Here's a little article I wrote as a Picture Book Idea Month (now STORYSTORM) success story.
I don't like NaNoWriMo. There. I said it. National Novel Writing Month is not for me. It did, however, lead me to the perfect challenges.
Discouraged after failing NaNoWriMo—miserably—twice, I came to the realization that the stress of cranking out 50,000 words during one of the busiest months of the year sours me on writing. It's as torturous as dragging sandpaper across your sunburned belly.
In October 2010, many of my writing friends were brainstorming over their upcoming NaNoWriMo projects. Feeling left out, I decided to explore other options. That's how I stumbled upon Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Creating 30 picture book ideas over the 30 days of November seemed daunting, but I gave it a shot and I made it. Now, what was I going to do with those 30 ideas?
Thankfully, there is National Picture Book Writing Week (NaPiBoWriWee), an annual event the first week of May where you endeavor to write 7 picture books in 7 days. When I participated in May 2011, I developed an idea from PiBoIdMo that would become my third published book, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving (Guardian Angel Publishing, Nov 2016).
Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving shows ten-year-old Macy using quick thinking and ingenuity to save dinner when the dog swipes the turkey off the table. Without PiBoIdMo, this book may never have existed. It's not the warm, message-driven story that I usually write. There is a set of fighting twins, a frazzled mom, and a turkey-stealing dog. Not so sweet. Pushing my boundaries to win this challenge allowed me to explore a fun and zany side I don't often indulge.
Satisfied with my first dabble into PiBoIdMo, I participated again in 2012. Guardian Angel Publishing has Amos Faces His Bully under contract. This story was my first idea for PiBoIdMo in 2012. I can't wait to see it published.
Just like you need to f ind a good writing spot and develop a writing routine, finding the right challenge for you can lead to greater success. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and push yourself. The rewards can be great.
PiBoIdMo 2013 Registration is OPEN!
This has been successful for me the past couple of years, so I hope I'm up to the challenge again this year.
Picture Book Idea Month Winner!
I'm a winner! I'm a winner! Here is the beautiful badge to go along with the 30 ideas I came up with during Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Congratulations to all who participated. Even if you didn't end up with 30 ideas, any new idea will bring you closer to a new picture book manuscript. Thanks goes out to Tara Lazar and all the authors and illustrators who provided inspiration and encouragement along the way. Now I'm looking forward to 12 x 12 in 2013. Can I write 12 picture books next year? I don't know. We'll have to see how it goes.
It is the last day of Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Coordinated by Tara Lazar, this annual event asks writers to set a goal of coming up with 30 picture book ideas during the 30 days of November. Phew! I made it again this year. Now, I have 12 x 12 in 2013 to look forward. This event asks writers to set a goal of writing 12 picture books over the 12 months of 2013. I'm game.
PICTURE BOOK IDEA #30: And my final idea for PiBoIdMo 2012 is the story of a cat's adventures flying to his new home in Massachusetts. I figure he might meet some other interesting animals along the way. He would also be thrilled to meet his new family.
One more day left! It's Day 29 of Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Coordinated by Tara Lazar, this annual event asks writers to set a goal of coming up with 30 picture book ideas during the 30 days of November. I wasn't sure I would be able to make it this year, but it looks like I will be able to declare myself a winner tomorrow.
PICTURE BOOK IDEA #29: Everybody's Home for Christmas is the story of a young boy who misses his father who is stationed overseas. The little boy prays for his father's safe return, which happens with his surprise visit on Christmas Eve. I thought this would be nice since so many of our military are away from their families for the holidays.
We're almost done. It's Day 28 of Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo). Coordinated by Tara Lazar, this annual event asks writers to set a goal of coming up with 30 picture book ideas during the 30 days of November. Since I missed posting yesterday's idea, I have two for you.
PICTURE BOOK IDEA #27: I'm stuck on alliteration today. Why? I don't know. How about a book titled Pushy Penelope. Penelope is the type of kid who pushes herself into any game, any conversation, any situation. I figure it would be good to have her be in kindergarten. Since some kids don't attend preschool, kindergarten could be children's first exposure to different personalities on a regular basis. How would Penelope's classmates react to her? How would she treat them?
PICTURE BOOK IDEA #28: How about Crabby Cathy? Cathy is a total crab. No matter what is going on around her, she's a grump. What if a classmate plotted to change Cathy's attitude?