elissacruz It's time! Welcome to our Mystery chat, and a special welcome to our panel of experts! #MGlitchat -7:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel It's time for #MGlitchat and tonight we have some spsecial panelists. -7:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein @jgetzler J.J. is walking Fred for me tonight! #mglitchat -7:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz Tonight's experts are authors @wordsbysheela @KKittscher @BenHWinters @CGrabenstein @whbeck and agent @jgetzler. Welcome! #MGlitchat -7:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat Hi everyone! Hi @CGrabenstein, how's the weather on 7? -7:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Good to be here. Weather on 7 is hot with a chance of meatballs. #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Hi everyone! #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenniekaywrites excited to tune in! #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat If you'd like to ask questions of our panelists make sure to include their handle in the tweet. -7:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters hi. thanks for having me, #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Hello! Glad to be joining such fine company! @benhwinters @wordsbysheela @jgetzler @cgrabenstein @whbeck #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @BenHWinters Thanks for coming! #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz Tonight @rachelnseigel and I will be moderating, but we'd like to turn the bulk of the meeting to our panelists. #MGlitchat -7:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat Hey @CGrabenstein, how'd you go from writing Jersey Shore Thrillers to MG? -7:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss wot? I have to remember my question AND who I'm asking? oh boy.. ;) #MGlitchat -7:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz Participants, feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences. Let's begin with:what are the elements of a good mystery? #MGlitchat -7:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein The Crossroads was an adult thriller that became MG after I cut 70,000 words. #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz Take it away, panelists! #MGlitchat -7:05 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @CGrabenstein I read that- it was really creepy! Right up my alley! :-) #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Elements of good mystery, for kids. Suspense. Tension. And a puzzle. That's what makes mysteries fun. #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenniekaywrites one that is super suspenseful! #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat and it might be helpful to define what is classified as a mystery, and some of its subsets too! -7:06 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein @rachelnseigel Glad you liked it! Or that I creeped you out. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @CGrabenstein: Elements of good mystery, for kids. Suspense. Tension. And a puzzle. That's what makes mysteries fun. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i agree w/ @Cgrabenstein, and would add pace. as in, a good one #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @rachelnseigel Or that, too. #youshouldleadthisdiscussion #MGlitchat -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @elissacruz For MG, I think the puzzle-solve is very important. Also that it not be just silly. If you want to see who stole... -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @CGrabenstein I love creepy stories- the kind that make u stay up reading because u don't want to turn out the light! #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Elements of a good mystery? Withholding information and judicious reveals. And what @cgrabenstein said:-) #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I think a good mystery has to be interactive; the reader can or thinks they can outwit the characters in the story. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss suspense, tension, a puzzle - and how creepy can we get? Can we kill anyone off? #MGlitchat -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Good mystery=one that surprises with plot twists, yet still makes sense. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat ...a knapsack, there needs to be something important in it. And yes, pace is good. And not being obvious. -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @PippaBayliss How do you handle that in MG? Is there a line you can't cross? #MGlitchat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein My ghost stories are mysteries, even tho there is no real crime. Still a puzzle. How did ghosts get there? What do they want? #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher And surprise. That's important. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Jinx, @whbeck! #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon OMC...I think I actually see @jgetzler on a twitter chat. *applauds wildly* *faints a little* #MyWorkHereIsDone #MGlitchat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein @PippaBayliss My RH editor told me the characters had to deserve to die. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Oh, don't forget McGuffin! #MGLitChat -7:08 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissafield @KKittscher agreed! #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i'm a believer in tying everything up, or trying to. no cheating, no quasi-answers. kids want real solutions #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC Im here. Didnt think id make it. *waves* #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @AuthoressAnon Hello My Dear! -7:09 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @DsBSC Glad u made it! :-) #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie @rachelnseigel @pippabayliss Good question. There lines to watch in MG library but love to dance on them with kids #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I agree with Ben. There is no cheating kids. They notice everything. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon @jgetzler *hugs* (I'm not ALWAYS watching you. Only sometimes. ;P) #MGlitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @BenHWinters: i'm a believer in tying everything up, or trying to. no cheating, no quasi-answers. kids want real solutions #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters not to be all whatever, but every good book is a mystery, or should be. what's really going on with these characters? #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jodyfeldman Ooh! My favorite! They're talking mysteries at #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf RT @CGrabenstein: I agree with Ben. There is no cheating kids. They notice everything. #MGLitChat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat Dying in MG mystery is tough. Sometimes it's OK to Un-die, but only if vampires are involved... -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela Hi everyone, sorry I'm late. Computer malfunction! #MGlitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Best mysteries are ones mc CAN'T walk away from. mc solves it not b/c curious, but b/c family, honor, life, etc., is at stake. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters what secrets lurk in the human heart? and et cetera. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @AuthoressAnon @jgetzler You just have to ask him nicely. Either that or he really likes me and can't say no to my requests. ;) #MGlitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss @CGrabenstein really? just kill the bad guys? that's no fun ... #MGlitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Don't ever kill a cat or dog. Even in adult mysteries. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 29th, 2012
nikkiloftin Wow, great line-up at #mglitchat! @KKittscher, @BenHWinters, @CGrabenstein, @wordsbysheela. Mysteries! -7:11 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @CGrabenstein How about parents? Can parents die in a MG mystery, or is that off-limits? #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon @elissacruz I should've KNOWN you were behind this! Good on you, dearie! ;) @jgetzler #MGlitchat (Of course he couldn't say no!) -7:11 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @BenHWinters EXACTLY. I've been telling people for years that every book has a mystery hidden in it somewhere. #MGlitchat -7:11 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @jgetzler also alternate timelines #MGLitChat -7:11 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i've never killed an mg character. once my hero fell off her bike. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin lurking on #mglitchat ::waves:: #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @CGrabenstein True--can't kill the pet, and REALLY can't harm them to show meanness. (I mean, people do, but I don't like 'em) -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @wordsbysheela Welcome! Glad to see you. Right now we're talking about elements of a good mystery. #MGlitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck RT @BenHWinters: every good book is a mystery, or should be. whats really going on with these characters? #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss Agreed! RT @CGrabenstein: Dont ever kill a cat or dog. Even in adult mysteries. #MGlitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf For kids, bad guys should keep getting away until the end of the book, or series. #MGLitChat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet MT @BenHWinters: ...every good book is a mystery, or should be. whats really going on with these characters? #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I killed an old chauffeur in the Xroads the editor brought him back to life. We did a movie script, dir wanted him dead again #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @KristineAsselin ::waves back:: #MGlitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela I always like mysteries that have some trace of the end right there in the opening chapter. #MGlitchat -7:12 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @CGrabenstein Go figure! #MGLitChat -7:13 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I think the *feeling* that someone could die, that the stakes are real, is just fine -- and important, even. #mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss interesting RT @AniProf: For kids, bad guys should keep getting away until the end of the book, or series. #MGlitchat -7:13 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein In my adult mysteries, I try to Sixth Sense stuff. Make you go back and see the answer in the first chapter. #mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @CGrabenstein @rachelnsiegel Parents can die offstage, and sometimes can if it's ABOUT them dying. -7:13 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @KKittscher: I think the *feeling* that someone could die, that the stakes are real, is just fine -- and important, even. #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela I also like unreliable narrators, or else MCs who make the wrong assumptions, as a way to throw the reader off the trail. #MGlitchat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @PippaBayliss Voldemort? Darth Vader? #MGLitChat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC @AniProf makessence. Always happens that wy in scoobydoo which my kids love.book, or series. #MGLitChat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @kkitscher, totally but my fave thing about mg is that stakes are everywhere. everything is a huge deal when yer 10 #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck I had a character die originally, but changed it. Too sad, too dark for mg. Not enough room to deal with the consequences of it. #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I have a very wicked dead mom in the X-Roads. Parents have questioned it. No kid ever has. #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @stein_valerie Lots of people died in the HO series. #MGLitChat -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @CGrabenstein 6th Sensing is good--it's what Murder By Death commented about A Christie--all that coincidental stuff in Act 3 -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @wordsbysheela me, too! Make it so much more surprising. #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie @wordsbysheela Love that! feeling of the end in the beginning. Keep wondering throughout the book.#mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf That was "HP series" #MGLitChat -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss It's tough getting the stakes high enuff - any thoughts, panel? #MGlitchat -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein You definitely need to give your hero a antagonist that proves him/her worthy #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenrofe Hi #MGlitchat! Stopping by for a bit. What's that website where you can follow a chat? -7:15 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Jess_Keating I'm here late but happy to make it tonight! Hey all :-) #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @BenHWinters True: right after I wrote that, I thought about your mysteries. Stakes high w/o death in the picture. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Becky_AS @CGrabenstein I think kids love to re-read and try to catch the clues they missed the first time, so they see those 1st hints. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @AniProf Yes, but remember, the later HP books were YA, not MG. #MGlitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i love antagonists. they don't have to be evil, by the way -- just getting in the hero's way. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC @rachelnseigel me too. Hard on dumbphone but always fun is @danyelleleafty around #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @PippaBayliss I think what @benhwinters said is dead on: it's all about how the charac feels about the stakes #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @jenrofe tweetchat #MGlitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat I like my narrators to be reliable, or else knowingly unreliable. Kids seem to get PO'd by unreliability (as they do in life) -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @jenrofe HI! Go to tweetchat, that's the easiest way. #MGlitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet @jenrofe tweetchat #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @Jess_Keating Welcome! #MGlitchat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Does the MC need to defeat the bad guy, or just outlast her/him? #MGLitChat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @jenrofe http://t.co/nUhJm0p3 #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I try to surprise myself when I write and keep ratcheting up the stakes. I miss 24. It was good research for stakes hiking #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @elissacruz True. #MGLitChat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissafield @jenrofe http://t.co/7uLpcuAH #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @Becky_AS they do re-read which is why we're lucky to have them as readers! #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC @AniProf: That was "HP series" #MGLitChat too true. Still workin/ on that 1 library needed book 2 on cd back. Headache gone? -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenrofe Got it. Thanks! #mglitchat #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters hi, @wellfedpoet! #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss Agree RT @KKittscher: I think what @benhwinters said is dead on: its all about how the charac feels about the stakes #MGlitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @elissacruz I'd say last HP's were closer to Adult-adult -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein In my world, the MC should defeat the bad guy...because there will be a new one in the next book #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenrofe @CGrabenstein Once Upon a Time on ABC is also good for this. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @jenrofe it does the "#mglitchat" for you:-) [and hello!] #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie @AniProf #mglitchat True! And in many other beloved booksViolent death is fine line, like gore,but can be well written to do it right. -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @jgetzler @elissacruz As an adult reader I didn't mind that, but was hard 2 sell 2 young kids who loved first few books. #MGlitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @jgetzler True. Very true. I love HP, but I hate it when people use it as a MG example, BECAUSE IT'S NOT. #MGlitchat -7:18 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @CGrabenstein Define "defeat". #MGLitChat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i'm writing a thing now where there's no bad guy, per se. just a big weird something going on #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jodyfeldman Good to know abt 24 and stakes-hiking. Time to get out the Season 1 DVDs @CGrabenstein #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @elissacruz @jgetzler Skulduggery Pleasant is like that 2. They start out MG but are much more YA now. #MGlitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I sliced off a head in my second book. The editor asked for it. #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I agree with @cgrabenstein; part of the satisfaction of a mystery is justice being served. #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Jess_Keating @jenrofe Yes! That show is amazing at upping the stakes. #mglitchat @CGrabenstein -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Mike_Jung Hey y'alls. What's the topic? #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I think HP grew up with its audience. Started MG, went YA, ended Adult, #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Especially among an age group so attuned to INjustice. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Jess_Keating RT @KKittscher: I agree with @cgrabenstein; part of the satisfaction of a mystery is justice being served. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC @AniProf #MGLitChat imagine it depen5s on writers muse. I need closeure as a reader #kidwhonogrow -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @CGrabenstein i'm starting to like your editor #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AshelynnS @CGrabenstein okay, that is the best tweet EVER to first see when you log into tweetchat. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @rachelnseigel Yes, and even the first was closer to YA than MG. At least, I thought so. #MGlitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
kurtisscaletta What is the topic? #MGLitChat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat @rachelnseigel @elissacruz My son read in stages, though my daughter (who's younger) wants to go consec. And she will be scared. -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet @CGrabenstein editor said "off with their head?". Power! #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @kurtisscaletta Mysteries! #MGLitChat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @BenHWinters Me too. I'm trying to figure out if it's still a mystery w/o a bad guy.... #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Justice! Just desserts is one thing my editor and our readers ask for. It's why the mystery genre is so popular. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @Mike_Jung Welcome, we're talking mysteries with our expert panel of mystery writers and agents who represent them. #MGlitchat -7:20 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler DAMN! “@CGrabenstein: I sliced off a head in my second book. The editor asked for it. #mglitchat” -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Does there need to be a bad guy in a mystery? #MGLitChat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
laurapauling Had to stop in for the mystery night! #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Yes, I had gone easy on my twisted stage director. But, he deserved to die. His bench thugs, on the other hand, got to run away #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AshelynnS *sneaks in* #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @elissacruz I ended up moving the entire series to YA, but when main character was only 12, I had 9-10 year-olds reading it. #MGlitchat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie @elissacruz @aniprof Good point about MG changing to YA through the series.Challenge for writer and librarian (I'm both) #MGlitchat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @BenHWinters @cgrabenstein me, too! #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Mike_Jung @elissacruz Great, thanks! #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC Just read a non mystery which h*d me guessing like i do in a mystery. Twas a fantasy fairytale. #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat Does there have 2 be a big "reveal" at the end, or an explanation of the solution? -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
mytweendom I think mystery is all about the setting... #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
literaticat Mysteries, eh? I see one of my own MG mystery writing clients here... @kkittscher #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela The best bad guys are those that masquerade as good guys! #MGlitchat -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin @laurapauling Hey Spy Girl! ;) #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I guess you could do a mystery without a bad guy. Not as much fun. These are morality plays. Good beats evil. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss I write fantasy and there's a "save the world from the evil entity!" aspect so I've made my EE pretty mean. He bites. #MGlitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
ShelbyRBach @mytweendom YES. Totally agree. I feel like setting is so important in MG mystery! #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #MGlitchat Hi Commenters--if you don't include #hashtag I won't see this--on rather primitive Twitter platform :) -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @literaticat Yes, indeed:-) *waves* #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Big reveals kind of get clunkerish. In my adult mysteries, I usually solve things by the act three turn and move into thriller #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Becky_AS RT @wordsbysheela: The best bad guys are those that masquerade as good guys! #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC It was book 1 in #fairygodmotherdilemma #Catspell by @danyelleleafty had no idea what was ganna happen. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @rachelnseigel has to be enuf so that people are satisfied. ambiguity is ok, but not vagueness #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @literaticat You should come and join the fun... #hinthint We have lots of experts and agents sharing their mystery tips. #MGlitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
lostingreatbook @whbeck @BenHWinters I think there can be .. the ancient family secret, etc. Still a mystery to be solved, but no 'bad guy' #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @ShelbyRBach @mytweendom I agree: a rich setting is a great help #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @AniProf: Does there need to be a bad guy in a mystery? #MGLitChat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon Writers! Don't miss the usually-twittershy-but-still-amazing @jgetzler on #MGlitchat NOW! @elissacruz -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JenniferCEstes But....*always* an evil antagonist, slicing/dicing, terror on every pg? Or (dare I say it) can there be a quiet mystery? #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @BenHWinters Makes sense- I hate the big long-winded explanations. It ruins a book! #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters there are plenty of great mysteries where we don't know who 'bad guy' is until the very end, of course. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @CGrabenstein And I don't think the MG audience likes them as much. They are still very concrete learners. #MGlitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein But never open with weather. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @rachelnseigel Reveal a la Scooby Doo, but in any story, there's usually a point where char has an aha moment. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin I like my bad guys sort of complicated...are they or aren't they? #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
lostingreatbook @BenHWinters @rachelnseigel Agreed - only sometimes is the solution that the problem is solved (identify found, item discovered). #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AshelynnS Yes! RT @BenHWinters: there are plenty of great mysteries where we dont know who bad guy is until the very end, of course. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I think of my mysteries as roller coaster rides. Scream. Laugh. Scream again. Laugh again. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf For MG, I think a good puzzle is more important than good vs evil. #MGLitChat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @whbeck Ahaha moment is good. I just hate it when at the height of the action bad guy explains everything-. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein As I say in my school visits: the villain is always the hero of their own story. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
beckybakeroo #mglitchat : *kids in bed, no more water*. -7:25 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @CGrabenstein It was a dark and stormy night ... #MGLitChat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
lostingreatbook @rachelnseigel @BenHWinters Agreed - also tired of the villian's long-winded explanation of 'whyhedunnit'. Better to have clues. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @whbeck yep. and darn fun to write, those a-ha moments #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I agree, @KristineAsselin: the MC's doubts can really propel a reader through #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Mike_Jung I'm no expert, but I'd say balanced, artful use of foreshadowing is essential. Can't be too obvious OR too subtle about it. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @whbeck That would be reveal DOESN'T need to be like Scooby. Urk. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
laurapauling Those are the best villains! Three D RT @KristineAsselin: I like my bad guys sort of complicated...are they or aren't they? #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC Reminder @danyelleleafty s #kindlesforkids ends 31march get hb #Catspell by @danyelleleafty http://t.co/BtJNcbIm #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Jess_Keating I like this :-) RT @CGrabenstein: As I say in my school visits: the villain is always the hero of their own story. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
kellybarnhill BAH! It's #mglitchat! I almost forgot! Hi everyone! -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher If it's done well, we shouldn't need pages of explaining at the end a la Scooby. But, inevitably, there has to be a bit! #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @lostingreatbook @BenHWinters I think it's too easy- too Hollywood. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat Aha moment can be great--I like the sleuth--particularly if kid--telling how he or she figured it out. -7:26 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet @CGrabenstein Speaking of laughing....thoughts re humor in mysteries? How to balance with suspense, for ex. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
DsBSC @AniProf: Does there need to be a bad guy in a mystery? 4 sure! #MGLitChat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @kellybarnhill *waves* #MGlitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @KKittscher: @ShelbyRBach @mytweendom I agree: a rich setting is a great help #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AshelynnS @KKittscher oh yes, definitely agree! #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenrofe @CGrabenstein I like that! I think I will borrow. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher RT @CGrabenstein: As I say in my school visits: the villain is always the hero of their own story. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AshelynnS @kellybarnhill hello! :) #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
laurapauling @KristineAsselin Hey there! #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela I like this! @CGrabenstein As I say in my school visits: the villain is always the hero of their own story. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Humor comes from the characters. Their reaction to horror. It is a defense mechanism. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin Important: Kid needs to solve the mystery. No adult assistance... #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i love jokes in mysteries. u can hide a lot of clues in a good bit. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @wellfedpoet Ha, I love funny mysteries, don't I, @jgetzler?! ;) #MGlitchat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jenrofe @wellfedpoet I consider ORIGAMI YODA to be a humorous mystery. Is Origami Yoda real or not?! #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat @wellfedpoet@CGrabenstein I think humor should come with suspense--they're not mutually exclusive. -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
laurapauling Author Erin Dionne is great at the hysterical epiphany as she calls it. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Mysteries are really 2 stories.THIS-> RT @CGrabenstein: the villain is always the hero of their own story. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @CGrabenstein Hitchcock always used humor to counteract too much suspense. #MGLitChat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat my favourite mysteries as a kid were the Liza Bill and Jed mysteries from Peggy Parish. Loved the visual clues! -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Yes, and yes. RT @KristineAsselin: Important: Kid needs to solve the mystery. No adult assistance... #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Interestingly, The Crossroads almost didn't get published because I broke THE RULE. Zack's stepmom helps him. Kids love it. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @CGrabenstein: I think of my mysteries as roller coaster rides. Scream. Laugh. Scream again. Laugh again. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Yes, I agree with @benhwinters. Jokes are a bit like a magician's diverting attention for the trick. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss Gotta say, good characters and good writing will have MG readers care no matter what the mystery but I LUV complexity #MGlitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @CGrabenstein Are adults not allowed to help? #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
laurapauling The Gilda Joyce MG series are humorous yet serious. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @jenrofe @wellfedpoet And his Horton Halfpot is definitely humorous mystery. #MGlitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
kurtisscaletta the nice thing about writing mysteries is, you don't have to write them in the same order readers read them. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat I meant CAN come with suspense (obv doesn't HAVE to, but too earnest can be tiresome...) -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @whbeck Yes, and without the villain's story, there is no mystery! #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @laurapauling I love Gilda. #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela My editor and I talked about how sometimes the MC can be 1 step ahead of the reader in terms of figuring it out. #MGLitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I found after I wrote the X-Roads adults are not supposed to help. But, rules are made to be trashed. #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
mytweendom @laurapauling Love Gilda! #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
laurapauling @KKittscher Me too. great voice. Hilarious. #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @kurtisscaletta Exactly. Poe said something about that: that it's no genius to unravel something one has created! #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @wordsbysheela Do kids like to figure it out partway through and see if they're right, or be pulled along 2 the end? #MGLitchat -7:30 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Classic irony is letting your audience be one step ahead of your characters. Most thrillers employ this technique. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
kellybarnhill @DsBSC @AniProf I disagree. I'd call TANGLEWOOD TERROR a mystery, but there's no bad guy at all. Just possibly evil mushrooms. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @rachelnseigel that's a great question. any kids out there? #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat I think adults can certainly help--they can train, advise, also thwart--but part of the (empowering) point is for the kid 2 do it -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jodyfeldman @kurtisscaletta Maybe you don't need to write them in order, but some of us aren't so talented :-) #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I think kids like to try to figure things out halfway thru. Sometimes, I let them think they did then show them they didn't #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@kurtisscaletta: the nice thing about writing mysteries is, you don't have to write them in the same order readers read them. #mglitchat” -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @kellybarnhill Thank you! #MGLitChat -7:31 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Becky_AS @rachelnseigel I think they like to think they have it figured out, but not really know- that's what keeps them turning the pages #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 29th, 2012
mytweendom There were lots of grown-ups in THE WESTING GAME and kids today still eat it up! #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @CGrabenstein Do you think that differs from adult readers? I never like a mystery that is too easy 2 solve. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Yes, and adults can also bungle things horribly...and then the kids can save the day! #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein The other nice thing about writing mysteries -- you can go back and plant what you need. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @CGrabenstein that's right-on. always fun to set up an answer, then turn it around #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon #mglitchat The biggest mistake I made in my MG fantasy was having adults do too much of the "solving" and "rescuing" during climax. -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin The best part! RT @KKittscher: Yes, and adults can also bungle things horribly...and then the kids can save the day! #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Kids never figure out my mysteries. I let them think they may have figured out a part...but...doh! They didn't #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Re: villain...always actual person, always? Or scary challenge on the way? Something else? #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @mytweendom Yes, but it was the MG main character who outsmarted all those adults. THAT's what kids love to see. #MGlitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@KKittscher: Yes, and adults can also bungle things horribly...and then the kids can save the day! #mglitchat” Great boost fjord kids. -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss thank goodness! RT @CGrabenstein: The other nice thing about writing mysteries -- you can go back and plant what you need. #MGlitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Wikipedia: A mystery is where "a detective (either professional or amateur) investigates and solves a crime mystery." #MGLitChat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JeffCohenwriter That's exactly it. @CGrabenstein Humor comes from the characters. Their reaction to horror. It is a defense mechanism. #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @AuthoressAnon my editor once gently suggested I have the dad do less helping, so my hero could be the smartie #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat @mytweendom Yes, but the kid ultimately figured it out (I like Tattooed Potato slightly better--sad that it's largely forgotten) -7:34 PM Mar 29th, 2012
mytweendom @elissacruz true enough. Kids saving the day a la Kiki Strike are always appreciated! #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters that is a fun thing about mysteries, is the re-writing; YOU'VE finally solved it, now you can carefully seed the right clues #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @jgetzler @mytweendom That was just recently re-issued along with a couple of her other mysteries. #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon @BenHWinters I'll bet it made a huge dif! I had an agent tell me the same thing; my rewritten ending was so much stronger. #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Adult can help (or bungle), but can't do the solving, rescuing, etc. for the kid character. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Jeff Cohen knows funny, folks! #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat Hi @JeffCohenwriter Fancy meeting you here! -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf To say there "needs" to be a bad guy seems too limiting. #MGLitChat -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler True Dat! “@CGrabenstein: Jeff Cohen knows funny, folks! #mglitchat” -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jodyfeldman I always liked the ones where you thought you'd solved it - maybe you were disappointed b/c so obvious - then it turned on you #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Speaking of funny, I want to sneak in a plug here for @cgrabenstein's new book RILEY MACK AND THE OTHER KNOWN TROUBLEMAKERS. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JeffCohenwriter RT @CGrabenstein: Jeff Cohen knows funny, folks! #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher @cgrabenstein Which is being given away on the @KidLitMysteries Blog now. #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I see my stories as a wrestling match. Protagonist versus Antagonist. #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss BenHWinters - do you have crit buds to help you check your pacing? Clue reveals are tuff to get right in the pacing ime #MGlitchat -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher We have a contest on http://t.co/jESi58qX to win an ARC, if you're interested. #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler WONDERFUL! “@rachelnseigel: @jgetzler @mytweendom That was just recently re-issued along with a couple of her other mysteries. #mglitchat” -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela If kids figure out 2 much 2 quickly, they get bored. Every time you offer a clue, you have to distract afterwards! @rachelnseigel #Mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein @KKittscher You are too kind! #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @rachelnseigel you beat me to the punch:-) #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @AniProf I'm with you. no firm rules, right? "All it has to be is good." #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters any musical-theater buffs know that quote, by the way? #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @jgetzler @mytweendom Mysterious Disappearance of Leon- I mean Noel was my favourite of hers. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck RT @KKittscher: We have a contest on http://t.co/EcxEipQn to win an ARC, if youre interested. @kidlitmysteries #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat Present company excepted, Ellen Raskin's Tattooed Potato & Other Clues is my favorite MG mystery EVER. I Prob read it 40 times. -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I am blessed with a wife with a short attention span. She reads everything first. Tells me to get on with story. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin @AniProf Depends how you define bad "guy"--person, environment, situation, etc. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
literaticat RT @wordsbysheela: I like this! @CGrabenstein As I say in my school visits: the villain is always the hero of their own story. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz So, I wanna know: how much plotting do you mystery write do before you write? I do hardly any, but I'm weird that way. #MGlitchat -7:37 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf And this is why I write MG SciFi! #MGLitChat -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissafield RT @wordsbysheela: If kids figure out 2 much 2 quickly they get bored. Ev time u offer a clue u have to distract afterwards! #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
RKCharron @AuthoressAnon Should authors starting to write MG read MG & watch MG movies like The Goonies to get a feel for genre? #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@whbeck: Adult can help (or bungle), but can't do the solving, rescuing, etc. for the kid character. #mglitchat” Yes! Hate trite wrap up. -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @elissacruz I do more plotting with every book. It saves a lot of time and agita down the road. #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @KristineAsselin True. #MGLitChat -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I do plot the major turning points. Improvise in between. #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @BenHWinters I feel like I should know that- is it Sondheim? #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @elissacruz I know the beginning and the end and the premise. The middle IS the mystery to me. #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @elissacruz Er, I mean, mystery writers, not mystery write. #typo #MGlitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss @BenHWinters - do you have crit buds to help you check your pacing? Clue reveals are tuff to get right in the pacing imex #MGlitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I like the analogy of a magic act. You need distraction before you do the trick. Love that Masked Magician show. #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @RKCharron THere is no reason NOT to watch the Goonies. I sort of want to watch that right now, since you mention it. #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon @RKCharron Not sure about the movies; def. read MG...and hang with tweens if possible! #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher Is that your blog? #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I pretend I know what I'm doing...and then am pleasantly surprised to discover I don't. #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JeffCohenwriter In the traditional three-act structure? @CGrabenstein I do plot the major turning points. Improvise in between. #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @BenHWinters: @AniProf I'm with you. no firm rules, right? "All it has to be is good." #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @rachelnseigel yuppers. From "Sunday in the Park." Well played! #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @KKittscher: We have a contest on http://t.co/jESi58qX to win an ARC, if you're interested. #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Agita means heartburn in Italian. #MGLitChat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein @JeffCohenwriter Yes indeedy #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @BenHWinters I thought so! :-) I'm not an "expert" but am a musical theatre fan. :-) #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @rachelnseigel Yep - @whbeck and I represent MG:-) #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters yeah, I should be clear: just because I figure out the plot in advance, that doesn't mean it's that way when I'm done. #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss it's pleasant? not 4 me, :D RT @KKittscher: I pretend I know what Im doing...and then am pleasantly surprised to discover I dont. #MGlitchat -7:40 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat @AuthoressAnon Very important to hang with Tweens. I have 3, so I have no choice. They are the absolute BS Detectors. -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @whbeck That's me EXACTLY. #MGlitchat -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I am tightly plotting a puzzle mystery right now. But every page is a code or a puzzle so it needs it. #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher Had no idea! Great blog-! #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @BenHWinters @rkcarron Me, too, now. Super 8 had that GOONIES feel, too. #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela I did a lot of plotting for Vanished. It was the only way I could figure out how to spread my clues and plant my characters #MGLitchat -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @AuthoressAnon: @RKCharron Not sure about the movies; def. read MG...and hang with tweens if possible! #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat ...In fact my son and I were on the subway 2nite, ran into an editor now looking at one of my MG submits, and he pitched FOR me. -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @PippaBayliss :-) Oh, good point. Pleasant only verrrrry infrequently. #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein School visits, one a week, for me. They keep me in touch with what's going on. And provide free library paste for lunch. #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Could one write a mystery only plotting the beginning and the end? #MGLitChat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat ...And if I sell it, he's getting a cut. :) -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet Like life! MT @BenHWinters: yeah, just because I figure out the plot in advance, that doesnt mean its that way when Im done. #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @rachelnseigel Glad you like it:-) We thought it filled a little mystery hole. It's been fun. #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon @jgetzler Yes, def. BS detectors! Plus they speak their own language -- and it's not as dumb/naive as you may think! #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @elissacruz It's why first drafting is my least fav part of writing. Hard for me. Too many choices. #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AudryT Hi, all! Tonight's subject? #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @jgetzler Son deserves an allowance raise! #MGLitChat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @jgetzler Awesome. Your son is cool. #butyoualreadyknewthat #MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher It does, and it helps a lot to keep track of what's out there- sometimes I miss a few! #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein The middle of the story is often the muddle and needs the most tending to. #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @whbeck ME TOO. I dread the empty page, but I can revise forever and be perfectly happy. #MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AuthoressAnon @jgetzler LOL Awesome! #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters RT @wellfedpoet: Like life! MT @BenHWinters: just because I know the plot in advance, that doesnt mean its that way when Im done. #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 29th, 2012
beckybakeroo RT @CGrabenstein: The middle of the story is often the muddle and needs the most tending to. #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @AudryT We're talking mysteries with our panel of experts (mystery writers and agents). #MGlitchat -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela I think it's impt to know where your beg, middle and end start. it helps to think of my chaps (and plot points) grouped that way. #MGLitChat -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat In terms of language--if you get it wrong, they will call it out and you will lose all credibility. -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat What do you all think of mysteries with visual codes and puzzles that the reader can solve- like in Chasing Vermeer? -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
thelayas RT @KKittscher: We have a contest on http://t.co/jESi58qX to win an ARC, if you're interested. #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @elissacruz Once I get draft done, then I plot the heck out of it. :) #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @rachelnseigel Adore them. Wish I were clever enough to write them. I have one measly code that took me 4 days to write... #mglitchat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @rachelnseigel CHASING VERMEER ? Fabulous! #MGLitChat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I cheat. I follow the classic 120 page screenplay format only in word counts. 12,500 act one, 25,000 mid point, etc. #mglitchat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @whbeck HA! ME TOO! Are you sure we aren't related somehow? #MGlitchat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela Agree. Also, the middle is shorter than you think! RT The middle of the story is often the muddle @CGrabenstein #MGLitChat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat @CGrabenstein He says the same about you. But he LOVES the dog. -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss kids are BS detectors? oh sh*t, I mean, oh poo! #MGlitchat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @AniProf Did you figure out the code iwth the frogs? I have to admit, I didn't initially. #MGLitChat -7:45 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @wordsbysheela encouraging words that I will try to remember! #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein My Smoky Corridor had a bunch of clues/codes. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library will have more. Drives designers batty. #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf @rachelnseigel Nope. #MGLitChat -7:46 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat @rachelnseigel Kids do love the codes (at least many do--1 of my kids would rather it be more thriller-y and not figure it out) -7:46 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @AniProf I think I read it on the web- and then it all made sense, but didn't see the pattern. Kids r so much smarter than me! #MGLitChat -7:47 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz It just doesn't feel like it. ;) RT @wordsbysheela: Agree. Also, the middle is shorter than you think! #MGlitchat -7:47 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher If I can ask a question, too, as a panelist: what are some favorite mystery reads of yours? #mglitchat -7:47 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@AniProf: @rachelnseigel CHASING VERMEER ? Fabulous! #MGLitChat” Think Wright Three is even better! -7:47 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher This is dreadfully old, but Peggy Parish "Key to the Treasure" is a favourite of mine! #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela @KKittscher it's my mantra. :) i try to remember it too when i'm in the middle of it. #MGLitChat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters u can tell a real writer by the quality of the middle third of the book #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @KKittscher Ooh, you are asking for it. *cracks knuckles* ;) (Okay, actually, I was dying to ask this question, too.) #MGlitchat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @stein_valerie Love all of her stuff! Glad mysteries are cycling back around- will hopefully bring her back 2 popularity. #MGLitChat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @BenHWinters Uh-oh. #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters @KKittscher Talented mr ripley anything Richard Price anthing PD James those are all adult #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@rachelnseigel: @KKittscher This is dreadfully old, but Peggy Parish "Key to the Treasure" is a favourite of mine! #mglitchat” Oh yes! -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I find it harder to read mysteries now that I write them. I see the man behind the curtain too much. #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela @KKittscher I loved The London Eye Mystery. #MGLitChat -7:49 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet RT @BenHWinters: u can tell a real writer by the quality of the middle third of the book #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @BenHWinters Eek! #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters me too! RT @CGrabenstein: I find it harder to read mysteries now that I write them. I see the man behind the curtain too much. #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 29th, 2012
PippaBayliss you guys are great, but I gotta go - thanks for the crazy talk #MGlitchat -7:49 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @BenHWinters Talented Mr. Ripley is one of my all-time favorites, too. #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher Does "Fourth Stall? count as a mystery? #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JeffCohenwriter Fact is, among the only mysteries I can read are yours. @CGrabenstein I find it harder to read mysteries now that I write them. #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters [sneaks off to put baby to bed] #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @rachelnseigel Yes! I think so! #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Beka Cooper series, Ruby in the Smoke, Half Moon Investigations are some recent mystery reads. #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
AniProf Gotta run! #MGLitChat -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Do Middle Grades mysteries ever involve murder? #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @KKittscher I'm really enjoying the fact that "noir" has become popular for MG! #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
story_queen Seriously, daylight savings time is RUINING my chances of ever remembering #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz My faves: any mystery I can get my hands on. #ireadthemreligiously #whenIamnotwritingthemthatis #MGlitchat -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat Not exactly a mystery, but my kids, my wife and I all looooved The Apothecary by Maile Meloy -7:51 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela @BenHWinters i hope my kids talking LOUDLY in the next room doesn't wake your baby! (sneaking off soon, too) #MGLitChat -7:52 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @rachelnseigel Yes -- I enjoyed @novaren's DANI NOIR, esp. #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat And one thing I can say--just about every MG editor has been saying that they are looking for more MG mystery. Esp w/boys. -7:53 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Must watch 30 Rock tonight (DVR). Friend from college directed the episode! #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 29th, 2012
nikkiloftin I work on the theory that MG = Murdery Goodness. Mine do! RT @CGrabenstein: Do Middle Grades mysteries ever involve murder? #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I'm a fan of unconventional mysteries, too -- like Elise Broach's Shakespeare's Secret and Masterpiece. A lot of heart. #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat I really enjoyed "London Eye Mystery", though I'm not sure if it's exactly MG. Really well-crafted. -7:53 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #MGlitchat and Chet Gecko- so clever! -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @KKittscher @rachelnseigel Which is being re-released as YA. Why??? I don't know. But it is. #MGlitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @jgetzler Glad to hear it's in demand! #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet MT @jgetzler: #mglitchat just about every MG editor has been saying that they are looking for more MG mystery. Esp w/boys. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @jgetzler Sigh. (I'll let you interpret that sigh, because I know you can.) #MGlitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @elissacruz @KKittscher Maybe didn't sell well as MG and pub trying again in different category? #MGlitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Schools also love mysteries. They teach "units" on it. It's something kids "get." #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @elissacruz @rachelnseigel Didn't realize that! Interesting. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Jess_Keating @KKittscher I've heard of this one but haven't checked it out yet, I'll have to now that you've endorsed! #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat is anybody still a "Nancy Drew", "Hardy Boys" "Trixie Belden" fan? -7:55 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck I read a lot of nonfiction--real-life mysteries! #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @rachelnseigel I think it's because she's made such a great name for herself as a YA author, so they're sticking it with those. #MGlitchat -7:55 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @nikkiloftin Right on! Murdery Goodness all the way! #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz @rachelnseigel *raises hand* I still re-read them, even if I find them a little outdated now. #MGlitchat -7:56 PM Mar 29th, 2012
JeffCohenwriter NOW you tell me! @jgetzler #mglitchat Just about every MG editor has been saying that they are looking for more MG mystery. -7:56 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein I too read mostly non fiction for fun. #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck @rachelnseigel Was HUGE ND, TB fan as a kid. Hard to reread as adult. #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I adore @bankstirregular's (Kirsten Miller's) KIKI STRIKE, too. #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters back -- & have to plug Girl Sleuth, my friend melanie rehak's account of creation of nancy drew #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @elissacruz I was a Trixie Belden fan! #MGlitchat -7:57 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters me too RT @whbeck: I read a lot of nonfiction--real-life mysteries! #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @elissacruz @rachelnseigel I totally just curled up with The Bungalow Mystery :-) #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat How about Freddy the Detective? They're old-fashioned now, but fun! -7:58 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @BenHWinters Oo! That sounds great. I'll have to check that out. #mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jodyfeldman @rachelnseigel I was cured when I read every available Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys in 5th grade #mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela @rachelnseigel true, Londn Eye might be tween. I like that it was more than a myster, but abt a MC who sees the world differently #MGLitChat -7:58 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher I do get a little depressed that Nancy Drew is still so frequently recommended, though. There's so much else out there now. #mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz No one has mentioned two of my fave mysteries: Mysterious Benedict Society and The Name of This Book is Secret. #MGlitchat -7:59 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jaimecallahan RT @AuthoressAnon: #mglitchat The biggest mistake I made in my MG fantasy was having adults do too much of the "solving" and "rescuing" during climax. -7:59 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler Just saw this, It's true in ANY book!!! “@CGrabenstein: But never open with weather. #mglitchat” -7:59 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @elissacruz I love Mysterious Benedict Society! Name of this book... felt bit 2 Lemony Snicket imitation 4 me. #MGlitchat -8:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher @elissacruz Love both of those. Come to think of it, I am very equal opportunity when it comes to mysteries. #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein @jgetzler That's me channeling Elmore Leonard! #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wordsbysheela @elissacruz Pseudonymous Bosch is funny and clever! my daughter loves his series! #MGLitChat -8:00 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz Or with an alarm clock.RT @jgetzler:Just saw this, Its true in ANY book! “@CGrabenstein: But never open with weather. #mglitchat" #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel @wordsbysheela I really like that 2- and that his different view helped him solve the mystery. #MGLitChat -8:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
BenHWinters i gotta boogie, friends. this was really fun! thank you #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 29th, 2012
rachelnseigel This has been a great chat everybody! And thank you 2 our expert panelists who were awesome! #Mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
elissacruz Before they disappear, a big thanks to all our panelists tonight. THANK YOU! #MGlitchat -8:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
CGrabenstein Time to turn into a pumpkin! Thanks everybody. #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Love when mystery solved b/c of unique perspective of mc. RT @rachelnseigel: @wordsbysheela his different view helped him solve. #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KristineAsselin Great chat and great topic tonight! Thanks all, hosts and panelists! #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
ShelbyRBach Yes, thank you so much for all your advice and insight panelists!! #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@elissacruz: No one has mentioned two of my fave mysteries:Mysterious Benedict Society &The Name of This Book is Secret. #MGlitchat”yes!!! -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
kurtisscaletta @KKittscher Totally mystery and I love that Michigander. #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Jess_Keating Awesome to see you all tonight, thanks so much for the mystery tips and book recs! #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
whbeck Thanks everybody! #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie RT @elissacruz: Before they disappear, a big thanks to all our panelists tonight. THANK YOU! #MGlitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
KKittscher Thank you! It was so much fun. Glad to have the spotlight on mysteries. #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 29th, 2012
jgetzler #mglitchat And thanks to everyone. It was a blast. In short blasts! @elissacruz you're wonderful! -8:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
webook Uncap your pens! RT @jgetzler: #mglitchat Just about every MG editor has been saying that they are looking for more MG mystery. Esp w/boys." -8:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
Becky_AS Thanks for a great chat! What's next week's topic? #mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
stein_valerie “@ShelbyRBach: Yes, thank you so much for all your advice and insight panelists!! #mglitchat” yes thanks! -8:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
nikkiloftin Great chat! Thanks to the panel. #mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
wellfedpoet Thanks all - great insights! #mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 29th, 2012
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