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IT’S ALL ABOUT . . . MARCHING TOWARD IDEAS

3/13/2023

1 Comment

 
By Melissa Stoller


This is a great month to skip, dash, and MARCH toward ideas! Here are a few exercises to help inspire your next story or to add details to a current manuscript:
 
1) Write out the word “MARCH” and then brainstorm thoughts that spring to mind. I think about marching in parades. I also remember Jo March from the novel Little Women. Finally, I visualize months of the year. Does anything on your list inspire a story idea? 

2) Jot down some childhood memories of activities you remember doing in the month of March. For me, there was often snow in March, and I remember sledding. Go through your list and notice trends that stand out that could form a story arc. 

3) Next, note any travel experiences you have had during the month of March. Family spring break trips to a beach destination immediately surface. Jot down memorable sights, foods you enjoyed, and any souvenirs you brought home. Do any of these experiences lend themselves to your current work? 

4) Finally, look outside your window during the days and the evenings. What do you see? Where I live, flowers often start sprouting toward the end of the month. Also the stars are bright on a clear night. Include some sensory details you note in your manuscripts.  
​
This month, MARCH toward collecting ideas from brainstorming, remembering past experiences, and observing your surroundings. I hope this will help spark your creativity. Let me know in the comments.
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(Image from Canva)

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MELISSA’S BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. She is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written with Callie Lovvorn and Shirin Rahman). Melissa is a Blogger and Course Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Advisory Council member, and a past school and synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency.
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​CONNECT WITH MELISSA:
 
https://www.MelissaStoller.com
https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog 
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
www.twitter.com/melissastoller
www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller
 

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1 Comment
Madeleine McLaughlin
3/14/2023 03:39:23 am

What I think of when I see the word March, is sitting in the coffee shop watching how people walk and move down the street. I try to guess their profession and let their walking style trigger thoughts on other qualities they may have. I haven't done this since the pandemic started. I will start again soon.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our  awesome bloggers!!

    Here's our lineup:
    1st Mondays begin with awesome multi-published former student Shirin Shamsi who will be focusing on Muslim and cultural kidlit.

    2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books.
     

    3rd Mondays will feature
    Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer, man of mystery, and professional magician among other things.

    4th Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info.

    And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break

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  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Mastering Great Graphic Novels >
      • 2023 Mastering Graphic Novels Registration
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
    • Books by Students
    • Our Bookshop
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship