mary e. pearson

On Sunday I met my daughter for lunch, and Karen being Karen, she told me I hadn't blogged in a long time. I knew it has been a little while but . . .



wow, where did the month go? We are more than halfway through November! Well, I have been a tad busy. Just in the month of November, there have been birthdays, baby showers (Hooray, another baby in the family!), unexpected dental appointments (oh, joy), a few foggy Benedryl days due to allergies, and the very sad passing of two dear friend's dogs.

And workwise I have been busier than ever. I am in the middle of trying to do a major overhaul to my website--hopefully it will be done soon. I've also had a couple of interviews via my publisher to get done. Oh! And I was interviewed for the Winter Blog Blast tour over at Miss Erin's and talked a little about the writing process including the joys of working in PJs. You can check out the whole schedule over at Chasing Ray.

I was also very busy preparing for a writing workshop I gave on polishing manuscripts last weekend. Sarah, one of the participants blogged a bit about it here. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. Those who came were well-prepared which really made a difference.

And now I am busy getting ready to go to ALAN in Philadelphia where I am on a panel with my editor talking about how we work together. A lot of other LJ'ers are going to be at ALAN too, sarazarr , joknowles , thunderchikin , professornana , pambachorz , and elockhar I am sure there are more I missed? I hope I get go to all of their panels.

I am going to try to Tweet from Philadelphia--pics of panels and such--so check in at my twitter too, for news from ALAN. And since I get home the day before Thanksgiving, I will be doing my Thanksgiving shopping this week. Turkeys and stuffing, here I come. (Flu, please stay away from me on the plane.)

Oh, and somewhere in all of this, I have been working on my manuscript too. Of course, my nudging daughter knows this because she has been asking for installments, which I am nearly out of at this point so I really want to buckle down when I return from ALAN and just write. What a thought.

If I don't get a chance to check in before then, I hope you all have a wonderful (and healthy) Thanksgiving holiday.

1.  Busy, busy busy, lately.  And more submerging is sure to follow.  Trying to make headway on WIP.  Trying to keep up on other writerly stuff.  Trying not to open the packages of Halloween candy--  Oh.  I guess that's another topic. 

2.  I haven't opened any of the Halloween packages of candy yet (pat on back) because once I do, those teeny tiny little sweets just seem to disappear into thin air.  Halloween magic I guess.  Especially those Milk Duds and Good n Plenty.  What's up with that?  You have that problem too?


3.  We made it through October without our horrible hot and scary Devil Winds aka Santa Anas.  Whew, and thank you very much.

4.  Book news:  The first draft of the script for The Adoration of Jenna Fox is done.  Hooray!  Also, got a review in from BCCB for The Miles Between.  Really liked this:  "The lightness of the prose and subtle hints of magic belie the substance of this text the way the gossamer appearance of a spider web belies its strength."   Writing light with this particular content was a challenge so it was nice that this reviewer appreciated that.

5.  Anyone dressing up tomorrow? 

Happy Halloween!

I just got the coolest email.  It was from a girl who wanted to share a fun coincidence with me.  She had no idea what The Miles Between was about but began reading it on October 19th and finished reading it today, October 20th. 

October 19th has significant meaning in the book and these are the two days on which the story takes place.  She said it must have been her "destiny" to read the book.  I think so.

She also wished Destiny and Caroline a happy birthday.    Me too. : )

whew, where did the last ten days go?  Well, let's see . . . I've been trying to get a lot of writing done.  For a whole month I think I hardly wrote a lick, busy with new book stuff, and lots of mail.  Oh yeah, throw in taxes too.  I had to get all of my personal and business tax info together for my tax man.  Thank goodness THAT is behind me (though my bank account is still squealing at the injustice.) 

Last Friday I had a bit of fun though, hanging out with some awesome librarians, authors, and readers at a book festival in Encinitas.  We had way more fun than is legal.  Authors should be let out of their caves more often.  L to R, Barrie Summy, Cindy Pon, Laura Preble, Marlene Perez, and moi.



And check out the art over my head.  I wish I had taken more pictures of the art in the library.  And of the view!  There's a gorgeous panororamic view of the Pacific from  just about anywhere you sit in the library.  It may just have to become another satellite office for me.

--wait a minute, the doorbell just rang. Really--just now. The UPS man brought me this:



The German edition of The Adoration of Jenna Fox--the book and the audio!  Woot!  One thing I noticed right away is that the German edition is seriously thicker than the US version.  Maybe twice as thick.  I wonder if the sequel is in there too?  Wouldn't that be nice?  I wouldn't have to finish writing it myself.

Anyone speak German out there?  Let me know in the comments.  I will pop one in the mail to you--either the book or the audio.

Now, back to what I was doing (what was I doing?) Oh, right, I was about to say that this is Teen Read Week and the YA Authors Cafe has a different author celebrating each day--today E. Lockhart is over there with some Beyond Reality thoughts.  Check it out.

Also, to celebrate Teen Read Week I will be speaking at the Westminster Branch Library in Orange County this Wednesday evening at 7pm.  If you live in those parts, please come out and say hi!  The address is 8180 13th St.  Hope I see you there.

And last but not least (but certainly a bit late) CHEERS to all the National Book Award nominees!  I know there was a bit of a kerfluffle about STITCHES not being an "official" YA book.  I haven't read it yet but it certainly sounds like it is about a teen experience and would interest teens so that would qualify it more in my book than a publication category given to it by a publisher.  Congratulations to all!

okay, better sign off before the doorbell rings again.  Miles to go yet today . . . .

Or not to thank.

That is the question.

I want to say right out of the gate I am really thankful for book bloggers. (And this is thankful Thursday, right?) Like most of the world, I don’t subscribe to all the print review journals. I am not a librarian or a teacher or bookseller and I am not buying books for libraries, classrooms, or stores. I buy them just for me or as gifts–a typical reader. And so blog reviews that spread the news about recent reads are very helpful for me. I have received a lot of great recs from book bloggers.

Likewise, I’ve received a lot of very nice reviews for my own books from book bloggers. I’m thrilled when a blogger takes the time to read and review one of my books. Many of these reviewers I don’t know. Some I come across by google searches, and with others I get the heads-up from friends–other writers are great purveyors of information ; ) Just yesterday Mitali Perkins sent me a picture she took at a high school of a poster for The Adoration of Jenna Fox (thanks again, Mitali!)  And still other blog reviews are forwarded on to me by my publisher, so I see quite a few.

My immediate inclination is to thank these bloggers for taking the time to review my book. I really do appreciate it.  But then I hesitate. Would they feel uncomfortable knowing I read their review? Would my comment make other commenters hesitate to agree or disagree? And yet it seems rude not to acknowledge the review, especially with those bloggers who I know and have followed for a long time. What ends up happening is my thanks are very hit and miss because I am just not sure which way to go, and I always end up feeling slightly guilty when I don’t say thank you. I would love to hear how book bloggers feel about authors thanking them for reviewing their books. 

Yes? No?

 

My latest post is up over at Tor, The Sexy Unsung Hero.

Come on over and share your "sexy unsung hero" title with everyone.

~ Banned Books Week begins tomorrow.  More info about Banned Books Week can be found at the ALA website. 
Here is a post I wrote a few years ago about banned books that still reflects my feelings.

~ It always comes in threes.  I hope that is true.  Broken dishwasher.  Broken electrical circuit.  Broken car battery.  I should be all clear for a while.

~  Trying to finish article on setting.  Pray that breaker is fixed and electricity doesn't go out again.

~ Yesterday there was a review for The Miles Between in the LA Times!  I know that The Miles Between is kind of an odd book, and they say as much in their review--because it is odd--but it was wonderful that the reader got it.  And there have been some film nibblings.  I can so picture it being filmed in that quirky, larger than life vein of The Big Fish.  I loved that movie.

Have a great weekend all.

I've been away for a few days, visiting the lovely area of the Santa Ynez Valley (remember Sideways?) and of course visiting some wineries.  We got some great Pinots. But now I am wildly trying to catch up on mail. Amazing how fast it can get away from you. And of course, my poor Hunter got a little ear infection while we were away, so before I even unpacked this morning I was off to the vet. All is well now. Er, except for the unpacking, although I did forget some clothes in a drawer at the hotel (can you believe that!) so I don't have quite as much to unpack. Sigh. The hotel is sending it via the mail.

Anyway a couple of things to bring to your attention. Tor posted another blog while I was gone--this one about the Bones of Inspiration. I share my very crude retracing of how inspiration is a chain of many inspirations as I write a book.  For me it is not usually one big WHAM BAM sort of moment.  

Also, please check out the YA Authors Cafe and read the new interview up with Jo Knowles talking about he newest book, Jumping Off Swings. Go ask her a question or offer her cheers on her newest book!

On our way home from Santa Ynez we stopped off in Santa Barbara and walked down State Street. We stopped at a little Thrift shop and I couldn't resist these:

 

It was pure nostalgia. I am not really much of a cup and saucer person--more of the mug type--but these were the style of dishes my grandmother had when I was little.  They were the Franciscan Apple design.  These are old and chipped and definitely used.  It made me wonder if they could possibly even be part of my grandmother's set of dishes which were given away to parts unknown years ago when she died.  I like to think they were.  Well, they at least belonged to somebody's grandmother.  I bet some of you even had these dishes.   They used to be quite popular.

Back to catch up and unpacking . . .



 

I'm talking with Tabitha Olson over at  Writer Musings  about present tense, writing process, work space, and more. 

Come share your thoughts.  Or ask a question!

and libraries going paperless over at Tor today. 

Hope you'll come by and share your thoughts on the advantages (and disadvantages) of traditional books.

Bells, Whistles, & Books:  Going Paperless

Lots of catch up today.

First and most important,  I want to bring to your attention that author and editor Deborah Halverson, is walking in the Susan G. Komen  Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk for the cure.  I've talked before about what a difference cancer research makes.  It will save the life of someone you love.  Please hop over to her site and support her.  Every little bit helps. 

And my gosh, you gotta love the name of her team, The More the Merrier Walkers for Knockers.

more news . . .

The Mission Viejo Reader Festival this past weekend was so much fun.  Alyson Noel has a picture on her blog and talks about how great the librarian, staff, and volunteers were.  I have to say, DITTO.  You would have thought they had done this a hundred times instead of it being their first festival ever.  Kudos to them all. One funny thing, knowing that Henry Winkler would be there, I took a copy of the picture of the Bronze Fonz that lisaalbert took for The Miles Between tour, thinking I might show it to him.  Because of my panel time, I didn't get the chance, but one of the awesome volunteers showed up and brought it back to me signed!  So funny.  Love it!




Film update for The Adoration of Jenna Fox:  I heard from my agent and they expect the screenplay to be finished by the end of the month.  Hooray!

I've been amazed at the response to my post What YA Lit is and isn't.  I guess a lot of us have run into these misconceptions.

For my cat loving friends, a pretty funny video.  Who says cats don't like water?  Thanks to my sis for this video.

Remember, Walkers for Knockers.  Every.  Little.  Bit.  Helps. 

My latest post over at Tor.com is up!  

From ruby red slippers, to spelling spiders, to honking fail, to yes, even lambadoodles, I share some thoughts on 
Suspending Disbelief. 

Please, come share your thoughts with me! 

Mission Viejo Readers Festival
Saturday September 12


Ack--I know this is late notice if you live in, say New Jersey, but if you are in the Orange County area come by Mission Viejo's Reader's Festival tomorrow.  I will be on a panel, Teens and the Other Side of Reality,  with YA Authors, Alyson Noel, Jennifer Kogler, and Marlene Perez, aka marperez. Our panel is from 2:30-3:30 in the Jacaranda Room.  Details and directions are here.

And hey, the Bronze Fonz--oh, I mean, Henry Winkler will be there too.  Lisa, you have to come.  Wisconsin isn't that far.

It has been a crazy busy day here with at least a zillion things I have been trying to get out--I still haven't had breakfast or lunch--but I wanted to get this up because I hope we will see you there.

Food.  Food.  I think it is time . . .

My post over at Tor today is about What YA Lit is and isn't--at least to me. 

Come on over  and share your thoughts and your latest teen read.

from a fancy-schmancy party I gave this past weekend. As you can see, I went all out on the centerpieces . . .



And the door prizes were WAY classy . . .

 

Wouldn't you love to have a Garden Gnome Monkey Pirate on your mantle? I know.  Me too.

The rest of the pictures shall remain hidden to protect the nutcases guests.  Like I said, still recovering.  Hope you had a fun weekend too.

Arghhhh.

 

Blogging today over at Tor.com about everyone's obsession with the future (yes, even you!) 

Hope you will pop in. 

for The Miles Between  2009 Summer Arc Tour from our many road trip bloggers, and here are the winners!!

Patti in CT

Chaney in TX

Jeannine in MA

Melodye in CA

Jody in MO

Erika in FL

Sherwood in CA

Lisa in WI

KT in Chicago

Kristine in OH

Congratulations all!!  Now all you need to do is:

  1. Send me an email at:  mary AT marypearson DOT com

  2.  Tell me who you want it personalized to.

  3.  Give me the address of where you want it sent!

And voila!  It will be on its way!

Happy Friday all!

Wow, thanks for all the cheers yesterday.  And songs!  What a fabulous car song playlist I have now.  itunes here I come!

I also wanted to say I am going to be a guest blogger over at Tor.com for the month of September.  I will be posting two or three times a week over there and mostly be talking about the writing process, and some of the surprises and pitfalls I have encountered when writing my own books.  And who knows what else.  They said I could write about anything.  I felt like a teenager being given the keys to the car and being told, go wherever you want.  If you have any anythings you'd like me to talk about, let me know. (see, I'm tossing the keys to you too!)

Yesterday my first post went up and I yammered a bit about genre. 

Please come over and say hello, share your thoughts, and keep me company!

At last!  And for two books!

The brand spanking new:



And also the paperback for:



Not sure how I should celebrate.  Maybe a day of indulgent reading is in order. Or . .  .

Yesterday when I posted the final ARC tour pictures in New York , in the comments newport2newport  suggested creating a playlist of car tunes to celebrate.  Her contribution was Baby You Can Drive My Car by The Beatles.  I added Fun, Fun, Fun, by The Beach Boys.  And I seem to remember that writerross suggested Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen at the beginning of the tour.

If you have any other car songs to help me celebrate publication day, let's hear them!


      . . . Baby you can drive my car . . . Beep, beep, beep, beep, yeah . . .

Has reached its destination! We have traveled through:

California
Texas
Missouri
Florida
North Carolina
Illinois
Wisconsin
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Ohio
New Jersey
Vermont

And some of these states we have visited multiple times!

Now, take a deep breath.  The ARC has visited . . . 

with seals on piers, haunted hotels, YA sections in libraries, antique car shows, cow pastures, cow towns, coffee shops, mysterious gates guarded by giant stone cats, butterfly caterpillars, a Portuguese bakery, an enormous milk bottle, the zoo, a silver buffalo, a Thunderbird air show, a beautiful university, a bookstore shelf (for practice!), the beach, a restaurant where Destiny wrote on the tablecloth, the tin man, a bus, a giant silver bean (Cloud Gate), botanical gardens, a hugemongus high heel shoe sculpture (Mira loved that one!), an observatory, teachers, librarians and writers on a deck, an ice cream cow menu, a tractor, chicks (the peeping kind), a pie-eater at the fair, the Bronze Fonz, and lions, and tigers, and bears--oh my! And drumroll . . . yes, even the kitchen sink (I kid you not) at  Main Street Books in Missouri.

Whew.

This has been a wondrous journey of epic proportions, and more fun and quirky than I ever could have imagined. Your miles have been fabulous! Thank you to each and every one of you road-trip bloggers who climbed into the car and shared your worlds with us. They really are something.

And now the trip is complete. The ARC has arrived in New York City!  My editor was happy to report that she gave the ARCs a nice NY welcome and gave them a tour of the Henry Holt offices at the historic Flatiron Building.    I think they felt quite at home with the skyline view of the city.  It has sort of a surreal look, don't you think?

 

And of course there is this shot looking down at the street.    The Flatiron Building is a pie shape so from this point of the pie it feels like you are hanging right out over the street. Wouldn't you love to have that view every day from your office?  As you may notice, there are only three ARC's that made it to NY.  One is MIA, but I am sure it will turn up.  It probably took an irresistable side trip down a country road.  You know how road trips can be.

 

And finally she took a shot of all the wonderful notes inside the ARCs.  I can't wait to get the ARCs myself and read them all. 



Thanks for the great pictures, Kate!

Thank you all again for sharing this journey with me. It was a blast.  Destiny thanks you too.

Tomorrow is the big day--the official publication date of The Miles Between.  Wow, here at last.   Hooray!