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AllyWoof

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Does anyone find it difficult to think like a kid besides me?
 

OverTheHills&FarAway

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uh...no?


I just...pretend I'm a kid. My imagination takes over.

Kids have fantastic imaginations, you know.
 

Shady Lane

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It was just a joke, darlin. Since I'm, uh, still a kid.
 

AllyWoof

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:D Alycia, we have alot of young people on board here. Shady's great!!!
I think like a kid too, sometimes ;)
I never said she wasn't. Just answering her statement.
 

AllyWoof

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Been working on a childrens book today.
 

MsJudy

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Well, now, see, that's never been my problem. My brain got stuck about the age of eight or nine. I didn't "get" being a teenager, and I have to work really, really hard at pretending to be a grown up. That's why i have the perfect life: I teach first grade. I watch cartoons and play video games with my sons. I write kids' books.

The hard part, for me, is doing the goddam dishes.
 

Hapax Legomenon

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No. But I have a lot of trouble thinking like a teenager.
 

Chicken Warrior

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I think a lot of people who think it's easy to think like kids don't really think like kids. I think generally adult's perceptions of kids are pretty messed, unless they have kids of their own. So recognizing the fact that you're struggling with this probably means you'll be a lot better at it than many writers once you've done some research.

Not to say that any of you who answered 'no' are wrong, either. Just a general statement based on overconfidently written books I've read.
 

moondance

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I find it easy to empathise with kids. I remember well the feelings and thoughts I had as a teenager. Otherwise, I use my imagination.

Sorry, that probably wasn't any help!
 

Hillary

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I spend a lot of time around kids - as a nanny and a Godsister of two young girls. It makes it easy to predict childlike reactions and emotions.
 

Toothpaste

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I dunno, I just am able to think like a kid. I believe it's because the way I think now is quite similar to back when I was one. I have obviously matured etc over time, but I really believe there is something about me stuck as a ten year old - I can be rather naive at times. I definitely agree with Chicken that a lot of people assume they can write for kids because they once were kids or have kids etc. . . but I also think a lot of people, especially the ones here at this forum, probably have an innate ability to see things from a kid's perspective.
 

Soccer Mom

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Like Jud and Toothpaste say, some of us just never grew up. I spend a lot of time around kids (soccer teams, cub scouts, church youth group) and we get on splendidly.

Not only do I like writing children's fiction, but I like reading it as well. IMHO, MG fantasy has the best adventure yarns out there, bar none.
 

JLCwrites

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Well, now, see, that's never been my problem. My brain got stuck about the age of eight or nine. I didn't "get" being a teenager, and I have to work really, really hard at pretending to be a grown up. That's why i have the perfect life: I teach first grade. I watch cartoons and play video games with my sons. I write kids' books.

The hard part, for me, is doing the goddam dishes.

Well, I got the hubby to do those for me and as for the rest of your life... LUCKY! ;)

I am still a kid at heart as well as other posters here. However, I understand what you are saying. I am writing a MG that involves robots, and I am having one heck of a time trying to get into a robot's mind! I mean.... how can someone show facial expressions when their face is made of steel? :)
 

AllyWoof

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I never grew up either. However, when I write I usually include many words kids would not understand. My biggest issue is using words kids would understand. Sorry I wasn't clearer last night.
 

Chicken Warrior

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I never grew up either. However, when I write I usually include many words kids would not understand. My biggest issue is using words kids would understand. Sorry I wasn't clearer last night.

If that's your problem, just be very conscious of every word you put down. Too simple is better than too complex, definitely. KISS. [This is Keep it Simple Stupid, not me kissing you, BTW].
 

Toothpaste

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But at the same time, I don't think we should be frightened to use larger words. I mean how's a kid going to expand their vocabulary if not through books? I get a lot of questions about my book, why I put in big words, and I just say, "If they don't understand it, they can ask." It really doesn't bug me.

Of course that isn't to say you should write as James Joyce or something either.