Storystorm 2024 Day 12: Christine Evans Conjures Magic Spells

by Christine Evans

It’s day 12 and you’ve hopefully got a nice stack of ideas. How would you like to use a magic spell to multiply those ideas right now?

We’re children’s book creators so we all know that magic exists, in wishing wells, on stars, and in books. But you don’t need a wand to try this exercise.

Take one of your ideas. For example, you want to write a story about a dung beetle. Not the most popular book character maybe but we’re always looking for the next big picture book animal—maybe it’s Dung’s chance for fame.

Now, think about a picture book structure. How about epistolary? A particular favorite of mine and a structure I used in DEAR MR. G.

And now think about an emotion. How do you want your reader to feel at the end of your story? For this story, I want them to feel inspired.

So here’s my pitch: A picture book about Dung who wants to be the world record holder of the biggest dung ball ever rolled. It’s told in a series of letters between Dung and his best friend, Flea.

Now switch things up. What if it’s a cumulative story where you leave your reader rolling (yes, pun intended) on the ground in laughter?

Pitch: Dung rolls a dung ball and along the way collects objects that are increasingly absurd as he moves through the book.

Or a how-to book where Dung teaches us how to make our own dung ball that leaves readers informed.

Pitch: How to make a dung ball in 5 easy steps as told by Dung the dung beetle.

Yeah maybe not that one. But there’s no such thing as a bad idea in Storystorm so into the file it goes. You never know what else it might spark.

Finally, how about a nonfiction book about dung beetles that leaves readers curious.

Pitch: Do you know what the world’s strongest animal is? Find out in this book featuring heavyweight animals from dung beetles and leafcutter ants to gorillas and bears.

I think you get the idea! Go through each of your ideas and apply this formula:

Idea x (Structure + Emotion) = More Ideas!

I’m not sure that’s a very mathematical formula. But it is magical!

Good luck creating your own magic this month.

P.S. if you want to read a real picture book about a dung beetle, check out I EAT POOP! by Mark Pett. It’s hilarious! And so sweet.

Christine Evans is giving away a copy of one of her books to one lucky winner (winner’s choice).

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2024 participant and you have commented only once on today’s blog post.

Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.

Christine Evans is the author of eight books including DEAR MR. G., EVELYN THE ADVENTTUROUS ENTOMOLOGIST, and THE WISH LIIBRARY series. She particularly loves books with a touch of magic.

Christine is a British expat living in California with her husband and family. She invites you to visit her at pinwheelsandstories.com or on almost all of the social media platforms at @ChristineNEvans.