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Storystorm 2024 Day 27: Hope Lim Savors Quiet Moments

January 27, 2024 8:30 am

by Hope Lim

We all need a quiet moment to connect with ourselves and our ideas.

The idea for SOURGRASS came to me in an unexpected way. I was sitting quietly in my backyard and spotted a single stem of sourgrass poking through the tiniest crack of our fence. Its green leaves were in our yard and the rest of the stem and roots were in our neighbor’s yard. I smiled at the delightful and whimsical sight, then started to wonder why it chose to grow that way, and if there was a reason for it to appear on a day when I was feeling anxious about all the changes in life.

Within that quiet moment of watching and wondering, I noticed how that single stem of sourgrass seemed to embody so much hope and possibility by growing through the fence, a wall of separaton, connecting the two yards. I gladly took it as a sign of hope from nature telling me everything would be okay.

For days, the image of that sourgrass stem and the feelings it evoked stayed with me and inspired me to create the first draft of SOURGRASS. For several months, SOURGRASS went through countless revisions and eventually developed into a story about two best friends, Sofia and May, who turn the ordinary into the extraordinary until May’s moving away changes everything. Then I received feedback that gave me pause. It questioned whether I had gone deep enough with my story in terms of creating an emotional arc.

I gave myself a week break and sat down in front of my computer with the latest version of SOURGRASS. I still remember myself walking into the scene where Sofia was left alone in her yard after May’s departure. Her feeling of emptiness was acute, and I asked myself what made Sofia feel that way and what she would have wanted during a time of difficult change. Within that quiet moment of rumination, the image of the single stem of sourgrass which evoked a sense of hope washed over me. I wanted to plant the sense of a hopeful return in the story. And sourgrass was a perfect vehicle as it reliably returns every spring and has resilience as a wildflower. I decided to make sourgrass a central part of the friendship.

During this second phase of re-writing, I remembered one afternoon when sourgrass returned to me. In hindsight, I would say it was a serendipitous encounter, for it inspired me to create the wild field of sourgrass in the story. I veered off from my running routine and decided to go down a new path. Within moments, a field of sourgrass flowers appeared in front of me, and I stopped, awed by the yellow flowers dotting the entire field under the shimmering sunlight. I felt as if the single stem of sourgrass grew out of my backyard and spread all over the wild within a few weeks to reassure me with a message of hope. And I was there alone in the field until I was ready to run home.

In SOURGRSS, Sofia and May venture out of their yards and find a wild field of sourgrass. This discovery that they make on their own is significant, for it enables them to expand their horizons like good friends do for each other and create shared memories that help them stay connected through a trying time. I love this image of the two friends looking at their discovery together, and how the brilliant Shahrzad Maydani captures them cinematically as if they are standing at the threshold of something amazing.

In our lives, many things happen or come to us in an unexpected way, often catching us off guard. I find that ideas come to us serendipitously and often lead to the beginning of a story. If I hadn’t gone outside that day when I was feeling uncertain, I wouldn’t have seen the single stem of sourgrass. If I hadn’t decided to take a new path, I wouldn’t have found the field of sourgrass flowers. What made these encounters fulfill their potential were the quiet moments I gave to myself to connect with them. In those moments, I re-imagined SOURGRASS to be a story where Sofia learns to live in hope and keep her trust in May by connecting with sourgrass, a symbol of their friendship.

In today’s endless stream of information and constant stimulation, we need to slow down and find time to stay quiet with ourselves more than ever. I can assure you that in those quiet moments with ourselves, our breath, emotions, and characters, and with anything that catches our eye, ideas can come to us, revealing deeper meanings, and inviting us to start a story and finish the journey of making it into a book.

Hope Lim is giving away a signed copy of SOURGRASS 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.

Hope Lim is a children’s book author from South Korea and now lives in San Francisco with her family. When she is out on her daily run, she finds quiet moments to connect with nature and her story ideas.

SOURGRASS will be released by Beach Lane Books/S&S on March 26, 2024. Hope’s other books include MOMMY’S HOMETOWN, and I AM A BIRD by Candlewick Press, and MY TREE by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House. You can find Hope on Instagram @hopelim_sf or HopeLim.com.

Posted by Tara Lazar

Categories: STORYSTORM 2024

Tags: Hope Lim, Shahrzad Maydani, SOURGRASS

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469 Responses to “Storystorm 2024 Day 27: Hope Lim Savors Quiet Moments”

1. This is so beautiful. I agree quiet moments are so necessary for creativity, problem solving, and inspiration, even if they aren’t being taken in nature. I have to wake up at 5 am before my kids to get mine, and often do so at a counter with coffee!

   By msaraiva004 on January 27, 2024 at 8:37 am

   1. You’ve beautifully captured that sweet reassurance of hope! Thank you for your post!

      By kelliannedy on January 28, 2024 at 1:02 am

2. Thank you, Hope for taking the time to write this wonderful post. You never know where a story will start to grow. Congratulations on your books.

   By Mark Bentz on January 27, 2024 at 8:42 am

3. I have never heard the term Sourgrass, so the title alone intrigued me!

   By Melissa Rafson Friedman on January 27, 2024 at 8:49 am

4. Hope, this is so beautiful. Thank you!
   Gail Hartman

   By thecrowsmap on January 27, 2024 at 8:52 am

5. Quiet time is essential for me! I can’t imagine how people go through a day without it. Thanks for the reminder of how quiet can help cultivate creativity.

   By lsheroan on January 27, 2024 at 8:53 am

6. Sour grass sounds like a lovely book! Thanks so much for sharing that reminder to celebrate the quiet moments.

   By Andrea Mack on January 27, 2024 at 8:53 am

7. Thank you for sharing this quiet story of hope. I needed it today both as a writer and as a person facing the unknown.🙏🏻 Looking forward to reading Sourgrass.

   By Cathy Lentes on January 27, 2024 at 8:57 am

8. Thanks Hope for the quiet moment of ideas!

   By Jany Campana on January 27, 2024 at 9:00 am

9. I can’t wait to read Sourgrass and was really inspired by this entry. Thanks so much for sharing this process with us!

   By kurtzmom548513 on January 27, 2024 at 9:00 am

10. I’m looking forward to reading SOURGRASS. Your post has me thinking about a manuscript I have and questioning if I am going deep enough with the emotion. Thank you!

    By rosecappelli on January 27, 2024 at 9:01 am

11. What a hopeful post, Hope 🙂 Love quiet and solitude … and learning about your process writing Sourgrass (waiting for my copy as we speak). Thanks so much for sharing!

    By Deborah Agranat Sullivan on January 27, 2024 at 9:02 am

12. Can’t wait to read Sourgrass! What a wonderful post! Thank you Hope.

    By Ronni Diamondstein on January 27, 2024 at 9:03 am

13. Thanks for this calming and inspiring post!

    By streetlynn on January 27, 2024 at 9:04 am

14. Thank you for sharing your process of beginning to end of Sourgrass. Letting nature be an inspiration is refreshing.

    By lynnpesicka on January 27, 2024 at 9:09 am

15. This was so lovely–thank you! I felt a sense of peace settle into my body as I was reading. I agree–we need more mental space to appreciate and reflect on things. I also love writing–with pen and paper–while in nature and need to make time for more of that.

    By Jennifer on January 27, 2024 at 9:17 am

16. What a wonderful post – it has made me want to read ‘Sourgrass’ as soon as possible. I agree that quiet moments of reflection are absolutely essential for writers.

    By claireflewis on January 27, 2024 at 9:20 am

17. Your words plus Shaz’s art…Magic!

    By christinashawnbooks on January 27, 2024 at 9:23 am

18. Thanks for sharing your inspiration for SOURGRASS. We need to take the time to let our imaginations run wild.

    By 1marth1 on January 27, 2024 at 9:26 am

19. How very soft and precious. This is sweet and beautiful and so personal. I will look at my long morning walks/hikes with fresh eyes and keen ears for the story. Thank you! Bless you!

    By karenleewyoming on January 27, 2024 at 9:28 am

20. Thank you for the idea! I loved your symbolism of the sourgrass peeking through the fence and how you used that to write a story about these friends!

    By Evelyn Day on January 27, 2024 at 9:29 am

21. Thanks for this reminder of the need for an emotional arc and the practice of connecting to our deepest feelings. I just love the photo of that sprig of sourgrass coming through the fence to say, “Hello!”

    By lindakaychavezbooks on January 27, 2024 at 9:29 am

22. The treasure of quiet time! Thanks for your beautiful post

    By Jane Dippold on January 27, 2024 at 9:30 am

23. Thank you for this beautiful post.

    By Claire A. B. Freeland on January 27, 2024 at 9:36 am

24. What a beautiful, honest and inspiring post, Hope. Thank you for reminding us to keep our eyes and hearts open to explore, observe and and feel all the very special life nuances surrounding us!

    By Suzanne Lewis on January 27, 2024 at 9:36 am

25. How I love this! I have a bit of wild grapevine that slithered its way around a window frame in my garage and now have a sizeable growth INSIDE the garage…the delight I have in this was stirred this morning with YOUR sourgrass! it is all about hope, Hope, thanks!

    By 58chilihed13 on January 27, 2024 at 9:42 am

26. Never heard it called sour grass before, but it’s a great name for a story. Thanks for sharing!

    By bgonsar on January 27, 2024 at 9:44 am

27. Yes! I love your inspiration from nature, and the reminder to message hope, resiliency, and reassurance. Thank you!

    By andreesantini on January 27, 2024 at 9:45 am

28. What a beautiful book. Thank you for your advice!

    By anchance on January 27, 2024 at 9:50 am

29. Thank you Hope 🌼

    By saintamovin on January 27, 2024 at 9:51 am

30. Thank you Hope. A reminder to stop, be still, and listen to the natural world, was much needed. It speaks so much to us, yet, we often fail to hear it. Thanks again and congratulations on your book!

    By jbbower on January 27, 2024 at 9:51 am

31. Beautiful! Working on finding more of those quiet moments for myself.

    By Debbie Tullos on January 27, 2024 at 9:52 am

32. Your post fills me with hope! Thanks for sharing your process with SOURGRASS, Hope. I’m excited to check it out. I’ve greatly enjoyed your other books.

    By Robin Brett Wechsler on January 27, 2024 at 9:52 am

33. I appreciate the post, Hope. In the quiet moments our creativity can breathe. I have to remember to slow down!!

    By marywarth on January 27, 2024 at 9:53 am

34. Thank you, Hope, for sharing your inspiration! Quiet times…you never know when an idea will pop up—like sourgrass.
    I’ve seen those pretty yellow blossoms with shamrock leaves in my yard, but didn’t know their name. I love the soft, vibrant illustrations and the message of managing long-distance childhood bonds.👏🏼

    By lindapepe on January 27, 2024 at 9:55 am

35. Hope, I needed your post today. There is a lot going on in all of our lives, as you said, but recently I feel I have been inundated. Those quiet moments are so needed.

    You tell your story so beautifully and I can feel those moments when the Sourgrass spoke to you. Thank you.

    And that spread!! ❤

    By Colleen Owen Murphy on January 27, 2024 at 9:56 am

36. Love your reminder that hope and stories are everywhere if we just give ourselves the time and permission to notice 🙂

    By mlyablonaolcom on January 27, 2024 at 9:58 am

37. SOURGRASS seems to project a message of hope. A powerful message for young ones. Thank You!

    By geigerlin on January 27, 2024 at 9:59 am

38. Lovely thoughts and so helpful in inspiring us to look deeply and cherish the quiet moments. Thank you, Hope Lim!

    Barbara Carney-Coston

    >

    By Barbara Coston on January 27, 2024 at 10:03 am

39. This post is beautiful. The inspiration . . . your voice . . . SOURGRASS. Thank you.

    By Jill Purtee (P. J.) on January 27, 2024 at 10:07 am

40. Your book sounds beautiful with its deep emotional enhancements inspired by that single wildflower.

    By Bettie Boswell on January 27, 2024 at 10:07 am

41. Beautifully written. Thank you so much, Hope.

    By millerritam on January 27, 2024 at 10:09 am

42. Quiet moments can give us a chance to hear, to see, and to feel so much more.

    By Kindness Kangaroo on January 27, 2024 at 10:11 am

43. I love how a chance encounter with sourgrass (I had to google it) led to a re-envisioning of your story. I can’t wait to read it!

    By ptnozell on January 27, 2024 at 10:12 am

44. What an engaging post, Hope! I found myself going back repeatedly to stare at the image of the single stem poking through the fence. It’s so interesting to read about the way in which you were inspired. Thank you for sharing your process and the reminder of how quiet introspection can cultivate creativity–one never know where a story will start to grow!

    You also inspired the science nerd in me to investigate “sourgrass” since I was surprised that I’d never heard of that term though I recognized the plant in the picture. It turns out that it is also called “wood sorrel,” which is what I knew it by here on the East Coast–doesn’t have quite the mystique that “Sourgrass” does for a title! Looking forward to reading your lovely, latest PB!

    By Lucretia Schafroth on January 27, 2024 at 10:13 am

45. What a lovely way to spend the morning…sitting quietly and actually imagining where my kids spend their quiet moments. Thank you!

    By thehugbooks on January 27, 2024 at 10:16 am

46. Thanks for sharing
    Sour grass sounds like a lovely book

    By lhofke on January 27, 2024 at 10:16 am

47. Oh my! What a lovely story, a lovely journey you’ve taken with your writing and such a great reminder for all of us to take the time to be still and notice. I’ve been taking a quiet Sunday walk each week– unplugged, just me, and it’s amazing what nuggets of stories I’ve found! Thank you for sharing– Juliann (Juli) Caveny

    By julicaveny on January 27, 2024 at 10:17 am

48. This is a beautiful and inspiring post. I love how you shared the part serendipity played in your story creation. Awesome words of wisdom about slowing down and taking in the world around us and the ideas waiting for us. Thank you!

    By Mona Voelkel on January 27, 2024 at 10:17 am

49. wow! this is a beautiful story with a wonderful lesson. Love how you connected hope and nature. Genius and visually stunning, too.

    thank you for sharing ! quiet moments (and friendships ) are so precious.

    By Susie on January 27, 2024 at 10:18 am

50. Wow – this is so powerful. Thank you Hope! I love hearing stories where ideas present themselves and won’t let go –the universe’s way of telling us “this is your story to tell! I’m so glad you “ran” with the idea – I can’t wait to read Sourgrass. It looks beautiful/heartwarming.

    By laurakbower on January 27, 2024 at 10:21 am

51. Quiet moments of contemplation are harder to find with all the social media today. But sitting outside in the sun, snowfall, or rain can bring quiet time to rethink a beginning or an ending of a story for me. Thanks for reminding me that I need to stop and take time to contemplate change and ideas.

    By sheriradovich0384 on January 27, 2024 at 10:21 am

52. What a beautiful story of hope.

    By vivianvandevelde on January 27, 2024 at 10:25 am

53. A beautiful story =)

    By Angel Gantnier on January 27, 2024 at 10:25 am

54. Quiet moments to ourselves to reflect or just be are so important. I love how that tiny stem of sourgrass inspired a beautiful story of friendship and hope, and I can’t wait to read your book.

    By serendipityinstars on January 27, 2024 at 10:30 am

55. Thank you for this lovely post. I look forward to reading Sourgrass.

    By Linda KulpTrout on January 27, 2024 at 10:31 am

56. Hope, it is in the quiet space that we can hear the inner thoughts that want to make their way to the surface and inspire us to create. Thank you for reminding us to slow down and look and listen.

    By syorkeviney on January 27, 2024 at 10:33 am

57. Beautiful post! Thank you for reminding us of the importance of quiet moments. Looking forward to reading Sourgrass.

    By Gail Aherne on January 27, 2024 at 10:35 am

58. Quiet time, oh yes. I need to create more of those. Thank you for this post.

    By Rachelle Burk on January 27, 2024 at 10:35 am

59. Beautiful!

    By maureenegan on January 27, 2024 at 10:37 am

60. Hi Hope, Thanks for sharing your magical, quiet tale of SOURGRASS inspiration. Those little moments can be so transporting if we’re awake to them. Can’t wait to read your story!

    By Katherine Pew on January 27, 2024 at 10:38 am

61. Agreed! Congrats on your book 🙂 can’t wait to read it.

    By natashaffdfd87f06 on January 27, 2024 at 10:38 am

62. Such a beautiful post Hope. We do need those quiet moments, not only to think and feel but to recharge. Thank you for sharing the journey of your book. Can’t wait to read it.

    By bevbaird on January 27, 2024 at 10:38 am

63. Thank you, Hope! I am looking forward to SOURGRASS! I love how a small plant poking through a fence triggered a sense of hopefulness in you. Some might rip out the weed and perhaps even feel angry at its invasion. Your name seems so fitting with your hopeful nature! : )

    By Tracey Kiff-Judson on January 27, 2024 at 10:40 am

64. Quiet moments are such a big part of the process. Thanks for sharing your own process, Hope.

    By Rebecca Colby on January 27, 2024 at 10:41 am

65. Thank you for your post. I definitely need more quiet in my life.
    Kris

    By hamblinkris on January 27, 2024 at 10:41 am

66. Beautifully written, Hope. Slowing down to take time can open so many things inside us. Congratulations on your lovely story.

    By pathaap on January 27, 2024 at 10:41 am

67. What a beautiful book! Quiet moments are so important:) Thank you!

    By kelliearted on January 27, 2024 at 10:42 am

68. What a beautiful post, plant, and picture book! Thank you for the reminder to slow down and reflect, Hope. Congratulations!

    By Jane Heitman Healy on January 27, 2024 at 10:46 am

69. Your inspiration has spoken to me in ways I can’t explain! I cannot wait to read your book, Hope! Thank you for sharing!

    By clcoate on January 27, 2024 at 10:47 am

70. Nature is so inspiring. This sounds like a beautiful book. Congrats!

    By nrompella on January 27, 2024 at 10:50 am

71. I love how you took something in nature to symbolize friendship and hope. I look forward to your book. Thanks for the inspiration to find hope in nature.

    By margaretsmn on January 27, 2024 at 10:53 am

72. What a goosebumps on my arms moment when they walked into the field.

    By Laura on January 27, 2024 at 10:55 am

73. Thank you for this wonderful post! I absolutely loved reading about the quiet moments that inspired you to write SOURGRASS, and the sneak-peek pages from your book look just beautiful! I hope you have a great Release Day in March! I’m following you on Instagram now, and I am really looking forward to carving out time for quiet moments today to be inspired and to think about serendipitous encounters that have had meaning in my life to turn into ideas!

    By bookclubhbhs on January 27, 2024 at 10:57 am

74. Quiet moments do encourage ideas. Thanks for sharing your process.

    By sburdorf on January 27, 2024 at 10:59 am

75. Love this post! and I wholeheartedly agree. Quiet moments are an absolute necessity. Thank you! And I can wait to read you beautiful book!

    By jilltatara on January 27, 2024 at 11:02 am

76. Hope. what an uplifting post and a call to us to find that small moment and almost “insignificant” part of nauture that soothes and brings us stories. Ty.

    By kathalsey on January 27, 2024 at 11:04 am

77. How wonderful that someone gave you such insightful feedback! Congratulations Hope!

    By Cathy Ballou Mealey on January 27, 2024 at 11:05 am

78. Excellent! Especially taking the time after having written the story to really look at it again.

    By authorhelenholder on January 27, 2024 at 11:06 am

79. Even being retired I find it hard to find those quiet moments and they are precious. Thank you for the reminder of what they can bring us!

    By Lisa on January 27, 2024 at 11:06 am

80. Hi, Hope (waving)! So happy to see your continued success! Best, LM

    By Lynne Marie on January 27, 2024 at 11:07 am

81. Thank you for this peek into your process and a reminder that inspiration is all around us. Sourgrass is such an interesting sounding name.

    By Laurie Elmquist on January 27, 2024 at 11:08 am

82. Sometimes the silence can be deafening ! when an idea screams out !

    By Stephen S. Martin on January 27, 2024 at 11:09 am

83. Hope, the idea that this little seed idea, this tiny thought gave birth to your beautiful little tale was so inspiring. The message was so powerful and yet it sprang from something so random and obscure.
    Sourgrass immediately takes me back to adolescent summers. For me, it’s all about being barefoot, in cut offs and being coaxed to suck this weed by peers. I can almost see our faces bowing, and then everyone wincing simultaneously. 🙂

    By mornagersho on January 27, 2024 at 11:11 am

84. What great perspective on using quiet moments to learn how to live with the unexpected events in our lives!

    By chris109shestak on January 27, 2024 at 11:12 am

85. Beautiful 💛 I love how nature can inspire so much within us. Thank you for sharing!

    By jennifermaryg on January 27, 2024 at 11:15 am

86. Such a beautiful story about sour grass – and also a wonderful reminder to let the quiet in.

    By laurelneme on January 27, 2024 at 11:17 am

87. As a nature photographer I can really relate to your post and finding discovery in awesome and unexpected moments.  Thank-you for this inspirational post.

    Wendy Kaveney Photography Nigel8it@aol.comWeb SiteNEW GALLERY Frozen Bubbles  Wendy Kaveney Photography on FacebookWendy Kaveney Photography on Instagram Wendy Kaveney Photography Author: The pieces & p(ART)s Project    

    By nigel8it on January 27, 2024 at 11:18 am

88. I appreciated hearing about your process of letting your story evolve and finding inspiration in nature. Thank you!

    By cindyrivka on January 27, 2024 at 11:19 am

89. Thank you for bringing our focus to nature and quiet moments this morning!

    By writerdi2020 on January 27, 2024 at 11:19 am

90. What a beautiful sentiment, story, and book. Thank you for sharing. I stopped to jot down three “storms” in my idea file while reading this one blog post!

    By Deena Viviani on January 27, 2024 at 11:20 am

91. What a beautiful reminder for us all to slow down and take in what’s around us. Thank you for your heartfelt and impactful words!

    By julianamjones728 on January 27, 2024 at 11:21 am

92. A great reminder that ideas are everywhere. You just have to recognize them when they find you.

    By zoodocwrites on January 27, 2024 at 11:21 am

93. Such a beautiful image!

    By coachrochelle on January 27, 2024 at 11:21 am

94. Thanks for the reminder we all need to slow down and enjoy the quiet. SOURGRASS looks lovely, congrats!

    By Daryl Gottier on January 27, 2024 at 11:24 am

95. This post resonates with me so deeply, Hope! Thanks for reminding us that the quiet moments in a very busy world help bring ideas and stories forward..

    By angkunkel on January 27, 2024 at 11:28 am

96. I agree! “Sitting” (or often in my case, walking, running, or standing in the shower) with my ideas often bring a clarity I didn’t have before. Thank you for the reminder!

    By heatherstigall on January 27, 2024 at 11:30 am

97. Thanks so much for this reminder. I had just been thinking that I should plan a few retreats for myself this year, for the quiet and space. So valuable to us as creatives!

    By Helen M. Waters on January 27, 2024 at 11:33 am

98. What a great way to describe how connecting with nature can lead us to new ways of thinking and new forms of creativity.

    By susanahearn45 on January 27, 2024 at 11:35 am

99. Thank you for your post! Agree, we all need quiet time! Congratulations on your book!

    By migratingmoosegmailcom on January 27, 2024 at 11:39 am

100. I just love the evolution of this story–I also feel a sprout growing in, say, a sidewalk crack is special. Thanks for sharing, and for introducing me to this plant! I’ll have to look for it here on the West Coast.

     By Christine Van Zandt, MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS (Beaming Books, 2024) on January 27, 2024 at 11:39 am

101. Thank you, Hope, for giving us all permission to intentionally slow down in this wild world of ours!

     By stefsenn77yahoocom on January 27, 2024 at 11:39 am

102. This is so beautiful—thank you for posting!

     By Lauren Barbieri on January 27, 2024 at 11:40 am

103. Thank you for sharing the story behind your story!

     By jnorland on January 27, 2024 at 11:43 am

104. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing what inspired you and how quiet times of reflection help to light a path we should explore.

     By littleseedsread on January 27, 2024 at 11:44 am

105. I love this reminder, thank you!

     By Lauren on January 27, 2024 at 11:45 am

106. It is those quiet moments that lend themselves to NOTICING…

     By 8catpaws on January 27, 2024 at 11:51 am

107. I love this story-behind-the-story so much. Thank you for reminding me that quiet time is creative time, too. I have put your lovely book on request at my library. I can’t wait to read it.

     By Dawn Prochovnic on January 27, 2024 at 11:55 am

108. I related to your post because I also love to observe nature’s miracles during my daily dog walks. Your book sounds like a winner. Good luck with it!

     By gregoryfulgione on January 27, 2024 at 11:59 am

109. Thank you for sharing how to use emotions to make a story stronger.

     By Bethanny Parker on January 27, 2024 at 12:00 pm

110. Thanks so much for reminding us of the importance of quiet moments. I can’t wait to read SOURGRASS–it sounds wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration!

     By Diane O'Neill on January 27, 2024 at 12:01 pm

111. Thank you for the reminder to slow down and listen to our thoughts and ideas!

     By sallymcclure on January 27, 2024 at 12:04 pm

112. This made me so emotional. I don’t know why. I think it’s because writers connect with people. What we do has deep significance especially to help a child. I’m also constantly amazed at nature. Thank you Hope for the reminder to gaze around us

     By kiwijenny on January 27, 2024 at 12:05 pm

113. You’ve just added so many books to my reading list, some I’ve been meaning to find for awhile now, but now I have a bigger reason to find them – to study POV!!

     By Mari Richards on January 27, 2024 at 12:10 pm

     1. Oops, mixed up my links! I love finding inspiration in the natural world, thank you for showing how far that inspiration can go!

        By Mari Richards on January 27, 2024 at 12:12 pm

114. What a beautiful, beautiful message. Thank you for sharing. This is such an inspiring and calming way to begin my day.

     By kathleen moore on January 27, 2024 at 12:16 pm

115. What a beautiful way for a book to come into existence! Thank you for the inspiration❤️

     By authorkatiemahood on January 27, 2024 at 12:20 pm

116. Congratulations on SOURGRASS, Hope, and thanks for the reminder about quiet moments.

     By Natasha Garnett on January 27, 2024 at 12:23 pm

117. Thank you Hope! The photos and illustrations you’ve included are so beautiful and calming, they add to the message that things will be okay.

     By Janet AlJunaidi on January 27, 2024 at 12:25 pm

118. Beautiful!!! I can’t wait to read it!

     By Alicia Meyers on January 27, 2024 at 12:25 pm

119. What a beautiful way to start the weekend and enjoy nature. I love to look out my windows and dream of new ideas! Thanks, this really resonated with me. Have a great weekend !

     By amybeth349 on January 27, 2024 at 12:27 pm

120. Thank you for all of these examples!! I haven’t tried second person before and feel a tug to try now!

     By Alicia Meyers on January 27, 2024 at 12:29 pm

121. Such a lovely story of a story! Makes me want to go outside! Thank you ❤

     By Laurel Ranveig Abell on January 27, 2024 at 12:35 pm

122. I can’t wait to read this book, thanks for sharing the story behind the story..

     By snor5bddfeabba4 on January 27, 2024 at 12:36 pm

123. I cannot wait to read Sourgrass, Hope! This sounds like just what we need, some quiet moments, in this chaotic information driven world. Thank you!
     Angie Quantrell

     By Angie on January 27, 2024 at 12:40 pm

124. Shhh!
     Sourgrass is a serene moment – done well.

     By Charles Trevino on January 27, 2024 at 12:40 pm

125. What a beautiful and heartfelt post! Thank you so much for sharing!

     By Laurie Bouck on January 27, 2024 at 12:42 pm

126. Thank you, Hope, for reminding us to find special gems during our quiet moments.

     By judyrubin13 on January 27, 2024 at 12:43 pm

127. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

     By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on January 27, 2024 at 12:43 pm

128. This was a sweet post, Hope! Thank you for the inspiration to take a deeper look into the quiet moments. I can’t wait to read Sourgrass!

     By heidikyates on January 27, 2024 at 12:48 pm

129. Such a sweet story. I had never heard of sour grass. I love going outside and listening and looking at nature.

     By Janet Smart on January 27, 2024 at 12:49 pm

130. Hope, thank you for sharing this lovely account of your story journey and this very thoughtful reminder of the need for quiet contemplation.

     By sue macartney on January 27, 2024 at 12:49 pm

131. What a fascinating start to coming up with a story! Sourgrass looks beautiful, I love the illustration with the two girls holding hands.

     By Catherine Friess on January 27, 2024 at 12:56 pm

132. This is beautiful! Nature has a way of quieting us and helping us slow down, to reflect about what is important in our lives.

     By Mark Ceilley on January 27, 2024 at 12:58 pm

133. Thank you, Hope, for sharing your writing story. It’s wonderful to share your joy in the quiet moments that bring inspiration.

     By Denise Gallagher on January 27, 2024 at 12:58 pm

134. Beautiful post and book, Hope! Thank you!

     By tinamcho on January 27, 2024 at 12:58 pm

135. What beautiful inspiration when you had quiet to let your mind take it in. I appreciate the encouragement to be still and quiet to let the ideas come, serendipitously. Thank you, Hope! Happy Storystorming!

     By marty on January 27, 2024 at 1:00 pm

136. So glad you stepped back and when you stepped back in, you knew what to write. You are right, the illustrator did perfect justice to your words!

     By meganewhitaker21 on January 27, 2024 at 1:03 pm

137. Such a powerful post!! Thank you for the reminder to take time out for quiet moments and to look around us as ideas are everywhere and creativity can spark with even the smallest things.

     By sblotevogel on January 27, 2024 at 1:08 pm

138. Great reminder that quiet moments are OK! And I have to find out what sourgrass is. Might have to plant some!

     By Janet Halfmann on January 27, 2024 at 1:11 pm

139. Thank you for sharing your process with us! Finding those quiet moments is so difficult, but so important.

     By marthaej on January 27, 2024 at 1:13 pm

140. OMG. Your book looks gorgeous. I must preorder it.

     By asiqueira1307 on January 27, 2024 at 1:14 pm

141. Thank you Hope. Your post hit home reminding me of what those quiet moments can hold when you take time to be still and see. Amazing what can be found in silence and peace- what is missed when our days fill with the rush, rush life of going too fast. we must remember to stop and breathe, to reset, to reflect in order to find exactly what we need or what we are looking for.
     Congrats on your new book Sourgrass-look forward to reading it!

     By gottawritenow on January 27, 2024 at 1:14 pm

142. Hope, you reminded us that being in our quiet moments can be more powerful than we thought!
     Thank you!
     Carmen Swick.

     By Carmen Swick-Author on January 27, 2024 at 1:15 pm

143. Your message is perfect timing for me today. I’m reassessing one of my stories and hope your idea to take a few quiet moments to consider and contemplate may show me a way forward.

     By marty bellis on January 27, 2024 at 1:17 pm

144. Thank you for encouraging quiet moments of reflection and observation to stimulate our ideas and creativity. By giving us your thoughts, you’ve given us hope, or should I say, Hope!

     By Deborah Ishii on January 27, 2024 at 1:17 pm

145. Such beautiful advice! Thank you for sharing.

     By Naja Lund Aparico on January 27, 2024 at 1:22 pm

146. Congratulations on your book Sourgrass. What an interesting origin story. Yes, some ideas linger and stay provoking interesting stories. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. Penny T.

     By riverwoods21 on January 27, 2024 at 1:23 pm

147. I love seeing how stories go through revision thank you!

     By jennaejo on January 27, 2024 at 1:27 pm

148. Thank you so very much for sharing your dig-deeper journey.

     By Joyce P. Uglow on January 27, 2024 at 1:27 pm

149. Your journey of writing SOURGRASS is inspiring! Delightful post!

     By Cathy Stefanec Ogren on January 27, 2024 at 1:32 pm

150. Love the idea of using quiet moments for inspiration AND taking new paths. thnaks for sharing.

     By nancyakolb1 on January 27, 2024 at 1:40 pm

151. This is a lovely post. The sourgrass showed up at the right time at the right place! Sourgrass the book in intrigues me…I think it’s one I’ll buy.

     By Mona Pease on January 27, 2024 at 1:42 pm

152. Hope, your author journey to Sourgrass is close to my heart. You give me hope. Sending warm thoughts of gratitude your way.

     By Tarja Helena Nevala on January 27, 2024 at 1:43 pm

153. Quiet Moments…an important message for writers to hear in this fast, loud world. Thank you Hope.

     By Leslie Degnan on January 27, 2024 at 1:45 pm

154. Beautiful! It’s in those quiet times that the seedling of an idea can take root and grow. Every day deserves some quite time A wonderful lesson!

     By seahorsecoffeeelektra79018 on January 27, 2024 at 1:45 pm

155. Thank you, Hope! This was just the post I needed to read this morning. Going to slow down and notice…

     By Mary Beth Rice on January 27, 2024 at 1:48 pm

156. Slowing down and quiet time resonated with me. Thank you.

     By mphollinsheadyahoocom on January 27, 2024 at 1:51 pm

157. What a beautiful post and story, Hope! Thank you for sharing it with us. My favorite quote: “…ideas come to us serendipitously and often lead to the beginning of a story.” SO true!

     By kcollazo on January 27, 2024 at 1:52 pm

158. Hope, what a lovely post…thank you. I love posts filled with suggestions, practical tips, prompts, etc. But also…the act of creating is filled with mystery, and it’s nebulous and hard to quantify. Your post is a beautiful reminder that sometimes all we need is to slow down and pay attention to the world. Your book looks gorgeous!

     By Laura Purdie Salas on January 27, 2024 at 1:52 pm

159. Your post moved me and came at a time when I needed it, so serendipity for me too! I’m excited to read about the friends’ journey. Congratulations on SOURGRASS!

     By goodreadswithronna on January 27, 2024 at 1:58 pm

160. How extraordinarily inspiring!

     By rosiesartventures on January 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm

161. Yes, quiet moments are so precious. I feel the emotion of the story and look forward to reading your book. Thank you!

     By Peggy Dobbs on January 27, 2024 at 2:01 pm

162. What a beautiful observation. This reminded me of a plant that captured my heart too. Let’s see where this takes me.

     By Adriana Gutierrez on January 27, 2024 at 2:05 pm

163. What a beautiful book journey! Thanks.

     By anaarchistories on January 27, 2024 at 2:06 pm

164. What a wonderful way in which nature inspired you. Proof that sometimes of the quietest moments speak to us the loudest. I look forward to reading your new book.

     By Sondra Zalewski on January 27, 2024 at 2:07 pm

165. Wow, thank you Hope, I am now surrounded by lovely memories of growing up bordering wet lands, the quiet moments spent watching dragonflies, or looking through the black ice on a frozen brook to see what goes on under the water (actually not much since it was winter, but I still checked every time a patch of ice was clear enough). I will spend today tapping into those memories, and keep in mind making some new ones. Congratulations on your upcoming release.

     By tinefg on January 27, 2024 at 2:10 pm

166. What a beautiful story, inspired by a beautiful moment. I could use some sourgrass right now! Winter is so dreary and wet. I can’t wait for spring.

     By AngelaLucilleLongo on January 27, 2024 at 2:12 pm

167. Hope,
     You made my Saturday with your heartfelt post. Quiet moments are my favorite times for inspiration, too. My breathing slows. My mind settles and empties (almost) and I become open to all around me. I really connected to your belief that “ideas come to us serendipitously and often lead to the beginning of a story.” I’ll be recommending SOURGRASS for purchase at our local library. (Being a Board member doesn’t hurt. LOL) Sending you calm and contentment for your continued success…

     By marshaelyn on January 27, 2024 at 2:14 pm

168. I love quiet moments, they’re a treat! Thank you for sharing how your quiet moment led to your beautiful book Sourgrass – congratulations!

     By Claudia Sloan on January 27, 2024 at 2:15 pm

169. Thank you for sharing.

     By Diane McBee on January 27, 2024 at 2:16 pm

170. Beautiful advice, and book! Thank you, Hope!

     By lorimkeatingyahoocom on January 27, 2024 at 2:30 pm

171. Thank you for the post Hope! I like to sit on my screened in porch and stare down at my wooded backyard.

     By Sarah Hetu-Radny on January 27, 2024 at 2:35 pm

172. Sourgrass is called wood sorrel where I live and it’s a lovely, edible plant. So writing a story that features it and friendship and hope makes for a sweet book. I love how serendipitous moments waken ideas in us for new stories or old ones. I believe they’re ruminating inside us and waiting for the right moment to pop out, sort of like sourgrass.

     By Marie Prins on January 27, 2024 at 2:37 pm

173. Anyon! Your lovely post reminds me of the time I was weeding the potted plants in my garden when suddenly I realized the half dead orchid plant I had purchased from the liquidation aisle had bloomed! The little green and purple flowers looked like little faces. I can’t tell you how happy I was in that quiet moment. I haven’t done anything with that memory – except to share it here. Thank you for the inspiration, Hope.

     By kamalani3 on January 27, 2024 at 2:38 pm

174. Wow. What a stunning look behind the story of SOURGRASS. Your quiet story certainly resonates loudly in my heart and I haven’t even had the chance to read this tale. I cannot wait to read it and to discover what my own quiet moments will reveal to me. Thank you, Hope, for this post!

     By abby mumford on January 27, 2024 at 2:46 pm

175. Thanks for this post. It was very insightful.

     By kellybirdsong2019 on January 27, 2024 at 2:47 pm

176. Thank you so much for your post. I love the soft artwork that accompanies your text. My favorite line in your “I Am a Bird” is “I turn and look and wonder…” (science teacher here). I spent a lot of time walking during the early stages of COVD and these quiet moments are a Godsend. I’ve had an idea from these walks that I’ve tabled for a while but maybe it’s time to dust it off. I will be on the look out on tomorrow’s walk!

     By mnlfam on January 27, 2024 at 2:50 pm

177. Love the quiet moments! Thank you for the idea

     By jcherney3 on January 27, 2024 at 2:53 pm

178. Congratulations! I can’t wait to read your beautiful story- especially knowing the beautiful, serendipitous moments that inspired it!

     By fleischmana6 on January 27, 2024 at 2:58 pm

179. I loved hearing your process. It looks like a lovely book.

     By Trine Grillo on January 27, 2024 at 3:04 pm

180. Love this post! So simple, yet profound.

     By Elena Horne on January 27, 2024 at 3:04 pm

181. Congratulations on your book. Thank you for your post. It sent a beautiful message. We often take those quiet moments for granted.

     By Christina on January 27, 2024 at 3:07 pm

182. I love when you’re at the right place at the right time to catch a story! Congrats!

     By Carol Gordon Ekster on January 27, 2024 at 3:19 pm

183. I love how a single stem of sour grass inspired what sounds like a beautiful story. The soft illustrations inspire a calmness. I hope I win one of your signed copies!!

     By daisymay on January 27, 2024 at 3:36 pm

184. I will be switching up POV’s. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your new book!

     By Dawn M. on January 27, 2024 at 3:44 pm

185. Thank you for your inspiration and reflection. Ten below outside, sunshine in my eyes, glistening snow, there is silence.

     By ponder2write on January 27, 2024 at 3:51 pm

186. I loved reading about your quiet wondering and your process. I look forward to reading Sourgrass.

     By Kimberly Marcus on January 27, 2024 at 4:10 pm

187. HOPE: THANK YOU for INSPIRING us to be more present so we don’t look past the “delightful and whimsical” ways the world delivers BEAUTIFUL stories to us. Your name alone, HOPE, says it ALL! THANK YOU for the reminder to look for our own sourgrass moments–to be present with them, and learn from them.

     By Natalie Lynn Tanner on January 27, 2024 at 4:11 pm

188. Your book sounds delightful. Slowing down and connecting with nature has always brought me ideas and insights that would never come with all of the noise around us. Thank you for the reminder.

     By Jane F. on January 27, 2024 at 4:18 pm

189. I so agree! It have to force myself to be bored sometimes and remind myself not to fill every minute with something. Our brains need time to be bored to think and create (even if it’s subconsciously). Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing.

     By jenabenton on January 27, 2024 at 4:23 pm

190. Thanks for this message! Also, we’re surrounded by sourgrass in my neighborhood and kids love to pick it, but I’ve never seen it in a picture book. Congrats on your book, and I look forward to reading it!

     By Lisa Billa on January 27, 2024 at 4:23 pm

191. Quiet moments are the best to let the universe come to you. Thank you for reminding me.

     By readmybook2002 on January 27, 2024 at 4:28 pm

192. Nature has a way of always calming, always inspiring. Thank you for your post.

     By Bedwards on January 27, 2024 at 4:30 pm

193. Loved reading the journey of Sourgrass and appreciate the reminder to slow down and be quiet.

     Cheryl Johnson

     By jumpbaby on January 27, 2024 at 4:41 pm

194. Great reminder! Thank you!

     By Christina Dankert on January 27, 2024 at 4:42 pm

195. Thank you for sharing this post, and the inspiration behind your beautiful story, Hope!

     By Teresa Rodrigues on January 27, 2024 at 4:49 pm

196. We all need quiet and thinking time in our lives – and we need to make the effort to make it happen. Love your story about the sour grass – thanks for sharing.

     By chaunceyelephant on January 27, 2024 at 4:49 pm

197. What a great reminder! Love how this story was thought about.

     By lisakdaviswriting on January 27, 2024 at 5:00 pm

198. Beautiful book!🌸🌺🌼

     By D. Kim on January 27, 2024 at 5:01 pm

199. What a beautiful story! Thanks for your suggestions!

     By melissajmiles1 on January 27, 2024 at 5:03 pm

200. Wow what a beautiful story of how you created this book. The illustrations are heartwarming and draws you in as if you’re there with the friends looking at the patch of sourgrass. I agree with you that ideas come to us mysterious serendipitous ways, we just have to slow down to pay attention. Thank you for the reminder. 🙂

     By effiekoliopoulos on January 27, 2024 at 5:04 pm

201. I can vividly remember being in fourth grade and realizing my favorite books were all written in first person. I think it made me feel like I was a friend of the narrator and I was along for the ride.

     By melissajmiles1 on January 27, 2024 at 5:07 pm

202. Just beautiful! Thank you for the reminder to take time within ourselves to create room for inspiration.

     By Donna Rossman on January 27, 2024 at 5:09 pm

203. Oh, your descriptions make me want to go sit outside in the quiet and feel a gentle breeze blow in my hair. Unfortunately it’s still January. Well, what’s an imagination for anyway?

     By TL Fales on January 27, 2024 at 5:12 pm

204. Going for a solitary walk, with no electronics, can be very inspiring. 

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     By 91mikim19 on January 27, 2024 at 5:17 pm

205. I too like to find quiet moments to connect with myself. I’ve had a way to rambunctious morning and am looking forward to my reconnecting. Thank you for this post.

     By Virginia Rinkel on January 27, 2024 at 5:18 pm

206. I so look forward to your book! Your post gave me such peace. The world is such a noisy place. Thank you for reminding us to purposely find quiet moments for our creative lives to flourish.

     By carmelamccainsimmons on January 27, 2024 at 5:21 pm

207. I love how your observations and thoughtfulness have resulted in this gorgeous book. Congratulations Hope! A bit of solitude and appreciation of nature is inspirational.

     By Kaye Baillie on January 27, 2024 at 5:24 pm

208. Great advice, slow down and listen…I find that ideas come to us serendipitously and often lead to the beginning of a story.

     By staceygustafson on January 27, 2024 at 5:27 pm

209. This is beautiful. Looking forward to reading this hopeful story.

     By carolynleillustrations on January 27, 2024 at 5:28 pm

210. Beautifully said and so important to remember. Thanks, Hope!

     By kirstenbockblog on January 27, 2024 at 5:30 pm

211. Quiet moments are so precious these days! And it’s true – our ideas often come to mind when least expected. “Sourgrass” sounds like a lovely story and I look forward to reading it!

     By kathleengauer on January 27, 2024 at 5:31 pm

212. Hope, thank you for sharing your beautiful story and how it developed into the final beautiful book.

     By Jane Baskwill on January 27, 2024 at 5:33 pm

213. You are so right about getting out and slowing down. I’ve been avoiding go out because of the weather (snow) but I think a walk in the woods is calling.

     By swollis on January 27, 2024 at 5:36 pm

214. Such a gorgeous post, Hope. Thank you for sharing your story and all that inspired you along the way. Congratulations on SOURGRASS. It looks so lovely.

     By Annelouise on January 27, 2024 at 5:40 pm

215. Thank you for sharing! What a beautiful experience for you. I definitely find repose in nature as well and strive to bring that into my stories. I will have to meditate on this the next time I have some quiet time!

     By kwillette13 on January 27, 2024 at 5:41 pm

216. Nothing like a quiet moment

     By reedandwritekids on January 27, 2024 at 5:43 pm

217. Hope, this is a lovely post! Thank you for sharing your process and reminder to pause. Congrats on Sourgrass! It looks like a beautiful book.

     By Sara Weingartner on January 27, 2024 at 5:46 pm

218. I love this. Sometimes I take my laptop to the library and work on my stories there, because… QUIET.

     By Tara Cerven on January 27, 2024 at 5:46 pm

219. Congratulations! I will want to share this story with my 83-year-old Dad. As of last year, Dad and his best friend of 78 years (they met in kindergarten) now live in different states. They keep in touch through the marvelous mailbox. Thank you for a book that will appeal to so many different ages!

     By Alicia Shawn Gagnon on January 27, 2024 at 6:01 pm

220. Thank you, Hope, for sharing this thoughtful post that reminded me of how important “quiet time” is for creativity to blossom. I look forward to seeing Sourgrass. It already feels like a beautiful and important book. Wishing you all the best!

     By Anne C. Bromley on January 27, 2024 at 6:03 pm

221. I love this story! Thanks for sharing.

     By Carol Gwin Nelson on January 27, 2024 at 6:14 pm

222. What a beautiful piece, holding and inspiring self-reflection and trust in the many wonders the universe offers us. Keeping my eyes peeled and my heart open!

     By Tina Hoggatt on January 27, 2024 at 6:18 pm

223. What a thoughtful and beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it! Yes, it’s interesting in life how things sometimes appear or happen as if from fate. Taking note of these things could offer a wonderful story idea!

     By Alison McGauley on January 27, 2024 at 6:20 pm

224. Thanks for a sweet post and what looks like an equally sweet book.

     By Christine Graham on January 27, 2024 at 6:22 pm

225. thank you for the reminder to slow down, accept the little unexpected moments, connect with our breath, feelings and thoughts to inspire ideas that turn into lovely stories, in this way, ideas are always a breath away, thank you!

     By shadikafi on January 27, 2024 at 6:24 pm

226. I did not know about “Sourgrass,” insightful!

     By Raelene Van Horn on January 27, 2024 at 6:27 pm

227. thank you for the reminder that stories are closer to us than we know!

     By shadikafi on January 27, 2024 at 6:27 pm

228. This story looks really sweet, and I look forward to grabbing a copy when it releases! Thank you for the reminder to slow down, be still, and open ourselves up to new (non-writing) opportunities. As you showed us, those opportunities can turn into writing inspiration!

     By emmelineforrestal on January 27, 2024 at 6:28 pm

229. Wow! Two sightings of sourgrass while working on this story! Definitely meant to be!

     By Melissa Killian Writing Portfolio on January 27, 2024 at 6:30 pm

230. Congrats on your new book “Sourgrass” that will release in two months!! Thank you for advice us to take advantage in our quiet moments, paying attention to our thoughts and emotions and creating questions like “what made Sofia feel that way and what she would have wanted during a time of difficult change?”
     I have one more idea!!

     By Gaby L. on January 27, 2024 at 6:34 pm

231. What a lovely post!

     By Poupette on January 27, 2024 at 6:37 pm

232. I love to use similar strategies to generate my ideas – often by walking, cycling or jogging in nature. I purposely look for new and unexpected things that take my attention. I try to take different pathways and think of it as adventure walk. I then quickly put the ideas in the notes app on my phone, or jot them down when I get home 🙂 your book sounds beautiful and I would love to read a copy!

     By langfieldkyml on January 27, 2024 at 6:39 pm

233. I love how you came up with your PB – such a brilliant journey!

     By Dannielle Viera on January 27, 2024 at 6:42 pm

234. What a lovely concept for a book. Quiet moments birth such beautiful stories.

     By safajar on January 27, 2024 at 6:48 pm

235. What a beautiful post! As a mom of two children, it’s important to embrace all the quiet moments I can. Thank you for sharing, Hope!

     By Steena Hernandez on January 27, 2024 at 6:54 pm

236. As a Christian writer, I find that sometimes the only way to hear God’s voice is to slow down and just be. A favorite saying is that we are human beings, not human doings. Thanks for the reminder.

     By Janette Johnson Melson on January 27, 2024 at 7:04 pm

237. A very peaceful thought provoking post about finding that quiet place within to find your own SOURGRASS. I absolutely love this message and felt inspired by your comforting words. This sounds like such a wonderful story and I’m so glad you brought it to life from the lil SOURGRASS stem. Thank you

     By kvavala on January 27, 2024 at 7:09 pm

238. Wow, how something so simple turned into a story. Those quiet moments are precious! Thank you for sharing. Love this!

     By schellijo on January 27, 2024 at 7:13 pm

239. What a beautiful backstory for this book, Hope! I wish you the best with it, and look forward to reading it when it comes out!

     By Elayne on January 27, 2024 at 7:13 pm

240. I enjoyed reading your post on how your book SOURGRASS came to be. I strive for quiet time, a chance to slow down and regenerate. Thanks, Hope, for sharing.

     By authordebradaugherty on January 27, 2024 at 7:21 pm

241. Good advice and what a unique idea to base a story on sour clover.

     By Aileen Stewart on January 27, 2024 at 7:39 pm

242. Sometimes we forget that in the busyness of life and often frantic scribbling of ideas that we need quiet to process. Thanks for reminding us! It’s wonderful when serendipity shows us what to see when we need it. I am looking forward to reading Sourgrass when it comes out. I was able to put your other books on hold at my local public library!

     By redreadsandwrites on January 27, 2024 at 7:54 pm

243. Thank you so much Hope for a wonderful post. I love hearing about the quiet moments that brought Sourgrass to life. It is so hard sometimes, but so necessary, to find these moments in our lives. Thanks again for the reminder for a busy, busy writer!

     By Maria Marshall on January 27, 2024 at 8:09 pm

244. I never heard of Sourgrass so you caught my attention right away. I can’t wait to read Sourgrass and was really inspired by this post and here’s to more quiet moments. Thanks so much for sharing this process with us!

     By Karen on January 27, 2024 at 8:19 pm

245. What a beautiful story behind Sourgrass. Thank you for sharing!

     By kelpellico on January 27, 2024 at 8:19 pm

246. Love hearing the story behind the story!

     By Andria Rosenbaum on January 27, 2024 at 8:28 pm

247. I completely get the need for quiet moments – thank you for the reminder

     By Ali V. (they/them) on January 27, 2024 at 8:33 pm

248. Thank you Hope. I love this! I agree, the quiet, still moments grant the most inspiration. I can’t wait to read Sourgrass. What a heartwarming story.

     By Jeanette O'Toole on January 27, 2024 at 8:35 pm

249. Sounds like a sweet book and I love the illustrations. Thank you

     By nicolesalterbraun on January 27, 2024 at 8:43 pm

250. Thank you for the message of hope.

     By Linda Sakai on January 27, 2024 at 8:47 pm

251. Thank you for reminding us about quiet moments of inspiration!

     By Christine Letizia on January 27, 2024 at 9:03 pm

252. I love the journey you were on with this story. Giving your characters that stem of hope because of your experience is magic! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!

     By katecarroll on January 27, 2024 at 9:17 pm

253. Congratulations on Sourgrass! I agree Serendipity is so important, the only StoryStorm 2024 idea I’ve already taken to 0 draft stage came about because of a serendipitous event and a memory. Thanks for the reminder to switch off and reflect 😊

     By Artelle Lenthall on January 27, 2024 at 9:23 pm

254. Sour grass seems like a lovely story of friendship. I will be looking for it.

     By Hélène Sabourin on January 27, 2024 at 9:42 pm

255. I am sensing a theme in so many of our Story Storm entries: Story ideas are found right where you are.

     By Matthew Lasley on January 27, 2024 at 9:47 pm

256. Oh I love this. Putting yourself in the moment, connecting to the emotions, continuing to work on a story that needs that little extra push– all of these are excellent tools for making the best stories we can. Thank you, Hope!! ☺️

     By Lindsey Aduskevich on January 27, 2024 at 9:48 pm

257. Congrats on your book! Thanks for the post.

     By leahmoserwrites on January 27, 2024 at 9:48 pm

258. Your words along with the artwork – just lovely! I need to make more time to just BE in nature again because it always helps me clear my head.

     By Jenn on January 27, 2024 at 9:50 pm

259. what a lovely story! Congrats on your new book!

     By dinatowbinconsulting on January 27, 2024 at 10:01 pm

260. Reading this in a moment of quiet and letting it all soak in. Thank you.

     By Monica Acker on January 27, 2024 at 10:05 pm

261. I had a hunch you lived in the Bay Area when I saw the title of your book. My kid’s loved to munch on sourgrass stems with his friends while out hiking the Oakland trails. 🙂 Thank you for your post. I’d love to win a copy of your beautiful book.

     By Jessica Burbank on January 27, 2024 at 10:10 pm

262. I’m in the same boat you were in with Sourgrass. I got a critique that questioned the depth of my emotional arc. I’m working on something else, but that emotional arc is still waiting for me to figure out.

     By rindabeach on January 27, 2024 at 10:12 pm

263. I love how you got your story idea.

     By jindreame on January 27, 2024 at 10:13 pm

264. Your book, SOURGRASS, is such a hopeful and positive story, much like your name! Thank you for the inspiration. I’m excited to have the opportunity to win a copy of this story.

     By Sheri Delgado Preston on January 27, 2024 at 10:13 pm

265. So excited that SOURGRASS is making its way into the world, Hope! Love that our posts are back to back! 🙂

     By stiefelchana on January 27, 2024 at 10:33 pm

266. Thank you for sharing your story creation journey with us and explaining the importance of taking time to pause. We really are surrounded by so many distractions, aren’t we? This is a great reminder to step away and let go, to allow us time and focus to address our revisions. Thank you, Hope!

     By JF Hall Writes on January 27, 2024 at 10:34 pm

267. Quiet moments to gather our thoughts or stumble upon inspiration are so important! Sometimes my mind is too full of to-do lists and decisions when I try to sit quietly. But, there is something about running. It’s a time when no one else is distracting me or begging for my attention and I can open my mind to ideas and daydream.

     By Deep Frees Studios on January 27, 2024 at 10:43 pm

268. This post really resonated with me. I find that my best “breakthrough” moments are during quite time – which some days is only a few minutes in the shower!

     By emilystarr07fd78284f on January 27, 2024 at 10:44 pm

269. It is amazing how story ideas are “discovered”! Thanks for sharing how SOURGRASS “grew” into a story!📖❤️

     By seschipper on January 27, 2024 at 10:44 pm

270. Beautiful post! I always am inspired when I spend quiet times in nature

     By brightwishbooks on January 27, 2024 at 10:46 pm

271. This has been my goal in January – to get alone time.

     By Finding Damo on January 27, 2024 at 10:51 pm

272. I’ve had an image from my garden etched in my mind for years now, waiting for its story to be told. Maybe it’s time to put it on paper.

     By Allison Green on January 27, 2024 at 11:10 pm

273. I relish quiet (and slow) moments in the busyness of life.

     By nlcardenas on January 27, 2024 at 11:33 pm

274. As I lost a friend this season, this dear book speaks to me in friendship. Thank you so much for capturing the immense and the beautiful. This is why writing and reading is so wonderful to share.

     By A Brewer on January 28, 2024 at 12:22 am

275. I enjoyed the beauty and hope in your post. Thank you.

     By steveheron on January 28, 2024 at 12:40 am

276. I love nature. A quiet time in nature could give me hope for an interesting nature story. Thanks Hope.

     By Ellie Langford on January 28, 2024 at 12:52 am

277. Hope, thank you for sharing your writing journey to SOURGRASS. I will be more intentional about my quiet moments, with an eye (or ear) to storytelling.

     By lphunt on January 28, 2024 at 1:06 am

278. Delightful! I look forward to reading your book! And thank you for the reminder to slow down, ruminate, meditate, and listen for ideas in the quiet stillness. Blessings!

     By Tonnye Fletcher on January 28, 2024 at 1:19 am

279. This is so beautiful and I was so touched. I would love to read Sourgrass. Thank you for your wonderful post!

     By Mari Miyagi on January 28, 2024 at 1:30 am

280. Love the reminder to “slow down and smell the roses!” Your books sounds so inspiring. Thanks for your wisdom, Hope!

     By mrbellasgmailcom on January 28, 2024 at 2:06 am

281. The quiet moments really do offer so much. Thank you for this important reminder.

     By LaurenKerstein on January 28, 2024 at 2:53 am

282. I really enjoyed learning what inspired your story! Congratulations!

     By Karan Greene on January 28, 2024 at 3:04 am

283. Love this story of hope and reassurance.

     By sharongiltrowauthor on January 28, 2024 at 3:09 am

284. The post has inspired me to look into my garden, which has many surprises during the year. Thank you for the post.

     By cassiazaven on January 28, 2024 at 3:49 am

285. Quiet time is so important. It gives me a chance to (try!)and absorb everything around me that I don’t notice properly when dashing around. I love your journey in writing Sourgrass. Thank you

     By tinagraham103 on January 28, 2024 at 5:01 am

286. Thank you, Hope for your inspirational story. Reminds me of the impact of wildflowers in my own childhood. Thank you for bringing that back to me.

     By Aly Kenna on January 28, 2024 at 5:14 am

287. Thank you for sharing your journey to Sourgrass from a quiet moment.

     By lynjekowsky on January 28, 2024 at 7:55 am

288. What a wonderful post, Hope! This sentence gave me chill bumps: “I felt as if the single stem of sourgrass grew out of my backyard and spread all over the wild within a few weeks to reassure me with a message of hope.” I’m sure the book creates the same sense of awe in the reader as you felt that day, looking at the field of sourgrass. 🙂

     By M.R. on January 28, 2024 at 8:21 am

289. Thank you, Hope for “inviting us to start a story and finish the journey of making it into a book.” For reminding us to let time and quiet allow an idea to grow and bloom into a story with depth and strength like the field of sourgrass. I love this post!

     By beaumontsd2 on January 28, 2024 at 9:30 am

290. What a beautiful message, Hope. Thank you so much for sharing and reminding us of the importance of quiet moments.

     By Laura Wippell on January 28, 2024 at 10:13 am

291. Thanks for the beautiful message about finding our stories in the quiet.

     By Jessica Coupé on January 28, 2024 at 10:32 am

292. So true! I find my quiet moments in my daily bubble bath where ideas bubble up to the surface!

     By Joy Wieder on January 28, 2024 at 10:33 am

293. Thank you, Hope. I am a big fan of I AM A BIRD. Congrats on your latest book.

     By elisederstine on January 28, 2024 at 10:51 am

294. Hope, this book looks lovely! Thank you for the reminder to find our stories in the quiet moments.

     By Cindy Greene on January 28, 2024 at 10:53 am

295. Love this! “Pay attention to the unexpected”

     By kristarantino on January 28, 2024 at 10:58 am

296. Thank you, Hope!

     By Rachel Rizzuto on January 28, 2024 at 11:18 am

297. Thank you, Hope, for sharing the ins-and-outs of how you wrote Sourgrass. And I’m not familiar with the sourgrass plant so I also learned something new!

     By paulajbecker on January 28, 2024 at 11:30 am

298. Hope, what a beautiful book and also such a beautiful inspiration for finding a story- when I slow down, the real heart of the story will show up.

     By Writer on the run on January 28, 2024 at 11:31 am

299. Wonderful post! Thank you.

     By Sylvia Mary Grech on January 28, 2024 at 11:55 am

300. Thank you so much for sharing your writing journey of SOURGRASS with us. The book looks and sounds lovely.

     By hansenjc13 on January 28, 2024 at 12:29 pm

301. Little moments are so important. Beautiful!

     By Melissa L Lettis on January 28, 2024 at 12:32 pm

302. I like the idea that quiet times can bring inspiration.

     By shirley301 on January 28, 2024 at 1:44 pm

303. Lovely story about paying attention to the world and quiet moments in your life.

     By Annie Guerra on January 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm

304. What a wonderful reminder to take notice of the small moments.

     By Tina Pocernich on January 28, 2024 at 2:01 pm

305. Thanks for sharing your writing journey for SOURGRASS. Congratulations. Can’t wait to read it when it comes out.

     By helenlysicatos on January 28, 2024 at 2:13 pm

306. Congratulations to Sourgrass. Will keep an eye out for it this spring!

     By Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer on January 28, 2024 at 2:13 pm

307. I feel better and more relaxed just reading your post of thoughts. Thank you.

     By TerriMichels on January 28, 2024 at 2:55 pm

308. The artwork is gorgeous, and what a lovely idea to create a story out of quiet moments. I don’t think there’s enough appreciation for quieter PBs.

     By robinswingeditorial on January 28, 2024 at 3:28 pm

309. What a lovely post, so important. Thank you for the reminder to take time to just sit and be.

     By susaninez0905 on January 28, 2024 at 3:30 pm

310. I had to google sourgrass. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before (thought the leaves look like clover.) So fun to learn from picture books. SOURGLASS looks to be a lovely friendship story. Congratulations! I look forward to reading it when it’s out.

     By Darcee A Freier on January 28, 2024 at 4:01 pm

311. Thank you, Hope Lim, for this beautiful and personal post. I always find it wondrous and fascinating how our initial inspirations take shape into the stories the become. I can’t wait to read to read Sourgrass.

     By suejeanko on January 28, 2024 at 4:03 pm

312. This is a lovely post. We all need to take those quiet moments and see what they bring us. Thanks for the post.

     By rosihollinbeck on January 28, 2024 at 4:06 pm

313. The story sounds beautiful, and the illustrations look gorgeous. Moments of quiet and serenity are essential for writers. Thank you for the lovely post!

     By Yolimari Garcia on January 28, 2024 at 4:21 pm

314. Thanks for all the great suggestions!

     By Susan Johnston Taylor on January 28, 2024 at 4:36 pm

315. Thank you for this advice! It really is so important to slow down, but I still need to be reminded sometimes ❤

     By Andi Chitty on January 28, 2024 at 4:38 pm

316. What a beautiful and inspiring post!

     By Michelle S Kennedy on January 28, 2024 at 4:47 pm

317. A beautiful post. Thank you for the encouragement to be quiet and dig deeper.

     By Robin M Keeler on January 28, 2024 at 4:50 pm

318. I love all of this and the story behind your beautiful book. Thank you for sharing your process and the activities that feed into it.

     By Carren on January 28, 2024 at 5:01 pm

319. I love this! I ponder when I go on my daily walks and it helps me come up with ideas and solutions. Thank you.

     By pescadita98 on January 28, 2024 at 5:20 pm

320. Hello, Hope; I looked at the reply box for a while, savoring the quiet, the vulnerability, and the beauty of nature and friendship distilled in your post. You created for us a touching, reflecting moment. I will harvest it. Thank you for your notes, and congratulations on your beautiful books.

     By ralucasirbu on January 28, 2024 at 5:21 pm

321. Thank you so much for the reassurance that in a quiet moment, one can find the missing piece that creates a whole new take on a book. I have sent out one of my books to agents upon agents. Nothing positive. Maybe a fresh new look, a revision with vision and some hope is needed.

     By Leah Marks on January 28, 2024 at 6:09 pm

322. I love getting a view into how a writer came to find and develop a story. Quiet moments are so important, both for observing and just for slowing down. And breathe! Lovely idea. Thank you.

     By Fiona Bannatyne on January 28, 2024 at 6:10 pm

323. Looks lovely. My garden always makes me happy and inspires me. I must admit I had never heard of sourgrass before. It reminds me of shamrocks.

     By Carol Porter on January 28, 2024 at 6:12 pm

324. Loved your words. Slow down, for me the quiet comes from poppies and hummingbirds. Thank you for the reminder to slow down. Your new book is beautiful.

     By kdgwrites on January 28, 2024 at 6:54 pm

325. Loved this post and your message, thank you. So inspiring! Congratulations on SOURGRASS. I love the cover!

     By Karin Larson on January 28, 2024 at 7:02 pm

326. Thank you, Hope for sharing. Congratulations. This book looks so lovely.

     By theliah1 on January 28, 2024 at 7:17 pm

327. I love both the art and the premise of Sourgrass. What a sweet message. Thank you for the reminder of the value of slowing down. I paused, noticed something outside my window, and added an idea to my list!

     By tracyschuldthelixon on January 28, 2024 at 7:28 pm

328. Thank you for sharing the beautiful backstory to your book!

     By Aimee Larke on January 28, 2024 at 7:58 pm

329. Lovely. Thank you for sharing.

     By Gayle Veitenheimer on January 28, 2024 at 8:08 pm

330. What a beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing it. I look forward to reading Sourgrass!

     By Jan Milusich on January 28, 2024 at 8:31 pm

331. Thank you, Hope. Your story sounds beautiful! 🙂

     By cnparch on January 28, 2024 at 8:34 pm

332. To be open to this type of serendipitous revisions is a wonderful quality for a any writer. Thank you for sharing.

     By ldodson100 on January 28, 2024 at 8:36 pm

333. Thank you for this beautiful post! Looking forward to reading SOURGRASS!

     By Kari Lavelle on January 28, 2024 at 8:37 pm

334. Thanks so much Hope. This is a lovely book and reminds all to appreciate the natural world around us. I look forward to holding your book and reading it to my grandkids.

     By MDalphin Williams Creative.Com on January 28, 2024 at 8:42 pm

335. Thank you for this endearing post, Hope. In today’s head-spinning world, those quiet moments are indeed so important to slow down, relax and reflect to get rejuvenated, and gain inspiration.

     By Srividhya Venkat on January 28, 2024 at 8:50 pm

336. I love the word ‘serendipitously’ and I Iove that you told us that’s how ideas come to us sometimes. We just need to slow down and look for them.

     By peasecja on January 28, 2024 at 9:08 pm

337. My soul needed this today. Thank you, Hope.

     By Leslie Santamaria on January 28, 2024 at 9:34 pm

338. Such a beautiful, inspiring post, Hope–just like your picture books! I can’t wait until SOUR GRASS IS out in the world! Congratulations!

     By donnacangelosi on January 28, 2024 at 9:40 pm

339. This is perfect. Being quiet and reflecting is so hard for me! Great reminder!

     By karammitchell on January 28, 2024 at 9:40 pm

340. Sourgrass looks lovely–congratulations! I appreciate the reminder to connect with nature, Hope!

     By Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez on January 28, 2024 at 10:18 pm

341. It’s so hard to sit in the quiet, but I’ll do my best to give it a try. Thanks for sharing all of your insight!

     By Jessie D. Phillips on January 28, 2024 at 10:58 pm

342. Thanks for sharing. The art is really pretty in your lovely book!

     By schumerthc on January 28, 2024 at 10:58 pm

343. Thank you for making these points! I enjoyed reading about your process and how SOURGRASS came together!

     By Lyn MIller-Lachmann on January 28, 2024 at 11:16 pm

344. Hope, this is so lovely. It left me with such a sense of peace. ♥️ I can’t wait to read “Sourgrass” — I’m sure it’s more of the same!

     By Jessica Iwanski on January 28, 2024 at 11:27 pm

345. Congratulations on your upcoming book release! This looks like such a sweet story.

     By Jenny Boyd on January 28, 2024 at 11:28 pm

346. Beautiful post and a great reminder! I can’t wait to read your Sourgrass book. Thank you!

     By vgraboski61gmailcom on January 28, 2024 at 11:32 pm

347. I love this and am excited to read Sourgrass!

     By rgstones on January 29, 2024 at 12:16 am

348. Sourgrass is a beautiful, heart-filled, hopeful story. Thank you for sharing your inspiration and process.

     By claireannette1 on January 29, 2024 at 12:40 am

349. What a beautiful post! Thank you!

     By wyszguy on January 29, 2024 at 1:33 am

350. I am currently revising a manuscript for its emotional or character arc too. Thank you sharing and I can’t wait to read SOURGRASS.

     By marias62 on January 29, 2024 at 5:15 am

351. What a lovely post! I myself adore quiet time and times, and using it in this way is wonderful for finding the heart and emotions for stories!

     By Tanya Konerman on January 29, 2024 at 6:40 am

352. Love the Big Magic of this post, how inspiration will find you if you are willing. So happy for all your success Hope!

     By Lauri Meyers on January 29, 2024 at 7:46 am

353. Your flow of thoughts was genuinely inspirational. Thank you for sharing your revision process, including the feelings and the thinking.

     By ransonpatti on January 29, 2024 at 8:59 am

354. I can’t wait to read this, it sounds so lovely. Thank you for sharing and for the reminder to take quiet moments.

     By jessaroux on January 29, 2024 at 9:29 am

355. Thank you for sharing how you discovered your story with time and reflection. I often think that the discovery is the most fun part of writing. 🙂

     By allyenz on January 29, 2024 at 10:47 am

356. I loved that you ended up seeing a whole field of Sourgrass! It gave me tingles. I don’t get too many minutes to just be quiet, but I will make it a point to try this out. Thank you for the tingles and the advise 🙂

     By joanswanson58 on January 29, 2024 at 10:54 am

357. A lovely concept. Quiet moments form much of my inspiration as well. Thanks for posting.

     By joseyetta3dd08a42d6 on January 29, 2024 at 11:33 am

358. Such a beautiful and inspiring post!

     By Katie L. Carroll on January 29, 2024 at 11:34 am

359. Such an inspiring post, Hope! Thank you so much.

     By Kristi Mahoney on January 29, 2024 at 11:57 am

360. This whole post was a wonderful, quiet moment of inspiration. Thank you!

     By laureannawrites on January 29, 2024 at 11:57 am

361. I think this is how the best ideas come!

     By michelemeleen on January 29, 2024 at 11:58 am

362. Thank you, Hope, for this lovely post about your journey to story. The cover of SOURGRASS is enchantingly beautiful. Congratulations to you and Shahrazad! I’m really looking forward to taking a journey of friendship and hope with your characters when SOURGRASS is released. You may want to read my BUTTON & BUNDLE (Knopf 2019) as a companion title. I have a feeling our stories are linked heart to heart.

     By Gretchen McLellan on January 29, 2024 at 12:07 pm

363. Hope, SOURGRASS looks like such a beautiful and important book. Congratulations. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for reminding me to step away from my desk and let ‘life’ inspire my writing. 🙂

     By annette schottenfeld on January 29, 2024 at 12:17 pm

364. Thank you for reminding us to take some quiet time with our thoughts and our feelings, and to ask whether we have dug deep enough in terms of creating an emotional arc. Love the cover of Sourgrass. And after reading this post, I can’t wait to read it.

     By Angela De Groot on January 29, 2024 at 12:37 pm

365. Lovely! Thank you for this reminder.

     By erozmus on January 29, 2024 at 12:39 pm

366. Dear Hope,

     Thank you for many reminders . . . Find quiet moments in nature, and notice a field of sourgrass (or fields of wildflowers on the Prairie).

     Doing so may lead to picture book stories that offer hope.

     Suzy Leopold

     By Prairie Garden Girl on January 29, 2024 at 12:41 pm

367. Congratulations on SOURGRASS. I look forward to reading it. Thank you for giving me permission to give myself more quiet moments. A lovely post!

     By Laurie Seaford on January 29, 2024 at 12:42 pm

368. This really motivates me to keep working on a story I wrote a while back that I know needs revision. I love the idea of spending quiet time outside to get inspiration.

     By Cindy Montoya on January 29, 2024 at 12:43 pm

369. What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing its origin.

     By robincurrie1 on January 29, 2024 at 12:50 pm

370. Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

     By gattodesign on January 29, 2024 at 1:45 pm

371. Right now, my life is calling for quiet moments. I have not been taking time to step into nature. I need this post in more ways than one. Thank you.

     By ljtouche on January 29, 2024 at 1:46 pm

372. Thank you for your insight!

     By elizabethwilcoxsaba on January 29, 2024 at 1:51 pm

373. Thanks for sharing your story! I love learning how stories came to be and other writers’ process.

     By Bridgitte Rodguez on January 29, 2024 at 2:06 pm

374. I’m going to begin to pay attention when I am able to have a quiet moment. Often things are seen but not really taken in or thought about. I see how these may be missed opportunities for stories.

     By Lori Williams Writing on January 29, 2024 at 3:29 pm

375. Wow! SOURGRASS looks like such a beautiful story-both words and illustrations. Quiet time is important. I need to make more room for that in my life. Thank you for sharing your process. It’s very inspirational. SOURGRASS is on my list of books to check out as soon as available!

     By Mary A Zychowicz on January 29, 2024 at 3:29 pm

376. A perfect reason to find more time to reflect!

     By jenniferjschmidte207d3cec9 on January 29, 2024 at 4:10 pm

377. Loved this, “we need to slow down and find time to stay quiet with ourselves more than ever.” Very well said. Thank you for a calm and sweet post.

     By lauranclement on January 29, 2024 at 4:14 pm

378. Such a beautiful post filled with hope. Thanks for sharing.

     By Linda B on January 29, 2024 at 4:41 pm

379. I love your behind the scenes story on the inspiration for your book! We all need our quiet times, places and yes, even quiet books to enjoy in our quiet places 🙂

     By yangmommy on January 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm

380. You had me at “a quiet moment to connect” in your first line! It’s what I want to do, to see, to write about. Thanks for sharing the Sourgrass journey – I’ll be looking forward to it!

     By Stephanie D Jones on January 29, 2024 at 5:17 pm

381. Sourgrass looks beautiful! I’ve added it to my list to order for my library! Thanks for sharing!!!

     By JoLynne Ricker Whalen on January 29, 2024 at 5:39 pm

382. Lovely post, Hope. Thank you for the behind the scenes look at SOURGRASS. I too found hope in the quiet of my back yard when a leaf has grown through the deck of even a pine tree that sprouts from a crack in a rock.

     By cathystenquist on January 29, 2024 at 6:29 pm

383. I truly love this post and I thank Hope for this gentle reminder of what’s really important in life.

     By tomirueswrites on January 29, 2024 at 6:43 pm

384. We all need to slow down and take time to enjoy the moment and take time to reflect.

     By cathyrose54 on January 29, 2024 at 7:10 pm

385. Hope! Sourgrass is beautiful

     By jasminefang on January 29, 2024 at 7:15 pm

386. What a beautiful post, Hope! This sentence really hit me: “In today’s endless stream of information and constant stimulation, we need to slow down and find time to stay quiet with ourselves more than ever.” Thank you so much for sharing and for encouraging all of us to “start the story and follow the journey of making it into a book.” Congratulations on SOURGRASS. It looks absolutely beautiful!

     By Abby Wooldridge on January 29, 2024 at 9:26 pm

387. Thanks for the insight into your process. Can’t wait to read the book

     By Eileen Saunders on January 29, 2024 at 11:12 pm

388. I always go hiking with friends, which is its own lovely journey. But I love that this inspiration came to you on a solo run. I’m definitely going to squeeze a solo hike into my plan soon. Here’s to inspiration, wherever it finds us! Enjoyed reading this!

     By Sally Hoch on January 29, 2024 at 11:15 pm

389. I love quiet moments to think and write. They don’t come often with my 4 year old, but I cherish them when I get them!

     By brilawyer on January 29, 2024 at 11:37 pm

390. I love this post! I’m from the SF Bay Area, and my sisters and I grew up chewing on sourgrass (although we had a difference name for it). Its return every spring was a staple in our childhood. I’m totally floored that such a simple image and a brief moment of quiet grew into your beautiful story of friendship. I feel a sense of hope and awe just hearing about it. I hope I can tune into my own quiet moments, too.

     By Maria Johnson on January 30, 2024 at 2:27 am

391. I do savor those rare quiet moments and find my creativity is most active during those times. Thank you for a beautiful post!

     By Lindsay Moretti on January 30, 2024 at 8:13 am

392. Wow, this resonated so deeply. Thank you so much, Hope, for the reminder to take quiet moments, and to listen and pay attention.

     By Heidi Chupp on January 30, 2024 at 9:53 am

393. So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

     By Janice Woods on January 30, 2024 at 11:28 am

394. Oh this was such a wonderful post! Being a person who values slowing down and quiet, this is right in line with how I am. Quiet moments are so important. Thank you for this wonderful insight, I hope your book does really well!!!

     By Melissa Escobar on January 30, 2024 at 12:42 pm

395. This sounds like a beautiful story. I love the image of that one little flower poking through your fence. Congrats!

     By Mary Ann Blair on January 30, 2024 at 12:58 pm

396. Thank you for your writing inspiration, Hope. I love your theme of learning to “live in hope.”

     By Melanie Ellsworth on January 30, 2024 at 1:12 pm

397. Thank you, Hope, for sharing this inspiring post!

     By Suhasini Gupta on January 30, 2024 at 1:32 pm

398. Thank you for sharing!

     By shereenicole on January 30, 2024 at 2:51 pm

399. Thank you, Hope, stopping and daydreaming seem to be so important and not always easy to do.

     By Nancy Ferguson on January 30, 2024 at 2:52 pm

400. What a stunning story about your beautiful book! Thank you for sharing this–it’s inspiring me to trust in my process and open myself to inspiration.

     By KamillaM on January 30, 2024 at 3:00 pm

401. It’s entirely possible this may be a book for grown up kids who are facing a difficult crossroads.
     This is what the excerpt inspired into me.

     A quiet moment in a swirling world of action.
     A quiet moment in churling time of confusion.
     A quiet moment in whirling mass of blame.
     A quiet moment in a thirling sense of hopelessness.
     Pause
     Listen
     Touch
     Breathe
     Sourgrass
     can be sweet.

     By macsheperd on January 30, 2024 at 3:00 pm

402. Beautiful post. I need quiet moments to recharge from the hustle and bustle of a busy world. I can’t wait to read SOURGRASS. ❤

     By Judy Bryan on January 30, 2024 at 4:16 pm

403. Like Sofia, we all need to learn to live in hope. It’s not always easy in this world. Picture books like this help, though!

     By Janet Frenck Sheets on January 30, 2024 at 4:23 pm

404. love quiet moments of inspiration!

     By colleenrkosinski on January 30, 2024 at 5:30 pm

405. This post gave me goosebumps! I can’t wait to read SOURGRASS!

     By jessicafgwrites on January 30, 2024 at 6:55 pm

406. Thank you for this reminder, Hope. I assume I’m not the only one who doesn’t take time to slow down and listen. SOURGRASS looks and sounds like a lovely book.

     By michelerietz on January 30, 2024 at 7:07 pm

407. What serendipity! I definitely feel the need to slow down more and have these kinds of quiet moments, so thanks for the reminder.

     By Carrie Tillotson on January 30, 2024 at 7:20 pm

408. Your post made me miss sunny warm days where I can sit in the grass… quiet… observing. Hopeful and inspiring.

     By Lorraine on January 30, 2024 at 7:53 pm

409. Thank you for reminding us how important it is to slow down and find time to stay quiet with ourselves.

     By jenwritespbs on January 30, 2024 at 8:33 pm

410. I like the way you brought this story together. Thank you for sharing your process.

     By srkckass on January 30, 2024 at 8:59 pm

411. I like learning about how stories come together. Thanks for sharing yours.

     By juliereich on January 30, 2024 at 9:20 pm

412. I really enjoyed this. It’s so true. We all do need quiet moments to connect with ourselves and our ideas. Thanks for sharing, Hope! I would love a copy of SOURGRASS.

     By chelseasworldofbooks on January 30, 2024 at 9:23 pm

413. Quiet is so hard to come by for so many of us, thanks for the reminder to deliberately make space for it when and where we can.

     By mwinikates on January 30, 2024 at 10:46 pm

414. I came up with an idea sitting quietly, looking out the window, getting my hair done. You’re so ON with the quiet moments. ________________________________

     By Christine Fleming McIsaac on January 30, 2024 at 11:05 pm

415. What a beautiful story created from a serene moment. Thank you for sharing.

     By Jess Hedaria on January 30, 2024 at 11:49 pm

416. Good reminder about allowing time for quiet moments in our lives—time for creativity to inspire us.

     By Judith Snyder on January 31, 2024 at 1:23 am

417. Hope, thank you for such an inspiring article. You are so right in that today, it is so easy to get lost in all the information overload that can dull our senses. It is good just to sit and breathe, to feel all that is around us, using all our senses. We might experience something we would never have experienced if we had not shut the world out for a bit.

     By percyandcat on January 31, 2024 at 1:27 am

418. Quiet time is great for letting ideas flow. Thanks.

     By Rick Starkey on January 31, 2024 at 7:48 am

419. What a beautiful post. I love the wisdom here and look forwarsd to reading Sourgrass. Thank you, Hope!

     By Sarah Meade on January 31, 2024 at 10:55 am

420. Always need the reminders to slow down and enjoy the quiet.

     By Anita on January 31, 2024 at 11:10 am

421. I can’t wait to read Sourgrass. It sounds beautiful. You have such a lovely voice to your writing, even for this instructional post. Thank you for sharing your process.

     By Jamie Bills on January 31, 2024 at 11:21 am

422. Thank you for reminding me to take time for those quiet, lovely moments.

     By triciacandy on January 31, 2024 at 11:51 am

423. its so hard to just sit still, there’s so much to do. but its also very valuable

     By jenngautam on January 31, 2024 at 11:53 am

424. Thanks, Hope. Quiet time is exactly what I crave.

     By kathydoherty1 on January 31, 2024 at 12:17 pm

425. Thank you.

     By Susan Contreras on January 31, 2024 at 12:50 pm

426. Those quiet moments can certainly bring inspiration when we need it!

     By Judy Sobanski on January 31, 2024 at 1:35 pm

427. What a beautiful story! Thank you also for sharing your inspiration, your stories journey, and the wonder of quiet moments.

     By Amy Martinez on January 31, 2024 at 5:32 pm

428. Beautiful post! This proves that simple observations lead to deep understandings.

     By Barbara Farland on January 31, 2024 at 5:59 pm

429. Thank you for the inspo! This story is so beautifully illustrated also, it reminds me of when I moved away from my childhood best friend too

     By Jennifer Lu on January 31, 2024 at 5:59 pm

430. I love quiet times. I look for stories in each season when I sit outside and let my mind wonder. Thanks for the inspiration, Hope.

     By Marlena Leach on January 31, 2024 at 6:20 pm

431. This post spoke volumes to me and my need for rest, but intentionality to look and see what’s around us.

     By Patricia Tiffany Morris on January 31, 2024 at 6:24 pm

432. What an inspirational origin story! Your book looks lovely. Thanks for sharing!

     By Marci Whitehurst on January 31, 2024 at 6:29 pm

433. I appreciate the reminder to slow down and let inspiration come to us….

     By saravan7747 on January 31, 2024 at 7:46 pm

434. This post is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing the symbolism with us and for the always-needed reminder to slow down.

     By Johanna Peyton on January 31, 2024 at 8:23 pm

435. Great story; thanks for sharing!

     By alamarre7571bc92b on January 31, 2024 at 8:35 pm

436. Hope, this is a great reminder to slow down and not to force creative innovation. Being in nature is always inspiring! Thank you!

     By robinmeby on January 31, 2024 at 8:42 pm

437. I love quiet moments! Thank you for reminding us of their potential power, Hope. And congratulations on the book! I look forward to reading it come March!

     By Adrea on January 31, 2024 at 9:07 pm

438. Lovely post, lovely story. Can’t wait to read it!

     By stacyallen on January 31, 2024 at 10:03 pm

439. Hope, thanks for giving us hope with your post. I love quiet moments to reflect and think deeper on my manuscripts.

     By Lisa M. Horn on February 1, 2024 at 12:08 am

440. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I need to read this book now.

     By Myrna Foster on February 1, 2024 at 12:10 am

441. What a beautiful experience. Thank you for sharing it. When I was young, I moved across the United States away from my best friend. This really resonated with me.

     By Olivia Fisher on February 1, 2024 at 12:25 am

442. Thanks for the reminder to slow down!

     By sarahsteinbacher24 on February 1, 2024 at 12:56 am

443. Yes, I cherish my quiet time. Beautiful post, thank you.

     By loriclementwriter on February 1, 2024 at 1:34 am

444. Lovely. Can’t wait to read your book. Finding those quiet moments with a 4 year old is tricky.

     By amandalittleauthor on February 1, 2024 at 1:46 am

445. This was lovely. Thanks for sharing the story of Sourgrass. Looking forward to reading it!

     By Nazanin Ford on February 1, 2024 at 4:13 am

446. So beautiful how those quiet moments inspired your story.

     By Keeping the Me in Mommy on February 1, 2024 at 8:56 am

447. Thank you for this post! I like the idea of finding times of quiet.

     By ashleydbankhead on February 1, 2024 at 12:42 pm

448. It is wonderful what can come when we quiet ourselves. Looking forward to SOURGRASS.

     By swwriter1 on February 1, 2024 at 1:52 pm

449. Thank you for celebrating quiet moments and how momentous they can be, clearly, with your upcoming Beach Lane book Congrats!

     By topangamaria on February 1, 2024 at 2:01 pm

450. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us to sit quietly and reflect during our busiest days.

     By daydreambelievin on February 1, 2024 at 8:19 pm

451. Thank you for sharing this. I’m just going back now to find the posts I didn’t comment on and rereading them. So much peace in nature and just being quiet.

     By authorlaurablog on February 1, 2024 at 11:28 pm

452. Trying to slow down and notice when living in the fast-paced Bay Area is a challenge I’m trying to embrace more.

     By Susan Cabael on February 1, 2024 at 11:45 pm

453. This is such a beautiful, heatfelt post. I can’t wait to read SOURGRASS when it comes out in March!

     By cherylmsimon on February 2, 2024 at 10:46 am

454. This was a lovely and hopeful post to read and reflect on–thank you! I look forward to reading Sourgrass.

     By brintonculp on February 2, 2024 at 10:55 am

455. Thank you for sharing such a personal creative process. I’m in awe of the ways our lovely world reaches out to us when we are open to its voice.

     By libbydemmon on February 2, 2024 at 4:00 pm

456. Such a beautiful and inspirational story. Thank you!

     By marcihersel on February 2, 2024 at 7:46 pm

457. Thank you for sharing your process.

     By MadhuM on February 3, 2024 at 3:29 am

458. Thank you for this beautiful inspiration to allow ourselves time in quiet and in nature

     By Andrea Wickert on February 3, 2024 at 9:51 am

459. I look forward to reading SOURGRASS. Thank you for this reminder to savor the quiet moments.

     By Melissa Stoller on February 3, 2024 at 4:12 pm

460. Wow! I loved this post, Hope. Thank you.

     By Jim Chaize on February 4, 2024 at 9:44 am

461. So lovely! Thanks for sharing, Hope! 🙂

     By Sheri Dillard on February 4, 2024 at 6:43 pm

462. Congratulations on Sourgrass Hope! The idea and illustrations are beautiful and I can’t wait to read it when it comes out. I feel like my best ideas come in those quiet moments. I want to keep making time for more!

     By Angela Martinelli on February 5, 2024 at 7:02 pm

463. Thank you for the reminder to stop, breathe, and relish in the softness of quiet.

     By anakellyinla on February 5, 2024 at 9:41 pm

464. Thank you for the reminder to savor silence and embrace unknown possibilities.

     By Melissa Hastings on February 6, 2024 at 5:21 pm

465. Nice to have quiet time, thank you

     By denitajohnson on February 6, 2024 at 11:04 pm

466. Such a beautiful story and backstory, thank you for sharing with us!!

     By sylviaichen on February 8, 2024 at 3:33 am

467. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it and congrats on your book.

     By Rebecca Gardyn Levington on February 13, 2024 at 11:10 pm

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