By Melissa Stoller
This month, focus on picking ideas that MAY blossom and turn into manuscripts.
Here are a few prompts to help you get started.
1) Use the word “MAY” as a prompt. Write the word on a sheet of paper or on your computer screen and see what springs to mind. Also write the word “MAYBE” and see if you conjure up a different list of story possibilities.
This month, focus on picking ideas that MAY blossom and turn into manuscripts.
Here are a few prompts to help you get started.
1) Use the word “MAY” as a prompt. Write the word on a sheet of paper or on your computer screen and see what springs to mind. Also write the word “MAYBE” and see if you conjure up a different list of story possibilities.
Image from Canva
2) Do an internet image search using the words “MAY” and “IMAGES.” Maybe some of the images will spark inspiration for a story title, line, or plot point.
3) Check out this calendar of May holidays – perhaps a holiday such as “Bird Day,” “No Socks Day,” or “Frog Jumping Day” will set the tone as a jumping off point for a new manuscript.
2) Do an internet image search using the words “MAY” and “IMAGES.” Maybe some of the images will spark inspiration for a story title, line, or plot point.
3) Check out this calendar of May holidays – perhaps a holiday such as “Bird Day,” “No Socks Day,” or “Frog Jumping Day” will set the tone as a jumping off point for a new manuscript.
https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/may.htm
4) Enjoy springtime in your neighborhood. Take a nature walk and sketch flowers, animals, people, and more. Perhaps write a poem about one of your sketches. And then use the words and images for a story idea.
5) Reminisce about your favorite activities in May . . . family trips, holidays and celebrations, outings, foods, games, movies, and books. Maybe some memories from childhood will filter to the top of your consciousness and bloom into an idea.
Happy MAY, and may your ideas turn into exquisite bouquets this month! Let me know in the comments how you are finding ideas this season.
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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