with your new book. You got my mouth watering for sweet samosas. I will keep an eye out for them in the future, maybe even experiment… feels like a story idea to me 😉
January 25, 2023 at 9:39 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for the inspirational post!
January 25, 2023 at 9:59 pm
Manju Beth Howard 🌻 (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for sharing! Your pictures and debut picture book, A DUPATTA IS… look very sweet.
January 25, 2023 at 9:59 pm
Pamela S Swanson
Thank you. Memories are always a good idea!
January 25, 2023 at 9:59 pm
Deena
What beautiful memories for these lovely upcoming pbs! Scent is a great sense to consider for memories too…thank you!
January 25, 2023 at 10:09 pm
Becca McMurdie
Mining memories! Such a good one! Congrats on your upcoming books 🎉🎉
January 25, 2023 at 10:16 pm
carlislemalone
I adored learning more about you!!! This was wonderful!
January 25, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Poupette
Fascinating PB and background! Smell is my thing too –thanks for your take.
January 25, 2023 at 10:23 pm
Sophie Furman
Your post brought both smiles and tears when you retold your memories! 🙂 I keep folders on my phone for illustration inspiration, but will start one up for story prompts, what an awesome idea! Thank you so much, and congratulations on your upcoming books!!! 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 10:33 pm
sabrinashah84
You are an inspiration ❤️🙌🏼
January 25, 2023 at 10:45 pm
steveheron
Thank you Marzieh – I too love memories.
Do we make memories?
Or do memories make us?
January 25, 2023 at 10:45 pm
Natasha
Thank you, Marzieh, for the post all the way from Karachi. Photos, new and old, are a great place to look for story ideas! Congratulations to you and Anu on A DUPATTA IS… and to you and Bhagya on AWE-SAMOSAS!
January 25, 2023 at 10:46 pm
smallforbig
Thank you for sharing such sweet memories. I have a hard time remembering childhood memories, but never thought to go back through old photos – I’m sure they’ll spark so much!
January 25, 2023 at 10:49 pm
Paul Brassard
Marzieh,
Thank you for your wonderful post and congratulations on your publishing successes.
Having just turned 70, my childhood memories are of experiences today’s children would never be allowed to have, perhaps rightfully so. Playing hide and seek in abandoned factories and Tarzan on old block and tackles hanging from their ceilings, playing war (cringe) in dark swampy woods, walking to the Saturday afternoon matinee with your friends and no adults when you’re nine or ten. I have been trying to figure out a way to build these and other exciting (but totally off-limits to today’s readers) memories into a middle-grade book. I don’t know… Maybe??
Thanks for reminding us to remember!
January 25, 2023 at 10:52 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Beautiful memories. Going through photos is a great idea! Thank you for sharing.
January 25, 2023 at 10:53 pm
Betsy Lehan
Your blog made me feel warm and happy (which is helpful in snowy Buffalo, NY!). I love how you seem to incorporate all of the senses in your idea shaping and story creating.
January 25, 2023 at 10:58 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you and congrats.
January 25, 2023 at 11:05 pm
littleseedsread
Congratulations on your forthcoming books. Such a happy achievement. I love your idea of mining photos for story prompts. I’ll have to try this!
January 25, 2023 at 11:06 pm
seschipper
Congratulations on your successes! A thanks also for reminding us to mine our memories via photos or any other method that may work for you! 🙂
January 25, 2023 at 11:20 pm
Jennifer Shipkowski
Photo albums are full of wonderful story prompts! Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Jennifer Shipkowski
Photo albums are full of wonderful writing prompts! Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Karen Gardner
Marzieh, thanks for encouraging us to jog our memories and for sharing some inspiring examples that definitely sparked images from my own childhood and family life. Gotta go jot down some story ideas, thanks to your blog!
January 25, 2023 at 11:36 pm
marthaej
Love how you found the inspiration for your picture book! Am starting a ‘story prompt’ file straight away!
January 25, 2023 at 11:38 pm
marybeningo
I love the idea of looking through photos – I’m thinking of some of my favorite childhood photos at my moms house and they have sparked some ideas :). I’ll have to look through her albums next time I go to visit!
January 25, 2023 at 11:41 pm
Jenny Boyd
What a sweet and beautiful memory of your dad and grandmother! Looking forward to seeing the bound book that this memory led to.
January 25, 2023 at 11:46 pm
tracyschuldthelixon
I’ve used photos as writing prompts for my students, but I never thought of using childhood photos to spur ideas for my own writing. Love this! Thank you so much.
January 25, 2023 at 11:50 pm
Tarja Nevala
Such lovely ideas of returning to childhood memories … Thank you, Marzieh and congratulations on your awesome kidlit journey.
January 25, 2023 at 11:50 pm
Thelia Hutchinson
So many memories to spark great and unique ideas. It’s such a treasure chest filled with wonderful stories.
Thank you.
January 26, 2023 at 12:00 am
Mary Warth
Thank you for the photo suggestion. Memories can be great inspiration!
January 26, 2023 at 12:02 am
Amy Mucci
It is so wonderful to look through old photos! Your books look beautiful!
January 26, 2023 at 12:04 am
Annie Guerra
Sounds like some very wonderful memories!
January 26, 2023 at 12:08 am
Buffy Silverman
Love the idea of an album of photos as story prompts. Congrats on your upcoming books!
January 26, 2023 at 12:12 am
pbbeckyk
Thanks for the reminder that photos are excellent brainstorming tools, Marzieh! Congratulations on your upcoming debut and future books!
January 26, 2023 at 12:36 am
Kaye Baillie
You’ve created some amazing books, Marzieh. Congratulations and thankyou for the story prompt ideas.
January 26, 2023 at 12:45 am
Elizabeth Kalasinsky
I’m going to have to get my hands on some childhood photos! Thanks for the advice.
January 26, 2023 at 12:51 am
alicia shawn gagnon
Never dawned on me to look at old photo albums. What a fabulous idea!
January 26, 2023 at 1:10 am
jilltatara
Not sure which I want to peruse first, my childhood pix or my phone gallery. Can’t wait to revisit those images as possible story prompts. Wonderful post! Thank you so much!
January 26, 2023 at 1:13 am
Joannie Duris
Congratulations on your upcoming books, Marzieh! Thank you for sharing the inspiration behind them, and how using photos and all our senses can spark deeper memories that can go off on further tangents with more story possibilities.
January 26, 2023 at 1:14 am
sharonkdal
I must stop deleting the random snaps on my phone–they are gold! Thank you!
January 26, 2023 at 1:15 am
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Great ideas! Congratulations on your successes, Marzieh!
January 26, 2023 at 1:24 am
authorlaurablog
Photos are the source of a lot of inspiration for me as well. There’s so much to in find family photos even when they’re other people’s photos.
January 26, 2023 at 1:37 am
Amy Grover
Thank you Marzieh! This reminds me that I have many photos of random things on my phone that I could use to generate story ideas!
January 26, 2023 at 1:43 am
Steena Hernandez
Loved hearing how special memories inspired your stories! Photo prompts are a great way to spark ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!!
January 26, 2023 at 1:43 am
Tamara Haque
This is such a good idea, Marzieh! Going to stop deleting random photos from my phone now! 😀
January 26, 2023 at 2:09 am
claireannette1
Thank you for this inspiring post and congratulations on your books. I can’t wait to read them.
January 26, 2023 at 2:42 am
Marcia Berneger
Memories are a treasure chest of story ideas! Thanks for reminding us.
January 26, 2023 at 3:17 am
wyszguy
Wonderful post – thank you!
January 26, 2023 at 4:33 am
cravevsworld
Thank you for the personalized heartfelt post!
January 26, 2023 at 5:29 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks so much for this heart-felt inspiring post. 🙂
January 26, 2023 at 6:39 am
Elle Carlin
I love the idea of creating my own ‘Pinterest’ album of photo prompts for stories. I’m going to try that! Thanks
January 26, 2023 at 7:04 am
Karen Chun
Thank you for sharing your childhood memories and photos of your town. These are fantastic tips to motivate and encourage story.
January 26, 2023 at 7:47 am
Bridgitte Rodguez
I love learning how books came to be! I often write from my childhood memories, but I’ve never thought about looking at photographs for ideas! I love that. And your story prompt photo gallery on your phone is an awesome idea! Totally creating that one!
January 26, 2023 at 7:48 am
cinzialverde
Love this! Thanks for sharing your suggestions. And your photos are adorable. They sparked story ideas for me too.
January 26, 2023 at 8:50 am
Laura Bower
Thank you Marzieh! I can’t wait to create a story prompts board for myself – such a great visual idea! Your books all sound awesome (congratulations) and now I am really craving a sweet samosa!! 🙂
January 26, 2023 at 9:01 am
catchandi
Such a moving post, I love that such a deep and loving memory is what sparked your book! Your dad sleeping with his moms dupatta is so sweet and sad, your book is such an incredible way of honoring her memory. Thank you for sharing!
January 26, 2023 at 9:07 am
annmdk
Really inspiring. TY!
January 26, 2023 at 10:12 am
Darcee A Freier
Hmm. I’ve never used feelings and emotions inspire a picture book. Since they all seem to want that elusive “heart”, I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks!
January 26, 2023 at 10:37 am
Teresa 何 Robeson
I mine my memories and own culture for most of my stories, too! I don’t use photos as often for that since photos weren’t as cheap or plentiful in the 60s…at least for my family. LOL!
January 26, 2023 at 10:38 am
Lynne Marie
Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Off to mine the memories 🙂
January 26, 2023 at 10:58 am
Susan Jobsky
Thank you for sharing how your memories sparked story ideas. It’s time to take out my idea notebook.
January 26, 2023 at 11:11 am
Amanda Backof
Love the idea of using photos from photo stream to spark ideas! I have so many pictures of my silly dog! Thanks so much!
January 26, 2023 at 11:24 am
Rosanna Montanaro
Wonderful Marzieh! Loved your post. Congratulations!!
January 26, 2023 at 11:31 am
susaninez0905
These are wonderful suggestions. Everyone has memories just waiting to be plucked for a story. Thank you!
January 26, 2023 at 11:33 am
Diana Murrell
Your post sparked a few ideas from my own childhood. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 26, 2023 at 11:54 am
Hélène Sabourin
I think you found great stories to tell by beautifully combining “Write what you know” and “A picture is worth a thousand words”
January 26, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Krys Plate
Thank you for helping me to mine my memories! And I’m totally googling up Samosa recipes now…
January 26, 2023 at 12:12 pm
mariearden
Given that most of my childhood photos are stored on ViewMaster’s 3D discs that need to be seen through a ViewMaster (which I don’t own), I’ll have to mine the more accessible photographs my husband and I took of our children and slid into photo albums (remember them?). I suspect they’ll produce many story ideas. So thanks for your story-generating idea today!!!
January 26, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Charlene Patton
Creating an album in my phone photos for story prompts and ideas now! Love this 💖 Thank you!
January 26, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
What beautiful memories! I love looking through old photos.
January 26, 2023 at 12:36 pm
KIM NOLAN
I have a strong urge to look through old photo albums now. Thank you for your lovely post.
January 26, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Caitlin
*sings Memories, from CATS* I’ve long had an album on my phone and computer for story ideas but never actually went back to look through them. Thanks for REMINDING me (get it? memories?). Love the post, great thoughts.
January 26, 2023 at 1:17 pm
Shirley fadden
Lovely to read what inspired you to write this beautiful book.
January 26, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Melissa Koosmann
Your books look awesome. Thanks for posting!
January 26, 2023 at 1:54 pm
Farida Zaman
Great idea! I am so inspired to dig into my childhood stories! Thank you!
January 26, 2023 at 1:57 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Great ideas for searching memories! Thank you so much, Marzieh! Congratulations on your debut book. It looks amazing!
January 26, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Beth Pollock
Love this post. Congratulations on your successes!
January 26, 2023 at 2:06 pm
Janet Halfmann
I love looking at old photos. I’ll have to do it more often!
January 26, 2023 at 2:09 pm
rgstones
You’ve inspired me to go look through childhood photos. Thanks for the great post!
January 26, 2023 at 2:12 pm
Angela Martinelli
Congratulations on your upcoming books Marzieh! Thank you for sharing about looking at old family photos as well as taking new photos to spark memories and new ideas.
January 26, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Judy Sobanski
Congrats on all of your success! Looking through photos is definitely a great suggestion to mine those story ideas!
January 26, 2023 at 2:57 pm
Brian Burak
Great tips and ideas. Looking back at old photos is a hoot. Thank you!
January 26, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Joannie Duris
Congratulations on all your upcoming picture books, Marzieh! I love how you noted that pictures can spark additional memories and engage all our senses for further memories and story ideas.
January 26, 2023 at 4:08 pm
Sharlin Craig
I like how you suggest finding fun moments AND not so fun moments from picture albums and photos on the phone and tapping into the feelings that those pictures evoke. Great suggestion!
January 26, 2023 at 4:20 pm
Susan Eyerman
Mining for memories is looking for gold! The fragrance of cooking onions where always a sign of a wonderful meal when I was young. My grandchildren all said the same at my house.
January 26, 2023 at 4:55 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Food, glorious food! Great memories and “food” for stories. thank you for the suggestions, Marzeih.
January 26, 2023 at 4:56 pm
Debbie Arnn
Old photos of me are difficult to find as my mom never put them in albums, but I can remember a few and also look through the ones of my own children. There are memories there, for sure. Thanks for the ideas!
January 26, 2023 at 5:03 pm
thelogonauts
I adore these stories, and this is a great prompt, thank you! Time to start scouring the albums…
January 26, 2023 at 5:12 pm
Susan J Klaren
Your story immediately took me back and gave me two ideas. Thank you.
January 26, 2023 at 6:03 pm
Suhasini Gupta
Thank you Marzieh, for giving us a tour down your memory lane and sharing your heart. Loved the idea of sweet samosas. Congratulations! 🙂
January 26, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Just don’t use any of those embarrassing baby in the bathtub pictures 🙂
January 26, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Ann Page
Marzieh,
I love the photo gallery story prompt idea! I’m going to try it. And I’ll take any excuse to flip through old photos. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 26, 2023 at 7:57 pm
Rebecca Grant
Thanks for sharing! Love the idea of saving certain photos as story prompts!
January 26, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Trine Grillo
I have been contemplating this type of story idea.
January 26, 2023 at 8:08 pm
ljtouche
I’m off to sort through some family photos. Thank you for the lovely post. I look forward to finding you on Instagram and checking out your book. -Lori Laniewski
January 26, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Parvati Patil
AWE-SAMOSAS! is SUCH a great story book title! Can’t wait to read with my little one when it releases. Congratulations Marzieh. I also loved your Story Prompts photo album idea. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
January 26, 2023 at 8:26 pm
Kimberly Laura
scents can trigger so many memories I love this idea
January 26, 2023 at 8:47 pm
Kamilla Sjodin
I love starting with childhood memories and trying to capture cyber feelings of those memories. Thanks so much for these ideas!
January 26, 2023 at 9:04 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Thank you Marzieh, your stories have triggered some of my own memories of my mother’s cooking and also feelings I had about various things as a child.
January 26, 2023 at 9:19 pm
Ben Jeder
A story prompt gallery is an incredible idea. Great inspiring post. Thank you
January 26, 2023 at 10:44 pm
taracho4
I love the idea of looking through old photos for ideas, so many memories flooded my mind just reading your post! Thank you for this!
January 26, 2023 at 10:57 pm
Shannon LaPuma
I was just looking through my childhood photo album today! Thanks for the inspiring ideas!
January 26, 2023 at 11:47 pm
Sandy Belford
Looking at old photos brings back so many memories. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
January 27, 2023 at 12:28 am
matthewlasley
I love mining my childhood for story ideas. It looks like you found a way to create a unique angle for each idea. Congrats!
January 27, 2023 at 12:40 am
debbiemoeller
Thanks for a great post! I’m going to pull out the photo albums.
January 27, 2023 at 12:44 am
lphunt
Memory mining with photo prompts. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 27, 2023 at 12:45 am
Eileen Mayo
I love the idea of looking through old photos for inspiration. thanks for the suggestions!
January 27, 2023 at 1:38 am
JEN Garrett
This post reminded me of a memory from my childhood, and now I have another storystorm idea!
January 27, 2023 at 1:51 am
Jodie Sadowsky
Those samosas sound delicious – love the title. Thank you for sharing these tips – especially love your album of story ideas.
January 27, 2023 at 2:05 am
Sandy
I’m going back on memory lane with some photos. Thanks for the great ideas!
January 27, 2023 at 8:02 am
Melissa Trempe
I love going through photos (especially of my kids). I’ll mine them for ideas. Can’t wait to read your book!
January 27, 2023 at 8:03 am
jimchaize1
Thanks for the reminder about mining my memories for story ideas, Marzieh. Congrats on mining yours for what sound like very interesting stories.
January 27, 2023 at 9:07 am
Louise M. Aamodt
I like the idea of putting photos from my camera into a file of ‘story ideas.’ So many times I just delete them because they don’t really belong with my family photos. Congrats on your upcoming release!
January 27, 2023 at 10:11 am
Hank Dallago
Mining memories! Transferring odd and unusual pictures and videos into an album titled, “Story Prompts.” Using memories to form secondary characters. Tying in childhood smells into current stories. All fantastic ideas and terrific “reminders!” Thank you, Marzieh.
January 27, 2023 at 10:22 am
susanzonca
Time to pull out the old family photo albums for some inspiration. Congratulations on your upcoming books.
January 27, 2023 at 11:39 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Marzieh, for sharing how family memories and photos can share inspiration for story ideas.
Suzy Leopold
January 27, 2023 at 11:53 am
Pat Brown Books
Thank you for the inspiration! I love the idea of finding story ideas by looking through old photo albums and saving new pictures on our phones. The samosas sound delicious too.😊
January 27, 2023 at 1:20 pm
Meredith Fraser
Thank you for your writing testimony. I agree, pictures, smells and small material items can stir heartfelt memories. These memories can make great voice for a picture book.
January 27, 2023 at 1:39 pm
yangmommy
Can’t wait to read your tales! And I hope the samosa book includes that delicious sounding recipe!🙂
January 27, 2023 at 2:52 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
I have been agonizing over the many boxes of photos stacked in my room and what to do with them. I never considered that they could be inspiration for stories. Thank you for sharing this suggestion with us. Now I need to find samosas to enjoy while reading your new book.
January 27, 2023 at 3:03 pm
Susan Luchetta
I love this idea. I need to go through old pictures (the few that I have as the youngest ;)).
January 27, 2023 at 4:16 pm
R.G. Spaulding
Wonderful tips! Thank you, Marzieh. I’ve never had sweet samosas.
January 27, 2023 at 4:21 pm
ptnozell
I love that you’ve mined the images, and scents, of your youth to write picture books. Thanks for sharing!
January 27, 2023 at 4:43 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Inspiration drawn from home — people we love, experiences we share, and food that we savor. Good reminders. Thank you, Marzieh. — Kim Peterson
January 27, 2023 at 5:02 pm
Beth Elliott
What a beautiful story spark you shared for your book, A DUPATTA IS…
Congratulations on this debut and for you post!
January 27, 2023 at 6:43 pm
Elayne
This post was delightful. Congrats on your upcoming PB (or should I say, PBs!), and now I’ll be thinking of dessert samosas all day! LOL!
January 27, 2023 at 7:03 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I look quite grumpy in some of my childhood photos, and I remember why. StoryStorm idea on the way!
January 27, 2023 at 7:26 pm
Diane M.
I love how you’re upcoming stories were all inspired by memories. You suggested recalling neighbors, and one instantly came to mind. Thanks. You also having me thinking more about sensory details. Such good stuff.
January 27, 2023 at 8:31 pm
Hollie Wolverton
I got a wonderful story from the memory of a childhood photo, which when I went looking for I couldn’t find! Oh well…the story is one of my favorites regardless.
January 27, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Pencil First writing &. editing
I like the idea of creating an album for story prompts. Your memories are lovely.
January 27, 2023 at 8:58 pm
Melissa McDaniel
Thank you!
January 27, 2023 at 9:32 pm
Sasha
Thank you for sharing, Marzieh. Your mentioning of your father touched my heart.
January 27, 2023 at 10:15 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Great idea! Thank you
January 27, 2023 at 10:31 pm
Dani Duck
I love your story, Marzieh. I have a few photos I can flip through, but not many. I do have one fantastic idea from my childhood that I will make into a MG novel one day. The only thing that’s stopping me is that I need to plan it out and I’m in the middle of a few other novels. It’s going to be amazing when I work on it! Hopefully I can find more ideas from my past as well.
January 27, 2023 at 11:06 pm
calliebdean
Wonderful post, Marzieh! Thank you!
January 27, 2023 at 11:14 pm
claireannette1
Such great suggestions, Marzieh! I really like your idea to make a phone album for “story prompts.” Thanks for sharing your memories.
January 27, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Cynthia Ning
Hi Marzieh,
Thank you for sharing such special photos from your childhood! The smiles and colours is so joyful to see in children and I hope to print and save photos of my son to show him when he is older.
Like you, I have also taken inspiration from my childhood to form my stories and I find that there is always warmth and love that it brings and conveys my emotions in an honest and gentle way.
Congratulations on your book releases!
Day 25 ideas down.
Cynthia x
January 27, 2023 at 11:32 pm
Debbie Meyer
I love the story of your Dupatta and your father. What a sweet man. Congratulations on your book releases!!
January 28, 2023 at 12:02 am
srkckass
I enjoyed reading about your experiences and how you’ve found a way to transform this into a PB. Congratulations!
January 28, 2023 at 1:39 am
Mary Beth Rice
Your stories sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read them!
January 28, 2023 at 2:01 am
Echo Roben
Marzieh, awe-samosas is my new favorite word, I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the beautiful memory mining ideas.
January 28, 2023 at 2:32 am
Toni Weeks
I never thought about using old photos to generate ideas, but you’re right–that’s a potent source. Thanks for this post!
January 28, 2023 at 3:07 am
Lisa Billa
Wonderful memories and stories! Congrats on your upcoming books, and I look forward to reading about your sweet samosas!
January 28, 2023 at 3:52 am
Maria Marshall
It is interesting to mine old photos of your own or even your parents/grandparents. Thanks for the reminder to get out those old photo albums!
January 28, 2023 at 6:29 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the plethora of practical ideas.
January 28, 2023 at 7:41 am
Jamie Bills
I love the idea of keeping story prompt photos.
January 28, 2023 at 8:35 am
mbhmaine
There are lots of great ideas here! Your prompts reminded me about a nasty neighbor from my childhood who might be just the right spark for a story. (Also, I’m a bit (totally!) distracted while writing this because all I can think about now is coconut samosas. What!?! Any chance of getting that recipe? I’m off to google !!!)
January 28, 2023 at 8:55 am
Jane Baskwill
Marzieh, photos from childhood are a great way to spark ideas for stories.
January 28, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Sarah Meade
Lovely post and great advice here. I’m looking forward to reading both of your upcoming books. Congratulations, Marzieh, and thanks for the post!
January 28, 2023 at 1:04 pm
tinefg
Thank You Marzieh! I love shooting quirky photos in campy gift shops and at fairs and markets (especially while travelling), I’ll have to round them all up and start a visual file of story prompts. Congratulations on your upcoming release.
January 28, 2023 at 1:06 pm
Robin Perkins
I also having a place where I keep visual story prompts, but I never thought about exploring scent memories as a source. Lovely idea!
January 28, 2023 at 1:38 pm
Shirley
Congratulations on your stories and thank you for this post!
January 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Cassie Bentley
I like the idea of using childhood memories as prompts. My father was a storyteller. I hope to be as good as he was. Thank you and congratulations.
January 28, 2023 at 2:06 pm
Srividhya Venkat
Love this post…thanks for reiterating the importance of one of the greatest treasures we hold in our lives – childhood memories. And congratulations on your beautiful books!
January 28, 2023 at 2:52 pm
Melissa Hastings
I will definitely be moving some images to a “Story Prompts” file.
January 28, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Karen Gebbia
super interesting post – thank you! I especially like the reminder to draw upon all of our senses, not just sight, and the way that seeing a photo can help tap into the other senses and feelings
January 28, 2023 at 4:52 pm
Adriana Gutierrez
Childhood memories are the best. I came up with two ideas from your post. Thank you!
January 28, 2023 at 5:06 pm
Helen Lysicatos
My mom has so many pictures from our childhood. I cant wait to sift thru them and become inspired. Thank you for motivating post.
January 28, 2023 at 5:18 pm
Abby Wooldridge
I loved hearing the inspiration behind your story. How special that your dad held your grandma’s dupatta–and the memory of her–close. Certain scents still remind me of my grandma. I treasure the memories I have of her. Thank you for inspiring us to use all our senses to mine our memories. Congratulations on your book!
January 28, 2023 at 5:50 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
(Oops… I think I accidentally posted my comment on a different day! But here it is:) oh my GOSH! Why haven’t I thought of creating a photo album called Story Prompts? I always take photos of things I think would make a good story, but then I inevitably lose them. Genius!
January 28, 2023 at 6:32 pm
Wendy
Thank you for the reminder that the little things around us can be big ideas.
January 28, 2023 at 7:26 pm
Viviane Elbee
Wonderful post. Looking forward to reading your books
January 28, 2023 at 7:36 pm
Aimee Hiura
This is a great story. Thanks for sharing!
January 28, 2023 at 7:43 pm
Ali V. (they/them)
Beautiful inspiration. Thank you.
January 28, 2023 at 8:41 pm
Jennifer Lu
Thank you for sharing this sweet memory!
January 28, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Aimee Larke
Trips down memory lane. Thank you for the inspiration!
January 28, 2023 at 9:43 pm
Ana Kelly
I love looking at old childhood photos and this adds another layer. Thank you!
January 28, 2023 at 10:39 pm
Brian Gonsar
AWE-SAMOSAS…what a great name. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2023 at 3:45 am
Angela Turner
This post was just lovely
January 29, 2023 at 10:31 am
jenwritespbs
Thank you and what a great way to spark ideas by looking at family photos. I love how just a snapshot of a moment in time can bring back so many memories and emotions. Congratulations on your book!
January 29, 2023 at 11:19 am
Jennie H
Thank you for the wonderful ideas!
January 29, 2023 at 1:47 pm
nlcardenas
Great idea to mine photo memories (and organize them). I can’t wait to read your book and try the recipe (maybe)!
January 29, 2023 at 1:55 pm
Pradeep Velugubantla
Awesome!! Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thank you for the post.
January 29, 2023 at 3:25 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thank you for sharing!
January 29, 2023 at 4:29 pm
Carmen Castillo Gilbert
Marzieh, thanks so much for your inspiring words. I’m originally from Panama and now you’ve given me the great idea and motivation to take pics of possible story prompts when I visit Panama next. Appreciate your help!
January 29, 2023 at 4:57 pm
Ben Telford (@BenDoesBooks)
Thanks for sharing 🙂
January 29, 2023 at 5:47 pm
Laura
I am the third child and I have a small stack only. But–I am off to go find them!
January 29, 2023 at 5:56 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thanks for reminding me to mine my photo albums (childhood and current) for memories and story ideas. (And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the title of your 2024 book: AWE-SAMOSAS! I can’t wait to read it!)
January 29, 2023 at 6:24 pm
sylviaichen
Love this so much, especially the visual prompts, so good. Thank you!!
January 29, 2023 at 6:50 pm
Elise Teichert
Your post provided so many inspirations for me based on old and recent memories: The sick day tray used by my mother when my 5 siblings and I were sick that I used for my own children when they were sick. Another idea: I just remembered based on your comments about about how scents can inspire a story idea! If I’m so lucky as to be able to speak with you I’ll share that idea.
January 29, 2023 at 7:25 pm
Kris Hamblin
I’m excited to see your new book.
January 29, 2023 at 7:41 pm
Mary
Marzieh, What a heart-felt story based on memories of your grandma and your dad. Very sweet.
January 29, 2023 at 8:19 pm
Karen Lawler
Memories are always a treat to visit. I loved the ones you shared with us!
January 29, 2023 at 8:27 pm
Scott Wolf
Thank you for sharing some of your treasured memories. Lots of great PB material there–and in all of us. Thanks for reminding us of that.
January 29, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Karen Lawler
My mom sewed as well. Thanks for bringing some memories up for me. 🙂
January 29, 2023 at 10:18 pm
syorkeviney
Marzieh, we learn through words, images, photos and books that the world is a small but wonderful place. Thank you for sharing your childhood memories with us!
January 29, 2023 at 10:45 pm
Lisa M. Horn
Great inspiration! I recently started organizing my pictures into plastic containers. I never realized how many photos I had! Now I can’t wait to finish my organizing project while looking for more story ideas!
January 30, 2023 at 1:43 am
jessaroux
I have so much fun using photos as story prompts! And those coconut samosas sound amazing!
January 30, 2023 at 3:31 am
GOades-Sese
Thank you for sharing a wonderful story generating technique! Photos certainly captures many words to fill a blank page. Congratulations on 2 new books! I can’t wait to read them!!!
January 30, 2023 at 3:51 am
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
Now I’m hungry for imagined sweet samosas! Memories are what influence the type of story I write, even when I’m not consciously putting them into a story. Some were fun but a lot were sad or anxiety causing, and I find this often turns into stories where a character is losing in some way, or literally losing or has lost their friend or acting family and through story I find ways for the happy outcome. But I’ll look again to see what details I may be missing, because character quirks make stories more interesting to me. I’ve been considering already how to focus more on this in an authentic way.
January 30, 2023 at 9:27 am
Claudine Pullen
Oh my gosh sweet samosas, yum. They sound delicious. Thank you for sharing. This sparked a few memories for me.
January 30, 2023 at 10:00 am
Mara K Lansky
Womderful!
January 30, 2023 at 11:17 am
Angela H. Dale
Mining the memories – thanks.
January 30, 2023 at 12:15 pm
allyenz
I love your old photos! So much of this resonated with me–the scent memories, using photos as inspiration. Now you also have me dreaming of sweet somasas. Yum!
January 30, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Angela De Groot
I love samosas and can’t wait to read AWE-SAMOSAS! Thanks for sharing your process and showing us how to mine our memories and use photos as story prompts.
January 30, 2023 at 1:31 pm
Scott Wolf
Thank you for sharing your memories and encouraging us to do likewise.
January 30, 2023 at 1:33 pm
pjaegly
Great ideas – I’m digging out my childhood photo albums and hope ideas are sparked.
January 30, 2023 at 2:53 pm
colleenrkosinski
Lovely memories!
January 30, 2023 at 3:54 pm
nowthattherestime281137688
Thank you for the inspirational post! I love the idea of pulling story ideas from old photo albums!
January 30, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Great post, Marzieh Abbas! Loved reading how you mined your memories by looking at childhood photo albums! Thank you!
January 30, 2023 at 7:49 pm
Amy Newbold
Great post! Thank you. I love the idea of mining memories and of creating a visual of story ideas.
January 30, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Brinton Culp
The idea about using your pics as prompts is great! I’m excited to delve into my photos and see what inspires. Thanks!
January 30, 2023 at 11:06 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thanks for the inspiration to mine memories!
January 30, 2023 at 11:31 pm
calepage
Wonderful!!
January 31, 2023 at 1:50 am
madisu2021
Thank you, Marzieh, I knew so little before I began your article. I’m intrigued to learn more.
January 31, 2023 at 3:09 am
deniseganley
I’m feeling inspired to go look at old family photos and find those memories and story kernels. Thanks!
January 31, 2023 at 6:35 am
Ali Oxtoby
Dip into childhood memories. Another fab idea!
January 31, 2023 at 8:28 am
topangamaria
Your memories have served you well. Your books look amazing.
January 31, 2023 at 9:13 am
Kelly Vavala
I love your back history and the story of your quirky grandma with the scarf! Memories make a perfect idea for books because we’ve been through it and can share our experiences, good or bad! Can’t wait to see what these Somosas are! I wish you all the best! I hear Dubai is beautiful. My friend lives there! I will follow you on social media!
January 31, 2023 at 9:50 am
Jane Dippold
Childhood memories and visual memories are a great place to search for ideas! Thank you -Congratulations on your new books!
January 31, 2023 at 10:24 am
elizabethdaghfal
Love the suggestion of story ideas from our pictures. That opens up all sorts of brainstorming—and great memories of laughs 🤣🥰
January 31, 2023 at 10:34 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Following on IG right now…
January 31, 2023 at 11:02 am
Jacqueline Adams
I love the idea of using scent to tap into memories. Thanks for all of your terrific suggestions!
January 31, 2023 at 11:05 am
Susan F Good
Photographs bring back wonderful memories. Thank you for the reminder.
January 31, 2023 at 11:28 am
Anne Young
Photgraphs of my children might be a well-spring too. Thank you.
January 31, 2023 at 1:15 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Those sweet samosas sound, and look, delicious. I often use visual story prompts too.
January 31, 2023 at 1:29 pm
Lucy Staugler
Marzieh,
I love your post about using photos and your senses to find a story. Really taps into the emotions!
Thank you!!
Lucy
January 31, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Sue (Susan Uhlig) (she/her) (@susanuhlig)
A photo of myself popped into mind as I read this post.
January 31, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Marilyn Wolpin
Great post, Marzieh. Now if I could only remember my childhood. Thanks
January 31, 2023 at 1:56 pm
Joanne Roberts
I hope your book includes the recipe for her sweet samosas! yummmm
January 31, 2023 at 2:07 pm
Clement, Laura
Lovely post. Thank you.
January 31, 2023 at 2:28 pm
Johanna Peyton
Photo memories are such treasures. Thank you for sharing yours.
January 31, 2023 at 2:56 pm
amomnextdoor
Creating a “Story Idea” album in Photos TODAY. Why didn’t I think of this before? Now I have a place to put all the random photos I save…and an excuse to go scrolling. Thank you.
January 31, 2023 at 5:59 pm
Melissa Stoller
Hi Marzieh – thanks for a great post! I love the idea of keeping a story prompts photo folder! I’m so happy for you and your upcoming books!! Congratulations!
January 31, 2023 at 7:37 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Great post! You know I love your books, Marzieh! A story prompt photo folder is a great idea! Thanks!
January 31, 2023 at 7:44 pm
Corey King
OMG, how have I not thought of this? I have tons of pictures to go through!! Thanks 🙂
January 31, 2023 at 7:52 pm
Amanda
I’m always up for a stroll down Memory Lane!…Sometimes old photos bring back memories Long forgotten that suddenly feel like just yesterday.
January 31, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Alexis_Bookdragon
I loved hearing your memories.
January 31, 2023 at 11:49 pm
Jocelyn Rish
I can’t concentrate on story ideas because all I want to do is try a sweet samosa!😆
January 31, 2023 at 11:53 pm
Christine M. Irvin
Thanks for sharing your memories and your story ideas.
January 31, 2023 at 11:53 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Samosas look DELICIOUS!!
February 1, 2023 at 1:12 am
Megan McNamara
I like the idea of an album full of “Story Prompts!”
February 1, 2023 at 1:40 am
amandalittleauthor
I loved this! It gave me an idea for a favorite picture of my mom and me.
February 1, 2023 at 1:40 pm
LaurenKerstein
I love the idea of moving photos into a story prompt folder. I can’t wait to read your beautiful books!
February 1, 2023 at 3:33 pm
hcvagley
Love this idea. Thank you.
February 1, 2023 at 6:47 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Those samosas do look awesome! Congratulations!
February 1, 2023 at 7:31 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Made a list of words to mine. The “Story Prompts” archive is a great idea. Thanks, Marzieh.
February 1, 2023 at 8:14 pm
Erik Ammon
Yes! I started flipping through my childhood memories for ideas a couple years ago, and have a couple MSs that I keep going back to 🙂
February 1, 2023 at 11:23 pm
EmilyKeifer
I love your idea of mining childhood memories!
February 1, 2023 at 11:26 pm
Kristin Sawyer
I love the idea for a Story Prompts category of phone photos. Great and simple idea!
February 2, 2023 at 12:21 am
Kari Lavelle
I need an AWE-SAMOSAS stat! I love savory samosas too and now I’m super craving this sweet version too. Thank you for the inspiration to mine our memories!
February 2, 2023 at 1:30 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
Story prompt photo folder – love it!
February 2, 2023 at 2:30 am
Karan Greene
Stories inspired by our childhood memories are really special! Thanks for sharing!
February 2, 2023 at 11:25 am
Kaela Parkhouse
Great ideas!
February 2, 2023 at 11:43 am
dedradavis
I love a story prompts file in my photos! Doing it! Thank you, and congratulations!
February 2, 2023 at 1:53 pm
Jes Trudel
Not sure if I’m too late to comment. Every year I forget to comment on all the posts. I’ll post late this year and hope for the best. 🙂 Thanks for a great month Tara and guests!
February 2, 2023 at 2:04 pm
kaleegwarjanski
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!
February 2, 2023 at 2:39 pm
Michele Helsel
What sweet memories!
February 2, 2023 at 7:05 pm
juliannahelt
Great ideas! Thanks!
February 2, 2023 at 10:36 pm
Jennifer Vose
Marzieh, I so enjoyed hearing the rich stories from your life. So
beautiful and vivid! You’re so right that our own memories can be sparks
for great story ideas. Even the littlest, most random memory may have a
story in it – so I think it’s all about not minimizing our experiences
and being open to the story possibilities that might unfold with a
little bit of creativity and brainstorming.
February 3, 2023 at 1:34 am
Susie Sawyer
Thank you, Marzieh! I love the idea of turning to photos for inspiration, as well as purposefully taking photos as story prompts and saving them on your phone. Congratulations on your publishing success!
February 4, 2023 at 10:00 am
marias62
Oh I love your “Story Prompts” album! I am inspired and will do that too! Thanks!
February 6, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Ruthie Nicklaus
Great ideas, thank you.
February 8, 2023 at 10:40 pm
jaimegpetru
I’m already starting to come up with many ideas from memories! Thank you!