mary e. pearson

I have been having such a great time over at Readergirlz this month.  Last week we had a live chat that was a whirlwind but so much fun too.  Lots of questions and conversations!  It was like going to a big family gathering where you haven't seen everyone in a long time, like Thanksgiving, and everyone is talking at once and you miss a conversation here or there because you are so busy talking. 

There were some really interesting, thought-provoking conversations spawned by the various questions that were asked.  I missed a few questions entirely and I hope to answer a few of them later in the week. Here is the chat log if you want to check out the craziness and fun.

Meanwhile, Little Willow posted a fun challenge:  Create your own version of the cover of The Adoration of Jenna Fox.  I love what she did!  And Paradox created an amazing cover that blew me away.  So I decided to take up the challenge, but I did it with my own twist.

This is the cover for The Adoration of Rex and Spot:




Hey d_michiko_f do you recognize that butterfly? 

I have a few other blue butterflies around here that I have collected--one that is all glitz and glitter, another that is beautiful aqua glass, and another that is beaded on a purse.  I wonder what versions those could be . . .

Things have been busier than ever.  But I have managed to squeeze in a couple of slow activities in the past week.  One was working out in the yard planting some flowers.  When this started to bloom last week . . . .



I knew I needed to get out there and get some planting done.  This is my homely little succulent I have posted pictures of before that has amazing little flowers that spring forth once a year.  Meanwhile, my neighbor (the same one who made me paella last week) is bringing me things like THIS from her garden . . .


Yes, she grows beautiful orchids while I nurture plants that look like rock creatures.  But then again, she doesn't have two furry eighty pound peeing machines in her backyard either.  See guilty parties here.  You will also get a glimpse of my polka dot lawn.

I did get some beautiful ranunculas planted in the front yard though.  Carlsbad is somewhat known for its gorgeous ranuncula flower fields, so if you don't know what they look like you can check them out here, and if you are passing through in the spring, definitely take some time to stroll through the fields.  There is also a spectacular ocean view from the hills so you get two inspiring views for the price of one.

In writing news . . .
I have been having a lot of fun over at the Readergirlz blog.  They have been posting various questions this week like, which  superman strength  do you wish you had?  Heck, I want them all!  Especially after reading some of the responses.

In more book news, I talked to my editor yesterday and she said the ARCS for The Miles Between had arrived!  And they looked great!   She was going to pop a few in the mail to me.  I can't wait to see them.

Also, I found out I am going to LA for the Nebula Awards  banquet!  Yay!  And yikes!  Now comes the requiste pondering of what do I wear?  I have never been to this before so I haven't a clue.  This is all taking place in LA on the same weekend as the LA Times Festival of Books, so I think I will be stopping in for a bit there too.  Will any of you be there--either for the Nebula conference or the LA Times festival?

Can you believe it? 

But I've been looking forward to March for quite a while because the Readergirlz is letting me "hang" out with them for the month. I've been impressed with Readergirlz ever since they debuted two years ago and posted their Manifesta.

Go books!
Go strong girls!
Go readergirlz!

And they continue to impress me with things like  Operation Teen Book Drop (which is next month!)


  So I was really honored when they wanted to feature The Adoration of Jenna Fox for the month of March.  They have a million ways for readers to get to know books, authors, chat, and interact.  Well maybe not a million but close to it!

First their website with lots of info about The Adoration of Jenna Fox including some quick trivia like what my "dream book tour" would be.

Next, their Myspace Forums where readers can discuss the book and ask any questions they are curious about.

They also have a Readergirlz Blog  where they have posed the question "What are you self-conscious about?" Jenna was self-conscious about several things including the way she walked.   I remember when I was a teen . . .

You can also check in with the Readergirlz Divas at Facebook where they have more juicy things to discuss, like how far you would go to save someone YOU love?

Hope I see you there!