My very first book, which was a wordless story (i.e. the story was told only through the illustrations), was based on a life lesson.
The year it was published, I was doing private tutoring in English and maths and was given an adult student. She and I came to be close friends, and we learned about each other's backgrounds.
There were some experiences she had gone through that were emotionally difficult. I was similar. And yet, she was one of the bubbliest, most positive people I had ever met. She taught me that our struggles don't have to leave scars - they can make us more appreciative of the happiness and privilege that we do have.
And so, I created What Stars Are Made Of to share this experience and life lesson.
Your turn:
What's something you've learned this year? Perhaps a friend has shown you a way to encourage people, or you've learned how to motivate yourself, or deal with bullies.
Think about how you could turn this into a story. Who would the main character be? How would they show, or learn, this lesson?
YOU ARE READING
Where Do Ideas Come From?
Non-FictionChildren's author, artist and zinester ZR Southcombe discusses some of the places she gets her ideas, gives examples from her work, and suggests ways you can apply this to generate your own ideas. NB: I am looking for feedback on this. If there is a...
