Thursday, February 25, 2010

What I know - Part I

Five Reasons Writers should have Kids (Just for fun - I love children!)

1. Story Ideas - "Mommy, mommy, mommy! I found the passageway to the Six Future Worlds! The first one is Aiden World and you know you're there when you hear a crash. The second one is Foxyland. Want to come with me?" I promise the only sci-fi/fantasy I've read to him have been Disney fairy-tales.

2. Role-playing - Kids will gladly play any part you want them to when you need to act out a scene and they're very believable! (Okay, maybe not. But it IS great fun!)

3. Getting Places - For some reason. children have a way of seeing things that adults just can't. When they travel into space, explore the darkest cave or traverse the heart of an Amazon jungle, they can show you all the coolest places to hang out.

4. Names - Can't think of a cool name for your newest MC? Don't sweat it. Just go ask your kids! They can come up with the silliest things you can imagine most of the time, but occasionally, they'll drop you a gem.

5. Plot Holes - No, they're not going to fill them in for you. Kids have no idea what they are. nor do they have a concept of the suspension of disbelieve because they just naturally believe. But when you're having trouble with one, taking a time-out and focusing on them sure is a nice distraction and can bring all kinds of inspiration.

29 comments:

  1. Really cute! Kids are a blessing, any way you look at it. Thanks for a great post!

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  2. Ha! So true!

    And I did let my daughter name one of the pets in my story--one my MC had when she was about Claire's age. Clarie really put a lot of thought into it. I never saw her so happy as when I told her Buttons the hamster would definitely be in Mommy's book.

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  3. Awww, I'm glad they help you write! I don't have any kids, so I walk my dogs when I'm trying to fill in a plot hole.

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  4. My kids make me laugh ... it's that simple : ) I think that my writing is funny in large part because my kids are always cracking me up : )

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  5. A couple years ago on a hike,my daughter created a whole world called me me world. It was very entertaining.

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  6. haha. Very nice. No kids for me yet, but I'll keep this in mind when I have them :)

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  7. Lovely post! And so true re: names. Kids are genius at it. :)

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  8. Wow - I totally need to turn around my thinking about my kids! Usually they're like, "Can you get me this or that?" and I'm like, "In a minute."

    But they are idea factories! Thanks for the insight!

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  9. ALL SO TRUE! I love this, Nisa. Thanks for a smile and a chuckle today. :-)

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  10. I run stuff by my boys every once in a while. I wrote a story about a roller coaster to the moon. I got lots of helpful ideas from their imaginative brains.

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  11. LOL, so true, so true. I spend my days with first graders and my nights with a second grader and preschooler... we definitely have imagination to spare! So much fun :)

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  12. Great stuff! I love little minds. :)

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  13. Hm, so I should have kids to improve my writer? Lol, just kidding. Super cute post. :)

    Hey, I'm asking writers for their perspective on description on my blog. I'd love to have your opinion. :)

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  14. HA! My 8 year old comes up with character names and plot lines. She is my invaluable tool. ;)

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  15. Funny Nisa. So there is a reason...hehe

    Great post and great chuckle you gave me today. Fun, fun, fun. Have a fantastic weekend. =)

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  16. Oh my yes, kids are definitely great helpes in the world of make-believe. The other day I sat down on the couch and watched while my toddler put on a "skit" with her Barbies. This time it was "Princess Saves the Prince from the Slobbery Dragon." Ha!

    Thanks for the laugh. Loved #1!! Genius.

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  17. I loved these comments! Your kids' stories were fun to read and I'm so glad I could give you a laugh! Have a great weekend, everyone!

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  18. Haha! This is awesome and SOSO true!

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  19. Love this post...and all so true. :)

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  20. And I was just about to cut a couple of those hungry mouths loose. You, Nisa, have convinced me to keep them. I'll let them know they have you to thank.

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  21. lol Ray! I'm so glad I could help them. Now to figure out how to persuade you to get them that puppy... ;)

    Thanks for stopping by JennyMac! Glad you enjoyed it!

    Ali, so glad it gave you a chuckle. I had fun writing it. :)

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  22. Hi. I'm back again to let you know I have a gift for you on my blog!

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  23. My kids never leave me with a dull moment! Mothers all over the world couldn't pen their adventures fast enough!

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  24. Yes, they really do spice things up. I think it will be a little while before Lydia is helping with story ideas, but she inspires me just the same!

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  25. Isn't that the truth, Tamika!

    Don't worry! It won't be long before she's giving you kinds of sage (and not so sage) advice. ;)

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  26. Totally agree -- it's so fun bouncing ideas off of my kids!

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  27. I totally agree! As difficult as they make my writing sometimes, I love my little sweeties. They lend a lot of fun and imagination to my life.

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