Thursday, June 21, 2012

June 21, 2012 Transcript - Kisses & Crushes- Romance in MG

KDuBayGillis Fun topic tonight! #mglitchat -9:00 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti Pre-chat snacks are important. #mglitchat -9:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa Hey all! How's everyone doing? Are you ready to talk up romance in MG? #mglitchat -9:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012


MelissaRoske I've got my wine spritzer! #mglitchat -9:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti All about kisses and crushes and mushy-gushy things! #mglitchat -9:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

kristinlgray @KDuBayGillis Is it Thursday already? What's the topic? #mglitchat -9:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @KarenninaPosa Milford reporting! #mglitchat -9:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @kristinlgray We're talking Romance tonight! #mglitchat -9:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @kristinlgray It is! Romance in MG. Kissing and mushy stuff. Join us! #mglitchat -9:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

MelissaRoske Hi all! #mglitchat -9:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rachelgrinti is fraud! she makes me write the kissing scenes (in our YA, anyway) :p #mglitchat -9:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

kristinlgray @rachelnseigel Okay! This should be squirmy & fun! #mglitchat -9:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti So what are some common romantic/crush themes you see in MG, and what are your favorite examples? #mglitchat -9:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @KateMilford Hi! Glad to see you here again! #mglitchat -9:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @mikegrinti @rachelgrinti I was going to say, we have our resident #mglitchat lovebirds in da house. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis I do make @mikegrinti write the kissing scenes. "Is this a kissing book?" <-- me all the way. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @rachelgrinti I luv the scene in "Drums Girls and Dangerous Pie" where the MC is getting ready for his crush 2 come over. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy I'm here! #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti Not that I don't like *reading* it! #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoWhittemore @rachelgrinti Love triangles. Usually with main character and enemy and boy or main character and best friend and boy #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @JoanneLevy Hi Joanne! #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @JoanneLevy Yay, hi! #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone Kissing and crushing? #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti Just finished @JoKnowles SEE YOU AT HARRY's. LOVED the crushes/romance. Best Friend as possible crush as one theme. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

liamodonnell @rachelgrinti Definitely the "too scared to express feelings" theme - lived it and written it :) #mglitchat -9:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel #Mglitchat I love the sweet, awkward tween crushes that make you go "awww..." -9:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau Allowing myself 30 mins to chat since my final deadline is tomorrow. Eep! Couldn't resist the kissy-kissy. xoxo #mglitchat -9:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @joannelevy Hi!! I survived New York, guys! #mglitchat -9:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @KarenninaPosa I hate to miss it! I just lose track of days sometimes. :) #mglitchat -9:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @JoWhittemore @rachelgrinti Ditto on the best friend and boy thing. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @rachelnseigel Hi! I think I missed the beginning, but we're talking about romance, right? #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @joannelevy Hooray! I knew you could do it! #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @JoanneLevy We just started, and yes! #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @rachelgrinti That is funny! #MGLitChat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson Hey y'all. This topic makes me blush.#mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rachelnseigel Awkward, and incredibly earnest, and every small thing means THE WHOLE WORLD. Hell to live, great to write :D #Mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @JoWhittemore Yay! and you found your way around? #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone In mg, crushes are fine for me. Anything beyond that grosses me out. Cuz boys have kooties. Ick! #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis What about the worrying about first signifcant other/first love...will it happen to me sentiment. #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis Or losing your best friend to boys/girls/crushes as the friends develop interests at different paces. #mglitchat -9:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @mikegrinti I have to admit-- I probably wasn't as kind 2 those boys as I should have been..but now it's so cute! #Mglitchat -9:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @elliefalcone It's true! I keep mine in a safety deposit box to make sure they stay safe. #mglitchat -9:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @rachelnseigel I love the firsts. of MG romance and yes - the awkwarder the better! #mglitchat -9:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Howdy yall! Given I mostly write SciFi, I'll be simple be a lurker for tonight's chat. #MGLitChat -9:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rachelgrinti The losing-your-friends-to-romance theme is really powerful. It's so common. #mglitchat -9:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

MelissaRoske @AniProf Aliens can have crushes... can't they? #mglitchat -9:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @AniProf Even Sci-Fi books have some romance! #MGLitChat -9:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa MG romance RT @mikegrinti Awkward, & incredibly earnest & every small thing means THE WHOLE WORLD. Hell to live, great to write #mglitchat -9:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti Trying to think of an example for that one, but yes. Definitely this. Remember this well. Sigh. #mglitchat -9:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rachelnseigel Well, at that age you're just as scared of others' feeling as your own. Rejecting gracefully is an adult skill? #Mglitchat -9:10 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @JoanneLevy Me too! I love the books that explore how boy/girl friendships change at that age. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoWhittemore @JoanneLevy Yes! The streets vs avenue talk really helped. I even rode the subway! I got stuck in the turnstile but I did it! #mglitchat -9:10 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @rachelnseigel True, but mine most often are high in the tech ratio. #MGLitChat -9:10 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa The tug-of-war of: is he friend or crush? #mglitchat -9:10 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis Not sure if I can think of an MG example of this, but parents want you to like a boy/girl that you don't. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @mikegrinti Yep! And there's a small window b4 teen girls discover their power over these boys. Saw it alot! #Mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson I'm just sayin' for gay kids it can be a rough, scary time, even dangerous. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoWhittemore @rachelgrinti @kdubaygillis Like Shug. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KristineAsselin lurking in #mglitchat #mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis Yes! And it's super awkward and extra embarrassing with parental involvement. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau I remember being 'paired off' with someone in 5-6th grade. I can't remember if we ever spoke but he was def. my 'boyfriend' LOL #mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @vickijohnson Interesting point- I don't see much Middlle Grade Romance that explores this. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone I love the first crush. Use it in a lot in my stories. It's a universal and carries a level of sentimentality that makes it a hit #mglitchat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @rachelnseigel That small window makes MG romance fun, exciting, and terrifying! #mglitchat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti I remember wanting so much to finally have a crush so I could gossip about it to my all-girl group of friends. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @KarenninaPosa And the tug-of-war of "is he really making fun of you, or does he really like you"? #MGLitChat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @JoWhittemore YAY. Congrats, Navigating Woman! #mglitchat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @vickijohnson Yes! Thank you for mentioning that. Just as everyone gets to figure it out socially, LGBT kids are often isolated. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @rachelnseigel @vickijohnson Neither have I, but I'd love to see more. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @HeleneBoudreau I had a "boyfriend" in the 1st grade. We'd walk around the playground holding hands. #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @vickijohnson Oooh @JoKnowles' SEE YOU AT HARRY'S did this so wonderfully....gay MG romance (altho brother character was 14) #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @Bec_AS @KarenninaPosa That was the worst! Not that boys don't feel that too! #MGLitChat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti MG Romance RT @vickijohnson: I'm just sayin' for gay kids it can be a rough, scary time, even dangerous. #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson It can also be revelatory and sweet if you finally figure out why you feel so different. #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @JoWhittemore @rachelgrinti SHUG is the answer for everything! Such a great book. #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau Passing notes/ do you like me? Yes___ No___ #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @Bec_AS It's a great way to get some romance into MG, without it being too kissy-kissy. :) #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis Adding it to my reading list! #mglitchat -9:13 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @HeleneBoudreau You left off "Maybe" ;) #mglitchat -9:14 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @elliefalcone Adorbs! #mglitchat -9:14 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy Yes! RT @HeleneBoudreau: Passing notes/ do you like me? Yes___ No___ #mglitchat -9:14 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss I remember what it felt like to feel I was more than friends with a male friend. I am such a MG-er living in another body. #MGlitchat -9:14 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone When did you all have your first kiss? I'm just curious. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @rachelgrinti I was not savvy enough to give them an 'out' with the __maybe LOL #mglitchat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti @HeleneBoudreau Do they do that still or do they TXT it? #mglitchat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti Why ask a cootie catcher? Just turn to a random page and Shug will have the answer! #mglitchat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss Or asking a friend to find out if someone else likes you. (WHY did we do that?!) #MGlitchat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Coming out of lurking. Isn't romance, the girl-boy king, overly stereotypical, and NOT representative of most MG kids? #MGLitChat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @elliefalcone Depends on what u count as first kiss- a peck on the cheek in line at recess when I was six? #mglitchat -9:15 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @WriterRoss I remember wanting that. I wanted to live in a McDonald's commercial where everyone hung and shared fries. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @rachelnseigel I'm sure they do! Then they resort to the "chase you around the playground" ploy #mglitchat -9:16 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @WriterRoss Or getting his/her friends to tell you that he/she likes you. #MGlitchat -9:16 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @elliefalcone First kiss was at 12 - Summer camp #mglitchat -9:16 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @rachelnseigel Sure. It doesn't have to be the real first kiss. Mine was in the second grade behind the outhouse. *snort* #mglitchat -9:17 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson YES- ha, sweet. RT “@HeleneBoudreau: Passing notes/ do you like me? Yes___ No___ #mglitchat” -9:17 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel #Mglitchat I was 9 the first time that someone mentioning a boy's name could make me blush! -9:17 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @KDuBayGillis I still want that! Kids in commercials have cool friends and lives. And no pimples. ;> #MGlitchat -9:17 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @elliefalcone At a writing workshop, in college, ha. My MG romance was all theoretical. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @elliefalcone LOL! I was "engaged " and planning my wedding with a boy in JK. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @elliefalcone He turned into a jerk by his teens though, so it wasn't meant to be! ;-) #mglitchat -9:18 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @rachelnseigel The person I usually used as intermediary was almost always the one who secretly liked me! Oh the web we weave! #MGlitchat -9:18 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Jess_Keating Hey all, sorry I'm late to #mglitchat *offers iced tea and donuts* -9:18 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @mikegrinti Ha! #mglitchat -9:18 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @WriterRoss @KDuBayGillis Me too! No one is confused in those commercials! #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson This lasts a lifetime. RT“@WriterRoss: Or asking a friend to find out if someone else likes you. (WHY did we do that?!) #MGlitchat” -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @Jess_Keating She who brings snacks can be forgiven! ;-) #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @rachelnseigel My first "wedding" was in 2nd grade. Kids don't seem to do that anymore (well, at least mine haven't...) #MGLitChat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @Jess_Keating Glad you made it! We're talking about kissing and crushes in MG! #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @rachelnseigel *sigh* Thwarted in love and at such a young age. Some things aren't meant to be . #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @WriterRoss also why did we call our crushes and giggle like idiots then hang up? because that would make him like us? #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau Middle grade romance drama was/is so cruel to boys. There we were in training bras & their voices hadn't even changed yet. Ha! #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @KarenninaPosa Ah, yeah. #MGLitChat on romance in MG. Finally, a topic in my area of expertise...NOT. Must stay focused and try to learn. -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @WriterRoss That is adorable and hilarious! #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @Jess_Keating Peace offering accepted ;) #mglitchat -9:19 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti Did anyone do secret-three-way calls? I totally did that with people. And had it done to me. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @Bec_AS I certainly understood what it meant at 3/4. My Mom used to catch me watching Young & the Restless instead of Sesame St. #MGLitChat -9:20 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis Loved the relationship in OKAY FOR NOW. So sweet. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @JoanneLevy @kdubaygillis @vickijohnson I'm sure there's an App for that now! Passing notes/ do you like me? Yes___ No___ #mglitchat -9:20 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis Yes! It totally was! I love the way that Wendy Mass writes crushes in her Willow Falls series. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr Can't imagine being 11 year-old with crush in age of social media. Nightmare! So many ways to embarrass yourself! #mglitchat -9:21 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @mikegrinti Me! I wonder if kids still do that today. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @sarazarr Oh my goodness! Been there/done that. (What was wrong w/me?) Followed boys home. I think it's called "stalking" today. #MGlitchat -9:21 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel #Mglitchat when I think MG crushes, I always think of the movie "My Girl". -9:21 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis Anyone read OLIVE'S OCEAN? MG summer love gone wrong. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @KarenninaPosa Whoa! Has texting killed the secret-three-way-call?! ...maybe for the best, if so. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @HeleneBoudreau I put a note like that in a proposal-my editor said the same thing-I looked it up and there's a 'kissing quiz ap' #mglitchat -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis That was a beautiful book! #mglitchat -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @JoanneLevy Awesoooome. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf What about books where MG kids dabble with romance and realize they're too young and there will be plenty of time for that later? #MGLitChat -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Jess_Keating @HeleneBoudreau Hahha, yes! And the growth spurts always happened for girls first LOL #mglitchat -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

MLConklin @mikegrinti #mglitchat Yes! Three way calling was a top secret operation! Miss that. -9:22 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Perednia @WriterRoss They're still using friends to ask friends. #MGlitchat -9:23 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss I had summer loves and school loves. Two totally separate worlds. How did I keep up with all that angst? #MGlitchat -9:23 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Feature | Block KarenninaPosa @mikegrinti If so, they're missing out on something to laugh at when they're older. :) #mglitchat -9:23 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @sarazarr lol, like we didn't before- so now has to be worse! #MGLitChat -9:23 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @AniProf I don't know if an MG novel exists, but I feel qualified to write that one. I knew my boundaries at 10/11/12/13. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau These <3 dynamics r playing themselves out on FB. Watched a boy ask a girl if she'd like to go out w/ his friend just last nite. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone My first crush was at age 12 but Joe Strummer doesn't count, does he? Boys I knew? Not until I was 15. Late bloomer. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @HeleneBoudreau The first time a boy asked me if I'd go "out" with him, I didn't realize he was asking me on a date! #mglitchat -9:24 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Jess_Keating I think MG crushes are all about finding the balance between the sweet, and the awkward. B/c wow, they are awkward. :) #mglitchat -9:24 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @elliefalcone I wasn't allowed to date until I was 15, but I had lots of crushes! #mglitchat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone Whoever said about crushing in the age of social media...right on! Couldn't even imagine that. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Do MG novels need to become lead-ins for YA romance. I mean, there's so much mire to write about. #MGLitChat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @Perednia I found that out via a niece. I begged her not to do it- knowing that story usually ends unwell... #MGlitchat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @JoanneLevy I want to take that quiz! #mglitchat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @AniProf How do you mean? #MGLitChat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @KDuBayGillis But why doesn't a novel like that exist. Think about it. #MGLitChat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa so Q: nowadays, what's considered appropriate for romance in MG? #mglitchat -9:25 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel RT @KarenninaPosa: so Q: nowadays, what's considered appropriate for romance in MG? #mglitchat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @rachelnseigel Awkward! LOL #mglitchat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr I think @jennyhan is amazing with MG romance. Sweetness/awkwardness perfect in SHUG. #mglitchat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @rachelnseigel Growing up is hard enough, at that age, without adding the burden of "romance". #MGLitChat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @HeleneBoudreau me too! I didn't have an iphone, so not sure what it entailed, but who cares? #mglitchat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa I had a customer complain because a 13-year-old boy in a book fondled a broomstick for practice. #mglitchat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @AniProf I don't think so. Most mg I've read (mysteries) have only had tiny hints, if any, of "romance." #mglitchat -9:26 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @AniProf That's cool. Just, you know, tell the hormones to wait a few years before messing with your brain. OH WAIT. #MGLitChat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @sarazarr I've 'fessed up to some of these poor guys as an adult. So funny to be able to admit now how stupid we were then. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @KarenninaPosa I was told by my editor that crushing culminating with a sweet kiss at the end is appropriate for MG. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @AniProf True, but if we're realistic, most kids of that age are already thinking about romance in some way. #MGLitChat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf maybe, but it's biological. I felt no external pressure when I was in 4th/5th grade, but definitely had those feelings. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

emma_kress RT @sarazarr: Can't imagine being 11 year-old with crush in age of social media. Nightmare! So many ways to embarrass yourself! #mglitchat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau I'm of the mind that if it's happening IRL it's appropriate in books. It's our job as authors to observe and reflect that in lit. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @AniProf At what age did we start handing out "Valentines"? #MGLitChat -9:27 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @HeleneBoudreau To a degree- my BF claims 2 have gone past 3rd base at 12. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KarenninaPosa This ties into another question I've been thinking about: difference in acceptable romance based on genre. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @mikegrinti Hormones kick in around 12/13. MG readers are 6-12. #MGLitChat -9:28 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @rachelnseigel Some time in grade school. Wow. Never thought of that. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa RT @JoanneLevy: I was told by my editor that crushing culminating with a sweet kiss at the end is appropriate for MG. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @sarazarr We like to think sexual identity doesn't form until x-old-enough age. But it's always forming. And then... overdrive. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti Meaning, characters in MG fairy tales are getting married (Ella Enchanted). Still innocent/sweet, but end result=married life! #mglitchat -9:29 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @elliefalcone I think as early as Kindergarten. I remember picking the special ones for the boys I liked. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @AniProf False. Many girls hit puberty earlier. Also, sexual identity begins forming much earlier. #MGLitChat -9:29 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @rachelgrinti I don't c a problem there- Most fairy tales end up with the princess marrying the prince. It just is. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson AGREE. RT “@AniProf: Do MG novels need to become lead-ins for YA romance. I mean, there's so much mire to write about. #MGLitChat” -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy @AniProf I think the romance in MG is less hormone based than it is about wanting to be a grown up and trying stuff out. #MGLitChat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @rachelnseigel So maybe that's not a MG book, exactly, but it's an interesting story/dynamic that could have an audience. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rachelgrinti Handling historical norms and modern sensibilities is a challenge. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @mikegrinti @aniprof & it's not just about hormones. I distinctly recall crushes at 8 & earlier. Biology is also emotional life. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa I think exploring the "awareness" side of things constitutes much of MG romance. Maybe romance is too strong a word. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @rachelnseigel My mg-reader loves the romance, even though she is not interested in living it in real life. #MGLitChat -9:30 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @mikegrinti Gender starts earlier. Sexual identity matches hormones. The two are not the same. #MGLitChat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson DITTO this Q. RT“@KarenninaPosa: so Q: nowadays, what's considered appropriate for romance in MG? #mglitchat” -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @rachelnseigel I don't think it's a problem at all, but historical or genre settings can mean different romance angles. #mglitchat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @HeleneBoudreau I think kids would read it- if you can get it past the gatekeepers! #mglitchat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @sarazarr Fully agree. #mglitchat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss I would be wary of using specific references to say Facebook, texting, etc in a MG novel today because it could date/box story. #MGlitchat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau @rachelnseigel There's that! ;-) #mglitchat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @Bec_AS I was exactly like that- even in my teens- I didn't want 2 read raunch, but loved romance! (Certainly didn't live it) #MGLitChat -9:31 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss But a crush is forever. {} #MGlitchat -9:32 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa And romance isn't a big part of the plot, just mostly to add tension, and a twist #mglitchat -9:32 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @vickijohnson @aniprof Don't NEED to to be, but there's room for safe space to talk abt emotions kids that age might be feeling. #mglitchat -9:32 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @AniProf If that was true then early childhood events wouldn't have such a strong effect on sexual identity. But they do. #MGLitChat -9:32 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf @mikegrinti & various other complications. I was "in love" with Cptn. Kirk & Danny Kaye b/c I wanted them to be my dads. #mglitchat -9:32 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @sarazarr One (non-fic) child development book I read says you basically "try out" some of these emotions on your parents first. #mglitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @WriterRoss Like me and Davey Jones. (RIP) #mglitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

HeleneBoudreau My 30 mins is up. Back to the manny. Thanks for the xoxo #mglitchat! #mglitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Perednia @WriterRoss I cringe whenever a student tells me they did had a friend ask the object of their affection. #MGlitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @sarazarr Danny Kaye! Hah! We were just talking about him and how much we loved his movie "Hans Christian Anderson." #MGlitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone My limit is crushing but it's not the main part of the story; it's just a sub-sub-plot. #mglitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @mikegrinti Agreed, but sexual identity, enough to spawn a romance, doesn't occur until just before teenhood. #MGLitChat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

MLConklin @WriterRoss #mglitchat How do u do no FB/Twitter/iPhones and seem realistic? My MC is 10, so I get by, but 13yos are all hooked up today. -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford I def remember reading books at 10 and 12 that allowed the object of mc's crush to acknowledge it. That alone was SO satisfying. #mglitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @WriterRoss @sarazarr I love that movie! I loved Danny Kaye movies- Court Jester is an all-time fave! #MGlitchat -9:33 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson What about upper MG 12-13-14? RT “@AniProf: @mikegrinti Hormones kick in around 12/13. MG readers are 6-12. #MGLitChat” -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Jess_Keating MG also can offer a really cool place to explore friendships that tread b/t crushes and friends. Not all cut and dry :) #mglitchat -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Yes! RT @rachelnseigel: @WriterRoss @sarazarr I love that movie! I loved Danny Kaye movies- Court Jester is an all-time fave! #MGLitChat -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @vickijohnson @mikegrinti Isn't the 12-14 mostly considered to be YA? #MGLitChat -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf I think maybe I'm thinking of a broader def of "romance" than you. I'm not equating with sexual/physical activity. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @AniProf @mikegrinti There's a huge difference between a "romance" and having your crush like you back. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @Perednia We have need to not let them experience pain as we did. But we know that is never going to happen. #MGlitchat -9:34 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @vickijohnson Upper MG is now called Tween. #MGLitChat -9:35 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @AniProf I could recite that "Vessel with the Pessell" speech from a very young age! ;-) #MGLitChat -9:35 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @sarazarr Agreed. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @rachelnseigel So can my kids! #MGLitChat -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone At mg level I don't think of romance as sexual. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @AniProf Crucial! ;-) #MGLitChat -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @KDuBayGillis I like the MG romance in @origamiyoda . Related to the group on the fringe at the dances. That was me. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson Yes. Romance is prob too much, unless in classical sense.Crushes yes. “@KarenninaPosa: Maybe romance is too strong a word. #mglitchat” -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @KateMilford I'm not really differentiating much. A lot of what goes on hardly gets past note passing, most stays mental. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 RT @sarazarr: Can't imagine being 11 year-old with crush in age of social media. Nightmare! So many ways to embarrass yourself! #mglitchat -9:36 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @MLConklin I worry what sounds current now is old tech history tomorrow. My kids think e-mail is akin to riding pony express. #MGlitchat -9:37 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy I think for the MG age, relationships are more 'exclusive friendships with a new label' and figuring out what that means. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Yes! RT @JoanneLevy: for MG age, relationships are more exclusive friendships with a new label and figuring out what that means. #MGLitChat -9:38 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis Friend of mine w/ 11 yo daughter doesn't want a boyfriend, but just wants to be asked. It's the idea of it all. #mglitchat -9:38 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @sarazarr And there's often no way to keep it from staying in cyberspace forever. Too easy & too immediate. #mglitchat -9:38 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @rachelnseigel It's scary to see our kid crushes now and realize they're... old. (But not us. We stay young.) <g> #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis That was how I felt too, but it was hard when all the girls were hooking up and parties became boy-girl. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr I based SWEETHEARTS backstory on real event. Boy friend left ring & "I love you" note in my lunch in 4th grade. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti I don't think the idea here is that you have to write MG romance, or that you should. CLAWS has none at all. But it's a thing. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @WriterRoss I saw Jordan Knight on a talk show last night- was hard 2 realize the New Kids on the Block r in their 40's! #MGlitchat -9:39 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @mikegrinti @kdubaygillis I remember the boy I had a thing for in elem school. Would've walked on air just to hold his hand once. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa RT @JoanneLevy: for the MG age, relationships are more exclusive friendships with a new label and figuring out what that means. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy <3 RT @sarazarr: I based SWEETHEARTS backstory on real event. Boy friend left ring & "I love you" note in my lunch in 4th grade. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti MG lit stays away from a lot of sexual elements, are we leaving some kids out? Thinking of pregnant 11 y-olds in my 6th grade. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Jun 21st, 2012

MLConklin @WriterRoss #mglitchat agreed! But how to leave it out? Pretend it? Cell or no? Something I really go back and forth abt re: contemporary MG -9:40 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @mikegrinti @kdubaygillis But it would never have occurred to me to think past that point. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @Perednia @MGlitchat ...which is why I return to MG novels over & over. Still working out those issues as an adult. They help! #MGlitchat -9:40 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @rachelgrinti Really? At 11? Wow. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @rachelgrinti Really? Wow. I guess intellectually I know that happens, but...yikes. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson Not as shelved in bookstores I visit “@rachelnseigel: @vickijohnson @mikegrinti Isn't the 12-14 mostly considered to be YA? #MGLitChat” -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti Ok, that makes me want to cry. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @rachelgrinti yes I wonder about that, too. seems almost to deny particular traumatic experience of super-early sexuality #mglitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @MLConklin @WriterRoss We have a great old chat on this very topic. If you go to the chat blog you'll find it. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @KateMilford The range of what kids do or think what and when is extreme indeed! #mglitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf http://t.co/iwDnjxPj ... ro.mance: Noun: A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love. #MGLitChat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @MLConklin I don't know solution...It's always a thorn in my writer's side. #MGlitchat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @vickijohnson I guess it depends on the books too. #MGLitChat -9:41 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @KDuBayGillis Maybe she doesn't want a boyfriend, just a "boy friend"? #mglitchat -9:42 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis @KateMilford @elliefalcone Yeah, it's rough. :( #mglitchat -9:42 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @mikegrinti That's the truth, isn't it? I think that's why there's room for writing about romantic feeling in some MG. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Jess_Keating @rachelgrinti I often wonder about this side. Like how would one tackle that without it inherently turning 'older'.. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf yeah, that's it! "excitement and mystery" #mglitchat -9:42 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti Is it safe to assume those kids are probably reading YA? #mglitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @rachelgrinti That is sad. That's skipping a whole lot of years between childhood and adulthood. :( #mglitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @Jess_Keating I dunno if you can in a book that isn't an issue book, and even then... maybe not marketable. :/ #mglitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Perednia @WriterRoss @MGlitchat Excellent point for us. And way to let MG know their books are relevant. #MGlitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford This is bad. I have to wash a mudmask off so my face won't crack in two, but I don't want to leave the discussion. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @sarazarr But NOT sexual. #MGLitChat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @KateMilford LOL #mglitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa I've said this before, but it scares me what some ppl classify as tween now- 9 years old! #mglitchat -9:43 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Perednia @WriterRoss @MGlitchat Excellent point. And great way to let MG students know their books are relevant. #MGlitchat -9:44 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @KateMilford Oh go wash ... we'll wait for you ... maybe #MGLitChat -9:44 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @KateMilford I'm cracking up...at the thought of you cracking up. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @KDuBayGillis oh I doubt it - the activity level has no relation necessarily to emotional maturity level #mglitchat -9:44 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Argh! RT @rachelnseigel: @KarenninaPosa Ive said this before, but it scares me what some ppl classify as tween now- 9 years old! #MGLitChat -9:44 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @Jess_Keating @rachelgrinti In terms of novels, I guess more explicit issues make it a tougher sell to MG editors. #MGlitchat -9:44 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @KDuBayGillis I don't know, but I don't think so. They're still 11. Er, what @sarazarr said! #mglitchat -9:45 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson @MLConklin @writerross me too! Don't want to date my book butimportant to show them communicating to each other in vsrious modes #mglitchat -9:45 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @sarazarr Some of these kids don't necessarily even understand what they're doing. Or they're being taken advantage of. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf no, I never said it was! But, kids that age at least have an awareness of it. On schoolyard in 4th, girls accused - #mglitchat -9:45 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @KDuBayGillis I will have perfect but very red skin. It'll be hilarious. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @KateMilford Sorry, that just made me smile :) #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @mikegrinti How about anti-romance in MG? The kids, like I was, who think romance, crushes, etc. but avoid it like the plague. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson I thought my 1st novel was YA because it had a romance between a 16 & 17 year old, kissing included. But it pubbed as MG. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @rachelgrinti @sarazarr Interesting...super sad and interesting. (I'm freezing my kids when they are 9.) #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf -other girls of "humping" their crushes & other euphamisms. They prob didn't know what it meant but we were NOT innocent #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @Jess_Keating I think it's definitely a tough thing to pull off. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

MLConklin @vickijohnson @writerross #mglitchat texting, too--will it seem like the mention of a pager in ten years? -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @rj_anderson I would automatically shelve a book with 16-17-yr old MC as YA. Or at least tween 12-14. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @coachhays64 Sure! And some kids have no interest for a while, and some have no interest ever... tons of variety! #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea Romance in MG? #mglitchat -9:46 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @coachhays64 yes! #MGLitChat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @coachhays64 There's room for lots of elements in mg. It's the age of exploration and that's why I love it. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @mikegrinti well exactly. then ashamed, and prob never talk about it. if they saw it in a book, maybe tell someone? I don't know. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WendyMartinArt @rj_anderson interesting #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Jess_Keating @coachhays64 @mikegrinti Hahha, my crush in 6th gr. was like this. Incidentally named Mike.... *squints* #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @elliefalcone @coachhays64 And it's a safe way for kids 2 explore without doing. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea I'm the mother of a 11 year old. Let me tell you what I assumed his age wouldn't like, I was wrong. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @rachelnseigel Not everyone feels that way. Many many 9 yo who are not tweens by a mile. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @sarazarr Trust me, there were, and are, LOTS ok kids who are completely naive to this stuff. #MGLitChat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @rachelnseigel Regardless of the story? Isn't Ella Enchanted mg with a 15yo prog? #MGLitChat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa I certainly wasn't! It was a particualr publisher's imprint that did it. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea At 10 yrs old he was writing his own 'love' songs. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa Why I write MG RT @elliefalcone: Theres room for lots of elements in mg. Its the age of exploration and thats why I love it. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss Feels presumptuous to say I want to write a "classic" but crushes on popular celebs/shows in MG novels sets them in old stone #MGlitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea I think we shouldn't compare what we were like as tweens as today tweens are different. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf I am not denying that. But also plenty who are not. I say stay young as long as possible! I'm not advocating anything, #mglitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @rachelnseigel I think fantasy plays by different rules, though. Even if it's contemporary and based in our world, like mine. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @Bec_AS In that case, I do shelve in Junior Fic. I take into account reading level and subject too, but it's a way I can gauge. #MGLitChat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @AniProf except that all this stuff is within the realm of mg experience. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @sarazarr Indeed. I had lots of games with friends that I didn't rly understand, but had sexual overtones. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @AniProf @sarazarr Luckily, MINE are! #MGLitChat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @AniProf No one is claiming otherwise. Again, there's a huge range of experiences. #MGLitChat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @rj_anderson I think it does. Genre elements add enough distance from reality to change how it feels. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @Bec_AS I thought mine was but found stuff that opened my eyes. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @rachelnseigel Probably because of the fairy tale influence - fairy tales are full of romances, people getting married etc. #mglitchat -9:50 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @rachelgrinti Yes. And I also handle my MG romances differently than my YA ones. Less introspection, less intimate description. #mglitchat -9:50 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea I just think ppl might be surprised on what tweens aged 9-12 really are saying and wanting to read. #mglitchat -9:50 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @rj_anderson That makes a lot of sense- Fairy tale novels somehow just feel more innocent. #mglitchat -9:51 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @ixtumea I agree. When I was 10-11, I really WANTED a bit of romance, kissing included, in my books. I loved A WRINKLE IN TIME. #mglitchat -9:51 PM Jun 21st, 2012

_Jessica_Shaw Such a broad spectrum of maturity levels/interests in MG yrs. So lots of room for broad spectrum of MG novels--w/ &w/out romance. #mglitchat -9:51 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @rachelnseigel Or in my case, just plain fairy novels. :) #mglitchat -9:51 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @ixtumea A lot of parents really don't want to see that side of their young children. Society in general, really. #mglitchat -9:51 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa Agree! RT @rj_anderson fantasy plays by different rules, though. Even if its contemporary and based in our world #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

laurapgolden @ixtumea Just joining in to say I definitely think this a wise statement.#mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @rj_anderson Exactly. Sure it's nice to think tweens are all innocent and all but believe me they know more then you think. #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

JoanneLevy so much great discussion - must go, but thanks everyone! #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @mikegrinti They don't want to see it but it's there. Boy, it's there. #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @ixtumea Or they know a bunch of completely made up stuff. The things they think are true sometimes O.o #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy Interesting talk on what tweens want/expect from fiction #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @rj_anderson I think I did put your fairy novel in our junior section. I'll have to check. :-) #mglitchat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @mikegrinti @ixtumea Nor select those kind of books for them to read #MGLitChat -9:52 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @mikegrinti I was just going to say that. Oh, man... #mglitchat -9:53 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @mikegrinti Let's just say I had a rude awaking the other week. It had to do with son getting a FB account without me knowing #mglitchat -9:53 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @mikegrinti haha! In 5th grade we called teen help line to ask what a "blow job" was. We got a totally made-up answer. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea Then I read alot of tweens do this and set up accounts parent's don't know about. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss Just noticed...There are two Grintis in the room. <g> #MGlitchat -9:53 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy There is more of a shared collective knowledge amongst tweens these days, probably due to social media #mglitchat -9:53 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf BTW, my current MG wip has a small romantic element, but I love playing devil's advocate. (grin) #MGLitChat -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea They do alot of role playing and don't realize that some kids really believe this stuff. #mglitchat -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @sarazarr My biggest thrill was looking those words up in the dictionary! #MGlitchat -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

word_working #mglitchat My 10 y-old informed me mid-year that there were "a lot of happy couples in 5th grade"; was all I could do not to laugh out loud. -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @WriterRoss There are indeed! #mglitchat -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @charmaineclancy It's totally social media and TV. I had first graders who were watching HSM. #mglitchat -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @charmaineclancy Was in my day, too. Older kids passing along things from class they only half paid attention to, etc. etc. #mglitchat -9:54 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @word_working Aww...that's cute! I think I would have at least cracked a smile. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @WriterRoss @sarazarr I was going to say, kids passed around the S encyclopedia. Those days are long gone. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy I'm surprised how many 11 and 12 yr olds come to highschool with boy/girlfriends and think they're in relationships #mglitchat -9:55 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @rachelgrinti Is there a connection...? #MGlitchat -9:55 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AudryT Agree. RT @ixtumea: I think we shouldn't compare what we were like as tweens as today tweens are different. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr Vivid memory: being in 6th grade band room at lunch and reading aloud the Penthouse Letters someone had found. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti Admission time: in elementary school, my friends and I asked my dad what a dild* was. He told us the truth though LOL. #mglitchat -9:56 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti So you know, kids wonder about everything. I also asked my mom what a word was and she didn't know, she asked my dad. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @sarazarr And I thought the girls who read VC Andrews books were racy! #mglitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @sarazarr In my 6th grade classroom everybody was reading FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC. Talk about age-inappropriate…! #mglitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea Now tweens have to worry about cyber bullying. Yes, we've encountered this already. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @sarazarr Similar: finding "The Happy Hooker" in my mom's night stand & reading it to my friends. THAT left permanent damage! #MGlitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone I'll confess to being one of the naive ones. Received no sex education at home, my questions never answered. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @rj_anderson @sarazarr That's about how old I was when I discovered V.C. Andrews. And I was pretty innocent... #mglitchat -9:57 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @sarazarr Oh, Internet... you have made parental porn obsolete. #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa Last few minutes of chat. Rapid-fire Q: MG books that do romance well? #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea Or the whole role playing on this on-line games and not realizing it's not real. #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy @mikegrinti that's true, was discussing a lot of those 'myths' that went around the school yard. #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @WriterRoss Married & writing partners. :) #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf @KDuBayGillis Judy Blume was once racy! #MGLitChat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AudryT My 10 yr bro would pass out Playboy. RT @sarazarr: ...6th grade at lunch and reading aloud Penthouse Letters someone found... #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @elliefalcone LOL OMG! #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @KDuBayGillis @rj_anderson @writerross Haha! Ah the 70s/80s. Yes, VC Andrews, and also @judyblume's WIFEY. #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie! #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea It just amazes me what I thought I didn't have to worry about till son was 13, he's encountered at age 10! #mglitchat -9:58 PM Jun 21st, 2012

vickijohnson LOL me too! “@rj_anderson: In my 6th grade classroom everybody was reading FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC. Talk about age-inappropriate…! #mglitchat” -9:59 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss @rachelgrinti Oh! Good luck to both. {} #MGlitchat -9:59 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy And they're all different, one kids was reading 'Underbelly' in 5th grade, while some still like the chomps novels (Aussie ref) #mglitchat -9:59 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @elliefalcone It's always interesting. Some kids will seek out answers. Some won't, at all. #mglitchat -9:59 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AudryT @elliefalcone Same here, but the library had all the answers. #mglitchat -9:59 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @rj_anderson Oh, what a good example! Such a sweet moment, and so well-used in terms of story and character. #mglitchat -9:59 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss MG romance.. I loved FLIPPED by Wendalin Van Draanen #MGlitchat -10:00 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @WriterRoss YES! FLIPPED! #mglitchat -10:00 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @Jess_Keating @mikegrinti I was sitting in the fringes at dances & skate parties or arm wrestling for quarters. #mglitchat Stocky boy stuff. -10:00 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea I've found some of my YA graphic novels under 11 yr olds bed. #mglitchat -10:00 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford What @rj_anderson said! A WRINKLE IN TIME! #mglitchat -10:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rj_anderson omg me toooo... Meg and Calvin were awkward and nerdy and I wanted that "one day" #mglitchat -10:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea Son told me yesterday, "Mommy, you're going to get me some author signed books from ALA, right?" #mglitchat -10:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr I think of movies: A Little Romance (70s) and My Girl, in particular. #mglitchat -10:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy My 10yr old read her sister's copy of Hunger Games and loved it, now reckons she'll only read YA #mglitchat -10:01 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @sarazarr I love My Girl! It's so sweet! (And sad) #mglitchat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

laurapgolden #mglitchat As a kid, I loved THE ORDINARY PRINCESS by M.M. Kaye. Such a sweet "romance" in that one. Still love it. -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

AniProf Till next week ... Ciao! #MGLitChat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @charmaineclancy We read HUNGER GAMES together. Son bought copy of CATCHING FIRE to school and some kids told him it wasn't #mglitchat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone Can't say that I've read many mg's with romance. Wrinkle in Time. Did Are you there God, it's me Margaret have any? #mglitchat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @elliefalcone My parents attempted using a board game called HUMANOPOLY. Game pieces sperm and eggs. Talk about awkward...#mglitchat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @coachhays64 By the time there were dances I thought of myself as too intellectual for them. Reality: too scared. #mglitchat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

word_working @rachelnseigel Oh, I did smile; I managed not to hoot at the idea of fifth-grade 'happy couples,' though! #mglitchat -10:02 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti TV show, but I love the crushes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, perfect example of cute/awkward. #mglitchat -10:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea 'right' for his age. I told him to ignore those kids. They of course didn't read the bks but listened to others. #mglitchat -10:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @word_working Why burst their bubble right? #mglitchat -10:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea Son loves Adventures of Korra. #mglitchat -10:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KateMilford @rachelgrinti Also an excellent example. #mglitchat -10:03 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @rachelnseigel Curious, do you read these titles? Go off recommendations? Consult peers? I always wondered how decision made. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy @ixtumea True. Funnily Miss 10 read the three and Miss 14 lost interest in book 1 of HG. You just never know. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

StalkintheBooks @sarazarr Yes, My Girl still holds up. <3 Now & Then and Goonies too #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr @KDuBayGillis haha! classic. we had the UnGame. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @KDuBayGillis Ew. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

Bec_AS @rachelgrinti My 12yo loves those, too. #MGLitChat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @coachhays64 I read as many as I can, but if I don't, I read a lot of blog posts- esp from teachers and parents. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @charmaineclancy It's these kids who's mother said Hunger Games has too much violence and isn't for kids. That's ok for her #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa @AniProf See you next week! Thanks for chatting tonight #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @mikegrinti Awkward and nerdy and lovely, yes. A really perfect example of MG romance done right. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @charmaineclancy family but don't be telling my kid not to read them too. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Jun 21st, 2012

sarazarr Forgot everyone can see my #mglitchat tweets. Sorry to flood. And sorry to expose you to my sordid tweenhood. -10:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @coachhays64 A publisher recommendation is a start, but sometimes I don't agree with them based on catalogue copy. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @elliefalcone Totally ew. I just wanted to play Scrabble or Hungry Hippos. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea @sarazarr Never Sara! Love your twitters. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KDuBayGillis @sarazarr I don't know that one...same concept? #mglitchat -10:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson @ixtumea My 10 yo and 6 yo love Korra too, even though romance is a significant element in the series. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy @ixtumea agreed, especially over the blogs that decide what other people's kids should read. #mglitchat -10:06 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @mikegrinti Me too. Although I always tried to justify that the girls were just too intimidated by brains and brawn. #mglitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

evermeg Just now seeing these tweets on #mglitchat. Are you ending? Does this happen regularly? Love to know if there're more chats in the future. -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

WriterRoss Rapid fire MG-romance suggestions? Will always have a special place for Ingrid Law's SAAVY. Great romance emerges from the chaos. #MGlitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @rj_anderson I think books is where I learned that couple should be friends, too. TV just taught you had to have regular fights. #mglitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa Wrapping up tonight's chat for the transcript. Feel free to stick around some more. Thanks to everyone who came! #mglitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

charmaineclancy It's not really new. At 11 I got hold of Lace (Shirley Conran) - very raunchy and I loved it. #mglitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @evermeg We have a chat every Thurs at 9pm est. Topics change week-2-week and r posted on our blog. http://t.co/883pKnk4 #mglitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

elliefalcone @sarazarr Don't apologize for being honest. #mglitchat -10:07 PM Jun 21st, 2012

KarenninaPosa Next week's topic: Time Travel, Wishes, etc... Using Plot Devices. See you then! #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @evermeg We chat every Thursday at 9pm EST! Topic lists for future chats at http://t.co/AlFwnLPD #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

word_working @rachelnseigel She had a crush on a boy all yr (said he was a 'gentleman'); @ Christmas she used her own $ to buy him chocolates! #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

ixtumea I was reading Harlequin romances in 5th and 6th grade. #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

mikegrinti @word_working Adorable! #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelgrinti @ixtumea I was reading adult SFF and my mom's romances from the library. Lot of it went over my head, but I kept reading. #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rachelnseigel @word_working That's cute! Will probably end up in a book someday and mortify her! ;-) #mglitchat -10:08 PM Jun 21st, 2012

coachhays64 @KDuBayGillis @elliefalcone Ha ha. That's classic. Can you imagine that game spun off into a Game Show Network show? Whoa, Nelly! #mglitchat -10:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

rj_anderson I often get more invested in barely-there MG romances than in YA romances. Maybe because they're more about minds than bodies? #mglitchat -10:09 PM Jun 21st, 2012

No comments:

Post a Comment