Try out these ideas and you’ll soon have some great stories of your own.
Mentor texts for writing – a place to learn
I’ve recently come across the idea of Mentor Texts – books you can learn from. There’re some great examples given by ReFoReMo Challenge, or Reading for Research Month Challenge. This is where you have to read as a writer rather … Continue reading →
Leave room for the illustrator
The best illustrations adds to the words and often in unexpected ways. As an author I need to leave room for that. I’ve been learning (from illustrators) about not being too specific with my words. So I can change my words … Continue reading →
Where have all the words gone?
I write picture books. Recently I’ve learnt about cutting words and letting the pictures tell the story. I’ve heard that picture books with very few words are in favour. I’ve laughed out loud over the 100 words in Jon Klassen’s … Continue reading →
The evolution of a picture book
Below are the words from a picture book I’ve been working on. This is the first version that I was happy with – which took many, many drafts Until I became unhappy with it and rewrote it using real children … Continue reading →
Ten things I learnt during National Novel Writing Month #NaNoWriMo
In November I entered the National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo) challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. Here’s ten things I learnt. Commit. It really is possible to write 50,000 words in a month – but not … Continue reading →
Bear causes problems to Leeds bin collectors
In Canada you can get bear proof bins – maybe Leeds City Council should consider investing in some. There’s a story here for someone to write. … Continue reading →
Snippits – the art of earwigging
Listen out for interesting snippets of conversation. Here’s a selection of things I’ve heard in town this week and the story starter ideas they inspired. What I heard – ‘It’s a lot for a washing machine…’ What I thought – … Continue reading →
What if…
This is based on an idea from Steve Hartley, author of the Danny Baker books: Start ordinary – getting out of bed, going to school or sitting down for breakfast. What if something strange happened – what if your bed … Continue reading →