JoWhittemore Fair ladies and gentles, it's time to get our #MGlitchat on! -9:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
ErinStull RT @elliefalcone: Yes, please. RT @PHCMarchesi: @jjhoutman Maybe there will be another chat about last pages!<=== Agree! #mglitchat -9:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone RT @PHCMarchesi: First sentence of Pride and Prejudice: best first sentence EVER. #mglitchat -9:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @PHCMarchesi My fave is the first sentence of MIDNIGHT CHARTER- Being Dead was colder than he expected. #mglitchat -9:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa It's officially 9 and my co-host @jowhittemore is here, so let's get started! #mglitchat -9:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders #mglitchat Okay, is there an easy way to do this? Do I just search mglitchat to participate? Don't laugh. -9:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @rachelnseigel If only Jane Austen had included zombies - imagine what she would have accomplished! #mglitchat -9:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Tonight's topic is WOW first pages. We're going to spend a little time talking first about what MAKES the first pages stand out. #mglitchat -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @PHCMarchesi Have you read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? it's almost like she did! ;-) #mglitchat -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @rhondasaunders Sign into tweetchat.com and put in the MGLitChat hashtag. You can follow along easily there. :) #mglitchat -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @rachelnseigel LOL! Yes - I thought about that after I tweeted... #mglitchat\ -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Aw, crud. I forgot to bring my notes on best first pages! (Or was it first lines?) #mglitchat #confused #unprepared -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder Time for #mglitchat! -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore For me, WOW first pages always have that hook. Something that lets me know this story is different than most. #mglitchat -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi #mglitchat First page has to start IN MEDIA RES - in the middle of the action... -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
ErinStull So, what DOES make first pages stand out? #mglitchat -9:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @ErinStull In my mind, a great first line. #mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Tension has to be up in first pages for me #mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JayeRobinBrown @KarenninaPosa Voice, too. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone I like a great first line too but I also like a book that puts me in a mood. Not as kinky as it sounds. lol #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel #mglitchat something has to grab my attention right away or I don't get hooked. -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @ErinStull I go by a very simple rule: if I were reading, would I be interested? #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore It's important for us to know the character's current situation and how it's about to change. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @JenniferCEstes we're talking about first pages tonight. what do you look for when reading. what do you aim for when writing. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone Ditto on voice. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa RT @elliefalcone: I like a great first line too but I also like a book that puts me in a mood. Not as kinky as it sounds. lol #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder For me, it's all about tone/voice and care with language. I don't need a hook. I need a few truly standout lines of text. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @JoWhittemore Yes - the hook. Essential. HOW it's well done differs. Not always an action scene. But always compelling. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JayeRobinBrown @JoWhittemore I think also to care about the character, so the change matters to us. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore I agree with this - I need to care about why things are happening to this particular character. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw A problem has 2 present itself pretty early on. Or a random quirky thing that intrigues me about the MC. And , great voice #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi #mglitchat It's a question of conflict - something major has to be at stake. -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @JenniferCEstes Right, not necessarily action. It could be a funny line or situation. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Oh wow, yes, this is much easier with tweet chat. Are hashtags still required? #mglitchat #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
spajonas usually the first sentence has to get me! ex. "Divergent" "There is one mirror in my house." why only one? #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
WritingKidStuff #mglitchat I personally like dialogue, but not a lot of descriptive passages. -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
spajonas immediately I want to know more. see how easy that was? WOW first sentences are the best :) #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @LaurelSnyder This. Something stands out and makes me want to keep reading. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone Immediate action turns me off. Give me time to get to know the characters, situation, etc. Not too much time though. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Okay, that's a no. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen hey #mglitchat - whazzup? -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @rhondasaunders No- it will put it in automatically :) #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore We also need to know the character's motivation for addressing the dilemma (the change in the norm) #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @jmaschari @JoWhittemore I agree. I have to immediately care about what's going to happen. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JayeRobinBrown I want to immediately connect to something - setting-character-situation. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellypolark I look mostly for strong voice in the first pages to interest me. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Yes to this RT @PHCMarchesi It's a question of conflict - something major has to be at stake. #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @rachelnseigel I think that's the key element -- I have to care enough to stay with the story. #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rhondasaunders click on #mglitchat tag and it will bring up a list of all things #mglitchat then you the new tweet button to play along :) -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer @LaurelSnyder Well said. I agree. It's about tone/voice. That's what hooks me. #Mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz Hi all. I'm a little late tonight. Sorry! #MGlitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @elliefalcone Yes. Immediate action feels manipulative to me. My response is contrary, like, "I'm not as dumb as you think I am." #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Voice and tone. Very important. How does this character see the world? What will be the mood of the story? #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @DustHansen welcome. We're talking about WOW first pages #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer I don't need a conflict right away. I like getting to know the character first. #Mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel #mglitchat I like a story that starts at a particular point in time- like the middle or the end, and then works its way up to that. -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer RT @JoWhittemore: Voice and tone. Very important. How does this character see the world? What will be the mood of the story? #Mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik En media res, people. That's it. It's simple! #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @smozer the trick is in balancing conflict and getting to know and liking the character #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen I also look for growth potential. I hate starting a book where a MC has no room for growth. #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore How soon do we need to get to the major inciting incident? I always worry mine is not soon enough. #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel SO HARD to effectively start in the middle, then double back to begin again. I keep trying... #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen sometimes too much action is a unwelcome distraction. I should use that in a rap sometimes. #mcDusty #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @JayeRobinBrown Yu. @JoWhittemore There needs to be a reason to care about that character. I want to be invested in what happens! #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Good point RT @DustHansen I also look for growth potential. I hate starting a book where a MC has no room for growth. #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw Foreshadowing will hold me for quite a while. @jmaschari @JoWhittemore #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone I've seen some books that take it too far, too early. But, yes. RT @john_zeleznik: En media res, people. Thats it. Its simple! #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @jmaschari The inciting incident needs to be in the first chapter or at least hinted at by that point. #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari RT @LaurelSnyder: SO HARD to effectively start in the middle, then double back to begin again. I keep trying... #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
gretchen_jw Beautiful imagery, poetry, a sense of longing, emptiness, pain, humorous self-reflection, & of course, the precipice plot hook. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi Agree! RT @JoWhittemore: @jmaschari The inciting incident needs to be in the first chapter or at least hinted at by that point. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelgrinti @jmaschari I think you have a lot more time than you realize--as long as lead up to the major incident is interesting. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @smozer totally agree! I like a bit of build up and pace to my books. perfectly said. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @KarenninaPosa excellent - thank you for the scoop :) #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder For me, all the books that begin with big action/drama/mystery feel alike. Unless it's a sequel and I know the characters. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelgrinti @JoWhittemore @jmaschari I agree that hints are good to have along the way. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi #mglitchat Different readers have different preferences. The first chapter has to appeal to lots of different readers. -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @elliefalcone Agreed. It's the one I focus on when teaching writing to students. #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Here's our character. Here's his life now. Here's what he thinks of it. Here's a change coming! Here's why he's dealing with it. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder I imagine it would be. I haven't tried that in my writing yet. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @rachelgrinti This is really great advice - I like the idea of hinting and keeping it interesting. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Mostly, I want to feel the character, whether in action, or contemplation, or hilarity. Has to be a *someone* to make me care. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer RT @rachelgrinti: @jmaschari You have a lot more time than you realize--as long as lead up to the major incident is interesting. #Mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder I'm not opposed to action, as a rule. I just need a page or two of character to give me context for what's about to happen. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
mswinchell I need 2 things @ beginning. 1 - voice and 2 - hint of a unique concept. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel #mglitchat do you enjoy books that are told retrospecitvally- in some distant time after the book takes place and looking back? -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw I have to feel strongly one way or the other about the MC right from beginning--love or hate. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
CarolTanzman don't necessarily agree inciting incident in 1st chapt necessarily. BUT something needs to happen w/ MC that hooks you. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel Your editor will likely talk you out of it when you do. :) #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders @JoWhittemore Exactly. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa so how do you define action/conflict that will hook you in the first pages? #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @jmaschari I'm careful with foreshadowing, because it's overused and so it often ANNOYS me. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelgrinti @jmaschari now you're talking! Too often lately I've seen the inciting incident in the first paragraph. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JayeRobinBrown To feel the poignancy of twelve-that almost grown up but not quite feeling. If that's there, right off the bat, it's a good one. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder LOL! Not that I define myself that way, but some of the greatest books r by people who ignore their eidtor. ;-) #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik RT @mswinchell: I need 2 things @ beginning. 1 - voice and 2 - hint of a unique concept. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen trust your young reader - they are dang smart and not as impatient as you (or your agent :) ) might thing. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel MY FAVE. Brideshead Revisted forevah! But easy to fail at this. Characters tend to sound "wise."
JayeRobinBrown @JenniferCEstes This. #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @DustHansen Hear, hear! #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder I haven't managed to finish my one piece of fiction so I'm a long way off... #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @PHCMarchesi I am not opposed to foreshadowing but used with a light hand. Foreshadowing = pepper. :) #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz For me, a good first page starts with a good first line. #MGlitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik There has to be a level of accessibility in the opening pages. #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer RT @DustHansen: trust your young reader - they are dang smart and not as impatient as you (or your agent :) ) might thing. #Mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel ha ha - for sure! :) I'm having that debate now, even though I know she's right and I'm wrong #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder Yes! They do! I've noticed that. It feels almost like it comes from the oral tradition. #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @LaurelSnyderSometimes I have a problem with that too.I like action, but if I don't know/care about the character/role in it?Meh. #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 11th, 2011
CarolTanzman good first line yes. In the character's voice. #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelgrinti @john_zeleznik Yes, accessibility is a key. I have been guilty of not paying enough attention to that, but so important. #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KarenninaPosa Like conflict that raises questions. Not just WHAT WILL HAPPEN? But "why is this happening? What does it mean?" #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Action off the bat isn't necessary. Some people don't like being dropped in a strange situation without a clue. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder #mglitchat Either of you read Zorgamazoo by Rob Weston? It's a novel written all in rhyme- like Dr. Seuss. -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone Read a book where the action was so immediate I didn't even know the character's names yet. Not good. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @JenniferCEstes Well, imagine Harry Potter opening up with a new character. When I do this w/ kids I use HP b/c they know him. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik I think a mistake of too many writers is trying to do TOO much in the first few pages. There has to be balance. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle I'm new to #mglitchat. Have written a boy's book. Big hook doesn't come until page 7. Hoping that will do. -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @PHCMarchesi @jmaschari When done right it can pull a reader along for chapters - but yeah, grain of salt and all that. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelgrinti @DustHansen Absolutely. They will stick with the character, just need to keep giving them a reason to read on. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel @DustHansen Have ou read The Wonderful O? #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari Do you think there is a perfect first line? Or are first lines subjective? #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @JenniferCEstes It's like a boring movie full of action scenes.You need to have interesting situations and compelling characters. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jjhoutman I like a first line/page the sets the tone for the book. Reflects a bit of what's to come later on. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder He said if he'd had an editor aand known something about kids books he wouldn't have done it #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KKittscher RT @LaurelSnyder: For me, [first pages] are all about tone/voice and care with language. I don't need a hook. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @LesliMuirLytle welcome! Glad to see you here. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen I don't think so. I remember you mentioning it though. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @LesliMuirLytle My favorite question, and I don't want to hijack chat, but what is a boy book?" #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @LesliMuirLytle One thing I've learned is that you may only have a page, or even a paragraph, to hook your reader. #MGlitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 RT @LaurelSnyder: For me, it's all about tone/voice and care with language. I don't need a hook. I need a few truly standout lines of text. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PatEsden I think the first page needs to reflect the story's genre. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa difficult but important RT @jjhoutman: first line/page sets the tone for the book. Reflects a bit of whats to come later on. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @john_zeleznik I've heard that term so much lately, it's driving me NUTS! #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
spajonas @jjhoutman I agree. I feel like the first line/first paragraph should really stand out. #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen For me, the first page is important,but the jacket blurb is, too. That lets me know what the books is "supposed" to be about. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti The thing with hooks is that a lot of readers already have an idea of what it is from jacket copy. So there's time. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders @john_zeleznik Agree. I remember being a MG reader and needing to connect w MC before caring abt what happens to him/her. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen I'm obsessed this week. Trying to write something abt it. Would never get pubbed today #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @john_zeleznik Well, you see...the difference is...wait, what? #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @story_queen I agree. It's a pet peeve of mine when jacket copy doesn't tell you anything useful abou the book. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 Hello #mglitchat! I'm Mike Hays. MG historical fiction, contemporary fiction & sci fi. First pages need to hook & grab, but not overwhelm. -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 @john_zeleznik @LesliMuirLytle "Boy" books must contain at least a hint of gopher's guts. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder oh yes! That is a masterpiece IMO. I love that book more than chocolate. Wait - make that Skittles. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen So much of classic literature wouldn't. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @john_zeleznik You are in luck. Our topic next week is writing for boys vs. girls, and that will be covered! #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder Al this said, a STANDOUT line can be cheaty too. Sometimes you ahve to cut the strongest lines b/c everything else fades out. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @story_queen Yes! This is important because it sets up some expectations. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @john_zeleznik @LesliMuirLytle We'll answer that question (boy book/girl book) in next week's chat! #MGlitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @coachhays64 welcome! Glad to see you here! #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen The original HP book started off pretty dang slow. Go back and check - you'll be shocked. Lots of talk about drills and muggles. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @PHCMarchesi I'll admit, my focus audience is boys. Someone said my book would appeal to boys but there's enough 4 girls in it. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone And farts. ;-) RT @timothypower67: @john_zeleznik @LesliMuirLytle "Boy" books must contain at least a hint of gophers guts. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KKittscher @elliefalcone On the other hand, one of my favorite books (Rebecca) never mentions the narrator's name and it doesn't matter #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @jmaschari I think they're subjective. #MGlitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa This. RT @coachhays64 First pages need to hook & grab, but not overwhelm. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill Hey #mglitchat! I'm actually here when you guys are chatting! *rolls up sleeves* *attempts at sounding smart* -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @DustHansen Y: Harry Potter is not present as an agent in chapter 1. He is presented as a baby, and referred to by Dumbledore... #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen I loved classic children's literature when I was a child. I was in love with the langauge. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore See, I'm more of a YA writer but I'm interested to see what everyone thinks. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 RT @john_zeleznik: I think a mistake of too many writers is trying to do TOO much in the first few pages. There has to be balance. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @DustHansen It was the language in those first pages of HP that got me #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
ErinStull @elliefalcone @timothypower67 @john_zeleznik @LesliMuirLytle and boogers... #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @librarykelly I agree with this. I have seen first lines that I have LOVED and others have not. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @elliefalcone Yes, farts. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen And, dare I say it, in middle grade, the cover sets up a huge expectation, too. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore We've established that WOW 1st pages include: hook, voice, tone, insight into character, current situation & inciting incident #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
CarolTanzman i think its a cheat/crutch to lean on the jacket cover to get your genre across. good writing does it in the 1st pgs. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 I look for people, not characters. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore How do you feel MG openings compare to picture book or YA openings? #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @kellybarnhill YAY! I'll attempt with you. #justwingingit #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen And IMHO the others weren't nearly so strong. #throwback #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel no - oh oh - should it be in my TBR pile. In the past you and I have had similar tastes Laurel. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @story_queen Same here! #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @jmaschari I don't really care about the 1st line so much, but I know if I'll like the book by the end of the 1st paragraph... #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @JoWhittemore lots of things in so few pages, but yes. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @KKittscher Isn't that strange how it can work in some books and not others? #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill
DustHansen @JoWhittemore @john_zeleznik dang - I'll be here for that one. I'm VERY opinionated about that topic. #mglitchat boys-vs-girls -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore I think there might be slightly more scene setting in a MG book compared to YA. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen RT @LaurelSnyder: Al this said, a STANDOUT line can be cheaty too. Sometimes you ahve to cut the strongest lines b/c everything else fades out. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @story_queen even worse when publisher catalogue doesn't give me an indication of the book. #MGlitchat -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone As for first lines: I really want a book that punches me hard in the face. Not literally. That would hurt. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel Have you read other Thurber? Wonderful O is less narrative than 13 Clocks. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen what time is #mglitchat ? sorry, I keep missing it and this is brilliant. Thursdays 9:00 EST? -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle @timothypower67 @john_zeleznik Gopher guts. Got it. I'll put a big sign up over my monitor. I thought blood was enuf. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore I agree with this - I think the MG reader tends to be a bit more patient than the YA reader. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @LaurelSnyder HP -yes. Tho, Book 1, first page? Exposition on Dursleys and their ordinary/fear of ordinary? 1/2 #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen Yes- 9pm est. Thurs eve. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @elliefalcone @timothypower67 @john_zeleznik @LesliMuirLytle ha ha - perfect. But BOY oh BOY do I hate fart jokes. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen @rachelnseigel @librarykelly Or, give the complete opposite idea. *sigh* #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz I think different genres need different kinds of openings. A thriller needs action on page one. A quiet book...not so much. #MGlitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore YES, this! RT @john_zeleznik: @JoWhittemore I think there might be slightly more scene setting in a MG book compared to YA. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @DustHansen yes, Thursdays 9 pm. Transcripts and future chat topics here: http://mglitchat.blogspot.com/ #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @jmaschari @john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore But that could also be a gross generality I am making just based on my experiences. :) #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen I am trying to write about this now, a little essay about the cult of action. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Not most compelling -unless you know what's coming. 2/2 #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @jmaschari Not a while lot, but just enough so they have some sense of what's going on. Don't have the "knowledge" yet. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore YA to me plunges in a bit quicker than MG. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @DustHansen But, farts are funny. Ok, not a whole book of them. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
BA_Watson I'm here! Reading, learning, absorbing. I've rewritten and rewritten the opening lines and pages of my current MS so many times. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen On your blog? #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw RT @elissacruz: different genres need different kinds of openings. A thriller needs action on page one. A quiet booknot so much. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @PHCMarchesi correct. I think that would get "edited out" in today's improperly assumed ADD reader market. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @story_queen It sure does. In my opinion, this age group isn't too concerned with nit judging a book by it's cover. #MGlitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @elissacruz A thriller seems more like it needs to establish suspense pg. 1, not action... but not heavy thriller reader. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading Its not first page for me. Its more like first scene. Must be clear, hint at what's to come & sound right, like a middle grader. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder Can I ask a question: When we talk about what a book "should" do, do we mean"in order to be awesome" or "in order to get pubbed?" #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi There's also the question of style. Language, sentence structure, word choice - these can entice or push away. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik See, you add boobs and that's the difference between boy MG and boy YA. #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @john_zeleznik I think the MG reader needs the background to help world build. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @JoWhittemore thanks for saying it. it's very true. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill We all know there's no right way to start a book. The only right thing is muscle and life. The first pages need to be ALIVE. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder totally agree - see - you have good taste in books :) #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @LaurelSnyder Great question!!!! #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer @jmaschari @john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore Not sure if it's patience or a need to get a sense of the character/setting/situation. #Mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
CarolTanzman agree!RT @MikeGrinti: @elissacruz A thriller seems more like it needs to establish suspense pg. 1, not action #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
thereadingzone RT @JoWhittemore: We've established that WOW 1st pages include: hook, voice, tone, insight into character, current situation & inciting incident #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 Humor is a must for MG, IMO. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @jmaschari Agreed, no matter what that world is, they need a sense of the setting. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi Agree! RT @timothypower67: Humor is a must for MG, IMO. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen great minds... ;) #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KateMessner I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about what's to come. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer Yes, this. RT @jmaschari: @john_zeleznik I think the MG reader needs the background to help world build. #Mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @LaurelSnyder Can't it be both? ;-) But you worry about the "getting pubbed" part first. You want the agent/editor to read on #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @librarykelly @story_queen I have prefaced so many books to my students with "Now I need you to ignore the cover..." #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen love 13 clocks #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @elissacruz Good point! I think reader expectations adjust with genre, too.Many options,but each needs to be appropriate to book. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @JoWhittemore I don't feel like picture books really have an opening; they just go for it. YA...they're all so different. #MGlitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore A man after my own heart! RT @timothypower67: Humor is a must for MG, IMO. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill I'm glad you showed up! #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel just added Wonderful O to my list. thanks for the suggestion. Thurber is so fun and brilliant.. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder I think there's no method towards which one can be awesome. Being awesome is the only way. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari RT @KateMessner: I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about whats to come. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
spajonas @Madsound exactly! hope you have your towel with you at all times! #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer Yes. RT @KateMessner: I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about whats to come. #Mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
thereadingzone RT @KateMessner: I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about what's to come. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen @jmaschari @john_zeleznik true. I found myself adding lots of backstory then realized that I needed to back-up the whole thing #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @timothypower67 Humor is great, but there are plenty of MG books w/o humor, at least in genre. Not a req... #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel @DustHansen Is best book ever, but as conversation starter, Wonderful O is something else! ALL LANGUAGE #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @librarykelly Agreed. With picture books, you have a lot less time to tell the story. #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel thank you - calendar set :) #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @KateMessner You are right - It's all about fulfilling the expectations. #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @story_queen Exactly. #MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder That's exactly my issue with books that take too long to find their feet. "BE MORE AWESOME!" cries Kelly in despair #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @JoWhittemore I think picture books start with more exposition or explanation. #MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @librarykelly @JoWhittemore And picture books have illustrations, which makes a huge difference in the way the story gets told. #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa PBs have the illustrations to work for them too. Not so for MG #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @elissacruz hmm =- good point. Probably a lot more truth to this than we give credit. Easier to separate than YA and MG for sure #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen RT @elissacruz: I think different genres need different kinds of openings. A thriller needs action on page one. A quiet book...not so much. #MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen @JoWhittemore @LaurelSnyder Uh...I always judge books by their cover! Can't help it! #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill I meant that I sometimes feel like the conversation slides towards "what will they let us get away with" #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz I can't tell you how many times YA authors have said that MG characters are too "shallow," especially in the first pages. #MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @timothypower67 Humour helps. 4 sure. #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @KarenninaPosa Hah! We said the same thing... #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @KarenninaPosa excellent - thank you :) #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle @john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore I think MG readers r more patient because they aren't at age to voice opinions, tho they have them. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading Yes! RT @KateMessner: I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about what's to come. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
CarolTanzman Plus voiceRT@KateMessner:I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about whats to come. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Great 1st pages boy book hook example, @timothypower67 's THE BOY WHO HOWLED...by 2nd page "Dad" is clamping jaws on... #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Humor in any type of writing depends on what you are trying to do. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @elliefalcone Probably would hurt. I read the first line so fast, I couldn't tell you a good one. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Exactly. We can see so much about the character RT @KarenninaPosa: PBs have the illustrations to work for them too. Not so for MG #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @elissacruz But that is why you started this revolution, yes? #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel I'd love to read it when you're finished. Please keep me posted :) #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @LesliMuirLytle @timothypower67 @john_zeleznik And butts, you gotta have butts. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill Ok, BUT. Some books the slow start is part of the project. Like wading in while staring at view. Angle of Repose? #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 @MikeGrinti I agree! Those aren't my faves though. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @MikeGrinti @timothypower67 Yes, just thinking this. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen I will have to get a copy and read it. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder Right. In the end, we can't write for the arbiters of publishing, because they are always in flux. Just be awesome. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel Will do! I think my sis and I are doing something... #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Use too much humor at the beginning of a historical fiction or fantasy MG and it sets the wrong tone. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders defenseless throat, ripping and snarling, choking the life out of the prey. We're hoping Dad's a wolf but not totally sure yet. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi RT @kellybarnhill: @LaurelSnyder Right. In the end, we can't write for the arbiters of publishing, because they are always in flux. Just be awesome. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @LesliMuirLytle @john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore Oh my students voice opinions for sure! :) #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @JoWhittemore Definitely. #MGlitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KimMcCollum RT @KateMessner: I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about what's to come. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen @elissacruz Hmmm, don't know how I feel about that. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Wow, these tweets go by fast. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa One of the things I loved about Chasing Vermeer was how the illustrations were part of the mystery. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @MikeGrinti Hi Mike! #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder So, I just did a workshop at SCBWI that addressed that same issue. Hmmm. This is hard to explain in a tweet. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz I think "shallow" is another way of saying that MG books aren't dripping with angst. #notsure #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Not that MG characters are shallow, but they just take time to open up the layers, IMO. Like onions. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 Pot, meet kettle! RT @elissacruz YA authors say MG characters are too "shallow," especially in the first pages. #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @justkeepreading Good point! First scene. #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @JoWhittemore I KNOW! #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore So PB dives in, YA dives in, MG slow, luxurious creeping into the pool? ;-) #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading MG books CANNOT talk down to the reader starting at page one. Kids at that age will see through that bull. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @JoWhittemore Holy cow, yes! #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder Be more awesome is so easy to do. Just add 10% more awesomesauce to your coffee. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KDuBayGillis Finally here at #mglitchat! Hard to get kids to sleep while on vacation! -9:29 PM Aug 11th, 2011
WriterRoss RT @JoWhittemore: We've established that WOW 1st pages include: hook, voice, tone, insight into character, current situation & inciting incident #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @LaurelSnyder I would be saying that in order to get me to finish it and recommend it to others. #MGlitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore ha! LOVE this. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 @karenninaposa But first pages are hard. So important & for me, usually last thing that gets finalized. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @KarenninaPosa From now on, complex characters have payers like parfaits, not onions. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill There are lots of different types of first chapters, and what the writer chooses to use is specific to the needs of the book. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill I'm about to start a crusade, I fear. In honor of slow writing, mindful language, and ACTUAL PACING. #hatestherace #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly There ya go. “@john_zeleznik: See, you add boobs and that's the difference between boy MG and boy YA. #mglitchat” -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @john_zeleznik I like parfaits! #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @kellybarnhill The only time pg.1 is emphasized heavily is on first cold query to agent or pub anyway. #mglitchat -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik I've rewritten the opening chapter of my YA novel five or six times. But first pages are the most important! #mglitchat -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen Want to know if you're on the right track - grab beta readers. Line them up and have them tell you. MG readers have HUGE opinins. #mglitchat -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill Good pacing is so important. I really dislike rushed endings! #hatestherace #mglitchat -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @kellybarnhill YES! This! #mglitchat -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill In the end, the question we should ask is not "am I doing this right?" but "Are these pages doing what I need them to do?" #mglitchat -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly Totally. “@PHCMarchesi: Agree! RT @timothypower67: Humor is a must for MG, IMO. #mglitchat” -9:31 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen nothing will do more to inform you as a writer than to listen to your readers. Even more than editors and agents. #mglitchat p1/2 -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz So I'm not sure if that means YA=angst and MG does not? Especially those first pages, where we set up voice and character? #MGlitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill In the end, we're not trying to write books that fit in little boxes. We're trying to write GREAT books. You know? #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @jmaschari @story_queen Oh gosh, me too! #MGlitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @timothypower67 The best books no matter the genre still have elements of humour. #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer RT @kellybarnhill: The question we should ask is not "am I doing this right?" but "Are these pages doing what I need them to do?" #Mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen apologies to my agent and editor friends out there - but it's true. #mglitchat your reader wins EVERY TIME! -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill Or, "how can I get out of the way of these pages and let them do their thing?" #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KKittscher @LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill True. And yet look at the opening of The Graveyard Book! #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw I don't think MG nds to start w/more world/scene building than YA,as long as the voice is spot on...and MG voice can b tricky. #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder HAHAHAHA! #mglitchat (and you are just making me wish all the more that our paths cross one of these days) -9:32 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel @librarykelly @timothypower67 NOt a big fan of The Road? #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill bingo - me too! I think pace throughout is more important that a killer beginning. #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Had to stop reading advice about first pages and concentrate on letting them best serve the story...no formula... #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
smozer Have to go. Great chat. Makes me want to go to a bookstore/library/my classroom and read a bunch of first pages. #Mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen U can visit the #mglitchat blog 2 for a transcript and future topic lists. - http://mglitchat.blogspot.com/ #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @kellybarnhill I don't think anyone wants books in little gray boxes. Just books that people read past pg. 1 #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @_Jessica_Shaw See, for me, YA voice is trickier. And PB. I sound like I'm talking down to them. :-) #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill I want to take you to dinner. With wine. #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill Agree! In mg it is very important to give a good (but not necessarily happy) ending #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr sometimes i think you really need to just believe in yourself and forget about pleasing the agents or editors. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz So my question to writers: Do you write your first page first, or wait to do it until you written the rest of the book? #MGlitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @librarykelly @timothypower67 Oh g-d! that was punishing- and I love dystopian lit. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 @elissacruz I think MG characters care more about community while YA ones are more me-me-me. #MGlitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @rhondasaunders Sometimes you have to do just that. Write, write, and write some more. Rules can sometimes bog you down. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @librarykelly Hiya! Good to see you back! #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen I've had over 100 MG beta readers read my first 10 pages. It was simple to set up and rocked my sensibilities as a writers. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders @elissacruz Gotta write them first, knowing they will be changed and changed. And changed. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 RT @kellybarnhill: In the end, we're not trying to write books that fit in little boxes. We're trying to write GREAT books. You know? #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone RT @MoonZephyr: sometimes i think you really need to just believe in yourself and forget about pleasing the agents or editors. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @KKittscher @LaurelSnyder Right, but Gaiman knew exactly the ride he wanted his readers on and then he DID THAT. And it worked. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @elissacruz I tend to do some waiting - I write but know that my first chapter now is prob not going to be my 1st chap at the end #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @elissacruz Do you think so? That's not what I think when I hear that. #MGlitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw @elissacruz So far, always 1st page 1st for me. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @LaurelSnyder And lots of it! #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
story_queen Rats. kid catastrophe. got to go. bye #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @elissacruz Write first page, write book, rewrite first page, rewrite book, repeat as needed :D #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
BA_Watson RT @rhondasaunders: Had to stop reading advice about first pages and concentrate on letting them best serve the story...no formula... #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @elissacruz After struggling with my rewrite last night, I realized that it's ok to let it go and let it wait. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @elissacruz I write the first page first. It's more exciting without hindsight. I revise it after the story is done. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel perfect - I'm going to set up an outlook reminder :) this is great. Are you a moderator so to speak? #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @timothypower67 @elissacruz nicely said. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @elissacruz I write it first and when I'm finished I rewrite it a gorillian times. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @elissacruz I spend a month on the 1st pg, get it perfect, write the rest of the book fast/sloppy, then go back & trash page 1. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jjhoutman First page of my MG, EDDY was the first written, and stayed pretty much the same. First line identical. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @elissacruz First page first. Always. It lets me know where I'm going with a story (voice, tone, etc) #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KKittscher @LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill Like the slow food movement, but for MG books:-)? I like it! #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @justkeepreading Yes! #MGlitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @librarykelly I really don't know? I suspect that's what they mean, but I can't be certain. #MGlitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @jjhoutman Mine too. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @MikeGrinti Right. My concern is that writers themselves put themselves in boxes because they fear the process. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari 100 % YES RT @MikeGrinti: Write first page, write book, rewrite first page, rewrite book, repeat as needed :D #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @story_queen @LaurelSnyder @kellybarnhill character n a book once said that not all endings are happy- sometimes just endings. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @elissacruz I start on pg.1. This is my first MG. When I get to the end, I'll let you know if page one survives revision carnage! #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @elissacruz My first pages change after the book is done #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @JoWhittemore @john_zeleznik I'll be there - and I'll try not to be too opinionated . :) #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 @smozer I love the "Look inside" feature on Amazon for first page peeks. #MGlitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 @justkeepreading True. Kids have very well tuned BS meters. It is their superpower. That and leaving one swig of milk in the jug. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder Reminder: you can break any "rule" at all, use any cliche you want. You just have to be TOTALLY Frocking GENIUS when you do it. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KateMessner @elissacruz I write the first page. Then the rest of the book. And then I go back and write the first pages over again. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @kellybarnhill In the end, no amount of formulae can make a first chapter good if all the elements aren't working together. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @elissacruz I always start with at least a first line and go from there. First line is hardest for me. #MGlitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
ErinStull Great topic...puppy needs attending and must get ready for the pool. Will read the transcript later! Night everyone. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel wait - is your sister named Lisa? #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi @ErinStull Good night! #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @kellybarnhill Ahh, yes, agree on that completely. Rules are tools to use, not the goal. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @DustHansen @john_zeleznik As long as you don't say, "Only boys can write boy books", we can hang. :-) #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KDuBayGillis RT @LaurelSnyder: @elissacruz I spend a month on the 1st pg, get it perfect, write the rest of the book fast/sloppy, then go back & trash page 1. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone RT @coachhays64: True. Kids have very well tuned BS meters. It is their superpower. That and leaving one swig of milk in the jug. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel Emma. She;s smarter than me. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @timothypower67 @elissacruz That's true- and a reflection of teen attitude in general. #MGlitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @ErinStull puppy in the pool? Now that sounds like fun :) #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen I would doubt that! :-) #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @timothypower67 I think so. Even if it's dry-I'm-hiding-my-pain humor. #MGlitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KateMessner @elissacruz Ha. I said the same. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 11th, 2011
ErinStull @DustHansen NOPE! Puppy remains at home in crate...LOL #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen Dude. It's way true. She's careful and has integrity. I just talk a lot. #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @elissacruz I skip my first line int he first draft. Well, not skip, but breeze by, knowing I'll beat it up later. #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @timothypower67 Yes- who wants to read something so totally depressing with no lighter moments? not me #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @MikeGrinti Exactly. And some books break every rule and STILL are successful. In the end, a book just needs to be GOOD. #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading @coachhays64 @librarykelly Which is why writing MG scares me!!! #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto Just joining...sorry I'm ridiculously late! #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @DustHansen So do I! (talk a lot) :-) #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel ah - my sister is too. Smarter - not Emma. I know a very smart Lisa Snyder - just taking a stab. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @kellybarnhill @MikeGrinti Yes! #mglitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PHCMarchesi Gotta get going, everyone - good to hear your thoughts! See you next Thursday. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder It's middles I have trouble with. That's why my book isn't finished. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @LaurelSnyder @KateMessner Ha! Because that's what I do, too! Month or so on first page, days on the rest of draft. *high five* #MGlitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 I think first line/paragraph is important mostly in how much it conveys that the author has a solid grip on the story. #MGlitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @KateMessner @elissacruz Ha! I erase the whole dang book and rewrite it over again. And then I do it again. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
AngelaAckerman The only trouble I have w/revising is changing that 1st scene. It's firm in my head as the place 2 start. Tough 2 make it change. #mglitchat -9:39 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @MikeGrinti @elissacruz So...it's like washing your hair? #MGlitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @PHCMarchesi Thanks for stopping by. See you next week! #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle @jmaschari maybe I was stereotyping the kids who read a lot, that they wouldn't be as vocal. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel ha ha - my sister can do math. She once told me I was more decorative than useful. I agreed. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @kellybarnhill I think it can be frustrating when the answer is "p1 needs anything awesome" ... but that's basically it, heh. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder We should do a chat about middles. Mine are always muddled. #MGlitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik So, examples of really good MG openings? #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill This man speaks for me. RT @MikeGrinti: Write first page, write book, rewrite first page, rewrite book, repeat as needed :D #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder ouch! I Well I can't do math either. Or science. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
AngelaAckerman So changing lines, yes, no prob, making the scene come out another way, I can do that, but CHANGE the starting point? So tough. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @LesliMuirLytle Oh no no - wasn't implying anything :) I think I just have a vocal group of kids! #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder Just pound at it! You'll go back once you hit the end. Don't take it as sacred - hit those keys! #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @elissacruz We don't talk about middles. If we don't talk about them, they'll go away. >...> #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore All right. We're at the portion of our program where you tell us YOUR favorite books with WOW first pages. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone @john_zeleznik Love, Aubrey has a great opening chapter. Nearly perfect. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto Peter Nimble, which just came out, sets the mood spectacularly #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KKittscher @timothypower67 Right. We need to feel we're in good narrative hands to go along for the ride. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @elissacruz YES. The middle workshop? I'm in! #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 @JoWhittemore @DustHansen @john_zeleznik Our official statement is "Only boys can write boy written books" Is that's hangability? #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @elissacruz @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder We should. Or about structure of a story - mine started great, but isn't going anywhere. #MGlitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder middles are always tough, but I'm good @helping break through. DM me if U need a kick in the pants. #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @coachhays64 @justkeepreading Some of us don't grow out of that milk thing. #MGlitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore HOLES by Louis Sachar - dynamite beginning #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Warm up pages (okay, chapters) that end up being hacked off the beginning--do seasoned MG writers do that, too? #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LEllsworth @KateMessner So true! First page is so important in setting tone of the entire book. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle @jmaschari Kids who feel safe enough to be vocal give me hope for mankind. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto @jmaschari @JoWhittemore Absolutely! #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa I like the way The Magic Thief starts. Hook, voice, tension. It's all there. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @JoWhittemore You mean besides Charlotte's Web? ;) #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder @helping I think I might do better if I lower the age of the characters- take pressure of the romance #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KateMessner I think Linda Urban and Cynthia Lord are both amazing examples of authors who nail MG voice on page 1. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading @JoWhittemore I honestly don't remember first pages! I remember the experience as a whole. Am I alone?? #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LEllsworth @rhondasaunders All the time! Often the beginning isn't really the beginning - we just think it is. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari GREGOR THE OVERLANDER by Suzanne Collins - quiet but got me to CARE about Gregor and his life #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @rhondasaunders I think all writers everywhere do that (though not every individual, of course). #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
frankisibberson @justkeepreading I agree-I don't remember first pages at all #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @LaurelSnyder apparently that part I can't write. Or at least beyond a certain point. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw Sharon Creech--awesome MG voice. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @DustHansen @john_zeleznik To rephrase, if the belief is genders should only write their own genders, I say "Nay!" #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jjhoutman RT @KarenninaPosa: I like the way The Magic Thief starts. Hook, voice, tension. Its all there. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @elissacruz @LaurelSnyder for sure - always a great topic. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @justkeepreading Same. p1 gets me into it, but after that it's the overall that I remember. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @PHCMarchesi Bye! #MGlitchat -9:43 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders @LEllsworth It's what Hemingway called "painting the kitchen" before really getting started. Or so my boss says. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 RT @LEllsworth: @rhondasaunders All the time! Often the beginning isn't really the beginning - we just think it is. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @LaurelSnyder Oh, that's a good one! #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Now if you are writing a series, is your first page of book 1 different? #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
kellybarnhill @rachelnseigel @story_queen @LaurelSnyder WHERE DID THAT LINE COME FROM? I read it once, but my brain is mush! #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto Always loved the beginning of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @DustHansen @john_zeleznik By that standard, we should only let animals write animal stories! :-) #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @AngelaAckerman Glad I'm not the only one. #MGlitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 RT @JoWhittemore: @coachhays64 @DustHansen @john_zeleznik To rephrase, if the belief is genders should only write their own genders, I say "Nay!" #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle As creative writers, if we can't come up with a great opening line, paragraph, and page, we don't deserve to publish. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @jmaschari @JoWhittemore I'll second HOLES...sucked in immediately! #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @rhondasaunders I had a writing teacher call that stuff scaffolding. Necessary, but of course you take it down when you're done. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr I'm liking F E Higgins The Black Book of Secrets. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @_Jessica_Shaw Yes. I love her writing. And Jerry Spinelli. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @DustHansen @laurelsnyder @rachelnseigel I am so going to use that line. #MGlitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari LOVE, AUBREY by Suzanne LaFleur had voice from the outset - loved the beginning - the language the emotion - amazing #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis @jmaschari Awww. Stanley Yelnats. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen Also, although it is technically back story (ahh taboo word!) - THE BOOK THIEF has a exquisite beginning IMO. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @KDuBayGillis Oooh, I dunno. Some writers are only okay on a line or paragraph level, but brilliant on a book-as-a-whole level. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @dusthansen @laurelsnyder I cant do math. #MGlitchat #dontcareeither -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KDuBayGillis RT @MikeGrinti: @rhondasaunders I had a writing teacher call that stuff scaffolding. Necessary, but of course you take it down when you're done. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @DustHansen Most masterfully written book of all time IMO - brilliant #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Favorite first line: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. There was a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb... #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @kellybarnhill @story_queen @LaurelSnyder About endings? I read it in a book called Ellen Fremedon but probably was elsewhere 2. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @librarykelly @rachelnseigel @laurelsnyder ha ha- Yeah, but math is boring - decorative is so much more fun :) #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @KarenninaPosa Yes!! That's a good one. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @jmaschari Yeah, I love that book with all my heart. I read it nearly once a year. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @KateMessner Like RULES! #MGlitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @librarykelly @laurelsnyder LOL! I don't remember or use most of the math I learned in school now anyway. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LouiseBorden RT @KateMessner: I think no matter the genre, 1st page needs to make the right promise to the reader about what's to come. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @justkeepreading @jowhittemore I usually don't remember first pages. First chapters I might #MGlitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 RT @rachelnseigel: @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @DustHansen @john_zeleznik By that standard, we should only let animals write animal stories! :-) #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore I like "Claudia could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away" from the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders I know prologue is a bad word. But what do you call that little teaser--for context--at the beginning...just realized it's in... #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @DustHansen Me too - I flew through it and then went back and savored it. The power of the that story transcends the pages. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KristineAsselin Late to the party, just popping in to say hi. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz I love quirky beginnings, like The Name of This Book is Secret and Series of Unfortunate Events--the narrator addresses audience. #MGlitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder Since it came up tonight I'll offer the Thirteen Clocks: #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder @helping romance is tough in MG - but crushes can be brilliant. #mglitchat - even Diary of a W Kid crushes. -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis @jmaschari And don't forget Sideways Stories From Wayside School. Got me right away! #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading @librarykelly @KateMessner I love RULES! Read aloud to my students. Boy did they learn and understand after that book. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders ...2 of my recent fave MG books. TURTLE IN PARADISE starts w def of "Conch" and how to pronounce it. Before ch.1. and... #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @john_zeleznik I don't think so. #MGlitchat -9:48 PM Aug 11th, 2011
love8rockets #MGlitchat it turns out in my fiction; I wrote the second half first, then went back to write the beginning. -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw Narrator addressing the reader: a love it or hate it type of thing? #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis @jmaschari I love those ridiculous stories! Still have my copy from junior high. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik agreed - part of my belief as well. #mglitchat J Asher writes as a teen girl better than most. -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone My brain just went into meltdown. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
WriterRoss @LaurelSnyder Thurber. Oh how I love him. {} Yes to 13 Clocks! #MGLITCHAT -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto @rhondasaunders loved how Turtle in Paradise opened #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders THE BOY WHO HOWLED starts w note from real life wolf expert... #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis @jmaschari I have mine 2. He did stuff in that book I've never seen again- remember chapter 19? #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis @jmaschari Yes - so fun! #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder Harriet the Spy! Where Harriet is explaining how to play Town? BRILLIANT. ALL character revelation, but via action. #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz Those narrators who tell me "Don't Read This!" I'll read every time. #reversepsychologyworks #MGlitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
VonnaCarter @_Jessica_Shaw totally depends on the voice of the narrator #MGlitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
spajonas @elliefalcone my brain is complete mush but I had a VERY full day (both as a mommy and a writer!) #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle @elissacruz I love that too. Anything I'm told not to do... #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto RT @elissacruz: Those narrators who tell me "Dont Read This!" Ill read every time. #reversepsychologyworks #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @KristineAsselin Hello! #MGlitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder I love prologues and I don't care who knows it. #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @librarykelly @rachelnseigel @laurelsnyder my computer does math - but it writes sh#t books. Dang, I'm using that on my sister. #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading @elissacruz Love The Name of This Book is Secret. kids love it too. My daughter tore through all of them. Grabs from the start #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders ...so what is that called? That little teaser that is NOT a prologue? #mglitchat -9:50 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @DustHansen @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @rachelnseigel I've been complimented on my ability to write a teenaged girl well! #mglitchat -9:51 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @jowhittemore @kdubaygillis @jmaschari Yes, yes! #MGlitchat -9:51 PM Aug 11th, 2011
VonnaCarter Narrator in A Tale Dark and Grimm was fab #MGlitchat -9:51 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @DustHansen @john_zeleznik Exactly!But if you get enough monkeys together, they write Shakespeare ;-) #mglitchat -9:51 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder I do too- and epilogues- as long as they don't skip ahead years and years in 3 pages. #mglitchat -9:51 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @VonnaCarter Loved that narrator - could not keep that book on my shelves at school (and I had 3 copies!) - kids are drawn to it #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Hahaha RT @LaurelSnyder: I love prologues and I dont care who knows it. #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rhondasaunders A PROLOGUE! #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder You are moving up to my all time favorite list. Prologues are appetizers. Who doesn't like appetizers? #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
dianezahler @LaurelSnyder Or The Wonderful O:Somewhere a ponderous clock tower slowly dropped a dozen strokes into the gloom. #kidlitchat #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel as long as they don't "explain." #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore Shoot, I better get these monkeys back to the zoo then. #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LEllsworth Favorite 1st pages: Charlotte's Web, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, Because of Winn Dixie, #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elliefalcone Is this a prologue I see before me? #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 I think opposite genders can write each other well. #mglitchat -9:52 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @dianezahler we were just talking about that book! I'm writing an essay about it right now. #upwiththurber #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @DustHansen @rachelnseigel @laurelsnyder :-D #MGlitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @LaurelSnyder True. I just like that last bit of closure sometimes. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Maybe a minilogue. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @DustHansen: @LaurelSnyder Prologue lovers UNITE! Thought I was the only one. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @LaurelSnyder @rachelnseigel Ugh, yes. That. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @dianezahler @LaurelSnyder Or the GLM. #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa adding more books to my TBR list, based on these first pages rec's #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Prologues are baaaad! #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
VonnaCarter I'll jump on the I Love Prologues wagon #MGlitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 I'm a girl, and I can't write girl MCs.Trust me on this. #MGlitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen CRAZY PEOPLE. THAT'S WHO! #mglitchat -9:53 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik ha ha- Shakespeare's gotta get paid, son! #mglitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
dianezahler @LaurelSnyder LOVE all Thurber, all the time. Send me a link when you publish/upload! #mglitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KristineAsselin Love this. Let's all write minilogues! RT @rhondasaunders: Maybe a minilogue. #mglitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
BA_Watson A Ch. 14 that needs a new scene, a compelling #mglitchat, and a phone call meeting scheduled at nine. #toomuchatonce -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @john_zeleznik Prologues, like everything else, have been overdone badly. Want to wrassle? #mglitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @laurelsnyder Me three. #MGlitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle Yes. Avoid prologues in all genres unless it absolutely can't be helped. #mglitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @LaurelSnyder crazy people with smart sisters. #mglitchat #RaisesGlass-Tink! -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @DustHansen I blatantly ripped two scenes in my novels from Shakespeare. #mglitchat -9:54 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @dianezahler will do. It is about all the things books can do besides be FAST AND ACTIONY. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @elissacruz @rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @coachhays64 Hey, you gotta write the voice inside you. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @librarykelly @laurelsnyder Gr8 line! Gotta love sisters (and I am one) #t #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @coachhays64 @JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik Brilliant! I'm in. Scrapping current WIP 2start on Monkey Vampire novel. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @dianezahler Me too. There is a Carnival by my bed. #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @DustHansen @laurelsnyder It's like mozzarella sticks. #MGlitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
justkeepreading Realized the book start I really remember is The Wednesday Wars. Mainly cuz I laughed so hard almost fell off the Treadmill #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @coachhays64 I've had a GREAT monkey idea jumping around for about a year. Think it has promise! #mglitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @VonnaCarter He was brilliant. #MGlitchat -9:55 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 RT @JoWhittemore: @elissacruz @rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @coachhays64 Hey, you gotta write the voice inside you. #mglitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @VonnaCarter I love books with narrative intervention- like Lemony Snicket. #MGlitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @john_zeleznik oh my - now I need to know. I'm such a Shakespear nut. Please tell me what from. #mglitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @rachelnseigel @dusthansen @john_zeleznik Monkey vampires would be awesome. #MGlitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @DustHansen @JoWhittemore Mermaids y'all. THat's what I read a few weeks ago. #mglitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PippaBayliss @justkeepreading Dang, I've gotta read it again #mglitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @elissacruz @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @coachhays64 exactly- gotta b true to yourself in your writing #mglitchat -9:56 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @librarykelly @laurelsnyder I think Kelly might be on the list too. Prologue Loves Unite! #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Anyone care to share a first line they wish they'd written? #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik @coachhays64 @DustHansen @JoWhittemore High-Octane thrillers like Dragon Tattoo will b next big thing in YA. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
AngelaAckerman @librarykelly I think it's because I get that first scene embeeded in my head and have a hard time looking past that. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @rachelnseigel @dusthansen @john_zeleznik I've got Monkey Overlords in a drawer novel. #monkeysrule #MGlitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @elissacruz @john_zeleznik @coachhays64 for sure - kids can smell a fake like a mom smells diapers. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
dianezahler @LaurelSnyder Do kids read Thurber anymore? Or do they need fast & actiony? #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @DustHansen @JoWhittemore Monkey mermaids? #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @DustHansen Hamlet when Polonius is giving Leartes advice about going away. THere was another that I can't remember right now. #mglitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter Me, too. I don't understand why it's looked at as such a bad thing. #MGlitchat -9:57 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MrSchuReads RT @KateMessner: I think Linda Urban and Cynthia Lord are both amazing examples of authors who nail MG voice on page 1. #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa Or a first line they've written? #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @elissacruz @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik ahhh! wow - like sunshine from my fingertips! #mglitchat I <3 this! -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders @dianezahler @LaurelSnyder Whobur? #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @KarenninaPosa Really I just wish I had written HOLES. Like the whole book :) #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @rachelnseigel yes, please! #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Bwahaha! RT @elissacruz: @coachhays64 @rachelnseigel @dusthansen @john_zeleznik Ive got Monkey Overlords in a drawer novel. #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle Two households, both alike in dignity... #mglitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @DustHansen @laurelsnyder Yay-ya! #MGlitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @vonnacarter I didn't realize it was a bad thing. I thought kids love it! Especially the sarcasm. #MGlitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
VonnaCarter @KarenninaPosa It's harder to steal an egg than to steal the whole chicken.--J. Hardy, The Shifter #MGlitchat -9:58 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa lol Me too! RT @jmaschari Really I just wish I had written HOLES. Like the whole book :) #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
dianezahler @dianezahler Yesss! (But let me know how that goes.) #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Oh, yes! I'd love to hear some original first lines. #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @elissacruz @coachhays64 @dusthansen @john_zeleznik Oh boy! #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @john_zeleznik When Polonius is saying goodbye? Oh, love that scene! Such heart - yeah, that's good already :) #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 A lot of writers are going down the road Lemony Snicket blazed. #MGlitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @rhondasaunders @dianezahler @LaurelSnyder James Thurber. Read the 13 Clocks. Most carefully written MG you'll find. Poetry. #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @AngelaAckerman Exactly. For me, it's like the opening scene of a movie. It may not be the beginning, but it was MY start. #MGlitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @VonnaCarter I can't believe I forgot about The Shifter! Love that first line! #mglitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @DustHansen @JoWhittemore Mermaid monkeys. We can grab the fantasy market or deep sea sci-fi. #MGlitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @KarenninaPosa I actually love the first line of my novel (not published) (yet). It has won contests, so others think so, too. #MGlitchat -9:59 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @MoonZephyr @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @JoWhittemore I heard mermaids sunk? MG Thrillers is the next fad 2chase. #mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @elissacruz am looking forward to reading that! #mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
AngelaAckerman @LesliMuirLytle Hard 2 know. I had an editorial revision 4 an Ed who asked 4 a prologue & then an 2nd Ed asked me 2 get rid of it.#mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore or both! #mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @DustHansen I think sea monkeys have that market cornered, those quick-dying bastards #mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @elissacruz Well is it under 150 characters? Tweet it! :D #mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter Well, I do think kids love it, but I've been told (a few times) that agents/editors do not. #MGlitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rhondasaunders Gah! It's quitting time for me. Thanks, everyone. This was fun! And crazy hard to follow! But that's my fault. #mglitchat -10:00 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DustHansen @MoonZephyr @john_zeleznik @coachhays64 @JoWhittemore Thrillers r going 2 make a huge comeback! I'm positive! #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @KarenninaPosa You'll have to wait until it sells...or do a google search. Whichever is easier, I guess. ;) #MGlitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @DustHansen @JoWhittemore Win-win! #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @DustHansen @MoonZephyr @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 Never got into mermaids. Something about them is just...fishy. #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @rhondasaunders Thanks for stopping by, see you next week! #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @JoWhittemore Or zombie vampire mermaid monkeys- cover all your bases! #MGlitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari My first line(s) - I’m sure you’re reading this because you’ve heard the rumors. (1/2) #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
AngelaAckerman @librarykelly I know! It's like the catalyst for the book and so feels wrong to change it. #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Monkeys escape a military facilities in Louisiana during Katrina discover a whole world of escaped pets, zoo animals, etc. #mglitchat -10:01 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder I liked the 1st line of my last book, but was a darling had to die:"Penny Dreadful was nearly certain she had wonderful friends." #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
timothypower67 First line: "It was a dark and stormy night." Madeline L'Engle really spanked us with that old cliche! #MGlitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
VonnaCarter @librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter I've never tried to write a narrator and doubt I ever will. It's tricky. #MGlitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KateMessner @jmaschari That's a GREAT first line! #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PippaBayliss @librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter That's the major prob - we have to sell to ags and eds b4 the kids even see it #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @elissacruz Gotcha! *sneaking off to Google...* #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari -the ones about a boy, a girl in crazy knee-high socks, a junk-food-loving cat, and the living dead. (2/2) #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @elissacruz @KarenninaPosa Ack, Elissa, what a first-line/page tease! #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter I've heard the same. Kids are familiar with this format -it's prevalent in TV writing. #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @MikeGrinti @elissacruz Yeah! Do it, do it! #MGlitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @jmaschari Very nice! #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter well, explain that to the line of kids waiting to get their books signed. #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @MikeGrinti It is, but you really have to read the first page for it to really work. #MGlitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @VonnaCarter Welcome aboard! Toot Toot! #mglitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rhondasaunders Bye Rhonda! #MGlitchat -10:02 PM Aug 11th, 2011
frankisibberson @LaurelSnyder I loved pretty much every line in Penny Dreadful:-) #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @KateMessner Thanks Kate! #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 @rachelnseigel @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @JoWhittemore I see Disney Channel mini-series! #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @elissacruz Well, then, I'll just have to google it up then :D #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @rachelnseigel @DustHansen @john_zeleznik @coachhays64 @JoWhittemore here's hoping that one of you has got one then : > #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari I would love to read more first lines! #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @timothypower67 Holy coincidence, Batman.Just read this today, standing in DDs room.Had never read it.But stood to read whole ch. #mglitchat -10:03 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @frankisibberson Thanks so much. But lots of bad lines died! #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
_Jessica_Shaw Great chat, thanks all! Have to get the kids ready for bed. Night! :-) #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen Alright - gotta run - so many new fun people to follow tonight. Thanks all for your advice and silliness. Tip your waiters! #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LesliMuirLytle Thanks everyone. I'm sure my followers are glad I'm stopping here. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @jmaschari Oooohhhhh. Loves it! #MGlitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore Thank you! #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @LaurelSnyder Aww. And it was cute! #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
VonnaCarter @DustHansen Thanks! #MGlitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @DustHansen Nice to meet you! #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Something about the hunt had changed, leaving Ben with a sick feeling in his gut. #mglitchat -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
AngelaAckerman I always seem to miss #mglitchat glad I caught some of this one! Night all! -10:04 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @jmaschari me too. i may spend an afternoon doing just that! #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @MoonZephyr @john_zeleznik @coachhays64 @JoWhittemore I am too actually. I have one, but it's clunky. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
dianezahler @LaurelSnyder Yessss! (But let me know how that goes.) #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @vonnacarter They should love what kids will love! (If they want 2 sell books) #MGlitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @VonnaCarter @rachelnseigel You should read Horton Halfpott. I think it's done very well in that book. #MGlitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
mswinchell Sorry, I so wanted to be here. Little one needed some rocking. What'd I miss? #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @JoWhittemore Thanks! It just didn't work. SOmetimes the first page feels like a geometry proof. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @LesliMuirLytle @DustHansen @_Jessica_Shaw Glad you came. See you next week! #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @PippaBayliss @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter Exactly #MGlitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @DustHansen @MoonZephyr @john_zeleznik @coachhays64 Groan! #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore Well, kiddos, chat is officially done for the night, but you're welcome to...uh...keep chatting. #mglitchat -10:05 PM Aug 11th, 2011
bmlkidsteens RT @KateMessner: I think Linda Urban and Cynthia Lord are both amazing examples of authors who nail MG voice on page 1. #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @DustHansen @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter Yes. #MGlitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
WriterRoss (missed most of chat, thank you Transcript Givers) #MGLITCHAT -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @mswinchell we'll have the transcript up here soon: http://mglitchat.blogspot.com/ #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @JenniferCEstes @elissacruz @KarenninaPosa I'm sneaky that way. Mwahahahaha... #goaheadIdareyoutofindmyfirstpageonline #MGlitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MrSchuReads RT @frankisibberson: @LaurelSnyder I loved pretty much every line in Penny Dreadful:-) #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti @john_zeleznik Nice! That + Shakespeare + GRRM influence... sounds good to me! #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @john_zeleznik Is that your first line? I like it! Gives me a sense of what is to come! #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
coachhays64 Goodnight #mglitchat! Good luck on working (or reworking) your openings this week! "A thousand ills of Fortunato I have endured..." -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @DustHansen @JoWhittemore We'll be rich! :-) #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik @mswinchell Be here next week bro...boy vs. girl writing. #mglitchat -10:06 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @librarykelly :) #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MikeGrinti Bye everyone! Super interesting chat as always! #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @MoonZephyr @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter Good point. #MGlitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @JoWhittemore @MoonZephyr @john_zeleznik @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 Applause! Applause! I love puns! #mglitchat g'night all. -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
PippaBayliss Ditto thanx for the inspiration, folks. Til next week ... :) #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
mswinchell Okay, guess I missed most of #mglitchat. Too bad. Night. -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
MoonZephyr @JoWhittemore Thanks Jo. It was fun, albeit a bit...fishy #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore Thanks for being a hostest with the mostest. :) #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @rachelnseigel @coachhays64 @john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore and embarrassed :) #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
michaelascotto G'night, all! Enjoyed all the first lines. :) #mglitchat -10:07 PM Aug 11th, 2011
john_zeleznik Hey, this was fun, even if I'm not much a MG writer. #mglitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Thanks, everyone, for a great chat! #mglitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @VonnaCarter read it and loved it! That guy is a rising star! #MGlitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @MoonZephyr Ba-dum-BUM! You're welcome! See you around next time! #mglitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @DustHansen See you next week, Dustin! Fun chat! #MGlitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
KristineAsselin Thanks Jo! Wish I could have been here earlier! #mglitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
DustHansen @jmaschari @JoWhittemore I second that. Great chat. Thanks Jo #mglitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz Thanks, @JoWhittemore and @KarenninaPosa, for hosting tonight's chat! #MGlitchat -10:08 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @AngelaAckerman Nice chatting with you! #MGlitchat -10:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @jmaschari This thanks I share with @KarenninaPosa for posa-ing some good questions! :-) #mglitchat -10:09 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @rachelnseigel @vonnacarter This is what I think, too. Which leads me to ask, how do they stay plugged in? #MGlitchat -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore @KarenninaPosa YES! Two awesome moderators :) #mglitchat -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @DustHansen @jmaschari Thanks, y'all, for coming out! #mglitchat -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
elissacruz @JoWhittemore Yuk-yuk-yuk! (Posa-ing! LOL) #MGlitchat -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
librarykelly @JoWhittemore Thanks for hosting Jo! #MGlitchat -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel #MGlitchat thanks all 4 gr8 chat! Have to take dog 4 a walk. Hope 2 c some of u still on l8r. -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Thanks everyone for the excellent chat, especially hosts! #mglitchat -10:10 PM Aug 11th, 2011
rachelnseigel @librarykelly @vonnacarter That's the hardest part. #MGlitchat -10:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
JoWhittemore @KristineAsselin We'll have the transcripts up soon. Promise! #mglitchat -10:11 PM Aug 11th, 2011
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