Picture Books and STORYSTORM

The New Year has started and I am again participating in Tara Lazar's StoryStorm.
It is a month in which we try to come up with at least one picture book story idea each day.

Imagine 30 new story ideas!

There is a different post each day to inspire us. Even if you don't register (You can register up until January 7), you can visit her blog each day and read all the inspirational and informative posts on writing picture books.

Today there is a post about the different structures of picture books.

Tammi Sauer challenged each of us to come up with at least one picture book idea using the different structures.

I think I will take up the challenge.

I checked my previously written picture book manuscripts to see if I had used any of these different structures in writing them

Seems most of mine follow the classic picture book structure, which is:

MC has a problem
MC faces obstacles that escalate
MC encounters a dark moment in which things can't possibly get worse
MC figures out how to solve the problem
MC grows/changes by the book's end.

But . . . 

I have written a PB about hummingbirds that I think falls into the concept category.
And one of my PBs about a lovable monster could fit in the reversal category.

If you want to learn more about writing picture books, I highly recommend joining Tara and other picture book writers in Storystorm.

Halloweensie Post

 

Halloweensie Post

I've entered Susanna Leonard Hill's 8th Annual  HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST!

Everyone participating writes  a 100 word or less Halloween Story that includes the words shiver, cauldron and howl!

 Below are my two entries: The first one is exactly 100 words and the second one is 88 words.

The Halloween Night Talent Show

 “Let the Halloween talent show begin!” howled Walter Werewolf.

Barney Bat swung on the trapeze.

Marvin Mummy moonwalked.

Shivery Skeleton played Monster Mash on his ribs.

“Piff! Poof!” Wendola Witch created candy in her cauldron.

 “How can I win?” said Gabby Ghost. “All I do is juggle.”

He grabbed his six tiny pumpkins and floated toward center stage.

Wendola Witch stuck out her skinny shoe.

Gabby tripped.

Gabby flipped.

Gabby spun all about and landed in the candy-filled cauldron.

Sweet Goodies flew into everyone’s bags.

“Happy Halloween!” shouted Gabby.

His six tiny pumpkins fell and stacked on Wendola’s pointy hat. 

 

Happy Howl-oween!

Scary ghosts, wicked werewolfs,

vampires and creatures

Burst forth onto the sidewalks

wearing bright sneakers.

Little monsters rush about

Chanting, “Trick or treat!”

Mothers give from a cauldron,

Candies, sour and sweet.

Goblins gather, monsters march

On this spooky night.

Mummies shiver, cold winds howl,

Wild witches take flight.

Furry bats fly, spooks collide

Through the haunted house.

“Sit a spell and sip some brew,”

Squeaks the tiny mouse.

“Happy Howl-oween!” spooks shout,

as the moon shines bright.

“We’ll be back again next year

On this frightful night.”

Well, there they are. 
Wish me luck. 
She has great prizes to give away to the winners. Go here and check out the other entries.

Happy Halloweensie everyone!