elissacruz Okay, welcome to #MGlitchat. @rachelnseigel and I are hosting. #MGlitchat -9:01 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz Tonight's topic: The Parent Problem. How do you keep them around but not in control? #MGlitchat -9:01 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @DanyelleLeafty certainly! there is a most recent hashtags used dropdown box below the message window...#mglitchat -9:01 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk RT @elissacruz: Tonight's topic: The Parent Problem. How do you keep them around but not in control? #MGlitchat -9:02 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz And...go! #MGlitchat -9:02 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @AnshaKotyk Thanks! #mglitchat -9:02 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz (We can also dicuss the absent parent problem in MGlit. FYI.) #MGlitchat -9:02 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier How's it going, #mglitchat? -9:02 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson I poured myself a glass of wine for this chat and now there's a gnat swimming in it, bugs are no big deal to MG writers, right? #mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
annemariewrites @elissacruz Have things happen at school where parents are rarely found. #MGlitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari I hate when parents in lit are stock characters - I like them to have depth just like MCs #mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @elissacruz I think @rebstead did this very well in "When You Reach Me". She was a latchkey kid. #MGlitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk I never really thought about the 'missing' parent problem in MG until someone mentioned it. Most parents are 'missing' in kidlit. #mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
LaurelSnyder So sad to miss #mglitchat tonight. I've thought a lot about parents (and society when it overprotects) -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins MG is age kids begin to exercise their autonomy & imagine a life separate from parents. Stories reflect that. Parents gotta go #MGlitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty I agree! RT @jmaschari: I hate when parents in lit are stock characters - I like them to have depth just like MCs#mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @deegarretson We could all use a little more protein.#mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @deegarretson Uh...ew. ;) #MGlitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson @jmaschari oh I agree with this, can't stand cardboard parents #mglitchat -9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @jmaschari so agree. parents need depth too, makes the story more interesting #MGlitchat -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier I took the orphan route in Peter Nimble ... equal parts classic and cop-out! #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @deegarretson @jmaschari I don't like clueless parents either- let them b real. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly "@jmaschari: I hate when parents in lit are stock characters - I like them to have depth just like MCs #mglitchat" Me, too! -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @rachelnseigel @elissacruz I thought she did a great job as well - mom still played vital role but was not the main focus #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @naveltwins I liked how James Dashner handled the dad in the 13th reality series. There and loving, but not interfering. #mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone I never really thought about this. Am I a bad person?#mglitchat -9:04 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @jmaschari @elissacruz Part of MG lit is letting kids work out their problems. Can get advice, but not have parents solve 4 them #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @jmaschari I think in any story you can focus on the MC and not make the parents "disappear" but it's easier if they do.#mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @JonathanAuxier I'm enjoying Peter Nimble very much. :) #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @DanyelleLeafty I guess i have to read that!#MGlitchat -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
ktubb Hoping to make it home soon to participate in #MGlitchat! -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier I feel like parent characters in kidlit are like cell phones in thriller movies. ie. they seriously lower the drama!#mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone In one of my stories the parent is part of the story. MC fights with parent a lot. #mglitchat -9:05 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @DanyelleLeafty Thank you for saying so! What part are you in? #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz I like to see parents involved in the story somehow. But there is fine line between there & and being in control of the story.#MGlitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly I think that parents may play a bigger role in younger MG. But unless part of the story, they need to be there somewhere. #MGlitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari Family is still important to our MG students, readers, etc. but they want to see some independence (within safe bounds)#mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins RT @JonathanAuxier I feel like parent characters in kidlit are like cell phones in thriller movies-they seriously lower the drama #MGlitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @JonathanAuxier That's a really good point. Parents in the picture lower the level of drama. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @JonathanAuxier absolutely; it's a tricky balance to have parents as a presence without lowering the stakes too much #MGlitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
BA_Watson MOON OVER MANIFEST has a unique take: MC is searching for info on her dad (finds it) & in meantime finds other adults who care. #mglitchat -9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @elissacruz I agree with this - MC still must be the driver (but parent or adult figure can be in backseat) :) #mglitchat-9:06 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @AnshaKotyk @JonathanAuxier Unless the parents are the ones causing drama for the MG character. #MGlitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @JonathanAuxier I just barely started it, but am enjoying the voice. :)#mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari I think MG kids want escapism but they also want to be able to see themselves in story (hey this could happen to me!)#mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson distracted/busy parents are common, they don't have to be bad or clueless to be somewhat out of the picture#mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty RT @JonathanAuxier: I feel like parent characters in kidlit are like cell phones in thriller movies. ie. they seriously lower the drama! #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @elissacruz Very true, unless the parent is creating the drama #MGlitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 RT @elissacruz: I like to see parents involved in the story somehow. But there is fine line between there & and being in control of the story. #MGlitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
madrosenberg LOVE how D. Pinkwater got rid of parents in Lizard Music. Not sure publishers would let that happen if it were published today. #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier Roald Dahl always did a good job of actually USING parents in his stories. (See DANNY CHAMPION OF WORLD / MATILDA) #mglitchat -9:07 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore Since my books tend to be set in school, the parents aren't around too much to be controlling. #MGlitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey new to #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari And I am ALL about showing different kinds of families + adult influences #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins In the 1st book in my adventure series, i kept knocking the father unconscious. It became a running gag. #MGlitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk RT @jmaschari: I think MG kids want escapism but they also want to see themselves in story (hey this could happen to me!) #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey the topic is... parents in MG? #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
gregvaneekhout One source of mg appeal is expanding the world beyond the familiar. Parents are familiar. #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly @elliefalcone That sounds MG to me! #MGlitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @delzey Yes! #mglitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
BA_Watson Side note #mglitchat: I'm gonna skip out when my kids are showered & unstinky to read @JonathanAuxier's PETER NIMBLE with them! -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk RT @librarykelly: @elliefalcone That sounds MG to me!#MGlitchat -9:08 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Hi folks! Jumping into the parent discussion#mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @KarenninaPosa Hey there! #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jjhoutman Parents have completely different priorities than kids. They're there, but not THERE there. #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @BA_Watson Yes, but are you doing VOICES?!#mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey i've always been drawn to MG where the kids solve a personal problem & parents are only marginal support #mglitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly @jmaschari Yes! Yes! Yes! #MGlitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @delzey The Parent Problem, yes. Aka ways to keep MG character in control and not parents. #MGlitchat -9:09 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore #MGlitchat I also use the absence of a parent as a point of contention for the MC. -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @delzey Me 2! #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @JonathanAuxier @BA_Watson That's what really caught me from the beginning--they all have different voices. :D#mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @JoWhittemore MC = main character! I'm just now figuring that out! #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey that said, i have no patience for MG characters who solve problems bc every adult is a dolt or a 2d dimwit #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari I know I talk about Gregor the Overlander a lot (maybe every chat) but the way that this series integrated parents was genius #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @DanyelleLeafty @JonathanAuxier @BA_WatsonWow- sounds like 1 I need 2 read soon! #mglitchat -9:10 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @jowhittemore my upcoming novel explores that#MGlitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
BA_Watson @JonathanAuxier We're just starting it tonight! VOICES???!?? I stink at that. #mglitchat But I'll give it a go. =) -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone Exactly. RT @delzey: that said, i have no patience for MG characters who solve problems bc every adult is a dolt or a 2d dimwit #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @delzey I agree. It's nice to see healthy familial relationships every so often. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore I like this because I feel that many students can relate! #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @jjhoutman totally agree on the not THERE there! :) #sometimesIfeelguilty #asaparent #MGlitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 He was very good with use of adults@JonathanAuxier Roald Dahl always did a good job of actually USING parents in his stories. #mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly @JoWhittemore I liked your character, Major.#MGlitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @jmaschari That's next on my reading list#mglitchat -9:11 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @JonathanAuxier Hehe! Stick with us, young Padawan. You will learn much. #MGlitchat -9:12 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @KarenninaPosa You will love it - I can't bring myself to finish final book in series - it is that good. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone I think the Theodosia series by R.L. LaFevers does a great job with parents. They're there but you know it's Theo's story. #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz Question: does genre affect how involved parents are in the story? #MGlitchat -9:12 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson sometimes I think it would almost be easier to write historicals to lessen parent involvement, they weren't as hovering in past #mglitchat -9:12 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @jmaschari I really need to read Gregor.#cantbelieveIhaventalready #MGlitchat -9:12 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat I liked how the mom in Wimpy Kid helped Greg find his own solution, but she was clueless in other ways. -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @elissacruz That's a good question. Mystery, vs. adventure, vs, issue etc.? #MGlitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari I find that fantasy tends to get rid of parents more readily - realistic fiction parents cause more problems :)#mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @elissacruz I think so. Fantasy tends to involve a lot of orphans- no parents around... #MGlitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KevinTCraig @JonathanAuxier agreed. Dahl is my fav! He did do that well #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @michaelascotto It's a very real issue. Kids are still reliant on parents, so their absence IS noticed. #MGlitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @jmaschari I was putting off reading so I can write. Now I'm tempted to crack it open. :) #mglitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @elissacruz I think SF&F give more room for parents to be abducted, etc. #MGlitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty This: RT @rachelnseigel: @elissacruz I think so. Fantasy tends to involve a lot of orphans- no parents around...#MGlitchat -9:13 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari Love, Aubrey is a great example of where parents (or absence of) really provides a ton of tension. #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey not sure i understand how genre determines it RT@elissacruz: Question: does genre affect how involved parents are in the story? #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson it's easier in adventure books, because plots can be set up so parents aren't there, getting rid of cell phones is bigger prob! #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @JoWhittemore Sure -- I've always find that tension of wanting independence vs still needing parents to be fertile ground #MGlitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone Anyone else tired of the orphan storyline? #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @librarykelly Thanks! And that's another way for a parent to be around but not in control--if they're bad at it!#MGlitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @delzey As someone mentioned before going historical allows for greater autonomy because kids usually had longer leashes in past #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 Parents can play a role in MG, but can't jump in to solve all the problems. Mine play key role in MC transformation in story. #mglitchat -9:14 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @delzey Meaning, do you see more/less parental involvement in certain genres? #MGlitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey yes. & tired of single parents RT @elliefalcone: Anyone else tired of the orphan storyline? #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone This! RT @jmaschari: Love, Aubrey is a great example of where parents (or absence of) really provides a ton of tension.#mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @JonathanAuxier @delzey Oh I was just going to say historical! :) #MGlitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin Hi all. Here for parent talk! #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @elissacruz ahh! #MGlitchat i nearly forgot! good thing i happened to be checking twitter! -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin hey there! #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @delzey @elissacruz I think certain genres lend themselves 2 no parents- quest/adveunture/fantasy...#mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty @Amiegr8tstuff *waves* #MGlitchat #MGlitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin It'd be nice to see parents in the plot who are normal and well-adjusted! #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
BA_Watson I like incorpaorating parents in an intelligent but not over-hovering role. Ummm....CALPURNIA TATE & BREADCRUMBS come to mind. #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore Yes, THIS! RT @michaelascotto: I always find that tension of wanting independence vs still needing parents to be fertile ground #MGlitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @rachelnseigel @elissacruz Also portals that parents can't get through #mglitchat -9:15 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @KristineAsselin Welcome! #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
DanyelleLeafty RT @JoWhittemore: Yes, THIS! RT@michaelascotto: I always find that tension of wanting independence vs still needing parents to be fertile ground #MGlitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @Amiegr8tstuff I'd forget, too, if I wasn't hosting it! Welcome! #MGlitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone RT @KristineAsselin: Itd be nice to see parents in the plot who are normal and well-adjusted! #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @JonathanAuxier i could see that w historical, but also historical allows more non-parental adults (hmm. need example...)#mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk RT @KristineAsselin: It'd be nice to see parents in the plot who are normal and well-adjusted! #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly @elissacruz I think contemp. uses parents more. Just my opinion. #MGlitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @rachelnseigel @delzey @elissacruz Also fantasy/historical-children more mature/independent earlier, even if parents are present. #MGlitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @elliefalcone And I loved the juxtaposition of her relationship with grandma vs. relationship with mom - very dynamic #mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rhondasaunders @BA_Watson Calpurnia--great example.#mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @KarenninaPosa @elissacruz Like Narnia#mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin RT @michaelascotto: I always find that tension of wanting independence vs still needing parents to be fertile ground#mglitchat -9:16 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa There has to be a way for parents to be around and normal, but still have the MG characters do their thing. #mglitchat-9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @rachelnseigel Narnia is a perfect example of removing parents without necessarily killing them #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @KarenninaPosa I suppose that's the challenge?#mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff so parental involvement in MG plot lines? #MGlitchat-9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin RT @KarenninaPosa: There has to be a way for parents to be around and normal, but still have the MG characters do their thing. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey yes RT @KarenninaPosa: There has to be a way for parents to be around& normal, but still have the MG characters do their thing. #mglitchat -9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore #MGlitchat I think parents (or any adult character) can play good voices of reason. Kids going to other kids for advice often turns out BAD. -9:17 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @AnshaKotyk Yep. and have it be unique too.#mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat I loved Evolution of Calipurnica Tate. Being the only girl, and setting the story in summer, she had a lot of autonomy. -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @Amiegr8tstuff The Parent Problem: how to keep parents around but not in control #MGlitchat -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey more like always RT @JoWhittemore: Kids going to other kids for advice often turns out BAD. #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @DanyelleLeafty @rachelnseigel @elissacruz that's true. same with dystopian. reading Tomorrow Girls. so far very little parents #MGlitchat -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin Takes some creativity! But possible @elissacruz:@Amiegr8tstuff The Parent Problem: how to keep parents around but not in control #mglitchat -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
brookefav #mglitchat so how do we empower the mc? What are ways you push parents to the background? I don't need no more stinking orphans. -9:18 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn Age of MG MC can also determine more autonomy (12 vs. 14) #MGlitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz I also like to see parents who try to help but it makes things worse. #parentsarehumantoo #MGlitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore For sure!! Have seen this in the classroom first hand :) #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
BethBowland I tend to keep parents way in the background. Only showing up when absolutely necessary. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @brookefav Working parents is one way.#mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone Right now I have a cat problem and not a parent problem. Please stop nuzzling my mouse hand. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore #MGlitchat Plus, you can take a lot of control by simply having the MC not tell the parents everything going wrong (which kids do) -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin Use setting, other creative devices to get the parents out of the way. #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson I just read THE VISCONTI HOUSE, it's upper MG, parents are there and normal, but character is 14, so she has more independence #mglitchat -9:19 PM Aug 25th, 2011
word_working RT @JoWhittemore: Yes, THIS! RT @michaelascotto: I always find that tension of wanting independence vs still needing parents to be fertile ground #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk RT @JoWhittemore: #MGlitchat Plus, you can take a lot of control by simply having the MC not tell the parents everything going wrong (which kids do) -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @elissacruz This is also the age where some kids start to be mortified by parents (esp. junior high) #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @JoWhittemore Yes! Keeping secrets is awesome.#MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @brookefav I like to keep my parents busy. #mglitchat-9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @brookefav Or let them be on vacation while the action is going on. #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @JoWhittemore To a degree, yes. But how much time did we all spent screaming at Harry to just TELL DUMBLEDORE already! #mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Great for thickening the plot! RT @JoWhittemore#MGlitchat Kids going to other kids for advice often turns out BAD.#mglitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @delzey But, often with hilarious results! (Example: my self-made chin hickey) #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @susankayequinn That's true too! #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @KristineAsselin but WHY must parents be out of the way? why not include them? #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @Amiegr8tstuff @DanyelleLeafty @elissacruz I have that on my list! #MGlitchat -9:20 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson @deegarretson should have added to that last tweet, parents in story are relatively normal, mom-artist, dad-writer :) #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore Yep. My characters keep a lot of secrets. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn I like parents to be an integral part of the conflict - they are the "love" interest of MG. #MGlitchat -9:21 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @JoWhittemore !!! #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin I hate to see stereotype parents. We've been talking about gay parents on my blog and @jonathonarnston 's blog this week. #mglitchat -9:21 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelgrinti Yes, this is fun. RT @elissacruz: I also like to see parents who try to help but it makes things worse.#parentsarehumantoo #MGlitchat -9:21 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @JonathanAuxier Ha! Yes, but if Dumbledore had made everything all better, Harry wouldn't have grown as a character. #MGlitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @rachelnseigel Tomorrow GIrls - so far, so good! reading aloud to my MG girls :) #MGlitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rhondasaunders I took the No Parents rule very seriously at first, then got a (very helpful) rejection asking for more mom. Flooored me. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JoWhittemore @JonathanAuxier And he knew that. #MGlitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa RT @elissacruz: I also like to see parents who try to help but it makes things worse. #parentsarehumantoo#mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey MG kids have heard enuf from parents, but i like when they go in search of answers from other adults... #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @KristineAsselin Have to show parents the same care in crafting them as you do the MC, even if they are in the wings #MGlitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin LOL! Yes! RT @JoWhittemore: @JonathanAuxier If Dumbledore had made everything all better, Harry wouldnt have grown. #mglitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 RT @Amiegr8tstuff: @KristineAsselin but WHY must parents be out of the way? why not include them? #MGlitchat -9:22 PM Aug 25th, 2011
SherWordsGirl RT @susankayequinn: I like parents to be an integral part of the conflict - they are the "love" interest of MG.#MGlitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @rachelnseigel @jonathanauxier Sighhh. Dumbledore was so wise. #MGlitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @JoWhittemore @JonathanAuxier which is why Dumbledore had to go. He'd have tried to fix everything for Harry.#mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin Agreed. RT @michaelascotto: @KristineAsselinshow parents the same care in crafting as you the MC, even if they are in the wings #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz So, what parental removal techniques have you seen that you think didn't work? (You don't have to name book titles.)#MGlitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey in paulson's LAWN BOY the parents r totally in the dark while MC is dealing w/ accountants, employees, wrestlers... all adults #mglitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin #MGlitchat Yes, different types of parents without creating an "issue" story. -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
SherWordsGirl I couldn't agree more. Wisely said.@susankayequinn #MGlitchat -9:23 PM Aug 25th, 2011
BA_Watson I'm working on revising an MS in which my MC's parents' past cause trouble in the now (MC discovered an old journal of his mom's) #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson even if parents aren't there, kids will think of them in crisis, learned that from heart-wrenching accounts of WWI soldiers#mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin @coachhays64: not out of the way, but MC has to be the focus. So find creative ways for parents NOT to make the decisions. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @delzey How about Notes From the Dog? The father was around, but didn't really interfere. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn @SherWordsGirl *hugs* Hi girl! :) #MGlitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin RT @AnshaKotyk: @KristineAsselin #MGlitchat Yes, different types of parents without creating an "issue" story.#mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @delzey Love this book! Paulsen deals with parents in interesting ways through his various books. #mglitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @delzey @KarenninaPosa i agree. parents still have a lot of influence on middle grade children.it should be shown in stories too. #MGlitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @elissacruz Being too busy with the other siblings. I hate that! #MGlitchat -9:24 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson @elissacruz what didn't work for me-totally shallow, self-centered mom #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn RT @BA_Watson: revising MS, my MCs parents past cause trouble in the now (MC discovered an old journal of his moms)//love this! #MGlitchat -9:25 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @rachelnseigel on my TBR list, thanks #mglitchat -9:25 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin So what to do? We want normal parents, but MC has to have conflict to be interesting. Conflict w/ parents=easy plot point. #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari Even in "orphan" stories there often times is a pseudo-parent/caregiver/advice granter #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn Parents are secondary characters, so they should serve a purpose, like any other: bringing out an aspect of the MC.#my2cents #MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari The ultimate "No Parent" story though is Boxcar Children#mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @deegarretson I would agree generally, but having just re-read Matilda last week, I can say there are exceptions :)#MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @gregvaneekhout Haha! Yes, that happens too. Knucklehead parents! #MGlitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier Can we think of many kidlit books in which the main characters ARE adults/parents? #mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey too easy RT @KristineAsselin: We want normal parents, but MC has to have conflict... Conflict w/ parents=easy plot point.#mglitchat -9:26 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin When I say normal, I mean not drug-addicts or abusers. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari RT @susankayequinn: Parents are 2ndary characters, so they should serve a purpose, like any other: bringing out aspect of MC. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @JonathanAuxier Fascinating and difficult. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn Not recently. RT @JonathanAuxier: Can we think of many kidlit books in which the main characters ARE adults/parents? #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
SherWordsGirl @susankayequinn Exactly. My MC's devotion to her dad influences her decisions. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @JonathanAuxier Not many, and often adult is childlike. Which defeats the purpose, I suppose. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @KarenninaPosa Yep, I'll use it early on, and then the MC comes to realize what a bad plan that was. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @susankayequinn YES! This!! #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson @michaelascotto I'll have to reread, hadn't thought of that one #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward @JonathanAuxier Not "main character" but I can think of some where parent is important sub character with own conflicts. #MGlitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier Mary Poppins has adult protags (sort of)#mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin @delzey Agreed, so we have to find ways to involve parents without making it cliche. #mglitchat -9:27 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @JonathanAuxier how would that be an MG story then? #MGlitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier Also Winnie-the-Pooh #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rj_anderson @JonathanAuxier Eleanor Updale's MONTMORENCY series. Hero very definitely an adult. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rhondasaunders @KristineAsselin My MC goes to happy hour with her normal dad every Friday. But they walk. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @JonathanAuxier Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler narrates and provides an extra layer, but might not be exactly what you mean #MGlitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
SherWordsGirl @susankayequinn Ooh, *waves back #MGlitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @Amiegr8tstuff Oh, come now! Protagonist age is not a requirement for children's literature! #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Pam_Vickers RT @JoWhittemore: #MGlitchat Plus, you can take a lot of control by simply having the MC not tell the parents everything going wrong (which kids do) -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa @jmaschari yes, but the Grandpa appears, almost a parent. Good thing the kids have the boxcar to launch their adventures from #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @JonathanAuxier Freaky Friday is sort of an adult hero- kid in an adult body. #mglitchat -9:28 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin @JonathanAuxier Again, Narnia has adults that aren't childlike. Also not contemp. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AudryT Agree! Someone said in #yalitchat: Write for the kids, not the gatekeepers. RT@susankayequinn Parents are secondary characters... #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
word_working 2 sets of parents are fullblown, integral characters in my story (which felt right)... but they give kids plenty of independence. #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson I've got an important adult character in my latest, but he's not parental, so kids take charge #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 @KristineAsselin Yes! A 1st person POV helps the MC keep that gap and still have parents involved. Not to derail things to MG POV #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @jmaschari I love the Boxcar Children! BUT in the end they had to rely on an adult. #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @KarenninaPosa Yes! I did love reading about when the kids were by themselves, cooling milk in river :) #mglitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susankayequinn RT @AudryT: Agree! Someone said in #yalitchat: Write for the kids, not the gatekeepers. // LOVE #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward @JonathanAuxier I enjoyed those days when there could be a Mr. Popper or other adult MC in kidlit. #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz Conflict with parents can be intentional (butting heads) or unintentional (dad/mom didn't know). Both work. #MGlitchat -9:29 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @JonathanAuxier hmmm...guess i missed something then. #MGlitchat -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @susanjsteward Ooh! 21 Balloons has nary a kid for miles! #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore I know :/ Sad! My fave part was when they were on their own. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
SherWordsGirl #MGlitchat @JoWhittemore Control and influence is interesting concept for MGers. Nice to mix it up. -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @elissacruz Conflict with parents is quite normal, I'm guessing, especially upper MG. #mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @Amiegr8tstuff I only say so because the inverse is certainly not true (plenty of adult books with kid protags)#mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin @coachhays64 interesting point. Does POV make a difference in how parents are perceived? Or even shown in MG?#mglitchat -9:30 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward @JonathanAuxier These days, some authors like Andrew Clements still depict adults with feelings/conflict of their own. #MGlitchat -9:31 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 RT @SherWordsGirl: #MGlitchat @JoWhittemoreControl and influence is interesting concept for MGers. Nice to mix it up. -9:31 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey i think many kids are afraid they'll turn out like their parents when, in fact, they already take after them somewhat#mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin POV has a lot of weight in how the reader will perceive the parents. #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin @JonathanAuxier One of my fave MG is TIME TRAVELERS by Linda Buckley Archer. Very concerned adults, but all MC driven. #mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @AnshaKotyk Think about the unreliable narrator.#mglitchat -9:32 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin How could it not? Child's POV is narrow view #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey so it drives me crazy when kids are nothing like either parent, as if dropped from space into the house on page one.#mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @brookefav oh that's great to hear! I hope she likes it. Mom and Dad get them in much more trouble! #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward Never cared for that forced divide between kids & adults. Prefer stuff like Ibbotson, Streatfeild, where adults are people too. #MGlitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore In Middle Grade kids are just discovering who they are as individuals but still need occasional reassurance from adults#MGlitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin And even close third is still going to affect reader's parental perception. #MGlitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey aren't all narrators unreliable, including the author? RT@AnshaKotyk: Think about the unreliable narrator. #mglitchat -9:33 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @rachelnseigel Absolutely -- the idea that a parent can relate to/solve a particular problem might not even arise #MGlitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KristineAsselin Right! And may be a way out of cliche view of parents RT @rachelnseigel: @AnshaKotyk How could it not? Childs POV is narrow view #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk YES!!! RT @delzey: aren't all narrators unreliable, including the author? RT @AnshaKotyk: Think about the unreliable narrator. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff never thought that before. something to chew on.@JonathanAuxier Protagonist age is not a requirement for children's literature! #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @delzey Nope. An unreliable narrator is an actual thing. Not just a random dig at authorial hubris. #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari RT @JoWhittemore: In MG kids are just discovering who they are as individuals but still need occasional reassurance from adults #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins I'm having a lot of fun with the MCs pushing away from their parents even as they become more like them #mglitchat -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly Yes! "@delzey: i think many kids are afraid they'll turn out like their parents when,they already take after them somewhat#mglitchat" -9:34 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @naveltwins 12-15 was nothing but conflict btwn me & my mom. Didn't think she got me at all! #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @Amiegr8tstuff @JonathanAuxier No age requirement but I think kids are more likely to read about kids - just my opinion #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff RT @delzey: so it drives me crazy when kids are nothing like either parent, as if dropped from space into the house on page one. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @JonathanAuxier Unreliable narrator is one thing. I like the idea of the unreliable author. ;) #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rhondasaunders @naveltwins And so realistic. I know I had a hell of a time turning into my mother. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff RT @susankayequinn: I like parents to be an integral part of the conflict - they are the "love" interest of MG.#MGlitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @AnshaKotyk @JonathanAuxier THat sounds intriguing. #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @JonathanAuxier no narrator has the benefit of persepective or constancy to be 100% accurate, forthcoming; otherwise, no story #mglitchat -9:35 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @Amiegr8tstuff @JonathanAuxier They are still very focused inwards. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz And yet some MG kids still desperately want approval from parents. Balancing independence and approval is tricky.#MGlitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @delzey Intrigued by this idea. Please explain further? #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @delzey @JonathanAuxier I enjoy alternating perspectives. Like in @wenmass THE CANDYMAKERS#mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey RT @AnshaKotyk: @JonathanAuxier Unreliable narrator is one thing. I like the idea of the unreliable author. ;) #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @delzey But it could also be a rebellion thing.#MGlitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AudryT Was I the weird kid for not fighting with my parents as a tween? All my angst was internal. #mglitchat -9:36 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly RT @rachelnseigel: @delzey @JonathanAuxier I enjoy alternating perspectives. Like in @wenmass THE CANDYMAKERS#mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson yes!@elissacruz And yet some MG kids still desperately want approval from parents. Balancing independence and approval is tricky. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff see? that's what i thought! @jmaschari@JonathanAuxier No age requiremnt but kids are more likely 2 read about kids #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @JonathanAuxier Talking animal books often treat the animals as adults (eg-Wind in the Willows). Age of human MC has more impact #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari @AudryT Not at all - I didn't fight with my parents either. :) No outward angst here. #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk @delzey mc perspective can be skewed, if the young mc, feels the world should revolve around him he views the parents differently #mglitchat -9:37 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly @AudryT Maybe :) #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto RT @elissacruz: And yet some MG kids still desperately want approval from parents. Balancing independence and approval is tricky #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @delzey Are you saying drama comes from the disconnect between narr & objective events? How do we know obj events but thru narr? #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff RT @elissacruz: And yet some MG kids still desperately want approval from parents. Balancing independence and approval is tricky. #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @elissacruz the tension btwn independence and approval creates wonderful drama (and comedy) #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @delzey @jonathanauxier I agree with that. Often, the narrator's observations tend to be biased about what's actually happening. #MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @naveltwins An excellent point! #mglitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AnshaKotyk RT @naveltwins: @elissacruz the tension btwn independence and approval creates wonderful drama (and comedy)#MGlitchat -9:38 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly @jmaschari @audryt You guys were the good kids!#MGlitchat -9:39 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Ivantime RT @michaelascotto: RT @elissacruz: And yet some MG kids still desperately want approval from parents. Balancing independence and approval is tricky #MGlitchat -9:39 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto Well said. RT @naveltwins: @elissacruz the tension btwn independence and approval creates wonderful drama (and comedy) #MGlitchat -9:39 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @naveltwins And a great way to keep parents part of the story but not in control of it. #hagotinareferencetotonightstitle#MGlitchat -9:39 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rhondasaunders @AudryT Haha, maybe a little. I flipped my mom off safely behind my closed door then punched my pillow. Is that the same? #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey every narr hides something, there is no true objectivity RT@JonathanAuxier: How do we know obj events but thru narr?#mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel #Mglitchat I just finished Patricia Maclachlan's WAITING FOR MAGIC. Narrated in 1st person by a 10 yr old, bu… (cont) http://t.co/a1ej3YM -9:40 PM Aug 25th, 2011
word_working RT @susanjsteward: Never cared for that forced divide between kids & adults. Prefer stuff like Ibbotson, Streatfeild, where adults are people too. #MGlitchat -9:40 PM Aug 25th, 2011
fionadarkwaters #mglitchat Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs has adult protags. -9:40 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @AudryT I don't think you were weird. I saved all my fighting for the teen years. #mglitchat -9:40 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @JoWhittemore and filtered through their accumulated experience, which is often faulty, short-sighted, selfish, etc#mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elissacruz @AudryT Hey, even "good kids" fight with their parents. I did. We fought about why I never got in trouble. #gofigure#MGlitchat -9:41 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @delzey I think that's extreme. For some bks yes, but for others I think author (and narr by extension)intends face value reading #mglitchat -9:41 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AudryT Never cared at what age? As an MG? RT @word_working: RT@susanjsteward: Never cared for that forced divide between kids & adults. #mglitchat -9:42 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @delzey Yes, indeedy! You nailed it. #MGlitchat -9:42 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @AudryT I had epic fights with my parents, but all of them in my head. Now I get to have them out loud while being chased by Yeti #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 25th, 2011
librarykelly Ha!"@elissacruz: @AudryT Hey, even "good kids" fight with their parents. I did. We fought about why I never got in trouble. #MGlitchat" -9:43 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @JonathanAuxier @delzey Are you speaking of 3rd person POV? Cuz 1st person is always opinionated. #MGlitchat -9:43 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @elissacruz @AudryT I tended to keep my tween angst inside, reading a story with a parent conflict helped me work through things #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 @elissacruz @AudryT Ha ha! Now, that's funny. I guess parents have to harass kids about something. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone I didn't fight with my parents; I was too busy fighting with the world. I was a very angry kid. #mglitchat -9:43 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward @AudryT As a child, I was bothered by caricatures of adults as "the bad guy"--the Us (kids) vs. Them (adults) mindset. #MGlitchat -9:44 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @JoWhittemore @delzey Most often 3rd, but I don't want to exclude the possibility from other POVs. #mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @naveltwins "...while being chased by a yeti." i think i want to put that in every synopsis i write. unreliably, of course.#mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rhondasaunders Son needs this computer for homework so I'm out. Great pace tonight--easy to follow. Good stuff--thank you.#mglitchat -9:44 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward @AudryT I knew I was going to grow up to be an adult and preferred not to think of them as all evil or stupid.#MGlitchat -9:44 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore I didn't fight w/ my parents cuz I needed them to rescue me from something idiotic I'd do. Like the self-made chin hickey. Sigh. #MGlitchat -9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @delzey the unreliable narrator works less well in a pitch letter, fyi ;) #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @jmaschari @JonathanAuxier my 7 yr old started reading Boxcar Children in kindergarden and loved them!#MGlitchat-9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
EllenHopkinsYA RT @JoWhittemore: I didn't fight w/ my parents cuz I needed them to rescue me from something idiotic I'd do. Like the self-made chin hickey. Sigh. #MGlitchat -9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore I'm intrigued by this chin hickey you keep talking about. Tell me more. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
AudryT Savvy. RT@susanjsteward: I knew I was going to grow up to be an adult and preferred not to think of them as all evil or stupid. #mglitchat -9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
ek_anderson @JoWhittemore That chin-hickey comes up with you every time I turn around. You should probably write a book about it! ;) #MGlitchat -9:45 PM Aug 25th, 2011
coachhays64 @naveltwins @AudryT A Yeti will force many things out of one's head. Have the Yeti chase your parents for literary revenge. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey RT @AudryT I knew I was going to grow up to be an adult and preferred not to think of them as all evil or stupid. #mglitchat-9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JulieMoscoso RT @JoWhittemore: I didn't fight w/ my parents cuz I needed them to rescue me from something idiotic I'd do. Like the self-made chin hickey. Sigh. #MGlitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
rachelnseigel @delzey @AudryT Good point! #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins it seems that @susanjsteward was a wise wise tween#mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
susanjsteward @AudryT This was early 80s when every commercial aimed at kids shouted "JUST FOR KIDS--NOT GROWNUPS!" Adults were all buffoons. #MGlitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff RT @delzey: RT @AudryT I knew I was going to grow up to be an adult and preferred not to think of them as all evil or stupid. #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
deegarretson another way to lessen parental involvement-some kids are just dreamy/so focused on their own stuff they don't notice parents much #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @Amiegr8tstuff Rest assured that your son is right! (I'm totally alone in my boxcar hating ways ...even my wife thinks I'm nuts!) #mglitchat -9:46 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @ek_anderson @JoWhittemore I would also love to hear more about the chin hickey #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier RT @delzey: RT @AudryT I knew I was going to grow up to be an adult and preferred not to think of them as all evil or stupid. #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
acwilliams @JoWhittemore Hahaha Whhhaaat! You're hilarious. ;)#MGlitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
michaelascotto @susanjsteward Still see a lot of that trend now...#MGlitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore @elliefalcone It was a girl saying "Try cupping your chin & pulling down. It's fun!" 20 seconds later... #MGlitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @JonathanAuxier @Amiegr8tstuff I never read them (shhh) #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone Beware the Mighty Yeti. *cough* Inside joke.#mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
delzey @naveltwins okay then, i'll say i wrote everyone of my books... while being chased by a yeti. i just want to say it, that's all #mglitchat -9:47 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JonathanAuxier @elliefalcone @JoWhittemore My beard is actually a clever chin-hickey guard! #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
Amiegr8tstuff @JoWhittemore or the really bad haircut, friend drama or breakup! #MGlitchat -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
KarenninaPosa I vote the Mighty Yeti as mglitchat mascot#mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
ek_anderson @Jenny_Lundquist I think it might have been in@JoWhittemore's #DearTeenMe letter, actually. Or did I make that up? #MGlitchat -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore Oooohhhh. I thought you might've used a vacuum cleaner with tragic results. #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
kellybarnhill I can peek into #mglitchat for one second and discover that chin hickeys are being discussed, and I am HEARTBROKEN that I cannot stay! -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
naveltwins @delzey When invoking the Yeti, one must always be wary of Bigfoot partisans... #mglitchat -9:48 PM Aug 25th, 2011
brookefav #mglitchat be careful with whiny fighting kids. A couple of agents say that is a huge turn off. -9:49 PM Aug 25th, 2011
JoWhittemore #MGlitchat Cut to me w/ bright red suction spot on my chin. And...I wasn't in Middle Grade when I got the chin hickey. I was in high school. -9:49 PM Aug 25th, 2011
jmaschari I second. :) RT @KarenninaPosa: I vote the Mighty Yeti as mglitchat mascot #mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 25th, 2011
story_queen @susanjsteward Ooooh! I agree. I love a good MG where the adults are their own person (er...um..people)!#mglitchat -9:49 PM Aug 25th, 2011
elliefalcone @JonathanAuxier Beards are good for that. #mglitchat-9:49 PM Aug 25th, 2011
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