New Writing: "The Monsters Bedtime Book"

This weekend, when I sat down to create another idea for a picture book, what came out was the entire picture book.  Or at least the words for an entire picture book.  Now, of course, I need to create the pictures for it.  But I love the words so much, I decided to share them.

So without further ado, here is "The Monsters Bedtime Book".

The sun is up.  It’s getting late. So please, little monsters, don’t hesitate. It’s time to go to bed.
Brush out your fur. Wipe down your scales. Sharpen your talons.  Cover your tails. It’s time to go to bed.
Do one big stretch.  Do one stretch more. Then scurry behind the closet door. It’s time to go to bed.
Mommies and Daddies everywhere Will give you a kiss and your teddy bear. It’s time to go to bed.
The sun is up.  It’s getting late. Please, please, little monsters, don’t hesitate. It’s time to go to bed.

Picture Book Idea Month

I don't really know why I signed up for this.

November is a crazy month for most of us.  On top of elections, there's Thanksgiving, getting ready for Christmas, several birthdays in the family, and NaNoWriMo.  I mean, I already sign up to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

But this year I heard about Picture Book Idea Month, or PiBoIdMo, from Debbie Ohi.  The concept is quite simple - think up one idea for a picture book once a day for 30 days.  I don't have to create the actual picture book each day, just think of a viable idea for one.  Simple, right?

Here's what my internal dialogue sounded like last week:

     Sane Me:  Picture Book Idea Month?  That sounds too easy.

     Crazy Me:  No, it really is that easy.

     Sane Me:  But I already have too much going on in November to participate.

     Crazy Me:  What are you talking about?  I used to tell the kids stories practically in my sleep.

     Sane Me:  When they were toddlers, *years* ago,...

     Crazy Me:  It's not that long ago.

     Sane Me:  Yes, it is.

     Crazy Me:  No, it's not.

     Sane Me:  Besides, where would I keep the ideas?  When would I get around to even attempting one?

     Crazy Me:  After you finish your NaNoWriMo novel, you need to let it rest before you edit it.  

     Sane Me:  Are you crazy?

     Crazy Me: Yes, yes I am.

In the end, Crazy Me won and I signed up.  I figure I have a 50/50 chance of finishing, but I'll never know until I try.