The Stories Hiding Inside
Finding Story Seeds in Ordinary Days
Creative Writing and Storytelling for Young Storytellers
The Stories Hiding Inside is the second book in The Imagination Series by Canadian author Debbie Blower.
With Sly as their friendly story-finding guide, children are invited to discover that stories are often hiding in everyday life — in memories, school days, family moments, brave choices, ordinary objects, first times, and “what if?” questions.
This creative writing and storytelling companion helps young writers notice their own story seeds and begin creating with confidence.
About the Book
Stories do not always begin with something big.
Sometimes they begin with a small memory, a nervous moment, a funny day, a kind choice, a family story, or something ordinary a child suddenly sees in a new way.
In The Stories Hiding Inside, Sly helps children pause, notice, wonder, and imagine. Each chapter includes a short story followed by gentle questions and creative prompts that help children discover where their own stories might begin.
This book is designed to encourage children who love writing, children who are not sure where to start, and the adults who want to support them.
Inside the Book
The Stories Hiding Inside includes:
- Short stories inspired by everyday moments
- Sly’s story-finding notes
- Creative writing prompts
- Story seed questions
- Drawing activities
- “What if?” imagination pages
- Reflection pages
- Encouragement for young writers
A Good Fit For
- Children ages 8–12
- Young storytellers
- Reluctant writers
- Creative writing at home
- Homeschool language arts
- Classroom writing prompts
- Grandparents sharing story moments
- Children who enjoy drawing, journaling, and imagining
Part of The Imagination Series
The Imagination Series was created to help young storytellers discover, grow, and believe in their own ideas.
Book One, How Stories Grow with Sly, helps children learn how stories are built.
Book Two, The Stories Hiding Inside, helps children discover where stories can begin.
Together, the books gently encourage creativity, confidence, literacy, imagination, and storytelling.
About the Author
Debbie Blower is a Canadian author, storyteller, illustrator, blogger, wife, mom, Nana, and the heart behind The Story House.
Her work with children’s literacy and creative expression began in the 1990s through The Muse Program, a creative writing and storytelling program that encouraged young people to read, write, imagine, and believe their ideas mattered.
That same heart continues through The Imagination Series, where Sly helps young storytellers notice the stories around them and within them.
Frequently Asked Question
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
I think I first realized I wanted to be a writer when I looked back and saw that writing had always been part of me. As a child, I was always creating — writing, drawing, painting, keeping journals, and filling notebooks with ideas and half-finished stories. I didn’t necessarily have the words for it then, but storytelling was always there.
How would you describe yourself outside of being an author?
Outside of being an author, I would describe myself as a wife, mom, Nana, encourager, creative soul, and someone who finds meaning in the simple things.
Family is a huge part of who I am. I love being a Nana, and my grandchildren have brought so much joy, inspiration, and imagination into my life. They've reminded me how important it is to slow down, listen, notice the little things, and see the world through curious eyes.
I’m also someone who loves home, faith, creativity, and gathering people around the table. Whether it’s through cooking, storytelling, faith-filled reflection, or encouraging someone in their own journey, I think a big part of who I am is helping others feel seen, valued, and welcomed.
So outside of writing, I’m really someone who loves deeply, creates from the heart, and believes there is still beauty and purpose in every season of life.
How much of your real life influences your stories or writing?
A lot of my real life finds its way into my stories, although not always in an exact way.
Sometimes it is a memory, a feeling, a place, a conversation, or something one of my grandchildren says or does. That's where my newest book Rocket Boosted Go-Karts came from, a grandsons love of fast cars. As well as The Story That Wasn't, which is 100% based on my 4 youngest grandsons, complete with their personalities and names. Other times it is a lesson I have learned through faith, family, motherhood, being a Nana, or walking through different seasons of life.
A Gentle Invitation
If you are looking for a creative writing book for kids that feels warm, encouraging, and easy to use, The Stories Hiding Inside was created to help children begin with one small story seed.
- One memory.
One question.
One drawing.
One brave little “what if?”
Because sometimes the best stories are already hiding inside ordinary days.
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