July is all about jumpstarting your creativity! Transport yourself into a writing mode featuring people and animals going places. Here are a few exercises to rev up your ability to find and execute on ideas this month:
1. Read books about transportation this month. Boats, planes, trains, cars, animals, and more. Now write a fictional first line about one of the transportation methods you read about.
2. Research a non-fiction topic relating to transportation. Perhaps you will be inspired by one of the books you read above. Or perhaps you are inspired by a mode of transportation you see outside your window or throughout your day.
3. Think about a method of transportation you enjoyed as a child – either in reality or in your imagination. A rocket ship? A pogo stick or scooter? A bicycle? A sailboat? A flying dragon or horse? Write a story capturing sensory details.
4. Look online for photos or videos of animals transporting other animals. For example, I have seen videos of birds riding around on large mammals, and fish catching rides on other underwater creatures. Write a title, first line, or story based on your online observations.
This month, let yourself be transported with creative ideas featuring movement. Let me know in the comments if these exercises helped. Happy writing!
MELISSA’S BIO:
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection – Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Trustee, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks.
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