Caroline Starr Rose

picture book and middle-grade author

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What I Learned During Picture Book Idea Month

6 Comments

Picture Book Idea Month has come and gone, and I’m so happy I participated. Here are some things I’ve learned:
  • Idea generating is like any other part of writing: it must be practiced to be strengthened.
  • Playing with ideas without drafting means deeper, broader, more outlandish concepts; fresh perspective; and creative freedom…things will lead to some pretty fun writing.
  • With my picture book read aloud years essentially done, I have some gaps in my knowledge I need to fill in. Here are three great places I’ve found to brush up on my studies:
    1. PiBoIdMo Day #7 — Tammi Sauer (books in the picture above are taken from this post)
    2. Nerdy Book Club Awards Picture Book Award Nominees
    3. The Picture Book Month website

What are my writing goals for December?

  • Study, study, study to fill in some picture book gaps
  • develop a few manuscripts based on my month of brainstorming
  • line edit my most-recent verse novel for agent Michelle
What about you? What do you plan to accomplish this month?

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Filed Under: the writing life

Comments

  1. Faith E. Hough says

    December 7, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    I so admire authors who can write great picture books. I’ve tried a couple times, but you’re right: even coming up with ideas is something that takes practice. But considering that I spend at least an hour a day reading picture books aloud, I am SO grateful for the authors and illustrators who make great ones!
    Good luck with your goals for this month! I’m kind of wimping out writing-wise… my goals are:
    Let the MS rest before you go crazy revising it; write a short story for husband for Christmas; make a gazillion (or so it seems) Christmas presents.

    Reply
    • Caroline Starr Rose says

      December 7, 2012 at 4:55 pm

      I love them, too. For me, it is refreshing to move between novels and picture books, as far as creativity goes. I love that you’re giving your husband a story! All the best with those presents. xo

      Reply
  2. Irene Latham says

    December 8, 2012 at 12:09 am

    I love your take-aways for the month. I’ve made a conscious effort to set poetry aside (it’s one of the best excuses in the world NOT to work on a novel!), and have instead kept an poetry idea notebook for the past few months. I’m excited to dive in once this novel first draft is done. Best of luck with your December goals! And if you ever need a beta, you know I am a huge fan of your work. xo

    Reply
    • Caroline Starr Rose says

      December 8, 2012 at 12:16 am

      I love that we’ve been working along in similar veins!.And as for needing a beta and being a fan: likewise!!

      Reply
  3. Mia says

    December 8, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Are you writing a picture book? Can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Caroline Starr Rose says

      December 8, 2012 at 4:54 pm

      My first, OVER IN THE WETLANDS, comes out sometime in 2014. I’m playing with ideas for more…

      Reply

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