Have you ever watched any of the Survivor series TV programs where contestants must perform endurance and physical challenges to get points for themselves and their teams while eating bugs and being bitten by millions of gnats? It's pretty intense entertainment to enjoy while sitting with the feet up and contemplating dessert options. Anyway, Picture Book Month 2012 is a bit like that without the gnats. Each day in November you must come up with a picture book idea. This is my first year to participate. Honestly I'd rather eat bugs, but I know it will be a great exercise. I work best under deadlines! Plus, I hear there are lots of ideas exchanged, author commiseration and no one gets voted off the writing island! -Q
I am a very visual person and picture every scene in my head as I write. Sometimes when the story is dragging, it seems like an endless loop! But when that happens, I take a visual vacation. I go to the movies for a creative break and immerse myself in another world. Recently, I watched Hugo again. The setting and cinematographic richness not only saturated my senses, but infused new creative energy. I savored the scenes and after a few hours, was ready to get back to work. Give it a try and let me know if it helped. -Q
Familiar with the super powers of the Bronte sisters? I got this pretend commercial from illustrator Mary Reaves Uhles. Check it out. You might want your own Emily, Anne, or Charlotte Bronte action figure. Or collect all three! -Q
