Writers' communities are very helpful to writers because it gives them a way to try out their stuff short of publication.
Robert MunschI get up in front of a bunch of kids and say 'Hey, I'm gonna tell you a new story. Who wants to be in a new story?' Well some kid always sticks up their hand and that gives me a name, but it doesn't give me a story. I just say whatever comes to my mind and usually it's not that good. Every once in a while, however, I say something that turns into a really good story.
Robert MunschI get my ideas for books from my own kids and sometimes from other children. Often when I am telling stories I will say: I am going to make up a new story.
Robert Munsch