by Lisa Katzenberger
In my nine years of writing picture books, I’ve been most drawn to (and most successful at selling) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) picture books. Storystorm is about inspiration and idea generation, and I can share what I have learned over the years and through oodles of ideas: dig deep and share your authentic self.
I have had story ideas about everything from talking skyscrapers, to mounted police officers, to orchestra conductors. But I am none of the above, and I don’t know much about them. It was only when I started writing stories about authentic experiences with my own emotions that my stories blossomed and my work became acquired.
As an example, I wrote IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Kindness, Empathy, and Friendship, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett, about my own experience with anxiety—although I didn’t know I was doing that at the time. It wasn’t until I my publisher asked me to do a Book Talk about where I got the idea, and I spent time reflecting on the story development and revision process, that I realized what I had written: a story about how some of our emotions (like fear) can look really small to others on the outside, but still feel really big to us on the inside. Once IT WILL BE OK was published, I heard from many teachers that they used it as part of their SEL curriculum, and this story led to helpful discussions about identifying our emotions, listening to others, and being a good friend.
While I kind of stumbled upon writing an SEL story for IT WILL BE OK, I challenged myself to be more intentional with my future stories. I wanted to continue writing SEL books that could serve as a conversation starter for kids about their emotions. I certainly had some false starts—not every concept was a winner, but that’s OK! But I eventually found success with an idea that came straight from a therapy session. This picture book is I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding the Brave You, illustrated by Hannah George.
In this story, I talk about a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tool I learned: Acting “As If”. The gist of this tool is about acting as if you already are the person you want to be. After it helped me, I thought kids could relate to it this way: playing pretend. So I took a very deep, emotional, private moment of my life and poured it onto the page.
So, how can you mine your own life for stories with an emotional heart? Here is an exercise to try:
- Think of a time you felt a strong emotion—as a child or an adult. It could be a joyful moment, a scary moment, a sad moment. Anything goes.
- What were you like when you first felt that emotion? This defines the character and establishes the story beginning.
- What did you do as that emotion washed through you? This describes the action and is your story middle.
- How did you feel afterwards? This presents the emotional shift and serves as your story end.
As an example, in my picture book IT WILL BE OK, the emotional shift looks like this:
When it comes to writing SEL picture books, I advise you to look deep into your heart, and mine your emotions for experiences that kids can relate to and grow from. I’m not going to lie, this is all VERY scary for me to write and share. But when I think about a kid sitting in circle time, listening to my story and thinking, “Hey, I feel that way too. Maybe I can talk about it with someone,” it’s all worth it.
Lisa Katzenberger is giving away a fiction picture book critique to one lucky Storystorm winner.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2024 participant and you have commented only once on today’s blog post.
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
Lisa Katzenberger has been writing stories since she was a kid. Books have been a part of her life since her mom took her to the local library each week and let her roam around the children’s section, picking out whatever she wanted to read. She loved escaping into stories, and she still can’t believe she gets to write them for kids now!
She’s on the faculty of The Writing Barn where she teaches picture book writing courses including Perfecting the Picture Book, Writing Social Emotional Learning Picture Books, and Write. Submit. Support.
She lives near Chicago in La Grange, Illinois with her husband and two children. Visit her website at LisaKatzenberger.com and follow her on Bluesky @lisakatzenberger.bsky.social, Instagram @lisakatz17, and X @FictionCity.
782 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 3, 2024 at 8:36 am
thecrowsmap
Lisa, thank you for this wonderful post. And thank you for the books you write that help children understand their emotions.
Gail Hartman
January 3, 2024 at 8:40 am
Bridgitte Rodguez
Thanks for sharing Lisa! I too can really only write for personal experience! I love the idea of starting with an emotional experience and going from there. I have not tried that before! And when I taught preschool— I had your book It Will Be Okay, in my classroom!
January 3, 2024 at 8:42 am
readmybook2002
As President Roosevelt once said, “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” But the fear is sometimes too real to understand especially for children. It’s not the end of the world but to some it feels like it. Also love your “As if”.
January 3, 2024 at 8:43 am
leslieevatayloe
What you wrote is so true. I write better stories if I went through the experiences myself instead of just reading about a subject and then trying to write about it. Thanks, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 8:43 am
Cristina Raymer
Writing what you know is great advice, even if it’s scary to do! Thank you for sharing your insights with us!
January 4, 2024 at 7:09 am
claireflewis
Great advice! Thank you Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 8:43 am
Jean
Thank you, Lisa. This was poignant and powerful, and most of all, inspiring. Reaching down deep on those childhood experiences, however uncomfortable, is truth.
January 3, 2024 at 8:46 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks Lisa! I love the exercise to get me moving.
January 4, 2024 at 9:23 am
Jessica Iwanski
Thank you for sharing this, Lisa! Sometimes those big, scary stories are the exact ones someone else needs to read. ♥️ I especially loved your advice about pursuing what you’re drawn to writing about, at your core. My best stories are definitely the ones that come from somewhere deep in my heart. This was inspiring!
January 3, 2024 at 8:46 am
Artelle Lenthall
Thanks for sharing, trying to access childhood memories atm I’m sure this tool will help 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 8:49 am
lhofke
Thank you for the good advice.
So great that there are these books for kids.
January 3, 2024 at 8:49 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Thanks, Lisa–I have a very clear experience in mind that I’m going to make a chart about now. SEL stories are so needed and so valuable. I’m glad you shared your own stories with us. ❤
January 3, 2024 at 8:49 am
Cathy Lentes
Hi Lisa!
Three days of Storystorm, and posts from three people I adore! Thank you for being brave and sharing your heart on the page.
You help me be brave, too.
Here’s to more SEL books finding their way into children’s hands and hearts.
Cathy
January 3, 2024 at 8:51 am
Betsy Devany
Thank you so much for sharing. Your honesty is an inspiration. I love acting “as if” and the power of reaching deep into personal experience. Excellent exercises. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 8:51 am
marianariosr
Thanks for sharing your experience Liza! I agree that when you write what you know and experienced yourself it shows on the pages.
January 3, 2024 at 8:53 am
sblotevogel
Thank you for giving me the courage to put my own emotions to test and sharing them with the world.
January 3, 2024 at 8:55 am
Hilary Margitich
This is so helpful for an SEL picture book manuscript I am revising currently!
January 3, 2024 at 8:55 am
Jeanette Stampone
I think sharing genuine emotions in really shines in PBs. I will explore this with my next idea! Great tip!
January 3, 2024 at 8:55 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Great advice – for writing…and life! Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 8:55 am
Joyce Uglow
Lisa, thanks for the story arc chart to show the plot points, action, and emotions for your book, IT WILL BE OK. I’m curious if you fill in the chart when you’re revising, or if you use it to write your first draft.
January 3, 2024 at 8:56 am
anchance
Love this advice. Thank you for your words of wisdom!
January 3, 2024 at 8:56 am
Lindsay Moretti
Thank you for your post on mining emotions, Lisa! Sometimes I try so hard to find ideas “out there”, when so many ideas can stem from within. I appreciate the refocus and reminder!
January 3, 2024 at 8:58 am
Laura Wippell
My first PB is also a SEL book, and I agree, it was terrifying and exhausting to write as I had to delve deep into past experiences and emotions. Absolutely worth it though if it can help a child, and I also found it therapeutic. Thank you so much for sharing this Lisa, and giving us a template to use.
January 3, 2024 at 9:00 am
kelliearted
Thank you for the great advice!
January 3, 2024 at 9:01 am
Ilona B
Hey, I think I’ve been using that “as if” technique without knowing it. PBs are good for adult learning, too!!
January 3, 2024 at 9:01 am
thecrowsmap
Lisa, this is a wonderful post! Thank you for the books you write.
Gail Hartman
January 3, 2024 at 9:02 am
marty
Thank you for being brave, Lisa. You’re my role model for digging deep.
January 3, 2024 at 9:02 am
amyhouts
I love this, Lisa! (BIG feeling!) Your story arc graph is gold. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 9:02 am
Writer on the run
This post propels me to get a story idea down about some very big emotions I have been having over the holidays. And it is scary to sit with those emotions and figure them out and how they are universal. Thanks Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 9:03 am
rosecappelli
Thank you, Lisa. The importance of authenticity in writing is so important.
January 3, 2024 at 9:03 am
Jennifer
Thank you for sharing–in this blog and through your books! Being vulnerable isn’t easy, but it can make a big difference for ourselves and others.
January 3, 2024 at 9:07 am
Becca McMurdie
And since many of us just spent the holidays with family, we are feeling all the feels. Plenty of material for this exercise! Cheers.
January 3, 2024 at 9:07 am
kellybirdsong2019
Thanks for writing this. I’m working on a SEL story now and your post was very helpful.
January 3, 2024 at 9:07 am
Tanya Konerman
Such an interesting way to look at SEL topics for kids! I really like the “As if” method too.
January 3, 2024 at 9:10 am
maureenegan
Such great work, Lisa! Appreciate your courage and honesty and generosity!
January 3, 2024 at 9:11 am
abbygatenby
Thank you, Lisa, for writing SEL books. It would have been helpful to me to see another anxious child
January 3, 2024 at 9:12 am
inquirylane
Being vulnerable is hard, but also so authentic. Thank you for such clear guidance with the writing exercise. Best to you! -Macy
January 3, 2024 at 9:13 am
julianamjones728
Thanks for sharing the process of writing from an emotional standpoint. I’m going to give it my all to dig deep!
January 3, 2024 at 9:13 am
Bettie
Great article. Thanks for sharing the chart with the emotional arc.
January 3, 2024 at 9:15 am
Arlene Schenker
Lisa–this is so inspirational. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 9:16 am
writeremmcbride
What a wonderful subject to choose, Lisa. SEL books are an open door to normalizing feelings and behaviors kids might not otherwise address. What a gift it is to share such books in the classroom, library, small group, or family setting. Congratulations!
January 3, 2024 at 9:16 am
Melissa Lettis
It can be scary writing about something so personal, but so important, and can really make for unique, authentic stories. ❤
January 3, 2024 at 9:17 am
M.R.
Thank you for sharing your process. Isn’t it wonderful how books can help children not only enjoy a story, but feel empowered by it?!?! Your story arc diagram is very helpful, too! 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 9:17 am
Zach Roush
Awesome timing as I’m sifting through old photos and letters from my Mom to me at a summer camp I didn’t want to go to. Thanks for the inspiration and the opportunity 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 9:17 am
krharrellnw
Thanks for sharing how your books came to be.
January 3, 2024 at 9:19 am
cindyjohnson2013
Thanks for sharing this, Lisa. And for your wonderful books. They help so many kids to feel seen.
January 3, 2024 at 9:20 am
Lori D
Your books are helpful to adults and children alike.
January 3, 2024 at 9:21 am
brightwishbooks
Oh I LOVE your book It will Be Ok. My background is in school psych so I am always drawn to SEL books
January 3, 2024 at 9:22 am
Vanessa Konoval
Clear-as-a-bell guidance for getting started on stories that can make a big difference for little readers! Thanks, Lisa!!
January 3, 2024 at 9:22 am
Donna Rossman
Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your heartfelt process. We can all benefit from the *as if”. Your chart put the SEL PB format in perspective! Many thanks, Lisa! 🥰
January 3, 2024 at 9:24 am
Jennifer
Thank you for being brave and sharing this, Lisa! Emotions are so important for children to understand. I just had to hunt for picture books that would help a child understand grief, and I’m so grateful to the authors who dug deep to tackle that topic, just as I’m thankful you found your niche with SEL books. Acting as if I am brave and diving into my emotions now!
January 3, 2024 at 9:25 am
Jessica Coupé
Thanks for the tips on writing a SEL book!
January 3, 2024 at 9:26 am
bookclubhbhs
Thank you for sharing all of this! I feel like I really needed the message of your post today. I homeschool my daughter and not only will I also have her to the exercise questions along with me, but I also plan to follow you on Amazon, and to incorporate your books into our homeschooling curriculum! Thanks for inspiring writing ideas and homeschooling ideas; I love when these 2 worlds coincide with each other!
January 3, 2024 at 9:26 am
Julie Hauswirth
Thank you for sharing!! I really love the way you organized the actions/emotions in a story arc chart and will give that a try!
January 3, 2024 at 9:27 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Lisa, how very brave of you to share your experiences. You have given me incentive to try to relate some of my own experiences, but I have to figure a way to make it a kid-friendly situation.
January 3, 2024 at 9:27 am
kellyleedoyle
Thank you for sharing! Makes so much sense.
January 3, 2024 at 9:27 am
Joyce Frank
Thank you, Lisa. Perhaps your next book will be about a person who helps others by being brave enough to share her own experiences because that is certainly the person you are.
January 3, 2024 at 9:28 am
kathalsey
Lisa, the story arc session is so useful. I have a WIP that is SEL on a deep emotion from my own life that I’ve been working on, but it still needs fleshing out, Your grid example is perfect. TY.
January 3, 2024 at 9:30 am
Darla Christie
Thank you, Lisa. Your post really resonated with me. I am drawn to SEL text as well, but ironically am very private with my own emotions/experiences. I loved your point about a child listening during circle time. Great encouragement to be brave with my writing!
January 3, 2024 at 9:33 am
cbloomy
Thank you for sharing such a practical and enriching resource for mining personal experiences to create emotionally resonant stories! The exercise and story arc graph using specific examples from your story is so beneficial.
January 3, 2024 at 9:33 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thanks for providing an excellent and helpful starting point for writing SEL, Lisa! Your books are truly special and needed.
January 3, 2024 at 9:35 am
ralucasirbu
Lisa, what a wonderful post! Thank you for not only sharing by teaching. Very helpful!! (Happy New Year and wishing you all the best in 2024)
January 3, 2024 at 9:35 am
Suzanne Lewis
What wonderful and oh-so-important stories for all kids, any age! Thank you, Lisa, for sharing how you create them and encouraging us to do so too.
January 3, 2024 at 9:38 am
sandra2ae74cbbe8
Writing these kind of books is a bit of therapy in itself!
January 3, 2024 at 9:39 am
Melissa Rafson Friedman
I just wrote a manuscript that dug deep into my childhood, the idea sat for a while not knowing how to start, but I was authentic to my childhood experience and I think I got it!
January 3, 2024 at 9:39 am
Cheryl Keely
Love it. I can see the plot arc graph being realkt helpful to use — especially at the revision stage — to make sure your story is supporting the emotions you’re wanting to tell. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 9:39 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Hi Lisa! If you even see these! 🙂 I also write SEL picture books and LOVE your new one too! Funny thing: You’re on my list to email this week and I didn’t even know I’d “see” you first thing this am!
January 3, 2024 at 9:39 am
Aileen Stewart
Thanks so much for sharing your feelings!
January 3, 2024 at 9:40 am
sheriradovich0384
Thank you Lisa for breaking down the SEL story arc for me. I have listened to you tell about writing picture books on the 12 x12 webinars, too. This helps me think about writing a story about anger when a child is frustrated. Already working on a new idea.
January 3, 2024 at 9:40 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Lisa for letting us know It Will Be Ok!
January 3, 2024 at 9:41 am
kellybirdsong2019
Thanks for writing this. I’m working on a SEL story right nw and this was very helpful.
January 3, 2024 at 9:42 am
Rachelle Burk
This article really made me think! In spite of my career as a crisis intervention social worker (and a childhood with traumatic loss) I’ve never written an SEL book. Maybe I should try. Thanks for this!
January 3, 2024 at 9:43 am
coachrochelle
Inspiring!
January 3, 2024 at 9:45 am
rnewman504
Wonderful post, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 9:46 am
rachelcritchleya061056d76
Love the way this can help children understand broader concepts.
January 3, 2024 at 9:48 am
arndt4writing
What a great post! I’ve always felt vulnerable putting things that happened to me as a child in one of my stories. But thinking about it helping a child makes me feel brave. Thanks for being brave enough to be vulnerable with us, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 9:49 am
sherirad
Love the chart and breakdown of information.
January 3, 2024 at 9:50 am
paulajbecker
Thank you for the thoughtful breakdown of aspects of your writing, Lisa! Feels like a mini therapy session was rolled in there, too! ; D
January 3, 2024 at 9:50 am
lisakdaviswriting
Thank you! I love this exercise and I cant wait to try it!
January 3, 2024 at 9:51 am
Lindsey Aduskevich
I one hundred percent champion writing from your own authentic experiences. I have over 40 picture book manuscripts and it was the ones that came from my own experiences that led me to my previous agent and now current agent. These manuscripts also happen to be the ones (I feel) hold the most emotion. Thank you for this wonderful post. I look forward to reading your books. 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 9:51 am
Claudine Pullen
Love this Lisa! I’ll be mining my life. Thanks for the amazing advice.
January 3, 2024 at 9:53 am
Catherine
I recently poured my heart into a very personal picture book, it was very different from anything I’ve written before but very cathartic to write. Hopefully if it ever gets published it will support young readers who are going through the same situation as my main character.
January 3, 2024 at 9:55 am
meganlee29
This was very helpful. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 9:55 am
spinksc
Great ideas!
January 3, 2024 at 9:56 am
crbwriter
I want to read these books! Thank you for the detailed chart.
January 3, 2024 at 9:57 am
jenanyong
Thanks Lisa! Mining from personal experiences is one of my first instincts in my writing. Hopefully it’ll get me somewhere, someday!
January 3, 2024 at 9:58 am
Heidi Chupp
Thank you for your vulnerability, Lisa! My picture book study group included IT WILL BE OKAY in one of our meetings and we thoroughly enjoyed it. ❤
January 3, 2024 at 9:59 am
robincurrie1
How brave to share these insights with us and the kids!
January 3, 2024 at 9:59 am
eleanorannpeterson
Thank you for being brave and sharing your story arc-Digging deep into our past can be scary at times, but I think I found one episode in my childhood that could work as a picture book.
January 3, 2024 at 10:06 am
joanlongstaff
Time to dig deep, thank you for pushing me there!
January 3, 2024 at 10:07 am
mdk45
Thanks for sharing your journey, Lisa. Your books entertain and help children navigate their feelings.
January 3, 2024 at 10:12 am
reedandwritekids
Interesting, thus prompt brought up an even that was many decades ago but with distance I can really see the before, during, after…. I can also see how unfortunate it is that it was never shared as a child. The fear wasn’t resolved until many, many, many decades later. Might be a good story for me to explore!
January 3, 2024 at 10:13 am
Val M
Oh, yes, Lisa, “story ideas about everything” — you have outlined a terrific way to hone those ideas into something relatable for kids. Great questions I’ll be using to mine my ideas with emotional heart. Thank you!!
January 3, 2024 at 10:14 am
Jessxie
I love the question prompts you included for stories with these type of feelings. I’m definitely going to ponder and see what story ideas unfold. Thank you so much Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 10:17 am
kcollazo
Thank you for sharing your process and story arc – so helpful! My favorite quote that I will think about moving forward, “dig deep and share your authentic self.”
January 3, 2024 at 10:17 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Thank you for sharing and writing books that through your shared experiences help others know that they are not alone.
January 3, 2024 at 10:20 am
kvavala
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I 💯 % agree, sharing your emotions can certainly be a scary thing but when a child sees that he or she isn’t alone in their emotions we are helping them as well as ourselves getting it out on paper! I wish you much success
January 3, 2024 at 10:20 am
marshaelyn
Lisa,
I fondly remember “Storytime” at our library. The storyteller was very, very tall for someone so small and she had kind brown eyes. She’d light a white candle and say, “It’s storytime.” I flood with warmth thinking of those Saturday mornings. I, too, am drawn to reading and writing SEL books. Thank you for sharing your own “emotional” journey and for helping children traverse their own with your heartfelt books. Bravo on your success! Sending you energy and inspiration…
January 3, 2024 at 10:21 am
Loralee Petersen
I have just recently learned about SEL and feel it might be a good fit for my writing. This was very helpful in showing me how to get started. Thank you so much for sharing this! And for being brave enough to share your stories.
January 3, 2024 at 10:22 am
musingmommumble
Your story arc breakdown is very helpful. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
January 3, 2024 at 10:23 am
Elena Horne
I need to check out these books!
January 3, 2024 at 10:24 am
Shari Della Penna
Thanks, Lisa. I will take your sound advice to heart. Your example and template are helpful. Thanks for sharing them!
Sent from my iPhone
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January 3, 2024 at 10:28 am
karammitchell
My mother and sister are LPCs. I can’t wait to tell them about your work!
January 3, 2024 at 10:28 am
ptnozell
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your insights & inspiration. Children, and fellow writers, are so fortunate that you were able to mine your emotions and were brave enough to share them with us.
January 3, 2024 at 10:29 am
thehugbooks
What a brilliant chart! I’m going to keep that and use it over and over again as a template. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 10:31 am
michelemeleen
This is a great explanation of what “write what you know” means! Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 10:31 am
Evelyn Day
Thank you! I love this!
January 3, 2024 at 10:31 am
triciacandy
Than you for this timely post! It is the exact reminder I needed as I work on my story today!
January 3, 2024 at 10:32 am
Elizabeth Volkmann
HI Lisa! Oh my goodness, I am saving this post! Thank you for not only sharing your inspiration but part of your process and writing craft, too. So generous! Thank you!!
January 3, 2024 at 10:36 am
elizabethwilcoxsaba
Thank you, Lisa. I like the story arc grid.
January 3, 2024 at 10:36 am
Beth Auman
Ooh! This post made me think of a childhood incident that I never thought to use as a story! Thanks much!
January 3, 2024 at 10:37 am
Helen M. Waters
I absolutely love this idea, and thanks for sharing such great exercise. It will be a mainstay in my idea searching.
January 3, 2024 at 10:38 am
Yolimari Garcia
Thank you so much for sharing! Your post is instrumental.
January 3, 2024 at 10:38 am
Susan Cabael
Loved learning about IT WILL BE OK through Courage to Create and now I also would love I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED for my classroom too.
January 3, 2024 at 10:40 am
jms5880
Such a powerful post. Thank you for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 10:40 am
aubreyalliethewriter
Oh, I’m definitely going to buy these two books of yours! My son, my husband, and I all deal with anxiety. My son’s has gotten really bad since the death of his best friend and the fear is high in him. I’ve always been drawn to write picture books about these emotions that run high in our home. Thank you for these books and the exercise. I look forward to reading your books for myself and to my son and doing the exercise!
January 3, 2024 at 10:43 am
Rebecca Colby
Great advice. Thank you, Lisa.
January 3, 2024 at 10:45 am
bevbaird
Such great advice Lisa – and from the heart. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 10:46 am
lnsimmons23
Thank you for your post, Lisa! The story arc grid is so helpful! ~Lauren Simmons
January 3, 2024 at 10:47 am
margaretsmn
This is such practical advice for writing picture books. I have big emotions. I’ve even been told I wallow in them, so why not find a way to help others through these emotions with writing? Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 10:49 am
lauren
Books that make you feel are always the best book – love this advice to mine your own feelings and experiences
January 3, 2024 at 10:50 am
Laura
As a counselor I use these stories often to help kids identify with their feelings. Wonderful!
January 3, 2024 at 10:50 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Lisa – using “As If” is an interesting twist for anyone who likes to use “What If” as a writing tool. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 10:53 am
Andrea Yomtob
Thanks for sharing! I have the tendency to make stories complicated with too many emotions. Pairing it down to one is always a challenge for me. I love your motivation for writing, my motivation is similar. 👍
January 3, 2024 at 10:54 am
Sherry Carrington
Very interesting. I haven’t seen much on this category of book from an author’s perspective. As a former school counselor, I’m intrigued. Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 10:54 am
Cindy Boyll
Thank you for being vulnerable and authentic. May you spark many children with healthy, growing skills!
January 3, 2024 at 10:54 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
What a wonderful exercise, Lisa. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt post.
January 3, 2024 at 10:57 am
ellenl611f26fb68
Lisa, you know I love IT WILL BE OK. Your hints here are wonderful. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 10:59 am
ellenl611f26fb68
I don’t know why this come up with all that stuff after Ellen L It’s Ellen Leventhal.
January 3, 2024 at 10:58 am
Zoodocwrites
Great post, Lisa! I wish there were more books like yours when my kids were younger.
January 3, 2024 at 11:00 am
Christina Dankert
Thank you for sharing! As a 2nd grade teacher, seeing those “ah-ha” moments during story time is the most beautiful thing in the world. I wish every author could see the faces of students loving their books and watching a child feel seen.
January 3, 2024 at 11:01 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your writing process and successes with us. What a wonderful inspiration.
January 3, 2024 at 11:07 am
Susan Michele Schade
I can’t wait to use this writing exercise! Emotion is the key! Thank you, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 11:09 am
Elizabeth Meyer Zu Heringdorf
What an eye-opener! Thank you for sharing your experience!
January 3, 2024 at 11:10 am
Valerie K Fentress
Love this!!!
January 3, 2024 at 11:10 am
Janet Krauthamer
Lisa, thank you for sharing this personal and valuable info! This is such great advice, and your story arc/emotional arc chart is a really helpful tool. Thank you!!
January 3, 2024 at 11:11 am
danielledufayet
Emotions are the glue in a great picture book – great reminder and inspiration. Congrats, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 11:12 am
marilynch
Lisa, thank you for writing this advice, even though it night have been scary.
January 3, 2024 at 11:13 am
M. Fuller-Morris
Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 11:13 am
Joanna Rowland
SEL stories speak to me too! Love your story arc sample.
January 3, 2024 at 11:13 am
sarahpeacetobias
I have found my best stories by including parts if me in them.
January 3, 2024 at 11:14 am
Jennifer Vose
Thanks so much for sharing so much of your soul, Lisa. I so, so
appreciate it! I agree that sharing stories that reflect our own lived
experiences is part of what really “makes” a story. When I read others’
stories, published or not, I can often almost sense whether the story
comes from the author’s own experience vs. when it’s just an idea they
conjured up and thought MIGHT make a good book. There’s this intangible
heart in a story that comes from an author’s authenticity that shines
through. I think we all just need to remember that our lives are full of
moments and nuggets that can make for great stories – they don’t have to
be monumental, pivotal, life-altering moments – even just the everyday
experiences of our lives can become stories kids want/need to read. We
might not think our own lives are necessarily that interesting – but
maybe they are?
January 3, 2024 at 11:16 am
bethsbiblio
Lisa, thanks for sharing this post.
January 3, 2024 at 11:17 am
Garnett Natasha
Thanks, Lisa. It does take bravery to face deep emotions and then to write about them. Congratulations on your books!
January 3, 2024 at 11:17 am
amybeth349
SEL books are great for students and adults.
January 3, 2024 at 11:17 am
lecon
Thank you for sharing! Your advice resonates.
January 3, 2024 at 11:18 am
saintamovin
Thank you Lisa 😍
January 3, 2024 at 11:19 am
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for sharing your advice =)
January 3, 2024 at 11:19 am
Joy Wieder
Thanks for sharing Lisa! It can be scary to share our most vulnerable parts, but you do it so well!
January 3, 2024 at 11:23 am
beckylevine
Exactly the post I needed this morning. I’m about to dig back into a story where the experience/emotion is absolutely one I’ve had, but I know I haven’t gotten close enough to the heart of it all to tell it the way I want to. This is really going to help! ❤️
January 3, 2024 at 11:24 am
audiencedog
I appreciate this post! I think it can be tricky if the plot becomes too didactic–perhaps the key is really digging deep to the bodily sensations that accompany these tough emotions.
January 3, 2024 at 11:26 am
mommamoocow
Thank you for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 11:27 am
Karen Gebbia
Great advice! Since I started using this same approach and this exact same chart, recommended by an editor, a while back, my drafts developed greater emotional resonance, which I think is what led to agent offers of rep. It’s such a great tool! Thanks for sharing it with the Storystorm community ❤️
January 3, 2024 at 11:30 am
rothbe73861
Thank you Lisa.❤️That trip through memory lane is sometimes so very difficult, where the hardest memories link with the strongest emotions, lay waiting for us to draw them out to help others through tough waters
January 3, 2024 at 11:31 am
Jamie Bills
Thanks for sharing your process, Lisa. It is time for me to dig deep. It Will Be Okay is one of our favorite SEL books. I will watch for I Can Do It Even if I’m Scared in July.
January 3, 2024 at 11:31 am
jrwsantucci
This chart is very helpful! I feel like I often write within the sequence of the chart but to see it laid out like this is great!
Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2024 at 11:32 am
andreesantini
I love the idea to share authentic experiences with my own emotions. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 11:34 am
Bhandi
Thank you for the chart! I think this will be helpful for my next set of manuscripts.
January 3, 2024 at 11:34 am
Jane Baskwill
Thank you Lisa for a glimpse into your writing heart!
January 3, 2024 at 11:34 am
diggerdynamo
Lisa, thanks for this resource. I needed to build emotion for one of my MSs. Look forward to reading your books.
January 3, 2024 at 11:35 am
Sally Hoch
Love this so much.
Thanks for sharing so much of your heart.
January 3, 2024 at 11:36 am
Bhandi
The chart will be helpful for my next set of manuscripts!
January 3, 2024 at 11:36 am
colleenrkosinski
Great advice!
January 3, 2024 at 11:36 am
kirstenbockblog
Love this! Thanks for being brave and writing your truth so that others can see themselves in books too.
January 3, 2024 at 11:38 am
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for the story idea and for providing an exercise for the process. I will give it a try!
January 3, 2024 at 11:38 am
smfossett
Thank you for sharing. I especially liked the example straight from your book!! So helpful!
January 3, 2024 at 11:38 am
nrompella
That’s great teachers are using your books in classrooms! Thanks for the idea starter today. 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 11:38 am
Andrea Mack
Thank you for sharing the way you use your own emotions to fuel your writing! Love using your books in the classroom!
January 3, 2024 at 11:39 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for sharing your process. Kids need to be able to see themselves in books.
January 3, 2024 at 11:39 am
mariautumn7c81b37a0a
Emotions are a great way to start thinking about stories. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 11:40 am
sketched out
Thank you Lisa, for reminding us to look within for the most potent ideas. I also love the story arc breakdown you shared. Tools like that really work for me. Thanks again!
January 3, 2024 at 11:41 am
sue macartney
A great post! SEL in children’s writing is SO important – thank you for sharing your valuable, heartfelt insights into this genre.
January 3, 2024 at 11:42 am
Teresa Daffern
Thank you, Lisa! For the wonderful books you write and for this description of how you approach and write about emotions.
January 3, 2024 at 11:43 am
Viviane Elbee
I’m looking forward to reading your next book. It sounds great! Thank you for reminding us to dig deep into our emotions.
January 3, 2024 at 11:43 am
brennajeanneret
Great advice! Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 11:44 am
Lisa Billa
Thanks for sharing your inspiration, and this is a helpful way to focus on emotional arc to make characters “real”!
January 3, 2024 at 11:50 am
Mary Zychowicz
Thank you for sharing such personal insights. So many children can benefit from stories like yours. I think you nailed it when you said writing from your own emotional experiences giving authenticity to your stories and truly connecting with children. The one story that I’ve written that has had the most positive feedback from submissions was exactly that; a real life emotional experience put into a fictional setting. Great post. I look forward to reading your books!
January 3, 2024 at 11:52 am
syorkeviney
Lisa, how wonderful for us and for you that these PBs serve as a reminder that even if you don’t feel you’re okay, that it’s alright and they are ways to help yourself to a better place. Our children need to hear this and take comfort and find their inner strength! Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 11:52 am
Laurie Bouck
I love this idea! Thank you for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 11:52 am
Gretchen McLellan
Dear Lisa, thank you for braving up, showing your human vulnerability, and writing books that matter. You are definitely not alone. Building bridges from fear to empathy is what the world needs now.
January 3, 2024 at 11:53 am
symanths
I’m glad you are brave! Thanks for sharing your story.
January 3, 2024 at 11:54 am
kelpellico
Incredible inspiration, thank you! The vulnerability of our own emotions on a page is scary but, to your point, so worthwhile if they connect with a child who needs it.
January 3, 2024 at 11:54 am
abby mumford
Ever since I heard Lisa give a talk on quiet PBs in 2022, I’ve been a massive fan, so to see her name on StoryStorm Day 3 was a thrill! I’m ready to mine my emotional depths… my therapist will be so proud. 😉
January 3, 2024 at 11:55 am
Dea Brayden
Thanks for sharing your process and encouraging us to be vulnerable.
January 3, 2024 at 11:55 am
williamorser
Just goes to show…don’t SEL yourself short! 😉
January 3, 2024 at 11:55 am
heidikyates
Great advice! Thank you for sharing, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 11:56 am
karamarsee8716
Thank you Lisa for sharing these honest deep truths in your books! I especially love the ending of “It Will Be OK”. Giraffe could’ve just gone on his way, but that bravery becoming empathy for his fear? Amazing. ❤️
January 3, 2024 at 11:57 am
L_D_M
This is such a timely topic. In this big, confusing world, children need tools to help them navigate it. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 11:57 am
Karen
Thank you! This has been extremely helpful. I am going back to my drafts and revising!
January 3, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Mary Beth Rice
Oh Lisa, thank you for sharing so honestly about your writing and your life. My books are quiet with SEL threads…You have encouraged me.
January 3, 2024 at 12:01 pm
jnorland
I really, really like this reminder! And now I have a new book to read!
January 3, 2024 at 12:05 pm
Andria Rosenbaum
Love reading about your process in writing SEL books that speak to the heart! Thanks you, Lisa.
January 3, 2024 at 12:05 pm
karenrafeedie
Thanks, Lisa. I’m a fan of IT WILL BE OK. Seeing the story arc was really helpful!
January 3, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Angela De Groot
Lisa, thank you for sharing your process and your tips. I enjoyed IT WILL BE OKAY. I’m excited to read I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED. I’ve added it to my GoodReads Want to Read list.
January 3, 2024 at 12:07 pm
gregoryfulgione
I loved your ideas concerning how to mine our childhood experiences & feelings to write an SEL story. Thanks so much for your step by step suggestions and examples! Can’t wait to read your book!
January 3, 2024 at 12:08 pm
kkeppol
Thank you for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Janice Woods
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Lisa. Great idea!
January 3, 2024 at 12:17 pm
djasonjoneswrites
I have not yet written anything that would be considered an SEL piece. However, I find that I am usually far more excited about my writing intended for children that is also rooted in topics I am deeply passionate about. Even my non-fiction work is more likely to get my A game if I am writing about a subject that truly fascinates me.
January 3, 2024 at 12:18 pm
sarahdakin
I’m a teacher and I know how powerful SEL books can be. Thank you for being brave and putting your feelings out there! It helps teachers and parents create a more compassionate world for our precious young ones.
January 3, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Kimberly. Storyteller
What you are writing is truly valuable to children, and your post reminded me of something that happened way back in elementary school. Thanks for sparking an idea. Great post!
January 3, 2024 at 12:20 pm
jenfierjasinski
Fabulous post thanks for sharing part of yourself, Lisa. And for the chart!
January 3, 2024 at 12:23 pm
kskeesling
The chart was so helpful! I’m going to use it as a revision tool. Thanks
January 3, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Lauren Barbieri
This is great advice! And I love It Will Be Ok. Thank you for the post!
January 3, 2024 at 12:28 pm
DrZatHome
I absolutely love ALL of your books, Lisa! This was so helpful to break down. Definitely writing from our authentic experiences is the best way to go, as I’ve learned myself!
January 3, 2024 at 12:28 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks so much for sharing something scary. I love your advice.
January 3, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Lauren Hidalgo
Thanks Lisa! I didn’t know that SEL was my niche and now I do! Very excited and would LOVE to connect with you.
January 3, 2024 at 12:34 pm
catlady45
Thank you, Lisa for reminding us all to write about our own experiences. I enjoyed reading about your writing journey.
January 3, 2024 at 12:34 pm
mrssandramatthews4
Thanks for breaking down your own book. It helps to see it 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 12:35 pm
jbbower
Thank you for a great post Lisa! I always hoped that a kid would feel joy (and laugh a lot!) while reading one of my stories; but connecting with them (sharing an emotion) is truly more important. I will now be looking at my stories from a different point of view. Thanks again!
January 3, 2024 at 12:36 pm
clairebobrow
I really appreciate the story arc explanation and breakdown. So helpful! I struggle with finding the heart of my stories, so thank you for this excellent post, Lisa!!
January 3, 2024 at 12:38 pm
susaninez0905
A wonderful post with great suggestions and explanations. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Armineh Manookian
I also struggle with anxiety. So appreciate your vulnerability and sharing your experiences even though it is very scary. Thank you for the reminder to stay true to our emotions!
January 3, 2024 at 12:42 pm
bennertx8e1bb6dac6
This is such a great post on how to translate our own experiences into stories with depth and emotion. Thank you for writing it!
January 3, 2024 at 12:44 pm
sallymcclure
Wow! That’s very insightful! I hadn’t realized that I do a similar thing. When I put characters in situations like those I’ve experienced, my characters have similar emotions to mine. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 12:44 pm
cassiazaven
As a former teacher, I would have loved to use “It Will Be Ok” in my classroom. I can see the discussion it would generate and encourage the shy kids to speak up.
As a writer, I feel good about my writing when I pour my heart onto the page. But it is not always easy to be in that frame of mind.
January 3, 2024 at 12:46 pm
bsenenman
What a fabulous post! I think many of my stories have an SEL component and what you shared will help me think it through better. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Mark Ceilley
I like your example of how we can mine an emotion we’ve had and use that experience to write a picture book. Your zebra and giraffe story was helpful to see how a social emotional book could be written.
January 3, 2024 at 12:48 pm
nancyakolb1
Mark- good to see your name. Hope all is well. Nancy K – from Hamline MFAC
January 3, 2024 at 12:47 pm
nancyakolb1
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. I love the concept of digging deeper into my own emotions.
January 3, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Trine Grillo
This is a very helpful post. We tend to think that our sad and scary experiences are too much for kids. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Aimee Satterlee
I’m a very emotional person. When I stopped seeing that as a negative and as something to harness and help others, especially children through my writing, I felt a sense of purpose. Like I haven’t just lived through all of the terrible parts and feelings for no reason. Thanks for reminding me, Lisa, that there’s a kid in circle time waiting to hear my stories.
January 3, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Kim Tso
Inspiring post! It unlocked an idea for me immediately. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 12:55 pm
laradelliott
This is helpful for the SEL books I’m already working on! Thanks, Lisa.
January 3, 2024 at 12:57 pm
Christina
I enjoyed reading Lisa’s comments. As adults we often put aside those feelings/ moments we experienced as a child and how we felt (first day at a new school, your best friend gets mad at you). I appreciate the idea of putting those thoughts into a story a child could relate to.
January 3, 2024 at 1:06 pm
calliebdean
Thanks for sharing that emotional story arc example…what a great idea!
January 3, 2024 at 1:06 pm
Cait
Wonderful write up. I love SEL stories. I appreciate your table too!
January 3, 2024 at 1:10 pm
ldodson100
Mining through all of those emotions can definitely be challenging, but this made me excited to find that gold nugget for a story. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 1:14 pm
Sara Weingartner
I really connected with your post and it was wonderful to see it mapped out. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Lorraine
Your books look and sound adorable. Inspiring. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 1:17 pm
kellyclasenwriter
I struggle with arcs for “quiet” books. The chart was very helpful. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Leslie Degnan
We need more books like IT WILL BE OKAY. Thank you for having the confidence & courage to share your own thinking and writing processes. It was a classic Storystorm jumpstart for me!
January 3, 2024 at 1:19 pm
swollis
Such a helpful exercise. Scary for sure but so helpful.
January 3, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
This is a GREAT exercise, thank you! And thanks for being brave for all those kids by sharing from your experience.
January 3, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Jessica Burbank
Your chart was very helpful! Thank you for sharing your process and helping me spark ideas.
January 3, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
LISA: With my IMMENSE FEAR of spiders, I DEFINITELY NEED to get my hands on your IT WILL BE OK! Your advice to “. . . look deep into your heart, and mine your emotions for experiences that kids can relate to and grow from” is TRULY INSPIRING! THANK YOU for the BEAUTIFUL reminder that our stories can touch and heal the hearts of others–especially those that come straight from our own hearts.
January 3, 2024 at 1:26 pm
emmelineforrestal
Yes! Acting ‘as if’ is a tool I picked up along the way too, and it is such a great mindset shifter. Excellent post, thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 1:27 pm
nowthattherestime281137688
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your writing process with us and for sharing your story. Wonderful advice that I am putting to use immediately.
January 3, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Annie Guerra
So interesting and necessary…sounds like great advice! Annie G.
January 3, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Claudia Sloan
Your book is beautiful, I loved reading it and now learning about how it got made – thank you! Also, thanks for the tips and steps to try.
January 3, 2024 at 1:32 pm
migratingmoosegmailcom
Many thanks for sharing your story arc outline! Very helpful
January 3, 2024 at 1:32 pm
marty bellis
Mining emotions is something I struggle with. Thanks for offering up some guidance on how to dig deeper. And congrats on your newest PB!
January 3, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I’m a librarian and just added these two SEL books to my wish list! Thank you for tackling tough topics.
January 3, 2024 at 1:34 pm
stephaniemstories
Thank you for sharing. I have one draft SEL book that needs more so I’m definitely going to try the exercise to help it out!
January 3, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for sharing your experience, Lisa.
January 3, 2024 at 1:35 pm
Linda Staszak
Very interesting post. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Mikki McFeve
I often find myself writing SEL too…. And finding that fine line between engaging vs didactic.
January 3, 2024 at 1:40 pm
cathystenquist
This was very helpful, Lisa. Thank you for sharing. Your books will touch little hearts and open up needed conversations. 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Angie
Lisa, great post! Thanks for being transparent and sharing with us!
Angie Quantrell
January 3, 2024 at 1:45 pm
Angela Lebovic
Wow—thank you for this insightful post! I wish there were more SEL books available when I was a child!
January 3, 2024 at 1:50 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for the encouragement to dig deep into emotions and experiences!
January 3, 2024 at 1:51 pm
juliannahelt
Thank you for being so open with your experiences.
January 3, 2024 at 1:52 pm
Laurie Knowlton
Fabulous insight. Thanks for showing how you go through the steps.
January 3, 2024 at 1:54 pm
bgonsar
Such an important subject matter – thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 1:54 pm
chersugarlee
I appreciated the prompts provided to create content/ideas in Lisa’s piece.
January 3, 2024 at 1:55 pm
Christine Graham
Thanks for the great advice!
January 3, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Pam Barton
Great advice for writing SEL books! Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 2:03 pm
susanjobskya73d148763
I needed the information you shared in your article. Thank you for sharing it with us.
January 3, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Recognizing your emotions is so important for understanding yourself and others. Your books are wonderful tools for teachers to use with their students.
January 3, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Poupette
Great exercise, insight, and tip –thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 2:08 pm
Amy Newbold
Thank you for these great tips for writing SEL.
January 3, 2024 at 2:10 pm
heathercmorris
Lisa! Thank you so much for sharing these amazing tips and for being so vulnerable with us and your audience – kids!! I absolutely love IT WILL BE OK, and now I know why – so full of heart and depth!
January 3, 2024 at 2:10 pm
Laurie Seaford
Thank you for your vulnerability with us, Lisa. You’re right; people, no matter their age, will connect to our writing when we’ve been most real. I like your series of questions. Now, the work of peeling back layers . . . and building a plot.
January 3, 2024 at 2:12 pm
mwinikates
Remembering how it feels to be a kid is SO KEY. Kids can always tell when an adult is ‘faking it.’
January 3, 2024 at 2:13 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Lisa-I love SEL picture books and have an idea I’ve been thinking about. I’m going to use your chart to see what I can come up with. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 2:14 pm
Cindy Montoya
Reading this brought up ideas for me. I have a lot of fear of speaking up and being vulnerable. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Lisa L Furness
I did the exercise for a recent serious medical event I experieced. Working through the emotional shift was extremely insightful for me. Thanks, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Great post! So good and so needed.
January 3, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Deborah Ishii
Dear Lisa, Thank you for sharing your strategies for writing SEL picture books. I am a very empathetic and emotional person and, as a middle grade teacher, was known for my classroom friendship circles aka crying circles. We shared life experiences, feelings, losses and sad feelings with each other. Starting points were often books that we had read, but often stemmed from our shared personal experiences. I have always journaled and written stories for older children, but I would like to write for younger children, as well. I have so many stories to tell and your ideas will be super helpful.
January 3, 2024 at 2:16 pm
Judy Davis Cheek
My heart wants to write SEL stories, but it is scary. These stories do come from a personal emotional place. Hearing how you pushed through that to create your SEL books inspires me to dig deep and tell the stories of my heart. Thank you for sharing. BTW – It Will Be OK is one of my favorite stories in my personal library.
January 3, 2024 at 2:16 pm
leahmoserwrites
I also write SEL picture books. This is such a fabulous exercise! Thank you, Lisa. I’ve always admired your work 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 2:19 pm
RD
Stories can be good teachers–and not just for kids! Thanks for sharing some of the story behind your story.
January 3, 2024 at 2:21 pm
Christine Van Zandt, MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS (Beaming Books, 2024)
Thank you for sharing your process. I like the table and will try that method as another way to map the plot. I also gravitate toward SEL.
January 3, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Marie Prins
Thank-you for that exercise. It immediately brought to mind a time when I was around 5 or 6 and a neighbour girl who was swinging with me, started to make fun of me. I was so confused and hurt. Why did she do that? I’m not sure I’ve ever truly worked through those emotions. It would be a deep dive to do so if I were to write a story from my child side and also from my adult side. Hmmm, I’ll have to think about that.
January 3, 2024 at 2:29 pm
Jess Hedaria
It is very brave to be open about your own experiences, thank you for sharing your process. As a teacher myself I have found the strongest books are those that open a window into a different experience and thus start a conversation about what we are seeing and how we can be more empathetic to those experiences.
-Jess H.
January 3, 2024 at 2:31 pm
lorimkeatingyahoocom
Thanks so much for sharing, Lisa! ❤️
January 3, 2024 at 2:31 pm
lisarowefraustino
Very helpful, thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Becki Kidd
Lisa, you filled this post with heart and empathy for the writing journey. Love the examples you gave to help us on our way. You’re aswesome!
January 3, 2024 at 2:41 pm
lisa331286e7d592b
I love the story arc graph! It is going to be of great help to me. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Thanks for sharing, Lisa, and congrats on the upcoming book! I’ve noticed that others seem to resonate more with the stories that are more emotional for me to write. Time to dig a little deeper…
January 3, 2024 at 2:44 pm
Adriana Gutierrez
I love this! Thank you for sharing!
January 3, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Srividhya Venkat
Lisa, thank you for sharing your writing process. You’ve laid it out so clearly with an example that it’s easy to follow along. I can’t wait to work on my story ideas with it.
January 3, 2024 at 2:49 pm
nikkibergstresser
Thank you for sharing your writing process, Lisa! Digging deep into those big emotions strengthens our writing.
January 3, 2024 at 2:51 pm
kellietheridgeauthor
Thank you for sharing your tips. I love the idea of the chart – to connect plot points to the emotions in the story to how the characters shift throughout.
January 3, 2024 at 2:51 pm
francesmackayblog
Thank you for sharing your book journeys. As a teacher I always used picture books as discussion starters – even with older kids – so having these books in the classroom is essential.
January 3, 2024 at 2:53 pm
1marth1
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences. I’m sure that both children and adults can relate their own experiences to your book.
January 3, 2024 at 2:54 pm
heatherbell37
Love hearing how your stories came about! And I know the story arc graph will be very helpful. Thank you for sharing ❤
January 3, 2024 at 2:58 pm
Kristi Mahoney
This is some great information on writing SEL books, Lisa. Books filled with emotion and heart seem to stay with me for a long time. Looking forward to reading your newest one!
January 3, 2024 at 2:59 pm
Katie Reinert
Thanks for sharing some of your story and process!
January 3, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Thank you Lisa. I’m so glad you shared. What a helpful post.
January 3, 2024 at 3:07 pm
macsheperd
“authentic experiences with my own emotions”
Apart from the Story Arc chart, this is what creating a story boils down to.
Succinct mentor share!
January 3, 2024 at 3:08 pm
taracho4
This was wonderful. I am a visual learner, so loved the chart and an idea hit before I even finished reading. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 3:11 pm
taracho4
This was wonderful! I am a visual learner, so the chart was so helpful. I had inspiration for a story before I even finished reading. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 3:13 pm
sarahemead
Thank you, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 3:16 pm
Matthew Lasley
You hear it all the time about writing what you know, even if you don’t know you are writing about it. Our stories come from some connection we have made. Our good stories come from us putting ourselves into the story. Great stories come when we can draw the reader in the same way.
Thank you for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 3:16 pm
Annelouise
Lisa, it’s so great to see you here on StoryStorm. Your advice and writing exercise are inspirational and even more special when reading It Will Be Okay! Thank you for sharing this thoughtful post, and congratulations on your new book; it looks so sweet! : )
January 3, 2024 at 3:21 pm
FARIDA ZAMAN
Lisa, I love your post. Such a relatable topic, no matter how old you are. Ones weakness is also once strength and you prove that in your story. so inspried!
January 3, 2024 at 3:21 pm
Carla Gullett
So well presented! Your words have inspired me to take out a dusty draft of mine to reconsider. Thank you for your time and talent!
January 3, 2024 at 3:22 pm
serendipityinstars
Thank you, Lisa. Thinking about the questions you’ve posed and seeing the story arc for It Will Be Ok is very helpful. It’s true, our personal experiences and emotions that rise from them really do shine on the page.
January 3, 2024 at 3:22 pm
CE King
This gives me a GREAT idea for a book. SEL books are very important…it’s equally important to make them entertaining…I think that’s the major challenge for me!
January 3, 2024 at 3:26 pm
fleischmana6
I love the writing exercise you shared – took me back to the embarrassment I felt as a kid when a trip to the dentist revealed I had a cavity when none of my sisters did. Your arc for “It Will Be Okay” was both relatable and kind. I’m not sure my cavity story arc would be so satisfying- but in the end, I was motivated to be a better brusher!
January 3, 2024 at 3:26 pm
jenabenton
This is such excellent advice! I can already tell that I’m going to be referring back to this Storystorm entry quite frequently. Thank you for sharing Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Jen Breach
I struggle with the idea that writing from personal experience is therapy. Honestly, I have to be IN therapy so that I can write about personal experience in a safe way that will let child readers feel seen.
January 3, 2024 at 3:32 pm
judybwrites
Thanks for a great post on creating SEL books: excellent advice that includes examples from your work and writing experience. I look forward to reading your upcoming release, as I admired the progression and outcome in IT WILL BE OK. Go, Lisa, go!
January 3, 2024 at 3:35 pm
allyenz
Thank you Lisa, your suggestion to write from our authentic selves really resonates with me. I think it will help to start with the emotion in mind, and discover the story that wants to be told from there.
January 3, 2024 at 3:36 pm
chris469a7acc91
I did this with my first book, 50 page graphic novel, about dealing with GRIEF emotions when someone I love died unexpectedly! I wanted kids, especially reluctant readers and kids with disabilities to think “Hey, I feel that way too. Maybe I can talk about it with someone.” and for classmates to learn how to be good supports/friends/listeners! Thank you for this immense help!
January 3, 2024 at 3:37 pm
nbiebow
Thank you for sharing these insights and the plotting process. If we all act ‘as if’ our stories matter, we can connect with our your readers and be brave enough to chart them onto the page. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 3:55 pm
Peggy Dobbs
What an important topic! Thank you for the exercise you provided and the sample Story Arc chart. Both will help me identify and develop possible SEL story ideas.
January 3, 2024 at 3:56 pm
anaarchistories
Thanks for the tips to mine from the heart !
January 3, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Sasha
Thank you, Lisa! “Be more intentional”–with our stories, with our ideas–what a great advice!
January 3, 2024 at 3:58 pm
madisu2021
I did it! I wrote my 1st draft of 2024 thanks to the ideas and structure you shared. “Can’t just think, you gotta do!”, an old friend told me. So, I set my timer for 30:05 minutes and finished the resolution at 25 minutes! My emotions moved from anxious to exhilarated … just like my MC.
January 3, 2024 at 4:06 pm
cathyrose54
Thank you for sharing, Lisa. Your sample story arch chart will help me to develop my own ideas.
January 3, 2024 at 4:08 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thanks, Lisa, for more great ideas to generate picture books! And thanks for sharing your story. I read “It Will Be OK” and loved it. I look forward to reading your other books.
January 3, 2024 at 4:09 pm
lavern15
Your table with the emotion included in the plot points is a great visual tool. I love this technique. SEL books are definitely needed. Thank you for using your own experience because it can help someone else.
January 3, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Allison Green
I love this idea. I’ve tried writing a couple SEL books in the past but each MC ends up being a flat version of me in each book. This post helped me realize that so I can move forward from there. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Marci Whitehurst
I love this, Lisa! Thanks for sharing about your process. Mining our own emotional experiences really makes us go deeper—and go deep is my writing mantra for the new year! Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 4:18 pm
Doreen Tango Hampton
We need more of these stories. Thanks for sharing yours.
January 3, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
I love your use of animals to bring out emotions so clearly and effectively. The giraffe up the tree is one of my favorite images of all time. Thank you for the helpful post about mining emotions.
January 3, 2024 at 4:26 pm
Susie
Thank you for sharing ! You’ve inspired me. stories are such a great way to not only entertain but to help kids learn and grow emotionally.
January 3, 2024 at 4:27 pm
Louann Mattes Brown
I bought your book for my grandson, who was having a lot of anxiety, ironically, about spiders! It could not have been more perfect. Thanks for sharing your insight into social/emotional writing. So many children today NEED your books.
January 3, 2024 at 4:29 pm
langfieldkyml
I love this! I teach social emotional learning in my role as a mental health leader at a primary school and it is definitely an area that I want to explore more creatively. Thank you for sharing 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Amy Martinez
Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your emotions and experiences with readers. I have a deeply feeling kid, and seeing himself and his big feelings in stories helps him crawl out from hiding and know he is not alone.
I am also a deeply feeling grownup (kid), and it is encouraging to be reminded to write about what I know: these feelings. I have a lot of learn about writing SEL books, but your post provided me with clear examples and guidance. I truly appreciate it.
January 3, 2024 at 4:41 pm
streetlynn
Great post, and I’m looking forward to this book!
January 3, 2024 at 4:42 pm
8catpaws
Who hasn’t had rocky times where kind words can help smooth over the rough patches like caramel…
January 3, 2024 at 4:44 pm
Laura Polasek
So inspiring! Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 4:45 pm
laureannawrites
Love the advice of writing what you know. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 4:46 pm
maramarakay
That emotional link is so much for our PBs!
January 3, 2024 at 4:49 pm
Melanie Manzer Kyer
I completely relate to having ideas for stories but not feeling like you are the right person for them (although I think you could still be a skyscraper!). Great post!
January 3, 2024 at 4:50 pm
Karin Larson
Thank you for sharing your story. Your post was so inspiring and info filled. Much appreciated!
January 3, 2024 at 4:58 pm
anakellyinla
Thank you, Lisa, for the inspiration to use a tool from therapy into a possible PB story
January 3, 2024 at 5:00 pm
peasecja
I’ve never given much thought to SEL book, but find the thought intriguing and mapped out a plan today for something simple to start with!
January 3, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Christine Letizia
It takes so much courage to put your heart on the page like that. Thank you for sharing this activity. I will give it a try!
January 3, 2024 at 5:01 pm
effiekoliopoulos
This is an amazing post, and just what I needed as I begin to revise my SEL stories this month. I relate a lot to this because I tried all different types of stories but what I realized after working with a mentor is that all my stories are heartfelt and soulful.. coming from a personal place where I’ve experienced something. It’s also best to write what you know, but also what you feel because that’s how the magic shines through to the page.
January 3, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Alison McGauley
Thanks, Lisa. I also am drawn to writing SEL based picture books. I love the idea of writing about CBT concepts.
January 3, 2024 at 5:05 pm
michellehoutsauthor
The littlest of us have the biggest emotions! Great post!
January 3, 2024 at 5:09 pm
Jayne Wilson
Thank you so much Lisa. I really appreciated this post. What you do is ever so important & I’m so glad you do what you do. Thank you! I’m a Kindergarten teacher & know how much your books are needed especially in the world of today. ❤️
January 3, 2024 at 5:10 pm
kellie906ce70f01
Thank you for sharing your story – in this post and in your books.
January 3, 2024 at 5:12 pm
kellie906ce70f01
Thank you Lisa for sharing yourself in the post – and in your books.
January 3, 2024 at 5:13 pm
dashofjoyblog
I love this- love the potential emotional connection with children, a way to help them process their own feelings. Thank you for this wonderful insight.
January 3, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for such a practical, actionable post! Really helpful!
January 3, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Michelle S Kennedy
I have determined that 2024 will be the year I become more vulnerable in my writing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
January 3, 2024 at 5:34 pm
ransonpatti
Your Story Arc chart is helpful – thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 5:38 pm
cynthiagradybooks
Thank you for sharing your insights! And how wonderful that your publisher asked you to do that booktalk.
January 3, 2024 at 5:47 pm
shadikafi
This is such beautiful advice, to look deep within our own experiences and the emotions that came with them. I too have a wide range of ideas and this really helps narrow it down with a focus! Thank you so much!
January 3, 2024 at 5:48 pm
Megan Whitaker
It will be fun seeing this in the wild, rather than on my screen in our group! Congrats!
January 3, 2024 at 5:48 pm
mrbellasgmailcom
Loved learning the how-to of writing an SEL book!! Wish my kids had more books with these themes when they were growing up! Thank you for sharing!!
January 3, 2024 at 5:51 pm
sareenmclay
Fabulous post, thank you so much. I love how you put your emotions on the page.
January 3, 2024 at 5:52 pm
Gwendolyn Holbrow
That does remind of something! Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 5:52 pm
meganewhitaker21
It will be fun to see it in the wild rather just as a draft on my screen! Congrats CP!
January 3, 2024 at 5:53 pm
Sara Matson
Love this exercise, which I look forward to trying. And thanks for being brave enough to share yourself and some of your experience with us!
January 3, 2024 at 5:56 pm
D. Kim
Thank you Lisa! Imagination is essential! Keep publishing those books!
January 3, 2024 at 5:59 pm
Jennifer Lu
Thanks for the advice Lisa. I have an emotion focused story I’ve been writing and this was helpful around how to be more intentional.
January 3, 2024 at 6:00 pm
swwriter1
Readers can really feel when we are authentic, I think. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
January 3, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Ryann Jones
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing. Thanks to your exercise, I have my pb idea for the day 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 6:06 pm
tinefg
Thank you Lisa, I love the idea of imagining your words helping a child during circle time…a wonderful new vision quest!
January 3, 2024 at 6:08 pm
HelenAddyman
Love this! I agree that writing from the heart and true experiences delivers the best stories.
January 3, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Karan Greene
Such great advice! Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 6:12 pm
juliereich
Thanks for being brave enough to share. Cheers!
January 3, 2024 at 6:14 pm
dellrf
Thanks so much for sharing, Lisa. I look forward to checking out your books.
~Della
January 3, 2024 at 6:21 pm
Tina Hoggatt
Oh my goodness, this is SO useful, Lisa. How brave and wise you are!
January 3, 2024 at 6:28 pm
thelogonauts
Thank YOU for sharing, Lisa! I love how our own courage can transmit courage and learning to kids.
Katie McEnaney
January 3, 2024 at 6:35 pm
rindabeach
Thank you for adding another layer to my education as a writer.
January 3, 2024 at 6:39 pm
marywarthb7d7d76650
Thanks for the great post Lisa. I love the story arch box!
January 3, 2024 at 6:47 pm
jumpbaby
Thank you so much for putting your heart out there and being so honest with us! I love IT WILL BE OK and am looking forward to your new book.
January 3, 2024 at 6:47 pm
Rick Starkey
Thanks for sharing. I wasn’t familiar with the term SEL, but am glad you introduced me to it. This is something for me to keep in mind going forward.
January 3, 2024 at 6:49 pm
TL Fales
Thanks so much, your post brought to mind an emotion that my children and I have all struggled with. If we feel it, others probably do too.
January 3, 2024 at 6:53 pm
heatherstigall
This chart is so handy! Thank you, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 7:03 pm
Lynn Baldwin
Lisa, thank you for a GREAT post! I’m excited to give this a try.
Lynn Baldwin
January 3, 2024 at 7:06 pm
rosihollinbeck
This is a very inspiring post. Thanks! I can’t wait to read your new book, Lisa.
January 3, 2024 at 7:06 pm
michelerietz
Thank you for being vulnerable with us, Lisa, and sharing your process for writing an emotionally deep book for children.
January 3, 2024 at 7:12 pm
susanmlatta
Thank you for a wonderful post!
January 3, 2024 at 7:14 pm
Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
I love your encouragement to mine our emotions. I have written a few picture books about grief. I think it’s so important to normalize grief and conversations about sadness for kids. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 7:18 pm
kristarantino
There are so many tools that kids can get out of SEL books. Congrats and thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 7:21 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
I think SEL books are so important, and I’ve written several manuscripts that are the kinds of books I needed as a child. Many editors and agents now say the market for SEL books is oversaturated, but I remain determined to get these stories into kids’ hands. No two experiences of grief or anxiety are the same, so I think we need stories reflecting all of these experiences.
January 3, 2024 at 7:25 pm
Jud Ward
I think I’ll try this and write ‘as if’ some child might read my book someday and be more open to discussing a deep emotion. What a gift! Thanks.
January 3, 2024 at 7:27 pm
jennycaddy
Thank you Lisa, great advice and the exercises are very helpful for digging deep to find that emotional experience to draw from. Thank you 😊
January 3, 2024 at 7:28 pm
JF Hall Writes
Thank you for being vulnerable with us. I’ve pondered writing SEL manuscripts given my own personal challenges I’ve had to (and still strive to) overcome. Keeping in mind how sharing that vulnerability, even when digging for material, can benefit others is so empowering. Thank you…
January 3, 2024 at 7:35 pm
mona861
Great post. The graph is perfect for all stories. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 7:36 pm
The Academy
I love the idea of paying it forward as a story idea and I thank you for sharing your process with us here. I’m learning so much through these insights being shared.
January 3, 2024 at 7:39 pm
loricevans
It’s great to be in the very supportive PB writer community, where we can be emotional and also get lots of empathy! I have one or two stories like these – I won’t give up on them yet, and maybe will try my hand writing a few more. Thanks for all your experienced advice!
January 3, 2024 at 7:41 pm
Laurie Elmquist
I appreciate your advice about building a story arc based on shifts in emotions.
January 3, 2024 at 7:43 pm
chelseasworldofbooks
I absolutely loved this. Lisa, thank you for sharing your warm authenticity and Tara, thank you as always for hosting this incredible event. If selected for the prize, I would love the fiction picture book critique. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 7:43 pm
susanahearn45
I love the idea of using your own emotional experiences to reach young readers. Thanks for the advice and sharing the Story Arc for It Will Be Okay.
January 3, 2024 at 7:43 pm
wyszguy
Thanks so much for sharing this lovely post!
January 3, 2024 at 7:46 pm
Elayne
Lisa, your sharing today was so timely! Today’s kids are so lucky to have SEL as part of their education. Identifying my emotions and emotional arcs in general (since I tend to make jokes easily–usually laughing off big feelings–esp. if they are negative) is something I struggle with in my writing! I appreciate your tips.
January 3, 2024 at 7:47 pm
sandysummons
Love, love, love this idea
January 3, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 3, 2024 at 7:59 pm
Michelle
Thank you, Lisa. Reading your post reminded me of a very scary moment I had as a child that could possibly inspire a story to help other children with this particular fear or situation, but with a happier and more empowering ending. 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 8:01 pm
Jan Milusich
Thank you for sharing such a personal story. I struggle with letting my guard down in my writing but I realize it’s the only way to create relatable and heartfelt stories.
January 3, 2024 at 8:06 pm
writerdi2020
I love your grid for tracking the arc in an emotional story. I use it frequently! Thanks for sharing it again.
January 3, 2024 at 8:08 pm
robynhawkinson
I love SEL books. I have one in the works too!
January 3, 2024 at 8:10 pm
riverwoods21
I love your story map for tension and pacing. SEL books are so important.
January 3, 2024 at 8:13 pm
Ali V. (they/them)
This is such good advice!
January 3, 2024 at 8:18 pm
Bronte Colbert
Thank you, Lisa. Great topic, arc chart, and examples. Very helpful!
January 3, 2024 at 8:18 pm
christinashawnbooks
I love your work and am so inspired by your approach to writing. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 8:23 pm
Bedwards
Thank you, Lisa. I love being able to get insight into what makes great examples of SEL books. Loved your story arc.
January 3, 2024 at 8:24 pm
Kristen Indahl
Love how you are presenting CBT tools in a way young minds can understand. Thank you for the great mining advice, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 8:29 pm
schumerthc
Interesting process. Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 8:34 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
The chart is very helpful as well as thinking in terms of conversation starters when writing SEL books. Thanks.
January 3, 2024 at 8:36 pm
ellen seal
Seems simple, but charting the emotions is such a great idea! My character’s moods are always all over the place.
Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2024 at 8:37 pm
Finding Damo
Best post for me so far. I’ll fill up a few pages in the journal with this one and it’s cheaper than therapy 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 8:42 pm
Kylie Burns kysblog1
Love this post! Such practical advice. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 8:44 pm
Janet Halfmann
These stories are so important for kids, and for all of us. Thanks for your insights into writing these stories.
January 3, 2024 at 8:44 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Thank you for your thoughtful post, Lisa.
January 3, 2024 at 8:46 pm
judybugroth
Really helpful post about how to work on an SEL book. Thanks!
January 3, 2024 at 8:48 pm
Cathy Mears-Martin
Great tips! Thank you for sharing
January 3, 2024 at 8:52 pm
Linda Sakai
Appreciate your vulnerability in sharing a bit about your own emotional experiences. Your post makes me think about my characters and how their emotions work through. Thank you
January 3, 2024 at 8:53 pm
valclarkauthor
Digging deep into those emotional moments is courageous.
January 3, 2024 at 8:54 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
January 3, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for the insightful post.
January 3, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Charlene Patton
Thank you for this post, Lisa! SEL picture books are my fave.
January 3, 2024 at 9:09 pm
Debbie Merlo Arnn
I love today’s post! Very practical, scary, but oh so good!
January 3, 2024 at 9:10 pm
ejdthomasville
I love your practical steps for mining your life for ideas!
January 3, 2024 at 9:16 pm
WriterTammy
Thank you for this exercise and also showing us the story arc! That is really helpful
January 3, 2024 at 9:16 pm
pathaap
What great advice, Lisa. Thanks for another inspiring post.
January 3, 2024 at 9:17 pm
ssjaslove
“I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared” reminds me of the book “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” which helped me through some tough times as an adult. So glad you made Cognitive Behavioral Therapy accessible to children!
January 3, 2024 at 9:19 pm
gabrieledavis247
Wonderful post, Lisa. Thanks for turning your fears into such wonderful healing opportunities for young readers!
January 3, 2024 at 9:20 pm
helenlysicatos
Thank you for sharing this. It helped me brainstorm a few ideas.
January 3, 2024 at 9:23 pm
Heather Kinser
A heartfelt and hopeful post. And I love the story arc table format, too. Thanks Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 9:24 pm
RC Chizhov
Inspirational! Great advice, Lisa. Thank you.
January 3, 2024 at 9:27 pm
Mari Miyagi
I really loved your post because I completely agree with what you wrote and I too have been trying to include emotions from my own experiences that kids can relate to although it’s not been successful because like you said it’s scary, especially when the emotions are sadness or anger. But I feel kids can relate to those feelings more strongly and personally than happy exciting feelings. I will try the exercises you suggested today. Thank you so much!
January 3, 2024 at 9:29 pm
robertaa8
Thank you, Lisa. I love this post!
January 3, 2024 at 9:34 pm
Kathryn LeRoy
Your process and journey sparked several ideas from my childhood and emotional moments of my children. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 9:37 pm
Karen Elise Finch
Thank you, Lisa, for your insights on the importance of
digging for the authentic essence of a story. Terrific post.
January 3, 2024 at 9:40 pm
sheriwritere6fd868afa
I’m often scared to submit, to share, and even to write sometimes. You are not alone. Thank you for sharing. I plan to mine my emotions/experiences tomorrow during my writing time…
January 3, 2024 at 9:41 pm
redreadsandwrites
Thank you so much for this post! I read your book: It Will Be OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship yesterday and it was amazing to see you as the author for Day 3! It is a great book and so helpful for children, parents and teachers. I appreciate the suggestions in the post above to help generate ideas as well as the chart. As a new writer, I am still getting a handle on story arcs in picture books.
January 3, 2024 at 9:42 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
your grid is so helpful AND practical!! Thank you for challenging the deeper dig.
January 3, 2024 at 9:45 pm
pescadita98
Love this!
January 3, 2024 at 9:48 pm
Marcia Berneger
You’ve given me a ton of new ideas. Thanks!!
January 3, 2024 at 9:50 pm
greengirlblueplanet
I have an idea that I have been thinking of. Reading today’s post has inspired me to keep working on it.
January 3, 2024 at 9:53 pm
ccspizzirri
Thank you, Lisa, for such a helpful, honest post! I love the concept of “as if.”
January 3, 2024 at 9:54 pm
kathleengauer
I love the reassuring words in your titles and that your stories are personal and relatable to people young and old. Your positive and heartwarming books would be perfect to share with the families I work with as a volunteer reader.
January 3, 2024 at 9:57 pm
Leslie Santamaria
My daughter is an elementary school SEL specialist and we’ve been wanting to write a book together. Thanks for this post to get us started!
January 3, 2024 at 9:58 pm
Carren
I really appreciate this grid! It’s visual and helps clarify how people can write a story with emotional heart 🙂
January 3, 2024 at 10:01 pm
kamalani3f6abc9834c
Thank you for this post. Your grid looks like a practical yet empathetic way to track emotional growth in story arcs.
January 3, 2024 at 10:08 pm
yangmommy
Lisa, you are a wizard when it comes to SEL books that littles can relate to! As an educator & author, thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 10:10 pm
lindakaychavezbooks
Looking forward to reading your latest! I own and love It Will Be Ok! Thanks for your ideas for mining feelings.
January 3, 2024 at 10:13 pm
Monica Acker
Thanks for sharing Lisa! You certainly acted brave! And I have 2 shiny new ideas thinking back to some childhood emotions!
January 3, 2024 at 10:14 pm
srkckass
These types of books are a big reason why mental health is losing its stigma. Thanks for your great post!
January 3, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Buffy Silverman
Isn’t it interesting how you don’t realize what your writing/where it comes from until after the book is done? Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2024 at 10:23 pm
Ronni Diamondstein
This was fascinating!
January 3, 2024 at 10:27 pm
ellenbari
Hi Lisa! Lovely to see your post here. And thank you for the worthwhile exercise.
January 3, 2024 at 10:28 pm
Charles Trevino
Being transparent is making me brave!
January 3, 2024 at 10:33 pm
Amelia Shearer
I’ve been finding myself drawn to writing SEL more and more in the past few years, as I’ve found those manuscripts of mine more compelling and authentic than some of my other work. Thanks for the reminder to keep pushing forward with them.
January 3, 2024 at 10:34 pm
ecastelliauthor
Thank you, Lisa, for this post and for sharing the steps you take in mining your emotions. As soon as I read those steps, a vivid childhood memory popped back into my mind, and I think I should put it in a draft. I have always been drawn to SEL picture books, and they comprise probably close to a third of all the picture books I’ve rented from my library to read with my kids. My son always enjoys a good SEL book.
January 3, 2024 at 10:37 pm
mphollinsheadyahoocom
This makes me look at my manuscripts from a new angle. Thanks.
January 3, 2024 at 10:40 pm
Jane F.
You know how you write a story that seems to be missing something? I am doing another rewrite on that story with a fresh approach gained from this post. Thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 10:42 pm
marywarth
Thank you so much Lisa, for the great post. I love the story arc box- spot on!
January 3, 2024 at 10:44 pm
julicaveny
Wow! Such a powerful lesson, Lisa! Thanks for your tips and insights! (And I LOVE your books!) – Juli (Juliann) Caveny
January 3, 2024 at 10:48 pm
authorlaurablog
I think SEL books have come a long way since I think back to what was available when my children were young [didactic] and the way you’ve outlined this makes it *look* easy to do it in a more authentic way. We all have our own unique SEL issues, thanks for sharing this example.
January 3, 2024 at 11:01 pm
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
Thank you for sharing your story. I also believe how very important SEL books are for children. You’ve inspired me to continue my interest in writing such a book.
January 3, 2024 at 11:03 pm
lsheroan
I am a teacher, and SEL lessons are vital for kids. The more books that address social/emotional learning, the better!
January 3, 2024 at 11:08 pm
percyandcat
Wow, thank you for sharing. Allowing yourself to be open with others is such a gift. Our children have so much they are dealing with these days, and your stories give them hope and the courage to seek out help if they need it. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing.
January 3, 2024 at 11:09 pm
Janet Smart
It Will be Ok, sounds like such a sweet book and I love the cover.Thanks for sharing and showing the story arc.
January 3, 2024 at 11:09 pm
sdscottwritere2ea7c1ce4
As a former teacher-librarian, I found SEL books were the ones the children wanted to borrow again and again. These days, they’re the kind of books I want to create. Thanks for the guidance you’ve provided in this post.
January 3, 2024 at 11:10 pm
katecarroll
Lisa, hearing the back story made me think how brave you are! And, how necessary it is to have books like yours available to kids who are navigating so many emotions. Thanks for a great blogpost.
January 3, 2024 at 11:18 pm
amandashayne
Thanks for this, Lisa. I looked back at 5 of my stories and considered the emotional shifts and whether I want to work on them some more. And your post gave me an aha moment about the ending of a story I’ve been stuck on. Thank you!!
January 3, 2024 at 11:20 pm
littleseedsread
Thank you, Lisa for these wise words — “dig deep and share your authentic self.” I needed to be reminded of this.
January 3, 2024 at 11:21 pm
sharonkdal
This was soooo inspirational—for my writing and also for me to be brave. Thank you, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 11:22 pm
Steena Hernandez
Great exercise! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 11:23 pm
donnamorkreed
I tried to reply earlier and was not logged in so I’m not sure it went through. I was saying it is very brave to open up something personal like that and “reveal” it for all to see. I hope someday to be brave like that. I’m a work in progress. Thanks for sharing with us.
Donna
January 3, 2024 at 11:25 pm
Jenny Boyd
Very sweet! Stories about Social-Emotional Learning are so important and a great way to instill empathy in kids.
January 3, 2024 at 11:26 pm
sharonkdal
This was so inspirational—for my writing and also for me to be brave. Thank you, Lisa!
January 3, 2024 at 11:28 pm
Julie Barnett
Thanks, Lisa! Your story arc table is wonderful!
January 3, 2024 at 11:28 pm
Emily
Love SEL books!
January 3, 2024 at 11:28 pm
gattodesign
Thanks for the exercise. I am excited to use it.
January 3, 2024 at 11:32 pm
Mari Richards
I’ve wanted to dive into more personal anxiety and fear experiences, but haven’t found a way in. I think breaking it down like this is very helpful, thank you!
January 3, 2024 at 11:32 pm
angela4e5abbbcdf
Oh yes, digging deep to childhood experiences is uncomfortable. Definitely need to start doing that more.
January 3, 2024 at 11:37 pm
brittneyjett06
Wow this is helpful! Been working on (and off) a SEL manuscript of my own. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight!
January 3, 2024 at 11:38 pm
Gail Aherne
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing your story! “It Will Be OK” was always my go-to SEL book for 2nd graders! Learning about your process and self-discovery makes the story that much better! We are all so blessed to be part of such a supportive kidlit community- All my best, Gail
January 3, 2024 at 11:47 pm
ACP
This has given me a lot to think about. Thanks for being brave enough to share!
January 3, 2024 at 11:48 pm
bysandragraham
I love the encouragement to embrace the authentic experiences and use them as fuel for the craft. Thank you for the story arc! I’m excited to check out both of the books you’ve mentioned. The latter reminds me of a book I read 20 years ago, it stuck with me – “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. Such helpful concept to start with at an early age. Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insight!
January 3, 2024 at 11:55 pm
Elle
Great article! Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 12:02 am
dianeh5719
Lisa, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your story arc example. Very informative.
January 4, 2024 at 12:02 am
ashleydbankhead
Thank you for sharing this! I loved seeing how you used your own experiences to write your stories.
January 4, 2024 at 12:02 am
theliah1
Thank you, Lisa for sharing. SEL books are always important.
January 4, 2024 at 12:04 am
lzgodfrey
Thank you, Lisa! Thank goodness for your books! So many kiddos will benefit from seeing themselves in your stories.
January 4, 2024 at 12:04 am
natashaffdfd87f06
Lisa, I love your framework!
January 4, 2024 at 12:05 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you for the exercise and the example you shared. I’ve got the seed of an idea!
January 4, 2024 at 12:08 am
Laurel
Thanks for your fruitful prompt!
January 4, 2024 at 12:15 am
Virginia Rinkel
Loving your fruitful exercise.
January 4, 2024 at 12:17 am
mlyablonaolcom
Thank you so much for sharing your process! I love your chart. It really clarifies everything 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 12:21 am
loriclementwriter
It’s so hard to pour yourself into your story like that, but I always find it very therapeutic, too. Even if that story is never published, it helps me confront my own fears and anxieties.
January 4, 2024 at 12:22 am
Sarah Lynne John
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to read your books and see how you pulled it off!
January 4, 2024 at 12:30 am
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for digging deep and letting yourself be vulnerable in order to write such important books!
January 4, 2024 at 12:37 am
NettieBug Melson
I think I have done something similar with my first picture book which deals with fear of heights, which I have. I had never put two and two together before that I was writing from my own personal experience. lol!
January 4, 2024 at 12:41 am
alamarre7571bc92b
It’s time to Dig Deep!
January 4, 2024 at 12:43 am
schellijo
Thank you for sharing – especially about where your ideas come from.
January 4, 2024 at 12:48 am
Laura Hays Hoover
Thank you for telling us a bit about your story, Lisa!
January 4, 2024 at 12:49 am
Angela Martinelli
Thank you for sharing Lisa! Your acting “as if” tool and advice to write what we know and mine our own emotional experiences are very helpful and powerful resources. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 12:51 am
seschipper
Thanks for sharing, Lisa! 💕📖
January 4, 2024 at 12:52 am
picoolet
Thank you for sharing part of yourself with us, Lisa! I can see how being open and vulnerable allows you to create stories that connect with teachers, children, and other readers.
January 4, 2024 at 12:52 am
Judith Snyder
SEL books are both the window and the mirror needed for children to learn about themselves and others. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 4, 2024 at 1:02 am
jenniferjschmidte207d3cec9
In nearly every story idea I have, I find there is a nugget of my personal experience. It’s my hope and pleasure when that nugget grows and takes on a life and direction of its own in plotting and revising.
January 4, 2024 at 1:03 am
AD Kemp
Thanks for this great idea! I usually don’t start off story idea brainstorming with emotions, so this will be fun to try.
January 4, 2024 at 1:08 am
Kelly A.
Love this! We love a good SEL book in the school I work at 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 1:18 am
tanjabauerle
Mining your own life! Fantastic suggestion. Several incidents when I was little popped in my mind as I was reading your steps. Thank you so much. T
January 4, 2024 at 1:22 am
jessaroux
Tapping into our own emotions and experiences is an excellent idea generator! Thank you for the great suggestion!
January 4, 2024 at 1:26 am
Marcia D. Williams
Thanks for your post Lisa. I too escaped in books during childhood. It is good to remember those feelings.
January 4, 2024 at 1:30 am
Ruthie Nicklaus
Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 1:38 am
carmelamccainsimmons
I do needed to read this today! Plus, I cannot wait to share your books with my daughter who recently became a family therapist. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 1:41 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
Love your story arc for emotions chart – super good idea to keep in mind!
January 4, 2024 at 1:45 am
claireannette1
Emotions are hard to write about but you do it beautifully. Thank you for this encouraging post.
January 4, 2024 at 1:45 am
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Lisa, for sharing how your emotions play into your story.
January 4, 2024 at 1:48 am
krystabriellecafdfb2cb9
I love the idea of focusing on the emotional arc and writing from the inside out. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 2:00 am
sharongiltrowauthor
This blog posts speaks to me deeply. Especially since I have just been through and are continuing on my own self help journey.
January 4, 2024 at 2:19 am
Aly Kenna
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for sharing something so personal with us and most of all – articulating them in a way children can relate. Your suggestions are great, and the table – a great way to visualize things, I appreciated it. Keep up the great work.
January 4, 2024 at 2:27 am
Tarja Helena Nevala
Thank you for the helpful emotions story arc for IT WILL BE OKAY.
January 4, 2024 at 2:27 am
Ari
I feel called to the emotional stories either books I wish were out there for my childhood or my kids. Sometimes being able to see you are okay for feeling this, other people feel this help you feel seen as a child. No better gift.
January 4, 2024 at 2:31 am
rgstones
I love PBs that explore emotion and vulnerability. Can’t wait to read yours!
January 4, 2024 at 2:53 am
studioyuming
Thank you, Lisa, for your insight! I too would like to write stories from my own experiences especially something to do with strong emotions.
January 4, 2024 at 2:53 am
jbcomp2013
Thank you so much for this, which has two real take-away for me: writing from our own experience (physical or emotional) is so important, and now more than ever before it is so vital that young people encounter characters dealing with anxiety within the literature that they read. Thank you again!
January 4, 2024 at 3:02 am
Maria Johnson
I love learning from you, Lisa! Thank you for creating such a helpful, practical, and encouraging post. You have given so many writers and readers such a tremendous gift!
January 4, 2024 at 3:07 am
jcherney3
Thanks Lisa!
January 4, 2024 at 3:10 am
Just "B"
The Story Arc table for “It Will Be Ok” was super helpful! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 3:23 am
Rhonda Ooi
Thank you
January 4, 2024 at 5:27 am
patriciaalcaro
This was a very inspiring post, and I’ve already started revising a WIP based on your advice. I love the cover and title of IT WILL BE OK and have already ordered the book. Thank you, Lisa.
January 4, 2024 at 5:36 am
cravevsworld
Useful lesson. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 6:11 am
Daniella Kaufman
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your process and valuable, heartfelt insight. Love your guided exercise to help mine memories and build stories with authentic, relatable heart lines.
January 4, 2024 at 6:42 am
flewk1
Thank you for all this insight about SEL. It had been an enigma but now I’m going to mine and dive deep.
January 4, 2024 at 6:45 am
julietclarebell
Thank you, Lisa. This resonates with me a lot and I’m now trying to be intentional rather than accidental with the heart of my stories. I’m going to try the exercise now. Thanks again! Clare
January 4, 2024 at 6:47 am
Astrid Keir-Stanley
Thanks Lisa for sharing your insights. So useful!
January 4, 2024 at 7:11 am
tinagraham103
Thank you for the advice Lisa. It must feel very rewarding to know that your experiences and subsequent stories are used to help children understand the world and their own emotions.
January 4, 2024 at 7:14 am
ramonapersaudwrites
I love Lisa’s honesty and approach; takes such courage. Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 7:45 am
kellyjaques
Love this, Lisa, wonderful post!
January 4, 2024 at 8:01 am
brintonculp
Thank you for your stories! And thank you for the inspiration.
January 4, 2024 at 8:22 am
ponder2write
Thank you for sharing the template of your story. It helps visually to feel the action. Also, I like the thought to “dig deep”.
January 4, 2024 at 8:52 am
ConstanceL
I love emotional experience as a source of inspiration and connecting! That’s what art is all about. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 8:55 am
katiemahood
This was so inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 8:55 am
Eileen Saunders
Thank you.
January 4, 2024 at 9:27 am
Linda Bozzo
Thanks for the advice and for sharing the story arc graph. Very helpful!
January 4, 2024 at 9:36 am
kkgchoco
Lisa, thank you for sharing your experience and providing helpful insights into approaching stories tapping into emotions. This is extremely helpful and I appreciate you facing the scary to share such heartfelt and helpful info with us.
January 4, 2024 at 9:37 am
Cheryl Kula
I keep a journal where I scribble story ideas. I get many from just questions from my own children.
January 4, 2024 at 9:40 am
angkunkel
Thanks for sharing this approach, Lisa! I am not always great at naming what I am feeling (even as an adult), and this gave me an interesting idea on to shift that into a story for kids.
January 4, 2024 at 9:41 am
Hannah Roy LaGrone
Great insights. Now to apply them to my story that’s partly about how spiders aren’t scary 😂
January 4, 2024 at 9:51 am
Sharon Korzelius
Lisa, this was such a great post! Thank you for sharing about sharing what scares us. Mining the emotion is hard but important.
January 4, 2024 at 9:52 am
Zoodocwrites
Great insight! I wish there had been more SEL books when my kids were little,
January 4, 2024 at 9:59 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Great post!
January 4, 2024 at 10:16 am
jennifermaryg
I love how you broke down the emotions in the chart for zebra and giraffe. Great way to see the story arc 📚♥️
January 4, 2024 at 10:32 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Lisa, thank you for sharing your writing process!
January 4, 2024 at 10:39 am
robin jordan
Wow… This is like a mini Master Class. Thank you for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 10:40 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
Thank you.
Oh . . . I love your book, IT WILL BE OK.
January 4, 2024 at 10:49 am
casheafor
Thanks Lisa! Super helpful!
January 4, 2024 at 10:49 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing your personal journey and your writing process, Lisa. I look forward to reading, IT WILL BE OK!
January 4, 2024 at 10:56 am
suzanbh
Thank you for sharing your experience, Lisa. Your process appeals to me and I think I’ll find it quite helpful.
January 4, 2024 at 11:00 am
jenngautam
Thanks for this idea!! It was fun thinking back on my childhood for manuscript ideas.
January 4, 2024 at 11:06 am
authorhelenholder
Made me think of an act of bravery when I was 10—I ended up with a bloody nose, but saved the kid I was defending. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 11:09 am
charlottesheer
‘ Mine your emotional heart’ really takes ‘ write what you know’ to the most personal level. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing so generously!
January 4, 2024 at 11:19 am
joanswanson58
There is such a need out there for SEL books. I really feel that people have forgotten how to be a true friend. Thank you for writing these types of books so our children can learn from them.
January 4, 2024 at 11:32 am
hansenjc13
Thank you for sharing your process. I love how you broke down each step and shared your story arc chart.
January 4, 2024 at 11:34 am
asiqueira1307
SEL is such an important tool to use at schools. Recognizing and regulating your emotions is a very important skill kids need to learn. Congrats on your amazing books.
January 4, 2024 at 11:47 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing something that was hard to share! It reminds me how often we ask kids to be brave even as we forget how hard that is to do.
January 4, 2024 at 11:47 am
Robin M Keeler
This is helpful to mine our own emotions for book ideas. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 11:59 am
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
I’m looking forward to ordering your books as social emotional mentor texts. Thanks!
January 4, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Sharlin Craig
Lisa, thank you for sharing your process on how to be brave and dig deep into the emotional well. I can’t wait to read your books. They sound amazing!
January 4, 2024 at 12:11 pm
michellesteinberg
Thanks for sharing your process, Lisa. Your books are so necessary for young children dealing with strong emotions.
January 4, 2024 at 12:18 pm
Katie Schwartz
Wow, Lisa, really appreciate you sharing something that has touched you personally, that is not easy to do. This is so encouraging, everyone is dealing with something, right, often fear-based. I was touched reading your post, and encouraged! And thank you for your emotional heart exercise, and emotional shift graph, I plan to use these.❤️
January 4, 2024 at 12:24 pm
safajar
Wonderful insights. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 12:46 pm
erozmus
I have an idea about a PB about forgiveness and this post will be so helpful!
January 4, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Allison Strick
I love the idea of breaking down each beat of the story into the emotion attached!
January 4, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Heidi McFadzean
Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 12:50 pm
lisakpav
I’ve been interested in exploring social emotional writing for a while but didn’t know where to begin. Thank you so much for sharing the way you do it, and for sharing something that wasn’t so easy to share!
January 4, 2024 at 12:56 pm
tr8a53d68f74d6e
I think ‘I’ need to read these books. Thanks for sharing the beat sheet.
January 4, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Katia Jesson
Great advice. I am working on accessing my 7 year old self. Funny how even as an adult, it can be hard to own up to the anxieties and fears you had when you were a kid. Growing up in a large family, I often didn’t want to confess my weaknesses as my siblings could use them against me. as there was a lot of teasing that went on.
January 4, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Patti Richards, Children's Author
Thanks for sharing your heart, Lisa! These kinds of books are so important!
January 4, 2024 at 2:02 pm
Laura N. Clement
SEL books rock! We need more of these and Neurodivergent characters/stories!
January 4, 2024 at 2:15 pm
midfreeman
Love the “as if” tool—this will be so helpful! Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 2:18 pm
Melissa Escobar
Excellent post for today! I too, write my books from my experiences and that is really scary! But hopefully someday they will be out there to help kiddos. Thank you Lisa!
January 4, 2024 at 2:29 pm
laurelneme
Great post! I like the concrete steps to focus on an emotion from your life, and use that.
January 4, 2024 at 2:32 pm
Denise Gallagher
Thank you, Lisa, for your post! I spent quite a while really mining my emotions!
January 4, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Sue Eyerman
Thank you for the suggested story arc. It will be helpful to me as I put more emotion into what I write.
January 4, 2024 at 2:37 pm
Yehudit Sarah
I love your idea. Social -Emotional learning captures my interest. I am so appreciative of the way you related the ideas to a story arc. It’s such a helpful guide for me to think about the way the narrative can develop. Thanks!
January 4, 2024 at 2:40 pm
elisederstine
Very helpful framework — thanks, Lisa!
January 4, 2024 at 2:52 pm
nlcardenas
So grateful for your words! Your books impart strength and offer support to readers, especially young children.
January 4, 2024 at 3:10 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Lisa! What a great post! SEL is so important. Kids need to see themselves in books.
January 4, 2024 at 3:24 pm
stefsenn77yahoocom
I appreciate your story arc with associated emotions!
January 4, 2024 at 3:32 pm
brittanypomales
Definitely resonate with putting your authentic self on the page. Great post!
January 4, 2024 at 3:37 pm
Amy Grover
Thank you, Lisa! This is really helpful to hear on a day that I happen to be feeling big emotions!
January 4, 2024 at 3:41 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Hi Lisa! Thank you for this great post. We are so on the same page with all of this. I too feel like my stories didn’t really start selling until I started to delve deep. Good to know that I’m getting my money’s worth out of therapy in more ways than one! lol. Congrats on the new book! Looks wonderful and can’t wait to read it.
January 4, 2024 at 3:48 pm
aloughernd07
Thank you for your generosity and sharing your experiences! One thing that struck me is that if you write from your own emotions/experiences, you inevitably give your story more heart!
January 4, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Maria Marshall
Thank for your bravery. Your graph and exercise are amazing and helped spark a couple of ideas! Congrats on the new book.
January 4, 2024 at 4:26 pm
Janette Johnson Melson
Without even realizing it, I think I was writing from my own personal experience in my first picture book. It is about fear of heights, which I have. But I never made the connection until after reading this blog.
January 4, 2024 at 4:37 pm
Na'Keysha Taylor
Thank you for sharing even though it was scary!
January 4, 2024 at 4:50 pm
janedippoldart
Thanks for your great post
January 4, 2024 at 5:04 pm
jennaejo
This is a wonderful exercise. Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 5:52 pm
Aimee Larke
Thank you for your bravery in writing this post and for writing these important stories for children! We love “It Will Be Okay”
January 4, 2024 at 6:01 pm
writerdoreenrobinson
This post is so heartfelt, Lisa. Thanks for sharing your process – SEL books are so important for children and the adults who read to them.
January 4, 2024 at 6:02 pm
sarahsteinbacher24
This is my favorite one yet! It wasn’t until I started tapping into real emotion that I was able to craft PBs that got me noticed as well. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Debbie Meyer
Congratulations, Lisa! I’ve been working on a fear book for a year now and trying to make it relatable and funny. That’s a challenge in itself!
January 4, 2024 at 6:45 pm
sjctenney
This is a great way to come up with a great story with a good emotional pull!
January 4, 2024 at 6:46 pm
Sarah Meade
Thank you for this thoughtful post, Lisa! I look forward to reading your new PB.
January 4, 2024 at 6:47 pm
Marlena Leach
Lisa, thank you for sharing your connection with SEL stories. You give good advice on how to convey the message. It’s tough sometimes to let your true emotions show, but it’s what will make a compelling storybook.
January 4, 2024 at 6:51 pm
Tina Pocernich
Love this. My book on self-confidence is based on some of my experiences as a child and is currently with my illustrator.
January 4, 2024 at 6:51 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
Thank you so much for sharing, Lisa! I love IT WILL BE OK and am excited to read I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED. SEL books are amazing!
January 4, 2024 at 7:11 pm
sarapetersohn
Love this, Lisa! This could be a game-changer. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 7:52 pm
Stephanie D Jones
This is so helpful Lisa! Thanks for willingness to share the stories close to yourself. I have a number of SEL stories in process, and really liked the plot-action-emotion chart to check that my arcs are on point!
January 4, 2024 at 7:56 pm
Vanessa Hancock
Thank you for sharing! Quite inspiring!
January 4, 2024 at 8:01 pm
kiwijenny
I love finally knowing what SEL means. Social Emotional Learning is so important for kids. Loved the advice.
January 4, 2024 at 8:09 pm
Dana Atnip
Hi Lisa! I have read, “It Will Be OK”, and loved it! I really wish there were books like this, and SEL books, when I was a kid, they would have been so helpful to me! I really look forward to reading “I Can Do It, Even If I’m Scared”; it also inspires me to lean towards tougher subjects that could help children to navigate their own struggles.
January 4, 2024 at 8:23 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Lisa, for the reminder to dig deep into one’s heart for the best, authentic stories.
Suzy Leopold
January 4, 2024 at 8:41 pm
bannatyne2
Great blog. I struggle to identify my own emotions but two very definite moments from childhood popped up and I jotted notes about both. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:26 pm
snor5bddfeabba4
love this book and this post…
January 4, 2024 at 10:12 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
What a great chart for the “Scenes” of different emotions/responses. Thanks for sharing about SEL.
January 4, 2024 at 10:23 pm
kernskristen622
You sparked the words prima facie out of me……thank you.
January 4, 2024 at 10:27 pm
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri
SEL is so important. Thanks for the tips.
January 4, 2024 at 10:34 pm
Fern Glazer
What a gift that you’ve shared. Im honored to receive it and pay it forward, of course.
January 4, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Amy Moore
Thanks for this great post! Lots to think about to spark some new story ideas.
January 4, 2024 at 11:46 pm
amandaburrellbooks
Emotions is an area I feel very drawn to as well 😊
January 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
carolynleillustrations
Love the reminder to mine our emotions and the chart, so helpful!
January 5, 2024 at 12:18 am
Kamilla Sjodin
Love this!
January 5, 2024 at 1:17 am
Marzieh Abbas
I love this, Lisa! Thanks for breaking it down so clearly. I really loved the way you plotted the emotional arc alongside the plot points– I’m going to study a few mentor texts and break them down like that.
January 5, 2024 at 1:25 am
mjmuir432bfb4bb4
Thank you for this post, Lisa! Your thoughts and words about your process are inspiring.
January 5, 2024 at 2:22 am
Suhasini Gupta
Thanks, Lisa, for sharing wonderful tips and mentor text on writing SEL topics.
January 5, 2024 at 2:27 am
Sandy Perlic
Like Marzieh above, I’m grateful for how you plotted the emotional arc–thinking about my story in these terms is going to help me touch children’s hearts instead of just talking to them. Love it!
January 5, 2024 at 2:51 am
Marie Chan
Thanks for sharing this chart paralleling the plot points on the story arc with emotions! Such a great way to organize a SEL story.
January 5, 2024 at 3:18 am
staceygustafson
Wonderful advice…mine your own life for stories with an emotional heart. Ideas are spinning in my mind.
January 5, 2024 at 3:20 am
jindreame
Thanks for the great tips!
January 5, 2024 at 6:45 am
Mary E. Cronin
I love the way you graph out the story arc with emotion… genius!
January 5, 2024 at 8:46 am
Sheri Dillard
Wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing, Lisa! And thanks, as well, for sharing your stories with children!
January 5, 2024 at 8:57 am
naturewalkwithgod
Lisa, thank you for sharing what has worked for you and will equip us to reach young readers. That chart is especially helpful. –Kim Peterson
January 5, 2024 at 9:03 am
lynnpesicka
Thank you for sharing the emotion process. Lynn
January 5, 2024 at 9:16 am
Sarah Skolfield
Thank you for sharing your process. Your chart is very helpful!
January 5, 2024 at 9:37 am
Marzieh Abbas
Love this, Lisa!
January 5, 2024 at 9:38 am
SandraL
Thank you for sharing your meaningful experiences as stories for all ages!!💕
January 5, 2024 at 9:44 am
hmkingman
Thank you Lisa, for sharing that the first SEL story was unintentional. Often stories come in a wave and it’s only after seeing them from another’s perspective, that the pitch or the purpose becomes clear. Making that move into intentional writing- the road map provided- fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
January 5, 2024 at 10:02 am
clcoate
Thank you for your inspiration! Putting yourself out there is a brave thing to do. You’ve got me thinking now!!
January 5, 2024 at 10:46 am
laurakbower
What a great post Lisa! Thank you for sharing your authentic self and I love hearing about your process of writing what you know. Congratulations on all your important books that are helping kids navigate their big feelings/emotions!
January 5, 2024 at 12:02 pm
carlislemalone
Thank you for writing this amazing SEL book. You have helped more people by not only writing this book but speaking to the conception.
January 5, 2024 at 12:18 pm
Katie L. Carroll
Great advice! Thanks, Lisa!
January 5, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Genevieve Gorback
I love this story! So much so, in fact, that I’m teaching a teacher professional development session at a local county office of education on how to teach SEL through picture books and using IT WILL BE OK as the example! 🥰
I love what you said about feelings looking small from the outside but feeling big on the inside! Beautiful!
January 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm
TerriMichels
a much-needed topic in our world today.
January 5, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Darcee A Freier
Deep stuff. Thanks for sharing the hard parts.
January 5, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Barbara Farland
Oh boy! I am soooo going to play with this! I can only trust it will result in more relatable characters. Thanks!
January 5, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Lori Williams Writing
So far the two manuscripts I have written are SEL. I was such an insecure child that kept everything in. This is encouraging to me that using my experiences and emotions for stories may actually help someone.
January 5, 2024 at 2:42 pm
Abby Wooldridge
What a beautiful blog post! Thank you so much for sharing, Lisa!
January 5, 2024 at 2:45 pm
KamillaM
Thank you for this framework! I write SEL and this will be helpful for focusing my structure.
January 5, 2024 at 3:24 pm
valerieschultz023gmailcom
Thank you for sharing this framework!
January 5, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Eileen Mayo
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing such a personal story. I admire your bravery. This is fabulous advice.
January 5, 2024 at 3:55 pm
libbydemmon
Great advice for anyone!
January 5, 2024 at 4:27 pm
hamblinkris
Thank you for being proactive for Mental Health!
Kris
January 5, 2024 at 4:46 pm
mattsthrockmorton
Mining your own stories is an excellent way to make a story shine. And thanks for the exercise, I will try it today!
January 5, 2024 at 4:49 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Thanks for your wise advice and insights into your writing process, Lisa. How brave of you to share your experiences! I’m so happy for all your successes. Looking forward to reading IT WILL BE OKAY and I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED.
January 5, 2024 at 4:55 pm
Judy Sobanski
Thank you for sharing how you used your own experiences to inspire your SEL stories. I’m sure that was difficult but worthwhile knowing you might be helping a child to cope with feelings of their own.
January 5, 2024 at 5:12 pm
Andi Chitty
I love how SEL elements can pop up so organically as you write! Thanks for sharing your experience, Lisa!
January 5, 2024 at 5:30 pm
rozanark
Thank you for sharing your process Lisa! I love SEL stories!
January 5, 2024 at 5:54 pm
Elizabeth Kalasinsky
Great advice, Lisa!
January 5, 2024 at 6:37 pm
MadhuM
Thank you for your words from the heart. SEL stories are so important and have definitely been a big part of our home library.
January 5, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Michael Henriksen
Thanks for sharing your examples of insights that are truly heartfelt!💛
You provide a good SELection of emotions we can tap into for our writing!🤗
January 5, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Michelle Dragalin
I love it! You used my favorite animals the giraffe. I’m going to borrow this for my writing lessons. (I know I’m late) Michelle
January 5, 2024 at 7:06 pm
Sondra Zalewski
Thank you for sharing stories of your struggles with other writers and kids. It’s important for us to remember that everyone has feelings and kindness can to wonders.
January 5, 2024 at 8:07 pm
Kaye Baillie
It’s great how you could tap into your emotions, Lisa and create stories that kids will relate to. Congratulations!
January 5, 2024 at 8:38 pm
ruthschubert
I, too, tend to have an SEL lesson in my picture books, without being preachy about it. Young children are so filled with emotion and don’t always understand the best way to deal with them. Lovely book!
January 5, 2024 at 8:54 pm
Charlotte Glaze
Thank you for sharing!
January 5, 2024 at 9:02 pm
Janel Caverly
I really appreciate your step-by-step guide for using an emotional moment to create a story arc. Letting an emotion wash through you is so helpful in storytelling and in life. Thank you for sharing this post!
January 5, 2024 at 9:36 pm
lorrieoshatz73
This was SUCH A GREAT BLOG!!!! I loved the whole idea of playing with “As If” to try new things and expand choices! And SEL stories are such excellent tools for children to learn about themselves and those around them. Thank you!
January 5, 2024 at 11:23 pm
jenwritespbs
This is great advice! Thanks for sharing part of your process.
January 6, 2024 at 3:01 am
claudiamarquespb
SEL stories are the types that come to me first, always. I wonder if my connection with my own feelings is behind this. Great insights!
January 6, 2024 at 4:26 am
Dionnie Takahashi
The story arc is helpful. Thank you, Lisa.
January 6, 2024 at 9:23 am
Diane McBee
There are many SEL lessons in everyday life. We just have to be able to connect with them.
January 6, 2024 at 9:30 am
Kathleen Lowry
This is very helpful! Thank you for sharing your process
January 6, 2024 at 9:37 am
msaraiva004
This post really resonated with me as a teacher and parent. I noticed that of all the manuscripts I have written so far, the one I feel most passionate about and determined to get out in the world has to do with SEL. I want to continue exploring writing with SEL topics in mind as the heart of the story, so your post was very exciting to read. Thank you!
January 6, 2024 at 9:49 am
Carol Gordon Ekster
Loved seeing the story chart! And thanks for sharing your story here.
January 6, 2024 at 10:13 am
Jim Chaize
Great post on writing SEL. An idea even came up while I was reading it. Thanks, Lisa.
January 6, 2024 at 10:49 am
brilliantviewpoint
A fellow Chicagoan. Hello! I liked how you wrote your arc. Also, I do feel it’s so important to teach children how to manage their emotions. LOL, even as adults, we STILL go through these same things you write about for children. Might seem funny, but it happens. Wishing you a GREAT 2024!
January 6, 2024 at 1:24 pm
marcihersel
Thank you so much! I love your chart and how you organized it. You books are awesome, too!
January 6, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Laura
oh my, I have a lot to choose from. Thanks for the starting point! I think that SEL theme books are so incredibly important and meaningful for children and their adults, too. We are all in this thing called life together!
January 6, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Lynne Marie
Thanks so much for sharing your process! Love the chart! Wishing you much success in the coming year! LM
January 6, 2024 at 1:35 pm
Kate Grimm
Thank you! This was a helpful blueprint for SEL books.
January 6, 2024 at 2:04 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
I’ve had an idea in my brain for awhile and this post really made me think of how to pursue it! Thank you!!!
January 6, 2024 at 2:26 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Lisa, I appreciate that you took time to share a blueprint for making SEL into an arc that can work for me. I love It Will be OK. Giraffe is so brave!
January 6, 2024 at 3:01 pm
ofmariaantonia
Thanks for this. So good!
January 6, 2024 at 3:25 pm
Olivia Fisher
I love this. Thank you for putting more amazing SEL books into the world. My son is in kindergarten, and we will have to check your book out!
January 6, 2024 at 3:47 pm
debbiemoeller
Very helpful. This serves as a reminder to think carefully how to put authentic emotion into our stories by examining our own feelings. The blueprint is a great tool!
January 6, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Apryl Lee
Great chart! SEL books are great for reinforcing those life skills.
January 6, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Aimee Hiura
“I feel that way too. Maybe I can talk about it with someone” makes everything so worth it! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Barbara Coston
SEL is a new world for me. Thank you for helping me see how I might try to do this kind of writing.
Barbara Carney-Coston
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January 6, 2024 at 7:37 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Congratulations on your beautiful books. I’m sure these resonate with both the children and adults who read them.
January 6, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Catrine Kyster
“writing stories about authentic experiences with my own emotions” – love that
January 6, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I can, I will, I am . . . writing a Picture Book.
January 6, 2024 at 8:25 pm
signeddiane
I think I need this book…
January 6, 2024 at 8:52 pm
Melanie Lucero
Love all of this, thank you!!
January 6, 2024 at 9:58 pm
ljtouche
The best stories come from the heart. Using our authentic emotions and experiences is the BEST advice. Thank you. -Lori Laniewski (LJ)
January 6, 2024 at 10:37 pm
steveheron
Thank you Lisa – most helpful.
January 6, 2024 at 10:43 pm
donnacangelosi
I love your books, Lisa. Thanks so much for sharing your process and story chart.
January 6, 2024 at 11:25 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
So glad you’ve had the courage to share so much of yourself through your stories. Your readers are much better for it. Thanks!
January 6, 2024 at 11:34 pm
jessicafgwrites
Lisa, I’ve firmly been a nonfiction writer, but your post is making reflect on my own struggles with anxiety and wonder if I’ve got something to work with there. This will be a post I return to — THANK YOU.
January 7, 2024 at 12:16 am
Deb McGarvey
Hi Lisa! I love this, and I love IT WILL BE OK. Thank you for sharing your experience and process. I’m struggling to get some SEL themed books to work, so this is really helpful.
January 7, 2024 at 1:59 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
I like your plot point/action/emotion chart. It seems helpful for making sure that the main character has an emotional arc. Thank you!
January 7, 2024 at 2:10 am
gotoddgo3
As a subject of the textbook for masterclasses on physical and emotional issues over the course of my lifetime, it’d be hard to pick a “precise” starting point. For picture books, we want 32 pages or so, not a case study. What suggestions might you suggest on choosing a starting point? Many thanks for this thinking approach.
January 7, 2024 at 7:35 am
mbhmaine
Thanks so much for sharing so honestly. Your step by step approach is a great tool for digging into and fleshing out story ideas with emotional resonance.
January 7, 2024 at 10:22 am
chrisynthia
This exercise was very helpful and I learned better how to structure my plot. I can use this box as a tool going forward. Thanks for your post.
January 7, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Carrie Cook
Thank you for the advice!
January 7, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Mandie Speese
Thank you! Amazing exercise! I did one for a child hood memory and one for an adult memory. Very cool result.
January 7, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Barbara Farr Renner
I hear a lot about SEL, especially from the schools here in Arizona. Now it’s called SEAL because they want to include academics. Thank you for your post, Lisa.
January 7, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Naomi Danis
You gave me an idea! Thanks, Naomi
naomidanis.com
January 7, 2024 at 3:19 pm
Deborah Buschman
Thanks Lisa what wonderful advice and your graph really helped me put it in perspective.
January 7, 2024 at 4:11 pm
Carol Porter
I love “It Will Be OK.” As a teacher it is a great book to spark meaningful discussions with kids.
January 7, 2024 at 4:57 pm
jilltatara
Thank you so much for sharing this very personal post! And the story arc chart was so helpful. I’m actually working on a manuscript right now that I thought up when I was in a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy session.
January 7, 2024 at 5:12 pm
Heather Lee
It’s always helpful to remember that we all have things that bring out our emotions and that children need ways to think and talk about feelings. You have made this concept so much easier to think about with my writing! Thanks, Lisa!
January 7, 2024 at 5:24 pm
Debora From
I love the idea of one of my stories reaching a child just when they need it 🙂 Thank You for sharing a glimpse into your process!
January 7, 2024 at 6:35 pm
emilysunli
The chart is so helpful! Thank you!
January 7, 2024 at 7:52 pm
mnlfam
Thanks so much for your thoughts! Charts are my jam, so I really appreciate that you used one to show the process organization. When I asked myself what I was like while feelin a strong childhood emotion, I realized how hard it is not to apply an adult viewpoint of one’s former self. I have sometimes dismissed certain childhood emotions due to the trivial event that caused them. Your post reminded me how intense childhood emotions can be, regardless of how our adult selves might view them.
January 7, 2024 at 8:05 pm
topangamaria
Good therapy.
January 7, 2024 at 10:35 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for sharing your ideas and process! I love your reminder to dig deep and share your authentic self!
January 8, 2024 at 12:07 am
awearneauthor
There are so many emotional ideas I can get from my childhood. Scared of getting in trouble. Wonder of how far my bravery will take me. This post has given me a few ideas already!
Andrea
January 8, 2024 at 1:34 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
This is exactly what I needed for a SEL manuscript I recent wrote, thank you for sharing!
January 8, 2024 at 11:38 am
melissajmiles1
I’ve got some manuscript ideas I’d love to reopen and explore after reading your post. Thanks for the insights.
January 8, 2024 at 11:59 am
Gaby L
Hi Lisa, it’s so important to write down where I got the idea, as you mentioned. I forgot to do that, and I will be a better writer Yeah!! Congrats for your books and the lucky ones who enjoy with them. I will use your chart, thank you.
January 8, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Lynn M. Mondello
Lisa, thank you for sharing your Story Arc w/ Emotions. I’ve copied the template and am working on my own emotional story arc right now!
January 8, 2024 at 1:33 pm
daydreambelievin
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
January 8, 2024 at 1:38 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Lisa, thanks for showing your vulnerability through story to help kids process their own emotions. Your series of questions and that fantastic Story Arc chart are so helpful!
January 8, 2024 at 1:44 pm
sunwalker2013
Thanks for the tip. I come from a family where emotions were mostly invisible and not talked about…until sometimes they would overflow. Deep exploration ahead!
January 8, 2024 at 2:43 pm
jyillustrates
Great way to look at building a story. Thank you.
January 8, 2024 at 3:17 pm
amberleawilliams
Such helpful information! Thank you!
January 8, 2024 at 6:07 pm
kdgwrites
Thank you for the insights. SEL a new acronym.
January 8, 2024 at 6:39 pm
cindyrivka
I love the image of a child sitting in a circle who can relate to the story character. We have to hold our audience in our hearts as we write for them.
January 8, 2024 at 11:52 pm
Susan Contreras
Thank you for sharing such personal insights.
January 9, 2024 at 12:03 am
chaunceyelephant
We used to call this “bibliotherapy.” I hope I can write something that will make a difference to a child hearing/reading it. Your book sounds wonderful.
January 9, 2024 at 12:17 am
Cindy E. Owens
This was a very helpful article. Thanks for sharing it. I will have to keep your tips in mind. You see, I’ve always had to be the strong one for everyone, but I can’t always be that. So, I just hide the emotions away, which is unhealthy. Thanks for the encouragement that it’s okay to feel these emotions and be vulnerable.
January 9, 2024 at 9:51 am
The World Is My Cuttlefish
Simple yet profound. I live in the UK but will try to find the book so I can see how you fleshed it out. I loved the ending – a surprise and a lift. Also, I now have a very ‘outliney’ story idea. This template lends itself to many more. Thank you, Lisa.
January 9, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Carmen Swick-Author
Way to go Lisa! I started to write out of my emotions and to share with kids experiencing the same thing, as my child at the time.
January 9, 2024 at 5:01 pm
horsewriterlady
Thank you for sharing your process. I don’t work on any stories now unless I am somehow drawn in emotionally. It makes all the difference. Thanks for your tips!
January 9, 2024 at 5:22 pm
jlehson
It is always fascinating to see how other people break down their plot- thank you!
January 9, 2024 at 9:45 pm
tracyschuldthelixon
Thank you for sharing this reminder to write what we know and write from the heart. So helpful!
January 9, 2024 at 10:03 pm
SpeechVine
Love this! I find tapping into our emotions can lead to powerful stories. Kimberly Laura
January 9, 2024 at 10:24 pm
goodreadswithronna
What an excellent post! You had me at “authentic experiences” and am grateful for your candor.
January 10, 2024 at 12:40 am
Naana Amissah
Thank you, Lisa for breaking down mining one’s emotions into the what, how and why; to be able to give it more thought.into what a child would really relate to.
January 10, 2024 at 2:09 am
Sherri T. Mercer
This was very helpful. I tried using the chart for my SEL manuscript. I have more work to do.
January 10, 2024 at 2:21 am
Megan McNamara
I love IT WILL BE OKAY! It was exciting to hear about the process behind it!
January 10, 2024 at 4:13 pm
dlapmandi
I loved the idea of mining your strong emotions whether they were good, bad or indifferent endings. The focus on just the strong emotion at the time and developing a story around it very intriguing to me. Thanks for the post.
January 10, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Judy Bryan
Thank you for this heartfelt post, Lisa. I love your chart breaking down the emotions throughout the story. Brilliant!
January 10, 2024 at 5:08 pm
kyavorski
Thanks for admitting you discovered what you had written well after the fact. I think we are conditioned to think we need to have all the answers when we start.
January 10, 2024 at 8:35 pm
Ann M page
Thank you, Lisa, for this helpful post!
January 11, 2024 at 1:07 am
Myrna Foster
Thank you for this post, Lisa!
January 11, 2024 at 3:00 pm
jessdavidoff
Thank you for laying out how shifting emotions can pair with a story arc – this really helped the plot direction of an SEL book I’ve been working on for a few years!
January 11, 2024 at 4:56 pm
dianemungovan
So appreciate your example. Emotions are so universal.
January 11, 2024 at 6:16 pm
Anita
Thank you so much for your post. Congratulations on your books.
January 12, 2024 at 10:08 am
Kathy Erskine
I LOVE your approach to SEL books, which are so important and useful. Thank you for your insights.
January 12, 2024 at 2:22 pm
shirley301
Thanks for your SEL tips.
January 13, 2024 at 1:00 am
Katherine Pew
Thank you for your sharing your creative, thoughtful & personal SEL inspiration, Lisa!!
January 13, 2024 at 8:44 am
murrelld
Thank you for sharing your process and supporting SEL in kids with your books.
January 13, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Wendy Greenley
I think it’s time to take your grid and take another look at the SEL book I took to the Rutgers one on one last fall. Obviously emotions are essential to SEL and it’s hard to nail them in a kid friendly way. Congratulations on your success!
January 13, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Annette Martin
Thank you for sharing your process! Love your approach. Will challenge myself to dig deeper.
January 13, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Jeanette O'Toole
Thank you for being brave and sharing your personal experience and how it helped you write authentically. What a wonderful gift you have given to children who will deal with all of these emotions.
January 13, 2024 at 6:50 pm
drawingablank6
I write SEL books too and love the guide for the inspiration.
January 13, 2024 at 8:53 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
I’m glad to see more and more books tackling big feelings and not just one in a book and not just the more common already written about ones.
January 14, 2024 at 10:03 am
Charlie Griffin
Three cheers for you for sharing this. I very much appreciate it. I read your book last year. It’s perfect.
January 14, 2024 at 11:53 am
brilawyer
Thanks for sharing your process. I’m excited to try your exercise!
January 14, 2024 at 12:13 pm
alambertallen
Thanks so much for sharing your approach to SEL stories. Being authentic to you is the key to meaningful stories!
January 14, 2024 at 1:49 pm
authortracytagnelli
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for sharing this. I have been trying to write about my OCD, and have been having trouble. I think this might help me with my story.
January 14, 2024 at 5:30 pm
sburdorf
The three part emotional arc spreadsheet you displayed is awesome. I will need to add that to my PB toolbox! Thank you for sharing.
January 14, 2024 at 9:41 pm
Melissa Hastings
Thank you for sharing your emotional process. I will definitely use the story arc spreadsheet for one of the stories I am working on.
January 15, 2024 at 12:55 am
kbrandyberry
Thank you for sharing! I love your focus on authenticity – a story you can tell because it’s something you’ve experienced so deeply. Your stories are beautiful!
January 15, 2024 at 7:31 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Liza, Bravo! I love your suggestions, and also the huge SEL hole your books fill on teachers’ bookshelves. As a former teacher, I can’t wait to share your work with my daughter who is a family therapist. Thank you.
January 15, 2024 at 4:26 pm
Susie Sawyer
Lisa, this was amazing. Thank you so much for being brave enough to write this book, and then for sharing it with us! I want my stories to reach children the way you described. I took tons of notes from this post and will definitely use them for inspiration! I’ll be seeking out your books, for sure!
January 15, 2024 at 5:01 pm
kaleegwarjanski
Seeing the chart was awesome! Thanks for a great post.
January 16, 2024 at 9:06 am
Lauri Meyers
Love this Lisa! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself on the page so we can all feel seen.
January 16, 2024 at 9:10 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Emotions are a great lens for filtering and pushing our ideas. Good point!
January 16, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Johanna Peyton
I have always been so inspired by the honesty and bravery in have in sharing your emotions in your work. thank you.
January 16, 2024 at 12:43 pm
snor5bddfeabba4
You’ve inspired me to dig deep and share my authentic self. Thank you…
January 16, 2024 at 6:07 pm
Jennifer Kraar
Tapping into my kid relatable strong emotions isn’t easy for me. Thanks for the nudge and the concrete example of It Will Be OK.
January 16, 2024 at 11:22 pm
Lisa M. Horn
Thanks, Lisa for this inspiring post. I love SEL books too. Emotions are important for kids to understand and be able to talk about. I found the exercise to mine our own life for stories of emotional heart to be very effective! I came up with 3 new story ideas!
January 18, 2024 at 2:39 pm
Dawn M.
Thanks for sharing. It’s not easy sharing our emotions but by doing so, we help ourselves and others.
January 18, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Michelle Dragalin
We are reviewing genres in my reading classes, using animals to teach life lessons similar to Aesop’s Fables.
January 19, 2024 at 2:10 am
Jessica Milo
Such a lovely post, Lisa!! A great reminder to mine my personal experiences and emotions for stories that can help other kids who feel them/experience them to. I’m excited to do this and see what ideas blossom. Thank you, Lisa!!
January 20, 2024 at 7:44 pm
michellehlosardo
Thank you for creating books that let kids know that they are not alone! Emotions are such a part of our shared humanity and a place from which we can understand one another.
January 20, 2024 at 10:52 pm
Helen Taylor
Thank you for digging deep to inspire your fellow writers, Lisa!
January 21, 2024 at 2:04 pm
abigailmarble21
This really resonates with the types of stories I like to write — thanks for the detailed description of your process!
January 21, 2024 at 6:31 pm
Sally Matheny
Thanks for sharing these helpful tips. I’m inspired to pull out a dusty w-i-p that was filed away years ago.
January 22, 2024 at 4:28 pm
Kari Lavelle
I heart this post! Thank you, Lisa! So excited to read your latest!
January 22, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Ooh, this is good stuff. I’m not great at paying attention to my feelings generally anyway, so this doubles as a mini introspective therapy session, too, yes? 😉
January 25, 2024 at 2:04 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Great post, Lisa! Thanks for sharing your insight!
January 25, 2024 at 7:37 pm
Mary Ann Blair
I love books that focus on SEL. Congrats on your success!
January 26, 2024 at 10:33 am
shereenicole
Thank you, Lisa!
January 30, 2024 at 4:52 pm
sylviaichen
Oooh, just got the start of a possible idea because of your post, thank you so much!!
January 30, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Pravin Kaipa
Thank you for this idea Liza, I’ve been thinking about what to write and what ideas to follow up with, and this post is definitely sparking emotions too. [image: ltp|17066541802007269]
January 31, 2024 at 2:05 am
amandalittleauthor
Thank you so much for sharing this. I love the thought that something that feels huge in our own head may seem small to others.
January 31, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Nazanin Ford
These are such needed books! This is one of the reasons I love pbs and books for children, because they will always be needed. (And they help grown-ups too!)
January 31, 2024 at 7:52 pm
Cindy Greene
Lisa – I loved your post. Thanks for sharing a methodology. I look forward to trying it!
January 31, 2024 at 10:18 pm
rosiesartventures
What a fabulous excercise! It worked great as an idea starter. I love how you are helping kids understand their emotions!
January 31, 2024 at 10:58 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
I often find myself with SEL ideas. This is very helpful for thinking them through. Thank you!
February 1, 2024 at 1:17 am
Adrea
“Share your authenic self” – this seems like great advice. It IS good advice! The truth wins. Thank you for reminding us, Lisa!
February 2, 2024 at 1:49 pm
vijikc
You have to given so much to think about with this post! Thank you so much.