#MGlitchat: October 6th Transcript-Setting the Stage (The Importance of Time & Place)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

October 6th Transcript-Setting the Stage (The Importance of Time & Place)

JoWhittemore Ladies and gentlemen, #MGLitchat is ON. #mglitchat -8:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elliefalcone Anyone bring refreshments? #mglitchat -8:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman I'm here. Not sure how long I can stay. #mglitchat -8:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz I remembered! #itsbeenoneofthosedays #MGlitchat -8:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011
SarvenazTash @elliefalcone I have butterbeer! #iwish #mglitchat -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore Tonight, the ever lovely @karenninaposa is my co-host as we talk about setting #mglitchat -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
dianezahler @elliefalcone Wine & candy corn. Because it's October. #mglitchat -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss yay, made it! #mglitchat -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @elliefalcone Chips, dip and Diet Coke for all! #mglitchat -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KarenninaPosa Hi folks! Welcome to tonight's edition of #mglitchat. -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
AnshaKotyk little guy is begging for one more book brb #mglitchat -8:01 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman Hi! Here for a little while! #mglitchat -8:02 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore To kick this off, let's assume setting=time and place. But it's so much more than that. What else does setting do for a story? #mglitchat -8:02 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elliefalcone @dianezahler That's an interesting combination. #mglitchat -8:02 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss great to be here - thanx for hosting Karen & Jo, mwah #mglitchat -8:02 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @PippaBayliss Welcome welcome! #mglitchat -8:02 PM Oct 6th, 2011
dianezahler @elliefalcone Has to be red wine to cancel out the candy corn. #mglitchat -8:03 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman setting can be a "character" in a way... #mglitchat -8:03 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore I love when setting almost acts as another character - rich and varied - it enhances the story. #mglitchat -8:03 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @JoWhittemore Creates atmosphere, sets tone #mglitchat -8:03 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KaiStrand @jmaschari any examples off the top of your head? #mglitchat -8:03 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari And I always ask myself, "Why this place?" "Why this time?" Setting is essential to the telling. #mglitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards I try to remind myself that setting has just as much potential to make a reader feel. Scared, happy, cozy... Setting does it all. #mglitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist Setting done well helps me get a better feel for how the character is feeling #mglitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore For me, setting can give tone for the story. If set in a post-apocalyptic future, you know the voice is going to be more serious. #mglitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis Jinx!! :-) #mglitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @JoWhittemore Setting is like a character, and you can make it take on any personality you need #mglitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz I'm hoping to learn much tonight. #notgoodatwritingsetting #notatall #MGlitchat -8:04 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elliefalcone I'm poopy with setting. So, how do you do this right? What makes good setting? #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @JoWhittemore I agree, setting can give the tone. I'm thinking of Tracy Trivias The Wish Stealers #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
SarvenazTash In historical, setting can help whisk you away to the right mindset. #MGlitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @elliefalcone When you find out, come tell me! #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore Yes, people, yes! You are so wise! Setting establishes tone, gives insight into characters...how about lending urgency to story? #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @KaiStrand Gregor the Overlander (awesome underground setting that really enhanced the story) #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass Read Faith, Hope and Ivy June. Setting is everything. The whole point of the story. #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman setting is v. imp to me. I write realistic YA and when I have a specific setting for a scene, it comes alive. #mglitchat -8:05 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london Always interesting to see authorial defined settings vs settings perceived through the eyes of the MG protagonist #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @earthwards True! to make somewhere iconic - make something BIG happen there so it represents the mood you want to create #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @PippaBayliss @JoWhittemore Agree with this ...house in MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF JACK was a character. So cool and creepy #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @SarvenazTash Historical scares me, I'm always afraid I'll screw up the setting. One reason why I haven't tried it yet #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @elliefalcone That we shall touch on in just a bit, m'dear! #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman @KaiStrand City of Embers #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore I do think can lead 2 urgency - especially in something like Hatchet where the character's adversary is the setting #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @JoWhittemore In Faith, Hope, and Ivy June the Kentucky coal mine setting definitely gives urgency to the plot. #mglitchat -8:06 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KaiStrand @CarolTanzman Thanks! #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss RT @JoWhittemore: Yes, people, yes! Setting establishes tone, gives insight into characters...how about lending urgency to story? #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @stefwass @jmaschari Good examples! #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ Changing time/setting can bring new life to old/familiar stories. Star Trek was pitched as Gunsmoke in outer space. #MGlitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @jmaschari Or THE CAY #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards @jmaschari @JoWhittemore Oooh, yes. The setting in Hatchet was so amazing. Had the ultimate impact as a character! #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
yaytime @CarolTanzman @KaiStrand Love the setting in City of Ember! #MGlitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
SarvenazTash @Jenny_Lundquist I have 2 WIPs. 1 is historical & 1 was actually born out of setting. Have no idea what I'm doing but it's fun. #MGLitChat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman I like to see how character and setting interact. #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KaiStrand @jmaschari My kids loved the overlander books. Must read them. Thanks #mglitchat -8:07 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @TimothyPower_ lol! I never thort of it that way before :) #mglitchat -8:08 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @stefwass Yes or My Side of the Mountain! #mglitchat -8:08 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @SarvenazTash Ohhh, I'm so curious. Is one of them your second to be published? #mglitchat -8:08 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore So we think of setting as something to battle or something comforting to immerse ourselves in... #mglitchat -8:08 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass But as much as I love descriptive settings, I'm seeing more action lately. Less description. Kids want the pace to move... #mglitchat -8:08 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss Setting is where I squeak: "Helllp Meeee." Seems easy for others but I just know if I know it in my own work when I see it. #MGlitchat -8:09 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman I also think there's a kind of world-building in a realistic book in terms of setting just like in fantasy. #mglitchat -8:09 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @JoWhittemore Do I write beautiful prose, or focus on moving the story forward? Setting suffers. #mglitchat -8:09 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore We're focusing on location. What about time period? Do you think certain times lend themselves to certain types of storytelling? #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari When I think of awesome MG settings I think of movie Goonies (Goonies never say die!) - I use it as inspiration for my work #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @stefwass I agree. But without a good setting it seems to me that action loses it's meaning. #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mgwritermhaynes What Happened on Fox Street - the neighborhood is absolutely a character and, really the true love of the MC. So well done! #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman You can't put your characters in a vacuum. Well, you could, but they would explode. #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss Correction: Meant to write: I don't know if I know it in my own work when I see it... See, even talking about it flusters me. #MGlitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @stefwass I think it's about striking that balance, isn't it? A little bit of setting and a little bit of story. #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ MG is all about moving the story forward. #MGlitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london Exactly! RT @jjhoutman: You cant put your characters in a vacuum. Well, you could, but they would explode. #mglitchat -8:10 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KaiStrand I tend to overlook setting and focus on character. Need to think of it as a character, huh? #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
yaytime Great settings make you want to go back and explore every nook & cranny even after the story ends. #MGlitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @mgwritermhaynes Love her writing! Just met Tricia at a conference! #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @TimothyPower_ I think evoking setting in an authentic way for MG readers is key...how would they experience it? #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @stefwass I see this, 2 - setting is so crucial though and I like to be grounded as a reader. I struggle on how 2 fit setting in #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz I do wonder if some genres lend themselves better to richer settings? Thoughts? #MGlitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @stefwass Yes - description is tough. How do you make the setting alive & yet not bore your reader to sleep? #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore For example, how would a Victorian piece differ from contemporary? Different culture, different language, different ideals... #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
SarvenazTash Absolutely, time is huge. KAT, INCORRIGIBLE is a great example of something that played so brilliantly with its time period. #MGLitChat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari RT @JoWhittemore: @stefwass I think its about striking that balance, isnt it? A little bit of setting and a little bit of story. #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman @stefwass it's the economy of the prose--how can you nail the description of the setting in the choicest of words so plot moves #mglitchat -8:11 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @JoWhittemore I know, right!? Would be far less exciting :) #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ RT @katyaczaja: Characters reactions to a setting can also reveal them. #MGlitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist I'm writing a contemporary and having a hard time with setting. I know it's as important as it is in fantasy. But ARRGH! #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss LOL. So true. RT @stefwass: Character interacting w/setting: BIGGER THAN A BREADBOX #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari RT @katyaczaja: Characters reactions to a setting can also reveal them. #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman Cell phones mess up thrillers 4 sure. RT @JoWhittemore: I always think of 80s horror movies. If theyd only had cell phones! #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson @pippabayliss thanks! #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @elliefalcone I find Why essential. Whenever I can't answer it, I know I need to cut-I'm indulging myself not serving the story #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik I think world building is crucial no matter the time setting. Think of To Kill A Mockingbird and Maycombe County. #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore Solutions to problems, conflicts that arise...both dependent on elements of setting. #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
nardinisisters I find the settings that are most relatable to mg readers are settings dealing with home, school, sports and friends. #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @Jenny_Lundquist I'm with ya on that one! I write contemp. #mglitchat -8:15 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @JoWhittemore LOL! I just watched ET and wanted to shout at Elliot, "Bring your iphone, dude!" #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards @JoWhittemore Yes! Setting is so much more than just physical descriptions, it can make both readers and the characters feel! #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman @Jenny_Lundquist take pictures of places. or google images. #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman Cell phones are the bane of contemporary writers. Short circuits plot. RT @JoWhittemore: If they'd only had cell phones! #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ Ha! Now the problem with cell phones in horror is ... no service! #MGlitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik A good setting can be as much a character as the characters themselves. #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore Haha! RT @TimothyPower_: Ha! Now the problem with cell phones in horror is ... no service! #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @stefwass It's so frustrating. Been asking myself how I can take what my mc is feeling and reflect that in a contemp setting. #mglitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz I find it is easier to write a setting if I base it on somewhere I have been. Or use a photo for inspiration if I haven't. #MGlitchat -8:16 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson I spend way too much time figuring out ways to have charcters without cell phones, easy in the Camp David book, gov rules! #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @Jenny_Lundquist if not more important! It's a world all your readers know. If it feels false or arbitrary, you're cooked! #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Kari_D_Allen RT @earthwards: I try to remind myself that setting has just as much potential to make a reader feel. Scared, happy, cozy... Setting does it all. #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @jjhoutman Ah, my scifi WIP I'm using right now, the invading aliens can block signals. #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @Jenny_Lundquist I know. Would love to read your work! I can relate... #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @elissacruz Agree with this! That's why my WIP is set in MI (guess where I'm from...) #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman Me 2.RT @deegarretson: I spend way too much time figuring out ways to have charcters without cell phones. #mglitchat -8:17 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari RT @earthwards: @JoWhittemore Yes! Setting is so much more than just physical descriptions, it can make both readers and the characters feel! #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman Does anyone else use Google Earth and Street View to get into setting? #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @elissacruz: Absolutely! First hand experiences and research give sooo much depth to story settings:) IMHO #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik All my settings somehow look like Central New York. #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson @Jenny_Lundquist maybe you could just have a few places with some unique aspects #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @KDuBayGillis And why my story is set in a skating rink or music studio. Guess my passions... #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @deegarretson My MC lost her's on the plane...#mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman also, think of weather. that can change a setting...& the descrip. can mirror the character's mind frame. #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
katyaczaja Just this morning! RT @jjhoutman: Does anyone else use Google Earth and Street View to get into setting? #mglitchat -8:18 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss Love idea of thinking as setting as something more than just place. Use setting 2 breathe life into characters. Work w/5 senses. #MGlitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass RT @jmaschari: RT Yes! Setting is so much more than just physical descriptions, it can make both readers and the characters feel! #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 Readers often assume I'm writing about my home town. So I go out of my way NOT to. #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik There used to be a great site for settings on National Geographic about biomes, but they took it down. #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @jjhoutman I love Google Earth research! Just found the only movie theater in Djibouti which solved a major plot problem! #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari There is a small town in Ohio that I am basing my setting on - drove through it and took inspiration photos #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @katyaczaja @jjhoutman Yes! Or watch YouTube vids of planes taking off/landing to describe aerial views. #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson @KDuBayGillis at least the good thing about MG characters, they lose things easily! #mglitchat -8:19 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @jmaschari I might just live in that small OH town! LOL. #mglitchat -8:20 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore Let's talk a bit about common middle grade settings that work, and those that flop. #mglitchat -8:20 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @deegarretson Or parents argue too young to have them...#mglitchat -8:20 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist I base my settings on where I lived as a kid, or where I live now. #mglitchat -8:20 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson I use the big coffee table travel books for inspiration on setting, I need photos #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @KDuBayGillis I know eight year olds with cell phones. #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
CarolTanzman just remembered the setting in Holes! #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
dianezahler @jjhoutman I'm using a 15th century street map of London...not quite the same #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @WriterRoss Agree completely! Setting should engage all SIX senses :) #MGlitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
LaurelSnyder I'd love to hear from people who write historical-- how you "visit" places in the past? #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore One of my personal faves--contemporary school setting. When you don't want to do a whole lot of world-building, it's great. #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist And, I just heard about a four-year-old with an i-phone #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @JoWhittemore: A hit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC in The Mixed Up Files:) #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss it's the small things, the little details that authenticate the setting, and the time (past, pres or future) Think movie set. #mglitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross Hi #MGlitchat Just popping in for a sec *waves* -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ Has any MG setting flopped? #MGlitchat -8:21 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik I'm a big fan of Google images when I'm in a bind for how something looks. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @JoWhittemore That's tough...MG seems to take kids all over. I personally don't like bathroom/locker room. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @pattyjmchats That is one of my FAVORITE books. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz @JoWhittemore I use schools a lot, too. It's quintessential MG setting, imo. #MGlitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @JoWhittemore Kids can definitely relate to the school setting. It's their world. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
katyaczaja The school in The Secret Series was too generic to draw me in but the fire station/antique store/hoard was awesome. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @stefwass Ha! Perhaps! #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @JoWhittemore Yes but this is my problem! Contemp school setting, but I want to do lots of world building. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london MG readers will go whereever you take them, so make sure you take them somewhere! #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 I think MG readers want the setting implied, rather than specifically delineated. They skip those paragraphs. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @TimothyPower_ Here, we'd be talking more personal opinion. :-) What doesn't work for you? #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @LaurelSnyder I read histories of places & eras obsessively when I'm working on something--try and get to know it from all sides. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss crazy as it sounds, I find contemporary the hardest to get right #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @Jenny_Lundquist You can...every school is a world in and of itself. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @KDuBayGillis Ugh. Gross. Agree. #mglitchat -8:22 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Crud! Forgot #mglitchat! Son finished Holes, so, discussion b4 bed. Self-absorbed in writerly angst. 3 DDs restless to sleep. Catching up! -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london If setting is vague or irrelevant, you cheat your young readers out of a journey #MGlitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @LaurelSnyder: Of course, research, research + more research, interviews w/experts, museum visits, try to live like chars, etc. #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz @ca_london (Says he who takes his readers all over the world in his books...) ;) #MGlitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @Barbaradee2 Good point, and actually, when I was a kid I did skip them. #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @elissacruz The school setting is kind of their whole world, isn't it? #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
teacher6th “@ca_london: MG readers will go whereever you take them, so make sure you take them somewhere! #mglitchat” words to write by! -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @Jenny_Lundquist If school is their world, build from there. It's HUGE to a middle grader. Friendships are everything. #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 The setting should be IN the characters, the voice, the plot. #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @laurelsnyder Maps usually come last, more as fact-checking. Getting the streets right in historical=less important than #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @Jenny_Lundquist But we can make our MG parentals strict, if we want! #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elliefalcone This is my weakness. RT @ca_london: If setting is vague or irrelevant, you cheat your young readers out of a journey #mglitchat -8:23 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ I can imagine MG characters wreaking fun havoc in any G-rated situation. Imagine kids crashing a sophisticated cocktail party. #MGlitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @Barbaradee2 Yes, too much exposition on setting, and you lose your MG reader. #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss In MG esp, we've really got to pay attn to the details kids see, not we grown-ups (ok, NEARLY grown-ups) #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari I like to feature places kids hang out - pizza place, school, comic book store, basements, park #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss @JoWhittemore I always have to take a deep breath and Just Believe when kids take off from place to place on their own in MGs. #MGlitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz @JoWhittemore Yes, and I also find it really hard to think outside the school when I'm writing. #andthatcouldbebad #MGlitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @JoWhittemore @elissacruz Middle & high schools are a whole world in and of themselves. #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
nardinisisters Yes, I agree, school and friends. RT @JoWhittemore: @elissacruz The school setting is kind of their whole world, isnt it? #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
katyaczaja YES! RT @ca_london: If setting is vague or irrelevant, you cheat your young readers out of a journey #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @john_zeleznik Yes! Psst, don't tell my editor, but my next one is secretly based on FNL and King Henry VIII Court #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @laurelsnyder ...than really understanding the history that's the character's immediate past & present (IMHO) #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @JoWhittemore Which is why I feel like I'm holding back on exposition. Don't want to lose my reader. #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Ani_Lou RT @PippaBayliss: In MG esp, weve really got to pay attn to the details kids see, not we grown-ups (ok, NEARLY grown-ups) #MGlitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ The only time setting doesn't work for me is when it jumps to the foreground, where the characters ought to rule. #MGlitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @JoWhittemore: Loved ONE CRAZY SUMMER'S flash in the past...and the heartbreaking life in N.O. post Katrina in NINTH WARD:) #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @laurelsnyder If only because you can always go back and make sure you get the street view right. :) #mglitchat -8:24 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @Jenny_Lundquist Exactly. I've got a Henry V in terms of HS football in me somewhere. #mglitchat -8:25 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @WriterRoss Heh. Mine usually adventure by bus or by foot. Safe neighborhoods in my world! ;-) #mglitchat -8:25 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman @Barbaradee2 I'd skip a whole paragraph of setting description, too. Need to sprinkle it in, integrate it. #mglitchat -8:25 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @JoWhittemore Mine travel by bike. Equally safe! #mglitchat -8:25 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards I think MGers also like a good variety. Just like characters, setting can be fluid and changing as needed, to draw out the story #mglitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis RT @TimothyPower_: The only time setting doesn't work for me is when it jumps to the foreground, where the characters ought to rule. #MGlitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 #mglitchat Of course, one challenge with school setting is that kids know it better than you do, inevitably. And if you can't get it wrong. -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik And the world of Summer is different the the world of school. #mglitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @john_zeleznik Yeah, it could just be because I was addicted to FNL and the Tudors when I pitched the project #mglitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass Does anyone sketch their settings? Or draw a map or little picture? #mglitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari RT @earthwards: I think MGers also like a good variety. Just like characters, setting can be fluid and changing as needed, to draw out the story #mglitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats RT @stefwass: @JoWhittemore: It's like walking on a tightrope...too much or too little = reader can disengage:( #mglitchat -8:26 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @stefwass ME! I love maps and pictures - help me to get into story. #mglitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @stefwass I draw maps for make-believe towns where the buildings, etc are important. #mglitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson last tweet about historicals got lost-if you aren't going too far back in past, it's great to read books written then for details #mglitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
SarvenazTash @stefwass I don't but I SHOULD. Especially later when I get asked for a sketch of the map by my editor. & I'm like er... #MGLitChat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @stefwass I tried. All it did was remind me that I'm a crappy artist #mglitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ Re. bike tours—I always remember Harriet and Beth Ellen exploring the beach town by bike on summer vacation in THE LONG SECRET. #MGlitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss I get it. Parents should be seldom seen & heard, not drive (ahem) story. But growing up in Bklyn..well, they were always THERE. #MGlitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @JoWhittemore Love school setting, but is anyone else tired of '1st day of school' scenes? #MGlitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @stefwass: @JoWhittemore: Sorry...that wasn't a RT. #mglitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @stefwass Isn't it a law that if you write fantasy, you have to draw a map. #mglitchat -8:27 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz @stefwass I have a map of a made-up summer camp. Hand-drawn right from my imagination. #MGlitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @JoWhittemore I meant for your reference while you're writing. So you remember what the post office is supposed to look like! #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari I love the sense of freedom that can be intertwined with the setting - freedom + independence for the characters #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @mimicross Prom and homecoming are done to death as well. #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @WriterRoss Sure, they were always there. We ignored them. ;) #MGlitchat #Parents -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @mimicross No. But I guess that's because I remember my first days vividly #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elliefalcone *raises hand* RT @mimicross: @JoWhittemore Love school setting, but is anyone else tired of 1st day of school scenes? #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards @jmaschari @stefwass Me too - I sketch, and keep a wackload of pictures/files in a tumblr for inspiration :) #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson ok, tweetchat hates me tonight, historicals-if not too far back in past, read books written then for details #mglitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ I find maps in front of books a little daunting. #MGlitchat -8:28 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss I love MGs, even contemporaries, where there's a map of town at front of book. Feels so Sims-ish. {} #MGlitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
story_queen @stefwass My book has a map! My editor made me sketch it out for the artist...I am no artist. But it was fun. #mglitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @Barbaradee2 It is a very different world to many of my students. #mglitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elissacruz I am really excited to use my new find, Pinterest, to help me collect images for future (or current) books. #MGlitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @john_zeleznik Agree! Although, SHOPPING for prom attire . . . that works for me. #MGlitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards RT @jmaschari: I love the sense of freedom that can be intertwined with the setting - freedom + independence for the characters #mglitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss @mimicross Hah. #MGlitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 #mglitchat Never drawn a map. But I know I'm cooking when I can tell you where everything is in a room. I don't write it, tho. -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @mimicross One of my books kicked off during the first week of school, but it wasn't the focus. #mglitchat -8:29 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @Jenny_Lundquist Okay, well, this would be of interest for me... #mglitchat -8:32 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @WriterRoss ;) How r u? #MGlitchat -8:32 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mgwritermhaynes @stefwass Not yet. But if you ask me tomorrow, I'll bet I'll say yes:) #mglitchat -8:32 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss My maps are so I don't get lost, not the characters #mglitchat -8:32 PM Oct 6th, 2011
yaytime @rachelnseigel Totally. I find maps more fun to look at after the journey is over. :) #MGlitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 @john_zeleznik #mglitchat Agreed. I'm writing something about this now. So interesting. -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats RT @Jenny_Lundquist: Am I the only person who wishes Rowling drew a map of the magical places in London? <
WriterRoss @JoWhittemore Safe.. with a twist. Just call me an overprotective, helicopter author, circling around my characters. #MGlitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Um yeah. Me, too. But they're still in my head! RT @PippaBayliss: My maps are so I don't get lost, not the characters #mglitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @mgwritermhaynes Ha! #mglitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
nardinisisters Our sequel starts on the school bus and ends on an overnight fieldtrip at the zoo. Very fun settings to write about. #mglitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @earthwards OOOOH! That looks amazing. Thanks for sharing! #mglitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elliefalcone Mine too. RT @PippaBayliss: My maps are so I don't get lost, not the characters #mglitchat -8:33 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross Ha! I have one of those! RT @PippaBayliss: My maps are so I don't get lost, not the characters #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
teacher6th RT @nardinisisters: Our sequel starts on the school bus and ends on an overnight fieldtrip at the zoo. Very fun settings to write about. #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss o my gaudy, Broken Lands is BRILL. just sayin. RT @KateMilford: For Broken Lands, ... read a history of Tammany Hall #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @TimothyPower_ maps in the front were my favorite thing when i was young #MGlitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @nardinisisters Ooh, overnight field trip at the zoo. So many possibilities there... #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @mimicross If you start by fixating on character & situation, you can slide in "for the first week of school, things were..." etc #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @WriterRoss Since I'm heliomommy in real life, in my writing I just toss those kids to the wolves ;) #MGlitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @laurelsnyder For current WIP, am reading histories of Napoleonic Wars, War of 1812, Charles Babbage, Napoleon's Egypt campaign #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
debamarshall RT @Jenny_Lundquist: Am I the only person who wishes JK. Rowling drew a map of all the magical places in London? Just saying... #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @WriterRoss: Nothing wrong with a dollop of overprotective parents:) #mglitchat -8:34 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss @JenniferCEstes GPS for Authors. Is there an app for that? #MGlitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @PippaBayliss You are too awesome! It's the most fun I've had yet. #mglitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jmaschari @teacher6th @nardinisisters I took my science club students on an overnight trip to the zoo once - way fun!! (and tiring) #mglitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KateMilford I do some of that, but find I miss the books. #mglitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards @jmaschari It's pretty much always open in a tab around here ;) #mglitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Yes, please! RT @WriterRoss: @JenniferCEstes GPS for Authors. Is there an app for that? #MGlitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Ani_Lou Hello! Just got home. Tried to follow chat on my phone, but it didn't work so well. Happy to be here now! #mglitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass Mixed Up Files. Now that's a creative setting that really worked! #mglitchat -8:35 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @Ani_Lou Welcome, m'dear! #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @LaurelSnyder Miss the books? Meaning can't find them? #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ Overnight field trip sounds awesome! Cuz when the sun goes down, it's a different setting entirely. #MGlitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
nardinisisters @Jenny_Lundquist You are so right! Having lots of fun with it already. #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KateMilford This is total departure for me. Never done anything like this. SO much work. #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @Barbaradee2 I have students that spend the summer in other states...different world. #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @JoWhittemore Exactly what I'm trying to do: "Friday. I made it through week two at school and, things actually went okay." #MGlitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Hey @Ani_Lou! I just got here myself... #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @stefwass And it sticks with you...even to adulthood. #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss y'know, the BEST stories I ever read had me wanting to live in them. I still remember them all. #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @LaurelSnyder I'll be honest, a lot of it is that I'm a big hist nerd & just love reading all that stuff. :) #mglitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss @stefwass Yes. Good one re: Mixed -Up Files. Book is SO identified with the museum. #MGlitchat -8:36 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes *smiles* RT @PippaBayliss: y'know, the BEST stories I ever read had me wanting to live in them. I still remember them all. #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @stefwass: Blue Balliet's CHASING VERMEER, etc., and Brian Selznick's WONDERSTRUCK also involve museums:) *love them* #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @mimicross Yeah, no problem with that. Doesn't scream "cliche" #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
nardinisisters Loved that setting! RT @stefwass: Mixed Up Files. Now thats a creative setting that really worked! #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @LaurelSnyder This is your current project? #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @LaurelSnyder loads of research? #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass RT @JoWhittemore: @stefwass And it sticks with you...even to adulthood. #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
elliefalcone The Gilda Joyce mystery series by Jennifer Allison always has wonderful settings. #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KateMilford By the same token, I've been watching lots of old movies. #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @elissacruz you got me! I am, however, planning a realistic book set in Bethesda. A different kind of journey to take readers on #MGlitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Ani_Lou @JoWhittemore Thanks :) #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore And we are slowly seguing into the weekly shopping list...aka What books do you think did a wonderful job with the setting? #mglitchat -8:37 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @JoWhittemore Thanks :) :) Then I flash back to her meeting friend 1 & friend 2. The important stuff :) #MGlitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson Google books is great for historicals, in advanced search you can set limits on pub. date to find older books by use key words #mglitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass Thinking up a museum setting that hasn't been done yet... *scratches head* #mglitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss @PippaBayliss This is crazy but the setting that most loved was in Archie comics. I always wanted to live in Riverdale. #MGlitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KateMilford If by "current" you mean "the one that was due n August" #mglitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Ani_Lou @JenniferCEstes Hey! Good to know I'm not the only one :) #mglitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore Someone's already mentioned "Mixed-Up Files", and I think fondly of "The 101 Dalmatians" #mglitchat -8:38 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss Love! RT @WriterRoss: This is crazy but the setting that most loved was in Archie comics. I always wanted to live in Riverdale. #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore And Mary Poppins. Huge fan of British settings. #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
LaurelSnyder @KateMilford Using books online. I want to go get lost in the library, but not enough childcare. #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Jenny_Lundquist @JoWhittemore Charlotte's Web. Any book that can actually make me consider living in a barn is well done! #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @LaurelSnyder @PippaBayliss Among others, I wanted to live in Jo March's attic... #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Ani_Lou Gregor the Overlander had a great setting. #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @stefwass Whether it's been done or not, if it's new to your characters, it'll feel new to the readers. #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
Barbaradee2 I had a very strong sense of setting in WHEN YOU REACH ME #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @Jenny_Lundquist Awww. Charlotte's Web is a good one! #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KDuBayGillis @stefwass rock hall! #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
john_zeleznik @stefwass Baseball Hall of Fame? #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes Come to think of it, Sarah Crew in A Little Princess too... what's with me & attics? #Mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @LaurelSnyder Ah, so. My heart goes out to you. I blew my last deadline by 2 months because of research issues. #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass @JoWhittemore Great Gilly Hopkins. Trotter's house and neighborhood #mglitchat -8:39 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss Anyone else walk into wardrobes? RT @JenniferCEstes: @LaurelSnyder @PippaBayliss ... I wanted to live in Jo Marchs attic... #mglitchat -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
katyaczaja Ronia the Robber's Daughter (Astrid Lindgren) has a setting that I think about every time I go hiking and I see a deep mossy wood #mglitchat -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats @mimicross: Or cheer them on:) #mglitchat -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
jjhoutman Lots of fun, but gotta go. I look forward to the recap tomorrow. #mglitchat -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards The library in Matilda -- I wanted to live there. :-) And yes, I have to look at the back of most wardrobes. Just in case... #mglitchat -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
DustHansen I love #MGlitchat ! I'm so late, but it's always full of my type of people! You guys are cool to the power of a bazillion! -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london @stefwass @JoWhittemore Loved Phippsburg Maine, 1912 in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy #mglitchat -8:40 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss Attics are COOL RT @JenniferCEstes: Come to think of it, Sarah Crew in A Little Princess too... whats with me & attics? #mglitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
KateMilford @LaurelSnyder I'll be honest, I wind up spending far too much money on research books for exactly that reason. Like owning books. #mglitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
deegarretson I'm off to make muffins, wish I could share #mglitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @PippaBayliss There's a writer in Austin who has a wardrobe you can walk through that leads to a room painted w/ Narnia mural. #mglitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss In the "I know it when I see it" department: The novel that most defined setting for me was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Still does. #MGlitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
teacher6th “@DustHansen: I love #MGlitchat ! I'm so late, but it's always full of my type of people! You guys are cool to the power of a bazillion!” :D -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss Brill! RT @earthwards: The library in Matilda :-) And yes, I have to look at the back of most wardrobes. Just in case... #mglitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
TimothyPower_ @deegarretson I wish you could, too! :) #MGlitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
stefwass Touch Blue---great setting #mglitchat -8:41 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JenniferCEstes @PippaBayliss Not sure if this went through, but yes! To wardrobes! #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats Could not get through FOREST OF TEETH AND BONES...setting freaked me out. #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @ca_london That title sounds oh-so-familiar. What about? #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @DustHansen Glad you made it! #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
ca_london For the Accidental Adventures series, I knew setting long before I knew plot. I put my characters in a place & let them guide me #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
nardinisisters @PippaBayliss Me too. My favorite was The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Took me out of the Ozarks and into England! #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
DustHansen @KateMilford @LaurelSnyder hah! me 2. I had to write myself a strict book budget this year after looking back to the previous. #MGlitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
JoWhittemore @stefwass And she did a ton of location research for that one. #mglitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
mimicross @pattyjmchats So true :) Although . . . I think I prefer parents as obstacles *grins* #MGlitchat -8:42 PM Oct 6th, 2011
WriterRoss @pattyjmchats Klickitat? Yes. Would love to visit that street one day. Oregon, methinks. #MGlitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011
teacher6th The places in 100 Cupboards still have me wanting more details #mglitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011
earthwards Another winner: The Books of Elsewhere - some of the story takes place inside paintings. Such a cool setting! :) #mglitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011
PippaBayliss @JoWhittemore Nice, tho I wanted the real thing. Still do ... :) #mglitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011
pattyjmchats RT @mimicross: @pattyjmchats So true :) Although . . . I think I prefer parents as obstacles *grins* <

KateMilford @DustHansen @laurelsnyder Worse, I can print/bind google books at the bookstore where I work. :/ #mglitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen I thought THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY had a great sense of place and wonderful real-world setting. #MGlitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou @JoWhittemore:So cool! I want a wardrobe that you can walk through to get to another room! #mglitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @stefwass "Zat's me, Mamie Trotter, baby!" :-) #mglitchat -8:43 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @earthwards And how about Wuthering Heights. All that heather . . . the moors . . . YA but still #MGlitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

ca_london @JoWhittemore oh, it's amazing!! I can't sum up in 140 characters. Here: http://t.co/zXKZ032R #chatfauxpas #mglitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @PippaBayliss Oh, well now you're just splitting hairs! ;-) #mglitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss I swear Kate never sleeps RT @KateMilford: @DustHansen @laurelsnyder Worse, I can print/bind google books ... where I work. :/ #mglitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

jmaschari RT @Ani_Lou: Gregor the Overlander had a great setting. #mglitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen @KateMilford @laurelsnyder oh, that would drain me. It would be nearly as bad as working at a bakery :) #MGlitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass @JoWhittemore Ah! Another Katherine Paterson fan! LOVE! #mglitchat -8:44 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss There's no pleasing some people, huh? :) RT @JoWhittemore: @PippaBayliss Oh, well now youre just splitting hairs! ;-) #mglitchat -8:45 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @earthwards: Oooh and Gabriele Zevin's ELSEWHERE...takes place on Earth + Elsewhere. Don't want to be a spoiler:) #mglitchat -8:45 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss @Barbaradee2 There will never be another book that speaks to me the way TREE GROWS does. {} #MGlitchat -8:45 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross I loved it too! RT @WriterRoss: @Barbaradee2 There will never be another book that speaks to me the way TREE GROWS does. {} #MGlitchat -8:45 PM Oct 6th, 2011

earthwards @mimicross There are too many awesome ones to count! I loved Unearthly for setting as well :) #mglitchat -8:45 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass Ida B. #mglitchat -8:45 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Jenny_Lundquist @stefwass: @JoWhittemore Me too! The end of Bridge to Terebithia still makes me sob. #mglitchat -8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou @JenniferCEstes I liked CLUE too, although I always wished there was a way to add in more places the murder could have happened! #mglitchat -8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz We have to mention Harry Potter here, methinks. I loved that moving staircase... #MGlitchat -8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KDuBayGillis Was meaning to mention THE BONESHAKER in terms of cool setting/period, and it didn't even click that @katemilford is with us! #mglitchat -8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @WriterRoss: Yes, Klickitat street:) @stevemalk tweeted about his recent Beverly Cleary exploits:) #mglitchat -8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2011

AnshaKotyk RT @elissacruz: We have to mention Harry Potter here, methinks. I loved that moving staircase... #MGlitchat -8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross Education of Little Tree. #MGlitchat Love books that use a natural setting. My fave. -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen ooh, me. me. me. I've got one. PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES by @JonathanAuxier Wonderful setting . #MGlitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @elissacruz Yes, I always wanted to go into Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. #mglitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @earthwards I'll have to read that! #MGlitchat #Unearthly -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @KDuBayGillis No way!! Thanks! Blushing... #mglitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KDuBayGillis THE BONESHAKER freaked me out...reminded me of SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. @katemilford #mglitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss When U can still smell the place of the world of the book, when it comes alive.. that's setting. Must keep in mind, note 2 self. #MGlitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

AnshaKotyk @JoWhittemore hogsmeade... me too! #mglitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JenniferCEstes As a kid, loved settings that were known to me: NYC, NJ, NH, but also *my* CT, like Homecoming. Liked the *real* connection. #mglitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

ca_london Gotta go walk the dog. Goodnight #mglitchat May your settings be as vast, varied & unpredictable as the smells at a Bangkok Night Market -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou All the settings in HP! RT @elissacruz: We have to mention Harry Potter here, methinks. I loved that moving staircase... #mglitchat -8:47 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @AnshaKotyk @elissacruz: And, every Roald Dahl setting. I would have used my golden ticket:) #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @DustHansen Like four wonderful settings in that book. Four or seven or something. Every one is awesome. #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Jenny_Lundquist @JoWhittemore: @elissacruz I would give anything to drink a nice butterbeer right now. #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @pattyjmchats Wha—have we spoken about this?! BIG SISTERS YES! My favorite obstacle of all times, lol! #MGlitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Barbaradee2 @WriterRoss #MGlitchat Me too! TREE doesn't seem dated to me at all. -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore I think what makes me love certain settings is that they seem to have their own personalities. #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elliefalcone RT @WriterRoss: When U can still smell the place of the world of the book, when it comes alive.. thats setting. #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JenniferCEstes @Ani_Lou That's why you need the WARDROBE, not just the secret passages! ;) #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz @JenniferCEstes And yet Sarah DeFord Williams wrote about my homestown in Palace Beautiful, and it was still a new world. #loved #MGlitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE. Can't you picture that tree...all those bottles clanking in the wind? #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @KDuBayGillis If I have freaked someone out, I have done my work. :) #mglitchat -8:48 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen looks like after tonight, I need to add THE BONESHAKER to my TBR pile. @kateMilford #MGlitchat -8:49 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou Yes, this. RT @JoWhittemore: I think what makes me love certain settings is that they seem to have their own personalities. #mglitchat -8:49 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats Rebecca Stead's WHEN YOU REACH ME had a sweet, early NYC setting...and I loved the whole game show thread:) #mglitchat -8:49 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @mimicross: LOL We must talk about this sometime:) #mglitchat -8:49 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @pattyjmchats I love that book so much--hard to make such a recent era feel so distinct and clear, I think. #mglitchat -8:49 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @Jenny_Lundquist Mmmm. I imagine it's like butterscotch, but fizzy. #mglitchat -8:49 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KDuBayGillis @DustHansen You won't regret it. Wonderful book. @kateMilford #mglitchat -8:50 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou The house next to the one I grew up in was rumored to have secret passages. I've been fascinated by them ever since! #mglitchat -8:50 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass Loving this chat tonight. Just saying! #mglitchat -8:50 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen For sure! @KateMilford @JonathanAuxier I love that book. I'm reading it (2nd time) aloud to my children now. It's our BOTM #MGlitchat -8:50 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @pattyjmchats Definitely! Over many cups of coffee—or something stronger! #MGlitchat #Sistersasobstacles -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou @JenniferCEstes I think I'd like both! #mglitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

MaryAnnScheuer RT @yaytime: Great settings make you want to go back and explore every nook & cranny even after the story ends. #MGlitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

teacher6th “@ca_london: Gotta go walk the dog. Goodnight #mglitchat good night Baxter -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @KateMilford: Absolutely. I do think she grew up during that time so I think personal exp + research = home run:) #mglitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou Never got to explore those secret passages though :( #mglitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elliefalcone @Ani_Lou I love the thought of secret passages. #mglitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss @pattyjmchats Absolutely. REACH ME nailed what felt like to be city kid, circa 1970s. And yes, her setting was integral to story. #MGlitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen @JoWhittemore well said. I couldn't agree more :) #MGlitchat -8:51 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KDuBayGillis @WriterRoss @pattyjmchats But very little description...just knew where to put yourself. #mglitchat -8:52 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou @elliefalcone Me too! Some day I want to own a house that has them, esp. if the secret passages go to hidden rooms. #mglitchat -8:52 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss I thought England was magical coz of all the awesome literature I read. Akshully, it IS kinda magical (must be all the history) #mglitchat -8:52 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @DustHansen Thank ya! ;-) #mglitchat -8:52 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @mimicross: Yes, we shall do that sometime! BTW: My main character in my current MG novel on sub is name...wait for it...MIMI:) #mglitchat -8:52 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss @pattyjmchats Ah. I love the cosmic nature of children's book lovers. #MGlitchat Wish Ramona had been my buddy. -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen @stefwass loved that scene. Kate DiCamillo is wonderful at setting. Tale of Desp. The Magician's Elephant. Edward Tulane... #MGLitChat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass @JoWhittemore And don't forget NUMBER THE STARS #mglitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz You know, I really loved the setting in Wonderstruck. Granted, some of it was in pictures... #MGlitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

yaytime The reveal that many of the past settings were all connected was one of the most fun aspects of A Series of Unfortunate Events. #MGlitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

katyaczaja @Ani_Lou @elliefalcone I want a house with a secret room behind a revolving bookcase. #mglitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @PippaBayliss That is so very true. I had the same response when I lived there. #mglitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @stefwass Haven't read that one...? #mglitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass RT @DustHansen: loved that scene. Kate DiCamillo is wonderful at setting. Tale of Desp. The Magicians Elephant. Edward Tulane... #mglitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @pattyjmchats Lol! Can't wait to read it :) Hope she doesn't let her big sis get the best of her ;) #MGlitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @KDuBayGillis: Yes, it was quite taut...and the setting came thru more w/her characters' exp with it, the story's action, etc. #mglitchat -8:53 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @DustHansen Oh, Edward Tulane--another book with like a million distinct and beautiful settings/eras. #mglitchat -8:54 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen @KDuBayGillis @kateMilford I'm there. Just ordered it. I love Amazon Prime :) #MGLitChat -8:54 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @mimicross: She is actually the BIG sister:) LOL #mglitchat -8:54 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass @JoWhittemore Lois Lowry's NUMBER THE STARS? Run to your nearest bookstore! #mglitchat -8:54 PM Oct 6th, 2011

earthwards Have to dash a bit early, but wanted to thank you all! So nice to chat with you guys each week. GO TEAM! =D #mglitchat -8:54 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss @KDuBayGillis @pattyjmchats You are so right. It was just enough with the neon lights screaming "THIS IS A CITY BOOK." #MGlitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @earthwards Thanks for coming out and participating! #mglitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @KateMilford: Because of Winn Dixie...we could talk about all of Kate's books:) #mglitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss :) RT @KateMilford: @PippaBayliss That is so very true. I had the same response when I lived there. #mglitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz @earthwards *highfives* #MGlitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @stefwass Should I be beaten with a wet noodle? #mglitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Jenny_Lundquist Have to go, but thanks for the chat tonight! #mglitchat -8:55 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss @earthwards Bye! Great to 'meet' you! #mglitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou @elissacruz In MG, pictures can really help to set the scene & story, even if there aren't as many as in Wonderstruck #mglitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

yaytime Loved Cornelia Funke's use of Venice in The Thief Lord. Made a real place feel like a fantasy world. #MGlitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

jmaschari RT @earthwards: Have to dash a bit early, but wanted to thank you all! So nice to chat with you guys each week. GO TEAM! =D #mglitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @Jenny_Lundquist Byeee! Have a good night! #mglitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @DustHansen That is truly awesome of you, sir! Thank you! And thank you, @kdubaygillis. Big smooches to you. #mglitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz Oh! And I almost forgot about Camp Halfblood in the Percy Jackson series. Loved that setting. #MGlitchat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen I love the real-world setting in THE BODY by Stephen King. A novella, but still it was spot on (and totally MG) #MGLitChat -8:56 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @Ani_Lou @elissacruz I love how many MG books are getting such wonderful illustrations. It's a wonderful trend. Hope it continues #mglitchat -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou @katyaczaja Excellent idea! I want a revolving bookcase to a secret room too! #mglitchat -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @bigblackcat97 Hey You! :) Actually @pattyjmchats & I were just talking about big sisters . Need help! #mglitchat #morethanbootstraps -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass @JoWhittemore Maybe?! I used to teach that book to my 5th graders. Great message about prejudice--sim. to Anne Frank story #mglitchat -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss I read many MGs when I little where girls lived on farms. So alien to m; dreamed what it would feel like to live that life. #MGlitchat -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

jmaschari Bye friends!! Another awesome #mglitchat - Looking forward to another one next Thursday! -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz I loved how Rick Riordan took a "normal" setting and turned it on its head. #bravo #MGlitchat -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @yaytime That's another place that just feels magical. Holy cow. #mglitchat -8:57 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss Oh my gaudy, has it been an hour already?!! g2g - thank you all for your awesomosity, mwah, mwah! #mglitchat -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats RT @KateMilford: I love how many MG books are getting such wonderful illus. Its a wonderful trend. Hope it continues. <

DustHansen @KateMilford @kdubaygillis I'm a sucker for dark.I'll have in my mitts by Monday :) I'll let you know what I think if interested. #MGLitChat -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

nardinisisters Yes, Number The Stars has stayed with me all these years. Will never forget those settings. #mglitchat -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KDuBayGillis @jmaschari Bye! See you in class! #mglitchat -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross @pattyjmchats Ah ha! And you? Are you the big sister in your family? #mglitchat #BigSistersASettingUntoThemselves -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

stefwass Thanks for a great chat! #mglitchat -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

ek_anderson @yaytime I love when an author can do that. It just goes to show how much real magic is in our "mundane" world. #MGlitchat -8:58 PM Oct 6th, 2011

Ani_Lou RT @KateMilford: I love how many MG books are getting such wonderful illustrations. Its a wonderful trend. Hope it continues #mglitchat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @DustHansen I would be delighted! My email: kate at clockworkfoundry dot com. #mglitchat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore @stefwass Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts! #mglitchat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

WriterRoss @nardinisisters Yes. I still see the characters wading across the water in makeshift boat to safety... #MGlitchat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen @KateMilford @Ani_Lou @elissacruz agreed! However, with some books, the wrong illustration can destroy 1,000 words. Just sayin' #MGLitChat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

nardinisisters Goodnight all. Another wonderful chat. #mglitchat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

mimicross RT @DustHansen: @KateMilford @Ani_Lou @elissacruz agreed! However, with some books, the wrong illustration can destroy 1,000 words. Just sayin' #MGLitChat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KDuBayGillis @KateMilford Always happy to pass on word about great books. (Gloves give me the willies b/c of you) @DustHansen #mglitchat -8:59 PM Oct 6th, 2011

teacher6th “@KateMilford: MG books are getting such wonderful illustrations. #mglitchat” 6th grader asked for a book that has pictures in it 2day :D -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

elissacruz Thanks to this week's hostesses! #MGlitchat -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

DustHansen @KateMilford sweet - I'll take you up on that. thanks :) #MGLitChat -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JenniferCEstes Okay, all, saying goodnight. Thanks for the chat, as always! #mglitchat #deadlinesloom -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

JoWhittemore Well, kids, this week's #MGLitchat is officially over. But you're welcome to hang around! #mglitchat -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

PippaBayliss yes yes yes! (had to RT before I go) @ek_anderson: @yaytime It just goes to show how much real magic is in our "mundane" world. #mglitchat -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

pattyjmchats @mimicross: Nope. I'm the baby. Still having BIG sister issues ever since...I showed up in her life:) LOL #mglitchat -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

KateMilford @KDuBayGillis HAHAHA!! Mischief managed. #mglitchat -9:00 PM Oct 6th, 2011

#MGlitchat

Pages

About Us

Thursday, October 6, 2011

October 6th Transcript-Setting the Stage (The Importance of Time & Place)

No comments:

Post a Comment