These look amazing! Thanks, Ruth. I loved that scene in Working Girl, and the connection to your post. Hi Ruth. I always wondered where you got your ideas. Thanks for the inspiration, Ruth! Wow, simply loved this! Congrats on your books-and keep up the great work, but rest now and then, too! Hi Myra! Parents, guardians, and community members are paramount to the success of our students. I enjoyed hearing about your process. I’m going to try this with my class. Especially since there are no wrong answers in brainstorming! A thought. I am just starting to explore the ways I can follow my own curiosity about the world to write for children vs. “try to think of an interesting story idea” (a recipe for instant overthinking and disconnecting from my creative impulse! Love how you follow a chain of questioning to find one to write about. Visit Ruth online at Penguin Classroom, ruthspiro.com, Facebook, Twitter @RuthSpiro, and Instagram @ruthspiro. and thanks for the nod to MLK Jr. – a true patriot of liberty and justice for all. Thank you! I admire your books and the fresh spin they put on topics. Thank you for this reminder. Brilliant! bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing. Thanks for your post Ruth! I’ve never participated in psychotherapy but I see the connection. Maxine sounds super-fun! John Lewis and RBG. It’s always so much fun to follow the path of a word or idea. Oh, my goodness….the ending of this post is outstanding. Wow! You’re so fortunate to have heard Rep. Lewis’ message to “Find a way to get in the way” in person! One thing this post can boast over the others: an appearance by Chunk E. Squirrel (no relation to the pizza media mogul). This is a wonderful way to massage an idea! It’s making me think past idea #15. Thank you, Ruth! Thanks for the prompts! Ask questions + connect the dots = Big Idea. Thanks for a new approach. You are a woman after my own heart – or wandering mind. And the ending has really stuck with me–thanks for sharing the quote “Find a way to get in the way!” Maxine also sounds like someone my kids would like to know–going to order the books right now! Thank you! Sometimes into the woods, sometimes a meadow, sometimes an amusement park, sometimes the back yard…but always something that speaks to the soul, because it ignites a spark…And thank you for honoring Dr. King at the end of your note. What if? Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. (Love the Lewis quote!) I got an idea the second I finished reading your post. Thanks. Thank you for these concrete examples! Three separate winners will be randomly chosen. I love the idea of using ideas to get new ideas!! If my STEM-loving Maxine had this same problem, how would she solve it in a way true to her character? There’s a big idea in there. Thank you Ruth, I’m really interested in your books. So important. I like this conversation with an inspiration spark! Thanks Ruth for help us to write more meaningful. I know a perfect little boy and girl for your Maxine books and the growth-mindset that they’ll encourage. Thank you for the helpful tips on how to turn an idea into a story. Wonderful to see how you use this unintimidating question, Ruth. You had me at your first gif! Thank you for the great tips and sparking our imaginations on this cold wintry day. Thanks for sharing your process for generating ideas! Thank you for sharing! . It’s such a great concept, I wish I had thought of it first – LOL. who would be her audience? I’m looking forward to reading your books. This squirrel makes me think of so many things! I ended up somewhere totally unexpected. I always felt that thermodynamics was the one bit of physics I didn’t understand. Hi Ruth! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION!!! Thank you for sharing. Thank you! Thanks for sharing Ruth! I love these questions! Thank you, Ruth. Your “how do apples grow on trees?” question is a perfect example of things I think I know, only to find I have no idea whatsoever! You’re so sweet, thank you! Thanks for sharing your process. Ruth’s books are all available from your favorite bookseller. The questions lead to more ideas and more discovery. I love it when asking questions leads to falling down the rabbit hole and a whole new story! Thank you! Thank you for sharing! Great tips to ponder -very inspiring! Thank you Ruth, for sharing the stepping stones. Thanks so much! Some really good tips here. Thank you for sharing your approach to generating ideas, Ruth…and for highlighting MLK’s ground-breaking work and legacy–especially today but just as importantly, everyday. Like many gardeners, I’ve had my share of frustration when critters nibbled on the fruits of my labor. The answer to your question lies in the story your words sparked this morning. Ruth, I love your brainstorming questions. Owner/Builder: Please enter your Log-In or register to create on below. Welcome to Cesar Chavez High School, “Home of the Champions.” Cesar Chavez High School is a special community, comprised of over 200 adults that are committed to caring for your child and ensuring they are prepared for life after high school. Thanks for reminding me to look beyond the first idea to see where questions lead me. I’m so interested in the stem books that you wrote. Thanks for being part of Story Storm! Oh my goodness! It’s like hiking with my toddlers, it’s not about the destination but the journey. Your “baby loves” series sounds fantastic. So so true. Thank you. (Especially helpful if you’re writing nonfiction.). Thank you, Ruth, for questions that I can’t wait to ask myself, and congrats on your wonderful books! Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Very much appreciated. Thank you. Her motto is, “If I can dream it, I can build it!”. Thanks. How could there be a better way to write for children–to be more open to possibilities, just like them!!!?!!! Thanks for the inspiration to keep asking questions! Thank you for the valuable insight. We honor the life, work, and legacy of an important civil rights leader in our country’s history. Thank you for your post! Great advice. I ended up taking notes all over the program! Trying to imagine how a baby loves political science. I have to get to know Maxine because her character and mission(s) are full of industry. I’ll have to read one of your science books just to see how you made science understandable to toddlers. 3. Sounds like a fabulous idea. Thanks for the advice, I love your combination of Science and Story. I love this- the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” approach to idea-generating! Good Job! What a career! Asking questions is such a great way to dig deep into ideas! It allows everything, every thought, every experience into a practical resource for a potential story. Ruth hopes her books inspire kids to observe the world, ask questions, and when it comes to their futures, DREAM BIG! Thank you. I like the idea of channeling my toddler’s ability to repeat the same question over and over until a story idea is born! Thank you for sharing this post full of questions! And lucky you for front row for Rep. John Lewis! . Thanks. What does that make me think of? Thank you! My engineer husband would have loved reading those to them. She is an amazing speaker and when the presentation was over she had us all wishing she could of just kept on going. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. How wonderful. Look forward to reading you books. Thanks for the brainstorming ideas. Ruth’s STEM-themed picture book series, Made by Maxine (Dial), is about an inspiring young Maker who knows that with enough effort, imagination and recyclables, it’s possible to invent anything. Oh wow! I can’t wait to read your books to our grandsons. Don’t censor yourself. I cannot wait to meet Maxine! Interesting process and inspiring writing post, with such kind acknowledgements on a Martin Luther King Day! The School District of Osceola County, Florida, does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status or genetic information in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. Ruth, I heard you speak at the Marvelous Midwest SCBWI conference in 2019 and reading this blog took me back to your presentation. 111. Good idea. Hope everyone is well! Ideas, all words related to that idea, the child’s point of view, the emotions to evoke, explore, and research, then write. The development of the idea is a problem. Inspiring post for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Maybe I’ll glean some ideas to use in my own garden . Congrats on all your success! Today will be a fascinating day of connections. Love this…Find a way to get in the way! I love your post, definitely one for my ‘to be read again and again’ pile. Great idea to get the writing juices flowing! Also love that ‘it might not be a problem, but rather an opportunity’! What a great post with helpful tips. Can’t wait to read Maxine’s garden adventure. Thanks for an inspiring post! I am already asking the ‘what ifs’ and ‘hows’ in my manuscripts. I love the idea of asking a series of questions. what a great quote.. 2022. Best of Luck with your new Maxine book! After all…we are lifelong learners…. I was in sync with your thoughts even before I read them! Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom! Wonderful! All COVID-19 & Return to School Info Here, BELL SCHEDULE | LIBRARY RESOURCES | 9TH GRADE NEED-TO-KNOW | GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK | ENROLL | ARCH PROGRAM | TAX CREDIT | PARENT/STUDENT VUE |  BUS SCHEDULE | SCHOLARSHIPS | ADVISORY TRAVEL SIGN-UP | PAY FEES | LUNCH MENU | PEACHJAR E-FLYERS. Thank you, Ruth, for this inspiring post, especially the call to action at the end. i.e……. She continues her signature style of introducing complex subjects to little listeners with Baby Loves Political Science, a new series perfect for election year and beyond. Loved hearing about your process, Ruth! I love storming ideas. Thank you. Thanks for your brainstorming tips! I am a gardener and will definitely have Maxine on my shelf. Asking questions is a great strategy. Your practical tips in revealing your process are so helpful. What does that make you think of? Thanks for the technique! Thank you. I was just thinking about creating stuffs from recyclable materials and your email just popped up. My crafty, “junk” obsessed daughter will love your books about Maxine – I can’t wait to read them with her! I too loved the way you ended today’s post. Thanks for sharing it and reminding us that may take a sequence of ideas to get to the heart of our story. I can work with questions and commands. It’s like being a child…always ask the questions??? Can’t wait to meet Maxine! What a fabulous post! Ruth Spiro is the author of the Baby Loves Science board book series, published by Charlesbridge. Thank you for the inspiration! Thank you! Any idea is welcome. Terrific post, thank you. We all have a family member, friend or loved one impacted by cancer in one way or another, so thank you to everyone who has donated or rode to help find a cure for cancer! Much like a pop song, the words are sure to help make your book a bedtime favorite. Peace, Alicia. Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you Ruth. How did other writers solve that? How awesome! What a fabulous post! Haha! Maxine is a creative problem solver. That scene from Working Girl is SO me! As a grandma-to-be, Baby loves Gravity is my favorite. Public User: If you do not have a login, please register as a new user. I will try and use this idea. This has my wheels turning! Then I wondered how a tree stump feels after people leave? Wow, can’t wait to read your amazing books! Kudos! that was around me, including house items breaking, trees taken down, big trash removal, kid needing guidance….I was so frustrated! Great questions to ask on the road of creating! I haven’t seen the Maxine books yet but I’ll be sure to look for them now. And I look forward to reading the books mentioned in your blog. Thanks for showing us how to craft an orderly path from open mind to potential story. and the ever popular – What’s in your mouth? Thank you, Ruth! Thank you Ruth! This was a fun and inspirational read. As stated in your Author’s Bio: ” [She] hopes her books inspire kids to observe the world, ask questions, and when it comes to their futures, DREAM BIG!” you have done this for the StoryStorm community today, too! I like this idea. What does this make me wonder? Great insights into the ‘Now what’. thank you. A frequent speaker at schools and conferences, Ruth’s previous presentations include the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Chicago Tribune Printer’s Row LitFest, Children’s Festival of Stories, Nerd Camp Michigan, NAEYC and more. What a gift. Your Maxine books sound perfectly written for a child today. and Are you so pretty? Find a way to get in the way. I wish I had your books when I was teaching! Love that. Thank you for the insight. Love the pumpkin-earing squirrel pic! I love your Baby STEM series and look forward to your new books too. The question everything and want to know how things work and what is coming next and who is the good guy, why is the bad guy bad, and so on and so forth. Maybe I am trying too hard. Thank you for sharing your brainstorming ideas and what you’ve been up to (which is a lot!). You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. I love that movie and especially that scene. Thank you for these tips, Ruth! That squirrel and pumpkin photo has me wondering? We love your books, Ruth. Throughly enjoyed your post. LOL! Thanks for your thoughts on the paths that lead us to our stories! Thank you. My littlest reader wants to marry Maxine thank you so much for sharing your process! Thanks for sharing your process, Ruth and congratulations! Great inspiration for how to follow up on all of these idea crumbs I’ve collected! I hope you’re well and staying creative! This sounds like the perfect tip to try on a long car ride! Thanks so much for sharing your thought process and how it ties in to your writing process, Ruth! Thanks! Happy to see John Lewis on this inauguration day (I’m a couple of days behind).Thanks, Ruth. This inspires me to go develop ideas. We commit to this by providing a top-notch learning environment, extensive activities and athletic programs, and supports for students and their families. Great question(s) to help to connect the dots. Thanks, Ruth. Trampoline ideas coming up…. and Why are you so naughty?? I like how you said, “Maxine discovers there are often multiple solutions to a problem, and sometimes a problem isn’t really a problem at all, but an opportunity to grow.” I want to be more like Maxine! Love this, I think all my stories are hidden behind the right questions! Looking forward to reading your books. It feels akin to psychotherapy in a way, that constant prodding to go deeper and deeper and keep asking questions. Thanks for sharing your process. Ruth, your post is so inspiring! Thank you for your awesome post! 1.great strategy That’s the hardest part! I’m excited to read your Maxine series as well. The Science books are illustrated by Irene Chan and Political Science by Greg Paprocki. National Grand Prize Winners An image. Thanks for sharing! How to get to the base level of being able to share the limelight with others, how to shine our own lights without stealing them, and one by one, transforming how we all interact… might make for less interesting stories in future, but what a delightful world that would be! Made me think of lessons I’ve learned in gardening! Thanks again and congrats on your success. I love when an idea invokes an image. I love your suggestion to follow a trail to the Big Idea! 2270-9311. . Thank you. Thanks for sharing your process, Ruth! What more do I want to know? Great suggestion! Thanks for participating! * I will write when I get back, I promise. I just had a good story idea from reading it! Thank you for sharing your tips on how to turn ideas into stories! We appreciate the unselfish support of our campus and recognize the value of your encouragement and involvement. 4 . Sparked any idea? I’m going to try and see where it leads me! . Thanks for sharing your ideas. Perhaps adults need to rethink their messaging to children. You just gave me a solution. Working Girl is one of my all-time favorite movies and now I’m going to channel that scene every time I brainstorm ideas. And I love that you introduce complex subjects to littles. Love the tip! Thank you for sharing your process. Thanks for the tips on how to develop story ideas. Thanks. Thank you! What great questions: how can I get in the way, and what does that make me think of. Wonderful to get insight on your thought process. Ahhhh! SO motivating- find a way to get in the way! Thank you for the questions to ask. And from your post, it is clear you understand the child’s world. Thank you, Ruth, for the push to ask myself questions, then follow where they lead. Prime Video Channels is the Prime benefit that lets you choose your channels. I realized I don’t think about and questions enough with ideas. so I really should be using this idea. Sometimes I have to remind myself to do that . What a fitting way to end your post on MLK day, Thanks, Ruth, for all the tips to generate ideas. Maxine sounds like a great character – I love the cover illustrations too :o). What a great idea for digging deeper. I need to go and ask some questions! Thanks for this post, for letting me share and congratulations on your new(est) book Ruth!✌. Wonderful post, Ruth. Super helpful post on how to grow a story, Ruth. Ooo! Great post! To answer your last question first: “Good trouble.” This applies to characters, too, so I wonder what kind of good trouble they can get into? Ruth, your “what does this make me think of” questions just gave me a wonderful idea. Congrats on the new book baby❤️. Really intrigued by this process of asking ourselves questions about our ideas. But if you’re anything like me, you’re staring at that list and thinking, “Now what?” Because stories almost never come to me fully formed. At Cesar Chavez, your child is our child. Thanks for the tips and questions to zero in on an idea. Depto. (much better than the twitter rabbit holes I’ve been falling down of late.). Thanks! Stringing someone along isn’t a good thing but stringing ideas together and seeing where they take you is a great thing. Why does…? What a wonderful post, Ruth! Thanks so much for sharing so many marvelous ideas! Thanks for your tips and inspiration! I love your story ideas! Thank you for helping the world grow. Great blog post Ruth. Thank you, Ruth! That squirrel, and many chipmunks, were feasting all summer! And thank you for remembering the importance of this day. You give me hope! Your post is helping me brainstorm possible solutions for a hole in my story. I can see how this kind of practice could potentially lead to a whole Russian nesting roll of story ideas! She’s really inspirational! The name David Perez has over 3050 birth records, 227 death records, 1198 criminal/court records, 11506 address records, 893 phone records and more. What a great method to find a story out of a glimmer of an idea! Thank you, Ruth, for giving us ideas that allow us to think and connect. But they are so adorable! Ruth, I love how your mind works. The ideas are already flowing!