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| A page from my PiBoIdMo sketchbook, Nov. 25, 2013 |
Last November I copied these quotes* from author, Mike Jung. It inspired me to draw aliens ('don't know that I'd ever done that before), and go crazy my last few days of Picture Book Idea Month.
In the comment section of the post, I noted this advice from Lauri Meyers, writer and founding member of Wordsmiths,
It’s easier to tone down crazy than to make boring interesting.
I had a whole new way to look at my characters, themes, plots, and ideas. Even the ideas I am in love with could probably use a little spicing up!
Emma Ledbetter, editor extraordinaire, has said she loves a book that makes her think, "Now how in the world did he come up with that?" **
I don't think like Mac Barnett or William Joyce, but I definitely need to make my stories stand out in a crowd.
So whether you're participating in PiBoIdMo, SkADaMo, or alone in your studio, why not challenge yourself to explore the vast universe outside your comfort zone? Who knows what ideas may come your way?!
*You can read the original post on Tara's blog, or visit Mike's blog, to learn more about his debut novel, GEEKS, GIRLS, AND SECRET IDENTITIES.
Hey! I totally sound smart in that quote. If only I had listened to myself... Here I am a year later staring down an ugly pig of a manuscript that is so slathered with lipstick, you can't even read it without getting covered in goo. Still just a pig though. Thank you for helping me see through my own feeble attempts to spice up a boring story :)
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up! Though I feel rather bad about the death of said pig manuscript. Thanks for stopping by and for your clever banter!
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