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Storystorm 2023 Day 31: It’s Tammi Sauer’s Favorite Time of Year

January 31, 2023 8:00 am

by Tammi Sauer

What is my favorite part about January?

The cold? Nope.

The snow? Nope.

A month-long storm?! ABSOLUTELY.

Storystorm is just the push I need to generate a pile of picture book ideas. Most of my ideas will be terrible, but THAT’S OKAY. If I manage to come up with even one Really Good Idea, I call that a success.

One way to come up with a potentially Really Good Idea is to start with a character.

A character can be just about anything. A child. A toaster. A yeti named Bob.

Once you have a character in mind, gently ask that character The Question:

“Hey, pal. What’s bothering you?”

Many of my books star characters who are bothered by something. I think kids like these books and the characters in them because being bothered by something is a pretty relatable experience.

In KNOCK KNOCK, illustrated by Guy Francis, a bear named Harry is bothered by the fact his friends keep interrupting his attempt at hibernation.

In NO BUNNIES HERE!, illustrated by Ross Burach, the main bunny is bothered by the worry a wolf wants to gobble him and his bunny friends all up.

In MAKING A FRIEND, illustrated by Alison Friend, Beaver is bothered by the fact he has difficulty making a friend.

In NOT NOW, COW, illustrated by Troy Cummings, Rooster is bothered by the fact Cow cannot get on board with the seasons.

***Keep in mind that not all main characters will have a problem or a want, but many do.***

Now, since January and Storystorm are coming to a close, you might already have a ridiculously big pile of ideas. Gold star for you! Even so, I want to challenge you to add just a few more to the mix. Maybe one of these will end up being a Really Good Idea.

Homework:

• Jot down a list of three characters.
• Ask each of these characters The Question.

Extra Credit:

Grab a fresh batch of books from the bookstore or library. Pay attention to the main character. Are any of these main characters dealing with a problem or wanting something? Jot down that problem or want. Maybe someone wants a pet squash. Maybe someone is a zombie who’s looking for love. Maybe someone is an avocado having an existential crisis. Keep in mind that reading—and analyzing!—other people’s books are two great ways to inspire you to write books of your own.

Tammi Sauer, a former teacher and library media specialist, is a full-time children’s book author who presents at schools and conferences across the country. She has 35 published picture books, including her two latest, MARY HAD A LITTLE PLAN and THE UNDERPANTS. Tammi’s books have received awards, earned starred reviews, made lists, been developed into musicals, and been translated into many different languages. Most importantly, kids really like her books! To learn more about Tammi and her books, please visit TammiSauer.com and follow her on Twitter at @SauerTammi and Instagram at @tammisauer.

Tammi is offering THREE things! She’s so nice!

• Thing 1: a copy of THE UNDERPANTS (Scholastic Press), illustrated by Joren Cull
• Thing 2: a copy of MARY HAD A LITTLE PLAN (Union Square Kids), illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
• Thing 3: a picture book critique

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.

BONUS! READ TAMMI’S STORYSTORM TIPS FROM YEARS PAST!

• PiBoIdMo 2011
• PiBoIdMo 2012
• PiBoIdMo 2013
• PiBoIdMo 2014
• PiBoIdMo 2015
• Storystorm 2017
• Storystorm 2018
• Storystorm 2020
• Storystorm 2022

* Tara has invited Tammi to post every year because Tammi was the first author to say “yes” to guest posting when PiBoIdMo/Storystorm began a dozen years ago (when Tara was unpublished and many people did not return her emails then). Tara owes Tammi BIG TIME.

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2023

Tags: Alison Friend, Guy Francis, Joren Cull, Knock Knock, Making a Friend, MARY HAD A LITTLE PLAN, NO BUNNIES HERE, Ross Burach, Tammi Sauer, THE UNDERPANTS, Troy Cummings, Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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701 Responses to “Storystorm 2023 Day 31: It’s Tammi Sauer’s Favorite Time of Year”

1. What a great way to end the Storystorm! Thank you and have a great day

   By sburdorf on January 31, 2023 at 8:02 am

2. Your post is as inspiring as your workshops!

   By Laura on January 31, 2023 at 8:08 am

3. Thank you for this terrific idea!

   By Viviane Elbee on January 31, 2023 at 8:10 am

4. Thank you for the ideas! Thinking of characters now…

   By Evelyn Day on January 31, 2023 at 8:11 am

5. Thanks for sharing a simple but effective way to get the ideas flowing.

   By Ben Telford (@BenDoesBooks) on January 31, 2023 at 8:11 am

   1. Thank you so much for the fabulous post, Tammi. I have characters with problems! Hooray! I’m looking forward to my homework. It is funny how changing one little thing (i.e. asking the question) as I read can be so inspiring. Heading off to buy more books…lol. -Lori Laniewski

      By ljtouche on January 31, 2023 at 10:01 pm

   2. What a great exercise! Here is a character/problem- authors who are SO sad that storystorm is over! 😉Thanks so much for this inspo!

      By Amy Mucci on January 31, 2023 at 10:43 pm

6. Great tips…I’ll be heading to the library today. Thank you, Tammi!

   By Penelope McNally on January 31, 2023 at 8:12 am

7. Great advice, as always!

   By michelemeleen on January 31, 2023 at 8:12 am

8. What a great way to generate a few more ideas for the list! Just read Making a Friend to my kinders and they loved it!

   By Andrea Mack on January 31, 2023 at 8:12 am

9. GREAT advice here – thanks!!

   By Rebecca Norris Resnick on January 31, 2023 at 8:12 am

10. Thank you for the post; I love this simple method!

    By Lauren Barbieri on January 31, 2023 at 8:13 am

11. What a great way to end the month—my favorite picture book author! Thanks, Tammi Sauer:) I didn’t want this month to end, but I know it’s time to focus on a few ideas and have a different kind of fun. Thanks, Tara, for making a storm of ideas possible.
    Gail Hartman

    By thecrowsmap on January 31, 2023 at 8:13 am

12. Thanks for the tips…I’ll be heading to the library today. Thank you, Tammi!

    By Penelope McNally on January 31, 2023 at 8:13 am

13. Tammi, thank you for being such a consistent contributor to Storystorm! Clearly your advice is something we should all follow. Congratulations on all of your marvelous stories!

    By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 31, 2023 at 8:14 am

14. Super tips, as always, Tammi – off to do my homework. Thanks for sharing (and offering such generous prizes!)

    By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 31, 2023 at 8:15 am

15. The best person to finish off Storystorm 2023! I’m still in awe after hearing you present at a conference last year. Thank you for the fun exercise to close out this month long storm. I’m excited to hear what my characters tell me and how we can help them solve their problems 🙂

    By Sarah Blotevogel on January 31, 2023 at 8:15 am

16. Thank you, Tammi. Great post! I like your advice. Instead of asking my auntie or next-door neighbor what my story needs…ask the main character. Makes sence, to me.
    Mark

    By Mark Bentz on January 31, 2023 at 8:15 am

17. Your books look so fun, Tammi! Thank you so much, this is a great idea and a fun exercise to get those last ideas flowing for the month.

    By Laura Wippell on January 31, 2023 at 8:16 am

18. Thanks for the humorous post! Reading it was a great way to begin my day because you, Tammi, are one of my very favorite authors. Soon I’ll begin my homework & I’ll asking my characters what is bothering them. Can’t wait to read your newest books!

    By Alice Fulgione on January 31, 2023 at 8:18 am

19. You are the queen of great characters, Tammi! Going to be asking all my characters The Question. Thank you for this post…it’s a fantastic way to end Storystorm!!

    By Judy Bryan on January 31, 2023 at 8:20 am

20. What a great post, Tammi! Thank you. ❤️

    By Candace Spizzirri on January 31, 2023 at 8:21 am

21. Oooh I like this suggestion!

    By Kelly Lee on January 31, 2023 at 8:21 am

22. Thanks for such a terrific idea! And congratulations on your many, many books (and hopefully more to come)!

    By erinquill8 on January 31, 2023 at 8:23 am

23. Love this advice. SO easy to do and sounds really fun. Thank you, Tammi!

    By midfreeman on January 31, 2023 at 8:24 am

24. Thanks for the inspiration! Snow day here, so I have a little more time to write!

    By lsheroan on January 31, 2023 at 8:24 am

25. Going to start asking my characters what’s bothering them and try to get in their heads. As always, a great inspirational post! Thank you!

    By rebeccacolby on January 31, 2023 at 8:26 am

26. Wow, impressive so simple yet soooo fun, great concept. Thank you!

    By Laurie Fishero on January 31, 2023 at 8:27 am

27. Thanks, Tammi! I always seem to get ideas for premises, but not for characters. Going to look back through this year’s story ideas to see who I can meet and what they have to tell me.

    By Laura Purdie Salas on January 31, 2023 at 8:27 am

28. Thank you for this wonderful end to Storystorm! I’m looking forward to reading your previous years Storystorm posts one by one over the next few days as well to keep it going a bit because I’m so not ready for Storystorm to be over! This has been great! Thanks again for your helpful advice today!

    By Heather Skinner on January 31, 2023 at 8:28 am

29. This will be a fun prompt. Thanks for your post!

    By Russell Wolff on January 31, 2023 at 8:29 am

30. I love the titles and the puns! Thanks for the inspiration today.

    By Quenntis Ashby on January 31, 2023 at 8:30 am

31. Thank you for your dedication to Tara’s Really Good Idea from the very beginning. Congrats on your wonderful successes!

    By libbydemmon on January 31, 2023 at 8:30 am

32. I’m not bothered by these ideas at all.

    By Kathy Kelly on January 31, 2023 at 8:31 am

33. Thanks for this, and great question! It’s fun to think of characters and what could be bothering them. Excited to wrap up a successful Storystorm 2023 with your inspiration!

    By Jennifer on January 31, 2023 at 8:33 am

34. Thanks for a great month of tips!

    By Stefanie Hohl on January 31, 2023 at 8:35 am

35. Very practical! I can do this. What’s bothering my character? I’m going to ask this question of all my existing main characters and then come up with some new ones. Thanks, Tammi!

    By Linda Kay Chavez on January 31, 2023 at 8:37 am

36. This is a super valuable prompt. Off to bother some new characters. Thank you!

    By Jennifer Phillips on January 31, 2023 at 8:38 am

37. Young kids are often bothered by circumstances and people–great fodder for stories. Thanks for the tips!

    By Bevin Rolfs Spencer on January 31, 2023 at 8:38 am

38. Well I’m glad “Tara owes Tammi” lots if great posts each year!

    By Reed Hilton-Eddy on January 31, 2023 at 8:38 am

39. Great advice! Thank you!

    By Linda KulpTrout on January 31, 2023 at 8:39 am

    1. Thanks for the inspiration. Find a strong main character and gently ask “what’s your problem?” I look forward to the discovery process. See you next year.

       By lphunt on February 1, 2023 at 2:37 am

40. Thank you Tammi, for telling us the right question to ask your character, and it’s not, “Where is the bathroom?” (but it could be). This brightened up the sad day of Storystorm ending for another year. Thank you, Tara for all your work in creating a new Storystorm every January. I would love to help you out sometime in the future (next year?) Now it’s time to gather all the info and write new PB stories.

    By readmybook2002 on January 31, 2023 at 8:39 am

41. Thank you, Tammy, for the clear directions. Everyone can ask The Question. Looking forward to doing my homework today. : )

    By amyhouts on January 31, 2023 at 8:40 am

42. I always love & look forward to your posts, Tammi! Thanks for this strategy.

    By tinamcho on January 31, 2023 at 8:41 am

43. Yes! Thank you Tammi Sauer for this succinctly put parting question for our characters – “Hey Pal, What’s bothering you?” Hahaha. Perfect.

    By cbloomy on January 31, 2023 at 8:42 am

44. I love seeing your pile of titles grow! Kids do love your books. Thank your for posting. I love the brainstorming exercise.

    By Deena on January 31, 2023 at 8:42 am

45. Thanks Tammy for great inspiration!!!

    By Jany Campana on January 31, 2023 at 8:42 am

46. Great tradition, that annual invitation.

    Also, I like this backwards engineering (kind of). It really gets to/finds the heart of the story quickly.

    By cris at travelosopher on January 31, 2023 at 8:44 am

47. Great! Homework!

    By Kevin Treaccar on January 31, 2023 at 8:47 am

48. I love The Question. I’m going to start asking all of my MCs that. Thank you!

    By Tara Cerven on January 31, 2023 at 8:47 am

49. Ooooh, this is a fun way to go about. Going to add three new character ideas RIGHT NOW!

    By Emily Gilliam on January 31, 2023 at 8:48 am

50. Love the idea of starting with the character and asking that important question, “What’s bothering you?”

    By Kathryn LeRoy on January 31, 2023 at 8:49 am

51. Tammi, what a great way to wrap up Storm, “Hey pal, what’s bothering you?” Your books look like they’re a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to checking them out. Congrats too on making it as a full time children’s author – wowza!!!

    By Ann Driscoll on January 31, 2023 at 8:50 am

52. Thanks! I think I’m going to have a heart-to-heart with a couple characters. 🙂

    By Amita Snyder on January 31, 2023 at 8:50 am

53. Thank you for this post!

    By Holly on January 31, 2023 at 8:51 am

54. Thanks for the great exercise and tips!

    By rosecappelli on January 31, 2023 at 8:52 am

55. Thanks for a fresh take on getting our idea-generating muscles firing! Also, very cool that you’ve been doing this since the beginning–thank you!!

    By Erica Jensen Shiflet on January 31, 2023 at 8:52 am

56. Can’t wait to meet 3 new characters and discover what their problems are & how my words might bring about solutions – hopefully after 3 tries and loads of humor. Thanks, Tammi, for the helpful homework assignment!

    By ptnozell on January 31, 2023 at 8:52 am

    1. Thanks for the fun post!

       By Elizabeth Kalasinsky on February 1, 2023 at 2:29 am

57. This is a great strategy!

    By Sara Ackerman on January 31, 2023 at 8:53 am

58. Tammi, I love your books so much! Thank you for your pro tips and generous prizes!!!

    By Amy M. Miller on January 31, 2023 at 8:53 am

59. Brilliant!!!! Adding this question to my Storystorm tab 😉 thank you!!!

    By Alicia Meyers on January 31, 2023 at 8:54 am

60. I love this idea. I’ll probably be asking the question all day!

    By Melissa Johnston Miles on January 31, 2023 at 8:55 am

61. Thanks Tammi; off to have a chat with one prominent character.

    By ramonapersaudwrites on January 31, 2023 at 8:55 am

62. Thank you for this post! Such a simple but effective way to create a character-driven story.

    By Diana Murrell on January 31, 2023 at 8:57 am

63. Woohoo for characters! And woohoo for all of us making it through this months storm!

    By hannahannkrueger on January 31, 2023 at 8:57 am

64. You always have fabulous, new tips, Tammi. Thank you

    By mdk45 on January 31, 2023 at 8:57 am

65. I love the exercise of creating a character and ask the character what is bothering him/her. The character leads the story.

    By Karen on January 31, 2023 at 8:57 am

66. <

    div dir=”ltr”>Tammi, your posts are as relatab

    By Laura Renauld on January 31, 2023 at 8:59 am

67. Wow, Tammi! You’re a Storystorm encyclopedia! Thank you for the treasure trove of information and inspiration!

    By Karen Elise Finch (@nestofbooks) on January 31, 2023 at 9:01 am

68. Love the homework assignment — thank you!

    By elisederstine on January 31, 2023 at 9:02 am

69. Amazing, Tammi. I’ll be asking all my characters!

    By David McMullin on January 31, 2023 at 9:03 am

70. GREAT core question.

    By annmdk on January 31, 2023 at 9:03 am

71. Great homework assignment! I’ll get on it right away 🙂

    By mlyablonaolcom on January 31, 2023 at 9:04 am

72. Thanks so much for the homework idea, and thanks for all your support of Storystorm!

    By Daryl Gottier on January 31, 2023 at 9:04 am

73. Tammi, thank you! As always your positivity and enthusiasm shine through- got my 3 characters and their wants! Great post- happy writing!

    By Writer on the run on January 31, 2023 at 9:04 am

74. Awesome advice Tammi. A great idea that has great potential to generate amazing results.

    By Thelia Hutchinson on January 31, 2023 at 9:06 am

75. Love your books, Tammi, and have used some as mentor books. Just as you advise, study other authors’ books, and yours are a great study. Thank you for your tips and your books. 😉

    By gayleckrause on January 31, 2023 at 9:10 am

76. Start with a character and ask ‘what’s your problem?’

    By Ali Oxtoby on January 31, 2023 at 9:14 am

77. Great idea – I love all your books. I’m going to go to talk to my warthog! Orthodonture?

    By robincurrie1 on January 31, 2023 at 9:18 am

78. Your books are constant companions on my writing desk. Thanks for bringing us back to basics: a character with a problem.

    By Claire A. B. Freeland on January 31, 2023 at 9:19 am

79. I love the idea of asking a character what is bothering them. That’s such a great way to create tension and suspense, and of course, solving the problem is the book’s climax.

    By Leslie Piotrowski on January 31, 2023 at 9:21 am

80. Tammi ‘s books are terrific and so is her advice on creating characters that have something bothering them. Not only is it helpful to consider what is bothering your own characters but to analyze what is bothering characters in published books. Thanks for these practical tips!

    By kurtzmom548513 on January 31, 2023 at 9:23 am

81. Thank you, Tammi, for sharing your insights and very efficient prompt for developing a story for a MC. I’ll be busy implementing The Question to my ideas and WIPs.
    I always look forward to reading and implementing your advice–thanks for being such a consistent contributor to Storystorm! Congratulations on your many delightful stories and on-going PB success!

    Tara–A huge THANK YOU for all the time and effort you have invested to mentor and support the entire PB writing community for the past 12 years! It’s difficult to fully convey the depth of my appreciation and gratitude for the immeasurable benefits of the insights, wisdom and experiences that have been shared.

    By Lucretia Schafroth on January 31, 2023 at 9:23 am

82. Tammi, thanks so much! I can’t wait to go back and read your previous StoryStorm posts to see which ones I missed.

    By ritariebelmitchell on January 31, 2023 at 9:24 am

83. I love this!! Thanks so much, Tammi. Appreciate the opportunity. Thanks for a fabulous month again, Tara. You’re both an inspiration to us all.

    By Rosanna Montanaro on January 31, 2023 at 9:25 am

84. Another great day for inspiration. And homework! Thanks for bringing us into February, Tammi!

    By Maria Antonia on January 31, 2023 at 9:26 am

85. Thank you for the inspiration =)

    By Angel Gantnier on January 31, 2023 at 9:26 am

86. I always love your posts, Tammi! You’ve provided another great one. Such a simple question, but with so many wonderful possible answers. Thanks!

    By pathaap on January 31, 2023 at 9:27 am

87. Love this advice to start with a character and a question! And thank you for sharing past years advice—can’t wait to dig in!

    By Fern Glazer on January 31, 2023 at 9:28 am

88. Thanks so much for getting to the core of the PB problem, Tammi.
    Like Tara, you’re a picture book Queen ;-).

    By Andria Rosenbaum on January 31, 2023 at 9:28 am

89. Thank you for the fun assignment!

    By Krista Maxwell on January 31, 2023 at 9:29 am

90. This is such a useful exercise! Thank you! I love something implementable!

    By Amanda on January 31, 2023 at 9:29 am

91. Tammi, thanks for the post and the links to your former posts, you’ve shared so many great ideas and inspiration.

    By andreesantini on January 31, 2023 at 9:30 am

92. Tammi, I look forward to this every year. I’ll go back and read all of your previous years’ writeups. Thanks to all the wonderful people you selected to make this Storystorm a success! Best wishes to you in 2023.

    By Leslie Eva Tayloe on January 31, 2023 at 9:30 am

93. Wow, your success is something a prepublished author can only dream about. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your advice!

    By anchance on January 31, 2023 at 9:31 am

94. What a simple way to think about things! Much easier than deciding what the “heart” of your story should be. Let the MC tell you!

    By Hollie Wolverton on January 31, 2023 at 9:32 am

95. I love the characters and the problems they have that you came up with! Time to do some homework 🙂

    By Joan Swanson on January 31, 2023 at 9:33 am

96. Tammi, I look forward to this every year. I’ll go back and read all of the Storystorm writeups you did. Thanks to selecting all of the wonderful people who contributed and made this a successful January! Best wishes to you in 2023.

    By Leslie Eva Tayloe on January 31, 2023 at 9:33 am

97. Thank you, Tammi! It bothers me that I don’t have time enough today to read all of your past posts, but maybe this weekend? 🙂

    By millerritam on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 am

98. I love this! Thanks for sharing your clever angle. I will definitely be giving this a try!

    By Lenora Biemans (@BiemansLenora) on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 am

99. I’ve been a fangirl ever since I saw you at a SCBWI conference in 2017! Love your books and your energy, and I look forwards to your post every year.

    By Mirka on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 am

100. Yay, Tammi! I always get so much out of your Storystorm posts, and now I have links to all of them right here! 🙂 Thanks for all the inspiration over the years!

     By Sheri Dillard on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 am

101. Thanks for your suggestions. Sometimes asking a few of the right questions is the start of a good story.

     By Martha Hollenhorst on January 31, 2023 at 9:36 am

102. Wonderful, Tammi! Thank you.

     By Cynthia Grady on January 31, 2023 at 9:36 am

103. I love your post and the assigned homework! Thanks, Tammi.

     By Alison McGauley on January 31, 2023 at 9:36 am

104. Tammi no wonder you’ve had such success. Great tips! I’ve already asked myself some questions; made myself some notes. Yup, my natural impatience makes me a natural to write for children. It seems emotionally we have a lot in common ; )

     By Toni Miller on January 31, 2023 at 9:40 am

105. Thank you for the ideas, Tammi! And I loved the last lines about how you were the first author to say “yes” to the Storystorm blog!

     By stefsenn77yahoocom on January 31, 2023 at 9:41 am

106. Tammi, I am a huge fan of yours, but I guess you hear that pretty much every day. I read many of your books and use them as mentor texts because I don’t easily write funny stories (I gravitate towards the more lyrical, emotional side), and I would love to. I wrote a few; they are funny in my head but not on paper; so, I’ll study more. Thank you for your post and ideas.

     By ralucasirbu on January 31, 2023 at 9:41 am

107. I love how Tammi has been a regular poster—fantastic way to wrap up the month!

     By Susan Cabael on January 31, 2023 at 9:46 am

108. Thanks for your very specific and helpful post, Tammi! And for the prizes you’re offering. Congrats on all your books.

     By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 31, 2023 at 9:46 am

109. Loved the homework assignment. Went back over my list of ideas and asked the question. Gained new perspectives. Thanks.

     By jbdedwardscomcastnet on January 31, 2023 at 9:47 am

110. Yes! Thank you for this simple but profound piece of advice!

     By brennajeanneret on January 31, 2023 at 9:47 am

111. A lovely post Tammi.
     ‘The Question’ is such a simple, yet perfect way to go about things! Thank you.

     By Evelyn Bookless on January 31, 2023 at 9:51 am

112. Thank you Tammi for reminding us how important character is and getting to know your character.

     By Angela Martinelli on January 31, 2023 at 9:51 am

113. Thank you for your post!

     By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 31, 2023 at 9:53 am

114. What a fun homework assignment to finish off StoryStorm. Thanks!

     By Jenny Boyd on January 31, 2023 at 9:53 am

115. I’m such a fan of yours, Tammi! Thanks for giving us this little gem to move forward with our writing.

     By Andrea Elaine Denish on January 31, 2023 at 9:53 am

116. What an inspiring way to end Storystorm! Thanks so much, Tammi! 😊

     By Donna Rossman on January 31, 2023 at 9:54 am

117. Thanks for the fun exercise. I’m going to try that!

     By Kim A Larson on January 31, 2023 at 9:54 am

118. This has been a great storystorm! I’m planning to organize my bits of ideas from the month today, and I’ll try to ask them all “alright, pal – what do you want?”

     By Melissa L Lettis on January 31, 2023 at 9:58 am

119. Great post. Thank you!

     By Gregory E Bray on January 31, 2023 at 10:01 am

120. So obvious yet something o forget when generating my Storystorm list: main character and problem- lol!! Thank you!

     By Patricia Franz on January 31, 2023 at 10:02 am

121. Thanks, Tammi! Such a wealth of ideas and good advice. We made it!

     By SHARON LANGLEY on January 31, 2023 at 10:02 am

122. Great advice!

     By Brittany on January 31, 2023 at 10:02 am

123. Tammi, I love your books. Wordy Birdie is my daughter’s personality! Giggle! Thanks for adding your past storystorm posts. I’m delighted to binge read the posts on this rainy morning!

     By Lorraine on January 31, 2023 at 10:02 am

124. Will continually ask The Question! Sometimes it can be that simple.

     By Sallye O'Rourke on January 31, 2023 at 10:06 am

125. Your ideas are a wonderful way to end the month! Thanks

     By Leah Marks on January 31, 2023 at 10:07 am

126. Big fan of your books, Tammi! Thanks for the post!

     By Kelly Jaques on January 31, 2023 at 10:08 am

127. Thank you for your post and the wonderful prizes you are offering!

     By hansenjc13 on January 31, 2023 at 10:08 am

128. I will be asking that question today and seeing what kind of answers I can come up with.

     By Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman) on January 31, 2023 at 10:08 am

129. Tammi, thank you for sharing the way you generate PB ideas. So simple, yet effective. I tend to get caught up in the entirety of the story and get overwhelmed too quickly. I will try your approach 🙂

     By Kelley Smith on January 31, 2023 at 10:09 am

130. I so love this! Author Katie DiCamillo said, in a recent Picture Book Summit presentation that the author must always ask of others the question: What aileth thee? – ‘Hey, Pal. What’s bothering you?’ is a wonderfully refreshing variation. (And then you need to ask, ‘so what’s really bothering you?’ . . . so what’s REALLY REALLY bothering you?) Thank you for the inspiration!!

     By jnorland on January 31, 2023 at 10:10 am

131. Thanks for the practical suggestions! Great way to end StoryStorm.

     By Jessica Coupé on January 31, 2023 at 10:10 am

132. Just jotted down three characters and what worries them. Now I’m off to my local library to drop off and pick up more books! Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Kathleen Gauer on January 31, 2023 at 10:10 am

133. The character questions are such a good idea! I often have characters in thinking of but don’t quite know what to do with them. I love the idea of asking them questions and seeing what bubbles out.

     I’ve just jotted down my 31st idea.
     This was my first time participating in Storystorm and I’m so over the moon that I got through it!! I feel actually quite excited by a few of the ideas I’ve come up with.

     Thank you so much for putting this on!

     By Elia Murray on January 31, 2023 at 10:11 am

134. Thanks for a great advice. I’ll ask The Question to my characters and see how it leads the way. Thanks!

     By Aimee Hiura on January 31, 2023 at 10:11 am

135. Tammi, thank you. And Tara, too! About ten years ago I used to get you two confused because both your names begin with T. Guess I’ve learned a thing or two.
     Congratulations on all your many books! Just thinking that every time a PB writer gets a book deal, an illustrator does, too.

     By Natasha on January 31, 2023 at 10:12 am

136. What terrific ideas and a great way to end Storystorm! I will definitely read old posts. Looking forward to reading your books!

     By GOades-Sese on January 31, 2023 at 10:13 am

137. Gold star for Tammi, Tara and all the successful Storystormers! Congratulations!

     By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 31, 2023 at 10:14 am

138. Great exercise – simple & powerful. Thank you so much!

     By Monty Harper on January 31, 2023 at 10:14 am

139. What a way to end the month! I LOOOOVE your humor, Tammi! Thanks for the tip.

     By Lisa Chow on January 31, 2023 at 10:15 am

140. Great way to end storystorm 2023!!! Loved all the posts this month. And yesterday I went to my local library and got my picture book haul… and thought of an idea for a character who is bothered by something. A few of mine actually do too.

     By effiekoliopoulos on January 31, 2023 at 10:20 am

141. The perfect post to wrap up this year’s Storystorm! Thank you, Tammi!

     By Midge Smith on January 31, 2023 at 10:20 am

142. Thanks for an effective way to develop a character.

     By ET Charles on January 31, 2023 at 10:20 am

143. This is a wonderful concept to use for getting started in a story. A lot of times I get an idea and start writing, so I will definitely use this. I have enjoyed this month – my first time doing this, and it has been very inspirational.

     By Pamela S Swanson on January 31, 2023 at 10:23 am

144. Tammi- I absolutely love your books!! What a great way to end the month. Thanks for this simple, but super helpful advice. I am going to go dive into my library pile.

     By Jamie Bills on January 31, 2023 at 10:24 am

145. Thank you, Tammie! Great suggestions.
     And thank you, Tara for organizing this event! This is my second year being signed up, but my first year really taking part. It has really helped to stir up my imagination!

     By Charlene Patton on January 31, 2023 at 10:24 am

146. As always, Tammi, you bring it. Thanks for the inspiration. Your idea helped me come out with one more idea (maybe more!).

     By Becki Kidd on January 31, 2023 at 10:24 am

147. Thanks Tammi, Thanks for your ideas and inspiration. I will try your question. A huge thank you to Tara and all the other contributors to StoryStorm. I look forward to this all year.

     By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 31, 2023 at 10:24 am

148. This post actually reminds me of a webinar I recently attended in which they shared your book, Me Want Pet, and talked about how you thought about what a real person wanted – a pet – and made it sensationally more appealing by putting a cave boy spin on it. It’s one of my kids’ (and my) favorite books now, and super inspirational! Thank you!

     By Liz Lazar on January 31, 2023 at 10:25 am

149. Thank you for this inspiring post. And wow, you are wicked prolific! That is inspiring too!

     By Elizabeth Meyer zu Heringdorf on January 31, 2023 at 10:27 am

150. Thanks for wrapping up Storystorm!
     ~ Cheryl Johnson

     By jumpbaby on January 31, 2023 at 10:29 am

151. Great way to develop a character and a story to surround them with. Love your books!
     —Thanks for a great month Storystorm!—

     By Jane Dippold on January 31, 2023 at 10:30 am

152. Tammi, it’s my hope that Harry will return in a sequel. 🤩

     By Joyce Uglow on January 31, 2023 at 10:33 am

153. We LOVE The Underpants book! Also, great exercise. I came up with 3 characters and their bothers. I never thought of looking at it that way.

     By J. Brianne Jahn on January 31, 2023 at 10:34 am

154. NO WONDER Tara asks you every single year, Tammi! Your advice is simply perfect to round out the month. (And I went to Twitter to follow you – and can’t stop laughing at your pinned tweet!) I will definitely do my homework of discovering problems of characters as well as read all the posts you’ve done for Tara over the years and follow you from now on. Incredibly grateful for the inspiration! 👠❤️📚

     By Jennifer Mills Barnes on January 31, 2023 at 10:34 am

155. What a great Storystorm month it’s been!

     By MikAdventures on January 31, 2023 at 10:34 am

156. Thank you so much, Tammi!

     By Nicole Loos Miller on January 31, 2023 at 10:35 am

157. I can see why you’re invited back to post every year. Great ideas! “Hey, pal, what’s bothering you?” is such a good question for every scene and every situation—and often to care about the people around us as well! Thank you for ending this special month so well.

     By elizabethdaghfal on January 31, 2023 at 10:36 am

158. Love this idea! Thanks so much!

     By Cheryl Coate on January 31, 2023 at 10:37 am

159. Tammi is simply amazing and one of my all time favorite authors! I will do my homework AFTER requesting all of her new books from my library!

     By Melissa Trempe on January 31, 2023 at 10:37 am

160. What a great post to wrap up this inspiring month. Thank you Tammi! I love your books so any idea of yours, is a good one!

     By Cheryl Simon (@cmsimon18) on January 31, 2023 at 10:38 am

161. Wow! Thank you for being such a Storystorm star! Not only this years but…So many years of advice. Your books look fab and inspiring Thank you 🥰 xxx I am beavering away today, at drawing one of my new characters yay (47 ideas so far and still going) I think Storystorm is also now, my fabourite January thing 😁

     By Jeanette on January 31, 2023 at 10:41 am

162. Thanks for sharing. I needed a new way to think about that inciting incident, a way to make it real for the character and for the reader. My brain is now tingling with possibilities.

     By Susan Jobsky on January 31, 2023 at 10:41 am

163. Great idea, Tammi. I’m reviewing my own MS’s too to see if I asked the Question. I love your books!

     By Arlene Schenker on January 31, 2023 at 10:42 am

164. Thank you! Memorable characters definitely make some of the most memorable books, of course.

     By jasmithwriter on January 31, 2023 at 10:42 am

165. Thank you and congrats on all your successes.

     By Jeremy Simmons on January 31, 2023 at 10:43 am

166. Thank you, Tammi, for today’s post and for adding your former ones. I plan to read them all today! I love mining ideas. Storystorm never fails.

     By Lynn McCracken on January 31, 2023 at 10:44 am

167. Great advice, as always, Tammi! Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

     By kirstenbockblog on January 31, 2023 at 10:44 am

168. I always love your Storystorm posts, Tammi– and your books too of course! I appreciate the advice here to ask each character the question. Thank you, thank you! And thank you, Tara!

     By Sarah Meade on January 31, 2023 at 10:45 am

169. Love this idea! Need to go back and take a look at my lists from previous years as well. Thank you! Love your books!

     By Megan Whitaker on January 31, 2023 at 10:45 am

170. Thank you, Tammi. I look forward to reading all your former posts today! Always and inspiration!

     By Lynn McCracken on January 31, 2023 at 10:48 am

171. I have a few characters who definitely need me to ask them this question!

     By beckylevine on January 31, 2023 at 10:50 am

172. If authors could be knighted, Tammi and Tara would be the Dames of PB! Tammi is amazing! I got to meet her once and she is truly humble and inspiring. Tara and Tammi make a killer PB combo!

     By Angie B. on January 31, 2023 at 10:50 am

173. I always teach – interview your character – asking questions makes for great story content!

     By Sandra Wilson on January 31, 2023 at 10:51 am

174. What’s bothering you? I will ask all of my characters in turn and see who comes up with the most intriguing answer. Thank you!

     By Shelley Isaacson on January 31, 2023 at 10:51 am

175. Love this assignment–> a character and a “Hey, pal. What’s bothering you?” Sounds like a great prompt to start today and continue with. Thanks!

     By Diane Mittler on January 31, 2023 at 10:54 am

176. Thanks for continuing to inspire writers with such fun posts!

     By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 31, 2023 at 10:54 am

177. Hooray for closing out Story Storm! Just finished this helpful exercise with a new story idea:)
     Thank you!

     By Beth Holladay on January 31, 2023 at 10:55 am

178. Thanks so much. I used this to generate a character and problem for a new picture book project I have started on.

     By brendad101 on January 31, 2023 at 10:56 am

179. Making this exercise part of my regular routine. Thanks!

     By Sandy Lowe on January 31, 2023 at 10:56 am

180. What an amazing way to finish off Storystorm! This is my first year and I am sooo pumped.
     And isn’t it a coincidence that I’m sitting down to interview my character today? I know one of my major questions to ask!

     By Sadaf on January 31, 2023 at 10:57 am

181. Thank you, Tammi. I never thought of looking at a character that way. Great idea!

     By Colleen on January 31, 2023 at 10:58 am

182. Great advice! Kate Dicamillo just said the same-What ails thy heart. Love your books.

     By Janie Reinart on January 31, 2023 at 10:58 am

183. I love STORYSTORM too!!! Thanks for closing us out strong!!

     By Becca McMurdie on January 31, 2023 at 10:58 am

184. Thanks for helping us get those last three ideas for the month!

     By Debbie Austin on January 31, 2023 at 11:00 am

185. Tammi – I look forward to your post every year and often dig through past years to look up one of your posts (your older post from PiBoIdMo on the different pb structures is also a favorite). Thank you for another inspiring post.

     By kimpfenn on January 31, 2023 at 11:00 am

186. There’s definitely an avocado or two on my counter having an existential crisis. I’ll have a talk with them 🙂 Thanks for a fun post, Tammi!

     By clairebobrow on January 31, 2023 at 11:00 am

187. Thank you this fresh approach!

     By Jan Zauzmer on January 31, 2023 at 11:00 am

188. I love the idea of the character driven exercise. Thank you. Really helpful as an idea generator.

     By JL on January 31, 2023 at 11:02 am

189. I love all your books! Thanks for the homework–I came up with three solid ideas that might go somewhere!

     By Juliana Jones on January 31, 2023 at 11:03 am

190. Thanks for your inspirational post. I’m already looking at my ideas for the month and finding a character to ask – “What’s bothering you.”

     By cbcole on January 31, 2023 at 11:04 am

191. Tammi is a rock star. Funny, relatable & uber-talented. Thanks for the tips.

     By Doreen Tango Hampton on January 31, 2023 at 11:04 am

192. Hi Tammi, thanks for sharing this informative post with us! I love the idea of brainstorming a number of picture books ideas, and possibly coming away with at least one great one, is definitely worth taking the time to work on this!

     Best,

     Sharon Blumberg
     http://www.sharonoblumbergauthor.com

     By 4solivia on January 31, 2023 at 11:05 am

193. This is awesome!! Thanks for sharing!

     By janet_christensen@msn.com on January 31, 2023 at 11:06 am

194. Love this exercise, can’t wait to try!

     By kerisagreene on January 31, 2023 at 11:07 am

195. As a teacher, I often lead students to discover the story problem with the pattern Someone Wanted But So. It also works for creating a story with a problem and solution. Thanks for the advice to grab a stack of picture books.

     By margaretsmn on January 31, 2023 at 11:12 am

196. So thankful to Tammi and all the contributors. This was my first Storystorm and I can see why everyone gets so revved up for it every year.

     By Ana Kelly on January 31, 2023 at 11:13 am

197. This exercise is such a great way to wrap up the month! Thanks, Tammi!

     By Jacqueline Adams on January 31, 2023 at 11:13 am

198. A wonderful end to Storystorm! Now off to brainstorm.

     By mommamoocow on January 31, 2023 at 11:14 am

199. I’m a first timer for Storystorm and this has been amazing. I’m a huge Tammi Sauer fan! This is icing, cherries, sprinkles, and hot fudge on top of the cake.

     By Allison Green on January 31, 2023 at 11:16 am

200. You are the greatest, the most wonderful, and BESTEST of All! Thank you, Tammi! Best wishes for your continued success! Love ya! Jan Peck!

     By Jan Peck on January 31, 2023 at 11:20 am

201. What a wonderful post to end on! Thank you for an amazing and motivating month to all!!

     By Melissa Rafson Friedman on January 31, 2023 at 11:20 am

202. Thank you, Tammi, for sharing your character creating idea generator. What a great way to finish January’s storm.

     By judyrubin13 on January 31, 2023 at 11:21 am

203. Thanks for the great advice! I love your books!

     By Margaret Lea on January 31, 2023 at 11:24 am

204. Lovely last post, a great exercise too! Thank you!

     By Anne-Margreet on January 31, 2023 at 11:25 am

205. The cover on NOT NOW, COW, is hilarious!
     What Fun!
     Thanks for the homework.
     It’s a great exercise to find humorous situations to write about.

     By kathleenannajacobs on January 31, 2023 at 11:26 am

206. Thank you- love, love, love this! Thank you for sharing, “Most of my ideas will be terrible, but that’s okay. If I manage to come up with even one really good idea, I call that a success.” That’s so encouraging to hear that even successful, multi-published authors might even consider some of their ideas to be terrible.

     By jenwritespbs on January 31, 2023 at 11:27 am

207. Thank you for all of your advice!

     By Susan F Good on January 31, 2023 at 11:27 am

208. Thank you, Tammi! I have many of your books and love your humor!

     By Christy Matthes on January 31, 2023 at 11:28 am

209. Tammi Sauer is in the house! Woot, woot, woot! I am such a huge fan of your books, inspiration, and writing motivation.

     I love today’s amazing advice to start with a character and determine what is bothering them.

     Thank you Tammy for all your Storystorm posts, past and present! What a wonderful surprise on the final day of Storystorm.

     Tara, kudos to you as well for making Storystorm such a fun, inspiring, educational opportunity and springboard for stimulating the writing process.

     By Rebecca Guzinski on January 31, 2023 at 11:30 am

210. Tammi, thanks for sharing your question, “Hey, pal. What’s bothering you?” I think that sums it up pretty well. That’s about all there’s time for in a PB. I’m going to think about it some more. I tend to overwrite, so I think it’s a good question for me to keep in mind!

     By Stephanie Jackson on January 31, 2023 at 11:31 am

211. Sad that this is the last day – but what a finish! Thank you Tammi for the inspiring ideas and advice.

     By bevbaird on January 31, 2023 at 11:32 am

212. Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

     By jms5880 on January 31, 2023 at 11:35 am

213. Love the simplicity yet incisiveness of the question “What’s bothering you?” Thanks for the suggested way into a new story.

     By Robin Larin on January 31, 2023 at 11:36 am

214. Why haven’t I already thought of this?! 🙂 Great straightforward advice.

     By kellyclasenwriter on January 31, 2023 at 11:36 am

215. I needed a few more ideas to finish out Storystorm this year. I pulled some characters from Storystorms past and asked them what was bothering then.
     Now I’m up to 31 ideas. Thanks, Tammi!!!!

     By debbiearnn on January 31, 2023 at 11:37 am

216. Thank you for organizing this huge event each year. I have a quilt of story ideas to keep me cozy warm and creating. And now a new tool when reading my stack of picture books!

     By Catherine Velasco on January 31, 2023 at 11:37 am

217. This post was the perfect way to wrap up Storystorm 2023 (my first!). I love the idea of asking a character what’s troubling them. That really is such a simple way to help come up with an interesting story line and — ideally for me! — add some humor as the bothersome thing is being addressed. I love that. I also appreciated learning that you helped Tara get PiBoIdMo off the ground. This has been wonderful, and I look forward to participating every year from now on. Thank you!

     By JF Hall Writes on January 31, 2023 at 11:38 am

218. TAMMI: STORYSTORM is my FAVORITE time of the year, TOO! It’s ALWAYS just what I need to get the creative juices flowing again. THE PERFECT WAY to start out the new year: with NEW book ideas to KEEP me INSPIRED the REST of the year! I also LOVE your idea of finding book ideas by ACTUALLY ASKING the characters! THANK YOU for the continued ENCOURAGEMENT and INSPIRATION!!!

     By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 31, 2023 at 11:40 am

219. I loved your Mary had a little plan and glam series! Vanessa was a collage illustration mentor of mine at Storyteller Academy and the two of you together were just perfection! I would be so grateful to be considered for your book or a critique from you. What a treat! Thank you for considering me:) Aloha-Shyrelle

     By shyrelle on January 31, 2023 at 11:40 am

220. I love this way to generate an idea and a problem for your MC! Thanks, Tammi!

     By cindyjohnson2013 on January 31, 2023 at 11:45 am

221. Tammi!!! “The question!!” Brilliant. I love it!!!
     Thanks for sharing. Off to go ask all the characters “the question.” – sally

     By Sally Hoch on January 31, 2023 at 11:48 am

222. Fantastic way to end Storystorm! Thank you, Tammi, for your advice/tips. Love your books!!!!!

     By saraweingartner on January 31, 2023 at 11:49 am

223. Tammi, I owe YOU “big time.” When I’m stuck in a story spot where nothing is working, I check out your books from our library and reread them for inspiration. Boom-ching! Either your humor, text, arc, or characters (even illustrations) push me through the problem. I’ve been wanting to thank you for a long time now, so “Thank You!” I appreciate you reminding us that “terrible ideas” are “okay.”

     Tara, YOU are a Star on the Storyteller Stage. With your innovation and hard work in creating STORYSTORM, we’re able to stockpile at least 31 ideas every year. THANK YOU!

     Sending you both energy and inspiration for your continued success…

     By marshaelyn on January 31, 2023 at 11:51 am

224. Thanks for such a simple, yet brilliant tip, Tammi! Great way to close out Storystorm 2023!

     By Teresa Rodrigues on January 31, 2023 at 11:53 am

225. Love this simple idea. It gives you so much room for ridiculous things to bother your MC. Thanks for pulling this whole month together! It’s my first Story storm, and I’ve found it so helpful. I have some WEIRD story ideas to flesh out now…

     By Rachel S. on January 31, 2023 at 11:54 am

226. Thank you for such actionable advice!

     By msaraiva004 on January 31, 2023 at 11:55 am

227. Brilliant! I love this approach. Super helpful to see how it led to your books, so thanks for sharing!

     By Sarah Lynne John on January 31, 2023 at 11:57 am

228. Great post to kick us out of January! Thanks!

     By julie rowan zoch on January 31, 2023 at 11:58 am

229. Fun idea! I’ve already come up with a few characters. Now to ask them The Question! I read No Bunnies Here to my 3 year a week ago and she loved it! Thanks for making such a fun story. Can’t wait to read your others!

     By Bri Lawyer on January 31, 2023 at 11:58 am

230. You are always an inspiration! XO

     By Elizabeth Wilcox Saba on January 31, 2023 at 12:01 pm

231. Fun exercise, thank you! And I love your book titles, just went to put them on hold at the library.

     By lauren on January 31, 2023 at 12:02 pm

232. I love that our final post in Storystorm takes up back to the first person to post in Storystorm! I feel like there’s a PB story idea right there. =) Can’t wait to read your old posts, too. Thank you!

     By Maria Johnson on January 31, 2023 at 12:03 pm

233. You always delight!!! Thank you. I am always being “visited” by characters, so asking: “Hey pal! What’s bothering you?” will be my new response! (I always say, “What’s up, doc” but this is more specific!)

     By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 31, 2023 at 12:03 pm

234. Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

     By Dawn M. on January 31, 2023 at 12:05 pm

235. I love the idea of having conversations with my characters, especially asking them the tough questions! Thanks!

     By Kamilla Sjödin on January 31, 2023 at 12:06 pm

236. Thanks for sharing your process!

     By streetlynn on January 31, 2023 at 12:08 pm

237. So funny to read this today when THIS character can’t get home due to high winds, black ice, and snow (again!) ROADS CLOSED might need to be writing, but with more humor 🙂 Thank you for the inspiration!!!

     By Kim Parfitt on January 31, 2023 at 12:12 pm

238. Characters are key!! Thanks for sharing how you’ve approached this, Tammi!

     By Marci Whitehurst on January 31, 2023 at 12:13 pm

239. Great ideas, Tammi! Thanks for the homework!

     By Heidi Yates on January 31, 2023 at 12:14 pm

240. Thanks Tammi and Tara for the myriad of marvelous tips and tricks! 2023 is going swimmingly so far 🙂

     By ellen seal on January 31, 2023 at 12:17 pm

241. Yes, Thanks Tammi and Tara. Storystorm is a great way to begin the year!

     By Christine Graham on January 31, 2023 at 12:19 pm

242. I love this advice and idea! Thank you for sharing.
     Also, thanks you for the prize/giveaway opportunity! 🤩 So awesome!

     By iartbygina on January 31, 2023 at 12:19 pm

243. The Question. Thank you.
     How marvellous for your own books to make a pile so high you can rest your arms on them like that.

     By Anne Young on January 31, 2023 at 12:22 pm

244. Tammi, Thank you so much for your witty and charm filled insight into creating memorable characters!

     By debjohnson21 on January 31, 2023 at 12:23 pm

245. Great post, Tammi! Thanks for The Question and ideas!

     By Janice Woods on January 31, 2023 at 12:24 pm

246. Thank you for the many years of advice- and for always bringing it in a fresh way.

     By Cloudworks on January 31, 2023 at 12:24 pm

247. Character Has a Problem. I will go digging now.

     By Lucky Jo Boscarino on January 31, 2023 at 12:24 pm

248. Thank you, Tara, for this wonderful month, and thank you, Tammi, for a fresh look at what the character’s problem is. “What’s bothering you?” is an absolutely relatable question and can lead to all kinds of scenarios, both serious and hilarious.

     By Jane Heitman Healy on January 31, 2023 at 12:26 pm

249. Thank you for sharing!

     By katiemillsgiorgio on January 31, 2023 at 12:28 pm

250. Thank you for the great idea of interviewing story characters to discover what’s bothering them. I’m curious about the answers I’ll get when I dig deeper. Having a homework assignment is a fitting way to complete this “stormy” month!

     By Deborah Ishii on January 31, 2023 at 12:29 pm

251. You might not believe this but idea #4 this year is a story called DO NOT DISTURB about a bear trying to hibernate but all his friends keep waking him up for various reasons! I guess there’s no new idea under the sun. I’m sure Tammi did it way better/funnier than I could!

     By Joy Wieder on January 31, 2023 at 12:30 pm

252. I’ll be asking your question, now, to ever book I pick up!! 🙂

     By Karen Lawler on January 31, 2023 at 12:30 pm

253. Your StoryStorm posts are always idea gold, Tammi. Thank you!

     By Gabi Snyder on January 31, 2023 at 12:31 pm

254. Thanks, Tammi for ending this month with a bang and a new way to look at stories. YAY.

     By kathalsey on January 31, 2023 at 12:32 pm

255. This was a great post and gave a few ideas to finally finish my 31 ideas! Thanks, Tammi!

     By jodelle55 on January 31, 2023 at 12:32 pm

256. Thank you for sharing and for homework!

     By Kassy Keppol on January 31, 2023 at 12:32 pm

257. wow! Tammi your advice is so clear and exudes such “you’ve got this” vibes! it made me confidently write in my notebook “idea # 33, 34, 35” jot down 3 characters and ask the big Q – can’t wait to go back and relive your past posts! thank you!

     By Karen Gebbia on January 31, 2023 at 12:32 pm

258. You always write such fun and inspiring posts, Tami! Thanks for another great one!

     By donnacangelosi on January 31, 2023 at 12:33 pm

259. Thanks for your encouragement and sharing your story creation approach, Tammi! What if the problem is that the character doesn’t have a problem?!! Ok, now inspired to explore what comes of that! Ideas already percolating!

     By Suzanne Lewis on January 31, 2023 at 12:35 pm

260. Thank you for the great homework idea!

     By Katie Marie on January 31, 2023 at 12:35 pm

261. Thank you, Tammi! What a great practice to develop. 🙂

     By Heidi Chupp on January 31, 2023 at 12:35 pm

262. Going to read all of your previous posts and look up your books at the library. Thanks for sharing.

     By Chelle on January 31, 2023 at 12:37 pm

263. Thank you Tammi for a great post! I have a journal full of terrible ideas and am hoping that maybe just one might turn out to be wonderful. I’ll look back on all those crazy characters and try to find out what might be bothering them : ) Thanks again!

     By jbbower on January 31, 2023 at 12:37 pm

264. Great advice to write about what bothers our audience… now the work… 🙂

     By Charles Trevino on January 31, 2023 at 12:38 pm

265. That’s a fun question to kind of figure out the Cruz of the situation. Love that you’ve been consistently part of Tara’s StoryStorm since the beginning.

     By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 31, 2023 at 12:40 pm

266. Love the question: What’s bothering you?

     By Christine Ottaviano Shestak on January 31, 2023 at 12:41 pm

267. I loved this! Thanks so much for sharing, Tammi! Great post!

     By jillburns7 on January 31, 2023 at 12:41 pm

268. Great post. You’ve ended our month of StoryStorm with fireworks…and that’s it! whaaaaa I came up with many ideas, good or bad, but have to pluck out these characters running around in my head and get them written so I can ask the question. Thank so much for this and a chance to win your great prizes. Shout to Tara for giving us this grand prize, this month of great inspiration. thank you thank you thank you.

     By mona861 on January 31, 2023 at 12:43 pm

269. Thanks so much Tammi and Tara!!

     By ashleehashman on January 31, 2023 at 12:43 pm

270. Yay, wrapping up a wonderful month with Tammi Sauer! Perfect 🙂 I’m pre-coffee so my character’s answer is EVERYTHING lol. Happy Belated New Year, Tammi!

     By Kirsten Pendreigh on January 31, 2023 at 12:44 pm

271. Thank you, Tammi! I love your suggestion to choose a character and then ask that character a question. Seems like a good idea starter! I’ll get going on that ‘homework’ and add to my collection of ideas.

     By suzanbh on January 31, 2023 at 12:47 pm

272. Thank you, Tammi, for jogging my brain to come up with ideas of what bothers others and my m.c.’s. I loved going back and reading your ideas from past years as well. Thank you

     By Sheri Radovich on January 31, 2023 at 12:48 pm

273. Such a simple idea! And perfect timing. I’m going to use it to generate all the ideas I’m missing to add up to 30…

     By amomnextdoor on January 31, 2023 at 12:49 pm

274. Thank you!

     By Sara Matson on January 31, 2023 at 12:51 pm

275. Thanks for the homework, Tammi! And thanks for responding to Tara all those years ago! I can’t wait to read your books and past blog posts.

     By Katie Berner on January 31, 2023 at 12:51 pm

276. Thanks for all your contribution to Storystorm and congrats on all your wonderful books. I appreciate the reminder: not much of a story if there’s no “bother”.

     By danielledufayet on January 31, 2023 at 12:53 pm

277. Pithy but terrific advice…thanks, Tammi!

     By Teresa 何 Robeson on January 31, 2023 at 12:53 pm

278. My problem is that, even though I read all the Storystorm posts and thought about them, I didn’t come up with many new ideas. But the question about the MC’s problem can be asked of all the story ideas I have jotted down in the past. I suspect that in doing so, I’ll find at least one or two stories that can be moved forward once I answer the question. So thanks for posing this idea!

     By mariearden on January 31, 2023 at 12:55 pm

279. Thanks for this great idea, Tammi. Also, I’m the world’s biggest fan of your books. 🙂

     By Leslie Santamaria on January 31, 2023 at 12:57 pm

280. Perfect, simple idea that could turn into a picture book. I LOVE your books! Thanks for the tip.

     By Donna Marx on January 31, 2023 at 12:58 pm

281. Thank you, Tammi. I’m off to ask all my characters “the question.” Hopefully, that will get me someplace.

     By Marilyn Wolpin on January 31, 2023 at 12:58 pm

282. Fantastic suggestion. Thank you, Tammi, for this great post, and thank you, Tara, for a month of inspiration!

     By Barbara Kimmel on January 31, 2023 at 1:00 pm

283. We knew we needed a conflict (problem) but we didn’t know that all we had to do was ask our character, gently, what what it was. Thank you, Tammi! BTW your books are the best!

     By Joyce on January 31, 2023 at 1:01 pm

284. Knock! Knock! Hey Tammi, what an excellent way to bring our flurry of idea-storming to a close. Thank you!

     By Sue Heavenrich on January 31, 2023 at 1:07 pm

285. Thank you for your advice!

     By Angela Lebovic on January 31, 2023 at 1:08 pm

286. Now THIS is a homework assignment I’ll enjoy completing as I’m sure it will bear fruit. Hmmm…bear fruit? There’s an idea… Thanks Tammi!

     By Leslie Degnan on January 31, 2023 at 1:08 pm

287. Such a great post! Thank you for sharing and for the examples. Lots to think about!

     By Mia Geiger on January 31, 2023 at 1:09 pm

288. Thank you. I can do this! And I like assignments. Nowt I know I can ask my character what the problem is, that takes some of the pressure off of me!

     By triciahinely on January 31, 2023 at 1:11 pm

289. I like to draw characters and draw an item, animal, or person next to them and see where it takes me. Thanks for your post Tammi. Off to the library, I go!

     By Marlena Leach on January 31, 2023 at 1:13 pm

290. Great ideas!

     By Kara Plett on January 31, 2023 at 1:14 pm

291. great post! so helpful! thank you!

     By Marissa Walsh on January 31, 2023 at 1:14 pm

292. Great ideas. Thank you for always being so willing to share.

     By valerieschultz023gmailcom on January 31, 2023 at 1:18 pm

293. I can do this. I like assignments and not that I know I can ask my character to tell me the problem, it takes some pressure off of me.

     By triciahinely on January 31, 2023 at 1:18 pm

294. What a great way to wrap up this year’s Storystorm! I’m kinda sad this is the end, but now the fun part really begins— time to take all the new ideas I’ve jotted for the last 30 days and draft something new from them!!! (And I’ll begin by asking my MC what’s bothering them.) Thanks!

     By Michelle S Kennedy on January 31, 2023 at 1:19 pm

295. Wow, thank you so much. This is such an inspiration.

     By Suhasini Gupta on January 31, 2023 at 1:25 pm

296. Thank you, Tammi! You always have great tips, and I’m not at all bothered by that. 😉

     By Lauri Fortino on January 31, 2023 at 1:26 pm

297. I like all of you examples from your books.
     I’m looking forward to my homework. Thank you for your post!

     By Mark Ceilley on January 31, 2023 at 1:27 pm

298. Thank you for the great tip! I’m sad Storystorm is ending.

     By Pamela Harrison on January 31, 2023 at 1:28 pm

299. Thanks for the advice about characters with problems.

     By Linda Hofke on January 31, 2023 at 1:28 pm

300. An interesting way to think about the “problem-solution” format.

     By Alia K. on January 31, 2023 at 1:31 pm

301. Love it, Tammi! Thanks so much for your post and your continued generosity to the kidlit community! And I’m pretty sure the avocado with the existential crisis in on my counter. Will see who else is there…:) Thanks again!

     By Betsy Russakoff on January 31, 2023 at 1:37 pm

302. I like the focus on what the problem is, so it can be fixed (or at least addressed).

     By badwolf1625 on January 31, 2023 at 1:37 pm

     1. Such a simple question to help develop the character(s) in your story. I often struggle with characters being too one-dimensional – maybe asking them “the question” will coax them out of their shells. Thank you for a wonderful post!

        By nowthattherestime281137688 on January 31, 2023 at 1:41 pm

303. Thank you for the ideas. A nice way to end Storystorm!

     By Jennifer Weisse on January 31, 2023 at 1:38 pm

304. I love this! I’m going to do your homework, come up with 3 characters and ask them “ what’s bothering you??”
     Also going to check out books in the library..
     Thanks!!

     By hodgeh77 on January 31, 2023 at 1:38 pm

305. Thanks, Tammi! You are the queen of picture books. Now I’m off to reread all your former Storystorm posts. I love learning from you!

     By Kathy Doherty on January 31, 2023 at 1:40 pm

306. A few more ideas it is. Why? Because Tammi said so. 😉

     By JEN Garrett on January 31, 2023 at 1:41 pm

307. Love the question. And the statement that not all MCs have a problem, but someone in the story does. Thanks

     By nancykkkkk on January 31, 2023 at 1:43 pm

308. And avocado having an existential crisis! YOU NEED to write that one. I just about fell out of my chair chuckling. Great post. Thank you.

     By Clement, Laura on January 31, 2023 at 1:44 pm

309. What a great approach. It seems so obvious but I never thought of starting with a character and asking such a simple question. Thanks! Love your books

     By bookfish1 on January 31, 2023 at 1:46 pm

310. Great idea! You are so prolific and I’m going to use this method to come up with a few more ideas.

     By Cindy Montoya on January 31, 2023 at 1:46 pm

311. Ending strong! Thank you for the great character/problem question.

     By ungracefulwanderer on January 31, 2023 at 1:47 pm

312. Thanks for the inspiring post! Heading to the library now!

     By Shannon LaPuma on January 31, 2023 at 1:49 pm

313. Thanks, Tammi. I will be questioning a lot of characters today. Also, love the link to the previous posts. Thank you.

     By R.G. Spaulding on January 31, 2023 at 1:52 pm

314. Thank you for your ideas! And for the link to your other Storystorm posts.

     By kristinscollins on January 31, 2023 at 1:53 pm

315. What a great ending to Storystorm! Thank you, Tammi and thank you,Tara!

     By KIM NOLAN on January 31, 2023 at 1:54 pm

316. Thanks for an inspiring post! I’m excited to try this!

     By Lisa Billa on January 31, 2023 at 1:55 pm

317. Love The Question! A great way to dig into a character. Thank you!

     By Scott Wolf on January 31, 2023 at 2:01 pm

318. Thank for this post, Tammi! I’m off to ask my characters The Question!

     By Jill Lambert on January 31, 2023 at 2:04 pm

319. Love this method for generating ideas! What a perfect way to wrap up a brilliant month of story storm ideas! Thank you thank you thank you!

     By abby mumford on January 31, 2023 at 2:08 pm

320. Thank you for this wrap up post! Great way to explore the ideas we’ve written down.

     By Susan Luchetta on January 31, 2023 at 2:11 pm

321. A simple, concise way to generate ideas. Love it! Thank you!

     By Amanda Perry on January 31, 2023 at 2:15 pm

322. Thank you for the final post of 2023!!

     By Leah Moser on January 31, 2023 at 2:19 pm

323. Going back to ask my characters “What’s bothering you?” Great advice, Tammi!

     By Kristi Mahoney on January 31, 2023 at 2:19 pm

324. What a great question! This is a wonderful post to end with. Thanks for this and for a great month.

     By Rosi Hollinbeck on January 31, 2023 at 2:20 pm

325. Got one decent looking idea out of my “homework” :-). Thanks for the tips and for sharing the other links!

     By claudia sloan on January 31, 2023 at 2:26 pm

326. I like the question you are posing the character- I think that’s a great angle to come at a story idea. Thanks for sharing! On my way to the library 😀

     By Andrea Yomtob on January 31, 2023 at 2:26 pm

327. Thank you x

     By Amanda Hubbert on January 31, 2023 at 2:31 pm

328. Love The Question! (And the examples of your characters’ responses!)

     By M.R. on January 31, 2023 at 2:31 pm

329. Thank you for this push. Thank you for saying YES to Tara.I hope to be in a position to say YES for things just like this!
     Off to read your books now 🙂

     By Lrheffner on January 31, 2023 at 2:32 pm

330. I hate the cold. I even hate snow. Storystorm is by far the best thing about January! Thanks Tammi for this last prompt. I think my next character is going to not like the cold too!

     By Jane Martin on January 31, 2023 at 2:32 pm

331. Thank you for this push. Thank you for saying YES to Tara.I hope to be in a position to say YES for things just like this!
     Off to read your books now 🙂
     ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

     By Lrheffner on January 31, 2023 at 2:32 pm

332. This is a great exercise thank you!

     By Carrie Williford (@carrietimes) on January 31, 2023 at 2:35 pm

333. Thanks Tammi for setting a fun last challenge. Perfect way to end StoryStorm!

     By Maria Marshall on January 31, 2023 at 2:35 pm

334. Love the book titles.

     By biil jarcho on January 31, 2023 at 2:37 pm

335. I have characters twirling in my head now! Thanks for the post. I plan to try some out on my PreK littles.

     By martyfindley on January 31, 2023 at 2:37 pm

336. Thank you for helping us finish strong! This month has been a hurricane of ideas for me. Some came from the prompts–some just whirled in out of nowhere. I’m so grateful to you, Tammi, to Tara, and to all the bloggers for sharing your energy.

     By crbwriter on January 31, 2023 at 2:41 pm

337. Thank you for this great idea. I now have a character who is bothered by a noisy object!

     By Suzanne Alexander on January 31, 2023 at 2:44 pm

338. Thank you for today’s advice and links to past years!

     By J. Read on January 31, 2023 at 2:45 pm

339. Good reminder to nurture the characters I have… getting to know them… that’s a generative space for my brain & heart! 🙂 🙂

     By Maritza Ruiz-Kim on January 31, 2023 at 2:46 pm

340. I love this idea! Now I’m going to generate a list of some characters I’d like to get to know better and figure out what’s bothering them… I see potential for several ideas here!

     By Allison Fleischman on January 31, 2023 at 2:47 pm

341. Brilliant question to ask our characters. Thanks Tammi! I love your books.

     By Larissa Elliott on January 31, 2023 at 2:47 pm

342. Thanks so much for the inspiration and the ideas and the homework! You’ve sparked an idea–thank you!!!

     By Diane O'Neill on January 31, 2023 at 2:48 pm

343. I used to have an Epic! subscription for the purpose of analyzing other people’s books. Maybe I should re-subscribe.

     By Bethanny Parker on January 31, 2023 at 2:50 pm

344. Figuring out bothers is a great way to figure out the direction of a story.

     By stephaniemstories on January 31, 2023 at 2:51 pm

345. A brilliant tip, and a worthy addition to your esteemed StoryStorm collection!🤗 Thanks for inspiring us with so many positive, punderful & practical insights — for all these years!📚💛

     By MichaelAuthorHenriksen on January 31, 2023 at 2:52 pm

346. Just put in a humongous “Tammi Sauer book request” at my local library – Thank you for the fantastic idea prompt:-)

     By Patricia Finnegan on January 31, 2023 at 2:53 pm

347. Grand challenges for the Grand Finale of Storystorm 2023. Think characters and the Question. I’ve gotten so many ideas and helpful hints this year. Thanks to Tammi and all the other writers who so graciously shared their super ideas! It’s been fun and rewarding

     By seahorsecoffeeelektra79018 on January 31, 2023 at 2:57 pm

348. Hoping one of my new ideas will pan out! Congrats to all the contributors and readers!

     By colleenrkosinski on January 31, 2023 at 3:00 pm

349. You’re always so inspirational, Tammi!

     By Sue (Susan Uhlig) (she/her) (@susanuhlig) on January 31, 2023 at 3:00 pm

350. Oh no! This is the last StoryStorm post! I’m bummed it’s over but I AM bounding into February with 31 shiny new ideas. Many of them aren’t very good, but one of them is REALLY tugging at me. I can’t wait to get started.

     By Michelle Cusolito on January 31, 2023 at 3:05 pm

351. Tammi,
     Stellar advice from a stellar storyteller!
     Thank you!!!
     Lucy

     By Lucy Staugler on January 31, 2023 at 3:06 pm

352. Thank you, Tammi, for challenging us. I love your stories. You’re an inspiration to all aspiring writers.

     By authordebradaugherty on January 31, 2023 at 3:06 pm

353. Thank you for the homework–I already have my characters and their problems and a stack of library books awaits me for pickup tomorrow.

     By Danielle Hammelef on January 31, 2023 at 3:06 pm

354. So cool to read this year’s tip, and also be able to look back at previous years! Wow! Thank you for continuing to share your wisdom Tammi 🙂

     By jmoudahi on January 31, 2023 at 3:07 pm

355. What a great idea, Tammi! I love this method for finding new stories. I can’t wait to go back to the library and do some investigating, too.

     By Amy Center Cory on January 31, 2023 at 3:07 pm

356. Such a fun exercise!

     By Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) on January 31, 2023 at 3:09 pm

357. Tammi, wonderful post filled with good suggestions! Thank you!

     By Cathy Stefanec Ogren on January 31, 2023 at 3:09 pm

358. Thanks for your humor and generosity to new writers!

     By Su on January 31, 2023 at 3:09 pm

359. Man, I love this. I’m mainly a middle grade writer, but I love picture books and have really wanted to start learning more picture book craft. I often forget that just like in MG, you can start with a character when coming up with an idea for a PB! Thank you for this!

     By Olivia Fisher on January 31, 2023 at 3:10 pm

360. Great suggestions!

     By Katie Reinert on January 31, 2023 at 3:10 pm

361. It cracked me up that Making a Friend was illustrated by A. Friend….oooo Tammi if you name was May King it would be A. May-zing…sorry did I mention I’m ADHD. LOL.I loved your advice…I’m impressed by the what’s bothering you question.

     By kiwijenny on January 31, 2023 at 3:14 pm

362. Thanks for the assignment Tammi. I’ll give it a try and see what happens.

     By Cindy S. on January 31, 2023 at 3:18 pm

363. Your assignment is simple and specific. It’s something I will do. Thank you.
     Also, can’t wait to use your picture books as mentor texts.

     By Chris on January 31, 2023 at 3:20 pm

364. What a great way to generate ideas! Thank you, Tammi!

     By catlady45 on January 31, 2023 at 3:24 pm

365. Excited to ideate 3 characters and ask them The Question!! Thanks, Tammi, for this helpful and wonderful post!

     By Jessica Milo on January 31, 2023 at 3:27 pm

366. Thank you, Tammi! This is simple and great advice.

     By Anne C. Bromley on January 31, 2023 at 3:29 pm

367. Thank you!

     By Mara K Lansky on January 31, 2023 at 3:29 pm

368. Asking “Hey Pal, what’s bothering you?” is brilliant. Thank you for the great post, Tammi!

     By amckelle on January 31, 2023 at 3:33 pm

369. I love ‘the question’ thank you so much for sharing.

     By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 31, 2023 at 3:35 pm

370. The best post yet! Thanks!

     By Kathy Crable on January 31, 2023 at 3:36 pm

371. Just added, “Hey, pal! What’s bothering you?” to the list of questions to ask my characters. Thanks for the tip.

     By staceygustafson on January 31, 2023 at 3:37 pm

372. Hi Tammi, this is such a simple concept but incredible for spinning up ideas. Thanks 🙂

     By Katherine Rea on January 31, 2023 at 3:37 pm

373. Love all your books . . . love all your suggestions.

     By Sandie on January 31, 2023 at 3:39 pm

374. That’s a fun question to ponder! Thanks for the post.

     By Amanda on January 31, 2023 at 3:41 pm

375. Love this, Tammi! Thanks for the great idea and for sharing your hilarious books with the world.

     By Liz Godfrey on January 31, 2023 at 3:44 pm

376. Thank you for the great homework Tammi!

     By Lauri Meyers on January 31, 2023 at 3:45 pm

377. Love your books and your great advice.

     By Linda B on January 31, 2023 at 3:47 pm

378. I enjoyed your post today, and I got 3 ideas out of the deal! Thank you!

     By Krys Ann Plate on January 31, 2023 at 3:47 pm

379. Great idea! Kamilla Milligan, Writer (she/her) kamillamilligan.com

     By KamillaM on January 31, 2023 at 3:49 pm

380. Again, great little idea for gathering story ideas. I need to keep some of these blog posts around my desk when I’m feeling out of ideas

     By Bhandi on January 31, 2023 at 3:50 pm

381. Ending Storystorm with one of my all time fave authors! Such a gift! And the cherry on top is amazing advice on generating killer ideas, I already have a few from this exercise!

     By Heather Lee on January 31, 2023 at 3:52 pm

382. Thank you for the question. Solving problems is often all about having the right question. This one worked for me.

     By Carlie Cornell on January 31, 2023 at 3:52 pm

383. I love the idea of starting with a character and talking to them. 🙂

     By womanwifemotherchild on January 31, 2023 at 3:56 pm

384. Thank you so much for the inspiring post this year and every year, Tammi! Your books are so much fun. Already, I came up with an amazing idea just from reading your post. I haven’t even started thinking yet!

     By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 31, 2023 at 4:05 pm

385. Thanks for hitting us with that Secret Sauer Sauce!

     By Lynn Alpert on January 31, 2023 at 4:05 pm

386. Tammy, thank you for validating one of my consistent writing strategies, studying within the genre! I am reading, and reading, and reading. But now I have to do that other thing, BIC!

     By Vanessa on January 31, 2023 at 4:07 pm

387. What a great idea, Tammi! I love this method for finding new ideas. I love homework and I am an extra credit nerd!

     By Karen Nespoli on January 31, 2023 at 4:09 pm

388. I love this question and post, Tammi! Thank you!

     By curryelizabeth on January 31, 2023 at 4:11 pm

389. I love The Question. It’s such a simple way to figure out the conflict. Thanks Tammi

     By Ellie Huynh on January 31, 2023 at 4:22 pm

390. Thank you for your post. I have a few characters in my sketchbook that I can ask.

     By jpeters6248 on January 31, 2023 at 4:23 pm

391. Thank you. So much. 🙂

     By Nina Nolan on January 31, 2023 at 4:25 pm

392. I always learn something new from you, Tammi.

     By Trine Grillo on January 31, 2023 at 4:25 pm

393. Thank you Tammi; Your posts throughout the years are treasure trove!

     By Sasha on January 31, 2023 at 4:29 pm

394. This post has given me a good idea!!

     By migratingmoosegmailcom on January 31, 2023 at 4:31 pm

395. Thank You Tammi, what a perfect way to finish out the storm! Not only am I asking my 3 new characters what’s on their minds, I can go back to the characters who have been knocking on the door all month as I jotted down their names quirks and circumstances and ask them as well! Fingers crossed they are all willing to share.

     By tinefg on January 31, 2023 at 4:32 pm

396. Love this!! Your post helped me quickly come up with 3 surprising characters and problems. Great way to end the month! Thank you!

     By Johanna Peyton on January 31, 2023 at 4:32 pm

397. Thank you, Tammi, you’re so right! And kids have to deal with so many things and feelings of powerlessness. I love silly characters we can laugh with and get a bit of self-understanding too. Thanks for your books, and your post.

     By Tess weaver on January 31, 2023 at 4:34 pm

398. Thanks for the brainstorming idea, Tammi. I love your books!

     By Melissa Koosmann on January 31, 2023 at 4:37 pm

399. What a GREAT way to end Storystorm 2023! I love the tips and question to ask our characters! Thank you so much, Tammi, for sharing!

     By Steena Hernandez on January 31, 2023 at 4:53 pm

400. I’m a big fan of your books! Thank you for the idea that we ask our characters about their problems. Overcoming an obstacle factors into many PBs and I like your way of approaching it.

     By Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS on January 31, 2023 at 4:54 pm

401. The perfect ending to a fun-filled month of inspiring posts!

     By Kathleen on January 31, 2023 at 4:54 pm

402. This was the perfect post to end Storystorm! Thank you!

     By Kathleen Lowry on January 31, 2023 at 4:57 pm

403. This was the perfect post to end Storystorm! Thank you!

     By Kathleen Lowry on January 31, 2023 at 4:57 pm

404. Great ending! Thanks! Will try this to get some more ideas for the list.. I actually didn’t realize the month was over today or that that meant story storm was over today. 😦

     By Jennifer Rathe on January 31, 2023 at 4:58 pm

405. Great ending! Love, love, love your work.

     By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 31, 2023 at 4:58 pm

406. I am so sad this is the last day, but this looks fun!

     By jcherney3 on January 31, 2023 at 5:00 pm

407. I’m off to find out what is bothering my characters! Thanks.

     By Elle Carlin on January 31, 2023 at 5:01 pm

408. I love your challenge! Can’t wait to do it, thanks. And thank you for saying Yes to Tara all those years ago. You knew how awesome this was going to be.

     By cinzialverde on January 31, 2023 at 5:04 pm

409. Thanks for sharing yet again! (Tara: Loved your note at the end!)

     By Roxanne Troup on January 31, 2023 at 5:05 pm

410. You always know how to inspire us, Tammi! Now onto making that list of what is bothering the main character after I pick up my library holds.

     By Lisa L Furness on January 31, 2023 at 5:08 pm

411. This is a great exercise, Tammi! Thanks for always offering stimulation. You’re amazing!

     By Kaye Baillie on January 31, 2023 at 5:08 pm

412. I will ask THE question! Thank you.

     By Linda Sakai on January 31, 2023 at 5:10 pm

413. Another great post, Tammi. I love when given a specific task. You’ve got me thinking. Also what a great ending to another productive StoryStorm. Fitting how Tammi is this year’s period when she was once the start of the sentence. Thanks Tara : )

     By Diane M. on January 31, 2023 at 5:12 pm

414. Tammi, your posts on Storystorm have always been so helpful. Love this one with the Big Question as a starting point. Thanks for the homework assignment, too. It will keep me focused and busy now that January is over. And Tara, as always, I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for PB writers over the years. It was your PiBoIdMo back in 2013 that launched me on this journey. Both of you are THE BEST!

     By marty bellis on January 31, 2023 at 5:16 pm

415. Love that question! It worked! Thank you! (And thank you for answering Tara’s email all those years ago.)

     By sharonkdal on January 31, 2023 at 5:22 pm

416. OOoohhh, I love this!!! So often we’re asked to think about the problem, the conflict, something for our characters to “solve” or “overcome”. But the simplicity of “What’s bothering you?” is so freeing and exhilarating. Thanks for the great tip and for all your advice. Deep diving through the archives and am so appreciative of your generosity!

     By Caitlin on January 31, 2023 at 5:24 pm

417. I love the idea of coming up with the character first, and letting that character tell you what their story will be about. On this last day of Storystorm, might as well go big and do the homework. Three characters…here we go!
     Thank you!

     By Cid Fleming on January 31, 2023 at 5:29 pm

418. Every year I read Tammi’s posts and every year something gold sparkles.

     By Kellie on January 31, 2023 at 5:34 pm

419. Thanks Tammi, this fellow Okie loves your posts and your books!

     By TonyaAnn on January 31, 2023 at 5:34 pm

420. Love your post and excited to do my homework. Thank you too for the links to your past storystorm posts!

     By Sharin Craig on January 31, 2023 at 5:37 pm

421. Thanks for this exercise and for all your advice! I love all your books!

     By sheilagart on January 31, 2023 at 5:43 pm

422. Thank you, Tammi, for your post and for supporting Story Storm. I think it is the perfect way to start the new year!
     Figuring out what is bothering the main character is great advice, and your body of work shows that it has been a good tactic for you! We’d be silly to ignore this suggestion!
     Thanks for inspiring us through your generosity.

     By michelerietz on January 31, 2023 at 5:44 pm

423. What a wonderful way to end the month of January! This was my first Storystorm but I hope it won’t be my last . I am completing this month with 32 great ideas and now an ideal question to ask my main character, “What’s bothering you?” Love it! Thank you so much for this labor of love!

     By Faith Royal on January 31, 2023 at 5:48 pm

424. This post was the spark I needed to start my next story. Thank you!

     By Kristen Blegen Bouyer on January 31, 2023 at 5:50 pm

425. Tammi is one of my fave PB writers! Lovely getting a look at her process.

     By andynarwhal on January 31, 2023 at 5:53 pm

426. Hi, Tammi, WE owe you and Tara, BIG TIME! Thank you for it all.

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 31, 2023 at 5:55 pm

427. This is a great approach! Love it and giving it a go. Thanks!

     By mhberg on January 31, 2023 at 5:56 pm

428. Thanks for the prompt. Use to hate homework, now I love it! I’m game to try anything that exercises a different part of my brain, like focusing on character instead of setting.

     By Poupette on January 31, 2023 at 5:56 pm

429. Thank you for this fun post and delightful prompt! Great way to end my first Storystorm 🙂

     By Loretta Schrader on January 31, 2023 at 5:59 pm

430. Great way to end Storystorm! I love Tami’s wit and style. Thank you for all of the inspiration!

     By Rebecca Thill on January 31, 2023 at 6:00 pm

431. Characters with problems in need of an author to help work through them… great ways to move forward!
     Thank you

     By Patti Ranson on January 31, 2023 at 6:06 pm

432. Tammi, you are always a #kidlit inspiration!

     By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 31, 2023 at 6:09 pm

433. Thanks for a fun, straightforward assignment to help generate good story ideas!

     By Christine Letizia on January 31, 2023 at 6:10 pm

434. Great assignment! And a good reminder that the simplest question might be all you need to unlock some fun new ideas!

     By Emmeline Forrestal on January 31, 2023 at 6:11 pm

435. Thanks Tammi! Characters and problems – so simple yet so perfect.

     By Jane Baskwill on January 31, 2023 at 6:19 pm

436. Focusing on character is a great idea. Thanks.

     By shirley301 on January 31, 2023 at 6:19 pm

437. Thank you for Storystorm! I had a blast and did 31 ideas in January. Plus I’ve already started writing on. Few of those ideas!

     By signeddiane on January 31, 2023 at 6:19 pm

438. I always LOVE your #Storystorm posts Tammy. I need to ask some questions of the main characters in two picture book ideas I have been playing around with for a while. And a HUGE thank you to Tara Lazar for doing this every January! It is a lot of work!

     By Anne LeBlanc 🇨🇦😊❤️📚libraries✍️🎤🕺⛏️Go Leafs! (@AnneLeBlanc2) on January 31, 2023 at 6:20 pm

439. Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

     By Annemarie Riley Guertin on January 31, 2023 at 6:26 pm

440. Off to study my library stack! Thank you!

     By greengirlblueplanet on January 31, 2023 at 6:26 pm

441. I got two new ideas doing the homework! Thanks for a fun post and great suggestions!

     By Linda Staszak on January 31, 2023 at 6:27 pm

442. Hi Tammi! You’re the grand finale! What a great way to generate ideas and launch story arcs at the same time. Thanks for your secret, your generosity, and your books! Thank you, Tara, for another unseasonably warm and cozy January full of idea days. You’re the best!

     By marty on January 31, 2023 at 6:28 pm

443. I’m always focused on the characters so this one circles back to the basics for me! Thank you!

     By authorlaurablog on January 31, 2023 at 6:33 pm

444. Hi Tammi, thank you for the challenge and advice. Great way to close out a month of Storystorm. Love your books – never really thought about all of your characters having problems before. Makes a lot of sense and you know there will be lots of humor in the tension driving the page-turns. Thanks again and keep writing 🙂

     By Aly Kenna on January 31, 2023 at 6:33 pm

445. What a wonderful working relationship Tara and Tammi must have. The fellowship in our writing community continues to amaze me. I am so thankful to be on the receiving end of Tammi’s and everyone else’s tips this month.
     Thank you all!

     By Meredith Fraser on January 31, 2023 at 6:38 pm

446. I’m reminded of the saying, based on your post this year, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Thank you, Tammi, for teaching me about what’s bothering my family of characters and reminding me to use this mindset while reading and analyzing batches of PB’s to uncover what’s bothering the MC’s of other people’s picture books. I always learn something new and exciting from you!

     By Hank Dallago on January 31, 2023 at 6:40 pm

447. Perfect. I just picked up a new library stack so I will be asking myself (and my daughter) what’s bothering the main character.

     By Whitney Myers on January 31, 2023 at 6:40 pm

448. Thank you for the strategy to ASK my character what’s bothering them! I’ve been telling my characters what they’re feeling, which doesn’t give them much space to breathe on their own. Looking forward to using this today!

     By Lisa Atkinson on January 31, 2023 at 6:42 pm

449. As for Tammi, she is amazing! I know I would run out of things to write about after 1 year, lol! Thank you Tammi, and thank you for so many wonderful books you have written over the years.

     By Katie Schwartz on January 31, 2023 at 6:45 pm

450. Hmmm, a character. Yes, the wheels are spinning. I’ll ask her the question. Thank you Tammi, for this post and all the others, and thank you, Tara, for another amazing month of StoryStorm — lots of ideas swirling, our creative appetites are whetted, and we are ready for another year of writing amazing (and not-so-amazing . . .) stories.

     By Tonnye Fletcher on January 31, 2023 at 6:45 pm

451. Leave it to Tammi to make an inspiring blog post funny!

     By dedradavis on January 31, 2023 at 6:51 pm

452. This is fabulous! Also, thanks for the links to previous years. So. Much. Reading!

     By Pencil First writing &. editing on January 31, 2023 at 6:55 pm

453. Great writing prompt! Thank you so much for the encouragement.

     By Mary Beth Rice on January 31, 2023 at 6:59 pm

454. Thank you, Tammi, for this post and all the others you have written for StoryStorm! I have read many of your books with my grandsons and we enjoy them all. I look forward to reading the rest of your 35.
     Best wishes on your continued success with writing. You are very talented!

     By Jeannette Suhr on January 31, 2023 at 7:01 pm

455. Thanks for sharing I always love your insights.

     By Kimberly Laura on January 31, 2023 at 7:10 pm

456. Looking forward ro working on conjuring up some bothered characters 🙂

     By Lisa on January 31, 2023 at 7:25 pm

457. My main Character wants to be the Main Character in a published Picture Book!

     By Stephen S. Martin on January 31, 2023 at 7:27 pm

458. Thank you for this great post and for your wonderful support of the kidlit community!

     By Aimee Larke on January 31, 2023 at 7:29 pm

459. Great way to end the month!

     By Rochelle Y Melander on January 31, 2023 at 7:35 pm

460. Cool idea! I can actually think of a few things in my head!! THANKS!

     By Corey King on January 31, 2023 at 7:37 pm

461. What a wonderful post, Tammi! And thank you for all the years of posting here and in PiBoIdMo! Your insights have always been encouraging and effective!

     By Elizabeth McBride on January 31, 2023 at 7:38 pm

462. What a fun conclusion to Storystorm. Thank you!

     By Maria Altizer on January 31, 2023 at 7:39 pm

463. Thank you for the amazing post, Tammi. You are always so full of inspiration!

     By Karin Larson on January 31, 2023 at 7:48 pm

464. Great idea! Thanks for sharing every year!

     By Kristie J Drake on January 31, 2023 at 8:07 pm

465. Thanks for the great wrap-up, Tammi! I’ll definitely check out all your previous posts! You are an inspiration!

     By Dionnie Takahashi on January 31, 2023 at 8:13 pm

466. The extra credit was flippin fantastic.

     I read/reread each year.

     Super duper!

     By calepage on January 31, 2023 at 8:37 pm

467. Thanks for the great post!

     By Bridgitte Rodguez on January 31, 2023 at 8:38 pm

468. This is the year when I pay more attention to creating better story arcs in children’s books. This simple advice will help me do just that. Thank you!

     By Barbara Farland on January 31, 2023 at 8:38 pm

469. Great advice! What a wonderful month of idea generating this has been!

     By Christina Dankert on January 31, 2023 at 8:47 pm

470. Hello from Sydney, Australia Tammi!

     It is a hot and humid summer in Australia with the fans blasting at full force. What I look forward to most in January (apart from ice cream) is now Storystorm!

     My character came up as my siblings were talking about when we were children celebrating Chinese New Year. And there was a big problem that was bothering him and I dived deeper. This has become so far, my one great idea.

     Thankfully, the perks of being a parent is that I am constantly surrounded by wonderful, colourful and beautiful picture books! Most of the ones I enjoy most is when my heart melts for the characters once they resolve their dilemma or reconcile with a loved one.

     Thank you for a wonderful post!

     Day 31 ideas down.

     Cynthia x

     By Cynthia Ning on January 31, 2023 at 8:47 pm

471. Thank you for taking the time to write posts nearly every year!

     By rachelgrodsky on January 31, 2023 at 8:47 pm

472. Wow, this is great! I want to do this exercise with my students for their writing too!

     By jennaejo on January 31, 2023 at 8:49 pm

473. What a great idea for coming up with ideas. Thanks for sharing!

     By Janet Halfmann on January 31, 2023 at 8:57 pm

474. Thank you for sharing your post!

     By Jennie H on January 31, 2023 at 8:59 pm

475. I love your idea of asking your chat yet a question. Thanks!!

     By Marcia Berneger on January 31, 2023 at 9:01 pm

476. I often start stories with a character and their situation/conflict. I’m off to generate my homework list now…

     By Nancy Kotkin on January 31, 2023 at 9:01 pm

477. Tammi, Great that you’ve posted on Tara’s blog for years. And Tara, thanks so much for doing Storystorm. It’s motivated me to draft a new PB this month and brainstorm 31 new ideas.

     By Sherry Smith on January 31, 2023 at 9:05 pm

478. Thank you for the inspiration!!!

     By Cathy Sheafor on January 31, 2023 at 9:08 pm

479. Thanks for a terrific post–I’m off to ask the question!

     By Buffy Silverman on January 31, 2023 at 9:13 pm

480. Great post, Tammi! Thank you for taking us along on your Storystorm journey … from “Embracing the Weird” (2011) to today’s asking your characters “The Question”(2023). I look forward to your Storystorm posts!! They are always right on the money!!

     I definitely need to ask Freckles and Giggles … why, whenever I take their manuscript off the back-burner, all I hear are great big wet “Raspberries” headed my way?

     By Sharon A Putnam on January 31, 2023 at 9:22 pm

481. Great idea! Thanks for ending StoryStorm on such a positive note.

     By Julie Reich on January 31, 2023 at 9:23 pm

482. Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Keeping the Me in Mommy on January 31, 2023 at 9:24 pm

483. Where would we be without trouble-making mc’s? So great to see you back again this year Tammi, and as the headline act, none the less!

     By Kelly Hibbert on January 31, 2023 at 9:26 pm

484. I love your books, Tammi! Thanks for the insight here!

     By Peggy Archer on January 31, 2023 at 9:27 pm

485. Start with your main character and let that character guide you. Let that character tell you THEIR story, the story THEY think the world should hear. Just listen and record what they say!

     By Amanda on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 pm

486. Such great advice. I agree, this is my favorite part of January. I even get excited about the homework. Thank you!

     By taracho4 on January 31, 2023 at 9:39 pm

487. I’m going to remember – “Hey, pal. what’s bothering you? It works for my turtle story. It’s my 41st Stormstorm PB idea. Thanks for adding to the fun, Tammi!

     By Ellie Langford on January 31, 2023 at 9:48 pm

488. I’m bothered by the fact that this is the end of Storystorm for this year. But thank you for this helpful post. This will give me even more ideas on top of the 31 I already have…

     By horsewriterlady on January 31, 2023 at 9:49 pm

489. Such good, simple advice – thank you!

     By Ali V. (they/them) on January 31, 2023 at 9:51 pm

490. Thanks Tammi! Love this post. Simple, yet effective.
     Cindy

     By CindyC on January 31, 2023 at 9:55 pm

491. Thank you for the great tips. This generated three more ideas! Also love all your books, they are filled with humor.

     By carolynleillustrations on January 31, 2023 at 9:56 pm

492. Gone questioning… Thanks, Tammi!

     By jenfierjasinski on January 31, 2023 at 9:58 pm

493. I am going to start asking The Question to all my picture book characters. I can’t wait to hear what they have to say! Thanks for helping us end the month with a chuckle.

     By Toni Weeks on January 31, 2023 at 10:01 pm

494. STORYSTORM Superstar!!! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

     By laureannawrites on January 31, 2023 at 10:04 pm

495. I’m going to guess only a few of your Storystorm ideas are meh, but the rest are probably incredible! You are just that good, Tammi! I’m so very happy for all of your success. Thanks for taking the time to give us a boost of inspiration!

     By Debbie Meyer on January 31, 2023 at 10:05 pm

496. The perfect way to gather a few more ideas before ending this year’s Storystorm

     By Hélène Sabourin on January 31, 2023 at 10:08 pm

497. Such an important question to ask our characters. Thank you, Tammi!

     By Armineh Manookian on January 31, 2023 at 10:16 pm

498. In the words of Winnie the Pooh, “Oh, bother!” I loved your examples of characters who were bothered by something. What a great way to come up with ideas! Thanks so much for such a fun post, Tammi! 🙂

     By Abby Wooldridge on January 31, 2023 at 10:17 pm

499. Love the question – “Hey Pal. What’s bothering you?” Such a great idea to have a conversation with your character right at the beginning! Love all of your books! Thank you for an awesome final post (I love that you were the first guest poster!) and thank you Tara for an awesome 31 days! I’m sad it’s over! But now it’s time to work. 🙂

     By Laura Bower on January 31, 2023 at 10:17 pm

500. Tammi your posts trough the years an PB style are so inspiring. In some ways this is such a simple exercise but such wise approach to writing! Thank you!

     By Brian Burak on January 31, 2023 at 10:21 pm

501. Love talking to characters 🙂 Great post!!

     By DrZatHome on January 31, 2023 at 10:25 pm

502. Great advice! My kids absolutely adore NO BUNNIES HERE 🐰

     By Jessica Yoon on January 31, 2023 at 10:25 pm

503. This post is so fun, Tammi. The want or problem in your books are very kid (and adult) relatable. Thanks!

     By Kamalani Hurley on January 31, 2023 at 10:33 pm

504. Tammi, as you bring our Story storm to it’s close, I want to thank you for “the question” and the humor your share in your books! Congrats on everything and keep inspiring us every year!

     By syorkeviney on January 31, 2023 at 10:33 pm

505. Yay! What a welcome surprise to have Tammi on day 31! Also full of wisdom. Thank you.

     By karenrafeedie on January 31, 2023 at 10:38 pm

506. I can’t believe it’s already the end of January AND Storystorm. Tammi’s post was a great way to close it out!

     By Jocelyn Rish on January 31, 2023 at 10:41 pm

507. Love that you added all of Tammi’s previous posts!

     By nicolesalterbraun on January 31, 2023 at 10:42 pm

508. Tammi, I love your books. Thanks for the great idea to ask my characters what’s bothering them.

     By Sandy on January 31, 2023 at 10:43 pm

509. Very inspiring way to end!

     By Alexis_Bookdragon on January 31, 2023 at 10:50 pm

510. Thanks for such a practical and helpful post. I love the actionable advice to start with a character and then ask The Question. (I also wanted to mention that I really got a lot out of your panel discussion at the end of the Portland Book Festival late last year. I’ve been following your work for years, and it was great to see you in person. Thanks for being such a longtime supporter of Storystorm!

     By Dawn Prochovnic on January 31, 2023 at 10:54 pm

511. I always look forward to your Storystorm inspiration! Thanks!

     By Penny Parker Klostermann on January 31, 2023 at 10:59 pm

512. Love these exercises. They’re so fun you don’t even realize your brainstorming until the ideas on on the page! Home run to end Storystorm!

     By Ben Jeder on January 31, 2023 at 11:00 pm

513. Hooray for characters solving problems! As my old boss used to say…Don’t bring me problems…Bring me solutions.

     By Ana Archi on January 31, 2023 at 11:00 pm

514. What a fun way to come up with a story idea.

     By Adriana Gutierrez on January 31, 2023 at 11:08 pm

515. Thanks Tammi! What a fantastic conclusion to Storystorm 2023! Hard to believe it is Day 31! Time flies when you are “Writing”! Thanks Tara, you are amazing! 🙂

     By seschipper on January 31, 2023 at 11:08 pm

516. I love this post…and although it’s hard to believe there was a time when no one answered Tara’s requests, I love hearing about it because it shows all of us that this is a process…and if you keep at it, you will succeed!

     By viviankirkfield on January 31, 2023 at 11:18 pm

517. Love this practical tip! Thanks.

     By maureenegan on January 31, 2023 at 11:24 pm

518. Thanks Tammi for the idea and the examples from your books. I’ve come up with 3 fun ideas!
     Another Storystorm in the books! (soon I hope)

     By claireannette1 on January 31, 2023 at 11:25 pm

519. I love this! One of my favorite things to do is developing characters, so let’s get going (or should I say….writing)!!!

     By Heather Dawn Torres on January 31, 2023 at 11:31 pm

520. Thanks, Tammi!. I love thinking of a toaster as a character!

     By Laurel Santini on January 31, 2023 at 11:41 pm

521. thanks for the inspiring post. I was down at the library today for my weekly writing group meeting and while waiting for my husband to come pick me up, I came up with an idea out of nowhere. And I think it’s my best idea of the month. And the main character just happens to have a problem.

     By Janet Smart on January 31, 2023 at 11:42 pm

522. Uh oh! STORYSTORM is raining books–but Stella doesn’t have an umbrella! (That’s a problem!)

     By 8catpaws on January 31, 2023 at 11:46 pm

523. Thanks so much, Tammi. What great story starters. I had fun coming up with my three! This has been a terrific month as a first-timer. Thank you, Tara, and everyone who has contributed to this month-long storm of ideas!

     By Kathleen Clark on January 31, 2023 at 11:49 pm

524. Great tip, Tammi! Thanks for adding to your body of work here on Storystorm 😉

     By Sandy Perlic on January 31, 2023 at 11:52 pm

525. Thanks for sharing! This was my first Storystorm and it helped more than I could have imagined!

     By Jennifer Shipkowski on February 1, 2023 at 12:00 am

526. Thanks Tammi! What a fantastic way to end Storystorm and can’t wait to read your previous posts!
     (Sorry! I had to repost because I entered my email addresses incorrectly before)

     By marthaej on February 1, 2023 at 12:05 am

527. Love ‘the question”! Gonna give it a try. 🙂

     By Jennifer Hunt on February 1, 2023 at 12:07 am

528. Tammi – A wonderful way to end another great Storystorm!
     Off to interrogate my characters!

     By sue macartney on February 1, 2023 at 12:09 am

529. Thank you Tammy! I ready to ask The question!

     By Mary Warth on February 1, 2023 at 12:09 am

530. Tammi, you and your books are aMAZing! And what a great post 😀 You keep coming up with them! I’ll be checkin’ out a few characters tomorrow and that should help me finish my Storystorm Idea List! Thanks! 😀

     By writersideup on February 1, 2023 at 12:10 am

531. Thanks for the great post, Tammi, and congratulations on such a successful career. I think you must have sent this post out into the ether a little early because yesterday I went to the novel I’ve been working on for a couple of years and came up with a StoryStorm idea based on the two main characters when they were kids. Ideas are everywhere! Now down to the hard work of telling their story PB style in under 650 words…

     By Paul Brassard on February 1, 2023 at 12:10 am

532. I’m glad you said yes that first year Tara asked you to post. I love her books and yours. I love Storystorm too. What a great way to start a new year. Thank you to you, Tara and all the contributors.

     By Cassie Bentley on February 1, 2023 at 12:14 am

533. I really love your idea of starting your story by identifying a problem. I’m anxious to try it out. Thanks for your insights.

     By littleseedsread on February 1, 2023 at 12:14 am

534. And here I was thinking we wouldn’t have a post from Tammi this year. Great post!

     By jenabenton on February 1, 2023 at 12:15 am

535. Great tips – thanks!

     By Dannielle Viera on February 1, 2023 at 12:20 am

536. That is a great question to start the morning!

     By Rafael Macho on February 1, 2023 at 12:34 am

537. Tammi, I love this post! Such an essential truth about brainstorming… will definitely give it a go. thanks!!

     By ConstanceL on February 1, 2023 at 12:35 am

538. I have always loved your approach to books. You use humor and everyday situations to address the issues in children’s lives. Thank you!

     By Peggy Robbins Janousky on February 1, 2023 at 12:56 am

539. Such a great advice, I’m grabbing my pen and notebook to ask my questions now! Thank you, Tammi!

     By Dana Atnip on February 1, 2023 at 12:57 am

540. Hey Tara, what’s bothering you?
     “I need an author to say ‘yes’ to guest posting on my new blog.”
     Not since 2011!
     What a combo you two have made. I’m reaping the fruits of that labor! Thank you both.

     By madisu2021 on February 1, 2023 at 1:04 am

541. Whoo hooo!! What a way to end this year’s amazing Storystorm! Your post made me Lol, and your books look amazing too. See you next year, and happy writing! 😀

     By Sophie Furman on February 1, 2023 at 1:13 am

542. Thank you for your insight on developing story ideas through characters.

     By Diane McBee on February 1, 2023 at 1:16 am

543. I can’t believe that we’re already wrapping up a month of Storystorm! Thanks for sharing your tips, Tammi!

     By Elayne on February 1, 2023 at 1:21 am

544. Wonderful idea, thank you!

     By Amanda Littlefield on February 1, 2023 at 1:26 am

545. Thank you so much!! I love illustrating characters, so this Is definitely glint to be fun for me to really dig into what stories can come from them.

     By Acamy Schleikorn on February 1, 2023 at 1:26 am

546. What a great post to end the month!

     By Megan McNamara on February 1, 2023 at 1:38 am

547. Dear Tammi
     Thanks for a great post. After reading the amount of books you have published, your technique of generating ideas must be very good. Actually I will go back to previous years and read every one of your past posts.
     So this is what I am planning to do: I will gather a very big pile of your books, read them and then analyze each one, looking for “Hey Pal, what’s bothering you?”
     I am sure I will be very successful doing my homework and getting extra credit.
     Thanks again for inspiring and directing us to a good place!

     By Eva Felder on February 1, 2023 at 1:40 am

548. Thanks for the inspiration! This is my second time doing storystorm and I wrote 5 stories out of it! They’re not all fleshed out but it’s 4 more than I had last year. Thanks Tammi, Tara, and everyone else who helped with Storystorm this year.

     By Jennifer Lu on February 1, 2023 at 1:51 am

549. Asking the character what the problem is, sounds easier than coming up with my own problem for the story–and a lot more fun.

     By Judith Snyder on February 1, 2023 at 2:02 am

550. Wonderful way to end storystorm!! I came up with 32 story ideas this year. Thanks to everyone who shared tips!!

     By sumsami on February 1, 2023 at 2:11 am

551. Love your books – love the question! Thank you!

     By wyszguy on February 1, 2023 at 2:20 am

552. “Hey, pal. What’s bothering you?”
     Simply brilliant and brilliantly simple. Thanks for the post!

     By rgstones on February 1, 2023 at 2:21 am

553. Thanks Tammi! On this final day of Storystorm, I realised I hadn’t even THOUGHT of including our street’s very talkative stray cat. (Something is definitely bothering her. Sure hope it’s not us!) Thanks for the prompt to consider what she’s trying to tell us!

     By Rita Jane on February 1, 2023 at 2:48 am

554. Great prompt for characters who I seem to struggle with, thanks

     By Artelle Lenthall on February 1, 2023 at 3:32 am

555. Thanks for the great post and the homework Tammi. I’m going to have a chat with my characters now 🙂

     By Catherine Friess on February 1, 2023 at 4:14 am

556. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT TIPS ABOUT BOTHERING.

     By Freda Lewkowicz on February 1, 2023 at 5:12 am

557. Love this! I have already got a start! Thanks!

     By 58chilihed13 on February 1, 2023 at 5:43 am

558. Brilliant post to end Storystorm — and thank you Tammi!

     By Franny G on February 1, 2023 at 6:07 am

559. I know it wasn’t your main point but I always feel so much better whenever a published author reminds me that all of my ideas don’t need to be Really Great.

     By Sarah Skolfield on February 1, 2023 at 6:57 am

560. Thank you for helping us focus on the core of workable children’s stories. Much appreciated!

     By cravevsworld on February 1, 2023 at 6:59 am

561. I love this idea – character + problem = great story. Also well done on being Tara’s first author. Look at Storystorm now.

     By Sharon Giltrow on February 1, 2023 at 8:16 am

562. Tammi, What a great post! I went back and looked at all of your Storystorm posts, and found a veritable treasure trove of ways to come up with ideas. Thank you!

     By Varda Livney on February 1, 2023 at 8:21 am

563. This is a great (fun) exercise! Thank you!

     By christinashawnbooks on February 1, 2023 at 8:21 am

564. This is such a great point, that picture books often start with someone being bothered. Fantastic, thanks for sharing, Tammi!

     By catchandi on February 1, 2023 at 8:45 am

565. Ding ding ding! Avocado with an existential crisis author here! 😂😂😂🥑🥑🥑 Wonderful post!!

     By stiefelchana on February 1, 2023 at 8:47 am

566. This sounds like such a fun brainstorming method! What a great idea!

     By Tanya Konerman on February 1, 2023 at 8:50 am

567. Great finish to storystorm, thank you for sharing!

     By Rebecca Grant on February 1, 2023 at 9:00 am

568. Thank you so much for sharing so many resources. What a treasure trove!

     By Hilary Mankofsky on February 1, 2023 at 9:39 am

569. I loved Making a Friend! Thanks for the post!

     By srkckass on February 1, 2023 at 9:44 am

570. Wonderful ideas. Thank you Tammi for your excellent prizes.

     By Penny Taub on February 1, 2023 at 9:48 am

571. Love seeing you pop up on Storystorm again this year – really enjoyed the post!

     By Brian Gonsar on February 1, 2023 at 9:52 am

572. Thank you for the great idea

     By Kay on February 1, 2023 at 9:59 am

573. Thank you for this post–and for all the ones from previous years. What a nice bonus! They were all inspiring.

     By vivianvandevelde on February 1, 2023 at 10:03 am

574. Thank you for sharing that great writing exercise. Your characters are so lively, fun and relatable!

     By Judy Sobanski on February 1, 2023 at 10:04 am

575. Great post. Now I’m thinking – come up with a character and pop the question. But not THAT question. Though you do have to love your character enough to stick with it. 🙂

     By Barbara Sue Senenman on February 1, 2023 at 10:05 am

576. Awesome post to end Storystorm. Yay!

     By Annie Guerra on February 1, 2023 at 10:13 am

577. Can’t wait to see what’s bothering my new character ideas. Thanks, Tammi!

     By ryanrobertsauthor on February 1, 2023 at 10:15 am

578. What’s the problem? No problem when it’s a story idea.

     By topangamaria on February 1, 2023 at 10:23 am

579. Thank you once again for an awesome month of inspiration!

     By matthewlasley on February 1, 2023 at 10:40 am

580. Inspired by your homework assignment. Thank you for sharing the links to previous year’s posts, and all the wonderful ideas this month.

     By lynjekowsky on February 1, 2023 at 10:51 am

581. Wow! Twelve years of writing tips!

     Thank you, Tammi, for writing books that kids love to read.

     Suzy Leopold

     By Prairie Garden Girl on February 1, 2023 at 10:56 am

582. What a great way to end Storystorm 2023! Your books are huge inspirations to me! Thanks for the advice!

     By Caitlin Binder-Markey on February 1, 2023 at 11:00 am

583. Great post, Tammi! Thank you!

     By calliebdean on February 1, 2023 at 11:21 am

584. Love the question, “Hey pal, what’s bothering you?”

     By Darcee A Freier on February 1, 2023 at 11:26 am

585. Congratulations on all your published books, Tammi! Thanks for the great ideas about finding out what is bothering children or animals. This should create many ideas for books. Thank you!

     By pjaegly on February 1, 2023 at 11:51 am

586. Thanks for a simple way to find characters and conflicts too! Usually an interesting character idea comes first to me and the conflict later. This inspires me to ask first, “meet the character” and fill in details later.

     By Terry Talley on February 1, 2023 at 12:00 pm

587. Your books look like so much fun! And I love the prompt, as well! Thank you!

     By Julie G on February 1, 2023 at 12:02 pm

588. Love your books and fingers crossed, would LOVE a critique from you!

     By Joni Nemeth on February 1, 2023 at 12:20 pm

589. This advice is so simple, yet important. I love your books because you really understand kids. Thank you for sharing!

     By JoLynne Ricker Whalen on February 1, 2023 at 12:31 pm

590. Oh my stars, I love it! “Hey pal, what’s bothering you?” really clicks for me. Thank you so much for a wonderful post and for all the wonderful books you put in the world for us to enjoy!

     By blairmoorebooks on February 1, 2023 at 12:44 pm

591. Excellent post, Tammi. And this is the kind of homework I LOVE!

     By Angela De Groot on February 1, 2023 at 12:54 pm

592. Just wondering if it’s too late to comment. Tammi Sauer is amazing. I love all of her books and her workshops are excellent. I can’t wait for another!

     By donnamorkreed on February 1, 2023 at 12:59 pm

593. This was so much fun to do, and I have some amazing ideas I’m super excited about!

     By James Adams on February 1, 2023 at 1:08 pm

594. I love this idea! I think trying to understand what bothers kids and how to overcome it, is a perfect picture book. Thank you, Tammi!

     By Heather Riccio on February 1, 2023 at 1:38 pm

595. I really want to read the story about the avacado and their existential crisis! 🙂

     By Kris Hamblin on February 1, 2023 at 2:08 pm

596. You always inspire me, Tammi! As you know, you 2016 post led to my debut! This is hilarious: “Maybe someone is an avocado having an existential crisis.”

     By LaurenKerstein on February 1, 2023 at 2:14 pm

597. Great ideas! This is going to be fun!

     By rosiesartventures on February 1, 2023 at 2:28 pm

598. Love it. Great advice! Thank you!

     By Sandy Belford on February 1, 2023 at 2:29 pm

599. I am happy you said yes to Tara at the get go! And I’m pleased to have links to all your previous posts. This was a wonderful way to end Storystorm this year. I always enjoy your wonderful books. Thank you for giving so much of your time and inspiration to the community.

     By Mary Zychowicz on February 1, 2023 at 2:55 pm

600. Excellent way to come up with a great idea, Tammi! And also, I love your books!

     By Shawna Tenney on February 1, 2023 at 3:01 pm

601. Another great post, Tammi – thank you!

     By Ashley Karges on February 1, 2023 at 3:15 pm

602. This post single-handedly spawn several ideas…how annoying! 😉

     By David Miles on February 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

603. Thanks for a great post. Great advice to finish off the Storystorm month.

     By susaninez0905 on February 1, 2023 at 3:41 pm

604. Thanks, Tammi! Many of your books have been great mentor texts for me over the years!

     By Amy Grover on February 1, 2023 at 3:46 pm

605. Thank you for sharing your perspective of coming up with ideas via character and problem first.

     By mightyoaks3 on February 1, 2023 at 3:53 pm

606. Seek a character! Conjur a problem! Thank you Tammi!

     By geigerlin on February 1, 2023 at 3:56 pm

607. Tweaking the question to “what’s bothering you” rather than “what do you want” or “what is your main problem” is helpful! Thanks, Tammi!

     By Danya Vasquez David on February 1, 2023 at 4:14 pm

608. Thanks for sharing. Character is very important! Love it.

     By gattodesign on February 1, 2023 at 4:20 pm

609. Great post. Always good to hear some words of wisdom from Tammi!

     By Lisa Thompson on February 1, 2023 at 5:30 pm

610. Thank you. I’m hoping the homework will help my characters:)

     By mariemanleytucker on February 1, 2023 at 5:38 pm

611. Thank you. I hope the homework will help with my characters.

     By mariemanleytucker on February 1, 2023 at 5:39 pm

612. Hey, Tammi, it’s great that Tara asked you again!! You always have creative and fun suggestions. And I love that Tara indexed the years you contributed. Your books are the best!

     By Mary on February 1, 2023 at 5:49 pm

613. Hah! All sorts of things bother me. I’m made for this exercise! Thanks for the ideas.

     By Janet Frenck Sheets on February 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm

614. Wow! So many posts!

     By tharvey on February 1, 2023 at 6:04 pm

615. SOOOO glad you responded to Tara’s post so many years ago. And thanks for THE QUESTION.

     By alicia shawn gagnon on February 1, 2023 at 6:06 pm

616. Thanks so much, Tammi! I love the idea of asking a character what bothers them! Thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to your upcoming books!

     By Melissa Stoller on February 1, 2023 at 6:09 pm

617. Great suggestion! Thanks for posting!

     By Jessica Fries-Gaither on February 1, 2023 at 6:27 pm

618. Story Storm is great. So many ideas to work on!

     By Christine M. Irvin on February 1, 2023 at 6:37 pm

619. Tammi! You are awesome. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

     By Parvati Patil on February 1, 2023 at 6:41 pm

620. Love this suggestion (and your books)!

     By Kari Lavelle on February 1, 2023 at 6:46 pm

621. Thanks for the unique ideas.

     By debbiemoeller on February 1, 2023 at 7:20 pm

622. Oh, bother, as Pooh bear would say. What’s bothering me? Storystorm is over!
     But Tammi always brings us to the finish line with a few more ideas to consider. Thanks!

     By Cathy Lentes on February 1, 2023 at 7:26 pm

623. Combining character and conflict. Can’t beat the basics! Thank you for sharing bits of your (many) books with the ideas. I’ve got one character beginning to take residency in my brain. (:

     By Laurie Seaford on February 1, 2023 at 7:34 pm

624. Sounds so easy one character, and a desire. Me character publish a book desire! Thank you for sharing.

     By kdgwrites on February 1, 2023 at 7:37 pm

625. Thank you!

     By Melissa McDaniel on February 1, 2023 at 8:51 pm

626. I love ALL Tammi’s books!

     By Rachelle Burk on February 1, 2023 at 8:57 pm

627. Love your books so much. Thank you!

     By Shirley fadden on February 1, 2023 at 9:10 pm

628. You are an inspiration. Thank you!

     By Danette on February 1, 2023 at 9:15 pm

629. I love this exercise. Thank you!

     By Melissa Hastings on February 1, 2023 at 9:26 pm

630. Great ideas – there are so many things that can bother kids and fun to think what could bother different animals!

     By marybeningo on February 1, 2023 at 10:01 pm

631. Thank you for the blog post. It helps me think through my characters and what they want…(Not to be bothered.)

     By Marilyn DeVries on February 1, 2023 at 10:08 pm

632. This is exactly where I have my students start when I tell them to write a story. Thank you for reminding me I should take my own advice.

     By Jess Hedaria on February 1, 2023 at 10:26 pm

633. I like the simplicity of starting with “The Question.” And I love your books so much. Thanks, Tammi!

     By amandashayne on February 1, 2023 at 10:48 pm

634. Tammi, this is the best! Thank you for giving me three new ideas today. You are so talented with creating characters that have interesting, kid relatable problems/wants. My girls and I repeatedly read your books and I love studying them. They are all treasures for sure. Thank you again for this great post!

     By Lindsey Aduskevich on February 2, 2023 at 12:01 am

635. All right, Tammi Sauer. Here I am, on February 1, catching up on the last half a dozen Storystorm posts in one evening because holy moly has January zoomed by and gotten away from me. I’m sitting at 20 ideas, still in need of the last 10 before the Storystorm pledge post expires next week.

     I’ve now written in random characters for ideas 21, 22, and 23, and am going to have a good sleep on it and ask them tomorrow what bothers them. Here goes nothing!!

     By Elizabeth Metz on February 2, 2023 at 12:03 am

636. Tammi, thank you so much for three new ideas! You are so great at creating characters with problems/wants that kids can relate to. We love reading your books. Every one is a treasure chest. Thank you again for this inspiring post.

     By Lindsey Aduskevich on February 2, 2023 at 12:08 am

637. Great ideas to inspire a trip to the library (my favorite place on earth!). Thank you, Tammi!

     By Srividhya Venkat on February 2, 2023 at 12:09 am

638. What a way to end the month! Thanks for making us put in a little bit of work with this post. I’m going to carry that character/problem idea with me into February and beyond.

     By Maria Bostian on February 2, 2023 at 12:16 am

639. Thank you for sharing “the Question” exercise. I look forward to trying it, as well as to adding your books to the list for my next library treasure hunt.

     By Kristin Sawyer on February 2, 2023 at 1:04 am

640. I love the question “what’s bugging you?”
     Thank you!

     By juliejelliebean on February 2, 2023 at 1:25 am

641. Wonderful, thank you!

     By Fiona Organ on February 2, 2023 at 2:37 am

642. I just asked a couple characters the question, and they are answering! Thank you!

     By Jess Burbank (@jburbank) on February 2, 2023 at 2:44 am

643. I agree, reading other pic. books is a fantastic exercise. Thanks for returning Tara’s emails so long ago, that’s just plain ol’ nice.

     By Louise M. Aamodt on February 2, 2023 at 7:24 am

644. I love that Tammi was the first ever ‘poster’ for now StoryStorm and that this power house funny lady closed of this season of the challenge. Thanks for this perspective and the action item to get the juices flowing!

     By Beth Elliott on February 2, 2023 at 7:32 am

645. Thanks for the homework — what a fun challenge! Best, LM

     By Lynne Marie on February 2, 2023 at 10:14 am

646. This was so helpful! I immediately thought of a character I already had but his story turned out to be different from what I thought once I asked him what was bothering him. Thank you!

     By Bethany Brown on February 2, 2023 at 11:04 am

647. This question is really helping me clarify the stories I’m working on! Thank you!

     By amberleawilliams on February 2, 2023 at 11:28 am

648. Wow, this was a powerful prompt!

     By Kaela Parkhouse on February 2, 2023 at 11:44 am

649. Great way to end the month of ideas! Thanks, Tammi!

     By michellesteinberg on February 2, 2023 at 12:10 pm

650. I think this prompt will help me finish my list. Thanks!

     By suzannepoulterharris on February 2, 2023 at 1:03 pm

651. 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!

     By Jes Trudel on February 2, 2023 at 1:49 pm

652. “Hey Pal, what’s bothering you?” is a wonderful question for my main characters. Thank you for this memorable advice in the waning hours of SS.

     By Jo Raderstorf on February 2, 2023 at 4:18 pm

653. That was such a fun read.

     By jasminefang on February 2, 2023 at 4:49 pm

654. Very helpful ❤️🤦🏻‍♀️

     By Emmie R Werner on February 2, 2023 at 4:55 pm

655. Wow! What a great, fun way to come up with the story conflict! I’m going to go back and ask that question of my favorite “idea characters.”

     By Linda Silvestri on February 2, 2023 at 5:02 pm

656. I read Making a Friend last year, and couldn’t believe how brilliant the premise was. Kudos and thanks for the encouragement

     By Joanne Roberts on February 2, 2023 at 5:25 pm

657. Wonderful ideas. Thank you!

     By jaimegpetru on February 2, 2023 at 8:51 pm

658. Not sure if I’m too late here, but I wanted to just thank you, Tammi, for such a great post! Such a simple, yet fun and effective, way to generate story ideas! Thank you!

     By Jennifer Vose on February 2, 2023 at 10:08 pm

659. Tammi, How could anything bother me after such a great post? Other than not having 30 ideas yet…. I’ll do my homework!

     By Noelle McBride on February 2, 2023 at 11:47 pm

660. “Hey Pal, what’s bothering you?” That’s brilliant. What a perfect way to get to what would be the heart of a great picture book! Thanks so much, Tammi!

     By Susie Sawyer on February 3, 2023 at 2:12 am

661. Wonderful tip! Thank you!

     By rozanark on February 3, 2023 at 3:14 am

662. Loved it! Thanks!

     By Ruthie Nicklaus on February 3, 2023 at 11:49 am

663. I had some good ideas this year. I will be sure to ask them this question! Thank you!

     By Helen Lysicatos on February 3, 2023 at 11:54 am

664. Always a great way to spend January!

     By juliannahelt on February 3, 2023 at 5:05 pm

665. Love it! Great way to wrap up the month! Thanks, Tammi!

     By Hilary Smith on February 3, 2023 at 5:06 pm

666. Sounds like a great writing prompt. Thanks!

     By kaleegwarjanski on February 3, 2023 at 6:31 pm

667. Thanks for the tip! Such a simple but necessary question.

     By Paula VE on February 3, 2023 at 7:40 pm

668. Love your burning all important question “Hey pal. What’s bothering you?” What a special way for us to end this valuable Storystorm excursion—with a talented and warm-hearted writer who pays it forward in a big way. Thank you, Tammi!

     By angiecal76 on February 4, 2023 at 12:23 am

669. Thank you for this post! You always have the best advice, Tammi. I always look forward to your posts in Storystorm. Now I need to go and find out what’s bothering my characters. Thanks again, Tammi!

     By Ashley Bankhead on February 4, 2023 at 3:20 am

670. Thank you for sharing Tammi. I never thought about asking my character(s), “What is bothering you?”. But I think I will start doing that now! 🙂

     By marias62 on February 4, 2023 at 9:25 am

671. Fantastic and fun way to wrap up the month, Tammi! Plus I love your postscript at the end of the blog 🙂 I will definitely ask my host of characters some questions this week!

     By yangmommy on February 4, 2023 at 10:52 am

672. Such marvelous advice and congratulations on all of your stories!

     By Shirley on February 4, 2023 at 11:55 am

673. What a fun exercise to end the month! Thanks, Tammi.

     By Eileen Mayo on February 4, 2023 at 1:40 pm

674. I love this! Thanks, Tammi, and thanks for your wonderful books. They are classroom favorites!

     By Rebecca Van Slyke on February 4, 2023 at 3:55 pm

675. This is very helpful, Tammi, especially since I am still trying to find my last ideas. Thanks.

     By jimchaize1 on February 4, 2023 at 6:40 pm

676. I was able to get the last few ideas I neeeded using your question idea. Thank you, Tammi! You are always an inspiration.

     By Susanne Whitehouse on February 4, 2023 at 8:19 pm

677. Tammi I love your books and appreciate your advice

     By Angela Turner on February 4, 2023 at 9:42 pm

678. A great question that is bound to lead to more questions like why and how and so what… thank you!

     By MeiLin Chan on February 5, 2023 at 4:35 am

679. Fun to have a sit down with my character to find out what’s bothering them. Thanks for the post and all the great books!

     By Brinton Culp on February 5, 2023 at 11:44 am

680. I love your posts! Thanks for doing them year after year.

     By Kyle McBride on February 5, 2023 at 4:48 pm

681. Thank you! I did the exercise and these kids are worried! Thanks for a new way to see conflict. I admire your work.

     By Zoraida Rivera on February 5, 2023 at 6:16 pm

682. Coming to this lat day late – been so busy working on my GN. Best wishes to everyone here. Thanks for your support to us all, Tammi!

     By bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing on February 6, 2023 at 2:06 am

683. Yay! I love this post! Every year I get more and more ideas… maybe we should do revisionary February or something to build on what we made in January.

     By Adriana Bergstrom on February 6, 2023 at 12:55 pm

684. Thanks for the tips here. Think a cute idea has sprung from this post xx

     By amacneill1 on February 6, 2023 at 5:06 pm

685. I’m just about to do an author talk where I talk to kids about character design and starting stories “character first” – love this technique! Off to go add more to the idea pile (I hope). =)

     By aidantalkin on February 6, 2023 at 5:31 pm

686. Great suggestion! Thanks

     By Jan Milusich on February 6, 2023 at 8:12 pm

687. Thanks, Tammi. It’s fun to think about your suggestion.

     By Yehudit Sarah on February 6, 2023 at 9:13 pm

688. Perfect ending! I never asked my character “hey pal, what’s bothering you?” Thank you for the great ideas!
     I wish you much success

     By Kelly Vavala on February 6, 2023 at 9:48 pm

689. Thank you for the ideas! Starting a character list right now!

     By Shannon Fossett on February 6, 2023 at 11:56 pm

690. I love starting with character, and a character who is bothered is even better. I find one of my characters to be quite charming, but the story is a string of funny anecdotes and feels flat. It will be helpful to ask, what’s bothering you? (And to follow up with is that really the thing that’s bothering you, or is that just on the surface?) Thanks!

     By allyenz on February 7, 2023 at 12:54 pm

691. So helpful! I’m thinking about botheration now…:)

     By Stephanie D Jones on February 7, 2023 at 3:15 pm

692. Love this great reminder—thank you so much, Tammi!

     By Katherine Pew on February 9, 2023 at 8:12 pm

693. Great point to see what’s bothering or what could bother the MCs, thank you!

     By sylviaichen on February 14, 2023 at 7:00 pm

694. This is very helpful! Thank you!!

     By Pradeep Velugubantla on February 18, 2023 at 10:56 am

695. Loved reading this post and love talking to my characters!

     By ellenramsey on February 3, 2024 at 11:20 pm

696. Love having another idea to add to my brainstorming, thank you Tammi!

     By Katie Schwartz on February 16, 2024 at 11:04 pm

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