by Lauren H. Kerstein

Confession: I am a Hallmark movie-aholic!

I love having them on in the background while I work (even if I have to keep the sound off in order to concentrate). I love watching them with the sound on and reveling in the “happy ending” structure that is oh-so predictable and much needed in this chaotic world.

I also love reading (or listening to) romance novels. It’s a fun way to dissect story beats, enjoy happy endings, and of course, immerse yourself in someone else’s world for a little while.

Here’s the best part, while reading or enjoying Hallmark movie marathons, you can find ideas.

Here are a few examples: (I wish I wrote down the titles of the movies from which I snagged these, but alas, I didn’t.)

Scene:
A picture frame falls out of a child’s bag at the airport. She had decorated it as a gift.

Idea:
What about a picture book about Mother’s Day in which the MC can’t think of anything special and ultimately realizes that she is the gift. She decorates a picture frame with a picture of herself in the center. (Can you just see the sweetness of that final spread?)

Conflict Set Up:
The main character is a reporter. Her job ends up in direct conflict with her “love interest.”

Idea:
What if you have a child reporter as your MC in either a young graphic novel, chapter book, or picture book? The child MC might investigate stories in the neighborhood and bring them to light. At first, she brings them to light in a hurtful way. And so… her emotional journey is to figure out a way to bring the stories to light responsibly. (Do no harm.)

Movie Theme:
Valentine’s Day Themed Hallmark Movie

Idea:
What would happen if a child makes a Valentine’s Day card for a friend, but it ends up in the wrong hands?

Ooooh, and I got a nonfiction idea while looking up gifs for this. (See gif below.) If flamingos put their heads together, they form a heart. What other animals can make a heart with their bodies? (Dragonflies do when they mate!) There must be more!!

Remember, ideas are nuggets we capture and write down without dissecting them or assessing their worth. Our job during Storystorm is to generate ideas with as little judgment as possible.

Let your pen fly! Catch each idea. Then, later, you can assess them, combine them, turn them upside down, and massage them into fantastic stories.

So, consider this post an invitation to watch those movies you want to watch! Enjoy television. Read lots of books. And keep your notebook handy. You’ll be surprised by how many ideas you will find.

Lauren is offering two prizes: a 60-minute Zoom Critique Session and a copy of her latest book, REMEMBERING SUNDAYS WITH GRANDPA (Illustrated by Nanette Regan/Beaming Books) to two separate winners.

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.

Lauren H. Kerstein is an author, psychotherapist, developmental editor, and a NYT bestselling ghostwriter. She is represented by Deborah Warren with East/West Literary Agency. Lauren enjoys highlighting strengths, strong women, and of course, dragons, in her books. Her writing goals are simple. Embrace feedback. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. You can find more information at LaurenKerstein.net and @LaurenKerstein on most socials.