For Authors Who Need Direction on Book Ideas
How to Brainstorm and Generate New Book Ideas
Writing a picture book can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, you can make the process easier. Brainstorming is an effective way to generate new ideas for your book. It involves exploring different perspectives and coming up with creative solutions. By using brainstorming techniques, writing exercises, and idea generation tools, you can come up with unique book ideas that will help you create something truly special.
There are many ways a writer can find inspiration on an individual level. However, there are groups and organizations which also provide the tools to be inspired. Some groups like 12x12 and Storystorm challenge writers to write a number of story ideas in a certain amount of time. This helps push a writer to put their ideas out there.
Writing and illustration prompts can be found in organizations like the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). They have challenges for writers and illustrations to get ideas flowing. Social Media groups can also be a sounding board for ideas. Don’t forget that through these groups, you can join critique groups to engage in your ideas, drafts, and stories.
Where to Look for Inspiration & Finding Your Own Voice
It is important to find a source of inspiration that works for you and will help you to create content that is engaging and meaningful. One way to do this is by reading picture books. Books can provide a wealth of ideas, topics, and perspectives that can spark your creativity and help you develop your own voice as an author. Additionally, exploring topics in the news or in everyday life can also be a great source of inspiration for content creation. By taking the time to research different topics, you will be able to gain insight into what resonates with readers and hone in on your own voice as an author.
A trip to your local library is a great start. You can find picture books that are similar to your idea. These are called comp(comparison) titles. Novice writers often feel that this practice is cheating but it is not. This research informs the writer how other authors approached the topic. This can also help you to decide if your topic is oversaturated in the market or too niche.
You are also able to see how stories flow on the physical pages of a picture book. Notice how pacing, dialog, word count, and page turns all contribute to the interactive aspect and overall experience of reading a picture book. By studying others, you can build on others ideas or decide what doesn’t work for your idea.
Share with us in the comments on how you brainstorm new picture book ideas!