Picture Book Idea Month is over. Time to turn those ideas into stories. I came up with 34 solid ideas. I would not have believed so many could be possible in a month. I'm so glad I took the challenge!
Now the work of choosing my favorites begins. They won't necessarily be the easiest to flesh out, but many sparked my curiosity and will pique the interest of an agent/editor.
Congratulations to everyone who found 30 new story ideas in 30 days! To those who fell short, you've still got new ideas. Wahoo!
-Q
Its Day 20 of PiBoIdMo and I'm still on schedule. Ideas are flowing with little or no effort. It's fantastic. The only thing that puzzles me is why now? In the past few years, I've polished and re-polished a few stories and really didn't look much beyond those. Now during my first PiBoIdMo, they arrive right on cue singly or in twos and threes. Again, why now? Was giving myself permission to open the tap? Perhaps, but I'm thinking that it goes back to being prepared, being receptive, and doing the groundwork. Working on my craft for weeks and years brought me closer to the point where ideas are recognized and accepted as valid. It's exciting! How about you? On track? Ahead? Lagging? It's all good.
-Q
It's Day 12 of Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) and surprisingly I'm on schedule. Some ideas came in a flood and others dribbled in on the day they were needed. The key seems to be me.
Let me repeat that. I am the key to my creativity. Who knew?!
Making the decision to tackle the 2012 PiBoIdMo challenge allowed a creative cog to slide into place and OPEN THE TAP.
My part was easy. I just had to commit time every day to soak up the ideas and write them down. Simple.
The hard part will be to work the best inspiration into stories I love, stories true to my writing voice.
How are you coming in this or other writing/illustrating challenges? Has the cog clicked? Share your successes and dry spells.
-Q
I recently sent off a couple of picture book stories to an agent who requested them (i.e., excitement/terror personified) and was thinking I didn't have anything new to work on, but then came PiBoIdMo and the ideas started flooding in.
It is only Day 2 and I already have 4 new picture book ideas outlined. AMAZING!!! Letting the muse come out and play was all it took!
Still looking for a holiday motivator? There is still time to sign up for PiBoIdMo 2012.
-Q
Picture book idea month starts today. It's my first time to participate and I'm ready! I have motivation. I have chai tea and snacks. I have a new spreadsheet to catch ideas as they spring from the ether.
Check back on November 30. With any luck, I will have captured at least 30 story ideas to polish in 2013. Good luck to all those participating! If you haven't joined yet, there is still time (through Nov. 4). Children's author, Tara Lazar is the contact.
