IT’S ALL ABOUT . . . VALENTINE’S HEART MOMENTS

​by Melissa Stoller

​February 14th conjures images of roses, boxes of chocolates, and loving cards. Here are a few ways you can capture some warm heart moments and use them as inspiration for your stories.

Think about your first friend. Or your best friend. Or a friend who used to be in your life. What memories do you associate with this friend? What activities did you share? Remember events you attended together. Pick one friendly association and write a few lines.

1. Valentine’s Day is often linked with objects that are red. Think of a few, such as an apple, a cardinal bird, and the planet Mars. Do any story ideas come to mind?
2. Write a list of classic Valentine’s Day symbols such as hearts, flowers, chocolate, candy, and more. Brainstorm and jot down some possible story titles.
3. Search the internet for Valentine’s Day GIFs or memes. Perhaps one will help you cultivate a bouquet of story ideas. 
4. Write a friendly poem - include words such as lovebirds, cherubs, candy, and more. See where a few lines will take you.

 
Cheers to heartfelt creativity!

BIO:
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Melissa Stoller 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!; and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories. Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written with Callie Metler and Shirin Rahman, illustrated by Kate Talbot), released from Clear Fork Publishing in October, 2021. Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom releases in 2022. Melissa is a Blogger and Course Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, and a founding member of The Book Meshuggenahs. She also interviews authors on her blog, This Writing Life, and offers book tips and resources. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Wordle! www.MelissaStoller.com
 
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