by Leigh Anne Carter
Hello Storystormers! Today we’re going to dig deep and ask ourselves: What am I not ready for?
Get really honest! It could be something inevitable that you’re dreading. It could be something you keep putting off. Whatever it is, sit with it and write or sketch your thoughts. Whenever I’ve taken time to think about a truth that comes from inside myself, I can usually find a story I want to tell.
Maybe it’s small: a toothpaste spot on the bathroom mirror that needs to be cleaned. Is it serious? A work presentation or a close friend is moving away. You could be feeling annoyed, overwhelmed, nervous, or unprepared. Use that emotion to fuel your brainstorming.
Now how could that be worked into a story that a kid can relate to? Housework turns into chores or homework. Presentations turn into show and tell. Friends can move during all stages of life. You decide on tone. It can be punny, serious, inspirational—whatever works!
YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL is my debut picture book and it began from a Storystorm idea. But it boiled down to what my kidself struggled with. A memory from my first day of kindergarten began with me nervous to go in the classroom. But once I saw a friend, I was ready to go inside and enjoy what felt impossible. How could I turn that into a story that would inspire and be marketable? I have always loved stories about ghosts and monsters, so it felt right that I should write about a yeti who was not ready for her first day of school. After lots of revision and hard work, Yeti is now coming to a bookstore near you this summer!
Because I love seeing examples, here are even more picture books to give you different ideas on how you can work “readiness” into a story.
A perfect example: DON’T WASH WINSTON (Ashley Belote) shows a boy who goes to great lengths to prevent his teddy bear from a trip inside the scary washing machine. It’s not until a certain turn of events that he realizes Winston might feel better after a bath. A self-realized journey to being ready!
Try flipping it around: A character is ready. In THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY (Derick Wilder and Cátia Chien), a family pet knows his time is near. Told from the dog’s perspective on his last walk with his Little, he makes sure she will be okay after he is gone. He knows he is ready for the next part of his journey and the reader is gifted with a beautiful, bittersweet conclusion.
Maybe it’s a small part of your story: ALL THE GREATNESS IN YOU (Tameka Fryer Brown and Alleanna Harris) celebrates a child from their family’s voice. They share things that make him great, but one spread advises sometimes he might feel like he’s not ready to face certain obstacles. It ends on encouragement: “Tomorrow, should life make you doubt or forget who you are, or fear something new…Remember your can-do! Depend on that bounce-back! Believe all the greatness in you.”
Whether your character seeks out help from others or discovers answers on their own, part of being ready is acknowledging what is challenging. Through their story they can determine what they need to triumph. Honesty can help us use our own experiences and emotions to inspire a story.
Are you ready to listen, dig deep, and plant your next story seed? I think I know the answer.
Leigh Anne Carter is a writer and illustrator of stories for young readers. Her debut picture book YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL will be published July 2025 (Random House Children’s Books) with a second Yeti story coming in 2026. If she’s not at her desk working, you can find her lost in a book or the forest. She lives and works in North Carolina.
Find Leigh Anne online at LACarter.com and follow her on social @lacarterbooks.
Leigh Anne Carter is giving away either a signed copy of her debut picture book or a picture book critique, one winner’s choice.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2025 participant and you have commented only once below.
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
643 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 3, 2025 at 8:08 am
melissajmiles1
It’s amazing how easy it is to remember the big emotions from childhood when we sit quietly and think about it. Thanks for the ideas to use these to spark new stories.
January 3, 2025 at 8:11 am
thecrowsmap
Congratulations on your book, Leigh Anne. This exercise sounds painful—and perfect! And maybe it will help with a New Year’s resolution. I’m going to get right to it:)
Thank you,
Gail Hartman
January 3, 2025 at 8:15 am
gregoryfulgione
After reading this post, I began to think about things I dreaded as a child & 3 story ideas emerged. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 8:15 am
M.R.
I love your ideas for coming up with ideas AND your PB examples. “Yeti” rhyming with “Ready” makes your title especially fun, and I bet the story is just as fun. 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 8:16 am
kellyleedoyle
I love thinking back to being a kid and drawing inspiration. Thanks for the reminder to sit with memories!
January 3, 2025 at 8:21 am
mdk45
Good advice and I’ll try that. Thanks.
January 3, 2025 at 8:21 am
ptnozell
Congratulations on your debut, Leigh Anne! And thank you for the reminder to think about what I’m not ready for…those dreaded deadlines and firsts!
January 3, 2025 at 8:22 am
sblotevogel
at first it was a little depressing to see all the things that I don’t want to do (that I now have in writing and need to actually do and get off my to-do list, lol!) But this was a fun exercise to turn these things into kid relatable ideas and see things from their perspective. Congrats on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 8:22 am
Becky Shillington
This is *brilliant* Leigh Anne! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful idea, and CONGRATULATIONS on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 8:23 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Thank you for inspiring me to look at my life experiences in a new light. I love how you said, “Whenever I’ve taken time to think about a truth that comes from inside myself, I can usually find a story I want to tell.” I needed these words!
January 3, 2025 at 8:28 am
Sayurikuri
As a teacher, I’m not ready to go back to school Monday after a lovely break at home with my own family and my writing time! Thank you for the inspiration and the book recs too!
January 3, 2025 at 8:31 am
steveheron
Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Steve Heron Cheeky Magpie
January 3, 2025 at 8:31 am
steveheron
Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Steve Heron Cheeky Magpie
January 3, 2025 at 8:32 am
steveheron
Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Steve Heron Cheeky Magpie
January 3, 2025 at 8:33 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Thank you for the deep and honest inspiration, Leigh Anne! Congrats on your debut.
January 3, 2025 at 8:33 am
vanessakaybooks
I can already tell this one is going to give rise to some very rich ideas! Thanks for writing!
January 3, 2025 at 8:34 am
ccspizzirri
Thanks so much, Leigh Anne, for the brainstorms ideas and great mentor text examples!
January 3, 2025 at 8:38 am
Tara Cerven
I’ve been stuck on a story and your words have helped spark some new ideas- thank you! Best of luck with your debut book.
January 3, 2025 at 8:41 am
Susan Halko
Thank you for the helpful prompt and examples! Congrats on YETI—I’ll be ready to check it out!!
January 3, 2025 at 8:44 am
tinamcho
Thank you, Leigh Anne, for these examples of characters getting ready. Congrats on your books!
January 3, 2025 at 8:46 am
Robynn Hyde
Congratulations on your debut – it looks great! And such an interesting approach to get an idea – one I am both afraid of and eager to try – an odd mix for sure. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 8:47 am
Barbara Schlosser Hill
Thank you Leigh Anne for the inspiration. It’s getting me thinking about my first day of school, at dance, at sports – and wow, there are a lot of emotions. I also enjoyed your list of books to read – to again, further the journey of inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 8:50 am
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
Great job Leigh Ann! Congratulations on your debut this year! Whoo Hoo!
January 3, 2025 at 8:53 am
Melissa Rafson Friedman
I’m ready to Storystorm!
January 3, 2025 at 8:54 am
almosttenacious288198703d
I instantly like any post that begins with David Schitt. Thanks for this mornings, inspiration! 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 8:54 am
Annelouise
Thank you. I love your examples and reading how your first book was inspired.
January 3, 2025 at 8:54 am
Melissa Rafson Friedman
I’m ready to Storystorm!
January 3, 2025 at 8:59 am
Laura
I found this difficult for me… but in a pleasantly challenging kind of way! Thank you. You made it seem so effortless, your examples are wonderful and helpful.
January 3, 2025 at 9:00 am
hodgeh77
yes, I am ready to plant my next story seed…
January 3, 2025 at 9:01 am
dealenihan
Yeti sounds delightful and clever. Congrats! Can’t wait to read.
Dea
January 3, 2025 at 9:05 am
amyhouts
Congrats on your upcoming books! Yeti sounds like a truly engaging character. I like the idea of getting ready. Thanks for the great examples, too.
January 3, 2025 at 9:07 am
leslieevatayloe
Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 9:07 am
E.H. Perry
Such a simple suggestion, for using in what you don’t want to do, and J already have so many ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 9:11 am
Lindsey Aduskevich
I love drawing on my past. This post was so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
January 3, 2025 at 9:12 am
coquina29
it’s so important for us to be thinking about how we support kids in navigating a world filled with complex emotions and challenges. Thank you so much for the ideas.
January 3, 2025 at 9:14 am
gattodesign
So many truths to write about stored away in our brains.
January 3, 2025 at 9:15 am
okgalinil
So many things I’m not ready for! Thanks for helping generate some fun ideas. Congrats on your book – we love Yeti books at my house!
January 3, 2025 at 9:18 am
rosecappelli
Thanks for the inspiration! Connecting with big feelings is key.
January 3, 2025 at 9:20 am
Svapna Sabnis
I love this. Finding your stories everywhere.
January 3, 2025 at 9:20 am
cherylmsimon
Thanks for the inspirational post! This sparked a few ideas for me. YAY!
January 3, 2025 at 9:22 am
lynnpesicka
Thank you for sharing. I like the idea of connecting with our feelings of our kidself.
January 3, 2025 at 9:22 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Congratulations on your debut picture book! And thank you for sharing your ideas as well as some wonderful other books that are out there. I recently moved to Sanford, NC to help with the grandkids; are you anywhere near me?
January 3, 2025 at 9:22 am
Donna Williams Marx
SO many things I dread doing…should be an idea in there somewhere! Thanks so much!
January 3, 2025 at 9:24 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Super tips to convert those adult worries into relatable kid nuggets. And huge congrats on your pb debut! Great stuff…
January 3, 2025 at 9:24 am
Andria Rosenbaum
I loved reading about how you translate adult experiences into a child’s perspective.
Congratulations on Yeti’s debut!
January 3, 2025 at 9:25 am
Donna Williams Marx
SO many things I dread. There must be a story idea in there somewhere! Thanks so much for sharing.
January 3, 2025 at 9:26 am
carochamberlain
I can’t wait to read your debut book! And thank you for the inspiration this morning. Time to face some fears!
January 3, 2025 at 9:29 am
peaceharrison
Congratulations on your debut book! So many ideas can come from our own emotional experiences. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 9:30 am
Leah Moser
Congrats on your debut! Thank you for this post.
January 3, 2025 at 9:30 am
annmdk
love the title of ready and yeti!
January 3, 2025 at 9:31 am
Sallye O'Rourke
I just put all these books on my ‘to read’ list, looking forward to reading yours in July.
January 3, 2025 at 9:31 am
Gwendolyn Holbrow
Thanks, Leigh Ann, definitely something to think about!
January 3, 2025 at 9:31 am
Evelyn Day
Great idea! Now, where did I put that old To Do list… 😀
January 3, 2025 at 9:32 am
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 3, 2025 at 9:32 am
pathaap
What a great post, Leigh Ann! And congratulations on Yeti Is Not Ready for School!
January 3, 2025 at 9:33 am
anchance
It’s amazing how all these posts make me ponder about totally different things! Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 9:36 am
Claudine Pullen
Thanks for some great advice.
January 3, 2025 at 9:37 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Leigh for making me think!
January 3, 2025 at 9:40 am
jenanyong
What a genius concept and great title! Congrats on your debut! 🤩
January 3, 2025 at 9:41 am
Andi Chitty
Your debut book looks so adorable, congratulations! Thank you for these great tips!
January 3, 2025 at 9:44 am
Alison McGauley
Thanks, Leigh Anne! I know a lot of things that I’m not ready for and this has provided me with at least 3 ideas already. Congrats on YETI!
January 3, 2025 at 9:45 am
kathalsey
Leigh, we’re all not ready or worried about something. Thinking of our kid self this is a great technique to mine a new story. Congrats on your debut. Like Yeti, sometimes I’m not ready. Lol.
January 3, 2025 at 10:32 am
Joyce P. Uglow
I’m with you, Kathy! Let’s stick together.
January 3, 2025 at 9:47 am
Jen Summers Writes
Congrats! And this really helped: an idea popped into my head immediately!
January 3, 2025 at 9:49 am
Aileen Stewart
Nice idea. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 9:49 am
Helen Waters
Ready/not ready – a great prompt with so many possibilities. Love this idea. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 9:50 am
Stefanie Hohl
Your book sounds so cute!
January 3, 2025 at 9:50 am
Becky Goodman
This definitely sparked a new idea for me. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 9:51 am
Ronni Diamondstein
This was so helpful, Leigh Anne! Can’t wait to get started! Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 9:52 am
jbbower
Congratulations on your new book Leigh Anne! And, thank you for an inspiring post. I’m thinking about some upcoming dreads right now and will have fun relating them to my childhood. What a fun idea! Thanks Leigh Anne.
January 3, 2025 at 9:53 am
Joyce Frank
Thanks, Leigh Anne. Yeti looks like so much fun. Getting ready to explore my truths!
January 3, 2025 at 9:54 am
sunfishrule
Your comments reminded me of my wonderful college professor who encouraged us to think child-like in the classroom. Yes, I was teaching but it was important to remember what it was like at that age, just like your new story. Congrats on your debut picture book and thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 9:57 am
bgonsar
Congrats on the debut picture book, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 9:58 am
semayawi
congratulations on your debut PB! My lists of books to get is getting longer by the day!! Thanks for a terrific post. 😊
January 3, 2025 at 9:58 am
KrisTarantino
Congrats on your debut book! Very helpful post.
January 3, 2025 at 10:02 am
bookclubhbhs
Today’s post connected with me right in the feels. Thank you for all of this to think about when brainstorming, and congrats on your upcoming summer release! I’m following you on IG now!
January 3, 2025 at 10:04 am
migratingmoosegmailcom
Congratulations on your beautiful book!
And, what a great idea & examples!
January 3, 2025 at 10:06 am
Kristen Indahl
Congrats on your debut book – and awesome it was from a storystorm seed! Thank you for this dread-into-inspiration idea!
January 3, 2025 at 10:10 am
christym1234
Congratulations on your debut book! Thanks for sharing your ideas. 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 10:12 am
nrompella
This actually gave me an idea for my novel based on something my teen said. Thanks for helping me sit and think a minute. I need that more often!
January 3, 2025 at 10:17 am
Reni Macarelli
Thanks for this great idea, and congratulations on Your debut picture book. It’s so inspirational to hear it was sparked from Storystorm.
January 3, 2025 at 10:19 am
susanjobskya73d148763
My list of what I wasn’t ready for is a long one, and telling my daughter’s dog goodbye is on that list. I began a story told from the dog’s point of view. Long story short, the story is still in my computer files. I wasn’t ready to change my story to suit the market. Letting go is hard whether it’s your beloved pet or your first children’s book. Thank you for making me think about letting go of my writing again.
January 3, 2025 at 10:19 am
storyfairy
Wow, this post really spoke to me. There’s a lot of things I’m not ready for right now.
January 3, 2025 at 10:19 am
susanzonca
Congrats on your debut book! Thank you for the suggestion and for the very helpful mentor texts.
January 3, 2025 at 10:21 am
lisakdaviswriting
I love this!
January 3, 2025 at 10:30 am
Marlena Leach
Thanks for this great inspiration, and congrats on your new book. I just love Storystorm!
January 3, 2025 at 10:30 am
Kathryn LeRoy
Sometimes, I forget the richness of the ideas that live all around me. Thank you for the reminder.
January 3, 2025 at 10:31 am
Joyce P. Uglow
This post made me think of the day Mom and I went to White Rock School for kindergarten registration. As the fourth kid in the Cooper family, I knew a lot about school. What I didn’t know, I was not ready for… You sparked an idea for me, Leigh Ann. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 10:37 am
bevbaird
Love your post – your push for us to dig deep, being honest with ourselves. thanks for the mentor texts as well. Congrats on your debut book!
January 3, 2025 at 10:38 am
natashaffdfd87f06
This makes sense. Got an idea instantly! Thank you.
January 3, 2025 at 10:38 am
karammitchell
thanks, Leann! I like the flipping of the script!
January 3, 2025 at 10:40 am
maureenegan
thanks for the spark today!
January 3, 2025 at 10:40 am
Sandy Lowe
I can’t have too many brainstorming methods! Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 10:44 am
Tracey Kiff-Judson
I love this suggestion, Leigh Anne! What a wonderful way to connect with a powerful emotion that might inspire our writing. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 10:44 am
stefsenn77yahoocom
Thank you, Leigh Anne, and congrats on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 10:45 am
joanlongstaff
I feel like I’m not ready for anything, except maybe bedtime, so hopefully this will bring a big list of ideas to take on board. Thank you for sharing and best of luck with “Yeti”.
January 3, 2025 at 10:46 am
sheriradovich0384
Ooh, the ideas are bubbling of the first time I did or tried something and my children faced new challenges. I wrote so many ideas down and now I need to work through them. Thank you Leigh Ann.
January 3, 2025 at 10:48 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Tapping into our childhood memories, anxieties and challenges –what a wonderful way to spark story ideas. Congrats on your PB debut and Yeti’s second story, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 10:52 am
jenweingardt
Thank you for those insightful questions! I’m ready to dig deeper for new story ideas.
January 3, 2025 at 10:53 am
andreesantini
Thanks Leann, a great reminder to mine our own experiences through our memories and challenges.
January 3, 2025 at 10:54 am
elegant841286bf31
eyes pile of laundry that’s waiting to be folded
January 3, 2025 at 10:55 am
Bridgitte Rodguez
Great tips!
January 3, 2025 at 10:57 am
saintamovin
triumph! Thank you Leigh I am challenged and ready…😍
January 3, 2025 at 10:57 am
Allison Strick
Congratulations on your debut, Leann–I can’t wait to read it! And I can’t wait to do some emotional digging!
January 3, 2025 at 10:58 am
Michelle Howell Miller
Love your debut book title and can’t wait to read it. Thank you for the exercise suggestion!
January 3, 2025 at 10:59 am
sburdorf
Hello. This may show up as a different name because of my being at work, but I loved the article. All the tips I glean during Storystorm every year are so helpful, but this one is especially helpful as I had to change my perspective! Love it.
Susan Burdorf
January 3, 2025 at 11:00 am
DrZatHome
Yes!! I think thinking about what a kid is NOT ready for makes for a perfect PB idea–the anxiety and tension of it, and the process of getting ready. Love it, thank you!!
January 3, 2025 at 11:03 am
Carrie Logsdon McCullough
Love that using our negative adult emotions can help kids in a positive way!
January 3, 2025 at 11:14 am
Stephanie Wildman
Congratulations on your book! and thanks for the ideas about ideas.
January 3, 2025 at 11:15 am
aubreyalliethewriter
Congrats on your book! It sounds adorable. Loving the book recommendations, and can’t wait to get them all. Thank you for your blog post!
January 3, 2025 at 11:15 am
Zach Roush
Thanks for the ideas/suggesting the book THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY as we sadly might need that soon for us and our 5 yr. old.
January 3, 2025 at 11:17 am
safajar
Love the list of suggested book and using our childhood memories as a source of inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 11:19 am
jaimegpetru
I’m already starting to explore some ideas. Thanks for this idea! Yeti is not Ready for School sounds adorable! Looking forward to reading it
January 3, 2025 at 11:22 am
Christina Dankert
Congratulations on your book! Great ideas to take something small and see where it goes. Thank you for the additional books to explore as well.
January 3, 2025 at 11:24 am
judyrubin13
Congratulations on your new book. How exciting. Also, thank you for sharing your wonderful idea for generating inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 11:26 am
bethsbiblio
Yes, procrastination always a good example. Thank you Leigh Anne and Tara.
January 3, 2025 at 11:27 am
elizabethwilcoxsaba
Thank you Leigh Anne. Looking forward to your book coming out in 2025!
January 3, 2025 at 11:27 am
millerritam
Congratulations on your book! I loved all of these examples, too. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 11:28 am
A. McKay
This is a very interesting approach and one I’m eager to try out. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 11:30 am
kwillette13
A PB I’ve been trying to write for ages has forced me to look inward and ask myself these same questions. I don’t think the story itself is ready to be written though! Maybe if I keep digging it will eventually emerge (: Great advice – thank you! And great example texts.
January 3, 2025 at 11:31 am
Mary Beth Rice
This process is realistic and doable. Thank you for sharing so many examples. Excited about your summer debut!
January 3, 2025 at 11:35 am
Rachelle Burk
This is actually rather eye-opening for me. I look at the stories I’ve written and only one is inspired by my own memories or feelings. I’m going to get this a lot of thought. That’s why I love Storystorm. There’s always a new angle to consider. Thank you for the post.
January 3, 2025 at 11:36 am
shubamohan
Great examples! Thank you and congrats on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 11:37 am
jmoudahi
woohoo! Was so excited to see your name in my inbox today! Great brainstorming exercise 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 11:37 am
Mary A Zychowicz
This was very helpful. I sometimes struggle with finding kid-friendly versions of my adult conflicts. You give great examples of how to do that. Thank you. I have your books on my upcoming list of books to check out. I’m looking forward to seeing your stories!
January 3, 2025 at 11:39 am
Mary Boone
Simple question that really drives a lot of picture books. Thanks for the reminder!
January 3, 2025 at 11:39 am
mlflannigan
congratulations on your debut!thank you for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 11:39 am
Sharon Korzelius
Congratulations on your debut!! I’m using this free write session to work out what some of my characters in other MSs are not ready for as well as generating new PB ideas. Thank you for this prompt! 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 11:42 am
Linda Evans Hofke
Since a good book brings about an emotional response in the reader, it makes sense as a writer to begin with our own emotions when sitting down to write. Thanks for an insightful post, Leigh Anne.
i have a new idea!
January 3, 2025 at 11:43 am
meganewhitaker21
Great ways to distill a grown-up problem down to the kid level. Now I need to look at my old lists to revise some of those ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 11:44 am
claireannette1
Yeti Is Not Ready looks like a delightful book with tons of kid appeal. Congratulations on your debut picture book! Your wonderful post is prompting a number of ideas. Time to write.
January 3, 2025 at 11:47 am
Sue Heavenrich
Leigh Anne, I love how your title rhymes Yeti with Ready. Congrats on your debut picture book! And thanks for the prompt – I was a bit stuck for ideas today until I read this!
January 3, 2025 at 11:48 am
vijikc
Congratulations
January 3, 2025 at 11:49 am
Laurie Elmquist
Thank you for your excellent post Leigh Anne Carter. I love this idea and it took me back to being a kid and something that I dreaded for many days.
January 3, 2025 at 11:53 am
Peggy Dobbs
Thank you for the sweet story examples you shared to illustrate your post. And congratulations on your debut picture book! I’ll look forward to reading it.
January 3, 2025 at 11:53 am
karenrafeedie
Hi Anne – congratulations on YETI IS NOT READY. It sounds delightful.
January 3, 2025 at 11:56 am
Andrea Mack
Thanks for the inspiration! Furiously scribbling down ideas…
January 3, 2025 at 11:57 am
Claudia Sloan
Great question! Thanks for the tip, will give it a try shortly. Congratulations on your debut picture book!!!
January 3, 2025 at 11:59 am
Beth Elliott
Congrats on your debut! I love this idea to dig deep into the big emotions now and reflect on how they “translate” into kid-friendly ones. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm
theliah1
Congratulations on your debut book Leigh Anne! There are so many things I’m not ready for, but you definitely got me thinking. Ideas can come from many different places we just have to realize the potential.
January 3, 2025 at 12:02 pm
mariautumn7c81b37a0a
Thanks for all the examples! It helps to see them. Congratulations on your debut.
January 3, 2025 at 12:02 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so mcuh for the reminder to be honest about our feelings and to use them in our stories!
January 3, 2025 at 12:02 pm
rachelcritchleya061056d76
i did the exercise. I came up with four dreads which are coming up in my life. Then each dread was worked toward a child’s fear in a slightly different aspect. I now have four different ideas just from today. Thanks.
January 3, 2025 at 12:03 pm
hansenjc13
Oooo, I really like this idea of tapping into our own fears to channel an obstacle for our main characters. Thank you for this idea and congratulations on your debut!!
January 3, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Sheri Delgado Preston
Love the title and subject matter of your debut pic book. Congrats to you! Thank you for the honesty info. Great writing advice.
January 3, 2025 at 12:10 pm
serendipityinstars
Looking inside ourselves, digging deep to find story ideas waiting to be written – love it. Off to explore a few that sparked for me.
Congrats on your debut! I’m adding it and the other book recs to my wish list.
January 3, 2025 at 12:12 pm
cassiazaven
Thank you for the post. I enjoyed reading it.
January 3, 2025 at 12:17 pm
nigel8it
This is a very good idea to spark ideas. However, it’s tough putting my dreaded tasks into a child’s perspective. Your post offered food for thought on so many levels- Thank-you! Congrats on your debut book!
January 3, 2025 at 12:19 pm
Linda B
Congrats on your debut book and thanks for sharing your ideas.
January 3, 2025 at 12:20 pm
sue macartney
Leigh Anne, looking forward to reading your debut! Thanks for reminding us to sit with and tap into our own truths and for these great examples of how to adapt them for kids.
January 3, 2025 at 12:22 pm
chris109shestak
Looking forward to sending the book to my grandchildren! Congratulations on your debut
January 3, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Melissa L Lettis
It can feel scary digging in to one’s own fears to write, but it’s so good to. Writing stories from the heart – that’s the goal!
January 3, 2025 at 12:27 pm
nurkoksal
Thank you , great and very useful suggestion ! Probably I will read this post several times💌At one of the workshops I have attended I remember the instructor telling “do not think about what the children need me writing about, but look inside yourself, what do you keep there? “. Your suggestion reminded me this;)
January 3, 2025 at 12:29 pm
wordnerd153
I’ve been avoiding querying for about a year. Wondering how I can turn that into a story 😉
Love The Longest Letsgoboy! Halfway through I was crying so hard that my daughter had to take over and finish reading it out loud.
January 3, 2025 at 12:36 pm
instantfreely29b51b7a71
Thanks, Leigh. You’ve provided an important reminder not to ignore the little nigglings we get at times and to not shy away from what may seem like a difficult subject.
January 3, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Susan Wroble
Loved that technique of taking emotion responses to the things we struggle to face—Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Susan Wroble
Loved that technique of taking emotion responses to the things we struggle to face—Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 12:39 pm
mommamoocow
What am I not ready for? Also, sit with uncomfortable thoughts. Good things to think about.
Sharon Nix Jones
January 3, 2025 at 12:40 pm
heidikyates
I can’t wait to read your adorable sounding debut! And thanks for sharing the helpful story ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 12:40 pm
heidikyates
I can’t wait to read your adorable sounding debut! And thanks for sharing the helpful story ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 12:40 pm
cathystenquist
Congratulations on your book. I appreciate the inspiration to think about what we are not ready for. Thinking about it.. they could be good or bad things. Time to take Tara’s advice and sit and stare awhile on that one 😉
January 3, 2025 at 12:42 pm
shanna813aab5a4c
Congrats on your debut book!
January 3, 2025 at 12:44 pm
katecarroll11
Congrats on your book deal! Digging deep is a great piece of advice. There is always something from childhood that bubbles up that’s worth exploring.
January 3, 2025 at 12:45 pm
mommamoocow
Thank you for the advice. Lots of things to think about.
Sharon Nix Jones
January 3, 2025 at 12:48 pm
Jessica Iwanski
Congratulations on your debut! Can’t wait to read it! 🙂 Drawing from your own experiences truly makes for some of the best stories, in my opinion. Thanks for the reminder, Leigh Ann! (Also thanks for adding some new titles to my library list! Storystorm always has me maxing out my library card.)
January 3, 2025 at 12:49 pm
writersideup
Leigh Anne, congrats on “Yeti”! Facing the unknown and whether or not you’re ready is definitely food for thought! Great post 😀
January 3, 2025 at 12:53 pm
emmelineforrestal
Great post! Congratulations on your debut! 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 12:54 pm
marshaelyn
Massaging our emotions into storytelling for kids is an insightful way to keep ourselves connected to the heart of stories. The books that kids ask to be read again and again. Thank you for reminding us what’s important.
January 3, 2025 at 12:55 pm
kryptonitehappilyee5fa78bf8
A great reminder to flip story ideas or consider the what-ifs!
January 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Mona Pease
Congratulations on your upcoming book, Yeti Is Not Ready. It’s a perfect title with a perfect post to help us get ready for our writing adventures in 2025. Thank you! NowI’m off to jot new thoughts!
January 3, 2025 at 1:04 pm
Katie Marie
thank you for sharing!
—Katie Marie
January 3, 2025 at 1:08 pm
1marth1
Congratulations on the debut of your picture book! I am a procrastinator, so it’s easy for me to think about avoiding dreaded things. This is a good theme for connecting with emotions because everyone has to overcome something that they dread. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Angie
Wow, the emotions in this post filled with ideas! Thanks for this post and great mentor texts!
January 3, 2025 at 1:10 pm
jenniferjschmidte207d3cec9
I love this! I didn’t realize that many of my story ideas are about readiness in some form so it is great to illuminate and recognize that in my story ideas.
January 3, 2025 at 1:10 pm
paulajbecker
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and these samples, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 1:20 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Thanks Leigh and congratulations on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Maria Bursey
My list of things I’m not ready for was longer than I expected and led to some good PB ideas. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 1:22 pm
ninanolanbb7e6b22a8
Wow. I guess I was ready to hear this today. Because it really resonated with me. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 1:23 pm
BirdinaCage
congrats and thank you.
you have to be ready for that!
January 3, 2025 at 1:23 pm
Daryl Gottier
Thanks so much, Leigh Anne. And your debut books looks adorable, congrats!
January 3, 2025 at 1:24 pm
JenFW
Waddaya know, I’m ready to write down today’s story idea! Thanks, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 1:26 pm
LauraN
Wow! I’m not even ready for January! There are so many things!
January 3, 2025 at 1:27 pm
bsenenman
What a wonderful idea. As a former NYC teacher, we worked with writing prompts like ‘first times’ and ‘last times’. I like the idea of ‘not ready for’ and could combine it with first and last.
January 3, 2025 at 1:29 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thanks Leigh Anne. It’s great to remember that all those childhood fears and challenges are there to remember and harvest. Best wishes on your continued success.
January 3, 2025 at 1:30 pm
juliereich
Thank you for this idea! And congratulations on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 1:30 pm
juliereich
Thank you for this idea! And congratulations on your debut!
January 3, 2025 at 1:37 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Congrats on YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL! I love the catchy title and the cover is adorable! This idea-generating tip is perfect for me right now. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 1:41 pm
Carmen Swick-Author
Thanks for the reminder. My first series were prompted from my son’s’ emotions and challenges. Turn something to a positive 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 1:43 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Good advice, Leigh Anne. Emotion is the core of a story. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 1:44 pm
Writer on the run
Great idea to start with the emotion of what we think we are not ready to do or face. Begin with heart to find the story! Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 1:44 pm
joyfullyluminous9a12911037
Sent from my iPhone
January 3, 2025 at 1:47 pm
Sonja McGiboney
Congrats on your debut! This one is not as easy for me since I tend to hold on to all my emotions….wait that’s it… a character might explode with so many emotions… hammm
Yours, Sonja McGiboney Author & Photographer
January 3, 2025 at 1:48 pm
greengirlblueplanet
Ideas are brewing…thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 1:49 pm
Matthew Lasley
Being an elementary educator, I have to deal with SEL a lot! Many of my ideas come from the emotional states that I see in my students. We often deal with the “BIG” emotions but it is just as important to look into the “small” one too. That got me to thinking, what is the difference between a “BIG” and “small” emotion?
January 3, 2025 at 1:50 pm
Karen
I love this idea and I am thinking about grouchy! Not that I am ever grouchy! Thank you for the inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 1:55 pm
tanjabauerle
Thank you so much and congratulation on your debut book. T
January 3, 2025 at 1:57 pm
cherylsec
Thank you so much for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 1:57 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Love this idea! Thank you, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 2:01 pm
sarahscribblesatherton
Thank you for the inspiration, Leigh Anne! Yeti is not ready for school looks great. Congratulations!
January 3, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Lisa Billa
Wow, this works- thank you! There must be a lot I’m not ready for? Your book looks great, congrats!
January 3, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Heidi Chupp
“Whenever I’ve taken time to think about a truth that comes from inside myself, I can usually find a story I want to tell.” Pure gold right there. Thank you! 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 2:03 pm
debjohnson21
Thank you for sharing the inspiring post today! As I sit here waiting on the ginormous snow event that is supposed to give our area up to 12” of the white stuff that I am definitely NOT ready for…I now get to put a new spin on a snow day(s) and look for the fun stuff!
Deb J
January 3, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
A proud SHOUT OUT to all these amazing writers from the SCBWI Carolinas Region. You inspire me! And love that a monster became the scared one in the story. Thanks for challenging us to be HONEST with ourselves. Alicia
January 3, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Cathy Lentes
Yeti is not ready sounds adorable!
January 3, 2025 at 2:12 pm
kelpellico
This sparked a few ideas for me, thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 2:13 pm
literacylizlazar
Wow, I love the idea of taking a negative emotion and creating something positive out of it. It’s a great reminder to “do the work,” dig down deep within and let things flow. It can be a scary process that I sometimes avoid, but it’s true that it can also unblock ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 2:16 pm
heatherstigall
What a great exercise to try! Thanks for the prompt.
January 3, 2025 at 2:17 pm
Brittany Saulnier
Thank you for providing examples!
January 3, 2025 at 2:23 pm
Karen Pickrell
Thanks for the encouragement to dig deep. Congratulations on your debut picture book!
January 3, 2025 at 2:27 pm
rindabeach
Ready, set, and planting seeds in the new year.
January 3, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Michael Benner
I love this idea. There are so many things that kids (and adults) don’t feel ready for and probably just as many that we do feel ready for but maybe aren’t. Congrats on your debut picture book and for introducing this topic to us!
January 3, 2025 at 2:31 pm
ralucasirbu
Interestiong concept, Leigh Anne. Not only overcoming obstacles but highlight how a MC can be prepared to do so. Thank you for offering this idea.
CONGRATULATIONS on your debut PB and sequal.
January 3, 2025 at 2:33 pm
kathleengauer
I love how you used your kindergarten first-day-jitter memories to write “Yeti is Not Ready for School.” Can’t wait to read this inspiring, relatable picture book about courage and friendship.
January 3, 2025 at 2:46 pm
loriwilliamswritingfb07af7163
What an inspiring way to come up with a story that is already within by asking the question- what am I not ready for?
Thank you. I have ideas bubbling up already!
January 3, 2025 at 2:46 pm
LLStauffer
Thanks so much for this! It sparked a childhood memory I’m excited to explore!
January 3, 2025 at 2:48 pm
loriwilliamswritingfb07af7163
Thank you! I already have ideas bubbling up from asking the question- what am I not ready for.
January 3, 2025 at 2:49 pm
Adriana Gutierrez
What a great prompt. I immediately remembered how I felt when I had to go to the dentist as a child!
January 3, 2025 at 2:49 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thanks for this post!
Elizabeth Brown
January 3, 2025 at 2:54 pm
dianemungovan
Love the different takes on this – gets my brain churning.
January 3, 2025 at 2:56 pm
Elayne
I agree; the best books somehow seem to always have the creator’s own experience–even if it’s how they *wish* things had happened–as an undercurrent. Congrats on your upcoming picture book, and planned sequel!
January 3, 2025 at 2:57 pm
Bettie boswell
Congratulations on your book! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a great year.
January 3, 2025 at 2:57 pm
abby mumford
I know it’s only day 3, but I can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite prompts. It’s got big emotions! brainstorming! monsters! a schitt’s creek reference! As a #scaredycat, this is a deep well for me to mine. I can’t wait to get started. Thank you, Leigh Ann! And congrats on your upcoming debut! It sounds delightful. I can’t wait to read it.
January 3, 2025 at 2:58 pm
Danielle Hammelef
I like this idea of translating adult fears into kid-size ones. Thank you for the examples today.
January 3, 2025 at 3:00 pm
karenleewyoming
This is a new concept…taking my aduly concerns and turning thm into kids’ concerns. Thanks! Happy New Year!
January 3, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Thanks for your post Leigh Anne. It’s given me a lot to think about.
January 3, 2025 at 3:05 pm
anaarchistories
Thanks! What a fun trip down memory lane that prompt lead to!
Ana Archi
January 3, 2025 at 3:13 pm
Lorraine McCown
Off to clean my mirrors!
January 3, 2025 at 3:13 pm
maramarakay
Getting ready! 😉
January 3, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Gabi Snyder
This thoughtful exercise inspired some new ideas. Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Charles Trevino
WOW – to be honest and to think about a truth that comes from inside myself.
That resonates!
Thank you:)
January 3, 2025 at 3:25 pm
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for sharing your thoughts =)
January 3, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
LEIGH ANNE: “What am I NOT ready for?” WOW! I have TRULY been PROBED by your question—right to the heart. Instead of trying to ignore such things, I could have had a WHOLE TREASURE TROVE of story ideas generated by now! “What AM I READY for?” I am READY to “dig deep and listen.” THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to remember “honesty can help us use our own experiences and emotions to inspire a story”–and HOPEFULLY INSPIRE those who will read them by helping them to also BE READY. THANK YOU! This post was TRULY needed! I will be returning to it AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!
January 3, 2025 at 3:26 pm
robineditorial
This suggestion helped me return to an idea from last year in a new way :).
January 3, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Laura Baukol
What am (not) I ready for??? What a great contemplation for the new year and for new stories. Thanks for the book examples too!
January 3, 2025 at 3:33 pm
jensubra
Thanks for sharing your inspiration and thought process, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 3:33 pm
Jess
What a great outlook on story writing; looking within leads to great story ideas. I often find books with similar struggles when my son is dealing with something so it makes sense to start there for myself. -Jess
January 3, 2025 at 3:43 pm
awearneauthor
This hits home for me. There are a few things that I’m struggling with when it comes to writing. I have always struggled with asking for help. I find that when I get stuck on a manuscript it’s because I don’t know where to go to for help or even want to ask for help.
January 3, 2025 at 3:47 pm
Bri Lawyer
Congrats on your debut book and for this idea!
January 3, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Buffy Silverman
Love the combination of procrastination and monsters!! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 3:54 pm
ofmariaantonia
Wow! I love this! What a great way to get inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 3:54 pm
Karin Larson
Terrific post and suggestion, thank you. Congratulations on your upcoming books.
January 3, 2025 at 3:56 pm
bkidd8
I’ve never considered thinking about the negative to start a story~What a brilliant way to think about it. Thanks for the idea and best of luck with your debut. How exciting.
January 3, 2025 at 4:03 pm
lucystaugler
Leigh Anne,
I love that inspiration -“ Use your emotion of what you’re not ready for to fuel your writing.” My list has started!!
Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Diane McBee
Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Pamela Morgan
congrats on your book! And really great ideas for generating ideas. I’m going to spend the rest of the day digging deep. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 4:08 pm
Mother Moon
Thank you, Leigh Anne! This post really resonated with me! I’ve been putting off preparing for an upcoming writing conference because I’m anxious about sharing my unpolished work with lots of people. Imposter syndrome is real! But after reading this post, I feel inspired to acknowledge what is uncomfortable, take steps to prepare, and find ways to turn it into a story that kids can relate to.
January 3, 2025 at 4:10 pm
Sandy Bohman
Thanks for the inspiration. I’m ready to generate ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 4:11 pm
Hannah Roy LaGrone
I have a love/hate relationship with this question! Can tell it’s going to be productive. Thank you!! Hannah Roy LaGrone
January 3, 2025 at 4:13 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Great post!
Congratulations on your debut book! It sounds like a fun read.
January 3, 2025 at 4:16 pm
Ellen Leventhal
Great ideas! Congrats on your book, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 4:16 pm
michellesteinberg
Thanks for challenging us with this question. This is a great prompt for story generation as well as taking stock of my writing journey.
January 3, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Bhandi
I’m going to the SCBWI winter conference and I’m not ready. Mostly because that means I have to print out and make book dummies, get my portfolio printed out again, and actually go out and talk to fellow writers/illustrators. I haven’t been to an in person conference since 2019. 😨 social anxiety real bad.
January 3, 2025 at 4:20 pm
okonke28a8a229c9
Congrats on your debut book!
January 3, 2025 at 4:25 pm
creativelygrandac7385f53e
Great material!
All my best,
Laura Handy
January 3, 2025 at 4:26 pm
Annie Guerra
oh my gosh…what great story concepts. I would love to ready The Longedt Letsgoboy…😍
January 3, 2025 at 4:26 pm
Teresa Di Tore
What great ideas this post has! It already got me thinking…
January 3, 2025 at 4:29 pm
Michelle Dragalin
I enjoy the book cover for “Yeti is Not Ready” from school. I love the cover! I believe that the best ideas come from within, and now I just need to dig in and put them together.
January 3, 2025 at 4:34 pm
coachrochelle
Love this!
January 3, 2025 at 4:34 pm
robin jordan
I’m a ‘pantser” so I’m often 100% for anything. That’s OK! Thank you for sharing your inspiration and congratulations on your book!
January 3, 2025 at 4:36 pm
LaurenKerstein
Great post! YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL sounds wonderful!
January 3, 2025 at 4:40 pm
syorkeviney
Leigh Anne your book has a universal appeal as we all doubt whether we are ready and how to trust we are ready for going to Kindergarten or teaching college classes. I can’t wait to purchase your book. It will speak to children, families and teachers! Congrats on this milestone in your career and keep on writing those stories that let us know we can succeed despite our doubts!!!
January 3, 2025 at 5:02 pm
roundswrite
I love this idea for picture books or novel writing. Any problem can be turned into a kid problem and tucked into a novel or the subject of a picture book. Combining this exercise with the STARE commitment, I’ve had a few fun ideas already.
I always say to my own kids as well as my students, “Rest your brain!” Thanks to StoryStorm, I’m remembering to do that for myself and my writing!
January 3, 2025 at 5:04 pm
Teresa 何 Robeson
So true about challenges being a good segue into an interesting story!
January 3, 2025 at 5:05 pm
Jessica Milo
I love this angle on approaching a topic and story idea: readiness! Thanks, Leigh!
January 3, 2025 at 5:05 pm
rosihollinbeck
Thanks for the post and the excellent examples.
January 3, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
enjoyed reading this and it spoke to me thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 5:13 pm
mrbellasgmailcom
Oh boy, so many ideas are dancing in my head! Especially with two of the manuscripts I have been revising. Thank you so much for sharing and the beautiful examples. I can’t wait to read your book, Leigh Anne! Best, Mari
January 3, 2025 at 5:16 pm
observant3f3d95068a
Sounds like something we can all relate to.
Congrats on your new picture book!
Kimberly. Storyteller
January 3, 2025 at 5:22 pm
wheresthedinnerlady
kids have so many big new experiences. I think as adults we don’t realise how brave we expect them to be every day.
January 3, 2025 at 5:26 pm
helenlysicatos
Congratulations on your debut book! Thank you for sharing your writing experience.
January 3, 2025 at 5:27 pm
sjmcc2
Many of my ideas stem from my childhood memories. Currently, I have a new manuscript in the works based on one of those memories. Thank you for extra inspiration I need!
January 3, 2025 at 5:28 pm
marywarth
Thank you for this tip!
January 3, 2025 at 5:29 pm
fearlessbda0d2d850
I like your idea of translating adult things we are not ready for and translating that into a kid’s world. Thanks for sparking a story seed!
January 3, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Lisa L Furness
Love the examples you gave to show your process!
January 3, 2025 at 5:32 pm
stephaniealterjones
how did you know I needed to think about readiness today? Can’t wait to meet Yeti!
January 3, 2025 at 5:32 pm
stephaniealterjones
how did you know I needed to think about readiness today? Can’t wait to meet Yeti!
January 3, 2025 at 5:34 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Thank you for the mentor texts suggestions. I look forward to checking them out!
January 3, 2025 at 5:34 pm
Linda KulpTrout
Thank you for the mentor texts suggestions. I look forward to checking them out!
January 3, 2025 at 5:38 pm
stephaniealterjones
How did you know I needed to think about readiness today? This is really helpful-can’t wait to meet Yeti!
January 3, 2025 at 5:40 pm
Poupette
Interesting prompt and sample PBs. Thanks, and congrats on Yeti!
January 3, 2025 at 5:41 pm
thehugbooks
No! I’m not ready to go deep. But that’s what StoryStorm is for…so let’s go.
January 3, 2025 at 5:42 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Love the title! Good luck with your debut book!
January 3, 2025 at 5:42 pm
Kimberly. Storyteller
I think most of us can relate to that.
Congrats on your picture book!
January 3, 2025 at 5:44 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
Ready or not, here I come! Thanks for the story idea spark. Congrats on your debut. Yeti looks and sounds adorable.
January 3, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Karen Gebbia
This is great! Starting with a feeling often unlocks so many possibilities for story. And I absolutely love the examples you’ve shared (The Longest Lets Go Boy is utterly gorgeous at every level). Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 5:52 pm
totallylegendarye6339e211a
Congrats on your debut picture book and love that the idea came from Storystorm!
January 3, 2025 at 5:55 pm
tinefg
Thank you Leigh Anne, and congratulations on you upcoming release! Starting with feelings, so simple, but with so much potential. Great inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 5:59 pm
marcusewert
I am such a big believer in writing about stuff that I myself am currently feeling! This post is a lovely validation and amplification of that!
Oh and: YETI looks just wonderful!
January 3, 2025 at 6:08 pm
robincurrie1
I love the idea of getting ready – we spend so much time doing it and telling others! These books are great fun!
January 3, 2025 at 6:10 pm
markceilley
I liked all of your examples! They will help me generate ideas for a story. Congratulations on your forthcoming books!
January 3, 2025 at 6:15 pm
noisilyrebel6cffb49901
. . . a soul-searching exercise that provided a productive result.
January 3, 2025 at 6:16 pm
Judy Abelove Shemtob
Sounds like digging deep is the way to go. Thanks for the great suggestions and mentor texts. Congratulations on YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL! What a perfect book that kids can relate to!
January 3, 2025 at 6:17 pm
Mari Richards
it was really good to sit down and think through this as a story starter – I’m always starting stories with a character or situation first, then finding the core message as I go. I’ve been wanting to try it this way, thanks for helping me find the right question to get me started!
January 3, 2025 at 6:18 pm
Amy Martinez
Wow! Thanks for asking me the question I needed to answer today. I was surprised to see what surfaced and the characters that are going on this deep dive journey with me.
January 3, 2025 at 6:19 pm
midfreeman
Enjoyed reading this so much, and I especially appreciated all the clear, practical examples. Thank you!!
January 3, 2025 at 6:27 pm
michelleleewritesmagic
I’ve read all the craft books, but your question, WHAT AM I NOT READY FOR? really simplified so many points, both in PB and novel writing. It’s one of those questions everyone should put on a sticky note and keep on their laptop!
January 3, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Finding Damo
I see adult picture story books on returning to the dating scene, or to work after a long holiday.
January 3, 2025 at 6:32 pm
Gail Aherne
Congratulations Jennifer on your debut picture book! I’m looking forward to it. Yeti’s are very special.😊 Thank you for this terrific post. I never thought of “dreads” as a source of inspiration, but why not!
January 3, 2025 at 6:35 pm
rozanark
Congrats on your new book, it looks amazing! And great new way to brainstorm, thank you for sharing!
January 3, 2025 at 6:36 pm
reluctantspy
Yes. That idea often helps me work on my own problems.
January 3, 2025 at 6:40 pm
njrfahmy
I really enjoy the approach taken here and wrapping it around readiness! I have always worked within special needs populations and there are so many amazing and creative stories with perspectives to be told. Suddenly I can see many emerging if I decided to wrap around this approach of readiness! Love it! It’s possibly my best starting point! Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 6:43 pm
njrfahmy
I really enjoy the approach taken here and wrapping emotions around readiness! I have always worked within special needs populations and there are so many amazing and creative stories with perspectives to be told. Suddenly, I can see many emerging if I decided to wrap around this approach of readiness! Love it! It’s possibly my best starting point! Thank you!
January 3, 2025 at 6:49 pm
staceygustafson
Wonderful inspiration. “here are even more picture books to give you different ideas on how you can work “readiness” into a story.”
January 3, 2025 at 6:50 pm
lodobocreates
This is great advice for adulting too. What am I not ready for? I’ll search for funny or creative ways to prepare for the things I dread doing. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 6:53 pm
Jennifer Weisse
Congratulations on your debut picture book! Thank you for your post. As an early childhood teacher, It led me to think about big emotions & feelings in children…which sparked a few ideas!
January 3, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Jennifer
Thank you for this! What a great thing to channel–something we’re not ready for. That’s something adults and children alike share. And the idea of it helped coalesce an idea bubbling up.
January 3, 2025 at 7:07 pm
Trine Grillo
I think you’re right. Many of the emotions we dealt with in school are universal!
January 3, 2025 at 7:10 pm
Megan McNamara
Wow! These all sound like amazing picture books. They’re going on my TBR List!
January 3, 2025 at 7:19 pm
Shirley Menendez
Congrats on your debut picture book. Thanks for your inspiring ideas.
January 3, 2025 at 7:33 pm
ConstanceL
Yeti is Not Ready looks adorable! thanks for this post!
January 3, 2025 at 7:39 pm
jhall2018
Yeti is Not Ready for School sounds so fun and what a cute cover! I look forward to reading it this summer. Congrats!
January 3, 2025 at 7:41 pm
yangmommy
Congrats on your upcoming book birthday! I’m excited to see who Yeti sees on his first day:) And thx for the tips!
January 3, 2025 at 7:41 pm
yangmommy
Congrats on your upcoming book birthday! I’m excited to see who Yeti sees on his first day:) And thx for the tips!
January 3, 2025 at 7:49 pm
margaretsmn
This prompt worked well for me. Thanks.
January 3, 2025 at 7:49 pm
Mary Ann Cortez
Great suggestions on how to use past experiences to generate new ideas that kids can relate too. Also, your Yeti story looks adorable.
January 3, 2025 at 7:54 pm
cravevsworld
Thank you for sharing.
January 3, 2025 at 8:03 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Thank you Leigh, I’m already thinking. Congratulations on your debut book baby too 🎉✍️🏽📚
January 3, 2025 at 8:07 pm
cathy
Using moments from your past to inspire stories for the future. Thanks for the tip.
January 3, 2025 at 8:07 pm
Srividhya Venkat
Congratulations on your debut!! And thank you for this inspiring post.
January 3, 2025 at 8:08 pm
srkckass
I came up with a funny idea from just reading your words. Thanks for your post!
January 3, 2025 at 8:10 pm
B Jett
I can’t wait to read your book!
January 3, 2025 at 8:17 pm
Bethanny Parker
I love the title of your book! 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 8:18 pm
mariamd542
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2025 at 8:23 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
You had me at David (Schitt’s Creek). 🙂 teresa mi schaefer
January 3, 2025 at 8:24 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
This was a easy way to get a bunch of ideas down. Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 8:30 pm
suesutherland2007
Ugh! I am having a hard time leaving comments. But I got 3 ideas just from this one article. Can’t wait for Yeti!!
January 3, 2025 at 8:35 pm
Dannielle Viera
Great tips!
January 3, 2025 at 8:37 pm
brintonculp
I dug deep and found an idea–thanks! And Yeti looks awesome!
January 3, 2025 at 8:44 pm
sharonkdal
This is a super helpful tip for me. Thank you Leigh! And thank you for all those amazing examples.
January 3, 2025 at 8:52 pm
geigerlin
Congrats on your upcoming release! Re-visiting emotions has created a jumping-off point for a story I’ve been itching to write! Thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 8:53 pm
kamalani3
Yes, Leigh Anne, I’m ready to plant my next story seed! Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration!
January 3, 2025 at 8:53 pm
marty
Thank you, Leigh Anne. Sitting with what feels unresolved has authentic story fodder! Turning our adult predicaments into relatable hurdles of our target audience brings kids close to the feelings that we feel. I’m looking forward to YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL. Your title has lovely internal rhyme. Congratulations on the second YETI in the wings already.
Thank you, Tara, for inviting Leigh Anne to StoryStorm with all of us.
January 3, 2025 at 8:55 pm
Dana Atnip
Looking forward to reading your debut picture book, Leigh Anne! Congratulations!
January 3, 2025 at 8:59 pm
jessicafgwrites
Thanks for the post and the prompt! I still haven’t recovered from reading The Longest LetsGoBoy…😭
January 3, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Steena Hernandez
Thanks for the inspiration, Leigh Anne! Your book looks so cute and I can’t wait to read it!
January 3, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Steena Hernandez
Thanks for the inspiration, Leigh Anne! Your book looks so cute and I can’t wait to read it!
January 3, 2025 at 9:03 pm
fleischmana6
Thanks for the inspiration and congrats on your first book!
January 3, 2025 at 9:03 pm
Andrea Yomtob
very helpful- thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 9:06 pm
rachelgrodsky
This is a great writing tip, thanks!
January 3, 2025 at 9:12 pm
ljtouche
Thank you for the inspiration.
January 3, 2025 at 9:13 pm
Anne C. Bromley
Thank you for this post that has me thinking about how a memory turns into inspiration. Wishing you all the best as your first book goes out into the world,
January 3, 2025 at 9:17 pm
kirstenbockblog
Thanks for the inspiring post! I could tell you were a North Carolinian by your awesome book examples! I’m in NC too!
January 3, 2025 at 9:20 pm
emmiewerner
Thank you for sharing your book and examples of other books❤️❤️❤️❤️Sent from my iPad
January 3, 2025 at 9:21 pm
emilysunli
Thank you for this great idea!
January 3, 2025 at 9:22 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Honestly, there is a good story there!
January 3, 2025 at 9:24 pm
Laya Steinberg
Congrats on your debut! Yeti looks adorable!
January 3, 2025 at 9:36 pm
Jennifer Kennedy
Love this prompt! I dread lots of things, so many good ideas to come from that
January 3, 2025 at 9:42 pm
authordebradaugherty
Congratulations on your debut picture book. Yeti is sure to delight any child starting school. Yeti may not be ready, but I am. I’m ready to come up with a new PB idea!
January 3, 2025 at 9:46 pm
R.G. Spaulding
Congrats on the Yeti PB and thanks for sharing your process.
January 3, 2025 at 9:48 pm
tracyschuldthelixon
Oooh! Three ideas in five minutes after reading this post. Thank you, and congratulations on Yeti is Not Ready!
January 3, 2025 at 9:51 pm
Janette Johnson Melson
Writing about kid versions of adult problems is a great idea. I think your yeti book looks precious.
January 3, 2025 at 10:13 pm
Becca McMurdie
Great approach! Congrats on YETI and your upcoming books!
January 3, 2025 at 10:22 pm
supermario6
love the title of your book- very clever! I wonder if you thought of this title before you wrote the story.
January 3, 2025 at 10:23 pm
redreadsandwrites
Thanks for the great prompt idea and a peek at your adorable new book! I like the idea of kid-ifying adult things we are not ready for. I love having other mentor texts to explore!
January 3, 2025 at 10:34 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Some great ideas started flowing from this prompt. Thanks! What a great book title and concept. Brava!
January 3, 2025 at 10:41 pm
Yashika Mody
So much to tap into from our own emotions and experiences! Thanks for the tip!
January 3, 2025 at 10:43 pm
writeremmcbride
Oooooooooh, you have some ideas flowing….how many things am I dreading/putting off? Why? Hmmmmmm. How timely that StoryStorm meets the beginning of the New Year! Thank you for this inspiring post, Leigh Anne. Congratulations on your TWO books!
January 3, 2025 at 11:00 pm
brightwishbooks
So many great examples! Thanks for sharing!
-Amy Mucci
January 3, 2025 at 11:04 pm
Danya Vasquez David
Congrats on your book baby!! And for your wonderful insight.
January 3, 2025 at 11:06 pm
Jenn Gaulding
“Whenever I’ve taken time to think about a truth that comes from inside myself, I can usually find a story I want to tell.” This is a beautiful line worth sitting with for a while. Thank you for this!
January 3, 2025 at 11:25 pm
Monica Acker
Time to be honest with myself and find the story seed within.
January 3, 2025 at 11:27 pm
Kelly A.
Your debut looks adorable! 🙂
January 3, 2025 at 11:29 pm
schellijo
Congratulations! Thanks for the great ideas and inspiration. I enjoyed reading this.
January 3, 2025 at 11:29 pm
Andy Wowor
“Not ready” is such a relatable feeling. I’m excited to continue to dig deep and see what stories emerge. Thanks for the inspiration, Leigh Anne!
January 3, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
What a fresh way to generate ideas! Thank you.
January 3, 2025 at 11:43 pm
carolynscombs
I have a yeti story too, but I’m not ready to share it. Maybe now is the time. Thank you, Leigh Anne! Big congratulations to you!
January 3, 2025 at 11:45 pm
helen16hayden
Same, same, different. Not being ready is a great universal theme and your suggestion is certainly a different way of generating ideas. Thank you.
January 3, 2025 at 11:54 pm
lauraortmanbrock
Thanks for this idea, Leigh Anne and Tara!
January 4, 2025 at 12:12 am
shiny694294aa4c
Thanks for the inspiration. I am brainstorming my not ready idea for a fresh twist. Congratulations for having two Yeti books coming out in the future.
January 4, 2025 at 12:18 am
JF Hall Writes
Congratulations on your debut — and its upcoming sequel! How exciting. And thank you for such great tips and examples from various books. Emotions are so powerful; yet I never thought about harnessing them as brainstorming fuel. Brilliant. Thank you!
January 4, 2025 at 12:22 am
Deena
Yeti is a great character! Big and strong but still nervous. I love the juxtaposition. Thx for the post!
January 4, 2025 at 12:25 am
Laura
You’re debut sounds adorable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on ‘readiness’ for inspiration.
January 4, 2025 at 12:29 am
Jacinta Patterson
This particular prompt couldn’t have been more timely for me!
January 4, 2025 at 12:43 am
Amy Moore
Thank you for this post. And congratulations on your debut this summer! I can’t wait to read it!
January 4, 2025 at 12:45 am
brisklyd47fd463d1
Really interested to see what will come up for me thanks for the prompt
January 4, 2025 at 1:00 am
amandalittleauthor
Congrats on your book and thank you for sharing your ideas! I feel like my 5 yo is never ready for the next thing, no matter how much fun. Transitions are hard! Good food for thought.
January 4, 2025 at 1:03 am
Maria Johnson
I was reading this entry aloud to a writer friend of mine and got to the first line: “What are you not ready for?” Immediately my 4yo daughter replied, “Harper!” We had the greatest laugh. When she’s asleep, I’ll try to really take a crack at this. Can’t wait to feel all those feels!
January 4, 2025 at 1:03 am
tarjahelenanevala
Thank you for the inspiration.
Tarja Helena Nevala
January 4, 2025 at 1:04 am
apichardo56
Congratulations Leigh Anne on your picture book coming out this year. I remember my mom sitting me next to another red haired girl on my first day of kindergarten. I was terribly shy. Thank you for sending me down memory lane.
January 4, 2025 at 1:04 am
Daniella Kaufman
Congrats on your debut book, and thank you for sharing this thoughtful exercise! Great post!
January 4, 2025 at 2:28 am
Maria Marshall
Congrats Leigh on you debut! It sounds like lots of fun! Thanks for the other examples as well. Can’t wait to further explore some of the things I jotted down. Appreciate all the ideas!
January 4, 2025 at 2:34 am
Janice Woods
Thanks for sharing and congratulations!
January 4, 2025 at 4:18 am
LaVern
Thanks for the tip. The best books are when the characters grow.
January 4, 2025 at 4:47 am
Kaye Baillie
Thank you Leigh Anne for the inspiration. Your post has got me thinking.
January 4, 2025 at 5:42 am
kellie906ce70f01
Thank you. Great inspiration. So much task avoidance here right now – so plenty of ideas. Congrats on Yeti too.
January 4, 2025 at 6:13 am
Jocelyn Rish
YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL sounds adorable! Congrats!
January 4, 2025 at 7:00 am
chrisynthia
Congratulations on your debut book. How exciting that it was a Storystorm isea too. That gives me hope.
January 4, 2025 at 7:00 am
chrisynthia
Congratulations on your debut book. How exciting that it was a Storystorm isea too. That gives me hope.
January 4, 2025 at 7:00 am
chrisynthia
Congratulations on your debut book. How exciting that it was a Storystorm isea too. That gives me hope.
January 4, 2025 at 7:36 am
Elizabeth Volkmann
(A day late – traveling yesterday!) I did this exercise on the plane and loved the layers it kept revealing. Learning more about my own patterns as I unpacked my “I’m Not Ready’s” was revealing and gives me great information about the characters I tend to create! Thank you.
January 4, 2025 at 8:15 am
Shelley Isaacson
Great tips! Thank you!
January 4, 2025 at 8:54 am
ejessmurray
Super helpful post and thanks for sharing some good reads!
January 4, 2025 at 9:09 am
Kelly Hibbert
I’m not sure I’m even ready to write a list. But that could be an idea in itself! Thanks Leigh Anne and enjoy your first book baby coming into the world.
January 4, 2025 at 9:09 am
Kelly Hibbert
I’m not sure I’m even ready to write a list. But that could be an idea in itself! Thanks Leigh Anne and enjoy your first book baby coming into the world.
January 4, 2025 at 9:12 am
Lindsay Moretti
Congrats on your debut PB! Loved the ideas this generated. Thanks for the prompt!
January 4, 2025 at 9:34 am
thelisahealy
I can’t wait to read YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL! Your personal childhood struggle brought back first grade memories memories and gave me a big picture book idea I can’t wait to draft!
January 4, 2025 at 9:50 am
lindakaychavezbooks
I really like the idea of exploring things we aren’t quite ready for! Thank you!
January 4, 2025 at 10:37 am
Fiona Bannatyne
Love this idea – 2 ideas already from it. So simple but goes straight to the emotional heart. Thank you! And good luck with your debut, very exciting.
January 4, 2025 at 10:45 am
doristone
Congratulations and thank you for the tips!
January 4, 2025 at 10:56 am
joanwaites
Congratulations on the publication of your first book!
January 4, 2025 at 11:38 am
instantfreely29b51b7a71
Thank you, Leigh. Really enjoyed your suggestions, and congrats on the book launch!
January 4, 2025 at 11:58 am
Gretchen McLellan
Congrats on your debut book! Enjoy every moment and all the opportunities it brings (even if you don’t feel ready for them). All of us have experienced imposter syndrome right along side your Yeti. This one will be a hit!
January 4, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Thank you for the reminder we all have these story seeds inside us and we just need patience and dedication to make sure they have a chance to grow.
January 4, 2025 at 12:17 pm
S. K. Wenger
ready or not, stories are waiting. Thanks for the inspirational reminder for hinging them on emotion. And congratulations on your debut!
January 4, 2025 at 12:21 pm
8catpaws
When I was in 2nd grade, I was not ready to move. My parents took me to a restaurant in the new state. It had a giant aquarium embedded in the wall. But the fish were not my friends. I didn’t want to leave my real friends behind! How was I going to make new ones?
January 4, 2025 at 12:28 pm
Lynne Marie
Love this post and how it shows to make adult problems more kid-friendly for picture book context! Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to share as well with RYS Members.
January 4, 2025 at 12:29 pm
abigailkikuchi
I found this so helpful for thinking through some new ideas, and also for seeing parallels in the things both me and my 3 year old are not looking forward to! (End of the holidays!)
Thank you for some great writing time!
January 4, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Mary Jane Muir
There are so many things I am not ready for. I love this idea.
January 4, 2025 at 12:46 pm
amybeth349
What a great idea 💡 to write about readiness or not readiness. I love learning something new each day.
January 4, 2025 at 12:56 pm
suejeanko
Thanks, Leigh Anne! So agree. I find it’s so great on several levels to use current fears; the essential fears never change, ha!
January 4, 2025 at 1:02 pm
Eileen Mayo
Congrats on your debut PB! Love your prompt ideas.
January 4, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Christine Pinto
A great exercise to connect the problems of the adult writer to the emotional connection a picture book needs. Thanks!
January 4, 2025 at 1:08 pm
Laurie Seaford
Congratulations on your debut! I love your cover illustration of Yeti–so inviting and relatable. Thank you for the reminder to tap into our emotions for a real story.
January 4, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Em Gilliam
This was a great post! I love the way the prompt-question “what am I not ready for?” can apply to small things and big experiences, what a fun way to generate ideas. Thank you.
January 4, 2025 at 1:15 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Fun way to turn something dreaded into something accomplished!
January 4, 2025 at 1:16 pm
charlineburga
Thank you for the post! The thing that I’m not ready to do is write a novel. It feels safe to stick to PBs, something I know. We’ll see what I can come up with for a kid fear. Excited to brainstorm!
January 4, 2025 at 1:18 pm
laurakbower
Congratulations on your debut Leigh Anne! I love the idea of thinking of “what are you not ready for?” — built-in conflict! 🙂 Thanks for a great post!
January 4, 2025 at 1:19 pm
Christine Van Zandt, MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS (Beaming Books, 2024)
I like this kind of opposite way to work into a story. Thanks!
January 4, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Johanna Peyton
This was a wonderful post and brought up a lot of emotions for me. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 4, 2025 at 1:37 pm
theresastales
Love how your story brings to mind so many possibilities.
January 4, 2025 at 1:48 pm
Teresa Rodrigues
Congrats on your upcoming books and thanks for the tips, Leigh Anne!
January 4, 2025 at 1:55 pm
Marie Prins
Congratulations on Yeti! I’d love to read it. Also thanks for your post. It asked questions that the MC in my picture book just might be struggling with.
January 4, 2025 at 2:35 pm
Sydnie Kleinhenz
I love THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY. Thanks for your ideas.
January 4, 2025 at 3:00 pm
flewk1
Thank you for the brainstorming idea. I also appreciate the list of books you mention. And your own, of course!
January 4, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Angela De Groot
I’ll be looking out for Yeti. The cover is adorable. Thanks for sharing your tips on how to channel adult feelings into picture book ideas – I’m getting ready to dig deep.
January 4, 2025 at 3:04 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Lovely. Yes, powerful, emotive story ideas are the best.
January 4, 2025 at 3:28 pm
theinfamousmissbeth
Thank you 😊
January 4, 2025 at 3:50 pm
horsewriterlady
I’ve realized that drawing from my own emotions will make the story stronger. Thank you for this reminder. Congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to read it!
January 4, 2025 at 4:31 pm
Marilyn Wolpin
Emotions are always a great jumping off point for a story. Thanks for the books – my TBR list just keeps growing. I’ll be looking for your Yeti books too!
January 4, 2025 at 4:32 pm
Jamie Donahoe
Oh, I loved Yeti’s story! Thanks for the post and strategy
January 4, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Laura Renauld
Congrats on your debut!
January 4, 2025 at 4:50 pm
beaumontsd2
A powerful place to write from! A great reminder and inspiration. Thank you, Leigh Anne!
January 4, 2025 at 5:02 pm
Sara Matson
Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Erik Ammon
Those are some awesome idea creators! Thank you so much. Congratulations on your debut!
January 4, 2025 at 5:46 pm
Brenna Jeanneret
I am good at humor and terrible at heart. I love the idea of starting with an emotion/heart and going from there!
January 4, 2025 at 6:00 pm
kelliannedy
Congrats on your book! Thanks for your post!
January 4, 2025 at 6:13 pm
michelerietz
Thanks, Leigh Anne. Getting honest is scary, but sounds like a good thing to try.
Congrats on your debut book.
January 4, 2025 at 7:04 pm
pleasantd86c910110
Honesty is best.
January 4, 2025 at 7:18 pm
ssjaslove
I love the idea of what am I not ready for. Am I ready to be a grandmother? My brand new granddaughter thinks I am. And so begins a new story.
January 4, 2025 at 7:34 pm
Andrew Fairchild
This post hit home. I always feel like I am in a race, not against anyone, but rather myself. It’s hard to be kind to yourself and tell yourself that baby steps are ok. I think we all feel that we have to make ‘leap and bound’ moves. Thank you SO much for this post!
January 4, 2025 at 7:46 pm
michellehlosardo
Thank you for a prompt that is so relatable!
January 4, 2025 at 7:59 pm
Jacqueline Adams
This is something I would never have thought of. Thanks, and congratulations on the Yeti books!
January 4, 2025 at 8:27 pm
jindreame
Love the different picture book examples.
January 4, 2025 at 8:34 pm
ellenbari
Thanks so much Leigh Ann! Appreciate your inspiration and also the additional examples from other authors.
Best of luck with your new book!
January 4, 2025 at 9:12 pm
Heather Riccio
Congrats on your upcoming debut picture book YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL. It sounds adorable!
January 4, 2025 at 9:35 pm
schumerthc
Congrats on your debut book! Thanks for sharing this post with us.
January 4, 2025 at 9:43 pm
sandwichalmost3f2d1ab050
yup, ready to plant next story seed!
January 4, 2025 at 9:52 pm
stacyallen
sitting with big emotions is a really good idea. Congrats on your Yeti pb!!
January 4, 2025 at 10:20 pm
jantsuhr
Thanks Leigh Anne! You’ve given me some gems to work with. I’m looking forward to reading “Yeti is Not Ready for School”.
January 4, 2025 at 10:36 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Enjoyed reading your post.
January 4, 2025 at 10:39 pm
Susan Claus
I can attest that patrons are ALWAYS looking for books like this at our library.
January 4, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
I really enjoyed this blog post Leigh Anne. There can never be enough SEL Books, and this one looks at a real, and regular “problem” with sensitivity and allowing space to change one’s mind. I also got to write about new school jitters, by interviewing the outgoing 4th grade, who was moving on to middle school. I was glad to make a funny song letting kids know the jitters are real but it’ll be ok and included humor when able. Please enter me in a drawing for this fun and serious- but – not book, when it is released. Congratulations on making a Storystorm idea become a real book. This is an inspirational month! Stay well. Peace, Annie
January 4, 2025 at 11:17 pm
kurtzmom548513
So many situations would fit this pattern/Thanks for the suggestions and examples!.
January 4, 2025 at 11:28 pm
jennifernestorauthor
Our childhood memories truly help guide our writing angles! My first picture book themes were directly related to situations I experienced myself as a kid.
January 5, 2025 at 12:50 am
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
Thanks! I took notes on every idea you shared. Wonderful information!
January 5, 2025 at 1:03 am
jilltatara
Digging deep isn’t always the easiest thing for me. But you’ve inspired me to try! Making something that could be considered scary into something fun or funny really does sound relatable for young and old alike. Thank you for this post! And I can’t wait to read your book!
January 5, 2025 at 1:43 am
Stefan Karlsson
This prompt was a real challenge, oof, but one I definitely needed. Thank you, Leigh Anne!
January 5, 2025 at 1:51 am
Judith Snyder
Thank you for an idea that will keep on producing more ideas. Congratulations on your first book deal.
January 5, 2025 at 1:57 am
Judy Sobanski
Thank you for sharing ways to dig deep to find story ideas!
January 5, 2025 at 1:57 am
puppeteriabooknook
Thanks for your challenging ideas. I have one simmering about a boy who is ready to attend a birthday party, but in his eagerness, gets ready way to early (as in a week beforehand!).
January 5, 2025 at 2:02 am
sdscottwritere2ea7c1ce4
Thanks so much for this post. There are so many things I’m not ready for (!!) so I’m sure I’ll be able to glean many story ideas here.
January 5, 2025 at 3:14 am
Suhasini Gupta
Congratulations on your debut book, Leigh! And thanks for sharing this post.
January 5, 2025 at 7:29 am
Yehudit Sarah
Congratulations on your book and thanks for this idea. It put me right into brainstorming mode.
January 5, 2025 at 7:29 am
Yehudit Sarah
Congratulations on your book and thanks for this idea. It put me right into brainstorming mode.
January 5, 2025 at 9:05 am
beyondthesmalltalk955835710
I love what came out of this (an entire PB draft 😄)! Thank you!
January 5, 2025 at 9:21 am
jimchaize1
I will be considering “what am I not ready for?” Thanks, Leigh Anne.
January 5, 2025 at 9:23 am
kiwijenny
I love your advice. Congratulations on your first book. Yahoo.
January 5, 2025 at 9:35 am
Juli Jones
Thank you for sharing your work and idea generating tips with us. Your books look adorable!
January 5, 2025 at 9:57 am
Danette
This advice was very helpful. And I like your novel PB character, Yeti.
January 5, 2025 at 10:21 am
Abby Wooldridge
Love the ready/not ready themes and the way you tapped into your inner child. Thanks for sharing the process for your book, and congratulations! I can’t wait to read it!–Abby Wooldridge
January 5, 2025 at 10:22 am
cjfriess
Congratulations on the publication of YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL, Leigh Anne – it looks adorable!
January 5, 2025 at 11:32 am
elise304
Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Congratulations on your book!
January 5, 2025 at 11:42 am
clairebobrow
I like your suggestion to face things we’re avoiding by writing them down, and thinking about them through the eyes of a child. Good strategy, and excellent pb idea generator! Congrats on your debut!!
January 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm
laureannawrites
Ugh. Dishes. It’s always dishes. Maybe a book about procrastination?!?
January 5, 2025 at 12:20 pm
Dea Brayden
Congrats on your book and thanks for this inspiration. Grabbing a cup of tea to ponder what I’m not ready for. A few things coming to mind as I type!
January 5, 2025 at 12:24 pm
JoLynne Whalen
Great advice to dig deep. And congratulations on your debut book!
January 5, 2025 at 12:59 pm
Charlotte Glaze
the best stories come from our deep emotions.
January 5, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Ali V. (they/them)
excellent advice- thank you!
January 5, 2025 at 2:09 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you, your thoughts have given me new ideas.
January 5, 2025 at 2:16 pm
Rona Shirdan
Great advice. Thank you!
January 5, 2025 at 2:25 pm
chaunceyelephant
The relatablity from adult to child emotions is lovely – looking forward to exploring this.
January 5, 2025 at 4:05 pm
carmen2750
What a clever idea to use a creature such as a yeti as a main character instead of a human being. This book is very relatable to young children since so many have fears dealing with new experiences, unknown places and strangers. Will definitely check it out at my local library!!
January 5, 2025 at 4:10 pm
Carrie Cook
thanks for the encouragement and inspiration
January 5, 2025 at 5:13 pm
jcherney3
I Can’t wait to read your new book. It sounds like a great one. Thank you
January 5, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Hélène Sabourin
I like your process. It can definitely lead to interesting stories.
January 5, 2025 at 6:45 pm
Jan Milusich
I appreciated your point of view, Leigh Ann, thank you.
January 5, 2025 at 7:26 pm
Mari Miyagi
I have tried this approach before and listed some incidents and emotions with them, but it’s not been very successful YET! This year I will revisit the list and revise my manuscript! Thank you for the reminder!!
January 5, 2025 at 7:47 pm
Summer Quigley
Thanks Leigh Anne, I’m off to dig deep and plant seeds.
January 5, 2025 at 8:17 pm
tenacious1ac9ccdf2f
Congratulations, Leigh! I like going back to my childhood searching for ideas. I hope someday soon, one of them will pop!
January 5, 2025 at 8:30 pm
Jessie D. Phillips
I liked the fresh perspective here! Thank you Leigh Anne!
January 5, 2025 at 8:38 pm
erozmus
Now the ideas are flowing…there are so many ways to transfer adult “don’t want tos” to a child’s.
January 5, 2025 at 9:12 pm
krharrellnw
I’ve read “The Longest Lestsgoboy.” It’s a great example of being written in an interesting voice while tackling a difficult subject.
January 5, 2025 at 9:18 pm
timeless102
Lovely, thank you!
January 5, 2025 at 10:12 pm
lbsimaginarium
Being honest makes our stories more authentic and children are very good at knowing what is genuine. Thank you for sharing!
January 5, 2025 at 11:18 pm
Shirley fadden
Congratulations on your beautiful debut book!
January 6, 2025 at 12:00 am
Olivia Fisher
That was a great article to jumpstart my ideas. I love the idea of what’s something difficult that you know you need to tackle.
January 6, 2025 at 2:45 am
optimisticd396080380
Putting to paper the stories within us…can make good children’s literature and provide therapy at the same time! Shedding light on the importance of self-awareness in children’s stories can be illuminating and hopefully, provide guidance. Sounds like Yeti does just that!
January 6, 2025 at 8:57 am
adavis6385
Love this concept! Thanks!
January 6, 2025 at 9:13 am
cindyjohnson2013
Such a wonderful idea – to approach a story from the feelings first. Thank you!
January 6, 2025 at 9:14 am
Joy Pitcairn
thanks for sharing this idea! And congratulations on your debut! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
January 6, 2025 at 9:35 am
Jane Dippold
Using difficult emotions for ideas brings up memories quickly of the ups and downs of being a kid. Thanks for the idea and congrats on your new book!!
January 6, 2025 at 9:38 am
elisederstine
Thanks for sharing — this helped me dig into some new ideas!
January 6, 2025 at 11:09 am
Prairie Garden Girl
I am ready to listen, dig deep, and plant seeds for new story ideas.
Thank you.
Suzy Leopold
January 6, 2025 at 11:41 am
clcoate
Thank you for your insight!
January 6, 2025 at 11:48 am
dlapmandi
Thanks for reminding us to use emotional triggers to tell your story. I especially loved the spotlight on NC writers.
January 6, 2025 at 11:50 am
carochamberlain
This was so helpful! I am going to choose to be more curious about my fears this year!
January 6, 2025 at 11:53 am
carochamberlain
This was so helpful! I’m going to choose to be curious about my fears this year. Thank you!
January 6, 2025 at 11:53 am
naturewalkwithgod
Thank you for including book examples with similar themes. Fascinating to see how different they are. –Kim Peterson
January 6, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Kimberly Venturi Yavorski
Thinking about what we dread sounds like a great way to come up with a story idea that will be appealing to adults and kids alike. Thanks for the suggestion!
January 6, 2025 at 12:41 pm
daydreambelievin
Thanks for the great tip, and I love the David GIF!
January 6, 2025 at 12:56 pm
Katie Schwartz
This resonates with me as I have wrestled with a past emotional upheaval, and have thought to myself that writing about in a kid friendly way might reach others. Thank you for this idea!
January 6, 2025 at 12:59 pm
KarenL
This one was reflective for me.
January 6, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Rebecca Colby
This really resonates with where I am in my life and couldn’t have been more timely. Thank you!
January 6, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Lisa Riddiough
This is a lovely post. Thank you and congrats on your debut.
January 6, 2025 at 1:53 pm
susaninez0905
Great suggestions to use your emotions – experience them and set them free; while getting creative at the same time. 🙂
January 6, 2025 at 2:29 pm
Nadine Poper
Congratulations on Yeti! Very inspirational.
January 6, 2025 at 3:01 pm
Jennifer Vento
Thanks for sharing this idea. And it is very inspiring to hear your success story as well!
January 6, 2025 at 3:04 pm
effiekoliopoulos
Thank you for sharing this. It’s helped me brainstorm one of my stories I’ve been revising for awhile now.
January 6, 2025 at 3:06 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Congrats on your debut!!!
January 6, 2025 at 3:12 pm
Bronte
thank you! Great suggestions and love the reference books. Congrats on your debut PB!
January 6, 2025 at 3:12 pm
Laura Wippell
Congrats on your debut, Leigh Anne! What a great question you posed. We so often think about what we ARE ready for, so I loved turning this on its head as it made me reflect on potential story ideas (and my life) in a new way. Thank you!
January 6, 2025 at 4:10 pm
anakellyinla
Congrats on your debut PB and what great advice. Thank you, Leigh Anne!
January 6, 2025 at 4:22 pm
Deborah Buschman
Congrats on your Yeti books. That’s fabulous. I am thinking of when I had to go to our cousins house and they weren’t very nice.
January 6, 2025 at 4:29 pm
rekrall@yahoo.com
Great ideas! Your Yeti book sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing!
January 6, 2025 at 4:46 pm
joanswanson58
If I dig really deep and be honest with myself, there are so many things that i’m putting off for fear seems to be taking over. I have seen so many things going wrong and the consequences of what happens. I wish I could show our little ones that it is okay, but first, I have to show them first that I’m willing to do it too. Thank you for your post, and I’m putting in a New years resolution to be braver and not to let fear take over!
January 6, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
This sounds like a good method for creating a manuscript with emotional resonance. Thank you.
January 6, 2025 at 5:11 pm
K.A.
Thank you for the advice. Congratulations on your new book!
January 6, 2025 at 5:19 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Thanks for the examples!
January 6, 2025 at 5:30 pm
valerieschultz023gmailcom
My list of Not Ready Fors is long! I should get lots of ideas. Thanks!
January 6, 2025 at 5:36 pm
Marianna Kassai
Congratulations to your debut Picture Book, how exciting. Thank you for sharing your suggestions Leigh Anne.
January 6, 2025 at 5:37 pm
sdscottwritere2ea7c1ce4
I’m a big believer in the power of SEL stories, and I particularly liked your point about story first. Thanks for so many practical tips, and congratulations on your book baby.
January 6, 2025 at 6:59 pm
Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Great way into a story!
January 6, 2025 at 7:08 pm
Mandie S
Wow this is what I needed! I have been dreading a lot lately and it was so interesting to connect some of that translates to children.
January 6, 2025 at 7:44 pm
kkeppol
Thank you for sharing.
January 6, 2025 at 10:34 pm
susan8f64e325b6
Great way to dive into emotions.
January 6, 2025 at 11:05 pm
nycbgriffin
I loved this post. Another great mentor text on this theme is Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall.
January 6, 2025 at 11:51 pm
Patricia Toht
Congratulations on YETI IS NOT READY FOR SCHOOL! It looks adorable! I like the introspection you used to uncover the story.
January 7, 2025 at 12:54 am
Acamy Schleikorn
Thank you! That’s a good reminder to dig deep to see what stories can come of it.
January 7, 2025 at 8:26 am
thedillard5
Congratulations on your debut book, Leigh Anne! I’m looking forward to reading it! 🙂
January 7, 2025 at 9:15 am
Robin Perkins
Thank you Leigh Anne. Best luck with your book launch. I can’t wait to read it!
Robin Perkins
January 7, 2025 at 10:32 am
Patti Ranson
A memory from an early grade has been jarred loose from my mind – thank you!
January 7, 2025 at 2:44 pm
ashleydbankhead
this is such a great idea to write about readiness! This is very relatable to so many kids. Thanks for the post!
January 7, 2025 at 2:48 pm
nazb0e1d8afb704
Congratulations on your debut pb! I used to teach at a school where our mascot was the Yeti (our motto: “Impossible is Not”) so I love learning about this book and appreciate your idea for finding inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
January 7, 2025 at 3:11 pm
jenwritespbs
I tried it out and it worked- I got a new idea! Thank you!
January 7, 2025 at 4:31 pm
Lisa M. Horn
Congratulations on your debut picture book, Leigh Anne! Can’t wait to read it. Childhood memories (when you do a deeper dive) are a great inspiration for new story ideas! Thank you for your post.
January 7, 2025 at 4:36 pm
ashleystormbooks
Yeti is Not Ready for School looks adorable. I love that it was an idea that came to you during STORYSTORM!
January 7, 2025 at 4:55 pm
Teresa Fales
This hits me right where I’ve been living lately. Thanks for the encouragement to channel my own struggles into a kid-relatable story.
January 7, 2025 at 5:44 pm
Tatum Evans
How cool hearing from a storystorm participant about a storystorm idea that turned into a real, live book!
January 7, 2025 at 5:48 pm
brigitus6620
Love the book suggestions!
January 7, 2025 at 8:14 pm
Angela Martinelli
Wow! This exercise was enlightening, therapeutic, and helped me come up with story ideas! It not only helped me tackle the things I’ve been putting off in my daily life, but helped me in my writing journey as well! Thank you Leigh Anne!
January 7, 2025 at 8:19 pm
leahrosekessler
I was surprised at how easy it was to list and list and list and list things big and small that I wasn’t ready for as a child. (And how difficult it is to think about the things I’m putting off now, as an adult.) Lots of ideas, especially thanks to kid-me. Thank you for the idea!
January 7, 2025 at 11:51 pm
lzgodfrey
Now that I think about it this way and digging deep, I can think of a host of ideas that might make good stories! Thanks, Leigh Ann! Congrats on your success!
January 7, 2025 at 11:56 pm
libbydemmon
Oh, there is SO much I’m not ready for. This should definitely get some ideas flowing.
January 8, 2025 at 2:01 am
jilliangschmidt
Such a great prompt and list of books. Thanks so much for this post. Also congrats on your PB debut, and how cool that it started with a Storystorm spark!
January 8, 2025 at 9:10 am
Katie Badowski-Gigliotti
Thanks for the fun prompt! Can’t resist a rhyming title!
January 8, 2025 at 10:01 am
triciacandy
What an awesome post! Thanks for the always needed reminder that the best stories come from our own hearts and lived experience.
January 8, 2025 at 11:23 am
Natasha S Garnett
Ah, readiness. Good thoughts. There are so many things a child might not feel ready for.
Natasha Garnett
January 8, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Laurie Bouck
Thank you so much! Already my thoughts are returning to a time long ago with so many emotional challenges.
January 8, 2025 at 12:56 pm
Viviane Elbee
Thank you so much! I thought about many things I am not currently ready for, and was able to find 5 child-like equivalents – so you’ve inspired 5 more ideas! 🙂
January 8, 2025 at 1:20 pm
fortunatelymango1b9bf8d04a
Yikes! So many emotions. But what better way to help a kid (or adult) deal with strong feelings than through a story.
January 8, 2025 at 2:39 pm
Aimee Larke
Congratulations! I am ready for Yeti but that are SO many things I’m not ready for. Great post!
January 8, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Mariana Ríos
Thanks for inviting us to think about those things that we are not ready for. I am sure that I’ll be able to find more than one thing. I loved how you clearly shared this premise using different books. I appreciate your time and willingness to participate in this post. Congratulations on the release of your book. It looks adorable!
January 8, 2025 at 3:14 pm
smskolfield
An interseting starting point for idea generation! Love this angle. Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2025 at 4:06 pm
margiemarkarian27
You sure helped me “Get Ready” for storystorming days ahead! Thanks!
January 8, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Leigh Anne, and for reminding us to look at life’s challenges for inspiration.
January 8, 2025 at 5:21 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Thanks for sharing, Leigh Anne!
January 8, 2025 at 7:19 pm
Susan L. Fink
Love the turn around view with your dog book. I may need this for my granddaughter soon.
January 8, 2025 at 8:10 pm
alamarre7571bc92b
Great ideas for developing stories. Thanks for sharing.
January 8, 2025 at 10:53 pm
mwinikates
Some of my “not-ready’s” are pretty scary indeed! But all that uncertainty and worry *is* also a part of childhood, when everything is new and so much needs explaining or comfort from a grown up. Thanks for the thought provoking post, and congrats on your new book, looks adorable!
January 9, 2025 at 1:14 am
Michelle S Kennedy
Congrats on your debut picture book! I like the idea of tackling things that bother me or writing about things that I dread with a child perspective in mind. What a great way to work through my own emotions about something and turn it into a positive.
January 9, 2025 at 11:00 am
Sarah Meade
I really enjoyed this thoughtful post, Leigh Anne! Looking forward to reading your new book. It looks delightful!
January 9, 2025 at 4:34 pm
donnamorkreed
There are so many things I was not ready for as a child (a very introverted child). Not ready to meet someone, say hi to someone new, come out from behind my mom. I’m much better now but there are still things I’m not ready for. 🙂
January 9, 2025 at 7:11 pm
smfossett
Thanks for sharing this post! I especially loved the book examples and you really got me thinking about what I’m not ready for…my youngest graduating high school…and all the emotions and things causing that and how to turn that into book ideas…a few are already brewing! Thank you!
January 9, 2025 at 8:01 pm
Susan Schade
Thank you for the brainstorming idea!
And for the list of books to add to my read list!!
January 9, 2025 at 11:36 pm
angelamsteffen924
Leigh, thank you for your post. I liked your kid friendly examples of chores and show and tell. I never thought of them like that. Also, I have a 16 year old dog and 3 young children at home who absolutely adore her. I may just have to purchase, The Longest LetsGoBoy.
January 10, 2025 at 12:49 pm
Jenn
Congrats on the new book and thank you for the brainstorming idea (and books to add to my reading/inspiration list!)
January 10, 2025 at 12:49 pm
Jenn
Congrats on the new book and thank you for the brainstorming idea (and books to add to my reading/inspiration list!)
January 10, 2025 at 6:46 pm
Jenn
it’s double posting everything, everywhere, and I don’t know why. I’m so sorry!
January 10, 2025 at 6:46 pm
Jenn
it’s double posting everything, everywhere, and I don’t know why. I’m so sorry!
January 10, 2025 at 1:01 pm
liaupton
Just reading the title of a book and guessing what it might be about is inspiring!
January 10, 2025 at 1:01 pm
liaupton
Just reading the title of a book and guessing what it might be about is inspiring!
January 10, 2025 at 1:03 pm
liaupton
Reading a book title and guessing what it might be about is a great story spark!
January 10, 2025 at 2:40 pm
nowisinfinite
Great advice, thank you.
And CONGRATULATIONS on your debut!!! ♥
January 10, 2025 at 4:12 pm
wren creations
so many big childhood emotions to consider! Congrats on your book!!
January 10, 2025 at 5:25 pm
Debbie Moeller
I like the spin you took on What are you ‘not’ ready for? and thinking about it as a 4-8 year old. That could generate some great ideas. Thanks for posting and congrats on your debut PB. I look forward to reading it!
January 10, 2025 at 6:46 pm
jasmithwriter
I got a bunch of new ideas from this–thank you!
January 11, 2025 at 11:47 am
Annette Martin
Thank you for all of the great idea starters!
January 11, 2025 at 4:35 pm
Donna Cangelosi
I enjoyed reading about how you translate your experiences into a child’s perspective. Congratulations on your fun debut!
January 11, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
Yay for a StoryStorm success and congratulations on your debut! It sounds so fun! This exercise was definitely apropos since Proactive is my word this year and I’ve already been reflecting on all the things I’m NOT ready for/trying to GET more prepared for. Several rose to the top of the idea pile! Way to go! And thanks for the great inspiration!
January 11, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Carla Gullett
Thank you for your time and talent. This has been a great reminder to pull emotional experiences from your kidself. Best of luck to you with YETI and your future writing projects! (P. S. Love the Schitts Creek clip… Canadian here! Ha!)
January 12, 2025 at 11:15 am
Louann Mattes Brown
Love your Yeti! Eager to make my list of ideas. Thanks for your post and congratulations on your first picturebook!
January 12, 2025 at 3:16 pm
Diane McBee
Thank you for sharing and congrats on your debut book!
January 12, 2025 at 6:20 pm
littleseedsread
I love the idea of starting with the emotion, especially an emotion we struggle with. Thank you for sharing this strategy!
January 13, 2025 at 2:26 pm
shaunessysinnett
Thank you, Leigh Anne!
January 14, 2025 at 7:06 pm
Janet Halfmann
Digging deep can be hard, but it can lead to great and needed stories. Thanks for the tips on creating these stories.
January 15, 2025 at 11:13 am
Jamie Bills
This is so smart. I usually try to avoid those uncomfortable feelings surrounding what I am not ready for, but I can understand why digging into them could help inspire relatable and emotionally resonate stories. Thank you!
January 17, 2025 at 10:04 am
allisonrozo
I’ve got some digging to do! Thank you for the inspiration!
Allison Rozo
January 17, 2025 at 7:03 pm
peasecja
What are you dreading? A great new idea came to me for a story just by asking this simple question :).
January 17, 2025 at 9:30 pm
Nicole Neahring
So great when we realize we aren’t alone in our fears, frustrations, etc. I love a relatable book.
January 17, 2025 at 11:05 pm
Kathleen Clark
Thank you for encouraging us to dig deeper, Leigh Anne. This was just beautiful.
January 17, 2025 at 11:12 pm
michmattes0728
Thanks so much for the inspiration and book ideas!
Take care,
Michelle Mattes
January 18, 2025 at 3:29 pm
sylviaichen
Thanks for sharing and congrats on your debut!
January 18, 2025 at 11:49 pm
ahmongthevalley
Such great questions to ponder! I’m going to use this to dig deep for my next PB idea. Thank you for sharing, and congrats!
January 19, 2025 at 8:42 am
Denita Johnson
Congratulations on new book! Thanks for the idea.
January 19, 2025 at 10:04 pm
Helen Taylor
I love this idea, thank you! And congratulations on your new book, it sounds great!
January 20, 2025 at 11:58 am
Wendy Greenley
An idea poked at me yesterday and this post prompted me to write it down. Thanks for the inspiration and happy writing, Leigh Ann!
January 20, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Sherry Edgeberg
Think about a truth that comes from inside yourself! Thanks for that. Congratulations on your new book. It’s adorable.
January 20, 2025 at 2:18 pm
jolly4d93bf2acd
Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2025 at 2:19 pm
Dawn M.
Thanks for sharing and Congratulations!
January 20, 2025 at 6:07 pm
chantellecollinsauthor
I think that this is a great idea.
January 21, 2025 at 8:32 am
Cindy Greene
Thanks for your post – what a great idea to think about what you are dreading to inspire.
January 21, 2025 at 7:09 pm
Goodreadswithronna.com
I like how you were able to give various examples of readiness and what it entails. It’s a great jumping off point. Thanks!
January 21, 2025 at 8:34 pm
Leah Marks
Thank you Leigh Anne for reminding me of my big move to a new state. Got some good ideas there.
January 22, 2025 at 6:03 pm
Adrea Theodore
Readiness (or not readiness) is definitely something many of us can relate to, in so many different aspects of our lives. I’m feeling not quite ready to start this new year full of challenges, for starters! LOL. Thanks for helping me see how this can be used as a starting point for a story. Great idea!
January 22, 2025 at 11:05 pm
kanessamiller
Thanks for this post.
January 23, 2025 at 11:39 am
Michele Helsel
Memories are great for mining.
January 24, 2025 at 4:20 am
aturner513
Thank you for the encouragement
January 24, 2025 at 10:25 pm
Myrna Foster
Thanks for this post! That is such a loaded question for an AuDHD person with a lot of anxiety, lol. I have a long list to work from now.
January 25, 2025 at 6:22 pm
Courtney Johnson
Thank you for the reminder to use memories to help build stories, characters, settings and more. I enjoyed your post!
January 27, 2025 at 8:19 am
Jen Lynn Bailey
Love the idea of repurposing a fear like this. Thanks!
January 27, 2025 at 9:43 am
louiseaamodt
This approach isn’t for the faint of heart! Congrats on your upcoming debut.
January 27, 2025 at 2:53 pm
topangamaria
I love seeing examples and yours were great. Honesty, fear, truth and readiness are all very heady emotions to explore.
January 27, 2025 at 3:28 pm
Mary Ann Blair
That sounds like such a cute story. Congrats!
January 28, 2025 at 9:31 am
fortress11art
Quite often it can feel as though we can’t, or we are not ready. Your delivery on this topic is ‘spot-on’ … where there is a will there’s a way and there is always something amazing to glean through the experience. Thank you for delivering readiness with a can-do spirit ~ heartfelt inspiration, Leigh Anne.
January 28, 2025 at 9:16 pm
Jenn Gautam
love it!
January 29, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Dawn M.
Congratulations on your book!
January 30, 2025 at 5:31 pm
kkeppol
I love the examples. Thank you.
January 30, 2025 at 6:17 pm
laurelneme
Nice post and examples!!
January 30, 2025 at 9:37 pm
Nicholas North
Thank you so much!
January 31, 2025 at 10:21 am
Kaitlin
Thank you for this great prompt and for the exciting list of titles, none of which I’d heard of before!
January 31, 2025 at 11:20 am
Veronica Bartles
I love mining my childhood experiences for story ideas! There are so many things that resonate from one generation to the next. Because the backdrop might change, technology may evolve, but the universality of the human experience remains constant.
January 31, 2025 at 2:49 pm
madisu2021
Thanks, Leigh Anne, I thought I was being honest, but maybe I didn’t pause ll to consider my confusion as a story to be mined. I’ll have to get younger, in my head, and try it. Try it for 15 minutes; that I can handle. You’ve tackled some tough topics. Good guts.
January 31, 2025 at 3:09 pm
madisu2021
I’m so glad I went back to reread your posting. I never highlighted the most important parts for ME. Love this strategy; gonna use it! Thanks Jennifer
January 31, 2025 at 3:58 pm
millarhousebooks
Yes! I love the idea of turning every day moments into a book kids can relate to
January 31, 2025 at 7:53 pm
amanda p
Honesty is the best policy!
January 31, 2025 at 9:00 pm
kamillasjodin
This idea resonates!
January 31, 2025 at 10:00 pm
deniseaengle
All the Greatness in You. Thank you for sharing this book!
Also, I love that you actually used a Storystorm idea!
February 1, 2025 at 4:22 am
Andy Wowor
Thank you! Honor code.
February 1, 2025 at 4:02 pm
TerriMichels
It is easier to be honest then to try to remember all your lies! Thank you for the great post.
February 3, 2025 at 2:43 am
authorlaurablog
I’m not sure if I commented when I read this a month ago. I wasn’t ready to comment then, see what I did there. This is a great post. I love the way you presented it from both sides; a character who isn’t ready but learns to be during the story (Don’t Wash Winston) and a character who is ready but those around him aren’t ready (The Longest Let’s Go Boy). A lot to think about. Looking forward to reading your book about Yeti!
February 3, 2025 at 7:10 am
mbhmaine
I love that your prompt, considering what we’re not ready for, flips something uncomfortable/dreaded into a potential story idea! I’m going to be mining this one for sure. Thanks so much for this post and congratulations!
February 7, 2025 at 4:25 pm
Jeanette O'Toole
Congrats on your book! Love this idea to ponder…
February 7, 2025 at 5:19 pm
swwriter1
Congratulations on your debut book! Thank you for the insights.