This topic is certainly open to everyone, but I think I'm looking toward our two sagely MLs for a bit of insight.
My son, who is only four, really (I mean REALLY) wants to do Nanowrimo, this year. The scary thing is, short of not being able to spell the words, I think he could do it. He might need a bit of help along from mom, but he has already begun to tell me at no end about a story of a boy and his pet frog.
Anyway... my dilemma is that I'm not really sure how to go about helping him to accomplish his goal. I am aware that we've got a 'Young Writers' site, but I don't know if there is a minimum age limit he'd not yet meet, and is it okay if I type out his story as he tells it to me, and occasionally nudge him for more so that he meets the word requirement.
Also, any suggestions on how to balance helping him while trying not to go crazy writing my own story?
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2004- Not Titled
2005- Aces High
2006- The Unbelievable Life of Artemesia Jones
2007- Caged Birds Still Sing (May yet change)
51,569 / 50,000
Oct 6, 2007 - 23 24
Awwwww. I think that's just about the cutest thing I've heard in days.
Now that Russ is getting the site up to speed (I only now saw this, two days after you posted- partly site being slow, partly me having a guest from out of town and not being on-line much) I'd say that you might look into the Young Writer's program.
I'd be worried that 50k would be too big a goal even for such a determined little guy, but you know him best. Will he take it hard if he doesn't make it? One of my daughters would have been heartbroken. The other would have shrugged it off and moved on. My son would have gotten distracted and taken up butterfly collecting or something partway through.
And heck yes, having someone else do the typing should be okay. People use voice recognition software, your kid has a secretary. *grin*
----------Co-ML Oregon: Albany/Corvallis
1,703 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2007 - 15 10
I went ahead and signed him up for the young writer's program. We decided to set a 5k word goal, because I think it's a MUCH more realistic number for a four year old to reach. If he likes doing it, each year we can bump the number up a bit. Thankfully, he is the sort of kid who would maybe have one good cry about it and then move on.
I will keep you all posted on how it goes. Now, if only I could get my creative juices flowing as well as his!
----------2004- Not Titled
2005- Aces High
2006- The Unbelievable Life of Artemesia Jones
2007- Caged Birds Still Sing (May yet change)
51,015 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2007 - 20 34
I think this is a great idea! Tried to reply to tell you so earlier. SO glad the site is working faster now!
The way four-year-olds talk, I think voice recognition software is a great idea... as will be teaching him "mommy needs to have her time to write her story now" as well! (I don't share my computer well. *blush*) Go for it! Maybe he'll be the youngest NaNoer... that would be ubercool!
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Oct 13, 2007 - 19 33
Jane,
That is so awesome! I hope ny daughter (turning 2 in Nov) wants to do Nano when she's four! :)
It's cool of you to put the effort into helping him!
-Eva