As I mentioned, I’m trying to write picture books, which are the illustrated books geared for children ages 3-8. I love that age range because all of the magic and wonder and self-confidence are still alive and kicking – anything is possible.
While writing picture books is definitely not easy, it takes a lot less time to write a 500 word (or less) book than it does to write a novel, so I’m always looking for new ideas. And now that I’m taking a stab at this blogging thing, I need even more.
Cue the trumpets! (click here)
Time for an exercise!
Yes, that’s right, Carole, you heard it. I’m going to do an exercise…right here… in public…
Where to find new ideas?
One thing I like to do, is think about what interests me, and why. If I like it, then I’ll have fun writing about it and hopefully that will translate and maybe… someone will want to read it.
What am I into these days?
Recently, I’ve been watching a lot of Bobby Brown & Whitney Houston documentaries/ biopics. While that doesn’t immediately conjure up storylines appropriate for ages 3-8, maybe there is still something there. Time to harness my inner 3 year old…
But why?
I like their songs.
But why?
Bobby Brown was definitely part of my middle school soundtrack. I remember cranking up my Walkman and jamming to Bobby while helping my dad rake leaves.
My favorites were “Every Little Step” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”
Hmmmmm…
- Every Little Step – This could be a blog post about the writing journey – I’ll use that!
- Don’t Be Cruel – Clearly this is a tip for critique groups – I’ll use that too.
Time to dig a little deeper.
Elementary school. Whitney Houston was IT. I remember my friend’s older sister singing “The Greatest Love of All” at our school’s talent show. I lip synced along knowing the words so well that I still remember them all 32 years later…
I believe the children are our future.
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier.
Let the children’s laughter, remind us how it used to be.
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAA!
That is EXACTLY how I feel!!!! So maybe this dig wasn’t so much a find-a-new-idea dig, but more of a universe-telling-me-I’m-on-the-right-path dig.
(I’ll probably still The “Greatest Love of All” for a post though.)
Keep on doing what makes you happy,
Kelly
RIP, Whitney (1963-2012)
Best of Luck, Bobby
Thanks for the music
This is so great. It’s very cool seeing the inner workings of someone else’s creative process and I love all the unexpected things that come from your staying open to where your ideas might come from. I love this post!